After a month's journey with its hardships, Haruto and Yui finally reached Alne, the final human city bordering the Divine Aurelia Holy Empire. Ahead of this point, barely 250 kilometers away, was the Demon Realm. Alne, being the final stronghold of humanity before the dangerous demon-infested lands, was solidly guarded. Its enormous stone walls rose above the horizon, bristling with defenders in glittering armor, ever vigilant for any threat.
As they reached the gates, the air was electric with energy. Banners hung along the streets, and the ringing sound of laughter and music filled the city.
"A festival?" Yui's eyes lit up with excitement. "Do you think so, Haruto? Should we remain and celebrate before we leave?"
Haruto, taking a moment, nodded. "That's not a bad plan. Let's get to an inn first, and then see what sort of festival this is."
They pushed through the crowded streets and shortly came to an inn with a golden boar symbol suspended over the door. They pushed inside and were welcomed by a cheerful and friendly voice.
"Welcome to The Golden Boar! How can I assist you?" a woman at the reception desk said with a courteous smile.
"Two rooms," Haruto asked.
The receptionist nodded. "That will be four silver coins. But as today is a special day, we're providing a 50% discount. So, that will be just two silver coins."
Yui smiled brightly. "Wow! That's such a great bargain! What's the special occasion?"
The woman's face changed to one of pride. "Oh, you must be travelers. You haven't heard the news? The Demon King has been defeated! Hero Kaelith and his party won two days ago, and today they are coming to Alne for the grand celebration!"
Haruto and Yui were both stuck in shock.
"When did this happen?" Haruto questioned, his tone with an edge of disbelief.
"Two days ago," the woman repeated. "And today, Hero Kaelith and his entourage will be arriving in the city. That's why everyone is celebrating."
Haruto balled his fists but smiled. "That's… good news. Yui, let's go greet the hero."
Yui nodded, hearing the strain in Haruto's voice.
The streets were filled with blaring cheers when Hero Kaelith and his entourage made their dramatic arrival. Kaelith, a youthful individual with striking golden locks and emerald-green eyes, rode at the head, his shining presence holding the crowds entranced. Flowers showered down upon him as people shouted his name in adoration.
Haruto winced at the din. "This is so deafening. It's like a gian is screaming right into my ear."
(No, gian singing is more worse…)
As Kaelith waved to the audience, Haruto squinted, choosing to look into his memories. But the instant he tried, a transparent system screen materialized in front of him:
[Mind Reading Failed: Unknown Factor Detected.]
Haruto scowled. "Unknown factor? What the hell does that mean?"
A sinister thought crossed his mind. Could this hero have been sent by the goddess to kill me?
A wicked, slow smile crept across his face. Now this is getting interesting…
With the festivities past and the hero's celebration having left the city, Haruto and Yui also embarked on their journey to Tenebris Noctis, the center of the Demon Realm.
When they reached the barren borderlands, Haruto spoke to Yui. "You should go into the Personal Realm for now."
Yui folded her arms in a huff. "No! I want to see the Demon Realm for myself."
Haruto let out a sigh. "I'll show you the kingdom later. For now, just listen to me and go in."
With some hesitation, Yui scowled but did as she was told, disappearing into thePersonal Realm.
As Haruto drew near the first kingdom wall of Tenebris Noctis, his breath caught at the sight before him—utter devastation. The formerly great fortifications were reduced to rubble, demon corpses scattered on the battlefield. A red stench hung in the air, the unmistakable odor of blood and charred flesh.
His face grew grim as he spoke softly, "Those bloody heroes… they killed so many. And they burned most of them as well."
Haruto reached out his hand, calling forth his power.
[Summon Dead Army]
A dark fog covered the dead bodies, and from the bottom of the abyss, they rose again. He was able to bring back 50 Goblins, 10 Orcs, 4 Liches, and 13 Blood Mages.
He clicked his tongue in frustration. "They spoiled my plan to take high-level slaves."
Then, with a smile, he corrected himself. "I mean… new employees."
As he gazed out at his undead army, his eyes grew wide at an unexpected vision—a Baby dragon in the midst of death. One survivor.
Haruto's stern face relaxed into one of sheer adoration as he charged toward it. "Oh my god, it's so cute!" Without caution, he embraced the dragon, its soft armor warm against his skin. "You need a name… Hm… Cupcake!"
The dragon—and all his undead soldiers—looked on in speechless dismay.
Haruto let out a sigh. "Okay, okay. How about… Dolcetto?"
This time, the soldiers and the dragon nodded in agreement.
Haruto grinned. "No i can't laugh yet i've got to hold it in."
Having resurrected as many demons as he could, Haruto finally arrived at the capital—Noxara, the heart of Tenebris Noctis. The scene that awaited him was horrific.
Children weeping. Bodies littering the streets. Even the bodies of young demons who had been brutally killed.
A bitter thought crossed his mind. I can't even tell who the real monsters are anymore—humans or demons.
As he walked forward, a small demon child spotted him and screamed, "Human! Run!"
In an instant, the nearby demons panicked, scrambling to hide from him.
Haruto blinked. "What…?" Then, with a chuckle, he murmured, "It feels like I'm a Demon King invading a human city… Oh, wait. I am a Demon King."
Just as he was thinking, a system notification popped up:
[You have 820 unread messages.]
"…Wait, what?"
The system's voice intervened, annoyance oozing from its tone. "Yes! Because you never read your damn messages! You literally said you'd check them later and then forgot! Every. Single. Time. Even a donkey has better memory than you!"
Haruto quivered with annoyance but couldn't even deny it. Damn, it's right…
Sighing, he opened up the messages and read:
[You are not yet a True Demon Lord. Yet, you have a special power to transform between your human shape and 'Demon Mode.' In order to become a True Demon Lord, you need to earn respect and establish your reputation both in the Demon Realm and in the Human World.]
Haruto smiled. "So essentially, I just need to make an appearance and demonstrate that I'm the master? Ideal."
He enabled Demon Mode.
The air shifted. The demons froze, then suddenly…
They all dropped to their knees.
"Our new Demon Lord has arrived! Spread the word!"
[Reputation Increased: +5]