#731 The Neo-Demon Kingdom – The Commoner’s Version

Hey there, it’s me, Diablo, your resident gloomy boy!

As a die-hard fan of God Figure, there’s no way I could sit out this God Fight Olympia!

Ever since figure magic control became possible, my Z-Hades has undergone a fantastic makeover to become Starlight Z-Hades!

First off, its wings react to magic power, allowing them to open and close. Then, it uses the massive output from its built-in reactor to power its moves. With this speed and propulsion, we execute our special attack—the Hades Shooting Star Attack—which lets us topple and outrun our rivals!

Thanks to this special move, we sailed through the first round of the preliminaries. But, for some reason, my previous opponent has been eerily tailing me...

“Um, why are you following me...?”

“To study and learn from the superior competitors for my revenge in the next tournament! I’ll stick to you, who defeated me, to learn everything I can!”

“Whaaat...?!”

Isn’t this what you’d call stalking?

I wonder if I can alert the Demon King’s Army soldiers and get them to handle it. But he keeps going on about being a demon prince...?

Seems like I might just have to endure this predicament. As long as the tournament is on, I’ll fulfill my role as a fighter!

My goal? To win, of course! And I believe that my Starlight Z-Hades can make that happen!

“Heh... we’ll see about that.”

“Belzeb?!”

My friend and rival, Belzeb, is also taking part?!

I had a feeling he would be here, given our ongoing rivalry ever since the God Fight craze kicked off...!

But what happened, Belzeb? You seem different.

“I’ve undergone a transformation. I’ve moved on from the tepid God Figure Fights we’re used to. I’ve awakened as a true fighter!”

“What?!”

Tepid? Lukewarm?

What are you talking about, Belzeb?! Our competitive days should shine like precious gems!

“I’ve received enlightenment from a certain someone. I’m no longer just a boy chasing trends in a corner of the Demon Capital. I’ve become a leading figure of the secret organization planning to conquer the world with God Figure, Young Men... I’m Jet Black Belzeb!”

What the...?!

“With the power boost I received from Young Men’s boss, I’ll turn your flimsy modded figure into dust with my Darkness Victory Hades! We at Young Men will dominate the top tiers of the tournament and proclaim world domination!”

After cackling loudly, Belzeb walks away.

I had no idea Belzeb had fallen into darkness...!

I mean, I noticed we hadn’t hung out for a few days, but I never imagined he’d change this much!

Even Goetia, who just happened to be around, seems shaken by the unexpected turn of events!

“This talk of world domination doesn’t sound peaceful! I need to report this to Father and ask for his guidance...!”

“Wait!”

I get the concern, but we can’t do that!

They’re trying to confront us squarely through a God Figure Fight. We have to hold our ground and confront them! After all, we are the ones in the right!

“True justice always stands tall and doesn’t resort to underhanded tactics! If the opponent sets the rules, we must prove our righteousness by claiming a clear victory within those rules!”

“I see!!!”

Goetia’s eyes are alight with admiration.

I’m glad he appreciates my understanding of justice.

“So, this so-called evil organization plans to win the competition and usurp our victory. In that case, my only choice is to win the competition myself and thwart their plans!”

“That’s just like you, Big Bro Diablo! You’re always mindful of whether your actions are right or wrong!”

Wait, did Goetia just let slip a hint of admiration?

Is this okay?

Regardless, it’s inexcusable for them to use God Figure, a game everyone loves, for their selfish schemes!

To rescue Belzeb’s heart, lost to the shadows, I have to win this battle and the entire competition!!!

***

“Hades Shooting Star Attack!”

“Guhaaaa?! My Darkness Victory Hades...!!!”

Belzeb is sent flying by a lightning-fast body blow.

The black paint on his figure starts to lift off and dissipate into the air. It’s as if a curse was being lifted, all the darkness surrounding Belzeb’s figure just vanished.

“Could that have been... the aura of a dark figure being dispelled?!”

Aura of a dark figure?! 

Some guy in the crowd starts explaining like a commentator, but what’s he talking about? I want to know more!

“Long ago, a person tried to harness immense power by infusing a dark aura into God Figures. They even attempted to control people by possessing them with this aura...!”

Wait a minute. Didn’t God Figures only come out recently? How does this tie in with the centuries-ago part?

“It’s said that the origins of God Figures can be traced back to ancient murals in ruins in the southwestern part of the Demon Kingdom. If these ruins were designed to tell future generations about God Figures and the epic battle between light and darkness, then it’s no surprise that this conflict has resurfaced in the present...!”

Ah, I get it.

It kinda makes sense when he puts it like that.

But right now, I’m more worried about my buddy Belzeb, who I just sent flying!

Belzeb, are you okay?!

“Diablo... It seems that my mind was corrupted by the aura of the dark figure...!”

Belzeeeeeb?!

“I was so jealous of you... Your Figure Cosmo is leagues above mine. Even though I could keep up with you for now because of my experience and skill, I knew you’d eventually surpass me, and I would never be able to catch up...!”

No... Belzeb...?!

“In my impatience, I was lured in by the dark side of God Figures. It seeped into the cracks of my heart, and before I knew it, I was completely under their control...!”

Belzeeeeeeeeeeb?!

“Diablo... You must keep fighting. You’re the only one who can foil the plans of the secret organization Young Men and win this tournament!”

I hear you, Belzeb! I’ll win this fight and smash their evil plans for our friendship!

“Diablo...! Can you still consider me a friend, even when I’ve fallen into such darkness...?!”

“Of course! Isn’t it the friend’s job to bring you back when you’re heading the wrong way? Belzeb, we’ll always be friends!!!”

Seeing our reconciliation, Goetia breaks down crying.

“Incredible...! This is the power of friendship...! Indeed, the bonds shared between people form the foundation of a nation, Father...!”

Yeah.

If you’ve learned something from this, then that’s great.

But I can’t forgive this mysterious organization for leading my friend Belzeb astray and casting a dark cloud over this exciting tournament!

I’m sure there are more assassins in this tournament, all being manipulated by this secret organization.

To defeat them all and completely smash their evil plans, I must win!

Watch me, Belzeb, Goetia!

My friends!

I will definitely win and make justice prevail!

***

In the next match...

Despite all the buildup, my match with Belzeb was just a semi-final qualifier.

I’m facing Demon King Zedan in the prestigious final qualifying match.

Demon King Zedan?

His God Figure, heavily modified using the vast financial resources of a ruler, combined with an adult’s overpowering technique, leaves me defeated instantly.

“The winner is... Demon King Zedan...!”

Whaaaaaaaaat?! What about our friendship?!

My promise with my friends has been shattereddddd?!

“Father... you’re the worst...!” mutters Goetia under his breath after watching the match.