── “Frozen Freesia,” “Fin, the Final Blade,” “Chameleon Brothers: Elder,” “Chameleon Brothers: Younger,” and No.1 and No.2, who were apparently defeated at the research facility… That’s all of your hired assassins, isn’t it?”
The moment I arrived, I asked that question in a room on the top floor of the organization’s headquarters. In the middle of the spacious pentagonal room stood a black table—a shadowy round table.
Sitting around it were demon men and women, each wearing a unique mask and dressed in black robes. According to Tiga, they were the executives of this organization.
“What… What is the meaning of this!?”
A muffled, low voice came from behind one of the masks. One figure leaned forward, rising from the solemn throne-like chair at the center of the round table.
He was likely the leader of this organization.
…Well, I could understand why he would want to ask something like that right away.
Behind me and Sheth trailed the Eight Gatekeepers of Hell, led by Tiga. All of them, having had their rebellious spirits thoroughly crushed by Sheth and the Zombie Thief on the way here, looked like zombies or ghosts.
“Could it be… betrayal!? You Eight Gatekeepers of Hell!”
“No, no, they were loyal to their duties. It’s just that they had to face a little ‘misfortune’ because of it.”
When I glanced back, the Eight Gatekeepers flinched in unison. A few of them—particularly those subdued by the Zombie Thief rather than Sheth—were trembling uncontrollably. Likely psychological trauma. It’s unfortunate. If I had been able to give the Zombie Thief more precise orders, they might not have had to face death repeatedly.
“Well, in any case, surrender peacefully.”
“Who would ever—”
“No, I strongly recommend surrendering.”
The Zombie Thief was already standing behind the presumed leader of the organization, with a knife poised at his neck, ready to slit it at my signal.
“B-Boss! Let’s just comply! Please, let’s surrender!”
“Yes! Surrender quickly! Surrender is the only way!”
“Please, Boss! We can’t bear to see it again… That sight… victims being killed methodically, like chickens at a slaughterhouse, without any emotion involved! Please spare us!”
The Eight Gatekeepers wailed in terror at their boss, who looked like he was about to resist.
…Oh, what a beautiful scene this is.
I was a bit impressed. It showed a kind of kindness: a desire for others to avoid experiencing the same pain and tragedy they had endured. Perhaps this was a workplace with surprisingly good camaraderie?
Or… was their trauma so severe that they couldn’t even bear to watch someone else endure it?
“Bleurrghhh!”
The elder of the Chameleon Brothers was throwing up at the memory.
Hmm, it seems like it’s the latter. I’ll have to examine their brains later and see if I can alleviate this.
“Damn it! Who… What the hell are you!? What’s your goal!?”
The boss, hysterical, shrieked, half-mad.
Now that I think about it, I hadn’t yet explained my goal.
“My apologies… It’s only natural to be unnerved when you don’t know who I am or what I want.”
I decided to explain step by step.
First, I introduced myself as Kiwi Alaya , a new executive in the Demon Nation. My goal was to obtain the research results for the new drug and the customer list of those likely addicted to it.
And most importantly, I assured them there were no other intentions behind my actions—I had no plans to crack down on them, at least for now.
“Why… Why wouldn’t you crack down on us!?”
The boss widened his eyes in disbelief.
“Why not crack down on us!? We’re the largest organization in the Demon City. Taking us down would send a strong message to other groups producing illegal substances. In this situation, you could easily take the research results and throw us all in jail!”
“Well, yes, I could.”
“Then why not!?”
“Think about it. Do you think I have any reason to destroy the ant nest you’ve so diligently dug underground?”
I shrugged theatrically. The boss froze for a few seconds, then his mouth fell open in realization.
“…Don’t tell me… You’re planning to use our organization’s connections for something…!”
Bingo. Pretty much correct.
I clapped my hands, impressed.
“My goal is to further develop the research on the new drug. The specifics will depend on Mukomuu’s skills and direction, but it’s always wise to secure distribution channels early. This will help gather additional funding and clinical data for new drugs.”
“You’re planning to use addicts who’ve already crossed the line as guinea pigs for new drugs…! That’s… That’s despicable!”
“Haha, of course, I’ll ensure a minimum level of safety before releasing anything.”
Unlike the current new drug, I have no intention of making future products addictive. From now on, the research facility will focus on developing legal substances that provide safety and peace of mind.
“Do you understand my purpose now? If you surrender, I’ll guarantee your safety. Compared to being arrested, the benefits for you should be greater.”
“…………”
The boss fell silent for a long moment before finally nodding deeply.
“…Fine. We surrender.”
And so, with a reluctant but resigned answer, a deep sigh of relief spread from the Eight Gatekeepers behind me and the masked executives around the shadowy round table.
Well, demons have their own thoughts and feelings, but this was probably the most peaceful resolution for now.
“Now, let’s move forward with the new regime.”
When I approached the shadowy round table, the boss stood and offered his chair to me.
No, I had only planned to sit in one of the empty seats, but… Oh well. I accepted the top seat without hesitation.
“Tiga, come sit next to me. From now on, you’ll be the overseer of this organization.”
“Wha—!? Me!?”
“Yes. You’ll monitor the organization to ensure it operates properly and report its internal affairs to me. Unfortunately, I’m too busy to focus entirely on this group.”
“Uh… Understood.”
Reluctantly, Tiga sat beside me, still puzzled.
“Why… Why me?”
He looked at me, confused.
Why? Well, he was the first of the Eight Gatekeepers I met, so I picked him. If I had to give a reason…
“I find you trustworthy.”
Tiga, thoroughly subdued by the Zombie Thief, was obedient and easy to handle. He even guided us here correctly. That was enough for me.
“You trust me…? I-I’ll do my best!”
Tiga bowed his head enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling as he took the adjacent seat.
Just as I began explaining my expectations, like a company director lecturing new recruits, there was a commotion outside the room.
“Boss! The Demon City Police are raiding us!”
Breathless demons burst in, announcing,
“They’ve figured out this is where the new drug comes from!”
…Excuse me. I just took over this organization, you know?
Nothing ever goes as planned.
Now, what should I do?
