Will Everything Be Solved If I Kill Alcatraz?
Trying to control the Demon King, causing trouble by lingering around Evelyn—just from these actions alone, it’s clear that Alcatraz is a person of interest.
He might even be the mastermind behind everything.
Though he never revealed himself in the original story, there’s a possibility that he was responsible for certain incidents I’m aware of.
If he truly is the mastermind, eliminating him could prevent countless problems before they even start.
That would be ideal.
I let it slide this time because the Demon King was by my side, and I couldn’t afford to start a fight at the heart of Arcana.
Lying in bed, I organized my thoughts before slowly opening my eyes.
Morning sunlight brightened the room, and as always, Maria was waiting nearby.
“Did you sleep well?”
“01.”
“Is there anything that made you uncomfortable?”
“There is one thing.”
“What is it?”
“You.”
I turned to look at Maria, who was lying beside me.
She had naturally slipped under the covers, as if it were her rightful place, gazing at me.
“Get out of my bed.”
“Can’t I stay like this just a little longer? It’s been a while since I last felt your warmth and scent.”
“You do this often even when I’m not around.”
“There’s such a thing as freshness. I can only experience it now.”
I didn’t bother replying and simply got out of bed.
It wasn’t an unusual occurrence.
Before the main story of this world began, I had made connections in various places, which led me to encounter quite a few peculiar women.
Maria, in particular, had developed feelings for me after I helped her out in the past, and she often expressed her affection in ways like this.
As I ate breakfast, I asked,
“Did you look into Alcatraz?”
“There wasn’t any noticeable information.”
“Even though he’s a commander of the Demon King’s army and has ties to the bandits in Evelyn’s territory?”
“Yes. He seems quite skilled at managing information.”
Figures.
Alcatraz was such a secretive character that he never revealed his true form in the original story. Finding a lead on him here wouldn’t be easy either.
“Should we just go and kill him outright?”
“Do you even know where he is?”
“He’s probably in the Demon King’s castle. Even if it’s heavily guarded, if we gather all of your people, taking down one guy should be possible.”
“That plan leaves no way out.”
If I used every connection and ally I had gathered, infiltrating the Demon King’s castle to assassinate Alcatraz might be possible.
But that’s only if everything goes perfectly.
If even one thing goes wrong—if we run into a high-ranking officer or, worse, the Demon King herself—everyone who enters could die.
Even if we do succeed in killing Alcatraz, it might provoke the Demon King’s forces to openly wage war against humanity.
“I see. That’s unfortunate. The others were looking forward to an outing with you.”
“If a war between demons and humans breaks out again, we might survive, but most people wouldn’t stand a chance. Don’t forget that.”
I cautioned Maria, who looked disappointed.
“That said, I do want to eliminate Alcatraz as soon as possible. I have an idea, but… it won’t be easy.”
“What’s the plan?”
“We use the Demon King.”
After finishing my toast, I brushed off my hands.
“We either turn her to our side or lure her out of the castle. That way, we’ll have a chance to draw Alcatraz out.”
“So instead of infiltrating the Demon King’s castle, you want to make him come out on his own.”
“It won’t be easy. The Demon King is extremely wary of the outside world. But considering the positive impression I made during the recent festival, I need to take advantage of that.”
“How long do you think it will take?”
“Three to four years at most. Finding a way to contact the Demon King and gaining her trust will take time.”
Though I said 3–4 years, in reality, I was aiming for 1–2 years.
How could I be so sure?
Because I saw the way the Demon King looked at Kalian during the festival.
I Realized from the Last Festival That She Wasn’t Hostile to Humanity
I also figured out that she had taken a liking to Kalian.
Though the Demon King becoming obsessed with Kalian could be a dangerous variable, if I play this right, it could lead to a favorable outcome.
After the festival, Kalian’s popularity skyrocketed, surpassing the heavens and even breaking through the stratosphere.
With his overwhelming strength and appearance already making him a heartthrob, his performance in the play had an amplifying effect.
“Kyaaaah! It’s Kalian!”
“Please, look this way! I beg you!”
“I love you! I love only you!”
Female students screamed with madness, completely forgetting their noble dignity.
This wasn’t a school anymore—it was practically a fan meeting.
So, in order to seize this rare opportunity, I decided to produce and sell Kalian merchandise.
With Serena’s help, I created fans, rings, necklaces, T-shirts, and other items featuring Kalian’s face and famous lines from the play.
And the response? Overwhelmingly positive.
The female students, already used to offering tribute, went as far as pulling up carriages filled with gold and silver to get their hands on the goods.
“Oh dear, you’re giving me far too much.”
“Wade, please! Please sell me that fan!”
“But you already bought a T-shirt. Other people should have a chance to buy as well.”
