Chapter 45

AFTERWORD TSUKIKAGE It’s been a while, readers. Tsukikage here. Thank you so much for picking up this copy of Defeating the Demon Lord’s a Cinch (If You’ve Got a Ringer). This series has now reached Volume 4, marking over two years since it first began as a web novel. Time really does go by so quickly. Expanding on Volume 3, this is the edited and revised fourth volume of Defeating the Demon Lord’s a Cinch (If You’ve Got a Ringer), which was originally published on the website Kakuyomu. Our setting is the water capital, Cloudburst, which is much different from the earthy brown environment of Golem Valley in Volume 3. In place of Stephenne, the super-ditzy sister, two new mercenaries join the party this time around. In this peculiar environment, the sunken temple, a host of new problems stand in our party’s way. There’s also an attack by one of the Demon Lord’s underlings—this volume is full of all kinds of action and entertainment. I wish I could tell you the water capital means lots of ocean and swimsuit scenes! But our party is focused on defeating the Demon Lord, so don’t expect anything else. Sex appeal and flashing skin are nothing special. The highlight of this volume is our protagonist going on a rampage unlike any we’ve yet seen. He certainly has a lot of anger built up along the journey so far. The theme of Volume 4 is “Just what is righteousness, really?” Once you’ve finished reading, I believe this theme will have crossed your mind. It certainly did for me when I was writing it. Also, with the publication of this volume in Japan, the first volume of the manga version of Defeating the Demon Lord’s a Cinch (If You’ve Got a Ringer) by the artist Renga Kijima will be available for purchase as well. Thanks to the light, airy way they’ve depicted the setting, the Demon Lord world of the comics is so wonderfully different from the books. I would be elated if you checked it out—there’s a good chance it will also come with a brand-new short story. (I’m working on that now.) Okay, I feel the journey to defeat the Demon Lord is already quite lengthy, but in fact our hero’s quest has only just begun. Ares’s troubles will continue for some time. I will look forward to your continued support of the web, novel, and manga versions! As always, I must continue to acknowledge everyone who’s supported me. To my amazing illustrator, bob—thank you for your support! Your drawing of Ares on the book’s spine particularly filled my heart with gratitude. I must also express my thanks to my editor, Wada, who worked so hard on this volume’s publication, and everyone in the editing department at Famitsu. I look forward to your future support. Last but not least, thank you to everyone who’s supported this series since its beginnings on the web and to those who started with the published book. I express my deepest gratitude to you all.