Damn it all!! Why a temple!? It was already a pain in the ass to deal with your antics, but now you want a temple!?!
What's next, a religion!?
*Sigh*
Honestly. These guys....
I'll just pretend like it never happened.
I'll just leave that one to future me.
[Future Sariel: 「....」.]
Well, let bygones be bygones.
I'm currently in this strange setting Sage-san called "The Cardinal World."
After I arrived, all the excess magicules I possessed reduced to an astronomically low level.
I was told beforehand by Sage-san, but I did not expect it to be this much.
I am now way weaker than when I got reincarnated.
Well, with my experience, I'm sure I still pack a punch.
But the worst thing is the fact that my magicules are being taken away from me forcefully.
What the hell, man!?!
I might get ejected back into the demon realm if this continues.
I'll need to find a solution for it.
After accepting the summoning ritual, I can see a group of people surrounding me.
I spotted some dead priest. A few just fainted whilst others were sweating profusely, clearly exhausted.
This is the result of summoning someone you can't handle.
Heck, the magicules used were not even worth a quarter of mine.
I guess after dying and resurrecting so many times, my magicules have increased drastically compared to before.
Although I wonder why it doesn't happen to the other primordials when they get killed.
Anyway, there is a person wearing clothes that makes him look like royalty.
I could tell from a single glance that he was an absolute ass.
???: 「Well done my slaves. We finally succeeded in performing it.
You know, we sacrificed a lot to summon you. I'll make you my personal maid. Be honored.」
Urgh! Called it. The way he speaks screams asshole!!
???: 「I shall grant you the honor of knowing my wonderful name.」
「....」
???: 「You may call me Lord Alwin Arceid.」
That's the wonderful name!?
Urgh!! The ultimate bastard!
Alwin: 「We summoned you here today to deal with some pests that have kept on annoying me for a while.
This is an upstart nation that tried to invade us multiple times.
So I need you to exterminate them for me.
Of course, the price for doing so is the opportunity to serve me personally. Consider yourself lucky.」
This guy.... does he think he's some sort of genius?
I think I just became stupid because of him.
This isn't even arrogance anymore.
Sariel: 「May i ask you a single question?」
Alwin: 「Hmph! Since you asked so politely, I'll grant you permission to speak.」
「....」
Sariel: 「Do you perhaps see yourself as some sort of god?」
Alwin: 「Hmph! Stupid question. Who do you think I am. Of course i am! Who else would that be if not me?」
Ah, I see. I understand it now.
Sariel: 「I get it. Anyway, do you have a way for me to incarnate, I don't have a material body to work with.」
Alwin: 「Ah, yes. I heard you all need physical bodies to serve as your incarnation base. Must i do everything for you? Here you go... useless.」
With that said, he brought out about a hundred prisoners to serve as my base.
Things would have been alright if only they were not innocent people.
I clenched my fist at such a scene.
A little girl, wearing scruffy clothes that did not even meet the standard of garbage, hid behind her mother for protection.
She was overwhelmed by fear of my next action.
After witnessing how these people
operated, I now had a new goal in mind.
To investigate the enemy nation.
These people might be the ones instigating any type of rebellious action.
Heck, this might as well be called a full-time war.
They might have exaggerated the whole story to make me destroy the latter.
Not that I needed to take such drastic actions, but with nothing to do, a little world-learning would suffice.
Hence, I need to evaluate my next course of action after receiving the correct information.
Now, let's begin.
◇◇◇
I am now heading towards the so-called enemy nation.
The people they intended to sacrifice were still alive.
How?
Of course, I rejected the offer. How could I do such a thing?
I kill demons mercilessly. Why?
They are mindless entities that do the exact same thing.
The same can not be said for humans. Yeah, some might be ultimate asses, but everyone deserves a chance, even demons.
Not that I'm some priest taking missionary positions.
I will never kill anyone for no reason. "I'm a daemon, so what?"
Well, it all depends on the setting, really.
Need it be, then I will do so. But if there's no big deal, what's it with unreasonable killing?
Anyway, as I was saying, I decided not to take that offer.
