The Demon King

Ever since two days ago, when the other Elf King agreed to release all the Holy Nation’s prisoners from jail, more people from the Shenyue Federation began to appear, along with large numbers of wanderers entering the city.

Most people, after learning the truth, started cheering “Long live the Dark King!” and “Long live the Holy King!” But Mio continued wandering through the crowd as usual.

Although last time, after defeating the boxer, her image appeared on a magical screen, she foolishly gave the name Alexander, which exposed her appearance.

Why was she exposed? Because a day ago, Mio admitted she was the Holy King but liked acting overly dramatic.

Though she allowed ordinary people to see her real identity, she banned unnecessary conversation to avoid trouble.

Now, Mio was walking around the streets alone.

Eventually, she arrived at a snack shop.

“Boss, I’d like a warm pudding milk tea.”

“Yes, Lady Holy King.”

“No need for formality. By the way, your pudding milk tea tastes better than Yue Lai’s milk tea.”

“Of course! I’ve been running this milk tea business for twelve years.”

“A seasoned shop, not bad.”

“Thank you for the compliment, my lady.”

After a while, Mio took her milk tea and left the city.

As she walked, Mio began examining how to fully adapt to her body.

“Hah!”

With one punch, she broke a tree.

“Damn it, this is still not enough.”

(Although Xiao An told me to take it slow, I still want to adapt faster.)

Suddenly, Mio got an idea—she planned to make use of Gio Inzart.

(But how to get to the Theocracy? Not sure if the black hole can reach there. I better run this plan by Xiao An and the others.)

Meanwhile, in the Theocracy, Gio and Sharaty were exploring an old castle to investigate the black-winged elf.

“Hey, Princess, why’d you tag along? Wouldn’t it be better to stay in the castle and wait for news? Investigating an elf is just a time-killer for me, the Demon King.”

“Gio, the black-winged elf is on par with a demon god. With your fighting style, you’d get blown away in one hit.”

“Hmph. When I meet that elf, I’ll show you the true power of a Demon King.”

Sharaty wanted to go back but suddenly had a bad feeling.

“Gio, just be careful, okay?”

“Yeah yeah, but I don’t need you worrying about me. You take care of yourself.”

“Just be careful.”

At that moment, Mio, Shizuku, and Eve were on the rooftop, discussing Mio’s plan.

“Little Mio, you mean you want to make Gio a Demon King to deal with the Divine Ones, right?”

“Not just that. I want him to become strong enough to be my sparring partner in the future.”

“Why him?”

“Gio might not be strong now, but he does have the drive to surpass the Divine Ones.”

“Hey sis, do you think Sharaty could become his partner?”

Because of habit, Shizuku often called her “sis” or “big sister.”

“Probably. It’s a peaceful era now. Except in tournaments, there’s no need to fight to the death. Plus, in the original novel, Sharaty and Gio had a pretty good relationship—sometimes like a bickering couple.”

“Little Mio has a point, but we need to adjust his personality. Otherwise, he’ll become a real menace.”

“Alright, I’ll head to see the Divine One.”

“Sis, what for?”

“To ask some questions.”

Mio opened a black hole and stepped inside.

Meanwhile, in Claire’s dorm—

“Divine One, want to gather some Fairy Moon Grass and make chicken soup together?”

“Sure, not like we have anything else to do.”

Suddenly, a black hole appeared and Mio walked out of it.

Claire and the Divine One were startled, and the Divine One noticed Mio’s chest seemed flatter.

“Divine One, mind if I ask a few questions?”

“Sure, as long as I can answer them.”

Mio sat gently on the couch nearby.

“Tell me, what was Gio like when he was little? According to Mireia’s past intel, he attacked you guys when you first arrived at the academy. But you were classmates—was there really no team spirit between you?”

“He always wanted to be Demon King. I’m the rightful heir, but he didn’t believe it. He thought he was the real successor.”

“I see. Then I’ll tell you my plan. It’d be a waste if he didn’t train. Since he wants to be Demon King, I’ll grant that. You don’t even like that title anyway.”

“But still…”

“Relax, my priority is to fix his personality. First rule—no killing.”

