Acceptance

"Well, there's not much to say about it to be honest." Sakura-nee says after regaining her composure.

Seriously. I know I'm talking to a body double made of paper, but it's too human and is too alike with Sakura-nee. It's creepy.

"The Shards of the Primordial have always been something hidden by those in power. I think it's already to the point that they deny its existence."

"But Levton was searching for it and Regina also knew about it. Are you sure it's hidden?"

"I'm pretty sure. No written records have remained about it ever since the rise of the Roman Empire you know."

Eeehh… So it's that old. Well Regine did say the shards are keys to the seal of an ancient monster.

"So? What is this ancient monster its sealing? Are the shards a danger to us?"

"Nobody knows what kind of monster the ancient monster is just that if ever it gets its freedom then the world will fall into chaos. As for the shards, it's just like every other tool; it depends on its wielder."

True enough. A tool is not good or evil it's how a person uses it. But the [Shards of the Primordial] seems like a pain in the neck, especially when I have one of them. It's also concerning how Levton wanted to collect it without King Belial knowing. I wonder if he was egged by someone. Like somebody told him about it and he thought it would help him in becoming the High King of Hell or something.

I got a feeling it's somewhere along those lines. But if Levton does ever succeed at that, he'll probably be only a puppet to whoever that person is.

"Sakura-nee, do you know where the other shards are?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Nothing. Forget I asked."

Sakura-nee seems to be very cautious at the mention of the shards. That just means it really poses a great threat. But then again, the term 'ancient monster' doesn't exactly sound endearing either.

"So, now that I'm apparently a candidate, what am I supposed to do?"

Yeah. There's that problem too.

Sakura-nee just smiles and motions to the door. It opens and Ferigo enters.

Uwah, why do I feel like they've already rehearsed this? But considering these two, they probably did.

"Ferigo?"

"Young master, Lady Sakura."

He enters and takes a seat at the remaining chair. I can't help but look at Ferigo nervously since he's acting more formal than usual. Wait, can I even tell that? It's not like I've spent a lot of time with Ferigo.

"Young master, first of all, I apologize for recommending you as a High King Candidate without your permission, but I believe I made a good choice."

I can't help but raise an eyebrow at that.

"As someone with the blood if the Xenos Family running in their veins, I deemed it appropriate to do so. Well, I originally wanted to have you take up the throne your ancestor left but I'm afraid I'll receive more criticism and complaints from the other nobles."

"You do realize I'm human through and through?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.

The news of being a candidate to be the leader of Hell, the demon world, still got me a little winded to be honest. I've only read about demons back in my original world but in whatever book I did read, demons doesn't like non-demons interfering with their affairs.

"You may consider yourself human young master, but it is irrefutable that you have the blood of demons running in your veins."

Ugh. There he goes again.

I look at Sakura-nee who looks rather composed and stoic.

To be honest, I'm a bit nervous at the turn of events. A demon is calling me young master and claims I share the blood of a powerful ancient demon family, I have a demon form which I haven't even fully checked out yet and most of all, I still have some things to settle with that bastard Levton.

*SIGH*

Why am I even doing all this? I don't even have April's memories of his parents. I can't confirm whether I'm really a Xenos or not.

Wait…

I don't know the details of my parents in this word but I think someone does.

"Sakura-nee, have you met my parents?"

From what I know Kawayan Village was her responsibility. I don't remember much of my time there but maybe Sakura-nee had the chance of meeting my parents!

"I did."

Knew it!

"Then are they perhaps demons? Like what Ferigo is saying?"

Sakura-nee is silent. Is she trying to remember her interactions with my parents somehow?

"Unfortunately, I never sensed anything demon-related to your parents or anyone in Kawayan Village for that matter. All of them are Hunters with a strange affinity to this world's energy."

"Energy?"

Why do I feel like things are getting even more complicated?

"Unfortunately, the demons decided to ravage the village and kill everyone in it."

WHAT?! The demons did what?

What the hell is going on?!

Demons killed both of my families and I'm now a candidate of being their High King?!

"I refuse."

"Young master?"

"Apparently, it's the demons that took everything from me! Do you really think I want to be associated, much less involved with their matters?! Ferigo and Licht are fine since I know them, but I refuse to whatever Ferigo have planned for me in Hell!"

The heck runs in Ferigo's mind? And the perpetrators of the Kawayan Village Massacre are demons?

What's the deal with them anyway?!

"If that is really the truth, then I have even more reason to hate demons!" I yell, my temperament flaring off obviously.

"But young master! Hating demons is like hating your very existence…"

"I AM HUMAN! Damn it! I'm human!"

I'm lashing out, I know that much. But my anger just isn't subsiding and it's flaring even more.

"Then, do you wish to kill all the demons?" Sakura-nee suddenly asks which catches me off guard.

Kill all the demons? What is she even-?

"Of course not. Not all demons are responsible for what happened. Therefore, I will find the ones responsible and punish them myself." I answer.

"I see. But what if the demons responsible are big shots, those who cannot be easily trifled with unless you have substantial power and background in both the demon world and earth?"

Is she serious right now? Does that mean she actually knows something?

"What if the only way for you to achieve and succeed on your revenge is becoming the High King of Hell?"

I stay silent, baffled at her remarks. She just told basically asked me to make a choice. Of course, she has a point. Even if I am strong, demons are said to be loyal to their masters, so if I kill them then they'll be out to get me as well.

I am aware of the importance of power, authority and background. Even in the world of the mafia those things are important. And since I lacked those, I was the first one to be killed once the succession candidacy was announced.

Wait, isn't the current situation just the same? Only that I'm dealing with being a candidate to be the leader of Hell instead of the mafia?

"Sakura-nee, what are your thoughts of me becoming a potential successor to the throne of Hell?" I ask my guardian whose smile suddenly widens.

"I will support you with whatever you decide."

I just realize that if I want to succeed on my revenge, I need to get some backing. And if I'm up against demons, then I should become the strongest demon and stand on top.

"Fine. I will accept the candidacy."

"Really?"

Uwah, I can see Ferigo's eyes sparkling at the news.

"How long do we have before everything actually starts?"

"It is not certain. King Belial is still waiting for the neutral judges to be ready so there is neither estimated nor specific time limit."

"Then, until it comes, I must become strong. No, I must become the strongest."

"Yes young master!"

I will become the strongest, and I have the [Slayer System] to help me with it.