41
Chapter 41
I feel a gaze upon me.
No matter how long I wait, the enemy does not appear.
Aru cannot feel it, but I, with my abnormally developed senses, can detect a powerful presence continuing to linger.
I have encountered a delightful challenge. This mysterious riddle posed by my opponent has left me deep in thought.
The enemy is invisible, yet I feel a burning stare, though they make no threatening moves.
How should I solve this problem? It's simple. I will empathize with the invisible enemy who is watching Aru and me.
'I' am the observer.
Having caused a ruckus at the auction house, I followed the one who fled with the Wolf King all the way to the Demon Beast Forest.
The fugitive seems unable to move the Wolf King's cage, as they remain in a single spot. Since they fled in haste without receiving the key to the cage from the auction house, they seem to have no way to extract the Wolf King.
I have plenty of time. Unless they use magic like Teleportation, they won't be able to escape this place, filled with thickets and tangled trees, while hauling a massive cage.
So, I am taking my time and observing.
But it seems 'I' am not the only one who followed.
Demons who followed from the auction house are arriving one by one, attacking the demon embryo and the Wolf King. They seem to have the same goal as me, but that doesn't mean we are on the same side.
They too are 'my' competitors—targets to be fought, killed, and erased.
...Wait.
What is 'my' goal? I need to know that.
I do not know who 'I' am. However, there is something I must figure out. Specifically, the goal 'I' harbor.
The first thing that comes to mind is, naturally, the Wolf King. With a lineage of immense value, the Wolf King is the source drawing demons to this forest.
But would a 'powerhouse' like 'me,' capable of such deception, truly desire the Wolf King?
They might, but there is something more fundamental...
Money.
The crystallization of Greed, one of the Seven Great Evils. Born as a demon forged from evil, everyone cannot help but crave it—unless they have grasped overwhelming wealth or attained enlightenment.
At the auction house, the embryo demon spent a staggering five hundred thousand gold to purchase Aru. That is an incredible sum. A massive amount of money that an ordinary demon could never dream of even if they worked their whole life.
They even scattered such money on the floor without hesitation. As if they were a great tycoon. They undoubtedly have far more money in their possession.
The Golden Eldorado, which far exceeds the Wolf King's original price of a mere hundred thousand gold, belongs to the embryo demon. Once my thoughts reached that point, 'my' goal was decided.
Yes, in the end, it is money. A cunning and beautiful material that stimulates the innate possessiveness of demons.
It wouldn't be strange to lose one's mind immediately, but 'I' had to remain calm.
Judging by the embryo demon's behavior at the auction house, they are not someone to be underestimated. Not only did they boldly provoke the Western Duke Family, the most powerful family in the Demon Realm, but they also escaped with ease.
I must not underestimate them just because they are an embryo. Maintaining my composure, 'I' crouched down and began to observe.
No wealth was visible externally. It is highly probable that the assets are hidden somewhere. To find out, the best move is to capture that embryo demon and interrogate them.
Many had come targeting the embryo demon and the Wolf King. It would be a disaster if they were to kill the embryo demon. He must stay alive to extract his wealth, even if it requires torture.
Even if they lose, raising the embryo demon's vigilance would be a blunder. 'I' killed them silently and hid the bodies.
The embryo demon is simply repeating meaningless actions. Every now and then, he throws meat to the Wolf King inside the cage and makes her do things. For instance, push-ups. Or jumping in place.
If she resists, he strikes her head with a stick about a span long. The Wolf King resisted his orders at first, but she is gradually becoming compliant.
I wonder if continuing to watch like this is even meaningful. I think I've seen everything there is to see; perhaps it's time for a proper meal.
Just imagining it makes my mouth water. How much money is there? Not only the money, but the Wolf King will come as a bonus—it's simply delightful.
......Thus far, these are my thoughts empathizing with the Observer watching me.
I cannot know more than this. I am not God, and in a situation where information is this limited, what more could I possibly find out?
"Bark, what are you doing?"
Aru asks me with meat in her mouth. After the big fight, Aru has been treating me somewhat formally.
She carries out my orders quite promptly. Though the only things I can make her do while trapped in a cage are simple training—sit, stand, lie down, roll over.
"I am training my Telekinesis."
Whoosh—.
"Telekinesis? Bark bark. What's that?"
"Aru doesn't need to know."
"Bark...."
Perhaps because of my short answer, Aru looked a bit dispirited. Good, she's finally starting to grow fond of me.
The full moon rises tonight. The stage I've prepared is perfect for tonight. However, there is one problem.
The one monitoring us might not show up tonight. If that happens, it's a total bust, and I'll be torn to shreds by Aru, who receives the blessing of the full moon, until I'm unrecognizable.
That won't do. I've set the table so carefully. If the guest leaves without eating, what happens to me?
"Aru, I have an order for you."
