The Greatest Demon Lord Is Reborn as a Typical Nobody - Volume 6 - Chapter 80

CHAPTER 80

The Ex–Demon Lord on a Foreign Rampage—

Anyone who hadn’t seen my powers firsthand thought I was running my mouth, but what I said had been completely feasible. To prove this, I got to work as soon as the meeting adjourned.

“You will be taking us with you, right?” Ginny asked.

“We’re coming whether you like it or not!” Ireena said.

They needed the experience, so I let them tag along. I didn’t forget Sylphy, of course. She would make the perfect backup if anything went awry. It might seem like there was nothing going on upstairs, but she was excellent in battle. We met up, interrupting her journey once again, and headed straight for the Asylas Federation.

We passed through the fortress belonging to the Spencers and entered the land between the two nations.

On an open field flooding with sunshine, I said to myself, “It seems the entire enemy region has anti-magic techniques in place.”

“Huh? S-so does that mean we can’t use magic like in Megatholium?”

“Not quite. It’s not nearly as strong here. From what I can tell, the only spells sealed are flight and teleportation.”

It must be Lizer’s doing. Only he could pull off something that spanned the entire country in this era. Apparently, however, even he hadn’t been immune to weakening over the years. Back in ancient times, he had done the same thing to ban all magic from a mass of land. Now, it seemed that he could only seal specific spells.

“So we’re forced to waste time traveling to the royal capital and their stronghold,” posed Ginny.

“We need to find out their objective,” Sylphy said. “What are they buying time for?”

She was right. This was likely meant to buy time, but we couldn’t figure out what they had in mind.

“Let’s keep moving. That’s our only option at this point,” I urged.

Everyone nodded, and we continued on our way, as I tried to analyze and control these barriers. I doubted my analysis would be complete by the time we reached the capital. It was easier when many spells had been sealed. This present situation was harder. Plus, Lizer was the one behind it. Not to say analysis was impossible, but I knew it’d take a lot of time.

About ten days, to be more specific.

And I expected us to arrive at the capital in nine days, which meant it didn’t mean much, even if I could analyze it. …I was going to keep at it, anyway. I assumed they were trying to get me to give up.

There was a reason why two spells—flight and teleportation—were blocked. It was better for us to have access to them, so I kept at analyzing and dissecting their methods to block these spells.

After nine full days…we arrived at the enemy fortress just as darkness was creeping into the sky. This area was outfitted with forts along the nation’s border. As soon as we passed through the main defense line, we would be in Asylas proper.

Of course, it wasn’t like they were going to let us waltz in.

An enormous fortress had been built out on the open plain. Like a small-scale castle town, a giant gate served as its entrance. Enemy soldiers patrolling the area spotted our presence in the night.

“Hmm? Brats? What do we have here?”

“Why would kids come h—Hey, wait a sec.”

“Are we at the east gate?”

“Our citizens would be coming in from the west gate…”

“If they’re coming from the east, that means…”

They finally seemed to piece it together. They looked anxious and got into battle formation.

Against me, however, their combativeness, resolve, and preparation meant nothing.

“I imagine your duties have been arduous. I’ll relieve you from them.” I cast an attack with magic. Flare took care of the gate guards.

After rendering them unfit for battle, I used a power boost on myself and smashed open the gate with a satisfying crunch. We stepped into the fortress through the new entrance.

“Wh-who are these guys…?!”

“The enemy, duh!”

“Wait… That boy with black hair…”

“It-it’s Ard Meteor! He matches the description!”

“A-Ard Meteor?! You mean Laville’s grim reaper?!”

Grim reaper, huh? That’s what I’m called around these parts?

I guess they weren’t wrong. They assumed I was going to reap their lives.

“Stand back if you don’t wish to be harmed. Resistance is futile.”

The soldiers understood my orders, but they had a job to do. Despite their visible dismay, they’d chosen to fulfill their duty and protect the nation.

“Th-they’re just a couple of kids!”

“It’ll be an easy win if we surround them!”

“Taking the grim reaper’s head will secure us promotions, for sure!”

