Tilea's Worries

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Author Notes:

  This is an "IF" chapter about what Tilea's troubles would be like in a modern setting. It has no relation to the main story.

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My name is Tilea. A beautiful blonde girl with blue eyes. Seventeen years old. My specialty is cooking. Since my family runs a restaurant, I've been helping out since I was little. My father is a skilled chef, and I've been trained under his guidance. I pride myself on having professional-level cooking skills already. After graduating high school, I plan to study cooking seriously.

I have a sister three years younger than me. Her name is Timu. A beautiful girl with silver hair and red eyes. I adore this younger sister of mine. I've been taking care of Timu since she was small while our parents worked at the restaurant.

Kind parents, a cute sister, and a bright dream of becoming a successful chef. I thought my life was smooth sailing, but recently I've had a problem.

It's about my cute sister Timu. Lately, she's been cold toward me. Well, if it were just that, it would be the typical rebellious phase. It's sad, but it's a path everyone goes through. I thought I'd quietly watch over my sister's growth. But then she started saying things like "I" (in a formal way) and calling people "foolish humans."

This must be what they call "chuunibyou" (middle school syndrome).

I never thought my own sister would catch this internet-famous "disease." But well, even if it's quite—no, barely—within the range of teenage rebellion, it's still concerning.

However, everything has its limits.

Recently, Timu doesn't study for exams, doesn't help at the restaurant, stays out late, and has finally started skipping school.

When Timu's homeroom teacher called, I was so shocked my eyes nearly popped out. Fortunately, I answered the phone instead of our parents. I don't want to worry our hardworking parents. This is my duty as her older sister.

So, I called Timu out and lectured her. As her sister, I thoroughly admonished her about her poor lifestyle choices.

...I was suddenly punched.

She called me disrespectful "for a human."

Domestic violence. Suddenly raising her hand against me... Timu's delinquency seems to have progressed considerably.

I was in a daze for a while. I couldn't move after being hit and falling down. We used to be such close sisters, so how did it come to this?

It makes me want to cry. I'm too shocked to think clearly.

But I can't just keep lamenting. If she's become a delinquent, it's my family's duty to find the cause and guide her back to the right path.

The cause... perhaps it's appropriate to think she fell in with a bad crowd.

You become like those you associate with. I decided to follow Timu to investigate her delinquent friends.

Timu secretly entered an abandoned building, where she was chatting with people who appeared to be her companions. Among them were people with tattoos on their faces, others wrapped in chains, and most ridiculously, someone wearing full armor.

Of course, there were also normally dressed people, but most were dressed strangely.

What kind of cosplay is this? I thought I was quite knowledgeable about anime, but apparently I was just a casual otaku. This is too deep. I don't recognize any of these characters.

Moreover, if they were holding this at the Budokan or Tokyo Small Site, that would be one thing, but this is a suspicious multi-tenant building.

They must be operating without police permission. Dangerous people. Maybe it's not an event but some kind of religious cult activity?

The members range from those approaching old age to obvious minors. The man in full armor seems to be the ringleader. Everyone praises him as "Lord Hidler."

And when Hidler and his apparent companions chant some suspicious incantations, walls explode and people fly.

W-w-what the—you'd be wrong to think I'm surprised. Surely the explosions are using demolition explosives. The levitation must be using piano wire or something. It didn't look obviously suspended, but most modern magic tricks are similar. I don't know the trick, but I've seen plenty on TV. The "there's no piano wire above" routine is already old news. The latest magic tricks even make Tokyo Tower disappear. For a seasoned viewer like me, their tricks are embarrassingly simple.

But this group seems completely fooled. They look at Hidler's group with shining eyes. They really seem to believe they're using magic.

It's certainly elaborate. Using explosives is going too far. This Hidler guy and his group must be magicians. They're winning over members by showcasing tricks often seen on TV.

And they're even shouting things like "Long live the Demon Lord" and "Revival of the Demon Army." How stupid can they be?

Sigh~ what is this...

