《Kaiko Sareta Ankoku Heishi (30-dai) no Slow na Second Life》


 1-00 dismissal notice

    "You''re fired.........?


    I asked back, not understanding.


    I just did what I was told.


    ''''Are you saying that you are going to be relieved of your position as the Four Heavenly Kings'' assistant?


    ''No. You''re too slow, you idiot.


    In front of me, the faces of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, my direct superior, were all present.


    The most imposing of them all, Bashvaza-sama of the ''Ayan Fire'', said, "I''m not the Assistant Four Heavenly Kings.


    ''''He''s not the Four Heavenly Kings'' assistant. I''m calling for the sacking of the Demon King''s Army itself. Can''t you understand that much?


    I couldn''t believe my ears.


    Why?


    I was never at fault in my day-to-day work.


    ''You still don''t get it, do you?��Ain''t we a little slow?��You''re going to get fired for that, right?


    Bezelia-sama of the Four Heavenly Kings ''Muddy Water'' said.


    ''''That''s why I don''t like the lower bloodlines. It''s better to have someone more splendid standing beside us Four Heavenly Kings.''''


    Zeviantes-sama of the Four Heavenly Kings ''Huafu'' said.


    ''''..........''''


    Lord Droyer of the Four Heavenly Kings ''The Fertile Ground'' said nothing.


    Then again, Lord Bashvaza said.


    ''Think about it. Dariel, you are a dark soldier. You are the lowest class in the Demon King''s army. It''s strange that such a bottom-feeder would be our assistant!


    It''s...!


    ''I know!��You can''t do magic. That''s why you''re still at the lowest level. Incompetent people are not needed in the Demon King''s army!��That''s why I''m firing you!


    And there''s no better reason than that, is there? Beselia-sama laughed next to me.


    ''''.........But I have a mission from the previous generation........!


    Yes, your appointment as the Fourth Heavenly Advisor is only at your father''s whim. Otherwise, how could a lowly, incompetent man like you be exalted?


    Dark soldier--, lowest rank.


    Can''t use magic -, incompetent.


    Master Bashvaza was right about everything.


    "But your father is retired. Our time is now!��In this glorious new era, we don''t need a relic of the past like you!


    You didn''t like it, did you?��I stayed on since the last time you were here, not to have you around.��Like you''re being watched by your predecessor?


    ''''I want someone fresher beside our New Four Heavenly Kings. I don''t want to breathe the air exhaled by a musty old man like you.


    The Four Heavenly Kings are the supreme will of the Demon King''s army.


    Furthermore, the Demon King-sama standing above them delegates full authority to them, and there is no one in the Demon King''s army who can disagree with their decisions.


    ''''........I understand.''''


    I gave up.


    "Dark soldier Dariel. I will now take my leave of absence. Thank you for your long service.


    "I don''t want a pompous greeting!��Go away!��The Demon King''s Army is perfect when you''re gone!��It will be normal!


    Unable to stay any longer, I left the place.


    And from the Demon King''s castle, the Demon King''s army''s headquarters.


    And I will never come back here again.


    My name is Dariel.


    The lowest-ranking dark soldier in the Demon King''s army.


    It was.


    Now I''m just Dariel.

 2-01 Dariel wanders the forest

    My name is Dariel.


    I am a dark soldier in the Army of the Demon King.


    ...was.


    It''s a long time ago now.


    After being dismissed from the Demon King''s Army, I was officially unemployed and wandered to nowhere.


    The Four Heavenly Kings are right.


    I''m an incompetent, defective piece of work.


    I''m a demon, but I can''t use magic.


    The only thing that''s important to me is that I''m not going to be able to use magic that even children can learn to use if they''re a little resourceful.


    I''ve been a member of the Demon King''s army, but I''ve remained a dark soldier.


    I''m not going to be able to tell you what to do.


    I''m not going to be the only one who''s been in a position to do that.


    The reason I was able to assume the position of Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings is because I was selected by the previous Four Heavenly Kings.


    However, my predecessor was also severely injured in a fierce battle with a brave man and was forced to retire.


    And the new Four Heavenly Kings were those Bashvaza-sama.


    The situation changes from time to time, and they float and sink with the changing circumstances.


    My position was such a precarious and ephemeral one.


    I''m not sure how shallow I am for not realizing that and still reeling from the shock.


    ........What should I do now?


    I''m thirty-two years old.


    Until I reached this age, my life was devoted to the Demon King''s Army.


    It must be very hard to choose another way of life from now on.


    Do you want to put your faith in Granbaza-sama, the previous Four Heavenly Kings?


    Mr. Grandfather is the one who put me, a mere dark soldier, in charge of assisting him and taking care of me both publicly and privately.


    If I talk to that person, maybe he can at least introduce me to some new employment opportunities.


    ........no, no.


    Master Grand Barza told me just before he retired.


    ''''Help my son well,'''' he said.


    The current Fourth Heavenly King, Lord Bashbursa, is Lord Grandfather''s trueborn son.


    I stayed in the Demon King''s army only because I had the purpose of helping the son of a great benefactor.


    Without being able to fulfill a man''s promise, how can I go to see him with my face down?


    Otherwise, Lady Granberza is recovering from a deep wound she received from a brave man.


    I can''t let you know that I''m worried about him when the wounds that caused him to retire haven''t healed.


    In the end, I''m just a man who will disappear quietly and quietly.


    I can''t even use magic.


    No power.


    Who would be bothered by my disappearance?


    That''s the kind of man I am.


    I''m a meaningless and useless man.


    In that case, I''ll just disappear.


    I''ll leave the demon tribe''s territory and disappear wherever I can.


    And so I kept walking.


    Walk.


    Keep walking.


    Walk...........


    Until despair paralyzes me and I lose my senses.........


    ��


    No, we really walked.


    How many days have passed since then?


    I''m not even sure what the days are anymore?


    I found myself in the woods.


    I didn''t recognize it at all, and I was even dimly aware of which direction I had come from.


    The point is, I don''t even know where I am.


    It doesn''t matter where I am, I just want to get away.


    But here''s the thing, though.


    I''ve been able to outrun my hunger a bit by picking wildflowers and such, but is it time to get out of here?


    What should we do now?


    With that in mind.........


    ''''Caaaaaaaah!''''


    A scream rang out from deep in the forest. Indeed, it reaches this ear.


    "huh!��Scream!


    In the middle of the forest?


    Now that I heard it, I couldn''t ignore it.


    I ran off in the direction where the scream had flown.


    We arrived rather quickly.


    In the middle of the dense forest, an elderly young woman was being attacked by someone.


    It seemed to be a real emergency.


    ''''To-u!''''


    I immediately jumped into the scene and stood up to defend the woman.


    ''A vulnerable woman is being attacked, is that understood?


    ''What?��Ah.........?


    The woman seems to be confused by the intruder, but it''s not unreasonable.


    The person attacking you, on the other hand........turns his or her attention to you. At first I thought it was a person, but it wasn''t.


    ''''........A monkey?''''


    The beast stands on two legs, but the hairy, fang-bared beast grunts and snarls at me.


    Even though it''s a monkey, it''s almost as big as me.


    In a decent fist fight, the agile beast would have a strong chance of winning.


    I still resent myself for being so useless.


    If this was a decent elite of the Demon King''s army, they could burn it all to the ground with a single magic shot.


    You can''t even use rudimentary fire magic, what an incompetent person I really am.


    ''''d*mn........!


    I try to at least scare him with a physical attack, but the monkey is as quick as he looks, and he dodges my hefty tackle.


    I''m still hungry. I can''t put any strength into my body.


    "Oh, my God, at least...!


    Just enough time to buy a woman enough time to get away safely...?


    What do you think?


    Is there any way I, incompetent as I am, could help someone else...?


    !


    As I looked around me in a fit of anguish, something caught my eye.


    A glittering metal shine.


    Sharp and pointed.


    ''''A........weapon?''''


    It''s called a knife.


    It was invented by the humans to fight against us demons.


    They were conveniently dropped in the forest... could they belong to the woman who was attacked?


    You tried to fight the monkeys that attacked you, but you couldn''t handle them and dropped them?


    So she''s human?


    No, it doesn''t matter.


    It''s a shame for a Demon King''s Army soldier to rely on weapons made by humans, but I''m no longer in the Demon King''s Army.


    I''ll use whatever I can use to get out of this crisis.


    ''''Daaah!''''


    I managed to pick up the knife and point it at the big monkey.


    Is this how you wanted to handle it?


    How did we use the brave party we fought in the past?


    ''Kiiiiiiiiiiiii!''


    The monkeys jump on me.


    Kokuen!


    ''''Doryaaaahhhh!


    I could feel the horrible response of stabbing and scraping flesh from the outstretched knife.


    The big monkey covered me with the momentum of the assault, but he didn''t move any further, and he died.


    ''''It ... worked.''''


    I checked and found that the knife had been driven deep into the great monkey''s left chest.


    It went through the gap between his ribs and the ribs and hit his heart.


    I was just copying what my brave companion was doing, but I didn''t expect it to be so cleanly done.


    Me, at least.


    I beat the monkey.

 3-02 Dariel arrives at the human village

    The woman I saved was a human, just as I had guessed.


    The knife I picked up seemed to belong to her as well.


    ''''Thank you so much!''''


    Woman, coming at me as fast as she can.


    ''I owe you!��I don''t know what would''ve happened if you hadn''t come to me!��I''m sure I must have been gheehee''d by a monkey!


    What are you imagining?


    That''s a monkey, okay?


    ''Please come to my village!��I want to thank you properly!


    But I''m now unemployed and roaming the streets.


    And it''s too dangerous to go to the home of the human race, our enemies.


    I''m not going to be able to get out of it.��Come with me!


    "Uggotgot...!��I''m not pulling!��I''m not pulling!


    She was a great force.


    Why was she so powerful and almost lost to the monkeys?��That''s about it.


    I couldn''t resist because I was wandering around, too, and I finally had her way.


    Then we moved.


    Arrival.


    ��


    There was a village.


    A human village, of course.


    This is your village?


    ''Yes, sir!��It''s Lax Village!


    She said cheerfully.


    Was this really the sphere of influence of the human race?


    Even though I was driven by despair, I''m amazed that I walked so far.


    Is my hometown, the demon territory, far away with the past.....


    ''''Come over here!��I''ve got my own house!


    And she''s a giggler.


    She''s a bundle of vitality.


    "I want you to meet my parents!


    What am I talking about, girl?


    I''m going through a hell of a phase, aren''t I?


    However, even if I tried to run away here in a hurry, I couldn''t escape because of a firm grip on my hand.


    I''m dragged along with me....


    ''It''s my father.''


    My mother.


    I was forced to come face to face with something.


    I felt an irresistible swell of fate.


    "I want to thank you so much for saving my daughter''s life. She means a lot to us, even for such a trivial horse.


    Father, daughter and mother line up across the table facing each other.


    What is this tension?


    Well my name is Malika, although it''s a bit late to give my name.


    The woman I rescued in the woods, said in a cursory manner.


    Once again, she looks young and beautiful.


    It''s a good thing that she''s dressed simply like a village girl, and although her daily routine and tangles are apparent here and there, it gives her a homely impression that''s rather pleasing.


    I''m not sure how much more comforting it would be to have a woman like her say "welcome home" to me every day.


    .........hmm?


    No, no.........


    "So, um.........your name is also.......?


    Yeah.


    It''s not like I''m going to cut the shira, so I answer.


    ''This is Dariel.''


    I decided to explain from scratch, including why I was there.


    This is a human village.


    In other words, I''m an avenging enemy of the Demon King''s army I used to be in.


    The humans send a brave man to kill the demon king.


    The demons organize a demon king''s army to protect the king, and they fight back against the heroes.


    That''s the kind of relationship I''m talking about.


    So to speak, this is enemy territory.


    To me.


    That''s why I''ve decided not to hide the other aspects of my strategy except for the one thing that I''m a demon, which is to keep it under wraps.


    I''ve successfully blurred the connection between the demon tribe and the demon king''s army, and only succeeded in conveying that I was lost after being fired from my previous job.


    "So I was wandering around in the forest.... It was a disaster.


    ''How awful!��Dariel, you''re so strong and awesome!��I''m sure the second bonbon must have been jealous of Dariel-san''s competence and kicked her out!


    I don''t know what it is, but Marika-san gets angry at me as if it were her own business.


    ''''Dariel-san!��If that''s what you mean, then live in this village!


    What?


    You don''t have anywhere to go, do you?��I''m the one who gets out of bed and wakes up in my house!��There''s a lot of spare room for nothing!��All right, Dad!


    Marika was being wonderfully forceful.


    Your father didn''t stop his daughter from running wild.


    Well, we are chronically short of people in our village...


    I''m on board.


    ''If you can get enough people to stay in the village to take down the beasts of the forest, you''re more than welcome. My daughter is right, we have a lot of empty rooms in our house that we don''t use, so you can use them as you please.


    No, I can''t say that I did.


    It was a difficult offer.


    I''m grateful that I was expelled from the Demon King''s Army and will be given a permanent home.


    I''d even like to ask for a permanent home.


    But the proposed settlement is a human village.


    As a demon, it''s a dangerous place that could lead to my death if my identity is discovered.


    At best, we should stay one night and leave immediately, but....


    ''''........I understand. Thank you for your help.


    I''ve reconsidered.


    How meaningful is life to me now?


    I was an exile from the Demon Lord''s Army, wandering around, thinking that nothing mattered.


    There''s a place that needs me.


    You should respond with all your might.


    ''But I''m all about my old job and nothing else. I hope I can be of some use?


    Marika''s father answers that question.


    ''Then, Dariel. I would like you to be an adventurer, would you?


    "Adventurer?


    As a demon, I''m not familiar with the word.


    It''s a job to register with the guild and perform various requests. In a country village like ours, there are only simple jobs that can only be done in the countryside, but even so, one or two people can be useful.


    I see.


    So how do you become that adventurer...?


    "What, I''m just going to do a little registration. Just in time to do it right here.


    What?


    I''m sorry to say this, but I''m the guild master in this village. It''s a small village, so we don''t have a guild, I''m the only one who handles the registration and requests.


    Seriously?


    And if so, is it really coming?


    The guild registration ceremony for the human race.


    Of course, as a demon, I don''t know much about it, but I do know what it''s all about.


    The system of guilds constructed by the human race is unique to the human race.


    I''m not going to be the only one who can use the magic that the demon race uses, but the human race can''t use it, as if to keep a balance.


    The human race can gain power by belonging to the guild and oppose magic.


    And they can fight on an even playing field with the demon race.


    For the demon race, how troublesome are the adventurers that the guild unleashes, the brave men who stand at the top of it.


    ''''Uh, er, well...!


    But right now, there''s a more pressing issue.


    I just said that ''the guild system is only for the human race'', but that also means that ''only the human race can join the guild''.


    In other words, the demon race cannot join the guild.


    At a glance, there is no difference between the human race and the demon race.


    This is why the guild registration ceremony is the easiest way to distinguish between the human and demon tribe.


    When I was an assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings, I once sent spies to the human side in an attempt to help my superiors, but I generally failed.


    This was because many secret spies had been exposed by this guild registration.


    That dreadful guild registration ceremony was right in front of them.


    ''''.........''''


    I wanted to keep my identity a secret for as long as possible, but I didn''t think I''d be caught out.


    Oh dear.


    I once thought I was dead. What will happen to me now?


    Nice to meet you.


    "Mm.


    Maleeka''s father - although he was also the guild master of this village.


    I immediately began the registration ceremony.


    I pricked the needle into my fingertips and pressed the floating blood into some kind of contract form.


    Then I felt some strange power flowing into my body.


    The power eventually seeped into my skin and into my flesh, and some kind of crest floated in response.


    On the back of my hand.


    This is the end of your registration. You will be given the blessing of the guild and will receive various benefits.


    What?


    What?


    I was surprised.


    Marika''s father was surprised by the surprise.


    I didn''t understand the exchange, but I was confused.


    I''m a demon race.


    How could a demon race pass the human guild registration ceremony?


    Why?


    Why!


    My brain was in a state of confusion and confusion, but there was only one clear answer to this question.


    Was I........human?


    They were not the demon race, but the human race.


    That''s why we were able to accept human guild registration, which would have been played by the demon race.


    Even though I was a demon, I couldn''t use magic.


    That too.


    It''s also because I was of the human race, so that explains it...?

 4-03 Dariel was a human

    Let me tell you my story.


    Me - Dariel, the former soldier in the dark, a bit of a story.


    I never knew my parents'' faces.


    When I can remember, I was apprenticed as a soldier under Master Grumberza, the former Four Heavenly Kings of Fire.


    Granbaza-sama said that he found a baby left behind on the battlefield, took pity on it, picked it up, and fostered it.


    As it was, he was trained and joined the Demon King''s army.


    Directly instructed by the Four Heavenly Kings Granbaza-sama.


    It was good to say that it was undeniably elite training, but even so, I was in despair because I couldn''t learn a single magic.


    Even so, Granbaza-sama kept me on hand and left me in charge of various other tasks.


    Well, inevitably, all I had to do was chores.


    Even so, I did my best to be of service to Granbaza-sama.


    Thanks to this, I was able to assume the important role of Assistant to the Fourth Heavenly King.


    As time went on and the Four Heavenly Kings took over from Granbaza''s generation to his son Bashbaza''s, I continued to serve as the assistant.


    That''s because Lord Grandfather had asked me to do so.


    "Take care of my son, help him.


    His son didn''t like me and I was fired.


    But.....


    Based on the testimony of Grampaza-sama who said he picked me up on the battlefield, my birth is not known.


    Are you born of demon parents?


    Am I born of human race parents?


    I''ve grown up among the demon race, so I''ve always taken it for granted that I''m the demon race....


    Was I actually different?


    There is little difference between the demon race and the human race in terms of appearance.


    If you can use magic, you are a demon, and if you can register with the guild, you are a human.


    I was despised among the demons for not being able to use magic, so I came to the human village and was able to register with the guild.


    In other words, I am........


    Do you mean I''ve always misunderstood what race I am?


    ��.


    I''m in shock and confusion.


    I arrived in this village as a human.


    More importantly, I''m an adventurer.


    I''m going to teach you how to be an adventurer.


    And now, I was getting a lecture on adventurers from Marika''s father.


    Outside, how it''s like, ''I''m about to go on a rampage.


    ''Please be careful! Your father was an adventurer when he was young.


    Marika, who was watching beside me, said with ease.


    I can understand.


    This father has a woozy look on his face as he remembers the time when he was at his most violent in a long time.


    I''m getting tired of keeping up with him........


    ''''The basic ki of an adventurer!��What matters is how you handle your weapons!


    I know.


    No, not as an adventurer, but as an enemy tormented by those adventurers.


    When I was still in the Demon King''s army, the humans with their powerful armor were a pain to deal with.


    The human race is a weak creature that cannot use magic.


    That''s the perception from the demon tribe, but the human tribe with weapons is not frail in the least.


    Humans who pick up a weapon are able to fight evenly with demons who use magic.


    This is also due to the benefits of the guild system that the human race has built up.


    ''''Swords, bows and arrows, hammers and shields. Weapons come in many forms.


    In front of me, there were a number of weapons lined up in front of me.


    They all seemed to be village equipment and were suitably cheap and old.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for," he said, "and if you''re a member of the guild, you''re given the protection of the human race and the blessing of the fighting gods. They can control the aura of life force and wear it as a weapon in battle.


    Armor clad in aura can go head-to-head with the magic released by the demon race.


    It is up to each individual to decide who will win.


    Tens of thousands of humans and demons have fought, won and lost according to these rules.


    ''''Dariel-kun, just take any one of them with you at random.


    Yes, sir.


    After being told that, I, for the time being, take the sword that was closest to me.


    "..........


    It was old, but the weight of the metal was slick.


    It was strange that the sword that had once been thrust at him by his enemies and meant nothing more than a threat was now in his hands.


    Demons don''t have weapons.


    If they wanted to kill their enemies, they had attack magic.


    The demon race rather looked down on the human race, saying that they can''t even fight without relying on weapons.


    ''''Try to breathe and be aware of your aura.


    ..........


    I did as I was told.


    I close my eyes, breathe, and imagine the feel of the air covering my skin.


    Oh...!


    I feel it.


    A light, airy thing that sizzles on the surface of my body.


    The basic training I once did in the Demon King''s Army to control my magic power.


    Imagery training to become aware of the invisible magic power.


    It was the first step in training to use magic, but I failed because I couldn''t feel a bit of magic power.


    But I remembered the feeling I had at that time and was able to grasp the aura instantly.


    ''''Great...!��You were able to control your aura almost instantly.


    I don''t know...!��It wasn''t a wasted effort, so, you know...!


    That''s something to get off your chest.


    Next, I''m going to transfer the aura that covers your body into a weapon. Since it''s the first time, we''ll do it slowly and carefully...!


    Ha!


    Instantly?


    An aura could be seen residing in the sword.


    With this, you''ll be able to counteract the demon race''s attack magic and destroy magical wards.


    You''re the only one who can do it. Are you a genius, by any chance?


    No, no,


    I''m an incompetent fall guy.


    That''s what I was always told in the Demon King''s Army.


    ''''Well, well then, let''s take the next step. The nature of the aura has its advantages and disadvantages.''''


    No.


    That''s a new one.


    Is this a more intimate conversation that the enemy can''t see?


    The aura can only be used as a means of attack when it is wrapped around a weapon. It''s not just a matter of what kind of weapon you''re compatible with, it''s also different for each person. The Guild divides the properties of these auras into four main categories.


    Then Malika''s father recites his four aura qualities.


    Slash.


    Sting.


    Hit.


    Guard.


    Everyone has their own aura-nature. Now, Dariel, let''s see which one you''re good at.


    I understand.


    ''I''ve just got a sword and I''ll start with the slash characteristic. Try to slash away the log I''ve prepared here.


    There really was a log at the ready.


    ''Slash is an aura property that specializes in slashing. It is the most basic and adaptable. A weapon that goes well with it is the sword. It''s the one you have with you right now.


    But I''ve never held a sword in my life, and I''ve never had the confidence to cut such a massive log into rounds....


    There''s no need to cut it open. It''s not necessary to cut through it to see how deeply the blade is cut into the ground to test your aura aptitude. That old raggedy sword, if you can dig in halfway, you can say it''s good enough.


    Zan!


    The log was slashed beautifully.


    The top and bottom halves split neatly apart, the top one falling to the ground according to gravity.


    With a thud.


    "...........��..........?


    Dad widened his eyelids as if his eyeballs were about to pop out and stared at the cross section of the log.


    ''.........well, well. If you were able to cut this much, then Dariel-kun''s aura aptitude is slash.


    ''Wow. If you can slice through half of it, you''ll pass, right?


    Even Marika, who was observing by the side, was surprised.


    ''''That''s right...!��Dariel, you are awesome!��Now let''s look at the next characteristic.


    What?


    I thought my specialty was confirmed by slash (slash)?


    If it turns out to be a hit, do I have to continue...?


    There is no single aura trait that is clearly defined as a strength. It''s usually distributed among the ones you''re best at, the ones you''re a little good at, the ones you''re not so good at, and the ones you''re not at all good at.


    "Ho ho!


    There were poor dexterity people who were not good at it, but not good at it either. You should try the whole thing out to see if that''s the case.


    Okay.


    We''ll just do what they tell us to do.


    Now the sting. Next is stinging. The only weapon that goes with it is the bow and arrow.


    The adventurer''s course will continue.

 5-04 Dariel is said to be talented

    Aura lecture by Maleeka''s father.


    It''s still going on.


    My aura aptitude for slash, sting, hit, and guard.


    I''m investigating which one I''m suitable for.


    The second weapon suitable for Sting''s Aura Aptitude is the bow and arrow. It has a long range!


    I''ve seen this one too.


    This is the bow and this is the arrow, right?


    I pull the bow and buzz the arrow.


    The arrows boosted by the aura will fly farther than a normal shot. The aura of the sting trait also compensates for the accuracy of the hit, so the adapters can shoot the apples in the next village.


    Anyway, I tried to draw the bow just by watching and imitating.


    I''m a complete amateur, so there''s no way I could hit it with one shot.


    I passed the aura through the nailed arrow, and then released it with a flash.


    It flies straight to the target prepared in advance....


    Penetrate.....


    Even the trunk of the tree behind it penetrates........


    It finally stopped after piercing the second tree further behind it.


    ''''..............?''''


    Me, Malika and her father were all immensely disappointed.


    At the same time, a chill came over us.


    ''Thank God no one was passing by...?


    And.


    It would have been a disaster if someone had happened to be in the firing line!


    Dad!��It''s not safe!��Why didn''t you prepare a stronger target for me?


    I didn''t think it would go through...?


    Right......


    ''I was trying to keep people from getting behind the target in case I missed........ And yet, one shot is a must........?��You''ve never handled a bow and arrow before, have you?��Then you hit him with just the accuracy correction of his aura...?


    What''s the aura''s aptitude for this?


    Of course it''s appropriate. Of course it''s appropriate. If you don''t have all of your aura aptitude for Sting, you won''t be able to do this...?


    Eh.........?


    But I''m a proper slash guy too, right?


    ''''It''s not unreasonable to say that he has two specialty traits, but........ Keh, let''s try them all out first and come to a conclusion...!��Hit (or hit) next!


    I was given a weapon, this time a hammer.


    "Hit is an aura property suitable for striking weapons. Slashing and stabbing won''t hurt you, smashing hard enemies to pieces.


    A stone prepared in front of you.


    ''You want me to hit this with a hammer,'' he said.


    "Sore.


    It wasn''t the result of a chutzpah, cracked or shattered.


    It was shattered.


    The shards became as fine as sand and splattered all around them.


    ''''Geh-ho!��Geho Geho.........?


    I inhaled with all my might and sobbed.


    That''s how small the pieces are.


    Ghoho........um, this aptitude for........?


    "Great.


    Again...?


    All three characteristics so far, all of them are appropriate...?


    ''Not yet!��I''ve got that last guard (defense) trait left!


    What?


    The guard is a little different from the other three. It''s an oddity. It''s a defensive-oriented aura. I''m not going to be able to stop them.


    Well, I guess that''s what the name "guard" implies.


    ''I''m not very good at attacking by myself, so I have my quirks, but if you''re forming a party, I''m popular as a wallflower to protect my friends. It''s going to be a drag!


    So, how do you measure guard (defense) aptitude?


    I knew it would be like this...?


    I am given a light wooden shield.


    In front of me is Marika''s father, swinging a hammer with all his might.


    ".........just to make sure, you won''t really hit me, right?


    Of course I do!��It was just a test.��I''m not going to let you get hurt!


    Despite the assurances, I feel uneasy.


    ''''Die, aaaaah!


    I''m still serious!


    I push out my wooden shield and duck down.


    At least I hope I won''t get hurt.


    The moment the shield and hammer come into contact with each other, there''s a bang and a shattering impact.


    The one that was shattered was the hammer your father has.


    It shattered into pieces of wood.


    "Woooooooooooooooo!


    The recoil caused his father to be blown off in a big way.


    I had to throw away my shield, which was unharmed, and run to him.


    ''''Are you okay!��Are you hurt........?


    ''''Ga.........''''


    "But?


    He''s got more than enough skills to guard.


    After saying that, his father lost consciousness.


    "Father...?


    ��.


    Fortunately, Maleeka''s father just turned his eyes and regained consciousness by simply spraying water on his head.


    ........I wasn''t the one who sprayed water on him, you know?


    That''s my daughter, Marieka.


    Well, as it turns out, it''s...


    Says a drenched father, "Dariel-kun''s aura aptitude is slashing, stinging, hitting, and guarding.


    Dariel''s aura aptitude is slash, sting, hit, and guard. He is the best at all of them. He''s great at all of them and has no weaknesses!


    ...Is that a great thing?


    "It''s not great!��I''ve never seen such a man before!��At least when I was an active adventurer!


    As far as his excitement is concerned, it must be really great.


    I''m not going to be able to do any of the demon race''s magic, but the aura of the human race improved to the expert class in a day.


    It''s only natural considering that I was originally of the human race, but....


    It''s a complicated feeling.


    ''''So........so what do we do now?''''


    "Huh?


    What do you mean?


    ''Well, it turns out that he has such a rare talent. There''s no way you can stay in a small village like this.��You could go to a guild in a bigger city and still be good at it. You can''t pull it off.


    According to his father, if you go to a larger city, there are decent guilds, and they are filled with experienced adventurers.


    He says that even if you throw me into such a situation, I''m a gem of a person who can shine. Me.


    If you want, I can write you a letter of introduction. "If you want, I can write you a letter of introduction, and you can take it to the guild in the next town. You''ll get your way to the Center Guild.


    I silently shifted my gaze to the side.


    Then I found Marika-san peeking at me with an anxious expression.


    ''''Since you''re here, but........''''


    I answered bluntly, but clearly, "I don''t want to leave this village for good.


    I don''t want to leave this village that has been so good to me right away. Can you let me stay here for a while?


    I didn''t miss the way Maleeka''s face lit up.


    This is how I got a new place to live.


    This is where my second life, my second life, will be lived.

 6-05 Dariel joins the village

    Err, so....


    I''m going to be introduced to the village somehow.


    I''m going to...


    Gather the villagers.


    "Meet Dariel, the newcomer to our village, LUX.


    Maleeka''s dad banged me on the shoulder.


    ''It''s this guy?'' As shown.


    It''s a mystery to me why your father himself is so proud of something.


    ''Domo, stammer...?


    I tried to be as amiable as I could, but no matter how I interpreted it, the villagers'' eyes were on the ''rare beast''.


    ''''He will work as an adventurer. As always, I will take care of all requests, so if you have any problems, please come to me, the village chief, to tell me.


    What?


    I was the one who reacted the most to that.


    To Malika''s father.


    You were the village chief, weren''t you?


    Oh, didn''t I tell you?��I''m the mayor!��I''m also a guild master, though.


    What do you mean?


    It''s a small village. The chief is the guild master.


    Although it was a small village, when I saw all the inhabitants of the village in front of me like this, I could see that the description was not an exaggeration.


    At best, there are only about 30 people in the village.


    So this is the total population of the village.


    The guild doesn''t have a formal branch, and the size of the guild is such that it can function with the village head serving as guild master.................


    .........By the way.


    Then Marika-san is the daughter of the village chief?


    I''m Dariel, who was referred to me.


    Anyway, I introduced myself.


    From now on, I intend to do my best to become a member of the village. I hope you can get along with me.


    I''m going to hit him as softly as I can.


    I don''t want to get licked or anything like that.


    "You''re so polite...


    ''I was worried at first when I heard you were from the outside, but...''


    And he''s not as handsome as I thought...?


    It seems to have made a good impression on the villagers.


    Not a bad start.........


    ''''Heh, I don''t like it.


    ........but that wasn''t the case.


    One of them is laying bare his hostility towards me.


    ''Adventurer?��Why are there two adventurers in Lax village?


    ?


    He was a young man.


    By the looks of it, he was around twenty years old.


    He had a strong body and seemed to be able to move well, but his face was cocky and still had the youthfulness of a teenager.


    ''''...You?''''


    Don''t talk to me like that, old man!


    You''re a little young.


    Well, I''m old enough to know better.


    I''m well past 30 years old.


    ...What about him?


    I had no choice but to give it to the village chief.


    You''re Malika''s father, or the village chief.


    He is the father of the village chief. He is the most valuable young man in our village now.


    The village chief also looks a bit bemused.


    ''I''m playing the adventurer.''


    Him.


    I''m the only adventurer in my village. Other than that, I have no one to turn to.


    It''s more overpopulated than I''ve heard.


    A village with only one adventurer.


    Well, that''s exactly why we''re glad you''re here. That''s why we''re glad you''re here," he said. Now the villagers'' requests will go more smoothly.


    You can''t turn it all in by yourself, can you?


    "Shut up!��I''m the only adventurer in this village and that''s enough!


    A young man named Gasita took a bite out of that.


    I''m not sure if this old man is a good enough to be an adventurer.��Being an adventurer is a tough job, you know?��Fools and wimps can''t do that, can they?


    The tone of voice is blatantly challenging.


    "Do you have the strength to run around in the woods with this tired old man? Do you have the strength to run around in the forest?��Can you fight a monster?


    I''m pretty confident in my own strength.


    ...What grade is that?


    What?


    ''It''s an adventurer''s grade!��Don''t you understand that, amateur?


    That being said, I''m an unmistakable amateur who just recently became an adventurer.


    "........Dariel-kun, look at the back of your hand.


    The village chief, who couldn''t see it, offered to help me.


    "The back of your hand?


    There will be a patch floating there. That''s the coat of arms that''s engraved on all guild registrants.


    If you ask me.


    It came to you during the registration ceremony, didn''t it?


    ''This is the E grade adventurer''s crest. There are grades E through A for adventurers.


    Grade E?��Class E? That''s the lowest grade in the school, man. You''re pathetic!


    Gacita didn''t even try to hide the look of mockery on her face.


    ''And you, by the way?''


    Grade D!


    A cut above.


    That''s why you should respect me, old man!��Don''t interfere with me when I meet you in the field!


    With that statement, he shook his shoulder and walked away.


    What the hell is he doing?


    ''He was probably relieved to find out that he was ahead in grade. He''s really a guy who gets hung up on the little things. That''s why his vessel won''t expand forever.


    The chief sighed deeply.


    He is a valuable young man for our village, that''s for sure. But that''s not good enough. The world we live in is growing too small.


    Whether as a village leader, guild master, or more simply as an elder in the village.


    He spits out his harsh assessment with frustration.


    He thinks he''s the only adventurer in the village, and that he has a special job to do. In fact, that''s not true; there are plenty of D-level adventurers in slightly larger guilds.


    In the adventurer''s industry, an E class is just that, a fledgling do-gooder.


    Every adventurer had to complete one or two quests to reach D level.


    E grade is a provisional exemption for adventurers; D grade is the lowest level in the world. I''m not going to be able to say that I''m a D class adventurer, but I''m not going to be able to say that I''m a D class adventurer. It''s shameful and embarrassing...!


    The village chief put his head in his hands.


    Dariel," he said. If you work as an adventurer, then he will have something to compare it to, and he will realize how inexperienced he is. Can I count on you for that, too?


    I''m an E grade below him, though.


    Everyone starts out with an E grade. If you''re smart, you might even make it to A level!


    Don''t flatter me like that.


    I''ll just step it up.


    Well, you can''t wait to get to work.


    That''s fast. Thanks. It''s a small village. It''s not much more than picking herbs in the woods, or exterminating monsters.


    What other requests do they have?��I thought, but I didn''t ask because I was getting off track.


    I''m sure you''re not the only one. It''s not a job for me to do," he said, "as a D-level adventurer. It would be a great help to me if Dariel-kun would take care of it.


    Let''s do it.


    It''s a simple job of just picking grass, but the forest is full of dangers.


    The theory is to take precautions and ask adventurers for help.


    My Marika has just gone into the forest and is in danger. If Gacita hadn''t been so cocky and taken on the quest to collect herbs, that wouldn''t have happened...!


    You mean when I met her.


    That''s why the frail woman was in the forest.


    But that''s how me and Marika-san met, so it''s a complicated feeling.


    You must be very careful when entering the forest, Dariel. You must be very careful when entering the forest, because right now, Etemone is on the rise.


    Etemone?


    It''s a monkey monster native to this area. It''s so violent that villagers won''t be able to enter the forest if they see this thing.


    The village chief showed me a drawing.


    It was a sketch of something called Etemone.


    ''''Hmm?''''


    This monkey picture looks familiar...?


    "Gacita is on a quest to defeat him, but we still haven''t been able to defeat that boner for half a month. As long as we don''t defeat Etemone, we won''t be able to go out and pick up a little firewood, so we''re really in a bind.......!


    Oh, my God, is that...?


    Marika looked at the sketch and said.


    ''Isn''t that the monkey in this drawing the one Mr. Dariel defeated?


    What?


    I thought, too.


    The monkey that was about to attack Marika in the forest.


    The monkey''s appearance was a perfect match for Etemone''s in the sketch.

 7-06 Marika Dates To Call Help

    Defeating Etemone, accomplished.


    Apparently I had completed that quest before I became an adventurer.


    I didn''t take the body back with me, but when I went to check with the village chief, we confirmed that it was indeed a wanted monster.


    Gacita, who had been commissioned to undertake a quest to defeat the monster, was informed that the quest had been cancelled.


    The village chief, who also serves as guild master, reprimanded her directly.


    It seems that Gacita had received the quest half a month ago, but had been unable to find a target to take down.


    ''''You were so lazy, you could have attacked my daughter!��You''re a useless ragbag at a crucial moment, even though you''re a daily braggart!


    The village chief''s anger is genuine, since it was his own daughter who suffered the disaster.


    Gashita is also disgraced.


    ''''............!


    For some reason, I accompanied him to Gashita''s place, but the vindictive look he directed at me was scary.


    ''''......................Chief, give me the quest.


    What?


    ''A quest to take down a monster much more powerful than Etemone!��I''m not gonna let that old rookie beat me to it.��I will hunt stronger monsters!


    The rivalry was crunchy.


    The village chief had no choice but to respond to his request.


    Then, here it is. I''m sure you''re not going to be able to find a way to make the most out of your time here.


    But it''s more powerful than Etemone!��I''ll show you!��I''m going to beat this guy and prove that I''m better than him!


    More importantly, is it in the best interest of the village?


    If it''s a monster that''s not dangerous to the village, forcing yourself to hunt it isn''t just a futile kill.


    The village chief, please give me a quest. As I recall, you have a collection of herb collectors, right?


    ''Oh?��Oh...!��Dariel-kun is so grateful that you''re thinking of the village...!


    Quest undertaken.


    "Collect Six Mechaita Plants".


    What''s this sinister-looking name?


    "You''re an amateur, you can just weed your way through it!��Watch this!��I''ll make it big in a minute.


    What''s the big deal in any world?


    ''Shut up!��Don''t let the E class talk so big to the D class!


    Should I tell you?


    The fact that I was promptly upgraded from E class to D class for my achievement in defeating Etemone.


    Anyway, I went into the forest to collect medicinal herbs and Gacita-kun went into the forest to exterminate monsters.


    ��


    Well.....


    Me in the woods.


    Although the smell of green was fresh, I was puzzled.


    ''Let''s work together!


    I have a companion.


    That''s Malika.


    She is the daughter of the chief and she is the one who led me to the village.


    Why is she here?��So..........


    ''Dariel-san has only been in the village for a short time!��In the beginning, you need someone you know to show you around and learn the geography of the woods!��It''s true!''''


    He pushed me away.


    It is true that you can''t lick a forest or a mountain, but if you do, you might get lost.


    That''s why I asked a local girl, Marika, to accompany me.


    "What''s wrong with me...?


    It''s dangerous in the forest, so why would you ask an adventurer to accompany you?


    And yet you''re taking an ordinary villager, Malika, with you.


    ''''Don''t worry. It''s not as if the villagers don''t go into the forest at all.


    Is that so?


    Otherwise we wouldn''t be able to pick up firewood........ What I ask adventurers to do is to go back and forth to the backcountry that takes a long time to get to and from, or where there are reports of monster sightings and it''s dangerous, and also when it''s a hassle!


    "It''s too much trouble...?


    I don''t know how I feel about it.


    ''When my father was able to move, he used to take me into the forest too. That''s why I know the terrain of the forest so well.


    Don''t make it sound like your father is stuck in the middle of something...?


    Am I right?


    The village chief was busily rubbing his waist with every movement he made.


    I really wanted to become an adventurer too. The village is lacking in adventurers, and I wanted to help in any way I could.


    Is that why you were in the woods that time...?


    ''An old lady in my neighborhood has a cold.... She said she''d have to go by herself because this idiot in Gacita wouldn''t even get herbs for her...


    So I ran into some unlucky monsters and then I came along for the ride.


    ''I have to repay you, Dariel!��So I''ll seriously show you the way!


    You don''t have to be so tense.


    It''s a guide, so you need to keep your cool rather than your morale up.


    ''''Then, Dariel-san, let''s hold hands!


    Why?


    ''If you get lost in the woods, it''s over!��If you don''t want to get separated, isn''t holding hands a sure thing!


    ''Maybe so, but is there any other way...?''


    I''m also a good old man of thirty-two years old.


    I''ve completely exhausted my youthfulness in my menial job in the Demon King''s Army.......


    I''m not going to be able to get a hold of a young woman at my age.......?


    ''''There''s another way........?��Would you like to hug each other then?


    What''s the big step?


    I''ve been following this girl since I met her, and she''s gotten pretty aggressive, hasn''t she?


    As expected, he was quiet in front of his parents, but as soon as they were alone with him, this was it.


    ''I owe you a debt of gratitude, Dariel-san,''


    Is that really all there is to it?


    From her words and actions, I sense more than just the will to repay the favor.


    I don''t know what kind of will, either, but....


    ''''Come on, let''s hurry up and pick some herbs and go home!��Everyone in the village is waiting for you!


    Yeah, I guess so.


    Here''s a list of herbs to collect.


    There''s a lot of names for something, but isn''t there one type that was requested?


    ''That''s why the requests are piling up. It''s because Gacita''s an idiot who doesn''t take collection quests. Since we came all the way to the depths of the forest with Dariel-san, it''s more efficient to pick as many as possible at this point and return home!


    Maybe so, but...!


    The more we talk, the more I think, Malika, you''re not used to working as an adventurer?


    Maybe it''s only natural if you think of her as the guild master''s daughter.


    She''s been in and out of the forest since she was a child, and she goes off on her own because the current adventurers can''t be relied upon.


    She''s not an official adventurer, but she.


    Isn''t she much more of an adventurer than an ordinary adventurer, etc.?


    Mr. Dariel, that''s not mechaita grass.


    ''What?��Really?


    ''It''s a similar but different species. You can tell them apart by the number of stripes on the underside of the leaves.


    Oh, I see...?


    Mr. Dariel, the only medicinal part of this plant is the leaves, so you''ll just have to cut the leaves off. One leaf out of four from each plant. Then it will be back to normal rather quickly.


    Oh, I see...!


    ''There are a lot of yagen larvae underneath fallen trees, so we''ll have to turn them over to find them. This one is dried and powdered, and it helps to cool the heat!


    A bug in your medicine?


    Yes, but...?��Huh?��Dariel, look at this!��Deer tracks!��Let''s go after them and finish them off!��And for tonight''s food!


    I knew it!


    She''s a genius!


    That''s the daughter of a guild master and village chief, rugged!


    Didn''t you manage to get through that ape attack all by yourself?


    That wasn''t true!


    ''I''m only a woman,'' said Marika, shyly.


    I''m a woman after all, so I''m not very strong when it comes to fighting. I did dream of becoming an adventurer, but my father wouldn''t let me because he was worried about me.


    I''m sure he''s worried about his daughter.


    ''So it''s very helpful to have Dariel here. He helped me when I first met him. Mr. Dariel is my savior.


    Is that too much to ask...?


    I was puzzled by her exaggeration, but her eyes were serious.


    ''''I have a favor to ask of you, Dariel-san...''''


    What?


    Can you call me by my nickname?��I don''t like the idea of calling me "number" because it makes me feel like a stranger.


    You don''t feel like a stranger to me, we just met and we''re not strangers...?


    It was impossible to say.


    If I said it, I''d be recognized as an ''enemy of women'' on the spot by the whole world...?


    Well, Marika.


    ''Yes!��Mr. Dariel!


    No, since I''m the one who called him that, shouldn''t you be without a first name?


    ''No, my mother said that women are supposed to build up men.


    What is it?


    It''s a strange feeling, like she''s holding me by the neck while she lifts me up.


    Am I being invaded by her now?


    I felt like that.


    ��.


    ''Oh, look, Dariel, look. There''s a deer.


    He''s really here?


    And he''s fighting a monster?��Is the deer winning?


    Strong deer!


    Let''s go kill them both.


    The monster I ended up killing with the deer was an anthracic, the target of a quest that Gacita had undertaken.


    I had once again killed his prey.

 8-07 Gasita goes ahead

    ...the mistake of youth.


    "?��What is it?


    At the time I was learning how to take care of my weapons from Malika.


    It had been a few days since I''d started as an adventurer and I was rapidly adjusting to life in the village of Laxx.


    ''It''s Gashita''s guy,''


    Oh, that idiot.


    It wasn''t me who responded.


    It''s Maleeka.


    She adds ''idiot'' every time Gacita''s name is mentioned, and she doesn''t like him?


    ''''It''s no wonder that people call Gacita an idiot. If only I could evaluate myself more properly...!


    What does that have to do with what you just said about ''youthful mistakes''?


    Yeah, yeah, that.


    After a good conversation, the village chief gets on board.


    ''''Dariel-kun defeated the quest target twice in a row, didn''t he?��I think that hurt his pride. Godd*mn pride.


    It was a bad thing to do to him, wasn''t it?


    First Etemone.


    Next was Anthracic.


    I didn''t aim to kill both of them, but that was the target of the quest that Gacita originally said he would hunt and ordered.


    He must have felt that his prey had been intercepted.


    The original hostility towards me flared up even more, to the point where I would get tongue-tied as we passed each other on the street.


    ''''Monsters might cause damage to the village, so it''s common sense to hunt them when you can, right?��Dariel, you''ve done so much for the village!


    ''Malika''s right. In this case, it''s Gashita''s fault for being selfishly jealous. Normally adventurers from the same guild should be cooperating with each other...!


    It looks like there''s absolutely no way I''m going to be able to work with him at the moment.


    ''''I understand that this is a problem for you as the village chief, but isn''t it just a matter of taking your time?��I''ll do my best to break the ice on my end, too, so...


    No, that''s not what I''m worried about.


    Another thing?


    Dariel was out of town when he came in.


    ''Maybe he was trying to get me to leave,'' the village chief said with a guess.


    ''He wants me to give him a quest to take out a stronger monster. Something stronger than Etemone or Anthracic.


    ''''Yeah........?''''


    As for Gashita, she wanted to show her strength by defeating a strong enemy.


    But to me, it felt reckless.


    But a powerful monster doesn''t appear so easily in a country like this, does it?��And it would be so unbearable if he showed up?


    That''s either good or bad timing...


    The village chief produced a document of some sort.


    Ew?


    No way...?


    On the document, along with a picture of the target was written.


    ''Urgent request to take down Blaze Death Size''.


    What is this........what is this.......it gave off a very dangerous atmosphere......?


    ''The Blaisdeath Scythe is a much more dangerous and powerful monster than Etemone or Anthracic.


    ''''Why is there a quest to defeat that thing in our house?��Shouldn''t they be handled by a larger city guild?


    Maleeka says, frustrated.


    ''''You''re absolutely right. The guild in the next town to take this guy out is the guild in the next town, and the class B and C have been hit. It''s none of our business.


    Then why is this...?


    It''s still a neighborhood. It''s far enough away that there''s no chance of a dangerous monster heading our way. That''s why this request was delivered to you, to warn you to be careful.


    ''You mean you made that look like a gashita idiot?��If I did that, of course that idiot would be getting ahead of himself. What are you thinking, dad''s idiot!


    Maleeka has a pretty unforgiving way of talking to her people.


    She still talks to me respectfully.


    I haven''t shown it. I can at least figure out what to do with a Gacita a**h*le when he goes off the rails.


    When Gacita barged in, demanding a quest to defeat stronger monsters, the village chief gave her a copious lecture.


    You are increasing in size. There are many better adventurers than you. You have to change your mind and live steadily.


    But the young man could not accept his mediocrity.


    He took the liberty of rummaging through the village chief''s desk and found the request form for the example dangerous monster.


    ''''Don''t show it to the old bastard!��Don''t ever show it to me! He ran out of the room, screaming. ........I really don''t have a choice.


    You mean me, the old bastard?


    ...when you say it so clearly...!


    ''............more importantly. Are you sure it''s okay to be this calm?


    A dangerous monster that should be moved by a Class B or C adventurer.


    Wouldn''t it be bad if a D-class gashita collided with it?


    What did I just say?��The report of the Blazesize sighting was in the area where the Guild of Neighboring Cities is responsible. It''s a long way from here. The reason we''ve been notified is just as a precaution.


    So Gacita''s going to fight...?


    ''''It''s unlikely. Even if he was aiming for the area in charge of the next city, the main adventurers over there would have solved the problem before they arrived.


    That''s why the village chief was still very relaxed.


    But if our adventurers invade other people''s area without permission, won''t there be a problem?��Could this be a liability issue for your father, Gilmouth?


    What the hell...?


    I don''t think he''s gonna be able to relax.


    I''ll take care of it.


    I stand up.


    I''ll catch up with him and convince him to come home.


    What?��It''s okay, Dariel-kun, you don''t have to worry about it. He''s gutless anyway, so he''ll come home tired on the way.


    The village chief said, but that didn''t dissuade him.


    I felt a sense of unease in my heart.


    This kind of buzzing has been around since the days of the Demon King''s Army, and something bad always happens.


    He always regretted ignoring this buzzing.


    ''''You won''t be able to find them so easily, so I''ll look around the forest and come back if it doesn''t look good.


    I''m sorry for the trouble I''ve caused you, but...


    As I was getting ready quickly, Malika came running up to me.


    ''Take this, please.''


    Then she gives it to me.....


    ''Medicine?''


    ''''These are processed herbs that Dariel-san and I collected. You never know what will happen...


    I thanked her sincerely for her concern and pocketed the little box of pills.


    ''Then I''ll be off.''


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    I didn''t expect to catch up with them myself.


    According to the village chief, Gacita must have left a long time ago, and even if I knew the general direction, it would be extremely difficult to find her in the deep and steep forest.


    That''s why I thought I would just look for it, and once I was satisfied that I''d done my best, I''d head home.


    With that in mind, I left the village of Lax.


    But my optimism was betrayed.


    ''''........What is this.......?''''


    The forest was in disrepair.


    Trees had been reclaimed, dirt had been gouged out, and there were even bodies lying around as if the unfortunate little animals had been collateral damage.


    Something was happening.


    There was an even mark on the ground, a flat surface, as if something had crawled over it.


    As I followed it, I came across the worst thing I could find.


    ''''Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!��Help!��Help eeeeeeee?


    Gashita.


    The man in question, without an ounce of his daily arrogance, was crying out in fear and confusion.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    A huge snake.


    It was exactly the same as the figure depicted in the sketch.


    An enemy strong enough to make a B-class C-class adventurer take it out.


    Blaze Death size.


    It was a huge snake with a physique that could swallow a person whole.

 9-08 Dariel rushes

    I had confirmed the appearance features in the request form, so I could be sure of that at a glance.


    That was the Blaze Death size.


    A dangerous monster that could alert not only the area in question, but also the surrounding area, just by having information of a sighting.


    But wasn''t that thing appearing in the area in charge of the next town?


    Why is it here?


    I already know the geography from what Marika taught me.


    This is still the area in charge of LUX village!


    ''''Hiiiiiiuuuuuuuuuuuut?!''''


    Moreover, the place where the giant snake was advancing, this was another familiar figure of a man.


    It''s Gashita.


    Did he recklessly challenge them or did he just encounter misfortune?


    Either way, that guy right now was nothing more than a pathetic prey targeted by a giant snake.


    ''''.........?��Are you injured?


    The more you think, the slower the Gashita''s escape is.


    It would be impossible for that agile snake to shoot back at you.


    "Oh, you stupid snake!��Over here!��Come over here!


    The snake loudly announces our presence, but it makes no pretense of paying attention.


    It''s the only thing that keeps chasing its vulnerable prey.


    I''m not going to be the only one.��You made the right decision!


    You can''t praise a snake, though.


    I also ran out at a glance.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most out of your time with the help of a few of your friends.


    Huh?


    Oh, Gashita''s slipping?


    I can catch up with it now, but can the snake catch up with Gacita too?


    The giant snake crawls on the ground, making an eerie noise.


    ''''Don''t come!��It''s not a good idea.


    It seems that Gasita''s specialty weapon is the bow and arrow.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most out of this.


    Most of the arrows fly in the wrong direction.


    ''''Kyaaaah!


    Even so, there was still a whiff of a single shot.


    The arrowhead that hit the surface of the snake''s body was instantly flung off and did not mean anything.


    "Scales are hard...?


    I observe them crushingly as I run as fast as I can.


    Gacita''s arrows should have been strengthened with aura as well, but the snake''s defense is so rigid that even that doesn''t work.


    That''s the reason why that snake is on maximum alert.


    ''''Noah!��Help me eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee?


    Having run out of options, Gacita could only curl up and shrink back.


    The giant snake attacked Gacita, who had turned into a frightened bird of prey, with its fangs bared.


    But...!


    "Wait!


    I got there in time.


    I ran as hard as I could, and as a result, I was able to catch up with them before the snake''s fangs poked out.


    The old me would have ended up there.


    I was in the Demon King''s army and I couldn''t even use magic, so there was no way to counter the monsters.


    But now I have a sword.


    I have an attack with aura.


    With the aura of a slash, I slashed the serpent''s scales with my sword, which is firmly wrapped in the aura of a slash.


    ''''Alright, I''ve slashed it!


    Gasita''s aura wasn''t enough, but my sword could get through.


    But it''s shallow.


    It''s still not enough to kill him instantly...!


    ''''Shaaaaaaah!''''


    The giant snake wriggled around while slurping.


    The counterattack came quickly.


    Its growling tail is closing in on me.


    Thick as a log.


    A direct hit.


    Is.


    "It''s not working...!


    I catch the tail with my right hand.


    On my arm, I have the armor that Malika prepared for me.


    If I see this as a minuscule shield, I can defend against it through the aura of the guard (protection).


    If it were true, it would be the power of instant death, but I was able to receive it completely.


    However, the opponent didn''t back down either.


    ''''Shaaaaah!''''


    After the tail, the head strikes next.


    When the first blow stopped the movement, are you going to stab it with more powerful fangs?


    The right arm holding the sword can''t move to prevent the tail.


    The only thing left is his left arm.


    The left hand held something.


    ''''Anything can be used as a weapon........!


    Stone.


    I picked them up on the spur of the moment when I was chasing snakes and gashitas.


    A hard stone, when swung down, will become a blunt instrument.


    It increases in hardness through the aura of hit (strike). And mix in the aura of sting (thrust) that boosts the flying tool....


    I threw.


    The throw hits the head of the approaching snake.


    It broke through the left eye and entered the interior of the head.


    It didn''t penetrate, but it was enough. It would have reached the brain.


    It was a fatal wound, and the giant snake immediately lost its strength and collapsed.


    ''''Yes........!


    I can''t loosen up yet.


    I run up to Gacita, who shrugs.


    ''Are you okay?��Are you hurt...?


    As expected, she has a wound on her leg.


    Looking at the shape of that wound........?


    "Huh?��Was she bitten?


    No.....?��I''m going to die now...?


    The Blazdesize is a giant snake as well as a viper.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to use it to kill your prey.


    ''''The poison, the poison turns...?��I don''t want to die, I don''t want to die...?


    Where is his usual bravado? It''s not a good idea to have a good time.


    "I can''t do it anymore........��We don''t have the antidote, and we don''t have time to go back to the village.��The poison will go around before that...!


    Don''t worry. I''ve got the antidote.


    Heh?


    A small medicine box that Marika gave me when I left.


    It was a poisonous potion inside.


    When I heard that they were snakes, I thought it was very clever of you.


    He shoves a pill into Gacita''s mouth.


    ''Ugh ..., bitter ... can you help?��Thank God...?


    This potion is made from herbs found in the woods. This potion is made from herbs I found in the woods. I picked them on a quest you refused to take.


    If Maleeka was here, she might say something like, ''There''s no medicine for this guy to take.


    No, indeed, she wouldn''t say it, or her life would be on the line.


    ''What you got from that quest you were underestimating saved your life. There''s no such thing as a wasted job in this world, you know.


    ....What?��You don''t like it?


    I''m getting a preachy tone.


    Will they call me an old man or something else?��I was alarmed, though.


    ''Ugh...!��Uuuhhhhh...?


    Gacita, as expected, couldn''t afford to cry either, or she was just crying.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.


    Anyway, the young cocky man could only sob and moan.


    ��


    Then a few days later.


    ''Good job, Anita!''


    He was missed by Gashita.


    She carried him back from the forest on her back, treated him and rested him.


    He''s not completely cured yet, but I hear he''ll be able to return to work soon if he focuses on his treatment.


    ''No, enough with the greetings. Rest and heal your wounds quickly, okay?


    Yes!��My brother is a benefactor!��I can''t wait to make a full recovery and work for Aniki as soon as possible!��It''s nice to meet you, Aniki!


    What kind of change of heart?


    If you''ve experienced a life-threatening crisis, I suppose you''ll have a few thoughts about it.


    After this turmoil, my reputation and everyone''s trust in me rose as I converted the village''s rowdy people.


    After being kicked out of the Demon King''s Army, I wandered all the way to this village, but it''s gradually becoming my new home.

 10-09 Shitenno Droyer regrets (Shitenno side)

    Dariel is banished from the Demon King''s army and starts a second life in the village of the human race.


    What is happening in the Demon King''s army that drove Dariel out at the same time?


    ��


    The Demon King''s Army is an army to protect the Demon King.


    The Demon King is a precious existence.


    It is said that the demon race can use magic by the blessing of the demon king.


    They can overpower other races by using the all-powerful power of magic.


    This is all because of the Demon King.


    That''s why the demon race praises the king and is absolutely obedient to him.


    At the same time, they will fight back against the human heroes who attack the demon king with all their might.


    In order to protect the Demon King.


    To protect the supreme power of the demon race.


    For that reason, the Demon King''s Army was organized.


    The Four Heavenly Kings are established as the top of the Demon Lord''s Army.


    The four heavenly kings have been carefully selected as the best magicians of the demon tribe, and are entrusted with full power as the actual commander of the demon king''s army.


    As is customary, the positions of the four major attributes of magic - earth, water, fire and wind - are assigned, and the strongest person of each attribute in each generation is appointed to the position.


    The current Four Heavenly Kings are the new generation who have just recently been replaced.


    The reason for this is that the previous Four Heavenly Kings had a fierce battle with the previous generation''s heroes and ended up fighting each other.


    It was rare in the long history of the four Heavenly Kings that the four Heavenly Kings had changed faces at the same time.


    Within the Demon King''s army, ''''Is it okay with all these youngsters? There was also a widespread dissatisfaction that.


    ��


    ''''What do you mean!''''


    One of the Four Heavenly Kings, Zebiantes of ''Huafu'', tapped the table.


    His body was ravaged by wounds and bandages.


    ''''I''m not listening!��I didn''t hear that a brave man had added a new member to the group!


    ''So you''ve come home defeated and defeated...?


    Bashbarza, who is also one of the Four Heavenly Kings, said


    To the Demon King''s army, the brave men who seek to defeat the Demon King are their nemesis.


    The most important duty for the Demon King''s army was to fight off the brave men and protect the Demon King.


    Just as the Four Heavenly Kings were replaced, a new hero was born on the human side as well.


    That newcomer was also said to be one of the strongest and fiercest class of all time, so it was impossible for the Four Heavenly Kings alone to compete with him.


    They would go out to intercept him, but he would be repulsed and run back.


    ''''Aren''t you shameless, Zevia?��The name of the brilliant winder cries out for a human to fall behind?


    This was Bezalia, also of the Four Heavenly Kings ''Muddy Water''.


    She was hated by everyone else for her stubborn and sarcastic tone.


    ''''So!��The reason I was so late is because of the new friends the brave men had with them!��O spearman who slips through the magic of the wind!��No matter how brilliant and powerful my wind magic is, it doesn''t make me incompatible with it!


    That''s why I''ve come running back?


    Bashbarza sighed in frustration.


    ''Then I ask you, Zebiantes. That new-fangled spearman that the brave man said he had with him, why couldn''t you have detected it beforehand?


    "Ugh!


    Inspecting the enemy''s situation before a battle is the most basic thing. If we can determine that the enemy''s forces are changing, we can do whatever we want, right?


    He did not do so, but charged in with ineptitude and fell right into the enemy''s hands.


    It was an act of negligence worthy of punishment.


    ''''It''s........oh, it''s that guy''s fault!


    Zebiantes turned his gaze to the side in anguish.


    ''''The new Assistant Four Heavenly King!��I left the reconnaissance to him, and it''s his fault that we missed the spearman''s presence!


    Outside of the round table surrounded by the Four Heavenly Kings, a young knight-like demon was shrinking.


    He was an assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings who had taken over for Dariel and was the folded elite that Bashbarza and the others preferred.


    It should be.........


    ''''Hey.''''


    Bashvaza''s eyes flared up.


    The Elite Four Heavenly King''s Assistant trembled as it was enough to make him shudder.


    ''''You''re fired. Get lost.''''


    "Hi!


    The elite assistant ran away.


    We''ll have to choose an assistant again...!


    It''s the incompetence that gets me in trouble.


    As a matter of fact, this is not the first time he''s changed assistants.


    There was Dariel at the beginning, but since he was fired, they have replaced him four or five more times.


    If there is even the slightest fault, they are relentless in laying the blame.


    Are you sure about that?


    Hmm?


    I''m asking if it''s really the aide''s fault that the failures keep coming up.


    This is what Droyer, one of the Four Heavenly Kings, has to say.


    Although she was the youngest of the four heavenly kings of the day, she was praised as a woman of talent for her ability to use earth attribute magic at will.


    Her ample breasts rested heavily on her folded arms.


    What''s that, Doroye?��Do you disagree with our decision?


    No, I''m pretty sure he has a problem with the assistant.


    Droyer says in a wasteful manner.


    ''My first assistant ... Dariel was a thorough scout. He didn''t just probe the enemy''s situation, he examined and analyzed the information he obtained and even reported back to us with an idea of what action we should take.


    ....


    Dariel is the only person I''ve ever fired who was such a good assistant.


    That''s not all.


    At least Dariel had always done a more than perfect job in his position as an aide.


    There was never a time when supplies were held up, never a time when a question could not be answered.


    He was well versed in ancient and modern tactics and never missed a battlefield prediction.


    He even paid attention to the health care of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    In Droyer''s personal experience, when he was unable to walk because of the moon''s, it was Dariel who followed up with him without letting others know.


    I blush every time I recall it, but it was also a great help.


    Dariel was selected to be the assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings, even though he was the lowest-ranking dark soldier.


    This was not done by Bashvaza and the other Four Heavenly Kings of the day, but by their predecessors.


    Even after his predecessor retired, Dariel remained on the scene and continued to assist the newcomers, but the newcomer unceremoniously cut Dariel off.


    The value of a gem of a man who was loved like a pearl by his most powerful and renowned predecessor is lost and realized.


    ''''Do not speak an unpleasant name...!


    However, Bashvaza in ''Ayan Fire'' did not approve.


    ''Dariel is nothing more than a relic of the previous generation. And it''s a piece of junk!��The previous generation had the imprudence to care about such an incompetent person, so they had to go toe-to-toe with a brave man. He has exposed his abomination!


    His predecessors were some of the fiercest men of all time. And one of them was Bashvaza, your own father.


    Bashbarza gulped at the point from Droyer.


    ''This is not an unintentional disgrace to our predecessors. It is an act that diminishes your own worth as well.''''


    Shut up!��I am the leader of the Four Heavenly Kings!��You''re going to argue with your leader?


    ....


    After coming to this point, Droyer couldn''t bring himself to defend himself and closed his mouth.


    This man is too small.


    Droyer frankly assessed Bashbarza.


    How big that Dariel was in comparison to that.


    If there was a fault in him, it was that he couldn''t use magic.


    It was a fatal fault for the demon race, but that was the only thing that Dariel could not do wrong.


    Even if it was only on par. If he was able to use magic.


    He himself might have become one of the Four Heavenly Kings, leading the Four Heavenly Kings and gaining an advantage in the battle against the brave men.


    Such foolish fantasies had been repeated many times in recent times by Droyer.


    ''''Anyway, the problem now should be the brave men.


    ''''Yes, the real problem is urgent now.


    ''''Even as we speak, the brave men are closing in on this Demon King''s castle. I want to take the Demon King''s life. How do you propose to stop him?


    Already "Huafu" Zebiantes has been defeated.


    One of the Four Heavenly Kings has crumbled.


    ''''Who will go next?��Bezelia, what about you?


    What?��Didn''t I just get there the other day?


    ''Yes!��Even you have already been defeated by a brave man while talking big!


    To them, the enemy is huge.


    The previous Four Heavenly Kings who were called the strongest of all time.


    The previous generation of heroes even went toe-to-toe with their predecessors.


    I''ve heard that the current hero, who succeeded the predecessor, is already more powerful than the predecessor.


    ''''You can''t just pretend to be something you''re not, can you?


    Droyer calmly expressed his opinion.


    ''''We should intercept them with all four Heavenly Kings, not just one by one. Then we will finally have a chance to win.''''


    ''Nonsense!��Droyer, have you no pride?


    Bashbarza retorted in a flash of color.


    "Our four Heavenly Kings, the strongest of the demon tribe, will not take on all the lowly humans for a laugh!��I wouldn''t have the gall to be so shameless!


    "I just had a fight, too. I''d prefer not to go into battle until I''ve recovered from my wounds.


    It''s a pain in the ass, isn''t it?


    Zebiantes and even Bezelia followed suit, and Droyer was left standing in the minority.


    The same was true when he fired Dariel.


    Droyer himself had appreciated the prowess of Dariel.


    He thought it would be a foolish act to let go.


    But when Bashbarza''s dictate was joined by the approval of two others, the opposition of just her alone would not help.


    In the end, they had to agree in the end.


    Still, back then, Droyer was optimistic.


    Losing Dariel''s accurate assistant was painful, but if the four people chosen as the strongest of the demon race were to unite, overthrowing the heroes would not be impossible.


    That was what I believed.


    Now I just have to admit that it was a naive outlook.


    Yes, Doroye. I suggest you go. Now that the two Four Heavenly Kings have been defeated, you are the only third.


    Bashbursa is so carefree, it''s almost like he''s somebody else''s problem.


    "When you lose, it will be a good time for me, the leader of the Four Heavenly Kings, to go to war. I want you to do your best to stay out of my way.


    Okay ... okay.


    Droyer stood up from his seat.


    It was a fruitless meeting of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    But even so, even Droyer was proud to have been selected as the Fourth Heavenly King.


    You can''t take on the challenge with the intention of losing from the start.


    "There''s no way I''m going to disturb the Demon King''s side. The name of Droyer, the Four Heavenly Kings of the Fertile Ground, I''ll use it to stifle a brave man!


    What we need more than anything else to do that.


    His power, after all.


    Droyer thought honestly.

 11-10 Brave Lady, Appear (Brave side)

    The brave man of the day, whose name is Radie.


    He was hurriedly selected after the retirement of the previous brave.


    The previous brave Arantzill was an honorable and powerful man, but whether his luck was good or bad, the four previous Heavenly Kings on the demon side were also the strongest and most elite in the past.


    The strongest and the most powerful clashed with each other, and at the end of a famous match that will be talked about for years to come, both sides were badly wounded and forced to retire.


    Reedy was entrusted with the task of taking over the reins.


    Although he was only 20 years old, he was just as talented as his predecessor, and he was widely expected to become the strongest fighter of all time.


    He has fought the enemy leader, the Four Heavenly Kings, twice, and defeated them both times.


    Expectations are high that the human race''s long-cherished desire to defeat the Demon King will be fulfilled in this generation.


    �� ��


    ''You did it!��Brave man!


    This was right after they had defeated the Four Heavenly Kings ''Huafu'' Zebiantes.


    The party was abuzz with excitement of victory.


    ''''Following the Four Heavenly Kings of Water, the Four Heavenly Kings of Wind!��It''s a very good pace!


    The one who is most buoyant is one of the brave party members, a girl named Satome.


    She is younger and younger than the heroic Radey, but she still has the natural ability to guard and act as a wall for the party.


    She is also an innocent girl, appropriate for her age, and has the ability to lighten the mood of the party.


    ''I''m lucky,''


    The brave Radie said.


    She is the strongest person of her day, but at the same time she has good looks.


    Even if you don''t have the strength of a brave man, just a smile and you''ll be inundated with marriage proposals.


    ''Because I was able to make Sesha-san my companion just before this battle. Sesha-san''s spear has a tremendous advantage against wind magic.


    I''m sorry, that I am.


    The third member of the party bowed his head.


    He was a skinny man, a generation or so older than Radey and Satome''s female counterparts, and looked a bit gaunt.


    I''m glad to be able to help you as soon as I joined. You really did a great job of attacking me at the right time.......!


    It must suck for them, though, right?


    Sesha is the newest to join the brave party.


    It was just recently.


    He is a generalist type who excels in the aura traits of slash and sting (thrust).


    It was said that adventurers who did not excel in one nature and had an aptitude for more than one nature were told that a shortcut to becoming stronger was to choose a weapon that adapted to those complex combinations.


    A combination of slash and sting would be utilized.


    The weapon most suited to this is the spear.


    Sesha has matured in his path and has earned the title of A-class adventurer.


    It was fame and ability enough to be welcomed into a brave party.


    ''''The spear''s, more massive thrust than the bow and arrow, pierces through the wind. The spearman is the natural enemy of the wind user.''''


    ''''The water user we fought before that, the hero-sama''s sword worked well for you, didn''t it! So far, the chemistry is working well together!


    ''''Satome-dono''s shield was also a big deal. Even though he''s young, he''s already gaining the dignity of a skilled defender.


    No, no, no, I''m not ready for this.


    The tension in the brave party was high, perhaps because the aftermath of the victory was still thick.


    ''''But that''s why we''re just lucky.


    In this situation, the brave man was calm and collected.


    ''''The water user last time and the wind user this time also had weapons to deal with it. A reliable shield role as well. But it won''t necessarily be the same in the future.


    The magic used by the demon race and the weapons used by the human race.


    Both sides have a strange affinity for each other. Depending on that relationship, they could be at an advantage or a disadvantage.


    The one who could cover the relationship between the two sides and utilize it effectively has won the battle between the human and demon race.


    ''''It would be especially difficult if the earth users came to us now. We don''t have any members in our party who can break the powerful defensive magic of the earth attribute.''''


    ''''Slash (slash) and sting (thrust) will make you get played by stubborn rocks. Brave party, is it still incomplete........


    Currently, there were three members in the brave party.


    The party capacity set by the guild is four people.


    In other words, there is room for one more person.


    ''''I''ve been wondering about you, Lord Brave, but...?''''


    What is it?


    Why can''t we fill the party to capacity?��If I could join a party of brave men, I''m sure all the A-list adventurers in the world would come to me in droves.


    However, the brave Radey didn''t do anything to add to the group without a fight.


    Sesha had only recently even joined, and until then, he and Satome had been traveling alone for a long time.


    It was a loneliness that didn''t look like a journey for a brave man.


    ''It''s a lesson from my predecessors.''


    The previous generation?��Are you Arantzill-sama, the great and brave man who was called the strongest of all time?


    ''Yes. My predecessor gave me all sorts of advice when I left as a brave man. Even though I was injured in a fierce battle that left me unable to re-injure myself. For a new generation.


    One piece of advice from its predecessor.


    "Trust your comrades more than your abilities.


    "The comrades you lock horns with on the battlefield must have your absolute trust. It doesn''t matter how good you are, if you can''t trust them with your life in a critical moment, they''re useless.


    And you''re protecting it, aren''t you, Lord Brave?


    ''''The previous generation was able to fight the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon Tribe because they put together a party of friends who believed in each other wholeheartedly. I want to make a party just like that.


    To the brave Radie, the shield-manager Satome is an old friend from his childhood.


    It''s a good thing that you can''t get away with it.


    That was the main reason why he was welcomed into the hero''s party.


    The fourth member is certainly an urgent matter, but I don''t think someone like Sesha-san will appear again so easily. Please wait a little longer.


    "Brave Lord........what a waste of words.......!


    Sesha is a sensitive character by nature, or perhaps she is a tearful one, shaking her shoulders.


    I will do my best to live up to the trust of the brave men and women. I''ll give my life to the battle of the heroes.


    Mr. Sesha, everything you say is a big deal.


    He was chilled out by his satchel.


    ''''..........''''


    The brave Radey smiled warmly, but eventually his expression changed.......


    ''''........one more thing.''''


    ?


    There''s one piece of advice that my predecessor gave me that''s particularly important.


    With a divine expression, Radey announced.


    ''''You have to be careful with the Four Heavenly Kings Assistant.


    His voice sounded so serious that it was hard for the listener to breathe.


    ''''Four Heavenly Kings........Assistant?''''


    ''Not the Four Heavenly Kings themselves, sir?''


    Radey nodded.


    ''''Let me speak since this is a good time. I''ve heard that the previous Four Heavenly Kings, who fought to the death against the previous Aranzir master, were also unmatched in their bravery.


    However, the previous heroes found it particularly creepy to be the ones hiding on the other side of the front line fighting head on.


    ''''They say that the Four Heavenly Kings'' assistant is a position that follows the Four Heavenly Kings commanding the Demon King''s army in various ways. However, the assistant who followed his predecessor was more than just an assistant...''''


    The assistants, of course, were the ones who supported the project in the shadows and did not come out in the open.


    The observers would not have been able to detect them without a certain amount of eye power.


    The Prior Hero found himself in the middle of a fierce battle with his nemesis, the Prior Four Heavenly Kings.


    ''''He always felt its presence when the meticulous strategy that the predecessor-sama had formulated was detected and defeated. He schemed in every direction and in every direction to reduce the enemy''s strength and, conversely, bring out the best of his allies'' abilities...


    He said those who do that kind of thing lurk in the shadows of the enemy.


    ''''I''ll be working behind the scenes, so I don''t show up, but I''ve still seen them in person a few times. That they came out to the battlefield to rescue the injured Four Heavenly Kings and left with the Lord on their backs...''''


    Not only does his wisdom turn, but he''s also loyal and capable of executing, and the previous generation of brave men appreciated that he was an accomplished man despite his enemies.


    ''''The previous Four Heavenly Kings have been neutralized. But if the new Four Heavenly Kings that have been replaced have the same assistants, your battles will be a painful one...!


    A watery silence spread over the brave party.


    Any lingering feelings of victory have been erased.


    ''''........I understand what the brave Lord is trying to say.


    Sesha responds divinely.


    ''I suppose you''re telling me not to get carried away by one or two victories?��I have made a mental note of this!


    ''I''m fine!��No matter how powerful the enemy is, the heroes will always have us with them!


    Satome''s unfounded confidence encouraged even the brave Radey.


    She was never conceited and careless in victory.


    Even with that one thing, the brave party of our time should have been called powerful.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this. We still need to make up for it as we go along.''''


    The journey to defeat the Demon King has been challenged by many brave men and women, but not a single one of them has been able to conquer it.


    It will not be easy and it will not be easy.


    Even so, I''m determined to defeat the demon king.


    It''s time to make up your mind.


    In order to do so, the first thing he must do is....


    We must find our fourth companion as soon as possible.


    Even if we don''t add more without a fight, it was still urgent to welcome new members and make the party perfect.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time with your friends.

 12-11 Village head, nostalgia

    Our village is at peace today.


    Some time has passed since I, Dariel here, was fired from the Demon King''s army and started a second life in the village of the human race.


    ''''Annihilation!��Hooray!


    Okay, take it easy.


    It should be noted that Gacita has grown quite fond of me.


    Ever since the battle with the giant snake, he had been barking at me like a rabid dog, but he''s now curled up his tail and I''m confused as to whether he''s someone else.


    ''''Anikii!��I''ve come up with a new special move!��Look at that!


    But first, a job.


    The quest to pick medicinal herbs that I used to refuse so much before has been accepted with an open mind, and now I''m able to split up and cover a large area.


    Thanks to this, we never ran out of medicine and the health of the village has been maintained.


    Furthermore, Marika''s also........


    ''''Dariel-san!��I made my own lunch.��Please eat the rest of it!��And then what do I do?��A hug?��A spell of hugs to bring you home safely?��That''s a good one!��By all means, let''s do it!


    I come up with a giggle.


    Is she going to be like this all the time?��I even shuddered, but if you accept that, the village was generally peaceful.


    The never-ending war between the brave and the Demon King does not extend to this rural village.


    One day in such an idyllic time....


    ��


    Mr. Mayor, Mr. Mayor.


    It was a mellow time after dinner.


    At the village chief''s house, where I''m becoming a nuisance, the village chief and I were lounging around unattended.


    ''There''s something that''s been bothering me a bit...''


    What is it?


    I was curious about it, but I didn''t need to ask again.


    It was such a leisurely time that I dared to ask about such an unimportant question.


    Malika and her mother are in a separate room washing dishes for dinner.


    Really, what is this leisurely time?


    I feel like there are a lot of empty houses in this village, don''t you...?


    A rustic, backwater village........that''s what we''ve been told from the beginning.


    When you actually live there, you know firsthand that the introduction is true.


    The number of residents is small, and the average age is high.


    If this is the case, it will have to disappear naturally within a few decades. It''s an undeniably marginalized community.


    So the question I mentioned.


    The fact that there are a lot of vacant houses seems to be perfectly legitimate.


    The number of inhabitants is decreasing every year.


    But the number of vacant houses in the village of Laxx is extraordinary, even if you discount the fact that the number of people living in the village is decreasing.


    When I casually counted them before, there were at least seventy houses in the village.


    Plus the mansions that are still inhabited today.


    It was the size of a small town.


    This is a cold village on the verge of collapse, which makes it seem even more unnatural.


    Wasn''t there a time in the past when this village was unimaginable to me?


    "Hohohohoho..... Dariel-kun, you are indeed observing well.


    I don''t know what it is, but they say I''ve always had a high opinion of me.


    Thank you, sir.


    This is a good opportunity. It would be good for Dariel-kun to know about it as a resident of the village. About the bustle that Rax Village once experienced...


    Lively?


    To make a long story short, the village chief called to the kitchen, "Bring me some tea!


    ''Make your own tea!'' came back Marika''s voice, ''Make your own tea!


    ''Dariel-kun, please!''


    Malika, I need a cup of tea too!


    Marika instantly comes running in with a tray.


    Even with tea cakes.


    As we sipped our tea, we began to talk.


    There was a time when our village was very busy. There was a time when our village was very busy.


    "Law.


    ''Thirty...or is it forty years ago now?��There was an important center, just beyond this village.


    What''s the key location?


    Mine.


    According to the village chief, there is the only mithril mine in the world.


    In view of the territory of the human race, the village of Lax, where we are, and beyond.


    Mithril is a metal with mysterious properties that is neither iron nor copper.


    Weapons made from this material are said to have extremely high performance.


    Mithril is in high demand as a weapon material, and the mines are very busy.


    The village of Rakus was also busy as a stopover point for transporting the mined mined steel to various places.


    "The many empty houses are the remnants of that time...


    That''s what I mean. In those days, you''d think it was a big city.


    Horse-drawn carriages carrying mithril steel came and went.


    Horse-drawn carts carrying mithril steel would come and go, and miners would stop at the village of LUX to take a break from their work.


    It is said that the village flourished as an inn town.


    But that prosperity wasn''t for ever.


    What''s going on?��Did the veins run dry?


    ''No, I''m sure they''re still digging out the cancer mithril from the mine.


    So why did Lax Village lose its function as an inn town?


    That''s because he took the mine.


    To whom?


    To the demons.


    The village chief says that the Mithril Mine, which will never wither away, is an important place for both the human and demon tribes.


    For hundreds of years, the ownership of the mine had gone back and forth between the demon tribe and the human tribe, and now the owner of the mine was the demon tribe.


    And the current owner of the mine was the demon tribe.


    .........


    .........hmm?


    When I was ten years old... or was it?��The demons invaded the mine that had previously been occupied by the humans. They just took it away.


    Whaaaaah...?


    Of course, the flow of people to and from the village came to a standstill. It''s all but deserted. I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to get it back, but it didn''t work. Now they''re in a resigned mood.


    Hahahahahaha...?


    Well.


    You''ve noticed my reaction has been weird, right?


    Why?


    I had an idea.


    Demons and humans are competing for the mithril-producing mines.


    There used to be an important stronghold.


    I heard about it when I was still working for the Demon King''s Army.


    No, in fact, I was even in the mine.


    I was in charge of the Demon King''s Army''s mines.


    That''s the kind of job the Four Heavenly Kings Assistant has.


    Going directly to the mine, transporting the minerals produced, and working the workers there.


    That''s what they did.


    In the beginning, a lot of adventurers came to the mine to try to retake it," he said. But no matter how many times we attacked them, they were too good at it and we couldn''t get it back...


    Eventually, the humans gave up and changed their policy.


    ''As long as we defeat the Demon King, we can get everything back! And he focused on defeating the Demon King by brave men.


    By the time I was old enough to work, the place was completely deserted. I had to become an adventurer to earn a living. That''s where I met my wife.


    Such a past...?


    For me, too, the bustling village of LUX village is a distant memory from my childhood. I''ll be the last of my generation to know the sights and sounds of that time. When I''m gone, that will be a thing of the past entirely...


    The village mayor''s desolation is not an exaggeration.


    In fact, the population of LUX village has been decreasing.


    The day when the population will be completely reduced to zero is not far in the future.


    This village is doomed to die a slow death as the road to the Mithril mine is closed.


    ''...................


    So I thought.


    It''s been a while since I''ve been there.


    I used to be the Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings, the officer in charge.


    I was the Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings, and now I''m in charge of the demon tribe''s Mithril Mine.

 13-12 Dariel visits old workplace

    You may be wondering.


    The demon race fights by magic.


    That''s why they don''t need weapons like the human race.


    So why did they take the mines from the human race in search of mithril?��And.


    Of course, mithril is also important to the demon race.


    Mithril is a mineral that has a very high absorption rate of magic power.


    Using that characteristic, the magic tools used to aid in magic are usually made of mithril.


    It is a tool that helps inexperienced wizards to stabilize their magic power. It is a tool that stores magic power beforehand and releases it when needed.


    There are many different types of mages, but most of them are made of mithril.


    If it''s a high-grade one, it''s even better.


    That''s why the mithril mine has been heavily guarded as one of the important bases of the demon race.


    I had no idea that it was located near Lax Village.


    But if I know it''s there, I''ll have to pay a visit.��I felt like I was going to be able to do this.


    I have no intention of visiting and what I''m going to do.


    I''m just wondering how the Demon King''s Army is doing after I left?


    I also wondered if it would be good for the village if they diverted even a small amount of the mithril that they mined, and that''s what I was thinking.


    As expected, I couldn''t tell them about my past, so I told Marika and the others that I was going to go on forest patrol.


    Since I had heard of the directions, I was able to arrive at my destination without hesitation.


    It really happened.


    The mining area I looked over was indeed familiar.


    Just from what I heard, ''Is it another place where the situation is very similar?'' I couldn''t get rid of my suspicion that this was the place to be, but now that I saw it with my own eyes, I was sure of it.


    When I was an assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings, this place was an important base for the demon race.


    ''''Well, it''s a small world, isn''t it?''''


    Or rather, Lux Village was located on the borderline between the demon territory and human territory.


    This mine is also right on the border.


    That''s why there was a fierce battle between the human and demon tribes.


    After I was fired from the Demon King''s army, I continued to wander around in despair, but after all, I''d only gotten a little further than the demon territory, right?


    That''s about it, isn''t it?


    That''s how the geography around Lax Village was vividly built up in my brain.


    Just being able to do that, it was worth it to come here.


    Well.


    Now, let''s take a look at the mine in earnest.


    I''m no longer a member of the Demon Lord''s Army, so be careful not to get spotted.


    ��.


    ..........


    We''ve been able to break into the mine city area.


    What''s this monkey business?


    It was surprisingly easy to get in.


    ''Security''s getting loose...?


    At least it''s not as loose as it was when I was in and out of the mine.


    If it was this sloppy when I was there, my head would be on fire. My.


    What''s the matter with...?


    The feeling of discomfort soon turned into a darker suspicion.


    It didn''t take long to become even more convinced of the anomaly.


    It''s too desolate.


    Desolate.


    Shouldn''t this place be a great mine that digs out mithril ore that rivals gold?


    It should have been hotter and more crowded, but I hadn''t rubbed up against anyone since earlier.


    It was like a ghost town.


    As we continued on our way, we finally reached the entrance to the tunnel.


    This is the most important area of the mine, a hole dug for mining ore.


    The most important part of the mine. It is the heart of the mine.


    How did you manage to get into this place so easily?


    This is all very strange.


    Something must have happened.


    I shout into the deep hole of the tunnels, forgetting all about hiding and such considerations.


    ''Oi!��Is anyone here?


    Anybody out there?


    You there?


    Yes?


    Yes?


    The voice echoing through the tunnels.


    This should be able to reach quite far back.


    ''................


    It wasn''t long before he thought he saw a flickering light in the dark depths of the mine.


    No, I''m not imagining it.


    There was a light.


    The lights, which appeared to be Kantera, were getting closer and closer, until the faces of the light bearers were clearly visible.


    "It''s the knockers...!


    A dwarf came out of the tunnels.


    Small in stature, with hands and feet as thin as sticks, hollow eyes, and an oddly pointed nose instead....


    There were not one, but many people with such clear-cut features.


    All of them look exactly the same.


    They are a sub-race called knockers. They have been subjugated to the demon race since ancient times.


    They are not very good at light and prefer to live in caves.


    They are often entrusted with mining operations in the tunnels because of this trait.


    Here at the Mithril Mine, the Demon King''s army sent large numbers of knockers to work in the mining industry.


    That''s them.


    ''''........Dariel-sama?''''


    It''s Dariel!


    It''s real?��It ain''t a dream!


    This isn''t a dream or a trick!��Lady Dariel!��Urieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee?


    When the knockers saw my appearance, they rushed underneath me in an avalanche.


    I''m sure you''re familiar with them, as I used to help run the mine as a member of the Demon King''s Army.


    It''s been a long time, guys...!


    I hadn''t seen them since I left my post, when they took over.


    I was relieved to see that they hadn''t changed at all, but...


    Hey, what happened in this mine?��On the way here, there was no one in sight and it looked abandoned?


    There must have been something unusual about this devastation.


    I had finally found someone who could give me the answers. I hurried to ask the question.


    However, the knockers'' expressions distorted as they looked at me...


    ''''Aaaaahhhh!


    Hee hee!��Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!


    "....the old baby...!


    Everyone started to cry together.


    A chorus of crying.


    ''What?��What!��What''s going on?


    I''m confused from the start, and I''m even more confused.


    In the end, I had to patiently console and wait until the knockers got tired of crying.


    I had to wait patiently until they got tired of crying.


    ��


    "Quadruple?


    When I heard from the knockers, I was astonished.


    What is quadruple?


    The amount of mithril paid by a set date has quadrupled since the time I was in charge.


    Violent profit.


    "How the hell did it happen?��Who gave you such a stupid order!


    I was indignant as if it were my own business, and the knockers were happy with their sympathy and started to wail again.


    ''The best time was when Master Dariel was around!��I won''t ask you to do anything, and they''ll take care of you...!


    Even though I was in charge, I was able to get along normally for a while. But recently, all of a sudden...!


    He says that his demands have become reckless.


    ''They made it difficult for me to dig out more, or that you guys would be slacking off...!


    ''''My regular quota is going up and up and up...!��Before you know it, double it, double it...!


    "There was no end to the number of people running away in the night, and there was nothing we could do!


    The knockers must have felt like crying.


    The cause of the devastation of the Mithril mine was understood.


    But more and more, it is difficult to understand who gave such an absurd order.


    This is one of the most important strongholds for the demon tribe.


    What kind of idiot would give such a foolish order to destroy it when it has to be handled with the utmost care?


    I heard that was an order from a very high ranking person. .........what was it called?


    All wusses?��Are you stupid?


    No, that sounds even more unusual. You have a problem with that?


    The result of my interpretation of the knockers'' incomprehensible pronunciation.


    I''ve come up with a name....


    Bashburza.


    The new Four Heavenly Kings, Bashbursa-sama of "Ayanmu".

 14-13 Knockers rebel

    Are you saying that Lord Bashbursa made such a messy decision?


    You are the leader of the Demon Lord''s Army, and you went all the way to the end.


    "What is he thinking?


    An executive as big as the Four Heavenly Kings, he has plenty of other things to prioritize...?


    Yeah, well, it''s Master Busu-Baza.


    No. I mean, you''re a f*cking idiot.


    "Kasbaza?


    The knockers were rude to you, weren''t they?


    No, I don''t think so.


    And it''s unlikely that Bashvaza-sama visited here directly in the first place. There''s no way he has any contact with these guys either.


    Even if they were, they''re the top and the bottom.


    Then why...?


    The knockers cling to me even as I think about it.


    ''Master Dariel!��Please help us!


    We were convinced that we should run away by night or lock our necks.


    But then Dariel came along and saved us from the heavens!


    And.


    The knockers must have been troubled by the vicious demands of the officials.


    That''s where I showed up.


    I''m glad that they believe in me and rely on me, and I''d like to do whatever I can to help them.


    But right now, there is too little I can do.


    You could call it nothing.


    I''ve already been fired from the Four Heavenly Kings Assistant, and I don''t even belong to the Demon King''s Army.


    How can I have any say in the decisions of the upper echelons of the demon tribe?


    I guess I can''t get through to you when I say ........


    Knockers are a rustic breed.


    They''re rustic and can''t understand hard things. Or complicated things. The only thing they can understand would be something like ''turn in a certain amount of ore by a certain date''.


    That''s why they''re so easy to take advantage of, and a mindful politician must protect them.


    It is their nature to work uprightly that is most precious.


    But is there anything I can do about it...?


    What do you think?


    Would you rather march into the Demon King''s Castle, ready to be crushed, and deal directly with the Four Heavenly Kings?


    I''m ready to shatter my second life that has been on track for so long, but.......


    .........ha!


    What''s the matter?


    "Footsteps approaching!��And that''s a lot!


    Huh?��How do you know that?


    The knocker has a good ear.


    ''''These footsteps are the soldiers of the Demon King''s army!


    How do you know all that?


    It''s not good that I''m meeting up with the Demon King''s army right now.


    I decided to hide in the shadows and wait for the other party to emerge.


    I''m going to hide in the shadows and wait for them to come out.


    Soon after, they really came.


    The Demon King''s army, with a large number of soldiers.


    Knocker''s hearing is very good.


    "Have you been working hard, you scum?


    A commanding demon tribe, leading the soldiers, said.


    An unfamiliar face.


    A man who doesn''t correspond to my memory, who was formerly in the Demon King''s army. He''s not the same as the one who took over when I was removed from guard duty at the mine.


    You''ve been in charge again since then?


    Oh my dear sir, this is too much. The orders are far too unreasonable!


    "There''s no way we can dig out that much ore in a day or two...!��Just wait a little longer.


    The knockers complained weakly.


    I made sure to remind them not to mention me, but........


    .........BAGON!


    And with a sound, the ground underneath Knocker''s feet was gouged out.


    "Uhii?


    "You lowly tribe, don''t talk all the way?


    It was due to the magic bullets released by the commanding demon tribe.


    Even if it was a threat........how violent.


    ''''The new levy was decided by the New Four Heavenly King Bashvaza himself. You and your lowly tribe have no objection to the person who stands at the top of the Demon King''s army?


    Motherf*cker...?


    So all you have to do is dig a hole in the ground. That''s all you can do, you low-life tribe. You''re the only ones who can do anything but dig holes.


    ......


    If you don''t have the required amount of ore, then I''ll have you all hanged. I''ll make sure to track down and capture those who have escaped, and after torturing them, I''ll execute them publicly. You will know the greatness of the Demon King''s army.


    The attitude of the commander demon tribe is arrogant.


    When I was around, no, when the previous Four Heavenly Kings ruled, a person behaving like that would have been court-martialed immediately.


    ''''It used to be lukewarm, but not anymore. It''s the era of the New Four Heavenly Kings, ruled by Lord Bashvaza. This is the era of the New Four Heavenly Kings under the rule of Lord Bashvaza.


    The commanding demon tribe said pompously.


    "The old generation''s feckless response is no longer acceptable. The new ruler, Bashvaza, wants us to treat the lowly race accordingly. I am the hand and foot of Lord Bashvaza to realize his noble idea!


    You mean to say that I am the drum-bearer for Lord Bashvaza?


    It''s true that the commander demon tribe is a well-bred, well-bred type who only tries to get ahead by flattering his bosses.


    That type of person is more demanding of their superiors.


    "I want you lowly tribe to be more aware of your situation. So get to work!��For the sake of my Lord Bashvaza!��In the name of the Demon King''s Army, I will not allow you to rest until you die!


    The words and actions were too intimidating and disrespectful of the other party.


    ''''........!''''


    The knockers took pickaxes and shovels.


    Normally, they were used for digging through tunnels and extracting ore.


    They thought they were going to go back to work.


    "Woo-ryaaaah!


    "Heeheehee!


    Normally, it should be pointed at the hard rock, but it is swung down at the commander demon.


    You can''t be patient anymore!��I''m out of control!��We''re not letting these bastards live!


    That''s right!��Kill them all!


    ''''What kind of a demon king''s army is this?��The real Demon King''s army is the one that Master Dariel had when he ruled!


    You''re not real!��Don''t you dare let the phonies bluster on in a big way!


    The knockers reached the end of their patience.


    Each of them turned their digging tools into weapons and attacked the demon soldiers.


    "The lowly tribe has lost their composure...!��Intercept!��Intercept!��Kill all the rebels!


    Naturally, the demon tribe also fought back, and if they didn''t, blood would rain down on the mine.


    The Knocker, who is only good at digging holes, and the Demon King''s Army, who is a combatant.


    The victory or defeat is obvious.


    ''''Kill eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!��''''Kill those stupid lowly races!


    The commander only has the ability to threaten and lord it over from on high, but he is in a hurry to fulfill his commander''s role due to this urgent matter.


    In this situation, the soldiers of the Demon King''s army will not be able to show their abilities, and even so, the knockers, who are novices in battle, will not have any chance of winning, and the battle will develop into a mudslinging battle with wounds on both sides.


    ''''Well........it can''t be helped.''''


    I jump out of the shadows.


    As I run through the crowd of people who have been mixed up........


    "Gwahhhh!


    Higuhuh?


    I''ve cut it open!


    "Watch out, there''s something here!


    I only select the soldiers on the Demon Lord''s side of the army and slip my blade into them.


    Naturally, I brought my sword with me as a precaution.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on in the world.


    ''Cease your chanting. Is your magic meant to kill non-combatants?


    Since I have a lot of things in my past, I can''t let people know who I am.


    So I wrapped a rag I had on hand to cover my face.


    I''m a member of the human race, but that''s why I''m on the side of the knockers. "I''m a human, but that''s why I''m on the side of the Knockers, to help the weak and discourage the strong.


    I can hardly hear myself because I''m wrapped in rags.


    "Proud soldier of the Demon King''s Army. If you still want to keep your pride, leave now. You know that oppressing the weak is the height of cowardice.


    The knockers were also looking up at me as I appeared in the front.


    They were mumbling in a whisper that the Demon King''s Army side couldn''t hear.


    ''''Anre eh?��Isn''t that a waistcoat for Ora?


    Why is Lady Dariel wearing that thing on her face?


    Woohoo!

 15-14 Nameless hero, warriors

    But I can''t expose my true face now.


    With the knocker''s waistcoat mask on, I thrust the tip of my sword at him.


    "Come on, Demon King Army. You can choose to challenge them or retreat. I''m going to challenge you, then I will fight in place of the knockers by righteousness.


    "Sword.........?��You''re a human adventurer...?


    Now I''m the center of attention.


    The commander demon tribe is also eyeing me with hostility.


    "I see........��You''re the one who sent these lowlifes on a roll, aren''t you?


    He points at me.


    You think I''m a stooge for the humans?


    Well, that''s just the way I see it, isn''t it?


    "Have you conspired to incite the lowlifes to steal the Mithril mine?��How vile!��It''s an adulteration typical of the evil human race!


    And even if you did, you''re the ones who gave them an opening to take advantage of you.


    Of course, I had no intention of doing so myself.


    The conditions in this mine are too favorable for a breakaway move.


    The pressure from above is immense, and the discontent below is growing to the point of critical mass.


    If an offer to betray us comes from somewhere else, we''ll take it.


    The groundwork has been laid for this, without a doubt, by you and your Demon Army.


    Oh, you mean the current generation.


    "If that''s the case, we won''t tolerate it!��My mighty army of demons!��Strike down this race of humans!��And kill all the lowly tribes and show them the sinfulness of defying the demon race!


    commander demon tribe orders.


    The commander demon tribe commanded that he would be led by a hundred or so soldiers, but he was slow in his movements.


    And so it is.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.


    Killing non-combatants is an act of denying one''s own existence.


    So even if it''s an order, a person with a straightforward heart can''t help but be puzzled.


    That''s the point.


    "Guffaw!


    !


    The dancing swords split the skin of the demon king''s army soldiers and cut out their flesh.


    I was impressed that they hesitated to attack Knocker, but still, soldiers are supposed to fight and die.


    Even though you''re an incompetent boss, you guys who have to obey that guy are a pure threat.


    You must be neutralized.


    I don''t want you to be injured to the point where you can lick it up.


    ''d*mn it!��Intercept!��Intercept!


    That race of humans is the enemy for sure!��No need for mercy!��"Kill them all.


    "Be careful, he''s quite skilled at this!


    The soldiers in the Demon Lord''s army are the lowest-ranking dark soldiers.


    I was this rank myself.


    You can''t get away with it!


    The soldiers, without exception, turn their palms toward you and start chanting.


    ''''I appeal to the four elements that make up the world, the attributes of fire...!


    It''s a preparation for fire-based attack magic.


    I used to train and aim to be able to use different types of magic too.


    But it was impossible.


    Although I belonged to the demon king''s army, I was actually a human, and I couldn''t master the magic that only demons could use.


    All the efforts at that time were in vain.


    But now.........


    I won''t let you.


    ''''Geez!''''


    I slash and crush the magic chant in midstream.


    Although it wasn''t fruitful, I''ve been drilled into the use of magic, the principles of magic, and I have a precise grasp of how to fight magic.


    The advantages of fighting with magic. The disadvantages of fighting with magic.


    What kind of action would a person who is trying to defeat an enemy with magic do under what circumstances?


    Maybe you know more about this than the person in question, me.


    ''''d*mn!��Crushed before the chant is complete...?


    ''''Switch to a shorter chanting spell!��It''s rapid-fire magic!


    No!��There are too many allies around!��You''ll hit a friend!


    You''ve got a huge advantage in numbers...��So that''s why it''s a bad thing...?


    There are enemies everywhere, front, back, left and right.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    It''s not a good idea to use them for this purpose.


    As expected, when there are a hundred people, it''s impossible to crush everyone''s magic chanting beforehand.


    I''m sure one or two of them will be left out.


    The one who stood in front of me was one such person, an old-looking dark soldier covered both forearms with hard rocks.


    ''''Enhanced with earth magic?''''


    Probably a magical boost of muscle strength as well.


    A proper bite would break your bones and rupture your internal organs.


    ''''Die eeeeee!''''


    A rock fist struck mercilessly.


    I took it with my sword.


    ''''I knew that aura was amazing.''''


    I''d win by going head-to-head with a magically enhanced rock punch.


    ''''Ughhhhhh!


    The aura-clad sword slashed through the rock fist beautifully and overwhelmed it.


    The human race was using such tremendous power to fight the demon race?


    I used to be an enemy, and I thought I knew the horror of this power.


    Now that I''m on the side that uses it, I''m once again shuddering at the horror of it all.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this in the future.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    "Goooooooooooooooooh!


    It''s not good.��Can''t hold them!��And only one of this many?


    He''s too strong!��What kind of human adventurer are you?


    You could have been in a hero''s party!


    I used to be called the outcast among you, you know.


    Well, well, I was able to rampage in the bosom of the enemy and stir the ranks sufficiently.


    Thanks to that, the most important vital point is empty.


    "Do Hi!��Dohhiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!


    The commander of this squad, the demon tribe.


    "This is the same demon commander who heckled the knockers.


    "Oh, that''s the way it''s done.


    In an instant, he closes the gap between the two. The tip of the cut stops just short of touching or not touching the commanding demon''s throat flute.


    A pitter-patter.


    No, did I touch it a bit?


    The commanding demon tribe was so freaked out by that that alone that they crumbled to the ground in a sitting position.


    ''''Ohhihii........?''''


    He was so scared that he started crying.


    A puddle of incontinence spread out from the ground where she was on her buttocks.


    Pussy.


    Even I, the fiercely weak man from the days of the Demon King''s Army, behaved a bit more stoutly, didn''t I?


    Don''t move. If you move, I''ll skewer your commander''s throat with this sword.


    With that said, the surrounding soldiers are checked.


    Even if the hostages didn''t work, all we had to do then was to kill all the enemies again.


    The other side seems to understand that, and the soldiers have completely lost the will to fight.


    ''''Help me...!��Help me.........!


    And the commander demon tribe in question was in tears, begging for his life.


    ''''It''s not........!��I''m not a demon army........!


    What?


    "I just happened to meet Master Bashvaza of the Four Heavenly Kings at a ball. We got to talking and became friends. And he wants to assign me a job...?


    So it''s nepotism, huh?


    What''s more, they''re hiring based on being close to each other without regard to merit...


    What kind of personnel management is Bashvaza-sama doing?


    ''What?��I''m a non-combatant?��Wouldn''t it be shame to kill a man like that?


    Yeah.


    Sighing heavily, I swung my sword.


    The ballroom''s regular monk demon tribe, a scream of fear.


    It doesn''t hurt. I just ran the blade over your head and cut off your hair.


    "Heh, heh, heh...?


    The top of your head is now a nice bald spot.


    .........


    No, did you shave the scalp a little?


    This is going to take a lot longer for my hair to grow back.


    ''You''ll go home and ask for my resignation, showing your bald head to Lord Bashbursa. The battlefield is a terrible place. The cowardly boxer doesn''t want to go there again.


    The commanding bald demon tribe nodded buzzingly and crawled away on all fours with their hips slumped.


    ''''........?''''


    Um...?


    Confused demon soldiers.


    You guys can go home too. The fact that the commander has fled means that he has decided to retreat, right?


    It was an unwanted mission for them, and they must have been very embarrassed to be led by such an amateur.


    They followed my advice and left one by one.


    The battle was over.

 16-15 Mithril Mines Return to Human Hands

    Hmmm....


    It''s strange.


    What''s strange is that my actions just now.


    By myself, I overwhelmed nearly a hundred Demon King''s Army soldiers and drove them back.


    Quite frankly, it was a great success.


    It''s not like me to play such a big role!


    And it''s a very strange feeling.


    This me, Dariel, is the biggest dropout in the Demon King''s army.


    I''m a demon, but I can''t use magic, and that''s not much of an advantage.


    It''s a good thing that you can''t use magic, or you''d be fired for not being able to use magic.


    I''m a warrior against the Demon King''s Army I once belonged to.


    Well, it''s just a squad of miscellaneous soldiers.


    I didn''t realize that I''m not actually a demon, but a human, and I''ve learned to attack with weapons specially designed for the human race.


    I''m sure they can''t get rid of the sense of discomfort for a while yet.


    ''''Well.........''''


    ""Dariel-sama!"


    "What?


    An avalanche of dwarfs suddenly swarmed us.


    They were the sub-race knockers who originally lived in this mine.


    "It''s Dariel-sama!��It''s the best!


    "We''re going to wipe out those evil demon soldiers!


    "I didn''t know you could be so powerful even in battle!


    Yes.


    I only just found out about it myself.


    I''m not familiar with the world because the knockers are a happy tribe as long as they keep digging holes, so I never noticed the difference between the fighting methods of the demon race and the human race.


    Well, it was more convenient that way.


    ''''Thank you so much!��Dariel-sama gave me the courage to do it!


    Oh, that''s good, isn''t it?


    The knockers, who were cowardly by nature, gathered their courage and rebelled.


    I was the main reason behind their disgusting behavior.


    It''s a good thing that I''m not a fan of this kind of thing, because I''ve reached the end of my patience with the Demon King''s army''s absurd demands.


    But even so, the reason why they were able to resist is because they had me, and they were confident that I would be on their side.


    They were able to gather their courage and fight.


    I''m sure they didn''t expect me to do it all by myself, and the pickaxe and shovel I held as weapons were somewhat hollow.


    ...So what are you guys going to do now?


    This wasn''t going to be a victory and a happy ending.


    A squad of the Demon King''s army has been driven back, but of course that''s not all of the Demon King''s army.


    The main unit is still intact and the battle has just begun.


    It''s possible that the Knockers could see this as a rebellion and come to suppress it with a larger force.


    What do our own Knockers think about this?


    Master Dariel will take care of him!


    "If you do what Dariel-sama says, you''ll have nothing to worry about!


    I knew I hadn''t thought about it.


    I knew it was something like that.


    It''s only because they can throw all the rest of the prospects at me that they could choose to rebel without thinking about the details!


    You bastard!


    I''ll be fine!��I believe in you, Dariel!


    ''If this is Dariel''s decision, you have nothing to worry about!��It''s safe!


    .....


    I don''t trust you that easily.


    Why do you trust me so much?


    Because you used to be in charge of this place?��Because of your relationship with them?


    I don''t remember doing such a memorable job for them.


    Was the rest of it really that bad?


    I''m not going to leave them alone.


    Now that they''ve rebelled against the Demon King''s Army, the knockers in the Mithril Mine are a bunch of strangers.


    They will not be able to continue like this.


    The only way for them to return to a peaceful life is....


    "...........!


    I spend a few moments in silence.


    "Are you sure you can do what I say?


    I can do it!


    A quick answer, huh?


    And that''s a good answer.


    "Will you ever regret it if you do what I say?


    "I am certain that Dariel is the right man!��And I will not regret it!


    Dariel, I will follow you to the ends of the earth!


    I''m rather under the impression that I''m the one being dragged to hell.


    Well, there''s nothing to do.


    Let''s do it then!


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    And what I did was to go back to the Lax village.


    I talked to the village chief.


    ''What if I told you that you could take back the mine?''


    "What?!


    I explain the story, hiding the fact that it''s related to my previous history well.


    I heard the village chief''s story the other day, and I was curious to see what he had to say about the mine.


    Then I found out that Knocker was being mistreated by the demon tribe, so I rescued him with a righteous heart.


    He fights off the demons and is made a hero by the knocker.


    That''s how it should look.


    At this point, I think it would be best to get the knockers to show their respect for the mine.


    Obedience?��To whom?


    To the humans.


    "For us?


    Since the knockers are called a sub-race, they are technically a small race that does not belong to either the demon race or the human race.


    So there is no principle rule that says they must belong to either one.


    It''s not an absurd thing to say that I''m going to switch from the demon race to the human race because I''m dissatisfied with the poor treatment I''ve received.


    ''''No, that would be reckless...!


    Really?


    The village chief was stunned for a while, but eventually he collected his thoughts.......


    I understand. If this becomes a reality, it will not only benefit our village, but also the entire human race. But that''s why it''s no longer possible for me to move things around on my own.


    I understand.


    I will send a messenger to the guilds in the city, and I will send more adventurers to defend the city. Then I will send more adventurers to fortify our defenses. I''ll let someone higher up figure out how to handle the mines from now on.


    The village chief is a man of great courage and good judgment when it comes to making decisions.


    I''m sure I''m not the only one with a good decision to make, but many people were busy making their own decisions.


    I was in charge of guarding the mine and the knockers until the adventurers from the city arrived.


    Fortunately, the Demon King''s army did not attack.


    Where it was discussed among the greats. It was decided that the Mithril Mine would be managed and operated by the human race.


    This is a great achievement for the human race, as it is the first time in decades that the source of the high-grade mineral mithril has come back to them.


    It is said to be a big deal in many circles.


    However, the most important thing is the treatment of the knockers who had returned to the mine with their families.


    It was decided that they would not have to worry about this either and they would continue to work there.


    Of course, they will be treated satisfactorily.


    The human race has been away from the mine for several decades and has lost all knowledge of its structure and equipment.


    It would be a great help to them if the Knockers, who were accustomed to living in the mine and knew it inside and out, could serve as their mentors.


    It would be great to see them smile again.


    ��


    Now the changes are not only that........


    My village of Lax has been greatly affected by the changes.


    This reminds me of the story of the village chief in the past.


    The village of Laxx was greatly prospering as a bridge between the human tribe and the Mithril Mine.


    At some point, the mine passed to the demon tribe, and at the same time, Laxx Village fell into disuse.


    But now, the Mithril Mine had been returned to the hands of the humans.


    Along with the mine, the desolate village of Lax was also revived.


    I wasn''t even aware of it.


    I wasn''t even aware of it myself, but........


    "We''re in trouble.........

 17-16 Shitenno Bash Baza begins to fall (Shitenno side)

    Bashbarza, the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army ''Ayan Fire'', was in a good mood.


    Although the news of the overthrow of the brave man had not yet arrived, his mood was unusually good because the magic research he was conducting independently was going well.


    What is this?!


    The Four Heavenly Kings of the Wind, Zebiantes, enters the laboratory.


    And he is surprised by the magical experiment that Bashbarza is passionate about.


    ''''What is it?��Rude to come into my lab without permission?


    ''No, it''s just that I had something urgent to do... What is this?��It''s a bit too white to go through, isn''t it?


    Even if it was, the magical experiment objects were so impressive that it would astonish a great magician of the Four Heavenly Kings class.


    The scale is large and the amount of energy injected is also large.


    What exactly is Bashbursa trying to accomplish?


    ''Do you want to hear it?��I''m sure you''re curious.��It''s the best kept secret, but you, the same Four Heavenly Kings, have the right to ask. I have a special lesson for you.


    Bashbarza had wanted to brag about it for a long time, and he took the initiative to explain it, even though he was pompous.


    ''This is where we manufacture condensed magic bombs.


    Condensed magic bomb?


    Zebiantes grills his temples with his fingertips, as if they sound familiar.


    ''''You have to wait a moment. .........I think I''ve heard that this is an explosive weapon that can be created by super-compressing a material with a high magic absorption rate.


    You know a lot, don''t you? You''ve been elected to the Four Heavenly Kings, so you know a few things.


    That said, Bashvaza seemed unhappy that his own commentary opportunity was taken away.


    He regained his composure and spoke.


    ''Yes, this is a horrible magic bomb.


    Description.


    ''''If you mix mithril as the main material with several other magical materials in a certain ratio and continue to compress it, from a certain point on, it will have the property of absorbing magic power inexhaustibly. Mithril has a high magic absorption rate to begin with, but this treatment allows it to accumulate hundreds of times more magic power and release it all at once...!


    And by doing so, you mean you can turn it into a very powerful bomb?


    Zebiantes is sweating fat.


    ''Imagine the damage that super-bomb could do.


    ''How powerful do you envision it being?''


    "It''s enough to blow up a city of humans without a trace. And on a much larger scale.


    They''re going to make something amazing again.


    If this was completed, it would have a remarkable effect on the balance of power between the demon race and the human race.


    For example, it would be possible to erase the entire city where the heroes are staying.


    ''''But I''ve heard that you need a tremendous amount of mithril to create this bomb?��I''ve heard it''s too cosmetically incompatible to be practical, even though it''s just a high-end mithril?


    ''''If you put it on an ordinary person''s scale. But I''m the pinnacle of the Demon King''s army, leader of the Four Heavenly Kings, nothing is impossible!


    Exactly now, Bashvaza was issuing orders to the Mithril Mines with the power of the Four Heavenly Kings and pressing them to deliver four times the normal amount of Mithril.


    Once that was delivered, the super bomb was finally complete.


    It wasn''t a particularly vital project at first.


    The Mithril mine in question was also a key location where Dariel had once been the officer in charge and provided a steady supply of good quality Mithril steel.


    It was a place where Dariel''s achievements would remain.


    When I thought about it, I felt like torturing Bashbarza for no reason.


    In order to create an excuse to consume a large amount of mithril, he forced a mithril condensation bomb, which had been put on hold due to its poor cost effectiveness, to be brought back to life.


    However, as he neared completion, he was excited about the horrors that would be caused by using it, and he became more enthusiastic about its construction.


    When he blew up the heroes with this bomb, he would have the highest reputation among the four heavenly kings of all time.


    Bashvaza''s sense of merit is tingling.


    ''''How much mithril did you invest in making this bomb?''''


    ''''It''s all that my Demon King''s army has in reserve. It''s still not enough, so we''re having them dig it out at a rapid pace.


    Once the newly dug mithril from the mine was delivered, the bomb would be complete and would be shot into the city where the brave men were staying.


    There would be havoc in the mines with the outrageous demands.


    But to Bashbarza, the anguish from below was of no importance.


    Whether the knockers working in the mines would suffer or spit blood and die.


    The lower races should be willing to die if they could die for a higher species like Bashbarza.


    Seriously, he thought.


    ''So, Zebiantes, what are you doing here? "So, Xeviantes, what have you come to me for?��Didn''t you say it was urgent?


    ''Oh, yes. I must have forgotten about it.


    The Four Heavenly Kings of the Wind reported that they had just remembered.


    ''The Mithril Mine must have defected.


    What?


    Something about the knockers working in the mines, they had a mutiny. They kicked the officer in charge out.


    Zebiantes says without a care in the world, but Bashbarza, who receives the report, gradually realizes the gravity of the matter.


    It makes his blood boil.


    The fact that the mine has defected means that the minerals to be dug out there will not be sent there either.


    What would be produced was mithril, which meant that there would be no more material for the condensation bombs that Bashbarza was currently building.


    ''What nonsense!��Magic bombs are in the process of being manufactured right now!��What happens if it stops in the middle of the compression process with a little bit of mithril added...?


    What happens when it stops?


    The compression process cannot be interrupted. If we stop, the mithril in compression will lose its original properties and become nothing more than scrap metal...?


    What''s left in the Demon King''s Castle now isn''t enough?


    ''There''s a minimum amount needed to make a condensed bomb!��If we don''t reach that, we won''t be able to obtain the infinite absorption of magic power, a property that is absolutely necessary for bomb-making!


    In other words, if new mithril was not delivered from the mithril mine, not only would the magic bomb not be completed, but all the stored mithril used so far would be wasted.


    It would be the worst possible outcome.


    ''''d*mn it!��Why?��How could there be a mutiny?��Who was working in the mine?


    It was like a knocker.


    "A low-life Knocker wouldn''t dare defy me!��The nonsense is getting to be too much for me!��I''m going to go in there myself and kill every last one of you right now!


    But I have news for you.


    Zebiantes had been talking like someone else all along.


    ''The human adventurers entered the mines soon after the Knockers broke away. The human adventurers got into the mines as soon as the knockers broke away. They said it would take a lot of forces to bring it down.


    What~?


    Bad news followed bad news.


    It would take a long time to retake the mine, and the production of magic bombs would definitely be aborted.


    ''''Fool........!��A perfect narrative, a perfect plan, and now you''re going to ruin it by doing something as trivial as this...?��What if my knocker is the only thing that could possibly go wrong?


    "I''m sorry to disturb you, sir, but...


    ''Zebiantes,'' he says as if to drive home the point.


    It''s not like your toy making is going to be a complete failure. The Mithril mine is a very important facility for us, as well as for the Demon King''s army. The Mithril Mine is an important facility for our Demon King''s army and it''s a shame that we lost it.


    And the situation is more serious.


    It''s because Bashbursa has used up all of Mithril''s savings for making magic bombs.


    Normally, it wouldn''t have any real impact until the reserves were exhausted, and there would be time to deal with it.


    Such leeway was blown away by Bashbarza''s whim.


    ''''This means we can''t make any new magic tools at all. I want a replacement for the magic tool that was broken in the fight with the brave men.


    ''Bother!''


    Blackmailing his bitter colleague, Bashbarza bites his nails.


    The rebellion came about in the first place because he pressured the knockers with his outrageous demands.


    If that was pointed out, Bashbarza would be in even more trouble, but he hadn''t taken that into account for a minute.


    It was because he didn''t have the slightest sense that he was in the wrong.


    He was the Four Heavenly Kings, the supreme authority in the Demon King''s army, and everyone had to obey the decisions he made.


    So what he says is right.


    It is evil and foolish to disobey him. I believed, as a matter of course, that it was always someone other than myself who should be blamed.


    So, in this incident, too, it was the renegade knockers who were guilty, and it was Bashbarza who didn''t even have any doubt that he was not in the least bit at fault.


    However.


    Reality doesn''t always align with his perception.


    ''Hey, hey, Bashburza.''


    What the hell?��What''s going on?��I don''t feel like talking to anybody right now!


    I''m afraid that''s not possible. There is one more thing I have to tell you. There is a gentleman who wants to talk to you.


    Talk?��Who the hell do you think you are to ask me for an unannounced interview?


    Bashvaza is in a very bad mood right now.


    If anyone provoked him at this point in time, he''d be taken out and might even lose his place in the Demon King''s army.


    But in fact, that won''t be the case.


    ''''Then you could just meet the person in question and complain to him directly.


    Okay!��I''ll strip you of all titles and knock you out of the Demon King''s army!��Who is that idiot?


    It''s a demon king.


    As soon as it was said, Bashvaza''s expression froze.


    ''''It''s the Demon King personally calling for you. The Mithril Mine has defected. The fact that the Mithril stock has been used up. I hear he has heard it all in his ear, right?


    Even the Four Heavenly Kings who stand at the pinnacle of the Demon King''s army are not in truth all-powerful.


    Even from their point of view, there are people who have equal or higher positions.


    The Demon King is one of them.


    He rules over all the demon races, and even the demon king''s army is just one of the agencies he has in his control.


    Even the Four Heavenly Kings Bashbarza had to crawl on the ground against the Demon King.

 18-17 Demon King Appears (Shitenno side)

    The top level of the Demon King''s Castle.


    That is where the Demon King resides.


    Bashvaza was awed by the call.


    ''''Bokin, you know, I love festivals, right?


    And the voice of the Demon King.


    Although his tone was juvenile, his voice was heavy and low, like an earth shaking.


    ''''Soon the trees in the garden will be full of flowers, won''t they?��We''re going to feast and drink while loving it. Invite lots of friends over. And make sure the welcoming girls are all dressed up.


    Bashvaza is on one knee in front of the demon king''s face, drooping deeply into the cave.


    There is no permission to raise his face, and he just stares at the marble floor.


    ''Wear a lot of accessories made of mithril,'' he says. You can wear a lot of accessories made of mithril, like rings and earrings and necklaces. I''ve sent a request to a craftsman to get you a new one, but I don''t have any mithril to go with it.


    ..........


    We can''t make anything without the right ingredients, can we?


    Bashvaza could not answer.


    He was being reprimanded by the demon king himself.


    That fact weighed heavily on him.


    ''I''ve made sure you know about this through the errand boy, haven''t I?��So why is this happening?


    You can''t leave, you can''t.


    I can''t get my head around it.


    Bashbarza swallowed his spit once........


    ''''You have caused a stir in the Demon King''s person, this Four Heavenly Kings ''Ayan Fire'' Bashbarza, I am in sweat-faced mischief.''''


    That''s not what I''m asking.


    The demon king says in a tone of disgust.


    I''m just wondering why you haven''t stopped making silly bombs when I''ve informed you that I want mithril. I mean, if I wanted mithril, shouldn''t you be the one to stop wasting money?


    I have never disrespected the Demon King''s intentions!


    Magic bombs are created by consuming large amounts of mithril.


    If you follow the Demon King''s instructions, you''ll have no choice but to stop the production process.


    It''s normal........


    In order to secure the mithril for the decorative processing, I''ve placed an additional order with the mine. In spite of that, some lowly knockers didn''t pay their dues and mutinied...!


    You know, you''re a lot dumber than I thought you''d be.


    ''''.........?''''


    Bashbarza couldn''t believe his ears.


    What did the Demon King say to him now? He wondered if he had called himself an ''idiot''.


    ''''Isn''t that why you''ve quadrupled the Mithril Mine''s collection to the usual amount?��There''s no way I can do that. Can''t you use your common sense to figure things out?


    .....


    So that''s what happens when Knocker and his friends get mad and defect. No wonder they''re so angry. They''re just asking for too much.


    ''''No, if you don''t carry out any orders, it''s disloyalty to the Demon King!��The traitors should be punished accordingly!��I want you to take this Bashvaza yourself and lead the suppression army and go to war immediately...!


    That''s why I''m saying you''re an idiot.


    Bashvaza''s cheeks twitched at further calls of stupidity.


    ''Can''t you guess the meaning of why Bokchin gave the order?��Mithril would be more pleased with an accessory that would stick to a beautiful girl than a bomb that would blow up lives, right?


    Uh.........?


    ''How can I get that wrong and make a decision that will hurt the knockers in the mine?��Thanks to this, the Mithril Mine has left the control of the demon race. It''s a rare big chunk, right?


    No, not yet!


    Bashvaza colored.


    ''We can get the Mithril mine back!��If we attack with the main body of the Demon King''s army, we can drop them in a matter of days!��Let''s cut off the heads of all traitors and give them to the Demon King as a souvenir!


    No, that''s not very nice.


    As a demon king, he couldn''t overlook Bashbarza''s folly of wasting a large amount of his precious mithril to make a bomb.


    Therefore, he tried to force him to abandon the production of the bomb under the pretext of ''making accessories for the women''s officers'' in a roundabout way.


    Cutting to the front and saying, ''What you''re doing is futile, so stop it,'' would hurt the pride of the new Four Heavenly Kings who had just taken office and lower their reputation.


    It was a distant way of caring for him in his own way, but it was as if this young man didn''t understand.


    ''''As for the Mithril Mine, we''ll just have to give up on it. It''s our fault," he said, "We''ll just have to give up on the Mithril mine. It''s our fault. If we try to get it back by force, we''ll only give people a bad name.


    "But my Demon King''s Army has a stock of mithril...!


    You''re gonna tell him that?��You''re the one who wasted it, aren''t you?


    Bashvaza was gobsmacked by the demon king''s suggestion.


    ''Yeah, well, I haven''t heard the words I wanted to hear from you when I called you out, have I?��How long do you think you''re going to keep me waiting for my cock?


    What?


    You really don''t know?��You''re such an idiot. Super stupid.


    Once again, the harsh assessment coming out of the Demon King''s mouth made Bashbarza feel nauseated.


    ''The loss of the mithril mine, the disappearance of the mithril stored by the Demon King''s army. It''s all your fault, isn''t it?


    I''m...?


    I''m sorry, huh?


    Bashbarza gulped.


    The Transportation Department''s staff is to blame for underestimating the amount of mithril stored in the first place, and most of all, the people responsible for the rebellion...?


    "I''m sorry, sir, what?


    ''''............?''''


    Four Heavenly King Bashbarza.


    I have never apologized to others in my life.


    That''s why it''s difficult to bow and apologize for your own faults now, even if you are dealing with the Demon King.


    It was an unbearable humiliation.


    "................ No.....................


    Hmm, the stupid one just got a little smarter.


    The demon king says casually.


    Bashvaza felt an illusion of heat erupting from every pore in his body.


    ''''Let''s refrain from dealing with the Mithril mine, as I just said. Let''s give it a period of time, and then we''ll figure out what to do about it when Knocker-kun and the others wake up from their rage.''''


    ..........


    I''d like to tell the person responsible for stockpiling the Demon King''s Castle to take responsibility for it, but if I leave it to you, I''ll take care of it myself since I don''t know what you''ll do again. So I''ll take care of it myself. Don''t do anything unnecessary.


    Well, we can''t let the Demon Lord get away with this.


    You shouldn''t be getting any better at this point, Mr. Dumbass.


    Each time the demon king''s words were unleashed, they cut into Bashvaza''s pride.


    And it''s fun to be able to interfere in politics for the first time in a while. You see, your father never interfered in politics when he was in office.


    !


    Bashbarza''s father was the previous Four Heavenly Kings and Granbarza, who held the title of ''karma fire''.


    He was deeply injured in the battle of the previous brave men and retired to recuperate from it.


    "Your father is a serious and capable man. After all, he didn''t make me work for him until he retired. He was a pain in the ass, but I''ll miss him. Is this selfishness?


    ....?


    Once I got there, I got busy. You''ve surpassed your father in that regard.


    It crushed Bashbursa''s pride.


    The previous Fourth Heavenly King Granbaza had made many achievements and was determined to go down in history.


    As his son, the new Fourth Heavenly King Bashbarza could only present himself in the seventh light for now.


    But he was more than his predecessor only in his pride.


    He never doubted that he too would achieve the same fame as his father, and that he would be even more famous than his father, and that he would be handed down to future generations.


    It was for this reason that he had been appointed the Four Heavenly Kings.


    Nevertheless, he had already made a blunder and was branded as less than his father by the most important Demon King.


    In reality, it was only hubris, but it was impossible for him to have a future where he couldn''t surpass his father.


    ''''Speaking of your dad, speaking of your dad...''''


    What...?


    His assistant. That was a good one. Dariel, if you will.��That''s what I call competent.


    Bashbursa''s heart stopped for a moment.


    By humiliation.


    He should have been humiliated to-day already, a humiliation of the highest order, but there was an even higher one.


    ''''You''re smart, you''re kind. I''m sure the reason your papa-kun was able to play the role of the Four Heavenly Kings was because he had a clever man like Dariel-kun by his side.


    Ha, ha....!


    You retired the old man and he stayed on as your assistant?��Then get him to help you. Because if you listen to him carefully, you won''t make any more mistakes.


    Yes....!


    Do you understand?��If you understand, you can get lost now. Go home and do plenty of self-reflection.


    Wordlessly, Bashbarza stood up and left the Demon King''s room.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    "Well, I know you got rid of Dariel," he said, "and I know you got rid of him.


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    It was the worst day of his life for Bashbarza.


    The plans he had made had confirmed that he was going to surpass his great father and become the greatest four heavenly kings of all time.


    Killing a brave man and many other achievements.


    He would receive the highest praise from the Demon King, the ruler of the demon race.


    That was supposed to be the natural course of events.


    And yet, what did the Demon King say to me today?


    "He called me an idiot...!��Five times.........?


    To Bashbarza, the words the Demon King should have sent to him should have been more glorious.


    ''My most capable subordinate'', ''master general'', ''my treasure''.


    It should have been "my most talented subordinate" or "masterful general" or "my treasure".


    And yet they called me a fool.


    It was unbearable for the prideful Bashvaza.


    ''This isn''t good enough...!��I''m going to be the greatest four heavenly king of all time...!


    It takes an achievement to do that.


    Accomplishments big enough to make up for this fiasco.


    There was only one thing that came to Bashbarza''s mind.


    ''''After all, that''s the only great achievement that the Four Heavenly Kings should list...!


    Killing a brave man.


    There is no other way to clear your name.

 19-18 Adventurers in the neighboring streets get involved

    The village of Lax has become a bustling place.


    Of course, this is because people have started stopping by on their way to the Mithril mine.


    And there were a lot of them.


    For now, though, it''s just the guild''s bigwigs and escort adventurers who have come to check out the Mithril Mine.


    As time goes on, more and more people of all kinds will come to Rax Village.


    ''''I never thought this day would come again...!


    It was the village chief who was most moved.


    Knowing the past of Lax Village, he was in tears of emotion as he witnessed a sight he thought he would never see again alive.


    ''Thank you, Dariel. "Thank you, Dariel, for everything. You are the lucky messenger of my village...!


    No, it was just a series of luck.


    The Knockers defected because of the Demon King''s army''s brutality, and I was just there at the right time.


    I''d be happy if my second home village of Laxx developed greatly in any way.


    But will it be okay...?


    It was Marika who said.


    ''What?''


    ''A lot of people coming in means there are a lot of different people in it. I hope it doesn''t cause any trouble...


    You say prophetically, "I''m going to have to change.


    It''s true that changes don''t always manifest themselves in a positive way, but I have to take responsibility for not becoming a pestilence that brings disaster to the village of Lax.


    I must take responsibility for my own actions so that I don''t become a pestilence that brings misfortune upon the village of Lax.


    ��


    Trouble arose immediately.


    Guild officials stopping by the village and a resident of the village got into an argument.


    The village party was Gashita.


    They had a convincing look on their faces.


    Gacita was biting the adventurers who had come from outside the village.


    They were the guild bigwigs on their way to the mine and those on their way to escort the mine itself.


    ''''You guys!��Say it again!


    Gacita barked furiously.


    "You say the adventurers in the village are all scum?��I''ll have you all fail your quests right here if you don''t give a d*mn!


    Hmmm.


    I''m sure that Gacita''s mad dog attitude has changed a bit, but he''s only become loyal to me.


    He still barked at everyone else except me.


    "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, wait, wait, wait...!


    As an owner, you have a responsibility to intercede.


    I don''t want you to bark at anyone or anything. All our guests are welcome...!


    But, but my brother...!


    You''re loyal to me, aren''t you?


    I''m supposed to give you credit for that...?


    "These guys, these guys are going to insult us!


    The adventurers outside, pointing at us.


    They are staring at me and Gacita with snickering and disgusting smiles.


    It''s just that adventurers in this country are all small fry...!


    That''s true.


    You know what you''re dealing with: a bunch of nameless adventurers from a much larger city.


    When was the last time I heard that Gashita, who only knew the adventurer situation in this village, was in trouble for being a frog in a well, but I didn''t expect her to be baptized outside in this way.


    ''''I''m sorry to be rude,''''


    The older ones from the other side also came out to intercede.


    His hair and beard are all gray.


    But maybe it''s just that he''s young and gray, but his face itself is fearless, and he said, ''I wonder if he''s about my age? It seemed to me.


    ''It seems our young guys have behaved without thinking. I always tell them to maintain good relations with the locals in their quests.


    What about you?


    ''I am a fitvitan. I lead a group of adventurers sent from the city of Campbell. My rank is Class B.


    Oh.


    That''s very kind of you. I am Dariel. I''m one of the adventurers of this village.


    Rank?


    Hmm?


    What''s your rank?��I''m a B-grade guy, though?


    Class D...?


    As soon as he said that, a color of mockery appeared in his opponent''s eyes.


    ''''I see, D class. Well, if it''s a small village like this, a D grade should be enough to get you there.''''


    I don''t know, but I hope you''re convinced.


    I took the hand offered by my opponent and we shook hands.


    However, the feeling that came from the palm of my hand was somehow empty.


    ''''We are on our way to the defensive quest for the Mithril Mine from the Campbell City Guild. I heard that you guys were the ones who got that mine back from the demons, what kind of magic trick did you use?


    I just got lucky.


    I know, it''s a grade D.


    What''s with all the grade talk in the world?


    ''Adventurers have a job to do for their grade. The developments surrounding the Mithril Mine this time are beyond the control of the D grade.


    "Law.


    We''ll take it from here. The leading adventurers in terms of strength and experience. I''m a B-grade adventurer, but these guys over here are all fierce C-grade adventurers, too.


    And the city''s adventurers turned their attention to their friends lined up behind them.


    There was more than one of them, but they all had a disgusting look of contempt in their eyes.


    We''ll take over the job of taking the mine back from the demons and making it completely human. We''ll take over the job of taking back the mines and turning them over to the humans, so you can go back to doing your job. You can go back to doing your job.


    He was polite in his words and actions, but his attitude itself was condescending.


    He blatantly looked down on those below him just because their established class was above him.


    When I found myself uncomfortable with that, I felt, ''I''m still young, too.


    ''Speaking of the city of Campbell...''


    I conjure up a memory I once overheard.


    ''Was it the adventurer there who was chasing Blaze Death Scythe?''


    What?


    Blaze Death Size.


    ........is a monster that once appeared in the vicinity of this village.


    It was a huge snake, and people were warned that it was much more dangerous than ordinary monsters.


    However, the snake didn''t actually appear in the vicinity of our village of Lux, but in an area that was in charge of a neighboring town.


    The next town.


    This is a place that was only talked about in terms of its location as seen by Lax.


    That neighboring town was the city named Campbell.


    ''I heard about it after the death of that giant snake. Why was a dangerous monster that should have been in the Campbell city area coming to our village?


    ''''Wait........do you know about Blaze Death Size.......?


    The adventurers of the neighboring city-Campbell City Guild tried to mobilize as many people as possible to set up a large siege to surround and kill the giant snake.


    However, one of the adventurers who made up the siege messed up and the serpent escaped through the hole in the net.


    At the end of his escape, he seems to have rushed into the area that our Lax Village was in charge of.


    That''s the secret reason why I fought the serpent that day in an unlikely place.


    "If you''re going to be proud of it, I hope you''re going to have to show a solid track record.


    Yeah!��It was Dariel''s annihilator here that killed that giant snake!


    Gacita.


    Isn''t that what you''re bravely claiming...?


    "My brother is the one who cleaned up your mess!��You guys should bow your heads and thank your brother!


    "You beat the Blaze Death Scythe...?��You''re a D-level adventurer...?


    Fitbitan, was it?


    He wasn''t the only adventurer from the city, but all of the multiple adventurers from the city froze their expressions and held their breath.


    ?


    I meant it as a bit of sarcasm, but what''s that overreaction?


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    I later found out about it.


    The siege of the Blaze Death Size Serpent that the Campbell City Guild had conducted. It was none other than the one who cut a hole in the siege and allowed the target to escape........


    Apparently it was a party led by Fitbitan.


    So I had unknowingly hit their critical point.


    I was dignified at the height of my adventurer grade, but the lower ranks took my prey.


    Their faces were frozen.

 20-19 Dariel, you can rely on

    We''ll go home and tell them what happened outside.


    Let''s kill those guys.


    For some reason, Malika took the initiative in expressing her anger.


    Why?


    ''Disrespectful behavior towards Dariel-san...!��I cannot allow this as a member of Lax Village........!


    ''Right!��You know what I mean!


    Don''t hit it off with Gacita.


    Today, in order to discuss the future of Lax Village, which suddenly had an influx of people, a dinner meeting called a discussion was being held at the village chief''s house.


    I don''t know what they''re feeling. I can understand how they feel.


    That''s where the oldest village chief is the one who is completely calm.


    He''s also Malika''s father.


    They call us adventurers, but we''re only nomads. The only thing that can prove you are an adventurer is the rank the guild gives you. When I was young, I used to worry a lot about whether my rank was higher or lower than the guild''s.


    The head of the village is the guild master of Rax Village, and he was also an adventurer when he was young.


    I''m sure that the memories of his heyday are vividly replaying in his mind.


    I''m sure the memories of his heyday are still fresh in his mind. They are also important customers of the LUX village.


    About that, sir.


    I ask the village chief what''s been bothering him.


    ''How is the Lax village recovering so far?''


    The number of people passing through the village in search of the mines is increasing, and the amount of money they are dropping in search of a place to stay must be increasing as well.


    It would make me happy if it helped to enrich Lax''s village.


    We didn''t take any money for lodging.


    ''''Yeah........?''''


    The village chief''s answer is surprising.


    The village is deserted and there are no decent places left to stay. The most we can do is rent out an empty house and have them take shelter from the night dew.


    We can''t take money from them," said the good-natured village chief.


    We''re asking them to bring in their own food, too. In a poor village like ours, it''s all we can do to provide for ourselves. We don''t want to be asked to provide food.


    And you''re even giving them free lodging...?


    Well, this is what it''s like to be busy. Well, this is just a passing phase after all. The home of prosperity is the Mithril Mine, so let''s just take our chances with that.


    You want me to be less greedy?


    I have a feeling that the village chief is right.


    We shouldn''t be too greedy about anything.


    Let''s just follow the nourishing wisdom of our elders.


    ��


    In the meantime, the city''s adventurers left the village of Lax.


    They left for the Mithril Mine.


    They would be there to escort the guild leaders who were negotiating with the knockers, or to guard against the Demon King''s army coming to retake the mine.


    Leave those things to the big guys at the big guys.


    I''m just a D-level adventurer in a small village, so I''ll stick close to the community and do the small quests.


    ........I was thinking that.


    ��


    At one point, I was consulted by a guild leader.


    ''Do you want me to go back to the Mithril Mine?��To me?


    The officer said that he had turned back from the mine all the way back to Lax village.


    The purpose was none other than me.


    ''The knockers at the mine are not willing to negotiate.


    The guild leader said as if he was really troubled.


    ''Dariel-san, tell me you won''t agree to anything unless it''s your word. We can''t talk about this alone.''''


    I''ve told the knockers as much as I do.


    The knockers have very vivid memories of being oppressed by the demons, and that''s why they revolted. That''s why they revolted. "That''s why they rebelled. It''s still hard for them to trust others.


    ''I understand that. But of all of them, why do they honestly believe you are the only one?


    Isn''t that because I''m the one who rescued them from the domination of the demon race?


    I can''t honestly say that I was once assigned to the mines as an officer of the Demon King''s Army and worked with them to build up a trusting relationship.


    ''''I see........Anyway, your cooperation is essential to facilitate negotiations. Would you be willing to act as a bridge between us and them?


    Um...!


    Before answering, I asked about the matter that was on my mind.


    ''What decisions will the guild make if things go poorly?''


    It is possible that the guilds will throw out knockers that don''t go along with the guild''s wishes.


    For the human guild, there is no reason to continue to protect the knockers who originally belonged to the demon race, no matter what the cost.


    As far as I''m concerned, I just don''t want them to end up lost in the streets.


    ''''No, we want to get the Knockers to cooperate with us at all costs.


    Things are better than I thought they''d be.


    "The mine is being dug and reshaped every day. "The mine is being dug up and reshaped day by day. We can only make good use of the Mithril mine if we have a knocker who knows what''s going on inside.


    Oh,


    And for the sake of our ongoing relationship, I don''t want to impose on you. So, again, Mr. Dariel, I''m going to need your help.


    If that''s the case, I must do my best.


    With the village chief''s permission, I headed back to the mine.


    It''s actually only a day''s walk from Lax Village to Mithril Mine. It''s close.


    I wonder if this proximity to a place that used to be a demon tribe''s territory is one of the reasons why Lax''s village has become deserted.��I''m so glad I did.


    When I arrived, the knockers accepted all the conditions with surprising ease.


    I''d like to tell them that if they''re going to agree to it that easily, they can''t keep complaining until I get here.


    But to them, I was the reason they had no objections. I wasn''t ready to leave the negotiation table.


    The main issue I was called upon to discuss went surprisingly smoothly, so I decided to take a look around outside on a whim.


    The area around the mine is guarded by adventurers.


    I saw a familiar face among them.


    That young white hair.


    That''s an adventurer from a town called Fitbitan or something.


    Yo, long time no see!


    I talked to him openly.


    The other side looked embarrassed at the sight of me for a moment, but quickly mended it.


    "You........I heard you received a call personally from the executive, right?


    I knew I was smoking.


    ''What are you doing here, you saying that?


    As you can see, we''re on a quest to protect a key location. We''re going to be on the defensive to make sure they don''t get one step further.


    "They?


    The fitbitan points to a group of people on the other side of the mountains.


    "Gang?


    Moreover, these guys are screaming something loudly.


    It''s still hard to hear them because of the distance, but by listening carefully, I finally understand what they are saying.


    ''Gentlemen of the Knocker!��The Devil King has graciously forgiven you for your outrage!��If you obey me, I will ensure your safety on the pride of the Demon King''s Army!��So please come back!


    What''s that?


    I don''t need to guess, but that''s the Demon King''s army, isn''t it?


    But why was it there?


    ''''It was expected that they would move to retake the mine, but their approach is strangely circuitous. We''re not attacking them, we''re just calling for the mine demons to return to the mine day and night like that.......


    Knockers aren''t demons. They''re a subspecies, a relative of ours.


    I don''t care. I''m just bored with being on my guard. You should have just attacked me...!


    Indeed, as a defender, being unable to move due to constant vigilance was probably more painful than fighting with all one''s might.


    But this..........


    The voice from the Demon King''s army side calling for them to return to their homes........


    Somehow it sounds familiar.........


    Ah.........


    Of course there is.


    It''s a voice from a friend.


    "I''ll be back in a minute.


    ''What?��Go where?


    I leave the bewildered fitbitan behind and run off.


    I can''t be bothered to explain every single thing to him.


    ''''Hopefully we can get the Demon King''s army to retreat and save you guys a lot of trouble!��Well, look at you!


    When I said that, I focused my aura and ran off at a speed that no one else could catch up with.

 21-20 Dariel meets old friend again

    I am a former soldier in the Demon King''s army.


    Without knowing my birth, I was mixed in with the demon race even though I was of the human race.


    In other words, the army in front of me now is the enemy camp now, but it was once my old home.


    ''''Knockers!��I can only imagine your outrage!��But in the spirit of comradeship, we must compromise.��.... hmm?��What''s that?


    They rushed into the Demon King''s army camp.


    Is it an advance party or something else, but it''s not that big.


    If you''re serious about retaking the mine, you''ll need at least ten times as many as this one, right?


    From that point on, it could be surmised that the Demon King''s army had no intention of war.


    ''''Ni, it''s a human!��It''s a human adventurer!


    ''''Return fire!��Attack magic all at once!


    ''Wait!��We don''t have permission to engage........?


    It''s a mess, but in the confusion, the demons fired their attack magic.


    We have to get rid of the enemy, the human adventurers.


    I''m going to have to get rid of the enemy adventurers, and that enemy adventurer is me.


    I''m sure that they are the lowest class of attack magic shot by a mere mortal, but if they all shoot at the same time, it is inevitable that they will be extinguished to death.


    So I took a defensive action.


    With the sword wrapped in aura, I shoot down all the magic.


    This is a trick that I couldn''t do in the past.


    That many attacking spells in an instant...!


    You''re a f*cking savant...?��Class A adventurer...?


    No, you''re a brave one!


    Don''t be afraid, push it, push it!��Show us what the Demon King''s Army is up to!


    The soldiers of the Demon King''s Army are brave enough to take on the challenge.


    I would like to admire their spirit and spirit as former comrades, but....


    ''''Wait!��Don''t fight, don''t fight!


    There was a man with a commanding officer''s rank who tried his best to stop them.


    I want this guy too.


    We have permission to mobilize on condition that we do not engage in battle!��Retreat!��Pull back!��If this situation escalates into an all-out conflict, this time the face of the Demon King''s army will be put to shame...!


    Rizzeto, Rizzeto...!


    Human adventurer!��Our intention is not to engage!��And he returned promptly!��...If you insist, you will enjoy the skills of this dark mage, Lizete!��It''s going to be very painful!��So please move away!


    I know. I know what you''re doing. I know what you''re doing, and that''s why I told you to calm down...


    ''Oh, I see........ .........I mean, how do you know my specialty magic?��And your name?��Huh?


    It''s me, Lysate.


    and put his face close to the other side''s commander.


    Close enough to touch forehead to forehead.


    ''Hmm?��Huh?��Dariel?


    Yes, it''s your classmate Dariel.


    The dark mage of the Demon King''s army, Rizeto, joined the army at the same time as me.


    He was blessed with magical talents and rose through the ranks and should now fit into the middle class.


    ''''Are you really Dariel?


    ''Yes, I didn''t expect to see you here again.


    Me and Lizette embrace each other with our whole bodies.


    The bond is still alive today as the cherry blossom of our synchronization.


    ''Thank God!��Ever since you were gone, the Demon King''s Army has been completely helpless.


    It''s been quite a while, huh?


    Perhaps because of the joy of seeing him again, Lizet blabbed on about the movements of the Demon King''s army even though she wasn''t asked.


    ��


    ...Is it really that bad?


    The worst part is that I got a personal reprimand from the Demon King. Because of that, my stupid son''s eyes started bleeding all the time.


    Calmly, I got into a conversation with Lizet.


    Ordinary soldiers surrounded us and listened curiously.


    ''''A reprimand from the Demon King is like a death sentence for the Four Heavenly Kings. It is said that no one in history has ever been able to remain on the throne of the Four Heavenly Kings after being reprimanded twice.


    ''Stupid son, for the first time, right?��This means there''s no more grace. We''ve been driven to the edge of the cliff.


    By the way, the ''stupid son'' is Master Bashbursa, right?


    Is that fellow a common nickname in the Demon King''s army?


    ''That stupid son. He really thought that he could surpass his predecessor, so he''s furious at the stumbling block from the very beginning. Thanks to that, the entire Demon King''s army is in chaos.


    What does it have to do with you being here?


    A little bit.


    Old friends with each other.


    Their tone of conversation was filled with a sense of ease.


    You''ll be able to see that the demon king has issued a notice that there''s no need to meddle with the mine. Foolish son was going to raise his entire army to retake the mine, but he was prevented from doing so. It was a relief because he said he was going to kill all the rebels.


    Then it''s not a good idea for you to be here, is it?


    It means that you ignored the Demon King''s orders.


    In the Demon King''s army, that''s an act worthy of extreme punishment.


    I got the okay to do it.


    According to Rizzet''s story, no matter how untouchable it was, it would not be righteous to leave the knockers who belonged to the demon race in defection.


    If they don''t reconcile and resolve their differences, there''s no way to know what effect it will have on the other subraces under the protection of the Demon King''s army.


    Therefore, under the condition that there will never be a battle, this mobilization is said to be for the purpose of getting the knockers to return home.


    ''''.........Lizet. You''re one of those guys who have a lot to worry about.


    ''''The sub-race is the backbone of the demon race. Without them, the Demon King''s army can''t survive. The current top management doesn''t understand that, so we, the lowly ones, will have to run around!


    Yes, he was a mage who knew humanity.


    It was only because of men like him that the Demon King''s Army was still okay.


    ''''It''s all your fault!


    ''''Eh?''''


    I don''t know why he took it out on me.


    ''''Because you''re leaving the Demon King''s army!����If you had still stayed in the Demon King''s army, things wouldn''t have been so bad!


    ''''Don''t be ridiculous. I was just a lowly dark soldier, you know. How can you interfere with the top brass...


    "You were the Fourth Assistant King!��That didn''t work magic, but everyone had their eyes on it!


    You told me you couldn''t pass the test.


    ''It''s ... it''s a rivalry. You''re a step ahead of your peers. They were all rivalries. The obvious flaw of not being able to use magic, you can''t not attack it.


    ''''You didn''t like the fact that such an incompetent person had risen to the position of Assistant Four Heavenly King because he couldn''t use magic, right?


    I was pretty hurt by what he said.


    But don''t. It''s all a distant memory.


    You can''t disobey the Four Heavenly Kings if you are fired by them. That''s the extent of my position.


    Have you spoken to Lady Granberza?


    I''m not going to tell you.


    So they were both silent for a moment.


    ''So what have you been up to since then?��What have you been doing?


    So I have a big announcement to make.


    Hmm?


    I was a human.


    Hmm?


    I told my old friend about the events so far.


    After being expelled from the Demon King''s army, I wandered around unsuccessfully and ended up in the village of the human race.


    There he underwent a guild registration ceremony and was found to be a human.


    As expected, there''s no point in keeping it a secret, even from an old friend.


    I told them without hiding it.


    ''''Seriously...!��They told me you were an orphan, but...!��I thought you were Granberza''s illegitimate son...?


    Hmm?��Did they think of you that way?


    "But I didn''t expect a human race...?��That''s why they can''t use magic, isn''t it? I understand...


    Thank you for convincing me.


    So what are you going to do about it?��Could it be that you''re planning to fight the Demon King''s army as a human race...?


    I''m not in the mood for this.


    Even if our races are different, I''ve spent the first half of my life as a demon race.


    I have ties and fondness for them.


    I can''t hate them as an enemy now.


    The same is true for the human race, which is now my true camp.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not the only one. Now I want to work for them. Of course, this is as long as we don''t avenge our former benefactors...


    So.


    I finally reached out to him today, so let''s get down to business.


    "Rizzet. I''m the one who caused the Knockers to defect.


    I know.


    As expected of my friend, you have a good idea.


    Of course, it''s fundamentally the fault of the current Four Heavenly Kings who pressured the knockers. But even so, I don''t want to do anything to harm the Demon King''s army.


    So..........


    I suggested to Lizet.


    ''Why don''t you guys buy mithril from the human race?''


    What?

 22-21 Dariel, sideways

    The conversation with my old friend Rizet, an old friend of the Demon King''s Army, is still going on.


    It''s over.


    Next, we should talk to the humans.


    I traded them for the mine.


    It was to the guild leaders who have been entrusted with full authority.


    ��


    ''''Selling Mithril to the Demon Race?


    At my suggestion, the guild leader raised a curt voice.


    ''''Sell mithril to the demon tribe?''''


    I said twice.


    That''s how shocking it was.


    ''Hohohoho, are you serious, Dariel-kun!


    Are you serious? And that''s why I''ve brought a representative from the demon side here.


    Beside me, Lizette was standing with a look on her face as if she didn''t know what to do.


    If you don''t know, you should have laughed.


    ''Dariel-kun, that''s...!��A grave betrayal...!


    Why?


    How could I?��Can''t you understand that, GWB?


    Do you get sore from excitement?


    Well, let''s talk calmly.


    Let''s talk calmly, okay?��This mine once belonged to the human race. But the demon tribe took it away, and this land has been their territory ever since.


    Okay.


    Now, at last, we humans have returned to our race!��This time we will monopolize the mithril and deal the demon race the blows of scarcity!��By doing so, we can maximize the effect of taking back the Mithril mine!


    That''s exactly what I''m saying.


    Once I agree with the executive''s argument, I argue.


    ''But think about it. The best for this side is the worst for that side. The lack of mithril will be a serious problem for the demon race.


    That''s why.........


    ''''The demon tribe should come desperately to take back the mine. The Demon King''s army will be throwing everything they have at them.


    ''''No, Dariel.......that''s why the Demon King''s army won''t move in earnest at the Demon King''s will.......!


    Shut up.


    He chided Lizete for trying to say something unnecessary.


    You''ll be able to see that the human side will naturally return fire to defend what they''ve taken from you. It''s guaranteed to be a horrific battlefield of corpses and rivers of blood, with large armies from both sides clashing against each other.


    Uhhhhh...


    It''s the Corpse Mountain Blood River.


    It would be a futile bloodbath, and the defense spending for it would be ridiculous.


    Most importantly, if the mine was recaptured after that fierce battle, it would be a lost cause.


    ''''Why don''t we avoid the worst here and avoid the worst of the other side as well?


    The worst of him?


    ''For the demon tribe, for now, if the supply of mithril is maintained, we can breathe a sigh of relief. There will be no reason to take back the mine at all costs.


    "Hmm?


    The guild leaders reacted with a twitch.


    ''''I see, so that''s how you''re going to block the other side''s all-out offensive, isn''t it?


    I''m sure you''re aware.


    ''''It''s not bad, it doesn''t look bad, but even so, even though you''ve gained the upper hand, I don''t want to give them a slap on the wrist and make them equal...?


    Of course it''s not equal. Of course they are not equals, but we should be the ones to take the lead.


    Since the humans are the ones who are practically in control of the mine right now, they should wield that advantage to the fullest.


    ''''Specifically........the price of mithril to sell to the demon race......!


    "How?


    Like this....


    Hey!��Isn''t this price four times the market price?��If they want to take it on like this...?


    They''ll still have to buy it.


    I look over at the lizet I brought with me.


    He acts like he knows what he''s doing.


    "...we are now depleted of mithril. We need supplies as soon as possible. It will take a long time to fight and take it back from you guys. And even if we do so and take the time and shed blood, there is no guarantee that we will get it back.


    Rizzeto does his best to produce the melancholy of the defeated.


    ''I am willing to settle for money if I can avoid the result of too much labor and no merit. The decision is yours to make, but...''''


    If we accept this offer, then


    The guild executive said hesitantly.


    ''''You guys aren''t going to attack the mines, right?


    ''If you can get mithril, there''s no reason to fight, that is. At the very least, you won''t have to do it forcefully and as a top priority...


    I heard that the Demon Lord has actually banned him from fighting, but he was bluffing there.


    It was as if a violent spinning sound could be heard from the guild executive''s head.


    ''''That''s right.''''


    He was quick to conclude.


    "Well, it does seem to be highly profitable for you to go along with the proposal. Not just for us, but for each other.


    Wait.


    Someone interrupted him.


    It was a young white-haired fitbitan.


    ''I disagree,''


    Why?


    ''There''s no why or what. Demons are the enemy. There''s no way they would join forces with the enemy.


    Fitbitan is an adventurer and has been sent to guard this mine.


    His job is to fight the demons here.


    He will resist having that job taken away from him.


    ''I asked ''why?'' That''s not what I asked.


    The guild leaders said sternly.


    ''''How can a mere hired adventurer interfere with the policies of the higher ups?��So that''s it. The job I asked you to do was to provide security and escort. Political advice is not part of the quest.


    ''''............?''''


    He couldn''t go against the guild executive, who was in a higher position in the same organization and was also his employer this time.


    Fitbitan shushed him.


    ''''Dariel-kun, what do you think?


    Am I allowed to give my opinion?


    I''m just an adventurer, too.


    And I''m only D-rated.


    "You''re the one who brought me this proposal. You''re the one who brought us back the mine.


    That may be so....


    Now, if you don''t mind my presumption........


    ''''This demon race is a trustworthy opponent.


    Is that all you''ve got?


    That''s all. Isn''t that enough?


    Very well.


    The guild leader said.


    ''''My guest of the demon race, I would like to share my mithril with you. For a fair price.


    "For the right price...


    We will have to discuss these details, but we can discuss them later. In the meantime, can you promise not to attack this mine?


    For my life. Also, if you could, I would like your permission to do something else for the humans.


    What''s that?


    "I''d like to make a formal apology to all the knockers who have been inconvenienced by our selfishness.


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    "You''re one of those guys who has to take care of things...


    Not as much as you...


    The meeting with Knocker was over, and I was outside alone with Lizet.


    The knockers accepted an apology from him.


    With my mediation, it was immediate.


    I''m afraid to ask why you are so trusting of me.


    It''s a good thing that the face of the Demon King''s army is still intact and the supply line of mithril is still there. It''s really thanks to you, thank you.


    No, I''m the one who started it all.


    If they thanked me for this, it would be heartbreaking, like a match pump.


    You still have the money problem, though. Four times the market price, huh? It''s painful. Why is it four times the market price?


    The amount of mithril I forced on the knockers was four times the usual amount delivered. Wouldn''t it be nice to return the favor?


    "So that''s how it is...!��But can we cover that much money?


    ''It should be all right. If Lord Bashvaza throws away his personal fortune, well, it should be a fine amount of money.


    What?


    Lizette''s expression changes at my statement.


    ''Throwing away your personal fortune?��That stupid son of a b*tc*?��You think I''d do that?


    ''''If I don''t, that person will finally end up as the Four Heavenly Kings. If he doesn''t realize that he''s at a crossroads, he will have no future in the Demon King''s Army.


    It would be better for everyone if we didn''t have it, really...


    Lizete scratched her head in frustration.


    ''Dariel, you really are too naive. I''m sure it was that stupid son who kicked you out of the Demon King''s Army. Ever since that one incident, most of the Demon King''s army has been opposed to him.


    Seriously?


    ''''What''s the point of helping him when you might have a chance to come back if your stupid son loses his place?��He''s now a cancer in the Demon King''s army!


    I have no intention of returning to the Demon King''s Army.


    I''ve also found out what I was really born into.


    I like my second life as a human.


    My past as a demon tribe is still with me. If it wasn''t for Granbaza-sama, the previous Four Heavenly Kings, picking me up, I wouldn''t have even been able to live and grow up.


    That favor cannot be forgotten for life.


    ''Lord Bashbursa is the son of that Lord Granbursa.


    ..........


    Lysate just sighed without saying anything more.


    Instead, he said a word.


    ''Hey Dariel. We''re going to remain friends, aren''t we?


    "That''s not the kind of thing a 30-year-old man would say.


    ''At your age, when you change affiliations, you''re going to lose more and more connections. I''m worried.


    Even so, we won''t be able to cut the line with each other from this situation.


    I''m sure it will be a matter of holding each other''s hands.


    If you need help with something, just come to me.

 23-22 Lux Village, forge building

    After my problems at the mine were taken care of, I got another call.


    ''I want to build a forge.''


    Huh?


    The guild executive said to the bushes and sticks.


    What''s a forge?


    What do you think the human race is looking for in a mithril in the first place?


    The reason?


    ...I hadn''t even thought about it, even though it''s so fundamental.


    That''s right.


    Let''s consider the case of the demon race, for example.


    In the case of the demon race, mithril is processed into magic tools.


    Magic tools are useful for a variety of magical aids. They can be relied on by everyone from novices to experts.


    In the case of the human race...?


    It''s a weapon. As a weapon, mithril is a very good material for a weapon.


    Indeed.


    The battle of the human race is nothing without weapons.


    Swords, hammers, arrowheads, shields..... They can be made into any kind of weapon, and the quality is excellent. Almost all the famous swords given to the brave men of the past were made of mithril.


    "Almost?


    The only time a great sword not made of mithril would be made is if mithril was not available.


    Ah, I see.


    ''''Therefore, it''s a distressing thing that the brave men of our day and others have been given non-Mithriel-made famous swords to use........ That''s an aside. The main subject is different.


    In other words, with the Mithril mine returning to human hands for the first time in decades, we can make all the Mithril weapons we want.


    ''''We, the Guild, would also like to establish a mass production system for Mithril weapons that can be a powerful trump card. That''s what the forge is for!


    I get the story.


    That''s because in order to make a weapon, you have to ask a blacksmith for help.


    A blacksmith who does the blacksmithing work, and a forge where the blacksmith works.


    We need both.


    "So, why are you telling me this?


    ''Because I want you to build a forge in the village of Lax.


    I don''t get it.


    So why are you telling me?


    If you''re going to ask Lux Village to build a forge, you should probably talk to the village chief, who is also the village representative and guild master, rather than me, who is only an adventurer, even though I am a resident of the village.


    I''ll be there.


    Hey, there he is!


    And there''s the village chief sitting next to me.


    Mithril is only meaningful when it''s in the form of a weapon. That''s why I want to send it to the forge as soon as possible after mining it and process it.


    That''s why you''re building a forge in the village of Lax...?


    Because this village is the closest to the Mithril mine.


    It makes sense.


    ''But then wouldn''t it be most efficient to build a forge in the mine?


    ''We want to keep people in and out of the mine itself to a minimum. Now we have sub-race knockers and dealings with demons. So it''s even more than it used to be.


    That being said, all I can say is, I''m sorry for being so cautious.


    Since I''m usually the culprit who brought in a different, modern flavor from the past.


    ''''According to the records, there was a forge in this village even before the demon tribe took the mine in the past.


    The village chief says.


    Even I was under ten years old, and I don''t have a clear memory of it. Even if I had seen one, I don''t think my child''s mind would have understood it.


    ''I would like to ask you guys to revive the forge that used to be in the village of Lax. If any of the facilities from the past remain, we should be able to use them to speed up our journey.


    I know what the guild executive is asking for.


    However, there is one question that still hasn''t been resolved.


    ''''Why are you telling me this?''''


    Wouldn''t it be enough to talk to the village chief alone?


    Why did you call me here on behalf of the chief?


    Because you''re the faster and more reliable driver.


    I''m just here to support you. You have my full support, Dariel, so you do what you do.


    Is that what you''re saying?


    The project to revive the forge in Lax''s village was launched with my help.


    ��.


    In.


    I turned over the records at the village chief''s house to find out where the forge was located in this village.


    "So this is it.


    After investigating, I tracked down the place where the forge was located decades ago and came.


    ''I didn''t know there was a building this big on the outskirts of the village.... I had no idea.


    I didn''t know that either. Just because there is a mysterious building, I didn''t know what kind of facility it was.... This was the forge?


    Quite a bit outside of the village''s central living area.


    There, quietly, was a building that had been forgotten in existence.


    ''According to the records, they specialized in forging mithril carried from the mines. There was a separate field forge for hammering farm tools and cooking utensils for the villagers to use.


    ''The cut off of the mithril supply caused it to disappear in a chain of events...''


    The information was provided by a diary written by the then village chief.


    In the countryside, such things are kept in a meticulous manner, which is convenient if you ask me.


    Naturally, there is no sign of life on the ruins of the former blacksmith''s workshop, and even the traces of life have weathered and disappeared.


    Weeds have grown freely on the site.


    Even the walls are covered with ivy.


    It took a lot of effort to pick back and clean up all these things.


    But the building itself was solid and looked like it could be used without any repairs.


    It was used for blacksmithing, so it should be a sturdy structure. It''s true that this should be just a matter of cleaning up and getting back to business.


    I was going to have a good report for the guild leaders.


    ''''No, I can''t.''''


    Then a man''s voice, who can''t be identified, comes in.


    "Who is that?


    When I turn around, I see a young white-haired fitbitan there.


    It''s an adventurer from the city.


    ''Why are you here?''


    Why?��You.........?


    A look of anger appeared on Fitbitan''s face.


    Why?


    It''s your fault, of course. Your extra security guards in the mine have been reduced to the bare minimum because of your extra exit. And we''re not going to be able to keep up...!


    "Yeah.


    I''ve negotiated a guarantee that the demon tribe won''t attack us, so I''ve created a guarantee.


    I''m sure the employers want to cut down on the unnecessary costs.


    I can understand the pissed off feelings of the people who got their heads cut off.


    Sorry.


    "So what''s such an unemployed person doing here?


    "Don''t tell me you have no job!��Our bodies don''t allow us to go home without success. I''ve been looking for something to do to help you.


    So you think he''s following us?


    How do you behave?


    ''I assure you, you will not be able to revive the forge by yourselves.


    Don''t be rude.


    You''re going to be a little pissed off.


    On what basis?


    ''We''ll tidy up this rundown ruin and return it to a usable condition. That''s as far as we can go, I suppose, but we can''t go beyond that.


    And then?


    ''A facility of any kind is useless if the workers don''t go in. Can you provide it?��A minimum number of blacksmiths with the minimum skills to operate this facility?


    Ah.


    That''s right, come to think of it....


    "In a village like this, where even natural extinction is in sight, it would be impossible to stand on your head.


    ''''But won''t the guild leaders be able to arrange that part...?


    ''So, if it is presumptuous of you, we have prepared it for you. ........Come!


    No, you''re not listening to me, are you?


    A group of people appear before you can pay attention to them.


    What is this?


    ''These are some of the most skilled blacksmiths in the city of Campbell, sent by me at my request. They will be the core of Mithril weapons production.


    Oh, that''s very kind of you.


    "We''ll keep the place neat and tidy. You guys are done here, you can go home and get ready for dinner. Go get your dinner on the table!


    "What?


    ''''Awwww...?


    The village chief and I were forcefully pushed back and kicked out of the ruins of the forge.


    What''s this forcefulness?


    It''s a good thing that the Fitbitan is more than just a witty guy, because of his energetic approach to recruiting people from his home base, but it seems to me that he is hiding his soul in his behavior.


    ��


    Well.


    In conclusion, Fitbitan''s attempt to take over the Lax Village Blacksmithing Facility is foiled spectacularly.


    What follows is the story of how to get there.

 24-23 Masters come over

    We were locked out of the blacksmithing facility (former site) and we had no choice but to return to the village.


    ''''Is........is it okay, that?''''


    In the meantime, I''ll ask the village chief.


    ''''I think this is beyond the scope of what a mere adventurer is allowed to do on his own, don''t you?


    No, it''s not the right thing for me to say, if I''m wrong.


    I know that.


    I was the one who took back the mine without permission. I was the one who negotiated with the demon tribe and got them to agree to a ceasefire without permission.


    Or he could have been inspired by seeing me doing what I wanted to do.


    ''''No, that young man''s actions must have been backed up.


    Buck?


    The village chief made a meaningful statement.


    ''That young man has been sent from the city of Campbell. Perhaps that city wants to bite into the great profits that will be reeled in from the retaking of the Mithril mine.


    Can''t you chew?��What are you doing now?


    ''Currently, that city is not directly related to the city just because it''s nearby. It''s only the center guild that stands above all the guilds to run the mine. And only our village, which is in the path of supplies, is involved.


    The windy guild executive who was currently in charge of everything seemed to belong to the center guild.


    He himself has brought in many elite adventurers who belong to the center guild, but he was still worried about the number of heads, so he asked Campbell Street, the largest in the local neighborhood, for support.


    So far, that''s the only factor Campbell Street can chew on in this case.


    That support unit is also a great success (?) for me. I''ve been able to suppress my defensive forces in the first place, so I''m rid of them.


    In light of this, it''s not hard to understand why people are so impatient.


    "Did I do something bad...?


    I don''t mind. It''s none of their business to begin with. It''s more brazen to butt in when it benefits you.


    The village chief has a point.


    So, let''s not feel sorry for them, but let''s keep it firmly in mind.


    I''ll talk to the guild leaders about the movement of the Campbell Street forces later...


    ��.


    Anyway, when we got back to the center of the village, something unusual had happened.


    Maleeka had beaten up her grandfather.


    ''Why?''


    A tragedy occurs in a peaceful country village.


    At the feet of the most beautiful woman in the village lies a ragged old man.


    ''Oh, Dariel, welcome home.


    ''''Even if you''re greeted by a hoot in such a horrible situation!


    Maleeka is strong, although it was no longer obvious.


    Maybe it''s because of her father''s blood, who was a former adventurer, that she can usually win in a fist fight between amateurs. If you gave her a weapon, she would be able to take down a monster.


    But that''s why you can''t be violent with an old man!


    Marika, what''s going on here?


    This?��Oh!��Listen to me, Mr. Dariel!��This old man tried to touch my tits!


    This is an attempt and this punishment.


    But it''s worth a thousand deaths.


    I''ll keep an eye out for the old man crawling on the ground.


    "Grandpa?��You can''t do that if you''re a child molester.��Do that again and I''ll kill you.


    I don''t care.��This village has lost its sense of humor after being away for so long.


    ..........


    I''m sorry.


    I hope you understand.


    My silent plea was understood, and the old man paled in remorse.


    But wait?


    This old man didn''t belong to the village, did he?


    It''s a small village, as expected, and I''ve memorized all the residents'' faces in a month or two.


    This old man doesn''t match my memory at all.


    ''A traveler?��But what brings you to this empty village?


    I''m a newcomer to the scene, but I can''t just abandon a suspicious person as a resident of the village now.


    In fact, they''ve already caused an unpleasant incident of attempted molestation, and in some cases, as an adventurer in the village, I have to maintain security.


    The only thing you can do is to get your hands dirty.��Would you mind coming along for a moment, if you could?


    I was going to take him to the village chief''s house or something, but the old man was crawling on the ground and staring at something.


    .........hmm?


    Me?


    Hey, you little bummies.


    I call him "Grandpa".


    That would be me, in other words, but instantly Marika stomps on the grandfather.


    "Guffaw!


    Who''s the belly button?��If you''re going to insult my friend Dariel, you''re not going to get away with it, are you?


    Maleeka is still strong.


    But you should stop stomping on it, if you step on the old man''s back so much, the damage to his back is bad.


    "Geeeeeeee........?��Still, a headache is a headache!��If you''re making such a lousy premium...!


    An encumbrance?


    Ah, you mean the sword I''m carrying around my waist.


    I was wondering what I was gazing at, and then I saw that this was bothering me.


    Let''s pull it out for a minute.


    Grandfather says.


    I have no reason to obey him, but I also have no reason to refuse him, so I''m going to pull out my sword honestly.


    It''s a very old sword, after all. Half of the blade is gone because it was sharpened too much. That''s why it''s wobbly even when it''s sheathed.


    And you''ve been watching it?


    The only thing is, it''s well maintained. That''s why it''s still useful even though it''s a piece of junk like this, but no matter how you look at it, it''s beyond the point where it can be used in a real battle.


    The old man said that the sword must be very happy if he used it to this extent.


    But......


    The adventurer who tries to use a weapon that is no longer usable is not managing danger well. What do you call it if you don''t call it a bogeyman?


    Is that...?


    All adventurers always choose the right weapon to put their lives in your hands. That''s just what I''m trying to say.


    It was a claim that neither I nor Marika could refute.


    This sword is a piece of equipment that was in the village and has been allowed to be used as is.


    I knew it was an old item, but even so, it''s hard to say that I want a new one as a housemate.


    It''s a good thing that this sword is good enough to fight with. The other day, you defeated a giant snake with this sword, right?


    Nevertheless, Malika still managed to try to argue with him.


    ''''Even the demon soldiers were defeated by this sword, right?��If you''re as strong as Dariel-san, you''re invincible even if your weapons are no good.


    Maleeka.


    Maybe we shouldn''t spread that around too much...?


    ''....isn''t that story too much?


    Hola!��Even your grandfather is looking at you with suspicion!


    But first, who the hell is this old man?


    We don''t know, but the story is spinning out of control!


    Is this giant snake a monster?��I don''t know if it''s great or not, but...?


    It''s called a Blazidesize.


    ''''What?!''''


    As soon as I told him the name of the giant snake monster, the old man was visibly surprised.


    ''''You mean to say that you slayed that death snake with such a rotten sword?��Are you sure it''s not heaping up?��How is that possible?


    "Is it really that impossible?


    It''s true that the serpent''s scales were hard and seemed to repel most attacks.


    ''''But if I recall well, it wasn''t a sword to finish the job...''''


    What have you done with it?


    "Throwing stones.


    "Why?


    The old man is more and more astonished.


    I can''t help but worry about his overreaction.


    I''m worried that he''s going to lose his temper and ascend to heaven.


    "You''re an idiot!��If we can kill a monster just by throwing a rock, there''s no reason for us blacksmiths to exist!


    Huh?


    Blacksmith?


    ''Old man!��Let me see your hands for a minute!


    What?


    I can''t understand why my grandfather would call me an old man, or...!


    Just go!��When you''re a craftsman like me, you can tell how much of an adventurer you are just by looking at your hands!


    He took my hand and stared at it. It''s not only that, but it''s also sticky.


    It''s not just that.


    Isn''t it a nice feeling to be touched around by the same s*x, as expected...?


    "What is this aura quality...?��Slash, sting, hit, and guard. He''s got optimum efficiency in all of them...?


    Do you really know what you''re doing?


    What the hell is this old man...?


    Well........I guess I''ll have to say my name again....


    Grandfather says, with a complete change of attitude from the first.


    ''I am Smith the Blacksmith. I came to you because I heard you could forge mithril.

 25-24 Grandpa Smith

    We welcome Smith the Blacksmith or something like that to the village chief''s house and continue the conversation.


    What is this development?


    Where do you think we''re going?


    Speaking of Smith the Blacksmith...


    He hadn''t been asked, but he took the initiative and said, "I''m supposed to be a legendary craftsman with a thundering reputation.


    I''m supposed to be a legendary master craftsman whose reputation is well known and respected. Don''t you guys know him?


    I don''t know." "I don''t know.


    I''m in awe of both me and Marika side by side.


    But what about calling yourself a master craftsman?


    According to the officials, Smith is the best blacksmith in the human race.


    It seems that he received a request from the Center Guild after the Mithril Mine has been recaptured recently.


    They want him to contribute personnel as they are reopening a forge exclusively for Mithril in the vicinity.


    ''''I guess it''s moving up there after all...''''


    The Campbell Street Guild preempted it.


    It''s going to be a problem later.


    "Honestly, I didn''t think I''d see the Mithril mine coming back in my lifetime. I''m half pleased, half skeptical.


    And when I arrived there, the first thing I encountered was Marika.


    It is said that she was strangled when she tried to touch it because it is too good tits.


    Why does it become so?


    How can you be half happy and half suspicious?


    Maleeka asked her there first.


    ''Yes,'' she said. First of all, ''Are you sure you got the Mithril mine back? I suspected.


    Ever since the human race had stolen the mines from the demon race decades ago, they had taken many quests to recapture them, but in the end, they had never succeeded.


    For a blacksmith whose livelihood was directly dependent on the wholesaling of minerals, he had lost faith in them after being repeatedly disappointed.


    ''''Especially lately, I haven''t even heard any rumors of a quest to recapture it,'''' he said. It''s hard to believe the result of ''recaptured'' all of a sudden.


    As the person who brought the mine back into the hands of the human race, I feel awkward.


    I''m sorry.


    I have to apologize for my haphazard behavior and for causing you to swing around.


    The other half of the joy, as a blacksmith, that is. The other half of the joy is, of course, as a blacksmith, it''s a joy to know that you''re alive and in touch with your mithril again.


    ''Alive?��Again?


    Look at this old man. He has been a full-fledged blacksmith since before you were born. This was when mithril was sold to the humans.


    The Mithril Mine has passed between the human and demon tribes at different times.


    A few decades ago, it was under the control of the human tribe, then the demon tribe took it away, and only recently, after a long period of time, it has returned to the human race.


    There are few people who have experienced those decades now.


    As a matter of fact, I used to live in this village when I was young. In fact, I used to stay in this village when I was young, forging mithril every day at the forge.


    Really?


    LUX village was the setting for my youth. When I think of it, it makes me nostalgic.


    He couldn''t sit still for long enough to visit the village.


    At my age, I''m retired," he said, "but I can move about more easily than my son and his students, who work day and night. I''m retired at my age, and I thought it would be easier for me to move around than for my son and his students, who work so hard day and night. So I came here as if I were in a better shape than my son and his pupils, who work day and night.


    An old man smiles with a pompous smile.


    He is in vigorous condition. With his vigor, he could still be working.


    So what do you think?


    Mr. Smith, the blacksmith, changed and asked.


    ''Can we strike another mithril here?''


    Yes, of course...!


    I wasn''t sure if I should say this casually or not, but after being shown such an intense work ethic, I couldn''t resist.


    Should I just check with the guild leaders later?


    ''''I see, the heavens are telling this old man to work...!��Don''t rest yet, work...!


    That''s very passionate.


    Then you''re young!��Take me to the workshop!��This master craftsman will show you the skills of a master craftsman!


    I can''t.


    What?


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    I explained the unavoidable situation to this old man.


    The forge is now controlled by the forces of Campbell Street.


    It will be difficult to get in there later. The only way to do this is to persuade the guild leaders to wield their power.


    And that guild leader is currently at the mine, so it will take some time to tell him.


    ''''Haha!��If you think you can stop an old man from doing that, you''re wrong!


    ''''What?!''''


    The older man''s outburst was unexpectedly violent and I was just dragged along by the old man.


    ��


    ...So, could you please do me a favor?


    I went out with Smith''s grandfather to the ruins of the forge in Lax Village.


    It was occupied by the very Campbell Street forces.


    ''This old man wants to at least touch Mithril before he dies!


    "I beg you, please do this old man a favor for the last time and do me a favor!


    Fitbitan couldn''t be a demon if he was clung to like that, and he was pushed aside.


    ''''It can''t be helped. Then use a corner of the forge to work on it.


    "Thank you very much~!


    The village blacksmith?��Still, don''t get in the way of our blacksmiths. We''re serious about it, you know.


    Hey, hey...


    Grandpa Smith blended into the forge in a surprise act.


    I accompany him in a sloppy manner.


    ''''Why are you hiding your identity?��Wouldn''t it have gone more smoothly if you had told the truth?


    Identify yourself as a regular blacksmith invited by the Center Guild.


    That''s boring, isn''t it? Life has to be more interesting.


    Staged?


    But please don''t get me started on the Isaa, because the peace of the village is the top priority.


    The forge was much cleaner than the last time I was here.


    The overgrown grasses and vines, the fitbitans must have done their best to clean it up.


    ''''Oh........I miss it......!''''


    Grandpa Smith shuddered as he entered the forge.


    ''It''s the same as when I used to work there. I used to hammer here when I was just a 20 year old working stiff...!


    If you look, there was a pile of mithril ingots in the center of the workshop.


    They must have already been sent in little by little from the mine.


    ''This is all you''re allowed to use.


    The fitbitan threw a tiny chunk from it.


    It''s a precious mithril. There''s only the minimum I can share with the old man''s hand wedge.


    It''s so stingy.


    Grandpa Smith whispered to me.


    "You guys didn''t dig it up.... You haven''t even dug up anything....


    Still, I didn''t protest outwardly, and with the little mithril I was given to share, I headed for my forge.


    I followed in silence as well.


    ''''Oh dear.......I miss everything. It''s as if this old man has become a young man of twenty again.......!


    What are you making?


    Well, don''t panic. Just wait and see what they do first.


    Grandpa Smith, who seems to have rejuvenated himself, even his tone of voice.


    When you say you''re going to see what''s going on, do you mean the Campbell Street forces that are occupying this place?


    Many of the city smiths that Fitbitan had brought with him were grunting in front of a pile of mithril.


    They don''t seem to be moving their hands.


    I wonder if they too have gathered here to make something out of mithril.


    So why isn''t it working?


    I just don''t know what to do.


    Grandpa Smith says with a knowing look on his face, "Mithril is a special mineral.


    ''Mithril is a special mineral. Mithril is a special mineral, it fixes and enforces an aura. It is different from iron and copper. There is a special way to work with it. And that...


    ...Those of today do not know.


    ''It has been decades since the mithril mines were taken away. The market has been depleted of mithril and the artisans who handle it have ceased to exist. The special way of handling mithril was also lost to the past without being passed on.


    So the blacksmiths in Campbell Street are standing around not knowing how to handle the mithril.


    ''We took the mine back at the last minute. "We took the mine back just in time to take it back," he said, "I''m the last generation to know how to work mithril. It would have been a waste of time to get it back after I was dead.


    As he spoke, Grandpa Smith moved briskly, working and forging the mithril.


    As he did so, the blacksmiths of Campbell Street slowly noticed and took notice.


    ''Young man, stand a little more to the right,''


    What?


    I don''t want those snobby bastards studying my skills. Blindfolded.


    My body is in the way and I can''t see Grandpa Smith''s blacksmithing work.


    Every time the Campbell Street Blacksmith came around, I was moved out of position too........


    In the meantime.........


    ��


    I got it!


    Grandpa Smith had made a swing of his sword in a matter of seconds.


    The city smith could only be stunned.

 26-25 Grandfather Smith Challenges a Masterpiece

    They take me out of the blacksmith''s shop to give me a quick test cut.


    Then I take the sword that Grandpa Smith has just made and swing it out.


    "Humph!


    With that alone, a couple of trees growing near the forge were cut down collectively.


    ''''...............''''


    Even the Campbell Street Blacksmith, who was crawling over to them, was surprised and exclaimed.


    ''''This is amazing........!


    I muttered frankly.


    What''s amazing is that you can tell just by the feel of it in your hand.


    The feel of the aura as it passes through the aura is a completely different kind of sword than the one made of iron.


    Mithril swords are like true cotton absorbing water as they carry the aura.


    Compared to that, the iron sword was as if it was trying to make the iron absorb water.


    That''s how different the feel was.


    ''Mithril, you know, permeates the aura to the inside. ''Mithril penetrates the aura inside,'' he said, ''and all other metals just cling to their surroundings. That''s said to be the crucial difference.


    Grandpa Smith is proud of himself.


    He seems satisfied with the wind that he''s done a good job for a long time.


    It''s a good thing that the weapon made by Mithril is the best at using aura to fight. I don''t know what I''m talking about because I''m the one who makes them, but I''ve heard that there were some unique tactics for using mithril weapons.


    I have fun wielding my mithril weapon and fondle it.


    Each time I do, a tree falls.


    Is that a bit much?


    Since it''s time for you to make firewood, chop it up into small pieces. Fire is an essential part of blacksmithing.


    It really was Grandpa Smith, who had grown younger from his tone.


    ''You!��It''s dirty!


    And the fitbitans who come to protest.


    What are you so angry about?


    ''That old man is not the village blacksmith!��He must be a famous swordsmith!��How could you keep this from me?


    How could you think that this was a mistake?��I have no right to complain.


    Grandpa Smith''s tone of voice is one of mockery at a moment''s notice.


    You''re the ones who are sitting there against the wishes of the Central Guild, and that''s just outrageous. If you have a problem with that, should we sue?��Hmm?


    ''''Ku.........?''''


    There is no legal basis for this, much less his skill as a blacksmith.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to get a good idea of what you''re talking about.


    ''''Ro, old man I''m sorry for my rudeness,''''


    Nevertheless, the fitbitan boldly says, "If you had disclosed your identity from the start, we would have paid you the courtesy you deserve.


    ''''If you had revealed your identity from the beginning, we would have paid you the proper amount of respect.... I can only admire your virtuosity. Will you please teach the blacksmiths in my town a lesson?


    Oh, my God.


    Grandpa Smith, you''re unbelievable.


    "Why should I teach a complete stranger the skills I''ve spent my entire life honing as a blacksmith?��And for free?��That''s not very brazen.


    ..........


    Why don''t we discuss your situation when the guild leaders come back? Until then, I''ll just relax in the village.


    Oh, wait, Master.........


    Come on, lad. Let''s get going.


    Grandpa Smith had urged me on and left once and for all.


    I turned around.


    Behind me, Fitbitan was glaring at me with a bloody look in his eyes.


    Was it my imagination?


    That uncanny gaze was rather focused on me.


    ��


    ''Yeah, that felt good!��That''s refreshing!


    On the way back to the center of the village, Grandpa Smith is in a good mood.


    "There''s nothing like giving those people who think they can do anything they want a reverse-twist!


    Don''t do anything that might cause too much trouble, okay?


    I''m a resident of Lax Village, body and soul, so I didn''t want to see my relationship with the neighboring town deteriorate.


    However, it helped that Grandpa Smith refused the other side''s offer.


    Because if the Campbell Street guys had learned how to process mithril here and sat in the forge, it would have been quite troublesome for Lax Village.


    ''''Well, young man, it''s time to return your sword.


    What?


    Can''t you just give me this sword?


    And after everything that''s happened so far, why wouldn''t you?


    Don''t be silly. It''s been a while since I''ve touched Mithril, and I''m just warming up my shoulder.


    What...?


    You''d have to be a real master at this, my dear. You need more than that to fit into the hands of someone I consider to be my best.


    Huh?


    Does that mean...?


    You saw what I just did for you.��I''ve devoted most of my life to blacksmithing, and I''m not crazy about the feel of an eagle. Few people I''ve ever seen have such a special aura aptitude as you. If there are any...!


    Grandpa Smith huffs as he talks that much.


    "...no, we have to keep the customer information secret. Anyway, you''re a young man. The only thing that suits you is a special weapon. You''ve got to make it with all your heart and soul.


    You''re going to make me one?


    Of course not.


    Really?��You''re really going to make this for me?


    I''ve learned the hard way that Grandpa Smith is the only other master craftsman in the world.


    That master craftsman is going to use his skills?��All on purpose!


    For me?


    You can''t stop making them. I''m fortunate enough to be able to touch the mithril that I thought I''d never touch again. And you are the best user I''ve ever seen, showing up at a time that can only be described as divine. I''m going to make you a great weapon. This is surely the best and final task I have been given.


    A professional light dwells in Grandpa Smith''s eyes.


    My life is short. Even if it runs out, I will create a masterpiece with no regrets!


    I''m glad to hear your enthusiasm, but please don''t be so eager to burn out your life.


    At your age, it''s no joke.


    "I am a blacksmith, and I have been doing a lot of research.


    Huh...?


    I gathered knowledge from all over the world, ancient and modern, and experimented with it, trying to create weapons that no one had ever seen or imagined. Even so, the mithril was essential to achieving the highest level of excellence, and I was despairing that my dream would never be realized...!


    Long.


    Long explanation, Gen.


    ''You''ve given me hope. The most important ingredient, mithril, is the user who inspires me to create. All that''s left is to give form to the idea I''ve been nursing for years!


    ...in moderation?


    So what do we do now?


    Are we going to go back to the forge and work on it again?


    I''ve got to get my mithril, too.


    That''s okay. I got in the middle of the action and let it slide.


    Mr. Smith takes out a mithril ingot from his pocket.


    Old man!


    The workshop doesn''t have to be in there. I''m going to use a completely new method of production, so there''s no need for the old workshop! That''s why there''s no need for my old workshop!


    Is that the concept you were talking about?


    What the hell is this old man trying to create...?


    It''s not too dangerous for the user, is it?


    My apprentice who is late will bring the necessary tools. As soon as it arrives, we''ll get to work!


    ''Why is my apprentice late?''


    I''m carrying a lot of weight. I came ahead because I was so excited to see Mithril.


    You old man...?


    ?


    I waited for the arrival of Grandpa Smith''s apprentices and saw the secret tools they had brought in.


    This is the essential new weapon for the creation of my masterpiece!��I''m glad I forced myself to carry it in when I heard that Mithril was available!


    ''''What is this...?''''


    I was astonished to see one of Grandpa Smith''s prized possessions.


    That''s because it looked familiar.


    There''s no doubt about it.


    Isn''t that an Athanor furnace?


    Oh, you know this one?


    I''m just saying...


    I''m a former member of the Demon King''s Army. It''s a secret.


    It''s because this Atanor furnace is originally used by the demon race.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''re able to get your hands on a new one.


    In other words, it is a magic tool for creating magic tools.

 27-26 Fitbitan says awful

    The Atanor furnace.


    It is a magical tool used by the demon race.


    It''s a strange thing for the human race to have in their possession.


    How could you, as a human, possibly...?


    Of course not in a proper way. Of course it''s not the right way, I found it on the black market by chance. I spent quite a bit of money on it.


    It''s a great black market for the human race, with magic tools on the street and all.


    What kind of routes are there?


    With this furnace, they say, you can mix metals in any ratio to produce an alloy. My masterpiece will require an alloy with mithril as its main ingredient!


    Seriously, what are you going to make...?


    It''s not like a bomb or anything, is it?


    But isn''t this a problem to use?


    Hmm.........?


    I''m a former member of the Demon King''s Army, I understand.


    The only way to use this grimoire, the Atanor furnace, is to allow magic to pass through it.


    That''s why it''s a grimoire.


    It''s a magic tool.


    It''s a grimoire. The human you can''t do anything about it, can you?


    You know exactly what I''m talking about.


    Grandpa Smith lets out a heavy sigh.


    ''I asked some adventurers if I could use my aura instead. To no avail.


    I know.


    Otherwise, it would be meaningless for me to have gone through so much trouble during my time in the Demon King''s Army.


    ''''Then isn''t this just a useless thing?''''


    That''s true, but...��I think we''ve finally solved the Mithril problem!��I wondered if this momentum could be enough to solve our problem!��Poof!


    You''re ridiculous.


    Did you bring the Atanor furnace here just for such a vague hope?


    Furnaces are huge and originally designed to be installed in a house.


    Therefore, it was heavy.


    They had to carry it on a horse-drawn carriage to get it to this point, which was a testament to the hard work of the apprentices.


    As long as we can get the furnace working, we''ll have no problem. "Anyway, as long as we can get the reactor working, we''ll have no more problems," he said, "the rest is up to me. It''s all up to me...." "That''s a guarantee of success!


    You can just make it as normal...!


    But Grandpa Smith would not compromise, even if he was determined.


    If he didn''t use the furnace, the work of his disciples who had worked so hard to bring it here would be in vain.


    ''''It can''t be helped........!


    I let out a sigh and took out something.


    It''s a magic communication device.


    I got it the other day when I met Lizet, the Demon King''s Army''s synchronization officer.


    The magic communicator, as its name suggests, is a tool for communicating to distant places using magic methods.


    They come in pairs and can only communicate with a fixed other device, but if you put magic power into them beforehand, even those who can''t use magic can use them.


    It''s mainly dropouts like me who benefit from this.


    I''m not going to be able to get it right.


    Turrrrrrrrrrrrr.


    That guy who comes out with exactly two calls.


    "....Oh Rizet-kun?��It''s me, Oleo. That''s me. It''s your soulmate, Dariel.


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    And here comes Rizzet.


    ''No...!��Yes, I gave you the communicator, but I didn''t give it to you to call you out this casually.


    It''s okay. It''s not like you''re too busy, is it?


    ''I''m busy!��I''m super busy negotiating the purchase of Mithril with the human race, since I''ve been entrusted with the entirety of the negotiations with the human race!


    ''''That''s exactly the kind of thing you can''t just leave to the Four Heavenly Kings!


    Those little bastards are no match for a negotiator. I might even be promoted to special agent in recognition of my achievements.


    ''What?��Seriously?


    Anyway, since I called you here, I want you to get your business done, so I show you the Atanor furnace.


    Why does a human race have this thing?


    I thought so too.


    ''If you called me to get this up and running?��Stop it, my friend, you know as well as I do that I am good at water magic.��Alchemy is just the realm of earth magic!


    You''re the only one who can do it for me. Don''t worry, I can handle it if you do.


    Recklessness is a privilege between friends.


    Lysate boo-booed and passed his magic through the Atanor furnace and mixed the metal according to the recipe Grandpa Smith had specified.


    Mithril.


    Liquid silver.


    Titanium.


    Aluminum.


    And a few herbs for a secret ingredient.


    What kind of alloy could you make out of that?


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    In.


    Done.


    The alloys.


    When I brought the finished product to him, Grandpa Smith was very pleased with the result.


    He said, "Look at this!��This is the metal of my dreams that I''ve been chasing for years!


    Are you sure this is the right thing to do?


    To be honest, I thought I''d failed.


    When I saw the finished alloy.


    I honestly couldn''t imagine what kind of weapon we could make out of such a metal.


    That''s how strange the metal was.


    I don''t know how a genius thinks.


    ''''Now it''s time for the blacksmith to show his skills!��Look forward to it!


    Grandpa Smith happily retreated to his room.


    Along with the magic alloy that he just completed.


    I thanked Lizette for coming for now and turned her away....


    There was nothing else to do.


    It''s boring to wait around for Grandpa Smith to finish his work, so maybe I''ll do some adventurer''s work and contribute to the village.��Just when I thought it was a good idea, the next trouble came.


    The next trouble came in.


    Or should I say, a continuation of the same trouble I''ve had before.


    The adventurer Fitbitan had come to visit me.


    ��


    Do you love your hometown?


    What?


    "If you love her, you should help us.


    I don''t know why he came to visit me.


    When you say local, do you mean the village of Lax?


    I''m new here less than a year ago, but I still think of this village, don''t I?


    ''The Mithril Mine will bring untold riches. That wealth should be enjoyed by those in the land surrounding the mine.


    ..........


    But there are those who are plotting to take it from us. The Center Guild.


    The Fitbitan''s argument could be summed up like this.


    The Center Guild is like a hyena, eating away at the benefits that the community should enjoy and, in the worst of times, keeping it to itself.


    That shouldn''t be the case.


    The interests of the region should be protected by the region and not by the center, which should not be at the mercy of the center.


    Only then will the region be able to maintain its independence.


    "Normally, you and your village Laxx, the closest village to the mine, should be the ones to stand at the front of the line and refuse the Central Guild''s intrusion. But you don''t have that kind of power. With all due respect, it''s hard to believe that Lax village, which is just a remote rural area, is capable of fighting the central government.


    So?


    Which is why Campbell Street stands in for you. In this part of the world, Campbell Street is the most powerful force in the region.


    And.


    "With your approval, we can sit down at the negotiating table with the Center Guild and talk. It''s a necessary partnership for the local economy. Don''t you think that''s a wise choice?


    The Fitbitan approaches me.


    The Fitbitan presses me, flirtatiously, but also mockingly.


    ''Let''s join hands together and stand against the Center Guild!��As a fellow local lover!


    ''Couldn''t it be more neat and tidy, even for a quibble?


    At my point, the blabbering fitbitan shushed me at once.


    Or maybe he himself is aware that it''s a quibble.


    ''Even if you call the Center Guild hyenas, aren''t you guys the same?��I just want Campbell Street to be involved in the enormous profits generated by the Mithril mine.


    "Oh, that''s...?


    I can''t take on the larger Center Guild head-on, so I bring in the Lax Village that I''ve always looked down on.


    Doesn''t he think of himself as a despicable person?


    And with a poor logic that is instantly recognizable.


    Aren''t you ashamed of that?


    "If I''m going to be eaten by hyenas, I''ll choose the strongest hyena I can find. And you seem to have a sense of propriety.


    Even as someone to trust, the Center Guild is better than Campbell Street.


    My decision had been made.


    ''''You should probably pull out before Guild Executive-san returns, too. If they see you occupying the forge, that would be an all-out confrontation with the Center Guild.


    I was about to get up from my seat when I thought what I had to say was over........


    Let''s play.........!


    But the fitbitan did not give up.


    He still clung to her unseemly.


    "It''s game on. You and I will fight. If I win, Raxmere will give Campbell Street all rights to the Mithril Mine!��How''s that?


    How''s that?��No, man.

 28-27 Ultimate weapon completed

    And you think that''s why you were challenged?


    Grandpa Smith said in a dumbfounded tone.


    I felt bad for accepting it without consulting the village chief and Marika, but when I talked to them about it after the fact, they approved it too easily.


    "There''s no problem if you leave it to Dariel-kun.


    "I''m sure Dariel will take good care of him.


    And.


    It''s painful to see the amount of trust that family has in me crushed.


    ''Either way, I thought it would be better to crush them once and for all.


    Is that why you came to me?��To get this?


    Grandpa Smith looks happy.


    "Good!��Just done!��The masterpiece of my life!��Take it!


    He held out the weapon to me.


    ''I didn''t think I''d get a chance to try it out as soon as it was finished!��You are truly a consummate user!


    That''s fine, but.........


    Um, this weapon handed to me by Grandpa Smith here..........


    Are you sure it''s your best work?


    It''s a bit, um, weird...?


    ?


    Then he came to the dueling grounds.


    Not only the dueling fitbitans, but also the Campbell Street forces he was bringing with him. Many people had gathered there, including Marika, the village chief, and other people from Lax Village officials.


    ''''Well done. Looks like you''re ready to lose.''''


    The adventurer Fitbitan waited arrogantly.


    ''You''re very confident,''


    ''''No wonder; I''m a B-level adventurer, and there''s no way in hell I''m going to fall behind the D-level in the unlikely event that I''m behind.


    You''ve forced them to play a betting game under the belief that they would never lose.


    It''s still the same as before.


    ''''The guild''s adventurer grade........ Is that the basis for your confidence?''''


    ''That''s not all!��We, the Campbell''s, have finally succeeded in developing mithril weapons on our own. Even in terms of weapon performance, they can no longer be beaten by you!


    The sword that Fitbitan thrusts at.


    Steel that shines whiter than silver. That is the characteristic of mithril.


    The brilliance of the blade is indeed like mithril, but....


    "The shine is dull...?


    The dullness is so severe that it''s not even close to normal steel.


    ''How do you think...?��Huh?


    ''Well, it''s on the level of being well-formed. It doesn''t make use of any of Mithril''s strengths.


    Grandpa Smith, who is standing in line next to me, says.


    ''But mithril is better than iron and copper as a mere steel. It''s lighter and sturdier, so its performance will be better.


    I understand.


    As far as the performance of my masterpiece is concerned, it''s a decent match. Just give him a little twist.


    You say that lightly.


    Whether you can twist it lightly or not, it would be a courtesy to your opponent to be cautious.


    Even with this new weapon.


    "Did you also bring a mithril weapon to the table? Okay. Crush it, and the blacksmiths will have more influence than the Campbells.


    In addition to the sword, Fitbitan also had a small shield at the ready.


    Sword in his right hand and shield in his left.


    This is the style.


    ''''It''s a generalist-type style with both slash (slash) and guard (defend) aptitude.


    Grandpa Smith explains.


    ''One-handed sword and a buckler. It''s as balanced offensive and defensive as it looks. Most consistent and tricky to do with a tern, you know?


    The trickier it is, the better for you to experiment with new weapons, right?


    I also took out my weapon and held it up.


    Blacksmith Smith''s masterpiece. Now it''s time to unveil it.


    What?


    The fitbitan looked at my gain, my enemy, and wondered.


    His brow wrinkled and his eyes narrowed as he firmly checked the weapon in my hand, and this time he laughed.


    ''What''s that?��What''s that?


    The fitbitan''s expression turned completely relieved and seemed to belittle me even more.


    That''s how discouraged he was by the weapon I had.


    What I was holding was a knife.


    And it had an extremely short blade.


    This knife was the new weapon that master swordsman Smith was proud to call his lifetime masterpiece.


    ''''Hahahahahahaha!��Hahahahahaha!��Interesting!


    Fitbitan feels like a complete winner.


    ''Just when I thought I knew what the pompous old man had made, I didn''t realize it was just one shoddy swing of a knife like that!��It''s a total cop-out to be alarmed!��I was totally fooled!


    ....


    No, you''re the one who''s been duped, aren''t you, Dariel?��Are you going to cry?��To my own pity, going into a duel with a toy like that!��You can switch to a more decent weapon if you want!


    He flickers the cutting edge of his sword to show the difference between the two sides'' blade lengths.


    ''''I guess I''ve already won this one. If the poor riffraff had asked for help from the start, they could have had a little help.......��The profits of the Mithril Mine will be monopolized by our Campbell Street!


    "The only ones who will be fooled...


    I say.


    I grab the knife in my hand and aim it at the enemy.


    "I''m just getting started. You''re going to be fooled, and you''re going to be surprised. For life.


    What are you nuts?��I''m just disgusted with you, redneck stupidity.


    Humph.


    There was a sound of slicing air.


    It was the sound of me drawing my knife.


    The fitbitan didn''t respond.


    Of course it didn''t. We were so far away from each other that not only my knife, but also his one-handed sword, had no reach at all.


    Even if I drew it out from such a distance, ''What''s the futile move? And I have to twist my head.


    In fact, Fitbitan did.


    ''''What nonsense........?��You don''t even know how to fight...?


    ''I cut you down.


    What?


    Your shield.


    As soon as he pointed out, the Fitbitan''s biting shield broke in half and fell to the ground.


    Off his arm.


    Fitbitan''s eyes widened in surprise.


    What the hell?��How did it happen?��My shield!��When was it slashed?


    He hadn''t realized that his armor had been cut down until the results showed.


    I''m sure that the shield is made of mithril too, right?��If you can cut both sides of that, that means it''s as powerful as it gets.


    "You didn''t mean to...?��Did you cut him down?��With a knife that short?��Isn''t the distance between us not enough?


    The distance between me and the Fitbitan is just barely enough for me to reach it, even if I pierced it with my spear.


    The knife will jump over that distance.


    It''s no wonder I''m confused.


    ''''See, I''m being tricked. You have no idea what''s going on, do you?


    ''''Shut up!''''


    Fitbitan slashed at me with only his remaining one-handed sword.


    Since he didn''t know what the enemy was doing, he must have decided that it would be foolish to fall behind. He would continue to hold the initiative by going on the offensive.


    That policy is the right one.


    If it''s correct, though, whether or not they can win is a different matter.


    "Ugyaaah!


    The Fitbitan collapsed before the cutting edge could reach us or not.


    It was as if he stumbled over something with great force.


    ''''Ouch!��Ouch!��What the hell........?


    A hole had been drilled into Fitbitan''s right thigh.


    It was as if a sharp blade had been thrust into him.


    ''''Such a wound........?��When in the world........?��Was it you?��Did you do this to me!


    I don''t know if the pain has left me with any room to breathe, and I''m staring at you with a look of an evil demon.


    "Is that your true nature?


    The ugly nature that glues the condescending gentleman''s demeanor to the inside of him, but looks down on everyone and everything.


    I thrust the tip of my knife at it.


    As if to aim at the fitbitan.


    A moment later, the knife extends.


    The blade of the knife stretches dozens of times its original length. And at a tremendous speed.


    The tip of the extended knife pierces the opponent''s body, the left shoulder area.


    "Hee!


    And then he returns to his original position with the same tremendous speed as when he was extended.


    And then he stretches out again, stabs into the opponent''s body, and returns. He stretches out again, stabs, and returns.


    The process is repeated.


    Aaaaaaaaah!


    Fitbitan screamed at the holes in his body one after another.


    Don''t worry," he said. I just poked it in with a needle.


    My first stab was a deep stab because I wasn''t used to the movement of this weapon.


    This is the secret of this weapon.


    It reacts to the user''s aura and expands and contracts.


    This amazing weapon was made possible by the skill and research of Grandpa Smith, a master craftsman.

 29-28 Dariel, mastering the Hermes sword

    ''Yes!��This is my masterpiece!


    When the seed was revealed, the creator of the product went wild.


    The result of combining Mithril''s property of absorbing aura and changing its performance with a variety of metals of different properties!��I have succeeded in creating an alloy that changes its shape in response to the aura!


    Apparently, Grandpa Smith named the alloy "Hermes Silver".


    While changing its shape like a liquid, Mithril keeps its original hardness, toughness and responsiveness to the aura without losing its original properties.


    This knife is made of the mysterious metal, and it is this knife that was made with the master craftsman Grandpa Smith''s superb technique.


    It is only when it is in its basic state that it can be called a knife.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you find yourself in the middle of the night.


    It stretches.


    And at a frightening rate.


    It''s no wonder Fitbitan missed the first one or two times.


    It instantly extends and instantly returns.


    This variability means that a blade length of about the size of a knife is usually enough.


    ''I named it the Hermes Sword, after the newly developed alloy!��It has indeed become my masterpiece!


    Grandpa Smith says with a smile on his face.


    I''m glad you did such a good job.


    I see...!��So the old man enjoys making toys........!


    Fitbitan stands up.


    I''m holding my right thigh, the worst wound in my body, and I''m a veteran adventurer for not losing my will to fight with that wound.


    It''s nothing to be afraid of if you know the trick. It''s just a hidden weapon that can only catch you by surprise!


    Fitbitan holds his sword.


    At first it''s a one-handed sword and shield combination, but he''s already no longer in a perfect position when his shield is slashed through.


    ''''As long as you''re careful with the line of fire at the tip of the cut, you''ll be fine!��In short, think of it as fighting against a flying machine!��Like a bow and arrow!��So no more unfamiliarity!


    Good decision.


    He then jumped into the pocket to eliminate the disadvantage in spacing.


    ''If your opponent''s range is wider, it''s foolish to take the pause!��I''m going to fold in close combat!


    Fitbitan swung his sword down from the slice.


    I caught it with my outstretched Hermes sword.


    ''''!''''


    Both my opponent and myself, both swords, are equally blade-spanning, and we are in a tight battle.


    "Outstretched...?��It''s not going back!


    Didn''t its creator say that it can transform?


    It can be kept in place at varying lengths.


    Not only that, it''s not just the length, but the shape as well.


    An alloy that can change shape in response to auras is a very powerful tool.


    For example, the blade is now sharpened and made into a sword form.


    It''s a shape that makes the best use of Aura''s slashing nature.


    "Ha!


    With a quick pull of the blade, the opponent''s sword that had been in a sword fight was slashed.


    It snapped from the base as if to cut the stem of the flower.


    ''''Huh?��It''s a sword made of the same mithril material...?


    ''If the materials are the same, then the rest is just a matter of the skill of the creator?��Or is it the difference between the users?


    With a sharper tip, it can be made into an estok-like stabbing weapon.


    The aura nature of the sting (thrust) blends in well.


    The same as before, he was poked all over his body and covered in small holes.


    It should be said that the weapon is now destroyed, so the winner is decided....


    ''d*mn it!��Get the thing!��Get the thing out!


    Fitbitan, yells something at his own camp.


    As if in response, something is thrown in with a thud.


    ''''What is this........?''''


    It was a sword.


    And this is not an ordinary sized sword.


    "Is that a big sword?


    Made of mithril, of course.


    How much mithril did they use without permission to produce this?


    And on top of that.........


    ''Isn''t it unfair to introduce new weapons?


    Shut up!��I must win!��If that''s the mission the Campbell Street Guild has asked me to do!��And most of all...!


    He grabbed the thrown Mithril Great Sword and raised it with both hands.


    ''''How could I ever be defeated by a D-class adventurer!��I''m a fitvitan!��He''s the best adventurer in the Campbell Adventurer''s Guild!��I''m a B-level adventurer!��There''s no way I could lose to a country amateur!


    Fitbitan rushed forward while brandishing a large sword.


    It''s a good idea to use the mass of that large weapon to crush this one''s metamorphosis with force.


    I poured my aura into the Hermes sword and extended the blade.


    I extended it long and long.


    ''''No matter what you do now, it''s useless!��Die!


    He just asked me to try one more thing.


    The form change corresponding to Slash.


    I also finished testing a form change that corresponds to sting.


    The performance is generally good.


    Next we should try Hit.


