On the way to the Dralon region, Tokito's army had to pass through the enchanted forest. Nanagi, leading on horseback, rode ahead of the troops. The soldiers were so exhausted they could barely hold their swords.
Nanagi: "Commander, how is the army holding up?"
Soldier: "My lady, when I checked the rear units, they looked extremely fatigued. This road should be safe. As long as we aren't attacked, we're secure."
Something in me whispers that an attack is coming. Should I stay by my lord's side and protect him? This path is long… But once we pass the forest, we'll be in Dralon.
Nanagi: "Take the lead. I'm falling back to our lord's position."
Soldier: "As you wish, my lady."
I have to head back now. There's not much time left. I need to hurry. My instincts don't lie.
Riding back toward the center of the army, Nanagi's face was clouded with concern. Just what was she sensing? Despite pushing her horse forward in desperation, the rear guard seemed too far.
Meanwhile, inside Tokito's carriage, he sat unaware of the situation. Kortus was preparing tea for him, smiling, while Tokito looked out the window with a bored expression. The carriage jolted suddenly, making Tokito panic and glance at the door. Kortus remained calm, knowing who was outside.
Nanagi: "It's me, Nanagi. I've come to warn you, my lord."
Do you have to shake the carriage like that, woman?! I nearly had a heart attack!
Tokito: "Next time, knock or something, alright? I could have vaporized you out of reflex."
Nanagi: "My apologies. As for the warning… I believe we're being watched by our enemies."
Tokito: "Is there really a demon dumb enough to make me their enemy?"
I've thought the same… This whole journey felt strange from the start. The soldiers are getting tired too fast—it's unnatural. It might be a trap.
Kortus drew his second fan and began infiltrating deep into the enemy army.
He advanced by killing them one by one like a serial killer.
He started pulling all the idle soldiers back to the final defense line.
The enemy, following the retreating soldiers, was now moving toward my position.
"Good. At this rate, I can lure them all to the place where their commander died. If their commander dies, they'll retreat."
"Soldiers, listen to me! All of you, fall back to the center immediately! We must protect our lord!"
With Kortus shouting, the soldiers were forming a shield wall around me even faster.
The army under Kortus's command looked fully equipped and disciplined.
I felt like I was in an all-out war between nations.
"Don't die, my soldiers! You are essential to our kingdom! The enemy commander is dead!"
I had to boost morale.
The soldiers were so exhausted they could barely swing their weapons.
Kortus needed to bring back the ones left behind.
"Kill the enemies and survive. Enemies remaining: (1074 / 1442)"
They were slowly dwindling in number.
Suddenly, there was a big drop.
I guess Kortus took care of a lot of them.
If it weren't for him, we would've lost this war.
"My lord, please get in the carriage with the commander. Otherwise, it'll be hard to protect you."
"Be careful, you pile of trash. A dead body is useless to me—your intact body is what I need."
Tokito pulled Nanagi by the hand toward the carriage while grabbing a sword from the ground and slashing around him.
The soldiers covered for him, shielding him.
Thanks to that, Tokito managed to get Nanagi into the carriage, laid her down on the seat, and rested her head on his lap.
"Why did you fight alone, Nanagi? Couldn't you imagine what would happen to me if you died? Look at these wounds—it's a miracle you're still alive."
Kortus was still trying to return to the carriage, but since he was holding Nanagi, he couldn't move freely.
While running with his army, Kortus was slaying every demon that attacked him one by one.
"We're slowly making our way back. I hope my lord is safe. If anything happens to him, I'll never forgive myself."
When Kortus approached the carriage, there was only blood on the ground—Nanagi and Tokito were gone.
Furious, Kortus ripped through the enemies and pressed forward.
He questioned the soldiers fighting in front of the gate after killing their enemies.
"Where is our lord?! Where is the Demon King?!"
"He entered the carriage. I sent him there because it was the safest place, sir!"
"Oh… they're not dead. That makes me very happy. Now give me a status update on the battle."
"We're struggling badly. Even though the enemy commander is dead, our exhausted army can't keep fighting."
"Then I'll kill as many enemies as I can. I didn't want to use this magic, but... Melody Magic: Song of the Killer."
Kortus began to dance with his fans, slashing enemy heads in rhythm.
He advanced through the battlefield, slaughtering the enemies one by one.
He was trying to reduce their numbers and tip the balance in favor of his army.
"If I keep going like this, I can massacre them all. I'll do anything for my lord!"
