“Could it be that I’ve changed too many things in this world?”
He gazed up at the setting sun from atop his horse, lost in thought.
“There’s no point in regretting it now. I’ve already set foot on a path from which there’s no return.”
At that moment, he spotted something gleaming faintly in the distant grasslands.
At first, he thought it might be an optical illusion, but as he rode closer, it began to resemble part of an ancient ruin.
Drawn by curiosity, he urged his horse forward to investigate.
The ruins consisted of red stone walls and a few weathered columns, standing as if forgotten by time.
Despite being close to the capital, the site seemed largely abandoned.
Moss and creeping vines covered the stones, blurring the edges of what remained.
“Could this be a relic from before the Imperial era…?”
Dismounting, he surveyed the area carefully.
He didn’t sense any immediately dangerous energy.
However, with night beginning to fall, it wouldn’t be wise to stay long.
“I should come back here another time when I have more time.”
Committing the site’s appearance to memory, he remounted his horse.
By the time he reached the city gates, darkness had already fallen deeply over the capital.
The guards recognized him and opened the gates, allowing him to enter alone without escort or carriage.
Though the capital’s streets remained lively even at night, he headed directly for his residence.
Upon entering, the servants, who had waited past midnight, greeted him.
“Lord Kareha, would you like to rest immediately, or shall we prepare a meal for you?”
Though tired, he remembered the duties that awaited him.
“Please prepare a simple meal and tea. Also, bring all the documents from the Imperial Palace to my study.”
The servants moved into action.
Retreating to the inner study of his residence, he sat at his desk.
As he ate the bread and tea brought by the servants, he opened the stack of official documents.
Among them was an urgent summons from the Emperor himself, bearing the imperial seal, calling for an emergency military conference.
Scanning the contents, he realized he would need to visit the palace early tomorrow morning.
The next item was a formal invitation from the Central Noble Assembly.
It seemed they intended to begin discussions on the proposed national reform.
“The entire country is gradually changing,” he reflected.
“Given my role, it’s inevitable that I’ll be deeply involved in these matters. And no doubt, new complications will arise.”
He had already caused numerous changes, and more would follow.
But he couldn’t help but question whether all these alterations would truly help prevent the Demon King’s revival.
He also wondered if the “Hero,” who was supposed to appear in the distant future, would actually emerge.
On the other hand, perhaps there were other variables he hadn’t considered.
While novels hadn’t mentioned it, there might be other powerful beings or forces lurking somewhere in this world.
They could either help or threaten him.
“As it stands, there’s no end to the things I need to do.”
Finishing his thoughts, he organized the remaining documents, dismissed the servants, and remained alone in the study.
The flickering candlelight barely illuminated the room, while the wind whispered outside the window.
In the quiet of the night, all he could hear was the steady beat of his own heart.
“The Demon King… and the Hero. There must be some inevitable connection between them, the kind of setup often found in novels. But now, everything has changed.”
As his tea cooled, he sipped it slowly, his mind racing.
And then the thought struck him: could there be “other, unknown variables” at play?
Forces or beings the novels hadn’t mentioned might exist somewhere in this world.
They might prove helpful—or they might pose a threat.
“Regardless, I can’t afford to lose focus.”
The next morning, he headed to the Imperial Palace promptly.
The emergency military conference was held in one of the palace’s most secure chambers.
The attendees included the Emperor, his closest generals, and a select few high-ranking officials.
“Good to see you, Kareha,” the Emperor greeted casually.
Inside the room, besides the familiar military figures he often encountered, there were also unfamiliar faces.
A cloaked figure resembling a magician, and a woman who looked like a diplomat.
The tension in the room was palpable even at that early hour, and the Emperor’s gaze was unusually serious.
“Recent reports indicate unusual activity near the border. It’s not just monsters or spies from neighboring countries—it appears traces of the Demon Race have been detected.”
The Demon Race.
He felt a sinking sensation in his chest.
While he had known the Demon Race existed—it was a common rumor, and they had been important characters in novels—historically, they only appeared on the continent during large-scale conflicts linked to the Demon King’s revival or the rise of a powerful Demon leader.
“The Demon Race… now?”
He couldn’t hide his surprise.
The cloaked, magician-like figure spoke.
“Based on our investigations, it doesn’t seem to be a large-scale movement yet. However, we did detect energy signatures uniquely tied to the Demon Race. They used magic unlike humans, and we found symbols linked to them at the scene of certain incidents.”
