Dekan Couldn't Possibly Betray His Master, Right?

The sky outside the window was overcast, and gusts of wind howled past, causing leaves to fall with each gust.

A single raindrop landed on the window, followed by increasingly dense raindrops.

Amidst the continuous patter of rain, warblers chirped and sang.

"..."

Dekan, sitting by the window, slowly opened his eyes as if waking from a nap, and reached out to gently touch the condensed glass with his fingertips.

Accompanied by the sound of water dripping against the window, birds chirped on the branches outside, seemingly trying to tell someone something.

Besides being able to make out the misty, rainy scene outside the window, I could also roughly see my surroundings through the blurry reflections.

This is an office that looks old and weathered, but every corner of the decoration is like a work of art. Thin rays of sunlight shine through the dark clouds outside the window, making Dekan feel slightly comfortable.

He seemed to be facing away from his desk, having turned his chair around to face the window, enjoying a pleasant afternoon.

It seems that this time, the Shadow World will be a relatively peaceful and safe starting point.

However, Dekan noticed the level of this Shadow World.

Eighth rank.

A level of difficulty unlike anything I've ever experienced before.

And the mission lasted an exceptionally long six months.

It looks like it's going to be a long journey.

In addition, there are only 4 people participating in this challenge.

It was clear that not all of their team members had arrived.

I don't know who the other three people will be, or who will come and who will be absent.

However, the first stage of the mission is to reunite with your companions.

After half a year, Dekan is finally going to see his friends again.

I couldn't help but feel a bit excited.

Feeling the cold air outside, Dekan smiled and murmured:

"Are you all alright?"

There was no response.

The bird just kept chirping.

I long to see you all again.

This was the first thought that came to Dekan's mind.

And, are the lonely days of not seeing Cornelia finally coming to an end?

With this thought suddenly occurring to him, Dekan quickly turned his chair around to face his desk.

He didn't want to see his own reflection in the glass window.

When we're together, we get used to a kind of unnoticed comfort, but once we're apart, it feels like a big piece of our hearts is missing, no matter what.

I want more, more, more.

--What else?

"... I never thought I could be so willful."

Dekan wrote this in his own words.

Perhaps an important answer.

He was almost out without even realizing it.

"Boom!!"

Outside the window behind him, a rumbling sound, like a demonic dragon clearing its throat, came from the wind, causing Dekan was leaning comfortably against the back of his chair, to sit up.

Although such starting scenarios are often very safe.

But let's gather and investigate some intelligence first.

Judging from the mission's background, several years have probably passed since the last timeline of the Shadow World.

After the Saintess of Darkness returned to human power, the situation must have gradually begun to reverse, until the Demon Realm in the current timeline is about to collapse.

This time, the Shadow World directly told him that his identity was Delois.

Presumably, this story continues several years later, depicting Delois using [Blood Mimicry] to transform into a gray-haired Succubus, infiltrate the Demon Realm Prison, and rescue the Saintess of Darkness.

The mission objective, "All challengers must reach the territory of Cardinal Lunn of the Holy Kingdom's northern border and the Holy Rite Church within Lunn days and gain his trust," mentions Lunn, a name Dekan had heard in the third Shadow World [The Secret Tale of the Withered Sacred Rite].

At the time, when Dekan was playing the role of a priest in a small town in the southern part of the Holy Kingdom, the all-out war between the Holy Kingdom and the Demon Realm had not yet officially begun.

The northern demons are clearly stirring, and the northern border is on the verge of collapse, while the south seems indifferent, and the Holy Capital is doing nothing.

This attitude is very much like abandoning the people of the north; the Holy Emperor only seeks to protect himself.

Finally, during a conversation with the lord of the Southern Border city-state who had eliminated the threat of the Blood Race, Dekan learned a fact: the Holy Capital had not abandoned the north, but rather was indifferent to the safety of all its citizens, including those in the south.

But those who truly need to protect the people are the Cardinal of the lineage of Lunn, who came from the Holy Rite Church in the north.

And most importantly...

When the Master heard the name Lunn, a scene from his memory flashed through his mind!

It was an extremely blurry picture from the Master's perspective.

Two people were talking in a large hall, surrounded by a motley crew of people.

Of the two main figures, Lunn looked solemn yet somewhat weary.

