Chapter 25

"Well, I really messed up. It's a big failure, hahaha."

In a place where lies are not allowed, a man calling himself "Kuro" muttered to himself.

The plan to defeat the Demon King was accelerated, and as a result, fate has changed dramatically.

To some extent, he understood how it would change.

He received direct guidance from his father, who was supposed to die, and gained even greater strength, facing the man known as the "Sword God" Elyus.

Similarly, receiving the love of his parents, who were supposed to die at the hands of the Demon King's army, without any impurity mixing with his inherent kindness and purity, the "Holy Maiden" Rena grew into a person worthy of her skills from a young age.

Pulled by the growth of these two, he showed even greater growth and, by catching the eye of a man who defies the laws of the world, he elevated himself—the "Spear King" Falan.

The village that was supposed to lose its dragon faith.

Fate changed, and by overcoming the challenge given by the ancient dragon, "True Dragon Eye" Nick gained even greater power.

And then—

"Well, it completely backfired."

However, he had no regrets about it at all.

"Shiro... you have a slight misunderstanding about me."

Yes, just a slight one.

Indeed, Kuro enjoys deceiving, trapping, and causing conflict among people.

But he likes seeing the strength of people who overcome those challenges even more.

"That's why, Shiro, in a sense, we are the same, you and I."

The potential of people.

Where are its limits?

He wants to see that.

Shiro, as a method, makes people aware of the symbol of their potential, "Skills."

Kuro, as a method, gives people "trials" that they can overcome.

If things continue as they are, Kuro will undoubtedly lose.

And it will be a decisive defeat like never before.

If Rena, who will elevate her skills to a realm that the former Holy Maidens could never reach, seals him, the effect will last until the end of this world.

"Oh well, so I have to think. I can't give up, because... I was taught that."

That's right.

Elyus, Kuro's archenemy on par with Rena, taught him this time.

The importance of seeing things through to the end.

"Well, I should take his example... and think, about how to reverse this from here, huh."

If things continue as they are, he will lose.

But even such despair is a source of pleasure for Kuro.

The sound of footsteps, heard from a distant future.

It is the sound of five people announcing his defeat.

While listening to that sound, in a place where lies are not allowed,

Kuro, alone, continues to think about his next move.