I guess they're scammers gathering members through deception and ultimately planning to swindle money, but that's not my concern. It's the adults' fault for being fooled by such obvious fraud. They should learn some street smarts. However, I can't stay silent when they prey on minors like Timu. Deceiving children is utterly despicable.

I quickly take out my smartphone and record this farce.

Abduction of minors. Incitement, fraud. And using explosives requires government permission. These guys definitely don't have permission. Add illegal explosives use to the charges.

With this evidence, I can go to the police, this suspicious group will be disbanded, and Timu and the others should come to their senses.

But wait. Timu is a minor and a victim of deception, so she won't be charged. But if this becomes a police matter, her school record could be ruined. Her recommendations might even be revoked. Careless action could affect Timu's future.

What should I do?

Since I couldn't find a solution, I decided to consult with my reliable seniors.

Remilia-san, a third-year student and student council president at Arcdas High School, beautiful and highly trusted by students. Someone I secretly have feelings for. Also third-year vice president Bizef-san. He's a bit of a joker, but has a reliable, manly side. Second-year treasurer Pratolina. A pure-blooded lady who's prickly but actually kind—a typical tsundere lady.

All three are reliable people.

I reported to the three of them that criminal activities were taking place near the school. That there was a typical occult scam group. Moreover, since there were minors among the victims, the matter needed to be handled carefully.

"I see. Any other information?" asked Pratolina, nicknamed Ojou.

"Yes, I'd like to know more about the ringleader's age and characteristics," President Remilia asked further.

"Well, they were using an obvious fake name, so I don't know. Anyway, he's a crazy guy wearing full armor. Age estimated between teens and twenties, or maybe thirties to forties, or possibly over fifty."

"That's not an estimate at all, is it?" Ojou sharply pointed out.

Well, what can I say? The guy is wearing full armor. How am I supposed to know his age?

"Anyway, seeing is believing. Please look at this."

I show my smartphone to the three. Of course, I didn't film Timu staying out late since I don't want to provide evidence against her.

Remilia and the others are intently watching the video I took. In the video, people are shouting "Long live the Demon Lord" while producing fire and water. Water tricks. These scammers are quite detailed in their craft. I even captured them blowing up a wall with explosives. The leader of this scam group is Governor Hidler, and they have executives called the Six Demon Generals who aim to revive the Demon Lord.

It's so fake it hurts. I'm surprised they gathered members with this slogan.

The three must be appalled too. I look at them as they watch the video.

"It's real," says one.

"Yes, it's real," says another.

"No, it's fake!!" I retort.

What are you guys saying?!

Despite being the top students in their year, they're fooled by such obvious tricks? Do they really think these people are demons?

Ojou and Bizef-san are whispering things like "So the demons have revived after all" and "Our forces are..."

What's this? Were they chuunibyou too?

This is bad. Now that I know they're in the same boat, I can't consult with them. Rather, there's a good chance that the mummy-catcher will become a mummy.

"Sigh~ I guess I'll have to report to the police after all."

"You should avoid that," Bizef-san warns me with a serious face.

"I understand there seem to be students among the members. I know going to the police could ruin their future, but..."

"That's not the issue. It's life-threatening. The police can't handle this."

"Huh? Are you saying they're terrorists or something?"

They are criminals using explosives. Maybe they're a dangerous international terrorist group?

"They're more dangerous than terrorists."

"Come on, then even the Self-Defense Forces couldn't suppress them!"

"That's right. They're extremely dangerous."

"Then all the more reason to report to the police!"

"Tilea-chan, just don't go near them. Even the military would be useless against them. Leave this to us."

"What? What can you guys do against people more dangerous than the military?"

"...I know this must be confusing for you, Tilea-chan. But please trust us."

Bizef-san puts his hands on my shoulders and looks at me intently.

Ah, I don't understand at all. What's with that face like you're about to face an asteroid in Ar*ageddon? That attitude of "I'm going to be a hero now."

Or maybe he just wanted an excuse to touch my shoulders?

I can't rely on these people anymore. I thought they were mature and dependable, but they're acting so childish. Well, Remilia-san is cute, so that's fine.

