As Zealot paces back and forth in the grand castle hall, his mind races with thoughts and possibilities. He knows that the road ahead will be fraught with danger and uncertainty, but he also realizes that he cannot simply stand by and let fate dictate his destiny.
"I can't believe this is happening," he mutters to himself, frustration evident in his voice. "I never asked for any of this. But if I want to survive in this world, I'll need to make some tough decisions."
With a heavy sigh, he considers his options once more. Befriending the protagonist seems like an almost impossible task, given the deep-seated animosity between demons and humans in this world. Yet, the thought of facing the protagonist in battle fills him with dread.
‘I could try to gain more power,’ he muses, speaking his thoughts aloud. ‘If I become stronger, perhaps I'll have a fighting chance against the protagonist. But how? The gap in strength between us is monumental. Well, whatever, I can’t give up easily if I want to survive. First, I’ll strive to become stronger while also attempting to befriend the protagonist. It might be difficult, but with my knowledge of the novel, I may be able to use that to my advantage.’
In the novel, the protagonist harbors an intense hatred towards the demons, sparing not a single one. Zealot was aware of this, as by the story's conclusion, no demon had survived the protagonist's wrath.
…
…
…
As Zealot explores the vast corridors and towering chambers of the grand castle, a sense of isolation begins to settle over him like a heavy shroud. Despite the grandeur of his surroundings, he can't shake the feeling of loneliness that permeates the air.
With each step he takes, echoes of his footfalls reverberate through the empty halls, serving as a haunting reminder of his solitude. The once-majestic castle now feels eerily desolate, its ornate furnishings and intricate tapestries serving as silent witnesses to the passage of time.
As he wanders through the labyrinthine corridors, Zealot's mind races with thoughts and questions. How did he come to be here? And why is he alone in this sprawling castle?
"I don't understand," Zealot murmurs to himself, his voice echoing faintly in the empty halls. "Where is everyone? And why am I the only one here?"
Despite his growing unease, Zealot presses on, determined to unravel the mysteries of the castle and uncover the truth behind his solitary existence.
Room after room, corridor after corridor, Zealot searches for any sign of life, but all he finds are empty chambers and silent echoes. It's as if the castle itself has been abandoned, its former inhabitants vanished without a trace.
As Zealot reaches the highest tower of the castle, his heart sinks at the sight before him. From this vantage point, he can see for miles in every direction, but there is no sign of human presence in the otherwise bustling city below. Only empty streets and abandoned buildings meet his gaze, a stark contrast to the usual hustle and bustle of urban life.
"I'm truly alone... even the city is deserted," Zealot whispers, a sense of resignation washing over him. "Alone in this grand, empty castle and city."
With a heavy heart, Zealot descends from the tower and returns to the castle's main hall, his mind reeling with the weight of his solitude. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, he knows he must find a way to survive in this unfamiliar world, regardless of the cost. While he had read the novel, it didn't mean he knew everything about this world; he likely only had knowledge of the major events, not the minor ones.
After a brief stroll, he pushed open the massive royal door and entered the grand throne room, where he settled into the unoccupied chair of the demon king's throne.
SIT!
"Sigh, this doesn’t make sense…" he mutters to himself, his brow furrowed in thought. "How could I, a Demon King, not have any demon army with me?"
Driven by curiosity, he resolved to leave the grand castle and explore the surrounding city, hopeful of uncovering some clues.
As Zealot stepped out of the grand castle, he was greeted by the sight of a city still standing strong despite the recent turmoil. While there were signs of recent conflict—scorched buildings, overturned carts, and hastily barricaded streets—the overall structure of the city remained intact.
As Zealot walked through the streets of the city, he encountered a grim sight: numerous dead demons and human bodies littered the ground, their lifeless forms serving as haunting reminders of the recent violence that had consumed the city.
"What in the world happened here? Was there a recent war between humans and demons that occurred in this city?"
After several hours of searching for any survivors, he sadly found none; it appeared that everyone had perished except for him. Undeterred, he made his way back to the grand castle.
STOMACH GROWLING!
‘Ugh, I’m so hungry…’
GROWL!
As the clock neared noon, the bright sunlight streamed through the window of the grand kitchen area in the castle where he worked diligently, slicing and preparing vegetables and meat for the day's meal. To his surprise, the kitchen storage room was brimming with an abundance of food supplies.
‘Well, there's no point dwelling too much. Let's focus on eating for now and think about what to do later.’
