Chapter 151

“Ah, what a pleasant scent.”

“Lately, I’ve been in such good spirits.”

The influence of the World Tree was incredible.

Though I wasn’t sure how far it reached, it was clear that its power enveloped the entire village.

The happiness of the villagers…

Satisfaction levels were rising, stress indicators plummeting. People were becoming more motivated, gentler, and disputes or accidents had drastically decreased. It was truly a positive phenomenon.

And within this, there pulsed an immense Life Force.

The influence radiating from the World Tree—recovery, regeneration, healing—it affected so much: crop growth, human emotions, countless things.

There was someone who wanted to help others reclaim their original selves by fully absorbing this energy. Every day, they worked on research that perfectly aligned with this opportunity.

“Jack.”

“Mmm?”

“Wanna go for a walk together?”

“Uh…”

Jack’s eyes turned toward the Spirit. For some reason, there was a faint sadness lingering in them. Was he being invited somewhere? Reluctantly, I handed him a soft little creature, which he clutched tightly. Only then did he nod brightly, revealing his white teeth in a silly grin.

“Is work fun?”

A vigorous nod confirmed his satisfaction. Smiling warmly, I patted Jack’s head. His beaming face reminded me so much of Evangelin.

“Starting today, we need to visit the forest once every day.”

At those words, Jack tilted his head in confusion.

“Because…”

I leaned closer, gently poking his neck with my finger.

“…to help you regain your voice, this is necessary.”

“Mmm?”

“This is our secret, okay? Got it?”

Jack froze, startled, gripping the Spirit even tighter.

“It’s a surprise gift—for you and your sister.”

Those words made Jack tear up. Unable to bear looking at him for too long, I simply held his hand and kept walking forward. The warmth transmitted through his hand was soft and comforting, just like the Spirit.

I like the saying that good deeds bring blessings. The luxury of repaying kindness with kindness. If only the world could become a place where people with such mindsets could thrive.

Not that I aim to create some grand utopia. I simply hope the people around me can live that way. Who am I to force anyone to think a certain way? All I wish is that the people around me learn to repay goodwill with goodwill.

In that sense, Jack has already done more than enough to deserve rewards—even if it came a bit late. There’s something heartwarming about lost things finding their way back.

Holding Jack’s hand tightly, we arrived at the place where the World Tree grew. Its massive roots sprawled across the ground, and its towering branches stretched endlessly into the sky, casting a vast canopy over what looked like a small prairie. Jack stood there, his mouth agape in awe.

“I’m here.”

[Whoa!]

“Can I borrow a bit of your power?”

[Feel free to use as much as you’d like!]

Restoring something utterly destroyed beyond recognition is no easy feat. Like Jack’s wounds.

Even the priests at the monastery found it difficult, shaking their heads in despair. I remember Evangelin quietly crying upon hearing the news.

The emerald brilliance flickered softly like fireflies, while the leaves of the World Tree swayed gently, casting deep shadows.

“It won’t happen all at once. But we have to keep trying until you’re healed, alright?”

Silently nodding, Jack received the regenerative energy flowing into his body. It was like planting a tiny seed in barren soil.

It wasn’t just physical; there were also deep emotional scars. That’s why I had to trust Jack.

“Aah…”

Jack awkwardly cupped his throat and cleared it—a small start.

If I ever reach mastery in magic, perhaps I could instantly cure Jack’s condition. But for now, this was the best I could do. Doing one’s best in any given situation—that’s what mattered most. This method was the highest form of support I could offer Jack.

“How does it feel?”

Jack shook his head, clearly still unsure.

“Every day from now on. We’ll come here together. It’s a promise.”

“Mm!”

Sealing our pact with pinky fingers, we exchanged a solemn vow. Watching this, the Spirit giggled joyfully, cuddling into us. Its antics were so amusing that I couldn’t help but laugh. Even Jack chuckled, watching the Spirit dangle playfully from his finger.

“Let’s go. We’ll meet again tomorrow at this time, alright?”

“Mm!”

Jack followed me out of the forest, holding onto my hand tightly the whole way.

* * *

“In this land, a king shall descend…”

Once again, Bergal recited ancient prophecies as the witch proclaimed the arrival of a king who would bring joy to the world.

The Demon prophecy. Waiting for the mysterious king whose throne remains vacant, everyone lived in anticipation.

That was why Bergal ventured outside the underground realms despite the dangers. Guided by the prophecy of the king’s arrival, the Demons hoped to usher in a new era of glory. Thus, Bergal diligently searched the indicated location day after day.

Arriving at an unnamed remote place, he paused to catch his breath. Surprisingly, this isolated area showed significant signs of development.

People exuded vitality and happiness. Bergal smiled wistfully at the sight, thinking of his kin waiting patiently in the depths below. Though he shouldn’t indulge in leisure, occasional rest was essential for better focus and effort. Justifying it rationally, he took a sip from his wooden cup.

