The Fake Saintess and the Elf Warrior

"I don't know the prophet you mentioned. But our kingdom also has similar diviners and astrologers. They also make predictions about the future based on various factors. Some are indeed accurate, but there are also times when they fail. The future is not fixed or unique. It can be changed. Tatsia killing you is the most tragic ending for both of you. For your own sake and for Tatsia's sake, I hope you can personally avoid this future. Only you can do it."

"But what should I do..."

Avoiding the future sounds simple, but it's incredibly difficult to do. Killing Tatya would be the most direct and straightforward way to end things once and for all. But frankly, Naka couldn't do that. What other way could she avoid it? Naka had absolutely no clue.

"Takia, I am actually the Demon King. I won't kill you; I admire you, so come and become my subordinate." Naka had considered these words before. But once spoken, she feared that everything she had always cherished would be instantly destroyed. She couldn't imagine Tatakia smiling as she accepted her invitation to join the Demon King's army. She could only picture Tatakia's fury and sorrow upon learning that the person she trusted most was the one who destroyed her homeland and killed her people. At that moment, everything Naka desired would be forever lost.

She was a demon king, knowing only how to kill and recruit subordinates. What else was she capable of? She didn't know. Therefore, she suffered.

"It's actually very simple."

Because Naka brought Frost redemption, Frost decided to help her solve her problems as well.

"You two should sit down and have a serious talk. Tell her your identity, your purpose, and your feelings. No matter what she thinks, you must pay the price for what you've done and atone for your past sins. Whether she can accept it right away or not, as long as you consistently express your sincerity, believe that one day she will regain her approval and accept you."

"Frost, why did you...?"

The man about to be executed smiled at the executioner.

"Even if we can't meet, even if we're separated by life and death, as long as you still miss each other, there will always be a day when you can truly be together. I hope you won't forget this feeling. You're both girls, and the road ahead will surely be difficult. But I believe you can overcome all obstacles. I believe that when the day comes when you and she truly understand each other, you will no longer be an enemy of humanity. Therefore, I can die in peace. My strength is only a fraction of yours. But if my words can help you in any way, then I can consider myself to have sacrificed myself for my country."

"..."

More than the hatred for her companions killed by her, more than his own life, Frost valued the greater good of the future. He could almost see the dawn of peace shining on the other side of the horizon. Even if he couldn't witness that day arrive, he would have no regrets.

His words echoed in Naka's mind, just as she had hoped. Before coming to this school, she had never imagined she would have such a heart-to-heart conversation with Fros. He was unlike any other human Naka had ever met. His words possessed an extraordinary persuasiveness. Even knowing he was a demon king there to kill him, he was still willing to offer advice. Hatred and gratitude could coexist; battle and heart-to-heart communication were not mutually exclusive. Even enemies could forge friendships. Humans were such strange creatures.

Frost had finished speaking his last words. He had conveyed them to those he wished to redeem. He had said all he needed to say. Naka was also ready to end it all.

Dark magic once again formed a vortex in her hand, aimed at Fros. Finally, Naka had one last thing to say—a expression of regret for the dying Fros.

"If it weren't for this difference in perspective, perhaps we could have become close friends."

"...That's what I think too. Somehow, I have a feeling that we get along really well."

"To be honest, I've considered recruiting you into our Demon King's army. But I'm sure you'd refuse."

"Yes, you guessed right."

"Losing someone as talented as you is a tremendous loss to the human kingdom. Even if I don't intend to make peace with them yet, I can't help but feel sorry for them... If you go to that world and meet Hito, I wish you eternal happiness there."

"Yes, we will."

"Well then, farewell, Mr. Floss."

"Farewell, Miss Naka"

Everything that needed to be said had been said. Frost closed his eyes, facing the final moments of his life.

A demon-level spell called "Dark World Spiral" swirled rapidly from her palm towards Frost in a magical vortex. It was the skill of Aichi, the warrior who had killed Frost's teammate twenty years ago.

A powerful magical storm instantly tore Frost's body apart, shattering him into countless fragments. The intense heat of the magic then vaporized those tiny fragments, evaporating Frost's flesh and blood before he even hit the ground.

