Underpaid Hero Joins the Demon’s Cause

What is a hero?

What is a Demon King?

These two questions had only one simple answer.

Eternal enemies.

Heroes fought for the people's freedom, while Demon Kings used force to expand their dominion. This was exactly why they opposed each other—when they met, the battle only ended when one falls.

Some may call that destiny.

As long as Demon Kings were born, heroes would be born too. The existence of heroes meant there were Demon Kings to defeat. Though they were completely different beings, invisible threads connect them.

Cause and effect, fate, karma . . .

Bound tightly by these forces, the two could not part ways even if they wanted to.

Society—nay, the very world itself—compelled them to fight.

However, that way of thinking was somewhat outdated.

The world had evolved. Both people and demons had opened their minds to new perspectives.

In modern times, diverse interpretations of both heroes and Demon Kings had emerged. Yet even so, if there was one unwavering truth . . .

It was that they were enemies who sought to destroy each other. Yes, their eternal, diametric opposition was the only constant.

No matter how many heroes arose or Demon Kings were born, their fundamental desires would never change.

That's why they continued fighting. A thousand years ago, now, and a thousand years hence.

It was the fate of those who become heroes: they must fight.

This was especially so for those special few who bore the hopes of all people upon their shoulders—they must never surrender to evil.

What . . . D-Demon King! That offer you just made . . . are you serious?!

Of course I am. I shall guarantee your livelihood, hero.

However, here was one man facing the greatest crisis of his heroic career.

The hand gripping his sword trembled. Not a single wound marked his body. The beautiful Demon King sat on her throne, not bothering to rise.

Though battle hadn't even begun, they were already glaring at each other, and a terrible blow struck the hero.

Not a physical attack, but a verbal one.

You must be dissatisfied with your work as a hero.

Guh . . .

You fight for the people, for the nation. But what of your own happiness? Can you truly claim to be happy right now?

Ngh . . .

No need to speak; I already know the answer. Thus, I offer you this proposal.

The exquisite Demon King rose from her throne and slowly approached. Though the hero warily pointed his blade at her, she showed no hostile intent.

The hero, too, did nothing more than maintain a battle-ready stance.

With little fanfare, he allowed her approach. She drew near, coming within arm's reach.

The Demon King thrust her hand forward. No magical attack sprang forth—all that she held was a single employment contract.

Hero! Come work at my castle! Under the clauses listed here!

Guh . . . Don't think . . . don't think you can hook me with such . . . such generous terms!

The hero's heart wavered. This was probably the greatest turmoil of his entire life. How could he, a hero, allow his heart to be stirred at the beautiful Demon King's sweet temptation?

The reason lay in the path he had walked thus far.

Ten days ago—

* * *

The Entres Kingdom—humanity's greatest and final nation.

Throughout the deep annals of history, multiple countries had united into one, evolving into this great nation that ruled the Human Realm in the modern day.

Even the small countries that had existed at the Entres Kingdom's founding were gradually absorbed, reportedly at their own request. The biggest reason for such a move was the military strength needed to oppose the Demon Kings.

In the Demon Realm—a land distinct from the Human Realm where demons dwelled—self-proclaimed kings asserted their power, constantly fighting to prove who truly ruled all.

The ripple effects of their battles spilled into the Human Realm. These Demon Kings believed that true kingship meant ruling not just the demons, but the entire world.

So they invaded. Against such overwhelming power, humans could only helplessly surrender . . . but the Human Realm had guardians who stood against evil and protected the peace—heroes.

To counter the growing number of Demon Kings, more heroes were created, chosen by holy swords. The kingdom guaranteed their rights to carry out justice.

All heroes operated under the kingdom's protection, receiving support for essential supplies and rewards matching their achievements. Naturally, however, this treatment wasn't equal.

Allen, your work this time was magnificent as always.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

This was the throne room, where the king granted audiences to his subjects. Summoned by name, I knelt before His Majesty and bowed my head.

Mm. Then here is your reward for this battle's results. Accept it.

Yes. Thank you very mu—Huh?!

My voice cracked involuntarily. The knights carried my reward before me in a large wooden box.

