**Chapter Six: Demonic Nature**
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“W-what…? The King of the White Puppy…? …Are you here to mock me?”
The words of the man who called himself Oliver startled the governor of the small city, Furuno N/A, causing him to blink in confusion.
Years had passed since the uprising of the Demon Kings, and the world had changed drastically. The Order of the Final Knights, known as Heroes, was overwhelmed with the situation, forcing many cities to rely on self-defense. A multitude of Demon Kings emerged, targeting towns with a ferocity that had not been seen before. For humanity, which had long basked in prosperity, it was a bolt from the blue.
Countless towns without organized military strength had perished, and even those with some measure of power struggled to survive. Humanity was slowly treading the path to extinction. The pervasive atmosphere of despair only served to invite further Darkness. Many Demon Kings had appeared around Furuno N/A as well.
The city had not yet been destroyed, partly due to its reasonable military strength, but also because the Demon Kings lacked a significant objective.
They did not wish to dominate humanity. Instead, they seemed to compete with one another, destroying towns as if racking up points in a game. Many towns that had been attacked lost their order and now resembled ruins overrun by monsters.
This city was already devoid of vitality. It could no longer sustain a prolonged fight, nor could it receive reinforcements from other towns, as they too lacked the resources. All that could be done was to pray and leave the town without being detected by the keen-sensed Demon Race. But even if they managed to escape the town—where could they flee to? The entire world was engulfed in chaos.
The city hall was already in disarray. Those who had a means of escape had fled, and even those who remained to work were dwindling in number.
“A Demon King sending a messenger to a town is unprecedented. Is this really a Demon King?”
“Hmm… That’s why I said it. The King of the White Puppy is not a good idea,” Oliver replied.
The man before him, claiming to be a messenger, was small in stature, though his demeanor was far from friendly. He didn’t appear to be a mercenary either. Among the Demon Race, while some could understand human language, none could form alliances. Their sensibilities were simply too different.
The two guards armed with crude spears shook their heads when Oliver glanced back at them.
“However, N/A, if this continues, we will surely fall into poverty. Help won’t come, and it’s better to form an alliance. Isn’t that right?”
“Well, that’s true… But even if you are indeed a messenger of a Demon King, we have nothing to offer you. In this situation, money is useless.”
The objective was entirely unclear. The man’s words struck home. Furuno N/A had only a meager military strength. Food supplies were barely sufficient for now, but they would eventually run out. Public safety was gradually deteriorating, and the population was dwindling. The once-busy governor could afford to meet a messenger without an appointment, a clear sign of the city’s declining order.
With a deep sigh, Oliver spoke, “Well, fine. My King has—at the very least—said he would consider things after beating up all the members. After that, we can talk.”
“B-beat up all the members?”
The governor was at a loss for how to respond. Was he being mocked, or was this serious? There was a possibility of deception, but Oliver sought nothing from Furuno N/A.
In a low, rumbling voice, Oliver continued, “My King… for some reason—once upon a time, he was a ‘pet dog.’ Think carefully and decide.”
The atmosphere shifted. An indescribable presence made the weary governor’s skin crawl, causing him to instinctively take a step back. Oliver’s body creaked ominously, swelling up. His clothes tore, ears sprouted from the top of his head, and his form transformed.
No one could keep up with that change. Even without any overt hostility, the guards trembled, dropping their spears.
“A Werewolf… the King of the White Puppy…?”
“Ugh… why, why am I… in such a situation—answers will come later, N/A!”
The Demonic Nature howled, and its form vanished. No—he kicked off the ground and leaped into the air. The speed was beyond what mere humans could track.
Even after Oliver disappeared, the governor and the two guards remained frozen in place for a while.
Eventually, confirming that the danger had passed, the governor let out a sigh.
“I see… What on earth is happening with the security in this town?”
“I’ve heard that Werewolves can’t be distinguished from humans… what a terrifying ability to disguise oneself.”
There was nothing they could do about it. If they were to station soldiers and conduct strict checks, they might be able to identify them, but the opponent’s physical abilities were formidable. This town, with only the strength of a small village militia, would be helpless against such foes. The Order of the Final Knights, which once existed for times like these, was no longer present.
“Perhaps I should discuss this further… though I’m not sure if you’ll believe me. A pet dog…?”
They had no strength left to fight. If the opponent’s power was indeed capable of scattering the surrounding Demon Kings, they would have no choice but to comply.
But what kind of King would send a messenger? Despite the gravity of the situation, the name itself lacked a sense of urgency. With a sigh, the governor returned to the city hall, half exasperated and half resigned.
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The instinctive aversion stemming from an unshakeable instinct. That was the reason they could not coexist.
Though often lumped together as the Demon Race, they were considered enemies of humanity, which was an absurd notion.
There was no existence more abhorrent than the Immortal species (Anadore) that transcended the laws of this world. If humanity had not been the most powerful, they might have even fought alongside them.
The senses of the Demon Race were not dull like those of humans. The scent, so far removed from their own existence, was unmistakable to those with keen senses, regardless of the distance.
In the deep night, where even the moon was obscured by thick clouds, a small shadow emerged, illuminated by a campfire.
The base, constructed from a modified human settlement, was teeming with countless demons. The chaotic horde, composed of various Demon Races, was undeniably powerful. Yet, despite the multitude of glowing eyes and the flying gaze directed at them, there was no sign of tension on their faces.
No, it was the soldiers who were tense. The aura emanating from that small figure, the scent wafting through the air, sent an unshakeable chill down their spines.
They were not accustomed to this. There was no way such a being would be present in a place like this. The demon took the form of a young girl, but she was undeniably not human.
Even the most unintelligent species could understand. The essence of life was far too tainted to be called a soul.
—Alone. It was unthinkable for a single person to challenge this army of Demon Kings.
The shadow draped in a black cloak held no weapon, but in her hand was a flag. With long, beautiful silver hair that shimmered ominously and crimson eyes that glowed, the otherworldly girl thrust the flag firmly into the ground and smiled slightly.
“My brother—killing humans is no good, but it’s okay to reduce the Demon Race just a little…”
One of the subordinates of the Demon King of Eternal Night. The dark figure had recognized the body of the man before her, having seen him once before.
A cursed existence that had cornered the Order of the Final Knights in a coalition.
“This place—now belongs to my brother from today onward.”
“A Vampire! Don’t let her get close! Bring silver!”
Magic bullets that could easily incinerate a human army rained down in succession. However, for an Immortal being with resistance derived from powerful curses, such attacks were nothing more than a gentle breeze.
Smoke billowed. There was no time to waste.
“Pour water! Garlic and crosses!”
A mere living being should never engage in battle without preparation. Even the Order of the Final Knights would prepare before fighting.
And then, amidst the smoke, the small shadow swelled up dramatically.