    With this Hermes Blade, I had to try a change of form corresponding to a strike.


    The long and extended blade bent and flexed like a string.


    The momentum of the swinging arm makes the blade, which has softened like a string, bent under the momentum of the swinging arm.


    That flexure accelerated the further it went to the tip........


    Clink!


    ''''Guaahhhh?!''''


    The moment it collided with Fitbitan''s great sword, it shattered the huge blade into pieces.


    ''''Whip, huh........''''


    That was the form of the Hermes sword''s strike attack.


    The flogging with plenty of aura of hit (striking) destroyed only the opponent''s side without regard to the same mithril material.


    ''''It''s so powerful, it startled me...?


    The owner, Fitbitan, was blown away by the impact of the shattering of the object, even though he wasn''t directly attacked himself.


    ''''Goooooooooo...!��Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!


    There is no longer any sign of getting up.


    I felt like I had struck out with deadly force when I grabbed the great sword in my hand, and my mind and body must have broken down.


    ''''I didn''t mean to push him to this point, but I did something bad...!


    There was no better time to test drive my masterpiece.


    Convinced that the game is now over, Grandpa Smith comes by.


    ''Slash (slash), sting (thrust) and hit (strike). "Slash, Sting and Hit. That''s the main concept of this work!


    That''s why Grandpa Smith chose me as his wielder.


    I''m not going to be able to make the most of this weapon unless I am able to unleash all of my aura nature at 100% output.


    An adventurer who specializes in any one aura nature would only need to have one type of weapon that corresponds to it.


    It''s a waste of time and effort to change it into other forms.


    ''''Well, even so, only the guard (defense) doesn''t correspond to it.


    That one is unique. It would be better to have a different kind of offense and defense, and that''s something we need to work on.


    Thus, my own personal weapon, the Hermes Blade, was placed in my hand.


    Its metal nature, which changes shape at will, allows it to slash, thrust and strike.


    I feel badly for Fitbitan for letting me go along to try out this new weapon.


    Well, let''s just say that he was the one who challenged me and that he had it coming.


    ��


    Eventually, afterwards, the people involved in Campbell Street were wiped out by the guild executives who rushed in from the mine.


    In the first place, the adventurers dispatched from Campbell Street were sent to support the center guild and were not allowed any discretion of their own!


    Nevertheless, he behaved as he pleased in Lux Village, and even processed precious mithril without permission, and not only the person in question, but the town itself is likely to be held responsible for his actions.


    ''''It''s none of my business, though.


    I''m just going to work for the LUX village.

 30-29 Bathing with Marika and Dariel

    I''m really sorry.


    It was a guild executive who bowed to me.


    Apparently it was an apology for not stopping the Campbell''s group''s antics.


    ''We were the ones who called them in, but we lacked control. I can''t believe they were doing such a selfish thing out of our sight...!


    He apologizes to me for that.


    To me, a mere adventurer in a small, poor Lax village.


    ''I''m going to have the guild branch of Campbell Street, not to mention the adventurers involved, take the blame, and they will be dealt with severely. And with that, let''s just leave it at that, shall we?


    No, no, no...!


    The guild executive''s attitude was so ostentatious that it made me fearful on the contrary.


    ''''It''s not that you don''t need to be concerned about us. You''re the higher ups, so just handle it according to your rules...!


    It doesn''t work that way.


    The guild executive was still in awe.


    ''''Lax Village''s cooperation is essential to our future projects. We can''t afford to lose their trust over something trivial.''''


    For a big man, he seems to care a lot about attention.


    Especially with your trust.


    What?


    I''ve only been here a short time, but I''ve learned enough. You are the heart of this business. You''ve reclaimed the Mithril mine, you''ve earned the trust of the subspecies, you''ve solved the skirmishes with the demons.


    I bow to me again.


    "You will hold the village of Lux in the highest regard for your preciousness. So why don''t you join us?��A future where we can prosper together...!


    What a surprising lift.........


    ........that much?


    Dariel, you''ve really come to represent your village.


    The village chief, who is truly a representative of the village, calls out from the side.


    ''''S-sorry!��I''m a lowly guy, and I''m going to do what I''ve been doing for too long...!


    All right. You''re gonna have to do it anyway. I can''t do it myself. Dariel, you could be the new head of the village.


    No, I don''t need to be lifted up like that.


    ''It was my brother who beat the cocky bastards in town!��Big brother is the guardian of the village, man!


    It was Gacita who said, "You''re the protector of the village!


    This guy is going to make sure that he obeys me and his prefect!


    Dariel!��Keep up the good work!


    "Dariel-kun, for the sake of the village, please!


    ''My brother!��I respect you, man!


    We all came together to lift me up.


    The feeling of discomfort and itching is not half bad.


    Why me of all people? And.


    I was by nature the one who was looked down upon.


    In the Demon King''s army, as a demon race that couldn''t use magic, I was always at the bottom of the list and everyone looked down on me.


    Eventually, I was exiled.


    I arrived at the end of it all, in the village of Lax, and I was treated as the complete opposite.


    Everyone needs me.


    That''s what makes me happy, but at the same time it''s unexpected and confusing.


    ��


    Hahhh...!


    Anyway, that night when the matter was settled.


    I took a bath that night.


    After a long day of work, I took a bath to wash away my fatigue.


    The baths in the LUX village are steamy.


    After sweating out in the steam-filled room, I scrub off the grime and take a dip in the water.


    Then you will feel refreshed and refreshed.


    The steam bath is a great way to get a good night''s sleep and wake up in the morning with plenty of energy.


    The sauna was one of the first things that struck me when I first arrived in LUX village.


    But now that I''m in the sauna, I''m having an even more shocking experience.


    I am in the same room with someone else.


    The sauna is a communal facility, sometimes with a few other people in attendance, but today it''s just me and one other person.


    That one person was a problem.


    A big problem.


    Because it was Marika who was alone in the sauna with me.


    "Ha, it''s hot...!


    The daughter of the village chief.


    The girl who first met me in the forest and brought me to the village.


    I don''t like saunas..." "I don''t like saunas.... "I can''t stand it and I can''t stand it and I get out of it right away. I think that people who spend a lot of time in this kind of thing must be pretty skinny, right?��You think the first one out loses or something, don''t you?


    Ha, ha, I don''t know.


    I''m in great perplexity.


    That I''m in a sauna bath with the opposite s*x.


    Let me assure you again that this is important.


    I''m a man.


    Maleeka is a woman.


    Two people of the opposite s*x are alone in one bathroom.


    Naturally, we have no clothes on.


    We only cover each other with towels, unreliably.


    It''s never been like this before.


    Only the same s*x always takes a bath together. The men and women always take turns using the baths separately, at set times.


    So why today?


    "I really wanted to thank you for your help today...


    "Thank you?


    ''Dariel-san has worked and worked and fought a lot for the village.... So I wanted to give her a little bit of a workout, to wash her back...


    Is that so...?


    Wha...?


    In a steam bath?


    Are you bothering them?


    "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee?��No way!


    I can''t reject someone showing me that much goodwill.


    ........in truth, I was worried.


    What?


    ''Dariel, you are truly an amazing person. I''ve felt that way since the moment I met him, though. It''s not just a matter of time before you''re ready to go. That''s why I was so worried...


    Speaking of which, the village chief once told me.


    ''''If he''s as good as you, he''ll be able to grow up in a guild in a bigger city,'''' he said.


    Marika was in the same place at that time and must have heard the same line.


    Had she been anxious ever since then?


    I''m going to be evaluated and flown somewhere else.


    ''I''m sorry. It''s just me being selfish, right?��Dariel-san says you can climb to a place that is worthy of your abilities. It''s selfish of me to want you to stay here....


    No, it''s not.


    I said emphatically.


    ''I''m not going anywhere. I don''t care about my career, and above all, I love this village. I love this village that accepted me when I had nowhere else to go.


    I think how nice it would be if I could stay in this village for the rest of my life.


    I don''t feel like testing myself elsewhere now.


    ''I''m glad.... But Dariel-san is kind, so maybe he''s saying something kind to keep me from hurting myself. I''m insecure. I know it''s my own beliefs, but I''m anxious.......!


    My head is dizzy.


    It wasn''t just the high temperature of the sauna that made her feel hot all over.


    Maleeka stood up.


    She was dressed unreliably, bare-chested and with a towel wrapped around her.


    ''So I need a testimonial.''


    "Proof?


    Not just words, but hard evidence that Dariel is not going anywhere...


    With a crunch, something fell to the floor.


    It was a towel.


    A towel wrapped around Maleeka''s body.


    The fact that it fell to the floor means........


    Now Marika is........?


    ''Dariel-san. Can you give me a testimony?��I''m in my body.


    A stark naked body of Marika was standing in front of me.


    ��


    It would be wild to go into details about what happened after that.


    Let''s just say that I''ve got another reason to stay in Lax Village.


    And by spending more and more time in the village.


    And as I spent more and more time there, I became more and more of a resident of Lax Village.

 31-30 Shitenno Bashbaza, beaten by his parents (Shitenno side)

    It had been a bad series of recent years for Bashvaza.


    He was supposed to become the Fourth Heavenly King and make one spectacular achievement after another, but all he could do was make blunders.


    Moreover, all the blame for the blunders is placed on him.


    The Mithril Mine was lost because the knockers living there revolted.


    For some reason, Bashvaza is blamed for the wickedness of the knockers who defy the demon king''s army.


    It''s not just the fact that they are losing the battle with the brave men, it''s also the fact that Bezzeria and Zebiantes, who were dispatched earlier, are only weak, but for some reason the trend of ''the four heavenly kings of the day are weak'' is prevalent.


    ''''Why do you take the Four Heavenly Kings as a whole.......?��Can''t you guess that this leader, me, is far stronger than the other three...?''''


    I''m annoyed.


    Currently, Droyer is the third person to hit the brave man.


    To erase the blunder related to Mithril, Bashvaza planned to forcibly replace him so that he could defeat the brave man himself.


    However, Droyer stubbornly refuses to do so, even going so far as to say, "If you insist, I''ll ask the Demon King for his approval directly.


    It''s not a good idea to have a good time, but it''s a good idea to have a good time.


    "d*mn it, why...?��Why isn''t anyone doing what I want them to do...?


    It shouldn''t have been this way at first.


    Everyone respected him as the Four Heavenly Kings and did exactly what he ordered, and he always succeeded without fail.


    Bashvaza couldn''t understand why the present and the past were so different.


    .........


    Bashbarza himself couldn''t understand, but when he was first appointed to the Four Heavenly Kings, Dariel was there.


    As an assistant.


    Dariel has been the link between the top and the bottom, communicating the intentions of the orders in an understandable manner and giving maximum backup to the field of execution.


    It was also Dariel''s achievement to take the recklessness issued by Sergeant Bashverza and milden it to the extent that it was feasible.


    Once that Dariel was gone, it was obvious that the command system of the Demon King''s army would collapse.


    The only one who couldn''t see it was Bashbarza.


    The elites of the Demon King''s Army, who were now directly exposed to Bashbursa''s whims, realized once again the importance of Dariel, and at the same time, their hatred for Bashbursa grew just as strong.


    There were no longer any allies of Bashbarza above or below them.


    As expected, he could feel that degree in his skin, and it was one of the factors that strengthened Bashbaza''s irritation.


    Then today, another uninteresting event happened to him.


    He had received a call.


    There was only one person, aside from the Demon King, who could call out one of the Four Heavenly Kings, Bashbarza, who stood at the top of the Demon King''s army.


    The previous Four Heavenly Kings.


    He was a hero, so to speak, who had served in that illustrious position before the current generation and had made the greatest possible achievements.


    ��


    Granbaza, the previous Four Heavenly Kings of Karma Fire, and Bashbaza, the current Four Heavenly Kings of Ayan Fire, are their own children.


    Both of them have the attribute of fire among the four elements, and as the attribute with the highest offensive power, they have been the driving force of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    .........Most definitely.


    Compared to Granbaza, who was the leader of the previous Four Heavenly Kings in both name and reality, his son Bashbaza''s name as the leader of the Four Heavenly Kings was a strong element of the Seventh Light.


    He was only inheriting the position of leader by inertia because he was the son of the previous leader more directly because he was the son of the previous leader.


    If Bashbaza himself had the qualities, he might have eventually become familiar with the title of leader that was worn by inertia, but the fact is that he has already passed judgment.


    ........Anyway, the previous Four Heavenly Kings Granbaza had already retired after handing over that title to his son.


    The direct cause of his retirement was the legendary fierce battle with his nemesis, the hero.


    The two sides clashed with each other''s deadly force, and the two received a great deal of damage, resulting in a face-off.


    Granbaza also suffered a deep wound that left him wandering on the border between life and death for a time, and he is still recuperating from the wound without being fully recovered.


    When he was unable to continue in his position as the Four Heavenly Kings due to his condition, he and his comrades made a plan to retire and hand over to the next generation.


    When Grambarza visited the retreat house that doubled as his sanatorium, Bashbarza saw something unbelievable.


    It was a vortex of fire.


    A tornado of flames so big that it looked as if it might blow up an entire mountain into charcoal extinguishing coals, was undulating in the garden of the mansion.


    ''Bashvaza. ''You''re here.''


    Standing in the center of that fiery vortex, a great man.


    Even in his old age, his muscles and bones have not wavered, and his broad shoulders are as wide as the gates of a castle.


    He is the first of the previous Four Heavenly Kings who were considered the strongest of all time.


    The Granbaza of "Karma Fire" had the supremacy of a man who wore a medical gown and looked as if he was going to visit a doctor.


    ''''Father?��Why such a great magic in the garden...?


    Witnessing the huge whirlpool of fire, Bashbarza trembles heartily.


    Although he is a mage who specializes in the same fire attribute, that''s why he understands the awesomeness.


    If I were to unleash an annihilation magic on this scale, how much of my life span would I have to cut down on?


    Just imagining it was enough to make Bashbarza cringe.


    ''It''s called rehabilitation. It''s not a good idea to stay in bed all the time. It''s a good idea to move your body in the right direction to help it heal faster.


    ''Moderate, sir...?��This is...?


    Not only was it powerful, but the magic control that kept the large flames on an extraordinary scale in the small garden of the mansion was also extraordinary.


    ''''You''ve come a long way. How is the work of the Four Heavenly Kings progressing?


    Yes.....


    Do you listen well to Dariel?


    Yes...........!


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    The parent-child meeting was held in a room in the mansion.


    Although there is a set of tables and chairs in the garden as well, the place was moved because the air outside is still an obstacle to Granvasa''s wounds, which are not fully healed.


    Father and son facing each other.


    The air is somewhat distant.


    "When we decided to retire, the people around us made a good deal of noise.


    Yes.....


    Is it a reaction to being hailed as the most powerful in the world?��The youthfulness of your successors was also used as a source of anxiety. It was Dariel who held it back.


    Even if the previous Four Heavenly Kings retired en masse, Dariel, who served as a perfect assistant under them, would remain.


    That was a guarantee, and it helped to stem the flow of objections to the replacements.


    ''The best encounter of my lifetime was meeting Dariel. I consider it my way of congratulating you on your inauguration as the Fourth Heavenly King to pass that good fortune on to you.


    Yes, of course, father.


    ''''Yes, I said the same thing when I handed over the title of Four Heavenly Kings to you. I also told you to take Dariel''s words as my words and obey them well...


    The father brought the tea on the table to his mouth.


    The child did not touch it at all.


    ''How is ... how is Dariel doing?��He came to visit me once, but I scolded him and turned him away. Now he has a great role to play in helping the Four Heavenly Kings, and he has time to visit an old man?��And.....


    Yes.....


    You''re not ready for this. You can''t stand still without Dariel. Are you taking care of Dariel?��Are you sure you haven''t embarrassed Dariel?


    No, no, father!


    Bashvaza told a perfunctory lie.


    ''Dariel is doing a fine job as the Four Heavenly Kings Assistant!��There is nothing for your father to worry about, so may he rest easy and concentrate on his recovery!


    ..........


    ...Father?


    ''Kuh!��Kukukukukukukukukuku...!


    Glamberza suddenly started laughing.


    It was a laugh that sounded as if she was suppressing pain or anger that was coming from deep inside.


    But soon the tag was off.


    A huge fist flew into Bashvaza''s face and stabbed him squarely in the face.


    The entire table and sofa were blown away, and he rolled to the wall behind him and stopped colliding.


    ''''Gubey........?��Chi, father.........?


    This was the first time Bashbaza had been hit by his father.


    The heat and pain left on his cheeks was somehow unreal.


    ''Petitions are coming to me. Numerous...!


    The former mightiest of the Four Heavenly Kings shakes his fist and says.


    "I beg you to intercede for my son, my nephew and my brother, who have been relieved of their posts as the Fourth Heavenly King, to forgive them.


    Bashvaza appointed a new assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings soon after the ousting of Dariel, but he was unable to surpass Dariel''s work and dismissed him again as soon as he was displeased.


    However, he was unable to surpass Dariel''s work and dismissed him again as soon as he was displeased.


    He was not the only one who did so, and the Four Heavenly Kings'' Assistants have changed over and over again, with new appointments and dismissals.


    So what happened to Dariel, the first assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings?


    It was impossible for his perceptive predecessor not to notice.


    ''''I didn''t think you were this stupid.......!


    His father had told him exactly the same thing that the demon king had told me.


    You have thrown away the treasure of Dariel without a second thought, and now you are trying to mend it with a makeshift lie. What stupidity, what stupidity, what stupidity, what stupidity. You have no right to call yourself the Four Heavenly Kings...!


    Well I beg your pardon, father!


    The only thing Bashbursa could immediately refute was the unfounded pride he held.


    ''You are the one who misunderstood, father!��I''m a son of Grand Barzah!��He''s the son of the strongest Four Heavenly Kings of all time!��With my talent, I''ll be able to serve as the Fourth Heavenly King without the help of such an incompetent!


    ''''What''s the result of that?��Aren''t you cornered to the point of receiving a direct scolding from the Demon Lord?


    Bashbursa was frightened when the facts were pointed out to him.


    ''Did you think I would stay in recuperation and not know anything about it?��You think you can be the Fourth Heavenly King with such a naive outlook?��You''re a disappointment to everyone. Upstairs, downstairs, and me too.


    It was the first time Bashvaza had been told so clearly the reality of the situation.


    At this moment, a full-blown sense of danger finally grew in his heart.


    ''''There is only one way for you to continue to be the Four Heavenly Kings in the future. I''ve called you here today to teach you that.


    What is it?


    Find Dariel.


    Bashvaza heard the sound of his own pride cracking.


    ''You must find Dariel, rub your forehead against the ground and beg his forgiveness. Then you will be reinstated as the Assistant Four Heavenly King and you must never disobey him again. ........If you can do that, you won''t step down from your position as the Four Heavenly Kings in disgrace.


    I don''t want to.


    Bashvaza disobeyed his father.


    It was also the first time in his life.


    ''Relying on that scum to be the Four Heavenly Kings is what it''s all about!��I''m going to make my mark on the world with my skills, and my name will be remembered for years to come!


    You....


    "Father, please look at this!��I am the son of the mighty Grandfather!��Let''s prove that the lion''s boy is also a lion!


    Discarding, Bashvaza left the room.


    He had nothing but pride.


    Even though he had no ability, wisdom, or humanity, he had more pride than any other person.


    That pride was the only thing that motivated him now.


    But perhaps the destination driven by pride is the precipice of nothingness.

 32-31 Dariel, hardened

    Tangent.


    It''s been a year.


    It''s been a year since I, Dariel, came to the village of Lax.


    A lot of things have happened.


    I was expelled from the Demon King''s army, I thought I was a demon, but I turned out to be a human, I became a resident of this village, and I worked for this village for a year.


    I''d like to think it was a fruitful year.


    I am now a member of the Lax Village, and the bonds between us have grown stronger.


    What kind of changes have occurred in the village over the past year?


    Myself.


    Let''s take a look at that area in turn.


    ��


    First of all, regarding the entire village of Lax, this has developed greatly.


    The return of the Mithril mine to the hands of the human race was a major factor in this.


    With the establishment of an important center in the neighborhood, the importance of LUX Village has increased and the number of people coming and going has also increased.


    The mithril dug out of the mines is transported to the village of Lax, where it is processed into weapons through a variety of processes.


    The smithy, built on the outskirts of the village, is manned by a number of blacksmiths called in by Grandpa Smith, who hammer the mithril day and night.


    The finished weapons are put on wagons and transported to various places.


    Mithril weapons are more powerful and expensive than any other weapon made of any other material.


    The trade brought huge profits and helped the village grow.


    The blacksmiths who moved into the village were highly paid.


    The people who originally lived in the village also sold firewood, medicines, and animal meat to such blacksmiths, and they were very successful.


    There is still a lot of work to be done, though, as development is still in its infancy.


    And as for me personally, here''s what I''ve been up to....


    I got married.


    The guy is Marika.


    Needless to say, the catalyst for this was the incident in the sauna.


    Things were progressing at a brisk pace from then on, and before I knew it, we were getting married.


    And it didn''t stop there.


    A child was born.


    The flow of events was so swift that it was scary.


    A healthy boy was born.


    I named him Gran.


    I took the liberty of borrowing part of his name from someone I adore like a father.


    When he was a dark soldier in the Demon King''s army. I had completely given up on the idea that I, who couldn''t even use magic, would ever get a wife.


    The fact that I can have a family at the age of thirty makes my second life truly fulfilling.


    Every time I look into my baby''s bed and see my child sleeping, my vision is clouded with tears of joy.


    Seeing me, Marika, who had become my wife, said, "You.


    You," she said. You don''t want to be moved here, do you?


    She has rapidly prepared herself for the charms of a married woman in the past year.


    ''You''re only the first, aren''t you?


    And rubbed his own stomach.


    .........


    Apparently I have to work harder still.


    Well, having many children is not unusual in the countryside.


    Also, there was another change when I married the village chief''s daughter, Malika.


    I became the village chief.


    It''s a promotion.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on in the village.


    As for the recommendation for me as village chief....


    ''It would be inconvenient for an important person like you to not have a single title,'' he says.


    I say.


    My mithril dealings with the demon tribe through my old friend Rizeto are still going on, and the knockers in the mine still trust me first and foremost.


    I''m the one who will take the lead when something goes wrong, and they say it''s easier for me to move around if I have a title of village chief.


    I''m sure he''ll continue to work for the village, of course, but as for me, it''s a point that I can''t argue with.


    It''s a good idea to have the rightful succession route in place by marrying the village chief''s daughter, Malika.


    So I became the village chief.


    The man who was the village chief when I visited is no longer the chief, but his father-in-law.


    He is the father of my beloved wife.


    His father-in-law used to be both village chief and guild master, but by handing over the village chief role to me, he focused solely on being the guild master.


    So it''s not a complete retirement, but he''s working with me in the direction of organizing the adventurers in the village.


    That said, though, he leaves most of the work of running the village to me and dotes on his first grandchild, Gran, every day.


    As village chief, I have a lot of work to do.


    It wouldn''t have been so difficult when the village was a backwater village before the mine was reclaimed, but now I''m very busy.


    The fact that they''re leaving the village''s future in my hands makes it a great responsibility, but at the same time it''s a rewarding one.


    Since I was born a man, I''m the master of a castle!


    No, it''s just a village.


    And then.....


    This past year has been a year of celebration, but there were also sad things.


    Grandpa Smith passed away.


    He was a blacksmith who had known many things as a blacksmith and had mastered the skills of a master blacksmith for many years, but he had passed away along with all those precious things.


    The cause of death was old age.


    He had been working vigorously since it was decided to open a blacksmith''s shop in Lax Village.


    He called in many young blacksmiths from his home village to spread his skills and contributed greatly to the reestablishment of the forge in Lax Village.


    He passed away suddenly without a long illness.


    On that day, the work to open the forge had come to a close, and we all drank and made a lot of noise to celebrate the opening of the forge.


    In the midst of it all, Grandpa Smith was more excited than anyone else, talking about his dreams without being worthy of his age, and screaming that he was going to bury his bones in the village, and he was drunk.


    He was carried away by his disciples and left on his bed and never woke up.


    The funeral was held in our village.


    We discussed the possibility of returning his body to his hometown of Blacksmith Village, but we wanted to respect what he had said the day before, so we erected his grave in the village of Lax.


    His disciples told me that he had been in poor health to begin with, but he had rushed to the village of Lax.


    They said they were surprised to see that he was surprisingly healthy after that trip, but I wonder if he had returned to the last few months of his life, when he was at his most brilliant.


    I had no idea that he''d actually make my Hermes sword his last work.


    The forge that was opened is running without problems, directed by my grandfather''s apprentices.


    Their goal is to surpass their master''s skills, based on the teachings he left behind.


    Believing that one day they will create a masterpiece that will be even better than the Hermes Sword.


    Over the course of a year, many things have changed in our Lax Village.


    We''ve made progress in some areas, and there are still many things that we need to work on.


    LUX Village will continue to change in the years to come.


    The story will continue to unfold in this village.

 33-32 Brave Lady, spent a year (Brave side)

    The brave Radey was on the offensive.


    The first time he was selected as a brave man and set out to defeat the Demon King, it was the first time he was able to make a good start.


    The first four heavenly kings and the second four heavenly kings were defeated, and it seemed that they would soon reach the Demon King''s castle at this rate.


    However, the brave man''s march came to a halt earlier than expected.


    The third Fourth Heavenly King, Droyer, appeared.


    The heroic party struggled against the earthen Four Heavenly Kings who were clearly different from the previous ones and fought a steadfast battle.


    They were forced to be stranded in front of the important base where she was holed up.


    ''''........Lasperda Fortress.......!


    Today, he couldn''t drop it there, and the brave Radie was forced to retreat.


    It was already the dozens of times he had failed to attack for the first time.


    ''''........I just can''t drop that fortress......!��We had to hold that place in order to break into the Demon Clan''s territory from here...!


    Droyer of the Four Heavenly Kings "The Fertile Ground", who are holed up as a guardian general, may be well aware of the importance of the fortress, but he doesn''t fight back in a haphazard manner.


    He makes maximum use of the fortress''s defensive facilities and fights an even battle by himself against a party of heroes.


    They have been trying to provoke them out of the fortress, but they never got on board, and it seems that they have run out of ideas to attack Droyer.


    It''s only been a week or two since they defeated the first of the Four Heavenly Kings, Bezzeria and the second, Zebiantes.


    They had wasted a whole year in attacking the third place Droyer.


    ''''As I thought, it''s a tough job, earth magic.


    A member of the brave party, Sesha the spearman, said.


    ''''Among the magic used by the demon race, earth magic is the most defensible attribute. Neither my spear nor the sword of the heroes can break through his rock barrier.


    That''s part of it, but the most troublesome part is the nature of the enemy.


    Radey says in an exhausted voice.


    Repeated failures were definitely eating away at her spirit.


    ''''The Droyer of ''The Fertile Ground'' is completely different from the Four Heavenly Kings I''ve fought before. The two who fought before him had a somewhat light-hearted or floating quality to them.


    So there was a gap in his heart, and if he fought, he could easily win through the gap.


    ''But Droyer is different. He is steadfast. He knows that we can''t advance without dropping that Rasperda fortress, and he''s on the defensive.


    He''s such a jerk, isn''t he!��If you''re the Fourth Heavenly King, you should have challenged me proudly!


    Shield-user Satome said irritably.


    After all, stagnation was eating away at the hero''s party.


    ''''Yuusama-sama, you can''t continue like this!


    Satome advises.


    ''''We need new strength to capture Lasperda Fortress and to overthrow the Four Heavenly Kings Droyer!


    You mean the new party members?


    This is always the story after the retreat, and the brave Radie becomes bored.


    ''''In order to shatter the rock barrier of Droyer, a powerful hammer user is essential. Let''s add a member who has the aptitude to hit!


    This story has been repeated many times.


    In a party that originally had a capacity of four people, the brave party still consisted of three people.


    In order to strengthen the strength of the party, it is most in order to bring in another member, rather than ''why not?'' This was the level of questioning.


    Since the brave man is responsible for slashing, Satome for guarding, and Sesha for stinging, the fourth and final member of the team should be skilled in the aura of hitting, and since he is also effective against his nemesis, Droyer, it is imperative that the new members excel in handling hitting weapons.


    Since hit is also an aura that is effective against the immediate nemesis, Droyer, it was imperative that a new member who excelled in the handling of striking weapons be brought in.


    However, the story always ended there.


    Even now, a year after they began their journey to defeat the Demon King, the heroic party had not been able to find a fourth member.


    It''s not that they hadn''t done anything.


    There was a period of time when the brave men had stopped attacking the fortress and spent six months traveling around the human territory to find their friends in order to break the deadlocked situation.


    However, all the existing members did not finally meet an excellent person who they thought was ''this''.


    ''''There''s no way we can win if we come back to the fortress without success and just bump into them...''''


    ''''We went around and leveled up ourselves, but it still wasn''t enough to capture Droyer...!


    Droyer, the earth witch, reigns supreme over the stronghold.


    In order to conquer it, it is essential to have new friends.


    However, the brave Radie did not want to easily add members to the team, no matter how strapped he was.


    I''m not a fan of this.


    The same goes for the party members who travel with that brave man.


    I''m not going to be able to get the same treatment as a brave man, as long as they work together. If you are able to defeat the demon king by fulfilling a vow, you can be remembered as a hero for generations to come.


    Attracted by these benefits, there is no adventurer who does not dream of joining a brave party.


    The brave men had to screen prospective members of the party who said, "I''m the one who needs to be a brave man", by receiving sales pitches everywhere they went.


    This continues until the three member slots are filled.


    In the worst case, there are even people who challenge the existing members to a duel in order to fill the vacant slots.


    The seat of the brave companion is also one that is so ugly that they compete with each other.


    ''''.........''''


    The brave Radie does not approve of that.


    It''s a good idea to follow the advice given to him by his predecessor, "A companion should be trustworthy and trustworthy.


    You have to be careful in selecting members.


    That''s why the six-month-long march to find friends ended in vain.


    ''''........Why are you in this world.......''''


    The brave Radey spoke weakly.


    ''Doesn''t anyone sincerely wish to save the world?��All of the adventurers in the various guilds only care about themselves. The only thing they want is to become famous and cheeky in the company of the brave,


    That was the main reason why the search for a mate ended in failure.


    Even if he had enough competence and possessed the characteristics to fill the current party''s deficiencies, he would still fail the strict ''heart'' screening criteria set forth by Brave Radey.


    ''''There are too few people like Satome and Sesha-san in this world. The world won''t get better even if we defeat the Demon King in this situation...!


    ''Radie-chan you don''t have to be so weak...''


    Satome, who has been his best friend since he was a child, quieted the brave man.


    ''''It''s okay. There will be someone with a pure heart who will help you, Radie. That person is waiting somewhere in the world for you to come.


    Do you think...?


    Yes,


    In this sense, the existence of Satome the Shield Maker is also significant.


    Although she is the youngest in the party, she is a mood maker that supports the hearts of the brave.


    "I think, that I do...


    Furthermore, Sesha the spearman said.


    ''''Why don''t we try strengthening the party in another way?


    Another way?


    I have heard that the Mithril mine, which had been in the hands of the demon tribe for a long time, has somehow returned to the human race, that I have heard during my search for companions. That is why weapons made of mithril are now in circulation.


    Sesha shows you the tip of the spear that you hold. It was the blade of a spear that shines whiter than silver.


    "Ah!��This was bought by Sesha-san in a city somewhere?


    ''''My spear can easily be replaced with just the tip of the spear.... The power and comfort of my spear can''t be compared to the iron-made ones we had until now...!


    If you can''t welcome your friends, you should try to increase your strength by switching weapons.


    What Radey and Satome were still using were still iron swords and shields.


    ''''Come to think of it, I think I heard from the Center Guild....... They''ve succeeded in developing a new weapon or something...?


    ''What?��You didn''t tell me that!��What did you do?��You''re not going to ignore me?


    I just thought it was more important to find a new friend.


    The brave Radey sometimes exited like this, and at such times Satome would revert to childhood friend mode and be confused.


    ''Anyway...!��My shield is old and scratched up, and I wanted to replace it!��I need a pretty design!


    ''''If the heroes'' swords are also modified to be made of mithril, they may be able to break through the rock barriers of Droyer beyond their affinity. I think we should definitely consider it for the upcoming battle!


    After being pressed by Satome and Sesha, it seemed like that was in order for Radie the Brave.


    If we can''t get friends, at least get weapons.


    Align them with the best ones and defeat the Four Heavenly Kings.


    All right...!��Um, Satome, can I borrow your tool bag?


    It''s a cotton candy bar!


    The brave Radey takes out a bundle of papers from his tool bag. He selects one of them and takes it out.


    ''''This one. .........According to this letter, there is a village that is in charge of producing mithril weapons, so if you go there, they will make made-to-order mithril weapons for you, not just for me, but for your party members as well. Not just for me, but for my party members as well.


    Oh?


    We''re getting a great deal of help!��As expected of a brave party!


    Even if they encountered difficulties, they would not rot and revive.


    That was also the strength of the brave party of the day.


    ''''Let''s go to that village as soon as possible!��Where are you?


    Well this letter says that...


    Lax Village.


    A brave man heads to the village of Lax.

 34-33 brave, rubbing milk

    Is a brave man coming?


    I''m perplexed by the news from the guild leaders.


    His beloved son, Gran, is frolicking in his arms.


    That''s right!��Yes!��Finally, a brave man is going to descend on this village!


    The guild leaders are super excited.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that this man is currently the chief executive of Mithril Mine and is based over there, but he travels back and forth to keep in touch with Lux village.


    And while you''re wondering what his business is today, he''s in the midst of his madness.


    I''ve known the guild leaders for a long time, but this is the first time I''ve seen them floating around in excess of this degree.


    ''''Brave man!��Brave man!��He''s a brave man, Chief Dariel!


    Calm down, I know you''re a brave man. ...you''re a brave man, aren''t you?


    It''s time for the brave to start collapsing the gestalt.


    Speaking of brave men, they are the ones.


    An assassin who aims to take advantage of the Demon King.


    ''''Speaking of a brave man, he''s a hero!


    The perception is subtly different.


    ''''He''s the heroic candidate chosen to defeat the Demon King, the longed-for desire of the human race!��The most promising adventurers in the guild will be chosen from among the guild''s adventurers and will be given a mission to defeat the Demon King and all the conveniences that go with it.


    I know.


    ''Of course!��There''s no way there''s a human race that doesn''t know about brave people!


    No.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this from the perspective of the demon king''s army fighting the brave.


    ........It was more than a year ago that I was a member of the demon king''s army.


    Everything is nostalgic.


    I assisted the Four Heavenly Kings and fought brave men who attacked the demon king''s territory many times.


    Well, I''m just an assistant after all.


    I left it to the Four Heavenly Kings to go head-to-head with them, and I was just cheering them on from behind.


    But even so, I''ve seen the hero on the battlefield.


    I think it was a dandy old man with a beard.


    At the time, it was the era of the previous Four Heavenly Kings, and the way he was wielding a blade against Master Grumberza and the other Four Heavenly Kings, it looked like an evil demon.


    It was super scary.


    That man is coming here...!


    I don''t like it.


    I didn''t get in the line of fire, but I''ve been known to hang around on the battlefield, so maybe they''ll remember my face?


    I could get killed the moment I see you.


    Can I miss it?


    What are you saying, chief Dariel?��Do you represent your village?


    Yes, but...


    And now you do...


    "You have no respect for me not to greet the hero!��I''m buying you!��I''d like to see you demonstrate your genius in front of the heroes as well!


    I don''t want to be expected to do it like that.


    I''m sure you''re not the only one who''s been replaced last year, but I hear that''s why you''re still not very knowledgeable about the world. It''s a good thing that I have someone like you to escort me through the process.


    ''What?��Have you been replaced?


    That''s right, Arantzill was severely injured in a battle with the demons and retired. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    Is that old man retired?


    I guess so.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one to stay in the field, because GranBaza-sama, who had a face-to-face encounter with that old man, was also seriously injured and was forced to retire.


    Haha.


    So you don''t have to worry about my face being exposed or anything.


    Okay, let''s do it.


    ''''That''s Mayor Dariel!


    If I can do anything for this Lax Village, I will do it.


    That''s my duty as a member of Lax Village and now the village''s representative.


    I have no intention of neglecting it.


    Also, my son is still a baby. Stop pointing guns at the guild leaders.


    So, what exactly does this brave young man want?


    That''s because you want to see our prize, Mithril, of course!


    I guess.


    It''s the only thing that would interest a stranger in this rural village.


    It was silly of me to ask.


    "The hero is a man on a mission to defeat the Demon King. He''s the one who needs the most powerful mithril weapons!��It''s our duty as a race to provide the brave master with the finest mithril weapons!


    ''Huh...''


    The reason I''m apathetic is definitely because of my last job.


    ''''If the heroes patronize the mithril weapons we produce, our reputation will roar to the heavens!��I''d like to declare that mithril weapons are back in full force!��This is supreme for us, too!


    ''Huh...''


    I''ve been cringing with fear that he''s been ignoring me because he hasn''t responded to my invitation, even though I''m sure he sent it to him a long time ago!��But finally, at long last, my chance has come!��Let''s stick up for ourselves and for the entire race!


    My beloved son is still gunning for the excited guild leaders.


    What''s the matter, Gran?


    Yeah, are you sleepy?


    You can''t sleep with that old man bothering you, can you?


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    As such, Lax Village was to welcome a brave man.


    ''''I''m Radie the Brave.''''


    This is Dariel, the village chief of Lax. Welcome to the village.


    The new courageous person I met for the first time was a pretty girl who was full of life.


    .........


    Another blatantly different impression from the previous generation.


    ''''........What is it?''''


    No no!


    It''s not safe.


    You can''t stare at them without being careful. Even in a world where an old man like me can get into trouble just by staring at a young girl.


    ''..........Brave man!��......Greetings and greetings!


    Yes.


    An even younger girl behind him is whispering something in his ear.


    In addition, a tired-looking man is behind him.


    A total of three people are the brave party of the day.


    ''''........We cannot thank you enough for accepting our sudden visit. As a brave man, I am deeply committed to your village''s cooperation.


    So what can I do for you this time?


    I''m curious about the mithril weapons you say are made in your village. I thought they might be able to help us defeat the Demon King.


    I knew it........


    As a former Demon King''s army, it''s not fun to have her defeat the Demon King-sama, but for the sake of the village, it''s better to have her take the best weapon she can for the village.


    There''s no way the Demon King-sama will lose no matter what we do, so it doesn''t matter.


    ''''For what it''s worth, he''s going to make a custom-made weapon that suits us. If we can increase our strength by enhancing the performance of our weapons, it will be a great help in defeating the Demon King.''''


    Who suggested that?


    I''m not listening to you.


    I''m the village chief and I''m not listening to you!


    I can''t say "I don''t know" and we have to keep this process going?


    You must be tired after your long journey, so let''s take you to the lodgings first, where you can rest and then we can get down to business. Why don''t we take a break there and then get down to business?


    I''m in pain.


    Since the brave men came from so far away, they are planning to stay for several days.


    The whole village discussed where they would be asked to sleep and wake up, but in the end they decided to stay at the village chief''s house.


    It is still the most luxurious building in the village.


    There are plenty of spare rooms, and the house is well maintained since people live there.


    It has been a long time since I became the head of the village now. It could mean that I''m always with them as a host.


    "I''m sorry to be a country house, but please make yourself at home.


    It''s a shame that you take the time to stay at the chief''s house.


    The whole family - the former head of the village, who is now my mother-in-law, his wife Marika, and their son Gran, who was born between them - came out to greet us.


    ''''Well, baby!''''


    Among them, the brave man paid attention to his newborn son.


    As expected of a girl, she likes cute things?


    ''Cute!��That''s so cute!��........um, can I hold her?


    What?��Yes.........?


    Something about the hero-sama is starting to look like a girl of her age for the first time.


    Do pretty things make a girl''s land come out?


    Then you don''t have to worry about it, because it''s already in your neck of the woods.


    Thank you...!


    The mother, Marika, also fearfully left her son in the care of a brave person.


    ''''Wow, he''s so cute...!��Cute....!


    Then an incident occurred.


    My son is not even old enough to remember anything yet.


    He grabbed the tits of a stranger who was holding him up.


    So sorry!��Have my son ever been so rude...?


    No, it''s okay. Don''t worry about it.��Huh?


    Don''t be relentless in your squeezing!


    This is how my son was awarded the title of "the baby who squeezed the tits of the brave".


    Are you planning to become a big shot in the future?

 35-34 Brave, swearing to try

    After my son rubbed her tits for a moment, the brave woman got down to business.


    She wanted a weapon made of mithril.


    They had come to the countryside to increase their strength with more powerful weapons.


    ''''This will be the forge that manufactures mithril weapons.


    Oh.


    The forge is busy today, and it''s bustling with the sound of hammering coming from everywhere.


    ''''So this is how they''re creating weapons...!


    This is the first time I''ve ever seen a scene where armor I''ve casually used in the past is made.... It''s so strange~


    And the brave party felt like a social tour.


    It''s not only superior to other minerals in terms of hardness and lightness, but it also has the property of absorbing aura. This makes it a good fit for a strategy of using aura.


    "It absorbs auras?


    My explanation surprises you, brave man.


    ''What do you mean by that?��Is it still different from a normal weapon made of normal material?


    ''That''s not true at all. The aura doesn''t just cling to the surface, it penetrates to the core. The intensity of the aura is much stronger than before.


    The young men, who had never been exposed to mithril in their lives, were curious about the tour of the forge.


    ''There are many finished products stored in the warehouse. Would you like to choose a weapon to be taken from among them?


    The brave man has already offered that there is no need to take money for the weapons.


    The center guild will pay for it.


    As expected of a brave man, the brave man is blessed.


    ''''No, make a new one from scratch if you can.


    Furthermore, the brave man said.


    ''''Weapons made just for us, weapons made exclusively for us. I understand that you are saying it''s impossible, but we need to do the best in everything to defeat the Demon King. That''s why we want to use the best weapons we can find.


    That won''t help you defeat the Demon King.


    What?


    It''s nothing.


    I couldn''t help but point out the fact.


    Oh well.


    The Center Guild will take care of all the fees.


    ''''Alright, let me introduce you to the best craftsmen from our company as well. Oi~!��Sakai-kun!


    Okay.


    A young man comes from the back of the workshop.


    He was sweating beads all over his body, probably because he was hot from blacksmithing work.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to get the most out of your time here. He''s also one of the best at blacksmithing.''''


    He was an apprentice of the late Grandfather Smith.


    He was one of the first to arrive in the village, dragging an Atanor furnace behind his grandfather, but now he is leading the blacksmiths in place of his late mentor, trying to master the art of mithril processing.


    I''m going to make weapons for these people. Can you make weapons for these people?


    "What?��Aren''t those people a party of heroes?��I''m afraid of them.


    Is this how normal humans would react.


    I''m sure you''re not the only one.��That doesn''t mean there''s a blacksmith in the world who is more adept at handling mithril than you.


    Ugh.........if only Master were still alive.......!


    I''m afraid I can''t order you to the other side.


    If Grandpa Smith were still alive, of course he would have asked.


    What would have happened if he was?


    I thought you''d be delighted to have your brave men''s goods forged, eh?


    ''I understand!��I''m going to take on a big role on behalf of my master!


    Hmm, that''s a man.


    I brought Sakai-kun to the brave group and started making weapons as soon as possible.


    ''Then let''s see your hands!


    What?


    The brave man holds out his dominant hand as he is told.


    Sakai-kun carefully grips and rubs his hand.


    ''''Um.........?��This is.........?


    A group of brave men are confused as expected.


    I can''t see it, and I add an explanation.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find it. This is their way of doing things.


    ''My mentor used to look at his guests'' hands like this. "My teacher used to look at his customers'' hands like this. He told me to read it and make the weapon that best suits the customer.


    How close can Sakai-kun get to the realm where his late mentor was standing?


    In order to test his true worth, the making of a brave man''s weapon is a good subject.


    ''''.............?''''


    And the brave man''s face turned bright red as the opposite s*x touched his hand without reservation.


    Just a few minutes ago, my son touched my chest, and now he touched my hand.


    I guess it''s a day when he touches me a lot.


    "What do you want?


    A male member of the brave party asked.


    ''We''d be grateful if you could make a weapon for us, but how long would it take to complete it?


    I don''t suppose you can do it in a day or two. What do you think, Sakai-kun?


    It would be best to ask the person in charge of the work.


    ''I can hurry it up if you wish, but.... How much time would you give me?


    You''re welcome to take as much time as you like.


    It was the brave man who answered.


    ''We''re stuck with the immediate attack anyway. The only reason I asked how long it would take to produce it is because there are things I want to do in the meantime.''


    What do you want to do?


    ''There''s something else we''re looking for besides weapons. Friends.


    Friends....


    ''Originally a party of four adventurers was a party of four. We have room for one more in our party.


    It''s a party of three, you guys.


    It seems that the brave men want to complete the party with a fourth member somehow in order to push forward with the goal of defeating the Demon King.


    ''I''ve traveled all over the place so far, but I haven''t been able to find anyone that I thought was the right one. So the search for friends is still ongoing.


    Huh...?


    ''Whenever I arrive in a new town or village, I make sure to visit the Adventurer''s Guild. To meet each and every one of the adventurers there.


    And that they are judging their own people for their suitability?


    ''''Can I have a look at the Adventurer''s Guild in Rax Village while you complete your weapon?��I''d like to join hands with some of the adventurers there.


    Even so, I don''t think there are any adventurers in this rural guild who would be able to meet the brave lord''s expectations.


    A year has passed and our village''s adventurer''s guild has grown.


    In the beginning, there was only me and Gacita, but now that mithril trading has begun, the number of quests ordered has increased.


    There was an influx of adventurers from outside who were looking for work, and now there were about twenty adventurers registered with the guild.


    My father-in-law, who has become a full-time guild master, is taking care of it.


    Since it was a request from the brave men, I couldn''t do it without, so I gathered the adventurers who were waiting for the guild branch for now and introduced them to the guild.


    The brave men''s method of measuring the adventurers'' abilities was clear.


    It is a slingshot game.


    ��


    I''m going to...


    The adventurers of my village, wiped out.


    The three of us stand at the center of a crowd of corpses (not dead) that are scattered miserably.


    ''This place is no good either, my hero.


    As expected from a guild in a rural area, that''s a long shot.


    The two companions are also strong.


    The adventurers belonging to our village also have a chance to be part of a brave group! He challenged them to go for it, but they didn''t compete at all.


    Almost everyone was killed instantly.


    ''I tried it just in case.... It was still useless.''''


    The brave man sighs boringly.


    ''''I''m sorry to have disturbed you...''''


    No.


    ''I really knew it was going to be like this. It''s generally the way it was when we tried it in a larger city.


    Still, he wanted to try it for nothing because he was in such a hurry to find a friend.


    ''''I can''t agree with that!


    The one who stood up was Gacita, an adventurer who belonged to Lax Village.


    He''s an adventurer from before the village''s recovery, and he rose from D class to B class in the past year.


    It''s the most dependable and representative of the group, but in the current match, he was instantly killed and sunk by the heroic party along with many others.


    ''''Not yet, I haven''t lost yet!��The adventurers of Lax Village are not to be outdone!


    ''You''re losing. All the adventurers in our company are lying at the feet of the brave men!


    What are you saying, brother?��We still have the strongest adventurer left in our family!


    and pointing in my direction.

 36-35 Dariel overwhelms the hero

    You did?


    It was the brave men who reacted to it.


    ''''Are you an adventurer too?''''


    In the past, I retired just as soon as I became mayor.


    As you can imagine, I can''t be a concurrent member of the team.


    Now I''m in a responsible position, serving my village and my family every day.


    He''s the most powerful adventurer in Lux Village!�� Until I became the village chief, it was just me and my adventurer, but he was so great that he could take out the Blaze Death Size all by himself!


    Gacita says nonsensically.


    "You say that a lot, don''t you, Gacita-san?


    But as expected, isn''t taking out Blaze Death Size solo too much?


    The other Rax Village Guild adventurers who were defeated are getting up in batches.


    ''''Look at this!��These newcomers, who don''t know that big brother is still working, are suspicious of him!��It''s been a while since you''ve shown him how awesome your animator is!


    ''I don''t want to,''


    He already has a wife and children.


    I don''t want to put myself in danger for the sake of the family I have to provide for.


    No, I''d really like to see you join us.


    The one who proceeded to say that was the spearman of the brave party.


    ''''Sesha-san?''''


    The moment I saw you, I knew there was something unusual about your appearance. I want to see if you have what it takes to be a true test of your abilities.


    A fellow hero with a spear in his hand.


    .........


    It can''t be helped.


    I took out the Hermes sword that I kept in my pocket.


    Even after retiring from adventuring, you never know when any danger will strike your village.


    That''s why I never neglected to prepare for battle.


    ''''Are you sure?��Shouldn''t we have something proper, not that kind of self-defense acquisition?


    The Hermes sword in its basal state is shaped like a small knife, so it could be taken as self-defense.


    ''''Don''t worry about it, just come at me.


    Now....!


    I''m starting to sound a little pompous, don''t I?


    Fighting spirit emanates from the spearman''s body surface.


    ''''I''m coming!''''


    A sharpness like a flash of light snatched at my cheek.


    ''''So this is the thrust of a spear........!


    A weapon that combines the aura properties of slash and sting.


    The furious rush of thrusts does not give it a chance to breathe.


    Just when you think you''ve thrust, it already pulls, and just when you think you''ve pulled, it thrusts another.


    And just when you think you''ve pulled back, you thrust the next one.


    ''''What a gesture!��How could you continue to dodge my stabs to this extent...!''''


    Without slowing down Rush''s speed, his opponent says


    ''But such a short gain won''t help you fight back!��The space between them is too large, that it is not!


    It''s true that if you want to fight back with a knife, you''ll have to dodge the spear and hide in your pocket.


    He is not a poor opponent who will allow you to do that.


    The speed and accuracy of his thrusts will always keep the enemy under control and prevent him from stepping inward beyond the tip of the blade.


    This is an opponent with that much skill and spirit.


    The most efficient way to attack this opponent would be to attack from outside the opponent''s range.


    The spear, the longest weapon among the many weapons, is my opponent.


    I have a short knife in my hand.


    I''m not even going to dream of being poked from the outside.


    A flash of silvery white light is released from my hand.


    "I knew you''d throw it!


    The spearman shouts.


    Throwing!��There is no other way to finish me off with that little knife!


    He twisted around to avoid the stabbing line of fire, as if to say, "I''ve been reading about you.


    ''So your forte is throwing knives!��Well, it''s a formidable weapon with a wide range, but if you can avoid it, that''s it!��And then you, unarmed, stand a better chance...?��Huh?


    Don''t move.


    The blade of the Hermes sword extending from my hand had snatched the spearman''s head and passed by it.


    The blade has already extended to a length of more than the total length of the spear.


    The hilt is firmly in my hand.


    ''''You know what I mean?��All I have to do is move this sword to the side and your head will be sliced in rounds like a lemon.


    "The blades are stretching...?��What the hell is this weapon...?


    The prediction that we were going to throw a weapon at him was brilliant.


    Normally, that is the most alarming thing to do. Their handling of the situation is also perfect. It was a truly professional move.


    However, the function of this Hermes sword was the only thing that completely exceeded the professional''s expectations.


    You could say it was out of my mind.


    This is the posthumous work of an enthusiast. The alloy mixed with mithril and various other ingredients reacts to the aura and changes its shape. A knife can grow to the size of a clothesline in an instant.


    The spearman''s body is fully stretched out, and he is unlikely to be able to make any spur-of-the-moment movements.


    In contrast, I can swing the blade that passes right next to the opponent''s head at any time.


    Graceful.


    That''s professional judgment, too.


    ''Now, when you''re ready, let''s go back. Take your time and relax while the blacksmiths finish your weapons.


    Not yet.


    Huh?


    This time, a brave man advances out.


    ''''The current game, the reason for the victory lies in that mysterious weapon, and we haven''t been shown what the village chief is capable of yet. I will have you play one more match.


    Who?


    Of course, with me.


    The brave man is in motivation mode, drawing his sword.


    ''Sesha-san''s defeat is a defeat. It hurts his pride if it''s taken as a talking point. So now I''m going to do it. Brave Radey, I will be your opponent.


    What am I willing to do?


    I say, "I''m sorry, but I''m going to get myself killed.


    It''s the spirit of an opponent who is likely to slash at me even if I refuse.


    ''''I''m well versed in the properties of that mysterious weapon. Now that Sesha-san has revealed the seed, I will never fall for it.


    I don''t want you to think of this guy as just a deceitful weapon.


    I feel sorry for the creator.


    The intention of the Hermes Blade was to maximize the three aura characteristics of the four aura characteristics of Slash, Sting and Hit in one. This is only possible because it is an alloy that changes shape in response to aura.


    ''I see, but you can tell that''s defective just by listening to it.


    What?


    Instantly, I close the gap between the two and the brave man slashes at me.


    I use my Hermes sword in sword form to catch it.


    ''Aura aptitude is different for each person. Some are good at it, some are bad at it. So grab the right weapon for each of them!


    That''s fast as expected.


    I''m going to respond to the dizzying succession of slashes that are coming at me with slashes too.


    "So, the hero is good at slashing........


    ''Yes!��Each adventurer should grab the right weapon for his or her aptitude!��I don''t need a weapon for every trait!��That''s just poor handiwork!


    I''ve heard someone say that before.


    But.....


    ��.


    A while after the game began.


    In front of me, there was a brave man who was breathing heavily.


    ''''.........Ha, ha......''''


    What''s up?��Have you had enough of the whip form of the Hermes sword?


    He squeezes the metal whip that ripples like a snake.


    ''''I didn''t expect........that you would fully use all three characteristics of the Slash and Thrust Strike......?


    This guy''s creator also took notice of that and gave me this thing. That''s why I can''t betray this weapon.


    It''s a really nasty memento that you left me.


    I''ll always have to prove that I''m the master of this masterpiece, because I''ll always have to prove that I''m not ashamed of this masterpiece.


    ''''Sincerity to arms........ Splendid.


    The brave man has come to his senses and lowered the sword he was holding.


    I''m not sure what to say. It''s not to mention the strength. ........Finally, at last, I have found it.


    ?


    Please!��Please join me and accompany me on my journey to defeat the Demon King!


    No!


    Well, that''s what I was talking about.

 37-36 Dariel is invited

    I was invited to a hero''s party.


    Naturally, I say no.


    "Why not?


    But he''s still trying to bite me off.


    It''s just too much trouble.


    "Joining a party of heroes is the highest honor for an adventurer!��How could I refuse to do that?


    I''m not an adventurer anymore.


    I retired to be the head of the village in Lax Village, you know.


    ''''You''re still fighting with your aura. Isn''t that the best proof that you haven''t left the Adventurer''s Guild!


    .........


    .........well, yeah.


    The power of this aura is the power that was given to me when I registered with the Adventurer''s Guild.


    It seems to disappear at the same time as the guild registration is canceled.


    But as the village chief, I''m prepared to lead the fight if something happens to the village.


    At that time, I asked him to continue to register with the Adventurer''s Guild, an aura of power that is necessary for that time.


    I''ve heard that these former adventurers are called ''reserve adventurers'', and this is common for those who have made some achievements.


    Yo, we''re all reserves, but adventurers are adventurers.��Shouldn''t we accede to the brave man''s request?


    This village is more important to me.


    I said it once and for all.


    The village of Lax welcomed me, who originally had nowhere to go, and became my second home.


    My second life is for Lax Village, and I will not betray it.


    "..........


    The brave man felt like a mothball who was trying to say something more and couldn''t think of anything to say.


    Still, he eventually summed up what he needed to say and said


    ''We are now capturing the Rasperda Fortress.


    Oh, um...!


    This is the stronghold that the brave side must obtain in order to attack the Demon King''s Castle.


    In order to reach the Demon King''s Castle, which is located deep within the Demon King''s territory, they have to advance through the Demon King''s territory, of course, and there is no resting place to prepare for it.


    That''s why we need a base of operations to support the brave men who have entered the enemy territory, and that''s Lasperda Fortress.


    The fortress was built by the human race in the past and taken by the previous Granbaza-sama and made it into a defensive wall to bounce back the brave men in the opposite direction.


    As long as the Lasperda Fortress is in the hands of the demon tribe, the brave cannot tread on the soil of the demon territory.


    That was the common understanding of the Demon King''s army.


    ''''But we have failed many times to capture the fortress. It''s because one of the Four Heavenly Kings, Droyer of the ''Fertile Ground'', has been holding the fortress tightly and not moving at all.


    "Law.


    "We realized we can no longer do it on our own, and we need a new force. New weapons. New friends. It''s all for that...!


    Droyer-sama........


    Another old name that has come up.


    Of all the fresh faces that took over after the previous Four Heavenly Kings retired en masse, I remember that Master Droyer was the most serious.


    When I was his assistant, one of the things I tried my best to teach the new Four Heavenly Kings was the importance of Lasperda Fortress.


    You''ve memorized that and incorporated it into your strategy, haven''t you?


    ''''But there''s only one enemy Four Heavenly King, right?��Isn''t it shameful that it takes three of us to defeat it?


    Fight properly and you''ll win!


    As if his pride had been hurt, one of his companions, who was standing by the side of the brave man, shouted.


    ''''But that Four Heavenly Kings don''t try to fight properly at all!��I''m on the defensive and defending myself!


    It is said that among the magic used by the demon race, the earth attribute is the best attribute for defense, that it is. It''s not a good idea to focus on defense, either.


    Oh.


    That''s not as disgusting as it would be if the earth wizards devoted themselves to defense.


    And the wise Droyer-sama would also skillfully weave in the defensive facilities of the Rasperda Fortress.


    It was easy to see that this must be a frustrating battle.


    It''s not only that, we also lack companions who have the aptitude for hitting the earth attribute. The reason why we can''t win is because we also lack companions who have an aptitude for hitting the earth attribute.


    ''''Sooner or later, the four Heavenly Kings of Water will join the enemy, and they will become more and more impregnable!��We can''t do anything by ourselves anymore!


    The friends of the brave were also quite crispy.


    I understand the difficult situation over there, but....


    ''''Even so, I can''t accompany you guys.


    Why?��Why do you have to be so stubborn?


    I''d rather hear this one.


    "The defeating of the Demon King has been a human''s dream for hundreds of years!��I believe that with your help, we can accomplish this!


    ....


    ''''You are familiar with all the characteristics of the aura and even have a special weapon that can make full use of it. Not only will I be able to defeat Droyer, but with you here, I''m not going to lose to any of the other Four Heavenly Kings!


    No way.


    I can''t do that.


    Even though I''m an outcast, the Demon King''s Army is the old home where I spent the first half of my life.


    How could I draw a bow there?


    If there was a target to protect like Knocker and the others, just like in the mine, then it''s not a good idea.


    It''s ungrateful to oppose the Demon King''s army just to attack them.


    And...


    ''''I have something here to protect.


    ...?


    My home. My people. And most importantly, my family. My son was born less than a year ago. He won''t even know what I look like.


    From such a small child.


    Do you want to take the father away?


    If I accompany the brave men on their journey, I''ll be away from the village for at least a few years. In some cases, he may never return.


    ''''Are you telling me not to be present for the upcoming period of time, when that boy will be most sensitive?��I''m out.


    Here''s what I''m trying to protect.


    I can''t go with you guys.


    The sooner you are armed, the sooner you will leave, the better.


    You''ll be ready to leave when your weapons are ready.


    Night.


    I look down at my child who is sleeping peacefully in bed.


    But the quietness is only for a short time, and after a while, she will start crying at night.


    Tonight is going to be another nighttime battle.


    ''Anna.........''


    Marika, who had become my wife, snuggled up to me.


    There was a melancholy look on her face.


    ''''Is she really going to be okay?''''


    She must have been able to tell and listen to the exchange with the brave man.


    It''s like she can''t help but worry.


    ''How can I continue to refuse the request from the brave master?��If you leave the village...!


    It''s okay. I would never do that.


    This is my home and this is the place I must protect.


    Anyone who tries to take it away from me will surely regret it.


    I love LUX village. I love you, I love Gran. I won''t leave this village until she grows up to be a man.


    You''re...!


    I held Marika as she leaned closer to me and pressed our lips to each other.


    Come to think of it, we haven''t had any married life for a while now.


    They''ve also been talking a lot about wanting a second person.


    I put my hands on her clothes and tried to expose the skin of her chest from her shoulders to her chest, at that moment.


    ''HOGYAH!!!''


    His nighttime crying began.


    Tonight, the fight begins again.


    "Ooooooh, ok, ok, ok...!


    I''m perfectly fine.


    I rearranged the clothes I was about to untie and ran to my son with my parents.


    That''s exactly why I haven''t been flirting with Marika lately, and my time and Marika''s time now belongs mostly to him.


    But I suppose that''s the natural thing for a parent to do.


    My time that is essentially my son''s.


    I can''t devote it to the brave men and the world.

 38-37 Dariel hears the story

    One night.


    The second day began after welcoming the brave men to Lax village.


    Well, what the brave men had to do here was done yesterday.


    I thought it would be fine if they would just take it easy until the weapons were completed.


    However, I was naive in my perception.


    ''''I''ve written a letter to the Center Guild.


    A brave man came to me first thing in the morning.


    There was a letter in his hand.


    This is a letter requesting that a compulsory requisition be issued against you. If this is accepted, you must join my party regardless of your intentions.


    You''re being very pushy again.


    In.


    ''What''s the point of having a mate who gets it that way?''


    If they despise your intentions, they will never be able to trust you again.


    On a battlefield where life and death are on the line, there is nothing more meaningless than a companion whose life cannot be entrusted to you.


    ''''You''re right. I am only asking you to join my companions of your own volition.


    My thoughts are the same. The most important thing is right here.


    ''I know, I know. So I''ve decided to tell you something else today.


    Another story?


    It''s not something you can just talk about. It''s not something to talk about casually. It''s a story about someone''s inner life. But I''m going to tell you this because I think it''s the only way I can convince you.


    A man?��On the inside?


    Arantzill. Mr. Arantzill, the former hero.


    A man who was a hero before Reedy.


    Legend has it that he is the strongest man of all time and has fought many fierce battles with his predecessor, the Four Heavenly Kings.


    He is the longest-serving hero of all time. It is said that he served for more than 30 years. Of course, much has happened in that long period of time. Both happy and sad.


    But the saddest thing that ever happened to him was....


    The murder of his family.


    ".........?


    The brave man speaks of the not-so-peaceful topic in a hurry.


    ''''It was just after Arantzill-sama had been appointed as a hero. That gentleman was married to a female adventurer with whom he had been partying. They had one child. They were a happy family that lacked nothing.''''


    But was that happiness destroyed...?


    ''It is said that the Demon King''s army attacked his absence while his predecessor was away on a mission to defeat the Demon King. His wife, a former adventurer, fought valiantly, but was killed and the child, who was still a baby, was taken away.


    ....


    ''My predecessor pursued and finally killed one of the then Four Heavenly Kings who were the main culprits in the attack. But his son, whom the enemy had supposedly gotten rid of, was never found. They thought the enemy had killed him on the run and thrown his body away in despair.


    My heart hurts.


    I''m a father now, so it''s even more so. Those who fight for a living should never lay a hand on those who don''t.


    A fighter''s pride is only complete when those who fight kill each other.


    ''''From then on, I became a demon. That''s what my predecessor had said. Because I lost everything and had nothing to protect, I gave everything to battle. I was able to push forward with the defeat of the Demon King. ...But it was never the right thing to do.


    A brave man approaches me.


    ''''If we leave the demons unattended, another tragedy like the previous Arantzill-sama will happen again!��Please help me to prevent that from happening!


    I was nowhere near accepting her wish.


    This is because the form of a terrible brave man was vividly replayed from my memory.


    Arantzill, the previous hero.


    I''ve met him in person many times.


    As the assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s army, I''ve met him many times in person on the battlefield.


    He had an uncanny fighting style. Does his demon god-like strength have such a secret?


    The pain of losing something so important, the strength that comes from grief.


    That is one of the foremost reasons for strength.


    It made sense to me on many things.


    But.....


    I can''t believe that story.


    What?


    Demons are a proud race. Especially when they''re chosen to be the Four Heavenly Kings.


    Would such proud people take such despicable measures as targeting their families, even if they were enemies?


    It was probably an incident that happened long before I became the Fourth Heavenly King''s assistant, and the perpetrator was probably a previous Fourth Heavenly King even before the previous Fourth Heavenly King, whom I don''t know.


    However, I don''t want to believe or even think that someone who has earned the title of the Four Heavenly Kings would be willing to commit such an ugly act.


    ''''Why are you, the human race, defending the demon race?''''


    ''''Anyway, I don''t know about the old days, but this generation''s Demon Army wouldn''t do anything that dirty.


    I''m fine.


    You''re going to be okay. You''re okay, right?


    The current Four Heavenly Kings are okay, right?


    So there''s no basis for your claim. I''m not going to leave the village of Lax to protect what''s important to me.


    Well then, I have no choice.


    The brave Radie held up the letter in his hand.


    ''''I will contact the Center Guild and have them issue a compulsory requisition letter to you. It''s impossible to refuse this!


    Are you sure about that?


    ''We need you!��If you come to travel with us, you will understand. The meaning of our fight!��"We''re going to be a trustworthy bunch!


    This is a lot harder than it sounds at this rate.


    I turn my back on them and leave.


    If they issue a compulsory requisition, it''s certainly going to be a problem.


    The best way to stop it is to take or tear up the letter in her possession, right now.


    But let''s not do it.


    Force is not a smart thing to do.


    Let me tell you one thing.


    What is it?


    You say you need my power, but really, what do they really need from you, a brave man?


    I could see the girl who was called brave widen her eyes for a moment.


    ''The brave man is the only power that cannot be replaced. There are plenty of replacements, including the friends around it. Even if you''re concerned about the members, you won''t achieve your goal if your core, you, is wobbly, right?


    ..............


    The brave man didn''t say it back, but left the scene.


    ''I''m still not sure I can reach my predecessor in that one.


    I wanted to be up front with her.


    "You''re still weak.


    And.


    It''s true that her skill is somewhat lacking, at least for me, who has seen the fierceness of my predecessor''s bravery in person.


    But I can''t say that.


    When I said to my face, "You''re weaker than your predecessor," he asked, "Where did you see your predecessor in action? Because I''m sure it would be a trend.


    It''s not something I would point out by bringing my past to light, so I decided to keep it quiet.


    Rumor has it that she is said to be ''a genius who surpasses her predecessors'' and so on, but who has been going around making a big deal out of it?


    Of course, it''s no use comparing a newcomer who is still a chick with her predecessor who has accumulated more than thirty years as a brave person.


    What she needs is more than new weapons, more than new friends.


    Maybe it''s something else.


    ��


    Then another few days passed.


    It was under the guise of waiting for the weapon to be completed, but they were clearly waiting precisely for the letter of compulsion to me that they had requested to the Center Guild to arrive.


    And finally, the letter from the Center Guild came.


    But it was a reply that was very different from what the brave man had expected.


    ''It looks like you''re having a lot of trouble, Radie.


    The one who was sent by the Center Guild was a very large man with a very large build.


    If you want a companion, you can join the party, you know.��The invincible man who once vied with you for the title of hero. Noltiya is!

 39-38 Dariel punches a scrap

    When I heard that ''someone from the Center Guild has come,'' I went out to deal with the situation, thinking that the compulsory letter-related trouble had finally started in earnest.


    However, it was not what I had expected.


    The messenger from the center guild didn''t give a sideways glance at me and approached the brave man.


    I''m not going to be able to get my hands on any of them.


    It seems that he is acquainted with the visitor........


    You are.........Nortiya!


    It seems we know each other after all.


    I don''t know what it is, but that doesn''t mean I''m off topic.


    Should I be happy or upset?


    "I didn''t expect you to come as an emissary...


    It''s a shitty country village. Even if the Center Guild had their way, I still wouldn''t have to come all the way to this burro''s village.


    Huh?


    We''re all doing this because you snatched the title of hero from us. Radey, do you realize that you were chosen by mistake to be a hero?


    I haven''t seen you since the heroic trials. Not a bit has changed since then.


    It sounds like you two have more in common than just an acquaintance.


    What the hell does this have to do with anything?


    I''m afraid Nortiyah is a very nasty person.


    Standing in line next to me is one of the brave men, isn''t he?


    The shield wielder, or was it Satome?


    When our predecessor retired, a meeting was held to select the next brave person. And the one chosen was Lady Radhi, and the one who competed with her was Nortya!


    Hmm.


    So, in some cases, that Nolteer might have been a hero.


    Are you that strong?��Him?


    ''''Strong is strong, but........ I have the worst personality!��In the end, he wasn''t chosen as a hero because he had more problems with his personality than his abilities........ Just because a brave man representing the human race has to be a respected person...!


    Well.


    It turns out he''s quite a stubborn fellow.


    Why did such a troublesome person come to this Lax Village?


    ''''And anyway, if you''re a messenger sent by the Center Guild, then you brought the compulsory requisition that I applied for, right?��Please give it to me quickly.


    No, I don''t have it.


    What did you say?


    You didn''t need it. The Center Guild is denying your request.


    That would save my life, but it wouldn''t hurt the heroes, would it?


    The guild should be helping the brave, why are you being so mean to them?


    Radey, you''re making a bad impression. You''re making a bad impression. You''re a brave man, but you''re not doing your job right.


    What do you mean by that?��I am doing my duty as a brave man day and night!


    ''''The first time is the first time. The first time, they defeated the Four Heavenly Kings, first the Four Heavenly Kings of Water, then the Four Heavenly Kings of Wind, and then they proceeded to win at a breakneck pace. But at the crucial moment of Lasperda Fortress, their advance came to a halt and from then on, they were slow to attack.


    That''s why I''m working so hard to strengthen my forces. I came to this village to obtain a powerful mithril weapon. And even though we were fortunate enough to enlist the help of the guild to welcome the last of our friends we met here...!


    It''s a thankless job.


    But it seems that not everything is going to go according to the brave man''s wishes, and it''s looking bleak.


    That''s why. I''m sure the guild board is embarrassed by the fact that you have so many points on your plate that you''re not even aware of the fact that you''re adding this adventurer from a rural village to your group.


    No.


    The huge man called Noltiya or something like that turned his head and turned his petulant gaze towards me.


    No, it''s not me who''s looking at him.


    Satome and Sesha in line next to me. They are the friends of the brave.


    You must have been in a lot of trouble when you added those two to the party, right?��The guild wanted to put a more famous and dependable adventurer on it, but because you''re selfish and make your own decisions...?


    ''Both Satome and Sesha-san are truly trustworthy companions!��There is no factor more important than trust when it comes to forming a party!


    You couldn''t take down Rasperda Fortress even if you clashed with people you trusted. Doesn''t that mean you were blind?


    Is that...?


    Now that we''ve made a mistake, you''ll have to listen to us. The center guild board sent assistance to the struggling heroes. That means it''s you, you son of a b*tc*!


    !


    The clouds are looking worse and worse.


    That means that I''ll be the one to add to the still incomplete party of three brave men!��As the last of your people!


    "Bullshit!


    Thank you, Radey. With me here, your lousy party will be the strongest.


    Apparently, he''s going to join the brave men.


    If so, I''m all set to be sent off, but I have a bewildering feeling.


    ''Wait!''


    Then it was Satome who broke in like a fire.


    Her refusal to join the club was so fierce that it really burned up.


    She said, "Who''s going to allow a guy like you to join the club?��The party will be rattled if a jiko-chu oleander like you gets in!


    Shut up, you incompetent little girl. I''m not going to be the only one. I''m not going to be the only one who can do that.


    You''re kidding me.


    You should talk to the Center Guild. I''m a member of the guild with their blessing. If you complain too much, I''ll have the authority of the Central Guild to fire you.


    Satome is pressured by the high-pressure declaration.


    It''s just that I have an idea of a better shield user than you. Don''t be a big girl with connections who was able to join the party in the brave friend slot.


    You son of a...?


    That spearhandler is going to do what I tell him to do. If I tell you to die, you die. That''s the rule of this party. That''s the rule of this party. If you don''t like it, you have the authority of the Center Guild to pull out without mercy.


    He pushes his point with the power of the Center Guild or something like that.


    Another troublesome fellow has appeared.


    If a guy like this joined, the heroic party would fall apart.


    ''''So?��Oooh, is this the old man who missed out on joining the hero''s party?


    Then the intruder''s gaze shifted further to me.


    ''Sorry, huh?��Didn''t make you dream, did you?��But the chosen seat should be occupied by the chosen one. A country boy like you, Tagosaku, is too qualified.


    ....


    ''But, well, I heard this is a village that makes mithril weapons.��Just as well, you can make me a weapon. Get me the best materials, the best craftsman. Get me the best material, the best craftsman, and cancel everything else. I''ll make my weapon the top priority.


    It''s selfish.


    ''Aren''t you glad that this worthless scum village is useful to me?��You''ll be honored for life, so work with an open mind. Yes, you can count on me for a woman to help you pass the time until your weapon is ready.��Two or three of the most beautiful women in the village, eh?


    The strongest member of the team, who had been punched in the cheek, rolled over vigorously.


    "You can''t even dodge a heavy punch like this. You are the strongest member of the team.


    Ummm, I''m weak.


    I don''t have any intention of joining a brave party, but that guild recommended member is too much, no matter how much.


    They leave the brave men and women to suffer from this scum.


    It''s indeed a pain in the conscience.


    ''The desk crew is stirring up the scene. It happened a lot where I used to work.''''


    It seems that the Center Guild Board of Directors, who don''t know anything about fighting, couldn''t see the true value of this scum.


    ''''I''m not a heroic party to begin with. That''s why the power of the center guild is not effective. Instead of the heroes with all kinds of ties, I''ll get rid of you.


    Is it your duty as a human race to support a brave man?


    You''re dead...?


    What was your name again?


    Yes, Noltiya or something like that, his cheeks were swollen red from being hit by me.


    A flame of anger flared in his eyes.


    You disrespect a brave man, Ore-sama. I''m going to kill you!��I will make this entire village accountable for your misdeeds!��I''ll kill every child in the village and rape every woman in the village!


    When did you become a hero?��Isn''t the brave little lady over there?


    "Don''t be an idiot!��I''m the real hero!��Originally, I should have been the brave one!


    Come to think of it, I''ve heard him say that.


    I''ve been told that this man was participating in the selection committee for new heroes when his predecessor retired.


    If he has this kind of character, he deserved to be rejected.


    I''m sure there are smart and stupid people in every place.


    The wise one dropped this man from the selection of the brave and the fool sent him here.


    ''It''s a nuisance to be forced to clean up after a fool. Let''s crush him thoroughly so he won''t bother us again.


    Something like that.

 40-39 Dariel uses the brave technique

    I''ll kill you!��You will kill!


    Nortya pulls her sword from its sheath and releases it.


    ''I am a brave man...!��The man who really should have been chosen to be the brave one was me!��Radey was the wrong choice!��It was a mistake that happened by accident!


    So?


    "The reason I was chosen to join the brave men is to correct my mistake!��I don''t care if you''re officially a hero!��If the party I join with defeats the Demon King, I am the hero!��It''s clear who the real achievement is!


    You''re not the only one who can defeat the Demon King.


    I assured him.


    ''''With the current brave party, we can''t defeat not only the Demon King, but also the Four Heavenly Kings who stand in front of them. If it''s just Radie and the others, there''s a thirty percent chance, but if you join us, it will go down to zero.


    You think I''m an idiot and you''re going to...?


    I''m just telling you the truth. In a previous job, I was known to tell the truth too much, and the bosses hated it.


    ''''Shut up!''''


    Noltiya swings the sword in her hand in a mess.


    Are you already upset? It''s an immature spirit.


    You can''t just insult the heroic me with a bunch of third-rate adventurers from the countryside!��I''m gonna kill you!��No, I''m not gonna kill you easily!��After slashing off both hands and feet and making them immobile, I''ll kill your family one by one in front of you!


    ''''Nortiya!��How can such an atrocity be allowed to happen...!


    I think it''s your duty as a brave soldier to help him, and he goes to intervene, but I''ll hold him off.


    "Don''t come.


    ''''But Nortya is clearly a disaster sent by the Center Guild. If it''s going to cause trouble for the village, we can''t just overlook it...!


    I''m mad at you, too.


    I said to the brave man, Radey.


    The reason why this guy came to your village is because you are weak. Your weaknesses created an opening, and that opening allowed this piece of garbage to slip in.


    I''d like to summarize and complain plenty about that weakness later, but for now, I''m focused on cleaning up this junk.


    ''''Ughyaah!''''


    It''s already coming at me.


    They''re not even holding a weapon on me yet.


    "Attacking an unarmed opponent doesn''t seem like the act of a brave man.


    "Everything I do is an act of bravery. I''m the righteous one!


    The sword wielded by the big Nortyr is fast and powerful.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to easily cut yourself in half if you hit it.


    It''s a good idea.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on.


    That''s why it doesn''t even snatch my body by mistake.


    "d*mn it!��Don''t you dare run away!��Stop, stop, stop!��Let''s just cut it out!��It''s frustrating!


    "Isn''t this a candidate for bravery or is this too low?


    I''m surprised again.


    The low level of the brave candidates.


    The strongest hero I know was never this feckless.


    I''m going to be able to see him from an enemy''s point of view and still be able to respect him with infinite fear.


    You can''t compare with this scum.


    As I watched the white blade wielded by that scum, I realized something.


    ''''........Oh?''''


    I noticed that his blade glowed whiter than silver.


    That sword is made of mithril.


    Was it a mass-produced product made in this village and distributed outside?


    ''Where did you get it?��But just now you said you were going to make your own mithril weapon.��Why ask for more when you already have it?


    "Don''t be stupid!��A heroic, brave man like me is not going to be satisfied with a ready-made product!��I should have my own one-and-only legendary weapon!��You''ll have to wait until then to get these ready-made things!


    "...this ready-made thing!


    My heart aches.


    Even if it''s a ready-made mass-produced product, it''s a weapon forged by Sakai and the others with all their heart and soul.


    It''s a shame that they were used as toys by such unqualified scum.


    Even though it''s business, it''s painful.


    ''I can only hope that at least the other pieces are in the hands of someone with a good heart.


    Jaguin!


    And with a sound, Nortya''s sword shattered.


    ''''Gibe!��What!��What''s wrong?


    The opponent is bewildered to see my sword reduced to its hilt.


    I''m not going to be able to get to the bottom of it.��How did it get shattered?��You''re defective, huh?


    Don''t be ridiculous.


    Our blacksmiths have carefully crafted and checked these pieces.


    There is no such thing as a defective product.


    Your sword was shattered, that''s how weak your aura was.


    If the weapons are made of the same mithril, then the deciding factor in the superiority of the weapon is the skill of the user themselves.


    The strength and quality of the aura that passes through the weapon will determine which one is stronger.


    ''Your aura is vastly inferior to my aura. That''s why your weapon was shattered.''''


    "Don''t be a fool!��You don''t even have a weapon on you!��And you know how you crushed my weapon?


    Heavens.


    You''re so careless, you couldn''t even hear what I was doing when I crossed paths with you.


    You''re moving too fast here.


    I took out a Hermes sword from my pocket.


    It was still in its basal state, about the width of a knife.


    It sucked in my aura and extended, turning into a long sword.


    ''''What the hell is that weapon...!


    ''I stretched this thing out in an instant, shattered your weapon, and then shrunk it again. That sequence of actions was so fast you didn''t even notice.


    If he called himself a brave man, though, he was fast enough to notice it, which was normal for him to notice it, and he was totally lazy and fast.


    ''I''ll reiterate. You''re weak.


    What the hell is wrong with you?


    He must have hurt his pride so much.


    Nortya''s face instantly turned red as if she had boiled, and countless blue streaks appeared on her forehead.


    ''''You eh?��You''ve made me angry!��I''ll never forgive you!


    You''re not the only one. Not just you, but your Radie, too.


    I look at her as she watches the game.


    I''m sure she''s listening properly.


    ''You and she are both far too weak to call yourselves brave. You''re not at all close to the strength of the brave men I know.


    What?


    It is the brave man, Radey, who raised his voice and said, "I''ve seen the brave man with my own eyes.


    ''The brave man I saw with my own eyes was as strong as a demon god. I was so frightened that I could have broken my back.


    What does that mean...?


    Aranzir the Elderly.


    I''ve experienced his fury as an enemy, and Nolteer and Radie aren''t brave enough for me.


    I''m not strong enough or scared enough.


    The fact that such a chick calls herself a hero makes me angry.


    As a disrespect to that hateful and sorrowful brave Arantzill.


    ''I''ll show you guys at least a glimpse of a true brave man. See it and realize how immature you are.


    I raise the Hermes sword in long sword mode.


    I pass it firmly through the blade. The aura of slash.


    "I''ll just learn by example, but I can still do better than you guys.


    This is the signature move of the previous hero, Arantzill, that I saw many times on the battlefield.


    The Sky Splitting Eagle.


    The aura in the sword''s body is sent flying as a flying tool.


    The trajectory of the slash itself is a mass of aura, and since it is tinged with the nature of a slash, it runs while slicing and dicing everything it touches.


    The size of the slash is about the size of an entire house.


    I shot it slightly upwards, so it eventually flew towards the sky.


    ''''Is that........?


    ''''Rumor has it that the previous hero Arantzill-sama''s signature move, the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''?��The aura consumption was so great that no one but the person who created it could master it...!


    Was that such an amazing technique?


    But that previous brave man, Lady Granberza, I''ve had dozens of shots in a row in a single fight.


    I just watched it from the sidelines and tried to observe and mimic its methods.


    Still, it worked somewhat well.


    ''''Aaaaaaaaah!


    The important thing is that Nortya, didn''t take a direct hit from the ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky''.


    I''m sure that if I hit him, he would definitely be cut off in both directions and die, so I deliberately missed it.


    However, he still ate the aftermath of the Aura Flying Slash, and his entire body was bathed in a high-powered, high-compression aura.


    It was like putting boiling water on his head.


    He was burned by the high heat emitted by the high output aura, and he struggled and writhed.


    ''''Ahhhh!��Hot, hot!��We''re dying!��I''m dying!


    I''m sure he''s lightly burned.


    I stomped on the sorts that were rolling around in pain.


    "What are you playing at?��Stand up and get up. The fight continues.


    "Oh my God...!��Oh my God.��Help me. I''ve been burned all over and I''m dying...!


    Don''t spoil it.


    The previous brave Arantzill, while suffering severe burns all over his body from Granbaza-sama''s Hellfire Magic, still pushed forward and thrust his sword into Granbaza-sama''s stomach.


    What a brave man without being able to imitate that piece of persistence.


    ''''I surrender...!��I''m going to lose.��So help me.��Hot!��Hot!��I''m going to die........!


    I didn''t know that the aftermath heat of a technique that was originally intended to cut down was enough to break my heart.


    The brave men of my day are still weak.


    They are too weak.

 41-40 Dariel decides to train a brave man

    In the end, Nortiya was left with burns all over her body, and she was unable to move.


    After asking the villagers to give him minimal medical attention, they decided to send him to the center guild on a load that carries mithril weapons.


    ''''Dariel-san, who the hell are you...?


    The brave Radie, who had been a spectator all along, asks.


    It is the original secret technique of the previous hero, Arantzill-sama. Moreover, not only can you use it, but you seem to know a lot about Master Arantzill. Are you really what in the world...?


    ''''It''s not just Nortiya.


    I gave a stern look to the hero, Radie.


    You are also weak, much weaker than your predecessor, and it pains me to challenge the Demon King with such strength.


    ''What?��Your Majesty, my Lord...?


    Your problem is, before your weapons and your friends, you''re just as weak as you are.


    I''ve made up my mind.


    I''ve made up my mind.


    "I''m gonna train you.


    "What?


    "At the very least, we need you to be strong enough to compete with the Four Heavenly Kings, otherwise the guild won''t be able to stop harassing us, and it might cause us problems.


    No more friends, no more weapons.


    You need to be strong in here, and you need to be strong on your own.


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    This is how the heroic Radey training chapter began in Lax village.


    Surprisingly, Radey obediently followed suit and engaged in daily training.


    If he trains, won''t that delay the defeat of the demon king and that will be a problem for him?��Some may argue that it''s a good idea.


    Even the previous hero had lingered and fought for thirty years until he retired after all.


    You can''t complain about the fact that the current generation spent a year or two in training.


    Now that he had beaten up Noltya, the messenger of speech, the Center Guild would be more docile and would not say anything unnecessary.


    Thus, there was another strange resident in Lax Village.


    ''''........Ha!


    In the midst of the actual training, the heroic Radey swings down his practice iron sword.


    Then a mass of aura created from the trajectory of the slash, which turned into a flying blade, runs away.


    ''''Isn''t that the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''?''''''


    Amazing, she can use it too.


    Well, that''s right, she''s an active hero.


    I can do things that nobody else can do! And I shouldn''t brag about it.


    ''''.........No, that wasn''t the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''.


    What?


    No, but the aura blade flew away properly, right?


    ''''That''s Hatada''s ''Splitting Sky'' now. Many adventurers have mastered the skill of flying aura blades, despite its high difficulty level. Among them, the only one who can do it on an order of magnitude larger and more powerful than any other is Master Arantzill, the previous hero.


    .........


    .........hmmm.


    ''''Several times more than the original. It''s hard to call this technique a mere ''splitting sky'' anymore, but we respectfully call it the ''Supreme Supreme Splitting Sky''. Only the ''Sky Splitting'' that Master Aranziel releases is the ''Supreme Supreme Sky''.


    Oh, really...?


    Dariel. You are truly a mysterious person. You don''t know just the Sky of Rivendell, you know only the Sky of Rivendell. And the ''Rivendell Sky'' you''re releasing also has a scale and power worthy of being called the ''Super Emperor''s Rivendell Sky''...!


    Did I do something wrong?


    I was a former member of the Demon King''s Army and only knew the human adventurers as enemies.


    I didn''t know that the techniques used by adventurers were called by such detailed names...!


    ''''I''m a brave man, but I can''t master my predecessor''s ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''. The amount of aura I pour into it is too small. A successor who can''t handle his predecessor''s trump card is too pathetic...!


    ''What?��A trump card?


    What is it?


    Oh, no...!


    I''m a little uncomfortable with the term "trump card"...


    Because "trump card" sounds like something you won''t use until the very end. It''s a trump card that should be used at the point of crisis.


    But the heroic Arantzill I saw on the battlefield, when the fight started, he immediately used the Sky Splitting Force.


    And then, like a jab, he fires it in rapid succession.


    The opposing Four Heavenly Kings Granbaza-sama also used a barrage of super advanced fire magic to push back, so when they fought, the terrain changed at the very least.


    ''''You don''t just need to cultivate the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky'', you have the strength to make more than enough use of it...!��It''s a long way...!


    I guess he read my expression, and Radey was convinced by himself without being told anything.


    ''''Even so, Dariel-san is truly an amazing person. He completely owns the ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky'' that only the previous generation should be able to handle. Not only does he have strength, he also has insight....''''


    When Radey said that much, he slumped down with a dark expression.


    ''''........as if you''re more worthy of being a brave man.......''''


    ?


    The words were too whispery to be heard by me.


    But Radie immediately looked up and said clearly.


    ''''But that''s why it''s worthwhile to train under you!��I can feel that my strength is improving rapidly after receiving your teachings...!


    Is that...?


    You''re right. I''m weak. When I met you, I realized that fact. That''s why I''m going to train under you to become stronger. I''m going to close in on the realm where the previous heroes and you are...!


    I don''t think you should lump me in with the previous generation of heroes, though?


    Please, thank you!


    ''Yeah, yeah ...''


    How is it a benevolent way for the former Demon King''s Army to give power to a brave man?��I''m not sure what to think....


    Well, I guess it''s all right.


    In fact, if the enemy side doesn''t have a bone in their body, the saga that will be handed down afterwards will be tasteless.


    The four heavenly kings of our time will be happy to see the brave men become stronger and fight on even terms, as it will make their lives worthwhile.


    Huh.


    ''''It''s still strange. Why is a person with this much power buried in the provinces...''''


    Radie''s sharp gaze is piercing me with a searing gaze.


    ''''........I still can''t give up. That you will become one of us.


    There you go again.


    To me, this village and my family are the most important thing in the world. I''d rather leave the world to someone else.


    ''I know that''s not possible right now. But I will train here and when I am stronger than you, I will ask you once again to join me on my journey to defeat the Demon King. I will ask you to join me on my journey to defeat the Demon King with the brave men...!


    Time will not change the answer, though.


    ''No!��Who else is worthy of being the last of the brave fellows but you!��I will definitely make you acknowledge me after training under you and becoming strong!


    There''s no logic in saying that if I acknowledge you, you''ll become my friend........


    Before I knew it, the brave girl had taken a liking to me.


    If I wasn''t a wife and child, I would have been in trouble.

 42-41 Shitenno Droyer spent a year (Shitenno side)

    One of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, Droyer of "The Fertile Ground".


    Nowadays, he was attracting attention as the last hope of the current Four Heavenly Kings.


    It was now the official opinion that the current Four Heavenly Kings were weaker and less dependable than their predecessors.


    They were just a bunch of ladylike young ladies who had been brought up and were very useless in the real battle.


    The only one of them that was considered to be useful in things was Droyer.


    She holed up in the important Rasperda Fortress, a key stronghold, and steadfastly intercepted the heroes.


    Without being haughty or buoyant.


    It was fortunate to have good chemistry, and several times she was able to defend against the brave men who challenged her to attack the fortress.


    So far, the fortress doesn''t seem to be moving from the ownership of the demon race.


    It was good to say that the face of the current Four Heavenly Kings was now supported by Droyer alone.


    The others are useless as decorations.


    Even Droyer can''t help but feel uneasy because of that, or rather because of her.


    ��


    No offense...


    Standing on top of the ramparts, Droyer tried to look far ahead.


    But that would not allow him to see to the ends of the earth.


    Somewhere in the distant human territory, somewhere in the human territory, what are the brave men who are probably still planning a plan to capture the fortress?


    There was no way to find out.


    The brave men who had attacked the fortress time and again had stopped appearing after one day.


    Has he given up on his attack?


    You could understand that and be happy with your victory, but unfortunately, Droyer doesn''t have such a carefree thought process.


    Instead, he became even more wary.


    ''''Whenever the offensive of the brave men ceases, it''s when they are making some preparations. When they appear again, they become even more formidable...?


    I couldn''t bear the anxiety.


    Protecting them meant not moving, which also meant that they had no choice but to be passive.


    As long as we have a fortress, our overwhelming advantage is guaranteed as long as we are defending it.


    However, if you don''t act from us, the enemy will always make the first move.


    It is not always the case that the enemy has a secret plan that can break down the absolute defense of the defenders.


    "At times, we should try to leave the fortress and take it by surprise...?


    It was Droyer who could not help but wonder.


    But what if it was the enemy''s plan to make him think so?


    Lure Droyer out of the fortress and ambush him and take him down.


    If that was the purpose of the calm, they couldn''t act idly.


    That made Droyer cringe.


    ''''If I had a competent assistant here, I could send them out to scout out the enemy''s inner workings instead...?


    The fact that he couldn''t do that was extremely irritating.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what to do with it.


    Can they really defend their fortress with this?


    For the human side, this is an important stronghold that will be a bridgehead for them.


    Droyer''s rich chest seemed to be shrinking with daily anxiety.


    ''Well, you''re worried?


    A sarcastic voice was thrown at Droyer''s back.


    You are now the most popular person in the world, but can''t you do something about your pessimism?��My men won''t be able to keep up with you if you''re that gloomy, right?


    ''If I act cheerful, will you listen to my instructions?��If that''s the case, I''ll be as big a clown as you want.


    When I turned around with some anger, the man standing there was an ugly man with a very sticky smile on his face.


    Bezelia, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of our day, ''Muddy Water''.


    To Droyer, he was an equal, but he was a sarcastic man who didn''t want to fight with him.


    But you are all selfish, aren''t you? No matter how I ask you, you won''t do a bit of work to defend your fortress. All the hard work will be put on me alone.


    ''What?��I don''t think so, do you?��At least I''m fighting with you, aren''t I?


    It was so.


    Bezelia was the only Four Heavenly King who was willing to fight with Droyer.


    The current Four Heavenly Kings who were already known to be incompetent.


    In such a situation, in the Demon King''s Army, the idea of replacing the Four Heavenly Kings has already been brought up.


    If things continue as they are, the current Four Heavenly Kings will be dethroned and replaced by new people sooner or later.


    The only one who sensed such an atmosphere and made a move was Bezzeria.


    She has been active so far, and has joined Droyer, the only one of the current Four Heavenly Kings who is believed to be confirmed to remain, in defending the fortress.


    As for Droyer, he didn''t like this obnoxious man, but as a co-fighter, he was reliable.


    The water wizard Bezelia is most skilled at ''Viscous Warding'', which turns a certain area of air into a watery viscosity, reducing the enemy''s quickness.


    The more massive the object, the more effective it is, and the more effective it is for the hammer wielder who uses weight as a weapon.


    In the affinity between magic and aura, the aura of hit is strong against earth magic.


    In other words, thanks to Bezelia''s ability to seal off Droyer''s weaknesses, he was able to take advantage of the battle with the heroes.


    ''''........Thanks to you, the heroes are no longer able to have a half-hearted hammer user in their party. For that I am grateful.


    It''s very good to be honest, right?��Wouldn''t you be a little bit prettier if you were always so obedient?


    Somewhat!


    This was the kind of thing Bezalia should be hated for.


    In other words, the key point, Lasperda Fortress, was supported by the Four Heavenly Kings'' joint front of earth and water.


    ''''Thanks to that, my reputation is gradually improving, and even if they seriously dismantle the Four Heavenly Kings, I''ll still be able to slip into the remaining group, right?


    Well, that''s good.


    The question is, are these two people?


    Just remembering that, Droyer''s chest felt like it was going to lose weight.


    Two of the four heavenly kings fighting tightly. The other two who weren''t fighting.


    ''''How are those guys doing?''''


    ''Bashvaza is confined to his room, okay?��Isn''t that still going to come up?


    Bashbarza of "Ayaan Fire", who called himself the leader of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    His certification of incompetence was revealed in the case of the loss of the Mithril Mine last year.


    The loss of the most important facility for the Demon King''s Army.


    Moreover, it was not through the enemy''s schemes, but through their own mistakes.


    That confirmed Bashbarza''s reputation.


    ''The second generation is a boner.


    You can''t stand that kind of attention, can you, that you''ve become a recluse?��If you have no talent and a weak mentality, what can you do?


    How''s the Zebiantes?


    I don''t know, okay?��Do you play around a lot?


    Zeviantez, the Fourth Heavenly King in charge of the wind attribute, was an uninhibited young lady.


    In the first place, she was chosen as the Fourth Heavenly King because she was expected to possess powerful wind magic, not because she wanted to be promoted by herself.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who thinks that if you''re fired from the Four Heavenly Kings, you''ll go back to being a senior demon, marry a rich man and live in peace for the rest of your life.��Would it hurt or itch for her to put down the Four Heavenly Kings?


    Bezelia guessed, but Doroye found it unbearable.


    Even if he wasn''t attached to the position of the Four Heavenly Kings, shouldn''t he at least fulfill his duties while he was actually the Four Heavenly Kings?


    Isn''t that the behavior of a person who puts himself in a position of responsibility?


    ''''The Four Heavenly Kings are now rattled.


    Droyer said, without being obtuse.


    ''''It would be fine if we were only responsible for getting rid of our positions. But a brave man will reach the Demon King''s side by taking advantage of the gap. That must not be the only thing that must happen.


    So what do you want to do?


    There''s only one way. We need Dariel to come back.


    Dariel, the Four Heavenly Kings'' assistant.


    The value of this gem that the Four Heavenly Kings once wanted to get close to and fired is becoming more and more apparent with each passing season.


    ''''We were wrong. Dariel was the one who was indispensable to the Demon King''s army...!


    That incompetent?��Do you think you''re being too cautious, boy?


    ''No, it''s not!��Yes, he couldn''t use magic, but he had many abilities that more than made up for it!


    You won''t know what you need until you''ve actually fought in a fight.


    Reconnaissance, analysis, supply, and strategy planning. Dariel was the one who was in charge of all of these things. Since the days of the previous Four Heavenly Kings. The Demon King''s Army couldn''t run without him!


    ''Don''t you think that''s a bit dramatic?��Even now, look, you''re still able to stand at the front of the line and properly defend the heroes...?


    It was Dariel who showed me the importance of this fortress.


    "...seriously?


    When Dariel was still in the Demon King''s army as an assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings.


    He explained how important the Rasperda Fortress was as a stronghold with a sour taste in his mouth.


    For the human race, it was the bridgehead for the human race. For the demon tribe, it was the final wall of defense.


    If the brave men wanted to attack deep into the demon tribe''s territory, they had to obtain Rasperda Fortress, and there was no other key location that was so convenient for the demon tribe to defend.


    Most of the four heavenly kings of the day listened to that advice, but only Droyer had listened to it seriously.


    It was now holding her fate together at the edge of a cliff.


    ''''Well because I remembered Dariel''s advice back then, I''m able to hold off the brave men''s advance. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have known where to intercept the brave men.


    But that was all Droyer could do.


    He can only defend the Rasperda Fortress to the death as shown to Dariel.


    That''s not enough to repel the brave men, it will only maintain the status quo for a long time.


    ''''We still need Dariel to achieve more than this. We need him to show us the guidelines to completely crush the brave men!


    For that reason, Droyer had been looking for Dariel for a long time, but he couldn''t find him.


    Dariel, who was banished from the Demon King''s army, had completely disappeared.


    There is no way to find someone, and Droyer''s search is not progressing at all, as he has to focus his efforts on fighting the brave men.


    ''''Oh my God!��Bezzeria!��Can''t you find something on your end?��Can''t you spare the manpower to find Dariel?


    You think I''d be so clever?


    ''''That''s right!��Ahhhhhh!


    It was the hard-working Four Heavenly King Droyer.


    ��


    Of course she had no way of knowing.


    And that Dariel, the problem, is personally giving the brave man training.


    Because of that, the brave man also won''t be able to come back to attack the fortress for a while.


    Droyer had to continue to defend the fortress that no one would attack for a while due to his lack of intelligence skills.

 43-42 Dariel shows off his son to an old friend

    My friend Lizette came to visit.


    ''Good morning,''


    Rizet, my classmate in the Demon King''s Army, remained in the Demon King''s Army even after I was fired, and is in a suitable post.


    ..............No, did he rise to the occasion?


    Oh well.


    Anyway, first you visit my house and say hello to my treasure.


    ''Awwww~...!��Gran''s cute, you''re really cute!��Cute baby!


    ..........


    It''s true that my son is cute, so I can''t blame him, but it was still bizarre for a man over thirty to call him cute.


    ''''I didn''t know Lizete liked children so much...!


    Can I pick you up?��And can I rub my cheeks?


    ''Pick her up, but don''t rub her cheeks. You''ll give off an ageing smell.


    A relentless word to his age.


    From his wife, Marika, who was holding Gran in her arms, to Lysate''s. "Mmmmm....


    Your friend is such a delightful person, isn''t he?


    Maleeka had a favorable view of this man, a former colleague of her husband''s.


    Since becoming a mother, she seemed to have become even more comfortable with him.


    ''Oh, he''s even cuter in person...!��Children are a treasure after all~!


    If you love kids so much, why don''t you just make your own?


    Lizette is about the same age as me, so we''re about the same age.


    It''s not at all surprising that he has a wife and kids at that age.


    Rather, he''s just past the right age?


    And yet this guy must not have welcomed a child, or even a wife yet.


    Unlike me, you are skilled in magic and have a suitable post in the Demon King''s Army, so you won''t have any trouble finding someone to marry.


    ''''No, well, you can''t get married. After all, I''ve just become a special agent.


    You''ve moved up in the world, haven''t you?


    Then I don''t understand more and more.


    Normally, as you rise in the ranks and improve your social status, your chances of marriage should be even better.


    You''re a special agent, you know...


    Yeah, because he''s a special agent.


    Special Agent in the Demon King''s Army.


    As the name suggests, it''s a special position.


    His duties are to take over the duties that the Four Heavenly Kings should perform.


    I''m a helper of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    When I say this, it sounds like the same position as the Four Heavenly Kings'' Assistant that I was in in the past, but it''s actually a little different.


    The biggest difference is the amount of power that comes with the position.


    The Assistant Four Heavenly King is only under the Four Heavenly King and is obligated to take orders, whereas the position of the Special Affairs Officer is the same as the Four Heavenly King.


    They are not obligated to obey orders from the Four Heavenly Kings, and their appointment and dismissal authority is not in the Four Heavenly Kings.


    It was the Demon King who appointed the Special Commissioner, and only the Demon King could give orders to the Special Commissioner.


    So what does that mean?


    ''''An office that is established to take emergency measures to compensate for the Four Heavenly Kings if they are deemed incompetent.


    It is a special officer.


    Therefore, it is not a permanent position.


    It is a post that is not needed when the Four Heavenly Kings are competent and functioning well.


    In fact, during the tenure of the previous Granbaza-sama, there was no Special Commissioner.


    To the Four Heavenly Kings, having a special agent in charge is synonymous with being branded incompetent and is extremely unpleasant.


    It''s the same as being told, "You''re not reliable, we''ll leave you to someone else.


    Moreover, the Demon King told me personally.


    Only the Demon King has the right to appoint and dismiss the Special Commissioner.


    Therefore, the Special Commissioner and the Four Heavenly Kings would inevitably have an adversarial relationship with each other.


    And my friend Rizzet, who was appointed as the Special Commissioner in his day.


    His current position was very complicated.


    He said, "Even if he is considered incompetent, the power the Four Heavenly Kings have is immense. And who would like to be at odds with that?


    Even so, there was no such thing as a daughter-in-law''s arrival under Lizete, who couldn''t avoid being an enemy due to her position.


    As a relative, he couldn''t stand on the enemy''s side of the Four Heavenly Kings as well.


    If he was already married, he would be forced to divorce for this. I''d rather be happy that I''m single...''''


    It''s hard work being a courtesan.


    Therefore, Lizet was not only unable to have children, but even the preliminary step of marriage was impossible.


    ''''You''ve got the ability and the character...!��Poor guy....!


    Rizzet made good on the Mithril mining riot and was rewarded with the position of special agent.


    I''m the one who started it all, so I''m not the only one responsible for it, but....


    "You''re touching my kid too much. It''s time to give them back.


    "Ah!��!


    My children are more important to me than my friend''s sense of duty.


    You are a bastard, aren''t you? You owe a great debt of gratitude to someone and you got permission to use his name.


    Oh, you know what I mean?


    I know what you mean. Gran-kun''s Gran is Gran-Baza''s thing, right?��I know what you''re thinking, but what kind of heroic, powerful man are you trying to raise into?


    I want him to grow up strong, even if it''s a one-puncher.


    No hard feelings.


    Really?��But it''s nice, isn''t it, Dariel? I''ve been blessed with a beautiful wife and children. I should have been discharged from the Demon King''s Army earlier too.


    Don''t be afraid of me.


    You''re the one supporting the current Demon King''s army from within, aren''t you?


    You''re the only one who can help the Demon King''s army.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on in the world. It''s a good idea to have a good time.


    "...where is Lord Bashvaza?


    That stupid son of a b*tc* is still the same. He stays in his room and doesn''t come out. He just knocks on the door from time to time, but he''s just talking in an incomprehensible rambunctious manner through the door panel.


    .... is he being driven to that point?


    The son of a benefactor, it is painful to see such recent developments.


    However, he''s in his current position and he''s also the one who banished me, so I can''t help him that easily.


    "I just want to dissolve the current Four Heavenly Kings as soon as possible...!��Then I would have been relieved of my special agent duties and could have married her...!


    Lizette, who was past her thirties, was fiercely impatient to get married.


    ''''Oh...!��I want to get married, I want to get married. Or rather, I want a family. A family that welcomes you back when you say ''I''m home''!��Hot meal!��Lively living room!��A home where the children''s voices are constant!��...I don''t want to go back to my house with no lights on!��I don''t want to go home without lights!


    Get a grip!��My friend, get a grip!


    Lizete tries desperately to encourage her, as her loneliness threatens to overwhelm her.


    "What?


    His wife, Malika, who had temporarily gone to another room, came back and said a few words.


    ''Mr. Lizet, weren''t you married?''


    ''Marika!��Why are you trying to finish him off?


    It would kill Lizette''s life force if she had to confront me with that fact.


    "What?��No, no, no.��That''s not what I meant...!


    What Maleeka tells me throws me and Lizete into confusion.


    ''Lizete''s wife is here, isn''t she?


    What?


    I was struck by the emptiness.


    Does anyone else have such an empty mind when they are told that there is something impossible?


    ''Hey Lizet?��Lizet?��How long have you been married?��Was the current single lonely appeal a bluff?��I''ve lost my pity!


    ''I don''t know!��At least I recognize myself as a pathetic, single demon!��If you feel sorry for me, give me a wife!


    I don''t know what the hell you''re talking about.


    What do you mean by that?


    I mean, we should talk to Marika, who witnessed this Lysate''s wife, and find out what happened.


    What did we mistake it for?


    "What?��It wasn''t?��You came here at exactly the same time as Lizette, so I thought you were his wife...?


    What?


    You''re very beautiful and youthful, but now that I think about it, I wonder if you''re too young to be Lizet''s wife?��Crime?


    It''s Malika.


    And don''t forget, you and I are over ten years apart in age!


    And I''m going to check it out with my own eyes anyway!��Who is that bastard claiming to be my loving wife?��A villain who claims to be my loving wife?��Do you enjoy messing around with my naive heart?


    To hell with it?


    I''m sure you''ll find that the person who''s impersonating Lizette''s wife is having a cup of tea in the living room.


    I immediately get in and check it out........


    ��


    Huh, the tea is so good.


    "?


    Sometimes these simple pleasures have a certain charm about them.


    It was a familiar face of mine that was having tea in our living room.


    Lizet would know it too.


    After all, she is a member of the same Demon King''s Army as us.


    Zeviantes, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, ''Huafu''.......


    ........why are you in my house, Mr. Zeviantes?

 44-43 Shitenno Zebiantes, somehow

    One of the current four Heavenly Kings in the Demon King''s Army.


    The current Four Heavenly Kings are two female members, but the more flamboyant one, Lady Zeviantes, is a female Fourth Heavenly King.


    The current Four Heavenly Kings have two female members out of the four, but Lady Zeviantez is a more flamboyant female Fourth Heavenly King.


    She still has flamboyant blonde hair that is flamboyantly wrapped around her head, and her clothes are also flamboyant with a wide open chest.


    How come such a flamboyant person is here?


    ''''Isn''t that person the wife of Lizet-san?''''


    ''No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,


    Lizet denies with all her might, even beyond her full strength.


    That''s right.


    Even I would deny it with all my might if I was misunderstood like this.


    No matter how beautiful you are, I don''t want you to think of such a flamboyant and stupid-looking person as a marriage partner!


    ''''Oh, that''s a face I''ve seen somewhere.


    And the person in question finally turned his attention to us.


    It was to me that Zeviantes-sama showed particular interest in me.


    ''''Ahh, I remember. He''s the incompetent person I fired some time ago. I didn''t know you were here!''''


    That''s the perception of me, after all.


    You still have a horrible way of saying things, but from the way you''re talking, does that mean you''re not after me?


    There''s no way it could be like that.


    It''s a bit of hubris that the Four Heavenly Kings are looking for me now.


    "It''s a shabby outfit. It''s a suitable situation for an incompetent and unworthy person.


    The beautiful woman who is pointing at me and laughing at me.


    I was used to it when I was in the Demon King''s Army, but it''s pretty annoying after so long....


    When I was wondering how to reply to the question, the one who went into action before me.


    With Bagon.


    Trey punched Zeviantes-sama on the head.


    Hiiii?


    Just looking at it from the side is enough to crush my liver, me and Lizete.


    The person who struck me was my wife, Marika.


    What did you say?


    As it is, I grab Zeviantes-sama''s collar and tighten it up.


    Abba-bba-bba...?


    Calling a human husband incompetent, are you prepared to go to war?��Huh?��What village are you from?��Should we destroy the storehouse as a greeting?


    I''m sorry...!��I''m so sorry...!


    Won''t you ever say anything stupid again?


    ''Yes!��Yes!


    ''''........Okay then. I''m sorry for hitting you...


    .........


    My wife Mareeka scary to overwhelm the Four Heavenly Kings with anger.


    ''''........She was scared. I will never again speak out about something so bypassing........!


    And Mr. Zebiantes, who is truly freaked out.


    What are you really doing here?


    ''Mr. Zeviantes?��Why are you here?��You even lied about being my wife?


    Rizzet can''t not care about it and pursue it.


    But.


    ''Huh?��I''m too creepy to be your wife.


    ''''Guhaaah!''''


    Lizet died of indignation at the too frank words.


    You just swore just now that you wouldn''t speak unwisely, Zebiantes-sama!


    ''It''s not my business, I was just mistaken. It''s just that I''ve been following you.


    Followed?


    This just keeps getting more and more disturbing!


    The Four Heavenly Kings following Rizzeto, who is also a special agent in the Demon King''s army, smells like a dark fight!


    What the hell do you want?


    The mindless words are enough to make me dying, Lizet, and I''m going to be more vigilant.


    "You don''t mean to assassinate me?��An assassination?��You''re trying to put me, a special agent, out of my misery, in a public place, to get rid of me...?


    Why would I do that?


    It seems to be different after all.


    I''m not interested in the Four Heavenly Kings or anything else, so if you want to fire me, you can do whatever you want. It''s not cool to work diligently and hurriedly when your position is in jeopardy, like Bezzeria.


    You are going to have to work diligently...


    Then all the more reason why are you here?


    "Hmph...!��You want to know?��My grandiose and splendid purpose...?


    That''s very formidable.


    I have only one goal in mind.


    Accumulate.....


    It''s Mithril!


    "What did you say?


    Did Master Zeviantes come to the village of Lux in search of mithril?


    The mithril that comes from the world''s only mithril mine is extremely valuable.


    Now that ownership of the mine has passed to the human race, mithril on the demon side is in short supply. The only person who can secure a trade route for mithril is Rizzeto, using his connections as a friend of mine.


    Because of this current situation, it is only to be expected that the demon race will try to secure as much mithril as possible from the already thin supply routes.


    Is Four Heavenly King Zeviantes-sama one of them?


    ''If there''s one source for Mithril, it''s this guy. After all, he was appointed Special Agent in Charge for barely securing Mithril''s trade routes.


    He pointed to Lizet.


    ''Yes, yes...!


    ''But he won''t reveal the specific deal, saying it''s a secret. So we''ve decided to investigate.


    Where Rizzet is getting his mithril.


    So, today, she followed that guy out of town to wherever he was going. She''s on her own.


    "You?


    I glare at Lizet.


    Aren''t you being overly cautious when you''ve become a special agent, as you should be, but aren''t you being too cautious?


    Please don''t do this.��I don''t want to be able to detect if a wind user is seriously following me...!


    You''re right.


    With wind magic, you can manipulate the air at will, muffling footsteps and cutting off scents.


    Advanced practitioners are said to be able to change the density of the air, refracting light and even hiding their appearance.


    All of this would be no problem for a great wizard who has been selected as the Four Heavenly Kings.


    You think I wanted a mithril?


    Of course!


    Master Zebiantes said fiercely.


    ''''A magical tool that enhances magic. The finest of those magical tools are made from mithril!��It''s the one thing I deserve!


    ''I see.


    ''We know there''s a mithril here!��This "Huafu" is commanded by Zebiantes in the name of the Four Heavenly Kings!��Give me all the mithril you can get for me!


    I don''t like it.


    Huh?


    Indeed, Mithril is here.


    The reason why I kept it a secret is because, as expected, it''s difficult for the demon race to openly deal with the human race.


    I can praise Zeviantes-sama''s ability to act as the Four Heavenly Kings for figuring that out and getting on board.


    But that doesn''t mean I''m going to raise my mithril as a clearing bonus.


    There is a good reason for this.


    I''m sure you''re aware that Mithril is in the hands of the human race right now. The deal has been struck in the form of a special sale of it to Rizzet alone.


    I couldn''t do that to you casually.


    Moreover, he had no reason to say anything like that, but he did say something like, "Give it to me.


    He said, "Give it to me," not "sell it.


    I couldn''t agree with that.


    "Oh, you...!��He''s so cheeky.��The incompetent assistant who was fired........!


    Naturally, Master Zebiantes seems to be furious at my refusal.


    ''I understand!��Then I''ll remind you!��That you''re a scum worm who must obey whatever this Four Heavenly King Zebiantes tells you to do!��I will remind you that I am a diminutive being who must die when I order you to die and lick your shoes when I order you to lick them!


    The magical power that erupts with anger takes the form of a storm and swirls around.


    I wondered if this was going to be a battle development from here........


    With a bang, Trey hits Zeviantes-sama''s head.


    "Anta hey, you don''t learn your lesson, swearing at my husband........


    ''Hee!��I''m so sorry!


    He was a four-legged king who was freaked out by our wife''s rage.


    I don''t even know if Maleeka is the true strongest.

 45-44 Dariel makes his former boss a mess

    I can''t get away with this, so I decided to ask him to come by force.


    I can''t afford to be violent inside the house, so I go outside.


    ''''Gufu...!��If it weren''t for that demon sister, it would be ours.......!


    Maleeka stayed home because she had housework and Gran to take care of.


    It''s just me and Lizete taking on Zeviantes-sama.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one.��You can''t tell me that you''re going to be competing with the Four Heavenly Kings of all times...?


    That''s a scary thought.


    "You''re still a special agent who''s going to fight the Four Heavenly Kings?


    ''The Special Agent''s barrage is a conflict of interest in the job description!��If it comes down to a stiff fist fight, would you be able to match the strongest four demon clan''s Four Heavenly Kings!


    Really?


    I''m sure that''s true.


    The Zebiantes may be a partier, but he''s a real talent who was chosen as the Four Heavenly Kings.��He''s the best wind wizard of the current demon race...!


    Except for the previous four wind gods, right?


    She was no longer in full battle readiness and was creating a disastrous air current around her.


    It''s like trying to teach the lowest class of unknowing people the difference in their abilities.


    The place is a plain on the outskirts of the village. This is a place where people from the village rarely pass by and they can rampage with all their might.


    ''''Lizet, stay back. As expected, the Four Heavenly Kings and the special agent can''t have a slugfest, can they?


    Apparently, Master Zeviantes seems to think that I''m in on it with Lyseto, and that if I threaten him, he''ll offer me Mithril.


    What would I have done in the past?


    I would have been a dark soldier when I was a member of the Demon King''s army.


    As a demon tribe that can''t use magic, I wouldn''t have any means of resistance.


    If you want to kill them, kill them. The only thing I had to do was to abandon the principle of non-resistance: "If you want to kill me, kill me, but that doesn''t change the correctness of my argument.


    But now it''s different.


    I took out the Hermes Sword from my bosom and quickly transformed it into a long sword form.


    ''''A.......weapon?��What does it all mean?


    In her perception, I would still be a demon race.


    The demon race holds the weapons of the human race.


    It must be a strange thing.


    ''''Well, that''s okay!


    Her specialty, which earned her the title of "Huafu", is wind magic.


    She can manipulate the flow of the atmosphere at will.


    The effects it produces are manifold.


    "Don''t worry. I''m not going to kill you to get you to give me your mithril. But how in the world do you want me to do it?��Would you like a gust of wind to blow it off?��You want to get that thing out of here?��Or we could just pull all the air out of your lungs...!


    The brutal menu seems to be on her mind.


    "I will make you realize the sinfulness of your disobedience to me. You must take your time with them...!


    I.........shape the Hermes Sword through its aura.


    This weapon is made up of shape-shifting Hermes silver, which can change its shape and even its texture according to my will.


    The Hermes Sword has been transformed into a sharp-tipped Estock.


    I point it at the end and run.


    ''''Nah!''''


    In the blink of an eye, he enters his pocket and thrusts the tip of the stock at Zebiantes'' throat.


    I''m not going to stab him, as expected.


    If I wanted to, I could stab him and penetrate his throat whistle.


    ''''........Oh no!��I had already triggered the storm wards........?��They shouldn''t even be able to get close to it...?''''


    Zebiantes had an expression on his face as if he said ''I don''t understand'', but to me, it was a natural consequence.


    In order to break through the wind wards, an attack that is sharp and thin and minimizes air resistance is appropriate.


    And if it has a weight that won''t be blown away by a bit of wind, even better.


    It is said that the strongest weapon of the human race against wind magic is the spear, a melee weapon suitable for the stinging characteristics.


    I followed suit and used my Hermes sword in stock form to perform an assault stabbing attack.


    I was able to break through the barrier of the storm.


    ''''........will you admit defeat?


    ''What are you talking about!''


    I lower my stock and Zebiantes jumps out of the way as if he''s been played and takes his distance.


    ''That was just me being caught off guard!��A scumbag who can only take me down by surprise!��You''re going to regret letting me take you seriously!


    Zebiantes stays in the sky with his levitation magic.


    Flying in the sky against gravity is one of the unique strengths of wind magic.


    ''''Your sword''s spacing doesn''t allow you to reach this distance!��The failure to finish me off with a surprise attack earlier was fatal!


    Furthermore, Zebiantes emits magical power from both of his hands that he holds up and begins to chant an exaggerated spell.


    ''''That was...!


    Multiple tornadoes occur and drift around Zebiantes.


    ''That''s the preparation stage for Zeviantes-sama''s most powerful magic, Geostorm!��This is bad!


    Lizet screamed behind me.


    ''''....I know. This is still the former Assistant Four Heavenly King, man.


    The geostorm is one of the most powerful spells in the wind attribute.


    First of all, they dare to generate multiple small tornadoes, and when they are sufficiently powerful, they are combined into one.


    By doing so, it would develop into a tens of times larger tornado.


    If that great magic were to be completed, not only would the entire area around it, but the entire Lax Village itself could be cleared.


    ''''Hahahaha!��I hope it all blows over!


    It''s immature to lose sight of the fact that you''ve been cornered a bit.


    As for me, I''m determined to prevent my beloved Lax Village from disappearing.


    That''s why I can''t let you complete Geostorm.


    ''''The Super Emperor''s Sky.''''


    The giant aura slash released from the Hermes Sword hits the still small tornado.


    ''''Nah!''''


    The tornado that received a direct hit was slashed apart in an instant, dissipating and disappearing.


    ''''The ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky,'' the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky,'' the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky,'' the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''...!


    There are a lot of tornadoes, so it''s a pain in the ass because you have to fire them in rapid succession to eliminate them one by one.


    ''Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.��All the tornadoes that were supposed to develop into geostorms are being erased one by one.


    Zebiantes.


    Hi!


    I call out to her from the ground as she floats in the air with the blessing of the wind.


    I don''t care what it is, my pants are in full view.


    You know what I mean?��With your current skills, you''re not out of reach. We can always shoot you down.


    ''Awwww...?


    "It would have been much easier to stop the ''geostorm'' by killing you, the sorcerer, than it would have been to eliminate the tornadoes one by one. But I didn''t do it. Do you know what that means?


    She buzzed and nodded with tears in her eyes.


    ''Then you will go down to the ground and declare your surrender, won''t you?


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    Ugh, I never thought I''d lose...!


    Zebiantes was heartbroken and devastated.


    ''It''s not fair that a demon race would use a weapon!��Cheating and winning isn''t a victory!


    He says, "I''m sorry, but it''s just an accusation.


    ''....Can''t you just realize another possibility?


    That I was really a human race.


    That''s why I can handle weapons with an aura, and I can''t use magic.


    Everything would add up, though.


    ''Yah-na-na!��I want mithril!��I want mithril, I want mithril, I want mithril, I want mithril, I want mithril!


    I guess you''re the one who can''t stand it...!


    Zebiantes has become a spoiled child.


    Do you want mithril that badly...!


    You want it so badly, can I give it to you?


    What?


    Zebiantes, who was jittering on the ground, stopped with a snap.


    ''What does it mean?��I thought you weren''t going to raise it?


    ''I''m telling you I can''t give you a free raise. It''s our business, too.


    As long as you''re paying us, it''s no problem for us.


    "Really?��He''ll sell it to us for money!


    For a demon like you, it''s pretty pricey.


    ''Wow, we did it!


    This is how the story came together.

 46-45, Smiths apprentice, do his best

    Hey, hey, Dariel...!��Are you okay...?


    Lizet, who had been standing on the sidelines for a long time, finally interrupted here.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has a contract with the demon side to deal with Mithril.


    You don''t have to worry about it.��What about her?


    I don''t think it''s in his nature to be obsessed with power struggles and trying to reel them in.


    Zebiantes is.


    The only thing that controls her is purely the greed of ''I want mithril''.


    It''s because she''s like that that there''s no need to be vigilant.


    But then why are you fighting...?


    Even if you don''t have a plan, if you''re on a roll, you''ll be hard to handle. First of all, I want you to know who''s stronger.


    There are equal deals that begin on top of that.


    ''So here''s what Mithril''s selling price will be.


    "It''s absurdly expensive!��What an outrage!


    Well, of course it is. Of course it is. The humans are in charge of mithril production now. If you don''t like it, we''ll skip this story.


    No, you are buying it!��You must provide the money!


    I knew these Senior Demons were wealthy.


    As long as you pay us, we have no complaints.


    ''By the way, Mr. Zeviantes, what are you going to do with your mithril?


    In case you''re wondering what it''s for.


    I think I heard it earlier.


    Of course!��You must make it a magic tool!


    Yeah, I know.


    It''s like you said before.


    The art of fighting is magic for the demon race.


    However, that doesn''t mean you can''t become invincible by yourself as long as you can use magic.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.


    There are a number of magic tools for various purposes, such as stabilizing magic power, assisting in attribute changes, and releasing accumulated magic power at the required time.


    Zebiantes wants to make them using mithril as a material.


    Mithril is the best material for making magic tools as well.


    It''s not that even super advanced wizards like the Four Heavenly Kings don''t need assistance from magic tools, rather they probably need higher quality magic tools to handle higher magic.


    ''''Could it be........that you are using that magic tool to fight a revenge battle against the heroes......?''''


    Lizete says worriedly.


    ''''This person has fought a human race hero before and was defeated. Equipped with more powerful magic tools, he''s going to win this time...''''


    It''s not true.


    It was easily denied.


    What I want is a fashionable magic tool that will enhance my beauty. There is no need for such a bloody use.


    ''Huh...''


    I see.


    A powerful magic tool made from mithril is treated as an accessory.


    It''s reassuring in my current position, but when I think back to when I was an assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings, this debauchery.......tears......!


    Don''t cry, Dariel!��Don''t worry, Master Droyer of the soil is serious enough!��And, just in case, the water!


    That''s half of...!��Half of the Four Heavenly Kings are dysfunctional........!


    Rizzet comforted me, but I was in a ''what the hell'' mood.


    ''More than that!��He''s got something on his mind!


    That''s not the point.


    I''m most concerned about your pardennen behavior!


    That''s what I''m curious about, what you have!


    What?


    Ah.


    You mean the Hermes sword.


    ''It looked like it was in the middle of a fight, but it stretched and contracted and was very vivacious!��I want the same thing!


    She''s definitely the type of person who wants a toy that belongs to someone else.


    I would love to incorporate this magical quality into my new magical instrument!��And I want to use it for a surprise gimmick!


    Are you going to dress up or something...?


    With that said, this Hermes sword.


    It is the best work of the late genius blacksmith Grandpa Smith''s last work.


    The effects of Hermes silver, an alloy that changes its shape in response to aura, are certainly amazing, and I can understand why Zeviantes would be envious of it.


    I''m proud to say that I''m a proud replacement for Grandpa Smith in heaven.


    It''s a product created by the human race''s blacksmiths. And he even used the alchemy of the demon tribe.


    "What is that?��It looks amazing!


    Zebiantes'' bite grew stronger and stronger.


    I, too, want to have a human blacksmith to make magic tools!��Introduce me!


    What?


    I don''t think a blacksmith can make a magic tool, do you?


    And I''m sure you have no idea about magic.


    ''If it''s money, you pay on top of that!


    Would you like to at least try to negotiate?


    If I can get paid, there is no pros and cons.


    I decided to cross over to a blacksmith working in the village of Lax.


    ��


    A grimoire...?


    Sakai, the blacksmith who leads the workshop, accepts this outlandish offer.


    He doesn''t seem surprised or panicked.


    ''''I knew it would come one day, you know. Ever since Master showed me how to move the magic tool that he desperately needed when he was developing the Hermes Sword, you showed me how to move it.


    I didn''t do it, okay?


    I was there to watch the late Grandpa Smith make an alloy with a magic tool he got through a back channel from somewhere, and this Sakai-kun was there as an apprentice of Grandpa''s.


    ''''To be honest, I don''t feel comfortable with it. Magic tools are used by demons, right?��We''ve always been told that the demon race is the enemy of the human race...!


    I understand how you feel, Sakai.


    Are the humans and the demons really incompatible with each other, no matter what the circumstances?


    But you know........if Master had been alive, I''m sure he would have taken it on.


    Sakai said.


    His mentor.


    ''Smith, the great blacksmith, despite his boisterousness.


    ''He had that kind of personality, so he couldn''t help but try the unknown. And through trial and error, he would acquire new techniques. I was his apprentice, so I can''t help but inherit his strengths.


    "Sakai-kun!


    What a reassuring word!


    But as you can imagine, I wouldn''t want to bother the humans with something I''ve created, would I?


    I mean, how''s that, Zeviantez?


    Check with the client.


    ''It''s all right!��My magic tools are there to decorate me!


    It makes me sad that the Four Heavenly Kings can say that much.


    ''''Alright. Blacksmith Sakai, I will challenge the unknown territory that even my master has never ventured into!


    Grandpa Smith is going to be frustrated behind the grass and leaves.


    He said, "I wanted to take a shot at it too.


    Then let''s get right to work on my order!


    Zebiantes tells Sakai-kun the image of the magic tool he wants him to make as soon as possible.


    ''Here, like this!��Shepard!��They want it to come cuing and clang!


    "Oh, I see!


    I can tell from that.


    It''s amazing.


    But since I''m not a demon, I can''t do the essential part, so I need the cooperation of my profession.


    "He didn''t miss a beat!��I''m going to send you an alchemist who specializes in making my magic tools!


    ''That''s great!��That''s nice!


    He''s in high spirits.


    It''s a rare and precious experience to be able to see the know-how of making a magic tool in person!��I''m so motivated!


    Your enthusiasm for creation is a master''s gift.


    ''I wonder if this was the right thing to do...!


    Me and Lizette are completely out of the mosquito net and can''t follow the conversation.


    ''It''s fine.��It''s like the human race and the demon race are working together.


    To be honest, I don''t want to make enemies with either of them, as I have a complicated background as a human who was raised by the demon race.


    I can''t help but wish that the human race and the demon race would get along with each other from this point on.


    The problem for that is...


    I hadn''t forgotten that an entity that would be a problem for the foreseeable future was just around the corner.


    A brave man, Radie.


    He is training in this village.


    What would happen if we ran into the Four Heavenly Kings, Zebiantes?

 47-46 Dariel runs hard to avoid trouble

    Radey the Brave.


    In the village of Lax.


    "How did that happen? And I''m just twisting my neck too, but I''m there anyway.


    This is a venerable thing.


    There is even the Four Heavenly Kings, Zebiantes, in the village of Lax.


    A brave man and the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army.


    Needless to say, they are sworn enemies.


    These two are staying in the same village, it''s like putting a snake and a mongoose in a cage.


    According to what I heard, Zebiantes had already challenged the heroic party and fought a fierce battle, so the two sides are definitely split.


    There will definitely be a battle.


    The moment we encounter it, it''s an immediate fight to the death.


    It''s very troubling that my beloved village will be involved in the battle...!


    We''ve got to make sure that we don''t run into each other again!


    Fortunately, Zebiantes is so engrossed in making magic tools that he doesn''t seem to be coming out of the forge.


    It''s a relief that the brave Radey rarely stops by that way.


    It would be nice if it ended safely without any encounters.


    ��


    Still, I couldn''t help but wonder, so I went to check on Radie.


    The guy from Rizzeto left irresponsibly and quickly, so I was on my own.


    ''Mr. Dariel!��Good job!


    Cheerful cheerfulness.


    The crisp greeting pierces the old man''s ears.


    It''s a bit of a dazzling youthfulness.


    Is Radie in training?


    ''Yes!��Because that''s the whole point of my stay!


    She was swinging bare with her bare sword.


    It seems that she has been doing this for quite a while, and jade sweat floats from her entire body and plays on her fresh skin.


    ''''Dariel-san, I understand that you are busy with the village chief''s work, but would you be willing to watch my training as well?''''


    Oh, yes...!


    Radey is a very serious child, and as he devotes himself to his training life in the village of Lax, he improves rapidly.


    It''s like he''s intensively retraining his basic skills, which have been neglected due to his responsibilities as a hero.


    I''m sure they''ll be able to defeat the Four Heavenly Kings before long even without my guidance.��Or so I thought.....


    ''Speaking of which, Dariel-san. I heard there was a tornado near the village, right?


    ''Yeah well...''


    ''I was so focused on my cultivation that I didn''t notice it at all!


    ''Well, there it is. He disappeared before he got anywhere near the village so...


    To be exact, it''s ''because I turned it off''........


    ''''Demons are scary, but natural disasters are still scary too.......!��If you ever need help, please don''t hesitate to let me know so I can help you!


    Oh, thank you.


    I''m part of the village now that I''m staying, so I''m here to help with anything!


    That''s a good boy.


    With your cooperative attitude, ''''I won''t fight if I encounter the Four Heavenly Kings! It would be even better if you declared.


    ''Okay, so here''s the rest of my training...''


    ''Yes!��What shall we do with the menu?


    Continue with your 100,000 swords.


    Ten thousand?


    This kind of nonsense will keep us moving for the rest of the day.


    If Zeviantes finishes his business while we keep her pinned down, we''ll be fine.


    *******


    If there''s anything else to watch out for, it''s the other members of the brave party.


    The brave party isn''t just Radie alone.


    With her as the core, there is a group of friends who will be adventuring together.


    Sesha, the spearman.


    Satome, the shield wielder.


    The two of them also decided to stay with the brave men who decided to train in the village of Laxx.


    Where and what the two of them are doing........


    ''''Sesha-san,''''


    Sesha-san has registered with the village guild as an adventurer and is taking on the quests that are ordered.


    I''m filled with a sense of apology even though I was able to join the glorious brave party.


    ''''Don''t worry about it. I''m an adventurer by trade. It suits my nature better to work in this way, undertaking quests for the guild.


    What''s your quest this time?


    You will be escorting a pack with mithril weapons to the city, that I will be away for a few days. I''m going to be away for a few days, so I ask you to take good care of our hero.


    That much?


    Are you sure you''re part of the party of the brave and you want to be away from them that much?


    That''s all right, I''m fine. I''m sure you''ll be here for a long time anyway. I''m going to stay here for a long time anyway.


    If you have an A-class adventurer like Sesha-san as your transporting escort, you can be sure to reach your destination safely.


    As the village chief, I can rest assured that I''ll be able to do the same.


    Still, I wonder if this is really the right thing to do? I think.


    ''''.........I have only recently joined the party of the heroes, and we don''t have a very deep relationship.


    Huh...?


    But I understand, that I do.


    You know what I mean?


    What?


    ''The brave man who is settled in this village is at ease, that he is at ease. When I was continuing my journey as a brave man, I felt as if I would burst at any moment from the tension.


    Indeed.........


    There''s a big difference in the hardness of her expression between when she first came to Lax Village and now.


    Even I, who only knew her after visiting the village, have noticed it.


    I''m sure it''s more natural for a maiden of that age to have this now. Please cherish the present moment for her.


    After saying that, Sesha-san went off on his quest.


    I was the one who had to see it off, unintentionally.


    ''''........Personality?''''


    You are a warrior, I thought honestly when I saw Sesha.


    Adding someone like that to the membership is in itself proof that the brave Radie is worthy of that title.


    ''''........But then again, thinking about it, this situation is delicious, isn''t it?


    If Sesha-san is away from the village, the chances of encountering Zebiantes are infinitely zero.


    Then, as for Sesha-san, it''s safe and secure, so let''s check the following........


    ��.


    Another brave party member, Satome, the shield-user, was, to my surprise, at our house.


    The village chief''s house.


    And in the kitchen.


    I''m sorry to make you help even though you''re our guest...


    I don''t feel like a customer if I''m staying with you for days. That''s not a problem. I''ve been helping at home since I was a kid!


    I was helping my beloved wife, Malika, prepare dinner.


    She''s a good girl too.


    ''Marika-san has a baby to take care of, so you can count on me to help you while I''m here!


    Thank you so much. He''s still a bit of a handful...!


    I''m not the only one.


    I don''t just care about the village chief''s work, let''s help raise the children.


    Satome is a childhood friend of the brave Radey, and that''s why she joined the party.


    This is probably the result of valuing unwavering trust, even at the last minute, over competence. I think that decision is correct.


    ''Anatar, dinner will be ready soon, so sit back down!


    Okay.


    The rule in our house is that we all eat together.


    His father-in-law''s policy is that it''s essential for the family to meet several times a day to stay together.


    I agree with him so much that I make sure I''m home for dinner.


    I''ve put out more chairs for you today, so make sure you don''t sit on the wrong one.


    What?


    Because there are a lot of people here today.


    ''''Eh!''''


    When I went to the dining table, two women I already knew were sitting across from me.


    The brave Radey.


    The Four Heavenly Kings ''Huafu'' Zebiantes.


    .........the two of them.


    Why are they all gathered at our reunion?


    Isn''t it our family''s rule that we all eat together at dinner?


    "Marika?��Did you do this?

 48-47 Dariels hardships, wasted

    A brave man and the Four Heavenly Kings.


    The two are in conflict.


    The result of the encounter between the two leads to a battle.


    It was clearer than the fire.


    ''''You are?��The Four Heavenly Kings, Zeviantes?��Why are you here!''''


    The brave Radie naturally swallowed the situation and reacted violently.


    In contrast, Zeviantes''........


    ''''Ahh~...?''''


    Something about the itchy look on his face, as if he was trying to find a memory clue.......


    ''''........''''


    ....?


    Oka-sa-sa, please hurry up and feed me.


    Don''t give up on remembering.


    I mean, why can''t I remember?


    You''re a brave man!��The four heavenly kings are the ones who should be eliminated first!��How could you forget your face?


    I''m so sad that I pointed it out to you!


    I should really be hiding it.


    ''Oh my God, he''s a brave man!��Jungle man!��I must have forgotten all about it!


    So I finally identified the person I was facing...


    "Well, let''s have dinner...


    "Is that all you have to do?


    We have a mission!��Her mission as the Fourth Heavenly King of the Demon King''s Army!


    So light in her mind!


    "Dariel...?��Why are you so close to the Fourth Heavenly King?��What''s his connection to you...?


    Does this look like a friendly relationship?


    And the brave man, Radie, also witnessed the exchange and looked at me with suspicion.


    This is not good.


    I''m sure there''s a lot to talk about, but...


    Then my wife descends to the table.


    I put a pot of stew on the table.


    Let''s not fight in the house. Let''s follow the rules, okay?


    ''''Yes!''''


    Not only Zebiantes, but even Radie was blubbering and in absolute obedience.


    Mareeka is really strong.


    ��


    I''ll just tell you the whole story...


    I can''t keep this from him any longer, so I''ll explain everything honestly.


    I''ll explain everything honestly.


    A brave man standing in the most glorious realm of the world, or the Four Heavenly Kings.


    "A human born and raised among demons...?


    The serious Radie had the expected reaction, or rather, was deeply shocked.


    ''''Oh no, you didn''t realize that on the way...?


    ''''Fortunately or unfortunately, not at all. The only thing that was strange was that I couldn''t use magic, but that was also dismissed as incompetence...!


    It wasn''t until I arrived at the Lux village that I realized I was actually a human race.


    ''''I didn''t know there was a human being with such a strange destiny...!��Too much, too much...!


    Radey looked bewildered and devastated as if it was his own business.


    ........But.


    I''m in trouble if I''m even more shocked than I was when I found out the truth myself.


    ''''Did Marika-san know about it?


    ''Yes, when we got married, he told me all about it, saying, ''I want no hidden things in my family.''


    The two of them, Marika and Satome, are sitting around the dinner table talking.


    As she said, I''ve already told Marika and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, who have already become my family, about my upbringing.


    The reason is because, as she already told me, I don''t want to hide anything from my family.


    There is no bond that can be built without saying something important.


    On the other hand, there are some bonds that would be destroyed if the fact that they were hidden is revealed, but Malika''s family still accepted me as a former member of the Demon King''s Army regardless of the fact that I was a former member of their family.


    I''ve found a really good family.


    "The stew is so good! I need another bowl of stew!


    You should comment something too!


    And Zebiantes.


    She didn''t even listen to me, let alone have an opinion on my half of life.


    She just raved about the stew that Marika had made.


    It''s true.


    My wife''s stew is excellent, isn''t it?


    But now listen to me!


    By the way, Marika''s parents, who are in Alexandria, were also present at the dining table, but they could not comment on it and only smiled.


    My son, Gran, is slurping away at his own private meal (tits) just now.


    ''Don''t you have a few thoughts?��You''re the only ones who fired me, aren''t you?


    Only the Four Heavenly Kings have the authority to fire me, who was the assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army.


    It may be past time, but this was a good opportunity to speak frankly.


    "Why did you fire me?


    "He doesn''t know.


    Connoisseurs!


    It was such a throwaway answer that everyone around me was also surprised.


    You can''t blame them. It was Bashbursa who wanted to fire you on the spot.


    It was a semi-predictable answer, but it stung when I was told again.


    A giggle in my chest.


    "No, really, I was in such a state of momentum that I was seriously surprised. If I couldn''t sack you, I would disband the Four Heavenly Kings.


    That''s it!


    At first that Droyer guy was reasonably opposed to it, but when Bezelia joined Bashvaza, he became weak. That''s why he''s been pushed out.


    Did you have to fight against that in the Four Heavenly Kings to get me fired...?


    What are you doing?


    There would be more subjects for the head of the Demon Lord''s Army to argue with each other more contentiously.


    ''''By the way, what did you yourself do when you were not involved in any of those arguments?


    He''s not interested, so he''s been keeping a low profile.


    Son of a b*tc*!


    That''s a delicious second helping of stew.


    You didn''t care that much about me, but when you fired me, you cursed me out so badly that time!


    And how many more stews are you going to get!


    ''''........then you''ll be back in the Demon King''s army?


    What?


    He suddenly says something unexpected.


    ''Things have changed since then. After all the failures, Bashvaza has lost his position and his voice has been weakened. Instead, Droyer is on the rise.


    Ha, such a shift in power.....


    "Dolorier says we should bring you back. I think he''s looking for you. If you''re willing, I can help you find your way around...?


    It was a surprising offer.


    I can return to the Demon King''s Army once more. To the position of Assistant to the Fourth Heavenly King.


    I used to think it was my calling, and I never doubted that I would continue in this job for the rest of my life....


    ''''No thanks.''''


    I answered immediately.


    ''A year ago I would have been happy to take it. Now I have something I''ve built up in my own way. I can''t just throw that away and go back to the past.


    His position in the village of Lax and the family he has gained.


    How could I abandon them now?


    You!


    Hearing this, Marika hugged me.


    ''I knew you would say that!��I love you!��Let''s make a third one!


    And we haven''t even made a second baby yet!


    Well, it''s not polite to act rough at the dinner table.


    People will be watching!


    It''s a brilliant answer!


    He was praised by Zebiantes even though the proposal was kicked down.


    ''The person I''ve been mocking so much is not going to lick my ass and say, ''Things have changed, let''s make up for it!��I believed that you would openly splash out on me!


    Even if that''s true, I don''t want you to be the only one to say that.


    ''''That''s why...!


    My eyes shifted to Radey.


    She wants me to join the party.


    ''I can''t accept your offer either. I know we have our differences, but there was a time when I was one of the demons.


    Even if I found out later that we were of a different race, I couldn''t easily turn against them.


    The more I revealed everything, the more I was able to honestly express my feelings.


    Now I can convince her fully.


    ''''........I understand.''''


    As I expected, Radey pulled back.


    ''Dariel, your situation is too complicated. I and others cannot be very conscientious. I cannot push it aside and force Mr. Dariel to make a decision. Let''s just shelve this matter.


    Not to sound like you''re on hold, but just give it up, okay?


    Would you like to deal with the other problem instead?


    The other one?


    Saying that, the opponent that Radie glared at was Zebiantes.


    ''''With the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon Race in front of me, I can''t afford to do nothing. I will apply for a fair fight against her.''''

 49-48 Sakai-kun, do it

    SHIT!!!!


    I forgot the most pressing issue!


    Whenever Radey and Zebiantes run into each other, it will be a fight.


    You know I''ve been trying to avoid that all day long, left and right!


    It couldn''t be the end of the story of memories.


    ''''Zeviantes, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, ''Huafu''. Come to think of it, I crossed blades with you once.


    It seems.........


    ''''At that time, we only fought back and didn''t settle the matter, but now that we''ve met like this, this is our opportunity. I''m going to hold your breath and break one of the Four Heavenly Kings!


    "Mmmmmm, she''s a feisty little b*tc*, and she can''t stop barking.


    Zebiantes exudes the dignity of a strong man, which is often forgotten these days.


    You are the one who forgot the most important thing. The reason why I fell behind in the last battle was because that spearman was an eyesore. And that obstruction seems to be out of sight now, too, doesn''t it?


    Yes!


    The brave party''s spearman, Sesha-san, is out on a quest for the village guild and won''t be back for a few days!


    If it weren''t for him, it would have been me, of course. And you''re willing to die for it?


    ''I will not be defeated. As long as the hope of the race is in the name of the brave!��Accept my challenge, Four Heavenly Kings of the Wind!


    "Phew, I don''t like it here!


    What?


    What''s that terse reply?


    "...because your mom said, ''If you act up in here, I''ll kill you? He''s looking at me like...!


    That was Malika.


    It is true that the wrecking of the dinner reunion would be against her.


    ''''Well that''s true. We should probably change the place and time.''''


    Radey was also scared.


    ''Then the next morning we''ll fight on the plains outside the village, where we won''t be bothered by the surroundings. We''ll show them fair and square.


    ''What?��We''re going to fight over there again, aren''t we?


    For Zebiantes, it was also the site of the battle where he suffered a disastrous defeat to me.


    ''''Well, it''s okay, it''s going to be just the right victory to rewrite the unpleasant memories.


    It was all decided in the blink of an eye.


    An imposing duel between a brave man and the Four Heavenly Kings?


    When it''s decided...!


    I''m going to bed early today!


    While giggling, we both ate our meals well.


    We ate cleanly without leaving a single crumb of bread, and dinner was over.


    ''I have to take a bath before I go to bed!��Otherwise, I wouldn''t sleep well!


    ''It''s my line!��I''ll be the first one to take a bath!


    ''You''ll get enough sleep and have the upper hand if you take a bath first!��So I guess that means the fight has already begun!


    ''You can''t lose!''


    Radey and Zebiantes walked out, pushing each other away.


    They must be planning to go to the common bath (sauna) provided in the village.


    ''You should at least clean up your own food plates and go...''


    The plates for both of them were stacked and taken to the washroom, as if Marika had no choice.


    ''Marieka should have stopped harder if she was going to stop me anyway.


    Not just the start of the battle here, but the battle itself.


    ''Impossible. Both of those girls are really very great, aren''t they?��If you get serious, there''s no way a country wife like me could stop you.


    Maybe so, but...!


    Besides, these things come full circle when they clash more forcefully than you might think.


    Is that how it works?


    ''You don''t want to be enemies of either of them, either, so you want them to get along.��Then let them do what they want to do first. If you''re on the side, there''s no need to worry about anything.


    Hasn''t Maleeka gained more and more dignity since she became a mother?


    I had nothing to add to the all-seeing manner in which I was speaking.


    And after a bit of time.....


    ''''That was a nice bath!''''


    Radey and Zebiantes came back with a hoot of steam.


    ''Hey Dariel, listen, listen!��This brave man had a mole on his right tit!


    Why do you always have to report it?��You have a funny shaped birthmark on your ass too!


    Did you guys take a bath together?


    I also noticed one other important thing.


    Zebiantes.


    Are you going to stay with us?


    ��.


    The next morning.


    The two of us were really going to fight.


    After scraping up a grueling breakfast at my house, we faced each other in perfect condition.


    ''We''re going to crush one of the Four Heavenly Kings here!


    ''We''ll bring back the heads of the brave men and show them off to Droyer and the others!


    I just cringed beside him.


    ''You''re going to fight?��Are we really going to fight?


    You need to buckle up, Mr. Dariel, I''m a grown man.


    Satome, who was also watching the game from the side, was calm.


    ''You''re not going to fight with us?��It''s a brave party?


    ''Of course, I tried to help the heroes, but it didn''t work. This is a duel that has been duly decreed, so they prefer one on one.


    That''s a very serious thing for a guy like you, Radey.


    So let''s see what you have to offer.


    Wait. You wait a minute.


    Zebiantes pushes back against Radey, who is itching to break the fire now.


    ''What?''��Are you getting scared now?


    They haven''t arrived with the essential costumes for this battle.


    Hmm?


    As we are all shaking our heads at the incomprehensible claims, we hear footsteps from somewhere.


    The sound of running, not busy.


    ''''Oooooh!��Oooooh!


    Sakai-kun?


    What are you, the blacksmith, doing here?


    It seems that Sakai-kun has been running as fast as he can until this point, and he got down on one knee as soon as he arrived.


    That''s good...!��I made it.��It would be a lifetime of misfortune for Blacksmith Sakai to miss out on the opportunity for a trial run...!


    ?


    ''It''s done, Master Zevi!��I took your vision and made it into shape!��A prototype of a magic tool!


    Sakai-kun was carrying some kind of large linen on his back.


    Did he carry something in it?


    Putting down the lineage, opening the lid, and what came out was...!


    This is it!��This is the most flamboyant spell I''ve ever conceived!��Sakai-kun!��You''ve done a great job of giving it shape!


    Yeah!


    You made it?


    That''s exactly what Zebiantes wanted to do when he broke into the village of Luxe and made a mithril grimoire?


    Didn''t we start talking just yesterday?


    That''s why we''re talking about prototypes.��I made it pretty rough!


    But that''s why.


    In a single day and night.


    "Because Master Zevi''s ideas were so interesting!��I was hooked because it got me creative!��I''m already obsessed with making it!��Wonkyou!


    Ah.


    I get it, this tension.


    I''ve been working on it all night.


    This guy worked all night long, didn''t he?


    I''m going to have to compliment you on your motivation, Sakai-kun. Then let''s get right to it...


    Zebiantes puts on the magic tool he received.


    While making it clink........


    .........Eh!


    Do you have to take off your clothes to put on the grimoire?


    ''Dariel-san, you can''t look at it!


    Aahhhh, gahhhh, gahhhh!��My eyes, my eyes, my eyes!


    Satome''s hands covered my eyes, but I thought they were going to be crushed as she blocked them with all her strength.


    And then the Zebiantes, who completed attaching the magic tool and said "You can look now"........


    It had wings.


    Like a bird, wide spread wings extended from his back.


    ''''Eeeeee?!''''


    I couldn''t believe my eyes as to what magic it was, but I soon realized.


    From the fact that the wings were glowing white and silver, I knew that they were made of mithril.


    Mithril''s wings.


    Is that the idea for the latest magic tool that Zeviantes ordered and greatly enflamed Sakai-kun''s craftsmanship?

 50-49 Silver wings, flapping wings

    Oh, isn''t it?��Isn''t it amazing, isn''t it beautiful!


    Sakai-kun was still maintaining his all-night-opening tension.


    ''Metal wings made of mithril!��When I heard this idea, as expected, I said, ''What''s the point?'' I was dumbfounded, but the more I heard about it, the more I knew it was awesome!��When you actually make it, you''ll know it''s really awesome!


    It''s hard to sympathize with the completists.


    ''''Hmph........!��I never thought that I would be testing the use of this latest magic tool against a brave man.......!��I guess it''s just a lucky break.


    Wait a minute!


    I can''t just sit on the sidelines and go into a discussion.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.��I told you it wasn''t for the Overthrowers, didn''t I?


    You''re going to end up using it to fight a brave man?


    I''m not saying left or right.


    Nothing has changed. ''Nothing has changed! My magic tools are meant to enhance my beauty!


    It''s not like I''m going to say it that clearly........


    ''''In front of that, even the brave man doesn''t matter. It''s just that when I wanted to do a test run of my magic tool, the test subject that happened to be in plain sight was a brave man.


    Can you put it that way!


    In contrast, the brave Radey........


    ''''Haha, no matter what you bring up, I''ll stand by it, but........!


    You don''t seem very happy.


    It''s been a while since you asked me to make a weapon for you, hasn''t it?��And yet I haven''t heard a single report on the completion of the project, so why is this one finished before me?


    Protest.


    The reason she came to Rax Village in the first place was to create mithril weapons.


    She would be unhappy if the enemy''s tools were given priority over her.


    ''''Ah, it''s okay! I''ve made a weapon for the hero-sama, too.


    What?


    Seriously, Sakai-kun?


    Just like Zevi-sama''s wings, though, it''s just a prototype. Let''s see how it feels in this game.


    Oh, wow...?


    I hadn''t been able to find inspiration, but as I was working on Zevi-sama''s order, the idea just popped into my head. I finished this one in one night.


    What kind of workload is that?


    Radey takes the new sword in its scabbard and lowers it to his waist.


    ''''It''s something of a strange storyline, but we have one thing to do. The Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army will be reduced in number by one here today.''''


    You''re the one with the barking face. I want you to be at the mercy of my new wings.


    And finally, the fight really began.


    The sound of gyun and slicing through the wind took the place of a signal.


    It was the sound of Zebiantes flying with wind magic.


    ''''Fast........?


    When he fought me the other day, Zebiantes used wind-based flying magic........


    You can''t compare the speed of your flight to that!


    That''s good.........��The wings are taking effect fast!


    What?


    That''s because wings are for flying.


    That''s why birds have wings.


    That''s what those mithril-encased wings are for...?


    ''Using the formulae left to me by Master Smith, I have used a light alloy to the limit without losing the characteristics of mithril. As long as I fly with those wings on my back, Zevi-sama is the queen of the sky!


    Not only is it fast.


    Having gained wings, the Zebiantes change their trajectory in the air and turn at right angles.


    And many times.


    ''''It''s flapping its wings...?''''


    Mithril''s wings by themselves.


    It was as if the lifeless metal imitation was the wings of a real, life-filled eagle.


    ''So, Mithril''s trait...?


    My Hermes sword also reacted to the aura and changed its shape at will on its own.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to use that to make that Mithril wing also move like a real wing with the magic of Zebiantes?


    But I can''t believe you''re able to master that much in an impromptu performance...!��It''s as if he was born with wings on his back...!


    ''''Sometimes I tend to forget that he''s such a talented windbag that he''s been chosen as the Fourth Heavenly King.


    Does it mean that you have the agile sensibility to instantly master the tools you use for the first time?


    Wings fly majestically in the wind.


    The wind wizard who rules the wind and travels through the sky.


    Were those wings meant to more accurately capture the wind and control the flow of air?


    With her wings, Zebiantes is the queen of the sky.


    ''''The true value of those wings is not that much...!


    Sakai-kun said gruffly.


    ''''If it''s only a flight aid, those wings are just a tool made of mithril. It hasn''t shown any performance as a magic tool. ........Oh, please hurry up!��I''m so anxious to see if it''s done according to my calculations!


    As if to capture Sakai-kun''s feelings, he cut off his flight in all directions and Zebiantes remained at a point in the sky.


    ''''Strong things are beautiful. The magic tools that adorn me also attain perfect beauty through strength. And now I''m going to test the proof of that.


    Opponents.


    Radie holds his sword.


    Huh-uh-uh.


    Hyuuuuhhhh.


    A thin, high-pitched sound can be heard.


    "What the...?


    That was the next moment.


    Radie swung his sword down into the middle of nowhere.


    At the same time, there was a sharp metallic sound.


    It was a good reaction. If it wasn''t for you, I could have gouged out half his head without even noticing...''''


    Kink, kakin, kikikin.


    Countless metallic sounds come from the blade of Radie''s sword.


    Is something hitting you?


    ''Look, look, you have to move faster. Otherwise, we can''t prevent it from happening.


    What''s Zebiantes doing?


    It''s sending something flying!


    They don''t even seem to be saying a spell...?


    It''s working!��It''s a success!


    Sakai said excitedly.


    ''The secret is in the wings, in the wings of Mithril''s wings!


    Feathers?


    Although the wings are metal imitations, they look very much like the real thing.


    Every single feather that makes up the entire wing is made of mithril.


    The intervals between those layered wings must be very intricate and complex.


    ''No way...?


    ''Yes, it is!��The air passes between the wings and the feathers and becomes a thin, sharp stream. If you transfer the magic power that permeates the mithril feathers to the flow, it will become a sharp wind-slashing blade without the need to cast a spell!


    Blades of air released from mithril wings.


    Countless and without chanting.


    This is unbearable for the brave man as expected.


    ''''Kuuuuuuut?!''''


    Radey received it with a sword ridge and knocked down the wind blade, but there are so many of them that they are going to be pushed down now.


    ''''Flowing and violent. I''m sure you''ll find that this is a wing worthy of me as ''Huafu''. You''ll find that Sakai-kun made it even better than we ordered.


    Zebiantes, who reigns on high, is truly the queen of the sky, a merciless queen.


    She rules the skies with beauty and brutality.


    Will Radie really be pushed to the edge if he keeps this up?


    That''s not right.


    It was Satome, watching the game next to me, who said, "I didn''t know they were still able to prevent such a fierce offensive.


    ''I can''t believe you''re still able to defend against such a fierce offensive. No matter how much aura you put into your sword, it doesn''t even break even though it''s not a guard (defense) characteristic...?


    Speaking of the aura property of the sword, it''s a slash.


    It''s a trait unsuitable for the defensive warfare that Radie is forced to fight.


    I''m sure Satome''s point is correct about that being able to outlast them for so long.


    Something''s going on.


    Something we couldn''t have guessed.


    What''s going on?


    Here''s what that new sword does.


    Sakay-kun says.


    He''s looking smug throughout this entire fight.


    "My new sword filled with new ideas...!��It''s a huge success over here too!

 51-50 Friendship, budding

    Huh!


    Radey unleashes the aura in his sword blade as he shakes it down.


    That technique is the "Splitting Sky".


    It is a slash-type depth technique that sends a mass of aura flying as a slash.


    However, Zebiantes with Mithril''s wings easily evades the long-range attack even while in the air.


    ''''It''s a small flying claw. It''s incomparable to the ones Dariel has been shooting at.


    Although Zeviantes with a surplus of time, she still didn''t realize what was important.


    While blocking the wind blades that fall like rain from above, she simultaneously attempted to counterattack with the "split sky".


    That is to say, they were able to afford to completely shut out the enemy''s onslaught while still being able to act differently.......


    ''''Even more ''Splitting Sky''!


    The rain of wind blades was cut off as Zebiantes took an evasive action.


    As if to miss the opportunity, Radey begins to chase after it.


    ''''Hi!��It''s in bad shape!


    Zebiantes, sensing the danger this time, flapped his wings even more and turned.


    I''m going to be able to avoid the aura slash.


    Then......


    ''''Splitting Sky!��"Sriracha, Sriracha, Sriracha, Sriracha, Sriracha, Sriracha!


    ''''Uhiiiiii!


    It seems that you can''t pull out a wind blade from a moving vehicle.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you get your hands on a new one.


    ''''The offense and defense have been reversed........?


    It was a tremendous development.


    The wind-blade rain that Zebiantes unleashed from his wings should have been so fierce that it could have swept away most of his enemies.


    Radey was also defensive at one point.


    And yet, Radey, without taking any measures, genuinely pushed back, and finally turned to the side that she was trying to crush with her onslaught.


    ''''It''s still strange...?''''


    Satome, watching the fight next to me, comments.


    ''''The way you''re fighting right now puts too much strain on your weapons. It''s not a good idea to use a sword that isn''t even meant for defense to deal with the enemy''s flying tools and get back on the offensive, it''s using it too much. Normally, your sword would break in the middle of the fight!


    It''s probably because Satome is a shield user and plays the role of a wall in the party, so she can''t agree with that anomaly.


    The aura used by adventurers has the aura property of guard (protection), which is exclusively for defense, and it is impossible to prevent the magic of the demon race without using it.


    Does Radie have a guard (protection) aura in his sword?


    Or...?


    The secret is in the sword.


    This was Sakai, the blacksmith.


    You were the one who stayed up all night making that thing, weren''t you?


    ''Yes. Making Zevi-sama''s wings was a good stimulus for me. It activates my brain cells, and the ideas just come rushing in!


    I don''t know what it was, but I knew it was high tension.


    ''That new sword is also made from an alloy made in the Atanor furnace.


    "Huh?


    "I call it a self-repairing alloy!


    Wow.


    Sounds pretty cool.


    "The metal itself remembers its original shape and automatically repairs itself if it''s damaged!��In other words, even blade breakage will heal on its own!


    Oh, yeah?


    Satome roared.


    ''With its self-repairing ability, that sword was able to withstand the onslaught!��And they supported me until I could turn on the offensive!


    It is expected to be ten times stronger than the previous one, due to the constant repairs as it fights!��Originally, it was a byproduct of the process of creating Dariel Village Chief''s Hermes Sword!


    ''''Yes.


    ''''It''s not as variable as the Hermes Silver that was used as the material for the Hermes Sword, but the usefulness of a sword that can be restored while fighting is immeasurable!��It''s worthy of a brave master''s exclusive weapon!


    It''s something to say for a blacksmith who even makes magic tools for the demon race.


    ''''I see........So you are also benefiting from Mithril and Sakai-kun?��There''s no shortage of things for them to do.


    Zebiantes. The white and silvery mithril wings spread wide.


    ''''Then I will bring out the full capabilities of these wings and make them a test case for new magic!��You''re going to have to take the ''Symphonic Razor''!


    "I''m the one who''s going to fight you, and through this fight, I''m going to surpass the Slit Sky and cultivate the Superpowered Slit Sky!


    Two damsels in earnest clash head-on.


    ��


    And a few hours passed.....


    Radie and Zebiantes, who had run out of energy and roots, were lying on the ground.


    ''''I can''t do this anymore........!


    He doesn''t even have the strength to move a single finger...!


    The battle had exhausted their auras and magic power and they were falling down.


    Each other''s new weapons had been shattered and completely destroyed.


    ''''Hmm, I guess it''s impossible to self-repair if it goes this far in the bucket. After all, there''s an acceptable range for damage...''''


    Sakai-kun is examining the broken weapon mages.


    He''s a very enthusiastic guy.


    ''''Both my sword and my wings are smashed, are you sure?


    ''It''s a prototype of eeeeeeeeee. It''s supposed to be tested and bring out the problems!


    And that''s why they used a lot of the finest mithril in the world?


    This is a bold move by a craftsman.


    I''d like to say something to the village chief, but...


    What''s this creepy laughter!


    I thought, but Zeviantes was laughing.


    The exhaustion has become so extreme that even his laughter has become dirty.


    ''It was a good match. I thought it would be an easy win if it wasn''t for that spearman, but to be brought to a draw...!


    That''s because you were focused on seeing how well the new magic tool worked. What would have happened if you had only wanted to win from the start...!


    That''s still a prototype. When my wings are finished, they will be your last. Remember...!


    I will be even stronger then. I won''t be easily defeated........!


    Hmm...!��It''s a good fight.��I think I could be even stronger to beat you...!


    ..........


    Gasp.


    They held each other''s hands as they fell.


    Some kind of friendship is growing...?


    "We really did manage it...?!


    Satome and I were twilight at the side.


    It''s really a case of a lot of hassle for the people watching.


    The best thing about this is that it''s all over.


    I heard a voice from outside.


    I looked at Marika and saw that she had come to visit her son Gran.


    I''ve come to call you because it''s almost noon. I mean, I brought you your lunch, so why don''t we eat it here?


    I said and opened the basket I had brought with me.


    It was full of sandwiches and other things.


    "Wow!��Yummy!


    ''I was just getting hungry!��Eat it!��You have to eat to regain your full strength!


    The disturbance team of Radie and Zebiantes was restarted by their appetite.


    ''What in the world was all that bothering me...?


    ''Don''t think about it...!


    We dusked together alongside Satome.


    And Sakai had finally reached the end of his all-night tension and had fallen asleep with his damaged work in his arms.


    The rest of us spread out the sheets on the tragic remains of the dueling ground and ate our lunch in a picnic atmosphere.


    What a peaceful time it was.


    .............


    With this, the Four Heavenly Kings Xeviantes attack riot was concluded without incident.


    .......................Is that right?

 52-51 The predecessor Shitenno Grand Verza, has an audience with the Demon King (Shitenno side)

    That day.


    The Demon King''s Castle was enveloped in a strangely tense atmosphere.


    There was an event being held that could have serious implications for all of the Demon King''s troops.


    That was.....


    It was an audience with the Demon King by the previous four Heavenly Kings, Grandfather Grandfather.


    ��


    Hi, hi. Are you hurt already?��Is it safe to play outside?


    The demon king is still in a light tone of voice.


    Even with this tone of voice, his appearance was old and great, which made it even more eerie.


    In front of him, a massive, massive man was kneeling.


    He was the Granbaza of the previous Four Heavenly Kings, "Karma Fire," who was renowned as the strongest man of all time and was still renowned for his many heroic stories.


    This was his first audience with the Demon King since he retired from active duty.


    He had been away from the Demon King''s Castle for a long time due to the injuries he sustained in the battle with the previous brave men and the resulting retirement.


    I''m in a good mood," he said. It''s with a sweaty face that I''ve been away from you for so long.


    It''s fine. It''s fine. You know that a year or two is just a blink of an eye for me, right?


    Even if he was the strongest of all time, a child was the same in front of the Demon King.


    That''s how absolute the Demon King was to the demon tribe.


    "The reason I have excused myself today is because I have a request for the Demon King.


    ''What?��I''d rather ask for a favor than be asked to do one, wouldn''t you?


    It''s about my son, sir.


    Even so, I don''t know if the Demon King''s playfulness or seriousness is the reason why he doesn''t follow the mysterious pace of the Demon King, because he is the strongest man in the world.


    I''m very happy and grateful to my father for having my son Bashvaza as the Fourth Heavenly King. However, as the person who has been responsible for the Demon King''s Army in the past, I have to think about the gains and losses of the entire Demon King''s Army.


    It was no longer a perception shared by the entire Demon King''s Army that Bashbarza, the current Four Heavenly Kings'' ''Ayan Fire'', was not worthy of the title.


    Numerous failures.


    He didn''t even show a modicum of remorse and has now even abandoned his duties.


    It''s not good for morale if we let that idiot run around any longer. I beg you to issue a royal decree to remove him from office immediately...


    ''What?��It''s okay.��It''s still going around as it is, right?


    ''That''s because Droyer is standing alone. Her work is marvelous. But we can''t continue to burden her forever.


    Hmm, it''s just so annoying to have to reselect the right person from scratch.


    The demon king just acted like a spoiled child.


    "Are you sure you''re really here, Granberza?��You''re going to close the door on your son, aren''t you?


    ''''For the sake of the Demon King''s army, the Demon King, and all the Demons, his son''s future is a trivial matter. His incompetence is his crime. I won''t let anyone else take the blame for his incompetence.


    Are you a tough daddy, huh?��But is that really the only reason?


    The Demon King''s flaccid, yet sharp tongue flies.


    ''''There are more things you''re angry about. Like the fact that he fired Dariel-kun without permission.


    ''''Huh?''''


    Grumberza''s entire body froze.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time.


    ''''You bought Dariel-kun, didn''t you? I thought that the new Four Heavenly Kings, who were all young and inexperienced, would turn out just fine with Dariel-kun''s support. If they dismissed him, they''d be pissed off.


    Indeed, excluding an aide as good as Dariel is proof of my incompetence. It''s one of many.


    You don''t, do you?


    ''Demon King,'' he says.


    ''You''re not angry at Bashvaza-kun for being incompetent. You''re angry at Dariel-kun for getting rid of him, aren''t you?��The men you have raised with your hands are more important to you than the sons you''ve shed your blood with.


    ....


    You''ve never let your feelings get in the way of your job. Except when it comes to Dariel. I like that about you, because it''s in your nature.


    Glamberza fell silent without a word in return.


    Only the Demon King was the only one who could cajole the all-burning Flame General to this extent.


    ''''Oh, that''s right. Tell me a story, Grumberza-kun!''''


    The demon king suddenly said.


    I love that story. If you do it again, I''ll be in a good mood and I''ll probably listen to your request!


    This kind of selfishness of the Demon King is not the first time, and the other party is the absolute leader of the Demon Race, so he cannot be disobeyed.


    ''''Is this about your encounter with Dariel...?''''


    ''Yes, yes!��That''s it!


    The Demon King liked to talk about this, and every time he had the opportunity to have a solo meeting with Granberza, he pestered him and forced him to do so.


    The story.


    It was a long time ago now.


    The faces of the four Heavenly Kings back then were also completely different from what they looked like now.


    One of them was a demon tribe called Bezetan of the ''Muddy Water''.


    He was powerful, but he was a s*xual predator and a scumbag. He was a troubled child who was hated by the other Four Heavenly Kings as well.


    That Bezetan was dead.


    He was killed by a brave man.


    It seems that he had been running his own operation in secret from his colleagues. It failed and he was returned. By the time I noticed and rushed over, the brave man had left. Bezethan had been mortally wounded.


    He was still breathing, but he couldn''t be saved by any means.


    His colleague, in such a state, is said to have said to Granberza.


    ''I left a trump card. If you use that one well, the brave man will surely be able to defeat it.''''


    Then he told her what seemed to be a secret hiding place, and shortly afterwards he died.


    When Granbaza went to the place indicated, he found a newborn infant placed there.


    ''I guessed at first that this was Bezetan''s son. He was a bachelor, but it''s not uncommon for him to get his hands on some daughter and have a baby.


    Bezetan was hated as a villain, but has he awakened to his parents'' feelings in the face of my death?


    ''''I left you a trump card. I''m sure that if you use it well, you''ll be able to defeat the brave man." Grambarza received the will as meaning that the son who inherits his talent will surely become a strong man who can defeat the brave man.


    Although he disliked it during his lifetime, he was entrusted with a forgotten memento from a colleague and Glambarza sincerely raised the baby.


    He wanted to raise her to be the best wielder of the demon tribe as his late father wished.


    A year passed, then two years, then several more years....


    When the child became more materialistic and grew into a boy, Glamberza noticed something strange.


    ''''The child was unable to use magic. How is it possible to have a father who was so great that he was selected as the Four Heavenly Kings, yet not inherit even a little of his talent?��And after a good deal of research, I realized something significant.


    That the child is of the human race.


    ''I was astonished. The child Bezetan had entrusted to him was not a demon, but a different species. Why would he do such a thing?��As long as we''re of a different race, he''s not even the son of Bezetan.


    It would be confusing.


    But my former colleague who knows the answer is dead and has no mouth to speak.


    So what shall we do?


    There is no point in raising a child of the enemy human race any longer.


    It was normal to think so, but Granbaza did not abandon the child''s upbringing.


    He spent years raising them. The time they had spent together had made the nurturer and the nurtured hard to share.


    Glambarza was deeply devoted to the child he named Dariel.


    ''Fortunately, Dariel was a really good learner, except for magic. Putting the arts of the army, the skills of a general, and all that sort of thing, Dariel became a great assistant.


    And in fact, Dariel demonstrated his abilities as the assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings.


    It can be said that his talent for generalship, trained by the fierce general Granbaza, is incomparable, and it is because of Dariel''s assistance that he was able to fight the previous brave men.


    ''But every time Dariel helped me, I couldn''t help but wonder if this was really the right thing to do. I wondered if this was really the right thing to do.


    No matter how much he achieved, Dariel, who couldn''t use magic, would never be able to stand up in the Demon King''s army.


    On the contrary, his true birth as a human race could cause him to instantly lose his position.


    Dariel was, in truth, a genius.


    He was a pure and honest young man who could learn and master anything but magic.


    The person who recognized his talent and cared for him more than anyone else was his nurturing parent, Granbaza.


    He loved his greatness so much that he tried to keep it, hiding his origins, but that was just his own selfishness, wasn''t it?


    Granbaza has been tormented by such conflicts day in and day out.


    "I was furious when I heard that Bashbursa had thrown him out, but at the same time, there was a part of me that thought, ''This is good. As a human, Dariel will never be happy as long as she is in the Demon King''s army.


    Is that why I should leave the Demon King''s Army and hang on to the possibility of finding happiness on my own?


    Now Dariel''s whereabouts are unknown, but I could only hope that he had shown his brilliance somewhere and was on his way.


    ''Wow, that''s interesting. It''s always good to hear stories about you, Glamberza-kun.


    The Demon King crackled and clapped his hands.


    ''I cannot thank you, Demon King, for knowing the truth and tolerating it. Since the time you approved of Dariel, I have been prepared to offer this life, this life, to the Demon King at any time.


    Because the Demon King is omnipotent, your life doesn''t really matter if you''re alive or not. But it''s still a regret, isn''t it?


    That''s how I left Dariel, who I raised with such love and care as a son, without a word of goodbye.


    ''''........I am old enough to be a good boy. I may never see him again. But that is just as it should be.


    He was so fond of Dariel that he kept him in a place where he shouldn''t be.


    After all that, it was his own son who was unreasonably banished.


    ''I am not worthy of that boy''s adoration to begin with. Dariel should have grabbed his own life in a place I don''t know where he belongs. He has the strength to do so.


    Strict on its own.


    That was one of the factors that made GranBaza the strongest of all time.


    If it were true, he would want to do everything in his power to find his son, whom he had raised with great care.


    However, his guilt over his origins was making him hesitate to act.


    ''''.........''''


    Looking down at such a heavyweight, the Demon King looked vacantly at him.


    ''''........Lux Village.


    What?


    It''s a small village on the outskirts of the demon territory, a bit outside the human area. A human village, of course. Of course, it''s a human village. It''s a good distance to go for a walk while you''re rehabilitating.


    ''''Demon King-sama, what in the world........?


    Glambarza immediately thought of this.


    The Demon King''s versatility that surpasses one''s imagination.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get a good deal more.


    ''''I''m sorry, Demon King-sama.......!��This kindness to me...!


    I like to have fun. You can do what you want with it.


    It is difficult for the living to break off the compassion, even if they try to break it off.


    Glamberza slapped the Demon King deeply and immediately resigned.


    Where are we going?


    I didn''t need to ask that.


    ''''The Demon King knows everything!


    Even things that Granberza and Dariel himself don''t know.


    The Demon King knows everything, and yet he loves to be funny.

 53-52 Brave, fundamental questions asked

    There was a problem.


    The Zebianites have taken up residence.


    She wouldn''t leave.


    Just do it.


    I''ve already forgotten about my former boss''s relationship with him, and I call him out without respect, but he doesn''t respond well.


    ''I hate it. We''re here until the full version of Mithril Wings is completed.


    He''s eating, sleeping and relaxing at home.


    By the way, he''s getting extra money for his stay, so it''s hard to convince him from that side.


    The senior demons are really rich, aren''t they?


    The other day, I had a duel (?) with the brave Radie. The mithril wing that raged in the first


    However, that was a prototype, not a perfect one, and they are still working to solve the problems brought to light by the trial run to make it more complete.


    It seems that unlike the overnight prototype, this time it will take a reasonable amount of time.


    ''In the meantime, you''re going to stay in the village the whole time...?


    No?


    Of course not!��What about the job of the Four Heavenly Kings!


    It''s time for you to realize that you''re in a position of great responsibility, and it''s time for you to realize it.


    ''''Huh?��You''re the one who doesn''t know what''s going on. That''s why you''re going to get fired from your job as an assistant.


    Oh?


    Are you sure?��What''s the most important role of the Four Heavenly Kings?��It''s about stopping a brave man from harming the Demon King.


    ''''You''re absolutely right, but...?


    It''s not half as uncomfortable as it sounds when Zebiantes tells me the right thing to do.


    ''''That brave man is right in front of me!


    Again, it was true.


    The current hero, Radey, was diligently working on the pretense of training right next to us.


    ''''As long as he''s here, there will be no invasion of the Demon King''s territory, and we can take it easy. Peace is what''s best.


    ..........


    It''s so true that it''s extremely frustrating to not be able to argue with it.


    The fact that Droyer is still on alert for the arrival of a brave man at this very moment is hilariously painful because he is an idiot. Just imagining a serious woman''s silliness is enough to make me feel like a zapper.


    I''m going to cry.


    The only conscience of the current Four Heavenly Kings is being ridiculed by the unserious representative.


    This current situation is unbearable.


    The only thing that helps is that the people who are working hard in the front line don''t know anything about it.


    ''''Speaking of which...''''


    ''Hey, Rae,''


    What is it, Zevi?


    Don''t call each other by nicknames.


    ''I''ve had a question for a long time, and this is a good time to ask it.


    "?��Go ahead?


    A little hesitation. Opponent, enemy.


    "Why would a brave man try to defeat the Demon King?


    ..........


    ......


    .................... What?


    Speaking of which!


    The humans and the demons have always fought each other.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time with them.


    ''''Why do the humans come here to defeat the Demon King?��They are such a nuisance to us!


    Why are you the one trying to protect the Demon King?


    You''ll find that it''s a very good idea to have a good time.


    It''s because they are basically opposing species, so they don''t negotiate with each other and don''t get any information.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    Basically, the only people fighting between the demon race and the human race are the heroes and the demon king''s army.


    The brave men are elite adventurers selected from the adventurers to defeat the demon king, and the demon king''s army is an organization created to protect the demon king.


    Other ordinary adventurers on the human side may skirmish with the Demon King''s army, but the rest of the ordinary people rarely fight or kill each other.


    They just protect each other''s territory and live quietly.


    Other than that, the end of the Adventurer Demon King''s Army is responsible for dealing with monsters and criminals respectively....


    ''''Even so, the most troublesome part is dealing with the brave men, right?


    For the Demon King''s Army side.


    As expected of me, I''m still not familiar with the customs of the human race....


    Why is a brave man trying to defeat the Demon King?


    He''s trying to do it!


    I decided to ask her frankly too.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    I''m sure he''ll answer. It''s a good thing that you''re a brave man who is after the Demon King.


    "The Demon King is an evil being!��We must defeat it to save the world!


    Huh?


    That''s it?


    ''Is there any other reason?��The specific one?


    ''You''re avenging your parents, or you''re going to get a prize.


    ''No, no...!��All I can say is that the Demon King is evil and must be defeated...!


    That''s all you have to do?


    Wouldn''t that be the villain''s motive for destroying them for that simple reason?


    ''No, wait!��Maybe I just don''t know all the details because I''m still the brave new kid on the block.


    No, you should know.


    It doesn''t matter if you''re a newcomer or a veteran, isn''t that the most fundamental part, right there?


    ''''I''m sure that the more accomplished geniuses must know this!��The reason for the abyssal battle!


    Everything about this whole thing stinks, but...!


    Who''s a proven professional?


    ''Yes. For example...!


    Radey, a few seconds of contemplation.


    ''Mr. Arantzill, the brave one before me!


    It''s an awesome name.


    I know that person. I mean, I''ve actually seen him.


    After all, I was the assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings, backing up the previous four Heavenly Kings who were fighting him.


    "Are the previous generation of heroes strong?


    The gutless current Four Heavenly Kings say it like a simple question.


    ''''If I tell you that I''m evenly matched with Granbaza-sama and the other previous Four Heavenly Kings, will that convey the greatness?


    He''s a monster.


    Good.


    As expected, I wondered what I would have done if I hadn''t been able to realize the greatness until the legendary existence of my own side.


    ''''But we can''t just invite the previous generation of heroes to come here and give a lecture, can we? Or should we go listen to it from here?


    Why does a brave man want to kill the Demon King?��I said.


    I wouldn''t do something so desperate.


    I know, right?


    In the end, time passed without this question being resolved.


    As for me, I threw myself into the work of the village, because making today''s Lax Village thrive was more important than the questions that lie in the depths of the world.


    Then a couple of days passed....


    ��


    I''m home.


    Yeah, welcome back.


    Sesha-san of the brave party has returned from her quest.


    ''''Um, isn''t the woman lounging over there the Demon King''s Four Heavenly Kings, Zebiantes...?


    ''''Think of her as just a harmless little animal. But more importantly, did you find anything unusual in your quest?


    As the village chief, I''m the one who has to take care of the adventurers in the village to make sure there''s nothing wrong with them.


    There was no problem with the quest itself, no problem at all. However, something terrible happened after the quest ended.


    After?


    Is that a terrible idea?


    I have met a terrific person, that I have. He said he had business with us and I thought it would be a good idea to bring him with us.


    ''What?��Who?


    The late Mr. Arantzill, the late Mr. Brave, that he was.


    Huh?

 54-53 The previous hero comes

    Aranzir, the former hero, appeared in the village of Lax.


    I''m sure his appearance matches my memory.


    I''m sure you''ve never changed...?


    He is old, just like his predecessor. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about it.


    I''m not sure I''ve ever seen such a thing.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to get it right.


    Even so, there was a strange part of him.


    It was the scars of burns that covered many parts of his body.


    No, aren''t more than half of his body burn scars?


    I wonder how he managed to live with such severe burns, and at the same time I am afraid.


    The viciousness that lurks in this calmness is the fear of the brave Arantzill.


    ''''Arantzill-sama!''''


    The first thing that moved when I saw the old hero was the new hero.


    The maiden Radie rushes up to the old gentleman Arantzill''s bottom.


    ''''I didn''t expect to see you here...!��What the f*ck are you doing here?


    I''m here to see you.


    Alanziel greets Radey as he would treat a relative''s daughter.


    As for me, I was amused by his calm demeanor.


    I had only ever seen him in battle.


    ''''Well hey hey.''''


    There was a guy who pulled my sleeve.


    It was the Four Heavenly Kings Zeviantes.


    That gentle-looking man is the previous brave man?��Other than the severity of the burn marks, it doesn''t look particularly awesome, does it?


    That burn mark, though, came from Lady Granberza''s ''A Nauseating Scorching Hot Uninterrupted Flame Hell''.


    ''''What?!''''


    Hearing that, Zebiantes'' expression changed.


    This guy would know the name of the greatest magic of the four most powerful fire kings of all time, Granbaza-sama.


    ''''No way........?��How can you eat that extreme heat magic and not turn to ashes?


    Moreover, it burned more than half of its body while it kept on rushing forward and thrusting its sword into Lady Glanbursa''s belly. He''s a real monster.


    So, we''re still surviving like that, which is inexplicable.


    I can''t believe that I''m not just dying, I''m moving with all five bodies.


    Don''t be fooled by a gentle first impression.


    "Me?��How did you end up...?


    I''ve seen you train yourself to be a better man on the ground.


    The previous hero said in a calm voice appropriate for his age.


    ''''The news has already reached the Center Guild. The officials are anxious to get you back on the battlefield as soon as possible.


    The brave candidate Noltya, who came the other day, seemed to have been sent through that process as well.


    ''''Don''t tell me that Arantzill-sama is here to scold me?��Have you come to urge me to carry out the defeat of the Demon King?


    ''The officials seem to want me to do that, but that''s not my concern. Rather, my purpose is the opposite.


    Backwards?


    ''Radey, I was pretty impatient when I sent you out, too. I thought it wasn''t enough to kick the Four Heavenly Kings and slash the Demon King''s throat flute.


    What...?


    Conserving your strength here is not a bad idea. So I thought this would be a good time to let you know what I''ve been missing, and then I''ll let you know how it goes.


    ''No way!��Are you saying that Mr. Alanziel will personally instruct you?


    Radie looks extremely happy.


    The prestige of the previous brave man is still undiminished.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.��You couldn''t even get out of bed when I left...?


    ''And that was a year ago already, wasn''t it?��It''s gotten a lot better over time. I can''t move like I did in my prime, though.


    Saying that, the old hero indicated the staff in his hand.


    .........No, it''s just that I can''t move in my prime, but recovering to the point where I can properly walk on my own feet is itself astounding.


    That''s while eating Granbaza-sama''s special magic!


    ''''So I, too, would like to be a nuisance in this village for a while, but.......


    The old hero''s eyes turned to me for the first time.


    The Zebiantes next to me said, "Hee! I let out a small scream.


    ''''You''re from this village, aren''t you?��My name is Alanziel. I would like to be represented by the village chief or someone with equivalent authority.


    It''s getting closer!


    Are you okay?��You okay?


    I''m in a panic in my heart.


    After all, I used to face him as the Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings in the Demon King''s Army.


    So if I know his face, there''s a good chance that he knows me too!


    If they notice I can say with confidence.


    I will die!


    Hey....!


    Well, have I met you before?


    No!��We''ve never met!��Yes!


    Well, you must be a bit old to be unable to remember human faces so well.


    Thank God!


    Turns out. A brave man of the past, he doesn''t remember me clearly!


    That''s right, when in battle, the person he should pay the most attention to is his nemesis, the Four Heavenly Kings, and he can''t even take a look at me, who is loitering behind him.


    I was hoping that this might be the case, and I was right!


    ''Mr. Arantzill!��That''s the village chief over there!


    Radey interrupted in a hurry.


    ''''This is Dariel-san, the village chief of Lax Village!


    My apologies. I didn''t know we had a village chief this young...!


    No, no.


    I''m still over 30 years old.


    Once again, chief, I would appreciate it if you would permit me to stay. I have money to pay for your stay.


    ''No, no!��I can''t take money from an ex-brave...?


    That''s not possible. In the past, there were people who used their position as brave men and women to make unreasonable demands on the village they were visiting. But such a thing must never happen.


    You know.


    It was just this guy Nortiyah trying to do that.


    I beat the crap out of him before he could even attempt it.


    "A brave man must be an apostle of justice. He must be an apostle of justice, and not use the title he was given for justice for personal gain. ...Radey.


    Yes!


    You gonna be okay?��You''re not bothering the people of the village, are you?


    ''Of course!��I''m doing exactly what Master Aranziel told me to do!


    ''Well then!''


    He''s a serious man.


    Although that''s rather harsh and scary.


    I cleared my throat, scared out of my mind.


    ''''Of course, our village welcomes our brave predecessors. Please stay as long as you like.


    I''m just an old man who''s retired as a hero. You''re no more of an old man than the current Radie.


    Can''t I just...?


    No, no.


    A melodic and damp fire dwelt behind the old hero''s eyes.


    ''''Village chief, aren''t you also an adventurer?''''


    What?


    The look on his face is that of someone who has seen real combat. You''ve been in the most grueling real-world combat...


    Something probing in his tone.


    ''Most of all, the color of the aura on his body is extraordinary. An aura of such a glittering hue. Or maybe it''s more appropriate for a brave man than Radie?


    Lady Arantziel!


    I''m about to cry when Radey comes to my rescue.


    ''Please don''t!��You are in trouble, Dariel!


    What''s up, Radey?��Did you get mad at me for telling you that I''m more talented than you?


    ''That''s not what I''m talking about!��Just look at my training first then!


    He''s so impatient. Well, I''ll just take it easy...


    Were you helping me or did you really want me to see your training?


    Anyway, I was saved.


    To be honest, getting tangled up with that man is heartbreaking.


    ''''It was like I was going to stop breathing just by being near him...!


    Even Zebiantes, who did not face him directly, is this.


    From now on, that old hero will stay in the village.


    Just thinking about the days ahead made my stomach churn.


    ''''I''m going back to the Demon King''s Castle now.


    Don''t try to escape immediately.


    You sat there, no matter how many times I called out to you!


    Let him go!��I have an important mission to prevent the invasion of the brave men!


    A brave man would be here, you two!


    You can''t just run away from danger like that!


    I vowed to go to hell, but I would only take Zebiantes along for the ride.

 55-54 Alanzil holds hatred

    Thus began the training of the previous brave to the current brave.


    Why is it in this LUX village?


    I''m well trained. "I train hard, but I''m still inexperienced. I''m far from calling myself a true hero.


    The training is in the form of a real battle.


    Radey with his sword confronts his predecessor Arantzill.


    But from the start, Radey has been treated like a child.


    The ground power is too different.


    ''''With this level of ability, even the Four Heavenly Kings will end up lightly tipping you over. I guess I need to train myself again. Don''t be shy, just go out there and give it your best shot.


    Even so, Radey is still consuming stamina just by slashing at the super high level previous hero, and he''s breathing heavily.


    ''''Hah........hah......?''''


    I can''t seem to move until I get my breath back.


    "You''re a very laid back person. Are you so comfortable in front of your enemies that you ask them to come and kill you?


    In the next moment, he was in the bosom of Arantzill and Radey.


    It was as fast as a thunderclap.


    Was that really the speed of a man who had come here with a cane?


    "Huh?!


    Reedy interrupts the attack just before it happens and jumps away.


    It''s probably a decision that the only way to get out of it anyway is to get out of spacing.


    ''Do you think that''s the extent of your escape from my spacing?


    Aranzir''s sword glows and releases a shining mass from the blade.


    ''''That''s the ''Splitting Sky''........?


    A long-range attack technique that releases a slash as a mass of aura.


    But Arantzill didn''t swing his sword to release the ''Splitting Sky''.


    In order to send an aura slash far away, you have to swing it out wide as if you were throwing a ball, but he didn''t do that and sent the slash flying steadfastly?


    "Ugh!


    Naturally, it''s difficult to react to a flying tool without a preliminary motion, and Radie catches it just in time. However, the forcefulness of the move causes him to lose his stance.


    I''m not going to be able to get it right.


    "Brave Radey, dead.


    The tip of the sword was thrust at her.


    Checkmate.


    Even though she was old and torn to shreds with many wounds, the old hero still overwhelmed the new hero.


    ''''You''re a monster...?


    ''No, it''s just that Radey is weak.


    Oh my God, did you hear that?


    I was visiting their training site to observe.


    "She''s got some good qualities. But she is far from polished. If this is the case, she will easily be trampled to death by the Four Heavenly Kings, let alone the Demon King.


    I don''t know...?


    The Four Heavenly Kings are just as capable as you are, you know.


    You''re saying that your predecessors were a mess on both sides?


    But I''m a lot less powerful.


    So?


    I was surprised, but satisfied.


    I had seen firsthand how he fought in his prime.


    The only reason why I thought he was not as great as he was then was because he was taking it easy on his family members.


    I''m sure it''s partly because of my age and partly because of my injuries. It''s not only because of my old age, it''s also because of my injuries. The fire I got from that fellow from Grand Barza made my burned skin twitch and not move properly. I don''t think I''ll ever be able to fight as well as I did then.


    Saying this, the old brave man looked down at his own body with resentment.


    ''''That''s why I have to make Radie strong. The previous Four Heavenly Kings, who were called the strongest of all time, were said to have been replaced after the end of their death struggle with me. It''s possible that the new Four Heavenly Kings will surpass their predecessors!


    No, that''s not true.


    One of the four active kings of the time is trembling when he sees you.


    ''''I''m scared.........?��You are scared.........?''''


    Zebiantes was like a cat that saw a stranger.


    ''''I was also held up as the strongest of all time, and remained in the position of a brave man for over thirty years. This is a particularly long tenure in the past. There was a fear that this would have a negative effect on the development of the next generation.


    ''''You were thinking about that...?


    ''''In the end, I couldn''t defeat the Demon King, I couldn''t even break through the Four Heavenly Kings, so I''m not even qualified to be called the strongest. That''s why I want to make amends for the expectations that have been given to me.


    "That''s why you have to train your kids...?


    It''s hellish for those of us who are trained, though.


    I don''t think it''s hard not to feel like we''re having a conversation.


    I''m feeling a little adventurous.


    ''''Um........can I ask you one question?''''


    What is it?


    Why would a brave man want to defeat the Demon King?


    I heard it.


    I heard it.


    A fundamental question that even the current brave Radie couldn''t answer.


    I''ve heard that a brave man defeating a demon king is as natural as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west, so the human race doesn''t have to wonder about it so much.


    However, having spent the previous half of my life among the demon race, this was a question that bothered me greatly.


    The barren conflict between man and demon for hundreds of years has its roots in this.


    Then the old brave Arantzill''s calm, gentlemanly expression swiftly disappeared and became expressionless.


    ''''Don''t ask me crazy things, you.


    What?


    "Demons are evil. They are fundamentally unforgivable creatures. We can''t allow any of them to live.


    You can see the strong emotions in those words.


    The name of that emotion is hatred.


    The root of these demons is the Demon King. There is no way to eradicate the demon race without destroying the demon king. I want Radie to accomplish the great ambition I could not. That''s why I will train her.


    Is that what motivates the brave men to defeat the Demon King?


    For some reason I intuitively knew that it was different.


    That it was Arantzill''s personal motivation and not the motivation of the past brave men and women who celebrated it.


    The reason I think so is because it reminded me of a story I heard in the past.


    ''It''s...''


    I wasn''t sure if I should step in or not for a moment, but in the end I decided to step in.


    ''''........Is it because of your sense of duty as a brave man representing the human race?��You seem to think so out of a personal grudge.


    What do you mean?


    Did you say that your wife and children were killed by demons?


    The reaction was extraordinary.


    A spark flashed behind Aranziel''s old eyes.


    Then he turned to Radey.


    ''It''s you. You''re the one with the lightest mouth.''


    What?��Well......


    You shouldn''t have told me this if you were such a talkative girl.


    Then he turns to me again.


    ''People''s minds are complicated. It''s hard to perfectly separate the resentment I have from my duty as a brave man. I''d be lying if I said my past had no effect on my fight.


    I know how you feel.


    You talk a lot, don''t you?


    ''It''s true. I have a wife and a son myself, and it tears my heart out just to imagine losing them both.


    This guy actually experienced that tearing feeling.


    ''''Well....''''


    A little dampness came over the old brave man.


    ''I was a son, too. My first child. My wife was also an adventurer, and we were partners in quests together since we were just starting out.


    He begins to talk about the past.


    ''I got married about the same time I was selected to be a hero. I wanted to add her to the hero''s party, but I couldn''t do anything about it when I found out I was pregnant. I left her pregnant and set off on a journey to defeat the demon king with the rest of my friends.


    It was wrong, he said.


    Somehow the demons had found out where his wife and son were. They attacked him, killed his wife and took his newborn son away. When I was informed of the attack, I chased after them desperately and finally caught the person who did it and killed him.


    ....


    "It was one of the Four Heavenly Kings, the one who called himself Bezetan of the ''Muddy Waters''. I tried to get him to tell me his son''s whereabouts before he died, but he was forced to retreat because he had a feeling that the other Four Heavenly Kings were rushing to him. I haven''t even been able to find my son since then...


    It was a name of the Four Heavenly Kings that I didn''t know.


    He must be from the past that neither of his predecessors had anything to do with.


    No Four Heavenly Kings I know would resort to such despicable means.


    My son was probably killed a long time ago. Since then, my hatred for the demon tribe has only burned up. I also know that''s a different matter than the mission of a brave man.


    It was impossible for him not to mix a drop of hatred into the sword he swung down.


    But that was the main reason why he was not the strongest of all time, it seemed.


    A sad reason.


    ''....What am I blabbering about. Has old age made me talk lightly? Or maybe I screwed up my answer. "You''re the first person to ever say a stupid question like, ''Why do you want to slay the Demon King?


    I''m sorry...


    Or maybe it''s your own fault.


    Alanziel says abruptly.


    ''What do you think?��You want to meet me for a questionnaire?��My gut tells me that you''re not just anyone.

 56-55 Dariel fights evenly with the previous hero

    It was strange.


    Not only Radey, but for some reason, even I was being squeezed by the previous brave Arantzill.


    Why?


    Mr. Dariel.


    Just before the game starts, Radey speaks to me in a whisper.


    ''Be careful. I haven''t had a chance to say it before, but Master Alanziel is buying you big time.


    What?


    When did you ever have the opportunity to raise your stock like that, even though you just met him?


    ''''It''s been since you were in the Demon King''s army. Master Aranzir warned me to be careful, saying that the Four Heavenly Kings had a powerful assistant. Now that I think back, it must have been about Anata!


    Seriously?


    It''s Radie who learned about my background after the Zebiantes attack, but that''s the only advice I can give you.


    ''''It''s not that Arantzill-sama didn''t pay attention to you at all during your time in the Demon King''s Army. You don''t know what might lead you to connect with your past memories, so be careful!


    That''s what I''m saying.


    How am I supposed to be careful?


    He begrudgingly advances in front of an already motivated Arantzill.


    ''You''ve been sneaking around for quite a while. I wonder what advice you got from Radey?


    You''re such a merciless person, you''ll die if you mess up.


    I can''t tell the truth, so I play it off well.


    But as expected, your identity won''t be revealed just by putting swords together.


    I learned how to handle weapons and aura after I was fired from the Demon King''s Army.


    Since the way of fighting to put aura into weapons is originally only for the human race, it will be more and more removed from suspicion for Arantzill, who doesn''t doubt that I am a demon race in the past.


    Then the only question is whether or not you can survive a normal fight.


    That old man doesn''t seem to be as tame as he looks.


    We have to make it through this without taking any damage....


    "Radie tells me that she''s staying in the village to have you at her party.


    ''Huh...''


    That little girl is really talking out of her ass...!


    I don''t think that''s the only reason, though.


    I''m sure he has a good eye for people. I''m sure that''s why he was chosen to be a hero of the day, not because of his ability. I''m going to have to wait and see what he has in store for me.


    Alanziel holds his sword.


    ''What about your weapon?��Are you going to stand there unarmed?


    I don''t care.


    I hid the Hermes sword in knife form behind my hand as usual........


    ..................Oh!


    There was a sound of clashing metal with a gakin.


    Arantzill came at me again with the speed of a thunderclap. With his outstretched Hermes sword, he prevents the sword.


    ''''Ah, abuinne!��I said I didn''t mind, but how can you slash an unarmed opponent without hesitation?


    Actually, I knew about your weapon. I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work. It''s a curious weapon.


    Radey?


    Did he just talk?


    Isn''t she really so light-hearted!


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most of these three traits in a single weapon. The times have moved on, haven''t they? It''s a weapon that was unimaginable when I was in service.


    But Arantzill, raising his sword and attacking.


    I completely stave off the onslaught.


    You can''t show that versatility without the ability of the user. Aura aptitude is inherently biased. There are not many adventurers who are able to adapt to three out of the four characteristics.


    ''No, I''d say none at all,'' said Arantzill.


    ''I hear you''re an exception, so that''s why your crazy equipment fits in well with you.


    That''s why the drunken man who created this entrusted me with this thing!


    The onslaught, which did not cease even during the conversation, I desperately fought against it.


    With my Hermes sword, which changes form at a dizzying pace, I distract my opponent.


    ''''I''ll cut with my sword form!


    and then poke them in stock form!


    He tricked and distracted them and somehow managed to compete with his demonically strong predecessor, the hero.


    .........If you think about it, this is an extraordinary thing.


    I''m just a lowly dark soldier in the Demon King''s army, and I''m fighting a brave man?


    To the previous brave men who fought evenly with the esteemed Lady Granberza?


    I''m starting to feel very fearful.


    ''''That''s nasty, that weapon...!


    Grandpa Smith in heaven, are you watching?


    Your last work is confirmed by the greatest of the best.


    The only thing more frightening than your weapons is the weapon itself. The weapon is a transformational weapon, as it unbiasedly displays multiple aura characteristics in full force. If anyone but you were to pick it up, it would be nothing more than trash.


    Don''t talk like that!


    There''s a certainty in Radie''s eyes. You are the most powerful adventurer in the world.


    With that, Arantzill threw away his sword.


    Why did he throw it away?


    Have you had enough of fighting?


    I''m going to make you feel real. I''d be doing you a disservice.


    What?


    People don''t believe there''s an all-rounder like you. Every adventurer has an aura trait that he or she is good at and aura trait that he or she is not good at. If there is no weakness, then that means you are a poor dexterity who is not good at anything.


    With the pros, there are always cons that should be the other side of the equation.


    If you''re so inclined, my whole attribute set-up was an anomaly.


    "But I''m not surprised to see you. Seeing a jack-of-all-trades with all the aura traits. Seeing someone who isn''t supposed to be. Do you know why?


    I don''t know!


    Because there are other adventurers like you. Me.


    Aranziel took out a new weapon.


    It was a long stick.


    He also wore a small circular shield - and a buckler on his left arm.


    "A stick..., a hit?


    Wouldn''t you agree?


    Arantzill swung his stick around and hit me in the eye.


    There was something disgusting about it.


    I avoid it without preventing it.


    Good call.


    The tree that was just behind me took a direct hit from the stick instead of me....


    It was slashed into rings.


    It was just a stick and cut the tree!


    I didn''t snap it off!


    The cross-section of the slashed tree was as flat as a table.


    ''''There''s no rule that you have to use a weapon with a blade to create a slash aura.


    While holding up a stick, he says, "If you have an aura of slashing beyond the limit, you can turn a mere blunt blade into a sharp one.


    "With an aura of extreme slashing, even a simple blunt instrument can be turned into a sharp blade. And the sting.


    I stick out a stick.


    I dodged this one in disgust and dodged, too, and stuck it deep into another tree behind me, making a hole.


    ''Slash (slash) sting (poke) hit (strike). A simple stick is the most suitable weapon to utilize all three characteristics. Add to that a small shield and all aura traits can be covered.''''


    In other words, the brave Arantzill is an all-around type that can make full use of all aura characteristics.


    Just like me....


    It''s not quite as adaptable as your wonder weapon. But you don''t seem to have an immediate guard form?


    It''s a work in progress.


    So you''re a jack-of-all-trades yourself. Very interesting.


    When the chatter is over, he comes down on me with a stick up.


    I intercept.


    I''ll be able to intercept their attacks, so Arantzill has the advantage in offense and defense.


    I''d like to take advantage of changing the Hermes Sword into a form appropriate for each aura, but if it''s poorly transformed, the transformation movement itself could be an opening.


    From the point of view of this unprecedentedly strong enemy.


    Aranzir''s stick technique, which mixed the three aura characteristics, had reached the point of perfection.


    At this rate, the difference in experience would be enough to push him over the edge?


    ''''Hard, you........!


    Arantzill says while attacking.


    ''It''s not just a way of fighting that relies on extraordinary aura aptitude. It''s a solid and truly irritating way to fight. You''re anticipating it, aren''t you?��Do you have any military experience?


    Come on...!


    ''Don''t you think you''re a little too precise in your anticipation?��It''s as if you''ve seen my fighting style beforehand. Then I''ll be more hands-off!


    Aranzir jumped away from me and took his distance.


    Blitzed, I could predict his next move in my mind.


    And how to deal with it.


    I put an excessive aura on the Hermes sword.


    ''''Awesome Emperor Splitting Sky!''''


    A high-level aura slash that far surpasses the ''Splitting Sky'', used only by the previous hero Arantzill.


    This is a great technique that should have no other two in this world, but they clashed head on.

 57-56 Grand Bazaar arrives at Lux Village (Shitenno side)

    One of the previous Four Heavenly Kings, Glamberza of the ''karma fire'' visited Lax Village.


    ''''........It took me a long time to find him. As it is within the territory of the human race, it can''t be helped.''''


    Dariel is here.


    Glamberza didn''t doubt that in the slightest.


    After all, it was something that the Demon King had directly approached him about.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time with them.


    This is why the demon king is able to tell things that are far away that he cannot know.


    The Four Heavenly Kings Glamberza, who had served the company for many years, knew that this was unmatched accuracy.


    That''s why he had unquestionably sought out Rax Village and visited it like this.


    ''''Here''s Dariel...!


    Even though he was retired, Dariel was important enough to seek him out with his hands as a heavyweight of the demon race.


    Originally, Glamberza was a man of little compassion.


    Instead, he had found the meaning of life in working and making achievements on the battlefield.


    He had married, but it was his duty as a man of position, and it was his duty to have children.


    The sense of duty entrusted to him by his dead colleague was the first thing he did to raise Dariel.


    The infant he had only thought was a forgotten memento of the Four Heavenly Kings Bezetan turned out to be otherwise, much less a demon race.


    The sense of duty was gone, but he still kept Dariel with him....


    It was only because an emotion that surpassed the sense of duty arose.


    To the adopted child he raised as a subordinate.


    Granbaza knows that.


    Why did he become the strongest, when he was touted as the strongest of all time?


    The cause is affection.


    Those who are alive can become many times stronger by knowing compassion.


    It was she who taught Grumberza, who was just a war demon with a sense of duty, about compassion and led him to become the strongest.


    She made him the strongest.


    Knowing this, Grumberza wanted to repay Dariel, who had grown up, at all costs.


    He gave Dariel the position of Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings because it was the best he could hold, as he couldn''t use magic.


    But Dariel himself was capable, and he served the job of assistant well.


    As a gesture of gratitude, he wanted Dariel to remain in his position as his assistant and to flourish after he left, but his own son, who is nothing more than a mass of incompetence, unexpectedly banished Dariel from his position.


    Or at least an apology.


    That single thought made Glamberza head for the village of Lux by himself.


    ''.........


    The wound in his stomach that was thrust at him by the brave Arantzill still hurt.


    The excursion with this wound was quite excruciating, but it was still impossible not to visit.


    ''''We must find Dariel from within this village...!


    Stopping at the outer edge of the village, Glambarza thought about the work he had to accomplish in the future.


    Grumberza is a demon, and the village he is about to enter is that of the human race.


    If they find out about it, there will be an uproar.


    It is difficult to distinguish between the human race and the demon race from the outside.


    That is clear from the fact that Dariel has been living among the demon race for a long time.


    Glambarza is now dressed poorly and disguised as a traveler, but the more small country villages like this, the more sensitive they are to intruders.


    ''''Cautious behavior is required of you...!


    Anyway into the village, try to walk around.


    I thought it was a desolate and remote village, but it was surprisingly crowded and lively.


    That was also an advantage for Glamberza. The more people there were, the more intruders would not be noticed if they got mixed in.


    But at the same time, it was also a disadvantage.


    ''With numbers like this, it''s hard to find Dariel...''


    There is a risk of getting suspicious if he walks around too much from place to place.


    It was also a troubling situation, and it was hard for the old and injured Granbaza to walk a little.


    He used a mobile magic tool powered by fire magic to get close to the village, but he couldn''t use it in a human village.


    Unable to endure, he sat down on the side of the road.


    He felt his old age painfully.


    ''''At a time like this...''''


    If Dariel was around, she would bring him drinking water.


    She really was a child who cared about her surroundings.


    He could have cared for himself more.


    ''Yes.''


    Something was held out in front of Glamberza as he sat down.


    It was a water bottle made of animal skin.


    ''Would you like a drink of water?''


    Oh, I''m sorry, Dariel.


    As soon as I said it, I thought, "Shucks.


    Of course, it wasn''t Dariel who offered me the water. It was a young woman of the human race.


    ''''Ah!��I''m sorry................��I thought I knew you....?


    It''s all right. Forget it, drink some water. You''re tired, aren''t you?


    But...


    Feeling that it would be suspicious to reject it too much, Glamberza accepted the favor.


    The water in the leather bag was clear and delicious.


    The woman gave a calm smile.


    She was young enough to look like she was only twenty or so, but she had a dignity that didn''t seem like it.


    I looked at the thing on her back and immediately agreed with her.


    ''''A baby........!


    A woman, when she becomes a mother, no matter how old she is, comes with dignity.


    Glamberza rose and handed back the canteen with its tightened lid.


