Creating a Variable
"What... what do you mean?"
"Exactly as I said. From today onward, Frey Raon Starlight will serve as the highest-ranking executive in the Demon King's army..."
I was so flabbergasted that I blurted out the question before I could stop myself. The second-in-command responded with a solemn smile and began explaining again.
"Wait, hold on a second!"
Listening in a daze, I urgently cut him off, glancing around in case anyone might overhear.
"No need to worry. I've twisted the space around us with spatial magic to block out all sound."
The second-in-command assured me casually, looking around as if to emphasize the point. I could only nod, a tangle of complicated emotions churning inside me.
"Well then, shall we get going? Everyone's waiting for you, Frey."
"Hold on just a moment. Let me send that carriage off first."
As he grabbed my arm to cast his spell, I stumbled backward in a panic, then dashed toward the carriage, calling out over my shoulder.
"Young master, what in the world is happening?"
"F-Frey! Are you okay?"
I flung open the carriage door to find Kania and Irina staring at me, their faces drained of color.
Just as I suspected—they remembered all too well the terrifying side of the second-in-command from the previous loop.
"Guys, I'll be right back. Just heading out for a bit."
I tried to brush it off to spare them more worry, but Kania grabbed my arm desperately.
"Tell us what's going on, even if it's vague. Or I won't let go."
"Uh... yeah, me too."
Irina timidly clutched my other arm, mumbling. With a deep sigh, I whispered,
"...I just got promoted to Demon King's army executive."
I shot Irina a glare for grabbing me, then left her and the now-blank-faced Kania behind in the carriage as I walked back to the second-in-command.
"Friends of yours?"
As the carriage rattled away into the distance, he tilted his head curiously.
"Yeah... you could say that."
"You don't need to use formal speech with me, Frey. You're one of the Demon King's top executives now."
I furrowed my brow at his words and started to reply,
"But you're..."
"It's fine. You're the one the Demon King personally chose as a top executive. In terms of rank within the army, we're equals... so feel free to speak casually."
I trailed off, stunned, and muttered blankly,
"Me... on the same level as you?"
"Ah, you must prefer formal speech over casual. Can't be helped, then. Though if you feel like it, go ahead and drop the honorifics anytime."
"I get that, but how the hell did a mere Demon King pawn like me end up your equal? Isn't this some kind of mistake?"
I clung desperately to the hope that this was all a mix-up inside the Demon King's army, but he gazed at me calmly and spoke in an even tone.
"You're quite humble."
"Pardon?"
"But excessive humility can be harmful."
As his expression hardened, I let out a deep sigh and muttered,
"Whatever. I'll figure this out later... Right now, I've got things to—"
"Then let's depart."
But he cut me off again, snapping his fingers. In the next instant, we were in a dim corner of the back alleys.
'This is insane.'
I'd thought any variable or surprise was still within my control, but this? Becoming a top Demon King executive overnight—and equal in rank to the second-in-command, no less, when I'm supposed to be the hero?
'A trap...?'
For a moment, I wondered if the Demon King had figured out I was the hero and set this up. But no, that didn't add up. If they wanted me dead, they could've just ordered their underlings to do it quietly. Why send the second-in-command to escort me so politely?
They could be playing it extra safe, of course. But here's the decisive proof right in front of me.
If this were some scheme, the guy in the second-in-command spot—who came to fetch me personally—would know about it. But his emotions toward me are utterly friendly.
So... what he's saying is probably true. Then why the hell would the Demon King make such a crazy choice?
'Whatever it is, that Demon King bastard's got something up his sleeve.'
"This way, Frey."
"Ah, right."
Snapping out of my thoughts at his call, I hurried after him and asked,
"So... where are we?"
"This is a space I created with my spatial dominion ability. It's in the back alleys, but no one can enter without special means."
Impressed by his power, I followed him silently down the alley.
"Here we are. Just go inside."
"This is... a tavern?"
We'd arrived at a rundown old tavern. Frowning suspiciously—wondering if this was some test—he smiled and said,
"Does it still look like a tavern to you?"
The moment he finished speaking, the tavern vanished, replaced by a massive underground passageway in front of me.
"...It's already an isolated space. Why all the extra precautions?"
"The more thorough, the better. If the hero somehow infiltrated, it'd be a disaster."
Curiosity piqued as I eyed the guarded entrance, I asked. He replied with a grave expression.
"The hero...?"
"Exactly. The hero has appeared."
My leg twitched involuntarily at his words, but I feigned nonchalance and pressed,
"Appeared?"
