Cecilia and Julis

Cecilia’s first impression of him was that he was a benefactor.

This was because he had dashingly rescued her from her predicament and
allowed her to spend some time in Julis’ mansion, after she had lost
everything, even the knight who had escorted her

But that was slowly changing.

Although she slightly disliked the way Julis was faithful to his desires, she
still came to think of him as a kind, dependable, and strong person.
And ultimately────until now, he was a “poor and weak person”.

Of course, there were other impressions of Julis.

He was a benefactor, a loved one, a family────there were many others,
but most of all, he was a “poor and weak person”.

Julis was strong. Cecilia knew that too.

Julis who had no mana had mighty power in his own way, and Cecilia had
seen how he had overwhelmed monsters and bandits with his power.

But…… even so …….

[Sorry, Cecilia. I have made you look such an unsightly sight.]

────Long time ago.

Julis once said such a thing to Cecilia.
 When a group of monsters appeared in the vicinity of the Anderberg
territory and Julis had no choice but to go to the scene, Cecilia insisted
that she wanted to go too.

Julis’ face was full of sadness.

After being overrun by overwhelming force, his expression was────very,
very sad.

Why did he apologize to me?

Why did he look like this?
Was it because Julis’ arms were covered with black bruises?
She didn’t know such things.
However────

(…… Julis must be very much alone.)

He did have a family, he did have servants, and he did have people in his
territory.
Still, surely there was no one who could understand the real
Julis,────Cecilia thought, and that was why he looked like that.

His heart was weak and fragile, as if it would break at the mere touch, and
he had no support for it.
Cecilia wondered that this was because she was a saintess,────even
though it should be unimaginable if it were from the usual Julis.

That was why Cecilia was────

“It’s all right, Julis. I’ll…… I’ll be by your side.”

She also wanted to return the favor.

Therefore, Cecilia will not return from Julis’ place────

♦♦♦

“……Nn.”

With a lovely voice, the girl opened her eyes.

Lifting her eyelids, the blonde girl roused her heavy body from the hard
feeling on her back and returned to consciousness.

(……Huh? What was I doing?)

Just a few minutes ago, I was treating a boy of our party, launching a magic
beacon…… and then after that────

(Th, that’s right! How about Emilia-san?)

Cecilia gradually awoke and worried about Emilia, who had been facing
Byrne alone to protect herself.
It was probably because Cecilia was kind that she was concerned for
Emilia’s safety, putting aside her own situation.

Cecilia looked around to find the situation and Emilia.

Emilia, who had moved away from her, couldn’t possibly be nearby, but
Cecilia still looked for her.
And what she found was────

“GROAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!”

“Gah-ha!”

“Ricardo!”

“O Raging Wind!”

“O Blue Gravel!”

The four of them were confronting the huge, ominous beast.

Ricardo blocked the beast with his sword, but was blown away by its
foreleg, and this time Anastasia stood in front of the beast to protect them.
Mirabelle and Emilia then launched their abbreviated chanting magic at the
beast from afar.

The four of them were already battered here and there.

The two in the vanguard were particularly badly injured, but Mirabelle and
Emilia in the rear were as injured as they were.

Breathing hard and with blood pouring from their foreheads, they were
fully wounded as they faced the beast.
The beast didn’t seem to be taking the brunt of their attacks, but still, they
all charged forward, refusing to give up.
“Julis! Wake up for goodness sake!”
Anastasia called out to the nowhere Julis, and thrust her fine rapier at the
vital spot.
The beast’s foreleg repelled the thrust and swung back at her.

“Don’t screw with my muscleeeeeeeeeeesssss!!!!!”

Ricardo, who was blown away, returned and caught Anastasia with his great
sword, as if to support her
But he still couldn’t kill the momentum, and both Anastasia and him were
blown away.

“Julis-kun, return to yourself!”

Mirabelle showered him with wind magic from behind.

But even so, it didn’t seem to be working at all, instead, the beast only
changed its target to Mirabelle.

“Julis-sama!”

And as if to get its attention, this time Emilia showered it with ice magic.
…… All of them, were calling out the name of their friend.
“GROAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!”

Still, the beast cried.

To defeat the targets in front of it, it swung its forelegs as if by instinct,
cracking the earth and directing its resounding roar at the entire forest.

Seeing this, Cecilia────

(Julis ……)

Stood up.
Without brushing the grass from her hair, she steps into a place full of
violence.
There was dangerous────she knew that. Even so……

(It’s painful, isn’t it? ……I understand it, Julis)

She knew that that was Julis.
Not because everyone was calling out to it that way, but because it was her
who was beside him all along…… she had no reason or basis for it, but she
knew.

He looked so pained, so swallowed up, covering himself, so scattered his

emotions,────and he looked so lonely and felt weak.
It was somewhat similar…… to the look from that time in the past, when
Cecilia looked at Julis.

(Now…… now, I’m coming to you, okay……)

Cecilia stepped into the dangerous zone herself.

Slowly, step by step…… towards that beast, sprinkling kindness as Cecilia,
not as a saintess.

“Cecilia-chan!?”

“Cecilia-sama!?”
Their eyes widen as they notice Cecilia at a distance.
But the moment they took their eyes off the beast, Mirabelle was attacked
by its foreleg and Emilia by its tail.

Still, Cecilia stepped forward.

Ricardo and Anastasia also noticed Cecilia’s presence, but the shock and
pain of being blown away prevented them from moving their body as much
as they would like.
Everyone was in a situation where they couldn’t protect Cecilia.

Cecilia kept proceeding.

She, who had no combat skills, faced the beast…… by herself.

“GRROOAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!”

The beast caught sight of Cecilia.

With a cry that resonated well into eardrums, it set its next target on Cecilia.

“……Julis.”

Cecilia finally reached the front of the beast.

The difference in size was so great that she had to look up to see the beast’s
face, and the slender Cecilia would be trampled in an instant.

“GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!”

“I understand…… I understand it, Julis……”

Cecilia hugged its big, thick foreleg.

“It is painful, isn’t it? It’s agonizing, isn’t it? I’m sure Julis was trying to
protect someone and became like this……. Really, Julis is very kind. Even
though he’s in so much suffering himself.”

The beast pointed its other foreleg at Cecilia, trying to pull the hugging
Cecilia away.
────then.

“Eh!?”

“Th, this is…….”

The foreleg stopped just in time.

Cecilia was not harmed, and the foreleg stopped without any sign of
resistance.
But the suffering appeared in the form of a cry.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRR!!!”

But.
“I haven’t been able to repay Julis for anything …… You’ve always
protected me and I always gave you a lot of trouble────But, this is all I
can do for you right now.”

Cecilia strengthened her arms that were hugging its foreleg.

She wanted her warmth to be felt, she wanted her feeling to be reached.
Cecilia smiled gently at the beast, telling him that it was okay now, that he
didn’t have to try so hard.
“I’ll be by your side…… all the way, all the time. Julis isn’t suited for such
an appearance, you know? If you go back to your usual, goofy, dependable,
and gentle Julis────I’ll be more than happy.”

“……”

The beast gradually lost its voice.

It should have been rampaging around, but strangely enough, it began to
regain its composure.

“I will support you. I will support that part of Julis that nobody can see……
I will support it for the rest of my life.”

The sight left Mirabelle and the others speechless.

Soon, the beast changed its ominous appearance, and the darkness that had
been cloaked around it gradually cleared away.

And then────

“Let’s go home, Julis…… I love the usual Julis…… more than the
suffering Julis.────Thank you, for always protecting me…… I love you
so.”

The beast reverted its form to that of a boy.

Story Of The Ancient Demon King
– Chapter 93 [Part-1]
At midnight…
Around the high, thick stone walls of a certain facility, there were five
figures hidden by robes.
There was no moonlight because of the clouds, and the guards on the outer
wall were unaware of the threats lurking in the darkness.
“……”
-A huge figure approacheed the outer wall.
Then, he gently puts his left hand on the wall…
A mysterious light illuminated the engravings on each of his fingernails,
and this person’s secret technique, which could only be performed by using
all five of them at a time, was unleashed.
“…What!?“
A guard shouted as the outer wall suddenly began shaking.
A curse was struck in response.
The effects of each curse were mixed together in perfect balance to form a
spell that accumulated the impact and released it out of the body at any time
required.
The outer wall in front of the person who exercised the spell was blown
away, leaving a large hole.
“””……”””
Three shadowy figures jumped into the hole.
A man of small frame ran with a thin sword in each hand, a man of medium
height wielded a curved sword that was rippling, and a huge unarmed man,
who was stronger than wizards, followed them.
These were elite men, who were over-trained.
“It’s almost scary that you’ve followed the plan so well. Well then, let me
return the favor.“
The whipman, who was using the curved sword, lead the curse caster into
the interior.
Inside, the screams of the facility’s residents echoed as they were
slaughtered by the three men who had turned into killing machines.
“According to our information… they are in the basement of that central
building.”
The goal these men had was to replenish the forces necessary for the final
mission.
♢♢♢♢
Just as dawn was about to break, a message arrived to the king.
It was reported to Celestia right at the same time when Alto returned to the
royal castle from the scene of the incident.
Celestia and her two subordinates trembled slightly in the heavy silence.
The dark room became even darker, and a chill was felt in the air.
The reason for this was the Black Demon King who sat by the window and
looked up at the night sky.
“……”
Despite his usual gentle atmosphere, his expression was serious.
Although there was no pressure from Chrono’s mana, which was sometimes
the case at meetings, Celestia and the others were having a tenser time than
when his mana did pressure them.
Chrono, who wielded his power with unwavering conviction, exuded a
unique power and dignity at times.
No color was to be mixed, no influence was allowed, and he wanted the
image of his evil to be completely painted ‘black’, untainted and unaffected.
The jet-black eyes that looked up at the empty sky seemed to erode it’s
darkness into a dusky black… to an extent that even they, the observers,
could see.
Celestia was irresistibly drawn to the sight, but at the same time, she was
also fearful.
“……”
When Celestia heard Crono open his mouth, she flinched like a weak
maiden and showed her fright.
“…We don’t know where they (・・) were taken, do we?“
“Yes, yes… It was very deliberate, and we don’t know where they escaped
to. We are currently… investigating, and this is all we know….”
“I see.”
Crono’s gaze sharpened, and a hint of anger seeped through.
“This is a disaster.”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”
Celestia apologized in response to Chrono’s words, feeling a fear she had
never felt before.
Although she believed it was impossible, the fear that she might be
abandoned arised.
“”……””
Marie, whose face was tense, and Mob, who was dressed as a butler, were
also afraid of the new aspect of the Demon Lord that they had never seen
before.
“Oh no, it was me who gave you permission to examine them. This is my
mistake. Besides, the important thing is what’s coming next.“
“Chrono-sama…”
He flashed a smile that conveyed the thought, ‘Don’t worry about it.’
It was obvious to everyone that he was cared about them.
An experimental orc who was implanted with a ‘Dragon Crystal’ by
Cassius Kujaro, a former guest of the Kingdom of Light.
Chrono, who was about to go defeat the orcs, let the orcs who had gone on
a rampage at Cassius’s party be taken in by the kingdom’s army at
Celestia’s suggestion.
Tonight’s attack was on—– a facility that had been studying the roots of the
orcs’ regenerative powers.
They broke into the facility after breaking down the outer wall, slaughtered
the guards and researchers, and took the orcs away.
Moreover, this time it was an attack carried out in midnight by more than
one person. It was completed very quickly.
“I wanted to know if I could do something to help them, but if I knew they
were going to be used again, I would have… made sure I sent them off with
my own hands back then.”
The orcs, whose parents and siblings had been killed, had been embedded
with dragon-like features.
Even though it was a completely different species, I was reminded back to
the tears of the orc on that day. A single drop of tear, filled with hatred and
sorrow.
Filled with resentment towards the one who did this to them.
“…Yeah. Can you tell me if you get to know where they are?“
“Yes, sir. The search for the orcs will be our priority.“
“Please do. I know you’re busy, so don’t overdo it.”
“Yes, I’ll be sure to…”
With a cool-headed look of firm determination in her eyes, she responded
with a formal bow filled with the etiquette of a princess.
“…Well, I have a lot of things I want to do, so I don’t want to go and
investigate locations based on mere rumors this time.”
The demon king turned his eyes away from Celestia, and looked towards
the lightening night sky.
Even Celestia and the others shuddered at the faint anger directed at the
culprit.
“Unless it’s flickering in my reach. If he’s within my reach, I can’t miss…
that devil.”
The Demon Lord monologued over the unknown culprit.
The words that spilled out into the quiet room frightened his subordinates to
their very souls.
The fact that the Demon Lord would intervene had been decided, and the
target of his transcendent power had been set.
“……”
But that was all only if he could recognize his target in the first place.
For now, he had to remain quiet and let Celestia, who was his trustworthy
friend, take care of it.
“We will identify the target before tomorrow ends.”
Celestia, the goddess-like woman who understood this, knelt in her black
dress and swore an oath.
“If it’s you, Celestia… you could definitely do it, wouldn’t you? …Oh, and
just in case, I’ve thought of a technique in case such a creature appeared
again. We can’t risk causing too much damage in a place like the royal city,
so we’ll use our mana to defeat it with the least amount of damage.“
Chrono remembered, and spoke softly to Celestia.
“Is it a technique?”
For Chrono, it would be faster to just punch it, but that would certainly
cause a lot of damage to the surroundings around him.
“It’s not really all that much of a technique, but can you give me your
opinion?”
Well, it was indeed a technique suitable for burying creatures like the orcs.
However, he knew that only Celestia would be so extremely happy to learn
a technique from him that she would snuggle in close and praise it as a
wonderful technique.
Marie and Mob were both shown this technique that was performed with
Chrono’s mana right in the room itself, and even if they were told that it
was nothing more than child’s play, from the standpoint of their own power,
they couldn’t do anything but fear for their lives.
♢♢♢♢
In front of the Scarlet Chamber Of Commerce in the early morning, several
luxurious carriages were parked.
The pleasant morning sun shined brightly on them, and it was a perfect start
to the day.
Last night, both Hildegard and Sasha were busy preparing for the trip to
Kujaro and giving instructions on the work that was to be done during their
absence.
“What’s the report?”
“Here, Hildegard-sama. I’ve gone through it already on behalf of Cain.“
She handed Hildegard a document summarizing the incident at the castle
the other day and the attack on the research institute last night.
Hildegard took it, and looked through it immediately after getting into the
carriage.
“……”
“…I really didn’t expect you to decide on the trip one day before you would
be embarking it.”
“Looks like you were going out and about yesterday.”
“It was very busy…”
“Oh, well… Stop talking now.“
Hildegard, whose voice was like that of a songbird’s, strictly reprimanded
her. Even Sasha, who was used to it, almost sighed.
“……”
“…pass by the church where this priest is.”
“Well, that’d be quite the detour….“
“That’d not be a problem. I’ll just take a glance. We have enough time, so
it’s okay to take at least a few liberties, is it not?”
“…yes, Hildegard-sama.”
At Hildegard’s order, the group passed by the church near the entertainment
district.
They were taking a trip to a town in Kujaro, but no matter when they
arrived, they would probably be treated well and be begged to join their
side.
It was not an urgent task to complete.
“We’ve arrived. I’ll open the window.“
“……”
Sasha, sitting diagonally opposite to Hildegard, opened the window in the
door next to Hildegard.
They were in front of the church, where a few children and a giantlike priest
were playing some kind of game in the courtyard.
“Kyaah!“
“Wait!”
“I’ve got you!”
The children were playing tag with the priest.
“……”
Hildegard stared at them.
Her eyes first passed the priest, and then wandered towards the girl at the
edge of the courtyard who was reading a book to a few children.
To Sasha, it seemed like Hildegard was looking longer at the girl in the
dealer outfit and the children near her, rather than the priest.
“Let’s go….”
“Ah, understood…”
She didn’t understand what the reason was, but there was no one who
would dare to question Hildegard’s decisions. The carriage left.
………
……
…
The Cat and the Wizard
Igni walked Elie back to the castle, and coming back to the inn after several
days of absence, he found Yoori and Sara inside the room.

Yoori: “Welcome back, Igni.” Sara: “You’re late!”

Igni: “I’m back.” It’s been 3 days, but Yoori and Sara looked the same as
when he left.

Igni: “Sara, I had to borrow some Magic from you, but were you okay?”
Sara: “Magic? I didn’t notice.”

The [Path] between them passes both ways, and Igni was certain that he
borrowed a significant amount from her, but Sara did not seem to care or
mind.

He could definitively say that her Magic reserves must be close to

bottomless.

Igni: “I see. Thanks anyways.”

Sara: “It’s okay. If it helped, I’m glad.”

And with that Sara smiled with satisfaction as she nodded.

Yoori: “So what happened to the Dragon, Igni?”

Igni: “We worked it out.”

Yoori: “I see. As expected of you. Were you able to slay it?” Igni: “No.”
Yoori: “Then you let it go?”
Igni: “Nope.” Yoori: “Huh? Then, what happened?” Igni: “We convinced it
to change its form to a human.”

Yoori: “Is that really possible?!”

Yoori’s reaction was no surprise.

Only in fairy tales, has he ever heard of Dragons turning into people

There’s not that many people who believe that fantastic things like that
happen in the real world.
Igni: “Yeah, she’s at the castle right now……….and she’ll probably come
back to the Academy with us.” Yoori: “ThーThe Academy? The “Frozen
Winter” Hayem will……?”
Igni: “Yeah…….” She believes that being with Igni will help her become a
Magician. Since Igni is not hiding the fact that he can use <Magic>, there’s
no issue if she sticks by him, but he is worried about what the professors
will say.

If it’s the Rolmod Wizard Academy’s faculty, they will most likely allow
Hayem to be around Igni…….is what Igni thinks, but if they reject his
proposal, it’ll be very troublesome. And so, Igni decided to stop thinking
about the issue altogether.

Igni: “Oh yeah, have you two had dinner?” Yoori: “No, not yet.” Sara: “I’m
hungry!”

Igni: “Then let’s go out somewhere to eat.”

Yoori: “Yeah, that sounds good.”
The 3 hungry kids walked out into the main street and ran into a familiar
face while looking for some place to eat.

“Hm? Oh, it’s Igni.” Igni: “It’s been a while, Fram.” It was the red-haired
young man that Igni could not help but feel that it was similar to himself.
But he was dressed differently this time.

He held a short staff and had a pouch around his waist.

His clothes were different too, and it must have been for combat. The
material was thicker, and it looked to be made from Magic-Conductive-
resistant materials to protect him from Spells.

Igni: “Are you going somewhere?” Fram: “Yeah, we got a job to do.”

Fram shrugged as he answered Igni.

Looking next to Fram, Igni saw that black-haird man with a sword at his
waist.

Igni: “........so you were a swordsman.” “Yeah, I’m the vanguard, and Fram
is the rearguard. Oh, I haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m Sol. Just Sol. Nice
to meet you.”

Yeah: “Yeah, nice to meet you.”

But Igni did not feel the same familiarity from Sol as he did with Fram and
wondered if it was because Sol was a swordsman.

Igni: (No, there’s something about him, that I can’t put into words……)

But as Igni thought, Yoori opened his mouth to speak.

Yoori: “A job? So you are going on a Quest?” Fram: “Yup. We’re going to
the underground labyrinth dungeon to explore. I guess students like
yourselves don’t explore dungeons much?”
Yoori: “We have classes that do in later semesters.” Fram: “I see. That’s a
Wizard’s Academy for ya. You have a class for it? I wish I went to school
then.”

Sol: “An idiot like you wouldn’t be able to make it there.”

Fram: “What you say?”

Fram was genuinely impressed with the curriculum offered at the Academy,
but furrowed his brows at Sol’s comment.

Fram: “Well, I’m sure there are things that they can’t teach at school that
happens during real combat, so be careful if you ever do.”
Yoori: “Oh, yes! Thank you. We’ll keep that in mind.”

Fram patted Yoori on the shoulder and headed to outside of town with Sol.

Sara: “Igni.” Igni: “Hm?” As they watched Fram and Sol leave the city,
Sara turned to Igni.

Sara: “Why are they going during the night?” Igni: “That’s because at night,
the Monsters become active.” Sara: “Is that a good thing?” Igni: “It makes
it easier to collect materials from the Monsters. That’s why you can make
more money.”

Sara: “Then shouldn’t everyone go during the night time?” Igni: “Haha, it
would be great if everyone could, but when the Monsters are active, they
become stronger, so that makes it more difficult.”

Sara: “...........is it dangerous?” Igni: “It is. But those two are B-Rank
Adventurers so they should be fine.”

Sara: “I see.” Sara looked impressed and surprised as she watched the two
in the distance. With knew knowledge and insight, many thoughts swirled
around her head as she watched them disappear.
Igni, Sara, and Yoori selected a random tavern, and after eating dinner,
returned to the inn. When they entered the tavern, it was before the sun was
setting, but as they left, night had arrived. A chilly breeze cooled their
reddened cheeks.

Yoori: “Oh yeah, Igni. When will your grandfather come back?”
Igni: “Hmmm, I wonder when he will be back. Well, he’ll be back sooner or
later.”

Though it was a vague answer, Igni could not predict his grandfather’s
return, so there was no other way for him to answer that question.

Sara: “Igni, there’s a kitty cat.”

Igni: “Hm? Oh, look at that. It’s a cute thing.”

In the darkness, Sara pointed to one cat she found. From the back alleyway,
it had poked its head out slightly to look towards their direction, and
otherwise, it was just an ordinary cat.

Igni: “I’m surprised that you saw it.”

Sara: “Hehe, there’s lots of kitties around here. Did you know?” And Sara
smiled proudly.

Igni: (So cute.)

And Igni did not know that there were many cats around the Imperial
Capital. And as Igni approached the cat to try and pet it, the cat opened its
mouth.

[I finally found you, Igni.]

Sara: “The kitty talked!!”

Yoori: “What?! How?!”

Sara and Yoori were shocked.

For a brief second, Igni believed that he was now so Popular that cats were
even wanting his attention, but the familiar voice immediately triggered a
deep search into his brain’s database and identified the owner.
Igni: “MーMiss Celia?!”

And it was undoubtedly Celia’s voice.

Yoori: “Huh? Oh, you’re right! That is Miss Celia’s voice.” And it took a
moment, but Yoori noticed the similarity to Celia’s voice as well.

Yoori was taken hostage by Celia once.

It did not take him long to remember Celia’s voice.

[Just call me Celia. I need to speak with you.]

The cat remained just a cat and spoke to the three.

[Igni, I need you to protect Allie and Elie.]

And the [Extreme] of [Life] had a favor to ask the Wizard.

Chapter 127: Fatal Mistake
It is now time for the curtains to rise for the meat of the Demon Lord
subjugation!!
——
(Even though I have seen it in the game, it really gives off pressure on a
whole different level here.) (Souma)
I once again looked at the biggest obstacles standing between us and the
Demon Lord Castle. The dark clouds above and the blood pond boiling at
the bottom.
The clouds of darkness floating in the sky moved as if asserting the wicked
power in them, and the bright red blood pond below was so lively that its
stench was wafting all the way here, bubbling as if waiting with boiling
passion at prey.
However, Mitsuki, who is standing by my side, was completely
expressionless even when looking at that hellscape.
Her cat ears instead were standing upright as if she herself was boiling with
fighting spirit, and she looked at me as if urging me on.
“…Your order, please. If you so wish, I can be the first one to charge in.”
(Mitsuki)
Those words that had her feelings subdued made my tiptoeing heart calm
down.
…That’s right.
We should have been preparing this whole time to overcome this.
This isn’t the time to be getting cold feet here.
“Let’s confirm before all that.” (Souma)
First of all, I took out the item that mitigates the damage of the lightning
from the black clouds, the Mute Needle of Lightning Protection, and looked
back at my comrades.
“Has everyone properly equipped their Water Dragon Ring?” (Souma)
When I asked this, everyone extended their hands to the front.
All of the hands had the Water Dragon Ring that has the special ability:
[Negate the negative underwater terrain effects].
With this, our preparations to get through the blood pond are done.
“Alright! Let’s go!” (Souma)
I exchanged looks with everyone and took a step forward.
And then…
“Please wait! I will take the front…” (Mitsuki)
Mitsuki hurriedly went ahead of me.
“I don’t really like this, but it can’t be helped… I -the great mage and guide
in muddied waters- order you, roar of the disastrous flood surging from
cursed darkness…” (Sazan)
Receiving my signal, Sazan stood in front as if lining up with me and began
mumbling something.
“A chant?! What in the world are you trying to…?!” (Mitsuki)
Mitsuki, who was left behind, was taken aback by me and him putting our
arms to the front as if synchronized and…
““[Tidal Wave]!”” (Souma+Sazan)
We both activate the spell at the same time!
What happened after that was something that would have been impossible
to happen in the real world.
An amount of water that would be impossible to explain unless you were to
think the palm of our hands had been connected to the ocean began gushing
out as if it were an actual flood.
A big tsunami that doesn’t bring shame to its name Tidal Wave surged out,
and it ran down to the bottom of the crater in one go.
What laid at the end of it was the sinister castle of the Demon Lord.
That torrent of water that had decided to plunge to the bottom of the
volcano didn’t slow down its momentum at all, and…
“Kuh!” (Souma)
The shockwave of the waves crashing onto the castle was so strong it even
reached all the way here.
“…Not a single scratch?” (Mitsuki)
But it is still the castle of the Demon Lord.
Even if it is now possible to destroy because of the world becoming real, it
won’t even budge from just any shockwave.
But that was within expectations.
My objective wasn’t the castle to begin with.
“No, look closely. There should be a change.” (Souma)
Mitsuki strained her eyes at my words and raised her voice in surprise.
“The volume of water in the blood pond has increased?!” (Mitsuki)
I silently agreed at the gaze of Mitsuki.
It is the same as the time when I wet her clothes.
In this world, when you use water spells, the water from the effect of the
spell will still remain.
This terrain is mortar shaped.
The massive amount of water born from the Tidal Wave will naturally
accumulate at the bottom of the volcano and become a part of the blood
pond.
This is my own way to deal with the blood pond.
Getting rid of it or taking a detour is not the only way to solve this.
—Fill up the blood pond with a massive amount of water, thin out its effect,
and get through it.
That’s the answer I arrived at.
Even if the Water Dragon Ring has the special ability of nullifying the
negative underwater effects and gives you underwater aptitude, it is not a
given that this blood pond will be counted as being underwater, and I don’t
know if it will go as far as nullifying the heat too.
But what if you change the blood pond into red lukewarm water by filling it
with a massive amount of water?
The Water Dragon Ring will most likely show its effect, and even if not, we
should be able to lower the threat of the blood pond to the minimum.
Thinking out of the box.
At first, I considered opening up a hole and draining the blood from the
pond, but I soon reached the conclusion that that would be impossible.
The blood pond is at the very bottom of the Demon Lord Castle; at the
bottom of the mortar shaped crater.
Thinking about the situation, it would be difficult to make a hole that would
achieve the objective of draining it.
But that’s when I noticed…
—Even if I can’t drain it, no, it is exactly because we can’t drain it that it
would instead be possible to accumulate water there.
No matter how similar but terrifying a blood pond is from water, it is still
liquid.
That there’s a blood pond existing there means that there’s an environment
set for liquid -for water- to accumulate.
That became the starting point for the countermeasures against the Demon
Lord Castle.
“Not yet!” (Souma)
My plan isn’t complete by just thinning the blood pond once with magic.
Once the first spell ended, I finished the chant for the next spell soon after
and…
“[Tidal Wave]!” (Souma)
I once again summon the Tidal Wave from the palm of my hand.
My magic really didn’t have enough effect to dent the Demon Lord Castle,
but that’s fine.
The volume of water in the blood pond has clearly increased, and the red
color is visibly thinner.
“Kuh! I -the great mage and guide in muddied waters…to hell with it, omit
the rest! [Tidal Wave]!” (Sazan)
Sazan also casted his second Tidal Wave a bit after.
The biggest reason why I brought Sazan to this battle was to have him work
here.
It would be troubling if he didn’t do his best at it.
The spell we are currently using, Tidal Wave, is an attack spell that prides
on having the highest Area of Effect within water element spells.
The power isn’t that big of a deal, but when used on even ground, it has
enough AOE to cover the whole field. It is detested by the Nekomimi Neko
players as a pulling spell that aggroes all the monsters in that area.
Especially in the case of Sazan. For some reason, he specializes in water
element after fire element magic, so he would often use this spell and pull
unnecessary enemies, making this one of the reasons why the trend ‘Hateful
Sazan!’ spread.
However, there’s no other character I can think of that can use this spell
within the characters that haven’t been hit by the Blessing of the Demon
Lord other than Sazan.
I had no choice but to use this spell together with Sazan. Though I may
have bought the spell itself at the capital, my magic element proficiency
was not enough.
That’s why, on the first day of the training, I continued stabbing the Master
Torch with the water element spear I got at the Stream Cave to get that
proficiency.
Of course, I appraised the level of everyone and, before I went training, I
customized the Tidal Wave of Sazan, and I did the same on the last day of
my training while also adjusting the spells of Ringo too.
As I confirmed before when talking about the Stardust Flare, the mana cost
of a spell and its power isn’t affected by the visual effect of the spell.
No matter how much you lower its power, the amount of water will be the
same, so I lowered its power to the bottom, and customized it in a way so
that the casting time and MP cost is as low as possible.
Even with that, my MP was about to run out as I don’t have a job that
specializes in magic.
“…Want to…recover?” (Ringo)
“Please!” (Souma)
We have the MP Potions that Sazan bought beforehand.
Ringo would throw MP potions at me and Maki would at Sazan when our
MP is about to run out.
The blood pond…no, the red water’s volume was steadily increasing, and
this finally reached the entrance of the castle -to a height where the opened
castle gate was at…
“Please stop at once!” (Mitsuki)
Mitsuki tried to stop me with her cat ears bouncing.
“You are overdoing it! At this rate, you are not only going to thin the blood
pond, but also the Demon Lord Castle will be…could it be…?!” (Mitsuki)
I gave an evil grin at Mitsuki whose cat ears were frozen as if noticing
something.
“It could be.” (Souma)
Thinning the blood pond is just the tip of the iceberg.
The plan that originates from that is the point of this time’s conquest.
“There’s no need to fight the enemy on their own stage, right? That’s why I
was thinking about changing that field into one that’s convenient for us.”
(Souma)
“Could it be that you are…” (Mitsuki)
“Yeah, it is probably exactly what you think, Mitsuki.” (Souma)
Mitsuki shook her cat ears to the sides as if she didn’t believe it, so I
answered confidently.
“I will be sinking the Demon Lord Castle like this and turn that place into
an underwater dungeon!” (Souma)
This is the second stage of the Demon Lord Castle conquest plan.
The details are as I explained just now.
The Demon Lord Castle is in a mortar shaped terrain, and there’s a blood
pond at the very bottom.
If blood can be deposited there, there’s nothing stopping the idea of
depositing water too.
And then, with a command that’s technically like a hidden trick, all the
doors of the Demon Lord Castle are opened…
If we sink the castle in water, that water will flow into the castle, the Demon
Lord Castle will turn into an underwater dungeon.
The monsters that don’t have underwater aptitude will drown.
To be more specific, their movements will decrease by a certain percent
compared to when they were on land, and they will get hit with HP percent
damage.
It won’t have any effect on the Demon Lord who has perfect resistance, but
I doubt all the other monsters in the Demon Lord Castle have underwater
aptitude.
If things go well, it would be possible to heavily weaken the monsters
inside the castle.
When I explained it up to that point…
“…I see. So that’s the reason for the Water Dragon Ring.” (Mitsuki)
Mitsuki said this with a baffled tone for some reason.
I don’t know why she is baffled by this, but what she said is absolutely
right.
The good part of this plan is that there’s barely any cons for us.
As long as we have the Water Dragon Rings, we won’t have any penalties
from fighting inside the water.
Weakening the monsters in the castle is good.
And even if they don’t get weakened, we will simply be fighting on even
ground.
We won’t lose anything no matter where it rolls.
“But what do you plan on doing if the monsters inside take this as an attack
and come out?” (Mitsuki)
I answered with a smile at this question too.
“When that happens, we of course fight back. It is true that the clouds
above are problematic, but fighting in a submerged location will be
advantageous for us, and it is easier to fight than inside the castle because
there’s more space and there’s no traps.
…Also, if it is here, you can fight at full power, right?” (Souma)
“You…really are…” (Mitsuki)
Mitsuki bends her cat ears as if she doesn’t know what to say here.
After that, her cat ears drifted as if searching for words, and she eventually
opened her mouth with a gentle expression.
“How mysterious. If it is you…if it is with you, even an outrageous
objective like defeating the Demon Lord feels unexpectedly possible.”
(Mitsuki)
While still shooting magic without end…
“Of course! We will definitely defeat the Demon Lord! And we will all
return with a smile!” (Souma)
I smiled back at Mitsuki.

