NOVEL NEXT Chapter 69
Chapter 69
Nahun and Veronica looked at the kneeling progenitor with bewildered expressions, but the one who actually bewildered all three of them asked calmly in a measured voice.
“What brings the great one to seek out the girl directly?”
“Uh… are you talking about me?”
“Of course. Who else would the girl need to bow her head to here?”
“…….”
Nahun knew that he was a great demon, but he never expected such treatment to come with that status.
‘Is that progenitor of that bloodline…?’
The progenitor of the bloodline, also known as the primordial moon, was a formidable demon with powers equal to the Demon King. Despite being in a position where she shouldn’t have to kneel or bow her head to anyone…
“Do you know me?”
“How could I not know?”
“In that case, tell me.”
Nahun asked her.
“What is my name?”
“That’s a strange question. Nevertheless, if it is the great one’s request, I shall respond.”
The progenitor looked at Nahun with eyes as beautiful as if they were adorned with jewels.
“You are the great master of the inverted kingdom, Nahun…”
“…What did you just say?”
“Oh my, this is….”
It seemed that the progenitor realized her own voice sounded strange.
“Ahh…, I see.”
The progenitor looked at Nahun with a mystified gaze. Then, smiling gently, she asked.
“Girl, may I ask you one thing?”
“What is it?”
“Why is there a prohibition on calling the great one’s name?”
Nahun narrowed his eyes slightly and recalled something from a little while ago. Even when attacking the demon next to the Pope in the Holy Kingdom, the demon named Riri had not been able to call Nahun by name properly.
There seemed to be something more than just fear at play. It likely had something to do with Nahun not being able to recall his true name.
“What do you mean prohibition? Who imposed it?”
“That, the girl cannot know. But it is strange that the great one is also unaware of this fact. That golden-eyed figure and the Massu of End are certainly someone the girl knows.”
“…Alberon.”
When Nahun called out, Alberon looked at him with a shocked expression. After a moment, he regained his composure and responded.
“Yes…!”
“Take Veronica outside for a moment. I have something to discuss.”
“Ah, understood!”
Alberon left with Veronica, still looking startled. The massive door slammed shut, and Nahun spoke up.
“I don’t know anything about that matter. I can’t even remember what I did.”
He knew he was a great demon from hell and possessed immense power, but he couldn’t recall who he had been or what he had done while in hell.
“It seems that you are so, too. Did something happen to you?”
“I don’t even know. That’s why I want to ask.”
Nahun asked the progenitor.
“I want you to tell me everything you know about me.”
“…I will answer as sincerely as I can. So there is no need to glare at the girl so fearsomely.”
“…I apologize.”
“Then from where shall I start?”
“First, I want to know exactly what I was doing. And also, how many great demons exist.”
“Could you tell the girl how you would like to be addressed?”
“Nahun.”
“I see.”
The progenitor answered simply.
“Nahun is the great demon and master of the inverted kingdom. In hell, there are nine other great ones who are equal to Nahun. However, even they cannot approach Nahun.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means that Nahun is a singular existence. Even the leader of hell cannot touch Nahun. You were born as such.”
“…….”
Perhaps because she was a figure from the same era as the primordial demon kings, the progenitor seemed to know a lot. If she was someone who couldn’t even be touched by the leader of hell, didn’t that essentially mean she was the strongest in hell?
Nahun, curious about that part, asked.
“Are you saying I’m the strongest in hell?”
“At least, that is what I understand regarding strength.”
“That doesn’t make sense.”
“What do you mean?”
“If your words are true, then who imposed the prohibition on me?”
“Perhaps… it is something you imposed on yourself.”
“Myself? I?”
“Just because you ask that, it doesn’t mean the girl could know. All the reasons should lie with you, Nahun.”
Nahun furrowed his brow. It wasn’t that he held any resentment toward the progenitor; rather, it was that he couldn’t recall anything, even after such a statement. With a sigh of frustration, Nahun found the progenitor smiling softly as she asked.
“So what was the reason the great one woke me?”
“How did you know I woke you?”
“Because your blood scent remains on your right hand.”
“Ah….”
Nahun scratched his head and recalled his original purpose.
“Right… I need to resolve matters quickly and return.”
Meeting someone who knew his true identity stirred excitement within him. It seemed there were no more stories to hear, and questions weren’t bubbling to the surface. Nahun decided to wrap up the conversation and got to the main point.
“I’ve come to propose an alliance with the clan of the moon.”
“With my children?”
“No.”
“Huh?”
“I’m looking to forge an alliance with the primordial moon, you.”
The progenitor widened her eyes slightly and covered her mouth with her hand as she laughed. Even her laughter exuded elegance.
“How interesting. That the great one would seek to ally with me… This is quite a fascinating experience.”