The men roused themselves and prepared to attack, but we had our own countermeasures. …To be specific, I wiped the floor with them. My friends didn’t get to show off a single one of their moves. Several soldiers had cast Flare, and I dealt with them in no time.

“Is—is he a monster…?!” One of the defeated soldiers looked at me in frightened awe and fainted. They all thought of me as a beast, but not my friends.

“My Ard!” Ginny exclaimed. “Another perfect victory!”

“Uh-huh! My Ard just can’t be beat!” Ireena emphasized.

“Hmph! Why do you get to have all the fun?! I wanna go wild, too!” Sylphy whined.

They weren’t afraid of me. My friends weren’t going to abandon me. That was the lesson I learned in Megatholium, and it was being reinforced now. I stopped preventing myself from unleashing my full power.

After passing through the fortress and entering Asylas proper…I spent several days mercilessly destroying the checkpoints that lined the road to the capital.

“Fwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! So you’re Ard Meteor! I’m Schlark! Strongest orc warr—Aaaaah?!”

I used wind magic to send the self-proclaimed warrior far off into the sky.

That was the last of the checkpoints.

“Now we just need to forge straight ahead to our destination, the capital.”

We passed through the final station, marching across the tranquil plain. Once night fell, we decided to call it a day. Just as I’d been doing for the past several days, I made camp for us in the middle of the field.

No tents, though.

Using molecular conversion, I built simple but serviceable houses. Each room was fully equipped with its own toilet, shower, and kitchen.

I don’t think I need to say this wasn’t normal. In modern times, everyone knew that a long journey meant being covered in sweat and grime and putting up with unsanitary conditions. I had largely accepted that and acted in accordance with this common law of man. I didn’t want to cause a commotion, after all.

But I didn’t want my friends to be uncomfortable, and no one here was going to panic over this, so…we were straying from normalcy here.

“Dinner is roasted jingal, paired with this herb sauce. Enjoy.”

“Aaaah! Mmmm! Yuuum! This is amazing!” cried Sylphy.

“Miss Ireena’s hot pot last night was delightful…but nothing compares to Ard’s homemade meals.”

“The meat juices are in perfect harmony with the herb sauce…! To say it’s delicious is an understatement…!”

I was happier than anything that everyone was satisfied. After we ate dinner and took a short break, we bathed in our own rooms and washed ourselves clean, then went straight to bed, so we’d be well-rested for the next day.

I couldn’t sleep, though. I patrolled the area with detection spells while continuing my analysis of the anti-magic barrier. Any normal person would fail to carry out even the most basic functions after several days of no sleep, but I was fine without several decades of shut-eye.

“…It’s strangely quiet tonight,” I murmured to myself as I lay on my bed and used detection magic to take note of the surrounding area. About one week had passed since we’d started this journey, yet the enemy hadn’t launched a single night raid.

Maybe they realized doing so would be useless. Or maybe…they were trying hard not to tip us off on their next move.

“I’ve got a weird feeling. There are too many secrets, I just can’t seem to wrap my head around it.”

Why did Lizer pressure Asylas to start a war? What were the motives of the demon-run crime organization Lars al Ghoul? Who was the mastermind who had yet to make an appearance? It would all make sense as soon as we arrived at the capital, but…it would be too late by then. If we didn’t come up with a game plan beforehand, they’d be one step ahead and get the jump on us.

My mind was whirling as I tried to guess what the enemy was after.

“I’m so lost. If this was just Lars al Ghoul’s mess, it’d be easy enough to figure out…but why is Lizer involved and out to start a war?”

Lizer Bellphoenix had always acted on his dream of “making a world where children can live and laugh.” He’d stoop to any level to make it happen. He was just that brutal… But if there was even the slightest chance that his plan would endanger a child, he’d never go through with it. He always put children first. It was why the idea of him trying to start a war felt strange.

“In war, it’s always the vulnerable population—like women and children—who have to pay the price. Lizer knows that, so there’s no way he would start one on a whim.”

But reality was different. He had teamed up with the demons and an unseen mastermind to manipulate Asylas and declare war on Laville.

