"What's the meaning of this, Ruzeli?! You're one of the Demon King's generals! Our strongest fighter! And now you're telling me you're going to run away?"
"I only joined because I heard this job was stable, a cushy gig with no real responsibilities. Who in their right mind would risk their life for such meager pay? You didn't tell me during the contract signing that I'd have to face monsters like her! Also, I'm still just a candidate for general status, aren't I?"
"Shut up! Most of the generals are dead already, so you're getting promoted, like it or not!"
"No! I quit! I'm going back to my hometown to live a peaceful life as a farmer! I've saved up enough money for a cozy retirement!"
"Get real! Your hometown is barren—you can't grow anything there, you idiot!"
For some reason, the red dragon-girl named Ruzeli and the Demon King's daughter, Yasaka, had descended into a full-blown argument.
Meanwhile, Nero stood off to the side, quietly observing the spectacle.
Fight! Keep fighting! Nero thought with delight. I love watching cute girls argue! It'd be even better if they wrestled on a bed… the more intense, the better! Maybe with some blood spilled…
As the two bickered, Nero had already finished off the other monsters in the room. Now, with nothing better to do, she watched the "show" with amused interest.
Suddenly, the massive, ominous doors ahead creaked open, and a deep, resonant voice boomed from within.
"Brave hero from afar! You have passed the final trial, proving your courage and strength."
"Come forward and witness the end of your journey. I await you here—I, the Demon King. If you seek to vanquish me, step inside."
The sheer pressure carried by the voice would have been enough to make ordinary adventurers feel as though they were suffocating.
It sounded as though the Demon King was openly welcoming Nero to enter.
Aside from Yasaka and Ruzeli—who had apparently lost their will to fight—the room was now devoid of enemies.
If the Demon King himself is inviting me in, how could I possibly turn back now? Nero thought. That would be beyond embarrassing.
Resolving herself, Nero stepped boldly into the room.
At the far end of the chamber, Nero saw the so-called Demon King of this world.
He was an imposing, elderly figure.
With white hair and two horns protruding from his head, he looked nearly human, save for the thick black mist radiating from his body, giving him the unmistakable air of a Demon King.
"Welcome, brave hero who has come for the future of this world. I am the Demon King, Kyōichi, supreme ruler of the Demon King's army," he declared in his deep, authoritative voice, his sharp gaze fixed on Nero.
"I am in awe of your valor, hero. To stand here alone before me, without allies—no hero in history has ever achieved such a feat. If anyone could accomplish the legendary task of slaying the Demon King, it might just be you."
"Come now, for this is the end of your journey. State your name, brave hero!"
Nero smiled, her emerald eyes gleaming.
"I am Nero! Nero Claudius! Emperor of Rome!"
"However," she continued, "let me clarify something, Demon King. Your words contained two mistakes."
The Demon King raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh?"
"First, this is not the end of my journey. After I surpass you, my path will continue onward. Until I reach the other side of the stars themselves, I will not stop!"
"Second, I did not come here for the future of the world. I am not so arrogant as to believe I could save the entire world on my own."
The Demon King's expression darkened with confusion.
"If not for the world's future, then why are you here?"
"Because…"
Nero paused for a moment, her thoughts drifting to Alice. Her emerald eyes softened, brimming with warmth and affection.
"My little sister. According to our family's tradition, she must marry the hero who defeats the Demon King."
"There's no way I'd entrust my beloved sister to some stranger I've never met. So, naturally, I had to become the hero myself."
Nero had no desire to be the kind of hero who saved the world.
But being a hero for someone she cherished? That… didn't seem so bad.
"Well then, Demon King, are you ready? I'm here to take you down."
"Then come and try, brave hero!"
Four robed sorcerers flanking the Demon King raised their staffs, chanting in unison.
"[Cursed Thunder]!"
"[Cursed Thunder]!"
"[Cursed Thunder]!"
"[Cursed Thunder]!"
The dark bolts of lightning, said to shatter even dragon scales, roared toward Nero, filling the chamber with deafening noise.
Dust and smoke billowed, obscuring Nero's figure.
"To unleash such powerful magic right from the start… Very well. It would be rude not to respond in kind!"
As the smoke cleared, Nero emerged, planting her massive sword into the ground. She raised her hand, her aura surging with power.
"…Wait, such terrifying magical energy—what are you doing?!"
The air grew searingly hot as Nero gathered her strength.
Scarlet magic circles shimmered and stacked above her, radiating brilliant crimson light.
The Demon King's expression turned frantic. "Stop her! Stop her now!" he commanded, sending his minions toward her.
But…
"Too late!"
Heatwaves stirred Nero's crimson dress as she unleashed the spell. Her voice echoed through the chamber, calling forth the most powerful magic she had learned in this world—enhanced by her [Mystery Slayer] ability.
A super-tier spell:
"[Ex—plosion]!!"
The layered magic circles vanished, replaced by a towering pillar of flame that roared skyward.
It pierced the earth and tore through the heavens, a blazing light so intense it illuminated the night.
Across the land, people gazed at the sky, watching the radiant glow as it burned like the death of a star.
For a moment, it seemed as though the stars themselves had formed a path, leading toward a brilliant and distant future.
---
The Demon King was defeated.
News of his death spread like wildfire, reaching every human kingdom within days.
With the Demon King's demise, monsters across the world grew weaker, their strength diminished.
Though his daughter, Yasaka, still lived and might one day inherit his throne, such concerns were no longer Nero's problem.
Because…
"Let's host the Nero Festival!"
Declaring herself the hero who had brought peace to the world, Nero made her intentions clear to everyone.
"As the one who defeated the Demon King, I, the brave hero Nero, demand a celebration! Umu! A grand festival in my honor is hardly too much to ask, don't you agree? And this festival shall be held every year—every single nation shall rejoice in luxury and joy!"
The [Nero Festival] had been a long-standing tradition at Chaldea.
Historically, the real Nero had only hosted two such festivals before her tragic death. In Chaldea, the festival followed a similar pattern: two Nero Festivals before being usurped by other events like the Gilgamesh Festival and the Ishtar Festival.
"The Demon King's fall is a blessing to the entire world! Therefore, the Nero Festival shall be a celebration for all humankind—a festival unrivaled in grandeur and joy!"
"And of course, I will attend. After all, when you think of festivals, you think of me! When you think of heroes, you think of me! When you think of beauty, you think of me! For I am the adorable, lovable Nero Claudius!"
"Umu! Forgive me if I'm a little overexcited! I simply cannot wait to share this radiant joy, as warm as the spring sun, with everyone. Surely you all feel the same, don't you? But don't go shouting from your windows or spilling your coffee in excitement! Just relax and look forward to tomorrow!"
---
T/N: YUES I KNOW YASAKA IS THE DEMON KINGS FIRST NAME BUT HIS DAUGHTER WAS UNNAMED SO I JUST SPLIT IT, YASAK IS NOW HER NAME AND KYOICHI IS HIS NAME
...
If you're reading this, then you've wandered all the way to the end. I'm impressed. Stories are like wine—meant to be savored, not rushed. So if you took your time? Thank you.
Of course, the real thanks goes to WiseTL—the one who turned tangled words into something beautiful. I just got asked to wrap things up with a ribbon. Hopefully this counts!
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Go on. Be generous. They've earned it.
Until next time—read well, rest often, and maybe come visit me at the Hostess of Fertility sometime.
– Syr ✨