{Prologue} The Mastermind Should Just Make an Entrance Clapping!
"Magnificent. I never imagined it would be this spectacular."
"W-who are you...?"
I stood there with a beaming smile, slowly clapping for the Hero. He had overcome countless trials and finally vanquished the Demon King. A true hero. It was only natural for a fan like me to offer a standing ovation to a man who was about to become a living legend.
"I’ve become quite the fan of yours... That was truly a magnificent battle. Your growth has exceeded even my wildest expectations."
"W-what are you talking about? Don't tell me—"
"Yes, exactly that," I said, nodding in affirmation. If the Hero said it, it had to be the right answer. To be honest, I didn't quite follow what he meant, but it didn't matter. If he said it, I was on board.
The Hero and his companions, fresh from their life-and-death struggle, all stared at me with intense, trembling gazes.
"Every step of your journey, every battle you've fought until now... it has all been in the palm of my hand."
I pulled out a recording mana-crystal. It looked exactly like the kind of high-grade core that drops when you kill a boss-level monster, but it was actually a specialized tool for filming (sized impressively enough that one might mistake it for the Demon King's own heart). As a fan, I felt it was my duty to ensure their heroic deeds were preserved for all eternity.
"No... it can't be."
"You're lying..."
"Impossible!"
"...So the Demon King really wasn't the one seeking this war?"
The Hero’s party seemed incredibly shaken. It made sense; having someone suddenly appear behind them at the climax of their journey would be startling. I looked over the group: the beautiful genius mage, the hulking priest who served as both tank and healer, and the elven spirit-user. I held nothing but the deepest respect for the comrades who had supported the Hero.
"I must express my gratitude to all of you as well. I have been looking forward to this moment for a very long time... Thank you. Thanks to you all, my wish has finally been fulfilled."
"Y-you bastard!"
The Hero’s voice cracked. He was likely overwhelmed with emotion at receiving such high praise from a dedicated fan. However, he was covered in wounds, barely able to remain standing. They had all fought a desperate, bloody battle to the finish.
"Even the legendary Hero party can't move with those injuries. I only stopped by to offer my greetings today, so I think I’ll take my leave... Don't worry, we’ll meet again someday. As long as you keep fighting, that is."
"Who are you?!"
"I told you, I’m a fan. Your fan."
"Don't screw with me! Give me your name!"
It was rare to see the mild-mannered Hero scream like that. What a rare scene—I made sure to keep the recording going. He was probably just irritable because he was being forced to do "fan service" while exhausted. Even that surprisingly human side of him was charming in its own way.
"Me? My name is Emo Sugiru. I’m what you’d call a 'transmigrator.' I came from a world different from your own."
"What are you...? What is your goal?! What do you intend to do with that mana-crystal?!"
"I’m going to change history. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say I'm putting a final period on the past."
Indeed—with the footage recorded in this crystal, the Hero’s epic would live forever. It was a new page in history for this country—no, for all of humanity. The days of trembling in fear of monsters and the Demon King were over.
"It’s a bit of a shame, though... Now that the threat of the Demon King is gone, your battle ends here."
"Not yet... not yet! I will... I'll definitely find you...!"
"Haha, don't push yourself. Hero or not, you're still a child of man. It would be for your own good to just lie there and rest, you know?"
I wondered why they were all making such terrifying faces. They were gnashing their teeth, looking absolutely mortified. Ah, I see... they want to look cool in front of a fan.
"Oh, that's right. Let me let you in on a little secret before I go."
"...What?"
I decided to give them a brief explanation as to why they hadn't sensed my presence and why I hadn't been caught up in the crossfire of their battle.
"Do you recognize these?" I asked, gesturing to my gear.
"No way...!"
"Magic items..." the beautiful mage whispered, her eyes wide.
This was a classic sword-and-sorcery fantasy world, a very "template" setting. In such a world, magic items were common auxiliary tools. The standard for the strong was to rely on spells and martial arts, using items only for support. However, I had zero talent for combat. Therefore, I had decked myself out in an absurd number of high-grade magic items. I’d spent a fortune on things like presence concealment and auto-deploying magic barriers.
"For people like you, these are more than enough, right?"
"..."
The Hero party didn't need a detailed explanation; they surely understood that I was only able to stand behind them because of these items.
"Are you saying... that our magic and our techniques aren't even worth using against you?!"
"Haha, who knows? There’s simply too much of a gap between us, after all."