    ''Thank you. I ache for your kindness.''


    ''It''s okay, because anyone who visits our village is like family.


    The young mother responded with a smile.


    The carefree nature of her smile made Glambarza like it more and more.


    ''What brings you to the village of Lax?''


    ''''Ugh!''''


    She was aware that Glamberza was an outsider.


    Witty and perceptive on top of being witty. She rolled her tongue as if she were Dariel.


    ''Hi, I''m looking for someone...!


    If I tried to hide everything, it would be even more suspicious.


    As long as they don''t find out that I''m a demon race, it won''t be a problem, and I decided to answer the rest of the questions honestly.


    It was originally Grumberza, who was not good at lying.


    ''''I''m looking for........people. Someone told me that they were in this village, and this is how I got my foot in the door.


    That must be hard. What''s the person you''re looking for?��What''s your name?��What are the characteristics?


    What?


    She''s a girl who''s suddenly asking me intrusive questions, Glambarza thought, but Glambarza wasn''t sure how to answer further.


    She did not doubt that Dariel was in this village.


    But a position is a position. He didn''t even know if he lived in a large open house, and there was a possibility that he was using a false name.


    I don''t want to disclose information in a heap and avoid just the bush snake that knows I''m a demon race.......


    Granberza was lost and fumbling around.


    ''''Then let''s go to Atashi''s husband!


    Huh?��Why?


    ''My husband is the village chief. He also helps me find people.


    This girl is the wife of the village chief?


    No wonder she felt extraordinarily dignified, Glamberza thought to himself.


    ''''Then I''ll take you at your word...''''


    She was on her way to deliver her lunch under her husband.


    Glamberza was to accompany her.


    ''''It''s ... cute.''''


    ''''What?!''''


    The woman reacted more than she should have to to Glamberza''s words as they walked side by side.


    ''No, the child on your back.''


    ''Oh!��Oh...!


    To Granvasa, every newborn baby seemed precious.


    It was always Dariel who reminded him.


    Even Dariel, who faces her self-imposed harsh fate head on, was a baby when she first met him.


    That innocence, the feeling of holding her in his arms, is something Granvasa will never forget for the rest of his life.


    ''Babies are good. It''s the number one reason why adults work so hard.


    ''Yes!��Isn''t she pretty?��It''s called Gran.


    Hmm?


    For a moment Glamburza thought he had been called.


    ''My husband said he borrowed it from the name of a man who was very good to him. My father sulked for a while that he hadn''t used his name.


    Glambarza couldn''t help but smile at one of the family''s most common moments.


    ''Whatever the name, there is no greater celebration than the birth of a child. You''ve done your best.''


    Yes, he''s my treasure.


    She smiled without a care in the world, and Glambarza was more and more impressed by her.


    It''s a good thing that the man who took such a good woman to wife and was blessed with a child must be a very lucky man.


    It''s a good thing that you can''t get away from the fact that you can''t get away with it.

 58-57 Dariel reunites her parent

    I was still working hand-to-hand with my predecessor, the brave Arantzill.


    And then it was over.


    ''''...................Oh, shit!


    It was Aranzir who made the sound first.


    It''s hard to imagine that this would be the case, since the other side is elderly and even injured.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''re ready to go.


    It''s a mock battle. It''s been a long time since I''ve felt my life in danger.


    You''ve lost. It''s a good thing we''ve lost. You can''t keep up your energy and stamina.


    I''m not that young myself.


    I hold out my hand to my predecessors, who slump to the ground.


    The other side, sensing this, grabs your hand and stands up.


    "That was you, Dariel. You are so much stronger than I expected. I''d rather have you as a brave man than Radie.


    ''You can''t be a brave man after thirty. A seat of bravery must follow the young man.


    To me, a thirty-year-old is still a young boy. You mustn''t be so gloomy.


    Alanziel''s expression was somewhat amused.


    You were able to dissipate quite a bit after the fight with me.


    ''''But Dariel-san, I''m surprised you used the ''Great Emperor''s Splitting Sky''.


    What?


    That was my original trick.��It''s not just a matter of making the "Splitting Skies" bigger. There are various tricks to make it happen. It''s my own personal secret.


    They say it''s a marvel that I, a first-time visitor, was able to recreate it so well.


    Oh, yeah.


    "Where in the world did you learn that?


    Oh, wait, are you imitating me?


    Where do you think I found it?��The only way to see this is to see me fighting, okay?


    There''s no way I can say that, right?


    I saw you as an enemy when you were a member of the Demon King''s army.


    I''ll just have to avoid stating it outright and get through it lazily.


    Anyway, when I finished the game, the people who were supposed to be around me weren''t there.


    Like Radey and Zebiantes.


    I noticed that they were far away from me.


    Oi, why are you so far away?


    I didn''t leave because I wanted to! "You fought too hard!��He must have been blown away in the aftermath alone!


    I''m afraid I''ve made you collateral damage, siren.


    It seems that the clash between the "Super Empty Sky" and the "Super Empty Sky" was so fierce that the crowd was blown far away from the plants and trees.


    ...The sun is getting high.


    It''s already noon.


    It''s a good time to take a break, isn''t it?��I have a job to do as village chief, too.


    Oh, yeah, I shouldn''t have let you interrupt my work.


    I told Maleeka that she would bring us a lunch box soon.


    Once you''ve eaten that, Aranzir and Radie can continue their training again.


    I''m going back to work.


    In the meantime, I saw a figure on the plain outside the village.


    It''s Malika.


    My wife is punctual, you know.


    Did you bring Granddad with you?


    That''s a good lunch calm time to spend with parents and children in the privacy of their own home.


    ........hmmm?


    Strange, there''s another figure next to Malika?


    Large, male?


    It''s still too far away to tell.


    Each time we get closer, the outline becomes clearer and clearer....


    Hm?


    Does it look familiar or not?


    No, you do look familiar.


    But that''s...


    You''re kidding me.


    What the hell is he doing here?


    It would be more realistic to say it was a mistake.


    ''''........Granbaza?!''''


    Arantzill was the first to say it out loud before I did.


    I''m sure he''d recognize it too, after all, it''s our sworn enemy who we''ve been killing all our lives.


    Even he recognized that figure as Granbaza-sama, is that Granbaza-sama himself?


    Oh, I also noticed a figure that looks like GranBurza over here too.


    He''s looking at us and has a face like he can''t believe it.


    I''m the one who''s unbelievable!��How did this happen?��The person who moved the fastest before asking, "Why is this happening?


    ''''Die!''''


    It was Alanziel.


    He charged in a straight line towards Granberza-sama.


    ''''Nuh-uh?��"Flame Heat Barrier!


    The only way to defend against it is with fire magic.


    So, that means you''re really GranBaza-sama?��It''s not a good idea.


    I''m not going to be able to get my hands on them.��How is it possible for you to be here?��And with Dariel?


    You are the one who is trespassing on human soil, you abomination!��What are you up to?��No, she''s going to cut through every vicious scheme!��I''m going to stab you here with the final blow I couldn''t stab you with on that duel day!


    And so the fight to the death began.


    This was a real fight to the death, which is a far cry from the battles that have occurred recently.


    ''''It''s a natural catastrophe!��It''s the end of the world!


    The battle was so fierce that the current hero and the current Four Heavenly Kings fled in a hurry.


    ''''That old man was related to you after all, right?''''


    Saying that, the one who came up next to me was Marika, who was piggybacking on Gran.


    ''''Malika, where on earth did you find that person?''''


    "I just happened to be on my way here. You said you were looking for someone, so I thought maybe you were looking for you.


    Why do you have such a fortune teller''s intuition?


    ''Because she said your name by accident. So I brought him here.


    I see.


    I don''t know what the purpose of Lady Granberza''s visit was, but it seems that my wife''s fine play has worked.


    The only question is, how should we manage this fight to the death?


    Anyway, get out of my way!��I am!��I have come for Dariel!


    My regret in life is that I could not stop the growth of your life!��I''m going to erase all remorse here!


    Even though they were old, it was a grueling struggle between the two strongest people.


    If they got caught in the middle, there would not be enough lives left to save.


    If they don''t get their hands dirty...


    ...


    It subsided naturally.


    Unexpectedly, we both ran out of stamina instantly and both of us were battered.


    ''''Zezeze.......!


    Oh, no. I can''t move...!


    We''re both old now. I''ve had injuries in the past.


    So, if they were to make any serious moves, they would only last a fraction of the time of their prime.


    I feel a sense of impermanence.


    ''''Dariel........!


    Dragging his weary body, Master Grandfather is coming at us!


    Lady Grandfather!


    For now, I left the brave man alone and ran over to my lifelong benefactor.


    ''''Hey, are you okay!��For now, drink some water...!


    I have a lot of questions and things to ask and say, but it''s imperative that I take care of this exhaustion.


    I was about to open my water bottle........


    I''m sorry...!


    An apology.


    I don''t know what in the world he was apologizing for, but Granbaza-sama changed his posture by putting his hands on his hands from his heaving stance and curling his body.


    It was a kneeling position.


    ''''Dariel, I''m sorry...!


    Oh no...!��I don''t have a single thing for you to apologize for!


    I rather have a lot more to apologize and thank you for than I do for you...!


    Even so, Lady Granberza bent over her large body........!


    I''m sorry...!��Dariel, I''m sorry...!


    He kept apologizing.


    As I looked at this person''s rounded back, I suddenly realized that his body was not as large as I had thought.


    I had thought his body was quite large, but I realized that it wasn''t as large as I had thought.


    The large body I had looked up at as a child now looked much smaller.


    And I knew.


    I was getting bigger.

 59-58 Alan Zil meets a separated son

    I''ve learned a lot since I settled down.


    Such as the meaning of ''sorry'' that Granbaza-sama says.


    ''So you knew about it, Lady Granbaza?��You know my real tribe?


    When you were about five or six years old, I was worried about your inability to use magic. I''ve been doing a lot of research. From the looks of it, you noticed it too.


    Yeah.


    You know, I was really surprised when I first heard about it.


    "I''ve been wondering. I wondered what I was really going to do to make you happy. I knew it would be the happy thing to bring you back to where you were supposed to be, but I couldn''t let go of it, and it just came cheating...!


    I''ve never heard of such a story before.


    Has this person been dealing with me with this kind of guilt for a long time?


    ''''But after all, the human race is happiest when it lives among the human race, isn''t it? Becoming such a great man and building a family...!��You are truly magnificent, Dariel...!


    But still, wasn''t it you who raised me as a child?


    I owe you a debt of gratitude that I can never repay.


    Look at him. That''s my son. I named him Gran. I took the liberty of naming him after you.


    Oh....


    The days you raised me are irreplaceable to me. I don''t want to be the subject of an apology.


    Thank you.


    Thank you.


    I was so impressed that I hugged Granberza-sama.


    I felt again that he was such a small person.


    ''''That''s a good story!''''


    It''s a good story.


    The outsiders are also in tears at the side........


    .........beside them.


    ''Let go!��Let go of me!��What kind of a hero is this if you don''t make the Four Heavenly Kings bleed here!


    "Mr. Arantzill!��Air!��Read the air!


    The current hero was holding back the previous hero who still wanted to slay the demon race.


    ........I''m sorry for something.


    ...............


    Noooooooooooo?


    The Hermes sword swung down.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time with them.


    I''m sorry. It''s just as we talked about, and we can''t afford to let our benefactor be struck down.


    It''s all right to listen. I never thought you''d be that pesky aide.


    Troubling.


    I had no idea I was perceived that way by the enemy.


    ''''They only chopped at the edges of my vision, but they always left an impression on me because they always interfered with me in extremely precise ways at important places. ........I didn''t expect it to be a human race and not a demon race......!


    ''''I was surprised when I found out, too.


    "But now that you recognize your true origins, it is only natural that you should stand by our side and defeat the demons!��Defeating the Demon King, destroying demons, is a human''s most ardent wish for dozens of generations!


    ''''Indebtedness and love transcend race.


    Can you easily kill the person who raised you as a substitute for your parents just because he or she has changed affiliation?


    ''''However, I have a debt of gratitude to the human race now. So I''d like you to at least be friendly with each other in front of my eyes...''''


    You''re kidding me.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time with them.


    If it''s a pure contest of strength, old Anta has no chance....


    "I am!��I must eradicate the demon race!��That''s my mission!��The meaning of life!��Don''t stop me, Dariel!


    I''m sorry for the misfortune that happened to you. But that doesn''t mean we can''t allow ourselves to grieve because of it.


    I''m winning the one-stress comparison, but Arantzill doesn''t seem to be stubbornly backing down.


    What''s wrong with this........


    ''''Um........from what I''ve just heard, what do you mean?''''


    Lady Granberza joined the conversation.


    ''Misery and sorrow...?��No, I mean, I guess you could say we''ve known each other for a long time, but we''re enemies and we don''t actually know each other that well...


    I''m sure.


    "Shut up!��No foul demon can take revenge for the murder of his own child!


    What...?


    "What an evil deed your people have done!��The Four Heavenly Kings ''Muddy Waters'' Bezetan!��His despicable deed took my baby away from me. My son had just been born!��I didn''t even have to look at the child''s face!


    The fire-breathing Arantzill vindictive voice.


    He could see that for him, the hatred of having his family taken from him was the driving force behind the fight.


    ''''The Four Heavenly Kings........Bezetan.......?


    ''''Ah, I knew you knew Granbaza-sama?


    He''s the oldest of the demon race now.


    I didn''t know this.


    "He took away your child?��A newborn baby?


    ''Yes!��From that time on, I vowed in my heart to kill the Demon King and destroy the Demon Clan to clear the regret of my wife and children!


    Granberza-sama made a difficult expression.


    After all, even though he was an enemy, couldn''t he accept a heavy episode?


    "Dariel.


    Yes?


    Did I ever tell you the details of how I met you?


    ?


    No?


    Something about picking me up as a baby marooned on a battlefield?


    ''''As a matter of fact.......the circumstances that led to your acquisition have a lot to do with the former Four Heavenly Kings Bezetan.......!


    So I don''t know him at all?


    It''s true that he was a dishonest and insufferable man, and even his allies hated him. The most despicable means of targeting not a direct opponent, but a person related to that opponent, is also understandable when it is said that he is using it. I can''t understand or sympathize with that, but...!


    Um, what the hell are you talking about?


    I was the one who took care of Bezetan''s last moments. "I was the one who took care of Bezetan''s last days. When I arrived at the scene, he had his stomach ripped open, his hands and feet cut off and his eyes smashed in. It would make sense now that it was the result of a grudge.


    Arantzill responded to that narrative.


    ''I think it''s because he is the one who accomplished that atrocity,'' he said.


    ''Bezetan said at last,'' he said. ''I left my trump card. The last thing Bezetan said was, ''I have left you a trump card, if you use it well, you will be able to defeat the brave men. I told him where the "trump card" was hidden and then he died after putting it away.


    And then, after following that last instruction, I found it....


    ''It was a young infant. Dariel, it''s you.....


    Seriously?


    ''The baby is the trump card.... I didn''t understand it at the time. My first thought was that this was Bezetan''s son, and if the child who inherited his father''s brilliance grew up, he would become the elite of the overthrowing heroes.


    But the child would later turn out to be of the human race.


    More and more I didn''t understand. But by then, Dariel was my irreplaceable son and I no longer cared about Bezetan''s will. But.....


    Now the situation begins to make sense.


    The pieces that are missing from each other, and the picture that emerges is....


    The son of a brave man who was once the son of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    After the death of the Four Heavenly Kings, a baby was entrusted to him by his colleague, Lady Granbaza.


    Although the child was among the demon race, he was a human.


    I''m going to have to say that the baby is me, who has grown up.


    Hmmm?


    All eyes in the room are focused on me.


    I know.


    I know what everyone is thinking.


    ''Oh no, coincidences happen.


    Mr. Dariel!��Don''t turn your back on reality!


    ''It''s just too much to put away by chance!


    I know, I know, I know!


    There''s more to me than I can take in!


    ..........


    When I turned around, the previous brave Arantzill was also staring at me.


    An emotion of a kind I had never felt before dwelt in me.


    An emotion too complex for even me, who lived for more than thirty years, to discern.


    ''''You....................''''


    Yes?


    You''re my son?��I thought you were dead over 30 years ago...?


    "Well?


    Blah blah blah!


    And they beat me. From both Radey and Zebiantes.


    ''Why don''t you make an assertion there!


    ''There''s a limit to how far you can go!


    That''s why I can''t take it anymore!


    I''ve learned that facts have an allowance, and if you go beyond that, your mind can''t swallow the facts.

 60-59 Ako Gran, erase all battles

    Jiri.........Jiri.......


    I carefully keep my distance.


    With the previous brave Arantzill.


    The way he looks at me is somehow completely different and bloody than before.


    Every time he takes a step forward, I take a step back.


    ''Why are you avoiding it!


    ''It''s kind of scary!''


    The old gentleman''s gaze freaks out the thirty man.


    ''Mr. Dariel!��That''s a terrible thing to say!


    ''That''s right!��To my own father!


    The outside world is making a lot of noise on its own.


    Or rather, they said it. In the midst of the hubbub, I said the core of the matter!


    ''Considering the circumstances, it''s the only way to go, isn''t it?


    Yeah.


    It was over thirty years ago.


    The culprit who took my newborn son away from the brave Arantzill.


    And my colleague who handed me over as a baby to Master Granbaza.


    They were of the same demon tribe.


    Then it''s reasonable to assume that the baby handed over by the demon tribe is the same.


    "Dariel-san fits all of our aura traits and excels at everything.


    So what?


    ''''The same is true for Aranzir-sama. He is good at all traits. I''ve heard that a parent''s aura aptitude is inherited by their children.


    No way.....


    You think that''s another proof of our kinship?


    ''''Master Aranzir''s aura aptitude is extremely rare and powerful. It is said that this is why he is the strongest of all time. It''s hard to believe that two people with the same talent are completely unrelated.


    I''d say so.


    Honestly, I never thought about whether I was related to him or not.


    I was lonely from the moment I became aware of my existence.


    I took it as completely natural and felt it was natural.


    Just as it is natural for the sky to be blue, the ocean to be blue, the summer to be hot and the winter to be cold and there is no reason for it, I thought it was the same for me to be lonely in this lifetime.


    But there always seemed to be a reason for the loneliness of some people in life.


    ''Are you my, my son...?''


    Alanziel was shaking.


    ''''A son who should be dead, a son I gave up long ago, is now in front of me...?


    I say that, but it''s hard for me to understand, even for me.


    I''m not sure that my own parents, who I was never even aware of, are this brave man of all people.


    I''m not sure how many times I felt like dying because of this guy when I was in the demon king''s army.


    ''.........��.........!


    Alanziel ran out.


    But it wasn''t towards me.


    It was to Granbaza-sama, who was letting loose beside him.


    ''''Huh!��I don''t know.


    He swung his long stick down towards Granberza-sama. It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to find a way to get the best out of it.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what to do with it.


    "Don''t interrupt me!


    Alanziel says.


    ''My family, my son!��Punish the demons who have taken it away from you!��I''m full of rage right now!��I can''t just sit back and hold on to this anger!


    "I will not allow you to harm Lady Granbertha.


    You''re a race of humans!��You are a race of humans!��And he''s my son!��So why do you side with the demon race!


    Aranzir used the tip of a long stick as a finger and thrust it at me.


    ''''Isn''t the demon race my enemy, your enemy!��He''s the avenger who stole your life from you!��You can be angry, but you have no reason to protect me!


    He gave me my life.


    Master Grandfather has been there for me ever since I can remember.


    He taught me many things. He gave me a sense of fulfillment and a job that I should devote my life to.


    The reason I never questioned the fact that I didn''t have a birth parent is because I had a nurturing parent named Grandparents.


    He is my benefactor and a part of my life. If you are going to make enemies with that person, they are my enemies. I will fight him with all my might.


    Now I have the power to do just that.


    The power of the weapons and aura I gained with my new family when I came to Rax Village.


    With this power, I can go head to head with Aranzir, the absolute threat I once was.


    ''''No.........!


    A voice came from behind me.


    It was Granberza-sama.


    That''s the kind of position I was standing in because I stood there to protect him.


    ''It wasn''t me who gave it to you...!��You''re on your side.��I''ve been given many irreplaceable things by you...!


    Lady Granberza...?


    Hearts and minds. I became strong because of the time I spent with you. I am the strongest person in the world because of the time I spent with you. You are my pride and joy...!��My treasure...!


    I didn''t know you felt that way about me....


    I''m so moved I almost cry.


    ''''Don''t be silly!''''


    The one who was outraged by it was Alanziel.


    ''''That time should have been mine!��I would have been the one to spend time with my son and turn that time into a force to be reckoned with!��The one you took away from me!


    .....


    "It''s your heart that makes you the most powerful man in the world..."?��Then what am I?��It was hatred that made me strong!��The anger and hatred of having my son taken from me has made me this strong!��How miserable I am!


    Great.


    Aranziel''s angry aura is erupting from his entire body.


    I can see it with the naked eye.


    What kind of visibly dense aura is that...?


    ''''Even if my son is alive, the decades I was supposed to spend with him will not be returned!��It''s irreversible!


    It''s impossible to stop this person.


    I also filled the Hermes Sword with all the aura I could find.


    ''''I will eradicate the demons who planted hatred in my heart!��And I will not allow anyone to interfere with it!��Even though he was my son who lived!


    Dariel......step away...!


    Lady Granberza?


    ''''My former colleague.... What Bezetan has done is despicable and despicable even in the eyes of the demon tribe. I despise him to the core. Still, I, as a colleague and kindred spirit, must take responsibility for what he has done...!


    Are you going to kill him?


    It''s the only way to stop this mass of hate. I won''t let him die alone. We''re all going to have to be furious with him...!


    The magic power of the flames blazes up from the surface of Granberza-sama''s body.


    Even though both of them have already retired, the two strongest men of all time are going to clash here again?


    ''''After all, I''ve served my purpose in this world. I have no regrets, no matter when it ends. Do you not regret it too, right, Arantziel?


    Goo...!��Uuuuuu...!


    A brave man roars like a beast.


    ''Times have already changed, Dariel, in the days of youth. We, the old ones, shall leave together. Your unquenchable regret will be satisfied with one life from me...!


    Lady Granberza is going to fight for me.


    He''s going to take the old hatred that dwells in Aranzir to usher in a new era for me, all by himself.


    ''''Lady Granbaza!��I''ll take care of this...!


    Stand back, Dariel. I won''t let you kill your own flesh and blood. I have caused you so much trouble in the past. If I don''t make this level of atonement, I won''t be able to travel to the netherworld with no regrets...!


    ''No!��I''ve been doing you all kinds of favors...!


    Even as he did so, the aura emanating from Aranziel increased in density and momentum.


    An unstoppable battle.


    When I thought that.


    With a Zapaan.


    Water was sprayed on me.


    Alanziel, Granbaza-sama and for some reason me too.


    "I''ll get it.


    It was terribly cold, maybe it was well water, and not only me but the other two jumped up.


    ''''Please don''t do this Isaac!


    It was my wife, Malika, who was lounging around with an empty tub.


    What if I splashed water on her with the tub?


    The strongest of the four heavenly kings and a hero...?


    That''s unbelievable f*cking courage...!


    Even the useless workers were shuddering.


    "I don''t know what''s going on with you people, but I don''t want you to see the ugliness of hatred in each other''s eyes. But please don''t let my children see the ugliness of a hateful conflict!


    And a zero year old boy who holds up


    Isn''t that my little Gran!


    This is my baby!��He''s also Dariel''s child!��I mean, for you guys, grandchildren!


    Grandson?


    Alanziel and Lady Granbaza hummed!


    Their gazes were drawn to their son Gran.


    Gran, still a baby, looked back at the old men who were still staring at him, not understanding anything.


    That''s exactly what he did with an innocent look on his face.


    ''To show this child, who still doesn''t know anything, the ugly way of fighting first. Aren''t you ashamed of being a grandfather?


    "Grandpa!


    ''Yes, whether you''re a blood relative or a nurturing parent, you''re all Dariel''s father!��Then you and you are both her grandfather!


    Maleeka''s words take over everything...!


    Both Aranzir and Lady Granbaza are sucked in by the innocent look on their son Gran''s face. Forgetting everything.


    Longtime nemesis lined up in front of the baby on good terms...!


    ''I see no point in fighting before a clean baby...!


    It''s going to be a wonderful old bundle of joy.


    Radey and Zeviantes, who were useless all this time, were in tears.


    Simply disgusting.


    But after all, how could he persuade those two strongest men in the past to do so?


    My wife is really strong...?

 61-60 Shitenno Bashbaza, abandoned (Shitenno side)

    Bashbarza, the current Four Heavenly Kings'' ''Ayan Fire'', hadn''t done anything in particular.


    For the past year, nothing.


    It was at the same time that his colleagues, Droyer and Bezelia, were desperately trying to hold off the brave men.


    He had locked himself in his room and hadn''t gone out for days, and he had been doing that for a long time.


    But for some reason, he was out that day.


    Bashvaza had flown out and was fluttering around like a little bird, as if to say that he was celebrating the completion of the work he had been working on for years.


    If such a well-behaved person were to go, it would be a place with drinks and gastronomy.


    He went to a restaurant that was reserved for the senior demon family.


    He was one of their favorite customers.


    "I''m in a good mood today!��You guys have a lot to drink and mingle about.


    Bashvaza called together not only himself, but also many of the demons he knew.


    It was like a big party.


    ''''It''s finally complete!��I have the secret to becoming the Ultimate Four Heavenly Kings!��This is all it takes to kill a hero!��Eternal death!��Never again will you ever poke your shield at our demon race!


    With such a great achievement, he could overtake his great father and become the greatest of all time.


    ''''This is a prelude to a celebration!��That was before I became the Ultimate Four Heavenly Kings!��Enjoy it all to your heart''s content!��And praise me!


    He thought he had gathered all the drummers in one place to praise him, so to speak.


    There were many such people.


    Even before he became the Four Heavenly Kings.


    This was because, as the son of the strongest Granbaza of all time, rubbing up against him, who was supposed to have inherited his talents in a strong way, must have promised prosperity.


    But...!


    ...Huh?


    When he actually came to the restaurant, Bashvaza was baffled by the scene, which was not quite what he had expected.


    In his imagination, he should have been greeted by a whole group of guests who would have filled the restaurant, which he had rented out, to admire him.


    And yet there were only a few people in the rented room, the few that he could count.


    We had rented out a large room for a big feast, but this only added to the loneliness of the room.


    Moreover, those few guests are silent and in no mood to welcome Bashvaza.


    What do you mean...?��Isn''t it already the appointed time?��So many late arrivals?


    It''s outrageous.


    If Bashvaza is uncomfortable with you showing up late to his own functions...!


    No, sir.


    One of the valuable participants said.


    ''He''s not late, he''s absent. He declined your invitation.


    ''''What the hell is wrong with you?


    The situation was even more dire than Bashvaza himself had thought.


    "Absent?��Absent?��The Four Heavenly Kings, Bashvaza, invited you here on your own, and you are the one who disrespected my favor?


    This was unbelievable to Bashvaza.


    It felt like the impossible had happened, so much so that the world had been turned upside down.


    ''''How rude...!��You don''t know what you''re doing.��I''m going to remind you how stupid you are!��I''m going to expel everyone who isn''t here from the Demon King''s Army!


    You can''t do that, can you?


    Again, one of the lesser attendees told him.


    It was then that Bashvaza finally realized. That precious attendee of the dinner, too, had lost his respect for himself in his tone of voice.


    ''Your influence and voice, you know. Your influence and voice have been weakened to the point where it''s almost zero. Who can you fire when you say you''re going to fire them?��Who can you promote when you say you''re going to promote them?


    This was only possible when he had just been appointed as the Four Heavenly Kings.


    Back then, the fame and power of the Four Heavenly Kings was still preserved by the expectations of an unknown number of people.


    But now, after many failures, the insubstantial expectations had vanished, leaving only the fact that he was an incompetent.


    ''''You have long since given up on me. You keep failing, you keep losing money, and yet you don''t work to recover from it in the slightest. What did you do while Master Droyer was desperately fighting on the front lines?��Aren''t you just staying in your room and being lazy?


    The words in your teeth.


    ''No!��I''m here for a great plan.


    ''You''re the one who''s going to end up anyway. No one is going to get close to you because they don''t want to get involved and fall in with you. But I wanted to say a few words to you. I didn''t even want to come to the party, so I attended.


    Me too.


    One of the few people present, another one, stood up.


    ''''I couldn''t help myself if I didn''t complain to this stupid little boy. Master Grandfather is a great man, but he failed to train his successor!��You put this idiot at the top of the Demon King''s army!


    Kid....?��Idiot..........?


    They hurled unbelievable abuses at him.


    ''''Thanks to this idiot in charge, the Demon King''s army is in shambles!��Just being the son of a hero is enough to get us all in trouble!


    The only thing he''s got going for him is that Lady Granberza is his father, you incompetent bastard.


    ''''You''ve learned the lesson that the selection of the Four Heavenly Kings should be based solely on merit. It was a somewhat expensive lesson, though.


    ''''Because of this guy, the Demon King''s army is weakened and his people''s trust in him has been damaged!��How hard it will be to get this back!


    Those who had once followed Bashvaza''s adulation are now hurling the exact opposite abuse at him.


    ''''Well at least I hope Dariel is still around.


    Someone pouted.


    ''''It wouldn''t have been so bad if Auxiliary Dariel had been there. If the Four Heavenly Kings were the pillars that supported the Demon King''s army, he was the cornerstone to support those pillars.''''


    ''Come to think of it, this is the same guy who fired Dariel. He really does some unwanted things!


    Bashvaza is pointed at bluntly.


    ''Dariel certainly didn''t have the ability to use magic, but he was better than this guy!��He was really the one we needed in the Demon King''s Army!


    We are fools to realize that until we lose it. Dariel, Lady Grandfather''s bosom buddy, was a better successor to Grandfather than his own incompetent son.


    The participants'' estrangement from Bashbarza was naturally replaced with admiration for Dariel.


    Everyone finally understood the power of the assistant who continued to support the Demon King''s army in the shadows.


    ''''Bashvaza-sama. If you are no longer in the position of the Four Heavenly Kings, the existence of the Demon King''s Army is in jeopardy. We are going to join our names and petition the Demon King to remove you from office.


    Hee.........?


    I''m afraid the petition will be granted. Even your father would have complained about the same thing all by himself. But that would make you feel sorry for him, too.


    That favor is only within the bounds of righteousness, I suppose.


    ''''Please resign from the Four Heavenly Kings of your own volition. That way, you can at least maintain your pride. This is the final loyalty we offer to you.


    Whether it was an errand or not, as soon as he finished saying it, every single attendee left, and Bashvaza was left alone.


    There was not a single person left to follow him.


    ''''How..., how did this happen...?


    Today''s sitting was supposed to be a prelude to the celebration of Bashvaza''s promised victory.


    Everyone present was supposed to be praising Bashbursa with open arms.


    But the opposite is true.


    ''Shit!��Liquor!��Bring on the booze!


    I couldn''t do this without getting drunk.


    I yelled at him, taking advantage of the fact that this is a restaurant.


    The proprietor of the restaurant came to us with his order, but his response was tepid.


    "Mr. Bashvaza, if you''re going to dine here, you''ll have to settle your account first.


    What?


    You''re behind on your payments these days. If this is the reason why you''ll be dropped from the Four Heavenly Kings. I have to worry about not being able to collect the bill...!


    ''Nonsense!��I''m not going to quit the Four Heavenly Kings!


    Even after coming to this point, Bashvaza still couldn''t accept the fact.


    ''''I''ve never said anything like that in the past...!��You can''t trust me!��Bashbursa, the best of the demon tribe''s newfangled fire!


    Previously, Dariel-sama was here, so...!


    At those words, Bashvaza''s expression froze.


    I felt a gnarly distortion deep inside me that I couldn''t even begin to appreciate.


    ''As long as your chaperone, Dariel-sama, could vouch for you, we could pay as much credit as we wanted without worrying. But now that Dariel-sama is gone, we will have to be cautious. This is also how society works and you need to study it...!


    G....g...!


    ?


    ''''Ooohhhhhh!''''


    Red lotus flames erupted from Bashbarza''s body.


    ''''Ughhhh!��UGYAHHHHHHHHHHH!


    The poor shopkeeper was swallowed up by the vortex of flames, and in the blink of an eye, he was burned to ashes without a trace.


    Along with the house of the restaurant he had run.


    ''''You idiot...!��All of you idiots...!


    In the demon race territory, he unleashes magic for no reason and burns his own people to death.


    It was a big problem, and without waiting for any proceedings any longer, Bashbarza would be chased away from the Four Heavenly Kings.


    But even that didn''t matter to him.


    ''''I''ll make you regret it.......!��You will make everyone who has wrongfully insulted me very sorry!��You don''t know who you are!��There''s no way I''ve been cooped up in this house for no reason!


    The trump card is there.


    Bashvaza''s high-pitched laugh, as if to show it.


    ''I''m already ready!��I can''t wait to see the look on their faces when they apologize to me after I kill the hero and eradicate all humans!��I will never forgive you!��Not only will they themselves, but their entire clan will be reduced to the status of slaves!


    But at the heart of the disturbed Bashvaza, there was still a discomfort that was hard to shake.


    Dariel.


    That d*mnable name.


    I must kill that person who insults me the most...!��I didn''t have the wherewithal to banish him.��That filthy incompetent is the one who must burn up every last ash of his ashes or he will be a stain on my glorious legend!


    Everyone said.


    That Dariel is better than Bashbarza.


    That Dariel is more trustworthy than Bashbarza.


    That Dariel was a better man than Bashbarza for the Demon King''s army.


    That Dariel is a more suitable successor to Grandfather than Bashbarza.


    It was a fact that Bashbarza, who was more self-loving than anyone else in this world, would never accept.


    ''Dariel!��Wherever you run and hide, I will find you. I will kill you!��Die!��Die, die, die, die, die!��That''s the only atonement for the crime of displeasing me at the hands of an incompetent person, ah!

 62-61 Aranzil and Gran Baza settle

    The village of Lax.


    My second home.


    The two strongest people in the world were gathered there.


    The treasure. This is the world''s greatest treasure.


    And he is completely absorbed in Granddad, our Junior.


    Granbaza-sama, the former Four Heavenly Kings of "The Fire of Mine" and him.


    And Arantzill, the former hero.


    They fought fierce battles many times in the past, and were called rivals of fate.


    I''m not going to leave my breath, which is napping in my crib.


    ''''Grandson........this is my grandson.......!��How precious and sacred you are...?


    I never thought I''d be called ''Grandpa'' one day.��I know...��Now I know.��Every man lives to be a great grandfather........


    .........


    .........well.


    If there''s peace, that''s the best thing.


    After all, we are two sworn enemies by nature.


    A rare example of two people who spent most of their lives trying to destroy each other and continued to fight until they finally both retired without being destroyed.


    The hatred for them also piled up, and even now, when they meet, they have no choice but to kill each other.


    Such two people who are in a sense too special, but such a long-standing hatred between them....


    ''''Alright, alright, alright, alright, alright........!


    It didn''t matter in front of my baby.


    The cuteness of a newborn baby.


    Oh?��What is it?


    ''Aren''t you too familiar with my grandson?��You''re a demon, aren''t you?


    What do you mean? This is Dariel''s son. This is Dariel''s son, whom I brought up with great care. And so is my grandson!


    "Nonsense, you demon!��You ready?��Dariel is human, and his son Gran is human too!��You, demon, have no place in this fight!��Me too!��I''m related to Dariel by blood, I''m the true granddaddy of Gran!


    ''''Sometimes the bond of the heart goes beyond blood!��Tell me the name of this girl!��It''s Gram!��Don''t tell me you don''t know what it''s derived from!


    "Gunnuuh?


    My first born son is not worthy of being named after me.��I feel absolute respect for you...!��Dariel is truly a filial guy...!


    "Ugh, if you''ve just been born, there''s still room to change your name...!��Hey, Dariel!��This here, here, change your name to Alan, not Gran, and...?


    Annoying.


    My child is taking a nap, so don''t argue with him by his bedside.


    And, well, two old men like this, snuggled up to the newborn baby and refused to leave.


    It''s good that they don''t bother each other to the extent that they don''t kill each other terribly on a level that involves everyone around them.......?


    ''''Gah!��I''m Gran''s grandfather!��It''s a direct descendant!


    She was named after me!��I''m the one who deserves to be a grandfather!


    So don''t argue by the crib.


    Gran will wake up from his nap, won''t he?


    As expected, he proceeded to pay attention, but before he could, Trey fell vertically into the brains of the two heroes.


    Gong, gong, and........!


    ''''Gueeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! ''''Abeji!


    ''''Please don''t make a noise while my child is napping.......!


    It was Malika who brought down the tray.


    My wife. She is undaunted by the two heroes who represent the human and the demon race, respectively.


    "A baby''s nap is the most important time for him to grow up. If you interfere with that, you''ll have to leave the room.


    ''Excuse me!��I''m sorry...!


    ''No more fights!��I''ll keep quiet, so please don''t let me get banned...!


    My wife is indeed strong...!


    The strongest hero and the four heavenly kings of all time are bowing down.......?


    After being lectured by Malika, she left her son Gran and came over here, perhaps to cool off the heat.


    ''....Oh dear, Dariel. Your wife is scary.''''


    No, my wife was very strong like that. They say that a man loves a woman who looks like his mother, but I guess it''s in his blood.


    Looking at the two avenging enemies who are harmonious as a matter of course, I have been in a daze since a while ago.


    Well.


    Let''s recapitulate the information here once again.


    With Granbaza-sama, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the previous generation, and.


    Arantzill, the previous generation''s hero.


    These two people are sworn enemies who have fought each other as representatives of the Demon Race and the Human Race.


    ........I''ve said many times before that this is the case.


    These two people, each with their own unique background, were important to me.


    First of all, I don''t have to mention the Four Heavenly Kings, Granbaza-sama.


    He used to be my boss when I was a dark soldier in the Demon King''s Army, and he has been a great help to me in both my business and personal life.


    You can call him a father figure because he not only helped me, but also picked me up when I was an orphan and raised me.


    In other words, a nurturing father.


    That was Grandfather.


    On the other hand, Arantzill was once a brave man, but to me, a former member of the Demon King''s Army, he was a bitter enemy.


    Not once or twice have I met him on the battlefield and made him feel like he was going to die.


    However, of all things, that Arantzill is my real father.


    When he was young, he tried desperately to get his son back from the demon tribe, but in the end he lost him without a clue.


    The man who turned his grief of loss into hatred and fought for the annihilation of the demon tribe is said to be the brave Arantzill.


    The son of the brave man who was just born and disappeared. After comparing the timing of their separation from each other and the people involved, the possibility that he is the same person as me is strong, or at least confirmed.


    In other words, the strongest and most courageous man of all time is my own father, who is related to me by blood.


    That is to say, the strongest and most powerful man of all time is his own father who is related to him by blood.


    "Wow, what a surprise!


    That''s all I can say either.


    The irony is that the previous brave man who fought against the demon race powered by anger and hatred of having his son taken away from him, but his son was in the enemy camp.


    Even though the truth is revealed and they meet again, his son, who was a baby when they parted ways, is now a good old man in his thirties.


    He was still furious that the decades of time they were supposed to spend together would never return, and then it was the cuteness of his own son, Gran, that stopped the madness.


    I think he felt the illusion that his son, who was taken away from him after thirty years, came back as he was.


    The final battle was averted in the form of a meltdown with Gran-kun.


    And Granbaza-sama is also melodramatic to Gran, who inherited his name.


    The enmity between the two enemies is extinguished in one fell swoop.


    The baby''s cuteness is amazing.


    ''''Dariel-san........?''''


    Radey, the current hero, spoke to me.


    I''m not going to be able to say that this kid is not going to be able to ignore the extraordinary situation with all the old heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings.


    ''''It''s tremendous!��You were special after all!


    Huh?


    Isn''t that right?��He inherited the bloodline of the heroic Arantzill-sama, who was touted as the strongest of all time, and was raised and trained by the Four Heavenly Kings Granbaza, who was touted as the strongest of all time. There is no other person with such a great origin and background!


    If you think about it, that might be true.


    His birth parents were the strongest heroes, and his upbringing was the strongest Four Heavenly Kings.


    Once again, when I put it into words, the awesomeness of it all came across to me three times more.


    Who''s that!��Who holds up such a ridiculous history?


    It was me.


    It''s only natural that Dariel-san is the strongest of the stupid. He''s far more worthy of being a brave man than me and others...!��It''s better to switch places with me and the heroes now...!


    No, no, no, no, wait, wait, wait.


    I can''t be a brave guy.


    I''ve been refusing to even join a brave party for a long time now, so how can I be a brave man myself?


    The village of Laxx is the most important thing to me right now.


    I can''t go out there to defeat the Demon King in order to keep the peace in this village. I don''t want to leave my village.


    "I don''t want to leave my beloved wife and son.


    That''s right.


    Something about it was agreed to by Arantzill, the previous brave man.


    ''''Family is the most important thing...!��If my wife and son hadn''t been hurt, I would have quit being a hero, risking everything to protect my family...!��...It''s Dariel.


    Yes?


    Why do you call me that?


    Yeah, because he turned out to be your real son?


    ''Cherish your family above all else. There is nothing more important than that. At least my family is more important than the duties of a brave man. I didn''t realize that until I lost them, but you can''t lose them...!��Really...!


    What...!


    Mr. Aranziel seems to be very emotional about being reunited with his son, but I''m troubled.


    I''m not at all emotional about it.


    After all, for me, I''ve been an orphan ever since I can remember, and it was the normal form of not having a parent.


    I have no memories of being lonely because I had the best substitute parent, Lady Grandparents, since I was very young.


    I''m a grown-up now, and it''s not a shock to me to be moved by the appearance of my own parents after all this time.


    ........But that, it''s too cruel to say that publicly in front of Arantzill-san.


    It''s kindness to go along with the story here.


    ''''........I''m happy too. Yes, that''s right. Yes.........


    ''It''s okay, just that you''re still alive. My father is happy. I''m so glad...!


    Thank you....


    This is how we each manage our emotions.


    The village of Lax is peaceful today.

 63-62 Elderly man bathes

    And so, two people who should be called the stars of the previous era have taken up residence in our Lax Village.


    Lady Granberza and Mr. Alanziel.


    They are now enjoying a party at our house.


    ''Kanpai,''


    Cheers!


    ''''Ka, Kanpai........?


    Two arch-enemies sharing a drink, if the people involved at the time saw it, they would think their eyes had gone crazy and try to gut it out and replace it.


    But the scene in front of me is true.


    By the way, it is sandwiched between these two legendary people, saying in a thin voice, ''''Ka, Kanpai.......? The third person who is saying in a thin voice is Marika''s father.


    He is the former village chief who is now a full-time guild master.


    In other words, my father-in-law.


    "Why am I here...?��Isn''t this totally out of place...?


    I''m sorry about what you said in a shaky voice.


    It''s just that I''m too anxious to let those two drink alone!


    What do you mean?��You are Dariel''s father, too!


    ''Let us all drink and bond with each other, Dariel''s father!


    If you ask me, it is true.


    Mr. Aranzir (my biological father), Marika''s father (Alexandria), and Lady Granberza (my adopted father).


    Three of my fathers rallying together?


    As an orphan, it''s a bizarre scene for me, but it''s so bizarre that I can''t take my eyes off of the current village chief''s job because it''s too bizarre.


    ''....Yes, Dariel was about six years old at the time, wasn''t he?��I was still trying to hold on even though I was crying because my magic training wasn''t going well.... ''''How many times have I almost called out to you, ''It''s all right now...''...!


    ''Good!��That''s the kind of memories I wanted to have with my son!��And yet you took everything away from me, demon race conch!


    It''s very painful to see the elderly people drinking with my memories as a snack?


    It''s embarrassing.


    What''s the punishment for this?


    "...I originally came here to apologize to Dariel.


    Something about Master Granberza''s drunken monologue began!


    ''Dariel grew up to be a really capable man, but on the contrary, my own son was a ridiculous boner.... That stupid son of yours has caused Dariel a lot of trouble. He apologized to Dariel on his behalf, and if he could, he wanted him to return to the Demon King''s Army...


    But.


    I knew it was a long shot. Dariel is now living a new life here. You have finally carved out a life for yourself as a human being, so why should you return to the Demon King''s Army?��Dariel will be happy here...!


    It''s Grand Barzah.


    Arantziel...


    You and I have fought many times. It was you who raised Dariel to be such a fine man. No one can deny that achievement.


    Longtime enemies have been reconciled with me as their starting point...!


    Malika.


    What''s going on, Anita?


    ''I can''t take it anymore!��Give me your tits!


    I said and buried myself in my wife''s chest.


    I endured this incomprehensible situation by indulging my wife.


    ''''I shall return to the demon territory as it is. It''s enough for Dariel to live and live a full life...!


    "I, too........have no idea what kind of relationship I should have with my son, whom I haven''t seen in thirty years......but it''s still better than the rest of my life, which is nothing. I am finally free from a life filled with nothing but hatred........!


    From now on, I won''t be an enemy.


    As the father of Dariel...!


    Come visit us in person.


    We kind of hit it off.


    Even now, these two men are enemies who drove each other to the brink of death.


    Are you sure it''s going to be this easy?


    May I have some time off now?


    Sorry, stepfather!


    I''m sorry to put you in between such big names!


    ''''........So, Dariel. I''m going to have to leave now. It''s really good to see your fine face.


    What?��You''re going home already?


    I was confused about a lot of things, but I was genuinely happy to see Master Granbaza again.


    Wouldn''t you like to stay behind and talk about the accumulation?


    "As much as I''d like to relax, I have a lot of things to do back home.


    Oh no, Master Grandfather has already retired and has plenty of time on his hands, don''t he?


    I always thought so. My son''s folly is picking up more and more of my time than I care to admit.


    ''''..........?


    The current Four Heavenly Kings, Bashvaza-sama.


    You are also the one who fired me, but do you really do that many things?


    "I will return to the Demon King''s Castle and present my case to the Demon King so that he can dismiss Bashvaza from his post. The Fourth Heavenly King is not a seat so light that a bumbling, incompetent person can sit in it.


    Is Bashbursa-sama''s system that stalled?


    Ever since I was dismissed from the Demon King''s Army, I''ve had little insight into the situation on the other side.


    There were bits and pieces of information that came through, but for the most part, it was all about the blunders they made with respect to Lord Bashbursa and the complaints they received from the various parties involved.


    However, I didn''t know that his position had become so bad that he was forced out of his position as the Fourth Heavenly King....


    ''''Granbaza-sama, I''m sorry for your feelings.


    No, it''s all my fault for not raising my own son properly. I suppose it''s not my upbringing that brought you up so well, but rather your bloodline.


    ''''Oh no...?


    Granberza-sama, at least, trained many other new recruits besides me and raised them to be strong and elite.


    It''s just that Bashburza-sama didn''t have any outstanding prospects.


    It''s hard to comment on the complicated relationship!


    ''''It looks like the Demon King''s army has some troublesome circumstances as well.


    Aranzir-san naturally enters the conversation.


    ''''I heard that the Demon King''s army used the opportunity of the decisive battle with me to renew the face of the Four Heavenly Kings. I heard that they had achieved a generational change, but I didn''t expect that they were in such a mess. ........However, may I say a word?


    What is it?


    ''I don''t suppose you''d like to say that in front of us?


    You''re right.


    Not only is Aranziel, the previous brave man, but even the current Radie is here, and he has heard the current conversation perfectly.


    It''s true that talking about the ugliness of one''s own troops in a place where the enemy can hear is certainly not an unfair way to avoid being accused of being careless, but.......


    I don''t mind.


    Lady Granberza did not mean it.


    He just said that it was the behavior of a big man not to be concerned with small things.


    ''''Anyway, soon enough, the foolish man will be dismissed from the Four Heavenly Kings and a new one will be selected. It''s no wonder that if the head of the demon king''s army were to be replaced, the news would be so big that it would reach the human domain, and there''s no point in hiding it.


    It''s just a matter of whether it''s slow or fast to get the word out, he said.


    ''But a change of command in any form creates confusion and a vacuum. Wouldn''t it be bypassing that gap to teach the Muzza enemy about it?


    ''That''s why there are four Heavenly Kings. While my son is flailing about, the Four Heavenly Kings of the Earth, Doroye, are guarding Lasperda Fortress. As long as she''s alive and well, the Demon Territory will be safe and sound.


    How about that Rasperda Fortress?


    It''s one of our fondest memories. Since it was a vital part of the brave men''s invasion of the Demon Army, we fought over it many times.


    It''s been a long time...


    There is a lot of talk about scary memories.


    It''s true that the current Four Heavenly Kings are all anxious people, but among them, Master Droyer of the Fertile Ground is the only one I can trust.


    Perhaps he remembers the advice I gave him when I was still in the Demon King''s Army, and although his stance of single-mindedly defending Lasperda Fortress is monotonous, it''s the least accurate I can think of.


    I''m sure that even now, when the brave man, Reedy, is training here, he is still sitting in the Rasperda Fortress.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but I''m sure it''s a good idea. But we can''t put the burden on her. That''s why we must quickly remove those who are unworthy of the title of Four Heavenly Kings and choose someone else to support Droyer.


    High praise for Master Droyer from Lady Granberza.


    Well, I can understand.


    In the short time I was the Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings, I was also able to feel his ''being better than the other three'' painfully.


    ''''I understand........!


    Furthermore, the one who was in on the conversation was surprisingly an active hero, Radie.


    ''''I''ve suffered a lot from Droyer, too,'''' he said.


    Oh, I see.


    Come to think of it, she''s the one who''s an active hero, and she should be the one who feels the power of Droyer-sama, right?


    After all, she would be fighting directly.


    No, we can''t even lose. She''s going to be thoroughly defensive...


    He''s got a good grasp on the battlefield.


    Master Granberza said calmly.


    ''''For the Demon King''s army, the only way to win is to keep Lasperda Fortress from being surrendered. He is well aware of this, and is thoroughly avoiding a game of "ride or flight". With his youth, he must have a strong desire to display his spectacular victory. But his steadfastness in suppressing that and defending himself is extraordinary.


    The praise of Droyer-sama from his enemies is too high.


    I doubt that he ever dreamed of being praised so highly.


    Even now, he must be wondering when a brave man will come to the fortress of Lasperda.


    "Now that I''ve been given the title of brave, I''m determined to defeat Droyer and break through Lasperda Fortress.


    We demons know that this is the duty of a brave man.


    To strengthen that resolve, I''d like to hear from both of you who have gone before me.


    Radey looked around at not only Lady Granberza, but also at his own predecessor, Mr. Alanziel, and said.


    ''''Tell me. Why does the brave man have to defeat the Demon King?

 64-63 Demon King

    Why would a brave man...?


    Are you going to try to defeat the Demon King...?


    At the young brave''s question, Arantzill-san and Granbaza-sama raised their eyebrows at the same time.


    The question was so fundamental that they felt struck by the emptiness of the question.


    ''''I was asked it before. Why would a brave man defeat the Demon King?��And.


    I''ve always wondered about it too.


    The clash between the heroic party and the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army for hundreds of years has been caused mainly by the Demon King.


    The heroes try to defeat the Demon King-sama.


    The Demon King''s Army is trying to protect the Demon King.


    The two forces, whose objectives completely clash, have been fighting for that reason for a long time.


    There are surely not one or two people who feel that this is a ridiculous thing to do.


    Both the brave and the Four Heavenly Kings have been replaced many times in their long history, and I''m sure a large percentage of them have questioned the battle.


    Like me here, I come from the Demon King''s army.


    I can''t see what''s going on in the enemy camp, the brave side.


    So in the past, I tried to ask the brave Radie, a good opportunity, but she was unable to answer.


    ''''I........I thought it was obvious. I thought it was natural for a brave man to defeat the demon king because that''s what he was supposed to do. But in fact, it can''t be that way. You can''t pride yourself on being a true brave man without knowing the true reason why a brave man would want to defeat the Demon King.


    So, I thought I''d ask the previous generation''s heroes and the previous four heavenly kings who just happened to be gathered together.......


    Well, it''s natural for the elders to know things, plus the two of you are very important figures representing the previous era.


    I can understand why you would want to ask them........


    ''''Sorry, but I don''t understand.


    Granbaza-sama answers and says.


    The reason you guys are after the Demon King is just for your own reasons. In fact, I''d like to know why you are after the Demon King," he said. Why do you want to use the Demon King as your enemy?


    Granberza-sama''s gaze turned to Aranziel-san.


    Indeed, if it comes to this, there is only this person who can be expected to give the correct answer.


    Only this person, a legendary figure on the human race side........


    ''''........The Demon King is the pinnacle of evil, and all the plagues of the world have their roots in the Demon King.''''


    Mr. Aranzir said slowly.


    ''''Therefore, if the Demon King is defeated, all the plagues will disappear equally and an era of peace and prosperity will come. The brave men of the past have fought with this belief. That killing the Demon King is justice...


    It''s...!


    I was about to argue with him, but Mr. Arantzill''s hand restrained me.


    ''''Of course it''s a construct. The longer you have been a brave man, the more you begin to realize the falsehood. I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    In such a situation, Arantzill-san continued to be a brave man until he was seriously injured and retired because he had his own motivation to replace the false pretenses.


    His hatred for the demon tribe that took away his family drove him to fight against the demon tribe regardless of the pretense.


    ''''Then, Arantzill-sama. What is the reason why the brave man wants to defeat the Demon King...?


    In response to a question from the young brave, the old brave answered.


    ''Power.''


    And.


    ''''The Demon King is the most special being in this world. He possesses the greatest wisdom and power in the world. If we can defeat him and take away his power and wisdom, the human race will be able to develop further.


    "For that reason...!��Is a brave man in conflict with the demons...?


    Are you disillusioned?


    The young and idealistic Radie would find it hard to accept such selfish motives.


    "It''s true that it''s too transparent, so the guild that dispatches the brave men has a good reason to send them out. That''s the ''Demon King is evil'' argument.


    A brave man marches in as a righteous man who defeats evil.


    The sordid truth behind it remains hidden.


    ''It didn''t matter to me, though. I just wanted to take out my grief on the demons for the loss of my family. It didn''t matter what I thought or how I really felt.


    That''s why it was so scary for us to stand there. Arantzill, who wanted to fight of his own free will, would have been the strongest and worst brave man alive.


    The horror of it all was something I realized, having actually stood on the battlefield.


    It''s something strange, though, the more I know now that I had a hand in why Mr. Alanziel was fighting like a demon god.


    ''''It''s only now that I know that Dariel is alive and my vengeance has been quenched that I can ask him. ........What''s really going on?


    Mr. Aranziel asks Lady Granberza.


    ''''Is the Demon King as versatile as the Center Guild expects him to be?


    In other words, could it be a fact that the human race would become more prosperous if they defeated him and took away his wisdom and power?


    For the human race, the Demon King is an unknown entity.


    It''s possible that their expectations are self-explanatory.


    For example, magic is said to have been given to the demons by the demon king. I''ve heard that the people in the center guild believe that the magic belongs to the human race once the demon king is defeated.


    You''re being paranoid.


    "Maybe. But it is possible that for those caught up in greed, delusion can outweigh reality.


    Sparks flew between Granbaza-sama and Arantzill-san.


    As expected of the rivals of yesteryear, the sharpness of the spirit they emit is still different.


    Granbaza-sama said with a deep sigh.


    ''''To be honest, I don''t know.


    And.


    Magic is now so natural to the demons that they have been with us since birth. It has been with them since they were born, so much so that it is natural for them to use it.


    At least I was able to agree with what Granberza-sama said.


    That''s why I was regarded as a heretic and ridiculed for not being able to use magic in the demon race society.


    It''s a good thing that the legend of the demon king gave magic to the demon race a long time ago is true. But this legendary fact existed long before I was born, so there''s no way to know for sure if it''s true or not.


    ''You didn''t think he was going to say, "Is that for real? I can''t just ask what it is...!


    I also nodded to Granberza-sama''s explanation as a person from the Demon King''s Army.


    ''''Um........can I have a word?''''


    Then, Radey timidly asks, "What''s going on?


    "Since a while ago, there''s something........strange about the way you said it.......?


    What?


    ''''It''s the Demon King. From the way you two talk, it sounds like the Demon King who gave you magic in the legends and the current Demon King are the same person...?


    What''s the matter?


    What does it matter?��Legends talk about events at least hundreds of years ago, right?��If the Demon King in that legend and the current Demon King are the same, then that means he''s been alive for hundreds of years!


    .........hmmm?


    Oh.


    I see, that''s where the human race has a difference in perception from.


    I''ll have to explain this place from scratch....


    ''''Radie, the Demon King is, you know, an immortal.


    What?


    So they''ve been around for hundreds or even thousands of years. So it''s not surprising that they''re part of the legend.


    The look on Reedy''s face when he told her this.


    I didn''t know that people''s eyelids could open that wide! I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    Arantzill, who was listening next to me, had a shocked look on his face.


    ''''It sounds like a lie, but it''s the truth. It''s been hundreds of years since the Demon King''s Army was established. During that time, there have been hundreds of hand craftsmen who have taken over the throne of the Four Heavenly Kings and replaced them, but during that time, there has always been one person who has reigned as the Demon King.


    Oh, no...


    ''''I can understand your disbelief. But at least since I took over as the Fourth Heavenly King more than 30 years ago, the Demon Lord was still the same Demon Lord. Incidentally, the previous Four Heavenly Kings, who retired in place of me, also said that the Demon Lord was still the same Demon Lord since the day he took office.


    Probably its predecessor, and its predecessor and its predecessor again....


    They must have prostrated themselves to the same Demon King all the way from the time they took office until they retired.


    They must have thought that the Demon King, like the heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings, had been replaced.


    I can''t hide my confusion.


    ''''It''s a person who is that far removed from the norm. You can''t help but think that no matter what great things he may have done in the past that we don''t even know about, it''s still possible for him to do it.


    "Radey,


    I''ll ask questions to Radie instead.


    To make him more aware of the Demon King''s insanity.


    ''''The brave men and the Demon King''s army have been fighting for hundreds of years. You know that, don''t you?


    ''Of course!��I''ve even sworn to put an end to that fight!


    It''s admirable.


    Let''s leave it at that and move on.


    ''''Both the brave men and the Four Heavenly Kings have replaced each other hundreds of times and continued to fight. Depending on the generation, there may have been competent and incompetent brave men and women, as well as the Four Heavenly Kings. Even the Four Heavenly Kings.


    In such a series of games that spanned hundreds of generations, the winners and losers would always swing.


    Sometimes a brave man would win, and sometimes the Four Heavenly Kings would win.


    ''''If the games were so repetitive, why do you think they''re still going on today?''''


    What?


    Because, you know what?��This battle is a battle of aiming and defending the Demon King. If the heroes break through the Four Heavenly Kings and reach the Demon King, isn''t that the game that will be decided there?


    Nevertheless, the game between the brave men and the Four Heavenly Kings is still going on.


    No matter how many times the heroes win.


    Why is that?


    ''''It''s because the Demon King will win.


    What?


    ''''This is because any brave person who breaks through the Four Heavenly Kings and reaches the Demon King, without exception, will be crushed by the Demon King. So the match will not be won forever.


    If the Four Heavenly Kings win the match between the brave and the Four Heavenly Kings, the Center Guild will simply prepare and send in a new brave.


    If the heroes won the match between the brave and the Four Heavenly Kings, the heroes who reached the Demon King''s doorstep would be crushed by the Demon King, and the Center Guild would simply prepare and send new heroes again.


    ''''The skirmishes between the demon race and the human race in the last few hundred years have always been like that.


    The fierce battle between the strongest class of wizards and adventurers might just be a sideshow for that person to drown out their eternal boredom.


    That''s the existence of the Demon Lord.

 65-64 Gran Verza, convince

    "How could the Demon King be such a transcendent being...?


    Well, it''s hard to believe, isn''t it?


    It''s hard to believe that the existence of the Demon King is both invulnerable and invincible. It''s hard to imagine that his usual joking attitude makes him unimaginable, but he''s truly amazing.


    ''''........So, Dariel-san, have you ever seen the Demon King?


    I have.


    I was a former member of the Demon King''s Army, and although I was a low-ranking dark soldier, I was the Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings, a very special position.


    When Grampaza-sama and others went up to see the Demon King, I accompanied them as a freebie.


    I saw the Demon King in person, though.


    ...I don''t think you can win.


    Even now that I''ve refined my strength as a human race, I don''t think I can last three seconds after challenging the Demon King-sama.


    ''''Is that true even from the perspective of someone as invincible as Dariel-san!


    ''''It''s just that there are higher ups in the world. It''s not just a matter of time before you get to the top.


    "Bokunin"?


    But there''s something else drifting out from underneath it. The absolute confidence of a strong man.


    I guess I can afford it because I know that no matter what happens, I''m capable of dealing with it, and I know that I can afford it.


    ''''........The Demon King''s Army has a very simple test method to distinguish whether a new person is competent or incompetent.


    Master Granberza said.


    ''''If you have an audience with the Demon King for the first time, you''re capable of seeing through his depths and fearing him. If you are deceived by the outside, you''re incompetent. At least during my tenure, no one has ever been able to perform a perfect job by underestimating the Demon King, so I can say that this test method is correct.


    ..........


    Let''s keep quiet.


    His son, Lord Bashvaza, returned to his private room after his first audience with the Demon King and said aloud, "That''s the Demon King?��You''re just a creepy old man who talks like that! What I was saying to him was.


    I was the Four Heavenly Kings'' assistant at the time, so I''ll keep it to myself.


    "You humans may find it hard to understand, but the Demon King is such a transcendent being. I''m sure he would be able to defeat you even if you were to take on the entire world.


    I don''t understand...!��If the Demon King is really that strong, then why do the demons organize a Demon King''s army to defend him desperately?��Even if a brave man challenges you, if he can crush you by himself, just leave him alone!


    That''s the willpower of the demon tribe.......


    I want you to think about it and see.


    The Demon King is the absolute ruler of the demon race, an existence equal to that of a god.


    If you let a bandit from another race who comes to harm you walk straight into the presence of a god, their loyalty will be questioned.


    Even if the Demon King himself has the omnipotence to turn a brave man into a hero....


    "If the Demon King himself is bothered by the Demon King''s own hands, the existence of the Demon race itself will be questioned. That''s why our demon king''s army has been blocking the brave men''s advance with all its might.


    Sometimes, he would be defeated and let the heroes reach the presence of the Demon King.


    The Four Heavenly Kings who committed such a blunder would be immediately dismissed and their stigma forever etched as ''a sinner who disgraced the demon race''.


    Even after he died, he would remain in history and continue to be slandered by the incompetent.


    It''s an unbearable humiliation for the proud demon race. That''s why the Four Heavenly Kings have done their best to stop the brave men. Sometimes even at the cost of their lives...!


    ''Stupid motive for fighting...''


    We''re both...


    The fierce battle had already been fought and the fierce fighters exchanged sharp glances with each other.


    The human race, for their petty greed.


    The demon tribe, for their petty greed; the demon tribe, for their petty wills.


    I''ve been fighting the battle between the heroes and the demon king''s army for hundreds of years.


    I don''t think it''s that trivial, though. Now that I''ve come to live in Lax village like this, I''ve become uninvolved in the conflict. I don''t think I want to get involved again.


    "Come to think of it, that''s the only conflict between the demon race and the human race, isn''t it?


    It''s true. The Demon King''s army and the guilds are only in open conflict with each other, but the races themselves don''t fight each other.


    As expected, they don''t make friends with each other, but in small villages that have little relationship with the guild or the Demon King''s army, they often defend each other''s territory and don''t fight each other.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing. No one would blame you for that, even if you stepped down as a brave man.


    Granberza-sama speaks to Radie.


    Since the person speaking was a heavyweight who was considered to be the strongest of all time, his words had a lot of weight.


    ''''It means you''re free to quit. In fact, after hearing stories like this, it would be too silly to do anything about it.


    Mr. Alanziel also says.


    There is no point in fighting a brave man. If you lose, nothing will change, of course, but even if you win, nothing will change.


    ''''Even if I were to quit...''''


    Radey asks.


    ''The fight will never end, will it?''


    ''''It is. As long as the greedy Center Guild doesn''t give up, they will select and send out new heroes as often as they can. They''ve already created a system where the heroes can make money by fighting the Demon King''s army, so they won''t be able to stop it too soon.


    Huh?��Are you sure you''re getting the benefit of the doubt?


    Then it''s even harder to stop.


    "Then I will continue to fight for the betterment of the world.


    Radie said.


    ''''Having defeated the Four Heavenly Kings and reached the bottom of the Demon King, I would like to ask the Demon King again from the perspective of a challenger. Who is the Demon King, what does he exist for, and is he willing to end this battle?


    ''No brave man in the past would have ever asked such a question...''


    Mr. Arantzill chuckled as he listened beside him.


    ''Very well, you can go ahead and do what you will. Because no matter what anyone''s agenda is, your fight will be your own.


    I''m in pain.


    Radie bowed deeply.


    ''''If we bother with this, I don''t know if the Four Heavenly Kings of our time will be broken through.


    Beside him, Lady Granberza also laughed.


    ''''We must hurry to regroup and select a new member to back up Droyer. ........Hey Dariel.


    I''m no longer an outsider, so...


    Granbaza-sama huffed as he said, and then made a bruised expression.


    Putting aside the task of reorganizing the Four Heavenly Kings, which should have been prioritized above all else, the reason why Granberza-sama came here first....


    It''s probably because he couldn''t give up hope of having me return to the Demon King''s army.


    If I''m restored to the position of Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings and if I''m thorough in my leadership, Bashbursa-sama, who has been driven to the brink, might be able to recover somehow.


    ''''I''m sorry that I can''t help your son, but...''''


    No, don''t get me wrong. I have no desire to save Bashvaza.


    Lady Granberza said decisively.


    ''He deserved to be abandoned by you. He deserved to be abandoned by you. He was driven into a corner because of his own stupidity, and he had it coming. It is the duty of those above you to take responsibility for what you have done.


    Lady Granberza...


    ''I wanted to restore your tarnished honor. But if this village is a safer place for you than the Demon King''s Army, it is not in your interest to force me to bring you back.


    Then he smiled sadly.


    I''ll let you do that. I''m a retired, bored man of leisure anyway.


    I was also able to reunite with Granberza-sama, which I had been regretting for a long time after leaving the Demon King''s Army.


    There was a sense of what was missing being added to the mix.


    Life in Lax Village is so full that it would be too extravagant to wish for more, but I''m still happy with what I''m happy with.

 66-65 Brave Lady defends Shitenno

    Thus, Granbaza-sama has finished her business at home.


    I thought you were going back to the demon tribe''s territory for the time being, but....


    You''re still in our home.


    Why are you staying here?


    "One of the Four Heavenly Kings of our day, ''Huafu'' Zebiantes....


    ''''Yes........?


    Because we found one of the current Four Heavenly Kings playing around in our village.


    Zebiantes is the Fourth Heavenly King and is in charge of the wind attribute.


    I''m not going to be the only one. You can manipulate the vibrations of the air to muffle the noise, or change the refractive index of light to hide yourself, if you''re as advanced a mage as Zebiantes.


    It seems that he used all of these techniques to hide from you as soon as GranBaza-sama appeared on the scene, but the opponent is the strongest of all time.


    There is no way they can hide it from you so quickly.


    ''''What are you doing here while serving as the current Four Heavenly Kings...?''''


    Gee, even Lady Granbaza is here to visit...!


    ''''I''ve already retired from the Four Heavenly Kings. Now I''m an unemployed, easy retirement. In contrast, don''t you have a mountain of work to do as an active member?


    Is that...?


    ''''They put all these things on Droyer alone and the others are useless. That''s the current state of the Four Heavenly Kings. That''s not good enough for me, so I''m going to advise His Majesty to replace the Four Heavenly Kings with a new one.


    I don''t think you should interfere with the political process if you are retired...?


    I am a relic of the past. It is your own fault that you have me working for you. You will be repaid for that failure.


    ''''Ugh...?


    ''''In general, do you feel the weight of your position well while assuming the office of the Four Heavenly Kings?��The Four Heavenly Kings are the shields that protect the Demon King. They are the strongest and most important protectors of the Lord of the Four Heavenly Kings. And you young people can do whatever you want with it, without even knowing the meaning of the Supremacy...!��When I return, I''m going to ask the Demon King to dismiss my son, but of course you''re on the dismissal list, Zebiantes. To be honest, I think that all the current Four Heavenly Kings should be replaced except for Droyer. You should consider this as your own fault. In the first place?��What are you doing in this village?��The Four Heavenly Kings should be holed up in the fortress of Lasperda, preparing for the coming of the heroes, just like Droyer. Why do you only care about playing?��What a disappointment it would be for your predecessor, my colleague Tornella the Storm King, to hear this. You know, Tornella?��He retired from the throne because he trusted you. He told me that you are his niece, isn''t he?��Can''t you see that you''re not only disgracing your position as the Four Heavenly Kings, you''re disgracing your family as well?��To be inaugurated as the Four Heavenly Kings is not a game. You must be aware that you are carrying the pride of yourself and your clan on your shoulders, and you can''t do that?��...I heard that you were selected as the Four Heavenly Kings due to your outstanding wind magic power. You''re a skipping elite, so to speak. I''ve been told that you were selected as the Four Heavenly Kings for their outstanding wind magic power, and that''s a mistake. I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most out of the situation. It''s more appropriate to have a firm grasp of your position and mission after accumulating the hard work of the underlings like our own Dariel, as a condition for being appointed. .........you understand?��That''s exactly what you are lacking. Self-awareness and determination. Dariel will be your second-in-command, and he will make sure that those things are taught to the young men. That''s why I held back the fears of those around me and let you youngsters take your place...!��And now you''re firing Dariel out of the blue...��Can''t you see the foolishness of your own folly?��Why can''t you all think alike in such an auspicious manner?��It''s not enough for a man in your position to serve by trying to show off!��Above all, humility and thoughtfulness...........!


    Long sermon.


    Granberza-sama''s dissatisfaction with the current Four Heavenly Kings had exploded in such a place.


    Zebiantes deserves a sermon, though, as he''s been playing around here ever since he followed Rizeto and discovered the Lux village.


    ........I''m already completely teary-eyed.


    ''''.........nyah!��Radey-chan!


    And finally, I couldn''t take it anymore.


    ''''Help me!��This preaching father is so picky!


    "Yeah, yeah.


    And of all things, don''t ask for help from the brave Radie.


    ''''Granbaza-sama, I don''t think you should interfere in the affairs of the Demon King''s army because of your position as a brave man, but...''''


    You''re absolutely right.


    ''But think about it!��The uniqueness of this village!��Have you ever noticed that there is something special about this place that you just don''t see anywhere else?


    Something special?


    It''s Dariel!


    Me?


    We young people can learn a lot just by being around Dariel-san. Didn''t Master Grandfather also say in his sermon earlier that he expected the new Four Heavenly Kings to learn a lot from Dariel-san?


    "Yo, you heard that right...?


    It''s true.


    ''Is it not possible that Zebiantes is also staying in this village to learn from Dariel-san after all this time?


    There is no such fact, though.


    ''I see..., Zebiantes. So you''re here in this village because you are keenly aware of your own inadequacies and are trying to learn from Dariel again?


    No, I don''t think so.


    A spat on the back of Zebiantes'' head that spoils his efforts to follow up.


    ''Yes!��That''s right!


    It''s Radey.


    Why is she trying so hard to follow you?


    ''''Well........I''ve been overestimating the new generation by saying all kinds of things.......?


    ''''That''s right!��........Oh, if I may say one more thing from the enemy''s perspective, even the Four Heavenly Kings of Water are quite formidable.


    You don''t say that as an enemy.


    What the hell is going on here...?


    "He''s a pain in the ass coming into the battle for Lasperda Fortress before we know it!��The reason why we couldn''t take down the fortress even after a year is because of Bezzeria''s success in addition to Droyer''s, because they are fighting to cover Droyer''s weaknesses, the main one!


    Lady Bezelia..........


    Your own reputation has been raised without your knowledge.


    Moreover, by defending an enemy that should have been defeated.


    How should I accept this fact.........


    ''''I see........I thought the selection of the New Four Heavenly Kings was a failure, but everyone is doing their best in their own way. It means that there are no bad guys after all.......?


    ''''That''s right!��There''s no such thing as a bad boy, no matter how you treat him!


    Except my own son...!


    Having said that, Lady Glamberza covered her face.


    It''s a good thing that Droyer-sama was fine from the start, because both Zebiantes and Bezellia-sama still have a chance.


    It''s true that it''s Bashburza-sama, but there''s nothing you can do about it...!


    What?��Master Grambarza, pray up!


    That''s right!��Even an a**h*le in Bashvaza can find one of the best places to live if he''s looking for it.��For example.........!��.......... .........it''s not there!


    ''Zebiantes!��Look more seriously!��Remember!


    ''It''s all right!��You have to remind yourself of that in all seriousness!��Well...........?


    ...........


    I knew it was gone!


    Really?��He''s such a bad guy!


    He''s a bad guy!


    They rag on you, sir.


    By the way, can we stop arguing about it in front of Gran-Baza-sama?


    As expected of Granbaza-sama, even he''s on the verge of tears.


    ''''........the more I look at it, the more curious the scene becomes.


    Aranzir, the previous brave man, said.


    He''s watching from the sidelines from a step back, just like me.


    This guy doesn''t want to leave easily either.


    Why?


    ''''The brave men and the Four Heavenly Kings are working together to comfort the previous Four Heavenly Kings. When I was in office, I never imagined such a scene could exist in reality.


    I couldn''t imagine it either.


    No one else could, either.


    By the way, can I ask you one question?


    What is it?


    Why are you holding my son?


    My breath, Gran, is zero years old.


    He is fast asleep in Mr. Alanczil''s arms.


    "Isn''t it only natural that you should care for your lovely grandson?


    Maybe so.


    Yes, I''ve found out that I''m related to this previous brave man, but I still don''t feel it.


    I''m sure you''re not the only one. It''s not just a matter of time before you get a chance to see it.��I have no doubt that he will be a formidable adventurer in the future.


    It''s an illusion of partiality.


    ''I''m going to coach Gran here and turn her into a first-class adventurer!��I don''t mind being a brave man in the future!


    Stop it!


    You''re the one who told me being a hero doesn''t mean anything!


    You don''t want my child to have to do anything stupid.


    You don''t have to be a hero!


    I want my child to grow up simple and peaceful and strong, even if he''s white in the face!


    Well, now, that''s all right. You don''t know what he''s going to grow up to be, you just don''t know. You don''t know what he''ll grow up to be, so why don''t you let him have his dreams?


    ''That''s what I''m talking about, Mr. Malika!��What a good thing to say!


    By the way, Father-in-law, do you want some more tea?


    And now Malika is trying to get her hand in Alexandria, Alantzill?


    Quickly!


    My wife is as strong as ever.


    And so it was mostly peaceful in our village of Lax, despite the fact that it was a rare visitor.


    The village chief!��Chief?


    Hmm?


    Then a man from the village came running up to me.


    "What''s the matter with your blood?


    By the way, the village chief is me.


    I''m the village chief of LUX village now. A postscript, just in case.


    "That''s why I have urgent news from the Mithril Mine...?


    ''Urgent news?''


    This report broke the peace.


    I moved to the village of Lax and it heralded the beginning of the greatest battle of all.

 67-66 Bad news, coming

    The news from the Mithril mine was brought to you by an arrowhead.


    ''''That''s definitely urgent news...?


    Some adventurers use the aura of sting to enhance their bows and arrows, allowing them to fly farther and farther into the target area.


    It''s limited to C-level and above hand refinement, but if you can catch the wind, you can send an arrow from the Mithril mine to here in a single shot.


    However, it''s also inaccurate and there''s a risk of hitting someone in the unlikely event that they do, so it was a method of communication that was not taken unless you were in too much of a hurry.


    In other words, there was an emergency that occurred over there that needed to be rushed.


    ''''.........''''


    I open the paper that was tied to the arrow and read the sentence inside.


    "This is.........?


    It described the most serious situation imaginable.


    There are some adventurers waiting in the wings, just call an emergency meeting!


    At my impatient voice, the rare visitors around me also notice something unusual.


    ''Dariel...?��What the hell is wrong with you?


    Is that kind of urgency in your voice, trouble?


    People came up to me looking worried.


    I wasn''t sure if I should say something for a moment, but I decided to keep it under wraps because there was no point in hiding it.


    I heard that the Mithril mine was attacked.


    We''re under attack.


    A giant monster.


    The Mithril Mine is an important location near this Lax village.


    The mine, which produces the world''s largest mineral mithril, is a source of great wealth.


    It is said that it is so important that demons and humans have been fighting over it for hundreds of years.


    Our village of Lax is also very busy because of the Mithril mine nearby.


    .... Anyway, it''s an important base of operations.


    I can''t just sit on the sidelines when I hear that this place is being attacked.


    We''ll send a rescue team from Lax Village as soon as possible.


    The last thing the letter was about was a request for help.


    I''ll lead him myself. I''m sorry, but I have to go.


    Wait.


    I was about to leave the room in a hurry, but he stopped me.


    It was a brave man, Radie.


    ''I''ll go with you. Please add me to the rescue squad.


    Yes....?��But...?


    It is the duty of a brave man to protect the human race from misfortune. I''m sure you''re not the only one. It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on a new one. I must seize the opportunity to repay the favor.


    ..........


    At first I wasn''t sure what to do, but Radie is a brave man and can definitely be relied upon.


    I''m not sure how much of a disaster is occurring in the area, but I want to make sure that we have the maximum amount of forces available.......?


    Okay, please.....


    In the end, I decided to take the certainty of safety and receive Radey''s favor.


    ''''Brave Lord, thank you for helping to keep the village safe.


    No, no. Don''t thank me so punctiliously........?


    Radey''s face turned red with embarrassment, but it''s his duty as village chief.


    Then, as soon as I was about to launch a quick sortie....


    ''''You have to wait.''''


    What else do you have in mind?


    I think I''m going too.


    It was Zebiantes who said this.


    ''Why do you even care?��It''s really none of your business!��It''s the trouble of the human race!


    No matter how you look at it, this is not a matter for the Four Heavenly Kings on the demon side to travel to.


    ''''That''s not going to happen. It''s the Mithril Mine that''s under attack, right?��We don''t want our mithril mining rate to drop off if there''s trouble.


    Okay.


    That was the reason why this guy came to the Lax Village.


    ''''I''ll need more mithril to adorn myself in the future!��That''s why anyone who interferes with the mithril mining operation needs to be punished on behalf of the moon!


    Why did you send the moon to do it for me?


    But....?


    As expected, if you borrow the power of the demon tribe, and even the four highest-ranking Heavenly Kings, things will be troublesome later on...?


    I''m sure it will. That''s bound to happen.


    "Leave it to me, and I''ll send a rescue party to your rescue with the wind.


    Nugu?��Is that...?


    Wind magic isn''t just good at hiding in plain sight. It''s the fastest of all the attributes of wind magic. If you send them through my wind, they''ll get there many times faster than if they were running.


    Well, thank you for that suggestion.


    The local Mithril mine should be in the middle of an assault as soon as the news reaches us.


    We need help as soon as possible!


    Okay, okay, please.


    ''''It''s up to you!


    At this time, I already had about a dozen excuses & deceptive phrases floating around in my brain for the Center Guild, but I still couldn''t wipe away the anxiety and hassle.


    ''''If that''s the case...''''


    Well we''ll have to do something about it.


    Even Lady Granberza and Mr. Alanziel?


    Wait a minute!��What kind of all-star team is this?


    We''d be able to fight for a country!


    Don''t overestimate me. Even though he''s retired, he still has a lot of potential. They can still get rid of all those monsters.


    The battlefield may benefit from the wisdom of the old man. Retirement does not remove the duty of a brave man. Let it serve you.


    But, but...!


    Oh, God!��I don''t even have time to try to convince them!


    Anyway, everybody get your shit together and let''s go!


    We''ll organize an advance team with these men and rush it!


    I''m going to organize the advance team and rush it!


    "Tell Gacita to form a rearguard and lead it!��Hurry up and get ready to go!


    Yes, yes.


    Thus, with Marika carrying Gran, we set off.


    In a straight line to the Mithril mine.


    Riding the wind that Zeviantes wakes up.


    ��


    On the way, Satome and Sesha-san, who are part of the brave party, joined in, and the first team''s lineup became stronger and stronger.


    "Ooohhhhhh!


    It''s flying!��It''s flying!��And it''s so fast!


    It was the first time for the human team to ride the flying wind caused by a wind wizard. It''s no wonder they are surprised and confused.


    It''s a good idea to have a few of them.��It''s all right to be surprised!��This is a great way to get to your destination in a flash!


    And Zebiantes is very proud of himself at this moment.


    It''s not a good idea to get upset, but I want you to look ahead and fly.


    I''m sure you''ll find that the magic used by the demon race can be applied to a wide range of applications other than combat. That is the biggest difference between the human race''s aura ability and that of the human race.


    Arantzill, who also rides the wind, says.


    ''''The demon race is truly capable of many things. More than we can even imagine...''''


    Do you have something to say?


    Lady Granberza responded to the implications of her former nemesis.


    ''I hear it''s a giant monster that''s attacking the Mithril Mine.


    It can''t be...��Do you still believe in such a myth after all this time?


    The fierce warrior Granbaza-sama sensed what the other party was trying to say.


    I''m sure I''ve seen it too.


    The monsters........the demons are controlled by the demon race. That''s a complete misunderstanding on the part of the humans.


    On the human side, such rumors are rampant.


    A strange and evil monster that is different from animals as well........


    A demon.


    It was created by the Demon King, and according to his orders, it attacks the human race.


    The claim that "defeating the Demon King will bring peace to the world" may be based on this myth.


    If the demon king is defeated, the demons will be destroyed.


    But the fact is different. The fact is that demons are a threat to the demon race as well. Demons are a threat to the demons as well as to humans.


    The demon race can control and use demons.


    The human race seems to think so, but that''s just baseless bullshit.


    Demons.........monsters attack both the demon and human races without distinction.


    ''''Protecting the weak people of the demon race from monsters. That is also one of the important missions of the Demon King''s army.


    You don''t think the giant monster that''s attacking the Mithril mine right now had anything to do with the Demon King''s Army?


    ''''Of course!''''


    Granbaza-sama immediately denied the suspicion that Aranziel-san put on him.


    I''m sure that a reconciliation has been made with my Gran-kun as the main axis, but there is no way that the feud between the two of them, which have been fighting for decades, will disappear so easily and completely.


    A few suspicions will arise.


    Those doubts can be dispelled over time, but to do so, we must first....


    We need to defeat this giant monster in the Mithril Mine, which is now a real crisis.

 68-67 The Fire Demon Beast Appears

    ''''We''re here!''''


    The flying wind that Zeviantes raised was really fast.


    I arrived at the scene much earlier than I expected, and when I looked up, there it was........


    ''''There really was...!''''


    A giant monster.


    It really was a huge one.


    We were still in a position where we could see the mine in the distance when we arrived, but we could clearly see the monster''s huge body from that position.


    And since it was floating in the sky, it stood out more clearly.


    The blue of the sky and the red color that emanated from the surface of the monster''s own body made a beautiful contrast.


    ''''What type is it...?��That monster...


    "Lizard...?


    I''ve exterminated many monsters from my time in the Demon King''s Army to my time as an adventurer, but this was the first time I''d ever seen a type like that.


    The body shape and skin texture resembled a lizard.


    But it was much larger than the original lizard.


    Much bigger than us humans.


    It was so big that it could conquer the Mithril Mine with just one piece.


    On top of that, the giant lizard''s entire body was covered in scales as red as a blazing fire, and it was actually leaking fire from every part of its body.


    It didn''t even have any wings, yet it was floating in the air, spitting fire out of its mouth, constantly showering the vicinity of the Mining Yamaguchi with raging flames.


    It was truly a burning hell body.


    ''''The mine has been exposed to flames like that all the time?


    ''''Oh no...?��They''ll all burn to death like that...?


    Radhi says in a sad voice.


    We have to stop that giant fire lizard''s flame-throwing as soon as possible!


    He extended the Hermes sword he took out and fixed it in sword form.


    ''''Super Emperor Splitting Sky!''''


    An extra-large aura slash flies from the sword swung down.


    This technique, which has unparalleled power as a flying object, sends the slash aura itself, compressed to the extreme, flying with the force of a sword swing.


    A giant fire lizard camped high in the sky, a decent attack is unlikely to reach it. The aura slash hit its side.


    ''''Yes, it arrived!


    The face of the giant fire lizard that stood still in the air under the impact of this attack turned to face me.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea.��It''s been noticed!


    "If they can draw attention to us, that''s great!


    From there, the damage to the mine would cease to spread.


    I''m sure the giant fire lizard that was hit by the "Super Emperor''s Sky Splitting" must have been a decent hit, but it showed no signs of fatal damage and was coming towards us.


    It was crawling through the air at breakneck speed.


    What kind of a principle is that flying...?


    He doesn''t even give us time to run and hide, and as soon as he closes in on us, he spits out flames from his mouth in the same way he spat out at the mine.


    It''s the same way he spat out the fire from his mouth as he spat at the mine.


    ''''Ughhhhhh!''''


    It was Satome, the wallflower of the hero''s party, who advanced while screaming.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a great deal more to say about this.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time.


    The aura of the guard (defense) characteristic is put into the shield, and the flames are dammed up with full defense functions.


    Just like a pebble in the water stream, the flames split off to the left and right and ran backwards.


    Thanks to Satome''s protection, we managed not to be consumed by the flames.


    It''s hot!��It''s hot!


    Are you all right, that you are, Satome?


    The flow of fire has stopped and Sesha-san, who is also a member of the hero''s party, is concerned about Satome, who is overwhelmed by the heat.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.��The shield!��"Like a frying pan.


    The next time it happens, it''s not going to be enough to prevent it.


    Normally, the shield itself would be blocked by the aura and would not heat up, but it surpassed even the aura power of Satome, who was chosen to join the hero''s party...


    "That fire lizard''s fire power is stronger than the fire lizard''s?


    As we look up in the air, the giant fire lizard is making a great breathing motion.


    It was just as if it was going to say ''I''m going to spray you with fire''.


    As it was about to spit out that huge fire........


    ''''Super Emperor Splitting Sky!''''


    I smashed the giant aura slash into his nose. The flames he was about to spit out scattered in four directions, making the opponent suffer even more.


    ''''But it''s so far away...?''''


    The distance has opened up due to the giant fire lizard floating high in the sky, and the power of the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky'' seems to have been dampened by that amount.


    I have to get closer to it to deal more damage, if I want to do deeper damage....


    ''''That dragon is...!��No way.........?


    Behind me, Granberza-sama was shouting in surprise.


    ''''A dragon........?''''


    As expected of the fierce warrior Granberza-sama, he is knowledgeable, and he may have an idea about that giant monster.


    "But...?��No, if that was the Flame Demon Beast Salamandra that was in the secret text...?


    ''''Master Granbaza, please step aside.


    But first, we had to get rid of this dragon.


    ''And Mr. Arantzill. We''ve got two retired people working for us, and young people don''t stand a chance. If we''re about to get beaten up, we need your support.


    "Okay, okay, but...?


    First of all, it''s vital to get close enough to the distance where the attack can work.


    To begin with, it''s dirty that it''s a lizard floating in the sky.


    It''s not possible to get close enough for most of the attacks to reach them.


    If we''re going to exterminate them, I have to get up there first...!


    Doing the math.


    .........Okay, I''ve done the math.


    "Satome!��Use me as a stepping stone!


    What?


    First of all, help me run.


    You run as fast as you can, gaining momentum and jumping over Satome''s head.


    Oh my God!��You''re rough with people!


    Satome, realizing my intentions, held her shield upward.


    I jumped and stepped on the shield, putting all my weight on it.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    ''Jump!''


    He pushed me upward.


    With this momentum, I ran up to the heavens, closing in on that dragon thing.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find it.


    "Xeviantes...!


    He''s using wind magic to create an updraft and help me jump.


    It''s not fitting that he would give me proper support without being told....


    It allowed me to get close enough to the dragon or whatever it is, but it wasn''t enough.


    The dragon was still frightened by the shock of receiving the "Great Emperor Splitting Sky" on its nose.


    I must maximize this opportunity.


    I changed the Hermes Sword into the whip form and launched it out.


    ''''Entangle!''''


    The metal whip deftly wraps around the dragon''s fingertips and dangles me.


    It swings as a pendulum while dangling and uses its momentum to...!


    ''Hah!''


    I jump up even higher.


    Further up the giant fire lizard floating in the air.


    Above its head, which is said to be a blind spot for all living things.


    From there.........


    The long awaited........


    ''''Super Emperor Splitting Sky!


    The giant aura slash was struck once again.


    This time it was up close, and from above.


    It was undoubtedly even more effective than before.


    "Soaring Sky!��"The Great Imperial Splitting Sky!��"The Great Imperial Rift Valley!��"The Great Imperial Clouds!��"The Great Emperor''s Ripping Skies!��"Soaring Skies!��"The power of the emperor''s roaring sky!


    And it wasn''t just a single strike, it was consecutive blows.


    That''s why they deliberately took up a higher position than their opponents.


    You can find a number of different types of products in the market.


    The damage may have caused it to lose its ability to fly, losing altitude and moving closer and closer to the surface.


    I also have no way to stay in the air, so gravity pulls me down and I fall.


    ''''The Great Emperor''s Sky!��"Hurricane Katrina!��"The Hurricane Katrina!��"The Hurricane Katrina!��"The Hurricane Katrina!��"The power of the Emperor''s ripping sky!


    Even though they were falling, they didn''t lack in attacks.


    Soon, there was a roaring sound and vibration that shook the ground.


    The giant dragon crashed down as if it was being twisted by my attack.


    I followed suit and landed.


    The recoil from the ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky'' that I had senselessly fired in rapid succession almost killed my falling speed.


    So it was a safe return to earth.

 69-68 Dariel, detect

    "Heeeeeee........?


    After knocking down the dragons and returning safely to the ground, my friends (?) They greeted me with a stunned expression.


    .........no.


    It''s not necessary for everyone to open their mouths so tightly........?


    ''''What is this stagnant insanity sequence...?


    We just dropped that giant monster in the air so easily...?


    The first thing we had to do was to figure out how to make the attack reach them. We had no choice, that we didn''t...?


    It''s a bit of a step down...?


    What is that, looking at you like you''re looking at something funny?


    Don''t you think it''s rude?


    As expected, I thought that Granbaza-sama and Aranziel-san, who have two or three levels of higher insight than the youngsters, would not be moved.......


    Both of them had their eyes rolled straight up.


    ''''Ummm!��That''s my boy!


    What are you trying to force yourself to believe?


    Come to think of it, this is the first time you''ve shown Granbaza-sama how to hold a weapon and fight.


    I''m glad if I was able to show you how I''ve grown up.


    However, now is not a good time to relax in the middle of battle........


    ''''This isn''t the time for everyone to be boshing around!��I''ve led the enemy to the surface!


    This is our chance to make them come to the ground!


    Of course, I don''t think that I can make it die just by knocking that big thing down to the ground.


    That''s why we don''t give the dragon a chance to regain its breath and push it through to its death.


    ''''Yes, that''s right!


    Radie takes the initiative in raising his sword.


    "Form a party of heroes!��It''s our very existence to let Dariel-san alone play a role!


    Yes, that I do!


    I''ve already worked hard, though!


    Under Reedy''s command, Sesha holds a spear and Satome holds a shield.


    "We''re as good as won, so we''ll leave the rest to you!


    Fight Zebiantes, too.


    Let''s go anyway!


    Now is the time to have fun and slap the sack together!


    I thought...


    ''''Gwaaaaahhhh?!''''


    A tremendous whirlwind of flames arose.


    It was a jet of flame that the crashed flame dragon let out as it flew on its own.


    ''''d*mn it!��He''s back already?


    He''s as tough as he looks!


    Did I goof around too much in preparing for an all-out attack?


    That''s when I felt something bad.


    I felt something unpleasant.


    A sensation like direct contact with filth.


    The reason for that feeling was immediately obvious.


    It''s that dragon.


    The gaze of the dragon that rushed up to the sky is on me.


    What.........?


    It is gazing at me intently.


    Not only that, there is something in that gaze that you wouldn''t expect from a monster.


    Moreover, it''s a slimy emotion, like hatred or jealousy.


    I felt it clearly and it gave me chills.


    ''''Why?!''''


    I don''t have any reason to hate a monster.


    The flaming dragon floated in the air again.


    I thought it would once again make an onslaught, but it turned on its heel and turned back.


    ''''Eh?''''


    He went away into the distant sky.


    He escaped.........?


    What the hell was that?


    If you were surprised by the attack and ran away, why did you send such a hateful look at me as you were leaving?


    I don''t understand.


    Aren''t monsters, by nature, creatures with simple emotions?


    The fact that they have such intense hostility and hatred directed at them, yet they leave without hitting their targets with it.


    If you''re going to run away, a look of fear would be in order.


    ''''And anyway, the crisis is over........!


    Our goal was not to defeat the monster, but to rescue the people staying in the Mithril mine.


    The monster that was the main source of the crisis has escaped, so we have sufficiently fulfilled our purpose.


    So this is fine...........


    ''''It''s Glamberza.


    Arantzill-san, the previous brave, who was standing behind me, calls out to Granberza-sama.


    He has a stern tone of questioning.


    ''''You, you seem to know what that was. You reacted differently when you saw it, and you even muttered something that looked like a name, didn''t you?''''


    Just hold it... hold it...!


    If you''re going to be so belligerent, you might give the wrong impression.


    The past, when we once hated each other, will be spared to oblivion by me........


    Yes.........I know that.......!


    Lady Granberza replied.


    ''''Probably, but that''s the Flame Demon Beast Salamandra. I''ve never actually seen it in person before, so I can''t say for sure, but...


    Oh, really?


    However, we can share information about the escaped demons later.


    Let''s discuss it again after we confirm the damage to the mine.


    ''''Sorry Dariel, just listen to me like this. If that''s really the Flame Demon Beast Salamandra, then things might be worse than we thought...!


    ''''What?!''''


    That Granbaza-sama''s expression, it was the tightest I''ve ever seen it.


    Arantzill-san, who has been with him as an enemy for a long time, may have sensed the strangeness and watched the conversation continue with a breath of air.


    ''''This is something that only a very limited upper echelon of the Demon King''s army.......yes, the Four Heavenly Kings can know. In this world, there is a magical beast that has a special power sleeping in this world...!


    And this Fiendish Beast, Salamandre, is one of those monsters?


    Yes.


    Tell me, what in the world is a Hexenbiest?


    As expected of a rival, or should I say a rival, Arantzill-san countered well and encouraged him to talk.


    ''''It is said that demonic beasts were created by the Demon King a long time ago. Originally, they were guardian beasts to protect the Demon King-sama, but because they were of low intelligence and didn''t listen to his instructions, they were destroyed...!


    What...!


    Since then, a demon tribe has developed a spell that allows them to control their magical beasts after a long period of research. Since then, they have been able to use them at various risks, but still allow demons to use them.


    ''You!''


    Aranzir-san grabbed Granberza-sama''s chest and pressed in.


    ''''After all, the demon race can control monsters, can''t they!��Yeah, right after you tell some really bad lies!


    A hexenbiest and a monster are not the same thing!��I heard that research on controlling monsters by applying hexenbiest-employee magic was done a long time ago, but it was fruitless and was abandoned in the end...!


    Even I, a former member of the Demon King''s Army, had never heard of such a thing.


    ''''Demonic beasts are much more powerful and rare than monsters. In the literature, there were only a total of four hexenbiest names listed.


    Salamandre, the Fire Demon Beast.


    Wind Beast Windra.


    Hydra, a water demon beast.


    Water Monster Hydras and Gigantomachomachia.


    It is said that if even one of these hexenbiests were to go on a rampage, they would be helpless, and many villages and towns would be destroyed. The demon tribe has developed a magic to serve as a beast emissary, but in the end, they sealed it away as a forbidden curse.


    Why?


    ''I told you, there is a risk. Even if there is a way to do it, obeying a demonic beast is the most dangerous thing you can do.


    If the Flame Demon Beast had attacked the mine, whether on a whim or of its own volition, it would be a catastrophe, but no more serious than that.


    It would be just like a natural disaster that came and went.


    However.


    If someone with an agenda is hiding behind that demonic beast........


    ''''The forbidden spells are stored together in a place called the ''secret room'' somewhere in the Demon King''s Castle. Only those with authority can reach it.


    Who has the authority...?


    Four Heavenly Kings.


    So first of all, everyone''s gaze was focused on one person.


    The Four Heavenly Kings Zebiantes was present.


    ''''Well, you don''t mean to imply that I''m under suspicion?


    That''s right, sir.


    ''''No, no, no, wait, wait, wait!��I''ve been playing around in your village for a while now, and I''m sure you''ve seen it too!��It''s an alibi!


    It''s not something to say openly, but it''s true.


    It''s not as if Zeviantes, as expected, doesn''t have the diligence to study forbidden curses while playing around in Lux village.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about them. I can''t say for sure without examining the details, but it''s unlikely that they will have the time to return to the castle to search for the forbidden spell.


    If that''s the case.


    By the process of elimination, the last person to emerge is one.


    The combination of the flame demon beast that appeared and its attributes also added to my suspicions.


    The current four heavenly kings who governed the flames, Bashbarza-sama of "Ayan Fire"...!

 70-69 Zeviantes encourages Gran Verza

    ''How could you be so stupid!


    Granberza-sama strikes the ground.


    It may have been in the heat of passion, but cracks run in all directions around his fist, and bright red flames erupt from the cracks.


    ''''I didn''t know you were this stupid...!��Bashbursa...!


    Bashbursa-sama, the current Four Heavenly Kings and the seat of the flame, and Granbursa-sama, who had been in the same seat in the previous generation, weren''t just a relationship between their predecessors.


    They were father and son who shared blood.


    That''s why the shock they receive is also very strong.


    ''''Hee........?


    Everyone who was present there fought under the pressure of the fierceness unleashed by Granbaza-sama.


    That is exactly what happened, with the exception of their former rival, Alanziel-san.


    ''''Ah, um........!


    One of them, Zebiantes, the Demon King''s Army side, boldly asks a question.


    He was super scared, though.


    "It''s true that Bashbursa''s guy is an idiot, but is there really any need to get that angry?


    What do you mean?


    It''s true that the decker lizard is a marvel, but if you can control that thing, you''re going to be a great asset. Is it fair to say that the Four Heavenly Kings are getting credit for this?


    To that point, those around me said, "Indeed...! I nodded.


    Especially for the brave Radey''s party, that should be the one who would eventually be the one who would be forced to fight the flame demon beast, and it should be hard anyway, but I''m convinced of that too.


    ''''d*mn foolishness!


    ''''Uhiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!��That''s what it is!


    The fierce Granbaza-sama''s furious roar of rage nearly blew Zebiantes away.


    ''''I told you that the secret to using demonic beast emissaries is a forbidden curse!��Yes, Hexenbiests are powerful!��But that''s why the danger of losing control is immeasurable!��The use of a forbidden curse is forbidden due to a reasonable risk!


    To touch a forbidden curse lightly without knowing that danger....


    ''''Foolishness...!��Foolishness is the only word for it...!


    Gee, pull yourself together, Lady Grandfather!


    The Zebiantes'' idiot is desperate to make up for his stupid question.


    ''You''re right, Bashvaza''s idiot is helplessly incompetent!��And what''s even worse is that he doesn''t even realize he''s incompetent!��The other Four Heavenly Kings, including me, were always annoyed by it!


    ......


    ''I''m sure that even that big a**h*le can find at least one good place to live if he''s looking for it!��I''ve worked with him as a colleague, and I know how to do that!��Hmmm........it''s not there!


    .....��?


    ''You have to wait just a little longer!��I''ll come up with something and, well, I''m not very good with time. He''s also extremely angry if anyone is late, even for a second. He''s also very picky about food, and he once fired his head chef for serving vegetables he didn''t like!��Oh, and!��Maybe, just maybe, that guy is a faggot!


    ''''.............!''''


    It seems that he is trying to defend Bashburza-sama, but on the contrary, Granburza-sama is starting to disintegrate at the testimony of Zebiantes, who only lists his faults.


    ''''This has to stop already!


    Unable to watch, the entire heroic party stops it.


    "Wha?��You''re not going to be able to get away with it.��I was trying to cheer up Granberza-sama...!


    Can''t you see that I''m trying to finish you off completely, you idiot!


    Somebody shut the mouth of the Four Heavenly Kings'' b*tc*, that I will!


    Let''s just finish her off!��I don''t think I''m going to be able to live like this and still run my mouth like a rogue!


    Beside the youngsters giggling, me and Mr. Arantzill were calmly summarizing the situation.


    ''''Anyway, we shouldn''t be making assumptions just yet.


    ''Yes. Everything I''ve just said here is speculative. We''re at the point where we need to corroborate our assumptions to confirm them.


    In this context, the speculation may be negated by the facts.


    The speculation that Lady Bashbursa is the main culprit.


    Although I must say that, in my view, that is extremely unlikely.


    ''''Well, in order to do so, we must return to the Demon King''s Castle above all else.


    Master Granberza is also a hero of yesteryear.


    He immediately switched his disturbed mind and regained his composure.


    ''''I will return to the Demon King''s Castle and directly question Bashbarza. Is it really him who manipulated that fire monster beast and almost put it to death?


    What if everything was as you''d guessed?


    It was Mr. Alanziel, who had exchanged lives for many years, who asked the hard questions.


    ''''I''ll take responsibility. As a heavyweight who once stood at the top of the Demon King''s army. As the Demon King''s loyal vassal, even now. And above all, as his father...!


    Lady Granberza shouted with intent.


    ''It''s Zebiantes!


    ''Hi!��It is!


    Zebiantes, who was being sacked by the brave party, responds.


    ''''We''re coming back together!��You''re going to be a witness!


    Witness?��What''s that?


    Let''s assume that Bashvaza''s man was messing with the curse. As punishment for that, I will personally execute my own son as a witness to its justification.


    At this declaration, everyone present gasped.


    The strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings who once led the Demon King''s army.


    The caustic nature of his determination.


    ''''You are returning, Granbaza-sama.


    ''''In any case, it wouldn''t be a good idea to have you, who now stand on the side of the human race, and me, the demon race, seen together. We should separate here to do what we can each do.


    Although Granberza-sama''s argument made sense, I was still worried.


    ''''We won''t be rushing into anything...''''


    You''re a smart guy... Don''t worry. I know how to make the right decisions.


    Master Granberza chanted a spell and called out a magic tool.


    It''s a vehicle-type magic tool that operates at high temperatures of fire magic.


    With that thing, it would be a quick trip from here to the Demon King''s Castle.


    You must concentrate on the rescue mission at hand. Rescue as many survivors as possible.


    "As you wish.


    Pinching up Zebiantes, Granbaza-sama flew away on his magic tool.


    ''''What?��Wait a minute!��I''m really leaving too!��I don''t want my leave to be cut short because of Bashbursa''s a**h*le!


    Zebiantes'' gonzo voice grew lower and farther away, until at last it was inaudible.


    ''''That guy doesn''t have to come back........!


    But I would like to see Lord Grandbarza alive again.


    And that all depends on the folly of my son Bashvaza-sama.......


    Oh, my...!


    Why do you have to be so stupid?


    You''ve inherited your family background and talents from your father, and you''re in a position where you''re guaranteed to succeed even if you just do it without a hitch.


    Why do you push yourself to get to the big time?


    No, it would be nice if it succeeded, but all the attempts have backfired, and he''s been cornered to the point where he''s been forced to deal with the forbidden curse.


    What has driven that gentleman to that point?


    If I had served as the Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings in the beginning, would I have been able to stop such an outrage and lead them to the right path?


    I know that "what ifs" are just empty, but that doesn''t stop the "what ifs" from spinning around in my mind.


    Pong, a hand was placed on my shoulder.


    When I turned around, it was Arantzill-san.


    ''''It''s ... Dariel. I understand the temptation to stop and think. But now is not the time to stop.''''


    I''m an ex-brave man who seems to be getting more and more familiar with it at an accelerated rate.


    No, I understand why he''s becoming more and more familiar with me.


    You must hurry to the disaster site of the mine and rescue the survivors. They were exposed to such a huge fire. If they are still alive, they must have been seriously injured and every moment is precious remaining time.


    ..........


    Mr. Alanziel''s advice is right without a shred of room for error.


    Now we need to act rather than think.


    We must concentrate all our efforts on rescuing the mine from the fiery beast.


    I will call out to the rest of you.


    ''''In a little while, Gacita will come with a follow-up team. We''ll have plenty of medical supplies and other relief supplies.


    Gacita should be able to handle that level of judgment easily by now.


    After all, he is now one of the top adventurers in LUX village.


    We''ll be the first to search for survivors and save as many as we can. Let''s go!


    Yeah! That is!


    Feeling a strong sense of discomfort that I was giving instructions to the heroic party, we headed directly underneath where the flame monster beasts were rampaging.


    I hope everyone working there is safe...!

 71-70 Dariel rescues

    The area that was attacked by this fiendish beast called Salamandra was the very center of the Mithril Mine.


    It was hard to see it because it was in the distant view when I discovered it, but after running a lot to reach the area like this, I could understand the horrific damage it had caused.


    It''s all burnt to a crisp...!


    Everything that had been built on the surface to operate the mine had collapsed to black rubble.


    The area around us still looked like a scorching hot hell, thanks to the residual heat from the remains of the fire.


    Sweat erupted from all over my body from the heat.


    ''''Are there any survivors...?''''


    This is impossible, isn''t it? Not with this mess...!


    I know what Sesha-san wants to say.


    By the time I got here, I saw several human-shaped charcoals lying on the side of the road.


    Cinders that retained their human shape.


    Perhaps because it had lost moisture, it was originally about the size of a grown man, but now it had shrunk to the size of a child.


    But his entire body was black, and it was impossible to discern his original face shape.


    We wanted to give him a hospitable burial right away, but our priority was still to find the survivors.


    I should have searched for the living first, but I still couldn''t find any of them.


    ''''No way........?


    ''''That is such a raging fire, that it is...!��I didn''t want to think about it, but...!


    Zero survivors..........?


    As that worst possible conclusion crossed my mind, I also saw the faces of the many people working here.


    It''s been more than a year since the Mithril Mine has been run by the human race.


    It has been more than a year since the Mithril mine was taken over by the human race, and he has made many acquaintances.


    It was hard to imagine those people gone.


    ''Dariel-san!��Dariel-san!


    Just as I was being assaulted by my worst imaginings, Radie came running in.


    ''Come here, come here!


    What''s going on?


    Are you a survivor?��I headed for it with the sudden expectation that I would be able to find the entrance to the mine.


    We found ourselves at the entrance to a tunnel.


    This is the entrance to a tunnel, a work passage through which a hole had been dug deep into the ground to extract the ore.


    But this entrance to the tunnel....


    It''s blocked up...?


    A large rock stood in front of us like a lid, blocking the entrance to the tunnel, which allowed us to get in and out of it.


    It would be impossible to enter the tunnel, and those inside would not be able to get out, either.


    "The gap is carefully covered with earth and sand and it''s blocked up tightly...?


    It''s hard to imagine that such a thorough blockade could have happened naturally.


    Mr. Alanziel had also rushed to the scene.


    All of their attention was now focused on this rock door.


    ''The tunnels are artificial caves, so to speak. ''A tunnel is a man-made cave, so to speak, not a fortress, but doesn''t it seem like an excellent place to take shelter in the event of something unusual happening?


    "If you had sealed off the entrance this tight, you could have shut out the flames of the Fiendish Beast.


    But if it''s too tightly sealed, there''s a risk that fresh air isn''t coming in either.


    If there is someone on the other side, they are in danger of suffocation if they don''t hurry.


    Do you have any idea how to move this big rock?


    Even the fire of the monster was stopped. But with this brave man''s secret technique...?


    Aranziel-san swings his signature weapon, the stick, wide.


    I followed suit and raised my Hermes sword in sword form.


    ''''The ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''!


    Two huge aura slashes are unleashed at the same time.


    The two huge aura slashes released at the same time, the cutting and destructive power of which even Oiwa couldn''t withstand, and it was ripped into two pieces, then into two pieces again, then into four pieces and scattered.


    The shattering of the fragments, which seemed to be an explosion, agitated Radey and the others who were watching nearby.


    Sorry for doing it so suddenly.


    But thanks to this, a large rock is completely shattered, revealing a hole in the tunnel with a gaping mouth.


    ''''Now, I hope there''s someone inside in this...?


    If not, judging from the burnt-out landscape outside, it''s safe to say that this time it''s hopeless for survivors.


    The rescue team must go on with their somber work as a corpse recovery team.


    But..........


    ''Oi, oi!''


    Did you hear that?��You hear that?


    I think I hear something human coming from deep in the mines!


    If I looked closely, I could also see a single red light in the darkness at the back.


    That was definitely Kantera''s light.


    ''Yes!''


    I shouted to myself.


    A large number of knockers and a few humans emerged from the depths of the tunnels.


    ''''Mr. Bestfred!''''


    He was a cadre class sent by the Center Guild and was also in charge of the operations of the Mithril Mine here.


    I''ve known him since my first visit here a year ago.


    It was about time I was familiar with him, so I''m really glad he''s survived.


    ''''Chief Dariel...!��I knew you would come to help me...!


    Mr. Bestfred came out of the mine covered in soot, and seemed to be out of breath.


    "Dariel-sama!


    "I knew it was Dariel-sama that came to save us!


    The subhuman knockers in the mine were delighted.


    The sub-race knockers living in the mine were delighted to see that they had survived the threat to their lives.


    Thank God!��No, when I saw the burned-out area on the ground, I didn''t think there was anyone left alive...!


    "Knocker-kun and the others were the first to detect the danger. Most of the guild staff and workers on the ground were able to escape into the tunnels.


    Mr. Best Fred and the knockers, shoulder to shoulder, show their unity.


    ''''I love you Oya-bin because you''re so kind!


    "Next to Dariel-sama, I trust you!


    When did you two become such good friends?


    Well, after a year of working together, of course, right?


    I was so surprised. A giant monster appears out of the sky!��If the evacuation had been delayed a little longer, we would definitely have been wiped out.


    However, by the time the flame monster Salamandra appeared, the non-combatants had been evacuated and the entrance to the tunnels was sealed off with the trick we had prepared in advance, and we managed to fortify our defense.


    ''''It''s a relief that we made preparations for the emergency...!


    In fact, it was because the tunnel was sealed off that the flame monster beasts were unable to attack deeper into it.


    All they had to do was activate the trap and a large rock would fall in front of the doorway, and the trick of sealing off the tunnel was very effective.


    "There are a few adventurers left on the ground as defenders, saying they were going to fight demons... Dariel, have you seen anything like that?


    ..........


    All I could think of was the charred bodies I''d seen before I came here.


    Even though it was my job to fight the threat of the mines, what would be the point of bravery?


    If they knew at first glance that they were an opponent they couldn''t win against, they should have run away without wavering in their judgment.


    ''But I''m really glad that everyone survived. The worst was avoided.


    Yeah, but...


    Best Fred, the guild executive, went to the ground and looked around at the scorched earth''s surface.


    With an expression of desolation.


    ''''........Everything has been burned to the ground. Everything we spent a year building up has been reduced to ashes........''''


    You''re still alive, aren''t you?


    As long as you''re alive, you can do it all over again.


    So as long as there are survivors, nothing is over and nothing has failed.


    There''s still a long way to go...!


    Well in that case, we need to hurry up with the recovery work above all else!


    Exactly.


    "Now, Dariel, I''m going to ask a quick favor of you.


    At your service.


    Just before the monster attacked, many of our men ran into the tunnels, but in the chaos they were torn apart. They got lost all over the tunnels.


    That''s a lot of work.


    The tunnels have been dug deep into the ground to extract the ore, creating a maze of branches.


    If an unprepared layman stepped into these tunnels, he would be sure to get lost.


    ''Now that the danger is over, we should ask the evacuated guild officials to return, but there is a high probability that some of them will not be able to escape on their own.


    They asked Knocker and his team, who are familiar with the tunnel, to search it.


    Dariel and the others can come with me into the mine.��Some of the guild staff are still afraid of the knockers and may not listen to their instructions.


    I didn''t know someone so delusional still existed.


    Let''s go.


    It looks like we won''t be able to start the full-scale recovery process until Gacita''s follow-up team arrives, and we can''t just sit around and wait until then.


    ''''I''m going too!��It''s a brave man''s job to do his best for the people!


    ''I''m no longer a brave man myself, but if this old body is of any use to me, I''ll be glad to work for you.


    Radey and Mr. Arantzill also came forward for the rescue mission.


    ''''With the heroes!��Old heroes?��Why did you come to this place!


    After all this time, Best Fred was surprised.

 72-71 Dariel experiences a wonder

    I''m concerned about what this Fiendish Beast is up to, but there''s nothing I can do about it at the moment.


    That''s why I should do what I can do right now.


    With that in mind, I went into the tunnels to search for people in distress.


    ''Dariel-sama!��Don''t you ever leave us, you hear me?


    If you lose them in the mines you''ll die!


    Yeah, yeah, yeah.


    Well, what Knocker and the others are saying is not exaggerated, but if a stranger enters the tunnels carelessly, they will definitely get lost.


    The structure inside is very complicated.


    It is a living maze that is being dug out day and night to extract the ore, and the action of changing its shape is a living maze.


    Even if the directions are drummed into your brain, the next day you may find that a new passage has been created. If that happens, the old map is useless.


    That''s what tunnels are for.


    And since it''s underground, there''s no light to reach it, and it''s completely dark. You can''t even check your own handwriting unless you bring in a light fixture of Kantera proportions.


    Therefore, there was a good chance that there were people in distress.


    The attack of the flame monster Salamandra had forced the miners and guild staff to flee to the mine for shelter.


    People were so panicked that they rushed deeper into the mine, trying to get as far away from the danger as possible.


    Some of them were so rude that they didn''t know what to do.


    Our goal is to search for and find the victims of such a monster attack and bring them back to the surface.


    With Knocker, who knows everything about the tunnels in real time, as our guide, me, Reedy, and Alanziel will split up to search for the victims.


    The tunnels are so complicated that if you get lost, you''ll never get out again.


    The knocker on my guide says seriously.


    We''re changing shape every day. Even my fellow bookers get lost from time to time.


    That''s because they''re digging every day.


    That''s not all. This mine is alive.


    "Hmm?


    The hole we dug was sealed up before we knew it, and now it''s all back together. Now we''re digging, and digging, and digging, and digging, and digging, and digging, and digging, and digging, and it''s making the world more confusing.


    No, wait.


    How much is that possible?


    It''s not possible for a hole dug in the ground to close up naturally, it''s just not possible.


    It''s as if the wounds on the creature naturally heal...?


    We''ve been wondering the same thing. Strange things like this don''t happen except in this mine.


    That''s why the Mithril Mine is called the ''Wonder Mine''. That''s why the Mithril Mine is called the "Mystery Mine" because the route changes every time you enter it.


    I''ve never heard of that before.


    At first I thought, ''That''s ridiculous,'' but the story of the knockers reminded me of many other strange stories about this mine.


    ........It was hundreds of years ago that the Mithril vein was discovered in this area and the mine was opened.


    Since then, it has been constantly mined by both the human and demon tribes, but normally, if they continued to dig for hundreds of years, they would run out of ore and the mine would be closed.


    Even if that didn''t happen, the purity of the minerals contained in the ore would deteriorate, no matter what kind of mine it was.


    But here at the Mithril mine, in fact, the purity of the ores has not degraded in the slightest over the hundreds of years it has been in operation.


    Isn''t the mystery, as the locals'' knockers say, that the mine, like a living organism, continues to heal itself and produce new mithril, as if it were being metabolized?


    ''''Oh no..., Masakana...?''''


    I let out a laugh at my own foolish delusion.


    In the meantime, the tunnel has come to a dead end.


    It''s at the bottom of the tunnel.


    If you didn''t see anyone before you got here, that means no one was lost.


    Hmm.


    If nothing else, it''s a good thing.


    ''So let''s just ''finish'' the route here and go check out another route.


    When I think about it, this is the first time I''ve ever gone this deep into a place.


    I''ve worked for the Demon King''s Army since the days when I was in charge of the Mithril Mine, but I''m only a manager and I have no need to go to the deepest part of the site.


    Well, it''s very emotional, but right now, the priority is to find the people in distress, so let''s get back to work quickly.


    ........but....


    ''''Wait.''''


    I heard a voice.


    It wasn''t my voice, and it wasn''t the voice of the knocker who was guiding us, so I looked around to see if there was anyone in trouble. I looked around, but no one was there.


    You did, didn''t you?��Didn''t we hear that?


    I think I heard it, too!��I''m sure that Knocker Ear is hell-eared!


    So I wouldn''t be alone in saying that I was the only one with a bad ear.


    But I''m not there.


    I can''t see anything that looks like a human figure, no matter how hard I look around.


    "Watch where you''re going, lad.


    "d*mn it, Knocker, get that Kanterra light over there!��Is there anything else you haven''t lit up yet!


    I turn the light in all directions, but there is still no one in sight.


    But the voices are still there.


    I want to run away! I want to run away! I''m sure you''ll be able to find something that looks like it''s emitting voices.


    It was not somewhere inside the tunnel, but the tunnel wall itself.


    A human face was floating on the wall of the side of the tunnel, which had been excavated out of the ground.


    And it was huge.


    The face alone was as tall as my height.


    That''s what he was talking about.


    "You finally noticed, it''s me.


    "I knew it was a horror story!


    I get scared to my core and run away with the knockers at once.


    But....


    "Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait..., listen to me.


    What?


    I stopped as I was called to a normal situation.


    When I thought about it, it would be too dangerous to continue running the mine if I discovered such an incomprehensible guy and left him there without knowing who he was.


    You''re a cowardly or bold fellow, aren''t you? Well, I came out to the material world to talk with you, so I don''t want you to run away from me.


    Who the hell are you to...?


    "I am what you call a mithril mine.


    "What?!


    It was too abrupt to understand, but strangely enough it was not.


    Maybe it''s because just a few minutes ago you told me a strange episode of the Mithril mine that acted as if it were a living being.


    Long ago, I was created by the Almighty, and I was given a role to play. I was created by the Almighty and given a role to play. I was created by the Almighty and given a role to play, to be one with the earth, and to give birth to that which is useful to all who crawl upon it.


    "The Almighty...?��Something useful.........?


    I don''t like it when you say something so grandiose all of a sudden.


    I don''t understand.


    "In accordance with my orders, I am generating the fruits of my labor right here in the basement. It''s called Mithril. And you have what you call mithril.


    ''What?��........is this it?


    I take out the Hermes sword from my own waist.


    This is the only good piece of mithril I have in my possession.


    I''m not going to be able to get my hands on it," he said. I''m sure you''ve found the right person to make and use it.


    Huh, ... is that a compliment?


    If that''s the case, I''m glad to hear that my late grandfather Smith''s whole heart was honored.


    ''I was invited to the present world by this gem. I''ve never seen anyone who has trained my alter ego to this level of excellence. I shall reward you with this.


    Then the face floating on the wall (Mithril Mine itself?) closed his eyes and muttered mumbling.


    In response to that, my Hermes sword emitted a dazzling glow.


    ''''Oh?��What!?


    The glow continued for a while, but eventually the light itself softened and subsided as it settled on the Hermes Sword.


    The color and luster of the Hermes sword that had gone through the luminescence was clearly different from the one before and even radiated holiness.


    ''''We have removed one level of restriction on the mithril that makes up that gem. It is up to you, the user, to decide how to use it...''''


    The Hermes Sword...............and even stronger?


    I could feel it in my hand.


    Grandpa Smith''s Hermes Sword, which he left behind, has evolved further here.


    It''s the best way to give more power to those who are worthy. It will also be in accordance with the will of my Creator. Because he desires for those who live on earth to evolve to a higher level...''


    What did you say?


    ''Come to think of it, just a few minutes ago I felt the reaction of a being similar to me. That, too, must have been created by the Almighty for his own desire. Is there another being besides me who influences those on earth with the will of the Creator?


    ''''.........?''''


    The face that says something worrisome, but it fades away as if the power is given to the Hermes sword and the business is already done.


    It goes back to the original, just an earthen wall.


    ''Well, wait!��A being like you is not...?


    The image of the raging flaming dragon appears in my mind...!


    ''Be mindful, you who crawl on the earth. You exist to entertain the Almighty. May you evolve, prosper, and be happy so as not to bore the Almighty. May the mithril that I create play a role in your development.


    With that said, the face on the wall has completely disappeared and is no longer visible.


    The indications are that the unnamable tingling sensation is gone, and I know that the abnormality has passed.


    But what on earth was it?


    It was a mysterious and magical experience.

 73-72 Bashbaza, sortie for revenge (Shitenno side)

    This was the Demon King''s Castle.


    It was also the headquarters of the Demon King''s army, and as soon as the previous Four Heavenly Kings returned to this fortress, Granberza shouted out loudly, "Bashbarza!


    ''''Bashbursa!��Where is Bashbursa!


    Even the soldiers, generals, and servants packed into the Demon King''s castle reacted to that loud cry, and they trembled.


    They were not shouted at themselves, but they stiffened with fear.


    Grumberza''s loud voice, which was claimed to be the strongest of all time, had that much power.


    He is a man of ability who can kill people with his voice alone.


    Anyway, we pushed through the castle and arrived at the back room.


    It was a private room that Bashbarza occupied exclusively as the Four Heavenly Kings.


    Such privileges are allowed because it is a position that should be the pinnacle of the Demon King''s army, but as for Bashbarza, those specially allowed things might not be allowed even today.


    He kicks down the door without knocking.


    A single figure floats in the room, cluttered with books and magical laboratory equipment.


    ''''Well, well, well, Father. What''s going on here all of a sudden?''


    Bashvaza, one of the current Four Heavenly Kings.


    His appearance had changed so much that it was almost as if he was a different thing than what I had seen in the past.


    He had lost a lot of weight.


    His flesh had become thinner and his cheeks were smudged, and his eyeballs were hollow and scurrying.


    Its undead-like appearance frightened even his own father, Granbaza.


    ''''Bashburza........is that it?��Are you really...?


    ''''Hahahaha. Oh dear, isn''t it terrible to forget your face, no matter how disappointing your son is?��....Huh?��If you look closely, my compatriot, Zebiantes of the Four Heavenly Kings ''Huafu'' is with you too, right?��It''s a rare combination.


    Zebiantes is dragged away from the Mithril mine.


    I finally get Grumberza to let go of his grip on my neck and fall to the floor.


    ''''Geez, what...?


    Since Zeviantes is a free spirit by nature, he doesn''t want to get involved in this acrimonious confrontation between father and son.


    But if you run away, it will be even worse the next day. I''m not going to be able to get rid of it.


    The only thing you need to know is that you can''t get away.


    ''What is it?��You and I are the Four Heavenly Kings and we are kindred spirits. You have nothing to hide!


    The magnanimity that is unimaginable from the usual Bashbarza makes it more eerie than ever.


    Thanks to that, instead of Zebiantes, who was immensely disappointed, Grambarza opened his mouth again.


    ''''.........Bashbarza, have you entered the ''secret room''?''''


    ''The Chamber of Secrets''?��What''s that?


    The fierceness of the father''s spiritedness released by the son, who is so blatantly in love with him, increases.


    ''Usososo, I know. I can''t afford not to laugh at a joke like this.


    Then tell me, what is the ''Chamber of Secrets''?


    ''A room somewhere in the Demon King''s Castle. But I don''t know where it is. We''ll never find it by searching for it, but we''re certain it exists.


    Bashvaza replies cheerfully.


    However, the greatest significance of the Chamber of Secrets lies within it. That room holds all the forbidden curses that have been developed in the past.


    That''s why we don''t know where the Chamber of Secrets is and no one can get to it, because we are not allowed to touch the d*mn thing without permission. It''s because we''re not allowed to touch the forbidden curse without permission.


    My father, Glamberza, takes over the explanation and says


    ''A forbidden curse is a masterpiece and a failure created by past magical developments. It is very powerful. It is far more powerful than the new magic that was created as a success story. But it came with a terrible flaw, as if it was the price, and was sealed because it was too dangerous.


    That''s the forbidden curse.


    The mithril compression magic bombs that Bashverza had once attempted to produce were also both powerful and flawed magic, but they were not a forbidden curse.


    This is because the flaw of consuming large amounts of mithril in its manufacture was not considered dangerous enough to be designated a forbidden curse.


    To be a forbidden curse, it had to be even more frighteningly difficult to handle, and the amount of damage it could cause if mishandled.


    If it is mishandled even a little, the demon race itself could be destroyed.


    If it weren''t that dangerous, it wouldn''t be called a forbidden curse.


    That''s why the ''secret room'' is considered a secret place where no one can enter. Only those with limited authority are allowed in. Who has that authority is.........!


    The Four Heavenly Kings.


    There was a violent spark between father and son.


    ''''You know ... Bashvaza, you know?��One of the forbidden spells is the use of magic to subdue magical beasts.


    ''Isn''t that great magic!��If you can control the monster beasts as you wish, the heroes would have a twist, so why did you forbid it?


    The reaction was too deliberate.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about it. The magic of a demonic beast emissary is precisely the magic that mixes the consciousness of the magician and the consciousness of the demonic beast.


    The magician and the hexenbiest share consciousness, and the hexenbiest moves according to the sorcerer''s desire.


    A magical beast kills what the sorcerer sincerely desires to kill.


    The magical beast destroys what the sorcerer sincerely desires to destroy.


    This is the system of the magical beast messenger, which projects the sorcerer''s desire onto the mind of the magical beast.


    "There is no other way to move a demonic beast, an absolute powerhouse that far surpasses the demon race, as desired. Brainwashing magic that can control a bat or a rat would only be instantly played against a demonic beast.


    That''s why controlling a magical beast doesn''t involve controlling it, but rather overlaying its mind and making it one with it.


    And that action carries an uncommon risk.


    In the first place, eliminating the boundaries between self and others and mixing their minds together is dangerous magic. What is mixed up cannot be separated, and consciousness without distinction will become meaningless and obsolete.


    And what happens if you mix your consciousness with a monster beast that far transcends the demon race?


    ''''The spirit of the sorcerer will be swallowed up by the spirit of an even bigger demonic beast and become crippled. If that''s all there is to it, it''s still fine. But the demonic beast would dutifully fulfill the wishes of the sorcerer who took it in and destroy everything the sorcerer wished to destroy.


    Hundreds of years in the past, the demon race was once nearly destroyed by it.


    Unlike normal emissary magic, since the sorcerer had become a cripple, he couldn''t stop with reason, and the demonic beast wouldn''t stop until he had destroyed everything.


    Until it destroys everything that the sorcerer once hated.


    Do you know how horrible that is?��The forbidden curse is forbidden because it can never be touched!��Not being able to understand its meaning and using it easily is an indiscretion that should not be reserved for the Four Heavenly Kings!��That alone is enough of a reason for dismissal...!


    ''''Don''t bother!''''


    A rebuttal that pierced my eardrums echoed through the room.


    It was the first time in my life that I had ever cursed Bashbursa, my too-great father Granbursa.


    ''What was that just now?��Forbidden spells are scary, and demonic beasts are scary too. You''re right!��But how could you tell me that?��It''s none of my business!��I don''t know what you mean!


    You used that curse on me.


    That''s a terrible accusation!��Why do you think that''s a terrible accusation?��Do you have any proof?


    The rapid deterioration of your health. Your rapid decline and your severe emotional instability. It''s all due to the fact that your mind is one with a hexenbiest, right?


    By merging their spirits with those of a hexenbiest, the ferociousness of the hexenbiest will infect the sorcerer as well.


    As a result, the sorcerer has become just as ferocious as the hexenbiest.


    In addition, the sorcerer releases an excessive amount of magical power in order to stop the mental erosion of the monsters. The end result is exhaustion and emaciation. Just like you are now.


    The cheeks are sunken, the eye sockets are hollowed out, and Bashbarza has the appearance of a ghost.


    The best part is the place where the demon beast appeared. I''ve heard about the feud between you and the Mithril mine. You must really hate that place that was the cause of your fiasco.


    ..........


    ''''The manipulation of demonic beasts is not easy. Due to the characteristics of the messenger law, it only breaks what the surgeon really wants to break. In the first place, the suspects are narrowed down to the Four Heavenly Kings when they are allowed into the ''Chamber of Secrets''. Among them, the one who harbors the utmost hatred for the Mithril Mine....


    Bashvaza is all I have.


    ''''........Foolish son. He probably thought to recover from his repeated blunders in one fell swoop by the terrifying power of the Flame Demon Beast anyway. But that idea in itself is a disqualification for the Four Heavenly Kings.


    I''m allowed access to the forbidden curse site to keep it under tight control. The manager himself uses the forbidden spell to make a profit.


    "I can''t leave such a selfish person on the throne of the Four Heavenly Kings!


    Shut up!��Shut up!��Don''t bother me, old man!


    Bashbaza had a dangerous light in his ghostly eyes.


    They were no longer the color of sanity.


    ''''Four Heavenly Kings disqualified?��I hope so!��I''m not interested in the Four Heavenly Kings anymore!��I''m going to ascend to a higher and even greater position than that!


    Bashvaza smiles proudly.


    I''m going to be a hero!��Kill the brave, destroy the human race, accomplish feats no one has ever accomplished before, and become a legendary figure that will never go away!��Use the power of the Fiendish Beast Salamandra!


    Finally, you spit it out with your mouth. ...Zebiantes.


    Glamburza, looking around at the current Four Heavenly Kings who are frozen at his side.


    ''You heard that word again, didn''t you?


    ''''Yes, yes...?


    The current Four Heavenly Kings, Bashvaza, have committed a grievous treason. For bringing forth a forbidden curse that must be strictly controlled, and for endangering the demon race itself.


    A curse is something to be feared so much.


    "Kukku is going to execute his own son?��How can you be so heartless, Dad?��........But which one of us is in rebellion?


    "?��What does that mean?


    ''''The old bastard knows a lot about the forbidden spells of the magical beasts, but I guess there are things he doesn''t know strictly because he hasn''t actually used it.... For example, a sorcerer who shares his consciousness with a hexenbiest can also share his senses with the hexenbiest!


    Bashvaza tugs at his lower eye lid with his finger to show off the fact.


    ''''What the Flame Demon Beast Salamandra saw is that I can see it with my own eyes. I could clearly see you at the foot of the Mithril Mine, where you were standing side by side with the brave man who was supposed to be your enemy, and I could see you clearly too.


    Do you think that you knew all along and...?


    What greater betrayal is there than cozying up to an enemy, right?��Disloyalty?��An informant?��Anyway, it means that the legendary hero Granberza has also fallen into the hands of a filthy traitor. Gyahahahahahahahaha!


    Bashbarza laughed as he bent over as if his spine was about to break.


    ''Great!��My luck is finally turning up for me.��The current heroes and the previous heroes are all gathered in the same place!��Kill one of these in one fell swoop and it''s a big deal!��And then the previous Four Heavenly Kings who became traitors will be executed as well, and any extraneous parallels will disappear!��It''s enough for me to be hailed as a hero by myself!


    Bashbursa!��It''s too disgusting!


    Zebiantes!��You were with a brave man, and I had a perfect view of you!��I''ll execute you for treason too, don''t worry!


    And one more.


    There was another person there who could not be overlooked by Bashvaza.


    The one person who was more important than anyone else, the one he hated the most.


    "Dariel........Dariel Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!


    He had confirmed that figure as well.


    Through the eyes of the demonic beast that shared his consciousness, he could clearly see it.


    He himself banished it and had never seen his former aide since.


    ''''I''ve found him!��How lucky we are to find them so quickly, when we were going to track them down to the ends of the earth and kill them!��After all, I am a demon who should be a hero, loved by fate!


    Bashbursa!��Don''t make this harder than it already is.��Ughhhh?!


    Glamberza, who tried to seize his son, was played back by a giant fist on the contrary.


    The huge fist that punched through the wall inside the demon king''s castle and rushed in.


    It grabs Bashbarza and pulls him back as it is.


    ''''Oops!''''


    Bashbursa went outside with both giant fists.


    You''re going to be able to find out what''s going on.


    "Flame Monster Beast Salamandra!


    The flaming dragon floating in the sky is a magical beast that is the same as the one that attacked the Mithril mine.


    Bashvaza stood atop its body.


    ''''Good day, father!��I''d really like to kill you right now, but I''ll do it later!��You know what I mean!��And as soon as Salamandra shares my spirit, she''s going to be the first person I want to kill!


    "You don''t think...?


    Glamburza, roars from the wall.


    ''Yes, it''s Dariel!��Dariel to kill first!��I will crush your eyes, pull out your tongue, cut off your nose, then slash off your limbs and give you the torment of hell before burning you to ashes!


    Bashbarza, who was using the demonic beast as an emissary, was conversely being driven by the demonic beast''s rabidness by mental erosion.


    A mass of hatred loomed over Dariel, without knowing which one was being controlled by which one.

 74-73 Dariel and Bashbaza meet again

    And it''s me again.........


    I had a strange experience in the mine, but that didn''t mean there was anything more to it, and we continued the rescue mission in the mine.


    By the time we had secured most of the victims, the following team led by Gashita arrived.


    They moved from rescue work to recovery work in earnest.


    They cleaned up the charred debris and built temporary quarters with wood salvaged from the surrounding area.


    But if we''re going to rebuild, we''ll have to call in the carpenters from our day job, won''t we?


    ''I''ve made the calculations, of course. I''m going to ask the Center Guild for assistance and ask them to send me some building materials and manpower.


    Best Fred, the responsible person, said.


    That''s good to hear.


    The Mithril Mine is an important facility, so I''m sure the greats will be generous with their support.


    We''ve been using the same facilities we''ve been using since we stole them from the demons. Let''s take this opportunity to build a new and more convenient facility!��You guys can make any request you want, and we''ll be happy to oblige!


    What?��You''re gonna take requests from us too?


    Of course! You knockers who work hardest in this mine deserve to be rewarded!


    I want a bathroom!


    I want a roast pig!


    "I want a wife!


    Mr. Best Fred and the knockers are getting too friendly...?


    Never mind.


    "Aniki Aniki


    Gashita, the leader of the recovery team, came to report to us.


    This guy''s all grown up........!


    The recovery work is progressing faster than expected. It''s a good thing that most of the residents were able to get out of the building quickly and no one was injured.


    The only thing we can do is clean up the rubble and set up a temporary shelter from the night dew. We''ll leave the rest to the real carpenters that the Center Guild will send us.


    Very well. So you want us to leave the bare minimum number of men behind when we''re done?


    ....


    "My brother?


    I didn''t have an immediate answer to Gacita''s confirmation.


    His proposal is a perfectly legitimate one. The personnel dispatched so far for rescue and reconstruction are adventurers belonging to Lax Village.


    They essentially need to complete the quests in Lax Village, so if they are glued to the mine forever, life in Lax Village will be slowed down.


    Like Gacita said, we should return to normal business once the state of emergency has passed.


    That''s the natural decision.


    But.........


    ''''Is that right?'''' A vague anxiety of "I don''t know what to do" surrounded me.


    Yes, sir.


    Do you think a burglar would rob the same house twice?


    Yes?


    It would be a question that Gacita didn''t know what he was talking about or what he was talking about.


    But I didn''t need to wait for his answer.


    The correct answer itself was floating in the sky in the distance.


    ''Hmm?��What is it?


    A bird?


    At first, everyone could only wonder at the tiny sunspots in the blue sky.


    However, the sunspot in the sky grew larger and larger in perspective, and its shape clearly flaunted to the viewer.


    ''''That couldn''t be........''''


    "Dragon, dragon!


    "The dragon that attacked the mine is back!


    He''s here again.


    He is the one who turned the Mithril Mine into a burnt-out area.


    Salamandre, the Flame Monster Beast.


    Do you think he''ll attack again? I was vaguely sure that I was worried about this.


    We don''t even know why the demonic beast was targeting the Mithril Mine, and Granbaza-sama''s attitude about it also aroused my anxiety.


    ''''Gashta.


    Hey!


    Get the non-combatants out of the tunnels again. Adventurers will fall back to the tunnel. Never take on that monster head-on.


    It has already been demonstrated what happens to those who challenge the Flame Demon Beast.


    They would just turn into a blackened corpse.


    That is surely an opponent that humanity should not collide with properly, just like natural disasters and the like.


    ''''But Aniki!��If we don''t protect ourselves, we''ll be overrun again!


    That won''t be a problem. We''ll just pick the best ones we can find and throw them at you.


    I pull out my Hermes blade and say, "You can''t mean...


    You can''t mean... you''re the one who...?


    And send for Radie and Alanziel. I''m sure that if the old and new brave men and women were to join forces, they would be able to defeat the monster.


    The Flame Demon Beast Salamandra still only floats about the size of a small bird above the blue sky.


    Even if it completely targeted us, it would still take some time to arrive.


    It was easy enough to complete the re-evacuation before then.


    ��


    The guild staff and knockers have been brought into the tunnels and are ready to intercept.


    I can''t rely on Radey and Mr. Arantzill, the new and old heroes on either side of me.


    The place is a clearing that had just been cleared of debris, so we didn''t have to worry about damage.


    Just..........


    ''''You guys need to evacuate as well.......!


    I called out to the adventurers camped behind me.


    Aside from Sesha-san and Satome, it''s extremely dangerous to stay with the young adventurers of Laxx Village under Gasita, though?


    What are you talking about?��You can''t serve as a prefect if we''re nuking around in a safe zone while he''s trying to tickle you!


    Who''s the prefect?


    However, there are surprisingly many reckless bastards who are like-minded with Gacita, and they all let out a vigorous battle cry.


    ''''It can''t be helped.......Don''t get carelessly close to the dragon, right?


    It''s a good idea. Those who are brave are naturally drawn to others. ...I was like that when I was young.


    Mr. Alanziel was kind of convinced by himself.


    Oh well.


    Anyway, that dragon. If he comes close enough, I''ll smash him down again, and we''ll hit the ground running.


    We''ll share the plan and tell them to come to me whenever they want, but........


    "...?


    That bastard of a Flame Monster Beast, it stopped from a certain distance and didn''t move.


    It didn''t come any closer to us.


    What''s the matter with you?


    In that interval, the flaming breaths spitting from your mouth wouldn''t even be able to reach you.


    Did you learn to fear from the last fight?


    It''s a very un-beastly boil. If you''re going to come, you should just go ahead and come. If not, go home.


    "It''s good to see you, Dariel.


    ''''!''''


    It was still hard to tell since it was still a long distance away, but if you looked closely, you could see what looked like a person on top of the Flame Demon Beast.


    One person.


    That figure stepped on the head of the Flame Demon Beast and stepped forward, then stepped on the tip of its nose as well and stepped further forward.


    ''''Ugh!''''


    There was nothing beyond the tip of his nose, so everyone thought that whoever stepped into the air would just fall away.


    But that was not the case.


    The flames that appeared in the air firmly caught the feet and led the riders to the ground like a staircase.


    ''''Flames........no way.......?


    Someone who was riding on top of the flame demon beast Salamandra did so and came down to the ground safely.


    Right in front of us.


    ''''You are...?


    ''What''s the matter, Dariel?��Your Lord came to you, remember?��Shouldn''t we bend our knees and lie flat, rubbing our foreheads against the ground to show our submission?


    At first I didn''t really know who this person was.


    He started to speak and I finally figured it out with his voice and arrogant mouth.


    ''''Bashbaza-sama........is it.......?''''


    Even though I said it out loud, it was still suddenly hard to believe.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I was acquainted with the form of the ghost standing in front of me.


    ''''What''s the matter...?��That face.........?


    The change in appearance is too much.


    The last time I saw Bashbursa-sama was when he was dismissed from the Demon King''s Army, but even though we hadn''t seen each other in a year, he had changed too much.


    His cheeks were hollowed out, his eye sockets were depressed, and his bare eyeballs were shining with a glittering and suspicious light.


    The former Bashbursa-sama was reasonably handsome among the demon race, even though he was called a nobleman and so on.


    There was no trace of the past in the shape of a corpse dug up from the grave.


    ''''What happened........?��What could have happened to make him look like this mangled mess...?


    "Kukku........!��Dariel, kukukukukukuk...!


    When I spoke to him, Lord Bashbursa only let out an inchoate laugh.


    Really creepy.


    What on earth is this person''s purpose........?

 75-74 Dariel gets unjustified criticism

    Bashbarza, the Four Heavenly Kings'' "Ayan Fire".


    He is one of the Four Heavenly Kings, the pinnacle of the Demon King''s Army, and the eldest son of the previous Four Heavenly Kings, Mr. Granbaza.


    He was selected to be the Four Heavenly Kings with the highest bloodline and talent.


    It was called a ringing endorsement.


    When he first took office, the people around him had high expectations for Lord Bashbursa.


    They thought, ''If he is Lord Grandfather''s heir, he will be very brave and wise.


    He is the current Four Heavenly Kings, who have been rejuvenated from their predecessors.


    As the leader of the Four Heavenly Kings, he was in the spotlight and was supposed to be the most brilliant person in the world.


    Bashbursa-sama.


    That same person is nowhere to be seen in front of me anymore.


    ''''Dariel.........Darieluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!


    The voice that barely chanted my name was as if the evil spirit was calling out to me, ''Come here.


    '' "........It''s been a while, Dariel. Never thought I''d see your dead cockroach-like face again, did you?


    I haven''t seen you since I left the Demon King''s Army.


    I used to serve under him as a soldier in the Demon King''s army.


    His post was the Four Heavenly Kings'' Assistant.


    My role was to support the four leading figures at the top of the Demon King''s army from the closest point of view.


    But I was relieved of my position.


    I''m not going to be able to get rid of my job, but rather I''m going to be expelled from the Demon King''s Army itself, and I''m lost.


    I still remember the look of pity on your face when I told you that you were fired, like an abandoned pig. I''ve never seen such an amused expression on your face. It makes me cringe every time I remember it!


    It''s done. What''s more important than the past is how it is now.


    After being banished from the Demon King''s army and wandering around, I arrived at the village of Lax, where I began my new life. Knowing my origins as a human, I began a new life.


    All my newfound wealth is my irreplaceable treasure.


    Thinking about the fact that I was able to meet these treasures, I felt grateful for my past exile from the Demon King''s Army.


    On the other hand.


    The same time I was building up my new place, the Bashvaza-sama in front of me must have spent the same time in another place.


    I guess I couldn''t call it a very fruitful time, but.......


    ''''I heard that your position in the Demon King''s army has deteriorated?''''


    At that point, Lord Bashbursa''s body began to tremble.


    I''m sure I''m right.


    I''ve been hearing rumors that Bashbursa''s situation is not peaceful.


    I''m not going to be able to stop the invasion of the brave men and women, but the defection of the Mithril mine was a decisive blunder.


    It is said that this was an opportunity for him to take his position in the industry to deteriorate and his reputation is declining day by day.


    The person in question is also said to be unstoppable because he has not initiated any movement to regain his reputation.


    Lord Bashbaza raised a vindictive voice that seemed to echo from the depths of hell.


    ''''Annoying!��Shut up, shut up, shut up!��Do you think that''s a good sign?��Do you think your stupid boss who fired you deserves what''s coming to him?


    Everything has a karma effect. But firing me won''t be strong enough to make your position worse. You''re under pressure because...


    Because you screwed up.


    Because you messed up.


    Ugh!


    "Observe and analyze things carefully, come up with an appropriate response, make a decision and carry it out. If you can do that, anyone can become the Four Heavenly Kings. You were unable to do so because you didn''t have the ability to observe. It''s because you didn''t have the ability to analyze.


    I didn''t have the knowledge and wisdom to come up with the right response, and I didn''t have the determination or the ability to implement it.


    ''You didn''t have everything. Those things can be summed up in one word: incompetence.


    ''''Ugigigigig........?''''


    Bashbaza-sama scratched his hair as if his emotions were running high.


    Although he was aware that he was using harsh words, nothing was meant to return the favor to the person who once kicked him out.


    No matter how troubled the child is, he is the son of his former boss and the person who has been most helpful to him.


    If possible, I hope he will recover.


    In order to do so, he must first face his own harsh reality.


    ''Dariel-san...!��Could it be that this guy...?


    Yeah, he''s Bashbarza, one of the four Heavenly Kings of our time, Bashbarza of Ayanagi, son of Lord Granberza.


    I provided the most important piece of information to Radey''s question, which he didn''t know what was going on.


    ''So this is the one who inherits the Grand Barza bloodline? A foolish one, not unlike his father.''


    It''s the last generation of Alanziel to say so clearly.


    I''d appreciate it if you wouldn''t speak too provocatively, she''s a delicate child.


    ''''........I understand how Granbaza, who raised Dariel so well, doesn''t want to be proud of his achievements in raising people. I''m too embarrassed to brag about having such a defective biological child.


    "Shut up and shut up!


    See, I had an outburst.


    My reprimand alone was already on the edge of my tolerance.


    You with your knotty eyes don''t understand!��I''m a hero!��He is a man who will go down in history!��No matter how far back you go!��And in the future, there''s no better demon than me!


    You have a big mouth on you.


    Mr. Alanziel spat out.


    ''I''ve seen many people as a brave man myself. Various enemies and allies. The most common of them were grandiose incompetents like you, who only talk the talk.


    What the hell?


    "He who can really do it, does not speak of it. Those who can do it, do it with their actions, not their words. Just like my own Dariel.


    ''''Kiiiiiiiiiiiight!


    Please don''t extinguish Bashbaza-sama''s calmness any longer.


    I tried to control my emotions well and tell them off, but I can''t do it anymore.


    It can''t be helped, so I change the subject.


    ''''Was that bakemono, it was your doing after all?


    He pointed with his gaze at the flame demon beast that was waiting behind him.


    The flame-clad dragon waited patiently in the sky above, as if waiting for an order from the Lord.


    It wasn''t surprising, and it was easy to guess.


    It was because Granbaza-sama had already guessed that the one controlling that monster behind the scenes might be Bashbaza-sama.


    ''''Granbaza-sama says that there is a forbidden curse that controls the monster beast and manipulates it at will. You used it, right?''''


    ''Yes!��Because I''m a genius!��It''s easy to use, even if it''s forbidden!��You don''t know how to measure up to ordinary people, do you?��That''s why it doesn''t matter if it''s forbidden or not!


    It was the typical way of thinking of a guy who fails.


    Why do you think you''re special in such an unwarranted way?


    I don''t think so. That bastard is definitely under the influence of the curse.


    This is how the extreme magic that imposes a special burden on the sorcerer is reduced.


    When they finally can''t bear it and lose control, they spread the worst damage inexhaustibly.


    That is the forbidden curse.


    ''Please lift the forbidden curse now. If this is not done, you will definitely be killed by a demonic beast...!


    Shut up!��How can you be advising me, you incompetent, useless lieutenant?��You don''t need to underestimate me!��I know how to use a hexenbiest!


    I don''t think that''s even remotely possible, so I''m just advising you.


    "I am a...��Use the flame monster Salamandra to get it all back!��The glory I was meant to have!��The accolades I was supposed to get!��The honor that was meant to be bestowed upon me!��I''ll get it all back!


    Lord Bashbursa had lost his normal judgment even more than when he was once embittered.


    That was probably also a reaction to the act of trying to control the demonic beast.


    ''''Kill the heroes!��Destroy the human race!��We must put an end to the war between man and demon!��And I will be the hero that people talk about forever!��.... and!


    The eyes of Bashbursa-sama''s corpse-like eyes were turned towards me.


    .........Me?


    "I have to do something before my heroic feats begin...!


    What is it?


    "Dariel, I will kill you!


    .........


    .........why?


    Do you know whose fault it is that I have fallen into this kind of situation?��What?


    ?


    It''s you, Dariel!


    Slender fingers, like the bones of an uneaten bird, point at me.


    ''It''s all your fault!��And the Mithril mine betrayed us!��That''s what the Demon King scolded me for!��And that brave men don''t die quietly!��And the fact that the other Four Heavenly Kings are completely useless!��And if my father doesn''t approve of me, it''s all because of you!��It''s your fault!


    I can''t help it.


    So...��I''m going to kill you as a start to clear my name from now on!��And then I will kill the heroes and destroy the human race to become an unprecedented hero!

 76-75 Bash Baza, beaten by a bag

    That''s when it happened.


    A gust of wind was blowing in here where we were.


    The wind was so strong that if you didn''t stand firm, you might be blown away.


    Two figures jumped into the air with that wind.


    ''''Granbaza-sama, Zebiantes...!


    The two who should have returned to the Demon King''s Castle to question Bashbursa-sama have now come back again.


    ''''Tch, they''ve already caught up with us.......?


    ''''Don''t lick the fastest wind magic in the four attributes!


    The one who made the wind blow so far with himself and Granbaza-sama on board was Zebiantes.


    I''m going to show you the basis for earning the title of "Flower Wind" at the Four Heavenly Kings.


    And apart from that.........


    "I knew it was here........!


    Granbaza-sama faced his son with a tense expression.


    ''''Granbaza-sama...!


    As you can see, Dariel. "As you can see, Dariel, he is the one who has caused this whole mess. My unworthy son. My shame...!


    Granbaza-sama''s voice is squeezed out as if he regrets it from the bottom of his heart.


    How could such a great person be reduced to such a somber state?


    ''''Bashbaza-sama, your filial piety is too much.


    I''d face the prodigal son sternly.


    But he won''t listen to me.


    ''Shut up!��My father is a sinner who should have been killed anyway!��Dariel, after I kill you, I''m going to kill everyone here!


    ''''..........''''


    I didn''t realize how far I had fallen.


    I couldn''t hold my tongue.


    ''''You''ve been saying kill, kill, kill since just now...!


    I suppose a fight is no longer inevitable.


    But first, I wanted to ask you a question.


    ''Why do you want to kill me so badly?��I don''t remember getting any grudges from you that made me want to kill you, do you?


    If you''d rather hold a grudge, it''s me, isn''t it?��I even think.


    I was originally serving in the Demon King''s Army and then one day I was suddenly fired.


    I won''t do it, and I have no desire to do it, but I think it''s a good enough motive for revenge.


    So why does the one who fired him want to take revenge on the one who fired him?


    I feel unreasonable.


    ''Of course it is!��This is all your fault.��It''s your fault that the Mithril Mines got their teeth into it...!


    It''s...!


    It''s probably because Anata imposed an absurd quota on the knockers working in the mine.


    Any man will stand up to any of them if pushed to the extreme, and it''s because of your unwillingness to know that.


    ''You''re in this Mithril mine...!��That says it all!��When I saw you through the eyes of Salamandra, it all made sense to me!


    What?


    ''You''re the one who started the Mithril Mine Rebellion!��You were the one behind all this!��You''re the one who conspired to seduce those lowlifes in the mines into revolting!


    Hmm?


    .........what can I say?


    I''d be lying if I said I didn''t have a hand in the Knockers'' rebellion.


    I was the one who rescued them from their rage and helped them cross over to the humans.


    But the root cause is that I drove the knockers that far, and I happened to pass by and joined the righteous side. But that''s all.


    What a vile, what an insidious act...!


    But he doesn''t seem to be listening to me.


    "I did fire you, but I had you working for me until then!��That was your master!��You''re supposed to be loyal and indebted to me!��You''re the most ungrateful person I''ve ever met in my life, and you attack me without even thinking about it!


    So you''re going to kill me?


    ''Yes!��This is not retaliation!��Justice and punishment!��As your former lord, I will judge you for your wickedness!��With the greatest punishment of all: death!


    I can only think of it as ''self-serving,'' but I don''t think they''ll be able to understand me if I say that.


    It''s been that way for a long time. That''s exactly what happened when I served in the Demon King''s Army as an assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings.


    This guy was convinced that what he said was the only right thing to do and never listened to my advice.


    I can remember the frustration of that day.


    No matter what I said, I couldn''t accept it. Those days when I had to work so hard for something meaningless.


    That''s the end of the bullshit, too.


    Then there was a voice that broke in as if to cut through.


    This voice.


    ''Bashvaza, what you are saying is less than the selfishness of a child.


    "Zebiantes?��What are you talking about all of a sudden!


    Zeviantes, the Four Heavenly Kings of the Wind and supposedly a colleague of Master Bashvaza.


    The verbal attack from her would have been unexpected.


    ''''Dariel has done very well. Everything she said was spot on, and she was very attentive, according to Droyer.


    What are you talking about, Zeviantes?��You voted to fire Dariel, didn''t you!


    I see now that that was a mistake. And you''re a fool for not admitting it, Bashbarza!


    It is certainly nice to hear someone defend me, but when it''s Zebiantez of all people saying that, it''s like, ''I don''t know...''


    The timing of the palm strike back is divine!


    ''''I''m an outsider, but........''''


    The next thing he says is Radey.


    ''''Well I can only know that what you are saying is childish. Selfish and unreasonable. It''s disheartening to see someone like you among the Four Heavenly Kings, your sworn enemy.


    Even his arch-enemy, the hero, was dismayed by his arch-enemy, Bashvaza-sama, who was unable to stand.


    ''''That''s right, that''s right!��I don''t know what it is, but my brother is not a cheap man to be looked down upon by a little shit like you!


    To Gacita?


    The chief is a great man!


    He''s a sweetheart and a great listener!


    I''m so much better than you are!


    Even the other adventurers raise their voices with the momentum.


    You don''t know much about the fate of me and Bashbursa-sama, but you''re in a mood.


    The one who screamed at the top of his lungs was his own father, Lady Granbaza.


    It''s not a good look for you in the eyes of others. If you can''t listen to the complaint, it''s the end of your career as a superior.


    But you''re not gonna win with all these people out there, are you?


    Mr. Alanziel continues.


    Everyone in this room is against you. I don''t care how crazy your murderous intentions are, they can''t be carried out. You will surrender meekly.


    Me, Radie and his party of heroes, the local adventurers led by Gacita, and the two heroes who built the legend, Lady Glamberza and Mr. Arantzill.


    If you think you can win against such a large force, then you''re probably a madman.


    However, I doubt the sanity of the person in front of me.


    ''''Kukku, kukku........''''


    The proof of this is that Lord Bashvaza starts laughing wryly.


    ''You are the ones who understand?��What are you guys up against?


    In response to Bashvaza-sama''s call, the fire dragon that was waiting in the sky raised a bullhorn.


    ''''Don''t tell me you''ve forgotten about it!��I''m the strongest and worst demonic beast in the world!��As long as Salamandra is around, I''m the strongest and have no enemies!


    Bashvaza!��Stop!��If your consciousness mingles with the demonic beast any further...!


    Granberza-sama''s call is drowned out by the flames spewed out by the Flame Monster Beast and does not reach them.


    The scene is thrust into chaos at once by the rampaging flame demon beasts as their attacks are lifted.


    ''''Ahahahahahaha!��Yes, indeed, Dariel, killing you so easily is boring. You''re a piece of trash!��You are the worst kind of sinner!��I must taste the best suffering for it and then kill it!


    Bashbaza-sama thrusts out his right hand.


    In response, one of the numerous Lax village adventurers is drawn by an invisible force and flies through the air.


    ''''Uhhhhhhhh!''''


    He sucked on Bashvaza-sama''s hand like a magnet, and he was gussied up and enveloped in a suspicious light.


    ''''Ughhhhhh!


    ''''That was?!''''


    I was a former member of the Demon King''s Army, and I knew I had seen it all before.


    It''s not a good idea. It''s a spell used to obtain information from other people''s memories.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    I never thought.........


    "Hmm...?


    The deprivation of memory places an undue burden on the subject.


    Throwing down the unconscious adventurer, Lord Bashvaza grins.


    ''I see, Dariel, you now live in a place called Rax Village. I didn''t know you were married and even had children. ........Congratulations.


    Did you know from the memories you took away...?


    But why did you do that...?


    "Then, if I went to Rax''s village from now on, I would kill you, your wife, your children and everyone else in it, and destroy it, I''m sure you would be very sad...?


    DANIEL:...?


    Dariel!��Your pain is my joy!��I''m not killing you all at once!��I will give you maximum pain and sorrow before I kill you!��I''m not going to leave this world as one of the things associated with you!


    After a long and barren question and answer, the battle finally begins.

 77-76 Dariel gets angry

    Bashvaza-sama, jumped on the head of Salamandra, the Flame Demon Beast that came down to the surface of the ground.


    ''''No way........?


    He''s heading for Lax Village?��Stop it!��Don''t let him fly away!


    Although all the warriors gathered there concentrated on the attack, they couldn''t stop the mighty demonic beast from moving.


    ''''Hahaha!��Don''t panic, you trash!��I''ll come back properly after I''ve reduced Lax Village to ashes, and I''ll kill every single one of you too!


    The Flame Demon Beast took off into the sky again, carrying the superior Bashbarza-sama on board.


    The destination is Lux Village.


    "Go ahead Salamandra. Burn all the places, objects and people associated with Dariel without leaving anything behind!��It was a crime to be involved with Dariel!��I''m going to judge that crime ah!


    Once they fly off into the sky, there''s no way to chase them.


    That''s why if this is the cliff edge, everyone will attack with all their deadly force.


    Even Granbaza-sama and Zebiantes, who are originally on the demon tribe''s side, try to suppress the demonic beast''s flight with a series of attack magic, but that doesn''t stop the giant demonic beast from flying.


    ''''No!��We''re going to fly away!


    Gacita''s crying voice.


    Salamandra, the flame monster beast, left the ground and ran up into the sky.


    I can no longer follow it, everyone thought so, but...?


    ''''GUNUGO?!


    Bashvaza-sama riding on top of the monster beast''s head, pinned to a sudden stop.


    "What the hell?��Why are you stopping, Salamandra!��Will you listen to the Lord''s orders properly!


    The giant demonic beast will not respond to your angry voice.


    It''s because it can''t advance even if it tries to.


    You''ll be able to get a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    There was a silver ivy tangled at the end of the tail.


    That ivy was a whip, to be exact.


    A whip that my Hermes sword had changed into. It tangled around the fire dragon''s tail and pulled it.


    It just barely connected the fire dragon to the surface of the ground.


    ''''What the heck?!''''


    I stepped on it with my mind to the extent that I stabbed both feet into the ground.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a great deal more to say about it.


    To the village of Lax, where Malika, her son Gran, and their beloved neighbors live.


    Now, that is my home.


    Let me destroy it.........


    "This is not good for us!


    The power that surges in my limbs.


    An illusion of aura erupts from the gaps in the muscle fibers that bind it together.


    The huge body of the fire dragon spins around in the sky and slams into the ground in time with my pulling motion.


    The ground was shaking, a cloud of dust erupting from the ground and the cheers that accompanied it.


    "You buzzed that big body and then slammed it into the ground...?


    What kind of foolishness is that...?


    No, it''s not just muscle power. It''s not just about muscle strength, it''s also about a large amount of aura around your body, strengthening, condensing and instantaneous movement in one fell swoop. And all at a high level. This is a divine feat that even the current heroes cannot do...?


    ''''Aniki is amazing as expected...?


    The people around you are surrounded by amazement and oblivion, but this is no time to stand on your own.


    This is the time to never let that monster back into the sky again.


    This is the time to finish it!


    "Whoa....?��You, you, you, you, eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee?


    Lord Bashbaza, who was riding the Flame Demon Beast Salamandra, seemed to have been knocked down by the impact.


    ''''How dare you let this hero Bashvaza lick the dirt...!��Rude!��I won''t forgive you!


    I don''t even give him time to breathe.


    I''m going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to get my hands on any of these things.


    I was the one who collided with the body.


    I put Bashbursa on my shoulder and run unstoppably as a mass.


    "Dariel!��Where are you going!


    Granbaza''s voice hurled at my back.


    I''ll take care of this one!��Everyone take care of the demonic beasts!


    He called out as he ran.


    ''I''ll take care of Bashbursa!��Let me do this one on one!


    Various voices were thrown at my back, but I ran through without stopping.


    Holding Bashbursa-sama on my shoulder.


    I run away in a straight line........


    ��


    "Nugubah?


    Run well. After separating each of the demonic beasts and the Lord, when I was sure it was far enough, I threw Lord Bashbursa off.


    The surrounding area was in a thick forest of trees.


    I honestly don''t know how far away from the scene I was, either.


    ''''Dariel.......do you think you can tolerate this kind of disrespect to me, the Four Heavenly Kings......!


    I''m no longer in the Demon King''s Army. I''m no longer in the Demon King''s army.


    So I''m not my boss and I don''t have to be polite.


    Looking back, I didn''t have to talk to you in a respectful manner.


    ''My relationship with you was dissolved once. That said, if you want to create a new relationship with me, I''ll take it.


    It''s called "enemy relations.


    You think that by separating me from Salamandra, you''ll be able to neutralize her emissary magic?��Sweet....!


    Lord Bashbursa.........


    No, it''s okay to call him out already. I''m not going to be able to get my hands on any of them.


    I''m not going to be able to get my hands on any of them. The distance doesn''t matter when it comes to magic that uses magical beasts. The first time I attacked the Mithril Mine, I was controlling them from the Demon King''s Castle!


    ''I brought you here...''


    I''ll tell you anyway.


    ''Because I wanted to create a one-on-one playing field. You hate me.��If that''s the case, then why don''t you go and challenge it on your own instead of relying on a monster beast of great power?


    What?��Buhahahahahaha!


    A crazy laugh.


    ''''Are you an idiot!��Does it take the power of Salamandra to kill you!��It was obtained in order to destroy the human race and achieve heroic feats!��I''ll kill you if I have to!


    I''ll kill you in the process!


    ''You have no idea how hard it''s been for me to get my hands on Salamandra this past year...!��After searching through the forbidden books in the Chamber of Secrets, discovering and mastering this magic that was most suitable for the purpose, and running around the world to find the most important magical beast, I finally managed to subdue it!


    Well you''ve been working hard.


    I should have used that effort, and used it in a more meaningful way.


    You should have worked diligently at your job and worked hard to regain the trust of those around you.


    ''And those incompetents!��You''re talking as if I''ve been playing around all year!��With the power of Salamandra, I will be a hero!��I will kill you as a prelude to that!


    One can only assume that this is all too late.


    ''''Baboon..., yes, if you want me to kill you so badly in the first place, I''ll do what you want. The lowest-ranking dark soldier. I alone will be enough to kill you!


    In your mind, I''m still the same person I was back then...


    I''m still a helpless, magic-less me.


    ''''What are you talking about...?��Well, you''re married, aren''t you? Are you going to say that changes things?


    What the...?


    Yeah, I got an idea. I''m not going to be happy about killing you all at once. How about this?��First I''ll cut off your hands and feet!


    ....


    "I will burn the wounds and close them so that you don''t die from too much blood. When I''ve done that, I''ll drag you to the village, where I''ll find your wife and rape her in front of you!


    ..........


    ''It will be interesting!��Watch helplessly as your beloved wife is sired by another man right in front of you!��And then you will bring your son or whatever it is you call him and kill him!��This too, right in front of you!


    .....


    I''m not done yet.


    Let him talk some more.


    I''m going to crush you to death!��They say children''s flesh is soft!��I''ll knead your son''s meat and make dumplings for you to eat!��I''m going to twist it in your mouth until it''s good!��That would be fun!��It''s exciting just to imagine it!��Hahahahahahahahaha!


    Bashbarza was blown away.


    I''m not going to be able to bear the impact of being hit, and I''m going to roll around on the ground, and I''m going to hit a nearby tree and stop.


    ''''Ouch!��Ouch!��I was hit?��I''ve been hit!


    Bashbursa holds his left cheek, which is swollen red, and sprawls around.


    It''s haphazard, even though it was only a slap on the wrist.


    ''You have a lot to learn,''


    A lot, really.


    It''s your misfortune that you didn''t learn that, the Four Heavenly Kings you''ve been put in a position of responsibility.


    ''First of all, you should learn that there are certain words that can get you killed just by saying them. Those are the ones you were just blurting out.


    Pow.


    There was a dry, well-resonant sound.


    Bashbursa''s cheeks are really easy to slap.


    ''''Gaaaah!��Ouch!��Ouch!


    What''s about to take place is not a fight. It''s not a fight. A boy who didn''t learn what he needed to learn is now being beaten into the ground what he should have known...


    Discipline.


    I''m going to discipline this big little shit now.

 78-77 Dariel preaches kindness

    ''Discipline?��Discipline, whoa~!


    Bashbarza, with both cheeks swollen, stands up in a wobbly manner. Feeding only on hatred.


    ''''How rude...!��You don''t know what you''re talking about!��You''re treating this Four Heavenly King Bashbursa like a cat and dog!


    Discipline isn''t just for animals. You discipline young children as well.


    That''s where I have to explain Bashvaza''s youthfulness.


    ''You are still a child who has not been able to hear. That''s why I''m telling you I''m going to discipline you and make you a great adult.


    "You think you can fool me all the way!��Fine, then I''ll discipline you myself!


    Bashbursa''s lips trembled faintly.


    It turned out to be a high-speed chanting of an incantation.


    At the same time, fierce flames erupt from his hands.


    I''ll make sure to hit you with the difference in rank!��I''m a glorious hero!��You filthy cattle!��You''ll learn the difference!


    Go ahead and shoot.


    I''m tired of hearing threats that are just bluster.


    ''That''s why you put out the flames, isn''t it?��I''ll go out with you first, so go ahead and shoot all you want.


    "Geh-heh-heh...!��Isn''t hubris comical at this point?��All right, as you wish, I will burn your body by my most powerful flaming heat magic!


    He points his flaming hand at me as if he were aiming.


    "Die!


    The flames are shot out.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on a new one.


    But.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you''re going to be able to find out.


    ''''Heh!''''


    The one who was most surprised was Bashbarza.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on.


    ''''What''s going on?��Aren''t you going to burn it down?


    ''d*mn, I don''t know what the mistake was, but if you missed, just shoot some more!��Eat it!


    The flaming bullet is released from my hand again.


    But the next bullet is likewise extinguished before it can reach me.


    What.........?��What does that mean!


    Bashbursa doesn''t notice.


    I''ve been told that the aura of the guard characteristics has been spewing out around me at an alarming rate.


    Originally, aura was conceived in a weapon to strengthen the substance and make it fully effective.


    It''s not an efficient way to use aura as a protective wall, as it only spews it into the air.


    In the first place, it cannot be used as an actual battle.


    However, it is still enough to overwhelm opponents with a gap in ability.


    ''''Ugh!��Ugh!��Uggaaaaaaaaah!


    He fired a series of flaming bullets as if he were throwing a tantrum, but in the end, he was blocked by the aura spewing wall and didn''t reach even a single shot.


    It was a complete waste of time.


    ''Is this the extent of the Four Heavenly Kings'' abilities? I''m afraid it''s too anticlimactic.


    I dared to choose a provocative manner.


    ''''I see that your character wasn''t the only unworthy quality for the Four Heavenly Kings. Your strength is also unworthy of the Four Heavenly Kings. You are too weak to be chosen as the Four Heavenly Kings.


    "What the hell?


    With a good amount of provocation, he spews out flames from his entire body, let alone his hands.


    You''re going to have to go that far!��You can burn to death at the sight of my true power as the Fourth Heavenly King!��You know this killing spell as well as I do, Dariel!��''''It''s the ''Ahnosu Scorching Hot Uninterrupted Flame Hell''!''''


    That spell is.....


    That''s the spell of GranBaza, the former Four Heavenly Kings and his real father.


    I''m sure you''re not alone in this spell, but it''s not exclusive to him anymore!��I''m a hero and a genius, and I can easily copy it!��You don''t even have the power to use magic, and when you''re exposed to this massive spell, you won''t even have any ashes left!


    Enough chatter, let''s get on with it.


    ''''Die with regret!''''


    An incomparably large flame was released from both of Bashvaza''s hands, incomparable to the previous ones.


    Its momentum was truly a torrent of fire.


    It was thought that the torrent would easily consume me like a pebble on the side of the road, but....


    All of this was blocked and drowned out by the erupting wall of guard (protection) aura.


    ''''Huh?''''


    Even Bashvaza was horrified by this.


    ''''What a complete copy! Your "A Screaming Scorching Hot Uninterrupted Flame Hell" is an imitation of an empty space with only a gumbo of guts.


    The same magic unleashed by the original Grand Barza-sama was a diabolical special magic that packed super hot flames into an extremely large attack range and even added a curse to bind the soul to death.


    The magic that Bashburza unleashed under the same name has not been able to replicate most of it.


    It''s the same as the person in question.


    Only the name is just gorgeous.


    ''''Oh no........?��Why don''t you die...?��You''re going to have to use my special magic to get it...?


    It''s a good idea to have a good time.


    You''re not going to be able to get your heart broken just because your trump card didn''t work, that''s gutless.


    I''m going to have to go to them.


    What?��Hey!��Don''t come here!


    Bashvaza retreats back in fear, but I have no more obligation to care for this guy either.


    I''m not going to be able to get a good look at it.


    "Appiiiiii?


    He really is a man full of gaps and easy to beat.


    "...say ''I''m sorry''.


    What?


    Another bang.


    The discipline has already begun.


    ''Apologies are surprisingly hard to make if you don''t practice them. Someone who has never apologized since he was a child cannot apologize when he grows up.


    More slapping. A slap.


    ''So are you. An adult who can''t apologize is not a rogue adult. You need to be taught how to bow your head first.


    Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang.


    The only thing left to do was to silently slap him and make him understand.


    Bashvaza''s skinny and haggard cheeks conversely swelled up to a bright red color.


    ''''Gobe........?��I''m sorry.........?��BOBENBAJI.........?''''


    Finally, you can do a single apology.


    That''s your first step into adulthood.


    How about that?��Does it hurt to get slapped?


    Abe...?


    "Knowing pain makes a man kind. There''s a saying that goes, "Because we know pain, we can be kind. Because you have experienced pain, you can imagine that others have pain too, and you can care for them.


    But I didn''t like the idea.


    At the center of a person''s heart, goodness resides without being taught by anyone, and kindness and care naturally seep out of there.


    This is because I wanted to think of it as such.


    People can''t be kind to others unless they are taught by someone else.


    I didn''t want to accept that kind of thinking.


    ''But still, it seems that kids like you have to know pain first. If you don''t know pain first, you can''t be kind. Then I''ll teach you pain thoroughly.


    So that you can imagine the pain of others based on that pain.


    ''No...!��I don''t want to hurt you...!��Help me, help me........!


    No longer completely broken-hearted, Bashbarza loses the strength to stand and tries to crawl away.


    That ankle is grabbed with a whimpering grip.


    And then pull it up with force.


    Bashbursa''s body easily flies through the air.


    Because I''m holding on to his ankles, he was hanging in an upside down position.


    ''''Don''t worry, I''ll do it through my aura so you won''t die.


    ''What?��Wait, wait...!��No way....!


    An aura emanates from my hand that grips Bashbaza''s ankle.


    That aura strengthens Bashburza itself. It''s as if this guy''s body is treated as a weapon.


    And on the trunk of the large tree closest to me, the weapon in my hand (?) Shaking down the.........


    With a terrific sound of a gazillion, a large tree was snapped off.


    The result of the clash and collision.


    Although Bashbursa''s body has retained its original form through aura enhancement, it would still have been a considerable impact.


    His entire body would have creaked, and damage could have been done to his bones or internal organs.


    The pain would have been considerable.


    ''''Oh gosh!��You''re using my body as a club.


    Bashbursa said while lazily letting his nose bleed.


    I''m sure the damage from the collision could not be sealed by the aura enhancement.


    ''''Now, next.''''


    Fortunately, we''re in the woods.


    There''s no shortage of big trees to bash you with.


    ''No, no!��No!��...okay, I know what it hurts already!��No, no, I don''t want to be in pain ah!


    You should know that sometimes crying and screaming won''t get you off the hook.


    There was another loud noise that shook the entire forest.


    Many birds were startled and flew away from the branches.


    ''I''m sorry, I''m sorry!��I''m sorry stop it!''''


    You should know that there are situations in which an apology won''t be enough.


    Zushin, Zushin.


    The vibration that shakes the entire forest continues uninterruptedly....

 79-78 Brave Lady, fight the demon beast (Brave side)

    Meanwhile, at the site Dariel had left behind....


    Finally, the fierce battle was getting into full swing.


    ''''Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!��Burning, burning, burning, burning!


    ''''To the front of the Shield!��Cover the flames!


    No!��Their ordinary guard characteristics will burn out their shields!


    Help me, Satome, save me!


    The battlefield is truly a flaming hell.


    The rampage of the flame monster Salamandra, who is tied to the ground, causes the surrounding area to be in a state of screaming.


    ''''Splitting Sky!''''


    A flying aura slash hit the head of the flame monster beast.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to get it right.


    The one there is a dignified beauty.


    You will be able to see that they have a silver sword in their hand and show their bravery in an imposing manner.


    It''s the brave man of the day, Radie.


    ''''Ladies and gentlemen!��You can''t act apart!��Communicate and coordinate with your allies on both sides!


    He flashed instructions to the confused adventurers.


    ''''First of all, retreat from the flame monster''s attack range!��Its flame breath has a wide range, so be careful!��If you''re capable of attacking at long range, don''t stop attacking from out of range!��Shield users, stay in the front row and be alert at all times!


    It was a brave man''s face to grasp the atmosphere of the place and show leadership at once.


    ''''Gashita-san!��Lead with me!��As the leader of the Lax Village Adventurers, your cooperation is essential!


    I''m here.


    Satome!��You, get all the other shield users together and be on the lookout for flaming breath!��The number of casualties will be determined by what you guys do!


    "Yes, sir!


    Reedy is quick to give precise instructions.


    His promptness is worthy of respect as a brave man.


    However, whether or not this precision is a guarantee of victory in battle remains to be seen.


    ''''Brave Lord!''''


    A party member and spearman Sesha jumped in underneath Radey, who was hiding behind a rock.


    It''s a good idea to look for an opening through the large rock that can surpass the flame breath, and if there''s a chance, to attack it....


    ''''That demonic beast is even tougher than I imagined, that it is!��It spits fire and cannot be approached without hesitation, and even if you manage to get to it, its hard scales will repel a few attacks!��In fact, a long-distance attack of arrows and stones won''t even hurt it, that it can''t hurt you at all!


    On the contrary, the aura-slashing technique that Radey released just a few minutes ago, ''Splitting Sky'', didn''t do much damage to the flame monster beast.


    A hard and huge body.


    Its substandard life structure repels any harmful intent.


    When faced with such a powerful enemy, one could only wonder what to do.


    ''''Even so, we still have no choice but to defeat the Flame Monster Beast here!


    Radie said decisively.


    ''''That Fiendish Beast isn''t in its natural state. It''s controlled by the Four Heavenly Kings called Bashbarza, and it rampages as ordered. If I let him escape here, he''ll really attack the Lax Village...!


    Indeed, we have to stop that at all costs...!


    The time to stop this is when the Fiendish Beast is on the ground. I''m sure I''ve said it many times, but once that flying machine is up in the sky, we can''t follow it. We''ll definitely defeat it before it flies away!


    ''''That''s the thing, that it is...''''


    Sesha looked unsure.


    ''Why has he been clinging to the ground for so long, don''t you think?��You can do it whenever you want to fly away...?


    Sesha''s question is also valid, the flame monster is still clinging to the ground and spitting flames annoyingly at the adventurers surrounding it.


    There is nothing in particular to restrain it, and it should be able to fly if it wants to, so why is it still sitting on the ground?


    ''''Sesha-san, look at the demonic beast''s tail.


    The tail?��.........ha!


    Sesha discovered.


    At the end of the fire dragon''s thick tail, a silvery ivy-like object was entangled.


    ''''That''s Dariel-dono''s Hermes sword!


    Once, Dariel had tangled the fire demon beast that was about to fly away and pulled it off with his whip.


    ''''It was just like that, that it was!��Moreover....!


    The other end of the whip-shaped Hermes sword was stabbed deeper and deeper into the ground.


    It was so deep that even if the Flame Monster Beast pulled it with all its strength, it would not be able to pull it out easily.


    ''''That is what is holding the Flame Monster Beast to the ground, that it is!


    ''''The wielder, Dariel-san herself, is already not even here...!��I can''t believe I left that kind of a souvenir behind...!


    Once again, Radie was overwhelmed by Dariel''s shrewdness.


    ''''Even if it leaves its owner''s hand, the Hermes Sword will continue to capture the Flame Demon Beast with a considerable amount of aura. But it won''t last that long. We have to take care of this ASAP...!


    Radey was in a hurry.


    The reason for this is because she has no idea how to attack the important flame monster beasts.


    The enemy is undoubtedly the worst she has ever fought.


    It was huge beyond common sense and its body specialized in combat in many aspects. Spitting out scorching flames, and most of all, it was so ferocious that it wanted to kill everything but itself.


    It was completely unruly.


    Normally, the best response would have been to run away at once and never come near it again for all intents and purposes.


    But that''s not possible.


    Right now, the escape of the brave men would lead to direct harm to the people who should be protected.


    ''''We can''t let them go to Lax Village...!


    I definitely had to take it down here.


    ''''Thank you for your hard work!


    ''''Zebiantes uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!


    The Four Heavenly Kings of the Wind appeared out of nowhere.


    Radie roughly grabbed up its chest.


    It''s a good thing that your colleague is the one who was the one who was responsible for this.��You should feel a little responsible for your actions!


    Even if you say so, I can''t take responsibility for Bashbursa''s outbursts. It''s impossible to deal with what an a**h*le does.


    What do you mean, what do you mean, what do you mean?


    What do you mean by anything?


    This was the way to deal with Salamandra, the fiendish beast from the side of the demon race.


    The demon race has a system of magic that is completely different from the human race.


    If you unravel that system, you might find an effective strategy that the humans have never thought of.


    It''s not awkward to feel awkward about leaving your hopes in the hands of the enemy, the demon tribe, but still, it''s a win-win for the people.


    The other party Zebiantes, the one to whom he gave up his pride and put his trust in.......


    ''''..........''''


    Make a serious face for a moment.


    ''There''s nothing to it.''


    "You need to take it more seriously, eh?


    ''I really can''t think of anything to take seriously!��To begin with, the wind magic I use is not compatible with fire magic!


    ''What?��Is there a chemistry or something?


    ''It''s there!��Flames burn in the first place when they react with the oxygen in the air!��If you use wind magic to pump fresh air into the air, it will react with the new oxygen and burn more actively!


    Those were the theories established by the magic research of the demon race, so the human race Radie didn''t understand it well.


    ''''I didn''t know...!��I know that the weapons used by adventurers and the magical attributes go together, but there''s magic between them too...!


    What about you guys?��Do we have any weapons that are effective against fire?


    It''s...!


    For human adventurers, fire magic is known to be a tricky attribute with no particularly effective strategies.


    Sting (thrust) for wind magic.


    Slash (slash) for water magic.


    For earth magic, it''s Hit (striking).


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    Therefore, it is common practice for flame magic users to first defend themselves completely against flame magic, and then fold up when they see an opening.


    It is an effective strategy for any magic attribute.


    But that magical beast itself is so strong that no attack can get through to it, so it''s useless if it''s only defending itself...!��I need to think of something, some idea...!


    ''Think hard!��If this becomes public, it won''t be enough to make the Demon Lord angry, so I''m going to cooperate with you to the best of my ability!


    Shut up!��At least be quiet while you''re thinking!


    Thus, while Radey and the others were wringing their hands, the Flame Monster Beast was spitting out flames and flailing about, trying to tear off the Hermes sword entangled in its tail.


    The adventurers are consumed by the confusion and do their best to protect themselves, and everyone thinks there is nothing they can do...!


    I''m sorry.


    A jarring sound of soil.


    Someone takes a step towards the monster beast.


    While everyone else takes two or three steps backward while trying to stay on their feet.


    ''''There are so many adventurers here, yet they can''t give a hand or foot to a single beast. I''m only anxious to trust the next generation with this.


    Don''t say that. This is a monster of legend. This is not someone you can put away easily.


    Radie saw it.


    It was a dream that never should have happened.


    The two mighty men standing side by side.


    Arantzill, the former King of Valor.


    And Granbaza, one of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    These two men were standing side by side.


    Two people who had once killed each other countless times as irreconcilable enemies.


    Today.


    They will enter the battle as the same camp.

 80-79 Ryoo fights together (Brave side)

    It was an unbelievable sight.


    The previous brave Arantzill, who was touted as the strongest of all time.


    And Granbaza, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the past, who was also claimed to be the strongest of all time.


    The two strongest of the generation were divided into friend and foe, and fought each other over and over again according to their respective duties.


    All of their battles were fierce, and there were countless famous battles that will be talked about for years to come.


    Each of them became great heroes in the history of the world, probably because of the fact that they had a good enemy in each other.


    Eternal enemies.


    They would continue to fight until one of them died.


    These two sworn enemies, both of whom have been embellished with such bloody heroics, are facing the same direction on the battlefield.


    What a scene...


    To be able to witness the two leading men of the previous era fighting together for the first time in history...!


    The higher up one went, the more one would tremble at this oddity.


    However, at the same time, they were also convinced.


    Because the enemy they were facing was so powerful and dangerous that the strongest of the past had to join hands with them.


    ''It''s Radie.


    Ha-ha, yes!


    My predecessor calls me and I stand up.


    You are so pathetic that the old man, who was planning to keep his head down, is going to take a trip. You should be ashamed of yourself.


    ''''Momo, I''m sorry!


    Even though he had succeeded the brave man, Radie was still young, but he couldn''t get his head around the hundred battle-hardened Arantzill.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time with them. And after you''ve retired. You really don''t know what life is all about.


    I''m not going to be amused.


    On the demon tribe''s side, Glamberza has a somber face.


    ''''This all started because of my son''s mismanagement. In order to take responsibility for my parents, I have to participate in this battle unconditionally. Even if I have to whip my old bones.


    He looked up at the mighty demonic beast, shoulder to shoulder with his former avenging enemy.


    ''''This monster is my son''s very failure. And my son is my failure itself. I must put an end to my sins.


    Don''t take this so seriously. Your poorly made son is probably already taken care of by my better one.


    The son is my best man. I brought him up to speed.


    Still, I''m the one with blood in my veins.


    What?


    Oh?


    They are going to fight together, but they are still bitter enemies.


    Moreover, regardless of this, the ferocious monster beast notices the small prey in front of it and approaches it.


    Anyway, they are ferocious, trying to crush anything they see.


    ''''Watch out!��Mr. Alanziel, Granberza........?��This is not the time to be in a fight!


    Breaths of fire are mercilessly blasted at the two men who are glaring at each other, ignoring Radey''s call for help.


    There was enough fire to easily swallow two adults and turn them into charcoal.


    Just before that fierce fire was about to swallow old Aranzir and old Granbaza.


    ''''Flame on!''''


    Equally fierce flames erupted from one of Glamberza''s outstretched arms.


    The flames collided with each other from both polar directions, pushing each other.


    ''''With flames...!��I''m trying to push the fire back...!


    ''''The attribute affinity of magic is important. Water triumphs over fire, fire triumphs over wind, wind triumphs over earth, and earth over water...!


    Granberza tells us.


    He doesn''t seem to be pushing it one bit, even though he''s comparing the fire dragon''s breath with pure power.


    ''''Then what would happen if it were a match between the same attributes?��If it becomes a clash of fire and flame, as it is now, that is...


    Glamberza, with one hand as well as the other, points both hands towards the fire dragon.


    ''''It''s a pure power match,''''


    The fire magic erupting from the fire magic pushes back, completely exceeding the fire dragon''s breath.


    On the contrary, the Flame Demon Beast, which is bathed in large flames from its head, screams and retreats back as if it is suffering from the heat.


    ''''Damage to the Flame Demon Beast with flames?


    ''''That''s how powerful Granbaza-sama''s magic is!��No, that in itself is out of the norm, though!


    Even the same wizard, Zebiantes, was astonished by Glamberza''s forceful push.


    Moreover, the other party is Salamandra''s flame breath that didn''t even attract the adventurers.


    The sight of a dragon, which seemed to be even an irresistible natural threat, being overwhelmed by force, shatters the common sense of the viewer.


    ''''In the realm of the human race, we can''t just let the demon race play an active role.


    Before he knew it, the previous hero, Aranzir, had moved significantly from his original position and was at the feet of the fire dragon.


    ''''When did it happen?''''


    No one could intuit the course of Arantzill''s movement.


    ''''There it is......... Aranziel''s signature ''Ghost Walking Technique''.


    Only his nemesis Glamberza grins.


    Even the all-important Flame Demon Beast, Salamandra, noticed the little worm-like thing at her feet and swung her paw down.


    That would be the quickest response.


    However, just before his paw hit the ground, Arantzill''s body seemed to shake like a shimmering flame, and then it disappeared.


    ''''Eh!''''


    A dragon''s foot that just gouged the ground in vain.


    I''m not going to be able to get to the bottom of it.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what that is!��It''s phantom magic!


    How can it be?��But what in the world...?


    This is a mysterious way of walking that baffles not only Zeviantes, a novice, but even the heroic Radhi.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get a good deal more than you think.


    ''''Look, Radey. Aura isn''t just something you can put into your armor to use.''''


    As he disappears and reappears like a ghost, Arantzill says, "I can put an aura into my legs like this, and if I can ''walk around'' at a speed and in a complex trajectory that is beyond the limits, I can distract my enemies and create an illusion.


    He said, "If you put an aura in your legs like this and ''walk'' at speeds and complex trajectories that exceed the limits, you will be able to distract your enemies and create a delusion. This is my style of ''ghost walking''.


    That''s an out of character move...!


    Glambarza says mischievously.


    I guess he himself is a handful who has suffered a lot from this unique gait.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one," he says, "because if you wanted to, you could run around with unnoticeable speed, but you dare to stop just a little bit to show the afterimage. That will attract the enemy''s attention and disperse their attention...!


    That''s the reason for bringing ''Ghost'' to light.


    As intended, the flame demon beast, which moved only on instinct, was successfully caught in Aranzir''s magic, chasing after the afterimage, and the moment he bowed his head.......


    ''''Vajra�.''''


    He was punched up on the tip of his chin by the weapon Aranziel possessed.


    This is the armament preferred by the previous brave Alanziel. It was more of a simple stick than anything else.


    As Dariel''s own father, he had a father-son similar aura nature, an all-purpose nature with optimality in all the traits of slash, strike, and defend.


    A simple stick was the only thing that could adequately display the qualities appropriate to the strongest of them all to some extent.


    It had no blade, nor was it sharp.


    Even so, if Arantzill put that substandard slash aura into it, it would be a clever tool that could cut both sides of a huge rock.


    You seem to only focus on this attribute of fire, which is why you can''t find a way to defeat it.


    What?


    A hexenbiest or a beast, it''s an organism after all. Living things have their own weak points that they need to maintain in order to survive. Such as this lizard beast...!


    The flaming dragon, whose jaw was punched out as hard as it could, fell down, shaking dizzy, as if he had a concussion.


    It flipped over onto its back and belched unceremoniously.


    ''''Reptiles covered by hard scales all over their bodies are robust. Stupidly attacking the parts protected by the hard scales won''t work. Then we can strike the softer parts of the scales.''''


    The belly lies on its back, exposed to the heavens.


    The abdomen of any reptile, whether lizard or snake, is soft, perhaps because they prioritize ease of movement.


    Aiming at that weak point........


    ''''Great Emperor Splitting Sky!''''


    Aranzir slammed his own ultimate profound technique.


    It''s a technique that flies a mass of aura as a blade, the "Splitting Sky. It''s the same as the original one.


    It was the original technique of the brave Arantzill.


    The flaming dragon cried out in agony as it received an aura slash that was much larger than the normal Ryukkuku.


    ''''Ooohhhh!


    The cheers that go up at the same time.


    The adventurers'' spirits rise at the first effective strike they see, too.


    The dragon spits out flames instead of vomiting blood.


    It''s a good idea to have a full-bodied blow into the vital point, and even if it''s good enough to die this way, the monster beast is indeed stubborn.


    I tried to stagger back to my feet.


    ''''That''s good, I''m just getting ready to go.


    A complex and monstrous magic circle emerged in front of Granbaza''s face, who was waiting for it.


    ''''It would be sad to see a legendary demonic beast sunk by a mere blow. You can also take a treat from me. Alanziel, you will back off, unless you wish to accompany me.''''


    Hmph!


    Aranzir, who was by the demonic beast''s side, jumped away as if he was trying to catch his breath.


    Quickly, somewhat desperately.


    ''''Good, Granberza, let him eat!


    ''''This is the first time I''ve used it since I retired, my special extreme magic, the Anosu Jiaotong Pyrotechnic Immortal Flame Hell!''''


    A vortex of black, horrifying flames attacked the flaming demonic beast.

 81-80 Brave Lady, Hana is Brought (Brave side)

    The black flames that enveloped Salamandra, the Flame Demon Beast.


    It is the result of the great magic released by the previous Four Heavenly Kings Granbaza.


    The Flame Demon Beast, which originally controlled the flames, was burned by the flames and suffered in agony.


    ''''Amazing...!��What is that black flame...?


    ''''I''m afraid to pee just looking at it...?


    Even Radie and Xeviantes, who are watching the battle, are afraid of the heat.


    ''''That''s the fire of hell controlled by the strongest four Heavenly Kings.


    Aranzir, the previous brave man who had retreated to the safety zone, said.


    He was breathing unevenly, mindlessly. He was in such a hurry to get away.


    You can''t get away with this," he said. It is a curse of indiscriminate condemnation that judges even the innocent as sinners. I don''t understand it anymore.


    ''''That''s right. Once that black flame is consumed, regardless of its nature, it doesn''t matter if it''s flesh, wood, or iron, it will burn to ashes. Even the spirit by the curse...!


    That''s why it''s also sufficiently effective against Salamandra, the Fiery Demon Beast.


    The Granbaza Ultimate Flame, which has the title of ''karma fire'', will burn up even the same flame.


    ''''You were the only one who could survive a decent exposure to that fire, Arantzill.


    Once the special attack was completed, Glamberza also dropped back to where Radey and the others were.


    ''''I don''t want to be eaten again, though. It''s months until the after-effects of the curse''s flames pass. It''s been a hellish agony.''''


    That''s why you were so desperate to get out of there.


    "Complicated.


    However, the most astonishing thing was that the target was still not dead while being struck by the ultimate profoundness of the two most powerful people.


    The Flame Demon Beast Salamandra was still trying to get up despite being surrounded by black flames.


    Finally, it extinguished the black flames with a roar.


    ''''How dare you........!��This is the power of a legendary demonic beast...!''''


    "Our innermost secrets do not allow us to survive...!��I''d like to think it''s because I''m old and less powerful, but...!


    Even so, the Flame Demon Beast, burned in places, with painful lacerations carved into his abdomen and his movements were slow.


    ''''The damage has been done enough. His strength has weakened and his movements have slowed down. I may be able to stop breathing in a few more minutes. The battle begins here!


    Under Radey''s command, the surroundings are also inspired and their morale increases.


    This is the time to attack with a single mind.


    ''Arantzill-sama!��Lady Granberza!��I''d like to take the lead on this one!��Let the two of you finish the beast!


    No, I can''t!


    The two predecessors who showed the strength of the demon gods.


    However, their momentum was no longer there and they slumped to the ground without power.


    ''''I knew I was getting old...!��To think that just one shot of the ultimate profundity can make you gasp...!


    I''ve been flying around too much and I''m running out of energy. So this is our salvation. You can take care of the rest.


    Radey was horrified by the report.


    He didn''t expect the most reliable force to suddenly drop out here.


    "Don''t get me wrong, Radey. Don''t get me wrong, Radey, we''re not the main players in this battle.


    What?


    ''''Don''t forget, we''re retired now. "Remember, we''re retired, former heroes, former Four Heavenly Kings. Now you''re the brave one, Raedie, of all people.


    The weight of the words was said by the brave man before him and the weight of the words fell on his shoulders.


    On both of Radey''s shoulders.


    I felt as if I had been scolded for being spoiled.


    A grim determination comes to the dainty beauty''s face.


    ''I''m sorry. I seem to have almost forgotten my duty.''


    Good thing you remembered. Keep going. I don''t want to see any of these bastards around.


    He draws his sword and shouts to the heavens with the sword''s cutting edge.


    ''''All hands on deck!��I will put an end to the demonic beast that our ancestors have weakened enough!


    As a representative of this era.........


    ''''Now!��We are the guardians of this world!��It''s our duty to break this crisis!��We will show the great ones that we have carried on that duty well!


    The courage of the brave spreads.


    Feeling the power welling up deep in their hearts, the adventurers rush towards the monsters with their legs faster than they can run.


    The demon beasts, which are unable to move quickly due to the damage, are unable to cope with the adventurers, and they end up taking them into their pockets one after the other and giving them all-out attacks in rapid succession.


    ''''I envy you...!


    Seeing this, Glamberza said.


    ''It''s not just Dariel,'' said Glamberza. How dependable the next generation of the human race is! The next generation of the human race, how dependable they are, the next generation of the human race, how dazzling to me, who failed to even raise their own children. ........Hey, Zebiantes?


    "Yes, that''s right!


    Zebiantes tense as he is called by name as the same demon race side.


    "I''m really worried. Will the future of our demon race be as bright as the human race?


    ''It''s supposed to be brilliant!��Bashbursa is enough for incompetence!


    "Then you go too. Then you go too. Show the next generation of demons that you are strong.


    ''Err, but...?��Like I said, with wind magic, the disadvantage of compatibility is...?


    ''''A true mage would be the one who overrides the disadvantage of affinity with technology. .........it''s no use, I''ll give you the wisdom of an old man who has lived long enough.


    Yes?


    In the meantime, Radey and his friends attacked together.


    It''s a thorough offensive without a break, but even so, the fire demon beast Salamandra still won''t fall.


    The adventurers are showering each one of them with their best desperate attacks, and even though they have a solid response, the fire dragon still won''t fall.


    ''''What life force...?


    Radey also constantly fired his ''Splitting Sky'' into the thin armored abdomen, but no matter how many hits it hits, the outer skin just popped off and did not appear to be fatally injured.


    The two predecessors'' special attacks slowed down their movements and allowed them to go on an all-out offensive, but they couldn''t quite get to the final push.


    ''''Quickly...!��I want to die quickly.��I can''t keep my strength up........!


    The Hexenbiest is getting ready to make her move!��All of us evacuate!


    Even the adventurers around them could be heard complaining like screams from some places.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who''s tried to run, but it''s so far away that your legs have become sluggish.


    It''s not good.........��At this rate, we''ll be pushed back.......?


    Even Radey was about to lose his momentum, when.........


    It''s Yosakoi!


    Zebiantes ran through.


    He stood on the front line to confront the fire dragon on his own.


    ''''Zebiantes!��What do you want now?


    ''''Of course I''ve come to settle my colleague''s scandal!��In the end, this me will prove the strength of the demon tribe with a brilliant decision!


    The wind magic is released boldly.


    Towards the giant flame monster.


    ''''Hey!��I thought wind magic doesn''t work on fire demon beasts!


    On the contrary, blowing in fresh air to increase the intensity of the fire could revitalize the Fire Fiend Beast.


    ''''There''s no need to worry!��I have a secret plan!


    As the person in question said, the wind magic that hit the target extinguished the flames caused by the flame monster beast.


    ''''It''s just as Granbaza-sama advised!��It''s the only way we can fight the flames!


    "What?��What does that mean?


    What you just unleashed is a kind of wind magic, a spell that creates a vacuum!


    A vacuum is an empty space, where there is no air or anything else.


    There is no more oxygen needed to burn it, so any flames can only disappear.


    ''''Vacuum expansion magic is the most difficult type of wind magic, so I want you to understand that it''s only because I''m the Four Heavenly Kings that I can use it pompously!��That''s what I''m talking about!


    It''s great, but it''s kind of boring, don''t you think?


    The flying tool that should be called a vacuum cutter unleashed by Zebiantes was not that large, and even if it hit, it would only shave off a couple of laying hairs.


    That would be about the size of a throwing knife.


    ''''That''s why I said it was high difficulty. Even though I am the Fourth Heavenly King, this scale is the best I can do.


    ''''A leap of faith!


    Of course, the giant flame monster beast was unfazed by the small attack, which was little more than a poke, and steadily prepared a counterattack stance.


    ''''Whaaaaaaah?��I''m not going to be able to make it in time!


    ''''Run, run, run!��The breath is coming!


    The adventurers, who were struggling to attack, finally scattered away with an avalanche of attacks.


    Salamandra showed a gesture of taking a big breath.


    That''s exactly the preliminary motion just before blowing the flame breath.


    ''''This must be bad!��I have to run away too!


    ''''Wait!''''


    Radie grabbed Zeviantes by the scruff of the neck as he tried to run away like a gale.


    ''What are you doing?��If we stay here, we''re both going to be roasted by a beautiful woman!


    ''Before that!��I''ve got something to try!��Throw the vacuum blade at the Flame Monster Beast again!


    ''''Huh!''''


    Even if he released a knife-like vacuum blade now, it was unlikely to have much of an effect on the Flame Demon Beast Salamandra.


    However, they didn''t have the time to ask back and ask for a detailed explanation.


    In a few more seconds, a large area, including the point where the two of them were standing, would be a sea of fire.


    The only way to escape perfectly and survive was to stop the demonic beast''s attack.


    Just make them stumble. Or even inflict a fatal wound.


    ''''Alright we''ll do it!��Eeeeee!


    The vacuum blade released from Zebiantes'' hand. Due to the vacuum, there is no color or shape to be seen, but I can certainly sense a sign that it is there....


    ''''Splitting Sky!''''


    Radey released a slash of aura.


    It''s a normal, ordinary, and much smaller than Dariel and Arantzill''s ''Super Emperor''s Rivendell'', but it is a normal ''Rivendell''.


    It caught up with and met the vacuum blade that had been sent earlier.......


    ''''Huh?��The vacuum blade and the slash of the aura........?


    They merged.


    The vacuum blade is forcibly expanded by the mass of aura, and its slash characteristics are also added to increase its sharpness.


    ''''An aura slash that obtained the properties of a vacuum that extinguishes all flames...!��The name is ''Vacuum Splitting Sky''!


    It is what it is!


    Go!��Slash through the Flame Monster Beast''s throat flute!

 82-81 Dariel joins

    I beat up Bashburza for a few seconds.


    In the end, it was Bashbarza, whose body curled up like a fetus and became motionless.


    ''''I''m sorry.......I''m sorry good......!


    He just moaned repeatedly.


    My heart is completely broken.


    ''Did I overdo it...?''


    It''s hard not to think about it, but considering his usual behavior, this level of punishment is probably essential.


    I thought about giving him a little more of a spin, but a loud roaring sound occurred in the distance, drawing my attention to that.


    ''''...?��What''s going on?


    And that sound came from the direction of where I was before.


    You also forced a fight with a flame monster beast, has there been any change in the situation?


    ..........


    Bashbaza''s heart was already banged up enough, so he thought, ''That''s about as good as it gets.


    Grabbing this guy''s ankles, he retraced the way he came while dragging the ground in the opposite direction.


    ��


    When I returned to the site, the scenery was more dynamic than I had imagined.


    ''''Oh...!


    Salamandra, the flame monster beast, collapses to the ground.


    He may have been fatally wounded or he didn''t move even a twitch.


    On top of that, many adventurers were clambering up and shouting a battle cry of victory.


    ''''It''s a victory!��There''s no way I''m going to join you and lose!


    Zebiantes?


    Why is he the most excited about it?


    Mr. Dariel!


    The first person to notice me coming back and run up to me was Radey.


    ''I did it!��I''m going to live up to your expectations, Salamandre the Fiendish Beast!��We all took them down!


    Oh, oh.........?


    Perhaps the elation of victory was so great that even the normally serious Radie was in a state of high spirits.


    ''''The final decisive blow that was the decisive blow really, really worked!��Zebiantes'' magic and my sword have merged together so well!


    Eh?��Combined?


    A combined technique of the heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings, who are essentially enemies?


    What the hell is this?


    No, I''m pretty sure that was a brilliant move.


    "Mr. Alanziel?


    What''s going on here that even you got the accolade?


    "Every inch of that Fiendish Beast''s body was filled with this magical energy. It seems that as soon as an attack from the outside entered its body, it burned everything up with its magical power. That''s why no serious damage entered its body, causing it to be unusually tough...!


    Haha....?


    But with a vacuum slash that combines a vacuum blade that can extinguish any kind of flame and a ''splitting sky'', it can tear itself apart while eliminating the magical power of the flames that make up a Flame Demon Beast.


    Was that logic enough to tear the Flame Demon Beast''s throat flute deeper?


    ''''No but.........?


    Of all things, a nemesis, the heroic enemy and the Four Heavenly Kings joined forces.......?


    Are you sure?


    I feel like something important has been overturned from the ground up...?


    And I didn''t think I''d knock it down...!


    I looked up at the flame monster beast lying on the ground with its throat whistle ripped open.


    As for me, I had planned to beat up Bashbarza while everyone else was holding off the flame monster beast and get him to stop the magic of the demonic beast messenger.......


    I didn''t realize that I didn''t have to do that.


    .........I''m sorry I didn''t put forth any effort in the most important part.


    ''No, the role Dariel played would have been important too.


    The one who said that was Granbaza-sama.


    Aranzir-san also comes alongside me next to me.


    ''''Currently, the Flame Demon Beast Salamandra is connected to Bashbarza in spirit. That means they are greatly influenced by each other''s mental status.


    I look at Bashburza, who I''ve been dragging around, fainting.


    ''Dariel, you cornered Bashbarza and shook his spirit. This guy''s fear and confusion was getting to the flame monster beast.


    "The demonic beasts have been moving very slowly since a period of time, is that the reason...?


    Huh?��You don''t think that would affect me?


    Oh well, if I''ve helped in any way to exterminate the monster beasts too.


    Well, I guess our mission is over.


    When I held up my hand, the Hermes sword (whip form) entangled in the monster''s tail released by itself and flew back to its short base form, returning to my hand.


    ''''What?��What''s that........?


    The phenomenon that had just occurred in front of them puzzled Radie and others.


    ''This is getting more and more useful, isn''t it?


    Maybe after encountering that mysterious wall face at the back of the Mithril Tunnel.


    Anyway, I tuck the Hermes sword in its basal state into my pocket.


    One by one, I steadily put it away.


    "The next thing to clean up is...


    My eyes turned downward.


    Everyone''s gaze also focused on the same spot.


    Bashbursa stretched out on the ground and collapsed.


    Dragged by me from the scene of the battering, dragging me from the scene of the battering, it stretches out in a large figure while drawing a trail on the ground.


    ''''........''''


    His own father, Lord Granbaza, made an unfulfilled expression for a moment, but quickly crouched down towards his son.


    ''''Bashbaza........Bashbaza wake up......!


    ''''I''m sorry, I''m sorry..., hiyah!


    As if still having nightmares about being beaten by me, Bashbarza woke up to jump up.


    ''''No!��I don''t want to be in pain!��Don''t hit the tree again, already...?��.........?��Huh?


    Bashvaza awakens and looks around at the changed surroundings.


    And his gaze is glued to the most prominent giant object.


    ''''.........Fire Demon Beast Salamandra!


    Bashbarza crawls over to the demonic beast that falls to the earth.


    He no longer has the strength and energy to stand up.


    ''''Ridiculous!��Why is the strongest and worst monster beast falling?��Get up, Salamandra!��Get up and kill all the people here, oooh!


    The demonic beast didn''t move a single fingertip in response to the Lord''s desperate plea.


    It''s not going to be the same as the original.


    "Respond to me!��Why don''t you respond?��You are still one of the four evil spirits with the power to destroy the world?��The legend of your fears is that your legend of fears is a cockroach!��d*mn you!