The screams of dying soldiers outside worried Tokito.
He tried to look out the window, but he was too short to reach it.
The screen refreshed again.
"Kill the enemies and survive. Enemies remaining: (886 / 1442)"
"Kill the enemies and survive. Enemies remaining: (792 / 1442)"
Their numbers were steadily dropping.
Is this Kortus's true nature?
He was slicing through the demon army like it was nothing.
"Kill the enemies and survive. Enemies remaining: (634 / 1442)"
"Kill the enemies and survive. Enemies remaining: (634 / 1442)"
When the counter stopped updating, Tokito became worried.
He turned his gaze to the door when he heard a noise.
Kortus opened the door and entered.
Upon seeing his lord, he immediately embraced him.
His lord hugged him back, crying.
Both Tokito and Kortus were exhausted, and even though the battle was over, the damage was severe.
"I'm so glad you're alive, my lord."
"Forget about me—take care of her, Kortus!"
Kortus tore Nanagi's clothes to examine her wounds.
While Kortus showed no emotion, Tokito was in complete mental collapse.
The events had deeply shaken his spirit.
The first sign was that his emotions began to be suppressed.
Kortus: "My lord, this girl's done for. Her organs are severely damaged and torn apart. On top of that, she has fractures all over. I think she'll die very soon."
Tokito: "No, no, no… this can't be real, right? She can't die…"
"Can't we regenerate her?"
Kortus: "Unfortunately, my lord, even though we demons have faster regeneration than humans, damage this severe is beyond recovery."
Tokito: "There has to be a way… Don't we have a healer?"
Kortus: "Only an A-rank healing spell can fix this level of organ damage."
"Enemies eliminated. Bonus experience points acquired. Would you like to use them?"
I'll use all of them on dark healing magic.
That should allow me to level up.
I hope it works.
"Dark Healing Magic reached Level B. Dark Healing Magic reached Level A."
I think this might work.
I hope I can save her.
This is the only skill I have left, and I'm betting everything on it.
Tokito activated his Dark Healing Magic and placed his hand over Nanagi's organs.
The spell slowly began to mend the organs, but it couldn't heal the fractures.
When her abdomen was fully closed, Tokito ran out of mana and passed out.
He fainted before learning that Nanagi had survived.
When he wakes up, he'll find himself in a completely different place.
His journey is still far from over.
Nanagi: "Everyone knows you've begun your march to become the new Demon King. The army's unusual fatigue might be due to a curse."
Tokito: "So, what's your plan to save us?"
I do have a plan… but they wouldn't approve if I said it out loud. I'll just follow their lead.
Nanagi: "As always, we'll protect you, my lord. We live to die in your name."
Tokito: "Don't joke with me! Throwing away your worthless body is meaningless!"
Nanagi: "You're right. Still, please stay inside the carriage. We'll handle this—"
"Enemy detected."
"New mission assigned by the system."
"Kill the enemies and survive. Targets remaining: (1442/1442)."
This has to be a joke. How the hell am I supposed to fight 1442 enemies? Damn it…
Nanagi: "Why has the carriage stopped? My lord, stay inside. If you come out, this battle will have been in vain."
Why didn't I realize this sooner? If I had, I could've let the army rest and faced them at full strength.
Outside the carriage, Nanagi saw countless demons attacking the army—high-level, well-armed foes. The exhausted soldiers responded with their blades, and a full-scale battle broke out.
Drawing her sword, Nanagi leapt into the battlefield, guarding the carriage. Every time an enemy approached, she cut them down and moved to the next. A demon with a hat, who appeared to be their commander, lunged at her.
Enemy Commander: "Why are you here, Nanagi? Hand yourself over peacefully, and I'll spare your life."
Nanagi: "How do you know my name?"
Enemy Commander: "That's not for you to know—because if you refuse, you'll die anyway."
Nanagi: "You won't touch a hair on my lord's head without stepping over my dead body!"
Enemy Commander: "Then let's send you off! Explosion spell—Explosive Orbs!"
He launched small orbs that exploded mid-air, trying to kill her from a distance. Nanagi tried to slice through them, but she couldn't keep up. She kept taking hits and couldn't even close the gap.
When her mana ran out, she was forced into sword combat, growing weaker. Still, even weakened, she was strong. But the enemy commander, eager to end it, slashed a deep line down her back with his massive sword.
She struggled to stand, only to be knocked down again. He started kicking her relentlessly.
Enemy Commander: "So? Feels good, doesn't it? I told you to surrender!"