I wasn't a genius like the members of the Hero party. I couldn't use magic or martial arts at all. But for my "stalking"—ahem, my fan activities—I needed to be able to stay close without getting killed or noticed. That was where my hoard of magic items came in!
"Well then, excuse me."
"W-wait! I... I will absolutely...!"
"Goodbye, members of the Hero party. It was a pleasure talking to you."
I gave them a modest smile. It would be a nuisance to keep them talking any longer when they were so tired. It was time to withdraw.
＊
"Huh...?"
The next day, for some reason, I found myself a wanted man across the entire nation. The sketch on the poster looked exactly like me, and the name was a perfect match. A death sentence had already been passed, and a massive bounty was being offered for my head.
Did I really do something that bad? You’ve got to be kidding me.
"Why am I being treated like a criminal? Did they find out about the stalking?"
And so, my life as a fugitive began.
＊
They say that when humans are pushed to their absolute limit, their true nature is revealed. I tend to disagree. I think what’s actually tested is talent. To survive an extreme situation, a person will try to solve the problem using the method they are best at. It’s not about nature; it’s about aptitude.
"I’m a genius... a genius at supporting my faves!" I desperately told myself.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say I was currently in an extreme situation. After all, I was a wanted man. Apparently, the world believed I was a mastermind who manipulated humans and demons from the shadows, snatched the Demon King’s core, and was now plotting to overthrow the world. If I got caught, it was the executioner’s block for me.
"I don't want to die. I don't want to die... A talent for fanboying is useless for this!"
How did it come to this? All I did was give the Hero party a polite greeting and some praise. I hadn't done anything worthy of the death penalty. In the first place, no mana-crystal even dropped from the Demon King’s corpse. This was a frame-up of epic proportions.
"Forget leaving the country, I can't even get out of this city... What do I do?"
To leave the city, I’d need to show identification—either as a registered adventurer or a merchant. In this world, you couldn't even enter or leave a town without guaranteed identity. In short, being wanted meant I was essentially checkmated. It was only a matter of time before they realized I was still in the city.
"If I didn't have these magic items, I’d have been caught already."
My magic items were specialized for stealth—hiding my presence, turning invisible, or deploying barriers to block attacks. They had zero offensive capability. I could only run away. The effects were temporary and couldn't be used indefinitely, so I was bound to be caught eventually.
"Hmm?"
I was currently hiding in a seedy back alley. It wasn't quite as bad as the slums, but it was definitely a place where the impoverished and the criminal element gathered. The reason these criminals were left alone was simply that they weren't big enough fish for the state to bother with. Unless they caused a major incident, they were ignored, and ordinary citizens stayed far away.
"Excuse me, but would you happen to be the Masked Demon General?"
As I walked, I spotted a middle-aged man slumped against a wall and decided to strike up a conversation.
He had a bottle of cheap booze in one hand and was staring at the sky with glazed eyes. He looked like nothing more than a washed-up drunk, but I knew better. I knew he was a high-ranking officer of the Demon King’s army.
"...Who are you?"
"Me? I'm Emo Sugiru. I'm a bit of a celebrity with a national bounty on my head."
"I know the name. How did you see through my disguise?"
"You showed your face once in front of the Hero, didn't you? I’m a big fan of his."
The moment I uttered the word "Hero," a staggering wave of bloodlust crashed into me. It was terrifying; I felt like I was going to piss myself. Save me!
"Even if you knew my face, to track me to this specific location... I don't recall being that sloppy. Your intelligence network is impressive."
"Eh..."
Actually, I wasn't looking for him at all. I just happened to be passing by, saw a defeated enemy general from the Hero's journey, and decided to say hi. This man’s masks were special—they didn't just change one’s face; they could grant various abilities. He was an executive who had used that power to strengthen the Demon King’s soldiers.
Given my current life as a fugitive, I desperately wanted one. I wondered if he'd sell me a mask.
"Meeting you was just a coincidence."
"...Coincidence, huh? Fine. What do you want?"
"Would you be willing to sell me a mask?"
"Hah... I see. You need it for your life on the run. You already know the answer. It’s a no."
Figures... I’d been rejected out of hand.
"I have almost no power left. I lost an arm in the battle against the Hero... and now that the Demon King is dead, I’ve lost the mana he bestowed upon me."
"So, if your arm were restored, I can assume you'd make one for me?"
"...What?"
