episode_0186

“We need to gather soldiers to attack right now!”

While Ian was talking with the fallen demon king, the command room where the emperor was located was literally in chaos.

It was already chaos when the Demon King’s face was revealed.

The emperor’s multiple image mirrors rang simultaneously, but there was no time to respond.

“The author is clearly the devil’s alter ego or descendant!”

“It’s dangerous if you don’t take care of it right away!”

Everyone cried out to the emperor.

Ian, and a demon king who looks exactly like him.

The two had a serious and friendly conversation for a long time.

Fortunately or unfortunately, their conversation could not be heard even by the video mirror in the command room.

“If not now, when you are exhausted from the hard battle, you never know when you will have the chance!”

“Judging by reports of sightings of the Shinigami, the four members of the first hero party are also suspicious. They too are exhausted after the current battle.”

“Ian’s newly rescued warriors must also be brought into the ranks of dragons. In particular, isn’t there a demon among them?”

Mine.

It was corrected with a hand seal, but not everyone accepted it.

The Wolf Gang left, and Leon also left.

In this command center, where only the highest ranking leaders of the Human Federation gathered, there was no one who would take Ian’s side.

“You have to kill that guy named Ian right now!”

“Several warriors on the scene are also agreeing with us. The only opportunity is now.”

“Your Majesty the Emperor. A wise man who represents humanity and the continent. Please make a wise decision.”

The emperor sighed softly in front of the plotters who were acting servile.

Wrinkles appear as the hand sweeps down the face.

‘Is it like this…? .’

I could barely hold back the laughter that threatened to burst out without me knowing.

I expected that there would be voices telling me to become an untouchable hero and deal with it.

It was like that in the past.

However, instead of being a hero, I was cornered as a demon lord.

It seemed like a funny prank.

‘Is it really possible to win?’

It was a question, but the possibility didn’t matter.

The people in front now have already turned their eyes.

Fear eroded reason.

The devil’s descendants, or alter egos.

And who knows that everything he has devoted so far to humanity was actually for his own foundation?

The emperor also does not know the truth.

Maybe Ian really is the demon king’s alter ego or descendant-like enemy.

He must be more rational and objective than anyone else, but the Emperor’s shallow sympathy sympathizes with Ian.

Ian is not that kind of person.

But what the emperor thinks is not important.

You know very well how they will act if you refuse.

They will execute the emperor, saying he was brainwashed by the devil, and go to kill Ian.

Because the devil is Ian.

Because Ian was having such a serious conversation with the devil, the justification was overlooked.

‘The first warrior party… .’

At one time, I tried to take their sins with me, but that was not possible.

Rather, they are desperately needed by Ian’s side right now.

‘The responsibility is mine.’

It was always like that.

Representing a group includes the obligation to take responsibility for everything for that group.

If we refuse here, there is no scapegoat to shoulder all responsibility at once.

The emperor made a decision.

“Immediately gather and prepare troops to subdue Ian.”

***

[It’s time to get paid.]

The golden dragon said.

It doesn’t feel like something you can kill, so you killed something like this?

There is no such thing as a crazy person.

Of course, I have no intention of doing that.

The Allied forces that came to kill me couldn’t help but hesitate.

The party looked up at the dragon that suddenly appeared, but was also wary of the Allied Forces.

[There are three options.]

… Three things?

[first. Return to the original world.

[second. It remains here.]

[And the third. In order to collect the remaining souls, we leave for another place.]

‘… ‘Re-transition.’

Essentially, my mission is to bring divided souls together and restore them to complete unity.

Re-transfer is an extension of the mission.

“… Is it over?”

The dragon did not respond or elaborate further.

‘… Why are you so obnoxious? ‘I don’t intend to kill him, but it seems worth killing him.’

“If I stay here, what will happen to my scattered soul? Is there a possibility that I from somewhere else can be transferred here?”

If you have a conscience, you will answer this much.

It’s a bit funny to ask for a conscience from God, but the golden lizard answered anyway.

