kscans

Chapter 23 - Interlude: The Seven Demon Lords

In a place unknown, within a dimly lit great hall, a circle of blue flames illuminated a large table. Seated around it were seven monsters.

Let me introduce them in order.

Redorza the Sage. 160cm tall. A former human who became a vampire through the use of forbidden magic. He has mastered the art of magic and possesses superior intellect. He drinks human blood, but only for amusement—he is a mage for whom it is not an absolute necessity.

Sidoor the Sword Demon. 300cm tall. A Minotaur who wields a greatsword as tall as himself. He has fought and triumphed over countless swordsmen and masters, mimicking their techniques and sublimating them into his own skills. He is a warrior who carries the pride of his clan.

Harynair the Corruptor. 170cm tall. A succubus who wields seduction and pleasure. She breathes sweet dreams and false hope into humans, delighting in watching their faces and actions as they fall to ruin. A demonic temptress.

Lates the Thousand Poisons. 100cm tall. An insect resembling a fly. He possesses all manner of poisons and has the power to turn a town into a city of death in half a day. He is a mad doctor who creates his own toxins and confirms their efficacy by spreading them.

Rumby the Fateweaver. 10cm tall. A fairy who grants both good and ill fortune to all things. If she takes a liking to you, you may acquire vast riches, but if her mood sours, you will be cast into the depths of despair. She is a creature of whim.

Daios the Sea General. 200cm tall. A sea beast, a fusion of a shark and a human who monitors the monsters of the ocean. Though he dislikes conflict, he is a supervisor who sends assassins to test the strength of any who pique his interest.

Bamhal the Dragon King. 150cm tall. He has the appearance of a human boy, but his true form is that of a dragon. He is the king who rules this world, the coordinator of the Seven Demon Lords. Due to his immense power, he rarely makes public appearances. In their meetings, he serves as chairman. A mediator.

Such were the Seven Demon Lords, and for them to gather like this was an event that had not occurred in forty years.

It was Bamhal who spoke first.

"Gentlemen, I have gathered you today for one reason and one reason alone. The source of that strange ripple of power has been identified. A gate to another world has opened."

His words made them all hold their breath.

Upon hearing this, Redorza opened his mouth.

"A visitor from another world... Including this one, that would make it the fifth time, I believe. The first time, Mestie the Death Controller was hell-bent on creating a nation of the dead and started a war with the human kingdoms."

"The result was a spectacular failure. That incident brought the existence of the Seven Demon Lords to light, and now we are treated as a state secret, known only to a select few. The dark underbelly of the nations now tries to investigate us. What a nuisance. I believe we are all in agreement that we despise troublesome matters."

The other monsters nodded at his words.

These beings stood at the pinnacle of all monsters, yet they had no interest in governance or domination. They acted only to pursue their own hobbies and to kill time. While they were a threat to humanity, it was this very nature that kept them off the world stage, thus preserving the daily peace. For this reason, even though the kings of the various nations investigated, they could find neither their identities nor their whereabouts, and had concluded that leaving them alone was the best course of action.

But back to the matter at hand.

In response to Redorza's statement, Rumby said,

"But come on~~, you say 'visitor from another world,' but the only one who actually did anything was the one from Mestie's incident a hundred and thirty years ago. The second, third, and fourth times, they didn't do a thing, did they? Oh, but wait, I think Lates made a move the second time, right? Said he was going to test a new poison and spread it all over a village."

"The humans were all panicking, shouting, 'It's a plague!' That was a masterpiece. They didn't know a thing, so they just spouted the first easy idea that came to mind."

Rumby cackled.

The misfortune of others is the sweetest nectar, as they say, but while they all thought her personality was foul, no one dared say it aloud. That was because, in a way, her power was the most wicked and terrifying of all those present.

Lates, who had been listening, replied.

"Well, at the time, I did intend to test the otherworlder's power, but to think they would make the situation even worse on their own... Humans are truly fascinating. They are well worth observing and experimenting upon. Shisshisshi."

Lates spoke with a laugh.

All of them shared his sentiment. It was the humans, for whom they held a slight affection, who gave a spark of excitement to their otherwise boring years.

However, one of them, Mestie the Death Controller, had been different.

He was a Necromancer, and his affection was not for the living, but for the dead. That was why he had started the war.

Without telling the other six.

And after he was vanquished, the one who took his vacant seat was Daios the Sea General. That same Daios now spoke.

"But it seems this time, the human is making quite a name for himself. That Orc King... was that your doing, Sage-dono?"

At Daios's question, Redorza replied.

"Well, it was originally one of my test subjects—a failed one. I was experimenting to see how much intelligence and self-regeneration I could cram into it. Through repeated combat and medication, it developed unnecessary knowledge and began plotting rebellion, despite being unable to speak. So, I gave it a condition."

"I told it that if it could destroy that city, I would grant it the right to fight me. At that, it gathered its own soldiers and marched out. Honestly, it's such a chore to create a loyal servant with just enough intelligence to move as I command. Still, it does help pass the time."

Redorza said with a laugh. Harynair, hearing this, chimed in.

"Heeh~~ To think he defeated a monster like that. This otherworlder sounds like he could be really fun. Perhaps I'll make him my captive and we can play all sorts of wonderful games."

As Harynair made a bewitching face, Sidoor spoke up.

"Such poor taste. I have no intention of partaking in your games. If you're going to do it, do it yourself. I will not involve myself in this matter."

Sidoor closed his eyes as he spoke.

Harynair pouted at his attitude. But before she could say anything, Bamhal interjected.

"Enough. I will not permit any further remarks, Harynair. Your powers are conspicuous enough as it is. I have received reports that this person is immune to your kind of brainwashing."

"This information comes from an agent I have placed within human society. When you attempt to brainwash the otherworlder, your identity will undoubtedly be revealed. We cannot allow the humans to realize we are making a move. Exercise some self-control."

Harynair fell silent at his words.

The Dragon King's words carried, in a sense, the weight of a god's. She had no intention of opposing him.

However, it seemed she was already plotting something, thinking she could get away with it as long as her identity wasn't revealed. But that is a story for another time.

Into the silence, Daios spoke.

"In that case, I shall test the extent of this person's power. Fortunately, there is a certain monster who is getting rather full of itself. I shall incite it, just as with the Orc King. However, the 'One Month of Winter' will soon be upon us. I will make my move after it has passed."

As Daios laid out his plan, Bamhal replied.

"Mm. Then we shall leave the next step to Daios. Does anyone else have anything to add?"

At his words, everyone nodded.

Bamhal concluded.

"Very well. With that, this council is adjourned."

At his final word, the figures in the room vanished into the darkness. The blue flames went out, leaving a place of absolute silence and invisibility.