Chapter 4 ◆ Don't get tired
Tattered and worn, I somehow made it back to the capital.
Ugh! My body aches and burns—
“Ceres-dono, what happened to you?”
“Oh, I’m fine. Just botched a dragon hunt. The injuries aren’t as bad as they look.”
“If you say so. But something that could push Ceres-san to this state… We’ll need to stay vigilant…”
“No worries. I’ve already dealt with it.”
“Then that’s a relief. Sorry to bother you when you’re exhausted.”
Covered in dirt as I was, if I hadn’t built some trust, I’d probably be interrogated on the spot.
“Thanks for your hard work.”
I thanked the gatekeeper and entered the capital.
The stares from passersby stung. My body was caked in dirt, my clothes in tatters.
I’m somewhat well-known, so no one said anything, but I must look repulsive.
I called out to a nearby secondhand clothing shop from outside.
Touching anything would dirty it, so I shouted my request.
“Excuse me, could you grab me some random clothes and underwear?”
“Hey, it’s Ceres-san! You. You okay?”
“My injuries are fine. But like this, I’d dirty your shop or goods. Just pick out a full set—clothes, underwear, shoes—whatever works.”
“Yeah, you’re right, you can’t come in like that. I’ll get you a set. Hang on!”
“Sorry for the trouble.”
He put together a set, and I took it to the public bathhouse.
It’s like a sento from my past world. The receptionist gave me a side-eye, so I slipped her a gold coin as a tip.
My every step left black footprints—cleaning that up is a hassle, so it’s no wonder they’d be annoyed.
The gold coin must’ve helped, as she let me through with a smile, saying, “That must’ve been rough.”
Using soap, I scrubbed my body clean.
As I washed, something odd struck me: the blood caked on me was gone, leaving only dirt.
The foul taste in my mouth had vanished too.
Once cleaned, it seemed those must’ve been hallucinations. There wasn’t a single wound on me.
Yet my body felt strangely hot—not like a fever, but different.
The closest comparison might be a “surge of fighting spirit.”
Steam even rose from my skin.
Unlike before, my fatigue and exhaustion were gone, replaced by an exhilarating sense of invincibility.
I soaked in the cold-water bath next to the hot one.
The chilly water felt amazing against my heated body.
But there was a problem—my lower half.
Embarrassingly, it wouldn’t calm down.
No strange fantasies, no reason for it, yet even in cold water, it persisted.
At least my body was clean now.
I could return home without issue.
◆◆◆
When I got home, I was bombarded with questions.
“Ceres-kun, why do you smell of soap?” Shizuko-san asked.
“Ceres, you’re not cheating, are you?” Haruka-neesan pressed.
“Ceres-san… where were you… yesterday?” Sayo-san inquired.
“Ceres-chan, we trust you, okay?” Misaki-san added.
I felt like a goblin stared down by fearsome dragons.
Their usually gentle, beautiful, and cute faces twitched ever so slightly.
But I’ve done nothing wrong.
I just need to be confident.
“I fought a tough dragon and got covered in dirt, so I went to the public bathhouse,” I explained, showing them my shredded clothes.
“Wow, you must’ve had a hard time,” Shizuko-san said.
“Your stomach’s sliced in half. Are you okay? Was it a claw?” Haruka-neesan asked.
They wouldn’t believe the truth, would they?
“Something like that.”
“We’ll have to dispose of these clothes…” Sayo-san noted.
“Look, this part’s charred, completely burned. Did you take a direct hit from a fire dragon or flame dragon’s breath? You’re lucky to be unharmed,” Misaki-san observed.
“Pretty much.”
I managed to dodge the truth. It’s best they don’t get involved with something that terrifying.
I’ll probably never cross paths with it again.
◆◆◆
By the way, my lower half was still in a ridiculous state.
No matter how much time passed, it wouldn’t subside.
The others noticed and dragged me to the bedroom.
“Ceres-kun, what’s going on with that?” Shizuko-san asked.
“Ceres, that’s intense!” Haruka-neesan exclaimed.
“Ceres-san, it looks… painful…” Sayo-san said softly.