Claire couldn’t help but ask—

“Um… why did your chest get smaller? And your appearance too…”

“I just prefer the original body’s figure. But tell me—why do human girls care so much about having a bigger chest? I’m an Elf King and I still don’t get it.”

“Well… how do I explain…”

“Save it for next time. Let’s stay on topic.”

“Alright.”

“Divine One, do you think Gio might change because of a girl?”

“Maybe.”

“Perfect. Since Sharaty and he have a good relationship, even if I want him to be a Demon King, I’ll prep things first, help him go forward with the right mindset—hm? Who’s there!”

Mio sensed a presence outside the door.

When the door opened, Miuya walked in.

She was startled to see Mio.

“Why are you here?!”

“Just chatting. You should join us.”

“Alright.”

Miuya sat beside the Divine One and asked—

“What were you all talking about?”

“I wanted to ask the surviving students of the Academy more about Gio.”

“He was infamous at the academy. He couldn’t even beat Lily. Super jealous, power-hungry, and always mocking others.”

“Aren’t you all classmates? You sound like you all looked down on him.”

The Divine One recalled that because Gio was so weak, he was forced into brutal training. Though many died, he worked hard to grow stronger.

“He had issues getting along, but a few people were okay with him.”

“Sigh. Classic case of a rebellious personality lacking parental care. Now I know how to turn this fake Demon King into a real one.”

“Hah! My brother’s the real Demon King, thank you.”

“I meant giving him the title, nothing more. He won’t have any right to invade other countries.”

“So, just a symbolic title?”

“Exactly. I’ll guide his heart properly and make him surpass the Divine One. But no using dark powers—you can only use your original strength.”

“Got it.”

“That’s settled then.”

Mio stood up, created another black hole, and stepped through—to the place where the Divine One and Alexander had once fought.

She wandered around, shaking her head.

“That doesn’t make sense. Mireia was burned to death, but there should still be a body, right? Or was it removed? Hmm!”

Just as she pondered, a sword pierced her back from behind.

With a muffled cry, she collapsed, turning back with a terrified expression.

A red, skeletal figure holding a sword was approaching.

Mio yanked the blade out and pointed it at the skeleton.

“Stay back! Or I’ll—”

“Yah!”

But the skeleton rushed at her head-on.

Mio blocked with the sword, but the pain from her wound was too much—she kicked the skeleton and shattered it.

“It’s over.”

But the skeleton reassembled instantly.

“What?! Damn it—”

Mio rushed forward and sliced its head off.

“Ha!”

She kicked the skull several kilometers away, but the body kept moving.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!”

She cut off both its arms and kicked it through a black hole into Eve’s room.

Eve, being brave, wasn’t bothered at first—but seeing Mio bleeding from the stomach, she rushed to help.

“Mio, are you okay?”

“I just… got stabbed through with a sword. Do I look okay?”

“Sorry! So this is the guy who hurt you?”

“Yeah, and I need to find out why it attacked me… ouch, ouch, ouch.”

“Damn… liver and spleen rupture with massive bleeding, and even the descending colon is injured. Mireia! The rest of you, come help!”

Everyone rushed over, faces full of concern.

Shizuku ran straight up.

“Big sis! Xiao An, can you heal her?”

“Don’t worry. Mireia, you and Yugudora, Akatome, and Kurotome—take this assassin to the top floor and lock it up.”

“Yes!”

“Lian, Aya, Est, Restia—you stay with Mio. I’m going to investigate.”

Everyone nodded. Once Eve finished healing, she stepped into the black hole.

Back at Gio’s side, the lobster-form black-winged elf was sliced in two by Gio’s newly sealed Sword Spirit.

“Whew… finally finished it off.”

“Gio, that last move was awesome!”

“Of course. I am the Demon—ow ow ow…”

Gio remembered that the elf had kicked him so hard it fractured a bone.

“Gio, your injury…”

“I’m fine. I’m the Demon King. But seriously—why was such a powerful elf guarding this rundown castle?”

“I heard the original owner of this castle had a divine sword spirit, and before they died, they sealed it and left another loyal spirit to guard it.”

“Interesting. Anyway, the elf’s dead. Let’s search the castle.”

“But weren’t we just investigating?”

“There’s no one here. If there’s treasure, we can’t just leave it.”

