Sasaki Aya -Sa-san- was my classmate back in high school, but her circumstances in this world are vastly different from mine.

After being transported to an isekai, unlike me, who studied magic as an otherworlder at the Water Temple, Sa-san reincarnated as a monster in Labyrinthos, the largest dungeon on the West Continent.

Her new race was that of a lamia -a snake woman.

A monster that inhabits the middle layers of Labyrinthos.

She became a Lamia Queen after evolving.

The defining traits of the lamia race are that their upper bodies resemble humans, they excel in transformation magic, and they are monsters that disguise themselves as humans to prey on them.

However, perhaps because she retained nearly all her memories from her previous life, Sa-san’s way of thinking has remained unchanged from when she was human, rather than that of a man-eating monster.

According to the Destiny Goddess, Ira-sama, it’s extremely rare for someone to retain all their memories after reincarnation.

Normally, memories are lost or fragmented.

I was truly lucky that Sa-san still remembered me.

Because of that, she has never attacked humans, let alone eaten them.

The only change she’s mentioned is, “I think I like meat more than before.”

Perhaps due to the influence of her reincarnation, her upper body still closely resembles how she looked in our previous world, making it easy to recognize her when we reunited.

She spends all her time in human form using transformation magic.

Occasionally, though, the magic wears off when she’s sleeping, and I wake up to find her coiled around me, which can be a bit startling.

She’s always cheerful, laughs a lot, and is incredibly strong when it comes to fighting monsters.

She’s one of the mood makers of our party.

Currently, she and Lucy have gained fame as Orichalcum Rank adventurers, closely associated with Princess Sofia of the Water Country, Rozes.

That said, when we first reunited, she was obsessed with one particular person.

Her elder sister from the lamia race.

The one who -after her reincarnation- became her family.

And also… the one who betrayed her.

During a territorial dispute in the middle layers of Labyrinthos, her sister revealed a secret exit to the harpy tribe, leading to the deaths of Sa-san’s entire family in this world.

It seems there was a deep-seated conflict over how their family should be raised, which escalated into hatred and ultimately betrayal.

In the past, Sa-san used to say with a dark expression, “I will definitely get revenge on Big Sis.”

But lately, she doesn’t talk about it anymore.

She made new friends in this world, like Lucy.

Other friends, like Princess Sofia, Furiae-san, and Nina-san.

Reunited classmates like Yokoyama Saki, Sakurai-kun, and Fuji-yan.

And… well, I suppose I, her current boyfriend, am also one of the reasons for her change.

Even so, I’ve heard her having nightmares from time to time.

Sometimes, I’ve even caught her crying in secret.

So perhaps, deep down, she never truly let go of her thoughts of revenge.

That’s why, when the Moon Oracle, Furiae-san, used her Clairvoyance and saw a vision of Sa-san reuniting with her lamia sister, Sa-san didn’t hesitate to ask, “Where do I need to go?”

Right now, Lucy, Sa-san, and I are on our way to the Demonic Continent.

◇

“…H-Hey, Makoto. Are you sure this is the right place?” (Lucy)

“If what Fu-chan said is true, ‘that person’ is supposed to be in the Gloomy Forest at the edge of the North Continent, right?” (Aya)

“Yeah, this is the right place.” (Makoto)

Lucy and Sa-san both asked nervously.

We were currently walking through Wreath, the largest city on the Demonic Continent.

A massive city teeming with demons and monsters.

It had been a thousand years since I was last here.

For Lucy and Sa-san, this was their first time.

There probably aren’t many adventurers who willingly visit a demon city.

When we arrived, the demon gatekeepers initially tried to intimidate us, but the moment I showed them the Dragon King’s Emblem, they hastily saluted in respect.

The authority of the Ancient Dragon King, Astaroth, is quite useful.

The city was lively, with merchants calling out from stalls and plenty of people already drinking in the taverns despite it being midday.

While 99% of the city’s inhabitants were demons or monsters, I spotted a few individuals who resembled humans.

They were likely devilkin.

It seems that Wreath does a lot of trade with the Moon Country, Laphroaig, so they could be people from Furiae-san’s homeland.

“Hey, Makoto. Where exactly are we headed?” (Lucy)

“The Destiny Goddess, Ira-sama, told me that someone here knows where Sa-san’s sister is.” (Makoto)

“Can’t we just go search the forest ourselves?” (Aya)

Sa-san tilted her head in confusion, so I explained.

“The Gloomy Forest is said to be larger than the entire Water Country, so finding her on our own would be impossible. Princess’s Clairvoyance only pinpointed the general location, and Ira-sama can only track strong demons like Demon Lords. The best way to find out more about demons is to ask other demons.” (Makoto)

“I see.” (Lucy)

“Got it, Takatsuki-kun.” (Aya)

They seemed satisfied with my explanation.

We wandered through the Magic City, exploring.

I was worried we might get harassed by other demons or monsters, but that surprisingly didn’t happen at all.

“Hey, pretty half-elf lady! Try this Sunshine Peach drink! You’re gorgeous, so I’ll even give you a discount!”

“Hmm, sure. I’ll take one.” (Lucy)

“Hey there, cute little lamia girl! How about some Sky Grape sherbet, the hottest treat in the West Continent? I’ll throw in some Cloud Strawberries for free!”

