The World I Was Supporting Was Real - Chapter 59



59. Adding it in.

* * *

This place, connected to every dungeon in the continent, and the deepest point demons can enter.

The Demon Lord, perched in a place where no ordinary being could set foot, concealed his form within an abyss as black as pitch.

There, one by one, high-ranking demons with a clearly ferocious look approached.

“You’ve come.”

“My Lord… You have truly, truly descended…!”

“Please, lead us, My Lord…!”

They knelt, bowing their heads low, offering their due respect to their rightful master.

“You’ve all endured much hardship. Yes, report the situation.”

“Many demons are dying, unable to withstand the sun’s light. We wished to venture out, but lacked the demonic energy to leave the dungeon gates. Though a few demons somehow managed to break through the lack of energy and escape… considering the situation, it’s likely they didn’t survive for long. Until your arrival, My Lord, we were simply born in the darkness and destined to die there, repeating the same cycle.”

Demons fundamentally required a certain amount of sunlight.

The notion that demons prefer dark places is nothing but a rule arbitrarily set by humans who sought to eliminate them.

If the sun aids in the growth of all things, there was no reason for demons to be an exception.

But to humans, they were beings that evoked far too much fear and disgust—

A history of conflict repeated itself, unable to find common ground.

And, having been constantly pushed back, they’d become deeply entrenched in the dungeons, a place that was virtually their homeland.

And that wasn’t all.

They needed a power called ‘Magi’ to roam freely outside.

It was a sort of air, only meaningfully present within the dungeon, spreading outwards as the demonkin gradually expanded their living radius.

Long ago, before humans had even built anything resembling a civilization, they’d coexisted, to some extent –

But as humans progressed beyond tribes and formed nations, expanding their influence, they clashed endlessly with the demonkin.

After a cycle of back-and-forth, they were rapidly pushed back when the Holy Maiden appeared, and their current situation – hiding in this place unless the Demon King was to descend – became their reality.

“After an age of despair, for some reason, we sensed the Magi’s strengthening at an incredibly rapid pace. Affected by this, our brothers and sisters have flourished. That is right. We know that the time of the Demon King’s birth is upon us!”

“Therefore, Demon King, please, reveal yourself…! Grant us the power to drive the humans away…!”

After listening to the demonkin’s words, the Demon King remained silent for a long moment –

Then, he spoke, as if tossing the words away.

“I have no intention of showing myself to you.”

“Eh…?”

“If you were to behold my form, you wouldn’t be able to overcome your instincts, losing your ability to reason and retaining only your savage nature. I fear that the curse placed upon our demonkin, whose eyes are bloodshot from the lack of sunlight, will cloud your vision.”

That was why the Demon King kept himself completely concealed in the shadows.

The Demon King’s reason for being – it was to provide sufficient Magi, simply by existing, for the demonkin to move freely outside, and simultaneously, to awaken their instincts.

By facing the overwhelmingly violent presence known as the Demon King, the demonkin could unleash their inherent destructive impulses and explosive power.

That was the very reason for the Demon Lord’s existence, a convergence of magic drifting across the entire world.

“But… isn’t that the only way? Currently, humanity is united under the banner of a powerful empire. If we don’t receive the Demon Lord’s power, drive out the humans, and secure our demon territory—”

“Have you attempted negotiations?”

“Pardon…?”

“I’m asking if you’ve tried speaking with the humans.”

The demon frowned, shaking its head.

“Up until now, we lacked the magic to even leave the dungeon… and according to records left by our predecessors, there’s never been a single time when dialogue has yielded any meaningful results.”

“Up until now, you say?”

“Indeed, but—”

The Demon Lord, if anything, seemed to be smiling.

Although he couldn’t show it to anyone… it was a confident smile, the kind only a sovereign embarking on a new path would wear.

“This one is seriously considering trying to converse with them.”

“But Demon Lord, they—”

“Do you intend to defy my order?”

“…N-no, that’s not it at all…!”

“S-sorry, I’m so sorry!”

The Demon Lord let out a short sigh, then spoke.

“…I apologize. I didn’t intend to intimidate you. But, this body refuses to repeat history stained with bloodshed without even trying. I believe that is the reason this body has descended to this world.”

“Demon Lord…”

The demons lowered their heads once more, replying in loyal voices.

“Understood. We shall do as you command, Demon Lord.”

“Just your presence alone has provided enough demonic energy… There will be plenty of time to go out and converse.”

And so, the Demon Lord attempted to converse with humans—

* * *

The result was, by no means, good.

“Were you attacked?”

“Yes… I have no excuse…”

Blood.

A demon, with crimson blood gushing from his arm, spoke in a tone laced with suppressed pain.

“As per your command, Demon Lord… I tried to, converse… but… they attacked first…”

“You’ve returned alive, so it’s alright. Casualties?”

