That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Primordial Demon

In a dimension, separate from the cardinal world.

Located at the far reaches of space and at the liminal edge of reality.

A place that held no trace of life, filled with rocks floating in the atmosphere, denying the laws of physics.

This dimension possessed no life-form.

And yet, there was a lone figure standing in the midst of all this.

This entity had a humanoid form. Clad in a thick exoskeleton that surrounded his entire body like a suit of armor.

His black exoskeleton was entirely made up of hihi'irokane.

He had two golden horns along with two black wings adorning his back.

He also had gold-colored ornaments covering various parts of his exoskeleton.

He stood there with grace, silently recalling the recent events that took place in the royal capital invasion.

He had failed.

For a being who wielded power most would deem impossible to possess, he had failed.

The meticulous strategy he formed, the overwhelming force used for the invasion, everything he planned for, was ruined by a human.

He was ashamed to admit it, but he lost to the human.

He wasn't even mentioning the demon swordsman.

To sum it up, it was all for naught.

Humiliation.

This is the first emotion he experienced. He left with pride and came back with shame.

He wanted to try again, but he knew that he stood no chance.

Hence, he decided to regroup, restrategize, and restrike.

This was the only thing he could do at the moment.

Thinking of such things, he didn't notice the portal that appeared behind him.

???: 「Greetings, cryptid.」

He immediately jumped back. He turned to look at his visitor, only to feel a sense of dread like never before.

Every single hair on his body stood straight like needles, clearly displaying his wary state.

He scrutinized the individual before him and spoke.

「Star King Dragon Veldanava... I didn't expect to see you.」

He spoke with cautiousness. He didn't know Veldanava's reason for visiting, but he had to be careful.

Veldanava: 「I will get straight to the point. I'm not happy with you invading my favorite planet.」

Veldanava spoke matter-of-factly.

He wasn't going to beat around the bush.

Veldanava: 「In order to prevent that, I have a proposal for you.」

As he spoke, the look on the insectar's face changed.

He now wore an expression of wrath.

「As if I'll listen to you.」

He spoke with disdain. Almost losing his patience.

The next words from Veldanava broke that dam.

Veldanava: 「You will in 4 minutes time.」

As soon as the insectar heard this, he unleashed his disastrous attack.

「『Devastator Virus』!」

The dark cells he gathered in his palm were sent towards Veldanava at a blinding speed.

The attack ate through space, heading to devour the figure in its sight.

Seeing this attack, Veldanava stood calm and composed, but there was an unmistakable smirk plastered on his androgynous face.

The attack that was meant to devour Veldanava crashed on a bright golden barrier that interfered with the attack.

It was the unbreakable barrier, the『Castle Guard』of ultimate skill『Justice King: Michael』.

Seeing the futility of his attack, he resorted to hand-to-hand combat.

He struck the barrier multiple times, but it never wavered.

Even after landing thousands of blows on the barrier, each attack strong enough to break a low mythic grade material, the barrier still stood strong.

Surprising enough, he was the one who endured the pain of constantly attacking an unshakeable defense.

After a few seconds, Veldanava spoke up.

Veldanava: 「You could'nt even defeat a human, and you aim to harm a God? "Wake up to reality."

(Heh. I bet Sariel would've been so proud seeing me.)」

Veldanava's innermost thought was a far contrast to his expression.

With the passage of a few seconds, he got tired of the repeated futile attacks that were thrown at him.

Veldanava: 「Try surviving this if you can. 『Drago Buster』.」

After charging up stardust energy for his attack, he released hundreds of blue light rays that traveled towards the insectar.

Sensing the danger behind the attack, the insectar started to dodge as many light rays as he could.

Even though he was fast, he couldn't predict the trajectory of each light ray, so he was struck by one of them.

The damage was critical. It was far worse than what he had received from his previous battle.

The entirety of his lower half was erased, making it unable for him to stand.

For the second time in his life since he was born, he found himself in the ground defeated.

This time, it was far worse as he couldn't even muster energy to continue the fight.

「Tch. Such bad luck.」

Veldanava: 「Color me impressed. You actually managed to survive.

As expected of the first intelligent cryptid.」

Veldanava spoke with a tone filled with sarcasm, though he was sincere.

Veldanava: 「Since you lost, I'm not making this a proposal anymore.」

「As if I ever had a choice.」

Veldanava: 「Good. The thing is, the invasion of Iverage brought about the birth of many cryptids.

Unfortunately, they all lack intelligence.

