In the 100th iteration of the original work, it was described as a terrifyingly massive behemoth the size of a house.

With every gust of its fur and mane, which were almost like a manifestation of flames, sparks scattered across the battlefield, and with one roar, it ignited embers that would cause explosions inside the bodies of people—a powerful fiery behemoth king.

When it appeared at the borders of the Elphenheim Theocracy and the Ragneif Magic Republic through a dungeon burst, the area was completely devastated, and significant casualties occurred.

The Hellkion I had seen before in the cinematic video of the Black Mask Leader Quest also had quite a fearsome appearance.

But the beast before me was unmistakably a large dog, and at best, it was a wolf. It felt more like a pup than an adult.

Its red fur with a beautiful gradient that turned pink was the major reason for this impression.

[The "Confidentiality Investigator" sarcastically comments that it looks like you.]

[The "Word of Worldbuilding" compliments that the pink is lovely.]

“It was originally B-class. It became SS-class after the dungeon burst.”

Dungeon bursts not only draw out demons from the dungeon but also significantly enhance the power of the dungeon's owner.

“Yet it’s bulked up like this.”

Seeing the visible difference, I thought that the dungeon burst was really overpowered. The power of the Chaos Demon, which can trigger this phenomenon at will, is even more broken.

“If you prefer the bigger version, should I trigger a burst?”

“No, I think this one is cute.”

I flatly rejected Reid’s suggestion and hurried forward.

Hellkion's territory was a canyon where not even a blade of grass could be seen. The reddish-brown rocks were dotted with garnet-like red jewels.

This resource, called Mahyul Stone, was what had caused discord between the Republic and the Theocracy in the 100th iteration.

After walking along the straight path for a while, we arrived at what appeared to be a cozy nest.

The obedient Hellkion, in front of Reid, rummaged around and returned with something long in its mouth. It was a splendid flagpole and flag, the kind that would likely be hung on a fortress wall.

[ 'Holy Site Construction'

Creates a perfect safe zone that forbids enemy intrusion within a dungeon. The size of the constructed holy site varies depending on the owner's capacity, and while it's active, divine or magical energy is continually consumed.]

With this, I could guarantee my life even in a dangerous enemy territory.

Here, Reid revealed a slightly modified feature.

“It can be used not just inside dungeons, but in areas where a burst has occurred. Since both your divine power and my mana are infinite, it’s an artifact perfect for building a stronghold in a ruined world.”

[The 'Soul-judging Scales' is enraptured by the romantic statement.]

Considering the words of a person who speaks of destruction yet maintains a normal look in their eyes, I almost found myself thinking like the Scales...

[The 'Poison-tongued Cynic' suspects that the preference for captivity is a type of kink.]

[The 'Architect of Towering Trials' expresses that if one must be imprisoned, a tower would be preferable over a castle.]

Thanks to the gods of possession who poured cold water on me, I barely managed to regain my composure.

“There’s no need to use it for such things.”

“Right. We won’t destroy the world but conquer it. The ultimate goal is to establish laws that make the whole world love me.”

Reid laughed, vibrating with a deep tone, then passed the holy site construction artifact to me and patted Hellkion’s head.

Hellkion wagged its tail enthusiastically, as if pleased by the praise. Truly, there was no better-trained large dog.

Watching them, I suddenly wanted to try it too. I reached out my hand slightly... but then...

Grrrrrr!

“......”

The Chaos Demon, receiving the adoration of tens of thousands, rejected my touch. I knew it was a monster, but its appearance made me feel like I was being rejected by an animal, which was a bit heartbreaking.

At that moment, Reid, who had been patting Hellkion’s head, grabbed its neck with a firm grip.

“A dog should act like a dog.”

His voice, which sounded kind, was filled with killing intent. Poor Hellkion trembled and rubbed its head against me. It was a desperate and pitiful show of affection.

<Don’t bully animals!>

I took a random ball from my inventory and threw it far. Hellkion ran after it like a dog chasing after a ball.

Since I used the Queen's super strength and infused it with aura, it would be quite a challenge for it to bring it back.

While watching Hellkion’s pink tail disappear in the distance, Reid spoke.

“If it brings back the ball, I’ll reward it.”

“Ah, right...”