“The problem is this is only 400 meters from the Holy King’s territory. What if they come claim it?”

“Hmph. I wouldn’t mind meeting that Holy King.”

“With your strength? Please. The Elf King could finish you in seconds.”

“Remember this—until a fight happens, you never know who’ll win. Besides, if I train seriously for a few decades, I could unlock all my potential.”

“By the way, Gio—are you going to the next Spirit Blade Dance Festival? My benefactor might be there.”

“Depends. But I’m still mad that dark elf erased my memories. I’ll make sure she regrets it someday.”

Back with Eve, she used her powers to reconstruct the scene.

“I see… so it was that thing.”

By noon, Alexander was with Mio, watching a crystal ball and occasionally touching her wound.

“Alex, I’m fine now.”

“Does the Holy Maiden’s intuition still work or not?”

“Don’t know. But you gave part of yourself to her. I’m fully myself.”

“Then what’s the point of this body? Still, maybe wear a detector just in case.”

“Yeah… though until I fully adapt, my defense might only be slightly above average.”

Knock knock knock

“My lady, it’s Yugudora.”

“Come in.”

Yugudora entered in a hurry—
(…to be continued)

“My lord, that assassin’s body turned to powder.”

“I see. You’ve worked hard. Tell them to go have lunch—it’s lunchtime anyway.”

“Understood.”

“I’m guessing it was something Xiaoan did.”

“Maybe.”

Alexander walked to the window and looked outside.

“Mio, do you really want to return to the original world?”

“I do, but I also don’t want to go back to being an ordinary person. Being the Elf King is actually pretty great. Unlike you, who doesn’t know how good you’ve got it.”

“Haha, true. Ren and Shizuku are walking around the city right now. Let’s go join them.”

“Okay.”

“Put on the detector. I’ll wear mine too, just in case.”

“Isn’t that unnecessary in the city?”

“Better safe than sorry. I’m pretty weak right now. If an enemy appears, who will protect us besides Eve?”

“As expected of the former villain Elf King.”

“Heh, you’re being sarcastic.”

“Enough talk, let’s go.”

“Yeah.”

Outside, when Mio couldn’t find Shizuku and the others, she went with Alexander to a burger shop.

“Hey Mio, why didn’t you just use the detector?”

“It’s fine. They’re probably eating somewhere too.”

“By the way, these burgers are amazing.”

Even though Alexander had Mio’s memories, he had to taste things himself to truly know.

“Waiter, two bottles of ice-cold cola.”

“Right away! Elf King-sama!”

Soon, the waiter brought the colas.

“Not bad. Tell your owner I like the food here.”

“Yes, sir!”

As the two finished eating and stepped out of the shop, the detector showed an unknown power level!

“Who is it?”

Alexander pressed the detector to confirm the location.

“Mio, it’s at the national gate.”

“Let’s go take a look.”

“Alright, but no fighting.”

“You don’t need to tell me that.”

Mio carried Alexander and flew to the gate, where they found Bahamut the Dragon King standing there. Bahamut also noticed Mio.

“Welcome to our country.”

“Why did you come personally, Holy King-sama?”

Mio pointed to the device by her ear.

“The detector picked up your power level. Didn’t the will Shizuku created tell you about it?”

“Yes, but I still don’t fully understand all its features. By the way, where’s Ren-sama?”

“She’s having lunch. Have you eaten?”

“I have.”

“Want me to call her over?”

“No need. Honestly, I just came to look around. Even though Ren-sama doesn’t remember, the will she created has the exact same personality as before.”

Mio was delighted inside.

(Little Ren really did a good job.)

“By the way, Holy King-sama, I sensed a strange energy coming from a castle in your country as I was arriving.”

“Where exactly?”

“Somewhere south.”

“Thanks. I’ll go check it out.”

“Hey, what about me?”

Called by Alexander, Mio turned back.

“You keep Bahamut company. Use the detector to find Ren and ask her. I’ll go check the castle.”

With that, Mio flew off.

As she flew, the detector showed two numbers.

“89 and 98?”

Mio used a black hole to instantly teleport inside. But upon arriving, she saw two people.

“Looks like my luck’s not bad!”

The two began backing away.