“I’m hoping to find an answer before we reach the capital…but it looks like I’ll have to think on my feet.”

I didn’t have much of a chance of discovering the truth on my own. My only option was to continue dealing with more immediate matters and focus on carrying out simple actions. I preferred to divine their strategy and strike first…but I needed to recognize that some things were beyond my control and come at this from a new angle.

“I can only expect the worst and do what I can to prevent it—” I said to myself.

Someone knocked on my door.

“It’s me. Can I come in?”

Ireena. I immediately broke into a smile. “Come right in.”

She opened the door and entered the room…in a sheer negligee. Through its ivory net, I could see her breasts and plump thighs. I wasn’t sure where to look…but I felt no impure emotions, of course.

“What’s the matter? Are you having trouble sleeping?”

“Yeah. Well, kinda. I wanted to talk to you,” she said, looking conflicted, as she sat down on the bed next to me. “…Ard, you’re incredible. You took down that fortress and the checkpoints all by yourself.”

I think she was praising me, but it seemed different from the compliments she lavished on me on the daily. Ireena’s tone seemed docile, almost.

“You did it all yourself… And I just…watched. I didn’t get to help with anything.”

“…It’s my job to protect everyone. I only did it to take the burden off you all. Was I acting out of line? Are you disappointed that you had no opportunity to prove yourself?”

Ireena shook her head, strangely quiet. “No. Well, it’s not like I wanted to get violent or anything.” She gazed downward, hesitating. “…When summer break started, it was the first time in a long while that we got time alone. At first, I was really happy, but it started to weigh on me. …I realized I can’t understand you at all, Ard.”

I didn’t get what she was trying to say, but I wasn’t going to force her to tell me. She wanted to go at her own pace, and I was going to respect that.

“…When I was abducted by Elzard, you used your powers to save me. When I saw you, I thought you should have someone who can be your equal, but I know no one is as strong as you, so I had a feeling that you’ll always be lonely. That’s why… I’ve been trying to become worthy of standing by your side.”

So that’s what’s been on her mind. …She wasn’t wrong. I didn’t have a match even back in the ancient world, except maybe Lydia in my friend group. In a way, I felt like Lydia was the only one who could truly understand me. But…I never thought the others weren’t my true friends. Ireena must have realized that during our break together.

“When we spent time in the village and climbed the mountains, you always looked like you were having a great time. Not just because I was with you. You were always looking forward to things—the future, life after summer vacation, seeing everyone at the Academy. …That’s when I realized you considered those weaker than you as friends. I was the only one who mistakenly thought I had to be as strong as you.”

So she was concluding all her efforts had been for nothing. She clenched her fists against her knees.

“Ever since Megatholium, you’ve been smiling more, Ard. You show it to everyone now, when you used to show only me. …It started bothering me. You might think I’m a terrible person, but…” Ireena’s lips trembled as she looked away.

“I don’t want to be another face in the crowd. I want to be special to you, Ard. And not just one of the many people you care about. I want to be the most important one in your life. …That’s what I was thinking when we were in the village together.”

…Ah, I see. I understood what she was trying to say. Her recent behavior made sense now, like how she reacted when we fought the demon in the forest and when I beat that half-dragon. She’d praised me and blamed herself for her lack of power. At the time, I’d thought it wasn’t like her at all.

But I didn’t think it was because she wanted to be my number one. I didn’t think it was because she wanted to be special to me.

Her strange behavior had all started in Megatholium.

…During that incident, Ireena and I had been saved, metaphorically. But it seemed to spark a new type of insecurity in Ireena.

“I want to be special to you, Ard. I want to be strong. I thought that if I was powerful enough to stand by your side…I’d become special to you. But when I see you in action, I can’t help but think that there’s no way I can measure up to you.” Ireena pursed her lips, shoulders dropping. I sensed something ominous in her tone and expression.

…I recalled a man I had befriended in the old days—a very honest sort with an agreeable personality, but…a major overthinker.

