Ch.26688. Not Yet.

Corin.

The self-proclaimed weakest Demon King awoke just as the sun was setting.

“Oh my.”

If there was any regret, it was how he had wastefully spent precious time on a nap.

“It doesn’t matter.”

But what’s done is done.

Whether he made a deathly face while obsessing over it, or deeply regretted it inside, nothing would change.

Besides, being able to sleep peacefully was already a blessing in itself.

Without a physical body, even the concept of sleep loses its meaning.

We were constantly awake, constantly stagnant, swept along with eyes wide open.

Demon King or whatever—all that only mattered when one was alive.

Having opportunities taken away is truly devastating.

Add to that infinite, endless pain, indefinite suffering, and promised failure as bonuses.

“That’s not important right now, is it?”

He deliberately voiced his thoughts aloud.

Even the act of speaking felt so unfamiliar.

This sensation—where the ordinary felt extraordinary—was strange.

He decided to follow his feelings.

After leaving his room without a plan, he wandered aimlessly through this unfamiliar space.

He encountered very few people along the way, and while he considered jumping out the window to get outside…

That would violate aesthetics.

What aesthetics?

Whatever they might be.

So instead of taking the main paths after finally getting outside, he turned toward the garden with a small pond behind the building.

The pond exuded a restrained beauty rather than extravagance, a sense of neatness.

And surrounding it, a spacious garden designed and filled to match.

Perhaps it was because the light had faded and darkness had fallen.

This area felt particularly quiet.

Except for the sounds of insects and birds sniffling in the distance.

So.

Under this sky, no one is truly alone.

He simply hadn’t had the leisure to look around.

“……”

He stayed like that for a long while.

Breathing, looking around, closing his eyes to savor the breeze and the scent of flowers.

Straining to hear the faintest sounds.

Only when the sun had completely set and darkness had fully descended…

…did he hear somewhat hurried footsteps approaching.

“Y-you were here!”

Aristetis seemed to have searched quite a bit, or perhaps was psychologically intimidated, as her breathing was slightly uneven.

“Y-you’re not going to skip the meal… are you?”

“Of course not.”

Corin responded immediately.

“I’m not one to refuse what’s offered.”

Especially if it’s a feast that some might never experience in their lifetime, why would he refuse?

The dining table he was led to included both familiar and unfamiliar faces.

Gazef and Lyurik were expected.

But there was also a strikingly handsome white-haired man, what appeared to be a lizard-person race.

And an elven woman with long ears and silver hair who looked younger than himself at first glance.

“Uh, uh…”

Aristetis touched her lower abdomen with a slightly pale face.

Since her skin was darker compared to the local races, her complexion didn’t show much change outwardly.

“Why not sit down now that you’re here?”

Gazef invited him to a seat with his characteristically hearty voice.

The meal was just being served.

Light soup for sensitive stomachs and bread as light as cotton balls were served first to settle the stomach.

As they sat around the rectangular table.

Following Gazef’s signal to taste without hesitation, Lyurik, Aristetis, and Corin sampled and savored the dishes that were brought out one after another.

“…Now that we’ve filled our stomachs adequately, let’s get to the point.”

The elven girl was the one who spoke up.

Despite her appearance, her manner of speech was measured.

That made sense, as Geornia was already quite advanced in age by elven standards.

A little more time, and wrinkles would gradually appear on her elven skin too.

…Perhaps her seemingly halted growth would suddenly surge forward, and in less than a century, not only would her body and features swell beyond normal, but her skin would crack like tree bark, her eyes would dim, her senses would dull, and her back would naturally bend.

“Disciples of Lake Ranslus. While questioning you two about Kariel, curiosity about him suddenly arose.”

“Is that so?”

Corin tilted his head with a composed face.

It seemed that neither Lyurik nor Aristetis had revealed his identity.

Though it wouldn’t have mattered much anyway.

“So what is it you’re curious about?”

“…Among the exponentially increasing incidents these past few days, some have mentioned the existence of a Demon King who has manifested, albeit incompletely.”

It was Rueld who spoke up here.

He showed at least formal respect to the black-haired boy who appeared vastly younger than himself.

“Is that so?”

“…Additionally, I received reports that you are not human. Though you appear human in form, magical verification procedures indicate that you do not possess a living organism, a biological body.”

“Really?”

Corin simply acknowledged it with an “I see,” without denying or showing any discomfort.

Looking at him like this, he appeared to be just a calm boy, a youth.

“Who are you?”

“You’ve made inferences and have suspicions, but don’t know the reality. Is that the doubt you’re currently facing?”

After saying this, Corin smiled with his eyes at Lyurik and Aristetis.

