Chapter 62
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 62
Chapter Title: Her and Her - 5
Rachel silently took my hand and led me along without a word until we stepped out of the imperial palace. I simply followed her outside. Soon, the artificial lights inside faded away, and the twilight sky beyond began to illuminate the scene before us. Lifting my head toward the reddening light, I could see the city walls in the distance.
And just like that, I witnessed the world shattering to pieces.
In the distance, crumbling walls and hordes of monsters pouring over them came into view. Spears and swords intertwined with magic, life and death blurring without boundaries as they offered their bodies to the bloodthirsty earth.
Fortunately, thanks to the brave knights and citizens holding the line, no demons had breached the walls yet. But that massive hole torn open in the sky above sang the empire's impending doom. Watching demons pour endlessly through the cracked, mirror-like rift in space, I quietly opened my mouth.
"That..."
"It opened shortly after the battle began. The mages tried to seal it, but it was beyond their power. Demons are swarming here from every corner of the land."
"The spatial magic that moved the Four Heavenly Kings."
"To be precise, the dead Four Heavenly Kings. But it doesn't matter anymore."
"..."
I see. It doesn't matter, huh.
I blankly stared at the fractured cross-section of the world. It felt like I was in the eye of the storm. Disaster loomed right before my eyes, yet the palace was far enough from the walls that it strangely felt like watching someone else's plight from afar. Rachel tugged at my hand, looking at me like that.
"It's okay, Luca. The knights will hold them off for a while. We still have a little time to rest."
"Where are you taking me?"
"I was planning to sneak into some house and steal a few bottles of booze, but turns out there are more crazy people in this world than I thought. This way, Luca."
She led me along with surprising gentleness. Part of me considered refusing, but her voice carried a hint of desperation that made it impossible. And so, I distanced myself from the screams of the people, heading toward empty streets.
No signs of life stirred in the pitch-black streets without a single light. Was it like issuing a death sentence in advance for a city that would soon be haunted by ghosts? The city's bare face, stripped of all hope for a future of despair, was utterly wretched.
"No one's here."
"That's what I thought, so I was gonna swipe some booze."
Rachel said that and led me toward the only tavern with a faint light hanging outside. Tilting my head, I could hear faint signs of life from within. When she opened the door, even a bell welcoming customers chimed.
"Welcome."
"Good lord."
"I told you. There's always at least one crazy person wherever you go."
As we entered, an old man's slow drawl greeted us alongside the woody scent unique to rundown taverns. Amid the crumbling world, the old man stood detached behind the bar, wiping a glass. He glanced our way and barked at the errand boy nearby.
"What're you standing around for, you useless brat? Go fetch some stew."
"Ah, no need for food. Like I said, just some booze..."
"Anju's mandatory here. Don't want it? Get out."
"You didn't say that earlier."
"Earlier I thought you were alone. Two people means I gotta squeeze you dry."
"Haha..."
The old man's blunt words carried a rough personality untouched by time. Makes sense—only the stubbornest sort could calmly wipe glasses in a dying world. He brushed off the traces of years piled on his shoulders like dandruff and eyed us.
"So. Stew and what else?"
"Two beers, please."
"Two beers, huh. Coming up."
"On a day like this... figured a drink or two wouldn't hurt."
I looked at her in mild surprise, and Rachel shrugged sheepishly. I just nodded silently, and once more, silence settled between us.
"..."
"..."
Silence is golden, they say. But in truth, it's the opposite. Silence breeds useless thoughts. Like how the moments before sleep are perfect for reliving your own nightmares, even a brief pause let depressing memories flood in. Rachel stared into space with an uncharacteristically stiff expression.
"Here, two bowls of stew."
The fragile silence was broken by the errand boy who'd gone to fetch it. Maintaining a child's lively energy even now, he eyed us closely before tossing out a comment.
"Man, you two must be pretty crazy too. Gramps is always like that, but you look normal. Why aren't you running? Why're you still here?"
"And what about you and gramps? You okay not running?"
"Nonsense. Times like these, you gotta sell more. Demons gotta drink too, right?"
