Chapter 39
Chapter 39
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 39
Chapter Title: Traces of Memory (3)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Have you ever met the Demon King?
A powerful high-ranking demon who escaped the demon realm, leading her minions to invade the human world. Rumors say she commands mighty summoned beasts.
One hundred years ago, as she massacred the dwarves, the Demon King declared:
"From now on, this land belongs to us demons. If any dare to trespass, I will punish them myself."
And now, you have ignored that Demon King's warning, slaughtering countless demons to reach this point...
Once you pass through this gate, true hell will unfold before you.
The Demon King, having lost numerous minions, is seething with rage. She awaits your arrival.
Even so, will you truly stand against the Demon King?
Her, whom even the Transcendents could not defeat.
Her, who has escaped the scales of the world. Has your resolve to overthrow her with your own hands not wavered?
...
I see. So that is your answer.
I understand your heart.
Then, from this moment, the fate of this world will be decided by your hands—not those of a hero.
You slew the fallen hero, and I know better than anyone that you act solely for the peace of this world.
The Transcendent Lord knows this truth as well.
May the blessing of Fallen Transcendent Delatros be upon you...
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ 1.
"I know a bit of the Frost Elf language. Mind if I take a look to see if I can help?"
The mysterious woman who entered after opening the door.
It didn't take long to figure out who she was.
My Insight passive was maxed out precisely so I could detect even players hiding their identities with Transform.
It's true that after falling into this world, I'd forgotten most of my 6-star or higher magic skills, but the passives inherent to this body hadn't vanished.
⚔ STATUS ⚔ Demon King 'Silmarion' – Lv.500(★)
'Why is she here...?'
The final boss of the human realm storyline, Demon King Silmarion.
At first, I rubbed my eyes, suspecting I was seeing things, but no—it was really her, Demon King Silmarion.
"I'm an archaeologist of sorts, so I know a little of the Frost Elves' language."
...Archaeologist, my ass. More like a high-risk threat.
The red-haired woman waved as she greeted us.
For a split second, I considered killing her right here.
I'm not even half back to my game skill levels, and while I could fight her with Heavenly Demon techniques, martial artists are the worst matchup against a Demon King.
So, if it came to a fight, taking her out in one strike while she's not at full power might be easiest.
I could do it if I tried...
'Back then, it took a raid of dozens to barely take her down. Her level's lower now, but she'll probably revert to full spec in boss phase.'
Still, killing her now was out of the question.
If I did, I couldn't handle what came next.
I've breezed through monsters so far only because of the overwhelming level gap.
In a situation with no other high-level players, if 'that quest' triggered, this city—no, the entire human realm—might perish.
Besides, without the Grand Sage's magic, I'm just your average Lv.500 Heavenly Demon...
"Let me see it?"
The Demon King approached with an innocent, harmless smile.
Did she not know she was public enemy number one in the human realm?
"...Sure."
Worst case, I could defend myself, so I'd watch and wait.
Plus, she had Frost Elves among her minions, so she might actually decipher the text.
No reason to make an enemy of her now.
"Hand it over?"
"Ah, yeah. Here."
-Rustle.
Even the Guild Master seemed a bit surprised as she handed over the note.
Still, I had to wonder if this was really the Demon King I knew.
The one from the game was pure Demon King—destroying everything in sight, worse than the Fallen Transcendent in depravity.
But this one looked like a salaryman on vacation, burnt out from work.
A Demon King living the easy life? Must be my imagination.
'Chatting casually with humans is weird enough, and her leaving the Demon King's castle? Suspicious.'
Questions on top of questions—headache inducing.
Best to prioritize them and tackle one by one.
"Hmm, not as tough as I thought..."
She was a demon like me, yet no tail or horns in sight.
Transform doesn't improve with training, so how did she pull off such perfect human disguise? Kinda jealous.
'My horns are small unlike Louis's, so not a huge hassle, but still annoying.'
Ask her later? If she outs me as a demon, might as well drop the act and inquire. She might spill.
"'We await you in our homeland, the land of the forgotten mother. There, you shall obtain what you seek.'"
"Hold on—that's too long for a translation."
"Frost Elf language is concise; one word can be a full sentence. This is polite by comparison. Considerate, even."
"Got it."
-Flash!
Didn't seem like she was lying.
My Insight passive would've caught it.
