Ch. 1861The Demon Emperor's Scheme
Key plot points and events
- The Demon Emperor refuses, for now, to fuse with the Great Void Laws or rush toward a breakthrough. He believes he needs to strengthen his foundation first.
- He agrees to help Hollow Old Devil eliminate the ghouls in exchange for great void essence.
- While studying the Librarian’s collection, he reinforces the cells in his legs. The Librarian advises him to master the Spatial Laws instead, but the Demon Emperor worries that displaying such talent too early would attract powerful enemies.
- Hollow Old Devil delivers a large supply of great void essence. The Demon Emperor selects useful varieties and directs him to capture the Virus Overlord, while sparing the rest of the Virus Alien Race.
- By incorporating the essence into his cells, the Demon Emperor gains extraordinary speed—fast enough to rival the laws themselves and even surpass that of some grand ancestor gods. Rather than flee, he waits for Hollow Old Devil to return.
- Decades later, Hollow Old Devil brings the Virus Overlord. The Demon Emperor apologizes for the coercive “invitation” and asks how work on the Genetic Weapon targeting the Ghoul Clan is progressing. The Overlord produces a bottle of liquid, though its appearance is disturbing.
Character developments and interactions
- The Demon Emperor shows patience and strategic caution: he prioritizes strengthening his foundation, conceals his ambitions, and turns Hollow Old Devil’s bargain into a way to advance his own plans. His new speed gives him a means of escape from stronger foes.
- Hollow Old Devil agrees to supply resources and capture the Virus Overlord, but remains distrustful and threatens the Demon Emperor. He is relieved to find him still waiting when he returns.
- The Librarian warns that leg strength alone cannot provide ultimate speed and offers to shelter the Demon Emperor. The Emperor respectfully rejects a life of safety and confinement.
- The Virus Overlord is frightened by Hollow Old Devil, then relieved to recognize the Demon Emperor. Their interaction suggests the Overlord is involved in developing the weapon against the ghouls.
- Members of the Great Void God Race are impressed by the Demon Emperor’s method and gather to learn from him.
Significant themes
- Strong foundations over rushed advancement: the Demon Emperor believes lasting power must be built carefully.
- Caution and concealed potential: openly displaying exceptional talent can provoke powerful rivals.
- Freedom versus safety: he rejects permanent shelter because a protected but restricted life would lack meaning.
- Power through ingenuity: rather than match stronger beings directly, he develops speed and uses negotiation, resources, and leverage to survive and pursue his goals.