[If you choose to remain, this timeline will be protected. No one can enter or leave.]

“… … .”

Safety is guaranteed.

Instead, entry is completely impossible.

The soul I have will remain here forever.

That means, in the end, it will be impossible to completely restore my soul.

‘… curse.’

When I explained my situation to my companions, I had no other way to express it, so I just called it a curse.

But in reality, I was cursed for killing God.

I am feeling it now.

A soul that can never be restored.

If you want to live safely, you must remain imperfect.

The same goes for returning.

What would be the meaning of returning to the original world with this imperfect soul?

“… … .”

The group glances at me.

However, Kati does not even glance.

I see it openly.

“Master.”

“Huh?”

Kati suddenly approached me.

“… I will not force you.”

“What?”

“If there is anything the master wants. You don’t have to worry about me. So, as you wish… .”

“I will stay here.”

I said without listening any further.

Kati and the group were all shocked because they gave an unexpected answer too quickly.

I looked at Katy, who was the most surprised among them, and said,

“Why do I leave here?”

The decision was made well into the morning.

What is the reward for the quest?

The only obvious thing that comes to mind is the return offer.

But I don’t know.

My memories before coming here are very blurry.

I don’t think I had a good time there.

Even if it’s because my soul was torn apart, it seems too far away to me, who doesn’t even have scattered memories.

And re-transfer.

If you go there, you will have to repeat this again.

After absorbing the demon lord of this timeline, he became stronger than before.

However, can this power be used against me in the re-transferred world?

not sure.

No, in the first place, this life itself is exhausting.

I want to take a break.

Kill someone, save someone.

I want to stop living by giving up on the present because I don’t know when I might die.

That means I will soon give up on restoring my soul.

“Master… .”

I looked closely at Katy and the people around him.

Vivian, Helena, Lucia.

There is a lot to be responsible for.

And no one feels that restoring souls, whose reality is unclear, is more important than these people.

I suddenly remember when I was young.

At that time, I felt like home here.

To be precise, I thought of the place where I was with my companions as a home where I would be safe.

That warm and comfortable feeling still remains in my mind.

[Your soul is bound to this world.]

[A wanderer from another world, I hope you find rest in the settlement.]

“Wait a minute, wait a minute. Can I ask you something?”

It seemed like he was about to leave, so I quickly grabbed him.

Why are you so impatient?

[…] … .]

Are you frowning now?

I think he glared at me in annoyance.

Can God be this petty?

… I swallowed my true feelings and asked.

“How much time is left. I want to know at least that.”

A time limit that subtly pressured me at every moment, and I couldn’t see the truth.

That I had to tell others that I was terminally ill.

I’ll have to hear how much is left.

[…] … .]

The golden snake head was silent for quite a while.

The answer came only when the silence was so long that it became awkward.

[I cannot tell you.]

“Isn’t that too irresponsible…? .”

[That’s not what I meant.]

The jaundiced reptile shook his head.

[It is not a property that can be explained by your human concept of time.]

“Hmm… .”

[As your soul dispersed, the deadline changed based on absolute time, not human standards.]

“Then what about before they dispersed?”

[I am not in charge of that timeline.]

For the first time, respect for the Demon King from the previous episode sprouted.

They’re blabbering about something like this being God, but how can you put up with it and not be angry?

But now I am very patient.

They say they can’t tell you, so there’s no need to bother them.

I don’t want to get cursed for saying something.

I want to take a break.

As I said nothing more, the golden dragon took care of itself and flew leisurely into the sky.

It flew without sound or texture and soon disappeared beyond the clouds.

Kati, who was looking at me blankly, tried to hug me, but couldn’t because of Sylvia.

That’s because I’m still holding Sylvia in my arms.

Katy glanced at Sylvia, then came back and hugged me.

“Thank you for staying… .”

It was a watery voice.

“… It’s me.”

I turned around with Katy on my back and looked at the Allied Forces.

“Anyway, how should I deal with these… .”

