The Seventh Demon Prince Zilbagias: Chronicles of a Nation-Breaking Demon King

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Chapter 35: If There’s a Hell

Well… it’s Zilbagias, utterly drained…

Back in my room, I’m once again resting my head on Antendeixis’s lap.

Despite the intense training, not a single injury marks my body.

In the end, no one was saved.

I couldn’t save them…

I can’t shake off the memory of the old man’s resentful gaze, tinged with resignation.

The children’s cries, begging and wailing, stick in my ears like glue.

Because of me, everyone died. Today has been especially hard… No matter how convenient the Teleportation Spell is, or how much comfort Antendeixis offers me, the pain in my chest refuses to fade away.

It doesn’t seem like it will.

No, I know. Even if I had handled things well today, even if a few people could have avoided becoming substitutes…

They would merely be consumed on another day, for another purpose.

But that doesn’t justify me putting in less effort. It doesn’t give me a reason to wish any less for their survival.

What I cannot forgive above all else is the fact that every time they become sacrifices, overwhelming power flows into me.

The taboo of being a hero while leaving innocent people to die; the taboo of sacrificing children to heal my own body. As usual, I entrusted the power gained to Antendeixis. Each time I sacrifice a human with the Teleportation Spell, my magic grows stronger, in ways that can’t be explained by contracts with the devil of constraints…

How much power have I gained in just one day?

Hey, Antendeixis?

“Well…”

Stopping the soothing hand on my head, the phantom Antendeixis thinks.

“If I compare you to the other princes… right now, you’re about a third of that green-haired one. It was about a quarter yesterday.”

…Is it alright to consider that a significant enhancement…?

“Of course, after nearly half a century of life, a demon lord’s prince would be able to match you in just a few days. Though, in reality, growth may slow down after a bit…”

Just a few days, huh…? It sounds so light when spoken.

I can’t believe that it’s worth it in light of the crimes I’ve actually committed and the lives lost…!

What’s even more terrifying is that today’s practical training wasn’t some special event. Platy is genuinely trying to toughen me up. As long as the supply of humans continues, she intends to keep this up.

I fought desperately, but even with just basic spear techniques, Platy was quite skilled. If only I could use a sword and shield, I would have sustained far fewer injuries…

…But I know, that’s pointless. Right now, I have to master the spear as quickly as possible…

However, once I can fully use the spear, Platy will unlock her magic and tricky moves. It’ll be a fierce battle.

What’s most hopeless is that even if I manage to defeat Platy, she’ll start consuming humans for her own healing.

Damn it!! What am I supposed to do?!

“You must become overwhelmingly strong to the extent that you won’t require any further training.”

So… that’s all there is to it.

I might want to consider getting some of the magic power I entrusted to Antendeixis back. Somehow, I’ll just have to come up with a constraint.

“That sounds good.”

As soon as possible… I need to absorb all combat techniques from Platy.

Then, I should be able to avoid wasting lives…!!

…Even when I try to think positively about the future, the pain in my chest only worsens.

“May you suffer. May you fret. That pain will make you stronger.”

With a gentle hand caressing my head, Antendeixis spoke in a solemn tone.

I know. Suffering is the source of strength.

Isn’t that right?

“Indeed. So there’s no need to hold back. Cry, scream, curse. I shall bear it all…”

Against the extraordinarily kind demon god, I didn’t even have the energy to retort.

Feeling utterly powerless, I screamed as loud as I could in my heart, cursing my fate.

†††

To an outsider, there was just a demon youth lying quietly on the bed.

The demon god, listening to the cries of his soul, remained invisible and unknowable.

(Or perhaps…)

While gently stroking my head with a phantom hand, the demon god whispered within himself.

(When you become overwhelmingly strong, mastering all techniques, and practical training becomes unnecessary…)

On my lap, the adorable contractor pouted, glaring at the ceiling—pathetic yet cute.

(What awaits you is a real battle…)

But that’s not something I’ll mention yet.

Not until he realizes it on his own.

As long as he can still believe that this suffering will come to an end, he still has hope.

†††

Then, hellish days passed.

In a way, I could say they were fulfilling. Waking up, eating nutritious meals, light exercises to digest, followed by studying magic and then practical training with Platy.

I was mastering demon spear techniques faster than I could believe. The constraint of having others die if I made a mistake became an incredibly heavy pressure that forced open the door to my talent.

Even the spear, which I had a strong aversion to as a demon weapon, and the bones of the soldiers that shape it… they’ve become quite familiar in my hands. I’ve started to think that spears aren’t half bad. This length and power are captivating in ways that swords aren’t…

Still, I sometimes find myself longing for the sharp, long blade of a sword. The way to use a demon spear is either “stab” or “smash.” Of course, if a demon’s strength smashed down with the spear’s handle, it wouldn’t be pretty—I too had my bones broken by Platy many times—but still, as a former hero, I wish I had the option to “cut.”

I wonder if I could make it work somehow.

And then… when the supplies of humans run out, training will come to an end. After tidying up, I’d often have free time. Reading books, taking walks, or just zoning out in my room.

Speaking of which, since Sophia has started teaching me not only academics but also magic-related subjects, I’ve begun practicing fighting with Garunya. This serves to keep her skills sharp as well.

