Chapter 16
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: Thoughts
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In the penthouse of the Demon World Tower, the tallest skyscraper in New Seoul,
this was a sky lounge accessible only to the highest-ranking demons who ruled the world.
Beneath his feet sprawled the gray city where defeated humanity scurried about like ants in an anthill.
Berial, the Lord of Deception and Illusion ranked eighth in the Demon World hierarchy, sank deep into a velvet sofa.
He slowly swirled the crystal glass in his hand.
The red liquid sloshing inside wasn't wine, but the refined blood of the finest virgin—his favorite.
Yet today, it tasted bitterly on his tongue.
"Insolent bitch."
Berial muttered under his breath.
His gaze was fixed on the massive screen covering the wall.
It endlessly looped highlight reels from yesterday's "Prism Pink Public Training Show."
Every time the close-up showed Catriana clapping contentedly from the VIP seats, deep wrinkles furrowed Berial's brow.
Catriana. The Desire Queen.
Lately, she was always one step ahead of him.
This time was no different.
The news that the legendary magical girl—Prism Pink herself—had been fully corrupted in just one week had rocked the entire Demon World.
And the one who achieved that feat was none other than a mere human trainer under Catriana's command.
And then...
Magical Pure.
This woman Catriana had lines everywhere inside the Demon King's castle.
She'd snatched up the intel he'd reported on Magical Pure and thrown her straight into her own facility.
That was over a week ago.
And yesterday's corruption show.
Berial's stomach churned with rage.
"That human bastard. He's suspicious."
Berial slammed his glass down on the table. The clear chime echoed through the vast lounge.
"Kang Jinwoo, was it? A human trainer showing that kind of talent? Something stinks. It reeks."
Kneeling before him was a woman.
Her long green hair cascaded down her bare, naked body—not a stitch of clothing on her.
Yet her posture was as reverent as a saint in prayer, her expression devoid of any shame.
Emerald. Shin Sea.
The bold Resistance fighter was now Berial's most devoted puppet.
"Lord Berial."
Emerald lifted her head.
Her clear green eyes beamed blind trust toward him.
They were impossibly pure.
"I've cast the bait for Kang Jinwoo. It's only a matter of time before he bites."
Her voice was calm and filled with conviction.
Deep in her mind, the distorted truth Berial had planted had taken root.
The demons were humanity's protectors, while the corrupt humans like the Resistance were the true evil tormenting mankind—a false belief.
"I'll uncover the harm he inflicted on Prism Pink. I'll rescue Prism Pink... my sister Yeri... from his filthy grasp."
Emerald clenched her fists tightly.
Berial let out a scoffing laugh.
"Hahaha, yes, yes. Good girl, my little bird."
He reached out and stroked her hair.
She rubbed her cheek against his hand, her face ecstatic, like a pet dog craving its master's praise.
"If you want to save your precious comrade, you need to move more thoroughly. Recruit more of those Resistance scum this time. Bring them straight to our palace."
"Understood. The Resistance is already in the palm of my hand. They never doubt the intel I bring them."
Emerald replied with resolute eyes.
She had no idea she was leading the Resistance to ruin.
She believed she was guiding them to the right path. What perfect training.
Other demons corrupted humans or magical girls with demonic power, making it obvious to the Resistance.
But his masterpiece.
A fully hypnotized, brainwashed magical girl who neither she nor the Resistance realized had become a demon's lackey.
Berial inwardly praised his own work as he lifted his glass again.
Then, a brilliant idea flashed through Berial's mind.
'Come to think of it... what if I frame Kang Jinwoo as a Resistance member?'
He narrowed his eyes, bringing the wine glass to his lips.
Right now, Kang Jinwoo was rising as the new star demon who corrupted Prism Pink. If it turned out he was actually a Resistance spy?
And operating right under Catriana's nose, in her facility, basking in her favor?
Catriana's reputation would hit rock bottom.
Negligence in talent management, security failure, collusion with the enemy. Perfect grounds to drag her down.
"Worth a shot..."
Berial lifted Emerald's chin.
"Go, Emerald. Fabricate evidence that Kang Jinwoo has contacted the Resistance. Make it crystal clear—undeniable by anyone."
"Yes, Lord Berial. For humanity's peace, I will succeed."
Emerald kissed the back of his hand and rose.
Her pale naked body glowed red under the neon signs outside the window.
My room, where moonlight struggled through the rusty security bars, was silent.
I lay sprawled on the worn mattress, staring blankly at the ceiling.
My body felt as heavy as a waterlogged sponge.
The aftereffects of yesterday's show still weighed on me.
Having drained my magic to the limit, every vein tingled, and my head buzzed like a swarm of bees.
But the mental exhaustion crushed me more than the physical fatigue.
