Chapter 239: Demon King

As the Artificer stood next to his throne, Kronos bowed at his feet.

"My Lord, I am-"

"Please do not apologize. I know it wasn't your fault... You did everything just as I asked and still, things turned out this way..." the Artificer said.

"The device wasn't potent enough, if you don't mind md saying..." Kronos said.

"That is not the problem. The problem is the Oracle's own power influencing Isabella's mind. The device had some effect from my observations, however... The Oracle cannot fully suppress the old Isabella. Not anymore. If we can just restore her former state, we might still be able to prevent a disaster."

"Lord Artificer..."

"I know...the Destroyer has already awakened. The one who calls herself Rose encountered him and suffered a terrible fate. I hoped this would allow her memories to return in full force, but something stopped them from completely merging. Likely the Oracle's meddlesome power... My continued observations have led me to believe that the Oracle has now used her true form to not only subdue Rose, but to also try and rework her mind from the ground up."

"How much more abuse can her mind take? She will not be the same person as she was before. I fear that the end result will be the same..." Kronos said.

"That is very possible. But at this point, it is of little concern. The inhibitor is broken...and there is very little we can do now to stop him once his rampage begins..."

"I'll prepare failsafe measures... Rest assured, my Lord. I'll do everything I can."

"I know you will, Kronos..."

* * *

Vakra approached me as I stood in the training area.

I had been teaching Cassandra how to use her dagger more effectively in battle.

Actually, she didn't need any assistance. I just wanted an excuse to refine and perfect her already-potent abilities.

On top of admiring my possession, of course. She knew I was staring and simply allowed it with a smile.

"Mizik. I require something from you. One last item before the Abyss Engine is complete," Vakra said.

"What is it this time?" I said in annoyance.

"I need refined hell-ore to simulate demonic energy in place of Kazuma's power."

"Didn't you say something about making final adjustments? And why not just use Kazuma's power?" I asked.

"I did. I tested it with Johann and it didn't work. Kazuma's power isn't potent enough to affect multiple gods. This machine is highly complex and requires much fine-tuning. Luckily, Yakon and Jason have been helping me figure out the details," Vakra said.

I hate those two... Ugh... This is a pain in the ass.

"Well then, why don't you go get it? I don't have a legitimate reason to leave the Abyss right now," I said.

"I think it might benefit you to understand the complexities of demonic magic. Your Aspect is The Archmage, yes? We need all the help we can get," Vakra said.

"No. I don't want to visit hell in any form and I won't benefit from looking at their magic," I said.

"Darling, it might be a good idea to fight some demons. They could give a lot of exp!" Cassandra said with a smile.

Hmm... If you say so, Cassandra. I'll entertain it.

"Fine... But only because my advisor suggested it," I said.

"Taking orders from your female, now?" Vakra said.

"Want me to shoot you again?" I replied.

"Fair enough. Now then, lets discuss your destination..."

"Hell, right? I should probably get well acquainted with it since I'll be there permanantly after I die..." I said.

"My darling Mizik will live forever! You can be nice and secure in my arms!" Cassandra said as she hugged me.

"No. Hell has many different realms. It isn't quite the same as regular worlds. They are interlocking realms with properties similar to the Abyss," Vakra said.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"There are different levels to hell. They're also called internal realms. The deepest one reaches just above the Void and is often called the lake of fire. You will find hell-ore in the upper infernal realms."

"Just give me a destination, Vakra," I said.

"Of course. I have already contacted a demon willing to help us out through the use of Valtheim. He should take you to the hell-ore. Actually, his fire is one of the only things hot enough to refine it... But he will require payment," Vakra said.

"If he wants the blood of a virgin, he will be sorely disappointed in me. Mizik has already claimed my innocence!" Cassandra said happily.

"No... Nothing like that. He isn't a perverse demon like many others are... He's...you'll see. Valtheim, take Mizik and Cassandra to the plains of Gizarak. Use the coordinates I gave you earlier if you can understand them," Vakra said.

Valtheim appeared.

"I...obey..."

* * *

Once we arrived, I could already feel the intense heat.

I immediately cast ice magic around us in a field to keep the two of us cool.

"His Majesty is so resourceful! I'm honored to receive your magic! And...your love!!!" Cassandra said.

Now is not the time to be perverted, Cassandra.

"Good. Where is this demon...?" I mumbled.

Suddenly, a large hulking demonic entity with the head of a dragon approached.

"Are you two... The ones that Vakra sent?" He asked.

"Yes. Who are you?" I asked.

"I'M GLAD YOU ASKED!!! I AM MALZEKAD! INFERNAL DEMON KING OF HELLFIRE!!! THE MOST POWERFUL- Wait...I know you!"