“Geo, that’s—!”

“I’ve seen her. It’s Holy King Alexander!”

“Hey, you two!”

“Y-Yes!”

Saratty was clearly terrified. Even though Geo held a new sword spirit, he was also sweating heavily.

“What are you two doing here?”

“Um… investigating something.”

Mio began speaking in a menacing tone, playing a psychological game.

“Really? Don’t think I don’t know. Especially what that redhead said about wanting to kill me.”

Geo’s heart pounded faster. If they fought now, he’d definitely die.

“Um… Holy King-sama, I was just joking. Please don’t take it seriously. I promise I won’t say such things again.”

“Say, do you want to become a Demon King?”

“Holy King-sama, what do you mean?”

“You humans know nothing about Solomon. Let me tell you the truth.”

Though still nervous, the two relaxed slightly.

“First of all, Solomon being called the Demon King is just a fake title I gave him. I only granted him some powers. All the messed-up stuff he did was on his own.

That Demon King successor of yours is just a reincarnation passed down every generation. Yet you keep yapping about ‘Demon King’ like it’s serious.”

“Then what did you mean by asking me if I want to become the Demon King?”

“The title is just that—a title. If you love calling yourself that so much, just become a new Demon King. Stop fussing about the old reincarnation stuff.”

“Are you talking about Kazehaya Shinjin!?”

“Yes. I hope you beat him. But remember, Demon King is just a label. Do whatever you like.”

“I understand.”

“You have a lot of potential. That girl next to you has a gift for healing. Make sure she practices.”

Mio stood between them.

“I plan to let all humans live past 3000 years old. I’ll be keeping an eye on your progress.”

Then Mio flew off through a window.

“Geo, what do we do now?”

“I’m not sure, but I think today’s sword spirit was probably arranged by her. This humanoid sword spirit has no memory but says she wants to be friends, and she’s got infinite divine power.”

“The fact that the Holy King came in person says a lot too.”

Meanwhile, back at the castle, Eve had just returned. She looked at the clock.

“Looks like most people went to eat lunch. I’ll go to Little Mio’s place.”

Eve used a black hole and appeared at Mio’s place.

“Little Mio.”

“Xiaoan, you’re back. What did you find?”

“Sorry…”

Eve seemed downcast.

“What happened?”

“When I transported my troops here using movement magic, I accidentally brought over three Bone Wraiths.”

“Bone Wraiths?”

“They’re like ghost-zombies. But I turned them all to ash.”

“Well, that’s unlucky for me.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine. Also, I already took care of Geo.”

“Smoothly?”

“Of course. I tricked him a bit, and he believed it.”

“I have an idea. Want to hear it?”

“Sure.”

“Let’s set up a pact system for this world, like in No Game No Life.”

“That’s awesome. I remember the first rule: No killing, war, or plundering allowed.”

“Right. I memorized all ten rules.”

The Ten Pacts:

[1] No killing, war, or plundering allowed in this world.

[2] All conflicts are to be resolved through games.

[3] Each game must involve stakes considered fair by both parties.

[4] As long as Rule 3 is not violated, the game and stakes can be anything.

[5] The challenged party gets to choose the game.

[6] All wagers made under oath to the Pact must be honored.

[7] Group disputes must designate a representative.

[8] Cheating in games is allowed, but if caught, it counts as a loss.

[9] These rules are unchangeable, in the name of God.

[10] Let’s all play together peacefully!!

“Hehe, we’re all half-gods anyway.”

“Doesn’t matter. In the afternoon, call a meeting of all Elf Kings and important figures.”

“Got it!”

“I’ll build a new meeting hall in the city later. I’ll make it look like a Japanese castle tower.”

“A tenshukaku! That’s amazing!”

“It’ll be even better than the one in our original world. By the way, don’t use black holes anymore.”

“Why?”

“Too slow to activate. I have a technique like Instant Transmission from Dragon Ball, but I haven’t used it in years. With your and Shizuku’s current levels, it’s great for dodging or escaping.”

“Then teach me!”

Eve placed her hand on Mio’s shoulder, and in the next instant, they appeared back at the castle. Eve looked completely drained.

“Huff… huff… the technique is now in your body.”

