Casalima said, “Because of the weakness of our original bodies, my clan and I have had very unpleasant experiences.”
Seeing that Ron did not continue the conversation, Casalima slowly began his story.
“Mental magic is also extremely profound and difficult to cultivate.”
“Except for a few exceptionally talented nightmare demons, most die early without mastering enough life-saving magic.”
Saying this, Casalima glanced sideways at the unusually calm Ron. Seeing him unmoved, he bit his lip pitifully.
“Mr. Ron! After knowing this, do you have not a shred of sympathy?”
“Mm.” Ron nodded noncommittally, but that was only acknowledging the truth of Casalima’s words. Nightmare demons are indeed an extremely rare demon race. Apart from Casalima, he had never seen any existence above even Third Tier or Fourth Tier.
“Indeed, besides the conflict with humans, the demon race also has feelings and souls. I sympathize with your clan’s situation, but Casalima… you are the exception. Your ambition and strength have long since freed you from needing sympathy.”
Ron recalled that adventure journey he had with Isis. At that time, the Casalima they encountered was not like the present; even his race was flame demon, not nightmare demon.
“That’s right~” Casalima broke into a smile as if taking Ron’s words as a compliment.
“After all, I did avenge my clan.” Casalima pointed at himself and then at Ron.
“The land where the nightmare demon clan once lived was invaded and ruled by the flame demon clan for hundreds of years. Among the clans that oppressed us, the flame demons were the strongest and most brutal. So~”
Everyone shows their true side and expression when mentioning their most glorious past. On Casalima’s cute and flirtatious face, there was now nothing but cruelty and excitement.
“After I developed soul possession magic that could steal bodies, my first target was the most powerful and outstanding flame demon prince at the time.”
Ron was not very surprised to hear such secret history, because Casalima’s story only confirmed some suspicions he had always had.
“That is, the being later called the Ashen Demon King.”
As Ron said this, he raised his hand and applauded quite cooperatively.
“Exactly~”
“Purges, wars, exiles… Thanks to my efforts, the number of flame demons still alive now is probably about the same as my clan’s.” Casalima spun in the air, like a beautiful barmaid dancing a victory dance.
“Mr. Ron, I actually think humans should give me a title or reward, because your holy wars and expeditions over the past century have been far less effective than my vengeance.”
“Are you stalling for time?” Casalima’s topic was too disjointed, which made Ron suspicious about the real situation outside.
“No, I’m laying the groundwork.”
“Groundwork?”
“Exactly, Mr. Ron, there’s no need to rush~” Casalima sat down cross-legged in midair on one side of Ron’s shoulder. “You are so patient with Isis and Lifa. I haven’t even said my suggestion yet. Don’t you want to hear it?”
Now he really had no way to handle Casalima, so Ron could only remain silent as a faithful listener.
“Perhaps it’s because I was too weak in the past, or maybe the memories of being bullied are too vivid.” Casalima was quite satisfied with Ron’s attitude, so he turned around and leaned toward Ron.
“Like Isis in the past, I craved strength, craved to become a powerful existence. Originally, I thought becoming the Ashen Demon King would be enough. Maybe there are beings even stronger than the Flame Demon King, but among the options within my reach, this was enough.”
Casalima shook his head as he said this. It was precisely Isis and Ron who had shattered that idea.
“But I never expected…” The demon king’s gaze was meaningful. As he uttered these five words, his cheek was already close to Ron’s ear. “That later I would await a crusade from Mr. Ron and Isis.”
Casalima’s tone was very calm and natural, but Ron could clearly hear the problem within it.
“What are you talking about? I…”
“You mean to say you aren’t?” Casalima interrupted Ron’s explanation, the certainty in his rhetorical question especially clear.
“Isis’s former master, the one our Little Hero pines for day and night, the master she cares about most. Not only is he far away yet right before our eyes… but he also has come up with a new batch of lies, trying hard to cover something up~”
Only now did the demon king truly reveal the real reason for this conversation with Ron.
“Heh. If you’re finished speaking, I’d like to hear that proposal of yours.” Ron forced calm onto his face, neither admitting nor denying.
Casalima knew all of Isis’s past, even possessed memories from before she met Ron. Now was not the time to dwell on how the other had guessed his identity, but to resolve the current mess.
“Mm~” Casalima chuckled and nodded, then turned into a cluster of light before Ron. When the light coalesced again, it became the hero Isis with white hair and red pupils.
“I’m also putting myself in others’ shoes, Mr. Ron. By relying on the soul possession magic I stole, I can continuously change bodies.”
“Even though I lose some things in the process, this is in a sense eternal life, isn’t it? Since I can do it, then Mr. Ron, a senior who pursues higher and plays more boldly, can naturally achieve resurrection from the dead.”
Senior? Casalima tossed out another new title, causing Ron, whose thoughts were already stretched to the limit, to frown.
“What do you mean?” Ron asked.
“Literal meaning.” Casalima had the honor and excitement of a detective solving a case.
“Mr. Ron’s acting is excellent, but in Isis’s memories, I still saw many interesting suspicious points.”
“If not for your sudden appearance, without your teaching and companionship, although Little Isis’s talent could support her reaching Seventh Tier without much problem, with her heart closed by revenge and coldness, she could never have stepped into the Eighth Tier level, let alone become a hero.”
Hearing this, Ron seemed to understand the direction of Casalima’s words.
This was not just about the identity issue of him betraying Isis and directing his own regret. Rather, after confirming his identity, Casalima had become curious about Ron’s motives and goals.
“If it were just raising a hero, I think my past of stealing the Flame Demon King’s body could compare to Mr. Ron’s achievements.”
Casalima seemed a bit tired of the long explanation, speaking faster than before. However, it might also be that this eccentric, capricious demon king was eager to get Ron’s answer.
“But. Just now, I finally thought of a certain possibility. What you truly want, perhaps… is me?”