Emo-Sugiru is grinning and applauding. He came out at this timing when I am defeated and unable to move—no, he came out precisely because it is the timing where everything is too late.
This guy is the mastermind behind everything, the root of all evil.
If it wasn’t for this man, there might have been a path other than killing the Demon King. So many people could have been happy.
My body won’t move. Move, damn it, move!
Damn it, why… why am I so weak!
“EMO-SUGIRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!”
I howl.
In my entire life, I have never directed such rage toward another person.
“Haha, you don’t have to shout so loud, I can hear you. I’m almost touched by such wonderful fan service, but unfortunately, I’m a busy man. I can’t stay here any longer. I’ve burned your brave figure into my eyes, so I’ll take my leave.”
“Don’t… joke with me…!”
“Oh, it seems I’ve been saved the trouble of searching. How helpful.”
“What…?”
Emo-Sugiru is looking behind me.
Since my body won’t move, I can’t look back, but I can feel a presence. Who is it?
I hear footsteps. It’s the presence and sound of a demon. I know it because I’ve heard it many times.
“My, my, for a great Hero-sama, you’re sure crawling on the ground. The Demon King-sama would be very surprised if he saw this.”
“What… that voice is…”
Impossible.
I know the owner of this voice. It’s the opponent I cut down in the war against the Demon King’s army.
The owner of the voice steps on my head and smiles down at me.
“It’s been a while, Hero.”
“The Masked Demon General…!”
“I lost an arm, and I lost the Demon King-sama. I’m glad you let me go, thinking I was no longer a threat.”
“Ridiculous! Why is your arm back…?”
I definitely sliced it off with the Holy Sword back then. He should have lost the ability to create masks.
“What is… the meaning of this…”
“Because he’s a precious friend, you see. I healed his arm. Demon General-san, I understand how you feel, but I wonder if stepping on the Hero’s head is quite right? Even if as an ‘ex,’ you’re still a top brass of the Demon King’s army, so shouldn’t you value your dignity?”
“Ah, sorry, Emo-san. He was your favorite, wasn’t he, this Hero.”
The Masked Demon General apologizes.
It’s an unbelievable sight. He was supposed to be a man who would never obey anyone but the Demon King.
No, it’s the opposite…
I see, obeying the Demon King was the act.
“Ah…”
I understood. I realized it.
How was Emo-Sugiru able to manipulate the Demon King’s army?
The reason the Demon King’s army could put forth their full strength was the empowerment via the masks. That was what changed the tide of battle time and time again. In other words, this General was in a position to adjust the strength of the army.
And if this General had been Emo-Sugiru’s comrade from the start—if he was a member of the organization called Hero Order—it would explain everything.
“Well then, it looks like we’ve made up, so shall we go? Staying in this city doesn’t have much meaning anymore. I’m sure you lot in the Hero’s party can recover on your own.”
“To the very end…”
As if mocking me, Emo-Sugiru said that.
He calls that act “making up”?
No, wait. Is that what it means…! It means that at this very moment—the Masked Demon General has returned to his true form.
From an enemy called the Demon King’s army, back to a member of the Hero Order. He has returned.
“Ortlinde, how is your body feeling after that?”
“Yes, thanks to you, I am in excellent condition. Sugiru-sama, won’t you let me join the Hero Order as well? I’m sure I can be of help.”
“Hmm? You can do as you like. You must enjoy your freedom, after all.”
“Yes…!”
That Ortlinde-Marteno, who looked like a monster just moments ago, now has a melting, almost infatuated face.
She is completely devoted to Emo-Sugiru. Her weakness was exploited, and she is being manipulated.
She is likely a once-in-a-thousand-years genius. A powerhouse that even our Hero’s party couldn’t touch. He has brought her to heel with mere words.
On top of that, the Demon God Karura and the Masked Demon General…
This isn’t a joke; this is a force that could truly destroy the world. The war with the Demon King was a battle for human survival, but this is on a different dimension.
This is an enemy that every race should fight for their survival. I can never forgive the great evil known as Emo-Sugiru. He must be killed.
“You…! What is it you want! Why would you do this…!”
Why would Emo-Sugiru do such a thing?
How can he do something so cruel?
What sin did the people living in this city commit? Does he intend to gather such power and keep creating these hells?
