Prologue
The red-haired girl didn’t know where she was born. But by the age of two or three, she knew exactly who she was.
“I’m me.”
In others, she knew that she was none other than herself.
That’s why, perhaps, it took a liking to her. The thing came out of nowhere, fusing itself to a human, changing them forever, and taking no responsibility at all. It had no form. It couldn’t be observed. Its existence couldn’t even be proven. But it had the same mind as a person. No, perhaps you could say a mind was all it had.
Before the girl turned 4, she’d encountered it. As she moved homes from a relative’s house, to an orphanage, to another orphanage, she’d started to talk to someone. She’d talk to an empty corner of the room, and then laugh at an answer that nobody could hear.
Everyone around her saw it, but they all told themselves it was just a girl playing with an imaginary friend, which was common at her age. But she was talking to something that she could see quite clearly.
“Who are you?”
“I’m nobody. But I’m about to be you.”
“Huh? But I’m me.”
“That’s also right.”
“Hmm... Then nothing changes, I guess? Or does that mean there’s more of me?”
“That’s right. You’ll become part of me.”
“I will? Then I won’t be lonely anymore, will I?”
“That’s not correct. I’m afraid you’ll still be alone.”
“Why? Aren’t you my friend?”
“I’m going to become you. Not your friend. It’s a very sad thing, but you’re going to be alone for eternity. You’ll go far away, and nobody will ever understand you.”
“I don’t want that. I don’t!”
“The decision has already been made. You’re very special. More special than a four-leaf clover in a clover field, or a boy calico cat.”
“I’m that special?! I never knew why I was alone, or why I always have to go live in different places, or why the grown-ups always bow to me, or sometimes make fun of me, but it’s because I’m special, isn’t it...? But I don’t want to be lonely.”
“You’ll always be lonely, but don’t worry. You’ll at least have one friend. When you’re in trouble, just go ahead and cry. If you do, someone will save you.”
“I just need to cry?”
“That’s right. That’s how the world works.”
That was the first conversation they had. After that, the red-haired girl began to live with it, talk to it, and let it guide her life. She still went from one orphanage to another, but if she did what the voice told her, she never really had many problems.
When she grew up, she eventually forgot it even existed. Maybe that was just a sign that it had completely become one with her. Yet every now and then, without warning, the voice would tell her to do something, and she’d do it.
That was what happened the day she saw a certain boy. It was a young boy with a strangely grown-up face, and when she saw him, she suddenly decided to cry. She cried and cried, and then he gave her a hairpiece.
That was when the red-haired girl, Keena Soga, figured it all out. Why was her life like this? Why did she have to go from one orphanage to another? Why was she special? Why was she born? All the doubts went away in an instant.
She tried to tell the boy how she felt, but realized that she couldn’t get the words out right. Before she could figure out what to say, the boy said something that indicated he understood her feelings, and then left. But Keena realized that this meeting was fate.
Of course, once she’d put on the hairpiece, she totally forgot everything that had just happened.
1 - Beginning of the Final Battle
Akuto Sai floated in the sky, looking down on the scenery below.
There was a crowd around the palace, and a big one. Even from where he was up in the sky, he couldn’t see where it ended. It was the crowd of people who’d risen up to challenge Zero’s Liradans and their rule of the Empire. They’d risen up out of pure rage. But the problem was that when Empress Kazuko had announced her dictatorship, their anger had turned to cheers.
—What choice did I have?
Akuto had just declared himself to be the Demon King. It was the only way to free the people, by defeating Zero and Kazuko. It was 2V who’d awakened Zero, but now Kazuko was controlling him. She’d used Zero to terrify the populace, and then win them over by becoming their savior.
—I’m going to make good use of this power.
Akuto had died, been revived, and then gained the power of the Demon King. It was terrifying, and he didn’t really want to believe it, but he had been born as both a human and a weapon. He had a human mind and human feelings, but the power of the gods... the power to use infinite magic.
In other words, he was completely sane. He knew how much power he’d gained, and what he could do with it, down to an extremely minute level, but he was neither scared of his power, nor drunk on it.
—If I was going to be the Demon King, I wish they would’ve given me the power to do a good evil laugh or something...
Akuto grumbled to himself internally, but on the outside, he still needed to keep up the act.
“Artificial thing that calls yourself the Demon King! I will teach you that there is only one person in this world who is allowed to plunge the people into the depths of terror!” he yelled.
He felt an almost painful wave of emotion coming from below; all the hatred and fear from the huge crowd below was being directed towards him. He was now able to read the logs stored by the gods that digitized human emotions and turned them into language. At this point, his brain was linked directly to the gods themselves, and he could read the pasts of every person in the crowd, right down to what they’d eaten for dinner three years ago.
—This power... It’s the power to look into other people’s hearts. I can become either a god or a Demon King. Because I’m a normal person, like everyone else, I can choose which one I want to be.
The other Demon Kings throughout history faced this choice too... and made some kind of decision. Just like me, they came up with Demon King-sounding phrases to say, and felt like they could control anybody they wanted to...
