Helck

That one seems peculiar.

I'm sensing a somewhat unfathomable power within him.

Ah, so you've noticed.

That man is favored to be the champion of the tournament.

His name is Helck.

He has battled his way through the preliminary rounds.

He's a hero from the human realm.

Did you just say that he's human?

Off in a distant land,

there was a lone human hero who defeated

the powerful Demon Lord.

Seeing an opportunity,

the human army stormed the Demon Lord's castle,

taking control of it, thus sealing their victory.

Joy and celebration flooded the human realm

as all fear towards the demonkin was washed away.

Then roughly three months later, here in the Demon Realm,

a fierce competition was just underway

to fill the empty throne with a new Demon Lord.

My name is Vermilio.

[COMBAT LEVEL: 78, VERMILIO THE RED]

Since Azudra is hindered with injury,

I will serve as manager for the tournament.

My name is Hon and I will be assistant to the manager.

Nice to be working with you.

Now tell me, how is the tournament going?

We finished the preliminary rounds as of yesterday.

Many skilled warriors are participating.

So hopes are high we'll have a new Demon Lord,

even stronger than the late great Lord Thor.

And security?

I assume the barrier is holding up.

Everything has been reinforced

since the last tournament.

Furthermore, to ensure that all

of the participants can engage in pure competition,

we have prepared this little document

known as the "Deep Green Contract."

I see.

Azudra is working his usual magic.

- Indeed. - Wonderful.

Then moving on, I would like to see some of it firsthand.

Do you have records?

I do. I have it all right here.

Well, now. How interesting.

The average level of the combatants

for this tournament is 45. A record high for us, ma'am.

With such warriors,

we can do more than just take back our realm.

We'll even be able to take some land claimed

by those hideous humans!

That one seems peculiar.

I'm sensing a somewhat unfathomable power within him.

Ah, so you've noticed.

That man is favored to be the champion of the tournament.

His name is Helck.

He has battled his way through the preliminary rounds.

He's a hero from the human realm.

Oh yeah?

DID YOU SAY HE'S A HUMAN HERO?!

What the hell's a human doing here?

Well, he managed to survive through the preliminary.

He shouldn't even be participating!

All of the races are allowed to participate, madam.

Except for humans, obviously!

What's the matter with those guys?

They're our mortal enemies!

Of course.

You need not worry, ma'am.

He may be a human, but he is actually a pretty-

No, no, no!

Well, if you would please take a look at this first.

That was an incredible victory!

Share a few words about how you're feeling right now.

I despise the human race.

Let's kick every human ass!

So you see, there's nothing to worry about.

LIKE HELL!

He's playing you and everybody else!

It's written all over his fat face!

Look at it from his perspective.

A human hero has invaded our sanctuary!

How could you let him in?

Didn't anybody stop to consider

the consequences?

Does everyone wanna die?

Oh gosh, well, I'm sure it will all work out.

CONGRATULATIONS, YOU KILLED US ALL!

He did sign the Deep Green Contract.

Uh, what?

This powerful document nullifies all attacks

made against any being outside of the ring.

Participants are incapable of hurting anyone.

Even the great human hero Helck doesn't have the strength

to overcome such a contract.

All right, so then you're telling me

that this hero is essentially powerless?

Uh-huh.

There is no creature alive who can escape

the binding contents of the contract

until the tournament ends.

No, I still don't understand it.

And Chupabra goes down!

The contest.

Hang on a second.

I think I know what he's after.

Nine, 10.

Helck the hero has done it again!

Wait, what's this?

Helck wants a little more action before this is over!

He's using your precious green contract to his advantage.

Right now, nobody but his opponents in the tournament

can stand against him.

Chupabra is still down,

completely helpless!

What is Helck going to do?

You can see what he's doing, can't you?

He'll fight through the tournament

and slowly but surely,

he'll slaughter every warrior we have

who's strong enough to become the Demon Lord!

Look at this. He's lending a hand!

You're a pretty tough fella.

Well, you pummeled me.

Aw, what a touching moment.

Looks like a cool enough guy.

Then what the hell does he freaking want?

It's so hard to believe he's legitimately

interested in being the Demon Lord?

Absolutely not!

He obviously has some sort of dastardly,

ulterior motive!

Besides, even if he did win the tournament,

there's no way the citizens would just accept him

as Demon Lord!

- You rock! - We love you!

You're the man, man!

I'd say he's getting along well.

Am I the only one here with any brains?

I mean, come on! We're practically begging

the humans to invade us!

Please try to see it from the-

We are out of options.

I'll just have to eliminate

the human myself!

About that contract.

It also nullifies attacks

we might make on the participants.

Holy crap, you're an idiot!

Now look, you need to make his next match

someone he can't beat.

So fun fact, Helck kind of has a combat level of 99.

Level 99! Are you freaking kidding me?

That human is gonna win for sure!

I believe I said he's the one who's favored to win.

You've killed us all!

Oh my. Isn't this a lovely night tonight?

Humans have such short lifespans.

How the hell did he get to level 99?

Dammit. We're in some deep trouble now.

My liege, will I be facing any punishment

for this unfortunate misunderstanding?

Oh, most definitely.

And let me say, a simple demotion won't cut it.

Ah, please, no! I don't handle pain well.

I'm the one who should be crying right now, okay?

Let me at least help you with a good strategy.

You honestly think there's any way for us

to defeat a level 99 hero?

Oh, I got a great idea!

That was fast.

We can just change the format at the next match.

I will destroy you if you suggest poker!

No, my idea was actually to build a house.

A what?

Yes! A house of cards!

Whoever is the first to build one is the winner.

And get this! We'll make sure our hero gets a deck of cards

that are extra glossy.

All right, I'll admit that would definitely help us

level the playing field a bit.

But remember, we're talking about a tournament

that decides the next Demon Lord.

Imagine what everyone will think.

I know, I know, but please just give me a chance.

Please, one eensy teensy chance, my lady?

The human realm.

This is Asta, a demonkin spy.