A number of dark figures gathered in the Demon King's castle, shadows flickering beneath dim torchlight.
"I have called you, my generals, to discuss the recent plague that is Ethan," the Demon King's deep voice rumbled.
One general stepped forward. "Maou-sama, I've heard from the surviving remnants of Beldia's forces. They say this Ethan is a force to be reckoned with. According to the survivors, Beldia was completely outclassed. It was as if Ethan was merely testing out a new skill rather than fighting for his life. They claim the fight ended the moment Ethan grew bored of toying with him."
A heavy silence followed, stretching through the chamber until the Demon King spoke again.
"This news is disturbing. If Ethan could so easily dispose of Beldia, then he could just as easily overwhelm any of you. To verify these reports, I have sent Vanir to investigate. He will confirm whether Ethan truly poses such a threat, or if this is merely the cowardly ravings of frightened soldiers."
He leaned forward, his voice dropping lower. "If he is the threat we suspect, then the only viable strategy will be to ambush him together. That is our only hope. If I were to leave the capital myself, the surrounding kingdoms would seize the opportunity to strike, and our empire would collapse. Ethan is not the only so-called 'hero' backed by the cursed gods."
He sat back. "For now, we wait for Vanir's report. Ethan appears content to remain in Axel, focused on his business ventures…"
"Oh, that cream of his works wonders!" Sylvia, the chimera general, chimed in. "Wiz hooked me up with some."
Wolbach and Serena both nodded in agreement while the Demon King rubbed his temples.
"…Even my own daughter is using the enemy's product," he thought grimly. "Truly infuriating."
Aloud, he continued, "Serena, as head of the espionage unit, you will travel to Axel. Gather intelligence on this new threat."
Axel Estate
I had finally returned after accepting Ignis Dustiness's proposal. To me, titles like wife, concubine, or girlfriend all carried the same weight—I had no intention of letting any of my women go. I knew that managing a harem would become more complicated once women from other worlds, unfamiliar with polygamy, began to join me. But I already had contingencies in place to keep everyone content. For now, while in Konosuba's world, I had no such worries. They all seemed perfectly happy to share.
My reputation was at its peak after the defeat of Beldia. That victory made me a fresh target, but I wasn't worried. Even in that fight, I hadn't used my full strength. Besides, I already had ideas for dividing the Demon King's army from within. I knew what many of the generals truly wanted—and I intended to give it to them.
Vanir's Return
I was relaxing in my study when reports arrived: monsters were spilling from a dungeon I had cleared weeks ago. Sena, the kingdom official, rushed to the estate, begging me to intervene. Masked dolls were exploding near Axel, threatening the townsfolk.
I knew this was Vanir—another general I intended to recruit.
With Aqua crying about the seal she'd placed on the dungeon, and Kazuma yelling at her the entire way, we made our way over.
I entered the dungeon with Darkness, who fidgeted beside me. She was still red-faced from what had happened at her father's mansion.
"Well, let's get this over with," I muttered.
Events unfolded much like they had in the anime. Vanir delivered his monologue about wanting to die in a dungeon, and after letting him talk, I simply poked a hole through his heart with my spear. His body crumbled, and the mask leapt free, clamping onto Darkness's face.
Her voice mingled with Vanir's as they struggled for control. Vanir cursed, repulsed by her masochistic joy, while Darkness reveled in every second of being possessed. Their clash was so absurd it nearly broke my composure.
When we finally reached the surface, Megumin unleashed a massive Explosion, obliterating Vanir's form. The adventurers cheered, thinking another general was gone. I knew better. Vanir never truly died.
Sure enough, later that day he appeared in my mansion, dressed as a butler, and offered his services. After speaking with Wiz and learning about my business ventures, he claimed he could elevate the company to new heights of profit. I accepted, letting him stay in the servants' quarters. A valuable ally had returned, exactly as I planned.
That evening, cigar smoke drifted through the lounge as we discussed business strategy over expensive wine. Even Kazuma had been invited, if only to make him feel included. After hours of talking and joking, I laid out my vision for the company's future. Vanir's eyes gleamed with glee.
"No, Ethan… my lord. Serving you will be the greatest decision I have ever made," he said, grinning ear to ear.
The Gift for Wiz
Later that night, I visited Wiz in her room. I knew what kind of memories days like this stirred for her—the pain of losing her old party, the sacrifice that had cursed her into undeath.
I approached quietly, seeing her wipe tears from her eyes.
"Wiz," I said softly, "what's wrong?"
She jumped slightly, forcing a smile. "E-Ethan!? Nothing's wrong. I was just… clearing my head."
I stepped closer. "I heard from Vanir how you became a lich to save your party. What would you say if I told you… you didn't have to be one anymore?"
Her expression faltered, sadness creeping in. "Ethan… I know you're just trying to cheer me up, but there's no going back. I'm cursed to live as an undead."
I took her hand gently. "Wiz. Do you trust me?"
She hesitated, then nodded. "O-Okay. I'll humor you. But I don't believe this is possible…"
She led me to her phylactery. Standing before it, I looked into her eyes and held her hand tighter. I pulled out the Horse, Dog, Sheep, and Tiger talismans.
"I don't know if this will hurt," I said quietly. "But bear with me."
Her gaze burned with fragile hope. She nodded.
Resurrection
The phylactery pulsed faintly in the dark room, a sickly glow radiating the oppressive weight of undeath.
The Tiger Talisman lit first, golden light wrapping around Wiz like chains. Her body shivered as her spirit strained against the phylactery's pull.
The Sheep Talisman followed, my arm shimmering and stretching into the astral plane. My hand pierced the phylactery, gripping something trembling and alive. I pulled gently but firmly as Wiz gasped, her body arching as if something were being torn out of her chest.
The phylactery screamed—not with sound, but with a vibration that clawed at the skull. I ignored it, sweat dripping as I pulled harder. At last, Wiz's soul tore free, radiant but faint.
"Stay with me," I urged, pressing her soul back into her body. Energy flared violently, rattling the room.
The Horse Talisman poured healing through her body, knitting tissues long dead. The Dog Talisman stabilized the process, locking it in place. Still, she needed a spark.
I bit my tongue, let blood fill my mouth, and kissed her. My blood—infused with the Fountain of Youth—flowed into her. Warmth returned. Her pulse flickered, then steadied.
Thump. Her heart beat.Thump. Again.
She sobbed weakly into my shoulder. "I… I can feel again… Ethan… I'm alive…"
I pressed my forehead to hers. "You're free. No more chains. I'll protect you."
Exhaustion claimed her, and she fainted in my arms. I laid her on the bed, pulling the covers up, and stayed long enough to hear her breathing steady.
Serena's Revelation
Knowing we weren't truly alone I glanced out into the darkness, faintly noticing how Serena had been watching from the shadows. Exactly as planned
Her eyes were wide with awe. She trembled, whispering, "Resurrection… the realm of the gods. Even Regina could never perform this miracle. But Ethan can. He's no man. He's a god. My god."
Her faith shattered, replaced with fervent devotion.
The next morning, a new maid arrived at the estate—dark-haired, with fanatical eyes.
"Welcome to the team," I said casually.
Her face lit with joy. "Thank you, my lord!"
"Right… Darkness!" I called.
"Yes, Master!" Darkness appeared in a maid outfit, blushing furiously but thrilled to obey.
"Show this new maid the rounds. Teach her what's expected."
"As you command!"
As the two walked off, I chuckled inwardly. Two more generals down. Soon, the Demon King himself. And when I claim my wish, I already know what I'll ask for.