Chapter 27

## Chapter 27: Speak Honestly. What Was Your Reason for Doing That?

Hillun Kagil was drowning in a sea of regret over his own reckless mouth and subsequent choices.

The sum of 100,000 gold was staggering. It was a fortune an average person could never hope to see in a century, and one that even the wealthiest aristocrats or merchants would struggle to produce on a whim.

This was doubly true for a demon who likely cared nothing for human currency—a Demon King who had only claimed this realm less than a year prior.

‘How on earth did he manage to produce 100,000 gold…’

The reality was hard to swallow, but the damage was already done.

To be a hero was to be a chosen vessel. While they were granted the immense power and divine favor of the dimension, that gift came with the weight of absolute responsibility.

A hero’s vow, in particular, was bound by a mysterious, metaphysical force. They were required to honor their word, lest they lose their sacred status and the blessings that defined them.

It was a catastrophic outcome that no hero was willing to risk.

“…Just what was that thing you made me eat?”

Regardless of his hesitation, the marble the Demon King had shoved into his mouth had already slid down his throat.

Between the instinctive compulsion of a hero to uphold a bargain and the sheer mental paralysis caused by the sight of the actual money, he had swallowed it without thinking.

A sharp ache throbbed behind his eyes.

“That is a binding mechanism. It goes by the name Armani’s Orb. It serves several functions, but its primary purpose is the prevention of treachery. A Demon King and a champion can hardly be expected to trust one another without some form of insurance, wouldn’t you agree?”

“You actually fed me that garbage?”

“I wouldn’t advise any reckless behavior. It is difficult to settle at first, but once Armani has established its roots, it is designed to detonate if it detects a threat to its master.”

Could a hero survive without a skull? It was an interesting question.

“I do wonder if your precious dimensional grace would be enough to save you. Perhaps not. You are more than welcome to experiment if you are feeling bold.”

But he wouldn’t.

“…What is it you truly want from me?”

Hillun was a man who knew when to fold. He was especially pragmatic when his physical safety and his purse were both on the line.

“Simply continue your life as a hero. I intend to assist you in climbing to the very peak of your society’s hierarchy.”

“A champion sponsored by the Great Enemy. That sounds like a recipe for putting a massive target on my back.”

“Armani is undetectable. Unless someone decides to saw through your cranium and physically extract your gray matter, no one will know.”

Was that actually the case?

Hillun lacked the courage to find out. If there was even a minute chance of surviving this ordeal, he couldn’t bring himself to gamble his life on the Demon King’s provocation.

“…Very well.”

He finally relented, accepting the grim reality of his situation.

Whether he liked it or not, his fate was now inextricably linked to the Demon King.

“In that case, perhaps you could release these restraints?”

He tried to find a silver lining.

His 10,000 gold debt was a thing of the past. Furthermore, he was still in possession of a staggering 90,000 gold.

The possibilities were endless.

He could buy the favor of the nobility, launch commercial empires, and consolidate both political and financial power.

Prestige and opulence were finally within his grasp.

“Do you honestly think I can just return to my duties as if nothing has changed?”

“The companions who followed you here are currently in the dungeons. I will transform them into Dark Knights and Dark Sorcerers bound to your will.”

“Utilizing abyssal energy will lead to our immediate discovery.”

“If survival is your goal, you will simply have to be extremely discreet around others.”

“That is a fair point.”

Should it ever be revealed that he had become a lapdog for the Demon King, there would be an uproar, but it seemed unlikely. Hillun was a celebrated hero, and the notion of such a figure falling into servitude to the Demon King was virtually unthinkable to the public.

Suspicion would likely never fall on him.

“By the way, among the prisoners you took, was there a man with chestnut hair and sapphire eyes?”

“There are many who fit that description.”

“I suppose I will have to identify him myself.”

Hillun gave a stiff nod.

“Set me free. Since we are now associates… Gahk!”

A heavy thud resounded as Hillun was knocked to the ground. Berge retracted his leg.

“Mind your place. We are not associates—you are the servant, and I am the master.”

“…I didn’t realize you had those sorts of inclinations.”

“I don’t expect genuine devotion from you. Whether you desire it or not, you are a pawn on my board. But at the very least, maintain that deceptive persona you are so famous for. Is that not your greatest skill?”

“…As you command.”

