A sealed room within the royal castle.
In its center, I sat upon a chair.
Countless magical formulas were carved into the floor, walls, and ceiling.
They were etched with such density that the original colors were no longer discernible.
Though I worked without pause, it took an entire day to complete.
And upon my own body, the same formulas had been inscribed.
They meticulously filled even the edges of my small bones.
They faintly glowed because they reacted to my magic.
There was a slight pain, but it was nothing to be concerned about.
Grom, standing by my side, looked at me with a worried expression.
"Um, Demon King... are you truly going to go through with this...?"
"Of course."
"But, but..."
Grom growled in a hesitant tone.
The flame in his single eye seemed as though it might go out at any moment.
He had been restless for some time, pacing around the room right up until now.
"If you could wait a little longer, we should find the beasts' location. There's no need to do something like this, is there?"
"Warning to Master—this is an extremely dangerous attempt. Recommending abort."
Luciana and Yura echoed his sentiment.
The two of them were concerned for my safety.
I shook my head despite knowing that.
"Unfortunately, I don't have time. My body is rapidly being consumed. Even using magic to hold it back is reaching its limit."
It had been five days since I received the Great Spirit's transmission.
To resolve the situation, I had created a new forbidden spell.
My plan was to treat my physical deterioration by combining and improving existing techniques.
What was inscribed on this room and within myself was the formula of that forbidden spell.
Once activated, it would shatter my body and plunge my consciousness into my own spiritual world.
There, I intended to eliminate the root cause.
Ideally, I wanted to pinpoint the location of the one who cast the spell on me.
According to the Great Spirit, my mind was being devoured by a creature from the outer world.
I couldn't perceive it myself, but since the Great Spirit said so, it must be true.
When I sought Yura's opinion, she reached the same conclusion, so it seemed only spirits could detect it.
Given the spell's nature—the recoil would completely shatter the physical body—it absolutely could not be used in the flesh.
It was a technique only I, who could revive via the undead I commanded, could employ.
I understood why Grom and the others were worried.
For the past five days, they had witnessed my suffering.
Since I had informed them of the spell's recoil, they wanted to find a more peaceful solution.
Meanwhile, Logan, who had been observing quietly, was his usual self.
He addressed Grom and the others.
"If Dwight has decided, I won't oppose it. It's certainly the best course of action."
"I agree with that side. Well, if the General says so, it should be fine."
Henry, drinking his wine, speaks in a relaxed tone.
These two trusted my abilities completely.
Because they judged this current problem was something we could overcome, they did not oppose it.
This stood in stark contrast to Grom and the others, who worried about my safety.
Naturally, both arguments were genuinely pleasing to me.
I speak to Luciana.
"The technique itself is simple. Failure is almost impossible."
"That's not what I'm worried about..."
"Please trust me. I will definitely return."
Just then, the door burst open with force.
Among those strictly barred from entry, only one person could enter with such authority.
That person—the former Demon Lord, Diera—surveyed the room and tilted her head.
"What's this? All gathered here for a debate?"
Diera strode straight toward me.
She stood before me and spoke directly.
"Dwight. I heard you intend to infiltrate your own psyche to destroy an unknown entity."
"That is the technique I am about to perform."
I nodded in confirmation.
Then, Diera displayed a cold, sharp smile.
Her refined aura carried a sharpness akin to killing intent.
The others braced themselves unconsciously, as though sensing it.
She looked down at me, seated in the chair.
"I won't mind if you're overthrown, but in that case, I'll be taking the Demon Lord's army. And I might as well kill you while I'm at it. You'd better be prepared, hmm?"
"There's nothing to prepare for. I will return without fail."
"Ho ho! A fine attitude! Splendid, splendid!"
Diera's demeanor shifted in an instant, and she clapped her hands together with satisfaction.
She turned to address her subordinates.
"You lot, stop emanating such a dreary atmosphere. It's looking like a funeral in here."
"Lady Diera, aren't you worried?"
"Of course not. This man defeated me twice. If anything, I'd like to know the method by which he could be killed."
Diera replied without hesitation, then placed a hand on my shoulder.
She spoke in a serious tone.
"While you're away, I'll look after things. Go with an easy mind."
"...Thank you."
That was all I returned.
Thanks to Diera, the atmosphere in the room was solidifying into unity.
I had nothing but gratitude for how she played her part.
I rose from the chair.
Scanning the faces gathered in the room, I made my quiet declaration.
The moment I return, we begin the war with the beasts from the outside world. All of you, begin preparations.