Instead, I created a magic corpus I would use before leaving.
I would have left way earlier if not for the fact that I was stopped by the mother and daughter duo.
The mother introduced herself as a widow named Shina Haruno.
From the name she bore, I immediately recognised her as a person from my world.
Apparently, the term used for people from the other world like us is "otherworlders."
They were summoned to this world to serve as warriors for an upcoming war, ut they weren't able to acquire unique skills, hence, the Imprisonment.
Honestly, with this intel, I already have a good enough reason to eliminate them all.
I'm not some fairy-tale conceptual god of the sort, but you just gotta pick the bad seeds out of the bunch, right?
If they were all-out disturbing the neighborhood with some shitty music, I'd rather wage war.
I won't really care about any of that stuff.
We shared a lot of information, including the process of how she was sent here. It was apparentlby a ritual.
Sage-san deduced that this phenomenon occurs when the dimension gap of two worlds opens up.
Drawing out conclusions from a piece of information as little as this.
Sage-san is the best of the best.
「Notice. Please do not compare me to any of your skills again.」
Ah. She's still mad about that, huh? Please forgive me!
I'll make it up to you later. Ah! How about I allow you to have your way with my ski-
「Answer. Proposal accepted.」
She interjected with a joyous voice.
Wow. Just wow. I didn't even get to finish my sentence.
Your love for skills almost seem perverse, you know?
Well, I'm glad to have you happy again.
Back to the topic, they came to thank me for sparing them.
The little girl, whom I thought was afraid of me, came to hug me with the brightest smile I had ever seen since coming to this world.
It reminded me of when I spent time with Makime.
During my darkest time, she would comfort me with a hug and a smile.
A smile so bright that it made me forget everything else.
The warmth I received from her hug made me want to sleep forever.
Remembering all this, I had subconsciously been crying.
My tears were falling down my face without stopping.
The girl, who thought that she had done something wrong, was about to apologise when I returned the hug.
I didn't know why it happened here of all places, but I'm glad that I had the chance to release all the stress that had been building up within me.
Shina, who understood my situation, left us alone.
I looked at the girl who had a confused expression with a smile of my own.
Sariel: 「Thank you, little girl. You seriously don't know how much this means to me. I'm Sariel.」
???: 「I… don't know what I did, but if I was able to help you, then I'm happy to help.
Oh! I'm Lina! Thank you for sparing us. I hope we can be friends.」
Friends, huh? This little brat is really amazing, huh?
Sariel: 「Oh, sure! Consider it done! I promise to help yah when you're in trouble.」
Lina: 「Really?!」
Sariel: 「Heh. Trust me. I never break my promises. Especially a pinky-promise.」
Lina: 「Hehehe. Thank you, Sariel-san.」
Sariel: 「Nope. Sariel will do. We are friends right?」
I may not look like it, but I'm really happy that I was able to make my very first friend on my own.
Even if it was a little girl… Okay, now that I think about it, it's a really bug shame, isn't it?
Well, not that I mind with the minors, but I'd make sure to make more friends on the way.
No need to stick to all the bad habits.
I bet Makime would have worn a smug expression seeing me.
Saying something along the lines of "I raised him myself."
Tch, bastard…
Lina:「Ooh?! Alright then, Sariel.」
Shina: 「So you are a childish one, huh?」
Sariel: 「W-Wah!」
I was so endorsed with making friends that I totally ignored my sense of perception.
Sariel: 「I-It's not like that!
I uuh.... forget it! Hmph!」
Lina: 「.... Cute.」
Shina: 「Hahahaha. Sorry about that. I guess this is the part where we split up.
I hope you get what you're looking for.」
It was then that I realised that the guards were approaching us.
She was a prisoner, so she couldn't spend time outside the bars for long, no matter how important I am.
Wait, is it just me, or are these people plain stupid?
Sariel: 「Yeah. If I find out that it's true, I'll be back to remove you guys from here. Well then, goodbye.」 I whispered.
Lina: 「Bye bye.」
With that, we parted ways.