Anyway, I'll have to solve this on my own.

The next day...

I head to the multi-tenant building. Timu didn't come home after that. After staying out all night, she's now gone without notice. She's causing the family worry and not even contacting us. With her delinquency progressing this far, I've made up my mind. Even if it becomes a police matter. Her future is secondary. First, I need to straighten Timu out.

I enter with determination.

I observe the surroundings. It seems the members have increased since then. Timu is being treated as an executive next to the scammer called Hidler. She calls herself "Six Demon General Camilla" and is giving various orders.

She's producing fire and even levitating.

Ah, Timu has become a fl-y-ing girl.

The fact that Timu is performing these tricks means she's joined the scammers. She's learned the tricks from the fraud Hidler and is helping with the scam. Probably, knowing Timu, she's half doing it for fun. Even if she's stressed about grades and her future, this is unacceptable.

I'm sorry, it's partly big sister's fault.

Recently, I've been so focused on studying cooking that I haven't talked much with Timu. That made her lonely, and with the added stress of exams, she learned this bad pastime.

Timu is being attended by many adults and saying things like "Well done!" She must be enjoying pretending to be a high-ranking demon.

Ugh, I can't watch this anymore.

"All of you, behave yourselves!"

I say as I stride into the group of "demons" (lol).

"Who are you?!"

"There should have been a barrier. How did you get in?"

The crowd is in an uproar at my sudden appearance. Chuuni language like "barrier" and "mere human" is painfully flying around.

"Shut up! I see right through your evil deeds!"

"Evil deeds, you say?" the fraud Hidler asks in an authoritative voice. The glare from the gap in his iron mask is intense. Impressive. But I won't be intimidated!

I have my smartphone in my pocket, ready to call the police with one button. If necessary, I'll have them all arrested.

"Yes, Mr. Scammer. You're spouting nonsense about demons and demon lord revival and kidnapping minors. That's a proper crime!"

"Kukku, I thought you were going to say something else... Foolish human. Are you suggesting this power is fake?"

As he says this, a ball of light appears from Hidler's hand, then hits the wall and shatters. The people around, especially the young ones, look at Hidler with admiring eyes.

"Hmm~ Don't you all watch trick dramas? This is just a charade, a charade. It's probably a trick using explosives. I don't understand how you make it appear from your hand, but that's what professional magicians do. Well, I've seen more impressive magic tricks on TV."

I explain with a smug face. For a moment, Hidler looks dumbfounded, then his expression turns to disappointment.

"Hmm~ I was cautious because you broke through the barrier, but you're just a fool."

"The fool is you. What kind of demon are you? You're a grown man, it's embarrassing."

"How insolent! To be so disrespectful to Governor Hidler, a mere human has limits!"

The executives who heard my conversation with Hidler are furious. With bulging veins and flying spittle, combined with their demon-like makeup, they look terrifying.

They do look like demons, which is a bit scary. But in today's Halloween and cosplay culture, this level of quality is common. I turn to face the crowd, focusing on those who appear to be minors.

"Hey, you all should go home. If you keep hanging around with these people, you'll really become stupid. Why did you believe this in the first place? Did they threaten you with doomsday theories? Or did they tell you that you're also a chosen demon? It's all lies, lies."

As I'm lecturing them, one of Hidler's executives says "Take care of this!" in a guttural voice. Simultaneously, a man lunges at me.

I see, a predictable action. They're resorting to force to silence me because I'm about to expose their tricks.

"Too easy!"

"Guhaa!"

I deliver a straight punch to the solar plexus of the man who attacked me. The man falls. The surrounding crowd is astonished. Yes, I regularly work out for my cooking training. I've also learned karate from a friend in the karate club. They may have underestimated me because I'm a woman, but too bad. I'm confident I'm stronger than the average man.

But while I can handle one-on-one, I'll call the police if they attack as a group. I'm not so overconfident to think I can win against multiple opponents.

Anyway, I can use this situation. I was startled when they suddenly attacked, but this is a chance to break everyone's brainwashing.

