A massive castle stood towering amidst a desolate wilderness.
The entire structure was pitch black, resembling a medieval European noble stronghold in design, yet its scale far surpassed anything of that era. At first glance, it looked like a colossal dark beast crouching upon the land.
At some point, a black gate materialized out of thin air in the central plaza of the castle.
A natural ripple emanated from the gate, distorting the space within several meters around it into an illusory realm. Thanks to this, no one noticed the gate's presence—even if someone walked right through it, they would pass by as if stepping into a mirage, completely unaware.
Eiji silently pushed open the black gate and stepped out.
"Is this the world of KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World?"
A murmur escaped his lips.
"But where exactly is this?"
Eiji glanced around.
Clearly, this time, his landing spot wasn't an open plain or a forest—it was inside an imposing, grand structure.
Around the plaza, numerous figures clad in black armor and draped in black cloaks moved about.
"They don't seem very human..."
Eiji's sharp gaze swept over them, yet not a single one took notice.
Though most concealed their bodies beneath armor and cloaks, many revealed sharp horns or clawed limbs as they moved—features that were unmistakably inhuman.
"I'm sure they're friendly and won't give a passing traveler like me any trouble. Might as well ask for directions!"
After a brief moment of contemplation, Eiji made up his mind.
Well, since he was already here, he'd inevitably cross paths with them. Might as well get it over with.
With that thought, the black gate behind him gradually faded, and the illusory distortion around him dissipated.
Only then did Eiji truly set foot in this world.
From the perspective of the other "beings," a person had abruptly appeared within the castle grounds.
"Is that... a human?"
"Why is he here?"
"An adventurer? And wearing such flashy armor! Damn it, he's even cooler than me!"
"He broke through the barrier set up by the eight elite officers without anyone noticing—this guy's no ordinary foe!"
The plaza erupted into commotion.
The black-armored warriors and black-robed mages visibly tensed, their wariness palpable.
"Excuse me, I'd like to ask—"
Eiji stepped forward with what he believed to be a perfectly friendly smile.
"He's coming this way!"
"We'll hold him off—you call for backup!"
No sooner had the words been spoken than two warriors charged forward.
They positioned themselves on either side of Eiji, raising a massive axe and a greatsword respectively. From beneath their faceless helmets, only a pair of crimson eyes gleamed.
"Halt, human!"
"This is no place for your kind!"
The two warriors bellowed with imposing authority.
Their auras were nothing to scoff at—far surpassing that of ordinary humans.
"Surrender your armor and weapons now if you know what's good for you!"
"Otherwise, you'll soon be surrounded by the demon army!"
"Honestly, I think I'd get surrounded by the army either way. Don't you agree?"
Eiji glanced at the mage not far away, who was clutching a palm-sized metal device.
The mage babbled something about intruders appearing and sending people to the square to capture them, and then the entire castle erupted with the deafening sound of an alarm.
How rude.
Have they ever seen such a friendly intruder?
I was just here to ask for directions.
"So, you're determined to resist?"
"In that case, prepare to meet your end!"
The two warriors exchanged glances, their eyes hardening with resolve.
Then, each took a step forward, raising their weapons high.
Bang!
Eiji smiled faintly.
His right foot tapped the ground twice, almost imperceptibly.
Thud!
"Gahk!"
Before the warriors could charge, they suddenly convulsed violently.
Bright red blood seeped from the mouthpieces of their armor, and they collapsed to their knees, unable to hold themselves up.
Eiji set down the enormous backpack—taller than himself—and strolled leisurely over to them.
"...What did you do?"
The warriors looked terrified.
If they had been defeated in a straightforward fight, they, as elite demons, wouldn't have been so shaken.
But they hadn't even seen how their opponent had struck. Without warning, their internal organs had been violently jolted, and they had fallen.
This unknown method of attack left them utterly terrified.
"Never mind what I did. I'm just here to ask for directions. You understand, right?"
Eiji smiled warmly.
"Where is this place? Can you tell me?"
He was here to cause trouble!
If they didn't answer, they'd be torn apart!
That had to be it!
Who in their right mind would come here just to ask for directions?
The two warriors trembled in unison.
"...T-this is the Demon King's Castle."
One of them stammered in reply.
The Demon King's Castle?
Eiji was taken aback.
When it came to the world of Konosuba, Eiji had some vague memories.
Though most of the details were hazy, he remembered it was an isekai series—unlike DanMachi, which was a high-freedom fantasy world, Konosuba was more of a classic Japanese RPG-style isekai, complete with heroes, demon kings, and adventurers.
And now, he had landed right in the Demon King's Castle upon arrival?
This transmigration was off to a wild start.
"Hurry! He's in the square!"
"Bill and Lance have already been taken down!"
"Move! Capture the intruder! If we disturb His Majesty the Demon King, we'll be disgraced as the elite of the Demon King's Army!"
"Yes!"
Amid the roars, swarms of the Demon King's forces poured out from all corners of the castle, flooding the square until it was packed.
Among them were Dark Knights like the two who had fallen, robed mages, giant winged stone statues, and more—all unmistakably monstrous.
"Hey, where does your Demon King live?"
Eiji's expression was peculiar.
With a casual motion, he summoned a dazzling silver katana into his hand, its blade shimmering like rippling water.
"Uh..."
"I just want to have a friendly chat with him about directions—maybe see if he can spare some supplies. Of course, if you'd rather not talk, I won't force you..."
"T-the top floor of the castle!"
"Good boys."
"C-could you move the sword away?"
The warrior forced a smile uglier than a grimace.
Weren't you supposed to not force us?
"It's my sword forcing you, not me—don't confuse the two! Remember, I'm just a friendly traveler asking for directions!"
As if reading his thoughts, Eiji grinned and sheathed the blade.
Then he bounced in place twice before charging straight at the horde of monsters.