300 End of the war, and...

The fragment monitoring the system detected that the diligence frame had become vacant.

Immediately assigned itself to fill the gap left by the ruler's authority, adjusting to prevent disruption to system operations.

Further, forcibly jammed my presence into the vacant ruler authority slot.

Now, only one frame remains needed.

The vacancy of the diligence frame meant that Potimas had died.

Or rather, ceased to exist.

Why did Potimas, who had clung to life unwillingly, meet a fate even more tragic than death?

Too many causes—so many that they become burdensome.

Stepped into the UFO, tightly bound like a goose in a string of threads.

This UFO emerged after destroying the swarm of Unis and the triangular pyramids.

I refrained from destroying it, thinking this might be Potimas’s final stronghold, arriving at that moment. My guess seems to have been correct.

I’d be surprised if they claimed there were still hidden cards left.

If that were the case, Potimas’s evaluation would have to be raised another level.

Still, if Potimas himself is dead, then this was truly the end.

At the end of a long, circuitous path, the Demon King sat in a chair, manipulating something resembling a console before him.

“Finished.”

“Is that so.”

The Demon King did not turn toward me, stating it plainly.

A long-standing grudge brought to closure. Various emotions may be swirling beneath.

The flat tone suggests those emotions have overflowed—so much so that the speaker can no longer comprehend their own feelings.

When emotions overflow too greatly, they can paradoxically result in emotional numbness.

"Look at this."

The Demon King pointed at the monitor.

Following the text displayed, something unworthy was written.

Soul-based divinization experiments using reincarnated souls, yes.

Condensing the lengthy theory: an attempt to elevate a soul to godhood by forcibly inserting it into a divine framework.

Potimas had concluded that, by system power alone, attaining godhood was no longer possible.

No matter how many souls—collected under the label of experience points—were accumulated, the limit could not be surpassed.

Therefore, if a new type of experience point were used—souls from another world, specifically reincarnated souls—perhaps the limit could be breached.

Pathetic.

No, well.

To put it bluntly, I can't envision a successful outcome for this.

The soul collection in this world cannot breach the limit.

Then why not use souls from another world?

If becoming a god were that simple, I wouldn’t be bothering.

I can’t say that with a straight face, not after becoming a god so casually.

So this is how reincarnated souls were gathered.

The teacher isn’t pleased.

“Still, Potimas didn’t seriously believe he could become a god this way, did he? More like a faint hope, a maybe.”

“But then why is he so carefully verifying the theory and constructing the device?”

“Potimas, what can you do?”

The text displayed on the monitor detailed the development of experimental equipment and verification results required to succeed in the experiment.

Forcing reincarnated souls to live without acquiring skills was supposedly to prevent their souls from adapting and mutating within this world’s system.

Something about the effort invested here—so meticulous it bordered on tearful—suggests the probability of success was astronomically low.

Was becoming a god worth that much effort?

Probably was.

“Good thing we proceeded with extreme caution. Another year, and the equipment would’ve been ready. The reincarnated would’ve been reduced to pulp.”

Please don’t say things like that.

But the Demon Lord is right.

This time, Potimas’s caution saved us.

Still, if any move to harm the reincarnated had been made, I would’ve accelerated the plan and come in person to deal with it.

“There are also many records of Potimas’s prior research here.”

“Wow.”

I couldn’t help but speak aloud.

Potimas’s research records.

Likely full of unsavory material.

“Anyway, I’ll just quickly scan the contents and destroy them.”

“That’s fine.”

Such things left behind serve no purpose but harm.

In fact, I doubt the Demon Lord even needs to verify them.

“This is how it is. How about your side?”

“Who are you asking?”

It’s perfectly settled.

The remains of Uni and the triangular pyramids have already been recovered.

The fire has been extinguished to prevent further spread through the forest.

Additionally, the hidden base buried underground has been completely erased.

And,

“The surviving elves are only the teacher.”

All elves eradicated.

Half-elves, quarter-elves—some remain—but pure-blooded elves no longer exist in this world.

“Is that so. Then, destroying this spaceship should truly end it.”

“Sentimental?”

“Yes.”

The Demon Lord’s profile beside me was unusually calm.

“Oh, right. I kept my promise.”

Promise?

Ah.

The one where you won’t forgive me if I die, right?

"Successfully reached the objective, Boss."

The Demon Lord spun his chair with a theatrical flourish, offering a mock salute.

Successfully, huh.

"Is that really successful?"

"Cheaper than dying."

The Demon Lord laughed.

Despite being unable to stand, in a state near death.

No physical wounds marred the Demon Lord’s body.

But the soul bore deep wounds.

The presence of a being once overwhelmingly powerful now felt frail beyond measure.

"How does it feel?"

"Hmm. Probably able to function normally in daily life after a short rest. The reason I can't move properly now is due to complete depletion of magical energy. Once that recovers, I should be able to move, at least."

"In other words, combat is impossible."

"Could be done if I were willing to shorten my lifespan further."

"Demon Lord"

"Joking. Either way, my lifespan isn't long. Perhaps a year left. I'll spend the remainder as a final witness."

Originally, the Demon Lord's lifespan had already dwindled significantly.

Still, there should have been more.

That too was shortened during this battle—now only a year remains.

"My duty ends here. I truly wished to push further, but from now on, I leave it to Shiro."

"Left."

"Then, shall we begin?"

I nod in response to the Demon Lord's question.

Potimas, the world's enemy, has been dealt with.

From here, the story shifts—toward saving the world.

But I do not claim to save humanity.

Thus, I begin my activities as an enemy of humanity.

Now, let us destroy humanity and save the world and the goddess.

Even if it goes against the goddess's will.

☆

《Condition met. Acquired skill: Greed》

《Condition met. Acquired title: Tyrant of Greed》

《Title "Tyrant of Greed" effect activated. Acquired skills: "Scouting LV10", "Conquest"》

“Kufu… dead! That damn thing is dead! Ah, now… now I am free! Wait for me, elder brother! With this power, I can make you mine! Only mine! Kufu… kufufufufufu!”