I stood atop the castle roof, gazing down at the Demon King's Army as they assembled below.
These were the soldiers who would participate in the Hero Subjugation.
They numbered two thousand in total. Undead made up the vast majority, with living monsters accounting for only a small fraction. I had intentionally prioritized a small, elite force to prevent unnecessary casualties.
He may have only just awakened, but he was still a Hero. I intended to do everything in my power to protect my allies, though I couldn't be certain of the outcome. As the Demon King, the lives of my subjects rested on my shoulders, and I had no desire to see them die in vain.
The plan was simple.
First, we would travel to the Frontier Territory via Teleportation Magic and launch a surprise attack under the cover of dusk. Even if the enemy had raised an Anti-Teleportation Barrier, I would simply overwhelm it with raw magical output. Since no caster surpassed me, I anticipated no major setbacks.
Once we arrived, we would slaughter the rank-and-file soldiers. It was a grim task, but one I had performed many times before. They would likely attempt to resist with Holy Magic, but its power would be negligible.
As for the Hero—the only true threat—I would handle him myself. I didn't intend to hold back in the slightest; I would simply slaughter him with everything I had. In terms of raw strength, there was almost no chance of my defeat.
The sinking sun cast a deep red glow across the horizon. Soon, night would fall. It would be the hour of the Undead—the perfect time for a raid.
As I watched the sunset, I sensed a presence approaching from behind. I knew who it was without even turning around.
"Are the preparations complete?" I asked matter-of-factly, gently fending off Luciana as she tried to wrap her arms around me from behind.
Luciana nimbly spun away and sat down beside me, crossing her legs with an elegant flourish.
"Yes, perfectly. We can depart whenever you're ready."
"I see."
Luciana was efficient; she handled every task flawlessly. Even during the previous Demon Lord's reign, her primary duties had been espionage and sabotage. I remembered well the havoc she had once wreaked across various nations. Those skills remained sharp, and she was already making significant contributions to this new era.
"Say, Maou-sama?"
Luciana stared intently at my face. Her gaze was hypnotic, laced with the Magic Power unique to a succubus. If I were still human, I would have used Mental Protection Magic with all my might to avoid being charmed and enslaved by her. Of course, such charms were useless against me now.
I met her seductive gaze with total composure. "What is it?"
"How are you feeling right now?"
"...Why do you ask?" I looked at her with suspicion. I couldn't read her true intent behind that expression.
She placed a finger to her lips and smiled. "Well, I’m curious. I want to know what's going on in that head of yours."
It seemed to be simple curiosity. Given Luciana's free-spirited nature, it wasn't particularly out of character. I paused to consider my response.
A brief silence settled between us. Luciana waited patiently without interrupting. Once I had gathered my thoughts, I spoke quietly.
"—My state of mind isn't bad. I believe I'm being quite calm. Perhaps my heart has grown dull now that I am Undead."
"Ah, you definitely seem more composed than when you were human. It's like you've shed a layer of skin as a person... or well, a lot more than just skin, I suppose."
"That is a fine joke."
Luciana's bluntness helped the tension leave my shoulders. I lacked the wit for such clever remarks; I wondered if I should try to learn from her.
"Hmm...?" Luciana tilted her head, a rare, serious frown creasing her brow. Then, she began to reach out and touch my face.
Even I had to break my silence at that. "Is there something else?"
"Are you... by any chance, smiling?" Luciana asked. This wasn't a joke like before; she sounded genuinely sincere.
I gave her the only answer that came to mind. "Do you think this face is even capable of smiling?"
"...Ahahaha! You're right! There's no way you can smile with just bones, can you!"
Luciana suddenly burst into fits of laughter, doubling over and clutching her stomach. I couldn't understand what had touched her funny bone, and I certainly couldn't empathize.
After she finally caught her breath, she stood up and stretched.
"Yeah, yeah, you seem like you'll be just fine. I wasted my time worrying about you."
Her words finally made me realize the truth. Just like Grom, she had been concerned about my mental state regarding the upcoming confrontation with a Hero. I had assumed she was simply killing time.
"I am sorry to have caused you concern."
"Don't worry about it. That Attentive Skeleton had it much worse than me. He's been off in some secluded corner, endlessly practicing how to speak to you so he doesn't cause any unnecessary stress."
Luciana reported this with a mischievous grin. Grom was clearly worrying even more than I had imagined. He was making a conscious effort not to place any mental burden on me. That consideration meant more to me than anything.
"And how is Henry?"
"That human Archer? He hasn't said much. Oh, although I did hear him grumbling about wanting to eat fresh, high-quality meat. He's a carefree one, isn't he?" Luciana replied with a wry smile.
It was classic behavior for him. Perhaps he felt there was no need for concern—a different form of trust in its own right.
Having checked in on my subordinates, I stood up and looked at Luciana. "In any case, I am fine. I will simply fulfill my duty as the Demon King."
"Rely on us if things get dangerous, okay?"
"Yes, I will."
When I answered, Luciana’s expression softened for a fleeting moment, filled with genuine affection. However, the mask quickly returned, and she offered her usual, elusive smile.
"I'm glad to hear it. Well then, see you later."
Luciana spread the wings on her back and leaped from the roof. After a graceful glide, she landed on the ground and began barking orders to the troops below.
(To think we were once enemies...)
Life truly took unpredictable turns. In my heart, I offered her my thanks.
After parting with Luciana, I made my way to the Audience Chamber. The room was dim and empty.
"......"
I focused on the crystal resting upon the pedestal. Within it floated the remains of my friend. I stopped before it.
"I am about to face the Hero. It seems I am finally becoming a true Demon King."
The crystal remained silent, offering no response. It simply existed.
"...What would you think of me now?"
I ruminated on the question. What would she have said? Various possibilities crossed my mind, but I couldn't settle on a single one.
My gaze fell upon the sword leaning against the pedestal—the Keepsake Sword I had reclaimed after executing the King. I had tended to it meticulously ever since.
"—I will borrow this for a while."
Having asked for permission, I gently took the sword in my hand. I drew it from its scabbard and held the blade aloft. At first glance, it was an ordinary weapon; it possessed no magical enchantments or special abilities. However, it was a masterwork that had seen countless battles and had walked alongside a Hero's convictions. It was no exaggeration to say her spirit dwelt within it.
I had not used this sword once since her death, as I had been hesitant to handle it lightly. But my opponent today was a Hero. Now was the time.
The irony was profound: the next Demon King taking up the blade that once slew his predecessor to cut down the Hero of a new era. I couldn't help but marvel at the world’s cruelty.
With the unsheathed sword in hand, I used Teleportation Magic to move to the balcony. It offered the best vantage point in the castle and was easily visible from the ground. Below, the monsters were a hive of activity, preparing for the march.
I spotted a figure on a nearby rooftop in the Castle Town. It was Henry, sitting in a chair and swigging from a bottle. He happened to look up and caught my eye.
"......"
Henry flashed a fearless grin and raised his bottle in a silent toast. It was his own way of offering encouragement. I gave him a small nod in return.
Eventually, the monsters below began to notice me standing on the balcony. One by one, they stopped their work until a heavy silence fell over the square. The air grew thick with a mounting, explosive tension.
(Words are no longer necessary.)
I thrust the sword toward the sky.
In an instant, the Demon King's Army erupted. A feverish roar shook the foundations of the city, threatening to tear the very air asunder. The unending howl echoed through the Royal Capital as the sun dipped below the horizon.
And so, the Demon King's Army began its campaign to kill the Hero.