"Hey! What's that!?"

"No way! Can you really create a wall that huge with earth magic!?"

"Damn it! Why can't we break this stupid Stone Wall!?"

Surrounded by a massive earthen wall I created, the enemy soldiers panicked, realizing their escape routes were cut off. My magic seemed to have created a barrier that could withstand most attacks.

"Whew..."

Casting such an enormous spell to encircle the human forces drained me slightly. It felt like sprinting at full speed for about ten seconds—enough to be noticeable, but not debilitating. Though frankly, being able to do this with so little fatigue feels absurd in itself.

"Damn it! Why can't you lot take down one measly demon!?"

As I incapacitated the enemy soldiers one by one, I noticed someone giving commands in the rear—their commander. Using my Demon Lord's Intimidation Skill, I selectively spared him and a few surrounding individuals while neutralizing the rest.

Fortunately, no one here seemed capable of withstanding the skill's effects, which was a relief.

"Stay back!"

"Somebody, help!"

Unsurprisingly, seeing their comrades collapse en masse, the remaining soldiers retreated to the walls in fear.

"Now then," I addressed them calmly. "Will you surrender peacefully?"

"Y-you fool! Do you think we'll yield to a demon!?"

"We will fight to the last man!"

"Is that truly your choice? Surrender now, and none of you—yes, not a single one—needs to die."

"N-not a single one? How can we trust a demon's words!?"

"Look around you. None of your fallen comrades have been killed—they’re merely unconscious."

"What!?"

"L-Legnard, sir! He's right! They’re just unconscious!"

The commander, a man named Legnard, appeared to be in his late 30s or early 40s. His armor was of noticeably higher quality, marking him as someone important.

"Why would you spare us?" he demanded.

The fact that he asked meant that demons killing humans must be the norm—especially during wartime.

"I've yet to introduce myself," I said, projecting authority. "I am the Demon Lord—summoned to this world through the Ritual of the Demon Lord's Summoning!"

"D-Demon Lord!?"

"It can’t be! The demons actually summoned a Demon Lord!?"

"Such overwhelming power... This is the might of a Demon Lord!?"

"But," I continued, "I bring good news. In my world, demons and humans coexist. I seek the same here. Today, I offer you the chance to live, provided you agree to my terms."

"What... are your terms?"

Finally, they seemed willing to listen. My display of power and restraint had softened their resolve.

"First, inform your leaders of my arrival. Tell them I demand a ceasefire in the ongoing war between demons and humans."

"That's impossible! We've nearly won this war, and you're asking us to halt now!?"

"I don’t expect an immediate resolution. Just deliver my message. That is all."

Even if I were to take them hostage, their leaders would likely sacrifice them, use their deaths as propaganda, and fuel further hatred toward the demons.

"And the second condition," I said, "is the release of all captured demons. I don’t know how many of my kin are imprisoned in your cities, but surely that's a better alternative than sacrificing all your men here."

The group fell silent, deliberating for a while. Eventually, Legnard spoke.

"...We will accept your terms."

Returning to the demon camp, I was met with a worried Libera.

"Demon Lord, are you unharmed?" she asked anxiously. The earthen walls had blocked their view of the battle, leaving her concerned.

"I'm fine, Libera. I've brought back their commanders—make sure they're restrained, but do not kill them."

"Understood!"

We had captured about ten individuals, including Legnard and several of his aides, likely nobles or high-ranking officials.

"Demon Lord!"

The demon officers, led by a red-black-skinned, four-armed warrior, knelt before me.

"Well done, everyone. Your endurance has made this victory possible."

"Your words honor us, my lord!"

"I shall now proceed to their city to secure the release of our captured kin."