Ch.73Fate (1)

“Resurrection is the greatest blessing that the Creator God can bestow. It defies death and directly confronts the natural order—what fearsome power this is.”

The Grand Magistrate expounded on the hero’s formidable strength.

“This is why the demon realm was reduced to a playground for heroes in the past. Even if they were killed, as long as their companions could retrieve their bodies, they would inevitably return stronger. There was nothing we could do.”

This hadn’t been an issue during the Demon King’s prosperous era, but as they entered an age of decline, such problems became increasingly apparent.

“Is the hero in that state now?”

Serphin’s worry grew. Having witnessed that power firsthand, her fear was immense. It seemed that, excluding the Regent, only a continental ruler would be capable of facing him.

“If only he would rampage, I could order his suppression, but his silence makes me even more anxious.”

The problem lay in the peace. Since the hero blessed with resurrection took no action, Serphin couldn’t easily issue commands.

He either enjoyed meditation on his bed or simply stared at the ceiling.

It was as if his soul had departed. He conversed normally with his companions, but without emotion. He seemed desperate to save that magician Eilie, yet showed no intense feelings.

It was impossible to make a judgment.

Even the experienced legion commanders displayed ambiguous attitudes, making the young Demon King’s burden heavier.

“If only I had someone to seek advice from…”

The young demon sighed deeply. Bearing the weight of kingship was already overwhelming, and now problems were piling up. She had accomplished nothing compared to her abilities.

Wasn’t she living in Durin’s shadow?

With just the demonic power of dominion, she sat on the throne but had achieved nothing with that power. She was merely a figurehead. Though she had vowed not to live that way and empowered the Regent, things felt increasingly strange as time passed.

She strongly felt that she was shifting her responsibilities onto him. Moreover, Durin was even trying to shoulder the trials imposed by fate, which made her feel guilty.

“This isn’t right…”

Just as her resolve began to weaken—

Creeeeak—

The door to the punishment chamber opened, and the Witch of Prophecy appeared.

She was returning from checking on the hero’s condition. Serphin startled and instinctively tried to avoid her.

“…”

But she was immediately caught by Durahan.

The loyal servant pleaded with his king.

“Stand firm, Your Majesty. When you have a chance to seek answers, why do you try to flee?”

Flee. That word sent shivers through her body.

For a moment, she recalled her predecessor who had abandoned his duty. It was brief, but she felt disoriented.

“Thank you, Captain. I was being too weak.”

“Rely on me anytime. I will always stand guard at that position.”

Like a mighty tree supporting the king whenever she faltered, he pushed her back upright.

She found the strength to stand. Serphin shook off her hesitation and approached the witch.

“Excuse me… could we talk for a moment?”

She decided to face her destiny to shoulder the burden of the demon realm.

#

The garden was now familiar.

The execution ground where rebels’ heads were once displayed had been transformed into a space for the king. The monument of Kaldrago, the great Demon King of Istria, welcomed them both.

“The Regent once told me here that he would teach me the demonic power of dominion.”

“You must have grown considerably since then.”

“I’d like to think so, but I’m still not sure.”

Serphin carefully stroked the monument. The numerous achievements of the Demon King in his prime caught her eye. Compared to him, she felt completely empty.

“While Durin deals with the hero and shapes your destiny and fate, I’m doing nothing… I feel so weak.”

“Your place as king is in the glorious demon realm. He bears the responsibility of erasing traces of the previous era, so please set your mind at ease.”

“Even hearing that makes me uncomfortable. I want to fulfill my role too. I desperately want to confront the hero, face trials, and open the path to the celestial realm with my own hands.”

Serphin raised her voice. It wasn’t anger but frustration.

She had brought the apostate for him and diligently wielded the power of dominion, but she was saddened by the lack of results, blocked by the immense wall of the world.

“When Durin fought the hero, I strongly felt it. There’s a great wall between him and me.”