◇◇◇
I have now arrived at the enemy nation.
What's my goal?
Head straight to the palace and find out for myself. Not really the best of plans, but what can O say?
Having the power within me to do so feels great.
But before I could do that, I was already spotted.
Shit! How did they find me without seeing me?
I made myself invisible with the magicules, so how?
「Answer. This is due to the fact that you did not conceal your aura.」
Aura. Time and time again, I keep on hearing this word.
Could it be what I think it is?
「Positive.」
Then does that mean that I'm emitting something similar to that?
「Positive.」
Oh. I see. Then do you mind handing over『Wise Sage』to me?
「Answer. It's not a problem.」
I began to use my 『Universal Perception』 to the fullest of my abilities.
Wise Sage is a skill that resides in my soul but has sentience of her own.
Hence, she exists as a separate core that has control over herself.
She has the ability to dominate me, and the same goes for me.
She could take over the body to accomplish a task.
So, I requested permission to dominate her for my own purpose.
Not in any weird way.
I was able to sense my aura that kept leaking out of my body.
Great! Now I feel like some random shithead with his fly wide open.
I asked Sage-san for help, and I was able to suck it all in.
I guess I am now taken away to prison. Yeah. You guessed it, prison.
We were interrupted by a man wearing fancy clothing.
He briefly looked at me before looking at a particular guard.
???: 「Is this the person that was emitting such a powerful aura.」
The guard responded.
???: 「Yes Reidner-sama. He was captured and will be taken to prison immediately for investigation.」
Reidner: 「I see. In that case-」
Before I knew it, he was prostrating himself before me.
He then spoke.
Reidner: 「Please forgive us for such treatment! I will make sure you have an appointment with our queen!」
Ah! He knew, huh?
Sariel: 「Hm. Don't sweat the small stuff. I'm Sariel, by the way.」
Reidner: 「(He's been named!!?)
Ah y-yes. I'll get to w-work.」
After that commotion, I was released from the guards.
The guard captain apologised for his deed even though it was a reasonable course of action.
I got to know that he was called Kenny (Kenneth). He's really nice.
He's also pretty strong for a human. An otherworlder? Wouldn't be too far off.
He is capable of taking on an arch-demon on his own, which is definitely an accomplishment.
After a few minutes, I was led to the throne room, where I got to meet the queen.
She wore an elegant white robe, suited for a queen.
A golden tiara adorned her head with a red Ruby gem at the tip of the crown.
She had blue eyes and silvery-white hair, which further elevated her divine beauty even more.
???: 「It's a pleasure to meet you, honored guest. My name is Alya Wardin. I am the queen of this yet to be named nation.」
Damn it. I hate speaking with honorifics.
Sariel: 「The pleasure is all mine, Queen Alya. My name is Sariel.
I am a demon sent by your enemy nation to destroy you and your country as well.」
Alya: 「I understand. But is there no way to negotiate with you?
The fact that you have not done that already shows that you can be negotiated with.」
Ah, she already knew my purpose for coming here all along.
She's a sharp one. I like her already.
But-
Sariel: 「Unfortunately that's a no. Straight to the dumpster.」
Alya: 「I-I see. I know that this is selfish of me, but can you spare the children.
They are the future of this country. They are innocent and have no idea of what is going on.
I beg of you! Please!」
She proceeded to bow down to me. Seeing this, the rest in the proceeded to so the same.
All-Alye: 「Please Sir Sariel!!」
After this display, I could only
Sariel:「Fufufu… kuhahaha…HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!」
Yes! The infamous three-staged laughter!! I always wanted to do this!
「....」
Alya: 「S-Sir Sariel?」
Sariel: 「*Sigh*. Sorry, sorry. I am highly impressed, Queen Alya.
Please lift your head up. That is no way a queen should act.」
Acting like this makes me feel weird-as-fuck, but one's gotta compromise. It's the medieval nature.
Heeding my words, she looked at me with eyes full of worry.
Sariel: 「You can relax. I only came here to test you. The result? You passed wonderfully.
You have my respect, Queen Alya.
