Chapter 32

Gods are born through faith, sustain their immortality through it, and meet their end when it dissipates.

Meaning, when the faith of many people converges, a god is born, sustained by that faith in eternal life, and when that faith scatters, they face their end. Except for the Lord—the Sun God—who has divine power but no other proof of existence, all gods follow this pattern. Gods who defy heaven, like the Demon God, are exceptions.

No scientist could explain the bizarre phenomena. To begin with, the idea that belief alone could create something from nothing didn’t make sense.

But what can you do? It’s undeniable reality. The world is full of inexplicable supernatural things. While scientists deny “the birth of gods,” most living beings believe in it.

However, there were two individuals who came up with an unprecedented idea regarding this phenomenon.

The first was the Emperor, the only genius I acknowledge, possessing indisputably the sharpest mind on the continent.

He conceived the notion that gods could be artificially created and formed a group within the empire to “believe.”

Using his power, he gathered thousands of those with weak wills—people more prone to obsessive fanaticism.

The Emperor brainwashed and indoctrinated them, creating an environment where they had no choice but to believe in the fictitious god he envisioned. His authority and resources fully supported his execution.

Of course, his experiment sparked enormous ethical controversy. How dare mere humans intentionally intrude into the sacred domain of gods! Various minor cults, the seven kingdoms, and even the gods themselves opposed the empire.

But the Emperor’s execution ability is unparalleled on the continent. He silenced all opposition and even warned the gods, “If you interfere, I’ll destroy all your followers and temples.” Then he pushed forward with the project.

The result? A resounding success.

Unprecedented in the history of the Celestial Realm, Demon Realm, and the Continent, a god was born solely for and by the Empire.

This event perfectly reflected the Emperor’s arrogant, dogmatic, cold, and brilliant worldview.

The second person was me. Around the same time, I had a similar idea to the Emperor’s.

Just the method and goal were slightly different.

If faith creates gods, then perhaps a lowly and despicable creature could be elevated to godhood through faith.

What if we transformed someone everyone dismissed as bottom-of-the-barrel trash, treated worse than ants on the street, into something everyone looked up to—the top of the food chain, a god?

If the hierarchy of species and innate class were reversed—if goblins looked down on dragons and demons admired monsters—wouldn’t that be the greatest magic ever? A miracle unmatched throughout history.

I thought about it.

Then, I immediately grabbed a goblin. One that couldn’t read or speak, making only unintelligible sounds like “Gleek…gleek.”

I placed it in my mansion and began believing with all my might—it was a god.

Creating a god depends on the strength of belief. The Emperor used the collective faith of thousands to create his god. The key is simply to believe more intensely and sincerely than those thousands.

Everyone laughed at me.

They mocked and insulted me, saying anyone could try such nonsense and I should stop acting foolish and get a grip.

But who am I?

The jester who turns losing battles into victories, freezes burning flames, and makes the impossible possible—that’s my job.

So, I believed with every ounce of energy I had. With everything I had.

I even hypnotized myself, vowing to cut off my own hands if this goblin wasn’t a god. And so, 1000 days passed.

To cut to the chase, it failed—not because my plan or design was flawed.

When the goblin reached the level of half-god, half-beast, numerous gods descended en masse.

There’s no fighting numbers. No matter how strong one demon is, how can they stand against self-proclaimed gods swarming in like bullies? We clashed for seven nights, and though I put up a fight, I ended up battered and defeated. Those cowardly gods ganged up on me; Odin’s Gungnir and Thor’s Mjolnir pierced me simultaneously, spinning my vision.

There was also a fundamental issue: the goblin was too insignificant.

Had I brought an elf instead, it might have worked. But the goblin, classified as the lowest monster, had a capacity far narrower than my imagination.

Anyway, after three years of effort, the plan unraveled, leaving behind only a half-god goblin. With tears in my eyes, I scrapped it.

I resolved never to make plans again.

Every plan is perfect, yet most fail due to unforeseen variables.

Even I, who never acknowledged anyone, recognized the Emperor at that moment. While I was struggling just to stop the gods appearing before me, the Emperor thought one step further, taking hostages among the believers to pressure the gods. Ultimately, he succeeded in creating a god.

Why am I telling this story now?

Because right now, there’s a demon being framed as the culprit in a situation similar to the aforementioned goblin.

In fact, the culprit I created.

Clang, Clang—

A being made entirely of vegetables and plants from head to toe stands surrounded by Demon World police, shackles on its arms and legs.

Behind him, carried in a coffin, is the youthful body of a long-haired demon with a clean appearance. Even this body is shackled.

