The plan began. It was simple in execution, nothing extraordinary. He just had to confess that the demon lord's army would arrive from some direction. He had to act like the villain. When the dwarves arrived, Star began to speak.
Star: He says he's going to confess.
Swar: Confess?
All the dwarves looked at each other with distrust. You couldn't trust information from an enemy. It could easily be a trap—but the information was useful; even if it was a trap…
Swar struggled with what to do.
Star: He mentioned an army… a large one…
Swar and the others tensed up.
Swar: Get him out of there.
Froggy resisted, as if he truly were some kind of malevolent being. He muttered words none of them understood, but from the way he looked, they sounded like curses or some kind of demonic language.
Suddenly, they felt a kind of repulsion. This was what it meant to stand before a demon—an especially ugly one.
Swar: We'll consult the chief.
Star: Wait! There's no time. You have to let him guide you.
Swar: That's not reasonable.
Swar hurried off.
Star: Damn it…
he muttered to himself.
Meanwhile, Froggy was being held by both arms by two dwarves.
Froggy: MUAHAHAHA! Little ones, I'm going to eat you…
He stuck out his tongue in a strange way.
One dwarf struck him on reflex.
Froggy: Wow…
The plan was going perfectly.
It wasn't long before Swar returned, this time with the chief. Star lowered his gaze in front of him.
Froggy, on the other hand, looked at him with a malicious expression.
Star: Idiot… you don't need to overdo it. They'll kill us before we even reach the surface.
Froggy: Relax, I know what I'm doing.
The chief looked at both of them, especially Froggy.
Froggy: I know I'm attractive, but… I'm not that kind of person…
Star sighed.
Swar: Follow me.
They both walked. Froggy glanced again at the cloth wrapped around his arm. His knife was no longer visible, but that faint glow still managed to seep through the fabric.
Leaving the dwarven city felt strange. The subtle glances thrown at him… that feeling of being watched by many. It felt familiar, almost as if he recognized it. That sensation. He looked at his hands as he walked, escorted by dwarves. Hands that had been used to win.
It was inexplicable… it truly was—but he felt satisfied. Because this was a game worthy of him. Worthy of a champion.
Star: Hey! Don't get distracted.
Froggy: Ah… sorry.
Soon they stepped outside the city, back into the lava-filled environment that now brought him faint memories. It felt like he had arrived just two or three days ago.
Swar: Alright, we're here.
Froggy: Uh… tell them… um… the demons are over there. And they're bad, very bad… uh… yeah…
Star: He says the demon army is approaching this area from the north. They're heavily armed and hiding in underground tunnels. There are only a few scouts in that zone.
The dwarves went pale.
Star: You must contact the surface. It's necessary.
Swar: W-we should consider it first…
Star: There's no time. I've said it before.
The old dwarf stared intently at Star.
Chief: You expect us to take information from a demon to the surface?
Star: What other choice do we have? I know you don't trust me… but that demon—that vile being—is telling the truth.
Chief: You're lying.
Star: I'm not. The demon has confessed. We need help. Or do you intend to put the entire city at risk?
Star's words sounded firm, without a trace of doubt, as if he truly believed them.
Chief: Perhaps you're right.
Star: I knew you weren't unreasonable.
Swar: C-chief, I think we should consider it.
Chief: Take a group, and let that demon guide you to the demons' hideouts.
Swar: But what about the prisoner?
Swar pointed at Star.
Star: I volunteer to go to the surface. You'll need a translator.
Chief: Hmm…
The chief stroked his beard.
Chief: So be it.
Star: I appreciate your kindness.
Swar: And what about the demon? We can't communicate with him.
Star: Sending the information to the surface is more important than a single demon.
The dwarves split into discussion. Finally, the chief spoke, and all fell silent.
Chief: The news will be sent to the surface with the next shipment of runes. It will be moved up to tomorrow, so prepare yourselves. As for the demon, he will guide us to the enemy. After that, he will be imprisoned.
They all nodded, though some dwarves began to murmur.
???: He should be executed…
The murmurs continued.
Star: We should return to prepare for the mission.
Swar: That's right. You—let the demon guide you.
They fastened a chain around Froggy's waist.
Swar: Tell him to lead us to the demons.
Star approached Froggy.
Star: They say you have to lead them to the demons.
Froggy: Got it. I'll guide them there. What happens after?
Star: Umm… I'll let you know when you come back.
Froggy: I'll do my best.
Star: Sure…
Froggy looked at Star—his dark circles, his stubble, and that dim gaze. For a moment, he thought he saw pity in it. Star left with the dwarves, but muttered something before going.
Star: Forgive me…
They walked away.