Chapter 24: Demon King’s Training Method (2)

The failed duo, Mila and Lavender, watched Sion nervously as she made her way to the stable.

Up until now, every self-proclaimed maiden (however ridiculous that term might sound) had tried their luck with that unicorn, but all had failed.

The Twilight Unicorn, known as the unicorn of unicorns, was no easy adversary.

Unless she was a truly pure girl who had never once entertained a lewd thought, taming this unicorn was practically impossible.

Could the hero really tame it?

“What do you think will happen?”

“About what?”

“Will she succeed or not? For the record, I’m betting on ‘not.’”

“I think she won’t succeed either…”

“Ugh, that ruins the bet.”

The two whispered to each other as they watched Sion take her steps forward.

It was a natural reaction. This was a challenge that lay beyond the realms of holy power or swordsmanship.

No matter how great a hero she was, it was impossible for a human to maintain absolute purity until the age of 15, especially in a modern society where entertainment and culture flourished.

In the end, like them, she would just get kicked away. That was what they both expected.

“…Neigh? (Hmm?)”

At that moment, Jian-Buun also noticed Sion approaching.

Her pure white hair, no less immaculate than Jian-Buun’s mane. Her orderly and elegant stride.

“At least her appearance passes. But…”

Jian-Buun knew better. What you see in a woman is never the whole story.

In fact, the more attractive a woman appears on the surface, the more likely she is to be morally compromised.

It’s only logical. ‘A pretty face = more men approaching.’ That means easier access to sexual experience.

From that perspective, unattractive women might be considered safer regarding purity. Of course, Jian-Buun also detested unattractive women.

“But the body… seems fine.”

The unicorns can instinctively sense a woman’s virginity.

It isn’t magic or sorcery—it’s simply an innate ability they possess, bestowed upon them as divine beasts. With this ability, they can detect pure maidens and open their hearts only to them.

But the Twilight Unicorn goes even further.

“The mind is also clear. This woman has never loved a man.”

Jian-Buun’s clear eyes stared into the essence of Sion.

She had already passed two of the most difficult criteria. Not only did she have no more than one person she liked, but she had no one at all.

Could it be that she might pass the last test as well?

“Purity of body… Ho, it seems she has never known carnal pleasure either?”

Jian-Buun’s fur bristled with excitement.

Such a perfect woman had never crossed his life before. Even the nuns who dedicated everything to the goddess weren’t this immaculate.

Had he truly found the perfect master worthy of his servitude?

“No, it’s too soon to be sure.”

There was still a faint possibility, one last thing to verify. Something he absolutely had to check.

Jian-Buun opened his eyes wide, staring intently at Sion, as if he was trying to peer into her very soul.

About three seconds passed, and then—

“Ah, damn it!!!!”

His face twisted in shock.

The worst possibility he had considered turned out to be true.

“That wretch is a man who transformed into a woman!!!”

Rare, but it did happen. There were those who, instead of finding an actual maiden, transformed a man into a woman to capture unicorns.

It was a cheap trick exploiting the fact that the unicorn’s sense of purity focused solely on ‘the experience as a woman.’

Most of them were discovered quickly. Transformation magic was never perfect, and a man’s attempt to imitate a woman’s demeanor would never be learned overnight.

In that sense, the one before him had done quite a thorough job. Just from the outside, it was impossible to tell he was a man.

But he could not fool the eyes of the Twilight Unicorn.

“Snort…!! (This filthy scoundrel… How dare you try to deceive me?!)”

Jian-Buun snorted furiously, his body trembling with rage.

Had Sion approached as a man, Jian-Buun might have simply kicked him once and been done with it, just as he did with other non-virgins. Unicorns may dislike men, but they do not necessarily despise them.

However, a man transforming into a woman to approach him was different. That was an act of deception and a direct insult to his principles.

To put it in perspective, it was like presenting him with a gift wrapped in beautiful paper, only to find feces inside.

An act utterly unforgivable.

“I will never forgive this.”

That person must die. He would make sure of it.

He would pierce his heart with his sharp horn, then crush his body so thoroughly that not a trace would remain. This would serve as a warning to prevent anyone else from attempting such a trick ever again.

Jian-Buun, having made up his mind, aimed his horn at Sion, ready to leap forward and charge at any moment.

But at that very moment…

“Hold Monster.”

“?!?”

At those two short syllables, his movements froze.

“Ne-Neigh…?! (W-What…? Why can’t I move…?)”

“Oh, the noise is a bit much. Silence.”

“!!?!?”

With that word, Jian-Buun found himself unable to make a sound.

Looking down at the poor, immobilized beast, Sion smiled sweetly.

It was a smile like that of a devil.

“What do you think is the greatest privilege of sentient beings?”

“………?”