"The battle from a thousand years ago is about to repeat. Though the outcome will be different this time."
"Uh... yeah, probably."
"Yes. This Demon King, who has revealed herself to the world after a millennium... is truly the strongest."
"The strongest, huh? That's a bit vague—hard to get a sense of it."
Curiosity flaring at the mention of the Demon King's power, I asked with keen interest,
"How strong are we talking?"
"Her current strength?"
He pondered briefly, then whispered gravely,
"She erased one of my attacks with a single flick of her finger. Truly remarkable."
"Bright future for the Demon King's army, then."
I offered polite words, but inwardly I was cursing up a storm.
The second-in-command spot isn't a pushover. This guy next to me is literally the second strongest in the army. For him to neutralize an attack from someone like that with one finger flick... What the hell did the Demon King eat to get that strong?
"Enough chit-chat. Let's head inside. All the executives are waiting for you, Frey."
"Yeah... sure."
As I mulled it over, he opened the passageway door and urged me on.
'Should I just charge in and take them all out?'
Staring into the pitch-black tunnel, I toyed with my sword, wondering if wiping out the executives here might turn things around. But I quickly dismissed it.
If they're all gathered, the combat executives will be there too. I could handle regular ones, but killing them all before the combat execs and second-in-command notice and trigger a penalty? Near impossible. Better to go in, sit tight, and assess.
"Kreeeeeh!!"
"Grroooaaar!!"
As we descended the stairs, horrific roars echoed from somewhere.
"What are those things?"
"Top-grade monsters. They guard the entrance."
Smiling, he approached and petted a black gargoyle and Cerberus that had lumbered right up to us.
"Aren't they adorable? Give it a try, Frey."
"Ah... no thanks."
I stared blankly at these beasts that would turn the empire upside down if spotted, now rolling over belly-up for pets. I backed away, rejecting his offer.
"Hah... hah..."
"Urk..."
But the black Cerberus's eyes gleamed, and it lunged, licking my face.
"Impressive."
As I absently petted its somewhat cute head, he watched with interest and murmured,
"First time Cerberus hasn't torn into a new face here."
"Really...?"
I asked blankly. He glanced at me quietly, then turned and headed down the stairs again.
"Looks like it takes a liking to you."
Wearing a fawning smile, I eyed the Cerberus still slobbering over me.
"Hah... hah..."
"Good job fooling it for now."
I flicked its forehead lightly and began gathering my mana as much as possible.
Cerberus's demon eyes specialize in detecting pure energy. As entrance guardians against foul deeds, they can't tolerate letting clean auras inside.
So I should've been attacked. But ever since the kidnapping during last evaluation, I carry the Stone of Domination for emergencies.
Making it like me was child's play. The second-in-command probably figures I'm brimming with evil now, seeing Cerberus welcome me so warmly.
"Good boy. Now stop licking and go stand over there."
"Woof! Woof!"
Finishing my little act, I sent the still-licking Cerberus back to the gargoyle and followed the second-in-command.
"Beyond this door is the secret conference room. Ready?"
After descending further, we reached a door warded with intricate magic barriers.
"Ah, one sec."
Hearing executives were inside, I took a deep breath and compressed my mana tightly.
I always store it near-perfectly for explosive bursts, but Demon King combat executives change the game. With backstabbers everywhere, I needed full readiness to counter anytime.
"Okay, ready. Let's go in."
After meticulously compressing, I said calmly to him.
"Call me 'Drimirkan' in there, Frey."
As he approached the door and dispelled the wards, he murmured lowly. I nodded knowingly—his alias was no secret—and the barriers vanished as the door slowly creaked open.
"Everyone, give a warm round of applause for our newest top executive in the Demon King's army, Frey Raon Starlight."
With the door fully open, Drimirkan announced formally. Applause soon followed from within.
'Never thought I'd live to see the day.'
Stepping in amid the claps, familiar faces filled my view. Pretending ignorance as I should, I kept a straight face while Drimirkan led me to the head seat.
"I can just sit over there in the empty spot."
The top seat felt too much; I pointed to an edge vacancy. He frowned.
"In the Demon King's army, we retire seats of fallen executives permanently as tribute."
"Oh... then..."
"That was the Succubus Queen's spot."
Recalling her head flying from my sword, I quietly followed him to the head seat.
"Now that we're all here, let's begin the meeti—"
"Hold it."
Settling in with heavy unease, Drimirkan started, but a cold voice halted him.
"What is it?"
"Simple. I don't accept that punk."
The room froze at those words.
