Zofia returned with a bag full of food, excitedly recounting everything to Nathan. He was relieved that they had found affordable room, and even happier knowing they wouldn't have to worry about food for the next few days.
She sorted out the ingredients that wouldn't keep long and took them to the market to sell. Zofia had experience working at night markets back in the old world, so hawking wares was second nature to her. Thanks to that, she earned a whole gold coin.
"You're really sharp. If it were me, I never would have thought to make extra money this way," Nathan remarked.
"Just a little experience from the old world, ha ha ha."
"By the way, have you been accepted into the Guild yet?"
"I have. Apprentice Mage, Bronze Rank."
"Bronze Rank? I thought you'd be at least Iron."
"Why? Is Bronze the lowest?"
"Yes. I'm an adventurer too, and my rank is Iron. The ranks from lowest to highest are Bronze, Iron, Silver, Amber, Agate, Quartz, Jade, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and finally Ammolite."
Zofia sat there, staring blankly at Nathan. She couldn't believe that a guy who almost died saving her from three thugs was a rank higher than her. She knew for a fact she was better than Bronze; those goblins hadn't given her any trouble at all.
"Don't be sad. You'll rank up after completing enough quests."
"Is that so? If that's the case, no problem. I have patience in spades."
The two ate and laughed happily in the tavern. Since they had earned a gold coin today, they decided to treat themselves to something other than dry crackers. Their laughter attracted the attention of two men at the next table.
"Do you notice something strange about that girl?"
"Which girl, my liege? That table has two boys."
"You need to get out more, Xerxes. Even though her appearance and clothes look male, that is definitely a woman."
"Truly? I've never seen a human female that tall. Wait, Demon King, are you planning to... do something?"
Before Xerxes could finish his sentence, the stranger had already walked over to the table where Zofia and Nathan were sitting.
"Greetings, My Lady."
"Again with this? Do I look like a 'Lady' to you? If this is some kind of pick-up line, I know magic, so I suggest you go elsewhere before you get hurt."
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Demon King."
"I am the Demon King," Zofia repeated his words with a mocking, sarcastic tone. "No real Demon King walks around announcing he's the Demon King." Zofia smirked.
Finding his joke flat and unamusing, she stood up and left the tavern with Nathan.
The Demon King, having gotten close, sensed Zofia's power even more clearly. Every ordinary person had a mana limit, whether they could use magic or not. Zofia was completely different; even with his demon eyes, he couldn't see her limit. This only made him more curious.
"You are a truly special human," the Demon King whispered just loud enough for her to hear as he intentionally brushed past her at the door.
Zofia returned to the inn, tossing and turning all night thinking about his words. It could have been just the flirty banter of a man trying to hit on a woman, or it could be the truth. She leaned towards the second possibility because she was self-aware enough to know she wasn't conventionally beautiful enough to attract someone like him—especially given how handsome he was.
The next day, Nathan wanted to be productive, so he took a quest from the Guild. Zofia wanted to tag along, but he insisted on doing it alone, leaving her no choice but to go practice her magic.
On her way, Zofia suddenly remembered the words from the night before and wandered around the city looking for the man who claimed to be the Demon King. He seemed to know she was looking for him, appearing casually in front of her as she turned a corner.
"Are you stalking me?"
"No need. I am the Demon King; I know when someone wants to speak with me. Especially a special human like you."
"Let's find somewhere quiet."
"Very well."
He snapped his fingers, and they were instantly teleported to the front of the tavern from last night.
"It's very quiet here in the morning. Rest assured, and besides, the food here is good. I want to eat again."
As soon as they sat down, Zofia spoke up.
"What did you mean by what you said yesterday?"
"You are different from other mages. Recently, I sensed someone using summoning magic. Could it be..."
Zofia hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
"Wonderful. If you were to become my subordinate, it would be perfect."
"Excuse me? Me, work for the Demon King? Wait, are you even really the Demon King? And if so, do I have to do evil deeds?"
"I truly am the Demon King. I cannot reveal my true form because this is a human kingdom; it would be troublesome if the Holy Knights arrived."
"Even a Demon King gets scared?"
"Why not? Demon Kings aren't immortal. Besides, if you become my subordinate, I will provide you with anything you desire."
"Anything? Including returning to my old world?"
"Except that. If you return to your old world, you wouldn't be my subordinate anymore."
"No!"
Zofia didn't need to think; she answered bluntly.
"I will never be a subordinate to the Demon King. That will never happen, even if I fall into the most destitute circumstances."
"Then what if I kill you for refusing?"
"Kill me if you want. I won't go against my conscience. I have nothing left to lose anyway."
"Ha ha ha, very well. I won't force you. When you realize the truth about the humans in this world, you will change your mind on your own. Though, who knows if I'll still be alive by then."
Zofia felt angry hearing this. She thought, What does a demon like him know about humans? She walked straight out the door.
Just as the door opened, a shimmering silver arrow flew past her face. Zofia jumped, then breathed a sigh of relief when she realized she was still intact.
The arrow wasn't meant for Zofia. Its target was the Demon King sitting and eating. Because his back was to the door, he didn't see it in time. By the time he realized it, the arrow had pierced through his back and out his chest.
Zofia looked outside in panic to see who had shot it, but saw no one. The assassin had likely vanished. She didn't know what to do as the other patrons in the tavern saw the murder and fled out the back door.
"Please... come... here..."
He widened his eyes, pleading with Zofia. She hesitated for a moment, seeing purple blood spilling all over the floor.
"Please... I... don't have much time..."
Zofia reluctantly ran closer but didn't dare touch him, fearing someone would see and misunderstand. The Demon King grew weaker and gradually reverted to his true form.
"Take this... Demon Seed... it will help you... go find Xerxes..."
Using his last bit of strength, the Demon King pulled a pitch-black gem from his chest, placed it on the table, and breathed his last.