Demon Lord's Reincarnation

Hearing Ren telling him that he had passed, Arthur couldn't believe his ears. It was finally over, as he let go of his arm which he had bitten a lot of blood started to flow out. At that moment as adrenaline was pumping through his veins he couldn't feel the pain that much. Yet now that it was over he could feel devastating pain. 

The pain was great but it didn't evoke any fear or worry in Arthur's face. In fact, to Arthur, this pain was something to be proud of. This pain was something he used to overcome his weakness and allowed him to remain standing tall. This time he didn't faint he went through it all awake. 

Ren was truly surprised by how much determination this nine-year-old kid had. The blood that was flowing out of him wasn't much, but for a child like Arthur, this kind of wound was already big. Ren touched the wound and Arthur didn't even wince in pain. Ren truly appreciated the talent hidden within this kid, he then proceeded to heal the wound. Once the wound was healed, Arthur bowed his head. 

"Thank you, master." Ren lifted Arthur's head up. 

"Now that you're my direct disciple, you shall not bow to anyone or anything, even me. Even if the creator himself told you to, never ever bow your head, instead show him a smile and fight!"

When those near Ren heard what they say, they started to think that Ren might have a few screws loose in his head. Those words that he spoke were so arrogant, so domineering, and so out there that one would think he was insane, but for some reason when he said those words, it felt like he would actually do it.

"Do not fear the deities up above, nor the devils hidden in the darkness. Never back down and always move forward. If it gets too hard and you lose your way do not despair and keep on smiling."

Arthur didn't understand some of what his master said, but he memorized every word of it. Arthur then nodded his head in acknowledgment. 

"Alright then, onto the next order of business." 

...

Ren continued to explain his future plans for the Serbek Kingdom. When he got to the part where he explains that the Serbek Kingdom and the Reschbeauch kingdom were merging together to become an empire, every one of the citizens reacted, even Henrietta and Afeus had emitted a faint scent of bloodlust. Yet the moment they realized that they immediately suppressed it. 

Ever since the creation of the two Kingdoms, they have always been at odds with each other. The Reschbeauch Kingdom which prioritized martial might above all things looked down on the skinny weaklings of the Serbek Kingdom. On the other hand, the Serbek Kingdom was focused more on gathering knowledge and finding the true truth within the depths of magic, so they looked down on the barbarians of the Reschbeauch Kingdom. 

Seeing as neither of the two would back down on their beliefs they started numerous wars against each other. But no matter how they tried the two kingdoms were evenly matched. Over the years the people of both kingdoms have forgotten the original reason for the fighting and continued to despise each other. Now that they heard they would be allying with each other the citizens of the Serbek kingdom felt the future was going to be bleak. 

"I can see that all of you are not really on board with my decision to have the two kingdoms become an empire. Do not worry, like you guys, the Reschbeauch Kingdom is in the palm of my hands. All you guys need to do is not cause trouble and get along with each other. Isn't that easy?" Ren smiled a very gentle smile to calm the people down. 

The moment the people saw Ren's smile it had the opposite effect of what he intended. Seeing him smile like that made the people feel even more frightened. When it comes to Ren, the wider the smile the more dangerous the situation. That's what they had comprehended with the few interactions they had with him. The people then remembered those guys that opposed him that left not a single trace as they died. They couldn't help but gulp dryly as they remembered that scene. 

"We will be the best of friends." Someone could no longer stand the tension and shouted. This was followed by a wave of approval. 

"Yeah, we of the Serbek Kingdom are nothing but hospitable. Who cares if they are from the Reschbeauch Kingdom, will treat them like they're our family." 

"That's right, who cares about some past wars? Let's just let bygones be bygones." 

"Peace is the best!" 

"Peace is the best!" 

"Peace is the best!" 

The people started cheering the same thing over and over again with so much gusto. Ren nodded his head satisfied with everyone's reaction, he then continued to explain the plans for the future. 

...

It took the whole afternoon before Ren finished telling everyone what's to come. Once he was done talking to the people, they immediately dispersed and headed back home to rest for the hard work that will start. Ren then gathered those under him to instruct them on what to do. 

"Val I want you to stay here and guide these people with the basics of body strengthening." 

"Fine, I will do that since I owe you," Valdel answered while shrugging his shoulders. Lara was surprised to hear the way Valdel spoke, it was slightly different. He was no longer speaking with a respectful tone, instead, it felt like he was now standing equally with Ren. 

'Something must have happened during their fight that I didn't see. I'm a little bit envious, but I'm still glad for Val.' While Lara was thinking Ren called out to her. 

"Lara I want you to head back to the Reschbeauch Kingdom, tell them what happened over here, and hand this over to Silika." Ren passed a letter to Lara. "Also can you give this to my mother, and this one to my little brother." Ren handed another letter and a box. 

Lara who would usually accept any order Ren would give actually hesitated. She didn't want to accept this order, since that would mean she would once again be separated from Ren. Seeing through her thoughts Ren patted her head. 

"Don't worry, as long as your alive we will always be able to meet again. Also, it won't take that long after I'm done finishing some of my personal things, I will head back to Grenton."

As her head was being patted, Lara looked at Ren. She didn't really want to do it, but hearing what Ren said she couldn't say no. Lara nodded her head as she responded. 

"I will deliver these things without fail." 

"You better get going Lara, the faster that letter is sent to Silika the better." Lara once again nodded her head and before she left she gave a peck on Ren's cheek. After she was done doing that, she smiled a little before leaving. 

'Heh, that girl is actually growing up a bit. If it was before she would never have hesitated. She would also be clingier than this. It's a good thing that she's growing up, but at the same time it feels a little bit lonely.' Ren shook his head as he continued to give out instructions. 

"Henrietta I want you to help Val in training the people. He would deal with the physical aspects of their training and the remaining mages will teach them the basic theories behind spells. If you find anyone who is more talented than the others I want you to separate them and teach them personally." 

"I will do what I can... But what about my own training?" Henrietta pouted as she approached Ren and hugged his arm. 

"I will teach you personally later, don't worry." Hearing Ren's response she separated from him and clapped her hands. She then approached Ren and kissed him on the cheek. She then whispered in his ear. "How about we do the thing you and Lara were doing last night?" 

'This girl.' Ren chuckled a bit before answering. "Sure come to my room later." Seeing Ren was done talking to Henrietta, Afeus interjected himself. 

"What about me, master, what should I do?" 

"You don't need to do anything, just continue to train and make yourself stronger." 

When Afeus heard what Ren said he was disappointed. 'Am I so useless that I can't do anything to help master?' 

Seeing the depressed expression on Afeus's face Ren knew what was going on in the little mage's mind. Still, Ren didn't bother to make Afeus feel better by saying some words of encouragement. Even though Afeus wasn't a true disciple, he was indeed something like a teacher to him. So Ren wanted Afeus to understand that with his current power he was useless. There was no way Ren would sugarcoat that for him. After a few seconds of looking depressed, Afeus showed a different look, it was one of pure resolve. 

"I understand master. I will train harder so that I won't be so useless." Afeus bowed his head and left he was going to train even harder now. 

...

To those that can't see the author's note: So tomorrow's the contest. Winners will be given a hundred coins each. The next chapter will be a questionnaire, answer in the comment section.. The three best will be chosen depending on how many answers were correct and how fast you answered.