kscans

Chapter 30 - # The Demon Lord's Invitation

The village of Elshia. A place where the legendary Hero Ares had once repelled the Demon Lord's army, bringing a time of peace.

But now, it was a burnt-out town, destroyed.

On that ground of black smoke and swirling ash, the Hobgoblin Mamoru stood with his companions.

"...This is Elshia. It was supposed to be the town Hero Ares saved."

In the tragically ruined town, there was no sign of the villagers. All that remained was the corpse of a civilization, attacked by monsters and wiped from existence.

"What's this...?"

In the ruins of the burnt town of Elshia, a single letter, inscribed with a black, flame-like crest, suddenly fell from the sky. Tiris picked it up, her brow furrowed.

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'To Lord Mamoru,'

You can 'evolve.' If you devour the flesh of the Rainbow Dragon, your soul will be reconstructed, and your power will be unleashed. Come, to the Demon Lord's chamber.

From Demon Lord Legna-Verzark

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"...It's an invitation from the Demon Lord-sama."

"What!? N-no way, the Demon Lord, you mean that..." Defray's voice cracked.

"Yes, Demon Lord Legna-Val-Noct. The being who stands at the apex of this world."

"Wh-why would a guy like that invite me...?" Mamoru frowned, and Tiris spoke quietly.

"Actually... I met the Demon Lord-sama once, a long time ago." Her words made the air freeze.

"What... Tiris-san, you know the Demon Lord!?" Amy's eyes went wide.

"That's amazing... so amazing..."

Koni-chan gazed at Tiris with eyes full of respect.

Defray was also deeply impressed, letting out a sigh of admiration. "Wow... this is the first time I've ever encountered a 'legend' in person..."

Tiris looked away shyly, but then her expression turned serious.

"This isn't a coincidence. Mamoru, the Demon Lord-sama is watching you. As a being who will change this world."

At that moment, Tiris's staff began to glow with magical power.

"...This invitation is for you, Mamoru. It's a hope for the future. Come on, let's go. Are you ready?"

Mamoru was silent for a moment, then nodded.

"Let's go. Nothing's going to change if we just stay here anyway."

"Tula Elva Nox... Beyond the stars, open the way... Heed my will, O gate of transference!"

With her chant, space itself began to creak.

The air split open, and a swirling magic circle appeared at Mamoru's feet.

"I'm off to meet the Demon Lord for a bit."

Tiris's eyes glowed gold as she shouted the name of the spell.

"Exodus Gate!!"

With a deafening roar, Mamoru's body was enveloped in light. The ground shattered, and a blinding flash consumed everything. Mamoru's shout vanished as if sucked into the sky.

His figure had disappeared without a trace.