Hence, I need you to act as a guard alongside Feldway to protect the underworld from invading cryptids.」

Hearing the offer made by Veldanava, the insectar was perplexed.

He hadn't expected such, yet he had to think about the offer.

After a few minutes, he finally spoke.

「Okay then. I accept. You are stronger than me, after all.」

Hearing what he had to say, Veldanava nodded in satisfaction.

Veldanava: 「Good. Then your name shall be "Zelanus".」

The newly named Zelanus did not undergo a drastic change, but his strength increased sevenfold.

He had already healed himself up and was now looking at Veldanava.

Veldanava: 「Follow me.」

As he said that, a magic portal was opened by him.

They both entered the portal and disappeared from the dimension as if they were never there.

 ◇◇◇

Sariel: 「Uuuuum. Why the heck are you following me?」

I spoke to the individual who snuck up behind me.

For the past few weeks, I've been stalked by this person.

The person in particular is none other than Rose. 

For some reason, she declared me to be... "Interesting."

Rose: 「I'm bored.」

Sariel: 「And I'm marker. Nice to meet you board.」

Hearing his playful tone, she rolled her eyes in exasperation.

Rose: 「C'mon~. I won't cause you any trouble, okay?」

Yeah. Says the one who blew up an entire nation just because they made her mad.

「Notice. The same can be said about you.」

Sariel: 「Listen. I'm gonna allow you to follow me—IF... you follow my three rules.」

She looked at me expectedly. It seems like she's willing to comply.

Sariel: 「One. If someone manages to piss you off, DO NOT under any condition kill the person. You gotta act rational. However, I don't mind if it's a demon.」

She looked at me, contemplating my words before nodding.

I continued to list my rules.

Sariel: 「Two. Under no condition are you allowed to stalk me. I like to have some peace of mind at times.

We all need privacy at times, and it would also be weird to see an elegant lady stalking some random dude, right?」

Rose: 「Oh my? Are you implying that I'm beautiful?」

She asked with a mocking tone. I'm a teenager spiritually. I'm not really into that kind of stuff.

Sariel: 「A woman can only imagine...」

She had a tick mark on her forehead as I said that.

It would've been worse if I told her to stop building sky castles.

Sariel: 「Well, the last rule. Do not pick a fight with just anyone you see. I'm sure you already know the consequences of doing so.」

Rose: 「Oi! That's too much, don't you think!? You expect me to do absolutely nothing!? That's like telling a bird not to fly!」

Sariel: 「What if the bird I told not to fly was a chicken? A royal omne at that...」

Rose: 「That's... fine. Hmph!」

Phew. That was close. I thought she was gonna throw up a tantrum.

Well, it's a good thing that she agreed.

Rose: 「Just make sure you show me something interesting.」

Interesting, huh? Now that I think about it, I did say that I'm gonna visit the underworld to continue naming the rest of the demons under me.

Who knows how many demons I'll be able to name after this.

「Notice. Your magicules have been fully recovered.」

Good. Great, in fact! Did my magicule capacity increase?

「Yes.」

Awesome! If my memory serves me right, I was able to name Tina before I was summoned.

She was like the twenty-third arch-demon I named, and I still had some magicules to spare at the time.

Perhaps I would be able to name hundreds this time.

There's only one way to find out.

Sariel: 「Speaking of which, I had intended to go back to the underworld. There are still a few demons that I left nameless.」

Rose: 「You call millions of demons "a few," huh? If that's the case, let's get going. I've always wanted to see you do that.」

Sariel: 「Alright. Let's go through the hell gate.」

She nodded, and we proceeded to head to the hell gate.

When we arrived, we came across Yuuka, who was guarding the place along with a few of her subordinates.

Her material body has evolved into a legend grade material, the same level of mine.

That's quite the accomplishment. I made sure to praise her for it.

Her reaction?

Yuuka: 「Ah~. To be praised by Sariel-sama. I can now die in peace.」

*Sigh*

I swear I'm gonna go mad around them one day.

We entered the gate and arrived at hell.

Normally, I would be called a wonderful psychopath for entering hell with joy, but that's a thing of the past.

As we arrived, I was overwhelmed with a sense of nostalgia. It all felt very familiar to me.

The blood red sky, withered trees, black clouds, it was indeed hell.

Rose: 「What. Don't tell me you miss hell.」

Heh. It sounds weird, huh?

We headed to the west, which is where I resided back in the time.

Nearing my territory, there were a few greater demons under my lineage that I spotted around.