Hillun offered a freezing grin, slipping back into his accustomed mask.

The transition was effortless. It was the face he showed the world every day.

—

The path of a hero was an endless toil.

No matter how much it was wrapped in flowery rhetoric or the allure of gold, it ultimately boiled down to violence—and in violence, people died.

Nobody truly enjoyed putting their neck on the line.

Unless, of course, they were backed into a corner.

Aman Katrashu, a knight who had joined the vanguard of the hero’s quest, was exactly that kind of desperate man.

He possessed legitimate skill with a blade, but he suffered from a crippling addiction to spirits and games of chance. Regrettably, his luck with the dice was nowhere near as sharp as his swordsmanship.

His mounting losses at the tables eventually saw him cast out of his ancestral home. Even though he was talented enough to earn his spurs, the lord he served had eventually discarded him, claiming that some men were simply beyond redemption.

As a final act of pity, his title was left intact, leaving Aman as a wandering free knight.

However, the creditors remained, and with the debt collectors breathing down his neck, he viewed the hero’s expedition as his final gamble for salvation.

Even with the daunting Erjest Mountains as their destination—he pushed through.

He survived the avalanches and the relentless waves of monsters driven by the Frost Orcs.

Even when they found no fortress at the peak and the party began to crumble—he did not desert.

He held onto the hope of victory. He believed that by standing beside Hero Hillun Kagil, they would eventually slay the Demon King and claim the legendary spoils.

He had never envisioned a reality that looked this much like a nightmare.

“You are presented with two paths.”

As he sat with his head pressed against the freezing stone of the cell, waiting for the end—the Demon King arrived.

“Become Dark Sorcerers or Dark Knights, bound to my service.”

“Or cling to your human morals and perish in this cell.”

“I assure you, death will not come swiftly. You trespassed into my domain—restitution is required.”

A cold shiver raced down Aman Katrashu’s spine.

He was under no illusions that the Demon King’s pleasant expression was a sign of kindness.

He had seen the truth. The Demon King had already slaughtered the other champions. He had executed them with terrifying brutality right in front of the survivors.

Was he to die in such a manner?

Being taken prisoner by the Demon King was a death sentence regardless. He understood this, yet the proximity of the end terrified him.

He was a man who simply wanted to clear his debts and live a life of comfort. He possessed no grand sense of duty toward mankind or the safety of the realm.

Yet, he wavered because…

‘If I become a Dark Knight, the evidence will be plain to see.’

He might get lucky in the short term. But as a knight, he would eventually be forced to draw upon his power, and he would be surrounded by the watchful eyes of other heroes.

“Hesitation will gain you nothing. Accept the benevolence of His Majesty. It is the only way you leave this place alive.”

“…Commander?”

Aman’s cracked lips trembled.

It was Hillun Kagil. The beacon of hope who had led them into the mountains.

The prisoners’ eyes went wide with shock.

Why was the champion standing beside the Demon King?

Their confusion lasted only a second before their eyes locked.

“This is the knight I spoke of.”

“The one you deemed useful?”

“Aman Katrashu, the only successor of the Katrashu line. His family controls the Golden Moon Merchant Company—they are the perfect vehicle for moving resources.”

“The Golden Moon Merchant Company?”

“Their influence has waned recently, but they were once among the five most powerful firms in the Iasin Kingdom.”

“Why would a man of that standing join a suicide mission?”

“He is a disgraced son. He became a pathetic, drunken gambler who failed to show respect even to his father’s liege lord.”

Aman’s face burned with shame at the blunt description.

“His parents refused to pay his debts any longer, so he was forced into the expedition. However, the truth is that old Kruger Katrashu still cherishes his boy. He keeps a secret watch on his every move. He likely still harbors a hope that the boy will change his ways and take over the business.”

He was the only child, after all.

“Interesting.”

“You can leave the logistics to subordinates. He is easy to manipulate, and he will be a significant boon to you, my lord.”

“I suppose it would make the collection of ‘contributions’ much smoother as well?”

“I cannot disagree.”

“So, what is your decision?”

“……”

He knew the question was directed at him, but Aman found himself unable to speak. He couldn’t even process the dialogue between the hero and the Demon King.

“What are you talking about…? Why is the champion collaborating with the Demon King?!”

“Can you really not see it? It seems Sir Aman is not particularly bright.”

