Elefan Asad Rinoceros. The First Demon Lord, and the strongest Demon Lord in this world.
About five hundred years ago, a small nation that made her angry was ground to dust by her hands. To the south of the True Continent lie the islands that remain—their shape like flowers, which is why they're called "Tragedy's Blossoms." They are said to lodge a deep fear of the Demon Lord in people's hearts to this day.
By the way, I heard this later from Paimon.
"I'm Amduskias. The Thirteenth Demon Lord—just born the other day, a newcomer, really."
I figured I should return the introduction. After shaking hands with Tile, I stole a glance at the beautiful woman beside them.
Her silver hair, which fell past the backs of her knees at her roughly 170-centimeter height, swayed in the wind and shimmered.
"Mm-hmm! She's gorgeous, isn't she, my Elefan?"
Tile puffed out their chest with a hint of pride. Honestly? I could see why. If you had a girlfriend that beautiful, any guy would want to show her off.
Then again... was Tile even a guy? With that fluffy, unruly hair, they looked like a total pretty girl. What a waste.
"So, Amduskias-kun, what made you set up shop here?"
Tile asked, still wearing that constant smile.
"Aye, this place isn't exactly ideal for a base, is it? And I'm not just talking about water and food. There's no trade at all, and on top of that, it's right next to the True Continent—other Demon Lords are bound to notice. For someone who just popped into existence, I reckon it's a mite too harsh a place."
For a moment, I hesitated. Should I answer honestly? Well, the answer came pretty quickly anyway.
"Someone asked me to do something. To put an end to the conflict between humans and Demon Lords."
"Hooh!"
Tile's eyes went wide in surprise at my answer. "Aye, I see. So that's why you're here. From here, you can split the two continents, and if you reinforce that dungeon of yours, even breaking through would be a real challenge. Aye, I see, I see."
"But that's a thorny path, that is. You'd have to make enemies of not just humans, but demons too. Even if you are a Demon Lord—the only one who could pick a fight with the whole world is Elefan. And on top of that, you're freshly born and look pretty scrawny if you ask me. I'm not saying this to be mean—you'd be better off moving your base right now."
Tile's advice was perfectly sound. Honestly, I'd thought the same thing at first and almost turned down God's request.
"Hmm... I don't want to go back on something I've already agreed to, you know?"
"Hmph. Well, we're not interested in fighting humans, so it's no skin off my nose—but the other Demon Lords won't stay quiet, I reckon."
"Figured as much... By the way, can I ask 'ow you two managed to get through that Great Wall Labyrinth so fast?"
That Great Wall Labyrinth—along with the Labyrinth of Trust—wasn't something two people should have been able to clear in just a few minutes. If there was some kind of Demon Lord power thing that affected dungeons, then my life was hanging by a thread, just like Tile said.
"Oh, that? Aye. Couldn't be bothered, so we just flew over, already."
Of course you did. I mean, you were literally floating when you showed up.
"Andre, we're going to need countermeasures against flight after this..."
"Understood, sir. I'll begin drafting several options."
The voice from my chest pocket made both Tile and Elefan's eyes go wide.
"What was that just now, then? Some kind of communication magic? But I didn't sense any activation at all..."
Tile asked, their voice dripping with curiosity.
"That would be... a trade secret."
I brushed it off smoothly. If they got interested and tried to take Andre, I'd be in real trouble.
"Fair enough. Haha, sorry for buttin' in with all that advice when we just stopped by."
"No, I'm still new to all this myself. Whether we're friendly or not, it's good to have a Demon Lord acquaintance who isn't hostile."
"'M glad you see it that way. Personally, I've gotten interested in you too, already. So don't go dying on me, yeah?"
"I'll do my best."
Seems like these two really were just passing through. If they left without incident, I'd be grateful.
"Well then, Amduskias-kun."
Tile waved and turned to leave—but then Elefan, who'd been silent the whole time, suddenly opened her mouth.
"You weak. Why's that?"
Even Tile seemed surprised by this, turning back with wide eyes.
"You a Demon Lord. Ain't no mistakin'. But weak. Why's that?"
I tilted my head at her simple way of speaking and looked at Tile, asking for a translation.
"Ah, well... it's hard to say, but for a Demon Lord, you seem kinda... weak, like? Can't sense any trace of power from you at all. Looks like Elefan got curious about that. Elefan, I'm sure he's just hiding his power really well. Talkin' like that just puts people on the wrong foot and leads to unnecessary fights, you know. Like that time five hundred years ago."
"No. Tile. This one's weak. I knows it."
"......"
"......"
Tile had a troubled expression, and I looked like I was about to cry.
Look, I won't say I exactly look strong or anything, but did she really have to put it that bluntly? Besides, I do actually have a bunch of cheat-level magic skills from God. If I said that didn't get under my skin, I'd be lying.
"Uh, Elefan, right?"
"Mm. Reckon I'm Elefan."
For someone who looked like a goddess, she sure talked and acted like a little kid.