“…Something like that, I guess.” (Souma)

A few minutes later, the Demon Lord Castle had completely been
submerged into the bottom of the reddish water, and it could only be seen
faintly.
Mitsuki worried about monsters coming out, but contrary to expectations,
such a thing didn’t happen and the Demon Lord Castle was silent.
Despite raining tens to hundreds of spells, there was no movement from
inside.
It is going well until now.
As the one who made the plan, this was going shockingly well.
But…
(…What’s with this feeling as if something’s off?) (Souma)
Something…just doesn’t click here.
Since the moment I began the plan, no, this strange feeling since the
moment I was formulating this plan.
I feel as if I am overlooking something -as if something is latching onto the
back of my neck.
(No, I am overthinking it.) (Souma)
I quickly shook my head to the sides.
We have gotten this far.
We can’t just trash the plan just because of a bad feeling with no basis.
“We will be charging onto the Demon Lord Castle after 1 minute! The
formation and positions will be as briefed prior!” (Souma)
When I shouted this, the energetic responses of my comrades came back.
Considering the respawning, we should be charging in at the time when the
monsters are in critical state from the underwater damage.
If the plan is going well, we might be able to reach the room of the Demon
Lord without suffering any losses.
While we were sinking the Demon Lord Castle in water with Tidal Wave, I
told Mitsuki about the plan we had all the way to the room of the Demon
Lord.
There’s no reason to worry…probably.
“…Souma…it is time.” (Ringo)
I raised my head at the words of Ringo.
And then, I muster strength to give the order to charge.
“—Kahah…!” (Souma)
But suddenly, powerful chills pierced my body.
My legs which were going to take a step forward wobbled, and I cowered in
place.
“Souma!!” (Ringo)
“What’s the matter?!” (Mitsuki)
The shouts of Ringo and Mitsuki rang in my ears.
But I can’t move my body.
That bad feeling I felt before.
If I had to classify it, it would be a ‘bad feeling’, but the strength of this is
not on that level.
It had been amplified to physical levels, and it was foreboding something
sinister.
(Right now…something…something is happening!!) (Souma)
I only had that certainty in this situation where I still didn’t understand
anything.
There’s no way this ‘something’ that’s giving me this feeling will end with
anything normal.
(At this rate, things will become irreversible!) (Souma)
This strange welling certainty.
The impatience is burning my chest.
Aside from the ‘bad feeling’ I felt just now…and the sensation that ‘I have
been overlooking something’ that I have felt the whole time, I have no basis
at all for this.
Is it really okay to stop such an important plan for something like this?
I just hesitated for a mere second.
“What’s the matter, Souma?!” (Maki)
“Y-You, what brought this up all of a su—” (Sazan)
“—Don’t come!” (Souma)
I shout with my everything at my comrades that were rushing to me one
after the other.
No, I tried to shout.
“Everyone…hurry and get out of—” (Souma)
But I was a bit too late.
A presence swelled up from the back.
“Wa?!” (Souma)
What entered my vision when I looked back was a pillar of light.
A dazzling pillar of light was extending from the bottom of the water,
around the place where the Demon Lord Castle is at, going all the way to
the sky.
“What? What’s that…?” (Souma)
That light pillar easily reached the sky and crashed onto the pitch black
clouds.
But the surprising thing came after that.
“No way!” (Souma)
That light pillar…those clouds that shouldn’t be possible to move for
anyone other than the Demon Lord…were blown off in an instant…
“Impossible…”
Those words reached my ears.
I thought it came out of my mouth, but that wasn’t it.
When I looked at my side, Sazan, who was looking at the light pillar, was
holding his body as if restraining the fear taking over his body.
“Sazan?!” (Souma)
I hurriedly tried to help him out…but Sazan’s eyes were not looking at me.
His eyes were nailed at the light pillar piercing the heavens, his body
trembling profusely.
“Such mana…is impossible. With this…it is like…” (Sazan)
There was no following to his words.
I once again glared at the light pillar while holding the trembling body of
Sazan.
That light was finally dimming out little by little, and after a long while, it
thinned out and disappeared.
“Is it…over…?” (Maki)
The low voice of Maki hammered the end of that phenomenon.
However, even when the light calmed down, our confusion didn’t.
Me as well…no, I am probably the most confused one here out of
everyone.
I don’t know what’s going on here.
Because…
“I…I don’t know…of such an event…” (Souma)
I have not seen that pillar of light even once in the game.
I am currently facing the first completely unknown phenomenon since
coming to this world.
A sight as imposing as that would have been uploaded on the net at least
once.
No, even if not, there should have at least been witnesses testifying to this.
Me not knowing that means…
(This is a phenomenon that didn’t happen in the game?) (Souma)
And if something that didn’t happen in the game happened now…it means
the reasons for that are limited.
(Could it be…) (Souma)
*Thump Thump*
My heart was drumming to a painful extent.
‘Calm down’ I tell myself.
But no matter what I did, my rampaging heartbeat was not calming down.
(Could it be…could it be…) (Souma)
I want to believe that’s not the case.
But the ominous guess that surfaced in my mind was clutching onto me and
not letting go.
(You must be kidding, right…?) (Souma)
It is something that wasn’t in the game but only exists in this world…
The black clouds in the sky that can only be affected by the Demon Lord.
Yet those black clouds were blown off.
No matter how you think about it, there’s only one person that fits the bill.
(Could it be that it really is…) (Souma)
That light just now was the Evil God’s…
“Ah!!” (Maki)
But Maki suddenly raised a loud voice as if to cut off my speculation.
Wondering what Maki, who had an astonished expression on her face, had
noticed, I asked as if latching onto her.
“Maki, do you know something?!” (Souma)
Being approached like that, Maki shook her hands to the front as if
flustered.
“Eh, no, it is not like I know… But when you were talking about the
Serious Mode and the Death Effect, I thought about it…” (Maki)
She pointed deep at the red water, at the Demon Lord Castle that can be
seen faintly there even now as if she had done something bad, and said this.
“…Could it be that the Demon Lord-san…drowned and died just now?”
(Maki)
…………
………
……
…
………Eh?
Chapter 297, A Friend’s
Transformation
“HAAAHHHHHH!!”
“Oh-ho, isn’t that impressive…”

Billy voiced his admiration, seeing that Jeanne was fighting without a staff
despite being a mage.
The lightning around her body reinforced her fists and feet, enabling her
attacks to easily knock away the strange creatures.

“I never expected anyone to fare this well against the Alphas. They may not
be very smart, but being outclassed physically as well is… a problem.”
“Alphas?”

Jeanne asked as she parried away an incoming attack.

“It’s what these creatures are called. Hehehehe… you’ve always been one
who frequently asked questions, Jeanne — back in your school days. But
there are times and places in which you should refrain from doing so, don’t
you think?”

Billy’s grin implied more sinister thoughts in his head.

With Alphas approaching her from behind, Jeanne blew them away with a
roundhouse kick.

“…Hmph.”
“I see… you’ve trained to enhance your awareness in all directions. Good
thinking on Gaston’s part, I suppose.”
Billy instantly saw that Jeanne’s combat approach had been improved upon
by Gaston’s advice.

“Stop talking in riddles, Professor Billy!”

“Hmph, I’m no longer a professor. I’m one of the Duodecad — the leader
of them all, in fact. Properly address your superior, soldier!”

As Billy spoke, he held his arm up, then slashed it down.

“Wha–!?”

A powerful gust of wind infused with arcane energy blew at Jeanne,

causing her to fly toward Gaston as if her direction had been manipulated.
Gaston caught her and put his burning yet gentle hands on her shoulders.

“Be careful, Jeanne. I’ll fight him — you concentrate on taking out the
creatures.”
“Yes, sir!”

Jeanne saw from Gaston’s face that he was not calm and composed as he
usually was — that was how serious the situation was now.
Still, even if all of the Magic Guardians felt the same way — and it had
crossed their minds that their Commander did as well, now was not the time
to get hung up on that one detail.

“Ngh–! Curses! Take this! BURST!”

Hornel, with his horse already killed, was now fighting on the ground,
wielding his Blazing Dragon Staff.
“ORA! SHAAAAAA! Gah–! Shit shit shit! That freakin’ hurt!”

And to his side was his partner Maïga, fighting hard despite the countless
wounds on his body.

“Curses…! Middle Cure!”

“Hey! You’re not supposed to heal me that often! Look how many enemies
there are! You’ll run out of energy!”
“Hah! Better that than being killed without getting to use it all!”
“You talk too much, you little shit!”

Each of the Alphas, able to use Arcane Drain, were equivalent to S-ranked
monsters in strength. Familiars could not use breath attacks against them,
and attack magic was not an option for mages, either.
With their options so limited against such opponents, the elites of the Royal
Capital Magic Guardians were in for quite a challenge.

“Gyah–!? Captain Lina! Help!!”

Lina’s subordinates lost their lives, overwhelmed by the wave of Alphas.

Their outstretched hands grabbed on to nothing as death came for them.
Although visibly horrified, Lina could only fight on.

“Master Lina! Watch out!”

Baladd, Lina’s familiar, flew behind Lina and used its body as a shield to
protect her from an attack.
“Agyah!?”
“Baladd!”
“I-I’m fine! My fat defends me!”

Due to Baladd’s sheer size, the Alphas’ claws did not manage to dig in
deep, but the sight of her Familiar suffering still hurt Lina on the inside.
Regardless, so long as she could keep moving, she resolved to keep
fighting, swinging her Blazing Dragon Staff. The very same staff once
owned by the Commander who she considered a father figure, passed down
to her most respected and beloved teacher, then to her.

“Out of my way!”

The Great Mage threw out his fists, blowing the Alphas in all directions.
Seeing that, Billy started laughing.

“Hahaha, your strength is as ridiculous as ever.”

“Oh, you’ll also get a taste of it soon enough…”
“I suppose I can look forward to that… After you manage to overcome this
wave, that is!”

Billy waved down his arm, and then countless more Alphas emerged from
his shadow.

“Hmm!?”
“Now let’s see what you can do… Gaston.”

On the battlefield, amid the clashing of fists, staves, and recovery magic,
the sounds of the soldiers’ last moments reached their Commander’s ears.
The soldiers, many limping and bleeding from their foreheads, were as
close to running out of arcane energy as one could be.
Gaston, just like all the others, fought off the advancing Alphas with
punches, kicks, and sometimes with his staff.
But then…

“Hahahahaha! I still have plenty!”

Just as the old wave was cleared out, more Alphas appeared again.
Gaston could not handle them all alone, inevitably passing the burden down
to the others.

“CURSES!”

Hornel…

“BRING IT ON!”

Jeanne…

“Sir Gaston!”

Viola…

“Hah… hah… hah…!”

And Lina…
…Were clearly at their limits by now.
This was a heavy burden for Gaston, their Commander, as well.
More than half of his subordinates were already gone. It was clear to just
about everyone that they would eventually be wiped out.
That was why a certain girl’s action now was not a mistake, technically
speaking.

“Rise, A-rise, Arise… A-rise! Teleportation!”

Her name was Fuyu. Her talent had caught the attention of Commander
Gaston, who had chosen her as his assistant.
The Teleportation Spell Circle, set up a safe distance away from enemy
lines, radiated a luminescent light to signal its invocation.

“Sir Gaston! Please retreat!”

Fuyu — the girl who had been on standby this whole time, just as Gaston
had told her to — shouted as loud as she could. The situation was so bad
that she felt the need to act on her own. No one blamed her for disobeying
orders, for if they were in her shoes, they likely would have done the same.
The elite soldiers, seeing the Teleportation Circle, had hope in their eyes for
a brief moment.
But then…

“Ground Spell Delivery…”

Billy tapped his hand on the ground just as Fuyu’s spell was invoked.
A surge of arcane energy ran through the ground, almost instantly
destroying Fuyu’s Teleportation Spell Circle. Fuyu’s scream echoed
together with the sound of breaking glass.
“Kyah–!”
“Well, well… I might’ve overtuned my power. I’ve gone and made an
adorable little girl cry, Gaston.”
“……This is a battlefield. I didn’t bring any crybabies here.”
“I’ve bought — with money — this magecraft from Asley, you see. It’s
only normal that I customize it to suit my needs. It’s not much, but my
version can send surges of arcane energy as well.”
“Shut up! I don’t want to hear the young man’s name from your mouth ever
again!”
“Unfortunately for you… I don’t care.”

Billy shrugged.
Gaston mowed down the Alphas that were coming at him and, seeing that
his student was showing a moment of hesitation, said firmly to her,

“Eyes forward, Fuyu!”

Fuyu kept her eyes on Gaston as the latter kept on fighting.

“Don’t bother! That old coot’s not going to let anyone get away, anyway!”
“Hahaha, listen to yourself. Now you’re calling ME old…”
“Always keep your eyes forward! Follow the path of the one who came
before you! The path may seem endless… but the young man is surely
waiting for you at the end of it all!”
“…Yes, sir!”

Fuyu stood up and answered.

Billy, in response to Gaston’s words, lowered his voice and grumbled,
“Well, he’s right — As soon as I find that young man, he’ll be dead like the
rest of you…!”
“Not happening.”
“What?”
“You think I’m about to let you do whatever you want?”

For a moment, Billy was taken aback by what Gaston had said.
Then he erupted into laughter.

“Hahahahaha! What does your approval even matter when you can’t reach
me!? Can you even do anything!?”
“Any second now…”
“What!?”
“You thought I didn’t know the magecraft… of Shadow Domain
Summon?”

Staring at Billy, Gaston whispered,

“Ground Spell Delivery.”

Barely a moment later, the shadow under Billy’s feet cracked apart with a
high-pitched sound and then disappeared.

“What the–!? GWAHHHHH!?”

At the same time, a sudden, powerful impact blew Billy up into the air.
He scrambled to re-adjust his posture in mid-air and narrowly managed to
land on his feet, after which he glared at Gaston.
“Damn you… Gaston!”
“I’ve bought — with money — this magecraft from the young man. It’s
only normal that I make it better — so that it could send POWERFUL
surges of arcane energy as well. What, was that too much for you?”

Gaston’s words definitely rubbed Billy’s emotions the wrong way.

Billy’s face twisted with anger.
And then…

“Ngh–!?”

The dead body of an Alpha flew right at his head.

“Sorry, my hand slipped.”

Gaston’s snark brought Billy’s rage to its peak.

“You’re dead! I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you myself, Gaston!”

It looked as if Billy’s mouth was about to tear apart.

“You’re more Devil than human now…”

Gaston heaved a deep sigh, knowing that his friend was already too far
gone.
Around the time Akira was meeting with Reina’s group in the middle of the
wasteland, Chloe was agonizing with a frustrated expression inside one of
Lion Steel’s facilities.
“That was a blunder… To think that the situation changed so much in such
a short span of time.”

After she left Mihazono ruin, Chloe returned back to gather more
information about Reina as well as to reorganize her plan. But in the middle
of that, she suddenly received an emergency message that Alice would be
coming there soon.

Alice normally would never leave the main HQ of the eastern district
branch. As long as there was nothing big, she would never leave that place.
So, in short, something big must have happened. Furthermore, Alice had
also issued an order for the branch office of Kugamayama city and its
surrounding area to take care of the matter with Olivia for the time being.
This too was a huge abnormality.

Chloe panicked and stopped any investigation regarding Reina’s group,

instead, she directed all her resources to investigate Olivia. That was when
she found out that Reina’s group had made contact with Olivia.

“No matter how you look at it, the only chance they could have contacted
Olivia was right after that happened. She really outplayed me… Although
she said that she was having trouble with it, she was that close to contacting
Olivia, huh? To think that I didn’t even notice…”

Latis, who was her butler, tried to cheer her master up.

“Milady. We were also unable to notice that. That is just how good her
acting skill is. The order from Alice-sama was to all staff around the area,
so it was not directed specifically to them. We’re in the middle of the
wasteland, so we still have that option available to us.”
Chloe quickly understood what Latis was trying to say. Her eyebrows
furrowed even more as she looked even more troubled. But hesitating also
showed that she started to consider the viability of that option and admitted
that they had enough reason to execute it.

Moreover, Chloe did not want to let this chance, which would never come
by her again for the second time, getaway. So, she approved Latis’
suggestion.

“Pamela, I’m sorry to say this although I said it to you yesterday, but it
seems that there’s a need to deal with this matter swiftly. so get everyone
ready.”

“Right away.”

Pamela smiled and gracefully bowed.

The situation in Higaraka residence ruin had completely returned to normal.

The crowd that flooded the ruin from the old-world terminal rumour had
mostly left the site. It was no longer a ruin that Hunters would regularly
visit in search of relics.

A Lion Steel facility was erected on the mansion where the old-world
terminals were found. Although it was not that big of a building, it was built
on top of a large site.

Normally, building such a facility in the middle of the ruin was not an easy
feat to pull off. Not only were there rubble and wreckage of the other
buildings around, but there was also the problem of the monsters in the
area. It was also not cheap to assign escorts for every material transport.
Because of that, when someone wanted to build a large building but there
was not enough space inside the city, they often opted to build it next to the
city. A well-maintained road would then be built on the logistic route,
which connected that building to the city, people would then gather around
the maintained road, and that was how the city would slowly grow.

But for this Lion Steel facility, thanks to the Hunters who came looking for
the old-world terminal in the area, they had cleaned up the roaming
monsters. For the transport of materials, they got the Hunters who came
regularly to Higaraka ruin from Kugamayama city involved. Thus cutting
the transport fee even further.

With the area already secured to some extent, as long as they could
transport materials, with building technology of the current era, it did not
take that much time to fully erect such a facility. Thanks to that, Lion Steel
could construct a very well-defended building in the middle of the
wasteland without hiccups.

Reina’s group rode their vehicle through the road built to connect to that
facility. It was the location where Chloe said she wanted to meet her.

Reina looked around the area, which was a mere dilapidated ruin in the past
and asked Shiori a question.

“Say, Shiori. Do you know why the company decided to build a facility
here of all places? It’s big enough to fully revitalize the area.”

“I’ve heard that our company bought the old-world terminals found on this
site. It seems that they’re planning to use the site again after reinstalling the
terminals at their original location. It would not be wise to utilize such
devices away from where they were found. Some of them were area locked
for the sake of safety. But, even under such considerations, I think even a
small facility would do. I bet they have another reason why they erected
such a big building.”

“Another reason?”

“Maybe it’s to prepare for another facility or something similar? Maybe it’s
for a long-term plan? A change to readjust the relations between each
faction. There are many possibilities. After all, if a large facility is built in a
certain area, the one who is responsible for that area would gain more
influence and privileges.”

“Ohh, so that’s it, huh?”

Reina seemed to hate the topic. But Shiori’s wish was for Reina to quit
working as a Hunter and return back to the main house. Reina, who had
established a connection to Olivia, finally had enough achievement to be
reinstated. That was why she knew it was only a matter of time before she
would hear more about this.

But that also meant that she would be once again shoved into the in-fighting
between factions that she avoided up until now. With that in mind, she had
no wish to return back to the main house.

Both Reina and Shiori had been together for a long time, that was why they
understood each other. Both were thinking of how to convince the other.
That was when Kanae suddenly said something.

“Ane-san. Stop!”

Hearing the way Kanae said it, Shiori stopped the vehicle first before asking
Kanae.
“What’s wrong?”

“It might be pretty dangerous if we keep going like this.”

Kanae pointed at the opening located in front of the entrance to the facility.
The opening seemed to be just like any other spot in the wasteland, it was
big enough to park several big vehicles, as a matter of fact, there were
multiple vehicles parked there at this very moment. But all of them were
parked so as not to get in Reina’s way, moreover, there were maids and
butlers that might be from Chloe’s side standing ready to welcome Reina’s
group.

It would not be strange to think that it was a huge welcome for the team that
had successfully gotten into contact with Olivia, but Kanae did not believe
that was the case.

“They seem to have prepared a huge welcoming team for us, though
unfortunately, I feel like what they’re saying is that they would not let us
leave that easily.”

Shiori also looked suspiciously at the group in front of her. Deep in between
the maids and the butlers lined there, Chloe was waiting with Pamela and
Latis beside her. Position-wise, Chloe’s group was above Reina’s group.
Turning back would be very rude to Chloe. Even if Kanae’s worry was on
point, at the moment, it was nothing more than a worry.

“…Milady, shall we turn back and leave?”

“No, it’s fine, let’s just continue forward.”

Shiori was surprised that Reina gave an instant straight answer.

“…Milady, are you sure?”

“Turning back now would only give them an unnecessary excuse.”

“…Very well.”

Seeing Reina was calm, as if she was not distraught by what was going on,
Shiori also pulled herself together and moved the vehicle forward.

When Chloe saw Reina momentarily stop, she turned to Latis. But when
she was about to say something, Reina continued coming closer, so she also
stopped herself from saying anything to Latis.

Pamela, who had guessed what Chloe was going to say, stopped her men
from moving toward Reina and ordered them to return back to their posts.

“It seems that they know their position.”

Chloe smiled and replied.

“It’s good that we can solve this without having to resort to that. Or do you
find it unfortunate instead, Pamela?”

“Not at all. Of course, I don’t feel that it’s unfortunate at all.”

Latis and Pamela quickly started preparing to welcome Reina’s group. They
set up the tables and the chairs, placed a tablecloth on top of the table, and
served some refreshments. Chloe sat on her chair and waited for Reina’s
group to come to her.

Shiori parked the vehicle not too far from them as they disembarked and
approached Chloe’s table. Chloe invited Reina to take a seat with a gesture
of her hand. That scene where Chloe was donning an expensive-looking
dress and Reina donning a maid uniform battle suit looked like a master
inviting her subordinate, who just returned from her mission.

Shiori’s face twitched from annoyance. Kanae smiled wryly. Meanwhile,

Reina did not seem bothered at all as she took her seat. Chloe and Reina
had their servants standing behind them.

“So then, why did you want to meet me? As I said before, I’m busy, you
know?”

“Geez, don’t say that. Although you said you’re busy, you’re not as busy as
yesterday, right?”

“True, but still, I’m busy enough to tell you to finish this up as soon as
possible.”

“I see.”

Chloe fixed her gaze on Reina. She was trying to discern if Reina’s
calmness was only an act or not. Reina was not disturbed at all though she
was being treated like a lowly servant. She did not show any particular
reaction.

[Is it because she has fully given up on returning back to the main house
and has decided to live fully as a Hunter? Or is it because she has the grit to
completely ignore such harassment?] Chloe was trying to probe Reina with
her eyes, trained from the power struggle inside the main house.

However, she could not come up with anything.

“What’s wrong? If you have nothing to say, I’m leaving.”

Since Reina stated so, Chloe did not have any other choice but to change
her approach. She reminded herself that it was not like this was her first
time negotiating with someone about whom she had insufficient
information.

“Well, it seems that you’re busy, so I’ve been thinking about how to make it
quick. But if you’re really that busy, let’s finish this right away then.”

Chloe smiled.

“White card.”

“I don’t know what you expect from me just from that, you know…?”

“Give it to me.”

With such short but clear words. There was no need for any more questions.
It was obviously a threat as well as a warning.

Although Alice’s order was for the staff on the field to handle the matter
with Olivia, there was no Lion Steel staff in the area who could contact
Olivia on their own. But it was not like Alice said that it was an order
specifically for Reina’s group. This meant that it was directed to anyone
who had that card, which could be used to contact Olivia.

Anyone who had that card would even be able to call for the head
representative of the company, Alice. It could even be said that they would
be a pivotal person that would decide the future of the company, as such,
everyone in the area was stirred to make their moves.

That demand that was much closer to a robbery attempt caused Shiori to
inadvertently raise her voice.

“Chloe-sama! That is out of the li-”

“Silence!”

Chloe sent a mocking gaze to the tensed-up Shiori.

“This is between two members of the family, so an outsider like you should
not interfere.”

Shiori closed her mouth and gritted her teeth. Even putting aside the
difference in their positions, Shiori was not in the position to be scolding
Chloe. Moreover, if a mere escort like her crossed the line, it would cause
trouble for Reina, who was trying to stand up as her deserving master.
Because of that, Shiori managed to hold herself back.

Seeing that Shiori comply, Chloe smiled with satisfaction and shifted her
gaze back to Reina. Reina lightly sighed.

“And what will you give me for it?”

“I’ll say that I’ll be deeply indebted to you.”

“That doesn’t sound like a good deal to me.”

“Well, you should wait for a bit. Let’s see, once I become the head of the
faction, one day, I’ll be the head of the main branch in the Aurum economic
zone, and eventually, I’ll become the officer of the main HQ. I’ll put you
somewhere nearby, doesn’t that sound great?”

For those who knew the inner workings of the Lion Steel company, that
sounded like nothing but a dream. But as long as they had the talent and
were able to make good use of it, it was not an impossible feat to achieve.
Moreover, Chloe was being serious when she said so. This was important
since even if one was prideful, not just anyone could accomplish what she
had claimed to. No one could reach that position without the strong resolve
to use their utmost talent, and resources to reach that goal. And she knew
that very well.

Reina also believed Chloe was not lying, but even so, she still said.

“I’m sorry, but I still don’t think it’s a good enough offer. It doesn’t give me
enough reason to give you the white card.”

Chloe’s gaze turned sharp. She locked eyes with Reina, trying to discern
whether it was because Reina had no wish to hand over the card at all costs
or if it was simply because the offer was not good enough. However, she
still could not find anything. Either way, it did not matter what was the
answer to her question, she had already decided on what to say next.

“I see. If you say so, it means that I will have no other choice but to put in
something more to tip the scale to make it worthwhile. For example, your
safety, whether you can leave this place safely or not.”

Although Reina and Chloe were still the same as always, that was not the
case for their servants. Shiori knitted her eyebrows. Kanae smiled with
excitement. Latis silently scanned the other side, and Pamela was waiting
with a smile. The rest of the maids and butlers changed their positions to
close Reina’s escape route.

When everyone in the area tensed up, Reina and Chloe were the only ones
who stayed calm as they were facing each other.

Reina faked a surprised expression and reaffirmed.

“You would even go for violence, huh? I don’t know what’s going on but,
are non-peaceful, fast solutions becoming the new norm inside the wall or
something?”

Chloe lightly smiled.

“Oh, it has always been, you just don’t know about it. The difference in
their military power made it such that no real full-blown battle happened
yet. There’s also no need to even say it out loud, you know? Don’t tell me
you honestly did not know?”

“Unfortunately, no. Thanks for letting me know.”

“You’re very welcome. Well then. Now that you’re done learning, this
would be a good time to show the result of what you have learned. So,
what’s your answer?”
Reina did not say anything, Chloe also only waited without saying anything
as well. The silence continued only to be broken by Chloe later.

“If this silence continues any further, I will interpret it as a no.”

Reina still did not say anything, Chloe’s smile vanished.

“I see.”

Chloe did not like violence, but she would not hesitate when it was
necessary. Moreover, the influence, profit, and power that she could gain
from getting a connection with Olivia were more than enough of a reason to
get that card even if it meant that she had to kill Reina. She thought that
Reina would also understand that, but if she did not. Then it was not like
she could do anything about it.

That was when Kanae interjected.

“Ah, just to let you know, if you try to hurt Milady, I’ll kill you.”

In response to Kanae, who said so casually, Chloe frowned and said.

“A mere Rank-4 maid speaking about killing one of the main house’s
members. How rude. Good grief. You really need more education.”

“Well, I’m always not good with that subject, you see. Sorry about that.”

Although Kanae said so, she did not seem apologetic at all. So, Chloe then
exasperatedly said.
“Latis, Pamela, did you hear that? She said that she’s going to kill me.”

Latis confidently replied.

“Please don’t worry. She would not be able to do it.”

Pamela smiled and said.

“She won’t be able to do that, just leave it to us.”

Chloe was satisfied by her servants’ answer and nodded. She then shifted
her gaze back to Kanae.

“So, there you have it. That level of threat won’t even work even as a mere
bluff. Well, if you still insist, I’ll send your Milady with you to the afterlife,
so don’t worry.”

But even so, Kanae was still smiling with excitement. But her smile
suddenly twitched, she then rubbed her head with one of her hands and
sighed.

“…Well, I know that I’m not good at this kind of thing. For some reason,
you just can’t fully forget your roots. They always told me to prioritize my
duty while I underwent training, but I just can’t help but prioritize fun first.
As expected, I should reign in my personal feelings and prioritize my
duty.”

Kanae’s aura slowly changed. Her smile vanished and was replaced by a
chilling cold expression. She looked coldly at Chloe’s side as if they were
trash and warned.
“If you touch Reina-sama, you’re dead meat.”

As expected, Chloe could not ignore it.

Lion Steel company searched all over the eastern area for talented children,
mostly from the poor areas, and trained them to be butlers and maids. They
were then sent to various organizations and individuals. These children
were ranked during their training depending on their performance. Those
who had exceptional talents were sent to high-level individuals such as
officials from large corporations. While those who were rather average were
dispatched to different places.

Rank-4 was the lowest rank. They were treated as failed products that were
not even to be sent outside the corporation. Of course, they were also not
treated well even inside the corporation.

Both Shiori and Kanae were Rank-4. But that was not because they were
incompetent. The evaluation of their total performance was considered
unsatisfactory. Thus, they were given their Rank-4 evaluation.

Lion Steel placed an emphasis on loyalty to the main corporation. After all,
the current era’s Lion Steel company was using humans in place of
automatons. Thus, they did not need anyone that offered less than total
loyalty. With children basically saved from poverty, they normally felt
indebted toward the corporation and were extremely loyal.

But Shiori’s loyalty was not toward the corporation but toward Reina. As
such, the corporation saw that as a huge problem and evaluated her as
Rank-4.
As for Kanae, her problem was her attitude toward her duty. She had the
tendency of getting her personal feelings mixed in her work and instead
prioritized her enjoyment. No matter how good she was, if she hoped for
her escort target to get attacked, it was only natural for her to be evaluated
as Rank-4.

The reason why Reina was accompanied by those 2 maids although she was
kicked out of the family and exiled outside the inner well was because both
Kanae and Shiori were Rank-4 servants.

But this time, Kanae was not showing any attitude that would lower her
evaluation any further. In other words, rather than prioritizing having fun
over the safety of her escort target, which she had been doing up until now,
she was doing the opposite. Her aura was indicating that she was willing to
stop playing and her job seriously. To quickly remove her opponents for
Reina’s safety.

Chloe was a bit overwhelmed by Kanae’s pressure, but she did not show it.
She furrowed her brows and said with a smile.

“And you think you can win with that?”

“At the very least, I can guarantee that you’ll be dead.”

Although their conversation did not exactly connect, people who heard that
exchange had no problem understanding what was going on.

As long as Kanae focused on Chloe, Chloe’s servants would have no other

choice but to focus on defending their master instead of killing their
opponent. That way, they would have no leeway to focus on Reina. They
would not even have the chance to capture Reina and use it to threaten
Kanae. Any attempt other than that would take more time and manpower
which meant the higher the chance Kanae would get Chloe first.

And while they were dealing with Kanae, Shiori could take Reina and run
away. Even with her attitude, Kanae had the determination to throw away
her life for her duty, the same as Latis and the rest of Chloe’s servants.

But that was not the case for Chloe. She had to prioritize her own life.

“You heard her, Latis, Pamela?”

“Please don’t worry. She would not be able to do it.”

“She won’t be able to do that, just leave it to us.”

Latis and Pamela returned the exact same replies. But their expressions
were not the same as before. The mockery that they had toward Rank-4
servants from before was no longer present. They were exerting an aura that
was suitable for their position, Chloe’s closest servants, as they looked at
Kanae with a sharp gaze filled with killing intent.

Shiori reached for her blade, although she had not unsheathed it, she had
already made her resolve. Latis and the other servants also prepared
themselves for a fight. They were ready to start anytime and were just
waiting for the signal from their master.

The silence continued. But this time it was Chloe who was extending the
silence. The card had enough value for her to kill Reina’s team. She would
even be willing to pay the price and risk her own life to get that card. But
that was assuming that she would win the fight. She did not think that Latis
and Pamela were lying to her. But she also did not feel any lies in Kanae’s
words. One of them must be mistaken, but if she tried to confirm it and it
turned out that Latis and Pamela were the ones who were mistaken, she
would without a doubt be the one who dies. Fear from that caused her to
hesitate.

“Stop!”

Reina was the one who broke the silence. Everyone turned toward Reina.
She then took out the card, put it on the table, and slid it toward Chloe.

With this, there was no longer any reason to fight. The tense mood was
dispelled. Instead, everyone started to look rather confused. In the midst of
that atmosphere, Reina then calmly said.

“That should be fine, right? Well then, I’m leaving now. Shiori, Kanae, let’s
go.”

“O-Of course.”

“A-alright.”

As Reina swiftly stood up and left, Shiori and Kanae followed behind her
while still looking rather confused. But Chloe suddenly stopped her.

“If you were planning to give it away from the start, you could’ve done it
sooner. What’s your game here?”

Reina stopped and lightly turned around.

“Of course, I was hesitating. What else do you think it might be?”
“…I see. Well, it doesn’t matter since you’ve just handed it over to me. You
can look forward to your reward.”

“I don’t need it. I’ve never said anything about accepting your offer.”

“What do you mean?”

Reina frowned and replied.

“You took that card from me by threatening to kill Shiori and Kanae as well
as me. That’s why I had no other choice but to give up that card. It’s not like
I’m giving that card to you because I accepted your offer or anything like
that. Later then.”

Reina then left the place, Shiori and Kanae seemed rather happy as they
followed behind her.

As Reina’s group was no longer visible, Chloe sighed. She noticed the cold
sweat running down her face and wiped it off.

“…Just to make sure, if we really did fight back there, we would have won,
right?”

Latis lightly bowed.

“Of course. Although, we would not be perfectly fine after the battle. Please
forgive me.”

Pamela politely added.

“But don’t worry, Milady. We’ll be the ones hurt. We would make sure that
Milady would be perfectly safe and sound.”

Chloe firmly gave a nod. She then moved on to the next issue, which was
the card in her hand. The white card was glistening and reflected her own
image. Seeing that, she thought that it was as if that glisten also shone the
way to her bright future.

“Well, I would say that it was mostly smooth sailing. Though, I admit that
as someone who had been banished from the inner wall, she is a tough
opponent.”

