Chapter 41

I feel someone watching me.

No matter how long I wait, the enemy doesn’t appear.

Aru can’t sense it, but I can feel an abnormally powerful presence continuing to be detected. There’s a strong aura that only someone with heightened senses like mine can perceive.

We’ve hit an interesting obstacle. The opponent’s cryptic intentions have me deep in thought.

The enemy is invisible, yet I can feel their intense gaze. However, they’re not doing anything overtly threatening.

How should I approach solving this? Simple. I’ll put myself in the shoes of the unseen enemy currently observing Aru and me.

I am the observer.

I’ve chased after the one who caused chaos at the auction house and escaped with Langwang all the way to Demon Forest.

The fugitive seems unable to move Langwang’s prison, staying in one place. They didn’t even retrieve the key from the auctioneers before fleeing hastily, making it impossible to separate Langwang.

Time is on my side. Without using teleportation magic, there’s no way they can escape this area filled with thick underbrush while carrying such a large object.

It seems I’m not the only one who followed them from the auction house.

Various demons who’ve been tracking us since the auction are arriving and attacking the incorporeal demon and Langwang. While they seem to share my goal, they cannot be considered allies.

They too are my competitors – ones I must fight, kill, and conceal.

…Wait a moment.

What exactly is my purpose here? I need to figure that out.

I don’t know who “I” am, but there’s something I need to discover – my objective.

First thing that comes to mind is obviously Langwang. As a bloodline alone, Langwang represents immense value and is the source drawing demons to this forest.

But would someone as powerful as “me” really be after just Langwang?

Perhaps, but there’s something more fundamental…

Money.

The embodiment of one of the Seven Great Evils: Greed. Something any demon born from evil naturally desires, unless they’ve achieved enlightenment or amassed overwhelming wealth.

At the auction house, the incorporeal demon spent an astonishing fifty million gold just to purchase Aru. An incredible sum that an average demon could never dream of earning in a lifetime.

They casually threw away that amount as if they were some wealthy tycoon, clearly indicating they possess far more riches.

Langwang’s original price tag of ten million gold pales in comparison to the golden Eldorado the incorporeal demon must possess. Realizing this, my objective becomes clear.

Money. The cunning and beautiful material that stirs the innate possessiveness of demons.

Even though it’s a situation where losing control wouldn’t be surprising, I need to remain calm.

Based solely on what we saw at the auction house, the incorporeal demon is not someone to underestimate. They brazenly provoked the Western Duke’s family, the most powerful in the Demon Realm, and managed to escape effortlessly.

One shouldn’t underestimate an incorporeal being. Maintaining my composure, I crouch low and begin my observation.

There’s no visible sign of wealth. It’s highly likely they’ve hidden it somewhere. To uncover that, cornering and interrogating the incorporeal demon is the best course of action.

There are others who’ve come for the incorporeal demon and Langwang. If they manage to kill the demon, it would be disastrous. They need to stay alive for torture and extraction of information about their wealth.

Even if those others fail, raising the incorporeal demon’s guard would be a poor move. Silently eliminating them, I proceed.

The incorporeal demon keeps repeating meaningless actions. Occasionally throwing meat to the wolf king trapped within our confines, ordering simple tasks like push-ups or jumping in place.

When disobeyed, they strike with a staff about three feet long. Though initially resistant, the wolf king gradually shows signs of submission.

Does simply observing hold much meaning? It seems I’ve seen all there is to see. Perhaps it’s time to enjoy the main course.

Just imagining it makes my mouth water. Not only will there be vast amounts of money, but Langwang as a bonus – pure joy.

That was my perspective as the observer watching me.

I can’t deduce anything further. I’m not a god, and with information so limited, what else could I possibly uncover?

“Kung, what are you doing?”

Aru asks with food still in their mouth. Since our last battle, Aru has been treating me somewhat formally.

They follow my orders promptly and efficiently. Though the commands we can give to the one trapped inside are limited to simple training like sit, stand, lie down, roll over.

“I’m practicing telekinesis.”

“Woof woof. What’s that?”

“Aru doesn’t need to know.”

“…”

Hearing my short answer, Aru seems slightly deflated. Good, looks like they’re starting to develop some affection for me.

Tonight’s full moon is perfect for the stage I’ve prepared. The only issue is…

The one watching us might not enter tonight. If they don’t, I’ll be torn apart beyond recognition by Aru under the full moon’s blessing.

That won’t do. I’ve set everything up, only for them to leave without partaking.