I promise, I'm not laying a harmful hand on this nation. So just chill out, would ya?」
Alya: 「I see… Thank you very much! Also, please call me Alya, and thank you so much. We will never forget it.」
Sariel: 「You can call me Sariel. Although you passed my stupid test, I still need to hear the truth about everything.
According to folks, you guys have been constantly terrorising them to try and gain power and lands for the betterment of your rising nation. Is that true?」
Reidner: 「W-Wah!! Such lies!?
They were the ones who kept on attacking us.
We have many valuable resources that many would kill to get. A rare gold mine that has been kept in the dark due to how weak we currently are.
I don't want to say what would happen if news of this mine ever got out. The invasions, the deaths… We couldn't possibly pray for such an outcome.
They attacked us, claiming that we don't deserve such resources. A silly excuse, no?
If that was not enough to convince you, they had recently launched a big magic attack to destroy our military base without a war declaration.
The intention, to weaken our forces and strengthen their own class with the addition of a summoned demon.
We only lived through their previous attacks due to the strength of our guard captain, Kenneth.
But he got a serious injury in the last war. One more attack from them, and we will not be able to defend our territory anymore.
As you see him, he's currently working way too hard for his own good. He redused to rest until it is all settled. 」
Is that so? Then that bastard thought that it would be a wonderful idea to continuously strike them.
Weakening them until they can't fight anymore.
Then, strike them harder with a demon as their ace in order to conquer them completely.
That dude may be smarter than he looks. But why not kill the queen?
A country with no ruler is prone to collapse, just as with the case of a dog with no brain; it's as good as dead.
I'll need to up my game if I wanna complete this mission with no losses.
Sariel: 「I see. Well then, the information I've gathered is enough.
I'm definitely destroying the new enemy nation. Not for your sake, mind you.」
Alya: 「WHAT!! Is that really necessary!?」
Sariel: 「Do you want me to rather destroy this nation for you? Either way is possible.」
I asked this with a blank face.
She needs to steel her resolve if she intends to protect her people from any greedy pig.
Alya: 「But must you destroy them. I understand what you mean, but still, must you destroy one of us?
Can't we find a way to coexist without destroying one another?」
Sariel: 「"For one nation to rise, another must fall." Keep that in mind, Alya.」
Alya: 「*Sigh*. I see. Thanks for your words of wisdom.
I apologise for hindering you with my pacifism.」
Sariel: 「Don't worry about that. Even I thought about it for days before steeling my own resolve.
To think that you would be able to do this in less than a minute.
You'll make a beautiful and great queen, Alya.」
Alya: 「A-Ah! Th-Thank you, S-Sariel.」
For some weird reason I don't even want to know of, she started blushing.
Reidner: 「N-No way! He throws up pick-up lines like shit!」
I don't know what he was on about, but meh, whatever.
Sariel: 「I'm gonna head back now. I'll visit you guys again. Just hold on for me. Bye!」
Alya: 「We'll be waiting for you! Bye!」
I revealed my wings for the very first time.
For some reason, mine was golden-black whilst others had completely black wings.
Well, I was always built differently from the beginning. Heh.
I flapped my wings and soared away from my initial position at a speed that could kill any normal person.
I then headed to the place where I was summoned.
Now, all I need to do is to take Shina and Lina away from that filthy nation and destroy all the people involved in the plan.
Since a nation with no ruler is prone to collapse, there won't be any need for mass destruction or stuff. Kill the ruler, and it's game.
「Notice. The presence of a demon has been detected.
From my deduction, this demon is on the level of an arch-demon.」
Eh? What the hell?
Why did those idiots summon another demon.
Sage-san, has the demon incarnated?
「Positive.」
Eh, it's not possible. I refuse to believe it.
The only way to find out is to see it with my own eye.
I arrived at my desired location. The atmosphere was dark, and there was an ominous aura in the air.
Not as strong as the primordials, but still strong in it's own way.
Sariel: 「Thank God.」
But still, as long as the demon is incarnated, the possibility is still there.
Please, no. I will not falter now. I need to think rationally.
