Chapter 30 The Instructor, Weaves

The Instructor, Weaves

What is a true Demon Lord?

I’ve been pondering this ever since I became one.

As Arisu taught me, it’s not just about acquiring the Demon Lord skills.

Is it about wielding power as a Demon Lord?

No.

Even a human who merely possesses the Demon Lord skill can use it, provided they pay the price.

What, then, sets a true Demon Lord apart?

Is it the ability to survive solely on mana?

No, some magical creatures possess such biology.

While they are powerful in their own right, they cannot be called true Demon Lords.

Is it the ability to reshape the vessel of the soul?

No, that is merely a consequence.

Through skills, experiments, and learning, I arrived at a realization.

Ultimately, a true Demon Lord is one who possesses their own kingdom.

And by “kingdom,” I don’t mean physical land or subjects.

It’s a realm—an inviolable domain.

A place where you rule as king.

A sanctuary no one can invade, where you sit on the supreme throne.

The one who can manifest such a place is the true Demon Lord…

I focus the magic in the air and form a nine-character seal.

Small magic circles appear and fade naturally.

This has no intrinsic meaning.

It is merely a ritual to convince the world.

Everything that happens may hold no meaning for the world, yet it holds meaning for someone.

The flapping of a butterfly’s wings can stir a great wind.

A single drop of water spilled by someone can destroy a life.

Everything is both accidental and inevitable.

I gather it all.

My power lies in the gap between nothingness and existence.

I am everywhere and nowhere.

This is a contradiction.

It is unreasonable.

It defies logic.

Therefore, I can deceive the world.

I scatter faint, phosphorescent light from my fingertips, spreading it across the world.

Let those far away hear it, and those nearby come to witness.

Infusing magic into my voice, I quietly begin my proclamation.

What I bring is harmony.

My domain, my territory—everything is empty.

Therefore, I am everywhere and nowhere.

I am omnipresent, dwelling in the gap between heaven, earth, and sea.

I am the Demon Lord, the Demon Lord of Nothingness, standing at the border of existence and non-existence.

Defining the domain.

Rewriting the world.

Omnipresent Harmony.

I speak my skill and weave my world.

I carve out the world and claim it as my territory.

I shape the world with magic.

Ah, how small the world is, yet my arms extend everywhere!

Let them struggle within my embrace.

They are already in my grasp.

The world is redefined, the borders set, and isolation complete.

A sky full of stars greets me.

Pleasant magic envelops me.

This is my world.

A world woven for me!

I revel in the sensation of omnipotence.

Ah! Ah! How small this world is!

Immersed in the magic pouring from my being, I notice Arisu looking at me with an indescribable expression.

“This is the first time I’ve seen you this happy, Danna-sama.”

“Ah, it’s the best feeling ever!”

I respond with a smile, hoping she understands even a fraction of this sensation.

“You’re completely intoxicated by magic, aren’t you? Well, I guess it’s an experience. But be warned, if you don’t temper it, you’ll regret it later.”

Arisu sighs and mutters.

I don’t really understand!

“I see!”

I reply with a grin.

“Ah, this guy definitely doesn’t get it,” Arisu says, despair evident on her face.

After our brief exchange, I turn my attention back to my guests—the Demon Lords.

The flow of magic suddenly shifts, and the two Demon Lords appear bewildered.

I flip the outfit I changed into while weaving the world and address the Demon Lords.

“Welcome, imperfect Demon Lords. This is my kingdom, my domain—the world I have woven. You are welcome here, but there is only one condition to leave: destroy all but yourselves. Stain all magic with your own colors. Bring everything under your control. You may kill or subjugate as you wish. The power you gain will be yours!”

I don a mask stained with black and white magic.

Incidentally, this black-and-white outfit is handmade by Arisu.

“Even a Demon Lord needs to look good!”

I grin.

Upon reflection, it’s clear that Arisu is here because of our connected souls; otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to enter this domain.

Can she even follow me in the world I’ve created?

“I won’t let go,” she says.

Yes…

My excitement subsides slightly.

My domain is a starry sky.

Of course, it’s not the starry sky of the original world.

The arrangement is distorted.

Perhaps it’s a different star system.

Perhaps it’s all an illusion—no one knows.

All that exists here is the starry sky, the Earth, and…

Only enemies.

The Demon Lords stand frozen, motionless.

Are they observing?

Are they confused?

It’s pointless.

Everything is futile.

This is my domain.

Without hesitation, I seize the initiative.

I draw in, absorb, and weave the colorless magic floating in the air.

A massive surge of magic gathers, shimmering like heat waves.

Demon Lord Derivative Skill: Individual as Group, Group as Individual [Legion].

A massive surge of magic gathers, shimmering like heat waves.

Demon Lord Derivative Skill: Individual as Group, Group as Individual [Legion].

I activate the derivative skill I painstakingly developed.

Born from the expanded interpretation of my basic skill, [Omnipresent Harmony], it’s a pivotal ability.

Due to its immense magic consumption, I can only use it within this realm.

Yet, its effect is overwhelming.

Magical light spreads everywhere as shadowy figures wearing black masks begin to emerge.

They appear silently, as if manifesting from nothingness.

As though they’ve existed here all along.

Zazazazazazazazazazazazazazazazazazazazazazazazazazaza…

Although no sound should be heard, it reverberates like a phantom echo.

Thousands of black-clad soldiers materialize.

Soldiers stretching as far as the eye can see.

They form ranks in complete silence.

It’s as if they were a well-trained army.

Spearmen, archers, heavily armored infantry—they’re all present.

Even cavalry and specialized troops stand among them.

But they are all me.

Each and every one is me, the Demon Lord.

Their appearances are simplified, but they possess all my capabilities.

These entities can wield any weapon or technique I know.

Individually, they aren’t particularly strong, but together, they’re a formidable threat.

This army is utterly unreal.

Each soldier adapts seamlessly to any situation.

At long range, they employ bows or magic; up close, they wield spears and swords.

For the enemy, it must feel like a nightmare.

Besides, in this domain, I am everywhere and nowhere.

As long as my magic endures, they’ll continue to appear.

No matter how many fall, they won’t die. They’ll simply reappear.

Individuals as a group, groups as individuals.

That’s the essence of my power.

I am everywhere and nowhere—Omnipresent Harmony.

My derivative skill: Individuals as Group, Group as Individuals—[Legion].

Is it unfair? Is it cowardly? This is my domain.

Of course, the rules are in my favor!

The total magic I’ve woven into this world remains constant.

Once I define a realm, its total magic doesn’t change.

In other words, if I drain the enemy’s magic, I can convert it into my own.

What we’re engaged in now is a battle for resources.

At last, seeing the sudden appearance of countless troops, the Demon Lords perceive me as a genuine threat.

Their judgment comes too late!

“Come on! Let’s fight, Demon Lords! All troops, attack!!!”

I spread my arms wide, commanding them like a conductor.

But this isn’t music—it’s war!

Countless black soldiers surge forward like a torrent, colliding with the two Demon Lords.