“Aru, I have a command for you.”

“Kung? What command?”

“When I get close to the cage, grab my collar with your left hand and punch me hard with your right.”

“No leniency. Pretend you’re going to kill me. Yes, Aru wanted to kill me, right? Go ahead and do it now.”

“Woof woof! What trickery is this! Devious demon!”

“It is a trick, but Aru won’t lose anything from it. Don’t worry, there will be no retaliation. Just do your best to hit me.”

Smiling gently while whispering, Aru appears skeptical.

I continue reassuringly.

“If you don’t hit me, I’ll hit you. Why? Because it’s an order. Understand, Aru?”

Well, reassurance is subjective.

“Kyee… Bad demon…”

“Good. Now hit me.”

“…”

Leaning against the iron bars, I signal Aru who’s still hesitating.

Aru glances at the magic staff just out of my reach, then nods. Trust me, Aru.

Aru’s small left hand slowly grabs my collar. I resist by flailing my arms and grabbing their wrist with both hands, but without applying force. To an outside observer, it would look like I’m putting up a real struggle.

“HIT ME.”

“…WOOF!”

SMACK!

Ow!

That was quite a realistic performance. Keep it up, Aru. Not too much, not too little, just like that…

BOOM!

“AAHH! KYAAAH!”

“WOOOF WOOF…! I-I’ll hit you seriously…! Stop hitting me!”

“No, you’re doing great! Very convincing!”

Damn, saying anything now might make Aru lose their convincing acting.

SMACK!

Did I mention to Aru that this was acting? For some reason, I don’t recall doing so.

Yes, they need to hit me like they want to kill me, but not actually kill me…

POW POW!

Shit, I didn’t tell them.

“AAAK! KYAAAH!”

“Woof… Am I hitting you right? I’m confused…”

“You’re doing great! Don’t hesitate! Stopping now would be more suspicious!”

Looks like I’ll have to endure this myself. I hate doing this kind of thing.

POW POW POW!

Aru’s punches rain down on my entire body like hail. I pretend to desperately struggle by grabbing the bars and reaching for the distant magic staff. Of course, it’s all an act.

POW POW POW!

What an absurd situation.

Aru attacking with full force, me pretending to desperately resist while actually holding back, and some unknown entity observing us.

Together we’re creating a comedy sketch that would make professional comedians laugh.

Observer, feel the conflict.

The one you’re after knows the location of your target wealth and is dying before your eyes.

Think carefully. You have until tonight.

“Haah, haah, haah…”

“Urrr… Are you okay…?”

“Do I look okay? Breathing itself is difficult.”

“Kyee…”

“Just kidding. Stay still from now on.”

Actually, breathing is tough. I’m just exaggerating the sound to lure out the observer who’s waiting and judging.

After enduring Aru’s beating for quite some time, I finally signaled Aru to stop. Aru immediately released me, and I staggered, pretending I couldn’t even grasp the magic staff, leaning against the iron bars and collapsing.

And I’ve stayed like this ever since. Taking heavy breaths, not even bothering to wipe the blood-streaked face, remaining still.

As if I’m a demon about to breathe my last.

That observer demon sure has patience. They still haven’t appeared.

The sun that once brightly illuminated the forest has long since set, and soon the full moon, partially obscured by clouds, will rise brilliantly in the night sky. If the demon doesn’t appear by then…

“Growl…”

I’ll die at the hands of the wolf girl hiding her claws and biding her time.

Though Aru pretends to be concerned, their true intentions are different. When the full moon rises, Aru will be able to escape the Demon Forest without help, overcoming other demons. Then Aru will transform, breaking the bars, killing me, and massacring nearby beasts.

Though the Wolf King is mighty, even the king of beasts can’t compare to the Five Kings. How could the legendary Wolf King fight evenly with the Responding King Horus?

Because during the full moon, the Wolf King undergoes an awakening-like transformation that increases combat power nearly a thousandfold. Like werewolves, the monster version of wolf familiars. Many people don’t know this.

Of course, Aru’s previous incarnation had reached a transcendent level where such increases were meaningless, being able to match the Five Kings even normally. What more needs to be said when they assassinated the empire’s emperor?

Anyway, for these reasons, Aru waits. Waiting for the moment to kill me and gain freedom.

Though somewhat conditioned through my carrot-and-stick approach, it wasn’t enough time to completely change a life in just a few days. I never expected that anyway.