“Haa…”

Whatever it was, the taste was invigorating enough to make his eyes close involuntarily. The shop owner wasn’t exaggerating when they boasted about their signature drink—it truly lived up to its reputation.

“One more, please!”

“Coming right up~”

Emptying his cup with a satisfying thud on the table, he felt slightly refreshed. Clearly, the endless wandering through desolation had worn him out. His body’s fatigue, evident even in these small moments of laziness, spoke volumes. Shaking off the tiredness with forced vigor, Bergal prepared to continue his mission. He couldn’t afford to stop now.

As he waited for his next drink, a commotion arose outside the door. Curious, he peeked out.

“Glass delivery!”

“Oh! Is that Yul?”

“Over here!”

“Delivery? How adorable!”

From a peculiar pink contraption descended a child carrying items, handing them over with practiced efficiency.

She was cute—a girl with striking crimson eyes. And atop her head, two tiny horns barely noticeable. She wasn’t human.

Thus, Bergal observed her more carefully.

[A pair of scarlet eyes capable of dyeing the world red.]

Well…the gem-like red eyes were accurate.

[Two horns bearing the wisdom and power of the world.]

True, she had two horns.

[Limitless potential. A root only Demons can recognize.]

Yes. This was it. Everything else could be glossed over, but this unmistakable potential and primordial essence were undeniable. The noblest bloodline and the qualities of a true king.

“King of Demons…”

In a quiet countryside village, Bergal finally discovered the girl destined to become the Demon King.

Enchanted, he rose from his seat and quietly followed her.

“Hey! Where are you going?”

The call from someone holding a wooden mug faded into the wind. No matter. Did it really matter?

The cheerful girl zipped away on her pink vehicle, smiling innocently. Carefully and respectfully, Bergal blocked her path.

“Eh?”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Ah! That’s Demon language!”

“Indeed.”

Her ability to understand Demon tongue filled Bergal with indescribable joy.

“But lately, she doesn’t use it anymore!”

“What?”

“Abba told her not to.”

“…?”

His brain froze at the mention of ‘Abba.’ What did it mean?

Using human language instead of Demon tongue was acceptable. Even mastering both languages wasn’t unusual. But obeying Abba’s command not to use it…what did that imply?

“…Father?”

“Yep! Abba!”

“Does your father reside here?”

“My Abba is over there!”

That simple statement shattered all his carefully laid plans for persuasion. Yet, reflexively, he blurted out his intentions—an automatic desire to claim the Demon King candidate surfaced.

“Noble one destined to become the Demon King. Would you accompany me?”

“I stay here!”

“Just a brief confirmation is all it requires.”

“Should I ask Abba first?”

“…?”

“Can I go later?”

With that innocent response, Bergal reluctantly nodded. Excitedly, Yul pedaled her bicycle home.

“You must keep up!”

“Don’t worry, I will.”

What kind of existence could make the Demon King their daughter? The unknown brought a creeping fear that gnawed at Bergal’s mind.

They arrived at a vast farmland dotted with greenhouses and a large house welcoming Besgal.

“Abba!”

The girl called out loudly. From inside the house emerged someone, opening the door.

Bergal tensed, bracing himself. What manner of being could this be…

“…!”

The reason Bergal was sent was simple. With the dwindling numbers of Demons, individual uniqueness was fading.

Thus, the sole possessor of the ‘Eye of Possibility’ was none other than Bergal. That was the only reason.

Possibility—the eye that sees open futures. The ultimate endpoint of destiny. That’s what Bergal saw when he faced the person Yul called ‘Abba.’

What exactly was this?

He closed his eyes…not because the future was too radiant, but because the sheer brightness threatened to blind him, even though he knew his vision wouldn’t affect reality.

“Our daughter, is something wrong?”

“A guest has arrived.”

“Guest?”

“Yul brought them.”

“Good job.”

Casual conversation. Even calling her ‘daughter.’ Bergal’s eyes remained shut, but his hearing was sharp. Facing such overwhelming greatness, he bowed deeply in respect.

The father of the Demon King—a title he wore without question.

Thus, with utmost reverence, he knelt and paid homage.

“Nice to meet you. I am Demon Besgal. It’s an honor to meet the father of the Demon King.”

“…What?”

The sudden chill in the atmosphere made Besgal tremble.

What went wrong? Was there an improper statement? No, it couldn’t be.

Desperation drove Besgal to prostrate himself completely, pressing his forehead to the floor.

Status? Pride?

He didn’t care. None of it mattered now. Meeting someone greater than even the Demon King, with a chance to converse—how could he let this opportunity slip?

This was the source of Besgal’s desperation.

“Please forgive me!”

“Hmph.”

For heaven’s sake…

“Why is this person acting like this, Abba?”

“Honestly, I don’t know either.”

“Should Yul find out?”

O great Demon King…

“Perhaps. Let’s figure it out together.”

Of course, the Demon King sided with the Demons. Keeping his head bowed, Besgal waited silently for permission to rise.

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