“It’s fan activity.”
“Huh…?”
“I told you, didn’t I? I’m your fan. You are—a true hero, aren’t you?”
“What… are you… talking… about…?”
I can’t understand.
Surely, it can’t be. Did he destroy a city just to test me alone?
Sending the Demon King’s army, that choice to discard the few for the sake of the many… was all of it, every bit of it, Emo-Sugiru’s game…?
“I like people who fulfill their missions. That’s why I’ve been observing your journey. After all, what makes a hero? Is it being a weapon? Is it not forgetting one’s human heart? Or is it someone who struggles and suffers in the space between the two…?”
Emo-Sugiru begins to speak.
I can tell these words come from the bottom of his heart. This is his motive, his underlying wish.
“I want to see that brilliance. Like a heroic epic, I love that brilliance that asserts ‘I am the protagonist.’ You have been a hero all along.”
So, that’s why he likes me, he says.
For that reason alone, he made humans and demons fight, and even resurrected a Demon God.
Just to be a trial, just to see if we were heroes.
“You’re full of it…!”
” I’m dead serious, so this is my heartfelt praise, you know? This world just didn’t feel right, and it was boring at first. But those disappointing times are over. Because I found you. It might be a bit nonsensical, but this is my version of fan activity.”
This man—Emo-Sugiru—is twisted.
He is broken.
“Aah, aaaaaa… uaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”
I, too, am breaking.
I can’t think of anything anymore. I don’t want to think.
To know that my battles until now, my life, were all this guy’s toys… I don’t want to know.
“I’m so glad you’re moved to tears.”
“Ugh, uuu…………”
Forgetting all shame, I weep. I was sobbing. I couldn’t bear it.
Even the nausea vanished.
Truly—I see, so this is despair.
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT gadgetizedpanda.net
＊
“Your crying face is charming, too.”
“My, my, I’m starting to get jealous.”
While I’m enjoying the fan service from the Hero, Ortlinde peeks up at me from below.
It’s a very cute and calculated pose. It seems she’s taken quite a liking to me.
“Well then, let’s go—on our way.”
I suggest we all do some fan activities together. A life dedicated to one’s “Oshi” (fave) is the best.
The Hero is crying tears of joy, and it seems the misunderstanding is completely cleared up. Since I told him that everyone here is his fan, he must be happy.
“It’s rude to stare at his tears for too long.”
“That brat is a pitiable one…”
“Even my desire for revenge has vanished. As expected of Sugiru-sama.”
“Yeesh, things are never boring when you’re with Emo-san.”
Knight-san, Ortlinde, Demon General-san—everyone is hyped up.
Since they witnessed a touching moment of fan activity, any wicked feelings must have vanished. We all start walking together as friends. Aiming for the next town. To advance on the path of fan activity!
The Hero shouts from behind in a parched voice.
“Emo-Sugiru… you’re the one! I’ll never! Even if I die, I’ll never forget you!”
The Hero says something wonderful. What amazing fan service. It’s too great. He really is kind, after all.
“That’s a good line. It’s moving.”
I tell the Hero that with a full smile.
What a wonderful day today is. If I were King, I’d make it a national holiday.
I’ve gained comrades who understand the greatness of fan activity, the misunderstanding is cleared—
“Ah, I feel like I’m truly enjoying life.”
“The fun is only just beginning, you know? Our battle, that is.”
“Kukuku, I wonder if those brats can overcome the trial that is yours truly?”
“…This is getting fun, isn’t it?”
Everyone is smiling and looks like they’re having fun.
Of course, I’m smiling too.
I must be the luckiest man alive. I’m surely happier than anyone else!
Also check out my friend Localizermeerkat for more LN translations!
BUY THE SOURCE MATERIAL TO SUPPORT THE AUTHOR !!!
Kindly click on the green button above and contribute to filling the green bar if you’re interested in having another LN from the request page translated. Also, every donation is being used to purchase the source material and to fund more English translations.
Please consider joining my Ko-Fi membership. By becoming a member, you’ll also gain access to 2-10 additional chapters of all of the novels from this site translated into English. Last but not least your support will also assist me in upholding the translation quality and speed. For more information, please follow the link.
Donation for faster release is always welcome
Additionally, I am now accepting translation requests.
