After a while of thinking, Barbatos had a look of surprise on his face, as if he’d stumbled across a curious thought.
“Can’t be... Don’t tell me you crushed those damn Angelic Knights thanks to that power?”
“Well, Nephy certainly did play a part.” One of the Angelic Knights was defeated by Nephy, so it wasn’t wrong to say he borrowed her power.
Then, with a meek expression on his face, Barbatos muttered.
“So, that destruction at the entrance is also because of her power?”
Looking back, Zagan realized he never cleaned up the aftermath of Nephy manipulating the forest. From the looks of it, Barbatos had likely seen the traces already. And, the sight probably tipped off the fact that something other than sorcery was at play.
Taking Zagan’s expression as confirmation, Barbatos let out a groan.
“You’re... seriously aiming for the Archdemon title, huh?”
Upon hearing that name, Zagan finally remembered that he and Barbatos were candidates to succeed Archdemon Marchosias. Honestly, his head had been full because of Nephy, so he hadn’t spared the idea a thought over the last few days.
The reason for that was because Zagan finally had something he desired far more than status.
I don’t mind not being crowned Archdemon, as long as I can hold on to what I truly want...
It wasn’t like having his mind fully occupied by Nephy made him lose all interest in the title. On the contrary, Zagan was most likely the one who most suited the position.
Still, he didn’t wish for the title, but something that came along with it... Yes...
Will becoming an Archdemon keep other sorcerers away from Nephy? Nephy had become Zagan’s disciple. If he were an Archdemon, then she would be the disciple of one. Plus, she would become an existence similar to him.
No matter how confident the sorcerer, there likely weren’t any idiots out there who would pick a fight with him in that case. That was why Zagan replied with a ferocious laugh.
“Is there a reason for me not to?” In all honesty, at the current stage, he didn’t really think he would be selected.
It wasn’t that he doubted his skills, but he knew it’d be difficult to charge past sorcerers who had lived for several hundred years when he was only eighteen.
Zagan only began walking down the path of a sorcerer ten years ago, and the other sorcerers had spent several hundred years honing their skills. No matter how he struggled against the knowledge they gained over time and their accumulated experience, he had no chance of winning.
Still, as long as I continue to draw breath, I’ll aim to become the next Archdemon after that.
A new Archdemon wasn’t crowned all too often, but he figured he’d have a shot as long as he lived another hundred years.
Zagan took a teacup into his hand. After savoring the refreshing aroma from it, he put the cup against his lips. He didn’t know what brand it was, but it had an elegant flavor. It perfectly matched the baked sweets, as well.
“Mm... It has a good taste.”
“That brings me the greatest joy, Master.”
Barbatos stared at that exchange like it was unexpected.
“Zagan, tell me I’m wrong here, buddy. You’re not starting to care for this girl, are you?”
“Is it that strange to cherish one’s disciple?” As he said that, Zagan came to realize the word disciple was quite convenient. His love at first sight, which he’d been trying to figure out how to explain, was glossed over thanks to a single word.
Barbatos then raised his voice with a chuckle.
“Heh... I see. That’s how it is, huh? Even you’ve got some fucking humanity left in you. Weird.”
“Shut up.”
After gulping down the tea in one go, Barbatos left his seat.
“What, leaving already?”
“Yeah. I mean, there’s no way I’m letting you steal the Archdemon title from me. Besides, an unexpected prize popped up.” Barbatos walked away, leaving behind Zagan, who was tilting his head to the side.
“The hell’d that guy come here for...?” As Zagan let out an astonished sigh, Nephy spoke in a curious voice.
“Is he not a friend?”
“Not a chance in hell. Friends only bring disadvantages, so you have to choose them well.”
“But Master, you seemed to be having fun.”
“Is that so?”
“Indeed.” He didn’t want to admit it, but Nephy nodded in a convinced manner.
