The Supreme Overlord (Multicross)

This is an ancient castle, weathered and worn. From the outside, it exudes a sense of history, as if it has stood empty for centuries, untouched by human presence.

Yet, despite its age, the castle does not appear dilapidated. On the contrary, it looks impeccably clean and well-maintained, as if someone has been carefully tending to it all this time.

The Prison Barrier was not a spell invented by Natsuki Minamiya, nor was it created by the Island Management.

This ancient magic actually existed long ago, in the distant past.

Through Saigou's research into this world's history, he discovered that many myths in this world bear a striking resemblance to those he remembers.

However, these myths are not merely fabricated stories concocted by humans, nor are they events that truly happened. Instead, they are an alternate reality that has been slightly modified by humans, transforming them into the myths we know today.

One of the most straightforward examples of this transformation is the Bible, which, in this world, is known as the Lost Bible.

As one of the archdemons of Zoroastrianism, Saigou has not found any records related to Zoroastrianism in this world.

This explains why Natsuki Minamiya, despite being a knowledgeable magician, failed to recognize the nature of Mother of the Evil Gods.

In this world's mythology, places like the Underworld, Hell, and Purgatory are all manifestations of the Prison Barrier. The shadows of this magical construct can be seen in many myths across different cultures and eras.

The prison barrier on Itogami Island was initially discovered by the Island Management.

It was originally an abandoned prison barrier.

The corporation repaired this broken prison barrier, modified its magical structure, and eventually, it was inherited by Natsuki Minamiya.

"The most fascinating aspect of this world is that modern magic has developed far beyond that of ancient times."

This is a point that greatly intrigues Saigou.

Except for certain core technologies known as the Deva, this world's modern magical technology is superior to that of the ancient world, making it a textbook example of a magical civilization.

Even some prehistoric relics that have been unearthed do not necessarily contain technology stronger than what exists today.

Thus, in this world, older does not always mean better. In fact, most of the time, modern technology is superior.

The ancient castle is surrounded by a massive barrier, with the entire structure situated in an alternate dimension—specifically, within Natsuki Minamiya's dream.

Under normal circumstances, no one, except Natsuki Minamiya herself, could enter the Prison Barrier so easily, or even find its location.

However, as her contractor, and being the "principal party" in this contract, Saigou is able to easily come here without even disturbing Natsuki Minamiya's dream.

The interior of the castle is divided into countless rooms, each one serving as a prison cell.

Those imprisoned within these cells have lost their freedom and can only gaze hopelessly at the distorted sky, enduring what feels like an eternity.

In one of these rooms, a stunningly beautiful woman with bright, fiery eyes sits quietly in front of a dressing table, dressed in a traditional twelve-layered kimono.

She has a pair of alluring phoenix eyes, elegant brows, and a refined nose. Her skin, lightly powdered, has a healthy pink hue.

The woman sits there with grace and poise, like a maidservant in a painting, evoking the gentle image of a Yamato Nadeshiko.

As she meticulously shapes her delicate brows, Aya Tokoyogi slightly furrows her nose. She slowly turns around to face the demon who has suddenly appeared behind her.

"You're here."

With a soft greeting, Aya Tokoyogi turns back again and continues shaping her eyebrows. Yet, her enchanting fiery eyes remain fixed on the mirror before her, warily observing Saigou behind her.

"It seems you're living quite comfortably here, even enjoying a deluxe suite."

Saigou looked around Aya Tokoyogi's "cell" with great interest.

The space is not small, roughly fifty square meters, resembling a standard one-bedroom apartment.

Although the furnishings are simple, the room has all the essentials—a bed, a table, chairs, and even a dressing table for a lady to do her makeup.

Despite lacking freedom, Aya Tokoyogi seems to be living a fairly decent life here.

As one of Natsuki Minamiya's close friends, Natsuki would not be so cruel as to mistreat Aya Tokoyogi in this regard.

Compared to the other prisoners, Aya Tokoyogi's life in captivity is quite good.

However, upon hearing Saigou's words, Aya Tokoyogi curled her lips into a cold smile and said, "If you were locked in a cell, never to see the light of day..."

"...if you lost your freedom, would you really consider such a life to be good?"

Saigou pondered Aya Tokoyogi's words for a moment before responding, "...Hmm, if it were me, I'd surely go mad, wanting to destroy everything."

"...Isn't there a saying among humans that for the sake of freedom, they would even give up their lives?"

Aya Tokoyogi's moist, cherry-like lips formed a slight curve as she chuckled, "...It seems you, a devil, are at least honest. For now, I can bear it."

"...But I do not know when I might go mad, mad enough to want to destroy everything."

Saigou sat down on the bed in the cell. The bed was slightly disheveled, a clear sign that Aya Tokoyogi had no intention of tidying it up.

A faint, delicate fragrance lingered on the sheets, identical to Aya Tokoyogi's own scent.

"You wish to destroy everything? Even Natsuki Minamiya?"

Saigou asked with a smile.

"Of course. Trapped in this cell and stripped of my freedom, if I were to get out, I would tear Natsuki to pieces."

"...I would also bring down Itogami Island, casting her into the same despair that I have endured!"

Aya Tokoyogi's expression became as fierce and malevolent as a beautiful demon as she spoke these words.

"Is that truly your plan?"

Saigou asked, still smiling.

"Of course, that is my plan."

Aya Tokoyogi replied with a cold snort.

"But your plan contradicts the contract you made with the devil. Perhaps others don't know the wish you made when you signed that contract, not even Natsuki herself."

"...However, I know the content of your contract with the devil, Aya Tokoyogi!"

At that moment, the Witch of the Notaria's expression changed suddenly, becoming tense. "...What are you talking about? My wish is to see the truth of this world!"

"...I want to prove that a world without magic is the true state of the world!"

Saigou slowly shook his head, his tone filled with amusement. "...Don't deceive yourself, Aya Tokoyogi. You might indeed have such thoughts, but that is merely your method, not your goal."

"...Otherwise, why would you have only acted to use the Black Bible after Natsuki Minamiya signed a contract with me?"

"Your true wish has already been stated, but Natsuki didn't notice it."

"...Your wish is to save all witches, especially pure-blooded witches. You want to rescue the souls of these tragically fated witches from the hands of devils."

"And after pondering deeply, you came up with the best method, creating a world without magic. In such a world, devils would not exist, and witches would no longer need to sell their souls!"

"...The reason you used the Black Bible before was actually to destroy me, thereby granting salvation to Natsuki Minamiya."

"This is also why you were so shocked when you saw that I could still manifest in that world without magic."

"...Your true wish is to change the tragic fate that all witches must endure. Ha, are you some sort of magical girl from somewhere?"

Upon hearing Saigou's words, the Witch of the Notaria bit her lip and remained silent.

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