The guards were stationed on the tower, keeping a sharp eye on the entire view of the royal gardens. The view stretched out to the exit gate that led outside the entrance to the royal abode.

So far, nothing out of the ordinary had happened, except when one of the guards was startled, catching a glimpse of a figure that stood out. He could already make out the fabric of a cloak swaying majestically.

King Artoris had returned, more triumphant than ever. Having passed the royal gardens, the mighty gates slowly opened before him, granting him a solemn entrance.

It was an honor reserved only for a king. Artoris crossed the threshold into the royal hall, and instantly, the tension could be felt among the guards lined up on the sides. With a deep bow, they showed their respect.

"The secret mission was a success?" spoke a demon.

"Secret missions are none of your business," replied Artoris.

And that's because it had to remain a secret, right Purply?

Artoris rushed to the throne, leaning back against it. From the front door, he noticed a figure approaching; it was an air demon, its suspended wings bringing it to a low descent until it landed in front of the king with majestic elegance.

The demon's eyes trembled, sheer desperation could be read in its gaze.

Artoris rested his elbow on the arm of the throne, and his eyes were about to close from boredom.

"Lord Artoris," the demon spoke. "I am here to serve and update you on every situation regarding the various threats that loom-"

Artoris was distracted by his thoughts, the words of his subject echoing in the background, but his mind was too occupied by the threat that had haunted him since childhood: Geronimo, who now wore the mask of the hero. Why him? He often wondered, convinced he was not at all suitable for that role. Whoever had performed this summoning had to be either drunk or severely distorted in their view of the world.

Geronimo was quickly climbing the levels, reaching a peak so high that only an experienced player would have been able to achieve in such a short time.

Artoris was trapped. He thought that in this new life of his, he'd live in peace, considering humans as mere scraps of paper, easily snuffed out, and the kingdom posed no threat. It was comforting to believe in this version before Geronimo arrived, the hero was seemingly ready to sacrifice himself for a noble cause, but in reality, acted solely for his own gain. An extreme narcissist like him would only defend the kingdom for his interests. Wonder how much fun he was having playing the hero, free to roam as he pleased, adored and worshipped by women, while Artoris was stuck enduring meals of human flesh and guards crowding him without giving him space.

The servant was still talking, spouting nonsense Artoris couldn't care less about. He was going on about how demons were invincible and humans would dwindle to extinction. He silenced him in an instant, just needed to raise his voice.

"If you don't shut it right now…" Artoris said solemnly.

"You'll be forced to tear out your own mouth with your hands. And trust me, it won't be a pleasant experience."

The demon's breath hitched.

Artoris sighed heavily, exhausted from constant thinking, so much so that a headache suddenly overwhelmed him.

The demon, following orders, raised his arm and with a decisive gesture, tore off his lip entirely, leaving behind a trail of blood and pain.

"Is this better, master? Now I can't speak ever again."

"Not literally…"

Artoris realized he couldn't just sit idly on the throne, letting Geronimo's power grow. Initially, the idea of stepping in scared him, wanting to hide in the castle and live in the shadows, away from any nuisance. However, he understood that this was not the behavior of a true demon king and that he had to act to protect his kingdom and his people.

The weight of his role heavily oppressed him, as he knew that soon Geronimo would level up and come to Abylissilum to kill him. He was aware that the fate of his kingdom and his own life hung in the balance, and he had to act promptly and decisively to stop this looming threat.

This single thought propelled him off the throne. He knew he had to do something, anything to stop his rise, the rise of a bully, not a hero. Even in this world where roles had been reversed, Artoris knew this was no hero, but a mistake. He had to make everyone understand this, even the kingdom of Heden, though he'd surely struggle to be heard.

"Purply, if you're there, answer me."

Purply popped down from his cobwebs, delicately tiptoeing down until he landed on the floor.

He was glad to see his master safe and sound.

The king looked Purply straight in the eyes, this time managing to do so without much fear.

"Tell me everything, Master Artoris."

"We leave tomorrow, be ready."

"Where to?"

"To the place known as the Valley of the Dwarves."

Purply jumped.

"The valley of the dwarves, those famous craftsmen?"

Purply drooled. "I've always wanted to devour one, but I could never find them. I believe it's just a silly legend."

Little was known about the dwarves; few humans had the opportunity to meet them, and from what was said, they were not at all friendly. On the contrary, they showed great skepticism in forming relationships with outsiders.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

Access to their weapons was strictly limited and forbidden, jealously guarded and reserved exclusively for their race. Although they produced bows for elves and previously swords for beastmen, their trade relations did not extend beyond that.

Rather than risking a direct confrontation with humans, I suggest we reach them first and initiate a negotiated dialogue with the dwarves.

Artoris ordered the other soldiers to prepare the right gear for departure. The preparations were almost complete when Dan, Kira, and Purply, three followers Artoris deeply trusted, were selected to accompany him on the journey.

Just then, a haughty tone rang through the air.

"Do you really want to challenge the dwarves?"

Purply looked down, furrowing his brow as he scrutinized closely.

Aurelia stepped forward confidently.

"I've fought alongside dwarves, I know their nature and how to persuade them. It'd be a shame to waste such a precious opportunity to negotiate with them."

"Silence, slave!" Purply snapped.

Artoris ran a hand over his forehead, caught in a moment of reflection. "Tell me everything you know about the dwarves!"

With confidence, Aurelia moved forward, followed by the screeching of chains dragging on the ground.

"They live in a small village hidden in the valleys; if an angel spoke with the village chief, it would have a better chance of being heard."