“Fortunately… there were none. However, it is… presumed that our comrade in the dungeon located in the Gracia region suffered even greater injuries.”

I see.

So, in the end, it had to come to this.

Were the ancestors right, that humans are beings who can never be trusted?

“…How many humans died?”

“That is…”

The answer came not from the demon in question, but from another demon who was supporting him.

“No one died.”

“…What?”

“We were attacked once, but in order not to ruin your Majesty’s aim of ‘engaging in dialogue with humans’… we retreated immediately.”

“…!!”

The Demon Lord was silent for a long while, before finally squeezing out a voice.

“…It seems I made you do something unforgivable.”

“No, Your Majesty.”

The Demon King, haunted by past memories, knew it.

Any high-ranking demon who could stand before him and hold a conversation could easily slaughter one or two humans.

Yet such a being… hadn’t done it. Not because of any inherent mercy, but because of his command.

‘…….’

The Demon King pondered for a long moment, then spoke in a cautious tone.

“I wish to speak with the wisest among you. Can you bring them to me?”

“……!”

The demons glanced at each other, then slowly nodded.

“Please, wait a moment, Demon King.”

* * *

“You summoned me, Demon King.”

Appearing was Ballus, the current leader of the demons, who had clung to existence in the corner of the dungeon with the barest minimum of demonic energy for 120 years, patiently biding his time.

While other demons, their demonic energy insufficient, fell after barely a few years, he alone had endured for 120. This was because he had perfected a method of maintaining his life with the absolute least amount of demonic energy.

Just like humans, there were those among demons who were born with a constitution that possessed a large amount of mana, and Ballus was precisely that type.

Perhaps it was because of this. He possessed a more ferocious appearance than other high-ranking demons, emitting a powerful aura of intimidation simply by being present.

Of course, he too would only kneel before the Demon King, the king of demons.

“Yes. What is your name?”

“I am called Balus, my lord Demon King.”

“Balus. In your opinion, is attempting dialogue with humans a foolish endeavor?”

“Foolish, you say… I suppose it’s natural to consider such an attempt. Any sentient being capable of thought should know that coexistence is generally more beneficial for survival than conflict.”

“So, you concur with my intention?”

“…….”

Balus slowly lowered himself to his knees.

“Though it pains me to say, my lord Demon King, humans are not beings of particularly great intellect.”

“So then, are you implying that we demons allowed beings of lesser intellect to steal an entire continent from us?”

“To be more frank, they are inclined to prioritize what is visible above all else.”

“……Hmm?”

“Judging by the contents of their various historical records, our appearance and voices seem to incite a powerful, instinctive fear in them. Consequently, they do not even consider having a proper conversation with us. Even if dialogue were established with a few high-ranking individuals, it is reasonable to assume that the majority, unable to overcome their instinctive fear, would not accept us.”

“Balus, are you saying that humans will not converse with us because our appearance frightens them?”

“Yes, that is correct. Of course, the fact that we use different linguistic systems contributes to the lack of dialogue… however, historically, no non-verbal attempt has been effective.”

The Demon Lord was speechless.

The memories passed down by the previous Demon Lord were nothing but terrible things, stained completely crimson with blood.

All of this… was it because we look too scary?

“From their perspective, humans are also foreign and frightening beings. So I understand them… but instead of choosing nonverbal communication, they decided to reject us.”

“If they were just a bit more intelligent, they would choose to communicate without being bound by appearances. However, in a situation where communication itself is impossible, Your Majesty’s decision… while not entirely without purpose, unfortunately, it’s likely to be meaningless.”

“So that’s what it is…”

…Wait a moment.

Does that mean, I also have that kind of appearance?

“Balus. How does my appearance appear to humans, and to you?”

“As you already know, Your Majesty, you are at the very top of our demon race. A mere glance would easily cause ordinary beings to faint. Not only humans, but even lower-ranked demons wouldn’t be able to withstand your aura and would certainly pass out. Even high-ranking demons lose their reason and go berserk when they meet your eyes. There’s no way a lower-ranked demon could endure it.”

“So I look so terrifying that just looking at me causes fainting…”

“We demons believe that it is ‘an imposing appearance befitting the king of demons’… but from the perspective of humans, who are our conversation partners, perhaps that might be true.”

“…”

The Demon Lord was silent again for a long while-

“Is it the same for you as well?”

“What is it you speak of?”

“Are you saying that merely facing this body causes you to lose your reason, to be ruled by instinct?”

Ballus lowered his waist deeply once more, and spoke.

“I, Ballus, though it’s shameful to admit, have endured longer than other demons and grown somewhat accustomed to manipulating demonic energy. I believe I can maintain my reason for about three minutes.”

“Is that so? Then….”

—And the Demon King, revealed the identity hidden in the shadows.

From noble mtl dot com

“……!!!!”

