Wrath Demon

The meeting did not conclude in a single day as before. Adjustments to detailed plans proved complex. The discussion continued into the following day.

It was natural, given that this session marked the beginning of serious coordination, unlike the previous two meetings, which had been merely formal introductions.

Additionally, cooperation was being demanded from unexpected quarters within the Divine Word Church, resulting in numerous topics to address.

Detailed planning for the overthrow of the kingdom.

Securing control over the Empire.

Laying groundwork with other nations.

Advance planning for the invasion of the elven settlement.

Arrangements to invite demons into human territories.

A second invasion plan targeting the elven settlement, this time by demons.

The list of subjects to discuss was endless.

In the end, the meeting lasted until dusk.

Dinner was provided by the Divine Word Church. Rooms were prepared, allowing overnight stay.

Sophia could return to the Demon Lord’s territory if she asked Lars, but everyone seems intent on staying overnight today.

I take a moment to rest in the room assigned to me.

I focus my mind, aiming to generate a magic sword using MP until it runs out.

“Sasaya! You awake?”

Just as the first magic sword completes, the sound of knocking comes from the door, followed by Sashima’s voice.

“I’m awake. And didn’t I tell you to call me Lars?”

I caution, opening the door.

“Sorry, sorry.”

Sashima enters without the slightest hint of remorse.

I sigh, closing the door.

He holds snacks and drinks in both hands, clearly planning to stay a long time.

I abandon the attempt to generate another magic sword.

“Oh? Is that a magic sword?”

Sashima immediately spots the newly created blade.

“That’s right.”

"Hey, Sashima—could Lars’s skill maybe produce a magic sword or something like that?"

"Ah."

I nod, meeting Sashima’s eyes, bright with curiosity.

They’ve likely uncovered my past—my time as a rampaging ogre in the human territories.

I introduced myself as much, after all.

And from records of that time, they’ve formed a general idea of what my skill entails.

"What about Sashima’s skill?"

"Me? Mine’s a ninja skill—can use shadow clones, ninjutsu, that sort of thing."

I asked on a whim, but Sashima revealed his ability without hesitation.

Ah. Sashima wasn’t the type to keep secrets.

Probably doesn’t even realize skills should be kept hidden.

"Sounds useful."

Useful, yes. But I’ve always been drawn to magic swords. They’re made from the materials of exceptionally strong monsters—so they’re incredibly rare.

Is that so.

I can produce as many as I have MP. I don’t experience rarity.

Disposable by nature.

“Hey, if you’re up for it, could you make me one too?”

After a brief pause, I agreed to Shiro’s request.

I’d briefly considered the risk of destabilizing the market if I produced too many magic swords.

But then I recalled I was already creating large quantities of magic swords for Shiro’s deployment in the Tenth Army.

Given that, I decided to grant his request.

I asked what kind of weapon he preferred, then began the creation process.

Shiro watched the process with clear interest.

The result was a pair of short blades.

Given his identity as a ninja, an additional effect was applied—darkness attribute, for authenticity.

May not align with Sawam's image, but that is acceptable.

The names shall be Saku and Bō.

"Oh wow! Thank you! I'll treasure these forever!"

"Good, but use them properly. If not used, they're just a wasted treasure."

"Got it, got it."

Sawam stared at the Saku and Bō with a broad grin.

A reaction like a child given a toy.

If he is this pleased, the effort was worthwhile.

While nibbling on the sweets Sawam brought, I waited until he grew bored.

"Yan, are you feeling better now?"

Suddenly, Sawam asked.

No prior context. I did not inquire why he asked.

From an outside perspective, my mood must be obvious enough.

"Yeah. A little, maybe."

The tension I’d built up during my exchange with Shiro had eased slightly.

Only slightly. No fundamental resolution.

This unresolved irritation, coiled tight in my chest—there would be no clearing of it in the near future.

"Sasayama, why’re you so worked up? I might not be much help, but I’ll listen if you want to talk."

The seriousness in Shiro’s voice—unlike his usual self—confirmed I must look particularly bad.

Speaking to him wouldn’t resolve anything.

Still, I thought perhaps it might ease the mood. So I began to speak, haltingly.

When I first heard the plan from Shiro, the first thing that came to mind was an unbearable, nameless discomfort.

Something beyond words. A visceral aversion.

It was aversion to the method of brainwashing.

The very act of brainwashing that triggered my rage.

The most detested, abhorrent method in this world.

And Shiro uses it without hesitation.

Uses it.

Natsume is brainwashing people one after another, and even Natsume is being brainwashed by Shiro—unaware, unknowing.

Not funny.

If it were truly necessary, I might have endured.

But this time, Shiro claims it was an accident.

An accident that reduces people to suffering.

Brainwashing causes suffering in both the one who is brainwashed and those who are close to it.

I was brainwashed and killed my sister with my own hands.

My elder brother was brainwashed and followed that heretic.

Seeing that, my vision turned red with fury.

In this case, the brainwashed Hasebe will surely suffer.

And you, Jun, betrayed by Hasebe.

I am not merely complicit. I am the driving force.

Perhaps "driving force" is more accurate than "complicit."

Even if I did not know of this matter earlier, I chose to cooperate with Shiro.

That choice has reached a point beyond reversal.

Now, no matter how I feel about the brainwashing, I cannot halt the plan.

I am attempting an act as corrupt as the one that brainwashed me.

No matter what justification lies ahead, the act remains evil to the victim.

I am evil.

I feel nausea toward myself.

Yet I do not stop.

I do not wish to stop.

I must not wish to stop.

"Thinking too hard about it isn’t necessary, I think. Good and evil—ultimately, they’re just different positions. If so, just follow the justice of your own position."

Sophia's reaction to my words was straight as a blade, dazzling in its clarity.

I envy you—you can say such things so easily.

Either way, this isn't something that ends with my personal feelings.

Then I must push forward, without limit.

I will support Shiro until the very end, even if it is evil.

Yes—until the very end.

Sophia: "Reversal Sword Dance Sixfold!"

Demon: "Don't do that indoors, idiot."