Walking through the castle of the Demon King, or I guess what was MY castle now, it more and more confirmed the fact that the world I was inside of right at this very moment is indeed the same as the one from 'Battle for Hope & Love'. The interior design is the same as the otome game, the unbroken walls and other things are the same as the DLC appearance of the castle. Even the individuals walking around the halls of the castle were the same. I mean, there were 6 knights in pitch black armour approaching me and Emily earlier, which were the same as the ones who would defend the castle against the Hero the first time you the player was forced to come to the castle in the story.
Now, of course since I wasn't the hero and instead their 'King', the Knights had stopped, before freeing the way and all kneeling down infront of me, their halberds held up high. One thing you I had to admit, is that the Demon King of Sins, albeit is more a tyrant, was greatly respect worthy.
In the DLC, like I said, you learned a bit more about his history and why he was waging war on the human Kingdom of Evelia — however, I can explain that later.
Right now, I was on my way to attend a meeting which was in the DLC story of the game — a meeting between the Demon King and representatives from other races in order to discuss the future invasion of the Kingdom of Evelia, which was more or less a glorified way for these other race representatives to try and convince the Demon King of Sins to back out of his plan in the DLC.
Here.... To be honest, I have no idea what will be discussed, since you never know how many similarities will be transferred between the games story and this potentially being an actual world I have found myself inside of. Eventually we had basically gone through the entire castle, finally making it out of it and walking off onto the bridge which connected the castle to the main land, with an sheer drop to death all around the castle.
This sheer drop was made by the Demon King of Sins himself in the lore, during his battle with the Gods over control over what are now known as 'Dark Lands' but at one point in time were part of the 'Holy Church' territory. Gotta say, seeing that sheer drop to death in person opposed to it being a 2D drawn picture really gives you an idea of just how deep down it goes.
After reaching the main land, we stopped before I reached down into my coats pocket with my right hand, before taking out a horn - a small, dark purple with gold accents horn. This was one of the Demon King of Sins artifacts known as the 'Dragon Caller'. In the game, when he blew into it, a horde of dragons would appear to aid the Demon King in battle, however it could also be used to call upon only one dragon — the Demon Kings personal steed for a lack of a better word.
I lifted it up towards my face, however did not blow into it. In the game it would show 2D sprites of actions and even then, they weren't super detailed as it was an Otome game that told its story in the way of a Visual Novel. However.... If I blow it here without much thought, I could risk calling out the wrong thing. Emily looked at me with a confused gaze, while I sweated a bit - as impractical as it seemed for a skeleton.
Then, I turned to face her, before handing her the horn.
"Emily, call out my steed."
I commanded. Emily quickly grabbed the horn and bowed before me for a second.
Emily: "Of course your Excellence."
She stated, before blowing lightly into the horn, not putting in much effort. This made me guess that the strength of the blow into the horn determined what you'd call upon — my steed or an army of dragons.
After Emily was done, she handed me the horn again, which I slid into back where I took it out from. Then, a loud roar came from behind the castle, as a giant pitch black silhouette of a dragon dashed past the castle and over us, before flipping around and full speed ahead crashing down infront of us. As the kicked up dust cleared, it revealed a dark purple and black coloured dragon, which had no legs, was serpentine like and had a pair of 4 wings, 2 on each side. The dragon glared down at me and Emily, before lowering its head down towards me and then laying it on the ground infront of me.
Honestly, I didn't expect any less than an absolute showing of respect from a steed to its master. But even then, it kind of surprised me a bit to see a whole enormous dragon bow its head before me. A dragon, a mythical creature of legends, bowing before me. That was a sight you do not see every day my friends. I placed my right hand onto the dragons head, rubbing it lightly before walking around it and quickly climbing ontop of its head, with Emily following behind me. I did wonder whether I should reach my hand out to help her get onto the dragon, however if I don't want to change the story too much, then I am better off playing a tyrant as much as possible right now. And besides, Emily was an absolute pro - she got onto the Dragon easily, with no issue at all.
