When Demogorgon’s offer was rejected, it looked slightly disappointed.
“There aren’t any good men in Hell, you know?”
I don’t care.
“Demons, of course, value keeping contracts above all else, but we also enjoy entertainment and pleasure. You’ve seen Mastema, haven’t you?”
Now that I think about it, Mastema lived a carefree life, as if money wasn’t an issue.
Though it was my money funding that lifestyle.
Curiosity, desire for knowledge, gourmet tastes—demons can’t be maintained without money.
“Truth be told, I’d love to slack off and live at your place, too.”
“Spare me.”
“Hahaha! What a shame. Well, you’re always welcome to visit, and don’t forget to bring some souvenirs.”
An invitation to a Hell tour from the Demon King himself. It would be a lie to say I’m not curious…
“Ahavain, when that time comes, I’ll be your guide. If I guide you, it’ll be safe and comfortable.”
Mastema seemed enthusiastic as well. She was a well-known demon in Hell, after all.
“Someday. Yes, someday.”
Hopefully, that “someday” never comes. I’m not asking for peaceful days, but a life filled with constant upheaval isn’t great either.
“I’m heading back now. Normally, demons don’t open gates from our side, though there are backdoor methods. Lesser demons might still get summoned, so take care of any human mishaps on your side.”
Fair enough.
It’s already the second time in such a short span. Three times if you count the angel summoning.
It’s giving me a headache. I really hope this is the end of it.
“Be especially cautious about world erosion. If you managed to hold back a demon as strong as Mastema, you’ll probably be fine, but if the erosion advances too far, not even I could stop all the demons.”
Apparently, if the erosion creates a hole in the world, not just at a limited entry point like a gate, it would be a problem.
“By the way, Demogorgon, I forgot to ask. What happens if what you fear actually comes to pass?”
Supposedly, when demons appear on Earth, a mysterious entity gets involved. But what would actually happen?
“That entity desires the continuation of the world. And to achieve that, it might destroy an entire continent along with the cause.”
Demogorgon added with a casual remark.
“By the way, that thing is powerful enough to destroy even gods from outside if they get in its way. If it shows up, it’s over. It probably has strength on par with the Creation King. Even I wouldn’t stand a chance.”
The oldest god, the one said to have created this world. Power on par with the Creation King, huh?
The Creation King is said to have either fallen asleep after fulfilling his role or moved on to a new world.
“Isn’t that basically a god, then?”
“Yeah, right? But I doubt it thinks of itself as a god.”
With that, Demogorgon patted Mastema’s head one more time and walked toward the gate.
“I’ll keep the gate closed. See you again, Ahavain, Mastema.”
“Bye-bye, Demon King.”
Waving his hand, Demogorgon disappeared into the gate, which closed behind him and crumbled away.
Just like that, Demogorgon was gone. I’d like to think the greatest threat has passed.
Sena is dead. Demons and demon kings aren’t something humans can deal with. Not understanding that was his downfall.
He should have learned from people who live proper lives.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go back?”
“Yeah, I want to stay with you for now, Ahavain.”
“I see.”
Stay as long as you want. I patted Mastema’s head. There must be some connection that led me to take her in.
Besides, it’ll be Noel and Arnella who will deal with the actual trouble.
“Heh, that tickles.”
Mastema said, but stayed still.
After that, I woke up Sepia, who had been lying comfortably, and told her that Demogorgon had left with Victor.
Apparently, Sepia had no memory of the whole ordeal. Perhaps it was for the best, considering how dangerous he was.
As for Victor, my opinion of him dropped a little.
I trusted him as a partner in battle, but…
“For all that, you didn’t seem to treat him very well. But what can you expect? I’m just an angel—nothing but my core remains. I’m no match for the Demon King of Kings.”
A pragmatic angel. No wonder we get along.
There’s no entrance to the place we came through. While I was thinking about how to get out, the world started shaking.
“Now that the gate is gone and Sena is dead, this world can’t hold itself together anymore.”
Sepia explained.
She would have been more dignified if she weren’t holding onto my waist at the time.
“The gap is vanishing. We’re returning to the human world.”
Mastema seemed to grasp the situation as well.
Cracks appeared in the red sky, and the barren ground began to split open.
The world the witch created was falling apart.
Go meet as many demons as you want in Hell, Sena Easton.
As the world crumbled and the blackness beyond came into view, we found ourselves back in Sena’s room.
Sena’s corpse, me, Mastema, and Sepia were the only ones there.
Looking out the window, I saw the zombie students turning to ash.
It seems the crisis is over.
But the real issue starts now.
“I-I need to notify everyone right away.”
Sepia seemed to understand that.
Unfortunately, that would have to wait a little longer.
From the window, I could see a large group of mages flying toward us. Likely the official troops of the magic nation. They must be in a panic, given how quickly the situation escalated after summoning Sepia.
“Aahhh!”
Seeing the group of mages, Sepia didn’t even have time to put on her mask.
“You’re the representative. Come on, headmaster. Go greet them.”
“No way… Please come with me!”
“I’m just a student, you know.”
“Please! If I go alone, it’s definitely going to be bad!”
The magic academy was nearly destroyed.
The number of student casualties is still unknown, but there are at least as many zombies and monsters as there were.
And on top of that, a failed demon summoning. At least nothing leaked through the gate to the other side.
Just thinking about the responsibility for all this makes me shudder.
We might as well prepare a grave for the headmaster.
The mages reached the outside of the barrier around the academy.
There’s no time left.
Honestly, I’d prefer only the princess to work me this hard.
I followed Sepia.
I’ve become quite the good-natured person.
Well, whatever happens, in the worst-case scenario, I’ll just take my two slaves and make my escape.
