The NTR Hero Knelt Before the Demon King – Chapter 69

Samson began to wear a rather serious expression.

Then, with a slight drop in his voice, he cautiously started to speak to me and that emoticon… no, the girl named Samuel.

“Listen carefully, both of you. I’ve learned this through quite a reliable informant… it seems that there will soon be a Narcil Selection hosted by His Majesty, the Demon King.”

“The Narcil Selection?”

“What is that…?”

Samuel tilted her head slightly in confusion, along with me.

At this, Samson momentarily wore a blank expression, and then, filled with a bit of embarrassment, he said to us,

“Ah… no… you really don’t know? I can understand the Hero not knowing, but you too, Samuel?”

“I don’t know, I’ve never heard of it. What exactly is it?”

“Hmmm…”

Samson showed a slight expression of frustration at Samuel’s reaction.

He then sighed softly and continued speaking in a calm tone.

“Hah… well, if you don’t know, there’s nothing I can do about it. To put it simply, the term ‘Narcil’ refers to the greatest warrior in our Demon Kingdom, and to determine this, our Demon Race has held a tournament every five years to pit warriors against each other.”

“A tournament… is it like a duel? Similar to the gladiator fights humans have in the arena?”

“Well, you could say it’s similar, but it’s somewhat different in nature. This Narcil Selection is not merely for entertainment like the human matches; it also serves the purpose of selecting capable individuals to serve the Demon Kingdom, regardless of their status.”

In other words, this Narcil Selection could be likened to the military examination in Joseon Dynasty.

Of course, it’s inevitable that there will be fights between skilled warriors, but it can’t be said that it lacks entertainment entirely. The fact that it serves as an examination to judge one’s worth and subsequently offers substantial rewards like fame, wealth, and positions provides considerable motivation.

After answering my question, Samson downed the drink he was holding and continued speaking.

“Though the tournament has been suspended due to the war with the Racial Alliance, it seems that now that the war is over, they plan to hold it again soon. Especially since this hiatus has been quite long, it’s likely that this time the scale will be the largest in history.”

Samson’s voice was quite animated as he talked.

However, contrary to what I had imagined, I felt a bit indifferent to the matter and showed a lack of enthusiasm.

“Well, it sounds interesting enough… but for me, it would just be a spectator event, wouldn’t it? Since I’m human, I can’t participate anyway.”

“Same here; even though I’m only three years in, as a Demon General, there’s no way a newcomer like me would be allowed to participate.”

While it would be fine to think of it as merely a spectacle, that’s all it was.

I couldn’t quite grasp why Samson was being so serious about it either.

But right after that…

As if anticipating our reactions, Samson smiled naturally and shook his head slowly as he said,

“Not at all. For someone like me who has already been selected as a Narcil, participation is naturally prohibited, but for anyone else, it doesn’t matter what race you are or what position you hold—if you are a citizen of the Demon Kingdom, you can participate.”

“Is that really true?”

“Hmm… if that’s the case, things are beginning to look a bit different.”

Samson’s words indicated that anyone could participate in the Narcil Selection unless they had previously won.

Automatically, I found myself increasingly interested in the matter.

The Narcil Selection tournament, where one could grasp vast wealth, fame, and power all at once.

However, what I truly wanted wasn’t any of those grand things.

‘…Perhaps… if I win this tournament, my perception in the world might change a lot.’

Though I may not have been as boisterous as someone like Samson, I still faced prejudice for being human, which caused me to receive rather unfriendly looks from the surrounding demons.

Even today, there were quite a few people here glancing at me with distaste, and decisively, even though I had become close with the Demon King due to this situation, I couldn’t comfortably meet him due to the surrounding eyes.

‘If I were to emerge as a participant in the Narcil Selection… wouldn’t the demons’ reactions towards me ease up a bit? Of course, that prejudice might not completely vanish, but at least to some extent…’

Given the demons’ nature of valuing strength, this could be significantly effective.

While my accomplishments from the recent war were undoubtedly impressive, leading to a considerable number of demons holding a positive view of me, the majority still couldn’t fully accept it.

Naturally, unless those who had fought alongside me at the front, for others it was just a passing story and would be hard to take to heart.

Furthermore, from the perspective of demons unaware of the details, I could be seen as something of an unexpected newcomer thrown into the mix.

In that regard, I viewed the Narcil Selection, capturing the attention of most demons, as a golden opportunity to significantly improve my negative image.

“Then I would like to participate as well. Despite how I look, I too am a martial artist who reveres strength. I can’t miss a chance to prove myself as a warrior.”

“Haha, I knew you’d say that! I’m looking forward to seeing your fine performance.”

“I also want to join. I may be a Demon General, but I merely protected the rear during the recent war, engaging in dull battles. I want to fight strongly with others for a change!”

With a face that resembled a cute emoticon, Samuel declared her intention to participate while munching on meat.

While she looked funny on the outside, her aura of determination was unmistakably radiating from her.

It was clear she was confident in her abilities.

Seeing this, I recognized that despite her comical appearance, she was also a formidable warrior befitting her status as a Demon General.

‘In terms of combat power, she is at least superior to Eliza… well, I suppose we’ll have to see when we actually face off.’

Even so, I certainly didn’t think I would lose, but I definitely shouldn’t underestimate her.

Thus, while making sure to remember this emoticon before me, I downed the drink in front of me.

*

After parting ways with Elias, Eliza was walking alone in the backyard of the Demon King’s Castle.

With Rebecca and Amelda kept away, she was deep in thought about what to do next with a serious expression.

‘There’s no doubt anymore that Mama has a relationship with the Hero… so the choice I have to make now is…’

The one who had loved her more than anyone else in this world was her mother, Elias.

Eliza had lost her father at a young age, but her mother’s devoted love allowed her to grow up receiving plenty of affection.

In that sense, Eliza had always sincerely loved and respected her mother as a daughter, and that remained true at this moment as well.

However…

Regardless of the mother-daughter affection, Eliza had no intention of giving up on her feelings for the man she first truly liked.

She could never choose to forgo the sweet, exhilarating emotions she felt for her first love.

‘I won’t let go. No matter how much of a mama’s girl she is, do they think I’d just abandon the Hero? I’ll never let that sweet, gentle touch be taken away. I will definitely… absolutely win the Hero’s heart.’

With that determination growing fierce within her, Eliza ignited a burning resolve towards Elias.

However,

She also knew all too well that this wouldn’t be easy.

From the situation, it seemed that Elias and the Hero had already crossed a significant line.

No matter what, they likely hadn’t gone all the way, but from the marks on her neck and scent, it was clear they had been in each other’s intimate spaces.

Starting from the initial point, Elias was undoubtedly way ahead compared to Eliza.

Moreover, the more serious issue was that, realistically, Eliza found herself falling short of Elias in several ways.

While the positions of the Elite Guard Four Kings and the Demon General were publicly seen as equal, in the eyes of the world, the Demon General’s role, which held authority over a massive army, was often seen as higher.

In addition to that position, the individual strength that Elias possessed was also superior, and as for feminine charm, Elias, possessing mature beauty unlike the childish appearance of Eliza, was certainly more attractive.

‘At least we’re not that far off in bust size, but when it comes to Mama’s rich allure, I’m bound to be overshadowed… Damn it… what on earth should I do? How can I defeat Mama?’

As she tried to begin her own battle, feeling overwhelmed by all the disadvantages, Eliza’s mood worsened further.

At that moment…

She seemed to catch a glimpse of a flicker of hope as a certain thought suddenly arose in her mind.

‘Right… didn’t they mention there was going to be a Narcil Selection soon? If I use that well, perhaps…’