“Ceres-chan, that’s our fault, isn’t it? Shall we put in some effort tonight?” Misaki-san suggested.
Their eyes seemed to glint with a predatory gleam.
Like beasts.
Sure, I’m young.
Our marriage is harmonious, and we take turns almost daily.
But for it to get this intense?
“Ceres-kun, hah, hah—what’s this—ahh—ahh!”
“Ceres, you’re amazing. It’s always great, but today you’re so wild—ahh—there—ahhh!”
“Ceres-san, if you keep—attacking like that—ahh—ahhh—I can’t—I can’t take it!”
“Ceres-chan, why are you so—energetic—hah, hah—it’s—weird—this is—insane—ahhh—no—no!”
No matter how many times we went, it wouldn’t calm.
Before I knew it, morning had arrived.
“Hah, hah, I’m done. Ceres-kun, you’re too much. The roughness is wonderful, but I’m spent,” Shizuko-san panted.
“Ceres, I’m done. I can’t move,” Haruka-neesan groaned.
“Ceres-san… I’m happy as a woman, but… sorry, I can’t anymore…” Sayo-san murmured.
“Ceres-chan, you’re too energetic,” Misaki-san said.
All four lay sprawled on the bed, disheveled but satisfied.
What’s with this body? It’s finally calmed, but if I wanted, I could keep going indefinitely.
I’m not even sleepy or tired.
In my past world, there was an energy drink ad: “Can you fight for 36 hours?”
This is beyond that—I could probably go for months without sleep.
◆◆◆
With everyone asleep, I went outside and swung my sword, but nothing seemed different.
No increase in strength or anything like that.
Just no fatigue and… heightened vigor. That’s about it.
I don’t know what’ll happen next, but for now, I’m fine.
I’m getting hungry.
Shizuko-san and the others are exhausted and sleeping.
Might as well grab breakfast out for a change.
I headed to a familiar steakhouse.
“Welcome, Ceres-san. No wives today, huh?”
“They’re resting. The usual… no, if possible, a thick minotaur steak. Can you do that?”
“Going big this morning, eh? Sure, we can do it.”
“Then make it two portions.”
“Got it! Two portions!”
Yesterday’s fight and last night must’ve drained me, because I’m starving for meat.
Two large, juicy, thick steaks arrived.
This place is popular with adventurers and mercenaries.
In simple terms, the taste is average, but the portions are huge.
These steaks, in my past world, would easily exceed 600 grams—normally, one’s enough to satisfy.
“Ceres-san, I made two because you asked, but only someone like Oakman eats multiple steaks here. Can you handle it?”
“Yeah, probably no problem.”
I’m ravenous.
Two might not even cut it.
I devoured one steak and started on the second. Still not enough!
“Hey, four more steaks.”
“You kidding? Takeout, right?”
“Nope, eating now.”
“…Alright, I’ll grill ‘em.”
As I finished the second, four more steaks arrived.
I’ll probably still be hungry after these.
“Ten more.”
“Whoa, you serious? Hardly anyone here’s eaten six steaks. Sixteen? You’d be the capital’s eating champion.”
“I’m good.”
“Alright. Even if you’re a Hero, this shop doesn’t allow leftovers. Leave any, and I’m pissed.”
“I know. I’ll grovel if I have to.”
“If you say so. Ten steaks? No way you’ll finish. If you don’t, I’ll make you grovel. I hate wasting ingredients. But if you eat them all… it’s free. Keep eating here as much as you want.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, a man’s word is his bond.”
Ten steaks came up, and I polished them off easily—
“Alright, twenty more…”
“Okay, but this is impossible. Free if you eat, but grovel if you leave any!”
“Delicious. Thirty more.”
“Hey…”
“Delicious. Thirty more.”
“…”
But after passing a hundred, the shop gave up.
“…Hahaha! That’s all the meat! We’re done for today! Done! Mercy, I lose!”
“I wasn’t trying to eat for free. I was just starving and wanted your hearty steaks. Here…”
I placed two gold coins down.
I probably ate about three coins’ worth. Even if I won, eating free feels awkward. I’d hesitate to come back.
