Arifureta : King Of Demons

🎉🔥 A MASSIVE THANK YOU! 🔥🎉

💖 Special shoutout to these legends! 💖

@Mango Tango—WELCOME TO THE MEMBER SQUAD! 🚀🔥 Your support means everything, and I'm hyped to have you on this wild ride!

💡 But wait—there's more! Don't forget to check out my Newest Completed Novel on My P4TR30N

👨‍👧 Title: "Arifureta : King Of Demons"

📢 Want to read ahead and unlock all chapters? J

✨ Unlock instant access to the full completed novel

✨ No waiting for daily updates

✨ Support your favorite degenerate author (that's me!)

👉 Skip the wait! Unlock instant access to completed chapters by joining our membership!

Free readers? No worries—daily updates will still roll out. But if you're the "I need it NOW" type... you know what to do. 😉

🔗 Check my profile for the Link!!

To the casual readers: "Enjoy the slow burn."

To the true binge-readers: "Welcome to the party." 🎉

👉 Want the full experience? [Join Patreon Now]

🔗 Check my profile for the Link!!

💀 PS: Free readers get crumbs—MEMBER get the FEAST. 

Don't just watch—DOMINATE THE STORY. 😈🔥

==============

A little further back in time.

"Ehit-sama!! Please... please answer my voice!!"

In the deepest part of the Grand Cathedral, the main temple of the Holy Church located on God Mountain, an old man knelt, desperately offering prayers before a colossal mural depicting the god Ehit. His name was Ishtar Langbard, the man holding the position of Pope in the Holy Church. Usually, he was a jovial old man, maintaining a dignified demeanor and aura befitting his title, but his current appearance was so transformed that if Kouki's group saw him, they wouldn't believe he was the same person. His once pristine, luxurious robe was soiled, and his magnificent eboshi (a traditional Japanese cap) was bent. He hadn't slept properly, judging by the dark circles under his eyes, and his body was emaciated like a withered branch.

Days had passed since Ehit's will ceased to manifest, and he had continued to pray ceaselessly, sacrificing sleep, but no oracle ever came from the god. Noin, who held the role of messenger, conveying Ehit's intentions, had vanished at some point. Other priests, like Ishtar, also knelt and offered prayers, but the result remained the same. And it would be. The god they worshipped was no longer in this world.

"Why?! Why do you say nothing?! Could it be... could it be that we...!"

Such a thing had never happened before. Whenever humanity was in dire straits, that being had always extended a helping hand. However, now the god offered no words. As this situation continued, their spirits wore down, and the worst thoughts crossed their minds. That is, could it be that Ehit had abandoned humanity? Were they disappointed in them for continually struggling against the demon race despite being acknowledged by God? Especially since Aldias had become the Demon Lord, the war situation had become completely unfavorable...

"No, that's wrong!? There's no way Ehit-sama would abandon us!! This is some kind of mistake, some kind of misunderstanding!!"

He shook off the thought that had crept into his mind, tears streaming down his face. He didn't want to admit it. He couldn't admit it. He wouldn't admit it. If he did, he would no longer be himself.

As Ishtar thought this, he coincidentally overheard the voices of the priests praying nearby.

"Why... why, Ehit-sama...!"

"Even the Hero has been defeated by the Demon Lord... At this rate, we will...!"

"...You, what did you just say?"

"...Huh?"

"I asked what you just said! Answer me!!"

"Kh! T-The Hero has also been defeated..."

"...That's it."

" " " Huh? " " "

Hearing the priest's words, Ishtar stood up as if he had received a divine revelation and turned to face the other priests.

"The Hero. The God's Apostles whom Ehit-sama summoned to this world for the victory of us humans. But what about their recent contributions? Many abandoned the front lines just because they lost one incompetent, and they suffered a crushing defeat against the very Demon Lord they were supposed to defeat. Because of that, even fewer have taken up the sword. Can such individuals truly be called God's Apostles?"

The priests nodded in agreement with Ishtar's words. Despite being chosen by Ehit, they squandered their power and even abandoned fighting. Although they were being overlooked due to the urging of Kouki, the Hero, and Aiko, the Agronomist, it wasn't as if there was no dissatisfaction with them leading lazy lives in the castle without fighting.

"However, they are beings personally chosen by Ehit-sama. What connection do they have to Ehit-sama's disappearance?"

