"Eugene…would you like to become a Demon Lord?"
For a moment, I couldn't understand what Eri had said.
"Oh… is such a thing even possible?" (Uther)
Principal Uther looked over with interest.
"Eri-senpai, that is absolutely not allowed!" (Mariel)
Mariel-san flapped her wings in a panic.
"Doryaa!!"
Meanwhile, Rosalie-san and the others continued attacking the Red Dragon, but as usual, it was barely effective.
"Well? What will you do, Eugene?" (Eri)
Eri peered into my face as she asked.
"If I become a Demon Lord…what happens?" (Eugene)
"You'll become stronger. Obviously." (Eri)
"Eugy-kun! Are you really going to become a Demon Lord!?" (Sumire)
Sumire, who must have been listening, ran over.
Sara and Airi followed.
"I…" (Eugene)
I couldn't decide.
"Well? There's no time." (Eri)
"If I do that, can we win the Trial of the Gods?" (Eugene)
"Who knows? But at this rate, we definitely won't." (Eri)
I repeated Eri's words in my mind.
She is right.
I came back to the past to win the Trial of the Gods.
There shouldn't be any reason to hesitate here.
"Eri, please. Make me stronger." (Eugene)
"That's what I like to hear☆" (Eri)
Eri smiled happily, as if she knew I'd agree.
She took my hand, her red eyes shining.
"So then, Demon God-sama? May I ask you to do the honors?" (Eri)
Eri spoke while looking into the air.
— "Good grief, you're as shrewd as ever, Eri-kun. I'll leave the fallen ritual to you." (Loki)
"Okaaay." (Eri)
The moment Eri replied, a black whirlwind formed around us.
A chant flowed from her lips like a song.
From shattered radiance, from fallen grace,
You were erased from the gates of heaven.
Now pass through the crimson flames and descend.
Remember who you were, reclaim your name.
O fallen one, arise, arise.
From the abyss where silent sorrow lies,
By blood and oath, by betrayed truth,
Answer now, the contract is sealed.
"Ghh…"
My body burned with unbearable heat.
"Old God…please tell us your esteemed name." (Eri)
Eri looked up at the sky theatrically.
— "Good grief, I didn't want to stand out this much…" (Loki)
The Demon God sighed, then continued.
— "I am Loki Titan…the forgotten ancient Goddess of Wisdom. In my name, I acknowledge you as my servant, Eugene, King upon the Mortal Realm." (Loki)
"Uwaaaaaaaaah!!!"
I screamed.
It felt as if my body might explode.
Violent mana swirled inside me, so overwhelming it didn't feel like my own.
"Haa… haa… haa… haa…"
I steadied my ragged breathing.
I placed a hand on the ground, then slowly stood.
"Eugy-kun…your wings…" (Sumire)
"Wings…?" (Eugene)
I glanced back.
Black wings, just like Eri's, had sprouted from my back.
Mana overflowed from my entire body.
(It feels like…I've become a completely different creature.)
I muttered inwardly with a wry smile.
It seems that Eugene Santafield has become a Demon Lord.