The old man spun a dreamy tale in a pragmatic tone. Rachel propped her chin, gazing at him quietly.
"You must need the money bad. Any reason?"
"My granddaughter's getting married soon. Groom's from a rich family, so gotta save face. Least hang a necklace on that ugly mug of hers."
"Where's she live?"
"Apenheim."
At the familiar city name, I looked up at him. Apenheim—one of the first cities demons invaded—yet no trace of worry in the old man's eyes.
"Apenheim. Wasn't that the first place demons hit?"
"Yep."
"And yet... you're sure your granddaughter's alive?"
"No word she's dead."
We exchanged glances as the old man spoke nonchalantly. Quick on the uptake despite his indifference to worldly woes, he set down his glass and snapped at the boy.
"Hey! What're you spacing out for again, idiot? No work? Go grab more beer!"
"Sheesh, why always pick on me?"
"Less yapping, hurry up!"
"Fine."
The boy grumbled but headed behind the bar. The old man wiped glasses in silence for a bit before speaking up.
"You think that kid's dead too?"
"Uh... no."
"Living in a city demons invade, no word for a while. Gotta assume dead, right?"
Utterly unreasonable logic. But the old man stubbornly furrowed his brow, shaking his head.
"People ain't animals that drop dead easy. Humans cling to life in any mess, even if just to shit on the wall. Look at me—cranky old bastard hawking booze, cursing everyone, still kicking. Same for my granddaughter. No death notice? She's alive. That's how it is."
"Is that so."
"Yep. That kid who just went back there? Hope he's dead, but probably alive. That's human. Neighborhood mutt goes quiet a week, figure it drowned. But people? They'll survive somehow."
"In that case."
I finally spoke up, cutting him off, and stared steadily.
"If word comes she's dead. Then you'll believe it?"
"..."
For once, the stubborn old man's words failed him. He glared at me like he wanted to spit curses, then shook his head slowly.
"Look young, but talk like a weathered geezer."
"..."
"If she's dead..."
He paused, then poured beer into a clean glass until it overflowed. Slamming it down before us, he said,
"I'd go to the grave, hug the dirt, and bawl. That's what the living owe the dead."
"I see."
"Where's that brat? Slacking off? Beer takes forever. Eat up. Don't think you'll dine and dash."
He spat on the floor and stomped behind the bar. Brief commotion ensued, then silence. Rachel and I regarded each other wordlessly.
"Haa..."
After a long moment, Rachel sighed and chugged her beer. Barely a few sips in, her cheeks flushed pink, eyes glazing with drink. Squinting at her glass, she turned to me.
"...Did you find her?"
"..."
"Stupid question. If you did, she'd be here."
No need to answer a question she already knew. Instead, I took a sip. Expected a sharp bite and alcoholic warmth, but nothing. Either the beer's off, or I am. One or the other.
"Then..."
As I pondered the latter, Rachel spoke again, dragging out her words before finishing.
"Did they say she was dead?"
"They said they killed her."
I corrected her, knowing it would hurt, and sure enough, the crack in my heart tore wider.
"Said they smashed the statue with a hammer in anger because the seal wouldn't break."
"Could be a lie?"
"Can't rule it out entirely. But didn't seem like it."
"So you think she's dead?"
"Most logical conclusion."
"I'm asking what you think, Luca. Do you believe she's dead?"
She didn't ask if I thought so, but if I believed it. Leaning not on reason, but emotion—asking if I was ready to accept her death.
"I..."
I parted my lips slightly, but no words came. Just a hollow whistle like wind through a broken doll. Such a simple yes-or-no, yet my mind refused to engage.
Believe Eli is dead?
Do I even have the freedom to choose that?
From the start, everything was for her. Teaming with Rachel, the path of doomed revenge, every question I'd hurled at myself—all for Eli. My life. My reason for being. It all boiled down to one name: Eli. Could I acknowledge her death?
"I..."
...
I...
...
I... what should I do...?
In the end, I reverted to the naive youth from Lorenheim. All the pretenses I'd worn stripped away, leaving just country bumpkin Luca. Nothing more.
