We happened upon Yura just after passing the bustling Dining Hall.
She stood at attention as she greeted us.
"Master and Individual Name Grom detected—good morning. What are you doing?"
"We are taking a walk. There is still time before the meeting," Grom replied.
"Answer understood—I have heard that moderate exercise benefits one's health. However, is there a concept of health for immortals?"
Yura posed the question with a look of utmost seriousness. Grom crossed his arms, appearing to ponder the matter deeply. Since he seemed unable to come up with a suitable retort, I decided to answer in his stead.
"Physical aspects aside, there is such a thing as mental health."
"Analyzing Master's answer—comprehension complete. I have interpreted this as the maintenance of mental hygiene," Yura stated, appearing somewhat satisfied.
Her tone was detached, yet I could read the subtle shifts in her emotions. It was likely a result of our long years together. At first glance, she appeared unchanged from the past, but Yura was one of the Demon Kings. Commonly known as the Spirit Demon King, she was a figure feared by her subordinates.
For the record, I am known as the Black Bone Demon King, while Grom is the Ox-head Demon King. In particular, as the first in the hierarchy, I also held the title of Great Demon King to distinguish myself from the others.
When the number of Demon Kings increased following the division of the world, many argued that it was inappropriate for the others to be considered my equals in rank. I was personally indifferent to the matter, but after much discussion, it was decided that the one at the top of the hierarchy would be granted the title of Great Demon King.
Several centuries have passed since this system was established. Throughout that time, I have always reigned upon the throne of the Great Demon King. I rarely have the occasion to introduce myself by that title, but since it causes no trouble, I have simply left things as they are. Since the Executives are also satisfied with the arrangement, I doubt it will change anytime soon.
Yura, the Spirit Demon King, governs her domain alongside the Great Spirit. They are responsible for a world of extreme cold, perpetually covered in snow. There, people survive by using magic to kindle fires. Chronic starvation is rampant, and every soul lives in constant fear of where their next meal will come from. Furthermore, the concept of a nation does not exist; instead, settlements are scattered across the frozen wastes. The inhabitants of these villages survive by bartering supplies with their neighbors.
A defining characteristic of this world is that crime rarely occurs. This is because any who commit Evil Deeds are met with immediate Divine Punishment. Yura and the Great Spirit monitor the entire world, eliminating those who turn to crime without exception. This practice has become universally known as Divine Punishment.
Fearing this retribution, the people strive to live honestly. While enduring the bitter cold and hunger, they live hand-in-hand with their fellow villagers. As a result, a Fragile Peace has been established.
Among all the divided realms, the world managed by Yura and the Great Spirit is the most severe. It is a system of absolute management that places the penalty of death at the forefront. They have clearly defined what peace is and maintain it with ruthless efficiency. It is a method that perfectly reflects their temperaments.
While Grom and I also exercise control by utilizing the fear inspired by a Demon King, the level of severity maintained by Yura and the Great Spirit is on an entirely different level. Initially, this sparked a great deal of debate and controversy among the other Demon Kings. Currently, however, we leave the management of that world entirely to them.
The very reason we began managing the world through division was to explore various possibilities. Despite the extremity of their policies, that snow-covered world remains peaceful. That, too, is a valid answer. In fact, Yura’s world has endured for centuries, its people living in modest happiness. Those who know only that world have no concept of envying others. They survive resiliently within the environment they were given.
The act of managing a divided world is, in its very essence, a distorted one. I have no intention of speaking platitudes at this late stage. Having become a Demon King, Yura desires peace more than anyone. Therefore, she created a world where, though harsh, no malice can take root. Her attitude and her resolve are qualities that should be emulated.
Ending my train of thought, I decided to bring up another topic.
"By the way, I heard you were arriving with Logan."
"I'm right here."
A familiar voice came from behind me. I turned around. Logan had appeared, passing through the wall in his Ethereal Form.