In the shifting narrative, we transition to the perspective of the Vanity Monarch, known as Zog. His awakening is marked by a disoriented realization, finding himself in the opulent surroundings of a regal chamber. As he surveys his unfamiliar surroundings, confusion clouds his thoughts.
The echoes of recent events linger in Zog's mind, memories of a fierce battle against the Primordial of Pain. However, the disjunction between his recollections and the present setting intensifies his bewilderment. "Wasn't I fighting the Primordial of Pain just moments ago?" he queries himself, a puzzle unfolding in the recesses of his consciousness.
In the midst of this perplexity, a figure emerges—an authoritative man who regards Zog with a gaze of recognition and admiration. "That's our hero," the man declares, his words further adding to Zog's confusion. The monarch, grappling with the enigma before him, seeks clarification. "Hero of what?" Zog questions. The response is both surprising and surreal.
"You saved us from impending doom," the man asserts, attributing heroic deeds to Zog that appear incongruous with his memories. The mention of salvation from the Primordial of Pain hangs in the air, but Zog, still haunted by the visceral echoes of that battle, struggles to reconcile this newfound heroism with the reality he remembers. The narrative takes an intriguing turn, as the Vanity Monarch grapples with a hero's mantle thrust upon him, seemingly unaware of the heroic feats that have rewritten the script of his existence.As Zog grapples with the incongruity of being hailed as a savior, he questions the assertions of the authoritative figure before him. "Saved you?" Zog queries incredulously, his confusion etched across his features. "But I was unconscious."
The man, undeterred, offers a matter-of-fact response. "Unconscious or not, we saw you, wrapped up in the dead body of the Primordial of Pain. We didn't see Volo, strolling in the street. He wore clothes like a peasant, not the monstrous giant figure we first encountered."
Intrigued by this revelation, Zog's attention shifts to Volo—the figure he remembers as the monstrous antagonist. The narrative delves into Volo's mind, exposing a surprising vulnerability. Volo, it turns out, is a scaredy-cat, gripped by fear as he contemplates the prospect of impending doom.
The scene unfolds as Volo, in his anxious state, engages in a comical self-dialogue. "Oh no, oh no, why, why, why? No, I just wanted to eat food," he mutters to himself, the juxtaposition of his mundane desires against the cosmic conflict adding a touch of dark humor.
The unexpected climax arrives when Volo, without even glancing at the monster, brazenly questions, "What do you want?" Astonishingly, the monster, engulfed by a sudden fear, succumbs to the sheer audacity of Volo's inquiry and implodes into several scattered pieces. The narrative takes a surreal turn, as the dynamics of power and fear prove to be more enigmatic than initially perceived, unveiling a twist in the cosmic tale.In the midst of this cosmic spectacle, the revelation of Volo's identity as Volo Beatus sends ripples through the crowd. Whispers of recognition and awe sweep through the onlookers as they connect the dots. "Volo Beatus, the man who single-handedly slew one million demons in the Demon Lord's army? That's him!" the crowd murmurs in astonished unison.
Amidst the recognition, the narrative takes another intriguing dive into Volo's mind. Faced with the unexpected attention, he mutters in dismay, "No, no, this is a bad time. I just wanted food. Why do you appear now?"
The comical irony of Volo's mundane desires clashing with his formidable reputation adds a layer of humor to the unfolding drama. As the realization of Volo's capabilities dawns on the crowd, a collective sense of trepidation settles in. "Oh my God, Volo," someone exclaims, the awe and fear in their voices reflecting the legendary status attributed to him.
In a desperate attempt to diffuse the situation, Volo appeals to the bystanders, asking them to treat him as just another person and ignore his imposing reputation. The crowd, sensing a potential threat, readily agrees to this plea, their collective decision fueled by the fear that Volo, in his quest for food, might turn his formidable abilities against them.
The scene takes on a surreal quality as Volo, a renowned slayer of demons, finds himself an unwitting source of terror among those who witnessed his past exploits. The delicate dance of perception and reality continues to weave a tapestry of cosmic comedy and intrigue.In a fleeting moment, the collective decision to pretend Volo didn't exist hung in the air. The crowd, succumbing to the fear of a renowned demon slayer in their midst, played their part in the charade. For those precious seconds, Volo's legendary status seemed momentarily erased from the collective consciousness.
However, the delicate illusion shattered when the prince of the kingdom, where Volo had taken residence, made an unexpected entrance. The air shifted as the prince, unaware of the orchestrated ignorance, stepped into the scene.
The sudden appearance of royalty punctuated the awkward silence that had enveloped Volo's presence. Eyes turned towards the prince, the authoritative figure in this unfolding drama, awaiting his response to the enigmatic figure in their midst. The brief respite of pretending Volo didn't exist crumbled under the weight of impending scrutiny, and the narrative teetered on the edge of yet another unexpected twist.As Volo scrutinizes the prince's presence, his internal dialogue unfolds with a touch of exasperation. "Why are you here now? I just wanted food," he laments mentally, the incongruity of his simple desire and the sudden royal attention weighing on him.
A subtle realization dawns on Volo as he contemplates the prince's intentions. "Could he be here to take me to the palace?" he wonders, a new layer of understanding coloring his perspective. Intrigued by the possibility, Volo decides to probe the prince's purpose in appearing at this particular moment.
"Why are you here?" Volo inquires, his tone masking the perplexity that churns within him. The prince, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, responds with a nervous demeanor, "To see you, of course." Volo, caught off guard, questions the sincerity of the prince's words. "Are you angered by it?" he probes, seeking to decipher the motives behind this unexpected royal encounter. The air hangs heavy with unspoken tension as the cosmic comedy unfolds, entwining the desires for a simple meal with the intricacies of royal entanglements.Volo, masking his internal complexities with what he deemed a warm smile, assures the prince, "No, I'm not angered by it." His smile, seemingly benign, harbors a subtle undercurrent—perhaps a touch of mischief or a hidden edge that only those attuned to him might discern. It's a smile that, for Volo, conveys more than mere friendliness; it hints at the possibility of a concealed agenda, an unspoken message of his prowess and the potential for the phrase, "I'm gonna cut you down."
The prince, apparently oblivious to the nuances, extends an invitation for Volo to visit the palace and indulge in whatever culinary delights he desires. The offer is a tempting prospect for Volo, whose hunger has been gnawing at him after a fruitless search for food.
The prince, recognizing Volo's reputation as an extreme food lover, takes a playful jab, addressing him as "hero" and suggesting a feast of castle foods. Hungry and intrigued, Volo, in a rare moment of genuine enthusiasm, responds with a heartfelt, "Yes, I would love that."
As the crowd disperses, cognizant of the potential wrath of the powerful figures associated with Volo, the prince invites him into the royal wagon. With a mix of curiosity and anticipation, the journey to the palace begins, setting the stage for a culinary adventure tinged with cosmic complexities and the enigmatic presence of Volo, the Demon Slayer, in their midst.