A vast expanse of light flooded my field of vision.
Crystalline flowers carpeted the earth, stretching out toward the horizon as far as the eye could see. They basked in the sunlight, refracting it into a shimmering kaleidoscope of seven colors.
At the heart of this crystalline field stood a towering white tree.
That was the World Tree.
Its height seemed destined to pierce the heavens, its branches laden with silver leaves and shimmering fruit. A passing breeze rustled through the canopy, producing a series of clear, melodic chimes. As crystalline petals danced upon the wind, they painted an ethereal scene of unparalleled beauty.
Luciana let out a breath, her expression one of pure enchantment.
"Wow... it’s incredible."
"A grand sight, indeed," Diera replied in a hushed tone.
She was uncharacteristically subdued. Standing perfectly still, her eyes were entirely captivated by the convergence of the flower field and the great tree.
After a few moments, Diera composed herself and turned to me, seeking my thoughts.
"What sayest thou, Dwight? Art thou moved as well?"
"I am. It is rare to witness something of such profound beauty," I answered honestly.
It was a breathtaking vista that felt as though it belonged to another world entirely. Diera nodded several times with a look of deep satisfaction.
"Thy face is rotting away, after all. Thy feelings are quite clear to me."
Prompted by her remark, I touched my cheek. A significant portion of the flesh had been gouged away. The finger I used to check the damage snapped off at the second knuckle as soon as it made contact. It was a section I had only just reconstructed using miasma.
This land channeled the power of the World Tree to its absolute peak. The holy aura permeating the entire forest originated from this very spot. It was far more potent than any common holy magic; it would undoubtedly purify even a mid-tier undead without a second thought.
Facing it directly, I realized the intensity of the holy aura far exceeded my calculations. The spirit power here was almost at a point of saturation.
Though it would have been impossible given the political climate of the time, I felt a sharp pang of regret that I had never visited this place while I was still alive. Had I used these flowers or branches as catalysts, the war against the demons would have been far less grueling. I likely could have secured an overwhelming advantage even against Diera, who reigned as the Demon King back then.
However, such thoughts were merely idle hypotheticals. The past was settled, and dwelling on it now would be nothing but boorish.
Diera knelt down and touched one of the crystalline flowers. The petals scattered into tiny grains of light. She narrowed her eyes slowly.
"Mm. I can accept now why I was never able to claim this place. It truly earns the name of World Tree."
"Do you feel no lingering regret?" I asked.
"Until now, perhaps I did. But not anymore. Perhaps my heart hath changed since I stepped down from the throne," Diera said, her face clouded with nostalgia.
Her eyes seemed to be wandering back through the memories of her reign. Luciana watched her with a look of fascinated curiosity.
"How unexpected. To think even Diera-sama is capable of growth. It’s so touching I might actually cry."
"What was that? Dost thou mock me? I shall let my fist fly if thou art not careful!"
Frowning, Diera fell into a stance and made a show of feinting a strike at Luciana. Luciana responded by playfully faking tears. After a bit of back-and-forth, Diera seemed to grow bored of the antics and cleared her throat.
"Spiritual growth can find anyone, regardless of who they are. Dost thou not agree, Dwight?"
"...Why are you asking me?"
"I thought that thou, having transitioned from a Sage to a Demon King, might have gained some unique insights. Come now, speak thy mind to us. Fear not, for we shall keep thy secrets."
Diera nudged me with her elbow. It didn't hurt, but the gesture was strangely meddlesome. Luciana, watching the exchange, wore a broad, knowing smirk.
"Diera-sama, aren't you famously terrible at keeping secrets? I have a distinct impression of you letting things slip the moment you open your mouth."
"Lu-Luciana! If thou sayest such things, Dwight will surely hesitate!"
Diera scrambled to cover Luciana’s mouth, trying desperately to hide her own shortcomings. I was already well aware of that side of her character, of course. Trying to smooth it over now was an exercise in futility.
Breaking the tension, I decided to address the question.
"I have experienced a change in perspective. Whether it qualifies as 'growth,' I cannot say."
"Oho? And what manner of change would that be?"
Diera froze mid-motion, looking at me with intense interest.
"I have learned to look my own ugliness and folly in the eye. When I was human, I turned away from those things. I refused to accept them."
"Thine own ugliness..."
"Yes. I will never attempt to justify my actions. However, I also believe they are necessary. I intend to walk the path of the Evil Demon King for all eternity."
Hearing my declaration, Diera crossed her arms and adopted a somber expression.
"No matter how often I hear it, thine is truly a path of carnage... Well, I know thou art not one for compromise. I have no advice to give, but I shall grant thee this."
Diera held out her hand. Power began to condense within her palm. Moments later, a single scale manifested, its surface shimmering with a brilliant lapis-colored luster.
"This is a scale infused with my own power. Should thy life ever fall into true peril, it shall protect thee once. Mark my words well."
"You have my thanks."
I accepted the scale. Beside us, Luciana puffed out her cheeks in a show of mock jealousy.
"Hey now, Diera-sama, that’s not fair. Are you trying to steal the Demon King-sama’s heart all for yourself?"
"Khahaha! I am merely bestowing a gift upon a promising junior!"
Diera puffed out her chest, looking quite triumphant. She then turned back toward me, her features settling into a more serious cast.
"Dwight."
"What is it?"
"I am a senior thou canst rely upon. Never hesitate to seek my counsel on any matter."
Diera gave a soft, maternal smile and rested a hand on my shoulder. Our eyes met, and I found myself looking away.
"...I will consult you only when I am truly at a loss."
"I see! So I am to be thy secret weapon! Mm-mm, I like the sound of that immensely!"
Diera nodded, clearly in high spirits. I wasn't entirely sure why she found my answer so satisfying, but she seemed content.
Luciana leaned in and whispered into my ear.
"Demon King-sama, you’ve certainly gotten better at handling her. Have you been studying up?"
"I have simply learned what is necessary to maintain my own tranquility," I replied with professional detachment, casting a brief look of pity toward Diera.