I Was Abandoned by the Demon King I Served for 10 Years

Chapter 7

Crackle, crackle.

The campfire blazed. Its red glow illuminated the barren land, scattering warmth in all directions. In the night, flames were a dangerous presence, akin to offering oneself as a feast to predators.

"It seems like they’re not coming after all, doesn’t it?"

Of course, if one possessed strength, it didn’t matter. Slaying all approaching enemies to announce the arrival of a new predator would quiet the area.

"Good. Now we can finally get some rest."

Beyond the wavering heat haze stood a man holding a sword. At his feet lay countless corpses, a scene fitting for the desolate land devoid of life.

He glanced around. Familiar with the grim surroundings, the man, unfazed, took his seat by the fire. The silence of the Demon Realm’s wasteland replaced its usual clamor. At the same time, new figures appeared.

Three distinct voices broke the silence.

"Whew. I honestly thought I was going to die this time. I’ve never seen a place with so many beasts in my life."

The first was a female Elf, clutching a bow tightly in her hand as she sighed.

"Well, that’s because the places we’ve been so far were paths arranged by angels, so they were safe. Honestly, it was boring, but I’m glad we won’t be going back there anymore."

The second was a male Dwarf warrior, laughing heartily as he chimed in.

"Even so, this is too much."

The last was a Mage, leaning on an Ancient Tree Staff for support as she trembled.

They gathered around the campfire with the man, exchanging mundane chatter.

"Kael. Can I be honest? I still oppose this journey."

The Mage addressed the man by the name Kael. Her voice, tinged with discontent, made him lift his head. Seizing the moment, she spoke with more vigor.

"Returning without the guidance of angels and with a member of the Demon Tribe? It’s absurd. You’re the Hero, Kael. You’re expected to be perfect in the eyes of the people. How do you think the kingdom’s citizens will react if you return with a Demon and no angel?"

"......"

"No matter how I think about it, it won’t be received well."

"But she’s essential. She’s said to be a critical key to the adventures ahead. The future foretold it."

"The future? Another god appeared in your dreams and told you she’d be incredibly helpful if you brought her along?"

The Mage’s voice grew heated. She pointed at a figure in a black hood, sitting at a distance.

"That makes it even harder to understand. She’s a Demon. A cursed race that’s been at war with us humans for a thousand years. What’s worse is that she’s not just any Demon, she’s..."

Her voice faltered as if overwhelmed by disbelief. After pausing to catch her breath, the Mage vented her emotions.

"She’s the Demon King. Just a week ago, we were at each other’s throats, ready to kill. And now, suddenly, she claims to like you and acts like she’s your lover? Does that seem normal to you?"

Her questions were valid. From a third-party perspective, her arguments were entirely reasonable. Yet Kael’s unyielding expression didn’t waver, and that only fueled her frustration.

"At least give me an answer. If you stay silent again, I swear I’ll lose my mind."

"Eily."

"Don’t say my name. Just answer me."

Her tone was firm. Her resolute stance seemed to stir a change in the Hero. Kael, who had remained still, now turned his gaze to the Demon King in the black hood, the target of Eily’s complaints.

"I find it hard to explain. It’s exactly as the oracle said. To be honest, I feel the same way as you. I don’t understand why we have to travel with the Demon King. I don’t even understand why she suddenly claims to like me."

"Then let’s settle at least one thing. Why are we avoiding the angels? Even if the Demon King is with us, wouldn’t the angels comply if it’s the will of the gods? Did the oracle tell you to avoid them?"

"......"

"Your silence tells me I’m right."

Sighing deeply, Eily exhaled long and hard. The atmosphere grew heavy. The silence they’d fought for by slaying the approaching beasts now felt unbearably oppressive. The Elf and the Dwarf, who had been lounging casually during their break, straightened and watched the situation unfold.

They seemed to hope things would resolve peacefully, but unfortunately, it didn’t end well.

"Ugh, whatever. Do as you please. I’m done. Did the gods and angels have a falling out or something? Ugh. Let’s just focus on getting to the Human Realm and figure it out from there."

With that, the Mage abruptly stood up. Startled, the Elf turned to look at her, and Eily grumbled in response.

"I’m not going far. I’m just switching places with that Demon over there."

"Oh, is that all? You scared me."

"Hey, starting tomorrow, we’re infiltrating the Southern border and breaking through the Barbarian tribes, right? I’m just getting some air; I’ll be back soon."

That was the last thing she said. Casting a glare at the Hero, Eily trudged away from the campfire.

Crackle, crackle.

Once more, the sound of the campfire was all that remained in the world. The three remaining figures surrounded it in silence. Suddenly, the Hero stood up abruptly.

"What, what now? What’s going on?"

"Kael. Did you receive another oracle?"

"No."

Ignoring the startled Elf and Dwarf, the Hero focused intently.

He was looking at something directly.

"There’s a beast over there watching us."

Step, step. Rising from his seat, the Hero drew his sword from his waist. The sharp blade gleamed as it closed the distance.