    Got a good look at Bashbarza.


    Lady Granberza sounded impossibly sad.


    ''This is what real power is all about,'' he said, ''it is cultivated through hard work and trusting others to hold each other together. This is real power, cultivated through hard work, trusting and binding together with others. That''s real power. That''s real power that can defeat even legendary monsters. That''s real power.


    Real power, he said.


    Lady Granberza repeated over and over as she chewed and included.


    ''Real power is something that takes time to build up and weave together like a grand fabric. Those who neglect that process will never have real power.


    Use it by using something other than yourself. Such power is only borrowed power.


    No one has ever climbed to the top by using a power that doesn''t belong to them. What you lack is the determination to climb the path to the top with your own feet. Ignoring the process, you were blinded only by the brilliance of the pinnacle.


    It emitted distortions and was finally crushed by the distortions.


    How many of them dropped out in that way.


    ''''Let''s go back to the Demon King''s Castle. And I will officially dismiss you from the Four Heavenly Kings. I''m going to reset everything back to zero and start from the beginning. It''s the only thing you can do.


    Lady Granberza tried to place a hand on her crawling son''s shoulder.


    The hand was swept away just in time.


    ''Bother!��Annoying, annoying!��I''m not defeated!


    I stand up with my last ounce of strength.


    ''I''m a hero!��I''m a genius!��I was born to look down on all the people in this world!��Humans and demons alike!��No one is going to look down on me!


    "Don''t you realize after all this time, you''ve already lost?


    The most miserable person in the room right now was Bashbursa.


    Being unable to admit defeat while being defeated is truly miserable.


    ''''With your magic, you can''t even scratch Dariel right now. The Fire Demon Beast you''ve come to rely on has also fallen. There''s nothing more you can do.


    Do you think...?


    Bashvaza sneered.


    ''I told you, I''m a genius...!��I can see things that ordinary people can''t. I can see things that ordinary people can''t, and I''m able to go into areas that they can''t...!


    ''What are you talking about...?''


    A tense atmosphere spread around them.


    Even the adventurers who were exhilarated by the victory, noticed the tense atmosphere and turned around.


    ''''The forbidden curse that follows the demonic beast...!��Do you know that there''s a higher ground to cover...?


    What?


    I found it.��I could see it because I''m a genius!��There''s a whole realm of hexenbiest emissaries that goes beyond that.��I''m going to run up there and stand at the true pinnacle, aaaaah!


    Bashvaza creates a whirlwind of flames around him.


    You can''t let us get close to it.


    But he had other aims as well.


    "Haaaaaaaaah!


    Bashbursa flew while wrapped in a whirlpool of flame.


    The adventurers were agitated by the heat emitted by the flame stream and avoided it.


    The destination that Bashburza is heading to in the heavens.........


    The motionless demonic beast.


    To the bottom of the Flame Demon Beast Salamandra........?

 83-82 Bashbaza, the final evil

    ���ʡ��ʤ���������`�`�`�`��!?��


    ���Τ���Ф���!?���Ӥ����Ӥ����Ӥ����`�`�`�`��!?��


    ��ħ�����Ϥ˵ǤäƄ����򜺆ˤ��Ƥ���ð��ߤ����⡢�������֪���Ӥ�ɢ�롣


    �Х���Щ`���ϡ��P���餷����Τ�ޤä���Ҋ��������ħ�����嵱���ꤷ����


    ��̤΄ݤ���Ĥ��Ƥ����������äơ���Ĥ������ħ����ͻ���̤��뤫�Τ褦����


    ���Х���Щ`�������Τ򤹤�ݤ�!?��


    �����ФФФФФФ�!!�������Х����ꥨ��ᣡ�����Υܥ����٤ӥ���ޥ�ɥ�������Ϥ碌���Τ��\�ξ����������٤ä���˼�ä��ͶϤ����ʡ����ΥХ��ᣡ�����ΰ�������ǰ���ܤ����������������!!��


    ��ħ������ޥ�ɥ�����ͻ���̤��ä����Τ褦�ʥХ���Щ`���ϡ��g�H����o���Ф����Ǥ��ä���


    �ʤ�Ȳ���˼�h�ʹ⾰��


    ����ǤϤޤ�ǡ�����


    ����ħ���Ⱥ��夷�Ƥ��룿��


    ������ͨ������������������줬���⡢ħ��ʹ�ۤη����о������Y���ܥ���Ҋ�Ĥ�����ζ��A������������!!��


    �Х���Щ`�����Ԥä���


    �����ۤˤ�狼��褦���h�����Ƥ�������Ǥʤ��ȥܥ����ɤ��������ʤ��Ȥ򤷤��������ۤˤϤ狼��ʤ�����������ʡ����⤷�����ۤϡ���Ť�璅�����x�դ�������������!!��


    �ʤ�Ȥ�ޤ������ʑB�Ȥ��ä���


    ������������������z�������Τˡ�ȫȻ�g�ˤʤäƤʤ���


    �����⤽��ħ��ʹ�ۤη��ϡ����κ��Ĥ�ħ�����g�ߤξ�����ؤͺϤ碌���ںϤ����뤳�Ȥ������������뤳�Ȥ�ħ����ΰٱ��⏊���ħ�����Է֤�˼��ͨ��˄Ӥ������Ȥ��Ǥ���!!��


    �Ĥ��줶�ä����Ȥǡ��g�ߤ��Ĥ��Фˤ������ߤ�ħ�����������ߤ����eҙ�����롣


    ������ħ���ϡ��g�ߤ�����ͨ��˄Ӥ������줬�����ˤ�ʹ�ۤ��Ƥ���褦��Ҋ���Ƥ��ޤ���


    �������ʡ����������g�ߤ�ħ�����ںϤˤ��Ȥ�����Τ��������줼�Ϥ碌�뤳�Ȥ��Ǥ���ʤ顢������ä��ںϤ����뤳�Ȥ��Ǥ��롣������˼��ʤ�������


    ���ޤ�������!?��


    ��Ŀ��ǰ���𤭤Ƥ��롢�Х���Щ`����ħ�������DZ���z�फ�Τ褦�ʬF��ϡ���!?


    �������������ܥ��Ϥ��줫�龫������Ǥʤ���������ħ���Ⱥ��夷�ơ���ȫ�ںϤ���!!��ħ���ο֤�٤������ܥ��Τ�ΤȤʤ�Τ�����������!!��


    �Х��ʡ���!?


    ħ������ȫ�ںϤ��ȡ���!?


    ����ǰ�������Ɇ���˼��ʤ��ä�����������������ķN����Ȥ���ħ�����ιʤ����Ф�����ħ������ޥ�ɥ���x��ȡ�ä��Τ�������K�Ĥˤ����ʤ뤳�Ȥ�Ŀָ���ƤΤ��Ȥ���������


    ���ɤ����ںϤ���ʤ顢�Է֤�����Ȥ������Ԥ�ͬ��ħ����ȡ���z����������ץ饹�Ȥʤ롢�Ȥ������Ȥ����!?��


    ������Ȥ��������Υ��ӥ���ƥ����Ԥä���


    �����������������ܟo���ȤϤ��������������⤬�礤�ǤϤʤ�����


    �����䡢��ǰ�η���������ǟo�ܤʤΤ����


    ���ӥ���ƥ����侲�ǵĴ_�ʥĥå��ߤ⡢�⤦��ĤˤϽ줫�ʤ���


    ���ܥ��ϡ���ħ������ޥ�ɥ���ںϤ��ơ��������Τ��٤Ƥ��Ҥ���Ȥ���Τ��������Εr�ܥ��ϵ��Ϥ��l���⏊�����O������Ȥʤ�������ħ�����äƤ⤦Ŀ����ʤ��������O��ߡ����҆�ס�������k�����ΥХ���Щ`���Ȥʤ�Τ�!!��


    �ʤ�����ζ�����!?


    �������Ƥ��뤦���ˤ���ħ���ϡ�Ԫ�λ�o�Ȥ��Ƥ�݆����ʧ�����ɤ�ɤ��ܤ��Ƥ�����


    �������Τ���ʧ���Ƽ����ʥ��ͥ륮�`�ΉK�Ȥʤäơ��Х���Щ`������������z�ޤ�Ƥ�����


    ���եեեեեա����������꤬�Ȥ��裡���ںϤΥ����ߥ󥰤򤺤äȾѤäƤ�������


    ������


    ���狼���������ħ�������Ϗ��󡣥إ����ںϤ����顢�ܥ��η���ħ����ȡ���z�ޤ���������ͤʤ�����˥ܥ���ħ����ȡ���z��ˤ��޽�ޤ����餻��ħ�������R��o�ˤ���ޤ�׷���z�ޤͤФʤ�ʤ��ä���


    ���ޤ�������!?��


    ��������������ǰ������ħ���򵹤��Ƥ��줿�������������ޤ����δ�������d�^���Ƥ����T��������������ܥ���Ӌ����һ�����^���ʤ��ä�����裡���Х��ᤨ������������!!��


    ��ħ���Υѥ�`�����������Х���Щ`����ħ�����ɤ�ɤ��Ϥ��äƤ�����


    �ޤ���������Ф������L���֤äƤ����ʤ�ơ�


    �����ʤä��顢�ںϤ����ˤ���ǰ��ߵ����Ϣ�θ���ֹ��뤷��������


    ����˼�äƥإ�᥹���������i�����Ȥ������򡭡���


    ���������ĤΤ���


    �����Щ`������Ѻ���Ȥɤ᤿��


    ����!?���ι�ֹ����Ǥ�!?���������ˤ������ä��뤳�Ȥϡ���!?��


    �������Τ������ΤޤޤǤ�����


    ������


    ����Τ狼��ʤ����Ȥ����٤ƥ����Щ`�����Ϛi�߳�����


    Ϣ�Ӥ���Х���Щ`�����򤱤ơ�


    �������ɤ��Ǥ����ϣ����ܥ��β��ܤ�Ҋ�¤ʤ�ΤǤ��礦����


    �٤��򤫤��Ϥ����H�ˡ��Х���Щ`���τ٤��F�ä��褦���Ԥ���


    �����פɤ�Ͽ֤졢��ӡ���Ƥ��ޤä�����򡢥ܥ���ʹ�����ʤ��ɤ���������ʤ���A�ؤ��M����������������ħ���Ȥ���ȫ�ںϤϡ��������Фˤ�ӛ����Ƥ��ʤ��ä�����


    ��������


    ��������M���������ܥ���������㑤���Ť��������������Х��󥿤��ԤäƤ��ʤ������������Ǥ�픵�ؤϤ����ʤ��ȣ�������������ϥܥ�����������������������ħ�������ϥܥ����������ʤΤ�������!!��


    ���ΤޤޤǤϱ����˥Х���Щ`����ħ�����ں����ˤ��Ƥ��ޤ���


    ��äѤꡭ�������ȥإ�᥹��������Ϥ����Ȥ����Ǥޤ�ֹ���줿��


    ��Ȥϥ����ĥ��뤵����ä���


    ���ޤ����ơ������Щ`���κä��ʤ褦�ˤ�餻�Ƥ�졹


    ���Ǥ⡭������


    �������Ĥ����Ƥ��Ƥ����ʤ���狼���Τ����������Ĥ��k���뱯׳��ҙ���


    ������������


    ��������λ�ä���ϡ�Ϣ�ӥХ���Щ`�����򤫤��Ϥ��������Щ`�����α��Ф�Ҋ����������ä���


    ���α��ˡ���ޤ�Ҋ�����Ȥ�ʤ����Ư�äƤ�����


    ��Ϣ�Ӥ衭�������΄I�ޤǤ��ޤ��ʤ��Ҥ�Ϣ�Ӥ衭������


    ���Τ򡭡�!?�������ޤ����Ƥޤ��ܥ��΂��I���J��ʤ��Τ�!?�������Ӝp�J��������ܥ��������󥿤�ң���˳��������ŤǤ����!!��


    �������䡢��ǰ�ϳ����p�ʤ�����Ҋ�¤����Ƥ��Х�Ϣ�Ӥ��������Ĥ��פ������Ǥʤ���֪�{��ʤ��������餽��ʥХ��򤹤롹


    ���Τ��Ԥ�!?���ܥ��϶��Ԥ˽�����M�����������O�ζ��A�����ä������ޤ�����Ť����I�����������������狼�ä������ܥ��ι����˼������Ƥ�������������ؓ����Τ��ڤ��������J�᤿���ʤ��������!?��


    ����ǰ�����ιʤ狼��ʤ�����ǰ���l�ˤ�٤Ƥʤ��ä����Ȥ򡣤��ä�ؓ���Ƥ������Ȥ򡭡�����


    �����Щ`���������ϡ����������������ä���


    ��������v���Ƥ⤽����������ħ��ʹ�ۤη��Ρ��l��֪��ʤ��Y����Ҋ�Ĥ����������������ˤ���˼�äƤ���Τ�����


    ��������


    ����ǰ���Ȥ����ݤŤ��̶ȤΏ��÷������ˤ������lһ�˰kҊ�Ǥ��ʤ��ä���˼�äƤ���Τ����������ˤ���˼�äƤ���ʤ顢��ǰ�ϱ����˶̽j���������Ф��٤Ƥ��¤��ФäƤ��룡��


    ���ɡ��ɤ��������Ȥ��������Ϥ���ϡ���!?��


    ��ħ���Ȥ���ȫ�ںϷ��������ħ���ϤȤä������˰k��������ɤ���Ƥ��롣ħ��ʹ�ۤη��ȤϤޤä����e�ν���Ȥ��ơ����ܤβ��ݡ��˷⤸���Ƥ��롹


    ���ʥ�!?��


    ���ɤ�����ǰ�ϡ����ܤβ��ݡ��ν�����O��Τ���;��ˤǡ�Ҋ�Ĥ����ʤ��ä��Τ�������ħ���ںϷ��ϡ�ħ��ʹ�ۤη������Ƥ��M�᤿�غV���A��ħ�����X������ʹ�ۤ����ߤϽԡ����ζ��A����äƤ�����������


    �������⡢�y����ð���줿�ߤ��������̤ʶ��A���M��褦�ˡ�


    ����ǰ�ϡ�ħ�����ںϤ��뤳�Ȥ��Է֤����΂��I�����Ť��������������������ħ����٤��ߤ�ʮ�ˤʤ�ʮ���{��ƽ���ʵ��ʤΤ��������⤽����ޤ��ߤ�����������F������


    ���F��!?���ɤ���������!?��


    ��ħ����ħ����ںϤϡ��^ȥ������˺μ����g�������äƥ���ץ뻯����Ƥ��롣ħ����ںϤ���ħ���ϡ��Է֤��ң��С����ħ���ȡ���z��ΤǤϤʤ���ħ����Ф���äƤ�����������������


    �����ޤ��ˡ�


    ��ΥХ���Щ`�����Τ�ΤΤ褦�ˡ�


    ���e��ħ�������ä������ߥ󥰤�Ѥ�ʤ��Ƥ⤤�����ɤä��ˤ��������״�B�ˤʤ롣���줬�ιʤ��Ϥ狼��ʤ���������ħ�����������ڤ������z��ħ�����ϡ��䤬�Ə��󤹤��륨�ͥ륮�`���ͤ����ʤ��ʤäƱ������롹


    ������!?��


    ���������ޤ��˿՚ݤ�����^�����L�������Ѥ���褦�ˡ�ħ���Ρ������������ʥ��ͥ륮�`��һ��ħ������ڤˈR�s����Ƥ���⤭�Ť����Τ������α��k��������ɤʤ�ΤǤϤʤ���


    ���줳���֤�ʮ���ʮ���褴�ȴ����w�Ф��ۤɤΣ�


    �����줬��ħ���ںϷ���ħ��ʹ�۷���������ָ�����줿���ɤ�����ǰ�Τ褦�˴�kҊ�ȸ������ä��Х��ߤ����ζ�ͬ���H��̤��Ǥ������Ȥ���������


    ħ��ʹ�۷��ν����ˤϤ����ע������Ϥ���Ƥ��ʤ��ä����������


    ʹ�����Ȥ������줿���餳������������٤��Ǥ����������������K�Ĥ��Ф��Ť��Ɯ�˚ݤŤ��Ƶ�Ȼ�ʤΤ����顣


    ������Ȥϡ����������Σꓤ��Ф�Ǥ��뤫�������x�Ф��Τ���������Σꓤ��ͤ��ʤ����餪ǰ�Ϥɤ����褦��ʤ��Х��ߤʤΤ�!!��


    ���������������`�`�`��!!����ֹ�ã����ں���ֹ�ã��������Ǥ��ʤ�!?��ħ���Υѥ�`���ɤ�ɤ�ܥ�������z��Ǥ��뤦������!?��


    ���ںϤ�ħ������˼�����顢��ǰ���Ȥ���ֹ��뤳�ȤʤɤǤ���


    �ںϤ�ħ������˼��


    ����ǤϤޤ�ǡ�ħ�����Է֤�٤����Ȥ����ߤ��F�򏈤äƤ���褦�ǤϤʤ�����


    ��ħ���Ϥ����������ڤʤΤ����ֱ��򽹤ꡢ�Է֤����ä��褦�Ȥ��Ƥ����ߤ��Ɯ�ˌ�����


    ��ֹ�ޤ줨��������ֹ�ޤ줨������!!������ֹ�ޤ�ʤ�����������!!��


    ���^ȥ����ǰ�Τ褦��ʧ�B�򷸤��������������ˤȡ�ħ��ʹ�ۤ��֤�����Ƥ���������������������ء�׷��ԑ���줿״�r��һ�ݤ˸���������ʶ��ϤΤ���չ�_�����ơ�


    �����������������������ߤ���������ʤ����ħ����ȡ�ꚢ���줿��


    ħ���ȤϤ����������ڡ�


    ���ޤ���Ϣ�Ӥ衣��ǰ�Τ��Ƥ������Ȥϡ�ʧ����������֤��o���������ε��͵Ĥʥѥ��`��Ǥ����ʤ��Τ��衣û����^�̤Ǥ��顢��ǰ�����ˤ�̤�u���뤳�Ȥ����Ǥ��ʤ��ä��Τ���


    ������ʡ�������


    ����˲�g�Х���Щ`���α��餬�~����Ⱦ�ޤä���


    �Է֤�Ӣ�ۤǤ���ŤǤ�ʤ��ȚݤŤ����


    ��������Ϣ�Ӥ衣��ǰ������تz���ͤ�Ϥ��ʤ������θ��������������Q���ˤ��ƤǤ⤪ǰ�����𤳤뱩�k���֤��z���Ҋ���롣���줬����ǰ���Ԥ���Х��ߤ������ͤ�����Ƥ��ޤä��Х��H�Ȥ��Ƥ�؟�Τ���

 84-83 Dariel makes a decision

    ���󱬰k�򤹤롭��!?��


    �Х���Щ`������


    ��ħ���򤽤Τޤ�ȡ���z����Х���Щ`���ϡ��������������Ǥ��ʤ��ɤ�������z���Ф뤳�Ȥ���Ǥ��������k�������܇��T�������w�Ф��Ȥ�����


    �Х���Щ`��������ħ�������ˤʤ�äƤ��Ȥ���


    ����ؤäƤ���ħ���Ώ������鿼���ơ������{�������Τޤޱ��k���ˉ�Q���줿�顢�ߥ�����kɽ���g�`���ʤ������w�֡�


    ���O�ˤ���饯����ˤޤDZ��������֤��⤷��ʤ���


    ���ҩ`��������Ӥ���Τ���!!��


    ���Ӥ���ʡ�


    �L�ˁ\�ä��w��ȥ�����Ȥ��를�ӥ���ƥ����׸��ä�����ࡣ


    �������ˤ����B�Фϡ��ɤ�ʤ��B���ä��Ӥ��Ƥⱬ�k�������ѳ��Ǥ��ޤ�������������ǰ�˱��k���Ƥ��ޤ���������


    ������Ԥ������Ф뷽���ϡ��ΤȤ��ƤǤ�Х���Щ`���α��k�������ֹ���뤳�ȡ�


    �����ͥ륮�`������ħ���Ͻ�ʤ��Х���Щ`�����ڤ�ע���z�ޤ졢�Ĥʤ�����Ĥ��夬����ʼ��Ƥ�����


    ����������������!?�����ơ����ˤ����ʤ����������Ƥ����������Ƥ�������!!��


    �����Ĥ�������ǰһ�ˤ����ʤ��Ϥ���


    �����Щ`�������Ԥ���


    Ϣ�ӥХ���Щ`���μ��I�֤ǥ��å�����ߤʤ��顣


    ����„���Ƥ��졣������Ϣ�β�ʼĩ�ϡ�˽���I�����롣���줬���H�Ȥ��Ƥ���Ŀ����


    �������Щ`�������Τ򡭡�!?��


    ��˽��ȫħ�����äƱ��k��⤸����������С�ޤ��֤��롹


    ����ʡ�


    ����ʤ��Ȥ򤷤��顭��!?


    ����Ȼ��˽�����̡�ȫħ���򓒤꾡���ʤ����ħ���α��k���֤��z��ʤ��Ǥ�������������Ǥ�ʤ���赤˷⤸��줺���k�ˎ����z�ޤ����������������ӥ���ƥ���


    ���Ϥ������!?��


    �ӺϤ碌����������������֡�


    �����ޤ󤬡��Lħ����˽�ȥХ���Щ`�����h�����\��Ǥ��졣�Ǥ�������ˤΤ��ʤ��Ȥ����ء���������С�ޤ��֤�������


    ���������������!?�����ˤ����ʤ��������ˤ����ʤ�����������!!��


    �Х���Щ`���ϟo���������Ф֤Ф�����ä���


    ������Ɯ�ĽY�������ä��Τϡ����٤ƥ�������ΛQ�Ϥ��ЄӤνY�����Ȥ����Τˡ�


    �������Ƥ����������ϣ����ܥ��Ϥޤ����ˤ����ʤ��������̤Τ��Ӥ�����������!!��


    ���Х���Щ`���衢���줬�󤤤����������ߤϽԡ��Է֤Τ������Ȥˌ�����󤤤��ܤ��롣���Фˤψ�������Фˤψ�͡���ǰ��ޤ���ǰ���狼��k�����P���ܤ��ͤФʤ��Τ���


    �����Щ`�����ϡ��ޤ���Ϣ�Ӥ��^�򃞤�����Ǥ롣


    ��˽���P���ܤ��褦��Ȼ��٤��B���򵡤ꡢ��ǰ�Τ褦�ʥХ��ߤ����ƤƤ��ޤä��P��֔����ܤ��褦������һ�w�˜�Ӥ�Τ������줬�Ҥ顢�ޤ����H�Ӥ����ꤷ��ĩ·����


    �����Щ`�����ϡ��Х���Щ`���ȹ������̤Ĥ�����


    ���줬��Ĥθ��H�Ȥ��Ƥ�؟�Τ�ȡ�귽���ȡ�


    �����Щ`�����Ϛs�����������֎���뤬������ħ�����äƤ��Ƥ�ħ���ѥ�`�α��k��ɤ�����⤸����뤫��


    ��ȫ�ˤϤȤƤ�o����������


    ���k��Ҏģ�򤤤��餫�sС����Τ������äѤ���


    ʮ�֤�һ����������������Ȥ���֤�һ��


    �����Щ`�����δ�ħ�����äƤ��Ƥ��֤��֤����ʤ����⤷��ʤ���


    ����ʤ�С�����


    �����ߤ������


    ���������S���������Щ`�����μ�Խ���˥إ�᥹����ͻ��������


    �֥���ȡ�


    �Х���Щ`�����ؤ˴̤��ä���


    �������㤢�������`�`�`��!?��


    �����ꥨ��!?���Τ򡭡�!?��


    ����ͻ�k�Ĥ��ЄӤ˥����Щ`��������󤤤��L�����L��


    �������⡢����ֹ�ޤ�櫓�ˤϤ����ʤ���


    �������Щ`������Ϣ�Ӥϡ�������ǰһ�ˤ�������ʤ���������


    ���ΰ����äơ����٤�����¤ʳ��ӤΕr���顢���η������ƤƤ�����������


    ���ˤȤäƤ��η���ԭ�㤽�Τ�Τ���


    ��äȤ��������������


    �����Υ����Щ`�����򡢤�ǰ�ʤ󤾤ε��B��ˤ�����ˤϤ����ʤ����������ʼĩ�ϰ����Ĥ��룡��


    �Х���Щ`�����ؤ��Ф�ͻ�����Ƥʤ����Ԥä���


    �����ꥨ��!?��


    �������Щ`�����������Ҥ��ޤޤ��S���������������������ʥ�����؟�Ϥ狼�äƤ���Ĥ��Ǥ���������


    ��������Ǥ⡭����


    �����ϥ��ʥ��������Ƥ�餤����������Ϥ��٤ư�������ޤ������Х���Щ`���ϡ�������


    ���������Ĥ��롣


    �����ӥ���ƥ������Lħ���ǰ��ȥХ���Щ`�����w�Ф������Ǥ�������h���أ���


    ���ϡ��Ϥ��ʤΤ���!!��


    ���ӥ���ƥ���Ѹ�٤˄Ӥ��Ƥ��줿��


    ͻ�L�򎆤��𤳤������ȥХ���Щ`�����T�������w�Ф�����


    ����ͻ���̤������å���M�ߺϤäƤ��뤫���x��褦���ʤ���


    �����ꥨ�룡���Х���Щ`��!!��


    �ر��˲Ф륰���Щ`�������ˤ�դ���_�J�Ǥ�����


    ��������׷�����Ȥ���Τ򡢥����ĥ��뤵��M�ߤĤ�����������Ƥ��롣


    �����ˤ��Τ��Ƥ����д��ɷ��������


    ���ϰ��ǡ��Է֤Τ��٤����Ȥ����Ф��롭����


    ͻ�L�ˁ\�äƿդ��Ф���


    �ԤΤ���ߥ�����kɽ��ң���᷽���ä��ơ����x���֤Ȥä���


    �������ޤ��x��Ƥ⡢��ͨ�˱��k������������̤������ʡ�������


    ���k�θ�Դ��ħ���ʤΤǤ��롣


    �S�Q���Ƥ������֤���ʤ���


    �����줫�顢��ǰ�α��k��⤸�z��뤿������I����롣�ɹ����ʤ��㰳�����̤���ʡ����ݤǤ�餻�Ƥ�餦����������


    ���ܥ���!?���ܥ��Ϥɤ��ʤ���!?������������ʣ��������Ƥ���������!?��


    ��������


    �Х���Щ`���οP��褦�����˰��ϺΤⷵ���ʤ��ä���


    �����Ĥ�狼�äƤ���������ˡ�


    ����ħ����ʹ���ʤ���ħ�����v���Ƥ���ȫ�����ˤΰ��ˡ������Ĥ����ä˾Ȥ������Ƥʤ�˼�������Фʤ���


    �Ȥ˴�뤬�ںϤ����Х���Щ`������ħ������x���뷽���ʤ��Ҋ����Ĥ��ʤ���


    ���������������Ƥ�����ꥨ�롹


    �Х���Щ`�����Ԥä���


    �������Ƥ��죡���ܥ��Τ��Ȥ������Ƥ��죡�����ꥨ�룡�������������!!��


    ���������~�򤺤äȴ��äƤ���������


    ���ʥ����¤����������˾��Τ��Ƥ��顢���ϥ��ʥ��������褦�Ȥ��ä�������Ƥ�����


    ���ʥ�����������������Ԫ����֧���ơ����ʥ��򤪸��Ϥ�ؓ���ʤ����ɤ��������ˤ��Ƥ��������ä���


    �������ʤ�ǡ��Τ⤫�����W��ˤʤäƤ����Ԥ������


    ���ϡ��Х���Щ`�����ؤ���إ�᥹���������i��������������w�Ф�����


    ���΄ݤ��Ƕ��ˤξ��x���դ������줫���ԇ�ߤΤ���ˤ�һ�����g�Ϥ�����Ҫ���������


    ħ�����ͥ륮�`�α��k�ˤ�äƤ�����󱬰k��


    ���������Τ˰���˼���Ĥ��ֶΤ�һ�Ĥ����ʤ��ä���


    ���������������`��Ǥ�äơ�ħ����ħ�����������롹


    �����Ĥ˥����Щ`�����ΤȤ�Ĥ����ä�������ͬ����


    �`���ϡ������Щ`�����Ϥ����Ʊ��k���������ȷ⤸�z���Τ�ȫ����ע�����Ĥ����ä���������


    ���ϱ��k������ǰ�ˡ�������Ȥʤ�Х���Щ`�����Ȥ��٤Ƥ����礵���롣


    ���������Υ���󥹤ϡ�ħ���Υѥ�`�����٤ƥХ���Щ`���������꤭�ä����ȡ�


    ���줫�鱬�k����ޤǤΤۤ�Τ鷺����˲�g��


    �֤餯һ�������g��ʤ���������


    ����һ˲��Ѥäơ��Ҥ�ȫ���`���ߵ�����ࡣ


    ���m�ा�إ�᥹������!!��


    ��ߤε������ߥ������������߂����ˤ����Ҥ�����衣


    ����ȫ���`�顢��ǰ��餷�ƷŤĤ�äȤℿ�ʵĤ��ΑB�Ϥʤ����


    ���ΑB���������ȥå��ΑB���������ΑB����


    �������䡢���Τɤ�Ǥ�ʤ������`��ų��ˤ�äȤ��m�����ΑB����Ҫ����


    �¤�����׳��ʡ�����


    �¤��˽�Ť��줿��ǰ��������äơ���!!


    �����������������`�`�`�`��!!��


    �إ�᥹���Ϗꤨ�Ƥ��줿��


    ���Τߤλ����ΑB���顢����Ф���������롣


    ������ϡ���!?��


    ���`�餽�Τ�Τ������ˤʤä�


    ���`��dz��������`�鵶��


    �����⵶���δ󤭤��ϡ��gǷȪ�Τ褦�ˇ������륪�`��΄ݤ���ä���ޤ����󤭤���


    �I�ֳ֤��δ󄇤���ң���˳�����󤭤���


    ������äơ�����


    ���Х���Щ`������ǰ�����礵���롭������


    �����äƤ��죡�����ꥨ�������Ƥ������`��!!��


    �Ӥɤ�Τ褦������������Х���Щ`��Ŀ�줱�ơ����ϥ��`��ǤǤ����޴�ℇ������¤�������


    �޴�ʤ��ηų��ϡ��Х���Щ`�������ؤ�Ȥ��������z��ǡ�����


    �������ڤ�ȡ���z�ޤ줿�א��ʱ���������


    �����������E�Τ�ʤ�����ȥ�ä���

 85-84 battle ends

    I was blown far away by wind magic and had to walk on my own feet when I returned.


    But it didn''t take much time or effort.


    Apparently I wasn''t as far away as I thought I was.


    ''''Dariel-san!''''


    When I returned, I was greeted by Radey and many other adventurers.


    With cheers.


    "Awesome!��I knew my brother was amazing!


    "He''s so freaked out by all the mess he''s making!��I don''t want you to be enemies with me anymore!


    You are the unsung hero of the ages!��I''m sorry to see you here...!


    I mean, it''s so strong, it''s a bit of a surprise...!


    That''s all.


    The reaction of the adventurers was truly joyful and excited to celebrate their victory.


    There was no other impurity in the air.


    Showered with such a welcome, I felt a strange sense of fatigue all over me.


    I wasn''t physically tired.


    That giant aura sword was indeed a great move, but it was still not enough to squeeze all my energy out of me.


    He could release two or three blows now if necessary.


    But there was a sense of fatigue.


    Not my body, but my mind was fatigued.


    The reason for that........


    ''''.........''''


    Master Grandfather came in front of me.


    The truth is, it was you who intended to end your life with him.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    I''m sorry, Mr. Granbaza, I''m sorry........?


    I interrupted my words.


    Because I was struck.


    I''m not going to be able to get a good deal more than that.


    "?


    "What do you mean?


    Everyone around us is in turmoil, but I immediately raise my hand to control them.


    It''s okay, it''s okay, don''t make a fuss...!


    But...?


    Come on...!


    Stacking up and shushing people.


    It wasn''t much of a hit, in fact, it wasn''t much of a hit.


    It was weak, and I didn''t even take a step back when I was hit.


    ''''Why didn''t you........let me die with you.......?''''


    Granberza-sama said in a trembling voice.


    ''''Why didn''t you make me take responsibility........?��In this, I will never pay for my sins........!��Just let him go alone...!


    It''s all about me.


    I replied.


    "I didn''t want you to die.


    With those words, the taut thread of Granberza-sama''s tautness was broken.


    I forcefully put my knees on the ground.


    ''''I''m sorry........Dariel, I''m sorry......!


    With his head down and staring at the ground, Granberza-sama just repeated ''I''m sorry''.


    I also folded my knees together and wrapped my arms around the sinking Granbaza-sama with both arms.


    Arantzill-san, the previous hero, also placed his hands on my shoulders from behind.


    On the shoulder of his long-time nemesis.


    ''''............''''


    After all, to Master Grand Barza, Bashbarza was a beloved son.


    As a human resource, he was an irrepressible scum.


    His pride was so great that he believed that only he was right and denied others unconditionally.


    The tragedy of the organization is that such a person is given a position of responsibility based solely on his bloodline and ties.


    Bashburza was a tragedy in his existence, but he was still a blood son to Granburza-sama.


    He wasn''t like me, who was just raised by him.


    The apology eventually turned into a sob.


    The strongest Four Heavenly Kings of all time cried.


    Losing a son is such a big deal.


    I''m sure that in the future, until I die, I will surely ask myself, ''''Was it right that I didn''t let Granbaza-sama die with you here? You might keep asking yourself.


    ''''........Ah!


    It was then.


    Someone raises their voice.


    ''''Everyone........!��The sky, look at the sky!


    Everyone looked up at that voice.


    There was a clear blue sky. It''s not just a matter of time before you get to the top.


    ''''What is that...?


    Bright red, countless particles gathered into a single point.


    The more the particles gathered, the larger they became, and eventually they formed a meaningful shape.


    The silhouette of a giant dragon.


    And after enough regeneration, it manifested........


    ''''Flame Demon Beast Salamandra!


    The demonic beast that Bashbarza was supposed to have absorbed was revived.


    That''s ridiculous, wasn''t it supposed to be extinguished by my light sword?


    Together with Bashbarza who became the host.


    ''''That''s what a demonic beast is.


    Lady Glamberza bit back a sob.


    ''They will never die. They''ve lived through hundreds of years of annihilation and rebirth in that way.


    We''ve got to get down.


    Now that we''ve revived, there''s a chance we''ll be able to have another fight with that monster.


    But the demon beast didn''t even bite us again, rather it turned on its heel and flew away into the distant sky as if it didn''t even bite us in the teeth.


    It''s as if indifference smells from every movement...?


    ''''I guess that''s about it now that the influence from Bashbarza due to emissary magic has disappeared. I''m not sure I''m going to be the only one who can do that.


    .........


    If we were to challenge the freed Fiendish Beast to battle again, would we be able to win?


    The guy who was connected to Bashbursa also shared Bashbursa''s cowardice and pride.


    It was believed that this was putting a certain limit on the natural strength of the demonic beast.


    ''''Is this........the end?''''


    The battle against the Four Heavenly Kings Bashvaza.


    It was a fruitless battle with nothing to gain.


    So even if we won, there was no sense of accomplishment, and it was as if an emptiness was blowing through my chest.


    ''I guess I had nothing to gain...''


    I''m not so sure.


    I noticed that Mr. Alanziel was right next to me.


    I guess Granberza-sama wants to be alone for a while. Anyway, now I look around the battlefield that ended with these two.


    ''''That was a hell of a move you pulled off at the end, wasn''t it?


    ''Oh...''


    You mean that light sword that annihilated Bashbarza?


    The Hermes sword is filled with aura to the limit, and instead of letting it be transmitted to the weapon, the aura itself erupts like a blade.


    The visualized aura takes on the aspect of a sword of light and annihilates anything it touches.


    Anyway, it''s a sword that came out almost by feeling, trying to erase the demonic beast energy compressed inside him, but I didn''t expect it to take such a proper shape.


    ''''It''s not my ability. This Hermes sword did the job for its performance.


    It was your skill that made it happen. As a mass of aura, it looked like a ''Splitting Sky'', but to stabilize it like a sword instead of flying it like a ''Splitting Sky'', your handling of the aura may now be beyond me.


    No, no....


    So that''s the outcome of this battle that''s left.


    It''s not very exciting, but it''s healthier than thinking it was nothing.


    I''ll take that as a gesture of goodwill from Alanziel.


    I''d like to give you a name for the perfect technique you''ve created. As a mass of aura, it shows the face of the Splintering Sky, while also exceeding the power of my secret technique, the Great Emperor Splintering Sky...


    He pretended to think about it for a while....


    ''''How about ''Demon Emperor Splitting Sky''?''''


    ....


    ''Zekko Splitting Sky''.


    Was that new technique the only one I was able to acquire this time?


    Well, let''s be satisfied with the fact that everyone was able to get through this and that was the greatest achievement.

 86-85 Bashbaza falls into hell (Shitenno side)

    Bashbursa woke up.


    ''Huh?''


    And he didn''t know why.


    The memories from just before were definitely there in his brain.


    Dariel''s giant light sword.


    He had been swallowed by it, and should have disappeared without a trace.


    Myself.


    So what is this Bashvaza here?


    The place where I was supposed to have disappeared from this world is........


    ''The underworld........is it.......?


    The story of the afterlife.


    You think this is the place.


    No, it''s not.


    Hey!


    We''re still in this world, at least for now.


    Bashbursa panicked at the sudden voice that was hurled at him.


    ''''Who are you!��Who are you?!''''


    I look around in a panic.


    Then it was immediately apparent that in front of me, right in front of my eyes and nose, something huge like a wall was standing there.


    ''''You are.........?��No, Anata-sama is.........?


    ''''Helo.''''


    A huge man that could be mistaken for a wall.


    It was looking down on Bashbarza.


    ''''Demon king?


    Yes, I am the Demon King.


    Bashbursa took a couple of steps back, fearful.


    Then he looked around and finally realized that he recognized this place he was in.


    ''''This is.........?��The Demon King''s Room!


    The top floor of the Demon King''s Castle.


    The top floor of the Demon King''s Castle is the heavenly throne, the place of the Demon King, the Transcendent, the lord of all the demon races.


    That''s where Bashbursa was.


    ''''But how did you...?


    The Mithril Mine, where Bashbarza''s last memory remains, is far away from the Demon King''s Castle here.


    It should have taken more than a few days to walk normally.


    My body, combined with the fact that it was erased without leaving a trace of dust.......


    There were so many inexplicable things about it.


    It''s not a mystery to me at all!


    ''''!''''


    !" The Demon Lord said as if he could see right through you.


    It''s like you''re completely underestimating the power of this demon king. You really do lick it to the bone, don''t you?


    Because...?


    With my clairvoyant vision, I can pick up on all your bickering in the distance, and I can use my magic to put you back together again after you''ve been atomically erased.


    ....?


    And then I used transference magic to get you here from the Mithril mine. How do you like it?��They all make sense, and it''s not the least bit strange, is it?


    ''''.........Huh, haha......?''''


    I say it''s no wonder, but Bashbarza was so astonished and confused that he could only let air leak out of his lungs.


    The work of a demon king.


    Everything is too insane and too transcendent.


    No demon race can use clairvoyance to see a long distance from the Demon King''s Castle to the Mithril Mine, and there is no such thing as resurrection magic in the first place.


    A dead person cannot be resurrected no matter what, much less Bashvaza was wiped out without leaving a speck of dust.


    When it comes to resurrecting a dead person, nothing is impossible.


    In addition to that, it is a forced transfer that works on others who are far away from you, not yourself, without question.


    ''''Great........Great......Great Demon King.......?''''


    Bashbarza finally realized the mighty and versatile nature of the Demon King at that moment.


    Until then, I had only been somewhat of a believer because the people around me worshipped him, but now I finally realized with my own experience the fearfulness of the demon king.


    ''Well, incompetent-kun?��Don''t you have something to tell me?


    ''Haha!��Thank you so much for saving me from this!


    Bashvaza is back.


    That fact is also accompanied by the realization that it is gradually crawling up his body.


    He made it through.


    After that terrible crisis, Bashbursa had left his life behind.


    Along with a sense of peace of mind, a sense of superiority came over me.


    I was saved by the Demon King. In other words, the demon king was on his side.


    If the demon king was the righteousness for the demon race, then Bashbarza had the best backing.


    With his power, he will use his hatred to burn to death Dariel and his own father, Glamberza, this time.


    Bashbarza is filled with hope and ambition.


    "Mute, do you have any idea why I''m resurrecting you, boy?


    ''''Haha!''''


    Bashbursa no longer even cared that he was called incompetent.


    Because it was etched into his perception that the Demon King was my master.


    ''''That is, of course, because I am the Demon King''s faithful servant. I will use this life that has been resurrected, I will use it with all my might for the sake of the Demon King.


    ''Oh, no, no,''


    "Huh?


    It''s why I brought you back. I brought you back to life so I could kill you with my dick.


    What?


    Bam.


    With a loud burst of water vapor, Bashbursa''s upper body exploded.


    Only the lower half of the body remained in its original form, while the surrounding area was littered with popped blood and shredded internal organs, scattered miserably.


    ''''.........''''


    The Demon King snapped his fingers towards the wreckage.......


    ........but all that sounded was the haphazard sound of fingerprints rubbing together.


    ''''Huh?��It''s not working?��You''ve been practicing for thousands of years and you can''t do this one?


    Meanwhile, on cue, the shattered pieces of flesh flew back onto the lower half of his body as time rewound, and Bashbursa revived as he pieced the pieces together.


    ''''Abaaaah!��Huh?��Huh.........?��What in the world........?


    Bashbarza repeated death and rebirth again.


    The horror of it all made my blood run cold.


    ''Impotent-kun, do you like to bully the weak?


    What?


    You look like you like it. That''s why you had to banish Dariel after he was badgered, right?��It''s not nice, isn''t it?


    The Demon King''s grin doesn''t change in the slightest.


    "I hate bullying the weak. It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who can do this, because it makes your heart ache when you see people crying and in pain.��That''s how the mind works, right?��What''s the fun in it for an innocent child to suffer?��Anyone who enjoys seeing that kind of thing has a warped mind, don''t they?


    My Demon Lord...��What in the world...?


    But there''s only one kind of person you can hurt and torment.��What do you think it is?


    Oh, uh...


    I was a bad guy.


    At that moment, this time both of Bashvaza''s arms flew off.


    He cried out in pain as he didn''t reach the end of his life.


    ''''Ogyaahhhh!


    Hahahaha, it''s really fun to see a bad guy like you get his comeuppance. Consequences are retribution, good and evil, right?��It''s refreshing to see how right the world is.


    Even the arm that had been erased was quickly regenerated and put back together.


    A terrifying hypothesis flashed in Bashbarza''s mind.


    Could it be that I would be torture to death as the Demon King''s toy forever like this?


    ''''Demon King-sama!��Please forgive me!��I''ll be sorry for that... but I have a new mind!��So!


    ''If you had the chance, wouldn''t Dariel-kun and Granbaza-kun have given you plenty of opportunities?��You wasted it all.


    The Demon King waved his finger.


    In response, a large hole opened in the floor of the Demon King''s room.


    You can''t see the bottom, it''s just a dark hole.


    ''Living forever is surprisingly hard, isn''t it? Boredom kills you. You''re not going to die.


    Help!��Please help!


    "So I set up a fight between the heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings as a means of boredom. It''s quite a gripping game, and a great way to lose track of time. But that''s not the only plan.


    The bottom of a dark, black hole.


    A small speck emerged in a blur.


    Red spots.


    "And the coolest pastime is to punish bad guys like you. Look down this hole.


    This is...


    That''s your older brothers.


    The thing that looked like a red speck was a person.


    How deep is the bottom of the hole? Countless numbers of people as small as the speck were struggling.


    The redness was because their bodies were surrounded by red lotus flames.


    They would be burned alive, and yet they would never be burned up, so they would be burned and suffer forever.


    "The Four Heavenly Kings who have sinned like you for the past few hundred years. They have been punished by me and have been burning all these years.


    Hell..., hell...?


    Oh, it''s not just demons, okay?��Some of them are human heroes... Some of them are lowlifes who set out to defeat the demon king for fame only, and left their friends to die before they came to work for me.


    Bashbaza was right, and the scene was truly hellish.


    The walkers at the bottom of the hole had crawled up to the edge of the hole before they knew it.


    Then they grabbed Bashbaza''s ankles, which were close at hand.


    ''''Gibiiiiiiiiiii?


    ''''See, the seniors are welcoming you, too, right?


    They are dragged in.


    Bashvaza is dragged to the bottom of the pit by the walkers.


    They want you to be a ghost too.


    "My Lord Demon King!��Help!��Help me, please!��I was wrong!��So ahhh!


    ''Show me how you suffer at the bottom of the hole. It''s the best skit in the world where sinners get their comeuppance. I''ll come over and watch it from time to time to pass the time, okay?


    "No!


    He was dragged in.


    Bashbarza resisted and unleashed a desperate fire magic, but it was meaningless.


    This is because the wraiths would be instantly broken by further magic techniques.


    ''''Uhiiiiiiiiiiii!


    It was a fact that these walkers were the past Four Heavenly Kings who had been cast into hell by the wrath of the Demon King in the past.


    There are Walla Walla magic users who don''t have a problem with Bashbarza and other magic users.


    ''''Oh no!��Oh, God, help!��No!


    He sticks his fingers into the marble floor and tries to stay there, but the force of dragging him down is stronger.


    The raw nails come off and five streaks of blood form on the floor on each side.


    Bashvaza''s body is engulfed in flames as fire spreads from his feet to his entire body.


    ''''Ahhhh, it''s so hot!��I had to help you!��Father, Dariel, please help me, please help me!


    With a roar of pleading, Bashbarza was eventually dragged into the hole.


    It closed.


    From now on, he will continue to repent for his sins as he and his peers are burned by the fires of hell.


    Until the demon king who created this different space dies and disappears.


    "Mm-hmm...


    This was the Demon King''s way of killing time.


    A fresh respite from boredom was the most important thing to the Demon King, who had lived forever and felt nothing for the passage of time.


    The brave men, the demon king''s army, even the demon beasts and mithril might be props for that.


    ''''But I think we''re going to see some more interesting boredom for a while. ........Hey Dariel-kun?��You''re going to entertain me, aren''t you?

 87-86 Both men leave

    After the battle, I returned to the village of Lax.


    Greeted by my beloved wife and son, I knew that I had returned.


    The village of Laxx must help rebuild the Mithril mine, which had burned down all of its surface facilities.


    There was a lot of work to be done, and it was expected that they would be even busier in the future.


    "And now....


    I had to deal with one of the problems first.


    It was a rather private matter.


    The depressed Lady Granberza has not regained her spirits.


    After all, the source of this disturbance is his own son, Bashbarza.


    He did everything in his power for hubris and ill-advisedness, and in the end died in a manner that was close to self-destruction.


    Not only did he mourn the loss of his only son, but he was also saddened by the fact that his only son had grown up to be a helpless fool.


    I guess he blames himself for his poor upbringing.


    For the time being, I''m taking him home from the Mithril Mine and letting him rest in the guest room.


    I felt it was not safe to send him back to the demon tribe''s territory like this.


    ''''I''d like to somehow encourage Lady Granberza here and get her to recover to some extent.


    Is that what it is?


    So, Mr. Alanziel, do you have any ideas?


    You''re asking me?


    Mr. Arantzill, the former hero.


    I''m baffled by what I have to say.


    Because of all the people in the room, it''s either me or you who''ve known her for a long time.


    ''We''ve known each other as enemies, if not for a long time!��"I''ll kill you next time I see you!" We both knew that!


    But you must have sensed something about it, too!��Bring that feeling back to me now!


    Impossible, impossible, impossible!��Dariel, isn''t that what you are supposed to be doing?��That''s what you''ve been doing for over a decade as his second in command, isn''t it?��And you''re here with your whole heart.


    I''m only a subordinate after all!��''You don''t know how to worry about the Lord!''


    That guy''s gonna say it.


    You bet!��So, as a competitor and an equal, I''d love to have your help!


    From the sidelines, it had become nothing more than a difficult mission to push each other around.


    The expressions on the sidelines of the people watching from the sidelines that said, ''These guys are after all blood parents and children'' were painful.


    Anyway, leaving the dejected Granbaza-sama in this state is too heartbreaking, so I want to do something about it, but I can''t come up with a strange plan for it.


    After all, it''s too delicate a problem.


    When both Arantzill-san and I were pondering what to do, Granbaza-sama came out of the room.


    ''''Hee?


    ''''What''s the matter with you two?��Looking at humans like they''re ghosts?


    Although it was a joking manner of speaking, Granbaza-sama''s expression was still dark.


    He was probably ruminating over his remorse and regret in his heart alone.


    It''s a good thing that living beings are solid, because even when their hearts are depressed, they seem to get hungry and thirsty. I thought I''d get you a glass of water.


    ''Yes, yes, yes!��Here you go!


    I hurriedly offer him a glass of water.


    I sip it slowly, mouthing it and sipping a little at a time.


    Even when I took my mouth off the glass, the water inside hadn''t diminished by half.


    ''''........Dariel, don''t overlook me.


    Yes, yes...?


    I know it''s a terrible thing that happened. It negates everything I''ve ever done in my life. But that won''t be the end of me.


    Lady Granberza was still weak, but she still exuded an unbreakable core strength.


    ''''In order to make up for the hole my stupid son made, I have to whip this old bone. First of all, I must report the details of the incident to the Demon King and apologize, and if allowed, select a new Four Heavenly King to replace the foolish son. After that, I''ll do my best to rebuild the Demon King''s army that the foolish son has ruined...!


    Even if it was just that he was too busy trying to forget the pain of the wounds in his heart, if it was the only way to heal Lady Granberza, that was fine too.


    After all, this man was made to retire and still have to keep running.


    ''So that''s why, Dariel. I think it''s time for me to take some time off.


    What...?


    Already?��Maybe you should wait until you''re a little calmer...?


    ''I was actually going to leave earlier, but I found myself staying too long. It''s too cozy here.


    Quite so....


    It was Mr. Alanziel who joined the conversation.


    It is as if all the fighting spirit and hatred that has dominated my life for decades is wilting away," he said. We used to kill each other, but now we''re getting used to each other.


    Truly, I never thought I''d be so at ease with you...!


    The two former rivals grasped each other''s hands, thickened by successive battles.


    "We''re retired, let''s build a new relationship.


    As her grandfather...


    Perhaps sensing the mood, Marika comes over and picks up her son Gran.


    Gran was taking a nap, but let''s get him to be bracing for his grandparents here.


    The baby crossed into the arms of the two heroes and went back to his mother.


    ''Dariel, I think it''s time for me to excuse myself,''


    "What?


    I''m shocked by Alanziel''s abrupt statement.


    It''s a good thing I''m not the only one.��Mr. Alanziel doesn''t have anything better to do...?


    Haha, he''s a retired man of leisure. But I just thought I''d stop by and say hello. To see how the new man I''ve entrusted with your job has grown.


    How could he have foreseen what would happen there that would turn his entire life upside down?


    ''The curse flames of Granbaza have not yet completely left this body. The healer finally gave me permission to go out for a few days, but the due date has long since passed.


    That''s...?


    And I''ve got a lot of things I need to get done in the middle. Radey.


    Ha, yes.


    An active brave man in awe when called upon.


    ''''If you want to continue your training here, I''ll persuade the Center Guild to let you go. You can go train to your heart''s content. Under Dariel, you''ll be the strongest brave man in the world.


    ''''Yes, for sure!


    ........This meeting must have a tremendous meaning for me as well.


    My own father.


    What I thought was impossible to find was actually there.


    And he was the strongest and bravest man in the world.


    I still don''t realize that fact, and I don''t know how to treat a father figure.


    I''m an independent adult, and I''m old enough to not need my parents'' protection.


    I didn''t know what to do, but I hugged this man firmly, who said he was leaving for now.


    And then with GranBaza-sama.


    I''m sure I''ll come back to visit you soon. I''ll be back to visit you soon.


    Then I''ll go get my grandson a pile of goodies.


    They left, leaving behind something that made me feel like I''d be back tomorrow.


    The two of them are nowhere near as grand as they are in history.


    They are too big to be feared in a country village anywhere, but I sincerely hope that they will come back to visit us again.


    ''''Oh, I feel lighter now that the heaviness has returned!


    There''s still a sense of pressure, a sense of urgency.


    And after Nioh went home, Zebiantes and Radie looked truly liberated.


    I wish these guys would go home soon too.

 88-87 Shitenno Droyer awaits the brave (Shitenno side)

    Rasperda Fortress.


    It''s an important base for the Demon King''s Army.


    Not only is it on the boundary between the spheres of influence of the human and demon races, but it''s also the most important headquarters of each camp....


    If it''s the human race, it''s the center guild headquarters.


    The Demon King''s Castle in the case of the Demon race.


    This fortress was built in the middle of connecting these two points.


    The brave must break through this fortress in order to attack the Demon King, and for the demons, this is their final line of defense.


    If they can get past this point, they will have to attack the heroes in the demon territory.


    Hence, this land is absolutely non-negotiable for the demon tribe.


    That''s why the fortress was always equipped with the strongest fighting force of the demon king''s army.


    ��


    ...Kukku Kukku, Droyer.


    "Hm.


    Is the water group ready?


    "Mm.


    Droyer, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, "The Fertile Ground", waits for the heroes to come to his fortress today as well.


    He can''t relax for a moment because he doesn''t know when the enemy will attack.


    I''m going to be able to take my meals on the rooftop where I can see the whole surroundings.


    ''''...Hey, Bezelia.


    What is it?


    Is it because you always make a water group because of the water attribute, after all?


    Kukkuk, if you like, I can provide you with boiled vegetables, water buns, sudachi, sudachi, etc.?


    No, no...


    The question of how the Four Heavenly Kings could prepare a meal by themselves in the first place has long since faded away.


    Of course, there are many other soldier mages packed into the Rasperda Fortress, but the center and the pinnacle of the fortress is the two tops of the Four Heavenly Kings, Droyer and Bezellia.


    It can be said that the fortress is currently being protected by these two signs.


    ''''.........''''


    Hmm?��What''s going on?


    What''s that spice?


    What?


    What''s that thing you''re sloshing around in your bowl right now?


    No, no?��It''s just a spicy spice, okay?��I mean, you said you didn''t like it spicy, so I thought I''d adjust the flavor of the sauce to suit you.��I prefer it spicier, so this is how I spice it up, you know?


    I want one.


    No, wait?��That''s why you don''t like spicy food, right?��You know it hurts when I hang this up?


    I know!


    Snatching the spice bottle from Bezelia, Droyer snatches the spice bottle and shakes the gwangwang over his own bowl of water troupe.


    And the bright red powder that dances down.


    ''''Awwww........?''''


    While Bezelia looks on in shivers, Droyer takes a sip of the water bowl whose surface has turned all red.


    ''''It''s hot!


    ''''That''s why I said it!


    I don''t like spicy food, so why try to add spiciness to it.


    You will be able to get the most out of it.


    ''''.........What am I doing?''''


    Totally.��That''s funny, what you''re doing?


    Bezelia was right to be stubbornly concerned, and Droyer''s emotional instability had been more than visible lately.


    When he had scraped up a water troupe and became full, Droyer once again shouted loudly from the top of the fortress.


    ''''I wish the brave man would come soon!


    That is what it was all about.


    Bezelia made a reluctant face as she cleaned up the dishes she had finished eating.


    ''''........can you stop raising that strange voice?��The guards are anxious to see you?


    Why?


    "I suspect my commander is distraught...?


    There''s a reason they are holed up in a fortress.


    They are holed up in their fortress for one reason and one reason only.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    It is the role of the demon king''s army to stop the savage heroes who are trying to kill the demon king with all their might.


    Droyer, who stands at the top of the army, is on the defensive because he knows that the brave men will surely come here...


    Recently, the brave men have stopped coming.


    That''s a problem in itself.


    It was only in the beginning that I was able to prevent the brave party and make them retreat several times.


    Although he was not able to defeat them due to his lack of ability, Droyer was proud that he was able to keep his face as the Four Heavenly Kings.


    But after a certain time, he stopped coming.


    A brave man.


    It''s their job to intercept the brave men, so if the brave men don''t attack, they won''t be able to do anything and their defenders will be untouched.


    However, the possibility of the brave attacker has not disappeared, so we can''t let down our guard, we can only wait tensely and time is passing uselessly.


    That kind of time unexpectedly eats away at the mind.


    You can prevent the wear and tear on your mind if you take a proper breather, but Doroye, whose roots are serious, was unable to demonstrate such dexterity and was steadily wreaking havoc on his mind.


    ''''Well no, why don''t you get some rest too?��I''m just being overly cautious, okay?��You''re going to break down like that, okay?


    A medical condition that even the cynical Bezelia was concerned about.


    It was no longer possible for Droyer to reach his limit.


    ''Not so fast!��What do you think you''ll do if a brave man attacks while I''m resting?


    I''ll protect you then...?


    You''ve already proven that you can''t hold off a party of heroes by yourself!��I have to be in this fortress!


    Bezelia shuddered at the peculiar idea on the verge of burning out, ''''I have to be there''''.


    This may not be a moment''s notice if this is not a moment''s notice.


    ''But, but what?��You''d think a brave man would have given up after all this.��I guess that''s what it means when you don''t show up for a long time anymore, isn''t it?


    ''That can''t be true. The only reason for a brave man''s existence is to harm the Demon King. How can you call yourself a brave man if you give that up?


    "That''s true, but........?


    So even if the brave man doesn''t show his face at all, you won''t lose your guard.


    I''m sure that one day, a brave man will definitely come back here.


    ".........


    At the very least, if that ''when'' had been determined, we wouldn''t be in such a harsh defensive situation.


    Currently, the movements of the brave men are unknown.


    The demon king''s army is also sending out troops to investigate the enemy''s situation, but they have yet to bring back a single useful piece of information.


    The reason for this is because the Demon King''s Army''s scouting skills are low.


    It hasn''t reached a certain level.


    It wasn''t originally so, but from a single trigger.


    Dariel, a dark soldier, used to single-handedly lead the Demon King''s Army''s intelligence field, and from his position as the Four Heavenly Kings'' assistant, he had infiltrated the human race deep into the depths of the human race to seize useful information.


    However, after Dariel''s dismissal, the Intelligence Division is now without a commander.


    Furthermore, because Bashbarza, who fancies himself the leader of the Four Heavenly Kings, has refused to pay any attention to the "lowly and unflattering" investigation, the old intelligence sector is now dysfunctional.


    The intelligence nets that have been released in various places to hide out have also lost contact with the headquarters, and now the Demon King''s Army is fighting with its eyes blindfolded.


    ''''Brave man........where is the brave man and what is he doing......?


    Right now, the person in question is in a state of blindfoldedness.


    If you can use inter-intelligence to figure out the movements of the brave, Droyer doesn''t need to be nervous about the brave man''s attack, wondering when he will come.


    Or, if she had other people to protect the fortress.


    It is true that Lasperda Fortress is well protected by the two Four Heavenly Kings, Droyer and Bezellia.


    It''s impossible for the two of them alone to defend it forever without letting a single moment slip through the cracks.


    Normally, it would be in order to have at least two replacements and regularly switch defenses, but the current Four Heavenly Kings were so dysfunctional that it was impossible to make such a shift.


    Bashbarza, the Four Heavenly Kings of Fire.


    Zebiantes, the Four Heavenly Kings of the Wind.


    As long as these two were willing to work at all, the remaining two would have to work twice as hard.


    That uneven situation was about to reach its limit.


    After a pensive thought, Bezelia said.


    ''Let''s get in touch with Bashbarza and Zebiantes. We need them to help defend the fortress too.


    If they''re the kind of people who say and listen, there''s no way we haven''t heard from them to this day. As for Zebiantes, we don''t even know where he is.


    Immediately after its inception, the New Four Heavenly Kings were highly anticipated as up-and-comers, but now their fame had fallen to the ground.


    Bashbarza has only the bloodline to gain, and the Zebiantes are too free-spirited. Zeviantes was too free-spirited.


    The devastating reputation of the current Four Heavenly Kings was largely due to these two in particular.


    ''''If they don''t agree to cooperate, you must appeal directly to the Demon King and appeal for their dismissal. As a prelude to that, we can request it.


    It''s no good. We who have been entrusted by the Demon King with this mission have no shame in disposing of our own comrades. I''m not going to be the only one. That is the duty of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    This all too serious character of Droyer''s was both her virtue and her vulnerability at the same time.


    But just a few days later, however, a sudden change in the situation came from an unexpected source.


    The death of the current Four Heavenly Kings, Bashbarza, was a death.

 89-88 Zebiantes meets another Shitenno after a long time (Side)

    Droyer of the Four Heavenly Kings, The Fertile Ground.


    Bezelia of the Four Heavenly Kings Muddy Waters.


    The Four Heavenly Kings, Zebiantes from the Four Heavenly Kings, Huafu.


    It had been a long time since the Four Heavenly Kings had all gathered at the same time.


    It had been months since they had all gathered together.


    Originally, one more person must be added to this to make it a true line-up, but that one person will never appear again.


    That''s why the three of us are all here.


    ''''I''m really sorry about Bashvaza.


    Droyer started off by saying, "He wasn''t the easiest person to get along with, but he was still a comrade of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    Although he was not an easy person to get along with, he was still a comrade of the Four Heavenly Kings. Let us all pray for his soul.


    Bashbarza''s death was promptly announced across the entire demon territory.


    However, the cause of death is still unclear.


    Whether he died of illness, accidental death, or whether he died in battle against the enemy with honor, it''s not clear.


    In his last years, he was the kind of person who abandoned his duties as a Four Heavenly Kings and stayed in his room, so everyone guessed that he had died in disgrace anyway, so he dared to keep it hidden.


    ''''Haha, he deserved to die like that!


    That''s exactly what Zebiantes, who had been attending the meeting for a long time, said.


    Like the late Bashbarza, he was one of the four troubled men of his day.


    ''''Zebiantes!��You''re not talking to the deceased like that!��Refrain!


    The Four Heavenly Kings Doroye chided with color.


    Her recent activities have made her the leader of the Four Heavenly Kings of the day.


    Today''s meeting is also led by her.


    ''''Considering what that a**h*le did, he deserves to be cursed for what he did. He''s on many people''s list of guys to kill, number one on the list.


    On the other hand, Zeviantes is still regarded as the problem child of the Four Heavenly Kings of the day.


    Although he is the Fourth Heavenly King with important duties, he is not diligent and is always playing around somewhere.


    In the worst case, he has no idea where he is and is unable to communicate in an emergency.


    You are so carefree. Do you know the position you''re in, slacker?


    Bezzeria has been in her cynical element for a long time.


    ''''You''re branded a ''useless quadruple-king'' just like Bashbarza, you know?��Don''t you think they might be talking about getting rid of you as well as Bashvaza''s death?


    You don''t mind if I do?


    Zebiantes repeated his long-held opinion.


    I didn''t become the Four Heavenly Kings because I wanted to be, so I can be fired. In fact, Bezzeria, you''re the one who''s got a lousy way of getting around.


    Me?


    ''''The moment the Four Heavenly Kings'' reputation drops, they''re not fit for a cynical signboard to follow Doroye and play serious.


    ''I was supposed to be serious to begin with. And unlike you, I''m obsessed with the Four Heavenly Kings, I am.


    It''s just a little guy, isn''t it?


    After all, when they meet in one place, it''s a tense place where sarcasm and sarcasm fly.


    Watching the battle of tongues between the two parties and sighing is Droyer, now the official leader of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    ''''Enough of that.''''


    However, I''m still not accustomed enough to show the style of a leader.


    ''''I''m very grateful for Bezelia''s cooperation. Without his support, the defense of Lasperda Fortress would not have been possible. Zebiantes, I need your help as well.


    And what are you going to do?


    Of course, we must defend Lasperda Fortress completely. You will be able to get the best out of it. Now is the time to unite the power of the Four Heavenly Kings and set up a perfect counterattack position!


    ''''Why?''''


    What''s the...?


    Little lady Radie won''t be coming to the fortress for a while.


    What?


    At that statement, not only Droyer but also Bezelia raised her eyebrows.


    ''''Zebiantes.......what does that mean?''''


    "Huh?


    Isn''t Radie the name of the brave man of his day?��What makes you so sure a brave man won''t come to the fortress?��Isn''t it as if you''re aware of what the brave men are up to?


    ..........


    When asked, Zebiantes realized with a huff.


    In the village of Lax, which Zebiantes had been in these days, the brave man in question, Radie, was also staying in the village to train.


    Impressed by Dariel''s strength, Radie said he would continue his training for some time yet.


    He is confident that he won''t move to defeat the Demon King until he completes his training, so he is a Zebiantes who is confident that it is safe until then.


    ''''............''''


    Then it occurred to her.


    If she told the two men in front of her about the events in Lax Village, including her interactions with Radey, they would be surprised.


    It would be a great surprise.


    I''m sure that we''ll be able to find out where the brave men are, and we''ll be able to take confidence that they won''t attack the fortress right now.


    The reputation of Zebiantes herself for providing such useful information would be enhanced, and she would be reviewed by everyone.


    So she said.


    ''No, he doesn''t know.


    What?


    ''I guess that''s just what I thought. That''s a shame.


    ''''It''s still more interesting to keep it quiet for now.''''


    Just for that reason alone, Zebiantes decided to keep everything he encountered in the Lax village a secret.


    ''Zebiantes!��You!��Don''t talk about things based on speculation in a meeting!


    ''''What is decided here could affect the entire Demon King''s army''s policy!��Only!��Just what is confirmed!��Say it!


    ''Hahahaha, they can say all kinds of shit!


    Others don''t know what they know.


    This situation was unexpectedly amusing, generating a sense of superiority, so Zebiantes decided to keep his mouth shut still.


    ''Well, I''m sorry for being so bypassed.


    What, you can apologize straight out of the gate, can''t you? You should have been that cute all along.


    Ha.


    Both Droyer and Bezelia said, ''Why does this guy have such a winning look on his face?'' He wondered.


    ''More importantly, what are we going to do now?��I''d like to hear your specific policies.


    Soon, a successor to Bashbursa will be chosen in the Demon King''s name. With him, the Four Heavenly Kings will join forces to defend Rasperda Fortress.


    ''Firmness?��We just have to protect them, don''t we?


    I can''t help it. I have no other ideas for dealing with the brave men.


    Droyer said with a bashful look on his face.


    ''''It''s a shameful thing. After all, even the Four Heavenly Kings only have this level of insight in terms of trickery. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out how to run an army and how to outsmart the enemy. I''ve had a bad taste of that for the past year.


    ''''Originally, the Four Heavenly Kings were chosen based on their immense magical power, so that''s fine. We don''t want them to expect us to do things that are outside our expertise.


    That''s the good and bad thing about Droyer, though, is that he still tries his best.


    The three Four Heavenly Kings say what they think of each other.


    ''''........No, there should have actually been a proper follow up on this shortcoming of ours. It''s Dariel.


    Ah.


    ''''That talented aide will perfectly support the strategic and political aspects and create a situation where we are fully capable. That was the ideal form of the latest Four Heavenly Kings that was first envisioned.


    But there is one person who has suddenly ruined that ideal.


    Bashbursa.


    His decision to fire Dariel on his own was the beginning of things falling apart.


    "I thought you agreed with me about firing Dariel.


    ''Huh?��Then it''s the same for you, Bezelia. That''s what that Bashvaza a**h*le said. I''m only on the same side because you agreed.


    ''You''re just following the majority opinion.


    ''The jeweller was due to show me his jewels after that, so I wanted to get out of the meeting early.


    ''That''s the only reason I agreed to dismiss you, that''s all!''


    It was something that would have made Dariel cry if he were here, but it was barren to question what had passed.


    The new leader, Droyer, concludes.


    ''''I will once again accept Dariel as the Assistant Four Heavenly King.


    What?


    ''Ironically, with Bashbursa''s death, there is no more negativity towards him. Now is the time to return Dariel to the position of Assistant Four Heavenly King and have him provide perfect support.


    You do have access to Dariel, don''t you?


    Zebiantes, I''ll ask you something.


    No but as a matter of fact, we have been letting them look for you for quite some time now, but I don''t know where you are. Would you guys be willing to contribute your own money to the search?


    Well, I can''t disobey my leader''s orders if I have to.


    Bezelia agrees, surprisingly honestly.


    Beside her, Zebiantes gives her a difficult look.


    Once again, Zebiantes checks, but he knows where Dariel is.


    Or rather, he came from his residence to the conference hall here in the Four Heavenly Kings.


    If you say here, ''I know where Dariel is,'' you don''t have to throw away your personal fortune to solve the problem right away.


    However, that''s still no fun.


    I''m a Zebiantes who already knows the right answer, and I think it would be great fun to watch those who don''t know anything yet looking for something completely misguided.


    ''Isn''t that right, Zebiantes!��If you want to stay in the Four Heavenly Kings, you''ll have to cooperate!


    ''''........I understand....


    ''''Why the half smile!


    Most of us would have already realized that........


    Zebiantes, he had quite a bad character.

 90-89 Shitenou Zebiantes, rubbed her breasts

    ''NeNe, neNe, neNe?''


    The little Zebiantes girl comes back and surrounds me.


    ... "Coming back"?


    No, no, you can''t have this guy around all the time.


    ''Hey, hey, can I ask you something?��It''s going to take up a lot of your time for me.


    Hey, man.


    Why should my time be wasted on you?


    I''ve been busy with the reconstruction of the Mithril Mine, and nowadays I''ve managed to find time to play with my breath, Gran.


    I''ve managed to juggle my schedule and find time to play with my breath, Gran.


    But don''t interrupt me when I''m with my son.


    Don''t interrupt me when I''m with my son. "That''s right, I should be able to play with him too.


    And then the woman pulls my child out of my hand with a whimper.


    "Ahh!��My sunshine!


    Don''t worry, he gets along well with me. Do you see?


    In fact, Grandpa was healthy in Zeviantes'' arms.


    I''m not sure if I can expect the future of this child, because he is not at all shy at all, and he is a big shot, but I''m not sure if I should be worried.


    I''m not sure if I should be worried about the future.��Every time I hold her in my arms, she squeezes her tits. Mischievous boy.


    And what is the habit of rubbing your breasts whenever a woman of strange age holds you in her arms?


    Sometimes I really worry about this kid''s future.


    ''Uh ... and?��What is it that you want to hear?


    I decided that I would waste less time overall if I did my business early and got rid of them rather than resisting badly.


    So run your errands.


    ''Hmm, well, I haven''t seen Droyer and Bezelia in a while today.


    Ah.


    That was a few days ago.


    ''''There''s an emergency meeting of the Four Heavenly Kings to attend! My best friend Lizette came to me crying and asking me to help her.


    Unlike me, she''s still a member of the Demon King''s Army, so she has to work hard for the survival of the Demon King''s Army.


    Zeviantes is a member of the current Four Heavenly Kings, but he''s abandoned his job and has been stuck in our home, so he came to beg me to come to his office to get down on my knees.


    But Zeviantes, who only cares about himself, refuses to go down on his knees.


    I got down on my knees with him, but he still didn''t respond, so as a last resort I asked Marika to beat him to a pulp with a tray and finally sent him home.


    And today he came home.


    ''Hmm, well, how are those two doing?''


    I''m not particularly interested in it, but I''ll return it as much as I socialize.


    My former boss who fired me, the former boss who fired me, is hard to react to, whether it''s a good story or a bad one.


    ''I guess Droyer was going mental.


    ''''What happened!''''


    In terms of timing, I guessed that since Bashbarza had died, they would be discussing a change in policy as well.


    According to Zebiantes'' souvenir, as expected, they confirmed the unity of the new unity and agreed to make the security of Lasperda Fortress more thorough.


    ''''Well, it''s a modest but correct strategy, isn''t it?


    Lasperda Fortress is the key point that the brave men must secure in order to invade the demon territory.


    As long as they defend it, the Demon King''s army can''t lose.


    But as long as they defend it, they can''t lose to the Demon King''s army.


    If there was a master dark warrior in this area, he would be able to secure the key points, and mix in all sorts of hard and soft moves to sway the humans, but the Demon King''s Army of the day wouldn''t have that kind of wisdom.


    It''s more efficient to do what you can do rather than trying to rack up wisdom that you don''t have.


    ''''........Master Droyer is doing well.''''


    Hold on to the one piece of advice I left you with, and hold fast to your fortress.


    It''s more practical and appropriate to spot the most important part and focus all your energy on that alone than a thousand measures going on at the same time.


    ''''So, I''m going to have to step into the defense of the fortress from time to time, too.


    Yeah, come on in.


    I mean, get in there every day, not just sometimes.


    Make it easy on your buddies for all the times you''ve been slacking off.


    "What?��I don''t like it. There''s no way a brave man is going to attack us, so why should we waste our time guarding him?


    Yeah, well, yeah, but...


    Our hero is pretending to be over there, right?


    Then what?��After all, what do you want to ask me?��A good excuse to slack off?


    ''''There''s no need for that. This Four Heavenly Kings ''Huafu'' Zebiantes. When it''s time to slack off, you''ll dutifully slack off for no reason at all!


    By the way, my breath Gran-kun was being held by Zeviantes and rubbing her tits all this time.


    ''''.............Then what?''''


    What do you want to hear?


    He wants you to teach him how to defend Lasperda Fortress well!


    .....


    Hm?


    "You were an assistant in that fortress for generations!��He must know how to run an efficient defenders'' army, or some unexpected backdoor trick!


    .........


    Yes, yes.


    Of course I do, but...?


    "Have you eaten something bad?


    That''s extremely rude!


    Yeah, I know, right?


    How dare you think that Zebianates would learn how to be efficient, not how to be idle in your work, but how to be efficient in your work?


    Have you been hit over the head with a marika tray?


    Are you okay?��''See a healer!


    ''You can''t blame them for questioning your sanity. You must listen to what she has to say.


    Explain it to me.


    Otherwise I''d have to question your sanity.


    "I''ve been noticing lately that both Droyer and Bezzeria...


    Yeah?


    It''s like he thinks I''m an idiot.


    You finally realized.


    "I''m not so happy in my own head that I don''t feel humiliated by this. So I would like to turn this situation into an opportunity to show my intelligence.


    Ah, so.


    I''m going to show you my personally-taught tactics, my knowledge of the ins and outs of the fortress, and my defense of the waterways.


    I''m going to have Droyer-sama and Bezzeria-sama review it.


    ''Isn''t that a cheat!


    I''m borrowing my wits, so you''re not even capable of doing it yourself!


    No, if you act like someone else''s power is your own, you''ll end up like Bashbursa...!


    ''''Ugh, those are words that hit me in the gut like a body blow...!��But it''s okay!��I''m safe, because I''m asking for your help to flirt with the two of you!


    I don''t know what constitutes a safe out.


    Well, from what I''ve heard, Droyer-sama is also burdened with the burden of guarding the fortress, and I wish I could give him a solution through this idiot to make him feel more comfortable.......


    But.........


    From another perspective, I have concerns.


    I''ve already settled in the Lux village and I''m on the human side. I''m not sure if there''s anything wrong with siding with the demon tribe or not.


    I''d like to be able to see the best of both worlds. That would be the righteousness to both sides.


    ''That''s what makes me feel safe!��We can take care of the human side properly!


    Huh?��What do you mean?


    You''re going to have to listen with her here.


    ''What?��What is it?


    Before I knew it, Radey, who had finished his bare hands, was also coming over here.


    .........


    That''s true, if you listen to the attacker as well as the defender, you''ll know the full extent of their moves, and it won''t be a plus or minus for either side....


    Then we don''t have to start with this...


    I''m afraid so.


    But in order to lighten Droyer-sama''s mental burden, I should give him an efficient way to protect himself through Zebiantes.


    So that''s why.


    So I hastily lined up Zeviantes and Reedy together and gave them an emergency lecture on the secrets of fortification and defense, "My Style".


    They both started crying halfway through the course, but I beat the shit out of them.

 91-90 Zeviantes, praised (Shitenno side)

    On that day, "Huafu" Zebiantes, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, entered Lasperda Fortress.


    It was in order to be assigned to the defense.


    ''''It''s too late!''''


    And when I arrived, I was pissed.


    ''You!��You said you''d do it seriously this time, and now this is what you look like!��The day you arrived!��That was a day ago!


    Zebiantes had already been hit with a huge delay for a whole day.


    But her bullheadedness would not be broken.


    "I followed the theory that heroes arrive late. It''s my way of making things better.


    Just do it.


    The expressions on the faces of Droyer and Bezelia, the Four Heavenly Kings'' colleagues, were completely ''looking at the poor kid''.


    ''''........So what''s with Kimi looking more tired than us for skipping out?''''


    You have dark circles under your eyes, are you okay?


    The reason why Zebiantes is exhausted when he arrives at work is because he stayed up all night after taking a lecture from Dariel until late morning.


    He wanted to skip work one more day and get a good night''s rest before he went to work, but Dariel told him, "You''ll forget everything you''ve learned if you go to bed," and he was beaten out of the office.


    And Dariel himself went straight back to work as the village chief.


    ''''Hmph...!��But the hard work has been worth it. From this moment on, your perception of me will change by 360 degrees!


    "....


    The two men gave up trying to be tsking anymore.


    And from that moment on, the results of the intense study of hell led by Dariel would be realized.


    ��


    Dawn here!


    ''''Oh!''''


    By turning the head of one of the many statues lined up in the fortress a set number of times, Zebiantes opened the entrance to the secret passage behind it.


    ''''There''s this hidden passage in the fortress?


    ''''It''s supposed to go out along the roadway on the demon territory side!��When the need arises, we can use this to get out of there!


    Of course, this is also a secret that Dariel taught me, but Zebiantes makes it look as if he has discovered it himself.


    ''And more!��I''ve prepared an efficient operational shift for the guards!��We can effectively protect the key areas and lessen the burden on the soldiers!


    "Oh? !


    This was also just another copy of the security model that Dariel had implemented when he was in service, but it was so efficient that it took Droyer and the others by surprise.


    ''''Great!��That way we can hold the same level of defense with fewer men than we have now!��That''s how many soldiers we can rest and keep them in tip-top shape!


    Cuckoo, he''s right!


    Zebiantes was ecstatic at the positive reaction.


    ''''Wait a minute, isn''t this defense system in trouble?


    What does this mean?


    The cynical Bezeria''s rigorous examination of the situation strikes.


    Three people''s opinions fly around the line of fire shown on the fortification plan.


    ''''Look, there''s a security hole here on the right wing. It''s also a blind spot for the surrounding soldiers, and if they sneak in from here, they won''t be able to notice you at all.


    Yeah?��Then put another soldier in here!


    Zebiantes stops Droyer from trying to correct him.


    ''Tch, tch, tch, tch, tch, that is the shallowness of an amateur.


    What did you say?


    There''s a method of luring the enemy in by creating an opening. The same is true for defending a base. Thus, if you open a hole in the security, the enemy will always try to enter through it.


    So we can easily predict the enemy''s route of entry!


    Perfect security is such a drain on energy. It also means that we can focus our attention on a specific area, which makes this formation more efficient.


    Again, this was only a gift from Dariel, but Zebiantes didn''t even bother to mention it; she acted as if it was her own brainchild.


    This is the only part of her life where cunning can turn.


    Wonderful, Zeviantes!��I didn''t know you had this kind of wisdom in you!


    "A beautiful woman hides her claws.


    ''You don''t think ... your arrival at the fortress was delayed so that you could work out these tactics?��You even had dark circles in your eyes, that''s what I mean by that until late this morning...?


    ''''It must have been really painful...!


    This area was as close to the facts as possible, so the realization of Zebiantes'' hora came along with it.


    ''''I''m sorry Zeviantes...!


    The innocent Droyer was completely fooled and even shed tears of joy.


    "I always thought you were an elusive guy who acted on moods alone. I only thought you were like a cursed item that only thought about playing, had no sense of duty or responsibility, and only had the effect of doubling the workload of those you worked with...!


    ''''And it can''t be helped...?


    Although he had a faint hunch, Zeviantes'' cheeks twitched at the terrible assessment that still far exceeded his expectations.


    ''''However, my eyes were knot holes........!��You are still a proud member of the Four Heavenly Kings. I didn''t know you worked so hard and tried to make up for your shortcomings!��With you here, we''ll be safe on the tactical side for the time being!


    "Hahahahahahahaha!��Leave everything to me!��From now on, you can call me the beautiful military leader of the wind!


    Zebiantes is completely on top of things and speaks appropriately.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to have a good time with your friends.


    It was Bezalia, the Four Heavenly Kings "Muddy Water"........


    ��


    It had been a few days since the Zebiantes-initiated (or so it was supposed to be) security shift was implemented.


    Guards were patrolling the compartment on the outer edge of the fortress.


    The soldiers patrolling the area were in pairs.


    Each of them were the lowest-ranking dark soldiers in the Demon King''s army.


    ''''........It''s peaceful.......''''


    ''Well...''


    Of the pair, one was a young recruit and the other was a tired, middle-aged old soldier.


    It had been several months since the brave men''s raids ceased abruptly. The tension was running out among the soldiers at the end of the line, and a strange familiarity was beginning to develop.


    In addition, the new shift in security brought by the Zebiantes had increased the number of soldiers who could rest, and an idyllic mood was spreading in the fortress.


    ''''No, but the shift change has helped. Thanks to it, we have more time off.


    The younger of the pair, a soldier, said.


    ''It''s good to have more time off in any form. And even though there are fewer soldiers on guard, our defence system isn''t weakened, is it?��It''s great. Master Zeviantes must have thought of it, the new shift.


    ...it seems.


    The older soldier responds.


    The rumor is that Zeviantes-sama is just an idiot, but I guess rumors can''t be relied upon. He is a powerful mage and has a keen sense of strategy. And a beautiful woman is too perfect!


    ..........


    ''''Doroye-sama is also a beautiful woman, and if this new Four Heavenly Kings of Fire are appointed, the fortress will be rock solid!��A brave man might run away without even having to fight!


    The young recruits bypassed the optimistic speculation, but in contrast, the old guard''s expression was hard.


    The expression on his face was one of doubt.


    ''''Newcomer. How long have you been stationed here?''''


    Yes?��It''s been three months, I guess. I think I''m mostly used to working here, but...?


    So you don''t know. I''m not proud of it, but I''ve been a dark soldier for 15 years now. I''ve been transferred to a different department during the course of my career, but I''ve been working in the Lasperda Fortress for a total of six years.


    Even for the lowest level, a veteran who had served a single duty for a decade was accompanied by a greatness that was different from the elite.


    I''ve been in this fortress since before the current Four Heavenly Kings took office. So I understand.


    What?


    This arrangement has been laid out before.


    The veteran soldier said that the security formation proposed by Zebiantes (supposedly) was exactly the same one that he had experienced before.


    ''''Huh.......is that so?''''


    You don''t appreciate the gravity of the situation, do you?


    Because it''s possible for them to be the same.��I''m told that the current lineup is the most efficient, and if we''re that close to the correct answer, we''ll have a natural resemblance.


    No matter how efficient it is, the lineup for a living being''s battlefield naturally reflects the character of the person who came up with it. That''s why there''s no such thing as the same person with a different idea.


    Is that so...?


    And yet the lineup you say Master Zeviantes has come up with is too similar in every detail to the one he invented.


    Who does he look like?


    When asked, the veteran soldier''s stern expression grew harder and harder.


    ''''It''s a fated opponent. In a way, I''m a match for the current Four Heavenly Kings.


    Karma?


    ''''When I heard that you fired him, I was honestly convinced that the Four Heavenly Kings of our era were no good. Now that it''s happening, why is his shadow flickering?


    The air is understandable because he is an old-timer who has been trudging along at the bottom for fifteen years.


    It''s because that guy''s fame is well known to those in the know. The strongest ''karma fire'' of all time, Granbaza-sama''s bosom sword. He is a miracle man who has attained the key position of Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings, even though he is a dark soldier at the bottom of the hierarchy. He is a man of perfection and dignity who can faithfully perform any duty behind the scenes...


    That''s what it was called, and there was a person in the Demon King''s Army once.


    ''''Interesting story, huh?''''


    ''''Hee!''''


    The recruits, especially the younger ones, jumped up in surprise when they were suddenly called out.


    Because the newly appearing figure was such an important person that the terminal soldiers trembled.


    ''''Bebe Bebe, Master Bezelia!''''


    Bezelia, one of the current Four Heavenly Kings, ''Muddy Water''.


    He is one of the top of the Demon King''s army.


    ''''Why are you here?��No, I mean this!��It''s not like I was slacking off!


    ''Forget it, I''m not here to blame you for that kind of thing. I didn''t come here to accuse you of that. Find out who the longest-serving member of the Guard is. Isn''t that just like you?


    Bezelia''s gaze turns to the old soldier with a stern face.


    It was a sticky, entangling gaze that was worthy of the title of ''muddy water''.


    ''''Will you let me hear it too?��You mean the discomfort you felt?

 92-91 Dariel enjoys peace

    My name is Dariel.


    I am a man of many things.


    After a lot of troubles, I am currently the head of a remote village in the village of Lax.


    In other words, I am the village chief.


    The Bashbursa Rebellion, which had been causing a stir in my neighborhood until recently, is finally over, and peace has just returned to the village.


    There is still work to be done on the reconstruction of the Mithril Mine, which was destroyed by that idiot Bashbirza.


    However, I can say that things have generally returned to normalcy.


    I''ll concentrate on my job as village chief and spend my days on a steady basis.


    Morning.


    It''s a refreshing way to start the day, and I''m off to work.


    "Take care of yourself.


    It''s Malika who answers the door to see me off.


    She''s the woman who led me to this Lax village, and now she''s my beloved wife.


    ''Please come home early today. Dinner is your favorite stew.


    All right. I''ll be home as soon as I can.


    We exchange a ''I''m going to go'' kiss on the way out.


    Lips to lips.


    ''......


    ................


    They kept their stance in silence for a few dozen seconds.


    It''s a good thing that they''ve been kissing each other for so long that my breath, Grandma, who is holding my chest, slaps my mother''s body in turn as if to say, ''Well, that''s all right.


    It''s true that we can''t stay like this forever, so we parted our lips and.......


    ''''Well, I''m going to go...''''


    Have a good day.


    This is how I went out.


    Whenever I experienced this kind of commute, I remembered the days of my former employer, the Demon King''s Army.


    When I was serving in the Demon King''s Army, I was in a very unbalanced state, with a "Position: Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings" and a "Rank: Dark Soldier", and my room was the crudest room in the barracks according to my rank.


    In an octopus room without even privacy, he would sleep and wake up with the other lowest-ranking soldiers, eat breakfast alone, and go to work alone.


    Compared to those days, what a full life I have now.


    It was such a warm thing to have someone to see me off!


    I went to work, feeling the beauty of having a family.


    The village head doesn''t normally come to work every day because of his job.


    His main job is to listen to the complaints of the villagers and put them together.


    Where does a village chief like that sometimes go in the morning?


    He would go to the reclaimed farmland on the outskirts of the village.


    The plan for today was to check the progress of the reclamation work.


    The plan for today was to see how the reclamation work was going. Oh, Mr. Mayor, thank you for coming...!


    Good luck with your work.


    I had a conversation with an old man wielding a hoe in the clearing.


    ''How''s your progress?''


    The soil has grown up a lot, you know. With this kind of soil, we''ll be able to start sowing next spring.


    We''ve been expanding the farmland in our LUX village since I became mayor.


    We want to increase our village''s production.


    To increase the amount of food we produce. The more food we can produce, the more food we can provide for the inhabitants.


    The village of Laks is currently undergoing great development and expansion.


    The Mithril Mine is located just beyond our village.


    Until recently, this important facility had been under the control of the demon tribe, but for some reason, the humans have taken over the mine.


    Our village has become an important route for distributing the mithril produced in the area, and what used to be a desolate area has rapidly become a bustling place.


    In order to distribute and process mithril, and to support the population, which had increased dramatically over the past year, food security was an urgent issue.


    In fact, the reason why the village has been so busy since I became the new mayor is because of the rapid development of the village due to the revival of the mithril mine.


    The previous village chief''s father-in-law, Malika''s father, was also....


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most out of it. But when Dariel took over, it was good timing.


    .........


    It''s inevitable that the development of Lax Village has made the job of village chief a difficult one, and I''ve decided to work as hard as I can for the village that has become my second home.


    .........


    Well.


    The retaking of the Mithril mine, which was the cause of my hard work, was partly triggered by me.


    It''s like I''m making myself the reason why I''m so busy.....


    An old friend of mine who came to visit the other day, Rizzet, asked me, ''Dariel, do you have to be busy all the time?'' I was once pointed out to me that.


    ........was I born with a destiny to be busy everywhere I go after all?


    Oh well, that''s okay.


    In that case, why don''t we get busy with making Lax Village more prosperous?


    I want to repay the Lax Village for giving me a new place to live.


    To make it a more prosperous and livable village.


    Village chief, village chief...!


    As I was feeling self-conscious about my enthusiasm, I was approached by a villager who was working on the land.


    He said, "You''ve come all this way to inspect the site, so please take some vegetables with you, if you like.


    The fields we reclaimed earlier have already started to yield some crops. I''m going to give some of it to the chief to eat...!


    With that said, a lot of leeks, potatoes, turnips, and spinach were stuffed into the woven basket presented to us.


    So much variety, so much quantity!


    No, no, I''m sorry. I''m sorry for taking all this...?


    I was puzzled and wanted to decline, but....


    Take it. There''s no way I can ever repay you, Mr. Mayor...


    ''''It''s because of the mayor that the village, which I thought would disappear in the near future, has become so bustling with activity...!


    My son, who went to work for a living, has recently returned. He''s earned enough money in the village now.


    It was all thanks to the chief.


    He was swarmed by a group of old men and women who were engaged in cultivation work.


    ''....Okay, I understand. Then we''ll just take the vegetables without reservation.


    If everyone in the village is happy, I''m happy too.


    I''ll take this gift as a token of everyone''s shared joy.


    ''''Oh, village chief........''''


    I lifted the basket with vegetables so that the old man could add more.


    ''Please take these too, sir.''


    He handed it to me saying....


    ''Garlic?''


    You''re going to run out of steam. The young chief will need it.


    No, I''m already past thirty, so it''s about time my strength started to fade.......


    Thank you. I''ll take one as well.


    When I received the garlic, I received yet another........


    ''''Village chief!��You can''t take this with you!


    And then they handed it to me as if I was being pushed around.


    I wondered what was handed to me, but it was a fish basket woven of wisteria vine.


    What''s that rustling inside?


    Does that mean...?


    I looked inside and found a fish in it.


    It''s a fish basket, so it''s only natural that there are fish in it, but this guy was running amok inside.......


    And the fish inside is.........?


    ''Eels?''


    Unagi is the most accurate fish. Eat it for dinner or something!


    Oh, thank you...!


    I''ve already received it, and I can''t not receive more, so I''ll take it.


    ........but.


    Isn''t there some kind of law in the gift?


    Garlic. Eels.


    Both of which are touted in the buildup of power or...!


    Chief, please accept this one too!


    It''s a yam!��I dug it up from the mountain!


    I got some Spoons!��We''ve got life blood!


    I made some spirits!��Chief, by all means, drink this before going to bed!


    "I roasted a newt for you, Chief!


    What do you say...!


    Are you guys trying to double my energy?


    I can only assume that''s what you tend to do when you look at your gift repertoire.


    Why on earth?


    Why are you confused, Chief? You''ve only just had your first baby.


    We''re still kind of newlyweds, so it''s a bit early to take a breather, don''t you think?


    In order to increase the population of the village, we need the Mayor and his wife to take the lead on this...


    Saying that, the villagers gave some lowly smile.


    .........These guys are urging me and Marika to produce a second person as soon as possible!


    Implicitly!


    In order to live up to the expectations of the villagers, I think I''ll start working on it tonight.


    Peace.

 93-92 Blacksmith had strange people coming and going

    The heart of the developed village of Lax.


    The forge.


    The facility was set up to process mined mithril in its fresh and pizzazzy state.


    It was opened at the request of the Center Guild as a result of the retaking of the Mithril Mine.


    Today, the facility is packed with blacksmiths from outside, who hammer and forge mithril into a variety of products.


    It can be said that this is the heart of Lax Village after the reconstruction began.


    That''s why I, as the village chief, have to inspect it frequently to make sure there''s nothing unusual.


    That''s why I went to the blacksmithing shop today as well.


    ��


    How are you doing?


    The smithy is much hotter than the outside because of the fire in the kiln.


    Professional blacksmiths are hammering away in the fiery space.


    The village chief!��Thanks for the visit!


    The one who takes the lead in greeting me is Sakai-kun.


    Although he is one of the blacksmiths working at the Lux village forge, he is an up-and-coming kid in his representative position.


    Although he is still in his early 20s, his skills are good and he has the leadership skills to lead his colleagues.


    The most important thing is that he was a direct apprentice of the late Grandpa Smith, which is a high point for me personally.


    The blacksmith''s workshop is a relatively safe section for me.


    Today, I''m going to get a look at the blacksmith''s shop by hearing from that Sakai-kun.


    And how do you think?��What''s the problem?��If there''s something missing, I''ll get it right away, but...?


    ''No way!��The village chief has always been so good to me, so blissful!��If you want any more luxury, you''ll be punished!


    For a craftsman, Sakai-kun is very sociable, and he''s willing to talk with me as well.


    I''m really grateful for that.


    It is not an exaggeration to say that the reason why we were able to set up a blacksmithing facility that was not originally in the village and get it off the ground so well is because of him.


    The mithril-made armor made here is steadily increasing its share in the human race''s sphere of influence. It''s thanks to the hard work of the craftsmen here.


    We can''t deliver mithril until the mithril mine is restored. We may be short-handed until the Mithril mine is restored, but I hope you''ll do well.


    ''It''s all right. I''m going to take a closer look at the whole process, because the slowdown in supply means we''ll have more time. By the time the pace of supply returns, the quality may be better.


    It''s very reliable.


    This is why the blacksmith''s shop has nothing to worry about as long as Sakai-kun is around.


    I''m not sure if he noticed the look of expectation I was giving him, but Sakai-kun straightened up, as if he were mocking himself.


    I''m still in my infancy. I don''t have the passion and skills to create a masterpiece like Master''s...!


    Such humility...!


    ''No!��That''s why we have to use this time, when the mithril supply is stagnant and often transparent, to hone our skills!��Neither Zebi-sama''s mithril wings nor the heroic-sama''s own self-repairing sword were ready for the decisive battle the other day!


    Oh, that''s right, there was something like that.


    A new weapon that Sakai had invented, putting his own ideas into it.


    However, they were still in the process of being perfected and they were in the midst of research and experimentation, aiming for sensitivity.


    I''ve heard about the fierce battle with this monster, and I''ve heard about it myself. It''s precisely in such difficult battles that the best beauty attire is needed...!��I was so clumsy and clumsy that I couldn''t make it in time...!��No matter how excellent a weapon is, if it''s not on the battlefield, it''s no better than a catfish!


    Sakai-kun, don''t be so hard on yourself...!


    A metal wing made of mithril for Zebiantes.


    A special sword for the brave Radey.


    Although Sakai-kun is in charge of creating those very prosperous armaments, he is naturally under a great deal of pressure.


    But don''t get too worked up about it.


    Especially since Zebiantes, the person to whom you are submitting the other side of the assignment, is essentially your enemy.


    ''''I have to hone my skills even more. If I don''t get a little closer to my living master...!''''


    What...!


    But the limits of my talents will soon come to me. There''s a wall that I can''t break through alone...!


    Don''t be so serious...?


    That''s where I got her help.


    ?


    ''''I''m Masari, the alchemist!


    A woman of strange age, who comes out after being invited to be introduced by Sakai-kun.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    It''s a stoic look that says, "I don''t want to get dressed up, I want to satisfy my own interests.


    But what''s more shocking than the appearance of such a woman is....


    "Who?!


    I didn''t know anything about her.


    I''m the village chief.


    I''m the one who needs to know what''s going on in this village better than anyone else.


    And what I don''t know is who is in the village.


    What''s going on?


    ''I would like to introduce you to the chief!��She''s Masari, an alchemist by profession!


    Nice to meet you...


    Mr. Masari, who was introduced to me, bowed awkwardly.


    He seemed somehow unused to socializing with people.


    No, more importantly.....


    Who are you?


    ''''Oh no, that''s why I introduced you to Masari-san, the alchemist........!


    So that''s not what I''m talking about.


    I''m just saying that the number of people I don''t know is increasing without me knowing it, and that''s what I''m saying. I''m just saying that the number of people I don''t know is increasing without me knowing.


    It''s a very important facility in the village.


    ''''Furthermore, wait a minute...?��Did you say that woman there was an alchemist?


    So you''re an alchemist...?


    Isn''t it the demon race!


    An alchemist is one of a class of wizards.


    They mainly specialize in elemental transformation techniques of earth element magic, turning useless clods of earth into useful metals.


    But that''s not what we should focus on now. An alchemist is a type of wizard, in other words, they can use magic. Only the demon race can use magic.


    "Demons are here!


    Here!


    Just within the power of the human race!


    It''s funny that there are demons who are the enemy!��It''s super crazy!


    You were referred to us by Zevi-san.


    "So it was him after all!


    One of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, Zebiantes of "Huafu"!


    The enemy of all enemies, that is, the enemy of all enemies, is itself an extraordinary thing to be in this village, but now that it has become an ordinary day, an even more extraordinary situation is breaking out?


    ''''No........I''ve always felt the limits of what I could do on my own. My work would not be complete without a special alloy that can be created through alchemy. But I can''t create an alloy.


    That''s the domain of magic, you know.


    "Even Master Smith couldn''t complete his masterpiece Hermes Sword without a wizard''s help. I had to use magic to make Hermes silver, the key ingredient for the Hermes Sword.


    I''ve seen it happen.


    ''So!��I need the help of an alchemist who can make an alloy that I can use to make what I want!��For that reason, I would love to have Masari-san, who was introduced to me by Zebi-sama, to stay!


    I get it.


    I understand what you want to do.


    But that doesn''t mean you can''t have demons here without notifying the village chief.


    It''ll cause a lot of trouble.


    I want to turn a blind eye to the fact that Zebiantes is already here, and more problems than I can handle!


    What should we do...?


    As the village chief, I think it''s best for me to ask you to leave before things get out of hand.......


    While I was basking in this Sakai-kun''s passionate, shiny eyes all around me....


    ''''........I understand.


    I was defeated by the roots.


    Thus, the demon tribe was able to come and go freely in the forge of our Lax Village with a big smile on their face.


    ''''........Let''s just listen to what they have to say for now.


    I decided to hear a lot from this intrusive alchemist.

 94-93 Alchemist expresses his belief

    An alchemist suddenly appeared in the village of Lax.


    Did you say Masari?


    I decided to hear more about it from that demon tribe.


    They are demons, to say the least.


    They are the old enemy of our human race, and as such, we can''t just let them go free.


    It''s not a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on a new one.


    ........And that alchemist Masari-san.


    A plain, unpretentious woman who calls herself a sober woman begins to speak in fits and starts to speak.


    ''''........I was originally an alchemist in charge of Zeviantes-sama.


    I know.


    I heard that you were introduced here by the Four Heavenly Kings Zebiantes.


    That stupid woman.


    She could be guilty of breach of trust just by being on good terms with the human race, which is essentially the enemy, but she''s trying to hide it?


    ''''She''s a full-body vain woman as you can see, so all she cares about is adorning herself with top-notch magic tools.


    You think you''re paid to do that?


    Yes, it''s stressful to have to deal with a**h*les, but the pay was good.


    That''s a harsh thing to say.


    Even if it''s to your employer.


    It''s not that he''s that much of a Zebiantes guy, it''s just that he''s only interested in what interests him.


    His manners are very formal.


    ''''My job was to take that person''s conception, or rather idea, and gather the best of my magic technology to create a beautiful and practical magic tool. ........but that has recently stalled.


    "Law.


    ''You''ve run out of supply of mithril, haven''t you? No matter how much of a genius I am, I can''t make anything without the raw materials.


    Bashbursa did it, and ownership of the Mithril mine was transferred to the human race.


    I didn''t know the effects of that had come to this place.


    And her. She casually has high self-esteem. You said yourself that you''re a genius...?


    ''I was originally under Zeviantes-sama because of my ability to handle high-grade metals like mithril, but once I tried to tell her that there was no point in being there if it was gone, I tried to tell her I was bored, right? And then he introduced me to this place...


    ''There''s a site where you can handle as much mithril as you want! Or so he said.


    Doesn''t he have a concept of confidentiality?


    No?


    ''''I didn''t expect to be brought into the human tribe''s sphere of influence, but I''m ready to betray my own tribe if I can process mithril as I please here!


    Don''t do it.


    Don''t betray us so easily.


    It''s too much for us to handle.


    We can''t afford not to have her help.


    And Sakai-kun, the original representative of the forge, joins in with a snort.


    ''Alchemy-based alloy making has already become an essential part of our blacksmithing work!��To make a high-performance armor that approaches the Hermes Sword, you have to start with the alloy that is used to make it!��Absolutely!


    So you think I have to have a girlfriend?


    The blacksmithing skills of the human race and the alchemy of the demon race.


    You think we need to collaborate on these dreams?


    ''Using my alchemy to make human weapons.... I was surprised when I first heard about it, but it''s pretty maddening and interesting.


    Masari the alchemist says.


    ''I deserve my job as a forbidden genius who defies such common sense!��Okay!��Let''s let Masari, this genius alchemist, help you with your work!


    ''Yes!''


    Did he call himself a genius again?


    But you need to remember that!��For helping you with your work, I''ll be here to make whatever you want!��Using mithril, which is no longer a rare commodity among the demon race, as much as I want to use it as my inspiration takes me, magical tools!


    ''Of course!��At that time, I will generously offer my blacksmithing skills as well!


    ''Huh, I don''t think I''ll need assistance with my genius work, but I''ll just have to hope for the best.


    We''re going to be...


    ".........like-minded, fellow!


    Shucks....


    And then they ended up giving each other a passionate hug.


    Do they have sympathy for each other as creators?


    "What should we do...?


    I pondered it with a dizzying thought, but for Sakai-kun, the creation of an alloy using alchemy was the default route.


    I''m sure it''s an inheritance from the late Master Smith.


    Until now, he had asked mages who happened to be there, such as Lizet and Zeviantes, to create his products for him, but since this was not their main job, they couldn''t take on the task at hand, and the quality of the products couldn''t be as good as they could be.


    It must be very gratifying for Sakai to have an alchemist working full-time at the blacksmith''s shop.


    If he can create high quality armor with this, it will raise the name of Lux Village.......


    Well..........


    I wonder if I should acknowledge this as the village head?


    All right, all right. So, Mr. Masari?��You''ll be allowed to stay in the "I''ll allow you to stay in the "I''ll allow you to stay in the "I''ll allow you to stay in the "I''ll allow you to stay in the "I''ll allow you to stay in the "I''ll allow you to stay in the "I''ll allow you to stay in the "I''ll allow you to stay in the "I''ll allow you to stay in the "I''ll allow you to stay in the "I''ll allow you to stay in the "I''ll allow you to make lots of good weapons.


    "Thank you.


    Sakai-kun and Masari-san told me at the same time.


    They are still hugging each other.


    ........How long are these guys going to be hugging each other?


    The tension of skin-to-skin contact feels more titillating than peer-to-peer.


    Even if it''s hypothetical, it''s a guy and a girl.


    As a married man myself, my gut feeling is that these two are going to be a decent couple in the future, and I have a definite hunch.


    ��


    We went around like that and ended our tour of the village at sunset.


    ''It''s another peaceful day in the village of Lax.


    I got that confirmation and went home, satisfied.


    At home, he was greeted by his beloved wife Marika and his son Gran.


    ''Welcome home, Anata.''


    The kisses are just as passionate as when we go out.


    Lips on lips until there''s a reflex stop from baby Gran again.


    ''Shall we have dinner?��Do you want to take a bath?��Or a-tah-shi?


    I''ll do the usual exchange and bathe him first.


    I''m talking about soaking Gran in a tub of lukewarm water and washing her. For my own bath, I have to go to the public sauna in the village.


    After that, it''s time for dinner.


    Not only me, Marika and Gran, but also Marika''s parents, who live with us, have joined us for a lively reunion.


    Today''s menu was stew, as we had been warned earlier in the morning.


    Maleeka''s characteristic stew is her favorite.


    ''And then there''s the steamed garlic.


    Marika added a dish.


    ''We have a lot of vegetables that Dariel-san got from the farmers. There''s also eel baked in a kababachi, grated yam, spuds live blood and blackened newt...''


    For some reason, these energetic dishes were crowded in front of me, and even my father-in-law and mother-in-law (Marika''s parents), who were sharing the table with me, were surprised. Even my stepfather and mother-in-law (Marika''s parents), who were sharing the table with me, were appalled.


    Dariel-san works a lot, he should eat this much!


    Everyone thought it had some other purpose, but no one said anything.


    And I throw all those energetic items into my mouth.


    I''m trying to live up to Malika''s expectations.


    "Dariel-kun, you''re putting up a good fight...


    Your father-in-law said to me with a mixture of admiration and awe.


    ''Come on, you can''t lose...''


    "Why do I have to drink Spong''s blood too?


    My father-in-law was perplexed at his mother-in-law''s suggestion.


    .... Don''t tell me you''re planning to produce a younger uncle or aunt for our grandmother?


    After the dinner, which was peaceful but somehow filled with sadness, we went to bed.


    I went to bed, but of course the effects of the many powerful foods made me wonder if I could sleep! I tried to do my best, but Gran started crying at night, and in the end, our time as a couple was uprooted by the child.


    This is what it means to be a parent........?


    ��


    This is how the time in Lax Village flows peacefully.


    But, d*mned to say, there are always problems that can upset the peace.


    The new trouble that befell us is...


    The new trouble that will befall us is the ''riot of the heroes increased to four.

 95-94 Alanzil, the previous hero, rubs against the center guild (Hero side)

    Aranzir was once a brave man who was touted as the strongest of all time, but now he was retired and had a carefree status.


    His achievements were more than enough, so he was a heavyweight with a reasonable amount of influence and voice, even if he became useless.


    Therefore, he has a good face in the Center Guild, which controls all adventurers.


    Today, he was even allowed to barge into the Center Guild''s regular board meeting.


    ''''I''ve been checking up on Radie.


    Aranzir said as he sat down in a chair at random.


    When he returned from Lax Village, he was more radiant than before.


    ''He said he wanted to train and retrain himself for a while now. I think that would be a good idea too.''''


    The Center Guild Directors in attendance had mixed reactions to the report from Alanziel.


    Some were upset, some were convinced, and some seemed to be very dull, as if they didn''t feel anything in particular.


    ''''Then the invasion of the demon territory by the brave men is shelved for now...?


    ''''That''s a pity. Even though the current generation had a good momentum after defeating the Four Heavenly Kings in succession right after taking office...?


    The Center Guild Board of Directors was lined up with the faces of old men who were suitably old for their heavy responsibilities.


    The center of the guild that managed the adventurers. The governing body of all guilds is the Center Guild.


    Selecting and sending out the brave adventurers is also the domain of the Center Guild, and it was no exaggeration to say that it was the ruling class of the human race.


    It''s a good thing that our generation has stopped at the Lasperda Fortress. ''''After all, that place is the devil''s gate.''''


    We have no choice. If we don''t seize that fortress, it will be impossible to support the brave men advancing within the enemy''s sphere of influence. Knowing this, the enemy will defend it to the death...!


    ''''That most important stronghold was dropped nine times during his time in service, Lord Arantzill-dono is a rare and brave man. The more I think back on it, the more I realize that he is the strongest of all time...


    Every time Alantzir-sama moves into the enemy''s sphere of influence, he will be forced to seize the fortress and retake it.


    There was little tension in the tone of the directors discussing.


    The centuries-long battle between the brave men and the Demon King''s army is now at the extreme end of its chronicity.


    No one here believed that the heroes would one day defeat the demon king.


    But even so, the act of selecting brave men to fight against the demon race itself has come to involve interests, so they continue to send out brave men as usual.


    That is the significance of the existence of the brave men and women in this world and this era.


    Arantzill himself, who used to be a brave man, was well aware of the inner workings of this.


    He had a grudge against the demons and wanted to take revenge on the system, but his hatred disappeared after he met his son Dariel, who had been separated from him for life, in the village of Lax, and he became more flexible in his response.


    If the junior member of the team aims to defeat the Demon King without being influenced by the intentions of the powers that be, I want to support him from behind the scenes.


    ''''I''m not even worthy of praise,''''


    Arantzill speaks out to the board members who are discussing the futility of the situation.


    ''Because I failed to fulfill the original mission of a brave man, the defeat of the Demon King. I am a failed hero.''''


    Is that really necessary for your humility?


    But I''m sure my generation would do the same for her.


    Arantzill told them in an assertive manner.


    All the board members gasped at that too drastic assertion.


    ''''........Are you expecting that much from the new brave Radie?


    How. Hence, it''s best to let her do what she wants to do now. Radie is not stalling idly. Defeating the Demon King. With that end goal in mind, she''s developing enough strength to do so.


    The strongest brave man of all time, under the son who inherited his bloodline in a strong way.


    ''''I couldn''t reach the Demon King after all, even if I spent thirty years to reach him. Compared to that, there should be no harm in giving Radie a year or two of grace.''''


    The Center Guild Board of Directors would agree to this proposal.


    From the beginning, none of these people really thought that the brave men could defeat the Demon King.


    Right now, they only hope that the brave men will inspire and represent the human race and create various interests.


    ''''If Arantzill-dono says so much...?


    ''''There''s no better way for a brave man to become strong, you know...!


    "The defeat of the Demon King is the desire of the heroes, the Center Guild, and the entire human race...


    You''ll have to accept that if there''s a void to fill.


    The tone of the debate was set, and Aranzir got a response.


    Now Radie would be able to devote herself to training without being bothered by the noise.


    She had once been sent a messenger by the Center Guild to rush the defeat of the Demon King.


    Since the messenger''s violent behavior had nearly ruined her party, she didn''t want to let the uniformed group interfere with the scene of the crime any further.


    That''s why Aranzir returned to the Center Guild and bought the crafting, even away from his lovely grandson....


    ''''Looks like all the hard work was worth it...''''


    He muttered in a small voice that no one could hear.


    But..........


    ''''I''m not convinced.''''


    A sharp voice flew through Alanziel''s thoughts, cutting through his thoughts.


    ''''It''s too long overdue. Isn''t that repetition of procrastination the reason why the end goal has been delayed and the defeat of the Meaningful Demon King has been left unachieved until today?''''


    The voice didn''t sound familiar.


    A voice that sounded relatively young in the midst of the cunning Center Guild directors.


    ''''You are...?''''


    ''Doesn''t Lord Hero know me? That can''t be helped. I''m a newcomer to the board just recently, so...''''


    Arantzill boasted of enormous valor among the human race. Even the director who gave him a rude look was young and fearless as he introduced himself.


    However, he was in his late forties at that age. If you look at him as an adventurer who uses his own body to fight, he''s about the age of a rottle, but he''s young for a job where his connections and experience are his strength.


    However, this is what makes him so full of energy.


    I''m Roselwy. It would be an honor to have the renowned Arantzill-sama remember me by this name.


    Uhm...?


    Back to the point, there''s a lack of urgency in the Center Guild, don''t you think?


    He is the most junior member of the board and yet he speaks in a stingy manner to the authority of the board itself.


    Whether he was just being polite or had some backbone, Aranzir still couldn''t decide.


    ''''Our Center Guild has been sending out brave men and women for the past few hundred years. Even so, we still can''t defeat the Demon King. So it doesn''t matter if we can''t defeat the Demon King for years or decades in the future. Isn''t such a restful mindset making our goal even more distant?


    "Master Loselwy, do you think you''ve been talking too much?


    ''No, we should be more desperate. If we can''t defeat the Demon King, we will be destroyed. If we don''t have that much resolve, we won''t be able to achieve our great goal!


    He was a man with a lot of bluster.


    He had just been appointed to the board of directors and was full of passion?


    ''Then what do we do?''


    Arantzill had no choice but to turn on the water.


    ''Are you saying that you''re going to issue a stern order to Radie, who is in training, and have him go to Rasperda Fortress immediately?��Acting unprepared could be a recipe for failure. Is it your desperation to let your precious heroes die in vain?


    ''If Radey the Brave wants to be ready, then let him be ready all he wants.


    He says casually, "I don''t want to confuse the front line, either.


    "I don''t think we should confuse the front line by just talking from behind. But I''d like to suggest that we try to find another way to do it.


    Another way?


    The demon king is defeated by a brave man. I think everyone is too caught up in this stereotype. I''d like to make some changes to that concept.


    ?


    "Enter.


    Roselwy gives a single self-serving signal, and the door to the conference room opens in response.


    A man and woman enter the room solemnly.


    There were three of them.


    ''It''s Pigalo.''


    My name is Altamir.


    Zester, here we come.


    The entrants, who called themselves names, were instantly recognizable as adventurers from their strict deportment.


    Moreover, they were strong men who had fought in many battles.....


    ''''Are they...?''''


    The other board members also began to buzz when they took a glance at the intruders.


    Apparently, they looked familiar.


    ''''Aren''t they the adventurers who participated in the recent heroic selection ceremony!��In other words, the brave candidate...?


    I''ve always wondered. Why does a brave man have to be alone?


    Roselwy says with great skill.


    ''There is always one brave man for a generation. When the current brave dies or retires, we pick out another one to be brave. ''Isn''t that too long?''


    If you really want to defeat the Demon King....


    There is no such thing as a proposition that says the one and only must be unique. Then, yes...!


    You''re not gonna...!


    Aranzir, who was a brave man himself, was upset.


    ''''Yes, we can send out the second and third brave men at the same time!��If more than one of the brave men march in competition with each other, the efficiency will be far higher. In the meantime, I would like to appoint these three people who have shown a good performance in the selection of brave men as the new brave men.


    To individualize each one.


    Pigalo, the hero of The Sword.


    Altamir the Archer, the Heroic.


    Zester, the hammering hero.


    Zester, the hammering hero.


    Go forth!��It doesn''t matter which one of you, as long as you defeat the Demon King!��Only the one who slays the Demon King will eternally mark his achievements as a true hero!��You will compete for that honor!

 96-95 Brave Lady

    I''m a busy village chief, but I also have a lot of work to do.


    It is to train the brave Radey, who is staying in Lax village.


    I''m going to be swinging a sword, and I''m going to use the same one.


    "At last!


    He takes the momentum and guides her out of her stance at the same time, then fights back.


    But his opponent is no slouch either, and he jumps and dodges before he''s completely out of stance.


    ''Good, your reaction is faster than before.


    I praise them honestly.


    ''''No. You''re so good at dodging and escaping that you can''t even take a swing at Dariel-san...!


    My opponent..., said Radhi, sweat dripping from her sword.


    Now, I''m training with her.


    In earnest.


    You may think it''s dangerous, but even if you were to use a wooden sword, the aura it creates is enough to kill someone.


    If that''s the case, you''ll be more desperate if you use a real-world weapon from the start, with a maximum of tension. It was a decision that there would be that much to gain.


    "...when I look at you adventurers, I think...


    He says while pointing the cutting edge at Radey.


    What you have is an ordinary iron sword. Even though they claim to be in a real battle format, as expected, they don''t use a Hermes sword.


    It''s just that none of them can use their bodies very well.


    ''My body...?��Can''t use it...?


    I don''t think Radey knows what I mean, he just says what I say.


    "Your arms and legs and shoulders and belly and chest and back, the muscles that make up the human body, they''re only used by 20 to 30 percent of you. You are able to use at most 20 to 30 percent of the muscles that make up the human body, and the rest are not used at all. The rest of them don''t work at all.


    ''''Oh no...?''''


    I guess he wasn''t aware of it at all. Radie was taken aback by my point.


    It was an honest reaction.


    ''Are you saying you don''t know how to use half of it?��Your own body?��How absurd...?


    ''''It''s probably a bad effect of my aura ability. When you''re blessed with superpowers from the start, you can''t even use your own body.


    Basic training will also focus more on strengthening aura abilities than on training the body.


    I''ve been a soldier in the demon king''s army for the last half of my life, not the human race, and I''ve been running around the battlefield as an outcast who couldn''t open up his aura ability and couldn''t use magic.


    That is why you can only rely on your five bodies.


    That''s why every nerve in my body passes through it, and if my aura ability is activated at the end of it.......


    ''''.........there will be an enormous difference.''''


    Leaping.


    I used not only the muscles of my legs, but also my back, shoulders, and abdominal muscles, so I didn''t have any preliminary movements, which was enough to catch Radey by surprise.


    On top of that, the acceleration is excessive because of the strengthened aura on top of that.


    I''m not going to be able to get a good idea of what I''m talking about.


    I''m sure my courageousness as a brave man would have made them bite off more than they could handle.


    I stomp my foot just before Radie and apply the emergency brake.


    Stop.


    ''''Huh?''''


    I change direction before my opponent can recognize me.


    I turn around in a circle around my target, Radey, and in an instant I''m standing behind him.


    ''You''re losing.


    If a blade is thrust against his back, there is indeed no more way to strike.


    Although I could only see the back of his head, it was as if I could see Radie''s frustrated expression.


    ''''........Is this also a difference made by the ability to use your own body or not?''''


    Yes.


    Even though it was practice, it was quite frustrating to lose, and Radey''s voice was stinging.


    ''''Aura is only something that strengthens your power in the end. So if you don''t have a great weapon to strengthen or your body is not strong enough, it will only be a messy move.


    That''s the decisive difference between me and her, and it shows up in the actual battle.


    While she is aware of one movement, I imagine I can do five or six.


    ''Don''t rely too much on your aura, you need to be more aware of every part of your body. Only when your chi and body are in unison can an adventurer become the deadliest of fighters.


    As far as I know, the only adventurer who was able to do that from the beginning is Arantzill-san.


    Just like the aura, it''s only because he''s fully mastered himself that he''s able to use a strange technique like the ''Ghost Walking'' technique.


    ''''Especially in your case........''''


    Boom!


    And a creepy sound.


    "Yikes!


    Use this ass more than you can. If you can exercise those muscles in your ass that are now just for decoration, you''ll be able to run as fast as I can.


    The size of Radey''s buttocks must have some serious potential.


    Of course there are other parts of the body that should be consciously moved.......


    But Radie, while holding her spanked buttocks, her face turned red........


    ''''Dariel-san should learn how to handle a girl!


    ''''Heh?''''


    ''A girl''s bottom is important, you can''t hit her!��Okay!��You''ll learn your lesson!


    I''m sorry...?


    Did you make me study for a while?


    This is the kind of thing I do in between work and practice.


    Honestly, I''d rather not.


    I''m so busy with my job as village chief that my spare time is consumed by practicing with Radhi.


    There are other things I would rather be doing with my time.


    I''d love to play with my newborn son, Gran, and work hard to make a second baby with Marika!


    Sometimes I wonder why I''m spending my precious time on a stranger, Radie.


    Well, Arantzill-san reminded me to ''train Radie well'' when I was leaving.


    I can''t refuse that man''s request, but........


    ''''........Hey, Radie-chan?''''


    I ask her fearfully.


    Radie was just stroking her buttocks, "What do I do with my ass muscles? She is now rubbing her own buttocks, "How do I use my butt muscles?


    I said, "So much for training, how about we leave now?��A brave man''s job is to defeat the Demon King...?


    ''''That''s why I have to become strong!


    Only the forcefulness of the rebuttal is brave.


    ''''I realized my inexperience when I came to Lax Village!��I''m ashamed of myself for being so buoyant at one time, being told that I was closing in on Arantzill-sama!��A frog in a well!


    What...!


    ''I saw how strong you are, Dariel, and I realized that I was missing something!��And even that Dariel-san says, ''You''ll never beat the Demon King.''


    ...I said that, didn''t I?


    Now that I think about it, it was superfluous.


    ''''That''s why I have to be strong!��A brave man whose mission is to defeat the Demon King, to the extent that he is defeated by the Demon King with a single blow, is not a story!��That''s why I have to get stronger here!


    I didn''t realize that I had wasted a lot of time firing him up because of the one word I said.


    I guess I was still being careless with my words too. I must be careful.


    ''''That said, first of all, I want to become as strong as Dariel-san in this Lax Village. Please continue to guide me!


    Does that mean you''re going to live in this village permanently?


    "Is it really that absurd?


    I don''t say it''s impossible, but....


    If you''re going to go that far, you need to tighten up your leadership style, don''t you think?


    It''s like growing up or dying.


    Otherwise, at the current pace, our Grandpa will be standing up and walking and talking for sure.


    Then we should do whatever we can to teach him how to use his buttocks properly by the end of the day.


    Why are you so important, butt?


    It''s a big deal?


    Now, I was just about to decide to work Radie''s ass in earnest........


    ''''Well that''s a problem.


    I heard someone''s voice.


    Who is it?


    What''s the problem?��Did you know that Radey''s ass gets a good workout?


    If you don''t go and take down the Demon King as soon as possible, there will be no point in us being chosen as the new heroes. To us, the newly-chosen heroes.


    Yeah?��You guys.........?


    Radie''s expression changed at the figure that suddenly appeared.


    It was clearly a reaction that she knew who the other party was.


    There were three figures.


    Each of the figures come forward to identify themselves.


    ''''Pigalo, the ''Sword'' hero.


    "Zester, the Hammer.


    "Altamir the Archer.


    Huh?��What?


    Why are there three brave men?


    We three were newly selected for the Center Guild. We are the three newly selected members of the Central Guild, and we have been chosen to be the heroes to defeat the Demon King. Radey, if you don''t have the will to complete your mission as a hero, you can rot in this countryside.


    "The Demon King will be defeated by one of us


    ''.........I''m going to get the title of a true hero!


    What the hell is that...?


    A shadow of disquiet has crept back into the village of Lax, which had been peaceful for a while.

 97-96 hero increases

    I''m going to tell it like it is.


    There are three brave men.


    No, there are four if you count Radie, who was with us in the first place.


    Why?


    No, why is it that...?


    Brave man, there are four of them.


    Why?


    ''I thought brave men were only for one person?''


    One person in the world.


    There is only one person in a generation.


    That is the system of the brave.


    Because the one and only brave person attacked alone with a limited number of companions, the Demon King''s army also attacked him from the front.


    And that brave man........is he multiplying...?


    It''s truly a mystery.


    It is precisely because I had the stereotypical idea that there is only one brave man, that I couldn''t help but be even more confused by this situation.


    Isn''t there now only one official brave man in this world, Radie?


    Other than her, the first thing that comes to mind when I think of a brave person is Aranzir-san.


    But he was the previous brave, and he has a track record of having been a brave man once, so he''s not exactly a brave man now.


    It''s because he has retired that a new Radie has been re-elected.


    So, if Radey is still alive and well, why are there many more brave men and women on the scene?


    ''''.........You seem to be confused.


    One of the three newcomers said.


    The low voice and physique make him look like a man, but his long bangs and the fact that half of his face is hidden makes it difficult to get an impression of him.


    ''''Let me explain to the lazy and dumbfounded disqualified brave man here. The Center Guild has come up with a new policy.


    So it''s only Radey who you''re talking to.


    I''ll just retire as a commoner who was here.


    I''ve been told that a mere one brave man is not enough to defeat the Demon King. That''s why we need more brave men.


    What''s that simple idea?


    That''s where we were chosen. That''s why we were chosen. We were the ones who came forward with you to participate in the ceremony for the selection of the brave men and women, but we were not chosen. ...huh?


    The other two men return the affirmation after receiving a look from the man with long bangs.


    ''''This Zester, newly awarded the title of ''Hammer'' hero.


    He was a huge man with a very masculine impression, which was a far cry from the first man with bangs.


    ''''I was once unelected, but now that I have been given a new chance, I intend to do my best to respond, and I intend to do my best to live up to Master Arantzill''s shame.


    He was a big man who spoke stiffly in a way that matched his appearance.


    He sounded somewhat like Sesha.


    ''It''s your fault, Radey.


    And the last of the trio was another good-looking woman.


    Her body was so undulating that if she wasn''t dressed in adventurer''s battle gear, she could be mistaken for some noblewoman.


    She carried a large bow that was longer than her own height.


    ''Altamir...?!''


    While Radey called out the name.........


    The new title of ''Archer'' hero from the Center Guild is Altamir. ........The Center Guild was numb because of your goofing around. That''s why they sent us out as a way to beat your ass.


    I know you spanked me earlier, but...?


    What?


    What?


    Anyway, let''s continue.


    ''''........This, from now on, the four of us will be competing with each other to defeat the Demon King!��If you don''t want to get ahead of me, you''d better panic a little!


    It means we don''t have time to be laying around here. It''s possible that one of us could bring down the demon king if we don''t take it easy.


    You don''t need that warning. If they want to drop out, let them drop out.


    All three parties talk about it in different ways.


    But I still couldn''t grasp the situation.


    I had no choice, so I whispered an earful to Radie next to me.


    ''Are they...?''


    These are the contestants who once competed in the brave selection ceremony. I competed with them to win the title of hero.


    Oh, yeah?


    ''''Master Aranzir has announced his retirement, and hundreds of fierce men have come forward to take his place. .........Those three are the most talented of them, who made it to the final selection.


    Is that why they chose you to be the new hero?


    But I do recall one thing when I heard that I was once a candidate for bravery.


    Once, a guy calling himself that had visited the village of Laxx before.


    Noltiya, was it?


    I once beat him to a pulp because he said he was a candidate for the brave.


    He was three times lower in heart and strength, but now a guy with the same title has barged in with a group this time...?


    Don''t get me wrong.


    The more beautiful of the three noticed my disgusted look, and the more beautiful of the three excused themselves.


    ''We''ve heard about Nortiya. We have heard about Noltiyah, and what he has done in this village is unforgivable. We apologize to you again and again.


    Huh?


    He was too immature to be a hero. He will be imprisoned for defaming the name of courage and will be out of the world for a few more years.


    And the big, muscular man also said.


    ''''That''s why it''s not right to have that incompetent person with you. I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that Noltiyah was only a candidate for the brave and never advanced beyond that. In contrast, we are now officially heroes.


    The creepy man with the longest bangs says with authority.


    I''m Pigalo," he says, "and I''ve been given the title of ''The Sword''. I''ve been awarded the title of hero of the sword. The blood of the demon king will be smeared on this sword that I use, and it will turn to rust.


    And then he pulled out the sword from his waist.


    It''s just a matter of luck that you were chosen as the hero. I''m sure that I should have been chosen as the hero.


    ''''.........?


    The proof of this is that you are unable to break through to the Four Heavenly Kings, and you''ve become stuck in a stagnant state. You can''t get away with it. I''m sure you''re not the only one who''s been trained, but I know what''s really going on.


    What?


    You say you''re not like Nortiya, but you look like Nortiya someday, you fringe man.


    You have lost your confidence. You can''t even make a sound, because you realize that you are not capable of accomplishing the mission of a brave man, but you can''t make a sound. That''s why you ran away to this country village!


    He said ''country village'' again.


    You mean my village....!


    Don''t do it, Pigaro, it''s not worth it.


    A beautiful woman with a bow conquers the forelock man who shoots off his mouth in a proud manner.


    ''''A brave man must also have first-class dignity, have you forgotten that lesson?��You''re being very vulgar right now.


    ''If you claim to be a brave man, we will also bear the fame of our predecessors. If your misbehavior brings disgrace to Master Aranziel''s name, it will punish you for it.


    Even the giant man turned to attention, and the bangs man, relegated to a minority, sniffed boringly.


    ''''Hmph, what''s the matter with your behavior? The mission of a brave man is to defeat the demon king. As long as the Demon King is defeated, the significance of a brave man will be shown...!


    What you guys say...


    An argument was about to start among the friends and it was Radie who stopped it.


    He is healthy and concerned about getting the conversation back to the main point.


    ''''........I have a general understanding. The Center Guild is frustrated that I''m not making much progress in defeating the Demon King. So I appointed you guys as new heroes and sent them over.


    Yeah. I hear you''re smart enough to know what''s going on.


    But there are things I don''t understand.


    The man with the bangs... was his name Pigalo?


    Ignoring Soitz''s provocation, Radey continued.


    ''''If you guys became heroes and were officially appointed to defeat the Demon King, why are you all here together?��Isn''t that exactly what we should do, attack the Rasperda Fortress straight away in order to defeat the Demon King?


    Radey had a point, and if he wanted to outsmart her and hog the credit, that''s exactly what he should do, he should charge down to the Demon King''s door without saying a word.


    Well, you''ll never be able to defeat her, though.


    ''''That''s........?''''


    The bangs man looked away from his gaze in frustration.


    The beautiful woman says instead.


    ''''Of course, it''s to level the playing field.


    Fair?


    ''''It''s not fair for you to smoke in the countryside like this and defeat the Demon King before you know anything about it. We''re going to compete fairly and honestly to decide who will defeat the Demon King first!


    You can''t beat him, though.


    Come on Radie, your vacation is over. Now you must be brave enough to stand up again and take on the Demon King. Join us. Get out of this dump!


    This guy called it a country village again.

 98-97 Dariel, even more troublesome

    The three newly selected heroes.


    Pigalo, the hero of The Sword.


    Altamir, the hero of the Bow.


    Zester, the hero of the hammer.


    They are named after their weapons to avoid confusion as the number of heroes has increased to two or more.


    In fact, the three newcomers each carry a weapon that matches their name.


    However, according to the aura characteristics of the human race, slash (slash) = sword, sting (thrust) = bow and arrow, hit (strike) = hammer, and there is one more characteristic that remains: guard.


    If you''re going to be a perfect match for them, you should have a brave man, or at the very least a "shield" to protect them.


    The shield that can''t attack by itself doesn''t make the hero the leading role.


    It''s hard to know.


    I''m not sure what will happen to me if each of the three of us is called that way.


    Radey said naively.


    It was true that Radie had been called simply ''brave'' until now.


    There was no other official brave person besides her, so that was perfectly fine.


    ''Hmm, like the original brave?��A brave original?


    "I don''t want to be a pompous jerk...?


    And they were talking about stupid things....


    Anyway!


    The newcomers interrupted the conversation with a push.


    ''Radey, now I''ve slapped a challenge on you!��That''s just the start of it!��It''s about who gets to the Demon King''s Castle first and defeats the Demon King!


    That''s why I can''t.


    You came all the way out here to tell me that. Altamir, you are an honorable man.


    I mean, don''t get me wrong!��I just wanted to have a fair competition with you!��Don''t let them make it difficult for me to ''get left out'' or something like that after I''ve successfully defeated the Demon King!


    She''s so easy to understand.


    Also, I don''t mean to be insistent, but we can''t defeat the Demon King.


    "I don''t just want to be fair.


    Zester, the giant, brave man, said.


    ''Master Aranziel has given me a condition.


    "Conditions?


    ''I will disrupt more than one brave man in one generation. Master Aranzir has offered us a condition to make this unprecedented decision. All three of us are to come to the current hero, Radie, and tell him the truth of the decision as it was made.


    Is that why you''re here...?


    ''''The entire board was reluctant to agree to it, but since Mr. Arantzill voted in favor of it under his terms, I believe we''ve been recognized as heroes. Even though he has retired from active duty, it is because he has a vast amount of accomplishments that he has great influence over the decisions of the board of directors. Above all, the fact that Mr. Arantzill has voted in favor of the board is an indication of his expectations of us, and in order to live up to those expectations, we have to fulfill the conditions he has set for us.


    Yes, yes, yes.


    In addition, Pigalo, the brave man with the long forelock of the "sword," said.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time with them. But now we''ve done our job. I''m going to start my own campaign to defeat the demon king.


    And then he turned on his heel furtively.


    ''Wait.''


    That was stopped by Altamir, the brave man of the ''bow''.


    ''''The conditions set by Arantzill-sama even include notifying Radie and hearing his response. Don''t flounder on your own.


    Tsk.


    Pigalo looks back at him in annoyance.


    ''You don''t need to listen to a guy like that!��This guy ran away from being a hero and dropped out. He''s a dropout. Isn''t that enough for you?


    You won''t know that until you hear her answer. And Radie didn''t drop out. Don''t tell me you didn''t hear about her latest big achievement.


    Huh?��!


    Great work?


    What did I do, Radey?


    "They say you killed the Four Heavenly Kings of Fire!


    ''''What?!''''


    Radie himself was the most surprised to hear that.


    "I heard that, Radie. I heard that you defeated one of the Four Heavenly Kings, even though you are in the middle of nowhere!��Stab him to death!��That''s my competition!


    ''No, no, no, no, no, wait a minute!''


    Radey panicked.


    Is that how the attack on Bashbursa the other day was conveyed to me?


    Is it the guild executive, Bestfred-san, who reported to the center?


    The demonic beast controlled by Bashbursa destroyed the area in charge, so it''s probably necessary to report back in order to call for assistance.


    But well, Best Fred-san was evacuated and didn''t see the battle in person.


    Can I just summarize that Radey defeated them all?


    Radey. Radey, you have never given up on your passion. You have the fighting spirit and the strength to destroy one of the Four Heavenly Kings...!


    Altamir grabbed Radie''s shoulder again and said.


    ''So let''s end the henhouse period and leave together!��And join us in defeating the Demon King!


    ''Altamir. It''s nice of you to give me a pep talk but...


    Radey looks straight back at his opponent.


    ''I''m sorry, I can''t leave here yet.''


    ''''Radikh!''''


    Altamir''s expression became despairing, and Pigalo, the hero of The Sword, chuckled even more.


    ''''I have things to do here. I have to train myself and become even stronger than I am now...!


    No need!��You''re strong enough already!


    ''Not really. When I came to this village, I met a number of beings far stronger than I was. And I have learned that I am a frog who has never known the ocean.


    Much stronger than Radey...?


    I won''t be able to resume my journey unless I learn from that one person and forge myself from scratch. Even if I do, I''ll never reach the Demon King''s side...!


    No, you''re free to leave.


    What are you talking about?��How could I possibly be a better fighter than you?��You beat us to the title of hero at the first hero selection ceremony.��You don''t think you''re better than...?


    Yes, I agree with you. It''s a shame, but if you''re going to be a better fighter than Radie, there''s no one better than Master Arantziel.


    The giant Zester also gets in on the conversation.


    Here''s Radey, finally making a big announcement.


    ''No, I can''t win by standing on my head now. That''s who this is.


    He tugs at me with a guffaw.


    ''It''s Dariel, sir.''


    ''''Eeeeeeeeeeee?!''''


    The brave men are surprised.


    "Bah, don''t be stupid!��Such a common man who could be anywhere is stronger than you?��That''s impossible!


    ''''Speaking of which........this fellow has been here for a while now, and I''m wondering, ''Why is he here? I thought, but was that what you meant?


    You can say whatever you want.


    As for me, I wanted to be part of the background like that. This is how I expected it to play out, with Radey dragging me out.


    ''I''m not an idiot. Dariel-san is definitely stronger than me. He''s also the one who defeated the Four Heavenly Kings, Bashbarza.''''


    What?


    The brave men of the "sword" who didn''t seem very interested in it are gradually drawn to me.


    I''m not sure I have a good feeling about this.


    ''Dariel-san is the strongest of the human race at the moment. He might even be stronger than Aranziel-sama.''''


    ''''More than Arantzill-sama!


    At these words, the brave man of the ''hammer'' responded in a particular way.


    ''Asking this person to teach you is the shortest way to become strong. I can''t leave the village of Lax, as there is still so much left to learn from Dariel-san.


    ''''Wait, wait a minute!''''


    A huge man tries to stop me from talking.


    Is it true what they say?��Is this man stronger than Mr. Arantzill?��You think that''s too much?


    The Hammer''s hero, Sezter, can''t accept it, and he''ll only bite at that part of Reedy''s words.


    I''m not going to be able to get it right, so I''m going to add my own correction.


    It''s not a good idea. Of course that''s a lie!


    Is that so...?


    Mr. Alanziel was a terrorist in his prime. To be honest, I don''t think I can keep up with him.


    So how would you like it if it was Mr. Arantzill?


    I casually answer a question from Radey.


    ''You can''t compare me to someone who''s retired, can you?��You''re retiring because you''re weak. On the other hand, what''s the point of being active if you''re losing to someone who''s retired?


    You deserve to win over the state of old age and even breakdown.


    More importantly, the main focus should be on the person''s most brilliant years..................


    There was some disturbing fighting spirit that arose.


    The one who muttered that was the most well-built man among the three new heroes.


    I think it was called Zester.........


    ''''No, that''s not what I meant...''''


    ''If you''re going to go that far, you''ll have to actually prove it. It''s not in words, it''s in power. The Hammering Zester. I challenge you to a duel!

 99-98 Respect for Alanzir, the brave Zester of the "hammer"

    See, it got messy.


    Of the three brave men we visited, the best-dressed Zester, the "hammer" brave, is the best-dressed of the three.


    He is brandishing a hammer that he has acquired with a change in his blood.


    ''''Hey!��Calm down, Zester!��They''re just regular guys.


    Not "normal"!��If you say you are fiercer than even Master Alanziel, then you will stand by your seriousness!


    A woman, a brave man of the bow, I think, stopped her in a hurry, but there was no way to get around her.


    "It''s fine.


    It''s a great way to find out if it''s a lie or not," said Pigalo, the hero of The Sword.


    This is your chance to find out if Radie is lying or not. How many seconds do you think you can hold out for by throwing a muscle dullard on it?


    ''Pigalo!��As if you were somebody else.


    Well, it was unbearable for me to be challenged.


    It was too much work.


    "No choice,


    Mr. Dariel?


    Let''s take a stand. I don''t think he''ll like it if we don''t.


    I bought the fight that was sold to me, so the game is now in full swing.


    ''Dariel, are you sure you want to do this?''


    Radey is hanging on to me. You goading him.


    ''This isn''t going to go away without another fight. It''s going to happen.


    ''That may be so, but Dariel-san, don''t you usually try to avoid this kind of thing as much as possible?��Why are you so positive today...?


    Radey has a valid point.


    I would normally avoid a fight at all costs. I''m not my own body anymore, and I don''t want to get hurt for stupid reasons for Marika or Gran.


    ''''But this time, this is a favor I''m asking for.


    What?


    Why do you think Mr. Arantzill made the condition?


    Did you give these three new brave men instructions such as ''Go see Radey''?


    Leaving Radey confused by the meaning of this, I confronted the giant heroes.


    ''''Before we begin, let me ask you something...''''


    Fighting.


    You have a special place in your heart for Mr. Arantziel. Is there a reason for that?


    This is the ideal of a brave man pursued by Arantzill. He is the ideal of the brave man he pursued.


    The heroic Zester of "Hammer" takes a stance, no longer restraining himself.


    The Zestar is ready for battle.


    The Zester is stronger than anyone else and has a strong will to destroy the demon race. Even the Center Guild can''t stop him from making this decision. Its too caustic will to fight, and I can''t help but be in awe and respect for it...!


    That comment.


    ''''I''ve only heard it once...!��The reason why Aranzir-sama came to hate the demon race so much. That he was robbed of his newborn son. That deep sorrow and anger. Knowing this, I have been training myself to take the place of his lost son and support Master Aranziel.


    Whew.


    How am I supposed to comment back on this?


    Once I was left out of the selection of brave men, and after cursing myself for being of no use to Master Arantzill, I finally got my chance again. I''ll take my first step into battle as a brave man with you.


    Zester is a hammer, and he calls himself the Hammer Hero.


    It''s a good thing that he''s good at hitting.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to get a good deal more out of it.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on it.


    It''s a good thing that you''re on an expedition to aim under the demon king as a brave man, so it''s hard to be heavy with a very large hammer.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time.


    The first thing Zester did was to rotate the hammer in his palm as hard as he could.


    When the hammer was spun hard enough to create a buzzing sound, and when it had enough centrifugal force....


    "Eat it!


    He swung down on my brain.


    Of course, at the same time, my body shifted sideways and the hammer collided with the ground.


    The soil on the ground that received a direct hit instead of me is blown off and a large hole is gouged out.


    ''''........That''s a hell of a power!


    A shiver ran down my spine.


    It is a very good idea to be able to have a good time with them.


    I''m not sure I''ve ever been chosen as a hero.


    You can''t get rid of them.��Enough is enough!


    The heroic Altamir of the "bow" screams a screeching voice.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on it.��It''s a complete outrage!��You''ll be stripped of the brave title you''ve been given.


    We''ll be very happy to have that.


    Pigalo, the hero of The Sword, said beside me.


    The villagers over there have a disgraceful way of escaping. It''s just ridiculous that they are so spineless. It''s a very funny thing to see a scum like that being mistaken for an Arantzill-class scum.


    And then he laughs.


    They say that those who try are tested and those who choose are chosen at the same time.


    Pigalo, who calls me scum, exposes his own value by the assessment he makes.


    Stupid, Pigaro.


    "What?


    The first person to chide Pigalo was Zester himself, who stood on the battlefield.


    It''s a good idea to be able to see the strength of a person''s every move, if they are brave. And if you call him scum on top of that, your eyes are knotty.


    "What?


    Pigallett.


    You mean to say Zester sees through it?


    With the current batch, I''m capable of.........


    ''And you are also misguided, Altamir. No unarmed man could be so densely pregnant with fighting spirit.


    What?


    He''s as heavy as absorbent cotton. It''s a good idea to have a good eye. As expected of the first man of valor...


    ...No.


    Isn''t this guy kind of awesome too?


    There wasn''t anyone else who could see through this much on the first move, except for Arantzill-san, that is.


    With enough caution, I bring out the Hermes sword that I had hidden in my pocket.


    I extend it and make it into sword form.


    ''''How........''''


    It''s called a Hermes sword. It is a weapon made from mithril mined near here. It reacts to the aura it contains and changes shape.


    That''s unusual. But can one swing of that matter be a decent match for my mallet?


    Zester raises his hammer and strikes at me.


    I''m sure he''s right, and if sword and hammer clash head-on, the sword will definitely be snapped off.


    I avoided the collision and quickly avoided the collision, and as I walked around behind him, I changed the nature of the aura I could put into the Hermes sword.


    At the same time, the sharp blade of the Hermes sword melts and turns into a soft, bendy whip.


    Hermes Blade, whip form.


    While changing into a form that makes the best use of its hit (striking) characteristics, the flogger went behind Zester.


    But..........


    I''m not going to be able to get it right.


    It''s so quick, even for its massive body.


    I''m not sure if this is the right way to go.


    I''m not going to be able to tell the difference.


    I''m not going to be able to get a good idea of what I''m talking about.


    It was also blocked.


    I''m not going to be able to get a good idea of what I''m talking about.


    ''''Great, to be able to be surpassed to this extent.......''''


    ''''No, your onslaught is also terrifying. Frightening to the core....


    You can''t be too careful," he says, holding up his hammer, "but I see that the weapon is designed to fully utilize all four aura qualities.


    It''s a weapon that is designed to make full use of all four aura qualities. The first sword slashes, the second whip hits, and the third is a saber-like form of sting.


    Excellent analysis.


    I mean, please don''t dismiss the function of the Hermes sword just because you''ve struck each other two or three times.


    However, it is a meaningless weapon unless the owner itself fully conforms to all of the aura characteristics. The aura characteristics that you, who make full use of it, are good at slashing, striking, and defending all of them.......!


    ".........


    A rare and omnipotent person. ...the same type as Master Arantzill.


    I think you''re being too predictable.


    Why couldn''t someone like this be brave enough to lose to Radey?


    I knew he''d be fine. Then I shall make the secret move that I have been keeping for so long.


    What?


    ''''It''s a special technique that I developed after much blood-soaked study to emulate Master Arantzill''s ''Great Emperor''s Splitting Sky. You are the one who deserves to strike it. Let''s take it!

 100-99 Dariel gives out

    A perfect example of the Emperor''s Sky...


    ''''A special move...?


    Zester''s declaration made the surroundings tense.


    The giant man raises his beloved hammer and says as if to cut off the grand view.


    "I admire and target the great hero Arantzill-sama. Your signature move, the ''Splitting Sky'', is my ideal profound technique. But I''m not good enough to use a hammer. I don''t have the versatility of Alanziel''s.


    The Slashing Sky is a flying tool that throws a mass of aura from the blade.


    It''s a skill that mainly relies on slashing and stabbing.


    It''s hard to master for Zester, who loves to use a hammer and is good at hitting his aura, but it''s impossible to master.


    It''s not possible.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work. It''s a technique that can be called the ''Great Sky'' from a hammer.


    "The ''Super Empty Sky'' from the Hammer!


    Don''t be ridiculous.


    "Just like Alantzill''s ''Supreme Supreme Sky'', this profound secret technique will remain a byword for me. ..........Particularly, behold!


    The Zester leapt.


    I''m not going to be able to get a good look at it.


    You can''t get away from the fact that you''re not a part of it.


    Falling sky!��Crush everything!��My original ultimate profoundness........!


    The hammer is swung down.


    A dazzling, shining aura itself was released from its head.


    ''''Oui!


    An aura flying tool?


    Isn''t that exactly what the "Super Emperor''s Sky" looks like?


    The mass of aura ejected from the hammer was flying from the sky to the ground, from top to bottom.


    Moreover, it grew bigger and bigger as it advanced.


    "Oh no!


    I ran away without a care in the world.


    It''s because the range of the aura mass released by the zester is too wide.


    It''s really as if the sky is falling.


    Aren''t we in trouble too?


    ''''We have to run away!''''


    The range of the aura attack was so wide that it even extended to Radey and the others who were watching the battle, and everyone had to take shelter desperately.


    Eventually, the aura mass reached the surface of the ground.


    It crushed a large area with a bushel of dirt and smoke.


    The square on the outskirts of the village, which was first the training ground for me and Radhi, and then the dueling ground for Zester, was crushed by a large area of aura mass, causing the ground to subside.


    ''''You see, the secret profundity of my development...!''''


    Zester landed from above.


    ''''The aura mass released from the hammer''s striking surface expands as it advances, crushing a wide area. Due to its characteristics, it''s only suitable for firing downwards from above, but it can crush a large number of enemies in one fell swoop.


    Powerful and huge.


    A concept that is exactly the same as Aranzir''s ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky''.


    ''''That''s why he named this technique ''Super Imperial Splendor''!


    "Sturdy and Powerful.


    Well, I can see that it was designed with "The Great Sky" in mind, or rather, it''s a total rip-off. The passion for it was clearly conveyed.


    But still.........


    ''''This technique is a failure.


    What?


    He must have been really confident.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    I''m not going to be able to get my hands on any of them.��After losing at the brave selection ceremony, he vent his frustration and invented the "Super Strength"!��Why are you holding back on my deathbed, so to speak?


    You''ve certainly developed a tremendous technique. You''re not going to be able to get away with it. That''s exactly what makes it worthy of being named ''Emperor of the XXXXXXX''.


    In light of the fact that even the official hero, Radie, didn''t reach the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky'' and only used the ''Splitting Sky''.


    It showed how much effort and persistence Zester had put into this technique.


    ''''However, this technique has a fatal flaw. This is a distortion created by forcing the original ''Super Empty Sky'' from the sword to be recreated as a hammer technique. Your efforts are great, but you''ve turned it into an obsession.


    The resulting flailing caused the depths to become flawed.


    Your depths are so thin.


    Thin....?


    Literally. The aura mass that emanates from the hammer''s hitting surface flies as a plane.


    In contrast to the fact that the original ''Super Empty Sky'' is emitted from the sharp edge of the sword.


    That''s the reason why both Ryuu KuuKu and Ryuu Kuu are a flying slash of the aura itself. What about your technique on the other hand?��Can it be a ''flying blow'' properly?


    ''''Ugh...?''''


    Zester stammered at my point.


    He himself must have realized it.


    "The aura itself can be used as a weapon. You didn''t even know it was there.


    That''s why the Streak of Strength is just a technique to make the aura mass fly.


    "Your technique is a thin film.


    As it was released from the hammer''s hitting surface, it flew off and became a flat film, and as it expanded, it became thinner and thinner.


    Even a child can understand that if the volume is the same, the wider it gets, the less thick it gets. You were so obsessed with recreating the Great Sky that you overlooked this simple logic.


    You see why Zester didn''t become a brave man in the first place.


    Too much respect for the brave men before him. It clouds his eyes and hampers his judgment.


    "Try it again.


    What...?


    Your signature move. I''m gonna prove to you that what you just said is true.


    Of course, he has no right to follow my instructions.


    If you''re in the middle of a serious battle, it would be outrageous to follow the enemy''s words and go at their pace.


    Still, after a bit of a midway point.


    He leaped high with his legs with all his strength.


    ''''Super Imperial Gangster!''''


    And then he unleashed a desperate deep attack.


    As with the first blow, the aura mass released as a plane spread thinly.


    No matter how many times you see it, the range of the attack is astounding.


    If you''re going to crush it with this breadth, it''s a great move that''s perfect for wiping out a large number of zakos.


    But against the ultimate strength of the one........


    ''''Great Emperor Splitting Sky!''''


    "What the hell?


    The oversized aura slash from my Hermes Sword rises from the surface of the earth to the heavens.


    And then it collides head-on with the Zester''s aura mass rushing down from the opposite direction.


    Click.........


    With a clattering sound for a clash of strike and strike force, my aura slash pierced through the zester''s aura membrane.


    Should I say that I slashed through it?


    ''''Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo?''''


    The aura slash of the ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky'' that pierced through.


    It scraped through the side of Zester, who was still in the sky above, but the aftermath alone blew the giant body away.


    It collided with the ground and rolled without even landing.


    The aura plane released by his hammer lost its cohesion the moment it was cut in both directions by my ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky'' and dissipated into pieces.


    ''''This is the difference between what is and what is not.''''


    He walked up to the fallen Zester.


    ''The difference between a mere lump of aura and an aura condensed to slice through. It''s no wonder that your technique, which is spread out as a thin plane, is sliced through by the dense "Super Empty Sky" as a line.


    My secret technique has yet to be perfected, has it?


    ''''That''s right. Regardless of the results, the scale and power output is definitely in the realm of approaching the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''.


    The mistake this time was that I didn''t have a clear idea of how to complete it.


    If that is improved and reworked, this technique has the potential to become a special attack profundity.


    ''''No, more importantly...!


    More than that?


    "That was definitely the ''Great Emperor''s Sky'' technique?��And how is that technique working for you?


    Uh-oh.


    I''m afraid my attention is now focused on that one.


    For me, I want you to focus on your own reflection....


    ''''Aside from his ability and insight, only Arantzill-sama can use the ''Great Emperor''s Splitting Sky''.......!��Who or what are you... or who are you?


    I''m just a villager, you know?


    I don''t want to make the story bigger by unraveling it in some weird way.


    I decided to fall in love with it as best I could.

 101-100 Dariel, begged

    This is how the game between me and the heroic Zester of "Hammer" ended.


    The hint as to why we played such a futile match is in who turned them in.


    The three newly selected brave men from the Center Guild were said to have come here under Arantzill''s direction.


    Ostensibly, the reason was to give Radey a face-to-face meeting, but I couldn''t help but think that there was a more hidden meaning behind it.


    Radhi is now staying in Lax Village.


    That means I''ll be there where he is.


    Isn''t it actually me that Mr. Alanziel wanted the three of us to meet?


    Even Reedy, who was duly elected as a brave man, is lacking in many areas.


    I''m not sure that the three people who were chosen after him will not also be lacking.


    The only way to point this out and guide them is to have someone who has reached a certain level of expertise.


    Naturally, Arantzill-san, who is in that range, must have entrusted me with the task.


    ''''........That d*mn old man.......!


    It''s a good thing that the word ''father'' naturally leaked out of my mouth at such times.


    I''m not going to be able to say to the brave men and women who have been officially appointed, ''You are inexperienced, so go and ask them to teach you.


    It''s even more so if it''s an unknown person like me who''s instructing them.


    That''s why I used Radie as an ally.


    You are the strongest and meanest man in the world.


    I''m sorry...


    So, I guess that means I won?


    ''''Naturally. The flaws in my new technique have been seen through and defeated by force. If you don''t accept this as a defeat, then you will continue to be haplessly hapless.


    That''s very graceful.


    And the language he uses for me has become respectful before I knew it.


    ''''More importantly, I''m talking about the ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky'' you used!��Why are you using the ''Great Satanic Sky'', which was invented by Aranziru-sama and is supposed to be available only to Aranziru-sama?


    Didn''t you just mistake it for the Sky Goddess?


    ''''No, that''s why I''ve seen in person the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky'' unleashed by Master Aranziel!��It''s impossible to mistake it for the ''Splitting Sky''!


    ''''The ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky'' can be said to be a development of the ''Splitting Sky'' technique, but it''s something you can tell apart!


    ''''Please teach me!��Where did you get your hands on the Great Sky Sect?��Don''t tell me you have some connection with Master Aranzir?


    He was no longer like a fan who wanted to know everything about a celebrity.


    It''s hard to dodge in love with them, well, it''s hard to dodge.


    Beside that.........


    ''''See, Altamir, that''s Dariel-san''s strength.


    ..........


    Radhi, who is in this village from the beginning, rubbed up against the visitor, Altamir.


    In contrast, the brave Artamil, the ''bow'' brave, was stunned speechless.


    ''Knowing the strength of that man, I can clearly see how inexperienced I am. That''s why I''m retraining myself under that man.


    ....


    The red points of the three visiting heroes were silent, overwhelmed by the current game.


    It was a bit too shocking.


    ''''Humph, this is silly...!


    Pigalo, the hero of ''The Sword'', the last of the three heroes to show his reaction, wrote up his depressing bangs with sweat on his cheeks.


    ''''What are you making a fuss about with the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''?��That''s a skill even I could use.


    "What?!


    Zester stops chasing after me in response to my words.


    Is it true, Pigaro?��That''s the first time I''ve ever heard of such a thing!


    You''re just as surprised as I am. Try to see the big picture, and you''ll see the big picture. Calm down and see the big picture, and you''ll see the whole picture.


    The Essence.


    The man is not great because of his own strength. It was the weapon.


    Then, the bangs man''s gaze turns to me.


    To be precise, it''s the one held in my right hand.


    I''ve heard rumors about it, but a weapon made of mithril is an amazingly high performance weapon. It absorbs the aura and increases its power significantly. I''m sure the reason why we were able to defeat Zestar was largely due to its help.


    He presents his own analysis.


    Zester himself, who fought about it, raised his eyebrows doubtfully.


    ''''...Is that right?��I don''t think his perfection is blurred by a single acquisition, do you?


    No!��The reason why I was able to shoot the Great Emperor''s Splitting Sky was because of the Mithril weapon. It means that with that weapon, anyone can surpass Arantzill!


    And then the brave man of the sword turns to me.


    "You.


    Yes?


    ''The performance of your mithril weapon is superb!��I will praise you for your bravery. So will you give that weapon to me?


    You''ve got some nerve.


    I''m on my way to defeat the Demon King. I''ll need a weapon of the highest caliber for the most difficult task the human race has ever undertaken. We''ll use it to make our way through the forest in a thousand times more meaningful ways than a handful of rustics.


    No?


    The man with the bangs was upset, as if he hadn''t dreamed of being rejected, and said, "Do you know who I am?


    Do you know who I am?��I''m a hero!��He''s a hero to save the world!��And since I''m the one who''s going to use it, I''ll gladly give it to you!


    Didn''t you listen to Zester''s analysis of the battle?


    The metal used in the Hermes Blade is not just mithril.


    It is made of a special alloy, the basis of mithril, developed by master craftsman Smith after much research.


    It not only absorbs aura, but also reacts to the aura it absorbs and changes shape at will.


    This allows it to respond to almost any aura characteristic.


    The functions of the Hermes Blade are meaningless unless it can use all of its aura characteristics (slashing, striking, and defending) to its fullest. You don''t look like such an all-around type.


    Ggh....?


    It''s only a waste of time.


    Pigalo shushed him, as if he had been hit on a bull''s-eye.


    He made it for me, just for me to use. He made it for me, just for me to use. I don''t want anyone else to hold this weapon in their hands but me in order to take care of his feelings.


    ''''The mission of the brave takes precedence over that!


    When I was fed up with the unheard-of heroes, I was wondering what was going on....


    "Shut up, Pigaro.


    Backup came from an unexpected source.


    ''What you are doing is nothing more than disgracing the name of a brave man. You should know how ugly you are.''


    That''s what Zester, the hero of "Hammer", says.


    And he''s not the only one who is being chased.


    You''re not a blackmailer, you want it, so give it to me.


    Oh, Altamir...?


    ''''It would be a nuisance to let people like you go free and think that a brave man is a trickster. If you don''t change after being told this much, we''ll report you to the center guild. Just the way it is.


    Pigalo cowered more and more as if his informal admonition had been greatly appreciated.


    "Pigalo, the mission of a brave man is not to defeat the demon king.


    And then the brave man himself, Radey, will come for the last time.


    "To protect and save the people. That''s why I''m going to defeat the Demon King. Those who don''t know the order are not qualified to be brave.


    ''Pretty talk...!''


    Pigalo, who was beaten to a pulp, still stuck to himself........


    ''''A brave man shall slay a demon king!��That''s all we need to accomplish!��Radey, what you''re saying is nothing more than a loser''s self-defense!


    A loser...?


    What else would I call a hero who doesn''t fight the Demon King?��You''re wasting your time getting involved with these dropouts!��Okay, that''s enough, I''ve fulfilled my promise to Alanziel!��I''m heading to defeat the Demon King now!


    Pigalo left with his shoulders angry.


    It looked like he was being talked down to and seemed to be running away, but after taking a few steps, he stopped in his tracks and suddenly turned around and came back.


    ''What''s up?''


    ''I just remembered something important. This is the village where the mined mithril is brought in, isn''t it? I think I remember hearing that somewhere on the way here.


    Yes, but.


    So what?


    ''I''ve heard there''s also a forge here to process mithril. This is a good opportunity. If you won''t stubbornly hand over your weapon, I''ll let you make a replacement.


    "Substitute?


    "I will make my own personal, mightiest, most powerful sword in mithril!��It''s the ultimate sword, the kind of crap you''d think you had!��This is a sword worthy of being held by me, a brave man!


    Huh...?


    Can you make it?


    Well, yeah.


    It''s just as long as he pays for it.


    Whoever you are, as long as you pay for it, you''re a customer, so I''ll show you around.


    On the other hand, if you don''t pay, you''re not a customer or anything.


    But the underlying thought is.....


    I wish these people would go home soon.

 102-101 "Sword" brave Pigaro cant buy weapons

    This is how they lead the brave people to the village.


    Apparently they didn''t walk around the village especially since their only purpose was to meet Radey.


    ''''Heh, brave people?''''


    Why?��If you''re brave, don''t you already have a Radie-chan?


    The reaction of the villagers was generally like this.


    In the unprecedented situation of having more than one brave person selected at a time, the general public did not look at Pigalo, Altamir, and Zester in the same way as Radey.


    ''''It''s like they''re looking at us as something suspicious...''''


    Rude people.


    The people in charge felt uncomfortable under their gaze.


    ''''But Mithril.......it looks like a normal village, but you''re dealing with such great stuff.


    Altamir says as he moves to join the queue.


    ''I think I''m beginning to understand how Radie feels about sticking around.... Hey Radey, what is this village all about?��There are some villagers who are crazy strong and are actually important bases of some kind?


    ''Well, I don''t think so...?


    It was Radey who smiled bitterly.


    I''m on my way to the blacksmith''s shop in response to the request of Pigalleo, the brave man of the "sword", to produce a special weapon.


    It''s a good idea to make a special weapon, which means you''ll need to negotiate directly with the blacksmiths.


    As long as they are also brave, they will also have the convenience of the Center Guild.


    I''m sure they''ll also receive an order like Radey''s, ''We''re not going to put money on the line, so make weapons as a priority.


    It''s not coming just yet.


    That''s why I''m not going to let you get away with it.


    "...do you guys make one?��A mithril weapon?


    I notice and check with the two guys who are accompanying me.


    Altamir and Zester.


    If they''re also brave, they''ll need more powerful weapons to fight through.


    ''''I''m good. Just as you are.


    Altamir indicated the bow that he owned.


    The main ingredient of the bow is wood. It''s a good idea to have a flexible wood to make the arrows fly farther. This bow is a special order made by layering several carefully selected woods.


    I see.


    So the bow is made of wood rather than metal?


    But for now, we can''t focus on the performance of the weapon until we''ve perfected the Sturdy Armor.


    And Zester.


    So the only person who wants a weapon is a legitimate Pigaro.


    .........tch, I thought this was my chance to enrich the village.


    "Quit your idle chatter and get to the front of the line. I have to kill the Demon King as soon as possible with the most powerful sword I have.


    Pigalo, who received the title of ''Sword'' heroic capital from the Center Guild, seems to be the weapon of choice for use, after all, is a sword.


    Well, if you pay me, you''re a customer.


    Let''s get out of the way for now for the reward.


    ��


    Then we arrived at the forge.


    Inside, along with many blacksmiths as usual, their representative, Sakai-kun, was still working briskly.


    ''''Ah, village chief!��And brave men!��Just the right place!


    And Sakai-kun is somehow more excited than usual.


    What''s going on?


    ''It''s done!��Finally, a weapon for the brave!��My sword!


    Huh?


    I''m not going to be able to get to the bottom of it.


    I''m not going to be the only one.


    This is.........the sword for me.......?


    ''''I took the concept of the prototype and forged it with a self-repairing alloy that quickly repairs the blade even if it is damaged. Not only should it be able to maintain the best cutting performance at all times, it should also be able to withstand excessive aura infusion!


    You finished it very quickly...?


    I''ve been spending so much time goofing around...?


    "I named it the Immortal Sword!


    A sword that will never die because it keeps regenerating?


    ''''It''s all thanks to you, Masari!��She''s going to work the alloy the way I thought she would, and the work is going to be crisp!


    That''s because my darling is so good at it.


    Honey!


    The female alchemist next to me and Sakai-kun hug each other passionately.


    These guys are already that much...?


    Ho, isn''t this wonderful!


    Pigalo, the brave man of the ''sword'', breaks in forcefully even though he wasn''t called upon to do so.


    ''''Blacksmith!��I command you to make me a fine sword!��It''s better than the one I just gave to Radey. A sword far superior to the weapons the villagers there have!


    Saying that, he points at me with Zubishi.


    Sakai-kun is bewildered and confused.


    "Eh?��Who?��What is it?


    Pointing at me, ''you villager'' means me, and the weapon I have is probably the Hermes sword.


    "I don''t know what it is, but is it more than a Hermes sword?��I can''t, I can''t make it.


    Why?


    The Hermes Sword is my mentor Smith''s masterpiece. My skills are not yet mature enough to surpass it.


    Then I don''t care who you are!��Bring out that master!��I''ll have this guy build me my own weapon!


    I can''t do that either!


    "What did you say?


    Pigaro is freaking out.


    I''m a hero!��When did the blacksmiths become so great that they can''t listen to a brave man''s request?��All you guys have to do is say ''yes''.


    ''''But the brave man is Radey-sama, what are you calling yourself...?''''


    Sakai-kun gave me a puzzled look and I silently shook my cover.


    ''''Well either way, Master won''t be making weapons anymore.


    ''So why not!��Brave men do not do their job!


    Dead men do not have the right to work.


    Sakai-kun raises his gaze. Beyond that, there was a portrait on the wall.


    The portrait of his grandfather Smith in his day.


    He displayed it so that he would not forget his teacher''s teachings.


    ''Dead...?��Gone....?


    That''s why the village chief''s Hermes sword is his posthumous masterpiece. I''m a blacksmith, so I have ambitions to create a masterpiece that surpasses my master one day, but that''s years away. No, maybe decades away...?


    ''''You useless bastard...!''''


    Pigalo grits his teeth on the edge.


    I''m losing my cool more and more.


    Then I don''t care who you are!��Make a sword for me. Make it as good as you can make it.


    That''s my job, so I''ll make it if you ask me to, but of course you''ll have to pay for it, right?


    It is a job that comes with a reward.


    ''Naturally, I''ll give you a large sum of money that you poor blacksmiths have never seen before. ........Altamir!


    ''''Yes, yes, this is the letter I got from the Center Guild...''''


    Altamir takes a sealed envelope from his pocket.


    ''''I''m taking care of it all myself because the others are going to treat it poorly. The Center Guild''s endorsement is written here. ''''The Center Guild will pay the bills later, so make sure to give the brave people the maximum possible accommodations...''''


    Well...?


    I looked over the letter I received from Altamir and answered, Sakai-kun.


    ''This isn''t good enough.


    ''''What the hell?


    Pigalo is probably not expecting it, but he is wild about the rejection response.


    Because look at this place. There''s a cap on the amount of money the Center Guild will pay later.


    Yes?


    When I looked at the letter, there was a sentence on it that said, "I guarantee the amount of money less than .......


    So you''re saying that you can''t guarantee a higher amount of money?


    This price isn''t even close to enough to make a one-of-a-kind piece out of the rare mineral mithril. I recommend that you purchase from your ready-made collection.


    "A brave man can''t use mass production!��Why, why would there be such a cap on the amount of money?


    I don''t think there was such a limit for Radey''s time.


    That Sakai-kun...?��How much did you pay for my immortal sword...?


    That''s all right, Mr. Radey. I''ve already taken all of that money.


    It was Radey who was truly relieved to receive such a reply.


    After thinking about it, even though it is a tradition on the part of the human statue to provide maximum convenience to the brave, if it increased to more than one, would the generosity be dispersed as expected?


    ''''If the assistance we''ve been giving to one brave man is increased by four people at once, as expected, the Center Guild''s household budget won''t hold up...''''


    "You fools!


    Pigalo exclaimed.


    "You can''t keep your money to accomplish the feat of defeating the Demon King!��Hey, blacksmith, I don''t care about the money!��Make a weapon for me, and I will slay the demon king with it!��If you do, your reputation as a blacksmith will last forever!


    ''Master Smith taught me more than how to hammer, you know.


    Sakai-kun, he says with a snort.


    ''''Don''t trust the adventurer''s advancement payment. Even if you complete a huge quest and pay your adventurer''s fee, he or she will come back as a corpse with the weapons you made for them. You''ll fail to make it, so you have to pay the reward in exchange for the weapon you made.


    Sakai-kun must have been annoyed by Pigalo''s attitude.


    He was so cold-hearted that it would be unthinkable for him to be on a daily basis.

 103-102 Dariel explores central thoughts

    d*mn it...!��You Aaaaaaah!


    Pigalo drew his sword.


    It was the body of a complete lunatic.


    "You mocked me, a brave man, for making a mockery of me...!��No!��They''re going to rudely strike me down ah!


    The iron sword is swung down.


    The one at the end of it is Sakai-kun.


    If this continues, his head will be split in half like a gourd and it will be irreversible.


    So I stopped it.


    With my own hands.


    ".........?


    Literally with this hand.


    Predicting the trajectory of the slash, I anticipated the trajectory of the slash and held out this arm ahead of time.


    Pigalo''s blade dug into my arm and stopped as it was.


    Without cutting both sides.


    ''''What.........what.......?


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this. I can''t bear to be killed.


    And Grandpa Smith has entrusted me with the afterlife as well.


    I don''t know what kind of reprimand I''ll receive for sending my beloved disciple to him so soon.


    "I''m not...?��You used my sword with your bare hands...?


    With an aura of protection wrapped directly around your body...��But...


    Is that even possible...?


    Not only Pigalo, but the other guest heroes are also taken aback by the fact that this happened.


    I''m sure it''s not surprising, I thought to myself.


    The aura used by adventurers is clothed in an instrument to reinforce its meaning.


    Slashing, thrusting, and striking, each of them reinforces its meaning and draws power beyond human knowledge.


    If you put an aura into something that has various meanings, such as the human body, it will only become vague and will not be able to exert its full effect.


    It''s not completely pointless, but it''s much less efficient than swords and shields that have proper meaning.


    I did that and successfully defended against Pigalo''s sword, which called itself a hero.


    ''''What you do is...''''


    He says as he pushes Pigalo''s sword back.


    ''''I don''t think it''s quite the act of a brave man. Even as a sensible person. As the village chief, I have a duty to crack down on thugs.


    I stared at him with a somewhat sharp gaze........


    ''''Humph!''''


    Pigalo dropped back irritably and put his sword away.


    ''''Everything is so unpleasant in this place!��It''s just that the countryside is muddy after all!


    You sound like a sore loser.


    I''m going to be on my way to defeat the demon king. I''ve got the title of valor, and I''m going to go for it. It''s not even permissible to eat grass in a place like this!


    He was heading for the exit at a fast pace.


    ''Remember, Radey!��It''s not you who will slay the demon king, but me, the true hero!��You can rot here in the countryside and grit your teeth when you hear of my fame!


    He was a brave man who spouted a few scattered discarded words and left.


    What the hell was that?


    As annoying as it is to cause a village a stir, the appearance of more than two brave men in a generation is itself an unprecedented rarity.


    I found it creepy.


    This is still me, who belonged to the Demon King''s army in the previous half of my life and was an enemy of the brave.


    I''m proud to say that I have a fear of brave men and women more than anyone else, because the brave men of that time were the deadliest of all time.


    That''s why I was motivated to check it out.


    What on earth is going on in the center?


    So the first thing I''ll ask is the executive who belongs to the center guild in the first place.......


    ��.


    Ho, that''s what happened in the village of Lax?


    I went out of my way to visit Mr. Bestfred, who is now in command of the Mithril mine.


    ''So what happened to those barging heroes?


    They''re long gone. The hammer and bow boys, though not as hurriedly as the sword boys, went off in a polite manner.


    After all, I am the one who is determined to defeat the Demon King.


    More than one brave man has been chosen.


    It''s an expression of their strong will to defeat the Demon King at all costs.


    But in the conflict between the brave men and the demon king''s army that has been going on for hundreds of years, why did they suddenly become serious now?


    ''Dariel-kun may have visited me because he thought I was familiar with the central situation, but...''


    Mr. Bestfred, the guild''s executive, said.


    ''''It''s not going to live up to your expectations. As I''m sure Dariel-kun is well aware, I''ve dropped out of the so-called capital. I''ve dropped out of the race for a promotion.


    I smiled a self-mocking smile.


    ........Indeed, I thought it was something like that.


    Even though it is an important facility that generates great wealth, it will be posted to a place far away from the center.


    Only someone who had given up on being at the top of the heap would do so.


    ''''Don''t get me wrong, I''m not unhappy with my decision to come here. I''m getting along with the Knockers!


    So how did you get so comfortable with those knockers?


    ''So my days here are full. I''m not interested in the central situation either, but there''s one thing that bothers me.


    What is it?


    One of the board member''s chairs became vacant because I was transferred over here, and the guy who sat in that seat seemed to be very motivated.


    Motivated?


    His name is Roselwy, apparently.


    ''''If you''re full of motivation, it''s no wonder you''re seriously thinking about defeating the Demon Lord.


    Trying to list the major patterns in the making of your own since the Center Guild opened?


    It''s understandable if you think that this is why he took the energetic action of sending out several brave men.


    While it''s good to be overflowing with energy, moving around too flamboyantly could cause trouble for those around me.


    First of all, right now I don''t want there to be any flashy moves in the battle between the heroes and the demon king''s army.


    I''m from the demon king''s army and now belong to the human race, so my position is complicated.


    ''''.........''''


    I thought for a while, trying to level the scales that were tipping to one side.


    All I want now is for the peace and quiet of life in Lax Village to last forever. I don''t want the world to get noisy without reason.


    That''s why the battle between the brave men and the demon king''s army should be evenly matched.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a lot of good reasons for this.


    We must preserve the peace.


    What we should do for that........


    ��.


    Wake up, baby.


    Yikes!��What the hell was that!?


    After resigning from Mr. Best Fred''s service and returning to my home in the village, I immediately kicked up the cat-like guy sleeping in the living room.


    Sometimes stray cats come and go in and out of the house on their own, and before you know it, they can become as familiar as your cat.


    This guy''s existence was the same thing.


    He is one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, ''Huafu'' Zebiantes.


    ''''What the hell is this?��I just finished my work just now and I''m very tired!��You can even let me sleep in until dinner!


    ..........


    He''s been eating here until dinner.


    He is so disloyal to his duties as the Fourth Heavenly King that I managed to make him take charge of the defense of the fortress by beating and coaxing him into it.


    Even so, he''ll still come back here as a matter of course when his shift is over.


    ''''Well, that''s a good thing this time...''''


    Hmm?��What''s the matter with you?


    Zebiantes, from now on, you listen to me very carefully...


    To the heavyweight who guards this most important military stronghold on the demon side, I say.


    "In a few days, a brave warrior will attack Rasperda Fortress.


    ''What?��Radey, are you going to finish your training now?


    No, not that one.


    I knew it would be complicated to have more than one brave person, but I didn''t make any corrections and proceeded with the story.


    I''ll give you a couple of tricks, so just fight off the temptation. The world would be better off in a more peaceful way.

 104-103 Braves capture Raspada fortress (Brave side)

    Pigalo, the hero of the sword.


    Altamir, the Hero of the Bow.


    Zester, the Heroic Hammer.


    The three of them led their respective parties to Rasperda Fortress.


    They were in front of it.


    It is a military base where the Demon King''s army has fortified its defenses to the hilt.


    It is not built to be easily entered by the brave men who are its enemies.


    That''s why they stop far in front of it and wait for the situation.


    I''ll be the one to bring down the fortress.


    One of the three brave men, Pigalo, the brave man from The Sword, said.


    He had the same overly confident manner as usual.


    I''m not going to be able to get to the bottom of it. Then it''s only natural that I should crush it. The legend of the defeat of the demon king will be told with me in the lead role!


    ''Not so fast, Pigaro,''


    Altamir, who is present, says in protest.


    I''m a brave man of the bow.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time with them. It''s a very good idea to be able to have a good time with your friends. Hey Sezter?


    Of course.


    Although somewhat awkward, Zester also gripped his beloved mallet tightly.


    It''s a good thing that you have a strong grip on your hammer. Achieving this is the only way to inherit his aspirations.......!��But...!


    Are you still on the fence?


    Altamir spoke to Zester in a whisper.


    Because he didn''t want Pigalo, with his crooked nature, to hear it.


    "What happened in that village. ...I know it''s a shock to hear that my special move, which I worked so hard to create, is flawed, but...!


    That''s very kind of you, Altamir.


    Zester took her concern in those terms.


    Radie, who had once become a brave man in the form of holding them back.


    He also went to visit her to declare that he had caught up with her ahead of her.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to tell me that we are once again equal competitors with you.


    And yet, what awaited them was an absolute powerhouse who shattered the elation of their new start.


    ''''What Lord Dariel pointed out to me in that village was completely correct...!��I wanted to improve the shortcomings of my profound technique, the ''Great Imperial Stiffness'', and bring it closer to completion before heading to the actual battle...!


    There are circumstances that didn''t give Zester that leeway.


    It was Pigalo.


    I''m not going to be able to get rid of it, but I''m not going to be able to get rid of it.


    The same is true for Altamir, who also feels that impatience, and if truth be told, he wanted to stay in the village of Lax and have a long talk with Radhi.


    The reason she couldn''t do that is because she was influenced by Pigalo''s haste, and in the end she had no choice but to leave to chase him.


    "If Pigaro''s guy defeats the Demon King, it''s all for naught...!


    "Dear left.


    Pigalo, Altamir, and Zester each had an adventurer who was introduced to them at the nearest guild branch.


    They were all fierce A- or B-class adventurers, and the three parties that led them were formed.


    Only the brave men did not cooperate, and each of them would capture Lasperda Fortress by their own leadership.


    This was agreed upon when they departed from the center guild.


    Each of the heroes would not cooperate........or more precisely, they would not form a party and each of them would have to make their own decision to defeat the Demon King.


    This was decided in order to speed up the pace of attack by making the brave men aware of each other by competing with each other.


    The aim has been right so far, but the flip side of speed is sloppiness.


    ''''Then I''m going to have to go out.


    It was still Pigalo who was the first to declare.


    I''m not going to let you guys get in the way," he said. I''m not going to let you get in my way. You will be a living witness to my achievements.


    ''Don''t be stupid!��I won''t let you take credit for the fall of Rasperda Fortress!


    "...and...


    They are three people who are unlikely to follow the order to ''cooperate'' in the first place.


    Three parties attacked at the same time.


    This is the largest number of people the brave men have ever attacked in Lasperda fortress, but they are not coordinated at all and head for the fortress in pieces.


    ��


    The hero of The Sword, Pigaro.


    Huh...!��You incompetents who don''t know your place.


    He gloats as he makes his way through the wooded area leading to the fortress.


    "I''m the true hero...!��That''s why I''m the one who has to defeat the Demon King.��That fact was also unacceptable, and Altamir, Zester, and Radie who were frolicking in their temporary titles.......!


    The Rasperda Fortress, as an important base, became the stage of countless fierce battles between the successive heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings.


    That''s why the terrain data is stored in both the human and demon camps, and is provided to the brave men and women unconditionally.


    They are nothing more than a pseudo-fiction. I''m going to prove that I''m a true hero. We''ll start with this Rasperda Fortress.


    If we analyzed the terrain data and cut through the forest on the right wing of the fortress, we would be able to get close to the fortress without being noticed by the defenders.


    It was Pigalo''s strategy to stay as close to the defenders as possible and rush into the fortress in a surprise manner.


    ''''I don''t care if the Four Heavenly Kings are waiting for us inside the fortress. They are the same kind of lazy bastards who would be killed by Reedy anyway. The Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army of the day are probably all zakos.


    Ever since he heard the news that Radhi had defeated the Four Heavenly Kings Bashbarza, Pigalo had tried his best to think so.


    The current Four Heavenly Kings are incompetent.


    That''s why the achievements of Radhi are meaningless.


    Pigalo''s own accomplishments are meaningful to him, and the accomplishments of others should not be meaningful to him.


    I''m going to charge into the fortress and defeat the enemy leader, the Four Heavenly Kings.


    That was the only plan that was meaningful to Pigalo.


    ''''Mr........Pigaro.


    ''What?��Didn''t I tell you to call me ''brave sir'' when you called me?


    ''''Excuse me........?''''


    The three adventurers were proceeding behind Pigalo, followed by three adventurers.


    Party members recruited from the nearest guild branch. As for Pigaro, they were only a handful of pawns to bring down the fortress.


    ''''The fog is coming out........!


    What about it?��When you''re an adventurer, isn''t it natural for you to change your movements according to the weather? Can''t you understand that?


    Well, that''s not...


    ''''Was it a mistake for the guild to recommend me as ''a fierce man of a hundred battles''?��It''s a low-level guild that certifies you as a fierce competitor when you''re only half a man!��Shut up and follow me instead of saying anything else!


    ..............


    A fog had begun to appear around them, and even Pigalo hadn''t been unaware of it.


    A pure white haze was beginning to drift in the forest they were invading, filling the space between the lined trunks.


    ''''........Tch!''''


    Pigalo couldn''t help but be aware of the poor timing.


    In the forest, the trees are so thick that it''s hard to see anything, but when you add in the fog, visibility is completely reduced to zero.


    A true adventurer who knows the horrors of nature would stay put and wait for the fog to clear.


    However, the current Pigalo does not take any action that an adventurer should take, but simply pushes forward.


    It is Zester, Altamir and the other brave men who are concerned.


    ''''What if they drop the fortress while I''m stuck in the fog? When you think about it, you can''t help but be in a hurry.


    "I''m the first.......I''ll be the first to reach the fortress......!


    As I walk in a hurry, the fog doesn''t clear, but becomes thicker and thicker.


    You can''t even see your own hands.


    I''m not sure if I''m even walking in front of them at all, as my vision is completely lost.


    "Pigalo........no, hero-sama, it''s still strange.......


    A party member in the back says.


    ''Bother!��What?


    That fog. The fog usually comes on in the morning on a cloudy day or even a sunny day, right?


    Huh?


    It''s the middle of the day, a little after noon. Even the weather was clear...?


    It was foggy in weather that wasn''t supposed to be foggy....


    A fog that couldn''t have happened naturally.


    That is to say, it was caused by someone using some means or another.


    For example, by using magic.........


    ''''You idiot!��Why didn''t you tell me this earlier!��Are you a useless person or a scum?��Hey idiot, can you at least reply...?


    Pigaro curses at the party members who were late in giving him advice, but then he notices something else.


    ''''Hey..., what''s going on...?''''


    There was no sign of the party members who should have been right behind him.


    I couldn''t see anything due to the fog, but I couldn''t feel any sign of my three companions who should have been there.


    Instead, from far away, you can hear ''Gyaaaaah! I''m not going to be able to get the same thing done. I''m not going to be able to get the same thing done.


    "Nonsense!��No way...?


    Pigaro was suddenly all alone.


    You will be surprised and confused in the invisible space enclosed by fog.


    ''''Hey!��Answer me!��Where are you and what happened?


    He called out to his friends who should be nearby, but there was no answer.


    I can''t even hear them scream anymore.


    ''''d*mn it, if you''re going to die, take the enemy along with you to die, you useless...!


    While swearing at his companions, who were not safe and sound, Pigalo pulled out his sword.


    Because he had to admit that an attack from the enemy had begun.


    ''''Oh dear, that''s a terrible thing to say to your precious companions.


    !


    A voice echoed through the forest, completely blinded by the fog.


    A voice completely unfamiliar to Pigalo.


    ''Who are you?��Come out, you coward!��Show up and fight fair and square!


    Those who fail to care for their fellow man will be losers like Bashvaza. If you ask me to show you, I''ll show you, but....


    The fog, which had been so thick and dense, was clearing as I watched.


    The trees that had been hidden by the fog reappeared, and even those that weren''t there before the fog appeared were firmly in front of Pigalo.


    ''''Huh?��You are.........?


    ''''Zeviantes, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, ''Huafu''. I''m going to teach you a lesson about defeat.


    While breaking in with the intention of taking them by surprise, they encountered the enemy''s highest strength while divided and isolated from their friends.


    The formula for victory assembled by Pigalo. It fell apart completely.

 105-104 Zebiantes defends the fortress (Shitenno side)

    It goes back a few days before the brave men attacked Lasperda Fortress........


    ��


    A brave man is coming.


    "What?


    Inside the Rasperda Fortress.


    All four heavenly kings were deployed for defense.


    Among them, only Zeviantes, who governed the wind attribute, was free to disappear when he wanted to play and play around somewhere else.


    Even so, it was better these days, as it regularly arrived and fulfilled its defensive duties.......


    The moment the Zebiantes came back from somewhere else to play, he announced an emergency, which surprised his colleagues Droyer and Bezelia.


    You''re going to be attacked by a brave man?��A brave man who hasn''t been heard from for a while now?


    No, he''s not that kind of hero.


    Which way?��Which way?


    Droyer, who had not yet received any information about the increase in the number of brave men, was at the height of his confusion.


    I''m not going to be able to get to the bottom of it.


    ''....I see. I''m not going to be the only one who can do that. It''s a new approach.


    Droyer of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, Fertile Ground.


    Also, Bezalia from Muddy Waters.


    These two are serious about their defensive duties, so they never leave their fortresses, and thus it is difficult to collect information.


    Otherwise, it was extremely difficult to obtain information on the human side, the enemy force....


    ''''Great, Xeviantes!��Every time you think you''ll be gone from time to time, you come back with a handful of critical information!


    Ha-ha-ha, you should admire me more.


    Zebiantes is puffed up with pride.


    In the first place, all of the useful information she brings is provided by Dariel without exception, and Zebiantes is nothing more than a messenger pigeon, so to speak, but she hides it and does her best to take credit for it.


    ''Just letting you know isn''t enough to take credit for it.


    The one who says so in a thorny way is Bezelia, the Four Heavenly Kings who controls the water attribute.


    Now that Bashvaza is dead, he is surrounded by two women and is the only male Four Heavenly King.


    ''''The Four Heavenly Kings are not messenger soldiers, they are commanders. The commander''s job is to plan and execute a strategy based on the information he receives. If he can''t do that, there''s no point in being the Four Heavenly Kings.


    I know that. He''s a guy who doesn''t give a shit about everything.


    Zebiantes looked unhappy for a moment........


    ''Of course!��They have a secret plan for intercepting them too!


    Intercept?


    ''''They''re attacking us, so it''s only natural that we should intercept them. I don''t think we need to talk about this...?


    After being reminded, both Droyer and Bezelia could not help but nod their heads.


    The plan to intercept the heroes proposed by Zebiantes was naturally drawn up by Dariel.


    The experience and wisdom he had acquired by fighting with a group of heroes many times under the previous Four Heavenly Kings during his time in the Demon King''s Army would be fully demonstrated.


    The firm defensive posture laid out in the fortress through Zebiantes.


    ��


    Then a few days passed.....


    He''s here.


    They quickly found the new brave men who had reached the front of the fortress.


    Even though it was in front of them, they were still too far away to be captured by the naked eye.


    However, they were able to find it without any difficulty by releasing wild birds that Zeviantes had used in advance with magic in all directions and sharing their vision.


    In the past, the Four Heavenly Kings Bashbarza tried to use demonic beasts with high risk, but unlike that, if it was only a small bird and beast, manipulation magic was commonly handled.


    ''''There are three brave men leading a party of three. There are three parties of four so there are a total of fifteen of them.


    Twelve.


    Hearing Zebiantes'' miscalculation, Bezelia said, ''''Is this guy for real.......? I shuddered.


    ''''Did you notice what we noticed and they noticed what we noticed?


    Not at all. They''re so loose it''s hard to believe they''re the same brave men as Radie.


    Even the Four Heavenly Kings were not always able to detect the attackers who were far away like this.


    This time, they were able to detect it immediately as they were on especially close alert.


    This was due to the fact that Dariel had figured out the approximate timing of the arrival of the three heroes based on the date of their departure.


    This was also brought to the fortress defenders through Zebiantes and put to practical use as her mystical intuition.


    Anyway, the demon side was able to take an overwhelming advantage of being able to detect the other party''s movements before they were aware of them.


    ''''Well, how do we counterattack them?��Even though I can see the movement, the number of opponents is the largest ever. I don''t think it''s going to be easy to get rid of them, do you?


    Oh, you''re going to wait?��They''re not getting it together, they''re falling apart. It''s like they''re all coming at us from different directions.


    The Four Heavenly Kings can''t grasp that the three brave men on the offensive have no intention of cooperating with each other, and they are all vying for the credit.


    ''''Should we think that the opportunity to defeat each of them has arisen to give them an advantage?��The three of us are going out as a group. How about we clear out the party one by one in a timely manner?


    ''''It''s also a method of warfare in which if it takes too long to fight a battle, you can be cornered. You can rely on the solidity of the fortress to keep you on the defensive, but...


    As Droyer and Bezellia exchange ideas, Zebiantes smiles a desperate smile.


    ''''It''s all right. We already have a secret plan there as well.''


    Oh!


    Of course, that was also an idea given to him by Dariel, but Zebiantes was good and took credit for it himself.


    ��


    We''re ready to go!��Bezelia, you must do as you are told!


    Hey, hey...


    Receiving Zebiantes'' instructions, Bezelia utters a magic chant.


    The title of "muddy water" is naturally the magic of the water attribute that he specializes in.


    The spring water that is generated from the hand held over it.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time with your friends.


    A fusion of water and wind.


    And the result is.........


    ''Oh........''


    The water droplets are dispersed by the wind and become fine droplets that spread into the air.


    Countless tiny water droplets fly around, refracting light and painting the space white.


    ''''Fog.........?


    The fog created by the cooperation of Bezalia (Muddy Water) and Zebiantes (Flower Wind) spreads infinitely with the wind.


    Starting from the fortress, it goes in the direction of the human race''s sphere of influence.


    This means that the enemy will be blinded by the fog. They will lose their bearings in enemy territory. If it''s not done well, they will be lost in enemy territory.


    ''''Great, can you use a fog and other things that have no offensive power to fatally interfere with the enemy?''''


    That''s not all there is to it.


    Zebiantes explains with great skill.


    ''''This fog isn''t just a fog. The water created by the magic has a very special effect on it.


    It was originally called ''Detector Water''.


    Bezelia takes over the explanation.


    ''The feel of something that touches the water is instantly transmitted to the sorcerer. With its excellent water-based detection magic, it''s considered impossible to hide its presence from this thing.


    For example, you can use wind covert magic to kill footsteps, or manipulate the refractive index of light to hide your appearance, and your presence will be revealed just by touching the water that''s installed.


    ''In truth, it''s used like putting water all over the floor and waiting for the opponent to step on it. I didn''t expect you to spray it in the form of a mist...?


    ''''Even if it turns into a mist, the ''detection water'' function should still be functioning well. Bezzeria, we''ll find out.


    Hmm...!


    Prompted, Bezelia, closes both eyes and opens further senses other than the five senses for clarity.


    ''....Great, I really get it.


    What?


    I can easily follow the movement of the humans through the fog. A group charging through the forest on the right flank. A group approaching from the front. A group that is moving on high ground, watching for signs of life...


    Bezelia herself seemed to be puzzled by the fact that she could see the enemy''s movements so clearly.


    If it is a mere fog-generating magic, both the wind and water attributes have it.


    It was necessary for wind and water to cooperate in order to generate the ''fog with detection ability''.


    This was a kind of subterfuge that wasn''t even in the magic instruction book, and of course it wasn''t Zeviantes who came up with it.


    Tornera, the "Storm" and Cordeliza, the "Spiritual Water", who had served as the Four Heavenly Kings before her, collaborated to create it.


    In the past, Dariel, who was her assistant, witnessed the subterfuge magic used by these women and passed it on to the next Zebiantes.


    I''m not sure if it''s the right thing to do, but I''m not sure it''s the right thing to do.


    ''''But being dominant and winning are two very different things.


    Zebiantes said bravely.


    ''All we have to do to fix our advantage in victory is to act!��You''re taking the first step towards victory!


    There is so much more that Dariel has taught her.

 106-105 Shitenno Droyer gains ground advantage (Shitenno side)

    I have the means to annihilate those brave men while they are here!


    "What? !


    The other Four Heavenly Kings were bewildered by the single word released by Zebiantes.


    ''''What are you suggesting?��If we''ve come this far, isn''t it time for our Four Heavenly Kings to sally forth on their own?


    It''s so sweet. It''s sweet as blueberry sauce with lots of sugar.


    Bezelia, who was looking at the side, thought, ''''That''s annoying.......''''


    ''''This Lasperda Fortress is a defense facility built to keep the brave from entering the demon tribe''s territory. That''s why its function is half as good as it could be!


    "Function?


    ''''It is richer and more solid than any other fortress due to the devices that the Four Heavenly Kings who have defended it have added for generations. I''ve studied all of their defenses!


    Mostly from Dariel.


    For example, that!


    Zebiantes pointed to a magnificent view that could be looked down on from the top of the fortress...it should have been.


    Now, the fog has closed in and you can''t see anything.


    ''What''s wrong with the fog?''


    ''It''s not a fog!��It''s hidden by the fog now, but beyond the fortress, there are forests and mountains and nature galore.


    Okay.


    That natural landscape is an artifact of magic!


    Yes?


    Both Droyer and Bezelia were amused by the outlandishness of what was said.


    ''What are you talking about?��We''ve been bunking in this fortress for nearly a year now, and all we see around us are trees and grass...?


    That must have been made by magic. The Four Heavenly Kings, who predate us by a long time, built it.


    Several centuries ago.


    There was a man known as Ida of ''Heaven and Earth'', the Four Heavenly Kings, who left behind a legacy of Grand Barza-class heroism.


    It is said that the great mage, who was in dire need of the ultimate in earth magic, was able to manipulate the terrain at will and even turn the desert into a forest.


    ''''The forests and grasses around the Rasperda Fortress ... no, that''s not all there is to it. Rocks, rivers, and mountains of earth were created long ago by this Ida-sama!


    Oh, my God, are you serious?


    Then the next thing you know, ''Why would you do that?'' The question may arise.


    ''Of course it''s to fight back against a brave man. The landscape we create with magic can be remade with magic!


    There was a strange pedestal at the top of the Watchtower, the highest point in the Rasperda Fortress.


    Droyer, who had been in the Rasperda Fortress for almost a long time, didn''t understand the meaning of this pedestal and only recognized it as an unintelligible monument that was often found in historic sites....


    ''''Are you saying that you can manipulate the terrain by pouring earth attribute magic power into this place?


    The fact that Zebiantes revealed this is surprising.


    ''''That''s right, Droyer, you''re the one in charge of the earth attribute in the Four Heavenly Kings, and you''re going to control it.


    Proof over argument.


    Droyer touched the pedestal with his supple fingers, confirming the feel of the magic power flowing into it.


    ''''This is indeed........a network of magic power is spread out over a wide area around the pedestal......?


    ''''Beyond the fortress and even more extensive than that.


    ''We can send out magical commands from here to change the terrain around the fortress as we wish, right?


    That''s what it''s all about!


    Currently, the front of the fortress is filled with a thick fog that makes it impossible to visually check the situation.


    However, this fog is not a mere fog.


    It is a fog that contains magic power and can detect anything it touches.


    To Bezelia, who created the fog itself, the situation inside the fog was as clear as if it were in her hands.


    ''''Then let''s clean up the most obvious one first...?


    One of the three brave parties.


    There is a group of people attacking from the front of the fortress.


    It''s not known to Droyer, Bezelia and the others, but it was a party led by the heroic Zester of "Hammer".


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on a new one," he said, "the front of the fortress is flat terrain opened up to make it easier to intercept. It will be easier to advance even if the view is blocked.


    "It''s the fear of being pushed around...?


    But that''s just because it''s easy to understand for the people who intercept them........


    Eeeek!


    With the fullness of time, Droyer pours earth magic power into the pedestal.


    In response to this, the big trick left behind by the great heroes of the past is activated, and the terrain, which should never have changed, changes dramatically.


    Suddenly, a crack appears in the plain in front of the fortress, and the crack widens and becomes a huge crevasse.


    Bezzerian, what''s happening to you?


    I ask Bezelia, the only one who can assess the situation through the fog.


    ''''Oh........falling down.......!��The rest of the brave party fell into a chasm in the ground!��........Oh, wait a minute?


    What is it?


    One of them reluctantly clambered up a section of the crevasse to get out. From the way he was just about to fall, it looks like he''s the leader of the party...?


    I guess that means he''s the brave one.


    Although he didn''t end up being wiped out, Zester would have lost all of his party members before he reached the fortress.


    It would be an immeasurable amount of damage.


    This is the true value of Lasperda Fortress, the Demon King''s army''s pride and joy...!


    Droyer, who was living in the present, was overwhelmed by the great gimmick that his great predecessors had created.


    ''The ground around the fortress and all the natural objects on it were created by magic, so they can be manipulated and changed as much as possible with magic. That means it''s like there are traps all around the fortress!


    No part of the gap.


    And there''s no need to plant it or collect it.


    "Well I didn''t know anything about it until now. I''ve been guarding this fortress and nothing about this fortress...?


    ''Droyer-chan, you don''t have to feel down about it. Everyone makes mistakes.


    Bezelia, watching from the side, felt terrible discomfort at the fact that Zebiantes was acting as a comforter.


    ''''No, we were too unlearned. Although we were chosen by the prestigious Four Heavenly Kings, we relied only on the size of our magic power and didn''t learn anything about what battle is all about.''''


    ''That''s just the way it is, the guys before me retired without teaching me anything.


    At a certain point in time, all four of the current Four Heavenly Kings and the previous Four Heavenly Kings were replaced at the same time.


    This was quite rare in the history of the Demon King''s Army, and usually one or two of the four would be replaced at different times, and information would be shared between the senior and junior members.


    However, if all of them were replaced at once, information would not be shared and there would be a break in the sharing of information.


    It was good to say that this was one of the reasons for the struggles of the current Four Heavenly Kings.


    ''''No........that problem should have been addressed as well. ........If only that man had been here.


    There is only one being in the minds of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    Dariel, the Four Heavenly Kings'' assistant.


    That magic-less but extremely capable man must have drilled all the tasks of his predecessors into our heads. Our predecessors gave up their seats all together because they believed that Dariel would teach us everything.......


    However, the succession was not done well at all.


    ''''Bashversa fired Dariel immediately...!


    He really didn''t know what to do.


    But didn''t you agree with me?


    As an aside, Droyer is still using his subordinates to search for Dariel''s whereabouts.


    To have him return to the position of Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings.


    I''m sure Zeviantes knows that, but I''m going to keep quiet for a while now because I''m enjoying being a warrior with the strange plan given to me by Dariel.


    Back to the story.........


    The number of enemies has decreased at once, but there are still some left. Let''s take them out crisply for sure.


    ''So the next easiest thing to clean up is a group of people spying on the high ground...''


    What Bezelia grasped through the fog was the party of Altamir, the ''bow'' heroine.


    She was good at long-range attacks with her bow and arrow, and she inevitably wanted to secure a spot with a good vantage point for sniping.


    The small hill she climbed there was also an artificial terrain composed of magic.


    It collapsed easily as Droyer channeled his magic power, and the party led by Altamir was buried in the dirt and sand, unable to move.


    ''''Ah, another one has escaped.''''


    "A brave man is very stubborn...


    He also spotted Pigaro''s party of heroes from The Sword advancing through the forest and manipulated the forest terrain to disable them one by one.


    The complex terrain made it difficult to manipulate, but by working with Bezelia, who could read the situation with precision through the fog, he was able to capture each one of them without fail.


    ''''Droyer-chan, you were able to capture them alive properly?


    Yeah, they''re just restrained so they can''t move but why do you care if the human side lives or dies?


    Droyer doesn''t have a bad taste for murder, but he can''t think of any reason to dare to keep his enemies alive either.


    And yet, there was something uncomfortable about the stance of Zeviantes, who seemed even worse than Droyer, trying to keep his enemy alive by force.


    ''''Eh........?��Because I''m nice?��So kind as Our Lady is, you want to save your life, don''t you?


    "...and...


    Both Droyer and Bezelia are painfully aware of the blandness of that line.


    They had no way of knowing that behind the unnaturally compassionate Zebiantes was an instruction from Dariel to ''keep it out of human death as much as possible''.


    ''''But the only people who also fell for this demonic trap were his cronies. The brave men and women who mattered were successfully escaping.


    "As expected, the name of a brave man is not a noble one. But if we let him get lost in the fog and track him down slowly with a trap...!


    No,


    As a matter of fact, just continuing the current offensive would certainly get the victory to the demon tribe''s side.


    But there was a spirit that did not approve of this.


    A noble spirit that seeks a more meaningful victory.


    If there''s only one of the brave men, any more arrests would be foolish. Let the Four Heavenly Kings themselves sally forth and defeat it head-on!


    Droyer, who was now the official leader of the Four Heavenly Kings, declared.

 107-106 Shitenno Zebiantes show off new equipment (Brave side)

    And now.


    Pigalo, the hero of The Sword, was overwhelmed by the appearance of the Four Heavenly Kings, Zebiantes.


    "You''re the... the Fourth Heavenly King...?


    "How true, just remember that you are the most gorgeous, most beautiful and most brutal of the four heavenly kings of the day. The title of the biggest breasts is yours to give to little Dolorie.


    Speaking of the Four Heavenly Kings, they are the big heavyweights at the top of the Demon King''s army.


    It is said that the most powerful wizard is chosen and his magic is equal to that of an army.


    He is the biggest obstacle to the brave men''s quest to defeat the king, and in a sense, he is a rival to the brave men even more so than the king.


    In the past, countless heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings have fought fierce battles and left behind legends.


    The most recent and supreme was the battle between Arantzill and Grumberza.


    He is a brave and proud Pigalo.


    The sudden appearance of his arch-enemy, the Four Heavenly Kings, had baffled him at first, but he gradually regained his composure.


    ''''Hmph, hmph.......!


    He laughed as if to inspire himself.


    "I didn''t expect my prey to come to me........!��I was supposed to attack the inside of the fortress and choke it out at the far end of it...!


    ''What are you talking about when you can''t even dare to reach the fortress? It''s lame to talk about the impossible as if it were possible.


    Did you guys do this to the fog and all my other stooges?


    ''It''s dumb and lame to even bother to check the obvious. He''s really creepy. If someone like you had been chosen as the real hero, my job as the Four Heavenly Kings would have been very tactless and boring.


    Pigalo reacts with an extraordinary response to that statement that could be considered a provocation.


    The real.........brave........?


    ''''Yes, because the real brave person is Radie-chan, and you guys are just like alternates, right?��We''ve seen enough of that in the arrangements so far.


    A further statement was enough to rip Pigalo''s pride to shreds.


    "In terms of strength and brilliance, Radie is a cut above you. She''s the perfect dance partner for me to leave a legacy of strength and brilliance.


    And then a follow-up.


    ''Unlike you,''


    ''''.........?''''


    The thread of reason, which was originally an unusually high self-respecting man''s easy to lose his temper, snapped.


    ''''Even though they are the Four Heavenly Kings, all the young women are idiots who look like they have straw bums stuck in their heads.......!��I''m not as good as Reedy?��What a misguided idea!��I''m going to be the best and bravest man who ever lived, and I''m much better than Radie and the others!


    You''re not going to fall into some stupid trap and lose all your friends.


    Radey''s stock had risen considerably in Zebiantes, but of course that was irrelevant to Pigalo, and it was rather unpleasant to see the competition lifted.


    ''''No questions asked!''''


    Finally, the war of tongues was cut off and the armed struggle began.


    They represented both sides of the Human Demon Race from the beginning. It was natural that they would cut each other down if they met.


    As soon as he drew his sword, Pigalo''s blade attacked Zebiantes.


    The wind user dodged that deadly blade with a fluid, airborne swimming style.


    ''''Humph...!��You should have resorted to traps and shivered in the rear, but you''re lucky to have come out of it on a roll!��I''ll give you a cracking head start right here!


    It doesn''t matter. That''s what our leaders do.


    After Bashvaza''s death, Droyer is now recognized as the leader of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    The Four Heavenly Kings are not only chosen as the commander of the Demon King''s army, but also as the best wizard of the demon tribe. That''s why he has to show his strength in the end. ........It''s a pain in the ass.


    Is that why you came all the way out here?


    We don''t want to be unfair, one on one. I''m sure that each of them is on their way to the other members'' homes by now.


    There were three brave men who attacked.


    The number of the four heavenly kings left after Bashbursa died was also three.


    It was just a combination of three one-on-one battles.


    ''Why don''t we just bring all three of them together and come to me without paying any unnecessary attention? I could have killed them all and hogged the credit!''''


    Then you''d better put me down first.


    The battle had already begun.


    Zebiantez dodged Pigaro''s sword flashes, which were unleashed with furious force, with the lightness of dancing petals.


    That lightness is the face of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Wind.


    ''''Hahaha!��What''s the matter with the Four Heavenly Kings?��Can''t do anything but run!��Are you at the mercy of this brave Pigalo''s immense sword?


    Always on the offensive, Pigaro decides that he is in control and is proud to win.


    ''This is the power of the brave!��I''m the real hero!��You will die to make a name for yourself!��Four Heavenly Kings!


    Pigalo stopped his offensive for a moment to breathe.


    It was so that he could put his aura into his beloved sword.


    ''''I can''t be bothered with you alone. The other four heavenly kings who were heading for Altamir and Zestar must also be killed with these hands. You will end up with this one blow...!


    The dazzling sword qi emanating from the blade.


    ''''Super Emperor Splitting Sky!��Even the superb skills developed by the previous hero, Arantzill, are easy for me to master!��Be proud to die with this profound technique!


    And then he unleashes an aura slash.


    It is characterized by the fact that the aura itself is used as a slash, sending it flying.


    It''s not a big or small scale aura blade that runs towards Zebiantes.


