The Devil Does Not Need to Be Defeated

Shien Buztout naturally didn’t know the two dragon women’s scheming plans.

He simply used his shameless persistence and sweet-talking skills until Airi finally relented.

“Listen, this is the last time,” Airi said, giving her final warning.

“Deal,” Shien agreed readily, not caring about sincerity, as long as he could get through this for now. As for next time, he would worry about it when it came.

Airi seemed to see through his insincerity, but she was too tired to argue. Having stayed up all night for Shien, this sleepy Dragon Demon was exhausted, almost collapsing from fatigue.

But before falling asleep, she still had something to say.

“Where did you go?” she asked, looking at Shien.

“This…” Shien hesitated. Not because he didn’t want to tell her, but because he didn’t know where Nien had taken him. He only knew…

“It was the place where the Hero Summoning ritual is sealed,” he replied.

He thought this would shock Airi.

Unfortunately, Airi wasn’t shocked, but looked as if she had expected this.

“It seems Sister Sara’s guess was right. There really is an unknown goddess there…” she murmured.

“What?” Shien hadn’t heard clearly, “What are you talking about?”

“Nothing,” Airi said, glancing at him, “Just know that your situation is more complicated than anyone imagines, with far-reaching implications. That’s enough.”

“So it’s something you can’t tell me directly again?” Shien, already used to this, said calmly, “I really hate you cryptic people.”

“Don’t look at me like that,” Airi said, annoyed, “It’s not that I don’t want to tell you, but I also just learned about this and haven’t sorted it out myself. Plus, last night’s incident showed that someone doesn’t want you to know too much, worried you might not be able to handle it. So, I’ll just wait for the mystery to unravel itself.”

This was something Airi considered last night. After all, it was when she almost blurted something out that Shien was forcibly summoned away. This showed that the goddess who summoned him didn’t want him to know certain truths, even at the cost of exposing her own existence. Those truths were probably too shocking for Shien to accept. She probably didn’t want anything to happen to him, which was why she summoned him away. Now that she had exposed herself, she would be even more cautious, possibly even monitoring them. If she sensed anything amiss, she would definitely summon Shien away again, just like last night. Therefore, even if Airi wanted to tell him the truth, he wouldn’t be able to hear it. Moreover, after careful consideration, Airi believed it was better for Shien not to know too soon, and they also needed more evidence to confirm their suspicions. It was best to say nothing for now, especially here in the Supreme Castle, without the barrier’s protection, where their conversation might be overheard. If any members of the Old Demon Faction were present, Shien would be in trouble, targeted by them. Although Shien himself wasn’t afraid, the Old Demon Faction was dangerous for a reason. If they truly resorted to unscrupulous methods, just look at those demons in Succubus City who had been plotting for hundreds of years, only to commit mass suicide because of Parion’s plan. Hidden dangers were hard to defend against. Therefore, it wasn’t wise to tell Shien about this yet, for various reasons.

“Don’t worry, when the time is right, someone will tell you the truth,” Airi said, her words offering little comfort.

“Forget it,” Shien didn’t dwell on it, “If you don’t want to tell me, then don’t.” It was better to let it go than to keep worrying about it without getting any answers.

So, Shien, with his exceptional adaptability, suppressed his curiosity and stopped thinking about it.

Airi, however, seemed to remember something.

“By the way, come with me to a place tomorrow,” she said, recalling the decision made during the Demon Lords’ meeting.

“Where?” Shien asked, puzzled.

“A good place,” Airi said directly, “If you can benefit from it, your strength will greatly increase.”

“A good place that can increase my strength?” Shien was no longer sleepy, “Is it like the Inner Sanctum in the Human Realm?”

“Something like that,” Airi didn’t elaborate, either because she was too lazy or too sleepy, yawning and saying impatiently, “Anyway, you’ll know when we go tomorrow.”

“We?” Shien noticed the key word.

“That’s right,” Airi said, “We six sisters will go with you. Or rather, without us, you can’t even enter that place.”

This treatment was unprecedented in the Demon Realm. The six Demon Lords, the apex beings of the Demon Race, accompanying a single person, this was the first time since the Demon King’s demise a thousand years ago.

“Get some rest tonight, don’t wander around. You can have dinner, but don’t eat anything after nightfall, just drink some water.”

Airi said, yawning.

“…Why does it sound like I’m going to a hospital?” Shien was speechless.

Ignoring him, Airi, seemingly reaching her limit, said,

“I’m going to sleep now. I’m exhausted. Don’t wake me up.”

Saying this, she lay down, hugging her pillow, and fell asleep.

Shien shrugged, then naturally lay down beside her, even pulling her into his arms.

“…What are you doing?”

“Sleeping.”

“I didn’t say you could sleep here.”

“But you didn’t say I couldn’t either.”

“…Then why did you take my pillow?”