Oh no. Not you again...

"You...recognize us...? How? How are you alive!?" I said.

"I...uh... I don't know? Isabella didn't kill me. She just banished me here. How is my arch-nemesis doing? AH! THERE SHE IS!!! MY PERMANENT FOE!!! THE TARGET OF MY UNDENIABLE RAGE!!! WE SHALL DO BATTLE AND-"

"SHUT UP!!!" I shouted.

He seemed to quiet down.

"Things were reset. How do you have your memories?" I asked.

"I truly have no idea what you're talking about! After I left Delvandal, I returned to my home and was subsequently kicked out because they think I'm annoying or something ridiculous like that..." Malzekad said.

Go figure. They find him annoying. And does that mean demons aren't affected by the reset...? Or maybe he was just too far away...?

"Umm...my name is Cassandra. I'm Isabella's twin sister. Also, my sister lost her memories and is likely hunting us down. We should hurry before she comes back."

If she comes back, I'll just entertain myself with her again. And this time, I'll dominate her mind as well.

"Oh...I see... No epic battles of destiny for me, then..." Malzekad said.

"Is that all you think about? Why do you act like that?" I asked.

"The prophet Jin said I have eighth-grader syndrome. I don't know what that means, but apparently it has to do with being AWESOME!!!" Malzekad said proudly.

"Please...just take us to the hell-ore..." I said.

"Hm! We will embark on an epic quest to recover the sacred ore! WE WLL FIGHT MANY STRONG AND DANGEROUS FOES! BUT ULTIMATELY, THEY WILL BE NO MATCH FOR-"

"PLEASE JUST STOP TALKING!" I shouted.

"And...no match...for our... Umm... Combined might..." Malzekad said.

He seemed depressed.

"Fine... Finish if you want to... But-"

"THEY SHALL NOT OPPOSE OUR AWESOME POWER AND TOGETHER WE WILL ACCOMPLISH OUR EPIC QUEST!!!"

Ugh... This is so damn annoying...

"Come forward, mighty warrior and his... Umm..."

"I am Mizik's loving slave-wife! His possession and personal tool of death!" Cassandra said happily.

"Wait... What? How does that work!?" Malzekad said.

"Hmm? Well... I serve Mizik and love him with every ounce of my being! I tend to his every need and follow his orders without question."

"I see... Yeah..." Malzekad said.

The sooner you just accept it, the easier it will be.

"Isn't there some kind of payment you need?" I asked.

"Ah...umm... Yes. Payment... If possible, I...PLEASE LET ME COME WITH YOU!!! I DON'T HAVE ANYWHERE ELSE TO GO!!! I HATE IT HERE!!! EVERYONE IS MEAN AND THE GOVERNMENT KEEPS TRYING TO KILL ME!!!" He wailed.

Seriously? I don't want to say no because I already know how powerful he is... But he's really weird...

"I...guess you can come with us to the Abyss. You can help us destroy Excelsis. After that, I don't know," I said.

"YES!!! THANK YOU! YOU WON'T REGRET IT! I PROMISE! MY FLAMES SHALL BURN AWAY ALL OF THE DARKNESS THAT STANDS IN OUR PATH! TOGETHER, WE WILL-"

"Just leave it at that!" I said.

"But of course! We have plenty of time to get better acquainted!" Malzekad said.

"Now then... Do you have any form of status magic?" I asked.

"I do not understand the question."

"Let me tap your heart and I'll cast it on you," I said.

He leaned forward and I touched the area where I assumed his heart was.

Then I cast the magic on him.

I modified it to give him a rundown of how it works and invited him to a party.

He accepted and nearly jumped up and down in excitement.

"THIS JUST LIKE AN ANIME I SAW!!! BY THE HELL LORDS!!! THIS IS AMAZING!!!!" Malzekad shouted.

What the hell is an anime...?

I requested to view his status after he had situated himself and had a look at him.

{Name: Inferno Demon Hell Demon King Of Fire: Malzekad}

{Level: 1}

{Class: Inferno Demon Hell Demon King Of Eternal Flames And Destruction}

{Hp: 3454871}

{Mp: 2009455}

{P.attack: 1101453}

{M.attack: 1253871}

{P.defense: 899704}

{M.defense: 709901}

{Acc: 156455}

{Eva: 47344}

{Spd: 50898}

{Passive Abilities:

Demon King's Power LV.1

Infernal Body LV.1

Magic Furnace LV.1

Molten Regeneration LV.1}

{Active Abilities:

Hellfire Claws Of The Demon King LV.1

Infernal Roar Of Doom LV.1

Hellfire Ultimate Demon Lord Ultimate Blast Of Doom LV.1}

{Magic Abilities:

Burning Chaos Aura Of Death LV.1

Hell Field Of The Infernal Demon King LV.1

Erupting Blast Of Fire And Death LV.1

Demon King Of Hellfire Infernal Transformation LV.1

Overheating Radioactive Meltdown Of Destruction LV.1}

I literally couldn't believe what I was looking at.

