Chapter 70
Chapter 70
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 70
Chapter Title: Human-Demon Exchanges
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* * *
It started with a boy who went out to chop wood and encountered a demon for the first time—and from there, humans and demons began making contact here and there in earnest.
"So, you're asking to borrow our farming tools?"
"※■▼○◇▲(͒ ˃꒫˂ )͒"
"That's not hard."
"▼○◇( ´͈ ᗨ `͈ )◞♡⃛"
"No need to thank me, but we've got our own stuff to handle too. How about coming over here and lending a hand?"
"▽▼■＃※●(๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و ̑̑ ˂ᵒ͜͡ᵏᵎ⁾✩"
"Good. Just follow me this way. You'll cross the border a bit, but the priests said it's fine to come and go somewhat freely if it's for mutual needs, so no worries."
"※●▼■▼○೭੧(❛▿❛✿)੭೨?"
They exchanged tools and labor they each needed.
"This is edible grass. Did you know?"
"■▼●※▼○Σ(・Д・)!?"
"You didn't. There are plenty of other things you can eat without worrying about poison. You taught me about mushrooms, so in return, shall I tell you a few?"
"■▼※▼○▼■(๑╹o╹)✎"
Simple exchanges of information like this were happening too.
Their ferocious appearances were still the same, and their voices were just as horrifyingly chilling.
The only change was one thing: a rough idea of what the demons were thinking.
But just knowing that alone felt like it demolished the massive barrier to communication.
Even if their looks still stirred fear... if they weren't hostile toward me and even wanted to cooperate, there was no reason to reject them outright.
Humans had always treated demons as enemies because they couldn't communicate and had no idea what they were thinking, which was terrifying.
The inability to communicate, no matter what you tried, inevitably bred hostility beyond imagination.
On top of that, the fear induced by Demonic Energy itself had vanished, which was hugely aiding communication.
Replacing the fear was a subtle vitality, warmth, and comfort.
Regardless of appearance, the desire to talk stemmed largely from the faint comfort provided by the Demonic Energy—it wasn't an exaggeration.
Demonic Energy fully normalized!
God's grace had successfully forged unprecedented cooperation between the two races.
The Demon King, no longer needing to hide in the shadows, surveyed the demon territory—which was gradually taking on a more respectable shape day by day—while chatting with Ballus.
"Really? Humans aren't affected by Demonic Energy?"
"It's not that they're unaffected; the influence itself feels somehow... purified. It's reasonable to assume we're still emitting Demonic Energy since they're walking around on the ground without issue... but humans are mingling with us just fine. At first, I thought it might be mere goodwill from their religious folk, but no matter how I think about it, just tolerating it wouldn't lead to such widespread interaction."
The strict border was set partly to signal to humans—whose territory the demons had taken—that they wouldn't advance further.
But the decisive reason was fear that humans suffering from Demonic Energy would flip public opinion in the human world against cooperation before long.
Yet those worries proved groundless; humans and demons started interacting and cooperating rapidly, as if they'd known each other forever.
"This is delicious! Humans can make some pretty impressive stuff, huh?"
"Stop gawking and get to work. If we don't finish today, we'll be sleeping outside again."
"Take it easy. Can't we just crash in the dungeon?"
"Pass. I've woken up to the sound of bugs crawling way too many times."
Right now, even the drink they were chugging while lounging near the construction site ahead came from humans.
With normal communication difficult and Demonic Energy interfering, bartering was expected much later—but that prediction was overturned.
"Any guesses?"
"Honestly, no clue. It's good news, of course... but I'm dying to ask the Demon King just what the heck is going on."
"......"
The nature of Demonic Energy had suddenly changed.
From Ballus's account, humans no longer felt discomfort from it.
They even felt comfort; cases of humans lingering near demons to chat or rest were common.
Adults might be different, but even honest kids were only scared at first—once adapted, they hung out with demons without issue. The change in Demonic Energy was a fact.
No idea on the exact reason—
But if Demonic Energy really changed, only one person—no, entity—could do it.
'...God?'
Sole God Igugwoden.
If he could turn her horrific form into a human girl, altering Demonic Energy would be a breeze.
No other explanation fit.
But that raised another question.
'Why?'
Why would humans' god go this far for demons?
What reason was there to embrace us, practically their enemies?
Was all this God's 'Plain Fact'?
"I suspect it's God."
"You mean their god, Igugwoden, who transformed you, Demon King?"
"Yes. Without God, this impossible event wouldn't have happened. I heard from the Empress that their god bestows various miracles on humans, making the world better. From God's view, war with us demons would cost many precious humans their lives, so perhaps he tweaked things for human convenience... That's my take."
"God... I've lived 120 years pursuing Demonic Energy to extend lifespan, never once believing in metaphysical gods. But..."
Ballus gazed ahead with the Demon King, then bowed her head.