Talking with a guy like that... is fun? He thought the idea stupid. Nephy was surely misunderstanding. However, for some reason, he was unable to fully deny her words. By some chance, it could be that Zagan simply didn’t realize that he’d already been blessed with a friend.
Washing away the inability to accept that fact with a spot of tea, Zagan got off his throne.
“Now then, it’s about time I start repairing the barrier those damn Angelic Knights broke. Nephy, you should come assist me. Think of it as a lesson. I’ll be starting from the foundations of the magic circle.”
“Yes, Master,” she replied.
Time that was not spent alone, contrary to expectation, had quite the sweet taste.
◇
It had been half a month since the fateful day Zagan bought Nephy.
During that time, she had been diligently studying the foundations of sorcery. If not for the collar, she would have already reached the point where she could wield it reasonably well.
As for mysticism, well, it seemed controlling it was still difficult. It also appeared that it was definitely not an omnipotent power, as it had many limitations. Zagan was left with the impression that the road to improving in that particular skill was still rather long.
Even so, he thought that their life together was fulfilling. And during that time, Zagan received a summons from the Archdemons. Now then, what exactly do they want?
When he went to meet them, he faced twelve shadowy figures. Each and every one of them had their face concealed, and they were positioned in a way that allowed them to remain in the shadows, so Zagan was unable to make out any of their features.
However, there was likely no meaning to such concealment. The mana that he felt rolling off them was on a different order of magnitude, which made their identities obvious.
What the hell...
Sweat suddenly formed on his brow. Yes, even though they were merely looking at him, they were giving off an intimidating aura that sent shivers right down to the marrow of his bones. It felt like the air itself had turned to mud due to the malice that clung to him. Simply standing there made him sick to his stomach.
Were they truly mortal creatures, just like him? This was not the unease a frog would feel from being glared at by a snake. It felt more like being a frog who was already in a snake’s stomach.
The twelve existing Archdemons... had gathered here in this place.
They were what awaited sorcerers at the end of their long journey. One would either enter their fold, or rot away before arriving. Those were the only two fates that awaited all sorcerers. And eventually, one among them solemnly opened their mouth.
“So thou art, Zagan.” Following that, a woman’s voice rang out.
“I heard whispers that he was young, but a child, really...” And yet another voice continued afterward.
“How amusing. That would make him the youngest in history, would it not?” The Archdemons gazed at Zagan, then began laughing in a somewhat strange manner.
Zagan didn’t like being made a fool of. Sure, they were all figures who deserved his respect, but Zagan didn’t have the spare time to entertain a bunch of elderly individuals.
If I don’t return quickly, I won’t make it in time for Nephy’s breakfast. Nephy was waiting for him on her own, all alone, as he stood around with people he couldn’t care less about.
Plus, though the castle’s barrier had been restored, it wasn’t strong enough to stop an Angelic Knight with a Sacred Sword, or any
sorcery on Barbatos’ level. As long as Nephy’s mysticism was still unstable, he had to keep his trips away from the castle short.
That was why Zagan impudently spoke out.
“What, did you summon me just to observe a peculiar animal? If you’re satisfied, I’d like to head back now.” He’d made a reckless remark toward people of far higher standing, so he couldn’t even complain if he was killed. However, the Archdemons simply muttered, seemingly pleased by his attitude.
“My, how impolite of us.”
“Even to us, a sorcerer like thee is a first. Do forgive our throbbing inquisitiveness.”
“I must say, you are rather bold. To speak to us so sharply in this place.” After several of the laughing voices spoke up, one shadowy figure among them, who appeared to be the leader, took charge.
“I shall get right to the point.” The cunning tone of that voice made it feel as if Zagan’s heart was caught in a vise.
Enduring the cold sweat, he stared at the shadowy figure directly in front of him. And then, it made a shocking announcement.
“Sorcerer Zagan. Thou shalt become our thirteenth sworn friend — we have judged thee worthy to bear the title Archdemon.”