For solo players like me, it's a must-max passive to avoid scam NPCs or maze traps.
Super useful all around.
⚙ PASSIVE SKILL ⚙ 【Insight - Passive】 -Get caught lying and lose a hand. ※Attribute: None / Range: None / Max Detection: 1 ▶Power to discern truth from lies. Detects even layered deceptions, but not the underlying truth. Shame it doesn't reveal the full truth.
Today, I spotted her true form once she dropped the robe, but robed up, I only knew it was a Transform—not who.
Like knowing 1+1≠3, but not what it equals.
Users complained the Grand Sage passives were OP even so...
"'Our homeland, the land of the forgotten mother.'"
Anyway, let's infer meaning.
If I'd picked Elf, I'd job-change to Ancient Elf and know the lore, but Elves are... wonky.
Insane mana pools, but racial skills guzzle even more. Unmanageable until late-game payoff, which demands insane patience.
Not for Koreans.
'...No clue.'
Zero guesses on the note.
Sender's obvious, but she's dead sure I'm a High Elf.
I look and act scarily like one, but this riddle's too cryptic.
'How to crack it? Track down a real High Elf?'
Ugh, then finding the High Elf becomes the quest.
Reactions so far confirm they're rare here.
"Any idea what it means?"
"No, still doesn't click..."
Even the near-High Elf Guild Master draws a blank.
Our homeland—Frost Elf lands? But "forgotten mother's land" suggests more.
Maybe tied to "Earth" below? My true home is Earth.
"Anyway, that's the full translation. Not hard, but the content's a riddle. Beyond that, I'm stumped."
"...Thanks for decoding. I'll be going."
Got the words; now decode the message.
She added I'd get what I want there.
No plans anyway—solving riddles beats boredom. City life's gotten stale fast.
Great boredom cure. And if I score what I want? Perfect.
Louis should be recovered by now. Time for some adventurer adventuring?
"Wait!"
As I headed for the guild door, the Demon King called out.
Not as repulsive as that hero, but I'd rather avoid Demon King entanglements. What now?
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Silmarion called out to the High Elf about to leave.
'Letting that High Elf go now would suck.'
Hard-found 'talent'—no way she'd miss it.
'Missed the hero, but a rare High Elf? Must recruit for the Demon Army.'
Hero's holy power vanished suddenly; returning empty-handed was a loss.
So, recruit the High Elf.
Looked strong, and even to another woman, stunningly beautiful.
Down a vital Four Heavenly Kings spot—perfect fit.
'And... she'd be great in the bedroom...'
High Elves' massive mana reserves? Perfect for on-demand recharges.
Silmarion's issue: her summons guzzled insane mana.
Recovered over time, but maintaining them drained constantly.
Lived on mana potions—not just side effects, but nearly puked from overuse.
Vomiting mid-battle before minions? Horrific.
Body contact transfer? No worries, and way more efficient.
So, keep her close.
Refuse? Subdue by force, train slowly.
"Guessing you plan to find that 'homeland.' Take me along."
"...Why should I?"
The High Elf glared.
Chill down her spine, but brushed it off.
"I'm into Elves, know lots about Frost Elves—I'll help. Plus, 4-star adventurer; no dead weight."
High Elf pondered.
Acceptance meant easy mode.
Travel together, subtle brainwash magic.
Too strong at first? Suspicious. Ramp slowly till undetectable.
Won't notice till too late.
Ripe? Reveal self, recruit.
Still no? Power play.
Then devoted training...
Either way, fine by her.
'She won't refuse, right?'
She's laser-focused on the note; why reject Frost Elf expert like her?
'Heh, thanks to the hero? Vacation without prying eyes, and snagged this juicy catch.'
Grateful to the hero inwardly.
If caught later, recruit him too.
Shame his mental resistance blocks brainwash. If no, make him happy somehow.
Use the High Elf?
Silmarion nearly burst out laughing, envisioning the High Elf in her army.
"Fair enough. You'd help."
"Right? So, add me to your party?"
High Elf nodded, thoughts done.
Shed accept gladly, clueless to her identity.
Even Silmarion found it funny—a final boss wandering human villages.
Things going great.
Catch hero later when located.
Silmarion smirked, flipping her hair.
But—
"I refuse."
"...Huh?"
The High Elf flatly rejected Silmarion.