I worked alongside the countless versions of the Director.
Specifically, I was in the midst of fine-tuning the magic circle.
I had to ensure that magic power circulated without any obstruction in coordination with the spell’s activation.
It was the most fundamental aspect of casting magic, yet it was also the most critical step.
If this were neglected, the magic would malfunction.
For a simple spell, such an error wouldn't be much of a problem. At most, the mana consumption would spike, and even a total failure wouldn't cause significant harm.
However, resurrecting the dead was a different matter entirely.
It was the pinnacle of magical difficulty, and its danger was proportional to its complexity.
Despite the immense power I had obtained in the Valley of the Dead, this was a feat I hadn't been able to achieve for years.
Reaching this final stage was only possible thanks to the help of several exceptional existences.
It was a realm I could never have reached on my own.
I could say with certainty that there was no spell more complex; it demanded an unbelievable level of precision. Even the slightest error could trigger a catastrophic failure.
"……"
Due to these circumstances, the Director was operating with extreme focus.
She was so absorbed in her work that my voice didn't even reach her. Every so often, she would split off another copy of herself to divide the labor of adjusting the magic circle.
The face of the Director as she poured her entire being into the task was one of pure, unadulterated seriousness.
I had never seen her look so earnest. There wasn't a trace of the eccentricity she usually displayed.
To match her intensity, I turned my full attention back to the work before me.
When the initial checks were finally complete, the Director looked up.
She exhaled a long breath and addressed me with a refreshed expression.
"I'll handle the final adjustments from here. Everything is under control now, so please, take some rest, Demon King-sama."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course! There are plenty of me to go around, after all!"
At those words, the surrounding versions of her all reacted at once.
They nodded with reliable expressions. She wasn't just putting on a brave face; it seemed she truly had everything in hand.
"My thanks, then."
"No, no! I'll call for you when the preparations are complete!"
Accepting the Director's sincere offer, I withdrew from the area. Lingering any longer would only get in the way.
Having left the magic circle with nothing else to do, I activated my Sensing Magic. Just then, I felt a presence appear nearby.
The telltale fluctuation in mana indicated someone had arrived via Teleportation Magic.
I turned toward the source.
Standing there was Grom.
He advanced with awkward, stiff movements. Once he reached me, he offered a bow as he always did.
"M-My Lord. How... how might you be faring this fine day?"
The greeting was unnatural, and his voice was cracking.
By what principle I knew not—considering his nature—but he was even sweating. Grom was visibly a bundle of nerves.
He looked as if he were carrying the weight of a monumental mission, even though he hadn't been given one.
Concerned by his behavior, I asked, "Are you alright?"
"Y-Yes! This one's condition is perfect! I am ever ready to be of service to you, My Lord!"
Grom responded with forced gusto, clearly trying to pump himself up.
I considered the cause and the answer came to me almost immediately.
It was rare to see Grom this rattled. He likely wouldn't be this shaken even if his own demise were imminent.
In that case, there was only one possibility.
The Demon King's Army's Greatest Loyal Retainer, Grom, was terrified that this ritual might lead to the death of his master—me.