Volume 12 Chapter 1 Demon King Castle
Ice was having a dream that day.
It was the end of the world. Ice was―――Hel, who had a flying ship made from the claws of the dead, Naglfar, and was gazing at the destruction of everything.
From the land of the dead, Nilfheim, they set off on a journey, burning down the human world, Midgard, and destroying the world of the gods, Asgard.
The ship that had set out with such a plan was now about to face its final battle.
'Look, Hel, take a look. That giant figure standing over there.'
Her father, Loki, said as they stood together on the ship.
'That's Surtr. Do you remember meeting him when you were little? He's the one who will bring about the end of this Ragnarok. After we take our revenge, he'll be the one to burn the world to ashes.'
Loki pointed ahead. There, a gigantic black giant stood, rivaling a mountain in size.
Surt, the giant of fire who would destroy the world. A terrifying yet reliable ally. Someone who had shown kindness to Hel somewhere, at some time.
Hel asked, tears streaming down her face.
'Father... why did it have to end like this? Why do we have to destroy the world? We just wanted to be happy...'
Just as Hel was about to say more, Loki gently placed his index finger on her lips.
And then he said...
'...It's an inescapable fate, but in the end, we can't forget our hatred. It's a simple thing to say, but...'
Loki continued, stroking Hel's head gently.
'When the prophecy said our family would destroy the world, all the gods abandoned us. So, we can't help but think that it's our fault. We're the ones who brought about this destruction...'
―――Otherwise, even if we finish our revenge, we won't be able to be truly happy, will we?
Loki's words made Hel shake her head from side to side, clinging to him.
'But, but, that means Fenrir-niisama and Jormungand-niisama too...'
'Ah. My beloved children have already fallen. And next, it's my turn, Loki. I'll clash with Heimdall and fall together with him.'
Upon hearing that, Hel broke down in tears. Loki supported her, speaking softly.
'That's where it starts. I want to entrust everything to you, Hel. Everything is bound to be destroyed by fate. But even after destruction, the soul will surely remain unbroken.'
'What do you mean...?'
'You have a country to rule, don't you? The country of Nilfheim, where all unblessed souls converge.'
'...!'
As understanding dawned on her, Hel lifted her face. Loki smiled gently at her and whispered.
'We will fall. We will be destroyed, our souls shattered, and scattered across Nilfheim. But surely, one day, we will regain our true forms. At that time, let's gather beneath Hel's rule.'
Saying that, Roki embraced Hel.
'So, will you wait for us until then?'
Hel nodded.
'Yes...! Father, I'll wait for you, for niisama, for Surtr, and for all the giants, no matter how long it takes...!'
'...Thank you. Then, I'll be off.'
Loki gazed out from the ship Naglfar.
There, Heimdall, riding a chariot, was flying through the sky, shouting "Lokiii!" as he approached.
'Fate cannot be avoided. That's the story written by the creator, after all.'
But. As he said that, Loki leaned against the ship's railing.
'There's no script from the Creator beyond this point. The myth of the world where the Creator lived will conclude with this destruction. From here on, it's a world without the chains of fate, a free world.'
Loki jumped down. As he did, he said to Hel,
'Let's meet again in this free world. This time, for our true revenge.'
Loki fell. Below him, Heimdall, who was flying through the sky, clashed with him.
The ship Naglfar changed direction. Having fulfilled its role of carrying Loki to the battlefield, it now had its final task: to safely deliver Hel to Nilfheim.
Hel clasped her hands together and prayed. Please, someday, let our family be reunited.
And then, she suddenly realized and laughed at herself.
'...What's the point of praying? I am a god, after all.'
* * *
That day's awakening was truly refreshing.
The day of the Demon King's castle invasion, which we had been preparing for, had finally arrived. I woke up on schedule, and we all had breakfast together.
The atmosphere during breakfast was very good. The party members were all full of energy, the two teachers were fired up, and the demons were in a festive mood.
After that, we all shouldered our luggage and left the inn. There, around ten demons were waiting for us.
"Good morning, Master. Thank you for liberating us yesterday."
A demon, either eager for battle or looking for a challenge, said to me.
"Today's the day it all ends, right? So yesterday, I freed all the demon sl*ves. From now on, do as you like, and we'll do the same."
At the same time, all the waiting demons readied their weapons.
"So, I'll make them rebel with all my might. ――――You guys! Let's goooooo!"
The demons, all together, brandish their weapons and cast their magic spells, charging.
But I don't even flinch. Only I, with a smile, say:
"Object Weight Increase."
All the demons stumble forward.
"Aaahhh!" "Geez!" "Ugggh!" "Aaahh!"
I approach the fallen demons, crouch down, and ask them:
"Well, is this satisfying enough for you?"
"Hah, hah...! I didn't think we'd be no match for you, but...! We couldn't even lift a finger, and it's come to this...!"
The demon, looking miserable, laughs.
"Yes, satisfying...! Please go ahead and kill the Demon King, it's been a blast...!"
"Ah, you guys enjoy it too."
I undo the Weight Increase, releasing the demons. They scatter, their bodies bent in exhaustion.
"Good luck!" "Good luck!"
"Oh, I hope you guys have good luck too, then."
We start walking, heading straight for the Demon King's castle.
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