The Demon King Overrun by Heroes Novel - Chapter 90

Chapter 90
## Chapter 90: Either Way

Raymond was utterly unable to process the words spilling from Lavinia Akan’s mouth.

He had been in the middle of a frantic meltdown, screaming that they needed to flee that very second, but Lavinia hadn’t bothered with further persuasion. Instead, she had signaled Cher to grab him and haul him directly into the presence of the Demon King.

“…Y-You… you’re the Flame Emperor Demon King!”

“Make a choice,” the monarch rumbled. “Will you construct the golems and claim your compensation… or…?”

“What kind of coward do you take me for? You think I’d sell out all of humanity to a Demon King just for a bit of coin and comfort?!”

“You’ve misconstrued the situation. The prize I am offering isn’t a life of luxury.”

“…Then what is it?”

“Your continued existence.”

“…*Hic*.”

“I am granting you the permission to live.”

The tense dialogue—which was essentially a death threat—stretched on.

“Get to work,” Lavinia interjected.

“But, Your Highness, I cannot lend my skills to the Demon King…!”

“Get to work.”

“But—”

“Do you wish to die?”

“……”

“This is a royal decree. Do it.”

Under the crushing weight of Lavinia Akan’s direct command and the looming shadow of the Demon King, Raymond’s resolve finally crumbled.

Soon after, Lavinia and Raymond made their way down to the workshop in the demon realm on the first floor, appearing almost like amicable colleagues.

The moment Raymond stepped inside, he froze in disbelief.

“…My God. Why are you here?”

It was Roger Friedri.

Raymond stood paralyzed, staring at the legendary craftsman who was considered one of the three greatest artisans in the entire Berft Kingdom. As a fellow golem creator, Raymond viewed Roger as an absolute titan of the craft, someone he couldn’t help but revere.

“…Ahem.”

Having received a look of genuine, star-struck respect for the first time since being brought to the tower, Roger cleared his throat with an awkward air. He decided to lean into the role with a bit of bravado.

“Is my presence here so shocking?”

“This is the tower of the Demon King!”

“A true master of the craft does not care where his anvil sits.”

“The location is one thing, but these are demons! And you… you’re a hero!”

“…It’s high time we did away with such narrow-minded prejudices.”

“…What on earth are you talking about?”

The surprises didn’t stop there. Instead of being packed with mindless monsters and demonic soldiers, the interior of the Demon King’s Tower was lined with rows of mana cannons.

“Don’t tell me… you built all of these?”

“Indeed. And now, you’ll be joining me to add golems to this arsenal.”

“Merciful heavens…”

Raymond buried his face in his palms and collapsed to the floor. The grim reality of his situation was starting to sink in.

“Did it never cross your mind that heroes will die by the very cannons you’ve forged?”

“If I hadn’t forged them, I’d be a corpse before any hero even reached the gates. The same logic applies to you.”

“…That’s…”

“You’ve already come to an agreement with His Majesty, haven’t you?”

“…The golem techniques of the Akan family are the finest in the world! They are state secrets!”

“No secret is worth more than your life. Just surrender to the current and go with the flow. It’s easier that way.”

Roger wore the weary, hollow expression of a man who had long since accepted his fate.

“…Fine. What is it I’m supposed to do?”

Raymond surrendered.

If the kingdom’s premier artisan and hero—a dwarf, no less—was already in the Demon King’s employ, what right did he have to refuse? Besides, he was under the Princess’s orders. A servant obeying their sovereign was only natural.

With that justification, Raymond stepped into the demon realm workshop.

His initial awe at the supernatural environment, which put human workshops to shame, didn’t last long.

“…So, tell me my task.”

“You are to forge golem cores using demonic energy as the power source instead of mana.”

“…Cores fueled by demonic energy? That is fundamentally impossible!”

“Make it happen.”

“Your Highness! This isn’t a matter of willpower. The basic principles of—!”

“Make. It. Happen. You’ve. Been. Paid.”