The box was so large that a person could easily fit inside. You'd expect it to contain a substantial sum of money—but the reality was quite different.

Th-this is all . . . ?

A small pile of money sat in the center of the large wooden box.

At a glance, the amount was about a hundred thousand En—roughly what an average man would spend living modestly for half a month.

Y-Your Majesty . . . is this really all there is . . . ?

Even knowing it was rude, I asked anyway. His Majesty answered with a straight face, completely unperturbed.

That's right. That is your reward.

. . .

You've got to be kidding me.

He had to be joking. No, wait—that was definitely not the face of someone who was joking.

What? Are you unhappy with it?

Of course I am!

Your Majesty, the enemy I defeated this time was one of the most powerful Demon Kings—Demon King Lucifugus, who had already destroyed seven of our towns. He was classified as S-rank on the Demon King threat scale.

Of course I know that. What of it?

S-so . . . as a reward for defeating him, this seems . . . a bit lacking . . . I think . . .

His Majesty glared at me sharply.

Terrifying—those eyes were absolutely terrifying!

They were more frightening than any Demon King. He was obviously furious . . . b-but I was in the right here!

I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I'd actually produced concrete results. I'd defeated a powerful enemy that two other heroes had already failed to take down.

A reward of a hundred thousand En . . . it was nowhere near enough!

This is what I get for risking my life?!

So you're saying this reward is a mistake?

Y-yes . . .

Mm, I understand your point. However, this reward amount is correct.

His Majesty answered decisively.

He then let out a great sigh and continued his explanation.

Certainly your achievements are impressive. Lucifugus was an S-rank Demon King. Normally, you would receive a substantial reward.

Th-then!

However, we have to deduct expenses from your subjugation reward. You fought in an urban area this time, didn't you? The battle caused considerable damage. Naturally, you're responsible for the repair costs.

Wh—Th-that was all destroyed by Lucifugus! Besides, the town was mostly in ruins before I even arrived!

I protested. Every word I said was the truth.

When I was dispatched, the entire town was already engulfed in flames. The battle caused more damage, but I was just breaking things that were already broken.

Most of the destruction came from Lucifugus' attacks anyway.

I had done my absolute best.

The proof was in my results; I hadn't let a single person die after my arrival. So I thought this protest was justified.

As a hero!

His angry voice echoed.

My body flinched and trembled.

You should fight while considering damage to the town! If the battle location is no good, lead the enemy away! Showing up too late is no excuse!

Guh . . .

Who are you? You are the hero, Allen, ranked first in the Hero Rankings, granted the title of The Strongest! You are humanity's hope, our greatest expectation! Isn't meeting those expectations what makes one a hero?!

It is as you say, Your Majesty.

As a hero, he was right. I wanted to argue back, but that would have only been my petty personal grievances.

Because I was a hero, I had to meet people's expectations. I couldn't argue against that point.

His Majesty spoke with a sigh as I hung my head.

Haah . . . Don't do anything more to betray my expectations.

Yes, sir . . .

Then I'm counting on you, Allen, strongest of heroes.

. . .

* * *

In the throne room after the hero Allen had departed, the ministers had assembled.

They would never normally gather in this room: such a thing meant no one could see them meeting or overhear what they discussed.

Your Majesty.

I understand. The time has come.

Indeed. Conveniently, he seems to have accumulated considerable resentment toward us. Despite being a hero, he's still just human in the end.

It took quite a long time. For a while I thought we might be able to tame him, but . . . I'm now convinced it was impossible after all.

They all nodded in unison.

Then they looked at each other and discussed their plan.

Then let us plan on the hero Allen's disposal as scheduled.

Preferably, it should be an ending that the public will recognize as an inspiring tale, if possible.

We have to manage him to the very end. Heroes are no different from troublesome children.

Absolutely. If only they could lose their hearts entirely . . . then they would become our tools.

So went the discussion among them.

They were making plans to eliminate Allen, The Strongest hero.

Now for the method.

Your Majesty, there's something perfect for this.

Hmm? Oh . . . this could certainly be useful.

* * *

When my audience with His Majesty was over, I returned to my quarters in the royal castle.

I clutched the reward from that oversized wooden box—a pathetic amount that fit in the palm of my hand. I could earn this much working any regular job in town.

