Pierced by the Demon King's Sword
Memories of the stories my father used to tell me often in my childhood resurfaced as I reincarnated. The clichéd tale of the legendary hero who appeared, fought the Demon King, and claimed victory. I loved that overused story. Because the legendary hero was my father.
The hero who sealed six of the seven Demon Kings. Even now, I acknowledged that my father was an extraordinary man. Until the day he passed away, I listened to countless tales and let my imagination run wild. Adventures meeting companions and heading to the Demon King's castle. Romances blooming along the way. Reclaiming the holy sword blessed by the gods and clashing in a final battle with the Demon King. Of course, my father's stories were heavily embellished in places, but they were more than enough to set my young heart ablaze.
Yes, embellished. A sensation different from the hot emotions I'd felt as a child. Even now, my chest burned hot.
"I should have listened to Dad."
My left heart was pierced. My left side, torn open in a perfect circle, was enough to send my gaze skyward. The sky was intensely red. Was it because of the blood clouding my vision? It felt hot and sticky. I'd forgotten. At the end of my father's stories, the dangers of the 'demons' were always emphasized.
In the end, I fell to the seventh Demon King, the King of Demons, Belzebub, and his demon sword. Was I weak? No, never. Over dozens of years, I'd cooperated and competed with powerhouses from every corner of the world. In the end, not a single one could defeat me.
"...Fuck."
Pain so intense it drew curses from my lips. One arm was severed, and now my legs were useless too. My back was wrecked, and my organs screamed in agony. I stared straight at the demon before me. Belzebub was also teetering on the brink of his limits.
"...I won. Rian, you're not even as good as your old man."
"You fucking bastard, right to the end..."
"You're strong enough. I was just stronger."
"Damn it..."
"Humanity has lost. This is the victory of us demons."
I flashed a bitter smile and kindly flipped him off with my middle finger. I glared hotly at the red demon, who had lost both legs and one arm. Rage boiled within me. I ground my teeth. At the same time, I bit down hard on my lip. My vision blurring meant time was up.
"Damn, I'm thirsty."
Dying was thirstier business than I'd imagined. The middle finger I'd raised thudded heavily to the ground. My muscles relaxed, strength draining away. Too late, regret washed over me. If only I'd been faster. If only I'd stuck with my companions. If only I hadn't let my eyes stray to the bastard who killed my father.
And.
"If only I'd been stronger."
I might have won this fight. He spread his wings and flew at me. I scoffed at his hazy outline.
"...That bit about listening to Mom and Dad. Turns out there was a reason for it."
"Regretting it now?"
"Yeah. Regretting it big time. If I'd been just a little stronger, a piece of shit like you wouldn't even exist."
"What a ridiculous joke."
If I got another chance.
"Pointless. There won't be a next time for you."
"I know. I'm about to croak. Don't make me say it twice."
Contrary to his words, if there was a next time.
I shook my head.
"...Impossible."
I abandoned the absurd fantasy. When a human dies, that's the end. Nothing after. So much lingered unfinished. Leaving behind my companions who would arrive soon, I closed my eyes. I slowly opened them. Belzebub approached, sword aimed at me. He looked exhausted. Demonic energy amplified, forming a vicious black point. Even in that state, he had that much magic left. It felt futile. If I could just stall for time, my companions would arrive soon and finish him off. That's what I wanted to believe. My companions were strong. I should have fought with everyone. I felt utterly ashamed of myself, blinded by vengeance.
"...If I'm gonna die anyway, at least let me go easy."
Belzebub shook his head.
"You think that mage bitch won't pull some trick?"
"...Mio can't save me."
"Lea, that dog of a god's seed, might have a shot. Believe it or not, I rate your friends pretty highly."
"How... gracious. Cough! Of you."
At my limit now. My vision darkened. I couldn't see ahead. Still, so much regret lingered. I was deeply ashamed of myself. Unable to surpass my father, blinded by revenge, this was the result.
'Damn it.'
The sound of wings flapping reached me. Belzebub was stubbornly moving to finish me off. Demonic energy thickened. He was probably right in front of me. It was the demon sword.
"Die already."
The ominous blade of demonic energy pierced my head. At the downward sword strike, I could only let out a hollow laugh. My brain was crushed, skull shattered. Blood mixed with brain fluid sprayed out violently. A faint light flickered in my vision. Soon, consciousness slipped into oblivion.
Yes, I met my death.
"....."
... .. ....?
My eyes were closed. I lay on something soft and comfortable.
'What is this?'
With the memory of my head being pierced, my throat burst open.