Tokito and his army were now smaller in number, having dwindled to approximately 356 soldiers. This time, their destination was the Veldoria region—home to the former Grand Mage Commander. As they passed through a road known as the Black Forest, morale within the army remained high.
Inside the carriage, Tokito chatted with Nanagi and Kortus, a wide smile lighting up his face. His white hair and colorful attire stood out clearly, even from outside the vehicle.
But someone was watching them from a distance—a suspicious figure clad entirely in black to blend into the darkness, with jet-black hair. In their hand, they held a golden telescope, spying from the trees.
Though the army remained unaware of this presence, Tokito's aura alone seemed to suffocate the observer. After tracking them for a while longer, the figure vanished, slipping away through the shadows.
Despite being followed, Tokito remained cheerful. He decided it was time to ask Nanagi a long-held question.
Tokito: "Hahaha! That was hilarious, Nanagi. Hey, can I ask you something?"
Nanagi: "Anything you wish, my lord."
Tokito: "If I had to kill my own kind in order to claim the throne… what would you do?"
The air instantly grew tense. Kortus's face tightened. Nanagi's eyes narrowed. Tokito crossed one leg over the other and, holding his elbow with one hand, gave them a piercing look.
Kortus answered first.
Kortus: "Even if you killed us, we wouldn't complain. Your life is more important than this kingdom."
Tokito: "Are you sure about that?"
Kortus: "Without a doubt, sire."
Tokito: "And what about you, Nanagi?"
Nanagi lifted her gaze to meet her lord's eyes, then slowly drew her sword and pressed the blade to her own neck.
Tokito understood their seriousness without another word.
Nanagi: "We would give our very lives for you, my lord. This kingdom is nothing more than a pile of dirt to us. You are what gives it meaning."
I'm truly traveling with serious companions. To entrust my life to them... it is an honor. With such loyalty, I can now move toward my goal even faster.
Tokito: "Very well. Raise your heads. You are both brave comrades, and I promise I'll make the most of the lives you've entrusted to me."
Kortus: "May I ask a question as well, my lord?"
Tokito turned to face him. As their eyes met, Kortus blushed and lowered his head. Tokito gently grabbed his chin, lifting it.
Kortus swallowed hard, then gathered the courage to speak.
Kortus: "Would you… destroy everything for the sake of the demons?"
That question pierced Tokito's human soul. He didn't want to kill everyone—after all, he had once been human. Though conflicted, he had no choice but to answer.
Tokito: "Taking life is easy for me. Still… I won't kill without reason. But anything that threatens you—or me—will be destroyed."
Kortus: "Please punish me however you wish for daring to ask such a foolish question."
Kortus dropped to the floor like a dog, bowing deeply before his master. Tokito tried to lift him up, but his small hands weren't enough.
Tokito: "Get off the ground, you stupid dog! Who told you to sit like that?!"
Kortus: "I assumed you'd punish me… so I took the position."
Tokito: "I said get up!"
Nanagi: "Hahaha! My lord, Kortus really does look ridiculous right now."
Kortus: "Ridiculous? Should I wipe that smile off your face?"
Nanagi: "Don't get so serious, Kortus! I was just teasing."
They all burst out laughing together and continued their journey in high spirits. As they exited the Black Forest, the sun began to shine, and in the distance, the grand walls of Veldoria came into view.
The soldiers atop the walls spotted the approaching army. Upon recognizing the royal flag, they issued the order to open the gates. As the massive doors parted, a welcoming unit emerged, rolling out a red carpet.
The townspeople, seeing the gates open in such a manner, assumed their lord Koloton had returned. Curious, they gathered near the entrance to see who would arrive.
Tokito peeked outside the carriage and beamed as he saw the city. The soldiers ahead cleared the path, allowing Tokito's carriage to accelerate.
As they drew nearer, he saw the joyful expressions of the soldiers and smiled in return.
The gates loomed large now—but Tokito's true goal wasn't the city. He sought power. As he entered, his eyes scanned madly, searching for strong mana signatures. But among the soldiers, none stood out.
When the carriage entered the city, the townsfolk saw a child and stared in confusion. Some began whispering among themselves, unsure of who he was.
Before long, soldiers flanked the carriage and made the announcement:
"Make way! The Demon King and Commander Nanagi have arrived!"
The citizens moved aside, clearing the road as Tokito's carriage rolled through the city, heading toward the central castle.
Tokito gazed at the people outside, excitement shining in his eyes. It was the first time he had entered a city without conflict—and been welcomed so warmly.
Veldoria was one of the rare cities that respected and obeyed the Demon King. Its people were hybrids—half-human, half-demon—inhabitants of a land that had once been conquered. Because humans and demons lived in harmony here, other cities looked down on them.
Some among the people were whispering to one another. Their conversations seemed to be about the arrivals.
