Chapter 164.1

Lets take a look at Aharthern, the Great Spirit Forest.

Through Sashas vision, I could see s.h.i.+n and Reno, and facing them was the Hero Kanon.

I refuse. (s.h.i.+n)

s.h.i.+ns blunt reply was met with a persistent protest from Kanon.

s.h.i.+n Reglia. This is a means to help the Demon King of Tyranny, to help Anos. Ill admit that no matter what the humans may be up to, he wouldnt even take notice of it. He took up the sword to protect, and he even saved his enemies. Would you let him engage the humans again after all this? (Kanon)

s.h.i.+n gave a wordless reply, while Kanon continued.

The humans made a foolish decision. Which is why I will atone for it with my own body. And bring peace without fail this time. What I want for him, who wished for peace far more than anyone else as he reincarnated, is that the next first thing he sees is a peaceful world. (Kanon)

Hero Kanon. s.h.i.+n said in a cold voice.

Regardless of the circ.u.mstances, do you truly think I would tolerate a fake Demon King? (s.h.i.+n)

I dont. (Kanon)

Then surely you understand what it means when you ask me to play the role of an impostors right hand man, dont you? (s.h.i.+n)

With the Demon Kings right-hand man by his side, everyone will believe that Avos Dilhevia is the real Demon King. If you care about Anos, then wont you a.s.sist me? (Kanon)

As soon as he said that, s.h.i.+n drew his iron sword and touched Kanons neck with it.

The Hero reacted just in time to grab it with his bare hand.

Blood dripped from his clutching hand, with red droplets falling to the ground.

Your belief that My Lord would have no choice but to wipe out humankind unless I a.s.sist you is no different than an insult. The Demon King of Tyranny is not so weak that it would come to that. No matter who plans what, he will overcome everything, and accomplish all of his goals. Without losing anything. (s.h.i.+n)

Youre right, he transcended everything. And yet, there were still things he couldnt protect. (Kanon)

My Lord has gained enough power not to lose anything ever again. And he will continue to grow stronger even after his reincarnation. (s.h.i.+n)

Even so! I have to show him that not all humans are foolis.h.!.+ Are you sure you want to leave it all to him just because hes strong? He had no choice but to become stronger precisely because he kept taking care of everything. He had no choice just to kill, destroy, and become a deterrent force to the point that he was called a tyrant! Kanon complained.

He expressed his sincere feelings as an ally of the demons.

Dont you feel the tragedy of his strength, of that solitary power? Because we were so weak, because we didnt have the resolve to stop this conflict, because we werent strong enough to put an end to this hatred, he had no choice but to die alone! (Kanon)

Kanon stared at s.h.i.+n with pure, unclouded eyes.

I agree that impersonating the Demon King is an insult to him. And I know now how eminent and inviolable his existence is to you all. Which is why, I will atone for the sin of impersonating the Demon King with my own body, and with my own death. As the phony Demon King Avos Dilhevia. (Kanon)

Kanon gripped the iron blade harder.

Im sorry. I cant afford to perish now. But in two thousand years, I promise I promise I will atone for it with my life. When that time comes, youll be free to take me down. (Kanon)

s.h.i.+n remained silent, with his cold gaze still on Kanon.

Surely as a way of saying that he didnt need to repeat himself, as his answer wouldnt change.

Realizing this, Kanon let go of the sword.

I made a promise. That the next time Im reborn, he and I would meet as friends. I wish to (Kanon)

Kanon corrected himself.

To show that he wasnt playing the role of the Hero, but just being who he was, Kanon.

I want to be worthy of being his friend the next time I stand before him (Kanon)

The two stared at each other.

s.h.i.+n pulled back his sword, shook off the blood on it, and sheathed it.

It appears that the Hero Kanon has gone insane. Such a man could never possibly succeed in spreading the name of a phony Demon King here in Dilhade. Therefore, leaving him to his own devices should not pose any problem. s.h.i.+n said as he turned on his heel and looked back.

I will reincarnate. I will be reborn in two thousand years from now. (s.h.i.+n)

What he probably meant by that was that while he couldnt cooperate in spreading the name of a phony Demon King, he wouldnt interfere with Kanons plan.

This was the best s.h.i.+n could do as my loyal retainer.

Thank you. (Kanon)

Kanon bowed deeply to s.h.i.+ns back.

A few moments later, after s.h.i.+n had walked away, Kanon raised his head.

He then slightly bowed to Reno, who was right in front of him.

Youve changed a bit, Kanon. You always looked like you were tormented by something, but now, I can see that youve gotten over it. (Reno)

If so, then it must be thanks to the Demon King Anos. (Kanon)

Kanon gave a refres.h.i.+ng smile.

And is it thanks to you that

he

changed? (Kanon)

Eh? (Reno)

Reno widened her eyes in wonder.

When I came here, I was prepared to be cut down. If s.h.i.+n had been the same as before, he wouldve drawn a demon sword instead of an iron sword. In fact, he might not even have listened to me at all. Ive never seen him without any hostility before. (Kanon)

I see. Maybe teaching him about love was actually worth it. (Reno)

Love? (Kanon)

Kanon gave her a confused look.

Then he smiled a bit.

Ahh, I see. No wonder you seemed so different from usual. Kanon said, as if he understood something.

And here I thought the Great Mother of All Spirits would never fall in love. (Kanon)

Stunned, Reno looked back at Kanon.

He looked as if he had just gotten a clear understanding of something.

Maybe this world is more full of love than I thought. (Kanon)

Kanon looked over his shoulder, with hope in his eyes.

With those last words, he left Aharthern.

Love Reno murmured.

Her cheeks turned vermilion, and her face relaxed.

I see. This is love Reno repeated once more.

In doing so, she seemed to be confirming her own feelings.

She instantly turned on her heel with full energy.

Then she ran as fast as she could in s.h.i.+ns direction.

s.h.i.+n! (Reno)

She soon caught sight of s.h.i.+ns back.

Even though the one he was dealing with was the Hero Kanon, he mustve been waiting for Reno so as not to get separated from her.