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Thinking about it carefully, it was strange.

Since the Bolbaldie Kingdom was destroyed, even the peace complacent Elfars.h.i.+a Kingdom should have strengthened their border security.

In spite of that, it was strange for the demi-human that killed my old man and mum to enter the kingdom and escape without being caught. Ruuga and Ura being able to enter the country is strange as well.

However, I can understand from seeing this.

"I didn't know that a huge tunnel like this had been dug." (Velt)

The world of darkness that continues forever is being illuminated by a small flame that Ruuga turned on with magic.

It’s in the forest of monsters that is situated to the royal capital's east. It's quite a long way off the wheat field I was living in.

Normally, humans don't approach it much, and because the monsters live deep in the forest, they don't walk in on human's lives.

From one glance, it looked like there’s something like a cave in that forest, but a tunnel with a maintained road that expanded the deeper you go, with enough capacity for one body of troops to pa.s.s through had been made.

"So the demons and demi-humans used this, huh." (Velt)

"We only used it just recently. In the first place, the one who made this tunnel was the Bolbaldie Kingdom. In other words, humans, like you." (Ruuga)

"Wha-, what!?" (Velt)

"With the objective to gather information from other countries, the Bolbaldie Kingdom extended tunnels all over the continent as a military operation. Towards other humans, their brethren, as well. However, recently, they tried to reach our country too." (Ruuga)

"I see, so that's why you destroyed them. While you're at it, you can earn an enormous amount of profit if you take all the tunnels as well." (Velt)

"Exactly. We turned the tables on Bolbaldie with their tunnels, and used their tunnels to destroy Bolbaldie in one go." (Ruuga)

"You really have no mercy. And so, even though you guys achieved such a victory at great pains, you lost to the hero because of a sudden attack. That's kinda pitiful as well." (Velt)

Wait a minute, was there a possibility of our country being destroyed by Bolbaldie? Well, since fighting within the same race is a taboo in this era, I guess I'm overthinking it.

"We split up with demon king-sama while using the tunnel in our escape. Although we also wandered aimlessly in the tunnel, in the end, only Ura-sama and I remained." (Ruuga)

"And, we've been walking quite a lot, but do you know where the demon king is?" (Velt)

"Don't worry about that. When we were waiting for our brethren that split up in the tunnel, we made sure to leave signs and messages like this. In accordance with this, Ura-sama and I were planning to meet up with demon king-sama, but we took a substantial amount of time, so Ura-sama was at her limit from the repeated fatigue and hunger that attacked her, so we hurriedly went out above ground." (Ruuga)

Alongside the cave's wall, I found a column of smooth stones piled on top of each other. They were piled up intentionally, and it's something like a code among the demons.

"After a bit more, there's a large hollow inside. There, demon king-sama should have made a base where the surviving soldiers can rest, while waiting to join up with the other soldiers." (Ruuga)

I only considered this now, but am I really going to be safe?

It has only been a short acquaintance, but I don't have any hostility towards Ruuga and Ura.

However, although they lost in war and are exhausted, the people I'm heading to are the demons that killed countless humans.

And, many of the demons' comrades were killed by humans.

Will I be killed if I'm exposed? No, in the first place, what should I do if I guessed the ident.i.ty of the demon king wrong?

I started sensing danger to my life little by little, but I was a bit late to sense it.

There were light and presences deep in the darkness, and I could also hear a voice. One person, two people, it wasn't at the level of something like ten people.

There, I could see a scene I've never seen before since I was born.

"We have arrived. I'm glad, it seems they are still camping here." (Ruuga)

"Velt, wear your hood. You definitely can't show your face." (Ura)

In the s.p.a.cious, large hollow, monsters in an inhumane appearance were camping.

People who are on look out, people who are relaxing while sitting down on the ground, people who are refining their weapons, people who are drinking alcohol, and a line of people who are lying down, with injuries all over their bodies.

It's a place that look like a campground and a field hospital was combined.

Obviously, there isn't a single human.

Only the demon race, that has an appearance similar to humans, and monsters that are neither beast nor human, that have an appearance similar to an oni.

"Ma, madam!"

"Notify the whole army, Ura-sama has returned."

While shedding tears, the demons on lookout press both their hands together in wors.h.i.+p.