“I feel your hatred and fear! Give me more of it! It will become my power!” He was just saying the first things that came to his head, but even if his words were a lie, he could still feel the Demon King inside him, pulling him forward. If he wasn’t careful, it would take over. He had to do his best to stay sane.
—I need to stay calm... Analyze the data and decide what to do next... Figure out what it is I should be doing...
Knowing the history of other people’s lives gave him more information than he’d imagined. The terrifying fact that he could read their pasts and emotions meant that he knew exactly what they were feeling now, and what they were going to do next.
—So they really believe that only the Empress can save them from Zero? And that I came to take advantage of the chaos and defeat both Zero and the Empress.
It was true that Zero had awakened and tried to control the populace, but it was Kazuko, in fact, who was planning to use that to take control. But the people had put absolute trust in her. They trusted her because she was the empress, and because she had a gentle face and kind manners. Her title and her appearance — that was all they were making their judgements from. In truth, none of them knew the first thing about her.
—My job is to defeat Zero. And of course, the Empress too... And then this stupid story that everyone believes... I’ll destroy both the Empress and the Demon King.
Akuto made a promise to himself. And then he looked down at the one person who was floating above the
crowd. It was the “hero” they admired, clad in a special suit.
—If he defeats me in the end, the story the people believe in should come to its end. And what comes after that...
Hiroshi Miwa. Before, he’d been nothing but timid and uncertain, but now Akuto felt a certain resolve from him. Right now he was carrying Junko Hattori someplace safe, but eventually he would come back. Maybe Lily Shiraishi’s words had inspired him, or Yuko’s actions had given him courage.
Now that Akuto had awakened, he could feel the flow of all the emotions Hiroshi had ever had.
—Once I’m gone, I’ll leave everything to Hiroshi!
Akuto looked elsewhere. A single Liradan appeared on the palace terrace. It took the form of a powerful-looking man. This was none other than the body that Zero, the program, was using now. It looked up at Akuto with emotionless eyes, expressing its will.
(You’re nothing but a machine for war, too. Why are you so obsessed with defeating me?)
It sounded like a challenge to Akuto. But maybe, to Zero, it was simply a question.
Akuto answered wordlessly. (You’re right. I’m an artificial thing too. But there’s something fundamentally different inside me: A biological self. A human mind. Your emotions and minds are like dropping one color of water inside another. The two will always intermix. But I am me. In the same way that all humans are unique from one another. I won’t let you melt them all together into one being.)
(It is because they are split into individuals that they must be controlled. My master agrees.)
(Master... You mean Kazuko.) Akuto said, but then a clear voice cut him off before he could say more.
(Correct. You may know the power I have already. I stole it from 2V.)
There was something in the voice that made you want to relax and smile. But right now, to Akuto, it sounded like the temptation of a succubus. When he listened to it, it made him want to agree with everything the voice said.
(...If you control Zero, there’s no need to defeat it.) Akuto said.
Kazuko was hidden deep within the palace, communicating with Akuto via telepathy.
(Correct. Yes, of course, you are correct.) Kazuko nodded, but she wasn’t agreeing with him. (So let me defeat you, instead. That will satisfy the people, right?) she said happily.
Akuto frowned. (And then you’ll rule. Is that the plan?)
(Yes. It’s very simple, isn’t it? The situation’s changed. But I’ll do what I promised. As long as you obey me, I won’t kill you. I’ll guarantee you survive,) Kazuko said, as if there was no way he would refuse.
Akuto grunted. (That’s pretty selfish.)
But Kazuko didn’t seem to care about what he said. She tilted her head slightly as if making a cute request. (Yes. I’m simply being selfish. You’ll do what I ask, right? Or were you planning to hurt me after you listened to my request to defeat Zero? You can’t do that. It’s not fair. People will think you have a bad personality.) Kazuko smiled.
Akuto answered with frustration in his voice. (If they do, that’s fine. I know what I am and I’ve got no intention of hiding it. I’m opposed to what you’re doing. The reason you changed sides and started protecting Zero is that it will make it easier for you to rule if you have a god at your side. If Zero’s defeated, the gods will lose the core that supports them.)
(Oh my, aren’t you the smart one? But if that’s the case, then you and I want essentially the same thing. Why can’t you realize that? You want everyone to know who you really are. And I’m the same,) Kazuko said, unperturbed.
Akuto knew what she meant when she said she wanted people to understand her. But at their core, Akuto and Kazuko were completely different.
(If you know that the fantasy called the “Empress” isn’t who you really are, then you can just throw it away and live in freedom!)
(Oh my, you don’t understand at all. Who I really am is a very greedy woman. I’ve no desire to be the kind, human empress. But the position of empress is a handy thing; it would be a waste to throw it away. I just need to take advantage of it. You were able to do the same thing with the Demon King, weren’t you?)
(Unfortunately, I’m incapable of thinking about things that way. I want this to be the last time I use my power,) Akuto said. It took a moment before the Empress answered.
(...I expected this, but I guess negotiations have broken down, haven’t they?)