"Now do you understand? This man was weak despite being a 'demon.' You've all been deceived. He's just a human."

I try to persuade them while I have the chance. But the response is lukewarm. They're certainly shocked, but they don't seem to realize they've been deceived. Rather, they seem surprised by my strength?

"...Who are you? That man, though low-ranking, was a proper demon. To defeat him in one blow. Moreover, I hit you with an attack that should have instantly killed a human, but..."

My sister Timu, not "Demon Camilla," appears. There's a lot I want to say, but for now, I need to get her out of here. She's stayed out all night, and our father and mother are worried.

"Come on, Timu, we're going home."

I grab Timu's hand to leave, but she doesn't move. I have no choice. I'll take her home somewhat forcibly. I try to carry Timu princess-style.

"Wha!? L-let go, what are you doing? I-I can't move!?"

"Now, we're going home. When we get back, I'll give you a thorough lecture—ouch!?"

As I was trying to take Timu home, someone seems to have thrown a stone. I feel an impact on my head.

"I-impossible! You're unharmed after taking my Magical Catastrophic Extreme Demon Bullet!?"

A man was pointing his palm at me in surprise. Apparently, he threw a stone at me. Fortunately, it seems to have been a small stone, and I'm unharmed. But I question the humanity of someone who throws stones at women.

When I glare at him, the man trembles. Seeing this, the members nod and say:

"Well then, everyone attack together!"

They start throwing something at me. Maybe BB pellets? There's almost no pain, just like being snapped with a rubber band. It's a children's toy with no lethal capability. So everyone throws them without restraint.

Hmm, while this doesn't warrant calling the police, it's a terrible prank. They've been firing continuously, so I can't even open my eyes.

I'm getting angry. It's one thing if they were children, but even adults are firing air guns at people. What if they hit Timu's face!

Now I'm really angry. I'm furious!

"Uoooooh, you guys need to stop this right nooooow!!"

I charge into the group of "demons" (lol) in anger.

...

......

.........

Bodies lying everywhere... well, not dead bodies, but the collapsed group of "demons" (lol).

I kind of lost it. There must have been nearly a hundred members. All of them are prostrate. I've somehow completed a hundred-person kumite. Timu is cowering in fear at the sight.

Yes, I'm sorry. Since I've only shown you the face of a gentle sister, seeing my violent side must have been traumatic.

That's right. I'm strong enough to be recruited by the karate club captain. According to the captain, I have the potential to win the Tokyo tournament. Well, it seems I've blossomed.

Now... I grab Hidler's face and forcibly wake him up.

"Anything to say?"

I prompt the ringleader Hidler to apologize.

"T-this power, a-are you..."

"Hmm?"

"Were you the Demon Lord all along?"

"Die!"

I deliver a finishing blow, then leave with Timu.

A few days later...

A change has occurred in me. Apparently, I was the Demon Lord. To make a long story short, I was the strongest, most evil legendary Demon Lord who ruled seven continents in ancient times... In the end, I fought against the gods and was defeated. The souls of the Demon Army members were sealed at that time, but after thousands of years, they've revived in the modern era. My memories have also returned, albeit a few days late.

However... I'm different from the Demon Lord of that time.

My memories have certainly returned. But it feels more like watching a movie on DVD. It's somehow detached. Well, in my case, when I was sealed, my soul was thoroughly mangled by the gods. The Demon Lord must have been quite a threat to the gods, as my soul was shattered as thoroughly as possible. So the reconstructed soul is completely different. The ambition and drive that the Demon Lord once had are completely gone. It's a miracle I even have memories of the Demon Lord era. My soul must have been exceptionally high quality.

So... I, the former Demon Lord, summoned all members of the Demon Army. Left alone, who knows what these Demon Army members might do. I need to set them straight.

"Everyone, it's been a long time."

"Yes! The revival of the Demon Lord is most joyous!"

Governor Hidler, the Six Demon Generals, and all their subordinates bow their heads.

"Now, I've called you all here for a reason."

"Yes! We understand. It's the order for world domination, right?"