After a short while, the food was ready, and he wasted no time. Seated at the dining table, he eagerly dug into the meal, relishing every bite with gusto.
"Mmmh!! Delicious!!!" he exclaimed, savoring every flavor.
After indulging in his meal, he left the kitchen area and made his way to one of the bedrooms within the grand castle, feeling content and satisfied. As he began to undress in preparation for a relaxing bath, he couldn't help but marvel at the strange turn of events that had brought him to this world.
Stepping into the warm embrace of the bathwater, he let out a sigh of relief as the soothing heat washed away the tension from his muscles. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to relax, letting the worries of the day drift away with each passing moment.
“Aaaaaaahhh! So damn relaxing…”
However, after indulging in a few minutes of relaxation, as he reached up to run a hand through his hair, he froze in shock as his fingers brushed against something unfamiliar. Opening his eyes, he gazed up to behold his reflection in the mirror, and what he saw left him utterly speechless.
Two dark, straight horns protruded from his forehead, their presence both startling and surreal. Zealot blinked in disbelief, unable to comprehend how such a drastic transformation could have occurred.
"What... what is this?" Zealot whispered to himself, his voice trembling with uncertainty. "How did I... how did I grow demon horns?"
For a brief moment, he was taken aback, but soon he remembered that he had been transmigrated into a Demon King.
‘Oh right… I forgot I’m no longer human…’
Though, despite now inhabiting the body of a Demon King, he was surprised to find that his face and everything else remained identical to his human form, with the only noticeable differences being the addition of horns and sharp canine teeth.
He sighed, ‘I may be a Demon King, but why in the world are my stats so abysmally low! If other Demon Kings were to discover I’m only level 10, I’ll be doomed. Heck, it's not just them; even the average human adventurers or demons in this world are many times stronger than me!’
Realizing how feeble he currently was, he grasped the imminent threat of death if he didn't swiftly bolster his strength to confront future dangers. Assessing his situation, he knew he couldn't afford to continue fooling around and had to start taking matters seriously.
Having read the novel, he understood how the power ranking worked in this world. In fact, his current level didn't even come close to reaching F-Class! The power system follows the hierarchy below:
* Beginner: Levels 1 - 19
* F-Class: Levels 20 - 39
* E-Class: Levels 40 - 59
* D-Class: Levels 60 - 79
* C-Class: Levels 80 - 99
* B-Class: Levels 100 - 119
* A-Class: Levels 120 - 139
* S-Class: Levels 140 to 200
‘First, let's calm down a bit. I still have some time before I run into the protagonist in the future. As of right now, I believe his current level is probably around F-Class. He won't be challenging any Demon Kings until he reaches S-Class, given that typically, all the Demon Kings in this world are at least S-Class or higher. Well, except for me – I'm the weakest Demon King and more likely to be targeted first. That's why I need to get stronger quickly.’
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
As Zealot emerged from the bath, feeling refreshed and determined, he quickly dried himself off and changed into his clothes. Despite the unsettling discovery of his newfound demon horns, he pushed aside his apprehension and focused on the task at hand: becoming stronger.
With a sense of purpose driving him forward, he made his way to the grand entrance of the castle, intending to venture out into the world and begin his quest to level up. However, as he reached for the doorknob, a sudden commotion outside caught his attention.
Curious, he approached the nearest window and peered outside, his eyes widening in surprise at the sight before him. A group of five human adventurers, armed with weapons and clad in armor, had gathered outside the castle gates, their expressions determined and resolute.
"Who are they? What are they doing here?" Zealot muttered to himself, puzzled by the unexpected arrival of the adventurers. "And why are they trying to enter my grand castle?"
***
Suddenly, panic seized him as he realized the gravity of his situation. Aware of the profound animosity humans harbored towards demons, he understood that if he were spotted, his fate would be sealed – a swift and inevitable death at their hands. With a surge of adrenaline, he knew he had to act fast to conceal his identity and avoid detection at all costs.
‘Fuck! I just remembered I'm a demon now, not human. Ugh! I can't afford to be seen, or else I'm done for. I need to hide, and fast! Given the hatred humans hold for demons, there's no way they'll spare me!’
In a flurry of motion, he scanned the grand hall for any available cover, his mind racing through potential hiding spots. His gaze fell upon a row of suits of armor stationed nearby, their imposing figures offering a glimmer of hope amidst the encroaching danger.
