Behind the War of Human and Demon

"Was the demon invasion halted?"

"Impossible. The current Demon King is unusually true to form for this age. Unfortunate for us."

"Then, what are the casualties on both sides?"

"Severe. The greatest loss for humanity was the death of the Hero. The Demons also suffered widespread depletion due to their reckless assault."

"Is this also the result of the Administrator's design?"

"Yes. We did not expect the deployment of Queen Taratect. She should have been one of the Demon King's trump cards."

"Were the forces deployed to eliminate General Agner?"

"Unknown. Perhaps they sensed our alliance with Agner. Or perhaps they simply intended to obliterate both the fortress and its defenders."

"In any case, we have lost one of our allies."

"That is true. But the Queen Talatect that was deployed is also significantly damaged. It won't be usable for some time."

"Is now the best moment to confront the Demon King?"

"No. Even if that unit is unusable, the Demon King remains strong. Consider it merely a reduction in available forces, and a limitation on movement. That is sufficient."

"Is it really that severe?"

"The vanguard known as Shiro possesses considerable power. I never thought that warrior would be defeated."

"Was this generation's warrior weak?"

"Not weak. But not strong either. Average, at best, for a warrior."

"I see. Shun will be saddened by this."

"We move precisely to end that sorrow. Do not forget that."

"I understand. In that case, what of the new warrior?"

"Not yet known. But they must be born somewhere. We must locate them before the Demon King or other dangerous forces do."

If only my skill could apply to titles as well.

There is nothing to be done about it. Skills are not omnipotent.

I don’t truly wish to rely on skills. Every time I use this power, a sense of revulsion rises—like I am being defiled.

A skill is merely power. Regardless of the administrator’s intent, there is no need to abhor mere power.

I understand that. It is a matter of sentiment.

Just a warning: no reckless actions like last time, no matter how much you despise it.

Yes. I won’t do it again.

That would be best. You tend to act recklessly when it comes to your students.

You are the teacher.

Hmph. Very well. Oko, continue coordinating with Reston.

Understood—ah.

Stop that unsettling tone when speaking to me.

————

"Was it necessary to deploy that?"

"What? What are you talking about? I don’t get it at all."

"The Queen Talatokt."

"Oh, right. That big spider, yeah. What a coincidence. Just appearing out of nowhere on the battlefield."

"Stop playing dumb."

"Black-chan, scary! White-chan, help!"

"…"

"White-chan, at least give a response, sister thinks."

"Change the subject."

"What’s wrong with that? It’s nothing, really."

"You say that’s nothing?"

"Of course. What? Are you seriously angry over something like that?"

"How many casualties did it cause?"

"Who knows."

"You think it’s fine to not know?"

"Black, is that really the line you're giving me?"

"What do you mean?"

"Is that the kind of thing you say about something so small? You think it's fine to not know?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You know, don't you? The truth the world forgot. The ones who've forgotten it so carelessly."

"That is..."

"Black, no—Administrator Gurielidistidies. It's because you're acting like this that I have to take on the role of Demon King, which is damn inconvenient. You have no right to question my actions."

"But—"

"But what? It's too late for that. Humans, demons, elves sneaking around—everyone's guilty. I'm just collecting the debt they've accumulated. If you're going to make a fuss over something this small, what's your plan for the future?"

"Still... isn't this insufficient?"

Not enough. Not enough at all. We’ll have to spread the flames of war further. The world must be driven deeper into despair. Otherwise, it won’t balance out.

What good does deeper despair do?

Nothing. But if I must name it, it’s my own release.

You…

What? You want to oppose me, Black? I don’t mind at all.

Do you understand? No matter how strong you are, you cannot defeat me.

I know that perfectly well. And that’s exactly why I’m saying it. Go ahead. Oppose me if you wish.

What are you trying to do?

You don’t get it unless you say it out loud, do you? Don’t you think kindness, at its deepest, is a hair’s breadth from foolishness?

I don’t think so.

Ah. But you should remember this: nothing is saved by kindness alone. The limits are obvious.

"I was saved by that kindness. And yet, it negates us as well?"

"That's right. That's why we're at odds with each other now."

"You have no intention of retreating?"

"None."

"...Understood. For now, I'll continue this path with you."

"Good job, Blackie! You get it!"

"But if I ever fail to accept it, I won't spare you."

"Got it. I hope that day never comes."

End of Human-Monster Conflict Arc. Returning to main narrative next chapter.