Indeed, Aurelia was right. Artoris carefully considered how she could contribute. Then, with a snap of his fingers, he concluded:

"Come with us and offer your help," Artoris said.

Purply jumped. "B... but master! She's a slave!"

"Provided she doesn't betray us. But I doubt Aurelia wants to become Purply's meal," Artoris retorted.

Aurelia grinned slyly.

"I have no intention of hindering you or seeking revenge. I just want to explore the world and escape this castle prison."

"Alright," Artoris replied with a nod of agreement.

The two shook hands as a sign of reconciliation. The preparations were complete, the word had already spread, the king would depart, perhaps with new equipment that would revolutionize the armories of the demons. The news had even reached Kira's ears, and Dan was undoubtedly thrilled by the idea. The king was back in action, determined to dominate the entire world and bring it under his heel. This was the task of the royal lineage; no other being dared to match the demon king, and their power had to be acknowledged in every corner of the world's surface.

They were to depart the next day at dawn, before the sun rose. Artoris was in his chamber, seeking comfort under the blankets. He needed to sleep well before the big moment. He felt a mix of fear and excitement. He wasn't used to dealing with other kingdoms; he preferred to simply wield his sword and fight. But now, he had to make crucial choices that would impact his position and that of his people.

He closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Upon waking, he noticed the rays had already lit up his face. Artoris sprang up.

"What time is it?"

He stretched his arms, threw on his tunic, and dashed out of the chamber. The tray was placed next to the door, but he completely ignored it, running down the corridor, seeing the guards instinctively bowing. Then, he went up the stairs and found himself in the throne room. Everyone was there.

"It took you long enough!" Kira exclaimed.

Artoris coughed suddenly.

"I was busy with other, more important tasks. I'm sorry you had to wait so long, but these tasks were more important than you, as they ensured the success of the plan that was to take place today."

Actually, I have no idea what to say to the dwarves, I was thinking of negotiating with them, but regardless of what they say or do, I think I'll just have them killed directly, it's simpler that way.

Being a villain came with tasks much more extreme than those of a hero.

Artoris let out a yawn, barely able to stand. He was way too sleepy, but still tried to speak and look at all those gathered around.

"Get ready. We're about to head out."

Dan was close behind the king, keeping an eye on Aurelia to prevent any escape attempts or breaking free from the chains on her wings. His main job was to ensure the king's utmost protection. Meanwhile, Kira was at Artoris's side, ready to fight alongside him through the challenges they would face together.

Exiting the castle, they arrived at a barren place, activated the interface, and Artoris clicked on the icon:

AWAY

A whirlwind began to form and lifted them up, pushing them through an endless tunnel until it catapulted them into the surface world. Thrown out, they all fell to the ground, onto the grassy layer covering the surrounding territory. In their travels, demons didn't use horses, or they'd risk eating them.

Their steps were so swift it took little time to move from one territory to the next. They had left the forest and were now traversing a vast green path, devoid of trees and everything. The map on Artoris's screen matched the location; it would take several more days to reach the dwarves' village. The humans had surely already set out, led by Geronimo. This was what worried him the most because if Geronimo managed to defeat Artoris in a flash, the demons would realize he was an impostor, a fake king, who landed in that body by a summoning mishap. Now Artoris needed to find out if living here or in the real world was worse. The circumstances were unpleasant on both sides.

Along the way, Aurelia suddenly stopped and looked at everyone with an embarrassed air.

"I...I need to pee!"

Artoris glared at her. "Hold it."

Aurelia clasped her hands in front of her thighs. "It's urgent! Please, let me pee!"

"Can't you do it later?" Artoris replied.

"I also need to poop, haven't since this morning. An angel isn't used to eating rats found in the catacombs, my stomach couldn't handle it!"

Aurelia bent over, on the verge of throwing up.

Artoris ordered Dan to follow him. Aurelia now looked entirely like a woman, and Artoris admitted that her moans had made him think they were a woman's orgasms, but he brushed aside those thoughts.

Dan took Aurelia to a more distant spot. Meanwhile, Artoris stretched out on the grass, staring at the clear sky, devoid of clouds, just pure blue. Purply's shadow ruined that view.

"Master, what will you do once you've wiped out the entire realm of men?"

"Meh, I'd rather not think about it right now, I want to live in the moment."

Kira couldn't hold back her laughter.

"Live in the moment? Since when does Artoris speak such poetic words? Remember, your only task is to destroy everything."

Kira scanned the horizon; neither Aurelia nor Dan had returned. "What about those two?"

Artoris stood up and looked towards Purply.

"Purply, go check it out."

Purply spread his wings and flew to that spot. Purply flapped his wings mightily, Artoris and Kira looked at each other and followed him.

They stopped and saw Dan's mutilated body, with thorns stuck all over. One had perfectly hit the throat, leaving him no chance. His head was tilted to the side, pupils dilated.

On the grass lay the chains; Aurelia had managed to free himself.

"I knew I should've eaten him on the spot!" said Purply.

"No big deal. It's not the end of the world. We'll still reach the dwarves' village, we don't need his help."

"My lord, since there are only two of you left, I can carry you."

The idea of hopping onto Purply was a good solution, but his skin was revolting, like touching a tarantula. Artoris shuddered at the thought.

Kira leaped into Purply's lap, looking down at Artoris.

"What are you waiting for, get on!"

Artoris moved forward alone, trembling and fearful.

"I…I'll walk!"

Purply swooped down over him, picked him up with his teeth, tucked in his legs, spread his wings like sails, and soared into the blue sky.