CHAPTER 131………………………………
“What the… are you?”
When I took a cautious step back, it grinned so widely its mouth seemed to split open.
A dangerous aura of magic rippled around Esther. She narrowed her eyes, surveying her surroundings.
Fortunately, there weren’t many people nearby. Being in an alley seemed to be the only saving grace.
“How are you even here?”
“I put some effort into it. Without a medium, it’s difficult to cross over… Fortunately, after drawing a demon summoning circle and using the summoner’s body as a sacrifice, I was able to descend into the human world.”
“…A demon summoning circle? Those have been lost for a long time…”
“That’s irrelevant. Yes, it’s been a long time since our kind vanished from this land.”
It chuckled.
Its voice, jagged and metallic, was horrifyingly unnatural—hardly human.
“Still, there are always a few crazy ones in the world.”
Esther frowned. The demon laughed.
“Humans are loyal to their desires. Just a hint—spreading knowledge of summoning circles through the underworld is enough…”
It scratched at itself like an itchy patient, nails digging into its arms as it giggled and continued.
From its arms, thick, dark red blood dripped.
The blood was too thick and viscous to be human. As it hit the ground, it hissed, melting the floor beneath it.
Then a poisonous aura began spreading. Esther frowned and drew a dagger from thin air.
The dagger, infused with holy power, would be enough to annihilate the demon with ease.
The demon seemed to recognize this, narrowing its eyes.
“Oh? Has the Demon King been influenced by humans?”
It clicked its tongue, sounding almost regretful.
“Have you heard the whispers of gods, illusions created by humans? Then I understand. The young seed of the Demon King could not yet break free.”
“What nonsense. This is all my doing.”
Esther clicked her tongue and shook her head at its pitifully dramatic tone.
Unbelievable.
How on earth had it gotten this far? A demon summoning circle—how dangerous was that!
“Where are the other demons and fiends?”
“And what would you do with them?”
“You must answer for failing to properly raise the young Demon King. Which demon dared make the Demon King like this…”
It stepped closer.
Its dark, dead-looking skin still dripped blood.
With clawed hands, it carefully cupped Esther’s cheeks.
“Ah, Demon King… Our Demon King… Do you know how long we’ve waited for you?”
“….”
Its lament made her heart tighten. She had worked long and hard too.
She had considered many times whether she could live among them, but demons and humans could not coexist.
It was in their very nature.
Demons’ fury toward humans reached the heavens, and humans feared demons beyond measure.
Between these vast extremes, no affection that transcended species could ever sprout.
When she let out a short sigh, the demon’s face contorted regretfully.
“Is the demon realm in chaos?”
“Yes. Very, very serious. Rivers are poisoned, beasts tear each other apart, and survival of the fittest rules every day.”
Esther frowned.
It seemed true—otherwise, the demons wouldn’t have dared crawl all the way here.
She stayed silent, mouth shut. Even ten mouths couldn’t voice the thoughts in her head.
This was entirely her fault.
Originally, she would have already awakened as the Demon King, crossing over to stabilize and rule the demon realm.
With a king in place, no one would have contested, and there’d be no chaos.
“Blood and corpses of demons form rivers and mountains; the magical aura only grows murkier.”
“…I see.”
She hadn’t expected this.
Exhaling softly, she rubbed her face. She had never sought power or fame, and at this point, she truly had no interest.
“I have no intention of becoming Demon King. I’ll find a way to hand over the throne. Just give me a moment.”
There must be a way for the Demon King to pass on the title to another.
“But first, you’d have to awaken as the Demon King.”
“….”
“The Seed can’t do anything on its own, young Demon King. Didn’t the demons teach you that?”
It clicked its tongue loudly, as if extremely disappointed. Esther sighed. Every conversation somehow led back to Laksa, though there was no reason for it.
“I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”
“You don’t need to do anything. Just become king.”
“That’s impossible.”
“It’s not impossible. You can do it.”
“I won’t kill the parents who raised me. That’s why I can’t.”
At her firm words, it smiled faintly. Beneath that fierce gaze, desire and lust shimmered. Probably something she couldn’t comprehend.
“You belong to us.”
“Yes, I know.”
“You are our Demon King. Our one and only noble, great master. You, Seed, are to be that master.”
“Yes, I know that too.”
“Honor, glory, wealth, and armies—all will be yours.”
“I know, really.”
Esther answered calmly. She expected some resistance, maybe even curses. As long as it didn’t kill her, she could endure it.
By turning her head, they would have to wait another hundreds of years for the Seed to be born again.
“No, you don’t understand. You haven’t seen the demon realm, so you think this safe, happy, peaceful place is normal.”
“…Hey, demon.”
“It’s fine. I’ve realized you’ve been somewhat influenced and brainwashed by humans.”
It rubbed its chin, still dripping blood, speaking almost as if solving a trivial annoyance. Esther was left speechless.
“But it seems you’ve been brainwashed more than I expected. Such a shame.”
“You’re barely listening to me, aren’t you?”
“I am, but the Seed must have its stubbornness broken a little.”
“You insolent thing.”
“You’ll be punished enough after becoming Demon King.”
Esther sighed yet again. If she attacked, it would likely return to the demon realm.
But killing one who had risked their life to reach here didn’t feel right.
‘No… what am I even thinking?’
Once she had resolved to coexist with humans, demons became a secondary concern.
“That’s fine. Soon, the human world will be chaotic anyway, and the young Demon King will have no choice but to awaken.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Humans can’t tolerate things unlike themselves. And that inevitably causes conflict.”
Its lips stretched into a grin again, giggling as if recounting a fun story—how she hated that face.
“Are you threatening me?”
“No, I’m stating facts.”
“That’s a threat. Do you really think you can beat me?”
“No. Even a young Demon King who meets all awakening conditions cannot be defeated by me.”
It smiled slyly, like a schemer. Its serpentine eyes betrayed every hidden intention.
Esther frowned and exhaled. The only conclusion was clear: kill it.
She tightened her grip on the dagger.
“The world will be engulfed in chaos, young Demon King.”
“…Hey.”
“If you love humans and care for them, please return to our arms and take the throne.”
Esther’s eyes narrowed. Its decaying body began twisting uncontrollably.
Its rotting flesh could no longer withstand the demon’s poison.
Watching its melting flesh, she frowned.
“I will wait for your wise choice.”
“I… like it now. Peaceful, now.”
“While you protect your own comfort, please look after your kin who perished.”
Its plea left her speechless.
The consequences of selfish choices flooded over her. She pressed her eyelids tightly.
‘Damn it.’
This was maddening.
“I need to resolve this.”
As Esther turned, someone blocked her path.