After she climbed ontop and sat down, I extended my arms infront of me, a black pole made of crystal appearing in my hands, before being followed by a chain appearing on each side, manifesting itself out of literally nothing, wrapping all around the dragons horns on the sides of its 'lips'. I then simply exhaled before whipping the chains, which made the dragon open its eyes and quickly rise up, taking off into the air immediately afterwards.
The dashed at what had to be atleast faster than all jet aeroplanes I knew - reaching up above the dark clouds in seconds, maybe even less. Afterwards, I pulled the chains to the side, redirecting the dragon over in the direction where we had to go, before whipping the chains again, causing the dragon to speed on ahead at the same unreal speed. I still don't quite understand how this happened noir why I am inside the games world — however, I can figure that out as I go on. Right now, I should preserve as much of the original story as possible and also think of a way to prevent my demise from happening in 17 years. These two will be my main goals from now on. Shouldn't be too hard to do, seeing as I have beaten the games story more than once because of boredom as well as the headstart of 17 years I got. I'm sure I'll think of something. But that can happen later — right now, it was time for a meeting.
• • • • • •
- - - -
Summoned to Another World, but as the Final Boss
- - - -
• • • • • •
We soared through the sky for a little while, before eventually the I forced the dragon to go below the clouds once more, descending down towards the ground. Once we were through the clouds, the ground far below was once again visible, with a lush greenery, hills and tall mountains. In this scenery, a large kingdom, as white as new fallen snow, laid. This — was the Kingdom of Elves, Luutoria. In the game, this place was visited by the protagonist and her entire class around the beginning of her 2nd year. This is actually the place where the Demon King of Sins' influence is first seen by the main character, as they witness messengers leave the elven castle. It is also, as you should have guessed by now, the place where the meeting between the Demon King of Sins and the other race lords, takes place in.
Emily: "Such an ugly kingdom... I wish we would just burn it to the ground and show everyone in it that only his Excellence can be called a king."
"Emily, keep your thoughts to yourself. Luutoria is an essential participant in this meeting. That being said, should they anger me in any way, I won't hold back."
I stated, before causing the dragon to descend down towards the Kingdom — or actually, more accurately would be Queendom, considering that the entire country is ruled by a sole Queen that lost her husband long ago. That's atleast what I learned from the games storyline when the protagonist came here. Emily seemingly pouted a bit at my reply, however also looked quite pleased with it. Most likely because I said I would destroy the Queendom if they said something I didn't like.
Which to be clear, I do not have the balls to do. Literally and figuratively speaking — I legit don't think I would have the courage to destroy a whole Kingdom. But, I won't say anything now - you never know what may happen. The dragon landed on the outskirts of the Queendoms capital, allowing us to hop off before the dragon dashed back up into the air and off back towards the Dark Lands. Watching it leave made me appreciate a living breathing dragon more than I thought — once again, it's one thing to see a dragon in a 2D form in a game or movie, but it's a whole different thing to see him in flesh infront of you.
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"Come on Emily, we're going."
I stated, turning around before beginning to march towards the capital. Emily nodded lightly, following right behind me. Gotta say, the kingdoms capital looks a hella of a lot more impressive in person and real when comparing it to a 2D drawing version of it. I mean, the architecture from afar was nothing short of masterful. But I couldn't let myself get carried away — I have to maintain a tyrant act up until this meeting and through the entire thing in order to preserve the original story. So, time to put my years of roleplaying skill to use and act my way through this entire meeting.
Let's hope, it works out for me.
We arrived in the castle grounds very quickly, having been escorted by a couple of elven knights which I will guess were dispatched by the Elven queen to meet us. Well - not so much guess more of I know that they were dispatched by the Queen. That was the case in the games DLC, I don't see a reason for that not being tbe case here. Once more, the castle looked absolutely gorgeous up close and in person. I mean, the white marble, quartz and calcite stone made it look like the epitome of beautiful. However... Based on Emily's expression, she was thinking of the opposite about the place.
Emily: "Honestly, do those Elf fools lack brains? The thing is way too white! It almost hurts my eyes to look at it because of the way it reflects the sun."
