I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit [325]

The "Banir Death Ray."

Despite its overly simplistic and careless name, this was actually Demon Duke Banir's signature move. If a human were hit by it, survival was practically impossible.

Fortunately for Wiz, she wasn't human—she was a lich, the Queen of the Undead, with incredibly high magic resistance.

"Banir, are you sure Wiz is okay? She's starting to turn transparent," Nero asked, concerned.

"Stop worrying about unnecessary things. That useless shopkeeper just looks half-dead right now. She's only a little weakened. Give her some sugar water to replenish her energy, and she'll perk right up, like a sunflower after rain," Banir replied nonchalantly.

Nero couldn't help but pity Wiz. To think that the mighty Queen of the Undead lived such a pitiful life, relying on sugar water to sustain herself.

"Alright, enough idle chatter," Banir said, waving a hand dismissively. "You're a busybody who rushed back here from the royal capital, leaving behind your adoring princess of a little sister and your Crimson Demon companion who clearly admires you. You must have something important to discuss, so get to the point. Say your piece, and then get out of my shop so I can focus on my business."

"Hmph! How rude!" Nero exclaimed, placing her hands on her hips and puffing out her cheeks. "If you'd just let me help you, your business would be booming. The people drawn to my charm would line up outside your shop and become loyal customers! Doesn't that tempt you even a little?"

"Someone of my status—if I were to endorse and promote your shop, not even all the money in the world could afford such an opportunity. Don't be so ungrateful," Nero declared proudly.

As Nero spoke, Banir recalled that even Aqua, the "juggling goddess," had tried drawing in customers before. Surprisingly, her antics had been effective—though she tended to forget she was supposed to be advertising the shop and instead stole the spotlight for herself, ultimately competing with the store.

Banir, however, seemed utterly uninterested in Nero's proposal, which annoyed her. But she didn't forget her true purpose for coming.

"You'll regret turning me down!" Nero huffed, glaring at Banir. "Fine, fine. Let's get to the main point. I do have something I need to ask you. I'm hoping you can provide me with some answers."

"Finally being upfront, are you?" Banir adjusted his attire, a devilish smirk curling his lips. "Very well. As the omniscient demon I am, answers from me come at a high price—often costing someone their entire fortune. However, since this is your first time asking for my help, I'll make an exception and waive the fee. Consider it a one-time favor."

Then, with a mischievous glint in his eye, Banir added, "Oh, and I recall that dimwitted goddess went to the royal capital with you, didn't she? The fact that you came back to seek me out instead of her shows you recognize that I am far more reliable than that useless goddess. I must say, you've got excellent judgment! Hahaha!"

Hearing Banir's mocking tone, Nero's expression darkened. Just the mention of Aqua seemed to sour her mood.

"Judging by your face, that lunatic priestess must've caused some new disaster, huh?" Banir guessed, laughing even harder. "It's a shame my clairvoyance doesn't work on you or her. I would've loved to witness whatever idiocy she's been up to."

After a pause, Banir added, "But still, the negative emotions radiating from you are absolutely delicious. Thank you for the treat! With negativity this tasty, missing out on the show doesn't feel quite so bad."

Nero gritted her teeth. Banir's smug, schadenfreude-laden demeanor was infuriating, but she held back the urge to slice him in two. She still needed his help.

---

In the royal capital, the heart of the Belzerg Kingdom, peace and order were maintained by its elite adventurers and knights.

However, a major incident had recently disturbed the tranquility.

A thief had broken into the castle where Princess Alice resided and stolen one of her necklaces.

Though no one had seen the thief directly, the princess's personal guards had confirmed it. The question burning in everyone's minds was: Who was skilled enough to infiltrate the royal castle? And why had the thief targeted this particular necklace, ignoring all else?

---

In a damp, musty basement, faint, labored breaths echoed through the darkness.

The basement was hidden beneath a noble's mansion. Even the mansion's servants had no idea such a secret, eerie place existed.

Footsteps descended the dimly lit stairs. Soon, a man resembling a grotesquely bloated pig entered the room.

Aldarp's bloodshot eyes betrayed his uncontrollable rage and anxiety, emotions too strong for him to mask.

The moment he stepped into the basement, he unleashed his frustration on a figure kneeling on the ground, raining down punches and kicks.

"Hey! Max! Wake up! Don't you dare fall asleep on me!" Aldarp bellowed.

After enduring several kicks, the figure slowly sat up, seemingly unbothered.

"Huff… huff… What is it, Aldarp? What do you need from me? Ah, and your emotions today… delicious as always," the figure said, licking its lips.

It was unmistakable—this was a demon.

Demons thrived on negative emotions, drawing sustenance from human misery and despair. This one, in particular, seemed to relish Aldarp's agitation.

Looking at the demon's smug face, Aldarp felt nothing but revulsion. He couldn't resist kicking it a few more times.

"Do you think I'd come to see someone as disgusting as you if I didn't need to? Use your worthless brain for once! I have a job for you. The artifact I entrusted to the royal family has been stolen by some damned thief. Use your reality-warping powers to get it back—NOW!" Aldarp demanded, his voice trembling with anger.

"Huff… huff… Aldarp, Aldarp!" the demon wheezed. "I can't do that. I don't know where the artifact is. Besides, the royal capital has become so dangerous lately… I can sense something truly terrifying. I can't risk using my powers recklessly."

"Useless! You're completely useless! Why did I even summon a worthless lower-tier demon like you?!" Aldarp roared, delivering another furious kick.

Fuming, Aldarp pulled a peculiar stone with ominous engravings from his pocket.

"Damn it! This artifact can summon any creature I desire, yet it gave me you—a pathetic, low-level demon. If only it had summoned something stronger, my plans would've been complete long ago!"

---

T/N: hmm yes yes my clairvoyance sees the end of the konosuba arc...