The status magic set him at level one, but his stats were already insane.

At the same time, the names of his skills, class, and his own title were ridiculous.

"This is absurd. Why do your attacks have such ridiculous names?" I asked.

"They're not ridiculous! They're cool! You wouldn't understand!" Malzekad said.

"Right... Do you have a form that's less...conspicuous?" I asked.

"Yes. I have my Demon King form. This is my Infernal Form of-"

"Yeah, I get it. Just transform."

Malzekad transformed into a man with dark skin and white hair. His eyes burned like fire and he wore dark pants and a black tailcoat.

"I am Malzekad! The ultimate burning-"

"SHUT UP!!!" I shouted.

"Is he really a Demon King...?" Cassandra asked curiously.

Malzekad placed his hand sinisterly over his face and smiled.

"But of course! I am actually a Demon King! I am the coolest Demon King to ever exist! Except I don't really have any subjects to rule over anymore..."

"Why...?" I asked.

"U-umm... I was uhh...part of the Vulsthayne dynasty. I sort of killed my father and took over his Infernal Empire. Then I tried to conquer all of hell to become a demon god. It didn't go well and I was banished by the high-council of hell lords. My subjects were scattered and my people were slaughtered. So now...I sort of just drift here and there... I'm not allowed to rule anyone anymore. But I wouldn't want to anyway, because watching anime and playing video games is way more fun!" Malzekad said.

He wasn't just a King...but an Emperor? And to top it off, he almost became a demon god? Incredible... Still, that is the most ludicrous story I've ever heard for a Demon King. Someone with his power will definitely be useful...

"Okay. We've wasted enough time already. Let's go get the hell-ore... Or whatever..." I said.

"SPLENDID! YOU WON'T REGRET THIS! I PROMISE!" Malzekad shouted.

"...I already am..." I mumbled.

* * *

Malzekad led us through this infernal realm until we came to a large quarry.

There were creatures like imps and other large demons mining away at the stones.

Suddenly, one of the demons approached us.

"HALT, HUMANS! And...K-king Malzekad!?" He said.

"Ah, I see that you recognized me. I mean, of course you did! I AM THE ULTIMATE-"

"SHUT UP, MALZEKAD!" I shouted.

The demon looked at me strangely, but ultimately didn't say anything about the yelling.

"Why are there humans in the infernal realms? Are they a couple of sacrifices?" The demon asked.

"No, we're here for some refined hell-ore. After that, we'll leave you alone," I said.

"How foolish... To think you would actually try to steal from us... You will not survive to see tomorrow."

Before I could react, Malzekad raised his hand and incinerated the demon.

"I made a promise to my companions, and I intend to keep it! I will not be stopped by the likes of you!" Malzekad said triumphantly.

At least he's useful for something...

Immediately, all of the surrounding demons looked over and prepared themselves for battle.

"I'LL TAKE YOU ALL ON!!! YOU WILL BURN IN THE FIRES OF MY WRATH!!!" Malzekad shouted.

I simply pulled out Vengeance and prepared myself for battle. Cassandra readied Intelligence as well.

But...

Malzekad transformed and fire exploded all around the area.

I expected to be hit with the heat, but it felt surprisingly cool.

"INFERNAL ROAR OF DOOM!!! GROOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAARRRRR!!!!!"

Malzekad opened his massive jaws and unleashed a pillar of white-hot flames that incinerated the nearby demons.

At the same time, every demon that got too close to him fell to the ground as their skin burned off and they were reduced to ashes.

I actually put my weapon away and so did Cassandra.

"Darling...he seems to be very powerful, despite having a debilitating weakness to holy magic." Cassandra said.

"I agree..." I said.

It was incredible to watch him at work...

Once everything had finished, I would see if Vakra could rebuild the Cursebreaker for me. Since we didn't have heart stones... It would be a pain in the ass...

Secretly, I had been dreading the thought of getting my ship back because of losing my entire crew.

Aldaril would surely be missed... And so would Rastair.

Regardless, I would have to make do.

And now, I wanted Malzekad to be part of my new crew.

Even if he was incredibly annoying with his strange way of speaking, I would be willing to overlook it since he had such amazing power.

