Chapter 101

“Saintess, there aren’t many days left now. You know that, right?”

[Y-Yes, Joker sir.]

“That’s right. Saintess, you said your day and night personalities switch, right? What’s the exact time?”

[That is still unknown. We’ll likely only know when it happens.]

“Hmm. Actually, I’m asking because I really want to know… Can I sprinkle some holy water at your baptism ceremony?”

[…]

“Hahaha, got it, got it! Don’t look so serious! The more you react like that, the more I want to do it!”

Thus, I’ve decided I must absolutely attend the baptism ceremony. I must see our little Saintess in all her glory.

“Hmph… Anyway, I’m heading out now. Take care and I love you.”

[Yes, Joker sir. I love you too. Please stay safe.]

“Don’t worry. Unless an army of kings descends on me, I won’t be in any danger.”

Click.

The communication with the Saintess ended. To preserve the joy for our next meeting, I indulged in imaginary scenarios early.

Life in the Demon Forest is nearing its end. In two days, the Saintess will be born. Since the Dragon King’s death, I’ve focused solely on honing my power and expanding Meta’s vessel. No special events have occurred during this time.

The academy life with the Saintess. And the impending war.

The King of Kings, the God among Gods, Demon King Canos.

In my previous life, Demon King Canos and I were inseparable childhood friends. Our relationship wasn’t forced by power; rather, I was captivated by Canos, the Demon King.

<Oska, the world is nothing but one big playground. A monotonously repetitive playground where battles occur daily.>

Well, Canos was similar to me. He had no interest in money, honor, or power. Instead, he obsessively craved fights with strong opponents where he could unleash his full strength.

The problem was that there was no one in this world capable of withstanding his power. Perhaps that’s why…

Canos gradually started paying attention to things like lust for power, vanity, and arrogance.

When charity given with a benevolent heart is called ‘goodness,’ but if the intention behind it is for fame or reputation, it’s considered ‘hypocrisy.’

People don’t realize, but evil works the same way. Evil acts committed for power or reputation are known as ‘false evil.’ That’s what I believed, and Canos agreed with me. We were quite compatible friends.

<Spare those who might become future threats. There may be hope within them.>

There’s an anecdote about Canos before he became enslaved by greed for power.

“No! Just spare my daughter! Please, not my daughter!”

“…”

“Aaaaaah! Daughter! Run away! Daughter!”

“What sin did our house commit against you to deserve this! Why do you seek to exterminate our family!”

“Daughter! Run now!”

When one of the three great duchies of the empire, the Nike Duchy, was annihilated overnight by an unexpected attack from the Demon King.

I was behind Canos, watching his every word and action.

Canos cruelly slaughtered the duke and his retainers.

However, there was one exception.

One person he didn’t kill.

Clathia, the daughter of the house, renowned as having the highest mana affinity talent.

“Listen carefully, maiden.”

They say you’re killing us because we’ve done wrongs. But I’m not committing evil. I don’t even care about such trivial matters.”

“W-What are you talking about! Right now, you’re destroying our house…!”

“Is it a sin for a tiger to kill a chicken?”

Canos, you’re hilarious.

“What… are you saying…?”

“Is it a sin for a cat to catch and kill a mouse? Is it a sin for humans to massacre goblins? I kill because I am strong, and you die because you are weak. It’s simply your fate. If you wish to defy it, it’s simple. Become stronger than me.”

“You…!”

“I sincerely, earnestly hope that you, with the greatest talent in history, use your desire for vengeance against your family’s killer as a stepping stone to become a powerful enough warrior to kill me. If you surpass me in strength, I’ll gladly die for you.”

What kind of crazy Demon King cultivates someone to kill him?

Demon Kings themselves are generally insane, but Canos took it to another level, always leaving potential threats behind after massacring groups across the continent.

Of course, none of those spared ever grew strong enough to rival Canos, but that’s not because they were weak. It’s because Canos is ridiculously powerful.

Even with my Joker card activation making me a monstrous beast, I’d still get crushed. How could a mere human possibly win?

Canos suffers from mental and personality disorders. Simply put, he’s a psychopath who can do anything without hesitation for his own purposes and pleasure.