Maybe it was because I saw the dragon that appeared in front of me, but it didn’t look as threatening as before.

Kylie, who was at the front among us, was ready to kill us all.

Aria and Beatrice stand behind them.

Vivian, Helena, and Lucia were no slouch either.

I said, stepping in front of them.

“If you kneel and surrender right now, I will spare your life. Implementation.”

Half of them immediately knelt, and the other half also watched and surrendered.

“Ian!”

Wolfgang and Leon hurriedly approached from afar.

The two sighed as they looked at the Allied Forces that had surrendered to me.

“His Majesty the Emperor did this… You took responsibility and gave instructions.”

Leon said with a deep sigh.

Hwang Myeong.

The emperor may have ordered it, but it may not have been without political pressure.

“I seem to be caught up in something complicated. First, collect the people and return to Gate 8… .”

“Ian!”

After interrupting me, someone came running in a huff.

It was a voice and outfit that did not suit this place at all.

“Grace?”

The Emperor’s youngest daughter, Princess Grace, hurriedly ran from the front line of the village.

“Ah, my father… !”

“… … .”

Grace, who was panting, could not speak clearly.

“Ah, my father… . Please help my father! Ian… .”

The Demon King has been killed, but there is still much work left to do.

“Please, please… !”

*

After leaving Sylvia in the care of Kylie, I headed to the 8th Gate.

Leon and Wolfgang were also there.

Leon told me on the way.

“It is said that there was pressure to kill Ian.”

“I thought so. … Well, it’s unfair, but it’s not like I don’t understand it. This feels a bit strange.”

In front of the portal leading to the 8th gateway.

There, Emperor Edipus was there.

“… ah. Ian.”

Dressed in uniform, he looked weaker and haggard than usual.

There was also a somewhat desperate expression.

“Your Majesty has made a big decision. I’m telling you to kill the person who dealt with the Demon King and then honor him. Let me ask you something, are you really… Is he a descendant or alter ego of the Demon King?”

“Is that how you see it, Prince?”

“… no. Even though you have a cunning side, you are no match for the Demon Lord.”

“That’s enough.”

Edipus smiled weakly and asked me a favor.

“Can you help me?”

“Hmm.”

It wasn’t just a request for me.

Aegis, the shield that protects the imperial family. Leon, the leader there.

Hunting dogs and military police that protect the rules of the empire. The leader is Wolfgang.

Those two were also included in the request.

The three of us exchanged glances and then looked at Ediphus.

“Let’s go in first.”

***

The door to the command room at Gate 8 slid open.

There was blood on the other side of the open door.

It was the blood of the anti-Ian faction.

The ones who opened the door and came in were Ediphus, Ian, Wolfgang, and Leon.

Except for Ediphus, the three were stained with human blood.

The head of the command room.

Emperor Julianus was sitting there alone.

“… Father.”

Edipus sat down in front of him.

“Edipus.”

The father spoke before the son.

“I try to take responsibility.”

“… … .”

“In some situations, there is a need for someone to bear the brunt of the situation and become a sacrifice.”

“… … .”

“Many of the leaders of humanity lost their reason and made misjudgments. And I, who lead them, deserve to take that responsibility. … I also regret having to inherit the throne in this way.”

Edipus listened silently.

The emperor was silent for a moment and looked at Ian.

“Ian, prophet.”

“Yes.”

“… Can I see my future too? If you see it, can you tell me?”

“… … .”

Ian took a moment to choose his words.

Of course, we don’t know what his future will be.

However, I have something to say.

“You will be at peace.”

“… It’s a good ending.”

Julianus nodded with a slight smile, as if satisfied.

“Leon, Wolfgang. Protect the order of the empire.”

“… … .”

The conversation is over.

Edipus placed the teacup in the command room in front of the emperor.

I take the bottle Ian gave me and pour the liquid into a teacup.

The delicious red liquid had no scent.

Edipus, who had filled the meal, withdrew without a word and sat down opposite the emperor again.

The emperor looked down at his teacup and laughed.