"Oh! In this auspicious year of the Demon Lord's revival, let us conquer the world!"

There it is. Just as I thought. The thought process of these battle-crazed fools is predictable.

Let me be clear. I don't have a shred of ambition for world conquest. My soul has been thoroughly renovated by the gods. I'm completely harmless, a different person. The current me is like... a man who was once a notorious villain, received special guidance in prison, and reformed into an upright citizen. I want to live peacefully.

I need to stop them before they cause trouble for society!

Before me, the army members are filled with excitement, shouting "It's war!" and "Kill them all!" There's not a single moderate among them.

I tap the table with my finger.

Hearing my signal, the army members quiet down. I often used this during the Demon Army era to calm heated discussions among my subordinates. The army members remembered the old signal perfectly. They all turn toward me, waiting for my words.

"Ah~ You've all been talking about conquest, but what specifically do you plan to do?"

I question the army members. Then, Six Demon General Killer raises his hand.

"Yes, Killer-kun?"

I point at Killer, giving him permission to speak.

"Yes! I would like to suggest that first, it's essential to control key institutions. We should assault and seize the Diet Building, Police Headquarters, Self-Defense Force bases, and military facilities."

"General Killer has a point. We also need to decide which units to assign to each country. We should deploy to the US, Russia, and the EU."

"Then, my unit will annihilate the United States."

"Hey, Camilla's unit is being unfair. The US is Garm's unit's prey!"

"No, no, the US is best suited for Po's unit, which has the strongest physical strength among the Six Demon Generals!"

Following Killer's statement, the army members continue to express their opinions. Everyone is saying brave things. They want to fight the US, annihilate the Pacific Fleet, all very spirited.

"Hmm~ It's good that you're all enthusiastic. But stop! You're all underestimating this world."

"N-no, that's not..."

"Yes, you are! This isn't a medieval world of swords and bows. It's a world filled with high-tech technology like pistols and machine guns."

"Bullets from guns have no effect on us demons!"

Ouhon, a mid-level demon, proudly answers.

"Yes, that's true. For demons, guns are like peashooters. But even if pistols don't work, wouldn't you die if shot by a bazooka or tank?"

I admonish Ouhon. He falls silent, having been hit right on the mark. The other army members must feel the same way. They're making bitter faces.

"Demon Lord-sama, I'll crush bazookas and tanks alike!"

Six Demon General Garm howls. Indeed, for top-tier upper-level demons like the Six Demon Generals, tanks and bazookas would be ineffective.

"Yes, someone at your level could nullify most weapons. But what about missiles? You'd die if hit by a Tomahawk, right?"

Garm falls silent at my harsh words. The other Six Demon Generals must feel the same way. They're making bitter faces. You guys really are all the same battle-oriented thinkers.

"Demon Lord-sama, be it missiles or Tomahawks, this Hidler will deflect them for you to see."

Hidler, in the front row, answers with overflowing vigor.

"Yes, you are special among demons. You have capabilities beyond the scope of upper-level demons. You're the strongest demon incarnate. You could probably catch a missile and throw it back at the country that fired it. But what about nuclear missiles? Even as tough as you are, you'd die if hit by a nuclear weapon, right?"

"T-that's..."

"See? Don't underestimate science."

"E-even the Demon Lord-sama would kneel before nuclear weapons...?"

"Well, I might be able to withstand two or three nuclear hits."

"Oh, then!"

"Don't jump to conclusions. While I might handle a few, even I would be in trouble if hit by hundreds. If I'm hit in a bad spot, I could die."

"I-is that so?"

"Yes, even I could die. And America has hundreds of these nuclear weapons that could kill me. America has weapons that could kill me. Do you understand the situation now?"

"Then before they launch nuclear weapons, we could seize their bases—"

"Listen, why are you always reactive? Besides, America isn't the only one with nuclear weapons. Russia and China have them too. In this situation, I'm the only one who could withstand nuclear attacks. How long are you all going to depend on me?"

The army members hang their heads. I press on.

"You've always been like this. It was the same during the battle with the gods. Fifteen divisions of divine soldiers attacked, right? How many did you handle?"

