The Demon King Overrun by Heroes Novel - Chapter 56

Chapter 56
## Chapter 56: Aren’t You Her Brother?

『What is this?』

Hillun Kagil presented a single parchment toward the glowing crystal ball.

On it was the image of a common-looking man with chestnut hair and eyes, possessing a soft, somewhat circular face that radiated a kind disposition.

“A search warrant for a criminal,” Hillun answered.

『…Roger, I see.』

“Precisely. The craftsman residing on the first level of our spire.”

『There is a price on his head?』

“Only a few days ago, the Kingdom of Berft distributed these notices across the entire continent, demanding international assistance in his capture.”

“Subject: Roger Friedri, accused of high treason against the crown.”

“The specific bounty isn’t listed, but given the desperation shown by various nations in their hunt, the sum is likely astronomical.”

Hillun had been genuinely stunned when the report first reached him. Of all the powers, it was Berft—and the command had been issued personally by the Crown Prince.

“I’ve been curious since the day I met him, but how exactly did you recruit Roger to this place?”

『I abducted him.』

Hillun was momentarily silenced by the bluntness of the admission.

“If it was truly a kidnapping, Berft has no legal leg to stand on by labeling him a traitor. Furthermore, that dwarf didn’t appear to be serving you out of fear or lack of choice, my lord.”

A legendary craftsman had engineered mana-fueled artillery specifically designed to slaughter other heroes.

Even if one argued that such work was done under duress, how could one explain his actions in battle? He had actively sabotaged a fellow hero’s retreat and spat curses at him.

A typical hero wouldn’t hunt down his own comrades with a smithing hammer like a ravenous animal.

『You should interview him yourself. He would likely find the news of his ‘treason’ quite entertaining.』

“…I see. Regardless, that isn’t the primary reason I contacted you.”

『There is more news?』

“The verdict is in.”

A faction of senior members had formally accused Hillun and Rosel Charnt of violating the Hero Guild’s mandates.

Hillun had been informed that a clandestine hearing had been conducted within the organization to settle the matter.

『And the result?』

“The charges were dropped.”

『It took them a full fortnight to decide that?』

“The accusations were hollow from the start. The policy against national meddling exists to prevent the guild from being used as a pretext for conquest. In this instance, Ormus—the victim—personally came forward to speak in defense of Akan…”

Naturally, there had been a vocal minority.

A significant group had demanded a harsh sentence. Hillun categorized these detractors into two factions.

First, the guild supremacists who believed the organization should hold ultimate authority over all kingdoms. Second, the shadowy figures who had coerced Balraf Disroad into abandoning his destiny as a hero.

‘Was it the Empire? Or perhaps a different realm?’

Whoever had pulled Balraf Disroad’s strings had done so with masterclass secrecy; their identity remained a mystery.

“However, the majority felt it was better to ignore the friction. Independent heroes operating outside the guild’s jurisdiction looks bad for their reputation. It was deemed more prudent to…”

『…Grant them accolades and claim their victories as guild successes. Maintaining a facade of prestige is their priority.』

“Yes, that is the essence of it.”

『Mankind… they never change.』

『I understand. For the time being, focus your efforts on internalizing the Demon King’s essence. Your current strength is insufficient for the great work ahead.』

“Understood. On a side note, Rosel Charnt has been searching for you with quite a bit of fervor, my lord.”

『……』

“She inquires about your status every single day.”

『A relentless woman.』

“Why not simply grant her request and be done with it?”

『As I stated before, I have forgotten.』

“What if you were to do it now? Cultivating a strong bond with her and her patrons in the Akan Kingdom might be very beneficial in the future.”

『And you would share in that benefit, wouldn’t you?』

“I won’t deny that.”

The Demon King’s mouth twisted into a grin through the crystalline image.

『That transparency is why I find you tolerable. I shall consider it.』

“I appreciate it.”

The signal died. Hillun stood and stretched his limbs.

“…Perhaps I can finally get her off my back.”

The claim of daily visits was no hyperbole. Hillun had accompanied Rosel Charnt to the coalition partly for his trial, but mostly because she had vowed to stalk him until he obtained mana from Berge.

He hadn’t made a serious effort to flee, as he found her presence somewhat useful. Now was a time for consolidating power, not reckless movement.

*Knock, knock—*

“Lord Hillun, you have a visitor.”