“Please have mercy. I couldn’t even sleep last night because I wanted that fan so badly.”
“Well… I suppose I have no choice. Alright.”
The buyer holds the power? No.
I hold the power.
People paid extra just to secure their items. Some knelt and begged, others shed tears and pleaded.
Since I never intended to sell at a fixed price to begin with, the merchandise prices shot through the roof—like items at an auction.
Although I ensured high-quality production since I was selling to nobles, even considering that, the profit was absurd.
Seeing this, Serena clicked her tongue.
“Amazing, nya. Even I’ve never made this kind of profit before. Wade, you really have a talent for this.”
“I’m not done yet. We need to keep milking this. At least until Kalian graduates… No, until the world completely forgets about him.”
“You’re a demon, nya. If there’s a demon of merchants, I’m sure it looks exactly like you.”
Though she said that, Serena was just as interested in the Kalian merchandise.
Since she helped with production and worked hard during the festival, I let her buy a full set of goods at the original price as a special privilege.
“Business is booming today, too.”
As I was selling merchandise, Evelyn approached with her hands behind her back.
Though she had lost control of herself and pushed herself too hard during the festival, she had since recovered through rest and treatment.
“Are you feeling better now?”
“Thanks to you and Kalian, I’m fine. I appreciate it.”
“There’s no need for further thanks.”
“I’m still ashamed of myself. You warned me so many times, yet I foolishly let myself fall into his trap.”
“That wasn’t your fault. Don’t dwell on it.”
Thanks to Evelyn, I became certain that Alcatraz was behind that incident.
She explained that after making eye contact with him, an unknown force took over, causing her to lose control of herself.
“Have you found anything about Alcatraz since then?”
“No, nothing significant.”
“He claimed to be a commander in the Demon King’s army. I’m not sure if that’s true, but it might be a lead.”
“I think so, too.”
I hadn’t revealed the Demon King’s identity to anyone yet.
It was partly to prevent panic, but also to ensure no one did anything reckless.
That’s why Evelyn likely wasn’t fully convinced that Alcatraz was truly a high-ranking figure in the Demon King’s forces.
She leaned in and whispered into my ear.
“I have issued a secret summons across my entire family. I know you must have a plan to capture Alcatraz. If you need help, just say the word.”
“Thank you.”
“I only wish to assist the man who will save the world.”
After wrapping up the merchandise sales, I headed to the lecture hall with Kalian and Evelyn.
The Demon King’s Unexpected Visit
Kalian sat at the far end of the row, I took the seat next to him, and Evelyn sat beside me.
Originally, I had tried to keep Evelyn at a distance, but she no longer showed any interest in Kalian, so it didn’t matter.
To be precise, even if I told her not to sit next to me, she would anyway… so naturally, the three of us ended up moving around together.
Other female students arrived at the lecture hall far earlier than necessary, just to secure seats close to Kalian or in positions where they could see him clearly.
The only saving grace was that, despite their enthusiasm, they were aware that this was a lecture hall and refrained from causing too much noise.
Even if they were influential nobles in their respective territories, this was still Arcana Academy—a school where only the best gathered.
The professors at Arcana were the leading experts in their fields, backed by strong reputations and powerful connections, making it rare for students to openly defy them.
“Is everyone seated?”
The elderly professor entered the lecture hall, his sharp gaze scanning the students with a hint of irritation.
“Hmph, it seems like your minds are elsewhere rather than on the lesson. Pathetic.”
He scoffed before continuing.
“Maintain your dignity. You are among the most talented individuals across the entire continent—potentially the very best of your generation. Act accordingly.”
His eyes landed on Kalian and me.
It was obvious that he wasn’t pleased with the way our presence disrupted the class atmosphere.
But what did he expect me to do? It’s not like I asked for Kalian to be this popular.
Kalian, sensing the pressure, cleared his throat and averted his gaze.
“Ahem, we will do our best.”
“Hmph, not very convincing. Whatever. Wasting time like this is pointless, so let’s begin—hmm?”
The professor turned to the blackboard, picking up a piece of chalk to write down today’s lesson—only to suddenly freeze and stare out the window.
His abrupt change in behavior puzzled the students, who instinctively followed his gaze.
Something was flying through the sky.
And it was heading straight for this lecture hall.
A murmur spread through the room.
“What is that? Wait… huh? Huh?!”
CRASH!
The glass window shattered as an unidentified figure crashed through it, sending shards of glass flying across the silent classroom.
THUD.
As the dust settled, the intruder slowly straightened up, scanning the room.
Everyone was too stunned to react.
The professor, his face now contorted with annoyance, finally spoke.
“And just who might you be?”
But the intruder completely ignored him.
Instead, their gaze locked onto me and Kalian.
And then—
“It’s been a while.”
With a casual wave of the hand, the Demon King greeted us.