"A-about three divisions..."

"Right, just three divisions. I took on the remaining twelve divisions while taking the heads of six angel commanders. And I did this while receiving the strongest attacks from four archangels from all directions. Do you understand how difficult that was? In the end, the Angel God appeared and I was captured..."

"W-we were truly incompetent... We apologize."

"I don't want to dwell on the past. But listen. In a one-on-one, I could have beaten even the Angel God. At that time, if you had taken on just one more archangel, or even just two more divisions, I wouldn't have been captured."

"We have no words to express our apologies!!"

Hidler and the army members sob. Some are crying out loud. They probably think their lack of strength led to their master's defeat. They all look ready to commit suicide by disembowelment.

M-maybe the medicine was too strong? I'm starting to feel sorry for them. But I need to be cruel here. Time for the finishing blow.

"Yes, you are weak. Too weak. And yet you want to go to war with America? Don't be ridiculous!"

"Then what should we do?"

Timu asks with a pained expression.

"Well, for starters, Timu, you should become the best middle school student in Japan. America can wait until after that."

"The best middle school student in Japan?"

"Yes, you're a student. First, you need to study properly."

"Y-yes..."

"Then what should we do?"

"Ouhon, you were an architectural engineer, right?"

"Yes, before awakening as a demon."

"Then you should first become Japan's best architect."

"...U-um, does becoming Japan's best architect have anything to do with the Demon Army's hegemony? With all due respect, it seems unrelated to world domination."

Not just Ouhon, but everyone has question marks floating above their heads.

Yes, I suppose so. I don't even know what I'm saying myself.

But if I keep them confused like this, they won't do stupid things like world domination. If they're aiming to be the best in Japan at something, they won't engage in destructive activities. I need to redirect their focus. For that, I'll steer the conversation, even if it's a bit forced.

"Listen~ the very fact that you're questioning is the problem. It's unthinkable to go against the Demon Lord's opinion. What happened to the iron rule?"

"N-no, certainly not..."

"That's what I'm talking about! Doubting the Demon Lord's words. Can we achieve world domination with such subordinates? I'm so disappointed. My enthusiasm has completely dropped."

"W-we apologize. We never intended to displease the Demon Lord-sama. Prioritizing the Demon Lord's words was the greatest principle for the Demon Army."

"Yes, so work hard to become Japan's best architect. America can wait until after that."

"Yes! For the Demon Lord-sama, I will definitely create the Ouhon Family for you to see."

Yes, yes, go ahead and work hard to build non-tilting apartment buildings or something.

After that, I continue to tell the army members their future directions. Former carpenters, former chefs, former fishermen... I encourage various professions to master their crafts.

"Demon Lord-sama."

"What is it?"

"We were salarymen, but what exactly is Japan's best salaryman?"

The former salaryman subordinates ask a quite troublesome question. How would I know that? The CEO of a major corporation? The chairman of Keidanren? I don't know the criteria. But I can't let the conversation stop here.

"Well, Japan's best salaryman... I'll send you reference materials later."

"Yes! What a blessing."

Good, I'll give them the manga "Salaryman Kinjiro"—no, that won't work. That violence-affirming manga might make them follow it literally. I'll give them "Section Chief Assistant Shimago-saku" instead.

"Work hard to become Japan's best salaryman."

"Understood. We will strive for it."

Yes, yes, please peacefully climb the corporate ladder while engaging in some office romance.

And...

I gave directions to the very last person. They won't be able to achieve world domination for a while. Becoming the best in Japan in any field isn't something that can be achieved so easily.

"Alright, dismissed! Everyone work hard at your jobs."

"Understood!"

Good, things have settled down for now. If I check in occasionally to control them—

"Behave yourselves! Demons!!"

I freeze at the sudden shout.

T-that's Remilia-san's voice. I wouldn't mistake the voice of the person I love.

I notice the holy aura gathering around the building. This aura belongs to Bizef-san and Ojou.

I-I forgot.

What should I do about the student council members?

It seems my troubles are going to continue.