Playful days (Part 2)

Meanwhile, in a faraway land where the sun was unable to reach...

After the destruction of the Crystal Dungeon, the demon king, who had been wandering the ruins, returned to her demon castle.

Welcomed by two maids, they bowed their heads and greeted her.

"Welcome, my majesty."

They opened the door, allowing the demon king to enter the grand hall, where eight demon generals awaited. These generals were creatures personally chosen by the demon king to protect her castle and wage war on her enemies.

The Eight Demon Commanders:

Kuro – A former human warrior, now a demon. Arrogant and prideful, he struggles to accept serving under a female ruler. Specializes in defensive skills.

Eriko – A demon girl who wields blood manipulation magic. Currently smiling at the demon king, her mind filled with twisted experiments.

Silva – A pure-blooded demon, known as one of the most dangerous. She indulges in human hearts as snacks.

Liane – A powerful succubus, often at odds with Silva, yet fiercely loyal to the demon king.

Simon – An elderly-looking demon with a melancholic aura. Wise and tactical, he has unwavering faith in the demon king.

Dullan – A headless Dullahan knight, feared on the battlefield.

Beezelbub – An insect monster named the King of the Flies.

Noctros – A black dragon, shrouded in eternal darkness. Known as the Immortal Calamity, he has destroyed countless worlds, leaving only desolation in his wake. (Currently in his human form).

Eriko's cheerful demeanor caught the attention of Dullan.

"Why so happy?" asked the 7th commander, his hollow armor clanking as he moved.

"Nothing…" Eriko replied mischievously.

"I've always wondered," Silva interjected. "How does a headless knight even see us? You don't have any eyes."

She took a human heart from the basket on her table, biting into it like an ordinary snack.

"Eating during a meeting is unacceptable!" Liane snapped.

"The demon king never made such a rule. Is that her decision or yours?" Silva retorted, staring Liane down.

A sudden, overwhelming presence silenced the room. The demon king had arrived, her dark magic exuding immense pressure.

"What is the commotion about?" she asked coldly. "I'm furious at the Grandellia Kingdom. I never expected them to destroy that dungeon with the Pleiades. Because of that, I didn't acquire the power to destroy the world."

"Even without it, you remain the most powerful being in existence," Simon assured her.

"Even though you're angry, you're smiling, my majesty," Liane noted, serving her tea.

"Well, I have something to look forward to…" the demon king mused.

The room tensed.

"Don't tell me…"

"That's right—a hero has already been chosen. Finally, I will have fun on the battlefield again. Soon, a demon war will commence."

Kuro smirked. "Grandellia used their Pleiades. That means half of their magical power has been sacrificed. This is the perfect time to invade! We should strike now!"

"Don't give me orders, Kuro," the demon king shot back. "You are here to serve, not command."

Kuro gritted his teeth. "I'm only thinking of the demon realm's future."

"The demon realm's future? Pfft… Hahahaha…" The demon king laughed mockingly. "Don't lie to yourself. You just want recognition. You are only here because of your defensive skills. And remember—I hold your heart in my grasp. I can kill you anytime. Do you still wish to challenge me?"

Kuro clenched his fists but remained silent.

"Stop, Kuro," Simon warned. "Defying the demon king is pointless. She has surpassed every previous ruler, slain countless heroes, and remains undefeated."

"That's right! Our majesty is the best!" Liane cheered.

"It's wrong… I am the demon king's son! Why is she the ruler and not me? I inherited my father's blood and power!" Kuro roared, slamming the table.

The demon king finished her tea and turned her gaze toward him. Without a word, she snapped her fingers.

Kuro exploded.

His blood and flesh splattered across the room.

"Gross…" Liane muttered.

The demon king then casually revived Kuro with her magic.

Cough! "I… I'm alive…"

"Did you learn your lesson?" Simon asked dryly.

Kuro trembled. "This is unfair… The demon realm should be mine…"

"The title of Demon King belongs to the strongest. Demon king Azalea reigns because she is the strongest," Simon stated firmly.

The demon king stretched, yawning. "I'm feeling generous today, so I won't punish you further. Now, I'm off to bed—I want to sleep for three straight days."

Liane blushed. "Can I sleep with you?"

"Absolutely not."

"Eh? I just want to do some checking…"

"Still no."

Eriko giggled. "You seem excited, Eriko," Liane noted.

"Well, I have a new idea I can't wait to test… I gathered a lot of blood samples from the Crystal Dungeon. It would be a waste if I didn't start my experiments soon…"

She turned toward the starry night.

"Elesis Fort will be my new laboratory."

An impending disaster loomed over Mayu and her new found friends friends.