Conclusion

“You’re going to spit out everything you know about the Demon Race.”

Just as Cecil had told me, I couldn’t feel a single spark of mana coming from Roz.

Despite being completely drained, the man stood tall, positioning himself like a shield in front of his comrades. He had some nerve, I’ll give him that. Shari currently had the lot of them pinned inside a barrier of light—some high-level technique I’d never even seen before.

“Even we have many unanswered questions regarding the Demon Race,” Roz replied, his voice eerily calm. “I cannot tell you what I do not know.”

Allen, usually the level-headed one, let his emotions flare for once. “Do you have any idea how many people have suffered because of your kind!?”

That was so typical of Allen, but looking at Roz, I didn't think he was lying. Of course, I only knew that because I had the 'cheat' of knowing the future—without that, I’d probably be just as suspicious as Allen.

“In exchange for our lives, I will tell you everything I do know,” Roz offered. “Will you let us go?”

“Lord Roz!?” Peach shrieked.

“It’s our loss, Peach,” he said firmly.

From his tone, I realized he’d figured it out—he knew I had the power to sever their Forced Teleportation. If they had tried to make a run for it, I would have cut them down in an instant.

But then again...

“There’s no way we can trust a word you say!” Allen shouted.

“I’ll be the judge of that,” I cut in. “Speak.”

“Weiss, why are you—?”

Allen tried to protest, but I shot him a look that silenced him. He shut his mouth, though he didn't look happy about it.

“The Demon Race... they seem to know the future,” Roz began. “It is likely some form of precognition. They apparently already have two of the remaining Artifacts in their possession. However, if you manage to keep this current Artifact sealed, the time they have to complete the resurrection should be significantly shortened.”

“...I see. Roz.”

“What is it?”

“The princess is still alive,” I said. The group froze. “Search for a settlement called Nedo on the eastern edge of the map. But don't bother bringing a standard healer; you’ll need someone who specializes in curing status ailments.”

“...How could you possibly know—?”

“—See ya.”

Before he could finish, I swung my sword and shattered Shari’s barrier into a million glittering shards. My blade connected with the group, triggering the One-Hit Kill effect, and the entire lot of them were instantly caught in a Forced Teleportation.

“Weiss! Why did you let them go!?” Allen roared.

“They’re at odds with the Demon Race,” I explained, trying to sound a lot more calculated than I actually felt. In reality, my heart was hammering against my ribs. “This wasn't about sentimentality, Allen. It was a cold profit-and-loss calculation.”

“...And that bit about a princess?”

“Just some info I picked up beforehand. Look, I’ve contained the damage. If we’d killed them here, their subordinates would have swarmed this place. That would have triggered the very thing you hate most: a full-scale war.”

Allen isn't an idiot. He must have noticed how coordinated they were. They weren't just a pack of loners; they were a specialized unit.

But it was finally starting to click for me. If we kept killing these people, all that resentment would eventually be funneled right back at us. I see... I’m finally starting to read the rhythm of how the Demon Race operates.

『All monsters have retreated. The Artifact is secure. Is the mission a success?』

Cecil’s voice echoed in my head.

『I wouldn't go so far as to call it a 'Complete Clear,'』 I replied. 『The mansion is a total wreck. But... for today, let’s call it a Complete Victory. Good work, everyone.』

Hearing that, Carta, Olynn, and Tura finally let out sighs of relief and smiled. Allen still looked like he had a bone to pick, but he eventually let out a long breath as Shari gave him a supportive pat on the back. Once Cynthia returned, we wrapped things up with Duke and Lilith.

In game terms, this was the opening of the True Chapter.

A single event had been altered. Right now, it was just a small catalyst, but I felt certain we had deviated onto a major new path. We probably couldn't stop the 'people from the past' from being resurrected entirely. But without the Memory Corridor, they couldn't produce their army of long-lived soldiers.

This is a massive alteration to the timeline.

“Good job, everyone,” Cecil said, approaching us with a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry I was the only one tucked away in a safe spot.”

“Cecil, don't say that. We’re all grateful for what you did,” I said sincerely.

“...Thank you.”

“I’ll take care of the repair costs for the mansion,” I added. “I’ll pull it from my personal budget, so don’t worry about the bill.”

“Oh! In that case, put my dinner on your tab too, Weiss!” Olynn barked with a grin.

“...Hmph. Just for today, I suppose I can swing it.”

These guys didn't realize the magnitude of what just happened, but I knew. I had moved the needle.

Maybe it’s time for a celebratory toast. It’s been a while.

Actually... come to think of it, what exactly did Cecil do to Roz in there?

In the West Forest, far from the House Antwerp estate.

Following their Forced Teleportation, Roz, Sham, Peach, and Kuro sat slumped on the forest floor, looking utterly defeated.

“...Sigh.”

“What are you so depressed for, you moron!?” Peach snapped at Sham. “Being loud and energetic is your only redeeming quality!”

“Shut up! Did you see that Allen kid!?” Sham yelled back. “He dodged every single one of my attacks! Every one! Is that even humanly possible?”

“...It was certainly something,” Peach admitted quietly. “And I never expected Kuro to have such a hard time either.”

“His movements were beyond extraordinary,” Kuro muttered, staring at his hands. “I wasn't holding back, but I still couldn't break him. But more importantly, Lord Roz...”

Peach turned to Roz, who was lost in thought. “Is it true? About the Princess being alive?”

“...I don’t know,” Roz admitted. “But I will send word to the capital immediately. I want the rest of you to return to the Demon World. However, for the time being, you must all be officially treated as deceased.”

“What? Why?”

“To observe the Demon Race’s movements. I need to see their next move. It’s better if I stay behind for that. Who knows... perhaps these humans actually have a chance at defeating the Demon Race.”

“...Do you really think that’s possible?”

“That level of strength is abnormal. Besides, if you stay in the Human World past your limit, it’ll start shaving years off your lifespans.”

At Roz’s words, Sham and Peach looked down, their expressions turning wistful.

“Man... it’s so much prettier over here. Why can’t we live here instead?”

“The fruit is way better, too...”

“It can’t be helped,” Kuro sighed. “We were born in the Demon World. But Lord Roz, I’m not going back yet. I want to dig a little deeper into the secrets of the Demon Race and the humans. I managed to pick up some Intel on those Pseudo-Demons, too.”

“...Don’t blame me if you get caught.”

“Me too!” Sham added. “If the Princess is alive, I’m gone, but until then, I’m staying to gather info.”

“Sigh. Lord Roz, I’m staying as well,” Peach said. “Not just for the info... I just hate the idea of leaving on a loss.”

“...Very well,” Roz said, a small smile playing on his lips. “First, let’s rest and get our heads straight. This defeat will eventually lead to a victory. We’ll prepare, and then we shall return.”

“Understood. By the way, Lord Roz... why can’t we feel any mana from you?”

“Zero wins and sixty-seven losses,” Roz muttered, staring blankly into space. “In other words, I can’t use mana for two months. Good grief... that place was crawling with monsters.”

“...What does that even mean?”

As the Roz party disappeared into the shadows of the forest, they had no way of knowing that this single choice would cause their fates to intertwine with ours once again.