Then, they raise their right fists to the sky, and in this well echoing cave, they raise their voice as loud as they can.

"Ura-sama and Ruuga have retuuurned!"

With the voice they raised, everyone gets up and turns around.

From perceiving Ura and Ruuga in their eyes, little by little, their expressions crumbled and they shed shaking tears.

"Ura-sama! I am relieved you are safe!"

"As expected of Ruuga-dono! He splendidly protected the princes, u, uuuuuuu!"

"Now, Ura-sama, this way. Sharkryu-sama is waiting."

Even demons cry, huh. The dirty male demons dragged along their bodies that are covered in injuries and congratulated the princess's return.

In front of the demons that killed humans, these emotions I have might be wrong, but looking at the crying demons, I thought "Well, isn't that nice?", and lightly smile.

However, immediately after that, my whole body stiffened.

"Ura, and Ruuga."

Breathing becomes difficult. The footsteps that approach step by step, the approaching pressure.

There isn't anything like hostility, but probably from the tension because of the war, his presence is completely different.

I can tell without having being given his name. A presence in a different league to the other demons.

"This guy is, the demon king?" (Velt)

As if making sure of it with a low voice, I ask that. But, at the same time, I am slightly doubting my eyes.

Certainly, the demon that is approaching has a special presence.

However, that appearance was close to a human.

His height was also around the same as an average human man. Even with a special physique as an excuse, he's not slender, and is normal.

His face seems like he's in his twenties, and he has long, black hair.

Without the pointed ears and red pupils, he wouldn't look like a demon.

"Ura, and Ruuga. Welcome back." (Sharkryu)

They immediately get on one knee in front of the demon king, and after the demon king's aura towards the two slightly calmed, he greeted the two.

"Ruuga, well done protecting Ura. I cannot express this in words alone." (Sharkryu)

"Haha, I am grateful for your words! I am relieved you are safe as well, Sharkryu-sama!" (Ruuga)

While enduring tears, Ruuga rubs his forehead on the ground. Then, the demon king gently pats his shoulder.

With those thanks, Ruuga's body shook and he cried.

And then,

"Now, Ura. Show your face clearly to your father." (Sharkryu)

"Father." (Ura)

"You look slightly worn out. It must have been tough. It must have been painful." (Sharkryu)

The demon king gently hugs Ura. Even Ura became slightly embarra.s.sed and tried to twist her body, but as expected, she's still a child.

The fact that she's come back to her father properly registered, and she put her hands around the demon king's neck with wet eyes.

"U, uuu, father, to, to protect me, everyone, everyone in the royal guards, Runba, Baldo, Johnga, everyone, everyone was killed by humans." (Ura)

"I see. So they pa.s.sed away." (Sharkryu)

"Father, I am frustrated. Frustrated at myself, who couldn't do anything! At my weak self!" (Ura)

"Yeah, I know." (Sharkryu)

When I realised it, as if encircling the two, many injured demons were shedding tears. Sadness from the death of their brethren. Frustration from losing a war. Resentment towards humans.

I didn't even think the first time I would see a demons for the first time in my life would be at a timing like this.

"Ura. I am also frustrated. I was no match for the hero youngster. Even with the strongest troops, the strongest subordinates, and my strongest demon fist, we are in this sorry state." (Sharkryu)

"Fa-, father, we have not lost yet! If you are in good health, we will not be destroyed! Once we reorganize order, we can someday take this resentment out on the humans!" (Ura)

They still haven't lost, and the demon king is still in good health. If the demon king says a single word, this corps would immediately let out a war cry.

However,

"No, Ura. We have lost." (Sharkryu)

An unexpected phrase came out of the demon king's mouth.

"Fa, father!" (Ura)

"The hero was a splendid youngster. While having a fragile body, he fought fair and square with me without any tactics. Although he was my opponent, I was completely fascinated by that straightforward spirit. And, I lost. Not only in power, but also in spirit." (Sharkryu)

"Ple-, please do not say such a thing! I do not want to hear those words from father." (Ura)

For better or worse, war depends on the king's words. If the king says to fight, you have to march even if the opponent is a G.o.d or a devil, and it's over if he admits defeat.

The demons here are all looking down, as if the thing that was holding up their spirits had all crumbled down.

