"Normally, such a situation should not be possible. Before the expansion of power becomes critical, the will of the world would activate in some form. The fact that it hasn't suggests a kind of malfunction."
"...Probably because I overturned fate so many times."
"That's likely the cause. The distortions accumulated through your resistance have finally burst forth."
The great spirit's speculation was surely correct.
The will of the world was something that, in principle, could not be opposed.
When targeted, even higher beings serving as defense mechanisms would be obliterated.
Only I, who benefited from the Valley of the Dead, was the exception.
Thinking back, after I became the Demon King, various disturbances arose.
Each time, I resolved them with brute force, but beneath the surface, malfunctions must have been piling up.
Now, it seems they have finally surfaced.
"The False Savior will continue destroying the Demon King's forces. Eventually, they will come for you."
"Probably, yes."
I acknowledge the great spirit's words.
Our thoughts were largely aligned.
The rampaging False Savior was currently confined to massacres on the frontier.
This was likely because people's attention was focused on the nearest Demon King's forces.
Everyone wanted to eliminate the immediate problem.
Therefore, rather than targeting me directly, they were tackling the most imminent danger first.
However, as expectations from the people grew, the damage would inevitably increase.
Once word spread of the False Savior's exploits and strength, more wishes would surely pile on.
In other words, my assassination.
It isn't desired to that extent just yet.
The current Demon King's majesty is that great.
Once the phantom savior begins to be seen as an existence that can rival me, they will certainly bare their fangs in this direction.
When that stage arrives, can I actually resist?
Honestly, I am uncertain.
I might be killed without recourse.
That possibility is entirely plausible.
While envisioning such predictions, I remained composed.
There was nothing to be shaken by.
I had suspected this even before speaking with the Great Spirit.
The Great Spirit, upon seeing my form, confirms my will.
"Do you intend to fight against a justice that has no form?"
"Of course. I am not so reasonable as to simply be defeated."
If I were to accept death here, I wouldn't have become an undead in the Valley of the Dead in the first place.
I am someone who dies hard.
And I harbor an extraordinary tenacity.
"The opponent cannot be physically killed under any circumstances. They are fundamentally different from the heroes of the past."
"I know. Even so, I have no intention of giving up."
"...It seems you have some kind of plan."
It just came to me, but as it stands, there are too many variables; still, it will probably succeed.
During my conversation with the Great Spirit, I conceived of a strategy.
My chances of victory were reasonable.
Though it required preliminary preparations and several verifications, it was well worth attempting.
Having organized my thoughts, I bowed my head to the Great Spirit.
"That was valuable information. My thanks."
"I merely stated the facts as I perceived them. From here, the course of fate depends on your efforts."
"Yes, you're right. I will find a way to overcome this."
When I said this, the Great Spirit vanished without a sound.
She would likely take action from the shadows.
She was meant to fulfill the role of a defensive mechanism.
Despite being so busy, I had to be grateful for her assistance.