“Make sure to kill it painlessly.”

“......”

Yeah, that’s a monster. I shouldn’t be swayed by its appearance.

Unless the dungeon is closed, whether it’s a dungeon sync or dungeon burst, Hellkion will eventually cause harm to people. After all, the demon realm is constantly trying to invade the human world.

That reminded me of something I was curious about.

“Reid, you’re a Chaos Demon, so the demons listen to you. Can’t you order a truce with the human realm?”

“That’s a misinterpretation. The demons serve me because I’m the one who can bring about the destruction of the human world.”

“Really? Don’t demons always obey the strongest, most senior ones?”

“I told you before, I’m an anomaly. I slightly deviate from the demons’ laws regarding rank and contracts. That’s why I can never become a Demon Lord.”

“I see.”

Being special also means being unusual.

“You said before that the demon realm is a trash bin for the human realm, so it’s needed.”

“Yeah.”

“Is there no way to make the trash inside the bin satisfied with living there?”

“There is.”

“Oh, so that’s the solution? Chaos Demon! Returning to the human world!”

“......”

“I guess you didn’t want to hear that.”

Reid calmly explained the method.

“As I’ve said before, if you become the Demon Lord, the problem is solved.”

“......”

I guess my apology earlier wasn’t enough.

If not for that, I can’t explain why Reid’s smiling face as he looked at me now felt mischievous.

“Ayleth Rodeline. I’ve already given up on the destruction of the world, and now I’m trying to preserve the world you love as best as I can. So, don’t you think you should make some compromises too?”

“No, why do you want to corrupt me so much?”

“A goal I couldn’t accomplish in my past life?”

“......”

“I’m kidding.” 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Reid’s expression became serious.

“I really need this for my plans.”

“......”

Suddenly, I reflected on my situation.

Trying to soothe the destruction of the world, trying to conquer the world, stopping the demon realm from invading... I was exhausted.

“Let’s go back.”

“......And Hellkion?”

“Just leave it alone for now.”

He extended his hand toward me.

“Let’s go, Ayleth.”

“Yeah, Reid.”

Thanks to him, the weight of my steps leaving the gate became lighter.

At the border, the resilient wild grass swayed in green waves. The strong wind, which could create the waves of a great river, tossed my hair wildly.

I quickly tied my hair and looked back at Reid, only to discover something surprising.

The strong wind that rushed at me calmed down into a gentle breeze around Reid.

“Did you use magic?”

“If I had, you would’ve been affected too.”

He was the final Black Mask Leader, showing his loyalty toward his accomplice.

<I heard that high-level mages can distort the laws of nature within certain regions, but I’ve never seen it with my own eyes.>

“Aha, I thought it was because you were a Chaos Demon.”

At that moment, Reid took a step closer to me. It was a close invasion, so much so that my heel instinctively flinched.

“Now you’re within my domain.”

“Aha...”

I felt the wind dying down. But just as I was about to express my gratitude...

<Why not just expand the domain? >

“......I suppose so?”

The realization hit me.

“What did Saint Agnes say?”

“......”

I quietly gazed at him.

Without needing to speak, perhaps something was conveyed in my eyes, for Reid subtly averted his gaze and changed the subject.

“Where’s the next dungeon?”

“Let’s see.”

I pulled out a paper listing the dungeons from my chest.

“Our next destination... the Unisus Dungeon.”

“......”

For a moment, Reid’s eyes narrowed.

<Oh, isn’t that the one? The beasts that like virgins.>

Right.

Reid raised one side of his mouth into a grin. If both sides were symmetrical, it would’ve been a masterpiece of a smile, but sadly, only one side rose.

“I don’t remember writing this down. Why is a dungeon of beasts on the list?”

“I wrote it down. Unisus horns are materials for spatial transfer stones. It’s a high-value resource dungeon, so we need to stake a claim.”

Why did it feel like, although my reasoning was perfectly logical, I had to look out for Reid’s reaction?

Luckily, the interrogation didn’t last long.

“Yeah, we had to go at least once. ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) I’ll go quietly by myself.”

“Hmm?”

“I’ll go.”

“No, wait, Reid. To meet the Unisus King, I’ll need to throw out bait, so I need you.”