A voice called from the other side of the door.

Hillun reached for his tea, assuming it was Rosel again, but he stopped mid-motion.

The aura was wrong. It didn’t feel like her.

‘Hazy.’

It felt like a lingering fog.

“…Identify yourself,” he demanded carefully.

Instead of a verbal reply, the door swung open.

A man entered wearing tattered leather armor that smelled of damp earth. His beard was unkempt, his hair a chaotic nest.

Yet, his gaze was piercing and full of vitality.

“Well, well, you must be the celebrated Hillun Kagil. The name’s Daphne Filia. Does that ring a bell?”

Daphne pulled a chair out and sat down with total lack of ceremony.

“…I doubt there is a hero alive who hasn’t heard of Daphne.”

“I’m flattered to be famous.”

Daphne offered a mocking little bow.

“What is your business with me…?”

“Oh, nothing to get worked up about. Don’t be so defensive. I’m just curious about a few things. You don’t mind a little chat, do you?”

“If I am able to provide answers.”

“Glad to hear it.”

Daphne produced a small notebook.

“Then, to start, I’d like the full story—every single detail—of your journey as a hero.”

—

*Chomp chomp—*

The meat was consumed in seconds. Plates of pasta vanished as sauce splattered everywhere, sucked up by hungry mouths.

Having abandoned utensils to eat with their bare hands, these weren’t beasts—they were elves.

Granada watched the ravenous display and sighed. It wasn’t out of annoyance, but deep sympathy.

‘The level of hunger they must have known…’

He had spent five years in the chains of slavery himself. He understood the toll it took on the soul.

“Take your time. There is plenty for everyone.”

“Th-thank you!”

“We are grateful!”

The group of fifteen elves bowed low, though their hands never stopped moving toward the food.

“It’s a shock every time I see it, but are these truly elves?”

“What are you implying?”

“Their appetite makes an orc look like a picky eater…”

Jetson went silent the moment Granada shot him a sharp look.

“Where is our next destination?”

“Buarn. There is word of elves being sold in the illicit shadow markets there.”

“In that case, we won’t require your services this time, Sir Jetson.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“I’m not sure about other ventures, but I don’t see why a merchant’s expertise is needed for an auction.”

“That’s a blow to my pride.”

Jetson struck his chest with his palm.

“I, Jetson, the premier merchant of Akan, am always an asset.”

“But…”

“Even the most skilled climber slips eventually. Nobody is flawless. And that goes for all races. Do you claim to be perfect in all things, Sir Granada?”

“…Fine. What is your strategy for this trip?”

“I’ve done some deep research on the mechanics of auctions.”

*Ahem.* Jetson cleared his throat with great self-importance.

“An auction is essentially a psychological battle. It’s about reading the room, timing your moves, and setting the pace to crush your rivals…”

“Skip to the end.”

“Strike with overwhelming force immediately. If a competitor tries to keep up, drive the price to the heavens. It’s called taking control of the momentum.”

“I thought your goal was to save money?”

“We will save money.”

Jetson pulled out a pad and pen, drawing a quick diagram.

“Look here. If the starting price is 10, a normal auction might finish at 100. But if they bid 11 and you immediately shout 60? They will freeze in fear.”

“And if they don’t? You might end up paying 200 for something worth half that.”

“It’s a risk.”

“You sound very sure of yourself. Do you have a backup plan?”

“None. Those people will bid regardless, so it’s better to just finish it quickly—it’s less stressful.”

“Even if you overpay significantly for a cheap item?”

“Even the greatest of merchants doesn’t turn a profit every single day.”

“……”

What a strange human.

Granada began to understand why Berge found this Jetson character amusing.

In all his long years of life, Granada had never met anyone quite so shamelessly bold.

“When does the Buarn event begin?”

“Tomorrow night at 8 PM. It’s a major hub with active transport circles, so our travel will be brief.”

The following evening, they reached the Buarn auction house.

When the elves were brought to the stage, Jetson engaged. Everything went according to the plan—except for the fact that the opposition was far more stubborn than expected.

“…I was under the impression that knowing when to walk away was a merchant’s greatest skill.”

“I’m not acting as a merchant today.”

Granada ultimately secured the elves, but at double the price they had anticipated.

“As I suspected, auctions are not your strong suit, Sir Jetson…”

“Wait, just hold on. Don’t be so quick to judge. The world is huge, and we need to find many more elves, right?”

