Elester and Caron.
Having even one of them present would be enough to slice this fiend to pieces.
’There’s the downside that the kids could be put in danger...’
But with their level of expertise, they would notice the demon’s approach in advance.
They would surely be able to protect the children.
’...No.’
There would be casualties.
They might not be present, or even if they notice, it could take some time.
And the children nearby might get caught up in the battle.
I tried to reassure myself, but what’s wrong is wrong. However.
’It can’t be helped. What’s important is Rodelin’s party.’
If Rodelin and the main members die, the story cannot progress.
It means I won’t be able to meet hidden bosses like Lérang.
From my perspective, as someone that needs to conquer hidden bosses to advance to the final boss, that’s something I absolutely must prevent.
Fortunately, Rodelin and the main members are all here.
Even if the academy suffers damage, it won’t significantly disrupt the story.
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I can’t help being cursed as the bad guy.
I’m not a paragon of virtue, and if Rodelin’s party were to be annihilated.
’The continent would plunge into great chaos. The story that should proceed smoothly would become a mess.’
So just go away.
It would be troublesome if Rodelin were to appear.
The demon Bineus, lost in thought, opened his mouth.
"No, my tactile cells are screaming. That child is in there."
"Excuse me?"
"We siblings can share our sense of touch. The cells of the demon’s shard are telling me. That child is in there."
Why share pain?
Are you perverts?
’Wait, then shouldn’t it feel my presence too?’
During the conquest of the demon’s shard, I was there too.
Specifically, Rodelin, me, Luna, Raymon.
If Bineus’s words are true, it should have felt my presence as well.
But it doesn’t seem to.
If that were the case, I would have already been mush.
’It doesn’t seem like a lie...’
But soon after, I nodded in agreement. Why?
During the conquest of the demon’s shard...
’I never attacked the demon’s shard.’
Rodelin and Luna attacked, Raymon defended, and I...
’I was busy cleaning.’
Yes. During the conquest of the demon’s shard, all I did was clean, taunt, cheer.
And finally, draw the aggro.
I never directly hurt the demon’s shard.
So, it’s natural that Bineus didn’t recognize me as an enemy.
"Would you mind stepping aside for a moment? I have to carry out Mother’s orders."
The plan to pass it off to Elester and Caron failed.
Then onto the next plan.
"Great demon Bineus."
"Hm? You know my name?"
"Keke, of course. The elite of the elite of the 5th Legion, Lord Bineus. Your illustrious name is even revered among us humans. It’s only natural I know it."
"Oh... Is that so. Come to think of it, I haven’t asked your name yet. My apologies."
Praise can make even a whale dance. Demons are no different.
What? You think it’s not praise but flattery?
...You’re mistaken. After all, I’m a pure child who doesn’t know how to do such things.
"Keke, it’s an honor to meet you like this. I am Zero, serving under the 2nd Legion Commander."
"I see. A member of the 2nd Legion. That’s quite distinctive."
The 6 Legion Commanders who rule the demon world.
Apart from the 1st Legion Commander, there’s no specific hierarchy among the rest.
Hence, they often quarrel among themselves.
Be it humans or demons, the struggle for rank is inevitable. They are living beings, after all.
However, the reputation of the 2nd Legion Commander stands out among demons.
Not only for their strength as demons but because they ’use their heads.’
This was quite unusual.
’Because the demon world believes in survival of the fittest, relying solely on inherent strength.’
But the demons of the 2nd Legion are different.
Under the protection of the 2nd Legion Commander, they showcase their unique talents and flaunt their demonic prowess.
Therefore, even though other demons might disdain and disregard them...
’The continent began to change its opinion as it plunged into chaos.’
Wars, natural disasters, erosion.
Most major events occurring on the continent are the doings of the 2nd Legion Commander.
As the continent fell into chaos, the number of humans making contracts with demons naturally increased.
Boosting the ’performance’ of demons lying low and providing them with entertainment.
That was the work of the 2nd Legion Commander.
As it became relatively easy to manipulate humans, the 2nd Legion had to be acknowledged.
’Which means, claiming to be part of the 2nd Legion means you can’t be treated lightly.’
It implies an operation by the 2nd Legion Commander is in progress.
Just like now.
"So, Zero, what were you doing here?"
"I was investigating a relic said to be in the academy. I’m also in the middle of persuading some usable humans."
"Hmm, I see. That’s typical of the 2nd Legion. You’ve been working hard."
"Keke, it’s nothing. Compared to what the demons do, it’s hardly work."
"Hahaha! Is that so? Well, perhaps."
Bineus’s laughter grew louder.
It seemed about time to get to the main point.
"But, I have a question. The order to kill Miss Rodelin, are you sure about it?"
"Hm? Absolutely. Mother said so."
"That’s strange."
"What’s strange about it?"
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"From what I’ve heard, the orders regarding Miss Rodelin have changed recently. From ’kill’ to ’persuade.’ It’s a direct order from the 2nd Legion, so it’s undoubtedly true."
