Chapter 89

I still remember it vividly.

In my past life, I dueled with several individuals known as absolute powerhouses. Though I wouldn’t outright claim that all of those battles were one-on-one, it’s certain that I fought countless times, too many to count on my fingers.

But if I had to pick just one memorable opponent from all those fights…

I could name one without hesitation: an incomparably powerful being whose image is deeply etched into my mind and refuses to fade.

The Great Sage Merlin Gregory.

A former magician of the Hero Party, so respected in magic that even the head of the mage tower dared not disrespect him lightly. The first time we met, he was the principal of Eden Academy—an institution he himself had founded, so it wasn’t surprising.

What *was* surprising, though, was his magical prowess.

“HELLFIRE—!”

“METEOR STRIKE—!”

This mere human summoned disasters like dragon flames and meteor showers with ease…

“BIG-BANG!”

…and twisted causality itself, unleashing unprecedented magic that caused endless explosions within my body. A single human casting grand spells no dragon in history could perform—it was unimaginable!

Who could have predicted such power?

It was only because I was me that I managed to endure. Any other demon would’ve shattered instantly under the first explosion.

Even natural objects wouldn’t fare much better. If Merlin’s final strike had hit the ground, the continent itself might’ve crumbled shortly after.

That’s how absurdly strong Merlin Gregory is—a figure who has surpassed elves, dragons, devils, angels, and perhaps even gods in terms of magical achievements.

And now, this ridiculous man stands before me, fidgeting awkwardly like a teenager.

“Uh… are you really human? How did someone end up in the Demon Forest…?”

‘Merlin’ glances at me cautiously. Or rather, his heavily fogged glasses obscure his gaze as he studies me.

Young ‘Merlin’ seems flustered by our meeting, clearly surprised to encounter a human in the Demon Forest, teeming with monsters.

So, what should I do?

Meeting Merlin here was never part of the plan. According to history, I’m supposed to meet him later, as the principal of Eden Academy and a student. Encountering teenage Merlin, who looks no older than late teens, isn’t ideal.

Should I cut ties and run? But Merlin has already noticed me, and I can’t predict where this “recognition” will lead.

“Hmm… could you be a monster disguised as a human…? But I’ve never heard of a monster carrying rosaries… and it’s not even an inverted cross…”

His glasses reflect the rosary in my hand. True, demons can’t touch symbols of Messiah and Lord like rosaries—but I’m an exception since it was personally handed down to me by the Saintess.

Let’s use this.

“Oh frail youth! How did you end up in the Demon Forest?”

“Huh? How did you know I lost my way?”

How indeed? Everyone knows Merlin is notorious for getting lost, even between classrooms and the principal’s office. And there’s no other presence nearby except Merlin, so it’s easy to deduce.

Of course, I can’t blurt out the truth. Let’s improvise.

“Young ones don’t wander into the Demon Forest often! You must’ve gotten lost in the woods and ended up here!”

“I did lose my way… but I came here intentionally! I only got lost after entering the Demon Forest…”

“Is that so? What a bold youth you are, willingly stepping into such a dangerous place while your life ahead still shines brightly!”

When in doubt, act confidently. While playing timid might work sometimes, maintaining poise earns trust more effectively.

Though I could pretend to be a lost wanderer like with Beatrix… she was a resident of the Demon Forest, so it fit her case.

Merlin and the Hero Party are unwelcome guests here. They need a guide to lead them.

I’ll take on that role.

If I become their guide through the Demon Forest, I can ensure the original timeline unfolds, bringing the Hero Party and the Langwang together. Or, if the opportunity arises, I could eliminate everyone in the Hero Party except Merlin before they reach Dragon King Endros.

“Ha ha ha! So how did a young lad like you end up in such a perilous place? Judging by your appearance, you seem like a magician?”

“Eh? How did you know I’m a magician…!”

“Aren’t you wearing a mage robe?”

“Ah…! I am an Imperial Court Mage, Merlin Gregory! Please call me Merlin casually…”

“Understood! Young Merlin! An Imperial Court Mage, huh? You’re far more impressive than you look!”

Pretty scatterbrained, isn’t he?

Revealing your identity so openly in a dangerous area is practically suicidal. If I harbored ill intentions toward the empire or wanted to kidnap an imperial court mage for ransom, Merlin would’ve been subdued already.

Yet he reveals himself so willingly either out of sheer confidence in his abilities—or more likely, naivety.

Ever since we started talking, his small shoulders have been hunched, his eyes darting nervously around my lower half, unable to meet mine directly. His fingers fidget incessantly.

Each detail reveals his character—so different from the old Merlin who once roared fiercely at me. But given the hundred-year gap, it’s understandable his personality has evolved.

“So… why are you here in the Demon Forest?”

“I am Suoka, a monster hunter! I’ve been living in the Demon Forest for about ten years without stepping outside even once!”

“Monster… hunter?! Surviving here for ten years!? Yikes…”

“There’s no need to react so dramatically! It’s an honor for a mere hunter to greet an esteemed court mage!”

“No, no! I’m just someone who knows a bit of magic…”

From what I recall, Merlin was already a 6th Circle Mage back then. He’d later reach the 9th Circle, making him leagues above most archmages at this point.