Chloe smiled and slipped that card into her pocket. She then returned back
inside accompanied by the rest of her servants.
Plan of the Future
Having reaffirmed our wish to have a cooperative relationship, we sit in a
circle with Miia to talk.
“Thanks a lot, seriously. I had no way of sensing the passage of time. It
wouldn’t have been a surprise for me to wake up to find the world
destroyed.”
『The world destroyed…』
“You understand that’s not a joke, right? Or did God’s Voice not tell you?”
『…You’re talking about Foren?』
Miia nods with an expression of relief. Eldia, Miia’s stone slab, Lilixira,
and God’s Voice all mentioned the Evil God Foren.
I haven’t heard any sort of detailed information about Foren. All I know is
that Foren was some gigantic threat that was sealed long ago. If God’s
Voice wasn’t lying, then their goal is to free Foren and destroy this world in
order to return to their original world.
『So… What exactly is Foren?』
“I don’t know much either. I’ve heard that it some sort of deified entity, but
its true nature might be closer to a force of destruction… It might be some
sort of curse or plague. There’s no hard evidence though, so it’s pretty
unclear. I don’t think even God’s Voice knows everything about it. But, I
think it’s a certainty that Foren holds the power to destroy the world.”
『Is Foren not some kind of monster…?』
“I don’t think it’s that simple. I don’t think it’s possible for a monster that
powerful to spontaneously arise. But, even if it is something with a physical
body, I don’t think it’s possible to be fought. This is what God’s Voice once
said, but… If Foren were to be fought, not only would the battle be
unwinnable, but the shockwaves of the fight would disintegrate the world.”
…It’s that dangerous an opponent? No, it’s what the practically omniscient
and omnipotent God’s Voice has been trying to revive for eons. It wouldn’t
be strange for it to be that powerful.
God’s Voice can wage war at any place in the world, and can take hostages
whenever they want.
Miia told me that my attitude was too naive to fight against God’s Voice.
Treant got angry, and I don’t think I can become like Miia, nor do I want to.
But, she might be correct. It’s questionable to what extent I’m able to rebel
against the ruthlessness of God’s Voice while staying myself.
As one possible solution, I was considering instead defeating the revived
Foren. But, from what Miia knows, it sounds like that would be pretty much
impossible. It’s questionable whether Foren could even be fought, and the
moment it does become a fight, it’s inevitable that this world would be
destroyed anyway.
“You should throw away your naive thinking, Irushia. If you obey God’s
Voice, the the world’s fate will be sealed the moment Foren revives. Don’t
allow Foren to revive, and kill God’s Voice. There’s nothing else.”
『R-right…』
She’s seen right through me. She probably has misgivings about me.
Miia isn’t the type to hesitate to do what she needs to. That’s become clear
from our conversation so far. Her chosen course is different from Lilixira,
but she has a similar disposition. It wouldn’t be strange for her to attack me,
should she decide I’m going to yield to God’s Voice. From her perspective,
I’m either an ally that will help her kill God’s Voice, or I’m an enemy that
will contribute to the revival of Foren.
We then discuss our plans for what to do next. Though there’s no real
difference from our previous plan.
We’ll head to the tower while raising our levels, then defeat the
hecatoncheir together. We’ll explore the inside of the tower and then, if we
can find a way of leaving this world, we’ll fight the four [Spirit Servants].
What we after that will depend on what God’s Voice does.
According to Miia, the final battle with God’s Voice might not be far away.
This Forest of Ngai seems to be a special space prepared by God’s Voice to
complete the levelling of divine skill holders.
For divine skill holders, nowhere else in the world is better for levelling up.
God’s Voice’s objective is to strengthen a divine skill holder to the point
that they gain [Laplace Interference Authority: LvMAX]. If that happens to
me, then God’s Voice will either coerce me into using [Laplace Interference
Authority] to revive Foren, or will just take the data of how I got strong and
will use the Ngai Forest to strip me of my sense of self.
“Together, we should be able to break through the hecatoncheir. The
problem is the fight with God’s Voice afterwards.”
『…There are some things I’m curious about. Do you mind if I ask now?』
“Sure, go ahead. You don’t have to be so nervous, I won’t get angry over a
question. Though whether or not I answer is up to me.”
…Even if she doesn’t take offence, the scary thing about Miia is that she
could calmly decide to kill me. No, she should also be worried about God
of Madness. She can’t break through the hecatoncheir by herself. Even if
she thinks I’m not going to be of help, she won’t want to kill me right now.
『You fought God’s Voice once before, right? Did it look like you had a
chance of winning?』
“I’ve actually fought three times in total. Though none of them could really
be called a fight… The last time I just attacked in fury, knowing I had no
chance of winning.” Miia sighs. “As I am now, I can’t beat God’s Voice.”
『Were you able to find a workaround for that mental interference skill? Do
you know God’s Voice’s rank? Their defence stat? What sort of attacks did
they use, and how often?』
Miia has said that Foren absolutely cannot be beaten. But, from my
perspective, it’s already questionable whether it’s even possible to win
against God’s Voice. God’s Voice could choose to kill me whenever they
want. The only reason they haven’t is so that I can get stronger.
The moment God’s Voice ever becomes wary of me, they’ll just dispose of
me before I can do anything. Even if I find a ray of hope, I’ll be crushed
before anything can come of it.
“…It’s better if you don’t go into the fight with too much information. You
should just do whatever you think you can to win.”
『N-no, that’s not an answer. You’re saying I’m better off not knowing?
There’s no way that’s possible. I need to know what sort of attacks might
work, and what tactics I should use…!』
“I don’t want to lie to encourage you. But I also don’t want to discourage
you by telling the truth. As you are now, it doesn’t matter whether or not
you know. That much I’ll say. Though…the same is true for me.”
…Of course, I wasn’t under the impression I could challenge God’s Voice
and win as I am now. But it still feels disheartening to be told as much.
She’s practically thrusting the fact that we have no hope of winning in front
of me. Miia understood my thoughts, and yet still decided that telling me
was worse.
Maybe I should go to the church
and pray
The fight between Dorial and Selius-kun came to a sudden end.
When it seemed like there was no more safe space in the ring for Selius-kun
to retreat to, Selius-kun actually leapt into Dorial’s direction.
Jumping from such a distance was normally reckless to say the least, but by
using the wind to push against his back, Selius-kun managed to travel in the
air further. And as soon as he was near enough, he dropkicked Dorial who
was at the center of the axe’s orbit.
Dorial lost consciousness from that attack and accidentally let go of the
chain. That caused the axe to fly toward the audience. We obviously
couldn’t have the axe hit any of the crowd, so I quickly built a wall in front
of the audience.
At any rate, with Dorial unconscious, Selius-kun was declared the winner.

“Selius-kun, you did it! You made it to the semifinals! Keep giving it your
all, okay!?”

I applauded Selius-kun with all my might.

“Hey, what gives? You didn’t look that happy when I won, you know.”

Selen said so with a discontent look on her face.

“I-Is that so?”

I dodged the question, but to be honest, I reacted like that because I was
hoping that either Selius-kun or Noel-kun would become the champion.
After all, I knew both of them would make reasonable requests as their
prize for winning the tournament.
In contrast, I was scared of what Selen and especially Gori-chan would ask.
As such, I was hoping that neither of them would become the champion.

But anyway, we were now down to four participants, hence the start of the
semifinals.
The matchups were as follows:
Selen vs. Noel-kun
Gori-chan vs. Selius-kun

With the end of the competition close at hand, the audience were
understandably eager to start the semifinals right away. Unfortunately, they
would have to wait one more day.
On the flipside, the grand finals would be tomorrow as well.

“…maybe I should go to the church and pray. Pray so that either Noel-kun
or Selius-kun will win tomorrow…”

◇ ◇ ◇

It was finally the last day of the village’s fighting tournament.

Whoever it might be, the champion would be decided today.

“Noel-kun! Good luck!”

“Village Chief?”

Before his match began, I cheered Noel-kun on.

For some reason though, he made a puzzled face.
“Huh? Did you perhaps not like that I cheered for you…?”
“N-no way! It’s just…my opponent this time is Selen-san, so…so, I thought
the chief would be cheering for her…”
“W-well, of course, I’ll be cheering for her as well. I’m cheering for the
both of you, yeah. So, Noel-kun, go do your best!”
“Chief…hm, I will.”

Noel-kun tightened his fist and nodded.

Seriously, I wish you luck in stopping Selen from becoming champion.

However, it wasn’t like all I could do was cheer for Noel-kun and Selius-
kun.
No, I actually had a secret plan.
Fufufu, yes, I have a way to support them even from outside the ring. And
its name is Villager Enhancement!
Unlike magic, I could use it without anyone noticing.

<<Don’t do it, Luke. That is cheating. As village chief, you should embrace
the results in a sportsmanlike manner, whatever those results might be.>>

What, an angel Luke is scolding me!?

<<Ha, don’t be stupid. If Selen or that pink macho becomes the champion,
who knows what they’ll request. If you don’t want to end up with regret,
you oughta do the sure thing here. Not like you’ll be caught anyway.>>

And now there’s a devil Luke!?

<<Pay the devil’s words no mind. For the sake of all the villagers who have
fought fairly thus far, make sure the competition stays fair until the end.>>
<<You talk about fairness, but what that Belrith fellow did wasn’t fair at all.
That guy had the nerve to suggest such an absurd prize. You’re not wrong
for what you’re about to do. Plus, like I said, no one’ll notice. Even if they
suspect something’s up, it can be swept under the ‘oh, he just got so
pumped from my cheering that he fought better than usual’ excuse.>>
<<Luke, follow your conscience.>>
<<You’ve been tiring yourself for the villagers’ sake, right? No one’ll bat
an eye if you fudge the rules a bit here and there, you know? Besides, in the
first place, this event was for fun, wasn’t it? Forget fairness, what matters is
that people get excited. And you know what’ll excite the public the most?
To see Noel defeat Selen, the one predicted by many to become the
champion!>>
<<H-huh? That strange…why does the devil have more lines than me?>>
Crest
In the subsequent meeting, the fate of Sumeragi Ouchou was discussed, and
as a result he was demoted to the lower rank of Sakurabito.
The evaluation was done on the basis of his ability, contribution, attitude as
well as other things, and Sumeragi was deemed incapable of being an
Ouchou from all aspects.
There was a clear difference between ranks above and below Sakurabito.
The standard capacity of Sakurabito was 12-20 people. The capacity
increased with increase in capable members, but the number of Ouchous
was clearly set.
From all this, it was judged that Sumeragi’s promotion was passed too
hastily, and the meeting adjourned with that. To begin with, he was only
selected as a result of factional struggles, and the meeting ended with that
result.

“Ritsu. Workday is up now. Now ya’ can head to the dojo, or even visit the
town. Also take this. Go quickly if you can.”
Ryugen handed a letter over to Ritsu.
“Thanks. What is it?”
“It has your friend’s address on it. Also, take the card and the Ousei crest.
There should be some on the 10th floor.”
After looking down for a bit, Ryugen climbed the stairs.
(My friend?)
Ritsu followed after Ryugen, while making a confused expression.
“I shall guide you till the 10th floor.”
Igarashi went one step ahead of Ritsu and started walking.

“This is the crest of an Ousei. Take care not to use it irresponsibly.

Particularly, Ritsu-kun is still a relatively unknown Ousei. There are certain
advantages to not having your face known. You should move accordingly.”
Igarashi brought out an ID card like thing with black sakura petals attached
to it, a black ring, a necklace and other ornaments which he handed to
Ritsu.
“The ornaments have the crest engraved into them, so that when they are
called, they light up and exert a little magic. If you have time, I could
engrave it in your clothes or sword instead, so how about it?”
Igarashi suggested engraving the crest if Ritsu had the time, while
displaying all the ornaments.
“In that case, I would like to do that. Is my sword okay?”
Ritsu took the card, as he replied.
“Got it, then let’s go. There’s a window on the 6th floor.”
Igarashi started walking as he said that.
“We engrave crests here. This person is Tsukimi-san, our carver.”
Igarashi passed through the window, entering inside, and talking to the
person there.
“Hello, I’m Tsukimi.”
The woman named Tsukimi, stood up and greeted me.
“I am Yozakura Ritsu. I hope to rely on your services today.”
“Yes. If it’s related to carving, leave it to me. Will it be one sword?”
Tsukimi showed a nice smile, as she looked towards Ritsu’s sword.
“That said, to think Igarashi Ousei himself would guide someone here.
Which rank’s crest will I be carving?”
Tsukimi asked Igarashi.
“Please engrave the crest of Ousei.”
Igarashi told Tsukimi while laughing bitterly.
“Ara, an Ousei. How rude of me~”
Tsukimi looked towards Ritsu and bowed lightly.
“Please, don’t be so formal.”
“Many thanks. I’ll finish engraving this in no time.”
Tsukimi took Ritsu’s sword from him, put it on her counter, and started
working on it.

“It is done. Please bring it back again in three months, as magical power
peels off easily at first.”
Tsukimi handed over Ritsu’s sword with a business smile on her face.
“Got it. Thank you very much.”
Ritsu and Igarashi waved at her, before leaving the place.

“That’s all the work for today.We’ll be parting ways here.”

Igarashi climbed up the stairs after saying that.
“Now then, since I don’t have anything left to do, I guess I’ll go meet my
friend(?).”
Muttering to himself, Ritsu walked to the address written on the letter he’d
received.
I Became the Strongest With The
Failure Frame Abnormal State 【
】
Skill As I Devastated Everything
- 288
The official entrance and exit gate to Ruva was located on the eastern side
of the Imperial Capital.

It was a huge chalk gate.

A high arch that wraps up from above.
The area beyond this gate was apparently called 3rd Division.
When they saw our arrival, several gate guards rushed towards us.
Upon showing the Special Class Certificate though, they seemed to judge
that there was no problem right away.
It seems that they had been well-instructed for our arrival.

[A representative from the castle will arrive shortly. P -Please wait a

moment.]

Being told as such, we were welcomed into the guardroom by the gate.
We were then directly taken to one of the rooms, while they left the door of
the room not closed.
As I sat down in the chair offered to me and waited, I could hear the voices
of the soldiers from within the room.

[So that’s the rumored……]

The sound comes from outside the room, coming from soldiers who are
glancing at us through the open door.
The soldier standing nearby, perhaps bearing in mind his position, shows no
sign of saying anything other than what’s needed.

[T- That’s Seras Ashrain huh…… I’ve never seen her in person……]
[Her beauty can’t even be compared to the copies of portraits and wanted
posters…… The real thing is just unbelievably better.]

After the battle at the Anti-Demon White Castle, it became a well-known

fact within the continent that Seras is a member of the Fly King Squadron.
It seems that her appearance is also known by portraits and wanted posters
distributed in many countries.
Putting aside if we’re along the way, there’s no need to hide Seras’
undisguised face here.
Her presence would also prove that the Fly King Squadron here is the real
deal.

[However, the other silver-haired woman…… is also beautiful.]

[A- As for the physique…… I think she’s more of my preference over Seras
Ashrain’s……]
[Ohh, the silver-haired one just smiled and greeted me…….]
[……To be honest, that seriously made my heart flutter.]

Munin also hasn’t disguised herself.

As long as she hides her wings, no one but those in the know will think
she’s one of the Forbidden Race.
She would need to reveal her true identity at the signing ceremony.
Thus, it would be better to have the people remember her face and make an
opportunity to create a face pass for her.

[So…… Who is that Fly King to have two such beauties by his side?]
[Ashinto itself is said to have been a mysterious group with an unknown
background.]

The only one who had kept his identity hidden beneath a mask is me,
dressed in my Fly King outfit.

[However, it’s reassuring to know that they are on our Mira’s side.]
[Yeah…… Perhaps this battle really is as his Majesty said, blessed by the
heavens.]

Information had circulated that the Mad Emperor had teamed up with the
Fly King Squadron huh.
It’s highly likely that the Mad Emperor was the one who leaked such
information around.
At that moment, the sound of footsteps approached.

[Thank you for waiting, everyone.]

The one who appeared was the counselor with the round glasses who was
also at the negotiations.
I believe his name was……

[Introducing myself once again, I am Wright-sama’s Head Counselor, Hawk

Landing.]

[It’s been a while, Hawk-dono.]

[We have been waiting for your arrival, Commander of the Fly King
Squadron, Belzegia-sama…… and his Deputy, Seras Ashra———–]

Hawk’s words were abruptly cut off.

Seemingly frozen, he stared at Seras.
Thereupon, a blush slowly grew on his face.
A few moments later, Hawk repositioned his glasses, which has shifted
slightly———–

[M- My apologies…… I’ve seen you before in the negotiations, but this is
the first time…… I’ve seen your face……]

Speaking of which, Seras kept her face hidden at that negotiation.

The reason I had her wear a mask at that time was because I thought it
would interfere with the negotiations if their attention was focused on
Seras.

[Fufu, I understand you. When I saw Seras-san for the first time, I was also
shocked like that for a while. I understand what you’re feeling very well.]

Munin followed up.

Giving her an embarrassed smile, holding some gratitude within it, Hawk’s
face stiffened.

[And then…… the Diplomat from the Faraway Country, Munin-sama.

Welcome to Mira’s Imperial Capital, Ruva. I welcome you all from the
bottom of my heart.]

After giving his greetings, Hawk checked his pocket watch before turning
towards us.

[Well then, allow me to guide you to the castle.]

Seemingly urging us, he indicated the door of the room with his hand.

[A carriage awaits outside. We will head for the castle in it.]

Prompted, we exited the guardroom.

The carriage parked nearby was large and magnificent, having a base color
of a clean white.
It was decorated with silverwork in various places, and even the wheels
looked somewhat luxurious.

The horses pulling it had white fur, and even the reins looked elegant.
At that moment, Seras brought Slei with her from the simple stables set up
beside the guardhouse.

[I will not ride with you in the carriage, but will ride with you to the castle.
Is that alright?]
Hawk looked at her, then towards the carriage.

[No…… I think Seras-sama escorting the carriage on the way to the castle
would attract more attention than necessary. I don’t think it would be a good
idea to stand out too much, so I’ll have the soldiers bring your horse back to
the castle.]

He gently refused.
With that being the case, I told Slei to follow the carriage in her second
form.
Then, I told Hawk that the horse would follow without any problem.
Hearing what I said, Hawk quickly glanced back and forth between the
carriage and Slei……

[I understand.]

Hawk restlessly trotted towards the carriage.

Taking his place in front of the carriage, he put his hand on the door handle
and waited for us.

[………………….]
[Belzegia-sama? Is something the matter?]
[No, I just thought it was a very fine carriage.]

Upon my words, Hawk smiled.

[You are important guests to our country. It’s only natural that we should
provide you with a carriage of this extent.]
[You have my gratitude.]

Thanking him, Hawk opened the door for me.

[Welcome to the Imperial Capital, Ruva.]

In the center of the seat on one side, settled himself with a slightly slumped
posture———-

[It’s good to see you again so soon, Fly King.]

——was the Mad Emperor.

Adjusting my posture as best as I could, I bowed as humbly as I could.

"
"

[For his Majesty to personally welcome us like this, I was surprised at how
unexpected it is…… but more than that, it’s truly an honor.]

Thereupon……
[Compared to the reactions of the two behind you though…… It seems to
me that you expected to see me in this carriage.]

The Mad Emperor lightly smiled, as if what he had been hoping had come
true.
His gaze briefly shifting to the side, the Mad Emperor smiled.

[It’s difficult to be overheard in a moving carriage. It’s quite useful when

you want to have a confidential conversation———— Although I also
wanted to see how you would react with me in the carriage.]

It seems like it isn’t just its outer appearance that looked high-quality, as the
interior looked amazing as well.
I looked at the beautiful young man sitting in front of me.
……I guess it’s natural huh.
It’s the carriage in which the Emperor rides after all.
This is also obvious, but it’s important to remember that the Emperor is
here incognito.
The seats in the carriage were spacious, large enough for Seras and Munin
to sit on both of my sides.
Meanwhile, as ordered by the Mad Emperor, Hawk is sitting neatly on the
Emperor’s left side.

Incidentally, after getting in, I could feel a tremendous amount of tension in

the air.
Especially from Seras and Munin, who seemed like they were completely
caught off guard.
They looked very shaken.
They probably never thought that the Emperor would be in the carriage that
would pick us up.

However, I felt something strangely out of place before getting into the
carriage.
First of all, Hawk seemed to be strangely impatient, although he had been
restraining himself.
I had the feeling that he was really hurrying to get back to the carriage as
soon as possible.
He also kept on checking the carriage with his eyes after we left the
guardhouse.

It’s as if the thought of “he mustn’t keep the Emperor waiting in that
carriage too long” was in his mind.

[Now then, Fly King…… How was the road trip?]

[The authority of that Special Certificate is amazing. Thanks to that, we
were able to reach the Imperial Capital without delay. Not only at the
checkpoints, as at the cities we stopped at, they were quite accommodating
towards “people with this Special Certificate”……]
[I’m glad to hear that you upfrontly went through the checkpoints.]

……He’s glad about that huh.

I passed through the checkpoints on the road leading to the Imperial Capital
partly as a “dare”.
It wasn’t just out of the kindness of his heart that he gave me that
certificate.

I’m able to read through his intentions.

This Special Class Certificate is apparently something that was rarely given
to someone.
If that’s the case, the number of people presented with that certificate would
be quite limited.
And the information of those who had been presented it would be
immediately sent to the Imperial Capital, probably with a magical war
pigeon.
They wanted to know our movements within their territory.
Of course, we could have slipped through those checkpoints.
However, avoiding the checkpoints might cause some insincerity on both
sides.

“Daring” to go through their checkpoints shows that “we trust Mira’s side”.

It may be a trivial tactic.

However, the accumulation of these straightforward actions can be useful.
Honestly praising the authority of the Special Class Certificate, I turned the
topic to the next question.

[By the way———- How is the situation with the battle against Urza?]

"
"

Along the way, I had heard some stories about the battle in the east.
However, the person standing in front of me is the Emperor himself, the
man who started the war.
He must have better information about the others compared to the others.
Now, compared to before, the situation in each country is no longer
completely irrelevant……

[Have you heard of the fall of Fort Zord?]

[I have heard of that.]

Seras has also explained about the situation.

It seems that it’s one of the most important forts for Urza.

[Even after the fall of Fort Zord, our army is slowly pushing forward the
front line. The speed of our advance has slowed somewhat since the arrival
of Alion’s reinforcements, led by Duke Polarie.]

Duke Polarie.
That noble from Alion who was at the battle at the Anti-Demon White
Castle huh.

[To be honest, I hadn’t expected Duke Polarie to be such a commanding

figure. Nevertheless, it’s only a matter of time before our army defeats him.
This is due in large part to the fact that you and the Faraway Country have
driven Alion’s Thirteen Cavalries to the brink of destruction. That being the
case…… I guess what we should be wary of the most would be the Heroes
from Another World being sent out for the war.]

There, seemingly looking at our side’s reaction……

[By the way…… Temporarily it may be, Duke Polarie and you fought
together in the previous battle. Even if you think that way about him, it’s no
wonder. However, as long as he is on the opposite side, as long as he’s on
Alion’s side, there will be some feelings that he will have to swallow. It’s
conceivable that in the future, the Bakuos Empire, which you one shared
the battlefield with———]

The Mad Emperor turned his leisurely, but sharp gaze towards Seras.

[——or even the Holy Kingdom of Neia, may emerge as an enemy.]

In short——— He wants to confirm our resolve.

Putting her hands on her lap, Seras lowered her gaze.

[I am prepared for that. However———-]

[Don’t worry. I am not going to ask you Fly King Squadron to participate in
the battle. I intend to suppress everything on the battlefield with my Mira’s
army and the army of the Faraway Country.]
[…………………..]

Seras remained silent and motionless.

Although she had said that she had no more lingering attachments……
I can see the complex emotions swirling in her hands.

Albeit indirectly, she might become enemies with Neia’s princess.

Munin’s gaze passed over me, directed towards Seras, one filled with
concern.
Slightly leaning my body forward, I spoke to the Mad Emperor.

[I believe that Neia is a worthy partner for our country though.]

Looking as if she had been played, Seras looked up.
With his legs crossed, the Mad Emperor smiled at her like a shrewd vixen.

[That’s right.]

I guess that was the answer he was expecting.

Seemingly having noticed the Emperor’s thoughts, Hawk, who had slightly
shifted the curtain and was looking outside the window……

[How many I be of service, your Majesty?]

[I’m going to enjoy talking with these people for a while. Go through the
usual path at a leisurely pace.]

Upon his words, Hawk opened a small covering on the wall behind him and
rang a bell three times.

Thereupon, I could feel the carriage had changed directions.

It must have changed its travel route.
There, the Mad Emperor opened his mouth again.

[I have high opinions of Neia’s Princess General Cattleya Stramius. I mean

no disrespect by saying this, Seras-dono, but that princess has a talent that is
hard to believe she’s a child of that King Ortora. If we can convince her that
it’s more beneficial to side with us than with the Goddess…… I believe that
the wise princess will be swayed to join our camp.]
[However…… Thinking about their country’s geography, it would be
difficult for Neia to publicly express being against the Goddess at this
point.]
[That is most likely the case. However———]
[If we keep the conversations with her behind the scenes, when the tide
turns———- You can get them to immediately raise their banner against
the Goddess?]

As I said this, the Mad Emperor’s eyes relaxed in satisfaction.

[Even though you may say geography is an issue…… but on the contrary,
Neia is located behind Urza. It has strategic value.]

“Most of all……”, said the Mad Emperor, looking at Seras again.

[I’m sure Seras-dono wouldn’t want to be in opposition with the princess

she once served and the Holy Knights she once led. Thinking about the
future, I also think it’s not good for the right hand of the Fly King Squadron
to have such concerns.]
[……………….]

"
"

That just now sounded like caring words.

However, the meaning of his words changes depending on how you look at
it.

Those words could be interpreted as the Mad Emperor telling Seras that “he
wants her to cooperate to bring the Neia Princess on his side”.
……He’s the type of guy who’s willing to use anything he can get his hands
on.
He must have been planning to have this conversation when he brought up
Neia.

[Well, you just keep that in the corner of your mind as something
hypothetical. We still haven’t received news of Neia’s participation in the
war after all.]

“Well then”, I changed the subject.

[What are your Majesty’s thoughts on the country lying southeast of Neia,
Bakuos?]

[Fumu…… I’m not sure what their Emperor is up to. However, it’s clear
that he wants to expand his territory. If we were to promise to give them
some of the lands in Eastern Urza and Alion if they side with us and win
this war———– He may be willing to accept it, depending on the war
situation. However, without its main force, the Black Dragon Knights, it
can’t be said that Bakuos is a major threat at the moment. That is what I
think.]

[What about Magnar?]

[That will be up to their White Wolf Knights.]
[Their Knight is currently missing, correct?]

[I heard that some people say that he’s already dead. I personally believe
that the White Wolf King isn’t a man who will die so easily———– But if
we were to assume that he is dead, the next in line for the throne will be his
brother, “Black Wolf” Sigurd Sigmus, the leader of the White Wolf
Knights.]

[Is Magnar a country leaning towards Alion’s side?]

Seras asked.

[Sigurd seems to be on reasonably good terms with Vysis. Because of its

geographical location, Magnar has always been at the forefront of the fight
against the Root of All Evil. Perhaps, that’s why Alion is generous with
their support towards them. In that sense, you can indeed say that Magnar is
a country with strong ties to Alion.]

[Then——–]
[Next would be Jonato, right?]
[Yes.]

[Jonato is probably leaning towards Alion too. Their country isn’t that
friendly to Alion, but Jonato’s relationship with our country is even worse
than Alion’s. You could even say that their country is hostile towards us.
However, it’s well known how the recent battle against the Great Demon
Emperor had greatly consumed their forces. It will take them quite some
time to rebuild their main force, the Annihilation Monks.]

Curling his fingers through his bangs, the Mad Emperor continues.

[Moreover…… The Sacred Cavalry, their treasured battle ordnance, has

been damaged, and the only rider, the Saint, was also seriously injured.
Therefore, for the time being, they still don’t pose much of a threat. In that
sense, it was fortunate for our country that Jonato’s Four Revered Saints
and Urza’s Dragonslayer were out of commission. It’s just……]
A trace of regret could be seen on the Mad Emperor’s face.

[To tell you the truth, I wanted to pull the Four Revered Saints and the
Dragonslayer in my camp. I’ve been trying to get them to join my camp for
a while now…… but those guys were perfect in both ability and
personality. Especially Dragonslayer Banewolf, that guy’s too great of a
person for Urza’s Magister King.]

"
"

Speaking of which, I heard Sogou was quite grateful to that man.

I too have heard of the Dragonslayer’s exploits in the Anti-Demon White
Castle.
Back when I heard about him though, all I thought was that “it was just like
usual”.
Decent people like him——— work themselves too hard and end up falling
off along the way.

[Anyway, if we were to exclude the Heroes from Another World…… The

named forces we need to keep watch of would be the White Wolf Knights
and Vysis’ apostles.]

Vysis’ apostles.
Among them was Nyaki’s “Nee-nya”———- Nyantan Kikeepat.

[————No, I guess there would be one more force huh.]

As if he remembered something, the Mad Emperor put his hand on his chin.

[There’s still the Drunken Sword Party.]

[………………….]
[They’re also among the people whose abilities could be described as the
best of the best.]

I later found out that they were a well-known group……

However, they’re so famous that the Mad Emperor would bring them up
huh.
The first time I met the Drunken Sword Party was during my exploration in
the Mills Ruins.
They were that group who looked out for me back then.
They’re a group with a proper common sense…… or rather, they seemed to
be a fairly decent group.
However, I didn’t feel that they were that great as warriors.
Compared to the powerful enemies I have met so far, that much is pretty
clear.
Much less Civit, I don’t think they’re a threat that’s even comparable to the
Heroic Sword and John Doe.
Of course, there’s a possibility that they’re stronger than when I met them
back then……

[The Drunken Sword Party is a group of mercenaries with their own base of
operations and especially excel in group combat. They should be on good
terms with Vysis. If they are going to participate in the war, they will be on
the enemy side.]
The enemy side huh.
Most of the enemies I’ve had in the past were people I would crush without
hesitation.

They were all scum.

……However, the time may come when the “enemies” I faced weren’t
people I could just simply crush.

[Anyhow, thanks to your Majesty, we now have a better understanding of

the situation in each country and how inclined the well-known forces were
to each side.]

We have frequently been looking out for the movements of each country.
However, it’s not often that we have the opportunity to hear directly from
the top leader of a country.
The perspectives and insights of such a person may be different.
It was worth updating our information here.

[So…… With all due respect, your Majesty————- but is Mira’s forces
strong enough to stand against the enemy side?]

Seemingly not particularly offended, the Mad Emperor answered.

[Our army isn’t limited to just the Brilliant Squadron, as our soldiers are
considerably superior to those of other countries in terms of skill……
That’s something I can brag about. Though I say that, our enemies aren’t
just a group of fools. We must not let our guard down.]
“Well……”, His gaze turning to Seras, he spoke.

[I would be somewhat relieved if Neia’s Princess General would take

command on our side.]

I immediately interjected.

[I will discuss this matter with Seras later. However, she is not “Neia’s
Princess Knight” anymore. Therefore…… it’s not clear whether Seras still
has the influence over Princess Cattleya that your Majesty expects. Also, I
hope you understand that this topic…… is a somewhat difficult one from
the emotional point of view for Seras.]
[Fufu…… Now I wonder who exactly is the “knight” here. Of course, I
have no intention of forcing you to do anything about it. You two should
discuss the matter at length and come to a conclusion in due course.]
[…………………., ————-Can you win the war against the Holy
Alliance?]

Suddenly, this question came out of my mouth.

Hearing my question……

[The odds are in our favor.]

The Mad Emperor immediately answered.

[If I dare name a factor that would make this victory uncertain…… As I
have said again and again, that would be the Heroes from Another World.]
[Is the Great Demon Emperor not a cause of concern?]
[The only people who can bring them down would be the Heroes from
Another World.]
[So, everything related to them would depend on the Heroes from Another
World huh. If you were to exclude them…… would you consider Mira
superior in both leadership and war potential?]

[Even if Magnus’ Black Wolf or Cattleya Stramius were to become our

enemy, our superiority would not be swayed. After all, the elite force that
both of them can lead is so small compared to our Mira.]
[You can replenish your elite forces successively…… while they only have
a limited amount huh.]
[Numerically speaking, the White Wolf Knights and Neia’s Holy Knights
were far outnumbered by our Brilliant Squadron. No matter how capable a
general they may have, if they can’t replenish the elite forces that support
them, they will eventually be defeated.]

“In other words……”, I slightly lean my upper body forward.

[Other than the Heroes from Another World, it could be said that you’re
free of any uncertainties.]

Five Dragon Warriors.

Four Revered Saints.
Dragonslayer.
The Top 3 Confidants of the Great Demon Emperor’s Army.
The Saint.
Jonato’s Sacred Cavalry.
Heroic Sword.

Alion’s Thirteen Cavalries.

The Sixth Cavalry, John Doe.

I see———- Quite a few of the main actors have already dropped out of the
scene.

[………………….]

Surprisingly, Mira may be able to march all the way up to Alion.

If not, the battle may well intensify.
Even if she doesn’t want to, Vysis’ attention would be drawn by Mira’s
movements.
That would be especially after the recent incident with the Faraway
Country.
If the Forbidden Curses are involved, there’s no way Vysis will ignore Mira.
If even the Great Demon Emperor were to spring out at that moment, the
situation would become even more chaotic.