“Because it’s in the way.”

“…”

In the end, Shien achieved his goal, sharing a bed with Airi.

Airi, seemingly truly sleepy, didn’t bother arguing with him and fell into a deep sleep.

Shien, several times, almost couldn’t control his wandering hands.

Fortunately, he had also stayed up all night and eventually succumbed to sleepiness, falling into a deep slumber.

In his dream, Shien once again dreamt of many exciting scenes.

Those scenes told him…

“As expected, the goddess who summoned me is quite the vixen…”

…

Time flew by as Shien and the others slept.

Soon, night arrived again.

In the dead of night, Shien finally woke up.

Airi, the Dragon Demon, was still sleeping soundly in his arms, her small hands gripping his tightly, as if she had caught a criminal.

Shien pondered for a long time, then calmly reached a conclusion.

“I definitely didn’t do anything. It’s just that this girl is too cautious, not trusting me, a pure and honest man.”

If Airi heard this, she would definitely incinerate him with her dragon breath.

Whether you’re a pure and honest man, don’t you know yourself? Why is she holding your hand so tightly, don’t you know?

Heh, men.

This would definitely be Airi’s inner thoughts.

Unfortunately, she was truly asleep, unaware of Shien’s shameless self-justification.

Shien, oblivious, slowly got up.

“Hmm?” Getting up, he noticed a small piece of parchment that had fallen from his body.

“This is…?” He was startled for a moment, then remembered, “Right, I haven’t gone to that late-night rendezvous in the grove yet.”

Thinking of this, he also remembered Hartley’s hesitant look this morning.

“It seems I have to go find her.”

Shien patted his face, reluctantly releasing the little dragon girl in his arms, giving Airi her freedom.

Then, he quietly left her room. He truly looked like a scumbag husband sneaking out for a late-night tryst.

…

“Swoosh!” With a faint whooshing sound, Shien teleported, leaving Airi’s room, even leaving that entire area.

Unlike the top floor of the Succubus Fortress, the top floor of the Supreme Castle wasn’t restricted. Not only were there demon patrols keeping watch, but there were also people working overnight, occasional voices and lights appearing. Moreover, the Supreme Castle had distinct areas: work areas, living quarters, and guest rooms. Shafney, Lid, Kamina, Millu, and Airi each occupied a small area, specifically reserved for them when they gathered.

Shien left the area designated for the Dragon Demon Territory’s people. He knew that Yulin and Lilith were resting in a room, and even Graty and Beauty were sleeping soundly outside Airi’s door, like two guardians. If he didn’t teleport away, any slight noise might wake them up.

Shien didn’t want to disturb them and decided to handle this “social engagement” alone.

However, just as he was about to leave the Supreme Castle, he was stopped.

“So late, planning to disappear again?” a seductive voice asked with a smirk.

Shien was startled, turning to look.

There, a tall and graceful figure stood.

“Shafney? Why are you here?” he asked, surprised.

It was Shafney, wearing a silk nightgown, her arms crossed, leaning against a window in the corridor, bathed in moonlight, a playful look on her face.

Shien couldn’t help but glance at her figure, swallowing nervously. This witch was as alluring as ever.

Just as he thought this, Shafney rolled her eyes. Shien then remembered that her [Ripple Heart Demon] could also read his thoughts to a certain extent, although not as thoroughly as Nien, who had a deep connection with him, she could still grasp his general thoughts.

He quickly cleared his mind and changed the subject.

“Dressed like this so late at night, are you trying to pick up men?” he asked, his tone more jealous than provocative. He hadn’t realized it before, but now, he felt a pang of jealousy.

Shafney raised an eyebrow.

“Pick up men?” she asked with a smirk, “I was ‘picked up’ and brought here. I just woke up.”

This Succubus had also waited for Shien all night, returning to her room only at dawn, even sleeping only after sensing his return, and waking up just now to find him sneaking out of the Supreme Castle.

That’s why she came directly, unnoticed even by Liel, who was guarding her door.

Only Shien had the privilege of seeing her like this.

Understanding this, Shien’s jealousy subsided.

However…

“You came as soon as I was about to leave? Why? Trying to stop me?” he asked, puzzled.

Shafney shook her head, then said,

“Although I won’t stop you, I also won’t let you wander around alone,” she said sarcastically, “Who knows if you’ll meet another ‘wild woman’ and return with your face covered in lip prints again?”

“Ahem…” Shien coughed awkwardly, “How did you know about that?”

“What do you think?” Shafney asked, annoyed.

With her ability to read his mind, she could probably also read the minds of those infatuated with her, right? It wasn’t surprising that she knew about the “marks” he carried when he returned.

“I have business to attend to, not going out for fun,” Shien felt he had to explain.

But Shafney was more direct.