“What do you think?”

Ballus, unable to even properly meet the Demon King’s gaze, barely squeezed out a reply, voice trembling.

“Your Majesty… I apologize, but I will retract my statement. 30 seconds. I think I can endure for 30 seconds. So… please, have mercy…!”

“…….”

The Demon King concealed his form once more within the shadows.

Staring at Ballus, who was breathing heavily… he could not bring himself to say anything.

“…I’m sorry, Ballus.”

“No, Your Majesty. …I understand your lofty ideal, but the possibility of humans who have noticed your presence preemptively invading this place to wipe us out is incredibly high. Historically, whenever a ‘saintess’ appears, they always swarm to subjugate you. They—”

“Because they’re the kind of b*stards who can’t even tolerate the fact that we’re breathing.”

“That’s my opinion, Your Majesty. Of course, I promise to follow whatever decision you make. However, if you are going to make a decision, I hope you’ll make it quickly. Then…”

“……”

After Balus disappeared, the Demon Lord was lost in endless thought.

Was my appearance meant to incite the demon folk to once again invade human territory?

Am I… am I born to incite conflict?

Questions that had no hope of an answer, he posed to himself, to his own hideously grotesque appearance… again and again.

* * *

‘Hmm…’

Having read the short manga, I took another close look at the Demon Lord depicted within.

No. To be honest, I couldn’t even tell what was so horribly monstrous that they were making such a fuss.

I mean, the panel showing the Demon Lord was completely pixelated.

From my perspective, reading the manga, I couldn’t even see what it looked like.

[LeeGwoGwoDon: What’s with the pixelation??]

[GiveMeMoney: Are you referring to the pixelation? What do you mean… ? ]

‘……’

Same pattern.

The author, no matter what, wanted to express ‘the Demon Lord looked incredibly terrifying,’ and this just manifested as a mosaic.

If I nitpick at this, our role-playing would fall apart.

Anyway, the only thing to grasp is that it looks so horrifically awful that communication is impossible.

‘……That’s a tough one.’

Honestly.

Maybe it’s because I’m human. I do feel a little sorry for the demon side, but it’s not like I can’t understand the humans either.

Rejecting a being that looks different, can’t communicate, and evokes fear is in the realm of instinct for any living thing.

While high-ranking demons, even Valus, might look fierce but you can pick out some cute bits if you try, the Demon Lord, being mosaic-ed, seems to be horrifyingly beyond redemption.

Even more so considering that other demons go berserk just from looking at him.

‘Still, it’s a bit pitiful.’

The Demon Lord seems to be trying, in his own way, to break the chain of hatred.

It’s just that because of how he looks, he can’t even attempt it, which feels tragic.

‘If he was at least as good-looking as Valus, maybe he could’ve used his powers bit by bit to navigate the situation, but being mosaic-ed is just…damn.’

……Huh?

Hold on a sec.

[Igwogwodun : Hey writer]

[GiveMeMoney : That is correct.]

[GiveMeMoney : It’s just that his appearance is excessively fear-inducing. He’s the only one among the demons who’s a high enough life form to converse normally with humans.]

[Igwogwodun : Then, you know,]

[Igwogwodun : How much would it cost to change the demon king’s appearance?]

Making it so that demons and humans can understand each other. That’s a fundamental shake-up of the world, so it could be expensive.

But making the demon king’s looks a little more palatable, that should be much easier, right?

It’s not about changing it for everyone, just changing that one demon king, right?

[GiveMeMoney : Changing the demon king’s appearance… Well, it would depend on what kind of appearance you’re going for,]

[GiveMeMoney : But if we’re talking about a level where humans barely manage not to feel fear, I think we’d need 45,000 won worth of power.]

‘Way cheaper!’

Forty-five thousand won… well, that was an amount I could cough up, on top of everything else, for the world Erin dreams of.

It was cheap even if you counted it as the price for the short comic I asked for.

……Hold on a sec.

[Igwogweodeon: Just barely enough not to feel fear?]

[GiveMeMoney: That’s right]

[GiveMeMoney: Humans might be able to talk to the Demon Lord, but since he’s a demon, they won’t be able to completely shake off that uncomfortable feeling]

‘So, that’s what it is?’

I hit the support button, inputting the amount, click, click.

[Igwogweodeon (Support / 100,000 won / Added a little extra)]

[Igwogweodeon: Change the Demon Lord to have an appearance that gives him immense persuasive power with humans + with the remaining power, include a function that prevents the Demon Lord from awakening the instincts of the demon race, and throw in some other stuff to help communication]

100,000 won should be enough for him to sort it out, right?

As long as I exist as a god, I absolutely can’t stand seeing meaningless bloodshed.

[Igwogweodeon: I’ll give you money, so tell them not to fight and get along]

―A god’s blunt facts, got it.