The ample cleavage typical of human females filled her view.
"I never imagined I'd become one of the strongest proofs of God's existence."
Even after turning human—a shocking event—no thinking being could deny God.
"How's it feel, Ballus? Adjusted to the human body?"
"Honestly, it's inconvenient in all sorts of ways. Squishy, frail, liable to drop from one hit... worrying. But revenge against humans doesn't burn as fiercely anymore, so that's a relief. Revenge ultimately eats at you intensely."
"Speaking of, I have to ask—what's that in your hair?"
"Oh, this?"
Ballus touched the flower-like thing in her hair, blushing with a bashful smile.
"Actually, I ran into a human boy near the border too."
"You met a human boy?"
Thanks to the Demon King's influence, Ballus—now human—could communicate seamlessly with both demons and humans.
To the boy, it was just meeting a human; no visible demon traits like the Demon King's prominent horns.
"Yeah. He said, 'You're a pretty big sister, so here's a flower.'"
"Hoo. Gifting a flower to a 120-year-old high demon without fear—quite the spirited boy."
"Ahaha... yeah."
"I saw you teaching young demons recently. You didn't do that before."
"True. Before you descended, Demon King, far more demons shunned my existence. I survived while countless others died. They followed and respected me... but feared me too. I ignored young demons; only those proving toughness by surviving long enough were worth talking to."
"But as a human... somehow, I grew curious if they'd grow well. The young ones don't fear me and follow nicely."
Smiling like a perfect newlywed, Ballus was a sight.
Her purple bangs curved her eyes into charming arcs, a captivating smile.
"Hard to believe, this scene. Seeing our kin roam freely outside the dungeon. No predecessor Demon King's memories hold such peace."
"I never imagined this ending either. I survived just to fight humans oppressing us. Thanks to you, Demon King, we gained sunlight without blood. Thank you."
'Thanks to me...'
Ending the chat, the Demon King turned from gazing up at Ballus and closed her eyes.
If anyone's credit, it was the humans' savior they revered.
She clasped her hands, awkwardly mimicking Saintess Erin's prayers.
Never prayed in life, thinking none above her as demon sovereign—this was her grand first step into faith.
'Sole God Igugwoden, I speak for all demons. Without your care, bloody history would repeat. For using your power for us, and giving me a chance... I offer sincere thanks.'
'Henceforth, we demons will follow you, Igugwoden. Even if for humans, we regained sunlight because of it. You achieved what no Demon King could.'
'So please... continue delivering Plain Facts to us all.'
A bit rude and irreverent for a prayer—
But momentous: humans followed by demons—even their pinnacle—bowing to God.
* * *
People often say, 'Happy endings are cliché and boring.'
I used to think that too.
As a kid, I'd scoff at fairy-tale endings: 'So predictable and dull. Got any bleak apocalypse manga or novels?'
Then adulthood: army, work, corporate grind wears you down, and your weary mind craves those worry-free happy endings from childhood, spinning slippers idly.
Yeah.
Like this unrealistic, green ending where no blood's shed, problems solved by talk.
Proof I'm grown up, I guess.
"Sob sob..."
Sniffle!
So, me crying wasn't weird.
Just another adult milestone.
Thinking back, even as a kid frantically button-mashing calls, didn't I want the happy ending?
Phone bill bombs crushed that hope... but now, adult me.
I'd crafted a clichéd yet dramatic happy ending for one world.
[ Igugwoden: Glad it worked out... ]
[ Igugwoden: Demonic Energy normalized without breaking the worldbuilding, nice ]
[ Igugwoden: Emojis are cute lololol this chapter was fun too (´｡• ◡ •｡`) ♡ ]
[ PleaseGiveMoney: Thank you ]
[ PleaseGiveMoney: God's heart reaching even demons—not humans—hoping it touches them well ]
[ Igugwoden: No need to believe in me specifically ]
[ Igugwoden: As long as humans don't fight pointlessly, I'm satisfied ]
I'm no real god, just a reader enjoying manga—no need to spread faith.
A nice ending's enough.
Sniffle, wiping tears, the author messaged first.
[ PleaseGiveMoney: Anyway, how should I use the remaining 'Divine Power'? ]
[ Igugwoden: Huh? Power left? ]
[ PleaseGiveMoney: Yes. A whopping 7,000 won worth remains ]
Oh, that.
Pocket change exactly, but author seemed set on using full 80,000 won worth.
7k's too little for 'keep it'—chicken costs more these days... whatever, casually—
[ Igugwoden: For remaining power ]
[ Igugwoden: Gave to Erin last time, so Eirene this time ]
[ Igugwoden: Worth the old hag Eirene lololol ]
And.
Reply came sharp as ever.
[ PleaseGiveMoney: Got it ]
[ PleaseGiveMoney: All as God wills ]