"Then, what will you make the people of our country do? At this rate, they will be absorbed into neighboring demon countries and our country will be destroyed!" (Ura)

"That's right. It is already the end. It will be the end of our country, just like Bolbaldie." (Sharkryu)

"No way! Wh-, what are you, what are you saying!" (Ura)

Ura tears away the demon king's arms that are holding her closely, and although childish, she glares at him with eyes expressing anger.

"Then, where will the souls of our killed brethren, our comrades, filled with regret, go! By destroying the foolish living things called humans who defiled this world and did nothing but increase, we can give a tribute to their souls. That is our mission!" (Ura)

I'm a human as well though.

"That's true, Ura. I don't intend on forgiving the living things called humans either." (Sharkryu)

"If so!" (Ura)

"However, the young hero whose strength and spirit exceeded mine said that he wants me to believe in the humans." (Sharkryu)

The demon king narrows his eyes. He is probably thinking back to the human he fought.

"While escaping this far, I thought about it what the very best option is. What I can do right now. The wounds I got from the hero's blow of justice won't heal so easily. By just gathering the survivors, overturning the war situation is impossible. The humans have already grasped most of the exits in this tunnel, and they will find us someday." (Sharkryu)

"Father, in that case, are you telling us to obediently surrender! To believe in the hero!?" (Ura)

"I do not know how that will turn out. Even though he is a hero, he will probably not be able to go against the flow of the ma.s.ses. Even if we surrender, our tribe will probably be decapitated. The same will happen for the war leaders as well. Furthermore, the soldiers will all become prisoners, and they will be arrested in jail for the rest of their lives, or they might become slaves. I do not know what will happen." (Sharkryu)

I vaguely understand the story. The demon king no longer has any intention to resist, as he believes that they can't escape annihilation, even if they fight any more than this.

However, since he doesn't know his opponent's approach, he can't take action. After all, even if they surrender, they might all be executed, or be made to taste pain even worse than death.

The demon king thinks the hero is trustable, but when asked if he is going to trust humans, his opinion wavers.

It seems it has become a slightly difficult story.

"Uhh, I'm sorry for asking this while you're busy, but can I finish my business soon?" (Velt)

It would probably be better if I settled my part quickly.

While everyone nearby had fallen silent, I settled my thoughts and raised my hand.

Of course, everyone turned their attention to me.

"That reminds me, I had been curious since some time ago, but who is that person covered in a hood?" (Sharkryu)

At the demon king's words, Ura and Ruuga stand in front of me in a panic.

"De, demon king-sama, thi, this person is someone who saved Ura-sama's life, and is not our enemy, and-" (Rugua)

"-Velt! I'll listen to your request later, so just be quiet for now!" (Ura)

"Ah, the atmosphere seems kinda awful already, and I want to make it clear right now. So uh, sorry." (Velt)

I take off my hood. In that instant, a shock ran through the demons who were in a silent state, and angry roars flew about in the next moment.

"It, it's a human child! Why is a human here."

"Did he come to kill us? Or, is he a pursuer!"

"Don't go easy on him just because he's a child. The hero was a brat like him too!"

I guess it would be hard to accept me. Well, that's obvious though. Rather, I'm not gonna be killed right? I'm counting on you guys to back me up, Ruuga and Ura.

"Quiet down!" (Ruuga)

As expected of Ruuga. With his voice, all the demons' angry roars suddenly stopped.

"This young man certainly is a human. However! While understanding the danger, he saved Ura-sama from the verge of death! Do not be rude towards us demons' benefactor!" (Ruuga)

A commotion occurs among the demons that didn't know the circ.u.mstances, and then confusion flows in.

Well yeah, it's understandable that they wouldn't be able to believe it. Besides, although I'm a child, apparently my age isn't that different to the hero.

They probably wouldn't just let me off because I'm a child.

As long as they aren't very tolerant, that is.

"Is that true?" (Sharkryu)

The demon king opens his mouth.

"It is true, father. I was saved by Velt here. Besides, Velt is a human from the Elfars.h.i.+a Kingdom. He has no connection to the current war." (Ura)

As if trying to protect me, Ura also explains the circ.u.mstances to the demon king. In that moment, the pressure leaking out of the demon king slightly loosened.

