His claims implied that he would rule over even the royal family of his nation as he became the supreme overlord of the world; these words were a clear sign of a revolt against the royals, but Raymond didn’t seem to care.
“I can’t do it alone,” he said, reaching out to the other three children. “However, if you lend me your aid, I’m certain that we can achieve the impossible. Please... Won’t you entrust your power to me? I simply wish for a prosperous kingdom, for a truly just world.”
The boy standing before Lofus seemed nothing like the second Demon Lord—the Raymond who tried to destroy the kingdom, and by extension, everything in his wake. No, this was a man with overwhelming charisma and an unwavering sense of justice who wished to rule over the world with benevolence.
As though they were in a trance, Annegelt and Orgus approached Raymond and knelt at his feet with adoration. Lofus also felt compelled to submit and kneel, but he fought against these urges and held strong. Raymond hadn’t used any sort of brainwashing spell; this was simply his pure aura and charisma that could make anyone infatuated with him.
Lofus let out a quiet sigh and gazed right at the duke’s son.
“I refuse,” Lofus said. He exhibited neither acceptance or rejection, but denial of the fact.
Raymond furrowed his brow slightly, while Annegelt and Orgus stared at Lofus with disbelief.
“Raymond, I have no doubt that you’ll fail,” Lofus said firmly.
“Why do you think that?” Raymond asked. “Do you not believe in my power? If so, I can—”
He raised his arm in the air, but Lofus once again denied the boy.
“No. I’ve no doubt that you’re powerful, truly,” Lofus said. “However, I still believe that you’ll fail in your endeavor. Even if we band together, we can’t topple this kingdom, much less the rest of the world.”
“I’d like for you to reach that decision after you see the full extent of my power,” Raymond replied.
A magic circle appeared above his head, spewing blue fire. Lofus knew this spell well—it was a summoning charm. Raymond’s high base abilities and excellent skills were just the cherry on top; his real power and prowess lay in his summoning magic, which placed him far above his peers, fitting for his title as the second Demon Lord. A massive dragon of light emerged from the magic circle and towered behind Raymond. This beast was mystical in nature and infamous for its destructive capabilities: Bahamut, the Dragon King. Its mere presence brightened the night sky like it was the middle of the day.
The beast’s wings, flickering with azure fire, could make its surroundings shimmer and waver in the heat, yet the mighty creature bowed its head in submission toward Raymond. Annegelt fell to the ground in terror, and Orgus could only freeze in place.
“This is my summoning magic,” Raymond said. “In fact, I’ve got several monsters of this caliber, Lofus. I hope this washes away all your concerns.” He smiled and outstretched an arm. “Come with me. We have more than enough power to rule the world.”
A terrifying amount of mana surrounded Bahamut, the Dragon King, but Lofus didn’t feel much of anything at all; perhaps in his dream, when he first saw the dragon, he would’ve cowered in fear, but the novelty had long worn off. He might have even deluded himself into thinking that several of these monsters were enough to take over a kingdom if the nightmare hadn’t taught him otherwise. Lofus, however, knew the future that awaited them all, and he’d already dueled and won against the Wicked Whale, a monster of comparable power. Bahamut was hardly a threat to him now.
Lofus used the needle stored in his ring and cut his finger, allowing droplets of blood to drip onto his shadow. In a flash, he produced a weapon that could slice through all.
“Reap life, Farmer’s Scythe,” he chanted.
Right off the bat, he used an ancient spell. Though Lofus wasn’t scared of Bahamut, he wasn’t arrogant enough to let his guard down or hold back. Bahamut was but a small nuisance when compared to the Wicked Whale, but since the beast had the elemental advantage, Lofus knew to go all out. He chose a spell that could kill the dragon without a shadow of a doubt.
Raymond stood there, wide-eyed, as Lofus swung his scythe down. The weapon didn’t even make a sound, but a moment later, Bahamut’s head went flying. The beast didn’t even get a chance to emit a final cry as it turned into particles of light and scattered into the wind. Raymond stood there stunned, unable to process what had just occurred, but Lofus laughed through his nose as he stared at the spot where Bahamut once stood.
“This dragon has the light element, doesn’t it?” Lofus asked. “It should have the advantage over my dark element, and yet it dispersed in one swing. So, Raymond, where is this power of yours that can supposedly topple nations?”
As Lofus did his best to goad and taunt his enemy, the flabbergasted Raymond showed a hint of true emotion for the first time. But he was neither angered by the derision nor saddened by the loss of his beast—he was elated.
“Ha ha... I can’t believe it...” he murmured. “Splendid!”
He gave a genuine smile, then quickly covered his mouth with his hand, trying to muffle the laughter spilling forth.
“Lofus, I apologize, truly,” he said, bowing respectfully. “It seems I’ve vastly underestimated your power and abilities, and for that, I’m genuinely sorry.” He looked up and gazed at the Lightless heir. “And now, I’m certain of it: You are essential to my plan. But it seems I’m unable to convince you today. Please, allow me to try to persuade you again some other time.”
Raymond grabbed Lofus’s hand, his voice sweet and gentle like a lover whispering sweet nothings. When Annegelt saw the two boys so close, she looked as though she’d had an earth-shattering realization.
“This...is shippable,” she whispered under her breath so faintly that no one could hear her.
Lofus quickly shook himself free from Raymond’s grasp.
“Let go!” Lofus snapped. “I don’t swing that way! Stop creeping me out!”
“Ha ha, don’t misunderstand,” Raymond replied. “I’ve already got an adorable, endearing fiancée.”
“Hmph. Then are you done? I’ll take my leave.”