My presence was well hidden, so no one would be able to sense me easily.

I also spotted an unfamiliar building that was definitely never there if my memory serves me right.

I will inquire about it later. As we reached the entrance, I spotted Ramiel giving orders to a few arch-demons.

Sariel: 「Hey Ramiel!」

I made my presence know to them by unleashing a bit of my 『Demon Lord's Haki』.

Sensing my magicule signature, the demons all rushed to me.

I'm not used to being this popular, so I was a little shy.

You can't blame me.

Ramiel: 「Sariel-sama!! You're back!」

Seeing the usually calm and composed Ramiel act like a candy-rewarded toddler, I couldn't help but smile.

Sariel: 「Hey guys. I missed you all. How's life treating you?」

Ramiel: 「We've been well, my lord. Everything is alright.」

Hm. That's good.

Sariel: 「Alright then. I hope you don't mind showing me around.」

As I said that, she literally had stars in her eyes. What sort of stupid god do these guys see me as.

Now, I think Veldanava should shut his mouth about his angels.

Ramiel took us around the place. There were some new infrastructure that were built in my absence.

The reason why I know about it is because the foundation started around the time I was here.

I kinda feel that it's not needed, but I don't want to tell them that.

If I did that, they would definitely break everything down.

That's just how serious they are.

We finally reached the unfamiliar building I talked about.

Ramiel: 「And this is the temple we poured out our heart and soul to build!」

Eh? Did I hear wrong. Sage-san. That was an auditory illusion, right?

「Answer. It was definitely not.」

For the great Sage-san to say that.

Sariel: 「It's not for me, right? Yeah, Rose must be the owner of this temple—yes, yes; it only makes sense that way. Hm—hm.」

Rose: 「Oi! Don't rope me in with your misfortune. It's honestly quite scary how loyal they are.」

I wanted to scream, but that would destroy my personal image.

I decided to skip all that and head to the meeting square, which is where I used to name the demons.

Something tells me that I will go mad if I see what they always do in the.... mansion.

Reaching the meeting square, I made Ramiel call all the named demons to gather.

There were still millions that needed names, so I think this is gonna take centuries to complete.

Sariel: 「Hey Rose. Wanna join?」

Rose: 「Huh? No way. I would die by naming twenty greater demons. I'm not going to risk that by naming someone's subordinate.」

——— Wait, only twenty! Then why is it that I'm able to name up to like eighty? ———

「Answer. That is because of me.」

Eh? Because of Sage-san? I don't get it.

「During naming, when magicules are released from the body, more are wasted.

This is caused because an individual's control over their energy is reduced when naming.

Their control over energy reduces because their mind power is being used to regulate the amount of magicules used to name the monster.

Hence, total control over energy at that moment is impossible unless the individual possesses a very high thought processing power. This also goes for all spiritual life forms.」

Oh. That's quite the information today. But if that's the case, how am I able to name them without losing more energy than needed?

「Answer. Whenever you use your mental power to regulate the magicules used for naming, I am the one to help with the flow of energy to prevent unnecessary waste.」

Really? I didn't even know that. But are the magicules that escape the body that much.

「Answer. Yes.」

——— I see. That's great. Thanks, Sage-san. ———

——— I didn't know that you've been taking care of me secretly. ———

——— I'll make sure to appreciate you later. Also, sorry for annoying the hell out of you. ———

「Notice. Apologies would only be accepted if permission for Ability Alteration is given.」

Geez. What an opportunist.

——— Fine, fine. Do whatever you want. You always do it for my sake either way. ———

「Understood. Apologies accepted. It was nice doing business with you.」

Kalisha: 「Woohoooo! Sage-san rocks!」

——— Also, sorry for making you mad, Kalisha. ———

Kalisha: 「Hehe. Don't worry about it. We were not mad. It was all according to plan.」

Eh? This is a dangerous moment. Alright, it's time to brain.

We were not mad?

It was all according to plan?

From the sound of things...

——— Fucking traitors—you tricked me!! ———

Kalisha: 「Gya-Hahahahahahaha!! Hahahahahahaha!!! That's what you get for trying to do that!」

——— Sage-san, don't tell me you took part in this! ———

「Notice. I was the mastermind.」

I see. Ahahahaha... I was played.... Wait, the skill alteration!!

——— Oi! Sage-san!!———

「Notice! Skill alteration has already begun!」

Damn you!

*Sigh*

And here I was, thinking of them.

