There's No Point Running Away (10)

'What do you mean...? Didn't you refuse to go to the next stage because you didn't want the demons to be reset? The next stage is supposed to be the place you're aiming for, too, isn't it?'

"What I want to destroy is the system that resets them, you know? Sure, given how things have gone, they probably won't be reset this time... but nothing's changed at the root of it, has it?"

At those words, Estellera gave the matter some thought. Kagami was right.

'But... if that happens, you'll never be able to reach the next stage. Your goal doesn't exist in this world... Are you okay with that?'

"No, I'm going to the next stage. Just not now. You're right... there's probably nothing I can do about the reset system, no matter how hard I struggle. That's why... before that happens, I've found something I need to do back on the surface."

'What do you intend to do...?'

"You'll have to wait and see, won't you? You're keeping an eye on me anyway, right? Once I'm done, I'll come back here. This time, I'll make sure to collect 10,000 gold so you can't complain."

After saying that, Kagami picked up the bag of money he'd tossed on the ground and his backpack. Watching him, the Dark Dragon once more murmured thoughtfully, 'Truly, what an interesting fellow...'

"Oh, but before that, can I have the Demon King back?"

'...What?'

"I need the Demon King's presence for what I want to do."

'What nonsense are you talking about...? The Demon King-sama will be returned once you've collected 10,000 gold. That was our agreement, wasn't it?'

"That was just collateral to make me work desperately to get the Demon King back, right? I don't need that anymore. I'll gather the full 10,000 gold before time runs out. You can start a war or whatever if I fail to collect it in time. I won't let that happen, though."

'The Demon King-sama's power is immense. I have to keep the Demon King-sama close and weakened at all times... Even then, making the Demon King-sama obey is no easy task.'

"Then if I don't make it in time, I'll weaken him with all I've got and make him do what I say. So please."

Kagami had no grounds for his confidence. When the time came, there was every chance he might betray them. Even so, seeing him speak so boldly, with a serious expression, to the two beings who could be called rulers of this world—saying something anyone would assume was a lie—the Dark Dragon and Estellera couldn't help bursting into laughter.

'Heh... heh heh, hahahahaha! How delightful... How long has it been since I felt this way? Very well, Estellera. When the time comes, I shall lend my power as well and ensure the Demon King is weakened, just as he said. It seems... things will be more interesting if we hand the Demon King over to him now.'

At the Dark Dragon's words, Estellera nodded in agreement and created a distortion in space before Kagami. From within it, a bearded man dressed in black formal attire and a surcoat emerged and landed on his back, limp as though weakened by some kind of drug.

"D-Demon King-sama!"

Menou immediately rushed to the Demon King's side and helped him sit up. After confirming that he was weak but unharmed, Menou sighed with relief and smiled at Kagami.

"Thanks for trusting me."

'I didn't trust you. I merely had high hopes—that you'd do something beyond our expectations once again.'

With a faint smile, Estellera held out a hand toward Kagami and the others.

'Then I'll be watching to see how it turns out. Whatever it is you still have left to do in this world—the thing for which you need the Demon King-sama.'

With those words, light enveloped Kagami and the others. They vanished in a burst, leaving only sparkling particles behind.

'I shall be waiting... you who may become a savior.'

After watching the scene, the Dark Dragon murmured softly.

"Oh, you're awake? I didn't think you'd sleep for half a day."

In the heart of the Sacred Forest, in the night, faintly lit by a bonfire, Kagami peered at the Demon King's face and spoke. The Demon King, in turn, looked around with bleary eyes and slowly sat up, his body feeling heavy.

"...Where am I? What... happened to me?"

Still in considerable pain, the Demon King murmured as he held his head.

Half a day had passed since Estellera had returned them to the surface. Kagami and Menou had decided it would be difficult to carry the Demon King, so they waited in the Sacred Forest until he woke up.

"...What? My mana...?"

"I went ahead and wrapped you in the mana-suppressing cloth I've had Alice and Menou wear. I made three, thinking I might have more demon allies in the future. I never thought I'd have to use all three on you just to keep your overflowing mana in check. And this isn't even your full strength? What kind of monster are you?"

"...It seems you've saved me again."

"This is a touching reunion between master and disciple, isn't it? You should be happier."

"Don't be ridiculous. You're the only one who calls it that."

As the Demon King smiled, Kagami smiled too and replied, "Was that so?" Then he tossed some of the firewood he'd prepared into the bonfire.