Another figure, seemingly speaking to Lunn, was none other than Delois!

The first objective of this mission requires gaining Lunn's trust.

This should be quite simple.

Fortunately, Delois abandoned darkness and embraced light early on.

He must have thrived in the Holy Kingdom for the next few years.

Otherwise, if we go with the Demon Realm, we'll be doomed sooner or later.

Then all I need to do is leisurely travel to the northern border of the Holy Kingdom and find my companions.

In his spare time, he can even do what is most important to him in this Shadow World—

Collect materials to repair the [Spatial Leap Gate].

"Having been a student, a traveler, a priest, and a prison guard, what will it be this time?"

Dekan looked down at his outfit.

He wore a classic suit with a black leather trench coat over it, a wide-brimmed black hat on his head, and a pair of black gloves on his hands.

He has a bit of the feel of the Bishop of Corruption Fahim, but he's not quite the same.

He couldn't immediately figure out what kind of profession this was.

As well as.

Dekan caught a glimpse of bright red hair hanging in front of his eyes.

This is quite different from his previous hair color.

Presumably, Delois dyed her hair red with an alchemical potion long ago to disguise her appearance.

Dekan touched the tip of his hair with his fingertip.

He wasn't used to the change in his hair color for a while.

But it's red.

It seems the unexpected result is actually quite good.

Moreover, this time it must have triggered the bond effect between myself and Morion again.

The initial identities are more likely to result in one becoming an official and the other a merchant.

Looking around the office, Dekan realized he clearly held some status.

Just as Dekan was observing.

The first thing Dekan noticed when he looked at his desk was the black leather file folder placed in the center.

It was clearly written above--

[Demon Realm Ninth Army Hospital]

This time it turns out to be a demon doctor with the Demon Realm style; no wonder I couldn't tell the profession at first glance.

It suits me perfectly.

He's the kind of person who was born to be a doctor.

There is no kinder little angel than him.

"Etc."

Dekan suddenly realized that the real serious problem seemed to be --

Isn't the starting point a little off?

Shouldn't I be doing this mission in the Holy Kingdom this time?

Dekan quickly and carefully observed the style of the surrounding interior architecture and furniture.

He had initially thought this was a traditional style from one of the provinces of the Holy Kingdom.

Now, after careful examination...

I can only recall one advertising slogan--

[The Demon Realm, a Realm of Extraordinary Power]

Dekan covered his head.

He was absolutely certain that this was indeed the Demon Realm!

Dekan wished he could open his eyes in the Holy Kingdom.

Then you can leisurely travel to the northern border territory where Lunn is located.

To be honest, after spending half a year in the Devil King Tomb, Dekan really misses the human kingdom.

I really want to see any other human besides Sion again, even just to talk to them for a little while.

"Master, we're home again."

Dekan silently vented his frustrations.

This is a state of being all alone at the start.

Only his Master could talk to him.

"We can finally eat something good."

The Master's tone was indifferent.

But you could tell she was happy.

"Speaking of the Demon Realm in this timeline, is it possible that I might meet you?"

Dekan thought for a moment, then suddenly asked a question.

"..."

The Master remained silent for a short while.

She understood what Dekan meant.

She, Delois, and Lunn must have been demons and humans of the same era.

It seems that the three of them are destined to intersect on an unseen path of fate, as Talomati, who later becomes the Demon King, will one day become the Demon King.

And this intersection will inevitably draw ever closer as the clash between the Demon Realm and the Holy Kingdom nears its end...

So, this time, the Shadow World.

Will Dekan, playing the role of Delois, encounter the real Talomati in person?

Although he didn't know what Talomati looked like, Dekan should have no trouble recognizing her.

"If you encounter someone like me from this era, show no mercy."

The Master simply replied firmly.

After hearing his Master's thoughts, Dekan hesitated slightly, then nodded.

Dekan understood what "Master" meant.

The two demons, Delois and Talomati, should have different stances in this era.

Delois is undoubtedly the greatest traitor in the Demon Realm.

Talomati will become the Demon King.

The two demons went down completely different paths.

Even if they were to meet, it wouldn't be in the same state of mutual trust and shared life-and-death bond as it is now; they would most likely be true mortal enemies.

"I will... make an accurate judgment."

Dekan conveyed his thoughts as if speaking to himself.

Although he knew what to do when facing a powerful enemy.

