204 Choro
"Wha…?"
A vacant voice from the Demon Lord's chamber, as if unprepared for refusal.
Well then.
The atmosphere in the Elro Great Labyrinth had seemed promising—almost certain of a favorable response—yet upon inquiry, a refusal was delivered.
The sensation was akin to receiving a positive impression, only to discover later that one had failed the selection.
"W-why?"
No, really?
After all, I am now a god. There is no longer any need to cling to this world.
I pursued the role of Administrator with such desperation because this world was nearing collapse.
I sought that position of influence in order to prevent the world from meeting its end.
But now that I have become a god, I realize—there is no longer any need to remain attached to this world.
If I so choose, I can depart at any time using spatial magic.
Yes, I can do that.
Previous dimensional magic could not achieve this—however, that was within the constraints of a skill-based framework.
As the previous Hero and Demon King did, advancing teleportation magic could enable return to Earth across dimensions.
The time required to complete such a formula will be significant, but it will certainly be finished before this world collapses.
Considering that, there is no need to deliberately risk one's body to prevent this world's destruction.
There are grievances toward these inhabitants of this world, but total collapse would be cleaner.
Vampire Children and other reincarnated beings are of concern, to an extent—but no obligation exists to save them.
Is this due to the effects of divinization?
The anger toward these people of this world has diminished.
Likely, the core of that anger originated from the soul of the Demon King standing before me.
Because I’ve digested and consumed everything through divinization, I believe I can now judge without distraction.
Perhaps this is returning to a state close to my original self, at the moment of birth.
Though I am not entirely without anger.
A feeling of disgust remains.
Yet it is not personal. Not like being involved. Rather, it is akin to the anger one feels toward a villain in a film.
An anger directed at a character seen through a screen.
That is all.
I’ve caused enough turmoil already. I’ll depart this planet calmly.
‘Thought of the Spider 4: I have become divine. I will leave this star and live freely.’
Yes.
My mood is, farewell, old friend.
“…That would be better left undone.”
Guriguri speaks seriously, offering this warning.
Why?
Stars are typically managed by deities. This star was originally governed by dragons. They abandoned it. Now, for convenience, management is assigned to D. As the highest deity, D’s jurisdiction prevents other gods from interfering. But that effect ceases once one leaves the star. Any unaffiliated deity attempting to settle on a planet habitable for intelligent life will be repelled by the local deity.
What?
So each star has a designated manager. Unauthorized entry results in attack?
‘Incidentally, Earth falls under my jurisdiction.’
Ah, really?
Then letting me live on Earth would be easiest.
‘Indeed. Returning to Earth is acceptable, but there are two conditions.’
Ugh, bad feeling only.
‘First, becoming my subordinate.’
Yes, out!
No way.
Being a subordinate of someone this vile would be worse than death.
『Let me be clear—becoming my subordinate is an exceptionally rare condition, even for me.』
Is that really so?
I narrow my eyes, scrutinizing him intensely.
“Being a D-class subordinate guarantees basic safety. Attacking a D-class subordinate is equivalent to opposing D. Unless someone is truly reckless, no one would dare harm a D-class subordinate. That’s how strong D’s influence is in the divine realm.”
Seriously?
『Additionally, as long as you follow basic rules, you’re free to act as you please. You’ll only need to obey orders occasionally.』
Hmm.
Actually… that’s not such a bad condition.
『The second condition is cooperation with the demon lord over there.』
Huh?
『I wish to see this story through to its conclusion. Therefore, this is not a request, but the first command.』
Ah.
That’s right.
What should I do now…
The advantage of accepting D’s proposal is having D as a backing presence.
According to Guryuguryu, this is quite significant.
The disadvantage is being bound under D—this troublesome entity.
Even without hearing Guryuguryu’s explanation, the system’s structure and the divine status of D are clearly far above mine.
Honestly, victory is impossible.
My usual strategy is to flee with full effort when facing an unbeatable opponent. But I lack confidence in escaping from this one.
Then… perhaps I should just dive in?
But it’s D, after all.
『Spider-chan, if you cooperate with me, I’ll treat you to plenty of delicious food.』
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes, I’d be delighted!
Nah, you should’ve mentioned that condition from the start.
I’d go all out.
Full motivation here.
Delicious food.
Hehehehe.
"Are you sure about this?"
"Definitely not. This is a major issue."