"Bark? What order?"
"When I get close to the cage, grab me by the collar with your left hand. Then, hit me as hard as you can with your right hand."
"Bark? Bark bark?"
"Don't show any mercy. Hit me with the absolute intention of killing me. Oh right, Aru said you wanted to kill me, didn't you? You can do it now."
"Bark bark! What's the trick! Cunning demon!"
"It is a trick, but Aru has nothing to lose, right? Put your worries aside. There will be no retaliation. Aru just needs to do her best to hit me."
As I whispered with a gentle smile, Aru wore an expression of doubt.
I continued, speaking as if to soothe and reassure her.
"If you don't hit me, I'll hit you. Why? Because this is an order. Got it, Aru?"
Well, reassurance is subjective.
"Whimper... Ba-bad demon...."
"Good. Now, try hitting me."
"Bark...."
I lean my face against the iron bars. At the same time, I give a nod to Aru, who is still hesitating.
Aru glances at the magic wand, which is far enough to be out of my reach, then gives a single nod. I'm counting on you, Aru.
Aru's small left hand slowly reaches for my collar. I wave my arms as if resisting and grab Aru's wrists with both hands, but I don't apply any force. To an outsider, it would look like I'm struggling desperately.
"Hit me."
"...Bark!"
Whack-!
Ow!
Aru's right fist flew straight into my cheek. A dizzying spell of vertigo washed over my entire body.
Phew, that was a pretty realistic performance. Yes, let's just keep it up, Aru. Not more, not less, just about this much....
Thwack-!
"Gah! A-Aru!"
"Bark bark...! I-I'll hit you hard...! Don't hit me...!"
"N-no! You're doing great! It looks so real!"
Damn, if I say too much here, Aru might lose confidence and fail to put on a convincing act.
Whack-!
...But wait, did I tell Aru this was all an act? I don't remember doing that.
It's true she needs to hit me as if she wants to kill me, but that doesn't mean she should actually kill me....
Bam-bam-bam-! Bam-!
Damn, I didn't tell her.
"Agh! Gaaah!"
"Bark... I'm hitting you right, aren't I? I'm confused...."
"You're doing great! So don't hesitate! It'll look weirder if you stop now!"
I guess the only option is for me to just endure it. I absolutely hate this kind of thing.
Bam-bam-bam-bam-!
Aru's fists flew like a hail of bullets, striking my entire body. I clung to the bars, struggling as if trying to escape, or flailed my arms as if reaching for the distant magic wand. Of course, it was all just an act.
Bam-bam-bam-bam-!
It's a bizarre situation.
Aru hitting me with all her might, me stubbornly enduring it while faking a desperate struggle, and some unknown bastard watching us.
The three of us are filming a ridiculous three-way standoff that would make even comedians laugh.
Observer, be conflicted.
The one who knows the location of the money you're after is dying.
Think carefully; the deadline is tonight.
*****
"Haa, haa, haa...."
"Grrr... are you okay...?"
"Do I look okay? I can barely breathe."
"Whimper...."
"Just kidding, now just stay still."
Actually, it's true that it's hard to breathe. I'm just breathing out loud and exaggerating. All to lure out the bystander who is watching and weighing their options.
After being beaten by Aru for a long time, I gave her the signal to stop only after I looked completely wrecked. Aru let go of me immediately, and I staggered before collapsing against the bars, pretending I didn't even have the strength to hold the magic wand.
And so, I've been staying like this. Breathing heavily, staying still, as if I didn't even think to wipe the blood from my face.
Just like a demon who is about to draw his last breath.
"Haa, haaa...."
By the way, that observing demon has quite a bit of patience. To think he still hasn't come out.
The sun that lit up the forest has long since set, and shortly, the full moon hidden by clouds will rise brilliantly in the night sky. If that demon doesn't appear by then....
"...Grrr."
I will be killed by that wolf girl who is hiding her claws and waiting for the right moment.
Aru pretends to be worried about me, but her inner thoughts are entirely different. The moment the full moon rises and she becomes capable of escaping the Demon Beast Forest on her own, Aru will transform and break the bars.
Then she'll kill me. And she'll probably kill all the beasts around here too.
The Wolf King is said to be great, but a mere king of beasts can never compare to the Five Kings. Then how could the legendary Wolf King have fought on equal terms with Eagle King Horus?
It's because the Wolf King's combat power increases nearly a thousandfold, as if she awakens under the full moon. Much like a Werewolf, which is a monster version of a wolf beastman, though many are unaware of this.
Of course, the Aru of my previous life had reached a realm of transcendental species where such notions of increase were meaningless. To the point where she wouldn't be overshadowed by the Five Kings even normally. She assassinated the Emperor of the Empire, so what more proof is needed?
Anyway, for that reason, Aru is waiting. For the moment she kills me and gains her freedom.