The dark vortex easily shattered the barrier that even Frost's strongest attack couldn't break, shooting straight into the sky and disappearing into the distance. When Naka lowered her hand again, there was nothing left in front of her.

"..."

She looked at her hands, at the spot where a living person had once stood, then looked up at the sky, at Fros, now reduced to dust. She had achieved her goal. She had killed the person she had always wanted to kill. But Naka felt no joy.

After killing Frost, all she felt was bitterness. She stared at the empty hill, the sword lying on the ground. His words, his ambition, his sense of responsibility, his courage... everything had left a deep impression on Naka, a tremendous shock. Closing her eyes, Tatsia's image would appear before her. Reality and memory, both evoked indescribable bittersweet emotions within her, a complex mix of feelings.

Finally, she picked up Frost's sword and disappeared over the hill. Where did Naka go? No one knows.

The following day was the final day of exams at the Sunflower Town Adventurers' School. Although the founder, Frost, had also disappeared overnight after Mytian, the school still managed to finish all the exams.

Jasmine, who successfully defeated the top seed, Pais, and won the championship of the beginner saintess class, returned to her dormitory. She wanted to express her gratitude to her friend who had made a promise to her and ask her what kind of magical method she had used, but she found that Naka's luggage, which she had left in the room when she went to sleep last night, had disappeared.

Naka's bare bed was left with only a letter. The envelope bore three words: To Jasmine. The contents were roughly as follows:

"Jasmine. I can only apologize for leaving without saying goodbye. We've known each other for almost three years. Saying goodbye in this way was never my intention. But after what happened to Tatsia, I realized I was more short-sighted and indecisive than I thought. This led to Tatsia's loss of direction and her expulsion from school. And this wasn't her fault. It was my fault for failing to guide her and pull her back from the brink. I wanted to help her, but in the end, I harmed her. I'm sorry to her, and I'm also sorry to you, who have been with me since before I became a saint. When you see..." By the time I write this letter, you must have already achieved first place. What awaits you next is a magnificent prize from the school, and the opportunity to become a disciple of the kingdom's elite adventurers, continuing your training and refinement under their tutelage. Congratulations, Jasmine. I hope that when we meet again, you will have become the person you aspire to be. At that time, I will be wholeheartedly happy for you and cheer for you. Before I can become someone worthy of being your friend, let us part for now. Sincerely, a foolish saintess who wants to re-examine herself and rediscover her true self.

"Naka!!"

For several days, Jasmine could be seen searching the campus and the surrounding area of ​​Sunflower Town. More than any vague reward, she wanted to know where her friend had gone. But even after running until her shoes wore out, she never saw Naka again. A fisherman said he saw a girl dressed as a saint weeping by the river for a whole day and night.

In the end, Jasmine returned to school. Naka helped her win the top scholar title because she hoped Jasmine could become a high-ranking saintess and one day realize her dream. Jasmine didn't want to let Naka down. From that day on, Jasmine wiped away her tears. She was no longer lost. The Kingdom's elite adventurer group's reserve force gained another member.

As for Oz, after learning of Frost's disappearance, he vanished from the school. Some say he went to look for Frost. Some say he failed to become champion and disappointed Frost, so he was ashamed to face him. Others say he went to find Tatia, who had been expelled, to settle things with her after the exams. In short, from that day on, the once unruly boy was no longer seen in Sunflower Town.

As for the school, the successive disappearances of Mitis and Fros left them bewildered. The most heartbroken was Misha, who had lost both her older sister and the person she secretly loved. The disappearance of such a kingdom elite should have drawn the attention of the capital. However, the capital refused to participate in the investigation, citing Fros's advanced age, retirement, and current status as a mere education scholar, arguing that the matter should be handled by the security department.

Disheartened, Misha finally decided to quit her job and go find them on her own. Since then, there have been few reports of her.

As for this matter, and how the Sunflower Town Adventurers' School handled related issues and prepared for the next batch of new students in Frost's absence, those are stories for another time.

"The Demon King?"

When Fane returned to the Demon King's palace after a long day's work, he was shocked. The Demon King, who should have been continuing his adventures in the human towns, had somehow returned to his throne.