Such work wouldn't require risking my life or shouldering excessive responsibility.

I could make money without being a hero.

Haah . . .

I collapsed onto the bed. It'd been nothing but one expedition after another lately, and the fatigue was building up.

The battle with Lucifugus had been particularly intense, wearing down my nerves. Despite all that, the reward I received was nothing but pittance. Exhaustion washed over me, and my entire body felt heavy.

Good work, Master Allen.

Yeah.

Sara, my personal maid, was standing quietly beside me.

She'd been looking after me here in the Royal Capital ever since I became a hero.

Sorry. I want to rest for a bit. I'll call for you later.

Understood.

She left the room.

When will I get to rest next . . . ?

Heroes never got any days off.

In a world where multiple Demon Kings existed, heroes were not guaranteed any time to rest.

We fought continuously. If the battle ever ended, it would only be when all Demon Kings had been defeated.

But that felt so distant—a future that seemed impossibly far away. No matter how many we defeated, new Demon Kings would be born to replace them.

Currently, seventy-two Demon Kings were confirmed to exist.

The number of heroes had increased accordingly. I slowly sat up from the bed and looked through the reports on kingdom affairs.

Ah, another one's been added.

About two days ago, a new hero had been born.

That made exactly one hundred. It was a nice round number, so the new guy was getting special attention.

The Hero Rankings . . . no changes here.

The top ten were the usual suspects. At the very top stood the hero Allen—In other words, me.

I was said to be the strongest human in this world and the hero who had contributed most to world peace.

Ranked first in the Hero Rankings and the only hero granted the title of The Strongest. And yet . . .

This take-home pay is way too low . . .

I put my life on the line with every battle, and yet my take-home pay amounted to half a month's salary for an average worker. Not that my work was necessarily more important than the average Joe, but I was constantly staring death in the face on the battlefield.

Can't they pay me a little more?

Of course, I wasn't fighting for money. I wanted to save people who were suffering, to spare even one person from sadness. That's why I fought.

Demon kings were the root of all evil—I couldn't allow even a single one to remain in this world. But still, I was only human.

I needed to eat and rest, just like anyone else. All Demon King subjugation expeditions came out of my pocket. For me, the reward was all I had to live on.

They expect me to work hard on my next expedition with this money? Hah . . . what a cruel joke.

I laughed bitterly. I was on the most dangerous battlefields of anyone. Maybe this was rude to say, but there were plenty of heroes who climbed the ranks by defeating easier opponents than the ones I faced regularly.

And those guys got better take-home pay. They had more time off and live wealthy lives.

And what about me?

They may reserve me a room at the royal castle, but before long, I'd receive subjugation orders and have to depart again.

I spent less than ten percent of the year in the Royal Capital. The rest of the time, I was constantly on battlefields . . . a.k.a. my workplace.

Can I really make a living like this . . . ?

Pathetically, my recent worries hadn't been about the world or its people—they were about my own future.

If I keep working as a hero like this, will I ever be able to live a satisfying life? I wondered as I stared up at the ceiling.

Probably not . . . I'll just get used up and thrown away.

Heroes didn't get peace. We fought continuously, with no end to be had. Was it too much to ask for fair compensation, at least?

Haah . . .

I let out another sigh—I'd lost count of how many this made. No matter how much I thought about it, there was no point.

I should rest now. With that thought, I closed my eyes.

Knock knock knock.

!

Master Allen, new subjugation orders have been issued. Please prepare yourself.

Already . . . ?

I thought Sara had returned, but apparently not. My muttered words were too quiet to be heard outside.

I didn't get even a single second to rest. It made me sad just thinking about it. Wasn't I even allowed to close my eyes for a moment?

The butler entered the room. Receiving the order document from him, I checked its contents.

Are you . . . sure this is mine?

Yes, there's no mistake.

But this . . .

Order documents contained information about the subjugation target. Danger levels were clearly marked by rank, ranging from S to F.

I usually handled A-rank and above. Other heroes took care of anything below that. But printed in huge type across this order was an F.

That's why I thought there had to be some mistake.

Then the rank has to be wrong, right?

