1 The Demon Lord Ritual

There exist numerous worlds within a realm known as the Mortal Realm. These worlds are created by unknown means and seem to be continually creating them at a constant rate.

Two other realms exist, but they both only have one world: The Demon and God Realms. Both of the realms noticed the ever-increasing worlds and decided to barge into them. That said, both realms had different ideals to do in those worlds...

The Demons wanted to conquer all of the worlds, while the Gods wanted to create heroes for the worlds. Instead of dividing the worlds, both realms fought each other by sending their units to see who would survive and fulfill their tasks first.

This continues for years and years. Nowadays, it has become a ritual for both parties. Because both the Demon and God realms use the same time, a new world is created every year for both realms. On the day that the world gets created, the Gods and Demons gather their people and decide who to send to the new world.

For the Gods, they pick a random individual from a different world to send. Typically, they usually choose one beforehand and start training them until the release date.

The Demons pick a person among themselves to send down to the world to be that world's Demon Lord. The Demons are always training to be prepared if they get called to be a world's Demon Lord.

All of the worlds have a ranking that goes from F to S. These rankings are different for both realms. The rank shows how hard it will be to complete the sender's task via the world's mortals. For instance, in an A-world, Demons might have a hard time conquering this world due to its high number of Holy or Light magic users.

The rank can be the same for both parties too. Also, the ranking can change due to the person that is sent to the world. To give one another an advantage, both realms agreed to take turns and allow one person to stay in the world for 10 years before the other party enters, which takes one hour in our realms.

For example, if an A-rank Hero enters an A-world, the world's ranking will change to an S-world. That said, it doesn't change if the Hero or Demon's rank is lowered than the world's rank (For the same party, but it will increase if the other party looks at them).

Anyway, it is about time for the next world to be created. I don't know what the Gods do, but the Demons hold a festival in wait for the creation of the world. After having a grand feast and playing some games, everyone walks down to the Grand-hall where the Demon amongst Demons, Lucifer, is located.

There, Lucifer will give a speech and then reveal the world's ranking. Lastly, he'll send someone worthy to that world.

Today is that day. Actually, the festival has already started and has been going on for hours. Soon, we will all be called to the Grand-hall, and the real ritual will begin.

I rather stay home since I know that I won't be called to the world. Well, even if I do, I won't be able to survive in it, even for a moment. Sadly, out of all of the demons in this realm, I am the weakest.

For instance, my magical power is only a million, which is less than 1% of the average demon's power. This goes for physical strength too. I have heard of demons able to punch enormous holes onto the surface of the realm. Unfortunately, I can only make 'small' holes...

I am the weakest and lamest demon ever! Even my leadership sucks. I'm so bad that the other demons restrict their power to 1% just so that I'll be within their grasp. That said, I'm weaker than demons 1% too! I'm just the worst...

"Attention! Lucifer is ready for everyone's audience. Please report to the Grand-hall so that the ritual can begin!"

Everyone enjoying their meals or playing games immediately stops and slowly walks towards the hall with those words. Everyone knows the world's importance, so no one stays behind, and they all act directly.

Once in the Grand-hall, everyone begins to separate and form lines based on their rank. Those of lower ranks are in the back while the higher ranks are in the front. That said, there are some exceptions based on one's rank. For instance, I'm in the front roll even though I'm the weakest demon.

By the way, my rank is Z. It's not even a world's rank! I'd heard that this rank means that my power is too weak that even Lucifer can't even perceive it...

Once everyone has lined up, Lucifer enters the hall, standing in front of everyone. He then begins to speak.

"Hello, my Demons! Yet another year is upon us, meaning a new world will be created soon. Actually, it has already been made. This is the 7777th world, so the Gods got to send their Heroes to the world before us. Alright, I will now say this world's rank!"

I peak to the left of me to see that everyone has straight hair coming out of their necks. I can see each person's nervousness and excitement. For us, becoming a Demon Lord is a big deal. If we complete our task, we will be given grand rewards once we return.

"The world's rank is... EX!"

"..."

No one makes a word after Lucifer speaks. Then, each person slowly turns their head and look at one another in confusion. That reason being is that this rank has never been heard of before...

"Now, don't look all confused. Although this is only the 2nd time this rank has been announced, what matters is who goes and not the world's rank itself. Though, due to this being something that isn't a part of our ranking system, I will accept anyone. Therefore, please declare yourself if you wish to conquer this world!"

"..."

Everyone return to face Lucifer, but they all remain silent. No one declares themself.

"Ugh. Look, everyone, I know this rank is new and might be the most difficult world ever, but that doesn't mean to give up! One of you must have the strength and courage for it... I know it! In fact, there is a person who I have been saving just for this occasion. For this world, the Demon Lord will be... Kenta! Please come up here!"

"..."

This time, everyone turns their head towards me while I stare in disbelief. Why? Why is he picking me, the weakest demon, for the task of the most formidable world?! No, this must be a joke.

After not moving, Lucifer walks to me and drags me onto the stage.

"Do not be afraid, my demon! I know you can do this, or I wouldn't have picked you."

"B-but, Sir! You do know I'm Z rank. Not only that, but I'm the weakest out of all the demons! You should pick an S rank instead..."

"Kenta, are you questioning my decision? I know your strength and your weaknesses. That is why I think you are perfect for this world. Now, without further ado, let the ritual begin!"

"W-wait!"

Before allowing me to think, Lucifer summons a magic pentagram and slams it onto my head. The pentagram slowly grows to the point where I can see it. At a specific size, it begins to change my body. After a moment, I couldn't feel my body, and my consciousness slowly fades.

Before my consciousness entirely shuts down, I hear two voices. That said, I could only focus and understand one of them. It was from Lucifer.

"Good luck, Kenta!" (Lucifer)

"Power restrictions have been released. You are now able to use your magic supply fully. Physical restrictions have been released as well. You are now able to control your body and your strength fully." (Mechanical voice)

Then, I fall unconscious.

...