The Emperor surveyed the room gravely.
“The Demon Race’s activity is a dangerous sign. Historical records show that when the Demon Race became active, turmoil swept through the continent.”
He felt an ominous sensation rising inside.
“Could this have any connection to the Demon King’s revival?”
The magician shook his head.
“It’s too early to say for sure. However, since the Demon Race has begun moving across the continent, there may be a specific purpose. It might involve the Demon King’s revival, or it could be a group preparing for that revival.”
The Emperor’s voice was heavy as he concluded.
“Nevertheless, we cannot be complacent. Given the confirmation of the Demon Race’s presence, I will issue a state of alert throughout the Empire.”
He turned to Kareha.
“And, Kareha, I have a special mission for you.”
Kareha looked at the Emperor, his expression tense.
“Give me your orders.”
The Emperor unfurled a large map.
“Traces of the Demon Race were found near a ruined village to the west. Since you’ve successfully handled monster extermination missions in that area before, I trust you to investigate personally.”
Kareha agreed immediately.
“I understand.”
After the meeting ended, Duke Ludbert, a close confidant of the Emperor, pulled him aside.
The Duke’s expression was unusually serious.
“Lord Kareha, the Demon Race… it’s quite unexpected. Do you have any additional information about this?”
Kareha shook his head.
“I know as little as anyone. However, I believe that if the Demon Race begins significant activity, the entire continent could be in danger.”
The Duke sighed.
“Your skills on the battlefield are an invaluable asset to our Empire. If the Demon King should rise, your strength will be even more critical.”
After bowing to the Duke, Kareha left the meeting room.
The shadow of the Demon King felt closer than ever.
He had a premonition that the scenario he had feared was unfolding before his eyes.
“The Hero hasn’t appeared yet, but the Demon Race is already stirring.”
As he walked, internal conflict welled within him.
“If this pace continues to accelerate, the Demon King could return sooner than the timeline in the novels.”
After leaving the Imperial Palace, he immediately began preparing for the Demon Race investigation.
He reorganized his available troops and mobilized mages and scholars to gather relevant information.
According to the novels, the Demon Race were terrifying beings equipped with overwhelming power and cold ruthlessness.
If they were to invade the continent in force, countless victims were almost certain to follow.
Through hours of research into ancient texts, he uncovered another significant fact.
Historical records indicated that whenever the Demon Race had begun organized activity, it was always preceded by signs of the Demon King’s power awakening.
This meant that even if the Demon King was not yet fully resurrected, his influence could rouse the Demon Race as his essence began to permeate the world.
“The Demon King hasn’t fully returned yet, but his influence is perhaps already seeping into this world…”
Kareha rested his forehead in his hand, setting down his pen.
“If that’s true, we may not have as much time as we thought.”
He had assumed there were still about ten years until the events of the novel would unfold, but many events were already deviating from their original course.
“Perhaps it will happen sooner. Or maybe an entirely new scenario is unfolding that I’m not aware of…”
After spending the entire night preparing, he finally rested briefly at dawn.
As soon as morning broke, he gave orders to his subordinate officers.
“I’m heading back to the western border. We need to find any clues related to the Demon Race and track down their base of operation.”
The soldiers, though startled by the mention of the Demon Race, remained composed, inspired by Kareha’s unwavering resolve.
Having already fought alongside him in several battles, they trusted and were ready to follow him.
Before setting out, he convened a briefing with the court magicians.
“The magic used by the Demon Race differs from that of humans. You’ll often detect a characteristic ‘dark energy.’ When approaching suspicious areas, you must conduct a magical scan first.”
An experienced mage advised him.
“I understand. I’ll bring along those skilled in magic detection.”
With that, he departed for the western border, accompanied by the special support unit provided by the Imperial Palace.
Images of the ravines, ruined villages, and monster-infested zones from his memory flashed in his mind.
This time, he would search for traces of the Demon Race.
As the caravan marched, he discussed strategy with his subordinate commanders.
“The Demon Race is said to have a completely different appearance from humans, although some can mimic them. Some old legends claim certain demons can transform into near-perfect human forms…”
At this, the commander’s face stiffened.
“That’s true,” Kareha mused. “It’s troubling.”
Their journey continued toward the western frontier.