“Regardless of whether you’re going out for fun or not, I only have one thing to say,” she said, looking directly at Shien and smiling sweetly.

“Take me with you.”

At this moment, Shien admitted, he was tempted.

Should he just go out for “fun”?

It didn’t seem like a bad idea…

Supreme Castle, main gate.

Shien waited for about ten minutes before Shafney reappeared.

“Alright, let’s go,” she said, having changed from her alluring nightgown into a more formal dress, her every smile and gesture captivating.

Even Shien couldn’t help but steal a few glances, then, suppressing his feelings, he asked for what felt like the umpteenth time,

“I already said I’m not going out to meet another woman, why are you still following me?” He felt his image in these women’s eyes was completely ruined, his trustworthiness at rock bottom.

Shafney, however, seemed unconcerned.

“If that’s the case, then what’s the problem with me following you?” she asked, her tone stubborn.

“I’m afraid people will think I’m making a fuss, or that it’s inconvenient,” Shien said. Although he hadn’t told Shafney about Hartley, he knew that with her [Ripple Heart Demon] ability, she must have already learned about it.

As expected…

“I know about what Hartley wants to ask you,” Shafney glanced at him, “It’s not exactly a secret. Even my sisters know about it.”

In other words, even if Shafney went with him, Hartley wouldn’t mind.

“So you still don’t believe me, right?” Shien could only interpret her insistence on following him this way.

Shafney didn’t reply, simply smiling.

Actually, she didn’t really care whether Shien was going out to meet another woman. Strictly speaking, she herself was a “woman on the side” that Shien had “picked up,” so why would she care about such things? Even if he did, they weren’t in a committed relationship, so what?

Therefore, Shafney’s reason for not letting Shien leave the Supreme Castle alone wasn’t to keep an eye on him, but to protect him.

As mentioned before, the Demon Lords had decided that one of them had to be with Shien at all times.

This Hero… no, this man who might be even more special than a Hero, his safety was no longer just his own concern, but also theirs, even the entire Demon Race’s.

The importance of the Demon King’s gem on him was self-evident. The gem, taken by the Supreme God a thousand years ago, had finally returned. Whether for the sake of the Demon Race or their feelings for the Demon King, the Demon Lords couldn’t just let it roam free. Last night was an accident, an unavoidable accident, but it still made the six Demon Lord sisters stay up all night, showing the importance of this matter.

Moreover, Shien’s identity was special, not just because of the Demon King’s gem. The Demon Lords had to protect him, no matter what. Even with his considerable strength and the powerful Evil God always by his side, they still couldn’t be at ease. Hadn’t he almost been killed in the Imperial Capital? And weren’t they separated when they came to the Demon Realm?

Considering these factors, no matter how many people they placed by his side, it still wasn’t enough. If not for fear of attracting unwanted attention, they would have assigned him a full escort, even having two or three Demon Lords protect him together.

Therefore, Shafney immediately appeared and stopped him when she sensed he was about to leave the Supreme Castle.

Not just Shafney.

She could sense that besides Airi, who was fond of sleeping, and Millu, who was simple-minded, her other sisters were also monitoring Shien, even if they weren’t physically present.

Shafney herself used [Ripple Heart Demon] to maintain a connection with him, observing his every move. And when he was about to leave, she sensed Sara, Lid, and even Kamina stirring. This meant they were also watching him. However, Sara, as the supreme being of the Demon Race, was probably still dealing with matters from the meeting and couldn’t personally protect Shien. Lid had to stay with Millu to prevent her from losing control, and Kamina’s relationship with Shien wasn’t good enough. Therefore, they didn’t appear immediately.

Of course, if Shafney hadn’t appeared and stopped Shien, one of them would have eventually.

Shafney couldn’t help but sigh.

“Even throughout the history of Omnipotence, besides the Demon King, you’re the only one who could make us go to such lengths,” she said, patting Shien’s shoulder.

“You should feel honored, my dear Hero.”

Shien chuckled.

“Yes, I’m very honored,” he said without sincerity, “Your Highness.”

Leaving these words, he ignored Shafney and walked out of the Supreme Castle.

Shafney smiled faintly and followed him closely.

They left the Supreme Castle together.

A few minutes later, in a dark corner of the Supreme Castle, a figure appeared silently, watching Shien and Shafney leave together, their interactions intimate and playful. He clenched his fist, a terrifying magic power fluctuating within it.

…

Central City, outskirts.

There were few buildings here, only grasslands, forests, and mountains. Having grasslands, forests, and mountains within a city might seem strange elsewhere, but not in the Demon Realm. Besides demons, there were also monsters raised by them, some requiring specific environments. Therefore, such areas within cities weren’t uncommon in the Demon Realm.

Shien, led by the parchment and accompanied by Shafney, entered a small grove. There were only a few scattered monsters in the grove, no other living beings. With [Outer Awareness of Heaven’s Decree], Shien not only sensed these monsters, but also noticed that their levels were all above seventy.