    Pesh.


    I''m not going to be able to get it right.


    ''''Wha?''''


    Seeing that, Pigaro is truly surprised.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    ''''This is the ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky''?


    In contrast, Zeviantes'' disappointment was so obvious that he didn''t even try to hide it.


    ''''You can''t be a liar, either. This is just a ''ripped sky''.


    "What?!


    I''ve seen the Sky Splitting and the Super Emptying Sky a lot, so I know the difference. Your version isn''t nearly as big or as powerful as the Super Kung Fu Kuu. I can''t stand the idea of you fancying an ordinary rift sky as a more advanced version of it...��It''s even more tacky to be so bad at it that it''s immediately obvious.


    ''''Gunnu?!''''


    Pigaro''s lips trembled as he was hit with a big target.


    It''s not that he was trying to cheat on them with his useless ultimate secrets from the start.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    And then he lied about being able to use it even though he can''t use it.


    This has resulted in an abomination of embarrassment in front of the enemy.


    The most important thing to remember is that you can''t afford to deal with any more of this nonsense. We must make short work of it.


    Zebiantes settled the matter as if he were throwing away something he had lost interest in.


    ''At least you can disperse as an experiment in your new finished dress. You will be grateful for the role I am giving you as a pointless anathema.


    ''What........is that.......?��Wings.........?


    Pigalo witnessed the silver wings spreading out from behind Zebiantes with shock.


    All silver.


    Wings of metal.


    Pigaro was dazzled by the dazzle of the mirror-like reflections of the light.


    It took many prototypes, but I have finally achieved it. This is my idea of an ultimate beautiful magic tool. The metal wings are made of mithril and flap their wings as if they are under my spell. They are my wind magic aid.


    Pigalo does not know.


    These silver wings are the reason why Zebiantes came to settle in the village of Lax.


    Adorning herself with a magical tool that combines function and form is what she wants.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you get your hands on it. The design was improved and the beauty was even more perfect.


    ''''What..., you''re kidding...?''''


    Honestly, Pigaro was overwhelmed by the dazzle of the spreading silver wings, but he didn''t have the heart to admit it.


    ''''Don''t think I''m the one who''s scared of such a toy!��I''ll immediately turn its owner into junk with my ''Super Emperor''s Splitting Sky''!


    And an ordinary ''Splitting Sky'' released.


    This time, Zebiantes didn''t even try to create a tornado.


    ''''Nah!''''


    I''m not going to be the only one to flap my silver wings and drown out the ordinary ''split sky''.


    Wings made of mithril that have the property of absorbing magic power. It''s a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what to expect.


    It''s a nice colored wind. The completed wing is given the name ''Wings of Harpuerre''. I guess ''Wings of the Sirens'' would be fine, but...!


    We''ve been breaking in so far, easily drowning out the attacks of Pigalo''s full length.


    It''s time for the real thing. You can''t activate my new special magic, which cannot be activated without these wings.


    From the wings of the Zebiantes, a sound rang out.


    It was a thin, long, and sharp sound that seemed to slice through the air.


    ''You may accept the honor of being the first to try out, alternate brave.


    Huh?��Hee.........?


    By this time, Pigaro was also greatly discouraged from fighting and was backing down.


    The idea of ''I''ll be killed if I don''t run away now'' rapidly spread through his brain.


    '' "Mithril''s wings made by the miller. The air would pass through each of the individual blades that made up it. The stream of air, thin and well-formed as if exhaled from a flute, becomes a sharp scalpel of air with magical power...!''''


    ''''Wait..., wait...?''''


    The air blades that are released from the gaps between the wings of the mithril wings. It''s called the ''Symphonic Razor''. You can be cut to pieces........!


    Thin, sharp blades of air spat out from mithril wings. Moreover, they attacked in groups of dozens of them.


    Pigalo didn''t have the means to deal with all of them.


    ''''Ughhhhhh!


    After receiving the first one or two blades with his sword, he was immediately unable to hold it in place, and Pigalo was cut into pieces with his broken iron sword.


    The first match between the three brave men and the four heavenly kings was decided by the victory of the four heavenly kings.

 108-107 Shitenno wins all (Brave side)

    When Pigalo was in the midst of a disastrous battle with the Zebiantes.


    Elsewhere, too, a critical phase had occurred, and was coming to an end without a hitch.


    ��


    First, the front of Lasperda Fortress.


    The brave Zester of "Hammer", who was trying to make the most manly frontal breakthrough, was blocked by the worst obstacle of all.


    Droyer from "The Fertile Ground", one of the four kings of the Demon King''s army.


    The first of the four Heavenly Kings, now considered the core of the Demon King''s Army, stood in front of him.


    ''''Breaking Mountain Strike!


    ''''Earth Tao Wall!''''


    The battle had already begun.


    Zester easily smashed the wall of earth that Droyer was building up with magic with her hammer.


    This forced her to leap and retreat to out of range of her opponent''s attack.


    ''''I don''t know how it happened, but you were unlucky!


    As for Zester, he earned the title of hero, even though he was late to Radie.


    He is one of the most talented people in the world.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    I''ve heard that the earth magic you use doesn''t go well with the aura of hit.��It''s like heaven forsaken that I had to fight this ''hammer'' heroic Zester of all things!


    Earlier, the reason why the heroic Radie was stuck in the attempt to capture Rasperda Fortress was because he was unable to defeat this Four Heavenly Kings Droyer.


    It was Zester who had heard the report from the Center Guild.


    And the main reason why Radie was unable to finally defeat Droyer was that he had not added a hammer user to his party who had an advantage in earth magic.


    Zester''s strongest weapon is the hammer.


    Zester was convinced of victory because of the chemistry that meshed so well together that he thought it was a blessing.


    He would be able to defeat the Four Heavenly Kings of Earth, which the regular brave Radie had been unable to do.


    ''''It''s ... not luck.


    Jiri Jiri retreated, but Droyer still said firmly.


    At those words, Zester relaxed his offensive.


    ''''What do you mean...?''''


    "I chose you myself. I have chosen you as my enemy from the three new heroes. For the other two, my fellow countrymen, the Four Heavenly Kings, are on their way to restrain you.


    Zester is more than a little shocked by the notice.


    It was also shocking that the enemy side knew their movements so accurately, but if that was the case, why did Droyer choose to bump into him and Zester?


    That was still puzzling and shocking.


    ''''........So you, knowing that you have a disadvantage in chemistry, you dare to fight it?''''


    Yes.


    Why would you do that...?


    Foolishness, and he could not say that much.


    However, Droyer''s actions were still absurd.


    If you have complete knowledge of the enemy''s movements, you can certainly take charge of winning.


    It could be done, but not doing so was just a foolish act for a fighter, not doing his best for victory.


    Why was such a foolish act by the powerful Four Heavenly Kings, who had dismissed even Reedy?


    ''''I''m realizing more and more every day how inexperienced I am...!


    Zester is more and more confused by Droyer''s words.


    The Four Heavenly Kings, who are accurately blocking the brave men, reflect on.......


    ''''Although we were chosen as the Four Heavenly Kings, we did not face our duties to the best of our abilities. We have yet to reach the level of the Four Heavenly Kings, who must meet both the commander and the strongest of the four heavenly kings.


    You didn''t think... that you were trying to develop yourself...?


    Yes. You are the fourth king of the four heavens, the most powerful demon king, and you cannot be destroyed by inertia, even if you are at a disadvantage with your opponent. That''s why I asked the other two to allow me to fight you.


    Daring to clash with a disadvantageous opponent and winning will make Droyer a quadruple-king.


    He will grow up to be the Fourth Heavenly King by defeating a disadvantageous opponent. You are the Hammer, and you will be the cornerstone of my growth.


    This humble and stoic attitude was matched by the person in Zester''s eyes.


    Radey, the first of them to become a brave man.


    Even after becoming a brave man, he still admitted what he lacked and struggled to get close to perfection.


    Radie''s uprightness in studying under Dariel, who is willing to bow to the people of the city, coincides with this demon race.


    ''''You mean this is the condition of a strong man...?''''


    The strength in Zester''s hand holding the hammer tightens.


    A force that barges out more than is appropriate.


    No.........!��I can''t be overwhelmed.��That''s why we have to climb up. To take over from Master Alanziel...!��It''s one of the strongest corners and it''s lined up...!


    The hammer is raised.


    A shining aura overflows from its head.


    ''''.........''''


    Even Droyer was alarmed by its strength and concentrated his own magical power.


    It''s a big one. A trump card...?


    Behold!��My ultimate profound secret and the proof of my courage!��"Super Imperial Stiffness!


    An enormous aura mass was released from the hammer.


    There was nowhere to run from the raging, rigid wave that crushed a wide area.


    ".........


    Droyer must have realized this as well, releasing the accumulated magic power, and she also unleashed the ultimate annihilation magic.


    ''''Titan Pound!''''


    The soil on the ground rises with magical power and flies as a huge mass.


    Its massiveness was exactly like a giant''s fist.


    A lump of aura and a lump of earth and stone with magical power.


    The two sides clashed hands in the center, and the decision was instantaneous.


    Droyer''s special magic pushed against Zester''s trump card and shattered it.


    ''''Guhaaaaah!


    The Zester, who had been defeated by the "Super Imperial Stiffness," was swallowed by the approaching mass of earth and stone that drove the remainder of the force and was blown away.


    It was the moment the game was decided.


    "You made the wrong move.


    Says Droyer, the victor.


    ''That technique that sends chunks of aura flying from the hammer. It looks flashy, but as it advances, it diffuses and loses its weight and density. My strongest offensive magic, Titan Pound, it''s obvious that it would be overwhelmed by the massive mass.


    Dariel pointed it out to him, and his enemies would also tell him.


    Even so, he still chose the ''Super Emperor Stiffness'' as his final trump card because Zester couldn''t abandon the origin of his goal to become a brave man.


    It was because he admired Aranziel too much.


    He couldn''t become Aranziel.


    ��


    And the other.........


    Well......


    The third game was soon over.


    Altamir, the brave man of "The Bow," managed to run down the small hill he went up to investigate the situation, only one of them was able to run down without being able to save his party members from being swallowed by the earth and sand.


    Then the Four Heavenly Kings ''Muddy Water'' Bezalia attacked them, neutralizing them without pain and crawling on the ground.


    ''''Refrain from wasting your efforts. The more you struggle, the more viscous my prison mucus becomes. If you dive to your head, the worst thing you can do is not move, as you could suffocate to death, so the best solution is not to move.


    They poured a liquid as sticky as mud on me, and even if I tried to pull it off, I wouldn''t pull it off, and on top of that I couldn''t stand because it was slippery.


    It is even more impossible to draw a bow and shoot an arrow.


    It''s an abomination that is typical for a brave man to be caught in a moment''s notice and unable to do anything about it.


    The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that you can''t get rid of it.


    It''s a good thing that I''ve become a brave man, but once again I''m in a position to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Radie.


    You can''t stop crying at the sheer hollowness of the first step.


    I''m sure you''ll be treated well from now on. I''ve got a lot of nice people in my family, so I''m not going to take their lives.


    Bezzeria doesn''t seem particularly grateful and says in a rather sarcastic tone


    It''s probably harder for the proud hero-sama to be disgraced alive, though, right?��In the meantime, I''m going to dig up the followers that Droyer buried and put them in jail with him. After that, you can pay a high ransom to your master guild to take them away, in that order, right?


    If you expose such an abomination, you will definitely be stripped of your brave title.


    I don''t want to do that, I have to escape somehow," she struggled, but the mucus clung to her and wouldn''t let her escape from the spot.


    Just when it seemed all was over........


    ''''Hmm?''''


    There was tension in Bezelia''s voice.


    It wasn''t against Altamir. Her incapacitation was so perfect that she couldn''t pay any more attention to it.


    And Altamir noticed too.


    There were people.


    A third person, not Bezelia or Altamir.


    With a hooded cloak over his eyes, he was hidden from view and it was not at all clear who he was.


    It could be a demon race or a human, a man or a woman, a young man or an old man.


    ''Who is that?��You''re not insulted that you still have friends here, are you, brave?��Aren''t you being overly cautious?


    Bezelia thought that her brave companions had rushed to her rescue, but no, they hadn''t.


    Altamir had no idea what to expect.


    Then who on earth was this intruder?


    While both Bezelia and Altamir are puzzled, the mysterious figure takes out from within his cloak.


    A sword.


    Raising a sharp straight sword, the mysterious cloaked figure muttered the name of the technique he was going to unleash.


    ''''........Encounter Splitting Sky.''''

 109-108 Dariel receives the report

    What happened to you then?


    In my peaceful home I was receiving reports


    From Zebiantes.


    As expected, the three brave men, Pigalo, Altamir and Zester, attacked Rasperda fortress.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on in the world, and I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on in the world.


    "I don''t understand.


    I don''t know...?


    Zeviantes'' report after returning from the fortress was not very to the point.


    You defeated the three heroes and then what happened?


    a�?He disappeared. That''s all I can say.


    How did it disappear?


    From what Zebiantes told me, it was like this.


    For the time being, it was going well until they fought and defeated the brave men and women.


    When they were incapacitated, they tried to restrain the brave men who could not move.


    "A strange fellow came out.


    The guy wore a hooded cloak and was dressed in a way that made no sense at all to me in terms of face and build.


    I must have been in a hurry to defend myself when that guy suddenly attacked me, and I was distracted for a moment, and then I realized that neither he nor the brave man was there.


    ''''Hey, hey.......even if the Four Heavenly Kings were to let their prey slip away so easily.......!


    No, no!��He doesn''t have a choice!��That''s how amazing an attack that the cloaked guy came out with!


    An attack that would make even a top-class magician, the Four Heavenly Kings, panic.


    It''s only a matter of time before he or she is able to do so, and it''s only a matter of time before he or she is able to do so.


    This is a great way to get a better understanding of the situation.


    All three were taken.


    But they were fighting somewhere else, weren''t they?��You''re doing a great job of collecting that exactly...


    According to Droyer and Bezalia, it was the exact same cloak that showed up. That''s exactly what happened to me.


    Exactly the same physical appearance.


    The fact that this guy appeared on the battlefields of "Zebiantes and Pigalo", "Droyer and Zester", and "Bezelia and Altamir" respectively...?


    ...the same person?


    No, it could be a different person if the cloak was hiding his entire body.


    But the important thing is not that.....


    "Who in the world is collecting the brave men and women and for what purpose?


    It''s right there!


    Zebiantes snorted.


    ''''I think that cloak is a force on the human side after all!


    "Does this mean you rescued a hero in a pinch?


    It''s true that thinking like that is the least messed up.


    If the human race''s star of hope, the brave man, becomes a prisoner of the demon race, we''re in big trouble.


    It would be a total loss of face.


    In order to avoid this, someone who had been secretly accompanying them, sailed out at the right time and rescued the heroes.


    Is that someone, for example, a secret agent who received the wishes of the Center Guild?��The one in the shadows?


    Well, it sounds like a very likely story.


    What about that part?


    What about it?


    Me and Zebiantes turned to the brave Radey, who was also joining in the conversation.


    ''''Ew!��It''s me?!


    ''''That''s right, if you want to know what''s going on in the Center Guild, then a brave man is the best person to ask.


    We had too many ate''s to gather information in our house.


    ''''........No, I don''t think there''s anyone like that, that kind of watchdog. The fact that such a person was following Altamir and his friends means that they are following me too, right?


    It''s true.


    As a regular brave man, Radey is the one who should be treated more carefully than the other three who were chosen unexpectedly.


    If you''re going to have a watchdog, it shouldn''t be surprising that there are three or four of them sticking around.


    But I''ve never felt the presence of such a person in my life. Dariel-san and Zebi-chan would have done the same, right?


    ''''Hmmm...?


    Even me and Zeviantes, the ones who seem to be living together these days, don''t notice it.


    That can''t be true, right?


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on in the world.


    If there is a hidden form user whose presence is not detected by all of them, then that''s a person who is even more powerful than the heroes.


    ''''That guy is the one who wants us to defeat the Demon King-sama.......!


    But there''s one more thing that proves that the cape guy is on the human side!


    Zebiantes bites down boldly.


    ''''That guy must have used his sword!


    Sword?


    It''s true that only the human race adventurers use weapons.


    Demons don''t need weapons because they use attack magic if they want to attack.


    "They attacked us with their swords!��That technique was also unmistakably the technique of the human race!


    I''m going to call him the cloaked man for convenience, and that''s what he says.......


    The "Encounter Sky".


    It seems that he unleashed a technique called the "Encounter Devil''s Sky".


    "What''s that, it''s just like the ''Super Empty Sky''...?


    Is that also a derivative of the ''Splitting Sky'' technique?


    I looked over at Radey and he waved the cover off as best he could. ''I don''t know, I don''t know,'' he said.


    ''''The one that shot at me actually looked exactly like the ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky''. His aura was flying in a mass, huge, and seemed to be able to cut everything in a flash!


    Isn''t that the ''Great Emperor''s Sky'' itself?


    ''But it was different in some ways!��The mass of aura that the cloaked man produced was bright red!


    ''''Red?''''


    Colored Aura Slash.


    That''s right, it''s different from the ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky''.


    Auras don''t have any difference in color to begin with, they''re usually white or yellowish, like sunlight, like the dawn light.


    ''''No, it was a really creepy color. It was as red as blood...!


    Zebiantes stuck out his tongue with a wedge as he felt creepy when he remembered.


    Surprised by that too eerie aura slash, Zebiantes, Droyer and Bezelia were all busy defending themselves.


    And while their attention was distracted for just a moment, the cloaked man and the brave man who had fallen down were gone, they said.


    Considering the situation, I should think that the cloaked man took them. The fact is also first of all definitely so.


    "The human race must have taken him away, so ''Don''t cheat! I was going to protest to little Radie, "I''ve been thinking about it. But I guess I was wrong.


    You''re not going to let me protest that...?


    Radey was perplexed.


    But things have taken a turn for the worse, haven''t they?


    As for me, I was hoping that the three newly chosen brave men would fail to capture the battle and the excessive momentum for defeating the Demon King would dissipate.


    .............


    What is going to happen?


    I''m more worried about you.


    Radey muttered, that''s exactly what he was worried about.


    ''To listen to you, Zebi.......doesn''t that mean we don''t know where Artamir and the others are?''


    Oh...


    You''re right.


    If he is a person whose identity is unknown, we don''t even know where he is.


    The brave men and women who were taken by such a person are also missing.


    I didn''t notice it until it was pointed out to me, but I myself have almost no contact with those three people.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but I''m sure it''s not.


    "What should we do, Dariel-san........!��You''d better let the Center Guild know about this...!


    That''s better, of course, but it''s tricky when people question how you get your information...


    ''Zebiantes.''


    Yes?


    ''The adventurers led by the heroes are safe, right?


    Yes, they''ve rescued them from being buried in the dirt or trapped in the cracked ground and thrown them in jail.


    So let them all go. Let them have the information that a brave man is missing.


    It''s not a good idea to hold a prisoner of war and use him as a message pigeon.


    Can you do that, Zebi?


    Hmmm, it may be difficult to free a captured prisoner unconditionally, but you must try.


    Yay!��I love you, Zebi!


    Now, now, enemy to enemy.


    Anyway, where did the brave men get taken to?


    I hope this isn''t a harbinger of bad things to come....

 110-109 Heroes are brainwashed (Brave side)

    The brave men awoke in the darkness.


    Pigalo, the hero of the sword.


    The brave one with the bow, Altamir.


    They were all present.


    They are all present.


    This is...?


    It seems that they had been unconscious just before and were confused by the strange things that happened to them.


    What is this...?��I was fighting the demons in the forest...?


    Murmuring to that point, Pigaro recalls.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what to do.


    ''''Yes....?''''


    Pigaro had lost.


    He was defeated by that frivolous-looking woman, the Four Heavenly Kings.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    There''s no way he could do anything about it.


    The more vividly the memory came back to him, the more he shuddered in frustration.


    Defeated...?��I lost?��I lost to that stupid looking woman...?


    For Pigaro, it shouldn''t have happened.


    His goal was high, to defeat the Demon King with his hands.


    For that reason, he should never have stumbled over the Four Heavenly Kings in the front seat.


    Instead of stumbling, he was played away.


    Pigalo wanted to hope that it was a nightmare.


    But Pigalo wasn''t the only one who was devastated.


    "Immature........!


    A voice cursing itself rang out.


    It''s the sad indignation of Zester, the hero of "Hammer".


    "It''s still incomplete........!��My ''Hammer'' is not even close to being perfected, it''s a failure!��The man who tried to rely on it at the last minute is simply too immature to make the right decision!


    I''ve lost...!��I lost.��I lost...!


    The brave Altamir of ''The Bow'' also held his head and trembled.


    ''''I could have been a brave.......I could have finally gotten together with Radie!


    A brave man cannot be defeated.


    As the hope of humanity, he or she must always be the winner as the representative of the guild.


    That''s why there was even a clear rule that if they were defeated by the demon tribe, they would be stripped of the title of hero.


    That was why they were trapped more than their hearts, having been trounced by the Four Heavenly Kings without any room for excuses.


    ''''Bother!��Shut up, you guys!


    It was still, or rather, Pigalo, whose frustration turned outward the fastest.


    ''I don''t care if you guys die or lose!��You are so weak that you deserve to be retired before the end of the race.��Don''t make a fuss about something that''s right!


    ''''Don''t be silly!''''


    The release of frustration reverberated back and called for more frustration.


    Altamir let out a screeching sound.


    ''You''re always like that!��How come you always seem to think you''re so special all the time!��If you fight, you know you''re the weakest of them all!��You don''t understand?


    What do you mean?��It''s a lie!


    If you don''t believe me, I''m going to prove it to you right now!��I''m going to twist you much easier than your Four Heavenly Kings!


    Altamir drew his bow and Pigalo held up his sword.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a great deal more to say about it.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time with your friends.


    You will be able to find a lot of people who have been cursing themselves and not paying attention to the outside world.


    It seems that an exchange of frustration has developed into an exchange of irritation that finally leads to blood, and then....


    ''You''re scum,''


    A voice was thrown equally to the three brave souls.


    All of them turned their gazes in response to that voice.


    In the darkness, there was someone wearing a cloak that was intensely red in color.


    It was a hooded cloak, and with it covered deeply in its eyes, its face was indistinct.


    I couldn''t even tell if it was a man or a woman, a young man or an old man.


    ''''What the hell are you...?''''


    The appearance of a stranger.


    Vigilance brings back just a little bit of composure.


    ''Who the hell are you...?��No, but first, where am I?


    Finally, they questioned their current situation.


    We were supposed to be at Lasperda Fortress. And then we lose consciousness and wake up in a different place...?��Is this a prison?��Are you a demon guard or something?


    It was the worst imagination for the brave men, but it was most natural to think of it as ''defeated and trapped in unconsciousness''.


    The red cape immediately denied it.


    ''To begin with, you weren''t in Rasperda Fortress. You were defeated in front of the fortress without even reaching it. You were defeated in front of the fortress without even reaching it, and you never set foot inside the fortress.


    What did you say?


    How can you call yourself a hero with that kind of disappointment? The human adventurers have come down a long way. The name of the hero grows lighter with every passing era.


    ''Shut up!''


    Pigaro is indignant.


    ''You will not be insulted!��I''m a hero!��The most powerful human race!��There''s no one in this world who''s stronger than me!


    There''s at least one of them. At least one of them is that demoness.


    What?


    I''ve never heard of a brave man who could be dismissed by a girl like that. The most important quality needed for being a hero is strength. You don''t have that strength. You don''t even have the strength to reach the lowest level.


    No, that''s not true!


    All those people.


    Altamir, Zester reacts.


    ''You are brave in name only, Da. You are nothing but trash. Calling yourselves brave is an insult to the brave men and women of the past. It is a blasphemy to humanity itself.


    We''re...!


    ''''Blasphemy...?''''


    Both of them shivered from the core of their bodies at that point.


    This was right after the decisive fact of defeat was slammed into them. The abuse was even sharper than usual, piercing his chest.


    It''s a shame for the human race. It''s a joke that a brave man, who should be the pride of the human race, is humiliating the entire race. It''s better for trash bugs like you to die. If you have a shred of shame, you won''t be able to live with your own misery.


    The red cloak hurls unparalleled abuse at the brave man whom he had rescued himself.


    What in the world is the purpose of this?


    Did he save the three of them from a pinch just to curse at them?


    ''''Bother!��Annoying, annoying, annoying!


    The first to lose patience with the abuse was Pigalo, the brave man from The Sword.


    He was much more prideful than the other two, and there was no way he was going to accept his despicable point of view.


    ''''I''m the strongest!��I''m going to be a legend!��I will not allow you to wrongfully disparage me or commit such a sinful act!


    I cannot save you from your weakness and stupidity. I can''t save you from your weakness and stupidity, and I saw a man just now who looks exactly like you.


    ?


    "I''m going to be a hero," he said, "but my abilities are not good enough. I tried to take on a hexenbiest and didn''t get it right, and I ended up in hell...


    What... what... who is...?


    You''re just like him. You''re both weak and stupid. It''s fine if you''re only weak. But if you''re not smart enough to understand yourself, you''re just a nuisance to people who mistake weakness for strength.


    Annoying!��Enough!


    Pigaro thrusts his broken sword at him.


    ''Fine, I''ll kill you!��I will strike you down for insulting a brave man!��A brave man is allowed to kill if he wants to protect his authority!


    Despite the fact that the sword is broken, he raises it and runs at you.


    Receiving that.........


    It can''t be helped........!


    The red cloak''s tone changed slightly.


    ''''Meeting Demon Splitting Sky.''''


    "What?��Owwww!


    A sword suddenly appeared from inside the red cloak.


    It''s a good idea to make sure that you''re not going to have to worry about the fact that you''re not going to be able to get your hands on any of these things.


    ''''Gagyaaahhhh?��Aaaaaaaaah!


    ''''Whether it''s hot or painful. Touching the Demonic Qi of the Meeting Devil''s Sky is the same as being roasted by the flames of hell. Of course, I had to adjust and shoot him so that he wouldn''t die. Be thankful that you only have to deal with the pain of hell.


    ''''Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee?!''''


    Swallowed by the bright red aura, Pigaro''s entire body was miserably burned and his entire body was burned.


    Both Altamir and Zester were surprised and puzzled by the fierce depth of the technique.


    ''''What was that...?


    ''''The ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''........?��No, it''s not....?


    The red cloak hurled a relentless barrage of words at the confused heroes.


    ''You scum. You are useless scum. You are scum, you are useless scum, and you want to put that scum to good use. At the very least, you will be inspired to be of service to me, at least when you die.


    The red cloak fits the sword into the cloak.


    From the left hand raised in its place, something like a wave of motion spreads out from the left hand raised in its place.


    ''''This is.........?


    ''''What.........?''''


    The wave that travels through the air eventually envelops Altamir and Zester, as well as Pigalo, who is cowering with burns all over his body.......?


    "What...?


    The three of them, who had been exposed to the monstrous demonic waves all over their bodies, sensed the demonic waveforms through their eardrums, retinas, and the sense of touch throughout their bodies.......


    The color of their eyes changed to red.

 111-110 Dariel gets informed that a robber has appeared

    Today was another peaceful day in Lax Village.


    When I looked into the Adventurer''s Guild branch, I saw that Gashita was training and other things.


    ''''That''s auspicious.''''


    Oh, brother!��Shush!


    Gacita is the oldest adventurer in Lax Village, and the only one who has grown out of the village.


    He is the only adventurer from the village and the only one who is truly from Lax.


    When I met him, he was the only one who wouldn''t give up, saying he was the best.


    He used to look at me like I was the enemy of him.


    People are always growing up...!


    What''s up, buddy?��Crying all of a sudden?


    Gasita, who was only a self-centered lump, is now the head of the Lax Village Guild.


    The guild has expanded with the growth of the village and the adventurers who have come from outside to seek work.


    ''I''ve seen guys who don''t grow up no matter how many failures they make, so Gacita''s growth seems precious...!


    Please don''t...!��When I think back to the old days, I''m still embarrassed as if my face were on fire...!��How could I be so confident, back then?


    Recalling those days when he was in the cocky mood, Gashita was really blushing.


    But it was because of the guidance from my brother that I was able to...!


    By the way, it seems that Gacita was currently training without a specific quest.


    At the outdoor shooting range for long range attack type adventurers to train on, Gasita picked up a pebble from the ground.


    ''''I feel like I''ve made some progress.


    Gacita threw the pebble into the sky with a flutter.


    It was thrown with considerable force, and the pebble rose up and up and up, stopping at a certain point and falling according to gravity.


    Meanwhile, Gacita squeezes the bow and arrow, his main weapon, and releases it.


    The bow and arrow flew towards the falling pebble, hitting it well and shattering it to pieces.


    Oh!


    Isn''t that amazing?


    He hit such a small stone, and not by standing still, but by anticipating its movement while falling.


    If you could instruct me from Aniki, I''d feel bad if I didn''t learn to do this much...!


    Gacita, you can call yourself the greatest adventurer in all of Lax.


    Please don''t!


    Gacita is adamant about the title she once called herself.


    ''''That''s why I''m black history for having been so hot back then!��I''m not even close!��All I have to do is practice!


    ''''I will even be prepared to be humble...!


    I can''t help but think of the past if Bashbarza also had this honesty.


    I''m not sure if I have the talent to raise a person, because I ended the son entrusted to me by my benefactor Granbaza-sama in such a horrible way. I was once depressed that I was not able to do anything.


    For such a person like me, Gacita, who had become a respectable person, was a lifesaver.


    Thank you, Gacita.


    No, I''m the one setting the example.


    According to Sesha and others, the current Gacita is already at a level that would be acceptable for an A-class adventurer.


    However, in order to obtain an A-class adventurer, one must go to the center guild and undergo an examination, which makes Gashta reluctant.


    I''m not worried about my grade, but about the Lux Village!��What''s going to happen if I''m gone for a long time?


    And so on.


    "Where did you go when you were a D grade student looking down on me as an E grade student, when you were a D grade student?


    Is that a long time ago?


    Gacita was about to cry with a look of ''don''t touch me again''.


    ''Oh God!''��If he''s going to bully me with my past, my training is over!��I''m going to see if there are any new quests out there!


    Sorry, sorry, sorry, don''t fiddle with it.


    I followed Gacita, who was sulking, to the guild lobby.


    There is a receptionist there, whose job is to mediate quests to adventurers day and night.


    I guess Gacita is also trying to get new quests here.


    ''Huh?��What''s going on?


    It''s a strange flurry of activity.


    ''Dariel-kun!��There you are!


    Hey, is that your father-in-law?


    The guild master and former village chief, the father of my wife Malika, who is also my father-in-law, came running up to me.


    ''''What''s going on here?��Is this an emergency quest?


    ''Yes!��The robbers are here!


    Robbery?


    It''s another crazy robbery.


    But even though it''s in the midst of reconstruction, there''s not much you can steal from Lax Village, which is still just a rural area.


    ........well, there is.


    There are things worth stealing in Lax Village that are worth stealing...!


    My son!


    ''No!��It''s mithril!


    I got a joke, and I reflected on it.


    The father-in-law followed up with, ''No, my grandson is cute enough to want to steal him out, but...''


    "We were attacked while transporting them from the Mithril Mine to here. The adventurer escort is responding to the attack, but they''re struggling. We have just received a distress call.


    Okay, sir. I''ll take care of it.


    I would like to do something as the village chief, but the management and administration of adventurers is the job of the guild master, your father-in-law.


    This man who used to be the village chief also used to be the village chief, but he has left that role to me to focus on being the guild master, so he shouldn''t interfere without a second thought.


    ''''Gilmouth, I''m going to go.''''


    ''Oh, Gacita''s always reliable. And.....


    My stepfather looks at me.


    "Darriel, I''m sorry, will you come with me?


    What''s going on?


    There''s something about asking me, who has been appointed village chief and is out of line as an adventurer, to do something for you.


    "One of the convoy that was attacked, a particularly fast one, came to report in. We have a description of the attackers. Three men.


    Three?


    That''s a very small number, isn''t it?


    Isn''t a select few a bandit''s way of life?


    ''''And as I asked him for details about his physique and build, the brave man who was listening next to me changed his color...''''


    ''Radey?��Was that guy there?


    Coincidence?��So he immediately ran off. It''s a situation where the brave man changes his blood. That''s why I wanted Dariel-kun to move as well, just in case...?


    The three of them reacted to Radey.


    I''m sure you''re right.


    I was going to ask you about the details of the attacker, but it seems that it is a matter of time before things get out of hand.


    I thought it would be quicker to see the situation in person, so I ran out.


    Let''s go, Gasita!


    Yes, sir!


    Accompanied by Gacita, who has now become an elite member of the team, I was heading down to the Mithril convoy that was said to be under attack.


    ��


    There is only one road connecting Lax Village to the Mithril Mine, so it was obvious that if I ran up that road, I would hit the site.


    In fact, I was astonished when I ran to the scene.


    Already there was the heroic Radey, his party members, spearman Sesha-san and shieldman Satome, on the spot.


    The Mithril robbers they were facing........


    ''''The convoy........is it too late!


    The adventurers who had originally accompanied the convoy as guards had been destroyed in a valiant fight.


    Several of them were lying here and there on the ground holding their weapons.


    The culprits who had defeated them were now nestled in the pile of mithril with no one to protect them.


    Those guys.........


    "....Ah!


    I was surprised at a glance too.


    I was surprised at first glance, and it should have upset Radie.


    The culprits of the attack on Transport Mithril were a familiar face to us.


    I''m not going to be able to get to the bottom of it.


    Altamir the Archmage.


    And Zester the hammering hero.


    The three of them were the criminals who attacked the convoy and tried to steal Mithril.


    "...Tsk, I didn''t know they''d be here already.


    ''It''s because you''re goofing around. You''ve been torturein'' the zakos too much.


    They were defeated by the Four Heavenly Kings in the Rasperda Fortress, and were never seen again afterwards, but here we are again after all!


    "....Pigalo, Altamir, Zester...!��Can I be happy to know that you are safe...?


    Radhi must have come up with the description of the robber that the reporter had given him.


    That''s why I ran over here, breathlessly, as fast as I could.


    "Don''t lie to me," he said. They must have thought we''d lost and were going to get screwed.


    That''s not possible...?


    Our competitors destroyed themselves without any effort and dropped out. But don''t be alarmed. We still have a chance to turn things around!


    Pigalo, who was still looking down on the humans, said in high spirits.


    ''We shall take the mithril and be strong!��The One Who taught me how to do that!��He is our leader!��He is the god who will raise us to the realm of the strongest!

 112-111 Mithril, you can eat

    ''''Take away the mithril.......and become stronger.......?''''


    I couldn''t decide in what way I should understand those abrupt words.


    The mithril is mined from the mine and is on its way to be transported for processing and distribution.


    What do you mean by taking that away........?


    Over Pigalo''s back, Altamir asks Radie.


    ''What an abomination we showed in the Rasperda Fortress...!��You were right. We weren''t strong enough at all. And the end result is a crushing defeat...!


    Altamir...!


    This is not how I wanted to see you again. I would have liked to see you at least once I had gained power and redeemed my name through the methods you showed me...!


    ''''What are you talking about?��What are you trying to do, Altamir........?


    Radey was bewildered in front of the good enemies who once competed for the title of heroes.


    I''ve only met them once, but I still know.


    I''m sure you''ll find that their behavior has changed.


    ''Don''t say anything, Altamir.


    Pigalo says in a dry, non-threatening voice.


    ''''This is a rival that needs to be kicked off. There''s no point in getting along with a guy like this.


    All I know of their footsteps is that they were defeated at the Rasperda Fortress and taken away by some unidentified person.


    Since then and until now, I have no idea where he has been and what he has been doing.


    ''You said you were going to take Mithril and make him stronger...?''


    I cautiously join in the conversation.


    ''It''s still balanced now, but you never know when the surprise will come.


    ''Are you trying to make a weapon out of the mithril you''ve taken?��I can''t think of any other way to become strong with ore, but...!


    If so, I thought it was a stupid way to go about it.


    If you want a weapon made of mithril, why would you go after the raw material before it''s processed?


    Mithril is just a mineral at the point of mining and must be processed by a blacksmith in order to make it into a weapon.


    They themselves do not seem to have such skills, and if they wanted a weapon made of mithril, they would have to go to an armorer or forge and steal the finished product.


    It would still be foolish to risk committing a crime, though.


    ''''You also said ''That One''?��Is that the same guy that took you guys?��You say you were wearing a cloak.......what did that guy blow you away?


    Shut up, a**h*le!��That''s disrespectful!


    I still can''t have a conversation with Pigalo.


    ''I''m a brave man!��You don''t talk to me, a brave man, like the rest of us!��A brave man is noble, holy, and on a height that no ordinary man can touch!


    That''s why you''re losing.


    They mistakenly believe that just having a title changes them, and they lose sight of their own competence because they are consumed by a sense of all-powerfulness.


    Those who misunderstand themselves deserve to lose the battle.


    Shut up!��I will not tolerate abusive language from a brave man!��I''ll shoot you in the face!


    And you''ll be pissing off some more unbeatable opponents...


    If you can take the provocation and put a target on me, I''ll be in the clear.


    We''ll have them in custody now, with no chance of escape.


    "Do not get provoked, Pigaro.


    It didn''t work out that way.


    We have the most massive and difficult opponent of the three to attack.


    ''Our goal is to gain mithril and gain more power than we have now. Don''t let your emotions get distracted and lose sight of your purpose.


    I know!��Don''t tell me what to do!��As long as we accomplish our goal, our cooperation with you guys is over!


    To Zester, the Hammer.


    What in the world is going on here?


    If only Aranziel-san hadn''t gotten involved, she would have been calm and accurate in her judgment, and she would have seemed to be the most suitable for a brave man in terms of her s*xuality and ability.


    ''''I''m sorry, Lord Dariel.''''


    His gaze turns to me.


    ''Our current conduct is the farthest thing from brave. I am aware of that.


    Then why did you...?


    To become a true hero. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this. For that, I''m willing to take emergency measures.


    It was only then that I finally realized what was going on. Pigalo, Altamir, and Zester said there was something wrong with the color of their eyes.


    They were emitting some kind of suspicious red light.


    A red light that seemed to infuse them with madness and paint their sanity.


    Aside from Pigalo, this red glow was the reason why even Altamir and Zester had decided to commit a criminal-like act.......?


    It invades the psyche and enlarges certain emotions.......!


    ...brainwashing magic?


    The mental interference type of magic used by the demon race.


    Are they now being controlled by magic to control their minds?��So you''re committing thievery and such?


    ''Whatever!��Then I''ll show you the moment when I''m the strongest!


    Pigalo shouted.


    At the same time, he reached for his secure cargo box.


    What''s that?


    Naturally, loaded on the back of the truck are mithril excavated from the mine.


    It is a freshly dug up ore.


    Mithril is a metal that is 100% pure and has uncommon characteristics that do not require refining.


    That''s why it can be dug out and loaded on the back of a truck as it is....


    "What are you going to do with it in your hand...?


    The amount of mass that can be held in one hand is negligible.


    Even if you took that much away, it would only be a knife.


    "Gufufufu...!��You don''t understand, do you, ordinary man?��You can''t even begin to imagine the secrets that he has given us!


    Saying that, Pigalo, with the mithril ore in his hand in front of him, he began to mumble something.


    It was like a spell of the demon race.


    Then..........


    Ha!


    An amazing thing happened.


    The mithril they were holding lost its hardness and began to shake and pull.


    It''s just like the jelly that Marika makes as a snack.


    ''''Oh, it''s exactly as that gentleman said........!��And this...!


    I ate.


    The mithril, soft as jelly, went into my mouth without hesitation.


    ''No wait!��They ate it!��Mithril?��Like a snack?


    But mithril is metal!��You won''t get sick to your stomach with it, you''ll never get sick to your stomach with it!


    And yet, not only Pigalo, but also Altamir and Zester are gobbling up Mithril without hesitation!


    It was such a shocking event that both Radie and I just watched, oblivious to our reactions.


    Eventually, they devoured a heaping pile of mithril and even burped and breathed out....


    This.........is the power-up method that he taught me. With this, I can give off an aura a few hundred times greater than before........!��You will be invincible!


    The declaration was immediately put to demonstration.


    A tremendous density of aura erupted from Pigaro''s entire body with the force of a geyser.


    The momentum was so great that it caused a storm to erupt.


    ''''Hahahahahahaha!��You see that?��This is the power of the brave Lord Pigalo of the new Sword!��I''m a new man!��Stronger and more absolute!��He has evolved into a super-strong hero that no one can surpass!


    It wasn''t just Pigalo who was spewing out a high-density, high-powered aura, but also Altamir and Zester.


    The amount of aura has risen dramatically after being hit by the same mithril as well!


    ''''Oh, great...!


    ''''With this, we can defeat the Four Heavenly Kings in a single blow.......!


    It was all incomprehensible.


    If you want to soften metal to a certain extent, you can do it with alchemy.


    But no matter how soft it is, metal is metal. There is no way you can ingest it in your body. At worst, it''s a matter of life.


    And yet those three people somehow turned Mithril into jelly and devoured it.


    Was that magic?��Or is it a trick of the aura?


    That''s wonderful, but it''s not enough. I am the man who must defeat the Demon King. If I don''t generate more aura, the demon king won''t deserve to be defeated...!


    Pigaro spins on his heel and heads for the loading dock.


    There''s still a heap of mithril ore there...?


    You''re not going to eat it all?��Are you going to eat all of that?


    I''ll never get hungry again!


    Now that they''ve recovered from Bashvaza, Mithril is finally being supplied again.


    What would it cost to eat all that stuff for free?


    "Stop it!��Don''t let that biting bastard touch Mithril!


    At the sound of my voice, all of us who have been swallowed up by the strangeness of my voice react in unison.


    To the brave men who have lost their lives to the thieves and food escape criminals. Radhi and Gacita also try to attack, but....


    But then they attack us with a shock!


    What?


    The impact was of two kinds.


    I''m not sure if this is the right way to go, but I''m sure it is.


    I''m not going to be the only one who''s been in this situation.


    ''I won''t let you pass from here, Radie.


    Altamir points the tip of the nocked arrow at Radie.


    And.....


    That''s what you''re dealing with.


    A huge man with a hammer stands in front of me.


    "Dariel, I hope you will accept this challenge again. For the true perfection of the Great Armor.

 113-112 Dariel rematches with Zellers brave Zester

    Zester...?


    I''m not going to be able to get to the bottom of it.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a great deal more to say.


    I''m not going to be able to tell you what to do.


    "Dariel-san!


    Radie!��Now I''m going to pigalo...!


    Okay, okay.


    Yeah, Radey, you need to stop Pigalle now, not me.


    That''s good advice from Satome, too.


    The mithril that Knocker and his friends worked so hard to dig up is not meant for that guy to binge on.


    But..........


    ''''Whoa!


    The arrows flying as if to block the front, Radey and the others stopped suddenly.


    ''''This arrow, Altamir!


    ''''I won''t let you go, Radey.


    Oh my God...?


    Did Zester stop me and Alta-Mil stop you?


    "Hmmm...!��Aren''t they useful........!


    Beyond that, Pigalo chuckles as he places his hand on the mithril ore.


    ''Good!��Hold those interlopers there!��Until I devour this mithril!


    Don''t get me wrong.


    Zester pours cold water on the floating Pigalo.


    ''That''s why I have business with Lord Dariel. I don''t give a d*mn what you do.


    Me too. I won''t interrupt you, so you don''t have to interrupt me and Radey''s conversation either.


    The cold words from the other party who seemed to be a comrade made Pigalo''s nose turn white for a moment.......


    The first thing that comes to mind is that no matter what it is, as long as no one gets in the way, that''s all that matters. This mithril is all mine.


    I was about to put my hand on my precious mithril, when.........


    ''I won''t let you, that I won''t!''


    Pigalo was blown away by the fierce rush of his body itself running like an arrow.


    But his guard was in time. Otherwise, it would have been skewered by now, with the tip of the spear penetrating from belly to back.


    ''''Sesha-san!''''


    Brave Radey''s party member.


    It was Sesha, a spear-using A-class adventurer.


    ''''Goooooooh!��Altamir, Zester!��What are you doing?��A bug has slipped through!


    I don''t need to remind you, but I am here for Dariel.


    My name is Radie. I don''t give a shit what anyone else does.


    So that''s how Mr. Sesha was able to get by!


    ''''It''s a mixed blessing that no one is interested in me, that I''m not. Leave this one to me!


    It''s all right, Mr. Sesha!


    Everyone cares about you!


    ''Don''t lick it!��One of these bastards will quickly clean up and devour your mithril in a heartbeat!


    So mithril isn''t like a pompom candy.


    Sesha-san is also an adventurer who can be approved for A-class status, but the amount of aura emitted by the ghetto-eating Pigalo is frightening.


    I''m not optimistic.


    I''d like to go to the aid of the team right away, but...


    I can''t...


    To me, it was my problem.


    The brave Zester in ''Hammer'' standing in front of me is the wall itself.


    ''There''s too many distractions here. Let''s change places.''''


    Zester swings the hammer in his grip to the side.


    And..........


    "Guh!


    He struck me with a sideways blow.


    I''m not going to be able to hold back the momentum even if I guarded, and my whole body flies off.


    It was as if I had become a pebble that had been kicked away.


    I was forced to move far away from the point where we were all crowded together.


    ''''Uck!''''


    I lost my momentum and landed (landed?) But he''s defending himself well.


    That''s great. I was blown up, but I didn''t have a scratch on me.


    For some reason, Zester was in front of me, just as he was before he was beaten to death.


    You didn''t think he was running after me?


    You''re not exactly a fan of increased aura, are you?


    The fact that you sent me flying like a pebble and the fact that you were able to run and catch up with me was largely due to the aura that had increased by an order of magnitude due to the mithril binge.


    I should think this is completely different than when I once competed.


    ''''........And why?''''


    I say while getting ready for battle.


    I can''t cut each other down without checking.


    ''You seem to have a huge obsession with me, and I don''t know why.��I''d like to know why...


    I don''t remember holding a grudge.


    Zester''s eyes still emit a red glow.


    I''m sure you''ll find that the brainwashing spell cast on you by someone else has not yet been broken.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not going to have to worry about the fact that you''re not going to have to worry about the fact that you''re not going to have to worry about the fact that you''re not going to have to worry about the fact that you''re not going to have to worry about the fact that you''re not going to have to worry about the fact that you''re not going to have to worry about it.


    You will be able to find out the best way to get the most out of the game.


    It means that you want to fight me with all your heart.


    "I don''t want you to misunderstand that he has nothing against you. In fact, he is grateful and even respects you.


    "Why?


    You are the one who first pointed out the flaws in our Great Godlike Streak. You were the one who first pointed out my flaws in my ''Great Emperor''s Robustness'', thereby exposing my own immaturity and showing me the way forward.


    The "Tsukuou Goryoku" was an imitation of Alanczil''s "Tsukuou Ryouku".


    It was a flawed technique that was not practical because it was a copy of the Sword Splitting Sky, which was originally intended to be used with a hammer.


    "You challenged the fortress without improving the problem...


    ''I am ashamed to say it. I was rushed by Pigaro, who didn''t give me a sideways glance.......that''s just an excuse....


    But still.........


    ''''That''s why I want to become a brave man to take over from Arantzill-sama!��This allowed him to step into the wickedness and gain an enormous amount of aura!��The next step is ''Super Imperial Stiffness'', my goal is to complete this technique!


    You''re going to bring the hammer to me.


    "Lord Dariel!��Only by fighting again with you, who have seen through all of Sugoho Goryoku in one round, can this technique be truly perfected!��I believe that!��I know how rude and insulting that is!��But still, please!��I want you to fight it!


    Do you think Mr. Alanziel would be okay with that?


    .....


    You lost in your haste, you stole for power, and now you''re back to picking fights with innocent civilians just to satisfy your own needs.


    I wonder if Arantzill-san would recognize such a brave man as a brave man.


    What?


    ''I''ve felt that way since the first time I played. The signs, the language, the way he fought. That it was just like that man, Lady Arantzill...!��That''s why I wanted you to approve of it, just as I wanted that man to approve of it.


    Are me and Mr. Arantzill similar?


    Maybe so, and maybe you''re right.


    ''Lord Dariel!��That''s why I''m going to fight you and complete the Furious Goddess of Courage so that we can defeat you and win your approval!


    Neither he nor I will recognize you since you''re a thief.


    The first thing he said was, "If you still can''t admit it, make up for it by giving up a goal in this fight.


    "If you still can''t admit it, you''ll get your points back in this fight. That''s the first step.


    He draws his Hermes sword and extends it into sword form.


    "First of all, you''re too bound by Arantzill''s existence. As long as you don''t break free from that, your ''Super Imperial Stiffness'' will stop being just a second-rate technique, and you won''t be recognized by anyone.


    ..........


    Will you listen to me divinely?


    Now......


    "Stop pinning other people on top of each other. I''m not Mr. Alanziel and you can''t be Mr. Alanziel. You''re just you. A Zester has to be a Zester.


    ....


    Do you understand?


    Yes....!


    I see.


    Well then.....


    ''Aranzir the Brave is an only child, Dariel, come.

 114-113 "Awesome Emperor" is completed

    ''''Arantzill-sama''s.......son.......?''''


    Zester shuddered as he fluttered at the declaration.


    ''''No way........?��So you say you were separated from him at an early age...?


    I only just found out myself. It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    Then Mr. Alanziel came to visit Radie, and they looked at each other''s past and said, "Huh?��Doesn''t this look like it?'' It became.


    In addition to that, he''s an extraordinarily rare type with the greatest aptitude for the entire aura nature. With such a commonality, we can''t deny it, even if we are determined to be blood related.


    No, no...!��Now it finally makes sense to me. The greatest awe passed down from you........!��It is truly worthy of the one who will inherit the bloodline of the strongest hero. But.........!


    Zester held up his mallet.


    ''You''re not Alantzir. You are a mortal enemy to be feared as anata. ...don''t you?


    That''s right.


    Well, as a reward for not forgetting to teach you, I''ll give you a few more tips.


    "The key to success is weight.


    The weight of the hammer''s head, the weight of itself as it wields it, the weight created by its acceleration.


    All that weight turns into destructive power and crushes what it strikes. The weight of the blow is the life of the blow. That''s the biggest difference between the same offensive aura property and slash and sting.


    Master Dariel, don''t you think you''ve been licking your chopsticks too hard?


    I don''t know when it happened, but it''s become a ''sorcerous'' designation.


    The hit is an aura that he has excelled at for years. Do you think he doesn''t know the basics of it?


    You''re so forgetful, you''re giving me a lecture.


    Someone who hasn''t forgotten these basics would never come up with a flawed technique like the Intense Stiffness technique.


    ''''How hard can it be...!��That kind of thing is exactly what Arantziel-sama''s bloodline is...!


    Once the eyes are closed, they snap open and an ultra-dense aura erupts at the same time.


    ''''Then let''s accept it!��Look at the newly revamped ''Super Imperial Gangster'' that has improved on its shortcomings!


    "Oh come on!


    He says while holding up his Hermes sword.


    In contrast, Zester, despite being a huge man, also leaps with a great spring. He leaps over my head.


    This is just the same process as the one I showed in the previous fight.


    If it''s the same, I''m going to be very angry indeed.


    However, he already has a different spirit emanating from his entire body.


    This should definitely not be the end of it.


    ''''Weight is power...!��He was a novice who had forgotten even the basics of the hammer. The symbol of this is the Gutsy Hammer. Throwing away his arrogance and laziness, he now makes himself into a true desperation technique!


    A tremendous amount of aura was concentrated on the head of the hammer.


    In the past, it would be the same as the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''. He should be flying a concentrated aura mass.


    But he.........


    Zester..........


    He didn''t fly the aura mass.........


    ''''Daryaaaaaaaah!


    He flew himself away.


    ''''Yes, good........!


    So far, the Aura was the only thing that flew through it, but as it progressed, it became more diffuse and flimsy, losing its power.


    Without a dependency, hits like slash and sting will inevitably disperse unless they have a dependency.


    That''s why Zester decided to send his aura flying with each relying object.


    The object as a dependent object is a hammer, a weapon?


    No.


    You have turned yourselves with the hammer into shells of the aura.


    Weight is power.


    Following the basic ironclad rule of striking weapons, I added my own weight to it and ran down to my target without diffusing it in the slightest.


    ''That''s what it is!��All of us.��I''ll take it!


    Okay, I''ll admit it.


    It''s only fitting to say that that attack is with your every fiber of your being.


    ''''Super-empty sky!''''


    As a response, I fire a massive aura slash at the heavens.


    I''m not going to be the only one who can do this.


    This is an excellent technique that uses the original aura itself as a flying tool.


    The extreme aura slash and the two powerful attacks that were made by the zester itself clashed in the air.


    "Kukaaaaahhhh?��Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!


    When did Zester get the idea of ''flying as a blow to himself'' in the first place?


    I say this with certainty, but only now.


    The advice I gave him: ''The point of a blow is weight'' and ''Don''t be bound by respect''.


    From those two advice, Zester figured out where he could supplement the weight that was lacking in the Sturdy and Powerful.


    Before that, he wouldn''t have been able to think of it.


    The clash in the air continued even now.


    Zester was about to send the sky-climbing Kuuzhuang Kuuzhuang with his body as the Kuuzhuang Gangster.


    In the past, he would not have been able to get rid of the idea that the Stupendous Sturdy Armor was only for flying his aura.


    Because the original ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky'' that he was trying to imitate was such a technique.


    He respected Alanczil so much that he tried to imitate his specialty, which was the beginning of his "Soohuang Goryoku".


    The idea of bending the essence of the original copy does not come from a mind bound by respect.


    The fact that he came up with a new idea is proof that he has broken free of the common sense that restricts him and entered a new stage.


    In the air, fierce sparks were shining like the sun.


    Sparks that flew as the two types of auras collided with each other.


    Zester didn''t even take a step back as he clashed with my ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''.


    ''''Awesome........''''


    He turned himself into a cannonball and clashed directly with the blade of the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''.


    Isn''t that at least a little bit scary!


    ''''It will be...!��To myself...!


    .........


    Zester is starting to push through...?


    "I will become a brave Zester, aaaaaaah!


    With a crunch, my aura slash shattered with a sound like shattering glass.


    Shattered.


    ''''........!


    You''re losing.


    To the best of Zester''s ability.


    He had defeated the deepest of the strongest previous heroes of all time.


    He defeated it head-on, head-on, impeccably.


    I win!��We''ve won!��My ''Super Imperial Gangster'' has defeated the ''Super Imperial Splitting Sky''!


    Of course, you''re not a brave man if you''re satisfied it ends there.


    You have to defeat the enemy''s trump card and then crush the enemy itself to be a true victory.


    In accordance with this rule, Zester in the sky tried to pour down on me.


    It''s the King''s Hand, Dariel-sama!��You gave me the head?��....su?


    That''s when Zester would see it. From above.


    I''m on the ground, and I''m emanating a supermassive aura....


    What is that...?��An aura, a giant sword...?


    Did it look like that?


    Instead of metal, a blade of pure aura extends from the Hermes sword.


    And it''s not just an ordinary size, it''s super-sized.


    The aura sword blade that was long enough to cut down even a demonic beast with a single sword had already finished preparing to intercept.


    ''''The Exalted Sky!''''


    Aranzir-san named it in person.


    With this technique that had once made the Four Heavenly Kings Bashbarza disappear without a trace of dust........


    The Zester, who had become the "Super Imperial Stiffness" itself and was falling........


    It knocked him down like a small fly.


    ��


    It''s a done deal.


    Zester, who defeated my ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky'', can be said to have improved his technique to the point of perfection.


    ''''But it still didn''t reach...''''


    Zester was lying on the ground, smoke rising from his entire body.


    Shards of the shattered hammer were scattered everywhere.


    Thanks to that thing shattering on behalf of its owner, Zester must have picked up his life.


    Well, I took it easy in my own way, too.


    ''''That''s why.......you''re still a chick, aren''t you?


    Zester says in a drawn-out voice, with damage to his entire body.


    ''''Do you mean to say that you, who inherited Aranzir-sama''s bloodline and techniques, have gone further than that...?


    ''''The ''Exalted Emperor Splitting Sky''. ''''The ''Supreme Supreme Sky'', a technique that Mr. Alanziel himself said was superior to the ''Great Imperial Sky''.


    Hearing that, Zester coughed up tears.


    The only thing that could be said for it is that it wasn''t qualified........?��Stealing, seeking power even after being tainted with the evil ways, but not reaching the top...?


    I didn''t say a word to that tearful voice.


    It''s also true that he strayed from the path of the brave in his quest for power.


    I''m going to have to rethink the fundamentals of who I am again.

 115-114 Gasita, active (Brave side)

    Meanwhile, the main battlefield after Dariel had been blown up.


    There were two main battles going on at the same time.


    The first was Pigalo the hero of The Sword vs. Sesha the spearman.


    Pigaro, who is planning to power up after getting hit by Mithril, and Sesha, who is trying to stop him.


    The two men rush to help, but...


    "Kuh?!


    The brave Radey stopped running as another arrow pierced his feet.


    If he tried to run, an arrow would fly at his nose and stop him.


    Repeatedly it happened again and again, and Radey was unable to go to Sesha''s rescue.


    ''Altamir!��Why are you interrupting me?


    It''s time for you to stop looking to the side and start looking at me. It''s me you''re fighting.


    ''''Look...?''''


    Al Tamir''s figure had already disappeared from Radey''s vision.


    The road that passes for mithril transport.


    A dense forest spread out on both sides of it.


    She dives into it and hides herself while making accurate shots at Radie.


    It was textbook archer''s fighting style.


    ''Why should we fight!��Aren''t we friends with the same goal?


    We had the common goal of defeating the Demon King.


    ''''That''s right!��But you didn''t want to compete with us!��You didn''t want to go with us!��Then we''ll have to fight you directly to settle the matter!


    It''s a mess...!


    Satome blurted out as she stood beside Radhi and concentrated on defense.


    Altamir''s arrows can change their trajectory at will with their aura and can shoot through Radhi from any direction.


    In order to protect her blind spot, Satome, the guard, could not leave Radey''s side.


    ''''That substitute hero........................What you say is a mess!��Didn''t I say she has a temper like that?


    She''s a control freak.


    Radey says wistfully.


    ''Dariel said that earlier. The bright red eyes of Altamir and the others are a sign that they are under brainwashing magic. That''s why that boy can''t make normal decisions anymore.''''


    "Magic........that means the demon race is behind it?


    As expected, even Radey couldn''t understand that much.


    However, it was hard to believe that Dariel, who spent the previous half of her life in the Demon King''s army, would misread the traces of magic.


    ''''I''ve heard that brainwashing magic is used to control the same demon race and human-like intelligence bodies. I''ve heard it''s not quite the same as emissary magic for controlling small animals.


    What''s the difference?


    Unlike the birds and the mice, demonic humans are intelligent, right?��That''s where the brainwashing magic comes in, a kind of emotional bloat that runs amok. By doing so, it robs them of their ability to make normal decisions and makes them listen to what they say. ........it seems.


    As a human race, magic was out of the question for Radie, but he had some knowledge of magic as a countermeasure to fight the demon race.


    ''It just throws your emotions out of balance, which is why it takes a different skill than magic to make it work the way the sorcerer wants it to.


    The mind-control and deception tactics.


    ''I think Altamir is showing a bizarre obsession right now because his emotions are running wild with brainwashing magic. Ignoring the intentions of the surgeon.


    He would use magic to disrupt the subject''s emotions and seduce them verbally to do what he said when his judgment was impaired.


    The combination of magic and speech is the main usage.


    But that''s why brainwashing magic can''t perfectly manipulate the subject.


    It''s quite possible that the disordered emotions will ignore the orders of the surgeon and run amok if they find a destination to cling to.


    This is probably the reason why Zester and Altamir have found their respective enemies and challenged them.


    "Does that mean he''s obsessed with Lady Reddy?��Are you in love with her!


    Satome is surprisingly slow of speech.


    The war situation was overwhelmingly unfavorable.


    In the case of a battle between a close combatant and a long distance combatant, the spacing between them could be a factor in winning or losing.


    Altamir''s tactic of shooting arrows from out of sight and out of sight among the trees would never bring the enemy closer.


    As long as she maintained this, she was not defeated.


    ''You''re not keeping your sanity, but you''re a solid fighter!��It pisses me off!


    ....


    Radey wanted to focus all her energy on the battle against Altamir, if possible.


    She had been defeated at Rasperda Fortress.


    How frustrating and shocking was that?


    If that was the reason why she had succumbed to the brainwashing magic, Radey couldn''t abandon her.


    But there are plenty of times when events that cannot be discarded happen at the same time.


    Even at this moment, Sesha is fighting single-handedly with Pigalo, the hero of The Sword.


    How far can even an A-class adventurer like Sesha be bitten by Pigalo, who has increased his aura tremendously after eating Mithril?


    With no one to stand in his way, Pigalo''s relentless pursuit of power is bound to devour the mithril in transit.


    He could never allow this to happen for the sake of the economy and the livelihood of Lax Village.


    ''Altamir!��Just give me a minute!��I''ll give you as much of a fight as you want if you can handle Pigalo!


    "You''re always running away!��I won''t be fooled again!��We''ll get it done here!


    The voice is the only tree spirit that disappears from among the trees.


    Altamir, whose thoughts were disturbed by brainwashing magic, was precisely driven only by his obsession with Radie.


    ''''Unless we defeat that child, we can''t go and save Sesha-san.......!��We have no choice but to take that girl down first?


    ''We''ll be late for that if we get lost!��Let''s take out Altamir at full speed first!


    Satome''s suggestion was the truth.


    But even if we say it''s the best, it''s not easy.


    Even if you lacked normal judgment, the other party is a brave man.


    A precise line of fire while hiding in the forest. As long as you don''t locate them, Radie can''t even attack Altamir.


    A rugged and prolonged battle was expected to be fought as per the archer''s instruction manual


    Jittery and impatient Radey is getting more and more impatient....


    The turning point came suddenly.


    Altamir''s arrow from behind the trees approaches Radie.


    But that arrow was shot down halfway through without reaching its target.


    What?


    What?


    Both Altamir, who shot it, and Radhi, who was shot, are surprised, not knowing what happened.


    ''We''re late!''


    A wild voice echoed through the streets.


    It was Gacita''s voice.


    An adventurer from the village of Lax, who had rushed to the scene with Dariel.


    Before he knew it, he had climbed to the highest top of the trees that lined both sides of the street.


    ''''It took me a while to get the highest, best shooting spot!��But I don''t have to put up with that anymore!


    Mr. Fujita?��What are you doing in there?


    Gacita squeezes the bow and arrow, the weapon she uses.


    It''s the same as the strong enemy at hand, Altamir.


    Again, a vicious arrow that approaches Radie.


    But once again, it was shot down and blocked on the way.


    It was because Gacita shot her own arrow at the flying arrow.


    ''''You''re shooting down an arrow with an arrow!''''


    It was a divine feat worthy of amazement.


    Just hitting the target requires skill and concentration, yet Gasita hit the arrow, which is thin and small, yet galloping like a falcon.


    ''''Unbelievable...!��What kind of technology...?


    I thought Dariel was the only monster in Lax Village?


    Radie and Satome are surprised and stunned.


    But it was an opportunity. It''s a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    ''Let''s run, Satome!''


    Yes, sir!


    The two of them run at a sprint.


    Around the two of them, a number of broken arrows are scattered around them.


    Every single one of those arrows are down, for real!��What''s that guy''s name?


    You''re not going to be able to get a good deal more than that. It''s only natural for him to be able to do this.


    Likewise, Radey''s confidence in Dariel''s guidance was strong.


    It was Gashita, who had come to adore Dariel and begged him to teach her, even before Radey had visited Lax Village.


    He was different from the man he had been when he was in his cocky prime and his pride preceded his ability.


    With a bird''s-eye view of the battlefield from a high vantage point, he was able to read the trajectory of the opponents'' arrows with precision and was able to make a hundred shots at the predicted point.


    Gradually, the other side''s arrows would be shot down as soon as they were shot.


    They are being located.


    Eventually, Gashita released her own arrow before the other side''s arrow was released, and the arrow disappeared deep into the forest.


    Immediately, there was a scream of "Gyak! and then Altamir''s body emerged from the branches and leaves and fell to the ground without effort.

 116-115 Altamir falls from a tree (Brave side)

    Altamir, the brave man of ''The Bow'', was confused.


    No, he didn''t even know if he was already a brave man or not.


    He was defeated, and driven by an incomprehensible impulse, he even went on a robbery.


    And he even attacked Radie, who was also a brave man.


    I''m sure he''ll be stripped of his brave title for just one of these scandals.


    Every time the facts are piled on top of each other, they become mentally trapped and discarded in a bowl.


    But still, no matter how much, Altamir had never imagined it would get this far.


    The worst thing that could happen to him.


    ''''What........?��What the hell was that guy!��How can he drop every single one of my arrows!


    Altamir squeezes the string of his bow and releases a nailed arrow.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you''ll be able to get a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    This is something that has been repeated dozens of times.


    I know who it was.


    Unlike Altamir, who was sniping while taking cover, the opponent had climbed to the top of the tallest giant tree in the surrounding area and was looking down on the entire field of view.


    ''''That guy........!��You''re a sniper, aren''t you afraid of sniping?


    You are frustrated and disgusted with the enemy archer who has exposed himself so openly.


    Keeping a certain distance from the target is a matter of life and death for the bow and arrowman, but there is nothing more foolish than exposing oneself to the enemy.


    But at the same time, the opponent knows. It''s a good thing that he is skilled enough to shoot down even flying arrows in the air.


    Even if they were shot at you, you are confident that you would shoot them down as well.


    That''s why he was able to throw away his covertness and take the highest point. The opponent only has an advantage over Altamir as long as he can get a bird''s-eye view from a higher vantage point.


    ''''What the hell...!��What the hell is that guy........?


    Altamir moans with a voice that sounds like it''s bleeding.


    The archer, whose entire body is unsparingly exposed, has no familiar face or appearance at all.


    A completely unknown and unknown adventurer is showing off his bowmanship that is on par with Altamir.


    ''''No........maybe not evenly matched.......?''''


    Altamir already realized that she was beginning to be pushed.


    The timing of the arrows that she released, the opponent shot down is getting faster and faster.


    The bow and arrow, which is considered a basic weapon with stinging (poking) characteristics, however, is classified as a non-mainstream weapon.


    It is a flying tool, requires a certain distance to gain an advantage, and loses its means of attack when the arrow runs out.


    Because of these quirks, many adventurers blessed with an aptitude for stinging (thrust) choose melee stabbing weapons such as spears and sabers.


    Altamir chose and honed her quirky bow and arrow.


    She had the pride of having mastered that weapon.


    And yet the nameless and faceless adventurer in front of her is trying to surpass even the bow and arrow technique that was her only source of confidence.


    ''''This oh-oh-oh!''''


    With a scream, he releases an arrow.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time.


    The fact that the arrow was shot off almost simultaneously with the release of the arrow means that the opponent figured out where Altamir was hiding.


    ''''Oops...!��I shot too many shots from the same position...!


    The learned adventurer should at least be able to figure out the shooter''s location from the archery range.


    That''s why the theory was originally to move every time you fired a shot. The brave man of the ''bow'' made a mistake like an amateur.


    I jumped as if I were being played from the thick branch on which I was riding.


    Anyway, I have to change my location. Then he hides his figure again.


    ''''Let''s start the game over from there.......!


    But it was too late.


    An archer who is capable of frighteningly precise shooting would not be able to miss a moment''s opportunity.


    The arrow shot not to shoot down the flying arrow, but to decide the game, hit Altamir''s chest beautifully.


    ''''Aah!''''


    A shock running through his entire body.


    In that moment, Altamir realized that everything was over.


    Losing his strength and unable to support himself, Altamir fell down from the tree he was hiding in.


    ��


    Dazed consciousness.


    Altamir found himself on the ground and remembered that he had fallen from a tree.


    His body was motionless.


    It was the damage from the arrows that had pierced him and his entire body slammed into the ground.


    ''''So this is the end...''''


    Altamir thought.


    ''How did I let this happen?''


    Why did I want to become a brave man in the first place?


    From there, I thought back.


    There shouldn''t have been any particularly sincere desire.


    The guild branch I belonged to recommended me to participate in the selection ceremony for new brave men.


    There were dozens of fierce fighters in the hall, and I soon realized that I was out of place.


    I was scared and wanted to leave immediately.


    With that in mind, Altamir was able to hang on to the final selection because of the same s*x and age challengers he met as soon as he began.


    Radey.


    She and I were able to encourage her, which is why we were able to fight through to the end and achieve a good result.


    That feeling of elation, of working together and moving forward.


    I''ve never felt anything like it before.


    Still, I only thought that only one person could be a hero, so I couldn''t walk shoulder-to-shoulder with him now that Radie had taken that position.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    You can become a brave man, too.


    I''ll be as brave as you are.


    It''s because she felt that way that she became a hero of the bow.


    How could she forget about it?


    The first time I saw her.


    Altamir..., Altamir...!


    Altamir''s fading consciousness is drawn back by the voice.


    When I opened my eyes wistfully........


    ''''Altamir!''''


    Radey was there.


    The guy we were killing each other just a moment ago........


    Radey!


    Thank God I came to my senses...!��Since you didn''t wake up, I thought maybe you hit your head when you fell...!


    The forest is surrounded by trees.


    Apparently it wasn''t my dream to lose a race to an unnamed archer, be shot out and fall down.


    But then.....


    "Why did you come to me...?��The Pigaro guy is a mess, right?��Then I have to go to him...?


    Yeah I know, but I''m just so worried about Altamir falling out that I can''t help it...


    So you came up here.


    "Because Altamir is my friend...��We didn''t fight through the battle together during the brave selection ceremony.......


    ....!


    ''The other brave men were all older people and guys, and I was lonely and anxious, alone. So I approached the same girl, Altamir, and...!��I wouldn''t be brave if it wasn''t for Altamir, would I?


    She was the same way.


    She was lonely and wanted company.


    They supported each other.


    ''''I..., what am I doing...?''''


    Altamir shed tears as he fell down.


    ''''Running frantically to catch up with you........!��All I could think about was running, I didn''t even know where I was running...?


    It''s okay, don''t think about anything right now. Just take your time and get some rest. The red light in your eyes is gone. The shock of what Gacita-kun did to you must have blown out your brainwashing magic.


    Gashta...?


    An adventurer with a bow and arrow. Daryl''s apprentice, he''s very good at it. He even has an arrow that he hit you with...


    "Huh?


    Then I remembered.


    Altamir should have been hit in the chest by an arrow fired by the opponent. Normally, it would have pierced deep and been fatal.......


    ''''Huh........?''''


    There was nothing in particular.


    There wasn''t even a scratch on her ample chest, let alone an arrow stuck in it.


    However, the zinging pain remained.


    ''She said she adjusted her aura so that it wouldn''t hurt her when she hit it.


    Isn''t it possible...?


    Isn''t it great?��Apparently it''s Gashita''s original move. Instead, the impact is designed to spread deep inside. It''s used to kill small prey like rabbits and birds with as little damage as possible.


    In fact, it seems that the pain spreading throughout Altamir''s body is ten percent due to his fall from the top of a tree.


    ''Anyway, I''m relieved you''re safe...!��Altamir, just hang on for a second, okay?��You''re right, we need to do something about Pigalo, and I''ll be right back!


    Radey ran away.


    As he listened to the sound of his footsteps growing smaller, Altamir recited the name he had just heard.


    ''''Gasita........''''

 117-116 Dariel preaches the true "Empty Emperor Sky"

    Zester decided that he would be unable to move for a while from the damage, and left it at that.


    I came back.


    I returned to my original position before I was blown away.


    There was supposed to be a fierce battle going on at the scene.


    There are two other people left who attacked the Mithril convoy in addition to Zester.


    Pigalo, the brave man with the "sword" and Altamir, the brave man with the "bow".


    If only those two were successfully subdued as well........


    "I was naive as expected...?


    The situation had been reduced to the worst kind of confusion.


    Sesha-san and Satome, the two of them were at the mercy of the violent aura eruption.


    ''''Kuohhhhhh!


    ''''I can''t even get close!��What is this aura!


    The one emitting the aura was none other than Pigalo, the hero of The Sword.


    Leaning on the cart loaded with mithril, a tremendous aura erupts from his body. Furthermore, he raised his sword........


    ''''The ''''Superpowered Splitting Sky''''!


    An aura slash is unleashed from the blade.


    The scale of the slash was so large that it was worthy of being called the "Super King Splitting Sky" rather than the "Splitting Sky".


    The targeted Sesha-san Satome was just running away.


    ''''Ababa-baba-baba...?


    ''''Impossible!��If you hit that thing, your shield will break!


    Like this, no one can get close to Pigalo.


    All the while, arrows constantly fly from somewhere and try to pierce Pigalo, but the aura-spewing violent winds aggravate the arrows and prevent them from hitting a single target.


    ''''It''s like you''re out of control...?


    I can''t see Radey, but I wonder if he''s fighting a ''bow'' hero who is also missing?


    Anyway, I came back and rescued Sesha-san and Satome, who seemed to be having the most trouble.


    How are you guys doing?


    Chief! Mr. Mayor!


    The two of them were torn to pieces, as if they were about to fall down.


    We''re sorry...��You''ve been put in charge of this battlefield and yet...!


    That guy ate up a lot of mythril...!


    I looked at it and saw that the pile of mithril on the cart had gone low in the air.


    It seems to have been eaten about ten percent of the time.


    ''If you''ve come back, then you''ve been defeated, Zester. You really are a shameless pile of uselessness.


    As he says it, Pigalo grabs one of Mithril''s ingots again and gobbles it down.


    He chews it off and gulps it down with a good bite.


    ''''He''s doing it again...!


    "He''s been eating at an amazing pace...!��If we don''t, we could really lose our mithril!


    The strength of the aura that Pigalo already emits is far beyond the other mithril ingested Zester and Altamir.


    First of all, it would definitely be in proportion to the amount of mithril he ate.


    If he continues to eat it, what in the world will he end up doing?


    The damage to Mithril being eaten isn''t ridiculous, so we should stop it as soon as possible, but for now, we try to have a conversation first.


    ''''You........are the least brave of the three of them.


    Provocation?


    "Only a twisted sense of self-worth. It''s just a twisted sense of self-worth, looking only at yourself, glorifying only yourself. You are the furthest thing from brave.


    Pigalo''s eyes still had the bright red light of brainwashing magic in them.


    A magic that interferes with the subject''s mind and causes some emotions to run amok. It makes them lose their judgment and manipulate them at will, but........


    In his case, the ambition and mental interference must have meshed well together.


    Eating mithril and becoming empowered is now his own goal.


    The brainwashing magic was no longer just adding to his madness.


    ''Call it what you will. I''ve become the ultimate being, the strongest and bravest. I''m not going to let you and your mundane accusations get in the way of that.


    You show the margin for strength.


    Or can''t you just accept reality?��This is my vast aura. You have given me the most powerful aura. I could defeat the Demon Lord!��This will ensure that I''ll be the best and bravest man who ever lived!


    Did he or she tell you how to do it?


    The perverted power-up method of eating mithril and getting stronger.


    ''I asked you earlier, who is this guy?��Is that the same cloak that took you guys at Lasperda Fortress?��What the hell does this guy know?


    You don''t know anything about it.


    Wouldn''t it be easy to tell me?


    After all, I guess I''ll just have to beat him up and restrain him once and then ask him out in the form of an interrogation?


    ''''Speaking of which, you just remembered. Didn''t you use and show off your ''Great Emperor''s Splintering Sky'' and other ordinary people''s skills?


    Oh?


    ''I know you want to brag, but you need to stop making a show of it. You will be embarrassed when you meet a stronger and more capable person. Like this.


    Pigaro swung down the sword in his hand........


    ''''The ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky''!


    An oversized aura slash was sent flying.


    The aura scraped right past us and slashed down a number of trees standing on the side of the street.


    ''''You missed it on purpose?''''


    "How I gave you time to be sorry. Before you were cruelly murdered by me.


    He said happily, and then took another mithril and ate it.


    He said, "There will be rewards for being an arrogant fool. There''s no reason why the ''Great Emperor''s Splitting Sky'' that you can use against you can''t be used against me, a true hero. The strongest person in the world, who has absorbed my mithril, can unleash the Sky of Terror, which surpasses you by far!


    So?


    You''ve picked the wrong fight. For insulting me, you will pay with your life...!


    Pigaro lowers his bare sword and comes towards me.


    ......


    He says I''ve insulted him, but I have no idea what he''s talking about.


    But I can guess.


    For all I know, he was using the ordinary ''Rifted Sky'' as the ''Great Emperor Rifted Sky''.


    Zeviantes told me this as a funny story.


    In other words, he originally couldn''t use the ''''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''''.


    In front of him, I''m just a simple villager and I''m going to show him how to use the Superpowered Splitting Sky. The previous brave man was the most skilled at using it. A legendary profound technique.


    He said that the brave master''s pride was hurt badly.


    "Pathetic, a man with nothing but his ego.


    What?


    ''I''m too busy trying to protect my pride. It''s all you can think about. You don''t even realize how pathetic you look to others for defending yourself without a care in the world.


    The expression on Pigalo''s face doesn''t change, as if it''s not accompanied by any real feeling.


    But with his next words........


    ''''You haven''t been able to use the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky'' after all.''''''


    What?


    ''''He''s just eating the mithril and shooting out a forceful ''Splitting Sky'' with his doubled aura. The scale of his geological power is larger due to his increased ground power, but it''s simply a large ''Splitting Sky'', not a ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky''.


    ''''So what do you say...?''''


    Pigalo''s cheeks began to twitch.


    His eyebrows hung in a distorted manner.


    ''''No matter if it''s a big ''Splitting Sky'', it''s the same thing as the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''!��Well, I got it!��You''re jealous of me that I can use the Super Emperor''s Splitting Sky, aren''t you?��That''s why you''re so stubborn and refuse to admit it!


    Isn''t that your M.O.?��Don''t put us together.


    Hermes sword extended into sword form.


    "I''ll show you on the field. Go ahead and shoot me. You''re the one who''s left to your own devices.


    ''''........Fine, I''ll erase it with my deadly sword!''''


    A tremendous amount of aura is released.


    I can see that he is pouring all the aura he can into his sword.


    ''''Produced by the strongest hero, the proof of the strongest!��"The Great Sky"!��Only the chosen ones can use it!��So I deserve it!


    ''''No, you''re not. You don''t deserve to be the ''Great Emperor''s Splitting Sky''.


    At the same time, a blazing blast released from the two swords.


    ''''The ''Supreme Emperor Splitting Sky''!


    The aura slashes released from the two swords.


    Both of them were huge.


    They were evenly matched in size.


    I fired the "Super Empty Sky". I''m sure you''ll be able to find it.


    The two collided head-on....


    The two collided head on........


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    ''''Ugahaaaaahhhh!''''


    Even though we won the collision, the power of the "Super Emptying Sky" didn''t wane, it went straight ahead and hit Pigalo.


    I''m not going to be able to cut it in half, but it cut off his right arm and right leg.


    It''s not a good idea to have a good time.��Ughhhhhh?


    Pigaro writhes in pain.


    The shattered guy''s aura slash turned into a thousand fragments and drifted through the air, eventually disappearing like a haze.


    ''''It''s just like Zester''s unfinished version of the ''Super Imperial Rigor''. Aura is something that is inherently inhabited and effective in matter. If you shoot it out by itself, it will diffuse and disappear.


    This is no exception to the "Ryakkuu" which makes the aura itself a slash and sends it flying.


    However, the slash aura that forms the basis of the Ryakkuu is the second most concentrated aura after the sting.


    This is the technique known as the ''Splitting Skies'' that utilizes this property to prevent it from spreading and flying over long distances.


    But the larger the amount of aura, the more it tries to diffuse, and this exceeds the concentration effect of the slash. It''s just too big to be used in a real fight.


    In order to solve this problem, we devised a solution and forged it to a level where it can be used in actual combat.


    No matter how big it is, it does not cease to concentrate and does not spread.


    That''s why it''s considered the representative move of the strongest heroes.


    I said to Pigalo.


    ''Just like you. They only make their appearance and name respectable and don''t have substance. That''s why we lose.


    The heroic title you wore, the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''........


    It was just a sham.

 118-117 Pigaro self-defeats

    �������󤭤������Ρ���!?��


    ��Ҋ�줱��������!?��


    ����ˤ��륻�å��㤵�󡢥��ȥ᤬���줾�������Ϥ��롣


    �������ĤϽKʼ���ߥ����ʳ�äƉ��䤷�����`����m�äƑ�äƤ��������ʡ��Է������Τ�Τ��Τ�ʤ���


    �����Ҋ���Ĥ��뤿��Α餤������������������Α餤���ä��ʡ�


    �������`�ȤΑ餤�˱Ȥ٤��顢�ä��Τ��Τ�ʤ��ä���


    ��������!?������������������������!?��


    ����`�����ܤ����ԥ�����ʹ�ߤˤΤ����ĤФ��ꡣ


    ����������ʤ��ä�������ѿա��˔ؤ���Ȥ���ơ�����������֤äƤ����줿�Τ���


    �ж��椫��Ѫ���ɥܥɥܤȤ��ܤ����˴󤭤�Ѫ��ޤ�����äƤ��롣


    ��ҡ�


    �����L���������äȤ���ϡ���!?��


    ����ꤹ���ʤ󤸤�ʤ��Ǥ����ͤ�!?��


    ���å��㤵�󥵥ȥ�˷��y���ޤ����Ԥ��뤱�ɡ������ä��붨����裿


    �֤Ĥ���Ϥ��Ƕ�������������˼�ä��Τˡ��ޤä���˥�������򤫤ä��Фä�����ʡ�����ѿա��Υ��`��ؓĤ���


    ��������򳬤��ơ��ԥ������ش��ѿա�������ܤ��ä��äƤ��Ȥ���


    ���Ȥˤ����ֵ��Ǥ⤷�Ƥ�����������Ĥˤ�੤äƤۤ������Ȥ�ɫ�����롹


    �������Ǥ��ʡ�


    �ԥ�����ֱǰ�ޤǤ��Ф��Τ���ˡ�ͬ������Ϥޤä����Ϥ���ʤ��ä���


    �������x�ոФȤ��ƾȤ����֤����٤��褦�Ȥ��뤬������


    ������餯��������


    �ԥ����ϲФä������ͻ�������ơ����������Ƥ�����


    �ޤ����Ƥ����ä���ζ�ʤ����ɡ�


    ���ɤ��ޤ���ؤ򏈤�Ĥ����������δ���ҡ��礯�ֵ��Ƥ��ʤ������̤�����


    ������ɤ�����ð��ߤȤ��Ƥ������ܤǤ���͡������Ӝp�F�g���ܤ����Ƥ�������!!��


    ���΂�����ؤ򏈤��Ȥ����ʤ顢������ζ���ɤǤ��뤬��


    �Ǥ�ԥ�������ؤθ����ϡ��ɤ����䓤Τ��Ȥ��������Ȥ��ǤϤʤ��褦����


    �������á���������ɤ⡭������ɤ⡭������


    ����餷������Ц���ԥ�����


    ����Ϥ䤳�Υ��줬����ǰ�鷲ӹ�Ȥτe��Ԫ�δ��ڤǤ��뤳�Ȥ�֪��٤��������γ̶ȤΥ���`���ǡ���������F�Υ��옔��ؓ�����Τ�������������!?��


    �����䡢�ɤ������Ƥ����������裿��


    �礯�ֵ��Ƥ��ʤ��ȥۥ�����̤裿


    ���Ҹ椷�Ƥ�����Ȥ����顭����


    �������^����Ҋ���Ƥ�룡���@����������������!!��


    �������륪�`�顣


    ����ʤ����Τ��˷ų���������ڤ���ѪҺ��ԥ�`�ä��w�ӳ������㤦����˼�ä��顭����


    ��������ɤ�������ʤ���Τ���Ĥ΂��ڤ����w�ӳ�������


    �����


    �ж�����⤬�����ڤ�ꥪ�`��ˤ�ä�Ѻ���������褦��ʢ���Ϥ��äƤ�����


    �жϤ��줿����ȡ��жϤ��줿���㡣


    ˫��ʢ���Ϥ��ä��⤬Ƿ�p�����a���褦����ӤƤ���������


    �Τ������ơ�����


    ��K�Ĥˤ���ȫ��Ԫͨ�������Ȥ��Ə�Ԫ������


    ��������������!?��


    �������!?���ȥ�������β���㤢��ޤ���!?��


    ����ˤ�Ŀ�Ĥ���ȫ�T�@����


    ��Ҋ���������������줬��������ߤ��뤳�Υ��옔�����������옔�˲����ܤϤʤ����ΤǤ�Ǥ��룡���ΤˤǤ�٤ģ��������Ϥʤ����������ߤʤΤ�������������!!��


    �٤ӥ�Ĥ��夫����ʥ��`�餬�����������L�Ȥʤäư������˴��������롣


    �����Τ��˷ų�����Τ�һ�������ʥ����Ĥϡ���!?��


    ���`��α��L�ϥԥ��������Ĥ���ؤȒ�ɢ���Ƥ������ᡢ�������ˤ����L�Ȥʤäƽӽ��Ǥ��ʤ���


    ���ʤ�ƥ��`����������!?����Ϥꡭ��!?��


    �ߥ�����ʳ�ä����ˉ䤨�����Ȥ�����ʤ˴󤭤��Τ���


    ���������ƥԥ����ή����ʥѥ�`���åפϡ��ߥ����ʳ�����ԭ�򤬤ʤ���


    ������餷����������餷��������������!!�������������̤��Ƥ������ä��������ϥ��옔�ˤ��٤Ƥ��S���Ƥ���뤾��������!!�����������������ܤʤΤ�����������!!��


    ����󥪩`��ˤ�äƥ�Ĥ�������^�����Ԥ���ʧ�ä�����Ǥ������פ����������뤳�Ȥ��Ǥ�����


    ��������ˤϤȤɤޤ�ʤ���


    ��Ĥ��夫������Ŀ�ı�Ŀ���֤����㤬������˾A���������β�䡢��������˂��äƤ��ʤ���Τޤ����������Ƥ��롣


    �����죿�����줨������������!?��


    ����˥ԥ��������ޤ��@����


    ���ʤ����������!?���ʤ�������!?��ֹ�ޤ�ʤ�!?�����`��ˤ��������Ԥ�ֹ�ޤ�ʤ�!?���Τ��褯�狼��ʤ���Τ��˥祭�˥祭�����Ƥ��뤦��������!?��


    �Τ������ģ�


    �⤷���Է֤���λ��Ի��������Ǥ��Ƥ��ʤ��Τ���


    ��ֹ�ޤ�!?��ֹ�ޤ�ֹ�ޤ줨������!?����������ʤ�ɫ�������Ƥ���!?���⤦������ʤ�������!?��


    ���������ԥ�����ԭ�ͤ�����ʤ��ʤäƤ�����


    �����L������ϡ���!?��


    ���Է֤򳬤��������֤ˤ��Ƥ��ޤä����������Ӥ��ʣ���


    �����Ȥ��������Ĥ��ʤ��ä���


    ��������ޤ�֪���ɤ�ʤ��ä������ߥ����υg���k��Ǥ�������Ǥʤ���ȡ����Х��`������Ī��˸ߤ����B���ˤ�ʤ�餷����


    �ԥ����Ϥ��η������Է֤Υ��`����޽����ϤޤǏ���������


    �޽��ꡢ������Ϥء�


    ���줬��ȡ��ˤʤä���


    �����`��ϡ��ޤ��Τ򏊻����롣�ߥ�����ԭ��ˤ��ưk���������`��ϡ���ԏ��������Υ��`�餸��ʤ��ä���


    �����Ǥ�ޤ�������������ɢ�餷�Ƥ����������ä��Τ���Ĥϡ�


    ����������������������Ǥ����������餫��Խ�������ߤ������`�餬�ݤ��Τޤޤ˥����Ĥ򏊻���ʼ�᤿�������������귵��ۤɤˡ�����


    �������㤢��������!?�������Ƥ���������!?��


    �ʤ�ɫ���ʤ�Τ������������ԥ����ϡ���Ϥ���K���ԤäƲ֧���ʤ����΄I������������Ƥ��뤫�狼��ʤ��ۤɤ��ä���


    �ߥ�����Х��Х�ʳ���ޤ��äƤ�������ʡ�


    �ρ\�����줿���`�������ߥ����Γ�ȡ���˱�������ʤ顢�ԥ�����Խ���ƤϤ����ʤ��饤�����Խ���Ƥ��ޤä��ȴ_�ŤǤ��롣


    ��ʹ��ʹ��ʹ��ʹ��ʹ��ʹ���ã��������Ƥ���������!?��


    �Է֤��夬�o����������椨���Ƥ���Τ���Ԫ�Θ����֤���������`����Τˉ䤨���롣


    �����~���뼤ʹ���餦���Ȥ�������


    �������ԥ������L��뱯���Ϥ�������˅��ޤ�ʤ��ä���


    �������


    ��Ϥ�櫓���狼��ʤ��ԥ������阔������Ӥ��֤��������β���Ǥ������鴥�֤�顣


    �������ȶˤ����פ���ɫ����������


    ���إã���


    �ޤ�ǿݤ�Ƥ������Τ褦�ˡ�


    �׻��ϡ��������ȶˤ���ڤ��äƤ�������ؤ��򤫤äƤ�����


    �ԥ����α��������ˡ�


    ���ʤ�Ǥ������ʤ�ǰפ��ʤäƤ�����Ǥ�����


    ��Ϥ䰳�����Ϥ���Ҋ�ؤ�������ˡ��ˤʤäƤ������������褫������


    ���Ҥ���������


    ���Ρ��פ�����ϻҡ�


    ���^���˳��L����������Ĥ��夬��������ʹ��������������������ƻҤˤʤä���


    �����^���ˡ��פ��ʤä���Ĥ�����ȶˤβ��֤ϡ��ܥ��ܥ�����Ƽ������m�ˤʤäƤ�����


    ��������������������!?��������������������������!?��


    �һ��ϡ�ĩ�˲��֤�������ؤȥ��兩���M��Ǥ�����


    ��ä���ȡ�������һֹ�ޤ뤳�Ȥʤ���


    �Ҥΰפ����Ĥ��_�����r���ˤϡ�����


    �ԥ������ä���Τ������ФӤʤ���K�ɤ�ܷ񤹤뤬���ˤ���˼�Ǥ⤦�ɤ��ˤ��ʤ��ΤǤϤʤ��ä���


    ��а�����֤�������ߤ�ĩ·��������


    �����Ȥ������F�Τ��褦���ʤ���


    ���ߥ���듔ʳ�ˤ�륪�`�鉈������������Ϥ�����Υꥹ��������褦���ʡ��Է֤�Խ��������ȡ���z��������Ǥ�����ȡ�ꚢ����롭����


    ����ʤ˺��g�ˏ����ʤ�뷽��������ʤ顢��äȴ󡩵Ĥ�֪��ɤäƤ��ʤ���Ф��������Τ���


    �ʤΤ��l��֪���Ƥ��ʤ����Ԥ����Ȥϡ����åȤ�̨�o���ˤ���ǥ��åȤ�����Ȥ������Ȥǡ�����椨�ˎ��줿���������


    �����㤢��������!!�����ˤ����ʤ��������ˤ����ʤ����������ƣ��������Ƥ�������!?��


    �l������������Ȥ����Τ���


    �Ĥ����ä��ޤ��Է֤��ĵ�Ҋ�¤��Ƥ����ˡ��ˤ���


    �Է֤�����Ҋ�ơ������l��ߤʤ������ĤΉK�ϡ�


    �Է�������ޤ��l�����ߤ��뤳�Ȥʤ��Ҥˤʤä�ɢ�ä���


    �����������ߥԥ����ϡ��Y���l�����鵹�����Ȥ������Ȥ�ʤ���


    �Է��������ޤ����ˤ�äƜ�Ӥ��Τ���

 119-118 Surviving heroes receive strict attention

    The attack on Mithril''s convoy, which occurred suddenly, was resolved in the form of the capture of the culprit (one person died).


    Fortunately, the adventurers who were involved in the convoy were not injured, but fortunately there were no fatalities, and all of the human legs and feet escaped to safety.


    The best thing about it is that there was minimal human casualties.


    ........but that doesn''t mean it can''t be said that nothing happened.


    ��


    You know what I mean?


    Yes....! I''m sorry...!


    After returning to the village of Lax, I began to question the attackers I had arrested.


    The two men were the hammering hero, Zester, and the bow hero, Altamir.


    Last time we had you as our guests, but this time it''s different. You are thieves who have tried to rob the village of its most valuable possessions. Don''t expect to be treated the same way.


    Yes....!


    As if to demonstrate their declaration, Zester and Altamir were seated directly on the ground.


    Although they no longer saw that they no longer had any intention of rebellion and didn''t go so far as to restrain them, they also confiscated their weapons and had a lookout, but they handled the situation with a certain amount of discipline.


    ''''First of all, let me check...........is your body okay?''''


    Yes?


    You mean, like, hurt?��I''ve been properly treated and it''s nothing serious, but...?


    You felt that I was worried about the injuries you sustained in battle, but that''s not my intention.


    You''re not going to be able to get away with it. That raised your aura levels, but does it affect anything else?


    No, no....nothing in particular...?


    ''Come to think of it, that aura that went up then is back to normal. I can''t believe I ate the metal myself. It''s like the whole thing was a bad dream now that I think about it.


    With their brainwashing spell lifted and the red light in their eyes gone, they were truly rational and the interrogation went smoothly.


    In the same way, devouring the mithril, Pigalo destroyed himself.


    The fact that the two of them didn''t do so must have had a lot to do with the amount of intake.


    Whereas Pigaro was gobbling it up like he was bathed in it, the two of them only took a small bite.


    That was the difference between being crushed by the increased power or not.


    ''But still, eating metal is not good for you. You have to be very careful about the after-effects.


    ''Master Dariel!''


    Something about Zester flattened out as he cried.


    ''How considerate of a fool like us!��You can''t complain about us being dragged through the streets and thrown in jail for our crimes, but your compassion is just like the son of Arantzill!


    What?��Son?


    Don''t be a prick about it.


    You''re scaring Altamir, I''m going to talk to him.


    It doesn''t matter what it is now that you''ve finally come to your senses. I''ve got a lot of questions for you.


    I tried to get it out of Pigalo, but he didn''t even have to answer, he just destroyed himself and disappeared.


    The best solution would be to ask the two of them.


    ''''First of all, why did you do this?''''


    ''''............!''''


    Like a child accused of a prank, the two of them shushed each other.


    That''s probably true, like a child who has played a prank with no particular motive, neither of them have a solid motive for this act.


    So I''m going to keep going.


    ''We both must have been manipulated by someone.


    Manipulated...?


    You both had a red light in your eyes while you were doing the deed. It''s a brainwashing spell used by demons.


    Brainwashing magic is different from the messenger magic that controls small animals and is used to cast it on intelligent bodies such as humans and demons.


    You can''t use messenger magic to control the instincts of creatures that have high intelligence and judgment.


    The high level of intelligence is used against the creature, and the emotions that only the intellect possesses are enlarged and run amok. It''s the brainwashing magic that makes them lose their ability to judge things as they see fit and manipulate them as the magician sees fit.


    The person who put the brainwashing spell on you must be there. She is the mastermind behind this incident.


    And the one that comes to mind is the cloak-suit that says they were abducted.


    Zester and the other three heroes who were defeated at Lasperda Fortress.


    Normally they should have been captured by the demon tribe and taken as prisoners, but they were recaptured and taken away by a mysterious person who covered their entire body with a cloak.


    "Considering what happened before and after, it was the cloak that caused you guys to be brainwashed with a spell to rob Mithril. Do you remember anything?


    It''s...


    The first thing Zester does when asked is a difficult look.


    ''''........I don''t remember. There''s a pockmarked blank in my memory...!


    I also........my most recent memory before it was interrupted is where I got hit by the Four Heavenly Kings and got stuck.......!


    I knew it.


    I sighed at the answer that I had expected, but was not what I expected.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for. And the memories of the time it was cast on you will be vague.


    The mastermind behind this is the cape that put the brainwashing spell on Zesters with such calculation.


    I''m sure it was Mant who gave you guys a power-up by eating mithril. Who the hell do you think you are if you know about this trick...?


    It''s very disturbing, even alarming, but there''s nothing more to be found out, and the mystery remains a mystery.


    I guess we have no choice but to put this incident behind us.


    ''No!��It can''t be over!


    Zester raised his voice.


    He said, "No matter what the reason, it is absolutely unacceptable that we, who have been given the title of heroes, should steal. Please let us be punished severely by the hand of Dariel, the son of Lord Arantziel!


    So stop saying it at every turn.


    "I''m going to...


    Altamir said divinely.


    ''''Well if it were true, I would like to return what you stole and atone for your sins as you see fit, but what you have eaten will not be returned. I''ll be sorry if you don''t impose a heavy punishment for that.


    I''ll make sure to charge the center guild for the loss of Mithril, okay?


    The people who made you guys brave are responsible for that, too.


    But I think you''ll be stripped of your heroic titles anyway.


    Even just the unprecedented attempt to appoint multiple brave men and women has resulted in such a scandal.


    I''m sure you can''t help but conclude that the attempt was a mistake.


    ''''It''s fine, it''s more than I can hope for.


    Zester said.


    ''You want it?


    ''That''s what I''ve come to realize in this one case. My own inadequacies, and the standard of being a true brave man!��Now I just want to be diligent about improving myself!


    Okay.


    ''It doesn''t matter what your title is!��That''s the lesson I''ve learned this time that such things can be deceiving!��I''ll keep in mind that it''s important to have a heart and ability to match a brave man, and I''ll work hard to become Dariel-sama!


    Why me?


    Zester''s respect for me since he found out where I came from is unstoppable.


    It was kind of too serious, so I got bonded and revealed it, but I guess I should have kept it a secret.


    I don''t want to be a hero anymore.


    Altamir said.


    ''Now that I''ve become one, I understand. I didn''t seem to have much hope of being a brave man. I didn''t want to be a hero.


    "We would like to return to the Center Guild. Then we will vacate our title as heroes, atone for our sins, and start over from scratch.


    The project to elect multiple heroes is now aborted. It''s good to have a unique hero.


    They nodded to each other.


    Now that they had given back the rank of heroes and Pigalo was dead, the Center Guild''s attempt to send out two or more heroes as they said, would probably fail.


    It would be nice if the momentum of rushing to defeat the Demon King-sama faded and they could stagnate peacefully and leisurely.


    .........


    But..........


    There are other concerns as well.


    The fact that the existence of the guy acting like a mastermind in this one case was only known, but nothing was known about his true identity was a great deal creepier.


    A mysterious figure in a cloak?


    I''ll give the Four Heavenly Kings a drink to take Zesters away.


    He disturbs the minds of the strongest people who were even selected to be brave and sets them up with brainwashing magic.


    And he knows an external method of increasing the amount of aura by many times by eating mithril, etc.


    There are so many things about this mastermind''s behavior that it''s uncanny.


    And the creepiest thing of all.....


    ''''What did you want to do?''''


    That''s what I mean.


    The purpose of the mastermind in this one is unclear.


    Did he want a mithril?


    But then, Pigaro and his friends ate it right after they took it, so it''s useless.


    Or maybe they wanted to use the brave men who ate Mithril to power up for something more, but that too was lost on me because I stopped them.


    Ummm.


    Something sickening.


    I wonder how the mastermind cloak is feeling as he stares down this endgame?

 120-119 There are many (???side)

    The hero of The Sword, Pigaro, has awakened.


    ''''Ahehe!��.........Burubia?


    A scream goes up as he wakes up.


    That''s probably true too. Because what he saw just before he lost consciousness was a scene that could only be called a nightmare.


    No, not even close to what he saw.


    He had experienced a nightmare. Crushed by his own infinitely bloated body, he was crushed by his own body, drained of his life force and withered and disappeared.


    That process could only be described as a nightmare.


    ''''Huh...?��Then why am I...?


    Is he alive?


    Pigalo lowers his gaze and checks his own body.


    ''Alive...?��The original...?


    The limbs that should have been cut off by Dariel were back to normal.


    It was as if the tragedy had never happened.


    ''Was it really a dream...?


    Just when I was about to think that.........


    ''It''s not a dream.''


    Hee!


    Pigalo jumps up when he notices someone standing right next to him.


    He is wearing a cloak that is bright red in color, like fresh blood.


    ''''Oh, you are........?��Are you.........?


    You died on that street. You''re going to be able to get the most out of the game, but you''re not going to be defeated by the enemy, you''re going to be pushed around by the power of the enemy. That''s the end of a brave man''s life.


    ''''Wha........?''''


    With that relentless abuse, Pigaro''s memories, which had been cut off by brainwashing magic, come back to life.


    Pigaro looks around busily.


    The darkness is empty except for the black. This place was familiar, too.


    He had been brought here once before.


    ''Yes...!��You are...!


    The red cape that rescued Pigalo from the battle with the Four Heavenly Kings.


    ''''It''s you, isn''t it!��You''re the one who saved me again...!


    It''s also the reason I put myself back together after I had become so runaway and bloated that I couldn''t retain my original form.


    I also moved myself from the scene of battle to here.


    This red cloak could easily do it, couldn''t it?


    Pigalo''s entire body is filled with life.


    He was out of a tight spot.


    You can see the joy and relief on his face.


    "You''re the only one who served my purpose, after all.


    The red cape said.


    ''You''re the one who did what I told you to do, ate a mountain of mithril and raised your aura levels above the limit. The other two have shifted their interest elsewhere after just one bite. The lousiness of brainwashing magic is that it only destroys the target''s judgement and can''t be completely controlled.


    ''''Yes........yes!''''


    Pigalo''s expression became more and more radiant.


    He must have thought that this was why he was rescued by the Red Cloak.


    He was the only one who had lived up to expectations and achieved.


    He was the only one chosen to be rescued from his predicament.


    "I am the chosen one!��He was better than the other two!��So you saved me!


    Yeah, you''re right, you are better than the other two people I picked up that day. Yes, you are indeed better than the other two I picked up that day.


    The red cape''s tone of voice changed just a bit again.


    ''Bait toshite........''


    What?


    It was a momentous occasion.


    The red cloak flipped up, revealing the figure inside.


    However, Pigaro could not make out the figure of someone who emerged from under the cloak.


    Because it was swallowed up before it could.


    ''''Aaaaaaaaah!��Gwaaahhhh?!''''


    ''''Omaha, yoku matured.


    The humiliation and resentment of being defeated, and the brainwashing magic that fostered them, caused his mind to become more and more unbalanced and he became an outsider who only thought of justifying himself.


    ''Sono, ugly emotions are delicious,''


    Negative emotions, selfish, selfish and ugly emotions.


    Those emotions feed them as energy for the mind and increase their power.


    With the added bonus of an aura increased by mithril.


    The purpose of rescuing the three brave men and getting them to eat Mithril....


    It was to raise them into excellent food that was rich and nutritious.


    ''''Aaaaaaahhhh!��Uheehee!''''


    Pigalo is swallowed up, in what should be called a giant mouth.


    He was already swallowed by the red cloak up to his upper body, only jittering his outward legs.


    The lower half of his body, too, was dragged into the cloak, bit by bit.


    The red cloak, the tone of the voice changes again.


    I''m sure you''ll find that only one of the three of us grew up with this handsome handsome handsome, but I''d say that we''ve made enough profit on this handsome handsome.


    The tone is very different.


    You''re particularly jealous, arrogant, twisted and full of shit, and you''re a handsome, arrogant, twisted, twisted, and full of shit.


    A large amount of red blood and clear saliva spilled out of the red cloak''s abdomen as it swallowed the pigalo, probably from chewing.


    The only thing that was already out of the cloak was his toes.


    Pigalo himself had long since died out, and there wouldn''t even be any original form left.


    Eventually, all of his body disappeared inside the cloak, and Pigalo vanished, leaving not a single piece of him truly out of this world.


    The smell of burp leaked out from the part of the red cloak that hit the abdomen of the red cloak.


    ''''........It was a strange taste of Nakanaka.


    But not enough. This guy alone isn''t much of a feeder. It''s too inefficient for three people to reach the standard with just one.


    No quantity, no quality, no quality.


    Yes, handsome handsome, meals are supposed to be fun ? The minimum requirement for a fun dinner is the quality of the food ? It has to be stinky, dirty and delicious like shit and vomit.


    ..........


    In the darkness, some one was having a conversation.


    The buzz was loud and it was definitely a conversation by two or more people.


    ''But it''s true that this isn''t enough. No one will deny that?''


    ..........


    "Tashkani.


    A handsome, handsome handsome man can enjoy a certain amount of the excitement of a dinner, and I''d like to devour it even more handsomely.


    More than anything else.


    A chill is added to the atmosphere.


    ''We''ll need more power to achieve our ultimate goal. That''s why we need to eat more. More. Good food, with a heart as black and rotten as the scraps you ate today.


    It''s not very efficient to let them all mature one by one. Isn''t there a better way to gobble up a large amount of food in a shorter period of time...?


    ?? I''m going to eat even more than today? I''m so handsome and wet.


    Their purpose is to feed on the unclean minds that feed them.


    However, it is not enough just to be unclean. Poor, ordinary people, who can be found anywhere, are ultimately powerless and cannot feed on their own.


    The best thing to do was to have an adventurer or mage with a certain amount of power and a heart that had fallen into the darkness and was defiled.


    What he was able to gain from this attempt, though, was only one Pigalo after all.


    ''Walerach, mot mot mot strong kunalaneva, mot eating lawaneva.''


    The Red Cloak said.


    If not, he can''t reach us. Our ultimate goal is to kill him and be rid of him.


    The Red Cloak said.


    ''Yes, our enemy. "Yes, our enemy, we must defeat him no matter what happens. I will cut you in two and leave not a single piece of you alive...!


    The red cape said.


    ''Mmmmmm ? I can''t wait to sip that bastard''s brains.


    The Red Cloak said.


    ''''The ... demon king.''''


    The red cape said.


    ''''I have to eat more unholy souls to defeat the Demon King...!''''


    Many of them let their hatred for the Demon King, their resentment, seep into their voices.


    Only..........


    There was one thing that was greatly puzzling.


    So many people were having a conversation with each other.


    In this darkness, there was only one person wearing a red cloak.


    Only one person.

 121-120 Gasita, she can

    This is how the commotion of the increasing number of brave men and women came to an end.


    The brave men and women who have actually increased in number are going to give up their titles, so there is no way for this to continue.


    At last, the troubles are settled and I am relieved that peace will return to Lax village.


    ........as I thought, there was still more to come.


    ''''Huh?''''


    As I was looking around the village, I saw a face that wasn''t supposed to be there.


    To be precise, it was a face that should have already left.


    It''s still in the village of Lax, and I''ve found it.


    Artamil, the hero of the "Bow".


    She was supposed to be the red one among the three proliferating heroes.


    Didn''t she return to the Center Guild with Zester?


    Don''t worry, Zester''s back on track. He''s very meticulous.


    What happens if you don''t come back?


    You three are a set, so you should all go home together.


    You don''t have to put them all together because Pigalle is dead and I''m giving back the hero. I''m going solo now.


    Going solo is not a reason to stay in the village of Lax.


    It''s not too late for you to follow Zester back home, would you?


    "Arnicky.


    When I''m confused by this troubled ex-brave, I hear a voice calling me from another place.


    There''s no one else who calls me ''Aniki''.


    It''s a Gashita bastard.


    It''s just a coincidence that we meet in this place. It''s me?��I''m on a delivery quest.


    At D level, Gacita was selective and only tried to take flashy quests, but after moving up to B level in a hurry, she''s still doing these low-level quests...!


    How many times do I have to show you how great you''ve grown up?


    No, no, no, listen to me, Gacita. This girl, you know?


    He pointed to the point, but Altamir was not there.


    ''Yeah?''


    Where is it?


    I look around and there it is.


    Something is behind me. Hiding in the shadows.


    "...why are you hiding?


    I try to turn around, struggling to understand, but every time I do, Altamir shifts to the side and escapes my view.


    ''?


    So why are you running away?


    What''s going on?��Is there someone in there?


    Gacita also twisted around to peek at Altamir, who was hiding behind me, but each time Altamir would hide behind me so that Gacita couldn''t see him.


    ''''.........''''


    Something.


    I''m starting to get it.


    She wasn''t trying to hide from my gaze.


    She was trying to hide from Gacita''s gaze.


    Just so she could keep me in the shadows and block Gacita''s gaze.


    Am I behind a rock or something!


    Gacita followed the girl who was acting suspiciously for a while with her gaze as if she were curious.......


    ''''......... What the hell?��Hurry up and deliver it or the old lady will cut off your spinal cord!��Big brother, I''m going to be excused for now, but please call me if you need anything else!


    Gashita ran off, probably prioritizing the delivery during the quest.


    I walked away from his back.........


    ''''.........''''


    Her expression.


    It was as red as a ripe apple.


    ''''........you don''t mean to tell me that the reason you stayed in Lux village is because.......?


    That''s not it!


    I didn''t say anything.


    I didn''t say anything.��It''s not that I''m in love with him or anything, but...��You mean like that?��I was once known as the brave one with the bow!��As a fellow archer, I''m interested in him!��Because he is!��He''s a hell of a shot, isn''t he?��He flies through the air and shoots down arrows!��Anybody can see that he''s a great guy from the divine!��But I know some things about bows and arrows, too!��You should see the arrow streaks and all that!��I''m getting to know the shooter''s character!��Wow, what a straight, stretchy, pleasing shoot!��That''s what I think!


    Don''t talk so fast.


    I''ve learned that this guy talks a lot when it comes to Gacita.


    I''m all ears. You were losing your judgment with the brainwashing spell, and Gacita held you back, right?


    ..........


    The affirmation sign of a damsel in love who looks down in silence.


    "He''s grown up a lot over the past year, too. There isn''t even a trace of the man who was despised as an idiot by all the villagers back then.


    That''s right!


    Altamir picks up on me.


    ''I''ve been canvassing the village for the last few days!


    Heard about it?


    It''s amazing what a reputation Mr. Gassiter has!��What''s great is that the older you get, the worse your reputation gets!


    What surprises me, though, is the way you spend a few days gathering information on the man of your dreams.


    The people in the village for a long time have a bad opinion of you, saying that you''re no good to them and that you''re incapable of doing anything about it.��But he ends with ''You''re a great guy thanks to the village chief!��Everyone!


    In fact, up until about a year ago, Gacita was really crappy.


    Really.


    You were the one who made him become such a great person?


    No, I don''t have any... any...


    I''m still dragging the Bashbursa out of my mind.


    ''In Gacita''s case, doesn''t that mean the opportunity to change was great?��It''s not always easy to be scared, you know.


    ''No information!��Details!


    ''I just got chased by a Blaze Death Sizer.


    ''''Blaze death size?!''''


    Altamir''s eyeballs widened as if they were about to pop out.


    ''''That fiery death snake?��It''s the kind of thing that only an A-level adventurer could defeat with a brush.��You fought that thing?


    ''''I didn''t say I fought it, I just got chased around by it.��That''s just like a field mouse. Do you think he was heaving when I ran in?


    You came running in.�� I don''t need to tell you.


    ?


    Anyway, that one incident must have made Gashita realize.


    His own weakness, his own arrogance.


    How good he was feeling in his small world.


    ''The great thing about him is that he was able to reflect on that exactly and change himself.


    I''ve seen many people who were just as arrogant and unable to change their ways.


    Compared to them, Gacita is a decent guy who was able to feed off of setbacks.


    As village chief, I''m proud of him.


    ''I wasn''t strong from the beginning, I experienced mistakes and setbacks and experienced...!��A beat up person. Lovely....!


    A vision of a pink arrow that flew out of nowhere and pierced Altamir''s left chest was seen.


    How could he shoot it even though he was a bowman...!


    Uh, yeah, gohon gohon.


    Has she suddenly become distant?


    You know what?��I found out about it while I was asking Gacita-san about it, and although it''s more crowded now, I heard it was a depopulated village that was sure to disappear naturally a while ago.


    Yeah?


    ''It''s good to see an influx of people coming in from outside, but we''re still suffering from a shortage of people. We''re still suffering from a shortage of people. Especially the couples who will take on the next generation!��Young!


    Okay.


    Well if you insist, I can help you solve the problem, if you want?


    What is this obvious person?


    I don''t see why you should tell me.


    "So you''re saying that you''re gonna marry Gacita and give birth to some gorgeous kids?


    What are you talking about?


    Well, as the village chief, I appreciate the offer.


    This is a marginalized community on the verge of extinction, and now that we''re on the verge of survival, we''re more than happy to let them live and reproduce.


    If there''s one condition...


    What?


    We want you to have at least five.


    I got it!


    Thus, the deal with the maiden in love was made and I decided to welcome Altamir.


    ��


    Later.


    Gashita, who had a somewhat buoyant expression, approached me from over there.


    ''''Aniki-aniki~, please listen to me for a minute~?


    What are you doing here?


    It''s been a while since I''ve had an impression on you.


    "To tell you the truth..., I''m finally pregnant with my girlfriend!


    Well, that''s good...


    This gave a boost to the population growth of the village of Lax, which was moving in a more prosperous direction.

 122-121 Zebiantes builds a house

    The Zebiantes'' wench suddenly said.


    ''They want to build a house!''


    Hmm?


    It was too sudden to convey my intentions, so I''ll ask again, just to be sure.


    ''What do you want?''


    He wants to build a house.


    I didn''t mishear that.


    That''s not very comforting to say.


    ...If you want to build it, why don''t you build it?


    As much as he hates to admit it, Zeviantes is one of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    As a person who stands at the top of the Demon King''s army, he''s powerful and wealthy.


    You can afford to build a house or two.


    From the point of view of an ordinary person like me, I''m both envious and jealous...


    But from a different point of view, it''s also a joyous occasion.


    "So this means you''re finally coming home, right?


    Building a new house means living there, and there must be a lot of preparations before that.


    For that reason, he must return to the demon territory once.


    It was kind of like Zeviantes was semi-settled in Lux Village, but that inexplicable situation was finally going to be turned around.


    ''''What are you talking about?''''


    My hopes were dashed.


    ''There''s no way I''m going back, my life will start in earnest when my house is built here!


    Huh?


    That answer made me think of a possibility.


    I''m going to build a house," she said, "but do you mean to build a house?


    You''re going to build it in this LUX village?


    It''s off course.


    It''s not natural!


    Why?��If you''re a demon, and you want to build a house, wouldn''t you build it in your home country, demon territory?


    "Why here?


    Even though it''s close to the border, this Lax village is still the domain of fine humans.


    Though I wouldn''t recommend it for you to build a house there, if you''re a demon.


    That''s what it means to live here in earnest.


    "So that''s what I thought!


    It''s like they''re just settling here incessantly!


    I''ve been busting my ass so much that I''ve finally started commuting to Lasperda Fortress recently.


    I''ve been secretly waiting for this momentum to ''when are you going to leave?'' and I''m finally starting to get ready for a real settlement!


    I''ve been thinking about this for a while now.


    Zebiantes said with her uncharacteristic auspiciousness up front.


    But if you''re uncomfortable, I''d like you to leave the village itself.


    The inhabitants are more distressed than grateful when I, a nobleman, stay in a commoner''s house like this. It''s like a bird that gets too close to the sun and gets burned up.


    ..........


    It''s gone!��Why did you hit me?


    I was just angry at the hubris.


    I will build my own private mansion in this village, and I will live there!��I''ve hired a bunch of butlers and maids, and I want to feel at home in my own home!


    Then why don''t you go home to your parents?


    Zebiantes, who is unable to understand such logic, started building his new mansion, feeling like he got it without my permission.


    ��


    This Four Heavenly Kings, to say the least.


    Since he is the Four Heavenly Kings, he has a lot of gold to rot.


    He will replace gold, jewels, and other things that can be used as goods anywhere in the world with the money of the human race and hire carpenters to build with it.


    ''''He''s been interested in the way the human race builds houses for a long time.


    Thump thump thump thump thump sound of a wooden mallet.


    Xaviantez, watching over the construction site, said, "It''s not like we''re going to magically put it together.


    It''s not like we''re going to put it all together in a hurry. It''s all done by hand, and it''s slow and sluggish. It''s all slower and slower and slower, but that''s what makes it worthwhile.


    In the Demon Territory, the closer you get to the capital city (Demon King''s Castle), the more magic construction becomes the norm.


    They would manipulate and pile up the wood and stone with special earth magic for construction.


    The humans, who weren''t able to do so, would cut out wood and stone with their own hands, process it, and build it up.


    With the addition of their master''s skills, there are sophisticated buildings that cannot be seen in the demon territory....


    ........it seems.


    ''''I''ve always wanted to live in a place like that!��I was thinking that when I became the Four Heavenly Kings, I would rule the human race and enslave a lot of people with those kinds of skills, but it was a quick dream come true!


    "How can you be so ambitious?


    She was a horrible woman.


    However, she didn''t seem to care about the process as long as she got what she wanted, so she used her financial resources to build a mansion in the countryside village, which steadily grew and grew until it was finally completed.


    ��


    ''It''s done!


    Zebiantes is the most excited to see the finished product in front of him.


    A towering mansion.


    It''s a magnificent structure like a nobleman''s residence, and it was a first-class mansion in terms of scale and decoration.


    Until now, the most luxurious house in the village of Laxx was the mayor''s house where I live, but naturally, it was more luxurious than that.


    It would feel out of place in a country village.


    "Hey, Zevi. Are you really going to live here?


    ''I deserve it!��This is a mansion worthy of the noble me!


    The Zebiantes bastard was in a groove after all.


    This young lady is good to begin with, to say the least.


    And it''s on a ''super'' level.


    I''m sure it''s because she was brought up so well that her magic power was refined to the point where she was selected as the Four Heavenly Kings, and I can''t help but think that she''s a different creature from us.


    The normal life for us may be stressful for this super young lady.


    Is that why they built such a luxurious mansion and moved here?


    No, rather than doing that, you could have just gone back to the demon territory.


    However.


    Anyway, Zebiantes built his own mansion in this village and moved here, and he no longer stays at my house, or the village chief''s house.


    Our home will be quiet at last.


    But.........


    ��


    Within a few days, Zebiantes started to stay at our house again.


    ''It''s such a relief, just like my parents'' house!


    Why are you out here?


    You spent all that money to build a lavish house!


    Because it''s lonely out there. It''s lonely out there with no one but me.


    A butler or a maid or something?


    We''ve recruited, but no one has come. Demons don''t come from all over the world, and hiring and using humans is just too much work!


    Why hadn''t the possibility been thought of before the house was built?


    ''I don''t feel comfortable being alone in such a big place!��I''m so lonely alone!


    I know!��I know, Zebi!


    Radey caught Zeviantes'' loneliness, and they exchanged a tight embrace.


    I don''t even feel like tsking anymore.


    .........


    Just like that.


    The luxurious mansion that Zeviantes had built became brilliantly useless.


    However, it was deemed too splendid to leave it as an abandoned building, so a meeting was held throughout the village with the permission of the builder Zeviantes.


    In order to decide on the effective use of the mansion.


    At one point, there was a proposal to turn the house into the new headman''s house and have the entire village head family move in together.


    However, it was rejected because it would look too different from the other houses and would give the impression of an oppressive and corrupt village chief.


    In the end, it was decided that it would be better to use the house as an inn due to its large size and beautiful interior and exterior, and so the first high-class inn was opened in our village.


    I suppose you could call it a hotel.


    The mansion, built without a hint of money, was as luxurious as a nobleman''s, and its rarity quickly gained a reputation as a place for people to stay in the village.


    A new specialty of our village was born unexpectedly.

 123-122 Brave Lady, Become a Panda

    The brave Radie.


    I''m a brave man who represents the human race, but I''m currently training in the village of Lax.


    It is said that her goal is to master the ability to defeat the Demon King, but she has been staying at Rax Village for some time now.


    That''s when this situation came up.


    ��


    ''My hero!��Brave master ah!


    Thank you, thank you, thank you!


    Radhi was being worshipped by a large number of people.


    The people worshipping were people who had come from neighboring towns and villages.


    Pilgrims?


    People who wanted to see the brave man came to the village one after another to worship him.


    Some asked Radhi to shake his hand, and when he shook it, he held it up in tears.


    I will never wash my hands again," he said.


    The village was crowded with brave worshippers as they came in one after another.


    ''''What in the world is this...?''''


    Watching the commotion from the side, I was just baffled.


    The brave man Radie, who is in the middle of the whirlwind, is also confused and polite to those who come to adore him.


    ''''........this is the fame of the brave, that it is.


    Along with me, the one person who was watching the situation was Sesha, one of the members of the brave party.


    Incidentally, the other party member, Satome, is busily running around the brave Radie, organizing the worshippers and so on.


    Arranging the line, rushing the guests who tried to talk to the brave for a long time....


    ''''Don''t you have to help, Sesha-san?''''


    I''m not ashamed to say that I''m not very good at dealing with people like that...!


    It was the kind of buoyant, detached feeling that is typical of professional adventurers.


    I''ve spent most of my life on the demon side, so it doesn''t quite make sense to me, but...


    Is the human race that valuable to a brave man?


    It''s as if they are worshipping the living God.


    That''s exactly what the people''s reverence, or rather the attitude of devotion, towards Radie was like.


    "Of course, the way people perceive it varies from person to person, but...


    Sesha-san also says, puzzled.


    ''There are those who think of the brave men as gods, aren''t there?


    Really?


    I''ve sensed that among the human race, the brave man is a particularly special presence, but I didn''t expect that much.


    It''s just like the position of the demon king for the demon tribe, isn''t it?


    That''s why, depending on the place, I would receive an unimaginable welcome.... The reaction is even more intense around here, that it is far from the urban areas, that it is...!


    The piety of the countryside is exceptional, isn''t it?


    "Maybe that''s why the brave man also takes this into consideration, that he hides his identity as much as possible during his journey and tries to avoid attracting attention. But this time, we stayed in one place too long...!


    It''s the kind of thing that leaks out when you''re here for a long time.


    The population of Lax village is small to begin with, so it didn''t cause too much of a stir right after my visit.


    After a few months, some people even came all the way from other villages to see the brave man.


    A few months later, some people even went out of their way to come from another village to have a look at the brave man....


    ........Now there was a long line of brave worshippers.


    ''''Oh, hero-sama.......!��Since you''ve been touched by a brave man, you''ll have a long life.......


    Hahaha...!��Please take care of yourself...?


    Brave Lord...!��I''ve had a bad knee for 10 years now.��If you touch it, I''m sure you''ll feel better if you touch it, brave sir.


    Some kind of dubious folk remedy was occurring.


    I''m not sure if the existence of a brave person is that big for the human race, but I feel like someone else''s business.


    But it wasn''t just happening on its own and getting excited on its own, some were even trying to be active in response to it.


    ''No, yes, no, no, no...!''


    For example...!


    ''Come by and see. It''s a brave manjuice bun!��Why don''t you buy it as a souvenir of meeting the brave master!


    He was robustly doing business in the business of flight.


    It''s not only a brave man bun.


    It''s not only the memories of meeting the brave men and women, the figure picture, the carved wooden figure of the brave men to bequeath to the form. A parchment with just the brave man''s name written on it. A wooden sword of a brave man. A brave man''s key ring.


    There''s so much to choose from...!


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''re ready to do business with the tourists who have come to Lax Village in search of a brave man.


    I''m sure you''ll find that our villagers have a lot more business spirit than you think...?


    With that in mind, as I was looking at the stalls in the village, I saw something very strange and it caught my attention.


    "Hey shopkeeper, what''s this?


    Hey, water!


    Water.


    You sell water?


    No, I''m not saying that water vendors are bad, but there are cases where people pay a thousand dollars for water, which is a precious commodity in some regions.


    However, it rains a lot in our village, and there''s a river nearby, so we''re not lacking in water.


    I don''t think water has any monetary value in this area...?


    When I was thinking hard about it like that, did he read the expression on my face.......


    Hehehe, you don''t understand, sir. Water is water, but it''s not just water.


    So what kind of water is it?


    What about this one, won''t the brave man have a bath?


    Yeah?


    Then the hot water comes out. And this water is the result of cooling that hot water!


    What are you selling?��You!


    Like that water that Radey took a bath with.


    What does it add value to?


    Don''t underestimate it.��After all, he''s a brave man, so not only does he benefit himself, he benefits everything he touches!��Just drink this water and you''ll have good health and longevity!��If your husband has a bad spot, take it. You''ll be cured in no time!


    You''re using it as an elixir in place of a potion?


    Is it that great a hero''s fame power?


    No, it can''t be!


    If the hot water from Radey''s bath has such a beneficial effect, then me, Marika and the rest of the villagers who share that bath should be in super good health.......?


    .........hmm?


    No, wait?


    Then I remembered something very important.


    My Lax village, although it is a fairly run-down country village, still has bathing facilities.


    Although it''s common to the countryside.


    The only problem is that the bathing facility was a sauna.


    It''s not a bad idea to have a little bit of a bath tub, but there''s no way to get the rest of the water out of it.


    What do you mean?


    When I questioned him, the owner confessed surprisingly easily.


    Oh, dear. Are you a local?��Then I don''t blame you for noticing it, but....


    He lied about the leftover water from the bath that Radey had taken.


    He said it was simply water from the river.


    ''Think a tourist who doesn''t know anything about the situation in this village can be easily fooled?��Brother, will you shut up with this girl?��Don''t tell the village leaders. If you do, I''ll give you a share...!


    I grabbed the hand on the stall to offer him some coins, saying so, and grabbed it from my wrist.


    "Huh?


    It''s a shame...?��I''m the chief of this village...!


    I''m the leader of my village.


    I don''t like the idea of you committing fraud in my village...?��Will you come over here a moment?��Why don''t we talk about it in detail?


    With the help of the patrol adventurers, the entire stall was forcibly taken away.


    ��


    After careful investigation, I found that most of the vendors were strangers, and some of them were so vicious that I could only think of them as scams, the village had no choice but to crack down on them.


    They even had to send out quests to the guild and mobilize adventurers to crack down on the malicious merchants.


    While there was such a problem, there were basically many tourists who came to visit the village to see the Radie, and the economy of the village was reasonably well off.

 124-123 Brave Lady, talk to the girls (Brave side)

    The brave Radey returned home, dizzy.


    He was tired, but it wasn''t fatigue from training.


    It was fatigue from dealing with people.


    It could be said that he stayed in one place too long. It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time with your friends and family.


    I''ve been dealing with such visitors lately, and I haven''t made any progress in my training.


    I''ve heard beforehand that this is the duty of a brave man, so I couldn''t do it without a fight, and I lost the day with a handshake.


    ''''I guess I stayed too long after all...?''''


    Radey did not feel good about this kind of welcome to the brave man.


    In fact, he should feel good about it, and some of the brave men of the past would have been willing to receive a welcome.


    But for Radie personally, it didn''t seem to be in the realm of the brave, and the previous brave Arantzill had been the same.


    So she would rather hide her bravery unless she had to, and she always tried to avoid staying in one place as much as possible to avoid attracting the attention of others.


    This is the first time in this Lux village that she has been in the same place for more than a few months.


    It was all about learning the inner workings of aura combat from Dariel, but Radie was frustrated that she wasn''t doing so well.


    It''s not that she''s struggling to grow up herself.


    She is confident that Dariel''s guidance is appropriate and that she is much more improved than she was before her stay in Lux Village.


    But more than that, she doesn''t think she can catch up to Dariel, no matter how strong she becomes.


    The brave man was supposed to represent the human race and be the strongest human race.


    Radie was chosen for that, and even if she ran to her death, she would have an opponent who couldn''t see her back.


    It was also a question of her significance as a brave person.


    ''''Haha, the alcohol is so good...!


    There was only one person in the living room that I entered first when I got home.


    One of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, ''Huafu'' Zebiantes.


    Normally, he is the arch-enemy of the brave. She is supposed to be the biggest obstacle standing in the way of defeating the Demon King.


    The fact that two such sworn enemies meet in one room is itself an unprecedented rarity.


    The two of them sleep in the home of the village chief of Lax Village, and it can be said that this is due to the oddities in the life of Dariel, who is now the landlord of the village.


    ''''You''re always so easygoing, aren''t you...!


    He sighed to his nemesis, "I''m busy training and dealing with people.


    "I''m busy training and dealing with people, and you''re drinking from morning till night...!��The other four heavenly kings are struggling.


    ''''As long as the brave Anta is here, the Four Heavenly Kings will be safe and sound in their spare time. Ah, what an easy job!''''


    It was Radey who was too right to say anything.


    The mission of the Four Heavenly Kings is to stop the brave men who are going to defeat the Demon King. So if the brave men who mattered weren''t attacking us, there would be no position as bored as this one.


    ''''........give me a drink too.''''


    Cheers to that.


    Radie accepted the wine offered by the Zebiantes and said, "This is the first class wine of the demon territory.


    "It''s the best wine in the demon territory! "It''s top-notch wine for the demon territory.


    It''s d*mn good.


    The alcoholic beverage that was exclusively drunk in the human territory was beer made from wheat, and the rich sweetness of the fruit was rare.


    By the way, Zeviantes is also fond of the beer made by the human tribe, and it''s one of the reasons why he''s been in the Lux village.


    It''s all thanks to you that I''m having fun every day! If you want, you can practice here all the time.


    Don''t be silly. I will be as strong as Dariel in the end. That''s when the Four Heavenly Kings will come crashing down. Prepare yourself!


    That''s never going to happen.


    Radie frowns at Zeviantes, who assures him, though in a light tone, that he''s not going to be able to be as strong as Dariel.


    "It''s absolutely impossible for me to be as strong as Dariel. The strength of the man has become more and more of a monster lately.


    It was hard for Radey to admit that it was true at the same time as he was told.


    ''''Hey, what was Dariel-san like when she was with you guys?''''


    ''What?��What are you asking me all of a sudden?


    ''........That''s fine. If you drink in silence, the alcohol won''t taste as good. Talking is an essential part of the drinking game!


    I can see why. All right, we''ll give you a ride.


    What was Dariel during his time in the Demon King''s Army?


    He was no big deal. No one thought of you because you couldn''t do magic, and you were completely out of sight.


    It''s a horrible thing to say.


    It was unimaginable how badly Dariel had been treated now, but that might be unavoidable considering his half life.


    Because Dariel had developed his talent only after returning to his original race.


    ''''Radie-chan, you mean...''''


    "Hmm?


    You like Dariel?


    Radey sobbed at the question, "What''s the matter with you?


    She coughed as the wine she was about to drink entered her windpipe with great success, and coughed so hard that red fluid popped out of her nose.


    What an obvious reaction.


    You idiot!��What kind of a question is that, out of the blue?��You like Dariel, you like her...?


    Radie poured another glass of wine into the cup and drank it down, as if to hide her confusion.


    ''Mr. Dariel is a wonderful man!��I''m strong!��He''s a great personality and impeccable!��I truly admire you as a person!


    Then he pours another drink and drinks it down.


    ''Isn''t your pace a little too fast...?


    For one thing, Dariel is already in love with Marika!��There aren''t many couples that are that well-matched for each other!


    The Zebiantes were rather uncomfortable with the pace at which Radie was drinking, too fast.


    ''''It''s a good wine and I don''t want you to drink it in a mess...?


    ''I''m listening! ��So you can''t break up a happy family!��So if they''re happy, what''s my beef with them?


    ''''It''s becoming more and more of an excuse...?


    Zebiantes, on the other hand, tried to soothe Radie...


    "Calm down. You have a point, but you don''t have to be so stubborn about it.


    "Huh?


    You don''t have to have more than one wife.


    ''''Buh-ohh!''''


    At Zeviantes'' outlandish assertions, Radie this time erupted before he could sob.


    The wine sprayed from Radie''s mouth hits Zebiantes in the face.


    ''''Giaaaaah!��In the face?��The wine was sprayed on my good looks!


    It''s because you speak out of turn, isn''t it?��How dare you?��How dare you?��How vulgar!


    Polygamy.


    That''s exactly what Zeviantes was talking about, but the still dainty Radie couldn''t accept it at all.


    ''''Was it an institution that the human race didn''t have?��Though I would have thought it was common for both races to be somewhat upper class?


    ''''No, I heard there are some on the human side as well, but...?


    It was indeed Radey who had heard that a person of some ability would have two or more wives.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    ''''But it''s still filthy...!��One man, married to more than one woman...?


    Then perhaps I could be Dariel''s second wife.


    What?


    The proposal is even more outrageous and confusing to Radie.


    The fact that I can''t think straight is probably due to the effects of the liquor cup I just emptied continuously.


    The sensation of my brain spinning.


    I''m beginning to find him attractive. "I''m beginning to find him attractive," he said, "and if I take advantage of his wise counsel, I can play an active role on the battlefield and be praised by everyone, and as a reward I can be set free.


    But you''re not a demon.��Are humans and demons allowed to marry?


    Hmm, that''s one way of looking at it...


    Zebiantes pretended to be a little thoughtful........


    In fact, I''m pretty sure he''s not thinking about anything........


    ''''Then you must play your hand with your mistress!


    "Aaaaah!


    "Aaaaah!��I got sprayed in the face again!


    It was Radie who just kept spewing out.


    ''You''re always saying weird things, but today it''s extra special!��"You''re too drunk to drink wine, aren''t you!


    Isn''t that what you said?��It''s just a quick wine, so don''t just spew it out!


    So, here''s the story of the mistress.


    I''m a person who wants to be free until I die. I don''t want you to marry and be in bondage. In that case, it''s better to just have a casual relationship with a mistress and respect each other''s freedom.


    Why should I fall in love with you?


    Freedom is the most important thing, but I also want love and I want to have children.


    Radie is tongue-tied at the unimaginable freedom of Zebiantes.


    In a way, I felt more horrible about her than I did when I first encountered her as an enemy.


    Or if I was this free too, I wouldn''t have to worry about it.......


    ''''........Ugh.


    Radey blew out the emotions that were almost running ahead of him.


    All that was left was smoke.


    ''This is getting seriously drunk, let''s bathe and go to bed.


    ''Ah!��I''m going too!��I can''t sleep at this rate because I''m sticky all over my face!


    Thus they both went to bathe in good company and went to bed that night.

 125-124 Dariel calls the spy

    This was right after the incident where those three irregularly brave men got upset.......


    ''''I''m........uneasy.''''


    I was tormented by a bewildering, vague sense of unease.


    The attempted theft of Mithril, where Pigalo, Zester, and Altamir went on a rampage.


    The three brave men themselves were seized and one of them disappeared in a form of self-destruction.


    That could be seen as the end of that incident.


    But the sense of crisis management I''ve developed during my time in the Demon King''s Army warns me that it''s not over yet.


    To begin with, there are too many things we don''t know about that incident.


    There are too many things that have not been clarified.


    Who put brainwashing magic on the three heroes?��Who was the Red Cloak that took them away from under the Four Heavenly Kings?


    Where and who found this unheard of power-up method of feeding on the mineral mithril, which is essentially a mineral?


    The heroic Pigaro of The Sword destroyed himself due to the excesses of that method, but on the verge of annihilation, there were signs that he was cleverly forcibly transferred with the pretense of appearing to be ''annihilated''.


    However, on that point, what are you going to do with Pigalo, who has been disintegrated to the point where he is no longer able to help you?��This brings up a new question....


    The bottom line was that there were a lot of things I didn''t understand.


    ''''........It''s weird!


    It''s weird that there are things I don''t understand.


    .........No, there are still things in the world that I don''t understand most of the time, and I wouldn''t feel good if I couldn''t figure it all out!��is the domain of paranoia.


    But there are two kinds of mysteries in the world....


    One is an unimportant mystery that will not cause any problems if left alone, and the other is a dangerous one that will come back to bite you.


    The other is a dangerous mystery that will have its teeth in the ground if left unchecked.


    .....


    As for the mysteries that are OK to leave alone, we can leave them to the bored, curious scholars to solve.


    But the ones that are like a fierce tiger lurking in the shadows of grass, you have to take care of them by yourself.


    For my own safety.


    Now it''s not just my life that''s at stake. There are many lives beside me, including Marika and Gran, who live with me and are responsible for me.


    To keep them out of harm''s way....


    "Do we need to take the initiative in this matter?


    Before the enemy starts moving.


    So what should we do?


    What can I do to help?


    This is also now the head of the village of Lax, husband of Marika and father of Gran.


    He has a variety of titles and daily tasks to keep up with.


    I can''t neglect that one.


    A way to smoothly carry out your daily tasks while at the same time finding out the enemy...


    I thought about it and then it hit me.


    It would be more accurate to say that I remembered.


    There was also a situation like this when I belonged to the Demon King''s Army and served as an assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings.


    I built a mechanism to investigate the movements of the enemy heroes while taking care of the selfish and difficult Four Heavenly Kings.


    If it was still alive...?


    I decided to leave a little hope in my heart.


    A group of clogs leaving the village.


    It was a transport group that delivered the mithril weapons produced in Rax Village to the various major cities.


    Talk to one of them.


    ''Wherever you are, when you get to the city, can you put this out to the postman?


    I left the letter with him.


    What is written inside is just a normal letter.


    It''s a normal letter that tells you how much they miss you because they haven''t seen you for a while, or asks about the other person''s whereabouts.


    However, to an uninformed third party, the message could only be seen as such.


    A secret code, discussed from the beginning, was designed to reveal a completely different meaning.


    What if the hidden true meaning could be conveyed to the only person who could read it....


    ��


    A few months after I sent the letter....


    During that time, there was a lot of commotion about the Zeviantes'' new building, and a ruckus about Radie''s visit to the temple, but through all of that, the move I made finally came into effect.


    It takes a certain amount of time to achieve results.


    Someone came to visit me.


    "If..........


    He is dressed like a traveler, with his head completely covered by a cloak.


    Just to be clear, this is not the red cloak that is rumored to be around.


    I''ve never seen this guy in person myself, but the one who came right in front of me was a more modest person wearing a very common linen cloak.


    ''I''ve heard that a person named John lives here...?


    There''s no one called Alan. No one named Alan.


    ''''.........huh?''''


    As we exchanged such an unintelligible conversation, a silence passed between me and the other person.


    But the silence immediately began to swing and heat up with emotion.


    "Master Dariel!


    The traveler knelt in front of me.


    He took the cloak that covered his body. A fearless woman''s face appeared from within.


    ''Long time no see!��...I didn''t think I''d ever see you alive again...!


    Okay, all right. All right, now can we stop lying down in public?


    This was outdoors in Lax Village.


    ��


    The girl who came for me in the village of Lax.


    Her name was Selmet.


    This is still a genuine demon race.


    They belonged to the Demon King''s army and were tasked with infiltrating human territory.


    In other words, she was a spy.


    She was one of the dark secret scouts secretly released by the Demon King''s army.


    ''''It''s really........it''s really been a long time......!��I didn''t think we would ever see each other again...!


    I don''t want to talk about that.


    For now, I invite her to the village chief''s house and begin the story that is piling up.


    The Demon King''s Army''s dark secret agent was organized to investigate the movement of the strongest enemy of the demon race, the brave.


    It''s impossible to investigate the situation of the different races of humans, the enemy of different territories and races, no matter how you look at it from the demon territory.


    That''s why there is an agency dedicated to it.


    That''s why the Dark Secret Detective was organized.


    Fortunately, the demon race and the human race are completely indistinguishable from each other from the outside.


    They take advantage of this, forcing demons pretending to be humans to cross the border and live in human territory to collect information.


    This is how they can investigate the trends of the brave and the human race as a whole.


    The woman in front of me right now is one of those dark secret agents, and moreover, she is the woman who is in a position to lead them.


    She is also the one who controls the location of all the dark spies hiding in human territory and plays the most important role in sending the information she obtains to the Demon King''s Army.


    When I was in the Demon King''s Army, I often worked together with her, and we were very much like comrades in arms.


    This is the first time I''ve seen Selmeto since I quit the Demon King''s Army.


    ''''Oh no, really!��Never again!��I wish I could see you alive in this world...!


    ''All right, that''s all right already...?''


    The joy of seeing her again was unusual.


    As I recall, she was disguised as a peddler, but she traveled around the human territory and communicated with spies around the country.


    Because she was the source of the spies, she didn''t have a specific home base, and lived a life at the bottom, far removed from her actual title.


    That would be something that could never be carried out with extraordinary motivation.


    What you get as a result of your work, honor, admiration, respect, pride, and class.


    You don''t get all of those things, and you have to go on with the difficulties of the bottom of the barrel, because that''s what spies are for.


    Selmeto has been doing this job for nearly a decade and still never retires.


    I couldn''t help but admire her strength of mind.


    The reason I called her, such an old acquaintance, was to ask her if she had any information about the mysterious Red Cloak.


    After all, they are the girls who make information gathering their full-time job.


    It''s extremely likely that they have caught something unusual.


    But, well, it''s not s*xy enough to get right to the point, so let''s start with an ordinary topic.


    ''How are you doing these days?��How''s the work of your spies going?


    Master Dariel why do you ask such a question?


    Huh?


    Was that a boring topic?


    There''s no way she doesn''t know that I''ve been fired from the Demon King''s Army. After all, this is a sector that specializes in information.


    How can she provide me, an outsider, with the Demon King''s secret information?


    ''No, I''m sorry, I was relying on you too much for the familiarity of being an ex-companion...?


    That is not what I meant!��Our master is still Dariel alone!��I''ll get you whatever information you want, Lady Dariel!��But...!


    But?


    ''We don''t have that power now!��Our intelligence agency has been dismantled by the decision of the Demon King''s army!

 126-125 The spy Selmeth bitches

    ''''By the decision of the current Four Heavenly Kings, to be exact!


    Ah.


    I''m starting to get a sense of what''s going on.


    The secret service is one of the important sections of the Demon King''s Army.


    It''s even said that whoever controls the information controls the world.


    Its value is greatly recognized, and the Four Heavenly Kings, who stand at the top of the Demon King''s army, had given direct orders to it.


    To be precise, it was my assistant.


    But that was in the past.


    It should be said that the situation has changed greatly since the previous Four Heavenly Kings retired and were replaced by the current Four Heavenly Kings.


    ''''I''m biting my teeth just remembering it now!��The Four Heavenly Kings those idiots!��........My guts are boiling over!


    Her anger seemed to flare up.


    .........


    At least when I was in the Demon King''s Army, the intelligence agencies weren''t supposed to have been tampered with, though .......


    ''''It was soon after Dariel-sama was kicked out of the Demon King''s army...!


    NOW!


    I''m under orders to dismantle an intelligence agency.��I wasn''t even told why. After repeated persistent communication, I finally got a response. And the reply was like the shit itself...!


    The following is the content of the reply letter that I heard from Selmet.


    ''''The Demon King''s Army is a proud and righteous organization. Therefore, there is no place for cowardly and vile people. Intelligence agencies are the representatives of cowardice. They are like insects that hide in the shadows and sneak around instead of fighting in the front line.


    The true pride of the elite of the Demon King''s Army is one that fights fairly and squarely and crushes the enemy by force. I don''t need help from you cowards. I don''t need help from you cowards. Only by exterminating every one of your vermin will the Demon King''s Army regain true purity.


    "We would have captured you and burned you at the stake for treason, but we have been merciful enough to send you into exile. If you feel that mercy, you must change your mind and find a way to contribute to the demon tribe and the demon king''s army in a just way.


    "Bashbursa," the top of the Four Heavenly Kings, "Ayan Fire


    As soon as he finished speaking, Selmet''s emotions exploded.


    ''It''s the worst, that d*mned boy!��Intelligence!��I just see it as a cheat!��You''re mistaken that facing the enemy head on and starting with ''Yoidon'' is a battle or something!��If you study history, you''ll know if the human race and demon race in the past have fought each other by all means, but you haven''t learned anything at all, you little b*tc*!


    ''''Whaaaaah...?


    The resentment must have been building up until today.


    It felt like it was all blown up in one fell swoop.


    But I didn''t know that Bashbursa had driven the Demon King''s military intelligence agency to dismantle.


    It''s not that surprising.


    It''s clear that he was always looking for a brilliant, good-looking fight.


    He wanted his life to be that way. He wanted to be beautiful and spectacular and shiny.


    ''I know what that little bastard''s soul is!��That was part of Dariel-sama bullying!


    What?��Me, I...?


    Selmet''s indignation was not yet exhausted.


    ''Because it is!��Isn''t it Master Dariel who rebuilt the Demon King''s secret service?��I was jealous of that Dariel-sama''s achievements!


    That happened....


    A group of people are by nature a sloth, but there is no group of people that is as slothful as an intelligence agency.


    If there are no people who can handle information properly, they are useless, and they can even be crushed by the enemy''s counter-intelligence agencies.


    Because of this, in the long history of the Demon King''s Army, there were periods when its intelligence agencies were weak and periods when they didn''t function at all.


    The same was true about twenty years ago.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to get the most out of it.


    It could be said to be the downside of being the strongest.


    At that time, I was an apprentice soldier under Grandfather, and I was given the task of ''doing something useful for the Demon King''s Army''.


    GramBurza-sama at the time must have been only teasing my cute subordinate, but I was determined to live up to his expectations.


    I read through old documents and discovered the remains of a former intelligence network, assigned personnel and revived an intelligence agency that had been shut down for a long time.


    Even after I was officially appointed as the Four Heavenly Kings due to this achievement, the intelligence agencies of the Demon King''s Army have been under my direct control.


    It was called the ''Dariel Agency'', right?


    ''''........Is it any wonder that Bashbarza hates it?


    ''''That''s right, that incompetent who didn''t inherit any of the great Granbaza-sama''s talents, hated you, the rightful successor of Granbaza-sama, even though you''re not related to him by blood!��That''s why I kicked you out. They tried to wipe out everything related to you from the Demon King''s Army!


    And now Selmet and the rest of the Intelligence Bureau are under the influence of that.


    So to speak, we''re in the middle of a situation.


    I''m sorry that I made you get caught in this mess.


    ''What do you mean?��Rather, we were convinced through that incident!��We don''t work for the Demon King''s army, we work for Master Dariel!


    I''m not so sure about that.


    ''I heard that Bashbursa''s shit is dead. It''s heartbreaking.��And Dariel-sama is finally going to use this as an opportunity to return to the Demon King''s army, right?


    As is to be expected of an intelligence agent, he has a quick ear.


    They naturally perceive Bashvaza''s side death and are even trying to foresee the scenario beyond that.


    ''''The current Four Heavenly Kings are full of greenhouse-grown incompetents!��Droyer, who is only serious, Bezelia, who is a coordinator, and Zebiantes, who is only an idiot!


    Isn''t each one of them terrible?


    Rating.


    ''''It''s unlikely that three people like this can turn around the Demon King''s army even if they come together. It will eventually fail in the not too distant future. ........No, we''re already on the verge of bankruptcy due to Bashbursa''s uncontrolled actions, and there is no one more useful than Dariel-sama to rebuild it!


    Selmet furthermore.


    I''ll do my best to help you when Dariel-sama returns to the Demon King''s Castle!��I will search every inch of the current Four Heavenly Kings, who are likely to be my political rivals, and I''ll find out their weaknesses!


    ''''No, that''s fine.''''


    I love it.


    ''Selmet, I didn''t know you guys were being forced to lick such bitterness. I''m so sorry I didn''t realize it until now.


    ''''No, no, just by being so considerate, I can see that Dariel-sama is completely different from the incompetent Four Heavenly Kings...!


    ''But I''m not going back to the Demon King''s Army anymore. I''ve found a new way of life. I''m going to continue on that path.


    A new way, sir?


    I contacted you to ask for your help. But, alas, when I find out you''re in a much worse situation than I am, I don''t have the nerve to ask.


    In fact, I''d rather say, "If there''s anything I can do to help, just say the word.


    "I''ll call on the Demon King''s army to bring you back. You''re right, Bashvaza is dead. The forces that took the initiative to get rid of you have died.


    There''s nothing more important than gathering information in a collective military action.


    It couldn''t be that the Demon King''s Army was full of idiots who didn''t know that.


    ''''Thank you very much for your concern, sir. But we have nothing against the Demon King''s Army either.


    So....


    ''''As I said before, we are loyal to Dariel-sama, not the Demon King''s Army. In the current Demon King''s army, there are no people who can use us in all directions. Even the Four Heavenly Kings at the top of the mountain are incompetent. I don''t want to serve under those guys!''''


    You''re terrible at this. Are you that incompetent?��Even if it''s the strongest mages chosen from all the demonic races, right?


    There is a difference between the strongest and the wisest. To master us, we need profound wisdom rather than shallow power. The current Four Heavenly Kings lack that at all.


    ''You don''t think so?��Even the current Four Heavenly Kings are trying their best to turn their armies around......Hola, someone like Droyer.


    ''He''s just serious. Seriousness alone is not enough for a deceiver to master everyday intelligence.


    Are you sure...?


    "The only prospect is the Four Heavenly Kings Bezalia, but that man values harmony more than seeking merit. This is a man who would rather fill in the blanks of distrust and preserve the integrity of the organization than exploit the gaps in mutual trust. We''re not in the same boat.


    Hmm?


    This assessment is refreshing from my point of view.


    I didn''t know that Bezalia, the Four Heavenly Kings "Muddy Water", was a man who valued harmony.


    I thought he was more of a cynic, sarcastic and disruptive to harmony.


    Well, I''ll leave it at that, enjoying the different evaluations by such people.


    ''So, finally, how about Zebiantes?


    I knew I couldn''t leave it behind.


    Let''s ask all of the remaining four Heavenly Kings for their evaluations at this time.


    ''''That guy is the worst.


    I knew what to expect, but he cut me off again with a bang.


    ''He''s clearly not capable of standing on top. He is selfish and fickle. He lacks leadership qualities and, conversely, is full of superfluous personalities.


    Even after that, he would enumerate in detail and clearly and concretely what was wrong with Zebiantes.


    It''s a foci of the organization. As long as she is here, the Demon King''s Army will not be safe yet.


    So....


    My gaze slid sideways.


    There was my own Zeviantes.


    It''s always the same when that guy comes and goes from our home........


    Unintentionally, the guy from Zeviantes was crying shakily while being held in Radie''s arms, as he was ruining it in front of the person in question.


    As only a young lady, she was surprisingly weakly beaten.

 127-126 Dariel gets the information network

    This is how I was reunited with the Demon King''s Army''s secret agent and dark secret agent, Selmet.


    I had to tell him the story of what happened after I left the Demon King''s Army.


    ''''........I see, I understand very well.


    Celmetto listened to me more easily than expected.


    I think there was a point where I couldn''t fully accept it, right?


    "Whoever you are, Lord Dariel, you are our Lord. Whatever you need, command us to do so.


    Are you sure about this?��You''re all part of the Demon King''s army to begin with, so you don''t want to run it on your own accord...?


    I''ll say it again. We exist not for the Demon King''s Army, but for Dariel-sama. Now that Master Dariel has left the Demon King''s Army, we have no loyalty to the Demon King''s Army!


    I think it''s possible...?


    But if they feel that way, I''ll have to curry favor with them.


    I needed them to be able to gather information.


    Then I need you to do something for me. I need you to find out what you can about someone.


    ''You mean the red cloak you just told me about?


    Selmet is only a clandestine scout, so he has a good sense of what to expect.


    The first thing that comes to mind is the attempted robbery of Mithril by the unlicensed heroes. I''m sure that the mastermind behind it is a mysterious being wearing a red cloak.


    My apologies to Selmet, but I don''t have any features other than a ''red cape'' to seek out a partner.


    I''m sure it will be a pretty vague investigation, so you might as well tell me every single suspicious thing that''s going on on the human side.


    Master Dariel do you think that the red one is a threat?


    A probing question from Selmet.


    Indeed, at the moment, everything about the red cape is too vague.


    It''s certainly the culprit for disturbing Zestar and the others, but so far there''s no other clear damage, and it doesn''t seem like there''s anything wrong with dismissing it as irrelevant.


    But I''ve got a bad feeling about this...!


    The brainwashing magic that caused the brave men to be disturbed.


    And yet, according to the testimonies of the few witnesses, he used a technique similar to the "Super Emperor Splitting Sky".


    A weapon technique using magic and aura.


    It was a rare occurrence that a single person used two techniques that would never be used together.


    It was indeed an eerie existence.


    ''''...I understand. Dariel-sama''s hunch has never been off the mark. We will work as hard as we have in the past to turn that guess into fact!


    ''Yes.''


    ...but...


    Yeah?


    Suddenly, Selmet''s words became crisp.


    ''''Well, as much as I would like to work for Dariel-sama, as I said before, we have been ordered by the Demon King''s Army to dismantle it.


    Well, technically, it''s from Bashvaza.


    ''''Naturally, there is no money provided for our activities, and our activities are completely stagnant. Although it''s shameful, unless we solve the problem of ''funds'', we won''t be able to be of any help to Dariel-sama...!


    Selmeto is desperate to reveal his own plight.


    That can''t be helped, there is a cost to everything.


    It wasn''t me who wasn''t thinking about it.


    "Don''t worry. Use this.


    Then I hand her a leather bag.


    ''''Omokh!''''


    As soon as he received it, Selmet nearly dropped it under the weight of the leather bag.


    I''m not going to be able to get a good idea of what''s inside this bag.


    You are surprised to check the contents.


    Gold coins?��Everything in this bag?


    Take it on the spot for now. Just don''t worry, it''s not bad money.


    The village of Lax has been making quite a bit of money recently.


    With the main industry of mithril processing as its main industry, I was also able to create tourism resources such as the mansion built by Zeviantes and the brave Radie himself.


    As the village chief, I was able to invest the money I earned in this way to some extent freely.


    The money that I just gave to Selmet was generated from that.


    ''''If the information is used for the benefit of the entire Lax Village, everyone will be satisfied.


    I''m not limiting myself to just the red cape thing. I want you to go gather any information that will be useful for the village.


    The more active the production of mithril weapons becomes, the more the Lax Village will have to think about its relationship with the inside and outside world.


    It shouldn''t be a loss to buy a variety of information with money.


    ''''Dariel-sama........!��I understand!


    Selmet, standing up with a bag of money.


    ''If we operate with funds from Lord Dariel, this is now, in name and in deed, an institution of Lord Dariel''s!��I will work to the bone for Dariel-sama!


    Yeah, it''s nice to meet you.


    It also encouraged Selmet and the others who were in need, killing two birds with one stone.


    It''s just like a dream, to be able to work with Dariel-sama again. ........And not for the Demon King''s army, but completely for Dariel-sama!��With the information I gather, I will contribute to Master Dariel, and our power will grow and grow... and eventually, Master Dariel will be the ruler of the world?��And I will be the one next to you at that time...!


    Selmet is mumbling to himself, but.........


    .........


    And while we''re at it, I thought I''d introduce you.


    ''Marika, can you come over here for a minute?''


    Yes.


    My wife comes to me when she is called.


    A baby in his arms, held as a matter of course.


    ''I want you to look at this guy,''


    I show you my greatest treasure to be handed to you by Maleeka.


    ''What?��Um..........?��Dariel, is that...?


    That''s my boy.


    That''s right.


    My breath Gran has become even more puffy after almost half a year of age.


    I can''t wait to show him off every time someone comes to visit.


    A child?��A child?��Dariel-sama gave birth to a child?


    No, I didn''t give birth to him, but...?��I''m the father, aren''t I pretty?


    Gran was curious about his sister, who he had never seen before, and reached out his hand toward Selmet.


    ''Would you like to hold her in your arms?


    Huh...?


    Selmet, for some reason, receives Gran with the wind of not being here in mind, and holds her to his chest.


    And my breath Gran rubbed out Selmet''s breast as a matter of course.


    .........


    Maybe it''s time to take some serious measures. About Gran''s female boob rubbing habit.


    ''''..............So you are Dariel-sama?��Are you married, I take it?


    Yeah, well, this is my wife.


    And indicating Malika by his side.


    ''My husband has been a great help to me. Please keep up the good work with our family, won''t you?


    ''''Huh........?''''


    Selmet, when I returned Gran-kun for what happened, I lost my footing and started to wobble.


    It''s not a good idea.��It''s not a good idea.


    I''m holding Grann-kun in my arms, so I couldn''t let go of his hand, and instead it was Radie and Zeviantes who took her in.


    I''ve noticed that they were by my side from earlier.


    ''''Dariel-sama is getting married...?��Dariel-sama is getting married...?


    ''Firm!��I know exactly how you feel! I know exactly how you feel!��We are comrades!


    What''s all the fuss about?


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    Afterwards, it was again a dinner with the intention of getting to know Selmet, and I was to introduce Radie and Zebiantes, who were in attendance.


    I was surprised, as expected.


    Thus I had the means to gather the information I needed to do things, and I was soon to run into a situation where it worked.

 128-127 Zester, Mouth Glide (Brave side)

    Zester, the hero of "Hammer".


    He is one of the new recruits selected by the Center Guild.


    He was selected because the official selection of the heroes, Radie, was not making good progress in defeating the Demon King, and he suggested that the possibility of defeating the Demon King would increase if more than one hero was sent out.


    However, in the end, they suffered a painful defeat by the Demon King''s army and the new attempt ended in failure.


    In order to announce that conclusion, Zester returned to the Center Guild alone.


    ��


    Pigalo is dead. Crushed by his own arrogance, he met a miserable end, as befits a brave man.


    He talks in detail about the deaths of his peers who were chosen to be brave at the same time.


    I realized anew that the title of hero is a heavy one. I realized once again that the title of hero is a heavy one, and that it should not be given easily to two or more people. I will also give up the title of brave and retrain myself from the very beginning.


    ''Wait a minute!��Wait for me!


    Saying that, one of the Center Guild Directors was in a hurry.


    His name was Roselwy.


    The Center Guild Board of Directors is the guild''s highest decision-making body with a maximum of nine members.


    The person who sits in that chair is not only wise, but is required to be of the highest standard in both financial strength and power. It is a title that is obtained by the "chosen one" in a different sense than the brave ones.


    Among them, Roselwy, who now sits across from Zester, is the youngest member of the board of directors.


    He was a young man who had only been given that title for a few months.


    He was also the leader of the proposal to appoint Sester and three others as new brave men.


    That''s why Zester is in a hurry to claim that he will return the brave men.


    He was desperately trying to comfort her, trying to dissuade her from doing so.


    ''Don''t you think you''ve given up a bit too much, Kimi?��A brave man.��You''ve had to endure rigorous training to become a hero, right?��Years and years. It''s worth it, and you''ve finally become a brave man in fact, but are you willing to let go of your dream with a slight stumble?


    ''Of course it was a devastating experience. Once I was left out of the selection process, and I was moved to tears. What a joy it was to be chosen again by that brave man.


    Then...?


    But that''s why I was keenly aware of the weight of the title. The weight of the title of brave. When I became a brave man, I realized for the first time that the person who becomes a brave man should not be chosen easily.


    Zester bowed his head again.


    ''''Please. Please propose to the board that I step down as a brave man. I will refrain from accepting the stripping of my title.


    ''That''s why I''m telling you to wait!


    Director Roselwy was in the extreme of frustration.


    The idea of the brave plural launched by himself.


    However, that novel attempt was about to have a disastrous result.


    If one of the newly selected brave men and women would succeed in defeating the Demon King, then all the better.


    Humans would fulfill their long cherished dream of hundreds of years and obtain the Demon King''s hidden wisdom.


    There will be unprecedented development and prosperity.


    And Roselwy himself will go down in history as a key player in this event.


    In this life as well, he would be a lifelong success.


    But that is only if he succeeds.


    The reality is that we are now on a downward spiral towards failure.


    If the attempt to select multiple heroes is confirmed as a failure, all of the responsibility for it will go to Roselwy, the originator.


    The fact that he has been proceeding all alone in an attempt to monopolize his achievements has been avenged when this happens.


    He is a young newcomer who still has no foundation in the Board of Directors.


    If the revelation of a fiasco that could be attributed to only one person, the seat on the board of directors that he had just assumed was in jeopardy.


    That''s why the Zester in front of him had to be challenged again as a brave man at all costs.


    Of the three brave men he selected, Pigalo, the brave man of the ''Sword'' died and the only one who returned was Zester, the brave man of the ''Hammer''.


    ''''........Speaking of which, wasn''t there another one?''''


    "Altamir told me that he would give up his ''bow'' heroism. At all events, he would marry and retire as an adventurer himself.


    It was better for Zester to just show up in person.


    Anyway, in order to discourage Zester, Roselwy desperately urges him to stay behind.


    I''ll give you a chance to talk to him, so that you can stay on as a hero.��So?��Let''s try again. Isn''t that what a true brave man is made of, to keep going without failing, no matter how many times you fail?


    Everyone has their own way of being brave. I want to end my life as a brave man with grace.


    Roselwy felt like he was going to boil over from the bottom of his heart.


    Why was this man so resigned?


    With his own downfall, he would have cut off Roselwy''s political life.


    ''But you''re young. Aren''t you too young to abandon your dreams?��If you give up the path of bravery, what do you want to achieve in the future?


    Don''t worry about that. I know the path I have to follow in the future. Once I''ve lifted the burden of bravery from my shoulders, I''m determined to pursue that path.


    What''s that path?��Would you care to elaborate on that for me?


    Anyway, I try to get as much information out of him as I can now, trying to get the materials for persuasion.


    Then Zester, suddenly became crisp........


    ''''It''s, well........it''s nothing to say here.


    Why?��You can tell me, can''t you?


    As for Roselwy, he wanted to take it in the direction of ''Then it''s more advantageous to have the title of a brave man in some way'' by hearing Zester''s new goal.


    Anyway, I wanted to keep Zester as a brave man.


    It was Roselwy who was in a means-tested mood to do so.


    ''What''s the matter?��Go ahead, tell me!��Because maybe I can help you with that!��I will stand by your side, no matter what!


    Zester has been an adventurer for most of his life.


    He has no desire to leave it all behind and take a completely different path.


    I''m sure the new path he''s taking is related to the brave man in some way.


    I''m sure that''s why I''m persistent in asking him.


    ''''........It''s training. I''m thinking of retraining from the ground up.


    Zester said, as if defeated by the roots.


    ''Training?��Then there''s no need to quit being a hero!��You can train while earning the rank of brave, and when you''re strong enough, you can try to defeat the demon king again!��Even the brave Radey is training as a brave man now, so there''s no inconvenience in that!


    That''s not good enough...!


    Why?


    Why don''t you ask me why...?


    Zester is becoming more and more crisp.


    The fact that he is hiding something is becoming increasingly clear.


    You will be able to get a good deal more than just a few minutes of your time.


    On the contrary, there was no way to prevent him from being verbally pursued by Roselwy, who was a man of the sea and a thousand miles away, so he finally confessed.


    ''I would like to seek guidance from someone.


    Do you have one?


    He will not train me unless I quit being a brave man. I have made a mistake in front of him. I must quit being a brave man to put an end to it.


    When he finally heard it out, Roselwy sighed, wondering what it meant.


    Zester''s intentions sounded like selfishness, concerned with trivial matters.


    You can''t depend on the satisfaction and dissatisfaction of one person. Save the title of hero, and train as a brave man.


    ''No!��I can''t show him that I''m ready for this!��Even if I renounce my bravery, I must avoid being abandoned by that person!


    Zester''s patience starts to creak at Zester''s stubbornness.


    ''''I don''t understand. I don''t know who you are, but are you saying that catering to one person''s mood is more important than being a brave man?��Was being a brave man such a light thing?


    No, that''s not...?


    ''Think about it. Think about it, the brave men represent the human race. The brave man is the representative of the human race and is admired and worshipped by everyone. If a brave man asks for instruction, it is only natural that he would be willing to teach you.


    That''s what you''re saying, ''Quit being a brave man if you want me to teach you''.......


    You are so unreasonable and arrogant. Does that person understand the significance of being a brave person?��To be so reluctant to cooperate with a brave man is to be an adversary to humanity.


    Director!


    Zester stood up and approached him.


    Being freaked out by Zester, a huge man, it was as if a wall was closing in on him.


    ''''I''d like to ask you to rescind your words right now!��Master Dariel is not such a petty person!��And moreover, it was my intention to volunteer to become an apprentice after I quit being a hero, and that has nothing to do with Master Dariel!


    ''''Then there''s no need to quit being a brave man.......?��That way, everyone will be happy...!��Right?��Right?


    Unable to endure the brave-grade rage, Roselwy quieted him down while trembling all over.


    But even so, Zester''s departure is directly related to his own progress, so he can never back down.


    ''''Roughly, who is that person?��How can you, a brave man, be so concerned about it?��Is he supposed to be better than a brave man?


    Or maybe you could say that.


    What?


    I meant to say it sarcastically, but the unexpected reply puzzled Roselwy.


    ''''To that person, a brave man may be insignificant. To someone with true strength, titles are worthless.


    What do you mean?��There is no one in this world worth more than a brave man!��Because the brave are the strongest, and the strongest are the bravest!


    ''''That means He is in a realm that transcends even that. After all, that One, that One...!


    Zester must have been exhausted from the repeated questioning.


    His ability to think was slowed down and he couldn''t help but mention it.


    ''''........Dariel-sama is Arantziel-sama''s son!

 129-128 Dariel welcomes a rare customer

    A lot of things have passed, and my breath Gran has grown up a lot.


    Is he about half a year old?


    Babies at this time of year are evolving day by day, and they surprise their parents'' eyes without a day to spare.


    The same thing happened recently, but what surprised me the most was that he started crawling around the house.


    He crawled around the house using his arms and legs.


    Da-da-da!


    ''Haaaaah, Gran''s doing well today...''


    I made a funny sound when my son was too cute.


    My boy is cute.


    Probably the cutest kid in the world!


    And my child, who has gained mobility through daily growth, runs around the room in all directions.


    "Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da!


    That''s fast!


    The baby crawled around at a rather furious speed.


    It''s high mobility.


    They are keenly attuned to trying to break through the doorway, so we do our best to stop them too.


    I''m in a fretful mood.


    The battle with this beast of curiosity was going to continue for a while.


    ''You- Stop playing with Gran and get to work!


    "I was trying so hard to keep my kids safe!


    Malika''s language is sometimes abusive.


    You have a guest. As village chief, how could I not welcome you?


    Customer?


    It''s funny.


    There was no mention of someone coming in from outside in today''s plans, though.


    An unexpected visitor is usually the start of trouble.


    I greeted the guest while being cautious.


    I''m Rosselwy, Director of the Center Guild.


    He was a great man.


    Speaking of a director, he was the head position of the Center Guild.


    An adventurer''s guild run by the human race. There is one in each town and village, but overall, the center guild is the entity that unites the countless guilds, and the head of the center guild is the board of directors.


    In other words, the head within the top.


    In light of the demon race, that would be the equivalent of the status of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    Why would one of such a great person come to a country village like this?


    ....


    Since it was just the time we were playing together, I brought Gran-kun along with me with my momentum.


    Since he was directly in front of me from my lap, I looked at my guest and made an expression of ''...what a man, huh...''.


    After that, I completely lost interest in the guest and was vexed, so I passed on to Marika. I''ve been taken away from them.


    ''''........Is it correct that you are Dariel-dono?''''


    Yes?��Yes, I am Dariel?


    What a sudden and impressive confirmation.........


    If I''m Dariel, then what the hell is it?


    ...........?


    What?


    ''Huh?��No, no, no...?


    What is it?


    For some reason, this center guild director''s stare at me is hot.


    Even someone other than my breath, Gran, would be tempted to don''t like this and leave.


    ''.........No, but this place must be really good.......?


    ?


    I''m bothered by vague evaluations.


    Even if you are suddenly called ''good'' or ''bad'', you don''t even have a clear subject matter, so how can you take it?


    ''........it seems that many brave men choose this village as their training ground.


    There''s only supposed to be one brave man, Radey, right?


    You wanted to see Radey?��Then I''ll go get them?


    No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!


    What the hell is she doing?


    What''s really going on here?


    What I''m trying to say is...!��This village must have a reason for so many brave men to sit back and relax!��That''s what I mean.


    ?


    I don''t know what I''m going to say more and more.


    ''''No, that''s right........?��It''s true that I''m curious about the trend of the brave man. You can observe her training and other scenes.


    A tour?��Trained?


    So you''re not bringing me over here?


    More and more, I couldn''t understand the intentions of the board members, and I became suspicious.


    What in the world was this person coming to the LUX village with an aim?


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    That said, it''s a request from the big man.


    I can''t ignore it, and I''m going to take Ms. Roselwy and her friends to Radie.


    She was working on her training on the outskirts of the village as usual.


    It''s a belly-busting exercise after a snack. Eeeeee.


    For some reason, Zeviantes was with him.


    He is training with Radey in a mock battle format.


    ''I''m going to win today too!


    "What?��I''m the one who''s outnumbered!��We shouldn''t have any rumors!


    They train together in good company.


    I should say that Radhi is training to break through the Four Heavenly Kings and Zebiantes is training to stop a brave man.


    But I don''t think it''s a good idea to have your nemesis as your training partner...?


    I heard someone said that ''training is actual warfare without the shedding of blood'' or something like that, and that''s exactly what it was.


    Being close.........?


    ''''Um.........?��What is that immensely beautiful woman who is fighting the brave man on even terms with him........?


    However, that scene, from an outsider''s point of view, is extremely bizarre.


    It''s not only that, but it''s also clearly not for adventurers.


    Who is that lady?


    ..........


    It would be nasty if they were to chase us, so I''ll ask Zebiantes to leave the place.


    ''Hey, it''s Zevi!''


    What is it?


    Malika made you some snacks.


    !


    !" The word works better than ever.


    Candy!��That''s what I want to eat!��Mom''s cooking is so rustic and wild and exquisite!


    That vocabulary is meant to be a compliment, isn''t it?


    Nothing takes precedence over sweets, as girls always do.


    I literally flew away with wind magic towards the village chief''s residence where Maleeka would be.


    ''''Sweets?��Then I''m going to...!


    ''''Wait.''''


    Radey almost ran off with her and stopped her in a hurry.


    Does sweetness wipe out every girl, no matter who she is?


    ''You shouldn''t go, you''re a guest,''


    Sir?


    So I was finally able to bring her and Miss Roselwy together.


    ''''Center Guild Director?��What''s a big name like that?


    I''m going to ask you.


    You''re in a rush to get me in here again?��You want to rush me again?��This time, it''s the director himself!��Aren''t you in too much of a hurry to say that I''m suspending the defeat of the Demon King for my training!


    Radie said, looking fed up with the repeated urging.


    You will be able to see that they are very serious for a brave man.


    If she wanted to sit down and prepare, that was really necessary.


    It''s not a good idea to have people around you say this or that about her decision.


    Even more so if it happens repeatedly.....


    The actuality of this is that it''s not about my business......... Rather, I don''t care about that one........


    What does it matter?


    It doesn''t matter what the brave man-related matters are that should be a top priority for the guild, then what the hell is this person here for, so far?


    As I was getting more and more confused, an opportunity for further confusion came back from the sky.


    ''''Hey!''''


    It was Zebiantes.


    He would fly through the air with his signature wind magic.


    ''Mom, he didn''t make any sweets!��He''d rather be making a boil for dinner, and they let him taste it!��It was delicious in its own way, but it confused my already sweet mode, my taste buds!


    The lie was immediately obvious.


    Moreover, he was surprisingly angry.


    You''ve been licking your lips too much lately!��If you''ve forgotten how horrible I can be, then let me remind you!��This Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, ''Huafu'' Zevia....


    Don''t tell me more than that, okay?


    I immediately unleashed the ''Super-emptying Sky'' and shot down the flying Zebiantes.


    It''s a special move because it was so carelessly said in front of an important person, but it''s a power adjustment that prioritizes the power of blowing them up with less destructive power, so they won''t get hurt.


    After all, that guy is one of the Four Heavenly Kings....


    ''''We have shown you how unsightly it is. The other side is free to talk as much as they want...


    Oh, oh...?


    What?


    Is there something wrong with Mr. Roselwy?


    "That was definitely the ''Super Empty Sky''?��It''s a move that''s synonymous with the most powerful man in the world!��I knew you''d use that...!


    He added.


    ''''The son of the previous brave Arantzill-sama!


    .........


    Apparently, I was quite careless too.

 130-129 Dariel can show his ability

    Center Guild Director Roselwy knew about me.


    He knew of my relationship with Alanziel-san.


    Apparently, he heard about it from that Zester fellow.


    I''m not going to be able to get rid of it," he said, returning to the center guild, "but I didn''t expect him to divulge the secret so quickly.


    I''ve never said ''keep it a secret''.


    I was so enchanted by Zester''s masculinity that I told him the truth about myself prematurely.


    ''It''s a pleasure to meet you!


    Mr. Roselwy and the other guy started grabbing my hands and buzzing them up and down.


    ''I was skeptical when I heard about you and came here, but it was worth the long trip!��Aranzir-sama''s original profound knowledge, "The Splitting Skies of the Supreme Being". Being able to use it at will is the proof that you are a father and son!��That''s the truth!


    You don''t think that''s all you wanted to find out?


    You did?


    ''Of course!��If there''s a great man who has inherited Master Aranziel''s strength, it''s only natural for the Center Guild Director to see it with his own eyes!��No, that''s a relief!��I didn''t expect to see such a strong new candidate for bravery!


    ''''What?!''''


    Those words startled me.


    Don''t tell me this guy........?


    "You''re still looking for new heroes?


    Originally, there was only one hero in a generation.


    The attempt to prepare multiple heroes at the same time was only recently implemented.


    But that attempt ended up being confusing and disappointing.


    The village of Lax, where I live, was suitably inconvenienced.


    That''s why I thought it was the end of the project, but...?


    "You haven''t given up yet?


    Come to think of it, this board member.


    I''m not a fan.


    I''m sure the same director who led the process of retaining the multiple heroes has the same name.


    I think I heard it from someone. Was it from Mr. Best Fred, or was it from the three heroes themselves...?


    Does it matter?


    ''I''ve heard that Aranzir-sama has a son who has parted ways with his life, but I''m thrilled that his person is willing to fight on the side of the guild!��This is the demon king''s fate!


    No, no, no...?


    Are you trying to carry on with this conversation?


    "Director Roselwy, you don''t mean to........?


    I was baffled, but Radie snapped at me.


    You''re going to make Dariel-san a hero?��We''re going to have another new hero!


    ''''This is what we need to do.


    A board member who is not the least bit intimidated by being pressed by Radey, who is a brave man by nature.


    That is the kind of troublesome part that was the gall of the executive.


    I''m sure you understand that the purpose of a brave man is to defeat the demon king. No, because you were actually chosen to be a brave person!


    ''''That''s........well........?''''


    As expected of a brave man, you can''t even say ''no'' from his mouth.


    The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that you can''t get your hands on any of them. Do you think that''s enough for you?��Do you endorse the status quo?


    ''Of course that would be a bad idea...?


    That''s what you''re going to say.


    That''s why we have to change the status quo. We''ve failed in the past, so there''s no way we can continue in the same way and win success!��So I say let''s explore new avenues!��........and finally.......!


    His eyes turn towards me.


    His eyes were sparkling with anticipation, so much so that I was surprised to see him.


    ''''I have found the most certain hope...!��All thanks to the information provided by Lord Zester...!


    I knew it was him.


    But we shouldn''t jump to conclusions. Hastiness is a clue to screw up. I must weave a plan that will not fray in any direction to achieve the long cherished ambitions of the human race.


    Roselwy, he raised his hand.


    What was the signal? People came up from a distance in response.


    Three in all.


    All of them had strong bodies and it was easy to tell that they were not Katagi.


    ''''Adventurer........''''


    And the signs indicated that he was a handful.


    ''My names are Aron, Busta and Leelina. These are the adventurers I am familiar with.


    Roselwy says proudly.


    ''''All of them are B-class adventurers, and among them, Leelina is the one who is said to be a sure-fire candidate to pass the upcoming A-class promotion exam. It''s the perfect match for you to measure your abilities.


    "You don''t think...?


    Radie stormed in my place.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not going to be able to find a way to make your life easier. You can''t be sure of that with just a single strike from the ''Great Emperor''s Splitting Sky''. I''d like to see a more detailed demonstration of your power.


    You are too rude!


    Radey finally became furious.


    ''''You''re the one who barged in here and told me to do what I wanted, so why don''t you consider Dariel''s situation?��Who the hell do you think you are, letting me even try it?


    "I beg you to refrain from doing so, my dearest hero.


    It was the adventurers who had just been introduced who took the brave man''s fury and yet still called him out.


    I think her name was Leelina or something like that.


    ''''It is also what we asked Master Lorselwy to do. The man who claimed to be of Lord Aranziel''s bloodline, if that is true.


    "Bullshit!��How dare you deceive Master Alanziel''s son!


    One of the adventurers perked up.


    "You have no idea what Lady Arantzill is, do you?��To us adventurers!


    Arantzill is the fiercest and most fearless man in history.��Its existence is already a legend!��We can''t thank you enough for living in the same era as that great hero!


    You!��He doesn''t hesitate to call himself his son!��I''m not going to let you get away with this!


    ''The misfortune that happened to that man was known to some of the adventurers!��Her trueborn son, the only man in the world, was kidnapped by demons and taken away.


    He shouldn''t belong to this world anymore...!


    The strong adventurers shouted in anger at each other.


    In the middle of the process, their voices somehow began to moisten.


    ''''Indeed!��The lady''s heart is gouged out of her soul by her lies!��We can''t allow that to happen!


    ''He was probably using the stories he heard to foil himself anyway!��But it was shallow!��We who respect Aranzir-sama will not allow you to say or do anything that belittles Aranzir-sama!


    The adventurers stared at me with full killing intent.


    In other words, an ardent Arantzill-san fan.


    Wasn''t Zester the only one with a hand like this...?


    ''''That''s how great a brave man Aranzir-sama was.... They seem to have gone a bit too far, though.


    Even Radey looks on in dismay.


    However, the other party''s heat up has not subsided, and first two of the three say to the remaining one.


    ''''Sister!��Why don''t you just let us handle this one?


    I don''t want any of your pussies around when you have a promotion exam coming up!��We can''t afford to be stingy with them!


    With that said, each of them put their weapons on.


    I''m sure it''s a continuation of the "test of strength".


    I''m going to beat the shit out of you!��If you''re going to inherit Master Alanziel''s talent, you should be able to handle it easily.


    ''If you say it''s different, then you''ll take the scourge of bones being crushed and limbs being cut off as punishment!��Of the impertinence of trying to lightly use the English name of Lady Arantzill!


    "Die!


    "DIE!


    They were going to kill him for crying out loud.


    I''m not going to wait for a response from you to come at me, one of them is raising a hammer and the other is using a sword.


    I''m sure that if I didn''t do anything about it, my body would certainly be shattered and cut in half.


    Of course, this is not desirable.


    I''m not going to be able to get rid of them, because I need my body to continue to provide for Marika and Gran.


    I can''t let these people damage one finger.


    So I prevented them from doing so.


    ''''?''''


    Hammer in my right hand, sword in my left.


    I blocked it with my bare hands.


    "How dare you...?��We did our best to block...?


    Not only did you block it, you blocked it with your bare hands without a shield...?��How did you do that?


    I put more force into my hand as I aimed at the weapon and blocked it.


    With that alone, the weapon shattered into fragments and its owner, the adventurers, were blown away with their bodies.


    ''''Ughyaaaahhhh~?''''


    Hmm, it''s still much weaker than Zester and Altamir.

 131-130 Dariel masters the aura

    I''ve always wondered.


    Can an aura only be inhabited by a weapon?��And.


    A sword for a slash.


    For stinging, it''s a bow and arrow.


    To hit, use a hammer.


    Shield to guard.


    ...and let the weapons that match their characteristics dwell in them. Only then will you be able to use the power of your aura to its fullest extent.


    So, why can''t it be housed in any other material?


    Like your own body, for example.


    It is still common for adventurers to strengthen their bodies by wearing an aura of unmeaningfulness with slash-and-strike defense.


    In addition to this, the adventurers can use weapons that have an aura of semantics to fight against magicians.


    However, if the aura of the aura of the meaning of the Slash-and-Thrust Defense is inhabited by the body, it can already cut and shatter anything.


    A weapon is a tool.


    There are times when they inevitably get out of your hands, so it''s more convenient that way.


    But if it''s so convenient, someone else must have accomplished it before I even thought of it.


    The human race has a long history.


    I''ve been experimenting with various methods, and I''ve come to understand the reasoning behind not having an aura in my body.


    Aura must first of all dwell in matter to be effective.


    The reason why it dwells in matter is to strengthen the ''meaning'' of the matter it dwells in.


    If it is a slash, it means to cut through.


    If it is a sting, it means to pierce.


    .........and so on.......and so on......if you''re going to let it dwell anyway, it''s more convenient to use a substance that has the same meaning.


    In that respect, the human body is a tricky thing.


    It contains many meanings in one.


    Even a single palm can be smashed with a fist, slashed with a hand knife, grasped with five fingers, or even caressed or touched to show affection.


    And so many meanings make it ambiguous.


    It is very difficult to reinforce only one meaning with an aura from one that has multiple meanings.


    Most of the time, the aura is immediately unbalanced and the reinforcement is broken, or if it''s not done properly, the body itself will be overloaded and it will destroy itself.


    Probably as a history of the development of aura management techniques, the body was first strengthened with a simple aura, and then the weapon was picked up and fought as it was.


    Over time, they came up with the idea of applying aura to their weapons as well, and developed a characteristic aura of slashing, striking and defending that was more suited to the form of the weapon.


    The human body, which has too many meanings, cannot be endowed with a characteristic aura.


    Even if it was possible, it would require very precise aura manipulation.


    I''ve tried everything I could, but....


    But I''ve managed to make it possible.


    ��


    By blocking our weaponry with his bare hands...?


    "You put an aura of guard characteristics on your body...?


    The adventurers who were repelled back could only be stunned by what had happened before their eyes.


    I am a body of steel, wearing an aura of guard, the most defensive of the four aura characteristics.


    A weapon with a half-hearted aura can''t even scratch you.


    "Huh!


    ''''Ughhhhhh!''''


    He released his aura in a further chase and blasted the adventurers with his momentum.


    Strengthening the body with a rudimentary aura that doesn''t involve a specific meaning is something that every competent adventurer does.


    ''''Great........!��Dariel-san, being able to pour a characteristic aura into your own body...!


    Even so, though, it''s much more effective and efficient to have it reside in a weapon.


    If it was a warfare technique that the human race adventurers had spent a long history building, there were not many more effective techniques than that.


    However, by letting his own body also have a characteristic aura, the range of tactics would expand.


    ''''Excellent....................!


    The board members were excited to watch from the side.


    ''''This is Arantzill-sama''s bloodline......., the power of a brave man who can completely defeat the demon race!��Yes, yes, yes!


    "Hold on, Master Rosselwy.


    One of the next to move forward.


    It was one of the three adventurers I was entrusted with introducing earlier.


    ''''Sister........?


    LeeLina''s sister...?


    The other two have been blown up by me and have been discouraged from fighting, so it''s safe to say that she''s practically the last one.


    The way she was treated by the people around her and the signs that she was releasing, I could tell that she was a leader.


    ''B-Grade Adventurer Leelina.''


    You mean you''re gonna get an A in the next exam?


    Then we must assume that you are as strong as an A-class fighter.


    It''s true that you have the least amount of ability to deceive Master Arantzill''s son. But I won''t recognize you until I see it with my own eyes.


    I don''t think you need to give me any credit for that.


    But the other side, perhaps because of their passion, didn''t listen to me at all.


    I''m just going to be ready for battle as my passion takes over.


    "Oh, he''s brought out some kind of bombastic weapon?


    It was large.


    At the end of its long handle, it had a spear-like spike and an axe blade.


    "Halberd...?


    Radie, who was standing by me, said, "You use a very unusual weapon, don''t you?


    "You use an unusual weapon, nowadays, a halberd...?


    "What''s so rare about them?


    ''The axe is originally a weapon suitable for combining slash and hit. In addition to that, the halberd, which also has the form of a spear, becomes a weapon with the three characteristics of slash and strike in one.


    It''s that kind of thing again.


    ''''But as we''ve always been told, in order to cover all characteristics, the owner must also have maximum aptitude for everything. Not only are such transcendents unlikely, but halberds are large and difficult to handle, and I''ve heard that their users have become obsolete.


    But he''s using that girl, right?


    Did you say something like Leelina?


    The large halberd looks even more alien since his spirit is professional but his body shape is the average female size.


    ''My target, Master Aranziel, is the one who has the aptitude for all aura traits, and therefore I am trying to get closer to Master Aranziel and all the aptitudes. Therefore, I''m trying to get closer to Master Aranziel and become a person with all aptitudes!��That''s what Halberd is for!


    ...that aura aptitude is an acquired trait?


    ''I don''t think so...?''


    Radey''s answer makes me think, ''That''s right.


    I''m not sure what to do, but I''d be happy to show you the Hermes sword and show you what a true competitor you are, but that''s becoming a pattern.


    Do you want to try a different approach from time to time?


    ''''Eat the blow dedicated to Arantzill-sama!


    Hey.


    She easily avoids large, large swinging attacks with only large weapons.


    She may indeed be able to be called an A-class fighter, but her choice of weapons was still the worst.


    Nearly half of her abilities are killed by a weight volume that is not appropriate for her size.


    "I don''t need to put all my strength into you.


    With that, I held my palm out in front of her.


    The palm of my hand didn''t touch her in time, but just by not touching her, the other party was blown away as if crushing her.


    ''''Ghaaaaah!''''


    Leelina flew in an arc in the sky with the momentum of being blown away.


    Well, if you''re good enough to pass the A grade, you''ll be fine even if you crash into the ground like that.


    ''''Dariel-san!��What was that!��I didn''t even touch you at all and your opponent was blown away!


    It''s no wonder Radie is confused.


    The current method of attack was something that didn''t exist in the technology of previous adventurers.


    ''''I poured an aura into the air.


    Air?


    The air that is spread throughout the space.


    Aura was poured into that specific area, allowing it to be manipulated.


    It didn''t have any characteristics, but there was no way I could manipulate the pressure in the air to make a person jump off by himself.


    This is another use I discovered after researching various things that can be done with aura, but I don''t think adventurers will be able to create this.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to use it by applying the magic management methods of the demon race.


    When I was living as a demon race, I studied various practices to use magic as a demon race.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    However, when I met the aura that I really needed to handle, the sense to handle the magic that I had cultivated as a child was very effective.


    Perhaps the roots of magic and aura are the same.


    That''s why I blossomed into the power of my aura and immediately became able to handle it perfectly.


    The fighting method of manipulating aura by permeating the air was an application of the senses I gained in my wind magic control training.


    Even so, it wouldn''t be usable in actual combat. In terms of power and precision in manipulating the air, the original wind magic is overwhelmingly superior.


    ''Aura in the air...?��I''ve never thought of that...?


    ''''It''s probably because it''s not effective. It''s not a good idea to have a good idea of what it means to be a good friend. At best, it''s probably just a matter of manipulating pressure with the characteristic aura.


    So it can''t be the main force, but well, it can be used in tactical combinations for surprise and restraint.


    It''s a daily study.


    Brilliant!


    And Board member Roselwy ran up to him excitedly.


    ''I didn''t know you could so easily spurn those talented men!��What competence, what virtuosity!��You are the very one who was born to be a hero!


    He hustled around.


    ''''You have been successfully recognized by the director of this center guild, Roselwy!��I nominate you for heroism.��Now, we will join forces in the great quest to defeat the Witch King!��Together!��Let''s keep it up!


    Yes, sir.


    I said no as fast as I could.

 132-131 Dariel refuses

    Why?


    I''ve said no once and for all, but Roselwy is persistent.


    I''m sure he is the kind of person who takes the refusal to say "I''m fine" as an affirmation.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.��We have been given the heaviest and most honourable title for a human being!��Shouldn''t we accept it with great joy and respect?


    That''s your idea, not mine. I don''t want to be a hero.


    I had a hunch, but when I came here, his purpose became clear.


    Apparently, he wants to make me into a hero.


    I think he wants to use that as his trump card to defeat the demon king.


    ''''From what I''ve heard, it seems that it was you who made Pigalo, Zester and Altamir into brave men.


    Uh-huh...?


    The rule of thumb is to have one brave person per generation. It''s not a good idea to ignore the legitimate hero, Radie, and mass produce fake heroes.


    ''''I hope you''ll take that as a sign of my determination to help the human race achieve its longest wishes!


    You are exaggerating again.


    ''''I will do everything I can to defeat the Demon King!��If a brave man has no chance of defeating the Demon King, I''ll just fire him and install a stronger man as the brave man!��Isn''t that the natural course of events!


    What?


    The one listening beside you is your own Radie.


    This is a rude comment, and as expected, her expression is frozen.


    "That''s a horrible thing to say, you...!


    I''ll be the first to argue with you.


    ''Radey is a fine and brave man. He''s a minimum of competence and has a noble spirit. Much more so than all the brave men and women you''ve picked out.


    ''''No, I have just selected someone far more qualified to be a hero than her. It''s you!


    He points at me with a thud.


    I''m not going to be able to get the same thing done.


    "I''m definitely lacking in one thing that makes me a brave man.


    ''What is that!��''I don''t think I''m missing anything. You''re perfect!��Pointless humility is just spinning time, throw it away!


    The will to do a hero''s duty.


    When I told him this, Roselwy''s expression didn''t seem to be in sync.


    ''I don''t think a brave man is noble in the slightest, nor do I feel proud of it. Everything a brave man has to do seems pointless to me.


    ''''What, what...?''''


    ''In comparison, Radey takes pride in being a brave and responsible person. Isn''t it too disingenuous that he''s trying so hard to fulfill his responsibilities, but the board members who appointed him refuse to acknowledge him?


    Uguguugu...?


    I said it so crisply that the other party froze, unable to continue with the second sentence.


    I''m sure that my assertion that the title of a brave man is of no value at all struck too much of a void in his thinking.


    ''''Ko...!��Stop saying things that are not in your heart. Why are you spouting such falsehoods?��Are you suggesting that I undermine you?


    ''Undermine?��Why?


    ''Because those who should be brave are despising the brave!��What an unreasonable statement!��Now, take back your words now and take your place as a brave man!��And you must defeat the Demon King!��It''s your destiny for the world and your destiny!��It''s justice!


    No.


    He''s really not a good conversationalist.


    He came out poorly as a director of the Center Guild, but he''s getting less and less patient.


    ''''.........''''


    The other party also exhales deeply, as if trying to calm himself down.


    ''''Well let me tell you my story. I was born in a city on the west side of human territory. My family was reasonably wealthy, and I was raised with a reasonable education.


    Talking about yourself all of a sudden?


    The most important lesson I received from my parents is that everyone has a role to play. The most important lesson I learned from my parents was that each person has a role to play. Otherwise, there is no point in being born. That''s why I wanted to contribute to this world as much as I could.


    Heh.


    ''''The first thing I thought of was to defeat the Demon King. What could be a greater feat for the human race than defeating the demon king and destroying the demon race?��Become a hero, kick out the demons under your command to reach the demon king and destroy him!��That''s how I''ve devoted myself to dreaming of myself contributing to this world!


    Oh, man.


    ''But the dream was dashed. I had no talent for fighting. No matter how hard I tried, my talent never blossomed. I was forced to give up not only the path of being a brave man, but also the path of becoming an adventurer, which was the way forward. I was really shocked at the time. I even thought I shouldn''t have been born.


    Roselwy''s tone was trembling as he remembered the agony of those days.


    He must have been frustrated from the bottom of his heart.


    I also suffered a major setback when I was just starting to remember things.


    When I was confronted with the fact that I couldn''t use magic in the demon king''s army, I realized that the only way to live was to crawl around at the bottom.


    Even when those memories came back, he didn''t feel sorry for Roselwy.


    Even though it was a setback, his was light.


    He had said he was born ''reasonably well off'', but that was a lie.


    He was supposed to be absurdly wealthy.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t be able to ascend to the position of Director of the Center Guild, the pinnacle of the human race.


    From the looks of it, Roselwy was in his late thirties to early forties.


    It was even more so since he was able to master the position of a vassal at such a young age.


    ''More importantly, my life is set in stone. If I can''t make the best contribution to the world, then I will help those who can make the best contribution. ....That''s why I joined the Council.


    The blessed who have been given everything, wielding power and wealth to fill the tiniest of gaps.


    That''s all I saw.


    A grand game of power struggle to fill the void of complacency.


    Why does it look that way?


    ''''I believe that with you, I will definitely be able to accomplish the feat of defeating the Demon King!��Now, let''s go and take each other''s hands!��To the path of glory!


    "If you really want to ''save the brave''........


    I said my honest opinion.


    I said, "You have to help him unconditionally. If you can''t do that, then at the end of the day, you''re doing it for yourself, not for the world, not for others. If you can''t do that, then at the end of the day, you are doing it for yourself, not for the world or others. You are using a brave man for your own sake.


    At that word, Roselwy''s expression distorted.


    ''''It''s probably the same with the fact that you selected the brave men yourself without permission. You just want to keep the credit to yourself. The other board members don''t care about the other board members, they''re trying to get the brave man they alone selected to defeat the Demon King.


    Because if you don''t, you won''t get to keep the credit to yourself.


    "You only see your own glory. How can you make such a blatant lie about wanting to make a contribution?


    ''I''m not lying!��I sincerely do the world a favor...!


    ''And I''m cornered and impatient. After the mistakes Pigaro and the others have made, the fire is coming to you, isn''t it?


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who''s been in the same boat as me.


    I''ve heard that they were chosen by you arbitrarily. That''s why if you succeed, you''ll be the only one who gets credit. If you fail, you''ll be the only one to take the blame. It''s a risk that should be taken.


    ..........


    I''m not doing your job for you. So you''ll go home quietly. I have a very important job to do.


    ''''Don''t be silly.......?''''


    The voice was muddled with vindictiveness.


    It was like a different person from the voice before it.


    ''''What''s the important business...!��How can the insignificant day-to-day life of these poor people take precedence over my plans!��You idiot!��Why can''t you see that getting my cooperation is the most precious thing in the world!


    I guess it''s true.


    It''s crude to expose the ground at this level.


    ''Listen!��I chose you for this!��Then you must do what I tell you!��I''m going to make you a hero!��And you will do it willingly!


    So that''s your job, Radie.


    ''No!��That little girl, she''s not a brave one!��He''s not because I didn''t choose him!��Only my chosen ones are brave!��Fool!��How can''t you understand something so simple?


    Try saying that in front of the other directors. There''ll be a lot of idiots.


    ''''Unugaahhhh?!''''


    Roselwy, finally forgetting his language in a fit of emotion.


    ''''Obey!��The director''s orders!��The Center Guild Director''s orders!��If you do that, we''ll send a guild knight to tie you up!��I''ll burn this poor village to the ground!��If you don''t like that, then follow me!


    Roselwy''s cheeks, which were making so much noise that she couldn''t watch anymore, were slapped as hard as she could.


    Pang.


    ''''Buh-oh?''''


    With a slap.


    I was surprised as well as I wondered what was going on, but who slapped me was the female adventurer, Leelina.


    It was supposed to be someone from the same side that came with him, but why?


    ''Come on, it''s too unseemly.


    I say this on behalf of everyone who has been thinking.


    ''''I came here because I believed in you. I believed in Anata''s words of wanting to defeat the demon king and bring prosperity to the human race. But all you ever thought about was your own prosperity, and I''m disillusioned.


    ''''.........?''''


    Roselwy suppressed her cheeks with an expression that said, ''I''ve never even been beaten up by my parents.


    ''''Ooh, good thing I remember that!��I don''t care what you think!��You can do the world a favor!��Under me!��The powerful have a duty to use it justly!


    ''It''s horribly empty coming out of your mouth!


    Shut up!��I will bring you to your knees!��And you will be the brave man who saves the world!


    Roselwy had left with the discarded line "I''m going to save the world!


    He really was just a beautiful guy.

 133-132 Sakai-kun makes a gun

    Later on after that, the adventurer Leelina gave me a flirtatious look.


    ''''I''m really sorry...!''''


    With an apology.


    ''I can only say that I was foolish to doubt you and turn my blade on you. It is true that you are the protagonist of Arantzill, the Great Warrior. You are the bearer of a new age!


    What''s the matter with you and your attitude?


    Just a few minutes ago, I was prodding you to ''eradicate fakes''.


    ''I actually felt it in a relative situation. I could feel the spirit you exude, no less than Mr. Alanziel''s, or at least the same quality. I''ve been a fan of Mr. Alanziel for fifteen years, so there''s no doubt about it!


    Fifteen years...?


    Shouldn''t you have been doing something else? I thought so, but I couldn''t tell them anything because they were so serious.


    ''I''ve been sympathetic to Roselwy, but my behavior here today has made me less than amiable. Would you be willing to allow me to study under you, the successor of Master Alanziel''s passionate spirit?


    ''''No, aren''t you going to go back to the Center Guild and take the A-level exam?


    I think you said that, didn''t you?


    "I can always get my Class A adventurer''s license!��Right now, it''s more important for me to learn from you than that!��Please, please!


    ''''Please...uuuhhh?''''


    Before I knew it, the other two adventurers had fallen flat.


    Since there was no choice, the girls decided to join the adventurer''s guild in Lax Village to work there.


    Even though we already have a ragtag group of A-classes like Sesha-san and the grown-up Gashita....


    Another reinforcement of our strength........?


    A force that a country village like ours can''t handle........


    ��


    It''s been five days since Roselwy escaped.


    Although I''m concerned about his movements. There was nothing I could do but continue to do what I could do.


    In other words, as village chief, it was my duty to maintain and develop Lax Village on a daily basis.


    The most important facility for this was the forge for processing mithril.


    That''s why I make it a point to check on the facility frequently, and today''s visit was for that purpose as well.


    ''Look at the village chief!''


    Sakai-kun, the head of the blacksmithing shop, was also very excited.


    ''''It''s a new one!��It''s a new one!��Look at my new masterpiece!


    They''ve made something new again.


    It''s the village chief''s job to look at it and give his opinion.


    At best, I''ll say something positive to motivate you.


    ''So, what did you make?��A sword?��A spear?��An axe?


    ''''Here it is!


    What Sakai-kun held out to me was something that was beyond my comprehension.


    ''''....What is this?''''


    I can''t tell what it is at a glance.


    It couldn''t be a sword of any kind because it didn''t have a blade on it. It was too small and light to be a blunt instrument.


    Of course it is not a shield. It was not a flat structure that could be called a shield.


    If I had to explain its shape, it would be a short stick?��It can be said to have a form like the one in the middle, but it is not straight but bent in the middle.


    L-shaped?��I guess it would be a form of the following.


    There are more appropriate forms of punching and caving people''s heads in, and


    What the hell...?


    Don''t you see?��Don''t you see?��It''s the fruit of my brilliant idea!��Then I''ll explain how to use it!


    As usual, Sakai-kun''s tension immediately after completing his new invention is strange.


    It''s a bit of a stretch.


    I''m going to hold it right here!��Grip!��It''s easier to hold, isn''t it?


    Okay?


    I was made to hold the curved end of the stick that was bent into an L shape.


    As Sakai-kun explained, I was able to hold that side of the stick


    And aim well...


    Aim?


    There it is!��Spew your aura!


    I did as I was told and poured my aura into my mysterious new invention.


    At a rapid pace.


    Then my aura runs through the inside of the mysterious new invention and gushes from the opposite end of the part I''m holding.


    "Whoa!��What?!


    The aura I spewed out shoots out?


    And it''s quite powerful.


    Hmmm, is it a mistake?


    "What?


    I don''t even know what happened before I succeed or fail.


    Just give me an explanation, please.


    It''s a tool I developed with an idea. It''s a tool I developed with an idea to send the aura itself off into the distance.


    The aura itself is distant.


    Isn''t that just like my ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''?


    ''''Isn''t the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky'' used by the village chief a profound technique that combines a tremendous amount of aura with a superb technique?��Not everyone can master it. So I thought I would try to compensate for that with the function of the tools.


    Huh.


    You want to use this L-shaped tool to lower the difficulty?


    ''But it''s no good. The power is not at all up to expectations. Even for a village chief with a high basic aura level, this kind of power would be completely useless in a real battle...!


    When I looked closely, there was something like a target standing well ahead of me.


    Was it originally intended to reach that far and blow up the target?��But the aura that erupted wasn''t even half that far away.


    ''''........I guess there''s not enough convergence. The aura has dissipated early on.''''


    Oh, I see...?


    Well, auras are only meant to be used by the material they''re made of.


    That''s why the ''Super Empty Sky'' that flies aura itself had its own unique twist to it.


    "Do you want to use that kind of ingenuity when you use this tool to fly your aura...? Or even if you just make the sting (poke) mean something else, I think it will make a huge difference.


    ''No!��Because this was made to be powerful for anyone of any aptitude, regardless of whether they''re a novice prodigy or not!


    High aspirations, but isn''t that too much to ask...?


    No matter who handles it, it can achieve a certain level of success. That''s the effect that a tool should have, but if the goal is ''anyone can shoot the ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky'''', then the difficulty level is too high.


    ''''........Oh my, it''s a good-looking weapon!


    Oh, Master Zevi.


    Something Zebiantes appeared.


    When I quickly pulled the prototype out of my hand, I said....


    "It''s better to let me use this kind of thing, it''s a bang!


    Zebiantes unleashes the same L shape as I did earlier, with all his strength.


    This is because of the fact that it is a very good idea to be able to have a good time with them.


    "Ohhhh!


    Sakai and I both applauded the brilliant achievement.


    "Amazing!��What kind of contrivance did you use?


    It was simply a matter of putting some wind magic into it.


    I see.


    It''s because magic power converts magic power itself into the attributes of earth, water, fire, and wind, as opposed to aura, which is supposed to be put into matter.


    If it''s going to fly by itself, does that mean magic power is more suitable than aura?


    ''''This tool can be used as a substitute for the art of concentrating and flying magic power. That kind of art is often not good at concentrating or aiming at a distance, so this kind of aid is very useful.


    Yeah.


    Sakai-kun had created this with the intention of helping adventurers who use aura, but it seemed to be better suited to be a magic aid, not surprisingly.


    It''s called a gun because it releases magic power with a bang. Sakai-kun, we will mass produce these guns and sell them to the demons!


    "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee?


    I even named it without permission.


    But the gun (named Zebiantes) will be an easier tool for mages to handle than adventurers.


    ''''But..., are you sure, village chief?


    Sakai-kun looks at me as if asking for help.


    His confusion is understandable.


    It''s easy to forget that demons are the enemy of humans. I think that selling weapons to the demon tribe is an act of betrayal that benefits the enemy.


    ''''Well, isn''t that enough?''''


    "Village chief!


    But to me, it didn''t seem like such a serious problem.


    It''s not only the Four Heavenly Kings who basically fight the brave, but also the Demon King''s Army has other duties that include dealing with monsters and bandits.


    I was once a member of the Demon King''s Army, so I''m happy if this gun is useful for those chores.


    More importantly, I can make a lot of money selling guns to the Demon King''s Army.


    That''s the point, isn''t it?


    There''s nothing more important to me right now than protecting and enriching the LUX village.


    I should have made the most of my business opportunity.


    You can''t get away with it.


    It''s only because I have relationships with both sides that I can enrich Lax Village.


    Then disaster strikes.


    Roselwy''s man is finally making his move.

 134-133 Dariel receives an attack

    Chief...!��Oh my God, oh my God...!


    Saying that, it was Sakai-kun who came running in.


    I knew right away that something had happened from his haste.


    "I just received a notice from the head office of Kaji-ri...!��I mean, I mean...!


    Sakai and the other blacksmiths are dispatched from the Blacksmith Village in the human territory.


    It is said that the blacksmiths organize a guild of sorts and the master instructs his students.