Without hesitation, he darted towards the nearest suit of armor and, with practiced ease, slipped inside it like a statue. Positioning himself carefully within the hollow confines of the armor, he remained as still as the metal that surrounded him, blending seamlessly into the shadows and praying that his ruse would go unnoticed by the approaching threat.
As Zealot remained hidden within the suit of armor, he strained his ears, listening intently for any signs of the approaching adventurers. Outside, the sound of footsteps echoed through the grand hall, growing louder with each passing moment. Zealot's heart pounded in his chest, his breaths shallow and rapid as he braced himself for the inevitable confrontation.
BA-DUM! HEARTBEAT!
The footsteps drew nearer, their rhythm steady and purposeful. Zealot held his breath, willing himself to remain perfectly still despite the urge to flee. Sweat beaded on his brow as he waited, his muscles tense with anticipation.
STEP-STEP! TAP-TAP!
Peering through the narrow slits of his helmet, Zealot strained his eyes against the daylight filtering through the grand hall's tall windows. Despite the restricted view, he remained steadfast, keenly observing the shapes and movements of the approaching adventurers amidst the bright illumination.
‘I'm not sure what level those adventurers are, but I do know that with my current skills, I'll likely be defeated 100%...’ Zealot thought.
Suddenly, the sound of voices filled the air, accompanied by the clinking of armor and the soft shuffle of feet. Zealot strained to make out their words, his senses heightened to their fullest extent.
"Keep your weapons at the ready," one of the adventurers said in a hushed tone. "We don't know what we might encounter in this forsaken castle."
"Agreed," another voice replied, equally cautious. "Stay alert and watch each other's backs."
As the voices drew closer, Zealot's heart rate quickened. He silently cursed his luck, knowing that discovery would likely mean his demise. Sweat trickled down his spine as he braced himself for the worst.
‘This sucks... Even if I try to run, I don't think I could outrun them. It seems my best option is to lay low for now until they leave.’ Zealot thought.
Minutes passed like hours as the adventurers moved through the grand hall, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Zealot dared not move a muscle, lest he give himself away. He focused all his energy on maintaining his facade, willing himself to remain calm despite the rising panic within him.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the footsteps began to recede, their echoes fading into the distance. Zealot let out a silent sigh of relief, his muscles relaxing slightly as the immediate danger passed.
‘Phew...! What a day to start my life as a Demon King…’ he thought to himself.
Zealot's heart still raced with adrenaline as he cautiously emerged from the suit of armor, his senses on high alert for any lingering threat. Once he was certain the adventurers were gone, he stepped out into the grand hall, his mind swirling with a mixture of fear and determination.
"That was too close for comfort," he muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. "I need to be more careful from now on. The last thing I want is to attract unwanted attention."
With a newfound sense of urgency, Zealot knew he couldn't afford to waste any more time. He needed to devise a plan to strengthen himself and navigate this unfamiliar world without drawing suspicion.
‘I'll need to find a safe place to farm monsters and level up,’ he mused, his brow furrowed in thought. ‘Somewhere secluded where I won't be disturbed.’
Out of nowhere, the five human adventurers suddenly appeared and surrounded Zealot in a circle.
"Hahaha! Nice try, idiot!" laughed one of the adventurers.
"Yeah, where do you think you're going, Demon King, Zealot?!" added another with a smirk.
"Kekeke! You think we didn't notice you all this time? In fact, we knew since the beginning, but we pretended not to see you," chuckled a third, joining in the amusement.
‘What?! How did they get here?! I could’ve sworn they left earlier! Tch! Dammit! Is this really the end of me?!’ Zealot's mind raced with a mix of disbelief, frustration, and fear.
Upon closer inspection, they realized that Zealot didn't resemble the Demon King they knew. The Demon King was supposed to exude a powerful aura and possess immense physical strength, yet the current Zealot seemed rather ordinary. He lacked significant muscle mass, stood slightly shorter in height, and resembled more of a skinny man than a powerful ruler.
"Y-You! Who the hell are you?!" Jack, the party leader, blurted out, his voice a mix of surprise and suspicion.
At this very moment, Zealot swiftly activated his skill using his thoughts.
EYES OF TRUTH!
As Zealot delved into Jack's mind, he sifted through the jumble of thoughts, searching for a glimmer of opportunity amidst the chaos of fear and suspicion. And then, like a bolt of lightning illuminating the darkness, an idea struck him with dazzling clarity.
'I thought I was done for, but hold on... There might still be a chance to get out of this if I could outsmart them,' Zealot realized, his mind racing with possibilities.