Ah, well, I suppose that is fair criticism from her... Since I technically don't have eyes and instead just pupils inside of a skull, the sun reflecting off of the castle didn't bother noir blind me. If anything, it made the castle look more majestic. The guards who had escorted us to here quickly ran up to the castle gates, before opening them — letting me and Emily enter. So, we did — entering the castle. And my god, was I struck with absolute beauty the minute I entered it. Seriously. The interior design was GORGEOUS, it had all these really neat and tiny details engraved in the walls, pillars — even the staircases had carved in details. It made for an absolutely extravagant sight from afar and up close and personal. I mean - what psycho even does that? Who engraved small details in their walls, pillars and especially stairs just for aesthetics? Mad respect from me.
As soon as we entered further into the castle, a couple of elven guards approached us, before bowing before me nervously and turning around.
Elven Guard: "Follow us, Demon King Avis Virtiosa. The Queen and the others are waiting."
One of the guards stated, looking back at me. Emily seemingly took great offense from them not talking to me in a manner she would consider 'respectful' however I gestured her to calm down, before gesturing to the guards to start moving. And after a moment of hesitation, they did - with us following right behind them as we were brought deeper into the castle.
'If my memory serves me right, then before the Demon King of Sins arrives, the 7 Gold Crowns are discussing things about him and how to potentially defeat him in the future... And seeing that I haven't arrived just yet, that means that the conversation is taking place right now.'
I thought, keeping a dead serious, stone cold expression on my skeletal face - not wavering even a tiny bit.
In the Queens Meeting Hall. . .
The Seven Gold Crowns had already gathered inside the meeting hall - just like in the game. All seven of them kept on exchanging gazes, while talking about some things - mainly things related to the Demon King of Sins and the purpose of this meeting with him. In the original games story, the meeting was held to try and convince the Demon King to not invade or wager war on the Human Kingdom of Evelia and at the end of the meeting, the plan had failed with the Demon King threatening to wager war on them all as well. However, how will it play out here in this story? No one knows — not even our protagonist.
Thesald Ironblood - The Dwarven King: "It's been already half an hour and he still hasn't arrived. Clearly he will not be coming."
Yona Titula - Lizardmen King: "Patience is required Thesald. This meeting is far too important for him not to come."
Thesald: "And what gives you that idea? He's a tyrant that has never been part of any peaceful discussions! I seriously doubt he will come to one now."
Kaliana Trevasworth - Dryad Queen: "Please Thesald, do try to keep your voice down around those of equal power and authority to you. We don't know whether he will or will not come. Just give it a bit more time."
Thesald scuffed at Kaliana and Yonas responses, almost like he was disappointed by them believing that a tyrant such as the Demon King of Sins would arrive to a pitiful meeting designed to try and talk him out of the invasion of Evelia.
Alicia Wendavorn - Elven Queen: "Please, remain calm everyone. No need to rush things - we are not in a hurry. And besides, I doubt he won't arrive, after your remark when we were inviting him."
The Elven Queen stated, looking towards Thesald, who gulped a bit before looking away with a slight sweat on his face. When the Seven Gold Crowns were creating and sending their invitations to the Demon King to attend their meeting, the Dwarven King had asked the Demon King, if he was too big of a coward to not arrive to the meeting. This had shocked the other crowns, as disrespecting or insulting the Demon King of Sins in anyway, has resulted in literal cities and even 2 nations falling to ruins because they dared to bad mouth the tyrant of demon kind.
Halan Bigtoe - Giant King: "Haha! You have to admit that it was a pretty brave and bold move from Thesald though. To insult the Tyrant of Demons in the way he did — not many would find the courage to do that, especially after what he has done in the past when others have shown disrespect towards him or dared to insult him."
Drevarn Scaleshot - Dragon-blood King: "Brave, but foolish. He is luckily that the Dwarven Kingdom hasn't been turned to ash by the Demon King of Sins yet after that insult he threw at him in his invitation."
Halan: "Haha... I suppose that is true."