“I always come here, so free’s uncomfortable. Take two coins. You started this—eat the rest of the loss.”
“Man, I complained, and you still ate it all! Thanks!”
With a crowd gathering, I hurried off.
◆◆◆
I came to the forest.
I’m not hungry anymore.
Instead, steam’s rising from my body.
I don’t usually sweat much, but I’m drenched like I’m in a sauna.
My body’s quite hot, but it feels oddly good.
I soaked in a small spring in the forest. After a while, the sweating stopped. My body looked more toned.
I thought I was perfectly trained, but it’s tightened even more.
I was stunned looking at myself.
Stepping out, I swung my sword, and it felt natural.
Maybe it’s my imagination, but my body feels lighter.
I feel much stronger than before.
But one thing’s odd—I don’t tire at all.
Normally, after a thousand swings, my hands shake from fatigue, but no matter how much I swing, I’m fine.
I thought the same when with Shizuko-san and the others—I could probably go months without rest or sleep.
I don’t know what happened, but I’ve gained abnormal stamina.
Now to see if it holds in real combat.
I briefly considered hunting dragons but shuddered at the thought of “Black Dragon killing me.”
So I looked for ogres to warm up… but of course, I ran into a rock dragon. Self-defense… no, he wouldn’t accept that.
Huh?
“Great… our royal kin… protector… an honor to meet you…”
A voice echoed directly in my head.
Is this the rock dragon speaking?
“Are you talking about me? I’m human.”
It’s not vocal speech but like telepathy. I focused my will and responded.
“Hahaha! A jest! A wyvern might be fooled, but I see clearly… the form of the great black dragon… You must have reasons to take human form… I’ll take my leave, Dragon Duke-sama.”
As I stood dumbfounded, the rock dragon left.
What happened? Something definitely occurred.
When I fought Black Dragon and thought I died, something unknown must’ve happened.
Searching for more dragonkind, I came to a rocky area and was approached by a wyvern.
Unlike the rock dragon, it couldn’t speak, but when our eyes met, it landed nearby and sat docilely.
When I touched it, it seemed delighted.
Like a dog or cat.
It felt incredibly endearing.
An ally.
I knew instantly.
I probably can’t hunt dragons anymore.
I’m not heartless enough to kill something that trusts or speaks to me.
This must be Black Dragon’s mercy.
He did say, “For a human to slay countless dragons is a remarkable feat. I commend you.”
Maybe he had a plan—sparing my life but cursing me to never fight dragons again.
◆◆◆
“But Ceres-kun’s thing…”
It was incredible.
We gave it our all, but we were overwhelmed… Before I knew it, my head was spinning, and I passed out.
“What happened to Ceres? It’s great that he’s intense, but my body can’t keep up. Shizuko, did you do something?” Haruka-neesan asked.
“I didn’t… Absolutely not,” Shizuko-san insisted.
“If Shizuko didn’t do anything, is that just Ceres-san’s… raw desire?” Sayo-san wondered.
“I’ve got decent stamina and a fair bit of drive, but to handle all four of us like that… What’s going on, Ceres-chan?” Misaki-san mused.
We slept from morning to noon, cleaned up, and then talked about Ceres-kun.
I don’t know what happened.
But Ceres-kun’s still in his growth phase.
He’ll keep growing.
There are people like Oakman-san with ten wives… Ceres-kun might be exceptional.
If so, four of us might not be enough.
“So, because of yesterday, I’m thinking we need a backer and more companions. I vote for Cecilia-chan,” Shizuko-san said.
The former Saintess, close to Pope-sama and the others. My top pick.
“They haven’t approached yet, but I’d choose Frey-san, the former Swordmaster of the Empire. She’s got stamina, is the Empire’s first princess, and we get along. She’s my recommendation,” Haruka-neesan said.
I figured Haruka would say that.
“Well… I think Marianne-chan’s a good choice…” Sayo-san offered.
Sayo’s pushing for Marianne-chan.
“Against Ceres-chan, one more won’t cut it. Why not take all three? I’m a bit of a musclehead, so I can’t negotiate, but Shizuko or Sayo could work with the three nations to get the best deal,” Misaki-san suggested.