"I see. In that case, I have to thank you, youngster. I cannot get along with you because of the flow of the current world, but as a father, I say my thanks to you." (Sharkryu)

"Ah, ahh, nah, you don't have to do anything like that. I was going to abandon her depending on the situation anyways." (Velt)

"You can choose a reward. If it's a precious metal, you can even sell it for a high price in the human world." (Sharkryu)

After saying that, the demon king tries to take off the ring that's put on his finger. A jewel that had a beautiful, scarlet s.h.i.+ne was set in it.

Even without knowledge about jewels, I can tell. It seems extremely expensive.

Wait, this isn't the time to be doing this.

"Wait. I would be pretty thankful to receive something like that, but the reason I came here was not to receive a reward, but to ask demon king-sama something." (Velt)

"Hmm? Something you want to ask? Is that something like why I am making war?" (Sharkryu)

"No no no, I won't ask something so advanced. There're probably circ.u.mstances for that, and I’m not interested in that." (Velt)

Yeah, I only want to ask, no, make sure of one thing.

"I'm going to ask a reaaally strange question now, but if you don't understand, that's fine. I'll just be silent and return." (Velt)

"I don’t mind. Go ahead and ask it." (Sharkryu)

I'm getting slightly nervous. Rather, what should I do if I check and he really is that person.

After all, isn't he the demon king? I wonder what reaction he'll take~~

"Are you Samejima from the karate club?" (Velt)

What's he going to do? Because of the extremely sudden and incomprehensible question, Ura, Ruuga, and the other demons have blank faces.

Then, the demon king says,

"…………………… Youngster." (Sharkryu)

For one moment, when I thought that it had quietened down like a beach that doesn't have a single wave,

"Where did you…………………… where did you learn of that naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaame!?" (Sharkryu)

His jet black aura increases enough to cover the inside of the cave completely, and squashes me.

Craaap, he's seriously scary.

But, I wonder why.

Even though I thought this demon king that’s several times stronger than the demi-human that killed my old man and mum is scary, I didn't feel any fear of death.

That is because right now, I learnt this guy's ident.i.ty.

"Father, what is wrong, father!" (Ura)

"Demon king-sama, keep composed! Ve-, Velt-dono, what did you ask right now! Who is Samejima of the karaate club?" (Ruuga)

The demon king is probably in disorder from this helpless situation.

"Say iiiiiiit! Answer meeeeeeee! Why do you know, that name! You b.a.s.t.a.r.d, who the h.e.l.l are you!" (Sharkryu)

I might have been like that if my position was the same.

When I met with sensei, ramen was there, which softened the shock, but this time, it was sudden.

"Calm down. Before I answer that question, is your ident.i.ty really Samejima?" (Velt)

"Wh-, why, why, why, why, why!" (Sharkryu)

Nevertheless, I see, so you weren't reincarnated as a human huh………………

"Did you forget about it? I ran with you in the relay at the athletics festival, you know?" (Velt)

"Wha-!!!!" (Sharkryu)

"We won that relay, and we high fived, even though it was out of character for a delinquent like me." (Velt)

"*Delinquent? Delinquent, ah………… no…… no way………… no way!" (Sharkryu) (TL Note: *When he first said delinquent, he said it as if he didn't know what that word meant.)

"At that time, I learnt that you were unexpectedly a pa.s.sionate guy……… well, we weren't especially close or anything, but I didn't think we would reunite in this way." (Velt)

The demon king's expression changed.

It's not a king's face filled with dignity.

It's not a father's affectionate face either.

It's exuding the kind of weakness a child that was lost for a long time, lonely, in pain, and helpless, would show.

No one among the demons would have seen that before. The demon king's real, honest face.

"It's me. Asakura Ryuuma." (Velt)

I just answered with a smile to my old friend that I finally reunited with.

"A………… Asaku………… Asakura………… are you really Asakura?" (Sharkryu)

"Yeah." (Velt)

"Tha, that's a lie, since, since, I thought all my memories of that world were just delusions…………” (Sharkryu)

“It’s understandable for you who wasn’t reborn as a human to think that. It must have been quite tiring.” (Velt)

“A, A, Asakura………… o, ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!” (Sharkryu)

The demon king’s wailing simply resounded in the cave.

TL Note: The ‘Same’ in Samejima’s name means shark, so that might be how the author came up with Sharkryu.