I headed towards the castle and teleported in.
What I met was–
Alwin: 「Ah! It's the traitor demon that decided to switch sides.
What have you come to do, kill me? Hahahaha!!!」
He laughed maniacally whilst pointing his finger at me.
Though the way he stood was kinda off.
He stood stiff whilst shaking repeatedly.
He had his hands covering his abdomen. Weird.
Alwin: 「Too late!! I've finally successfully summoned the silver primordial demon who will now serve me.
You weakling under his lineage shall regret ever betraying me!
Argent, kill her!!」
Sage-san, where are Shina and Lina?
「....」
Wise Sage. I order you to answer me... NOW.
「Dead.」
Sariel: 「....」
???: 「Sariel-sama!」
The demon was apparently from my lineage.
The demon that was summoned stared at me fearfully before bowing.
He was trembling tremendously. Why?
「Answer. He may have read her soul after using her along with others for his incarnation.」
Ah. I see.
Sariel: 「You....」
I looked at the demon who was trembling nonstop.
Sariel: 「I won't blame you for this. Just stay back and wait for orders.」
???: 「Th-Thank you, Sariel-sama.
I will do just that.」
Poor demon. He must have been really scared.
I'm sure his name was… Tori.
I'm sure he only came to this world after I came just to be of use to me.
I won't hold it on him, but this genius–
Alwin: 「W-Wah!! Argent! What are you doing!? I said kill her!!!」
Tori: 「Shut up you insolent fool!! The one you call Argent isn't me.
I'm just a lowly demon who wants to be of use to the original silver primordial, Sariel-sama!」
Alwin: 「Wait! Don't tell me that this lady is the silver primordial demon.」
Tori: 「Sariel-sama is a male!」
Alwin: 「Is that so, if that's the case, then I guess you're not as useless as I thought.
Fine! If you swear loyalty to me, I'll only punish you a little for your act of treason before accepting you into my rank. Am I not merciful?
So, what do you say? Of course, you'll still have to pay for the blasphemous act, but I can go so far, right? You better get on with it.」
I looked at him blankly before refocus on the demon before me.
Sariel: 「Tori, can you hand over their souls?」
Nothing more was needed past those few words.
He nodded immediately before handing it over.
I was able to see their memories before they died.
This genius had proceeded to rape Shina in front of her daughter before stabbing her to death.
Well… *Sigh*
Then, right after that, Lina proceeded to kick him in the balls so hard that it lifted him a little.
That's cold…
I guess that explains the weird stance he had before.
He screeched whilst holding his dear son. Honestly, I'm still foreign to the sensation, but I definitely do not want to familiarize myself with such a thing. Nope, not happening.
The guards held Lina down whilst she struggled to free herself.
The king then came up to her and began to beat her up, ignoring the intense pain due to rage.
The guards also beat her up so badly.
Just seeing this, I wanted to go straight ahead and kill them, but what I saw next made me freeze.
The genius beheaded Lina.
Before this happened, Lina said something that shook my entire being.
Lina: 「Sariel ... You swore that you would help mommy. Why didn't you…?
You said that you would never break a pinky-promise, so why?
Please save me, I dont want to die... Sariel...」
That…
I watched this scene with an emotionless face.
One could say that I was calm and composed.
But it was a big lie.
The emotions I felt were too intense. They needed no expression.
Why?
I can not express them all at once.
Grief, Agony, Depression, Sadness, Pain, Guilt and... anger.
This type of rage was the most dangerous one that should never exist.
I can't express my rage.
I always did things rationally, believing that living life based on emotions was a surefire way to always make mistakes.
But it doesn't matter anymore.
I'm seriously tired of this world.
I'm sick of loosing people I always cherish.
Mom.
Dad.
Makime's family.
Makime.
Shina.
.... Lina.
Time and time again, this world has tested my patience.
The anger I've been accumulating since I was born.
The hatred I kept suppressing.
The emotions i kept avoiding.
The rage I held in my heart will fall upon you mortals today.
You wanted a monster, right? I'LL GIVE YOU A DEMON.