As if saying, you can explain with your own words if you’d like.

“R-really?”

The problem was that the one who caught his eye wasn’t Lyurik, but Aristetis.

Why me instead of explaining yourself?

Aristetis wasn’t a fool either.

While hiding the truth might have caused unnecessary misunderstandings, by revealing the fact with her own mouth, she could gain the trust of both sides.

…But is this too optimistic a view?

“T-to us, he… he introduced himself as the, um… W-Weakest Demon King.”

“…The Weakest Demon King?”

Just hearing the title might make one think, “That’s a Demon King?” It sounded somewhat clumsy and cheap.

However, since the Demon King army’s invasion, the heroes who had studied the demon realm and Demon Kings, and Geornia who had provided them with detailed and in-depth information about the demon realm, never let their guard down or became complacent.

Being a Demon King alone meant they had the unique right to oversee, rule, and lead the demon realm.

Moreover, wielding the laws of causality meant they could rightfully be called divine beings of that world in a sense.

Even if that authority and right were established by the ancient Demon God and Great Demon King.

“…This person entered the forest because he was displeased with how Demon Kings led the demon realm arbitrarily and committed atrocities. After training there, he charged alone at a Demon King and took his head… that’s what you said then, right?!”

Aristetis, who had been speaking well, suddenly tensed up again under the watchful eyes of Rueld, Gazef, Loroana, and Geornia.

She turned to Corin, seeking confirmation with a “Right?!” look.

“Yes. You explained it well.”

Corin smiled brightly in his boyish form, as if pleased.

“There was no one with such a title among those who invaded the middle realm.”

When Rueld pointed this out.

“The Demon Kings who can venture out that way are mostly those who have unified the demon realm, impressive beings. Otherwise… they’re either manipulated by others or making desperate gambles.”

Corin casually explained that it wasn’t anything special.

Geornia realized her conjecture had been fairly accurate.

…Understanding and inference are hindered when hearing from those who aren’t Demon Kings.

Even if they were Legion Commanders or War Lords, it might be somewhat better…

Among those who turned their backs on the demon realm, including the Eden Revan Alliance, few held such positions.

And those who did were from the outskirts or harsh regions of the demon realm, so they were in the dark about what was happening in the central demon realm.

“What we want to ask is something else.”

Rueld struggled to begin.

“How was it possible for Demon Kings, including yourself, to manifest even temporarily?”

And.

“…Why is that child Kariel doing this? What are his intentions… that’s what we’re curious about.”

“Hmm, so you want me to explain that with my own mouth?”

Corin asked as if confirming what he’d heard.

“…That’s right.”

Rueld requested an answer directly, without excuses or beating around the bush.

He’s honest and upright, befitting his appearance.

Truly a creation carefully crafted by a god’s attention.

“That’s unexpected.”

Corin became curious in a different way.

“Aren’t you curious about why we invade the middle realm?”

“We have our suspicions.”

Geornia replied with a sigh.

“Ruling the demon realm is just the starting point. Reaching the middle realm to touch the heavens. Only then can you transcend the limitations of created beings and become gods. So… isn’t the intention to use the middle realm as a stepping stone?”

Besides, they are kings.

Naturally, when a king raises an army, what else would they do but conquer and subjugate?

…Especially when war isn’t fought by the Demon King alone.

“That might be the wishful thinking of some ambitious Demon King you don’t know. It’s not wrong, but the dream is excessive.”

Corin chuckled in response to Geornia’s assertion.

“More precisely, everyone born on our land, without exception, is bound by a contract. And… beings of the demon realm only realize this fact after becoming Demon Kings.”

And realizing this fact doesn’t change anything.

It only clarifies what must be done and what cannot be done.

That’s why the Weakest Demon King didn’t challenge it and didn’t even try.

And absurdly, he even came to understand the injustice of the previous Demon Kings.

He chose to stop there.

That’s also why he was called the Weakest.

For the beings of the demon realm, he might have been a hero briefly, but after becoming a Demon King, he became a symbol of disappointment and frustration.

Therefore, the Weakest’s reign was like a rest period for the demon realm.

During the 19 years he reigned while alive, there was neither discord nor conflict.

His established law of causality, the law of status quo, meant that anyone who tried to do something bold or carry out a radical event had to face the Demon King in a duel.

But he, contrary to his name as the Weakest, never lost in countless battles and duels.

To wage war, one must fight and defeat the Demon King.

Mutual discord.

Even to rebel against and resist a judgment from this, one must challenge the Demon King.

If that’s the case, I might as well defeat the Demon King and become one myself.

“But you are different from us. The realms we were born into are so different.”

