The Epic Final Battle Against the Demon King

“You know,” Gina said, “you scare me.”

We were lazing about, catching our breath after the epic climactic fight. Gina and I were standing over the collapsed form of King Hinata Oninomiya. Just to make sure he stayed down.

“What? Why?” I asked.

“Cuz of the turn order thing. I haven’t seen anyone violate in-game rules like that. It’s like watching someone violate the Geneva Convention.”

Even though I knew she was a Player and she knew that I knew, it still felt weird having her lower her guard like that and let Earth references slip through. At the same time, it made me feel less alone.

I sighed.

“And to think, we almost made it without losing anyone. I will treasure Basil’s sacrifice for the rest of my life.” I stroked my bat, admiring the craftsmanship of it and how it reflecting the moonlight.

Gina raised an eyebrow. “You know he’s alive, right? He’s back in Tyro Town.”

Blood rushed to my face. “Because he’s a Player. Right. I knew that.”

She was about to laugh but had the decency to keep it in.

“That was really brave,” she said, finally getting her giggles to die down. “If it were me, I wouldn’t have been able to admit my brother being dead. After all I went through to try and save him.”

The bat felt heavier in my hands. “I surprised myself, quite frankly. I think it was seeing Hinata and all that he had built here that really woke me up. I would never want to lose touch with reality like he did. He created a whole fake city full of pleasure and happiness, but it was just that. Fake.”

I glanced over my shoulder at Half-sword Dave. “He played a big part too, but indirectly. I didn’t want to end up like the kind of Player that he hates. I wanted to be one of the good ones.”

Gina nodded. “I know how that feels.” She scratched her neck. “Are you still going to kill the Demon King, then? Even though it won’t save Chouji?”

“Part of the reason the game stagnated was because King Hinata prevented anyone from taking down the Demon King. Once we do, the game will get a new final boss, according to Half-sword Dave. We can only hope it will be some entity that Hinata has less control over.”

Even with lots of the big things taken care of, worry still creased Gina’s face.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

She took a few deep breaths before going on.

“I was just thinking and… you’re right. Too many Players are stuck here because they can’t face reality.” She took another deep breath. “I’m going to face reality and tell you the truth.”

Only a few days ago, I would’ve been worried. A single day ago, I would’ve been pissed off. But now that we were on our journey of growing, reflecting, and healing, I was just happy that Gina trusted me enough for whatever truth this was. I nodded to encourage her.

“If you remember, my class is thief and my aspect is light. The aspect of light means I have access to minor illusions.”

I nodded.

“The truth is I’ve been… um… ‘enhancing’ my own looks. One key feature of mine, in particular.”

Ah. I could see where this was going.

I gave her a pat on the shoulder. “It’s okay, Gina. You shouldn’t be afraid to be yourself. Especially not around your friends, and especially not around me.”

Even though she knew I would accept her however she really is, hearing the words took a massive weight off her chest. Two massive weights, even. With a reassured yet still nervous smile, she dispelled the minor illusion.

“I’m actually a redhead!” she said. I looked up and blinked. Her shining blonde bangs were now a copper read. They seemed to shimmer even in the dark of the royal hall. It made her bright green eyes shine even more brilliantly.

Oh. Huh.

She was still looking at me expectantly. I was confused by that, until I noticed her ears. Her pointed ears.

My mouth opened.

My mouth closed.

I pointed at them as her cheeks turned red. “You’re…?”

She nodded.

“I’m.”

Now I was absolutely floundered. “How? How could you possibly be an elf, you’re a Player!”

“Character customization,” she said. “Before you get spawned into the world, you get to decide how you look like.”

I shook my head. “Margaret…” I said.

~⚔~

With King Hinata’s defenses down, there was nothing to prevent us from walking through the Demon Doors of the Demon King and his Demon Castle within his Demon Kingdom. There were some goons of the Demon King, but they did not stand a chance for the high-level Players in our presences. They were mowed down like spring grass. Poor guys. I almost felt bad for them.

If I had a nickel for every time I kicked down a pair of royal doors to fight with a king this night, I would have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it happened twice.

The Demon King sat in his chambers. It was about the same size as Hinata’s royal hall, but filled almost entirely with ancient books. The king himself looked just as ancient. He was robed in royal purple, lacking any crown on his head, which was that of a goat.

“Ah, hello! I’m sorry, I wasn’t expecting guests, you’ll have to excuse me for the clutter.” He shuffled around the room and put some books away.

I glanced at Gina, who looked just as confused as I did.

“You’ve come to kill me, yes?” the Demon King asked with his back facing us, shelving more books. His tone indicated it was a genuine, clarifying question. 

“Uh…”

“Come now, no need to be modest.” He turned back around with a surprisingly warm smile. I had no idea goats had such articulate facial muscles. “I’m long overdue for this. Don’t worry, I’ve already written out a will and everything.” 

Maybe I was just tired after all the flying and fighting against Hinata, but I just walked in without any guard up. When I entered striking distance, the Demon King closed his eyes with a serene smile and opened his arms, ready to take whatever came next.

“Don’t worry, Daisuke,” he said. “I’m sure you’ll see Chouji eventually.”

I was going to ask how the hell he knew any of that, but I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. I held my bat up and swung.

If I had a nickel for every time I attacked a king using this bat, I would have two nickels. That’s four nickels in total. Wow. Free money.

Unlike Hinata, the Demon King was old and frail and succumbed to the blow. It was a quick, painless death, I hoped. Though my bat cracking through his skull didn’t make it sound like one.
As the Demon King fell to the ground, I realized that we were not alone in the room. There was someone new, standing behind the Demon King in long, dark robes and wielding a tall, dark scythe.

He pulled his hood back as he looked at the Demon King’s collapsed form.

“I think I got him,” Chouji said.