In response to that sudden announcement, Zagan stiffened up in place.
Did I hear that wrong? They’re making me... an Archdemon? Rather than joy, feelings of doubt welled up within him.
Before Zagan could open his mouth, an enormous sigil made of light rose up behind the Archdemons.
No, it wasn’t light. It was mana. It was woven together from an unnatural amount and density of mana. Simply witnessing it made Zagan’s knees buckle. It was a mass of overwhelming power. And then, he felt the same power as that crest coming from all twelve people present.
The leading shadowy figure then spoke.
“This is the Sigil of the Archdemon that was entrusted to Marchosias. Every new Archdemon must inherit it to join us.”
A gulp rang out from Zagan’s throat. So Archdemon isn’t just some fancy title, huh? Inheriting a sigil — if that meant inheriting that power, then there was no way a normal sorcerer could ever rival an Archdemon. It seemed the reason all sorcerers had no choice but to abide by an Archdemon’s decrees wasn’t only because of hierarchy.
After taking in such a sight, Zagan realized that this was no joke, and that he really was about to become an Archdemon.
Before he knew it, the depths of his throat felt parched. And while his throat throbbed, Zagan asked for clarification.
“I will... become an Archdemon?”
“Art thou discontent?”
“Not quite, but it is baffling. It’s not like there aren’t far more powerful sorcerers than me out there, right?” Barbatos, for example. Even the sorcerers he spotted at the auction where he bought Nephy had lived longer than Zagan, and they were all ones who had accumulated vast knowledge and power. In contrast, Zagan didn’t even possess a second name.
“A natural suspicion, Zagan. Thine power is still but a pygmy.”
“To the point where you would vanish were we to blow our breath.” However, the shadowy figures continued speaking.
“Even so, there are no sorcerers who canst kill thee.” Deep in his mind, Zagan clicked his tongue.
So they’ve even seen through my trump card, then? Zagan’s power was just as they described.
“The first sorcerer that thou didst murder was Andras, who held the name ‘Resentment,’ was it not?” That was the name of the sorcerer who planned to use Zagan as a sacrifice.
“He did not possess as much power as thou dost now, but neither was he a weak sorcerer.”
“Even if it was a one in ten thousand chance, he wasn’t so incompetent that he would fall behind a child who was eight.”
“And yet, thou didst kill him instead, and stole all his wisdom.” A record of treason. And yet, the Archdemons extolled it as if it were a great exploit.
“Up until then, thou didst not even have a single opportunity to touch upon sorcery.”
“The only time that thou didst witness sorcery... was that single time Andras had fired it at thee.”
“And in that state, thou didst butcher a sorcerer who possessed a name, correct?” And, as if speaking with love, one of the shadowy figures raised their voice.
“Thou didst... learn sorcery from seeing it but once.” And another shadowy figure followed after them.
“No, from that single time alone, thou didst understand even the structure of sorcery.”
“That is why, from that one experience, didst thou create a unique sorcery.”
Zagan only possessed a single sorcery that belonged solely to him. It was not something he stole from Andras, and it was not something he learned from sorcery of the past.
It was something nobody else could use, sorcery that belonged only to him. That itself was the first sorcery he learned, and it was the very power that brought down Andras.
“Sorcery to be awed. And also—”
“An abominable talent.” The twelve shadowy figures whispered as if praising him.
“That is to say, that once thou hast decided to steal, none can stop thee.”
“That is to say, that once thou hast decided to kill, none can survive.”
“If thou didst desire power, all sorcerers could not help but offer all they have to thee.”
“If thou didst command them once, all sorcerers would have no choice but to obey thine will unconditionally.”
“Truly befitting of the name Archdemon... The power of a tyrant, indeed.” While they were throwing out various words of adoration toward him, Zagan could feel a conviction in their voices as if they were saying ‘though not a match for us’ with each phrase.