No, that's the correct rank.

. . .

F-rank was correct?

The bottom tier among Demon Kings . . . the lowest rank that rookie heroes handle. And they wanted me to deal with that?

What is His Majesty thinking?

I cannot answer that.

Then I'll ask him directly.

That is not possible. You must prepare immediately and depart to subjugate the Demon King, Master Allen. This is a direct order from His Majesty.

His sharp gaze and tone pierced me. Even as a hero, I couldn't defy His Majesty's orders.

I . . . understood.

So I could only nod, no matter how unreasonable or illogical the order was.

As long as I remained a hero, I had no choice. After His Majesty's butler left, Sara returned to the room.

Master Allen, about dinner . . . Master Allen?

I have another mission.

I see . . . Please be careful. I'll be waiting for your return, Master Allen.

Yeah.

I'll be back.

* * *

The Demon Realm and Human Realm shared the same continent, with the Demon Realm occupying about seventy percent of it. Most of the demon territory featured such harsh conditions that ordinary humans couldn't survive there.

Demons possessed robust bodies and minds, allowing them to adapt to any environment. This resilience had allowed them to multiply and grow stronger, forming a population roughly equal in size to humanity.

The only difference was that demons weren't unified. While humanity was united under one nation and one king, the Demon Realm had multiple beings who call themselves Demon Kings.

Finally made it . . .

It had been about ten days since I left the Royal Capital. I'd entered the Demon Realm a week ago, and from there I'd traveled steadily on foot, sometimes running, sometimes flying, to reach this place.

How remote can you get? This is practically the edge of the Demon Realm.

Beyond a barren, withered forest lay a hill.

A demon castle stood on that hill. For something that belonged to an F-rank Demon King, it was impressively grand—which surprised me.

In scale alone, it was no different from castles owned by the highest-ranked Demon Kings. It was larger than human kingdom castles, ominous, and perfectly black.

I opened and checked the subjugation orders.

Demon King Lilith . . . ?

This Demon King lived in a castle far grander than her title would imply. Just what kind of person was she?

I steeled myself and stepped onto the demon castle grounds. I was already in enemy territory.

Powerful demons could attack at any moment.

What's going on here . . . ?

No one was there. Nothing was there. At first I suspected a trap, but there truly wasn't anything or anyone at all.

The interior of the enormous demon castle was utterly silent.

This can't be right. This is a demon castle, isn't it?

Normally, executives would be lying in wait, ready to spring upon heroes who approached their Demon King. After defeating the executives, you'd discover the Demon King in the final chamber and the battle would commence . . . that was the usual pattern.

How can there be no one here?

Actually, come to think of it, even getting here had been strange. This was the first time I hadn't encountered a single enemy.

Could another hero have already . . . no, that's not it. Was she defeated by another Demon King?

That possibility existed. The Demon Kings were perpetually locked in power struggles among themselves.

Had she challenged a stronger opponent to grow more powerful or gain military strength, only to be defeated? But that made it even stranger—what about this magnificent castle?

If they had defeated her, they should have claimed this place instead of abandoning it.

What in the world is going on here?!

I tensed up as I sensed a presence from deeper within the castle. Ominous magical power drifted through the air.

Even without seeing it, I knew. Without a doubt, a Demon King was waiting ahead.

I slowly advanced and found a room sealed by massive doors.

There were no traps. I entered the room boldly.

You have done well to come here, hero.

A full-figured female Demon King sat waiting on her throne.

Relief washed over me. It would have really sucked if I'd traveled all this way for nothing.

Even if she was F-rank, a Demon King was still a Demon King. If I defeated her, I should receive some kind of reward.

You are Allen, The Strongest hero, are you not?

Yeah?

I see, I see. Then my invitation was properly delivered.

Invitation?

I tilted my head in confusion. The female Demon King frowned in annoyance.

What? Didn't you come here because you received my invitation?

What are you talking about?

The invitation. Or rather, a letter of challenge . . . I sent a letter to your castle requesting single combat with the hero Allen.

A letter of challenge?

She specifically requested me? A Demon King calling out a hero?

I hadn't heard anything about that . . . wait, now it made sense.

Now I get it.