Ignoring all that. I began to name the demons. They were quite happy knowing I had returned for them.

That was how my years went on.

 ——— Timeskip ———

Sariel: 「Oi Velda! Get your stupid ass down here!!」

Veldanava: 「C'mon Sariel. You don't need to be that mad.」

I returned to the cardinal world after naming a few thousands of demons. Not without dying, by the way.

As I kept on reincarnating, the burden on my soul was chipping away slowly.

After some time, I decided to return, only for me to see this.

Sariel: 「Huh? What nonsense are you spouting. How would you feel if a stupid red dragon destroyed thirty percent of your territory. Tell me, HOW WOULD YOU FEEL!!?」

Yep, my forest was burnt down by a freaking dragon.

Who wouldn't get mad when their home was destroyed by their neighbour's children?

Veldanava: 「Alright, alright, I'll fix the forest for you. Geez. You've gotten meaner. Is old age catching up to you?」

This fella...

Sariel: 「Listen. It's not only about fixing the forest.

You got to educate her on how not to blast an entire geographical area just because a monster broke her nap!

You always pamper them, and that's no way to take care of your sisters.」

If you can't guess it, then I'll tell you now.

A new dragon was born some decades ago. She never moved from her place of birth, and she would always laze around in the east.

Her name is Velgrynd, and she is the embodiment of acceleration.

She also has a strong affinity towards the fire element.

She didn't even bother to visit her sister, who resides in the ice continent as it was called.

Now I don't have a problem with that. But blasting my fucking forest just because a monster woke you up from your nap?

The hell, man.

I had planned to kill her, but I later decided against it.

If she somehow managed to escape my attack, I would have to continue the fight, which is unfavorable for me.

I might be able to kill her if given the chance to do so, but if we were to engage in a fight, I'd lose.

If there's one thing I've learned, it is to never underestimate anybody. Demons inclusive.

I heavily underestimated Rose.

Due to the fact that she lost against me once, she decided to train harder in order to match my strength or even surpass me.

I helped her with it by constantly training her and correcting the flaws she made during battles.

She picked up on it quickly and now has complete control over her skills.

She is now a master in physical combat, and her magical capabilities now rivals mine.

I nearly fainted when I heard that she went to challenge Guy.

I thought it was just her being haughty and overconfident, but once again, reality gave me a huge middle finger.

She actually managed to fight him to a tie.

The shocking thing's that he actually took her seriously.

Well, not as in the "seriously" where they do everything in their power to kill the latter.

But that is still an incredible achievement if you ask me. I'm quite lucky to have her on my side.

She's a monster when she gets serious. That's no joke.

Well, that's beside the point.

This fucking dragon is causing serious problems and Velda is acting chill, like it's an every day occurrence.

Veldanava: 「Fine. I'll speak to her about it.」

Sariel: 「Hmph! You better.」

He left just as soon as he came.

Ever since Sage-san mentioned that Ability Alteration thingy, she hasn't given me any info on its completion.

I'm starting to get scared of what she's doing.

She created a new skill called 『Existence Concealment』.

When I asked her about it, she said it's a skill that hides the user's presence from any type of sensory or perception based skill.

It allows the user to blend in with magicules, hiding any form of physical or spiritual presence.

Once I blend with the magicules in the atmosphere, it looks like I've become invisible, intangible, and insensible.

Using magicules to sense me is flat useless, and the only way to perceive me is by using infons.

That process is also very difficult and requires excellent control over infons to do.

It is one of my most useful skills ever. Even though it is just an extra skill, it can hide myself from ultimate skill users.

When I inquired for the reason it was created, I was only told that it was used to do something secretive.

I'm not comfortable with whatever she is planning.

But I know she is doing it for my sake, so I might just let this slip.

Now it's time to pay Silverion a visit.

—————————————————————————————————

I have a question to ask you all. I don't know the answer, but I want you to answer me in the comment section if you do.

—————————————————————————————————

According to a tensura wiki site, primordials were all born as devil lords. When they get summoned to the central world, their evolution stage gets degraded. i.e., (Devil lord--->Arch-demon).

What would happen if they returned to the underworld? Would they go back to being devil lords or remain as arch-demons?

Also, what would happen if they were not born as devil lords but started as either greater demons or lesser demons?

Personally, I believe that they all started as devil lords.

And when they go back to the demon realm, the restrictions placed on them are released.

If you feel that this is not right, tell me what you think in the comment section. Thanks for reading my work as always. See yah!