Yes. Naka's final decision was to return to the Demon King's castle. She was waiting for Fan to appear in her familiar chair.

"Your Majesty, why are you back? Was it about an adventure...?"

"I won't give up on finding the prophesied hero. But I'd like to take a break."

"what?"

Naka, with her legs crossed, said listlessly.

"I've been traveling for three years, and I'm really, really tired. Besides, I've already killed Frost. I'm taking this opportunity to give myself a break... Is that a problem?"

"Did you successfully kill Frost? Congratulations, Your Majesty... It's understandable that you want to rest. But what about your teammates..."

"I've already said goodbye to Tatia."

"Really? That's good news."

Fane had always wanted to break her up with Tatsia. Now he had finally succeeded. Although he didn't know the reason why Naka and she separated, he didn't care anymore.

"And what about Miss Jasmine?"

"I used the 'Enhancement' power on her, enhancing all her abilities. Now she should be the top student, happily becoming an apprentice to some elite adventurer."

The magical ability she used at the time was "Enhancement," one of the "Demon King's Powers." It could temporarily amplify all of the target's abilities several times over. This effect would last until the end of the exam and wouldn't be detected as cheating by the school.

However, the enhancement of power isn't a temporary boost like physical enhancement magic; it activates the target's full potential without reservation. In other words, even if Jasmine becomes an apprentice to a high-ranking saintess, she won't make any progress until she turns twenty. Perhaps soon, Jasmine will realize this problem—that she not only can't improve, but she might even gradually weaken as the effects of the "enhancement" power fade. But that's no longer Naka's concern.

"Thump!"

Naka slammed her fist heavily on the armrest of the throne. This strike represented her resolve.

As Frost said, she was becoming more emotional and human. These were emotions the Demon King didn't need. Naka constantly remembered that she was the Demon King, with the ultimate goal of conquering the world. Her return, besides resting, was truly to recall the cruelty she had shown as the Demon King.

"Here, I only focus on improving my abilities and honing my will. But in the human world, these feelings become uncontrollably dulled, judgments falter, and the heart softens. I, Nama Kalena, have not only gained nothing in these three years, but have also become exceptionally fragile, prone to acting impulsively, and swayed by emotions... Fan, do you think this is a good thing for me?"

"No, Your Majesty."

"That's right! So I'm going to sweep away all this unnecessary stuff! Banish it all from my mind! Jasmine, and Tatia... I'm going to regain the ruthlessness to kill them without batting an eye! Only then can our dominance, our dreams, be realized... Don't you think so, Fan?"

"You are absolutely right, Your Majesty the Demon King."

"Very well. Well then, to welcome me back and to relieve my fatigue of the past three years, I'd like to drink some elven blood to refresh myself... Someone, come here!"

...

Soon, a cup of perfectly preserved, crystal-clear red elven blood was served.

Whenever Naka felt tired, a glass of this would refresh her. She hadn't had it for three years and missed its taste terribly. She raised her glass and drank it all in one gulp.

However...

"Ugh! I'm so hungry..."

The first mouthful had barely entered Naka's mouth before a wave of nausea washed over her, an overwhelming feeling of vomiting rising uncontrollably. The elven blood that had just entered her mouth gushed out along with a large amount of gastric juices. Naka vomited it all up with a "whoosh."

"Your Majesty! What's wrong? Royal Physician! Royal Physician!"

Naka, who had always been healthy and had never even caught a cold, suddenly vomited, which truly alarmed Faen. Worried about Naka's condition, he repeatedly called for the royal physician, who hadn't worked since Naka became the Demon King.

But Naka waved her hand, stopping him.

"No, no need... I'm not feeling unwell."

"What, what is that?"

"...Hahaha, hahahaha"

"Your Majesty the Demon King?"

Looking at the pool of bright red blood mixed with stomach acid on the ground, Naka laughed. But as she laughed, she cried. "Drip, drip." The pool of liquid eventually turned into a mixture of blood, stomach acid, and tears.

The elven blood that was once so delicious is still just as delicious now. And the reason why she spat out something so delicious, Naka already knew perfectly well.

