Chapter 0: The Strongest Gatekeeper of the Demon King’s Castle

Countless heroes have drawn their swords and headed toward the Demon King’s Castle to defeat the Demon King, but no one has ever been able to defeat him.

Some couldn’t even set foot in the Demon King’s Castle.

When the cold corpses of these heroes returned, there were only ancient demon-like characters written on their bodies.

[Return to sender]

Many wizards from various magic towers tried to interpret the meaning of those words, but no one could figure out what they meant.

***

“…This is the Demon King’s Castle.”

“It seems so. The overwhelming dark energy from the demons surrounding it is immense, just as you’d expect from the Demon King’s Castle.”

“Even if we defeat the Demon King, it looks like it will take a long time to purify this land…”

Although their hearts trembled with fear and nervousness, they steeled their resolve and pressed forward.

A holy sword embedded in a rock deep within the forest, said to be able to be drawn only by the chosen one, according to the legends of their homeland.

Because of that sword, and the precious comrades met along the journey, they were able to come this far—right in front of the Demon King’s Castle.

“We can do this.”

Once just a reckless boy from a rural village, he had grown into a fine young man and now called himself a hero.

“We even have experience in slaying a dragon. Back then, we were just as nervous and scared, but we managed to pull through.”

And that young man now proudly led his companions forward.

Though he was also nervous and frightened by the powerful presence of the Demon King, as their leader, he needed to instill courage in them.

“So now, we will defeat the Demon King and bring peace to this world. But first, let’s deal with that unimpressive gatekeeper over there.”

The young man pointed his holy sword toward the gatekeeper standing in front of the Demon King’s Castle.

He had been worried about the Demon King’s Castle, but upon seeing the gatekeeper, he felt that it was not as formidable as expected.

There were no dangerous monsters nearby, and the only guard for the castle was this shabby-looking gatekeeper.

According to the rumors, no one had ever set foot in the Demon King’s Castle, and the Demon King was supposed to be a mighty being.

“So, here I go—!”

Thinking that the rumors might have been exaggerated, the young man charged at the gatekeeper, leading the way.

“Ah…”

The gatekeeper let out a deep sigh, as if resigned to his fate after seeing the young man’s bravery.

***

That evening, a coffin carrying the cold, lifeless body of the young man was sent to a nearby human village.

As always, the same word was inscribed on the coffin.

[Return to sender]

[Wrong delivery address]