“Are you okay, Xiaoan?”

“I… I’m fine. But copying that skill takes a lot of magic.”

“Then rest up.”

“Don’t worry. To use it, just focus your mind on where you want to go. In battle, aim for blind spots—like sneaking behind the enemy.”

“I’ll try it.”

“If you want to look cool, do it like Goku—place two fingers on your forehead.”

“Got it!”

Mio thought of a good spot and vanished.

“Shinjin, your turn.”

Shinjin happened to be at the dorm being Claire’s cooking guinea pig. He stared at the bubbling purple soup in the pot, too scared to drink it.

“Claire, what did you put in this soup?”

“Let’s see… the foot of a Madara poison mushroom, zombie mushroom spores, vomit eggplant root, bloody strawberries…”

The more Shinjin heard, the more he wanted to flee.

“… a dead spirit eyeball, slime from a hellmouth, and…”

“Is this really edible!?”

“Sure! I got the recipe from a gourmet bookstore in the Dragon Kingdom. It’s a miracle health tonic!”

“Seriously!? I should’ve just gone out to eat with Restia and the others!”

Claire scooped the soup into a bowl. Just as she was about to serve it to Shinjin, Mio appeared.

“Holy King-sama!? What are you doing here?”

“Just dropping by. Sorry to interrupt your lunch.”

“That’s not a problem.”

Mio walked up and looked at the soup in Claire’s hands.

It was the first time she smelled this aroma. She wondered what it tasted like?

“Do you want to drink some?”

“Yeah.”

“Then I’ll get you a bowl.”

“Thanks.”

“Wait!”

Claire looked curiously at Shinnin.

“Why wait? Were you enemies before, and now you won’t let her drink?”

“No… I mean…”

“Then, Holy King, take the bowl in my hands.”

“Thanks.”

Mio stirred the soup with a spoon, gently blew on it before sipping, and Shinnin looked absolutely terrified.

(It’s over. If she drinks that, the consequences will be unimaginable.)

“Ah-mmm.”

“How does it taste?”

“Sour and spicy. Tastes pretty good.”

“Ha…”

Shinnin was a little surprised.

“If you don’t believe me, try it yourself. By the way, Claire, I plan to host a cooking competition. Hope you’ll join. There’ll be a big prize.”

“No problem. Rinslet will come too.”

“Do your best. Even though your combat strength is impressive, your cooking skill might not be number one.”

“Then we’ll find out during the competition.”

“I’ll be the judge, not a contestant. By the way, I came to tell you about the new Peace Covenant.”

“Covenant?”

“It concerns all Spirit Kings including myself, as well as all living beings—humans, spirits, dragons, and so on.”

“That many!”

“Of course. Tonight, Shinnin and Rubia, come too. I still have to notify the other Spirit Kings. This covenant is for lasting world peace.”

Shinnin couldn’t think of a reason to object.

“So what happens if someone refuses?”

“Harm is forbidden. Anyone who disobeys will be sent to prison if they’re bad.”

“Sounds good.”

“Well, I’m off. More details during the meeting. Bye-bye.”

Mio vanished again.

“Darky, I’m back.”

“The skill worked well.”

“Yeah.”

“Now, onto the real matter. Let’s use divine power for the covenant. Since this world was created by my power, the covenant can control everyone. For you and little Shizuku, this is the best defense against assassination.”

“Will it affect us?”

“Of course. It’s like that previous rule, but only I remain unaffected.”

“Alright, I’ll go notify the other Spirit Kings. Let Dragon King know too, she’s still wandering around my castle.”

“Okay, I’ll go.”

“Me too.”

They both teleported away.

After arriving, just as Mio expected, all four Spirit Kings were hanging out together as usual.

“Hello, everyone!”

All the Spirit Kings were startled by Mio’s sudden appearance.

“How did you show up?”

“Teleportation. Also, tonight, come to my castle for a meeting. The old covenant is abolished, and a new eternal covenant will be established.”

“New covenant?”

Volcanic seemed a bit surprised.

“It covers all races, including Spirit Kings and humans. It’s to ensure everlasting peace.”

Isaria looked especially happy.

“Sounds great. Can you give us a preview of the contents?”