Once, while we were in combat together, he felt like he wasn’t carrying his weight and feared our friendship would fall apart. And so…he clung to power and ran wild, causing him to commit a sin and fall into madness. I had to end him myself.

…Right now, Ireena was walking the same path as him. I could tell.

It seemed that even she sensed she was losing her way. That was why she’d come to me. In that case…I had to shift her trajectory.

“Ireena. You’re walking down the wrong path. At this rate, you will be consumed by a desire for power and hurt everyone.”

“……” She must have had a hunch about this already. Ireena remained silent and hung her head, face clouding over. I placed a hand on my friend’s shoulder and continued.

“Listen, Ireena. The power you seek is nothing but a destructive force that hurts others. No matter how much of it you acquire, I won’t see it as a good thing, and naturally, I won’t consider it special.”

“……Right.”

“I’ve always sought power to help me protect others, and I see it as a tool to that end. To me, it’s nothing but a tool designed to protect. I have no interest in finding out how far you can take it. No matter how strong you become, if that’s your motive, I’ll see no value in it.”

“…You’re right.”

I could see self-reflection begin to settle in her eyes and nodded. “I’m not interested in raw power, only how it’s used… You’ve exercised your strength justly and with utmost care. This includes when Sylphy went out of control, when we were transported into the past, during the school trip, and at Megatholium. That is why you are my dear friend, and—”

I looked at her.

“And someone who is more special to me than anything else.”

Ireena lifted her head. Her eyes were wide, lips quivering slightly. “I’m special to you?”

“Yes. Although I would never dream of ranking my friends…I would say you’re my best friend, Ireena.”

I moved my hand from her shoulder down to her clenched fist. I held it in my own.

“Back when I was a young village boy without a single friend in the world, you appeared before me. You asked to be my friend. Do you know that you saved me? Who I am today is all because of you. You were my first friend…and no one will ever compare to how important you are to me.”

I think this was what she wanted to hear. I wasn’t just flattering her or trying to point her in the right direction. I’d spoken from the heart, and she seemed to have gotten the message, because she smiled in embarrassment.

“I’m special. I see. And I’ve always been special …Heh-heh.”

Nothing was more adorable than her flushed cheeks… And it made me think that my Ireena was just the cutest person alive.

We talked a little more after that. Growing tired, Ireena lay down on my bed and began snoring gently. She was so cherubic. I stroked her cheek and cracked a small smile.

“I can see you were suffering only because you wanted to be seen as a real friend. I was worried that led you down the wrong path…and happy at the same time,” I murmured to her with gentle eyes.

“I’m so glad I met you.”

It was daybreak. It seemed the sun was shining in Ireena’s heart as well. She was her usual self when she woke up.

We continued west. It was still eerily quiet, and we remained vigilant for the course of our journey.

We finally arrived at our destination. The capital of the Asylas Federation, Hearl-Si-Pearl. A giant city in the middle of the plain, surrounded by solid walls and gates and a battalion of sentries that protected it from invasion.

…They didn’t attack us even once on our way there. The enemy must have known we were coming, but they sent neither assassins nor an army—as if they were welcoming us right in.

I had a really bad feeling about this. We had no choice but to keep moving forward, however. We reached the gate and…stared at a line of civilians waiting to be granted passage.

I turned to my team. “Listen. I think something might go down here. We need to proceed with caution.”

Ireena, Ginny, and Sylphy nodded. I returned the nod and then…we passed the line of people and approached the tall gate. The sentries spotted us.

“Hey! Th-they’re here!”

“It’s the grim reaper and his party!”

I’d known this was going to happen. “I’m sorry. I’m afraid I’ll be forcing my way in.”

I did exactly what I’d planned out beforehand. First, I cast Wall over the citizens to keep them out of harm’s way. Then, I knocked out sixty guards with Flare and got rid of anyone in my way.

“Let’s go discuss what we need to.” I entered Hearl-Si-Pearl, the girls behind me.

Because I’d made a huge commotion at the gate, the passersby were frozen in fear. We passed through the streets with all eyes on us.

“This tiny party thinks they can attack in broad daylight!”