Nanagi (coughing blood): "Even if I die—I'll never surrender… My lord—!"
I—I can't speak… Even the system thinks I've lost. I must not fall here… My army… I've failed them… What a pathetic commander…
Enemy Commander: "What, can't even talk now? Get up, come on!"
Using her sword as support, Nanagi slowly stood, but her broken leg bones made walking impossible. With the army being slaughtered, her end was near.
In the carriage, Tokito could hear the chaos outside. He wanted to go out, but Kortus stopped him. Tokito tried pushing him aside, but being a child, he lacked the strength.
Tokito: "Let me go, Kortus!"
Kortus: "I can't allow that, my lord. It's not time to flee yet."
What are you talking about? I don't plan to run—I plan to fight. I won't let Nanagi die.
Tokito: "Run away? So I'm supposed to flee just because the enemy is strong?!"
Kortus: "Please, don't resist, my lord. You are vital to the kingdom. A mere commander and a small army are expendable."
Tokito: "You don't understand! If we don't help her, we'll be surrounded!"
Kortus: "What do you mean, my lord?"
Tokito: "This scree—"
"User used a forbidden word. Mute penalty applied."
Can no one else see the enemy counter on the screen? Why only me? Someone… please help…
Despite barely standing, Nanagi was attacked again. She tried to counter, but the enemy flung her sword away and plunged his own into her stomach. Tokito, breaking the carriage window, froze in place when he saw her.
N-Nanagi?! You're standing there… Why is there a sword in your stomach? Someone tell me this is a nightmare! God, help me!
"Do you want power? Do you want to save them?"
Yes. I want to save them all.
"It's not time yet. Just run until it is."
You too…? Are you all going to let the ones I love die? I can't take this anymore!
Shoving Kortus aside, Tokito jumped out of the carriage. He saw the enemy commander standing over Nanagi, foot pressing into her.
Enemy Commander: "Hey, are you the brat who wants to be the Demon King?"
Tokito: "That's what they call me… But I am the Demon King. Get your hands off Nanagi!"
Kortus: "My lord, why did you come out?! All my efforts… He'll kill you! Please, run while we still have soldiers!"
Enemy Commander: "What if I don't? What'll you do, kid?"
Tokito: "Try me."
I believe in you, Kortus. Please… kill this bastard!
The masked enemy twisted the sword still in Nanagi's belly, making her cry out. I couldn't help her—I was too weak. Tears ran down my cheeks. This was the price of being trapped in a small body.
When he pulled the sword out, Nanagi vomited blood. He grabbed her by the neck and began to strangle her. Seeing this, Kortus, understanding Tokito's intention, formed his fan weapon and prepared a sneak attack.
Enemy Commander: "So, how will you save your dear slave now? Oh, don't look so heartbroken."
Tokito: "Don't you dare call her a slave, insect! I'll burn you in hellfire!"
Enemy Commander: "A tiny brat like you? Hah, what a—"
Kortus: "Don't speak ill of my lord, you idiot!"
Blood sprayed. My face grew warm. Touching my cheek—I saw it was blood. Kortus had succeeded. In fear, I rushed to Nanagi's side, trying to shake her with my small hands.
Please don't leave me, Nanagi. We won the fight, right? The enemy commander is dead. You don't need to worry anymore.
"Kill the enemies and survive. Targets remaining: (1236/1442)."
So… we can still do this. I hope Kortus is strong enough…
Nanagi: "M-My lord…"
Tokito: "Just rest, Nanagi. I'll protect you."
Kortus: "We've saved Nanagi, but now we must flee."
Tokito: "No—we have to end this, Kortus. Please, do something…"
Kortus: "There's nothing I can do. But I'll protect you, my lord. First, we regroup the army."
I trust you, Kortus. Please… end this stupid war.
Kortus drew his second fan and began infiltrating deep into the enemy army.
He advanced by killing them one by one like a serial killer.
He started pulling all the idle soldiers back to the final defense line.
The enemy, following the retreating soldiers, was now moving toward my position.
"Good. At this rate, I can lure them all to the place where their commander died. If their commander dies, they'll retreat."
"Soldiers, listen to me! All of you, fall back to the center immediately! We must protect our lord!"
With Kortus shouting, the soldiers were forming a shield wall around me even faster.
The army under Kortus's command looked fully equipped and disciplined.
I felt like I was in an all-out war between nations.
"Don't die, my soldiers! You are essential to our kingdom! The enemy commander is dead!"