And then, as if thrusting that fact before him, they continued speaking.
“Though it may be a contradiction, as thou art now, thou art still a pygmy.”
“However, thou dost possess a talent so powerful it appears repulsive.”
“Talent is possibility.”
“One day, thou shalt become the strongest sorcerer in history.”
“That’s why we dare to make thine pygmy self an Archdemon.”
“All is for the sake of reaching new heights of wisdom.”
“All is for the sake of carrying sorcery to its extremes.” The chorus of the Archdemons that sounded like singing stopped there. And Zagan felt he was getting swallowed into the atmosphere of those shadowy figures.
Eventually, as if shaking all that off, Zagan glared back at them.
“If everything’s as you say, wouldn’t that mean I could steal from all of you right here and now?” Of course, Zagan wasn’t foolish enough to challenge the people here to a fight. But still, he asked as if to confirm if they were just such existences.
And, as if waiting for that question, the Archdemons laughed.
“Indeed. However, do keep in mind.”
“Thou may hast far more to lose than gain from stealing from us, dost thou not?”
Zagan’s stomach writhed. If they’ve learned so much about me already, then they obviously know about Nephy, huh?
Stealing from them would mean opposing twelve beings of unimaginable power. Even if he somehow outdid them, he knew it wouldn’t end with them simply taking a hostage. And, the truth of the matter was that the result would not have changed in any meaningful way had he not met Nephy.
All who resisted them would be brought to ruin. Sure, even an Archdemon may not have been able to kill Zagan, but that just meant he’d survive. Zagan had no way of actually defeating one. Each time he gained something, it would be snatched away and broken.
In the end, all that awaited was ruin. And there, Zagan realized what he’d done for the very first time. Did I... get Nephy involved in such a dangerous situation?
And then, the leading shadowy figure spoke once more.
“We would hear thine answer.”
“...Before that, there is one thing that I desire. It depends on whether I obtain
it.”
“Haha, thine avarice runs deep, I see. Try speaking of it, then.”
Zagan put his desire into words, and the shadowy figures nodded as if they found it strange.
“Very well. Thou canst do as thou wills with Marchosias’ legacy.”
“You gave in... awfully quickly there.”
“Did we not say it before? If thou hast decided to steal, none could obstruct thee.” What he wanted to obtain had so easily entered his grasp. It was rather anticlimactic, but Zagan nodded all the same.
“Then I will gratefully accept the vacant Archdemon position.”
The leading shadow figure spoke once he finished.
“We welcome our new sworn friend.” Unexpectedly, what welcomed Zagan was applause.
They didn’t converse like humans in an assembly, so this ordinary reaction was contrary to his expectations. And conversely, that made it feel all the more eerie. It was as if inhuman monsters were imitating humans.
Before Zagan knew it, his clenched fist was wet with sweat. Still, as he was somewhat released from that overbearing pressure, Zagan regained enough composure to ask a question that was completely unrelated to the situation at hand.
“There’s one thing... I’d like to ask all of you. Do you know of a man who uses sorcery by peeling off fresh skin?”
One among the shadowy figures immediately spoke up.
“That would likely be ‘Face Peeler,’ yes. A worthless sorcerer. I have heard that thou didst already end that man’s life, though?” It seemed that it was definitely that sorcerer.
“Was he a sorcerer of sufficient skill? Enough to break through the barrier of another sorcerer’s domain, I mean.”
“That would likely be impossible for him. He was an excellent spy, but when it came to barriers he was only at the level of mere child’s play.” Hearing that answer, Zagan fell into a somewhat gloomy mood.
In other words, that guy had an accomplice. And the pool of suspects was limited to those capable of breaking through Zagan’s barrier. As such, he already knew of the true identity of said accomplice. Figuring that out made him realize once again that sorcerers had no hope of salvation.
The shadowy figure before him then tilted its head to the side.
An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride - Volume 01 Page 14