It’s the avatar and true form of King, the Duke of the Southern Demon Realm. This true form hasn’t appeared in almost ten thousand years, as far as I know.

“Make way, everyone! We’re escorting a prisoner!”

At the front, the prisoner loudly announced to the crowd surrounding the detained King.

“Is it true, Duke of the South killed Lucifer’s second son?”

“The mask of the Duke was found there. For decades, no one entered that lonely place.”

“Why would the Duke of the South kill Lucifer’s son? What does he gain from it?”

“Maybe there was some trouble. We don’t know.”

“You fools! Move aside! Obstructing the procession is punishable by severe penalties!”

King was giggling uncontrollably. In truth, if he exerted his full power, breaking free and escaping would be easier than chewing gum.

“But there’s no reason to.”

“Hmm? What did you say, Oscar?”

“Nothing, hehe.”

“…Alright, but try not to laugh so frivolously.”

Next to me, Adela stood statue-like, her expression hardened, radiating icy anger.

“Though he was your rival… Still, isn’t it sad that a blood relative died?”

“Yes, Sister. I apologize. I’ll be more careful.”

“Thank you.”

Following her sorrowful command, I wiped the smile from my face, though inside, I was laughing my head off.

This situation is both delightful and hilarious.

Just then, as King walked past me alongside the police, he was looking down at me with tomato-red eyes.

Silently, I mouthed words.

“(How do you like the gift I prepared for you, Duke?)”

King seems to have understood. His ancient voice resonated in my mind.

– Hahaha…

“(You seem to like it. Such a hearty laugh. I’m glad my thoughtful preparation wasn’t wasted.)”

– Do you think you can handle the wrath of this old demon?

“(Oh, your threats are terrifying. My knees are shaking.)”

– I’m serious.

“(Duke, please understand. There was no one else to pin this on besides you.)”

I usually prefer leaving cases unsolved.

Watching the police scratch their heads over unsolved mysteries, whether from the continent or the Demon Realm, is always entertaining.

But when I met a certain righteous Hero who dug up every single unsolved case from decades ago, I stopped doing that. That Hero eventually rendered several of my fake identities useless. Truly a persistent bastard.

Since then, whenever I cause trouble, I always create a culprit. Just like now. When the culprit is clear, no one pays attention anymore.

– Even if you’re a reincarnated being… This decrepit old man has lived for millions of years. Are you challenging me now?

“(Uh-oh, if I keep lying, there might really be a knife fight.)”

– …Lying? Is that what you said?

“(Duke, think about it. You’re the only one who knows I’m a reincarnated being. Would I dare frame you?)”

– Didn’t you steal my mask from my estate and leave it at the crime scene?

“(Yes, I took it from your ‘estate.’ But just because it’s in your estate doesn’t mean it belongs only to you, right? I just left clues. Why do you assume the culprit is you? Everyone else may believe it, but you, poor Duke, shouldn’t.)”

– Why? Because… there’s no one else in my main estate but me…

King’s voice trailed off, seemingly lost in deep thought.

I smiled smugly where Adela couldn’t see.

– …Could it be…

“(Ahaha, sorry about destroying your precious servant. I’ll find you a much better replacement later.)”

The self-aware monster living in the Southern Duke’s estate.

Frankenstein.

Stupid, loyal to meat, and willing to follow any order, there’s probably no better scapegoat. Also, his strength rivals Leonard and Letavis, making him quite formidable.

– Did you plan this from the moment you stole the mask from my estate?

“(Mask? Oh, this one?)”

I stealthily pulled out something from my pocket and dangled it teasingly in front of King, whose tomato eyes had swollen apple-sized.

– …! How did you get that?! I saw the officer holding it just now!

“(When the officer carrying evidence passed by earlier, I pickpocketed it. Too good a design to waste.)”

– Pickpocketing? The petty thievery of street hooligans?

“(All crimes start small. Who knows if these petty criminals won’t become dangerous ones later? Hence, I’ve already mastered the basics of pickpocketing. Hehe.)”

– Tsk…

And I slipped a similar-looking mask into the officer’s sleeve as well.

“(Blame Frankenstein thoroughly. Promise him meat, and he’ll confess falsely.)”

– Losing one monstrous servant means nothing…

Interrupting briefly, King growled faintly.

– Making fun of this old duke hurts my pride. Though I’ve been generous, isn’t this theft without permission?

Yeah, that’s the reaction I wanted.

“(Haha, I already said I’d bring you a better replacement. I’ve never disrespected you, Duke.)”

– …True, I guess. So, I’ll trust you. Just bring someone as soon as possible. I need help with household chores.