"Indeed, they are special beings to whom Ehit-sama bestowed power. But humans, when given power, all become arrogant... Is not the current situation the result of them mistaking the power given by Ehit-sama as their own and neglecting their training?"

"Kh!?—C-Could it be that Ehit-sama disappeared because...!"

"Yes, if they had fully utilized the power given to them by Ehit-sama, they wouldn't have been outmaneuvered by a false king. It's all a tragedy caused by their laziness! Surely Ehit-sama was disappointed. Disappointed in the Heroes who were given power yet didn't even try to make full use of it...!"

"Then, what Ehit-sama desires from us is...!"

"...Arrest them. The Heroes, God's Apostles, in the capital... No, the heretics who defy God's will! Arrest every single one of them! Only when we have dealt them their just punishment will Ehit-sama surely reappear before us!!"

Receiving Ishtar's words, the priests began to act in unison. Every single one of them, despite having barely eaten or slept and being half-dead moments ago, moved without hesitation. They weren't abandoned. Just the possibility of that infused their bodies with vitality. It didn't matter if what Ishtar said was true. In the midst of despair, a ray of light had been cast into the darkness. They simply clung to it. Without realizing that this very thought was human arrogance...

"Hah, hah, hah..."

The training ground adjacent to the Royal Castle, used by soldiers. It was still early in the morning, before sunrise, but a young boy gripped his beloved holy sword, breathing heavily. Judging by the sweat running down his forehead, he had probably been training since before dawn.

"Hah, hah... No good. This isn't enough... More...!"

Kouki, the Hero of humanity, placed his hands on his knees, regulating his breathing, then again took up his sword in the seigan no kamae (middle stance). As his breathing steadied, the sounds around him faded, and a virtual enemy appeared before Kouki. Hair as white as snow. Eyes glowing with a golden light. Kouki's gaze sharpened, he gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, and the moment he took a step forward—

—Kouki's neck was instantly obliterated in his mind.

"Kh!?—Gah!"

Kouki instinctively dropped to his knees. He put a hand to his neck, but of course, there wasn't a single scratch there.

"Hah, hah, damn it!?"

"...I knew you'd be here."

As he involuntarily let out uncharacteristic, rough words due to his lack of desired progress, a young girl approached with an exasperated expression.

"...Shizuku."

"Here, wipe your sweat."

"Ah, thank you."

She tossed him a towel, and Kouki, receiving it, thanked her while wiping away the flowing sweat.

"That special training just now... it's the method your grandfather taught you, isn't it?"

"You can tell, Shizuku."

"Of course. There's no point in just wildly swinging your sword. Always imagine the strongest version of yourself. If you can't win in your imagination, you can't win in a real fight. I was told that a lot too... It seems you're not getting much out of it."

"...Yeah, no matter how many times I try, all I can imagine is being instantly killed."

"Well, it can't be helped... I can't do it either."

"But I have no choice but to do it! If I can stand on the same ground as him, he'll surely listen to me!"

"Kouki..."

Shizuku made an unreadable expression at Kouki, who gripped his fist, showing his resolve. There was no problem with Kouki trying to gain strength. Since they didn't know what would happen next, if Kouki, the center of their class, were to break, that atmosphere would quickly spread to everyone. Thinking that way, the current situation was something to be grateful for, but the reason for it was problematic.

That day, after they first encountered Aldias, when they reported what happened in the labyrinth with Meld at the Royal Castle. Until then, Kouki had believed the demon race, his enemies, to be merely superior versions of monsters, as told by Ishtar and others, and had made no attempt to understand them. However, once he knew, things couldn't stay the same, and he pressed King Eliheid about the demon race. King Eliheid looked as if to say, "What now?", but patiently explained everything. What particularly caught Kouki's interest was Aldias, the king. His appearance on the front lines to protect his people, despite being the king of a nation, was enough for Kouki to feel favorably towards him.

"Surely, he doesn't truly want to fight either. If we talk, he'll surely understand!"

"...We were almost killed that time, you know?"

"That was because the demon woman was hurt, wasn't it? Even I wouldn't be able to stay calm if Shizuku or Kaori were hurt. If Nagumo had just listened to me, none of that would have happened."

"Haa... If Nagumo wasn't there, we'd all be wiped out by now."