At that time, she was busy managing soldiers for the sake of order. That was her duty and responsibility as king. But when everything was settled and Durin advanced with the Witch of Prophecy, the king felt empty.

That was all there was to it.

As Serphin spoke, she gradually realized where she had been blocked.

“So please tell me. I want to see the direction Durin is heading so I don’t lose my way in this silence.”

“…”

“Trust is important, but what I want more is connection. I want to be with the Regent.”

Standing before the mountain of fate, Serphin was floundering. Following behind the Regent and experiencing the flow she hadn’t felt during the celestial war with her whole body, she couldn’t help but be confused.

The Witch of Prophecy understood the king’s concerns. So she offered a beautiful smile.

“Have you heard about the hero’s resurrection from the Grand Magistrate?”

“Yes. He said it’s the power of a hero who cannot be defeated.”

“The scripture calls it ‘indomitable.’ It means he resurrects repeatedly for humanity to oppose demons.”

“Seeing a corpse rise again without falling, that’s an appropriate expression.”

“If that blessing had worked properly, the hero would have grown stronger and gained the power to fight Durin once more.”

“If it had worked properly?”

Serphin tilted her head.

“Does that mean the hero is currently incomplete?”

“The hero received power from the Creator God, but the controller is the celestial realm. To properly manifest the blessing bestowed by God, divine power is needed. That’s why he could move while receiving celestial oracles.”

“But that’s impossible in the demon realm where celestial light doesn’t reach.”

“The resurrection itself set by the Creator God succeeded, but no divine power has entered to fill the vessel.”

The witch explained the recent incomplete peace.

“He should mature as a hero based on celestial power, but the middle process was skipped. In other words, a serious deficiency is engraved in his body.”

“What about the anger and hatred he showed before?”

“He regained the cold rationality of a hero meant to save the world, but that, coupled with emptiness, is causing him to lose his will.”

An empty shell of a hero. It meant he inherited only his previous memories but couldn’t achieve anything. It was disappointing news for those who had envisioned a great future.

But the witch spoke of a different direction.

“An empty vessel must be filled with something new.”

“What does that mean?”

“The god lost by demons. The forgotten power must be reclaimed.”

“What?”

Indescribable words flowed in. Serphin froze with wide eyes.

“When demons were expelled from the celestial realm 1,000 years ago, they lost everything. The celestial realm, led by their parent, pushed us into the wasteland called the demon realm. At that time, demons couldn’t resist. Their parent had entered eternal rest, so they had no recourse.”

“Are you saying we can awaken that god?”

“The sleeping god is in the celestial realm. That’s why demons strive to advance to the celestial realm through war.”

“What power will dwell in the hero? The hero must be the key to the celestial realm, and opening that path requires considerable power. You mentioned the power of a god.”

“Before the demon god fell asleep, it scattered fragments throughout the demon realm.”

The witch revealed a hidden truth.

“Young Demon King, do you know that the southern region of the four continents of the demon realm is peculiar?”

“I know it has ruins and a unique culture.”

Serphin nodded. She spoke of knowledge gained from studying scriptures and history.

“The gate ruins that only Demon Kings can handle, and the Rock Mother worshipped by southerners…”

Suddenly, the Demon King lost her words. A sudden realization surprised her.

“Rock Mother?”

“Exactly right. Well done.”

The Witch of Prophecy smiled. She reinforced the king’s conjecture, confirming it was correct.

“The Rock Mother worshipped by southerners is one of the fragments of the god lost by the demon realm long ago.”

“Can we awaken it?”

“The answer will be found by searching the human realm.”

“What should we look for? Are there ruins connected to the human realm?”

Serphin approached excitedly. She tried her best to gather any clues the Witch of Prophecy might provide.

But the witch shook her head.

“That’s a trial Durin must resolve. I cannot reveal more.”

“Please. Grant wisdom to this young Demon King.”

“Then solidify the path to the human realm.”

The witch was resolute. She turned away as if her business was concluded.

“That flow will eventually lead you to the answer, so struggle on.”

That was her final advice.