"Are you questioning the Demon King's decision?"
Drimirkan's sharp gaze pierced the speaker, who stood confidently—the culprit behind this mess.
"Yes."
Murmurs rippled through the executives.
'Combat executive, bottom rung.'
In the chaos, I recalled his profile from the previous loop. A demon-orc hybrid with devastating destructive power among combatants. Excluding Perloché or the Demon King, few could beat him in raw strength—though he was all brute force, no real combat savvy.
"I held my tongue when the Demon King stayed hidden. When the hero appeared but their identity wasn't revealed. Even taking orders from you, the second-in-command, in her stead."
Fuming, he stomped toward me.
What now?
"But a human—no, a weakling—above me? That's where I draw the line."
Snorting before me, he bellowed,
"So, as Rihir, heir to great orcs and bearer of demon blood, I say: Draw your sword."
"Pardon?"
"I'll judge if you're worthy myself."
Stunned, I glanced at Drimirkan and muttered,
"Isn't this... treason?"
He smirked and whispered,
"Our executives run on pure merit. You can challenge any superior you deem weaker, anytime."
"Ah..."
"Perfect chance, no? Plenty grumbled about the Demon King's pick. Show your strength, silence the noise."
He clapped, and the room warped, expanding instantly.
"Uh, no meeting?"
"In this situation?"
I tried dodging combat, but scanning the room, executives watched with intrigue.
"...Is the Demon King's army always like this?"
"Daily routine."
Hard to believe these were the terror that once drenched the world in blood and fire. Drimirkan shrugged like it was nothing.
"You'll get used to it, Frey."
"Even so..."
"Time to face your challenger."
Dragged along helplessly, I sighed, planning to hold back... until,
"Oh, and if you don't go all out, I'll be next."
"What now?"
Now before the orc, his icy tone made me flinch.
"You're my equal now. Half-ass it, and challengers will keep coming. Might take a week to even start the meeting."
Horrified at the prospect, I gaped.
"Took me a full month once."
"What?!"
"Just sharing experience."
Patting my shoulder, he returned to his seat.
"Ready, frail human?"
"Haha... ha..."
Trapped, I laughed in resignation.
"Hahaha... ha..."
Everything pissed me off. Why make me top exec now, you Demon King bitch? Does she know who I am or not? Why does the prophecy keep failing? Memories keep shifting? The system keeps screwing me?
No matter how meticulously I prepare, it all goes sideways. Stress piling up—I'm going mad.
Might as well just...
"Hah."
"...?"
The orc tilted his head as my eyes widened. Ignoring him, I chewed on a sudden thought that pierced my rage.
"One question."
"What."
"Has the Demon King ever revealed herself to anyone before?"
Done thinking, I asked the dumb-looking orc inwardly,
'Tired of being tossed by variables.'
"No, not once."
"Thanks."
Fed up with uncontrollable variables, surprise twists costing me dearly, jerked around by the system.
Time to...
"Let's begin."
"Hah, bold words? Kneel now and know your place—"
"Shut up and come at me."
Snarling at him, I unleashed my full power.
"W-Wait..."
"What're you waiting for? Attack."
I exploded the deeply stored Star Mana, cranked the inherited 'Hero's Power' to max. Muscles tensed, breath steady, power surging through every fiber.
"That power..."
"Keep standing there, and I'll come to you."
Aura flooding the expanded room, I advanced coldly on the trembling orc.
"I-I surrender! Mercy!!"
He dropped to his knees, begging frantically. No surprise—a bottom-rung combat exec couldn't match my full power. He'd probably foreseen his defeat before it started.
"Any other challengers?"
Glared down coldly at the quivering mess, I asked the stunned executives.
"............"
Silence. Regular execs aside, even combat ones had simulated the fight in their heads when I went all out.
Weak against the weak, weaker still against the strong. Classic Demon King army—vile, efficient survival.
"Well done, Frey."
With order restored, Drimirkan smiled approvingly.
"No one should question your qualifications now, right?"
Heavy silence answered. Softly to me,
"Adapting fast, eh? Back to seats—time for the meeting."
"I still have rights to exercise."
"Pardon?"
Sword to his throat, I dropped the bomb.
"I challenge you, Drimirkan."
Ice filled the room.
"What do you mean?"
"Two second-in-commands feels... awkward."
He rose slowly, intrigued. I replied flatly. He tossed back,
"Overadapted already, it seems."
Smiling at him, I murmured the thought from before.
"...No reason I can't."
Now, it was my turn to be the variable—not the system, not the Demon King. Me.