Well, compared to that intense practical training, it’s just a playful spar… it’s honestly fun to train with the cute, fluffy beastman while being considerate of each other’s bodies.

I don’t try to hurt Garunya seriously, and she doesn’t use her fangs and claws—usually, we just end up wrestling, and my clothes become fluffy with her white fur, leading to bemused laughter as we wrap up training… That’s how it usually goes.

“By the way, I read in a human book that petting animal fur or feeling their warmth can have healing effects. Zilbagias-sama, you might want to try it when you’re feeling tired.”

While I was reading during my free time, Sophia, who was nearby doing paperwork, suddenly chimed in while looking at Garunya.

For them to treat a beastman like an animal is a considerable insult, but well, this is the Demon Lord Kingdom, and Sophia is a demon. Treating lower races poorly isn’t a new thing for them.

“Is that so…”

Placing my book down, I waved Garunya over. Hesitant, she approached and sat cutely in front of me. Unlike the beastmen I knew back then, she washes herself every day and doesn’t give off any beastly smell at all.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

Munch, munch. Not knowing what else to do, I decided to pinch her cheeks.

Oh… this is nice… Garunya’s sky-blue eyes are darting around restlessly.

“Oh, if you don’t like it, just say so. No need for pretense.”

“Uh, well. It’s not that I don’t like it…”

Is she holding back? Really? I peered into her eyes, but there was no sign of her disliking it. Just a little embarrassed. If that’s the case, then it’s fine.

Indeed… this fur feels very soothing…

“What’s this, am I no longer needed?”

That’s not it! While it’s nice to be petted by Antendeixis, sometimes it feels good to be the one doing the petting.

Want me to stroke your head instead?

“Ha! Don’t say such cheeky things, you brat!!”

Quit it! Don’t stir around in me! It’s making me feel like I’m going to hiccup!!!

“…Uh, my Lord, is everything alright?”

“Hmm. No, it’s nothing.”

Continuing to pet.

What is this… it’s giving me a very nostalgic feeling.

Back in my childhood… from my hometown, yes, Tanklet Village…

I think the village chief had a cat. Everyone in the village adored it since it would catch mice.

It wasn’t as straightforward as Garunya; it was much more proud, and I can’t clearly recall the color of its fur, but it didn’t look like her at all.

But sometimes, on sunny afternoons, it would let me pet it.

Like this… on the back of its head…

“Nya~~~n…”

And under its chin like this…

“Grrrrr…”

So nostalgic…

I felt as if I was leisurely passing time in a sunlit spot in my hometown, like back then. I feel like there was someone by my side… who was it? A friend? Or family…?

Nevertheless, the softness of the white tiger fur is undeniably pleasant. I can understand why humans once coveted their fur—no, wait, that’s not something to agree with, such actions are utterly unforgivable.

The division between the beastman tribes and the now-extinct human nations in the western continent runs deep. According to history books, they’ve repeatedly engaged in blood-soaked conflicts, and there were countless unspeakable persecutions, like the hunting of white tiger furs.

Not just the white tiger tribe, but in turning many beastman tribes into enemies, it’s a recklessly irreversible mistake… If I could, I’d like to travel back in time and smack those humans myself.

Garunya is a good girl, but she’s indifferent to humanity. When she sees people sacrificed for the Teleportation Spell, she shows no change in expression, and there’s even a hint that she thinks it’s good they’re suffering.

Because Garunya was raised from a young age to see humans as enemies, she doesn’t regard them as subjects for friendship.

To put it bluntly… for Garunya, humans are akin to demons and demon lords were to my younger self. She probably thinks it would be better if they just perished…

Everyone getting along is a pipe dream, and I, myself, think that a future where demons and humans can live in harmony is impossible. But… couldn’t we find a way to negotiate a little better?

No, I can easily imagine a future where they kill each other in harmony… but if the Demon Lord Kingdom falls, what will happen to those beastmen who sided with it?

I can’t help but think of the white tiger tribe, living peacefully in the Reiju tribe’s territory.

…No, let’s stop that. It’s just a pointless line of thought…

“By the way, did I look that tired? Sophia?”

To shake off the sinking feelings, I asked whimsically.

“Forgive me, but yes, very much so.”

Still maintaining her serious demeanor, Sophia didn’t even smile.

“I thought it was only natural after such rigorous training, but… I was slightly worried.”

“I see…”

Not good.

I need to become stronger, both physically and mentally…

With just brawn, I can’t win against the Demon Lord or the demon princes.

For that… I need more healing…!

“Nyaa~~~n…”

Pet, pet.

“And tomorrow, you have another meal with His Majesty the Demon Lord, right? I believe you’ll also be observing some work?”

My hand that was petting Garunya halted.

“Is it already tomorrow?”

“Yes, tomorrow it is.”

Has it already been a week…? No, has it only been a week…?

I’m looking forward to the gourmet food, but… it’s heavy on my mind. So, I have to meet those guys again.

“…Maybe I should just go to bed early today.”

I couldn’t help but let out a voice tinged with mental fatigue. Pulling Garunya close, I buried my face in her fur.

Either way, I really didn’t want to think about anything for a while.