Next day — In my room
I stood in front of the cracked mirror, tugging awkwardly at the plain villager clothes of this world. My Earth outfit made me stand out like a rare monster spawn—
which was the last thing I wanted.
"So? Do you think this looks good?"
I asked Verixa, spreading my arms.
She tapped her chin, tail flicking lazily.
"Well… it's kinda mid?"
"If it's mid, then it's perfect," I sighed. "Being average is a blessing. I can finally blend in."
Before Verixa could add another sarcastic jab, the door burst open.
Alira stepped in—then froze.
"Z-Zacken? Chief Dave says the humans will arrive soon to collect taxes… and the demon tribute."
She blinked, taking in my new look.
"Well, that's good. What about the others?" I asked.
"Just like you said, we explained the plan to the villagers. It was hard, but with Chief Dave's authority… somehow they accepted."
"Good."
She hesitated. "But… will this plan really work?"
"How should I know?" I shrugged. "I copied it from a manga."
"Ma… manga?"
Both Verixa and Alira tilted their heads like confused cats.
"Forget it. Alira, help with the final preparations. I'll join soon."
Alira bowed and hurried out—leaving me with Verixa again.
The demon girl leaned closer, whispering.
"Hey… don't you think it's weird? Humans collecting taxes from demons instead of slaughtering them… and taking one demon with them?"
"That's exactly what bothers me," I muttered. "Even Dave doesn't know why."
I let out a long breath.
---
A few minutes later — Village Center
Everyone was gathered when I arrived. They waved; I waved back.
"Human! You look suuuper lame for a rebel leader!" Siriel shouted.
"Yeah, sooo lame!" Liriel echoed.
"Hey! You two!" Tez smacked the back of their heads, then bowed to me.
"I apologize, Mr. Zacken. They lack discipline."
"Don't worry about it." I turned to Valkira.
"Everything ready?"
"Yes," Valkira nodded. "We prepared the taxes. But… about the tribute demon? You said you'd decide at dinner. Have you…?"
Dave stepped forward, gripping his staff anxiously.
"Sir Zacken… did you find someone willing to go?"
I took a slow breath.
"Well… I didn't find anyone."
Everyone froze.
"So," I continued, "the demon tribute… is me."
I pointed to myself.
"I'll disguise myself and trick them."
"WHAT!!!" the entire group roared.
"I was right," Ken sighed, crossing his arms. "Making a human our leader was a mistake from the start."
"Hey, human, are you stupid or WHAT?!" Siriel snapped.
"If humans find out, they'll erase this village!"
"Yeah!" Liriel added. "They'll delete us from the MAP!"
Dave rubbed his forehead.
"Sir Zacken… I apologize, but I must agree. This is reckless. Too dangerous."
He turned to Valkira.
"Ma'am Valkira, surely you think this is—"
"Well, if we're talking about *him*…" Valkira started.
"It somehow always works," Alira finished with a small smile.
"Relax, old man. Everyone," Verixa said, stepping forward confidently.
"As the Demon Queen, I promise—if anything goes wrong, I'll take full responsibility. So please… follow Zacken's plan."
Reluctantly, they all nodded.
"Thanks. But before the humans arrive, I'll need help with my disguise."
---
At the meeting time
Dozens of armored soldiers entered the village, marching in formation.
At their front walked a priestess in an elegant green dress, staff nearly as tall as she was. Her pink hair fluttered in the breeze, matching the unwavering determination in her eyes.
She approached Dave and bowed politely.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Chief of Karven Village," she said.
"I represent the kingdom. My name is Rosella of the Eastern Royal Academy."
"Ro… Rosella…" Dave went pale.
"You're… you're the one—"
"Yes," she interrupted with a calm smile.
"I am part of the Hero's support team. We helped defeat the Demon Queen."
That smile faded as her gaze landed on me.
"And this is…?"
"Yes, Ma'am Rosella," Dave said nervously. "He is the demon tribute… and the taxes are prepared."
"Hm."
Rosella stepped toward me, lifted my hand gently… and wrapped both of hers around it.
"His mana…? So weak for a demon." Her voice carried doubt.
"It's enough to kill you right now," I said casually—acting wild enough to seem convincing.
Rosella's eyebrow twitched.
"…Bind the demon. Bring the money. We're leaving."
"Yes, Ma'am!" the soldiers responded.
Two soldiers grabbed my arms, but I didn't resist.
This was exactly how the plan should look.
---
On the way out of the village
The soldiers escorted me along the forest path. Rosella walked ahead, tapping her staff rhythmically against the ground.
Time for the next phase.
"Strange," she said suddenly, without turning.
"You're awfully calm for a demon being taken by humans."
I shrugged.
"I'm used to bad luck."
"Hmph," she scoffed.
Her attitude. Her suspicion.
Everything was moving according to plan.
I allowed myself a faint smirk.
---
My Plan — Explained
1. Demon Disguise
Using Valkira's soot, Tez's ink, and a small illusion spell from Siriel, I altered:
- my scent
- my mana signature
- even my skin tone
To any normal human—or even a trained mage—I appeared as a low-ranking demon.
2. Acting the Part
I behaved casually and unpredictably.
Humans expect demons to be wild or arrogant.
By acting strangely normal, I became something more dangerous in their eyes—an unknown type.
Exactly what I needed.