Karos was even worse than her. If Bathesia’s actions indirectly tarnished the image of the Demon King, Karos was directly undermining it. Even if Astrea laughed it off and dismissed him, it was to an extent that could be tolerated.

“Why do you think it’s flawed?”

But Astrea didn’t react that way. She simply smiled and asked. Karos began to explain.

“First of all, as you mentioned, my Lord, a Demon King’s ability should inspire fear and awe. But my ability doesn’t fit those criteria. I’ve witnessed countless Demon Kings throughout history, and some of them had abilities that weren’t particularly powerful, but they still commanded awe and fear simply because their abilities were appropriate.”

He recalled Dracuria, the Demon King who had instilled fear and terror in the human realm centuries ago with her power to turn humans into zombies by draining their blood. Her ability wasn’t particularly impressive or unique, but the act of drinking blood itself triggered a primal fear in humans.

But Karos’s ability had none of that.

“My ability is ‘Gacha.’ It’s more fitting for a gambler than a Demon King. And to make matters worse, the odds are terrible! I tried ten times, and I got nine slimes! What am I supposed to do with that?”

He raised his voice, his frustration evident. Even if Astrea were to dismiss it as a mere quirk, he was genuinely upset.

“So, you want to change your ability?”

Astrea asked.

“Yes. With my current ability, I can’t even survive, let alone conquer the human realm. From the beginning, being a Demon King isn’t much, and even a single adventurer party could kill me.”

“Well, it just occurred to me that you were a demon without any magic.”

“Well, yes.”

Karos replied with a wry smile. Astrea looked at him with curiosity.

Magic was inherent to all demons, but Karos had absolutely no magic in his body. It was a phenomenon so unusual that it drew considerable attention.

“It’s a valid point, Karos.”

“But…”

Karos’s expression contorted in frustration. However, Astrea just chuckled and waved her hand.

“But I won’t be giving you a different ability. You’re a Demon King who has descended to the human realm now.”

“What?! Why?!”

Karos shouted in disbelief. Astrea laughed cheerfully.

“Well, it’s just too boring right now. Watching someone like you trying to survive in the human realm seems amusing.”

“No, what am I supposed to do with my current ability…?!”

Karos couldn’t contain his frustration and blurted out harsh words. It was impolite, but Astrea simply laughed and shook her head.

“Very well. I’ll let you go as you are! Bathesia.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

Bathesia replied, swallowing her saliva. Astrea continued.

“You have a punishment to receive. Let it happen now. Bathesia Concretia, the Demon King of Scream and Rampage, I shall temporarily strip you of your status as a Demon King.”

“What?”

Bathesia’s expression turned blank. She had expected some punishment, but to be stripped of her status as a Demon King? However, Astrea continued.

“However, I won’t touch your own power. Your forces will remain intact. I’ll appoint a proxy. While you’re absent, the proxy will take your place as the Demon King. And if you meet certain reasonable conditions, I’ll reinstate you as the Demon King.”

“What… are those conditions?”

Bathesia bit her lip anxiously. It wasn’t the worst outcome. She had to accept any conditions if they meant a chance to become a Demon King again. Compared to the punishments she had imagined, it was a bargain. Astrea seemed almost cheerful as she revealed her decision.

“Karos, the Demon King of Madness and Greed, shall become your lord and you will obey his commands. The conditions will be determined by me. When I think the time is right, I will return the Demon King’s throne to you.”

“…What?!”

Bathesia and Karos’s voices overlapped. Realizing the implications, Bathesia hastily wanted to ask, but Astrea was quicker.

Crackle!

“Ugh!”

“Your Demon King’s title and power is revoked, Bathesia. I shall also impose constraints. You will follow Karos’ orders and not harm his subordinates.”

Flames burst from Bathesia’s palm, forming a sigil. Her Demon King’s title vanished, leaving her with an uneasy expression.

“This should do, Karos. Now, return to the surface.”

Zzzz.

A magical circle formed beneath their feet, slowly pulling them in. Karos panicked and struggled.

“Wait! My Lord! You mean she’s going to be my subordinate now? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It should be fine. She’s a former Demon King and one of the rulers of this world. She shouldn’t be lacking in strength.”

“No, I meant before that!”

Amidst Bathesia and Karos’s growling, it was clear that one of them had to die for the other’s mental stability to be restored.

‘But now she’s coming under my command? Into this cramped Demon King’s castle?’

“My Lord! Pass! Let’s choose someone else!”

“Then we’ll see later, Karos. Next time, I’d like to see you in a different position.”

The Demon King laughed and ignored his words.

“Well, for now…”

Karos was about to say something, but the magical circle indifferently sucked them in, and space shifted.

Inside a cave. They had returned to a place filled with a foul odor, accompanied by one more person than when they first came.

“This is not acceptable.”

Karos wrinkled his face.

Hyung_Otaku

I'm currently Translating the following novels: Pick Me Up! | A Frontline Soldier Awakened as a Gamer In The War! | The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!