But he’s different from regular psychopaths. While typical psychopaths are sensitive to their own pain, indifferent to others’ suffering, and unable to empathize properly, Canos actually seeks out pain himself.

Yeah, that’s the problem. Normally, ‘life’ finds joy in pleasures, sexual desires, money, etc., which is why psychopaths are concerning. But Canos only finds joy in unleashing his full power.

I liked that about him… tsk.

Such a pity guy.

He truly appealed to me. His rare and meaningful desire pleased me greatly. I thought finally a cool god would rule the world.

But somewhere along the line, he turned into some brat.

Such a waste.

This time around, I’ve got to kill him somehow.

And find out why he sent me back in time while I’m at it.

An endless darkness enveloped the space. A world where dimness, vastness, and oppression coexist simultaneously.

The Spirit World.

There, two contrasting beings faced each other.

Saintess Maria.

Demon King Canos.

Maria, who had just finished communicating with Oska and was hanging on a cross, spoke first.

“Why has His Majesty the Demon King come here?”

“…”

“If you remain silent, I will never understand your intentions.”

Wearing dark sunglasses, Canos stood quietly for a moment then slowly approached Maria, whose limbs were nailed to the cross.

Maria calmly took in the black-haired red-eyed Demon King approaching her with her white eyes.

“What are you doing?”

Without a word, Canos reached for the nail binding Maria’s arm. Unable to resist in her helpless state, Maria silently accepted his actions.

Crack.

“Ugh…!”

A faint moan escaped Maria’s reddish lips. Unfazed, Canos pulled out the nail completely. Though no blood flowed from her spiritual body, a vivid pain washed over Maria.

“The time of cause and effect has arrived.”

“Yes…?”

“There’s no need for you to remain bound here any longer.”

“I have yet to fully complete my term. Yet you say this confinement is meaningless. What is the reason?”

“For such a trivial few days of duty, I can disrupt it without any issues. Stop stalling and follow me.”

Following that, Canos released the restraints on Maria’s other wrist and both feet. Maria experienced slight convulsions.

“Guh…”

“Stand on the void. You have somewhere you need to go.”

“My place is only in this world.”

“Would you say that even if I offered to introduce you to the hero?”

“Wha…?”

Maria’s pure white eyes widened. Canos drew a circle in the air with a bland expression. The crimson circle soon transformed into a dimensional portal.

“To meet the hero and deny this opportunity? I detest changing my words. Be quiet and follow.”

“…”

After throwing these curt words, Canos jumped into the dimensional portal without looking back. Though startled by the sudden change, Maria didn’t hesitate. She stood before the dimensional portal, ready to follow Canos.

Before leaving the Spirit World, Maria turned around. The space was filled with impenetrable darkness. In the center stood a tall cross where she had been hanging just moments ago – an imposing yet incongruous pillar.

Only now, seeing it from a third-person perspective, did she realize how enormous the cross was. Her entire body couldn’t even wrap halfway around it.

During her time in the Spirit World, Maria had encountered no one until this mysterious Demon King appeared to release her.

‘The Spirit World… I’ve spent nearly 500 years here and am leaving now. There’s no lingering nostalgia…’

‘What purpose does this space serve? Why was this cross erected here? Once I leave, I’ll probably never know…’

‘But since the Demon King mentioned the hero, I cannot refuse to follow… Though it’s regrettable, I must set aside my questions for now.’

Having finished her thoughts, Maria followed the path Canos had taken, passing through the dimensional portal.

On the other side of the portal lay a scene of vibrant colors. Maria, who had only seen ‘vast blackness’ and ‘faint whiteness’ until now, expressed her surprise.

“Where is this…?”

“It’s a path. For moving anywhere.”

After giving this brief response, Canos waved his hand again, creating a new dimensional portal in the iridescent sky. Beyond it, a land overflowing with deep yellow soil was visible.

Without hesitation, Canos leaped into it. Maria quickly followed before the portal closed, isolating her.

“Ahhh…”

To Maria, who had only seen diverse colors after 500 years, this was her first sight since then. Suddenly grateful for the ability to see forward, Maria sighed.

