Head

Videl took a deep breath, the dim light of the throne room casting faint shadows across his angular features. His voice, calm yet heavy with the weight of experience, broke the silence.

“It’s been months,” he began, “months in which my efforts have yielded nothing but failure. The demon army is dwindling, and I am forced to hide deeper and deeper, always avoiding detection. I’ve come to question whether anything I’ve done has mattered at all.”

Lian exchanged a glance with Kael and Mira, sensing the gravity of the confession.

“But,” Videl continued, his gaze shifting to each of them, “you have the chance to turn everything around. I believe that in this world, nothing happens by chance, and our meeting… well, it was never truly by accident. It was meant to be.”

He leaned forward, his eyes glinting with a mixture of determination and hope. “I've been thinking obsessively about this solution for a while, as an emergency plan. I thought that being a scapegoat could work. Here’s what I propose: I will pretend to be dead. The world will believe that you are the ones who ended my life.”

Lian’s brow furrowed, suspicion mingling with curiosity. “And… how exactly is that supposed to change anything?”

Videl’s expression remained calm. “There’s no absolute certainty it will work. But if people believe the Demon King has been defeated by you, they will respect you. They will follow the choices you make, and they will do so with enthusiasm. If you dedicate yourselves to dismantling the hero system, the ordinary people will rally behind you with strength and determination.”

A long silence fell over the room. The three adventurers exchanged uneasy glances, their minds racing as they considered the plan. Slowly, they gathered in a tight circle, whispering among themselves. Words were hushed, filled with tension and careful calculation.

Finally, Lian straightened, his voice steady but serious. “We accept. But… I don’t think anyone will believe we succeeded if we come back empty-handed.”

Videl gave a faint, approving nod. “Don’t worry. I’ve already accounted for that. Rowemn—the most skilled witch in the entire kingdom—will create an exact replica of my head. You will carry it back as proof that I am dead. Meanwhile, I will disappear into the shadows, maintaining a low profile for the foreseeable future. No human, besides you three, will ever know the true face of the Demon King.”

Kael tilted her head, lips pursed, clearly weighing the plan. “That… actually might work. The sight of that will be convincing, at least.”

Mira, ever cautious, nodded slowly. “And what if something goes wrong? What if people discover the truth?”

Videl’s gaze was unwavering. “Then we adapt. But the important thing is that for now, this plan gives you the authority and the respect necessary to begin changing the world. That, and it ensures my enemies remain unaware of my true status.”

A brief pause filled the room as the three adventurers absorbed the weight of their responsibility. Finally, Lian exhaled and spoke firmly, determination in his eyes. “Alright. We’ll do it. We’ll take on the task of dismantling the system of heroes… And we won’t fail.”

Videl allowed himself a small, approving smile. “Good. Then we have a path forward.”

Without another word, the group rose as one. Videl led the way through the winding corridors of the castle, his presence calm but imposing. The three adventurers followed closely, each silently preparing for the journey ahead. Soon, they reached the outer edge of the throne room and turned toward the staircase leading to the witch Rowemn.

“Rowemn will craft the replica carefully.” Videl said, his voice a low murmur. “Remember—accuracy is vital. The proof you present must leave no doubt in anyone’s mind.”

Mira frowned slightly. “And… how long will it take her to create something like that?”

Videl’s expression softened slightly. “She works quickly when motivated. By the time you’re ready, the replica will be complete. But act with care—Rowemn is exacting. Mistakes, even small ones, could ruin the plan.”

Kael adjusted her Boomer at her side, her expression a mixture of skepticism and resolve. “Then we move fast and precise. No room for error.”

Lian’s eyes lingered on Videl for a moment longer. “I… I don’t know if I’ve ever met someone like you. Not a villain, not a hero… someone entirely in-between.”

Videl’s eyes twinkled with an almost imperceptible humor. “Perhaps. But for now, focus on what matters. Your actions, your choices, and the future you intend to shape. The rest… will follow.”

And with that, the small group, united in purpose and burdened with responsibility, stepped out of the throne room and into the dimly lit corridors of the castle. Each footstep echoed with intent, each glance a silent promise. Their journey to Rowemn, and the first step toward altering the balance of the world, had begun.