“……”

—

Berge, having successfully secured Lavinia Akan and her golem expert, shifted his focus toward the events at Hortonwork.

The most critical factor was how Cain and the rest of the Akan party would react to the disappearance.

Fortunately, the tides of fortune seemed to be in Berge’s favor.

*『The withdrawal orders were issued; they moved out early this morning.』*

*『It seems Lavinia Akan’s reputation for unpredictable behavior actually worked in our favor.』*

Lavinia Akan was notorious for vanishing from the palace whenever a whim struck her. She had been known to wander into monster-infested territories alone and had recently been retrieved from the Beast Tower.

Because of this history, the authorities assumed this was just another one of her stunts.

They viewed it as another royal escapade.

They hadn’t contacted the Hero Guild, nor were they shouting from the rooftops that the Demon King had snatched their princess. They simply packed up and left quietly.

“In that case, bring the elves in. Ensure you aren’t being followed.”

*『As you wish.』*

Of course, Berge didn’t allow himself to become complacent. Human nature was fickle; they might treat it as a royal tantrum now, but they could easily rebrand it as a kidnapping by the Demon King later to preserve the kingdom’s prestige. Constant alertness was mandatory.

*『I can finally reach you.』*

The image of Hillun Kagil flickered into view within the communication orb where Granada’s face had been.

“I’ve been briefed on the situation.”

*『What are your instructions?』*

“You seem quite eager to get involved.”

*『To be honest, yes. Jessica Horton is the beloved princess of the Horton Kingdom.』*

*『I would hate to pass up an opportunity to earn her favor and gratitude.』*

“Jessica Horton, I see.”

She was an elite hero and a princess of immense fame. Rumor had it that if not for the friction between the siblings, the King would have been happy to keep her, despite her popularity overshadowing his own.

‘Hmm.’

Berge fell into thought.

For the sake of Hillun Kagil’s development and Reina Sordain’s safety, the logical move was to block his interference.

In his previous life, the White Hawk and Gillian Aint had seized the Tower of Extreme Cold and turned it into their own private resource. At that time, Gillian had reached out to Jessica Horton for assistance.

Would she have sought help from other champions using her dire situation as leverage?

No.

‘The one who answered the call back then was likely…’

Daphne Philiain.

Daphne hadn’t lead a massive raid or established a faction, but she had fought brilliantly on her own.

The outcome, however?

Failure. She had pushed a distracted Reina Sordain to her limits, only to be crushed once Jason arrived to help—she simply couldn’t withstand the combined pressure.

‘There’s a high probability of failure this time as well.’

Even if Hillun Kagil took Daphne’s place, the result wouldn’t change. He hadn’t reached his full potential yet.

Berge’s assessment: He would lose. Reina Sordain would emerge victorious.

To protect Hillun’s status, Berge should have said no.

But.

‘Is that actually the best move?’

He considered the implications of Hillun Kagil failing.

Heroes were essentially gladiators in a never-ending arena. Each triumph added to their legend and power, but a single public defeat could dismantle everything they had built.

Even the feat of killing the Lust Demon King hadn’t solidified Hillun’s future; without that kill, he would have been irrelevant before even finding Berge’s location. The world of Aren was full of heroes waiting to take his spot.

‘But Hillun Kagil isn’t like the others.’

How could a hero who had consumed two Demon Kings be considered normal? He had become a bit of a laughingstock for failing to locate the tower in Erjest, yet he hadn’t lost his spark of destiny—all because he had slain the Lust Demon King.

One more loss wouldn’t destroy him. He’d face criticism, but he could handle it.

‘The boy has grown a bit too arrogant lately.’

After taking down Drakson and ascending to an Argan, his ego had spiked. It was time to pull him back to reality and remind him who was the master and who was the pawn.

“No.”

For a moment, Berge held him back.

“Reina Sordain is far more powerful than you realize. The danger far outweighs the potential reward.”

He knew that mere warnings wouldn’t stop Hillun’s ambition—so he would let the boy push forward, only to watch him fail more spectacularly.