"Haha. It seems that, psychologically, I can no longer accept the cruel idea of ​​drinking the blood of my fellow citizens of Tatia..."

No matter how much Naka wanted to let go, she could never deceive herself about her feelings for Tatia. Nor could she deny her regret for her decision back then, or her remorse for the deaths of Tatia's people because of her. Therefore, deep down, she could no longer accept the idea of ​​"drinking elf blood."

"Take it away, I don't want to drink it anymore."

Naka pushed away the cup containing the remaining elven blood. One of her bodyguards took it away. Another guard quickly cleaned up her vomit. After all the irrelevant people had left, Naka slumped weakly into a chair.

"Your Majesty the Demon King..."

"Let me have some peace and quiet first, Fain."

"..."

Fane watched his adopted daughter, who seemed lifeless, with deep concern. He hadn't checked on Naka for a long time due to his busy work schedule. He didn't know what had happened to her to turn her into this dejected state. Naka didn't seem willing to talk to him either. Fane could only helplessly watch her from the sidelines.

After an unknown amount of time on the throne, Naka finally recovered somewhat and, supporting herself on the armrests, sat up from her slumped position. She then gave instructions to Fain.

"Fan. I learned the whereabouts of Yag's teeth when I killed Fros. I'll rest for about three months. After that, I'll head directly to the capital of the human kingdom to investigate Yag. You should also continue to send people to investigate, and notify me immediately if you find anything."

"Yes, sir."

"Furthermore, I've made some progress in apprehending those who modify monsters. However, I have to handle the matter with Aag personally, as I'm simply overwhelmed. You should send General Diaz to Sunflower Town to investigate this matter. He possesses magic that allows him to disguise himself as a human, and this mission is indispensable."

"Yes, sir."

"Oh, right, and..."

That concludes the discussion of work. What remains is, after losing the elven blood, a remedy for fatigue and stress, the only thing that can offer Naka solace.

"...Go and fetch Mayera for me."

"!"

It was a very ordinary, unremarkable command, but Naka noticed that Farn's body suddenly jolted, and he immediately broke out in a cold sweat. The king had already given the order, yet this subject hadn't acted for a long time. Naka, fearing he hadn't heard clearly, repeated it.

"What's wrong? I told you to call Mayera here, didn't you hear me?"

"Your Majesty, Demon King, what is the purpose of your summons...?"

"I haven't seen her for over three years, and I miss her a little. Is that not allowed?"

"No, no..."

The more Fane spoke, the more cold sweat poured down his body. His body began to tremble, and his speech became increasingly stammering. Finally, Naka, unable to contain her curiosity, asked...

"Fan, are you hiding something from me?"

"this..."

"You told me that back then, didn't you? You said there was nothing left to hide... Could it be that you were lying to me?"

"No, I wouldn't dare!"

"What kind of decorum are you in now?!"

Naka let out an angry shout. Knowing he could no longer hide the truth, Fane knelt down with a thud, kowtowing repeatedly like a chicken pecking at rice.

"Your Majesty, I deserve to die! Your Majesty, I deserve to die! Please, Your Majesty, calm your anger!"

"...Get up and speak."

After all, he was her adoptive father, and Naka, as his adopted daughter, felt a pang of guilt seeing him so humble. She also understood that Farn was loyal, and if there was anything he hadn't explained in time, there must be a reason. So she changed to a more conciliatory tone and asked...

"What exactly happened? I don't blame you. Tell me."

"Your Majesty... Lady Meera... she's escaped!"

Naka truly regretted saying "It's not your fault" earlier. She jumped to her feet, her eyes wide.

"What...what did you say...!?"

Where is she? How much time has passed since the day she lost hope? Tatia doesn't know.

After being expelled from the adventurer's school, she wandered aimlessly like a lost doll. The residents of Sunflower Town, who had rumoredly nearly killed her classmate, cast malicious glances, hurl insults, and pelted her with stones—Takia remembered nothing of it. She didn't know how she left Sunflower Town, or where she was going. The winter wind cut like a knife against her face, making her already thin face even more withered. Pain. But even this could not soften her increasingly cold heart.