“What?”

“I have decided that my future lies with His Majesty.”

“Why would Hero Hillun ever submit to the Demon King?!”

“Because I was defeated. And I have no desire to die such a pathetic death.”

For such a reason, a hero would turn his back on humanity?

One of the most celebrated figures in the world?

Instead of fury, Aman felt a strange sense of relief. The fact that a hero of such stature shared his own survival instinct provided a twisted sort of comfort.

If the great Hillun is willing to beg for his life, isn’t it only natural that I do the same?

“…Will we truly be allowed to live?”

“You will.”

“But if we are turned into Dark Knights, the other heroes will notice…”

“Do not fret. Others might be caught, but you will remain undetected.”

Hillun smirked.

“Your Majesty, if I may offer a thought? Aman is far more valuable to you as a merchant than as a warrior. I suggest we permanently disable his aura core.”

“……?”

What did he just suggest…?

“The contract of a Dark Knight is etched into the very soul. Even without aura or a core, the bond remains absolute.”

“True. It allows for a service free of any lingering guilt.”

“Service without guilt—an interesting turn of phrase, but yes. There would be no need to pump him full of demonic energy. No one expects a knight with a shattered core to display power. And as for his doting father? Imagine how he would react to his son returning home broken.”

“He would likely shelter him now more than ever, urging him to simply focus on the family business.”

The Demon King’s eyes sparkled with malice.

“N-No, wait!”

“Aman, this is for your own benefit. With no core, there are no expectations. No use of power means no chance of being outed as a Dark Knight.”

Aman gestured wildly in protest.

“But to destroy my aura core…!”

“Regrettably, there is no other path.”

“His Great Majesty has decreed it, Aman. Receive this gift with gratitude.”

*Crunch—*

Agony flared in his gut, and the world went dark.

—

Whether by choice or circumstance, Hillun had effectively become the Demon King’s servant.

He had traded a fortune and his own life for his freedom. In his mind, it was a fair trade.

However, aside from all that, there was one individual Hillun was desperate to confront. There was a question that burned in his mind.

“Answer me. Why did you do that to me?”

“What are you referring to?”

“I’ve replayed it in my head a thousand times, but I cannot fathom it. Why align yourself with the Demon King? Why treat me—the one who worked like a dog to rescue you—as an enemy for his sake?”

There were no excuses. This Demon King possessed a cunning that far exceeded his peers; perhaps Hillun would have lost even without the princess’s intervention.

But.

What if.

If she hadn’t thrown his entire strategy into disarray.

The result might have been the exact opposite of what it was now.

Then he wouldn’t be standing here, trying to convince himself he hadn’t lost anything while becoming a servant out of pure necessity.

“I received my commission.”

The princess replied with total indifference.

“Commission…?”

“Alloze.”

It was a legendary elixir. A concentrated vessel of pure mana—the sort of thing that knights and sorcerers would kill for. It was also priceless for magical research.

Yet, for the princess standing before him, it shouldn’t have been that significant.

“You could obtain such a thing at any time, Princess.”

It was a matter of scale. While it was a treasure to most, it should have been trivial for the powerful Hildran Kingdom.

Would the King really deny elixirs to his greatest hope, the Crown Princess? If not for such resources, she never could have mastered the four great spirits at such a young age—one of which was a mid-tier entity.

“Alloze is never anything less than precious. Especially when it comes from the Erjest Mountains.”

“It isn’t worth discarding a chance to escape the Demon King’s grasp.”

“That assumes I had any desire to leave.”

“……?”

Had he misheard her?

Was the princess claiming she had no intention of departing the Demon King’s tower?

“Not every royal heir harbors a deep love for their sovereign nation.”

“But you of all people…”

He went silent.

As a premier hero in Hildran, Hillun had been privy to many things.

He knew the royal secrets that the common folk could never imagine.

“…I think I understand.”

“Quiet.”

Ernyan’s thin finger pressed against Hillun’s lips. Her purple eyes crinkled in a practiced, effortless smile.

“Regardless of what you think you know, it is unwise to speak of the royal family’s private business so carelessly.”

“There is no one here to listen.”

“A single lapse in judgment leads to many more.”

“A hero is defined by his discretion.”

“I truly hope you prove to be a capable hero, Hillun.”

A short silence fell between them. The tension only broke when Ernyan spoke again.