The giant king laughed nervously after the Dragon-born Kings comment, before crossing his arms. Thesald seemed to be a bit annoyed, however did not say anything and simply brushed his long, black beard with his right arm. Then, it turned into pindrop silence as all the present rulers did not strike up any more conversations. This silence dragged on for a moment or two, before being broken by an exhale from the Dark Elf King.
Luraga Charade - Dark Elf King: "I have to say, I wish we didn't need a meeting like this and could simply kill the Demon King of Sins ourselves."
Thesald: "You can say that again."
Kaliana: "I might understand how you feel, but you know yourselves that is impossible. The Demon King of Sins is completely invincible - none of our magic or weapons can even lay a scratch on him."
Drevarn: "And the only weapon in history that had been able to damage him, the Sacred Blade of Hope, was lost in the war where Inara fell over 70 years ago."
The Dwarven King scuffed.
Thesald: "What else did you expect? Humans are fools. Their so called 'Hero' didn't even manage to kill the Demon King with that blade and then went on to die himself, leaving behind the only thing that can harm him inaccessible to anyone inside a wasteland."
Luraga: "I wouldn't say they were fools. Yes, they didn't manage to kill the Demon King, but as I remember, he was gravely injured from that battle."
The Dark Elf King added causing the Dwarven king to look at him with a bit of a annoyed glare. The Gold Crowns continued to talk about the history and what not, until the doors of the hall burst open, causing them all to fall silent as two elven guards walked in and bowed.
Elven Guards: "Attention! The Demon King of Sins, Avis Virtiosa, has arrived!"
The Guards announced to the Gold Crowns, who all immediately took more serious postures, keeping their composure as well. The Elven Guards left the hall, as I - followed up by Emily - entered it, my steps slightly echoing in the hall as I walked over to the empty seat on the other side of the hall, the Gold Crowns all slightly eyeing me. The Dwarven King seemed to be a bit nervous - most likely because he did not expect me to arrive. As I remember in the game, the Dwarven King had dared to 'insult' the Demon King in his invitation to the meeting, which lead to the Demon King to portray a rather... Hateful aura from himself during the meeting, mainly aimed towards the Dwarven King.
I reached the empty seat, before sitting down in it and crossing my legs - propping my head up on my left arm to add more of a dramatic effect to my appearance to make myself appear as a tyrant as much as possible. Emily took a stance on my right, as all the Gold Crowns stared at me with slightly nervous expressions. Then, the Elven Queen, after gulping, gestured to the guards outside to close the doors. They nodded, before carrying out the orders - closing the doors with a heavy and loud thud. Then, after the doors had closed, it was once again pindrop silent for a moment. Then, the Elven Queen stood up and bowed towards me.
Alicia: "I thank you for coming, Almighty Demon King of Sins — Avis Virtiosa."
She stated, with utmost respect in her voice as I simply sat there and coldly stared at them all, releasing my aura just like in the games scene. It was time, I have to continue the games story as closely to the original as possible. For that, I must get through this meeting while appearing as a heartless tyrant. After the Elven Queen had thanked me, the other 6 Gold Crowns stood up and also bowed towards me, thanking me as well, before all of them sat back down. I remained silent for a couple of moments, before letting out a cold breath.
"I've come - now, tell me — what is the purpose behind you all dragging me here today?"
I asked, my voice deep, distorted and almost smoke filled. The Gold Crowns exchanged gazes with one another, before all of them looked towards me. Then, the Elven Queen lowered her head.
Alicia: "We wish to ask of you a request."
"A Request? And what may that be?"
I kept a cold act. I already knew what they would ask, however I couldn't exactly show them that I knew, since that would be hard to explain. And besides, in the DLC story, the Demon King learned of the meetings purpose only after the Gold Crowns had explained it. The Elven Queen shed a cold sweat, before clearing her throat.
Alicia: "Excuse our audacity, however we wish to ask you not to invade the Human Kingdom of Evelia and show mercy to it and its citizens."
= Intermission . . . =
• Next Time •
[ (3.) Demon King claims the Sacred Blade. ]