The more intense the battle with Mira becomes, the more the forces on the
Goddess’ side are cornered.

They will be a great distraction for me to draw near the Goddess.

I can use them as cover.

That earlier incident with him trying to pull Princess Cattleya to our side
makes it pretty clear.
The Mad Emperor is trying to take advantage of us.

If that’s the case, I will not hesitate to take advantage of him as well.

For the Mad Emperor——– For Mira……

To cause a great ruckus……

To bring about a flashy disturbance……
I will let them run amok to their heart’s content———–

Let’s have them get that sh*tty Goddess’ attention.

[So you are planning to persuade the Heroes to join your camp?]

When I asked, the Mad Emperor seemed to be thinking about it, as his
fingers gently brushed his lower lip.
After a slight pause……
[In fact, my subordinates have already made several contacts behind the
scenes with a certain S-Rank Hero.]
[…………………….]

This in itself was quite a surprise to me.

I knew they would try to make contact with them at some point.
However, they have already succeeded huh.

[I’d like you to especially keep this conversation confidential.]

This was the most serious tone the Mad Emperor had today.

[Understood. However, for you to have already succeeded in contacting

them……]

“He’s also going to reveal that information?”

Beside Hawk, who bated his breath as he seemed to wordlessly ask, the
Mad Emperor spoke.

[When the signs of a big invasion from the Great Demon Emperor’s army
began to appear, it became reasonably feasible to send out a spy to Alion’s
royal capital, Enoh. With the Great Demon Emperor’s assault at full swing,
it seems like the Goddess doesn’t have the room to watch everything around
her.]
From what I heard, the Great Demon Emperor is apparently the natural
enemy of the Goddess.
Naturally, she would prioritize her attention more on her natural enemy.
Before Mira rebelled, she would have been even less aware of them.
…….Even so, an S-Rank Hero huh.

[I had become acquainted with a female S-Rank Hero named Ayaka

Sogou…… but was she the person you had come in contact with?]
[No.]

In that case……
It would be either Kirihara or the older Takao———–

[Her name is Hijiri Takao.]

So it’s the older Takao huh.

[So far, her responses seem to be positive. Apparently, the S-Rank Hero
named Hijiri does not trust the Goddess very much either. The other party’s
responses have also become more favorable since I told them that “there is
a way for them to return to their original world without relying on the
Goddess”. We’ll also talk to the other S-Rank Hero, Ayaka Sogou, when we
see the opportunity———– but we have just received contact from Hijiri
Takao through our spy. The next report still hasn’t arrived though……]

They want to try pulling in Sogou as well huh.

……I guess that’s possible.
If it’s Takao Hijiri who convinces her, she might be able to do it.

[From the reports I’ve heard, Hijiri seems like a clever person. She says that
her A-Rank sister will follow her as well. However…… I still do not
completely trust Hijiri Takao. Unlike Asagi Ikusaba, I haven’t met her in
person. I need to avoid getting caught in Goddess’ plans in an attempt to
win over an S-Rank Hero.]

[By the sounds of it…… It seems like your Majesty has not yet told Hijiri
Takao that you have brought Asagi Ikusaba and her group to your side?]
[It’s still too early to tell her about Asagi Ikusaba and the others’ allegiance
with us. I would like to meet with Hijiri Takao in person first to ascertain
what kind of person she is. I first need to determine whether she’s someone
we could truly trust or not.]

……If they’re successful in persuading her……

I don’t think Sogou Ayaka would stand as an enemy.
If she and the Takao Sisters were to join our side, the obstacles to defeat the
Goddess will significantly decrease.

"
"
The disappearance of the concern by the existence of Sogou in the enemy
lines is quite great.
However, would that sh*tty Goddess overlook the betrayal of an S-Rank
Hero so easily……?
The hurdles seem high.
However, if Takao Hijiri were to make her move……
The bunch over at 2-C might be able to settle in better than expected.
In other words……
[If we’re able to deal with the uncertain factor, the Heroes…… the only
problem in this battle would be the Goddess herself.]
[That is indeed the case, but there are still many things we don’t know
about that Goddess. That’s why we have to be sure if we’re going for the
kill. Failure is not an option. Therefore, I want to obtain the secret of the
Forbidden Curses.]

Here, for the first time, the Mad Emperor’s gaze clearly fixed on Munin.
Meanwhile, Munin fluffily sat on her seat with a good posture and
moderately relaxed.

[That secret sealed room you mentioned before, yes?]

Munin asked softly, to which the Mad Emperor nodded in assent.

[Umu…… According to documents, among the Forbidden Curses was one

that could even weaken the Goddess.]

Perhaps, he would be talking about the Nullification Curse Munin learned

the other day.
Of course, it’s possible that there’s another kind of Weakening Curse.

[If there’s a Spellbook of that Forbidden Curse in the sealed room, it will
increase the reliability of Asagi Ikusaba’s trump card…… That’s what I
think.]
Ikusaba Asagi’s trump card.
Her Inherent Skill huh.
……Perhaps, this would be a suitable time to probe what it is.

[Her trump card, you say. Your Majesty mentioned at the time of the
negotiations how “it’s a power that can bring down even Gods”.]
[That’s right. Her trump card could, in a sense…… kill even a God.]

Her Inherent Skill had an effect that made him say that much huh.
……A sudden thought comes into my mind.
For example, if it weren’t a skill under the Abnormal State System———–

Would it have been effective against her, piercing through that annoying
<Dispel Bubble>?
(T/N: Goddess’ Spell Breaker / Dispel Bubble)

If that were the case, Asagi would be able to deal with the Goddess with her
Inherent Skill even without the Forbidden Curse.
However, it seems like the Mad Emperor really isn’t willing to reveal its
detailed effects.
I can tell from the atmosphere around him.
In that case……

[However, that is quite surprising. For the Heroes from Another World to
betray the Goddess……]
[It seems like they’ve completely lost their trust in the Goddess.]
After she had been invited, Asagi apparently told the Mad Emperor such:

“If we follow Zine-chin rather than Goddess-chin, there’s a better chance

that everyone in my group will be able to return to our original world
safely.”

That’s certainly just like Asagi……

Well, I agree that the Mad Emperor seems more trustworthy than that sh*tty
Goddess.

……Ikusaba Asagi huh.

I really can’t help but think she somewhat resembles me.
Like, how it felt like she’s playing a different character from how she
originally is.
However, that’s not all.
It may seem like she’s letting herself go along with the situation……

But in fact, it isn’t wrong to say that everything was within her calculation.

There’s some part of Asagi that’s hard to read.

She’s always ambiguous with her words.
It’s difficult to know where her true intentions lie.
Even her emotions were hard to see through.

[………………….]
I may have vaguely sensed this for some time.

Feeling as if something rather out of place in regards to Ikusaba Asagi.

She may look normal, but she isn’t “normal” at all.

Having this in mind, I inwardly sighed.

Mad Emperor.
Ikusaba Asagi.
While in this country, I think I would need to be at my utmost guard……

After that, the Mad Emperor inquired about the Sorcery I use.
There, I gave him the explanation I had prepared before so that it wouldn’t
be revealed as the Inherent Skill of a Hero.
I may not have told him a lie, but I went with my usual way of doing things,
covering up what needs to be hidden.
I’ve also revealed the existence of Pigimaru to him (The Mad Emperor
appears to be quite concerned about this).

I was also able to hear some stories in regards to matters around Mira from
the Mad Emperor.
While we’re in the carriage, Hawk explained to us about what would
happen after we arrived at the castle.
And then finally, as noon came———– the carriage went through the gates
of the castle.

The carriage came to a halt when it reached an open area that reminded me
of a rotary.
A crowd of greeters then emerged from the castle doors.
First to get off the carriage was Hawk.
Next was the Mad Emperor.
Then, I got off.

We have three main objectives in this place.

The Signing Ceremony.

Acceptance of the items listed in the Great Treasury.
Then, the sealed room which apparently had a Forbidden Curse stored in it
——— and the unsealing of this room.
At that moment, Slei, who had been following us, came up to me and
started fawning on me.

She had been following our carriage for the whole ride, but it seemed like
she got a little anxious.
While patting Slei, I turned my gaze to the side.
At the end of the gentle cobblestone slope that our carriage had just climbed
on——-
From the top of this hill where we are now, I could see the East side of the
Imperial Capital, where the guardhouse we came earlier is located.

Judging from the city walls, the royal capital seems to be well defended.
The appearance of this place feels like it’s a military stronghold.
Incidentally, when our carriage was getting closer to the castle, the Mad
Emperor made us open the curtains.
That’s why, we had a chance to see the imperial capital while in our
carriage.
It was supposed to be a time for war for them, but the atmosphere around
the city people was less tense than I had expected.
Well, compared to when I met Eve back in Urza, there was still a sense of
tension around them.

Having this thought in mind, I looked back at the castle behind us.

Castle walls forming the shape of a ring.

Spires acting as watchtowers.
Arrowslits.
Stone pavements.

And then——— the grand and gorgeous castle towering in the center of the
imperial capital.

When looking at this place from above, the castle would be surrounded by
three walls of defense.

From the outside, they would need to go through the Third wall, the Second
Wall, and then the First Wall to arrive in the center, where they would be a
castle of chalk stands.

In my former world, the outer area of the imperial capital would have been
the Third District, then within it would be the Second District and the First
District————

And within those three districts would be the Inner Citadel.

The overall color scheme of the castle is based on white.

However, not everything is white.
For example, the grooves on the walls are mainly painted in gold and silver.
This contrast in color accentuated the white background, making it brightly
colored.

……It kinda feels like a castle made by some fashionable designer.

Now then, just as I had mentioned earlier, the imperial capital where this
castle is located is divided into three main sections.

The Central Section is the residence of the Emperor, his blood relatives, and
high ranking nobles.
Those within the first wall were the “core” of the government, so to speak.

The area outside the Central Section is occupied by nobles of modest rank
and powerful merchant families———-
In other words, those with middle-class status live there.
This area is called the Second Section.

Outside the Second Wall that protects the Second Section is the Third
Section where the rest of the population lives.

And outside the royal capital’s walls, there are also some people who make
their living by farming, animal husbandry and hunting.

Roughly speaking, that would be how Mira functions.

At that moment, I saw a man who seemed like a civil official in a long robe
approaching the Mad Emperor at a quick pace.

[Your Majesty.]

"
"
[You seemed to be in a hurry?]
[Hah…… A small problem had occurred. Ah, ummm…… Please lend me
your ear.]

The civil official-looking man lowered his voice and began whispering
something to the Mad Emperor’s ear.
Eve’s ears might have been able to hear what they were saying.
But as expected, my ears weren’t sharp enough to overhear them.
At that moment, ripples of admiration exclaimed around us.
It seemed like they were reacting to Seras, who had come down the carriage
after Munin.
……Even these fellows who are accustomed to the Mad Emperor’s beauty
are like that upon seeing the undisguised Seras huh.

[Fufu. It seems like you’re caught up in this situation every time, Seras-
san.]

Munin, holding Seras’ hand as she got off the carriage, chuckled.
Seras wryly smiled in response, with a hint of blush on her cheeks.

[I guess it really would be better if I also wear my mask……]

At that moment……

[Discourteous it may be, I have an urgent matter to attend to, so I will be

taking my leave.]
When the Mad Emperor said this, the attention of everyone around quickly
shifted from Seras to him.
The Mad Emperor then turned around.

[Hawk, I leave guiding the Fly King Squadron after this to you.]
[By your word.]
[My apologies, Belzegia-dono.]
[No, we are currently at war. Sudden change in circumstances is to be
expected.]
[I’m glad to hear you say that. Ahh——– I have no problem with that
matter and the transfer of the articles from the Great Treasury, so don’t
worry about that.]

By that matter, I assume he meant the sealed room.

Leaving those words, the Mad Emperor disappeared into the castle with his
retainers and guards in tow.
After watching the Emperor’s back as he departed, Hawk turned to us and
spoke.

[Well then, let me first take you to the guest house where the members of
the Fly King Squadron will be staying.]

▽
[As expected, this place sure looks extravagant……]

Sitting on a chaise longue, Seras restlessly looked around the room.

We finally managed to calmly settle ourselves after entering one of the
rooms of the mansion we’re brought to.
Floor plan-wise———- in terms of usability, this room is like a living
room.
We were taken to a mansion built beside the main castle.
It was a little bit like a luxurious “vacation home”.
There are also several mansions like this with varying sizes scattered
around.

[Piggiii! Pigiii! Pigiii! Piggiii! Pinyuiii!]

Meanwhile, Pigimaru was bouncing around all over the room.

[Poyon! Poyon! Poyoyon!]

Is it because of how spacious this place is or how luxurious the stuff here
is?
Anyhow, it seems like he’s quite excited.
……I wonder what’s with Pigimaru.
Incidentally, Hawk left a while ago after explaining to us about this and that
while we’re staying in the castle.
And so, there are currently only the members of the Fly King Squadron
here.
Sitting down on the couch, I turned towards restless Seras.

[You used to live in a royal palace, right, Seras? In that case, why do you
seem fidgety?]

As if to ascertain how it feels, Seras gently brushed the feathers used in the
couch.

[The way it feels in the hand, it feels like they used a different material……
Even if only one material is used…… I’ve heard rumors, but I didn’t know
it was this good……]
[Unexpectedly, they may have assigned us to the best mansion they have.]

In fact, compared to the other mansions, this would be the biggest one.
At that moment, Munin, who had put down her luggage, totterred towards
my direction.

She then flopped onto the feathered-padded sofa……

[Haahhhn.]

—–and leaned her back against the backrest, her long silver hair flowing
like a clear stream beside her.
[It seems like you’re very tired.]
[I’m sorry……. I just get tired really easily with my wings hidden…..
Oyoyo……]
[As long as we keep the curtains closed, I think you can keep your wings
out here. Besides, your wings have already been revealed to the people here
back in the previous negotiations…… So it shouldn’t be a problem if we’re
the only ones in this place.]

That’s right, keeping her wings hidden takes a toll on her stamina.

[It’s better to rest when you can.]

[Really? Yaaaay♪ Then, I’ll let my wings out and change to comfier
clothes……]
[Wait——— M- Munin-dono!?]
[Ara, Seras-san? Is something the matter?]
[If you’re going to change, a- at least do that somewhere Milord can’t see
———–]

[——–Hah!? Y- You’re right…… Oh my, what a blunder♪ My guard was

completely relaxed around the Leader that I forgot…… Haahhh….. How
embarrassing……]
[…………………..]
[Uuuuu…… T- That’s how it is after all…… Moreover, even if Belzegia-
san were to see an old lady like me changing in front of her…… That
would be damaging to the eyes…… Poison……]
(T/N: “That would be damaging to the eyes” here is written as “me ni
doku”, which can also be translated as “a tempting sight”)
[That’s not the case at all, so just change your clothes in the other room.]
[Yeeees♪]

Munin then disappears into the next room with a change of clothes.
Watching intently at her retreating back as she closed the door, Seras let out
a sigh.
Thereupon, seemingly making a follow-up for her actions, she smiled.

[M- Munin-dono is innocent and mischievous…… but she’s too pure……]

[……Someone you’re not really good with.]

Kachak!

[Wait right there, Leader!? Were you, by any chance just now, talking about
me behind my back!? Geez! If that’s the case, that’s mean!]

Munin, whose area around her shoulders were slightly exposed, peekes
halfway through the door.

[You probably already know what we’re talking about though……]

[Fufufu, if I’m found out, I guess it can’t be helped♪ Fufu…… I’ll quickly
change my clothes, so please wait a moment.]

Slam.
The door closes again.
That was quite…… She was like those people…… A moodmaker.
She had been the Head of her tribe for a long time huh.
Making sure the atmosphere around everyone don’t get too serious, she’s
looking out for us————

[Kyaaahh! My bottom had become too tight, and I can’t take it off! Ahh,
this is bad! Seras-san, please help me take it————]

Kachak!

[Mu———- Munin-dono!? I- It’s not good to come out in the middle of

getting dressed! I- I’ll go over there!]

[Seras-san, could this be…… Have I gained weight!? I- I think my bottom

half has gotten fat! Seras-san!?]
[E- Even if you ask me that———–]

……She’s looking out for us, right?

▽
After that, we finished a quick check of the building.
There doesn’t seem to be anything suspicious about the place.
It seemed like this was just a building used for receiving important guests.

[We were told we’re free to take a stroll if we want.]

Though they say that, there are obviously some places that are forbidden to
enter.
Peeking out of the nearby window, I observe the outdoor yard……

[As expected, they have observers assigned to us huh…… It doesn’t seem

like they intend to hide either.]

That Mad Emperor, I guess he’d also taken into account of us knowing they
have people observing us.

[……I’m going to take a little stroll around the area. You two must be tired,
so get some rest.

I exchanged glances with Seras.

[Understood. Well then, I will wait for you here with Munin-dono.]

Munin had sprawled on the backrest of the sofa again, seemingly asleep.
I perceived that she had accumulated a certain amount of fatigue on the
journey to this point.
She had just stepped into the outside world she isn’t familiar with.
The amount of information that she was receiving was incomparable to
what she was used to.
It must have been mentally exhausting.
She seemed to be acting so that we wouldn’t notice.
I could tell from the tone of her voice and the speed of her responses that
she was fatigued.
Therefore, it would be better to let Munin rest for a while.
However, we can’t leave the Kurosaga girl here alone.

Seras seemed to have guessed my intentions right away.

……Well, it’s also easier for me to move around while I’m on my own.
The three of us walking around together would just be too conspicuous.
I’d certainly like Seras’ ability to verify if one is telling the truth or not……
but I think Munin takes priority here.

[I’ll leave things here to you, Seras.]

[Take care.]

▽
Leaving the mansion, I continued on the cobblestone path, passing by
flowerbeds and thickets.
Exiting the guesthouse area, I turned right.
After passing through a small garden at the end of that path, I arrived at a
passageway.
And there, at the end of the passageway, was a door and two soldiers were
standing guard nearby.
Noticing my arrival, the soldiers looked somewhat nervous.

[You are Fly King Belzegia-dono, aren’t you? Can we help you with
something?]
[I wanted to take a tour around the castle. As you may know, I have
received permission from his Majesty.]
[Yes, we were told to let you in when you arrive——— Please come in.]

The soldiers opened the door, and I was able to smoothly step inside the
castle.
A long, carpeted hallway.
The floor…… is this made of marble?
Large, well-cleaned glass windows.
Even the window frames seem to be made of high quality materials.
Perhaps, because it’s still quite bright outside, the candles placed at equal
intervals on the walls aren’t lit.
Leaning my back against the corridor wall, I pull out the floor plan of the
castle from my pocket, given to me by Hawk.
The areas that we are allowed are color-coded.
Well, in the first place, this castle floor plan is drawn for the “guests”.

There’s no way they would provide guests a map that covers everything in
the castle.
Naturally, the sealed room doesn’t seem to be on this map.

[………………….]

As for my observers…… They have three on me huh.

One of them is very good at hiding their presence.
However, they aren’t as good as Eve.
I don’t think I need to worry about them so much.
Acting as if I hadn’t noticed them, I continued down the corridor, arriving at
an open space.
It was a large space with high ceilings.
I could also see a staircase with ivory-colored railings that led to the upper
floor.
I suppose this would be the atrium connected to the second floor.
And then……

[………………….]
[Orya?]
At the top of the stairs———— at the second floor……
Someone who looked like she was just about to go down the stairs noticed
me.

[I was wondering who this person was, but this Fallen Hero appearance,
isn’t this Fly King-chin?]
[Ahh, if I remember correctly……]

Looking at her direction, I uttered her name.

[Asagi Ikusaba-dono.]
There’s a small dining hall over there that is suitable for chatting. We often
use it because it has a cozy atmosphere similar to the school canteen back in
our original world, so we often use it…… but some of the people here in
the castle don’t really like it. Well, there are times when we are the only
ones there, so it can’t be helped.]

After that, Asagi offered to have a chat with me over a meal.

I’m currently following behind Asagi.
It can be said that this is a natural opportunity coming from the other side.
I wasn’t the one who invited her, Asagi invited me.
As our conversation started, the strain in the atmosphere around us
gradually disappeared.
I wanted to find out what Asagi was thinking.
If it’s possible———- I also wanted to find out the true identity of her
Inherent Skill.
Most of all……
Whether they were aware of my true identity or not……
Conversing with them certainly is risky when I want to hide my true
identity.
However, I wanted to find out about this even if I have to accept such a risk.

In this situation———- I would need to have a better acting ability than

others.

As for whether Ikusaba Asagi is a step more skillful than me or not……

It could be said that this was a match to decide that.

Though I say that, the real factor when it comes to my identity being
revealed is probably Kashima.
This time, I would like to probe into another part of the situation.
As soon as Asagi entered the dining hall, she asked the cook for a light
meal. Her tone sounded like she was rather familiar with them.
Next she picked up a wooden cup filled with Tonoa water and urged me
towards the corner of the dining hall with her chin.

[Why don’t we take this to the corner?]

Taking the corner seats, we sat down facing each other.

As soon as we sat down……

[Now, now, let’s hydrate our throats first.]

Asagi urged me to drink.

[Ahh, I should say this first———]
[You won’t drink it huh.]
[My apologies.]

This Tonoa water placed in front of me…..

It seems that she tried to see if I would take off my mask to drink it or not.

[It must be troublesome having to hide your true identity. Aren’t you hot
over there?]
[It’s actually more breathable here than it looks.]
[Goddess-sama, do you hate her?]

……That one’s a strike out of the blue.

[I can’t say I like her.]

[Was it because she attacked the Faraway Country, who is taking care of Fly
King-chin’s people?]
[Well, that’s also part of the reason. From what I’ve heard, she doesn’t seem
to be a God with a very praiseworthy background…… What about you,
who brought up such a question?]

[Tonoa water’s so d*mn tastyyyy~~! I want to sell this in my original

world! Hmm? Me?]
[You were a Hero from Another World, but is there a reason why you side
with the Goddess’ enemies?]
[Hmmm, the Goddess said she would return us to our original world after
we defeat the Great Demon Emperor, right? From what Asagi-san here sees,
it doesn’t seem like the Goddess is the type of person that would just keep
her promise.]
[Did something happen that made you sure of this?]
[Unnyaaa, nadda. Let’s see…… Guess you can say it’s the result of my
findings after my human observation? Can you really call it that though? I
mean, we’re not dealing with a human here, but a God.]
[For someone who claims you aren’t sure, you sound quite confident.]
[I mean, she has that too, you know?]

Asagi continued.

[Even though she’s supposedly a God, her emotions and actions are directed
towards a direction, just like us.]
[Fumu.]
[You see, the Gods of this world are like, the Gods of Greek mythology.
Even though they’re Gods, their emotions are very human-like. Jealousy,
for example.]
[This “Greek mythology” you speak of, I suppose it’s a myth from your
world?]

[Whoa there…… Other than gourmet food and names, it’s better for people
of this world not to know too much about our world, right? I heard that if
people from this world know too much, disaster will befall them.]

Hearing her words, I shrugged.

[Right. Let’s stop with this topic before I dig in too deep.]
I had heard about this from Erika and Seras.
If I was going to play the role of a resident of this world, I had no choice
but to answer in this way.

[————Well, returning to our earlier subject, you have determined from

your experience of human observation that the Goddess also possess human
tendencies. As a result, you have come to the conclusion that she is not to
be trusted.]

[That might be so. Well, what you think is the truth is the “truth” after all.
Most people only see what they want to see, hear what they want to hear,
and believe what they want to believe. Sometimes, even the facts are kept
beyond what the mosquito net that the creatures known as humans know.
Therefore, you may believe whatever “truth” you like”. Ahh, of course, I’m
just quoting the words of someone else here.]

At that moment, a light meal was placed in front of Asagi.

A small piece of seared boneless meat, garnished with herbs.
On the same plate were mashed potatoes and a thin layer of green sauce.
There were also some sliced fruits on the plate.
……Even so……

She’s bringing up some small, subtle sophistry over there.

In the end, Asagi eventually blurted out her conclusion.
Yes.
As if to avoid having her words be “judged whether it’s the truth or not”.

[Anyway, you are a Hero from Another World, but you chose to be hostile
with the Goddess.]
Swallowing her fruit, Asagi offered me the piece of boneless meat.

[Do you want some? Do you really not like to take off that mask? What is
Fly King-chin’s true identity?]
[I used to be a member of the Ashinto.]

An encroaching question came my way.

It doesn’t feel like a question she would ask if she had known my identity.
For the time being……
It seems like Asagi is still unaware of my true identity.

[Then, what is Sorcery? How is that different with Magic Techniques,

Chanting Spells or our Skills?]
[If I had to describe it, sorcery would be spells that borrow the power of the
God of Curses. As for classification, it would be something similar to the
Spirit Techniques used by the Elves.]
[Is Sorcery something even I can use?]
[No, Sorcery can only be used by those who were innately beholden to the
God of Curses.]
[In other words, it’s some kind of magic you were born with?]
[Yes.]
[……Reaaaaaaaally?]
[That was also what I’ve been told.]
[Civit Gartland.]
……………………….

[He was a strong fellow.]

[Was he seriously the humanity’s strongest?]

[Most probably.]
[However, Fly King-chin won against him.]
[Yes, by sheer luck, that is.]
[You just got lucky?]
[At the end of the day, I think the deciding factor for my victory was luck.]

My battle with him had been quite a gamble.

I thought I had raised the odds as high as I could.
Even with such odds though, I still had no guarantee that I would win.
“Hmmm”, after Asagi licked off the oil from her finger……

[Fly King-chin is by no means a confident man. However, I also couldn’t

say you’re a servile and humble man. You’re a calm person, seeing things
through facts.]
[Do you like analyzing people?]
[Just as much as other people, I guess. However, Asagi-chin isn’t motivated
to do that unless I’m interested in the person. I just can’t bring myself to do
that around boring people.]

[Fumu…… In that case, it’s just for example, but are you interested in the
Mad Emperor? If you are, I’m interested to hear your character assessment
of him.]

This is something normal for me to be curious about.

Hearing my question, Asagi wiped her thumb on the hem of her
clothes……

[Zine-chin is that, you know…… an active person. He is cool-headed, but

he is very attentive to his people. He miraculously manages to walk on the
tightrope between idealism and reality…… Yes, I feel like he’s like an
acrobat walking on a tightrope. A beautiful acrobat. The heck is with that
guy, living in a world of beauty. He should just come with us back to our
world and do some cosplay!]

……I see.
Putting aside the second half of her words……
The first half is pretty close to my impression of him.
No———— Asagi is better at verbalizing her thoughts than I am.

[Would you say he’s more trustworthy than the Goddess?]

[Umumumu…… Asagi-san can’t say. Well, with us being on his side,
wouldn’t that be the case?]

She’s certainly very skillful at evading.

She intentionally avoids making declarations that clearly affirms things.

[In any case, you were trying to gain his trust and using this trump card of
yours———- to drag down the Goddess.]
As she continued to mash her potatoes with the back of her fork, she spoke.

[It seems like you want to know my trump card?]

[I am interested in it. Just as how you’re interested in the true nature of my
Sorcery.]
[I see nyow, you wanted a give and take huh——– Well, fine.]

The mashed potato she had been mashing squirmed out of the crevices in
the fork.

[It’s my Inherent Skill.]

She answered simply.

……I guess that really would be the answer huh.

[That is…… the more special kind of ability among the special abilities
held by the Heroes from Another World, isn’t it?]
[Thinking about it again, they really are strong. If it were effective, it could
probably take down Goddess-chin…… I was even treated better at Mira
after they learned about my Inherent Skill. In other words, I’ve been
upgraded from the Persuader of the S-Rank Heroes to Top-on-the-line War
Potential. It’s just, nyou see…… Asagi-san is still concerned about that
<Dispel Bubble>.]
(T/N: Goddess’ Spell Breaker / Dispel Bubble)
[The Mad Emperor had also mentioned it. He also said that in order to
increase the certainty of your trump card, we may need to unlock the secret
behind the sealed room.]

Repeatedly poking at the mashed potatoes she had been playing with her
fork……

[Although my Inherent Skill could be counted as under the Abnormal State

Skill system…… I don’t really think it’s the same though.]

It was then that it happened.

[……Hmmm?]

Asagi averted her gaze to the side and raised an eyebrow.

It was as if she had just realized something.

[Just before the Goddess discarded Mimori-kun…… Yes, when he used his
Abnormal State Skill in a desperate attempt to strike back. As I recall, what
she said…… was that her barrier “defends against state abnormalities”. She
hasn’t mentioned anything about it nullifying other systems since then. It
seems like offensive abilities were effective…… In other words, does she
not have an automatic barrier against other systems? That being the
case…… Was there a time long ago when the Abnormal State Skill had
been quite a threat? It’s just like online game admins who nerfed a new
class that was too strong…… and they nerfed it so much that it can’t be
used anymore? In short, from being ” a skill that is extremely useful”……
It became a useless one? I feel like…… that would indeed be the case……
Otherwise, it would be hard to explain why the Goddess would especially
be equipped with “a barrier that nullifies the supposedly sh*tty and weak
Abnormal State Skill”.]
[……………….]
The Heroes’ skills are divided into five systems.
Although they have undergone a remarkable transformation, the Inherent
Skills are also derived from one of them.
This was explained by the Goddess immediately after we were summoned.

【Offensive】
【Defensive】
【Recovery】
【Reinforcement】
【Abnormal State】

Asagi just said that the offensive abilities seem to be effective.

As for defensive abilities, it doesn’t seem like it’s capable of defeating the
Goddess.
The same goes for recovery abilities.
And she says her ability is different from abnormal state abilities.
In other words, I can infer that Asagi’s Inherent Skill…… is categorized as
a Reinforcement Skill huh.
I guess debuffs———- abilities that weaken an opponent also count under
the Reinforcement system huh?

“The power to bring down even Gods”

[…………………….]

She had an Inherent Weakening Skill huh?

……EVen so, the words Asagi said earlier……

Even though she was talking to herself, I think her insight about this matter
was interesting.

The Abnormal State system is supposed to be considered useless.

However, the Goddess “specially” has a barrier against it.

A divine defensive ability———- limited only to countering Abnormal
State abilities huh.

[…………………….]

Well, in any case, the current situation is that it’s ineffective without the
Forbidden Curse.
That fact still remains.
There’s little point in digging deeper into Asagi’s insight here.
……I guess that’s all I’ll be able to find out about her trump card huh.

Let’s change the subject.

[By the way, Ikusaba-dono.]
[Ahh…… Can you please call me Asagi-dono instead? I dislike being
called by my surname.]
[Please excuse me then. Well then, Asagi-dono…… In our negotiations last
time, there was a girl next to you who looked sick, right?]
[Bato-chin?]
[?]
[Her name is Kobato Kashima. That’s why she’s Bato-chin. She’s also
known as Poppo-chan.]
[Is she a Hero too?]
[That’s right.]

Making sure to avoid making her feel like I’m focused on Kashima here, I
continued.

[Can I infer that there are also other Heroes in your group?]
[We have more than five in our group.]

[Did they all agree to betray the Goddess? No…… I feel like you may have
made them do as such. I feel like Asagi-dono is good at persuading people.]
[I haven’t done that though.]
[?]

Klank……

Putting down her fork, Asagi leans back, holding the back of her head
behind her hands.
[I have imposed a mission on myself…… In order to achieve it, I will
perform the best “manipulation” I could. There’s nothing more interesting
than real-life manipulation. For example, if you can drive someone to
suicide through manipulation alone…… You can even kill some indirectly
without getting your own hands dirty.]

It feels as if……
She had already done such a thing in the past.
At that moment, Asagi stuck out her tongue———– with a serious look on
her face.

[It’s my real father, you know? He commit suicide——— I made him

commit suicide.]

Whether she dared commit such a thing or not……

In mid-sentence, Asagi rephrased her statement.

"
"

[My condolences.]
[I made him die.]

……Clap, clap, clap……

With her tongue sticking out, Asagi dryly clapped her hands with that
serious look on her face.
Only…… Her eyes drew an eerie arc.
[Thanks to that, I was able to protect Mama. All’s well that ends well……
Kukakaka. Seriously———– With his own hands, he died.]

I don’t know anything about Asagi’s family situation.

However, I feel like I had a pretty good idea of what was going on.

“I feel like she and I are similar.”

I feel like I understand why I was thinking like that.

I could tell from the nuances of her words.
She too——— had a sh*tty parent.

Unlike me though, her mother seemed to be on her side.

……I’m not without sympathy for her situation.
However……
I can only think “So what?” here.
That information isn’t very useful in the current situation.
Closing her eyes, Asagi rubbed the base of her brow with her fingers.

[……Mhmm, mumumu? Why am I suddenly telling you this deranged

personal story? Well…… Just now was, you see, just an improvised story to
draw sympathy. Yes, Asagi-san here is actually a compulsive liar. Ahh,
errr…… Well, all the Heroes here had agreed to joining. I hope the other
Heroes will join us in the end and everyone will harmoniously gather
here…… or something like that! Nufufu. Did Asagi-san scare you earlier?
However, don’t curse me to death, ‘kay~~]

At that moment……
[Belzegia-dono——— ……Ah, I see Asagi-dono is here too.]

Hawk noticed us as soon as he entered the dining hall.

It feels like he came to call for me but———-

[Were you looking for me?]

[His Majesty wants to see———–! Y- Your Majesty!?]

[Excuse my intrusion to your pleasant chat.]

With the size of this castle, this dining hall isn’t large at all.
However, entering such a dining hall with graceful steps was the Mad
Emperor.
We received one new review after the last update. Thank you very much.