“You’re on enemy turf!”

Patrol soldiers continued to advance on us. They must have thought they could swarm together and crush us.

“Your numbers mean nothing to me.”

They were going to learn the hard way who was more powerful between us. I instantly took out each soldier who approached with an elementary spell.

“I guess we won’t get our chance to shine anytime soon,” Ireena commented.

“Indeed,” Ginny agreed. “We never have to worry with him.”

“Agh! No fair, Ard! Lemme at ’em!”

As I turned an ear toward their conversation, I tore through the main avenue. It was like a stream of soldiers were coming at us, though they posed no threat. My friends seemed at ease, looking around as if we were on a tour.

“The town does have character. You can tell you’re in a foreign country.”

“The buildings are made from wood—not brick. It’s so different from Laville.”

“And they don’t seem to wear much clothing. It just screams savage.”

“…I know I have the situation under control, but please don’t let your guard down,” I warned, as I continued to clear the way.

We arrived at the royal castle, which I assumed would be most heavily guarded, but…

“…Hmm. There are no soldiers here.”

Any sign of life disappeared as we stood before the gate. Not a single soldier was guarding the gate… In fact, the entrance was wide open.

“It almost seems as if they’re welcoming us,” Ginny mused.

“I smell a trap all right,” Sylphy said.

“But we’ve got no choice but to keep going. Right, Ard?” Ireena asked.

I nodded. “…We’re about to conclude this once and for all. Let’s find out what awaits us.”

Keeping an eye on our surroundings, I passed through the gate with the girls. We crossed a bridge suspended over a moat and continued through a sprawling garden before entering a colossal building. …It was too quiet, and there was no one around.

“This is weird,” said Ireena.

“I was expecting a more extravagant welcome,” Ginny added.

“I don’t think we’re alone, guys.”

Sylphy was right. I’d been patrolling the area with a detection spell for a while, and there were people in the castle—either civil or military officials. Either way, they were hiding away in the rooms, perfectly still. It was like they were making sure they didn’t get in the way. Or…I got the impression that someone or something was controlling their movements.

“I know it’s strange, but we need to be on the lookout for our target.”

Using the detection magic as a guide, we traveled farther into the building before stumbling into an open space. Lush crimson carpets lined the floor. A throne sat farther in the room, inlaid with chunks of jewels in every color, as if to assert its kingly authority.

A man was sitting upon it. A young king with the green skin of an orc, but with facial features showing his half-elven roots.

Dread Ben Hurr stared at me with his chin propped up on his hands.

“…It’s been a while since the Meeting of the Five Powers,” I commented. My eyes narrowed.

Dread’s mouth then twisted into a sort of smile. “Eh-heh-heh-heh! Welcome, Ard! And all your little friends, too! Thanks for stopping by! You’re hilariously predictable!” Dread cried, leaning back in his throne with smile that grew more twisted.

His expression was openly hostile.

“…Let me say this: Surrender and withdraw from Laville. If you do it now, we may resolve the matter with only monetary reparations. If not…”

“Whatcha gonna do?”

“I’ll behead all chief politicians—starting with you.”

It was unavoidable if they refused to surrender. I didn’t like taking lives, but I would need the heads of my enemies if I was going to resolve the situation. I would do any dirty deed it took to end this war. And I was trying to make sure the enemy knew that.

Dread’s smile never left his face. It was one steeped in madness—and loathing.

“Drop the humble act. I know you’re looking down on everyone. You really haven’t changed, Ard.”

He talks like we know each other, I thought.

Dread seemed to radiate murder.

“This…! Th-this is…!”

“It—it can’t be…!”

Ireena and Ginny broke into a cold sweat. They were familiar with this bloodlust.

I knew it, too.

“I see. So that is what is going on,” I said, eyes narrowing as I stared at Dread. “I was wondering why the half-dragons would aid Asylas. I understand it all now, including your motive…and the identity of the unseen mastermind.”

I had thought this incident was the work of Lizer, the demons, and an invisible hand. I’d assumed Dread was nothing more than a puppet.

