193 Administrator grumbles

Gyuriguri casually tosses the dying water dragon into the sea.

Unbelievable how careless the handling is.

The water dragon seems to have regained breath, then swims away without pause.

Gyuriguri sits down beside me.

"Seems to have been quite the disturbance."

Jolt.

Bad. He's angry?

Honestly, facing a demon lord, I could revive the egg. I could create a situation where death isn't certain—though not quite a fifty-fifty chance.

But this man is different.

Administrator Gyuriedistdies.

This man is the strongest being in this world. A resident of the same domain as D.

In other words, a god.

Not metaphorically. Literally. A god.

A cheat among cheats, capable of interfering with the system itself.

Lately, I've begun to grasp, vaguely, what a god truly is.

And with that understanding, I finally comprehend just how dangerous this man and D truly are.

If the Demon King is a tank, then Guri-edist-dies is a nuclear weapon.

A matter beyond win or loss—ending the moment it detonates.

Such is the nature of this being.

In the ranking of who should not be angered, he stands a close second to D.

Second place, far ahead of the third-ranked Demon King.

So this is where I will die.

"Thanks to you, my head hurts."

Guri-guri lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.

Ah, yeah.

Not angry, but the atmosphere of a superior forced to hold a repentance festival due to a subordinate's mistake.

Not angry, but utterly exhausted.

Guri-guri distorts space and pulls something forth.

A bottle?

"Drink?"

He unscrews the cap. A rich, fragrant aroma rises.

Alcohol.

Guri-guri produces two glasses from another realm, pours the drink.

Without protest, one of them is handed to me.

"Accompany me. You should be allowed to exert that much authority."

Ah, yes.

I've never drunk alcohol before, being underage. But refusing in this situation would be unwise, so I'll comply.

Guri-guri downs the drink in one swift motion.

A smooth finish.

This person must drink regularly.

I don't understand alcohol, but I'll enjoy the aroma for now.

Mixed with the scent of the sea—odd, yet distinct.

I take a single sip.

Ah, faintly sweet. Delicious.

"More is available. Don't hesitate to drink."

I take advantage of the offer and finish the glass in one gulp.

Guri-guri immediately refills it.

I savor my first experience with alcohol.

"Absolutely, Potimas the scum stays holed up as always. He did at least put in minimal nails—though he's surely plotting something just as worthless again. That man is irredeemable, yet Ariel says not to kill him. If not for those words, I'd have torn him apart and cast him into hell. Ariel and Dustin never listen to anyone. Especially Ariel. I've said repeatedly not to interfere, yet he leaps into the middle of it all. Ah, I understand the circumstances—but then why not consult me? At least try to mediate. I considered him at least a peer. Apparently, that was just my delusion. Well, fitting for a stray dragon like me. Alone. Always alone."

"Uhehe. The world's glowing—"

It wouldn’t matter if it shone or not. A world like this, without Salierel, would have been abandoned long ago. The actions of the other dragons are unforgivable, but the humans in this world are nothing but fools and scum. The fact that no human has been liberated by the Purification System is proof enough. They hoard sin points—no reduction, no change. How many sins must they accumulate before they’re satisfied? Yet they preach about slaying evil dragons while challenging their subordinates to battle, entrusting them with regional control. Which side is truly evil, one wonders.

Ah, happiness...

I am wretched. All is darkness ahead. But there is nothing to be done. This is the weakness of being in love. I wish to grant her every wish. Even if it means her death, I will endure anything, as long as she smiles at the end. As for what comes after she dies— I do not care.

“Hm”

You are yourself. To attack Ariel is one thing—but now you meddle in human war? What is your intent? Ah, no. I understand the reasoning. I’ve considered slaughtering them myself more than once. To be honest, a part of me did feel relief. The Divine Word Sect is deeply corrupt. The Goddess Sect has strayed far from its original teachings. They have no right to worship Sariel—how audacious. Learn some shame. Learn some shame.

Kill them all.

That would be the quickest solution. Unfortunately, Sariel herself detests that approach. And since I cannot betray Sariel’s feelings either, it’s impossible. Unbearable. I couldn’t survive without a drink.

Good wine.

Enjoying it well. Drink more.

Yay.

Good morning.

Hmm?

When did I fall asleep?

Something about yesterday’s memory is vague from a certain point onward.

Sipping wine—sipping hard. Listening to complaints.

What was it?

I feel like I’ve been listening to constant, endless complaints… but can’t recall the details.

Guriguri is gone.

Just came here to drink recklessly?

Only wanted someone to listen to my complaints?

Who is that god?

One thing is certain.

Wine tastes good.