Her declaration resonated deep within my heart.
Acknowledging the smoldering emotions, I generated a pitch-black sword.
I channeled magic into it, making the blade vibrate at high speed.
I raised my sword in a stance with its destructive power dramatically enhanced.
Feeling a trace of hesitation, I declared to her:
"Our justice once failed. A world without the Demon King was far from peaceful."
I charged forward and was the first to slash at her.
She blocked with incredible reflexes, but I relentlessly pressed the assault.
I unleashed all-out attacks to prevent any counterattack.
"Without a deterrent, humanity only fights. Therefore, an absolute evil is necessary."
I shifted the sword to a one-handed grip and simultaneously activated numerous spells with my free hand.
Maintaining them in compressed form, I thrust them toward her to strike.
She dodged at the last moment, and in the motion, she severed my wrist.
The falling hand caused the spells to detonate uncontrollably.
We both retreated at the same time.
The spells, now beyond control, exploded in a burst of vibrant light.
Amid the rain of magic and downpour, we clashed again.
Our swords struck each other at high speed as we fought to kill.
Though killed several times, I pressed forward as if clinging to something.
"While each nation proclaims the Demon King's subjugation, they are secretly relieved. They believe this can postpone wars with neighboring countries."
If I truly wasn't wanted, I wouldn't have become the Demon King.
Now I can say this with certainty.
I did not defy the world.
It was the prayers of the people that manifested me.
Opposite me, she deflected attacks with an icy demeanor.
And then she flung back a matter-of-fact rebuttal.
"The world peace you aim for is nothing but a compromise."
"Yes, it is a compromise. I too wish to build a peaceful world without bloodshed. It is because I knew that was impossible that I now play the part of evil..."
I recognized my own rising emotions, but could no longer suppress them.
The true feelings I had buried at the bottom of my heart surged forth like foul sludge.
"The people desecrated your great deeds and sacrifices! For the sake of ugly desires, they threw you away like a disposable tool!"
I let my emotions drive my relentless assault.
Strangely, my body felt light.
I moved as if this was exactly what I had been longing for.
My attack speed climbed without limit.
She was forced onto the defensive.
The situation had reversed from moments ago.
Yet the reason I couldn't land a single scratch was surely due to her transcendent skill.
"After you defeat me, Hero, will you be able to lead the world to peace? Tell me your thoughts."
I slammed my sword down and pressed the question upon her.
In that instant, she returned with a swift strike.
The arc of her blade severed my arm.
I leapt back, finally managing to halt my momentum.
With a delay, I restored the missing part with miasma.
During that time, she stood in silence, observing.
She watched my arm regenerate intently, speaking her answer as it concluded.
"I will not bring about peace."
"...What do you mean?"
I was more than a little bewildered.
The words were unexpected.
She continued speaking, unperturbed.
"It means exactly what I said. It's not something I will lead. It's something the entire world—people cooperating together—must strive for. Our actions were merely the catalyst."
"Deceit. The result of being unable to cooperate is the world as it is now."
What she spoke of was nothing but pretty words.
Mere idealism, impossible to ever achieve in reality.
If it were possible, I would never have become the Demon King.
She gave her sword a single flourish, then brushed back the damp hair clinging to her forehead.
Was it my imagination that the gesture seemed slightly contemptuous?
"Dwight. What you say is correct. You grasp a certain truth."
The next moment, her form blurs.
I instantly sensed the approach and moved my sword in the spur of the moment.
A heavy impact and a metallic clang ran through the air.
My Miasma Blade chipped, but I succeeded in stopping the slash aimed at my neck.
"However, the future you create is stagnant. Do you truly think there's any real hope for a managed humanity?"
"Are you saying I should let conflict run wild, clinging to this so-called 'hope'?! Is that the conclusion of you—the hero who saved the world?!"
I roared, pressing my sword forward.
With her straining against me, I placed the blade against the side of her neck.
Our closely pressed swords ground against each other, trembling with a scraping sound.
(I have the advantage in raw strength.)
I tried to push through in one go.
In that moment, she suddenly relaxed and twisted her body.
My sword, losing its resistance, bit into her shoulder by the momentum.
Blood began to seep from the wound.
It didn't cut all the way through, but judging by the sensation, it had likely reached the surface of the bone.
Yet, she remained utterly composed.
No, if I looked closely, there was a major change.
It was the expression on her face.
She wore a wry smile mixing disdain, self-mockery, and resignation.
It almost looked as if she was in pain.
It was a complex expression I had never seen before.
Glancing at the wound on her shoulder, she murmured to me in a meaningful tone. "—You are far too inclined to romanticize Clea Baton."