"So this is the new Demon King, huh?"
"If Lord Koloton approves of him, then he must be a good Demon King."
"Lord Koloton is the reason we humans are still allowed to live. Even though this city was conquered, they let us stay."
"Yes, you should be thankful. He's the one protecting you here."
"You're a demon, aren't you? What's it like living among humans like us?"
"Not too bad. Even though I sometimes get the urge to eat you, you're pretty harmless."
"You're right, but still… we love demons."
"Hah, and I love you too."
Tokito reached out his hand, waving to the citizens and meeting their eyes. Upon seeing humans, he turned to Kortus, his eyes piercing, as he asked a question.
Tokito: "Why are there humans here, do you know, Kortus? Or you, Nanagi?"
Nanagi: "My lord, the city of Veldoria was conquered three generations ago by the Demon King at that time. Normally, the residents would be deported, but instead, they chose to live with us."
Tokito: "And why aren't such delicious humans being eaten?"
Nanagi: "Some demons formed relationships with humans and gave birth to half-demon individuals. They resemble us, but all half-demons are born with a single horn."
What a wonderful city! I already love it. I can't wait to talk to the people! Maybe I'll take a half-demon under my wing…
Lost in his daydreams again, Tokito giggled to himself. Meanwhile, the mysterious figure who had been following them continued to tail them without pause.
Leaping from rooftop to rooftop, the follower never let them out of his sight. His ability to move unnoticed across rooftops was uncanny. When the carriage stopped, he pressed himself against a wall, watching their next move.
Upon seeing them enter a restaurant, he decided to take a short break. Tokito, Nanagi, and Kortus stepped inside, found a table, and sat down.
Tokito tugged the table slightly as he sat. Those around them were visibly stunned by their presence. A waiter approached and politely asked what they would like.
Waiter: "What would you like, my lords?"
Nanagi: "Bring us your most famous dish — the dragon stew."
Waiter: "Right away."
Hearing the words "dragon stew" caught Tokito off guard. He placed his hand under his chin and stared at Nanagi with surprise. Realizing his master's gaze, Nanagi quickly bowed slightly and began to explain.
Nanagi: "Ah, my apologies, my lord. This is the best dish here. As the name suggests, it's made from dragon meat. Dragon flesh never decays, so we preserve the meat from slain dragons."
Tokito: "And how did you acquire the corpses of dragons?"
Nanagi: "Your mother made a pact with the dragons. She was allowed to retrieve the corpses of those who committed crimes and were executed. Only high-ranking individuals are permitted to taste even a single plate."
Dragon meat, huh? In my whole life, I've only ever eaten beef and chicken. I wonder what it tastes like… Let's find out.
Cutting off a small piece with his knife, Tokito placed the chunk of meat in his mouth. The flesh was tough at first, but his teeth soon softened it. The juice, the spices — it was as if he was tasting the finest meat in existence. Nothing else he had eaten before compared. Once he started, he couldn't stop, finishing the entire plate in no time.
When his plate was empty, Tokito grew a little moody. Waiting for Nanagi and Kortus to finish their meals, he stepped outside and scanned the streets.
While the crowd gazed at him in admiration, Tokito wasn't basking in attention — he was trying to identify the person tailing them. But his eyes alone weren't enough. Frustrated, he pulled two soldiers aside and led them between two buildings, into a narrow alleyway. Lowering his voice, he spoke with quiet urgency.
Tokito: "Soldiers, we're being followed."
Soldier: "Followed? Who would be bold enough to trail us in this city?"
Tokito: "I suspect someone from the Dralon region — maybe someone we thought we killed during the battle survived. I couldn't confirm it… but I have reason to believe it's true."
Soldier: "We won't leave your side, my lord."
Tokito: "That won't be enough. We need a plan."
Soldier: "What sort of plan, sire?"
Tokito: "You two will return to the restaurant and stand guard at the door. Make them think I'm still inside."
Soldier: "As you command, my lord."
Sending the two back, Tokito pulled on a hat and blended into the crowd. He picked a building with rooftop access and climbed up, carefully scanning for anything unusual. Then, he saw it — someone hiding behind a chimney pipe.
Rushing forward, Tokito lunged to grab the figure, but his hand passed through a hologram. Before he could react, someone seized him from behind, wrapping arms around him.
??? "Got you at last."
Tokito tried to scream but couldn't.
The follower let go and told him to turn around. When Tokito did, he was met by a lion — He was a large, stocky lion with long claws and a face like a sunflower. Tokito stared in confusion.
Tokito: "Who are you?"
Lion removed his clothes and smiled calmly.
??? "Greetings, Demon King. It's an honor to finally meet you."
Tokito: "I don't know you. How do you know me?"
??? "Because I am the one you've been searching for… Old Magic Commander."
Tokito: "Magic Commander! I've finally found you…"