It can’t be! Tiana said. Even babies are born with at least five HP.  

The room erupted in a cacophony of laughter. His power rating was so low, it was actually negative. Several demons began to throw rocks at him. If he wasn’t dead, he might as well have been. 

Tiana examined him closely. Average build, unattractive, short, nothing noteworthy. There had to be something... Straightening her shoulders, she turned to her father and proudly proclaimed.

He’s an overpowered mage, Father. 

The Demon Lord analyzed Shobai with an intense gaze. He didn’t look like a mage, but Tiana had a point. If Shobai has no physical HP, he might be exceptionally blessed with MP in the form of a magical weapon. Though rare, stories existed of heroes summoned to the world by the Elemental Church who relied solely on weapons for strength. Perhaps Shobai would be like one of them.

Summon the weapon. The Demon Lord said. 

The demon guards directed Shobai to a large platform. It eerily resembled an operating table you would see in a mad scientist’s lab. Static skipped between its large metallic side rails. The demons recoiled, their eyes wide with shock.

Is this safe? Shobai said.

This will measure your will power and summon a weapon accordingly. One guard said.

Will power? Shobai relaxed his shoulders. He'd always prided himself on his mental fortitude, the unwavering strength to keep going despite challenges. It’s what got him through three years of university. Surely, this test would play to his strengths. A jolt of excitement surged through him as he placed his hand on the sensor.

Ouch! He stumbled backwards, in pain. With a whirl, and a twist, and a turn, the weapon began to materialize above the platform in a cloud of smoke. 

Is it a… staff? One demon said. 

It seems much smaller than a staff? Tiana said. Maybe a short blade?

As the object continued to materialize, it reduced in size. Shrinking smaller and smaller and smaller until…

A book? The Demon Lord said. 

Tell me! Tiana seized the demon guard. What’s the book's magic level?

It has no magical ability, your majesty. The demon guard said. 

Despair washed over the princess. It was her inspired idea to spend over half the kingdom’s budget to summon a hero to fight on behalf of the Demon Lord. How was she supposed to have known that the one she summoned was a loser with a book. Not a sword, not a crossbow, not a staff, but a book! A thick useless book with no words. She would never live this down.

Picking up the weapon, Shobai saw something different. This was no ordinary book. It was the Book of Books. Sixty-six to be exact. Shobai’s hero weapon was none other than a goat-skin bible, and he could read all the pages! Water welled in the corners of his eyes. 

Stop that at once! Tiana said.

The demons glanced advertently between Shobai tears, Tiana’s shame, and the book with no magical ability – unsure which was more pathetic. 

Dropped to his knees, Shobai closed his eyes and folded his hands in front of his chest. He remained in that position, unmoved, for some time. 

Is it… casting a spell? One demon said.

The Demon Lord’s brow furrowed. It looks like he’s… praying?

To whom?! Tiana had meticulously planned for every scenario, every possible threat... except this. A hero who resorted to prayer. How could she possibly salvage this situation? Her mind ticked, desperate to do what she did best -  spin the narrative. If Shobai prayed, then...

Father, she said, her eyes sparkling with manufactured admiration. I believe this hero can save our people! With that powerful book and his tenacious spirit, I humbly entreat you to allow him to defeat the wicked Human King and destroy the Elemental Church on your behalf!

Her words hung in the air, met not with awe or encouragement, but with a fresh wave of unbelief. How could he defeat the King of the North? Tiana maintained her facade. She had to make them believe this was all to plan.

Yeah right! One demon advisor cried out from the back of the room. The princess actually summoned someone more useless than her. I refuse to accept her as the next Demon Lord!

Her brother is far more competent. Another said. He could easily defeat the King of the North. More so than this… ugly human!

The Demon Lord remained silent, his eyes narrowing on Shobai. His intensity burned through the room like a thousand suns. After an eternal moment, the Demon Lord struck the ground, sending several demons to a fiery grave.

Dark Hero! He said, his voice low and menacing. All eyes turned toward Shobai. Curiosity and anger twinkled in their eyes. Can you save the world with that book?

Save the world, Shobai whispered to himself. Who was he to think he could save anyone? He wasn’t God. But this book… It was no ordinary book. It told the story of someone who could save. He wasn’t a hero. He was just Shobai, a scholarship kid. And yet, his heart had never pounded so hard against his chest. Maybe, he had an opportunity to be something else. Maybe in this world, he would…

Shobai cleared his throat and stood tall. Spreading his hands wide, he declared with confidence.

Super Demon!

It’s Demon Lord! Tiana said. What are you, stupid? 

Right, sorry. Demon Lord! This book is no mere book. It is the story of my Lord. The Lord who created the universe and saved all of humanity with his special and world-disrupting power… 

A fresh excitement rattled through the air. Just who was this Lord, and what special power did he possess? The room collectively leaned in, and Shobai’s heart nearly stopped. Was this what it felt like to be a hero? To be wanted? 

The Demon Lord rose from his throne and walked over. This power… He said. Is it the all-consuming, overwhelming, never satisfied FIRE of oblivion?

No. Shobai’s face glowed with the enthusiasm of a kindergarten teacher. It’s LOVE. The power of love!

The room fell silent.

Guards! The Demon Lord said. Throw him out!

And in the blink of an eye, Shobai was violently ejected from the castle. 

Filled with regret, the Demon Lord turned to Tiana, who had secretly attempted to flee the throne room amid the commotion. 

Stop! His voice boomed, fumes of embarrassment steaming from his head. Dropping to the ground in submission, Tiana hugged the rocks. Her crown had never dropped so low. Certainly her father wouldn’t punish his little princess?

Forgive me father, I had no idea he would be… that! If I could just try another…

I’ve never seen you so flustered, sister. Said a soft voice from behind the Demon Lord. It was the prince of the nation, Tiana’s half-brother Minjin. Turning to the Demon Lord, Minjin continued with a devious smirk. 

Please don’t be so hard on Tiana, Father. She’s still young and inexperienced in the world. 

Tiana and her brother were both heirs to the Demon Lord’s throne. Despite familial ties, Tiana hated her brother. It was his fault the Queen pushed Tiana so hard to be perfect. To be the next Demon Lord. And yet, no matter how hard she tried, Minjin was always one step ahead. He wanted her to fail, she was sure of it!

I… Tiana pleaded, but was abruptly cut off by the embrace of her father. She could feel a sad warmness unbecoming of her powerful father.

Daughter. He whispered reassuringly into her ear. With just three words, Tiana’s apprehension faded away. She would be okay. She would get out of this.

My hands are tied. He continued, pulling her toward the door to the balcony. You swore to defeat the King of the North, now see it though. And just like that, fear consumed Tiana once again. Taking a step forward, the Demon Lord turned to his followers and proclaimed in a mighty voice for all to hear. 

Princess Tiana, you are banished from the Vastian Castle until you defeat the King of the North. 

And with that, she was thrown out.