What nonsense is this fake maiden spouting now?

Ignoring the bewildered gaze of the unicorn, Sion continued to speak leisurely.

“I believe the greatest advantage of sentient beings is the ability to speak. If you can communicate with each other, you can explain your opinions and, furthermore, help the other party understand your position.

If that’s possible, you can resolve conflicts without unnecessary shows of force or violence. It is the most efficient and rational method of solving problems.”

As she spoke, Sion gently stroked the unicorn’s mane, like one would lovingly caress a cherished pet.

“But, unfortunately, that’s not possible with animals. They can’t speak, after all.

So, we’re left with no choice but to use a more time-consuming and roundabout solution, even if it’s a bit of a hassle.”

“…!?”

Jian-Buun felt a shiver run down his spine.

Why was this? He felt as if all the hair on his body was standing on end, a dreadful premonition that something terrible was about to happen.

Sion whispered softly.

“Inflict Pain.”

“!!?!!!!??”

Instantly, an excruciating agony coursed through Jian-Buun’s entire body.

The sensation of all his muscles involuntarily contracting and relaxing, over and over. The pain of his internal organs, including his intestines, twisting and contorting with all their might.

It was the kind of pain that made him feel as if he would lose consciousness at any moment, his eyes rolling back into his head.

Standing beside him, Sion spoke calmly.

“There is an old saying that violence is the most primitive language.”

A method of communication so simple that even a lowly beast could understand.

The most fundamental, easiest to comprehend, and brutally effective way of communication.

“From now on, I will attempt to communicate with you using that very language. For a very simple message.”

Sion smiled sweetly.

“Don’t be picky about your food★”

Inflict Pain. Boneshatter. Oneiric Horror. Terrible Remorse. Suffocation.

A series of horrific spells struck Jian-Buun one after another—spells meant for torture.

All of this occurred while he was immobilized, unable to move his body or make a sound.

“…!!!

!!!!”

Jian-Buun silently screamed in agony as his eyes rolled back.

The Twilight Unicorn was a sacred beast. With magic resistance comparable to that of an angel, it was nearly impossible for an ordinary mage to inflict even the slightest injury upon him.

But the person in front of him, or rather, the man, was different. He cast his spells as if Jian-Buun’s resistance meant nothing, without incantations or gestures, delivering spells more formidable than any grand magic with apparent ease.

What in the world was this creature?

“N-No way… That ill-tempered unicorn is just sitting there, letting itself be petted?”

“Maybe the hero’s heart is truly pure… I’m starting to feel a little respect.”

The words of the two girls watching from behind reached the unicorn’s ears.

No! No, that’s not it! I’m not following this person because I want to! I’m being tortured here!

He wanted to scream those words, but his mouth wouldn’t open. It felt as though his jaws were locked shut with an invisible padlock.

Jian-Buun rolled his eyes desperately toward the two girls, hoping against hope that they might notice something was wrong.

However—

“Looking at them won’t help. I’ve already cast a Major Image spell, so they’ll only see you looking content and submitting to my touch.”

“!?!”

No… This can’t be…

If that was the case, then his chances of escaping this person’s clutches were… zero…?

“Tsk, tsk, you should have been more selective about who you rejected, shouldn’t you? If you had, I wouldn’t have had to come here in the first place.

Well, I’m glad, though. Thanks to you, I’ll get the reputation of ‘the one who tamed the most difficult unicorn.’ Plus, it’s a good way to relieve some stress.”

“…”

The unicorn turned his eyes upward, glaring at Sion with a murderous intent that promised death the moment he was free.

Seeing this, Sion chuckled.

“Oh, so you still have some spirit left even after all those spells? Impressive. I suppose even a rotting king remains a unicorn after all.

Fine, you’ve piqued my interest. I’ll make sure to tame you completely.”

“Neigh…! (Ridiculous! I will never—)”

“No, you will.”

Sion declared with certainty.

“Not to brag, but I specialize in breaking and shattering the minds of others to make them submit. I’ve done it quite a few times.

If I rushed, it would take about half a day, but to be thorough, I think I’ll take three days this time.”

Sion whispered lowly into the unicorn’s ear, her voice like that of a demon rising from the depths of hell.

“I’ll be counting on you for the next three days.♥”

Jian-Buun’s eyes filled with despair and fear in an instant…

Three days later.

“I heard that wild unicorn has become so docile?”

“Oh, don’t even mention it. It used to kick anyone who approached, except for the principal, but now it stays calm no matter who comes near.”

“Even I, a married woman, found it obedient. It’s not just tamed, it doesn’t even feel like a unicorn anymore.”

“What kind of magic did the Hero use? It’s truly fascinating.”

While the women chattered in groups, Jian-Buun sat in the stable with dead eyes.

