Breakthrough with the Forbidden Master Chapter 11 – Argument

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『By the way, Child… Earlier, you were speaking with the Princess about the 'Graduation Commemorative Match'. What exactly is it?』

Finally done with my supplementary lessons, we were on our way back home. As we walked through the commercial district streets, the Demon King asked me.

"Hmm? The Graduation Commemorative Match?"
『Yes. Judging from the name, it seems to be a competition where graduating students showcase their skills in front of high-ranking nobles and royals.…』
"Well, your understanding isn't entirely off. It's an event where the top-performing graduates get to demonstrate their three years' worth of training in front of the Emperor. That's what the tournament is for."
『Hoh… When will this take place? 』
"Approximately, two months from now."

Indeed, this event serves as a debut for young candidates who aim to become warriors. The top-performing individuals can showcase their abilities not only to the Emperor and nobles but also to many citizens, as well as the leaders of various warrior organizations. It's an opportunity to make their presence felt even in other countries. It's an occasion that can greatly influence one's life, as the results can determine their future.
Well, personally, I've been feeling quite indifferent about it lately.

『Hmm… So, there's such an event… And? 』
“Huh?”
『Judging from your conversation with the Princess earlier, I gather that you too shall partake in this event, are you not? Despite it being two months away, you appear rather unconcerned. Are you lacking motivation?』

The Great Demon King pointed out my inner thoughts as if he could see through me.
Yes, I no longer have much motivation for it.
To defeat that Princess in just two months… It's frustrating, but no matter how hard I try from now on…

"…At the very least, I'll make enough preparations to avoid embarrassment."
『I see… 』

That’s one of the reasons.
However, the main reason for my lack of enthusiasm is…

『Hmph… Most likely…… 'tis because you're only seen through the biased lens of being Heero's son… and it seems unlikely that you can live up to those expectations... So that’s how it is, huh. 』
"Guhk!?"
『You're quite… immature… as expected. Are you afraid of disappointing others if you turn out to be less than your father? 』

At that moment, the Great Demon King smirked and touched upon the very essence of my being.

"Keh, it's not like that… If anything, even if that were to happen, it would be my father who would be embarrassed. If I can avoid bringing shame to my father, then…"

It's a lie. It's just bravado. There’s nothing as pathetic as this.
But still, I put on a meaningless facade...

『Hoh… so this is the rebellious phase, huh? But deep within… you desire to surpass your father... you seek to prove yourself to the world... Is that not what you truly think? Yet, you understand that you lack the talent to accomplish such a feat.』
“Guhk!?”

I found myself glaring back and raising my voice unintentionally.

“Don't, don’t mess with me. What do you know about me to make such careless remarks?”
『Well well, one can't help but retort when someone hits the mark… You're just too predictable. 』
“Guhk!?”
『Everything falls within expectations. You can't surpass your father, who persists in being an idiot and does unexpected things. That's where you fall short.』
“Th-That's not…”
『Resigned, defiant, and pessimistic. The prodigy confined to a narrow perspective, giving up on facing his own weaknesses and venturing out into the world… Am I wrong?』

No matter what I say, it's useless. The Demon King sees right through me.
Those words are more than enough to make me understand that, and I clenched my fist tightly, overwhelmed with anger and embarrassment.

"Sh-Shut up! A ghost like you who lost and died has no right to look down on others!"
『…… What did you say?』
"And besides, if I'm the one who's resigned, defiant, and pessimistic, what about you? You're just a pathetic loser making excuses for your defeat!"
『Muh!? 』

So, it seems that the Demon King, who was looking down on me, has a touchy subject that he doesn’t want to bring up. His forehead twitched involuntarily.

『Oi, Child, when did I make excuses for my defeat?』
"You did! You kept complaining about how unfair my father and the others were!"
『No, that was not an excuse, but a fact… In a one-on-one duel, I would have surely emerged victorious!』
"That's also quite doubtful, you know… Nowadays, anyone can say things like that without any real basis…"
『Nu!? 』
“The truth is, maybe you weren't even as strong as you made yourself out to be, were you?”

If the other party dares to speak condescendingly to me, then I'll do the same. If they can't counterattack, I'll provoke them mercilessly.
Then, the Great Demon King approached me with a truly demonic expression…

『You dare utter such words to me, you wretch! Are you accusing me of lying?』

……Despite not actually existing, the pressure is overwhelming, and it's genuinely frightening. It feels like he might transform into something.

『Well then! I shall prove to you that back then, despite not having much power left, I would have surpassed each and every one of the heroes remarkably.』

And, while approaching me with such powerful intensity befitting the Great Demon King, he made a certain proposal.
It was about how, in the past, he had lost but would have emerged victorious if my father and the others hadn't resorted to cowardly and unpredictable tactics.
To prove that his power was undoubtedly superior to that of my father and the others.
However……

"……There's no way that's possible… It's impossible. You're a ghost, after all"

That's right, as a ghost, he cannot be seen or heard by anyone other than me, it's impossible for the Great Demon King, who cannot interfere with anything in reality.
But the Great Demon King……

『…… I will use you to prove it』
“Ha?”
『I shall train you and make you embody the power of the Great Demon King! And then, you shall witness my greatness! 』

……Now…… this guy, what did he just say? The Great Demon King…… is going to train me?

『In just two months! Within a short period of two months, I will raise you to a level where you can defeat that Princess! 』

It was a situation that began with the hurling of insults to one another.
Driven by the Demon King's furious and intense declaration, I found myself being swept along.

『Alright, let's prepare for training immediately! For that, purchase everything I tell you to!』
"Eh, a-are you serious? And, purchase what?"
『In response to me, you shall say, 'Osu!'. Say iiiiiiiiiit!』
"O…Osu…"

And so, this event became the catalyst that significantly influenced our peculiar relationship and the path I would take in the future.

『And thus, I shall shape you into a splendid Demon King!』

“No, please spare me from that!”

Yeah… Significantly……

---

Author’s Note

I casually reached 6th place for the day.
I received a lot of encouragement from my Spiral friends.
Thank you very much.

Now that I've come this far, I want to break through even higher walls and keep pushing forward.
How far will I go? To infinity and beyond!

Please continue to support me!

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