Legend of the Crimson Demon

Who am I?

Where am I?

What… was I supposed to do again?

Zunzun's mind was foggy.

He was suffering from post-ceremonial fatigue.

After learning advanced magic last night, he'd rushed straight to his teacher's house, dragged the poor old man out of bed like a burglar, and demanded an immediate graduation ceremony.

The teacher, still half-asleep and wrapped in his quilt like a burrito, tearfully declared that he had 108 more secret techniques to teach Zunzun—priceless ancestral knowledge of the Crimson Demon Clan.

Then he handed over a tattered book titled "My Struggle: A Magician's Journey" and called it the clan's sacred text.

…You're just trying to sell your self-published book, aren't you!?

Both the principal and the teacher were guilty of stocking the school library with their personal trash literature. And none of it was about spell theory or mana control—it was all about how to strike cool poses and deliver epic one-liners with perfect timing.

"Raise your right hand dramatically before casting magic!"

"Make sure your coat flaps in the wind, even indoors!"

Zunzun's graduation ceremony was supposed to be a simple formality.

Instead, it turned into a full-fledged theatrical production, complete with lighting, chants, and scripted battle poses.

It dragged on till morning.

Meanwhile, Megumin was probably being sent off right now by Yunyun, Funifura, Dodonko, and the rest of the gang.

And Zunzun?

He was currently at the Clan Leader's house.

Because yesterday, Yunyun had said a lot of stuff he didn't catch. Something about also wanting to leave the village.

Apparently, she was now formally petitioning her father—the motorbike-loving old man—for permission.

"Leaving the village, huh…"

The Clan Leader Old Man crossed his arms, deep in thought.

"But Yunyun, isn't your dream to become the next Clan Leader of the Crimson Demon Tribe? What about the village guerrilla squad?"

"Father, the Crimson Demon Clan is too small. If I want to become a leader worthy of the title, I need to gain experience in the outside world. I need to achieve something big so the whole village will recognize me."

Yunyun's voice was calm, but she was clearly flustered.

Because what she really wanted to say was: "Please let me chase after Megumin before she disappears!"

"Hmmm…"

The Clan Leader began stroking his chin like a wise philosopher.

Hurry up, old man! Megumin's gonna leave without her!

Zunzun couldn't take it anymore. He slammed the table.

"I don't know what schemes you're cooking up, or if you're just being a stubborn dad—but if you care about your daughter at all, just let her go already! And while you're at it, let me go too!"

The Clan Leader's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Zunzun, you're planning to leave the village too?"

"That's right. What's the problem?"

"Nothing! I feel so relieved now."

He nodded solemnly.

"I've always believed you were destined for greatness, Zunzun… After all, you were born with enough magic power to destroy the world!"

Here we go again…

This was a common Crimson Demon-style compliment, but no matter how many times he heard it, Zunzun could never get used to it.

Why is 'destroying the world' the baseline!?

The Clan Leader sighed emotionally.

"Yes… There's a lion hidden in your eyes."

"…Hold on. Did you just call me a loser!?"

Zunzun slammed the table again.

I finally graduated and learned real magic. Can someone, anyone, please call me cool for once!?

"Eh? Huh?"

Now the Clan Leader was confused. He'd spent days crafting that line!

"Zunzun?" Yunyun said nervously, unsure why her dad's words triggered such rage.

Zunzun took a deep breath.

"...Sorry. That was rude of me."

Right, right. "Lion in your eyes" probably doesn't mean failure in this world. He was just a little too on edge.

"Hahaha! Don't worry about it!"

The Clan Leader roared with laughter, now more convinced of Zunzun's potential. The boy's explosive anger had been inspiring.

"I feel relieved letting Yunyun go with you."

"I promise. I'll protect her. No matter what."

Of course, Yunyun was already a highly skilled great magician in her own right. She didn't really need protection.

But the words still made her blush furiously.

The Clan Leader nodded.

"Then I have just one last question. Since you're engaged, when's the wedding?"

"…That's not important right now. We'll just—wait, what did you just say?"

"The wedding. When is it?"

"Wedding with who!?"

"With Yunyun, of course."

The room froze.

Zunzun and Yunyun turned to each other in synchronized shock.

"F-Father!? W-What are you talking about!?"

"Eh? You don't remember the engagement?"

"I don't!"

"It was when you were both eight. Zunzun shouted in front of the entire village, 'Yunyun is the most important person to me!' 'I'm taking her with me—let's see who dares to stop me!' 'If I have to, I'll raze the whole village to protect her!' It was so moving!"

Zunzun's face twitched.

He said all that just to look cool and get her out of punishment…

How did it turn into a lifetime commitment!?

And YOU, Yunyun! Stop looking at me like that! Your eyes are sparkling too much!!

The Clan Leader wasn't done.

"And Yunyun, that night you said to Zunzun, 'I am not talented, please guide me from now on.' You told me about it with a big smile!"

"Wh-wh-WHAAAA!!?"

Yunyun's face turned scarlet and let off steam like a teapot.

She'd thought that was just polite social talk!

Later, Funifura and Dodonko had gleefully explained what it really meant.

The Clan Leader raised an eyebrow.

"So… was I wrong? Yunyun, don't you like Zunzun?"

"N-no… it's not that…"

She fidgeted.

In secret talks about love, Yunyun had confessed she liked boys who were gentle, quiet, and good listeners…

Zunzun actually fit all of them.

She stole a glance at him.

Zunzun was frowning slightly.

"If I say no… Yunyun won't be allowed to leave?"

"Of course not!" the Clan Leader said, as if it were obvious.

You scheming old bat!!

Zunzun took a deep breath.

Then, with uncharacteristic gravity, he declared:

"I will protect Yunyun. Even if it costs my life."

"Well said!"

The Clan Leader gave an approving nod.

Yunyun's cheeks were bright red. She looked like she might pass out from shyness.

Then the Clan Leader straightened up.

"Zunzun… the Crimson Demon Clan doesn't leave the village lightly. So tell me—what is your purpose?"

Zunzun met his eyes squarely.

"I want to become the Demon King."

"The Demon—Demon KING!?"

The Clan Leader's face twisted in disbelief.

"Zunzun… have you fallen to the darkness?"

"You're too self-centered, old man."

Zunzun secretly sprayed hairspray onto his palm.

"From the beginning… no one stood in the sky. Not you. Not me. Not even the gods."

"But now…"

He slicked his hair back with dramatic flair.

"The empty throne of heaven… ends here!"

"From this moment on…"

Zunzun struck a ridiculous JoJo pose, his crimson cloak fluttering even without wind.

"I will stand in the sky!"

He got scolded as a nuisance before the engagement.

He got scolded even more after the engagement.

What's the point of being engaged if I still get treated like a weirdo!?

-End Chapter-

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