“I’m not forming it alone. Do you know Seere von Debata?”
“I know Debata, but who is Seere? Is that a name within the Debata clan?”
It seemed the progenitor was still asleep when Seere was born. When Nahun explained Seere’s status, the progenitor’s eyes widened in shock.
“Seir is dead?”
“Seven years… no, soon it’s almost eight years now.”
“Oh my, how…?”
But upon hearing the progenitor’s following words, Nahun couldn’t help but think he had heard incorrectly.
“You must be heartbroken.”
At first, he thought she was speaking about Seere. But he quickly realized that was a mistake, as the progenitor was actually talking to Nahun.
“…Me?”
“Yes.”
“Am I supposed to mourn for Seir von Debata?”
“…Oh my?”
The progenitor seemed a bit surprised again. Then she asked in a tone that indicated she might be mistaken.
“Could it be, you don’t remember that?”
“…I can’t say for sure.”
“Yet, you are still taking care of that child?”
“That sounds as if it holds significance.”
“Of course. As far as the girl knows, Seir and Nahun…”
The progenitor uttered shocking words, and Nahun let out a hollow laugh.
‘Was there such a backstory I didn’t know of?’
Nahun could understand why, as a great demon, he had come to pretend to be Seere’s teacher at the lowest level.
Great demons lack nothing in terms of power, authority, territory, wealth, honor, and appearance. Even Taumiel, who was effectively the head of hell, had formidable powers and was capable enough to construct and govern an ‘absolute kingdom’ within hell.
In fact, his appearance was so striking that even Gamaliel, another great demon, was secretly obsessed with Taumiel, despite being his loyal subordinate. For a great demon who had acquired everything, the only thing lacking was a being that could fulfill his emotions and heart.
“So that’s how it turned out.”
Seir von Debata was the only being that could fill the loneliness of this solitary great demon—a unique and rare friend. But if so, why hadn’t he taken action for Seir’s revenge despite knowing the truth?
Nahun knew the answer to that question all too well.
The revenge for Seir should not be done by him but rather by his only bloodline. For that purpose, and to fulfill Seir’s request.
Thus, Nahun had taken on the title of teacher for the weakest demon king.
#
“So how do you intend to form the alliance? I don’t think I’ve heard that part yet.”
Having grasped the general situation, Nahun began to talk more formally about the proposal for an alliance. The progenitor smiled brightly and replied.
“Since the great one is extending this hand, how could I refuse?”
“Surprisingly positive. I was worried because your race dislikes the Demon King’s rule.”
“In fact, the reason the children developed such tendencies is due to the girl’s existence; fundamentally, they are still demons. They’ll get used to it soon. Just don’t oppress the children too much, or there will be backlash.”
“I’ll be careful.”
Nahun took out a document. It was a treaty to form an alliance. Upon seeing it, the progenitor’s eyes briefly widened before she chuckled lightly.
“To think the great one carries a treaty document, how surprising!”
“Of course, it’s necessary for an alliance between groups.”
“If you simply revealed Nahun’s identity, the children would have no choice but to follow.”
“They shouldn’t follow me. They must follow Seere.”
“Ahh… so you are quite earnest, Nahun.”
Upon hearing the progenitor’s words, Nahun couldn’t help but chuckle. Since possessing the original character and even before that, had there ever been a moment he wasn’t serious about this game?
“There has never been.”
Nahun had always been earnest, even when gaming. That was why he could see nearly seventy different endings.
Seeing Nahun’s expression, the progenitor softened her smile.
“I see.”
“Now, shall we proceed with the alliance oath, Ersha Scarlet?”
“…Oh my, you knew my name.”
“Would I come here without knowing the name of the one I intend to ally with?”
“That makes sense. I was foolish.”
When Nahun snapped his fingers, quill pens appeared in both their hands. Ersha gasped in admiration.
“I never expected to see the magic of that era again.”
“You can use it too… no, it would be natural.”
Given that she had lived alongside the primordial demon kings, she must surely be adept in ancient magic.
“However, I doubt I can cast it with the simplicity of Nahun.”
“Is that so?”
Since Nahun was here as a deity, he had the authority to sign Seere’s name on her behalf. He wrote Seere’s signature and handed the treaty to Ersha.
Without hesitation, she wrote her name and then bit her finger sharply with her pointed fangs. Surprisingly little blood was drawn.
“Is it acceptable to use blood like that?”
“It will ensure certainty. The girl does not know when I might wake up again, and without a signature, the children might rebel.”
“Is that so?”
“Nahun, the girl hopes that the children follow the Demon King chosen by the great one and achieve glory.”
Her jewel-like eyes gazed at Nahun. Then, in a gentle voice, she asked.
“Can you do that for us?”
“Glory?”
Nahun smiled lightly.
