Chapter 2 — The Crimson Chalice

With the artifact ring named 'Akuma Side,' Yagami was able to teleport great distances. However, the ring could no longer be used for now, requiring 1–2 years before it could be activated again. Especially since Aurenvale and Ryzon Alte were located on different islands, it was clear that Yagami and Aria would be staying in this place for a long time.

Yagami and Aria were already wearing classic cloaks reminiscent of reincarnated adventurers. Tonight, they were walking around, exploring places that piqued their interest.

The sound of the wind whistling echoed outside, caused by the chilling winter breeze. Outside, Yagami and Aria saw the residents' buildings lining the roadside. The architecture here was unique—some houses used wood as walls or pillars. The ones built with red bricks and luxury were only found in large structures, like towers and the like.

The road, paved with neatly arranged gravel, hinted at a relatively advanced civilization (?) There were no people on the streets, only the silence of the night, and the lights from several homes were still glowing.

Instead of looking for an inn to rest, Yagami had a different idea—he wanted to visit one of the bars known as a gathering spot for reincarnated adventurers. From a distance, they could already see the bar's nameplate illuminated by lanterns. Step by step, their footprints broke the silence. In Yagami's mind, there were only predictions about Aurenvale, this territory. He suspected that the area was controlled by a major kingdom, as the social structure here differed from the usual. Just observing the building structures was enough for Yagami to grasp the basics.

When they arrived in front of the bar, the nameplate was clearly displayed: The Crimson Chalice. With its classic design, wooden floors, and walls made of a mix of red bricks and wood—though mostly dominated by wood. The faint sounds of commotion inside hinted at a beer celebration of some kind (?).

As Yagami and Aria entered, they were immediately surprised to see the adventurers—those who should have been feared—no, those who should have been considered dangerous pests. Yet, in reality, they were nothing more than newly hatched flies to Yagami. Their appearances were menacing, but their auras of power were not. As the Demon King, Yagami could easily gauge someone's strength just by their aura and every subtle movement.

They both ordered some food and beer to warm themselves up. Without showing any excessive expression, Yagami simply stared out the window, treating the entire scene as nothing more than a boring joke.

The adventurers here were of various races, such as dark elves, animal hybrids, and others. However, humans were the majority, with varying physical forms. Some had handsome faces, resembling true adventurers, with swords at their waists. Others were bald-headed, towering around 200 cm, clad in iron armor. They were discussing the whereabouts of Ryzon Alte, which had become a target, saying:

"Hah!? The Demon King? Isn't that easy for us to defeat? …We've been blessed with greater powers from the goddess, granting each of us a second chance at life in this wonderful world!"

As he spoke, the bald, muscular man remained oblivious to the fact that the Demon King they were referring to was in their midst, busy tasting the bar's signature dishes.

Aria, hearing the adventurers' chatter, felt a surge of anger. If this mission didn't involve Yagami, it was likely this place would already be destroyed in a single night by her hands. However, Aria still respected Yagami as her leader—who preferred to play meticulously, ensuring all his prey was completely wiped out, rather than feeling a fleeting satisfaction and leaving even the smallest opening for them to retaliate.

From everyone's gaze directed at Aria and Yagami, there was only one old man who caught Yagami's attention.

It was because the old man's eyeballs moved unnaturally—something that ordinary people might dismiss as normal, but Yagami could discern the difference.

The old man wore a brown cloak with its hood up, the cloak itself tattered and worn. His weary expression reflected his unnatural state. Yet, the old man tried to remain calm, supporting his aged body with an old, battered sword in his hand. Even though the people around him showed no empathy, he continued to maintain his composure.

Inside this bar, there were also several symbols of the kingdom—a wilting rose—emblazoned on every administrative sign or daily mission board pinned to the walls.

At that moment, Yagami ordered Aria to call the old man over to him. He seemed intrigued by him, especially the scar left by a sword slash across the old man's eye.

However, as Aria got up to leave the table where Yagami was seated, a drunk dark elf girl approached Yagami in a completely inebriated state without any sense of direction. Her light blonde hair, gleaming green eyes, and flushed cheeks were noticeable. She seemed to be around 19 years old in human terms. Her attire was that of a typical adventurer, without any cloak.

The girl sat beside him, so close that she leaned on Yagami's shoulder, murmuring in her drunken stupor.

"Hey, big brother~ why have you been so quiet? Are you skipping out on the winter festival? Oh, come on… Don't be so stiff~ we're all friends here, aren't we (?)."

Yagami wasn't swept away by the atmosphere. He merely acted like a proper human and responded,

"Ouh? Do you want me to celebrate this winter festival? —But, Miss... It seems that might change this place entirely and, well, I'm afraid it might get a bit too lively, 'MY version.' Ahahaha. Isn't that right, MISS-!?"

As he said this, Yagami smiled, unintentionally revealing his deep crimson eyes. The sight caused the dark elf girl to freeze in place, her cheerful demeanor replaced by silence as she became fully aware of his presence. Her lips trembled, unable to utter a single word.

While the dark elf girl was struggling to decide what to do next, she remained frozen in her seat, unable to either retreat or resist. However, as the old man and Aria returned to Yagami's table, the dark elf girl saw an opportunity to excuse herself politely and make her exit.

"W-well then, I'll be going first…"

Yagami only smiled widely, choosing not to further engage in interactions with those around him.