It's true she's been somewhat disciplined by my carrot-and-stick strategy, but the time was too short. You can't change a life by 180 degrees in just a few days. I never expected such a thing anyway.
"Haa, haa...."
The setup is complete. Why are you hesitating so much? I'm just a fragile young demon about to die.
Come out.
Hurry up and come out.
I'm actually going to die at this rate.
Stop overthinking. I know your heart is racing too. If you bite the hook poorly and the fish gets away, can you honestly say you won't regret it?
Whoosh—.
A cold, chilling wind of the Demon Realm blows. Aru, sensing that the full moon would soon rise, just huddles up and hisses. I need to think of what to say, but perhaps because I was hit so hard, I can't think of anything.
The fog has settled quite thickly. The atmosphere is as if a ritual to summon a devil is being performed. I slowly inhale through my nose and exhale through my mouth, waiting for the prey that will soon be caught.
Buzz—.
The Saint's Rosary in my pocket suddenly vibrates. My pants and lower body trembled. What is this, I need to focus and why is this happening.
"Haa... haa...."
There was a brief distraction, but right now I don't have the luxury to care about the vibration of the rosary. My life is on the line.
Damn, just appear already. I feel like I'm going to die from the suspense. I mean, the recovery potion in the bag is for after the show is over.
And so, about ten seconds passed while my lips grew bone-dry.
Step—.
The sound of a heavy footstep was heard. Not a confident, bold stride, but a hurried, thumping step.
Step—.
Through the thick fog, the silhouette of a male demon appeared. He was approaching me in a straight line.
"Bark bark bark! Bark bark bark bark!"
As soon as the presence was felt, Aru, who had been still, began to bark frantically. It seems my vague prediction was correct.
Step—.
"Grrrr...! Bark bark bark bark bark!"
A seagull-shaped mustache appeared through the white mist. As it drew closer and grew larger, it became clear that it was attached to the man's face.
Afraid it might be noticed, I didn't lift my head, only shifting my eyes slightly upward to verify his face. It was the demon who had approached and spoken to me at the auction house. A long spear I hadn't seen before was tied to his back.
So it was him. The culprit who massacred Aru's family, handed Aru over to the auction house, and followed me to keep watch after I fled with the winning bid.
"Bark bark! Grrr! Bark bark bark!"
At the appearance of the grudge-filled villain, Aru's eyes flipped as she howled. Though she seemed capable of turning her head, I imagine she was shedding hot tears of blood. The cry of a beast that has lost its reason.
Whoosh—.
The wind that had been blowing strongly since earlier grew even fiercer. The clouds in the sky were gradually pushed aside. The round full moon, now free of obstacles, prepared to show its majesty to the world.
The stage was complete. All the lead actors had taken their positions.
"Hehe...."
"...Are you laughing right now?"
"Let's not waste long words between stylish gentlemen. It's a waste of breath."
"Hmm, I thought you were peculiar when I saw you at the auction house, but to keep up such playful talk even in this situation. Impressive."
No drums are sounding. Naturally. Because I am not the one fighting on this stage.
My heart feels like it's about to burst. Holding onto that pounding heart, I continue my act. Heading toward the highlight of this show.
"Bark bark bark bark! Grrr! Grrrr!"
"Ugh, so noisy. Does that thing not get tired?"
"Why were you beaten by that wolf earlier? I thought you had established a clear hierarchy."
"That wolf was damn strong, you know? Be careful not to let her grab your wrist. One slip and you'll end up like me."
"Either way, even if you hadn't been beaten by that wolf, you would have fallen to me. You just failed a bit sooner."
"Hehe...."
The mustachioed demon spoke in a stiff voice while standing before me. Perhaps through their brief conversation, he realized my breath wasn't actually on the verge of stopping. He had become somewhat calm.
"I want to ask one thing; who the hell are you? I heard you somehow captured that damn wolf."
"Nothing special. I caught the Wolf King and sold her to the auction house, and once she became someone's property, I planned to steal her back and resell her. I'm just a simple hunter."
"A hunter... mustache... spear... Aha, looking at you now, you're 'Swaalin's Spearman,' aren't you? I didn't recognize you because I'd never seen you in person."
"Swaalin's Spearman? I'm not familiar with that name."
"You might not know it. But I do."
Swaalin's Spearman. Though I'd never met him, he is a famous demon hunter in the Demon Realm who gains quite a reputation later. He was well-known as a miser who captured all sorts of rare species to sell at auctions.
Though right now, he looks like nothing more than a seasoned, ordinary hunter.
"Do you want my assets?"
"Tell me quickly, and I'll let you live."
Crazy bastard, does he expect me to believe that?
"Hehe, screw you. I'm absolutely not telling."
"Hmm, I didn't expect you to be compliant anyway."
Speaking softly, the mustachioed demon—no, 'Swaalin's Spearman'—removed the spear from the holder on his back.