Zealot not only delved into Jack's mind but also scanned the thoughts of other adventurers around him. Through this insight, he discovered their shared objective: the pursuit of the artifacts hidden within the treasure room of the Demon King.
'Ah,' Zealot thought, 'so it was the artifacts they were after all along… No wonder they’ve been roaming around the castle for hours...’
"Hey, are you even listening?! I asked, who are you?! Are you not the Demon King?!" Jack inquired once more.
"Well, as you can see, I'm not the Demon King you're seeking. I'm merely an impostor. The Demon King you seek is already deceased." Zealot replied calmly.
"What?! Y-You're not the Demon King?!" Jack stammered, shocked by the revelation. However, as he observed Zealot's expression and tone of voice, Jack felt an inexplicable sense of trust. It was clear that Zealot was being genuine.
While Jack trusted Zealot's words, his party members remained skeptical, convinced that Zealot was lying and fabricating a story.
"Haha. Hey, stupid demon! You think we would fall for such a lie?!" David scoffed.
"That's right! You think trying to fool us would work, huh?!" John added, his tone dripping with skepticism.
"True, true. As if we would trust a demon's words!" Alicia chimed in, crossing her arms defiantly.
‘As expected, I knew earning their trust wouldn't come easily. Not surprising. However, it appears their party leader, at least, has some faith in me, so that's a positive start. It seems like everything is falling into place smoothly. Now, all that remains is to convince the rest, and the plan should proceed without a hitch. Whew, I have to admit, I never imagined I could survive without resorting to fighting. I guess I'll need to hone my acting skills from now on, to persuade others more effectively in the future.’ Zealot thought.
"Ahem," Zealot cleared his throat before speaking. "Please, take a moment to think. If I were truly the Demon King, do you honestly believe I would waste my time conversing with the likes of you? I would have eradicated all of you by now. Besides, you should know how prideful a Demon King is, right? There's no way a Demon King would act as submissively as I am right now towards you all."
"Well, th-that’s true…" Jack hesitated.
"I hate to admit this… but you certainly do have a point," David reluctantly conceded.
"Hmph! Fine! Let’s say you’re right. It doesn’t change the fact that you’re still a filthy demon," Alicia retorted with disdain.
“That’s right! I couldn’t care less whether you're a Demon King or just a common demon. Either way, you're doomed unless you disclose the whereabouts of the Demon King’s treasure room,” Carl declared sternly.
‘Of course, of course. As expected, they spare me only because they need my guidance to locate the Demon King’s treasure room. They likely believe that only a demon like me would possess knowledge of its whereabouts. Phew, in any case, at least I know I’m temporarily safe for now. The only lingering question is whether they'll spare me once I've shown them the treasure room.’ Zealot thought.
"Ahem," Zealot cleared his throat once more. "Well, if it's the artifacts you guys are seeking, fear not. Though I may not be the true Demon King, rest assured, I can certainly guide you to the treasure room, as I know its exact location.”
“Haha! You better be, or else you’ll be as good as dead!!”
“Kekeke! That’s right! If you want to live, you better be useful to us. After all, nothing in this world is free, right? So, gotta work hard for your own survival.”
“Now, that’s what we’re talking about! Finally, a smart demon who knows what we want. I thought demons were brainless, but it looks like you’re a rare one.”
Demons aren't stupid beings; rather, they are prideful, often preferring honorable death over betraying their own kind. In this particular case, Zealot's actions could be seen as a betrayal to the Demon race for revealing the location of the Demon King’s treasure room.
Zealot knew he was walking a thin line between survival and betrayal. Guiding the adventurers to the treasure room meant potentially betraying his own kind, but it also presented him with an opportunity to gain their trust and buy himself some time to devise his next plan.
EYES OF TRUTH!
Once again, Zealot delved into their minds, and what he discovered didn't come as a surprise. It appeared that they had no intention of sparing him; their plan was to eliminate him once they obtained the treasure room location. Even without resorting to mind-reading, Zealot had sensed it from the outset. In this world, humans harbored a deep-seated disdain for demons, so their desire to get rid of him was entirely predictable.
‘Tch! It seems they're not planning to spare me; they intend to eliminate me after I disclose the location of the treasure room. To be honest, I don't even know where the goddamn treasure room is. However... Hehe! They'll soon regret their decision for not sparing me. Ah, I can't wait for that moment to come where they will scream for their lives as their bodies get ripped apart!’ Zealot thought.