Magic? Do you want to know what kind of magic it was?

Do you really want to know?

“…Neigh.”

Memories from the past three days flashed through his mind.

Horrifying memories that made him shudder just by thinking about them.

“[Now, I’m going to give you a carrot, so don’t resist and just eat it. Chew thoroughly, or you’ll choke.]”

“[Oh? Is that a rebellious look in your eyes? Inflict Pain. (Aaaaargh!!!)]”

“[Now, do you understand the situation? You’re still in the palm of my hand. It would be wise not to entertain any useless thoughts.]”

“[Good, good, that’s right. Chew properly and swallow it down.]”

“[…Huh? Are you throwing up? Oh? You dare?]”

“[Debilitating Pain. (Gyaaaah!!!)]”

“[Now, quickly pick up what you spat out and swallow it again.]”

“[Why are you looking so bewildered? Isn’t it fair that you clean up your own mess? Or should I ask someone else to do it?]”

“[That’s your feed; eat it, even if it kills you.]”

“[Don’t want to? Well, then I have no choice. Suffoca—]”

“[…Good. That’s what you should have done from the beginning. I like obedient beasts, haha.]”

A shiver ran down Jian-Buun’s spine, his mane standing on end. He could still hear that voice echoing in his ears.

A voice as beautiful as an angel’s but more vicious than that of a demon.

[Simple logic: if you don’t obey, I cause pain. If you do obey, I don’t cause pain. Simple enough, right? Even if you don’t understand, it doesn’t matter. I’ll just keep “communicating” until you do…]

“Whinnnny!!!”

…I don’t want to remember. I don’t want to think about it anymore.

At least if he stayed quiet, that demon wouldn’t come back. That’s what he had promised before leaving.

So, he decided to push down those terrible memories and endure it. Anything to make sure he never had to meet that demon again.

Jian-Buun burrowed deeper into the straw on the stable floor, his body trembling from the resurfaced trauma.

But then—

“Um, Princess? That creature is quite ill-tempered, so it might be dangerous to approach—”

“That’s all old news! I heard Big Sister Sion tamed it completely.”

“Even so, you never know when it might turn aggressive again. Why don’t we just watch from a distance and leave?”

“It’ll be fine, it’ll be fine~ I’ve put up a shield too. And besides, I’m totally pure-hearted and devoted. There’s no way a unicorn would reject me.”

With that confident voice, a girl opened the stable door and entered.

Jian-Buun opened his eyes to look at the visitor.

Who on earth was it, disturbing his rest at such a time?

And then—

“…!!!”

The moment the unicorn saw the girl’s face, he recoiled.

It was a face he recognized. The one who had watched with a cheerful smile while he was being tortured by that demon.

The girl who had called his tormentor “Big Sister” and followed her like a little puppy.

“Snort…!!”

“…Uh-oh? Princess, something’s off…”

Seeing Jian-Buun snort and get agitated, the servant following Isabella looked flustered.

And for a good reason. The unicorn, who had recently not even reacted to non-virgins or even men approaching, was suddenly acting wildly again.

Had something happened to upset it?

“Maybe we should leave? It doesn’t seem to be in a good mood today…”

“Huh? No, no. It’s probably just excited to see me! I visited a few times when Big Sister was handling it, so it remembers me.

Right, Sweetie?”

Isabella approached with a bright and affectionate smile.

However, the closer she got, the more terrified Jian-Buun became, retreating in fear.

‘No…’

No.

Don’t come closer.

Don’t come near me.

Stay away from meeeee—

“Whinny!!!”

“?!!? Princess!!”

If Jian-Buun had been just a bit more composed, he wouldn’t have reacted so violently.

No, instead of going wild, he might have actually fawned over her. She was an ideal maiden of the modern age, perfect in every sense, body, mind, and spirit.

But Jian-Buun was far from being in a normal state.

He had been tortured relentlessly by Sion for three days and nights. The fear of him had been etched into his very bones.

Naturally, he could only see Isabella, who was close to Sion, as an “ally of the demon.”

The accumulated mental stress clouded Jian-Buun’s judgment.

And the result was—

Thud!!!

“Aaaaaaagh!!!?!”

With all his might, Jian-Buun kicked, sending Isabella flying far, far away. It was the longest distance on record.

Thus was born the humiliating nickname ‘Ping-Cheng^[1]’, which would follow her for the rest of her life.

^[1]The nickname “Ping-Cheng” (핑챙) is a humorous and somewhat humiliating title given to Isabella after she was kicked by Jian-Buun, the Twilight Unicorn, and sent flying a great distance. In Korean, “Ping-Cheng” mimics the sound of something or someone being struck and sent airborne, like a comic sound effect you might see in a manga or cartoon.