A Core Ship From The Start
Chapter 1492 - 1007: Intimidating the Entire Audience (Mainly Dealing with Star Iron Today)_2

Chapter 1492: Chapter 1007: Intimidating the Entire Audience (Mainly Dealing with Star Iron Today)_2

When Duanmu Huai and his companions were transported out of the magic circle, they did not appear in the old school building but instead in a luxurious place that resembled a castle’s grand hall.

Before them stood several red-haired demons, while on the other side stood several blond ones. Judging by the hair colors, it wasn’t hard to guess that the red-haired group was likely Liliath’s family, while the blond group was likely from the Phoenix Clan, which included that playboy.

"............."

The moment the group appeared, the previously bustling hall fell into dead silence. No one spoke a word, but all their eyes were fixed on the colossal figure of the Steel Warrior standing behind Liliath.

Liliath took a deep breath and then stepped forward to the red-haired man leading the group, lowering her head.

"Father."

"I watched your ranking game with Lessa."

Apparently, the man, who was Liliath’s father, was a dignified middle-aged gentleman. His demeanor appeared calm as he gazed at his daughter, then shifted his gaze to Duanmu Huai.

"Is that your hidden trump card?"

"......... Yes."

"I understand your intentions, Liliath."

Liliath’s father sighed.

"But what price did you pay for it?"

As he spoke, Liliath’s father once again glanced at Duanmu Huai.

"Steel Warrior, tell me, what did Liliath promise you? I know there is merely a temporary contract between you two. Moreover, you are neither a demon, an angel, nor a fallen angel. So, what exactly are you, and why did you choose to assist my daughter?"

"Greetings."

Under everyone’s watchful gaze, Duanmu Huai stepped forward, nodding slightly toward Liliath’s father.

"I am Duanmu Huai, the Great Judge of the Tribunal and a teacher at Ryuo Academy."

"The Tribunal?"

Hearing Duanmu Huai’s introduction, murmurs immediately broke out among the crowd. Clearly, they had never heard of such an organization before.

"That’s right. The Tribunal is an organization dedicated to guarding humanity. Regardless of faction or race, any entity that threatens and harms humanity is a target for the Tribunal’s eradication."

Duanmu Huai spoke again, casting a glance at Liliath as he did so.

"As for my reasons for aiding Liliath, they are simple. First, I hope you demons can come to understand the power and mission of the Tribunal to avoid unnecessary troubles. Second... I am her teacher. When my student is in trouble and I can help, it is only natural for me to do so."

"Within your capability?"

Upon hearing Duanmu Huai’s response, Liliath’s father gave a wry smile.

At that moment, another voice echoed.

"I never thought someone like you could exist among humans."

At those words, everyone turned to look. A tall man with blazing red hair strode forward, accompanied by the silver-haired maid Duanmu Huai had encountered earlier. Seeing this, Duanmu Huai immediately deduced the man’s identity.

"Brother!"

Indeed, Liliath’s exclamation confirmed Duanmu Huai’s guess.

The man standing there was none other than the King of the Demon Clan, Demon King Lucifer.

The Demon King approached Duanmu Huai, staring intently at him. Duanmu Huai, unflinching, met the Demon King’s gaze indifferently.

"To be honest, I never imagined that someone like you could appear among humans."

As the Demon King studied Duanmu Huai, his demeanor remained calm. He carefully examined the armor Duanmu Huai was wearing and then withdrew his gaze.

"So, are you saying that the Tribunal represents humanity?"

"That’s correct."

Duanmu Huai nodded firmly.

"Let me make this clear: any entity that threatens humanity, whether angel, fallen angel, demon, deity, or even a Demon King, is a target for the Tribunal’s elimination."

".........!"

Such a bold declaration sparked an uproar among those present, but the Demon King’s expression remained unchanged.

"Hahaha, interesting, interesting. So, as long as we do not harm humanity, you will not act against us?"

"Precisely. The Tribunal has clear goals and policies. We won’t act recklessly like those mindless zealots."

Duanmu Huai snorted coldly. Though he had yet to encounter the angel faction, as far as the fallen angels were concerned, their extreme and fanatical religious tendencies were definitely on his list for purification.

"So, this is the reason you helped my sister?"

The Demon King seemed uninterested in continuing the previous line of questioning. Instead, his gaze shifted to Liliath.

"You made no demands of her?"

"In fact, holding this ranking game was my one request of her."

"I see........."

The Demon King nodded, offering no further comment. Liliath, in turn, glanced at her father once more. Her father, seemingly resigned to her determination, sighed deeply.

"Very well, Liliath. You have resolved this issue through the ranking game. But you must understand, this is not the end of it all........."

"I understand, Father."

Liliath nodded solemnly.

"Then, proceed as you see fit."

With those words, her father turned away, saying no more. Liliath bowed respectfully to him, then turned and led her group back into the magic circle.

Only after Liliath and Duanmu Huai’s group disappeared into the magic circle did her father sigh again. He then turned to the blond elder across from him.

"Lord Phoenix, I apologize for how this engagement has turned out. I understand it’s improper, but regarding this matter..."

"You don’t need to say anything, Lord Gimonri."

The Phoenix Clan leader shook his head.

"Indeed, the union of pureblood demons is a good thing, but it seems both our families were too greedy. To be honest, I’d like to thank that Judge, for teaching my son the one experience he lacked: the taste of defeat. Hopefully, he’ll come to realize that the Phoenix Clan’s undead body is not everything... that lesson alone is worth it."

At this, the Phoenix Clan leader’s expression turned serious.

"However, the Tribunal... I never imagined humanity could possess such power."

"Indeed. While Artifact Hosts are not uncommon among humans, someone of such strength..."

The two exchanged looks, then turned their gazes to the silent Demon King nearby.

In this world, the balance among angels, fallen angels, and demons had endured for thousands of years. The human race, though entangled in this intricate web, had never held a dominant position. They were more like background characters in a grand play—indispensable, yet insignificant.

But now, it seemed these "supporting characters" might be striving to become "protagonists."

What, then, did His Majesty the Demon King make of all this?