Corin had dropped formalities by now.

“So some are envious, jealous, and when such anger and hatred accumulate over a long time? At some point, they don’t know what’s important anymore and just invade. There have been such Demon Kings.”

Also.

Becoming a Demon King is not the beginning of glory but of a curse.

“A person who becomes a Demon King has their soul subjugated by the Demon God. Therefore, we are not granted freedom even after death. Neither oblivion nor deviation.”

There was no freedom to begin with.

If there is freedom for the dead, it’s only washing away one’s essence from the swamp or river of oblivion.

But can that… truly be called freedom?

Just because I don’t know, my essence and origin are still being used and tormented infinitely.

Rather, some Demon Kings believe it’s better to be recognized as useful by the Demon God and be selected after death as a medal of honor.

Such beings don’t exist for no reason.

“So the Demon King has no choice but to destroy you, if only to resolve or be liberated from those evil conditions.”

This is one of the first contracts since the establishment of the demon realm.

One.

You who are born here must hate them.

Two.

For that, hate yourself and even your neighbors.

Three.

To become stronger, don’t be picky about means or methods.

Four.

Devouring, using, and destroying others for my sake is perfectly natural and even a good deed.

Five.

No mercy or compassion is needed when doing what is right for oneself.

Six.

You must become strong. For those who are not, there is only eternal punishment and judgment.

Seven.

Do not seek forgiveness. Do not hope for it. For those born in this land, there is no salvation.

“So that’s why they converted to the Irenis faith, saying it was good.”

Gazef clicked his tongue.

Compared to those cursed conditions, everything the Irenis faith preaches and advocates is nothing but gracious.

Just don’t commit evil and do good deeds! That’s too easy!

That’s why among the demon realm converts, including the Eden Revan Alliance, there are so many clergy.

“Now, can you guess why I brought this up?”

“…Kariel hasn’t sold his soul to the Demon God, or is about to… or there’s a high probability of that. Are you warning us about that?”

“That’s going too far.”

Corin shook his head in denial at Geornia’s words.

“You’re the current hero, aren’t you?”

Corin asked, looking directly at Rueld.

“Hero of this age. How is your life’s trajectory and direction any different from the Demon Kings I described?”

“…What do you mean?”

“You who offered your soul to your master, bound yourself to your master’s servant, and even sacrificed your child to your master. Though they say your sincerity and faithfulness have granted you glory and eternal divine life… there’s a hint of delusion within you now. Aren’t you curious how your master would view this?”

“……”

“There’s a commonality in the qualifications of a hero.”

Beyond offering oneself, one offers their future as well.

And that faithfulness continues until the moment of death.

Right before death, despite a lifetime of devotion, they are abandoned by their master for a brief moment of regret lasting just one second.

That is the faith their master speaks of.

The realm of divine heart, loyal heart, absolute trust that should remain unchanging.

“Yet your master loves you and is uniquely merciful to you.”

“……”

“Kariel’s fate is your fault, but he was only desperate to be liberated from it.”

…And then he met it.

The connection that could bring liberation.

Why was that one, despite being a Demon King, free from the Demon God?

…That alone makes it special.

From the beginning, it wasn’t even a Demon King, just pretending to be one.

Yet it freely wielded all rights and authorities.

Ignorant Demon Kings who only relied on brute strength might not know, but a Demon King like himself knows.

…That the title of Wisdom Demon King, even Golden Demon King, was proof of deception and betrayal.

“And for liberation, a price is needed, that’s all.”

Who might that be?

“……”

Rueld was troubled by how to deal with this Demon King who spoke such words with a purely smiling face.

And not bringing Ermina to this meeting… was a very wise choice.

And even those who weren’t present here but were watching closely from elsewhere.

…And this Demon King who revealed all this didn’t seem to care about any of that.

Perhaps his goal is to confuse us.

Or perhaps just observing or watching is enough for him.

“What are Kariel’s intentions, you ask? Are you asking because you don’t know? Or because you want to pretend not to know?”

The Weakest Demon King remained completely composed from beginning to end.

“Just accept it. Your mind will be at ease then. What you need to do will also become clear.”

Finally, after saying a formal thank you for the meal, the Weakest Demon King rose from his seat.

“Just one more thing.”

At that point.

Geornia briefly caught his attention.

“So, am I correct in understanding that Kariel is not yet a Demon King?”

“I can guarantee that. He’s not a Demon King. Not yet.”

Not yet.

The expression “not yet” mentioned by both Geornia and Corin.

It embedded itself deeply in the hearts of everyone present with an ominous meaning.

…Thus it was engraved and newly rooted.