“That sounds delicious! I’ll take it~☆” (Aya)

The two, who had been tense at first, quickly adapted.

Thinking about it, Lucy is half-demon, and Sa-san is a full-fledged monster.

It wasn’t strange for them to feel comfortable here.

If anything, I, who has no connection to demons or monsters, should be the one getting trouble. But most likely thanks to the Dragon King’s Emblem hanging from my neck like a necklace, no one dares approach me.

(What’s the matter, Makoto? Did you want to get into trouble?) (Noah)

(Not exactly, but I was at least a little nervous being back in a demon city.) (Makoto)

(No demon or monster is dumb enough to mess with someone who has entered godhood like you. They have better danger instincts than humans.) (Noah)

(Is that how it works?) (Makoto)

I continued heading toward the location Ira-sama had told me about while absorbing Noah-sama’s teachings.

I have been there before, but I didn’t memorize the way.

Fortunately, the building itself was massive.

Its roof was already visible from a distance, so I just had to walk toward it.

But no matter how much we walked, we didn’t seem to get any closer.

It took us over an hour before we finally reached the gigantic gates.

“Finally, we made it!” (Lucy)

“What is this place? A castle?” (Aya)

“Since the Ancient Dragon King used to live here, I guess it’s technically the ‘Demon Lord’s Castle’? There’s no Demon Lord living here now, though. Apparently, it’s used as the government office of Wreath. This place supposedly keeps track of where all the demons on the Demonic Continent live.” (Makoto)

That was the information I got from Ira-sama.

Surprisingly, residents have to register their domiciles even in the Demonic Continent.

It’s said to be a remnant from the time of the Calamity Witch, Nevia-san, a thousand years ago.

That witch… She was doing proper government work.

Even though she could do whatever she wanted with charm magic, she was serious about ruling.

When I explained this, Lucy and Sa-san looked up at the massive building with expressions that were hard to describe.

There were no gatekeepers.

In the past, two massive dragons guarded the gates, but now there was no sign of anyone.

“Excuse us!” (Makoto)

I slowly pushed the enormous dragon-sized gate.

The gate swung open with a loud creak, its neglected hinges protesting.

Not even locked. How careless.

“Hey! Is it really okay to just walk in, Makoto?” (Lucy)

“Trespassing is a crime, Takatsuki-kun!” (Aya)

“It should be fine… I think. I know the person inside.” (Makoto)

“Really?” (Lucy)

“Then, I’ll come in too!” (Aya)

Lucy and Sa-san followed behind me.

The door to the castle beyond the gate wasn’t locked either.

A piece of paper was stuck to the door, with words written in red-black ink that looked like blood.

It was in demon language. Something I shouldn’t have been able to read, but…

(After staring at it for a bit, I could read it.) (Makoto)

This is apparently the effect of my God Eye.

Handy.

The paper read:

―――――――――――――――
The Central Government Office and former Demon Lord’s Castle that exists for the city and your sake.

If you have any concerns, feel free to consult us anytime.

We sincerely welcome you!
―――――――――――――――

That was the gist of it.

…This place has a surprisingly welcoming vibe.

“I wonder what it says…” (Lucy)

“It’s a little creepy, Lu-chan. What if it’s cursed or something?” (Aya)

The two of them seemed uneasy since they couldn’t read demon language.

“It’s not anything dangerous. Let’s go inside, you two.” (Makoto)

I opened the door and stepped in.

The inside of the building was just as empty.

(Could it be that no one’s here…?) (Makoto)

That thought made me uneasy, but then I heard a voice from within.

“Oh my, how rare. Do we have guests? Please, come inside.” 

I recognized the voice, but it had been so long that my memory was a bit hazy.

Deeper inside was the throne room where I first met the Ancient Dragon King.

That was probably the government office’s reception area now.

“Excuse us.” (Makoto)

I entered the grand hall where the throne stood.

At the very back of the hall stood a tall, slender demon.

The massive throne that once belonged to the Ancient Dragon King…

Beside it was a normal-sized desk and chair, where he was seated.

Stacks of papers were piled high on the desk.

He looked busy, but as soon as he noticed us, he stood up and approached with a smile.

…Or at least, I assume it was a smile.

His eyes were completely covered by layers of cloth.

Not that it could be helped.

His eyes were the legendary Magic Eyes of Petrification.

Having been petrified once myself, I knew firsthand how dangerous they were.

“Long time no see, Setekh.” (Makoto)

“That voice…! I thought the Spirits were unusually restless. It’s been a while, Apostle-dono of Goddess Noah.” (Setekh)

The one waiting in the former Demon Lord’s Castle, now the Central Government Office, was one of the Immortal King’s executives, Setekh.

■Comments Response: 

>I wanted Mary-san and Lucas-san to be called to the wedding of Makoto and see his growth.

-I couldn’t write it all, but all the people in his adventurer time in Makkaren were there.

>The big sister was killed in the manga, wasn’t she?

-Yes. She is alive here.

■Author’s Comment:

Tomorrow is an upload date for Zero Sword…! 

Publishing chapters consecutively is tough! (A rule I myself decided)

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