    Thanks to these mechanisms, the skills of the masters are passed down to the next generation and can develop day by day.


    And what do you think the headquarters of the organization said to you...?


    "Retreat from Lax Village!


    "Huh?


    As expected, I couldn''t help but be surprised myself.


    The blacksmithing business in Lax Village is doing very well now.


    Why all of a sudden?


    Retreat?��What do you mean by retreating?


    Withdrawing from Lax Village means abandoning the mithril processing work that is brought here.


    It''s supposed to be an attractive job for the blacksmiths, both profitably and rewardingly, but...!


    ''The head office has instructed me to continue working in mithril processing itself... Just move the work area to Campbell Street...!


    "In Campbell Street?!


    It was a relatively large city in the vicinity of Lax Village.


    However, Campbell Street just isn''t geographically suitable as a transit point for transporting mithril from the mithril mine to various locations.


    The shortest way to get there was always through the village of Lax.


    It''s not a good idea to move the forge to Campbell Village, it''s not going to be very efficient.��Why would Sakai''s superiors do something so stupid...?


    Yes, I can only say it''s a stupid thing...!��The head office is completely satisfied with the results here, and we just received a letter asking us to ''keep on jangling''.......?��Why the exact opposite...?


    Sakai-kun seemed to be greatly perplexed.


    I''m in trouble too.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time with them.


    If they were gone, the village would not be able to support itself.


    I don''t like it either.��I don''t want to obey this stupid order........!


    Sakai-kun''s voice quivered.


    ''''My dead master has told me many times. Whether or not we blacksmiths can do our work comfortably depends on a competent person to protect us...!��When I came to the village of Lax, I realized what it meant...!


    Meaning...?


    Chief Dahliel was generous with his support and didn''t give us much of a choice. He lets us do what we want. You don''t know how much easier that was for us to do our job...?


    I''m glad to hear that, but...?


    I''ve had many opportunities to use people since I was the Assistant Four Heavenly King........


    ''''I don''t want to do mithril smithing under anyone but Dariel-san now. They''re bound to say this and that anyway...''''


    Sakai-kun''s excitement still hasn''t subsided.


    You can only work with the demon race in the forge," he said. The new equipment that I''m working so hard on right now is only possible with the help of the alchemy magic that Honey uses.��If I leave this place, I can only make second-rate products as before!


    I don''t think you can be that dismissive!


    ''Above all!��If I leave the village of Lax, I''ll be leaving the girl I''ve been trying to get to!��I absolutely hate that!


    That was the strongest refusal.


    Anyway, it turns out that Sakai himself, the person concerned, didn''t agree with this instruction at all.


    The other blacksmiths would be the same.


    So what is the reason for such a stupid order that no one can be happy?


    I saw a person''s face in my mind.


    It was an expression with a very unpleasant smile on his face.


    Roselwy, the director of the Center Guild.


    Was this oddity due to his dark work?


    This conjecture can be called a certainty.


    Darling, darling!


    The plain woman who came running down to us.


    She was Masari, an alchemist.


    She was a woman of the demon tribe who had secretly come to help Sakai-kun with his blacksmithing work.


    ''''Honey!��We can''t leave Honey!��I can''t live without her!


    I can''t do this without you, and I can''t do this without you!


    A man and woman of a different species embracing each other with a hissy fit.


    Well, it''s okay.


    So what''s Masari doing here?


    There was a letter in the mail. Does this mean I''m revoking my instructions?


    The demon tribe''s Masari also seems to be feeling a great deal of confusion at this sudden order to move bases.


    ''''Well, but how could an order that was given once be overturned so easily...?


    ''''Wait?��This letter, a letter from the headmaster of the Forge Village.


    Huh?��Seriously?


    The same place you gave the order to move, in rapid succession?


    ''But this one doesn''t have the headmaster''s crest engraved on it. It''s in the form of a private letter. Let''s see........?


    Sakai-kun begins to read the newly delivered letter with the authority of the recipient.


    The second letter contained a backstory that couldn''t be written in the first official order.


    In summary, there was intense pressure from the director of a certain Center Guild, and he couldn''t afford not to obey it.


    "You''re still Roselwy...?


    I refused his request, so he started harassing me.


    It''s annoying, but it''s really effective.


    He has attacked the very foundation of the LUX village, the one I hold most dear.


    ''''According to the contents of my personal letter, the General Headquarters is also in trouble. The instructions I was forced to give under pressure from the Center Guild Director...''''


    "I can see how much backbone they have in them that they don''t shove you in the front door even if you don''t want to...


    Roselwy will keep harassing me like this over and over again.


    Until I gave in and started listening to him.


    What do we do now, chief?


    ..........


    What to do.


    The easiest thing to do is to smash Roselwy with this hand.


    That in itself is not difficult.


    I was confident that I would win even if the A-level adventurers the Center Guild was holding were to come at me in a bunch.


    But they were powerful people.


    If they were to sell a fight from the front, it would be a pretty big deal.


    It would be a battle with the entire Center Guild, and the Lux Village, which lives its life while belonging to the human race, would not be able to remain unaffected.


    Whether they won or lost, they would not be able to return to their previous smooth sailing state.


    ''''I can''t have that.......!


    I muttered to myself.


    That''s what fighting the powerful is all about.


    There are many different types of power, and even if you are inferior in terms of the most direct violence, you can still take out the powerful with various other forces.


    If you''re like me, you''ve got other things to protect.


    A family to protect.


    A home to protect.


    Friendships to protect.


    Your faith to protect.


    Violence is not enough to keep them unharmed.


    So, although I''ve made reasonable provision for it...


    I take out my magic communicator and call to the other communicator I gave him.


    ''''........Selmet?��It''s me, I need you to look into something for me ASAP.


    I''ve already made up my mind that I''m going to protect what''s important to me by any means necessary.


    It would be meaningless if I didn''t have all the means at my disposal to do so.


    I immediately decided to make use of one of the powers I''ve gained.


    Information, a power that is in some ways more sinister than violence.


    "I want you to find out what you can about this Rosselwy fellow. Anything you can tell me about this person. ... hmm?��Yes, the Center Guild. You know your stuff!


    As expected of the Demon King''s Army, their intelligence network is excellent.


    I''m sure you''ve already figured out what I want to know even before you''ve looked into it.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find some clues to reverse the situation from the information gathered by Selmet.


    If you can''t find one, then let''s use our powers.

 135-134 Power, crushed by power

    Then a few more days passed.....


    Center Guild Director Roselwy visited Lax Village again.


    ''''I''m glad. I didn''t expect you to invite me.


    He was right, his visit was at my invitation.


    He took it as a declaration of surrender from me.


    I believed him. ''Well, I believed that a man who is the son of the brave Aranzir could not have lost sight of the right path. We had a lot of arguments the other day, but I think we should put them to rest.


    This put Roselwy in a good mood.


    I think he is convinced that everything is going to be the way he wants it to be.


    You are a very stubborn harasser. You have to have a very bad character to carry out such a thing.


    ''What are you talking about...?��Don''t get me wrong, everything I do for you is always for your benefit. You may feel annoyed by it now, but you''ll soon find out. It''s just another love whip from me.


    Well said.


    If you threaten this village where I live, you''ve guessed that I''ll bend over backwards to protect it.


    Actually, I think it''s safe to say that the ploy has worked.


    From his point of view.


    "Then let''s talk about our glorious future, shall we? "Don''t worry, I''ll show you a future where you''ll be the brightest and happiest. You''ll be a little frustrated, but you''ll soon realize that you''re right to follow me. You''ll see how right you are to follow me.


    Do you really want me to be the hero?


    It''s not about wanting to or not wanting to, it''s not about that. It is God''s destiny for you to become a hero and defeat the Demon King.


    Before that...


    Perhaps it''s because of his good mood, but he shuts down Roselwy, who could blabber on forever if left alone, and says


    "You''ll have to wait a little longer. There''s one more person on the way.


    Customer?


    From the side of what I said, a new carriage entered the village of Lax.


    It was a completely different carriage than the one Roselwy had come in.


    Good timing. Good timing.


    What?��That''s the customer, isn''t it?��Who the hell...?


    The door of the newly jumped carriage opened and Roselwy was surprised to see someone descending from it.


    So much so that his eyeballs didn''t pop out.


    ''''Silvenstein........?��.........Chancellor.......?


    The one who appeared was an old man.


    He was extremely clean and luxurious in appearance. He wore a dazzlingly white vestment, but perhaps because of his old age, he was using a cane.


    Even the staff was gorgeous, with jewels encrusted in its handle.


    Why are you here?


    What are you doing here? What a surprise to see you on the road.


    The old man smiled cheerfully.


    This old man was the President of the Center Guild.


    The Center Guild that unites all the adventurer''s guilds in the human territory. The board of directors stands at the top of that center guild.


    The Chancellor is the leader of that board of directors.


    That was the old man who had just appeared.


    ''''Huh?��Huh?!''''


    Roselwy was shaken, unable to hide his surprise.


    Even though he was a Center Guild Director and a high ranking person, there was still a higher rank above him.


    That was the Center Guild Chancellor.


    The authority of the Chancellor was close to universal within the guild, and it was said that it was no exaggeration to say that his decisions were the ''voice of God''.


    Of course, since it''s a board of directors, it''s an extent of power that can be countered if a few other ordinary board members unite.


    It''s not something that even the newest and most junior board member, such as Roselwy, can go up against one-on-one.


    ''You''re Dariel-kun?''


    Despite the chaos in Loselwy, the most powerful man in the human race stands before me.


    "It is a pleasure to meet you. I thank you for your presence.


    It was news I couldn''t miss. So is it true that you are Arantzill''s son?


    I''d like to thank you.


    Roselwy, who was listening beside him, had an extraordinary reaction.


    His whole body was trembling.


    ''''Don''t you have proof of the truth on your side?


    It''s true. I talked to Alanziel himself and found out. He''s not that kind of a liar.


    How are you doing?


    Did you say Zester?��I''ve been wrestling with the newly chosen man for the brave. They say that the man who speaks too much needs to be punished.


    ...Good for you.


    That Zester guy is getting direct guidance from someone he admires.


    But in the end, he''s probably being beaten to death for running his mouth.


    The Center Guild will be in an uproar if they find out that a man has inherited Arantzill''s talent intact.


    Huh?


    Let''s hear him out, shall we? Lead the way.


    I''m going to invite you into the village and into the chief''s home at the request of the chancellor.


    Roselwy will accompany me, as if he has no choice.


    He whispers to me in a whisper.


    "You think you''ve done a good job of that, don''t you?


    It was a tone of voice that was filled with a mess of resentment.


    He must have realized that this was no coincidence and that I had been behind it.


    How I did it, he''ll never guess, but I called the President of the Center Guild to our land.


    I''m not sure how he did it, but I invited the president of the Center Guild to come to this place, someone who is even higher in rank than the board member, Rosselwy.


    This means that the situation is no longer going to be the way Roselwy wanted it to be.


    "At least you won''t be winning anymore.


    ''A shallow idea. It''s true that the Chancellor''s arrival here has made it impossible for me to make an independent decision. But, you see, it is the consensus of the Center Guild that we need a strong and brave man. And that is no exception, even for that Chancellor.


    So?


    Now that a person as powerful as the Chancellor has heard of you. The movement to make you a hero will only get hotter!��That''s a shame!��You are destined to be a hero after all!


    This is so annoying...!


    But this guy should think more.


    Even if I''m the son of the previous brave man, how can I summon the president of the Center Guild without a second thought?


    The most powerful man in the human race.


    It seems that Roselwy doesn''t even think about it.


    I think it''s time to reveal the truth.


    I''ve summoned the President of the Center Guild to the village of Laxx to tell him about the inner workings of the guild.


    In the meantime, we arrived.


    The village president''s house.


    The front door was in front of me.


    "....Is that thing in there?


    "As you wish.


    The Center Guild President''s voice was trembling.


    The color of his voice mixed with feelings of anxiety and joy.


    The chancellor stood in front of the door and didn''t make any attempt to advance out, so me and Roselwy were both confused.


    Eventually, the door opened from the door.


    The gate opened from the inside and someone appeared.


    ''Father,''


    ''''Erika!''''


    The Center Guild President''s throat trembled violently.


    It was the name of his beloved daughter, whom he hadn''t called in decades.


    ''''It''s been a long time, father. It''s already been about twenty years since I''ve seen you. You''ve aged well, haven''t you?''''


    Elika...!��I never thought I''d see you again, not while you were alive...!��My father, my father is so happy...?


    A touching father-daughter reunion.


    I watch it from the side and weep with tears in my eyes.


    And Roselwy is completely confused.


    What is this?��What the hell is that woman''s...?


    My wife''s mother.


    "What?!


    Loiselwy is surprised.


    Well, I''m as surprised as you are.


    My mother-in-law had a secret.


    As the wife of the former mayor of Lax Village, she was the quiet woman who always stood by my father-in-law''s side.


    She was so quiet that sometimes it seemed as if she wasn''t there.


    Such a person was an important key to breaking the deadlock this time.

 136-135 Rousselwi is preached

    Malika''s mother, Elika, was born in a good place.


    She was born to the daughter of the (then) Director of the Center Guild and was the fifth of eight siblings.


    Her second side room was her mother.


    A woman born to a powerful man as a parent had a specific role to play.


    A role that strengthened the relationship between the two sides by marrying into a similarly powerful man.


    Apparently, Maleeka''s mother also tried to fulfill those roles at a young age.


    Her father introduced her to an influential man in one of the cities, and she was asked to marry him.


    If she married the man, the major forces involved would be on her side and her father would take a step forward on the path to becoming the President of the Center Guild (at the time).


    I heard it was more than twenty years ago...


    ��


    ''''........That ''certain city'' is Campbell Street. The sergeant of a family that has been the guild master for generations was my opponent.


    Maleeka''s mother, she says, waxing nostalgic about the old days.


    ''I''m also, well, I''m the daughter of a powerful man, right?��You had to do your duty, so you decided to put up with a man you''d never met and marry him, didn''t you?��But when I actually met the person, this was the worst thing I''ve ever seen!


    "Is that the worst...?


    I can''t help but smile at him.


    I have a bad character. It''s not a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re talking about, but it''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re talking about. That''s when I met this guy.


    ''Oh,'' says Marieka''s father - I mean her husband - looking at her husband.


    ''I was visiting Campbell Street at the time for a pre-wedding meeting, and this man had just come out to Campbell Street as a migrant. As an adventurer.


    There they fell in love with each other at first sight and eloped hand in hand.


    They lived a married life in the village of Lax, your father-in-law''s hometown.


    ''''It''s a lie...!��My wife pushed me away...!��I found myself married, or rather...!


    It''s just that the descent of the two of you from your meeting to your marriage, seems to be very similar to how me and Marika got married.......?


    That''s father and son!


    ''Well, you still ruined your parents'' plans, so you were disowned. I haven''t seen you once since I married my husband until today.


    I''ve never seen you before.


    Your father-in-law said with a rattling shiver.


    ........I understand how you feel.


    So, the father of Marika''s mother in question.


    The President of the Center Guild was meeting my grandson for the first time.


    ''''This is our child!


    ''''Great-grandson!''''


    Formerly, he was even set to meet his great-grandson.


    The chancellor''s daughter, Elika''s daughter, is Marika. So from the Chancellor''s point of view, she is his granddaughter.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    In other words, she is Chancellor''s great-grandson.


    The old man is over seventy years old, and a sincere smile appears on his face.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you find yourself in the same situation.��And he even made his great-grandson quickly...?��Why didn''t you tell me this earlier?


    Isn''t it because your father wrote me a letter saying never to let me see you again in my lifetime?


    It''s hard to see this family in power.


    But if you don''t say so, you won''t be able to show the other party''s house that the engagement was broken up.... I was planning to simply forgive her when things cooled down a bit.


    What do you mean "plan"? You didn''t call me until today.


    There!��I knew you''d have to make an apology first!��We don''t even know if we can make a move!��What?


    Families of people in power are such a pain in the ass.


    But nowadays, this kind of relatives who have huge power are very helpful.....


    ''I didn''t really want to go to the funeral without contacting them until I died........ I couldn''t say no to my lovely daughter''s husband if he asked me to. Since you''ve come all the way here, please solve the problem right away.


    All right, don''t talk to me like you have no other business with me...!


    The Chancellor returned Gran-kun in his arms to Marika and turned in the other direction.


    Yes, out of the family circle and in front of Roselwy, who was biting her teeth alone.


    ''Well, new board member,''


    Yes.....


    I''ve heard of your intentions. Indeed, you have inherited the bloodline of the great hero Arantzill. If he is brave, he will be a great success. But as of now, Radie has already been appointed as the hero. The principle is that no two brave men can stand at one time.


    ..........


    The Chancellor speaks in the direction of discouraging Roselwy.


    It''s helpful. That''s why I called you here.


    But we are in the process of appointing two or more brave men to the post. That way, Dariel is the one who deserves to be selected...


    You mean your three picks?��What''s going on with them now?


    That was enough to hit a sore spot for Roselwy.


    The Multiple Heroes Project was implemented as a new attempt.


    The one who led it was none other than Rosselwy there, but the results were disastrous.


    The three additional brave men and women who were elected were all defeated in front of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, exposing their disgraceful appearance.


    Even with this single blunder alone, Roselwy, who led the charge, could be held accountable and resign from the board of directors.


    ''''Isn''t he planning to embrace our granddaughter''s son-in-law in order to make up for it?��Don''t you care about the people you''re hugging?


    Nug...?


    I also hear you''re doing all kinds of sinister things to get my granddaughter''s son-in-law to listen to you. Do you think I don''t hear you?


    The family reunion was becoming a place for the directors to preach.


    ''''We can''t have rumors that the Center Guild Board of Directors will use extortion to achieve their goals. I''ve contacted Forge Ri. ''''There is no need for me to follow your earlier instructions.''''


    But....?


    With an apology from me. Do you understand, Mr. Rosselwy, the new director?��You''re the one who made me bow to you.��Early in his new appointment, he tarnished the reputation of the Center Guild Board of Directors.


    "You did that on your own?


    Was she going to say, "You did it on your own"?


    But as expected, I didn''t have the guts to say it, and I shushed him with a bitterness that felt like I was swallowing my vomit once.


    I''ve been concerned for a while now that you''re in too much of a hurry to make a difference, but there are signs that you''re disrupting the harmony around you. Unless you work on those vices, you should know that you won''t be able to serve on the board for very long.


    Haha....?


    If you want to make a difference, you have to support Radie, the brave man of our time, to the best of your ability. That''s the most honest way for the guild''s director to work, don''t you think?��Hmm?


    Yes....?


    Very well. Now get out of here. You''re new here, and you don''t have the luxury of time to be out in the field.


    As if to obey his words, Roselwy left the room.


    It could be said that he had come all the way here to spend his time in utter futility.


    The expression on his face as he turned back to me and glared at me as he left for the last time was terribly impressive.


    It was an expression that looked like it was going to put a curse on me.


    ''''........Mm.


    It worked.


    Malika''s mother''s father was the President of the Center Guild, and it was through Selmet''s research that we found out.


    After trying to gather whatever information he could to counter Roselwy, this fact was found out and he worshipped his mother-in-law down.


    The result was a great success.


    An eye for an eye and power for power.


    He had been able to crush Roselwy, who wielded the title of Center Guild Director, with an even bigger title.


    That''s thanks to Selmet''s ability to gather information.


    I''ll have to thank him a lot later.


    ''Well then, father, I''ve finished my business, so go home.


    ''''Shit!''''


    And her mother-in-law''s treatment of her own father was severe.


    "My mother-in-law doesn''t like my father...?


    Well, just by listening to the relationship between the two of them, it''s clear that parent and child don''t get along.


    But wait.


    I''m not sure I''ve ever seen such a thing before.


    That father''s careless treatment of his daughter....


    That''s right!��Isn''t it usual with my wife Marika and your father-in-law!


    Is it because of the bloodline...?


    Well......?��Daughter?��Dad, we just came all the way from the Center Guild...?��Do you have to go home now?��We haven''t seen each other in over twenty years. Even more with my grandchildren and great-grandchildren...?


    Ha, I can''t help it.


    Your mother-in-law sighed....


    ''Then will you be my father''s companion then?


    Why an eagle?


    Your mother-in-law''s husband, or in other words, my father-in-law to me, screams out loud.


    That''s natural.


    It''s too scary to face the father of the man you just eloped from.


    It''s too painful to meet him when he is old enough to become a grandfather himself!


    Oh, yes. My daughter must see with her own eyes, belatedly, what a man who has kicked a good marriage into gear is like.


    ''No, wait!��That''s right, Dariel!��At the very least, I hope you''re with us, Dariel!��Hey, help me, Dariel.��My son-in-law ohhhhh?


    I''m sorry, father-in-law.


    I have a job as village chief.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good time with your family.


    I''m the village chief. Marika has to take care of Gran, and I''m the mayor. Her mother-in-law went off to chat with the neighbors, and the village regained its peace.


    The forge was not forcibly moved to a different location.


    Everything was kept intact through the sacrifice of her father-in-law.

 137-136 Hell Gives Yourself (???side)

    Center Guild Director Roselwy was having a rough time of it.


    His prospects had completely collapsed.


    Dariel, who he regarded as the best and most influential stock as the new brave, had a relationship with the board chairman.


    This meant that even if Dariel became a brave man and achieved the feat of defeating the Demon King, all of his achievements would belong to the Chancellor and would be of no benefit to Roselwy.


    On the contrary, the Chancellor is trying to defuse the situation by siding with Dariel, who refuses to become a hero.


    If this adversity is eliminated and Dariel is made a brave man, it would be the greatest labor of all, but without merit.


    ''''I''m not stupid enough to push forward knowing that...!


    Although he said it proudly, frustration oozed from his expression.


    Blood flowed out of his tightly bitten lip.


    ''Why doesn''t Dariel obey me!��I''m a brave man!��I said I''ll make you a brave man!��Normally you would gladly agree to do whatever I tell you to do!


    The title of "brave" is certainly that powerful.


    But not everyone is immune to its magic.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea for me to be able to get the best out of it.


    ''''But...!��Either way, this isn''t good...!


    Roselwy already has a point to lose.


    A hapless defeat for the three brave men prepared by breaking convention. It has been stated many times that this one incident makes Roselwy''s progress unpardonable.


    The appointment of Dariel was a reversal of that crisis to victory in one fell swoop.


    With no prospect of getting it, Roselwy could be promised ruin rather than victory.


    You!��You!��Why would I be dethroned?��I am a man who will go down in history!��There''s no way I''m going to disappear here!


    He''s the only one who thinks that, and he''s the only one who doesn''t realize that the truth is that he''s only an ordinary person.


    ''''I''m sure!��There''s always a way!��A man who makes a name for himself like me will always get a chance in a pinch!��It''s just the way the world is made up!


    That''s the way the world is made!


    In the private room where Roselwy was holed up alone, another person''s voice called out.


    ''Huh?''


    The voice was unexpected, even for Roselwy himself, and he turned around, turning his head.


    Then there was a person there.


    It was just too much of a dead sheep to be judged as a person, and it was eerie.


    His entire body was covered with a cloak, and even his head was completely hidden, making it impossible to see what was inside at all.


    It''s hard to tell the face shape, the body shape, whether it was a man or a woman, or even the age of the person.


    The only thing that struck me was the intense red color of the cloak that covered his body.


    ''''Hey, what are you?��You know I''m the director of the Central Guild and you''re just going to get upset?


    Of course not, otherwise I wouldn''t have come to visit you.


    Whoa!��Somebody, somebody come out!��It''s my people!��Oh..........?


    Roselwy''s mouth, which was screaming, was blocked by the red cloak.


    To be precise, it was just a palm held out in front of him, but for some reason, that was enough to make Roselwy''s mouth stop moving as if it were numb.


    ''''........Quiet ni.''''


    "Aga, goo goo goo........?


    I tried to scream out loud, but my lips didn''t move.


    I can''t even breathe in and out.


    The invisible force has hardened not only his entire body, but also the inside of his body.


    That''s the impression I got.


    ''Calm down. We are not here to harm you. Rather, we''ve come to your rescue.


    ''''What?!''''


    When the red cloak let go of his hand, that was enough to bring freedom back to Roselwy''s entire body.


    With a single palm of his hand, he could freely move each person.


    No matter what kind of seeds there were, to be able to use this kind of sorcery was no ordinary person.


    ''''What in the world.......who are you!��Do you belong to a guild?


    I don''t care about me. You''re in trouble yourself now, aren''t you?


    Roselwy gagged at the point from the mysterious red cloak.


    A predicament that had been confirmed many times.


    He could lose his job from the Center Guild Director as it was.


    ''''I can save you from your desperate situation, Lulu. I can give you the secret plan to do so.


    ''''Really?!''''


    Roselwy jumped at the suggestion from the unexpected, with his eyes shining.


    However, it was an unlikely course of action under normal circumstances.


    It''s a good idea to borrow wisdom from a mysterious person who suddenly appeared in front of your face and didn''t even show his or her face.


    He was too suspicious and should normally be on guard, but Roselwy didn''t even show any signs of suspicion.


    The man who had risen to the position of Director of the Center Guild, even if it was hypothetically, was too careless.


    ''''What should I do?��How can I get out of this inexcusable situation!��I''m the man the world needs!��We can''t just fall here!


    What we need to do is always the same. There is always one savior for you, isn''t there?


    After being told that, what immediately popped into Roselwy''s mind was Dariel''s face.


    He still couldn''t give up on making Dariel a brave man.


    ''''But he''s stubborn. He will not become a brave man in any case. He intends to let his brilliance rot in vain.


    That''s a shame because with great power comes great responsibility. He will have to fulfill that responsibility.


    ''But what to do?��Persuasion doesn''t work, and the means of applying pressure have failed. What other option do we have...?


    ''Of course Al,''


    The red cape says, speaking softly to the child.


    ''I have found out, Jolt. He seems to have a special attachment to the village he lives in, Dana. And that''s why he refuses to be a brave man, Il.


    Oh?


    Then wipe out the reason itself. It''s a village called Lux. That village is....


    Crush.


    The moment he was told that, as expected, Roselwy''s complexion changed.


    ''''Sa, that''s indeed........?��Isn''t that too violent?��If we''re not careful, we''ll be the ones who cause him to resent us...?


    Don''t worry. Just say it was a demon.


    What?


    I have an agent in disguise, dressed as a demon, attacking the village. The best thing you can do is to attack him when he''s not around. If he does everything he can to destroy them, and if the culprit turns out to be a demon, he''ll be able to turn his enmity against them.


    ''I see, that would give Dariel an incentive to become a hero and fight the demons!��This is what it means to kill two birds with one stone!


    Roselwy''s expression was just like saying ''I''ve had a revelation''.


    The attitude of welcoming a proposal that would be nauseating if it were genuine is as if....


    Is it because his nature was rotten from the start? Is it because he has other reasons?


    ''I heard he has a wife and children. Then at the very least, I''ll kill them. The grudge against the deprived of their flesh and blood runs deep. If that resentment is directed towards the battle between man and demon, then the demon king will be defeated for sure.


    ''Good!��A very nice reversal of fortune!��I suppose that means my luck has turned for me!��The good fortune of being the patron of a vengeful hero!


    Roselwy was no longer buoyant, as if he was a complete success.


    Staring at him, the red cloak began to let out a hint of satisfaction.


    What expression he has on his face is obscured by the cloak.


    "You, you!


    Roselwy was buoyant for a while, but then, as if remembering, he turned to the red cloak.


    ''You seem to be my benefactor!��My future depends on your work. I''ll look out for you!


    I won''t let you down. I''ll make that elite a prisoner of hate.


    What do you want?��Since you are trying to get to me as the director of the Center Guild, you must have some sort of agenda in mind, right?��What do you want?��What do you want!


    Roselwy thought he was already at the top of the Center Guild with Dariel.


    What he said was simply arrogant.


    ''Our desire is just to make the world a better place, Tai. That desire is fulfilled by action. Therefore, there is no need for superfluous rewards.


    ''My God!��Selfless and noble. Well, when we''re done, I''ll be able to get you into my confidence. And you will be as close as you can get to making the world a better place!


    Thank you.


    The Red Cloak was hanging down.


    It was so easy, so mindless.


    "So what shall I call you from now on?��We''re allies, you can at least give us your name, right?


    We have no name. We have no name. The concept of individuality has already disappeared. We are nobody and nobody at the same time.


    ''What''s a cool narrative?��It''s okay, but it''s inconvenient not knowing what to call each other. Can''t we at least decide on a temporary name?


    Well Dana. If I had to choose a name, I would call it....


    The red cape pointed to itself and said.


    ''''Let''s have them call you Inferno, or whatever you want to call it.


    The red cloaked figure defined itself as an inferno.


    Its meaning is ''hell''.

 138-137 Sermet, get caught (???side)

    Selmet recalls.


    The day he was discovered by Dariel and became a secret agent.


    She was also, in truth, from the Demon King''s Army.


    She was nothing more than a lowly, lowly soldier.


    Even among the demon race, their abilities vary widely.


    There are those who are good at magic, and there are those who are not so good at it that they can''t handle it satisfactorily.


    It is unlikely that they are completely useless like Dariel, but even so, there is a percentage of people whose magic power that can be used is so weak that they are unsuitable for actual combat.


    Such people had only two choices: get discharged and live as a commoner, or live as a lowly dark soldier for the rest of their lives.


    I''m not sure I''m going to be able to do that.


    I''m not blessed with a talent for magic.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most out of this.


    It''s a good thing that she joined the demon king''s army with her own ambitions, so the reality she faced was harsh, and there were times when she cursed her fate.


    There was even pressure to retire from the army, especially since Selmet is a woman, saying that it would be more beneficial for her to join a family and raise children rather than leave them to rot as the lowest-ranking dark soldiers for the rest of their lives.


    It was then that she was approached by Dariel.


    At the time, Dariel was in the same rank as the same dark soldier, but Dariel was in a position where everyone looked down on her because she was ''completely unable to use magic''.


    Even Selmet looked down on Dariel, but then she made a suggestion.


    "I have a job I want to leave to you.


    And.


    It wasn''t immediately understood, but it wasn''t until a short while later that he realized it was an intelligence operation to infiltrate the human race.


    Releasing spies within the nemesis human race and bringing back all sorts of information had been around for a long time, but until then, the activity had ceased for over a decade.


    It was Dariel''s intention to restart it.


    ''''Why would Dariel, who is supposed to be the bottom of the barrel, do such a big thing?'''' And Selmet was suspicious, but she jumped at it without a second thought.


    Because there was no other way for her to stay in the Demon King''s Army.


    There were several other candidates for inter-intelligence who were approached by Dariel, all of whom were junior soldiers who were forced to retire from the Demon King''s Army due to their lack of ability.


    There were two reasons for choosing such people.


    One is that those who possessed too high of a magical power to be sent to human territory were likely to be discovered.


    The dense magical power was itself fraught with the risk of being distracted by veteran adventurers.


    And since the more magically adept a person was, the more he or she would develop a habit of relying on magic, there was a great fear that it would be exposed at the slightest hitch.


    Secondly, people with low magic power are not very important in the Demon King''s army, so no one cares if they suddenly disappear.


    Just the thought of ''''finally being discharged from the army?'''' was enough to convince anyone to stay away.


    With such careful preparation, the intelligence network under Dariel''s leadership was developed and put into practice.


    The results came relatively quickly.


    Because of the hostile relationship between the demons and humans, information from both sides was completely unavailable to them.


    All they had to do was release an interrogator across the border and information would flow in like water flowing through a hole in a board.


    Ever since Dariel was selected as the Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings, he used his investigative abilities to keep track of the movements of the brave, and there were many times when he had retaken the Rasperda Fortress that had once fallen, aiming to retake it in the absence of the brave.


    There have been times when a secret agent of the demon tribe who tried to infiltrate the adventurer''s guild didn''t reveal his aura, his true identity was revealed and he was captured...and that was a mistake.


    Generally speaking, the intelligence network under Dariel''s command fulfilled its function perfectly and contributed to the Demon King''s army.


    Many of the dark secret agents currently hiding in the city were low-ranking soldiers discovered by Dariel.


    Including Selmet.


    They were the only ones who would have definitely been discharged otherwise, and they were all grateful to Dariel for giving them a job that gave them a real sense of contribution, even if it was a shady job.


    It was said that the work of the shady work was more important than any other, as the motivation was more important than the other because of the labor and less merit.


    Their motivation for engaging in shady work was above all their gratitude and loyalty to Dariel for giving them a second chance.


    That''s why, as they entered the New Four Heavenly Kings era, their anger turned to the Demon King''s Army itself after Dariel''s downfall.


    Even though it was an intelligence agency established for the Demon King''s Army, they turned a blind eye to the Demon King''s Army and sided with Dariel who had gone missing.


    Their loyalty was not to the Demon King''s Army, but to Dariel personally.


    It should be taken as incompetence on the part of the four heavenly kings of the day that they could not understand such a thing and easily cut off Dariel....


    The spies have to have an official identity to operate in the enemy''s sphere of influence.


    The spies must have a different title, another occupation, so that they can''t say, "I''m a spy," and blend into society.


    A merchant, a laborer, a wanderer....


    Because they had those various professions as a cover, even if they were cut off from the Demon King''s Army''s support, they were able to afford to maintain their lives.


    The spies, who had once been dormant in their espionage activities and had spent their time as ordinary people, were reunited with Dariel and began to move again.


    With the funds provided by Dariel, the spies quickly resumed their activities and quickly unraveled the inner workings of the Center Guild and discovered the relationship between Dariel''s mother-in-law and the President of the Center Guild.


    The intelligence organizations that were once prepared for the Demon King''s Army now rage for Dariel personally.


    Selmet, in particular, is ostensibly involved in peddling in human territory, peddling goods from city to city.


    In doing so, it was to facilitate communication with fellow secret agents hiding in each city.


    Because of such a role, he was now in a position to organize the intelligence network, but there was no one but Dariel to praise him for such a position.


    It was an intelligence organization that was originally highly loyal to Dariel, but Selmet was outstandingly high.


    ''''I will be useful to Dariel-sama at all costs...!''''


    That desire was stronger than anyone else.


    Hence, she even takes the initiative to act without being instructed to do so.


    All in order to repay Dariel.


    ��


    Today''s action was supposed to be part of that.


    A visit to the village of Lax, and then the tail of Lorselwy fleeing back.


    The fact that the Center Guild Chancellor was successfully defeated by getting the President of the Center Guild on his side was also a credit to the intelligence organization led by Selmet, but Selmet was not satisfied with the result.


    He followed his opponent, hoping to gain more information and steal more of the information from his benefactor, Dariel, in an attempt to give him more ammunition.


    After following them for a while, the opponents have settled in for the night.


    Selmet sneaks into the inn, hoping to get a glimpse of the inn''s attic.


    For Selmet, who had a reasonably long career as a dark secret agent, he was equipped with the skills of infiltration in general.


    With pure skill, regardless of magic or aura, Selmet could sneak into any locked place without making a sound.


    However, as they made their way through the inn, Selmet noticed something strange.


    ''No people...?''


    There should have been more people in the inn.


    There should have been other guests in addition to Roselwy, and there should have been a few guards for Roselwy himself.


    And yet there was no one there.


    It was as if someone or something had wiped them out.


    But if you listen, you can hear them talking from somewhere.


    I crept over, killing my footsteps, and tracked down the room where the voice in question was coming from.


    Peeking through the keyhole, I saw two people there.


    One of them is Roselwy, the one in question.


    Then, Selmet was astonished to see the other figure who was probably the person he was talking to.


    (A bright red cloak...?!��That couldn''t be........?!)


    The top priority search target ordered by Dariel.


    It fits the description of the mysterious person who is believed to be the mastermind behind a certain incident.


    Even before the Roselwy-related investigation, she and her colleagues were unable to catch even a shadow of her, even with their investigative abilities.


    Why is it here, of all things, is it here?


    Selmet was able to overhear the conversation between the mysterious Red Cloak and Lorselwy.


    ''I''ve looked into it, Jolt. He seems to have a special attachment to the village where he lives, Dana. And that''s why he refuses to be a brave man, Il.''


    It was a horrible conversation to hear.


    They wanted to destroy the village of Lax itself. They wanted to instill hatred in Dariel and control her for their own sake.


    "I have prepared a force of men, disguised as demons, to attack the village. "My men will dress up as demons and attack the village, and I want you to go after him. If the culprit turns out to be a demon, he''ll be able to turn his enmity towards the demon.


    Moreover, they are trying to blame the demon tribe for the crime and make it a source of conflict.


    I''ve been trying to find out as much useful information as possible, but this has turned out to be more dangerous than I imagined.


    (We must report this to Dariel-sama as soon as possible...?!)


    Just when Selmet was about to move away from the door to escape........


    "Oh, handsome, there''s a handsome rat!


    ''Guhaaaaah!''


    It was an instant.


    A tremendous shock struck Selmet from through the door, and in an instant, he was slammed into the wall.


    Its neck is gripped tightly by a hand.


    ''''Gu.........Haha.......?


    ''''Oh my gosh, you really are a cute little mouse ? Although he was skillfully concealed in his own way, it''s useless in front of my magic detection ?.


    The red cloak that captured Selmet was talkative.


    It was supposed to be the same person, but his tone, as well as his disposition, was different from before.


    ''''.........?��Inferno?��Your tone of voice is...?


    Even his roommate Roselwy is baffled by this...?


    Never mind that handsome handsome handsome handsome.


    I''ll take care of it.


    The red cloak the inferno''s tone changed again.


    "Control your mind with my brainwashing magic. You will soon be able to tell us everything.


    Selmet felt it immediately.


    The abnormality of the red cloak that was now relative to him.


    This presence, it was hard to believe that it was a straightforward creature.


    It wasn''t a person or a demon race.


    A hint of something other than that, something beyond that.


    It even seemed that there was no one in this world that could resist such a thing.


    (Dariel-sama........!��I''m sorry...!


    Her thoughts were fogged up and drowned out by the red light that pierced directly into her brain.


    The word that came to mind on the verge of this was an apology to Dariel, whom she admired.

 139-138 Dariel receives a call

    Now, after we managed to repel the demons of Roselwy.........


    .........the trump card for that did not return.


    ''''Whew, waddling around......... Buluwa~


    He''s putting all his energy into caring for Gran.


    The president of the Center Guild.


    Watching the wrinkled old man tottering around was a strange sight.


    To Gran-kun, that old man is his great-grandfather, so to speak.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to get the most out of your time with the group of grandfathers, Granberza-sama Arantzill and your father-in-law.


    Can he not cry properly at the face of the older man''s approaching face?


    Gran-kun called for air.


    A look of joy appeared on his face as if he needed it here.


    Oh, he''s so cute, so cute. A baby is like an angel.


    Mr. Chairman of the Board of Directors is very pleased.


    I think it''s time for you to go home, even though I called you over here.


    Hmm?��Did you just think, ''Isn''t it time for you to leave?''


    "No, no!


    As expected of a man who has risen to the top of the Center Guild, his ability to sense the atmosphere is also extraordinary.


    Well, I can''t leave yet. There are too many things I want to confirm.


    ''What?��Is that like checking on your daughter-in-law or something?


    His daughter''s husband, my father-in-law, was now lying ill with heartache.


    He must have been suffering from a face-to-face encounter with Alexandria after more than twenty years in Alexandria.


    He had talked with the Chancellor for a long time after he became a chancellor.


    It was too hard for me to be in Alexandria myself, having to go through the ''I want my daughter, please give her to me'' kind of thing.


    I have found out that he is sufficiently suitable to be my daughter''s husband. I''ve got the spine, and I also have the minimum amount of experience as a guild master in this village.


    I don''t need your father''s approval, though.


    ..........


    His mother-in-law said just that as she walked by, and then she walked past again.


    The chancellor started to cry and I had to comfort him.


    ''Does your mother-in-law not like her father?''


    No, it''s my fault. Let''s put that behind us now, but I won''t.


    Then he turns to me again.


    ''You''re Arantzill''s son........ It''s hard to believe it''s so sudden.''''


    It was a sketch against me.


    You know, I haven''t been able to talk to you face to face yet. I guess I just don''t have to.


    ''I''ve heard the stories. I''ve heard that Alanziel was attacked, his family attacked, and his newborn baby taken from him. It was about 30 years ago, I think, that he was dressed appropriately.


    Do you doubt...?


    Of course. But if that''s the case, why didn''t you come forward before?


    I only just found out about it myself, so...?


    As expected, I can''t say ''I was in the Demon King''s Army'' when I didn''t know where I was.......


    ''I see, so you lived as an orphan until you reached that age. It''s as expected of Arantzill''s bloodline that he still stands out...''''


    I''m sorry, sir.


    How could my granddaughter''s husband be the natural heir to Arantzill''s talent? It''s a perfect match. It''s a perfect match.


    Do you want to answer it?


    But that was something I was prepared to do.


    It would have been the most peaceful thing if I could have kept it from him all along.


    But now that Roselwy knows, so do I. Your presence will continue to spread. Your presence will only spread further and further from now on, and it cannot be stopped. Your father is that great.


    Yes, sir.


    I looked at my stepfather who was groggy over there.


    ''No, not that one, my real father.


    I understand.


    "There''s no end to the uses of your existence, if you want to use it. There is no end to the ways in which you can use your existence, and all sorts of people will flock to you. It''s not easy to keep yourself up against them. At the very least, you need to decide what you want to do with yourself.


    I''m....


    Without the slightest hesitation, he said.


    ''I want to protect this village. I want to make it a more prosperous and better place to live.


    It''s a little thing. It''s a small thing, but it''s an incredible amount of power in your hands. They say that too much is too little. Too much power over what you want is a hindrance to what you want, too.


    That''s why I''m asking for your help.


    It''s irreverent. He has the purity of his father.


    The Chancellor chuckled.


    Grandfather, who was in his hands, was getting bored.


    ''Very well, I''m in the faction that supports Radhi for now. I found Roselwy''s antics to be an eyesore.


    It''s political.


    It''s good to be energetic when you''re young, but it''s a dangerous thing to do if you''re going in the wrong direction. "It''s good to be energetic when you''re young, but you can''t afford to go in the wrong direction. We''ll have to think about getting a new board member...


    Already the political chief had never been at the exclusion of an unpleasant factor.


    ''If you don''t mind, my dear, would you be willing to replace him as the new director?


    I''m afraid not.


    Yeah?


    I shuddered at the chancellor''s attempt to take me in.


    He is a great demon that stands at the top of the mountainous land of the sea. Even our allies have to pay close attention.


    But for now, I can say that the problem is solved with this.


    The blacksmiths won''t be able to leave the village, and Roselwy will not only be unable to touch me in the future, but his own position is in jeopardy.


    I don''t know what''s going to happen next, but I''m confident that the mountain has been crossed.


    That was the time.


    "Hmm...?


    The magic communicator that I always carry around with me started beeping in my pocket.


    ''What is it?��What''s that noise?


    No, no, nothing. Would you excuse me for a moment?


    He leaves the room, deceiving the suspicious Chancellor.


    I switch on my magic communicator and start talking. Who could it be from?


    "Master Dariel...


    Is that your voice, Sermehto?


    The only people who can call out to the communicators I currently have are my old friend Lizet, or Selmet, who organizes the clandestine group.


    So I wasn''t particularly surprised to hear her voice.


    ''Just as well. Thanks to the information you''ve gathered, everything fell into place. I just thought I''d thank you again.


    ''I have some new information. I''m contacting you to tell you about it.


    He came to a single word without preamble.


    ''New information?��What is it?


    ''I think it would be better to talk to you in person. As a matter of fact, I''m already close by.


    Is it near the village of Lax?


    So why don''t you just visit me in person?


    "We will be waiting for you outside the village. Please come to the designated area.


    Couldn''t it be in the village?


    No. It''s important information. If you don''t get out, someone might hear you.


    Is that how it works?


    Well, there was never anything wrong with what Selmet told me to do, so I''d better just follow it honestly.


    ''''Okay, then tell me where we''ll meet.


    "I''ll be waiting for you under the redwood tree to the south of the village.


    Don''t you have any more characteristics?


    "It''s a big stretch. You''ll know it when you see it.


    Okay....


    I cut the feed and took a look.


    "Selmeto is in custody.


    She is a dark secret agent.


    We''ve hammered out a secret code to be passed on to our friends only in case of an emergency.


    If you use the word ''red'' in front of a communication or conversation with an outsider, it is a secret communication that announces danger.


    When I asked for ''more features'' to make sure, she replied, ''One particular zun.


    The onomatopoeic ''dun'' was a code word for ''enemy attack'' between us.


    Aside from the red-filled akagashi, the onomatopoeia of the height of the tree, which can be either ''gnocchi'' or ''sukku'', is a code word for danger that can only be communicated between us.


    Only she shouldn''t have been so careless.


    From the abnormality, I can infer from the anomaly, she must have been restrained by the enemy on the other side of the current communication and managed to warn me of the danger in the presence of the enemy''s ears.


    ''''d*mn, just when I thought I was out of trouble...!


    We''ll be back in business soon.


    But who is the enemy holding Selmet?

 140-139 Thug, intercepted (Brave side)

    On the outskirts of the village of Lax, a strange group of people appeared on the outskirts of the village.


    They weren''t villagers, they were clearly outsiders.


    They were about ten in number.


    The faces of these people were full of insane viciousness.


    ''''Listen, now we''re going to attack that village.


    A man who seemed to be the leader of the group said.


    He was an ordinary middle-aged man of about forty years of age, except for his unusually bloodshot eyes and heavy breathing.


    He said, "Anyway, kill anyone you see. Make no distinction between women and children either.


    Woman?��Do you think women are allowed to f*ck?


    No, I''d rather kill them than commit them. Kill as many people as you can before you can do it. That''s an order.


    From Inferno.


    They are a group of assassins unleashed by the Inferno.


    Deprived of their sanity, they have been imbued with insanity and turned into puppets that do the will of the monsters.


    The goal is to kill everyone. Kill them efficiently, but as miserably as possible. I''m not sure I''ve ever seen such a thing before. In particular...


    The meeting continues.


    "Mothers with their babies come first. If you see such a thing, you are ordered to kill it. Kill them all in a most miserable way. I''m willing to rape him if it''s the only thing I''m willing to do.


    "Holy shit!��Heehaa...!��I''ll be the first to find out...!


    Either the group of deadbeats had been deprived of their conscience and lacked judgment, or they were scum to begin with.


    In any case, they didn''t even show any signs of mourning for the massacre that was about to take place.


    They have already confirmed that Dariel is out of the village with an invitation.


    It was their role to go around tearing his hometown to shreds in an attempt to get Dariel to stay.


    Especially Dariel''s wife and children.


    Destroying and defiling Dariel''s most prized possession fills his heart with hatred.


    The chancellor of the Center Guild, who would still be in the village at Roselwy''s request, was also a target.


    If the Chancellor died sideways here, there would be no one to denounce Roselwy, and there would also be an opportunity to target the vacant Chancellor''s chair.


    The group that had been unleashed for this purpose was now about to play a role.


    ''Let''s go!��You don''t know when they''ll come back from the village!��When I came back, he told me that I had failed.��We''re racing against the clock!


    Before he could finish, the man''s head was blown off.


    As if struck by something invisible and transparent, the entire body is blown away starting from the head where the impact occurred.


    The person who fired the bullet is.........


    ��


    ''Yes!��It''s a hit!


    Zebiantes, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, applauds the success of his own shot.


    I saw it, I saw it, I saw it!��I saw it! My brilliant shot head shot the ugly boob!��It''s critical!


    "Yes, yes.....


    The adventurer Gacita, standing next to me, drew her bow from the same position and fired an arrow.


    The aura of the sting characteristic is sufficiently carried by the arrow, but it was too far away, and it lost momentum in the middle and fell to the ground.


    "Yikes!��Out of range?��This sister''s attack was within range!


    "Ohohohohohohoh!��You should know the difference between the two!


    Zebiantes gets more and more excited about the difference between the two.


    ''It''s not unreasonable!��For this cancer, invented by a genius, Mr. Sakai!��I''m the strongest mage in the world, and the air bullets I shoot will reach the ends of the earth!


    Don''t you think that''s too much?


    It''s a strange weapon developed by Sakai, the blacksmith of Lux village.


    It was originally named Gun, which had the ability to launch an aura from its tubular form, but it became the possession of Zeviantes, as it was more appropriate to operate with magic power than aura for compatibility.


    ''''Ohohohohohoho!��I''m just happy to get a chance to try it out right away!��You can be a witness to this my strongest legend of mine!


    Saying this, Zebiantes shoots compressed wind magic from the gun.


    It''s not just the next bullet, it was a wild shot.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    This is because all of the air bullets that were fired so seldom missed their targets and passed by on their way.


    ''Huh?��It''s a miss, isn''t it?


    "You''re not aiming at anything, are you?��Of course it''s not going to hit anything.


    Apparently, the first shot was a fluke.


    That''s what makes her such a strong woman.


    But it''s funny that yours is hitting the target and mine isn''t.


    "Do you have any idea how much blood we''ve trained for this kind of thing, to be so close to the 100-point range?��We don''t want to be mimicked like that!


    Huh?��You''re boring, aren''t you?��If you don''t take a hundred shots, you''re boring!


    After coolly passing off Gasita''s full-length protest, Zebiantes had already lost his motivation.


    Normally, having the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army traveling to protect the human tribe''s village would be the ultimate in abnormality.


    No one is suspicious there anymore.


    ''''Calm down, Gashita-kun.


    And the last elite to appear.


    ''This is the kind of personality Zebiantes has, you won''t have it if you''re dealing with them properly. It''s a lot better than fighting the enemy.


    "Reedy''s sister!


    Reedy the Brave.


    Xeviantes, the Four Heavenly Kings.


    Gacita, the local adventurer.


    In the village of Lux, the strongest members of the group, excluding Dariel, were gathered here.


    It''s going completely according to Dariel''s expectations.


    What''s happening?


    ''So!��It means that someone is going to attack the village!


    I got caught up in the pace of Zebiantes, even though I said ''don''t ride'' myself.


    ''Dariel-san dared to take advantage of their schemes and leave the village. To lure the enemy out and finish him off. You''ve entrusted us with that role, so we must definitely do it!


    My brother has faith in me!


    The loyal Gacita is passionate about the role she has been given.


    The same was true for Radey........


    ''I don''t really care...''


    ''''Hey!''''


    Zeviantes couldn''t help himself, after all.


    The other party must be confused and not dreaming of being ambushed. If they just let their fears out and run away, they won''t have any trouble.


    Zebiantes had a point.


    Dariel used his fearsome instincts to see through his opponent''s malice and trap him in the opposite direction.


    He had been ambushed by the strongest force in the village with the intention of taking them by surprise.


    Since they knew they were going to be attacked, the adventurers of the village were on high alert.


    They were able to react quickly to the approach of a suspicious person.


    If the plan was defeated, then there was only retreat.


    That''s what''s standard practice.


    ''''Oh my gosh, they''re coming for us?


    You''re gonna get your ass kicked. Panay...?


    The enemy came at me as if there were no obstacles.


    With bloodshot eyes peeled back. All of them have the same bloodshot eyes, so the scene is truly bizarre.


    ''Could it be that you''re licking it?��We''ve got confirmation of my brother''s absence. As long as Dariel''s animus isn''t there, it doesn''t matter, does it?


    ''It''s not right!��I will not allow you to lick me!


    Zebiantes finally felt underestimated and got up to speed.


    ''Calm down. Our role is to protect the village. That''s our primary objective.''


    In the midst of it all, Radey showed leadership without losing his cool.


    If you don''t run, you''ll be intercepted. If you don''t run, you''ll be intercepted. You''re better off taking him out and catching him now so you don''t have to worry about him.


    ''Exactly!��That''s a good decision, Radey!


    In the meantime, the enemy keeps closing in on us.


    ''Zebi-chan, please use that air bullet from earlier again!


    But it''s not hitting anything at all?


    ''That''s okay, you can at least intimidate them and stop them from moving.��In the meantime, me and Gacita-kun will go in and subdue it all at once. Great!


    We have a plan.


    ''Zebi!��I know you can''t aim, so don''t try to force me to guess!��Just focus on intimidation!


    I know!


    But be careful not to hit me or Gacita-kun by mistake!


    ...


    ....


    I think I understand!


    Are you sure you''re OK?


    With a hint of trepidation, the heroes head into battle.


    To fight without Dariel.

 141-140 False Demons, Seen Through (Brave side)

    The battle begins.


    As planned, a barrage of cover is released from the Four Heavenly Kings Zebiantes.


    "Don''t let them both get hit, don''t let them both get hit...?


    Are you that nervous?


    However, such protection is firmly effective, and the enemy side is slow to move, perhaps because they are wary of the danger of being hit by a wind bullet.


    I''m not going to be the only one who can do that.


    ''''If I get this close...!''''


    Gacita immediately nodded the arrow to the bow, pulled it down and released it.


    A fast but not in the least bit clutter-free movement.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time.


    Two arrows are released from the bow in one shot.


    "Ughhhh!


    "Gueeeeeeeeeeee!


    The two arrows each pierced the legs of a different opponent.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what to expect.


    It was a precision that even the brave Radie was tongue-tied.


    It''s not even necessary to bother with your sister!��You guys tried to mess with my hometown. You''re not going to be able to get away with it for the rest of your life, right?


    While threatening, Gasita had already prepared the next arrow.


    Two more.


    I''m not going to be able to get the best out of it.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    The next one will also pierce the enemy''s legs as a matter of course.


    It seemed so, but the enemy is not a wooden stone.


    They are not wooden stones.


    However, that response was what everyone expected.


    ''Wind!


    Such a shout came from the group of deadly men.


    At the same time, a whirlwind arose in front of the men, and even the arrows were blown and deflected off course.


    ''''What?!''''


    As a result, the arrows only snatched and flew past the target.


    The wind threw them off course.


    "What the hell was that...?��As if, as if...?


    Magic.


    Controlling the four elephants of earth, water, fire, and wind through magic power was truly a magical realm.


    ''''They used magic to control the wind...?��In other words, those guys...?


    ''''Demons........?


    A cold sweat breaks out on Radie and Gacita.


    The fact that a single phenomenon conveyed a fact made their imagination take a leap.


    ''''You''re saying that the Demon King''s army is attacking us?��How could it be in this country village?


    ''''Don''t tell me they found out that I''m in this village?��........Other than that, what other reason would the Demon King''s army have for attacking us...?


    Both Gacita and Radie shuddered at the shadow of the Demon King''s army flickering in the background.


    That unrest gave them an opening.


    For a change, the thugs'' counterattack began.


    ''''Water!


    Fire!


    The enemy used another attack using natural objects.


    The enemy sets the torch on fire and sends fireballs flying with a shout as they hold it up.


    The vicious fireballs were flying as if they were parted from the flames of the torch.


    Whoa!


    Gashita dodges the fireball in a hurry.


    However, the water blade flies in to further open the gap.


    One of the thugs sprays water from a water bottle. The water flies like a cutter.


    These people.........are they still using magic.......?


    Even Radie is struck by the emptiness of his thoughts and can''t think straight.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    "...there''s nothing left to think about, we can''t let the enemy advance any further now...?


    That''s where I was trying to switch quickly with the mental strength of a successful battle.


    ''''It''s utterly pathetic.


    The enemy was blown away by the tornado that suddenly descended.


    The one who landed lightly after that was the Four Heavenly Kings Zeviantes.


    Zevi-chan!


    It''s not a good idea for me to be the one to provide backup fire. If I go to the front lines, all is well that ends well.


    Most of the enemies were blown away by the gust of wind and turned their eyes around.


    ''''Zebi-chan!��These people are, um.........?''''


    ''''They''re the same demon race as you.


    The words "I don''t know," were suppressed just as they came out to his throat.


    You can''t say anything.


    ''''These people aren''t the demon race.


    ''What?!''


    The answer to the hard-to-hear question came out on its own.


    But these people are using magic...?


    This isn''t magic! You may be able to fool a novice, but you can''t fool the eyes of one of the Four Heavenly Kings, one of the top four mages, this Zebiantes!


    ''''It''s impossible for the Four Heavenly Kings to be wandering around here...''''


    Magic!


    An expert tells us.


    ''It''s all about transforming magic into one of the earth-water-fire-wind hieroglyphics!��These guys are completely different!


    ''''Speaking of which...?''''


    The ''magic-like thing'' that the enemy just showed me was only one that made use of natural objects that already existed.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on a new one.


    In the case of wind, the air is probably everywhere.


    "We didn''t create fire, water, or wind by magic.... I put power into the original fire, water and air........?��.............aura!


    The reason why Radey immediately reached that conclusion was because he had seen Dariel''s technique of infusing air with aura in the past.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have come up with the idea so easily.


    ''''Putting an aura into a natural object and making it act like magic!��As if!


    But, of course, such a method doesn''t add anything to it. The power is much less than real magic...


    ''''As for the use of aura, it''s much stronger to be able to put it into a normal weapon...?


    The reason the two of them were able to argue at leisure like this was because they were able to determine that the game was already won.


    The wicked bandit had already been blown away by the Zebiantes'' tornado and had been carefully pierced through the legs by Gacita''s arrows.


    With this, there was not a single fear of standing and fleeing, much less fighting back.


    ''''Then what''s the point of them adopting this pointless method of warfare...''''


    There''s nothing else to do but pretend to be a demon.


    ''''You were going to attack Lax village and blame the demon tribe for the crime, weren''t you?��How vile........?


    Still, the question remains as to why the culprit didn''t make it look like the work of the demon race.


    It was a good idea to ask the people in charge from now on.


    I''m ready to question them.


    It seemed so, but........


    Hmm...?


    A distant sound came to the ears of Radie and the others, who thought they had finished the battle.


    Kang-kang-kang.


    A sound as if the metal was being struck repeatedly.


    ''The sound of bells...?''


    The alarm bell. It''s a bell that rings in case of a village emergency!


    The first person who noticed was also the village''s newest recruit, Gacita.


    "At a time like this, an emergency..., no way!


    They weren''t the only enemies we had!


    You can find a lot of people who have been in the same boat as you.


    There is no guarantee that this is the end.


    If this is the starting point, they may be attacking the village from various directions.


    ''Sis!��Let''s hurry up and get back to the village!


    Well...!��It was right to leave Sesha-san and Satome behind........!


    There were still enough adventurers in the village and the defensive posture should have been established.


    Just when it seemed that Radey and the others would soon return to help.....


    The war situation that should have been over was not yet over.


    The enemy, which should have been blown away by the tornado, began to rise.


    ''''Oh no!''''


    ''''They''re still getting up!��I''ve hurt you enough!


    You will be able to see that you can''t even move with the arrows that pierced your leg.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a great deal more to say.


    I''m not going to be able to do that.��Just so you know, I''m stabbing you to make a full recovery!��If you move forcibly, that''s the only way you''ll be able to recover!


    Although Gacita struggled to stop him, his opponent didn''t seem to have the slightest idea what he was doing.


    The red eyes are still bleeding and the motionless body is moving with madness.


    "No....?��What are these people...?


    The obvious abnormality overwhelms even Radie.


    ''Kill...!��Baby and mother...!


    Huh?


    A voice spilled from his mouth along with bubbles.


    ''At any rate...!��Baby and mother.........!��To drag a brave man into hatred.........!!!!��Wife and child...!��I will kill them...!


    !


    Radey''s expression froze at that rhetorical question.


    "No way, that''s...?


    The people I''m pointing at are Marika and Gran.


    The target of these thugs is Dariel''s family.

 142-141 Lux Village defends against war (Brave side)

    The target of these thugs was Dariel''s wife and child.


    Goosebumps appeared on Radey''s entire body when it occurred to him.


    ''''Zebi-chan!''''


    And he blitzed through the air with instructions.


    "Carry me back to the village!��To Miss Maleeka''s!��You''ll be able to use Zevi-chan''s wind magic in no time!


    Wow, I see...?


    And he didn''t hesitate to give his orders.


    Gacita-kun, you will continue to stay here and block the enemy.��Can you do it by yourself?


    Of course I can!


    Gasita said as she drew her bow.


    ''''This is still the sign of the Lax Village Guild entrusted to me by my aniki!��This is the time to play an active role or else I''ll be embarrassed and return the signboard!


    The enemies rise up like crazy and come at us with bloodshot eyes.


    ''''Wind!


    Wind!


    Wary of Gacita''s arrows, it creates an impromptu airflow barrier through its aura into the air.


    Originally, sting aura was thought to have special effects on the wind attribute by minimizing air resistance, but its typical weapon, the bow and arrow, was blown off target by the wind due to its light mass as a flying tool.


    The bow and arrow is a typical weapon, but it is unique and has many advantages and disadvantages.


    However, its performance depends on the user.


    You think you can shut me down with a breeze like that?


    Gasita, while aiming the drawn-out arrow, said.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on a new one.��To that extent, do you want to increase the amount of aura you can put in and increase the propulsive power...!


    The arrows that were released proceeded in a straight line through the turbulent wind without the slightest blur, and then, as a matter of course, shot through the legs of the thugs again.


    ''''Kigeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!


    ''''........and if you can read the direction of the wind!''''


    Another shot.


    This time, he shoots in an unknown direction, not knowing where he is aiming.


    But the arrow that missed the mark changed its trajectory as soon as it plunged into the turbulent wind wall, made a large bend as if drawing an arc, and again pierced the enemy''s leg from the side.


    ''''Hogeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!


    Radie watches Gacita''s masterful performance with Zebiantes in a daze.


    It''s a good thing that you''re the best archer of the human race.


    The next time you fight an archer, you won''t let him down.......!


    Radey was going to have Zeviantes'' wind magic fly him to Lax village as he had first decided.


    Leave this place to Gacita.


    However, even Gacita''s strange technique that can penetrate even needle holes, it is difficult to make this situation optimistic.


    The enemy was slowly closing the distance, trying to get closer to Gacita.


    No longer with several arrows thrust into his legs.


    ''Seriously........?��Why don''t these guys stop walking........?


    Gacita says without stopping to release the arrows.


    It''s not that the enemy''s fear is in the use of aura-enhancing magic, but in the fact that they don''t stop the invasion, no matter how much they hurt their bodies.


    Maybe it was vindictiveness, or spunk, or some other way to prevent the pain from working.


    Whatever it was, the sight of them advancing with several arrows strung up in their legs was extraordinary.


    It was as if a crowd of hell-raiders had swarmed over them.


    "d*mn it, don''t these guys have any pain?


    Gacita backed away while continuing to shoot.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what to do with it.


    There is no reason to be afraid of the magic modifier at all.


    It''s only a modoki. They are inferior in power and usability to the original magic, that''s why Gashita is able to use the bow and arrow to make a hundred shots.


    But no matter how much damage they do, they don''t writhe in pain and they don''t surrender.


    I was afraid that even if he just remained in the head, he would still come at me to bite off my opponent''s throat whistle.


    ''Sister!��Please go quickly!


    Gashita said, while releasing countless arrows already.


    ''Gashita-kun!��But...?


    Radey had some hesitation about leaving Gacita here.


    Gacita, who is overwhelmingly superior in terms of skill and strength, is being driven down by a madness that just doesn''t fear pain.


    It was natural to think that Radey and Zebiantes should also stay here and be on the defensive.


    ''These guys are after Marika, aren''t they!��You are my brother''s precious wife, what are you going to do if you don''t protect her!


    ...?


    Besides, we''ve been living in Lux village since we were born. We''ve been together since we were children. Help him!��I''ll prevent it from happening here!


    ''''.........!''''


    It wasn''t Radie who hesitated after being told that much.


    She soared on the wind made by Zebiantes.


    ''''I''ll make sure to protect you, Marika-san!��Gacita-kun, I''ll leave you to it!


    Attaboy!��I heard it was going to be a defensive battle and I''ve prepared arrows to the death!


    What looked like firewood piled up behind the gashita were all arrows.


    There were still hundreds of them left. They wouldn''t run out against a mere dozen or so enemies.


    ''''........The problem is that the enemy won''t stop no matter how many arrows they take, though.


    The heroic figure of Gashita, flying on the wind and stomping alone, becomes smaller and smaller.


    It''s too brave to be left as a human being. I''ll keep your fighting spirit in my heart forever.


    ''''Stop, he''s not dead yet!''''


    Both Radie and Zebiantes, flying with wind magic, were able to get a bird''s eye view of the ground.


    As expected, a melee was taking place.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this as well.


    ''''It''s on an amazing scale!��There''s more than a hundred of them at first glance.


    "My God...?��That''s not an invasion at all...?


    Although the identity of the enemy was still unclear to Radie and the others, they were surprised to find that they were expecting an attack of at most ten people.


    What kind of person could have been responsible for mobilizing such a large number of people in secret?


    The two of them are still in the air, assessing the war situation in detail.


    It''s not looking good. They are all being pushed around.


    The attackers, after all, do not freak out no matter how much they are hurt. They come at you as if you don''t have any pain. That''s what''s confusing everyone.


    The same was true of Gacita, but the adventurers defending the village were attacking in an effort to avoid fatal injuries.


    There is nothing strange about that.


    Only an honest person would be willing to kill people.


    Adventurers are often thought of as yakuza-garnerers with a lot of roughness in their quests, but their actions are firmly bound by ethics and rules.


    Killing people, in particular, is strictly discouraged.


    It was only natural.


    Some quests sometimes required you to deal with criminals, but even then, the iron rule was to capture them alive in order to bring them to justice.


    There are very few active adventurers who have ever killed anyone.


    That''s why it''s unreasonable for an enemy to move and attack while chasing a wound that makes you unable to move, like the enemy this time.


    If it''s impossible to make them immobile while they''re alive, just kill them.


    It''s easy to conclude that, but if you are going to act, you need to be prepared to do the same.


    The adventurers in Lax Village are generally good people, so they couldn''t kill people so easily just because the need arose.


    And as long as they are not killed, they will come at you even if your leg is broken or your arm is cut off.


    ''''d*mn it!��What do we do now?


    Stop it!��Don''t move!��If you don''t stop bleeding, you''ll die!


    What the hell are they doing?��Why don''t they stop fighting?��Get off!��!


    Some of the adventurers on the defense side were even intimidated.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    "We knew the attack was coming so we already evacuated the civilians, but...?


    ''''At this rate, the village is going to be damaged!


    The trouble is, the attackers who use fire magic monsters.


    If they scattered fire and ignited the buildings in the village, there was a possibility of a major fire.


    ''''........What should we do?��What in the world do I do...?


    Radey is confused by the bad situation, which is more invasive than he thought.


    And then a new source of confusion appeared.


    "That''s..., Marika-san!


    In the midst of the shouting and shouting on the battlefield, Marika has somehow appeared.

 143-142 Marika repels (Brave side)

    How could Marika be out?


    Dariel''s wife, Marika, was there.


    It was clear from the words and actions of the attackers that she was the target.


    And her son, Gran.


    Normally, they must be hidden and protected in the depths, but why are they coming out in the open?


    He even politely held the baby Gran in his arms.


    ''''Please step back!''''


    Radey landed with a physical ability that only a brave man could have, while being sent flying by wind magic.


    He was right next to Maleeka.


    Zebiantes also landed softly with the help of the wind.


    ''''Mareeka-san!��These attackers are after you and Granddad!��Please step back to a safe place!


    ''That''s right!��It''s a stupid thing for the target to be the first to step forward!


    Despite being admonished by both Radie and Zebiantes, both admonishing her to step back, the village chief''s wife didn''t move a bit.


    ''No,''


    ''''Why?!''''


    Maleeka''s attitude was determined.


    ''I am the wife of the village chief. It is my job to support my husband who protects the village first and foremost. I can''t just hide behind you all and be at peace with that.


    It''s an auspicious thing to say, but the situation is urgent.


    ''If the bad guys are after me, I dare to go out in the open. That way, the bad guys will gather over here and limit the damage to the village.


    ''''That may be so, but...?''''


    It is true that Marika had a point.


    Although the village chief''s wife is prepared to defend the village even by using herself as a decoy, it still seems reckless.


    The reason is that the target, Malika, is a weak civilian, and if one of the enemies were to break through, there is no way to hold on.


    The professional fighters could not tolerate this too dangerous operation.


    ''''Back off anyway!��If anything happens to you, we''ll be there for you!��I can''t face Mr. Dariel!


    ''That''s right!��Who''s going to make me a three o''clock snack when you''re dead!


    Although Radey and Zebiantes desperately build a wall, the bandit, who doesn''t care about wounds and pain, is closing in on them in a jiffy.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time with them.


    It was that time.


    Marika scraped past their sides and stepped forward.


    ''''Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!


    ''''What are you doing?��You''re the one who''s protecting them.


    You are the one who stepped in front of the enemy and faced them.


    Baby and mother!��That''s him!��Kill this guy, eeeeeeeeeeeeee?


    And, as expected, the thugs that were approaching.


    In response to that, Malika struck the enemy with a tray held with her right hand as she held Gran with her left arm.


    ''''Aboah!''''


    One of the bandits is blown away by a blow to the side of his head.


    Furthermore, the second and third shots, the body of the big man flew through the air with each swing of the tray by Marika.


    ''''Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee?''''


    Radie and Zebiantes were surprised by that.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time.��It''s not a punishment item for us!��It''s also good against really bad people!


    Wait!��...that tray...?


    That''s what makes you brave, Radey, and that''s why you notice.


    It has an aura about it...?


    It''s real!


    The aura boosted Trey''s power, and he knocked down the attacking bandits one after another.


    It''s not a good idea.��What''s with this guy, he''s strong!


    Wasn''t she a weak woman?


    It''s not only our allies but also our enemies are confused, and it''s become Marika''s sole domain.


    "Marika-san...?��Don''t tell me you''re registering with the guild?��That frees your aura ability...?


    Of course. I''m the wife of the village chief, so I''ll do everything I can to contribute to the village. For the past year, I''ve been working out while doing housework and raising children, so that I can be prepared for anything that might happen when my husband is not around.


    ''''No way!''''


    Maleeka''s tray handling seems to flow and does not stagnate for a moment.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    Then the attacking bandits were blown away with sharp cuts.


    ''Water!''


    Fire!


    Although she attacks with a pseudo-magic that is no longer completely cracked, Malika easily prevents it by using Trey as a shield.


    She throws the tray as a counterattack.


    Then the circular tray spun sharply and ran through the air, hitting the torch held by the bandits and dropping it.


    ''''Eh.........?��Don''t tell me this is........?


    Striking with the bottom of the tray (strike).


    Slash at the edge of the tray (slash).


    Use the tray as a shield (defense).


    You throw the tray and use it as a flying object (thrust).


    "You''re making use of all the aura characteristics of a single tray!


    I no longer understood.


    In the meantime, Marijuana slashed down all the torches that the enemy possessed.


    Those are the important seeds for using pseudo-flame magic.


    Since she was most concerned that the flames would burn the houses in the village, it was a great turnaround for the fire to be sealed off.


    ''''Now!��Fold them in at once!


    Now Malika was in total command, and the dignity of the village chief''s wife was outstanding.


    ''Even if you can bear the pain, there are plenty of ways to block the movement!��You have to be calm and flexible in your thinking!


    The adventurers in the village were taken aback by Malika''s unexpected success.


    This may have been a good shock, but a fresh idea came to their once blank minds.


    ''''Whoa!��''''Earth Running Claws!''''


    A sudden rush to run.


    Running over many bandits.....


    ''''Mr. Sesha!''''


    I saw Radey clinging to him as he did........


    It''s the spearman Sesha, one of the members of the brave party.


    The movement was focused on holding the spear horizontally, a specialty, and sending the enemy flying with a lunge.


    ''''Brave Lord!��Right now, we''re going to beat the crap out of them anyway, that I know!


    Sesha bellowed during the battle.


    It''s not that they''re not a great bunch, except for their painless anomaly that confused me, but apart from that, they''re not much of a bunch!��They''re not much more than a D-class to C-class at best, if we''re talking about the strength of adventurers!


    In other words, there was no way he was going to be an enemy of Radey or Sesha, who had the equivalent of A-class ability.


    They were normal opponents who could normally win if they were doing normal things.


    ''''If they''re going to get up after you hit them, you just have to keep hitting them until they stop getting up!��That is the battle of the strong, that is!


    Yes....!


    Radey had been disappointed in such a simple thing.


    It''s just that the enemy is not afraid of pain, a really stupid peculiarity when you analyze it closely.


    Not feeling pain, not being afraid of it, is a marvelous thing, but it doesn''t really matter.


    That alone will not change the ability of the enemy.


    When you regain your composure with this in mind, you can see things that you should have seen before, but didn''t.


    ''''Huh........?''''


    Radey realizes as he once again assesses the enemy thugs.


    No, I should say that I remembered.


    You''ll be able to see the color of those red, bloodshot eyes from somewhere.


    And it wasn''t that long ago. A big event I met just recently.


    ''''That''s right.......when Altamir and Zester tried to take Mithril away from me.......?


    The color of her eyes, as red as blood.


    Dariel had dismissed it as ''due to brainwashing magic''.


    ''''Then these people are also........the same as Altamir back then.......?


    The two seemingly unrelated incidents suddenly showed a connection.


    ''''Then the reason they aren''t the least bit frightened by the pain is because the brainwashing magic has robbed them of their sanity.......?


    The camp of Lax Village, which had regained its posture, could no longer be defeated by the thugs who were inferior to them in terms of their basic strength, and tilted their form to Girisili.


    If you don''t surrender, we''ll forcibly stun you. Bind them with ropes or chains. There are various ways to stun them with poison.


    The adventurers in the village of Luxe managed to use those methods, which were unsuitable for melee, and dealt with the enemy forces one by one.


    The mayhem was coming to an end.


    What was Dariel doing at this time?


    Dariel, who was not present here........

 144-143 Inferno, drink (???side)

    Thus, there were those who watched from far away as the assault on Lax village was being contained.


    It was Inferno and Roselwy.


    The two men, who were cooperating with each other, were watching the battlefield from a place far enough away to guarantee their safety.


    Of course, it was impossible to see what they could see from a distance.


    What made that impossible possible was the farsightedness magic of the inferno.


    Roselwy watches the victorious battle cry of Lax village reflected in the false image while biting his teeth.


    ''''Inferno?��What do you mean!��Your assassins haven''t just destroyed the village, they''ve done it unilaterally!��You didn''t even kill a single dog!


    Roselwy''s mood is quite bad.


    If this adulteration plan passed successfully, he also had a budding control over the Center Guild.


    That''s why it failed and he would become angry.


    ''''I thought it was a good plan when I heard about it, but what a disappointing subterfuge!��If my name comes out of the mouths of those men who were caught, won''t I be done for!��If I''m not just expelled from the board, I might be accused of something!��You''re headed straight for heaven on earth!


    Yosa, you''re acting as if you''ve been waiting for me.


    The red-cloaked Inferno looks at the magically created false image and mutters.


    ''''The plan to attack was leaked in advance........But there was no way for the plan to be leaked to the other side from us. But there was no contact that was leaked from us to the other side........ Then..........


    Inferno''s gaze turned to the side.


    The cloak hid the light in her eyes, but the pressure of her dense gaze, which was still recognizable because of it, was directed at one woman.


    To the dark secret agent Selmet.


    She had been cast a restraining spell, depriving her of her physical freedom.


    Because of the red light that clung to her limbs, she couldn''t move her body at will, not even a little bit, even though it was her own.


    It was impossible for her, who was not blessed with magical talent to begin with, to blow this curse away by force.


    ''''It''s you, na...?''''


    Mmm...!


    When Inferno choked her, Selmeto did her best to just look away and dodge.


    Already she was being reminded to her bones.


    That this mysterious being covered by a red cloak was an irresistibly frightening presence to her.


    Resistance was pointless.


    That''s why she used her cold-hearted judgment to pick out the part that absolutely had to be resisted.


    ''''When I contacted them with the magic communicator, I wove some kind of code into it.... Besides, the other side sensed the danger.


    Huh...?


    Bravo. I thought the brainwashing spell was working because of the fact that you spat out all the details. Even that was just a bluff for our last hope...


    Yes.


    Selmet had already spoken up everything he knew.


    Dariel''s previous job. Having spent his time on the demon side from birth until he reached his thirties.


    That he had been favored by the previous Four Heavenly Kings, Glamberza, and had even served as an assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings.


    And many other things.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    Thanks to that, I was able to successfully weave a secret code word into a false communication aimed at luring Dariel out and conveying the danger.


    It was a better decision than being poorly endured and having a more powerful brainwashing spell cast on me and depriving me of my genuine ability to think.......


    ''''And anyway, now that it''s come to this, we have no choice but to escape!


    Roselwy begins to fidget about getting ready.


    ''Where to?��The plan to bring Dariel in has not yet worked...?


    ''You know that''s not possible anymore!��All hands were lost and all that was left was the charge of attacking one village!��I had nothing to gain!��It was a mistake to believe in this guy, you know!


    It was a self-serving way of saying that he had taken part in the inferno''s schemes, but that was exactly the behavior of a politician trying to escape all responsibility.


    But in the end, that was the last decision he made in this world.


    That''s right. That''s right........for me, it was a small achievement, but it was an achievement. It''s only a small achievement, no more than a speck of dust....


    ''What''s that?��... no, I don''t care. Don''t touch me for a while, okay?��Make sure you clean up after yourself this time and eliminate any chance of being pursued. Until then, I don''t want to see your face!��You understand?


    Don''t worry, you won''t be seeing me again. And don''t worry, you won''t be seeing me again, not just me, but all the people you''ve met and all the people you''ve met.


    Huh?��Higaaaaaahhhh?


    "...you''ll never see me again.


    Roselwy was swallowed by a large mouthful.


    Inferno''s abdomen. She was covered by a large mouth that suddenly popped out from inside the cloak-covered interior, chewed, swallowed, and dragged into the cheating mouth.


    "Aaaaaaah!��It''s a painful bite!��It hurts.��What is this?��We''ll be swallowed up!��We''ll be devoured!


    This little achievement is all about you. Selfish, selfish and self-absorbed. That kind of rottenness makes for some pretty tasty food.


    "You''ve got to be kidding me!��I''m not!��I am the man who will change the world!��The man who sponsors a hero to slay the Demon King?��It''s not going to end like this!��I can''t die yet!��For the sake of the world!


    Even though he was spouting grandiose words, Roselwy was dragged in with his arrogant mouth.


    Into that large mouth that does not seem to belong to an approximate person.


    Already, half of his body has been chewed, bitten and polished to a crisp and has lost its original form.


    "No.........?��I''m not going to be eaten like this........?��We''re going to be eaten alive.........��My right hand is gone!��Chewed down...?��My legs and my stomach?��No!��Don''t eat it, no!


    But such a plea went unheeded in the slightest, and Roselwy disappeared after being swallowed up to his head in a large mouthful.


    The person called Roselwy disappeared without a trace, leaving not even food residue.


    A burp and a breath filled with the smell of human flesh and blood escaped from his belly.


    ''''Hi!��Hiiiiiiii........?


    Selmet was forced to witness the whole thing.


    He was so terrified and astonished that his sanity was about to be blown away.


    The large, visceral mouth that had popped out of the cloak was once again zealously drawn back into the cloak.


    In the meantime, Inferno said to himself.


    ''''........However, it''s a big mistake Dana.


    Quite a handsome, handsome handsome handsome man, who was raised to provide sustenance for us, but now he''s caught.


    The food you just ate was also a trash that had no aura to speak of, despite its modest success. The distortion of my mind is good, but it''s just delicious, nutritious garbage, so to speak.


    There is no such thing as a feeding frenzy.


    ..........


    Can it be called a soliloquy?


    The voices leaking out of one person''s body sounded like a multitude of people buzzing around and discussing with each other.


    There was only one person in the room.


    It''s painful to lose about a hundred of the bait we were raising.


    Brainwashing spells on each and every one of them ? Let the hatred, envy, and frustration ripen ? Some of them are almost ready to pass as my bait, and now it''s all for naught ? What are we going to do now ??


    ''But it was worth the cost. The quantity and quality of the aura possessed by that man, Dariel, was worth it. If you could dye a great man like that with anger and hatred, it would far exceed the value of one or two thousand of the mooks you threw in.


    If you fail to do so, it is no good.


    ..........


    What in the world was he talking to, Selmet was terrified.


    Are they muttering to themselves, using different colors of voice? Or are there actually a few of them, though he could only find one, no matter how he looked at it.


    Whichever one was correct, it was too unusual.


    Selmet felt like he was going crazy just staring at them from the side.


    ''It''s a shame, we all do, but we can''t cling to it forever. Our movements must not be known to the public.


    You can''t imagine how wide the Demon King''s eyes are. That''s why he avoids the demon territory that is his domain and works in the human domain. I don''t know if it''s even possible.


    That''s why we must act with great care and secrecy. That''s why I used that director as a cover. Calmness is tolerance.


    "Then we have no choice but to step aside quietly. No one will notice and in secret.


    That''s why I''m going to...


    A voice naturally escaped from Selmet''s mouth.


    ''''Huh!''''


    And.


    An unseen feeling of fear leaks out.


    ''You can disappear here, Lavaneva. I can''t leave a single trace of my presence here.


    With that, he approaches Selmet with each step.


    ''If your spirit was low and rotten, I took it in and did it as my flesh and blood, Gana. It''s a shame," he said, "that you can''t have the integrity to serve the Lord even at the expense of your own self. It''s a shame.


    Get out!��I don''t want to come!


    Even if you are noble, you can''t suppress your fear.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a great deal more to say about it.


    The first thing you need to do is to get rid of it in an instant so that you don''t have to suffer. I''m sure you''ll be able to see that every last piece of corpse is intact.


    An arm coming out of the cloak.


    At the end of his hand, there was already a magical fire like the fires of hell.


    ''''Burn it all up with this. Farewell Da.


    The flames were about to be showered on Selmet, just before they were about to be showered on him....


    I won''t let it.


    A voice came down from heaven.


    At the same time.


    ''''The ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''

 145-144 Dariel corners the black curtain

    The red cloak that catches my ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky'' head-on.


    I''ve been planning to fire my magic flames at Selmet, but I''ve hastily changed my target.


    However, in the end, he is pushed back.


    ''Agaaah!


    It seems that the amount of time I had to hold it back with my magic gave me room to evade.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    ''''Abaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!��Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...!


    I''m short of breath.


    Meanwhile, I''m having a wonderful time rescuing Selmet.


    "Dariel-sama...!��Lady Dariel!


    "Sorry I''m late coming.


    I would release the restraining magic that was blocking Selmet''s limbs.


    It was an easy thing for me to do now, using my aura.


    ''''Dariel-sama.......!��For the sake of someone like me...!��Are you really here for me?


    Well, I''m still your employer.


    It''s only natural for them to come to my aid.


    The reason why I dared to leave the village as if I had received a fake magic communication that seemed to be forced by Selmet, was to rescue Selmet who was being held captive.


    I''m not going to be the only one who can do this, but I''m going to be the only one who can do it.


    Leaving the protection of the village in the hands of Radey and his team, I could focus on finding Selmeto as best I could.


    ''To make sure none of them give up.


    And while I was at it, I was also convinced that where Selmet was being held, there was a mastermind behind the crime.


    I don''t want to be bothered again and again.


    That''s why I''m going to end it all in one fell swoop.


    That''s why I''ve come this far.


    So you''re the one who was waiting for me.


    The Red Cloaked Monster.


    Our first meeting, I believe.


    But I didn''t feel like we''d met before.


    Maybe it''s because we had previous information.


    "You''re the one who put a brainwashing spell on Zester and the others, making them lose Mithril, aren''t you?


    I''ve already heard.


    Even the information I heard from those Zesters Altamir officials who took Zesters away in the Four Heavenly Kings battle.


    I''ve heard of such blatant features as a red cloak.


    ''''I''d hate to think that there are more than two patrons of such a nasty cloak.


    ..........


    The red cape remains silent as it faces me.


    He''s already lost his right arm in a surprise attack on the sky.


    He''s going to have to be in my territory now.


    It seems that he''s planning a number of crazy things. Let''s have you tell us what you''re up to. For now, after I''ve beaten you to a pulp.


    ..........


    Of course I''m not going to let him get away with it.


    They were the ones who attacked my beloved LUX village. They will pay for it in the form of physical pain.


    "By the way, aren''t you acquainted with Rosselwy?��My guess is that I don''t have a feeling that he''s biting on this one either?


    ..........


    As usual, the red cape doesn''t have an ounce of pretense to respond.


    I knew it would have to go through a battering once to get it out of him, whatever it is, right?


    "Dear Dariel...!��Dariel-sama........!


    Selmet said while hiding behind me.


    His voice trembled heartily.


    The secret agent''s motto is to always have a normal mind. It''s rare for her to show such unrest.


    ''Roselwy was there. He was here. Just a moment ago...!


    What?��So it''s run off...?


    Well, what to do.


    If we''re going to catch him, we''ll have to clear out the red cape in front of him as quickly as possible.


    Or we can let him go on the loose and ask the chancellor for political and moral punishment.


    What do we do now...?


    No....!��Roselwy is no longer in the world...!


    Huh?


    He was eaten by those creatures over there!


    Eaten?


    Is that a red cape for a monster?


    It''s been bothering me for a while now, but Selmet''s gaze at that red cloak isn''t directed at humans.


    It only conveyed feelings of fear and evasion.


    ''''What do you mean, Selmet?��Did you eat it?��What does it mean?


    It just means what it means!��That guy ate a barrage of roselwy from the head!


    That''s ridiculous.


    For a moment I thought it was a lie, but there was no way Selmet would blow such a silly horseshit.


    He''s not a thoughtless observer who would make a mistake in looking.


    Then really...?


    The red cloak is still in a cautious posture.


    You''ll give her an opening if you keep on talking to her.


    "Cernya.


    What da...?


    Take it. You can''t deal with him.


    What are you mumbling to yourself about?


    But the next thing I knew, he jumped at me from the red cloak.


    ''Oh.''


    I''m the one who will attack you with a Hermes sword.


    You''re a mage, but you''re a tough guy who challenges me to close combat.


    I''m going to make you regret that decision right away.


    But.........


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find it.


    A metallic sound that rang out.


    The silver blade that folds with my Hermes sword.


    "What?!


    The red cloak swung its sword at me.


    I''m not going to be able to get to the bottom of it.


    "Unnuuhhhh?


    ''''Ohhhhhhhh!''''


    Once they pushed each other in a battle of strength, but they immediately popped off and got away from each other.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    ''''........or rather, wait a minute?''''


    Didn''t you blow off his right arm already?


    With the first attack, "The Great Emperor''s Splitting Sky".


    So how come he survived the attack as if to say ''nothing happened''?


    ''''What''s the matter!��Don''t tell me it''s grown out of you!


    "It was Dariel....


    The red cloak, which had been silent until a moment ago, suddenly became more talkative.


    The atmosphere is different from what it was a while ago?


    ''I admire your strength. You are a man of great depth and breadth. If you had any hate in your heart, you''d be a much better ally than I am.


    What do you mean?


    If you don''t know, that''s okay. The bottom line is that you weren''t the right man for the job. It would have been nice if the plan had worked.


    ....


    I''ll tell you one thing. The village of Laxx is dead. Your wife and children met an ignominious end.


    What?


    It''s not true!


    Without a moment''s pause, Selmet shouted.


    ''I saw the far-sightedness magic you opened, too!��The village of Lax was brilliantly protected by the local adventurers!��Don''t try to upset me with a poorly written falsehood, you coward!


    Tsk.


    The Red Cloak gave a grand tongue lashing at Selmet''s point.


    ''I thought it was a good move. I thought it was a good move, but now I''m out of moves to make you hate me. It''s a shame you can''t take in the rare talent you see...


    I don''t really know what this guy is talking about.


    But there is a part of me that does understand.


    "The point is, you want to piss me off.......!


    Then you''ve succeeded in your quest.


    After you attacked the village of Lax, your new home, after you attacked your own family and harmed your own people....


    I''m furious.


    That''s why you''ll be sorry...!


    You''re never going to be forgiven for making me angry.


    You''re not angry enough.


    The red cloak, too, said as he held up his sword.


    I''ll tell you. The rage that is so powerful it can crawl up from the depths of hell, the hatred that burns even in death. The hatred that burns even in death. Only when you know that will you truly be our bread and butter.

 146-145 "Split sky", hit each other

    For a while after that, me and the Red Cloak bumped swords against each other.


    ''''Chii-iiiiiiiiiiii?!''''


    The opponent is seamless and unable to inflict a fatal wound.


    I''m not a fan of that.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea.


    It''s not just about strength, it''s about skill and intuition, something that can only be honed through experience and training.


    I could even call him a master.


    The blade approached me as if slicing up diagonally from downward to the right.


    ''''Reverse kesa slash........?''''


    I reacted and tried to catch it with the Hermes sword, but........!


    There you go.


    What''s really going on on the left side it was coming at me from the opposite direction.


    A feint?


    I can''t believe I fell for a feint.


    I didn''t move, I didn''t feel anything, I didn''t make a single sign of movement, I didn''t even pretend to. I''m skilled enough to fool my own eyes...?


    Ugh.........?


    No body movements can be made in time from here on out.


    I changed the quality of the aura flowing into the Hermes Blade and changed it into the whip form.


    ''''Ho........?''''


    No, leaving half the nature of the sword.


    The sword''s blade, which is soft and bendy with a sharp blade left behind, undulates like a snake as it closes in on the red cloak.


    Cleave by feint or my snake blade.


    Which will reach you first?


    I''m not going to be able to get a hold of him, but I''m going to be able to kick the ground and dodge the snake blade.


    At the same time, I filled the air with my aura and emitted a large air pressure of range.


    So more and more the red cloak is blown away.


    ''''........Ah, that was close.......?


    If I wasn''t carrying a Hermes sword, I would have been hit.


    The red cloak that had been blown away had already rolled on the ground and stopped its momentum, and stood up with a scry.


    ''''........Quirks are something to be reckoned with. I dodged it even though I didn''t have to.''''


    What...?


    My body doesn''t need that kind of attention anymore.


    I don''t know what that means.


    What does it mean?��You mean you don''t care if you get cut or stabbed?


    If so, you''ll just go in for the next one, right?


    "What in the world are you.......who are you.......?


    The more you fight, the less you understand your opponent.


    Normally, you only need to hit one target to understand many things about your opponent.


    This is the first time I''ve ever felt this way.


    All I know is that my opponent is stronger than anyone else I''ve ever matched up with a weapon.


    A weapon user with an aura....


    More than Radey and Zester.........


    Or maybe..........


    More than Mr. Alanziel...........?


    ''Don''t be so sure....................you''re strong enough. There aren''t many martial artists who have been able to follow me this far in a pure firefight.......


    The red cape said.


    ''''Even though you have the advantage of that strange weapon, you are still a regrettable gem. It is only with the help of a strong man like you that he can be defeated.


    He''s...?


    You know him. You''ve spent the first half of your life in the Demon King''s Army, haven''t you?��The little girl over there told me about it.


    His gaze turns to Selmet, who shrinks behind me.


    I can''t even see the light in his eyes, hidden by the cloak on his head, but it''s still an intense gaze that I can see.


    ''''Hee!''''


    She sagged and couldn''t even move.


    That was how frightening the presence of the red cloak was.


    You could say it was horrifying.


    If I could, I would run away with her in my arms.


    ''''What a rare career. You''re a human, but you lived as a demon, and now you''ve changed your affiliation to the human race again. One person who knows two worlds is truly precious in this world...


    So....


    I don''t go through their paces and just ask them directly what I want to hear.


    Who is this ''he''...?


    Don''t play dumb, he figured it out long ago, didn''t he?


    ''I''m not going to bypass you until I hear a clear answer. That''s how good you are at fooling people, isn''t it?


    Yeah. You can believe it or not, but I''m going to tell you something. It''s the Demon King.


    I knew it.


    ''You gave me that ''I knew it'' look, didn''t you?��But can we believe it?��We''re liars.


    ''''That''s the only part I''m willing to believe. A man as strong as you, against an opponent who is willing to put so much careful preparation into challenging you.......


    I don''t have any idea who the Demon King is.


    It''s scary, but it''s true.


    If I wanted to kill him, he could do it at a moment''s notice, even if he''s dealing with Lady Gram-Burza or Mr. Arantzill.


    That''s how good he is.


    Especially in terms of skill.


    It''s definitely better than me.


    That''s a good reaction. ''''That''s a good reaction,'''' he said, ''''but it has to be someone who knows what he''s capable of. It''s even better when it''s expressed by someone who shouldn''t know the true horror of the Demon King.


    What''s the point of going after the Demon King?


    Reason?��What is so special about that?��There''s no reason for him to be in this world from any perspective.


    The red cape raised his sword as he spoke.


    ''''As an aside, I''ll show you the power I''ve prepared for you. The power I prepared to defeat the demon king. It''s the crystal power we''re aiming for.


    This is not good.


    I knew in my gut that this was a bad idea.


    I thought I had to move faster than my opponent, but in the end, I was faster.


    ''''Encounter with the Sky.''''


    A fresh blood red aura �� flew towards me with the sharpness of a blade.


    ''''This is........?


    A red ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''?


    At least that''s what I felt at a glance.


    It is a technique that sends aura itself from the sword blade as a slash.


    It''s the same as the original.


    It was a technique that doubled the size and power of the Ryakusoku Ryakusoku, adding a twist to the Ryakusoku.


    It is a technique created by Arantzill, the predecessor and the most powerful man of all time!


    That red cloak released a ''Splitting Sky'', and it was definitely of the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky'' class size.


    But why is it red?


    Is it possible for aura to have a color?


    ''''d*mn the ''Super Empty Sky''!


    Thanks to their awareness of the danger, I was able to make my move in time.


    I''m not going to be the only one who''s been in the market for a while.


    Both sides collided in the air.


    The huge aura slash blows each other to pieces.


    ''''Guaaaaaahhhh?


    "Nuh-uh-uh?


    The impact of the destruction scattered in all directions, hitting both me and my opponent.


    It was all I could do to hold on to prevent myself from being blown away, and I couldn''t do anything else.


    ''''Kyaaaahhhh!


    There''s no time to bother with Selmet, who is getting blown away splendidly.


    The aftermath has subsided, and the site where the heavy blows collided is a burnt-out wasteland.


    Everything had been blown away.


    ''''It''s brilliant........ How could he still have a life after being bombarded with the ''Meeting Demon Splitting Sky''?


    Oma, Rekku...?


    Speaking of which.........?


    That guy from Zebiantes said. The mysterious cloak-suited outfit that took the three heroes away used the red ��Great Emperor Splitting Sky��.


    Don''t tell me that''s what that was...?


    Seeing it with my own eyes, the heterogeneity is once again extreme.


    I said.


    "Not only an aura, but also magical power. It''s mixed in with the ''split sky'' you released. That''s why you look red, isn''t it?


    "How can you spot a single potion? That''s right. It''s a fusion of aura and magic. It''s a combination of the best of both, and the technique that can be considered a prototype of it, is the ''Meeting Demon Splitting Sky''...


    The Red Cloak said.


    ''''It is the key to defeating the Demon King.

 147-146 Inferno breaks

    The more I fight, the more I don''t understand that red cloak.


    Aura and magic combined?


    How is that possible?��By one person?


    It''s true that I could sense both aura and magic from his "Meeting the Demon Splitting Sky".


    Although it''s very similar to the Sky of Rivendell, the Sky of Rivendell was enhanced in power and scale by Arantzill''s experience and skill, while his Attack of the Demons does the same thing with magical power.


    The red color of the aura slash in the Encounter Sky is due to its magical power.


    It''s the same reason why Grampaza-sama''s inner magic, "Anasaiyumumumumon Jiaoziininjutsukan," is a black flame that can''t be natural.


    That''s one of the ways magic is used. It''s not just a matter of how much time you have left on the clock, it''s also a matter of how much time you have left on the clock.


    In the case of Granbaza-sama''s ultimate magic, it is a cursed magic that continues to burn the target even after it is extinguished by it.


    In the case of his red ''split sky''...?


    ''''You''re surprised...?��It''s a good surprise. It''s a look of astonishment that can only be produced by those who have a firm grasp of the meaning of ''Meeting the Demon Splitting Sky''.


    ....!


    d*mn.


    It''s bad enough that you can''t see through my feelings, but I can''t do anything about it because I can''t think of any other thoughts.


    "You mean you can use........both aura and magic power.......?


    There''s no way that''s possible.


    The aura is human.


    Magic is a demon race.


    Each of them should be a unique ability that can only be used by each of them.


    So it''s impossible for one person to use it at the same time.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not going to have to worry about it.


    ''''Aura and magic power are two completely different things. ........Do you think so?


    The red cape asked me.


    ''Like you''re testing me.


    ''But is it really so?��We taught the scum some magic. The technique of using their auras to act as if they were using magic.


    What are you talking about?


    You can ask her when you get home. And Dariel. You''ve spent time among the demon race, and I''m sure you''ve noticed that too.��That there''s actually not that much difference between magic and aura.


    ''Energy exerted from the life force. In that respect, magic and aura are one and the same.


    Just the quality and the way it operates is somewhat different.


    That''s what you call the difference between the races.


    ''Yes, they are essentially the same thing. It was one thing. Now it''s split in two.


    Is that what you think of me as a demon king?


    You don''t have to believe me, not now. But as we get closer to the truth of the world, we''ll find out for the first time who is to be judged.


    Suddenly, the atmosphere receded.


    That red cloak contained the killing spirit.


    ''''That''s enough for today. It''s a shame to end things with you here and now.


    Are you running away?


    Maybe he''s trying to let us go. Either way, you are the key factor. You will help us to accomplish our mission, and you will certainly help us to do so.


    ....


    ''We shall meet again when you are ready for new arrangements. Until then, I''ll give you one hint for a hand wedge.


    Hint?


    That''s a hint as to where we''re going to end up. We''ll call ourselves the Inferno, but that''s not us. My own name isn''t "we," it''s Siegfried Kruger.


    What do you mean...?


    If you''re interested, you''ll find out. We''ll see how close we are to a correct answer next time we meet. Farewell....


    "The Supreme Being of the Sky.


    What?


    A beat before the movement to jump. The one that I let loose to suppress the action is the "Zetsuou Houjou Ryouku".


    It''s the strongest technique I have, surpassing the Super Emperor''s Sky.


    I''m sure they knew that I was going to launch a chase attack.


    I''m sure they had confidence in my ability to defeat it, so they weren''t worried about my attitude.


    However, they didn''t expect me to have a better trump card than the ''Great Emperor''s Splitting Sky''.


    ''''Whoa........''Faiima Splitting Sky''......?


    The aura slash of the red lotus that was released.


    However, it''s not as powerful as the large amount of aura slashing that is released, and it''s instantly flung off.


    ''''Ridiculous!��I didn''t know you still had this much of a profound technique...?��How much aura amount do you personally store........?��Whoa, whoa, whoa!


    A small amount of leeway was created by the offsetting of the ''Encounter Splitting Sky''.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you find yourself in a situation where you can''t get your hands dirty.


    It''s the skill of a master.


    However, I don''t want to leave it at that.


    As soon as your body is in a state of shock, I''m going to follow up with a quick evasive move that leaves you in a very vulnerable position.


    "Whoa!��What a fierce attack!��What persistence!


    You''ll never have to go through a fight like this again!��I''ll end it here!


    You think I''d let you get away with it when the enemy is right in front of me?


    If you let him go now, it will end badly for you. Who would be stupid enough to just walk away knowing that?


    I''m nipping it in the bud. I''m going to do what I have to do to survive, and that''s...


    For attacking the Lax village, for targeting my family.


    I will make you pay for your crimes with death right here, right now!


    Die!��Die, die, die, die, die!


    I''m dead!��You vindictive fellow!


    He still persisted even though he should have folded sufficiently.


    It was the result of his exceptional excellence in basic skills and mental strength.


    As expected, he is strong. It''s not just competence, it''s tenacity.


    Without a doubt, he was on the level of Granbaza-sama, Arantzill-san.


    That''s why I have to defeat him here. We must not give him the time to catch his breath and concoct the ''Meeting Demon Splitting Sky''.


    ''''Kaaaaaaah!''''


    "Shit!


    This is where I finally had one more advantage.


    The sword he was using was broken.


    The Hermes Sword, the last work of Grandpa Smith, a master craftsman, had defeated a shoddy, several-strike sword.


    Once the weapon was gone, victory was in sight!


    It''s over!


    You!��Drismegian, help me!


    The red cloak''s last words were a call to someone for help.


    But such a cry for help was in vain....


    My Hermes sword is plunged into his brain....


    And then I cracked his head open........


    I slashed down from his throat to his chest........


    He ran through the crotch.


    Incredibly, the red cloak was still alive despite being cut down by a single sword along the midline.


    It should have been a quick death.


    But there was no doubt that it was a fatal wound.


    "Why did you do that?��Why didn''t you save me?


    The red cloak was still saying that even though it was split in half.


    I''m going to pay attention to my surroundings just to be sure.


    I''m sure you''ll find that no one else in the range of my detection could have reacted.


    You''re the only one who can see them.��We will defeat the Demon Lord and correct the world''s distortions...?��Don''t we work together...?��Wasn''t that a lie?


    You''ve made use of a lot of people. Zester and the other new brave men and women, Roselwy. The only people who use others are the ones used by someone else.


    I kind of pointed it out to him.


    I wondered if this guy would be more desperate at the end.


    Something even more unexpected and surprising happened.


    His body began to burn.


    It cut in half, right and left, both of them.


    I just cut both of them in half with my blade. There shouldn''t have been a bit of fire in the air.


    The flames seemed to be leaking out of the slashed wounds like blood.


    ''''Forgive me!��I forgive you!��I didn''t crawl out of hell for this!��This isn''t how I''m going to end up.��Do you admit it or don''t you?


    Whether you admit it or not is of no consequence to me.


    More importantly, how can you be so healthy while being torn in half?


    You are fine, but your fate of extinction seems inevitable, and you burn as the flames that flow out of you bleed, burning you.


    It burns.


    It burns.


    It burns.


    There was no longer a single part of his body that wasn''t burning, and he was a complete fireball.


    I''m not going to extinguish it either, so it will burn until it burns all down.


    I ... will not ... forgive ... my ... father. ....................... .......... ............


    Eventually, this guy stopped talking, and it wasn''t until he turned to ashes that he stopped talking.


    Until then, he continued to bluster and rant.


    What was it, really?


    However, the series of disturbances sparked by the disappearance of the three brave men and the Mithril robbery incident ended with the death of the mastermind.


    ........I think.


    If someone had seen how this happened, they might have pompously said.


    They should have caught him without killing him and extracted the information from him.


    That''s the opinion of a layman who doesn''t know the field, a delusional thinker who thinks it''s natural to get more than 11 if you have 10 results.


    In actual struggles, the results obtained are always less than ideal.


    If you get five out of ten, you are good; if you get seven or eight, you are an unexpectedly good luck.


    If you get all ten, you should be suspicious of the enemy''s trickery.


    In particular, that red cloak was the strongest heroic four-tiered competitor.


    It was practically impossible to keep such a person alive and restrained. The best choice was to kill them right here and now.


    Of course, there were more things that could be trapped, but it would be impossible to pursue them here.


    I watched as the cremation fire was firmly burned out and then returned to the village with Selmet in my arms.

 148-147 Dariel invited to the city

    When I returned to the LUX village, I was surprised to find that there was quite a commotion.


    "What''s all this...?


    There''s a lot of them.


    A lot of criminals were caught.


    They are tied up in tens of units with ropes and are tied together.


    They were attacked by such a large number of people?


    I thought it started with at most 10 people, though?


    My guess was wrong.


    I didn''t know this many people were working on this scale....


    What?��That means my Marryka and Gran were?


    I was more concerned about that than anything else and returned to my home.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not a fan of this.


    It''s a good thing that we predicted the attack and prepared a solid intercepting position, or perhaps it was successful, because there were no deaths in the village, and it seems that we were able to subdue the adventurers on the front line only to have a few injuries.


    A perfect result........!


    ''''No, it''s not very passable...?


    A raiding group of this size had completely exceeded my predictions.


    Yes, it''s now the size of a ''group''.


    The fact that they were able to withstand an attack beyond my imagination is a credit to Radie and the others who stayed behind to deal with it, and I can''t thank them enough.


    This time the credit goes to them, not to me.


    The size of the enemy was unusually large, and the use of a magical aura was reported by the Radies.


    Memories of the red cloak that they had just fought to the death just a few minutes ago quickly resurfaced.


    If all of those anomalies are his plot, then it is strangely understandable.


    You really don''t know what he''s going to do.


    On the one hand, I''m really glad that I was able to kill him on the spot when I met him, but on the other hand, I''m wondering if he''s really dead. I''m still worried that I won''t be able to do anything about it.


    But I can''t do anything about it.


    He was dead, and there wasn''t even any ashes left of him. What more can I do?


    The question is: What more can I do?


    Well, Roselwy is dead.


    He reported to the President of the Center Guild during his stay.


    Since he was the pinnacle of all the guilds and also the superior of Roselwy, I couldn''t not report him.


    ''''I didn''t see him in person, but........ According to those who witnessed it, it was a cruel way to be killed, with no corpse left behind...''''


    Poor man. He''s had a dream that he didn''t measure up to. Every ruin begins when you have an unworthy desire.


    It''s... it''s... it''s... I understand.


    The moment it was said, multiple faces came to mind, not just Roselwy''s.


    Recently alone, Pigalo and Bashbursa.


    Why do people dream of greatness?


    Why can''t it be wrong to realize that you''ve achieved greatness as a result of what you can do, one by one?


    I don''t need honor, I don''t need to go down in history.


    I don''t need to be honored, I don''t need to be remembered in history, and that''s all that matters, as long as I can protect my second home and my family, which I cherish.


    "I''m all about modesty, aren''t I?


    That''s right.


    The chancellor picked up on the idea that I was talking to myself.


    Anyway, I apologize for this inconvenience. This is a nuisance from a member of the Center Guild Board of Directors.


    No no no, don''t worry about it!


    And it wasn''t the chancellor who directly caused me trouble.


    In fact, Mr. Chancellor even saved me from a pinch, so I should be the one to thank him.


    To me, he was my granddaughter''s husband. "He is my granddaughter''s husband and I want to protect you as much as possible. If you think about it, it''s not a bad thing that your family is involved in an important center for the distribution of mithril.


    Okay.


    That kind of thinking wasn''t bad for me either.


    There may continue to be people who look at my bloodline and try to use it for their own advantage.


    My blood ties to the incumbent chancellor work very well to discourage such people in the future.


    I don''t want to be bothered every time someone like Rosselwy comes up again in the future.


    That''s why the Chancellor''s patronage was extremely gratifying.


    ''''It''s just....''''


    I mentioned my concern.


    ''I''m talking about the person who was with Roselwy.... No, it was more like that guy was holding Roselwy in his arms well and manipulating him at will.


    When you add up all the information I''ve gathered from a lot of people, as well as what I''ve seen and heard myself, it becomes clearer and clearer how crazy he is.


    The red cape.


    He called himself Inferno.


    He formed a partnership with Lorselwy and tried to destroy the village by joining Lorselwy''s plan to make me a hero.


    I''ve heard that he also prepared nearly a hundred attackers for that purpose.


    All of them had red bloodshot eyes and were under a brainwashing spell.


    It was the work of the inferno, after all.


    I''m not sure I''m going to be the only one who can do that.


    However, the more details we learn, the more this Inferno fellow''s strangeness becomes more and more extreme.


    The main method he uses to move behind the scenes is brainwashing magic.


    It is a magic that makes the emotions of intelligent bodies such as people and demons run amok, and manipulates them to do the will of the magician.


    It''s not as easy to manipulate as it sounds, but it''s definitely magic anyway.


    However, when Inferno went head to head with me, the fighting techniques he used were clearly those of a human race adventurer.


    Again, there is a contradiction here.


    ''''I killed Inferno. Because he was a fearsome enemy...!


    So you''re safe now.


    There''s nothing more I can do about it.


    And yet, I can''t get rid of the least bit of anxiety from my mind.


    It should be over, but I can''t feel it''s over.


    Inferno said and did something on his deathbed that called for someone to help him. Maybe he still had friends.


    I see. The Central Guild will take care of that. You can''t keep putting yourselves through the wringer.


    Please.


    This is the kind of thing that should be left to a large organization.


    I am a humble village headman.


    From now on, I want to lead a quiet life, free of intrigue and secrecy.


    But now... from now on, your position in the world will only get more difficult.


    What?


    Just when I was hoping to live a peaceful life.


    ''You''re a very special case. The son of the greatest warrior of all time, Alanziel. The husband of the current chancellor''s granddaughter. I could fill up on these two alone.


    Yes, sir.


    In addition, he also runs this village, which serves as a base for the distribution of mithril. You''re as good as a brave man in terms of strength and influence in society. You''re not the kind of person who can be left to fend for yourself.


    And the chancellor.


    ''Oh no!��Didn''t you just tell us that you would have our protection?


    Well, there are limits to that, I suppose. There''s no limit to the number of people who will want to take advantage of you, even if it''s only for a short time.��And if you want to protect and enrich your village from now on, you will have to accept those people and use them to your advantage.


    Uh....!


    Well, now that you mention it, it''s definitely...


    Well, in that case, how about...


    Yes?


    Why don''t you come to the Center Guild for a visit?


    Yes?


    Why would that happen?


    From now on, your existence will be revealed to the public. It would be too much work for you if you had to deal with people who are interested in you. If so, why don''t you go and introduce yourself to them?


    To the Central Guild?


    Most of the best in the world are there. If you let them know where you stand and what you think, they will be less likely to approach you with self-serving expectations.


    ''Less''?


    It''s not going to be zero, is it?


    But well, even so, it still seems like it''s worth doing, and the chancellor has a point.


    And now I''m also interested in the heart of the human territory as a member of the human race.


    It might be a good idea to go out and see things while you''re at it.


    With Malika and Gran together ... a family trip?


    ...that might be a good idea.


    I''ve made up my mind.


    As a human tribe, I''m heading to the Center Guild as the chief of Lax Village.

 149-148 Dariel honors successful performers

    Now, before we move on to the next story, there''s something we need to do.


    Cleanup.


    The bandits who attacked the village of Lax, about a hundred people.


    In fact, it seems accurate to say that the number is a little less than a hundred, maybe a little less than a hundred.


    All of them were captured alive and made to be unable to move.


    Since the number is so large, guild knights sent by the Center Guild will be sent out to send them to an incarceration facility exclusively for illegal adventurers.


    As a result of the investigation, the rogue adventurers who attacked Lux village were all adventurers who belonged to the guilds of the towns and villages.


    Moreover, they are of low rank, such as D class and C class.


    According to the investigation, they were all of difficult personalities and had a bad reputation in the local guilds, and were isolated without a party.


    Most of the people who attacked Lux village.


    Because they were such numbskulls, the disappearance of these people was refreshing, and no one in the various guilds cared about them.


    .........


    What can be inferred from the above is that Inferno had set a certain standard for those he brainwashed to be his subordinates.


    That their character is twisted.


    A rottenness of character.


    He liked to control such people with brainwashing magic.


    What does that mean?


    Of course, there is also the view that those who are unable to control themselves like that are more likely to fall prey to brainwashing magic.


    However, I feel that the selection criteria set up by Inferno have an additional meaning........


    If it''s impossible to draw conclusions with the information we have now, there''s no point in thinking about it.


    I''ve decided to set my mind to another treatment.


    It''s my way of thanking those who worked so hard on this case.


    I was away from the village at a critical time, me.


    I have to thank the people who protected the village in my absence, even if it was necessary for the mission.


    That''s why the first person I called out to was Reedy.


    After all, he''s a brave man, and I''m sure he did a great job in defense.


    "I didn''t do anything in particular........!


    Huh?


    But Radey was depressed.


    He was bitter that he didn''t play much of a role in the defense.


    ''Come to think of it...!��The ones who first attacked the group were Gasita and Zevi...!��Gacita-kun stabs the enemy full of arrows and Zebi blows them away with the wind...!��I just watched it...!


    No, no, no...!


    After the full-scale attack, all the adventurers in the village came out to intercept them, and to our credit, everyone did...��I''m a brave man and I have to work harder than anyone else...!


    ''Hey, I don''t know what it is, but it''s okay, okay?��I''m sure Radey did a great job, right?


    I was more of a comforter.


    ''See, I''m sure Radey was on the brave side of commanding everyone, right?��Because group warfare is all about coordination, right?


    Is that right?


    ''Yes!��The only person who can represent and command everyone is the brave Radie!


    Did we manage to follow through?


    I''ve done my best!


    On the other hand, the Zebiantes girls are very energetic.


    She was very active in spotting the magic modus operandi used by the enemies, and many of the enemies were actually blown away and neutralized by wind magic or something like that.


    What about the fact that this guy was part of the defense battle in the first place? I don''t know if it''s true or not.


    But I''d have to give credit where credit is due.


    I wasn''t there.


    "Oh, great...?


    ''What?��That''s not enough praise!��If it wasn''t for me, the village would have been destroyed, so you must praise them with all your heart and soul!


    "Oh, yes, yes. Great, great...?


    More praise!


    Great, great, great, great...?


    Praise still!��More and more!


    ''''Shut up!


    Rather early on, I run out of patience and throw Zebiantes away.


    Let''s go next, one after another!


    ''Gacita, you did a really good job again!


    As a prefect of my brother, it''s only natural!


    It''s this humility.


    I want Zebiantes to learn from it.


    "I heard that Gacita held off the first group that attacked her by herself?


    ''Shit!��But I was scared shitless because no matter how many sticks I put in him, he never showed any signs of fear!��Even more so when the bow and arrow are within range!


    Hmm.


    You did well to get through such a predicament. In the end, I heard that Gacita didn''t let a single person into the village without putting herself in danger as well, so you did well.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who''s interested in it. It must be hard to deal with an enemy that has cut through your painful senses?


    ''Oof!��But in the middle of the process, I said, ''If you''re not scared of pain, why don''t you just force him to pass out?'' That''s what I realized and I switched tactics!


    Gashita had mastered the technique of manipulating the aura in the arrows to shock the inside of the target and stun them the moment they were hit.


    ''''When did that happen?'''' I thought, but it''s true that there''s nothing more effective against this enemy than that technique.


    So, after quickly taking out the first enemy, I went to the village to help out!


    That''s a great success.


    In the village, all the adventurers belonging to Lax Village intercepted them, and it was another great success.


    Sesha and Satome, who belonged to the brave party.


    Altamir, who has come to live in the village as Gasita''s wife.


    And Leelina, who just recently started settling in our home.


    It was only by everyone working together that we were able to protect our village from any damage at all.


    As the village chief, I can''t thank you enough.


    Even though the plan was to ''save Selmet and crush the enemy''s head'', you did a good job during my absence, when I shouldn''t have left the village.


    For your efforts, I''ll reward you through the guild in the form of a special reward.


    And finally.


    There was one more thing I should focus on.


    It''s our Malika.


    When I came back and was told, ''Your wife was fighting too!'' my heart almost stopped.


    I hurriedly returned and questioned her, but she said she was really fighting.


    Fortunately, he wasn''t injured and was rather baffled again when I heard that he had fought like a lion.


    ''''What are you doing!'''' But Malika is resolute, saying it''s her natural role as the wife of the village chief, so she can''t say anything.


    So I can''t say anything.


    At least a word.........


    The only thing that I can think of is the fact that I heard that they took Gran to the front line, but why?��They''re just babies, okay?��It''s too dangerous, isn''t it?


    I protested.........


    ''Gran is your son. When he grows up, he will have to help you and protect the village. You must become strong. It can''t hurt to get used to the atmosphere of battle while you''re here.


    You''re too strict, Mom.


    Too strict?


    Let the baby experience the air of a battlefield for a baby that''s not even a year old yet?


    It''s okay. She''s your child. I wouldn''t be as drastic as I am if it was someone else''s child. He''s Gran, who has inherited your talent, so I don''t think he''s this much of a problem, and I think he needs this much.


    No....!


    You don''t even know if he has any sense yet.


    Just when I felt that I needed to have a good discussion with Malika about the policy on childcare, a noise came from the side.


    ''''Yah, but the village chief''s wife was amazing!


    "Slash, strike and defend, you can use all the aura characteristics!��The same as the village chief, what is that couple!


    .....


    What did you say?


    Maleeka has used all four Aura characteristics?


    That''s ridiculous.


    There are strengths and weaknesses in aura aptitudes, and if there is something you are good at, there will always be something you are not good at.


    There is no such thing as a ''great at everything''.


    The exception to this is Arantzill, who is praised as the strongest and most courageous man of all time.


    I inherit that bloodline and I am also blessed with all the aptitudes.


    But outside of that bloodline, how is it possible for the supposedly non-existent Aptitude to appear out of the bloodline?


    And my wife...?


    That''s too good to be a coincidence.


    Not if it''s a member of me and Mr. Alanziel''s bloodline, but...?


    ''Yeah?''


    Then I realized that there was already one more in my bloodline.


    If it''s someone with my bloodline, there''s already one more.


    Moreover, Marika had been holding the child to her chest during the entire battle.


    ''''Gran.......is that you?''''


    Today, Mysan still looks self-conscious on her mother''s chest.


    Has this child blossomed into an exceptional talent and demonstrated his aura through his mother''s body?


    Does that mean that Maleeka was a warrior through it?


    Seriously, is that you?


    Gran doesn''t answer.


    There is no way he could have solved the words at his age, and he only made an expression as if he was accepting things as they are.


    .........


    Well, let''s not jump to conclusions.


    The only thing we''ve found out is that ''my child is a genius''.


    My child is a genius!

 150-149 Gran Verza visits the front (Shitenno side)

    Rasperda Fortress.


    It was visited by the previous Four Heavenly Kings, Glamberza.


    The name of the visit was an inspection tour.


    Dear Mr. Granberza...!


    Welcome....!


    The person who greets you is the current commander of the fortress defense.


    That is to say, the two of the Four Heavenly Kings, Droyer and Bezzeria, were the ones to greet you.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this in the future.


    ''''There''s no need to fear. You are the ones in charge of the current Demon King''s Army.''''


    No, sir. No. I am ashamed to admit that my record of disappointing results has been stacked against me, and I am ashamed to disgrace the reputation I inherited from my father.


    The Four Heavenly Kings ''Fertile Ground'' Doroye said.


    He had an auspicious manner and a calmness befitting the leader of the Four Heavenly Kings of the day.


    ''''Unnecessary humility. I''m sure you already know why I''ve come to this land.''''


    The reason why the predecessor Granbaza went to the Rasperda Fortress, which should be called the front line.


    It was to avenge the recent battle victory.


    Defeating the brave.


    Three heroes from the human side appeared and attempted to fall the fortress, but the Four Heavenly Kings, who guarded the facility, fought hard.


    The fortress was defended, and the three heroes were defeated and escaped.


    Their success was recognized by the home territory of the demon tribe as a spectacular achievement.


    This was a clear victory, which could be said to be the first time since the New Four Heavenly Kings were established.


    That result was considered good news for the Demon King''s army as well.


    It was a courtesy call on the strongest four Heavenly Kings of all time to add even more flair.


    ''''It was a brilliant job. Defeating the brave is the most important duty of the four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army. You have done a great job of defeating the brave men, the most important duty of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army. You should be proud of yourselves.


    ''No, this time, the human side of the movement is unclear. There were three brave men who should have always been alone in human society.


    To Droyer and the others who don''t know the situation on the Center Guild''s side, this is truly a bizarre phenomenon.


    The three of them hadn''t had a female hero among them who had attacked them until then.��In total, if you add it up, does that mean there are a total of four brave men in existence at the same time?


    Muddy Water'' Bezzeria.


    Although he is recognized as the cynic of the four heavenly kings of the day, he stiffens up in front of the strongest of all time.


    The first time I saw it, I was in the middle of a battle," he said, "and the brave men I defeated escaped at a crucial point. I cannot apologize to the Demon King for my lack of attention to detail.


    Good, the three of you are holding your own. I''m sure the demon king will be very pleased with your work.


    Originally, the Four Heavenly Kings were organized by the four ultimate mages of earth, water, fire and wind.


    However, the Four Heavenly Kings of the day lacked one person who was in charge of ''fire''.


    He died the other day.


    Moreover, the Four Heavenly Kings'' most important duty was not to fight against the brave men, but rather to fight at a completely unrelated place.


    Since then, the Four Heavenly Kings had been forced to work with the three members of the Earth Water Wind.


    And Granbaza, who had already retired in that matter, remembered his responsibilities.


    Because the dead Four Heavenly Kings were none other than his own son.


    For the unseemly blunder by his relatives, Glambarza worked to settle the situation as if to make amends.


    He was practically back on active duty.


    Direct combat action on the front lines was left to the active youths, but he assumed the leadership of the army in the rear.


    Thanks to this, the military system, which had been in turmoil since the transition to the New Four Heavenly Kings, has finally been restored to order.


    ''''I said there were three of them, but I can only see two faces in this place. How is the other one doing?


    ''Uh.........''


    Droyer and Bezelia get a difficult look on their faces.


    Then just at the right time, I should say, one of the topics of conversation appears.


    ''''O-hah, I guess I''m going to work seriously today too!


    Zebianthes of the Four Heavenly Kings ''Huafu''.


    Let''s all work cheerfully. The food you eat after working is delicious!


    "You''re the last one to arrive!��What do you mean, you''re the last one here?��They all started working much earlier than you!


    Drolleh lashes out at his colleagues who are working as executives.


    Didn''t I tell you not to be late today!��Didn''t I tell you to get here before I had a special event?��And now you''ve got to do something stupid!


    What the hell is today?��It''s a curry day for lunch?��Gobu?


    The giant palm grabs Zebiantes'' head in a feckless attitude.


    ''This is the day I come to treat you guys. Didn''t you know?


    Tada tada tada tada!��Lady Grambarza, your head hurts!��How dare you show your gratitude at all!


    The other four Heavenly Kings look on in disbelief.


    You are free to go to any extent with the Zebiantes.


    The rest of the Four Heavenly Kings look on in disbelief.��Stop it!��I want you to stop holding your head in your hands!��It''s really a good idea to have the brain cracked open and a lot of things are going to leak out!


    However, for Grumberza, it''s quite hateful to the free Zebiantes.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    But in order to atone for the mismanagement of his own son, he is engaged in the work of the Demon King''s Army and has not been able to return to the village of Lux.


    And yet, to say that I hated Zeviantes, who was still on active duty but came and went freely in the village of Lax, was enough to kill me.


    ''''I''d rather just crack his head open like this...!


    ''''Geez!��It''s a real murderous rage!��It''s the Demon King''s Army Black, where being late is enough to get you killed!


    Of course, Grampaza is a good adult, so he had the reins in his heart.


    I''m not going to crack your skull, but I''m going to hold it down enough to crack it and free the Zebiantes.


    ''Well, all of you are as much trouble from my foolishness as you are from my foolishness. I have nothing to complain about.


    ''That''s right!��We are all victims of your stupid son!��You could sue me, you know, with more compassion...!��I''m sorry, I''m sorry, I''m sorry!��I''m sorry, I''m sorry!


    "''Why do you go out there to hurt yourself...? It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on it.


    It''s a good idea to make sure that you''re not going to have to worry about the fact that you''re not going to have to worry about the fact that you''re not going to have to worry about the fact that you''re not going to have to worry about the fact that you''re not going to have to worry about the fact that you''re not going to have to worry about the fact that you''re not going to have to worry about the fact that you''re not going to have to worry about the fact that you''re not going to have to worry about the fact that you''re not going to have to worry about it.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time with your friends.


    It''s not exactly a rescue mission. It''s just that they were afraid that Gram-Bazaar''s anger would be directed at them.


    And so, he tried his best to change the subject.


    ''How do you like the view of the Rasperda fortress after all these years?��Did Master Granberza intercept the heroes here many times when he was in service?


    Hmm.


    Abandoning Poi and Zebiantes, Granvaza looks out at the landscape outside.


    To the majestic landscape that can be viewed from the fortress.


    The face-to-face ceremony with Glambarza was being held at the observation deck with the best view in the fortress to show its welcome.


    It''s a view that I miss. To me, this view was an abominable curse. For the strongest enemy will always come from beyond...


    During Granbaza''s time in active service, he fought the great brave Arantzill, who was also praised as the strongest, many times here at Laspada Fortress.


    Sometimes the fortress was taken away from them, and on those occasions they would make a plan to retake it and, after a desperate charge, regain it.


    "All that remains of this land are the memories of hard fought battles...


    But he was able to reconcile with Aranzir, who he thought would continue to fight as his sworn enemy for as long as he lived, with the new life he had been born with in the bloodline of Dariel.


    A new era had arrived.


    An era with a different hue from the battle-hardened era of Granbaza.


    ''''Well as the standard-bearers of that era, you are still unreliable, though.


    Droyer and the others shrugged as they were told frankly.


    The new girls were almost twenty-something. They were still too young to represent the era.


    The generation that is truly mature and full of power and fatty to represent the era would be the thirties.


    If you can match that........


    ''''........''''


    A sensation as itching as a parent''s, Glambarza learned in the Las Pada fortress.


    He remembered Lasperda fortress, the stage of his most fiery days.


    I am old and distant, but I would like to see a new era of color with my own eyes.


    Sorry Daga, you''ll never see the new era through.


    A too rude thing to say to the strongest Four Heavenly Kings.


    The current Four Heavenly Kings looked around, wondering what kind of big idiot he was.


    Then the monster was there.


    He was covered by a red lotus cloak that was blindingly red and covered his entire body, making it impossible to see inside.


    The red-cloaked monster.


    ''''Wha?��When did this guy.........?


    Droyer is startled and alarmed.


    I''m going to have to say that I''m not going to be able to get my hands on any of this stuff.


    It was too different.


    "This guy looks familiar!��You''re the one that took those brave men away the other day!


    Are you the handmaiden of the humans?��How dare you allow them to intrude this far...?


    The current Four Heavenly Kings raise their vigilance level to the maximum in one fell swoop.


    But the red cloak........Inferno doesn''t care about the young elite to the extent of a small fly, pouring his gaze straight into Grumberza.


    ''''You are Grumberza........ The Four Heavenly Kings of this era?''''


    "I''m long retired. I''m done with the young people in this room.


    ''It doesn''t matter. From what I''ve heard, you''re respected by Dana, aren''t you?


    ''''What?!''''


    Dariel''s name comes out of nowhere, and Grumberza''s caution goes up a notch.


    I''m sure you''re not the only one. It''s a good thing that you''re able to get the best out of this. I will do everything I can to obtain it. That''s why I''m the greatest man of our time.


    The Monster Inferno.


    It has returned to life.


    "Die for our great purpose.

 151-150 The Spirit Reveals (Shitenno side)

    The power of the inferno that appeared in the Rasperda Fortress was overwhelming.


    The soldiers of the Demon King''s Army, who were assigned to guard the fortress, were left and right.


    ''''Enemy attack!��"We''re going to get attacked!


    What''s the matter?��Move on!��The Four Heavenly Kings are in trouble!


    No, we can''t get any closer, the battle is too fierce!��If we get too close, we''ll be blown to pieces!


    The battles are in a different dimension...?


    It''s not just Granberza.


    Even though Droyer, Bezelia, and even Zebiantes were fighting unusually seriously, their opponents were not the slightest bit intimidated.


    ''''Ahhhh, Darri........''''


    The red-cloaked Inferno looked down at the enemy, probably in a distracted manner.


    Most of the personnel were already down on one knee from chasing damage and losing their strength.


    ''''What........?


    ''''Strong........?��That''s ridiculous. Definitely better than the heroes...?


    Both Bezelia and Droyer were at the mercy of the appearance of a strong enemy that was so sudden.


    And even more than that, Zeviantes was confused.


    ''''What does this mean...?''''


    She was the only one who had experienced the recent battle in Lux Village.


    ''You''re supposed to be dead!��They said that Dariel killed you with her own hands!


    What?��What do you mean...?


    Ignoring Droyer''s reaction, Zebiantes growled.


    It''s impossible for him to lie!��How did they manage to trick him into getting away with it!


    "Shut up! What does it matter? You''re dead from now on...


    Inferno continued to speak in another distracted tone.


    This is also a tone of voice he has never had before.


    ''''Hey ? Don''t go on talking without permission ?


    Ika Nemo. Today''s target is the only demon tribe called Gram-Burza. In fact, I''d rather have the other mooks be the living witnesses to Grumberza''s end.


    Daryl, you have to tell Daryl how you crush him up into little pieces and torture him into little pieces.


    ''His heart is torn out and hatred takes over Yoni.


    It was eerie.


    Multiple voice tones were clearly leaking out of one person''s body.


    ''''What is that guy really...?


    ''''It''s not a human, it''s not a demon race. It''s a monster, he''s a monster...?


    Even the strongest of the demon race, the Four Heavenly Kings, were overwhelmed by this monstrosity.


    Everyone was aware of its abnormalities.


    ''''........I understand. So we should just concentrate on killing that old man, right?


    Aboozu is a handsome handsome handsome handsome talker who is all talkative as soon as his handsome Siegfriedgel dick disappears.


    He was annoying. I don''t want you to get upset. I''m really grateful that you''re gone.


    Inferno held out his hands from within his cloak.


    Chains were hanging from each of the ten fingers extending from those hands.


    A total of ten chains.


    As soon as he saw it, the expression of the Four Heavenly Kings froze.


    ''''Hee!


    ''''He''s coming back!��Prepare for impact!


    From Droyer''s warning, it wasn''t even an instant before the impact actually came.


    ''''Black rope stiffening impulse!''''


    A pitch-black aura travels to the inferno''s wielding chain, creating a whirling, caustic shockwave.


    The Four Heavenly Kings tried to cancel out the attacks with their respective attribute special magic, but they were defeated without a single resistance.


    The chains filled with jet-black hit aura reached each of the Four Heavenly Kings with the same power and kicked them apart as if they were flying pieces of wood.


    ''''Ugyaaaaaah!


    ''''Kyaaaaaaaah!''''


    The Four Heavenly Kings are treated as children.


    It was a nightmare for the Demon King''s army.


    ''''What strength...!��So the story about making Dariel struggle was serious...?


    Alone, Zebiantes, who could compare the strength of all places, shuddered at the desperate situation.


    Dariel was strong, but his strength was on another level.


    So much so that Zeviantes had once fought him one-on-one and was unable to stand up to him.


    The fact that Dariel had defeated him in a hard fight, it was no wonder that he was able to touch the current Four Heavenly Kings in his armor sleeve.


    It was strange that there were two or three people with such super strength, though.


    And the other former strongest was already about to sink.


    Glamberza was covered in blood all over and was cowering.


    He had been the one who had received the most chain attacks from Inferno so far.


    He stooped to protect the young juniors and prevented the chains with his full strength magic flame barrier.


    The first blow was prevented. He was able to prevent the second blow as well, but not from the third.


    He had retired from active duty and didn''t have that much strength left.


    ''''.........Yo, is this the strongest?��The demon race is getting weak.


    The chains are released from Inferno''s hands again.


    Grambarza also moves in response.


    ''''Magic Flame Barrier!''''


    A wall of fierce fire stands to protect Grumberza, but it was shattered in an instant by the black chains and tore down to Grumberza who is beyond it.


    ''''Guaaaahhhh?!''''


    The running chains split the skin and burrowed deep into the body, popping the flesh.


    A tremendous painful attack.


    It was a lewd method of attack with the intention of tormenting the opponent more than necessary.


    ''''Old Squid. Poor old Squid.


    From behind the cloak of the inferno, yet another tone of voice can be heard.


    It''s too late to take your body to the point where it is full of life. It''s a shame, it''s a shame. Old age is indeed an ugly thing.


    ..........


    Glamberza didn''t have the strength to stand up.


    The strength of the whole body is gone with the blood.


    It''s a good thing that you don''t have to give your beauty a rest before it shows its ugliness. I want to be able to live forever as a part of you. I want to hate myself.


    "You horrible creature...


    Glamberza said.


    He sounded calm, not unlike a desperate predicament.


    ''I don''t know, but I decline. I''m horrified to be in your league.''


    ....


    ''I don''t think my old self is so bad. My time is long gone. But still, it''s a rather wonderful time if old age is the time to watch the new ones that are about to begin...


    Granbaza failed to raise an heir.


    His own son Bashbarza ended up destroying himself without inheriting anything from his father.


    But still, if Dariel would survive, if there was anything that could be passed on from Dariel further to Gran.


    Granbaza''s life would be saved as it was significant.


    ''Zebiantes. ...Tell Dariel. Don''t be angry or sad when I die. It''s all natural.


    ''Lady Grandfather!��You must run away!


    It is the most horrible thing to defy nature. This foreign body must be destroyed for good.


    There was no longer a drop of resistance left in Granbaza.


    The final force from the inferno runs.


    The black chain that is released.


    It seemed that this time it was going to cut both sides of Glambasa''s body, just before it did.


    The chain rebounded.


    Hardened after the soil rose from around Clumbersa''s surroundings. Completely blocking the enemy''s attack.


    ''''Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!


    Not only that, the inferno is blown away with the entire body.


    It''s the most advanced magical defense that is too perfect.


    "earth flow barrier!��Droyer!


    When Zeviantes turned around, Droyer shook his head widely from side to side.


    He said it wasn''t him.


    ''''........between heaven and earth. All are inseparable and universal.''''


    Someone said.


    That someone stood in front of Glambarza, standing in front of him to protect him.


    ''''Da........who.......?''''


    Even Grumberza couldn''t grasp the sudden situation.


    I have no idea who the mysterious someone who would have saved me was either.


    He was small like a boy, crisp looking, and blindingly white.


    The all-white boy confronts the red-cloaked monster.


    ''You aaaaah!��You aaaaaaaaah!


    Inferno faced the white boy with a fierce spirit that had never been seen before.


    It was as if he was a cat meeting a fierce dog, or a mouse meeting a sensitive cat.


    ''What surprises you?��As you''ve come up from hell. I can get down there, too. To get you back to where you belong.


    ''''Oh, you''re not...?


    Even the older Granberza couldn''t help but show respect to the white boy.


    Such a sacred atmosphere was present in the white boy.


    ''I come from the opposite side of hell. ...Let''s say I''m an apostle of Valhalla.


    An apostle of Valhalla...


    It used to be called. One of the Four Heavenly Kings in the Demon King''s Army...


    The white boy said.


    ''The Ida of "Heaven and Earth".''

 152-151 Great man, Resurrection (Shitenno) side

    "One of the Four Heavenly Kings in the Demon King''s Army...!


    "The Ida of ''Heaven and Earth''...?


    Rasperda Fortress is still in turmoil.


    The red cloak of the tyrant, the inferno, wiped out the four Heavenly Kings, who were supposed to be the strongest of the Demon King''s army.


    Even Grumberza, who was the strongest of them all, was driven to the brink of death as he lost his power due to old age.


    The one who saved the day was an unexpected person.


    We don''t know who it was.


    We don''t even know where he came from.


    But the name that this person could pour out was the honorary title of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    ''''You''ve got to be kidding me!


    The first person to bite him there was Zeviantes.


    He was one of the Four Heavenly Kings and had been given the title of ''Huafu''.


    ''''How can you call yourself the Four Heavenly Kings without asking me?��The name of the Four Heavenly Kings is a lofty one. There''s no excuse for you to call yourself that without permission!


    It is a rare correct argument for her.


    ''And it''s a dumb title, ''Heaven and Earth''!��The current Four Heavenly Kings and the ruler of the earth is this little Droyer!��You are as presumptuous as a mountain in calling yourself the Four Heavenly Kings of the Earth in preference to her!


    "Shut up!


    The person who restrained Xeviantes was Droyer himself, the four heavenly kings, the "Iwo Jima".


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    ''''Don''t you ever learn a little about the past?


    ''''Eh?��What does it mean?


    What does that... or whatever name he''s talking about means much more than that!


    One of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army.


    The Ida of "Heaven and Earth".


    ''''Yes........that name has a far greater meaning than just calling yourself the Four Heavenly Kings.......!


    Bezelia of the Four Heavenly Kings ''Muddy Water'' said.


    ''''The ''Heaven and Earth'' ida is the name of the Four Heavenly Kings that existed far before us. Moreover, he is a great man among the greats who had a rare ability and left many achievements in the past...?


    The Four Heavenly Kings will be replaced.


    The demon race will age, decline and die with the flow of time.


    Even so, in order to protect the demon king forever, the old will be replaced by the young, and this process is repeated countless times until now.


    That''s why there were also countless Four Heavenly Kings before Xeviantes, Droyer and Bezalia.


    For example, the most recent of which was Granbaza, the previous Four Heavenly Kings'' "kagoribi".


    Even though he was severely injured in the inferno attack, he was able to get out of his predicament due to this rare occurrence.


    ''''Speaking of Ida-sama, he is one of the most famous and brave among the Four Heavenly Kings. During his tenure as the Four Heavenly Kings, he has slaughtered more than two hundred brave men. This is a record that has yet to be broken. ........I can call him the greatest earth magician in the history of the demon race.


    The same earth wizard, Droyer, who was given the title of Ida, said.


    ''''But Ida-sama of the ''Heaven and Earth'' is a man from hundreds of years ago...!��There is no way he is still in this world. In other words, this guy in front of me is an infidel who fearfully cheats on the name of Ida-sama!


    Bezelia roared.


    All of the four Heavenly Kings present had received heavy damage from the Inferno earlier, but they were so furious that they seemed to have forgotten even their pain.


    Touching that fury next to him, Droyer had a surprising feeling.


    He hadn''t realized that Bezelia had a personality that revealed her indignation to this extent.


    The usual perception of Bezelia was that she was an elusive cynic.


    However, perhaps he was the one who took the most pride in being the Four Heavenly Kings of his generation.


    ''''Bezzeria...!��Now is not the time to do that. I''m worried about Lady Granberza''s injury...!


    G.........


    ''''With your water magic, I can manipulate your bodily fluids to mitigate the damage to your body. It''s rather fortunate that someone has appeared who can stop that red cloak. While we''re at it, let''s get Lady Granberza patched up...!


    Okay, okay.


    He was given the title of the strongest of the demon race while relying on the salvation of others.


    The current Four Heavenly Kings shuddered in humiliation at this humiliation.


    ''''I don''t know what it is, but we''re saved! It''s a good thing!''''


    Except for one person.


    All the while, the Transcendents were staring at each other and confronting each other.


    ''''It''s a shame. When I returned to this world after a long time, I was the pride of the demon race.''''


    The boy who called himself Ida from the Heaven and Earth said, ''''If the Four Heavenly Kings can make the demon race proud of their achievements, then the Four Heavenly Kings are a disgrace to the demon race.


    ''''If the Four Heavenly Kings who bequeathed their achievements will be the pride of the demon race, then the Four Heavenly Kings who exposed their abominations will be the shame of the demon race.... Don''t you think so, Inferno?


    If Ida, who is enveloped in white light, is the incarnation of the Holy, then the red-clad Inferno is truly demonic.


    ''''No ..., Drismegian, the chief of the Inferno.


    Guru...!��Grrrrrr...!


    The hem of the red cloak flickered even though there was no wind.


    It resembled the flickering of a flame.


    ''What a pity,'' he said, ''that we must hunt and capture your former comrade like an animal. Your former comrade must be hunted and captured like a beast. No matter how much the Demon King commands it, it''s still a painful thing to do.


    "Gogo...!��Kill...!��Ew...!��d*mn it, you look down on me, you look down on me...!


    Both hands are held out from Inferno''s red cloak.


    A total of ten long chains hang from each of those fingers.


    ''You''re not a Drismegian. You''re a small fry that he keeps.


    ''f*ck!��Did you call me a minnow?��Yeah, I''m sick of this shit.��All the scum from heaven that look down on me!��I''m here to drag you guys down...!


    Following the movement of Inferno''s hand, the chains swirl around.


    A thudgy black aura clings to its surface.


    ''It''s crawled up from the depths of the earth!��To pull you all down from your heights!


    Ten streaks of jet black impact are released.


    The chain whip strike, surrounded by a dark hit (strike) aura, has a serious impact that could even kick away the Four Heavenly Kings.


    In fact, even Granbaza, even though he was old, couldn''t help himself with that special move.


    An attack that far surpassed even the Four Heavenly Kings, who were supposed to be incomparable in terms of their combat abilities, and that was beyond reason.


    Exposed in front of it, the boy who claimed to be the strongest Four Heavenly Kings of the past.......


    ''''Nonsense.''''


    He didn''t even wriggle.


    He didn''t put out his hands for defense, nor did he run his feet to evade.


    He taunted the gun chain without moving a finger.


    Rather, the chain avoided Ida.


    There was no way the inferno would fail and miss its target.


    By some inhuman force, the chain was dislodged with the intent to aim at Ida.


    ''You twisted space...?


    It was Droyer, who was caring for Granberza, who caught up with his understanding after witnessing it.


    As the same earth wizard.


    ''''You manipulated the very space we exist in and changed the trajectory of the chain...!��The key to earth magic is the transformation of matter. It can reconfigure the composition of a physical object and even change what it is. An earth magic user who has reached the level of an extinct human being is able to exert his or her influence on space-time...!


    An earth magician who has gained that much action power can control everything between heaven and earth at will.


    ''''Hence, the title given to him is ''Heaven and Earth''.......!


    ''''Then that boy is still...?


    Something beyond comprehension was unfolding in front of Droyer and the others.


    The red cloak was creepy enough, but the white boy who appeared to chase it was also beyond their understanding.


    The strongest four Heavenly Kings that should have existed hundreds of years ago.


    If even the demon race had an old age and a life span, they would not have survived until this time.


    And yet the Ida of ''Heaven and Earth'' exists.


    Its strength, which has already become history, is intact.


    No matter how improbable it was, if it was true, I had to accept it.


    ''''Then I knew that child was...?


    ''''Are you saying that he is the Ida-sama of ''Heaven and Earth''...?��Ridiculous!��Even if he was alive, he''d be an old man with a dried up tree on his back!


    The Ida of Heaven and Earth was alive a few hundred years ago.


    No matter how much magic the demon race has, they cannot live that long without growing old.


    That''s exactly what the existence that can do that........


    There is no one else but the Demon King.


    ''''How long do you plan on hiding?��... my friend.


    Ida from ''Heaven and Earth'' says, fending off the stormy chain attack with ease.


    I''m here to see you. "I''m not here to see you," says Ida, "I''m here to see you, not the little fish you''ve gathered to form this inferno. It''s been a long time since I''ve seen your face. Well, it''s been hundreds of years since I''ve seen you...


    "f*ck f*ck f*ck f*ck...?��You call me a minnow again...?��I''m gonna f*ck you up. You want me to rip it off my chain...?


    f*ck you.


    A voice came from inside the inferno.


    A different voice from the one that had been out in the open until then.


    "Kawale, Aboz. You Gotokideh, he, not a scratch on you.


    ''Wait!��Let me do it!��I''m gonna kill you!��I''m gonna kill every last one of those people who lick me!


    I don''t listen to you, Garbage.


    At that moment, the red cloak''s presence changed.


    The specter with a sufficiently monstrous eeriness from the time it first appeared increased its spectral power even more.


    ''''Huh?��Gagyaaahhhhh!


    It was abrupt.


    The inferno screamed. A scream of lurching pain.


    It''s not a good idea.��Ouch!


    "Ouch, ouch, ouch! ? Don''t come out, ? Don''t come out!


    ''''You''re coming out, a great burden on us...?''''


    Screams of various vocal colors were joined by a duet of screams, and at the same time, various eerie sounds sounded from inside the red cloak.


    Gokari, buzozo, guggy guggy guggy........


    The sounds of various things shattering, breaking and connecting.


    And when everything stopped ringing.........


    "....wait for your friend...


    Yeah, really. It''s been a long time.


    The strongest of the four Heavenly Kings in the past said.


    "The next time I saw you, I was sure your sins would be forgiven by the Dark Lord and we would meet again in Valhalla. That''s why I''m sorry to see you here. Lord of the Inferno...


    No..........


    "One of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, the Drismegian of ''Shaka''.

 153-152 Fortress, fly away (Shitenno side)

    The change in the red cloak''s presence was fully perceived by the Four Heavenly Kings who were watching from the side.


    The killing air was so thick that it was impossible to pretend not to notice it.


    Even the current Four Heavenly Kings, the strongest of the Demon Clan, shuddered at the denseness of the air.


    ''''What in the world is going on...?


    ''''I don''t know, I don''t know but...?''''


    While receiving the honor of being the strongest of the demon clan, I can''t get out of the realm of being a bystander.


    It was the greatest humiliation, but there was a sense of intimidation here that blocked their movements even after being humiliated.


    The one who recited that name was the injured Granbaza.


    Until Ida rushed in, Grumberza was most exposed and damaged by the inferno''s attacks.


    It was difficult to breathe, let alone move.


    "Did he call himself that........?��Indeed.........?


    ''''Master Grumberza!��Please be careful........?


    "I''m being cared for by the current Four Heavenly Kings....


    "How did you know that name here...?��Isn''t it possible that no one knows about it...?


    What is the meaning of this?��The name is unfamiliar to me...?


    The name of the great ''Heaven and Earth'' ida from the past had already been mentioned.


    In the same way, there were several names of the Four Heavenly Kings that shone in history, but none of them had the title of ''Sa Fire''.


    ''''Isn''t he an ordinary genius Four Heavenly King who didn''t make any significant achievements anyway?��So it''s not particularly well known...!


    ''''No, it''s not surprising that you don''t know the Doris Megian of ''Sa Fire''...!


    Glamberza''s tone was not just from the pain caused by his wounds.


    There was a greater urgency in his tone than that.


    ''''His name is a cursed name that has been erased from history. Why is that here and now...?


    I''m going to ask.


    In the meantime, red and white continued to confront each other.


    The white boy was simply holy. The red cloak was just evil.


    ''''As you already know, I was ordered by the Demon King to come here.''''


    First of all, Ida from Heaven and Earth said, "I''m here to bring you out of hell.


    ''To bring you out of hell, no, to bring you back.


    ..........


    ''You''ve done a terrible job. You took a moment when the lid of hell was open to escape. It''s not just a place to make people suffer. It''s a place to atone for your sins through pain. If you had spent decades or centuries in there, you''d have been able to come to us.


    He says in a pitying tone.


    "Now we''re back to square one. Centuries of pain and suffering for you have been wasted.


    "Waste of time,


    The red cape replied.


    A different tone of voice than before.


    ''''Hate Cimino......... .........


    Gali, gerrymandered.


    And more, ''''Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. A scream sounded.


    '' ''........Excuse me, it was meant to be an increase in hatred. That''s my best food.''''


    You still can''t get rid of your obsession?


    Furthermore, Ida from The Heaven and Earth says, "You are the best fire wizard in history, without a doubt.


    "You are the greatest fire wizard in history, without a doubt. Your feats should be celebrated for years to come.


    That''s why the Demon King condemned me to Hell. That hatred, that anger. That''s something I''ll never get rid of.


    The Red Cloak spreads its arms.


    "So that''s why I''m out of hell. "Therefore, I got out of hell, together with my comrades. The best of the best, who have not lost their spine under the torture of hell.


    I don''t understand your stupidity.


    A sternness dwells on the ida of "Heaven and Earth".


    ''Do you think you can get revenge by gaining a few friends?��Demon King. You know more about His omnipotence than anyone else.


    Everyone knows that he is omniscient and omnipotent. But to know the true meaning of omniscience and omnipotence, one must have the ability to know.


    What I mean by that is...


    "No one understands him better than me. I''m the one who understands the Demon King better than anyone else.


    "Then why hasn''t it occurred to you?��He said no one can defeat the demon king.


    That''s your limit. You''re the one who''s so hyped up as a hero that you''re just another piece of his collection, yours.


    You think Valhalla is the Demon King''s collection box?


    ''What other implications are there?��No, it''s not just Valhalla. Hell is just another toy box for him. This world. Everything in this world is for his amusement. Doesn''t that strike you as odd?


    The Demon King is the master of the world. It''s inevitable.


    You gave in. You accepted it. But I''m not. We''re gonna cut out the distortions and make it right.


    A hand of the red cloak is held out to Ida.


    "It''s good to see you after all these years. It''s good to see that we do not understand each other after all.


    You''re a veritable Master of Hell, aren''t you?


    The next moment, flames were released from Inferno''s hands.


    The flames were so large that it was confusing to call them flames.


    It was now on a scale that could be described as a wildfire as it appeared.


    The entire Rasperda Fortress was engulfed in flames.


    ''''Whaaaaaaah?��"''Water flow barrier''!


    The side of the confrontation. The magical water barrier put up by the Four Heavenly Kings Bezalia successfully protected them from the heat of the flames for fun.


    Droyer, Zebiantes and Glambarza all escaped the difficulty by being inside the water barrier.


    ''What is this mess of fire!��Is it magic!��But to burn through such a scale without chanting...!��And in seconds?


    Can''t be...?��The soldiers who were packed into the fortress...?


    Thousands of Demon King''s Army soldiers were stationed in the Lasperda Fortress, where the battle took place, to defend against the clutches of the brave men.


    They are not of the Four Heavenly King class and I don''t think they can use defensive magic that can deal with this great flame heat.


    Then..........


    ''''It''s a good thing I gave them the order to leave.......!��All the soldiers abandoned the fortress and evacuated, otherwise how many burnt bodies would have been created...?


    When did we do that?


    Everyone is surprised at Bezelia''s deftness.


    In that case, we''ll get out of here as soon as possible!��How many lives won''t be enough to stand in this attic!


    ''''How can we, who are the pinnacle of the Demon King''s army, not find out what''s at the heart of this?��We can''t even intervene in the situation for free, and it''s a disgrace. We have to at least see what''s going on.


    ''''This guy is so serious!


    The great flame fever that half destroyed Lasperda Fortress in just a moment, but it didn''t get through to Ida, the key ''Heaven and Earth''.


    In the midst of the blazing flames, she was standing as if nothing was happening.


    ''''........You''ve blocked the flames and heat with your entire space. That''s the face of ''Heaven and Earth'' indeed.


    ''Yes, everything that lies between heaven and earth is at my mercy. As long as it is within the confines of space, neither fire, water, nor wind can be a threat to me.


    ''I stepped on the fact that if you burned out a large area, even a spatial distortion wouldn''t cover it. You''ve further honed your magic in Valhalla.


    With just a glance from Ida, the flames quietly disappeared.


    All of space was crushed.


    ''''Surrender and beg for the mercy of the Demon King. You cannot defeat me, the master of space, in space. In other words, you are no match for me.


    No, I''ll win.


    The Red Cloak still holds up a hand.


    "There is something in space that transcends space. It is the mind.


    ....


    People''s thoughts, feelings and souls. It transcends space and time, and it can reach anywhere, and it''s everywhere. Ida, you know that. You know how this Drismegian became the most powerful fire magician in the world.


    ...translate thoughts and feelings directly into heat. You''re the only wizard in history who was able to do so. Normally this would be a feat that would qualify you for the highest ranks of Valhalla.


    Ida says with an imploring smile.


    ''You were wrong. You have made a crucial error in the use of this feat. And now, of all things, you''ve chosen hatred as the form of your heart as the source of your heat!


    ''Hate is the most violent form of mind that burns. It makes sense.


    Turning hatred into the power of fire.


    That is the worst ability that Inferno possesses.


    The evil flame released from it far exceeds normal magic flames.


    ''''Gyaaaaah ? Uhiyaaah ?''''


    At that moment, a scream came from inside the Inferno.


    The voice of a different thing than the one that is now the subject of the inferno.


    "The ida is a formidable foe. No one can burn them down except with such fire.


    Oh no! That doesn''t mean that I''m going to be burned out and disappear, ?? my soul will disappear and become a piece of cinders!


    ''''Your souls, seared by the agony of hell and tainted with hatred, are fuel for the very best. I originally wanted to use them as a trump card to burn down the Demon Lord, but it can''t be helped.


    "No! I don''t want to disappear? I don''t want to disappear? I''d rather be in hell than disappear? I don''t want to disappear? I don''t want to disappear? I don''t want to disappear!


    ''It''s an unseemly scum. But it''s that kind of selfish ego that will burn well. The source of thought is the soul. The soul is the source of the strongest flame. The soul, which is steeped in hatred and self-love, is the best burning agent...


    ''No! Oh no! Handsome!''


    "Ida, take it. The flame of the soul that transcends space...


    That moment.


    The Rasperda Fortress disappeared.

 154-153 Ida starts tracking (Shitenno side)

    The Rasperda Fortress was the largest fortress in the world.


    It was located on the border between human and demon territory, and was built at the intersection of the border and the line that connects the strongholds of the two camps in a straight line.


    Because of its location, it was the most important base of operations for the battle between humans and demons, and thus the huge fortress was built.


    At the end of the war, it was reconstructed and grew to an unparalleled size, but today, that history is over.


    The Rasperda Fortress has evaporated and disappeared.


    It was consumed by a conflagration so great that it engulfed the world''s largest fortress in an instant.


    Even though it was piled up with the finest stone and covered with multiple layers of defensive magic, it couldn''t withstand it for an instant, crossing the boiling point and returning to nothingness.


    The soldiers who escaped from the fortress after receiving an urgent order from the Four Heavenly Kings witnessed the scene.


    ''''A horrifying fire engulfed the fortress and extinguished it''''....


    ��


    "...why are you alive?��We?


    The current Four Heavenly Kings were scattered like wreckage after everything was too cleanly gone to be called a burned-out area.


    They were all safe and sound in their five bodies.


    Even though they were definitely within the area of effect of the extreme flames released by Inferno.


    No creature could survive while bathed in the super-high heat that even vaporized the fortress.


    Then why were they able to survive?


    A boy of white light descended from the heavens.


    There is no way that Ida, who can manipulate space, would be able to float in the air.


    ''It was a horrible evil flame. I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work. I didn''t expect it to be this tremendous.''''


    ''''You........you''re the one who protected us.......?


    Bezelia could no longer avoid paying her respects to the boy.


    He called himself a great man who existed hundreds of years ago. The caution paid to such an outlandish opponent can''t be dispelled in front of the competence shown in person.


    I was so busy minimizing the power of his fire that I couldn''t pay attention to anything else. I''m not sure I''ve ever been able to get away with it. It''s disappointing to have existed for a few hundred years.


    ''''Then I knew it was still........?''''


    Bezelia shuddered.


    She wondered if this boy was really the Ida of ''Heaven and Earth'' who left behind a brilliant and heroic name in the history of the demon race.


    ''''Even if it distorts and ruptures space. ''''That fire jumped over and tried to consume everything. In the end, the damage would have been more widespread if it hadn''t been suppressed with pure magical pressure. ........Terrifying. A truly terrifying flame.


    When I was told, it occurred to Bezelia too.


    The heat is so great that the great architecture of the fortress will evaporate without a trace. Normally, the damage would not be confined to the fortress alone, but would have to spread to the surrounding area dozens of times.


    However, the reason why the fortress only disappeared neatly is because someone desperately fought back to make it so.


    ''''Because of that, I''ve used up most of my magic power.......I can''t fulfill the mission given to me by the Demon Lord with this.


    That''s not all.


    The white boy had been exposed to the extreme heat of the flames and was disfigured to the point of disfigurement.


    Both of his hands and feet were burned out and burned out, and his cross-section was charred to black.


    Every surface of its body had been burned by the heat, and there was no trace of the cool, refreshing aspect of its original appearance.


    ''''Even after turning like this, you''re still trying to protect the Demon Domain...?


    If Ida hadn''t suppressed the flaming heat, I don''t know what percentage of the Demon Domain would have been gouged out by the burning heat.


    That''s how tremendous the hellfire was.


    ''''No, not only that, even us...?��What a pity that we, who should be standing on the frontline of the defense of the demon race, are so disappointing...?


    "It wasn''t me who did that.


    What?


    While Ida and Bezellia were talking.


    Granvaza was on his knees, breathing hard.


    He was supported from both sides by Droyer and Zebiantes, who were supporting him between them.


    ''Lady Granbaza!��Be careful!


    You can''t die!


    Glamberza was half-dead from the original Inferno attack.


    On top of that, he was obviously unusually drained.


    His complexion was pale and he was emitting sticky sweat from his entire body.


    ''''Ka........Don''t kill me without permission......!��I''m not going to die until I see Gran standing on her own.......!


    But he was fearless.


    The strongest of the four heavenly kings who would also undoubtedly leave a legacy of heroism in history.


    His original stubbornness was different.


    ''''You were the one who mitigated the flames of the inferno, weren''t you?


    ''Heaven and Earth,'' Ida said.


    Granberza replies while disturbing her breath.


    ''''........Sorcery is a branch of magic that belongs to the fire attribute magic. It intertwines magic with the action of a person''s mind to manifest an odd form of action.''''


    Sometimes it works to twist even the laws of matter.


    The special magic that Granbaza positions as the ultimate profound magic, ''Ano Screaming Pyrotechnic Uninterrupted Flame Hell'', also has a black flame added by the spellcraft that burns out the target even more than the normal flame heat.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on it. It''s a magic that can come in contact with the flickering of people''s hearts. That red cloak''s last magic is its ultimate type...?


    ''''As expected of the flame wizard Glamberza, who is known as the ancient and modern warrior. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this. You''re not going to be able to get your hands on any of them. You''ve been able to resist his magic.


    The extreme flame that was released at the expense of one of his companions'' souls.


    Ida''s spatial manipulation alone was not enough to prevent it from happening.


    He managed to suppress the burning heat of the souls by using the spellcasting techniques that Granbaza was accustomed to in order to master the ''Anosu Jiaozo Jiaozo Immersion Flame Hell''.


    Even if Ida hadn''t been present here, or even if Granbaza hadn''t been present, they wouldn''t have been able to suppress the damage to this extent.


    The fact that the epicenter of the bombing was on the border between human and demon territory must have led to a catastrophe that would have affected the national governments of both sides.


    The Red Cloak''s magic is truly terrifying. It''s definitely the work of the Doris Megian.


    ''Yes, that''s right!��What the hell is going on here!


    Zebiantes screamed.


    ''You don''t understand everything!��Ida-san is a demon race that was around hundreds of years ago, right?��How is that possible now!��He just showed up as a cute little shorty!


    Don''t be a little boy.


    "And who is that red cape?��He''s the one I don''t understand the most!��You think he''s dead and then he''s alive, and then he changes like a different person in the middle!


    Calm down, Zebiantes!��You are unseemly as the Four Heavenly Kings.......?


    Although Droyer tried desperately to restrain her, in vain, Zebiantes'' madness only increased.


    The white Ida, perhaps unable to watch, spoke with a sigh.


    ''''........The Demon Lord has two worlds.''''


    Two worlds?


    ''Both worlds are to be the peace of the soul. On one side are great souls. In the other, sinful souls. I and the mass of people called the Inferno came from different worlds.


    The souls that enter those worlds are sorted out of a certain class.


    The Four Heavenly Kings.


    Those who are recognized as the greatest wizards of the demon tribe, and who have achieved more commendable achievements.


    When they have completed their duties in this world, they will be welcomed into the eternal paradise.


    That world is Valhalla. Only those who have done unparalleled feats of valour during their lives will be welcomed into that world. Take Granvasa, for example. Your fame resounds throughout the land. You will surely be in Valhalla when you die.


    ''What?��So I''m going to...?


    No, not you.


    For some reason, Droyer pulled back Zebiantes, who was shyly trying to stand.


    ''''In contrast, a world where sinners who have defiled their dignity as human beings in life fall........ Hell. That''s where the Inferno came from.


    ''''Then, after all.......the horrible legend of Drismegian of ''Sahi'' is true. If that was really what was done, then yes, it was worthy of going to hell.


    It wasn''t just from exhaustion or injury that Glambarza''s expression turned into one that bit down on a bitter worm.


    ''''Granberza-sama...!��This ''Sahui'' person...?


    You young people are ignorant of this. In the long history of the Demon Race, there were great men like Lord Ida of Heaven and Earth, but there were also sinners who were abhorrent to talk about. Such people were forbidden to even write them down in the history books and were forgotten. They were only told by the few in charge.


    Such sinners have escaped from hell and returned to this world.


    They are planning something, and they are moving around.


    They are not bound to their bodies once they have fallen into hell. The souls of those who have fallen to hell are not bound to their bodies, but they form one body.


    That''s what the inferno is all about.


    ''Master Ida!��What are they planning to do?


    Perhaps revenge against the Demon Lord who d*mned them to hell.... What a foolish thing to do! If there are thousands of sinners, they can''t stand against the Demon King.


    Before I knew it, Ida''s burnt-out body in "Heaven and Earth" had been regenerated and returned to normal.


    His entire body, a pure white boy figure without a single blemish.


    Was the soul welcomed by Valhalla and freed from the body, no matter how old or damaged it was?


    ''Nevertheless, the demon king sent me from Valhalla to prevent the evil soul that had escaped from hell from disturbing this world. Even though they have fallen into hell, those souls are also first-class in their abilities. They were lined up with the strongest of the human race in their lifetime.


    Now the Ida of ''Heaven and Earth'' has been completely restored and turns its gaze to the distance.


    The destination of her gaze is human territory.


    ''''The inferno got away from me in that extreme flame fever. That was only for a short time. I''m sure I''ll hunt them down to the bitter end and catch them for sure.


    Then we''ll help you...?


    Four Heavenly Kings of this world. You are to complete your mission. Your job is to fight off the heroes and protect the Demon King. That''s what I did when I was alive.


    And now, he goes as an existence that transcends even the living.


    ''''Inferno must have once again gone into hiding in human territory, where the Demon King''s eyes are difficult to reach. But as long as this I have descended, it doesn''t matter where I escape to, I will hunt it down. I will definitely hunt him down.


    The Ida of Tenchi enters human territory.


    With the hawkishness of someone from the past, he doesn''t care what kind of confusion it causes.

 155-154 Dariel goes up to the city

    Me.


    I''ve come to the Center Guild.


    "We''re a long way from home.


    From the village of Lux.


    So this is the center of the human race.


    There are countless guild branches within the territory of the human race. It is said that the center and apex of them is the Center Guild.


    The power wielded by the center guild is the highest among the human race.


    Even the governor who governs a city or the king who governs a nation cannot be easily disobeyed.


    After all, it is the guild that controls all adventurers.


    The guilds can grant the God of War blessings to registered adventurers and release their auras.


    If the only adventurers who can fight magic-using demons and monsters properly are adventurers who can use their aura, their strength is valuable.


    This meant that no one could deny its value and reign.


    Now the center of the guild, the city where the Center Guild was based, was greatly prospering as the center of human territory.


    ''''So this is the center guild?


    My wife, Malika, who had traveled in the same carriage as me, said.


    Their treasure Gran was held in her arms.


    ''Is this your first time in the Center Guild, too, Marieka?''


    Of course. A country bumpkin like me doesn''t get to come up here.


    That''s the way it is.


    The village where she was born, Lax, is frankly a rural area.


    Moreover, it is far away from the central guild.


    Even if you''re a country boy, you''ll only go out for a once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing trip.


    There is no doubt that the Center Guild is that kind of place for all of the human race, to a greater or lesser extent.


    It''s a special place.


    The most prosperous, the richest, the most beautiful, the most sacred.


    That''s what the center is.


    It''s the same from my point of view, and from my point of view, the state of the Center Guild....


    ''''It''s a bit shabby...''''


    It was like that.


    Being the same central location, I couldn''t help but compare it to the other one.


    The Demon King''s Castle.


    It''s the center of the demon race.


    Although the demon king''s castle is the residence of the demon king as the first sense, it is also the headquarters of the demon king''s army, and there is a castle town around it, and after all, it was fully functioning as the main capital of the demon tribe territory.


    It''s not surprising that the center of the city is so elaborately maintained and beautiful from the point of view of the city''s houses.


    On the other hand, the main capital center guild of the human territory in front of us now is also a vast residential area, perhaps as a residence for the people who work for the guild, and commerce is also developing with its residents as customers.


    You could say it''s a big enough city, but it''s not really...


    ''''It''s shabby...''''


    I''m the one who gets the impression that it''s not as good as the Demon King''s Castle.


    Of course, compared to the Demon King''s Castle, it''s originally great enough.


    The demons also use magic to build cities and try to create a more comfortable living environment.


    In such cases, though, it is mainly the alchemy of the earth attribute that is used.


    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to find a way to make it work.


    I''m not sure if it''s because I myself grew up in the Demon King''s Castle for the first half of my life, but the difference between the two becomes even more apparent.


    I didn''t notice it in the rural village of Lux, but can''t we take a look at the differences in this area?


    From now on, Lax Village must also continue to develop.


    The details of the houses in the demon''s territory are beyond the reach of the human''s territory.


    It should be possible to imitate some of the details of the houses in the demon territory, even without magic.


    Can''t we make the most of this to create a better village?


    You''ve got a great idea right away.


    This is what makes travel good.


    I feel like it was worth it to take a break from my job as the head of Lax Village to come to the city.


    ''''Oh, is the city unusual for Gran too?


    The baby, who had been napping soundly on his mother''s chest earlier, wakes up and scurries around to watch the hustle and bustle around him.


    It would be the first time for him to see anything like this.


    Before we left, I was worried about whether it would be right for the baby to take a long trip, but I''m glad we brought him with us.


    Even if he is not yet old enough to remember, the things he saw and heard in his early years will surely refine his senses and become an asset to him.


    For the sake of this child, who will be a doctor or a minister in the future, I''ll let him see more things.


    You see, Gran. This is the city!��There''s a lot of carriages coming and going!


    You''re such a pussy. You mustn''t make a big deal out of it, or you''ll sound like a f*cking hick.


    This is how I enjoy my family''s contact with each other, but I can''t just indulge in that.


    There was a reason why I had to leave my home village of Lax, my second home, for the big city.


    We completed our objectives without a hitch, and finished our sightseeing.


    I have to return to Lax Village as soon as possible.


    ��


    All I have to do in the Center Guild, of course, is to get in line with the big people there.


    Because my birth is becoming known in earnest.


    The bloodline of the Great Brave Arantzill.


    It seems that I''m the rightful heir to the bloodline of the great hero Arantzill, and it''s a tasty treat for the people who are plotting against me.


    I''d like to say that it doesn''t matter to me, and if you''re going to do it, go do it somewhere else, but people who want to take advantage of me come to me from the other side, so I have no choice.


    In fact, these days I''ve gotten involved in some troublesome situations because of that kind of flow, so I wanted to make sure I was in a position to prevent this from happening again in the future.


    Here at the Center Guild.


    I''m not going to be used by them," he said, "but I''m not going to be used by them.


    Is that possible?


    The opponents are youkai who have survived by waging a number of conspiracy tactics in the center of power, the Center Guild.


    I''m not sure if a simple, rustic village mayor can survive without being rounded up, but I''m sure he''ll be fine.


    I don''t intend to be naive at heart either.


    In the past, I was the assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, and I''m confident that I have a good idea of what is going on behind the scenes.


    And I also have a strong backing.


    First of all, there''s Arantziel the Great Brave.


    He''s my father, and I''m sure he''ll do me a favor and be on my side.


    The influence of the strongest man of all time is no mean feat.


    He doesn''t want me to get involved in more power struggles, because he himself tends to dislike power.


    He doesn''t want me to get more involved in the power struggle, and neither does his lovely grandson.


    So, since Arantzill is waiting for me at the Center Guild, I''m happy to have him help me out.


    And one more person.


    An unexpected ally for me as well.


    The President of the Center Guild.


    To my surprise, he''s the grandfather of my family''s Marika.


    The chancellor is the most greedy person in the halls of power, but that''s why he''ll make sure he doesn''t take advantage of me.


    As for that person, he is already at the pinnacle of power.


    I don''t think he needs a trump card now.


    Oh, yeah.


    And I have another companion for you on this journey.


    It''s Radie.


    She is a legitimate hero. Her position has been wavering lately due to something or other, but she came back to the center guild to stop that as well.


    She returned to report on the results of her training and to prove that she is fulfilling her duties as a brave woman.......


    He looked worried about something.


    ''I''m worried...!��The Guild Council only comes up with unreasonable demands, so what kind of recklessness will they come up with this time as well...?


    You''re worrying about it too much. It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who''s been trained in the village to be strong, and if you show that, no one will complain about it.


    ''I can say that kind of optimism because Dariel has never actually seen a board meeting!��.........Ha, what the hell is going on?


    It''s a mixture of Radey''s anxiety, my thoughts, and also Gran''s curiosity.


    My stay at the Center Guild begins.

 156-155 Rumor spreads (Brave side)

    Lately, a strange rumor has been whispered in the Center Guild.


    ''''Aranzir''s son is there.


    Most of the reactions of those who came in contact with the rumor were confused.


    Arantzill is a great brave man. Aranzir was a hero who would remain in the history of not only the Adventurer''s Guild, but the entire human race.


    Arantzill has a son.


    It was unheard of for anyone.


    ''Isn''t Master Aranzir supposed to be single?


    Then you couldn''t possibly have children. ...an illegitimate child?


    ''No, it''s not widely known, but Master Alanziel was married for a time...''


    ''''What''s the first time I''ve heard of that!''''


    Both the top and bottom couldn''t help but make a fuss.


    If it was a child, it might not have anything to do with the person in question, but even so, the person in the middle of the vortex was the strongest and bravest.


    When it comes to his son, who may be the inheritor of his talent, it was not surprising that interest would be drawn to him.


    From the elite adventurers who belonged to the Center Guild, to the soldiers who served as guards, to the clerks, cooks, and maids.


    The rumors of Aranzir''s son were all over the place.


    ��


    And it wasn''t just the lower levels that were buoyant....


    The wave of unrest had swept over the highest peaks of power.


    The Center Guild Board of Directors meeting.


    The agenda for the hastily set up emergency meeting was naturally regarding the soon-to-arrive Dariel.


    ''''That........Are you sure you''re sure?''''


    One of the board members says in an upturned voice.


    ''How did you know that Master Aranziel had a son?��I have never overheard such a story...?


    The Center Guild Directors who were present could not hide their uneasiness at this sudden news.


    All of them boasted of their quick ears to survive in the halls of power.


    This bolt from the sky scratched their confidence.


    ''''Mm, I''m surprised too.''''


    That was said by the President of the Center Guild.


    He is also the organizer of this emergency meeting.


    It''s a sudden turn of events. It was Roeselwy that started it.


    I understand you are not in attendance, Mr. Roselwy?��Are you sick...?


    He''s dead.


    Once again, the report froze the board members.


    The news of the death of an active board member was unsettling enough for them to hear in the middle of the meeting.


    "He''s dead?��How did this happen?��You were the youngest of all of them.


    I''m sure there are many people on the board who would rather die before him.


    Some of the board members had the audacity to make silly jokes....


    Basically, the emergency meeting was repeatedly shocked and unable to calm down for even a moment.


    ''I''ll give you a brief history of events,''


    The President of the Center Guild tells us the story of the recent disturbance that occurred in the village of Lax.


    Roselwy learned of the existence of Aranzir''s son from a certain source.


    Out of ambition, he approached him and tried to take him in, but was rejected.


    To make up for this, he gathered a group of thug adventurers from all over and attacked the village where he lived.


    The account was cleverly blurred to the point and only scratched out the bare minimum, but it was impossible not to talk about the mayhem.


    It was a shura that could destroy or not destroy a single village, so they would be accused of a breach of trust if they kept this secret.


    The guilds around the country are already in a panic when they find out one after another that the problematic child who had been missing had joined the raiding party.


    According to the investigation, it seems that Roselwy was approached by an unidentified suspicious party and made to take part in the wrongdoing.


    Who are the unidentified suspects?


    I don''t know. That''s why we don''t know who we are.


    What a disappointing report, isn''t it?


    The successive members of the board of directors shrugged their shoulders.


    At this point in time, neither the identity nor the details of the inferno had yet been conveyed to the humans.


    Among the humans, the inferno still remained an uncanny monster.


    It seems that he is the one who seduced adventurers from all over the world and turned them into a mob. So he''s the main culprit. It seems that Roselwy is just a flanker.


    That''s also not very good behavior for a Center Guild director.


    Ridicule leaked out from the board members, not at Roselwy''s conduct that overstepped humanity''s bounds, but at the body that couldn''t even mastermind the conspiracy.


    It was against the body that had failed to even become the mastermind of the conspiracy.


    In order to rise to the position of director of the Center Guild, one must have not only financial resources and power, but also the wisdom to use them in all directions.


    Everyone sitting in the director''s seat now had a certain amount of confidence in their own cleverness.


    So, even if they were to do something wrong, they subconsciously believe that they should be on the side of the users rather than being used.


    The wise man manipulates the fool, not the other way around.


    A wise man should always put himself in a position to take advantage of others, and as the director of the Center Guild, he should never be taken advantage of.


    Roselwy had violated that prohibition, and it was enough to be ridiculed.


    ''''So........so Roselwy died?


    He was found useless and had to be disposed of. Let us all pray for his soul.


    For a few moments, a silence passed over the conference table.


    It was silence for the sake of silence, but it was inevitable that the silent air could not hide the emptiness.


    ''It doesn''t matter,''


    I could have continued with a few more silent prayers, but the topic of censoring quickly shifted.


    ''''I''m concerned about the culprit who is said to have used Lord Roselwy. To put the story in perspective, that person is the one who caused the commotion.


    They may continue to act rudely against our guild in the future. Considering the scale of the incident, shouldn''t we take measures to deal with it?


    "He is no longer with us.


    The place went quiet again as the chancellor declared.


    The situation changed at a dizzying pace.


    The directors of the sea and mountains felt that they were being left far behind.


    ''''That unidentified and suspicious person has already been cut down and finished. The man who did this is Arantzill''s son.


    .........huh?


    This is where the first shock comes back.


    Yes, that''s what they''ve been assembled for today.


    "A man named Dariel.


    Well is it really, really true?��Are you related to Lord Arantziel?


    I''ve been there. I''ve seen it with my own eyes. Well, I''ve seen it with my own eyes.


    The faces of the guild directors tightened again at that affirmation.


    It was just an individual''s opinion.


    However, if that individual was the words of the guild''s highest authority, the President of the Center Guild, the implications would be different.


    You are very much like your father," he said, "The way you look, the way you look, the way you look like you would be torn apart if you touched him. I''m at a loss to tell you that this is not a father and son thing.


    The Board of Directors also had the opportunity to meet with the previous brave man, Arantzill, because of their duties.


    However, everyone was reluctant to take that precious opportunity...........to meet face to face with the strongest brave man.


    It was because the fierce atmosphere that the brave man emitted was too strong for a non-combatant like the board members to face him properly.


    When he was in active service, Arantzill was such a gnarly blade of extraction.


    No one liked to touch it.


    "Is that..., is that..., like that...?


    No, he''s not as glaring as his father. It''s a little milder than that. But even so, it''s still an unconcealably sharp cut. And yet his sharpness is unmistakable, like that of a father and son.


    I''ll use an analogy.


    If it''s like Aranziel carries an invisible blade with him at all times in a bare body.


    Although Dariel kept it in a scabbard, it was as if he had his hand on the hilt so that he could cut without an iaido whenever necessary.


    Even though the chancellor explained it like that, it didn''t quite make sense to the other board members.


    And why did you approach it alone?


    You know that. You know the one.


    Huh?


    "Roselwy''s roasted liver.


    Everyone came up with an idea after being told that much.


    A plan to increase the production of brave men.


    No, there wasn''t an official name for the plan.


    It was an attempt to increase the success rate of defeating the Demon King by simultaneously electing more than one brave man, which was originally limited to one per generation.


    However, under the plan, the three newly elected heroes were defeated. They were all defeated and the plan was decidedly aborted.


    Naturally, Roselwy''s position as the planner is in jeopardy, and he is forced to step down.


    It seems that Roselwy wanted to gain a new pawn and turn the board upside down.


    ''''You don''t mean to tell me that Arantzill-sama''s son is the new brave...?


    The air in the troupe converged again as the thought occurred to them.


    I wondered if the son who inherits the Arantzill bloodline would himself be qualified to become a brave man.


    In terms of bloodline, he was perfect, but the final quality required of a brave man was strength.


    However, considering Roselwy''s approval and also the achievement of finishing off the mastermind of the earlier disturbance.


    The second generation of the Great Brave could also be the Great Brave.


    But he refuses to be a brave man. I hear he wants to live a quiet life...


    More words from the chancellor, and the air in the room becomes more and more confused.


    ''''You don''t want the honor of a brave man that everyone wants?''''


    ''In the first place, we now have a fine brave man named Radie. I didn''t want to cause Dariel''s safety to be compromised by disrespecting her. So I decided to do something about it.


    But here''s where it gets confusing for the entire Center Guild.


    ''I have decided to invite Dariel, son of Aranziel, to join us. Let us all actually assess and judge the man and establish a good relationship with him.

 157-156 Dariel meets great people

    Finally, they entered the building of the Center Guild Headquarters.


    On the demon territory side, it would be the equivalent of the Demon King''s Castle, but it was huge for that reason.


    ''''Ohhhh~, it''s amazing!''''


    Maleeka also looked up at the palace with surprise.


    Yes, it was so big and luxurious that it could be called a palace.


    ''''Isn''t the site of this building alone bigger than Lax Village?��What kind of things do they have to build these big things to do?


    Maybe there''s no particular reason.


    That''s how it is with most things that show power.


    Now how did it get inside?


    Will you be able to get the Chancellor to intervene successfully?��But my fears were immediately dispelled.


    There was a person waiting to greet me at the entrance.


    "You must be Dariel-sama and his family. We have been expecting you.


    He welcomes you with a very polite manner.


    I''m sure you are tired after your long journey, but the board of directors is looking forward to meeting you. I''m sure you are tired and tired from your long journey, but the board is looking forward to meeting you.


    Good.


    I expected it, but Center Guild. They seem to be all about me.


    As soon as I was urged by the guiding officer to enter the building, there were countless eyes focused on me.


    "That''s even more attention than I expected.


    It was too much gaze pressure, and Gran, who was being held by Marryka next to her, started to chafe.


    This guy at his age has already become sensitive to the presence of others.......


    .........that''s my boy!


    By the way, Radey, who accompanied me up to this point, was separated when we entered the Center Guild Headquarters.


    ''''There''s someone waiting for you at the Brave Lord. Please come this way.


    Mr. Dariel, I''ll see you later...


    It was quite impressive how lonely Radey''s loneliness was as they parted like a sold calf.


    Well, as it is, the inside of the Center Guild is quite uncomfortable.


    It''s because everyone is paying attention to me.


    The adventurer-like appearance, and the clerk-like and janitor-like people who clearly aren''t.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    ''''........Is that the rumored one?


    Doesn''t look like him at all, does it?��The atmosphere is loose...?


    No, there''s something in his eyes...?


    The whispering also reaches my ears perfectly.


    At the very least, I hope the whispering is at a volume that he can''t hear.


    "Everyone''s watching you, aren''t they...?


    The gaze is so thick that even the average person, Malika, notices it.


    The number of gazes itself is also large. The quantity and quality of people in the village are still very different from those in the countryside of Laxx.


    I felt like I was baptized in the city.


    But it''s not just being treated as a rare beast.


    There were also reunions with familiar and familiar faces.


    ''''Well done!''''


    It was Mr. Alanziel.


    And you''re the brave one to greet us.


    Long time no see.


    Don''t act like a stranger!��Isn''t he your father, you could have greeted me in a more friendly manner!


    Even so, you''re still afraid of me.


    It''s not just the daily spiritedness, but also the fear that was imprinted on me from the days of the demon king''s army, when I was an enemy against them, as my original experience.


    ''And Gran has come too?��You wanted to see your grandfather that badly?��My darling hahahahaha...!


    Then he begins to bother Gran.


    The strongest brave man''s tension is strange.


    Was he like this to begin with?��I thought you said that getting your immediate family back has brought about a marked change in your personality?


    From the surroundings......


    "Son?��It''s just as they say!


    I don''t think I''ve ever seen Master Arantziel so eager to play.


    ''Even my grandchildren!


    '' ...Well Dariel.


    Yes, sir.


    He became suddenly serious.


    ''I''ve heard what you''ve come here for. You''re in for a disaster.


    ''I''ve been prepared for this for a long time, but...''


    ''This is the nest of the gourmets. As soon as there''s a tasty bait, they''ll come to you. I was trying to keep it a secret because I knew that if they knew I was related, they wouldn''t leave me alone.


    Stories like this must have leaked out of him.


    This time I know where it leaked out. I made sure it got cleaned up.


    The phrase ''cleaning up afterwards'' as he calls it is terrifying.


    '' "...What did you do to Zester?


    I have a pretty good idea how the secret got out.


    It''s the Zester, the hammering hero.


    I''m not sure if the "former" is attached to it now, though.


    That guy knew about my blood relationship with me and Mr. Aranziel, and he slipped up and Roselwy came.


    The whole thing seemed to spread from there.


    ''You''re the soft-spoken man of example, though.... I''m training him. I''ll have to beat the light-heartedness out of you to easily divulge the facts you''ve been trusted and told.''


    Did Mr. Alanziel train Zester in person?


    Isn''t that rather a reward?


    Isn''t he a big fan of Mr. Alanziel?


    I understand you''re meeting with the board of directors.


    Yes, sir.


    I don''t think you have anything to worry about, but I want you to be careful out there. They are an upstart group of people who have taken advantage of others. You have to be a master at parasitism to be able to grow that fat.


    It''s so poignant.


    Predictably, Mr. Arantzill doesn''t seem to have good feelings about the Council.


    The brave and courageous Mr. Alanziel is a thoroughgoing field man, and those in the background are just people who would snatch the profits from the bloodshed of the warriors on the front lines and eat and drink without risking their lives.


    I''ll accompany you to the meeting. "I''ll be there for the meeting, and if I keep a close eye on them, they won''t be able to say anything useful.


    Although it''s dependable, it''s a bit embarrassing to be accompanied by your father in a public place at a good age.


    ''''Um.........sorry to say that we''re in the midst of a great time, but.......!


    Maleeka interrupted me.


    ''Gran seems to want to work for you, and I wonder if there''s somewhere you can relax...?''


    Ah, changing diapers.


    In our family''s industry parlance, changing a diaper is called a grandmother''s job.


    ''Guide me, please.''


    ''''Wha-wow, sir...?


    The guide who brought us here hurriedly looked for a place to rest.


    ''''Would you mind accompanying her, Aranzir-san? I''ll take care of things with the board members in the meantime.


    What''s the rush?��Let them wait for the mushy bastards on the board of directors. If you''re going to change Gran''s diaper, why don''t you come along with me?


    I''ll just get the trouble out of the way as soon as possible.


    From the beginning, I was uncomfortable about taking Gran and Marika even in front of the directors.


    However, I was not sure if I should leave them alone in the midst of the Center Guild, so it would be helpful if Arantzill-san was protecting them during that time.


    I get it. I''ll take care of my grandson and his wife.


    Please.


    "You''re not going to be alone in the hands of those muslims. Go ahead and riot.


    You''re not gonna do that, are you?


    Once I left Marika and the others with Mr. Alanziel, I decided to head down to the Board of Directors.


    I had already heard the directions, so I didn''t get lost.


    When I reached the largest door in the Center Guild building, I knocked on the door.


    ''Come in,''


    Permission was granted and we entered the room.


    The room was just as large as I imagined it to be on the inside, and a group of people, who looked to be of average age, were sitting in a regular line.


    ''''Welcome, son of the brave. Welcome to the heart of the Adventurers Guild.


    The chancellor, sitting in the center, said.


    This is indeed the center of the Adventurer''s Guild, minus the center of the entire human race.


    The center of the guild''s board of directors?

 158-157 Dariel shows a different talent

    Hi. Hi, guys.


    I greeted him lightly at first contact.


    That''s all it took, but there was a buzz and a groan.


    Why?


    I''m sorry, Dariel. They are so unexpected and confusing.


    What do you mean by unexpected?


    I''m getting more and more confused by the chancellor''s follow-up.


    He greeted me in a more civilized manner than I expected. I was expecting Alanczil''s son to curse me out the moment he saw me.


    Why would you do that?


    Huh?


    Because Mr. Alanziel himself always does it!


    How can he be such a mad dog?


    "Your son seems more flexible than Alanziel, whose only value is in strength. You''re much easier to talk to than Aranziel.


    It''s the position I''m in.


    As the head of Lax Village.


    Now, the center guild directors who were waiting for me are a total of eight people.


    They were seated in regular and equal positions around a round table that was modestly but opulently built and easily recognizable.


    For some reason, there was one extra chair that was not occupied, but I immediately recognized it.


    It must have been Roselwy sitting in that chair not long ago.


    The rest of the attendees were all uniformly old, and the youngest looked to be in their late forties.


    It would be natural for them to be in a position to make important decisions. The older a person gets, the more wise he or she becomes.


    It''s not just a matter of time.


    ''''So........just in case you want to make sure.


    One of the board members sitting at his side said.


    He looked awfully nervous.


    ''''Are you really Lord Arantzill''s son?


    I''m afraid so.


    The director''s expression twisted inexplicably as he got the answer.


    It can''t be helped, I suppose, after eating such a vague answer.


    It''s not clear to me either. I can''t just say that I''m not sure. It''s just that my origins and the circumstances under which Arantzill-san was separated from her son alive, I think that''s the case...


    "I think we all know of the misfortune that befell Arantzill. It''s not something I like to mention.


    The chancellor does a good job of following up.


    Arantzill''s son, whom we thought was dead, has survived unnoticed. His son, whom Aranziel himself thought to be dead, survived unnoticed. By chance they were reunited and the bond between father and son was restored.


    I see...


    The board members agreed at one point.


    ''Then how did you live until your reunion with Lady Aranziel, Lord Dariel?


    You''re asking for an intrusion.


    I just spoke my mind honestly, but then the atmosphere changed at once.


    The level of caution went up all at once, or rather the air was like that.


    ''''........Lord Stallenweiss!��Your delicacy is lacking!


    Soft-spoken, but with a glimpse of steeliness.


    Mr. Alanziel, how scared are you of these people?


    I''m afraid I''m nowhere near as frightened as they are.


    We don''t mind.��I was picked up as a baby by a ''good-hearted person'' and raised to adulthood.


    I''m not going to say that that ''heartfelt person'' is the overlord of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, though.


    The story gets too complicated, so I have a policy of going without saying anything that shouldn''t be said.


    ''''Ho........that''s odd.......''''


    What a compassionate person you are. That''s not a very despicable thing to do.


    Well, the people who have done such merciful deeds are the demons.


    They are your sworn enemy.


    For some reason, I''ve left him for a reason and am now independent. Fortunately, there is a village that welcomes me, and while I worked hard there, I was able to become the village chief.


    That''s a career move!


    "The genius that stretches to the chief in the village I happened to end up in!��As expected of Lord Arantzill''s bloodline!


    The tendency to try to tie any positive factor to Mr. Alanziel.


    I don''t mind that.


    ''''.........Well everyone, I think this confirms Dariel-dono''s resourcefulness and boldness.


    The Chancellor says as he organizes the scene.


    It is a matter of habit for those who manage adventurers like us. When they find a genius, they can''t resist the urge to unleash his or her full power. I''m not sure what to make of it, but it''s inevitable that everyone will want to do their duty as guild director when they see this Dariel-kun.


    I felt like I was wrapping my words in an oblique manner.


    But Dariel''s genius is too great for a single person to claim," he said. In fact, Dariel, who is of a generation that is already well oiled, has improved himself sufficiently.


    Yeah, well...


    The other board members agreed.


    ''Why don''t you let Dariel use his talents as he sees fit, instead of being an unseemly solicitor like Roselwy?��Wouldn''t that be better for the entire human race?


    I agree with the chancellor.


    Dariel, you are a fully-grown man already. I suppose we don''t need to meddle in his affairs.


    They''re all summed up in that kind of rhetoric, but the bottom line is, let''s avoid the confusion and make a non-aggression pact.


    As the heir to Mr. Alanziel''s bloodline, I would be the most attractive pawn in the power struggle.


    But that doesn''t mean I''m not an ally, and if everyone tries to win me over, it will lead to a battle for power, which will eventually develop into a bloody power struggle.


    I''m sure the other board members can''t be as aggressive as they should be, especially since they''ve already lost a victim in Roselwy.


    ''For my part, it would be more helpful if you did. I''m putting all my heart and soul into doing my job as village chief right now.


    ''No avarice past, is it? How humble....


    My purpose in coming to this big city is to make sure that people like Roselwy don''t disrupt my life again.


    If we can create a situation where the great people can fight each other in this way, all the better.


    I was just about to think that I had accomplished my goal as soon as I visited, and all I needed to do was take it easy and go sightseeing and go home, when I heard a kon-kon-konk sound.


    After a knock, the door opens.


    ''Sorry I''m late...''


    It was Marika who came in.


    ''Why!��I thought you were waiting in the other room?''


    I mean, if you''re going to see your grandfather, I should say hello to you too, because it would be rude not to. Your father told me to be sure to do so.


    Further towards the door, Mr. Aranzir was standing with a deflated expression on his face.


    This guy couldn''t stop his wife, could he!


    And if you think about it, she was weak to Marika from the time she visited Lax Village.


    ''''Who is this...?''''


    It appears to be Dariel''s wife, Your Highness...?


    You must have a baby. I knew that girl was cute at that age...?


    ''With a social position at that age, is it natural to have a family...?


    ''''Arantzill-sama, I''m scared!


    The board members are all confused by Malika''s appearance.


    One of them is frankly afraid of Mr. Arantzill.


    My wife, however, doesn''t care about that and goes about her business at her own pace.


    ''''Grandfather!��It''s been a while!


    Oh, oh...


    With a glance, I ran over to the President of the Center Guild.


    ''''My father and mother send their regards. Thank you so much for inviting me!


    I''m glad to hear that my granddaughter is happy to be here. I''m glad to see my granddaughter is happy to see her.


    Even the Chancellor of the Thousand Mountains of the Sea was swept away by Marika''s wife power.


    She couldn''t hide her confusion.


    ''''No, you know what?��I''m in the middle of an important conversation with Dariel-kun, so I''ll talk to you privately later...?


    ''''Gran has grown up again!��She''s been waiting to meet her great-grandfather for a long time, too!��Hey?


    There is no excuse for this as I say so and present my child in front of the board chairman.


    The atmosphere of the board of directors'' meeting changes drastically.


    ''''Chancellor...?''''


    What does this...?


    The icy gaze of the board members surrounded the Chancellor.


    As I pulled Marika back, I realized something important.


    ''You didn''t tell them, Mr. Chancellor, did you?��That my wife is your granddaughter...?


    Because that''s the last thing I want to do!��They''ll think I skipped out on you for sure!��And they''ll hate you!


    Mr. Chancellor revealed his true feelings.


    The other board members also started to make a fuss around her.


    ''''Chancellor!��What do you mean?


    You gave your granddaughter as your wife?��Make a show of inviolability and then hold your genius firmly in your arms?


    Disgusting!��It''s not fair!��Why do you always do that, Chancellor!


    A stubborn cursing match with no euphemisms or tactics began.


    ''''........I doubt anyone will believe it''s a coincidence.


    If we get this far.


    I didn''t want Malika to accompany me because of this, but Mr. Arantzill wasn''t as useful as I thought he would be as a restraining agent.


    What do you think of this?


    I don''t want this to be the start of a war of interference with me, but it''s a hassle, so I decided to throw it into the hands of the chancellor.

 159-158 Dariel meets his brother

    Letting go of the confusing board meeting, we walked out.


    ''''Hmmm........?


    Arantzill-san, who was accompanying us, had a difficult look on her face.


    "That Chancellor is Gran''s great-grandfather........?��Oh no, this is bad........!��I don''t like it any more than that guy from Granberza is my step-grandfather...!


    He repeated his mumbling.


    Apparently he hadn''t heard of his board chairman''s blood relationship with Malika.


    It seems he found out with the other board members earlier.


    You can see how people who are really scheming like that try to hide anything except for what they really have to tell you to accept.


    ''Dariel, you''d better take precautions while you can!��I don''t know how much Gran''s life would be distorted if we let that monster have his way!


    How many times have you been fooled by Mr. Chancellor?


    It was a line from Mr. Alanziel that wouldn''t have come up without such a past.


    I can vaguely imagine it.


    It is the relationship between the brave and the chancellor. I''m sure there was an offensive and defensive battle that cannot be described in a single word of trust.


    ''''No........!��Aren''t you a little overly cautious?��Even the Chancellor promised to leave us alone...!


    Dariel...��For those of you who don''t know the inner workings of the Center Guild, let me tell you. To those guys, promises are meant to be broken!


    Oh, yeah?


    ''If you find out, you''ll be talking about a grown-up Gran becoming a hero!��My only hope is........that he''s old enough to die before Gran is old enough to be sensible.......!


    She looks like she''s going to live beyond 100 years old.


    But let''s not get ahead of ourselves.


    The board of directors has been in turmoil due to the bomb that Malika threw, and it won''t be over for a while.


    I don''t have any time to spare until the situation is resolved, so in the meantime, let''s do some sightseeing, which is another important objective.


    ''''Oh!��Then let me handle it!��I''m going to take you to the Center Guild''s most fun place!


    Mr. Aranziel had something on his shoulders.


    He wanted to use this as an opportunity to show off his fatherhood, or rather his grandfatherhood.


    ''''..........''''


    ..........


    But the conversation doesn''t last.


    I suppose we are father and son in the same blood. But we''ve lived separately for 30 years and have never had a conversation.


    It would be impossible to ask us to open up to each other all of a sudden.


    Ironically, in the village of Lax, the place was filled with arguing with Master Granbaza, but what can we say about it when it''s just me and Mr. Alanziel...!


    People will be screaming about our parent-child relationship, so be aware of that.


    "It''s good for you. Let your stepfather show you around.


    Fearless Marika was ready to let the big brave man show her around.


    But this is a good opportunity.


    I hoped to have a lot of time to touch each other and regain a little parent-child form.


    But..........


    ��


    "I was so stupid to expect...


    Where Mr. Alanziel brought me as a tourist guide.


    The training ground.


    It was a space for adventurers to train daily.


    The Adventurer''s Guild in Lax Village also has a training ground, but it''s a space where you can use any suitable clearing in the open air as you please, and there''s nothing creative about it.


    However, the center guild''s training ground in front of me now is indoors.


    It has a roof.


    This means that there''s no chance of it becoming muddy when it rains and the ground becomes sticky.


    And even though it''s indoors, it''s not small, it''s spacious.


    It''s definitely not only larger than the training grounds in Lux Village, it''s many times larger. Dozens of adventurers were training in such a place.


    It''s really lively.


    ''''See that? This is the Center Guild''s special indoor training ground. The adventurers of the Center Guild will be preparing for their quests here.


    Aranzir said proudly.


    ''''The adventurers who report directly to the Center Guild have been handpicked from all of the territories, and the minimum requirement is a B grade. The exam to advance to A level is coming up soon, so everyone is in high spirits.''''


    Oh, I see.


    The high level of these adventurers, who are completely different from the village of Lax, is certainly instructive.


    But....!


    This obviously isn''t a tourist attraction, is it?


    ''''U........?''''


    I had a hint of it, but I''m a great brave man.


    His skills regarding daily life are too low.


    I''m not going to be the only one who knows a good place for sightseeing, even in the center guild that I''ve been familiar with for years.


    It''s not only that, but it''s also that they bring you to a training ground that women and children would never enjoy!


    Let''s talk to the guy who was just here. I''m sure he can point out some great places to visit.


    ''Wait!��Give me another chance!��I''m sure I''ll take you to some hilarious place that Gran will enjoy!


    Arantzill-san chasing after my back didn''t have the dignity of the strongest brave man.


    Was that wrong........


    ''''Wait.''''


    A hostile voice called out to me.


    To me.


    One of the adventurers who had been hard at work in the training grounds had braved the elements.


    ''Dear Mr. Arantzill, what an uncivilized way to talk. You are rude. Hero of the human race, towards the goal of all adventurers...!


    His voice was quiet but with a hint of irritation.


    You can get a hint of having stepped on a certain number of occasions, but he''s still young. I''m not sure I''ve ever had the impression that I''ve been through a lot of battles with a childish face.


    I''m sure you''ll find that the adventurers in the training grounds have been glancing at you.


    That''s because it''s Arantzill-san''s entrance, so you can''t blame them for paying attention.


    But I was chatting with Arantzill in a friendly manner. But I can''t seem to forgive myself for the fact that I was having such a friendly conversation with Mr. Arantzill.


    I wonder if he thought he would be violating my sacredness.


    "Refrain.


    Mr. Arantzill chided him with a stern tone.


    ''I don''t know who you are, but don''t interfere with my family. He''s my son. What''s wrong with a son talking casually to his father?


    The groans of excitement grew louder at those words.


    Everyone had probably only heard it as a rumor.


    The fact that it actually appeared in their field of vision makes them uncontrollably upset.


    "But, but.........!


    You''re the one who''s insulting me. Anybody comes between my family and me and I''ll consider you an enemy.


    The adventurer who looked like he was about to bounce back, but as expected, he couldn''t resist the great hero''s intimidation and retreated.


    ''''I''m sorry........!��........but!


    Guillotine''s piercing gaze turns to me.


    ''''I don''t approve of you!��I don''t recognize you!��All the adventurers here don''t recognize you, who are familiar with Master Aranzir just because you are blood related!


    It was a challenging tone indeed.


    The signs around him were half in tune with him and half in the air as if they didn''t want to get involved.


    ''''I''m going to rip your skin off eventually!��You''re a weakling who doesn''t deserve to stand next to Lady Arantziel.��The truly powerful are the ones who can stand in the same line of sight as Master Alanziel!��Don''t forget!


    I was punched.


    Well, that''s no wonder, since he still continues to swear even though he''s already been warned.


    What''s wrong with him?


    I''m sorry. Today''s adventurers lack discipline.


    That''s how much I admire Mr. Alanziel, I suppose.


    This kind of thing has happened many times before.


    Zester and Leelina and others are now devotees of Mr. Arantzill in the realm of worship, and they will kill anyone who defiles his holiness at once.


    Just when I was thinking that I was tired of this pattern, Mr. Arantzill beat me up and saved me.


    ''''He''s still the same, isn''t he.......''''


    It was his wife, Malika, who said, ''I''m not interested.


    In his arms, Gran is breathing in his sleep, saying, ''I''m not interested.


    ''Was it eight years ago when I last saw you?��I knew right away that he was still a smart ass, but they didn''t even notice me...


    Oh, Malika, what''s with the attitude?


    Are you addressing the difficult adventurers from earlier?


    It''s like we''re old acquaintances, but in a nice way.


    "Yes, because he''s my brother.


    What?


    My brother, who left LUXE after a long time because he couldn''t stand the hustle and bustle of the countryside. ''I''ll make a name for myself in the city! I didn''t expect to find you here...?


    There are unexpected people involved in this unexpected place.


    I''ve never heard of Malika having a brother or sister before!

 160-159 Marika abuses relatives

    I''m so confused.


    "Brother!��What do you mean by that?��You never told me you had a brother.


    I''m surprised you haven''t heard of him.


    Why didn''t you tell me?


    I thought we as a married couple have nothing to hide.


    I didn''t want to hide anything from you, so I told you about my past as a member of the Demon King''s Army because I didn''t want you to hide anything from me.


    Don''t get me wrong, you''re not the only one. I don''t consider them family members who left their homeland at all.


    That''s terrible.


    There''s nothing to hide about them. It''s just that they''re not worth mentioning.


    Ms. Maleeka, aren''t you being too harsh on your immediate family?


    I don''t like it, but sometimes you show that kind of harshness.


    And Elika, Malika''s mother, Elika, is extremely harsh on her father, the president of the Center Guild.


    Is it genetic?��A mother and her daughter?


    ''''I know there''s some kind of karma going on, but...?''''


    Arantzill-san, who was listening by the side, joined in the conversation with a mixture of confusion.


    ''''Can you tell me more about it? If it''s about Dariel''s married family, it''s not irrelevant to me. Speaking of Dariel''s married brother ... he would be a son to me as well!


    Mr. Alanziel, please don''t get mad.


    If he heard this, he would be so moved by it that he would swoon.


    It''s not that big of a deal.��Our village used to be a very small village, didn''t it?��There''s nothing there, and it was on the verge of spontaneous destruction...?


    ?��It seemed to be flourishing when I visited you before?


    It was only after Dariel came. It is my people''s resourcefulness that has made our village prosperous from top to bottom.


    ''Really?��That''s my boy!


    He started yelling at me in a weird way.


    It''s embarrassing, so please don''t do it.


    By the way, my son Gran, perhaps bored of the boring story, was scurrying around while holding his mother in his arms.


    He is probably looking for a female adventurer with a large bust.


    ''''So, well........before Dariel-san came, Lux village was deserted. It seems that the man who was my brother couldn''t stand it....


    Don''t say ''was''.


    ''I''m not a man who rots in the country like this!��I''m going to go to the city and win a flag! And then he left. And now it''s been almost ten years, and I haven''t heard anything...


    "And that''s why I didn''t even know it existed...?


    I only started settling in the village a year or two ago at the most.


    But Marika, let alone your stepfather and mother-in-law. What do you mean you don''t even hear from the locals or the people?


    Because no one in the village likes him.


    Don''t people hate you?


    The truth is, as the eldest son of the village chief, I should be supporting LUX Village. He was the one who abused his hometown and left it. There are countless young people who were inspired by him to follow his lead and leave. It''s as if the decline of the village was accelerated because of him!


    Come to think of it, when I first visited, the village was full of old people.


    The only young people in the village were Marika and Gacita.


    Is that the reason why people don''t like you?


    ''''That''s why I happened to meet you again here by chance, but I can''t bring myself to speak to you by mistake. We are just strangers who abandoned the village and left it.


    "Nah, I see...?


    I thought that you''re hard on your flesh and blood, but technically, I wasn''t.


    To be precise, it is merciless to traitors.


    I''m not sure where the bloodline comes from, which ruthlessness is this?


    Wait a minute, I''ve got the file on him.


    And Mr. Alanziel.


    ''Early!


    His name is Stanville. Are you sure this is the one?


    What?��It''s been a long time since I''ve forgotten and I''m not sure, but I think it''s probably true?


    You have to remember that!


    "You belong to the Guild of Adventurers of Rayhanton Street. Your rank is B. It looks like you came to the Center Guild to take the exam for promotion to Level A.


    Promotional exams.


    Well, you did say it was close, didn''t you?


    The examination for promotion to A level is only held by the center guild, any adventurer''s guild can approve a D level C level, and a B level can be approved in any large city. However, the center guild must directly judge whether or not it is suitable for the A class.


    Oh yeah.


    There was a time in the past when Gacita had to travel to a distant town to take the B level promotion exam.


    As expected of a small village like Lax Village, the best I could do was to get a C-level approval.


    Oh, that''s right.


    Now that we''ve come all the way to the center guild, let''s make a campaign to get the guild in Lax Village to give us B-level approval.


    This would make the guild in Lax Village more convenient and attract more adventurers.


    I digress.


    "So if it wasn''t for this time of year when you visited, our paths wouldn''t even cross. It''s a matter of fate, isn''t it?


    It''s a nasty fate.


    Malika has a bitter look on her face!


    "Well, I got an idea for you, Dariel.


    Yes?


    Would you like to take part in the promotion test?


    "Yikes!


    What are you going to say now?


    What''s a test?��It''s an exam for Class B adventurers from all the guilds to be promoted to Class A, right?��Impossible, impossible, impossible!


    Well, I''m not an adventurer anymore!


    When he married Malika and became the village chief, he quit the adventurer''s job because he couldn''t do it at the same time.


    But still, it''s a small village!


    I''m sure there''s a shortage of manpower in an emergency, so I kept my adventurer''s crest intact to fight, and in fact, it wasn''t once or twice that I went into battle with my Hermes sword when the village was in crisis.


    Still..........


    ''''When I decided to retire, my final rank was D, and I''m very unqualified to take the test!��Let me turn it down!��It''s a great honor!


    Who told you to take the test?