“Haah, haah, haah…”

The buildup is set. What are you waiting for? I’m just a weak young demon whose breath could end at any moment.

Come out.

Come out quickly.

I’m about to die here.

Stop toying with me. You’re anxious too, right? If the fish escapes after teasing it, will you regret it?

Whoosh.

The cold wind of the Demon Realm blows. Aru, sensing the impending full moon, crouches low and growls. I should be thinking of lines, but my mind is blank from the severe beating.

The fog has spread thinly, creating an atmosphere like a demonic summoning ritual. Slowly inhaling through my nose and exhaling through my mouth, I wait for the prey about to fall into the trap.

Zzzz.

Suddenly, the rosary in my pocket given by the saintess starts vibrating. My pants and lower body tremble. What’s happening? I need to concentrate now.

“Haah… haah…”

Though briefly distracted, I have no time to worry about the rosary’s vibration. My life is on the line.

Damn, appear already. I’m getting impatient and might collapse soon. Remember, the healing potion in the flask is for after the show ends.

About ten seconds passed, my lips parched, when…

Thud.

Heavy footsteps approached. Not confident strides, but hurried stomping.

Thud.

Through the thickening fog, the silhouette of a male demon emerged. He walked straight toward me.

“Woof woof woof! Woof woof woof woof!”

The moment he sensed the presence, Aru, who had been silent until now, started barking wildly. Seems my guess was correct.

Thud.

“Rrrr…! Woof woof woof woof woof!”

A gull-shaped mustache cutting through white vapor appears closer as he approaches, attached to the face of the silhouette.

Without looking up to avoid being seen, I glance upward with my eyes to confirm the silhouette’s face. It’s the demon who approached and spoke to me at the auction house. A long spear is strapped to his back.

This guy, the culprit who slaughtered Aru’s family, handed them over to the auction house, and has been stalking me after my escape.

“Woof woof! Urrrrr! Woof woof woof!”

With the appearance of the vengeful villain, Aru goes berserk, eyes rolling back. Though I can’t see it, they’re probably shedding hot tears, the cries of a beast having lost its sanity.

Whoosh whoosh.

The wind blowing since earlier grows stronger. The clouds covering the sky start moving aside. The round full moon hidden behind begins to reveal its majesty to the world.

The stage is complete. All the main actors have taken their places.

“Heheh…”

“Are you laughing right now?”

“Let’s not waste words among cool guys. My mouth hurts.”

“Hmm, I found you peculiar even at the auction house. Remarkable that you’re cracking jokes even in this situation.”

No drum sounds can be heard. Naturally, because I’m not the one fighting in this performance.

My heart feels like it’s about to burst. Clutching the racing heart, I continue the act, heading towards the highlight of this show.

“Woof woof woof woof! Urrrrr! Growl woof woof!”

“Huh, noisy. Does he never tire?”

“I thought you had firmly established dominance over that wolf. What happened?”

“Wolves are ridiculously strong, you know? Be careful not to get your wrist grabbed. You’ll end up like me.”

“You’d have fallen to me regardless of that wolf. Just consider yourself unlucky to have met your end sooner.”

“Heheh…”

The mustached demon standing before me speaks in a stiff tone. Perhaps realizing I’m not on the verge of death, he’s calmed down somewhat after our brief exchange.

“One question: who exactly are you? I’ve heard about capturing that damn wolf.”

“Nothing special. Just catching the Wolf King, selling it at the auction house, buying it back after someone else purchases it, then reselling it. A mere hunter’s job.”

“Hunter… mustache… spear… Ah, you’re ‘Swarlin’s Spearman,’ right? Should’ve recognized you.”

“Swarlin’s Spearman? Never heard of that name.”

“You wouldn’t know. But I do.”

Swarlin’s Spearman. Never met him personally, but he later became a famous hunter in the Demon Realm known for auctioning rare creatures. Initially just a thrifty hunter selling exotic catches.

Currently, he appears as a plain, experienced hunter.

“Want my fortune?”

“Tell me quickly and I’ll spare your life.”

Idiot, do you expect me to believe that?

“Heheh, go screw yourself. I’ll never tell.”

“Hmm, didn’t think you’d spill easily anyway.”

Muttering quietly, the mustached demon, or rather ‘Swarlin’s Spearman,’ removes the spear strapped to his back.

I remain leaning against the iron bars, sitting half-slouched, only panting heavily.

Behind me, Aru…

“Woof woof woof woof! AAAHHH! Rrrr woof woof woof!! I’ll kill you!! I’ll kill youuu!!”