Shizuku held her head in her hands at Kouki's usual convenient reasoning. Although Aldias had directly unleashed his killing intent on him, Kouki seemed to have interpreted it as Aldias simply being irritated because his comrade was hurt. Kouki wasn't aware of it, but his intense animosity towards Hajime was probably due to Hajime, who had been scorned as incompetent, possessing power far surpassing his own, and the jealousy of having his beloved childhood friend taken from him. As someone who had suffered greatly due to indulging Kouki's convenient reasoning once before, Shizuku had been repeatedly warning him to prevent a repeat, but there had been no progress whatsoever. Shizuku sighed deeply, feeling the constant mental strain despite the issue with Kaori having been resolved.

"?" What's that?"

"It's noisy, isn't it?"

Then, they noticed a commotion outside the training ground. As the two tilted their heads in wonder and exchanged glances, armed temple knights suddenly appeared and surrounded Kouki and Shizuku.

"What!?"

"What!?"

The two were bewildered by the knights, who surrounded them and pointed swords and spears at them. Ignoring the two, an old man walked forward. Unlike the other knights, he was unarmed and clad in a priestly robe, so he was likely from the Holy Church, but somehow the two felt like they had seen the person before.

"...Could it be, Ishtar-san?"

"Eh!?"

Shizuku, who had been staring fixedly at the old man's face, suddenly widened her eyes and, with a hesitant tone, spoke a name. Kouki, astonished by the familiar name, again stared hard at the old man's face. His cheeks were gaunt, and his heavily shadowed eyes were far from his memory. However, now that it was pointed out, he could vaguely discern a semblance of his former appearance.

"I-Ishtar-san, really? Your face is..."

"...It's been a long time, Kouki-dono."

"Eh, yes... It has. Um, what is this all about?"

"This morning, a decision was made by the Holy Church. The group of God's Apostles led by Kouki Amanogawa has been designated as heretics, those who defy God. Immediately, their persons will be taken into custody by the Holy Church."

" " What!? " "

They widened their eyes in astonishment at the news from Ishtar. Even they knew what a heretic meant in this world. That's why they raised their voices against the false accusation.

"W-Wait a minute!? We're heretics!? This must be some kind of mistake!?"

"Kouki is right! We haven't done anything!!"

Some of the knights showed slight signs of agitation at their desperate excuses. It seemed they too were confused by the sudden pronouncement. However, Ishtar showed no sign of wavering.

"Haven't done anything? Yes, I know full well. It is precisely because you have done nothing that it is a sin. Do you recall the reason you were summoned to Tortus?"

"That was... to bring victory to humanity in the war."

"Yes, that's right. For that purpose, we would spare no cooperation. However, what is the reality? Many abandoned the front lines just because they lost one incompetent, they were utterly defeated by the demon race they were supposed to defeat without being able to lift a finger, and they continue to live in shame..."

"W-Wait a minute. That's true, but everyone did their best—"

"If there are no results, it means nothing!!"

"Kh!?"

Ishtar's roar echoed through the training ground, cutting off Kouki's words.

"Did your best? Such a thing means nothing. War is only a choice between victory or defeat. There is no value in defeat. And Kouki-dono, you advised King Eliheid, did you not? That we should stop the war immediately and discuss with the demon race."

"Eh? Y-Yes, but..."

Kouki's affirmation of what Ishtar had revealed caused a stir among the surrounding temple knights.

(This is bad!)

Shizuku, sensing the danger of letting Kouki continue to speak, interjected.

"Wait, that matter—"

"I am asking Kouki-dono now. Or is there something you're hiding?"

"Kh!—No..."

However, she was immediately stopped by Ishtar and fell silent. If she were to utter words that shielded Kouki after being spoken to like that, it could lead to them digging their own graves.

"So, what is it?"

"I-I certainly said that, but... the demon race are people just like us! So, we should be able to resolve this through discussion without fighting!"

(Fool!!)

Shizuku internally cursed Kouki, but Kouki himself was unaware of the outrageous things he was saying.

"In other words... you have no intention of fighting the demon race and killing them?"

"Yes! Killing is absolutely wrong!"

"...Understood. It is as I heard. Seize them immediately. Under the name of God, I will condemn these fools who defy Ehit-sama's will."

" " " Hmph! " " "

"What!? What are you doing!?"

"Of course, you idiot!!"

At Ishtar's command, the temple knights closed in on Kouki and his companion. While some had hesitated a moment ago, Kouki's statement seemed to have removed any remaining hesitation. Unable to raise their swords against them, Kouki and Shizuku allowed themselves to be restrained.