Once the girl had left, Aria and the old man sat across from Yagami. The old man's expressionless face as he faced Yagami only piqued Yagami's interest even more, especially with his wrinkled skin that suggested he still had the psychological control of a seasoned individual.

Not long after, Yagami started the conversation with the old man in a friendly manner.

"I apologize for calling you over so suddenly. Personally, I respect you for agreeing to come here."

"…No, no, let's just call it a coincidence (?), shall we?"

"Ahaha, a coincidence, huh? I suppose so… —Aria, order some food for our esteemed guest along with warm tea. It might suit him," Yagami said, gently tapping his fingers on the table a few times, wearing a smile befitting a true human.

"Understood, Master. I will get it right away."

The old man's body remained still, only his eyes moving wildly, like a hawk's gaze scanning for prey.

Yagami continued the conversation after Aria had truly left.

"So… may I know your name? —I've noticed that you seem quite different from the beings here. It feels like there's something special about you."

The old man, who had been calm, began to show an expression of nostalgia, as if someone had recognized him.

"Ah, I see. My name is… Tatsuya Alyson. —So, what's your purpose in calling me here? Moreover… I know who you are behind that friendly smile. There's a certain grand being (?) within you. Let's not waste any slippery words."

"Is that so? …Alright, it seems you already understand, yes? …Then, my intention in calling you here is to propose a partnership. I also know very well who you are, and it seems you're in some kind of trouble, no? Be it money? A partner? Or… perhaps something personal, like… revenge?"

The old man fell silent for a moment. His previously calm demeanor began to shift, and cold sweat started to form on his temple.

"Ah… I knew it from the moment you set foot in this bar. You've already taken a step ahead of me. It seems hiding my identity in front of such a grand being isn't so simple… I truly admire that. But as for your offer, I will need to consider it further—"

"Ouh?? Is that so? Hmph… Very well. I won't force you to collaborate in the near future 'this time.' So, for now, just enjoy your dinner. I've already ordered some food. At the very least, I'd like you to digest everything I've just said (?)."

The old man simply stared silently after hearing those words and did not continue the conversation, as Aria had returned, carrying several luxurious dishes like high-quality bread and meat.

"My apologies, Master, for making you wait so long. There were many people who wanted to play around—"

"No… Don't apologize, Aria~ Quickly place the food. We've both been waiting for it."

And so, the three of them ate the meal together while maintaining their humanlike etiquette. Although Aria seemed like her dialogue was cut short, she couldn't refute it because every word spoken by Yagami was absolute.

All the adventurers here seem completely unaware that the villain they perceive is already three steps ahead of them, as was clearly evident from Yagami's conversation with the old man. He was merely baiting reactions and observing every movement. In his mind, Yagami noted that there was corruption hidden beneath the beauty of this place.

The people around Yagami likely just assumed their conversation was a casual joke or a simple chat.

After finishing the meal, Yagami bid farewell to the old man, Tatsuya, and didn't forget to press on his mental side to quickly make him an ally. This would allow Yagami to clearly understand the social structure through the old man.

Outside the bar, it was perhaps already midnight, and snowflakes began to fall slowly, enveloping the silent night air. They had also rented an inn not far from the bar, recommended by the old man. The place wasn't too crowded, nor too deserted. The building was predominantly made of wood, with brown paint that had already faded with age.

Inside the room of the inn, Yagami sat at a desk beside the bed, writing a letter to his subordinates in Ryzon Alte. He provided some information about the area, noting that there was nothing to worry about, emphasizing that they should not interfere. In his mind, this was a golden opportunity to expand his domain by conquering the nearby kingdom.

After finishing the letter, he opened the window, slightly covered by snowflakes. He laughed heartily, thinking of this place as his version of a grand circus show.

"Ah~ The outside world really is extraordinary... especially how idiotic those entities called symbols of purity are! What's so special about humans? Tch, a goddess? —If there is such a goddess, I, Arata Yagami Dreadweaver, vow to destroy the existing system! Why... Why humans? Hey, Aria—! Do you know?"

Aria, who was sitting on the bed and taking off her clothes, had no choice but to respond to avoid offending him, despite being busy.

"...Personally, I think it's because humans have a unique nature, and it's an indescribable beauty to me... especially their naïveté—it's like a boomerang for them."

Yagami, hearing that argument, immediately shifted his gaze from the night sky to Aria, his arms crossed behind his back.

"Hah!? ...But—Interesting, Aria... I'm truly impressed by your high-quality way of thinking... Syrvanel Nox Altura—!"

As he uttered the incantation, dust slowly gathered, materializing into the shape of a raven-like undead entity. It was his beloved pet, 'Eyevorax,' resembling a full-grown eagle. However, unlike a normal eagle, it was armored in black iron, worn and aged, and its legs bore broken iron chains as an iconic symbol (?).

Yagami placed the letter in its beak, and the bird took off as if it had been trained to know exactly where to land without being told.

Aria, mesmerized by Yagami's elegance, considered it a rare beauty. She couldn't control her desires anymore. Moreover, Yagami's human form, handsome and almost perfect, was in stark contrast to his true form as the Demon King, which was even more flawless.

"Master... may I ask now?? I... I can't control it anymore."

"..."

Yagami, who was closing the window, glanced at Aria with a wide smile on his face, as though he only needed to fulfill her desires to achieve his greater purpose. And so, they became intimately connected, releasing their stresses and satisfying Aria's desires.