The Absolute Godspeed of Infinite Worlds

Chapter 582 - 582

North of the city outskirts.The original ruins had long vanished, replaced by a towering, massive black castle.

Numerous Demon Lord Army units surrounded the area—some patrolling, others engaged in construction—while adventurers huddled nervously several hundred meters away.

Some sought to hone their skills, others wanted to test the Demon Lord Army's strength, and a few even aimed to challenge the Demon King himself, hoping to claim unparalleled glory and wealth.

As time passed, information spread, and this castle undoubtedly became the focal point for adventurers worldwide. Those gathered here were all top-tier figures of their time.

Yet, despite this, most adventurers still had no chance to lay eyes on the Demon King.

At Eiji's suggestion, Airi Yasaka established a new challenge system, dividing the castle into five stages. The Demon King was the final stage, while she personally guarded the fourth. The third stage was entrusted to Beldia, who had been transferred from the Demon King's Castle.

Though Beldia's strength couldn't compare to Airi Yasaka or Wiz, he was still a Demon Lord Army executive—an Undead second only to liches in power. His strength was genuinely executive-tier, requiring at least a team of several level-40-plus top-tier adventurers to defeat him.

"Pathetic! So weak! You think you lot of useless sacks can challenge His Majesty the Demon King? What a joke!"

Beldia laughed as he crushed another adventurer team.

"Did any of you kill Demon Lord Army soldiers after entering the castle?"

"No, no!"

The five-member team shook their heads frantically.

"Is that so? Then scram!"

Only after nearby demon soldiers confirmed their words did Beldia nod and let them flee.

The group bolted from the castle as if their lives depended on it.

"So strong! How is even one Demon Lord Army executive this powerful?"

"Be grateful—he didn't even use Death Proclamation!"

"I heard that a few days ago, some adventurer got cocky, killed two Demon Lord Army soldiers, and was instantly cursed to death by the Headless Knight's Death Proclamation!"

"Idiots. There were already rumors that you could leave safely if you didn't kill any Demon Lord Army soldiers, but some just wouldn't listen..."

"Hmph, what a bunch of weaklings!"

Beldia smugly flicked his cape.

The skies cleared, the rain stopped, and Beldia felt like a big shot again. His confidence, previously battered by the Demon King and Wiz, had been restored by bullying these weaklings.

"You seem quite happy, Beldia?"

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out, making Beldia's heart stop.

"Your Majesty the Demon King! You've returned!"

Beldia immediately put on a sycophantic grin, bowing obsequiously to the newcomer.

Eiji strode into the castle hall, carrying a sack over his shoulder.

"Finished cleaning the toilets?"

"Uh, I'll go right away!"

Beldia choked, then scurried off in disgrace.

"Wait, Beldia, I have something to tell you!"

Eiji called out before he could leave.

"What are your orders, Your Majesty?"

"In a few days, fake your death."

"Huh?"

Beldia was utterly baffled.

Fake his death?

Why?

"Actually, I just thought of a really fun idea!"

Eiji's face broke into a radiant smile, but that smile sent a shiver down Beldia's spine.

He recognized that smile!

Whenever the Demon King was brewing some mischievous scheme, he would wear this deceptively kind expression!

But the outcomes were usually enough to give people heart attacks!

It had almost become a psychological trauma for him.

"Not just you, but all the Demon Lord Army executives will be faking their deaths one by one from now on."

"Why?"

"Don't ask for specifics. Just do as I say."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Beldia left utterly bewildered.

"Your smile is disgusting."

Airi Yasaka appeared in the grand hall, instinctively shuddering at the sight of his beaming grin, feeling her legs go weak.

"What evil scheme are you plotting now?"

"Nonsense! This is my friendly, benevolent smile!"

Eiji rolled his eyes, but his expression gradually turned smug.

"I was just thinking—what if the Demon Lord Army executives start dying off one after another? The adventurers would finally see hope of defeating the Demon King and charge into the Demon King's Castle, only to find all the executives alive and well, realizing they've walked right into a trap. Wouldn't that be a delightful scene?"

This inspiration came from Barnier's extravagantly elaborate plans.

Airi imagined the scenario and broke out in a cold sweat.

"Are you a demon?!"

"Excellent, it's decided! This will be the Demon Lord Army's new direction!"

Eiji clapped his hands cheerfully, making the decision with great satisfaction.

Airi didn't stop him.

In fact, she found the idea thrilling! She even somewhat agreed with his approach!

Under his leadership, the Demon Lord Army had no hope of restoring its glory from three centuries ago anyway. So why not have some fun in the process?

"By the way, what's that on your shoulder?"

"This? It's a product I bought for two billion!"

Eiji patted the burlap sack on his shoulder, looking immensely pleased.

Two billion?!

Airi nearly stopped breathing!

With two billion, you could probably buy a divine artifact! What in the world did you buy?

She could have sworn she saw the sack twitch.

Was there a person inside?

The Demon King's private chambers were located in the deepest part of the castle, heavily guarded by elite soldiers.

Amidst a chorus of greetings, Eiji returned to his chambers, opened the sack, and dumped its contents onto the bed.

"Mr. Nangou, why did you slap my butt earlier?"

Wiz sat on the enormous bed—large enough to sleep a dozen people—like a duck, her cheeks slightly flushed as she unconsciously rubbed her backside.

For some reason, she felt a strange sense of pleasure.

Maybe she really should find a man?

"You're my product. Isn't it my right to treat my property however I want?"

Eiji leisurely sat on the edge of the bed.

"P-product...?"

Wiz lowered her head, smoothing her skirt.

"I did pay two billion, after all."

At the mention of two billion, Wiz fell silent.

The sum loomed over her like a mountain, ready to crush her at any moment.

"S-so... what am I supposed to do?"

Wiz glanced around, suddenly feeling something was off.

Then it hit her.

Wait, isn't this the royal bedchamber?

If she'd been brought here... did that mean something inappropriate was about to happen?

Why was she feeling a bit of anticipation?

Was it the lingering effect of that earlier slap on the butt, or was this man simply too handsome for her to look away?

"Servant," Eiji said slowly.

Wiz nearly jumped in surprise.

You brought me to your bedchamber just for this?

"Or executive," Eiji continued at the same measured pace.

Wiz felt slightly disappointed.

Well, she didn't dislike the position, but... it just didn't quite meet her expectations somehow.

"I have no shortage of either," Eiji added with a light chuckle, noticing her slightly drooping eyelids.

"Though there is a queen's position available. Would that interest you?"