At last, the beast’s crimson blood clung stickily to the tip of the sword as it approached. The Hero spoke again.

"You managed to survive until now."

Thud!

With a flash of light, the world plunged into darkness.

#

"This concludes the record."

The Demon King’s Hall remained lit even at the late hour. Preparations for the expedition were in full swing, and while most worked in their individual offices, this matter was exceptional.

They had discovered traces of the Hero. Moreover, there was evidence, albeit minimal, that he was with the Demon King. This was why Rudmila had urgently summoned Durin.

She had informed Durin of the situation through her Succubus Maid.

"This content is a memory record retrieved from a stray beast in the Southern border during routine reconnaissance. A large number of beasts were found slain by the Border Legion, and an intact memory fragment was sent to the castle during cleanup."

"You’ve done well. This is indeed a significant discovery."

Durin displayed rare satisfaction. The memory, viewed through the Shaman’s crystal ball, lasted less than five minutes. However, the clues within it were crucial.

"The Hero and the Demon King are heading south. When was this memory uncovered?"

"Early yesterday morning."

"If so, they’re likely already on the move. They may have crossed the border and reached the valley in the South by now."

"I’ve instructed the Shamans to focus surveillance on that area. I’ll relay any news immediately."

"I intend to move at once."

Rising from his seat, Durin prompted a frown from Rudmila as she questioned him.

"Now? Immediately?"

"Yes. The expedition preparations were completed long ago. Since our destination is the South anyway, it works out well. While I inform the Royal Guard Commander to prepare the troops, Rudmila, I’d like you to contact the South."

"I’ve already put the Governor of the stronghold city, Ractelrun, on emergency standby. They’ll be ready to receive us as soon as we cross over. But Durin."

"Speak."

Rudmila hesitated for a moment, glancing around before she spoke.

"There’s something I want you to know before we leave."

"What is it? Is it important?"

"Extremely important. It’s the reason the Hero is heading to the South."

Durin halted mid-step. Rudmila smirked and clapped her hands.

A swiftly moving Succubus Maid stepped in front of Durin. Bowing her head deeply, the low-ranking Demon handed him a small scroll.

"What is this?"

"It’s a scroll that can activate an ancient Warp Gate built a thousand years ago. It’s an arcane magic passed down exclusively among our Shamans."

"An ancient Warp Gate?"

"To cross over to the Human Realm from the South, you’ll have no choice but to use that gate. The surrounding area is nothing but wasteland, so there’s no other option for teleportation. It was originally created by the Demon King four generations ago to secretly send legions to the Human Realm during the war with the Celestials. Its performance is guaranteed. But now, we’re watching humans use it instead of us."

Rudmila shrugged her shoulders, signaling she had nothing more to say. But Durin continued to look at her.

"What? Do you have more to say?"

"Of course. I’m not well-versed in ancient ruins. Do you happen to know its location?"

"Ah... about that."

Rudmila’s crimson eyes darted to the side. It was clear she didn’t know. Losing interest, Durin immediately turned his body.

"If even the Chief Shaman of the Central region doesn’t know, then it can’t be helped. I’ll try to gather information in the South myself."

"You’re planning to enter the Barbarian’s land and search for it while breaking through 8,000 troops? That won’t be easy."

"The way you’re speaking makes it sound like you have a plan."

"Of course. What do you take the Demon Castle’s Chief Shaman for?"

Rudmila said with a sly smile.

"Remember that scroll I gave you earlier? Take it to the Prophetess of Oracle who resides in the Rock Shrine of Ractelrun. She’ll surely know."

"The Prophetess of Oracle?"

Durin raised an eyebrow. It was a name he had never heard in all his years.

"Ah. Saying it like that doesn’t make it clear, does it?"

With a playful expression, Rudmila struck a pose as if she had been expecting this reaction and began to explain.

"There’s a legendary figure among our Demon Castle’s Shamans. Every Shaman of the castle is required to learn from her about sorcery before they can move on."

"I see. Such a Shaman exists."

"She rarely leaves her secluded life, and her very existence is shrouded in secrecy. Even high-ranking Demons don’t know much about her."

"Is it alright for me to know about her?"

"I wouldn’t say there’s no risk at all, but given the situation, it’s necessary."

Rudmila became serious again. Standing up, she approached the Maid beside her.

"If possible, seek a prophecy about yourself as well. If she’s in a good mood, she might share something with you."

After giving Durin a once-over, she exited the chamber.

-Though it won’t be easy, of course! Do your best!

Her voice echoed from beyond the door. However, Rudmila’s playful tone failed to reach Durin.

The crystal orb, still faintly glowing, dimmed as the scene faded. Beyond the tip of the Hero’s blade, a black hood flickered ominously.

The Demon King on the run.

Lucrezia Erich del Abrasax.

The worst tyrant who plunged the Demon Realm into chaos.

Two days remained until the planned expedition to the South.

Yet Durin’s fervent determination burned so intensely, it felt as though even that time could be shortened.