Demons, being inherently aggressive and stubborn, often ignore orders.
The only commands they heed are those from their own Legion Commander, and.
’Only the 2nd Legion.’
There was an incident in the past.
A plan to offer an entire kingdom as a sacrifice to summon a Legion Commander.
It was also a plan the 2nd Legion had been meticulously preparing for decades. But then.
"Keke! How about we have some fun killing humans in advance? They’re all going to die soon anyway."
A demon from another legion blabbered about the plan and went hunting humans, killing several demons from the 2nd Legion who tried to stop him.
This delayed the summoning ritual, and as a result of the kingdom seeking assistance from other nations, the demons’ ambitions turned to bubbles.
The demon who messed up the 2nd Legion’s plan somehow survived and returned to the demon world, where the 1st Legion Commander flayed him piece by piece, saying,
"Anyone who interferes with the 2nd Legion’s business will end up like this."
If you can’t help, at least don’t hinder.
That’s why demons try to avoid getting involved with the 2nd Legion as much as possible.
Not always, but generally, they prioritize their words.
And Bineus here would be no exception.
"It changed? When did that happen?"
"I just found out about it yesterday myself. Fresh information."
-Rodelin, was it? I was told to kill that human. It’s a bit far, but what can I do? It’s Mother’s command, so I happily comply.
That’s what Bineus said just moments ago.
Coming from ’a bit far away’ meant it took a long while to fly here.
But it also meant there was no way to receive additional orders.
"It’s not certain, but if the 2nd Legion’s orders have changed, perhaps the 5th Legion’s have as well? By now, Mother might be worrying if killing Miss Rodelin is the wrong move."
"Hmm..."
"It would be a big problem if you made a mistake, wouldn’t it? Especially for someone destined to become a great demon, having a blemish would be troubling."
"Um... That’s true. The conditions for promotion have been so strict lately. I wonder how it came to this."
Bineus started to grumble.
Seeing that, I clenched my fists tightly.
’It’s working.’
The attack by a 4th grade demon.
I thought it was an absurd hidden piece, but it turned out to be a hidden piece that could be overcome through conversation.
After all, there’s always a way out, even when the sky falls.
’That’s right. Fighting a 4th grade demon in chapter 1?’
It’s absurd.
Just as I was about to send Bineus away.
"I’ll take her."
"Excuse me?"
"I’ll take her and get confirmation from Mother."
...A clever move.
’This guy, smarter than he looks?’
It seemed more like an obsession with Mother than intelligence.
Either way, it was a tricky situation.
"After taking her, if Mother says to kill her, then kill her; if not, bring her back. How about that? This way, you won’t be in trouble, right?"
No, that’s very troubling. The continent will be destroyed.
I won’t be able to return to reality.
"If things go well, I’ll give you a position. Human zoo. You’ll be satisfied managing that."
No, I don’t want to breed those things.
I want to go back to reality and play games.
"But if a student disappears, it’ll cause a commotion at the academy. There will be investigations, and I might be expelled in the process."
"Then run away. Or come with me. I’ll introduce you to Mother. There are many black magicians, so you’ll make good friends."
Demon, demon, what are you talking about?
Black magicians are very, very bad friends.
"This is troublesome. I too must strictly follow orders... How about you go back to Mother for confirmation?"
"Hmm... That’s too inefficient. If it turns out killing her was the right decision, I’d have to come all the way back here."
"Keke, couldn’t you do it just once, for my sake? Look at my cute face and consider it."
"Sorry. I’ve been a bit busy lately. I won’t be able to make time to come back."
So it’s not because I’m not cute enough, but because there’s no time?
He’s got quite the eye.
"Then, I’ll go in. Could you step aside for a moment? The entrance is a bit narrow."
The demon politely requested.
But I can’t let him go.
Not just because he’s trying to take Rodelin, but because in the process, Alex, Raymon, and Yuridia might die.
’...Think.’
I thought about it, but no other method came to mind except ’that.’
Something I really wanted to avoid, something I never wanted to do.
But there’s no other way. The only method to protect Rodelin is...
This one.
"Excuse me, Lord Bineus?"
"Yes, Zero. Do you have a request? If it’s something I can do, I’ll help."
"Really?"
As I asked with a bright expression, Bineus smiled broadly.
"Of course. How could I refuse a comrade’s request? Besides, human requests are often modest. They think it’s a big request, but from the perspective of us demons, it’s too modest."
"Modest request...! As expected of Lord Bineus. This will surely increase the number of humans accepting you."
"Keke! You have a way with words. So, what’s your request?"
The request? It’s...
"Please die."
"Ah, as expected, a very simple request. Dying is..."
Bineus, who seemed ready to fulfill the request right away.
A sparkle appeared in his eyes.
"Wait, what?"
"I said, please die."
Yes. This is the only remaining method.
Fighting and winning against a 4th grade demon.
Bineus stared at me dumbfounded.
What, are you looking at?
Let’s have a go, you demon bastard.
--TL Notes--
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you want to support me or give me feedback, you can do it at /MattReading
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