That was why I was assigned to subjugate an F-rank Demon King. It wasn't His Majesty who made the assignment—it was the Demon King herself.

I see . . .

So basically, it was this woman's fault that my precious rest time disappeared?

The thought made me suddenly angry.

Let's get this started. I'm busier than I look.

Unfortunately, I have no intention of fighting.

Huh . . . ?

I said I have no intention of fighting.

My fighting spirit, which had been running high, suddenly deflated. What was this she-demon saying?

She had no intention of fighting?

Even after sending a letter of challenge?

Then . . . why did you call me here?

To scout you.

Scout me . . . ?

She extended her hand toward me with a smile.

Indeed. Allen, strongest of heroes, won't you work for me?

. . .

For several seconds, I tried to process what she'd said. To scout you.

She wanted to make me, a hero, into a Demon King's subordinate?

Was that what she meant?

Hah, haha . . .

I couldn't help but laugh—a bitter laugh of disbelief.

What are you thinking? I'm a hero.

I know that, of course.

Then you understand how ridiculous that sounds, right? There's no way a hero would work for a Demon King! We're enemies. We fight until the loser is destroyed completely—it's been that way for over a thousand years.

There was no way we could come to an understanding. Heroes fought for the peace of humanity, while Demon Kings fought for their own selfish desires.

When our sides met, it would only ever be with weapons drawn. There's no path except battle, and it always ends with one side's utter annihilation.

It's pointless to try and manipulate me. If you were going to tempt someone, you should have tried a rookie hero instead.

I had no intention of bowing to her. I was ready to get this battle started already.

I moved to draw my holy sword. But she still showed no hostility.

It has to be you, precisely because of who you are.

What?

I know you're dissatisfied with your current situation.

Ugh . . .

Why does she know that?

You're constantly suffering, crushed under the burden of harsh working conditions and meager pay, aren't you?

H-how do you know that . . . ?

I haven't told anyone about it.

Can this Demon King . . . read minds?

Unfortunately, I don't have the power to read minds. I simply know, that's all.

What do you . . .

It must have been difficult. It seems you didn't receive much reward this time either. With such a pittance, you can barely make ends meet.

Tch . . .

This woman knows everything.

I bet she really can read minds.

As if reading my doubts, the Demon King produced a small rod-shaped crystal, smiled alluringly, and rolled it across the ground.

This magical artifact is the secret. I can see the true heart of whoever I want. It can only be used once, but it works even on distant targets. Convenient, isn't it?

Such a thing exists . . . ?

So she used this magical artifact's power to peer into the depths of my heart. It made sense; for Demon Kings, I was the greatest threat. Maybe she was trying to find some weakness to exploit.

Heroes really do lead such pitiable lives. Because of what they do, they can't even demand proper compensation. Yet you're still human—you can't survive without eating and resting.

. . .

Exactly. Somehow, this Demon King gets me better than anyone else.

This is making me feel kind of sad.

If you keep going as a hero like this, you'll just get used up and thrown away. Are you really okay with that?

I'm . . .

No, not really. But even so, I . . .

I'm a hero. I won't fall for your sweet talk, Demon King. You people cause nothing but pain. You're tyrants who abuse your power for your own selfish gain!

I'm different. My goal is coexistence between all races.

What . . . ?

Coexistence?

Between all races?

Of course, I don't just mean humans and demons. I intend a coexistence that includes demi-humans and everyone else too.

You . . .

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Or rather, I couldn't believe what my blessing was telling me.

Judgment's Blessing. It was a power that let me tell if someone was lying or telling the truth. That was how I knew.

Knew that this Demon King truly wanted coexistence with all her heart.

Coexistence takes power. I can't do it alone. That's why I want you to help me.

. . .

And of course, I promise excellent compensation. Fixed salary plus bonuses. I'll guarantee you two days off every week. You'll start with ten paid vacation days—that's roughly one hundred and twenty days off per year. Full benefits package included.

Wh-what kind of . . .

What kind of incredible terms are those?!

A fixed salary?

Heroes didn't get fixed salaries. Everything was performance-based.

And on top of that, bonuses, plus a third of the year off?

It sounded like heaven.

Y-you can't fool me!

