The Demon King Overrun by Heroes Novel - Chapter 65

Chapter 65
## Chapter 65: Is a Dark Knight Really My Only Option?

—

The Principality of Karmenia within the Traparta Alliance. Its heart, the city of Karnia.

Rising from the city’s center was a monolithic spire reaching thirty levels into the sky. It towered over every surrounding structure, eclipsing even the opulent palace of the principality’s sovereign. Its very architecture was a testament to the champions who defied the Demon King. The thirty-story stature served as a bold declaration: heroes were superior to the kings of darkness. This was the Hero Guild headquarters—the crown jewel and sanctuary of every defender of humanity.

For Hillun Kagil, being invited into these hallowed halls was the culmination of a lifelong obsession. Before he had even earned his title, he fantasized about this moment. Once he became a hero, his focus shifted to infiltrating the guild’s inner circle of authority.

He sought influence. He sought prestige.

Why was the Hero Guild his ultimate target? The logic was transparent. Even the monarchs of the most powerful realms, even the most formidable emperors, were ultimately bound by laws that heroes could bypass. There were moments when even the highest royalty had to defer to a hero’s whims. Hillun could still recall a scene from his youth: a high-ranking nobleman bowing low before a hero who was treated like a celestial being. That memory had burned itself into his consciousness, serving as the fuel for his relentless ambition.

‘I have finally arrived.’

The path he took involved becoming a puppet for the Demon King, but he viewed that as a mere technicality. Eventually, he would sever those dark strings and rise on his own. When that day came, his current maneuvers would only look more impressive. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his rapid pulse.

“I never imagined I’d actually set foot in here…”

“Are we truly being integrated into the vanguard?”

“We conquered the Beast Tower and the Adamant Tower—this is just the next step. We have the great Hillun Kagil leading us!”

“But we’re just hired blades, aren’t we?”

“Our patron demands it. As long as the gold flows, who cares?”

“Still, the atmosphere is a bit intense…”

“With your talent, you’d survive a trip to the abyss and back.”

“Well, I appreciate the vote of confidence.”

“Was that a compliment?”

“Quiet, everyone. Try to act like you belong here.”

‘Why must I be saddled with these idiots…’

Even heroes were subject to social hierarchies. No matter how much fame a person brought to the headquarters, they were powerless without a loyal faction. To that end, Hillun Kagil had arranged for his personal associates to accompany him. To the public, they were introduced as the Red Hawk vanguard mercenaries. He didn’t trust them completely, but they were a necessary foundation.

“Granada.”

“Yeah?”

“We are in the spotlight now.”

“…And?”

“Ensure the Red Hawks behave themselves. I won’t have my standing tarnished by their lack of discipline.”

“Fine, fine. Everyone, shut your mouths.”

Under Granada’s command, the mercenaries fell into a disciplined silence.

The Hero Guild was the most imposing landmark in Karnia, a symbol of power that dwarfed the imperial palace and operated beyond national borders. The locals were immensely proud to host the headquarters, and the building was a constant magnet for attention. Consequently, the group felt the weight of a thousand eyes settling on them. They were the center of the storm.

“Who are they? I don’t recognize them.”

“That’s Hillun. Hillun Kagil.”

“The one who took down the Demon King?”

“Then those followers must be the elite squad he recruited.”

“Most likely.”

“Incredible. To actually see the man who finished off two Demon Kings in person.”

“Glory to Hillun Kagil!”

Though Hillun had never visited Karnia, his legend had preceded him. To the citizens of this martial city, he was a living myth.

‘Listen to those cheers.’

This was exactly what he craved—the worship, the recognition.

‘I must maintain a perfect image. My debut in the city of heroes cannot be flawed.’

Hillun struggled to keep a neutral expression, though his pride was soaring. There was no reason to suppress the momentum of the crowd. People flocked to catch a glimpse of him, and the masses parted like the sea to provide a clear path.

“The Hero Guild is just ahead!”

The townspeople eagerly acted as guides, leading the group to the base of the massive spire.

*Creeeak—*

The entrance doors—far more magnificent than any portal in the Demon King’s domains—parted slowly. A reception committee of high-ranking figures stepped forward.

“Welcome to the Tower of Heroes.”

“Honored Elder, Sir Torniel Borgis. It is an immense privilege for my team to be received by you personally!”

“You recognize me?”

“What hero wouldn’t know the legendary figure who ended the Famine Demon King?”

“That is a dusty memory from a different era. Now, I am just a retired old man passing time in the shadows.”

“Nobody would dare describe Sir Torniel in such a way.”

“I am simply grateful that a rising star destined for the history books has heard of an old relic like me.”

“You are too kind, sir.”

