Doppleganger.
It is a term used to refer to someone who looks unbelievably identical to oneself.
When two such individuals meet, one must d*e. One side must inevitably be killed.
Even setting aside those urban legends, it’s quite a bizarre occurrence.
“Older Brother, are you alright?”
“Uh… yeah, I’m fine.”
The Demon King looked exactly like Noah.
Why does the protagonist of this world and the final boss have the same appearance?
Shin Hyun had such doubts, but there was no answer forthcoming.
Of course.
After all, he had only found out about this two weeks ago, so what could he possibly do about it?
“…Haa, d*mn.”
For now, Shin Hyun was merely catering to the Demon King’s whims and trying to win her favor. Eventually, she would slip up and say something without realizing it.
There was a reason why Shin Hyun thought this way.
“Older Brother… are you really okay?”
“Um… my heart feels a bit painful too.”
“Are you alright? Should the Demon King blow on it to make it feel better?”
“It might be because of the bugs. If I remove this, it won’t hurt anymore.”
“Umm… but even so… if you remove that… the subordinates will do something terrible…”
As the Demon King said this, her eyes wavered.
Shin Hyun stared into her pupils and let out a hollow laugh.
“I’m fine.”
“Un… sorry…”
“Still, it’s a bit frustrating.”
“Uuuu…!”
“Just kidding, just kidding.”
“Hmph! Older Brother is bad!”
The Demon King turned her head, pouting.
Seeing this, Shin Hyun picked up a doll and spoke.
“I’m sorry~ please forgive me~”
“…”
“I want to play with the Demon King~ let me play~”
“…Only this time.”
The Demon King, inflating her cheeks, turned her body and lifted the doll. It was a childlike emotional fluctuation.
Shin Hyun watched the Demon King while playing with the doll.
‘Just a kid, isn’t she…’
Granted, if her outward appearance was accurate, the Demon King was barely seven years old. It was puzzling enough as it was.
Without joking, if they continued to get closer like this, she might even give him her commander position.
That’s how children are.
Which made it even more incomprehensible.
‘Why is she the Demon King?’
She’s young.
Too young.
Rather, if that cat over there were the Demon King, it would be believable.
What kind of being was the Demon King in this game?
In the very late stages of the game, they directly descend, overwhelming the magical girls, standing toe-to-toe with a highly trained Iris, and repeatedly delivering bad endings—pure evil incarnate.
And yet, its true form is a little girl resembling Noah. How is the world turning these days?
But no matter how much he denies it, it’s clear that this child will eventually face off against Noah.
‘This is getting crazier and crazier.’
Because the route he has been reincarnated into happens to be the happy ending route, events beyond his knowledge are unfolding.
Still!
“Playing with Older Brother is so much fun!”
“Is it?”
“Yes! I love it! Hehehe…”
…He’s really going to lose his mind.
Why does she have to resemble Noah anyway?
Instead of being the Demon King, she starts to look like Noah cursed and turned young.
‘d*mn.’
His mouth tastes bitter.
With this situation, will he be able to seal her away in the future? Depending on the circumstances, he might even need to prepare to k*ll her.
“Older Brother? What’s wrong?”
“No, nothing.”
The Demon King glanced around before placing the doll down. Then, she clung onto Shin Hyun.
“Older Brother looks tired, so I think we should stop.”
“Is that so?”
“Older Brother, I dislike seeing you tired even more.”
The Demon King kept clinging to him.
Shin Hyun sent a dazed gaze towards the Demon King who looked like a Golden Retriever that had found its owner.
‘Completely the same as what Noah does.’
She looks lonely and desolate. Once you share a little affection, she clings on exactly the same way.
Perhaps if he had met Noah earlier, this picture wouldn’t have formed.
“Cute.”
“If only she wasn’t the Demon King.”
“Flirting?”
“Are you insane?”
“Not really, it just seems like your taste based on how you flirt with Miss Noah…”
“She’s too young regardless!”
“Isn’t there such a thing as too young?”
“…You’re a kid; your phone’s confiscated.”
Why does that kid seem to be losing her marbles day by day?
“Older Brother?”
“Yes?”
“Are you tired?”
“Yeah.”
The Demon King nodded.
“Then let’s rest. Thank you for playing with me today.”
“Should we stop playing now?”
“Yeah. Older Brother looks tired. Go rest quickly!”
“Well, let me tidy up first-”
“Nope! The Demon King will clean everything! Older Brother, go quickly! Quickly!”
Under the Demon King’s pressure, Shin Hyun moved his feet.
Of course,
He had no intention of just leaving.
“…Hmm, done?”
“Eh? What are you doing there?”
“Ah, it’s you.”
“Yes, it’s me. Haha, did you fall for the Demon King again?”
“Hmm, something like that. Kids don’t seem to tire easily.”
“Children are like that. Ah, this… you’ve detained someone who was going to rest. My apologies. Please go rest.”
“I was thinking the same.”
Under Kkomkmu’s pressing smile, Shin Hyun hurriedly left.