“Sure. In this world, all harm, war, and plundering are prohibited.”

“What happens if we don’t follow it?”

“Nothing much. If the other party doesn’t allow it, you simply can’t hurt them. Even if Volcanic unleashes full power, it won’t hurt an ordinary person.”

“Impossible!”

“The covenant is bound to the world itself. It has absolute force. You can’t disobey.”

“So attacks are ineffective unless both sides agree?”

“Exactly. You’ll be physically unable to harm others. Even in competition, no killing or crippling is allowed.”

“Then why not have the meeting now?”

“Alright, grab onto me.”

All the Spirit Kings held on, and Mio teleported them to the castle’s conference room.

Bahamut, Shizuku, Ren, Airi, and Eve were already seated.

“Darky, all done on your end?”

“Details have been explained.”

“What about the human representatives?”

“No choice. I’ll go get them.”

In less than 10 seconds, Eve brought Shinnin and Rubia.

“This is…”

Rubia looked totally confused.

“This is about the new covenant and world rules. You humans sit down.”

Eve snapped her fingers.

“Everyone’s here. Let’s begin.”

Mio sat at the head table and looked at everyone.

“Sorry for calling this meeting on short notice, but this is important. From now on, our powers—including mine—can’t be misused.”

Rubia was puzzled. What’s going on?

“Um… Holy King, may I say something?”

Eve noticed that Rubia was now serious due to the formal setting.

“Go ahead.”

“What do you mean by powers can’t be misused?”

“For example… say Jio attacks Shuubi. Under the covenant, all attacks are invalid and won’t harm her in the slightest—unless both parties agree.”

“I see.”

“Now, here’s the content: In this world, all harm, war, and plundering are banned. And in competitions, no killing or disabling.”

Everyone began discussing.

“Sounds acceptable.”

“It applies to all races, including Spirit Kings and humans.”

Lord Rod sensed something off.

“Alexander, if harm, war, and plundering are forbidden, how do we eat meat?”

“Relax, it only applies to sentient life.”

Shinnin also found it good.

“Hey, Alexander, what if we attack with weapons?”

“You won’t even be able to make the move. If your mind intends harm, you’ll freeze up. And if an energy attack threatens any life, the covenant cancels it immediately.”

After discussion, everyone supported the idea, but Shinnin had another question.

“Why didn’t you use this on us during the big gate battle before?”

“This is a covenant, not a tool. Now then, since we all agree, the eternal covenant takes effect now.”

Eve quietly released energy, and everyone’s bodies glowed slightly.

Mio raised her hand and shouted:

“Complete!”

“Looks like it’s done.”

Shinnin breathed a sigh of relief.

“Meeting’s over. Let’s eat some good food now. Our country has lots of specialties. Darky?”

“OK.”

The table was instantly filled with tons of food.

Rubia looked around and saw many dishes she’d never seen before.

Eve walked over and leaned in to look.

“What is it?”

“A gift from the Holy King.”

Eve patted Rubia on the head.

“Hmm?”

“To help your constitution improve.”

“Thanks, then.”

“No need. Also, the Holy King really loves this world. If things hadn’t gone wrong back then…”

“Yeah.”

“But if not, you’d never have met Shinnin.”

“No Demon King stuff, no Academy.”

“Right. And Shinnin wouldn’t have so many wives.”

“Ha!”

Shinnin looked extremely awkward.

Eve gave an evil smile and said:

“Let’s count your 12 wives… Claire, Rinslet, Alice, Fianna, Rubia, Est, Restia, Leora, Vilsaria, Miuya, Mira, Milieu.”

Shinnin’s face turned completely red.

“Can we talk about something else?”

“Shy?”

Bahamut chuckled from the side.

“Hehe, how interesting.”

And so, the covenant was established. After everyone returned, Eve built a Japanese castle (Tenshukaku).

That night, Mio and Shizuku sat on the roof, gazing at the stars.

“Sis, do you want to go back to the original world?”

“Yeah… but having you with me is enough.”

“After all, we’re the strongest sister duo. When I heard of your death, it was like falling into hell.”

“If not for Darky, I’d really be gone.”

“Yeah. But she’s been through a lot too. Let’s try not to cause her more trouble.”

“Of course.”