“Are you alive?”
Despite receiving such intense attack, it seems like I somehow survived.
But judging by what I see, my body is wrapped in bandages, and although I feel the pain from wounds in various parts of my body, it doesn’t seem like I have lost limbs or suffered mortal wounds.
“It seems that wasn’t a self-detonation.”
Someone approached.
This voice, it can’t be…!
I was surprised and turned around.
Long peach-colored hair, eyes like gemstones, and a tall figure adorned with shiny accessories.
It was the Demon King Vilarzord.
“Are you alive…?”
My body froze.
I am completely defenseless now, how far can I fight with this body?
“…Thank you for protecting me.”
The Demon King’s expression was calm… And he smiled.
At least, he showed no signs of hostile or murderous intentions at all.
For now, it doesn’t seem like he’s about to attack me directly.
As I remained alert, I looked at him.
“Hero Sion… I thank you. Thanks to you using your last strength to teleport me, I am alive.”
“Eh? Eh?”
Teleportation?
“What are you talking about now…?”
“This time it’s my turn to save you. I’ve gathered the highest-ranking healers from the Demon King’s army. I want you to heal slowly.”
As I looked around while lying on the cot, I saw over ten demons around me.
They were all beautiful women dressed in clothes similar to priestesses.
Ugh.
From their raised hands, a green light emanated, enveloping my entire body.
“Ugh…”
The pain slowly began to diminish.
At the same time, little by little… just a bit, I felt my lost energy returning.
Still, I didn’t have enough strength to get up from the bed.
Just sitting on the bed made me feel quite exhausted.
There was an intense sense of fatigue as if my very being had left me.
“I didn’t expect to be saved by the Demon King’s army… but, is it okay for them to help a human?”
“You are my benefactor.”
The Demon King said, and a serene smile formed on his face.
There was no trace of malice in him.
It was a kind smile directed at me.
“…Don’t you hate humans?”
Stunned, I asked the Demon King.
“Demons… feed on the fear of humans, right? That’s why they came to conquer the world.”
“That’s a misunderstanding from the beginning. Our desire is simply to live in peace.”
“Live in peace? Demons?”
“Humans consider us embodiments of evil. Can you believe it?”
“Well, that’s…”
I was speechless.
They were truly saving my life and providing treatment; I couldn’t argue.
However, even if I was told that those whom I had considered evil until now were not actually so, I felt confused.
“Anyway, for now, let them heal your wounds. You can think about it later.”
“Demon King.”
“Eh?”
“I am grateful for your help.”
Suppressing my complex feelings, I bowed to the Demon King.
With the help of the healers and the Demon King’s secret spells, my wounds were gradually healing.
However, unlike a common wound, the hero’s self-detonation did not seem to heal so easily.
A truly frustrating recovery speed.
And… my body that was beginning to heal now was a bit different from before.
Two days after arriving here, I got out of bed and left the room.
That’s when the Demon King arrived.
“Where are you going, Sion?”
“Just to the inner garden of the castle. May I? I have no intention of acting against you.”
“You are my guest and benefactor. You don’t need permission. Explore freely inside and outside the castle.”
“Then, I will take you up on your words. I want to practice fencing to stay in shape.”
“If you go to the armory, they will lend you the sword of your choice… oh, but did you have your own sacred sword?”
“Sacred sword…”
I suddenly realized.
Would my sword still be intact?
“[Summon Sacred Sword]”
*Shun…*
As soon as I recited it, a long sword appeared in my hand.
Golden blade with a crimson hilt.
A huge gem embedded in the pommel.
It was the sacred sword bestowed by the gods to the hero, “Destiny Sword Faryaleida.”
“Where did you get that sword?” the Demon King asked, perplexed.
“Usually, the sacred sword is kept in an alternate dimension.”
Once I said it, I regretted it.
The location of the sacred sword was highly confidential information.
On the other hand, I didn’t care as much if I told her.
Perhaps I was already tired of being a hero.
“Ah… I shouldn’t have asked. Although we will eventually become enemies… I’m sorry.”
“Haha, apologies from a Demon King to a hero…”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
“I really am sorry, truly.”
“Oh, you’re not kidding me. I’m sorry too.”
I bowed to the Demon King.
Then we looked at each other and smiled.