(I never had any intention of working with you.)
(If that’s the case, then in this moment, the whole of humanity is your enemy. Now let’s begin. Let’s make this a real theater. Not just a silly farce.)
Kazuko gave the signal, and instantly Zero jumped off the terrace. Akuto tensed up, but Zero jumped the opposite direction, flying up into the air before ripping off his artificial skin to reveal the internal structure beneath.
Before Akuto could figure out what he was doing, Liradans began to fly up into the air from below. They ripped off their own skin and attached themselves to him. Zero’s body began to grow, like blocks piling on top of one another.
“Well, that’s not good...” Akuto frowned.
By the time Zero was done, Akuto was facing a 15-meter tall giant made of exposed machinery.
“Sheesh... I’ve gotta fight this thing, don’t I?” Akuto sighed.
“There’s a reason he’s combining and growing like that. But if you just glance at it, it seems like a product of the ridiculous belief that a mechanical giant is a symbol of power,” Yoshie said, as if she was trying to impress someone. It was her habit when she got excited. She’d lowered her goggles and was analyzing Zero, who had now landed in the palace courtyard.
“There’s a reason for it?” Junko Hattori asked. Until a moment ago, they’d been inside a flying boat above the crowd, but they’d just landed on one of the outer terraces so that they could climb up the walls and get inside the palace.
“In the end, whether it’s the Demon King or Zero, they’re just fighting over the resource called mana. And that struggle for resources doesn’t take place in the real world. It’s a program. The one with the greater amount of processing power wins,” Yoshie explained as she turned around on the Terrace.
“And it has more processing power when it combines?”
“Yup. It can do parallel processing. Zero is at a disadvantage compared to the Demon King, who can use every resource. But in his present form, in terms of calculating power he probably surpasses the Demon King.”
“Then what is the Demon King... Akuto’s... processing power?”
“His body’s not a machine, so he uses his human brain. But the magical system is built to respond to human imagination and emotions. He may lose the battle for resources, but he won’t lose in a contest of magic. Passion beats everything, you see. Woooah! It’s so exciting!”
Junko ignored Yoshie and leaned over the edge of the terrace so she could see below. “Looks like the crowd ran away...”
When the crowd saw Zero and realized a battle was imminent, they’d begun to move away from the palace. Now the only ones near the palace’s outskirts were Junko, Yoshie, and Keisu.
“Oh? You don’t think it’s exciting? Well, I guess I can understand that. We made it, but things have changed, and unless Keisu can remember something, there’s nothing we can do...” Yoshie shrugged and looked at Keisu.
Keisu — a young girl with a ponytail, dressed like a samurai — was a Liradan, but the only Liradan who wasn’t under Zero’s control. She supposedly had some kind of secret that would help seal Zero, but right now she was just tagging along.
“I bring great shame upon myself in saying so, but I remember nothing...” Keisu said apologetically.
“Nah, it’s fine, I guess. Just as long as you remember it when we need you to.” Yoshie patted Keisu on the head.
Keisu looked up at her and giggled like she felt ticklish. “You’re very kind, Master.”
“Master?”
“I’ve decided to call you that, for I have entrusted you with m
y life.”
Yoshie grinned. “Sure, I guess. If that helps you somehow.”
“...Wait, I think if anybody needs someone to protect them, it’s not you, it’s Keisu,” Junko said, slightly nervous.
Yoshie looked around the palace for a moment, before tensing up at what she saw. Kazuko had appeared from one of the corridors leading into the palace.
“Is that Keisu, then?” she said gently, and walked towards them with elegant steps. But Kazuko’s hands were covered in blood.
“Your Highness... is that... human blood?”
Junko had been to war once, and she knew that demon beast blood and human blood had different smells.
But Kazuko was unfazed by her words. She simply chuckled. “I had some rather complicated family matters to deal with. But it’s very embarrassing to me that you’ve seen proof I was in a fight.”
“......!” Junko let out a wordless breath. She felt an instinctive terror at Kazuko.
“Oh my. Don’t look at me like I’m insane. If nothing else, I’m more confident of my sanity than anyone else in the world,” Kazuko said. There was an abnormal aura rising up from her; a lump of murderous emotion, different from a mana flash. It froze both Junko and Yoshie where they stood.
“Th-This...”
“This is bad...!”
The two of them began to sweat. They’d both lost the ability to move.
Then suddenly, a voice snapped them out of their fear. “Get Keisu out of here!” It came from behind Kazuko, and it was one that Junko recognized.
“Keena?” Junko whispered. She could move now.
Junko moved quick while she still had the chance, drawing her sword and jumping in front of Keisu. She arrived just as the mana ball did, blocking it with her blade. The ball spun in the air as it traveled, but when the blade struck, it sliced through it like jelly. When the ball was completely separated into two halves, it fell to the ground.
“What...?”
The mana ball had a strange feeling to it. It was different than the ones she was used to. Kazuko had been the one who fired it. She could tell from the path it had followed that it had been fired at Keisu.
Demon King Daimaou: Volume 9 Page 1