After the demons were annihilated, I noticed that they gave tremendous amounts of exp each.

Once that had been taken care of, locating the hell-ore was simple.

Malzekad refined a sufficient amount of it with his own power and gave it to us.

I cooled it quickly with ice magic and stored it away.

Now it was time to leave

"Valtheim," I said.

She appeared.

"I...come..." She said.

"Couldn't that be taken out of context?" Malzekad said.

"Shut up," I replied.

"Is it time to leave? It might have been nice to train a bit more, darling," Cassandra said.

"Yeah... I have a better idea," I said.

Cassandra tilted her head.

"With the power of the Archmage, I can modify world siphon to only destroy a realm and give us more power. From what I can tell... The animus energy from infernal realms is far more potent. It should give us quite the boost," I said.

"Wait...what are you going to do...?" Malzekad said.

"Destroy an infernal realm to boost my own power. I hope that isn't a problem," I said.

"You're more of a demon than I am..." Malzekad said.

"I guess I am. I can finally live up to what Rose calls me."

"Eh...Rose?" He said.

"Don't worry about it. Oh, Cassandra, have you detected Rose, yet?" I asked.

She shook her head.

"No, your Majesty. I have yet to feel her presence."

"Such a shame... I wanted to enjoy her again. Oh well..."

"You can always enjoy me, darling!" Cassandra said.

"Perhaps later. Now then, we should get ready to go..."

"Hey...you're a lot more menacing than the last time we met... Uh...Mizik?" Malzekad said.

"Good to know. WORLD SIPHON!!!" I shouted.

I stabbed a crystal sword into the ground and began quickly absorbing this realm's animus energy.

Once it finished, everything began to crack and fall to pieces around us.

"Take us back to the Abyss, Valtheim. Difar's castle," I said.

"I...obey..." She said.

* * *

Once we came back, I made sure to speak to Malzekad.

"No burning anything to ashes unless I say so. Got it!? And stay in your human form," I said.

"I can follow the first order, but...in my human form, I'm incorproreal outside of hell... I don't have physical abilities like this..." Malzekad said.

"Are you serious?" I asked.

"It's part of my pinishment for trying to become a Demon god."

"Ugh...can you control your temperature in your... What is it called...other form?" I asked.

"I can control myself. And it's called: my Ultimate Infernal Demon King Form Of-"

"How about Infernal Form? That sounds much better," I said.

"I do not like it..."

"Too bad. Get used to it. I'm not going to say all of that every time I need you to change," I said.

"You're really mean... BUT ALSO SO COOL!!! I WILL STRIVE TO-"

"Yeah! I get it! Just...get acquainted with everyone. Valtheim, let Difar know that we have a new ally. Malzekad, feel free to use your Infernal Form... As long as you don't destroy anything or hurt anyone," I said.

"Of course, but...I am unfamiliar with this place..." He said.

Oh, right. He needs to know the layout.

"Fine, follow us and we'll bring you to everyone. We have a few days until we assault Excelsis. I have a few ideas for you."

"You talked about this Excelsis place before... But what is it? And why do you want to destroy it?" Malzekad asked.

"It's a divine realm. The one ruling it is responsible for causing me unfathomable amounts of suffering. I want her dead. And YOU are going to help me burn everything in that realm to ashes. Do that, and I'll find some way of rewarding you. Understood?" I said.

"Okay. But demons are not permitted to enter divine realms. How will I help you?"

"We've already planned for that. Just trust me," I said.

"Very well, you shall have my aid! My flames will-"

"Could you please stop talking? My darling Mizik has asked you repeatedly to cease with your ridiculous words!" Cassandra said angrily.

"O-okay... Sorry! I'll tone it down!" Malzekad said.

I sincerely doubt that.

After that, I delivered the hell-ore and yelled at Vakra for not telling me that Malzekad was the one we were sent to meet.

Then I introduced him to everyone and...

They were glad to have a new ally.

Even if they thought he was a tad strange...

Michael called him a nerd and Jallah seemed to think he was fun.

Iris actually thought he was cool. Which made Johann seem somewhat jealous.

He insisted that his flames were cooler, although no one seemed to hear him other than me.

Everyone else thought Malzekad was a weirdo.

Including me.

When Difar finally showed up, he just laughed at him and left.

Regardless, we were now almost ready to attack Excelsis. And honestly... I smiled when I looked at my status menu. Destroying an infernal realm made me incredibly powerful.

I was level 1793 now, and so was Cassandra.

And as I sat down on the bed the day before the assault would begin, Cassandra clung lovingly to my arm.

"I'm coming for you, Oracle. Just you wait... I'll pay you back for the things you've done. I will have vengeance."