Kkomkmu didn’t take her eyes off him until he was far away.
As if, watching him.
Once he disappeared down the corridor, Kkomkmu approached the Demon King.
“Now, how about it? Tell me everything you felt about him.”
Along with a gentle yet subtly threatening tone.
+++++
The Demon King always disliked this time.
“Oh ho, did he show such behavior?”
“Yeah. Older Brother seemed to enjoy playing with the Demon King.”
“Indeed, indeed… Could he be a p*dophile? He flirted with Miss Nanoa, and now he’s flirting with the Demon King.”
“I’m not like that with Older Brother. We’re just friends.”
“Friends. Just friends… Haha, good.”
Because.
“…Do not misunderstand. He is simply a piece on the chessboard, someone to be used someday to destroy the world.”
Kkomkmu always acted strangely at this time.
While enduring his mad gaze, the Demon King retorted.
“Can’t we just be friends?”
“No. I’m just saying don’t misunderstand our purpose.”
Kkomkmu spun around and gently stroked the Demon King’s shoulder.
“Our purpose is to destroy the world and enjoy ourselves, is it not?”
“…”
“Especially, I am looking forward to this world. And to you, growing stronger.”
“…”
“Do you understand my feelings, Demon King?”
“…”
“He will ultimately be discarded once used. Don’t become too attached to toys. Otherwise, you won’t grow into a great person.”
It was tormenting.
So frightening.
This doll was extremely dangerous. Even the young Demon King understood that.
However.
She couldn’t resist.
“…Shut up.”
No, she couldn’t resist.
Until she met him.
“Uh?”
A sound of doubt escaped from Kkomkmu’s lips. Facing his hollow gaze, the Demon King willingly stood up to it.
“Kkomkmu’s actions are boring.”
“…Boring, are they?”
“Yeah. Playing dolls with Older Brother is much more fun.”
“…Doll…play.”
“Kkomkmu should try playing like this too… It’s so much fun… You promised to make it super enjoyable, but you didn’t.”
All the complaints the Demon King had been suppressing burst forth.
During the past two weeks, the time spent playing with Shin Hyun was incredibly enjoyable for the Demon King.
Slaughter, massacres,
The aesthetics of destruction or whatever else.
Thus.
“No matter what, Kkomkmu…no.”
“Wait, stop right there.”
“Even if you’re Dad, calling Older Brother a toy is-”
“That’s enough!!!”
“Kkomkmu…!”
“You truly disobedient child! Fine, the conversation ends here. Remember why you were chosen! The reason why you were chosen instead of that trash, Nanoa!”
“A…Dad…that’s…”
“Not Dad! Kkomkmu! The doll you used to play with, Kkomkmu! Do you know why I’m dressed like this ridiculous outfit?”
“Sorry…”
“It’s because of you! All because of you! This is the state I’m in because of you!”
“…”
“So stop throwing tantrums now. Kid, you’re the Demon King. Understand? You’re the Demon King who will destroy the world.”
Sniffle sniffle.
With a whimpering sound, the Demon King nodded her head.
“A…I understand, Dad…”
“Kkomkmu!”
“Uh…uh…sorry Kkomkmu…I won’t do it again…”
“Since you’ve understood, that’s enough. Now, let’s clean up-”
At that moment, Kkomkmu’s ears twitched sharply.
“Over there! Who’s there!”
It was the sensation of someone eavesdropping on their conversation.
Swiftly rushing Kkomkmu.
The moment came when a man listening to the conversation melted away completely.
“…Was it my mistake?”
This happened before Kkomkmu even burst through the door.
+++++
‘How about Rust’s abilities?’
“Excellent. He’s not called one of the highest-ranking officers of the Demon King’s army for nothing. To create such a perfect double.”
“Sharing hearing and sight. It’s almost regrettable that one person can only create one such perfect clone.”
“Yeah, well…anyway.”
Ploof.
Shin Hyun, who had been sitting on the bed, fully lay down.
Though not particularly soft, the warmth covering his back was comforting.
Shin Hyun slightly closed his eyes.
It was a dilemma. Knowing such a huge secret had nearly paralyzed his brain.
But his mind was filled with thoughts of Noah.
“…What should I tell Noah?”
Your father might be some strange guy. He’s definitely hiding some big secret related to you.
No, he called you a failure, right? Believe me! Your father is surely some odd villain!
Would he say something like that?
“…Noah would be sad.”
Whatever way he phrased it,
“…Noah would be sad.”
It would be a painful story for Noah.
“There’s nothing to be done.”
He would continue doing what he’d been doing until now.
Being there for Noah whenever she’s sad, repeating that act countless times.
And.
‘Even if he’s the master, if he makes Noah sad…’
“I’ll smash his head in.”
Simply destroying anyone who obstructs Noah’s happy ending.
That’s all.
Hopefully, Noah won’t be too shocked. And hopefully, she’ll come soon. With that wish, Shin Hyun quietly took a breath.
“…But Master doesn’t deny the term ‘Master’, does he?”
“Be quiet.”
You’re ruining the mood.
