NOVEL NEXT Chapter 22
Chapter 22: A Warrior’s Way
The next day, I was scheduled to learn the magic of “Self-Introduction.”
“The former tribal chief of the Orgui tribe, Count Oalrug, will be the one to teach you.”
Just after waking up, Platiphia came to my room.
…The combination of “Chief” and “Count” feels so mismatched.
In my mind, I pictured a muscular old man dressed in frilly noble attire. What kind of guy is Count Oalrug, anyway?
Still, it’s surprising how easily they could arrange for a high-ranking chief to come, especially considering the constant squabbles between tribes. I half-expected the Demon Lord to show up…
“The Demon Lord is quite busy,” Platiphia said, sounding a bit resentful as we had our breakfast together.
Later, I heard from Sophia that some of the other mothers threw shade, saying something like, “A child of unclear origin asking to meet the Demon Lord is quite absurd.”
――We headed to the training grounds.
It seems the magic of self-introduction is learned in a pretty open environment.
The Demon Lord Castle, carved from a mountain of marble, has a spacious plateau at the foot that serves as a training ground. Warriors from various races—including demons, beastmen, night elves, and even ogres—are training, engaging in fierce mock battles that feel like real combat.
“Hey!! You made it!!!”
――But today, there was someone who took up the center of the training ground, ignoring the hardworking warriors at the edges.
Wearing a tight, frilly noble outfit that was clearly not his size.
Holding a bone spear with an obsidian tip.
His face was painted with intimidating red-black patterns.
He wore shoulder armor made from the skulls of large carnivorous monsters.
To top it off, he sported a necklace made of the dried ears of various races.
Such a muscular bearded old man.
Could this be Count Oalrug…?!
Aside from the frilly noble outfit, he looks exactly like a barbarian straight out of a drawing… I’ve never seen such a wild barbarian style even in the Demon Lord Castle!
“…Count Oalrug is a powerful veteran at the age of 280. He values traditional customs of the demon race.”
Platiphia said this with a hint of discomfort, her eyes darting.
It seems that for the younger generation like Platiphia, the old-school barbarian style isn’t very popular… Maybe they don’t want to acknowledge that they themselves were once considered an uncivilized tribe just a few generations ago.
“Hey there! Are you Zilbagias?!”
Unbothered by our shocked expressions over his barbarian style, Oalrug stomped over and looked me over closely.
“I heard you’re 5 years old, but you’re really big!!! No wonder people might doubt your lineage!! Gahaha!!!”
Your voice is so loud it’s giving me a headache! You could easily be heard on a battlefield…
“Thank you, Count Oalrug, for taking the time today.”
Platiphia bowed. It seems she respects someone of such veteran status.
“Gahaha! You’re quite the charmer, Platiphia, my dear! Ever since I retired, I’ve had nothing to do! If I couldn’t find something to occupy my time, I’d rather die in battle!!”
It’s hard to tell if he’s laughing or angry as he thumps the ground with his spear’s tip.
“So, if you’re bored, I welcome you!! Plus, how can I refuse a favor from my adorable granddaughter-in-law?!”
“…Count Oalrug’s grandson is married to my sister.”
Granddaughter-in-law? I tilted my head as Platiphia explained.
Ah, so there’s that connection.
“I’m Zilbagias. Nice to meet you today.”
Regardless, I bowed lightly.
“Mm! You’re honest! Let’s get started right away!!!”
Signalizing something out toward the training ground, Oalrug faced me again.
“Now then, Zilbagias! First, let’s see your self-introduction!”
Suuuu… Oalrug took a deep breath, and Platiphia stepped back.
I had a bad feeling, but I was distracted by her movement and was slow to react.
As a result, I took the full hit.
“I am!! The former warrior chief of the Orgui tribe, Oalrug!!!”
A thunderous boom shook the training ground.
The weaker races who were present in the training field seized up, while the demon and night elf warriors turned in shock.
The Oalrug before me felt like he had swelled several times larger.
Such a formidable presence!! It’s just like the Demon Lord from that day!!
—Except this time, unlike the Demon Lord, Oalrug couldn’t contain the overflowing magical power, and his tight frilly noble attire ripped apart and flew away!!
“Gahaha! While ‘outer’ clothes may look good, they’re fragile and terrible!!”
Just like that, Oalrug transformed into a half-naked old man. He was slapping his exposed belly while laughing out loud. Strangely enough, the bone shoulder armor and the necklace made of dried ears remained intact. He only had fur underwear on.
I have to learn to do that…
“Is it normal for clothes to rip apart?”
“The Demon Lord doesn’t have that issue.”
I couldn’t help but ask, and Platiphia replied hesitantly.
“Don’t worry! If the clothes are properly fitted to your power, this kind of thing won’t happen, so you’re safe!!”
After another round of laughter, Oalrug glanced at the scattered fabric pieces—remnants of a frilly and extravagant outfit.
“They look good and feel fine to wear! But the outer attire just doesn’t fit me!! Gahahaha!!”
The old warrior, now back to his uncivilized barbarian style, laughed for a while before sighing.
“Well then, Zilbagias. As you can see, the magic of self-introduction is the magic of true warriors.”
True warriors, huh? (Philosophy).
“In other words, as one who carries the blood of the Orgui tribe, you must be a ‘warrior’… Zilbagias, why do you fight? For what purpose do you fight?”
As he looked deeply into my eyes, the old warrior questioned me.
“Are you aiming for the Demon Lord because your mother commanded it?”
His tone felt like a test, yet also condescending.
I don’t know what kind of reaction he expects from me, but there’s only one answer to this.
“I don’t want to be the Demon Lord.”
Oalrug frowned in confusion, while Platiphia’s eyes widened.
“But—”
I spoke sincerely.
“—I want to become stronger than my father.”
I want to surpass the current Demon Lord.
“…Hahahahahaha! Wonderful!! I admire that spirit!!!”
Oalrug nodded with delight and started thumping my shoulder, which hurt.
“Good job, Zilbagias! You understand the essence. Titles like Demon Lord or Count are just decorations! A warrior must be strong! There’s no need for trivial reasons!!”
However, as he gazed into the distance beyond the training ground, Oalrug continued.
“You can’t become a warrior just with spirit. Fighting is nothing but a life-and-death battle. If you wish to call yourself a warrior, you must first undergo a minimum ritual… Platiphia, is Zilbagias still a virgin?”
“Yes. He doesn’t even have his own spear yet.”
“I see. Then today is a special day.”
…I have a really bad feeling about this.
The sound of chains rattling echoed from behind me.
Slowly, I turned around—
“—That was quicker than I expected.”
Antendeixis, who had been silent thus far, chuckled softly within me.
“Alexandre. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain power.”
The Forbidden Demon God was licking his lips.
“So, Zilbagias. I’ve prepared a prey for you.”
What lined up were human men, restrained with chains.
They were all thin and battered, but their eyes gleamed with hatred.
“These are the human foot soldiers captured on the battlefield. If you want to be a warrior, you know what you must do, right? Zilbagias.”
Oalrug gently pushed my back, looking as though he was a grandfather caring for his grandson.
“—Kill them.”