"I'm a Demon Lord, you know. I've got enough magic to protect myself."
"Liar! That's a lie. You ain't got no magic. Power's weak too. You're weak."
Okay, now that actually got on my nerves.
Right. I'll just use some flashy magic and knock her socks off. That'll show her.
"If you're gonna say all that, then watch this."
I turned to face the empty plains.
The spell I was using was top-tier fire magic: Froga Catastrophe. Ultra-high power—one shot and you'd need to measure the blast radius in... something-domes. Everything in that range gets caught in a blazing storm. Definitely not something good little kids should use on people.
"Here I go! Froga Catastrophe!!"
....................................................................................................................Huh?
In front of me: the same old wasteland, Tile's troubled face, and Elefan's blank stare.
......Okay if I cry now?
Summary:
Amduskias meets Tile and Elefan, who have just flown over his dungeon without permission. After some conversation, Elefan bluntly points out that Amduskias appears weak, which stings his pride enough to make him try to demonstrate his power. However, his dramatic spellcasting fails spectacularly, leaving Amduskias humiliated and wondering if he's allowed to cry.
Trivia:
The "Tragedy's Blossoms" islands serve as both a geographical landmark and a cultural warning about the First Demon Lord's power.
The islands' shape is what gives them their name, implying the destruction was both total and aesthetically ironic.
Elefan destroyed a nation five hundred years ago, but this historical event is only mentioned in passing.
Amduskias is attempting to end the human-Demon Lord conflict, but his lack of accessible power makes this mission extremely difficult.
Tile mentions that Elefan is the only Demon Lord capable of "picking a fight with the whole world," establishing the power hierarchy among Demon Lords.
The Great Wall Labyrinth and Labyrinth of Trust are significant enough to be known by name, suggesting they've been a notable obstacle for others.
Andre is established as a hidden tactical asset, but the reader has very little information about what Andre actually is.
Notes:
• Elefan Asad Rinoceros - A Demon Lord accompanying Tile. Described as a beautiful woman with purple skin, golden horns, silver hair, and black garments. Remains silent and expressionless throughout the encounter.
• Elefan - Silver long hair, violet skin, perfect proportions. Mysterious and usually quiet. Described as having gathered the essence of beauty. Enjoys bath products. Gentle demeanor with occasional playful moments. The First Demon Lord and considered the strongest being in existence. Has an appearance of a tall, beautiful woman with long silver hair but speaks and acts in a blunt, childlike manner. Able to perceive Amduskias's lack of power without him demonstrating it. Has a history of destroying nations five hundred years ago.
• Paimon - An orphaned, shy ogre companion serving Amduskias with deep deference. Appearing as a 190cm tall, handsome female with an ash-gray body, a single jet-black horn, golden eyes, and a voluptuous yet muscular build, she mimics the protagonist's posture. Knowledgeable and polite, she acts as a guide on local threats and monsters, often stammering nervously while providing essential supplies and information.
• Amduskias - A newly reborn Demon Lord and Dungeon Master, he appears as a slender, boyish figure in a gakuran and sneakers. Pragmatic, self-deprecating, and prone to procrastination, he designs complex traps and bathhouses while seeking allies. Accompanied by his smartphone advisor Andras, this modern isekai figure values sincerity, dreams of companionship, and warmly welcomes the protagonist to his new dungeon.
• Tile - A Demon Lord acquaintance of Amduskias, appearing as an androgynous figure with fluffy, unruly hair and a perpetual smile. Has a pleasant, easygoing demeanor and speaks in a casual, somewhat gender-ambiguous tone. Travels alongside Elephan and appears curious about Amduskias. Initially described as a "pretty boy" who becomes a "pretty girl." Boyish cowlick, jet-black wings, youthful frame with developing curves. Acts cheerful and curious about Amduskias's behavior. Claims to be older than him. Voice carries youthful energy with occasional flustered reactions.
• God - An ancient, divine benefactor and guide to the protagonist, this deity oversees departed souls with a paternalistic yet playfully childish personality. Speaking with casual, modern exasperation, they act as a protector who grants power while maintaining a rational, persuasive demeanor. Though appearing only as a voice, they frequently apologize for their intimidating presence while seeking favors in return.
• Andre - A demon of the sixty-fifth rank in Solomon's seventy-two demons, appearing in the form of a peacock. Acts as a conductor of sophistry and a support interface for the dungeon master. Bestows knowledge of surveying, astronomy, and geometry. Displays a formal, refined demeanor with hidden warmth and genuine concern for her master's safety, though she expresses frustration through sharp lecturing. Colleague of the narrator. Speaks to the Demon Lord without fear. Blunt and sarcastic. Uses insults casually but reveals underlying care through actions. Functions as the straight-man tsukkomi character. The protagonist's smartphone companion who serves as both advisor and voice of reason. Speaks with polite, respectful deference while occasionally expressing exasperation at the master's priorities. Questions the safety of dungeon designs and serves as a grounding presence to the protagonist's whims.