This time’s chapter took almost 2 weeks before it was updated, but I would
like to somehow continue updating “Failure Frame” without having a space
of more than 2 weeks…… is what I was thinking.
[It’s alright.]

The cook seemed to be flustered, trying to move their gaze about for them
to turn their attention to, but the Mad Emperor stopped them with a hand.

[We’ll be sitting together with Asagi huh.]

[Since it seems like I’m not supposed to be here, I’ll be leaving here then.]
[No…… At a time like this, I would like you to stay and listen.]

Asagi was about to get up from her seat, but the Mad Emperor stopped her.
The Mad Emperor pulled out a nearby chair and gracefully sat down.

[I’ll tell you the news in order. Movements has been sighted in the north.]
[Oya, has Great Demon Emperor-chin begun to move again?]

“No”, the Great Demon Emperor shook his head.

[The other day, Jonato dispatched their troops and set up a battle formation
near the borders of our Mira.]

Hearing his words, Asagi tilted her head.

[Ari? Jonato should have been in tatters from the last battle that they
wouldn’t be able to afford those troops, right?]
[That’s right. In fact, according to our scouts, Jonato’s forces stationed near
the border are nothing more than a meager gathering of men. Their numbers
aren’t enough to be feared.]
[Then, what’s the problem?]
[The White Wolf Knights have joined their ranks.]
[Whoa there, aren’t they Magnar’s main force? However, what about the
fortress in the Eastern Magnar that was supposedly being defended by the
White Wolf-sans? Aren’t they also the Alion’s cornerstone for the defense
against the Great Demon Emperor?]

Pondering about it for a moment, I spoke.

[Something must have happened to turn the tide of the battle then.]

“Umu”, the Mad Emperor nodded his head in agreement.

[In other words, something happened on the Holy Alliance’s side that made
it possible for them to assume that “the Great Demon Emperor would not
appear for a while”. Incidentally…… I heard that there was some
commotion that occurred at Alion’s royal castle the other day.]

[Ahh, that commotion, must be that, eh? ……In other words, it’s something
related to the Great Demon Emperor?]
[The information we received was still convuluted, so we can’t be sure……
but we’ve received several reports that Alion’s side seems to have repelled
the Great Demon Emperor and his forces that swooped down on them.]
[……So Ayaka’s group and the other S-ranks have finally grown up to that
level huh. In this case…… I guess I would have to update my perception of
the S-ranks a little bit.]

Sogou and the others defeated the Great Demon Emperor?

That sh*tty Goddess…… with how I heard the Holy Alliance is making
movements, guess she didn’t die huh.
As a thought popped within my mind, I asked.

[Was the Great Demon Emperor defeated? Perhaps…… For example, they
had been deeply wounded?]

[The Golden Eyes that gathered at Northern Magnar’s Night Wall are still in
control. It’s said that when the Root of All Evil is vanquished, the Golden
Eyes would visibly lose control. Each one of them would apparently start
moving on their own.]

[If that has not been confirmed, then the Great Demon Emperor should still
be alive.]

[Perhaps. However, it’s highly likely that the Great Demon Emperor has
suffered enough injuries from the recent commotion for Alion to judge that
“they would be unable to move for a while”.]

[I see nyow. Well, the Heroes have grown up enough to fight them off, so
“Let’s sent the White Wolf Knights that way!” is what Goddess-chan had
thought huh. Ari? Perhaps, had Zine-chin came to ask Fly King-chin and
his group to defeat the White Wolf Knights?]

[No, Wright already went to deal with those in the border. I’ve also
entrusted him the control of the elites of the Graceful Knights and a part of
my Brilliant Squadron that I had left behind in the Imperial Capital. The
White Wolf Knights are a formidable foe, but they are not so numerous.
Since Jonato’s troops are just poor-quality scramble, we have the advantage
in numbers. The forces we have sent may have been inferior to those of the
White Wolf Knights, but they aren’t low quality soldiers. Considering the
difference in numbers, they should be able to fight more than evenly against
them.]

But still, as to be expected, against that White Wolf Knights, we can’t rest
easy unless we sent out Wright as well———- or so the Mad Emperor
added.

Mira’s main force is currently at war with Urza in the eastern part of the
country.
The majority of the Brilliant Squadron that make up for Mira’s main force
are being deployed there.
And…… the powerful remaining forces that had been preserved have now
been sent towards the White Wolf Knights in the north.

[Hmmm? Wait a minute? If Wright-san’s group can deal with the White
Wolf-sans in the north, doesn’t that mean there’s no problem?]

Asagi asked.
It seemed to be a question based on the understanding that another plroblem
may have happened.

[Wright and his group have set up their battle formation in the Northern
Mira…… but in an area roughly halfway between there and here in the
Imperial Capital———– We received word that it was brimming with
Golden-eyed Monsters.]
With her elbow rested on the table, Asagi propped her chin on her hand.
Her cheeks that’s being supported by her hand was crooked a bit, but I
could still make out the smile on her face.

[Heehhh…… They appeared at this timing huh……]

[And along with this information———– came the appearance of a
mysterious “White Army”.]

Hearing this, Asagi looked a bit puzzled.

[Huh……? White Army? What’s with that, all of a sudden? Where in the
world did they come from? Are they different from the White Wolf
Knights? I mean…… Aren’t there suddenly too much new information?]
[They aren’t the White Wolf Knights…… No, in the first place, reports
were saying that they may not even be human.]
[Then, are they monsters?]
[It was reported that they had golden eyes.]
[……………………]

White——– with golden eyes.

That’s a combination that certainly reminds me of that sh*tty Goddess……

[This White Army attacked fortresses, cities, forts, and towns, one after
another———- They say they are gradually moving south, as if they were
trying to get here to Ruva.]
Hearing this though, something popped in my mind.

[It seems like Wright-dono’s army who were headed did not encounter this
White Army.]
[Umu. It’s as if they had taken advantage of this opportunity to make their
appearance.]

That golden eyes.

Them being a white army.
Their exquisite timing for making their appearance……

Indeed, it was just as the Mad Emperor said.

It was as if they were waiting for Wright’s group to pass through to the
north.
……The line-up of Jonato and the White Wolf Knights this time……
It really seems like they were there to lure out Mira’s preserved units.

Perhaps———- all of these movements were interlocked.

[The soldiers in the fortress that was first attacked by the White Army have
retreated. The city and townspeople have also been able to evacuate with
comparatively little time to spare. Strangely enough, casualties are low.]
[The mysterious army was more ethical and good-natured of a bunch than
expected!? Nufufu…… There’s no way that could simply be the case,
right?]
[On the contrary…… Your perception may not be entirely off the mark.]
[Hoohhh?]
[The White Army is led by the Drunken Sword Party.]

The Drunken Sword Party.

Their name is brought out at this moment huh.
The Mad Emperor had already mentioned it before, that the Drunken Sword
Party is on the Goddess’ side.
“Heehhh……”, Upon those words, Asagi’s eyes narrowed.

[Lili-san, who taught us how to fight as a group, now stands as our enemy
huh. Those good, honorable people have…… I see, they certainly wouldn’t
massacre people without a second thought. Those are the kind of people
they are.]

Come to think of it, the Drunken Sword Party fought in Jonato back in the
previous Great Invasion, didn’t they?
It was just by accident, but I had heard about it after the battle at the Anti-
Demon White Castle.

[Regarding those people…… If they were to become enemies, they are

more troublesome than you think.]

The words Asagi said just now, it doesn’t sound like she’s joking at all.
In other words, they’re competent enough for Ikusaba Asagi to not
underestimate them.
“Indeed”, the Mad Emperor took over.
[They captured no prisoners, and the troops were allowed to withdraw……
They would overlook those who doesn’t raise their blades against them,
including those who lived in the cities and towns. It’s a behavior that is
typical of that Drunken Sword Party.]
[………………….]

However…… What about them then?

Those who have been forced to leave their homes, I mean.
Those who have become refugees……
Deprived of their safe haven one after another———– What was it that
would be left?
Where is it that they would be able to ask for help?
Where is it———- that they would end up in?
“However……”, I spoke.

[If this continues…… Won’t all those who escaped rush here towards
Ruva?]

[Umu, that’s right. The Drunken Sword Party will not overlook them simply
because of conscience. Perhaps, the enemy————]

[No matter which way the battle goes, they’re setting things up for their
side to win.]
I spoke, anticipating his answer.
Looking slightly impressed, the Mad Emperor responded.

[Fly King…… You’ve reached to that answer that quickly huh.]

Seemingly not understanding what was going on, Asagi tilted her head.

[Eh? What do you mean? I’m kind of a little lost here……]

The two felt like they were urging me to continue, thus I spoke.

[If the Capital doesn’t accept the refugees, the loyalty of the people to his
Majesty will be severely diminished.]

“Ahh, so that’s what you mean”, Asagi said, looking as if she caught on.

[This war against Alion…… is a war that his Majesty has been able to wage
because of the fanatical support of his people.]
[The people are also reassured by the fact that they are told that “this is a
war to save the Goddess”.]

Ahhh———– I see.
For thosee Anti-Goddess faction, they see the situation not as “The Goddess
making use of the nations within the Holy Alliance”, it was that “The
nations within the Holy Alliance are using the Goddess”.

Unlike in my world———- there’s no technology that circulates

information.
Television.
Internet.

There are no technology that allows people to explain themselves or tell the
truth on a global broadcast even when the person in question doesn’t leave
where they are.

In order to spread the important truth that corrects falsehoods, one has no
choice but to personally appear and tell the truth themselves.

In other words……
Depending on how looks the situation, it would seem like they’re trying to
bring the Goddess away from her home country, Alion.
That certainly sounds like it would be easier than defeating the Goddess.
If they thought that far ahead and spread it as “a war for a great cause”,
that’s certainly quite a big deal.
Anyhow……

[If Mira loses the support of the people, the country could collapse from
within…… It’s because of their absolute trust in his Majesty that this war
against Alion is possible.]
[……Ahh, I see, I see. If we don’t help the refugees pouring here into the
Capital, Zine-chin may not be able to continue this war…… I guess you’re
right. If they perceived him as an Emperor who abandons his people when
they are in trouble, it’s possible that many of his people will turn against
him.]

[However, if the Capital is overflowing with refugees, it will also be easier

for the enemy’s people to blend in and sneak into the Capital.]

Is it the life of the Mad Emperor that they’re after?

Or perhaps, are they after Munin?
That’s right……
The other side is probably acting on the premise that Mira has obtained the
Forbidden Race.

[Whether we accept the refugees or not, Mira will be in a difficult

situation.]
[What I fear even more is that———]

I started, and they waited for my next words.

[For example, in the case where we chose to leave the Drunken Sword
Party and the White Army behind, if perhaps, they stop moving south and
start moving north……]

Immediately afterward, the Mad Emperor realized what I was trying to say.
[That would mean…… Wright and the others will be caught in a pincer
attack by the White Wolf Knight from the north and the Drunken Sword
Party from the south huh. I see———- The other side sure has thought of
this well.]
[However, Zine-chin couldn’t have anticipated that White Army, right? No
matter what age or world it is, the fact that new forces of the enemy side
suddenly got new forces from out of nowhere is just 1000x unfair. There’s
no way you could have prepared for it. You can just dismiss it as something
unforeseen.]

That’s right.
For example, if it’s only the White Wolf Knights……
If it’s only the need to suppress the sudden appearance of a flock of Golden-
eyes.
The Mad Emperor may have been able to cope with the situation with some
room to spare.
Those were things one could have expected.
However, the existence of that White Army is just too out of the
expectations.
We had too little prior information about them.
However, the enemy’s movements…… With each passing moment, the
situation gets worse.
The longer we delay in moving, the more people would need to evacuate.
The support from the rear is also thinning, and the danger behind Wright
and his group’s back is increasing.
Yes, the situation is only getting worse.

[There is some good news though.]

The Mad Emperor spoke.

[That White Army…… from the reports, they’re only strong with their
numbers, but they aren’t that strong individually. It seems that a well-
trained army would be able to handle them. However———– Putting aside
the Drunken Sword Party, it seemed like they were an incorrigible group.]
[……Well, yeah. They played an active role in the fierce battle back at
Jonato, but not a single one of them died. Asagi-san here thinks that they’re
really good when they fight in group battles, you know?]
[According to those who have engaged them in battle, they themselves also
seemed to be somewhat desperate. The Drunken Sword Party is probably
tackling on this battle with all their might.]
[So…… It seems that the White Army is being mobilized by the Drunken
Sword Party, right?]

“In other words……”, I cut in.

[If we can deal with the Drunken Sword Party, even Mira’s soldiers
themselves could just deal with that White Army?]

“Currently……”, the Mad Emperor began to organize the situation.

[Wright and his army are stuck in a standoff with the White Wolf Knights in
Northern Mira. The main force of the Brilliant Squadron and the three
Elected Imperial households have gone towards Eastern Urza. The Prime
Minister Kaiser isn’t good at warfare…… which means that the forces that
could oppose that Drunken Sword Party right now are———]
(T/N: I’m pretty sure Kaiser used to be named Raiser, but when I checked
Chapter 203 raws again, it was also turned into Kaiser. Not gonna change
Chapter 203.)

“I see nyow.”, Asagi took over.

[Zine-chin has three options, it’d be either Zine-chin’s private army, the
Imperial Guards, our group…… and the Fly King Squadron huh.]

[I could lead the Imperial Guards and face them…… but the Imperial
Guards is the last line of defense in the Capital……]
[Most of all, if we lose Zine-chin here, this country will collapse. Then,
shall Asagi-san and the others take care of it?]
[No…… If the other party is the Drunken Sword Party, they would not be a
good match for you.]
[Well——— indeed. If we end up in a serious group battle against Lili-san
and the others…… We have to be prepared for casualties on our sides. I
mean, I honestly don’t know if we can win against them. Our group also has
its strengths and weaknesses…… They also aren’t compatible opponents
for my trump card either.]

It’s too risky for the overall leader, the Mad Emperor, to go out to defeat the
Drunken Sword Party.
That’s just unrealistic.
The Mad Emperor wouldn’t want to let Asagi out either.
After all, Ikusaba Asagi is his trump card against the Goddess.
Asagi herself also seems to recognize that she isn’t a good match against
the Drunken Sword Party.
They were once their mentors, and even went through a fierce battle
together.
She is probably aware of the strength of the Drunken Sword Party.
Moreover, rather than not wanting to go out herself……

"
"

It seems like she truly thinks that her changes of winning against them were
slim, and she might die or get caught.

Realistically speaking, I get the feeling that’s how she’s analyzing it.

And so————

This is where the story finally returns to the topic brought up in the
beginning.
The reason why Hawk…… the Mad Emperor was looking for me.
It was about the Drunken Sword Party.
In other words, we were the one who was chosen as we’re relatively agile
and is a capable force to counter them———–

[You want us, the Fly King Squadron———– to do something about the
Drunken Sword Party huh.]
Returning to the guest house designated for us, I explained the situation to
Seras and the others.
Hearing my explanation……
[———-I see. If we can neutralize the Drunken Sword Party, the White
Army can be swept away by Mira’s remaining forces…… And, you have
accepted the Mad Emperor’s request, right?]
[Yeah.]
[If that’s the case, I will go with your decision.]

Without a hint of concern, Seras readily agreed.

[Mira’s movements also serve as a distraction to the Goddess. For the time
being, I want to keep the Goddess’ attention on the Mad Emperor. That’s
why I don’t want Mira to collapse here.]

With an appearance that looked rather picturesque, Seras put her hand on
her chin.

[Cooperation with the Mad Emperor will ultimately be to our

advantage…… Indeed. Incidentally, in this battle, would there be no
problem for our Fly King Squadron to stand out?]
[I don’t think there would be any problem.]

The more the Goddess’ attention is directed to the Fly King Squadron……
The more the shadows beneath the Fly King Squadron are concealed
———-
And eventually, the time when “he who had been invisible, Mimori Touka”
can make his move.

In the first place, the change in policy for making our squadron stand out
had that as its aim.
As long as we can prepare the Fly King and Fly Knights’ outfit, we can
have body doubles prepared.
This is the advantage of operating as the “Fly King Squadron”.

[However, what about the fact that they’re making just us, the Fly King
Squadron, the only ones in this battle?]

Munin asked.

[Ahh, about this matter…… Seras and Munin will stay here.]
[!]

I stopped the two of them as they looked like they’re about to say
something……

[The enemy’s movements this time…… seems to be a diversion. I feel a

little uncomfortable about the fact that information about the Drunken
Sword Party was easily received by Mira’s side.]
[Now that you mentioned it……]
[It’s possible that the Drunken Sword Party is a bait. But as I had previously
explained, if we just leave them alone, the situation over here will continue
to get worse over time.]
“Hmmm”, Munin groaned, looking troubled.

[However, Zine-san is the Emperor of this country, and that Asagi-san girl
is their trump card against the Goddess, so they don’t want to expose her to
as much danger as possible…… so in that case———-]
[At the moment, in terms of strength, it would be more appropriate for me
to face them. At least, that’s what the Mad Emperor decided.]
[However, this White Army has numbers on their side, right? That
aforementioned Drunken Sword Party was also made up of multiple
members…… Wouldn’t it be better if Seras-san and I were to support you?
Look, I can take the form of a raven and do some scouting……]

Her hands clutching on her arms, Munin instead.

However……

[No, we can’t say that the Mad Emperor would be their only aim.
Munin…… There’s a possibility they’re after you too.
[Ah———-]
[The one the Goddess wants to get rid of the most is ultimately you.
Besides, we can’t be sure that you won’t be shot dead while you’re scouting
in your raven form. Well, having me move by myself this time is easier for
me…….]
[It’s unknown what latent forces may appear along the way…… You’re
being concerned about those as well?]

Yes.
If I were to bring them and we’re poorly discovered, it will be difficult for
our side to make bold moves.
It’s even more difficult the more people I bring with me.

[I just don’t want to be struck by a sudden blow———— and lose Munin

along the way…… When you’re on the “offensive”, it’s easy for openings
to appear. On the other hand, when you’re on the “defensive”, it’s easy for
one to be aware of every detail in their surroundings.]
[That is to say, you want us to stay here and be on the “defensive”, right?]
[And since you would be here, Seras———- I can be relieved in leaving
the situation here to you.]

[Tha———- Thank you very much. Yes…… Having you praise me that
much is an honor…… It’s an honor.]

Hearing me say that to her face, it seems that Seras was feeling
embarrassed.
…………………….
No matter how much time passes, this Princess Knight sure is modest.

[I’m also leaving Slei here.]

[Pakyuu?]

Hearing her name being mentioned, Slei, in her pony form, raised her head.

[Since the enemy’s forces and measures haven’t been completely revealed,
they may still have something more under their sleeves…… If you feel it’s
not a good idea to stay here, don’t hesitate to ride Slei and escape from this
place. As for this matter, I will borrow one of Mira’s warhorses.]
I’m glad Seras taught me how to ride a horse back then.

[Pakyuu~~……]

Slei’s eyes were filled with worry.

Bending down and facing her at an eye level, I patted her.

[I will be fine. That aside…… I’ll leave Seras and Munin to you.]
[Pakyuu!]
[Pigii!]
[Pakkyuuuu!]

Pigimaru gave his cheer too.

Standing up……

[Seras, in the case you decide to escape the Imperial Capital…… Our
rendezvous points will be as we decided on the way here.]
[And if it doesn’t seem like we’re able to meet at those places…… we’ll
lastly meet near the door to the Faraway Country, yes?]

"
"
[Well, meeting near the door to the Faraway Country would be the last
option.]
We had also anticipated a situation where we would be attacked by Mira’s
forces before we entered the Imperial Capital.
In that case, we had decided on a number of rendezvous points in case we
were to be separated.

[Are you alright with that, Munin?]

[If you had already said that much, I can only follow. Fufufu, with you
doing this much…… When you managed to return safely, how about I
pamper you with hugs and cuddles♪]
[Well then, I’m counting on you.]
[—–is what I was thin————, ………Eeeeeeeeeehhhh—————-!?]

Ignoring Munin as she fooled around again, I turned towards Seras.

[With you all here, I’ll be rest assured while fighting.]

[Are you sure…… you can handle them on your own?]

[……I need to make it happen.]

In the current situation———– I need Mira to dance some more.

Just as their side is trying to make use of me……

I’m going to take full advantage of their side too.
Putting my hand on my mask……

[Don’t worry———— I’ll get this over with and come back.]
[If that’s what you say, I’m not going to worry about this anymore. All I’ll
say now…… is good luck. Please leave this side to us.]

Saying this, Seras pledged an oath.

[I swear on my honor as a Knight, I will protect Munin-dono by all means.]

[And you should protect yourself too.]

Upon my words, Seras’ expression slackened a bit.

[Yes. It’s just, ummm……]

Seras looked as if she was finding something difficult to say.

[You don’t have to be reserved, just say it.]

[The enemies on the other side are the Drunken Sword Party……. and they
had treated you kindly at the Mills Ruins……]
[……Yeah, they did.]
[……………………]
[……………………]
[……My apologies. I’ve done something that dampens your enthusiasm
when it was not needed.]
[No———– I’m relieved that you’re feeling that way.]
First of all, this battle will not be a head-on fight.

It will probably be similar to when we were fighting the Heroic Sword.

It’s just, well……

There’s one big difference this time though.

It’s just that, the opponent we’re facing is unlike the mere trash we’ve been
facing until now.

[……………………………..]

□
At that time……

It was when I was diving in the Mills Ruins……

I was but a stranger with the appearance of a novice mercenary, but the
Drunken Sword Party told me these words———-

“It may just be me being meddlesome, but I recommend for you to go back
to the upper levels too. Well, I think you should leave the investigation to
the private soldiers of old man Harclay. Seems like that old man really
wants that sakazuki.”

“Ahh, so that’s why. While they’re escaping from monsters, they would
find themselves straying toward a floor more difficult than they could
handle. What would you do now? Are you going to the upper floors with
us?”

“I understand. However, don’t push yourself too hard, okay?”

<Drunken Sword Party———— Lili Adamantine POV>

Before Jonato’s soldiers and the White Wolf Knights were stationed on the
borders of Jonato and the Northern part of Mira———–

Our Drunken Sword Party, along with Shougo Oyamada and Emperor Zera,
entered Jonato Principality from the north.

In the previous war against the Great Demon Emperor, our Drunken Sword
Party fought in Jonato.
And now, here we are yet again.
The Goddess had already informed Jonato’s side of the visit of the Drunken
Sword Party and the others.
Therefore, it was easy for us to pass through Jonato’s territory.
In fact, our Drunken Sword Party, who had fought through the fierce battle
together with them, was welcomed by the people on Jonato’s side.

Our Drunken Sword Party stayed in Jonato for a while to prepare for the
operation.
During this time, the White Wolf Knights entered Jonato by the order of the
Goddess, accompanied by one of Vysis’ apostles.
Her name was Nyantan Kikeepat.

Although the time we’ve been acquainted with each other wasn’t really that
much, it had been a while since our Drunken Sword Party had last seen her.
We did enter the Demon Zone together with the Heroes in the past.
Such a Nyantan seemed to be unusually shaken by Oyamada’s
transformation.

Soon after, Jonato sent a small number of soldiers to the border with Mira,
as instructed by the Goddess.

The White Wolf Knights and Nyantan Kikeepat accompanied them.

And our Drunken Sword Party————- is the team that was to eliminate
the Mad Emperor.
As Mira’s attention turns to their Northern border, we are to sneak into
Mira’s territory.
We moved south along the eastern areas bordering the edge of the Golden
Demon Zone.
After leaving the Demon Zone, they entered a forest suitable for hiding.

A few hours later, Emperor Zera, who had left temporarily to do some
reconnaissance, returned.

[Fumu…… It seems that a good number of Mira’s forces have gone to the
border. Fo fo fo, as expected of the White Wolf Knights, the traditional
heroes of the North. Their name still resounds well to the people even at
this era…… No, their name even seems to be more well-known than it was
back then. I suppose the Mira of this time too, isn’t something that can be
left aside huh?]

[So, we were able to lure out the forces of the Imperial Capital as
planned…… Are we now going to sneak into the Imperial Capital and kill
the Mad Emperor? That would be unreasonable. For this mission, I brought
13 of the best from our Drunken Sword Party, including myself…… If you
add Emperor Zera and Oyamada, we have a total of 15 people. Hmph……
It’s ridiculous to think that this many people could just simply enter the
Imperial Capital and eliminate the Mad Emperor.

[Fo fo fo. I’ll take care of that guy, so I’ll be out in a bit.]

With that, Emperor Zera took off again.

The Goddess said that Emperor Zera would be in charge for the time being.
In other words, the full authority for the operation was entrusted to Emperor
Zera.
Yes, not Oyamada, who appears to have such blind faith in the
Goddess……

Speaking of Oyamada, he was also rather eerie.

His personality has drastically changed.
However, I’ve seen a glimpse of Oyamada’s character in his excessive rage
against the siblings.
In other words…… Has he been educated?

As I was just beginning to think about Oyamada, Emperor Zera returned.

With a large number of Golden-eyed monsters in tow.

[Kuh!? Emperor Zera…… What is the meaning of this!? Don’t tell me……
You aren’t going to use these Golden-eyes to attack the Imperial Capital!?
Are you stupid!? If we could get the Golden-eyed monsters to do our
bidding, they wouldn’t have been any trouble at all! ……All members,
prepare to intercept!]

Before I could issue my instructions though, the members of the Drunken

Sword Party had already started to move.

[Indeed…… Mother had also said it…… that it would be useful to be able
to give instructions to a large number of Golden-eyed monsters and operate
them as we please. However, she said that would be impossible for those
that aren’t the Great Demon Emperor……]

Oyamada said, calmly holding his greatsword in hand.

[However, Mother also said to leave this entire operation in Zera-dono’s

hands. Mother’s words are absolute…… Thus, what are your odds against
them, Zera-dono?]
[Fo fo fo, regarding that……]

At that moment, a medium-sized monster jumped behind Emperor Zera.

However, Emperor Zera quickly turned around……
[Gyaahh!?]

——-and grabbing the Golden-eyed’s face, he stopped it.

The monster’s face is larger than Emperor Zera’s hand.
Hence, his fingers ended up painfully buried in the monster’s face.
The monster’s movements———- It has completely stopped.

And then……

[———-Mutate———-]

As soon as Emperor Zera uttered those words……

The Exiled Emperor’s golden eyes began to emit a mysterious glow.

[G- Gii…… yeehh……? Gyaaa———-]

“Gyurukk……”, with the rapid sound of twisting flesh……

The next moment……

As if the monster was compressed……
It became smaller than a human head.
Immediately after, the mass of flesh seemed to expand——–

Plak!

A humanoid “something” plopped down, kneeling on the ground.

The expanded mass of flesh split apart, forming a total of four humanoids.
As I slashed away a small-sized monster that had leapt at her, I asked.

[What is that? That compressed mass of monster flesh…… turned into a

humanoid……?]

A humanoid white creature.

The only thing it has on it is eyes.
Golden, inorganic eyes.
No nose, no mouth.
No ears.
No hair or any protrusions in their body.
A large build, having statures larger than even Oyamada, the tallest in our
group.
The four white creatures stood up almost simultaneously.
Thereupon, the golden eyes of these white creatures looked down at
Emperor Zera, who has eyes of the same color as them.

[…………………]
[Fo fo fo…… Good, this is good. It looks like it was a success. Creating
four of them was quite as I had expected.]
[What does this mean? We haven’t heard any explanation for this though?]
Without answering my question, Emperor Zera put his hand on one of the
white creatures’ thick chest.

[Immobilize the Golden-eyed monsters that you can handle until I get there.
If the monster wants to harm you, you can beat it down. But if it’s
possible…… I’d like you to keep them alive. Though I say that, move with
emphasis on the safety of your lives——— Now, go.]

Thereupon, the four white creatures aimed at the monsters that started
popping out in my line of vision.
Running towards them, they tried to immobilize the monsters.
In the direction opposite them, Oyamada is cutting down the approaching
monsters with his greatsword.

Zwooosh!

[Gyieeehh!]

Oyamada stomped down on the fallen monster.

Ghak!

[Gueeehhh!?]
[Now, here you go, Zera-dono. Do as you please with it.]

Hearing Oyamada’s words, Emperor Zera immediately leaped towards his

direction and landed beside him.
Thereupon, he put his hand on the motionless monster, whose breathing is
starting to grow faint.

[———-Mutate———-]

Gyurukk!

He used whatever he did earlier again.

The monster was rapidly compressed and became a twisted lump of flesh
again.
And then, just like earlier, in the next moment……

Plak.

The mass of flesh transformed into several of those white creatures.

Emperor Zera then gave the same instructions to the new white creatures as
before.

Thereupon, the newly created white creatures rushed towards the monsters
they had set their sights on.

[……I think I’m starting to understand what’s happening.]

I said, slashing away at the monsters in the vicinity.

While I provided supporting fire towards my comrades with a magic tool
inscribed with an Offensive technique……
[Using the Golden-eyed monsters as “materials”———— with that
mysterious power of yours to create soldiers for us……]

After Emperor Zera laughed like a good-natured grandfather……

[False Sacrament.]
(T/N: 模造聖体 / Mozou Seitai. Mozou means fake/counterfeit, seitai means
body of the Emperor/God, or the bread that symbolizes the body of the
God.)

[?]

[That seems to be their name. I heard that the Goddess named them so.]
[Ahh…… Mother’s perfect and beautiful naming sense…… It’s
glittering…… Flawless, too shiny…… As expected, Mother could only be
a God……]
[This is the ability that the Goddess gave to me. Well, it’s like being given a
share of the Goddess’ power. Now then, the purpose of doing this———-]

Gyurukk.
Emperor Zera transformed another monster into that white creature———
to that False Sacrament.

[Young lady, it was just as you have said. For you to have guessed so much
just from the information you have seen, what a clever girl you are. How
impressive.]

Having guessed his next actions and his purpose for our arrival in this area,
I sharply looked towards Emperor Zera.

[I think there was an underground ruin near here…… You dared to lure out
those monsters ? So that you can use them as “materials” to create this
False Sacrament……]
[Fo fo fo, you discerned it well.]

Saying this, Emperor Zera looked in the direction of Mira’s Imperial

Capital, Ruva……

[My descendants aren’t so dumb that just the 15 of us can just casually
approach him. I also heard the Mad Emperor is the best of all Emperors of
Mira. Fo fo fo, I’m looking forward to meeting him…… Anyhow, we’ll
have these enter one ruin after another. As for the young lady and the
others, try to fight while preferably making sure you keep the enemies
alive. What, I won’t complain if you kill them. Well, I heard that the
success rate of transformation is much lower with corpses, and the quality
of the creations is also lower…… but it’s better if you keep them alive if
possible. As long as they are alive, the quality shouldn’t change…… The
Goddess said it’s a matter of spirit power or something like that.]

Spirit power.
The source of the power that makes Heroes gradually grows powerful, or so
I heard……

[Using the Golden-eyed monsters created by the Root of All Evil to create
obedient bio-soldiers….. Good grief……]
If she had something like this, it would have been better if she brought this
out earlier.

"
"
However, such a thought remained unspoken, and I just inwardly clicked
my tongue.

Emperor Zera produced False Sacraments one after another.

However, the underground ruins are overflowing with a considerable
number of monsters.
I don’t think we would be able to transform all of them into False
Sacraments.
Even among those monsters that we were just fighting, quite a number of
them ran in different directions from where we were now, entering Mira
territory.

[……………………]

The area had become completely quiet.

I couldn’t feel the presence of any monsters nearby.
There are only the False Sacraments, which are standing in line, silent.
They do not speak.
However, even though they have no ears, it seems like they’re able to hear
voices and understand language.
They seem to be obeying the orders of Emperor Zera, who had transformed
them.
[Fo fo fo! The ones who managed to escape, well, they’re still
monsters…… They’ll just be one more thing for the people of the Imperial
Capital to deal with.]

Meanwhile, Oyamada was looking at the Sacraments, seemingly overcome

with emotion.

[Ahh, I can feel Mother’s sacred power within the Sacraments. This is quite
glorious…… I want to see Mother.]
[Alright, we now have a good number of them. It’s just……]

Taking a map from his luggage, Emperor Zera beckoned us close.

Following his call, Oyamada and I approached and looked at the map.

[Look at this. There are so many underground ruins in Mira’s territory. And
I have been bestowed the power by the Goddess to emit a special “voice” to
call the Golden-eyed. Now then……]

Sheathing his sword, Emperor Zera clapped his hands.

[Let’s split up for the time being.]

Hearing his words, both me and Oyamada looked towards him.

Emperor Zera continues.

[After I explained the whole plan, I’m going to go on my own for a while.]
Oyamada grunted in response.

[You are going to go on your own? Is that…… also part of Mother’s

orders?]
[Umu, that’s right.]
[Yes, then it’s alright then.]

Emperor Zera’s gaze then falls on me.

[Now then, young lady.]

[……Yeah.]
[I will give all these Sacraments I created earlier to your Drunken Sword
Party.]
[No———- No, no, just wait right there. These fellows only listen to your
orders, right? Even if you leave them to us……]
[There’s no problem about that. I will order them to follow the orders of the
Drunken Sword Party from now on, so they will listen to you and your
group’s orders, young lady.]

Hearing his words, I couldn’t help but leak out a nasty smile.

[Now ain’t that just very convenient……]

[The work of your Drunken Sword Party is very important in this operation.
I would need to ask you to exert yourself.]
[…………………….]
[Oya? Something on your mind, young lady?]
[Hmmm, no…… It’s not something to talk about. Don’t worry about it.]
[No, no, you don’t need to be reserved. You can talk to me about it.]