The young hero and the veteran shared a formal embrace.

“I am eager to see what we can achieve together. This guild is always in search of true excellence.”

“The honor is entirely mine.”

‘He’s a silver-tongued devil. I can’t let my guard down around him.’

‘Old man, I know you’re already calculating how to exploit my reputation. Typical.’

“Hahaha.”

“Hahaha.”

Their forced laughter blended with the enthusiastic shouts of the gathered public.

—

“Yes, it’s all there. The transaction is complete.”

Jason spoke toward the glowing communication orb.

A massive liability of five million magi points had been cleared with a payment of ten thousand gold. The debt was settled. In truth, compared to the value humans placed on gold, it was a bargain. However, since magi points were the true currency of power, Jason felt he had made a profit. Still, he had secretly hoped the debt would linger longer.

“It seems the top of the class isn’t just for show.”

Berge was playing a high-stakes game. Abducting the crown princess of Hildean, the princess of the Jespain Empire, and another royal from Hildean—it was a bold sequence. Executing the kidnappings was one thing, but remaining untouched afterward proved his skill. Managing to conceal a tower through tactics that defied the established canon of this world was something very few Demon Kings could achieve.

In fact, Jason couldn’t think of another who could. While others viewed Berge as an unpredictable lunatic, Jason saw a strategist. Perhaps Berge had studied the nature of the world of Aren more deeply than anyone else and was acting on insights others lacked.

‘But how? Where did he get his data on Aren?’

Those with deep connections in the demon realm might have intel, but Berge Dayas was a mere rookie graduate. He had no established faction or backing. No matter how Jason analyzed it, the numbers didn’t add up.

『You’re being too kind.』

“Not at all. No other Demon King has managed to rake in five million points within their first year.”

『Is that so?』

“Let me be specific: no one in *Aren* has. That is why I am becoming quite fond of you, Sir Berge.”

『Regardless of your praise, I am a novice. This is my first assignment.』

“Indeed, I am aware Aren is your debut.”

That fact only deepened the mystery.

‘I suppose I’ll have to expend some resources.’

Jason decided it was time to reach out to his contacts in the demon realm, something he avoided to save on magi points. But with the recent influx of 2.5 million points…

『I’ll be ending the transmission now.』

“Wait, just a moment.”

『Is there something else?』

“A quick question, if you don’t mind.”

『What is it?』

“What are your intentions for the immediate future?”

『Why would one Demon King concern himself with another’s itinerary?』

“In a standard dimension, I wouldn’t. But this is Aren.”

Jason’s plans relied on a certain level of stability; if Berge continued to trigger massive upheavals, it would disrupt the balance Jason worked to maintain.

『Are you suggesting I stay quiet?』

“I wouldn’t mind if you did.”

『Well, I have no grand schemes at the moment. My debt is clear, so I plan to focus on upgrading my tower’s defenses.』

“I appreciate the honesty. Oh, are you aware that a full year has passed since your arrival?”

『I am.』

“Then you realize the Tower Conclave is long overdue.”

The meeting was supposed to be an annual event. However, the chaos surrounding the hero hunts Berge started, combined with the death of Drakson, had caused constant delays.

『I plan to be there. What are the details?』

“In two weeks’ time…”

Jason hesitated, choosing his words carefully.

“Why don’t we host it at your domain, Sir Berge? Since it’s your first anniversary, it would be a fine opportunity to showcase your fortress.”

There was a pregnant pause.

『Pass.』

*Click—*

The line went dead.

“…Haha.”

Jason gave a dry chuckle.

“…Incredible.”

His amusement turned into a genuine laugh.

“This generation of Demon Kings is certainly providing plenty of entertainment.”

He adjusted his monocle and went back to his work.

—

“You’re entering the arms trade?”

『Yes. If I may say so, the atmosphere is ripe for it. Between your actions, the fall of the Beast Demon King, and the rise of the Lust Demon King, the continent is on the brink of war.』

『The cost of military equipment is surging everywhere.』

Hildean was reeling from the loss of two princesses. Dormund was caught in the Lust Demon King’s webs. Ormus had seen its best warriors slaughtered in the Beast War. Berge’s brazen kidnappings had acted as the spark in a powder keg.

『The market will fluctuate based on the moves you and your peers make. Would it be possible to get a hint regarding your next move?』

“I understand. Having that intel would allow you to manipulate the market for maximum profit.”

『Exactly.』

Berge took a moment to reflect. Ugar was busy with minor royal abductions—nothing groundbreaking. Reina was passive and unlikely to act. The wild cards were Jason Kokmun, who was always a mystery, and Vivian Blunt, a newcomer who hadn’t existed in his previous timeline.

