Published at 26th of December 2025 7:42 am

Chapter 515: Those Who Deceive and Those Who Are Deceived: Part 1

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

Third Person POV

After all the illusions vanished, Ed stood silently before the lifeless body of Lunariatia, unable to move. In the oppressive stillness, a loud burst of laughter suddenly echoed.

Ahahahahaha! To think itd go so smoothlyso easily, just like that!

From the darkness emerged Luka, clutching his stomach as he roared with laughter. However, Ed completely ignored Lukas outburst. Instead, he bent down, picked up Lunariatias severed head, and pressed it firmly to her neck. Then, he retrieved the last remaining healing potion handcrafted by Riel from his [Strangers Box] and sprinkled it over the wound.

Sure enough, the wound closed. The sharp, clean cut disappeared without a trace. To the casual onlooker, Lunariatias body might have appeared as though she were peacefully sleeping. But her eyes, gently shut with a serene expression, remained forever closed.

Come on, Senpai! You know thats meaningless, right? Haha Do you really think reattaching a severed head will bring a dead person back to life? Fuhuhu

Ah, geez! Fine, Ill spill the beans then. Here comes the reveal!

Ed!

Another figure appeared beside Luka. The elf, with her bright, sun-like hair and emerald-green eyes, waved energetically at Ed.

Tia?

Thats right! Luka invited me to help surprise you, Ed! But it looks like we went a bit overboard Im sorry.

And there you have it! It was all just a little prank! So, Senpai, how was it? Did you have fun?

Luka chimed in with an exaggerated grin, narrowing his already sharp eyes as he beamed at Ed. Yet, deep within, Lukas internal thoughts were anything but jovial.

(Hah If it was this easy to ensnare him in despair, then I really shouldve carved something even darker and deeper into his heart.)

The Lunariatia standing beside Luka was, of course, a fake. Though her body and even her soul were crafted to be indistinguishable from the real one, the core of her very being had been tampered withengineered to follow Lukas commands without question. Even Luka himself couldnt discern the difference between the fake and the original. The only variation was the subtle manipulation embedded into her essence to ensure her obedience.

(Go on, cling to her. Your salvation is right here, isnt it?)

The reality of having killed someone precious with his own hands was a tragedy designed to shatter the Demon Kings heart. That was precisely why he would seek salvationto convince himself that the one hed killed was merely a fake. The truth he so desperately desired would allow him to justify his actions and accept the elf standing before him.

Once that happened, Luka planned to torment Eds heart slowly, methodically, and relentlessly. Depending on how amusing the outcome was, Luka could even reveal the truththat she was a fakeor toss her aside like garbage. Whether her true nature was discovered or not didnt matter. The moment Ed chose self-deception, his defeat as the Demon King would be sealed.

Oh, dont look so upset, Ed! Come on, dont be mad, okay?

Even though the sweetness of her words was a poisoned dagger in disguise, Luka was certain Ed would be unable to resist. Smirking with the confidence of victory, Luka watched as Lunariatia stepped forward to approach Ed.

However, Ed gently laid the real Lunariatias corpse on the floor. Then, with a calm resolve, he placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.

What?

Without a sound, Eds blade swung through the air, slicing cleanly through the neck of the fake Lunariatia. Her body crumpled to the ground, blood gushing from the severed stump, and Luka let out a startled shout.

Wha?! Wait, what are you doing, Senpai?!

What does it look like? Im not interested in playing along with your little puppet show.

Puppet show? Now thats just cruel. But are you sure youre okay with this? Declaring her a fake means admitting you killed the real one, you know?

Yeah, I know. I killed her. Shell never speak again.

At Lukas mocking tone, Ed glanced briefly at the corpse lying behind himthe real Lunariatia. His voice dropped to a whisper, but there was no mistaking the sorrow and loneliness in his eyes. Yet those emotions were swiftly swallowed by a dark, unyielding resolve.

But now you cant use her against me. You cant take a hostage if theyre already dead.

Ahhh, I see. So youve gone that far, huh?

Hearing Eds grim declaration, Luka dismissed the fake Lunariatias corpse into the shadows and pressed a hand to his forehead, letting out a theatrical sigh.

Indeed, Luka had considered capturing the real Lunariatia to manipulate the Demon King. Originally, he had intended to use her as leverage at this very moment.

If Ed had chosen the fake, the plan would have been a success. If he had chosen the real one, Lukas carefully cultivated trust could have delayed outright hostility. Either scenario would have given Luka opportunities to tighten his hold over time. But for Ed to kill Lunariatia without hesitationthe real or fakethat outcome had been completely outside Lukas calculations.

Now, though, Luka could understand why.

To think youd prioritize defeating me over protecting Tia I suppose a Demon King will always be a Demon King, huh?

Say whatever you want. Those will be your last words.

Black energy surged across Eds sword as he swung it through the air. Despite standing ten meters away, Lukas torso split with a black, jagged line. His body, severed in two, collapsed.

Ah, ahhh Is this the end of me?

Yeah. Its over.

From the exposed wound, black flames erupted, consuming Lukas body entirely. But just as his form vanished, the dark fire transformed into shimmering particles of white lightand Luka reappeared, standing tall with radiant wings on his back.

Just kidding!

What?

Ta-daa! Surprised, Senpai? I bet you areof course you are! After all, your precious power of ending didnt work on me at all! Hahaha!

What the hell is going on?

Oh, you want to know, dont you? Curious, right? Hmm, should I tell you

Before Luka could finish, Ed swung his sword again. Black energy slashed through Lukas body two, three more times, reducing him to nothing once more. But just like before, Luka re-materialized, laughing as light particles swirled around him.

Ah, Senpai, youre so impatient.

Shut up! Explain!

Fine, fine. I guess its time for the big reveal!

Lukas wings spread wide as his body floated upward. Adorned in brilliant white light within the pitch-black void, he looked like a true apostle of the gods.

The Demon King, End Roll, with his dominion over the power of Endnothing, not even the gods, could fully counteract it. But thats exactly why a reversal was needed.

Instead of resisting the end, I embrace it. The moment Im ended, I simply begin againa new me, over and over. By doing so, Ive rendered your power of endings meaningless.

My name is Luka. I begin where the Lu (end) ends and return to the Ka (start). My true name, born to oppose the Demon Kings power, is the apostle of the godsCurtain Call.

With his dramatic declaration, Luka snapped his fingers. Applause erupted from the black void, thundering from every direction. It was the manifestation of Lukas unique authorityhis ability to transform every end into a new beginning, perpetuating an endless stage.

Now, Demon King, who can do nothing but end things Dance for eternity on this unending stage until your spirit breaks!

Fine by me! Bring it on!

Casting aside the mask of the incompetent underling, Luka sneered, his confidence radiating as he looked down onEd. Meanwhile, the Demon King bared his teeth in a beast-like grin, gripping his sword as he prepared to face his seemingly immortal foe.

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