“(Yes! I’ll bring it to you soon!)”

Of course, I won’t. Since I haven’t decided exactly when, I can argue that “soon” is subjective if he complains later.

After receiving what he believed to be a definite promise, King followed the police with steady steps. Seems even a centuries-old elder can be duped when scammed.

Or maybe old age makes one more susceptible to scams? Elderly people are generally more vulnerable to deception, but King, despite his immense power, might be showing signs of cognitive decline. Or maybe he just wasted his years.

Clang, Clang—

King moves away with the police. The gazes of the demons follow like flies, but no one dares obstruct the path of a duke, even as a prisoner.

– In the end, you’ve taken even my Frankenstein.

King’s self-deprecating whisper echoed in my mind. Unable to turn around and show my face, I remained silent.

Truthfully, I planned this from the moment I saw Frankenstein. If it doesn’t get exposed, it’s not intentional. Therefore, I’m innocent. I’m a model citizen who has committed no crime.

King seemed ready to give a proper statement upon arrival at the station. Of course, it will be the false testimony we agreed upon implicating Frankenstein. Lies become truths when those who know the truth remain silent.

Alright, the situation is sorted. Time to go. I have a lot to do next.

First, I need to leave this tiresome Northern Duke family, retreat into seclusion in the Demon Forest until the Saintess is born, and visit an auction house in the western Demon Realm to buy a werewolf before Lilith Clanaein gets to it again.

Deciding on future plans, I extended my hand to pull Adela standing beside me.

Whish, Whish—

Hmm?

Why… didn’t I grab anything?

Click—

Ah, good. Got her. Phew, my heart almost dropped there for a second. Losing my sister in a place filled with so many demons wouldn’t be good.

“Who are you!? Why are you touching my butt!? Looking for a fight!?”

“Waah! Sorry!”

“Hmph! Pretty, aren’t you…”

“It’s not like I touched you because you’re pretty, and you’re not particularly attractive anyway… Wait, where’s my sister?”

“What do I know about your sister? Look ahead!”

Standing where Adela should’ve been is an unfamiliar female demon. Could she have been swept away in the crowd? That can’t happen.

“Stop.”

Fortunately, Adela’s distinctive commanding voice quickly reached my ears. Ignoring the angry woman, I turned toward the source.

“Stop, I said.”

Adela stood boldly blocking the path of King and the police officers, a road no one dared interrupt.

…Blocking the road?

“N-Nu, Sister! Why are you there?”

“Stay out of this, Oscar. This is my business. Don’t get involved.”

Damn! When did Adela move there!? Blocking the police for what?

Surely not to settle some ancestral grudge? Given how much Adela cherishes her family, it’s entirely possible.

Just, if she does, it’ll put me in an incredibly awkward situation…

“Southern Duke, King.”

Adela’s body radiates imminent murderous intent.

Terrifying oppressive energy spreads from her, forcing most demons, including the police, to kneel involuntarily.

Red light flashes in Adela’s eyes. Threatening waves pour out like a violent waterfall across the ground. Her long black hair swirls wildly in the air.

Right now, this space belongs to Adela. With rage reaching her fingertips, she unleashes her power, an absolute powerhouse no one present dares challenge.

“One look at your overwhelming dark energy tells me you must be the daughter of the Northern Duke. Aren’t you called Adela? I’ve heard stories about you.”

One exception: King, another absolute powerhouse.

While everyone else, including me, struggles to stay upright under the crushing gravitational force, King stands calmly, proving why he earned the nickname “King” among the quartet of “King, Queen, Jack, Joker.”

The oldest living demon in the Demon Realm, King. His possession of the prestigious position of Duke, second only to the Demon King in a realm where strength defines rank, speaks volumes about his unmatched skills.

“My deceased brother was Leondard.”

“Ho ho…”

“I, Adela Lucifer, the eldest daughter of the great Northern Duke family, must exact bloody revenge for my fallen kin.”

“Ho ho… Are you daring to defy the law? I’m currently being escorted by the police.”

“…I know. That’s why I formally request this of you.”

Adela clasps her hands in front of her. Invisible pillars seem to form in her tightly gripped hands, gathering crimson energy.

The energy takes various forms, shaping familiar handles and sword guards glowing red. Soon, sharp blades extend below the guard.

In an instant, Adela embeds the freshly forged crimson sword into the ground and places both hands on its hilt. Standing firm and majestic, Adela declares:

Surely not, right? King is a foe even Adela, giving it her all, cannot confidently defeat. Despite her love for family, would she risk her life…?

“I request a duel to the death.”

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