Chapter 21

We are guided into the dance hall of the Palace of the Demon King. Unfamiliar demon kings are chatting with each other. The power of the demons and demon kings accompanying them is almost the same as in my world... no, slightly inferior. Of course, there are demon kings with outstanding power, but on average, they are weak, and even the ones who seem to be at the top are a head or two below the three strongest pillars. Whether it's because the standards in our world are high or the standards here are low, if they are not showing off their power like in our [Night Gathering] but rather hiding their true strength, that would be a different story.

As soon as we enter, the gazes gather on us. Naturally, since we are unfamiliar demon kings, and I have S-rank demons serving me. A powerful demon king would notice Shier's power. However, no one can sense the other two that are invisible.

"Lord Demon King, these guys and the demons I brought are pretty good."

"Maybe so, from your standards."

That's what S-rank means.

I scan the surroundings, but the demon kings here keep their distance, whispering to each other. I have no intention of initiating contact, so I remain a wallflower. If it ends peacefully, that would be best.

A gender-neutral girl, the Demon King of [Desire], Elygor, approaches me.

"Are you enjoying the [Night Gathering]?"

"Yeah. The drinks and food served at the [Night Gathering] are always good."

I add in my mind, though not as good as Avalon.

"Agreed. It's not an exaggeration to say that's what I come here for."

"That's an exaggeration."

This is a social gathering for demon kings and an opportunity for information gathering, not just a place to eat.

"Is this your S-rank?"

"Yeah, the one I needed to fulfill my dream."

It looks like a kitten, with golden fur mixed with silver, sitting on my shoulder. It reminds me of Enlil, the Storm Dragon Bahamut, the trump card of the Demon King of [Wind], Strass, in its energy-saving form. He always sat on Strass's shoulder and warned others not to approach. However, this kitten, despite its appearance, possesses the power worthy of an S-rank demon.

"I see. If you wanted this, I can imagine your dream. It's quite fitting for the Demon King of [Desire]."

My power is honed to the limit of a demon king's vessel. Therefore, I can see through the abilities of an S-rank demon, and that's why I know the true identity of this kitten. It's a useful ability, but its applications are limited. Using this demon for anything else would be a waste.

"Right? I affirm my desires. I have always done so and will continue to do so."

She smiles broadly, which doesn't match her ambitious nature. The Demon King of [Desire] is devious. She approached me with the intention of using me. However, I can't dislike her; she's straightforward in her own way.

"Good luck. If possible, wait until I leave. Your dream is so troublesome that I can't remain uninvolved."

"You're kind. If we met under different circumstances, we might have become friends... It's a shame."

"That's your position."

Her words are a denial of friendship and a declaration that it will never happen. In other words, the Demon King of [Desire], Elygor, declared herself my enemy.

"Sure, that was my way of atoning for my actions. Just imagine the meaning behind my words."

With those words, Elygor leaves. Considering her words, I realize the meaning behind the gazes of the demon kings who have been watching me from a distance. The demon kings here are hostile towards me. They keep their distance because the setup is already complete. They prioritize not revealing their own information over gathering information on me.

As time passes, the venue grows dark, and only the stage is illuminated. A throne that didn't exist before appears, and an old gentleman sits on it.

"Children of the stars, I am pleased to see you again."

The Creator.

Our creator and the one who toys with us.

"In years when no new children of the stars are born, I don't usually make a big fuss, but this year is an exception. We have interesting guests. The Demon King of [Creation], Prokel, from the Third World. The Third World is different from here; it's all successful works. Among them, Prokel is the masterpiece."

The atmosphere grows heavy. After all, the Creator has essentially called all the demon kings here, except me, failures.

"I want to discard this failed world. It has been centuries, but ultimately, this world and its inhabitants have not entertained me. I'm tired of it."

The demon kings are shocked by this bombshell. This guy could actually do it.

"However, I can't just destroy it outright. I have a parental heart. I will give you, who have continuously disappointed me, one last chance. Defeat Prokel, my favorite from the Third World, and prove that you are not failures. If you win, I won't discard the world. If you lose, I will discard it as planned. So, who will step up?"

One demon king stands up, a humanoid with long black hair. I had been curious about him. At first glance, he seemed to be of a different caliber.

"Then, I will take on this role. I will prove our brilliance by defeating him."

I look around. No one opposes him. Some are confused, but the powerful ones are dissuading them.

I see, a few knew about this setup in advance. Elygor was one of them. That's the meaning behind her words. If Elygor is my enemy, the trump card I showed her in the city of [Desire] and my [Creation] are likely exposed. I anticipated a battle, but not on this scale and in such a crude manner. ...I don't like being on the receiving end. As it stands, I have nothing to gain whether I win or lose. Therefore, I need to create conditions favorable to me.

"Sorry to dampen the mood, but I have no intention of accepting this battle. I have too much to lose, win or lose. I have something important in this world. If this world is destroyed, I will be in trouble."

I speak from the heart, not just for show.

"Creator, this battle is too unfair. Your games have been unreasonable, but there was a reward for the winner that matched the unfairness. There was a reason to risk our lives. But this is different. It's an incomplete game, not even like you."

The Fox Sisters, who have developed feelings, and the newborn city. Even if I eventually leave this world, it is dear to me.

"Hmm, you have a point. Then, Demon King of [Creation], what do you seek?"

The Creator smiles, as if he has found a favorite toy.

"If I win, I want this world. Since you plan to discard it anyway, I will take it."

I don't ask for a return to my world as a reward. We can do that with our power. I also don't make unreasonable demands that the Creator would reject outright. Instead, I ask for the maximum reward he would likely grant. I chose something he would find interesting. I have a long history with the Creator, and I can tell this line will work. The Creator knows that if I get this world, I will use it as a pawn to kill him. Knowing this, he finds it interesting and accepts the conditions. That's the kind of guy he is.

"You want the world? Haha, interesting, very interesting! Fine, I'll give you this world marked for destruction. Isn't that great, failures? Even if you lose, the world will remain, though under the control of an interdimensional demon king."

The demon kings' expressions grow even more severe. ...I'm the villain now. This is a proposal for their benefit, too.

Well, it's fine. I'm used to it. War, here we come.

My opponent is likely the strongest demon king in this world. If he knew this would happen, he has prepared thoroughly and received reinforcements from other demon kings.

On my side, I have only ten demons, and my dungeon is not even formed yet. The odds are overwhelmingly against me. If I play it straight, it won't even be a fight. ...If I play it straight.

...It feels nostalgic. This feeling.

In the past, I used to do such reckless things. That's why I believe I will win again. Of course, it's not just blind optimism. I have set up the necessary groundwork. I will let loose, with the help of my reliable demons. And I will take this entire world as a souvenir.