"It is wise not to resist. If you struggle too much, we will execute you on the spot. And I cannot guarantee the safety of your friends, either."

"Kh!?—What have you done to everyone!?"

"I told you. We are designating the group of God's Apostles as heretics. All the others have already been apprehended. You two are the last."

"...What do you intend to do with us?"

"That goes without saying. Those who defy Ehit-sama have no right to live. After following the proper procedures... you will all be executed."

Kouki was stunned by Ishtar's merciless words, and Shizuku frowned.

"Execution!? We're human, just like you!?"

"So what? Even in your world, if you commit a crime, you receive appropriate punishment, do you not? It is the same thing. Take them away."

Restrained by the temple knights, Kouki and Shizuku were led out of the training ground. A temple knight approached Ishtar, who was watching their retreating figures.

"Ishtar-sama, regarding the other God's Apostles, two of them seem to be missing. When questioned, it appears they haven't returned to their rooms since last night."

"What are their names?"

"Eri Nakamura and Daisuke Hiyama. They don't seem to be high-ranking among the God's Apostles, but..."

"Then issue warrants throughout the country. They are still beings who received Ehit-sama's blessing, even if they are corrupt. If left alone, they will become troublesome later."

"Hmph!"

Ignoring the temple knight who bowed and departed, Ishtar wore an ecstatic smile.

"Just a little more, my great God. I, Ishtar, shall completely erase all those foolish enough to defy your will and show it to you. At that time, surely, your presence shall be...!"

A little earlier in time.

"What do you mean, the God's Apostles have been branded as heretics!?"

"C-Calm down, Liliana..."

"How can I be calm?!"

In the Heiligh Kingdom Royal Castle, Princess Liliana pressed her father, King Eliheid.

"Kouki and the others are residents of another world, yet they fight for us! Branding them as heretics is absolutely wrong!!"

"However, Pope Ishtar has indeed claimed to have received an oracle from Ehit-sama... And you yourself know that Kouki-dono made remarks about refusing to fight the demon race, don't you?"

"Th-That's..."

"It's not that I truly believe Kouki-dono and the others are heretics. However, when that issue is brought up, it's difficult to refute it. The designation of the God's Apostles as heretics has spread unrest among the people, and Kouki-dono's remarks seem to have leaked out... The common people have begun to show hostility towards them."

"No...!"

Initially, all the citizens were astonished when Kouki and the other God's Apostles were branded as heretics, but somehow, rumors began to spread that Kouki desired reconciliation with the demon race. Because of this, many voices began to scorn them as traitors who had sold their souls to the demon race.

"Fortunately, they won't be punished immediately. Both I and Meld, their instructor, intend to somehow make a plea. Don't worry, it will surely be alright."

Eliheid smiled, trying to reassure his anxious daughter, but there was no joy in Liliana's expression.

"Father. This matter, is it truly an oracle from Ehit-sama...?"

"Liliana?"

"I've always had doubts. I can't imagine Ehit-sama, who reigns in this world as a merciful and benevolent being, forcing unrelated individuals... and children at that, like Kouki's group, to come to this world, even if it's to reverse humanity's disadvantage in war."

Ehit, the Creator God worshipped by humanity. That god, who reigned as a merciful and tolerant being in this world, wouldn't, even to reverse humanity's disadvantage, force unrelated individuals—and children at that, like Kouki's group—to come to this world. Even if he were to bring people, wouldn't it be normal to choose adults who were fully developed in both mind and body? From what Shizuku had told her, in their world, war was taught to be something to be avoided, and harming others was forbidden unless one's own life was in imminent danger. For Liliana, the princess of a nation in the midst of war, it was unbelievable, but perhaps that was precisely because it was a peaceful country without conflict. Thinking that way, Kouki's strong aversion to killing also made sense. Besides, even without war, it seemed their country had defense forces. Liliana knew nothing about fighting, but if she had to choose between those defense forces and Kouki's group, she was confident she would choose the former.

"Furthermore, for the past few weeks, the Holy Church has closed its doors, cutting off all contact. And now that they've finally shown themselves, this decision. Father, did you not question anything when you saw Pope Ishtar and the other priests?"

"That is..."

Eliheid stammered at Liliana's words. Even he was confused by the abnormal appearance of Ishtar and the other priests of the Holy Church. Knowing their usual demeanor, it was clear enough that something was amiss.

