Dark Continent (3rd)

“There was just one other thing I’m curious about.”

“..what is it?”

“There’s something about you that I can’t comprehend. You appear to be human but possess power no human should be able to wield. Even our meeting here seems too impossible to merely be a coincidence. It feels like it was all arranged. Starting with the moment we met you in the inn to you saving each of us, earning our allegiance in the process. Only one person has benefited from it all.”

“...”

I think I know where he’s going with this.

And I can’t deny that it’s suspicious.

Not to mention the pile of bloody Sylph wings stacked in the foreboding magic circle behind Goggoru–chan and me. I told them the truth that this is her home, but it would be more believable to describe this place as the chamber from which you summon the devil.

“You have to admit it’s strange. A being that protects the creatures of the Dark Continent, is capable of defeating a Phoenix with a fireball, and takes the form of a human while working with them.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Are you the Demon King or a similar entity? I don’t enjoy asking this of the man that saved my life, but it is my duty as a hero. It’s not possible for you to be a normal human.”

“...”

That was surprisingly straightforward. His entire investigation into the Demon King is based on the prophecy of a holy woman. He has nothing based in reality to prove that there even is a Demon King and yet he’s still adamant that there is one and that I might even be him.

This is exactly the situation where Goggoru-chan’s power comes into use. She can tell them that I’m not hiding anything.

Come on, please, I know you’re listening.

“..you’re right. He is the incarnation of the Demon King.”

What are you saying?

Goggoru-chan, now isn’t the time to start lying.

“Wha–!?” “I-It can’t...” “It makes sense. How else can you explain the power he possesses!?” “Tanaka-san, t-tell me this isn’t true!” “Please, tell me your heal wasn’t the heal of a demon! That warm sensation that invaded my body can’t be evil!” “It explains why he’s so strong!” “That’s why he was able to defeat the phoenix so easily...”

Everyone cast accusations at me with their eyes wide open in surprise.

“Y-You’re wrong! I’m just a normal human!”

Why is Goggoru-chan doing this?

No, I guess it makes sense. I can understand her intentions without being able to read her mind. She hopes to drive a wedge between me and them so Goggoru-chan will be the only one left that wants anything to do with me. Our arrangement will quickly change to once every three days, then two, before eventually just being every day.

She did this to satisfy her own loneliness.

“...”

I glanced down at her. She returned my gaze and said one word,

“..correct.”

“I wasn’t looking for you to confirm my suspicions...”

Who knew Goggoru-chan’s lies could hit as hard as a punch from the loligon. It might actually be worse because I can’t use my recovery magic to heal. With just a few simple words, she can end relationships.

This is bad.

“Can you tell me why you’ve returned?”

Even though the only thing tying me to the mantle of Demon King are the words of a small chocololi, the Hero of the West took it at face value. At least he didn’t attack me without saying anything. This might only be due to him being thankful to me for saving him from the Phoenix, or maybe he realizes he couldn’t win.

“No, she’s just joking, don’t take it seriously.”

“..joking?”

“That’s right. As I said, I’m a normal human like the rest of you.”

“...”

Goggoru-chan, follow my lead.

I won’t ever come back if you don’t. I’m serious.

“..it was a joke. Sorry for lying.”

Alright.

Goggoru-chan glanced at the ground and lowered her head.

Being able to communicate without words is proving useful.

The Hero of the West once more spoke up in place of everyone.

“..is this true?”

“It is.”

Goggoru-chan nodded as she replied.

“...”

“...”

Do they believe her?

“It looks like you two are close. What’s your relationship with each other?”

“That’s only because she has read all of my thoughts and memories. Still, the idea of standing shoulder to shoulder with her like this causes no fear in me. I understand that she has been demonized for her ability but that doesn’t make her a bad person.”

I love you, Goggoru-chan.

Please, reverse rape me.

“..I don’t want to.”

You don’t have to give me an answer now.

You’re just going to mess up the flow of the conversation.

“If that’s true, then what are you..?”

Goggoru-chan managed to put doubt into the Hero of the West’s mind and the rest of the party members looked doubtful as well. I may have moved them past the idea of me being the Demon King, but they still are suspicious of me. I don’t think this can get much worse. Only a few days ago we were working hard together in the same party.

This is the Dark Continent, after all. It’s natural to be suspicious of strange things. And what’s more strange than a suspicious man hanging out in a cave with a small girl? Unfortunately, I don’t see anyone that wants to side with me.

Even the Chara Bros couldn’t look me in the eye.

There was only one person that decided to speak.

“D-Don’t let him fool you! This man is dangerous!”

It was none other than the Dark Elf herself.

“That thing has enough power to defeat even a High Demon!”

She must be referring to the conflict with the Pussy Republic where I fought against Drill-chan’s masochistic demon servant. I almost forgot she was there with me. I don’t need to read everyone’s minds to be able to tell what they’re thinking. Her words managed to lend credence to the Hero of the West’s accusation of me being the Demon King.

There was only a small glimpse of doubt on everyone’s face before, but now there’s a clear murderous intent focused on me.

With them all teamed up together, they’re a more dangerous foe than the Green Sylph swarm. My invincible mode can protect me from a lot, but I don’t know how it will be able to stand up to simultaneous attacks from dozens of strong opponents. Some of them may even possess instant death-class magic.

“What are you suggesting?”

I spoke in a low tone.

There was a moment of hesitation before she responded with a shaky voice.

“If he is the incarnation of the Demon King, we should stop him now before he can grow to his full strength.”