I was relieved to see he didn't seem to have a personal grudge against me. It was simply that he couldn't craft masks with only one arm, and his reduced mana meant he couldn't imbue them with special abilities.
However, his talent for face-changing masks shouldn't have been entirely dependent on the Demon King’s mana. If his arm was back, I could get what I wanted.
"If such a thing were truly possible, I suppose I could spare a mask."
The deal was struck. The General clearly thought restoring an arm was impossible. In reality, even a genius of healing magic couldn't just regrow a lost limb. Healing magic in this world wasn't omnipotent. Common items like potions were just inferior imitations of magic, not even worth mentioning.
I’d heard that warriors who could use Battle Aura—life energy—had regenerative powers rivaling healing spells, but even then, regrowing an arm was unheard of.
"I’ll hold you to that."
"Hey now... are you serious? That’s a feat impossible by the standards of modern magic."
"Yeah, it probably is. For modern technology and magic, at least."
While I was stalking the Hero party, I had followed them through ancient ruins. Along the way, I’d picked up some medicine created with lost technology.
The Hero party only took the bare minimum of items to keep their pace, so I helped myself to the rest. I had originally planned to use it if the Hero ever got into a dire situation. But the Hero party was just too strong. They never got seriously hurt, and their healer was so talented they never needed items.
"Do you recognize this?"
"...No way. You aren't going to tell me that's an Elixir, are you?"
There had been a spring in those ancient ruins. The elven spirit-user had mentioned it was a panacea. Even though there was plenty of it, the Hero party only took a small amount. I, however, had collected quite a lot, just in case.
"...And where did you just pull that from?"
"An Item Box is a must-have, right? I’m sure even demons use them."
"Not a pouch, but a ring-type? Those are rare. Was it made by a genius of spatial magic?"
"Who knows?"
I didn't know the creator of the ring either. I’d just picked it up while following the Hero party.
To be precise, I’d "borrowed" it from a corpse in a high-difficulty dungeon. I’d justified it as a necessary sacrifice for my fan activities and used it gratefully ever since.
"You... you’re unfathomable."
I handed over the Elixir. The General used it on his stump, looking skeptical, but his arm regrew instantly. He stared at his restored limb in a daze. I was a bit worried if it would work as well as the original, so I asked.
"How’s the new arm feeling? Think you can make that mask now?"
"Yeah... it should be possible."
"How long will it take? I’m a busy man, despite how I look."
"Here, take this," he said, handing me a mask he already had on him. "It’s a failure I made long ago. If you’re in a hurry, you can have it. I can make as many as I want now. But let me ask you one thing."
"What is it?"
"The Demon King desired peace... Did you use him?"
"No, I had no interest in the Demon King."
"...I suppose not. The Demon King moved of his own volition. I never believed in the existence of a mastermind either. But looking at you, I’m not so sure anymore."
What was he talking about?
"You’re overthinking it. I was just watching over the Hero party’s growth."
"Is that so? Even if you are the mastermind who used the Demon King, I no longer care. It was our loss for being unable to crush those schemes..."
Wait, what? He really thinks I’m the mastermind. I keep telling him I’m not!
"Are you planning on taking revenge on the Hero?"
"I have no such intention. And strangely, I feel no urge to kill you either."
Well, obviously. I’m not a mastermind, and I didn't take part in the war between humans and demons. I’m a complete outsider.
"As expected of a Supreme Commander. I wondered what kind of person could lead those ruffians and criminals, but you are even more bottomless than I imagined."
"Huh...?"
What was this guy saying? I was a fugitive; I didn't have any subordinates. I didn't even have friends.
"I think you’ve had a bit too much to drink..."
"Heh... yeah. Getting drunk on my own defeat and rotting away in a place like this... I was a fool."
"Uh, yeah. Sure."
He was clearly wasted. We weren't even having the same conversation.
"How about it? Do you have any interest in using me? I feel something from you that is different from the Demon King..."
"I have a policy against having subordinates. But if you want to follow me, I won't stop you."
"You won't command me, but simply 'accept' me?"
"Wouldn't that be more interesting?"
The idea of having a Demon General as a subordinate was way too scary. I just wanted to be acquaintances and maintain a comfortable distance. But I was also too scared to turn him down flat.
"To simply accept those monsters... you truly are a strange one."
"Wait, what?"
"I will prove my worth to you. Tell me your philosophy."
"I want to see heroes. An epic that will be told for eternity—I just love that kind of thing. That’s all."
"I see..."
