The Gambit

Enuma says, “By the way, boy, The graduation game the princess mentioned earlier, what is it exactly?”

Finally, the supplementary lesson is over, and I was on my way home. As he walked down the streets of the commercial district. The Demon King found the time to ask and quench his curiosity.

Using my thoughts, I answer, “Hmm? The ‘Graduation Commemorative Match’?”

Enuma inquired, “Indeed. By the name, it appears graduates will compete in front of high-ranking nobles and royalty”

I explain the point of the event, “Well, it means that a few of the top graduates can show off the results of our three years at the academy in front of the Emperor. It’s what the tournament is for.”

Enuma asks, “When will this take place?”

I think on the time, “Roughly, two months from now.”

Yes, this is a showcase of the young candidates before graduation who aim to become warriors, and the top-class men can display their power to the emperors, aristocrats, and even the heads of each organization, and even to other countries. It is not an exaggeration to say that it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event. And depending on the outcome, it will have a big impact on one’s livelihood.

Enuma was interested. He says, “This is such an event? From your exchange with the princess earlier, you will participate as well, will you not? As you said, it will commence in two months, yet you are not anxious nor nervous. Are you not motivated?”

The Demon King pointed that out as if he could see through my feelings. Which is true, I’m not that motivated about it anymore. In two months, that princess will win. It’s frustrating, but no matter how hard I try. I reply, ”For the time being, I’m preparing myself for the humiliation.”

Enuma acknowledges the situation. That’s one of the reasons. However, the biggest reason for not showing any motivation is.

Enuma interrupted my thoughts with a chuckle, “Mostly, it is because of their biased view that only sees you as the son of Heero. It is unlikely you will live up to that expectation. That is what you mean.”

As usual the Demon King hits me in the sore spot. At that moment, the Great Demon King, with a grinning smile, went straight to the heart of the matter.

Enuma continues, “This is quite reprehensible for a brat. You hate feeling and as you are lesser than your father?”

I say, “Oh, that’s not the case. Rather, even if that happens, it’s my father who will be humiliated. If my father can even feel humiliation.”

Not true. It’s an act. I’ve been trying to lie to myself about these feelings. My bluff is meaningless.

Enuma is not a being that is simple, he not only was master of his entire race but extremely intelligent for even human relations, despite how complicated we humans make things.

Enuma spits out, “Hoh~ feeling rebellious, are we? But in your heart, you want to get back at your father. You want to get back at the world. Is that not so? But I also understand that you lack the talent to do so. “

When I hear the words hit the mark, I react, “Hah!?”

Involuntarily, I raised my voice while glaring back at him. “D-Don’t mess around. What do you know about me to be fit to say something like that?”

Enuma retorts, “Oh my, to not refute that I’ve hit the mark. Comprehending you is no difficult task. All has fallen within expectations. To achieve the unexpected even through stupidity, I believe that is where you cannot surpass your father.

I reply, “Y-You’re wrong”

Enuma explains, resign yourself, you will sulk, and then be dispirited. The talent in the well of your being, you see as a weakness. Yet, it is your strength”

No matter what I say, it’s useless, and the Demon King sees right through me. It was just enough to make me understand, and I clenched my fists in anger and shame.

I lash out with a retort, “S-Shut up! The ghost who lost and died shouldn’t be so smug to look down on others!”

Enuma waits for me to completely get it all out, I say, “In general, if I gave up, sulked and became dispirited, what about you? You’re a pathetic guy who’s making excuses for losing!”

At the time, I proclaimed that while smugly looking down on the Demon King, which made his brows twitch. Enuma asks, “Boy, when did I make excuses for my defeat? “

I say, “Oh, back then, you did say that my father and the others were unfair.”

Enuma elaborates “It is no excuse but fact. One-on-one, undoubtedly the victor would have been me!”

I am steaming with my inadequacies. So, I reply, “It’s kind of funny. Now you can say that as much as you want. You actually weren’t that strong, were you?”

If my foe talks to me so pompous, I will talk back. If you don’t fight back, they’ll relentlessly look down on you. Then, the Demon King drew near me with a fiendish expression. It shouldn’t exist; such great pressure would be terrifying by any standard. It’s about to transform into something else. Enuma with a skin crawling reply, “Do not speak to me as you please, you wretch! Are you calling me a liar? Fine! This is a different era and with a fraction of my power, I will prove that individually I was superior to any of the Heroes.”

And, while approaching me with such a powerful aura worthy of his title, the Demon King made a certain proposal. He was defeated in the past but would have won if my father did not have great allies. Enuma had a brilliant idea to prove that he was more powerful than my father.

I speak aloud, “But you can’t do it, can you? You’re a ghost.”

Yes, The Demon King, who as a ghost can’t see or hear anything except through me and can’t interfere with reality. It was hopeless for him to win a fight.

The Demon King Enuma, definitely worthy of the master tactician label. Former leader of the Demon Race that once put fear in all of humanity. He explained his well-placed strategy “You shall act as proof, brat!”

Stunned and slowly pondering what that means, “What!?”

Enuma explained it, “You shall take my place, wielding the power of the Great Demon King! I will raise you to be strong! Everyone will witness my greatness as you blossom!”

The Demon King Enuma wants to train me, and always said my potential is great. As I am stuck facing the wall that I want to break through. Enuma made his declaration, “In two months' time, I shall raise you to such a level that your Princess would offer little challenge!”

To hear the chance to best the Princess in a duel, it is exactly what I always wanted. I could prove I am strong; I am capable and can surpass my father. So, I easily agreed to the training. Enuma said, “Right, prepare to begin training without delay! Therefore, purchase all items I tell you to!”

Taken aback, I ask, “Um, what am I buying?”

Enuma continued, “When I speak your every response shall be ‘Osu!’. Now say it! 』

I stammer “O-Osu-”

At least this event will have a huge impact on our strange relationships and the path I’m going to take. With my goal to break through my invisible wall.

Enuma said, “Well, I suppose I have free time, and it might amuse me. Let’s start immediately. I’ll make a decent Demon King out of you!”

I whine, “No, give me a break!”

I didn't dawn on me till much later, the weird aspect that the Demon King spent time raising the son of a hero. The same hero that defeated the demon king.”

Enuma with evil glee, “Rather splendid! Once Heero’s boy becomes tainted! Huhahahahaha, to behold the look of despair on his face!”