The clown show I'd performed before thousands of demons.
Moments of trampling, humiliating, and pretending to corrupt Han Yeri flashed through my mind like film reels.
Her tears, her screams, and that final look of relief mixed with relief toward me.
'Am I doing the right thing?'
The question I posed to myself dissolved into the air.
Then.
'Master. What are you doing?'
A voice suddenly echoed in my head.
Not through my ears—direct telepathy resonating in my mind.
It was Han Yeri.
Now called a slave named Prism Pink by the demons.
I snapped my eyes open. Her voice came through clearly via the Nipple's magic network.
'Resting.'
I replied in my mind.
No need to move my lips. Magic carried my will.
'Resting? Lucky you. My feet are killing me right now.'
Her voice was bright, like a whining child.
Hard to believe it was the same woman who'd collapsed in misery on stage yesterday. She brimmed with vitality.
'But Master, when do we start the rebellion? I'm patrolling the streets half-naked. How long do I have to play demon lapdog?'
Her visual feed hazily shared into my vision.
Rain-slicked asphalt.
She seemed to be tailing someone.
Wearing nothing decent—just a leather harness, lingerie dress, and collar.
Passing low-rank demons snickered and pointed at her.
An orc slapped her ass as he passed; she reflexively wagged her tail.
Humiliating. But her voice held more boredom and irritation than shame.
'Look at this. That pig's staring again. I wanna gouge his eyes out, but holding back is tough.'
I swallowed a bitter smile.
'It's only been a day, Yeri. Hang in there a bit longer. If you cause a scene now, everything goes down the drain.'
'I know, I know. Just venting.'
She grumbled.
Silence fell briefly, then her tone softened.
'But after hearing the stories post-corruption show, you really are amazing, Master.'
'.........'
I was speechless.
Amazing? Me, the trash who sold out a comrade, trampled a woman for promotion?
Or did she mean surviving those 10 years?
The Magic War and the decade after.
Pain and submission too horrific to speak aloud flashed by like a lantern show.
Countless people dying before me,
And this position built on groveling smiles.
'You at least... I must...'
His dying words.
'Master? No answer?'
Yeri prodded.
'Nah. Just... old memories.'
'Tch, mood killer. Speaking of, that Savior betrayal concept still pisses me off. I really believed it. My heart dropped to my stomach.'
'Sorry, sorry. Seemed most convincing that way.'
'Convincing my ass. You owe me big time later. Buy me a hundred cakes. No, a thousand.'
She chattered nonstop.
Cake talk, old favorite cafes, songs popular 10 years ago.
Mundane chit-chat a late-20s woman might share with friends at a cafe, filling my head.
'Nipple. This her real personality? Half-informal as "Master"?'
I asked the guy inside me.
"Yeah, 100% her. Doubt it? You don't know her original self either."
The Nipple cackled.
"Idol image made her prim, but Han Yeri was feisty. Fans called it her 'beagle charm.' Ten years locked up burst her suppressed chatterbox side."
'True...'
I conceded.
The gap between the fairy on TV throwing heart hands with "I love you all~" and the voice in my head griping "I'm hungry, wonder what's for dinner?" was jarring.
But that chattiness ached my heart sweetly.
In this hellish world, she was still alive.
Unbroken. That alone made my sins feel a bit forgiven.
'And... we'll save our comrades. Got it? Master?'
Her voice turned serious.
'Pure sis, Valkyria, Leader Solaris sis... they're out there alive. Suffering like I was. We have to save them.'
Her will flowed over—hot emotion via magic.
'Got it. We'll save them all. So play demon lapdog well. No suspicions. Okay?'
'Yeah, of course. Don't worry. Acting's my specialty.'
She replied spiritedly.
'And... thank you.'
The last words came tiny but resonant.
'For what?'
'Just... for not giving up on me. For pulling me from that rotting hellhole.'
My throat tightened; no reply.
The ceiling stain blurred.
'Patrol's ending. I'll message from the dorm. Rest, Master.'
Telepathy cut. My mind quieted again.
But the silence felt less cold, less lonely.
I covered my eyes with an arm.
Now it begins.
Prism Pink survived, linked to my magic.
We'll evade demon eyes, dismantle this system from within.
Mountains ahead, but I'm not alone anymore.
"Thanks..."
I muttered to the empty room.
The night breeze from the window felt refreshing.
"Alright, enough mushy reflection. Up and plan, partner."
The Nipple broke the mood.
"Gotta tackle Magical Pure. She's ironclad with goddess blessings now. She'll be my Demon World strategy chief."
"Got it, you pest."
I rose. Fatigue lingered, but purpose was clear.
Tomorrow, gift Magical Pure a bolder lie.