“Such high-level monsters roaming free in a small grove?”

He couldn’t imagine what kind of monsters roamed the vast grasslands, forests, and mountains.

Shafney explained,

“Monsters are creatures created by the Demon Race. We brought many high-level monsters to the Demon Realm a thousand years ago. In terms of variety and strength, only Tegor Forest in the Human Realm can compare to the monsters in the Demon Realm.”

In other words, monster settlements like Tegor Forest weren’t uncommon in the Demon Realm, not just in quantity, but also in quality.

“Excluding Limit Level monsters, which are incredibly rare even in the Demon Realm, only two or three of them, even demons don’t dare to provoke them, only we Demon Lords can command them, but Legendary Level monsters aren’t uncommon, even in the outskirts of Central City.”

Shafney’s casual explanation left Shien speechless. As expected of the strongest race, the Demon Race had many powerful individuals, even powerful monsters. No wonder the God Race had to create the Human Race to rival them.

As Shien thought this, Shafney did something that made him question the fairness of the world.

“I’m tired, I don’t want to walk anymore. Let’s find a ride.”

Saying this, she waved her hand, releasing her magic power. Her magic power, like a tornado, instantly swept through the forest, capturing a monster from kilometers away.

“Roar!”

The level ninety-two, Legendary-level monster, resembling a lion-tiger hybrid with scales, was dragged over by the magic power and crashed to the ground. It was stunned for a moment, then, sensing their presence, roared furiously.

But when it looked at Shafney, it froze.

Shafney, as if this were the most natural thing in the world, simply said,

“Sit.”

The monster hesitated for a second, then obeyed, lying down before Shafney like a tamed dog, its ferocity replaced by a fawning look, even a hint of infatuation in its eyes, making Shien want to curse.

“Damn, even monsters can be captivated?” Was her Unique Skill truly not charm-related?

Shafney, seemingly not hearing his inner thoughts, jumped onto the monster’s back, sitting sideways, her jade-like feet dangling in the air, looking comfortable.

“Much better,” she said, nodding in satisfaction.

And the monster, not only not resisting, but looking quite happy with Shafney sitting on it, made Shien want to curse again.

“I…” He suppressed the urge and said with resignation, “Forget it, I won’t bother with this anymore.”

Saying this, he turned and entered the grove without looking back.

The monster, as if just noticing Shien, glared at him with killing intent.

Until a light, playful voice reached its ears.

“If you dare touch him, you’re dead.”

The chillingly sweet voice made the monster shudder, and it quickly suppressed its killing intent, panting like a dog.

“Follow him,” Shafney said, and the monster immediately jumped up and followed Shien, even wagging its tail.

Fortunately, Shien didn’t see this, or he would have cursed again. He didn’t expect there were simps even among monsters.

…

Perhaps because of the monster’s aura, the few monsters originally inhabiting the grove fled as Shien entered. Sensing no more monsters with [Outer Awareness of Heaven’s Decree], Shien ignored them, took out the parchment, and followed its instructions, arriving at his destination.

There, in a clearing surrounded by trees, a figure radiating cold air stood silently.

“Master Shafney?” Hartley, seeing Shafney riding the giant monster and following Shien, looked stunned. Clearly, she hadn’t expected Shafney to come along.

“Ignore me,” Shafney, still sitting sideways on the monster, yawned cutely and waved her hand lazily, “I’m just out for a night stroll with this little man. Don’t mind me.”

Shien almost spat out blood.

Hartley frowned and looked at Shien, her gaze scrutinizing.

“Don’t listen to her nonsense!” Shien said quickly, knowing he had to explain, “I’m just here to see you. She insisted on coming along!”

Before Hartley could respond, Shafney spoke.

“How can you say that?” she asked, her voice filled with disbelief, “I only came with you because you said you wouldn’t go looking for other women. I never thought you would actually…”

Saying this, she even wiped her eyes, as if about to cry.

“I…” Shien was speechless, countless curses running through his mind.

Just as he was about to argue with Shafney, Hartley spoke.

“I understand the situation,” she said.

“Is… is that so?” Shien asked, stunned, feeling a sense of relief.

“Yes,” Hartley said impassively, “It seems I’ve interrupted the two of you. Don’t worry, my matter will be over soon, and I’ll leave immediately. Please excuse me.”

Shien’s relief instantly vanished.

You understand the situation?

Understand my ass!

“Anyway, please follow me.” Hartley didn’t give Shien a chance to curse, and after saying this, she looked at Shafney, hesitated for a moment, then sighed, “If Master Shafney has some free time, then please come along as well.”

“Okay~~~” Shafney immediately stopped her fake crying, her smile radiant and beautiful.

What could Shien do?

He could only curse her in his mind.