“It’s such a noble method.”

A wrinkled, wrinkled hand holds a teacup.

There is no trembling at all.

There isn’t even any fear in his eyes.

It contained only resolute will.

The emperor, who was about to swallow, spoke softly.

“Edipus, son.”

“Yes.”

“Please take care of the empire.”

Jump, jump.

With those words, Julianus drank the liquid in one go.

He carefully put down the teacup and leaned back comfortably in his chair.

Perhaps feeling drowsy, he quietly closed his eyes and muttered.

“… I’m sorry, Abira, for not being able to give you love until the end… do… . Grace will be very surprised… . You lead other brothers and sisters well… give… , saying sorry… love… .”

The words I muttered gradually became quieter, as if I was talking in my sleep just before falling asleep.

“Someday… In a small field… Farming… Building… .”

Julianus stopped.

The mouth that moved while talking, the body that slowly moved up and down because of breathing.

Leon slowly approached and took his pulse.

“passed away.”

*

The Demon King is dead.

The North of humanity has regained its new appearance as a land that has been completely cleared.

The news spread throughout the continent.

There was even news that the person who defeated the Demon King was none other than Manager Ian.

Everyone was surprised by the unexpected ending.

However, the news that the demon king was Ian was hidden.

It was only spread secretly, and no one spoke about it officially.

Most people dismissed the story as just a rumor.

Ian is the devil. It was something you couldn’t believe unless you saw it in person.

And the news of the death of the previous emperor Julianus spread quickly.

The content was somewhat different from the actual situation.

The emperor, fearing Ian, a hero who threatened the emperor’s power, attempted to attack Ian while he was tired, but was counterattacked.

Four members of the 1st warrior party and Ian’s party actively defended Ian.

Things like that.

Just a few days after the deaths of the Demon King and the Emperor, a public burning ceremony was held in the central square of Spevia.

The corpses of the Demon King and the Emperor were burned in public, officially declaring a new era.

The succession ceremony for the new emperor, Edippus, who stopped the selfish and vicious Julianus plan and joined hands with Ian, was also held on the same day.

The public cheered the young and talented emperor generously.

The corpses of the Demon King and the Emperor were so badly damaged that they were unrecognizable, but no one raised any objection.

There was no need to worry about that.

Because the Demon King is dead.

Because humanity is safe now.

Although there was still a deserted land infested with monsters in the eastern part of the continent, mankind was happy as if they had achieved eternal prosperity and peace.

In fact, the no-man’s land was not actually dangerous.

It was worth being happy.

Since the Demon King died, no dungeons have been created.

Demon King Ian was the food for dungeon creation, so without the Demon King, there would be no dungeon.

That moment when all of humanity is excited.

“… … .”

Sylvia, lying in bed, shows no sign of getting up.

Ian repeatedly visited the spot where she was sleeping for several days.

I couldn’t stay long.

The war was over, but there was a mountain of work for him to deal with.

There were issues related to territory, and as the lord of a vassal country, he was dragged around to discuss how to make up for the losses suffered by the empire and humanity due to the war, and was invited as a hero to a festival held to commemorate victory in the war.

Somehow it was busier than during the war.

Because of that, I haven’t been able to reply to the Fruit Heroes, Kati, or Mercy yet.

Even though he was so busy, he never missed visiting Sylvia in the hospital every day.

Ian felt Sylvia’s pulse and even touched her nose.

I breathe and my heart beats.

When will it happen?

“Phew… .”

Ian lifted the notebook next to him with a shallow sigh.

It was a badly worn notebook that had fallen from Sylvia’s arms when she brought him home.

For several days, while waiting for Sylvia to visit, I passed the time by peeking at this notebook.

I think I read about 1/3 of it.

Still, I don’t know why I always check the first chapter before moving on.

The first page contains only this sentence.

[For my beloved Ian, whom I will meet again someday.]

After taking a look at Sylvia, Ian found the page he was originally looking at and read it slowly.

Sylvia’s incorrect answer note.