*『…But still.』*

“You still wish to go?”

*『The chance to have Jessica Horton in my debt is too valuable to ignore.』*

“Then do as you wish.”

*『Truly?』*

Hillun blinked, visibly caught off guard by the sudden permission.

“You wanted to, didn’t you?”

*『I didn’t expect you to agree so easily. Is your connection to the Extreme Cold similar to the Beast Demon King? Or is it something else…?』*

Berge found these perceptive types annoying.

“Are you getting cold feet now? If you’re too suspicious to move, don’t go. I’m telling you now, I won’t be stepping in to help.”

*『But there’s more to this, isn’t there?』*

“You’ll find out soon enough. Whether you break through your limits to become the legend you desire, or end up as a pathetic failure—that’s entirely on you.”

A heavy silence lingered between them. Finally, Hillun gave a firm nod.

*『…I understand.』*

*『I am Hillun Kagil. I will not fail.』*

“Good luck.”

*『My thanks. Farewell.』*

Hillun bowed respectfully before the connection severed.

“Thanks, my foot. I’m the one who should be thanking you.”

A smirk touched Berge’s lips. He immediately began recalibrating the orb.

“Reina Sordain. I have some rather valuable intelligence for you.”

It wasn’t just petty malice fueling his desire for Hillun’s defeat.

Failure was the most likely outcome, but Berge intended to profit regardless of the result.

‘What if I use this information to put Reina in my debt?’

And if Hillun somehow succeeded? That carried its own set of perks.

‘At Hillun’s current strength, he won’t be killed easily unless he manages to climb to the top and face Reina herself.’

Either way.

Berge would be the one with the last laugh.

—

“Doesn’t His Majesty actually have a deeper appreciation for the traditional ways than he lets on?”

As they climbed toward the fifth floor, Gordon looked decidedly grumpy.

“What are you rambling about?” Berge asked.

“Look at the situation. You’ve kidnapped yet another princess. Didn’t you say the complications that come with them are a major headache?”

“They aren’t non-existent, but it’s pretty damn close to zero this time.”

“…How so?”

“In the eyes of the public, Lavinia Akan wasn’t kidnapped. She simply abandoned her party on a whim.”

“……”

How was that even possible? A princess just wandering off into the blue? In a place like Erjest? Was she out of her mind?

Gordon had a hundred questions, but he chose to summarize.

“…So you just recruited another lunatic princess.”

“If she were sane, she wouldn’t be working for a Demon King.”

“…You have a point.”

It was a strange, warped kind of logic that somehow made sense.

“Lavinia Akan and her artisan will assist Roger with the golems. Since she is the human world’s foremost expert on demonic energy, she’ll provide the answers we need.”

“I see. So the Akan forces have completely pulled out?”

“Yes.”

“That’s a relief.”

Gordon let out a long breath. Berge had been moving at a frantic pace, and the population of the tower was steadily increasing. But so far, the “defenses” consisted of first-floor cannons and eccentric princesses. Gordon wasn’t convinced.

“I received word from the Golden Moon Merchant Guild earlier.”

“And?”

“A standard update. The price of weapons has peaked, so they are liquidating their stock. They’re also looking to expand into new sectors…”

“Tell them to hold the sales.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“The northern tribes are picking a fight with Reina. Hillun Kagil is heading there as well. The market will stay hot for a while.”

“Hillun Kagil? Is he looking to slay another Demon King…?”

“No. It’s the opposite this time. We’re going to adjust that arrogant dwarf’s attitude.”

“That is easily my favorite plan of yours, Your Majesty.”

A rare, small smile appeared on Gordon’s face.

“One suggestion, if I may?”

“Go ahead.”

“Now that Golden Moon and Hillun Kagil are handled, perhaps we should focus on filling the tower’s ranks?”

“That’s already in motion.”

“I don’t mean more princesses. I mean in the proper Demon King style!”

“I was planning to start that very soon.”