“Hmmm”, scratching the tip of my nose, I pondered about it.

[You see…… If we had a power like that, we could have had you and those
Sacraments…… as a force against the Great Demon Emperor back then, is
what I was thinking.]
[Ahh, that would be impossible.]

Saying this, Emperor Zera chuckled again while stroking his long white
beard.

[I mean, I too used to be a human in this world…… Of course, I would be

weakened under the influence of the Tyrant’s Miasma.]
[Then, what about those Sacraments?]
[Hmmm?]

[They were originally Golden-eyed monsters that wouldn’t be weakened by

the Tyrant’s miasma…… We could have created a lot of them in the rear
and sent them against the Great Demon Emperor’s army for a long time.
While in that battle earlier, I remember hearing that they are soldiers who
don’t need food or sleep, right?]
[On the contrary, that makes it all the more impossible, young lady.]
[?]
[I said it earlier, didn’t I? That I “have received the power of the Goddess”.]
[Ahh———-]
[That’s right, it was just as you guessed. The power of the Goddess may be
powerful, but the weak point of the Gods is the Great Demon Emperor……
Yes, their Tyrant’s Miasma. And I, who had been bestowed the power of a
God, allowing me to create the Sacraments…… You know what that means,
right?]
[Just like the origins of your power, the Goddess…… In other words, these
Sacraments would be weakened under the influence of the Tyrant’s
Miasma.]

That certainly makes sense.

Emperor Zera’s abilities may be beyond ordinary———-

But against the Great Demon Emperor, they’re nothing but useless forces.

That is why they were sent to Mira.

However, Oyamada, who is a Hero, isn’t affected by the Tyrant’s
Miasma……

(No…… If this person had been brainwashed that he had become this
different, I guess she couldn’t let him meet the other Heroes huh. Especially
that S-rank Hero…… Sogou Ayaka. I can see the trouble happening if she
were to see him……)

That’s why, she decided to have him go to a different place than the other
Heroes and make use of him.
Naturally, the Goddess factored in the fact that me and the others, who she
had hostages against, wouldn’t tell Sogou————-
(———-so that’s why. I suppose this means the subjugation of the Great
Demon Emperor will be done by Heroes, excluding Oyamada……)

After that, Emperor Zera finished explaining the entire operation.

[And so……]

Rolling up the map, Emperor Zera put it away.

[Let’s start the operation.]

Our Drunken Sword Party led the Sacraments to take control of a nearby
fortress.

The weapons and armors we’ve obtained from the fortress were given to the
Sacraments to arm themselves.
Urging the opponents to retreat, the soldiers who did were allowed to
escape.
This was also in accordance with the plan.
Soldiers were successively being sent to the Imperial Capital.
The same goes for the cities and towns we passed on the way to the
Imperial Capital.

They were to raid, gain control of their homes…… push the people to
escape and allow them to evacuate.

The objective is to force the mass exodus of refugees to the Imperial

Capital.
I had already read the intention of this operation.

[Tsk, what a horrible operation this is———, ……Well, the one conducting
this operation is us though.]

However, one unexpected thing happened during the operation.

Shougo Oyamada disappeared.
Hearing the voices of people running away in the distance, I asked my
Deputy, Foss.

[You found him?]

[No, he wasn’t here.]

Foss is brown-skinned, with his hair brushed back.

He uses bastard swords, and although he’s the Deputy Commander, he’s the
Drunken Sword Party’s raid leader.
His role is mainly to lead the way in battle.
“Hmmm”, closing my eyes, I put my fingers to my forehead and thought.

[Who was the last one to see Oyamada?]

[It’s Bigg…… He lost sight of him near the north gate. No one in the city
has seen Oyamada since then. Perhaps, he may not have participated in the
raid itself…… My bad, even though I said I would keep an eye on him.]
[It can’t be helped. I was being mindful about what would happen to our
people if we poorly try to stop him. You saw it yourself, didn’t you? The
way Oyamada changed when he lost his temper…… You will never know
what factors would suddenly make him flip out.]

“Phew”, with his hands on his hips, Foss sighed.

At the end of our gaze was the Sacraments loitering around…… and the
city ablaze, with black fluttering smoke rising above.
Letting out an unenthusiastic sigh myself, I shook my head and asked,
moving away from my earlier thoughts.

[What do you think?]

[I can’t imagine that Oyamada ran away. He seemed to have so much faith
in the Goddess. He would definitely carry out his operation no matter what.
It’s just…… In the first place, that doesn’t necessarily mean he said
anything about working with us. Neither the Goddess nor Emperor Zera
said anything about him working together with us either.

[So, Oyamada had planned to work independently…… That means he may

or may not be around anymore.]
[Sorry.]
[It’s alright. We just have to do our roles.]
[Leader, I don’t think…… there are any more people left in the city.]

A magician-like woman wearing a pointy hat——— Drowa arrived.

She has a glamorous face.
She has great curves which attracts the attention of the opposite gender.
According to her, the reason for her revealing attire is to catch the eyes of
others.
Following her was a young man with a gentle-looking face———– Juon.
He is shorter than Drowa and looks like her younger brother when they
stand side by side.

[Well, this operation…… might be the largest scale for our group. As
expected, I’m also quite nervous.]
[Now, now, it can’t be helped! Elder Sis had already decided after all!]

The next person to appear after Juon was a man with short hair.
A cheerful young man with a smile that suited him———- Pozik.
After him……

[Ahh, you three, couldn’t you wait for me? You walk too fast……
Irritating.]

A small woman with glasses follows them with a trot———— Izerna.

The occasional small curse at the end of her sentences were the same as
always.

[……Sorry, Leader. I should have kept a better eye on Oyamada.

Awkwardly appearing was Bigg, whose name had just been mentioned.
He is the oldest person in this operation, and the oldest member of the
current Drunken Sword Party.
Foss tapped Bigg on the shoulder.

[Don’t worry about it, Bigg-san. You have always been the foundation of
our Drunken Sword Party, and it’s because of you that we are where we are
today.]
[That’s right, it’s as we always say.]

I continued.

[It’s important we first determine whether the failure was intentionally

malicious or not. If it’s due to a lack of ability, then measures should be
taken to prevent the same mistake from happening again. You also need to
determine whether the individual needs to improve, find a replacement
more suitable for the job, or have a group of people lend them a helping
hand. And if they’ve said they’re sorry and their feelings have been
conveyed, then it’s no longer time for them to be blamed. It’s better to just
move on.]

[Ufufu…… As expected, I really like this part of the Drunken Sword

Party.]
[Drowa-san, I’m also grateful for this kind of thing……]
[Right?]
[Right you are~~]

Crossing his arms, Pozik laughed.

[What! Don’t worry about it, grandpa Bigg! I’ve made plenty of mistakes
myself! Isn’t that right, Elder Sis!?]

Hearing his words, I smiled…… and smacked him in the head.

[Ghuk!?]
[You should learn from your mistake, Pozik!]
[Y- Yes……]

Harmonious laughter rang out.

Meanwhile, Bigg lowered down his helmet, covering his eyes.

[……I’m sorry for troubling you, everyone.]

The seven people who are currently here can be said as the main core of the
Drunken Sword Party.
Come to think of it……
It was a good long time ago……
But oddly enough——— we made up the same group when we dived into
Urza’s Mills Ruins.
[……………………..]

I wonder why I suddenly remembered that now though.

As I watched everyone laughing together, trying not to darken the
atmosphere even at a time like this, my eyes narrowed.

(For not a single one to die…… I suppose asking that may be too much.
Well…… Maybe the only saving grace is that we aren’t sent here to commit
a slaughter…… It’s just……)

Putting my hand on my neck, I cracked it a bit.

(If it could come true, I’d really like to go home…… together with
everyone.)

Eventually, our other comrades joined up with our group———– and our
Drunken Sword Party began aiming for our next objective.

With the White Army in tow.

Drunken Sword Party————- Foss POV>
Our Drunken Sword Party led the Sacraments and made an invasion while
moving south.
There was still no contact or any word from Emperor Zera or Oyamada.
Right now, our Drunken Sword Party had just forced a town to surrender.
That’s one step closer to the Imperial Capital.

A light rain was falling.

The sun had already set, and the area around us was completely dark.
It was a damp and uncomfortable night, with the night air caressing my
cheeks.
I, the Deputy Commander of our group, who was also in charge of the
vanguard, met the hooded Juon.

[Oh, Juon.]

[Hello, Foss-san.]

Silence.
Neither of us saying anything, I turned my attention to the town at night,
which is deserted except for the Sacraments.
Feeling where my gaze is directed, Juon turned down his gaze.

[Even if we do all these…… Even if we win against Mira, the name of the
Drunken Sword Party will be etched in the memories of the citizens of Mira
in a bad way for a long time.
[……We’re prepared for that. Me and Lili. Juon…… If that bothers you,
I’m not going to hold it against you so……]
[Wait right there, Foss-san. I will not leave the group. I’ve decided to follow
the Captain no matter what. Besides, I knew it.]

“Fuuu……”, Juon calmly showed his resolve.

[The current situation is that our family and friends are being held hostage.
They are more precious to us than anything else…… Even Captain had
people she had to protect. She’s prepared to have this infamy at Mira for
their sake.]

This time’s mission……

We are instructed to show off the existence of our Drunken Sword Party in
this place.
No matter what they have done here, the name of the Drunken Sword Party
will be heard by Mira’s citizens.

[Don’t worry about it, Juon. The majority of the world’s opinion is that
Mira is to blame for starting a war at a time like this. Well, I do have my
own thoughts about the Goddess…… In any case, as you said, we’ll just
follow Lili. Even so———-]

The lantern I had in hand illuminated the Sacrament standing in a faintly

slumped posture.

[They sure are creepy. After they complete our orders, they just go into a
waiting state like that. They don’t even respond to our words. No matter
who is yelling or crying nearby, they wouldn’t respond without instructions.
This one-sided communication…… I guess this would be what they are all
about.]

They’re creepy.
If there’s no one among the Drunken Sword Party to give them direction,
they’re no different than scarecrows.
Even if lightning strikes them, they will not react.
Also, it seems that they can’t respond to instructions that are too
complicated.
They must be given something simple and easy-to-understand.
The Sacraments were indeed useful, but they will be useless when the
commanders get done in.

[Right. Soldiers that don’t need food or sleep…… They certainly are
convenient, but it’s just hard to think of them as comrades we’re fighting
together.]
[There’s also the way they die.]

“Well……”, Juon looked down at two nearby corpses.

White muddy stuff is blending along the rainwater on the ground.

The bodily fluids of the Sacraments are white.
Apparently, if too much of this pours out of their body, the Sacrament will
die, just like how people die by bleeding out.
At the same time as the Sacraments die, something that closely resembles
white wings would vigorously rush out of their eyes.

This, so to speak, seems to be the signal of their death.

Another eerie thing is the common behavior of the two on the verge of
dying.

Those two tried to hold hands with each other.

I don’t know what the purpose of their actions were.

It probably has some sort of meaning, but I don’t know what it is.
However, the Sacraments who seem to be approaching death want to hold
hands with another Sacrament.
Slowly…… They would stretch out their hand and try to take the other
Sacrament’s hand……
Silently……

[The fact that they’re unknown makes it hard for us to do anything.]

[I’m also worried that they might suddenly turn on us. After all, it’s
Emperor Zera who they originally follow, right?]
[……That Emperor Zera himself smells suspicious. The former Emperor of
Mira, who should have been dead by now, is alive because he has been
bestowed a share of God’s power? Good grief, that’s just nonsensical……
Are Gods even allowed to do such a thing?]
[Speaking of which, why is he called the “Exiled Emperor” again?]
[He tried to transfer the Knight to the Goddess——— to Alion’s King, or
so I heard? Mira’s First Emperor, Falken and Second Emperor, Dot……
The curse of these two Emperors must be broken, or so said Emperor Zera.
So, he was stripped of his imperial title by the second heir to the throne at
that time and the three Elected Imperial Households, and he was exiled
from Mira…… From the little bit I know about history, I think that’s how it
went———-]
[Foss———– Ahh, you’re also here, Juon. Can I have a word?]
[What’s up, Bigg-san?]

Bigg, drenched by the drizzling rain, pulled off his hood.

[A group of Golden-eyed monsters are heading this way. They may be

monsters that Emperor Zera was unable to mutate. Let’s gather everyone to
deal with them.]
[Unlike the Exiled Emperor, we are unable to increase the number of
Sacraments. Considering our mission, I don’t really want to reduce the
number of Sacraments as much as possible…… With this in mind, I think it
would be better if we deal with that herd ourselves. Well, I feel much more
at ease dealing with monsters.]
[It was as Juon said. You fine with that, Foss?]
[I understand. I’ll give some instructions to the Sacraments around here and
catch up with you later.]

With those words, Bigg and Juon disappeared into the pouring rain.
Meanwhile, I was going to go around and instruct the Sacraments, starting
with the closest one but———–

[Somebody!]
[!]
A voice.
From a nearby house.

[Somebody help us…… My father!]

A young man’s voice.

[Leave, Taram! They’ll end up finding us! I will be fine! Just escape first!]

And following that is a deep voice.

This one sounded less youthful in tone.

[D- Don’t wanna! Definitely don’t wanna! I can’t leave you here, Father! If
we could just at least move this……! D- D*mn it…… I can’t do it! S-
Somebody…… Is there anyone there!? Help us…… Sniff…… Please!]

[Stop, Taram! I’m asking you, get out of here already!]

[I don’t wanna! Definitely don’t wannaaaaaaa! I will not give up!
Kuhh…… D*mn it! Move, moooooove————-!]

————-Over there, at that slanting house huh.

Was it furniture or something fell over during the raid and that father of
theirs got pinned underneath huh……

I quickly analyzed the situation like this———– but then, a thought popped
into my mind.
It might also be a trap.
A trap by the enemy Mira’s side to try and lure him out.
That isn’t impossible.
However, the path I’m heading to was in their direction.

I can’t just forsake them there.

Leading the Sacraments to help them——— That won’t do.
It would only frighten him.

"
"
I found my feet heading toward the building where the voice was coming
from.
With conflicting feelings in mind, I feel myself grinding my teeth as I walk
forward.

……I guess I’m at least trying to atone for what I did to the town.

Before I can sort out my wavering feelings though, I realized that I have
already stepped inside.
I didn’t even call out to the inside before entering.

Shallow and thoughtless actions, unlike my usual self.

If I’m too far from my peers, I avoid acting alone as much as possible.
I broke the Drunken Sword Party’s policy.
The rain was increasing in intensity……
Lightning flashed outside the window……
With my unsheathed sword in hand, I walked slowly to check on the
situation.
But then, I noticed…… The cries for help had stopped.

[……Oi, I’m here to help.]

I heard no answer.
The dark interior is still silent.
Walking forward, I shined my lantern ahead.
However, I haven’t found anyone.

[Where are you? I’m here to help you.]

I called out a little louder, but I still received no answer.

Standing here, I could only feel ashamed for my shortcomings.
It really is a trap huh?
Or perhaps……
Afraid of the people who raided the town, they were hiding their breathing.

[If you need help, you can tell me! Rest assured, I mean you no harm! We
certainly may have raided you, but most of the people in this town have
already been evacuated and should be safe and sound……!]
I call out, raising my voice even louder.
But as I had expected, there was still no reply……
At that moment, the rain outside suddenly slowed to a crawl.
Stepping on the wooden floor, I entered the next room.
The creaking sound of the floorboards echoed through the room.
With the floors like this, my ears won’t miss even the smallest footstep.
If anyone approached, I would be able to tell by their presence and the
sound.
The weather was also by my side.
It’s alright.
There wouldn’t be any problem———-

[………………………]

There’s something there……

It’s there……

Nearby……

I could feel the sensation of my own body temperature dropping

rapidly……
Where is it?
Where are they?
I don’t know.
I can’t pinpoint their presence.
Pushing down these unpleasant impatience within me, I tried to listen even
more carefully.
Sounds…… No, still can’t hear anything.

No……

Hearing something, I stopped in my tracks.

………………………………………….Overhead?

[————————–]

From above?

So they’re up above?
But…… why?
Shouldn’t there only be the ceiling above me?
Perhaps, do they have a hidden attic?
The sound of shallow breathing———– No, that’s the sound of my own
breathing.
I can’t hear anything else again……
Is the sound of something breathing above so low that it’s being drowned
out by the faint sound of rain?

……Haahhh…… Haahhh…… Haahhh……

The short sound of my breath.

Slowing my breath even more……

I make my breathing short.

……I can see my own breath……
My clothes that have absorbed the rain……
Cold……
Shivering……
As if it were winter.

It’s from above.

……What are they doing?

Don’t they have me caught in their trap?
Why won’t they commence their trap then?

No.

In fact, there might not be anything there.

Maybe, I was just so tense that I thought “there’s something there”?
Or perhaps, even the voices of that father and son———–

—–may have just been auditory hallucinations from this deep-seated sense
of guilt.

I just want a chance to atone for my sins.

I may have just been subconsciously imagining———-

No.

It’s there.
It really is there.
It should be there……

……Haahhh…… Haahhaaahhh…… Haahhhaaahhhaaahhhh……

Haahhaahhaaahhhhaaaahhhaahhhaaahhh……

D*mn it.
I need to check what that is.

I don’t know anything.

I need to observe what that is.
I don’t———-

Pak!

Gathering my courage, I looked up towards the ceiling……

Towards———- the darkness……

And there……

I found eyes……

Red eyes……

[Gyaakkk!]
Thud.
<Drunken Sword Party————- Izerna POV>

[Wasn’t that Foss’ voice!?]

[I can’t hear it clearly because of the rain, but most probably.]

Me and Bigg searched for Foss.

Our Drunken Sword Party should have gathered once to deal with the
Golden-eyed monster.
However, Foss never arrived.
Everyone wondered what had happened to him.
As he was the Deputy Captain of our group, we didn’t want to lose him.
Perhaps, he was having a hard fight against some Golden-eyed monsters
who suddenly appeared in his vicinity.
However, the Golden-eyed monsters that appeared near Lili and the others
were also numerous.

In the end, Lili and the others decided to deal with them by throwing some
of the Sacraments into the fray.
In the meantime, Bigg and I were sent to search for them, bringing along a
small amount of Sacraments with us.
[Ah! I heard it coming from that building!]
[……So it would seem. It seemed like what we heard were voices calling
for help. It doesn’t seem like we’re hearing auditory hallucinations or just
mishearing things.]
[Seems like he broke a leg and can’t move.]
[I can’t lose Foss. I’m going.]
[I- I will——– also go!]
[Fufu…… Izerna is such a person after all. When it comes to Foss, that is!]
[That’s not…… t- the problem right now!]

Even if he teases me, I can’t curse at Bigg, who I respect.

Putting his teasings aside, we entered the building.

[Foss-san! Where are you!? Foss-san!]

[Foss! Where are you!?]

We searched around the building.

However, Foss is nowhere to be found.
I also can’t hear his voice.

A flash of lightning struck outside.

A little later, thunder rang out.

[Kyaaaaa!]
……ZaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAA……

I could hear the sound of rain dripping from the eaves of the house outside.
As I peaked out of my arms, which had been protecting me from the sudden
sound of thunder, I stood up.

[Fuuuu, I really hate thunder…… I wish they just didn’t exist in the world.
Even so, doesn’t it feel like Foss-san isn’t here?]

I asked Bigg-san, who was watching over our backs.

Moving around my lantern, I restlessly looked around.

[He’s probably at the building next door…… With this heavy rain, he
probably can’t hear us. However, the fact that there’s no answer when we
entered this building means he couldn’t hear us…… I really think he isn’t
here.]

………………………

[Arehh?]

Something feels out of place……

[Bigg-san?]

Confused by his lack of answer, I turned around.

[Eh?]

And didn’t find him there.

Bigg had suddenly disappeared……

[B- Bigg-san!? Where did you go!? Please answer me! Bigg-san! Bi
———]
[————-yuu.]

Behind me.

There’s something behind me.

Immediately taking a fighting stance, I quickly turned around.

[Was I just hearing things? I feel like I heard the cry of some animal
———-]

Tot tot tot tot tot tot……

Chyuu chyuu……
There’s some kind of sound coming from the ceiling.
Footsteps that sounded like small animals and a familiar squeak.

[W- What, it’s just rats huh…… Guess I’ll get rid of it. Ahh…… Errr,
Bigg-san, you’re probably searching in other rooms huh…… Geez, I’m
scaring myself too much.]

Feeling a presence nearby, I breathed a sigh of relief and turned again

towards where Bigg-san was.

[————————–Huh?]

However, what I found there…… wasn’t Bigg-san.

With its hand held out towards my direction——— What is that thing?
Are those red eyes…… of a fly———–

I felt as if blood was being drained of my body.

[Gyaaaaa———–]

I think I heard something.

Perhaps, that was my short——— not something I can’t exactly describe as

cute——- scream.

[………………………….]
Thereupon, I lost consciousness.

<Drunken Sword Party————- Lili Adamantine>

The eastern part of the city.

Houses were lined up in a row, and the surrounding area was deserted.

The numbers and power of the monsters were tremendous.

Our Drunken Sword Party also gathered one after another to intercept these
monsters.
As much as possible, I don’t want to use up the Sacraments in this battle.
We would like to get rid of these monsters by ourselves.
In fact, at first, we were able to calmly intercept the monsters.

Slash!

My blade slices through the flesh of the monsters.

With my sword tearing its body apart, the Golden-eyed monster screamed.

The Sacraments that had been serving as a shield around me had been
annihilated.

After all, the individual combat ability of the Sacraments isn’t that high.
The strategic position is being taken care of by our Drunken Sword Party.
Bringing the hilt of my sword into my mouth……

Klank!

"
"

I clamped it between my teeth and held it in place.

I then lowered my upper body and leaned forward like a four-legged beast.
Thereupon, unsheathing two swords from my waist, I gripped one of them
in each hand.
Behind the leather belt around my waist, I also have a short sword at the
ready.
These four swords are like my fang, my claws, and my tail————

[Girurugugeaaaaa——— gyeeehhh!?]

I slashed and cast aside the monsters that appeared from the darkness
without pause.
We’ve also scattered lighting magic tools around in order to secure our
vision.

Ghaa!

The monster’s posture was broken by evasion and footwork.

Without a moment’s pause, I plunged my blades vertically down from
above the monster’s head.
With my strike, the monster let out a short scream of agony.

While that resounded in my ear, I threw the sword in my left hand, piercing
between the eyebrows of the monster running from the left side.

Zuzaaaaaaaaa—————!

With the loss of its life, strength left its entire body.
The monster then pathetically slid on the mud scattered on the
cobblestones, leaving its momentum behind.
Every time I moved, my hair would swing wildly.
The sword that was in my mouth, with drops of water flicking away with
each strike——–

———-is now held on my left hand.

Once again———– I took the stance with my upper body bent forward.
Battling like a tiger, I raged on the battlefield like a beast.

I will become a beast.

I feel my nerves sharper than ever.

If there’s a movement within a radius of 30 meters, I will immediately be
aware of it.

"
"
If something approaches from the outside, I can react.
Sending mud flying, monsters approached from every direction.
Even with the rain, I’m well aware of their presence.
While they attacked from 30 raeters away, I could already build up a
winning strategy before they could get close.
Building a winning strategy in my mind was one of my specialties.
Letting out a growl that sounded like a beast, I fought again.
A moment later……

It was not mud that splattered around.

They were gushes of blood from the monsters caused by a series of swift
strikes.
Thereupon, a second line of more monsters arrived.
I sent out an Offensive magic from my ring-shaped magic tool upon them.
The remaining monsters that couldn’t be defeated by the Offensive magic
were disposed of by throwing my sword.

With my sub-weapon lost, I quickly pulled out the short sword behind my
waist and held it in my free hand.
The area was already filled with dead monsters.
If Emperor Zera had been here, he would have been able to produce a lot of
Sacraments.

[Foss! Bigg-san! Juon! Anyone there!?]

No response.
We’re fighting in an urban area.
Running through narrow areas, our Drunken Sword Party fought in
tandems.

Cooperate.
Back-up.
Disperse.
Merge.
Act in concert with one another.

This is the fighting style of the Drunken Sword Party.

Always breaching through the front for everyone is Foss.

Standing firmly behind him, protecting his back is Bigg.
Protecting their blind spot, supporting them is Juon, having ability that’s
tantamount to a skilled artisan.
Here, the other members of the group naturally incorporated their
specialties into the situation.

As for enemies that were beyond their capabilities, they were held down by
me, who was the strongest in our group.

I may be strong, but there are countless others who are stronger than me.
But with the support of my friends, I can……
No, we can exert more power than we originally had.
But now, that premise in itself is crumbling before my eyes.

(What’s the matter…… Where did everyone go?)

The number and strength of the monsters were more than I had expected.

That is why, along the battle, I brought the Sacraments into the fray.
Compared to the Sacraments, there’s no way I could afford to lose my
friends more here.

The situation of the battle improved with the entrance of the Sacraments.

However, something strange began to happen after the Sacraments were

thrown into the battle.
One after another, the other members of my group disappeared from sight.
Indeed, it wasn’t possible for them to stay in the defensive position all the
time.
Depending on the strength of the monster they’re facing, they would have
to evade or otherwise deal with them while on the move.

Disperse, merge, act in concert with one another.

While we were doing this, some members of the group did not answer our
calls.
However, not a single corpse of a fellow member had ever been found.
It was strange and eerie.
We should have only been apart for a short time.

Ptui, I spit out some mud that got into my mouth.

Before I had time to wipe the dirt from my mouth, I snatched the sword
from a nearby corpse———-

——and put it in my mouth again.

(Strange…… What’s happening? It’s like I’m seeing a bad dream……
——–!)

The sound of monsters stepping through mud———- three…… no, four.

Letting out a shrill roar, the monsters leapt from the roof of a building.
As the rain fell sideways, the monsters attacked from above.
Seeing these, I first unleashed my Offensive magic at them.
This attack managed to kill two of the monsters, and as for the remaining
two monsters, I threw the swords in my hand————

[————————-]

But at that moment……

Almost reflexively, I turned towards “that” direction.

My body had almost unconsciously moved along with my intuition.

In the place where the corpses of monsters scattered……
Diagonally behind me, I found “that”.
Hiding underneath the corpses of monsters……
——was a human-shaped, black hand.

Peeking out from the crevice under the slightly lifted corpse———— were
dimly lit, eerie red eyes.

What in the world is that?

So that has been there all this time……

Seeing the opportunity, it appeared……!

[————- < Paralyze > ————-]

——————–Crickle, crackle——————–
I was confident that I could deal with most enemies if I could detect any
“movement” within 30 raeters.

If they had normally approached from some side, I would have had plenty
of time to detect them.

But if he had remained motionless, just watching from underneath those

corpses from the beginning———-

At this distance, I didn’t have the time to build up a winning strategy.

I didn’t have the time to deal with the situation.

I was completely caught by surprise.

At that moment, the corpse of the monster that had been covering the being
with red eyes was pushed away.

For some reason, “it” rushed towards me, who was completely immobilized
by whatever this being had done.

Meanwhile, the four monsters that had leaped from above seemed to have
been struck by my earlier attacks.
They fell around my area, screaming in pain.

It seemed like my earlier attack had hit them on their vital spot.

The four monsters were already incapable of combat.

However……

[Kuh…… ———Nghh! You are……!?]

(Fly King!?)

So he was in Mira’s camp huh.

Then——— my friends who disappeared……

They’ve been done in by him.

Even though I understood what happened…… My body won’t move.

Meanwhile, the Fly King draws close.

And then…… He’ll finish me off.

[———————]

At this moment, something came to my mind……

It was about the people we had left behind in Alion…….

Those who had been held hostage by the Goddess……

If we end up getting annihilated…… their value as hostages would

disappear.
There’s no point in getting rid of them.

Isn’t that right, Vysis?

That’s why……

That’s why, everyone——— please be safe.

Also…… My friends who have followed me throughout my journey.

I’m sorry for being such an incompetent leader.

Eventually, Vysis ended up using us to her advantage until the end.

However———– I was happy.

I’ve been able to live this long because I’m smiling together with everyone.
[D*mn——– it……. Ser…… iously……]

For someone like me…… I was quite blessed with a lot of friends, wasn’t
I?

……Let’s see……

If we were to meet behind Hell’s Gate of Imprisonment again……

I guess I’ll thank everyone again.

And please…… everyone.

Over there, even if it’s just a little bit———– Criticize this disappointing
Captain of yours.

[Fuuu……]
………………………The time has finally come huh.

At the very least, I must use all the strength I have inside me…… to
somehow force this immobile body to move, even if it’s by force…… Fight
back…… Retaliate———–

[ < Sleep > ]

Just before some kind of power takes away my consciousness……

[……Made it just in time huh. Tsk…… These exemplar goody two-shoes.It

would have been much easier to just kill them and be done with it……
Good grief, every single one of them———-]

Along with the sound of rain, these words somehow reached my ears before
I completely lost consciousness.
[They’ve resolved themselves too much.]
<Mad Emperor POV>

The rain swept the Imperial Capital.

“The increase in the number of refugees from the northeast is slowing

down.”

Or so, the reports state.

At the same time, the southward movement of the White Army in the
northeast has also stopped.

Reports regarding the Drunken Sword Party have also ceased to come in.
Currently, the soldiers from the unraided fortresses were annihilating the
White Army.
It seems that the Fly King has done it.
However————

[Your Majesty, I have come with a report. The refugees from the cities and
towns in the northwestern part of the country have been received in the
Second District. However…… Those white creatures are beginning to enter
the First District.]
[Can you fight them off?]
[Those white creatures have begun to take over the outer walls, but under
the lead of the Diaz family, their soldiers were managing to hold them off.]
[I understand. I will send some of the Imperial Guards to deal with those
white creatures who have entered the wall.]

The same situation occurred in the northwest as in the northeast.

The White Army had appeared, and cities were attacked one after another
as well.
I am currently looking over that report.
Before those white creatures appeared in the vicinity though, there had
always been reports of a surge of Golden-eyed monsters.

Perhaps, the appearance of these white creatures were related to this.

[The power of a God huh.]

[……Your Majesty?]
[Just as Asagi said, unknown forces without a chain of reasoning were just
being thrown about. That d*mned Vysis…… Until when is she going to
underestimate humans———- Kaiser.]
[Yes.]

Kaiser Mira, my half-brother.

He is the eldest son of the former Emperor.
In other words, he was originally the first in line to the throne.
However, he currently serves as Mira’s Prime Minister and works for me,
his younger brother.

[I leave dealing with the refugees to you. Also, the news of the attack on the
Imperial City might cause agitation towards Wright and his group in the
north and the army facing Urza in the east. Send a runner stating “The Mad
Emperor is alive and well, and we already have a plan in place. Trust in the
Emperor you believe in.”]
[Understood———, ……Is there really no problem?]
[We will take care of it so that it will not be a problem. However, tell Hawk
and the others to call the Forbidden Race here. Vysis’ side may have
detected her presence here. If possible, we would like to protect them.]

"
"
[Will they obediently follow though?]

Resting an elbow on my armrest, I rested my chin on my palm.

[Sounds like it will be difficult.]

[Can’t we force them to come here?]
[No…… If there’s a sign that they have prepared a means of escape, just let
them go. Putting aside if it’s just any other fool, these people are Fly King’s
people. He must have thought of an escape plan for them. The plan he had
in place might be better than for us to protect them ourselves.]
[Well then, if that is your will.]

Saying this, Kaiser left.

After that, I summoned those outside back in.
Thereupon, the Imperial Guards and my retainers scurried in.
Just like that, we waited for the next report to come towards the imperial
throne here in the imperial chamber.
The Elite Guards, selected among the Imperial Guards, were waiting by my
side.
Meanwhile, the retainers were divided into two groups, standing in a line to
my left and to my right.

Soon, the corridor leading here became noisy.

The Imperial Guards braced themselves, waiting for whatever was outside
as they dutifully protected me, while the faces of the retainers were tense.
Finally, outside my imperial chamber———— just outside of this room
rang about a series of screams.
Thereupon, a knight, with an unusual expression on his face, rushed in.

[R- Reporting! An unknown man had invaded the castle and demanded to
see his Majesty……! My apologies! We were unable to stop him……!
That’s even when we outnumber him! Even the Imperial Guards were easily
————]

DOGAAAAAAAAN!

[Ghuaaak!?]

Blown away by the slamming of the door, the knight slammed against a
pillar and fainted.
Seeing the entrance of this unknown man, my eyes squinted.
[Fo fo fou! Incompetent, truly incompetent. Ohh, I’m impressed you’re
holding your ground here in the imperial chamber without running away. I
thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me this opportunity to
meet you like this, Falken Dotzine Mira Dia Ordzit…… also known as the
Mad Emperor.]

Some of the retainers looked surprised upon his arrival.

I also had some vague recollections upon seeing his appearance and attire.

The old man stroked his long, corn-like beard.

[Fo fo fo, I see…… So your beauty really is as transient as the rumors say.
That was indeed a maddening beauty…… I wonder if your two brothers,
who I heard are obedient, have been seduced by this beauty?]
[…….Impudent old man. Is it not common sense to name yourself first?]
[Ohh, I beg your pardon. Well, some of you may have realized it
already…… My name is Falken Dotzera Mira Dia Ordzit———- Or well,
that was what my name used to be, fo fo fo.]

The words he said just now had clearly brough agitation among the
retainers.

[The Exiled Emperor huh…… However, isn’t it unusual how you’re still
alive? You should have already been dead, already having reached the end
of your life span. I see——– The truth of one’s life has been handed over to
the Gods huh. You are no longer human.]

