“Heh heh heh… What exquisite despair.”

As the sun set completely, a lone man walked through a quiet back alley.

What set him apart from others was his mismatched eyes—one black, one red—and the single horn protruding from his head.

However, not even the occasional passersby noticed these peculiar features.

This was because the man used advanced concealment magic, rendering his presence undetectable to all but the most exceptional individuals.

Ahead of him, a blond man—Nord—walked alone.

His steps were heavy, as if burdened by ill health.

This worked perfectly for the man’s purposes.

“My, my, how unusual it is to see someone of your stature looking so dejected, Hero.”

“…? Who are you—?!”

As Nord raised his head and caught sight of the man, he quickly took a step back.

“Your appearance… Could it be that you’re a demon?!”

“Oh my, it seems you’re sharp enough to notice that much.”

“Silence! I don’t know what you’re after, but scum like you—I’ll slay you just like before—!”

The moment Nord tried to draw his holy sword, his eyes widened in shock.

The blade was shrouded in a black mist, making it impossible to unsheath.

“What did you do?!”

“I owe you no explanation… but very well. My magic is suppressing the power of your holy sword. The demonic energy of my kind and the sacred magic wielded by heroes are diametrically opposed. When faced with superior power, the weaker side cannot even manifest its true potential.”

“You’re saying I’m weaker than you?!”

“Yes, that’s correct. Someone who couldn’t even defeat a lesser demon has no chance against me.”

“When did I ever lose to a lesser demon?!”

“You don’t even seem to be aware of it… Well, no matter. I didn’t expect much from your abilities anyway.”

The latter part of his remark was muttered under his breath, too quiet for Nord to hear.

Nord, still brimming with anger, glared at him, but the man swiftly changed the subject.

“Let’s return to the matter at hand. There’s a reason I approached you.”

“A reason?”

“Yes. I know of your current circumstances. Surely you resent being looked down upon by those who should be your inferiors?”

“How do you know that…?”

“With that in mind, I have a proposition. Would you like the power to exact revenge on those insolent enough to scorn you?”

“Power… for revenge…”

As expected, Nord seemed intrigued by the offer.

The man smirked internally, knowing how easy it was to manipulate someone like him.

“B-But why would a demon like you do such a thing? Surely you wouldn’t stand idly by while a hero becomes stronger—it should be intolerable for your kind.”

“Your logic is sound, but I’m not concerned with other demons being slain by your hand. What truly disgusts me is seeing a young man consumed by vengeance unable to realize his desires.”

Nord hesitated for a moment, deep in thought.

“So you’d grant me power…? But still, I can’t trust you.”

“It’s only natural to feel that way. But rest assured, I’m not offering you power directly. I merely know how you, as a hero, can grow stronger, and I’m willing to share that knowledge. Whether or not you act on it is entirely up to you. For now, won’t you at least listen to what I have to say?”

“Well… if that’s all…”

At this point, the man was confident that things were proceeding as planned.

By playing on Nord’s inferiority complex and making him believe the choice was his, the man had successfully ensnared him.

After imparting his information to Nord, the man left.

It was almost certain that Nord would act in accordance with the man’s expectations.

Even if he didn’t, it wouldn’t hinder the man’s overall plan—this was merely one of many seeds he had sown.

Turning back, the man addressed a woman who had appeared without warning. She was clad in a pitch-black robe, her face hidden.

“Don’t you agree?”

The woman’s response was neither a yes nor a no.

“I don’t care. I’ll simply do what I must.”

“Hmm… Very well. I’ll look forward to it. Depending on your actions, his usefulness may change.”

“…Do as you please.”

After hearing her response, the man chuckled softly before vanishing in an instant.

Left behind, the robed woman stood alone.

She gazed up at the moon floating above her and whispered softly.

“Lene… the hero I must kill.”