The Elite Four had knelt before me, declaring, "Hero of humankind, who killed the Demon King, is the next Demon King until an heir rises. But you are unmarried, so from now on, you are the Demon King."
I refused their crown. "I will discuss this with the human king. Wait for my return."
With the Vampire Queen, Yevna the Necromancer, and Tamara the Slime Girl, I left the castle. The journey was long, crossing wastelands and battlefronts. Guards at the frontline whispered orders: "Target has reached. Seal the gate. Do not let him escape."
We passed through Necto Town, Inodum City, Swallow City, and Droscent Town. Everywhere, people whispered: "He killed the Demon King. If we oppose him, we will die."
At the gates of Poker Kingdom, I turned to my companions. "If you come with me, tragedy will follow. Thank you for your help. Goodbye."
I entered alone.
At the Adventurers Guild, I reported the Demon King's death. Silence fell. Adventurers trembled, shocked.
The castle gates opened. Guardians escorted me inside. I thought, Are there more guards than before? Perhaps changes have come in my absence.
In the throne hall, the king sat with ministers. My former companions—Bange, Alovent, Clever, and Sanot—stood near the stairs. The king's aura was majestic, suffocating.
"Hero," he said, "place your sword in the hole."
I obeyed. The sword locked in place. My Infinite Ring failed to store it.
The guardians shed their disguises. Assassins surrounded me.
The king's voice thundered. "Many candidates have been chosen as heroes. They all died in accidents. That is the hero's fate. But you… you killed the Demon King. That should never have happened."
He rose, his words sharp as blades.
"What will adventurers do now? What will happen to our kingdom's rank? What of the economy of the human realm? If locals rise to human status, nobles and royals will vanish. You are the greatest threat to humankind. You must be eradicated."
I struggled to free my sword. It would not move. My ring failed. I remembered the Demon King's last words: "I have seen many heroes. You are the first not weak in mind. You did not chase riches. You overcame struggle. It is pity you are human. But I know you will protect my demons. I can die peacefully."
I called to Narrate. Silence answered. I remembered his farewell: "Congratulations on defeating the Demon King. As guide, I return to the goddess realm. It was fun to travel with you. I will never forget this."
Now, I stood alone. No escape. No guidance. Betrayed by humans, abandoned by companions, surrounded by assassins.
The sound of spears pierced the air. Flesh tore. Blood spilled.
I staggered, my golden eye dimming. My mask cracked. My sword remained locked.
The king's voice echoed. "This is the fate of heroes. Tools to be used, then discarded. You are no different."
I fell to my knees. My vision blurred. Yet in my heart, catastrophe whispered. Even if betrayed, even if slain, your struggle is not in vain. You are Hero. You are catastrophe. Your legacy will burn beyond death.
Darkness closed in. The sound of spears rang louder.
Thus ends the Hero's trial in Poker Kingdom—betrayed by humans, abandoned by companions, slain by assassins. Yet catastrophe lingers, and the golden eye may yet awaken beyond death.