Demon Lord Management Sim Game

It's just a one-day trip from Nueridge to Madcrest city. A shapeshifter in the form of a skinny old man greeted us upon arrival.

"It's getting late. I'd better take you to the inn first." The old man offered to us.

I looked around the narrow city streets. The architectures of this place are far from impressive compared to other cities I've been to. Every corner looks almost the same, with two-story square shape buildings in dull brown color.

"Are any officers from the capital coming here?" I asked the shapeshifter.

He tilted his head back. "There are some people who come from the central government. However, I don't see their activity."

"They got bribes from this city government, right?" Emily smirked.

"What's a little worrying are some of the shadow members." The shapeshifter continued. "However, thanks to your instructions, we could find them and finish them off."

Thanks to the documents we took from the organization's former headquarters, the others and I could know how they operate and strategize. So, they are nothing in front of us anymore.

"Why don't they change the way they operate then?" Emily also observed the buildings in the city. "It's the same in Silkdale and other cities. They are so easy to beat."

"Maybe that's all they know. And I guess they don't know yet that their base has been destroyed. Looks like the government hasn't summoned them for a re-briefing either." I guessed.

Sometimes I think that the government of this country is not effective and efficient.

"Don't get in trouble, folks. Or you will deal with us." One of the two soldiers on patrol greeted us. They happened to run into me and the others. "Especially if you become Vorn's followers."

The fellow soldier chuckled. "Well, the cult is just a rumor. The demon lord didn't really awaken."

We greeted them back, and the two continued on their way.

After those two soldiers had moved away, the shapeshifter said again, "The one who said you're just a rumor is actually your big admirer, my lord."

I chuckled hearing that. One way to not be caught adoring me is to deny it to people.

"By the way, this place is very quiet," I muttered. The only people we met were those two soldiers earlier.

The shapeshifter who escorted us responded. "It's a tradition, Your Honor. After the sun goes down, people prefer to be indoors. Even the bars in this town don't open at night because of that."

"This is strange, my lord." Emily looked around again. "Why does all this feel a bit familiar to me. I even feel like I've heard of that tradition before."

"Madcrest is a city that hasn't changed since hundreds of years ago." Ayre, who had been silent for a long time, finally spoke. "People here use magic to keep their buildings for hundreds of years from being destroyed. I've read about it."

"That's why others hate this place because of differences." The shapeshifter added. "Those are all the teachings of their religion. They think excessive changes will only bring harm. Even the temple of the prophet Lyra has to follow the building standards of this city."

I've never heard of any religion in this country other than the worshipers of the prophet Lyra. Maybe this will be a bit of a challenge. We already know all about the followers of the prophet Lyra, so we can easily influence them.

But with this city, we need a different approach. We have to study their religion further.

No wonder the growth of my worshippers in this city is very slow. Due to too many thoughts, I didn't pay attention to it before.

"This city is so boring." Emily yawned.

We stopped at a building similar to the others but much larger.

"This is the inn." The shapeshifter who took us explained. "The only one in this city because the visitors rarely come other than merchants."

***

As usual, I use the fast-forward feature so that time passes quickly until tomorrow. However, it stopped because someone knocked on my door.

"It's me, Ayre, my lord."

I opened the door. "Come in."

"Sorry if I bothered you." She entered.

"What is it, Ayre?" I frowned when I found her hands shaking. Ayre never behaved like that.

"Ever since entering this city, I've felt something amiss." Even so, she spoke in her trademark flat tone. "And it's not because of the quiet condition of the town or the creepy buildings."

She walked to the open window, then looked up at the overcast sky without stars. "I felt something strange and hard to describe in words…. It's like…. This city gives a kind of vibe to my heart."

"I don't understand, Ayre."

The woman then touched her own chest with both hands. "I don't understand either, my lord. Well, I hope it's just me, or maybe something is malfunctioning in my body. However, I still want to ask you to be vigilant. It could be a sign."

I can't ignore this. Ayre had really never behaved this way before.

"Okay, then." I nodded. "I'll be more careful."

Ayre then turned around to face me. Her tears have flowed. "What is wrong with me? Why am I suddenly feeling sad like this?"

I stood still for a moment, then decided to hug her. "It's okay, Ayre. No matter what happens, I will protect you."

She buried her head into my chest. "This makes no sense at all."

"How about you play your lute?" I made a suggestion. "Maybe that will calm you down."

She removed her arms from me, wiping away the tears. "May I play it by your side?"

"Of course." I gave her a smile.

She then left and, a few minutes later, came back with the guitar-like instrument.

"I will cast silencer magic. I don't want to disturb the other occupants." After closing the door, she raised her right hand.

Two balls of light emerged from his palm, then flew around the room for a few seconds before disappearing.

After that, she sat on the edge of the bed and started playing her instrument. I leaned against the wall with my arms crossed over my chest. As soon as I closed my eyes, my ears enjoyed the lulling notes that filled my room.