True, against Ceres-kun now, one more might be like a drop in the bucket.
That could work…
“Underhanded tactics are more Shizuko’s forte…” Sayo-san said.
Calling me conniving… Sayo’s worse.
“Oh, but Sayo, who negotiates without batting an eye, is perfect for it,” Shizuko-san countered.
“She doesn’t deny it. That’s impressive,” Haruka-neesan teased.
“Hey, Haruka, are you calling me ‘conniving’? Maybe I’ll stop giving you my moisturizer,” Shizuko-san threatened.
“Sorry, Shizuko! I didn’t mean it like that! I just meant you’re smart!” Haruka-neesan backpedaled.
“Fine, if that’s what you meant.”
If that drive is temporary, great. But if not, we’ll need to consider adding more.
◆◆◆
At the Demon King’s castle, I gathered my subordinates to discuss the Hero.
One claimed the Hero’s party was weak.
“Is the current Hero’s party truly that feeble?”
“Yes, Demon King Luciferd-sama.”
My archenemy, the Hero, was struggling against ogres due to poor form.
Normally, that’s unthinkable.
The Hero is the Goddess’s trump card.
Logically, they shouldn’t be that weak.
But because the Hero’s job is granted to those with aptitude at birth, weak Heroes sometimes emerge.
It’s the same for us. There are weak Demon Kings and strong ones.
As a Demon King, I’m utterly average.
But we have Mammon, called the Evil God’s glitch.
Despite being one of the Four Heavenly Kings, his power far surpasses mine.
With Mammon, the Demon King’s army cannot lose. He’s that strong.
Most past Heroes avoided fighting Mammon, targeting previous Demon Kings instead.
The problem? He doesn’t even obey my orders…!
If we defeat the Hero, no new one appears for at least five years, maybe ten.
During that time, we can dominate the war.
“Someone, summon Mammon!”
“Yes, Demon King-sama.”
Mammon appeared, brazen as ever.
Even before me, he didn’t kneel—just stood.
“Luciferd, you called?”
“Mammon, how dare you act so rudely before the Demon King-sama!”
Skullking, another of the Four Heavenly Kings, roared, but Mammon’s demeanor didn’t change.
“Shut it, bone grandpa!”
“You—! I’ll teach you a lesson!”
Skullking moved to summon his undead legion.
“Skullking, enough. It’s always like this. Mammon, you once spoke of a ‘journey to fight the strong.’ I’m inclined to permit it.”
“Oh? You were so against it. What’s the deal?”
“Defeat the current Hero Zect’s party! Once done, you’re free for the five to ten years until the next Hero appears. Not a bad deal, right?”
“Got it. Beat the Hero’s party, and I get years of freedom. I don’t hold back, so no issue if I kill them, right?”
“None at all.”
“Fine. I’ll take it. I’ll crush Zect and head out. That’s the deal, yeah?”
“Do as you please after defeating them.”
That’s it for the Hero. No matter how strong, no Hero can beat Mammon.
A weak Hero like this one? He’ll be crushed for sure.
◆◆◆
Finally, Luciferd’s approval.
All I, Mammon, crave is battle with the strong.
I’ve no interest in the rumored weak Hero.
I’ll crush him quick and be done.
Somewhere out there, an unseen strong foe awaits me.
Defeating the Hero lets me journey. That’s reward enough to see it through.
I don’t want to fight some fake.
Heroes are just weak humans boosted by the Goddess’s blessing. Boring to fight. I want true strength.
Someone who strategizes, outsmarts, and goes all out—that’s the fight I crave.
I’ve never lost in my life.
But once… I took a serious blow.
A man came for revenge, targeting me for his loved one.
He used weapons, tactics, everything to challenge me.
As a result, I lost a horn and an eye, taking decades to recover.
He wasn’t a Hero or one of the Chosen—just a hunter.
If he had the Hero’s job, who knows how the scales would’ve tipped?
My life’s only true foe, Rudy. I want to fight someone like you again.
Goddess, if you’re truly the demons’ enemy, send a foe like Rudy before me.
Until I meet that strong enemy again, I’ll kill every human in my path
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