I remained leaning against the iron bars, sitting diagonally while only panting heavily.
And behind me, Aru was...
"Bark bark bark bark! Gaaah! Grrr bark bark bark!! I'll kill you!! I'll kill youuu!!"
She was screaming desperately, spitting out pure murderous intent. She was the perfect image of a beast, with not a trace of reason to be found.
"First, shall we start by cutting off a leg?"
Swaalin's Spearman raised his spear high. Then, toward my legs lying neatly on the ground, he thrust it without hesitation.
To be precise, he attempted to thrust.
Whoosh-!
The moment the sharply glittering silver spearhead descended, I flicked my fingers and activated the Telekinesis I had been diligently training and accumulating. The bubble of mana became an invisible force, altering the spear's target.
The new target the spear pointed to was Aru, inside the cage.
Swaalin's Spearman couldn't react to the sudden change. His entire body was faithfully executing the command his brain had already issued.
Swoosh-!
"Bark bark bark bark bark! I'll kill youuu!!!"
The spear surged forward relentlessly. Aru was still barking as if her throat would burst. Swaalin's Spearman tried to retrieve the spear belatedly, but it was already too late.
"N-no...! I have to keep the Wolf King alive to sell her again, why did I stab the wrong target...!"
Even then, calculating profit and loss, Swaalin's Spearman gave his hand a new command to reduce the spear's force. Still, the sharp spear rushed forward. The blade moved over my head as I sat slumped.
About... here.
I quickly put strength into my legs and sprang up like a coil. The spear, which had been about to pass over my head, was now aimed at my rising abdomen.
It looked as if I had thrown my body forward to save Aru from danger.
I was pierced by the spear.
Thwack-!
"Aaaaaagh!"
A magnificent firework of red blood exploded.
My eyes snapped open at the searing pain digging into my abdomen.
The experienced eyes of the spearman also snapped open.
And Aru, who had watched this entire process from behind, also snapped her eyes open.
"Uh, uh? Bark...?"
"You...? What did you just...?"
I collapsed face-down on the ground with the spear still embedded in my stomach. I no longer had the strength to stand. I desperately wanted to drink the recovery potion I had brought in the bag, but now was the time to wait.
Because.
"Bark bark...? Young Demon...? What did you just do...?"
Whoosh—.
The full moon I've been waiting for is finally rising.
Now, Aru. I leave the rest to you.
The show begins now.
*****
The young demon is strange.
He told me to hit him.
So I hit him a lot.
As I hit, my emotions flared, and I hit as hard as I could, pretending to be afraid of punishment.
It felt liberating.
Then, that man appeared.
The bad man I can never forget. The one I want to tear apart and kill. The one I want to chew to death.
My mind was covered in red.
I couldn't think of anything.
I couldn't hear any sound.
The young demon and the enemy demon spoke. I only barked.
I wanted to rip through these iron bars and bite his neck right now, but I was frustrated because I couldn't.
But.
But.
The enemy demon threw a metal-smelling stick at me.
It was a stick with a sharp tip.
I sensed death.
Stinging water flowed from my eyes.
I thought, I'm dying like this.
There are still so many things I want to do.
I felt sad, wronged, and angry.
But.
The young demon threw himself.
The young demon threw himself for me.
The cunning, wicked, bad demon.
To block the metal stick flying at me, he threw himself.
Blood splattered.
It was the young demon's blood.
I can't understand.
The young demon is a bad demon.
The young demon is a demon who hits me whenever he wants.
The young demon... loves me.
....
Could it be, is that why?
Because he loves me, he is dying in my place?
Like my mother?
Like my father?
Like my uncle, aunt, and grandmother?
No.
No.
I don't want to see someone die again.
Someone throwing away their life because of me.
I don't want to see it again.
My body feels strange. My arms are hot.
I feel like I can do anything.
It's weird. When I looked up, I saw something blue and round.
The full moon.
The full moon...!
The full moon......!!
*****
"Grrrr...."
Crr-ash—.
Teeth that had changed from human to wolf easily crushed the iron bars.
The wolf beastman, finally freed from the suffocating cage that had confined her, looked at me with shimmering blue eyes.
Then, she shifted those threatening eyes toward the target that should be annihilated in this situation.
"Grrrrrr...."
Long nails and claws, wolf teeth distinctly different from human ones. The glossy mane of a lush tail and hair that grew thick enough to cover her waist and back.
And while she once had the appearance of a human girl, her body had now grown as if she had become an adult woman. Hot blood coursing through her limbs made the bulging veins even more prominent.
The deep blue energy of the full moon shines upon the beast.
The beast instantly closed the distance with the frozen demon.
Hard, sharp claws fueled by immense power slammed into the demon's abdomen.
Behind that sequence of events, a young demon was chuckling, secretly coughing up a great deal of blood.