Taking ruthless action without hesitation is the only answer.

But even if that's what they say, if it really comes down to taking drastic measures against his Master, Dekan will undoubtedly feel inner pain.

"Let me handle it then."

The Master seemed to sigh softly as he spoke.

She worried that Dekan would be swayed by his emotions and unable to make the most accurate judgment.

Let her do the work, Dekan won't feel guilty.

"No, I'll do it myself."

Dekan shook his head and replied,

"I just need to think more carefully about the strategies for dealing with Talomati and how to control the intensity of my attacks."

"?"

The Master felt that Dekan genuinely wanted to teach her a lesson.

The feelings of guilt and remorse seem to have been temporarily set aside by Dekan.

"A rare opportunity to betray my master and ancestors, I'd better think carefully about how to toy with and fool my enemy, Talomati. Hey, you know what I mean by this kind of immorality! If used in moderation, it can really be a good seasoning."

Dekan became more and more excited as he spoke.

A life-or-death duel with Talomati was something Dekan absolutely dreaded.

But.

If things aren't that bad.

It seems like it might actually be pretty good?

"You!!"

The Master now wished he could control Dekan's body and give him a good beating!

That bastard!

You shouldn't have cared about his feelings!

The Master seemed too angry with Dekan to speak.

There wasn't much food to grab in front of them.

So he stopped paying attention to Dekan.

Dekan chuckled softly, almost imperceptibly.

Daily Quest (1/1)

Life in the Devil King Tomb was too uneventful; I never even had a chance to provoke my Master.

Even the daily quests were suspended for six months.

After arriving in the Shadow World, his relationship with his Master naturally returned to normal.

"Hmm..."

Before opening the file folder on the table.

Dekan also noticed something else.

[Blood Mimicry - Dragon Demon]

This is his current situation.

This must have been a disguise prepared by Delois himself, since a great traitor like Delois couldn't remain in the Demon Realm in his original form.

This Demon Realm Hospital must have been infiltrated by Delois.

However, even if Dekan doesn't have [Forced Dispel] this time, he can still remove the disguise state or disguise himself as another race using the [Blood Mimicry] card he owns.

You can trust Delois to get things done.

After all, he is the counterpart of the Holy Kingdom Demon Realm of Dekan.

Let's take a look at the documents.

Dekan opened the file folder Demon Realm Ninth Army Hospital].

It turned out to be an appointment letter.

The above contains all the false identity information prepared by Delois, along with his position as the senior department the Dean at the hospital and the hospital's rules and operating procedures.

Instantly.

The notification from the Shadow World has been refreshed.

[Character Background Story: Delois, who had previously collaborated with Lunn, received another mission from Lunn. Originally a staunch advocate of war, Lunn this time hoped Delois could find a powerful demon in the Demon Realm who wished to cease hostilities and convey Lunn's personal desire for a ceasefire agreement to the Demon King. Thus, Delois arrived at the Demon Realm Hospital.]

[Personal Mission Objective: Complete Lunn's request to raise Lunn's trust level to meet the requirements of Mission Objective 1.]

"Would I even dare to search for a demon that meets the criteria?!"

Upon seeing the individual mission, Dekan instantly felt a chill run down his spine.

Only demons with a strength of level eight or above, and a sufficiently high rank or official position, can be called Great Demons.

Aside from Altis, the counterpart of the Ice Princess, Dekan had never met a demon who could speak properly.

Those who manage to join the Great Demon Clan are basically the embodiment of evil!

I can't possibly go back to the Demon Realm Prison to find Altis again, can I? A second trip there would mean never getting out.

"No, since Delois went to such lengths to infiltrate this hospital, he must be able to find a suitable Greater Demon within it..."

"But even someone like Altis won't just obediently listen to you upon meeting you; you'll need to go through the full course of treatment first."

"Which scoundrel will fall into my hands...?"

Dekan stroked his chin, deep in thought.

Meanwhile, in a private ward on the top floor of the hospital.

Lying quietly on the bed was a Gray-haired Demon, pale and unconscious, seemingly Severe Injury, having just been rescued, with a bandage still wrapped around one eye.

On the bedside table beside her, her military uniform and identification documents were neatly folded.

On one of the metal seals, the following was clearly engraved:

[Commander of the Ninth Army - Talomati]