The memories of my old life remain intact. I was a former hero who is now a demon king who will be hated by the humans I once saved. I see the world from the side that I used to call evil. And slowly, I began to realize: not everything is as black and white as I used to think. With the great power that was inherited to me, and the experience of life as a hero, I vow: this world will change. But not through hatred or revenge... but with the truth that has been hidden for so long, The hot winds of hell rustle softly among the ruins of the ancient throne. From the high balcony of the castle, I watch the demon army line up neatly under the light of the red moon. They do not scream, they do not roar. They bow their heads, awaiting the command of my new Demon King.
"My name is Arven de Elion," I murmured softly. The name that was once hailed as the savior of the human world, is now only a whisper in the shadows. Now my name is Raelzar von Valladolid. I will not deny who I used to be. Because that memory will be my sword, and also my shield. Footsteps were heard approaching. A dark-skinned woman with glowing purple eyes bowed behind me, she was Vulc. "Your Majesty, the generals have gathered. They await your decision on the attack to the west." "An attack?" I looked at her. "Who is our enemy this time?" I said to Vulc
"The Kingdom of Celenor, home of the holy mages. They have sent envoys to the borders. Calling you a threat, and will 'purify' this land in seven days." Celenor. I know this place. I have fought to protect it. I have stood on its outer walls, holding off a demon invasion. I have… nearly died there. And now, they seek to destroy my new home. "Let them come," I said calmly. "But we will not attack first. I wish to speak to my people… and hear for myself why they call me 'the devil.'"
"Your Highness?" said the vulc I turned my face, looking him straight in the eye. "I am not just a Demon King. I am a bridge between two worlds separated by lies for too long." That night, I descended upon the troop camp. The sharp, scarred eyes of the demons stared at me. They looked at me not with fear, but with hope. As if they believed... that I could bring about change. And for the first time since my rebirth, I asked myself: Is it possible... to be a hero once more?
But this time, it was not just for humans, but for all beings wounded by hatred. I descended the rough, cold stone steps, heading towards the central hall of the castle where the demon generals had gathered. My footsteps echoed, and every eye that looked at me was filled with a mixture of curiosity and fear. They had not yet fully accepted me, though none dared to directly oppose the will of the new "Demon King." At the end of the hall, a map of the world was spread out on a stone table. Blue flames flickered in the hanging lanterns, casting moving shadows on the faces of the dark leaders standing around it.
One of them, Jendar, a large demon with curved horns and a voice like thunder, spoke first. "Your Majesty, our power is enough to destroy three human kingdoms at once. Give us an order. This world can be conquered within a month." Everyone turned to look at me. But I just stared at the map… and saw more than just territory.
"Have you ever wondered… why we keep fighting?" I asked quietly. The sound of metal creaking and gasps greeted my words. "Because they hunt us," one of the generals replied sharply. "They call us monsters, without understanding why we exist." I nodded. "Exactly. And I know why… because I was once one of them." My words were like thunder in the silence. No one dared to speak.
"I once stood on the side of the light, killing without question. But after I died… and was reborn on this so-called 'dark' side… I saw the truth that the holy priests or the kings of men never taught me." I looked at each of them one by one. "This world is not black and white. And I will not lead you only to continue the cycle of hatred." "Then… what is your goal, Your Highness?" asked the General, still full of suspicion.
I approached the table, placing one hand on Celenor, the first kingdom to start a war. "We will rebuild. But not by destroying… but by shaking the foundations of a world built on lies. We will open their eyes. And if they still choose to hate us, then… then we will take up arms." That night, I stood atop the castle's tallest tower, overlooking the world I once called home and now called my enemy… or perhaps, my potential ally. A cold wind blew through my black robes, and the sword on my back gleamed faintly in the moonlight. The sword I once wielded to uphold justice, I would now wield to uncover the truth—no matter how dark it might be.
And in my heart, for the first time since this reincarnation, I felt certain: My journey as the Demon King… has only just begun.