Ah, so a 6th Circle Mage considers themselves merely decent at magic. Guess 90% of the continent’s mages should pack up and quit immediately.

“Anyway, why is an imperial court mage venturing into the Demon Forest? Are you part of the Hero Party by any chance?”

“How did you…!”

“A hundred years ago, the empire sent a Hero Party here too! It’s unthinkable for such a distinguished individual to come here willingly. Occasionally, eccentric mages risk danger to gather experimental materials, but you don’t seem like that type!”

“Ugh…”

In one breath, I explained everything. Merlin’s eyes behind his glasses spun rapidly. Seriously? To reach the 6th Circle requires extraordinary intelligence. Can’t he understand basic sentences?

“Uh… does Suoka-san find me burdensome?”

“Hmm?”

“Well… people tend to avoid me once they learn I’m the Hero Party’s mage. That’s why I introduce myself as a court mage first…”

“Ah, I see what you mean. No worries there.”

Not burdensome—he just doesn’t want to get involved. Who’d bother building connections with the Hero Party when the empire treats them like useless baggage? Attitudes will change drastically once the Demon King invades and the Hero Party gains power rivaling the emperor’s.

“Besides, we’re in the Demon Forest! Titles from the empire mean nothing here. Rather, it’s refreshing to meet someone new after so long!”

Now I understand why Merlin seems so timid.

He may have always been introverted, but joining the Hero Party changed how others viewed him, shaping his current social awkwardness.

This works perfectly for me. Since I’ve decided to stick with Merlin—and considering I need to keep him alive—I’ll inevitably grow closer to him.

For someone lacking confidence, instilling certainty helps. They’ll think, “Ah, this person won’t leave me,” and grow to trust and rely on me.

“Really? You’re the first person who says that despite knowing I’m part of the Hero Party!”

“Absolutely! Once I say something, I stand by it even if a sword’s at my throat!”

Look at Merlin’s brightening expression! Though his oversized round glasses hide half his face, his mood is clearly improving.

I speak gruffly, channeling the spirit of Langwang to appear as a seasoned veteran familiar with the forest. This approach convinces wanderers to trust and follow me.

“So, if you’re part of the Hero Party, are you here to hunt monsters? Like the last Hero Party a hundred years ago?”

“Yes, yes! Do you happen to know where some monsters gather?”

“You must not know. There are no monsters left in the southern Demon Forest. They were wiped out by the last Hero Party, though they eventually fell to the Dragon King’s Seven Dragons.”

“Really…?”

“I only learned this after arriving. Still, Dragon King Endros remains active. Is he included among your targets? If you wish, I can guide you to his dragon lair!”

Things seem to be falling into place. Following the original timeline, I might manage to make the Hero Party confront Endros directly instead of the Seven Dragons.

Of course, that depends on young Merlin accepting my offer.

“Then we’d be very grateful! Just let me find my companions!”

Bingo.

Unaware that this spot will become his comrades’ grave, Merlin dashes off into the bushes.

While he’s gone, I snicker evilly and return to my group. With some discretion, everything should proceed smoothly.

***

Deep within a basin, seven dragon heads sit solemnly in a circle.

The reason I specify “heads” is because there are seven dragon heads attached to only three bodies—one-headed, two-headed, and even a four-headed dragon facing each other.

Despite being just three dragons, they fill the basin entirely with their massive size. Beneath them swarm thousands of monsters of every kind—orc, goblin, skeleton, gargoyle, and more—all gathered under the dragons.

The one-headed dragon speaks first.

“The forest’s ecosystem has collapsed.”

The two-headed dragon replies.

“We know. That’s why we’ve gathered here today.”

“We can’t ignore it forever. We watched silently to preserve the food chain as per the king’s command, but now it threatens the entire southern forest.”

“It’s been a threat for quite some time. Every monster remaining in the south is gathered here.”

“Even after gathering hidden ones, there are only this many?”

The two-headed dragon surveys the thousands of monsters surrounding its feet. Impressive numbers, but not enough when considering this represents *all* the monsters in the southern Demon Forest.

“A hundred years ago, tens of millions of monsters maintained the ecosystem and balanced the food chain.”

“That’s why we’ve gathered.”

“…”

“Both of you, stop wasting time with pointless talk.”

During the discussion between the one- and two-headed dragons about the state of the Demon Forest, the four-headed dragon finally spoke.

“Six beings: one demon, two humans, one werewolf, one goblin, and an unidentified angel.”

As the four-headed dragon spoke, the other two dragons listened silently, acknowledging its higher authority.

“These six are the culprits destroying the ecosystem. Normally, we shouldn’t interfere as the king commanded us to stay restrained, but I believe we cannot overlook their actions any longer.”

“…”

“…”

“I declare these six, led by the unknown demon, enemies of this forest. Furthermore, I issue a kill order against all monsters in the southern Demon Forest.”

With the solemn declaration complete, the heads of the two dragons and the gathered monsters all nod in unison.

This marked the moment when three dragons under Dragon King Endros—the Seven Dragons—stepped forward alongside the monsters to confront the intruders.

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