My vision was filled with nothing but light.
Crystal flowers carpeted the ground as far as the eye could see.
Bathed in sunlight, they reflected seven-colored light across the landscape.
At the center of the crystal flower field, a white tree towered overhead.
That was the World Tree.
It soared to heights that seemed ready to pierce the clouds, its branches laden with silver leaves and fruit.
A passing breeze stirred the World Tree's foliage.
A clear, ringing sound filled the air as crystal petals danced, adding color to the fantastical scene.
Luciana let out a sigh of wonder.
"Wow, this is incredible..."
"Truly magnificent," Diera murmured in a quiet voice.
Unusually subdued.
She stood rooted to the spot, captivated by the flower field and the World Tree.
After a while, Diera calmed down and turned to me for my opinion.
"What do you think, Dwight? Are you moved as well?"
"I am. It's rare to find something this beautiful."
I spoke honestly.
This was a sight so otherworldly it hardly seemed real.
Diera nodded deeply several times, as if satisfied.
"Enough to rot your face away, I'd say. Your feelings come through loud and clear."
At Diera's words, I touched my own cheek.
Most of it had been worn clean away.
The finger I used to check broke off at the second joint.
It was a section I'd only just replenished with miasma.
This place was channeling the World Tree's power to its absolute maximum.
The holy energy of the entire forest originated here.
Far more potent than any run-of-the-mill holy magic.
Even a mid-tier undead would be purified without question.
Seeing it in person, the holy energy exceeded even my expectations.
The power of the spirits was nearly saturated as well.
It was impossible given the circumstances, but I found myself wishing I could have visited this place when alive.
If I'd used the flowers and branches here as catalysts, fighting the demon race would have been far easier.
Even against Diera in her days as the Demon Lord, I could have held an overwhelming advantage.
Of course, that was all hypothetical.
It was already in the past, and dwelling on it here would be nothing but tasteless.
Diera crouched down and touched a crystal flower.
The petals scattered motes of light.
Diera slowly narrowed her eyes.
"Hmm. Now I understand why I couldn't replicate this myself. It truly lives up to the name of World Tree."
"No regrets?"
"I used to feel that way, but not anymore. Perhaps stepping down as the Demon Lord changed my outlook."
Diera said with a wistful expression.
Her eyes seemed to be envisioning her days as the Demon Lord.
Luciana asked, full of curiosity.
"That's surprising. Even Diera can grow as a person. I'm so happy I could cry."
"What? Don't tell me you're trying to goad me. My fist will explode, you know!"
Diera furrowed her brows and took a fighting stance, pretending to throw a punch at Luciana.
Luciana responded with a theatrical wail.
After repeating this a few times, Diera—seeming to have had enough of the game—cleared her throat.
"Anyone can experience personal growth. You'd agree, wouldn't you, Dwight?"
"...Why are you asking me?"
"Well, you went from being a sage to becoming a Demon Lord. You must have had all sorts of realizations along the way. Come on, tell us about it. We won't spread it around, I promise."
Diera nudged me with her elbow.
It didn't hurt, but it was strangely irritating.
Luciana, who'd been watching our exchange, beamed with a knowing smile.
"Diera, you were always terrible at keeping secrets, weren't you? The only impression I have is that you'd blab the moment something's told to you."
"L-Luciana! If you say that, Dwight will clam up!"
Diera panicked and tried to cover Luciana's mouth.
She seemed to be trying to hide her own blunder, but I was well aware of that particular trait.
Trying to gloss over it at this point would be pointless.
In the relaxed atmosphere, I steered the conversation forward.
"My outlook has changed. Whether it counts as growth, I'm not sure."
"Oh? What kind of change?"
Diera stopped mid-motion and turned toward me with keen interest.
"I was able to look directly at my own ugliness and foolishness. Back when I was human, I turned away from it and refused to accept it."
"My own ugliness, huh..."
"Yes. I will never justify my own actions. But I also believe they were necessary. I intend to remain an evil Demon Lord for all eternity."
Receiving my declaration, Diera crossed her arms and made a complicated face.
"Every time I hear you talk, it's the path of carnage... Well, I know you won't compromise. I have nothing to say against it, but here—take this."
Diera extended her hand before me.
Power began to converge there.
Before long, what seeped from her palm was a single scale.
Its surface gleamed with an azure luster.
"This is a scale imbued with my power. When your life is in danger, it can protect you once. Remember it well."
"Thank you."
I took the scale.
Beside me, Luciana puffed out her cheeks.
She voiced her discontent.
"Hey, that's so unfair—only Diera gets to be clever about it. Are you trying to steal the Demon Lord's heart?"
"Kuhaha! I merely gave a gift to a promising junior. That's all."
Diera puffed out her chest with a proud expression.
She then turned toward me.
By then, she wore a serious look.
"Dwight."
"What is it?"
"I'm a reliable senior, after all. Feel free to consult me about anything at all."
Diera gave a warm smile and placed her hand on my shoulder.
Our eyes met squarely, so I averted my gaze.
"...I'll only consult you when I'm truly desperate."
"Oh? A secret weapon, then! Yes, yes, that has a wonderful ring to it."
Diera nodded cheerfully.
I wasn't sure what she'd made of it, but she seemed satisfied with my answer.
Nearby, Luciana whispered in my ear.
"You've gotten good at handling Diera, Demon Lord. Did you study up or something?"
"I only learned what I needed to for the sake of daily peace."
I answered matter-of-factly while casting a pitying glance toward Diera.