Reincarnated as the Demon King's Son

In the pool, Aldred looked at the astrolabe, and it still pointed toward the east. "Hmmm... I am surprised."

"Of what?" Zafrina asked.

"Of how long we are on the sea."

"Most sea voyages are long and lengthy." Zafrina caressed his muscled chest. "You just have to be patient."

"You're right. I am more comfortable on land. All these powerful ships that could kill me in one attack terrified me as we fought more of them."

"They are terrifying indeed."

"That said, why do I never see them being used on land to defend a territory?"

"It depends if the territory is worth defending with ship-grade cannons. You know these things cost a lot to make, right?"

"I think I know far better than anyone else how expensive they are."

Zafrina chuckled. "And it's actually more complicated than that. Cannons on land are targets for sabotage, and there are a lot more ways to sabotage a cannon on a stationary castle rather than a mothership with a lot of sailors and guards. Most warships fight from the distance, and it's almost impossible to board one another."

Zafrina looked at him. "And yes, you are an exception, Aldred. The battle a few days ago was very rare too. Boarding the enemy ships is usually out of consideration due to how difficult it is to do that. Teleportation range is limited and not to mention a ship can project an anti-teleportation field. And warships have tremendous firepower to destroy anything that comes at it, even if they come at high speed."

"That is true."

"When Bartrem and the soldiers followed you and boarded the enemy ships, they were lucky your undead and golems were wreaking havoc on the enemy ships which let them be free of enemy attack."

"So boarding an enemy ship is a bad idea?"

"A terrible idea to try, but if you succeed, then there's nothing much you can do either when you're surrounded by sailors with soul flare and magic-infused cannon. These two weapons are small enough to move around and can even kill a Platinum Rank."

"And again, I am an exception."

"Yes. You are an exception to many things."

"And because I am an exception, I can do this." Aldred kissed Zafrina on the lips for a few seconds.

"I can kiss one of the most beautiful women in the world, and a daughter of a powerful count."

Zafrina smiled. "Yes, you can."

Aldred grabbed her ass and pulled her for another kiss.

"By the way. What is your plan to increase your strength?" Zafrina asked after the kiss.

"I have a Gold Rank Dungeon in the divine dimension, so I have been sending the golems to level up there."

"Your golems can level up?"

"Yes, but their strength is still affected by what materials they are made of. A level 1 steel golem can probably defeat a level 5 wood golem."

"Can they reach a level where they are stronger than Gold Rank?"

"Hmmm... I am not sure, but there has to be a limit. Imagine having a Diamond Rank golem while still in Gold Rank."

"Yeah… that's impossible."

As Aldred and Zafrina were chatting, Mally swam to them and asked: "What do you guys think about Simond?"

"Oh, that guy?" Aldred replied. "He's been our enemy from the beginning."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, it's a long story, but in short he's been meaning to kill us when we are still in the army."

"In what army were you?"

"I don't remember, but we were stationed at Ruandeurtin."

"Ruandeurtin… that fort in the frontline?"

"Yeah… how did you know?"

"You think the ocean is all I know? Anyway, who is the captain there?"

"It's Pharder. Ugh… just remembering that guy's name pissed me off."

"Pharder… sounds like a familiar name."

"I don't want to talk about him. I hated him to the core. Why are you asking?"

"I just want to know. And what's up with that robot? Is Duria hunting you as well?"

"I don't think the whole nation of Duria is hunting for me. I believe it's just one wealthy man who apparently has a robot that he ordered to take something from me."

"And he is willing to sacrifice a lot of ships for it? He wanted the Ring of Doarus, right?"

"Yeah. I don't know why a lot of people wanted it. It's not that special."

Mally frowned. "Have you used it before?"

"I do. It just makes me invulnerable to any attack for a few seconds. That's all."

"And what happened after that? What happened after you used the ring?"

"Nothing. The Empress said there might be consequences, but nothing happened even after a few months. Maybe it's a little broken, so there are no consequences."

"No," Mally said. "It's not because it's broken."

"Can you show me the ring?"

Aldred lifted his palm and the ring appeared out of thin air.

"It's real…" Mally stared at the ring with mesmerizing eyes.

Mally reached out with her finger and touched the ring, suddenly terrifying images flooded inside her mind, and her soul shook. She immediately pulled her hand while terrified.

Cold sweat trickled from her forehead.

"What happened to you?" Aldred asked.

"Quick, keep it wherever you keep it earlier."

Aldred put the ring back in his inventory.

When the ring vanished, Mally let out a breath of relief.

"What's wrong?"

"How many times have you used the ring?"

"Only once."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Okay. Listen. Don't ever, ever take that ring out. Where is the ring now exactly?"

"It's somewhere safe," Aldred said.

"Keep it there all the time."

"What's wrong? I used to wear it on my finger all the time until a certain fat guy named Bacon tried to rob me."

Mally was silent.

"Are you going to tell me?"

Mally sighed. "For whatever reason the Empress gave it to you, I am sure she must have a strong reason for it."

"I still don't understand."

"That ring possesses a power far more than this world could imagine."