It seemed the General finally understood. I was relieved we were finally on the same page.
"Your approach is interesting, but if you’re going to pull a group together, you’ll need a symbol."
"Hmm? Well, I guess a group would need one."
What was he talking about all of a sudden?
"I’ll craft a mask that can serve as that symbol. It won't have the influence I had in my prime, but still."
"Do whatever you like."
"And the name of the organization?"
Was the General going to start a club or something with his friends? I wished he’d just pick a name himself.
"How about... Hero Supporters (Hero Ouendan)?"
"Hero Order, then? Not bad."
He didn't even hear me right. What the hell is an "Order"? Drunks are so much trouble.
"As per your policy, I shall act as I please."
"Uh, okay."
The General gave me a meaningful look and then put on a different mask before disappearing. Now, what should I do?
"For now, maybe I should leave this city? I can change my face with this mask."
I checked the mask he gave me. It was a super-item that could register a person I’d seen and allow me to take on their appearance. I decided to head toward a more populated area.
＊
"Hey, did you hear that story?"
"Yeah..."
"Apparently, someone who looked like that wanted criminal was spotted in a nearby alley."
"It’s probably just a tall tale."
"I don't know about that. I mean—"
I was currently in a city tavern. It was a perfectly ordinary pub filled with rough-looking but regular guys. Judging by their gear, they looked like C-rank adventurers.
Since I don't drink, I was just snacking on some appetizers while eavesdropping on the rumors.
"They say he was seen talking to a remnant of the Demon King’s army."
"No way..."
"So the 'mastermind' theory was true after all."
"Then that other rumor must be—"
So someone had seen me talking to the General. By being seen with a demon remnant, I’d accidentally lent credibility to the mastermind theory. If they knew he was from the Demon King’s army, they must have heard our conversation, so why didn't they explain that part?
"How did they hear that conversation and end up more suspicious? Maybe I should start some rumors of my own?"
My face was different now. I had used the mask to copy the face of a random stranger I’d passed on the street.
He was quite a handsome man, so I figured it would be useful.
"Hello there, gentlemen."
"W-who are you?!"
"No way...?"
I spoke to the two men who were gossiping. Their reaction was a bit much—talk about an overreaction. Sure, this face was handsome, but still. I was starting to regret talking to them.
"That man you’re talking about, Emo Sugiru—he’s not a bad person. He’s just a bit... enthusiastic."
"A-are you one of Emo Sugiru’s subordinates too...?"
"You've got to be kidding me..."
Hmm, maybe I should play along as a subordinate? To convince them I was a good person, I’d tell them how well he treated me.
"Mr. Emo has been very kind to me."
"Seriously...?"
"Even someone like you..."
Yes, yes. If a handsome guy like this says he’s kind, they’re bound to believe it. I had to clear my name or face execution. I had to try.
"I’ll cover your tab. Now that the misunderstanding about Mr. Emo is cleared up, you’ll spread the word, won't you?"
"O-oh, yeah..."
"Thanks... So we just have to tell everyone else, right?"
"Yes, I appreciate you being so quick on the uptake."
What honest guys. I was grateful. If I didn't start managing my image like this, I’d be a wanted man forever. I wanted to be able to walk through the streets with my real face. I’d change my face again once I left the tavern. To make sure they spread the "good guy" rumors, maybe I should leave a generous tip?
"Well, excuse me."
"Take care. Though, I guess someone of your caliber doesn't need us saying that..."
"Yeah. A guy like you is bound to do well under Emo Sugiru."
"Huh...? Well, have a good night."
I didn't quite get it, but they seemed sad to see me go. What nice guys! I left the tavern with a spring in my step.
＊
"He’s gone."
"Yeah... I can't believe we ran into the S-rank adventurer, the 'Sword Saint'."
"And to think even he’s become one of Emo Sugiru’s subordinates..."
"We need to tell the Guildmaster about this immediately."
"Man, I wonder if he’ll even believe we met him in a tavern? Well, a promise is a promise."
The two men grinned as they looked at the pile of coins left on the table. As expected of an S-rank adventurer, he was incredibly generous.
"But hey, if even the Sword Saint is on his side, maybe he isn't a bad guy?"
"Who knows? Even villains can have charisma..."
"An evil charisma that can even charm the Sword Saint... If a guy like that is the mastermind, it all makes sense."
The rumor spread through the city like wildfire.
The biggest victim was the actual Sword Saint, but that’s a story for another time.
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