Is screaming terribly, spewing hatred. Completely animalistic, devoid of any rationality.

“Let’s start by cutting off one leg.”

Swarlin’s Spearman raises the spear high. Then, without hesitation, thrusts it toward my neatly positioned legs on the ground.

Or rather, he tried to.

Whoosh!

The moment the sharp silver spearhead ascended, I twitched my fingers, activating the telekinesis I’ve diligently practiced and accumulated. The bead of magic transforms into intangible control, altering the spear’s target.

The new target is none other than Aru inside the cage.

Caught off guard by the sudden change, Swarlin’s Spearman can’t react in time. His body is already faithfully executing the command issued by his brain.

Swishhh!

“Woof woof woof woof! I’ll kill youuu!!!”

The spear advances relentlessly. Aru continues barking loudly. Swarlin’s Spearman tries to收回 the spear too late.

“Ah, no! The Wolf King needs to survive for resale! Why did you miss…!”

Still calculating profits and losses mid-action, Swarlin’s Spearman reduces the spear’s power through new commands to his hand. Still, the spear continues its sharp advance. The sharp spear moves above my head, which is crouched down.

About here.

Quickly exerting strength in my legs, I spring up like a coiled spring. The spear aimed at my head now points toward my risen stomach instead.

Creating the illusion that I’m sacrificing myself to save Aru in danger.

The spear pierces me.

Pfft!

“AAAAAAHHHH!”

A magnificent fireworks display of red blood erupts.

The searing pain penetrating my abdomen makes my eyes snap open.

The experienced spearman’s eyes widen in surprise.

The eyes of Aru, who has been watching from behind, widen as well.

“Eh…? Woof…?”

“You… What have you done…?”

Falling forward with the spear embedded in my stomach, I no longer have the strength to rise. Though I desperately want to drink the healing potion I brought in the flask, now is the time to wait.

Because…

“Urrr…? Young demon…? What have you done…?”

Finally, the full moon has risen, for which we’ve waited so long.

Alright, Aru. The rest is up to you.

The show is just beginning.

*

Young demon, strange.

Told me to hit them.

So I hit them thoroughly.

As I hit, emotions crept in, and fearing retribution, I hit as hard as possible.

It felt cathartic.

Then, that bastard appeared.

An enemy I’ll never forget. A man I want to tear apart. A man I want to chew to pieces.

My mind was flooded with red.

I couldn’t think at all.

Couldn’t hear anything.

The young demon and the enemy demon were talking. I just kept barking.

I wanted to rip open the iron bars and bite his neck right away, but I couldn’t.

Then.

Then.

The enemy threw a metal-smelling stick at me.

It was a pointed stick.

I instinctively knew death was coming.

Hot tears streamed from my eyes.

I thought, this is it, I’m dying.

There’s still so much I want to do.

I felt sad, wronged, angry.

Then.

The young demon leaped.

The young demon leaped for me.

The cunning, wicked, bad demon.

Leaped to block the metal stick flying toward me.

Blood splattered.

It was the young demon’s blood.

I don’t understand.

The young demon is a bad demon.

The young demon is a demon who hits me however they want.

The young demon…

Loves me.

Could it be…

You love me, so you’re dying in my place?

Like mom?

Like dad?

Like uncle, aunt, grandmother?

No.

No.

I don’t want to see anyone die again.

Because of me, someone giving their life…

I don’t want to see it again.

My body feels strange. My arms are burning hot.

I feel like I can do anything.

Strange. When I looked up, I saw something blue and round.

Full moon.

Full moon…!

FULL MOON!!!

*

“Rrrr…”

Crack!

The teeth that transformed from human to wolf easily crush the iron bars.

The werewolf, finally freed from the suffocating cage that confined them, gazes at me with undulating blue eyes, then…

Shifts those menacing eyes to the appropriate target to eliminate in the current situation.

Long nails and claws, wolf fangs distinctly different from human teeth. Lustrous mane flowing from the luxurious tail, hair growing so long it covers the waist and back.

And the body, which was previously that of a young girl, has grown as if becoming an adult woman. The surging fiery energy in the limbs makes the bulging veins even more prominent.

The pale blue energy of the full moon illuminates the beast.

In an instant, the beast closes the distance with the demon trembling nearby.

Powerful claws driven by tremendous force penetrate the demon’s abdomen.

Meanwhile, an innocent young demon secretly chuckles, spilling unknown blood.

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