The march to the cities and forts in the northwestern part of the country.
The attack on the Imperial Capital.
No wonder why the enemy looked so familiar with Mira.
Even if only temporarily, this was the territory of the country where he
grew up and ruled.
That must be why he’s familiar with the geography here.

[Today, I have come to give a sermon to my descendants.]

[Fumu, you’ve come for revenge for Mira who exiled you huh?]

[Hmmm, you could say that. The “curse” of the First Emperor Falken and
the next Emperor Dot…… However, that was a wish that can’t be fulfilled
as long as that Goddess is there———– The unification of the continent.]
[You think that this world, having that Goddess, is right?]

[Fo fo fo, that’s right. Peace can be achieved if all nations give up their
ambitions for a moment. With the Goddess, the continent is in balance.
Peace is best for the people. The Root of All Evil is enough of a threat by
itself.]

[You have a point———– but that is mere sophistry. True peace, as I see it
———- as we see it, is achieved through the unification of this continent.
And as long as the Goddess exists in this world, that will never happen.]

[For many years, this continent has practically been ruled by the Goddess.
Is this not similar to the unification of the continent?]
[If it’s a Human or a Demi-Human who is doing it…… Yes, if it’s a person
doing it, I will admit it. However, the Goddess doesn’t even think of
humans as people. The present situation in which our world is entrusted to
an ambiguous being beyond human knowledge…… I don’t think this
situation is healthy. The peace we have now is only temporary.]

[Well, our Mira has had several past Emperors killed in a roundabout way
because of the displeasure of the Goddess. I know that the Emperor’s
family has always held a grudge against her…… No, that’s just how things
would be. Fufu, in other words…… You are just another avenger for the
Emperors who had been “disposed” by the Goddess in the past. Fo fo fo,
even though I’m taking revenge for my own exilement…… vengeance is
always a vulgar thing without a cause, based on temporary feelings.
However, don’t you think it’s cowardly to say as if you are thinking of the
whole world…… Mad Emperor! Fo fo fo! Indeed, you’re mad! You’re truly
mad!]

[“Curses are, in other words, weaved thoughts.”]

[?]
[That’s what my father…… the former Emperor said.]

Former Emperor Zera takes a step forward, heading towards the throne.

In his hand, he holds a one-handed sword with a rather long blade.

[Fo fo fo, good…… Goooooood. This is also good. I may have said I’ve
come here to preach, but I have lived long enough to know the way of the
world. It’s not often that two people who disagree with each other can
completely settle their differences. That is how the world of man works.
Therefore———– I have no choice but to crush them. Through fear and
violence…… exterminate everything on my path. The only way to resolve
any conflict is to bind them with fear and eradicate them with violence.
Men can never escape the fate of being an animal driven by emotions
———– Never. Thus, if you want to get through me, O Mad Emperor……
The weapons you wield shouldn’t be words, but power! Do you
understand!? Well then, let’s go…… My descendant, Mad Emperor! Fo fo
fo! Ahh, now this is just enjoyable! For some reason, I feel very happy! I
really feel like thanking the world for everything it has blessed me with!]

Seeing that this can’t be settled easily, I stood up and drew the sword from
the scabbard hanging at my waist.
The Sacred Sword, Exbringer.

[Foolish…… is what I’d like to say, but what you said this time can’t be
easily dismissed as mere sophistry. Indeed…… In the end, it’s violence
——— destruction that decides the change in this world.]

[So be it, my lovable descendant! Good gracious, today is a great day! Let
your power overpower this vengeance-driven Exiled Emperor————
Emperor of Ideals Zine! Fo fo fo fo!]

The emperor’s chamber is long and narrow.

Thick pillars stand at equal intervals on either side of the carpet leading up
to my imperial throne.
The more one approaches my imperial throne from the entrance, the more
luxurious the pillars become.
The closer one gets to my imperial throne, the more magnificent the
sculptures become.
The ornaments were also more extravagant.
With each step closer one gets to their Emperor———- the more they feel a
certain emotion.
Longing……

“I want to be closer to he who I admire.”

Most of the people feel that way.

“I want to be as close as possible to he who sits on the throne of the

Emperor.”

Such emotions would be in their mind.

However, the former Emperor Zera approaches me with a gait that doesn’t
show such emotions.
For those who once sat on that throne, I suppose it’s a meaningless trick.

[P- Protect his Majesty!]

The Knights, who were shocked upon learning his identity, simultaneously
leaped towards the Emperor’s back.
However…….

[Kuwaaaahhhh!]

Sword Pressure huh.

"
"
As if caught by some kind of whirlwind, the Knights were blown away with
a single swipe.
Most of their bodies were torn to pieces.
With that single exchange, many lost their lives, or at best, disabled.
Meanwhile, the retainers began to flee behind the pillars.
However, that isn’t something the Imperial Guards can do.
Even though I could feel their fear———– They took up battle positions,
intending to protect me.
However……

[It’s alright…… You lot, stay back.]

[H- However, your Majesty……!]
[You are my valuable war potential for me, needed for the future. Above all,
I am the only one here who can decently take him on…… Don’t worry. I
will win this battle.]
[Y- Your Majesty———–]

Not waiting for former Emperor Zera to reach me, I myself took a step
forward.

"
"

[Fo fo fo, so you’re approaching me, Zine…… As a member of the family,

I’m proud of you.]

The blade of my sacred sword emits a greenish-white light.

With each swing of my sword, an afterimage of the blade’s trajectory
remained in the air, looking as if they were blades piling up each other with
a slight shift between them.
These translucent Phantom Blades, thought to be afterimage, have mass.

I can use them either as a shield or a blade to strike the enemy.

[How astounding. You’ve gone senile. You’re the only one in this world
who still thinks you’re a member of my family…… It’s beyond stupidity
that it’s just pathetic.]

Accompanied by the Phantom Blades surrounding me, with dignity and

poise, I held up my sword.

[You are now but an outcast———- Know your place, Zera.]

[Fo fo fo! Truly adequate you are, child! The vessel! Splendid! You hold the
vessel worthy of an Emperor!]
<Seras Ashrain POV>

[Do you think Touka-san headed west?]

Hearing Munin’s question, I thought.

She’s talking about the direction where a new group of White Army
appeared.
[No…… I think he headed for our rendezvous point. After completing this
operation, his top priority should be meeting up with us…… That is what
Touka-dono said before. In any case, we should probably leave the Imperial
Capital at once.]
[I understand. If the Deputy Chief, Seras-san, says so, I will follow you.]
[Thank you, Munin-dono.]

Slei, in her second form, is in a simple stable set up on the grounds of the
mansion.

“I poured 9990 MP into Slei. If you pour another 10 MP, she can go straight
into her third form.”

Before leaving the Imperial Capital, Touka told me so.

Slei requires a large amount of magic to enter her third form.
Moreover, the consumption due to entering her third form is also
significant.

Touka can knead and store a large amount of magic energy.

In order for Slei to enter her third form, his supposed “MP” was
indispensable.
So, he poured his magic power in such a way in advance.
However, in order for Slei to maintain her third form, we would also need
to replenish her magic power.
I would have to rely on Munin for that.
Munin is excelling in handling magic power, unlike me, an Elf, who can’t
handle such things.
In times like this, she’s reliable.
[Well then, let’s head for the first rendezvous point first. We have to take
into account the possibility that Touka-dono is moving towards our
direction, but if we are gone, he should be following us to the rendezvous
point.]

I recalled the exchange Touka-dono and I had before he departed.

“If you decide that staying here will be dangerous, don’t wait for me to
come back and head for the rendezvous point. Even if we end up not
crossing paths, I will go to the rendezvous point and follow you.”
“Regarding the Mad Emperor Emperor and the Heroes from Another
World…… Would that be alright?”
“Of course, it would be a serious blow to the plan if we lose them, but what
we should be most worried about is losing Munin. If we lose Munin, we
will have no choice but to rely on Fugi for the Forbidden Curses. I want to
avoid that, and I’m sure Munin herself wouldn’t want that too.”

For this journey, Munin is risking her life.

Touka and me too.
That is why……
Because he feels everyone in our group is valuable……
He absolutely wants to protect us.
Most of all……

“I also want to make sure you’re safe, Seras. Losing you would be too
much for me.”
——That’s what he said to me.

(……That’s also the same case for me, Touka-dono. If I should happen to
lose you, I’m sure everything in me will collapse…… I have such——– a
feeling close to certainty now.)

Relishing upon such a memory in mind, I put a finger through the curtains
and silently looked outside through the gap.

[The area is now deserted…… Although this place wasn’t that populated of
an area to begin with, it seems that those who were in the vicinity have been
evacuated.]

It would be conspicuous if we were to escape while riding Slei in her third

form.

However, with the current situation at the castle, I feel that escape is
possible.
We already have several candidates for escape routes planned beforehand.
The place where we are now is a guest house prepared for welcoming
important people.
Unsurprisingly, they even have a hidden passageway that allows escape by
carriage.

[Putting aside normal times, with the chaos and confusion around us, I think
we could slip through———–, ……!]
[? Seras-san? What’s the matter?]

Seeing something, I lightly bit my lip.

[……Hawk-san has been captured.]
[Ehh!?]

A man was walking alone on the cobblestones.

With the back of his collar grabbed by this man, Hawk was being dragged
away.
He seems to be injured, and appears to be unconscious.

The man who was dragging him doesn’t look like someone I recognize.
……No, wait……

[Don’t tell me———–]

(That physique, that face…… Could it be, he’s the man Touka-dono
mentioned before———)

[Hero from Another World……?]

There are still many Heroes that I had never seen with my own eyes.
However, Touka has told me about the facial and physical features of some
of them.
For example, the Takao sister.
Takuto Kirihara.
And……

[Shougo…… Oyamada?]
The features Touka gave me match.

Is he the one named “Oyamada”?

This man who seemed to be Oyamada, as if calling out to people whose
numbers are unclear, called out.

[Is that Forbidden Race person really here!?]

[!]

He had somehow caught information of Munin’s location.

[Chaining up prisoners! Having them reveal the truth through sympathy!

Ahh, it was indeed as Mother says! Physical pain is good! The trick is to
make them think that “if they don’t tell the truth, they’ll end up meeting the
end of the line”! Even if they’re loyal to the Mad Emperor, humans are
weak creatures! This man was the only one who never gave out important
information! However, Mother taught me well! Such a tight-lipped man is
often a valuable hostage! As expected of Mother!]

It seems like he arrived at this point———– through a series of torturous

interrogations huh.
However, there’s something in his words that caught my attention.

[……Mother?]
[And this very man I’m holding in my hand right now seems to be in a very
important position! According to what the attendant told me, he’s
something like a caretaker for that Forbidden Race! Now, Forbidden Race!
If you don’t show yourself, I will punish this man and kill him without
mercy! Would it be better if I start tearing off each of his fingers!? If you
deem such an act as cruelty, then come out! Please listen to me! Please! Oh,
please! Mother is the greatest!]

Perhaps hearing his shouts, a man who looked like a knight appeared with a
sword in hand.

[!? Hawk-dono! Kuhh, you b*stard…… Who the heck are you!?]

[Me!? I’m a Hero from Another World!]

[Wha!?]
[Goddess Vysis’ one and only son———– Shougo Oyamada! As for you,
do you have any worth as a prisoner!? Doesn’t seem like it———- < Bullet
> !]
[Gugyaakh!?]

A red mass was released from Oyamada’s fist.

The knight who was struck by that mass was blown away.
The shattered pieces of his armor rolled on the floor, bathed in blood.
I then turned my gaze to the fence of the building near us, which had also
been damaged by that red chunk.
The top of that fence seemed to be shattered.
High destructive power.
The speed of an arrow.
We need to be careful with what he just did.
And now, I’m sure————

[……He really is Touka-dono’s……]

[What should we do, Seras-san…… Hawk-san is……]

Faced with this situation, I hesitated.

Hawk isn’t a bad person.
After we came here to Mira, he had shown us heartfelt consideration.
I’m well-aware that he was ordered by the Mad Emperor but……

[He was also the one who showed us the escape route in case of emergency.
I’m sure he didn’t know about our escape plan, but he still told us to
consider escaping if we felt we were in danger.]

Am I going to abandon such a person here?

[Forbidden Race!? You won’t come out!? In that case——– That’s one!]
[Khrgggh…….!?]

A bitter cry.

Oyamada lopped off one of Hawk’s fingers.

I could feel Hawk’s exhaustion from his voice.
The severe wound incurred on his body had considerably weakened him.
Thinking about this rationally…….
We shouldn’t let his taunting affect us, and instead escape with Slei.
Fortunately, the stables are located behind this mansion, directly opposite to
where Oyamada is.
If we just go to the back and escape with Slei, we may be able to escape.

[…………………………Good intentions for good intentions.]

I suddenly found myself muttering those words.

As for whether we abandon him here or what the right thing to do here
is……

He left the decision to my judgment.

(I will———-)

Shougo Oyamada.
A-Rank Hero.
The same ranking as that Tomohiro Yasu.
He is probably one of the strongest among the Heroes.
However, he should be less of a threat than the S-Ranks———
This was Touka’s analysis about him.
According to what he told me, he was a person that easily lets his emotions
judge his actions.
If we can make him lose his composure, we might open up a gap we could
make use of.
(For example, If I were to breach that opening with my identity as “Seras
Ashrain”……)

At that moment, Munin spoke in a serious tone.

[Seras-san, I want to———-]

[Munin-dono, I’m going to rescue Hawk-dono.]

[!]
[He is Mad Emperor’s capable aide. I think it would be worthwhile to help
him.]
[Y- Yes…… Well then, I will go with———-]
[No, I’m going alone.]
[! T- That’s no good, Seras-san……! That is……]
[My apologies. We can’t allow you to be in danger. That’s something I had
promised him.]
[No, putting that aside, what about your safety————]

Hearing her concern———-

I only gave her a disconsolate smile.

[I appreciate your concern, Munin-dono…… but this isn’t something that

holds any room for discussion.]
[……Seras-san.]
I glanced out of the window again.

[Well then, let’s do it this way. Munin-dono, you should take your raven
form, ready to escape from the window of the room on the second floor at
any time. Also…… It would be helpful if you could transform Slei-dono in
the stables behind the mansion into her third form before you go to the
second floor. After rescuing Hawk, I will take him and escape from here
with Slei. You will escape at the earliest opportunity and meet up with us
from the skies.]

Hearing my words, Munin clenched her fist tightly against her chest.
She looked grim, trying to hold something back.

[……You’re right. With my strength, I will only drag you down. So that
you can concentrate on fighting, it would be better if I’m not nearby.]

She doesn’t seem to be sulking or self-deprecating.

These words came from her accurate analysis of the current situation.
Munin’s specialty is her Nullification Curse.
She did have some experience in melee combat, and Seras also slightly
trained her along the way.
However, if the opponent is a high-ranking Hero, her presence may only
have the opposite effect.
Munin herself understands this.
I’m grateful that she’s a woman who can cool-headedly look at her own
capabilities.
[Munin-dono…… Thank you for understanding. Also, I’m sorry that you
had to say such a thing.]

[Fufu, it’s alright. Touka-san also wouldn’t want to consume more time than
necessary for an exchange like this. Otherwise…… The other option would
be abandoning Hawk-san here, right? Besides, just as you said, it would be
to our benefit later on to help Hawk-san here. Let’s go with your plan,
Seras-san.

At that moment……

[And one more! As a penalty…… I will add an additional walloping! Ahh,

I want Mother to see this! By all means!]
[Khhgghh———- Ghaak!? ……Gafhhuk!? Ghofuuu……]
[————–! We’re running out of time, Seras-san! If we don’t do
something, Hawk-san will—–!]

She didn’t finish her words, but understanding what she meant, I sharply
responded.

[Yes.]

The two of us quickly made preparations and went out into the corridor.

One going to the front entrance, while the other goes to the back.
We’re heading in opposite directions.
Just before we split up, I reminded Munin of something one last time.
[If I fail, Munin-dono will go to the rendezvous point on your own.]

[Seras-san, that’s————]
[My desire is to help Touka-dono fulfill his goal. In other words, if our
group loses you here, his desire will not be fulfilled. Your long-cherished
wish will also be destroyed. So, please do that.]

Munin looked grumpy, as if she’s grumbling how unfair it was for me to say
such a thing.
However, she swallowed down any words of disagreement.

[In that case, please promise me, Seras-san…… You will make this work
out.]
[————I promise.]

Saying this, the both of us exchanged smiles.

Immediately after, we stepped out in different directions.
In a place where light doesn’t leak outside———— I hurriedly deployed
the Regalia of the Spirits.
Sharpening my will, I gallantly headed in the direction of the front entrance.
Along the way though, in the hallway——– I found a window that’s out of
Oyamada’s sight.
Slipping out through it, I silently moved with my back against the wall and
checked the situation.
(This is probably the closest I can get to them without being in sight……
The distance is about 20 raeters……)

He would have been within range of Touka’s paralysis skill.

I wish I also had a power like that.
Outside, it’s currently raining.
It’s rather fortunate that I don’t have to rely on the Wind Spirit to drown out
the sound of my footsteps.

[Areeeeehhh!? Could it be that they already escaped!?Ahh, d*mn it! D*mn

it, d*mn it, d*mn it! That freaking Forbidden Race doesn’t come out! They
won’t come out! Ahh, God! Mother! What is it that I should do now!?]

Helplessly hanging down as Oyamada held his collar, Hawk was limp.
Perhaps, having run out of willpower to endure what Oyamada had been
doing to him, he showed no signs of moving.
Meanwhile, just like a child throwing a tantrum after not getting what he
wanted, Oyamada violently shook his body from side to side.

[Aaaahhhhh! I can’t face Mother like this! Aaaaaahhhh, no way! No way!

No way! No———]

Snap!

[———–, ……Ouch.]
 "
"
[?]

Right beside Oyamada……

There’s that fence that was half destroyed when the knight was blown away
earlier.
That half-destroyed fence had been deformed, and the pointed tip of the
fence was sharply sticking out.
Just now, as he threw that tantrum, swaying from side to side, the tip of that
fence seemed to have scratched the back of his left hand.

[———————Ah———————]

Once again, I felt something out of place at the sight of Oyamada.

It was as if he had just been struck by lightning.
Oyamada’s eyes and mouth gaped open for a while, before he brought his
hand over his mouth.
It’s as if, yes……
It’s as if he had just realized something shocking.
[……A- Ahhh…… I see. Kuhh…… Fhuaak! I was…… brainwashed by
that Goddess and ended up here? Yeah, I still remember…… This is just
crazy. I remember everything…… even the memories from when I was
brainwashed. Isn’t this some crazy experience I had? It’s me, but it doesn’t
feel like me at the same time…… Ahh, right, right. Forbidden Race, isn’t
it!? If I get my hands on that, I get to jump into that brainwashing Goddess’
big tits and get myself some headpats!? The heck, I freaking turned into a
mothercon! Gyahaha! Rather, the Goddess’ body is so soft! Ahh, what
should I do!? Should I just keep on pretending I’m brainwashed and rise to
the top!? It’s this kind of world after all! Thanks to “diving in ruins”, I got
real strong after all!]

(Diving in ruins……? Brainwashing?)

That state of his……

Could I interpret it as he had broken this supposed brainwashing?
Perhaps, the Goddess may have brainwashed him.
The reason for why he was suddenly released should be the sudden pain
caused by scratching his hand on that fence.

[Ahh, I wanna show Ayaka and the others how strong I’ve become now! I
mean, isn’t this bad!? That Takuto, he seriously betrayed us!? The Takaos
also rebelled!? That’s so hilarious! The heck are they betraying for!? The
Takaos just ended up failing! Gyahaha! I mean, Takuto jumping on the
Great Demon Emperor’s side, isn’t that bad!? The heck is going on with
this isekai fantasy story!? Ahh!? This is just nonsensical! Gyaaaa, so
annoying! Geez, I just want to live as I please here! Just be someone with
authority under the Goddess, be treated as a superior, and to enjoy all the
goodies! Ah, that’s right! If I don’t think about going back to that world
anymore and just curry favor with the Goddess…… Won’t I be able to get
pretty high up in this world!? I can aim for a higher status here than in my
old world, right!? Guess I might just end up taking Takuto’s place from the
Goddess’ eyes now!?]

[………………………]

There’s an opening.
If I were to strike now———— Would I be able to deal with him?
I start getting closer……
And with just one blow……
Carefully trying to get behind Oyamada———–

[Ahh…… Geez, enough of this place…… Doesn’t seem like that Forbidden
Race is here…… Let’s just get rid of this guy! He’ll just be a hindrance
from walking!]

[!]

[I mean, even if they said they’re here in the Imperial Capital, where the
heck would I know where it is!? Let’s just let old man Exiled deal with the
rest! Ahh, speaking of which, there are some nice girls in the Drunken
Sword Party. If I get the chance and beat them…… I wonder if I can eat
them up? To become intimate with those girls from that mercenary group! I
mean, I want to live in this isekai world with a nice girl! Please make my
dream come true, Goddess-sama~~! Gyahaha! ……Ahh, this guy seems
like he’s someone pretty important…… Guess I’ll just kill him and bring
him back to the Goddess as a souvenir. Well then, see ya———-]
[St——— Stop right there!]

I wanted to get a little closer but……

[Ah?]
[Release him.]
[……Ahhh? Errr…… Arehh? ———-Ah! You are……]

Staring in my direction, Oyamada tapped Hawk on the top of his head.

[For real, aren’t you Seras Ashrain?]

I reflexively found myself coming out of concealment.
However, if I didn’t get out at that moment, Hawk would definitely have
been killed.
I lightly bit my lip.
There was too little shielding for me to take advantage of and get close to
where the opponent was.
He’s currently 20 raeters away.
If I had appeared from my original position, I would have been in sight
immediately.
So, while he was talking to himself, I tried to quietly move about behind or
to his side———
(I never thought he would try to kill a hostage he recognized as valuable
right then and there……)

There was not enough time to go around and sneak up on him.

In that situation, I had no choice but to call out and stop him.
I couldn’t think of anything else.
Even though I was confused by Oyamada’s sudden change in actions……
Was there some kind of more skillful way in going about here?
When the unexpected happens———– I can’t do things like “he” does.
I can’t just come up with another plan immediately.
And standing here, I could keenly feel it.

Oyamada———– as if she’s licking me, looked at me from top to bottom.

[Oh…… Ohhh! Drenched in the rain, isn’t this just erotic…… Seriously
erotic…… Hah!? Rather, why are you here? You’re in that little fly gang,
aren’t you?]

I mustn’t let him kill him.

Within this situation, the means to bring him down……

[I will answer your question when you release him.]

[That so? Then, if you listen to me, I’ll let him go! First thing’s first, you
breasts! Let’s pop them beauties out!]
[————–!]
I had already assumed such a thing would occur.
However, I still felt my face suddenly heat up upon his words.
Was it shame?
Anger?
Either way, I reflexively moved my free hand to cover up my chest.
Moreover——— I could tell he was lying.
He had no intention of letting Hawk go.

[……Don’t you have…… any shame or dignity as a Hero……]

[Gyahaha! What are you blushing for!? You some virgin or something!?
Huh? Shame? Dignity? Men who don’t follow the will of their dicks are the
liars! If people don’t fuck, then children won’t pop out! The preservation of
humanity is a righteous act, right? That’s what’s right in this world, right?
For you to feel shame about that…… Shame on you, Seras Ashrain!
Gyahaha! I mean, with your ears pointed, that makes you an Elf!? Does
being an erotic beauty make you an Elf!?]

Slightly grazing upon the core of my body right now was fear.
Yes, Touka had already mentioned that he was this kind of person.
However, this may be the first time I’ve felt a person being so vile.
Somehow, it’s even indescribably eerie.
Even though it looked so trivial———- It was deeply, deeply evil.
Putting that aside……

[Hawk-dono? ……Is Hawk-dono alive?]

If he were dead, he would be meaningless as a hostage.
And the meaning of me showing myself here along with it.

[Ahh, he’s weakened, but yeah, he’s alive.]

———Truth.

He isn’t lying.

[However, what you gonna do with it? If you don’t strip, we’re not going to
get anywhere,are we? You gonna do it or not…… You have 20 seconds to
decide…… tick-tock…… tick-tock…… Come on, don’t do it and I’ll kill
him, you know? ……Come on, out with those breasts.]

Saying this, Oyamada puts his fist on Hawk’s forehead.

[………………….]

[You’ve got 15 seconds left…… Tick-tock…… Oiii, do you not feel like
doing it? Heehhh…… You think your pride is more important than this
guy’s life huh…… Well, that’s the correct decision. And yet, the way you
look as if you’re saying “I’m a respectable human” is seriously hilarious!
Ah, you’re not human, you’re an elf, right!? Don’t really know much about
it, but ain’t Demi-Humans low-class species!? They’re just creatures we can
do what we want with! Ptui!]

[Kuhh……]
He isn’t going to let Hawk go even if I follow his instructions.
I know he’s lying.
What I should do here——— is to avoid doing something that would make
me a hostage instead.
It was at that moment……

[Ahh, troublesome…… Well then, I’ll just return him. Here———]

[!]

He threw him.

Oyamada threw Hawk into the air…….

Towards my direction, that is.

At the same moment, Oyamada ran towards me.

His fist at the ready, aiming towards———-

Hawk.

Seeing this, I also ran forward.

Trying to catch Hawk in my arms, I would then try to evade his strike.
Even if I were to be attacked a little bit, my Regalia of the Spirits would
receive the attack for me.
If I further strengthen the parts that are to receive the attack with Ice Spirit
and Wind Spirit, the defensive capabilities of my Regalia will increase.
Most of all, as long as the hostage is secured———–

[ < Heavy Bullet > ]

(T/N: Bludgeon Fist Strike / Heavy Bullet)

"
"

Fwoosh!

It appeared.
That red mass———-

[!?]

That mass suddenly scattered to several pieces.

With successful footwork, it seemed possible for me to evade.
However, it doesn’t seem possible to avoid him while protecting Hawk.
I don’t have any choice but to take some of those projectiles.
Sharpening my senses to its limits, I quickly grasped which parts of my
body would be hit by those projectiles……
The approaching red projectiles that could severely injure me are received
by my Regalia of the Spirits———–

[Checkmate.]

[———-Eh?]

—–but they slipped through.

Those red projectiles slipped through my Regalia of the Spirits.
Yes..
Slipping through like an illusion, several of those red projectiles pierced
into my body.

[What just……————–!?]

(My body…… feels heavy?)

[Kuhh……]

This isn’t a weight from supporting Hawk’s weight.

My own weight has clearly been suddenly distorted.

(It was because…… I was struck by those red projectiles huh.)

I blundered.
As long as the opponent’s a Hero———– As long as I keep in mind what
Touka’s abilities were like……

I should have assumed that even their simplest strikes would have some sort
of other effects.
I got careless.
My mind had been too focused on saving Hawk.
Still holding Hawk with one arm, I fell down on my knees.
Further strengthening the icy edge on the sword I held in hand, I firmly
glared at Oyamada.

[Ahh…… I’ve always wanted to say that. Saying that line feels good……
Well, that’s what I thought♪]

Oyamada looked at me with a grin.

[You know what? You must be one of them who spouts out things like you
can’t abandon such good people, right? What an idiot…… Even in the
world I was in, you hypocrites sure are the loudest. You can’t do this! You
can’t do that!…… Well, they’re also an idiotic bunch who were being
exploited by swindlers pretending to be hypocrites, aren’t they? Well……
That doesn’t change the fact that you hypocrites are the most annoying.
What’s more hypocritical than the good you don’t do! Gyahaha! According
to Takuto, if we listen to hypocrites all the time, our country will seriously
weaken and decline! However, that means the country I grew up in, where
only the opinions of stupid hypocrites prevail, seems to have no future!
Then, isn’t this other world good!? Hey!? I mean, I can do whatever I want
with this beauty who only exists over here!?]
Froooooooshhh…….

I don’t know if it’s because of Oyamada’s ability or not……

But the fabric of my clothes soaked in rain feels awfully heavy.
However, at that moment——–

"
"

[—————–]

I felt it……
The nonexistence of his pulse.

[Hawk-dono……?]

I can’t feel his pulse.

His heart…… is probably not beating either.

[Ahh?]
[No way…… He’s dead……?]
[Eh? Seriously?]
[Ahh———]

Oyamada said “he is still alive”.

He was just under the impression that he was still alive……

"
"

If the person in question was unaware that he was lying……

I wouldn’t be able to tell if he was telling a lie.

[What, he’s already dead!? Gyahaha! The heck you doing there! Why did
you just suddenly drop dead, Hawk-saaaaaan!? How hilarious! If you do
something like that…… That makes Seras-san look like an idiot! Even
though he was prepared to die to protect you…… but you’re already dead!?
Hyaaah, that’s just so funny! Isn’t she too nice!? Seriously, her actions are
just so cute! She’s so kind! Uwoooooh, it’s making me on fire! Oraaa!]
[Agghh……!?]

Oyamada approached and struck me with a front kick.

[Ohh, yeah, you certainly helped me make Seras-chin weak…… but you’re
a hindrance♪ now Gyahaha, oraaa!]

Letting out a guffaw, Oyamada kicked Hawk’s corpse away.

[Kuaaa……]

Pushing one of my hands on the ground, I tried to stand up.

Whatever he has done isn’t worse than Touka’s Paralyze.
I could still move my body.
However, it feels heavy.

Really heavy.

[Ohh, seems like you can move fairly well. Ahh, this is bad…… Your face
as you squirm there really looks arousing. Ahh…… What should I do……
Should I just drag her to that house over there?]

At that moment, a certain fear ran through my mind.

More than my own personal danger……

I fear that Munin would come to rescue me.

However, I think that such a thing happening is unlikely……
I can’t say for sure that won’t happen.
That happening would be the worst-case scenario.
I have to somehow avoid that from happening.

[If you want to do it…… Get it done here……]

[……Eh? What? You want to fuck me? Seriously!? Uwaahhh, I never
thought you were a slutty elf! You were a Princess Knight!? More like a
Slutty Elven Princess Knight! The heck are you inviting me for!? This is
freaking hilarious!]
[Kuhh……]
[Gyahaha, she said it! She freaking said that line! “Kuhh”! The fuck are you
acting all embarassed when you’re the slutty one inviting me!? This guy’s
freaking hilarious! I’ve never been around your type before! Well, I get ya!
If you really want me that much————]

But at that moment, something rushed towards Oyamada out of nowhere.

Red eyes……

Black body……

A huge body filled with overpowering intimidation.

Two horns——–

And eight legs.

As if to say that it would never forgive the enemy, she neighed like a
thunderbolt.

[Slei-dono!]

[Bullet.]
(T/N: Red Fist / Bullet)
[Stop———–]

A scream resounded.

And Slei was blown away, her body violently hitting the wall.

[Slei-dono!]
[……Is that your little fly gang’s army? What? It came to protect its
beloved horny elf? Gyahaha! Weak! Well, you just sit there and watch! I’m
about to show you a good watch!]
[Bururu……]
[Oh?]

With her legs shaking, Slei stood up.

She then looked at Oyamada———– prepared for battle.
[You still wanna fight……? Interesting…… Now, come…… Oi, if you
move there, Imma end this guy too, Seras.]
[———-Slei-dono! Please run away!]
[Bururu…… Bururururu.]

She refused.
Hearing my words, she only flared up her fighting spirit.

As if to say “There’s no way she’d run away”.

She conveyed such thoughts to me.
Slei rushed forth.

[You can’t, Slei-dono! Please———-]

Oyamada unleashed his red mass again.

Meanwhile, Slei tried to evade his attack.
However, due to the injury she just received, she was unable to avoid her.

[Please stop, Oyamada-san! Slei-san too, please stop it! I’ll be fine!]

Slei’s appearance here doesn’t suggest Munin’s presence nearby.

I can’t choose words that would make Oyamada aware of her presence.
Slei is blown away by the red mass again, crashing on the ground.
She’s coughing up blood from her mouth.
This same scene continued several times.

No matter how much I tried to stop her, Slei wouldn’t stop.

The difference in combat power between Slei and Oyamada was obvious.
And yet……
And yet……

[Bururu…… Burururu……!]

With her legs trembling……

Drenched in rain, her eyes glaring red———-

She stood up.

Once again, the Fly King’s horse looked like she was about to fight.

[Ohh, it’s still standing! This thing has more guts than I thought! Gyahaha, I
mean, it looks so different that it’s creepy! What? Did this thing overcome
some sort of race barrier and fell in love with this oh so innocent, horny
elf!? Great Master Sleeeeeei!?]

Willpower.

A sense of mission.
What’s radiating from the burning-eyed black horse is the will to never
back down.
And I could feel that the water dripping down my face…… aren’t just the
rain.

[Why——— are you going that far……]

She huffed in response.

“Leaving that aside…… I leave Seras and Munin to you.”

“Pakyuu!”

Those words Touka and Slei exchanged before he left.

It was a promise.
He entrusted us to her.
Because he, whom she trusts more than anyone else——— entrusted such a
thing to her.
Even if it’s just through willpower……

Even at the cost of her life……

She’s trying to protect me.
Even if she couldn’t do it as well as him———- Even when she was unable
to do it just like him.
She still stood up.
[Slei-dono…… It’s okay…… Please don’t stand up anymore…… I’m
begging you———-]
[Bururu…… ———-Burururu……!]
[Ahh, this thing’s annoying. That’s right…… Those legs…… Let’s crush
all of them to a mush.]
[!]

Oyamada’s words sent shivers down my spine.