“…Are you the ones who have been buying up every elf on the market lately?”

As they went to collect the elves after the bidding, a figure stepped out to intercept them.

—

“……”

Berge slowly opened his eyes.

‘This is intriguing.’

The essence of the phoenix residing in his secondary heart had grown noticeably more potent.

Demon Kings and their subordinates usually lose their edge when they leave the spire for two primary reasons.

First: the crushing weight of the world’s interference, which the tower usually filters out.

Second: the inability to harvest demonic energy in the outside world.

Humans process mana to create energy nodes and mana hearts; demons perform a similar process with demonic energy.

However, the mortal realm is devoid of demonic energy, leaving demons tethered to their towers.

Berge was the exception.

He gathered demonic energy while inside the spire, but converted mana while outside.

The power of the phoenix made this duality possible.

‘What sort of creature was this, truly?’

He recalled mentions of phoenixes from ancient chronicles.

Roughly three millennia ago, one was found in the Bellars realm. It took the combined might of three Demon Kings just to subdue it.

One was left a permanent invalid, another perished—a victory that felt like a defeat.

The phoenix within Aren might not be as ancient as the one from Bellars, but its ability to withstand a Demon King’s pressure made it worth the effort.

‘The more mana I consume, the more it integrates with my physical form. I should make more trips outside.’

The difficulty in mastering this power wasn’t a problem unique to Hillun.

Just then.

His communication device vibrated. It wasn’t Hillun Kagil calling.

It was a frequency that connected spire to spire. Another Demon King.

『It has been a long time, Berge Dayas.』

By funneling demonic energy into the device, a massive visage appeared in the air.

“What do you want, Ugar? We aren’t exactly on speaking terms.”

Berge repressed an insult.

『I have an offer for you.』

“We aren’t on ‘offering’ terms either.”

『You remain as arrogant as ever. Do you honestly believe you can take the world by yourself?』

“Those aren’t the words of a Demon King. I’m terminating this connection.”

『Hold on…! This won’t cost you anything!』

“Get to it.”

『I wish to purchase demonic energy. Word has reached me that you are selling it for human currency. I want to buy a portion.』

“You are in need of energy?”

So the news had leaked? It wasn’t exactly a state secret. But Ugar—at least the Ugar Berge remembered—wasn’t the type to ask for help, which was suspicious.

“How much gold are you offering?”

『3592 gold pieces.』

It was more than he expected. Jason Kokmund’s 100,000 was a total outlier; Demon Kings usually had no use for wealth.

“180,000 points.”

『That is all?』

“I promised Jason 5 million points for 100,000 gold. Take the deal or leave it.”

『…Fine.』

“I can’t provide the full amount immediately. I am supplying Jason in increments. I will provide yours on a monthly basis.”

『…Hmph, very well. It is better than nothing.』

Ugar nodded after a moment of thought, agreeing to pay upon signing the contract before the image faded.

“Ugar needing energy…”

It was normal for a Demon King to want more power. But why come to Berge, a man he detested?

‘There is something deeper here…’

Was it because of Drakson’s demise?

That was the most glaring change compared to the timeline before his regression.

A Demon King who was supposed to live had died. Consequently, a replacement had been sent down.

Also, Vivian’s sheer incompetence had made all the other Demon Kings much more cautious.

‘Only time will reveal the truth.’

Berge returned to his meditation.

The phoenix-tainted mana surged within him.

—

“Is it roughly halfway done?”

“Indeed. The moment a hero sets foot here, the walls will retract, and the full weight of the mana cannons will be unleashed.”

“Excellent.”

Berge walked through the first floor to check the construction. It wasn’t finished, but seeing the blueprints come to life made him smirk.

He was eager to see the expressions on the heroes’ faces when they walked into this trap.

Especially Ralph Schmidt.

‘I wonder if that shield of yours can withstand this?’

He was dying to find out.

Just then.

“My lord!”

Gordon came running toward him, gasping for air.

“The Demon King Ugar has seized the 13th Princess of Hildran!”

“…What?”

Then came the follow-up.

“…Wait, what?”

Ernyan Hilde’s eyes went wide as she stopped helping Roger with the earth spirits.

* Isn’t the 13th Princess of Hildran your younger sister?

The water spirit, lacking any sense of timing, tilted its head in confusion.