I had to boost morale.
The soldiers were so exhausted they could barely swing their weapons.
Kortus needed to bring back the ones left behind.
"Kill the enemies and survive. Enemies remaining: (1074 / 1442)"
They were slowly dwindling in number.
Suddenly, there was a big drop.
I guess Kortus took care of a lot of them.
If it weren't for him, we would've lost this war.
"My lord, please get in the carriage with the commander. Otherwise, it'll be hard to protect you."
"Be careful, you pile of trash. A dead body is useless to me—your intact body is what I need."
Tokito pulled Nanagi by the hand toward the carriage while grabbing a sword from the ground and slashing around him.
The soldiers covered for him, shielding him.
Thanks to that, Tokito managed to get Nanagi into the carriage, laid her down on the seat, and rested her head on his lap.
"Why did you fight alone, Nanagi? Couldn't you imagine what would happen to me if you died? Look at these wounds—it's a miracle you're still alive."
Kortus was still trying to return to the carriage, but since he was holding Nanagi, he couldn't move freely.
While running with his army, Kortus was slaying every demon that attacked him one by one.
"We're slowly making our way back. I hope my lord is safe. If anything happens to him, I'll never forgive myself."
When Kortus approached the carriage, there was only blood on the ground—Nanagi and Tokito were gone.
Furious, Kortus ripped through the enemies and pressed forward.
He questioned the soldiers fighting in front of the gate after killing their enemies.
"Where is our lord?! Where is the Demon King?!"
"He entered the carriage. I sent him there because it was the safest place, sir!"
"Oh… they're not dead. That makes me very happy. Now give me a status update on the battle."
"We're struggling badly. Even though the enemy commander is dead, our exhausted army can't keep fighting."
"Then I'll kill as many enemies as I can. I didn't want to use this magic, but... Melody Magic: Song of the Killer."
Kortus began to dance with his fans, slashing enemy heads in rhythm.
He advanced through the battlefield, slaughtering the enemies one by one.
He was trying to reduce their numbers and tip the balance in favor of his army.
"If I keep going like this, I can massacre them all. I'll do anything for my lord!"
The screams of dying soldiers outside worried Tokito.
He tried to look out the window, but he was too short to reach it.
The screen refreshed again.
"Kill the enemies and survive. Enemies remaining: (886 / 1442)"
"Kill the enemies and survive. Enemies remaining: (792 / 1442)"
Their numbers were steadily dropping.
Is this Kortus's true nature?
He was slicing through the demon army like it was nothing.
"Kill the enemies and survive. Enemies remaining: (634 / 1442)"
"Kill the enemies and survive. Enemies remaining: (634 / 1442)"
When the counter stopped updating, Tokito became worried.
He turned his gaze to the door when he heard a noise.
Kortus opened the door and entered.
Upon seeing his lord, he immediately embraced him.
His lord hugged him back, crying.
Both Tokito and Kortus were exhausted, and even though the battle was over, the damage was severe.
"I'm so glad you're alive, my lord."
"Forget about me—take care of her, Kortus!"
Kortus tore Nanagi's clothes to examine her wounds.
While Kortus showed no emotion, Tokito was in complete mental collapse.
The events had deeply shaken his spirit.
The first sign was that his emotions began to be suppressed.
Kortus: "My lord, this girl's done for. Her organs are severely damaged and torn apart. On top of that, she has fractures all over. I think she'll die very soon."
Tokito: "No, no, no… this can't be real, right? She can't die…"
"Can't we regenerate her?"
Kortus: "Unfortunately, my lord, even though we demons have faster regeneration than humans, damage this severe is beyond recovery."
Tokito: "There has to be a way… Don't we have a healer?"
Kortus: "Only an A-rank healing spell can fix this level of organ damage."
"Enemies eliminated. Bonus experience points acquired. Would you like to use them?"
I'll use all of them on dark healing magic.
That should allow me to level up.
I hope it works.
"Dark Healing Magic reached Level B. Dark Healing Magic reached Level A."
I think this might work.
I hope I can save her.
This is the only skill I have left, and I'm betting everything on it.
Tokito activated his Dark Healing Magic and placed his hand over Nanagi's organs.
The spell slowly began to mend the organs, but it couldn't heal the fractures.
When her abdomen was fully closed, Tokito ran out of mana and passed out.
He fainted before learning that Nanagi had survived.
When he wakes up, he'll find himself in a completely different place.
His journey is still far from over.