    What?


    I told you, you did?


    Are you getting old already, Grandpa?


    It''s not the person taking the test that I want you to do. I want you to be the one taking the test.


    What do you mean?


    Aranziel said that an examiner is required for the Adventurer''s Guild''s A-level promotion exam.


    That''s natural.


    By convention, the examiner would be a skilled adventurer who has already passed the exam and has an A-level qualification, yet is still accomplished and qualified to teach younger adventurers.


    "I will be the examiner this time.


    Moreover, it was unbeatable.


    To be tested in person by the strongest brave Arantzill-san, who continued to make not just A grade, but the highest level of achievement.


    The candidates would be very enthusiastic.


    ''''I''m already a retired bored man, so I thought I''d be of some use to you. Of course, I can''t handle dozens of examiners on my own, so I''ll need other examiners. I''ve decided to have Zester be one of them.


    Oh.


    If you''re a former "hammering" hero, Zester would be highly qualified.


    I''m sure he''s a class-A adventurer, and he was even commissioned as a hero for a while. I''ve fought him in real life.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one. Dariel, will you do it?


    That''s why I''m a retired Grade D student?


    Don''t you think it''s too much to ask for a guy with a shitty final record to be an examiner, let alone a candidate?


    No problem. I know your abilities well. I know your abilities better than anyone else.


    I said it twice.


    Maybe the second time had a pillow word attached to it that couldn''t be made public.


    ''I know better (than Grand Barza).''


    ........... I guess.


    ''''Grade is only an expression of strength. Strength is the main thing and grade is the secondary thing. This is your chance to show that you are the strongest human race, even if there is no grade.


    Mr. Alanziel said.


    It''s a means too direct and direct, just like this person.


    How many times have I been crushed by this directness in the days when I used to belong to the Demon King''s army, when we were divided into friend and foe, and this directness has crushed the number of conspiracy arts.


    He is the embodiment of the fact that the strong don''t need any tricks.


    ''''Besides,''''


    I started to say something in a whisper.


    ''Shouldn''t you find a connection with your wife''s brother in any way you can?��As an examiner, you''ll naturally come into contact with your brother who is taking the test, right?


    I take back my previous statement.


    He was a bit of a trickster.


    Marika hates him like a scorpion, but her mother-in-law, who is waiting for her in Lax Village, might not be.


    Should we try to reconcile the two?


    The most important thing to remember is that this is not the case.


    And our Malika, who was the one in charge, was bored with the story and focused on comforting Gran.


    Gran''s eyes told the story in a way that was like, ''That one is a C and this one is an E.


    The ABCD in that case would be the exact opposite of the adventurer grade in order of value.

 161-160 Zester had been smashed

    I ended up taking it on.


    Sponsored by the Center Guild, to the Adventurer A level promotion exam.


    Since it''s a test to determine whether or not you can become an A level, wouldn''t it be a big deal if the examiner wasn''t an A level, or even a B level, much less a C level?


    At first, I was worried that I was going to be able to do something about it, but it was nothing to worry about.


    When I went to discuss the matter with the Center Guild Board of Directors, which was still in disagreement over the rights to me, it was surprisingly swiftly approved.


    I guess they also want to see my strength in action.


    To what extent have I inherited the fierceness of the Great Brave Arantzill?


    This is the perfect opportunity for me to appear in the A-level promotion exam.


    ''''Isn''t it the examinee who should check...?


    It''s the examinee who should know.


    I''ve got to take a good look at them, since the people I''m supposed to be doing this for are the ones who are not doing it!


    It''s their future on the line, youngsters!


    Then came the day of the exam.


    ''''I didn''t expect it to be the next day...?


    That means we visited the Center Guild the day before.


    It was sudden.


    I had heard that the day was close, but I didn''t expect it to be this close.


    In fact, the fact that the examiner hadn''t been decided until this close, and the hurriedness of it all makes me shudder.


    Are you okay with this exam?


    If it''s not okay, I''ll have to do my best to fix it!��I even feel a mysterious sense of mission, "I have to do this.


    It''s a bad habit from my days as an assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings that I am easily driven by a sense of mission.


    The examination room was the indoor training hall that I visited yesterday.


    Everything was the same as it was yesterday.


    ''''We''re going to start the test now...''''


    Mr. Alanziel will be the representative of the examiners.


    The examiners will be represented by me, Arantzill, my apprentice Zester, and my son Dariel. Anyone who is dissatisfied should leave the examination room now.


    It''s outrageous.


    Everyone is willing to put their future on the line for the test to pave the way for the future of adventurers.


    There''s no way they can go home just because they don''t like me.


    If you don''t like it, go home!" is the worst thing to say in the field!


    ''That''s what I''m talking about, Master Alanziel!��His tone of voice is that of a man of strength!


    But there was a giant of a man who affirmed it all.


    It was Zester.


    A huge body that looks like a wall is still closing in on him today.


    ''It''s been a long time.''


    ''Master Dariel!��It''s been a while!


    This was my first contact with Zester after visiting the Center Guild.


    In the past, he called himself the hero of "Hammer" and did many things.


    I heard that Arantzill-san is now squeezing him as a reckoning for that mistake.


    You''ll be able to find out more about them.��I''m truly sorry, I''m so sorry for the trouble I''ve caused you, Dariel-sama, by my lightness of speech...!


    It''s true.


    It''s the reason why this kid was the one who found out all the secrets to Roselwy in the first place.


    ''''But!��It''s not a choice!��That man talks like he''s insulting Master Dariel!


    It''s not like I had a choice.


    So Zester-kun is receiving a lashing from Arantzill himself as retribution for the sin of chattering.


    "Is that why you''re in such shambles...?


    Yes, Zester, whom I hadn''t seen in a long time, was in such a devastating state that I suspected he was returning from the battlefield.


    You can find bandages all over his body, and he looks like he''s constantly getting fresh wounds.


    ''It''s really a dream come true,'' he said.


    ''It really is a dream come true!��You have trained me personally, Master Alanziel!


    But Zester was full of life.


    It may be the most brilliant expression I''ve ever seen on his face.


    ''When Master Aranzir first came to visit me, I was dreading what kind of scolding I would receive, but I didn''t expect him to train me in person!��That''s the size of a brave man''s vessel!��I admire this Zester!


    No, that''s probably a ''I''m going to get shagged out for spilling the secret'' thing.


    I''m angry enough, okay?


    ''Master Aranzir said. ''A stiff one approved by Dariel would be well worth training,'' he said. He trusts in his son and believes in me, as approved by Dariel. It''s truly a parent and child''s way of thinking!


    No, I think that was probably a sarcastic remark, right?


    ''Thanks to you, I''m improving myself under Mr. Alanziel, and I feel myself rising to greater heights every day!��This is also thanks to Dariel-sama Arantziel and no thanks use!


    This is the thing.


    It''s a sufficient sanction on Mr. Aranziel''s part, but the person receiving it is ''a reward in our world! That''s what they''re doing.


    When I saw Zeviantes flogging a subordinate before, I cautioned him, ''This is the reward for these kids! I was like, "Seriously? I didn''t know there really was such a thing.


    I didn''t know there really was such a race.


    I''m very grateful to be assisting Arantzill again today, and even more grateful that Dariel will be joining us. And I didn''t know that Dariel-sama would be joining us too!


    It just happened.


    It''s an honor to be part of such a powerful father-son duo''s work.��I know that my meager strength is nothing more than a little scum to the two of you, but I will do everything in my power to crush you to the bone!


    "No, I''m relying on you........


    Zester''s energy is terrifying.


    His physical body is in shambles. I''ve heard that there are times when the excitement of the spirit surpasses that of the body, but I''m worried that the moment the strings are broken, the body will be knocked down.


    The Zester and I are having a great time talking about it, but the main actors in today''s discussion are the examiners.


    How well they do on the exam will determine whether or not they can move on to the next step.


    You could say that this is the fork in the road of life.


    They, the challengers, are supposed to be the stars of this stage, though.


    "He''s the examiner?


    What''s the point of this?


    ''''Can we pass the test properly, can we........?


    His whispering voice is getting louder with upset.


    That''s why I''m worried.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.


    And then there''s me, a guy who doesn''t know what kind of horse''s bones he''s in.


    The fact that such a person is among the examiners must make everyone uneasy.


    Even if I was an examinee, I would be worried.


    Isn''t this a mistake in the planning of Arantzill-san after all?��I thought for a second that...?


    It''s good.


    There was a guy who came forward confidently.


    That''s the same face I saw yesterday. The adventurer who had come at me.


    In other words, he''s Marika''s brother.


    I don''t know for sure since I haven''t confirmed it with him.


    I''m not going to be able to tell if this is the right time to remove this phony''s hide. This is a good time to see what you''re made of. This is the only way to see if you are worthy of being Master Aranziel''s son.


    He says gruffly.


    ''Which one of us is being tested?��I''ll make that clear on the show, too.


    Apparently, he''s been running this exam in a manner that puts me ahead of his hostility.


    Are you okay?��Is that how you''re going to pass?


    And I''m a little nervous about this...?


    And I''m even more worried about...?


    ''Anata!��Good luck!


    My wife, Marika, was cheering from the bleachers of the exam.


    It seems that she was given a seat to observe the exam since she was related to me.


    The guild board members, guild masters from all over the world and other high-ranking people were seated at that seat, and the sense of being out of place for Marika and Gran as she held her was overwhelming.


    Are you okay!��It''s even more glaringly obvious!


    I was horrified, but....


    ''''You bastard........!��I won''t forgive you for showing off that beautiful wife too...!


    My brother''s teeth were grinding.


    Huh?��Don''t you notice?��She''s not your sister?


    If you haven''t seen her in nearly a decade, it''s not hard to see why she''s so different from you, but...


    Your sister recognized you over the past ten years!


    I''m getting more and more worried if he really is Marika''s brother.


    Mareeka has nailed it to me, ''I don''t want to get involved with that guy in the future, so keep me out of it,'' so I won''t say anything to this guy from me.


    Seriously, I''m hard on my immediate family.


    And well, it''s like that, with a mixture of love and hate and sadness.


    The examination for promotion to A-class adventurer was about to begin.

 162-161 There were many Marika brothers

    What will the test do?


    How do we measure the candidates'' abilities?��Will they draw the line appropriate for an A grade?


    The answer was pretty simple.


    "It''s a real fight.


    Mr. Alanziel says with his signature cane stick.


    We will fight the candidate directly to find out if he or she is a good fighter. That''s the best way to know for sure how good a fighter is, and you know how to find out, don''t you?


    Yes.....


    It''s not that everything is efficient...!


    The importance of taking steps...!


    What about the test for basic physical strength and stuff like that...?


    They''re all tested on the way to grade B, right?��The qualifications for the A-level promotion exam are that they are B-level adventurers. They have to take multiple tests to get here.


    That''s exactly right.


    I didn''t know that as a D-grade student...!


    That''s why we''ll have to simplify it as much as possible. There were, I believe, seventy-four examinees this time, and the three of us will have to handle all of them. The three of us will have to handle all of them alone.


    How come you''re so few in number?


    The examiner.


    The examiner said there should be more of us.


    Especially if it''s a direct competition.��It''s just me, Alanziel and Zester.


    "There can''t be any unfairness in the examiner''s ranks. You and Zester are the only two people who have anything close to that level of competence.


    I''m honored!


    Zester is also unapologetically moved by the words of someone he respects.


    He said, "I''d be happy to accept any rejection you guys come up with. Otherwise, it''s a two-way street. Therefore, please take care of it.


    The exam is a real battle format.


    Apparently, the examiner fights with the candidates and decides if they are worthy of being called an A-level or not.


    The only criterion for evaluation is the examiner''s feeling.


    The responsibility is huge.


    My stomach hurts from the tension just listening to the essentials.


    ''..........um, by the way, how many people are you planning to have pass the test?


    Three to five.


    How few?


    Only three to five out of seventy people taking the test?


    It''s a narrow gate.


    I don''t care if no one passes, as long as none of them do. If we force them to pass the test, they''ll die sooner or later and it won''t be good for them.


    And on top of that, there are no passes?


    It''s tough!


    This is the test that will determine the best of the adventurers!


    You might have to brace yourself for this one...?


    To be more specific, how does the test proceed?


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most out of your time with the help of a few of your friends.


    Since there are seventy-four examinees, even if we divide the number of examinees by three, each examinee will be able to take it by more than twenty.


    It''s tough.


    I''m worried that Mr. Alanziel will not be able to handle such a large number of people at his advanced age, not to mention his physical strength. In terms of physical strength.


    "Don''t underestimate him. I don''t care if you''re as good a user as you are, you can''t exhaust your physical strength no matter how many chickens come to see you, even if they don''t even make it to Grade A.


    I''ve assured him to read my thoughts.


    Well, if you''re the strongest and bravest of the past, you will be.


    And then there are the test takers.


    The exam has started, so they boldly challenge their predecessors as if to say, "My fate, open up my destiny.


    And then, in an instant, they are blown away.


    "UGIAHHH!


    "Aaaaahhhhhh!


    It''s not just Alanziel, it''s Zester.


    Not only Alanziel-san, but even Zester was merciless.


    Mr. Alanziel-san was a proud wand stick that could make use of all the aura characteristics of the slash and strike.


    Zester, with the special hammer that once made him the hero of the Hammer.


    The young challengers were blown away like a thousand knocks.


    ''''Tough...?


    Since it''s a test, don''t you dare to be passive or something in order to measure the characteristics and abilities of the challengers?


    How do you decide to pass or fail in the blink of an eye?


    ''''I''m going to take it a little slower...?''''


    Since I''m in the position of an examiner as well, the candidates should be rushing in in droves, but the response is somewhat weak.


    "Hey, you can''t go towards that thing...?


    ''''Are you going to judge me properly?''''


    "If I knock him over in a hurry, he''ll pass...?


    The sense of caution is intense.


    It''s a good thing that the examiner, who isn''t even an A-class adventurer, is the examiner who should be an A-class adventurer, because it''s very strange to me.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time.


    So I didn''t bother to interfere, just to wait and see what happened.


    The only thing that matters is the fact that it''s not a good idea to have someone else go.


    I don''t want to, what if I get rejected for running into that thing itself?


    Is that a trick question?


    No, I''m going after Mr. Arantziel...?


    It''s really annoying.


    Am I just going to stand there and wait for the test to be over?��It seemed..........


    ''Don''t you guys have any intention of passing the test?��Then I''ll be the first to go!


    And it was my brother who took the plunge.


    It''s a guy who looks like Maleeka''s brother.


    It''s not a matter of whether it''s a fake or a pseudo-analyzer, if it appears as an examiner, you''ll pass by beating that guy. Isn''t that right, board members?


    The brother asks the Center Guild Board of Directors in the bleachers.


    ''Good lord,''


    The other members of the board of directors, except for the chancellor, seem to be in a state of mind that they''re willing to take a stab at me because this is a unique opportunity to see my abilities in person, even if it''s just anyone.


    I''m not going to complain," they said, "so that''s why I''m going to promote you to the A class while I''m beating you to a pulp. You can''t complain. It''s the Center Guild''s fault for placing such a bogus person as an examiner, so let the Center Guild take the responsibility!


    They''re ready to take me down.


    I''m going to fight.


    ...hmm?


    What did you just say?


    ''We''?


    Yes, you are the condemned by us, the three most powerful brothers in the Reyhanton Street Guild!


    Somehow, before I knew it, there were two people lined up on either side of my brother.


    Three in total.


    Huh?��Three brothers?


    First of all, I''m Stanville, the eldest son and the hammer man!


    The brother who has been poking at me since yesterday said.


    He further followed it up.........


    ''''Second son, shield-user Riebeke!


    His new brother is a great prospect.


    ''And my youngest son, Sareeka!��I''m a double-sword user!


    The younger sister, who was exceptionally young, said.


    She introduced herself with such vigor that something seemed to explode behind her back.......


    .........what does it mean?


    Didn''t Maleeka have just one brother?


    Why are they multiplying?


    I looked at Malika sitting in the bleachers and she nodded back emphatically.


    Seriously?


    "Um, I''d like to ask you something that I don''t know, but.......?


    I, too, couldn''t contain my excitement and asked.


    You are brothers?��Three brothers?


    If you take it frankly, you won''t know what you''re asking, but they usually answer.


    ''How, well, actually, we''re four brothers.


    ''It would have been perfect if you hadn''t agreed with us and stayed in the countryside, but it would have been perfect for you to join us, but...''


    But if we go to the city, my sister and my father will recognize us.��As a start, today, all three of us will move up to A class!


    The brothers don''t hesitate to talk about their youthful dreams.


    And this is the guy I''m supposed to test for?


    It''s not easy.


    I honestly thought so.

 163-162 Dariel meets a slap

    Maleeka''s brothers.


    I didn''t realize there were three of them, not just one.


    Judging from their behavior and age, there was one brother and one sister, one of whom was Maleeka''s brother and sister.


    I guess Malika was in the second position.


    But, well, it''s only natural when you think about it for a moment.


    I''m a son-in-law myself, so I know them well. I''ve seen how close Malika''s parents and mother-in-law get to each other.


    The fact that Mary-Ka was the only one who made it together with her loving husband and wife is beyond belief.


    However, a total of four people have made it.


    What are you doing in a place like this, abandoning your hometown?


    I couldn''t help but ask this one, too.


    I didn''t even know they existed because they were so far away from their birthplace where they were supposed to be.


    Why did that happen?


    "...you have no idea what it''s like to be born in the middle of nowhere. You have no idea the sorrows of being born in a shithole with nothing to offer.


    It was the eldest son who started talking about something.


    He looks remarkably old in the trio.


    I guess that''s the impression I get because the eldest daughter (Marika) who is supposed to be in between, isn''t there.


    ''There''s nothing. There''s no store, no carriage. There''s no guild for cool adventurers to belong to.


    ''I had no idea I was going to spend the rest of my life in the middle of nowhere!��Our lives deserve to shine brighter than that, Attah!


    The one who took over is my sister.


    She still looks young enough to be a girl, but she seems active, perhaps because she''s trained as an adventurer.


    And perhaps because of our blood ties, she looks a bit smaller than Marika.


    What were we born for?��What are we born to do?��At least it wasn''t to smoke out in the countryside for nothing!��To find the meaning of what I was born to do, first of all today, I''ll pass and become an A-level adventurer!


    Finally, a younger brother.


    He looks even younger than his brother.


    However, the one thing they all had in common was that each part of their bodies had something in common that reminded me of my father-in-law.


    ''''And by the way, it''s a pseudo!��I''ll have you flayed!��And while we''re at it, the name of my three brothers and I will be making a lot of money!


    The three of them are approaching me belligerently.


    Not that I''m in the position of an examiner, so if I''m challenged, I just respond.


    But is this a good idea?


    Three against one.


    Is such an uneven fight allowed on the test or not?


    Of course you can.


    Aranzir-san answered while fighting in the next booth.


    ''''It''s a test to see if you''re a good adventurer. Just being strong doesn''t make you an adventurer. You understand that, don''t you?


    It''s, well...


    ''''Adventurers form a party, and their coordination and command skills are also essential for an A-level adventurer. To see that, the candidates must be herded together....


    Even Arantzill-san himself, who said so, was surrounded by a party of four examiners while explaining, and was annihilated before he could finish speaking.


    As expected of the strongest man in the world.


    And it makes sense to talk about it.


    A strong man who is strong alone and has no regard for others will not only help people, but will only be a nuisance to them.


    ''''I understand.''''


    I turn to my three brothers.


    "I want you three to come at me. I''m gonna see if you''re worthy of a grade A.


    You talk big. But you''re not a test, you''re a hunted man.


    The eldest son........was his name Stanville?


    He holds a hammer with a long handle, which seems to be his specialty.


    ...Speaking of which...


    My father-in-law, who used to be an adventurer, was also good at using a hammer. By making the handle longer, he was able to increase its power by gaining centrifugal force.


    I''m not sure if parents and children are alike in some way, even though they live apart.


    Just like me and Alanziel.


    You will be hunted like a monster to prove our strength to the guild directors. That''s what you are!


    I''m just saying that you''re not the one who should be appealing to us.


    Now, let''s get on with the game!��You better get your weapon out too!


    His sister and brother also thrust their weapons at him as if they were challenging him, but they hadn''t gone so far as to attack him yet.


    There was a reason for that.


    It was because I didn''t have a weapon.


    No matter how much this was a test, and no matter how much I hated them, I couldn''t attack them unarmed.


    I seem to have the least amount of pride in being an adventurer.


    ''I''ll keep it that way.''


    What?


    I''ve got the Hermes sword in its ground state in my pocket, of course, but I didn''t take it out.


    You don''t need to use your weapons against them. This is a test, bare hands are enough. I''ll go easy on you and you''ll come at me like you''re trying to kill me.


    The people around him throbbed with a do-gooder at his declaration.


    It would be unheard of for an adventurer versus adventurer to not use a weapon in a battle.


    Everyone questioned my sanity.


    "You lick my ass........!��Brother!��I knew it was bullshit that that guy was Master Arantzill''s child!


    He''s right, Riebeke. That''s right, Lebeke, we''ll cut off his hide. When we do, we''ll be "Class A" adventurers!


    The three brothers rushed out as if the front talk was over.


    Towards me.


    The ultimate goal would be me, but they each split off in three directions and showed a trajectory that surrounded me.


    It was quite an adventurer''s move.


    "Master, beat the hell out of those idiot brothers...


    My wife comes from the audience to support me and my son.


    What else is going on here?


    Let''s go!��In the usual order!


    I mean from me!


    The first of the three brothers to come at me was my sister.


    A blade held in each of her right and left hands.


    She has two swords.


    ''Well, you said you were a twin-sword user or something.


    Avoid the slashing blade by reading its trajectory.


    If it misses, it will slash at you again. This is dizzying because it''s two blades with two hands.


    The speed of the rush is not comparable to the speed of a single swing of a blade.


    Of course, it''s twice as many moves because there are two blades.


    "I''m impressed that you''ve been able to dodge my continuous attacks to this extent!


    Maleeka''s sister says.


    It is true that they are only sisters, and even their voice sounds are very similar.


    The two swords were so short that they could be called knives, and even if you slashed them properly, they didn''t seem to be able to inflict a wound that would even limit the enemy''s actions, let alone kill them.


    It wasn''t big enough or heavy enough.


    However, when using slash as an aura trait, it was a really appropriate way to manage it.


    Essentially there is no need for weight to slash.


    It is only the sharpness of the blade and the proper angle of the blade.


    When those things are inexperienced, the weight will try to force a cut. The "cutting" attack was a combination of slash and hit in Aura Warfare.


    If you use pure slash aura to enhance your slashing ability, you will no longer need to rely on weight.


    Even a small and light blade can easily slice through rocks and steel.


    And if it''s small and light, there''s no need to hold it with both hands. You can hold it with one hand. If you have one hand free, you can also hold another blade.


    Her fighting style was very logical for someone who has mastered the aura of slashing.


    The quality and quantity of the aura contained in the twin swords are perfect.


    With a large number of hands, it would not be a problem to rush into a crowd of monsters.


    Indeed, this is an arm that can challenge the highest level of adventurers.


    ''''You''re late, Saleeker!


    A voice from above.


    The eldest son, Stanville, is leaping and soaring into the heavens.


    And he''s being pulled down by gravity, falling, with his momentum...!


    ''''Rapidly falling board collapse!''''


    The hammer that was swung down shattered the floor of the testing ground.


    From the point where the hammer touched, cracks extended in all directions, extending far and wide, and countless pieces of debris flew up like popcorn from where the cracks were knotted together.


    Well, the floor collapsed because I jumped out of the way just in time to avoid it.


    ''Shit missed!''


    Stupid brother, you''re going too fast!��Not until I attract and bathe you a little more!


    I could see, their coordination.


    The younger sister wields her twin swords, which have become extremely slashing with a slash (slash) aura, and is distracted.


    Then she draws the enemy''s attention and swings down her eldest son''s deadly hammer blow from above his head, which is a deadly angle.


    That is their winning pattern.


    "I love that both my brother and Sareeka can play an active role. I''m not going to have a chance to do anything about it because the enemy is stupid and doesn''t have any weapons. If this is the case, I will be the only one to fail.


    The second son with the shield says. With a deliberate yawn.


    His role would be to defend the enemy in case they counterattacked.


    The sister of the disturbance, the younger brother of the defense to ensure that the enemy is stopped, and the eldest son''s hammer to finish him off.


    It''s a frankly perfect partnership.


    With this pattern, most opponents would be crushed without being able to move.


    ''''........most opponents would.


    Their characteristics have been assessed.


    It''s a test. I''m a gentleman, so I''m not going to kick them out immediately like Mr. Aranziel.


    ''''Then it''s the second stage of the test. What the hell do you do when you run into an opponent who doesn''t communicate with your boastful coordination?

 164-163 Dariel publicly shows strength

    What is this guy talking about...?


    My sister holds her sword in frustration.


    It''s not a matter of order, brother. It''s not a good idea to be a part of it. There''s no need for a polite combination with an unarmed person who doesn''t even have a base weapon!


    Hey, Saleekah, wait...?


    I don''t need help!��I''m going to use these twin swords to make you a household name!


    A protruding sister.


    Instantly reduce the distance between me and you to zero.....


    ''''If you want to die that badly, I''ll do what you want!


    She unleashed her twin swords at the same time, pinching me from both sides.


    If this is the case, I will be cut off both sides of the beast''s upper and lower jaws as if I were being bitten by them.


    ''''A thrust carried by the provocation. ........That''s a point deduction.


    Of course, I can''t escape to the right or left.


    So what do I do then.....


    I didn''t run away.


    Rather, I went straight for it.


    "Yes?��What did you say?!


    Against the sword blade strengthened with aura, this one is bare handed.


    I''m not going to be able to get it right. I''m not going to be the only one who can do this.


    But that expectation was off.


    The right hand that catches the twin swords and the left hand that catches the blades both grip the blades firmly and do not let go.


    ''''Huh?��No way!


    Seeing the result most closely, the younger sister panicked.


    It was no wonder that she was confused, since her own special double-edged blade was being defeated by her bare hands.


    ''''Umm~...?''''


    What?


    You''re still a beauty up close and personal.


    "?


    It''s just that she looks like my wife. That''s what sisters do.


    You can''t get away with it.


    Of course there''s the seed that held the sword in its bare hands.


    You''re not going to be able to get away with it. Moreover, it''s not the aura of an unmeaning element, but the aura of a splendidly meaningful guard.


    Pouring bare aura into one''s own body to strengthen one''s physical abilities was something that any adventurer with a certain level of ability did.


    However, the semanticized aura of the slash-and-strike defense is too dangerous to flow into a human body that is too delicate.


    It''s because the control is too delicate, and if it''s done poorly, it could break your body.


    However, I''ve mastered aura manipulation through training, and I''ve finally succeeded in imbuing my body with an aura that is, to some extent, meaningful.


    The result is this.


    I can catch a weapon with my bare hands.


    ''''Good one, Sareeka!��Keep him under control!


    Quickly, the eldest son jumps in the air.


    It''s great to see how quickly you can recognize an opportunity.


    I don''t know what you want to boast about, but it was your luck that you stopped moving!��Take my special ''sudden fall board collapse'' and shatter it!


    The younger sister made her sister stop the move, and the older brother finished the job.


    Ironically, the flow of events up to this point is in line with their winning pattern.


    It was a mistake to grab Saleeka''s twin swords, wasn''t it?��You can''t even defend yourself with your hands full!


    Yes. So we''ll have to try something else.


    What?��.........gubaaaah!


    The eldest son, who was taking a sharp turn, flew in the opposite direction at a certain moment.


    Right above.


    I didn''t touch him a single finger.


    It was as if he himself had been pushed away by an invisible force and surged upwards.


    It continued to arc and crashed to the ground away from me.


    ''''Guh, boah!��What was that, it was like I was pushed back by an invisible wall...?


    "Kyaaaahhhhhh?��Oh my God!


    "Saleeka!


    At the same time, my sister, who was cutting me down, was also pushed away.


    Of course, the same force that she used to hit her eldest son.


    It''s air.


    I explained it to him.


    It''s just a test.


    "I manipulated the surrounding air by pouring an aura into it, creating an air pressure. Just enough to blow one or two people away.


    "Oh no!��........Such a use of aura exists?


    So that''s what it is.


    Now, their attacks have rebounded.


    So that means our turn is up.


    There''s no reason not to attack, so let''s just let them conquer us.


    I shove them without hands.


    Normally, this would be a barbaric act that would make me question my sanity, but I''m sure they already feel threatened enough by my manual fists.


    ''''Hee!


    ''''d*mn Riebeke!''''


    My brother calls me, and my second son, who had been watching me until then, jumps in.


    Finally, it''s time for me to step up!


    The armor used by my brother is a shield.


    It''s the keystone of team play, which plays a vital role in defense.


    It''s not to be underestimated.


    You can''t just go to the store and buy a new one.


    Bare-handed versus shield.


    It''s easy to see who will win.


    "I never thought I''d have to use my shield against a bare-handed puncher. But that''s why you can''t break my shield," he said.


    I don''t know.


    What?��Oooohhhh!


    The tricks I''ve shown so far are the ones I showed in the previous game against Leelina.


    So let''s do something a little different this time.


    My brother''s shield instantly tore off and fell apart.


    ''No!��Why?��I was doing my best to put an aura of solid guard (protection) on it!


    That''s why.


    I''m going to lecture my little brother, who stands there without a weapon.


    "It wasn''t just your aura that was poured onto my shield. As a matter of fact, I coursed it through me, too.


    What?


    ''My aura. Two auras are poured into one armor at the same time. What do you think happens when that happens?


    Two different auras clamor for each other within a single substance and begin to compete for space.


    And everywhere there is a resilience.


    Your shield can no longer withstand the clamor of my aura and yours, and it''s destroyed itself. A weapon that can only be destroyed by an aura user, and only an aura user can destroy it.


    What...?��Bugueh?


    My brother, who stood there stunned, decided on a palm bottom and blew him away.


    It''s a bit of a surprise, but you''re too bored on the battlefield.


    The younger brother, who was blown away, rolled over to his eldest son and sister, who were just behind him.


    The three brothers froze in one place.


    That''s where I drew my Hermes Sword for the first time.


    ''''The ''Great Emperor''s Splitting Sky!''''


    The aura slashing blade that was released........did not hit the three of them.


    It bypassed above them and hit the walls of the indoor cultivation hall, shattering it to pieces.


    ''''Gah!��The fragments!


    ''''A major collapse!��Someone, someone get a repair team!


    There is a lot of noise around, but that''s okay.


    You know I missed it on purpose, don''t you?


    If I had aimed properly, the three brothers would have lost their shields and froze in one place. Collectively, they would have disappeared from the ground.


    "Stanville, Lebeke, and Saleeker. You three are now dead. You have failed your quest.


    He showed a complete victory with his father''s "Great Emperor Splitting Sky".

 165-164 Testing ends

    It''s a test. I''ll give you a few pointers. These are the moves I used against you guys. All of them are extra moves, except for the Sky Slicing technique.


    I''m going to give a lecture to the three of them who still can''t get up from the shock of the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky'' passing by so close.


    ''''It means you''re not in the realm of juggling. First of all, the technique you used on your little sister, the technique that allows a guard (protective) aura to flow through your body, but that is only able to flow a very thin guard (protective) aura.


    The human body is still delicate.


    If you let a strong and dense aura of meaningfulness flow through it, it becomes unbearable and takes its toll.


    If you keep doing that without a second thought, you will become a bedridden old man with wobbly legs and feet before you reach your fiftieth birthday.


    But in order to prevent the burden on the human body, I can only channel a very thin guard aura. I can''t even use it as a shield against an impending attack aura.


    Take the inferno, for example.


    In front of his red deadly blade, it would mean nothing.


    I''m sure he would have his thin guard aura torn apart like paper.


    You''re not going to be able to get your hands on any of them. Why is that?


    ''What?��Uh....?


    That''s because our auras are too different from each other in absolute terms. Even with your full strength, you couldn''t overcome the lazy power I was holding back.


    It was a battle method that could only be established if there was a difference in strength between them to the point of separation.


    The same is true of the battle method I used against my eldest son, pouring aura into the air.


    As I said before, in the end, the original wind magic of the original family was overwhelmingly superior in terms of both the power and complexity of controlling the air.


    Not only the mages of the demon race, but also the veteran adventurers who are used to fighting these sorts of things will not be able to exploit the emptiness of the veteran adventurers.


    And if the opponent is as fast and accurate as the inferno, they might be able to take advantage of an opening in their surprise move and aim for a fatal wound.


    As I thought, it was just an afterthought that couldn''t be used in a serious fight.


    ''''And finally, the destruction of the armor I used on my brother...''''


    Yes....?


    That was another technique that could have been used because we were so far ahead of them.


    If it was an opponent with an equal amount and quality of aura....


    In the first place, even if you try to pour your aura into your opponent''s weapon, your opponent''s aura will reject you and you won''t even be able to mix with it.


    Only if the opponent''s aura is weaker than yours, can you force them to fuse together as if you were pushing them down to the bed to create a resilient force.


    If the opponent is an inferno........


    ............I''m done with this.


    ''''You know what I mean?��In other words, you''re overwhelmed by a feat that is little more than a banquet trick. Why?


    Because we''re too weak...


    Good call. You survived just in time.


    Those who can admit their weakness will live longer.


    The reckless march is enforced by an inability to recognize weakness.


    ''Now the test is over. Step back and rest.


    "Shit.....?��We''re not accepted...?


    The eldest son slammed his fist on the floor.


    Right now, he was genuinely disappointed that his path to becoming an A-class adventurer had been cut off.


    ''''I''m not so sure about that.''''


    What?


    At least that''s the combination they showed.


    That was truly stunning.


    I''ll need more samples to see if that was worthy of an A grade.


    ''Well, what''s up?��The promotion tests are still going on, aren''t they?


    All around them, the galleries that had been watching the fight so far flinched.


    But they are not truly a gallery.


    They are also candidates participating in the battle.


    They are only watching because they are waiting their turn.


    ''''If you want to be an A grade, you can take your turn. You''re the only examiner out of the three who isn''t an A-class adventurer.��It''s the easiest course. The sooner we get there, the better, shouldn''t we be flocking to it first?


    ''No!��He''s the weakest!��It''s definitely a trap!


    A sharp rebuke came from the crowd of test takers.


    What do you think...?


    It''s definitely strong!��If it''s worse than Arantzill-sama...


    Mr. Arantziel is an old man. The younger son is older...


    The son of the strongest son is also the strongest.


    "I never heard that the kid could use the Sky Splitting Authority...?


    "Why isn''t he a hero...?


    They are buzzing together and shying away from each other.


    Hesitation is good, but if you''re not going to get it right, it won''t end if you''re not going to get it right?


    ''I won''t have time to give Gran a bath.


    ''Well, we''ll do this. The same thing happened in the fight earlier. I won''t be using my weapon during the test.


    I put the Hermes Blade back in my pocket after returning it to its grounded state.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who can do this. It''s a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what to expect. You''re going to have to be very determined.


    That lit a fire in the eyes of the test takers.


    Finally, the exam was in full swing.


    ��


    The content of the exam was that me, Arantzill-san and Zester were going to beat the candidates who were challenging us incessantly.


    However, since the candidates had the choice of who to challenge out of the three of us, it seemed to give the candidates who gathered at each examiner a distinctive look.


    First of all, candidates with a genuine admiration for Alanziel seemed to gather under him.


    He is already a legend.


    Just being able to meet with him would be a lifelong memorial.


    Next, me.


    After beating the three brothers, a good number of them started coming in.


    They tend to be the ones with vitality in their eyes. They tend to be the ones that have a lot of vitality in their eyes, with melancholic fire in their eyes and blood running through them.


    Those with extreme upward mobility tend to come to me.


    Why?


    "I''m going to be strong by beating this guy!


    They shouted at me.


    I was scared, so I stunned him with one punch.


    Finally, Zester.


    He also once called himself the "Hammer" hero and is an A-class adventurer.


    He should definitely be one of the strongest in the Center Guild........


    The people who are challenging them are somewhat slow to move.


    ''''Anyway, as long as we pass, we''re on our own.......!


    To that end, I will give the weakest examiner...!


    I was mumbling to myself.


    Fault for being weak against Zesters.


    I can''t give a pass to a guy with that kind of heart.


    I''m not a candidate who came to me, but I''m going to recommend that you fail.


    ��


    This is how the A-level promotion exam was held over the course of the day.


    I fought with all the candidates....


    ''''It''s not too hard!''''


    I gave my frank opinion.


    Right now, the three examiners, myself, Alanziel-san, and Zester, are huddled together, forehead to forehead, discussing who should pass. We''re discussing who should pass.


    But first.........


    ''''Isn''t that too hard!''''


    I stated my case frankly.


    We''ve been fighting all day long.


    No breaks, challenge after challenge, challenge after challenge.


    The sense of time was starting to fade in the middle.


    I fought a lot more people than I thought I would.��In the first explanation, you said that the seventy-odd candidates would be divided among three, so each of you would have to take about twenty!


    But the number of people who had fought today was high.


    It was definitely more than twenty. Otherwise, there''s no way they would have fought the whole day.


    ''Thanks to that, Gran got bored and went to bed!��I didn''t get to interact with my son today!��What do you think you''re doing?


    Instead you get to meet new adventurers full of youth and hope.


    Don''t compare my beautiful son with those people!


    Compared to those miserable bastards, my Gran is an angel!


    Don''t even think about it!


    Well, that can''t be helped. But where did you get the figure of twenty men each?


    What?


    I freeze at Mr. Alanziel''s point.


    ''Didn''t you hear me?��A candidate can challenge the examiner as many times as he or she wants.


    "What?


    What''s the first time you''ve heard of that?


    So a candidate who gets blown away by me, for example, can then challenge Mr. Alanziel or Zester?


    As long as they stay strong and don''t break their hearts. It''s a test.


    That''s right.


    If we simply pass if we win and fail if we lose, we''ll all fail this year.


    ''After all, a single examiner will inevitably be dogmatically biased, so we have two or three people on hand. If all of them interact with the examiners, will they be able to make a fair judgment?


    ''Maybe so, but...''


    So the candidates who lost that fight didn''t end up trying again one by one?


    Wasn''t it an illusion that I felt like I fought over a hundred times today!


    It''s like, ''Didn''t we defeat this guy already? I think the reason why the guy who looked like that appeared a few times was because he was in a coma from fighting too much!


    Come to think of it, I think those three brothers have fought a few times since then!


    Why didn''t you just say so?


    Why don''t you just tell me what you know...?


    Mr. Alanziel is not bothered by any of that stuff.


    I had forgotten that''s the quality of it.


    ''''You are blessed to be able to challenge Aranziel-sama and Dariel-sama as many times as you like, this year''s candidates are blessed!��I wanted so badly to be on the examination side!


    And Zester says it like it''s someone else''s problem.


    You''re in a position to be envied for being squeezed by Alanzill on a daily basis!


    That''s enough rambling.


    Mr. Alanziel is in charge.


    Yes, the three of us didn''t get together to complain about each other.


    If we don''t do this, that''s exactly the point of our futile fight today.


    We will now decide who can pass the test based on the content of the exam.

 166-165 Successful applicants, unexpectedly many

    The purpose of the test was, of course, to determine who would pass.


    So let''s decide, shall we?


    Because we had spent the whole day in a barren battle for that purpose. If we didn''t make any decisions here, we would really be barren.


    ''First of all, Zester. You''re the only candidate who fought only you, and all the candidates failed.


    "As you wish.


    Aranzir-san was watching the place where he was watching, too.


    There were a certain number of guys among the examiners who were aiming for a safe passage and only fighting Zester.


    Why did they focus on Zester?


    It''s because he sees Zester as the weakest of the bunch.


    It''s probably because he''s the weakest of the bunch, and rather than challenge the strongest of the bunch and perform an abomination, he''d rather get over the hump and leave a good impression.


    "A class A title is unworthy of a person with such a despicable mindset. Therefore, you are not accepted.


    "Sansei,


    With the agreement of Zester and I, Mr. Alanziel put the targeted candidates'' documents in the fire.


    The documents contained the background and characteristics of each candidate, but they were blackened in the flames, never to be read again.


    "That''s about ten people down at once.


    ''Let''s get the rest of them scrutinized quickly. I can''t wait to finish the work and play with Gran too.


    I''m telling you, Gran is already asleep at this hour.


    Wait until tomorrow.


    Shall we start with the successful candidates?��........Master Dariel, was there anyone who said ''this''?


    Hmm.


    Zester urged me to recall the series of fights today.


    The one that jumped out at me in that series of fights and showed a memorable fighting style was.......


    ''''.........Our Gashita?''''


    Wait a minute.


    Mr. Alanziel, after looking over the rest of the papers in a disciplined manner, says.


    ''Who''s Gashita?��I don''t think any of the candidates have that name, okay?


    He''s not here.


    My Lax village adventurer Gacita is now remaining in Lax village to protect my absence.


    Therefore, there is no way he is participating in the exam.


    ''''No, no, no...!��What did I tell you?��They decide who passes the test!��Why do you name the guy who didn''t take the test!


    Because...!


    Listen to me, okay?


    I don''t mean to bring up guys who aren''t part of the exam for nothing.


    I''ve faced many adventurers all day.


    All of them are qualified to challenge the top tier of the A class.


    But when I put my weapons together with all of them, I thought.


    ''''...there was no one stronger than Gacita.


    What do you mean?


    It''s true that Gacita is the strongest adventurer in Lux Village that I''ve trained directly.


    I thought I had trained him to the point where I wouldn''t be embarrassed to put him anywhere, but that''s why I can compare him to me.


    The threat that Gacita poses to me through daily training. Not once today did I encounter an opponent who made me feel more than that.


    ''Not even in a many-on-one matchup. It''s surprising, but I''ve realized it. Gacita was far more powerful than I realized!


    Publicly!


    ''A young man who won a pure archery match against Altamir?��If you can surpass Artamir, who was chosen to be the ''Bow'' brave, then you certainly deserve an A grade!


    Zester agrees.


    ''No, wait. So no matter how strong you are, you''re not a candidate, are you?��If you''re such a promising young man in general, why don''t you send me to the promotion exam!


    Gacita himself refuses to take the test.


    "I don''t care about my grade, I want to protect my village! Say.


    In order to take the exam for promotion to A level, you have to go to the center guild, and this time I went to the center guild at the same time, so....


    "It''s my role to protect my brother''s absent Nakamura!


    And then he didn''t move even with leverage.


    After meeting the three brothers who abandoned the village and left, I realized that Gashita was a person who was full of love for his hometown from the start, wasn''t he!


    ''''Alright, alright...!��Then that gashita or whatever the hell he''s called, he passed A-level!


    The promotion to the highest grade was decided without his knowledge.


    Mr. Alanziel is also a person who makes decisions quite randomly.


    ''''Then let''s decide who else will be promoted to the top grade.��Let me remind you, it''s from among those who took the test today!


    Yes, sir.


    Finally, a serious selection was made.


    Based on the abilities, skills, spirit, wisdom, judgment, integrity, etc. that they had seen and experienced in actual combat, they picked those who had exceeded the criteria to become an A-class fighter....


    ��


    We have a problem.


    Mr. Alanziel says.


    ''Too many people have passed.''


    As a result of our discussion, the number of people who beat the drum that ''this guy will pass the test'' was far more than we expected.


    About twenty people.


    They had been told in advance that there would be three to five people who could pass the test, so they hadn''t narrowed it down at all.


    ''''The two of you aren''t even close to being strict enough yet.


    For some reason, me and Zester were pissed off at Mr. Arantzill.


    ''You haven''t narrowed it down a bit,'' he said. You haven''t got the faintest idea what you''re talking about. You are not fit to be an examiner unless you are tougher and more ruthless.


    ''What?��That''s what I said, but........?


    I''ve narrowed it down to 20 people. I think every single one of them are qualified for A-class status.


    The aura, the way they carried themselves, and the way they judged a pinch were quite skillful.


    ''''That''s why I agree with you. Excluding the personnel who met the requirements because there are too many of them would be the end of the world. It''s not good for them or for the guild as a whole.''''


    Zester also defends himself.


    I thought he was going to be a yes-man who was so fascinated by Mr. Alanziel that he would approve of everything, but he unexpectedly stated his opinion very firmly.


    ''You two are still young boys.... Let me pick out who is worthy and who is not........


    Mr. Arantzill," he said, looking around at the twenty or so documents that still remain.


    ''''...............''''


    And there is no movement at all.


    I knew you couldn''t make up your mind either!


    No, no!��It''s not!��These guys are so similar in their features that it''s hard to sort them out!


    Don''t tell me you''re getting old!


    Anyway, there are only two decisions that can be made at this point.


    The twenty-odd people who are still on the shortlist are either passed or they all fail.


    Either they''ll all pass, or they''ll all fail.


    You can''t pass them all, so we''ll just have to reject them all.


    Stop!


    Stop!��That''s far too merciless!��Please, please!


    Zester and I tried to stop them, but I guess they couldn''t get all 20 of us to pass.


    Why?


    What''s wrong with that?


    But if you are too reckless in giving out successful candidates, the authority of the A class may be damaged.


    I''m not sure what to do. In this case, I guess we have no choice but to adopt another method.


    ''What?��Is there anything else you''d like to share?


    Means?


    We''ll give you a second test!


    "Secondary test?


    There is such a thing?


    It''s an additional item that is added if you can''t narrow it down on the first test. I didn''t want to do it as much as possible because it would have called into question the examiner''s judgment...


    ''''But it''s not that unusual. After all, it would be impossible to identify all the elite adventurers selected from all the guild branches in a single test.


    According to the supplementary explanation from Zester, the percentage of times the second exam is given is about two out of three.


    You''ve been doing this almost every year.


    Then why don''t you just go to the second test without any trouble?��Have we wasted our time...?


    No, no!��I didn''t want to show you or Gran the good stuff, I didn''t want to make a big, bangin'' decision in one go!


    Did you have such an ulterior motive?


    You can''t. Those adventurers who are here to take the examinations, their future depends on it...!


    That''s why we''ve decided to hold it again this year.


    The second test.


    Do I have to go along with it?

 167-166 Dariel and others head to the secondary examination venue

    In this way, the twenty-odd strongmen who hadn''t been selected in the first test would be scrutinized again in the second test.


    They would continue to undergo trials at the Center Guild.


    ''''Selected strongmen. But you are still in the midst of your difficulties.''''


    Before the exam begins, Mr. Arantzill seems to give a cautionary tale.


    The second test is much harder than the first. If you''re not careful, you could be seriously injured, or even killed. But I won''t take any chances. Keep in mind, however, that a grade A title is a heavy one.


    In a stern tone, he told the young men who had yet to earn that title.


    Even though I didn''t want to, I was tense and tense in the process.


    ''''Then we will now move to the examination room. Do not relax and continue as if you are already on the battlefield.''''


    Mr. Alanziel leads the way and leads the twenty people who are going to take the second round of exams.


    Where in the world are they headed?


    This place is already in a dense forest far away from the Center Guild.


    What about the second exam that has to take place in this place?


    I mean, do we have to come with you, too?


    I say from my position at the end of the line.


    Because Aranziel told me to take that spot.


    The front of the line is the brave man who preceded me. I was the last in line.


    It''s just like a battle line advancing through enemy territory.


    "Caution is inevitable.


    Those were the zesters that went on in line.


    That''s a really great alert. What''s it like to have two of the best forces at the tail end of the line?


    ''''This forest has been declared a forbidden area by the Center Guild. It is abhorred by veteran adventurers, who call it the ''Gravel Forest''.


    Grate?


    Since some time ago, powerful monsters have been nesting in this forest, and despite several attempts to defeat them, every single one of them failed, so they were declared unbeatable. But despite their strength, they were not relentless in their pursuit, and their survival rate was high, so they were used as a test for adventurers.


    What''s that?


    I didn''t know such a monster was on the human side.


    What do you mean, the second round of exams, you want the candidates to fight that monster?


    You are very perceptive, Master Dariel.


    I''m not too happy about the praise this is getting...?


    Seriously?


    These kids who are taking the test are going to have to fight a monster?


    Isn''t this all too realistic?


    ''''They''ve already faced off against the most powerful adventurers on the first round of exams. The only way to find out more about their qualifications is through actual combat...


    Even if you fight the strongest of the human race, it''s only a mock battle. There are true values that can only be glimpsed in real life or death battles.


    That''s why if you let them fight a special kind of monster...?


    "Arantzill-san, you''re reckless...!


    ''''No, this is an annual event for promotion exams!��Every year, the second test is usually given to the Mountain Wolf of the Oroshi Forest, and it was never Arantzill-sama''s idea or anything...!


    The Wolf of the Mountain?


    Is that the name of the monster that you say lives in these woods?


    "But I don''t know.......I''ve been spending a lot of time with Mr. Arantzill lately, and my perception of him has changed.......!


    Alanziel-san, surprisingly, has a super appropriate personality.


    I didn''t feel it so much when he was divided into friend and foe as an active hero, but as an individual, he''s quite unreliable.


    He''s not very good at communicating, he really doesn''t know anything outside of what he knows, and he doesn''t know how much or how little to add or subtract, which makes him chill out.


    The fact that he himself tries so hard not to show it...?��How can I say that I''ve seen a part of the strongest hero that I shouldn''t have seen...?


    ''''Maybe it''s for the best.''''


    Zester said.


    ''I think that many people, including that one, hold Master Aranzir too sacred. A hero who fought fiercely against the demons. The strongest man in history. We are so enthralled by his strength that we see him as something other than a human being.''''


    ''Oh, I know. People who come at me and stuff, generally.


    ''Maybe so. Lady Aranziel has a son. Maybe he can''t allow himself to be both in love and a parent as a man.


    Is that why you hate me so much?


    Zester had been squeezed by Mr. Arantzill recently.


    The other side of the coin is that he''s been able to work with Alanziel more than ever before.


    I''ve been able to work with Alanziel in person, not as a legend," he says.


    Over the past few days I have realized that Mr. Alanziel is a human being. In the past few days I''ve realized that Alanczil is a human being. He cries and he laughs, but he is also a human being, with both strength and weakness. .........No, maybe that person was able to regain his human self by meeting you again.


    ..........


    I know it''s not right to ask for this kind of thing from the other side, but.... I beg you. I hope you will cherish the time you have spent as a human being that she has regained.


    ..........


    All I could do was mute.


    The strongest and bravest of them all were deprived of this. He was supposed to spend the abundant time with his family and his family.


    That''s why he had no choice but to become a war demon and lash out at the demon tribe with his infinite outpouring of hatred.


    And the strongest legend that was born........


    ''''But I''m already over thirty. I''m too embarrassed to talk about the bond between me and my father now...''''


    It''s...


    ''''So I''ll do as much as I can. And now that we have the ultimate weapon called Sun...


    This is when Gran''s presence shines through.


    No matter what kind of man he is, he''s allowed to mellow in front of his grandson.


    ''Well, as for me, I have other ties that need to be repaired...''


    The wife''s.


    ''Master Dariel!''


    I was proceeding in a daze.


    I was approached by a line of people advancing ahead of me.


    It was the same three brothers.


    ''Good evening!��Thank you for showing us the way!


    You''ve changed your attitude so dramatically again...?


    It''s a good thing that you''re not a fan of this kind of thing.


    ''Of course!��We were wrong!��Master Dariel is truly a man of ability worthy of Master Aranziel''s son!


    He''s strong!��It''s got smarts!��And since he can even use the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky'', he''s truly the second Arantzill-sama!


    I can''t help but admire your generosity in letting us through to the second test without failing us, even though we were rude to you all the time!��Please continue to guide us!


    The admiring gaze poured out on me hurts.


    Why is it that the people who poke around in relation to Arantzill-san have a pattern of beating up and returning their hands when they are beaten up?


    He looked at Zester, the original owner of the company, and he looked away.


    ''''We admire you, Dariel-sama. By all means, be the standard-bearer to lead the Adventurer''s Guild in the future!


    Don''t you think it''s time for Dariel to be the hero?


    I''m sure Dariel will defeat the Witch King.


    It''s not just the three brothers, the other candidates are looking at me in a different way.


    A look of pure adoration?


    I''ve done my best in the first round of the exam, you know.


    Zester said as he looked away from me.


    Did I do so much?


    I wasn''t serious at all in the first round, I didn''t even get my Hermes sword out until the end after all.


    ''''You didn''t do anything great at all.


    ""There it is!"


    The excitement of the examinees had been too much, and the ranks were regrouped after being ganged up on by Mr. Arantzill, who was in a quarrel with them.


    ''I told you that I intended to be in the war zone already. Do you want us all to be rejected?


    ""I''m sorry..."


    Everyone surrendered to Arantzill-san, who hadn''t shown the dignity of a great brave man in a long time, and proceeded to form a tight formation.......


    ''''We''re finally able to converse~''''


    Oh, my God, Marika!


    I saw Marika behind you?


    Did you follow me?��With Gran?


    I''m going on a trip with you. I can''t go away from you, not even for a moment.


    Well, I don''t like it either.


    But it''s not safe where we''re headed.


    I''m dropping back to safety, I''ll be fine.


    If that''s what you mean...


    Are you sure?


    But if you''re going to come with us, why don''t you say hello to your brothers?��After all, they haven''t even revealed their existence yet, have they?


    I''m curious about that too.


    It''s not just your brother, but even your younger siblings....


    ''Don''t worry about it!��Those people who abandoned the village and left, wherever they die, they come to the Don!


    So how come you guys don''t have any crushes on your own flesh and blood?


    You guys" = Marika and her mother-in-law.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.


    It''s a test subject, an unbeatable monster.


    We even end up underneath the Yamahoroshi no Kami.

 168-167 Yamaroshino was a monster

    I want to make sure that before I start my second test.


    Adventurer''s work.


    There are three major types of work.


    Fighting against demons


    Taking down monsters.


    Catching criminals.


    That''s the main thing.


    The most important thing among them is to fight against demons, but it''s not that important in today''s world.


    The reason is that nowadays the only people who fight against demons are the brave men and women.


    We have already tacitly established an agreement of inviolability with the demon tribe for several decades now, so it is unlikely that they will invade each other''s borders.


    Both sides would find war troublesome.


    The war between humans and demons has been going on for a long time, so it''s been a long time between all-out warfare and a lull in warfare, with both sides running out of steam.


    This is the time of peace.


    Therefore, the only way for adventurers to fight against demons is to be chosen by a hero and become a party member.


    The brave men will always come to attack the demon king to defeat him.


    The next most important task for adventurers is to defeat monsters.


    This may be the biggest main job now.


    The monsters that appear in various places and harm human settlements are exterminated.


    Depending on the type of monster, they can be a threat to the survival of an entire city.


    This is why it is most appropriate to counter them with adventurers strengthened by the unique power of aura.


    Nowadays, the most popular quest for adventurers is the slaying of monsters, and the saga of the A-class adventurers is that they have slayed some powerful monster....


    So it''s only natural that the second test should include actual monster fighting as a subject.


    This is because the enemies that adventurers have the most opportunities to face are not demons, but monsters.


    ........Ah.


    Also, as a supplement, the next most common job is to catch criminals.


    The enemies of humans are human patterns.


    That kind of thing is also the job of the guards and vigilantes that are organized in each town and village, but the cases that are out of their control turn to the adventurers.


    Mainly when the culprit is an adventurer crumbling.


    And if they use auras, they can only deal with the same aura users.


    Furthermore, this is an aside, the main duties of the Demon King''s army are pretty much the same.


    Aside from intercepting the brave men who are attacking the Demon King, the main duties of the Demon King''s Army are to take down the monsters and criminals that appear in the Demon Territory.


    In that sense, the Adventurer''s Guild and the Demon King''s Army can be said to be a mechanism that operates with almost the same purpose.


    And that''s as far as the mechanism of the world goes....


    The ordeal for young people who want to stand taller in such a system begins now.


    ��


    So?


    We''re in the woods.


    The atmosphere was serene and tranquil, and I could even hear the birds chirping in the distance.


    If it weren''t for the exam, I''d want to take a nap with the roots of a tree as my pillow.


    ''This is where this vicious monster or something like that comes out?��It doesn''t seem very idyllic, but...


    Don''t let up, Dariel. This is the calm before the storm, and the mountain wolf that nests in these woods is a monster, indeed a storm.


    Ho..........


    What kind of monster would make the great hero Arantzill be so alarmed?


    The Mountain Goddess controls the wind. In front of his windstorm barrier, arrows and any other flying tools will be blown away, and people will lose track of them. One can lose track of the others. This is a monster that makes you feel as if you are fighting a storm itself.


    It''s rare for a monster to manipulate natural phenomena.


    It''s just like magic.


    It''s a great way to simulate a mock battle for the demon race, but.... I get the feeling that there''s more to it than meets the eye.


    That''s right. And in this second round, the role of the examiner will become even more important.


    Zester muttered seriously.


    ''''Monsters don''t go easy on you, they don''t hold back and say, ''Any longer and you''ll die.'' In the first round, we played the role of the candidates'' enemies, but that''s the most important difference.


    When it comes down to it, we''ll have to get between us and the monster to protect the candidates.


    So, in the end, we can''t have it easy.


    Okay, we need to pull ourselves together.


    "But if Dariel and Arantziel stood side by side, they would have no enemies.��The Yamato no Kami might unexpectedly take down the sign of an unbeatable monster today!


    Even the people around them laughed at the joke Zester released.


    The examiners were also feeling somewhat buoyant.


    ''''That''s right.......!��We have the best tag team of the strongest man and his son...?


    We must be insanely lucky to have you along for the ride.


    The exam won''t matter anymore!


    No, no, no.


    Don''t forget about the exams. It''s all about your future.


    My father looked embarrassed when he saw the air of affirmation of the parent-child relationship between me and Mr. Alanziel since the first exam.


    He was embarrassed, as if to hide his embarrassment.


    ''Don''t get carried away during the exam!��Danger is coming!


    ?


    The wind is blowing...


    Speaking of which.


    It had been completely windless a moment ago, but before I knew it, the grass and trees had begun to rustle.


    Even the birds'' chirping, which had been pleasant to my ears, had been drowned out by the wind.


    Before I could notice anything unusual, the plants began to rustle, and I couldn''t even open my eyes to the pressure of the wind on my body.


    What is this strong wind...?


    It''s proof that the Mountain Goddess is approaching!��Take your weapons, unsheath them!��Danger is just around the corner!


    Alanziel-san''s angry voice caused the tension to jump.


    And then it came.


    He came from above.


    It''s a long, sleek body that looks as if it has swum through a storm.


    Its entire body was covered in glowing emerald scales, huge and divine.


    Its beard and mane fluttered, and the brilliance in both eyes was like a blazing fire.


    Its appearance was just like.........


    "That........that''s a dragon.......?


    I couldn''t see it that way.


    A dragon that controls the power of the wind.


    In other words, that was.........


    Wind Dragon.........?


    Why did I see that and recognize it as a dragon at a glance?


    Because he had seen it once before.


    A fire dragon.


    Wasn''t the most serious danger in the turmoil once caused by the Four Heavenly Kings Bashbarza, the most serious danger was the red lotus scaled fire dragon...?


    A wind dragon that looks very much like that flame beast Salamandra.


    The difference is that Salamandra is covered in flames, while that dragon is covered in a storm.


    That''s the only difference.


    In other words, that''s........?


    "Wind Devil Windra........?


    Isn''t that what it''s called?


    They are more than just the most fearsome monsters in the world, demonic beasts.


    What are the four worst of them?


    What the hell are they doing here?


    "Arantzill!


    I immediately grabbed onto Mr. Arantzill.


    It''s an emergency!


    Isn''t that a Hexenbiest?��Isn''t that a Hexenbiest?��! Are they not monsters, they''re Hexenbiests?


    Huh?��That''s the Mountain Wolf monster that the Center Guild has honourably recognized, right?


    ''''So ahhhhh!


    The concept of demonic beasts was only on the side of the demon race.


    According to the documents held by the Demon King''s army, the four fierce beasts were created by the Demon King for fun long ago. Wearing the four attributes of earth, water, fire, and wind, these demonic beasts were too ferocious to be controlled, so they were left alone and unleashed.


    They are now ravaging the world as they please.


    ''No, sir!��There is a difference between a monster and a hexenbiest!��Demonic beasts are more dangerous than that!


    Oh, is that so?


    Why do you seem so self-centered, Mr. Alanziel?


    You fought the Flaming Demon Beast, Salamandre, in person too, didn''t you?��It''s not like you don''t realize just how scary that is!


    "Oh, really, this guy...?


    He''s a guy who''s been known to blend in with his legendary heroics, but he''s missing in action personally!


    After our recent run-ins with each other, I didn''t think it would take long for them to take effect!


    ''Abort!��Abort!��How many lives will be lost if we have to contend with a hexenbiest!


    This is not the way we are supposed to play it, with the big test!


    The test is more important than life!


    But the fighting''s already started.


    What?


    As Alanziel pointed out, the young candidates were innocently slashing at the Wind Devil Beast.


    ''''Yes! Defeat it!''''


    "I''m gonna beat this guy and become a grade-A adventurer!


    My heart almost stopped in shock.


    At an unexpected time and place, the battle against the worst threat, the demonic beast, had begun again.

 169-168 Marika participates in the war

    The human race and the demon race are two different species.


    That''s why the history they''ve accumulated is different and their values are different.


    Since they didn''t know the legend that the Demon King created the Demon Beast, the humans saw the Demon Beast as the same thing as the monster.


    It should be called a very natural decision, though.


    That''s probably why the Wind Demon Beast Windra was given a name such as "Mountain Wolf" and was graded as an unbeatable monster.


    The wind-demon beast that came to be called ''Yamahoroshinokami'' is said to have been ruling this forest for a long time.


    ''''I didn''t know there was a demonic beast living in human territory...?


    Anyway, as far as I''m concerned, I don''t want to fight a demonic beast ever again.


    Just one battle with a Flame Demon Beast is enough!


    Moreover, in the case of Salamandra, she was fusing with Vashbarza during the battle, and her spirit was being affected by him.


    Bashburza''s cowardice and sneakiness had infected the Flame Monster Beast, and it never showed the slightest bit of its original ferocity, so it was able to push through.


    However, the Windra (Yamato no Kami?) in front of him now. is different.


    It''s a true Hexenbiest who doesn''t even wear any unusual weights and is completely ferocious.


    If we collide with that thing, there will be a pile of dead youngsters!


    "What the hell is going on here...?


    I''ll go to the front and take care of everything!


    He takes out his Hermes sword and tries to leap into the arrows.......?


    "It''s not time yet, Master Dariel........


    Zester held him back.


    ''''We will only intervene when the odds are clear. It won''t be an exam if we don''t let the candidates fight a bit!


    "Let go!��Let me go!��The lives of young people with a bright future ahead of them!


    While I''m struggling, a battle is going on.


    The examiners, just to see how it goes, first attacked from a distance with flying tools such as bows and arrows.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but I''m sure it''s a good idea.


    ''''Wahhhh!


    ''No!��A light mass attack won''t even reach the target!��Unless it''s a heavier attack!


    It was Stanville who said that.


    I know Marika''s brother well.


    His acquisition is a hammer, so it would be a good weight to break through the strong wind and strike it.


    But..........


    The whole person was blown away by the wind.


    The weight difference at the individual level is still just an error in the face of a monster beast.


    It''s a good idea to have a sharp spear that suppresses both weight and air resistance if you are serious about penetrating the storm.


    But since there are still twenty candidates, there must be at least one spearman among them.


    Those kids boldly thrust out their spears and pierced the storm........


    ''''UGYAHHH!


    I was blown away after all.


    As I thought, individual-level characteristics are still an error in the eyes of a demonic beast.


    The air turbulence reminiscent of a great storm makes it hard for even us who are watching from the side to stand up straight.


    ''''Even the Four Heavenly Kings of Wind, Zeviantes, can''t deploy this much turbulence all the time...?


    Comparing a demonic beast to a single demonic race is a dumb thing to do.


    If Zeviantes himself was here, ''''Don''t do it with that monster! He would cry out.


    Demonic beasts are essentially that level of opponent.


    They can''t be countered on a scale similar to that of humans. They are just like natural disasters.


    ''''No!��I can''t win!


    Arantziel-sama Dariel-sama, help me...?


    Some of the candidates are already screaming for help.


    Mr. Arantzill!��We need to intervene!��We can''t last any longer with just the candidates!


    My name is Dariel. I''d like to ask you...


    What do you want?


    That flaming dragon that we fought in your village the other day, does he not look like that?


    Now?


    Do you notice that now?


    Riebeke!��Saleekah!��Do not be afraid, but muster!��Don''t back down, go ahead!


    Those few who would not give up the game in such a situation.


    The three brothers were among them.


    The road to becoming a Class A adventurer stretches to the other side of that monster!��Just get out of the way and move on!��There''s no way for us brothers to go back!


    Big brother!��That''s right!


    ''''You can''t even go back to the village with a big smile on your face unless you get an A grade!


    The three brothers bravely challenge each other.


    However, their signature combination doesn''t work against the giant, powerful wind dragon, and they are blown away by the dancing side.


    ''''Whoa!��No matter how many times I try, I can''t get through...?


    "The way you''ve been fighting up until now isn''t good enough, brother!��You have to do something new...?


    But that''s not how you come up with new methods...?


    The three brothers don''t seem to be able to do anything about it.


    If we really don''t take care of this for real.......the Wind Dragon, which is currently doing nothing but swaying around, could collapse in an instant if it were to go on the offensive!


    ''''You shameless brothers and sisters.......!


    At that moment, a voice came from somewhere.


    ''''It''s a sign of a lack of lax village spirit that you''re willing to give up the game at this level.


    Maleeka!


    Maleeka, who was supposed to have been waiting behind me, advanced to the front of the arrow.


    Even though she was waiting in the shadows where she was inconspicuous, she went to a conspicuous place where everyone''s attention was drawn to her.


    Seeing that, the brothers were confused.


    ''''!


    ''''Eh.........?��Who are you?


    ''''No way..., maybe, but big sister!


    The siblings seemed unsure and puzzled by the fact that they hadn''t seen each other in nearly ten years.


    ''''What!��It''s really Malika?��Why are you here!


    The other day, you''ll be able to see that you''ve got a lot of flesh!��She''s so marvelous!


    And what''s that thing in your chest?��A baby?��Are you saying you''re my aunt?


    You''ll be able to get a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work. But I can''t let your abominations be transmitted to the shame of the Lux village. I am the wife of the village chief. We must prevent the village of Lax from being looked down upon.


    Mrs. Mayor''s wife?


    Isn''t he the father of the village?


    What is going on in our hometown?


    Marika thoroughly ignores the confusion of her brothers and sisters and conquers them.


    "You, take care of Granny.


    Yes!


    I was left in charge of Gran while I was stunned.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    Marika, who passed Gran to me and had both hands free, took out a tray from somewhere.


    Her lethal weapon, a tray.


    In other words, Obon.


    It was originally a tool for carrying food on it and carrying it from the kitchen to the dining table, but somehow its use extends beyond that when Marika holds it.


    ''''Hah!''''


    Maleeka furiously threw such a tray away.


    ''''Idiot!��Even if you do that, the storm will soon blow you away...?


    That''s what everyone must have thought.


    But the expectation is overturned.


    The turbulence changes the direction of the wind like crazy.


    But the circular tray, tossed like a Frisbee, flies in a dizzying rotation.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on it.


    "Why?��Why aren''t you being stirred up by that dumb wind!


    There was no doubt that there was an aura in that tray.


    Maleeka has already shown many people how to fight like that.


    So I didn''t think there was any need to be surprised now...?


    ''Maleeka has completely read the direction of the wind.......?


    That''s why the tray that I threw doesn''t get swept away by the wind.


    It penetrates between the wind and the wind, sometimes flying on the tailwind on its intended course.


    ''''This is a further skill that has nothing to do with aura manipulation...!��Mareeka, how do you have such advanced wind-reading skills...!


    It''s a skill every housewife should have to master. You know which way the wind is blowing and how strong it is, and how the weather changes. If you can do that, we can hang our clothes out to dry!


    Yes!


    The tray that was thrown out broke through the storm area with ease and reached the wind dragon beyond it.


    It hits the dragon''s temple area with a clunk.


    ''''Ouch........?


    Even so, the opponent was one of the transcendent beings called demonic beasts.


    Even if it''s strengthened by aura, it doesn''t sink in at least one blow from Trey, and there''s nothing that looks like damage.


    Even so, perhaps due to the effect of the added aura, the bounced Trey flew back into Marika''s hands with great force.


    ''Now, this is where the game begins!��Fight bravely against an enemy that is not yours to fight, and spread the word about the greatness of Lax Village!


    What was the fight about?

 170-169 Testing ends

    From then on, it was a fierce battle.


    For some reason, the examination group suddenly regained momentum with Marika''s participation in the competition, and each of them used their ingenuity to confront the wind dragon''s windstorm barrier.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you are able to get your hands on a new one.


    ''''There, there, there, there.......?


    However, the other party is also one of the vicious demonic beasts.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to use your own strength to repel the attacks of these human beings.


    As I thought, it was an existence that transcended all living things from its basic structure.


    Nevertheless, Marika still put her aura into her signature tray.


    Sometimes she threw the tray like a Frisbee, sometimes she used the tray as a blade and slashed at it, or hit it with the bottom of the tray, and then used the tray as a shield to defend against it.


    ''''Seriously, he''s using all of his aura properties with just one tray.......?


    This is the first time I''ve ever seen Marika fight, but even my Hermes sword can cover up to three characteristics of slash and strike and guard (defense) is out of range...?


    It was a sight I never wanted Grandpa Smith in heaven to see.


    I don''t know what it is, but I''m not going to do anything about it because of Marika''s success!��For the dignity of the eldest son of LUX village...?


    I''m coming with you.


    Hey, sis!


    The three brothers are also excited to stand up to the dragon.


    I wanted to join the fight, but I couldn''t move poorly because I was holding Gran, who was passed over.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time with your friends.


    ''''Yes, yes, it''s a dragon, great~?''''


    What am I doing?


    And so, while the war situation was in chaos........


    ��


    "All right, that''s enough!


    ''''Gyaaahhhhhhhh!


    A tremendous amount of turbulence is blowing in, and all the candidates are blown away together.


    It''s not just a gust of wind, it''s also an explosion of wind pressure, and as expected, not a single person could stay on the spot.


    This momentum.


    It seemed as if the wind dragon would finally go on the offensive....


    ''''Enough!��Out!��This year''s candidates are too active!��I can''t even keep up with you anymore, because my body is too exhausted to do it!


    Eh...........huh?


    I heard something unbelievable.


    What is this voice?


    I suddenly have no idea who''s speaking. No, I know.


    The reason I don''t know is because I have a hard time accepting the fact myself.


    It is a dragon that is speaking.


    This is the wind dragon Windora, known as the Mountain Goddess by people.


    "A demonic beast........talking...?


    "What''s so funny about this thing?��You people talk too. What reason do you have that we, the apostles, cannot speak?


    ''''Err........?''''


    The wind dragon''s voice that could indeed be heard clearly was a motherly voice that was stern but contained a lightness that was somewhat like the sound of a bell.


    No wait.


    Can you communicate with a monster beast?


    ''''Isn''t that unusual, Dariel-sama!��The Mountain Goddess is a monster who can understand the language of men!


    Zester is as proud of himself as he is of himself.


    That''s why he''s not a monster.


    He''s a Hexenbiest who surpasses both monsters and humanity.


    I didn''t know he was this versatile.


    It''s a shame that he''s forcing you to do things for him because he can understand your language. Even though it''s only once a year, I still have to babysit a child...


    It was a test, contractual.


    With a hexenbiest.


    ''''It''s a good deal since you can live quietly in return. ''''No matter how hard you try, you can''t kill a strawberry, but it''s too much trouble to fight them off endlessly as they keep trying to challenge you...''''


    ''''........So in exchange for taking on the role of an opponent for the promotion test, I''ll make you refrain from defeating them from the Adventurer''s Guild......?''''


    What a joke.


    Then it''s almost as if the examinee''s safety is guaranteed, isn''t it?


    ''''To be able to communicate like that with a magical beast...?


    ''''It''s you who calls me that, though, that seems odd to Warawa.''''


    The wind dragon turns to me.


    ''Only those who follow you will call you a magical beast. They are so annoying that they have decided to settle in this land far away from their domain. He doesn''t want to be bothered by anything else.


    Is that...?


    I can smell it. You''re not the only one who smells it. You''ve been in contact with other people as well. And two.


    Two...?


    "You have the appearance of disturbing the world. But don''t get your hands dirty! But don''t try to involve them. Until the end of the world.


    With that as the last discarded word, the wind dragon put himself on the air currents and took off.


    It must mean that the test was over.


    All that was left was a group of dozens of people who looked up at the sky in a daze and watched the wind dragon off.


    ''''........What is going to happen to this?''''


    ''You''ve seen the kind of candidates who stand up to the Mountain Wolf. We will scrutinize it in detail and sort out those who are worthy of the A grade and those who are not.


    Mr. Alanziel replies.


    ''''That''s right.


    In my arms, Gran-kun raised his fist powerfully as if to say ''I''ve been watching too!


    ''''I see... So, should I ask Gran to participate in the judging as well?


    I''m sure they will make good decisions.


    ''....What makes the screening process most difficult is that it''s not the candidates who have been most active.


    ''I''m sorry........?''


    I could only apologize in a strained voice.


    Because of what my family members did.


    Marika, the most active member of today''s team, finally reunited with her brothers and sisters.


    The four brothers and sisters gather at the site where the battle ended.


    Marika...? Sis...? Sister....?


    The three brothers couldn''t hide their confusion at the appearance of the eldest sister.


    Well, I guess so. The sisters, who were thought to be holed up in the countryside, unexpectedly encountered each other in the big city center guild.


    This is in the forest though.


    ''''Why is your sister here?��Didn''t your sister stay in the village by herself?


    ''Yes!��We all wanted to go to the city to make a name for ourselves, but my sister was the only one who didn''t say ''I can''t leave my mom and dad behind''!


    She was puzzled.


    My wife responded to that with a shouting tone of voice.


    It''s not like I''m the same as you. I''m still a woman from the village of Lax, living in the village of Lax, and I''ve been able to visit the center guild. I was only able to tour the Center Guild.''''


    Tourism.


    That''s generally true.


    "I didn''t expect to see you guys out there, but I''m a stranger to you now, so I''m not going to talk to you. I''m a stranger there anyway, so I''m not even going to talk to you.


    Lisa!


    Don''t talk to me like that, Marika!��We couldn''t stand to be left to rot in a village with no future!��If you go to the city and get richer by taking a shot at it, you can call Dad and the off-crooks and make it easy for them!


    The brother says as he cries and screams.


    You had such an auspicious idea, but....


    It''s not like my father would accept such an invitation. His father, the village chief, would not.


    Nibenka''s reply.


    No, I''ll keep a glimpse of your father-in-law''s ride in my heart.


    And there is a future for the village of Lax. So there''s no need for you guys to worry about it.


    ''Don''t be a puff piece of shit!��That rural village was going to fall to ruin tomorrow as soon as we left!


    No longer. It''s not a good idea to go to the beach, but it''s a good idea to go to the beach. By my wonderful husband.


    "Sir?��You got married?��I haven''t even gotten married yet!


    Getting beaten by your younger brother or sister is more damaging than you think.


    That''s right, your father is already retired as village chief and my husband is the chief now.


    "Who''s so curious about these things?��Are you stupid?��You''re not going to be a bargeman on a sinking ship like that...


    "Since you''re here, I''d like to introduce you to someone who is my husband...


    Mareeka, come over here and link arms with me for a moment.


    ''This is Dariel, and this is Gran, the love of our lives.


    ".........


    The three brothers opened their mouths so wide that their jaws seemed to come off and expressed their surprise.


    ''''Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! !


    It was a brilliant reaction.


    As an aside, after a careful discussion between me, Alanziel, Zester, and Gran afterwards, we decided not to promote these three to the A class because they were still not good enough.


    Let''s do it again next year!


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    A further aside.


    There is still one remaining mystery about this time.


    In the past, I had speculated that the reason why Marika was able to make full use of the four characteristics of slash and strike defense was because of the Gran she was holding.


    This is my son, Arantzill-san''s grandson.


    It''s not surprising that he inherited the broken performance of all characteristic optimality, which is common to both of us and our children.


    However, this time, Marika left Gran in my care before facing Wind Devil Windra (Yamahoroshinokami).


    Even though she was away from the child, she was still able to maximize all of her characteristics.


    So did my reasoning that the mother was delegated that aptitude by being in contact with Gran was off?��And then.........


    ''Hey, neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee,''


    Suddenly, Malika announced.


    "I think I''ve made it, honey.


    Huh?


    Before I could congratulate myself on my good fortune, it all made sense to me.


    So it''s that guy?

 171-170 Dariel, the mystery

    Thus, the A-level promotion exam was successfully completed.


    As per the initial arrangement, there were about three people who passed, but they weren''t Marika''s older brothers. They were candidates from other guild branches.


    I thought I should go back to Lax Village now that it''s all settled, but the board of directors is still in turmoil and I was told not to return until things settle down.


    What in the world are they discussing........?


    But there''s nothing in particular to do if we sit around any longer.


    I was thinking of selling the mithril weapons produced in Lax Village, but after discussing it with Sakai-kun beforehand, he refused to give me the opportunity to do so, saying that it was unnecessary.


    He said.....


    A really good product doesn''t need a sales pitch to sell!��Our work is still selling well enough at this point!��If we increase production any more, it will affect the quality of the product, so we''ll just keep it the way it is!


    .........


    It''s a reliable word from the field, so I decided to follow it.


    So, finally, there''s nothing to do, and I want to go home as soon as possible because I''m sure work is piling up day by day in Lax village.


    There..........


    ''''It''s Dariel!��This time!��This time I''m going to do it!


    Mr. Alanziel lured me out.


    ''I''ve asked around and I''ve figured out the best places to see!��Take Gran and his wife with you!


    We haven''t talked about this yet?


    Isn''t that the first topic you struck out on when you first arrived!


    It''s hard to say in front of Mr. Arantzill, who also did his best, so I decided to go with the help of my free time.


    ''''........So what are you going to see?''''


    The statue of the fighting god stands in the center of the Central Guild.


    Oh.


    The fighting god is that one.


    The god of battle who gave adventurers the power of aura. I remember hearing about it somewhere in the past.


    For adventurers who fight with their aura, the God of War who gave them their aura is their guardian god. In the center guild, there is a huge statue in honor of the God of War.


    Heh.


    There are statues of fighting gods in various places, but the one at the Center Guild is the largest in the world. I heard that everyone who comes to visit it will surely worship it. Let''s all come and see it!


    It became very touristy all at once.


    But I don''t even know anything that looks that famous, Alanziel, you''re really floating away.


    Let''s just watch it together from now on and remember it.


    Then when I go to see it.........


    ��


    ''''Wow........you''re really big.......?''''


    Mareeka (who turned out to be three months pregnant) picked up Gran and let out an exclamation of admiration.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you can see your own personal life.


    How could they make it this big...?


    It''s a statue with a curious anecdote about its origins. It''s not just a matter of time before you find yourself in a situation where you can''t get a job.


    Huh.


    Mr. Arantzill shows off the knowledge he''s probably just acquired.


    All the while I was silent the whole time.


    ''And as for who created such a huge statue, it is said to be the world''s first primordial brave man who was given the power of aura. He met the God of War in person and carved his image directly into the statue.


    So this statue is the likeness of the God of War, isn''t it?


    That''s right, all of the other statues of fighting gods were modeled on the giant statue here at the Center Guild...?


    I''m not going to be able to say a single word and just look up at the statue.


    I''m not sure if Arantzill-san was concerned about my lack of reaction, but he seemed anxious.


    ''''Um, it''s Dariel. ........by any chance you didn''t like it?


    No, that''s not what I meant. But I wonder if what you just said is true...!


    The first brave man made this statue based on the fighting god he met in person.


    "Hmm?��I don''t know.��It was hundreds of years ago, or worse, over a thousand years ago. That''s the truth, and it''s beyond the reach of legend.


    I think it''s true.


    Oh, I see. Dariel must be the type to dream of romance.


    Mr. Arantzill seemed happy to know his son''s side of the story, but there was one important fact I couldn''t mention.


    An astonishing fact that I couldn''t tell anyone.


    This fighting god statue........


    ........it looks just like the Demon King.


    It is said that the statue was created over a thousand years ago, but has anyone ever been able to notice this fact?


    I used to work for the Demon King''s Army. Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings.


    I once walked in on my boss, Lord Grandfather, and worshipped him in his audience.


    That''s the Demon King''s face!


    So I know!


    In the long history of this human race demon race, how many people have ever compared the two?


    There''s no way anyone in the human race has ever faced the Demon Lord.


    It''s the final goal of a brave man, and there is no way anyone else can see what lies beyond the unknown that a brave man can''t reach even if he is able to overcome all odds.


    Even on the demon race side, if they are high in rank, they could have the honor of an audience with the demon king, but they wouldn''t have any more reason to come all the way to the human race''s headquarters than such a demon race.


    ''''I noticed this.......am I the first ever to notice this?''''


    I mean, Demon King.


    What are you doing here, Demon King?


    The faces of the Demon King and the fighting gods are the same, which means that the fighting gods and the Demon King are the same entity?


    So that means that the human race was given an aura by.........?


    ........................


    .........let''s not think about it.


    I feel like I probably shouldn''t step in from there.


    ''''Look Gran, this is the fighting God-sama~. It''s magnificent, great~


    I played the role of a father working hard at family service in a tourist area.


    ''It''s Dariel...!��I worshipped the fighting gods from my heart as a human being.��You don''t have any more desire for the demon race.......!


    Seeing this, Aranzir-san was moved to tears.


    ''''Oh yes. Did you get permission to do what I asked you to do?


    ''What''s that?'' asked Mr. Arantzill.


    ''Oh that?��Well, I got it from the records department for you.


    Mr. Arantzill produced a book from his pocket.


    ''Don''t carry a forbidden book carelessly in your pocket!


    ''But you want to know strange things, don''t you? What do you want to know about the brave men of the past?


    It''s important to know the past.


    Since I''ve come to the Center Guild, there was something I wanted to look into.


    It''s a really simple question, and if it''s not an atheist, that''s fine.......


    ''''Just in case, when I was in Lux Village, I looked up the past heroes, but I couldn''t find the name I was looking for. I thought I could find out if I came to the Center Guild.


    "So that''s the obliterator''s code?��It''s true that only the Center Guild has such a thing in its collection.


    I asked Aranziel-san to lend me a copy of this book from the secret library deep inside the Center Guild.


    Normally this is a bad book that is not forbidden.


    In this book, there are names and records of past brave men and women, right?


    Yeah, a pretty dangerous bunch of guys.


    That is the history of the guild for nearly a thousand years.


    During that time, hundreds of brave men and women were produced and left for various reasons.


    The achievements of such brave men were compiled in documents and became a history for the guild to authorize.


    But of course, there were brave men and women who were not authoritative, so it is preferable that they are not discussed.


    They didn''t make any unexpected achievements, or on the contrary, they accumulated bad deeds.


    Especially the brave men with bad deeds can damage the authority of the guild, and are erased from history. They may not be found in ordinary books.


    That''s what I thought.


    I knew there were four heavenly kings on the demon tribe''s side who were also erased from history in that way.


    ''''As I thought, what either camp does is not much different...''''


    And with my impressions, I quickly flipped through the erased personals.


    Can I look at it in such a public place?��It''s the kind of book that says, "I''m not sure if this is the right book for you," but it was supposed to contain the name of a brave man who had done so many ugly deeds in the past that he was pretending he didn''t even exist, and it was supposed to be recorded in secret.


    I''m grateful for the meticulousness with which they secretly recorded the names of the ghettoes that I don''t want to remember.


    Every time I turn a page, the name of an unknown brave man appears.


    Kitungard. Bage. Kachukiwa. Aboz. Free Olisee.


    Amongst a surprisingly large number of names, I finally found the one I was looking for.


    Siegfliegel.


    After a close reading of his section, it seems that he was a brave man who lived in a time about two hundred years ago.


    He had an aptitude for the slash aura and was an unparalleled wielder of swords in his time, but he went too far in seeking stronger enemies, calling it a way to improve himself. He went too far, challenging not only demons, but also his own kind to fight against them, crushing the Adventurer''s Guild''s precious strength.


    For that reason, he became a target of pursuit and was pursued by both the Demon King''s army and the Adventurer''s Guild, and in the end he was captured and executed.


    ........This name was the only thing that bothered me.


    The guy from the inferno said.


    "My own name is Siegfried Kruger. If you''re interested, you might want to check it out.


    I was able to take out the guy myself on the spot, but I was still curious to find out.


    I even scavenged to the Center Guild''s forbidden archives to find this name.


    How should I interpret this?


    The world is full of mysteries, including the statue of a fighting god with the same face as the Demon King.

 172-171 Lady, scolded (Brave side)

    Dariel''s reputation is rising rapidly.


    The fact that he is the son of the Great Brave Arantzill alone attracts attention, and then the fact that he is the granddaughter-in-law of the President of the Center Guild is revealed.


    And finally, his abilities are made public.


    In the A-level promotion exam.


    Not only the candidates themselves who were challenging the exam, but also the spectators who were watching the exam witnessed Dariel''s warriors and realized that he had the ability to be the son of a great hero.


    The people who were invited to watch the examinations were the guild masters of the towns and villages, the nobles and governors of the kingdom, the heads of the merchant associations of the great merchant associations, and other eminent men and women.


    In front of these important positions in the world, Dariel overwhelmed these promising B-level adventurers with his lack of a weapon and his bare hands.


    Naturally, a shock went through me.


    Originally, the main protagonists of the exam would be the candidates, but without question, all eyes were on Dariel.


    ''Who is that strongest man!


    ''''Since he''s participating as an examiner, he must be a class A adventurer!��But I don''t think I''ve ever seen him before!


    Even if he is a Grade A athlete, he''s too strong for that.��Why wasn''t someone as good as him chosen as a hero?


    He''s not a grade-A student?��He''s not an adventurer either!


    What does that mean?


    Aranzir''s son?


    And so the world knows that he''s a son of Arantzill.


    A brave man with a son, and he''s as strong as that?


    Not like this.��If you don''t belong to the Adventurers, then we will provide for you.��We need to get to the negotiations as soon as possible!


    "Never mind the stipend!��At all costs, we must scout that great genius!


    Don''t let him outrun you!��As soon as the test is over...!��No, go now!


    And there is a lot of noise.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what to expect when you''re in a position to make a decision on your own.


    It''s no wonder that this year''s examinations have been filled with talk of Dariel, and a whirlwind of Dariel activity is sweeping through the Center Guild.


    On the other hand.....


    ��


    I''m very disappointed in you.


    There was one who was reprimanded without anyone knowing.


    The brave Radie.


    She had returned to the Center Guild in the form of attaching herself to Dariel, but her movements since immediately after her arrival were completely unknown.


    That was probably true as well.


    She had been locked in a room as soon as she arrived and treated as if she were a prisoner.


    They are not allowed to step out of the designated room, and their meals are brought in.


    He was being lectured to incessantly.


    You have a long cherished desire for our family, Radie.��Do you understand?


    Of course I understand.


    ''Then why aren''t you more desperate?��If you have the desire to defeat the Demon King and bring glory to the human race at all costs, it will be a natural attitude that will be transmitted internally and externally. But that doesn''t overflow from Anata at all!


    The exchange is repeated endlessly.


    The woman who was berating Radie was a woman who was almost fifty years old and yet still looked beautiful.


    She was one of the directors of the Center Guild.


    Her name was Tartaroise.


    He was a board member who sponsored Radie, and you could say he was his direct backer.


    It''s not only that, but she was also Radie''s aunt by blood, and it was her position that her ups and downs on the board would depend on Radie''s success.


    ''''Aunt........!


    That''s what Radey called the other person.


    She was not a big fan of this person who was her mother''s sister, and she couldn''t help but quarrel with the harsh words he threw at her every time she saw him.


    It was also the reason why she felt so heavy when she accompanied Dariel back to the Center Guild.


    But even so, he had no choice but to come back because he didn''t know what he would be told later if he didn''t go with his mentor who was going to come to Tokyo.


    I''ve already informed you of my policy in writing. You can''t reach the Demon King with my current abilities. Therefore, for now, I should build up my strength and devote myself to training.


    ''What are you taking so long to say? While you stand still doing that, the others are concocting all sorts of schemes to get rid of you. To get rid of Anata.


    The Center Guild was, in the end, the top stage of the power struggle.


    It is no exaggeration to say that the Center Guild''s board of directors decides everything for the human race, but who will be in control?


    A dark struggle that washed blood in the shadows of the gleaming giant tower.


    That was the true state of the Board of Directors.


    ''''........My sister has really done an excellent job. In our family, which is often born with a talent for political strategy to begin with, she was born with the military talent to become a brave man.


    ..........


    Radhi didn''t like that.


    When you became a hero, I had a rush. A hero is born of my family. If this continues, I''ll be in control of the board. ........In fact, you''ve done well after you became a brave man.


    Immediately after taking office as a hero, Radey had defeated two of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army in a row.


    That accomplishment had also earned him the reputation of being ''comparable to his predecessor Arantzill'' in the street at the time.


    Now, though, there is no one to say such a thing.


    ''''........It all started after that d*mned third Fourth Heavenly King appeared. Your rapid progress stopped then.


    Droyer of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, "The Fertile Ground".


    With her superiority over the heroic party, Radie was forced to reconsider the composition of her party.


    He moved around the human territory in search of new friends, and ended up in the village of Lux, where Dariel was living.


    ''''I was keenly aware of this. What I lacked in order to break through the Four Heavenly Kings was neither the number nor the quality of my companions, but rather my own maturity. It was my own maturity. I am still too weak to challenge the Demon King. In order to truly gain the strength worthy of a brave man...!


    Practice with Dariel.


    Believing it is the way to grow the most.


    ''''I''m saying that''s a long time...!


    The aunt board member said impatiently and irritably.


    ''The clock is ticking, you know.��If a void is created, it will be taken as stagnation and they will pull you down from your brave position because of it.


    And he tried to push people close to him to be brave.


    ''If you want to continue to be a brave man too, you must think more earnestly!��It''s not just the Demon King that the brave men fight. There are many enemies around, too!


    That didn''t sit well with Radey.


    If you are a brave man, you should always keep in mind the people you have to protect. Isn''t it the brave ones who fight against the demons for their peace?


    But the center guild, which should support the brave, thinks only of its own prosperity and sees the brave as pawns in a power struggle.


    The fact that the brave men and women of the center guild only think of their own glory and see the brave men and women as pawns in a power struggle is something that the brave men and women of the center guild are not happy about.


    You should be aware of the fact that you are in a rapidly deteriorating position, especially now. There is a great deal more than you can handle.


    ....?��Are you talking about Dariel-san?


    Dariel came to the Center Guild with Radey.


    It''s natural that the power brokers would pay attention to him, and Radie was strangely easily convinced.


    ''''You''re right, Arantzill''s son is a great talent. You''re a dog on the street compared to him.


    It''s true that Dariel is a wonderful person, but...?


    Even if it was a relative comparison, Radie thought the assessment of himself was too much.


    The board is in a state of excitement. Why couldn''t we choose that man as our hero, and if only that man had come to light before we decided on you...


    The strength of a brave man would lead to the immediate reputation of the Center Guild.


    So anyway, installing a strong man as a brave man was the consensus of the board of directors, no matter how much of a power conflict there was.


    ''''No one will say it clearly, but we have an idea to remove you from office and install Dariel or something like that as our new brave.''''


    The reason why this is not openly discussed is because Dariel himself has stated publicly that he has no intention of becoming a brave man.


    In addition, the fact that the youngest member of the Board of Directors, Roselwy, had an unbelievable accident right before, was also a factor that slowed them down.


    It is said that one must have a thick skin to be able to serve as the director of the Center Guild, but he was unwilling to play second fiddle to the incredibly unseemly Rosselwy.


    ''''Plus, if it had turned out that his wife was the granddaughter of the Chancellor...!��How shrewd is that old youkai man, how shrewd can he be...?


    All of the other board members were in agreement with the cunning chancellor''s political ploy and the fact that Dariel was married to the granddaughter of the Center Guild president.


    It was indeed a coincidence, but it was so convenient that they wouldn''t believe it.


    This means that Dariel, who appeared like a Kira star, is also a Chancellor sympathizer.


    ''''If it goes on like this, that old youkai man will be safe and sound for a while yet. In order to cut down on that, your presence is important!


    ''''What do you want me to do...?


    ''''It would be best if you could break through the Demon Territory and defeat the Demon King in the shortest time possible now, but that''s not going to happen either. Then, Radie, I have a great idea.


    ?


    It''s only when you come up with such a suggestion that you come up with a good one.


    "You must be quite fond of this Dariel guy, aren''t you?��I''m going to leave the work of a brave man behind to study under him. If that''s the case, you should just have a relationship with him.


    What are you talking about?


    Radie, like a daughter of her age, is confused.


    The "relationship" my aunt refers to is nothing more than a relationship between a man and a woman.


    You''ll be able to find out if he becomes your lover, and if he becomes your back-up. It''s a great way to secure your position.


    ''Don''t be silly!��Dariel has a wife and kids already!


    The Chancellor''s granddaughter or something. But I don''t care if you''re his mistress or his concubine. But, depending on the way you do it, if you take away the rightful place in the room and kick the current woman out, you can sever the ties between him and the chancellor. Wouldn''t that kill two birds with one stone?


    As they conversed, Radey had a headache.


    Don''t let these power brokers use any means to win the power.


    She didn''t want to come back because she would get caught up in this nonsense.


    She just wanted to focus all her energy on the fight against the Demon King.


    While the girls were thinking this, urgent news arrived that they couldn''t afford to talk about power struggles.


    It is said that demons have invaded human territory.

 173-172 Ida of Tenchi” attacks

    It''s me, Dariel.........


    I''m still stranded in the center guild today, and it''s been an uneventful day.......


    ''''.........Ho, really?''''


    Yes, it''s true.


    Are you sure my sister is your wife, Lady Dariel?


    I have a visitor.


    Maleeka''s brother, Mr. Stanville, what was his name?


    That means the great hero''s son is my brother-in-law...?��How dare you...?


    What kind of nonsense are you talking about that''s so far off the mark?


    A merciless verbal knife from Maleeka.


    ''You are a stranger who left the village of Lax. You have no ties to me. Therefore, you have nothing to do with your husband.


    It''s my older sister!��How can you be so cruel?


    I wonder if I''m being poisoned when I think, "It''s the same old Malika.


    ''Oh, yeah!��Baby is so cute!


    And the other younger siblings were also melted by Gran''s babyishness.


    Gran was Gran, and he couldn''t stop rubbing the woman''s breasts as she held him in her arms, which was no longer a regular occurrence.


    ''''..........''''


    It''s Gran.


    Do you like the way your aunt''s tits are rubbing?


    That''s your mother''s sister.


    I can''t believe I''ve become an old woman before I knew it. My brothers couldn''t get married at all, so I thought it had a long way to go.


    You''re a stranger to me, though.


    Why are every single woman in this family so bitter?


    "My mom says. Don''t think of them all as family anymore. If it gets out that I''m close to them, they''ll cut me off from the family too.


    Mom, you''re right. It is.


    The children who couldn''t bear the poverty of the countryside, and went out, were treated very badly.


    But if it was her mother-in-law''s work, it made sense.


    Why don''t these guys go back to their guild in the town they belong to even though their exams are over?


    Excuse me. Just a little bit more, just a little bit more with my sister...!


    ''''I was supposed to get the Class A adventurer''s license and decorate my hometown with gold, but I failed, so.... If I let this opportunity pass, when will I ever see you again...?


    Yeah, I dropped it.


    But I was pretty high up on the list of rejects, so maybe you guys will be next time.


    I had nothing else to do, so I thought I''d just watch my brothers touch each other for a while longer.


    ''Master Dariel!��Order to Lord Dariel!


    Something came.


    A person who looks like a Center Guild staff member rushes over to me in a panic.


    ''''Dariel-sama, the Center Guild Board of Directors has a request for you!��You want me in the board room right away?


    What is it?


    I braced myself for another nuisance, based on the pattern I''d been following, but the staff''s panic showed me that something really serious had happened.


    ''Okay, let''s go for now,''


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    I was a little nervous about leaving Malika and Gran behind, but I wondered if it would be safe to keep my brothers around.


    With that in mind, when I entered the boardroom, the room was filled with an air of heaviness beyond what I had imagined.


    And not only that, Mr. Arantzill and Radie were also there, so even if I didn''t like it, I could be sure that something serious had happened.


    ''''Your grandson-in-law is here too, let''s have a quick discussion then.


    Mr. Guild President, have you ever been so impatient?


    Demons have invaded our human lands.


    "How dare you?


    I was the first one to react when she told me.


    That''s impossible.


    Are you saying that the demons attacked us?��That''s impossible!��Demons bringing warfare to our shores?


    From the demons!


    It''s no wonder I''m confused.


    The human race sends heroes to harm the demon king, but the demon race has always only fought a defensive battle to prevent it.


    In other words, it''s a defensive war.


    There is no such thing as a war of aggression. That should have been the pride of the Demon King''s army...?


    ''''Isn''t there some kind of mistake?��It looks like the demon tribe happened to invade from the invasion route or something...?


    To those who don''t know the situation, my persistent defense of the demon tribe might seem strange.


    But as a member of the Demon King''s Army for the first half of my life, I still feel the slander to the Demon King''s Army as slander to myself.


    "We don''t want to believe it, but there seems to be no doubt about it.


    The chancellor says tiredly.


    ''''I heard the intruder''s name is ''Ida'', one of the four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army. He''s one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, ''Heaven and Earth'' Ida.


    "''Heaven and earth''?��Ida?


    How did they get that name from there?


    A local guild that was close to the invasion route has already sent some adventurers, but they were all instantly shot back. They said it was a strength level too high.


    ''''That''s where the Center Guild needs help. They want all the A-list adventurers they can find. No, they want us to send a brave man.


    If the enemy is the demon race, it would be legitimate to beg for help from the brave men.


    But why is the Ida of "Heaven and Earth" the enemy?


    A celebrity like that?


    I need to see...


    Too?


    ''Did the other party really call themselves Ida from ''Heaven and Earth''?''


    The board suddenly buzzes at my question.


    Isn''t that strange, come to think of it?


    "According to my information, the Four Heavenly Kings of Earth are said to be the Four Heavenly Kings of Earth, the Droyer of the Fertile Ground. He''s supposed to be a young demoness.


    And she''s beautiful.


    Do you need that information?


    They''re here!


    But the one that is now invading my territory has a completely different name. A replacement?��Does that mean something political has happened over there?


    Or maybe I thought the same thing.


    It''s been a long time since I left the Demon King''s Army, and even though we have pipes such as Lizet and Zebiantes, it''s impossible to know the changes that have taken place over there. Even though we have pipes like Rizzeto and Zebiantes, it''s impossible for me to know all the changes that took place over there.


    If the name of the Four Heavenly Kings who replaced Droyer was completely unfamiliar to me, I would have judged them as replacements.


    But if the names of too famous and historical figures had appeared to this extent...!


    ''The Ida of ''Heaven and Earth'' was there seven to eight hundred years ago.


    What?


    ''''He''s one of the strongest four Heavenly Kings who has done such a great feat in the history of the Demon Race.


    During his lifetime, he repeatedly defeated the attacking heroes 200 times.


    It is said that he was also the one who renovated Laspada Fortress, which was taken from the human side, and transformed it into a complete demon fortress.


    He is a great man who shines brilliantly in the history of the demon race. Even in our modern era, we have such illustrious and prestigious names such as Mr. Aranzir and Lady Granbaza, but he is a big name on par with them.''''


    "Lord Dariel, you are very knowledgeable about the history of these demons. ...No, wait a minute!


    The Council seemed to have noticed the blatant contradiction in this.


    Of course they noticed.


    If this Ida of Heaven and Earth is a hero hundreds of years ago, then why does she exist in this world now?


    That''s right!��I''ve never heard of anyone living that long, even for a demon.


    And why did you call Granbaza his name?


    I know.


    I don''t understand that part.


    The only thing I can think of is if some idiot borrowed the name Ida for himself or herself.��The only thing I can think of is...


    But still, this is a desperate act.


    It''s not only a name, but also a title of the Four Heavenly Kings, which the Demon King personally bestows upon him, which is an act of disrespect that could result in his execution.


    Who would be stupid enough to do such a thing in the Demon King''s army nowadays?


    Moreover, he has the skill to kick the adventurers of the local guild to the curb.


    .........This mystery is not likely to be solved by just thinking about it here in a daze.


    ''''Chancellor, please send me over.


    I''ll have to go directly to him.


    "A ruffian who deceives and invades human territory in the name of Ida of ''Heaven and Earth''. I want to expose its true identity with my own hands.


    Well done!��We have called upon you to help us. With the brilliance you have inherited from the brave Aranzir, we will eliminate the enemies that threaten the human race...!


    We were on the verge of consensus.


    "Please wait.


    It was Radey who broke in to push back the decision.


    ''Let me go to defeat the intruders. The enemy is calling themselves the Four Heavenly Kings in spite of their bent. Defeating the Four Heavenly Kings is nothing less than a brave man''s duty!

 174-173 Father shows dignity

    ''Radey...?''


    I''m a little surprised that she cracks people up and advises.


    She''s usually not that assertive.


    Come to think of it, though, she hasn''t been seen at all since she arrived at the center guild.


    Where and what was she doing until now?


    Wait, Radey, you need to calm down...


    But I couldn''t stop her from breathing harder than usual.


    ''''I understand your motivation. It''s true that fighting the Four Heavenly Kings is a brave man''s job. But.........!


    It''s a different story when your opponent is ''Heaven and Earth''.


    I''m sure it''s not the case, but if it''s really the Ida of the world''s once dominant force, you have no chance. You are a mage of a different dimension than the Four Heavenly Kings you''ve faced in the past.


    We shouldn''t take any unwise moves until that identity is clear.


    "I''ll go over there and find out what they are first. If you go out there, then that''s enough...


    No, no.


    For some reason, Radey was stubborn today.


    ''''I am a brave man. A brave man''s job is to protect innocent people from the threat of the demon race, and I cannot leave that mission, even in part, to someone else.''''


    You''re right.


    An old man''s voice joined the conversation. It was the President of the Center Guild.


    He seemed to agree with my argument.


    He said, "Sun-son-in-law is right, the enemy that has invaded is very mysterious. In order to make sure everything is in order, it''s best for you to send your son-in-law into battle.


    How very, very much.


    You''re right.


    Even the other board members are coming on board.


    The only thing they want is to make me more useful as a pawn. I''m sure they want to get as many achievements as possible and a chance to get a more rigorous assessment of their abilities.


    They even try to push the current brave man away if he''s in the way for that.


    I''m not going to be able to get it right.


    ''''Very well, why don''t you ask Lady Arantzill''s son to go?


    Aunt Lorraine?��You too?


    Even the female board member spoke up and said she agreed with us.


    That seemed to surprise Radie.


    Radie, get down. It''s a good idea to get out of the way now, because if you don''t know what''s going on, there''s no way you''re going to be able to get back in the game. You can''t afford to fail right now.


    I whispered to her, but she heard me whole.


    Is that old lady a patron of Radey''s or something?


    They don''t trust Radie to such an existence, and the isolation is deepening.


    But for once, my decision was the same as theirs.


    "Radie, I''ll go first this time. You stay here.


    But...?


    Leave the ida to me.


    The sense of d��j�� vu that accompanies the situation of the heroic Four Heavenly Kings coming back from the distant past makes me uneasy right now.


    Inferno.


    He told me the name of an outlaw hero from a long time ago.


    I have no idea if he is really Siegfriedgel or not, but at least his sword skills are even better than those of a brave man.


    The Ida of ''Heaven and Earth'' appeared after Siegfried''s name in succession, as if there was a series of connections.


    Even if it wasn''t the real thing, even if it had some kind of relationship with Inferno, and even if it was only as good as or close to Inferno, it was definitely.......


    .........Radey will be killed.


    Having fought Inferno myself, I can feel this.


    "I''m not here to take credit for your work. I''m just saying that when all this is over, I''m willing to bet all the credit goes to you. So please be patient...


    "Dariel.


    Yes?


    I was struck.


    For some reason, a fist suddenly stabbed into me and repelled me a couple of steps.


    When I looked back to see what it was, Arantzill-san was holding up a clenched fist.


    So this person hit him.


    But why?


    "Don''t tread on a brave man''s resolve.


    Mr. Alanziel said.


    ''A brave man is one who stands on the fate of all men. When a serious crisis arises, he is the one who rushes before anyone else.


    But this time it''s too...?


    Even if it''s dangerous, the person who sends a man ahead of you and steps over his dead body is not a brave man. A person who is afraid of death can''t wear the name "bravery".


    The surroundings went silent with a thump.


    This is because the air froze and the liver of everyone present was crushed by the fierceness of Mr. Alanziel''s outburst.


    They were especially vulnerable to the violence in front of them as much as those board members who had risen to prominence through talk and intrigue alone, and had no choice but to remain silent like children.


    Dariel is not a brave man. I was also removed from the office of a brave man a long time ago. Who is clearly the brave one now?��It''s Radey. Radey is the one who should be leading the charge into battle.


    Aranziel-san''s eyes turned to Radie.


    She herself remained stout while almost being consumed by the great brave man''s spirit.......


    ''''.........It''s just as Alanziel-sama says.


    Are you ready to die a brave man?


    ''''Of course. From the day I was chosen to be a hero, I have been thinking only of dying on the way to defeat the Demon King. I will die defending my fellow humans.


    ''Then it is our task to support that resolve to the best of our ability. Isn''t it?��Board members?


    None of the board members had the gall to shake their heads when asked that.


    Even an ordinary adventurer would have, and even more so if they were non-combatants.


    ''Then go, Radey. As the bearer of the survival of the human race.


    ''Yes!��I''m going!


    Radey ducked decisively and left the boardroom with a firm step.


    Mr. Arantzill said to the rest of the people.


    ''Now, aren''t you guys going to start your work too?��We must announce the arrival of the brave men on the ground and order them to be ready to support us.


    Yeah, yeah, yeah!��Your predecessor was right!


    Call the messenger!��I''ll pass on a direct order from the board of directors!��And then get the wagons ready for the brave men to ride out!��He''s the best and fastest guy!


    The board members suddenly became noisy and only me and Arantzill-san were left behind.


    ''''I''m sorry...''''


    Mr. Alanziel cut in. With a somewhat frightened wind.


    ''Well, I hit you...''


    ''No. If I hadn''t done that, I wouldn''t have been able to turn the tide in an instant.


    It might have been the best procedure in this emergency, rather than wasting time arguing over a languid argument.


    Also, I was trying to hold off Radey too........


    ''''........So this is the strength of a brave man....


    A brave man is one who wields courage and moves forward.


    Now, finally, the difference between a brave man and the Four Heavenly Kings has been clarified in my mind.


    In the first place, I''m a brave person who continues to advance in the dark under the unreasonable belief that I will defeat the Demon King.


    You can''t be a brave man for fear of death.


    A brave man has no need for reason.


    I''m not interested in my own interests, and I''ve thrown my heart and soul into defeating the demon king and protecting my people.


    I''m aware now that I''ve been feared for decades as an assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings because of their fierceness.


    ''The caustic and fierce nature of putting lives outside the bounds is what the brave men are afraid of. That''s why you can fight more than evenly against the Four Heavenly Kings.''''


    ''''I survived after all, though. It''s a joke for such an old soldier to tell a young man to ''die''...


    The reason why Mr. Alanziel couldn''t die.


    He was too strong.


    Aranzir had lost his wife and children to the demons and everything he had to protect them.


    He was able to give up his life because he had nothing.


    No matter how much he threw away his life, he could not die against a weak enemy who could not harm him.


    And the only person who could block him was Lady Grandparza, the strongest person he had ever met.


    I just missed my chance to die.


    ''Radie was about to lose himself as a brave man. I''m not sure if I''m right or not. But now he seems to have regained it.


    Touched by the caustic spirit of the great hero


    Will she come back alive, too?


    Trust them. You''ve trained him in person. You''ve already got enough power for a brave man.


    ''''And........'''' added Arantzill.


    The only way to do that is to trust her. And it would be too unfair not to trust her.


    ''''You''re right...!


    I can''t imitate the strength of Mr. Arantzill and Radie.


    Because I have too many things to protect.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    Both are present and both are terrifying.


    "I operate on my own.


    Still, I''m not going to wait around quietly either.


    ''''I''ll leave the ''Heaven and Earth'' ida entirely to Radey. But there''s something I can do too. That''s what I''m going to do at full speed. I''m going to do it so that Radey can come back alive.


    Whether she''s ready to die or not, I want her to come back alive.


    I don''t care what you think about it.


    I''ll make every effort to help you do so.


    Very well, that''s my boy.


    However, Arantzill, who had only recently been left out of the picture, finally showed his dignity as a great hero.


    He is a hero of his day, after all.


    I felt suffocated and proud at the same time, as I was shown that fact as if I were being beaten to a pulp.

 175-174 Brave Lady, play against the legendary Four Tenno (Brave side)

    The brave Radie went into battle.


    The target is a demon tribe that is advancing through human territory.


    They didn''t even bother to intercept the adventurers, and they couldn''t even touch them with a single finger, brushing them off under a single swing.


    They can''t even stop them and are advancing deeper and deeper into human territory.


    ''''This is the point where the enemy, the Ida of Heaven and Earth, is expected to pass, that it is.


    The spearman Sesha, one of the members of the brave party, said.


    The adventurers who were in charge of the defense said there was only one enemy, that ''Heaven and Earth'' Ida. Even so, it was so strong that the adventurers who were defending it didn''t even have to deal with it.


    Yet another heroic party member, the shield-using Satome, said.


    ''''I''ve heard that no attacks hit them at all, as if the attacker is avoiding them. Even the adventurers who were just kicked away seem to be mysteriously uninjured...!


    There have been no casualties so far. That''s all that matters to us.


    However, in the end, no one was able to stop the ''Heaven and Earth'' ida, and finally, they could only keep a certain distance between them and monitor it.


    Where would the Ida of Heaven and Earth be headed, deep into human territory?


    That too remains a mystery....


    For now.


    "Why are you and Satome here, Sesha-san?


    With the decisive battle in front of him, Radey was concerned about the question first.


    ''''It''s because I returned to the Center Guild with Radey-sama!


    ''''As a member of a heroic party, you wouldn''t leave your side for a moment!


    I''m not sure I noticed that at all.


    It''s a good thing that you have a good idea of what to expect. If we wait here, the enemy will come, right?


    As you wish.


    If you''re saying you predicted a course of action.


    Soon the enemy would pass through here.


    And yet, it was the meticulous work of Sesha, Satome, and their friends that chose the flat, open, battle-friendly grasslands as the location for the ambush.


    ''Everyone, the enemy is strong enough to make even that Dariel-san wary. The information that comes in advance is all eerie and makes the identity of the enemy more and more difficult to understand, so let''s brace ourselves.


    After I encouraged my friends.


    And now we have someone to help us in this tough fight. Mr. Zester, the former Hammer.


    The giant man who is introduced.


    Once selected by the heroes, the hammer user is now a member of the heroes'' party.


    "Even though I am back to being an adventurer, my desire to protect the human race is the same. I would like to fight with you.


    "With someone as sturdy as you, Master Zester, you''ll never be more dependable!


    ''I was originally looking for a hammerer for my last companion, and it''s just about right!


    The brave Radie, who uses a sword (slash), is led by Sesha, who uses a spear (sting), and Satome, who uses a shield (guard). Zester, the best hammer user in the center guild, joins them, and the heroic party is finally complete.


    However, the first enemy that they take on with their full strength is a difficult enemy with more than perfect strength.


    There is no guarantee of victory.


    "Brave master........it''s coming, that it is!


    What''s that sound...?��Like the sound of insect wings...?


    The high-pitched sound that Radie detected in her ears was the frictional sound caused by the air creaking together as space was distorted.


    It was a harbinger of its approaching center.


    A pure white child appeared in front of the brave men.


    Floating in the air with no feet on the ground, it slowly and leisurely approaches you.


    "Is that the Ida enemy of ''Heaven and Earth'', that it is...?


    ''''It''s the Four Heavenly Kings of Earth, isn''t it?��Floating in the air, more like a wind messenger...?


    Sesha and Satome say exactly what they thought.


    But the other party was not one to allow such prejudice.


    ''''!''''


    Radey was suddenly struck by a floating sensation.


    The next moment, as if pushed by an invisible wall, Radie flew through the air.


    No, I was blown away.


    "Kyaaaaaahhh!


    Ughhhh? Heeeeeeeee? What is that?


    Moreover, it wasn''t just Radey who was blown up, but Zester, Satome, Sesha and the entire party.


    It''s clear that someone''s intentions were at work.


    They fell to the ground and rolled around in a rumble.


    ''''........It couldn''t be that kid!


    We''re the ones who didn''t even chant a spell...?��He doesn''t give a d*mn!


    Ida of the "Heaven and Earth" is not even going to check out the Radie and the others who have been brushed off.


    I''m sure all the adventurers who have gone out to intercept it are the same.


    They were not even opposed as opponents, but eliminated by the power to control space.


    As if to get rid of the pebbles underfoot.


    ''''We are the pebbles...?''''


    Not even an insult, but a thorough disregard.


    When he senses such intentions, Radey''s pride is shaken.


    ''''Wait!''''


    He raises his sword towards the Ida of ''Heaven and Earth'', which is already trying to pass by.


    It''s not going to allow you to walk past this brave Radie!��Eat it!


    The special technique that sends a mass of aura flying as a slash is unleashed on the white boy.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time.


    If this is the case, the aura slash will hit safely.


    The moment everyone is sure of a hit.


    The aura slash was distorted and twisted.


    ''''Huh!''''


    In front of the target''s eyes, the sharp slash shape distorted and bent to go around behind the target, a white boy, and then flew away, passing behind him as it was.


    As a result, the boy was unable to inflict a single wound without being hit.


    ''''What!��What the hell happened?


    Even Radie, who was reasonably experienced in combat, didn''t have the knowledge to explain what had just happened.


    ''''The aura slash twisted and turned as if it had dodged the enemy from itself...?


    ''''This is how the adventurers have never been able to hurt themselves in the past...?


    Everyone in the party froze at the unbelievable sight, even their fellow party members.


    "You girl!


    Ida from "Heaven and Earth" looked back.


    But apparently it wasn''t because she was attacked.


    ''Didn''t you just say ''brave''?��So you are the brave of this age?


    Ida apparently responded to a word that Radie had released.


    ''Yes, it is!��I am the hero!��I have inherited the title from the great Lady Arantziel, Radey the Brave!


    Okay.


    When she finished listening, Ida from ''Heaven and Earth'' turned on her heel with a wind that didn''t particularly bother her.


    ''''No I''m sorry. The name of the brave man is familiar to me, so I couldn''t help but be curious. But it doesn''t matter to me right now.


    What does it matter...?


    I don''t have time to hunt down modern-day heroes because I have a mission. You can go on fighting your enemies.


    He tries to go too far as it is.


    That seemed to be the biggest insult of all, and Radie couldn''t just let it go.


    ''''Let them go?!


    ''''Splitting Skies'''' in rapid succession.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you get your hands on it. I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    ''''It''s useless. For me, a master of earth magic, everything between heaven and earth is at will. Having already distorted the space around me, any attack will avoid me and slip through.


    ''''Space........distorting.......?''''


    Such magic was unheard of, even for Radie, who had fought several demons.


    If space itself was distorted, physical attacks would be completely useless.


    ''''If you distort space and shift the attack to the other side!''''


    The giant body flew through the air.


    The hammering zesters are far up in the sky.


    "No matter how far out of the way you let it escape, it will be impossible to avoid if it''s so wide and gaping!��The unfinished version of the ''Super Imperial Gangster''!


    The aura mass emanating from the hammer''s head spread out over the plane and swung to crush Ida over her head.


    ''''It''s an inexperienced technique that Dariel-sama chided me for, but it''s useful in this kind of situation!��Even if it doesn''t result in a suicide, I can at least give you a hand wound!


    The previous version of "Sugoho Goryoku" was branded as a flawed technique because it would normally spread wildly.


    However, now, when that diffusion was required, it was the opposite, as it spread consciously, eventually covering the entire battlefield.


    "Geez!��We don''t want to get caught up in this!


    We''re going to run away as fast as we can, that we are!


    Even my friends were affected by too much damage to a wide area.


    No matter how much they distorted the space, there seemed to be no escape.......


    ''''It''s too small.''''


    Again, space was distorted, and the filmy aura mass that covered a large area hit the ground, passing only through the ida.


    A cloud of dust covered a large area.


    However, there was not a scratch on the ida alone.


    ''It covers a wide area and eliminates the gaps so much that it doesn''t matter if it''s distorted. The idea in itself is correct, but the area to be covered is too narrow. But the area to be covered is too narrow.


    What kind of...?


    Drismegian burned up an area ten times larger than this one in an instant.


    He is the strongest of the four heavenly kings, so strong that he can be listed as a Valhalla.


    His absolute amount of magic power is also on an order of magnitude, and because of this, his spatial distortion extends to an extremely wide area.


    Even with the amount of Zestar''s aura, it was not enough to cover all of them.


    That was ''Heaven and Earth''.


    The one who ruled over everything that lay between heaven and earth.

 176-175 Dariel cant find the fortress

    Meanwhile, that was me.


    I was running incessantly outside.


    I''ve strengthened my legs with a pure aura of unmeaningfulness, so I can run faster than a horse and seem to be able to run a thousand miles in the blink of an eye.


    Where are we going in such a hurry to go to, it''s towards the border.


    The border between human and demon territory.


    If you ask me what I want to do in such a place, what I''m aiming for is the Rasperda Fortress, to be precise.


    It was the one that served as a gate that stood in the border between the two sides.


    ''''That''s the most important stronghold of the demon tribe that''s closest to the enemy territory right now.......!


    If someone claiming to be the Ida of "Heaven and Earth" is really related to the demon race, then there''s a high possibility that they entered human territory via the Lasperda Fortress.


    If we take a look at the area, we might be able to find out what happened.


    If I could find out the details of what happened, it might help Radhi and the others.


    With this in mind, I set out for the area.


    I''ve left Marika, Gran and the others in the care of Arantzill at the Center Guild, because it''s not safe to do so.


    The only thing I can think of is that it''s a good idea to have Zebiantes in the fortress, and if we can successfully capture them, we can make them spit out all over the place.......


    The specifics will come when we arrive.


    So, I''m running with the gun.


    It''s about time to get closer to the border. I slowed down a bit and looked at the scenery around me.


    It''s all forest and mountains, but the terrain starts to look a little familiar to me.


    We''re almost to Rasperda Fortress.


    "If we can just get past that pass...!


    With that in mind, I look at the top of the pass, the open view....


    "...that!


    Not there?


    No fortress of Rasperda?


    Why is it gone?


    It''s supposed to be standing right between those mountains!��It''s not here!


    "Did I take a wrong turn?


    The first thing I suspected was that I was mistaken.


    It''s not possible for such a huge fortress to be blown around by the wind and roll somewhere, so that''s the only thing common sense can tell you.


    I look forward.


    I look behind me.


    The landscape matched my memories of the past perfectly.


    The direction of the sun, the direction of the wind.


    There is no doubt about it.


    This is the area where Rasperda Fortress is supposed to be.


    Why isn''t there a fortress?


    "We''ll just have to get closer and see what happens...?


    I didn''t want to get too close for the guards to see us, so I wanted to avoid getting too close.


    But if I tried to get more information, it was the only way.


    I cautiously tried to approach the fortress while hiding in the landscape.


    ��


    And I was even more surprised.


    "The fortress is gone...?


    There was a fortress right here.


    It was here.


    It was in the past, but not anymore.


    The place where the fortress was once located is now just a miserable burned-out area, exposing the plain.


    ''''What the hell really happened?


    Rasperda Fortress is a huge structure that ranks first or second in the demon territory.


    What kind of maximum annihilation magic is used to blow it up...?


    "What did I do.......is it fire magic.......?


    I judged that from the heat still rising from the scorch marks.


    If that is the case, then Granberza-sama?


    No, even as expected of Granberza-sama, there''s no way that even a Granberza-sama would be able to cause extreme flames that would vaporize an entire fortress, and there''s no reason to blow up a fortress.


    When I was stunned to see the impossible in front of me....


    ''''Granberza-sama!��You can''t die!��He''s dead!


    No, it''s okay.��He was treated well and he''s in perfect condition. ....You can''t just kill me like that!


    I can hear him screaming in the distance.


    ...what is it now, Lady Granbertha?


    I leaped without an arrow or shield, and ran towards the direction of the voice.


    ........There it was.


    A makeshift field base has been placed in the rear plain near the demon territory, which has been evacuated from the burned-out ruins.


    A lot of soldiers are coming and going in a hurry.....


    Among them.........?


    Granberza-sama!


    That man, the one who should be called the other father, was lying there.


    Moreover, his whole body was badly injured.


    Although he was properly treated and bandaged, the painfulness of his body was palpable enough.


    ''''.........Is it Dariel.......?''''


    Granbaza-sama reacted firmly to me running up to him.


    I''m not going to be the only one who can do that.


    Oh, it''s Dariel!


    It''s Dariel!


    Everyone around me knows I''m here, and I''m drawing attention.


    I don''t even have time to miss returning to my old home after a long time.


    ''Granbaza-sama, that injury...?��What in the world happened to you!''''


    ''''The fact that you came here means that something happened on the human side as well, right?��.........Dariel, listen to me mind you.......!


    Lady Glambarza tried to speak in a scolding way, her lips tightening in injury.


    "Listen to me, Dariel!


    Then the guy who doesn''t read the air intervened.


    ''''You''re the Four Heavenly Kings of the Wind and you don''t read the air!


    It''s the Inferno guy.


    "What?


    As soon as I heard that, my fears were confirmed.


    The red-cloaked monster that I cut down in the forest near Lax village.


    It is true that I killed him, but I couldn''t really feel that it was over just like that, and it stuck in my throat to this day.


    ''He''s alive...?��No, there was a fellow who wore the same cloak?


    He doesn''t know!��He blazes the chains and blazes the fire!��Lady Granberza is badly injured, and no one else can help her!��And then a clay figure like Droyer''s predecessor appears, and after a few minutes of mumbling and gnashing, the fortress disappears with a bang!


    "Calm down!


    Zebiantes was confused.


    Dariel, you must calm down. Okay, I''ll do the talking.


    From the beginning, Granbaza-sama was going to talk to me, but Zebiantes was going to go off on a tangent, so I couldn''t go on with the conversation.


    The explanation from Granbaza-sama was neatly organized and came in easily, but even so, the content of the story was beyond comprehension, no matter how hard it was to swallow.


    ''''Valhalla........?��And hell....?


    ''''That''s right, it seems that the true identity of the Inferno or something like that is the Four Heavenly Kings of the past who escaped from hell. A guilt-ridden outsider who deserves to go to hell.


    ''The Ida of ''Heaven and Earth'' was sent from Valhalla to pursue it...?


    Oh my God.


    So you''re saying that the Ida of Tenchi, who is now advancing through human territory with her own hands, is the real deal?


    ''''........Inferno has escaped to human territory. The Ida-sama of "Heaven and Earth" may have followed it and entered the city, but...


    Lady Granberza choked on her words.


    I can understand why.


    It was about seven hundred years ago when the Ida of "Heaven and Earth" was alive. In that era, there was no unwritten law of mutual inviolability like we have now, and it was a time of true warfare in the true sense of the word.


    Not only the brave men and the Four Heavenly Kings, but any human and demon race that could fight went to the front lines and fought bloody battles everywhere.


    It was a time when it was normal for tens of thousands of deaths to occur in a year.


    ''''........What would happen if someone who lived in such an era strolled through enemy territory in the mood of those days!��Even if that person had no ill will, it would be an unprecedented catastrophe. If he''s not careful, it could lead to another all-out war!


    "Yes. .... yes!


    ''Dariel, this is not the place to be selling oil!��You must go after Ida-sama now and stop him. You''re the only one with the ability to stop that one!


    I understand!


    I stand up.


    Things had become even worse than I had imagined.


    What''s worse is that Ida-sama from ''Heaven and Earth'' was real!


    "What, Dariel...?


    The woman who came running up to me.


    I''ve seen her before.


    She''s one of the current Four Heavenly Kings, the Droyer of the Iwo Jima.


    Are you sure it''s Dariel?��Where the hell have you been all this time...?


    Why have we been stuck here?


    Before I jumped out of the way, I asked one question.


    I knew that the Rasperda Fortress had been destroyed by the Inferno and the guards had been thrown into a place like this.


    ''But then why are we still hanging around here?��Maybe we should retreat more and hunker down at a nearby base?


    "That''s...?��But we have to stop the heroes.��Even if we lose the fortress...!


    ''''Idiot!''''


    Droyer''s thin shoulders trembled.


    ''''Now that we''ve lost our fortress, how can we stay here and have any defense at all!��Most importantly, it''s the human race that will be damaged by the loss of the fortress!


    ''What?��Huh?


    ''''The Rasperda Fortress was originally built by humans to provide logistical support for the brave men who were invading the demon tribe''s territory. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this. Have you forgotten that I taught you that?


    The Rasperda Fortress was what the human race needed, and if it disappeared without a trace, the human race would have to rethink the route to defeat the demon king from scratch.


    The human side is in turmoil right now with the ''Heaven and Earth'' Ida invading the country. The most important thing for a leader to do now is to take advantage of this confusion and rebuild the army!


    ''''Yes, yes...!


    I was just being harsh with my words.


    Mr. Aranziel''s fierce spirit has moved into me.


    You can''t keep a large number of people here in the middle of the field without any food," he said. The entire demon army must fall back and share the situation with the rest of the army. You''ll be able to set up a field base to replace your fortress after that.


    Okay, okay...?


    Bring Lady Granberza to a proper resting place. You got it.


    After finishing my instructions, I ran off again.


    It''s a pontoontoon towards the human territory.


    Had Radey already made contact with the Ida of ''Heaven and Earth''?


    I hope you''re not taking too long.

 177-176 Arantzil gives a hint (Brave side)

    Hammer Master Zester boldly tries again.


    ''''The old version of the ''awesome emperor stiffness''!


    Once again, a plane spreading aura is released from the head of the hammer.


    It''s a technique that is less destructive because it spreads so thinly, and that''s why it was deemed ''impossible'' by both Dariel and Arantzill, but it was more convenient than anything else if you only wanted range anyway.


    Ironic.


    ''''We can''t let only newcomers play an active role!


    Continuing on, Sesha, the spearman, moves.


    He stabbed his prized spear into the ground and once his hands were free, he took out a bundle of something.


    A bundle of long, thin things grouped into several pieces.


    He threw it high into the heavens in one lump.


    ''''This is my new technique that I learned during my training with my fellow Gashita-dono who has the same sting (thrust) aptitude!��Watch it!


    As they flew upward, the threads that held the bundle together naturally untied, and the long, thin things that had been clumped together scattered to pieces.


    It was a wooden skewer.


    These were wooden skewers, cut into thin pieces and sharply pointed at the end.


    It was a bundle of dozens of them together, but once the bindings were released, it was no longer a bundle.


    When the momentum and gravity of the throwing became equal, it stopped at the top of a far higher peak.


    The bundle was no longer a bundle, dispersed into pieces.


    One by one, they become sharp stabs, this time being pulled by gravity as they descend towards the ground.


    ''''The special ''bamboo forest shower''!��You may eat it!


    The wooden skewers that were already filled with stinging (poke) aura were sharp enough to penetrate the metal level with ease.


    Dozens of them.


    It is not only a good idea to have a good time, but it is also a good idea to have a good time.


    That''s exactly what happened, like rain.


    If you adjust it so that it doesn''t overlap with the old version of the "Stupendous Force" that Zestar had released earlier, its range was so wide that it could cover a thousand armies.


    This is the ultimate attack that even Ida''s spatial distortion of ''Heaven and Earth'' wouldn''t be able to dodge, but....


    ''''Ridiculous...?


    "After all this, you still can''t get away with it...?


    The ground is gouged out by Zester''s aura mass, and in the middle, where wooden skewers are pierced everywhere.


    A pure white boy without a scratch was standing there.


    ''You did better than before. It''s a little wider in scope, but that''s about an eighth of a Drismegian''s fire.


    ''Why isn''t it working...?


    Zester and Sesha''s joint attack is not weak.


    They were definitely two of the best among all adventurers.


    If the two of them had simultaneously exploded in another phase of their profound attacks, not just one squad of the Demon King''s army, but two or three squadrons would have been wiped out in an instant, even though their fearfulness would have roared out.


    Because it was too extensive, even their ally Radie couldn''t escape out of range, and they had to use Satome''s shield as an umbrella to surpass the two of them.


    And that enemy had dispatched it without a hitch.


    Without a doubt.


    It was a remarkably different strength from the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army that Radie had fought in the past.


    ''''Could it be........that you are more.......than Dariel-san?


    ''''It was imprudent of me to stop you when I heard you were a brave man. It was an obvious waste of time.


    Ida muttered in disgust.


    I have to carry out the mission given to me by her. I have to carry out the mission given to me by her. I''ve been told that I must not go down to the world and kill anyone without good reason, but that''s not the point. Those who are not worthy of killing are not worthy of killing.


    The air changed.


    Radie and the others felt their surroundings harden like plaster on their skin.


    ''''What is this........?''''


    ''It''s fixed the space around you. We won''t bother you now.


    Easily stopping Radey and all of his companions from moving, Ida turned to leave.


    ''Get far enough away from me and the immobilization will be broken. The weak must be lurking and biting their teeth.


    Radie glared regretfully at the boy''s back as he walked away.


    The enemy didn''t even consider her to be an enemy.


    The difference in power was so different that Radie was only treated as an annoying little fly.


    ''''To get Dariel-san''s approval...?


    I can never expose my disrespect in this fight.


    But the opponent was too bad.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to have a good time with them.


    ''''They''re all in the same boat...''''


    Someone stands in front of Ida as she tries to leave.


    Radhi screamed as he was pinned down.


    ''''Arantziel-sama!


    The man who appeared in front of Ida was the previous brave.


    It is a good idea to have a good time.


    I''m not going to be able to get to know you.��Shouldn''t he be waiting for you at the Center Guild?


    I''ve dared Dariel, and now I need you guys to show some results. I came here just in case, and all this happened.


    Radie''s face burned all over at Alanziel''s spitting words.


    He said he hadn''t lived up to the expectations of his predecessors.


    ''Don''t look down,''


    Arantzill added sternly: "We cannot turn a blind eye to the battlefield.


    Aranziel goes on to say sternly: "Do not turn away from the battlefield. If you want to win, keep your eyes fixed on the enemy, even if they glaze over. Never miss a moment of opportunity.


    Yes.....


    Radey stared into his eyes as he was stopped in his movements.


    He shouldn''t give up on winning yet.


    ''You''ve got to be kidding me.''


    The boy said.


    ''''A weak man of that level does not deserve to lose, let alone win. It''s not even in the form of a battle. It is beyond stupid and pathetic not to accept the impossible.


    The impossible will now be possible. And she will be the catalyst for that.


    Alanziel. He puts an aura into the staff stick that he has acquired.


    I will show you.


    Ida''s spirits have changed.


    It''s just not the same as when dealing with Radie and the others. From the ease of playing with kittens to the danger of staring at a raging tiger.


    ''You seem to be qualified to be my enemy. Why don''t you call yourself a brave man?


    I quit a long time ago. It''s getting to be too much for me.


    ''So you''re Arantzill, I see. I hear you''re a fierce competitor who''s been confirmed to join Valhalla, along with Granberza.


    The quality of the magic that overflows from the ida becomes more and more transparent and pure.


    It''s interesting. We''ll never tire of fighting in Valhalla anyway, but let''s have a prelude to the celebration. You will be baptized with the baptism of a hero.


    I''m tired of fighting. I''m tired of fighting. I''m tired of forcing everything on my juniors. "I''m going to teach you how to beat you. I''m going to show you how to beat you.


    A staff stick that makes a humming sound and draws an arc circle.


    He rushed towards Ida from a seamless side stance.


    "No way, you''re going to attack me!


    Radie shouts at the sight of it.


    This is the weapon that the great brave Arantzill is most adept at using, the staff club. It is a weapon that allows you to control three of the four aura traits of slash, sting and hit.


    Although it was less efficient than Dariel''s Hermes Blade, it was an unmistakable weapon that helped him fight fierce battles against demons with this one.


    But still.........


    ''''No, Arantzill-sama!��No matter how much Aranziel-sama is, a mere attack is not enough...?


    Ida''s space-controlling magic distorts the very space that matter passes through, so all physical phenomena that occur within the space are meaningless.


    Even if you''re a great brave man who has carved a name for himself in legend, you can''t escape that law.


    I thought so, though.


    ''''Guhahah!''''


    Ida''s left arm was severed and cut into a thousand pieces.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    ''''The spatial distortion didn''t work!


    ''''Ridiculous!��It is true that my magic should have bent the trajectory of the attack!��And yet...?


    Radie and Ida were equally confused for once.


    ''I''m sorry, but I don''t understand all the petty little logic.


    "..........?��It''s not just an attack...?��Add some kind of twist to your aura...?


    ''''If you''re going to survive a battle with Granbaza''s, this kind of recklessness is an everyday occurrence. I never thought that they could be considered invincible just by mastering a single magic form. Looks like the old Four Heavenly Kings were of a low level.


    And Radey realized.


    His body, which had been fixed in a whole space, could now move freely.


    ''The restraints have been released...?��Because he took some damage...?


    Come on, Radey, I''ve given you what you need.


    Aranzir turned on his heel without fighting any further.


    ''The rest is your business. Just do exactly what you see, and you will win. If you can, you will win. If you can''t, you will die. That''s all there is to it.

 178-177 Lady, flowering (Brave side)

    ''''How absurd!''''


    Screaming voices were the friends of the brave Radie.


    They, too, were caught by Ida''s spatial fixation and freed as well as Radie.


    ''Are you asking me to imitate the miracle performed by Arantzill-sama?��Without any training!��With no training!


    At least tell us what you''ve done!��If we don''t, Lady Radie will lose!


    The companions'' protest would be a plausible one.


    Their justification does not translate to the realm of the brave.


    ''''Are you saying that we''re going to be taught a handful of tricks even in the midst of an actual battle?��Don''t take it easy. The power required of a brave man is to overcome the desperate predicament with your own ideas.


    But....?


    In that regard, coming to set an example like this is an act of too much indulgence and self-doubt. I''m not going to be able to get the same thing done. If you are a brave man, the rest is up to you to uncover the apparent answer.


    Arantzill''s attitude is harsh to no end.


    I wondered if the standard required of a brave man is this harsh.


    ''''It''s fine to be strict, but...''''


    Ida''s words break in like a side shot.


    The arm that was cut off is naturally re-grown and shows no sign of damage.


    I don''t have the right to bother with your complacency. I am busy with my mission. If you want to play master and disciple, I''d prefer you do it somewhere else.


    Where is this place you''re standing?


    A sharp rebuttal from Alanziel.


    ''''It''s the territory of the human race. It''s an act of aggression for the demon tribe to trespass there. You can''t complain if they kill you. You call yourself the Four Heavenly Kings, yet you can''t understand that much?


    So that''s why you''re going to get rid of me?��Oh well, I am one of the heroic spirits who live in Valhalla. It is a matter of pride to run when challenged.


    I can hear the air creaking.


    Ida raises her space-distorting magic to a combat-ready level.


    ''Aranzir and Granbaza. Your prestige extends to Valhalla! It''s not often that two people who are strong enough to live up to the ultimate in rhetoric compete for the same job in the same era. I''m looking forward to the day when many heroes will be able to fight you.


    So?


    So I''m running away from it. I''m sure the gentleman will forgive me if I make a detour of that magnitude. I don''t mind if I let you continue on to Valhalla.


    Sorry for the confusion. I already told you I''m retired.


    Aranzir stabbed his gaining staff stick into the ground.


    He was in a very careless position, unable to respond to the suddenness of the situation.


    ''The present crisis will be handled by the present brave man. Turn around and brace yourself tightly.''


    Ida turns around at her urging.


    Then she saw Radhi with his sword in his hand and his fighting spirit.


    ''Do you mean it?��You''re just going to let her die?


    If you die, that''s it. All we have to do is elect new, stronger, braver men.


    That''s right. I''ve forgotten all about it since I left this world, but that''s what the human race is all about. It''s hard to understand.


    Ida turned to Radey in earnest.


    She turned to Radhi and said.


    ''....your resolute fighting spirit is amazing.


    Praise unleashed with ease.


    A compliment given on the battlefield from a strong enemy to a weak one is an insult.


    But it is foolish to stand up to an opponent who cannot win. But it would be foolish to stand up to a man who cannot win. Don''t you think so?


    Sometimes you need your wits about you. .... but now!


    He raises his sword wide.


    ''You can''t run away with the chance to be strong in front of me!��Not only are they cowards, but they''re also fools!


    ''Apparently, the stupidity of the demon race is different from the stupidity of humans. It''s hard to resist.


    Ida muttered something short.


    That was the first spell he had ever cast on this battlefield.


    ''''Kyaaaah!''''


    A light shot out from the front of Ida.


    That light slowly approached Radhi and the others while rising like a wall.


    ''''Eraser End. I want to fight Arantzill as soon as possible. I will end it with a single move.


    ''Such an offensive magic!��Whoa!


    Zester boldly rushed forward.


    ''If a brave man decides to fight!��It''s the party''s duty to fight together!


    Mr. Zester!


    "That buys you time!��In the meantime, grasp the key point Master Aranziel has shown you!


    Zester dives towards the approaching wall of light.


    ''''Whoa!��''''Super Imperial Stiffness!''''


    This is an improved version of the "Super God God Goddess of Valor" that pushes out a hammer and shoots a bullet with its own body.


    It was reborn after Dariel''s scolding, and its completed special move has blasted even the Super Son of the Sky off the ground.


    This true ''Soaring Sky'' has nothing that can''t be crushed!��No matter what kind of offensive magic..........?


    The moment Ida''s light wall and Zester''s hammer touched each other, something unbelievable happened.


    The hammer began to disappear from the area where it touched the light.


    ''''Nonsense!��The hammer with the aura of my all-out hit (strike).


    You''re impatient. People like that end up being impatient with their lives.


    Ida says in a dumbfounded tone.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on it. It''s the only thing that can crush the space itself and make everything within the space disappear. It''s the only thing that can''t be shattered by my spatial annihilation magic.


    ''''Whoa, whoa, whoa!


    The head of the hammer had already been completely obliterated and the handle was also being eaten.


    Next to that was Zester himself.


    Due to the characteristics of the True ''Super Imperial Stiffness'', he himself was part of the hammer as it rushed forward, so he could not leave the spatial crushing wall by himself at this moment.


    He could only be swallowed whole.


    ''''Konoha!''''


    It was Sesha who came to the rescue at that moment.


    She grabbed Zester''s leg while he was rushing forward and pulled him with all her strength.


    ''''Nuh-hah!''''


    Thanks to this, Zester was able to escape from his desperate predicament.


    He''s saved!��I could have died!


    "We don''t have time for this, that we do.��The walls are closing in on us!


    Sesha and Zester left the wall in a hurry.


    They teasingly escaped the difficulty due to the slow progress of the magic wall.


    ''The reason it''s advancing so slowly is because we set it up that way. To give you guys a choice.''


    Ida says.


    ''If you don''t want to die, run away. If you run as hard as you can, you can shake it off.


    Physical attacks are meaningless for the most powerful magic that crushes everything in space.


    You''ll have only two choices: stop and be erased, or run away.


    There''s no way to do that, that there is...?


    You just joined us and now you can''t do anything for us?


    The hearts of the brave party will be broken before the ultimate magic that transcends generations.


    .........


    ''.........Sesha-san, Zester-san....


    Radie holds his sword.


    He tucks his sword to his forehead as if to remind himself of something.


    "Get behind me. ........I''ll take care of that magic wall. If you can''t do something...!


    I say with determination.


    ''If there''s nothing more you can do. ........die with me.


    "...oh!


    Two men, turn to the rear of the heroes.


    ''''I''ve been ready for that since the day I was welcomed into the company of the heroes, that I am!


    Die and live together is the way of the party!


    With the determination of his friends, Radey took on the impossible.


    Alanziel broke through the distortions of space with ease.


    It was a recklessness that was unique to Alanziel, but was the same thing possible for Radey in imitation?


    ''''How can I, who can''t even do the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky'' yet, slice through space...?


    That''s right, Arantzill slashed through space itself with his slash aura.


    It was the only way to make the attack reach Ida.


    What kind of logic could make such a thing feasible, Radie couldn''t even imagine.


    ''''It''s easy to abandon the thought that ''it''s natural for a great brave man to be able to do anything.


    However, if you don''t let go of your thoughts and arrive at an answer, you will be crushed by the vicious obliteration wall and not even a corpse will be left behind.


    Not only her own, but the lives of all her friends.


    I won''t let that happen...!


    Worry for his friends became a distraction, and he was getting more and more trapped....


    ''''Daryaaaaaah!''''


    Someone leapt out of the way.


    One of the brave party, Satome, a shield user, prevents the spatial crushing wall.


    With her own shield.


    It''s not possible!��It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to use it.


    Still, the shield barely stops the invasion of the magic wall.


    I see. I see.


    Ida says as she looks on.


    ''There were a few guys in my time who could use it. The extreme defensive aura creates a section of space to prevent attacks. It''s impossible to break through a spatial rupture with a normal attack. Then you can certainly stop my "Eraser''s End". For a short time, though.


    I''m sorry, but he''s right.


    Satome says bitterly.


    ''This technique is so powerful that I can''t maintain it for a long time...!��Hold on for a few seconds...!


    Satome!


    Radie shuddered at Satome''s devotion.


    But at the same time, there was something that crossed her mind.


    Some of the adventurer''s existing techniques were able to counter Ida''s magic.


    Then what Arantzill did was the same.


    Among the adventurer''s techniques, there is a technique that can act on space.


    If there is one, it would be a very advanced technique that one in thousands can use, but there is no wonder that the great hero Arantzill could use it.


    Satome''s use of the ''Cutoff Gap Impulse'' is a defensive technique that acts on space.


    What if there is an offensive technique that has a similar effect?


    ''''Speaking of which...?''''


    Radey remembered like a flash of lightning, the tutor attached by his aunt had said.


    There was a technique that once existed and then, with the passage of time, faded into obscurity.


    The name of the slashing technique, which, along with the Splitting Skies, was said to be the ultimate in slash aura, is....


    The name of the slashing technique is.....

 179-178 Ida of "Tenchi" is Boschut

    The key to earth magic is elemental manipulation.


    The elements that make up everything in the universe. To control and recombine them from the bottom up.


    With it, the earth magic user kneads the earth, sand, and stone into various forms and makes them into weapons.


    Or, he breaks down and combines the finer elements and remakes them into a completely different substance. This is called alchemy, which is a branch of alchemy.


    And Ida of "Heaven and Earth", the best earth magician in the history of the demon race, used his supreme earth magic power to solve every element and every constituent element, and finally arrived at the ultimate constituent element.


    This is the discovery of the elements that make up space.


    Ida''s earth magic rose to a new level by understanding the elements that make up "nothingness", which is like a tonch.


    Being able to manipulate the elements that make up space is the same as being able to manipulate space itself.


    If by that argument, Ida could also bend and distort space and keep all attacks away from her.


    Once the spatial elements were broken up, space itself was destroyed, and everything in space was annihilated.


    It was the ultimate means of attack.


    With this magic, it was as if Ida had the ultimate shield and contraption, and in his time, no one had finally emerged to defeat him.


    The number of brave men he had slaughtered in his lifetime was two hundred and twenty-three.


    It was the highest record that had never been broken since the history of the Demon Race began.


    Such a monster is running rampant in this day and age....


    ��


    My impatience reached its peak with the fact that this was a serious matter.


    I rushed out of Rasperda Fortress (the vanishing remains) and caught up with it at full speed, and what I witnessed was.......


    ''''Wha........?''''


    Radey''s sword was swung down towards the white shining magic wall.


    The magic wall was slashed and fragilely shattered into a thousand pieces.


    ''''Yay!''''


    ''''Radey-sama has mastered a reversal of the special move, that he has!


    The men behind them were dancing madly.


    What are they doing?��And he''s got a zester?


    ''''Yes........my ''breakaway'' ripped through space.......?


    You''re very good, Mr. Radey!


    Radey looks confused by what she has done.


    And Satome is frolicking around.


    What really happened.


    "Oh, Dariel-san!


    He spotted me.


    ''Great!��Human adventurers had the skill to transcend space from the beginning!


    What are you talking about?


    I''m just trying to get through the fray.


    It''s no wonder he''s...


    It''s him, isn''t it?


    A white child stands directly in front of Radey.


    He''s floating off the ground.


    "That''s the legendary hero.... The legendary hero.........the ida of the Four Heavenly Kings in the past.......?


    ........... brilliant.


    Ida said.


    The odds of victory would be against the depths of Radie''s unleashed, but her eyes were glistening with the fire of pride wounded anger.


    Would that be the case if he broke his own signature magic?


    ''Come to think of it, there was such a technique. It''s not a good idea. I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work. The truth that I spent my life revealing is recreated with just a little bit of spirit. How annoying...!


    ''''Master Aranzir used ''Decapitation'' earlier, so I was able to reach the answer to that question. The answer to the strategy to Anata.


    Mr. Alanziel?


    Well, now that I think about it, you''re actually here. What are you doing here?��They found me and waved me in. If you''re there, fight.


    ''Even in my time and in Valhalla, very few swordsmen have brought out the ''Severed Skies''. I''ll admit it. You are just as strong as my enemy. You''re not mature enough, but with a little more experience, you''ll be qualified to pass the gates of Valhalla.


    What are you talking about?


    No, you don''t have to understand the meaning of the words. I know that they are motivated.


    The child''s entire body was filled with the desire to kill.


    ''''No, I''ll give you the right to ascend to Valhalla at this time and place. It''s not too late to become strong when you reach paradise. My magic will be your last remaining memory in this world.


    Gogogogog.....


    The sound of something ringing can be heard.


    ''''What is it?��You''re twisting space again, that is.


    ''''Even if I am given the title of ''Heaven and Earth,'' my roots are still the same as an earth magician. What would happen if an enormous amount of magic power that could enable me to manipulate space was directed to the earth I''m accustomed to?


    It was out of the blue.


    He dropped to his knees, his hands touching the ground.


    My body is heavy.


    The sensation of being pushed with tremendous force from above. A crushing sensation.


    What the hell was that?


    "I can''t move...?��Spatial immobilization again...?


    No, it''s not. No, no, this is gravity manipulation!


    It''s an earth attribute higher magic.


    It''s not a good idea to go to the top of the mountain to find a place to live.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    And....


    Ida waved her hand.


    The ground began to swell in response.


    The ground itself is raging like the surface of the ocean, surging, burbling and swirling.


    ''''This is the ''Heaven and Earth'' Ida''s head-on, straight-up earth magic!


    ''''The super gravity stops the movement and makes the earth flow and swallow the enemy. It''s not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you''ll be able to see the difference. The weight of over a trillion dollars of earth will bury you.


    "Aaaaaaah! "A tidal wave of earth is engulfing us!


    Already Sesha-san and Zester have been swept away by the earth torrent.


    Fluidizing like an ocean current, but soil is soil. It''s heavy.


    If they are swallowed up like a drowning man in the ocean, they will sink all the way down to the ground!


    "Don''t worry, even if this worldly body is fossilized for hundreds of thousands of years, your soul will be welcomed into Valhalla, and you will have a new body. And you will have a new body to fight in for eternity.


    I don''t understand it again.


    But can you let the Radies, the future of the human race, be buried alive!


    Kaaahhhh!


    It spews out an aura with all its power and rebounds the super gravity.


    Gravity manipulation is also something he does with magical power. There''s no reason why you can''t counter it with your aura.


    ''Ho, when did you get mixed up in this?��But you look lively too.


    This is no longer the time to talk about the role of a hero!


    The ida of "Heaven and Earth" stops here!


    "You will be a good apostle of Valhalla. Let''s go to paradise together.


    I''ve got a lot of work to do in this world.


    I can''t go to hell or heaven without leaving my loving wife and my growing children!


    He went all out from the beginning.


    He was about to play a game with the "Zemoh-Shaikku".


    "Yes, that''s enough!


    An interminable voice rang out from the heavens.


    Everyone looked up in response and saw a hand there.


    A huge hand.


    A hand so big that it could easily be crushed by a single person... or perhaps a person could be compared to a fly, came down from the sky.


    ''''Heh?''''


    And as it was, he crushed Ida''s body in his grip.


    No one could react in the blink of an eye. Not even Ida herself, trapped in her hand.


    The giant hand sniffs its fingers with Ida in its clenched fist.


    It''s as if it''s crushing everything in its palm.


    I could actually hear the sound of crunching and breaking bones, crunching and crushing flesh, leaking out from between my fingers.


    It was a horrible sound.


    ''''Ida-kun, I''ve become a douchebag, so bye...''''


    The giant hand was pulled back in a clenched fist and disappeared into the sky.


    All that''s left is a clear sky, and I can''t even see the remnants of the mutation.


    ''''What the hell was that...?!''''


    Everyone gathered there was stunned as they looked up at the sky, but there was no explanation for the phenomenon that occurred.


    No, that voice that poured down from the heavens.


    The voice sounded familiar in its wild but lazy tone....


    ''''No, let''s not.''''


    I stifled my instinct to expose the depths of my memories.


    Anyway, I succeeded in fighting off the Ida of "Heaven and Earth".


    Let''s pretend that we did.

 180-179 Dariel, go home

    What was the fight for?


    "We''ll come together after a shaky fight.


    "Anyway, we fought well.


    I would like to congratulate Radey and his friends who were probably in the line of fire.


    It''s a good thing you fought against the Ida of Heaven and Earth. It''s a good thing you survived against one of the strongest four heavenly kings in the history of the demon race, without a doubt.


    That was enough to make me proud.


    ''But...''


    Radey says, somewhat unhappily.


    ''I don''t know if we can call this stuff a win...!��All the time, that side was overwhelming us. At best, we were able to take a shot at them with a ''decapitation''.......and I''m not at all convinced of the way the enemy disappeared......!


    ''''What was that giant hand that came down from the heavens, don''t you think...?''''


    I say as if to cover Sesha-san''s question.


    ''''It doesn''t help to think about what we don''t know,''''


    But...?


    I don''t have a choice.


    For my part, I don''t want to pursue the question of whose hand that giant hand was any further.


    It''s going to be a pain in the ass.


    It was a brilliant ''break off''.


    Mr. Arantzill also comes by there.


    What is this guy doing here after all?


    "You''ve mastered the sky. You''ve mastered it yourself.


    ''I''m afraid so!��It was all because of the advice you gave me, Mr. Arantzill!


    Huh?��Did you do that?


    This is the ultimate technique of the slash, along with the Splitting Skies. It''s the ultimate in slashing techniques.


    Taking over the explanation........


    The simple cutting power of "Sokku" far surpasses that of "Ryaku Kuu", and the slicing power is so sharp that it has reached the point where it even affects space.


    However, in actual combat, the ultimate cutting ability is not required, and it is an extremely fuel-efficient technique that consumes too much aura.


    The efficiency of using aura and the wide attack range of Searing Sky has been overpowered by it, and it is said that its users have died out.


    It''s not easy to handle a blade that cuts too much. So the Sora was branded as a flawed technique unsuitable for actual combat. You have to pull out such a technique to counter the Ida of Heaven and Earth, which is indeed a fearsome opponent...


    ''''I mean, Arantzill-san. You were even able to use such a maniacal technique?


    Of course, I was a brave man once, too.


    I didn''t remember any of the brave men of the past.


    The only thing I can use in battle is a tremendous amount of knowledge. It''s terrifying.


    ''''Since he was very young, Radie has worked tirelessly to become a brave man. He learned from many of his teachers. That''s why he remembered ''The Void'' as well.


    I can''t do it myself.


    I''m the one who got Arantzill-san''s "Super Emperor Splitting Sky" by imitating the way he looked at it, but that''s why I''m skipping an important stage.


    I''m sure that from that point of view, the one who is more appropriate for a brave man is Radie.


    By the way, Arantzill-san?


    What son?


    Why are you here?


    I asked you to take care of your precious Malika and Gran.


    You didn''t mean to leave the two of them behind?


    In the middle of the center guild that''s been overrun with raccoon dogs?


    Don''t worry, I''ve got it all worked out.


    Like what?


    I got him right here with me.


    When I turned towards Mr. Alanziel''s pointing, I saw a super familiar figure there.


    ''''Marika and Gran?


    ''Yes, I was worried about leaving them behind in the Center Guild. I brought them with me.


    "Boom!


    It would be more dangerous to take him out on the battlefield.


    Can''t you see that I''m the one who got us into this mess, even though I went to a different place in the first place?


    She''s so boring and unreliable outside of battle!


    Dariel. Dariel, maybe you should show a little more compassion to your father...?


    Aranziel-san, since there''s nothing more you can do about your clunker, I''ve decided to move on to the main story.


    ��


    I''ve decided to tell everyone what I witnessed at Lasperda Fortress.


    The disappearance of the fortress.


    The inferno that had survived.


    And that this time the attack of Ida in "Heaven and Earth" was caused by that inferno.


    ''''That vicious child was responsible for the mastermind behind that incident, that is...?


    The villainous group that attacked the village of Lux...?


    I killed the inferno with my own hands.


    I sliced him in half from the brain, and his body would have burned itself to ashes.


    Like Ida in Tenchi, he must have come from a realm not bound by the laws of this world.


    The world is being consumed by something or someone.


    There was a vague sense of eeriness about this.


    ''''I heard that the Inferno is hiding in human territory. That''s why the Ida of ''Heaven and Earth'' has moved in.


    Is that what the target is...?


    Why don''t you just say "no" and go in there, a**h*le?


    You''ll never know what to do with that.


    The only way to do that is to intercept the other side without saying no, so the human side has no choice but to intercept.


    And even if you turned them down, there''s no way the humans would accept that.


    I''m going to find the inferno.


    It was Radie who went forcefully.


    ''''If it''s a plague that lurks in the human realm, then it''s up to me, a brave man, to deal with it. I will request the guilds of all the towns and villages to track down the inferno and we will pursue and finish it off ourselves.


    After just one fight, Radey has become a lot stronger.


    This is a perfect example of how fighting makes a person strong.


    I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    Dariel, you will refrain.


    What?


    I''m not happy with Mr. Alanziel''s instructions.


    Not again.


    You''re right, it''s a brave man''s job to keep the peace. Put your feet up and let her do her job. You''ll do your job.


    My job...?


    To protect and develop the village as the head of Lax Village.


    I''m not sure if I''m going to be able to get it right or not.


    The next child will be born soon.....


    ''''Well, it''s about time for me to go back to Lax Village.


    Considering that, it was convenient to have Marie Cagran here.


    Let''s just go straight back to Lax Village.


    Once we return to the center guild, we might get another inexplicable detention.


    I''m also worried about Granbaza-sama. If we return to the village, we might be able to hear about the developments from Zebiantes.


    It''s Dariel.


    Mr. Alanziel said to me.


    ''You''re not worried about me?''


    ''What?��Why?


    ''I am your biological father. Why worry about Granberza, why not me, your blood relative?


    Because, Mr. Arantzill, you''re not hurt anywhere.


    But...


    ''But not really. You got through it unscathed, so you don''t have to worry about it.


    But still.


    I knew he was an incomprehensible person outside of the battle.


    Anyway, as I was admonished, we decided to leave the pursuit of the inferno to Radie and the others.


    Now I''m going to take Gran and Marika to the nearest town or village, and from there we''ll take the carriage back to Lux village.


    It was good sightseeing.

 181-180 Mother revives (Brave side)

    The Demon King''s Castle.


    There was a person standing on the throne on the top floor of the castle.


    The Demon King.


    The apex being who rules over all the demonkind.


    Currently, there is only one Lord among the Demon King and his close associates are kept away from him.


    In the silence of just one person, the Demon King held out his hand.


    As soon as he opened his clenched fist, he waved his wrist.


    As if swept away by his momentum, a vetri and a red thing shot out from inside his hand.


    The red stuck to the marble floor as a vetch, paused for a moment, but then quickly moved.


    Naturally, it undulated.


    The red slop rose up, regulating and reconstituting the various impurities contained within it....


    Bones, organs, and flesh were regenerated and reconfigured as they were originally.


    After everything was recreated, what appeared was a pure white child. It was Ida, the strongest of the four Heavenly Kings in history, "Heaven and Earth".


    As soon as the rebirth was complete, Ida knelt down.


    She kneeled down as soon as her rebirth was complete, and then she turned to her principal demon king.


    ''''We can''t overlook that one, can we?


    The Demon King said.


    His voice was as thick as usual, but strangely prolonged.


    ''I ordered you to find your escaped pet, didn''t I?��I don''t remember authorizing a fight without permission, do you?


    I''m sorry.


    As if kneeling wasn''t enough, Ida got down and rubbed her forehead against the floor.


    An attitude of absolute obedience, with no pride or anything else.


    ''I''m going to select you for Valhalla without permission. What kind of selfishness do you want to kill the children of this world and welcome them to Valhalla?��You don''t get to decide who gets to join Valhalla, do you?��It''s the best of the best, right?


    ''As you wish, sir!��This ''Heaven and Earth'' ida, you were an unworthy fool!


    Ida, overly humble and remorseful.


    ''''It''s outrageous that you''ve increased and violated the Demon King''s authority and acted as if it were your own power!��My Demon Lord, I beg you to punish me severely!��I can''t go back to Valhalla with such an unholy body!


    I don''t care about that.


    Ida, who was very self-condemning, said to the demon king, "The Valhalla is my precious treasure box, but the collections are always killing each other inside, so I have to have my brain intact.


    The Valhalla is my treasure box, but since the collections are always killing each other inside it, I can''t help but become a brainiac. When you were alive, you were a calm and collected child, so why do you have such a belief in machismo?


    I''m sorry!


    ''By the way, your expectations are not included in the criteria for admission to Valhalla. It''s all about what you''ve accomplished in your lifetime.


    The demon king says.


    I''m sure that Radie is very active and has a good chance of joining Valhalla in the future. I''m not sure I''m ready for that. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about it.


    ''''You almost ruined the brilliance the Demon King has been expecting...?��I can''t bear the weight of my own immorality!��Please just wipe me out of existence...!


    I don''t want you to do that.


    The Demon King didn''t seem to care about anything.


    ''''There are more fundamental issues, aren''t there?��What was your reason for calling you out of Valhalla?


    The capture of the Doris Megian and several other walkers who have escaped from hell.


    Yes.


    The most recent event where the Demon King opened the lid of hell.


    Bashbarza, the Four Heavenly Kings ''Ayan Fire'', displeased the Demon King out of arrogance, self-righteousness, and outbursts, and because of that, he was sent to hell.


    It was at that moment that Inferno escaped from hell.


    ''''It looks like they''ve been planning for that moment all along. They spent a lot of time planning and recruiting people to help them, and even though they didn''t have a body, they prepared a dependency to operate in this world and escaped.


    It''s a Drismegian-like, unexpected and barbaric act.


    This means that if Bashbarza hadn''t gone to hell, the inferno disaster wouldn''t have happened.


    It was annoying.


    I love you, Drismegian, because you''re always welcome to surprise me. I know you hate me a lot," he said. You hate me a lot, but you shouldn''t spread that hatred around to the children of this world.


    That''s why I called Ida from Valhalla as a pursuer.


    ''Anybody could have done it, though. Ida, you have been a good friend of Drismegian''s since you were alive. I thought you''d be a good fit for the role of Tahoe.


    "Though you have lived in Hell and Valhalla, you are still my friend and ally, and I will not rest until I have brought you into the presence of the Witch King. I will bring him to the Demon King and have him swear my loyalty this time.


    That''s what this is all about.


    ''''Ugh........?''''


    I was about to crush the promising current heroes by getting into the fight with the same groove I had in Valhalla.


    Those who are already on the other side of the shore will torment those on this side. That would be no different than what the Drismegian-led Inferno was doing.


    Sorry to repeat...?


    Well, the world is a different place now than it was when you were alive. You can''t expect to get into trouble if you don''t follow the values you had then.


    Moreover, the place where Inferno is hiding now is a human territory far away from the demon king.


    Even if Ida, a demon race, stepped in, it was an obstruction. In fact, it was the fight with Radie that caused the trouble.


    "Drismegian-kun... or is it Inferno-kun?��I don''t really care what it is, but you''re really good at hide-and-seek. If we could just locate them, we could play a crane game like I just did with you.


    No. You will continue to leave it to me to bring them back to Dorismegian and the others. I will not make another mistake. Please give me the opportunity to clear my name.


    Even so, it''s still tough to be in a human territory with no knowledge of the land, isn''t it?��That''s why I''ve decided to get you a helper.


    Help?


    Before I knew it, I was standing alone next to the Demon King''s throne.


    It was a woman.


    She was beautiful in her strange age, and her skin tone was glossy and supple, reminiscent of a bow.


    One could tell at a glance that she had the beauty of a woman and the strength of a warrior.


    And her skin color was eerily white, just like Ida''s.


    ''She''s...?


    ''''I don''t know?��Well, Valhalla is a big deal now, so it''s no wonder we don''t know each other.


    So she''s from Valhalla, too?


    ''He''s a shiny new guy. He''s also the most recent to join Valhalla, so there''s no generation gap. Plus, he''s from a human background, so he''ll help you avoid trouble in human territory.


    ..........


    Ida, however, was not happy with the instructions.


    Because being assigned a helper is like being told he can''t accomplish the mission alone, and it can be perceived as a lack of trust.


    It hurts his pride.


    ''''...Yes sir.''''


    But since the decision maker is the Demon King, he must be obeyed.


    You are not allowed to have an opinion.


    ''''I will work with her and this time I will bring the Drismegian out before the Demon King to see it.


    Hang in there.


    The Demon King''s tone was still languid, and he wasn''t sure if he was truly expecting Ida and the others to do so.


    It was doubtful that he felt any urgency in capturing the inferno in the first place, or that he didn''t really care how much damage the inferno caused to this world.


    Ida, turns to face the female warrior who has been brought in as a partner.


    "My lady, as we are about to embark on a mission, it is my pleasure to have you with us. ........and what is your name?


    ''''Estelica. I''m honored to be working with Ida-sama of Heaven and Earth, a brilliant figure in the history of human and demon warfare. Henceforth, please get acquainted.


    Estelica...?


    Hearing the name, Ida was more and more confused.


    To be called to Valhalla, one must have demonstrated a reasonable level of competence in the battle between humans and demons.


    That''s why there are usually legends and anecdotes left behind.


    However, Ida''s mind is completely devoid of any heroic stories connected with the name "Estelica".


    ''''No wonder you''re confused.


    The female warrior who called herself Estelica gave a self-mocking laugh.


    It''s as if the warmth of the God of War brought me into Valhalla. I''m just a figment of the imagination that is not worthy of standing alongside the rest of you.


    Not so fast, Estelica, you''re a fine young woman, aren''t you?


    The Demon King adds.


    ''She''s the girl who fought the most amazing battle a man could do. I allowed her to enter Valhalla with that achievement.


    Great battle?


    To protect my children and fight for my life.


    The Battle of the Mother.


    ''I died in that battle and my soul was welcomed into Valhalla. Every mother deserves to do it. I dread that I alone should be praised for it.


    ''That''s true, but Estelica-chan was a brave woman to begin with. Besides, what she left behind in her death was worth it.


    What she bequeathed to future generations in exchange for her life.


    It has grown and is now about to turn into the center of the world under the influence of various fierce men and women.


    ''It''s a good opportunity, you can go and see your son while you''re on your mission. Unlike Ida-kun, it would be a side trip that wouldn''t bother the others.


    Outrageous. I am now an apostle of the fighting gods. I will put the mission I have been given above all else.


    Estelica is a woman who was a brave woman in the past, a mere half a century in the past than in the present.


    She retired from being a hero after being defeated by a young flame wizard, and shortly afterwards she married and had a baby boy.


    Her husband followed in her footsteps and became the greatest hero of all time, Arantzill....


    The son, after many twists and turns, became stronger than even his father.


    The person at the root of it all.


    The female hero, Estelica.

 182-181 Stanville brothers and sisters go home

    Lax Village, I''m back!


    So this is a nostalgic Lax Village.


    The last few days I went to the Center Guild to do some sightseeing. I was returning after that, and I wonder why?


    I feel like I missed it a lot.


    It was as if it had been years since I had lived here.


    That''s how familiar I was with living in this village, wasn''t it?


    Because Lax Village is my new home!


    .........well.


    So much for the hometown appeal.


    As soon as I got home, an incident happened.


    It was a very small and insignificant incident, but....


    Malika''s older brother Stanville. Also, my brother L��beke and his sister, Sarika.


    That brother and sister who met by chance at the Center Guild and made me realize the strangeness of fate....


    They had come to Lax Village.


    They were originally from Lax Village, but they were currently living elsewhere for a reason.


    They''ve been out of touch for a long time and didn''t know what state their hometown was in.


    Then by chance, they ran into me and asked me about the recent situation in Lax village.


    It seems that this is why she came back without collecting any arrows or shields....


    He was beaten out of the house.


    The former wife of the former mayor of Lax Village.


    That is, by my mother-in-law.


    "How dare you come back in a ditch?


    Mother-in-law.


    She smiled softly, but with a strong willpower, and said, "I wonder which of the ungrateful people who left the village have returned home?


    ''I wonder which face those ungrateful bastards who left the village had on their faces when they returned?��I really don''t have any moderation. Wouldn''t it be nice to see the faces of the parents who raised them?


    Mother-in-law!


    You''re a parent!


    You know what this is, right?


    Stanville, Lubeke and Saliqa were her brother and sister, so naturally they were also her mother-in-law''s children.


    They must have given birth to them by themselves.


    But this punishment.


    I will not show any mercy to a traitor who has abandoned his village, even his son and daughter.


    "Goo-ho-ho-ho.... We never abandoned our village, we just wanted to be successful in the city and be a part of our hometown one day.


    Shut up. Shut up, you can''t mend your ways.


    Hattie to Stanville''s chin.


    Is that your mother-in-law''s main weapon?


    ''Do you remember what you said to me when you left the village?��I remember that, don''t I?


    ''Ugh!''


    ''''I''m not going to be smoking in the middle of nowhere! "This is not my place to shine. "I was born in the wrong place! "Embark on a journey to find your true home! Or something.


    Uggh?!


    The eldest son, driven to the edge by his mother, flinches.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re talking about. It''s really my daughter that''s left alone without your advice. I don''t know the others. Die.


    ''''Mother!''''


    The stepmother''s seriously merciless chase was hurled at the siblings.


    Why are they so merciless in the first place....


    Apparently, it all started when Stanville and his siblings left their hometown and left the village of Lax.


    The former Lax Village is a marginalized community that is said to be on the verge of natural extinction.


    It was probably difficult for the young people to entrust their future to such a decaying hometown.


    They left for the city in search of success in their careers.


    It''s really different...!��Our hometown is going to a strange city...!


    He said that in his first words on his return home.


    How did we get here from an empty country village to this...?��The fields we used to run around in as children have been transformed into residential areas...?


    I''m sorry. I''m sorry for turning a memorable landscape into nothing more than a memory.


    The village of Lax before I came here was a horrible rural area, and the image my siblings still had of the village was probably just like that.


    They left because they didn''t like the countryside of Lax Village.


    They didn''t want to come back when the village grew up. This is the kind of inconsiderateness that is typical of my children. Those who ran away at the most difficult time have no right to be our friends.


    Her mother-in-law said flatly, "No!


    You can''t!


    The sons and daughters scream.


    I watch them from the side, silently.


    Marika stands side by side with them. Grandpa is taking a nap in his chest.


    It''s peaceful.


    Hey Elika. Can''t you forgive him for that much...?


    The only person in the room who tries desperately to intervene to intervene.


    Your father-in-law.


    As your mother-in-law''s husband and the father of Stanville and the others, he had no choice but to take the initiative.


    ''After all, they''re our children, aren''t they?��It''s been years since I''ve been back. It''s called being a parent to welcome them warmly...


    Shut up.


    Your mother-in-law is strong.


    She said, "We can''t let someone who left home because they are family into our home. These people in particular are your children, who were once the village chief. In some cases, these children were supposed to follow in your footsteps and become the village chief, but you refused to do so.��You can''t set an example by allowing it so easily.


    Maybe so, but...?


    It''s hard to be right in the middle of an argument.


    Ya!��There you go!��I used to go to Campbell Street to work when I was young.��That''s how they got to meet you too, right?��These kids were traveling when they were young...


    "These kids left the village saying, ''Will you ever come back? '' It''s fundamentally different from migrant workers.


    Isn''t that so...!


    He was a disheartened stepfather who couldn''t argue with me.


    ''Dariel-kun, help me...!��I can''t convince my wife to do this alone...!


    I can''t.


    I don''t think I''d be able to convince your mother-in-law to cooperate.


    Furthermore, if I join the race, inevitably Marika will join the race too, so what''s the point in the end?


    Maleeka is also a force to be reckoned with.


    We watched the Stanville brothers and sisters being kicked around and overrun by their own mother as usual without a care in the world.


    "Stanville is...!��He''s really cute, just because he''s my first child. I couldn''t help but spoil him.


    I understand.


    I''m also super cute with my first child, Gran, too.


    If you''re not careful, you''ll end up spoiling him.


    "Because of that, I''ve grown up to be very cocky...!��I think that''s part of why I left the city, yearning for the city. I''m the one. If only I had raised him well...!


    It was his father-in-law who covered his face.


    I know the feeling.


    Whoa, Master Granbaza.


    Since yesterday or so, Granbaza-sama has been staying in Lax village under the guise of recuperating from an injury.


    Even more so if it was decided that he was going to take over...!


    .........


    Could it be that you are citing your own personal experience, Grandfather-sama?


    Taking out a case of Bashbursa.........?


    It''s like he''s too special for that one...?


    ''Do you understand?��That''s right, my oldest son is a sweetheart!��Even when my wife scolds me, I indulge her.


    I know what you mean!��I understand!


    My father-in-law and foster father are getting along with each other...?


    What do you think?��While I am here, I will train them with my own hands. I''m sure your wife will agree with me if I adjust them enough to be useful.


    ''Oh!��Dariel, you have made a man of yourself, Dariel, and if you can trust Master Granbaza to handle it, then you can rest easy!��My wife will surely be happy with you!


    Something strange had been decided on its own.


    No, no.........


    Granberza-sama. You are concerned about your position.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time.


    I''m sorry, Dariel. I''m sorry that I took a job that should have been yours. I know you''re a serious person who would like to raise the best of the best, the best of the best, on your own, for your own hands and feet.


    No!


    I don''t want to raise these guys and I don''t want to turn them into a handheld device, do I?


    Master Granberza, you are mistaken for a remnant of your active service.


    ''But as far as I''m concerned, I''m an old geezer, and I can''t do much more to support you than to save you the trouble. Let me be of some more use to you before I die.


    However, he couldn''t even say ''stop'' to his benefactor who was motivated to do it, so he had no choice but to watch the outcome.


    You''re lucky you''re here, brothers and sisters.


    You''ve been personally tutored by the greatest man of our time.


    The enemy camp, in fact.

 183-182 Gasita was promoted

    Afterwards, we have a great deal of fun talking about Malika''s pregnancy, and so on.


    Just when we were beginning to feel that we had returned to Lax Village, we had a visitor.


    We had a visitor.


    Anikey, are you home?


    It was Gacita.


    He is an adventurer living in our village of Lax.


    He''s a veteran from the village and has been an adventurer here longer than I have.


    He was the one who protected the village during my visits to the center guild.


    Radey and the rest of the brave party returned to the center guild with me, so it''s no exaggeration to say that he was seriously in charge of the village defense.


    Now he''s the oldest and strongest adventurer in the village.


    Such a Gashita came to greet us as soon as he returned.


    She''s a polite girl.


    Anikey. I want to ask you something. And..........oh?


    It was in front of my house that I received Gacita, but just then there was a great deal of excitement.


    It was because Granberza-sama had trained Stanville and the others in person as he had declared.


    The fire magic that that person unleashes is not within the range that an individual level adventurer can compete with, and they can only run for cover to avoid being burned.


    ''''Ta-tah-tah!��We''re going to burn!


    Is this really a training exercise?��It''s just that they''re running around trying not to burn to death!


    We''re just trying to survive.


    Hmm?��Do those desperate people over there look familiar?��....Oh.


    Gacita mumbled and then realized afterwards, "You''re Stanville''s brother!


    "Isn''t that Stanville''s brother?��And Lubeke and little Saleeker?


    And that''s what you are, Gasita!��It''s so long since I''ve seen you!


    What''s this, do you guys know each other?


    That''s not so surprising.


    They''re all from the village of Lax.


    Gacita was born and raised in the village of Lax. In contrast, Stanville and the others gave up on Lax Village in the middle of their lives and ran away.


    However, they are close in age, and it''s no surprise that they know each other.


    ''''Hehehe, that''s right, big brother!��Mr. Stanville and I used to go exploring in the woods together when we were kids!


    I miss it!��You''re still in Lux village?��I thought you''d run off like we did!


    Stanville said, as if to say that everyone would make the same choice as him.


    ''Don''t underestimate it. Gacita never left the village of Lax for a single moment.


    I added some important facts.


    However, all the people of my generation have left the village. They went to the city to pursue their dreams, or migrated to work.


    Because that''s what you have to do in the village of Lax, which was falling into disrepair and losing its livelihood.


    When I first visited, there were only two young people in the village, Marika and Gasita, so that''s why.


    But why did Gasita remain in the village until the end?


    With the exception of Malika, he could be called one of the last.


    He may be a man with a strong love for his hometown.


    The young people have come back because of your help in rebuilding the village. "Since he rebuilt the village, the young people have come back," he said, "and now they can earn enough money in the village without having to migrate.


    The village is now thriving with young people, too.


    This is all thanks to the reopening of the Mithril mine and the rise of distribution.


    Some have been forced to leave the village to work, but have returned, while others have moved here purely for work.


    And then there are those who have abandoned their dying homeland........


    ''''........What?��What''s that eye?!


    They must have noticed the disdainful gaze of me and Gacita, as expected.


    Stanville and the other two reacted excessively.


    ''''It can''t be helped!��I never thought the village would come back to life like this!


    ''You have to go to the city to meet the man you''re going to marry!��There''s only a bunch of imo men in the village!


    My brother and sister spoke up.


    "What the hell was I supposed to do?


    "Do you want to practice another one?


    Granberza-sama called out to me, holding up a fire magic.


    I''m sorry. There was some kind of incessant pause.


    I''m going to change my mind!��As long as the village is recovering and thriving so well, we''re willing to be a part of it!


    Were you guys seriously going to come back to Lax Village?


    I''m not your mother-in-law, but I think you''re too much of a bug...?


    ''Of course I don''t think it''s going to be easy...!��Our lack of righteousness will not be so easily forgiven.


    "I don''t allow myself to be forgiven easily...!


    That''s where we''re going to pay for it!


    There''s a fancy word for it.


    The bottom line.


    What the hell are you going to do?


    Of course I''ll practice!��Train a lot, build up your strength, and then try again for next year''s A-level promotion exam!


    And this time I''m going to pass and become an A-level adventurer!


    ''A-grade brands are immense!��It''s fair to say that how many A-level adventurers you have will determine the rank of each town and village''s adventurer guild.


    ''''Hoho.


    ''''With just one A-class belonging to the guild, it''s enough to be considered a first-class guild!


    There are even headhunting battles between the A-level adventurers in each city''s guilds to raise the bar!


    ''''It was so fierce that the Center Guild issued an order that no more than five A-level adventurers could belong to a guild!


    Oh...!


    I didn''t know. You guys have been studying hard.


    If we get our A''s back, you won''t be able to say no to us.��You may be hard on us, but we don''t refuse to do what''s in the best interest of the village, that''s what we do.


    Isn''t it sad to say, that?


    ''Fortunately, for some reason, the uncle who''s putting me in training now is strict and hellish!


    In fact, he''s at the level where he can create hell in this world, Granberza-sama.


    "If we can survive this hell, we''ll be Class A adventurers next year!��And with those credentials, we''re coming home!


    I''m going to decorate my hometown!


    Triumphant!


    The three siblings are making their dreams come true.


    Well, don''t dream about it until you actually pass the exam to be promoted to the A class.


    Oh..... And then I remembered that the A level. I''ve come to ask you something.


    And Gasita.


    Oops, that was it. I''m sorry I left you alone.


    I''m sorry I let those brothers and sisters completely cut me off from the conversation.


    So, what do you want to ask me?


    I hear you''re going to be a grade-A adventurer.


    Oh, congratulations.


    What''s going on?


    Congratulations.


    That''s what I mean.


    "[W]hat the hell?


    The three siblings overheard us and came at us.


    Stay away from me. It''s hard to get anywhere when you guys are involved.


    "Grade A?��You''re going to be promoted to Grade A?��What''s that supposed to mean?��Did you take part in the examination for promotion to Class A?


    No, I did not.


    So how come it''s a big promotion?


    That''s why I came here. I didn''t know why.


    To be promoted to A-level adventurer, one must take and pass an exam given by the Center Guild.


    That test was held recently, and I was involved in it myself. I was the examiner who tested it.


    It should have been just a few days ago, but it seems like a distant memory.


    It was just a few days ago, but it seems like a distant memory.


    "I let him pass.


    ""Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee?"


    A simultaneous scream.


    What do you mean?��Was it my brother''s doing?��I''m at a loss as to what he''s talking about when he suddenly announced his promotion to Class A!


    I was given the opportunity to identify the "A" class students over there. I recommended you for the promotion.


    "Is there any way to make a recommendation?��I don''t think that''s the way the system is supposed to work!


    It''s true that Gacita is right, we''re giving an exam, so there''s no point in giving an exam unless we give out successful candidates based on the results of the exam.


    But all of the people who have been tested are much weaker than you. I''ve been dying to endorse you.


    Why do we have to put those who are weaker than Gasita above Gasita?


    "Aniki, what have you been doing in the Center Guild?


    It''s true.


    Yeah!��It''s not right, Master Dariel!


    I never knew you were a family man.


    "Then why don''t you let us pass?


    The three brothers and sisters all protested to me.


    No, don''t get me wrong.


    I''m not a fan of my family at all.


    I''m not a fan of my family members, but they were far more powerful than the people who came to take the test.


    That''s why I recommended you.


    And you''re not one of us.


    If I treat you guys like family, my wife and mother-in-law will get scared.

 184-183 Gasita shows off A-class ability

    I just don''t get it!


    Stanville, as the eldest son, represented the occasion.


    ''I''m an old friend of Gacita''s!��When we were kids, we would run and play in the fields together, play pranks together and get scolded by the off-crooks and hung up in a tree, and steal treats together and get scolded by the off-crooks and buried in the dirt with only our heads out!


    You had a hell of a childhood, huh?


    "Ugh, my sealed up memories are coming back...!


    Gacita was shivering with a chill.


    ''That''s why I know everything about Gacita!��There''s no way Gacita can pass an A-level exam that easily!


    He''s very determined.


    "I don''t think Gacita is blessed with much talent as an adventurer!��I know this because I''ve been out in the city and seen all sorts of other adventurers!��And if I''d been holed up in the countryside like this, I wouldn''t have encountered the big quest to improve myself!


    "If that a**h*le got to Grade A, then I guess it''s because of the favoritism of my brother-in-law, Dariel!


    "Please do us both a favor!


    I''m not sure what to expect.


    You can''t get away with it, you know.


    You''re going to have to do a lot of disrespecting...


    I silently send eye contact to Granberza-sama.


    He nods back deeply.


    ''It would be an important exercise to have real-life experience of the levels above you. And moreover, how much difference the same generation of old familiarity has made in the paths they''ve walked.......


    Lady Granberza had a nasty expression on her face.


    I probably have that look on my face too. I don''t have a mirror, so I can''t check.


    That''s just how it is," he said. Show these people what you''re made of.


    ''What?��I have to go on a quest to collect medicinal herbs now.


    Even though you''re on the verge of making A-level, you''re still taking on those low-level quests?


    It seems to be to keep in mind your original intentions, but that''s seriously admirable.


    I''m sure that if you were at Gacita''s age, you''d be able to call yourself an experienced adventurer. And yet you''re still collecting herbs...?


    ''''If you can only do quests like that, then big brother Gacita''s A-class is a signboard failure after all.......!


    ''''We''re going to win over big brother Gacita in a brilliant way and show that Atta and the others are the more useful pawns!


    And then there are the less respectable ones.


    ��.


    In the meantime, the match between Gashita and the three siblings was held.


    Everyone has a weapon in their hands and is ready to fight.


    Stanville, the eldest, is a hammer.


    The second son, Rybeke, uses a shield.


    The youngest son, Salika, has a double sword, and his appearance has not changed since the time of the examination for promotion to the A class.


    They hadn''t yet signaled the start of the match, but they couldn''t wait for it to begin, and looked as if they were about to pounce on it at any moment.


    ''One against three?''


    It''s another unfair contrast.


    But since Gacita, the person who is fighting him, has given his consent, there''s nothing I can do about it.


    I know what your intentions are. I know what your intentions are, and I''ll do my best to reflect them fully.


    He said.


    Such a weapon that Gashita took out was a single arrow.


    ''''Heh?''''


    Gacita, who has an aptitude for the sting aura, fights with a bow and arrow.


    That hasn''t changed in the past, but this time, it''s just arrows and no bow.


    ''''Why?''''


    Bows and arrows are a complete set of weapons, right?


    How can they fly an arrow without a bow?


    ''You said you''d like to see your brother''s will reflected.��To show how strong I''ve become under my brother''s tutelage, today I''m going to beat Mr. Stanville and the others with just this one arrow.


    "What?!


    My opponent reacts to this by raising his voice.


    Did he take it as a challenge?


    ''''Gashta!��You''ve grown so high and mighty in the time we''ve been away!��You only need one arrow to defeat us!��You''ve been underestimated!


    "We''ve done the same thing on Rayhanton Street as we did on our way to becoming B-list adventurers!��"You''ll get hurt if you''re not careful!


    What''s a single arrow anyway?��What good are arrows if you don''t have dozens of them?


    The accusations are roaring.


    Now, if Gacita is really following my intentions, she should be able to win by an overwhelming margin, despite being at an overwhelming disadvantage.


    If it''s Gacita, who has adored me for the past few years.......


    I''ve been studying Dariel''s aniki even when he was away. I''ve been researching my signature stinging aura...


    ''''U........?''''


    Gacita''s aura is transferred to the arrow.


    There is not even a bow to release, just a single arrow.


    How is that one arrow going to cross the three elite people?


    ''I understand. The aura strengthens any movement of events. So if you put an aura with a certain strength into an arrow........ With some ingenuity.........


    With the power of the aura, the arrows........


    ''They fly as vigorously as if flung by a bow.


    An arrow that flies out of Gacita''s hand.


    The speed of the arrow is like a lightning bolt.


    It''s exactly the same as flying with an arrow, or even faster than that.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on it.


    The destination of the arrow is firstly the youngest of the three siblings, Saleeka.


    Normally, Maleeka would be the second girl who would join her to become the fourth sibling.


    It''s a good thing that you have an aptitude for slash aura, and as an immediate choice for an acquisition, the twin swords are quite a threat.


    The aura has increased their cutting power, making them a weapon that can be handled with one hand.


    Thanks to this, even if you use two swords, there is no disadvantage in increasing your hands.


    The busy nature of this is something I also experienced during the A-class promotion exam.


    The twin swords of Saleeka flick the approaching arrows at the very last second.


    ''''Ufuhi?��That was close....?


    It seems that you were able to react just barely.


    But even if you were able to deal with it at the last minute, you were successful.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    How does Gashita proceed from there to the battle?


    Of course I''ll only use that one arrow.


    That one arrow was blocked and there was no pretense of being upset.


    ''''That arrow is still alive, you know. The stinging aura has a characteristic that makes it suitable for strengthening projectiles. Not only does it compensate for the power and speed, it also compensates for the precision of your aim. What do you think will happen if we get to the point where we get to those things?


    The arrow that was shot out spun around in the air.


    It would lose the orientation from which it was shot out, and all that was left was to fall down, attracted by gravity.


    Once it touches the ground, that arrow''s activity will stop.


    And before that, in the air........


    ........regained its momentum and flew off again!


    ''''Haha!''''


    It was the targeted Salika who was surprised.


    The arrows that I had flicked off once, are coming at me again.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    ''''Uhiwaaah!


    I succeeded in dropping it off again with the twin swords.


    It''s a good thing you were able to make it in time, even though it was a bit of a surprise at close range, right?


    That was also because they were at a reasonable level of strength........


    But it still wasn''t the end.


    Even if it was flicked again, the arrow regained its momentum in the air and flew again.


    It flew relentlessly at its target, Sareeka.


    ''Gyaaahhhh!��You are persistent!


    Sareeka''s twin swords are effective, and the number of hands increased by relying on the sharpness of the slash (slash) aura is well followed by a series of arrow strikes.


    But.........what is this phenomenon itself?


    I think it''s time for an explanation, don''t you?


    It''s an aura effect.


    Gacita explained.


    I knew it was going to happen?


    The extreme precision of the stinging aura has made it possible to control the trajectory of the projectile at any time via the aura. In layman''s terms, I can manipulate arrows from a distance, at will.


    That seems to be the case.


    So that''s why Gacita remotely controls the arrow each time it''s played or not, and releases it at Sareeka''s eyes?


    ''''Gyaaaaah!��It doesn''t end!��Infinite loop ughhhh?


    It will fly no matter how it''s played. It will fly.


    The repetition of this process caused Saleeka to scream.


    "Does that thing last forever?


    No way. It''s only until the aura in the arrow runs out. We can repeat that exchange 1,000 times.


    The amount of basic aura in Gacita''s foundation aura was a stark contrast.


    Even though Sareeka''s twin swords boasted a number of hands, there was no way she could surpass the arrows that were permanently attacking her forever.


    She lost her concentration and easily missed the motion of flicking them off.


    ''''Ah!''''


    By the time she thought she had failed, it was too late.


    The arrow that escaped the twin swords'' defense stopped just before it pierced Salika''s throat flute.


    It was stopped in mid-air.


    Gashita, who says she can control the arrows that flew through her aura.


    Of course he could stop it, too.


    And if Gacita hadn''t intended to stop it, the arrow would certainly have pierced Sareeka''s throat.


    Therefore..........


    ''''Sareeka dead.''''


    and disqualified them from participating in the mock battle.

 185-184 Gasita wins

    Oh...?


    Heeeeeee...?


    This match of three against one.


    In the blink of an eye, one person was left out and it became two against one.


    While the youngest, Salika, was overwhelmed, what were the other two doing?


    You''re probably thinking, "My buddies are in trouble, why don''t you help them?


    And what he was actually doing was nothing.


    He seemed to be overwhelmed by Gacita''s fierce aura manipulation technique and stood there in a daze.


    ''''........Haha!��I can''t help it, Salika is in trouble, I''m going to save you, Ryubeke!''''


    You''ve already got me!


    Fatal slowness of judgment.


    It was in light of this that he was dropped from the A-level promotion exam at the Center Guild.


    ''''You can''t just sit around and do nothing!


    Gasita, waving her pinned up finger to the side.


    As if in response to that movement, the arrow that had been stationary in the air turns wide and flies to the side.


    The arrow that had been attacking Salika just now, and finally came close to the edge of her throat whistle.


    Are you really going to finish everything with just that one arrow!


    ''''There are two left. I''m going to cancer so that my brother won''t be disappointed!


    The arrows show lightning speed, but Gashita himself remains upright.


    This gap between the stillness and motion makes it even more terrifying.


    ''''Kuh!��Lubeke!��Get ready!


    "I wanted to hear that word before Sareeka was killed!


    By the way, Saleeka, who was treated as a death, left the battlefield and is now sitting next to me.


    The seat of death.


    The weakness of an archer is close combat!��There''s no time to aim and no way to defend yourself if they get in your pocket!


    Correct.


    That''s how you make the right decision sometimes.


    ''R��beke!��Use your shield to block those remote-controlled arrows!��I''ll take care of the main body in the meantime!


    I love you!


    I rode their legitimate combinations.


    They used their multitude advantage to divide up their roles and try to defeat the enemy efficiently.


    ''''Come on!��My shields will prevent anything from happening!


    The second son L��beke holds up his shield, his pride and joy.


    An arrow flying head-on hits the shield from the front.


    "Amen, Gasita-ni-chan!��How can you go head-on against a shield fortified with a defensive-specialized guard (defense) aura!


    With this, the arrow was suppressed.


    In the meantime, Stanville swung his hammer and headed towards Gashita herself.


    ''''Attacking the main circle!


    Gacita, who had brought no weapons other than a single arrow, had no way to defend herself.


    "You''ve been acting too relaxed, Gacita!��As long as Rybeke is in control, you''re unarmed!��You''re a decade too early for an A grade to be devising lousy tactics of this caliber!


    He swings the hammer without holding back.


    ''You''re going to learn a lesson from this defeat and start over from scratch!��Dying!


    And then swing down.


    I don''t think any decent person could withstand the hammer with that aura of hitting and gunning.


    Are you really trying to kill Gashita?��But in the end, it''s nothing to worry about.


    It''s a good thing that Gacita firmly avoided the attack.


    "Heh?


    The hammer missed its target as it dodged, and instead struck the ground hard, scattering dirt.


    A large crater opened up.


    ''How did you dodge that one!��But it''s over next time!��d*mn it!��...Huh?


    I was dodged again.


    Gacita ducked down with a brilliant body technique and leapt around in the air like a butterfly.


    You can''t follow the movements of Stanville, so it''s impossible to hit a natural attack.


    I''m not a good archer," he said, "I''m not good at close combat. I''m well aware of that.


    I say while continuing the evasive action.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what to do when you are in the pocket. I did a mock battle with Radey and Sesha-san, and I learned the art of evasive maneuvering well into my body.


    Did you train like that with a brave man and his friends?


    What a luxury.


    And I''m not going to underestimate the offensive side of things either...?


    That was the time.


    I''m not going to be able to do anything about it. There was a scream. At the same time, there was a loud sound of something hard being struck through.


    When I looked at it, I saw my second son, L��beke, holding a shield.


    The shield he was holding had a hole in it. There was a hole in the shield he was holding.


    A small but solid hole, about the size of a finger, can be entered.


    That hole is no way...?


    In the battle of aura vs. aura, the strength of the aura is the key to victory.


    How to make the best use of your character is also important, but in the end, it''s the pure strength of your aura that makes the difference.


    The stronger aura wins. The weaker player loses.


    Therefore, even if you stand against it with a shield that has a protective aura suitable for defense....


    After all, even more than that, you can break through with a concentrated offensive aura.


    ''''Penetrated through the shield........the Gashita''s arrow.......?


    The hole in that shield is the unmoving proof of it.


    The hole was just the right diameter for a single arrow to have passed through.


    ''''Gacita''s sting (thrust) aura greatly surpassed Liubeke''s guard (protection) aura...!


    The result was a clear winner, and the defense was struck down.


    What happened to the arrow that had penetrated the shield was that it stopped in mid-air just before Ryubeke''s chest, at a distance that may or may not have touched it.


    It was the same as Salika-chan''s.


    There was not a single scratch on Ryubeke himself.


    It''s not surprising that if the shield was pierced, the shield wielder behind it was also pierced by all of them.


    I''m sure that Gacita, who controls the arrows, intended to stop them.


    The remote control of the aura brought it to a sudden stop.


    If he hadn''t done so, he would have been able to run through it, and by now he would have hit a hole in L��beke''s body.


    "L��beke is dead too!


    In light of this situation, I''m going to notify my brother that he''s going to drop out of the fight as well.


    The fight is now purely a one-on-one battle between Gacita and Stanville.


    But the hammer still can''t catch Gacita.


    ''''d*mn!��Why!��Why can''t I hit it?


    His movements are too sloppy. Just because a hammer has a large swing, doesn''t mean it can''t aim properly.


    I was being instructed by Gacita.


    All the while, the arrow that had held his brother''s breath (not actually stopped) was restarting and turning wide.


    As if assessing its next prey.


    The remote-controlled arrow is like a wasp flying in the air in all directions.


    It''s also a technique made possible by the precision of Gacita''s outstanding aura manipulation and the enormous amount of aura.


    ''d*mn!��In this situation, I''m going to do my special move, and I''m going to do my special ''sudden fall down to the ground''!


    It''s your father''s special move, isn''t it?��I''ve seen it used many times by my current dad.


    So I''m saying I''ve got it all worked out.


    If sting (thrust) treats aura as a point, hit (strike) treats aura as a plane. A sting (poke) that is focused on a single point and controlled by a broad, high-mass aura will often be defeated by force.


    You have a very logical tone.��You weren''t so lax about many things when you were a kid, were you?


    People change. I had Dariel''s brother turn me into one.


    Stanville leaping.


    It''s probably to swing a full-length hammer attack down from directly above.


    In contrast, Gacita waves her finger fluidly.


    The arrows swivel gorgeously to match that movement. Like a loyal flying warrior with Gacita as his master.


    Its cutting edge is straight and relative to Stanville.


    ''Dariel''s animator taught me a lesson, man. "Dariel''s brother-in-law taught me that you have to get to the point in everything you do. In the face and in the line. No matter how wide it is, there is a central, vital point.


    The surface has a center of gravity.


    The weight, the force, the point at which it acts.


    And in the plane of action of a downpouring hammer. If you can see the center of gravity and shoot accurately, the sting (poke) will not be defeated by the hit (strike).


    A running arrow.


    It clashes head-on with the head of the hammer being swung down.


    If you hit the hammer''s central point of power, the piercing power will not be deflected anywhere and will penetrate to the end.


    "Gwaaaaah!


    The stabbed hammer shattered and scattered into four pieces as it was, and Stanville''s attack ended in failure.


    Gacita was really able to overwhelm the three of them with just one arrow.

 186-185 Droie is visiting

    Thus, the mock battle of Gacita vs. the three returning siblings ended with an overwhelming victory for Gacita.


    ''''........Hey Dariel?''''


    Master Granberza, who was watching the game with me, said.


    ''Is he too strong?''


    Is that right?


    As someone who has taught him, I think he still has a lot to learn.


    ''''No, there weren''t many party members that Aranzir brought in during my active duty period that were this good at using it!��What''s that?��Gifted?��Blessed with a natural talent?


    GranBaza-sama is exaggerating again.


    I''m not that high up. I''m just a timid, feeble-minded villager.


    ''''Those who say such things are the most dangerous...!''''


    Granberza-sama''s sense of caution was great.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one.��I had no body, but my confidence was so high. Even now, I''m embarrassed to remember.


    How did this happen...?


    Gacita is being called this.


    It''s all because of Dariel''s brother.��Thanks to you, big brother, for knocking my crap out of me and guiding me right!��My brother is my benefactor!


    No, not really.


    It''s only Gacita''s own achievement that she has trained herself.


    However, Granbaza-sama''s expression twisted into a crumpled expression when he heard that.......


    The only thing you need to know is that Dariel has an uncanny talent for nurturing people........��To raise a hero to this level, your general equipment is extraordinary.......!


    No, no!


    Perhaps because of her age, Lady Granberza is a bit of a wimp whenever something happens.


    In the past, when you were active, if I did something that was a little too good for you, you would say, ''Don''t be arrogant. I was scolded away.


    Then there was nothing anyone else could have done to guide him........


    It''s not just because of old age that Lady Granbaza is weak.


    The matter of his son Bashbarza''s son Bashbarza is probably still tailing in that man''s mind.


    Even though he was one of the greatest heroes of all time, the inexplicable scandal of his blood-brother son was a painful blow to his heart.


    ''''It''s okay!��Cheer up!


    Why would Gacita go there to cheer him up?


    You''re me!��I may not be the best person to ever live up to my name, but thanks to Dariel''s brother-in-law, I''m finally on my own!��You''re the one who raised the blue aniki, so the credit goes to you!��I hope you can be proud of the work of this gacita as an achievement of yours!


    What the hell is this guy?


    How can you be so witty and handsome?


    It was a difficult thing for my family to do, but he did a good job of following up on my behalf.


    I''m sorry for your concern.... Dariel, you''ve turned out some really good people.


    I''m sorry, sir...?


    I can''t hide my bewilderment at how idealistic the Gacita is.


    That Gacita...?


    His older brother Gasita, who was just a little shit when he was a kid, is...?


    He was the dreamboat of my dreams.


    And once the gazes of the losing trio were focused on Gacita, they shifted to me.


    Their gazes were filled with feelings of envy and anticipation.


    ''''Does this mean that if you receive guidance from Dariel-sama, you''ll be a top-notch player like Gacita?


    ''''Even Brother Gacita finished this well!��Then we can!


    Please, brother-in-law!��Train us to be A-class adventurers, ehhh!


    I can''t stand it.


    I''m busy with the village chief''s work. I''m busy with the village chief''s business.


    I don''t have to bother with your teaching. If you want to be strong, go ahead and be strong.


    "Quiet, you little bastards!


    Whoa!


    And then the dreaded blackmail.


    I''m so scared that my balls are shrinking.


    I''m pretty sure that was Grandfather.


    "I said I''d be here to take care of you!��Do you doubt my ability to raise Dariel?


    No, I don''t! Nice to meet you!


    The three siblings were also instantly surrendered and obeyed as they were told.


    This is the spirit of Master Granbaza''s working days.


    Did the three siblings'' no-good attitude revive this gentleman''s Yingmai?


    ''''Just as I promised earlier, I''ll make sure these guys are ready to be used properly. You can rest assured.


    Hi....


    I don''t really need them to be tailored.


    But if training the poorly made guys will bring back some energy to Granbaza-sama, that''s fine.


    I want this person to stay healthy forever.


    ''''I understand. Then train these guys until they die.''''


    Don''t you have to die?


    Stanville won''t entertain any protests.


    ��


    Well.


    Leave the three brothers and sisters to Granberza-sama to barge in and out like that........


    That''s not the end of the story.


    As a matter of fact, we have another extremely troublesome guest in Lax village right now.


    That guest is being treated by Marika at the village chief''s house.


    After taking care of the matter of the three siblings, I returned to the house.


    I''m back...?


    The room was filled with an indescribable sense of tension.


    Even Gran-kun, who is being held by Maleeka, is overwhelmed by the atmosphere and remains silent.


    There were two others sitting in this reception living room.


    One of them is the Four Heavenly Kings ''Huafu'' Zebiantes.


    I''m already familiar with this guy''s presence here. Reluctantly.


    The problem is the other one.


    The other one is Droyer, also from the Four Heavenly Kings, "The Fertile Ground".


    He is the only one who has a decent reputation among the four Heavenly Kings of the day, who are all incompetent.


    Her specialty is "Earth", and the current Four Heavenly Kings were functioning on her own.


    Is this the first time she''s visited Lax Village like that?


    What in the world?


    Why is she here?


    Hi, guys.


    I dragged Zebiantes to a corner of the room.


    Why Zeviantes?


    Because this guy is the blackest of them all.


    Can I ask you a question?��What have you done?


    Don''t take it as a sign that I''ve done this in the first place!��For once, it''s not my fault!


    The way you say that, you are aware that you are at fault on the other matters, aren''t you?


    That''s a good trend.


    "That doesn''t prove you''re not responsible for this, either. Tell me. How did that happen?


    So it''s a compelling situation!��That guy in Droyer has been looking for you for a long time!


    Huh?��Me?


    How is this the first time I''ve heard of such a thing?


    "And then the other day, you showed up on her doorstep!��Thanks to that, they''ve found out where you are!


    Huh?��So it''s my fault?


    Come to think of it, I met Droyer again by accident the other day.


    I shouldn''t have gone to check on the demon tribe during the Ida commotion in "Heaven and Earth" and encountered the defunct Lasperda Fortress.


    You can''t help but want to ask for more details about the situation after seeing something like that.


    You''re going to meet up with the escaped demon king''s army, and you''ve been spotted talking to Granberza-sama and Zebiantes in a normal way.


    By Droyer.


    ''''He was thoroughly questioned after that and spoke out!��But it''s your fault for causing them to suspect you, and it''s decidedly not my fault!


    Okay, okay.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it look like it''s my fault this time.


    But in the end, Dreyfus ended up taking advantage of Granberza-sama''s peeping at him.


    But why on earth?


    What''s going on?


    You said you were looking for me.


    Are you done?


    Yes?


    Droyer spoke to me.


    What''s this aggressiveness?


    ''Then let''s get right to it, but let''s get to my business. It''s extremely important.


    Yes?


    What is it?


    "I hereby order Dariel, the dark soldier. I hereby appoint you the Hand of the Four Heavenly Kings again. Use your superior insights to help the Demon King''s army.

 187-186 Dariel asked for an officer

    ''''Lieutenant of the Four Heavenly Kings...?��Again...?


    It was a surprising offer.


    ''I was dismissed once for not being qualified for it,''


    It was a mistake.


    A decisiveness accompanied Droyer''s tone of voice.


    It was something I hadn''t felt when I was in the Demon King''s Army, and I could take it as proof of her growth.


    It is said that Droyer stood on the front lines and led the army and prevented the invasion of the brave men.


    If you can go through such a shura, does it come with the style of a leader?


    ''I used to be pushed aside by Bashbursa''s selfishness and threw you out. But as soon as you were gone, I realized how useful you were.


    ..........


    They thought that all they had to do was turn back those who were coming at them, and that was all they needed.


    He must have realized that was a mistake.


    It''s true that the Four Heavenly Kings are chosen on the basis of an outstanding magic user.


    As long as they are good at using magic. As long as they have a high level of magical fighting ability.


    You don''t have to be a member of the Demon King''s Army to be a member of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    In fact, none of the current Four Heavenly Kings had any military experience.


    ''''As soon as I actually entered the battle with the brave men, I immediately understood. A battle is not just a substantial fistfight. It''s everything else that goes into it, and it''s called a battle. .........There were so many things we were missing. Foolishly, it wasn''t until we started fighting that we finally realized that.


    They reconnoitered, surveyed the enemy, the terrain, and formulated and executed a strategy according to the situation.


    Almost everyone who has experienced organized combat knows this common sense, but these women have gone into battle without knowing it.


    The hardships are understandable.


    ''''In fact, it''s a rare story that none of the Four Heavenly Kings of a generation have a military background.''''


    Most of the time, there was at least one person who would lead the operation and be the central figure.


    Lady Granberza was a typical example.


    In the current era, that kind of common sense was overturned by the fact that there was an optimal person outside of the Four Heavenly Kings to play a military role.


    He would support the Four Heavenly Kings by the side, sometimes manipulating the trainer to tame the beast.


    He was selected to be the assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings because he was expected to play an active role like that....


    ''''Yes, Dariel, it''s you.''''


    Droyer said.


    What an earnest.


    ''''In the end, the Four Heavenly Kings of our era may have been just a pawn for you to play a full role.


    I can''t use magic.


    But having served as the assistant to the previous Four Heavenly Kings, I''m proud to say that my military experience is unrivalled.


    I''m not going to wave my hands in the air.


    "And yet Bashvaza foolishly excluded you from the position of Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings. It''s not only that, but he also kicked you out of the Demon King''s Army so that you wouldn''t have a chance to return. It''s nothing short of foolish.


    Bashbarza, the former Four Heavenly Kings "Ayan Fire".


    Now he''s gone.


    Nowhere in this world.