...
I don't know. Everything's just exhausting.
"Shouldn't have asked."
When I couldn't answer, Rachel tossed a bitter remark and took another swig. Then changed the subject.
"So, what now? Head home?"
No answer for that either. If she hadn't dragged me here, I might still be standing there.
"Haven't thought about it."
"If she's dead, shouldn't you at least find her grave? Like the old man said."
"No grave, Rachel."
"Then something..."
"Rachel."
I called her name firmly, gripping my glass.
"Sorry, but... leave me alone for a bit. Just a little while. I need a moment to rest. I..."
Even speaking felt draining now. I trailed off, head bowed. Rachel paused, then replied in her usual soft voice.
"I told you not to say sorry to me..."
Her tone mirrored my exhaustion. The quiet clink of her lifting her glass echoed again.
"Ow ow ow! It hurts!"
"Always pulling this when I look away. Wanna die, brat?"
Then a bang—the old man and boy reemerged from behind the bar. Dragging the boy by the ear, he shoved him forward and unleashed a tirade.
"You never change, even as the world's ending. Right?"
"Sheesh... world's like this, gimme a break at least. Time to run."
"What? You little..."
"Don't yell in front of customers!"
The boy smacked the old man's hand and bolted to Rachel's side, nearly diving into her arms. Panting, he glanced at her nervously.
"Man... real jerk. Right, sis?"
"Hmm. I know one worse evil boss. He's not that bad."
"Evil boss? What do you even do, sis? Wait, who are you guys anyway?"
"...Who we are?"
Rachel lifted her head slightly at the boy's words and looked my way.
"He's the Hero."
"The Hero?"
"..."
Hero.
That label clung to my back like fate once more.
"For real? That guy's the actual Hero?"
"Yeah."
"Then what're you doing here? Shouldn't you be out fighting demons?"
"That's..."
"Rachel."
I gritted my teeth. Did she have to pin that name on me even now? After shoving abandoned hope back into my hands only to crush it again?
"Drop it."
hatred laced my voice. The boy startled at the tone, swallowing hard and turning to Rachel.
But she continued undeterred.
"Because the Hero's exhausted right now. Wounds from his old comrades haven't healed. He can't fight."
"Rachel. Enough..."
"Maybe the world demanding anything from him is asking too much now. It's taken plenty already."
"Taken... plenty?"
The boy glanced at me but couldn't hold back his curiosity. Rachel stared only at him, ignoring me.
"It stole his one true love."
"Rach..."
I started to call her name again but stopped, clenching my fist, head down. Her story continued over me.
"The Hero was once an ordinary country boy. But one day, hearing a prophecy from a knight, he set off to defeat the Demon King. His one true love, the girl, joined him. They were inseparable."
"..."
"The adventure began, and the boy grew strong—strong enough to face the Demon King. Drunk on the Hero title, he invaded demon lands with swelling comrades, slaying countless to reach the Demon King's Castle. But at the end, his comrades betrayed him."
"..."
"They tormented his friends and lover before his eyes, crushing them mercilessly. Trapped by an unknown Four Heavenly King's curse, he watched helplessly. Revered mentor, closest friend—all fell one by one. Last was the girl. The one he'd vowed eternal love to back home."
Drag.
I'd listened long enough and shot to my feet. My chair scraped back violently with a thud, but Rachel didn't stop.
"The girl resisted to the end. But against comrades, she fell. In the frigid demon winter, alone, no one to save her."
And in the end. The girl.
Never receiving a helping hand from the lover she cherished, sealed herself in time.
And forever met death in that frozen moment.
That was the ending to my tale.
The foolish youth who dared dream he might be the Hero.
This story ends like that.
Just ends.
If survivors remain to tell tales, mine might pass their lips. And perhaps Rachel would be the one spreading its beginning.
Once my dream—people singing my legend. But it was a naive boy's folly. I wanted no part of my failure's legacy.
So I slowly approached the door. To flee again. To plug my ears from my own story.
I grasped the handle.
"And then, a rabbit approached the girl."