“The kingdom will be in total disarray when you finally return.”

“That is my expectation.”

It wasn’t just the King. Hillun was well aware of how obsessed the Hildran people were with their princess.

Regardless of her personal feelings, she was the undisputed successor—a fact everyone took for granted. Her disappearance would trigger a level of chaos that was hard to quantify.

The crown would likely try to assemble a second expedition, but after the unprecedented failure of the first, very few heroes would be willing to step forward.

“If you should encounter Elena, let her know I am well. She is prone to worrying.”

“The 13th Princess?”

“Yes.”

“I cannot guarantee our paths will cross, but if they do, I will deliver the message. However, why would she believe a word I say?”

The tower was hidden, yet the Crown Princess was supposedly doing fine? Not even a simpleton would believe that.

“Meiar.”

“……?”

“Tell her that, and she will believe.”

“A secret known only to the two of you. But that raises even more concerns.”

“She is a woman of her word. I can promise you that.”

Even while being a captive of the Demon King and betraying his trust, she remained the Crown Princess of Hildran. Her natural gifts far outstripped any other royal.

It was in his best interest to foster a relationship with a woman who was likely the future monarch.

“In that case, I bid you farewell.”

“Wait, one more thing.”

“……?”

“The dwarf on the ground floor—did you bring him here?”

“I did not. The Demon King went to the Dwarf Kingdom and recruited him personally. His name is Roger Friedri.”

“…That turncoat is Roger Friedri?”

The princess turned and walked away without providing a further response. Left to himself, Hillun let out a dry, hollow laugh.

“There is no way that legendary dwarf would willingly serve the Demon King…”

“Sigh…”

He didn’t know the specifics, but one truth was undeniable.

This entire mission had been destined for failure from the moment it began.

“A complete and utter loss.”

He had been thoroughly dismantled by the Demon King.

—

“We never managed to locate the Demon King’s tower in the first place. Is that understood?”

“Understood.”

The Dark Knights and Dark Sorcerers gave their assent with surprising enthusiasm.

The same people who had once sworn to eradicate the Demon King were now preparing to enter the world as his secret agents.

It was a pathetic comedy.

But Hillun wasn’t in a position to judge them. He had made the same choice first. He was more driven by greed than any of them.

Now, he would use these people to repair his broken reputation and status.

“Begin the descent!”

“By the decree of His Majesty, we are here to ensure your safety.”

A group of Frost Orcs, commanded by Cruto, acted as their escort.

To maintain the illusion—the hero’s party appeared malnourished and exhausted, looking like shadows of their former selves. If they tried to descend in their true state, Hillun might be the only survivor.

And among the group was the elf, Granada.

“I never imagined a prideful elf would bend the knee to the Demon King, but since we are comrades now—I look forward to our cooperation.”

“I don’t care for pleasantries from a hero who tried to use me as a human shield to save his own skin.”

“Your attitude makes me wonder if you are even an elf at all. You certainly played the part well until now.”

“If we’re talking about acting talent, you’re the one who deserves the prize, aren’t you?”

The champion and the elf bared their teeth at each other.

An elf serving as a minion to the Demon King.

A hero who was willing to discard his allies as sacrifices.

The gap between them was vast and bitter.

“Silence, both of you. We are moving.”

“Quiet, you wretched orc.”

“A lowly orc dares to speak to me. If you weren’t also a servant of His Majesty, I would have removed your tongue.”

It wasn’t just two of them—it was three.

“You all seem to be getting along famously.”

“If you truly believe that, Your Majesty might be as blind as a salted fish.”

“I loathe to agree with him, but in this case, I must.”

“How dare you speak to His Majesty that way! Your Majesty, give the word and—!”

“Just start walking.”

After a long and arduous journey, the group finally reached the base of the mountains.

“Take care of yourself. You are an elf without a shred of elven grace, Granada.”

“I see it clearly now—you are incredibly immature for a hero.”

Once they reached Hortonwork, Hillun and his party used a dimension gate to vanish instantly. However, Granada remained behind, following the specific instructions of the Demon King.

And then.

“Leader…? You’re still breathing?”

He was reunited with the Red Hawk Mercenary Corps, whom he had assumed were long dead.

“Well, I’ll be damned.”

They were completely fine, without a single wound on them.Chapter 27