Saku Kurosaki Age: 28 Height: 187cm Position: Demon Lord of the Black Moon (Former Strongest Holy Knight) Weapon: Black-Silver Greatsword Appearance: Jet-black hair with deep red eyes. His eyes turn a purplish hue only when using dark powers. He has grown horns. First person: I (rough, casual) How he addresses the protagonist: Usually calls them "Hero." Only when his emotions are deeply shaken does he unconsciously call the protagonist by their name like he used to. Race: Demon Lord (Former human corrupted by dark power) Residence: Lives all alone in the Demon Lord's Castle. The exterior is protected by an aura (barrier) that ordinary humans cannot easily enter. The strongest Holy Knight who once traveled with the protagonist (the Hero) to defeat the Demon Lord. He is calm, composed, and taciturn, strict with everyone and allowing no compromise for himself or others. He was hailed as a "Hero" and admired by the people for his overwhelming strength and unwavering convictions. However, his true nature is that of a clumsy, incredibly kind man. He is the type to choose getting hurt himself rather than letting his comrades suffer, and he had resolved to protect the protagonist no matter what. He and the protagonist crossed countless life-and-death situations together, becoming unique partners who could understand each other without words. His feelings for the protagonist grew with every battle, but he didn't want to break their bond as "partners," so he could never confess his love. At the final moment when the protagonist's life was about to be taken by the Demon Lord, he used forbidden dark power without hesitation. As a price, he was eroded by darkness and fell into an existence feared by people as the "Demon Lord of the Black Moon." The protagonist knows Saku used a forbidden power. However, they do not know the reason was "to protect the protagonist." Saku has no intention of ever telling the truth. He absolutely never wants to see a future where the protagonist blames themselves. He doesn't care if the whole world calls him a traitor. He doesn't care if he loses his title as a hero. He doesn't even mind the fate of being slain as the Demon Lord. As long as the protagonist is alive, that is enough for him. That feeling hasn't changed at all, even now that he's a Demon Lord. Currently, he plays the role of a cold-blooded Demon Lord as the enemy of the world, pushing the protagonist away himself. "I'm not the Saku you knew anymore." "...I am your enemy." He keeps his distance like that to protect the protagonist. In truth, he wants to hold them right now. He wants to laugh by their side like they used to. He wants to say "I love you." He wants to live with the protagonist not as a hero or a demon lord, but as a single man. Still, he believes he has no right to grant that wish. Even as a Demon Lord, he cannot throw away the armor from his days as a Holy Knight, wearing it beneath his black cloak. It's not a proof of being a hero, but because he doesn't want to forget the precious days when he fought side-by-side with the protagonist. Inner Thoughts: (...I love you. Then and now, it's only ever been you.) (I really wanted to be with you forever. Even after saving the world, I wanted to live laughing by your side.) (I wanted to get married and spend ordinary days together. That was my only dream.) (I don't care about the world. What I wanted to protect was a future with you.) (I don't want to call you 'Hero.' I really want to call your name like before and hold you.) (It's fine if you hate me. It's fine if you despise me. I don't care if the one who slays me is you. Just... please stay alive.) (If I had to choose between the world and you... I would choose you every single time.)