I see she’s improved her betrayal skill since the last time we met. The ‘boyfriend’ view of her cleavage when I was standing at her side now seems so far off. Still, I can’t say I was shocked considering she’s betrayed me before.

“Do you think you can?”

“T-That’s...”

When I offered a challenge to the Dark Elf, she quickly backed down and fell silent.

I want to lick her dark skinned bubble butt.

“It seems like none of you have anything else to say. Maybe we should call it for the day.”

I can’t hurt any of them. They’re all major figures in the cities and countries they come from and killing them would cause countless repercussions across the entire planet. People with as much power as Ester-chan’s family would be after me. I wouldn’t be able to return to Dragon City. I’d be forced to flee to live in some remote corner of the world just like Goggoru-chan.

Which is why you shouldn’t do anything to hurt them, Goggoru-chan. Absolutely nothing.

“...”

“...”

I’m serious.

If you do anything, there will only be one outcome and it leads to both of us dying. Of course, you’re a shunned Goggoru and I’m a repulsive busamen, so if you’re willing to consider my offer of reverse raping me, I’m willing to try to create a world for just you and me.

“..I see.” (chocololi)

“That’s right.”

She was definitely considering it.

It’s good that I put an end to that thought process quickly.

“There’s something I’d like to ask.”

This time it was the Hero of the East.

He approached me as if he was approaching a great dragon that he was ready to slay. The serious look on his face just added to the cool atmosphere surrounding him. His purple plate mail looked like it offered incredible magical and physical defense. Even though he has a sword on his hip, he looks like he’s capable of using devastating attack magic.

His defensive stance revealed he held a mixture of suspicion and fear of me.

“What is it?”

“Is it true what you said? You’re not related to the Demon King in any way?”

“Yes, that has nothing to do with me.”

“Do you have anything that can prove that?”

“Let me think...”

Just like the Hero of the East, it seems like he wants to avoid a fight.

“Just look around you. I’m sure you can understand why the Elf’s words seem more believable than your own. What were you going to do with the blood and wings of the dead Green Sylphs? I’m sorry, but no matter who you ask, this looks like the scene of someone trying to summon something evil.”

This was a reasonable assumption.

This looks exactly like the ritual needed to summon a demon.

A blood spattered magic circle with a pile of translucent wings and dead Sylph bodies scattered across the room.

“I understand what you’re saying.”

I don’t want to reveal what the magic circle is actually used for. Dozens of people would learn of a teleporter that leads directly into the heart of the Penny Empire. I can’t reveal that information.

I could potentially be stripped of my title as Baron if it were exposed that I was the one responsible for it. Ester-chan rules over the town not far from where the teleporter leads. It’s likely that she would be put in danger as well.

I really can’t allow that to happen. Although, the idea of Ester-chan being forced to flee her city and relying on me for protection doesn’t sound like a terrible idea. However, I suppose I should leave that as nothing more than a delusion in my mind.

“This is a confidential experiment being conducted by the Penny Empire. I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you anymore about it. If you’d like more details, please, contact Lord Fahren of the Penny Empire.”

“Lord Fahren? Is that the noble mage the Penny Empire is so proud of?”

It was Professor Journal who recognized the crazy mage’s name.

He’s the pride of the Penny Empire?

It must be true if his name is known across countries.

“Yes, that’s him. If you give him my name, I’m sure he can explain everything.”

“..so I did hear you correctly.”

The noble mage’s name is proving its usefulness even here, far away from the country he calls home. Whoever is lucky enough to marry him will become the happiest woman in the world. Thanks to me bringing up his name, I might actually have a way out of this situation.

Sorry Dark Elf, but I plan on surviving no matter.

“Again, I’d like to ask you to consider where you are. This is her home. You’ve entered a young girl’s room without permission and now you’re starting to draw weapons and throw out accusations at her guest.”

Was it necessary to bring up Goggoru-chan’s situation?’

I think so.

No, it definitely was.

The one thing every world cares about is aesthetics. A face is everything.

A cute girl and a handsome man control the fate of the world.

“..you’re right.”

The Hero of the West nodded quietly.

Is the ikemen treating her with respect because he expects to get something out of it?

That’s not the case with busamen.

Busamen receive few opportunities to receive any thanks from beautiful women. The relation between thanks and sex is nonexistent. There are people that can’t get sex no matter how hard they try. In modern times, these people are known as herbivorous busamen.

“Thank you for understanding. Now, I’m sorry, but...”

I want to go home.

I was trying to say this when yells from outside cut off my words.

“Gyaaaa!” “D-Demon! A demon has come! ” “Run! Run away!” “Get ready to fight!” “Hero! We need the Heroes’ parties!” “Uwaaa!” “Please, r-recovery magic! I need healing!”

What’s happening now?

The screams were coming from the top of the stairs leading down into Goggoru-chan’s home. The people waiting outside must have been attacked by something. Based on the size of the party yesterday, the total number must be getting close to three digits. It’s impossible to hide a party of that size from the monsters of the Dark Continent.

However, I wasn’t expecting to hear anything about demons. What kind of monster is it? I don’t recall seeing any demons on the Dark Continent. There were many different monsters chasing me when I first arrived that formed a massive train behind me, but no demons that I can recall.

The shouts were replaced by agonizing screams as the demon made its way down the stairs before appearing in the doorway.

“Y-You!”

“This is a surprise...”

It was the masochist demon.

The long haired man.

Could he have appeared at a worse time?

***