Original subtitles

Then this is poison?

I'll use an antidote spell.

My antidote spell isn't working.

It seems he's been given a powerful poison.

So they poisoned their own comrade? Cowards!

Jace...

You know they've given up on you, right?

There's no need to keep silent for their sake, is there?

Tell me their name. I'll get revenge for you.

Their name is...

It seems like things are getting serious.

Cefiro, you know why you're here, right?

Yes.

The one behind this was the head of the Third Corps, Basteo.

Do you have proof?

He brought my vice-commander to his side, and was planning to kill the two of us,

and you as well.

I see.

That's what Cefiro says.

But what do you have to say?

Duel

Basteo, it seems she has a different opinion on the matter than you do.

As I said just a moment ago...

These two have slain their own vice-commander in an attempt to frame me.

They're plotting against me.

What?

I assume they're plotting to steal the Third Corps from me.

It's the kind of plot I'd expect from a mere witch.

You bastard...

Calm yourself.

Of course.

The more power a demon has, the more power they seek.

Wealth, glory, influence...

Yes, ambition is what makes us who we are.

If I were to kill my men over their ambition, I'd soon have none left.

Basteo, did you honestly think I wouldn't see through your plot?

Cefiro, your loyalty is true,

but you are responsible for failing to maintain your men's loyalty.

I am aware.

Our code of laws says that I should punish you both.

But I don't wish to lose two corps commanders

in the middle of our war with the humans.

However, I cannot simply ignore this matter.

And so...

There will be a duel.

Whoever wins, I believe.

That's how demons should handle things.

The Demon Lord just sent me the details of the duel.

I see.

The duel will be held using magical creatures known as "puppets."

The commander will be the representative of their team,

and cannot participate in the battle themselves.

They will command 50 puppets,

and will win if they can wipe out all of the enemy's puppets.

The loser will die on the spot.

That's how the Demon Lord has decided to hold the duel.

Why something so complicated?

Couldn't she just have you fight?

She wants to test our skills as commanders.

She is certainly unusual.

This will be difficult.

Oh, we're allowed to appoint stand-ins for the duel.

Ike, you go for me.

Oh, all right.

Then...

Huh?!

So this is where the duel will be held?

Ike-sama?

Your life's on the line!

Shouldn't you go yourself?

I picked the way that's most likely to get me a win.

You understand, right?

Your talents as a commander already exceed mine.

That's not true.

Don't get the wrong idea.

I'm only talking about your skills as a commander.

I'm still the better corps leader.

I'm entrusting you with my life.

I wish she hadn't entrusted me with her life.

It's too big a burden.

Ike-sama, is something wrong?

No, I was just thinking about how

the Corps Commander is every bit as unusual as the Demon Lord.

You're pretty unusual yourself!

Like how you tell us not to kill for no reason!

He thinks I'm like them, huh?

For now, I should think of a way to win.

So these are puppets.

Their faces are kind of eerie.

How do you make them fight?

They follow their commander's orders to the letter, I'm told.

All of them are exactly equal in strength.

So the only test is of your command abilities.

And those weapons?

We're free to use them as we like.

That's wonderful.

The Demon Lord's so generous!

Here you go.

Satie, what do you think is the best way to win a battle?

Um, I don't know.

Okay, let's say you're going to get into a fight.

How will you fight?

I don't want to fight.

I'd rather solve things over a cup of tea.

I agree completely.

But there many people in this world who aren't satisfied unless they get to fight someone.

Just hypothetically.

How would you fight, Satie?

If I had to...

I'd use a broom!

But I don't think I could really hit someone.

That's correct.

A broom.

A weapon would allow you to attack without getting close to the enemy.

A sword's a better choice than a dagger.

And a spear's a better choice than a sword.

And a bow is even better.

The way to win is always to be able to strike from afar.

Well, of course my opponent knows that.

From afar?

Oh, I remember my master in Arsenam saying that crossbows are amazing.

Crossbows?

That's not a bad idea.

They can penetrate metal armor,

and are easier to use than bows.

But that's not enough.

I need something more powerful than a crossbow, something they don't know about.

I know just the thing!

I can make guns!

Guns?

I've never heard of them. Are they strong?