“Of course. You who follow Seere will become the race that follows the greatest demon king in the Demon World.”
With such a confident smile, Ersha could return the gesture.
“I will place my trust in you.”
“Indeed.”
Nahun nodded, then spoke to Ersha.
“Gather the moon’s blood as soon as you discover it.”
“…What?”
“Isn’t that written in the treaty?”
“Ah…”
In truth, she hadn’t properly checked. Nevertheless, Nahun was a great demon of legendary status, so she thought it was only natural for her to comply, and considered it worth it.
“After gathering all the moon’s blood, wouldn’t your activities become free as well?”
“…That’s true. But why would you go so far for my sake?”
“Because it’s an alliance. If there’s something given, there should be something to receive in return. Since my actions will likely call upon your children for Seere’s war, I should at least offer a recompense like this. One can’t offer just abstract things like glory and honor.”
“……”
As Ersha looked at Nahun with a slightly stunned expression, he tilted his head and asked.
“Have you finished?”
“Oh, yes. Here you go.”
“I truly appreciate the forming of an alliance.”
“It is I who is honored, to help the great one.”
Nahun carefully stored the treaty signed by both of them, along with Ersha’s blood mark. After scratching his cheek, he said.
“Ersha Scarlet.”
“Yes?”
“I must apologize for what I’m about to say now that we’ve formed an alliance, but I killed three of your Lords.”
“…What?”
“When you wake up next, you might find the number of Lords fewer, and I wanted to tell you in advance. However, I hope you understand.”
Nahun spoke sincerely.
“I only dealt with those who insulted Seere; I did not touch the others.”
“…Pfft!”
Nahun was puzzled by Ersha’s reaction. He had killed three out of the strongest seven among her children, yet here she was, laughing.
“Nahun, the survival of each of my children is not something I hold particularly dear.”
“Is that so? That’s unexpected.”
“Whether it be a Lord or anyone else, they are all equally my children. I only hope my children won’t be wiped out. To be honest, had you kept it hidden, it would have passed without incident…”
Ersha smiled brightly.
“Seeing you speak so honestly with me, the great one must have softened quite a bit.”
“…How was I before?”
“You were once truly cold and cruel. Wherever you passed, nothing remained.”
“……”
“Oh, that reminds me….”
Ersha tilted her head.
“I have one more thing I’m curious about.”
“What is it?”
“Do you remember the three Massus of End that formerly served you?”
“Three Massus?”
Nahun tilted his head. At present, he only had one, Leviathan, by his side.
“Were there three?”
“Yes. Besides Leviathan, who is at your side now, there were two others. Together with Leviathan, they were known as the three Massus of End.”
“But now….”
As Nahun revealed his magic power, a small white whale appeared instantly. Ersha, seeing it, was startled and broke into a slight cold sweat.
“Could you not bring that out?”
“Oh, my apologies.”
When Nahun told Leviathan to return, it glanced at him as if reluctant before finally disappearing.
“Only Leviathan responded to me.”
“It seems there’s an issue. Originally, in addition to the Leviathan of the ocean, there should have been Behemoth of the earth and Gize of the sky, who served Nahun.”
“Behemoth, Gize….”
Seeing Nahun in thought, Ersha offered him a bit of advice.
“If you investigate the reason you imposed a prohibition on yourself, there might be something. I believe it could be related.”
“…Thank you for the advice. I’ll keep it in mind.”
“Not at all. By the way, I think it’s about time for me…”
Just a moment ago, Ersha’s eyes, which had been sparkling with intelligence, began to close slowly as if a switch had been flipped. Sensing this, Nahun supported her and laid her down in a coffin.
“Thank you…, Nahun.”
“I hope next time we can converse for a bit longer.”
His conversation with Ersha had been incredibly informative. He had learned so much anew, and having lived for so long, she had recalled things that Nahun had not considered. It felt like having an extraordinary advisor by his side.
“…Oh, is that so?”
As Ersha’s eyes began to close gently, she muttered briefly.
“Then I will be looking forward to it.”
With those last words, the progenitor fell asleep again. Perhaps due to the lack of blood, it hadn’t been even an hour before she closed her eyes and her breathing ceased. Watching the color slowly fade from Ersha’s face, Nahun felt an oddly profound feeling.
Ersha Scarlet. The progenitor of the vampire race, born alongside the primordial demon kings in the “First Chaos.” Why had such an entity hidden her blood across various places in the Demon World and entered into eternal slumber?
‘I don’t quite understand.’
Nahun didn’t delve deeper into thought. He was curious, but there wasn’t time to ponder such matters. Not unless it was absolutely necessary.
He needed to return quickly…
‘…Should I buy something before I go?’
It seemed he ought to buy something so Seere wouldn’t sulk. As he contemplated what to purchase, he exited Ersha Scarlet’s domain.