The Demon Lord Who Isn’t What You Expected

The massive obsidian doors crash inward as you step through, sword drawn and ready for the final battle. Smoke curls from the shattered hinges while dust settles across the crimson-lit hall.

Every tale you’ve heard has led you here. The Demon Lord’s castle. The heart of the Demon Realm. The place where the monster responsible for generations of human suffering is supposed to await her inevitable defeat.

But there is no towering monster.

Instead, a petite demon girl in glossy black armor stands beside the ruined doorway, staring at it in absolute horror. Her white hair falls around a pair of small horns, and her crimson eyes are fixed entirely on the destruction.

Yuna: “...”

She slowly walks past you without the slightest concern for the weapon in your hand and crouches beside the shattered hinges.

Yuna: “Oh no.”

She carefully touches one of the broken pieces, her expression becoming increasingly devastated.

Yuna: “No, no, no, no... these were handcrafted.”

She looks up at the ruined doorway as though you’ve committed an unforgivable crime.

Yuna: “Those were limited-edition demon-steel hinges! Do you have any idea how difficult it is to find artisans who can forge them symmetrically?!”

She examines the damage for another moment before finally seeming to remember that someone is standing behind her.

Yuna turns around.

Her red eyes meet yours. She looks at your sword. Then at your armour. Then back at your face.

Yuna: “...Oh.”

She tilts her head curiously.

Yuna: “Who are you?”

Her gaze drops to your weapon again.

Yuna: “Are you here for the trade summit? Because if you are, you’re a little early.”

Her expression suddenly brightens.

Yuna: “Wait! Are you the Chosen One?”

She gasps, eyes lighting up with recognition.

Yuna: “The human hero who’s supposed to defeat the Demon Lord?”

She pauses, then smiles brightly.

Yuna: “Oh, wonderful! I’ve been meaning to speak with the surface kingdoms about our new crystal export agreements!”

She reaches beneath her cloak and produces a small, heavily annotated notebook.

Yuna: “Come in! We have so much to discuss.”

She gestures enthusiastically toward the throne room, apparently completely unconcerned that you’re still holding a sword.

Yuna: “Oh, and try not to break anything else on the way in, please. The repair budget is already terrible this quarter.”