I Was Supposed to Be a Demon King, but They Made Me Save the World

"So, you think I'm a little creature? You're mistaken by my appearance, White Space Administrator—or whatever you are," Baldwin said with a sly grin.

The voice resonated through the ethereal white space. "You are the first human to break my force field and enter my domain. For that, I will reward you with answers to your questions... and grant you your life."

"Oh, you think I'm just some human? How flattering. But tell me—who are you?" Baldwin inquired, feigning interest.

"I am Galinthias, the Void of Homa. God of this place, Shenaf—a realm sought by all creatures," the voice replied, its tone dripping with authority.

"God, huh?" Baldwin chuckled, mockery lacing his voice. "It's funny how anyone with a bit of power these days calls themselves a god. So, Galinthias—or should I call you 'Weirdo'?"

"You insolent brat!" Galinthias roared. "I am—" The voice stopped abruptly, its tone shifting to restrained anger. "You are unworthy to know the name of who I truly serve."

"Ah, so close to the truth," Baldwin quipped, raising his hand. A massive shadow door began to materialize behind him, the black energy swirling ominously.

Galinthias observed the door, initially dismissive. However, as the shadow magic took form, his tone shifted to unease. "That power… The power of the God Slayers…"

Baldwin smirked. "Something wrong, Uncle? You seem nervous."

"You are dangerous! I cannot let you live!" Galinthias bellowed.

"Oh, so now I'm dangerous? That's quite the change in tone. Could it be… fear?" Baldwin mocked, his crimson eyes gleaming.

"Silence, brat!" Galinthias roared.

Suddenly, towering structures of light began to rise, forming massive spires that surged toward Baldwin like lances. Baldwin calmly stepped forward, summoning a shadow portal in front of him. The spires collided with the portal, vanishing into the void.

"Brat! You wield the powers of Shadow, but you are no God Slayer! Yet, if I destroy you now, I'll ascend even further!" Galinthias exclaimed, desperation creeping into his voice.

Baldwin tilted his head. "God Slayers? They're real, huh? Fascinating. Maybe I'll look into that. But for now…" Another portal appeared at the side of the incoming tower, redirecting its energy back into itself. The structure crumbled, dust filling the air like an explosion.

As the dust settled, Baldwin chuckled and turned to run. Spotting an ancient drain, he wasted no time. Using his shadow travel, he slipped into the void and emerged within the narrow confines of the drain.

"Get back here, brat! I will trap you in an eternal coma! You'll never wake!" Galinthias roared, his voice reverberating through the realm.

But Baldwin was already gone, his silhouette vanishing into the dark recesses of the drain.

After stepping into the drain, Baldwin found himself in a prison cell. At first, confusion clouded his mind. This wasn't like any prison hall he'd ever imagined. Each cell was unique, resembling a slice of a different world.

One cell contained a man performing on a crowded stage, music echoing faintly through the corridor. Another showcased a couple entangled in passion, their laughter audible despite the grim surroundings. Elsewhere, a cell housed someone lounging like a fantasy king, feasting on extravagant meals. Some were more mundane—people farming or simply sleeping in barren rooms—while a handful resembled traditional prison cells, grim and desolate.

"This isn't normal," Baldwin muttered, his sharp gaze analyzing every detail.

He expected guards, tension, and resistance, but the eerie absence of any organized authority unsettled him. "An illusion? Maybe. But why mix humans, elves, vampires, and demons here? What kind of place is this?" he thought, his mind racing. The diversity of captives only added to the strangeness.

As Baldwin walked further, the bizarre corridor opened into a grand hall. This was where the first signs of control became evident. A small group of guards clad in dark, intricate armor stood in the center, their weapons glinting ominously in the dim light. They loomed over a handful of prisoners, some kneeling, others on the floor, beaten and bruised.

Baldwin's instincts told him to keep walking, to stay under the radar. But just as he was about to pass by, his crimson eyes locked onto a figure lying unconscious on the wooden floor.

It was Olivia's mother.

The sight of her battered and lifeless form made Baldwin freeze. His usual composure slipped, replaced with a flicker of rage. His fingers curled into fists, shadowy energy pulsating faintly around him.

"Why is she here?" he thought, his mind clouded with questions and anger. "No. Not now. Stay calm. Focus."

Baldwin exhaled slowly, his mind shifting into calculation mode. He surveyed the guards and their positions, noting the way they carried themselves and their lack of awareness toward his presence.

"This place just became interesting," Baldwin whispered, his tone icy as he prepared to act.

Baldwin rarely hesitated when making his moves, but this place unsettled him. The guards' strange behavior and the lack of clear structure made him cautious. He worried that if he unleashed his full power too early, he might disrupt the delicate balance of the illusion and miss vital information about this place—and more dangers could be lurking unseen. For now, he decided to observe and gather details.

One of the guards grabbed Olivia's mother by the arm, dragging her limp body across the ground with complete disregard. Her feet scraped against the wooden hard floor, and Baldwin's eyes darkened as he followed silently.

The guard stopped before a plain wooden door. Baldwin pressed himself against the wall, staying within the shadows.

"So they're taking her in there, huh? Perfect. This dim light will only make it easier for my shadow powers to work," he thought, his lips curling into a faint smirk.

The guard shoved the door open and carried Olivia's mother inside, letting it slam shut behind him. Baldwin crept forward, pressing his ear against the rough wood.

At first, there were only muffled voices, but soon he could distinguish the chilling tone of the guard.

"Wake up! Wake up!" an abnormal voice growled, followed by the splash of water and the sharp crack of a slap.

Olivia's mother's voice came next, trembling and desperate.

"Olivia! Leave me… I beg you! She's just a child… She's starving—I need to—" Her words were cut off by another harsh slap.

The guard sneered. "You stupid bitch! Still clinging to your daughter? The gods took her away for a reason. You need to let her go!"

"No! I'll never give up on her!"Olivia's mother cried, her voice resolute despite the abuse.

"Oh really?" the guard mocked. The sound of repeated slaps echoed through the door, each one louder than the last.

Baldwin's fists clenched tightly, the wood beneath his fingers splintering slightly. The guard's next words only fueled his fury.

"We could let you see your daughter again—if you accept us. But you'll have to kill her first. Do you hear me? Kill her!"

The sound of another slap reverberated through the room. Baldwin stepped back from the door, his face now cold and emotionless.

"I think I've collected enough information. It's time to stop this nonsense."

With that, Baldwin sank into the shadows and emerged behind the guard just as his hand was raised to strike Olivia's mother again. Before the blow could land, Baldwin caught the man's wrist mid-swing. The guard's eyes widened in shock as a sickening crack echoed in the room. His arm twisted unnaturally under Baldwin's iron grip.

The guard turned to face him, but his face paled when he saw who—or what—stood before him. Baldwin's dark smile, combined with the crimson glow of his eyes, sent shivers down his spine.

"How about I give you a taste of my special service instead?"

Baldwin said, his voice low and laced with menace.

The guard didn't have time to answer before Baldwin's other hand lashed out, sending him crashing into the wall like a ragdoll.