"It's obvious from their appearance that something abnormal is happening. Perhaps, even the oracle from Ehit-sama..."

"Impossible!? Are you suggesting that the Holy Church has abused God's name?!"

"It's just my imagination, but... I feel that branding them as heretics, despite their fighting for us, just because they didn't align with our ideals, is far removed from the actions of Ehit-sama as I've heard them described."

Eliheid, his eyes wide, placed a hand on his chin and pondered, but then immediately shook his head, denying that possibility.

"No, I still cannot bring myself to believe that. Pope Ishtar's faith in Ehit-sama is genuine. Indeed, he is the kind of person who would not hesitate to offer his own life if that god so wished. It is difficult to believe that such a man would use God's name for personal gain."

"That's... No, Father is right. I apologize for overstepping."

Liliana, still unconvinced, saw Eliheid's expression and swallowed her words. Although only Liliana and Eliheid were present, if her remarks reached the ears of the Holy Church's priests, even as the Princess of the country, she would not escape punishment. Pope Ishtar of the Holy Church was literally the voice of God. To defy his will would be to defy God's will. She understood that her friend was captured for an unjustified crime and that she was worried, but as a parent, Eliheid surely wanted to avoid his daughter getting into danger. Knowing that her father cared for her, Liliana could no longer continue speaking.

"Don't worry about it. I've put you through a lot of trouble... And there's one more thing I need to tell you."

"...Is it about the engagement with Bias-sama?"

"...Yes. It had been discussed before, but... it has now been formally decided."

For several years, discussions about strengthening allied relations through the engagement of Bias and Liliana had often arisen, in order to counter the increasingly aggressive demon race. They were, in effect, already betrothed. However, with the summoning of the God's Apostles, the discussion itself had become vague, but with the Hero's party, their last hope, suffering a crushing defeat against the Demon Lord, the topic must have been brought up again. At that fact, a shadow involuntarily fell over Liliana's expression. Bias, Liliana's betrothed, was, like her father, an unrivaled womanizer and a man of rather violent temperament. The leering, unpleasant gaze directed at Liliana, who was not even ten years old, still made her skin crawl whenever she remembered it.

Despite her disgust for him, as royalty of the country and as a princess, she had long since accepted her mission as her way of being. Although she couldn't completely abandon the longing of a girl her age, she was fully prepared to dedicate herself if it came to it. Seeing Liliana's expression, Eliheid felt pathetic as a father for putting her through such hardship, but just as he was about to speak to fulfill his duties as king—

"Your Majesty!! I have something urgent to report!!"

"Kh!?—Meld? It's fine, come in."

At the same time as the knock on the door, the voice of the Knight Captain Meld was heard from outside. Eliheid and Liliana exchanged glances at his seemingly urgent demeanor, but immediately granted him permission to enter.

"Excuse me! Princess Liliana!? My apologies!? I've interrupted the two of you—"

"It's fine, you seem to have an emergency. What happened?"

"Indeed, the envoy we dispatched to the Hoelscher Empire just returned a moment ago."

"Hmm? That was quick. I thought it would take a bit longer... Was there some problem?"

To proceed with Liliana and Bias's engagement, an envoy had been sent to the Imperial Capital a few days prior, but Eliheid tilted his head at their unusually swift return. Even by carriage, it would take several days to reach the Imperial Capital, and it was easy to imagine it would take even longer if simple negotiations were included. Since such an early return was impossible, he asked Meld if something had gone wrong. However, the situation had already progressed to something far worse than Eliheid and his group could have imagined.

"Confirmation of the Demon Kingdom's flag throughout the Empire! Furthermore, they report seeing numerous demon race individuals, both within and outside the country, even from a distance!!"

"What!?"

"N-No way... has the Imperial Capital fallen!?"

They only realized everything after it was already over. That the Demon Lord's hand had already reached their very throat...

==========

🚀 Want Early Access & Bonus Content?

"Loving this story so far? You can read ALL chapters RIGHT NOW by joining my Patreon!

✨ Unlock instant access to the full completed novel

✨ No waiting for daily updates

✨ Support your favorite degenerate author (that's me!)

Only $5.99 for the full experience!

🔗 Check my profile for the Link!!

Free readers - don't worry, I'll still be posting daily updates here. But Patreon members get the VIP treatment!

Your support helps me create more wild stories like this. See you on the dark side! 😈"