The spasm in her stomach was deeply unpleasant for Vivian. The sensation, like her internal organs were being squeezed, gave her an overwhelming urge to vomit.

However, this strange feeling came as quickly as it went, and soon the cramping in her stomach disappeared.

“…”

Vivian leaned against the wall, panting as she clutched her stomach with both hands—

‘Damn it… what’s going on…’

Gasping for breath, Vivian couldn’t help but feel bewildered, but she didn’t have much time to stay put.

Because she could sense several squads of powerful individuals rapidly approaching from outside the city.

Vivian didn’t even have to think to know that this group was definitely coming for her.

In the past, when she was “imprisoned” in the castle, she had often chatted with the Hero who had defeated her.

“Did you know? There are a lot of people who have their eyes on you, Miss Vivian.”

One morning, Lucia had walked up to Vivian, stroking her long purple hair and speaking with a smile—the gesture sent a shiver down Vivian’s spine.

“…A lot of people?”

“Yes, the Church, the nobles, the king, even other races like the elves are very curious about your existence. After all, you’re the first Demon Lord to be captured, and there are many things they want to ask you.”

The silver-haired Lucia, an incarnation of light, stared directly into Vivian’s crimson eyes with her own azure ones, speaking with a hint of mockery.

“But you can rest assured. As long as I’m alive, you are mine.”

“…”

That’s what she had said back then.

‘But now… you’re dead.’

Vivian couldn’t help but sigh in her heart.

‘Why did you have to die?’

She felt like the whole world was beginning to fall into chaos.

Because as Vivian’s predecessor, Bai An knew that this world wasn’t just a simple otherworld; it was also the world of a game called 【Path of Blasphemy】.

Lucia, the strongest Hero, was the game’s darling, the key figure who would lead players to unlock the demon-conquering dungeons—and she, Vivian, was not supposed to be defeated by Lucia, but rather to serve as a trial for players, the first of the many Demon Lords to be defeated by them.

But regardless, as news of Lucia’s death spread, the factions that had been coveting Vivian, ready to make their move, could no longer restrain themselves.

In just a moment, Vivian sensed that a squad of people had already burst into the castle.

“Phew, good thing I ran fast.”

Vivian let out a turbid breath, then darted away, heading for the city outskirts. On the way, she even managed to snag a cloak to completely conceal her figure.

Dodging the angry crowds on the streets, Vivian spent a considerable amount of time before finally, carefully, reaching the edge of the city wall.

Compared to the masses in the city who were looking for an outlet for their frustration, the guards on duty on the city walls were mostly filled with apprehension and unease.

“Lady Lucia is dead? That’s impossible…”

“It’s absolutely true! It was a message brought by an envoy from the Rhine Holy Church! This is a message from an emissary of the God of Holy Light, how could it be fake?”

“Damn the demons! It must have been that enchantress in the city who caused it!”

“…”

The soldiers, their minds unsettled by the news of Lucia’s death, completely failed to notice a figure appearing beneath the city wall.

Vivian, for her part, listened quietly to the patrolling soldiers’ conversation, and only after they had moved on did she take a deep breath, push off with her strength, and leap onto the top of the wall, then flip over it with a light body.

“You really did choose to run, Miss Vivian.”

“!”

The moment Vivian landed, a cold female voice sounded from the side.

Turning her head to look, she saw a scantily clad, blonde elf woman, toying with a black grimoire that emanated a faint scent of blood.

Her emerald eyes watched Vivian with a smile, and behind her stood two tall, faceless men in black.

Then, in the next second, without giving the other party a second thought, Vivian turned and bolted!

Because she knew all too well who this person was—Carol, the Grand Necromancer of the Elven Empire.

In other words, a dark necromancer, a major hidden boss, and now that she had appeared so openly before her, her target was, without a doubt, Vivian herself!

“What the hell!”

Vivian cursed involuntarily, panting heavily as she fled without choosing a path.

Why did even a hidden boss have to show up!

If it were Vivian in her prime, she wouldn’t be so afraid of Carol—after all, she was a Demon Lord!

But the key was that she had only just broken free from Lucia’s seal, and her mana hadn’t fully recovered!

Even if she had recovered some of her strength on the way, she was definitely no match for Carol!

But, running away should be fine for now!

“Heeheehee, esteemed Miss Demon Lord, why are you running? Why don’t we sit down and have a nice chat? My home is quite large, you know.”

“Who would believe your nonsense! And I’d rather die than be a guest at your house, okay!”

However, it was clear that Vivian wouldn’t be able to escape so easily.

At this moment, Carol was following closely behind with a smile, her stare making the back of Vivian’s neck feel cold.

Being targeted by a dark necromancer could only have one outcome—either you kill them, or you become their fresh material.

So right now, Vivian felt as if Death itself was following her!

“Damn it! This is a little too exciting!”

Feeling Carol hot on her heels, Vivian knew full well that she couldn’t escape just by running like this.

And just at that moment, her mana recovery reached a level that was somewhat acceptable.

Without further hesitation, she raised her hand and cast a spell!

“【Nightfall】.”

In an instant, the bright daylight dimmed, and even Carol lost sight of Vivian for a moment.

But that was enough.

In that brief instant, Vivian used her mana to conceal her presence once more.

Although it hadn’t been long since she had transmigrated into this body, its instincts and memories remained, so the current Vivian could perform with seventy to eighty percent of her original skill.

‘If it’s just to avoid a fight and escape, this should be enough for now… Mmph!?’

But just as Vivian was about to change direction and continue running, the strange sensation in her stomach welled up again, followed by another wave of spasms and discomfort!

In an instant, Vivian felt her legs go weak.
Powerless to flee any further, she could only lean against a tree, gasping for air.

“I see.”

A few seconds later, Carol’s voice sounded from behind her.

“You’re… pregnant, aren’t you?”