“Truly?”

Gordon’s eyes lit up.

“Yes. I’m putting monsters on the second floor.”

“Which species?”

“Balrogs.”

“……”

“I can’t wait to see the looks on the heroes’ faces if they actually survive the cannon fire only to find those waiting for them.”

Indeed, Berge had no intention of following the standard rules of engagement. Gordon whispered a quiet, dark blessing under his breath.

—

“A new princess has arrived.”

“I saw her.”

It had only been a fleeting look as they passed each other during a training session. The massive demonic entity following her had made quite an impression.

‘Lavinia Akan.’

The woman had looked absolutely stunned when the Demon King brought her in. Every royal from the Empire to the smaller kingdoms knew her name. She was the Akan King’s greatest headache and the Akan Kingdom’s most precious asset—a walking contradiction.

“The Akan Kingdom won’t let this slide.”

The King might feel a sense of relief, but the Magic Tower would be in an uproar.

“Are you concerned for His Majesty?”

“…Is that what it looks like to you?”

‘Me? Worried about the Demon King?’

Hardly. If he fell, she could leave this place with her Jesfaine honor intact. Yet, she gave a slow nod.

“I am His Majesty’s knight.”

A knight’s vow was a matter of soul-deep loyalty and honor. Could she still claim the title if she betrayed her own word? Even if it was to a Demon King, and even if she’d been backed into a corner, she had spoken the oath. For five years, she would be his most faithful blade.

“You’re perfect material for a Dark Knight.”

“…I have something to say about that.”

“Yes?”

“His Majesty never expressed a desire for the Four Heavenly Kings—”

“Oh, don’t you worry about that.”

“No, listen, the Four Hea—”

“His Majesty clarified that Lavinia Akan wasn’t taken by force.”

“…What does that imply?”

“She’s a volunteer, not a captive.”

“I suppose… that’s possible.”

It sounded ridiculous, yet somehow plausible. Lavinia Akan was a known wanderer. She had last been seen at the Beast Tower.

“What are your thoughts on it?”

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Lavinia Akan is a master of chimeras. The best on the continent.”

“I still don’t see your point.”

“The Four Heavenly Kings. The Dark Spirit Sorceress.”

Ernyan pointed a finger at herself.

“The Dark Knight.”

She pointed at Kaede.

“The Infernal Giant.”

Then she gestured toward the first floor.

“And the Commander of the Death Legion.”

“…You cannot be serious.”

“Serious?”

“You are genuinely out of your mind.”

Ernyan was more delusional than Louise Berft and Lavinia Akan combined.

“That’s quite disrespectful.”

“It’s polite compared to how you’ve tried to trick me.”

“I’ve offered you a position of great prestige.”

“Not in the slightest.”

“But you are the Dark Knight now, aren’t you? It’s undeniable.”

“The absence of one member of the Four Heavenly Kings won’t break the world.”

“Didn’t you just call yourself the Demon King’s knight? By definition, that makes you the Dark Knight. Are you planning to break your vow?”

“…*Sigh*.”

Kaede stood up, wiped the perspiration from her brow, and readjusted her grip on her hilt.

“My training is resuming. Please depart.”

“It’s rude to walk away from such a significant conversation.”

“It isn’t significant, and you interrupted my practice.”

“Don’t get hung up on the small stuff.”

“Exactly, so please leave.”

She swung her blade in a powerful arc. Ernyan didn’t move an inch. She just crouched there, watching the steel cut through the air.

“When we went to capture Elena—before she reached the banquet at the palace—we had some downtime. His Majesty allowed me to wander, so I visited my informant. I was masked, of course, so he had no idea I was a princess.”

Kaede tried to drown her out with the sound of her training, but Ernyan kept talking.

“The Eighth Prince of the Jesfaine Empire is dead. His horse bucked him during a ride—he fell and died instantly. He was an intermediate Aura knight, wasn’t he?”

“……!”

Kaede’s blade stopped mid-swing.