I'm not lying. We demons honor our contracts. If you accept these terms, you'll form a binding contract with me. Then I'll be obligated to fulfill every condition.

Breaking a contract meant facing the consequences.

That's how demon contracts worked—even with a hero as the other party. Their kind may lie with words, but their contracts were written in stone.

Such was the nature of demons, and I knew this better than anyone.

Let me say this once more!

S-stop it!

Your words are working on me!

Hero! Come work at my castle! Under the clauses listed here!

Guh . . . Don't think . . . don't think you can hook me with such . . . such generous terms!

I was facing the biggest crisis of my life. Probably, I'd never be this torn about anything ever again.

That was just how badly these conditions had shaken me. What she was offering was incomparably better than my current work situation.

Aside from the whole "working for a Demon King" part, there probably wasn't a better work environment anywhere in the world.

If I weren't a hero, I would've signed that contract without hesitation.

Damn . . . but I'm a hero . . .

What, is that still not enough?! Then all meals at the castle will be free!

Free?!

I'll even assign you a personal servant! How about that!

Guh . . .

What a deadly combination. This Demon King was a genius at messing with me.

Honestly, it was working. The only thing stopping me from signing that contract was my sense of responsibility as a hero.

Still not enough? Be honest with yourself already. Otherwise, time will . . .

Time?

N-nothing, uh, wah!

Suddenly the Demon King started panicking. Mysterious smoke rose from her body, followed by a small explosion.

It looked like she had self-destructed, but that wasn't it. What emerged from the smoke was . . .

A-a child?

It's already been five minutes?!

Wh-what's going on?

Where was the woman who was sitting on the throne just moments ago?

Instead, a tiny child perched upon it. Their overall vibe was similar, and her hair was the same crimson color. Could it be . . . ?

You're Demon King Lilith?

Who else would I be?!

Even her voice sounded adorable now. She'd gotten incredibly weak, but the quality of magical power I sensed was the same as the woman from before. In other words, they were the same person.

You're a Demon King?

No matter how I looked at her, she was just a demon child. Plus, the total amount of magical power I sensed was as low as any lesser demon.

This was supposed to be a Demon King?

Were you deceiving me?

N-no! I really am a Demon King! I'm just a little immature . . . but it's true!

She shouted just like any human child would.

Apart from her horns and tail, she looked like any ordinary girl. My blessing confirmed there was no lie in her words; she was telling the truth.

Then how did a child become a Demon King . . . ?

Well . . .

She looked down. There must've been some complicated story behind this.

Even so, she did disguise her appearance. Does that mean the conditions she offered earlier were lies too . . . ?

Huh?

What is it?

Suddenly, three young men appeared behind me. They were all wearing clothes with the royal family's crest.

This aura . . . they were fellow heroes. I didn't recognize their faces or names, though; they were probably lower-ranked heroes, or maybe even rookies.

The orange-haired hero among the three spoke up.

We've come to assist you on His Majesty's orders!

Assist?

His Majesty was worried something might go wrong since you were specifically challenged to this duel, Allen.

The intellectual-looking hero with glasses provided this explanation.

His Majesty was concerned about my well-being?

Now that we're here, you can relax! Wait, that tiny thing over there is the Demon King?

The burly, muscular hero looked bewildered. It was understandable.

Apparently so.

Huh . . . she's still just a brat.

Even so, she's still a Demon King—

Exactly. We can't leave her be. We'll defeat her here!

The three of them turned their hostility toward Lilith. She was clearly frightened, in a most un-Demon-King-like manner. Right now, she looked like nothing more than an ordinary child.

Wait. Leave her to me.

Hero Allen?

I can handle this alone. I appreciate you coming to help, but you can go back now.

We . . . can't do that.

I understood their feelings. As heroes, they probably couldn't overlook a Demon King . . . but she was still just a child.

Attacking an opponent with no will to fight was nothing more than slaughter. Heroes weren't meant to be simple murderers.

Don't worry, leave it to me—Huh?

My chest hurts. Something's pierced right through me?

Is it an attack from the Demon King?

I looked toward her, but no . . . she wasn't doing anything. Then . . . who plunged this blade though my chest?