[Ahh, wouldn’t that be quite fun? If I start smashing all its legs up and make
them as squishy as octopus legs, I wonder at what point will its mind break
——— Wait! This thing’s crazy! Isn’t this a monster!? This thing can’t
even be counted as animal cruelty, so I guess doing that wouldn’t my heart!
Even like this, I’m an animal lover after all~~]
[S- Stop——- I won’t…… allow you to do such a thing!]
[Well then, why don’t you make me stop?]

[Ah——]
[If you don’t want me to break Slei-kyun’s mind and body, if you want me
to listen to what you say…… Sincerely think about what you can do now,
okay? I mean, you…… barking all those things, what have you even done,
Seras Onee-san? That’s right, all this time, you’ve done nothing yourself. If
you want me to do you a favor, show me by your actions. Also…… You
seriously think that’s the kind of attitude you can have to someone you’re
asking a favor to? You looking down on me or what?]
[I- I…… will……]
[Haaaaah? Can’t you please say it clearly? What- is- it- that- you- will-
do-?]
[……If I undress…… Would you do it?]
[Seriously!? So you’re a freaking exhibitionist! So that’s how it is!?]
[……]
[Huh? You won’t admit it? You want me to look at you instead, right? You
trying to invite me over there, right? Ahh, Hawk, watch me as I kill a horse!
It’s time for some monster slaying!]
[! S- Stop ri——- Please stop. Y…… Yes……]

Bringing up my heavy hands to my collar, I looked down in shame as I

pulled the fabric on my chest down.
My mouth is pursed from the disgrace of what I’m doing.

[I am…… inviting you……]

[Yes, then let’s start with an apology~~]

[Eh? Ahh…… My apologies……]
[Let’s have those clothes off while you apologize♪ Come on, can’t you look
like you’re actually inviting me!? Well, looking like you really don’t wanna
do this has its good points too! Come on, strip it all off already!]
[——————-]

At the very least, to buy some time……

Time for Munin to escape from here.
If she could just get away safely……
If she could survive and meet up with Touka……
The revenge against the Goddess will be accomplished.
I also won’t let him kill Slei.
I will make sure of that.
I brought about this situation because of my failure to accomplish
something well.

My failure——— is my responsibility to face.

It’s going to be okay.
As long as I’m alive……
No matter what happens here……
I’m sure……
If it’s for him……
……………………………
I will survive.
No matter what happens……
No matter what humiliation I go through……
I will survive.
I won’t let Slei die either.

I will make sure of that.

Heck, I will keep my eyes open———- and see that the tables will be
turned.
I’ll make it happen.
I will keep my attention for such an opportunity……
Until the very end……
That’s why……
For now……
[……………………..]

I brought my finger———– on the clasp between my breasts.

[Gyahaha! Acting all like you’re not some cheap woman, but don’t you
think you’re quite rushing over there, Seras-saaaan!? Ahh…… It’s
troubling if someone suddenly arrives and interrupts, and this rain is
starting to annoy me, so I guess let’s just bring this inside after I let out one
shot first? Gyahaha! I mean, this isekai really is the best! This really is just
the best! Oh! Seems like Slei-kun finally found it too hard to stand up and
collapsed huh! Hey, stand up over there, I’m gonna make Seras-chan
become very pretty from now on, you know? Yep, don’t care about
defeating the Great Demon Emperor anymore! Besides, the people in class
had gone all nonsensical anyway! Alrighty! Let’s keep this going and fuck
Ayaka and the Takaos too! Kashima and Murota could also be candidates
too! However, this makes me worried~~! If I fuck the best of the best, will I
ever be satisfied by anyone else!? Well, let’s leave worrying about that for
the later me! I’ll just go as far as I can in this other world and do whatever I
want! Gyahaha! Rather, hurry up and strip already! You just shifted your
clothes a little bit! You’re too evil if you actually call that a fanservice!
Alright, alright! Geez, I’ll take them off myself! Ahh, she’s so erotic when
she’s all wet…… I can’t hold it in anymore! Arehh? Arara? Could it
be…… you’re crying? You’re crying? Gyahaha! The Seras Ashrain is
crying! Ahh, it’s funny, but to be honest here, crying women are seriously
annoying. Why the heck are you even crying!? I don’t get you! Ahh, geez, I
can’t take it anymore! I’ll just use my skill to make her body even heavier
and make it really hard for her to move, and I’ll just do whatever I want!
Gyaaahh, can’t stand it anymore! Don’t need you doing that bad strip show
anymore! I”ll just do it at my own pace! Gyahahaha! I’ll make you cry even
more! Of course, crying from pleasure, that is! Alright! I’ll have this all-
you-can-do course for myseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
———————–!]
[Yo, Oyamada.]
[Ah?]
——————————Crickle, crackle——————————
<Oyamada Shougo POV>

Back in Junior High, I had joined a certain group.

It was one of those so-called Anti-Social groups.
At that time, a friend invited me to hang out with the leader of the group,
and he took a liking to me.

“You’ve got potential, Shougo.”

My family was reasonably well-off.

Dad owned a company that bought and sold used cars, one that was famous
for not questioning the origin of the cars brought in.
Mom was an insurance solicitor, mainly targeted for old people on the edge
of dementia.
I was their only child, so their affection had been focused entirely on me.
With how easy to coax my parents are, I don’t dislike them.
However, the me of that time always said:

“I want to go higher in this world!”

I had such a thought in mind.

Because I wasn’t dissatisfied with my daily life, I was looking for some sort
of stimulation.
I was tired of living in a boring world.
Naturally, I started hanging out with people I thought would have such
stimulation.
The leader of the group I had joined was named Minagi.
When we were introduced to each other, he said his favorite phrase was
“Give up in frustration”.
Minagi was amazing.
He could do whatever he wanted.
Minagi had a lot of friends in med and law schools in famous universities.
He would constantly set up mixers with wealthy and good-looking male
students.

“You could make them smashed by drowning them in alcohol, but pills
really are the most effective way. Yeah, sleeping pills. Ahh…… Don’t
worry, it’s the type that doesn’t change the color of the liquid or make spots
on the bottom of the cup. Ahh? Yeah, I did say pills are effective, but that
doesn’t mean we use those kinds of pills. I mean, they aren’t the type that
we can just “distribute” after we get tired of them. No matter which country
it is, women can make a lot of money…… Ahh? Of course, it’s
“consensual”.”
“However, won’t some of them file lawsuits?”, or so I had curiously asked
him back then.

“Ahh, I knew Shougo would notice the good part. It’s alright…… There
would sometimes be hotblooded idiots who would start flashing lawsuits,
but you see, here comes the parents of the students we invited…… They
got the money and the status. It’s almost always settled out of court. It
would always be better for the woman to settle it out of court with a
substantial amount of money in their purse…… After all, they themselves
realize it’s better to just receive the payment, shut their trap and back off.
They would realize halfway through how solid our side is, and all they can
do is give up in frustration…… Well, if they still persist, they will have to
deal with mysterious noises and damages occurring in their home, their
parents’ home or their workplace…… In the end, they could only freak out
and give up in frustration. Times like those are so funny.”

“Amazing”, or so I said, my heart filled with respect.

I myself had attended some of the “consensual” parties.
As Minagi had said, even if there was some sort of dispute, it would almost
always be settled out of the court.

It was seriously amazing.

In this country, if you got the money and the status, even a crime isn’t
considered as one.

And so——— I wanted to be as high up in the world as Minagi.

I became Minagi’s pawn and began to engage in criminal acts.
From the bottom of my heart, I thought of those days as exciting and fun.
Each of my days were filled with colors.
Minagi had no mercy on the leaders of opposing groups.
He wasn’t afraid to reach out to other groups’ family members and loved
ones, using them for blackmail.

When push came to shove, Minagi would unleash his surefire technique,
“the minors”.
I’m talking about the kids who are threatened by Minagi and are mainly
forced to do bloodshed.

“I’m going to give you this money. Doing that might get you in trouble, so
just do whatever you want with the money. Ahh…… but remember, if you
run away with it, all your relatives will regret it for the rest of their lives.”

They were told something almost threatening and ended up committing a

serious criminal act.
In this country, the punishment for a crime committed by a minor is
surprisingly light.
Until they reach adulthood, they can do whatever they want.
When trouble occurred in the aforementioned “consensual party”, he would
use his gunner children to cover up the crime.

“Shougo is a good guy, so I won’t use you as a gunner child. You can rest
assured. You’re a guy who can get higher in life.”

Minagi was also involved in various other businesses.

Pyramid schemes.
Dispatching receivers for bank transfer fraud.
Drug trafficking.

"
"
Badger schemes using minors, targeted towards moderately wealthy
people……

It was the greatest.

Being a minor myself, I actually did feel somewhat worried.

However, Minagi-san liked me, so it should be alright.
No, even if I was caught, the charges would be minor.
I could start over as many times as I wanted.

I was invincible.

I was quite elated back then.

But one day———— Minagi suddenly met his end.

From what I heard, it seems that Minagi and the others were crushed by a
dangerous group.

When they were conducting one of the aforementioned “consensual

parties”, he had messed with one of their women.
The other group was called “Mushibami”, a group that was slightly unlike
Anti-Social Groups.

From what the leader-figure of their group described it as……

“A blockchain-like network with no clear central figure”.

——-is how their group apparently was.

Although I had no idea what he was talking about, I felt an inexplicable

sense of eeriness from them.

Among the Mushibami, that guy named Iokibe was especially dangerous.
Minagi and the college guys who had participated in the “consensual party”
were all missing.

This was something I heard later on.

One day, a package was sent to the remaining members of Minagi’s group.

It contained many neatly removed teeth and what appeared to be several

sets of smoked balls.

It was later identified as belonging to Minagi and the other missing college
guys. (I also heard rumors that after the teeth and other items were sent,
images of Minagi and the college guys in a rather “bad shape” were sent to
the group.)
I immediately left the group as soon as Minagi disappeared.
I had a bad feeling about all that’s happening after all.

Soon after, other members of Minagi’s group were arrested one after
another.
I felt terrified when it happened, but fortunately, I was safe.
I was deeply relieved.

In this way, I quietly spent the rest of my junior high years and went on to
senior high.

By the time I entered Ogito School, that horrible experience felt like
something that happened a long time ago.
However…… The unstimulating days were back.

It was during this time that I met Takuto Kirihara.

Knowing that his family had tremendous wealth, I started getting close to
Kirihara.
Surprisingly, Kirihara accepted me easily.
I had this impression that Kirihara was tolerant of those who showed
willingness to work under him.
Yes.
I still haven’t given up on “going higher in this world”.
I will definitely rise higher from where I am now.

However, I can’t do that in the underworld like Minagi did.

In that world, there is a world deeper than the underworld I know of, just
like that time with Iokibe from the Mushibami.
There will come a time when such people will be dealt with by the police.
That’s why, if I want to move up, I would need to do that under the light.
That is the world in which Takuto Kirihara lives.
I felt this even more strongly when I showed up at Kirihara’s home party.

The participants were socially successful people who were unlike Minagi.

High-Dividend Stocks……
Margin Transactions……
Making decisions based on the international state of things……
About how great a country is for tax evading……

About the future of NFTs and Web 3.0……

About how a guy is apparently going to have dinner with a congressman
later……
About how this guy had a lot of contacts in that organization……
About how some guy is going to make a fortune from ad revenues,
donations and membership subscriptions……
There were some talking about corporate projects……
There was someone who was pumping himself up for a seminar he was
going to do for a lecture request……
There was even someone calling their office to call for girls……
Anyhow———- it was amazing, it was too amazing, there was nothing but
amazingness in that home party.

Kirihara, who was standing there with his head held, was also amazing.
He was calmly mingling in the conversation of successful adults.
Of course, being the son of the host of the party, he must have been given
special treatment.
However, I was honestly impressed by Kirihara nonchalantly talking with
them.

"
"

“If I stay by Kirihara’s side…… Wouldn’t it be possible for me to take

advantage of that and gradually rise higher?”

I began to think that way at that time.

Sure, it was annoying to have to be under Kirihara’s thumb all the time.
However, as time went by, I didn’t mind about this so much.
My position in class at school isn’t bad.
My parents are still very generous with their money, and they were
pampering me quite a bit.
However, my parents’ connections are useless.
If I wanted to get a step forward, I would need to have connections “with
those up high”, those in the world Kirihara is located.

The only way for me to get higher in this country is to make progress in this
world under the light.
If I follow Minagi’s approach, there’s no way forward for me in this
country.
I would definitely end up reaching the limits of that path somewhere.

……D*mn it.

Even if that were the case, those days were fun……

I think about my time at Minagi’s……

———-“I feel more alive”.

I know that the only way for me to “go higher” is to walk in the world
under the light.
However————- that isn’t stimulating enough.
At that moment, something welled up inside me.
I made contact with an underage girl who had been used for badger
schemes back when I was hanging out with Minagi.
Those rich people who came to Kirihara family’s home parties……
If they had such a position, they would probably want to protect it.
It must mean that their appearance in the public should be important for
them.
At the current moment, they had already remembered my face.

—-as “Takuto-kun’s best friend, Shougo-kun”

With this identity I have now, that should work…… I will have one of them
suddenly be involved in compensated dating.

I will set them up.

When I get back from this school trip, that is.

[You sure seem to be enjoying yourself here huh.]

Suddenly……
I felt a shiver run through my core.
I had once offended Minagi back then.
I was so scared that I wet my pants at that time.
But now, from whoever was behind me———

I’m feeling fear even worse than that.

For example, yes……

It was like that fear I felt when I saw Iokibe, the man I think had killed
Minagi.
However, even when I feel the urge to run away right now……

[What…… is this? I can’t move———- Ghgyaaaak!?]

When I tried to force my body to move, incredible pain shot through my

entire body.
I’m bleeding.
Severe pain swelled up inside me.
And then, I vomited blood.

[Ghefukk!? Ghaak…… What is this…… ! ? Ghaaak……]

Thinking back, I think I heard something.

Earlier, when I was in the middle of rambling.
I think——— I heard something like a voice from behind me too.
With the heavy rain, my voice and my excitement, I may have
unconsciously dismissed it as just my imagination huh.
There’s also one more thing……

I’m feeling as if something is out of place.

Whoever was behind me had called out my name.

That voice……
Yes, that voice……
I feel like that voice sounds familiar.
However, I couldn’t connect whose voice that is with the many people in
my memory.

Who is that?

[Well, ain’t that quite sh*tty…… Oyamada.]

The other party should be someone I know.

He knows who I am.
From the way he speaks, among the people I met in this world———–No.

Could he be someone from beyond that?

Is the owner of this voice…… someone who knows me from way beyond
that?
Who is he then?
Whose voice is———
[You stink just as much as those guys…… Just like the stink those guys
I’ve met a few times since I’ve been in this world.]

Ahh?

[This…… voice? Ahh? Don’t tell me…… No…… That can’t be. Who……
the heck are you……]

I’m shaken……
My brain and my emotions were violently shaken.
Confusion unceasingly swelled within me.
A terrible, unpleasant sensation is running through my entire body.

[I’m sorry, Seras.]

Ignoring my question, the person behind me continued talking.

[No…… That’s not it! I’m the one…… who made the mistake in
judgment……]
[Being in this situation…… I’m sure you have your own reasons. I’ll talk to
you about this later. ……Also, Slei. You didn’t have to go to such lengths to
do what I asked…… I’m sorry for saying it in that way. I’m sorry.]
[Bururu……]

Who is he?
It feels like he’s someone I know……
But at the same time, someone I don’t know.

The guy behind me walked towards the front.

As if to stand between me and Seras Ashrain.

A man with the face of a fly.

The leader of the Fly King Squadron, the Fly King——— Belzegia?
And yet……

He’s someone who knows me.

This was the first time we met.
No matter how I think about it……

This should be the first time we met.

I’m starting to feel weaker.

Feeling this, I involuntarily spoke.

[Who the…… heck are you……!? Why the heck…… do your voice……
sound familiar!?]
[You don’t recognize me huh———— Oyamada Shougo.]
[……? ……, ———-!]

He referred to me not as Shougo Oyamada.

But as Oyamada Shougo.

The way Fly King called me……

In other words———

That way people in the previous world call me……

Ahh?

[This voice……?]

If he’s someone from the former world……

There’s only one who matches that voice.
No.
But that isn’t possible.
There’s no way that could happen.
After all……
After all, that guy——- He should have been dead already.
And this……

"
"
This bottomless malicious feeling, I wouldn’t have felt such a thing from
him.
However……

[Ahh? Do…… Don’t tell me…… You survived…… You b*stard……

seriously……!?]

I want to deny it. There’s no way that could have been possible. However,
even when I’m denying the possibility of that happening, I spoke his name.

[Mimori Touka—————–!?]

[Even though I went out of my way to not change my voice…… You

realized it way too late.]

[You were disposed of…… You should have been dead……!? Rather……
The fuck…… is that attitude of yours!? Oiiii……]
[……We can’t do it around here. To kill you right away…… I thought of
that a bit, but you———- went too far.]

[Just because my body won’t move…… You sure———]

[ < Sleep > ]

[……somehow got———-]

At that moment, my consciousness was cut off.

When I awoke, I found myself in the corridor somewhere inside a house.

In front of me was the Fly King.

Standing diagonally behind him was Seras Ashrain.

Feeling that I had woken up, the Fly King had taken off his mask.

[……!]

Seeing his face, I’m completely convinced.

Although his face has changed considerably……
That man who was supposed to have been dumped into the Disposal Ruins
right after the summoning and died———–

He’s definitely Mimori Touka.

[Yeah, that’s right…… Mimori Touka had survived.]

[What the hell…… have you…… up to now!?]

[How annoying.]

[!]
[Are you seriously that carefree that you think you can ask questions,
Oyamada?]
[The fuck are you……]
[The one asking questions here is us.]
[You——–]

I was about to snap back at him, but I felt the tip of Mimori Touka’s sword
at my neck.
It seems like something he picked up somewhere.
Feeling my current situation, I felt my hands bound behind me and was
made to kneel.
It must be while they did something to render me unconscious.

[As soon as I see even the slightest intention to attack from you, I will
immediately thrust this sword into your neck…… Even if it’s as thin as a
spider’s string, you’d at least like to see some way to survive here, right? In
that case, stay still.]
[Kuhh…… Mimori……]

[Those choppy sounds are getting annoying, so I’ll allow you to properly
speak.]
[———-You b*stard, Mimori…… The h*ck is with that, acting all cocky
……Ahh? I can talk? Kuhh…… But I still can’t move my body! D*mn it!
Is that old man or those Drunken Swords not even gonna help me!?
Freaking idiots, get your ass here and f*cking help me! ——–Ghkk!?]

A sharp pain suddenly ran across my cheek.

Pain from his sword slashing me.

[And who gave you permission to blabber on and on……? You

underestimating me or something……?]
[Guhh…… W- What the heck is that…… When you were just……]

At that moment, I could feel it.

The intimidation I felt from him is different.
Unlike Yasu who was mistaking his position and blabbering bluffs, what I
felt from him is different.
This ominous feeling……
It’s the same kind as those deep, dark feelings that I felt from those on
Minagi’s side……
Thereupon, two images suddenly came into my mind.

A large number of teeth neatly extracted.

Smoked balls.

That’s right……
This feeling I get from Mimori Touka right now……
It was the same feeling I had when I heard what Iokibe did.

……Fear?

[Ahh? Fear……? Me, feeling fear? For someone like Mimori……?

Gyaaaahh!]

Mimori suddenly stabbed his sword into my shoulder.

Thereupon, he quickly brought the sword to my neck again.
[And now, your blabbering is irritating me.]
[You b*stard……! What do you even wanna ask!? Ahhh!? Suddenly
appearing all alive, suddenly showing up as Fly King and having Seras
Ashrain for your own…… I seriously don’t get anything, Mimori! ——S-
Stop! Alright! Alright already! Take that sword off! Don’t kill me!]
[First of all, out with it———- That sh*tty Goddess’ instructions to you,
what she’s doing, and what she’s planning.]

[Ahh? If I tell you, will you spare me……? It’s not like I had any obligation
to help her…… So isn’t it alright if I talk? But first, how about you remove
whatever was stopping my body? Ahh?]
[You’re one happy-go-lucky guy…… Did you seriously think you have a
choice, Oyamada?]
[Ughhh…….! You sh*tty Mimori…… For a mere E-rank, the heck are you
acting like you’re some bigshot……! I heard you mention something like
sleep…… Ah? Don’t tell me…… That’s seriously that sh*tty skill that
didn’t work on the Goddess? For———- Like I said, wait! Stop!]
[……Answer the damned question. Whether or not I forgive you depends
on your answer.]

Forgive?
Did Mimori just say “forgive”?
Forgive?

Gyahaha.

At that moment, Sogou Ayaka suddenly popped into my mind.

I see.
Even if what he’s doing now should be considered evil, in the end, “he’s
someone from that side”.
Well, this should have been obvious.

Even though he says he’s going to kill me……

There’s no way he would kill me.

There’s no way he would kill someone from the same world——— his
classmate.

[Tsk…… Fine. So, what ya wanna ask?]

Mimori asked several questions.

I just gave him noncommittal answers, with a mixture of random answers
and lies.
It’s not like I wanna hide those from him.
However, it was also somewhat annoying to answer him honestly.
Mimori moved on to the next question as soon as I answered.
He didn’t even question whether or not what I was saying was really true.
They didn’t even suspect my words.
Ahh, what an idiot.

"
"
In the end, sh*tty people would always be sh*tty people.
They’re suckers who expect the other person to have the illusion called
conscience.
They seriously think people can understand each other if they just talk it
out.
Ahh, it doesn’t matter who he is.

They’re just too stupid.

That’s why people like them are deceived and taken advantage of.
Eventually, the questions came to an end.

[Well, I guess that’s all. I see…… I guess most of Mira’s Knights and
soldiers are probably packed over there to protect the Mad Emperor from
that Exiled Emperor. I did hear some sounds of destruction and screams
over there. The rest of the people probably evacuated the area….. That’s
why there’s no presence of anyone else here. Even so…… Great Demon
Emperor’s attack on Alion’s royal castle…… and Kirihara and the Takao
sisters had done that huh.]

I don’t know what in the heck Mimori wants.

Well, from the questions he just asked, I guess he wants to take revenge on
the Goddess.
All of that doesn’t matter.
Do whatever you want.

However……
Their attitudes sure irritates me.
Seras is silent behind Mimori’s back.
At most, she would occasionally make slight movements behind him.
I don’t like that either.
She’s a super great woman who I could have violated if I were just given a
few more minutes.
I can’t die here.
At least——— I must fire one shot against them.
What I don’t like most of all——– is Seras’ attitude towards Mimori.
The heck is with that?
They already fucked or what?
What’s more———– It doesn’t feel like Mimori was charmed with Seras.

It’s more like Seras was the one who had feelings for Mimori……
I don’t like this……

[What? You’re that interested in Seras? Sorry———– but I’m not going to
let you lay another finger on her.]
[D*mn it……]

This is seriously freaking irritating.

However————- what should I do here?
The slightest sign of an attack from me will get me killed.
Earlier, prepared to cause a ruckus from the aftermath, I tried to use my
inherent skill.
The moment I was about to mention the name of my skill though————
A slash suddenly swept diagonally across my lips.

“Bubyyiii!?”
Sounding pathetic as shit, that was all that came out of my mouth.
Until the end, I couldn’t say the name of my skill.

Speaking of which…… What the heck happened?

Is this really that Mimori Touka?
It’s as if he had become a different person.
Like, it’s like he literally became a different person.
I don’t know of a Mimori Touka————- that was like this.
Back when I heard that Minagi and those college students had gone
missing……
I thought it was dangerous.
I had an incredibly bad feeling about the situation.
That’s why, I immediately distanced myself from the group.
In the end, my decision at that time was right.
I was able to escape.
Then, I managed to start over.

I had another chance to enjoy the stimulation of doing whatever I wanted.

No matter what impropriety……

No matter what you cheated……
No matter what crime you committed……
No matter what evil you had done……
In this world, if you get away with it, you win.
That’s right.

I can always start over.

After all, these are idiots who keep their promises.

No matter what kind of scum you are, they’re the kind who will give you a
second chance.
As long as I act like I’m truly reflecting…….
As long as I cry excessively and say sorry……

They’re one of those idiots who would sometimes protect the human rights
of selfish murderers.

Even though they weren’t able to protect the victims……

They’re protecting the perpetrators.

They’re idiots after all.

It’s those lurking around the deep darkness like the “Mushibami” that I
have to watch out for.
If I’m just dealing with idiots like these, I would be able to survive by
giving up my pride.

In this world————- Those who can get away wins.

Plip plop……
With blood dripping from my lips onto the ground———-

[……I see. You lived huh, Mimori.]

I lowered my head.
The tip of the sword that had been touching my neck moved overhead.

[……Sorry. I didn’t think Seras Ashrain was your comrade. I did such a
terrible thing…… That goes for you too, Mimori…… When you are
discarded, I didn’t do———- I don’t even know what I could do. Of
course, I’m not asking for your forgiveness. However, I’ve been fighting
under the Goddess’ orders up to this point…… or so, that’s the only thing I
was thinking. The most dangerous one is that Goddess…… We are just
used by her to do her bidding. No more…… I really hate doing this,
Mimori!]

Saying this, I looked up, my face drenched with tears.

[Truth is, I was really scared…… I must’ve looked like scum back in our
previous world, right!? But I…… I just had sh*tty environment back home!
I’ve been through a lot…… that I needed to be rough just to get through
things! Even when I’m acting tough, I still have insecurities! No matter
which part of the world you’re in, the weak are the ones being taken
advantaged! They’re the one getting exploited! I need to show I’m
strong…… because if I’m not on the side of the strong, I’ll end up being
one of the people getting exploited! Even after I came to this world…… I
was really scared! Takuto suddenly feeling like he changed really scares
me! That Goddess and those Human-Faced too……! Sniff…… To be
honest, it’s only Ayaka…… who didn’t abandon me and worried about me
even when I’m like this…….! I just realized! I…… until the very end, I
want to be useful to Ayaka! I want to help President! Alright, Mimori! If
you want to kill me, kill me! Kill me! However…… Give me some time! I
need to help Ayaka…… Together with Ayaka and the others…… Give me
some time until we defeat the Great Demon Emperor! O- Of course, I will
help you! I…… realized it. That ill-natured Goddess has been brainwashing
me! However, I just broke her brainwashing! O- Of course, I know that I
myself have my own problems. I’m scum…… I’m a scum bastard! I
couldn’t recognize my weakness…… so all I could do was to hurt the
people around me! I want to blame it on the environment I was in back
home…… sniff…… but that would just be another excuse, right!? I have to
be strong…… That’s why, I’m begging you, Mimori! I’m really sorry,
Seras! Please overlook this. Spare me……. Please, Mimori! From now on,
I’ll change…… I will help others! It may not be possible right away……
but I will try my best to become a person who can help people! You may
not believe me when I say this out of the blue…… but trust me! I will
change! I won’t run away anymore! What I’m saying here doesn’t hold any
lies…… It’s my true thoughts!]

Silence.
The sound of rain.
In the distance, the faint sounds of commotion, screams and shouts……
It was at that moment……
Gloomily lowering her gaze, Seras Ashrain turned away.
Biting her pale lips……
As she hugged her own arms, Seras spoke.

[He’s lying……]
[Ahh?]

[I can’t really speak for others…… but it seems like you can fluently make
such lies huh. Kuku…… Good grief, blabbering nonsense.]
[……Ahh? Why are you saying my words were lies……]
[Compared to Yasu’s honesty…… You really are irredeemable, Oyamada.]
[W- What!? Rather, Yasu!? You also met Yasu!?]
[Hey, Oyamada.]
[Ahh?]
[To tell you the truth, I can change my voice.]
[Huh?]
[And yet, when I first approached you, I didn’t even change my voice.]
[……?]
[Me wearing a mask means I want to hide my true identity. Truth is that
Mimorik Touka still needs to be hidden. And yet, here I am, having taken
off my mask…… Do you know what that means?]
[What are you saying? You want to show…… that you were alive, right?
And now that you’ve got that erotic beauty….. You wanted to show
off……]

[Well, I did want to see you looking so disconcerted……]

[……!]
[But from these actions, you can tell my other sentiments.]
[Ahh!?]
[Of course, it’s because it’s already decided that I’ll kill you right here.]

[ ! What did you……!?]

[By the way, Seras can tell when you’re lying with the power of her Spirits.
I had a hard time choosing the right questions to ask…… but thanks to her
ability, I was able to obtain some information by detecting the “lies” in your
answers. Well…… Good work, Oyamada. You’re no longer of any use to
us.]
[Huh…… Haaaaahhhhh!? The heck is that!? You’re just swindling me!?]
[Hmm? What…… You still gonna continue pleading for your life?]
[Y- Y- Y- You’re going to kill me!? Mimori, kill me!? Stop fooling around,
I’ll freaking crush you!]
[Oyamada…… You don’t seem to have a proper understanding of what you
just did to Seras and Slei. You don’t seem…… to understand———–]

Mimori’s expression turned ruthless, looking like the devil———–

[——how pissed I am all these time———–]

[Hyyiiiii.]
[And I’ve told you, didn’t I…… You stink. You stink just as much as those
bastards who gave birth to me…… They’re parasites who only cause harm
to others just by existing, just like you are.]
[Ahh———]

Thereupon, I realized it.

I was mistaken.
That’s right.
Why in the world am I misunderstanding that situation, wholeheartedly
trying to be spared by him?
I didn’t want to admit that I was afraid of this guy, so I excluded such a
thought in my mind until now.

That’s right.
What I felt from him……
What I felt from Mimori Touka was the same one I felt from Iokibe———–

He is also someone from the deep darkness.

[S- Stop, Mimori! I won’t tell anyone your true identity! I don’t feel as
much bad thoughts for you as you think I do! Just give me a chance! I’m
serious!]
[Seras.]
[……There was a lie.]
[Quit…… messing around, you damned swine! Stop slandering me, you
fucking slut! Listen here, Mimori! Don’t let her appearance deceive you!
Yeah, I understand that men are more lenient with beauties! However, you
seriously shouldn’t let her deceive you! What’s inside of her is poison that
can seriously end a man’s life! You’re being misguided by a brainwashing
elf who only had her face as her asset! Wake up!]

In response to my words, Mimori sneered a bit.

[Ah…… Ahh?]

[No, sorry…… I was just thinking how amazing it is that you’re going that
far.]

[Ahh? Are you…… f*cking mocking me, you b*stard! Kuhh…… Oi, do
you really think this is alright, Mimori!? Did you really think it would be
alright to kill me!? Think about what Ayaka would say!]

[…………………….]

[She said she doesn’t want any more of her classmates to die…… That
includes even someone like me! Killing me…… means betraying Ayaka’s
feelings! She was the only person who defended you when you were being
disposed of! Are you gonna betray Ayaka’s feelings!?]

[I don’t know.]
[ ! ……Kuhh.]

[There are evil beings in this world that do harm just by existing. I know
that that is a wrong way of thinking in the world we used to live in……
However, I could sometimes feel that that was indeed the case. They’re
beings that wield evil just by being alive, harming the people they get
involved with…… Just like those people who gave birth to me.]

[That…… That way of thinking is wrong…… Yes…… People can always

start over again…… Humans are such beings…… That is a right all
humans are born with…… Everyone should be given an equal chance to
start over……]

[It’s not like I’m denying you from thinking that way. It was just that “I
don’t think so”. And, more than that…… You, Oyamada, laid your hand on
my precious comrades———- This topic, in the first place, had been settled
after that. Listen here…… I will not spare you. There certainly may be
people who would spare you. But in this place…… There is no one who
would do that.]

G- Gununununu……!
Irritating……
Irritating, irritating, irritating!
My patience and reason have reached its limits.

[Stop——— Stop with your bullshit, Mimoriiii! You better remember this,
you f*cking bastard! Kill me here and I’ll curse you after my death! You’ve
gotta be kidding me! You’re originally just a shitty mob with no presence!
You were a real pain in the ass on the bus when you suddenly started talking
to me! I was like, who the fuck is this guy!? Ahh, if I knew this is what
you’re gonna be like, I would have gotten rid of you before they disposed of
you! Ahh, d*mn it! I’ll kill you, I’ll kill you, I’ll kill you, I’ll kill you, I’ll
kill you! I’ll fucking start with that stupid horse! I’m gonna turn that to
mince meat and shove it down your fucking mouth! Next is that ugly elf
who has nothing to offer but her body and face! I’m gonna fuck her inside
out, morning noon and night! Fuck her ’till I get tired of her! Fuck her ’till
Mimori goes crazy! After that, I’ll drag her ugly mug all over the country!
I’ll have her fucked by every man on this continent until she can’t think
straight! No one will ever veto anything I do! No one, no one, no one!
Aaaahhhhhhhhhhhh! In the first place, why the heck did Mimori survive
like thiiiiiis!? How the heck did this guy reach that “high position” before I
knew it!? Irritating, irritating, irritating, irritating, irritatiiiiiiinnggggg
————]

[Oyamada.]

The expression on Mimori’s face as he looked straight at me————- was

so cold that it was frightening.

[You’re irredeemable.]
“Berserk”, Mimori said.

At that moment, I felt as if my whole body was seething.

Pfoooosh———!

Bright red blood blooming———— It tore its way out of my body,

spreading around in a disarray.

Beyond the fireworks of exploding spray of blood……

There I saw Seras Ashrain, pity visible on her face, and Mimori Touka with
the same ruthless expression he had before.

That was the last thing reflected in Oyamada Shougo’s eyes in this world.