I sat in a chair at the center of a sealed room within the royal castle.
Countless magic formulas were etched into the floor, the walls, and the ceiling. They were packed so densely that the room’s original colors were lost beneath them. I had worked without rest, but the task had still claimed a full day of my time.
Similar formulas were inscribed across my own body, meticulously etched down to the very edges of my smallest bones. They pulsed with a faint glow, reacting to my magic power. I felt a dull, constant ache, but it was not enough to be a concern.
Grom, standing nearby, looked at me with deep-seated anxiety.
"My Lord Demon King... are you truly going through with this?"
"Naturally."
"B-but..." Grom groaned, his voice trailing off.
The flame in his single eye flickered as if it were on the verge of going out. He had been restless for some time, pacing the room until just a few moments ago.
"If you just wait a little longer, we’re bound to find the Beast's location," Luciana added, joining the conversation. "There’s no need to resort to something so extreme, is there?"
"Warning to Master—this attempt is extremely dangerous. I recommend immediate termination."
Both Luciana and Yura voiced their concerns. They were worried for my safety, and while I appreciated the sentiment, I shook my head.
"Unfortunately, time is a luxury we don't have. My body is being eroded at an alarming rate. I’ve reached the limit of what I can suppress with magic."
It had been five days since the Great Spirit had delivered her warning. To resolve this crisis, I had developed a new Forbidden Magic. By modifying and combining existing spells, I had created a way to treat my condition.
The formulas carved into this room and across my bones were the key to that Forbidden Art. Once activated, the spell would pulverize my physical form, allowing my spirit to dive deep into my own mental world. My goal was to eliminate the source of the erosion there. If luck was on my side, I also hoped to pinpoint the location of the entity that had cursed me.
According to the Great Spirit, my soul was being eaten away by a Beast of the Outside World. I couldn't perceive it myself, but I had no reason to doubt her words. When I had asked Yura for her input, she arrived at the same conclusion; it seemed the infection was something only spirits could detect.
Because the recoil of the spell involved the total destruction of the body, this Forbidden Magic was impossible for a living being of flesh and blood to use. It was a technique that only I, an undead capable of returning from the brink, could ever hope to execute.
I understood why Grom and the others were worried. They had spent the last five days watching me suffer. Knowing the violent nature of the spell’s side effects, they naturally wanted me to find a safer alternative.
In contrast, Logan remained as stoic as ever, watching the proceedings in silence. He eventually spoke up to address the others.
"If Dwight has decided, then I will not oppose him. It is undeniably the most effective course of action."
"I’m with him on that," Henry added casually, taking a swig of alcohol. "The Boss will be fine. He always is."
These two had absolute faith in my strength. They didn't object because they believed I would overcome this trial just as I had all the others. Their stance was the polar opposite of Grom and Luciana's, but both perspectives were equally heartening.
I looked at Luciana to reassure her. "The spell itself is simple. There is virtually no chance of failure."
"I'm not worried about the magic failing, it's just..."
"Trust me. I will return."
At that moment, the door was thrown open with a heavy thud. Given the strict restrictions on entry, there was only one person who would dare to barge in so boldly.
The Former Demon King, Diera, scanned the room and tilted her head. "What is this? Are you lot holding a council of war in here?"
Diera walked straight toward me and stood tall, her presence commanding the room.
"Dwight. I heard you intend to dive into your own psyche to destroy some unknown entity."
"I am about to activate the spell for that very purpose," I replied with a nod.
Diera's lips curled into a cold, sharp smile. The atmosphere around her grew keen, taking on an edge that felt almost like killing intent. The others in the room instinctively braced themselves.
She looked down at me from where I sat in the chair.
"I don't much care if something takes over your body, but if that happens, I’m taking the Demon King's Army for myself. And I’ll kill you for good while I’m at it. Be ready for that."
"There is no need for such warnings. I will return."
"Hmph! A fine answer! Excellent, truly excellent!"
Diera’s intense aura vanished instantly as she clapped her hands in satisfaction. She then turned to address my subordinates.
"And you lot, stop acting like this is a wake. You’re making the air heavy enough to drown in."
"Aren't you even a little worried, Diera-sama?" Luciana asked.
"Of course not. This man has bested me twice. If anything, I’m the one who wants to know how to kill him."
Diera answered without a moment's hesitation, then placed a hand on my shoulder. Her tone became serious.
"I will look after things while you are away. Go and do what you must."
"...My thanks."
That was all I could say. Thanks to Diera’s intervention, the fragmented moods of the room had unified into a single, focused resolve. I was grateful for her ability to shift the momentum.
I stood up from the chair and looked at every face gathered in the room before making my declaration.
"As soon as I return, we will begin the war against the Beasts of the Outside World. I expect everyone to be prepared."