Chapter 56: The Demon Lord’s Name

“Congratulations, host, on winning first place in the Star-Moon Cup. You are rewarded with a random bronze-level skill upgrade!”

“Ding dong, congratulations, host, for reaching advanced hacker level.”

Two voices echoed in Yun Xuan’s ears, and the rewards could be claimed as soon as he found a discreet place.

“This time, the champion of the Star-Moon Cup is Yun Xuan from Fangyu City. His work, ‘Future’, will become a signature piece,” the host announced loudly.

The entire audience erupted in applause.

“Congratulations,” Wen Sheng stepped down from the judges’ platform and handed the gold medal to Yun Xuan.

“Thank you.” Yun Xuan bowed slightly, deeply admiring this founder of the Man Realm.

“With the prizes awarded, the Star-Moon Cup concludes. Audience members, please exit in an orderly fashion,” the host said with a smile.

…

Half an hour later, at the Star-Moon Hotel.

“Yun Xuan, your ‘Future’ has been priced at eight million by primary intelligence. Are you interested in selling it?” Wen Sheng hesitated as he spoke.

“If you’d like to buy it, seven million is fine.” Yun Xuan smiled.

“It’s Qiu Xueji who asked me to purchase it for her. Her identity is rather special.” Wen Sheng shook his head.

“No problem. I have no interest in collecting my own works,” Yun Xuan nodded.

“This is her payment, the password is six sixes. Once you transfer the funds, I can report back.” Wen Sheng handed Yun Xuan a bank card.

“Alright.” Yun Xuan took it and made the transfer swiftly, accustomed to such convenience.

Bank cards in this world were quite unique; any transaction required only one card, making deposits and transfers effortless. Those who possessed such cards were invariably wealthy or distinguished, saving much bureaucracy.

Three o’clock in the afternoon.

After dining with Wen Sheng, Yun Xuan booked another two days at the hotel, unconcerned about such expenses.

Defeating the Dark Battle Maiden in late-night sorties had left Yun Xuan tired.

He planned to relax for these two days and buy some local specialties.

But first, he needed to visit the Qin family’s food processing factory to improve their spices.

…

Night fell, and Yun Xuan returned to the Star-Moon Hotel.

The improved spices had greatly enhanced the food, but the final verdict awaited the Gourmet Management Committee’s review.

“There’s still so much to do… Seems these next two days won’t be as leisurely as I’d hoped…” Yun Xuan pushed open the door and walked inside.

“Finding you is far too easy, Chosen One.” A voice sounded in the room.

Yun Xuan smiled faintly; his guess was correct—a special type of Dark Battle Maiden had come to him.

He closed the door and stepped into the room.

“Eh?” Seeing a petite girl clad only in a swimsuit before him, Yun Xuan was momentarily stunned.

“Let me introduce myself: I am the Demon King. My name is Mengmeng.” The swimsuit-clad girl announced solemnly.

“…Well, greetings, Demon King.” Yun Xuan’s mouth twitched. Why was the Demon King named ‘Mengmeng’?

“Why would someone like you be chosen by her? How strange.” Demon King Mengmeng looked at Yun Xuan, muttering in confusion.

“Demon King, you must be here to sow discord between me and her, right?” Yun Xuan sat down, utterly unperturbed.

After days of battling Dark Battle Maidens, he’d gotten used to it.

“No, not to sow discord. That woman has never cared about the Chosen Ones; she treats them as her amusement.” Demon King Mengmeng said seriously.

“Amusement? As long as I live happily, I don’t mind. Besides, I have no ability to defeat her.” Yun Xuan shrugged, unconcerned at being used.

Even the strategy engine belonged to that angel—what grounds did he have to resist?

“She’s heartless. Many Chosen Ones have met tragic ends. Boys sent in, failed their tasks, turned into girls, then forced to pursue other boys. Even so, you don’t care?” Demon King Mengmeng spoke coldly.

“As long as I complete the task, I’m confident. If I do become a girl and never turn back, so be it—I’ll just pursue cute girls myself.” Yun Xuan said indifferently.

“You…” Demon King Mengmeng had never met such a human—someone who didn’t care whether he was male or female?

“If you want to sow discord, show your cards. Otherwise, you’ll never convince me.” Yun Xuan regarded the Demon King with amusement.

“I’ll give you all the Dark Battle Maidens, or every beauty in this world, along with immense power—if you help me with one thing.” Demon King Mengmeng gritted her teeth.

She hadn’t expected to be mocked by a mere human; once Yun Xuan completed her task, she’d make him toil as a laborer.

“I’m listening.” Yun Xuan grabbed a bottle of cola, opened it, and took a sip.

“I want you... to conquer the Angel!” Demon King Mengmeng declared solemnly.

“Pfft—cough, cough, cough—what did you say?” Yun Xuan spewed cola all over Mengmeng, shocked.

“I…” Before Mengmeng could speak, a streak of violet light shot out from her body, as if something pulled her away, and she was flung out.

“Eh?” Yun Xuan glanced at the limp Dark Battle Maiden, and in the next moment, she vanished.

“What’s going on?” Yun Xuan was puzzled, looking at the spot where the Dark Battle Maiden disappeared, and considered a possibility.

…

High above the sky.

A girl watched Yun Xuan spit cola on the Dark Battle Maiden, and she herself nearly spat out her own cola.

“What a foolish demon, all these years and not a bit of change.” The girl chuckled, watching the violet light fly away.

…

At the bottom of the deep sea.

“Damn it, I’ve been scattered by the water—what happened?” Demon King Mengmeng awoke on the cold floor, frustrated.

“Analysis indicates an eighty percent probability the water contained something you’re allergic to, causing the potion to destabilize and the connection to break.” A mechanical voice sounded overhead.

“Allergic? What does that mean?” Demon King Mengmeng asked, puzzled.

“Allergy is when…” The mechanical voice launched into a vivid medical lesson.

“So that’s it, I understand. Begin testing Demon King Formula No. 2.” Demon King Mengmeng, after half an hour, finally grasped the concept.

“Yes.” The mechanical voice replied.

“Next time, I must drag that fellow here. But why did she choose him?” Demon King Mengmeng couldn’t comprehend.

…

Star-Moon Hotel.

Yun Xuan gazed at Qiu Xueji’s Magical Girl series, and an anime popped into his mind. If he based it on that, perhaps he could revolutionize the concept of magical girls.

Hopefully, no one would send him razor blades.

Though the characters in this anime were adorable, the story was somewhat distressing.

Putting Demon King Mengmeng’s matter aside, Yun Xuan began preparing for this anime.

Its name would be…

(PS: This is why watching more anime is so important. Someone please tell me what it’s called. Vote for recommendations!)