"A rabbit?"
"Yeah. A rabbit."
But Rachel's story didn't end. I meant to leave at that. Yet her next words seized my ankle.
"...Weird, right? A rabbit in demon lands. And inside a barrier that repelled even the Hero's party who ravaged it."
"..."
I froze, hand on the knob. Not her pointing out the rabbit, nor her bittersweet tone.
How do you...
know Eli deployed that barrier then?
"Obviously not a real rabbit. Might've looked like one, but its essence wasn't."
"Then what was it?"
"Doesn't matter."
I slowly lowered my hand. Somehow, I was fully hooked on her tale.
"What matters is what it whispered in her ear."
"What'd it say?"
"A sweet offer to the dying girl. Too sweet to refuse. But laced with evil intent, of course. She had no leisure to notice. So she accepted."
Only then did I turn. Meeting Rachel's eyes, now fixed straight on me. No smile or kindness—just stark emptiness.
"An offer she'd regret forever."
"Rachel, you..."
Her face held no emotion. A terrifyingly calm blankness. Even the questioning boy sensed the shift, asking timidly.
"What... kind of offer?"
"A contract. She told the rabbit what she wanted; it demanded payment. A deal."
"What are you saying, Rachel."
I couldn't hold back, interrupting. She kept her gaze on me and continued.
"I told you. She contracted with me. Said she wanted to see you; I found you in exchange for an advance."
"Advance? What the hell."
"Payment upfront before sealing the deal, Luca."
"Stop dodging! What was this advance?!"
I bellowed, and the boy and old man flinched back. But Rachel remained unshaken, as if awaiting this, her voice steady.
"In exchange for finding you, she became the new Demon King."
"What...?"
"So she stopped her own time at my command. Clinging only to the promise it'd let her meet you."
The story I'd never known poured out. All I could do was listen, eyes wide.
"...Close call. Leo really tried to smash her. Good thing I was faster, and Eli was as strong as I'd hoped. Fresh from the seal, her mind was weak—exactly what I wanted."
"Rachel."
"Right before becoming Demon King, I lifted all curses tied to my name and transferred every power to her, the next one. Must've hurt. A mere human body taking Demon King essence. Her personality shattered, memories scattered in the process."
"..."
"Yet her obsession endured. Amid baseless hatred for humans boiling up, she scoured your village, Leo's home, Rick's city, Bobby's town, the capital. For you. Not surprised. Planned it that way."
"You..."
"Everything went exactly as I schemed."
She rose slowly, hands clasped, staring at me.
I stared piercingly at her face anew. Enigmatic detective. Devoted demon helper. Sometimes acting like Eli, stirring my heart. Now blocking my path at the end. I hurled my final question.
"Who... the hell are you?"
"I'm Rachel Moonlight."
She answered without hesitation, stepping closer.
"And the detective who sought you on the Demon King's orders. Big sister at the orphanage, fake saint too. Many titles among humans, but in demon lands, one name: Seta."
"...Seta."
"Means Demon King."
...
"From start to finish, the one who helplessly watched you slaughter my people, comrades—even my lover. Or former Demon King now. She's taken the throne."
I'd always wondered why she helped me so relentlessly. Why tag along on my path to kill the Hero party that ravaged demon lands.
My limbs chilled, ominous energy creeping through me. She pressed on toward my rigid stare.
"Anyway, the fallen girl revived as Demon King, disrupting the world to find you."
"That's..."
"Yes. The prophecy, Luca. The one passed down through empire generations."
Prophecy.
In the chaos of the revived Demon King ravaging the world, a youth from the mint flower village shall behead the Demon King and save it.
I'd dismissed it as nonsense. No revival, world at peace per Professor Hyde. But after I awoke from the curse, it changed. Chaos erupted, and the Demon King... revived.
"Ah..."
Fate bared its teeth at me again. No matter how I turned away, it shoved its face in. Now it gaped wide, exhaling foul breath. From that black maw, Rachel's words tumbled out.
"And now, per the prophecy, the youth from the mint flower village will have his head severed."
Yes.
You, Luca.