‘Jason will remain stationary.’

Their talk confirmed that much. That left Vivian. He couldn’t predict the actions of someone who caused a catastrophe immediately upon arrival. However, he knew one thing for certain: if she went too far, Jason would step in to neutralize the threat.

“Aside from Vivian Blunt—the Lust Demon King—there shouldn’t be any major shifts. Unless the humans start a civil war or some unforeseen disaster occurs, the peak for weapon prices probably won’t last forever.”

『Understood. That is very helpful.』

“Continue your briefings, and let me know if you need further clarification.”

『Will do. Also, we have secured twenty-one elves under our corporate alias. What are your instructions for them?』

“Elves.”

He had almost forgotten that project.

“What about Granada?”

『He is currently with Hillun Kagil at the Hero Guild. I haven’t heard from him yet.』

“That complicates things.”

Granada was occupied helping Hillun establish a power base, yet he was the only one Berge trusted to handle the elves.

‘If only I could clone him.’

But that wasn’t an option.

‘To utilize elves properly, I have two paths: keep them in the dark about my identity, or bind them through the World Tree Oath.’

Berge leaned toward the oath. Secrecy was fragile; if they found out who he was later, they would become internal liabilities.

“Keep acquiring elves at a steady pace. Once Granada finishes his business at the headquarters, have him escort the group to Hortonwork.”

『Understood.』

The call ended.

Suddenly, a vivid image entered Berge’s mind: a shadow-manipulating mage commanding the fourth floor, flanked by a personal guard of dark elves…

*Slap—*

Berge struck his own face. Then, he hit the other cheek for good measure.

“…I’m losing my grip.”

He couldn’t believe he was thinking of such a cliché, adolescent concept. He hadn’t forgotten the tactical reason for buying the elves. Tower security was the priority.

‘Bring them in, swear the oath. Divide them between the fourth floor and the vanguard team.’

The future of the elves was decided.

—

Within the subterranean cells of the structure the humans called the Infernal Tower.

“…I understand.”

Kaede Jespain, the only captive in the wing, nodded slowly.

“What do you understand exactly?”

“Everything Ernyan said makes sense. I will follow her advice.”

“So, your mind is made up?”

“Yes.”

Ernyan’s arguments had been brief but surgical. The Empire had essentially discarded her, so her sense of duty was now a hollow thing. As long as her actions remained hidden, the royal family’s reputation would stay intact. If even elves and the legendary Hillun Kagil were serving the Demon King, she saw no reason to hold onto a dying pride.

The Demon King had fulfilled his end of their deal. She had paid the price, but she could still negotiate for her own future. She was stagnating in this cell. While she didn’t agree with Ernyan’s entire worldview, she knew that rotting in a prison cell served no purpose if the Empire wasn’t coming for her.

Why had she fought so hard against an arranged marriage? Because it meant being a trophy for the elderly king of Ormus—a life of decorative powerlessness. She had wanted to be the Empire’s premier knight, a warrior on the front lines. She refused to waste away in the dark.

‘It is better to use this time…’

To train with her blade again. To sharpen her aura. To swallow her pride if it meant gaining the strength she needed.

‘This is the better path forward…’

It had to be. She would train until the day she could seize her freedom. She would become a more powerful knight, a true hero.

“I will use the Demon King for my own ends.”

“Good. He intends to do the same to you. It’s the same for me.”

Ernyan’s eyes flashed with a violet light.

“…But I have one question.”

“Go ahead.”

“Is it strictly necessary for me to be called a Dark Knight?”

“Why do you ask?”

“It’s… a bit embarrassing.”

Kaede’s cheeks reddened. She couldn’t imagine herself shouting such a theatrical title in the heat of battle.

“If you truly despise it, don’t use it. But I can’t guarantee how the Demon King will react.”

“…I’ll do it.”

“A wise choice. Wait here while I inform the Master.”

“Understood.”

“Nairuniel will keep you company so you don’t get lonely.”

Ernyan summoned the water spirit and faded away. The spirit looked at Kaede with wide, sympathetic eyes.

* You poor thing. It must be so dull being stuck in here.

“I can handle it.”

* Don’t be so stoic. Why don’t we talk? It’ll help clear your mind.

“Fine.”

* Excellent. Should we discuss the forbidden romance between a Demon King and a princess? Or perhaps a Demon King and a hero? Or maybe a Demon King and a knight?

“…What kind of nonsense is that?”

* Nonsense? It’s your life story.

“……”

Nairuniel watched her with an intense, curious gaze. A princess, a proud knight, and a hero all rolled into one. To the spirit, Kaede Jespain was a goldmine of dramatic potential.

[065. Is a Dark Knight Really My Only Option?] End