“Follow me. This is the Divine Realm. Originally, humans shouldn’t enter here. You’re currently stepping beyond your limits.”

“Is this not a taboo?”

“I’ve permitted it. My word is law and order here. Who dares to question it? Still, I’d rather avoid unnecessary trouble, so keep your focus and follow me.”

“But you said you’d bring me to the hero. Why have you brought me to the Divine Realm?”

“Well, Hero Frey Dr. Siegfried is currently in the Divine Realm, so… I won’t explain further. Ask the hero yourself when you meet.”

“…”

After cutting off the conversation abruptly, Canos entered a massive building made of soil. Moving walls projected familiarly. Maria hesitated at the wall after spending her entire existence as a spirit nailed to a cross, so Canos pulled her using telekinesis.

Swoosh.

“The laws of physics…”

“Don’t equate mysteries with science.”

With Maria in tow, Canos continued forward, passing through floors and walls. They encountered several gods along the way, but none noticed the two of them, as if they were invisible to the blind.

‘So this is the Demon King… Though I don’t know what power he used, the ability to deceive even gods is impressive.’

The place Canos led Maria to was the Colosseum – one of the three major entertainment venues of the gods and a famous arena in the Divine Realm.

Here, various gods bring their summoned creatures and monsters to battle. Occasionally, demigods like Hercules participate directly, turning the Colosseum upside down.

And approximately 500 years ago…

A girl began recording an undefeated streak at the Colosseum.

“Wooohooo!”

“Go! Girl! I’ve bet on you again!”

“Tch! This opponent won’t be easy! Poseidon has brought his ‘Hydra’!”

“Hydra? Compared to the Serpent King Jormungandr, it’s nothing special, right?”

Canos moved toward the source of excited cheers and lively conversations. After walking for a while, a massive circular arena unfolded before Canos and Maria.

The spectators’ seats were filled with gods. Some threw gold coins around recklessly, others sipped precious wine, and others chattered loudly. Though Maria was surprised, she didn’t show it much.

Canos skillfully claimed an empty seat. After wandering briefly, Maria sat quietly beside him. Her gaze from the spectator’s seat fell onto the center of the arena.

‘…The hero.’

There were two figures in the arena. The legendary monster Hydra, waving nine heads menacingly and emitting deadly poison that could melt rocks, and…

“Hmm, perfect timing for the hero’s match.”

A girl holding the Holy Sword Excalibur upright, her faded golden hair flowing down.

The Hero Frey Dr. Siegfried.

Sssshiiiikkk!

The Hydra made the first move, spewing toxic fumes from its nine heads to engulf the girl.

In that very instant, the girl’s figure disappeared like a flash of lightning.

Shwaaak!

Hwaarrrr!

Golden flames instantly sliced the Hydra’s nine heads into two pieces. Although the Hydra normally regenerates two heads for every one cut off, the girl anticipated this and scorched the severed areas with golden fire.

Blocked by the flames, the wounds failed to regenerate. Golden ash scattered everywhere.

Among the Hydra’s nine heads, the central one possessed immortal properties – it wouldn’t die even when cut or burned. However, the girl charged at it without hesitation.

Kwang!

Grabbing the serpent’s long forked tongue, she pulled hard and used it to bind the Hydra’s head. Despite the Hydra’s violent thrashing, the girl’s movements were skilled. Within dozens of seconds, the legendary Great Beast Hydra was completely subdued.

“Wooohooo!”

“No way! I trusted Hydra!”

“This human is really strong, huh? Without Thor or Hercules stepping in personally, there’s no chance…”

“This makes it 467235 consecutive victories… It’s not surprising anymore.”

The gods reacted to the girl’s victory in various ways. Some despaired while others cheered.

But the girl who achieved the victory remained calm. Watching from the sidelines, Maria felt an unsettling chill run down her spine.

“Explain, Demon King.”

“…”

“Please enlighten me promptly and thoroughly about why the hero is doing this, becoming a plaything and source of amusement for the gods. I implore you.”

“That should be something you ask the hero directly. Conveniently, she’s returning to prison after winning the battle.”

Standing up from his seat, Canos began to leave. Maria followed behind with a troubled heart.

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