They're incredibly strong.

They're more powerful and longer-ranged than crossbows.

They allow you to attack from

hundreds of meters away without your foe being able to fire back.

That's amazing!

But can you make something like that?

The commander of the Seventh Corps is an incredibly powerful alchemist.

She'll tell me there's nothing she can't do. I know it.

There are some things I can't do.

This thing you made is perfect for keeping the sun off.

No, no, no.

You always have this confident look on your face and say, "I can make anything!"

I'm no god.

How can I make something I've never even seen?

It's an iron cylinder with gunpowder inside that explodes to propel a bullet.

I know you can make it...

Forget that. Why don't you join me in the water?

The rumor is that they're sending Ike, the commander of the Undying Brigade.

Perhaps she's scared of you, Basteo-sama.

She's the commander of the Seventh Corps.

She must have some plan.

This is a wonderful sword.

It's made from the fangs of a black dragon.

It can cut anything.

I like it.

I'll have enough made for the puppets immediately!

No, I need more.

Huh?

I've returned.

How goes it?

I believe you're sure to win.

Of course I am.

Sheesh.

Does she realize that if I lose, she'll die?

Oh, thanks.

You're welcome.

Th-The Demon Lord!

What's she doing here?

When I'm dressed like this?

No, wait.

I don't have my mask on.

So she shouldn't know who I am.

Open it.

I'm sorry?

Don't make me repeat myself!

Right!

Th-These are...

These are what you were looking for, right?

Ike.

"I-Ike"?

That's not my name.

Don't bother trying to hide it.

Romberg told me.

He said he gave you all his knowledge and magic.

So I was right.

And that you were human, too.

But if you knew I was human, then why...

To make my wish come true.

No matter how much power I possess,

that's not enough on its own.

I need people who will fight for me.

Your "wish"?

The world.

I'll build the world I desire here in this land.

And for that to happen, I need as many people as possible to serve me.

Ike, I'm sure you will offer me much.

And so, what is your answer?

As you wish!

I see.

So these are guns, huh?

The Demon Lord prepared them for me.

There's a lot about her I don't understand.

And so?

I make these "bullets" out of lead?

How about this?

No, you should know that's too big.

Something small enough to fit in here.

Why didn't you say so?

Detailed work makes my skin a mess.

You'll die if I lose, you know.

Wh-What happened?

I didn't sense any magic.

Was that your doing?

Yes.

Ike-sama, we've created what you asked for.

Well done, Fiorentina.

But what is it?

Why would charcoal, sulfur, and saltpeter cause such an explosion?

It's something called "gunpowder."

Commander, the bullets.

Here.

Perfect.

Commander, please get me another 500 or so.

You heard him.

Detail work is bad for my skin.

Sorry. Please make me gunpowder and bullets.

Of course.

This is nothing new.

I'll help, too.

Please don't.

Huh?

What are those?

Are you going to fight with just shields?

Where's Cefiro?

Off devising some plot?

That's probably smart, honestly.

It's clear how this is going to end up.

That weaponry...

You noticed, huh?

Damascus steel?

Correct.

The strongest of metals, which can be penetrated by neither spear nor arrow.

You won't be able to land a blow on my puppets.

A gift from the Demon Lord.

It seems the Demon Lord desires my victory.

Ike, I'm sure you will offer me much.

Does she want an equal fight?

Or is this some kind of test?

I'll ask after I win.

The duel between the commander of the Third Corps, Basteo,

and of the Seventh Corps, Cefiro, will now begin!

Both sides will command an army of 50 puppets.

The one who defeats all the enemy's puppets will be the winner.

The loser will die here, today!

Now, let the duel begin!

Fire!

Block.

Charge.

What's wrong?

Don't you have any tactics besides defending?

Attack back.

You're boring me.

Fire.

What are those?

Fire.

Indeed.

I-Impossible... Impossible!

My puppets...

The battle is over, Basteo.

D-Demon Lord!

I've prepared two choices for you.

Kill yourself.

Die an honorable death.

Or I will kill you.

Demon Lord...

I'll choose something else.

Yes. One befitting a demon.

Demon Lord!

Demon Lord...

What?!

From now on, I'm the Demon Lord!

Ambition