Chapter 26: This Demon Prince Is a Fraud!

When it comes to robbing a bank, there are usually two ways things go down. The first way involves an elaborate heist, with excruciatingly detailed plans and expert movements at set intervals. The second way abandons those notions in favor of a blatantly obvious entrance and exit. This method is prone to chase scenes, combat, and lots of yelling.

As someone who is currently robbing a bank, I had to think about which way would work best for me. After careful deliberation for about ten seconds, I happily decided that the second method was much more streamlined. When I consider my timeframe, careful planning just seems like a bit too much. Plus, rather than the sweat-trickling tension of a secret heist, doesn’t a face-to-face confrontation sound more fun?

So I employed the second method without a speck of hesitation. I bursted through the front doors with full intentions to rob the Weituriche Bank, but when I did so, I found the bank lobby already in chaos.

“Mwahaha! You pitiful humans! If you wish to continue living your filthy lives, hand over all of your riches to me!”

Wow. I wasn’t expecting to be hit point-blank with such a corny line. And what the heck was with that tone? Who would say “pitiful humans” with a straight face like that? Is this guy a demon?

Wait. There’s no way right? I need a closer look at him. Luckily, he whips his head around and grants me that opportunity.

“Someone dares to intrude on my financial subjugation? More worthless humans have led themselves to me! Surrender your life now, or face the might of a higher power, you fools!”

That overdramatic way of speaking, the loose coat that’s just a little too big on him, and the messy hair that switches between gray, white, and black. I can’t believe Mahdnus, the Demon King’s son, had the same plan as me! And on the same day too!

“Argh! Why are you here now?! You stole my entire flow! How am I supposed to build up my demonic repertoire if you stumble in and ruin everything? More importantly, I need money to gamble! Go find another bank to rob, this is my turf!”

All Mahdnus does is give me a confused look. I saw a little bit of the bravado in his eyes die down a bit. Were my pure emotions actually an effective attack? Should I act a bit more angry? Before I think of continuing, it’s Reuby who jumps in.

“Talon, what do you mean by gamble? Surely you didn’t drag me into this only to waste all of our money away on such stupid things!”

“Huh, who said it was stupid? I have a surefire 100% jackpot method that will have us with more coins than we can count. Do I ever do something without a plan?”

“You sound like a scammer. And you do plenty of things without a plan. Are you even aware of your own tendencies? I’m worried about you, I think you should really take this and drink it.”

“Again with the drink? What even is -”

“Humans! You dare ignore me? Me?! Not only do you perform the work of jesters before my eyes, but you speak ill of my actions to subjugate the world of humans! Worse than that, you have the abhorrent goal of becoming demonic yourself! I shall not hear this drivel any longer. You shall pay for these transgressions with your lives!”

Mahdnus lets loose his demonic energy, and I immediately feel the pressure inside the bank increase. Oooh so this is what demonic energy feels like? If necrotic energy feels slimy, then demonic energy is a step above and feels suffocating. How fun! Who knew I would reach the boss of Gimmimunee so quickly? I’m still a little angry that my debut in Gimmimunee was tarnished by this fraud, but that’s fine. If I defeat him, then I’ll become the focus, right? This will be easy.

“My chickens, prepare for battle! We’re up against the biggest fraud in Namida! Chicken Synchronization… start!”

I actually didn’t need to say any of that, the synchronization happens on pure instinct between all four of us, but it’s more fun to say things in a cool way like that.

“You still wish to insult me, even now. I shall rip your tongue out and feed it to the birds you lead!”

Plus, talking before a battle means I can have interactions like these! Insulting Mahdnus is very entertaining. Even within the small community that The Tears of Nephelai had, he was a common subject of inside jokes and curses. I would usually have pity for characters from the game, but… well… he’s Mahdnus. His existence is so much more entertaining if I can tease him.

Mahdnus leads the battle by summoning his longsword, one that he can’t even wield properly. I’ve said this before, but the lore of the game makes it clear that Mahdnus is very physically weak. He has some sort of complex with his father, and so uses his mastery over magic to manipulate his sword in time with his fake physical movements.

I will give the guy credit where it’s due. Pinpointing precise movements like that with magic during battles sounds incredibly difficult. Going so far to maintain the charade in order preserve a certain image, I can understand sentiments like that.

…But isn’t that such a roundabout way to train? Physical training would be better overall, and if done in tandem with that precise magic training, this guy could’ve posed quite a threat.

Well, I guess he is just the fifth boss. Perhaps such a setting was never meant to exist in the first place. The fraud has gone for a large overhead swing, perhaps trying to catch me off guard with a fast frontal attack, but I’m able to duck under that swing quite gracefully. Since this guy is a half-demon, I can be a little rough without any qualms, right? I hope he likes scratches!

I manage two on him before he rotates his body and positions himself away from me. My subsequent assault is entirely blocked, and through the quick movements of his sword, I see his scowling face. What a wonderful expression that is! Mahdnus, isn’t a battle like this fun? I channel my chicken movement and begin to zigzag around Mahdnus in an attempt to disorient him. He could just do a spin slash and catch me, but I’ll be fine, and that’s because of…

“Cooper!”

I call on my combat buddy to assist. Cooper’s small, and even faster than I am. With Cooper attacking Mahdnus’ legs, he’ll have to find someone to prioritize.

Whoosh!

That was a close one, I had to slide away in order to dodge that swing. I guess I’m still the priority. Hmmm, what do I do now? Cooper’s persistent, but I can tell he’s wary of Mahdnus’ sword. Going for another pincer attack would be risky for both of us, since Mahdnus is now aware of all the enemies he would need to keep track of. He’s likely mentally preparing for attacks from Rocco or Emerald as well. What if I try to intimidate him?

“Well, well, that was a nice warmup, wasn’t it?”

“A warmup you say? What an insolent human, do you think this is a mere game? You fight well but your attacks are simple and weak. You will fall by my blade in the next 60 seconds.”

“Oooh how frightening~ I hope I can make it out unscathed! But Mr. Demon Prince, I have a question for you.”

“...I never revealed who I was to you.”

“Mr. Demon Prince, if you scream about pitiful humans and have hair like that, it’s pretty easy to figure out who you are. Well, at least it is for me.”

“You’re not just any human… Who are you?”

“Hey now, Mr. Demon Prince, I was the one asking a question not you. Who said you could jump in line like that. Ahhh, well, I guess I can answer, just for you. I’m just Village Girl A! Nothing more or less than that. Right now, you’re in the way. Please forgive this NPC for interrupting your boss encounter, okay?”

“You speak of things neither humans nor demons know of, and with such a calm smile…”

“Anyways, here’s my question to you Mr. Demon Prince!”

I adjust my battle stance, brandish my claws, and flare up my aura that I was suppressing. I see Mahdnus’ eyes widen at my change.

“Isn’t 60 seconds a little too long? I can finish this in half the time.”