But I was wrong: Dread was the mysterious mastermind.

“It’s been about five months. It seems your wounds have healed.”

I could feel his animosity. My skin prickled. I was ready to say the name of our foe.

“Might I assume this is revenge for our earlier encounter—Elzard?” I asked.

In that moment, golden geometric patterns crawled over Dread’s body—and seconds later, the orc man had transformed into a beautiful woman.

Long platinum hair swept the floor, and over her body draped a pure white dress. She was ethereal.

Having revealed herself, she looked upon me and smiled. “I’m glad we could meet again, Ard. You too, Ireena. …Oh, that girl over there must be…Ginny? And there’s an unfamiliar face, but whatever.” She had on a bright and friendly smile, but murder was written in her eyes.

“…Hey, Ard? Who’s this chick?” Sylphy asked.

“The Frenzied King of Dragons, Elzard. Evil reincarnate, who kidnapped Ireena and put us through a great deal of trouble.”

Five months had passed since that incident. At any rate, she had to be the reason why the half-dragons were helping Asylas. I considered all this.

“…When did you switch places with Dread?” I asked.

“At the Meeting of the Five Powers.”

I see. At the time, I had thought Dread was acting overly vicious toward me, but now I could see why.

“So where’s the real King Dread?”

“Same gimmick as before. Like Jessica, he’s no longer in this world.”

Jessica. Our teacher. Elzard had formerly disguised herself as our instructors. If Dread had passed, that meant…the one person who could stop this war was gone.

“Oh dear,” I said. “I suppose I must take back the severed heads of our enemies.”

I’d kill every conspirator who planned this war. If I didn’t, this would never end.

“Let me tell you something: It’s not too late,” I continued. “Surrender as King Dread. If you do, I’ll spare your—”

Without warning…a blue magic circle unfolded beneath my feet. This was…something created in the exclusive magic language of the demons.

As soon as I recognized the technique for what it was…

Everything went dark.

…I had screwed up.

Because we couldn’t use teleportation or flight, I’d assumed the enemy wouldn’t be able to use them either. And it had done me in.

Through some unseen hand, I was teleported outside the castle and found myself on a plain, storm brewing overhead. There wasn’t a single stalk of grass across the barren earth.

Devoid of all life since ancient times, this place was called “the Land of Ruin”—and it was where I had once battled with the Evil Gods…

It was also where I had defeated my other self when we went back to the past.

In this fated place…stood that person.

“…I knew it. You’re involved in this all along.”

A slender body in a tailcoat and sleek black ponytail—an unknown identity, facial features hidden by a clown-like visage.

Mask—a demon with an unknown name, gender, and history. Apparently one of Lars al Ghoul’s top brass.

Mask began to speak in their usual theatrics. “We all have a place that suits us best. A dance hall, for a dancer. A stage, for a speaker. A crowded street, for a jester. This is the location for the two of us. The Land of Ruin represents our paths in life. Surely, you agree—”

In the middle of this monologue, I struck Mask with attack spells: Fire. Water. Wind. Lightning. Advanced spells from the five major elements pelted down on us. The maelstrom formed a new crater in the Land of Ruin…but in the midst of it all…Mask continued to stay in place.

“Goodness. I would appreciate it if you listened to my opening remarks. I understand how you must be feeling, but it’s been quite a long while since I—”

I continued to unleash elemental magic like there was no tomorrow, but it did nothing.

…Oh, this is annoying. I had to get back to Ireena and the others.

“Do you love your friends that much? I’m jealous, really. Earning your favor is an incredible honor. …That’s why…”

I could sense a smile behind that mask.

“That’s why I’m getting in your way, my Demon Lord.”

I had no doubt that smile was dripping with malice. This is so irritating.

I cast even more spells with the intent of wiping that smirk off that face, but once the dust settled from my violent onslaught… I saw my enemy still standing, looking composed.

“You can’t race back to your friends unless you defeat me. In other words—”

Mask seemed to be enjoying breaking the horrible news to me.

“—you should assume you’ll never see them again.”