    ''''I mean, was that your intention in firing me from the Demon King''s Army itself?


    ''''Bashbursa really had his eyes on you. Perhaps there was rivalry as a fellow Granbazaite. Not only that, but after you left, many quarters remembered your excellence and regretted you.


    And that''s driving Bashvaza more and more into a corner?


    In the past, Bashbarza, who came to challenge me with the flame monster beast Salamandra in tow, had a devilish look on his face.


    He was exhausted as if he was possessed by an evil spirit, but was he possessed by an evil spirit named ''pressure from others''?


    ''I also quickly realised the folly of removing you from office. And I acted to correct my mistake.


    What do you mean by that?


    "I must return you to the position of Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings. However, your whereabouts were unknown and no amount of manpower was able to find you. Time flew by in vain.


    Well, they didn''t expect me to be in the human territory, right?


    I''m sure they must have been looking for the demon territory side in a foolish manner.


    ''''I didn''t think that this Zebiantes guy had caught hold of my whereabouts...!


    Droyer sends a terrific gaze to the side.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time with them. I''m sure you''ll be able to find it.


    But now there is no pros and cons. That''s how I found you, and that''s how we came to meet.


    Droyer straightens his back and straightens his dignity from his position on the couch.


    ''''I command you again. Dariel, I want you to return to the Demon King''s army and take up the position of Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings again. All of the notices that were issued prior to that, that disgraced you, will be dismissed.


    That would be saying that you have dismissed me from the Four Heavenly Kings Assistant to the Demon King''s Army.


    I should say that Bashbarza, who was the most active in your exclusion, is dead. "Fortunately, Bashbarza, who was the most active in your exclusion, is dead, and there is no one in the Demon King''s army who dislikes you anymore. Everyone wants you back.


    It seemed to be Droyer''s deepest desire.


    ''Dariel, you will return to where you belong!


    He should be happy that he is so sought after as a human resource.


    It should be called a man''s true desire.


    However.....


    ''''I decline.''''


    I bowed my head deeply and rejected him.


    I could see Droyer''s expression freeze, even through the back of his head.


    ''Oh no..., why...?


    ''''Time does not go back.''''


    He raises his lowered head and then says


    ''It''s unbecoming of an order once given to be repealed with impunity. There is no doubt about the decisions made by the commander, and since they are unchangeable, my subordinates can feel comfortable following them.


    It''s no excuse to say that Bashbursa, who led the charge, is dead.


    The Four Heavenly Kings are one decision-making body with four members.


    The decisions made in the name of the Four Heavenly Kings must be the responsibility of all four members.


    The Four Heavenly Kings cannot be established if the four of them force the responsibility on each other.


    ''''That may be true, but...!


    ''''The first thing you need to learn is the weight of the position of the Four Heavenly Kings. He stands at the pinnacle of the demon race and no one can oppose him except the Demon King. You must seriously consider what impact your every move will have.


    Beside me, Zebiantes cheered, ''Yes, that''s right!


    I felt I had to scold this guy as much as anyone.


    ''Are you saying that once a word is uttered, it should not be reversed?��If it''s the same Four Heavenly Kings, do you mean to say that you must take responsibility for the words uttered by even your foolish colleagues as your own?


    That''s what I mean.


    Besides, I myself have a number of reasons why I can''t return to the Demon King''s Army anymore.


    ''''I''m sure you''ve already heard from around Zeviantes...''''


    I didn''t tell him anything.


    Son of a b*tc*!


    I''m not a demon, I''m a human.


    Nah!


    "I''ve learned this in the last few years, too. After I was expelled from the Demon King''s army, I stumbled upon this village by accident and found out the truth.


    If you don''t know it, but now that you''ve found out, you can''t go back to the Demon King''s Army.


    I''m a human race.


    And the Demon King''s Army is an army of demons to protect the demon race and the Demon King.


    ''''And I''ve been living here too long, too. There are too many things too precious to throw away and leave.


    She called for Marika, who was standing beside her, to receive Gran in her arms.


    The baby Gran seemed to be curious about her older sister Droyer, who was visiting her for the first time.


    She is reaching out her hand incessantly as she leans out of my arms.


    Towards Droyer. ...no, to some part of Droyer''s body.


    Her tits?


    Boobs again?


    I''m really starting to worry about this baby''s future.


    That baby...?


    "My child, a true human race with a human wife.


    How can I leave this child in the village and turn against the human race?


    That''s not even an option.


    I wonder if he sensed my firm resolve to do so.


    All at once, Droyer''s shoulders slumped.


    ''''I suppose it''s true that no water will ever return to a tray...''''


    I said without effort.


    He didn''t appeal to anyone.


    "It''s true, I was with Bashvaza when he insisted on it. If I had been the only one to oppose him, we could have drawn a parallel and prevented Dariel''s dismissal.


    He was surprisingly self-reflective.


    However, compromise was unacceptable, wasn''t it? In the responsible position of the Four Heavenly Kings. So it''s the unforgivable punishment for compromise. To miss out on the best person in Dariel and never get him back again...''''


    Cowering down and watching Droyer grow smaller and smaller, it was almost painful.


    Droyer was a lone soldier among the current Four Heavenly Kings who were in trouble, and somehow managed to hold the front line and fulfill the mission of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    It''s a pity that her efforts have been unrewarded...

 188-187 Cheer up Dariel and Droyer

    Dariel!��You idiot!��You''re heartless!


    It was a Zebiantes bastard when he suddenly cursed me out of the blue and I wondered what it was.


    ''''Droyer-chan has been working so hard to ask for help, but he''s too vexed!��It''s okay to be a little more considerate.


    ''Maybe so, but...''


    ...even if it might be.


    ''I don''t want you to be the only one to say that!��Who do you think is responsible for me getting fired from my last job?


    It was that a**h*le in Bashbursa!��Absolutely!��You must insist that I was not responsible for it!


    It''s your fault, too!


    Didn''t you hear what I said earlier!


    I''m not a saint, so I''ll hold a certain amount of grudge for being unreasonably dismissed.


    I''ll remember that part.


    ''But that doesn''t mean it''s a pity that it''s going to be so hard on Droyer-chan, who has worked so hard to get here.


    Ugh.........?


    How dare you try to argue with me, even though you''re a Zebiantes.


    It''s true.


    You can''t bear to put the blame for Bashbarza''s actions on her, even if it''s joint responsibility.


    It''s the only person who has worked so diligently and diligently among the incompetents.


    ''''........Okay, okay. You can''t go back to the Demon King''s Army, but if you have any problems, you can come to me. I''ll at least give you some advice.


    ''''Really?!''''


    Droyer''s expression, which had been sinking into disappointment, suddenly became brighter.


    The instantaneous cashiness........?


    "I can''t reveal the inner workings of the human side, but if it''s just general tactical instructions, it won''t matter how much I give you. As expected, it''s a pity that she''s the only one to bear the responsibility.


    If you get crushed and overworked or something, you won''t be able to wake up in your sleep.


    ''But still!��Thank God!��That''s exactly the kind of tactical support I was looking for!��Nothing would be more reassuring than to have you as a consultant!


    "Yes, yes, yes........?


    Was Droyer ever this aggressive person?


    When I was the Deputy to the Four Heavenly Kings, he seemed much cooler...?


    "He''s been working in the fortress for so long that he''s become mentally ill. He''s having mood swings from time to time.


    Hard work is taking its toll on you after all, isn''t it?


    Watch out!


    This woman was on the verge of chafing!


    We have to make sure that we take good care of you now!


    ''''It''s a little late now, Dariel, but I finally understand the preciousness of the person you are, now that you are lost. The Four Heavenly Kings lack the ability to accurately manage a group of people called an army. I can say that you are utterly useless.


    Is it a sign of emotional instability to repeat what we''ve talked about before?


    But it''s important, so can I remind you?


    ''Perhaps the people were chosen with the expectation that we would rely on Dariel for all those abilities. We were naive enough to be of no use without Dariel. It can be said that Dariel was the fifth Four Heavenly King...!


    No, no.........?


    You don''t say that often.


    So that''s what you were thinking about.


    "At this point in time, I need you to teach me as much as you can. We, the Four Heavenly Kings, must learn the etiquette of war...!


    Well, I''ve already been taught that.


    What?!


    Zebiantez''s careless remark made him lose his temper.


    No way!��Who knew so much about the structure of the Rasperda fortress and suggested an efficient security posture?��Did Dariel tell you to warn me?


    Nah-ha-ha-ha-ha, I can''t help it if I''m caught red-handed. Yes, I''ve been acting as if the things I learned from Dariel were my idea.


    ''''This guy!''''


    Droyer was right to lose his temper.


    ''''Tell me!��How long have you been discovering Dariel?


    That''s a long time ago, isn''t it?


    You mean you''ve been in contact with him for that long?��Why didn''t you tell me this right away?��You knew I was searching so hard for Dariel!


    I suppose that''s why I enjoyed watching you search so hard.


    ''''This oh-oh-oh?''''


    Mr. Dolorier.


    I don''t think she''s going to have much luck.


    I''m going to do everything I can to help you.


    I''ll tell you everything I know, I''ll help you.... In the meantime, I''ll keep the intelligence network we have hidden in human territory open for you to use as well.


    It was originally built for the Demon King''s Army''s intelligence operations, but it was forced to stop working as soon as I was fired.


    The other day I resurrected it with my own money.


    The reason for this is to gather useful information for the development of Lax Village.


    It was originally built for the Demon King''s Army and I didn''t want to use it without permission, but I heard that Bashbursa forcibly cut off the funds.


    I thought that if I''m going to pour my money into it, I''m willing to use it for my benefit (the benefit of Lux Village, to be precise).


    ''''But, since the parent company is the Demon King''s Army to begin with, you guys have no problem using it too.


    With the use of the intelligence network, we can grasp what''s outside the visible range as if we could actually see it, and it will also serve as a guideline for our actions.


    Selmet, who is in charge of the intelligence personnel in the field, hates the current Four Heavenly Kings and seems to be more than willing to get into a fight with them, but I should be able to persuade him.


    ''''Great...!��With that, we can find out what the brave man is up to...?


    ''Huh?��Yeah.........?


    It''s impossible to say that there was a brave man here until recently.


    I can''t say that I was a brave man until recently.��That Droyer guy was holed up in his fortress because he didn''t know when the heroes would attack!��Hilarious!


    Don''t be funny.


    Radey has been devoting himself to training in Lax village these days and didn''t even want to attack the fortress.


    The more I hear about it, the more I feel sorry for Droyer!


    ''''........Oh, and just because I''m not here, there are plenty of other people in the Demon King''s army who know about military know-how.��Don''t you ever get close to those people and ask them to teach you a lesson?


    ..........


    Huh?


    What was that silence?


    ''''The relationship between the Demon King''s top brass and the Four Heavenly Kings is currently extremely difficult.


    Huh?


    ''''The reason is Dariel, I fired you. That one incident shocked the entire Demon King''s army more than I could have imagined. Major dark generals and dark knight chiefs issued a joint statement condemning the Four Heavenly Kings...


    And not only that, I heard that Bashbursa''s reputation as the Four Heavenly Kings had been degraded by the entire Demon King''s Army because of the many disgraceful acts he had committed during his life.


    It''s really a series of Bashvaza disasters.


    Even though the guy in question is dead and Droyer is desperately working hard, it''s not going to help restore trust in him.


    This is Droyer, who was originally unable to move from the Rasperda fortress to be on the lookout for brave men.


    You''re going to have to ask Granbaza-sama to stand between you and mediate. "You may be a stubborn old bastard, but you''ll listen to your superiors'' opinions.


    "Do we really want to bother our great predecessors for our misdeeds?��That''s exactly what I''m saying, we''re going to lose face!


    Droyer''s serious nature doesn''t allow him to take an easy solution.


    ".........


    I let out a deep, deep sigh.


    It''s hard to estimate Droyer''s heartache, since this is what I''m hearing from someone else''s side.


    Zeviantez, you have to be more careful.


    ''''Well okay, I''ll take care of it.


    I myself have a number of dark generals that I was close to when I was in the Demon King''s Army.


    I''m discharged and irrelevant now, but it wasn''t that long ago, and the faces in the upper echelon won''t be that different.


    If I could write a letter to them and convince them, it might be a good starting point for them to open up.


    ''Dariel...!��I owe you...!


    Droyer clutched at me as if he was about to hug me.


    I''m sure he''s had no one to rely on and has endured all this time on his own.


    I''m sure you can understand the hardships you''ve endured.


    I want to praise him for his hard work.


    You''ve worked so hard, you''ve done a great job.


    Relatively speaking, my anger towards Zeviantes also rises.


    ''''Anyway, from now on, I''ll help you as much as I can...?''''


    Looking at the way Droyer was fraying, that was all I could say.


    Does it matter where you stand?��I''m not worried about it, but we''ll make it work.


    There''s no way to make an offer when the Zebiantes have settled in anyway.


    ...No I didn''t settle them in!


    Why is this all of a sudden?


    I''m afraid of the habit.

 189-188 Dariel infers a new situation

    I''m so glad they found Dariel.


    The discussion was over and Droyer took a breath.


    It was a deep breath, as if he had risen from the water on the verge of suffocation.


    ''I knew I couldn''t support the situation any longer on my own. It''s complicated, though, if I recall that the trigger for Dariel''s appearance was the disappearance of the Rasperda Fortress...!��Even with that...!


    Well, that happened.


    It''s a big deal for the Demon King''s Army, though.


    Also, my Grandfather wanted to say, ''If the important thing is over, then let me touch your tits,'' so now I have Doroye hold me.


    ''How are you cleaning up the fortress?��It must be a bit of a clusterf*ck for the Demon King''s army, right?


    I left it up to Bezelia. If it were true, I should be working too, but I figured seeing Dariel would be my first priority.


    Another one of the wrinkles of many things....


    ''''So I too must return as soon as my business is done. I can''t put the burden on Bezelia alone.


    ''What?��You''re leaving already?��I''ll miss you, but I don''t have a choice, I''ll see you later.


    You''ll be back, huh?


    Is that right?


    ''But first, I have a question for Dariel. I''m sorry to be so quick, but could you lend me your wisdom?


    Hmm?��What is it?


    I just said I could help you.


    I''m happy to answer any questions you may have.


    It''s about Lasperda Fortress. It is the strongest defence against the invasion of the brave men. It was the last line of defense to keep the brave men out of the demon territory.


    Yeah, sure.


    But that Rasperda Fortress is no longer there, either.


    It is hard to believe, but it was blown up by a mage.


    When I saw it, I couldn''t believe my eyes, but the place where Rasperda Fortress used to be had been burned to the ground and not a speck of ash was left behind.


    What kind of great magic do I need to master to do such a thing?


    That one is also a problem, but let''s leave it at that for now....


    ''''With the disappearance of the Rasperda Fortress, we are forced to fundamentally rethink our policy. Until now, all we had to do was use the fortress to intercept the attacking heroes. But the fortress is no more.


    In Droyer''s mind, he must have envisioned a heroic interception without a defensive base.


    It''s a pretty desperate picture.


    Waiting for the brave men who could attack at any moment without facilities would be quite painful.


    The fortress was not only a defense facility, but it was fully equipped with the necessities of life.


    There is a warm place to sleep, and the stockpile of food in the warehouse will always be full so as not to run out. It was also equipped with a bathroom.


    Lacking such defensive facilities, I wondered if they could hold a large army to guard and intercept the brave men.


    I think we should rebuild a new fortress right now. Anyway, we can''t intercept the brave men without a fortress, so I think the military will allocate a budget for it. I''m sure they''ll be very reluctant to do it, though.


    You don''t like it at all...?


    How bitter are you between the active Four Heavenly Kings and the military brass?


    Bashvaza''s little gift is a disaster...!


    But no matter how much funding we get, it will take time to build. In the meantime, I''m wondering what we should do if the brave men attack in the meantime...!


    I guess Droyer doesn''t know that the brave Radie is in no mood for that now.


    This is the pain of being shut down for espionage, I thought to myself, and I felt sad again.


    ''''Well I don''t think the brave man will be attacking us for a while longer.


    Really?��Dariel, you really know your stuff!


    For some reason, they praised me.


    I''m kind of sorry about that letting go.


    But I think we should think a little more about rebuilding the fortress before we do that.


    ''''That''s...?


    As I said before, it''s not the demons who really need Lasperda Fortress, it''s the humans. It''s the human race. It was the human race that originally built that fortress.


    Originally, the attacker and defender of this battle were well-defined.


    The human race''s brave men and women, who are aiming to protect the king, attacked the king, while the demons, who are trying to protect him, blocked them.


    No matter how many times the heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings were replaced, the relationship between them remained the same for hundreds of years.


    If that''s the case, wouldn''t the defending demon race need a fortress more than the defending demon race?��You might think.


    That''s also a point of fact.


    However, the brave must aim at the Demon King and divide deep into the demon territory.


    Being alone in enemy territory is a tougher situation than you can imagine.


    That''s why fortresses were needed to support the brave men who invaded the enemy territory.


    Rasperda Fortress was originally built for that purpose.


    The human race will feel the need to rebuild the fortress and will do it. Without the fortress, there will be no invasion of demon territory by brave men.


    That''s why the brave men never bypassed the Rasperda Fortress after dozens and hundreds of years of invasion.


    As long as they didn''t get Lasperda Fortress, it would leave the brave men isolated in enemy territory and even cut off their retreat.


    ''''Rasperda Fortress was originally built by the human race and was taken by the demon race after a battle. That''s what they said.


    Well, I''m glad you remembered it right.


    After all, it is good to be a student with a good memory.


    Since then, Lasperda Fortress has become a symbolic place for the eternal war between the heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings. The long, long, never-ending battle has been maintained by the balance of power that Lasperda Fortress has created.


    So now that Lasperda Fortress is gone.


    The battle between the brave and the Four Heavenly Kings will change fundamentally.


    ''''I might have to think this far.


    If you look at it differently, there was a fortress, so the brave men also marched towards it, and the Four Heavenly Kings tried to stay there to protect it.


    If the stronghold was gone, they could freely pass anywhere to reach the Demon King''s Castle instead of losing the route to stop by.


    Of course, there is a possibility that this won''t happen.


    People are sad, but it''s very difficult for them to get rid of their basic ideas.


    Even if the fortress disappears, it is quite possible that they will not be able to erase the stereotype that ''you can''t invade the demon tribe''s territory without a fortress'' or ''you can''t defend the brave without a fortress'', and they will continue to build new fortresses and continue their defensive battle.


    ''''Or rather, that possibility is definitely more likely, though.


    I was consumed by that idea too until Dariel pointed it out to me...


    Droyer turned over to reflect on the situation.


    Point it out and he accepts it without resistance. He''s a good student.


    ''The best thing is that another fortress will be built in the same place and we will continue to fight over it. In other words, the status quo.


    This fight is not going to end forever anyway.


    Then it''s better to fit it into a certain frame of mind and proceed as it''s supposed to, without causing any unnecessary damage.


    ''''The problem is when someone notices the other options.


    Is someone...?


    Currently, the only person qualified to be that someone is a very brave man of your time.


    So it''s Radie.


    Depending on how flexible she can be, the upcoming battle between the heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings will change dramatically.


    The battle between the heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings will change dramatically from a clich��d one in which they are trapped in a fortress and only clash there.


    The battle between the heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings will change dramatically from a routine one where they are trapped in a fortress and only clash with each other, to a more chaotic one.


    ''''You might want to nail that.


    Even for me, I don''t want my hometown to become noisy, so I want the battle to be as quiet as possible.


    In that regard, the battle for Lasperda Fortress was an ideal killing spree because the fire was not scattered in unnecessary places.


    Even if the fortress itself is gone, I hope it will continue in that form.


    ''''........Come to think of it, Radey isn''t here?��Where did they go?


    What?


    Droyer rolls his eyes at Zebiantes'' unintentional statement.


    ''I had to leave on a wild goose chase. I don''t think he''ll be back for a while.''


    Nah, it''s too bad I haven''t wanted to hug you in a while.


    I''m not sure if they''ll be coming back for a while.


    It''s just that Radhi and the others have been living here for so long that they feel like part of the family.


    Mr. Alanczil stopped me from going, so I saw them off, but I really hope they come back safely.


    Anatta, Anatta!


    Maleeka called me over.


    ''Sir, they want to see you.


    ''What?��Again?


    It''s a busy day for us.


    Radey''s back by any chance?


    It''s hard to imagine them coming back so soon, but if you talk about them, they''re also called shadows.


    However, when I actually met him, I found that the shadow that I had heard about and was shot at was an extraordinary shadow.


    One of the past Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, Ida from "Heaven and Earth" was standing in front of my doorstep.

 190-189 Ida from "Tenchi" visits

    Ida of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army ''Heaven and Earth''.


    He''s not an active person. He''s a person who was the Four Heavenly Kings in the quite past.


    It''s called the past quite a bit, but that''s a tremendous past.


    To be specific, it was hundreds of years ago.


    Normally, such a person would not have survived in the present day.


    However, there are.


    The Four Heavenly Kings, Ida, who is undoubtedly one of the few people who can be considered one of the strongest of the past Four Heavenly Kings, is the Four Heavenly Kings.


    ''''Hey.''''


    ''Geez!''


    I screamed.


    I''ll raise it.


    I''m sure you know what happened to Radie and her friends just the other day.


    I was almost killed myself.


    So I was already in immediate action.


    While screaming, I took out my Hermes sword and extended it into sword form and slashed at it.


    ''''Gyaaaaaaah!��Ughhhhhh!


    Hey, hey, hey, calm down. You need to keep your cool.


    ''Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!��Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!��Kyah!��Yikes!


    f*ck?


    How is this guy still alive after being ripped in half?


    The blades of the Hermes Blade have definitely reached him, penetrating from his brain to his groin, and cutting him in two.


    Don''t just stick a section of it to the side where you cut it off and play it back!


    You''re immortal?


    There''s no such thing as a heinous regeneration spell.


    Hmm?��There''s still a spatial distortion around me at this moment that should deflect a malicious attack, right?��How can you break through as a matter of course and make me a catfish?


    d*mn it!


    I cut you down like you''re supposed to, and you just stuck to it!


    I''ll cut you to the side if it comes to this!


    Yikes!


    I thought I''d done it by slashing the upper and lower body, but they stuck together.


    ''So why doesn''t the spatial distortion work?��I''ve only seen glimpses of you before, or maybe you''re more qualified to ascend to Valhalla than an active female hero?


    Ohhhhh?


    If this happens, I''m going to keep cutting this thing until it''s too tired to regenerate!


    I could change it into whip form and smash it to smithereens.


    ''''You are a lively and strong man. "You are a lively and strong man, and you would be disrespectful to me if you challenged me to fight back. I will enjoy killing you both.


    Oh, you''re doing it!��Oh, you''re gonna do it?


    Well, come to me, and I will protect you and your children, my dear.


    I''m about to enter full-blown combat mode...!


    Stop it!


    Whoa!


    You scared me.


    What was that voice?


    Yes, it was a sharp, loud voice, but there was something strange about it that wasn''t just that...?


    Thanks to that, I stiffened and stopped moving.


    Uncertainty.


    However, it seems the other party is the same, and Ida from ''Heaven and Earth'' is cowering like a scolded child.


    ''''........Ida-dono, I just promised you to refrain from acting rashly.


    No, wait. This one?��He made a move on me and I had no choice...?


    A woman.


    One woman was standing alone.


    It''s the age of mid-twenties, with a slender, toned body that you can tell at a glance that it''s worked out.


    And her skin color was unnaturally white, just like Ida''s.


    ''''........What is it that you, too, are going to cut at me at the first sight? To suddenly act without a word, it''s like a beast. It''s exactly like that man himself.''''


    No, I have a history with that guy. So I was wondering if it''s okay if I cut him down to a timeless...?


    ''''I won''t talk back!


    Yes?


    What is it?


    When this sister scolded me, I felt like I was shrinking back, and I couldn''t even get the words to refute her.


    It''s as if I myself was born with this voice that I can''t resist...?


    ''''Totally men are...?


    The woman lets out a sigh of disgust, and then changes her mind and becomes a sharp expression.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time with them. We are not here to antagonize you.


    And I''m supposed to believe that easily?


    "Believe it or not, that''s up to you. But we have come here because that High Priestess is the one you say you want. We will not go against his wishes.


    Ugh!


    Indeed.


    Even now that my true origins have been discovered and I''ve come to live and work as a human race, I still have a lot of loyalty to the Demon King!


    These guys who give out such a Demon Lord''s name are really...?


    "We will tell you who we are. Both Ida-sama here and Ida-sama here are the apostles of Valhalla who descended to earth to fulfill the name of the Demon King.......


    The white-skinned woman said in a hushed voice.


    ''And my name is Estelica.


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    Anyway, I have no choice but to take these two up to the house.


    Then I let them through to the living room, which doubles as a parlor.


    Droyer and Zebiantes, who were guests on another matter, were also there, so I was already in a panic when I encountered them.


    ''''Ida-sama!��Why are you here!


    "We''ve met the unbelievable person in an impossible place!


    I know how you feel.


    It''s a good thing that the Ida of Heaven and Earth is visiting your home.


    The reason I visited you is to apologize first. I''m sorry.


    Sitting on the living room couch, a great man in history bows his head.


    Why?


    After that, I was scolded by the Demon King. You forgot to do your job and raided the territory of the human race and ended up in a fierce battle with a modern-day hero. Moreover, he almost killed them all.


    At that time.


    The cornered Ida of "Heaven and Earth" had launched a serious attack.


    At that moment, just as many of his comrades in arms were about to be buried alive, an unbelievable phenomenon occurred and Ida disappeared before my eyes.


    The unbelievable phenomenon was that an enormous hand fell from the heavens and grabbed Ida by the throat and returned to the sky.


    It was a very careless phenomenon.


    ''''Then that hand is after all...?


    I think it''s best not to say more than that.


    She was restrained by a woman named Estelica.


    She said, "Ida-sama, you have caused trouble in this world and have been summoned to Valhalla in this way. However, we cannot return you to Valhalla because you still have an important mission to accomplish in this world.


    That red cape?


    Ah, Mr. Left. It seems that in this part of the country, it''s more commonly known as the inferno.


    A person who was involved and implicated in almost all of the recent events that have taken place in recent times.


    No, can I describe him as a person?


    Ida-sama has caused you a great deal of trouble. She has expressed her concern, and she has given her permission to explain the situation to you. As reparations for all the trouble you''ve caused me.


    ... well.


    There''s just too much going on these days.


    It''s uncomfortable to be left out of the picture without knowing why it was caused.


    I''m being treated as a party to this, though.


    What are you going to do about it?��Would you like to hear the inside story of all the calamities that have occurred around you?


    "...Okay. Please explain.


    Let''s use that as punishment for Ida''s rampage through human territory the other day.


    That''s not really any sort of punishment for the trouble they''ve caused, though.


    Okay. So, I''d like to reiterate that our goal is to defeat the inferno. Ida-sama, and now I, have been sent to this world to do just that.


    Inferno.....


    "I met him once, in person. And I fought.


    Then you''ll see what an anomaly he is.


    Indeed.


    The simple combat power alone was definitely one of the strongest I''ve seen in the past.


    Even from my point of view, having seen Granberza-sama and Arantzill-san.


    That alone is bizarre, so I don''t understand why he''s still alive.


    I should have defeated him.


    I sliced down to the groin with the Hermes sword blade in the brain. He should have been cut in half left and right, somehow burst into flames, and his corpse should have been burned to nothing but ashes and vanished from the earth.


    Yet he is still alive.


    What do you mean?


    He''s already beyond death, so he can''t die if he''s killed. He has already died once. And he went to hell.

 191-190 Dariel hears about heaven

    Hell.....


    I''ve heard that story from whoever it was.


    It was only a minor hindrance.


    "I''ve heard where he came from. It''s only a fragment.


    Then you must listen again. They, the inferno, are from hell.


    They..., huh?


    That''s what He has in mind. In the past, the shallow-minded and ugly people were judged by Him and went to hell. They will be burned in the depths of hell and will receive the punishment for their sins.


    He''s gonna sneak out of there?


    Or should I say, escape. Not long ago, the lid of hell was opened. I''m told it was intended to send those who should fall to hell.


    You don''t think that''s...?


    It''s called Bashbursa or something. I heard that his arrogance and inertia have displeased the demon king.


    As soon as we heard it, Droyer and I frowned.


    I''m not sure if I''ve ever heard of it.


    If there really is a hell, Bashbursa is the man who should fall into it.


    That was the majority of the perception.


    But if you are informed that you''ve really fallen into hell, you can''t help but feel disappointed or weak.


    I don''t want Lady Granberza to hear that.


    I''m really glad I was out of my seat while the three brothers and sisters squeezed in.


    ''Hell opened up to drop Bashbursa. The Inferno made its escape to this world by taking advantage of that momentary gap.


    There is nothing good that will come out of their crawl into this world.


    Everything that has happened so far proves that.


    The robbery of Mithril by the three brave men who were brainwashed.


    The raid on the village of Laxx and the abortive death of Director Roselwy.


    And the disappearance of Rasperda Fortress.


    As far as I''m concerned, there''s not a single thing he''s caused, as far as I''m concerned.


    ''''Why does Inferno do bad things in this world?


    I couldn''t help but ask him, because I had been through some of those myself.


    "They''re d*mned to hell, so they''re bad guys, sure. But there''s more to them than just bad behavior, there''s a plan.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t be hiding behind the scenes and acting like a mastermind.


    Besides, I asked him directly.


    When I confronted the inferno, he told me himself.


    His purpose.....


    ".............


    Hmm?


    I feel some kind of eyes on me.


    It''s the guest woman staring at me.


    ''''Huh?��What...?


    I was the one who was confused because he was staring at me too intently.


    ''''Well no, I just watched you in such deep thought.


    What?


    What do you mean?


    I didn''t think they were alike, but sometimes they seem to overlap perfectly.


    ?"?


    What are you talking about?


    Anyway.


    ''The inferno is not of this world. So it can only be dealt with by people in the same isolation. That''s where we go. We, the apostles of Valhalla.


    ''So there''s another thing I don''t understand...''


    What''s Valhalla?


    It''s a word that''s come up in conversation a few times before, but I''m not sure what it means.


    I can at least tell you that this very fair-skinned people came from there.


    ''Valhalla is one of the worlds possessed by that One.


    "Possessing the world...?


    The scale is so different that it''s daunting.


    In a way, it may be the same as hell. Because Hell is also a world that He possesses and controls.


    But the nature is different. Quite the opposite, in fact.


    Ida adds an explanation.


    ''Hell and Valhalla are the worlds to which those who have ended their lives are headed. Those who have finished their lives in this world. But not everyone can go to these worlds. Only those who meet the strictest conditions and are approved by the Lord of Evil can go through the gates of Valhalla.


    How?


    You make it sound like it''s a great honor to be able to go to this thing called Valhalla, don''t you?


    ''Just as it is decreed that the guilty will go to hell, so there are conditions in Valhalla. Only the chosen ones are allowed to dwell there, and those conditions are...


    Strength.


    Perhaps proud to be a resident of Valhalla, Ida takes the initiative to explain Valhalla without being asked.


    Only those who have demonstrated extraordinary strength and achievement during their lives can ascend to Valhalla. He will leave his old body and become nothing but a soul, and then he will be given a new body that will never die and never age, and will fight in the Garden of Stars forever.


    That''s Valhalla.


    You could say it''s the opposite of hell. Those who are praised by that One will ascend to Valhalla, and those who are punished by that One will go to hell. That''s what it is....


    Heaven and Hell.


    Hell is exactly what it sounds like, but you''re talking as if Valhalla is heaven.


    The Four Heavenly Kings, who had achievements during their lives, have their souls sent to Valhalla by the Demon King.


    Knowing that the Ida of ''Heaven and Earth'', a person from hundreds of years ago, is right in front of me, it makes sense if you know that Valhalla exists.


    .........?


    ''So you''re saying that you too have been honoured for your achievements in life?


    I''ll ask Ida directly.


    ''How, we took the Lasperda Fortress built by the humans and converted it into a defense base for the demon race. And the record for the most number of brave fighters defeated that has yet to be broken. For those reasons, I was allowed to enter Valhalla.


    The Ida of Heaven and Earth was undoubtedly one of the four Heavenly Kings of the highest class in the hundreds of years of history of the Demon Race.


    If there was a heaven that only great men and heroes could enter, then surely he would be qualified to be an inhabitant.


    ''''........How could the Demon King create such a world?''''


    "How can we possibly know his far-reaching intentions? We can only rejoice in the honor he gives us.


    That would be an exemplary answer for a loyal Demon Lord''s subject.


    ''Dariel, is it?��The skills and powers you''ve developed are quite impressive. After your role in this world is over, there''s a good chance your soul will be welcomed into Valhalla. Prepare for it while you still can.


    Huh?


    What are you going to do in Valhalla?


    They will fight forever. You will be given a body that does not grow old and never dies, just like us, and you will continue to kill each other and the heroic spirits of the past that have gone before you. Even if they die, they will rise again, even if they are killed, they will fight and fight and fight. And we will forge the strongest of the strongest that have been praised in life to greater heights.


    Valhalla is like that.


    I don''t like it, that''s what it is.


    I don''t really like fighting, I''ve been working behind the scenes for most of my life.


    I''ve been working hard to protect and develop the village as the village chief ever since I moved to Lux village.


    That kind of work is more fun for me.


    Creating, nurturing and developing something. I think that kind of work is more difficult and rewarding than fighting.


    I have a son, Gran, and now I have the job of raising each person from the ground up, which makes me think more and more.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do that, but I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do that.


    .........isn''t it empty?


    ''And I''m not the Four Heavenly Kings. And I''m not even a demon race.


    For a long time I thought I was a demon, but I was wrong.


    What qualifies me to join Valhalla like that?


    What''s the matter?


    What?


    ''I think you''re mistaken. Race and position have nothing to do with entry qualifications to Valhalla. In fact, that Estelica....


    When I was prompted to turn around, I saw the example Valhalla Apostle Estelica was receiving questions from Droyer.


    ''''I am honored!��I can''t believe I''m meeting a hero from the past!


    No, I''m the last person standing...


    Droyer has become like a younger sister who longs to be your sister.


    Her seriousness is evident.


    You can also have a look at the following information: "So.....��I didn''t know enough about it to know that.��I''m sorry...!


    ''''No need to apologize. I''m not the Fourth Heavenly King.


    What?


    Huh?


    ''I was a brave man of the human race. I was invited by him to Valhalla in recognition of my heroic warfare during my lifetime.

 192-191 Esterica was a hero

    ''''I heard that Master Ida was visiting you!


    The one who came rushing in saying that was Granbaza-sama.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find the right one.


    I don''t see you........


    ''It''s a big deal, and he''s gone to call for Lady Granberza!��It''s a fine play!


    You shouldn''t have done that...!


    You were away for the practice of the three siblings, and you took the trouble to call them in.


    Just a few minutes ago, some unpleasant details that you don''t want Granbaza-sama to hear came out.


    ''''Oh, you''re a prime candidate for future Valhalla initiation.


    I haven''t seen you since we met in the fortress. As far as I''m concerned, I didn''t even get to say hello...!


    Granberza-sama kneels.


    I feel again that this person is the one who pays that much courtesy, Ida-san.


    Then my gaze turns to the other visitor........


    ''''........hmm?��Are you...?


    Long time no see, pyromancer. I never thought we''d meet again like this.


    The conversation between Lady Granberza and Estelica-san is like we''ve known each other in the past.


    This is ridiculous. Even Estelica-san is a long time ago when she joined Valhalla, right?


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what you''re talking about.


    You sound terrible.


    "Mm....?��But it can''t be...?


    Granberza-sama is puzzled.


    But now, things that shouldn''t be there are happening all over the place.


    ''''She''s the hero of the previous generation.


    What?


    ''No, the Aranziel guy is retired, so he''s a predecessor?��Anyway, he was a brave man before Aranzir. I fought and defeated him.


    What a shocking revelation.


    Is there no mistake in her testimony, Estelica herself accepts it silently.


    ''''At that time, I wasn''t the Fourth Heavenly King, I was in the seat of the Assistant Fourth Heavenly King. It''s the same as the Dariel of the past.


    How long ago was that?


    At least that''s before I was born, right?


    GranBaza-sama with wrinkles all over her face, clearly showing her age, and Estelica-san with her youthful s*xuality at its peak, both of whom are related to each other in the distant past.


    I can''t feel it.


    I was unconscious at the time.


    says Estelica.


    ''I mean, you admit it''s true!


    ''No, Aranzir was a monster, but she was also a terrible opponent. The then Four Heavenly Kings of Fire were killed by her in seconds. The other Four Heavenly Kings were also held back by their brave companions, and if they didn''t, the fortress would be breached... and I had no choice but to fight them.


    The then Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings, Lady Granbaza.


    ''''You''ve let your guard down. Since you defeated the Four Heavenly Kings, no matter how much of an assistant he was, he was not a good assistant. That insult was fatal.


    "For stopping her, I was officially named the Four Heavenly Kings and crowned ''karma fire'' for my efforts in stopping her. I haven''t seen her since then, but does that figure, like Master Ida, come from Valhalla?


    Lady Granberza gulped.


    ''Does that mean...?


    Don''t get me wrong. It wasn''t your fault that I died. It was another incident.


    And he nails it.


    ''By nature I don''t have enough accomplishments to get into Valhalla. But I still owe it all to him that I was able to get in. I can''t thank him enough.


    ''Come to think of it, the Demon King said. She said that she ''fought the most wonderful battle a man could have fought''. The details are, um....


    Master Ida.


    A sharp gaze flies in to point.


    ''''Ultimate magic is good, but I hope you''ll practice delicacy as well. I have advised you that such crassness is at odds with the modern world.


    ''''Excuse me...?''''


    Thus, the rest of Ida''s words were blocked.


    What was I going to say?


    ''''But I still can''t believe it...?''''


    It was Droyer who muttered that.


    I''m afraid that you''ve been shocked by the shock of coming to our house and that you''ll break a lot of things.


    I''m afraid that she''s a serious person.


    ''''How could the Demon King-sama welcome not only the Four Heavenly Kings but also a brave man to Valhalla with honour...?��Aren''t brave men the enemy?��He''s after the existence of the only demon king in the world...?


    Maybe he doesn''t care about friend or foe after all.


    The predecessors said to the bewildered young man, "The demon race and the human race are insignificant to him.


    ''''The demon race and the human race are both insignificant to him. They are neither a threat nor a reliable ally. The only certain use for them is as a plaything.


    Playground equipment.........?


    Perhaps the battle between the heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings on earth, the madness of Valhalla, and even the wailing of the infernal walkers are just a sideshow to that man''s leisure time. The more Valhalla welcomes us and the closer we get to the truth of the world, the more likely it seems to be so.


    Indeed.


    To the Demon King, there might be no difference between the human race and the demon race.


    Therefore, as long as you have achievements, you will be welcomed into Valhalla without distinction.


    No matter how brave the brave men are, there really is no way the Demon King-sama is going to be defeated.


    No owner would be angry with a kitten that playfully scratched him.


    ''''That''s enough.''''


    This time, Ida controlled the conversation.


    ''Suspicion of the Demon King is disrespectful. It is not something an apostle of Valhalla should do.


    I''m sorry.


    Ms. Estelica drew back honestly, too.


    ''But there are those who do not hesitate to violate that taboo.


    Yeah, that''s the problem.


    As soon as I heard it beside me, it hit me.


    An image of a red cloak flickering like a fierce fire appears in my mind.


    ''It''s an inferno, isn''t it?''


    His goal is to defeat the Demon King.


    That''s what he himself said.


    ''''I feel like I''m finally getting back to the point after taking a big detour...''''


    You''re right. He''s the source of all my problems.


    So if you follow the roots of every topic, you''ll end up with that guy.


    ''If Valhalla is where the brave Four Heavenly Kings of the past ended up, then so is Hell.


    For the exact opposite reason, though.


    The man who has defiled the pride of the strong by his treacherous deeds is going to hell, the very opposite of Valhalla, to the depths of disgrace.


    "He said, ''My name is Siegfriedgel.


    It''s one of the building blocks of the inferno, isn''t it?


    He then investigated at the Center Guild and found the name.


    Siegfriedgel was publicly erased from the record, a rogue hero.


    He was obsessed with strength alone, and he slayed countless times, both friend and foe alike.


    ''''If Valhalla welcomes heroes regardless of their affiliation, then hell is no different. If you''re a criminal, it doesn''t matter if you''re a demon or a human.


    How true.


    If you''re going to explain so much, you can talk about it in a wash.


    Who is the Inferno?


    What is the identity of the eerie and bizarre monster?


    I had taken direct damage from him once, and I fought so hard against him that I even thought I had destroyed him once.


    ''Of course I''ll talk to you,''


    Estelica said.


    ''That''s why we''re here. The Inferno has set its sights on you at one time. You need to know him so that he does not threaten you again.


    That''s another reason for visiting me.


    ''''As you''ve already guessed, Inferno is the past Four Heavenly Kings and heroes who went to hell. They have all done atrocious things that only led to hell, and they are all rotten in spirit.


    If those men are going to escape and harm the Demon King, you understand their motives.


    Revenge.


    Payback for being sent to hell.


    It''s quite simple, really.


    They will suffer because they deserve what they have done, but they will go to hell for not being able to understand the norm.


    But there is only one man among them who cannot be trusted with simple logic.


    Ida said gravely.


    ''''His feelings towards the Demon King are far more complex and baffling than the others. No one can see into his heart, not even me, his comrade in arms. Even I, who was his comrade in arms...


    Ida''s tone was one of unbearable shame.


    ''''His name is Drismegian. He is the center of the inferno, the leader, the main body, you could say.


    One of the former Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army. He is one of the most unique among them.


    He is undoubtedly the most powerful of all time, and because he was so extraordinary, he was erased from the records as well.


    He is the Drismegian of "Sahi".

 193-192 Doris Megian, the man closest to the Demon King

    The Drismegian from "Sahi".


    ''''I didn''t know they really existed...?''''


    The one who muttered that was an elderly Granbaza-sama who was probably the most knowledgeable about the history of the Demon King''s Army.


    ''''Granbarza-sama, he knows about it!


    ''''You should know about it too. I''d like to tell you that you should know about it, but it''s understandable that you don''t. His name has been erased from the official record.


    The same thing was going on on the human race side.


    A failure to honor the organization, a scandal, would be pretended that it didn''t happen.


    If existence itself was a mass of scandals, the entire fact that each person was there would be erased in itself.


    There must be quite a few brave men and the Four Heavenly Kings who have been erased from the record like that.


    ''''Even Siegfriedgel, who called himself to me, finally found out after reading the forbidden books in the Center Guild''s collection.


    It''s not in the official record.


    Hell is probably riddled with people who were pretended not to exist that way.


    With all the charges that Hell deserves, it makes sense.


    "The Drismegian name is only recorded in the Chamber of Secrets, which only the Four Heavenly Kings are allowed to enter.


    That forbidden curse is in the possession of...?


    So the name is deemed as dangerous as the forbidden curse?


    I''m not sure I''ve ever heard of the name Doris Megian either.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most out of your time in the city.


    The fact that I don''t know about them is justified.


    ''''Poor guy...''''


    It was Ida-sama who muttered that.


    His voice was full of bitterness in the sound of his voice.


    ''''Drismegian is a man who lived at the same time as me. He became the Four Heavenly Kings at the same time as me. We fought together as colleagues.


    Mr. Ida called his people ''warriors'' in reference to them.


    That''s what he meant........


    ''My name is emblazoned with all kinds of achievements, but the truth is different. "My name is emblazoned with many accomplishments, but the truth is, I did not do it alone. It was all won with Drismegian.


    The taking of Rasperda Fortress.


    The record for defeating the most brave men ever.


    Both of these are the grounds for praising the Ida of "Heaven and Earth" as the greatest of all time with their irreversible accomplishments.


    It''s hard to believe that a single person could accomplish such a feat.


    Just one person.


    ''''Are you saying that behind your success, there was a collaborator who was erased from existence?


    ''I don''t know which one is the shade, though. Maybe the subject was that guy and I was just a collaborator.


    I say to myself, I don''t know if it''s true.


    But it was likely to be beyond the reach of history.


    What was thought to be the achievement of only one person was actually done by two or more.


    ''''The Drismegian should have been the shining North Star at the pinnacle of the Demon King''s Army''s history. It shines immovably at the highest center. His strength is outstanding, his wisdom is brilliant, and he can see far beyond what we can''t see.


    It was more of a perspective.


    It was Master Granberza who added that.


    ''Therefore, he has come to the ultimate in flame magic, and beyond. He has discovered the finest combustor of magic flames.


    It''s...


    The soul of a man.


    Master Granberza, another legendary level flame wizard, said.


    ''''Magic flames, you know, usually turn magic power into fire. But the further you go in your training, the more adept you become at fire magic, the more you realize that there''s something about it that''s more suitable for turning magic into raging fire even more than magic. There is a source of heat that is more worthy of being turned into a raging fire than magic power.


    That is.....


    The heart of man, and deep within his soul.


    The soul, which is the source of life force and passion, is the most mysterious heat.


    The power of life is not an exaggeration to be compared to a flame.


    Not everyone is aware of it. "Not everyone is aware of it, and most mundane people will go their whole lives without suspecting that magical fire is made by magic.


    Lady Granberza was able to recognize the extremity of it.


    Sashi was a rare hero.


    ''But I never got to this point in my life where I could move on.


    Master Granberza says with the enlightenment of old age.


    It is too dangerous. The flames of a man''s heart can turn into a prison fire that can consume everything if mishandled. Like so many people who can''t control their emotions and make mistakes. It is hard to imagine the extent of the damage that can be done once the heart and soul that has been turned into flames is out of control.


    You can guess without being explained.


    Anger, hatred. We don''t have to be told about such negative emotions, but our associations are linked to the flames.


    And nothing is more difficult to control than passion.


    ''''I came to that point right after I became the Fourth Heavenly King. The anger and grief of the new brave Arantzill, who fought at the same time, due to the loss of his family. The negative rage worked on his aura to the point that it turned black. I noticed that when I saw it. I wondered if magic power could do the same thing.


    Did you have a history like that?


    It must have been before I was born, or soon after I was born, but there was just someone who was listening to such a monologue from Lady Granberza with more interest than I was.


    It was Estelica-san.


    ''I was definitely about to step into dangerous territory at that time. It was Dariel''s help that kept me from stepping in. He made me believe that I couldn''t do anything dangerous while I was in charge of you as a young man.


    Then he crumpled up his old face.


    I also created the ''Anasozoic Scorching Hot Uninterrupted Flame Hell'', which allows me to utilize psychological effects as a curse within a controllable range, and thanks to that special magic, I obtained the most powerful position. It''s the result of a combination of friendly competition with Aranziel and a sense of responsibility as someone who raises Dariel.


    "You stayed on. But someone didn''t.


    That''s the Doris Megian of ''Sahi''.


    ''He became immersed in the study of magic that converts the mind-soul into combustion power. He looked into more efficient mind-soul action and finally arrived at something beyond the mind, the theory of firepower conversion of the soul.


    ''It''s horrible, you mean to turn people directly into fuel. No, a bomb...?


    The very realm of the forbidden.


    Was Drismegian cast into hell for such forbidden research?


    No, no.


    The facts that Ida told me were more intense than I could have ever imagined.


    ''That''s why Drismegian was cast into hell. It was because he rebelled against the Demon King.


    Ha!


    ''''He challenged the Demon Lord head on, fought fiercely, lost, and was cast into hell. The soul''s transformation of magical flames was just a means to oppose the Demon King. But it wasn''t enough to get to the Demon King.


    The insane research that trampled on humanity was just a means to defeat the Demon King.


    Even that heinous method wasn''t enough to defeat the Demon King at all.


    ''''What is it with these two...?


    Why did Drismegian want to confront the Demon King...?


    I don''t know. As I said before, Drismegian is seeing things we can''t see. Maybe he came to the conclusion that he couldn''t follow the Demon King from a higher level of reasoning that we don''t understand.


    Lady Granberza interjected abruptly.


    ''''I''m the one who understands the Demon King the best. That''s what he said.


    And.


    Perhaps it''s because he''s a great genius who has risen to the highest and most unforgivable realm in the history of the Demon Race, that he''s seen a side of the Demon King that we don''t understand. Hidden in the Chamber of Secrets is a history of Drisimegian, which reads.


    Pointing at the man....


    ''''The man closest to the Demon King.


    ''''In the past, no one among the Demon Race has been called that, except for Drismegian. Perhaps even among the human race.''''


    The look on Ida''s face when she spoke of her warriors was very painful.


    ''''I didn''t understand anything about that guy. As comrades of the Four Heavenly Kings, we should have dived under the line of death together and bonded together. I couldn''t understand anything about that guy.


    Although they are war buddies who lived in the same era, one rises to Valhalla as a hero and the other goes to hell as a sinner.


    They are too different from each other to end up in hell.


    That''s why I''m going to stop him this time. I will bring Drismegian before the Demon King and make him apologize for his past sins and ask for forgiveness.


    Was it in consideration of this personal relationship that he gave Ida-san the task of defeating Inferno?


    Did he take Ida-san''s friendship and give her the task of capturing her comrade in arms?


    ........no.


    Could it be a motive that he''s just trying to enjoy watching the conflict because of the Demon King-sama?


    ''''Drismegian is the head of the Inferno. With him at the center, other wraiths with a rebellious spirit against the Demon King gathered together to form the Inferno.


    Unlike the Drismegians, the motives of the other wraiths are the simple ''revenge for being sent to hell''?


    No, wait.


    What do you mean by "huddled together?


    ''It is as the word says. The deceased who fall into hell no longer has a normal body. They become immortal bodies just as we, the apostles of Valhalla, are given the eternal, immortal ''Einherjar body'', but only to perpetuate the suffering of hell. An imperfect, immortal corpse for that purpose only.


    They say that the departed are constantly being burned by prison flames and do not have a satisfactory body.


    I''m afraid.


    "So they supplement each other''s bodies to act as their own. Several of the walkers get together to form a body. That is the inferno.


    The Inferno was a group of walkers, led by the Drismegians.

 194-193 Ida and others prepare for sortie

    When I fought Inferno once, he called himself Siegfriedgel.


    It was a hard fight, but I managed to cut him off and thought the inferno was defeated.


    However, when I heard that an inferno had appeared afterwards, the first thing I thought of was the ''theory that there were more than two infernos''.


    That guy was wearing a red cloak completely over his head, and it was impossible to tell the contents from each other.


    If they wore the impressive red cape together and declared ''I am inferno'', the messenger of hell would appear again and again, wouldn''t he?


    ''''That''s both correct and incorrect, isn''t it?''''


    I expressed my opinion and Estelica told me so.


    ''They are plural and alone. Some of the walkers have come together to form a body for one person. That''s why when you fought them, Siegfriedgel was in control of his body, but it''s possible that the other walkers were inside him as well.


    In the end, the only person who could be killed by cutting both sides at that time was Siegfriedgel, who had taken control of his body.


    I''m not sure of the details, but it seems that''s how the system works.


    The reason why his body burned up and disappeared is because he wanted to make it appear that he was dead so that I would let my guard down.


    You can''t help but assume that I''m dead too.


    ''''If you can hide in the flames and use magic such as transference or concealment, it is possible to disguise yourself as dead. If there are good wind wizards among the wraiths that make up the inferno, even Dariel-kun could be fooled.


    The way you talk.


    Are you failing to grasp the wraiths that make up the inferno?


    All but Dorismegian are insignificant. In fact, one of them has already been cut down by you, and the other has been annihilated by the heat transformation of his soul. You''re certainly losing head count.


    How many people are left?


    Now, you''re sure it''s all gone.


    Ida says.


    That''s pretty Texan, a great man of the past.


    Is it because of your old values?


    ''We will certainly hunt them down from here. It''s time for the Drismegian resistance to be crushed.


    Well, this guy came back to this world to catch the inferno.


    Hmm?


    No, no, no, no, no, wait a minute?


    ''That''s not good!��Does that mean you''re going to cause a big fuss again?


    It was the same before.


    They entered human territory without permission and kicked out every adventurer they encountered, so the center guild was in a panic.


    Finally, it has developed into a situation where a brave man is sent out.


    ''''Don''t worry. That''s why I''m accompanying you this time.''''


    ''I''m sorry,'' said Estelica.


    ''Ida-sama only knows this world a few hundred years ago. It''s inevitable that he will misconstrue the common sense of the modern world and cause trouble. However, he is the only one who can go toe to toe with the Drismegians.


    Moreover, Inferno is hiding out in more distant human territories to escape the Demon King''s exploration.


    That''s why you keep causing incidents over here. I''d do the same for you, you little hateful bastard, I thought.


    I am the youngest among the apostles of Valhalla and I am from the human race. It will be easier for you to adapt to this world. I will prevent you from having problems with the mortals. So I would like to ask a favor of you, Dariel-san.


    Yes?


    ''You have a reasonable amount of voice in today''s human society, don''t you?��Is there any way to inform the parties involved that we are not the enemy of the humans?��That will save you from unnecessary trouble.


    Is that one of the reasons you''re here?


    Yes, sir.


    That''s what I''ve been told.


    Don''t get me wrong. I am, after all, just a small village chieftain.


    You see, I''m a small-time mayor with very little power.


    I have a certain amount of connections, so I can move things through those connections and....


    It''s not going to be easy to talk to Mr. Chancellor about the situation. I''ll have to rely on Alanziel-san after all...?


    Please don''t do that.


    ''What?��Why?


    And you asked him to do it for you?


    ''If you want to avoid the commotion, wouldn''t it be best to be quiet and not use magic?


    The last time I saw you, you were on a magic spree, and it was a real march.


    That was a big deal, of course.


    "Now that I think about it, that''s exactly what I think...!��Master Ida, let''s proceed from here with no magic. We must hold our breath until we find our target.


    Okay, all right.


    I thought that they were obeying me so obediently, but that''s probably because they were right after being angered by the Demon King.


    From now on, the two of them are said to be secretly advancing through human territory in order to find the inferno.


    ''''No, no, wait, after all?''''


    But there is still a problem with letting them both go.


    The human side is dealing with the inferno.


    ''The brave man of our day, Radey, is leading his companions in a search. What if they were to match each other on the way...?


    They fought to the death just the other day.


    Could it get messy again...?


    You mean the girls who challenged me. ....What if they encounter Drismegian and the others first?


    Mr. Ida said clearly, as if it was very obvious.


    ''''They''ll kill you for sure. If you''re not good enough to bite off my spatial distortions desperately, you won''t even be an enemy of the Drismegians.''''


    I''m pissed off that they''re so crisp, but it''s probably true.


    "If you don''t want them to die, we''ll have to find the Drismegian and deal with them before they do. "If you want them to survive, we''ll have to find the Drismegians first.


    I don''t have a choice.


    I''ll make sure they have a letter of identification from me.


    The head of one village will take on the identity, which will save us quite a bit of trouble in the other town or village.


    Thank you for your help. Well, Ida-sama, it''s time for us to leave.


    Oh, this time I''ll get the Drismegian!


    They said they were done with something.


    They come in and out of the blue.


    "Please hold.


    There was someone to hold it back.


    Who was it?


    Would you like me to accompany you?


    It was the Four Heavenly Kings'' Droyer who said.


    Huh?��What?


    A statement that says we should follow Ida and the others to fight the inferno?


    ''''Our role as the Four Heavenly Kings is to protect the Demon King. Now that we''ve confirmed the threat to the Demon King, we can''t just stand by and watch.


    I''m serious.


    Shouldn''t the current Four Heavenly Kings only have to deal with the current brave men and women?


    I appreciate the spirit, but I can''t bring myself to take a handful of people with me. Not if they were no more than a Drismegian crony.


    ''So give them a chance to humiliate me!��I can''t continue to stay in the position of the Four Heavenly Kings with this disgrace intact!


    ..........


    Ida, staring back at Droyer''s straight gaze.


    ''....Very well.


    Thank you!


    My goodness.


    I never expected you to agree.


    Master Ida. If you involve the people of this world, you''ll be scolded by the devil king again...?


    I''ll take the blame. Drismegian will still have his cronies with him, so he needs to get rid of them.


    It has been decided that he will accompany me to Droyer.


    ''Good!��This will help clear the stigma, while at the same time allowing us to watch and learn from the battles of our predecessors!��I''m with you, Zebiantes!


    How is it that I''m supposed to come along with you?


    It was Zeviantes who was baffled when he was suddenly called out.


    It''s a good thing that you are the Four Heavenly Kings, so you must do your duty. You must work hard for the amount of time you''ve been laden with.


    "Yikes!��If Droyer comes to our side, there will be more trouble!


    Zebiantes is being dragged away.


    I thought as I watched it.


    ''I should go too...?


    Once I was held back by Arantzill-san, but after hearing the explanation this time, I realized that Inferno, or rather Drismegian, is a pretty dangerous guy.


    It would be in the interest of humanity to leave this situation unattended, and I don''t know when the danger will come to my village of Lax, where I live.


    "...Malika.


    I will. Please take care of yourself.


    Marika, who had been quiet and reserved during the talk, seemed to swallow it all.


    After the encouragement of his well-built wife........


    ''''I''m going too. Let''s pour all our strength into destroying the inferno.


    However.


    ''No.''


    I don''t know why he said no to me.


    You are not to follow me. You are not to leave this place. Okay.


    The one who rejected him so was the once brave Estelica-san.

 195-194 Dariel can be held down

    ''''What?!''''


    The unexpected answer left me speechless and stunned.


    I didn''t expect to be refused.


    The one who adamantly refuses is Estelica-san, an apostle of Valhalla and former hero.


    ''''What do you mean by that?''''


    It was Ida who interrupted him in protest.


    ''If you''re talking about the cooperation of this worldly people, then he is the one we should expect to see. In fact, I thought that was why you came here?


    I think so.


    No.


    Still, Estelica was stubborn.


    ''The reason why we came here is firstly to apologize to Ida-sama for the series of things she did. Secondly, to gain your cooperation to move quickly through our human territory. We will not ask for any further help.


    But...?


    Why are you so reluctant to cooperate with me directly?


    ''What?��Huh?��What?


    Watching the series of exchanges, Droyer was puzzled.


    He has yet to see me in direct combat, so he probably still thinks I''m a logistical specialist who can''t use magic.


    ''''Estelica-san, I want you to explain it to me.


    I lean in myself.


    "We now know that the inferno is a threat to the entire world, not just the individual level or the village level. You want me to leave that guy alone and turn a blind eye to it?


    I can''t do that.


    This is still me, under the guidance of Granberza-sama, and I''m the one who has inherited Aranziel-san''s bloodline.


    If I don''t deal with the spreading crisis, I''ll lose my humanity.


    ''''That''s not good enough. You have more important things to protect. Something that only you can protect...


    The faces of Marika and Gran flashed through my mind when I was told that.


    But..........


    ''''There are many fathers in this world who are trying to protect their wives and children in the same way. They have their strengths and weaknesses, and I don''t know if they will be able to protect them when the inferno appears in front of them.


    So don''t I have to protect you instead?


    I''m the one with the power.


    My power.


    ''''Huh?''''


    Estelica-san''s hand touched my cheek.


    It was so abrupt that I felt a jolt.


    ''''Who did you inherit that sense of justice from?''''


    Huh?


    That being said........?


    Alanziel-san looks like that and only fights for personal reasons, and if I had to name a strong one, I''d have to say Master Granberza.


    But if you think about it in depth, is he also motivated by a sense of duty?


    I''m proud of the fact that you''re someone who sees the world and can think about how to make it better. But you can''t move on from this. You have to protect your family.


    But...?


    Remember what we made you hear. The Inferno''s leader, Drismegian, used his own enmity.


    .........


    The Drismegian of "Sahu" plays the central role of the monster who calls himself Inferno.


    In his lifetime, he was the Four Heavenly Kings of Fire, and after mastering fire magic, he arrived at the secret treasure that converts a person''s soul into flame heat through magic.


    ''''Why do you think Inferno and the others didn''t challenge that person immediately after escaping from hell?��How many incidents do you think we''ve caused in human territory that have nothing to do with a single case?


    .........huh?


    Indeed.


    Brainwashing the Three Brave Men to rob Mithril, sending large numbers of unknown thugs to the village of Lux, attacking the Rasperda Fortress....


    Why did he do that?


    Seemingly nothing to do with the ultimate goal of defeating the demon king.......?


    .........no?


    "They want the souls of those who should be the fuel for their fire magic. They know they can''t win against that man at this stage.


    Are you saying that all the incidents they caused so far were in preparation for fighting the Demon Lord?


    The inferno''s central Doris Megian can convert a person''s soul itself into flame heat.


    So if you simply gather a large number of people and use their souls as fuel.......


    ''''I see you''ve come up with an idea, your head spins well.......''''


    ''Well,'' says Estelica, somewhat satisfied.


    ''''But it seems that for the Drismegians, not just any soul is good enough. The emotions emitted by the soul have a great influence on the flame heat conversion.''''


    "Feelings...?


    The mind and the soul are inseparable.


    The emotions expressed by the mind have a profound effect on the soul?


    "The emotions most suited to creating chaos and vicious flames are anger, hatred. Such negative passions are exactly what they love.


    Because it produces a strong fire.


    "It seems that for them, the best nourishment is a person whose heart is controlled by hatred. "It seems that the best nourishment for them is a person whose heart is dominated by hatred, even better if their original aura and magical energy is high.


    So what about the series of incidents the inferno has caused so far...?


    In order to capture the souls of people as such prime fuel........?


    At the time of the Mithril robbery by the three brave men, the brave men whose emotions had run amok with brainwashing magic had eaten Mithril and their basic aura amount had jumped dramatically.


    The brainwashing magic had turned the brave men into hostile beasts, and considering the amount of aura they had boosted through the intake of mithril, it was really a delicious treat, wasn''t it?


    For the infernos.


    ''''Not only did they eat it, but they also remade it to become more suitable nourishment for themselves...?


    The Center Guild Director, Roselwy, also had a small amount of aura, but he was a mass of meritorious selfishness and would have been quite an excellent nutrient.


    All of Inferno''s dark moves are for that reason........?


    Desiring the power to oppose the Demon Lord, he was devouring the souls of others?��A soul stained with hate...?


    Huh?


    Then what was your intention in attacking Lax village?


    He wanted to use Loeselwy''s ambition to send more thugs into the village of Laxx to wreck it.


    In my absence.


    What good would he get out of doing that...?


    What does he get out of it, a hate-filled, strongman''s soul...?


    He''s on to himself, apparently. Excellent.


    "The target of the inferno in that case was me...?


    I have an ample amount of aura that comes from Alanziel-san.


    It''s a good thing that my heart is ruled by hatred.


    That''s why you attacked Lax village........?��If you destroy the village and kill Marika and Gran, then...!


    That''s exactly what I would be angry about, everything in my heart would be painted with a single color of hatred.


    That was the aim and purpose of the inferno.


    "If you had hatred in your heart, you would be a very good comrade of ours.


    That''s what Siegfriedgel, who was in charge of the inferno at the time, said.


    I finally understood the meaning of the words.


    And that alone made me angry.


    ''Keep your emotions in check,''


    Estelica said to me.


    ''You seem to have inherited not only an unparalleled aura ability from your father, but also a rage. The swell of emotions can sometimes make a person strong, but it can also create a dangerous vulnerability. It''s important to control them.


    She was right.


    I took a deep breath and adjusted my emotions.


    ''Well Inferno is trapped. It''s also weak. That''s why it''s looking for more souls than before to regain its power. There''s a good chance that you''ll be targeted again.


    If my heart is ruled by hatred, it will be the perfect treat for Inferno.


    To push me down to hatred........


    ''That''s why you must not move from the village. You must protect your family with your own hands. That''s the path you''ve chosen, isn''t it?


    For some reason, Estelica''s sermon penetrated my heart more than others.


    It was accompanied by more convincing power than words.


    ''We who have received the mission to defeat the inferno will definitely carry it through. Therefore, you must fulfill your mission. Protect what you must protect.


    You''re right...


    The inferno could be here.


    If he does, I will have to intercept him.


    To protect my most precious home and family, I will do it.

 196-195 Inferno splits (hell side)

    Meanwhile, what was Inferno doing at the same time?


    It was forced to devote all of its energies to dealing with the unforeseen pursuer, Ida of Heaven and Earth.


    The Dorismegian, which had been sleeping deep within the assembly, had surfaced and managed to escape by making use of its magical treasures.


    While hiding in hiding and hiding their appearance, they ran across the ground and headed towards........


    ��


    It was a prison.


    A special prison run by the Center Guild.


    If an adventurer who had gained the Aura ability used their power to commit a crime, they would be imprisoned here, no matter what sphere of influence they were in in any city.


    This is because with the aura ability, he can escape from any prison, no matter what kind of prison he is locked up in.


    The only facility that could seal it off and keep them completely locked up was the Center Guild''s special prison.


    That prison was attacked.


    They broke through a thick wall of rock that blocked any aura attack, burning the A-level adventurer who served as a guard.


    Inferno pushes forward into the depths of the prison.


    What Inferno begins to do there.........


    ....to eat.


    He drags out the prisoners locked in the prison one by one and gobbles them up while making squishy and squishy sounds.


    It was nothing but a living hell for the prisoners.


    They were trapped in a prison cell and could not escape, they could only sit and wait for their turn to be eaten.


    Inferno slips between the bars with a strange long hand and grabs the head and shoulders of the prisoner at the back and pulls him out through the gap in the bars.


    Through the gap in the bars.


    The body of the prisoner can naturally be grabbed because it is the iron bars to keep him from escaping.


    Even so, it was hell for the prisoner as they tried to pull him out forcibly.


    "Giaaaaahhhh!��Ouch, ouch, ouch!��I can''t do it!��Impossible ah!


    In the end, by the time I slipped through the crack, my joints were off, my bones were crushed, and my flesh was crushed.


    I had to eat quickly; if I died, my soul would be lost from my body.


    Such a thing was repeated hundreds of times........


    .... a full stomach, if you will.


    A sound that resembled a burp came from Inferno''s stomach.


    There was no more human breath around.


    All that was left was a piece of devoured flesh and the blood red that smeared the entire floor.


    ''They were delicious souls. The taste of hatred was thickly ingrained in them, and their strength was strong in its own way. There are many souls stockpiled at this level. You''ve identified a good place, Cernya.''


    "Thank you for the compliment...


    ..........


    Another conversation started inside the Inferno.


    ''Originally, we were looking into getting the bait back that was confiscated. The bait that was caught in the village would be brought here.


    The thugs Inferno had once released to attack the village of Lax.


    They were originally gathered by Inferno to strengthen himself.


    They were found because their accuracy was distorted and sulky and easily tainted with anger and hatred, and they were brainwashed with brainwashing magic and their emotions were disturbed and grew into hatred.


    They raised him slowly and tried to contact him when his mind was steeped in hatred.


    There were dozens of such cultivators, but along the way, they found a better candidate for nutrition than Dariel, so they diverted it as part of their strategy to get it.


    These are the sacrifices that will be eaten eventually anyway. It would be more efficient to give them another use before that.


    We used them as part of our strategy, just to get them to pull their clogs before turning cattle and horses into meat, but it backfired spectacularly.


    The sacrifices that were repulsed by Rax Village''s forces became prisoners of the Center Guild without a trace.


    Compared to Dariel, these Tributes are nothing but scum, but they were too good to lose.


    In order to get them back, I tracked them down and found them in the Center Guild''s special prison.


    The captured thieves were sent here.


    ''''It seems that the souls that the Lord likes are stirring in this prison to begin with. The souls that are being cultivated are caged and their hatred is growing. It''s getting better.


    ''I''ve had my fill, but that''s still not enough to make up for the loss of Siegfriedgel and Tortoritu. At best, it''s enough for one of us.


    ''''It hurts to lose two of our comrades who crawled out of hell together. It''s not possible for us to lose two of our comrades who crawled through hell together, so we have to make a plan for new supplies as soon as possible. We must immediately plan for new supplies.


    ..........


    There are currently three wraith bodies that make up the Inferno.


    The five wraiths were compounded during the escape from hell, but two were lost.


    One was scattered after the battle. It was a spectacular battle death that was too good to be the last of the departed.


    But the other one........


    ''''........Why did you abandon Tortolithu?''''


    "Hmm?


    A grudging accusation.


    It was the third Inferno, the man who had remained silent until then.


    ''Weren''t we comrades!��We escaped hell together to defeat the Demon King, didn''t we!


    The owner of the voice is Avos, a former human who was a regular hero a few decades ago.


    As is the usual pattern for those who fall into hell, he was involved in evil deeds before his death.


    And Tortoritu is still one of the deceased that made up the Inferno.


    In his lifetime, he was aligned with the Four Heavenly Kings under the name of "Momosui" Tortoritu, but he fell into hell and conspired with Drismegian to become the Inferno.


    At the end of it all, his entire soul was transformed into heat and annihilated in order to oppose the Ida of "Heaven and Earth" in the Rasperda Fortress.


    That was the Doris Megian''s Demonic Secret Method. The flaming heat that directly transformed the souls evaporated the huge fortress without leaving a trace of ashes.


    ''''Drismegian!��You think you''re the only one who can do that?��A bomb to unleash in a pinch?��And I''ll be able to take my soul out if I have to...?


    What about it?


    The answer that came back was cold-hearted.


    ''We are the infernal ghosts. Their hearts are already defiled. Don''t tell me you were planning to defeat the Demon King with your buddies?


    Tortolithu disappeared through no fault of his own.


    Another non-Drismegian voice says


    ''I shouldn''t have done it because he was weak, Noda.


    What?


    Weak and stupid, they''re only useful for converting heat. I''ve thought about it. Me, you, and Tortolithu. Why in the end did you choose Tortolithu to be your pawn out of the three?


    ...because he was weak?


    A hint of gloating can be felt.


    ''Yes, Da. On the contrary, you and I still have a use for it, Al. Therefore, we have not been abandoned, Noda. If you are recognized as strong, you will look down on the weak. You should not show them any unnecessary mercy. You can''t do that, Naraba...


    Next time I''ll use you as a pawn.


    A hint of breathlessness emanated from the Drismegian himself at the looming voice.


    Avos'' mental picture changed.


    "All right. I''m a brave man. I was chosen for bravery because I am strong. And yet the idiots in the center guild didn''t recognize me. They reversed their decision and stripped me of my heroic title!


    ..........


    I''ll have you admit it!��To the idiots in the Center Guild, to the Demon King, and to you!��You''re gonna be the first to admit that I''m the strongest!��I''m going to make you believe you can never make me an abandoned pawn!


    That''s the spirit. That''s why I chose the inferno in person.


    The word "Inferno" means hell.


    The deceased who have escaped from hell call themselves hell.


    It meant that they themselves were also hell. Hell poured out of Hell.


    But you can''t get rid of your fears by just saying it. I will prove to you by my actions that I am relying on you.


    Something stirred within the red cloak of the inferno.


    ''The prisoners who devoured this prison. Their souls were nourished in their own way, but that''s not all they got.


    The Inferno devoured not only the souls of the prisoners, but also their bodies.


    The Drizmegians only wanted souls, and the accompanying bodies were essentially unnecessary.


    However, such unwanted items could be recycled by the way they were used.


    With a horrible sound, something crawled out from inside the red cloak.


    That''s two.


    Two men separated from the inferno and stood up.


    "I have repaired your corpses using the bodies of the prisoners I have captured. Now you will be able to operate independently of me.


    The Inferno, which had been a collection of multiple exiles, became independent and split apart.


    ''Cernya, Avos,''


    Now the Red Cloak was no longer completely Drismegian alone.


    ''''I expect you guys to work hard.''''


    "Surely the Lord will help you.


    One of the separated wraiths bowed reverently.


    The other looked unamused and turned to the side.


    ''Keh.''


    "Sithe, what will the Lord do if he cuts us off?


    Drismegian answers that question.


    ''A little early, but I intend to move on to the next phase. Ida is chasing me and I''m running out of room. I would have preferred to wait until I had a little more power, but we''ll see.


    "I''m sure my Lord would have the troglodytes in his power.


    One of the separated wraiths.......Sernya seemed to be a loyal vassal of the Drismegians.


    ''So, our role in the meantime, no...?


    You know what I''m talking about. You''ve only been called the "Demon King''s Running Dog" for your foresight.


    ''Scorned swear words, Death. Please do not forget...


    And so the hell split into three, one and two, flying in completely different directions and disappearing.


    The shadows stirred more and more violently.

 197-196 Droje apologizes (Shitenno side)

    A few days passed.....


    The Inferno defeating team was in the forest.


    A forest in a certain section of human territory.


    The chain of trees was large and deep, and they proceeded along an unreliable beast path that stretched between them.


    The inside of the forest was tranquil and did not rub against the shadows of people such as hunters and soma people.


    The sounds of wild birds in the distance only stimulate the ears at best.


    ''''........Is there really a Dristmegian in a place like this?''''


    Ida asks, numbly.


    Ida, who has gained a reputation as the Four Heavenly Kings, has been keeping a low profile to avoid trouble, and it seems to have caused him a lot of stress.


    There''s no sign of anyone at all," he said. It''s true that he''s being pursued, but even if he were to go into hiding, it would be better than that...


    If you have a problem with that, you can leave.


    It was Selmet who retorted sharply.


    She was the field officer in charge of the intelligence network that was secretly set up in the human territory.


    Why she was accompanying him was at Dariel''s instruction.


    Since there was still some concern about the movements of Ida, who had previously caused a fiasco, it was with the utmost consideration that Selmet, who could make full use of all the information, was assigned to support her.


    There is nothing we can do about it if it gets us into trouble.


    However, thanks to our concern, there was no major disturbance. The Ida of "Heaven and Earth" and her companions were originally able to penetrate deep into enemy territory.


    That might be a problem....


    The party in progress was led by Ida from "Heaven and Earth" and her assistant, Valhalla''s Apostle Estelica, who accompanied her.


    The four heavenly kings of the day, Droyer of "Iodine" and Zebiantes of "Huafu", who were forcibly asked to move on.


    It''s simply a warrior force that can easily destroy a city.


    The feelings of Selmet, who serves as their guide, are mixed.


    ''''In the first place!��Why should I support you people?��I hate you guys!


    You''re a woman who isn''t afraid of her superiors, aren''t you?


    Although it was a mix of old and new, the other party was the Four Heavenly Kings who stood at the top of the Demon King''s army.


    It''s not someone that Selmet, who is only an agent, can lose his courtesy, and at the very least he needs to be respectful.


    Even so, he still says what he wants to say without regard to the matter.


    ''''I am!��I''m sick and tired of my home country.��The Four Heavenly Kings are all incompetent!��We''re not going to make use of any of the information we''ve risked our lives to acquire!


    For an agent who infiltrates enemy territory, hiding his identity and lying while his mind is worn out, there is nothing more empty and infuriating than this.


    "I babysit you and your friends all the time, under Lady Dariel''s orders!��Dariel, whom we should really be serving, tells us to do so, so we have no choice!��Don''t forget I''m showing you around!


    I''m sorry.


    ''''Kugikku!''''


    Selmet choked on the apology that came back without a moment''s delay.


    ''''It''s all like you said. We are not competent enough. If you call us incompetent, I can only say that you''re right.''''


    It was Droyer, the current Four Heavenly Kings, who said in penitence, "I''m sorry.


    He took the outbursts that would normally be forgiven for being rude to him seriously.


    That''s why we must change. That''s why we must change. With that, we will return to the standard of the previous Four Heavenly Kings, which was normal. ...I want you to cooperate with me.


    What...?


    Dariel told me about your intelligence work. I value everything he says.


    If it was Droyer''s position, he could have put all the blame on Bashbursa and got away with it.


    The severity of his self for not doing so.


    ''''Well, when you say that much,''''


    The other party has no choice but to settle the hostility.


    ''You can trust them a little. There are a few things to look at in our generation, like Droyer''s seriousness and Bezellia''s harmony, too.''''


    Thank you.


    ''But don''t forget!��Only the biggest reason is that Master Dariel told me to do it!��Dariel-sama''s wishes are paramount, you know!


    Dariel had instructed me that the intelligence network controlled by Selmet would continue to cooperate with the Four Heavenly Kings from now on.


    In a sense, it''s just a return to normalcy.


    ''''Hey, hey, hey,''''


    We''ve just gotten the story out of the way, but Zebiantes intervenes.


    ''What''s so good about me?


    What?


    ''You''ve made good points about both Droyer and Bezelia, so it would be perfect to mention me as well. Feel free to praise them.


    Shut up!��Hey, I don''t have anything nice about you!


    It was Selmet who couldn''t contain his verbal knife.


    As much noise as it makes.


    Ida, who should be the oldest, sighed.


    ''But what is Inferno going to do, hiding out in a place like this?


    Estelica, standing in line next to me, says.


    ''''This is a forbidden area of human territory called ''Orochi no Mori''. Because dangerous monsters live here, the entry of ordinary people is restricted. That''s why it might be convenient for hiding out, but...''''


    There''s someone here who knows what to do.


    ''I''m a human by nature...''


    The human race intermingled among the demon race.


    Normally this would be strange, but any insane thing could happen when Dariel was involved, and Selmet himself didn''t care since he was an alien race that sneaked into human territory.


    ''As a matter of fact, I intercepted information that that red cloak is here. From the Center Guild.


    From the Center Guild?


    Selmet is a spy.


    There is no reason for him to overhear the public information that the Center Guild is transmitting to various places.


    ''''About three days ago, that red cape appeared in the Center Guild''s special prison.


    "Special prison?��It''s a facility dedicated to the incarceration of people with aura abilities, isn''t it?


    You really know your stuff. The special prison they raided was a total loss, especially the prisoners.


    We are all silent at the wretched report.


    After a few seconds of silence........


    ''''I know because I''ve seen that red cloak in person too. No one else could have done such a terrible thing but him. You can''t understand his abnormality unless you see it in person.


    I see. But with that kind of information, wouldn''t it be better to head to this particular prison?��What''s the point of hanging out in the woods like this?


    Selmet didn''t flinch at Ida''s protests.


    ''The killer can''t stay at the scene of the crime forever,'' he said. There''s no point in running to the site of the escape. I''ve got more important information to share with you.


    "Newsworthy information?


    The survivor of the raid on the Special Prison heard about it. The attacker, the Red Cloak, had a conversation with his comrades, and they discussed going to the ''grated forest''.


    So this is where...


    I look around at the dense trees around me.


    The Center Guild is busy trying to rope the attacker in. Thanks to that, we were able to overhear the situation as it flitted through the various guilds. If we really wanted to catch the Red Cloak, wouldn''t it be more efficient to get ahead of where we''re headed?


    Okay, I understand the situation.


    Ida made her way through the dense forest.


    ''''But are there any survivors left after the Drismegian attack?��And conveniently eavesdropping?��It''s like too much talk...?


    Beyond mumbling to himself, he encountered some people.


    The information they used as a clue in the first place emanated from the Center Guild.


    It was Inferno, who had finally caused clear and immense damage to the Center Guild by destroying the special prison.


    The Center Guild would be pursuing the culprit with all its might.


    It''s not hard to imagine that they''re turning their attention to the Oroshi-no-Mori (Oroshi Forest), where they are believed to be on the run.


    And the ones who will be in charge of the chase are the elite among the elite who have been chasing the inferno for some time.


    ��


    What?


    Are you...?


    The brave man of the day, Radey.


    He led his friends into the Oroshi Forest.


    Their purpose is, of course, the Inferno.


    You are?��Have you invaded human territory again without a single thought?


    Seeing Ida''s appearance, Radie''s vigilance is revealed at once.


    In the past, he was almost killed by an overwhelmingly powerful opponent. It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on a new one.


    "You encountered this guy while chasing after a bandit, so you are related to him, aren''t you?


    Don''t be so sure!��I won''t be late this time!


    Sesha and Zester are also very excited.


    The memory of being overwhelmed by Ida once must be very fresh.


    ''''........This is foolish. You''re still thinking that you can fight me after being shown such a difference in ability?��Do you think the form of the battle is viable?


    ''''Even if you can''t win against an opponent, since you carry the name of a brave man on your back...!


    Just before the battle was about to begin as a matter of course, just before it happened.


    ''''Ah!��It''s Radie-chan!


    No way, Zevi-chan!��What''s going on here?


    The battle was successfully averted by one a**h*le.

 198-197 Enemies fight together (Brave & Shitenno side)

    ''It''s so good to see you!��I thought I''d miss you since you were gone in Lax Village!


    ''No, it''s not!��Me and Zebi-chan are Zubi-chan''s friends, so we can see each other whenever we want!


    Two beautiful women, holding each other''s hands and twitching on the spot.


    The air was so harmonious that everyone gathered there relaxed.


    ''''Um.........?


    ''''What does this mean........?


    There were a variety of people who could understand the situation and some who couldn''t.


    Those who couldn''t understand stood by in confusion, and those who could understand stood by in dismay.


    ''''What?!��........Wait, if Zebi-chan is with them, then these people aren''t the bad guys!


    ''''That''s the way it is!��That''s just the way it is!


    The misconceptions were dispelled.


    All the seeds of the conflict are exterminated by a single Zebiantes.


    "We have come to capture Bongiorno, who is said to be deep in the forest!��Or he''s here to kill you!


    It''s an inferno.


    ''It''s my understanding that you and your friends are here for the same reason!��We have to work together and fight hard here!


    In contrast, Radey.........


    ''Of course!��That''s a great duo reunion!


    ''''We''re going to do it!


    They held each other''s arms tightly.


    I''m not following you anymore.


    So I don''t mind that we''re going to fight alongside Radie and the others!


    You already put it all together.


    Both agree that Zebiantes is the lone victor and that they are not hostile to each other.


    They exchange information, although they are not exaggerating.


    ''Drismegian.......or rather, we came here after the Inferno. If you say we have the same goal, we might be able to cooperate with each other, but what do you think?


    Maybe the last time you were in the area.


    Yeah?


    The heroes lose their temper at the exchange with Ida.


    If that''s the case, I''ll say so from the beginning, that I did!


    "Anyone who kicks around that loudly will think it''s an invasion!


    This is so annoying!


    A storm of criticism.


    ''What? You guys would have intercepted them without question!


    Next to the argument, a new encounter was taking place next to the argument.


    ''''Ah, you are...?''''


    Radie flinched at the sight of the familiar beauty.


    ''''A person from the land of the Four Heavenly Kings!��My strongest...?


    Didn''t expect to see you again like this, my dear boy.


    As for Droyer, he was the most wary opponent in the mission of the Four Heavenly Kings, the brave man.


    It''s also the one that made you wait for months at Lasperda Fortress for months so that you could attack at any time.


    ''''Xevi-chan, has this guy come to our side too?''''


    "They found out! Seriously, I''ve become very tight with you attached to me.


    Droyer interrupts the casual small talk in a serious manner.


    ''''It''s been a long time, brave man. You haven''t attacked me for a long time, so I was wondering what you were doing wandering around in the backcountry like this...!


    Oh, I''m sorry. I''ve been training hard lately, and I haven''t been able to figure out my way around.


    Trained?��Then I, who was strictly guarding the fortress during that time...?


    Droyer is shocked to learn that his own exertions were meaningless.


    ''''Huh?��Didn''t you tell her, Zebi?


    ''You have no right to teach me! It''s more convenient for me to stick to the fortress because it''s more docile.


    It was Droyer who grabbed Zeviantes by the collar.


    ''''There seems to be a story to pile up, but...''''


    Each of them uttered a voice to settle their own mess.


    It was Estelica''s place to do so.


    ''Who is it?''


    I''ve never seen that man before...?


    As if to push through the bewilderment of the brave party, he proceeded to talk without regard.


    "All of us here should agree on the goal of defeating the inferno. If that''s the case, causing unnecessary confusion here is just what the enemy wants.


    They all nodded involuntarily.


    ''''I know that we should work together here, as the ladies over there say, to reach our goal. ........How about you, Ida-sama?


    ''I don''t care what form it takes as long as Zako is quiet. After all, I''m the only one who can have a decent fight with Drismegian.


    Ida''s confident attitude...


    That boy''s got some nerve.


    How did he grow up to be such an arrogant brat...?


    After his death, Ida, who was given the Einherjar Body by the Demon King, remains immortal and looks like a boy, even if he continues to exist for several hundred years.


    ''''Hey, Radie-chan. Radey-chan also heard that the Red Cloak is here.


    ''Yes. We got an emergency call from the Center Guild and came here. There was a survivor who heard that the inferno that attacked the special prison was headed here.


    The information was the same as that possessed by Zeviantes and the others.


    Since the source is the same, it''s only natural.


    ''Why on earth did Doris........no, Inferno head for a forest like this?��I don''t think he''s going to run off without a purpose.


    There''s a powerful monster in the Oroshi no Mori that is impossible to defeat. It''s called the Mountain Goddess.


    Estelica of Ida''s soliloquy replies.


    The whole area has become a no-go zone because of that monster. The only thing I can think of is that the monster has some sort of purpose.


    What use could a monster have to do with it?��No, what the Drismegians think is always beyond comprehension, but...?


    The discussion of their predecessors was simmering at the moment.


    ''May I?''


    The one who interrupted was Zester, who had become a member of the brave party.


    ''''Actually, that''s it, I had an encounter with that mountain orcid wolf just the other day.


    Okay, then?


    Lady Dariel, who was with me, mentioned something that bothered me.


    It was the time when the candidates took on the monsters in the A-level promotion exam.


    "Lord Dariel said. ''That''s a monster beast.''


    What.........?


    As soon as she said it, Ida''s expression changed.


    It''s a hexenbiest?��A hexenbiest is in here?


    At least that''s what Master Dariel said.


    A monster beast.


    They are a different kind of monster, far more fearsome than monsters.


    Dariel had once experienced the horror of fighting a fire monster, Salamandra.


    That''s how he realized it. That''s why I realized that the Mountain Wolf''s real name is Wind Devil Beast Windra.


    ''Ida-sama...?


    ''''It''s a different story if the Drismegian sought out a demonic beast, and it''s quite serious...?


    Among the forbidden curses possessed by the demon race, there are those that gain power by using demonic beasts or fusing with demonic beasts.


    Both are very uncontrollable on an individual level, and in the end, they always end up going out of control.


    ''''The thoughts of those who have gone to hell can''t be measured by common sense. They''ll do whatever it takes to get it done, no matter what the danger.


    Anyway, we should head underneath the hexenbiest first. The giant ones will be easier to find than those who hide in plain sight.


    The goal is set and I''m about to run off....


    That''s not necessary.


    Two figures appeared from the depths of the forest.


    It was as if they were blocking the path to the monster.


    "There''s no need to look for them. We''ll take care of you two.


    Tsk.


    One of them was a rather thin, wire-like man. He looked lifeless, and the two eyes that just glowed bright red were terrifying.


    They were as red as the flames of hell.


    The other man was short in stature, with a body that was tightly packed with muscles all over and thick limbs.


    However, they both had the same red eyesight.


    Who are you?


    Ida, the strongest of the team, asks on behalf of the team.


    ''Well, there''s a stranger out there. Do you understand, Radey?


    No, who the hell are you...?


    I can''t recognize any of them.


    What a slow wreck. ...Don''t you get it now?


    ''''Ah!''''


    One of the two men in the team, a short man, held up his hands.


    Several members of the team reacted to a total of ten chains extending from each of those ten fingers.


    ''''Those chains!��I saw them in the Rasperda Fortress...?


    ''''That''s the weapon that that red-cloaked bastard was using!


    The same weapon that Inferno used.


    What it means is.........


    ''My name is Cernya, and this is Avos.


    Keh...!


    The Apostle, with the fire of hell in his eyes, says


    ''We are the Inferno. We are waiting here for your hospitality, Ita.''

 199-198 Selnya stands up (Brave & Shitenno side)

    ''Inferno.........?


    Gazes of suspicion flew towards the pair who suddenly stood there.


    Everyone was confused by the statement.


    ''''You''re lying!��Bongiorno always comes out with a dusky red cape on!


    That''s why it''s an inferno.


    But Zeviantes'' point itself is correct.


    The inferno, which was always supposed to be one person, appeared as two.


    Moreover, he doesn''t have the red cloak that could be said to be his trademark.


    What they mean is.....


    ''''They''re the ones who made up the wraith body along with the Drismegians, aren''t they?


    One of the Ida of "Heaven and Earth" said calmly, "You have been given an incomplete, disembodied body.


    ''''You were given incomplete, disembodied bodies, bodies that were burned by prison flames and lost in places. What you lacked in parts, you filled in for each other. And so the body that was made up as one is the inferno.


    That''s why they''re considered plural and one.


    Estelica adds.


    ''And each of them became independent in unison. Have you got some supplementary meat from somewhere?


    ''Your answer. You are indeed the Lord''s self-proclaimed ally, Ida, Dana of ''Heaven and Earth''.


    ....


    Ida''s eyebrows knit together at the sarcastic tone.


    The other day I had the opportunity to take a large amount of souls. The other day we had the opportunity to ingest a large quantity of souls, but when we ate the souls, our bodies were attached to them. But when they ate the souls, they took their bodies with them and used them for food.


    "I heard you hit some prison cell...


    As expected, Ida also frowned.


    ''''How many hundreds were sacrificed to make up for your physical deficiencies?��An evil deed worthy of a hell-raiser.


    Deficit assistance is only a twidey. The main purpose is to absorb the soul. The body that was originally unnecessary was reused and not wasted, so I''d say that''s rather gentle.


    "A lot of sophistry.


    The landscape around Ida showed a strange shimmer.


    The spatial distortions are showing an expansion. It must have been in preparation for the enemy''s attack.


    ''The Lord has given us a body and we are more perfect. No longer can we be one piece of existence that cannot be fulfilled unless we get together.


    Because he is a ghost who was resurrected from hell, the monster Inferno was also a deformed form.


    However, in this world, he has changed even more, becoming a different monster than before.


    Inferno is no longer a term that refers to a single demon. The term inferno no longer refers to a single demon, but to all three of us.


    I say three, but...


    Ida, glancing cautiously to the left and right, then says


    ''I don''t see any Drismegians, where are they?


    He pursues more sharply.


    I''m going to be able to say that we are separated, which means that we are able to act separately. What are you mooks sneaking around behind the scenes with your small fry in the vanguard?


    A copycat?��You!


    The one who reacted the most violently and was about to pounce on the other.


    You''re not going to be able to get away with it.


    You''re treating me like a wimp again, aren''t you?��You''re going to be treated like a wimp again!��You''re gonna regret it when you try to pull that shit!


    Hey, Abos, I''ll take you up on that.


    The slender one admonished.


    ''Either way, it''s true that we can''t defeat him ourselves. Forgetting the role we''ve been given.


    ''''Guruuuuuuuu...!''''


    Even with this exchange alone, one could tell at a glance which of the enemies was the commander.


    ''''........A diversion.


    Ida immediately recognized the situation.


    "I''ll leave it to you to deal with them. I''ll go after Drismegian.


    ''What?!''


    Ida turns on her heel without hesitation and turns to leave.


    "Hey, wait a minute!��We can''t just kill them all!


    That''s your job. That''s why you''re following us.


    The way he said it was frank.


    "Drismegian is going to do something," he said. The Drismegian is going to do something, he''s going to make the most horrible, unimaginable move of all. He''s going to make the most horrible, unimaginable move of all, and he''s going to keep us on our toes until he''s done.


    So he dared the survivors to eavesdrop and lure the trackers to this point.


    Everything was in Inferno''s hands.


    Then it is best to pursue Drismegian in a straight line without bothering these guys. But since you''re here, it''s time to be useful. It makes sense to hit the small fry with the small fry.


    ''''Small fry is a terrible thing to say!


    Zeviantes is indignant, but Droyer and Radie, who have also been taken in by the same group, cannot be at peace.


    But they can''t argue with that.


    But they can''t argue with him, because they have witnessed the strength of Ida, and they have to admit that he is right.


    I should say that he is one of the strongest men of all time, as expected of a straightforward decision, but he is a bit hasty. If you are only concerned about the Lord and overlook important things, you will be treated as poorly as a new recruit.


    Ho....!


    Hostility in his eyes as his pride got the better of him.


    ''It''s a big part of the Drismegian dog-feelings.


    A dog is a dog, but he''s a loyal dog. I won''t just sit back and wait for them to find out that I''m stalling.


    Hmm....


    Ida is rather impressed by these words as she puts down her anger.


    "Loyalty. You have a lot more men than you thought. So, in spite of your good health, what is your trump card?


    Ida, the higher ups, would be incompetent if they didn''t have some kind of plan in place.


    This is where I read that there must be a secret plan to keep Ida on the hook.


    You''ve heard it from those guys over there, haven''t you?��The giant demon that lives in this forest, is that...?


    A Hexenbiest.


    Four cursed beasts that were created by the Demon King a long time ago.


    Their origin and strength were completely different from the monsters, and their fearfulness rivaled that of natural disasters.


    When faced with the existence of these monsters, even the strongest four Heavenly Kings of all time would have no choice but to change their attitude.


    The true identity of the monster known as the Mountain Wolf that lives in this forest is Wind Devil Windra. Even though you don''t know it, calling a monster monster a monster, the human race is as stupid and carefree as ever...''''


    I guess I''m just as wary of using the name "Hexenbiest" as you are of mentioning it. But what the hell do you want with a hexenbiest?


    In the first place, the existence of demonic beasts was a threat because they were out of the control of humans and demonkind.


    If they could be easily incorporated into a strategy, there would be no difficulty.


    ''''Do you want to use a forbidden spell to bring them in?''''


    There was someone who had actually tried to do that in the recent past.


    It was Bashbarza, the now deceased Four Heavenly Kings "Ayan Fire".


    In order to cover up the repeated blunders, he took to reading the forbidden curse in one fell swoop. He found the most appropriate monster emissary and eventually fused it with a monster to gain its power for himself, but...


    In the end, he couldn''t withstand the power of the hexenbiest and his whole body disappeared.


    The power of these monsters is so powerful that it''s impossible for one demon race to contain it all.


    Hence, it was the hidden treasure of the Demonic Beast Fusion that was considered a forbidden curse.


    ''''But even so, Drismegian might be able to do it. He might be able to swallow all the power of a hexenbiest.


    Ida''s appreciation for her old friend was unstoppable.


    ''''But we have another problem. If it''s a wind monster beast here, then it has different attributes, right?''''


    Drismegian''s specialty in magic is fire.


    The fusion of monsters and beasts can only have explosive power when both attributes are present. With fire and wind, the conversion efficiency is poor, and that could be detrimental to you.


    It''s true that a Hexenbiest might not be to your liking. But what about someone else?


    What did you say?


    ''Is there any part of this Cernya''s name that you notice, Noka?


    I don''t know. Who are you?


    ''I was proud to say that I still had some fame in this, but not enough to reach the ears of the prosperous Valhalla. More diligence is needed.


    Are you........a demon, or are you from a demon race?��In other words, before he fell into hell, he had the status of the Four Heavenly Kings. No way.........?


    Ida''s expression changes at the possibilities that can be derived.


    ''''As you can imagine, when I was in this world, I was the Four Heavenly Kings of the Wind.


    It''s just like me!


    Zeviantes'' unimportant counterpart.


    ''''The same wind attribute as the wind monster........ Do you mean you''re going to eat the monster beasts here?��You don''t know what you''re doing. You think you could control a hexenbiest if you weren''t a Drismegian?


    Well, we''ll let you find out. We haven''t fused them together yet.


    A rustling sound.


    It was the sound of forest branches swaying and leaves or rubbing against each other.


    The branches swayed because the wind was blowing.


    Suddenly, the wind started to pick up.


    ''''The demonic beasts are already on my side Da.


    A huge dragon descends from the heavens.


    The dark green scales may symbolize the power of the wind, and the mane of the dragon''s body, which is thick in places, sways majestically in the wind.


    ''''Something came out!


    "That''s...?


    The wind monster Windora.


    This is the same type of existence as Salamandre, the flame monster beast that once drove Dariel and the others into a corner to show off its fearsome nature.


    You''ve already been using the Hexenbiest''s magician''s technique?


    "Come on, you''re going to fight me, Apostle Yo of Valhalla. What do you think you can do against a hexenbiest?

 200-199 Group battle begins (Brave & Shitenno side)

    ''''Ku........!''''


    Ida''s expression changed.


    It became impatient and tight.


    The existence of demonic beasts is a venerable threat to the extent that even Ida, who seems invincible, is made to panic.


    ''''You guys!��Defeat those Drismegian men there!


    A shout that resembled a scream.


    ''''The Wind Demon Beast will be hit by me and Estelica!��Strike the main body while we hold the most dangerous one in check!


    ''What!��No way...?


    It took Radie and the others a little while to understand that it was directed at them.


    ''''As long as the person who uses the emissary magic is defeated, the magical beast will be released!��It''s the most efficient way!��Fine, I''ll leave it to you!


    The roar released by the demonic beast.


    Perhaps because it controlled the wind, the cry itself had the striking power of a bullet of air.


    It can easily penetrate even Ida''s spatial distortions and reach him himself.


    ''''Guh!


    ''''Ida-sama!''''


    I don''t know where Estelica had hidden it, but she drew a swing of her sword and let go.


    ''''Even as expected of Ida-sama, it''s too much of a burden for you to take on a demonic beast by yourself.......!��I''m going to join the party!


    I say to the rest of you.


    ''As Master Ida has planned!��He and I are going to have to hold the windjammer back while you guys take down the infernos!��It''s unworthy of relying on the people of this world, but in this situation, there''s only you guys!


    Then, just as a help, he flew off with his eyes on the wind monster beast in the air.


    Valhalla''s Apostle, flying normally.


    ''''But don''t underestimate them!��The Four Heavenly Kings and the Brave who have gone to hell and back!��You''re better than that!


    After saying that much, he swung his sword down on the giant dragon, but his voice and figure were drowned out by the strong wind of the counterattack without being able to slice through it roku.


    Lacking the most dependable aliens, the original strongest people on earth faced the monsters.


    ''''Eh?��We have to do this, don''t we?��I thought I could leave it all up to those bastards and make it easy for them?


    ''Don''t be naive. That''s what I was going to do originally, until I struggled.


    In spite of Zebiantes''s insincerity, Droyer was motivated.


    Two people to hold in view.


    It is so eerie and weird that it is out of this world.


    ''You guys, I''ll ask for the elongated one over there.


    Saying that, it was the brave Radey who proceeded out.


    He stood alongside Droyer, who was supposed to be the enemy.


    You''re not going to be able to get the same side as you...?


    ''''That''s how unusual the situation is right now. In the first place, when you get involved with Dariel-san, a lot of common sense is overruled, so you''ll just have to get used to it.


    ..........


    Droyer was speechless, not knowing what to say in return.


    ''''........There are two enemies. We have an overwhelming advantage in terms of numbers. ..........and you leave the slender one to us?


    The enemy inferno split into two, lined up with a tall, skinny man and a short, muscular, thickly built man.


    ''From the conversation, the tall one seems to be of the demon race and the smaller one of the human race. It''s easier to read each other''s hands when they''re dealing with their own kind.


    Maybe but we''ve fought that chainman before.


    Bitter memories of being overwhelmed without a hand or foot come back.


    ''''The ten chains filled with aura have easily shattered even my earthen rock barriers. You are a fearsome opponent. Can you people be able to outrun them?


    ''You''re going to give me advice?��That''s very kind of you.


    Droyer''s nose blanched in dismissal after being pointed out as such.


    ''But don''t worry, Dariel-san also beat me up on dealing with the whip system. It''s not us who fall behind. .........Satome!��Mr. Sesha!��Mr. Zester!


    He called out the names of the friends he was fighting with.


    ''Our enemy is that short man!��Weapons in chains!��I saw someone with the aptitude for a hit (hitting) aura!��We''ll attack from all sides, taking care of the attack range!


    ""Yes!"


    The party members scattered as if they were striking and echoed, each approaching the chain-user Avos from a completely different direction.


    ''''........Uzeez.''''


    Chains that wring as a response.


    The ten chain shot that once raged in Lasperda Fortress. Before that, the four heavenly kings of the day were unable to do anything about it, but this time it attacked the current brave men and women.


    However.


    ''''........!


    Radie and the others read the chain''s trajectory with precision and dodged it expertly.


    No hits?��Can''t you just...?


    Your chain''s trajectory is too straightforward!��We need to mix more feints or we won''t hit it forever!


    What?��She''s a little girl...?


    Dariel-san''s Hermes floggers can change their trajectory at the most inexcusable times!��By comparison, your chains are elementary!


    The Radies, who use dodging without preventing, are able to cross over sufficiently against Avos.


    ''''They........are completely different from the last time we fought them.


    The results of his training under Dariel were truly evident.


    It was only because Droyer had experience in combat with these women that he could see the changes.


    What would happen if that fighting ability came directly at him?


    A chill ran down Droyer''s spine at the thought.


    ''''Doroye. It''s not the time to be gazing at them!


    I huff as Zebiantes calls me over.


    ''''We will take care of our share. If you are slow to do that, that is the end of the Four Heavenly Kings'' reputation.


    Oh, my God, yes.��Brace yourself, Zebiantes!


    I''m already on my feet, aren''t I?


    Zebiantes and Droyer.


    The two Four Heavenly Kings stepped together to confront a lifeless, deformed, slim body.


    Their bodies, which are as skinny as dead tree branches, are really life forms?


    It was so unreliable that it seemed so.


    ''''If he''s the one controlling the Wind Demon Beast, then as long as we can defeat him, that pompous child''s hands will be free.


    A pompous child, you mean Master Ida?��Don''t be disrespectful. It''s our great forerunner. And yet, as I see it, so does he.


    The skinny mage only looked down at the two beautiful women while remaining silent.


    It didn''t seem like they had any intention of setting up from the other side. Is it a margin of safety?


    ''''It seems that he''s the old Four Heavenly Kings, but I don''t have any idea, do I?��I''m not interested in it, so I''m sure I don''t know about it.


    ''To say that with dignity!��........But I wouldn''t know either. It''s as likely to have been wiped out of existence as the Drismegians.


    That''s what I mean by going to hell.


    ''From what we''ve been talking about, it seems the magic you''re good at is wind. It''s the same genus as you. Leave the analysis to me.


    Oh no, I don''t like details.


    Anyway, staring at each other won''t get us anywhere.


    Let''s start with the front door.


    ''''I am one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, Droyer of the ''Fertile Ground''!


    "Huafu..." "That''s the same ''Huafu'' Zebiantes...


    Droyer''s seriousness was evident around starting with his name.


    The opposing enemy returned with a sneer.


    ''So?��Don''t tell me you want me to give you my name back too?


    ''''Even in the past, if you''re the proud Fourth Heavenly King, you should at least show some common courtesy. I''ll take that into consideration and ask you, who are you?


    ''''Young lady. You are too dainty and dreamy to be at the top of the demon army. For the sake of your cuteness, let this be your answer.


    "Whoa!


    The wind blew in.


    Both Droyer and Xeviantes covered their faces with their hands, because it was so sudden.


    This gust of wind is your answer?��It''s a concept!��The bottom line is that he hit me back!


    You''re a tomboy, Dana. You have a foul mouth. But I''ve already introduced myself, haven''t I?


    What?��What do you mean?��...There you are?


    Zebiantes screamed at the pain that suddenly ran through his epidermis.


    ''''Ouch!��Ow, ow, ow!��It hurts!��What is it?��I have pins and needles all over my body!


    Something''s hitting me!��Is it small and hard...?��Stone?


    Little by little, you''ll understand.


    It was a stone.


    Small stones, about the size of the tip of my pinky finger, were flying in the wind.


    And they were countless.


    They were hitting Zeviantes and Droyer''s bodies and causing them pain.


    ''''Ouch, ouch!��It hurts!��More and more of them are coming in!��It''s making the pain worse!


    ''''The power is increasing, this is...?


    The two of them, bathed in a fierce wind of pebbles, bent down to endure it.


    The number and speed of the pebbles flying has increased to the point where they can no longer be endured.


    ''''This is my inherent ability and name sononoono........''''


    The enemy mage says.


    ''''The title the Demon King gave me is ''Conglomerate Wind''. I used to be one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, ''Conglomerate Wind'' Cernya, Da.

 201-200 two attributes, interact (Brave and Shitenno side)

    ''''Geez!��It was getting to be unbearable by now!��You''ll be covered in bruises all over your body.


    I hope that''s not too much. It''s a good thing that this flying pebble is as rough as a file. I''m sure you''ll be able to find it.


    The skin all over his body turns sticky.


    Deciding that it''s not advisable to continue receiving it idly any longer, Droyer moves.


    ''''Earth rock barrier!''''


    He thrusts his hand into the ground and sends his magic power into the ground.


    In response, the ground rises up and rises in front of Droyer as a huge wall.


    ''''That''s nice, Droyer-chan!��They must hide behind the walls and work their way past the pebbles!


    ''''This gives me a break, but it''s a magic I''ve never seen before. Speaking of stone, it''s probably an earth attribute, but to mix it with the wind...


    ''It''s like a magic of different attributes combined!��It''s also very intense and that''s a good thing!


    It''s just a matter of time before you get it right. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on in the world.


    It would take an exquisite creation of magic to turn it into an opposite enhancement.


    Moreover, when it was achieved, it was usually done by a combination of two mages who were good at different attributes.


    I''ve never heard of a single attribute combination on its own.


    ''After all, the Four Heavenly Kings who are cast into hell are just as heterogeneous as Valhalla. I must learn well...!


    ''This is not the time to inspire learning!��We''re going to have to hide behind a rock and think long and hard about our countermeasures!��........Huh?


    What''s the matter, Zeviantes?


    I think the sound is getting closer, don''t you?


    Clank clank clank clank clank clank clank clank....


    The sound transmitted through the magically raised earthen walls.


    That would be the sound of gravel flying in the wind and hitting the earthen walls.


    It''s a defensive magic, so it doesn''t matter how many pebbles fly through it.


    I''m not going to be the only one.


    I was supposed to do that.


    I''m not going to be able to get it right.


    ''What is it that''s hitting the wall so fast?��The sound is closer and louder...!


    And the rupture was sudden.


    The earthen wall created by magic cracked.


    "Waaaaaahhhh!


    "Yippee!��A pebble has broken through the wall!


    A single pebble would be enough to cause a single scratch on the clay wall.


    But repeat that ten times. But if you repeat it a hundred times, a thousand times, ten thousand times.


    The wall will lose its thickness, and eventually it will break through and collapse.


    The enemy''s magic accomplished this in a very short time.


    I''m not going to be able to get to the bottom of it.


    ''''Don''t take it, Zebiantes!��The momentum is so great that it can crush the earthen walls in an instant. If a flesh-and-blood person is hit properly, we won''t have an ounce of hope!


    "The skin of your balls will be torn to pieces!


    It''s a good idea to have a good time. It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on a new one.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a great deal more to say about it.


    It was the tornado of Zebiantes that shattered.


    ''''Geez!��It was defeated!


    ''''The wind magic of Zebiantes has been pushed aside...?


    It was an unbelievable sight for Droyer.


    The Four Heavenly Kings are selected based on the strength of their magic.


    The reason why he was selected as the Four Heavenly Kings, even though he and Zeviantes were so rambunctious, was because of his unparalleled magic control.


    In fact, I can assure you that there is no mage of the current generation who can beat Zeviantes in the same attribute.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to get the most out of it.


    Isn''t he finally worthless as the Fourth Heavenly King?


    That''s a terrible thing to say!��The pebbles in the air make the wind heavier there!��That''s why he was pushed out of the way!


    Two beautiful women are having s*x with each other........


    "Attribute magic used by the demon race.........


    There was a deformity that appeared through the gravelly wind.


    The slender body that reminds you of a dead tree is also intimidating enough when it appears in a pebbled storm that is equal to a deadly weapon.


    The four forms of matter, solid, liquid, gaseous, and gas, are the basis for the four forms of matter. The four forms of matter: solid, liquid, gas and light.


    He carefully explained to the students as if he were instructing them.


    Meanwhile, a storm of flying debris was blowing to avoid Droyer and the others.


    "All matter on earth can be classified into one of the four forms, and when they overlap each other, they form the material world.


    The earth attribute is solid.


    The water attribute is liquid.


    Air is a gas.


    And the fire attribute carries the light.


    Attribute magic is able to control all matter on earth.


    What is the best form of magic in terms of killing power?��Can you understand?


    ..........


    When Droyer didn''t respond, Sernya gave a very exaggerated sigh.


    It''s a shameful thing. You are not your own strongest attribute.


    ''''Are you saying that my earth attribute is the most deadly attribute?


    ''That''s correct. It''s a good idea to have an action that is created by converting magic power into an action that has mass from the start, the earth and water attribute chisels. It''s a good thing that the earth and water attributes are the only ones that have mass. Weight. It is the most vicious and destructive force in all concepts on earth.


    All matter has a weight, and that''s why it can''t be easily broken.


    What was most suitable for weight shattering was greater weight.


    ''''Therefore, the magic of the earth attribute is simply the heaviest destructive magic of all, Noda. Water, wind, and fire can only bounce back in front of pure mass.


    You''re getting a lot of praise for this. An attribute you''re not even good at...?


    The title given to Cernya was ''Conglomerate Wind''.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on a new one.


    It''s not so much that I''m so talented. You can''t go beyond a certain point with just wind magic as a creed. It''s a good idea to have other attributes to use.


    The flying debris magic is completed by combining wind magic with earth magic.


    As explained earlier, the massless wind attribute is fast but light, and unless you put a lot of energy into it, it won''t work as violence.


    But the mass, the unquestionable violence of mass, mixed with the wind as a pebble, is the very destructive power of conglomerate wind magic.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you''ll be able to get your hands on it.


    It is said that he was welcomed as the Four Heavenly Kings for his achievements.


    ''''However, the people around me were very hard on him. A combination of the two attributes is not pure. It''s not legitimate. He''s not qualified to be the Fourth Heavenly King if he has risen to the top with such unholy methods. I was even told that he was despicable...


    ..........


    Droyer and others heard such memories with confusion.


    Unfair accusations. Cheating.


    What could happen to anyone at the height of power had happened to him.


    Is it something to do with how he fell into hell after death and crawled back to this world again by crawling back up, or is it something to do with how he got there?


    ''''But it''s a powerful magic, that''s for sure. I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work. It''s a great combination of the characteristics of two originally conflicting attributes. It''s not a simple attribute demon that can compete with them.


    Well, I wasn''t expecting a compliment, but...


    But it was like Droyer admitting defeat.


    The young woman had endured hundreds of years of torment in hell against Sernya, and it was clear which of them was superior in strength.


    It was obvious who was better in terms of strength.


    If there was no chance of winning even with the chemistry on top of that, then how would he find sanity after that?


    ''''But that''s why it''s so puzzling. Why did he go to hell with that much talent? In fact, it would be the opposite. He should have gone down in history as one of the most powerful men of all time.


    ..........


    ''So why do you have the disgrace of going to hell and having your name blotted out?��You''re not the only one. The so-called inferno is all of them. The one who throws away talent and hard work in vain?


    I thought you were naive...


    There was an auspicious ruthlessness in Cernya''s voice.


    As if to remind him that he too was one of the inferno.


    ''''You seem to be naive beyond my imagination, Dana. Such a young lady can serve as the Four Heavenly Kings, Toha.


    ....


    A person who has fallen into hell will never know what it''s like to be there if they haven''t tasted it. If you have the same kind of mind, it means you haven''t known hell and you''ve only lived in a world of warmth.


    ''You want me to go to hell too?��Are you asking me to defy the Devil King and sin against him?


    I don''t have to. Hell is everywhere, even in this world. I''m going to show you the hell I''m about to show you. I''m going to show you the living hell you''re about to experience through pain.


    When Cernya raised her hand, the movement of the wind mixed with flying debris that was raging around them was replaced.


    ''''I can feel some kind of killing intent!��It''s a sign that the wind could be attacking us all at once!


    Zebiantes is shaking next to you.


    It''s a good idea to be struck by the rain of gravel, to have your flesh ripped and flayed and to groan in pain. That''s how you''ll taste some hell. .........nuh-uh!


    However, the deadly wind did not attack the girls.


    This is because the sword blade swung down at Cernya before it, forcing her to deal with it and not activate her magic.


    The one who swung that sword down.....


    Brave Radey.

 202-201 Lady Assists Sword (Brave & Shitenno side)

    Who are you?


    Droyer is surprised by the sudden intruder.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what to do with your own money.


    Sernya had no choice but to block the attack, and her magical manipulations that were supposed to be directed at Droyer and the others were unsuccessful.


    ''''You attacked me from a complete blind spot and you were prevented from doing so!��Is stopping the movement the best you can do?


    He jumps down in front of Droyer and the others and together they face Cernya.


    Radhi.


    "Why are you here?��You and your companions were in the same direction as the other one, so why are you here?


    A pair of enemies stand in the way.


    It''s a good idea to make sure that you''re not going to be the only one who''s going to be able to do this.


    ''''You guys are so pathetic that you''ve come to save us!��We''ve been pushed to the edge!��The other one is being held back by his friends!


    When I turned around, the other battlefield was filled with three of my brave companions dodging through a barrage of chains and engaging in a back-and-forth battle.


    They were like the overwhelmed Droyer and the others in that they managed to maintain a 50-50 shape.


    ''''Lacking the brave men at the center, such perfect coordination...?


    ''''Even they''re pushing it!��But they sent me out because you guys were going to die if I didn''t get a few people to come to the rescue!


    Hearing that, Droyer''s heart was torn asunder.


    His pride rang out in his chest.


    Ironically, it was Sernya who saw exactly what was in her heart.


    Even though they were enemies, as former Four Heavenly Kings, they knew what was pride and what was humiliation in the same profession.


    ''''To the Four Heavenly Kings, a brave man is an absolute enemy. The four heavenly king''s goal is always to eliminate the brave men because the brave men aim at the demon king. It''s extremely shameful to be saved by that brave man...


    Shut up!��A brave man''s job isn''t just to defeat the Demon King!��Removing the disaster to one''s own clan is also an important mission, the same should be true for the Four Heavenly Kings!


    He thrusts the tip of his sword at them and says


    ''''Therefore, the dangers that threaten all of humanity like you guys are, the brave men and the Four Heavenly Kings should all work together as one, regardless of whether they are brave or not!��There is no distinction!


    The oratory is...


    ''That''s why, Mr. Four Heavenly Kings of the Earth!��We''ll fight with you!��So we''ll call a truce until we defeat the inferno!


    You''re right.


    ''Yes, sir!��Now do as I say and fight together...!


    "...Celnya is right.


    "Huh?


    But it was the supposed enemy, Sernya, that Droyer agreed with.


    ''''The Four Heavenly Kings do not join forces with brave men and women, for they are the greatest obstacle to be defeated. The Four Heavenly Kings do not join forces with brave men, for they are the greatest obstacle to be defeated.


    It''s not possible...?


    And if I want to become the most powerful demon in the world, I will not accept help from anyone!��Step back, hero!��I''ll show you the true power of the Four Heavenly Kings in the Demon King''s Army!��The enemy will be defeated by us alone!


    That was Droyer''s pride as the Four Heavenly Kings.


    Only by overcoming difficulties by himself, without any help, would he be worthy of the crown of the strongest demon tribe.


    That was Droyer''s decision as well, who had been leading the Four Heavenly Kings.


    ''''Let''s go, Xeviantes!��You and I are enough to wield power in this fight!��The Four Heavenly Kings have single-handedly defeated the odds!��Prove your strength!


    Reedy, help me!


    ''''Hey!


    But the other Four Heavenly King Zebiantes was honest in his desire.


    To the desire called self-defense.


    ''''How dare you come to save me!��That''s what my friends are for!��Together, we will kill the most powerful enemy!


    I told you that was a bad idea!��If you and I can''t defeat the enemy on our own, the Four Heavenly Kings won''t stand a chance...?


    "I don''t want to die for any of my digits.��The most important thing in the world is life!��I''ll even team up with the devil to survive!


    "This guy!


    Droyer trembled with a wince as Zeviantes was completely honest.


    Even though they are the same Four Heavenly Kings, they think so differently.


    "....The Splitting Sky!


    This is the reason why I''m so excited to see you.


    It is a very good idea to make sure that you have a good idea of what you are looking for.


    The "split sky" is not effective.


    The turbulent wind barrier has been strengthened by mixing gravel into it. It''s just like chainmail........!


    The gravel caught in the wind physically rebounded the attack.


    Wind defensive magic, which normally only served to incite projectiles to change their trajectory, was robust enough to rival the highest strength earth magic of the four attributes.


    ''''........That mage is strong. He''s beyond the stage of being a mere Four Heavenly Kings. I don''t think there have been many Four Heavenly Kings that strong in successive generations.


    Droyer couldn''t argue with Radie''s speculation that he had been in the wrong place.


    "It''s frustrating, but we''ll never win even if we''re just starting out," he said.


    ''It''s frustrating, but even if we were just starting out and took on the challenge alone, we''d never win. Even with two of us, it''s difficult. .........Zebi-chan.


    What''s going on?


    If the locals aren''t willing to fight, we''ll have to fight them together first. Can you do that thing?


    The thing?��Oh, it''s that thing!��You know!��I know it''s a thing!


    I''ll explain in detail if you want to listen.


    Then he finally got an earful from Radey and he finally knew what he was talking about.


    ''Oh, it''s that thing!


    ''I''m telling you!��Ce-no, I''ll decide on that!


    When the strategy is set and it''s time to execute it, even Sernya, the one being challenged, braces herself.


    "I don''t know what kind of secret plan you have. Can the attack reach me through my flying debris turbulence?


    Around him, countless pebbles were dancing in the wind like a black blizzard.


    But it was several times more vicious than a blizzard.


    A single flying pebble was enough to kill a person with a poorly placed blow.


    The blowing gravel is my strongest weapon and my bulwark. No one will be able to advance properly through this rage, and any flying tool will be crushed by the gravel and pushed back by the wind. Nothing can harm me.


    Then we''ll see if there are any exceptions!


    Radey, raise your sword.


    "Same trick, Dana. It would be foolish to repeat it when you know it won''t work.


    ''See if it''s the same!��Zebi!


    He''s high!


    At the same time as Radey swung his sword down, Zebiantes emitted some kind of magic.


    However, the only thing that was shot out was the ''split sky'' from Radie.


    But that ''split sky'' was accompanied by a strange clarity than the previous one.....


    ''''Nuguggh?!''''


    It reached Cernya''s body.


    It was only a small tear in his shoulder, but it was because it successfully broke through the storm of raging gravel that it hit him.


    ''''He did it!��Me and Radie''s friendship attack was successful!


    "What?��What''s happening?��We were able to block it firmly last time, what difference does it make...?


    Even Cernya was puzzled by the unexpected situation.


    How did the "Rivendell Sky" reach beyond the gravelly, turbulent wind barrier?


    ''''That''s exactly what I''m doing!


    Zebiantes speaks proudly.


    ''I''ve taken the vacuum magic I cast and adapted it to Radie-chan''s technique!��Thanks to that, Radie-chan''s special move had the vacuum property added to it, so she could slash through a storm!


    It was a technique that Radie and Zeviantes had once performed in distress.


    Against the substandard monster called Salamandra the Flame Demon Beast, they just couldn''t stop it with their normal attacks.


    The only way to break through the flames covering the monster''s body and tear through its thick scales was to combine the powerful Aura Slash with the flame nullifying Vacuum Wave.


    With this technique, Radie and Zebiantes were able to cooperate and inflict a fatal wound on the demonic beast.


    And now at this moment........


    ''''Even so, the conglomerate can''t do anything about it.......!��I thought I was going to shoot at a gap, but most of the power was killed...!


    Still, the attack that had failed to reach them before, now it did.


    It was the result of joining forces with Zebiantes.


    What.........no way, no way, no way, that''s a fusion attack of aura and magic power......?


    He''s scared of the combination of me and Radie-chan!


    ''That''s not what I''m talking about!��Is this the secret formula that you have prepared as your trump card against the Demon King?��These little girls invented it on their own...?��Its power is weak and its theory is rudimentary. However, it is essentially the same as the Encounter Splitting Sky that Siegfriedgel spent a hundred years mastering...?


    He was in even more serious shock than the physical damage he had sustained, and wannabe.


    ''''.........Do you understand what I''m trying to say?''''


    Radey.


    Calling to the rear, sending a guarded warning to the front.


    To Droyer, who witnessed this counterattack.


    The fact that the two of us are essentially enemies, Zevi-chan and I can do so much more if we work together. If we are friends from the beginning, we can do even more amazing things.


    ..........?


    ''''My opponent is combining the advantages of wind and earth into one. I have the wind and the earth too. You have to breathe together.


    Maybe it''s from the unrest of witnessing the cooperation technique of Radey and Zebiantes.


    The momentum of the blowing conglomerate wind waned.


    It''s not Radie who could miss the opportunity. I''m not sure I''ll ever be able to find a way to get to the bottom of it.


    ''''I''ll be the vanguard and buy you some time!��In the meantime, I hope you get the combination done!


    "Oh, wait...?


    I didn''t have time to stop him.


    I said I never needed the help of a brave man.


    Still, a brave man will fight for anyone who needs help.

 203-202 Droyer tries a combination (Brave and Shitenno side)

    Why had I come to this place?


    Droyer wondered from there first.


    Dariel had been found after a long time of searching.


    That was supposed to be the beginning of it all.


    He was willing to stick around for days to negotiate to get Dariel under his banner again.


    But what was returned was a tremendous refusal.


    Dariel had already laid the foundation for a new life and left no possibility of returning to his former status.


    It was probably because of Droyer''s seriousness that he withdrew meekly after seeing this, though.


    But is it because he realized that he couldn''t get Dariel?


    The reason why he pleaded with the Ida of "Heaven and Earth" who visited him out of the blue, ''I want you to take me with you.


    If I can''t get Dariel, I must at least be strong myself.


    You can''t fulfill the mission of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    He said it was a chance to learn from his great predecessors and become powerful. It was a chance to be of some use to the Demon King and improve his achievements.


    Droyer stormed into the battle and joined in.


    But what was the result?


    The enemy is even more formidable than I had imagined, and once again, they are overwhelmed.


    When you are about to expose your abomination instead of improving your performance, your nemesis, the hero, comes to your rescue.


    Normally the Four Heavenly Kings should have been the last target of the hero.


    Repeated humiliation.


    She is about to lose her confidence.


    But in the midst of all this, the only one who showed her what she can do is also a brave man.......


    ��


    The brave man heads down to the enemy and challenges them to a decisive close battle.


    Thanks to that, the rear would be blessed with a fraction of the margin.


    ''''Zebiantes........''''


    Yes?


    I call out to the colleague next to me.


    ''First, I need to tell you something. I don''t like you.


    It''s out of the blue!


    Of course I did. You''re the Four Heavenly Kings, yet you''ve been playing around instead of doing your job. You''re not working, you''re not doing your job, you''re just playing around. The reason why the four heavenly kings of this generation cannot function properly is because of you and Bashvaza. I''ve always thought so.


    ''It''s indeed a shame to be lumped in with that big a**h*le!


    ''''But right now, they say there''s no way to win except by relying on you. To protect the pride of the Four Heavenly Kings!��Zebiantes, are you willing to lend a hand?


    It''s you!


    Zebiantes, making a motion to roll up his arms.


    ''Even I have my pride!��You''re going to have to retract the Bashbursa''s like-mindedness!


    Well, that is, if we succeed in our attempt.


    ''You pretty much know what you''re going to do,''


    Droyer and Zebiantes, holding hands.


    It was to synchronize their magic power with each other.


    The enemy mage, Cernya, is a user of a rare combination of attributes in the world.


    Earth and wind. Combining only the advantages of the two attributes, he combined the weight of the earth and the speed of the wind.


    It was an area that could be called a divine skill, but even to counter it, ordinary means are not enough time.


    Fortunately, Droyer''s side also had expert-level earth and wind attributes.


    ''''The question is whether we can successfully synchronize our magic power. Even though our personalities are polar opposites...!


    It''s water and oil between me, the free and vigorous, and you, the stubborn little bastard!


    "Isn''t that serious and flirty!


    However, it seems that they don''t hate each other as much as they say they do.


    The magic power of the two different parties fused together surprisingly smoothly, forming a single form.


    The formation was rather easy.


    An excellent example was being set before them.


    ''''I wanted to learn in battle, but I never thought I would learn from the enemy!


    Droyer''s magic power rides the heavy wind that Zebiantes blows.


    A minuscule gravel as Cernya does........ Giving it the minimum hardness and weight that could be lethal, yet ensuring that it has a specific gravity enough to ride the wind........


    ''''What a fine adjustment!��That man can make such a delicate magical movement in battle?


    "The wind is also very difficult to control!��If you don''t calculate the direction of the blowing, the stones will collide with each other!


    You don''t understand the threat of God''s work until you actually imitate it.


    In any case, I''m going to unleash a conglomerate wind that I''ve put together into a form that can be seen and imitated.


    This is because it''s only a compound magic created for the purpose of attack.


    ''''Blow it away!''''


    ''''We''re going!


    The wind mixed with a deadly weapon called gravel flies.


    Towards the source of that great source, Cernya.


    At that time, Cernya was being burned by Radey''s hand.


    Although the conglomerate wind, which is staked out at close range and still manipulated finely, falls on Radie and creates countless bruises on her body, but she still does not cower.


    She was a gutsy fighter, despite her appearance.


    Because of her scratching around like that, she gave Droyer and the others time to breathe a reversal.


    ''''Petulant na!''''


    Cernya also wiped the original conglomerate wind and countered the young juniors'' counterattack.


    The two conglomerate winds collide head-on. The shattering winds scatter in all directions.


    Kaka kaka kaka kaka kaka kaka kaka.


    And countless grating sounds were heard.


    It was the sound of a number of wind-infused gravel colliding with each other.


    The clash of magical power against each other.....


    ''''Evenly matched!


    ''''Wait a minute!��How can it be evenly matched?��It''s only two of us!


    It''s no wonder that Zebiantes is arguing with each other, if the magic they handle is of the same type, then the pure magical ability of the mages should decide the outcome.


    Then it''s two against one. It''s not necessary to think about the advantage of Droyer and the others who are two people than Sernya who performs magic alone.


    And yet, the fact that they are unable to attack it all back and forth.....


    The amount of magic power and magic skill of one Celnya........


    ''''Geez!��We''re still supposed to be the strongest of the current generation in this!��How much of an expert do you have to be to stand up to those two?


    Just like an expert...!��I can''t believe this gem of a man has gone to hell.


    What an inexcusable story, Droyer thought.


    He wondered how such a pearl of talent could go to hell if he made a mistake.


    ''''I can''t lose to find out that...!��Zebiantes!��Breathe more in sync!��The only improvement we can make right now is the combination!


    Wow, I think I know how it works!


    "You''ve got to figure out how to get the wind to blow better on the gravel!��We can divert the debris back to the mainland!��I''m also going to find out the perfect blend of harder and heavier gravels!


    As he fought, he would research and improve the way he operated his magic more efficiently.


    It wasn''t hard to do.


    The example was right in front of me.


    It was as if the every move made by the magic expert Sernya on a level that would go down in history was a gem of a teaching tool for the young Drouettes.


    They wanted to learn more and become stronger.


    They even fought with such a desire to learn more and become stronger.


    Cernya was aware of this, too.


    That the enemy was learning from him.


    A compound attribute. This technique that was despised as being out of the right path and also caused him to fall into hell.


    The regular Four Heavenly Kings are trying to learn it without any ill will.


    For that bugger.


    ''''How far do you lick kaaaaaaahhh!''''


    The momentum of the wind increases with anger.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you get blown away, it''s a matter of time before you get blown away.


    "Powering up here is not fair!


    "Hang on!��If we lose the push here, all the gravel will be poured down for the enemy and for us!


    If they were exposed to that kind of thing head-on, Droyer and the others wouldn''t be able to leave their original form.


    Don''t worry!��That''s the next step in the process!


    Yes.


    It''s not just Droyer and Zebiantes who are fighting Cernya.


    A reliable helper interrupted them on the way.


    Radey was there.


    ''''Hey!


    Radey rushes over with his sword in his hand.


    Towards Sernya, who has her hands full with magic battles.


    The game is easily decided by simply swinging the sword down.


    "Tell me not to lick it, Il!


    But Cernya is also a master among masters.


    He raises one hand towards Radey and creates another wind and hits the gravel.


    ''''Simultaneous use of different vectors of magic?


    Droyer can''t hide his astonishment in front of that divine feat.


    At this rate, Radie will be blown away by the oversized gravel wind....


    ''''Yaaaaaah!''''


    However, Radie, on the contrary, uses his sword to cut through the attacking conglomerate wind and advance.


    It''s not just the wind generated by the magic and the gravel contained within it that is cut off without a care in the world.


    ''''Baka nah!��No matter how much you strengthen it with your aura, a mere sword and my conglomerate wind ha...?


    Having said that much, Cernya realizes a fact.


    ''''That sword Masaka!��Space goto.........?


    ''''Decapitation!''''


    This is also the special technique obtained in the battle against the monstrous mage ''Heaven and Earth'' Ida, and it shines here and now.


    The sword of Radie, which had forced its way through the conglomerate wind, was swung down at the monster.


    A plume of blood rose.

 204-203 Abos loses (hell side)

    And, on the other hand, the other of the pair who call themselves Inferno.


    How is the chain user named Avos doing?


    ''''Uze ee!��Uze!��Uzeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!


    The chain is swung around frantically.


    That weapon, filled with an aura of hit (strike), bursts flesh and crushes bone if it hits.


    This is the chain attack that once raged in the Rasperda Fortress, but they attacked as if it were a lie.


    ''''Ha!''''


    Shield-wielder Satome properly held up her shield and blocked the approaching chains.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a great deal more information on this topic.


    "Wha?


    "It wasn''t just the heroes who were training in Lax Village!��Dariel''s rigorous training has given me the ability to add elasticity to my guard (defense) aura!��That''s a 30% increase in solidity!


    It''s not just Satome who specializes in defense.


    Sesha also makes his spear, which is his prize, turn in a great circle, and his wind pressure causes the chains to change their trajectory.


    As a result, not a single chain hits Sesha himself.


    ''The spear technique ''Whirlwind Willow Return''!��Not by force, that is, but by a technique of changing trajectory without going against the flow!


    ''''d*mn it!


    Even the spearman, who is not a defensive specialist, dealt with me.


    That humiliation made Abos'' head bleed.


    He himself knew it dimly.


    It''s not as powerful as the chains he wielded in the past at Lasperda Fortress.


    Back then, he had received an inexhaustible supply of magical power from the fused Drismegian, and his power had jumped up several times over as he fused with his aura.


    But now, having lost his powerful boost by separating from Drismegian, Avos only wielded a chain that was only strengthened by his own aura.


    As a result, he was not even a brave man, and it took him a lot of time to get that attendant.


    The modern day heroes leading those guys went to reinforcements due to the inferiority of the other side of the war.


    It also means that they decided that they could deal with Avos with just their cronies.


    "You treated me like a little fish, huh?


    That''s what I thought, "You treated me like a little fish!


    Abos is a small fry.


    I''m not going to be the only one who can do that.


    I''m not going to be the only one.��I can''t believe these people have no respect for me!��You''re gonna regret this!��I''m going to make you regret thinking I''m weak!


    The aura that erupts.


    The amount of aura that erupts is uncommon, enough to convince you at a glance that he is of the heroic class.


    ''''Even without the magic power of the Doris Megian!��Take ''Black Rope Strong Blast!


    However, the chain assault is a normal aura, not a strange black aura like that of Rasperda Fortress.


    It is easy to be easily blocked by the defensive techniques of nature, Satome and Sesha, and be chewed out.


    Even though it was the same inferno, Avos was clearly a downgrade compared to Cernya.


    Even a brave party that lacked a leader was enough to corner him.


    Abos himself knows this.


    That he wasn''t that powerful, having been cut off from Drismegian.


    In the first place, the Black Rope Stiffness Impulse that he had developed after training in hell was also said to be a failure by Drismegian.


    The truly ideal magic aura fusion color is red.


    Like Siegfriedgel''s ''Encounter Splitting Sky''.


    It''s completely incomprehensible to Avos, but he says there are stages of aura discoloration caused by emotions, and black is only the first stage.


    --Black is just the first stage, he said, ''Black is the color of proof that you''re not in control of your emotions while letting them emanate. You can''t defeat the demon king with such clutter.


    And.


    Still, Avos was able to escape from hell by joining one of the Inferno.


    His role was only that of a spare for Siegfriedgel, his real life aura user.


    That Siegfliegel was pathetically defeated by the aura user of this world, and he thought that he would finally get the limelight.


    He said he was the main one.


    And yet.........


    ''''Ko-Oh!''''


    A single giant man was scrambling through the chains and was closing in on him.


    I avoided the hammer swinging down on the verge of flying away.


    ''''d*mn...!��That was close...!


    However, he is humiliated again when he is forced to flesh out and even retreat by an opponent he considers inferior.


    It seems that the giant man who has been fleshed out is an offensive role to replace the brave man.


    Because of this guy, the brave man left this battlefield.


    ''''Inferno........If you say you''re that red cape.......''''


    The Giant Man tells Avos.


    The fact that this giant man''s name was Zester was unknown to Avos.


    He''s also a fated opponent.


    Oh?��What does that mean?��I don''t know you, okay?


    ''You mean you''ve forgotten?��That''s why I brainwashed the three of them and made them rob Mithril.


    It finally came to me when he pointed out that much.


    ''Ah!��Now I remember!��So, those are the three guys I gave you for the first time!��That''s right, one of them was very gangly!


    Pigalo, the hero of the sword.


    Altamir, the hero of the bow.


    And Zester, the hero of the hammer.


    It seems like a long time ago that these three men were brainwashed by someone to commit the crime of robbing Mithril.


    In fact, it hadn''t been more than a few months.


    ''There was only one person who became a thing then. For all the time and effort I put into it, it was just useless!


    ''One of them is Pigalo, isn''t it?��What happened to him?


    I ate you. I ate you. I crushed you up inside your head.


    A human being whose aura has been raised to the limit and whose mind has been dyed negative is the source of nutrition for the inferno.


    The brave Pigalo of The Sword, who met the conditions, was eaten alive and absorbed.


    Zester, who was captured in the same way, survived only because he didn''t fit the conditions.


    ''Seriously, you''re useless, Teme!��You can''t be a hero, you can''t even feed us, and now you''re the hero''s maid!��If you''re not proud, you''re not that far off!��That''s the only thing that''s lucky for you, isn''t it?


    To look down on a human being like that...


    Zester tells us.


    He too was once a brave man, albeit for a time.


    ''Is it because you''re afraid of being disrespected by the humans?


    Oh?


    That''s what happened to Pigalleo. He and you have a lot in common. I''ve just learned the truth about what you infernos are. If you are going to hell, you must have been a hero when you were alive.


    Zester pauses, then unhooks his hammer.


    It''s a strange weapon and a well-crafted strategy. I''m sure you''ll be able to find a lot of good reasons to go for it. I''m sure you''re not the only one.


    Shut up.


    An aura of anger rises from Avos.


    ''Payback for your mental attack?��Why did I go to hell?��That''s the kind of thing I want to hear!


    That might have been the catalyst that broke down what was coiling in Avos'' mind.


    ''I am!��I''m strong enough to be a hero!��And then a scout comes along and says that I''m in the clear.��Then you''re supposed to respond to it!��And I became a hero!��For a while it went by without a problem!��But!


    He said abruptly.


    ''Abos, you don''t have the dignity of a brave man.


    ''''What dignity?��A brave man only needs to be strong!��We just need to be strong!��And now you''re talking to a bunch of hicks who aren''t even going to fight!��Afterwards, they''ll try to take the hero from me!��I was so pissed off that I killed them all!


    I''ll tell you about the Center Guild Board of Directors at the time.


    "Then the whole guild got me and executed me.��They''re scum!��I''ll prove it!��You can do anything if you''re strong!��That''s why I joined the Inferno!


    That was more than a hundred years ago... when there was no selection test for brave men, and when they were thoughtlessly choosing brave men.


    Zester, hammering away again.


    I understand your misfortune. But you were not chosen to be a hero. It''s not just about strength, but more importantly, it''s about bravery. There are more important requirements for a brave man.


    What''s that?��Don''t make a big deal out of it, say it clearly!


    The deadly chains that attacked.


    The only way to avoid them is to collide with them head-on, as Zester is a huge man who doesn''t have the same evasive skills as Sesha and Satome.


    ''''Zester-dono!''''


    Gentlemen!��I''m sorry, but I''ll leave it to one of us to take it from here!


    Zester says, "It''s got to be settled on its own.


    ''That''s the one he has to settle,'' says Zester. It''s the same brave, unworthy servant.


    "Shut up!


    Dancing Chains.


    Now that the Drismegian''s help was gone, it was a pure contest of strength.


    Zester hammered back at the chains, which buzzed and attacked from all directions.


    ''The strongest will be chosen to be the brave!��That''s just as it should be!��But that''s why knowing how to handle power is also a requirement for a brave man!


    "f*ck!��You sounded like a dick!��I don''t care if you''re strong or not!


    ''Not well!��A brave man''s strength must have meaning!


    Even if it''s a token, even if it''s just an idle sycophancy.


    For the strength of a brave man is to protect the innocent people.


    ''You have no idea what strength is!��I knew I shouldn''t have been a brave man!


    Zester dives through the mad dance of the chains, sometimes snatching and blowing off a piece of flesh, but Zester is still in Avos'' bosom.


    ''''Hee!''''


    This time, he doesn''t have time to leap and escape.


    ''''You''re already a dead man!��With this blow, I''ll break your unrequited love for the hero!


    The hammer was swung down and hit Avos in the brain.


    The head went straight into the chest, the cervical vertebrae were snapped into spikes, and the sound of the skull being smashed could be heard.


    ''''Uwaha........?


    Both Sesha and Satome, who were watching from the side, were convinced at a glance.


    That was a fatal wound.


    ''''What strength........?��After all, he was chosen to be a brave man, even for a time...?


    ''''And he was personally disciplined by Arantzill-sama, right?��If it doesn''t work, it might be stronger than Lady Radey...?


    The game was decided.


    It''s a good thing that Abos was in a state where he could be called an instantaneous death, but he was still breathing, or maybe he was muttering.


    This is because it is an inferno that transcends life and death, or perhaps because it is surprisingly reluctant.


    Still, though, the cessation of death is already in sight.


    "I........why.......did I become a hero.......?


    The rant was such a content.


    Little by little, my whole body relaxed and my knees broke and I collapsed.


    It was a canned statement of the oath the brave man would take at the inauguration ceremony.


    Why would Avos mutter it now?


    ''''The powerless ... of the people ...''''


    Yes, it was the role of a brave man to be a shield for the powerless.


    Zester said sadly.


    ''You finally remember, brave Abos.

 205-204 Selnya escapes (Brave & Shitenno side)

    And the other battle was coming to a conclusion.


    ''''Decapitation!''''


    A plume of blood rises from Radey''s swinging blade.


    ''''Nuh-uh!''''


    The fatal wound was avoided by a last-minute evasive action, but the wound was still deep.


    A straight cut was pulled down from the shoulder to the chest and stomach.


    ''''I didn''t reach the bone, but I could feel it ripping through my flesh!


    Radey declared with her sword in her hand without a hint of caution.


    As if to affirm her point, blood gushed out grandly from Cernya''s wound.


    ''''Gunnu-oh........?


    Inferno also bleeds out.


    The ''Decapitation'' that Radey unleashed was a new special move that he had acquired during his earlier battle with Ida in ''Heaven and Earth''.


    By adding a special operation to the slash aura, it creates an invincible blade that can slice through even space.


    The sword blade can even break through the space distortions created by Ida.


    It is the ultimate sword that is theoretically unslashable, but its users are few and far between.


    Because of its nature, it can be one of the most difficult techniques to master, but it is also extremely difficult to use.


    The slash aura, which amplifies the sharpness of the sword blade, allows you to slash through most things without needing to give it the dimensional slashing ability.


    So there''s no need to expend an enormous amount of aura to unleash a ''slash''.


    It''s a good idea to use the dramatically increased distance between the two, and eventually, the user of the Sadoju was lost.


    I''m not sure if it''s because of Reedy''s inexperience that he relied so desperately on such a flawed technique.


    I''m not sure if it''s because of my inexperience that I''m relying on such a flawed technique.


    The only way to cut through Sernya''s conglomerate wind was through the spatial rupture of the Void.


    With Radhi''s aura amount, it was impossible to break through by any other means.


    ''''Dariel-san or Aranziel-sama would have been able to easily blow it away with the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''...?''''''


    While saying that, my knees broke and I managed to hold back my fall by using my sword as a staff.


    "Radie-chan!


    It''s not a good idea.


    Zeviantes and Droyer rush to the scene.


    Radey''s body was covered in cruel blue bruises and abrasions.


    They jumped into the conglomerate wind of Cernya from the front. Even if you slashed open with the "Decapitation", there was no way you could get away unharmed.


    ''''It''s all right!��.................Ahhh, such a wound on your beautiful skin!��It''s terrible!''''


    This is the least you can do for a brave man, but more importantly, the enemy...?


    Cernya, who was severely wounded in the chest, was bleeding profusely and breathing heavily.


    The rough wind mixed with gravel has also ceased because the wounds have made it difficult to manipulate magic power.


    ''''Wounds........don''t regenerate, do they? I was wondering what I would do if I became like Ida-san''s time...


    Ida, the Apostle of Valhalla, seemed to have received a special body from the Demon King after his death, and even if his arm was slashed off, for example, he didn''t feel that he had immediately grown back afresh and inflicted damage.


    Inferno, the hell-dead, is similar. They were worried about what if it was made to immediately regenerate the wounds it had inflicted in the same way, but apparently it wasn''t made that much the same.


    Blood still flowed vigorously from the open wound.


    ''''With wounds that severe, he can''t even control his magic power properly!��You have to admit defeat!


    It was Zebiantes, who acted largely as soon as his opponent was weak.


    However, the fact that there was no word of rebuttal from Cernya was proof that the point was true.


    ''''..........''''


    Sernya''s red eyes shifted to the side for just a moment.


    It was to check the condition of the companions he was fighting with.


    What moved into his eyes was the figure of Avos, whose head was buried in his torso and collapsed without power.


    It would have been accompanied by disappointment.


    ''This is as far as it goes Dana........''


    Sernya acknowledged the fact.


    ''You''re right, I can''t use my magic properly with this serious injury. Abos, who is fighting with me, will also die. This situation de........


    The shadows come around behind Cernya.


    Zester, Satome, and Sesha join in to encircle Cernya.


    They had been dealing with Avos, but once that enemy is gone, they can focus on the rest.


    As a result, Cernya was at an overwhelming disadvantage of six to one.


    ''''Please surrender........''''


    Radhi says, standing up, managing to support his bruised body.


    ''You are the strongest mage in the world. No one in this room will be able to defeat you on their own. But even if you are weak, if all of us work together, we can defeat you after you have taken damage.


    Well, let''s do it.


    ''It is not the work of a brave man to hurt a wounded man more. Surrender. Mercy should be shown to all sinners.


    Mercy, ka-....


    A smile appeared on Cernya''s mouth.


    It was an extremely wicked sneer.


    ''There is no such thing. There is no mercy for sinners. Especially hell deha. Equal punishment for all sinners, that''s hell da........''


    But?


    That''s why we have to behave the same way. We are the inferno. Hell itself. We are hell, and we cannot be merciful and cannot be granted mercy!


    Cernya, leaping.


    But with that serious injury, you can''t go anywhere by escaping.


    All of us in pursuit thought that he would soon run out of strength and stop.


    And indeed, it stopped immediately.


    Cernya stopped.........


    .........to the fallen Avos.


    ''''What?!''''


    ........trying to escape with his friends.......?


    Abos had been crushed in the head, and it was no longer clear whether he was alive or dead.


    If it were an ordinary person, it would certainly be a fatal wound, but is it because he managed to breathe because he is a hell-raiser?


    The wraith body given by the Demon King to suffer more than necessary has an odd reluctance, although its strength is no different from that of an ordinary person.


    The current Avos must also be in a state where it can''t move and can''t die because it has retained its original form.


    I''m not going to stop just yet. I''m not going to stop just yet. I''m not going to stop just yet, for the sake of being useful to the Lord........


    He thrusts his sword into Avos'' body.


    The next moment.


    The next moment, a horrible explosion occurred.


    "AAAAAHHHHH!


    What''s going on?��What''s happening?


    Avos'' corpse exploded.


    With a crushing that was so thorough that it could be called an explosion, the shattered corpse of Avos turned into a thousand pieces of meat and scattered.


    And it didn''t stop there.


    Those pieces of meat, riding on the wind, attacked Radey and the others.


    ''''N-gyaahhhh!


    ''''Glo!��It''s disgusting!��It''s disgusting!


    Some screamed at the horror and disgustingness, but that''s not all.


    You will be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.


    ''''This, this is...?


    ''''Hard!��What''s the hardness of the flying pieces of meat?


    The finely shattered pieces of meat of Avos are much harder than any other pebble or mineral.


    ''''........accompanied by an aura of hit.......?''''


    In his lifetime, Avos was a brave man with a high aptitude for hitting (hitting).


    That''s why the corpse also has an aura of hit (hitting)?


    ''''This is a piece of meat accompanied by an aura that replaces the gravel that was carried on the wind a while ago. ........A piece of meat with an aura of its own is much more powerful than a pebble. .........Everyone!


    ''Radey,'' he yells.


    ''Defend at all costs or run!��This is a noble attack!��Special moves class!��If we underestimate them, they could kill us!


    ''I''m already doing my best!��Gross, I don''t want to touch it, oh no!


    Mixed in with the flying pieces of flesh, even the pieces of chain that Avos was using were flying. Since it was accompanied by an aura, it was a deadly weapon that could kill you instantly if hit in the wrong place.


    Everyone''s attention is focused on the horrific and frightening attacks.


    When I managed to fight off the storm, I didn''t see Cernya anywhere in my vision.


    ''''He escaped...?


    ''''You humiliated the corpses of your friends and took the opportunity to........?��What an outcast!��You would do that to save yourself?


    With this, this time, the departed Avos was dead.


    No matter how much of a hell-raiser they are, if their bodies are decisively destroyed, they will cease their activities.


    Although he was many times more reluctant than the humans of this world, if he was shattered and the breath of life was erased from all the cells, all the cells in his body, he would die and his soul would be freed.


    That may be the last mercy the demon king has shown to the departed.


    New Year''s Eve is buying time to create an opening for escape.


    Everyone revealed their righteous indignation at the conduct of this outsider who trampled on humanity''s ethics.


    That man is an outsider, that he is!��Forgive me, my dear!


    There''s no reason to leave her like this. He won''t get far with that wound, and he''s too weak. We must split up and go after it!


    All of them were in a frenzy to track down Sernya, but Radhi was the only one standing there as he thought about it.


    ''''Why would that man do such a brutal thing...?


    It''s only because they''ve crossed blades directly with each other that I understand.


    You can see the heart and essence of the enemy.


    Sernya''s fighting techniques were sincerely forged and tormented so severely.


    Would a man of truly despicable nature forge his skills and strength to such an extent?


    Radhi had met many fighter figures in his life, but his abilities were not as great as those who were vile and twisted.


    A small mind does not have great power.


    That was a lesson that Radie had learned after much experience.


    ''''And yet...?''''


    Is Cernya the first contradiction that Radhi encounters?


    Is the nature of a man who bears enormous power small?


    His nature is still unknown.

 206-205 Selnya joins (hell side)

    Where did Sernya, who had managed to escape from Radhi and the others, go?


    There weren''t many options, given her wounded body and the situation she was in.


    Or rather, there was only one.


    To the last trump card, still dancing in the sky.....


    ��.


    "Ding dong!


    The battle in the air.


    The turbulence that the Wind Devil Beast always wears will blow away anyone who comes close to it with their bodies.


    Moreover, it''s impossible for even the Ida''s spatial distortions to prevent it from blowing over a wide area with no gaps.


    ''''I never thought I''d have to fight a demonic beast!��Even for me, this guy is too much for me!


    Speaking of demonic beasts, they are essentially not opponents that a single person can stand up to, since they are violent on a disaster scale.


    Even if you just manage to manage it, you can see Ida''s uncommon ability.


    The female hero Estelica, who was supposed to be fighting with him, was nowhere to be found.


    Had she already been defeated by a demonic beast and dropped out?


    The wind monster beast, which is said to be controlled by messenger magic, is sharp and ferocious in its movements.


    It was completely different from the Flame Demon Beast Salamandra that Bashvaza had once fearlessly controlled.


    His movements were comparable to those of when he wasn''t being controlled.


    ''''It''s still best to defeat the messenger sorcerers....... Can we expect those guys to be able to do that...?


    The place was greatly shifted as they repeatedly clashed with each other.


    This battle of the most powerful people had come to a place far outside the original battlefield.


    Hence, it is impossible to know what kind of battle situation Radey and the others are in.


    There is a way to use magic to see them from afar, but there was no time to do it in a one-handed fight against demonic beasts.


    It was that time.


    Between the glaring Ida and the demonic beast, a shadow broke in between them.


    A man so emaciated that it reminded him of a dead tree. However, the person''s eyes were red as the flames of hell.


    ''''That guy?!''''


    Cernya.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time with them.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time with them.


    "Did they screw up by showing up here?


    Ida, once poisoned, soon realized that Cernya had wounds all over her body.


    Cernya''s blood was pouring out of the wound in her chest, and she was on the verge of bleeding to death.


    The wound was too deep to be left alone and needed to be done now.


    Nevertheless, Sernya still levitated with her wind magic and leapt out in front of the wind monster beast''s eyes.


    ''''........You''ve been beaten up pretty badly.''''


    Where did the voice say, "Where did that come from?


    !


    Ida couldn''t hide her confusion at the voice.


    "Was that voice........the voice of a wind monster?��You''re under a messenger spell and yet...?


    Cernya is floating with wind magic, but she is dizzy and unreliable, perhaps disoriented by the loss of blood.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on a new one.


    ''''I''m sorry.


    "As you are an old friend of mine. Well, aren''t you done with it?��It''s time to put an end to all this frolicking.


    Seeing such an exchange between the monster and the demonic beast, some of us are even more confused.


    ''''What do you mean........?��It doesn''t look like you''re in the state of casting an emissary magic...?


    A demonic beast affected by magic cannot stay sane.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    Trying to control their madness was the gist of the Demonic Beast Service Law.


    But now, people and demons bearing the same wind, as if they were tending to each other....


    ''''Wawa, I''m fed up with it. I''m fed up with the stupidity of being made to follow that guy around at his leisure. It''s a pity that people are being made to dance to it. That is why I have decided to hide in this place far away from him and have nothing to do with anyone.


    The Hexenbiest speaks.


    "I won''t be sent by anyone, and I don''t want to get involved in a battle. I don''t want to be involved in any battle. But I will do you one favor.


    "I gave you a lot of trouble in my lifetime, but even after I die, I will cling to your favor like this. What a pity....


    Cernya, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, was born a lowly commoner in the past hundreds of years ago, who lived in a later age than Drismegian and Ida.


    Hundreds of years ago in the past, he was born a lowly commoner who lived later in life than Drismegian and Ida.


    He rose through the ranks with his magical abilities alone without any backing, and rose to be selected as one of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    But that''s why the eyes of the people around him are cold, and words of jealousy and slander can be heard everywhere.


    ''Sernya is not worthy to be the Fourth Heavenly King.


    "I''m just a lowborn citizen...


    "Compound attribute"?��It''s dirty. I have to resort to such an external law because I don''t have any talent.''''


    There are two things that are always mentioned when slandering Cernya.


    Being from the common man.


    The use of compound attributes.


    For some reason, in a climate where a single attribute was pure and superior, Cernya was even called a coward.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on in the world.


    The abuse whispered behind the scenes also becomes more and more foul-mouthed.


    Even so, Celnya, who was the Fourth Heavenly King, steadily carried out her mission.


    Because of this, a famous demon family offered to adopt her.


    They wanted her to marry the daughter of that family and eventually take over the family''s throne.


    At the time, Celnya was so excited and happy.


    She thought that her efforts were finally recognized.


    Celnya also cherished his wife, even though it was a political marriage.


    He vowed to love her with all his heart and to build a family with her as if they had loved each other from the beginning and married.


    But this is where Cernya''s hell began.


    His wife, whom he loved, had been having an illicit affair.


    Moreover, she was having an affair with a colleague of hers at the time, a flowery man with the best bloodlines. He was said to be Sernya''s opponent.


    After stepping into the scene of the affair and putting himself in a situation where there was no excuse for his actions, his wife said....


    ''Because you are filthy.


    He''s a filthy commoner, and the magic he uses is a filthy mixture. He''s so much better than you are. It''s noble and pure.


    Those words shattered everything Cernya had built up to that point.


    He immediately crushed and killed his wife and her lover on the spot and left the Demon King''s army.


    ''''Birth and magical properties are so important noka!��It''s all about power!��Results Da!


    "Show it to all the demons, you bastards!��Prove to me that I''m the scariest person in the world, you bastard!


    In fact, his abilities belonged to the highest class of all time, and once Celnya ran amok, there was only hell to pay.


    Celnya, who invented a method of fusing monsters and beasts on her own, found Wind Devil Windra and fused it with her after running around on a wild goose chase.


    Using her overwhelming power, she killed all the Four Heavenly Kings of her era and cut off all the aristocratic families of the demon tribe that were boasting of prosperity at the time.


    Finally, the demon king himself made a move and Cernya was crushed to pieces.


    His body was shattered to pieces and he died, and his soul fell into hell.


    ''You too, poor man! How could you have had no choice but to spit out your sorrow for not being recognized in the form of great destruction?''''


    Based on the memories they shared with each other, the Wind Devil Beast sighed.


    ''''I didn''t think that you, a monster beast, would feel sorry for me. Otherwise, I wouldn''t be able to fight with you.


    "The warrior was wondering too. The world is disturbed as he pleases. I was wondering if what I was doing was worth it. It''s not a good idea to take advantage of your grandiose lashing out and do things that aren''t part of his schedule....


    A smile seemed to appear on the wind dragon''s far from human face.


    ''''It was painful. ........But I thought we were defeated and your death would be the end of it. I didn''t expect you to come back from hell.''''


    "My hell is that no one will recognize me. My colleagues in the Demon Lord''s Army, my superiors, even my beloved wife won''t accept me. But there''s one person in particular. I went to hell, but I finally found someone who recognized me...!


    The one who is the Lord of Hell.


    Drismegian, King of the Inferno, the Dristmegian of "Sha Fire".


    ''The Lord says to me. "The Lord says to me, ''Your magic is great. You''re a great magician, use your magic to help me. For the first time I was recognized. For the first time, I''m being asked for!��Show me straight what you intend to do with it, Letta!


    That is the reason why Cernya follows Drismegian.


    He is the only one who serves the King of Hell without interest and with loyalty.


    The Lord is almost ready to challenge the Demon King. Until then, I''ll have to stop anyone who gets in my way. I still have to work for the Lord!


    So you think you''ll still fight?


    "Wind Devil Windra, merciful dragon of the wind. You''ve helped me before. But let me help you one more time, just one more time. Let me use your power, Windora.


    ..........


    After a few moments of silence from a being beyond the human race.


    ''....Very well.


    The worst decision known to mankind was made.


    "I wouldn''t have agreed to it if it wasn''t for you. If it wasn''t for you, I wouldn''t have agreed to it.


    Thank you.


    The wind dragon''s massive body loses its outline and melts into an indeterminate shape.


    Then it flowed directly into Cernya''s body.


    ''''Is that.........?��A demonic beast fusion!''''


    Overwhelmed by the genius of the wind pole demon and the demonic beast interweaving, Ida, who had been fumbling with her attack, finally moved with it.


    But it''s too late.


    The demon race and demon beasts fused together, a perfect form of harmonious existence.


    The dragonborn appeared.

 207-206 Ryujin is completed (Brave & Shitenno side)

    And what appeared was a strange person.


    Can I call it a person?


    The silhouette, which had both hands and stood sluggishly on two legs, was exactly that of a person.


    But the surface was clearly deformed.


    A scaly skin that could not be considered human. The emerald glowing surface is like a jewel.


    The tail that extends from the back of the body is reminiscent of a salamander, and the eyes that reside in the face are like jewels.


    And the two eyes in its face are red like the flames of hell.


    The wind demon beast Windora and Cernya, one of the inferno, were merged into a dragon man.


    That was exactly what it looked like.


    The heavy wounds inflicted on Radey were also blocked up as if they had never existed.


    I''m not sure I''m going to be able to find the right one. As if to say so.


    ''''.........What was that?


    Radie and the others who came rushing in also confirmed the appearance of the dragon man.


    The presence of the fused body of a demon beast and a demon man is so intense that it was easy to notice it.


    The other companions too........


    ''''There they are!��There''s a demon tribe that got away!


    But you look very different, don''t you?


    I''m a lizard person!


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find the right one.


    ''''d*mn, you allowed them to fuse while cornering them to this extent...?


    ''''But that opponent......... We are stabilizing the fusion. How could such a thing be successful...?


    It was understandable to be surprised, every past fusion between the demon race and demonic beasts made by the several runaways had ended in failure.


    This is because the bodies of the demonic race can''t withstand the enormous amount of magical power of the demonic beasts.


    The same is true of the Four Heavenly Kings Bashbursa in the past. Every fusion attempted so far has without exception burst like a balloon with too much air in it, and everything around it explodes, leaving no trace.


    And yet the Cernya in front of me made it possible.


    She kept her human form while keeping all of the demonic beasts inside.


    ''''Thanks to Windora Da........''''


    The one who muttered that was Sernya, who had turned into a dragon man, was the one who muttered that.


    ''''He spoke........?


    ''''Are you even able to retain your reason?��In that condition....?


    An even more surprising situation.


    Bashbarza who did the same thing was about to lose his mind when he was using a demonic beast.


    She fused with me of her own volition in order to save me. That''s why she was able to fit everything inside my body. The perfect mutual understanding between demons and monsters. That is the most important element of the Hexenbiest Fusion Method.


    Cernya''s scaled arms are raised.


    At the end of the protrusion was Ida.


    ''''!''''


    Suddenly, Ida is blown away by a gust of wind.


    I''m not going to be able to get to the bottom of it.


    It''s not a good idea.��It''s not a good idea.��Break through the always-on spatial distortions?


    Ida, the spatial distortion you use is made possible by twisting the enemy''s attack trajectory through space and forcing them to deviate from it. It''s not that you dodge the attack, but you force the attacker to miss the trajectory. In other words, an evasion method.


    Cernya says.


    ''The most short-sighted countermeasure is to lay out an attack so wide and gaping that there''s no way to miss it, no matter how far off course it goes.


    In fact, many of Ida''s opponents took that approach.


    The Drismegian and the Radies tried to attack Ida first, but they failed in every attempt.


    This is because Ida, who has an unparalleled amount of magical power even as a mage, is able to deploy spatial distortions so widely that they cannot be covered by a few broad attacks.


    However.


    Only this time was different.


    Ida''s fearsome range of spatial distortions was exceeded by Cernya''s attack range.


    ''The attribute we use is wind. It is to manipulate the air that fills this space with unbelievable force. Having fused with Windra, all of the air is now my limbs.......


    What the...?


    Even Ida, as expected of heaven and earth, couldn''t keep her out of the air.


    The wind was blowing hard again.


    No matter how much it distorts space, there is no scope for windlessness, and Ida is at the mercy of it like a leaf on a tree.


    Invalidating Spatial Distortions.


    What even his ally Doris Megian couldn''t accomplish, the Demonic Beast Fusion Sernya achieved.


    If even his specialty gravel was mixed in with the strong wind that could be called a storm, Ida would be torn to pieces and not even a trace of her original form would remain.......


    ''''Hm.........When monsters fuse together, they can''t produce gravel, just like when they fused together before. They are forced to unify their attributes.


    However, it is not a disadvantage now that you can create a strong wind on a scale that could be called a great storm.


    All you have to do now is to send the enemy itself flying into the wind like gravel.


    ''''Kyaaaaaahhhh!


    ''''Hold on to something!��I don''t care if it''s on the ground or in a tree!��Stand firm or you''ll be blown away!


    The big guy over there!��Let me hold on to you!��Otherwise, we''ll be blown away!


    The Radies on the ground were also blown away by the strong wind and did their best to hold onto the ground or the air at hand.


    ''''Attack!��Attack!��If we stay passive like this, we''ll just get pushed into a strong wind all the time!


    Droyer''s proclamation inspired everyone.


    ''''Splitting Sky!''''


    "The old version of ''Extraordinary and Unprecedented''!


    It''s ''Tornado''!


    Since the enemy is still in the air, the enemy''s natural projectile-type moves take the form of running up.


    But before they reach the target........


    ''''Ah!''''


    All were drowned out by the strong wind.


    It''s not at the level of being driven to scatter, it''s shattered into pieces by the wind and dissipated.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    ''''What is blowing all around this area is not just wind.


    The dragonman looks down at the earth.


    It''s all my magical wind. "All my auras and magic attacks are easy to extinguish.


    When Sernya raised one hand, the wind instantly stopped.


    There was no wind as if the turbulence of a moment ago was a lie.


    ''''Eh?��What...?


    I don''t want a bunch of scurrying around at my feet. I''ll make sure it''s off.


    He didn''t know what was going on, but Radie soon found out.


    ''What?��My ears...?


    A strange sensation behind the ear.


    It''s a strange sensation behind the ear that gradually turns into a sharp pain.


    T-This is tat...?


    What is it?��My ear!��My ears!


    Everyone else seemed to be the same as well.


    Did Celnya do this too?


    It''s not good!


    Zebiantes, the Four Heavenly Kings of the Wind, shouts and spreads his hands out at the same time.


    The pain in the ears recedes from all of them, as if they have done something.


    ''''That guy!��What a mess!��It''s lowering the air pressure around here at an insane rate!��Keep it close to a vacuum!��If I don''t, my eardrums are going to tear and my eyeballs are going to pop out!


    Zebiantes also has the same wind attribute as Cernya.


    That''s why I noticed the soundless attack.


    ''''I''ll gather air from around you and adjust the air pressure, so you''ll scatter and escape in time!����It''s a true monster!


    "The Four Heavenly Kings of Modern Wind......... From my point of view, I guess that makes me the junior member of the family....


    Cernya, keeping Zebiantes in sight, flicks her fingers.


    At the same time.........


    ''''Gefu!


    Zebiantes was blown away.


    While spitting blood from his mouth.


    "Zebi-chan!


    Radey shouted.


    A compressed air bullet flew at lightning speed and pierced the Zebiantes.


    This doesn''t stop the range vacuum.


    ''''Orekk!''''


    The next to move was Ida from ''Heaven and Earth''.


    He was the strongest person present who could oppose the dragon man, though.


    "I''m sorry. I''m not going to jump in without a second thought.


    Trying to get in close was a disadvantage, as it was not a good idea to get in time with Cernya, who was controlling the air currents, and trying to bring her into a close fight was a bad idea.


    Ida''s body was torn to shreds as she jumped in.


    ''''Nah!''''


    ''''Kama-tachi cage da. I''ve laid a trap for you.


    Ida falls, bleeding from all over her body.


    ''Master Ida!''


    Shouting Doroye, bringing everyone else together....


    ''Shalakusai.''


    The swirling strong winds reappeared.


    ''''Waaaaaahhhh!


    ''''Kyaaaaaaaaaah!''''


    Even the Radies on the ground are blown away and slammed into the tree trunks.


    No one can do anything about it. The most powerful disaster.


    That is a mage merged with a monster.


    I''m not a fan of this.

 208-207 Lady, counterattack (Brave & Shitenno side)

    No one was now able to stand firmly on two legs.


    Everyone was on the ground or on one knee as best as they could manage to support themselves.


    A dragon man looked down on such a messy situation from the sky.


    It was no longer the style of a transcendent.


    ''''This reminds me of Na........''''


    ''Sernya,'' he says to himself.


    ''Before I went to hell, wo.... Even when I was alive, I fought with you like this.


    "I remember my warriors, too. "It was one of the few good times in my life.


    The reply came from within himself.


    The voice of Windora, the wind monster beast inside Cernya.


    ''You were betrayed by everything, you didn''t care about anything, and you wanted to destroy everything once and for all. And you''re the one who helped me with that, Datta.


    ''''You fused them together in the same way as now and destroyed the Four Heavenly Kings and the Demon King''s army of that time. ''''You and I can do that easily.


    Last time, Gana was crushed by the Demon King. But this time it''s different. I''m going to end it.


    "To beat him?


    ''This is what it''s all about, Da. While we are here nailing down those who are in the way, the Lord will make all the preparations. Prepare to defeat the demon king.


    "I don''t think we''ll be able to beat him no matter how much preparation we do. Well, all right. You''re trying to buy time with straw, that''s quite extravagant.


    However, below, the raiders who were kicked away without needing to buy time are lying below.


    Indeed, the wind dragon was right, the power of the demonic beasts was too grand to be used just to stall for time.


    Instead of stalling out the time, it was over in an instant.


    Even so, there was one person who was still trying to stand up.


    It was Radie.


    He thrust his sword into the ground, using it as a stick, and stood up, using it as support.


    "Will you never stop fighting, my friend?


    Windora speaks in such a manner, Tohana. You must have been living in human territory for a long time.


    Sernya flicked her fingers again.


    With that alone, Radey was blown away again. A compressed air bullet hit his body.


    ''''Gah!


    ''''Keep falling down, Ilo. If you don''t move, you''ll be dead for good.


    Cernya''s goal is to buy time to support Drismegian''s actions.


    It''s not about defeating the enemy.


    "That''s a very gentle thing for you to say. It''s a good thing that you''re not the kind of person who would kill anyone who stood in front of you while you were alive.


    Dana, when my heart was filled with anger and despair. Time goes by, my heart changes. The vengeance of that time was washed away by the flames of hell. And on top of that....


    Cernya, looking down at Radey.


    ''It''s a strange thing, Da. Now that I''m merging with you again, I feel amazingly calm. Is it from you, Dana?


    "Maybe. "I have lived in seclusion for nearly 100 years.


    But still, the strugglers have not lost their coolness.


    As Radey tries to stand up again, this time, he sprays two air bullets at her.


    ''''Agh!��Agh!


    That''s why I said don''t move, Noni...


    Except for Radie, there is no sign of a twitch.


    The fact that she is the only one who tries to stand up is not due to the difference in the amount of damage, but to pure willpower.


    The pep talk in your mind drives your injured body.


    "You have tried to fight us to that point, Hana. Why?��Why do you want to go to such lengths to antagonize us?


    Perhaps it was the effect of the fusion, but Cernya speaks to the child as if to tell her off.


    He comes all the way down to her face.


    You have already heard the story. We have to defeat the demon king. It''s the same as a brave man''s goal. I''m not sure why you guys are so eager to do this.


    ..........


    He didn''t answer because the damage had taken its toll on him and he didn''t have the strength to move his mouth.


    "If you stand idly by, your purpose will be accomplished by our hand. You will no longer fight, you will no longer bear wounds that you do not need.


    Don''t be silly, please.


    Still, I answer.


    Gather your energy.


    ''Don''t tell me that you''ve tricked Altamir and Mr. Zester into attacking the village of Rax and killing so many people who were imprisoned in the jail that you can now join hands with them!��You are clearly guilty of this!


    So we''re going to fight?


    ''The mission of the brave men is not only to defeat the Demon King, but also to protect people from violence without reason. I will also fight to protect people from violence without reason!��I''ll fight you for it!


    How noble of you.


    Air bullets are released again.


    The wobbly Radey couldn''t even avoid it and was blown away.


    But you don''t see the big picture. "But you don''t see the big picture. The only way to defeat him is through ordinary means. There is no way to defeat him without using extraordinary methods.


    Are you willing to sacrifice people who don''t belong to it?


    "Fulfilling our ambitions, mule, may require sacrifice, Al.


    ''I will not accept...!''


    No matter how many times he was blown up, no matter how many times he fell down, he got back up again.


    ''No matter what kind of person you are...!��Poor, weak, uninformed...!��They have their own unique life. There is no alternative. To trample on that is evil for any reason!


    Radey was sure of it.


    If he had stayed, Dariel would have said the same thing.


    ''You will pay for your crimes!��A person who thinks he''s so ambitious that he tramples the flowers under his feet doesn''t have the qualifications to defeat the Demon King!��I will defeat you!��And I will defeat the Demon King!��No problem with that!


    Don''t be arrogant, little girl.


    A tremendous air rubbing sound sounds in Cernya''s palm.


    Compressed air bullets are compressed even more. So that it is deadly and powerful.


    If this one hits, this time Radhi''s life will be gone. But before that deadly bullet is released.


    ''''Ko-oh-oh!


    It moved from another direction.


    A wave of earth and stone of tremendous weight struck Cernya.


    ''Ida, ka...!


    ''It''s still the earth that boasts the heaviest of the four attributes!��This mass, this volume!��Can you easily blow it away with the wind?!


    Ida has switched from the ultimate magic technique, spatial distortion, to basic earth and stone manipulation.


    It''s not just the fact that he is the best mage in the world, but his power is tremendous when he returns to the basics.


    It''s interesting to see how the apostle of Valhalla no longer cares about what he looks like. It''s interesting.


    But with this timing, Cernya is sufficiently avoidable.


    It seemed to be.........


    ''''Let him go!


    Zester boldly chases after it, swinging his hammer down and attacking Cernya.


    In response, he can''t move from that spot.


    Furthermore..........


    ''''We''ll help you!


    Droyer, who also has the same earth attribute, releases a mudslide from another direction and tries to bury Cernya alive.


    The Zesters jumped away at the perfect time, and Cernya was swallowed up by the earth and rocks that caught her from both sides.


    ''''Don''t let your guard down!��Fill it with all the magic in the world!��They''ll be crawling out of there in a heartbeat if you''re half-hearted!


    Yes!


    Ida and Droyer.


    Even if it took two of the highest class earth wizards to hit them, they only temporarily blocked their movements.


    Soon, Cernya would use the power of the demonic beasts to blow away the soil and come back to the ground.


    ''''I''m warning you guys.


    Ida called out to everyone present.


    ''Whoever wants to run, run. This is your last chance! In a few minutes, he will crawl out of the ground and the battle will resume. When that happens, I will fight it with all the strength of an apostle of Valhalla. I will not delay again.


    That means that a mythical battle of mythical proportions is about to begin in which the stranger cannot intervene.


    There is no way for Radie, Droyer and the others to get out.


    I will fight.


    It was Radie who answered without pause.


    ''We are the ones living in the world today. Why shouldn''t we be the first to fight?


    ''''I buy your enthusiasm...?


    But from the surrounding area, the others also gathered around, dragging their injured bodies.


    No one was willing to give up the fight.


    ''''All of them are going to be welcomed by Valhalla........''''


    However, even if the intrepid ones unite their minds, a miracle move will not immediately come to mind in this predicament.


    Is there any way to make the attack reach Cernya, who has fused with demonic beasts and is constantly protected by the turbulent currents like a great storm?


    In a sense, it was more impregnable than Ida, which was hardened by spatial distortion.


    The way to shower such an opponent with a single sword........


    ''''There is......a way.


    ''''Zebi-chan!''''


    Zeviantes, who was blown away by an air bullet, dragged his body back.


    It''s only one hit, but it''s bearable enough because it''s not as sturdy or as gutsy as Radie.


    ''''Zevi-chan, are you okay!��I''m bleeding........!


    It has always been the power of friendship to overcome difficulties. Now it''s time to bring our minds together again...!

 209-208 Brave Lady, take over (Brave & Shitenno side)

    A few moments later....


    The earth scattered with the force of an eruption, and the one who crawled out of the earth was a dragon man with scales that shone like emeralds.


    ''''.............Stay right, Taka. Thank goodness, it would be hard to chase them if they had escaped.


    I will not run away. My mission is to defeat the inferno.


    The glaring Ida responds.


    The only thing you can do is to defeat the inferno, as you are part of it. Let''s clean up the mess and then go after Drismegian.


    I''ll take care of that for you. You''ll have to deal with him for now.


    ''No, I''ll end it right away. Now that the limpet is gone, I can do everything in my power to make you disappear!


    Both arms raised by Ida.


    The wall of light that appears in response to it is closing in on Cernya''s eyes.


    ''''Eraser End!��This is how I use my spatial manipulation!��Can your wind block this magical wall that annihilates everything in space?


    Such an ingenious idea, Toha. This is the fierce man of Valhalla!


    No matter how much Cernya borrowed the power of a demonic beast and how strong a wind like a great storm, as long as it was a substance called gas, it could only be erased from the side of the Ida''s spatial annihilation wall that touched it.


    He has a last resort against even the seemingly invincible dragon man. That''s why it was called the strongest of all time.


    ''''As expected, I won''t be able to survive if I die from that.


    Even if he couldn''t defend himself, Cernya could still fly on the wind.


    It was easy to evade.


    Jumping over the wall.........


    ''''Now!''''


    We''ll eat you, that we will.


    Two shadows leap at you from left and right.


    Zester swinging his hammer and Sesha sticking out his spear.


    The dodge was readily available.


    The chase that is added through the gap is.....


    ''Shallow na.''


    ''''Guaaaahhhh!''''


    I was pushed back by a gust of wind that spread around Cernya.


    ''''Look what kind of trump card you''re hiding, this much nanoka?��Toha, of all things, pinning his hopes on those of this world. Seems to have bought the Apostle of Valhalla, Dana?


    More shadows struck from behind late.


    The third pursuer was Radey.


    Zester and Sesha attacked first, distracting them, and the final attack after the fullness of time with diversion after diversion.


    It was Radey who was the real deal.


    ''So, Noda, you say it''s sweet,''


    Cernya turns around. He unleashes a sharp clawed hand blade.


    Gaining the scales and claws of a dragon, the magic-enhanced hand pierces through a person''s body about as easily as it can.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to get the most out of it.��You can at least expect them to be hiding and spying on you. I won''t let my guard down until everyone is out.


    Even so, the previous question and answer made Radey more wary of him, and he launched a desperate attack to make sure he was breathing down his neck.


    It was the hand blade that was thrust out.


    It''s a good thing that you''re in the middle of an attacking action, because there''s no way for you to avoid it.


    The fingertips pierce the abdomen.


    ''''Hero-sama!''''


    Mister Radey!


    The blown-up men shouted, but even that was just an act to catch the enemy off guard.


    Things are still going on as planned.


    ''''!''''


    Cernya also noticed something strange by the feeling transmitted from her fingertips.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what to do.��I can''t penetrate it!''''


    At last, you fool.


    Droyer and Satome were stuck behind Radey.


    In one mass, they seemed to have jumped here together.


    ''I expect you''ll notice and fight back!��We''re well prepared for it!


    If you looked closely, you could see that Radie''s abdomen was covered in hard mud and soil.


    What Droyer had generated with his earth magic protected Radie like a prepared iron plate.


    ''''As if that wasn''t enough, I''ve poured plenty of my guard (protection) aura into it!��You won''t be able to break through that easily with this!


    "I''m the Fourth Heavenly King and I have to defend the heroes to this extent...!��But it can''t be helped since this guy is the last one in charge!


    Radey, with the support of the two of them, raised his sword wide.


    He was already in sufficient time.


    Just by swinging it down like this, he could crack Cernya''s head in a tick.


    ''''Foolishness, Na!��No matter how much we defend ourselves, we have no means of stopping you, no matter how many times we have to demonstrate...!


    In fact, you''re probably right.


    Just like the Zester Sesha was repulsed, generating a gust of wind around Cernya herself would be enough to push Radey and the others back.


    But first.........


    ''''It''s my turn!


    Now Zebiantes appears.


    He grabs Radie''s sword with both hands.


    ''''What are you doing, Ilk?


    It''s the same thing as before!��I put all the magic in Radie-chan''s sword!��I will do my best vacuum magic.


    Vacuum magic that lowers the air pressure to the extreme and creates a state where everything is nothing.


    The combined human-demons attack that combines that with Radie''s ''Splitting Skies'' has been a trump card in a number of situations.


    But this time it''s a little different!��Until now, they have been combining my vacuum magic with Radie''s Rivendell Sky, but...!��This time...!


    "Ryukku!


    Not "Ryukku", but "Ryukku".


    It''s not just about the aura, it''s about the ability to cut off space with the aura manipulation technique and the vacuum that rejects all forms of existence.


    A cutting power even more vicious than the spatial rupture is created.


    "Nooaaaahhhh!


    That blade even slashes through the gusts of wind that Cernya generates, and all of it........


    It slashed into the main body of Cernya.


    It sliced through both halves of the body.


    ''''Guaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!


    That''s not all.


    The ground underneath Cernya''s feet cracked with the momentum, tearing it apart and causing a deep and long rupture.


    This power in one sword.


    The power of the special move that combined spatial cutting and vacuum is comparable to the power of the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''.


    In fact, in terms of sharpness, this one seemed to be superior.


    Theoretically, there is nothing that cannot be cut.


    "Goooooooooh!��Not yet!��Still daaaaaaah!


    Despite being cut off in one fell swoop, Cernya reluctantly stood her ground.


    ''Now me na la!��With Windora''s inexhaustible magical power, a tiny fraction of a walker''s body can be regenerated!��We''ll be able to raise it to Einherjar levels.��So this level of damage is wow!


    But the wound shows no signs of closing.


    ''''Idiot!��Why duh!��You don''t have enough magic to do it!


    No, you''re not the problem, sir.


    Radey says.


    He unleashes a full-blown sword, and his breath is ragged as he uses up all his energy with that one sword.


    ''''It''s because of our attack. Even Zebi-chan''s vacuum properties have been added to the ''decapitation'' that cuts through even space. Anything slashed by that ultimate blade will never stick together again.''''


    "Attack to block regeneration dato...?��Gunnu, guoahhhhhh?!


    ''''........We and you may have the same goal of defeating the Demon King. But why we''re going for it, how we''re going to get there, they''re so different that we can''t say we''re very much the same.


    His body was cut off in two parts, and he was unable to regenerate, and with this, no matter how much of a dragonborn who had obtained the power of a demonic beast, he would not be able to maintain his self.


    Slowly, he crumbles away, losing his life force.


    ''''I will defeat the Demon King. It is the duty of a brave man to go for it. But if that goal is not accompanied by the happiness of the people, then it''s nothing. I aim to be the Demon King because I want to know what this twisted world is and make it better!


    O....o...o...!


    I will defeat the Demon King and create a better world than the one we live in now!


    I wondered if Radey''s declaration had been delivered.


    Sernya, cut in half, blew up flames from a section of it, spreading and burning all over her body as she watched.


    No one knew that it bore a striking resemblance to the end of Siegfriedgel, who had been defeated by Dariel earlier.


    Was the departed doomed to crawl out of hell and still be burned by the flames?


    Consumed by the flames and consumed by the flames, the deceased Cernya has returned to nothingness.

 210-209 Mourning Wind Monster, Selniya (Brave & Shitenno side)

    Is it over?


    Cernya, cut in both directions, engulfed in flames and burned to the ground.


    All that was left was a few ashes.


    Even the departed would have to be a phoenix to rise from this place.


    The departed have finally been granted the liberation of annihilation.


    Ida, who can be considered a kindred spirit, says: "The bodies of the deceased also burn slowly for hundreds and thousands of years.


    The bodies of the deceased are slowly consumed by the fires of hell for hundreds and thousands of years. When they are completely extinguished, their sins are forgiven and they are released. Your sword gave the annihilation that the fires of hell take hundreds of years to inflict in an instant.


    That''s how awesome the combined technique of Radie and Zebiantes was.


    It''s a terribly powerful move. I''m not sure if my Einherjar body is good enough.


    Is that...?


    It means you could kill an immortal body.


    That is the highest compliment from Ida, who still lives to fight in death.


    ''It''s only natural!��If I and Radie-chan team up, we''re invincible!


    You shouldn''t be working together.


    The other members of the team were almost at peace with the relief of victory.


    It was then.


    The smoke rising from the ashes of Cernya''s burning remains.


    They coiled and thickened in the air, taking shape and eventually transforming into a single giant life form.


    A giant dragon with shiny green scales.


    ''''That''s........?''''


    Wind Devil Beast Windra.


    The monster beast that had fused with Cernya.


    Why is he the only one who can come back?


    ''''The flame monster beast that entered Bashvaza also revived after defeating it...!��That''s all I can say about such a creature, that I can say!


    Just get ready!��The fight goes on!


    Warriors look up at the monsters and hold their weapons.


    But the Great Being looked down on them and said...


    ''''Don''t get upset with me for being so tactless. I don''t intend to continue this. At least not to my straw.


    "Huh?


    ''''To Warawa, it was just a fight that he wanted to side with Sernya. Now that that Cernya is gone, there''s no point in continuing.''''


    The demonic beast''s unwillingness to speak caused many of them to fall silent for lack of a better word.


    ''''We killed that Cernya. Some people think of it as enemy vengeance?''''


    Ida, the strongest of them all, timidly pointed out.


    ''''Gee!��What''s going on in here?


    ''Master Ida!��Provoking them when they''re not willing to do it...?


    However, the demon beast still seemed to be indifferent...


    ''''Attacking the enemy. That''s just pointless. Cernya is a man who already died about a hundred years ago. Until now, the only thing left here is unrequited love. You have freed them. Maybe we should be grateful for that.


    You as a hexenbiest must have liked that guy a lot.


    Ida asks, "Ida, you are the one who made the fusion work.


    The reason why the fusion was successful is because you, the powerful one, willingly matched them. I didn''t know that the monster fusion method, which is sure to fail and even designated as a forbidden curse, had a loophole like this...


    ''''The man I met was a very powerful man. You''re right, most of the demonkind only think of us demon beasts as a horrible disaster, a catalyst to strengthen themselves, or a tool to be used physically.''''


    This was when even the demonic beast was almost fed up with the countless intrusions of these past Four Heavenly Kings.


    Furthermore, a new Four Heavenly Kings appeared in front of her and suddenly slammed their heads into the ground.


    ''''Save me, Cle!''''


    I got down on my knees and asked him.


    ''Give me a hand, Cle!��We need your great strength, Noda!


    .........


    ''''And I was drained of my poisonous spirit. He was the first and last demon tribe to ask a demon beast for a favor, after all.''''


    So you saved him from that?


    "If someone asks me for a favor, I''ll have to oblige, won''t I?


    The dragon''s expression conveyed a nostalgic feeling.


    It was no different even if the other party was not human.


    I''m not sure how it happened, but that guy will always send the person who fused with a monster beast to hell. That seems to be the rule. After Sernya was dropped, I felt empty. I''ve stopped getting involved with him. I got caught up in his stupid games and I didn''t want to fight him.


    But I''m in this fight.


    ''It''s because it''s at the request of Sernya of all people. Apparently, I''m very weak to him.


    Celnya was thrown into hell and burned for a hundred years because of a mistake she made after being at the mercy of her own misfortune.


    He took the opportunity to escape from hell and came back to the Wind Beast, identified with her, and ended up in the same state.


    His journey had finally reached the end point after a long, long detour.


    Celnya''s end point was inside the Wind Devil Beast Windra.


    ''''Celnya met a satisfying end, thanks to you. Thanks to you.''''


    What?


    The Wind Devil Beast''s gaze looked at Radie.


    ''''It seems that the viability of a person''s life depends on whether or not they get someone to entrust them with. Sernya was supposed to end up with what she had built, what she knew, and no one to whom she could entrust it. ''It''s a loser''s end,''


    But Cernya had someone to trust at the last minute.


    ''Your words seemed to resonate with Cernya. I will defeat him and make the world a better place than it is now. If that was the dream that Celnya had set out to achieve. Even after he is dead, the dream will not be destroyed.


    That is true immortality.


    The dream that Celnya had before she was betrayed and in despair was entrusted to Radhi and continued.


    It''s not just a matter of killing the enemy, it''s a matter of having a heart. You don''t just kill your enemies, you can touch their hearts and end them while satisfying them...''


    What are you going to do now?


    Radey couldn''t help but ask.


    To the wind dragon, who seemed to have lost Cernya and was now lost to his companion.


    ''I won''t do anything. I will just be the same as before. We will live in this forest and live in silence. I will live in this forest and live a quiet life, occasionally frolicking with the unskilled, but I will no longer fight any battles. I''m not going to be a Wind Beast, I''m going to be a Mountain God.


    Now that Sernya had truly departed, all of her reasons for fighting had been lost.


    ''Celnya left this forest that far without destroying it. With the power that fused with the straw, she could have blown the entire forest to pieces. I''m sure he was just looking out for me.


    So that my partner can stay here in the forest, safe and sound, after I disappear.


    "...and now it''s time to move on. There''s no reason for you to be here anymore. The next thing is already waiting for you, isn''t it?


    Yes, you''re right, I did. I got rid of all my cronies. There''s only one true Drismegian left.


    Ida gasps.


    I''m sure they''ve already located Estelica since she''s been ahead of them. It is clear that they are planning something to lure us here, to keep their cronies in place. We''ll have to brace ourselves...


    ..........


    At this time, there was something Wind Devil Beast Windra hadn''t told them yet.


    There was no righteousness to tell them.


    Windra, who had fused with Sernya until the last moment, shared and took over his sentiments.


    We can clearly see what he was thinking in his last moments.


    It was clear that Cernya shared Radhi''s public statements and was saved.


    His thoughts will be on her dreams.


    But on the other hand, there was another thing that Cernya had entrusted to him.


    That was his real life, and he had fought for it, risking his life.


    Cernya had this last thought.


    After receiving the combined special moves of Radie and Zebiantes........


    -- ''''As I thought, the Lord is right, combining magic and aura will give you tremendous benefits. Even these little girls were able to bring me to my death after I had turned into a dragonborn.


    --''''It''s not for nothing that we were able to obtain the proof at the end. If the Lord obtains this power, he will be able to achieve the ultimate combination of magic and aura...''''


    -- "Darrow who can surely defeat the Demon King


    ........That was Cernya''s last thought.


    Until the time of his annihilation, he could not forget his loyalty to the Drismegian, who was so enthralled by him.


    Did you say Drismegian, Sernya''s accomplice?


    What is it?


    Radhi rushes over to him with valuable information.


    I have a memory of what he was doing elsewhere, when he fused with Cernya. I''ve learned that, in light of the passage of time, this Drismegian has already achieved his goal.


    Purpose?��What the hell is going on?


    He asked again, and the answer that came back was even more terrifying than he had imagined.


    ''''My compatriot, the Flame Demon Beast Salamandra. Drismegian has apparently gotten his hands on that guy.''''

 211-210 Doris Megian will visit this time

    Well, that''s me.


    It''s been a few days since Ida and her friends left.


    I''m starting to feel restless.


    I was once persuaded to stay in Lax Village, but I wondered, ''Is that really what I wanted? This feeling is growing by the day.


    That doesn''t change the fact that my family and my home village of Laxx are the most important thing to me.


    Even if I am left alone, I will protect it.


    But at the same time, should I be left alone with an inferno that will bring harm to the world?��It''s also hard to ignore the feeling that


    Even as I do this, I wonder if Inferno is holding someone special in its hands.


    When I thought that, I couldn''t ignore the emotions that were bubbling up.


    Did I have such a strong sense of justice?��I was puzzled, but I was still doing my daily work.


    Aranzir-san came to visit me in the village.


    ��


    Are you sure you want to do this here?


    Hmm?��What?


    Aranzir-san came in and held Gran and catcalled her.


    You''ve adored him a lot in the Center Guild, are you saying he''s still not adorable enough?


    There is no limit to the amount of time you can spend with your grandchildren. There is no limit to the number of things you can do for your grandchildren, because you have no other thing to do than to love them. In fact, I don''t have time to do anything else.


    No, still.


    In this situation of an inferno lurking somewhere in the world, isn''t there something that the previous brave Anna should do?


    No?


    You''re throwing the whole thing to Radey, the current hero.


    It''s only natural since she''s retired, but....


    I don''t know what to say. I''m sure he will grow up to be a strong man. I''m looking forward to it now!


    ''Hey Alanziel, your time is up. I''ll take care of you this time, so give me Gran.


    You''ve been doing a lot of loving by the time I got here, haven''t you? To be fair to you, you''re not going to give me a slot!


    ''If you say so, you were disgustingly cute on the home turf of the human race!��Anyway, I''m badly injured, so it''s best for me to heal!


    Why do you have to be such a pussy to get beaten up by all these other mooks?


    Mr. Alanziel and Lady Granbaza are fighting over my son.


    I know that both of them are grandfathers who want to be with their grandchildren, but Marika will scold you again if you make too much noise.


    Are people who retire like this just easygoing and left to the active ones?


    I guess that''s the right thing to do.


    ..........


    Well, for now, I thought I''d come up with a topic or something...


    ........speaking of which.


    There was one thing that bothered me.


    ''Alanziel-san.


    Hmm?��What is it?


    Have you ever heard of Miss Estelica?


    A woman named Estelica came to my house the other day.


    I was told that she had been a brave person in the previous generation. Then I casually asked her if she knew Arantzill-san, the previous brave, as well.


    By the way..........


    "...................?


    The response was more than I had imagined.


    Until now, Arantzill-san''s expression, who was just a delirious old man, froze, and even the atmosphere of the place changed at once.


    The air was tense and tense, so much so that Gran was scared and started to cry.


    ''''Whaaaaat?��I''m sorry, that was scary!��No, it''s not scary, it''s not scary at all.


    Arantzill-san hurriedly fanned her grandson, but she still couldn''t hide her upset.


    ''''Um, well...?��Dariel?��How do you know her name?��Where the hell did you...?


    He came by our house the other day.


    ''''Haha!''''


    Again, Arantzill-san is bewildered and Gran-kun starts to cry again.


    I can''t help it, so I ask Marika to take care of Gran-kun, and once again face Arantzill-san.


    ''Dariel, I have no idea what you''re talking about. .........You met with Estelica?����She''s been dead for over thirty years!


    I knew it was so.


    Since I came as an apostle of Valhalla, in other words, that''s what it means.


    Only the souls of the dead can go to the world of Valhalla, the world prepared by the Demon King, only the souls of the dead can go there.


    Only those who have shown exceptional ability and results in life can go there.


    That''s why that Estelica-san is also.....


    You saw it too, Arantzill-san, didn''t you?��The ida of ''Heaven and Earth'' that appeared the other day.


    Is that him?��Why is that stuff coming up now?


    He''s just like him.


    I explained to Mr. Arantzill, including a bite of Valhalla.


    ''They were sent to capture an inferno that had escaped to this world. They stopped here on the way.


    Oh, no, she''s not...


    Flattened.


    Mr. Aranzir sits down without effort.


    It''s more like the sofa was there at the end of where he fell backwards by accident, otherwise he might have slumped to the floor.


    It''s hard to see Arantzill-san getting this upset.


    Even with this, he''s also called the strongest hero of all time, and he''s someone who went through a thousand shuras.


    I can''t believe he''s this upset.


    Isn''t it since I found out I''m the son of a dead man?


    "...she and I have had our share of fights.


    Puzzled, Granberza-sama interrupted.


    ''''It is true that he was strong enough to live up to the name of a brave man, and he is strongly remembered even after just one battle. But I heard that he didn''t die because of his battle with me...


    What do you mean?


    Mr. Alanziel grabbed Lady Granberza by the collar.


    ''''How dare you be so slippery!��You people!��You demons have her!��You, you, oh, oh!


    Mr. Alanziel, please calm down!


    I hurriedly stepped in between.


    I can''t believe this person has shown so much agitation towards the demon race.


    Didn''t this person''s hatred soften a bit when they found out I was alive?


    But it''s as if we have regressed to earlier.


    Who is Estelica to influence Mr. Alanziel to this extent...?


    That''s when I was about to ask more questions, invited by the question.


    I could feel something strange coming from outside.


    ��


    ''''What is this...?''''


    It was so noisy outside that we had to interrupt our conversation about Ms. Estelica to go out to check on her.


    Then I was astonished.


    The sun was floating in the sky.


    Another one.


    The sun always rises in the eastern sky and is always on the southern ceiling, and there is another sun rising in the southern sky at the same time.


    It was so close.


    It was as close as if it had fallen from the heavens, and a fireball comparable to the sun was lingering in the sky above Lax Village.


    ''''Goooooooooooooh!��It''s so hot!��Isn''t it just like the middle of summer!


    "Such a huge fireball, who could have created such a magic?��Heat as hot as the sun...?


    You''re going to surprise Lord Granberza with fire magic?


    I don''t know if this big fireball was created by magic, but if it wasn''t for the fire magic used by the demon race, this trick would be impossible.


    Then who did it?


    Suddenly, the large fireball above my head popped and scattered.


    ''''Whoa!?''''


    The force of the explosion caused me to shut my eyes and cover my face with my arms.


    Damage to the village from the explosion........fortunately not, but instead the place where the fireball that disappeared was.......


    A floating red cloak.


    The hem of the cloak is fluttering in the wind and flickering like a flame.


    ''''I knew you were........!


    Inferno!


    This is the first time I''ve seen it with my own eyes, and I''m not sure he really wanted to be alive.


    And now he''s back in LUX village....


    Estelica''s reasoning is spot on.


    I''m glad to see you''re out at last. We''ve been waiting for you.


    The one drifting in the air is coming down right in front of me.


    The red cloak is the same, but the tone of voice is noticeably different.


    I was looking for two parts. I''ve just obtained one of those parts. There''s only one left.


    What the hell are you talking about, all of a sudden?


    I''m talking about you, Dariel.


    Really, why all of a sudden?


    You''re the second piece I need to get. Come with me. Come with me, and you will defeat the Dark Lord.

 212-211 Dariel meets the disaster

    The red cloak that I once faced is in front of me again.


    The Monster Inferno.


    All of the recent mutations were being pulled by this guy behind the scenes.


    Pigalo, Zester, and Altamir''s three brave men were disturbed and robbed of Mithril.


    He had kidnapped Selmet, a clandestine scout with close ties to me, and had sent a large number of assassins to the village of Lax.


    They raided Rasperda Fortress and obliterated it.


    The battle between Radhi and his team and the Ida of Heaven and Earth in human territory was probably a side effect of his presence.


    It is extremely annoying.


    All of the disasters seemed to be coming out of that red cloak.


    Such a flame-red inferno is in front of us.


    "........is it really him?


    I can''t hide my confusion.


    Because I''ve killed that guy once.


    A stifling fight to the death in the past.


    I won by a skin-thin margin, but it''s quite possible that our positions could have been reversed by the slightest mistake.


    But a win is still a win.


    I slammed the Hermes blade into his brain and slashed him down to his groin.


    The inferno''s body was cut in half lengthwise, and there was no way any life could survive without dying in that state.


    Moreover, he then caused a mysterious phenomenon to occur, and all of his corpse was reduced to ashes.


    I should have witnessed his death completely.


    I never thought I''d have to face such an opponent again...!


    Well no, you''re not.


    I knew right away just by facing him.


    This guy is completely different from the inferno we once fought to the death.


    The only part that is the same is the eye-hurtingly vivid red cloak at best.


    It''s a good thing that you can''t disguise the quality of the atmosphere that emanates from the cloth, no matter how much you cover and hide your entire body with the cloak.


    The inferno I once faced unleashed a presence that reminded me of a master swordsman.


    A lake where you could tell that vicious carnivorous fish lurked for sure, and yet not a ripple or a single ripple stood on the surface of the water.


    The inferno of the past had a hint of such tranquility and fearfulness that lived together.


    It could be said that this is a sign peculiar to warriors who have reached the limit of their training.


    The current inferno is different.


    The current atmosphere that he is emitting is too noisy.


    She wants to show off the power in her hands, she wants to make it known that she is omnipotent.


    The hint that he couldn''t hide such a desire to hide it was unique to the mages of the demon race.


    Because I''ve walked through two societies, I''ve noticed that mages are innocent of the power they''ve acquired.


    Rather than being a professional fighter, they are more of a researcher.


    That''s why I can''t help but want to show someone the results I''ve developed at the end of my research. I want to express my efforts.


    The current inferno has such a hint of a mage''s unique character.


    In other words, the current inferno is unlike the inferno I defeated in the past........


    ''''.........You''re a demon race?''''


    I asked him squarely.


    I thought it was a dumb question. There are many more things I should have asked.


    ''''Well Siegfriedgel is.....


    The inferno I didn''t know said.


    The sound of his voice and tone of voice showed again that he wasn''t the guy he used to be.


    ''He was the best fighter in hell. Purely pursuing the art of fighting. He was the only one who wouldn''t stop doing so, even in the depths of hell. He was the only one who continued to hone his skills in hell. Thanks to that........


    The Red Cloak says, "He''s arrived.


    "He has arrived. He has reached the highest peak I could foresee, the greatest power humanity could ever hope to attain. So I took her as part of me, because I was sure she could be useful on earth. I knew it would be useful on earth.


    But for all that...


    I found myself naturally interrupting my words.


    It was like something had lured me in.


    ''''Well you ditched that guy so easily.


    ''He was cut in half, covered in flames all over, and didn''t stop hating you to the end. You have betrayed your people.


    It''s no use. I''ve got more material than he does.


    The expression of the inferno is obscured by the red cloak.


    And yet, the hint of a grin can certainly be felt.


    You''ll find that the same is true of Avos. It''s not just a matter of time before you find yourself in a situation where you can''t afford to be a part of it. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on in the world.


    But you lost it.


    On the contrary, he allowed himself to lose it without any qualms.


    ''''So it''s because I found a better ''replacement'' than that. ....I don''t like it, the topic is running around in circles. It''s a bad habit to talk about what I''m most interested in. I try to be as detailed as possible and end up telling the same story over and over again...


    Biting back a self-mocking smile, the red cape speaks.


    Then let''s get straight to the point. Siegfriedgel, Avos, and the material that surpasses them to replace them. It''s you.


    Pointing at me.


    He raised a finger from inside his cloak. A forearm protruding from the gap in the cloak looked bizarre, covered in red lotus scales.


    ''Dariel, your power is amazing. It''s a perfection that doesn''t seem to have come about completely out of the blue. The Siegfriedgel and Avos that I trained with great care are nothing more than rubbish compared to you.


    ...Huh?


    What did this guy just say?


    ''Trash'' your own people without hesitation...?


    "It''s no use, when you''ve met the best material available. Dariel, you are the masterpiece that fate has created. You are a match made in heaven. Luck isn''t the word I would use to describe how lucky I am to have found you when I''m about to take on my greatest enemy.


    Inferno makes a gesture of spreading his hands.


    ''This is fate. Dahliel, you are the last piece I need to get to defeat him. It must be the gift of destiny that I was given to defeat him.


    ....


    Come with me. "Come with me, and we will be the heroes who will fulfill humanity''s dream and usher in a new era of humanity. You have the power to do this. It would be a sinful thing to leave that precious power to rot without using it.


    Don''t make me the instrument of my own destiny.


    You talk like Roselwy.


    You make your vocabulary so big that you feel like you''re doing something special.


    ''This world is too big for me to carry. This world is too big for me to take on, and I''m going to live my life the way I see fit.


    ''That''s just underestimating yourself. You have the wherewithal to take on the world.


    No one can do that.


    No one can take on the world alone.


    That''s why people will help each other, stand by each other, and weave the world together.


    ''You''re too arrogant. Shouldn''t you have had a little reflection in hell, that''s what hell is, isn''t it?


    ''Ho ... you know about this?��Who are we?


    Yeah.


    The kind people who came here told me something superfluous.


    ''You are sinners. You have abdicated your responsibility and behaved in an atrocious manner. You deserve to go to hell.


    The blame lies with you.


    I''ve seen, in part, the misdeeds of the so-called Inferno through the documents of the Center Guild.


    And I know one more thing.


    The "him" that the Inferno seeks to defeat is the Demon King.


    He is a fool who fearlessly seeks to murder the Demon King.


    If you seek revenge on the Demon King, this would be the most ridiculous thing you could do. Your stupidity has led you to Hell. It''s not right to hold a grudge against the Lord of Hell.


    ..........


    There was no reply from Inferno.


    I wondered if he had broken the argument and lost his rebuttal.


    ''''..........kukk, kuhahahahahahahahahahaha......!


    He suddenly burst out laughing.


    ''Kahahahahahahahaha!��Click!��Kebaba-baba-baba-baba...!


    Umm, uh...?


    You think I tried to kill him out of personal animosity?��Just like that!��Is that what you thought?��Gaba-baba-baba-baba........?


    Inferno scattered a shrill laugh as if he had lost his mind, and then........


    ''''.........Don''t be silly!''''


    I suddenly snapped.


    What is it?


    Don''t you diminish my relationship with him!��You have no idea what you''re talking about!��Only I can truly understand his enormity, his toxicity!��Don''t interfere as if you don''t know anything!


    Ah, yes.


    It''s me!��I''m the only one who can truly understand him!��I''m the only one in 3,000 worlds who knows everything about him, who knows what he''s really about!


    What confidence.


    I could tell from the flames he was releasing that he meant it.


    "Then tell me, what do you know about my Demon Lord?


    I was curious and wanted to aggravate him further.


    ''Who are you to talk so confidently about it?��Tell me, and I''ll listen. I wonder what you are all about.


    ...All right. I''m the one who was said to be the ''closest to the Demon King''.


    It was the name I had once heard and expected.


    ''''Drismegian, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army in the past, ''Shaka''. He is far ahead of you.

 213-212 Doris Megian tells the truth

    After all....


    The Drismegian of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, ''Sha Fire''.


    It was a name he had heard a lot about from the ''Heaven and Earth'' Ida-san and the others who had come here earlier.


    Someone was advancing from my side.


    ''''Lady Granberza...!


    He is my benefactor and a leading figure in the Demon King''s army.


    Even if you put him in the history of the past and present, he should be the strongest person who can claim the name of the strongest, but....


    Dariel, listen to me. The villagers of Lux village are evacuating as fast as they can.


    He whispers to me.


    ''I don''t want a full-scale collision until the evacuation is complete. Stall the conversation as long as you can. Stall for as long as you can.


    Indeed.


    The reason why the inferno rode into the city with impunity was not for a good reason.


    He is sure to be planning something outrageous.


    Taking a lesson from the recent attack on my village, I asked the Adventurer''s Guild to dig a shelter.


    Now that it''s large enough to accommodate the entire population of Luxe Village, they''re probably hurrying to evacuate according to the drills we repeated several times.


    We need to ensure their safety until that is completed.


    ''''So Mr. Drismegian?��Are you alone today?


    Ida told me about it. He and his friends, who have escaped from hell together, supplement each other''s bodies to form a single entity.


    That formation is the inferno.


    Do you know that much? They are on their own. We have Ida being held back in a faraway place.


    ..........


    I almost got tongue-tied.


    So that means Ida-san and Estelica-san can''t expect them to come out to support me.


    ''''Drismegian-sama. If you are trying to master fire magic in the demon race, everyone will respect you and advance toward you...''''


    Granbaza-sama joins in with the questions and answers.


    Sahih and "kagashii-fire". It''s a miracle that these two mastered flames confront each other across the ages.


    It''s a miracle that the two master flames confront each other beyond the ages. As long as you don''t make your own existence a taboo. You are the strongest person of all time in terms of merit and ability. But unfortunately, your only regret is that you lack entirely in common decency.


    What''s the point of leaving your name behind for posterity?


    The man whose name was erased from history replies to Granbaza, the man who is truly the strongest man of all time, "That history was also created by him.


    He said: "That history was also made by him. What is the point of carving your name on such a thing?��That''s why you guys aren''t getting any better because you''re happy about it.


    Is it better to go to hell?


    I''ll take over the rest.


    Having spent most of his life in the Demon King''s Army, Granberza-sama has yet to lose his reserve for his great predecessors.


    You''ve been talking about it all day long, as if you''re the only one who knows everything. ........Then let''s hear it, what do you know?��Why are you trying to defeat the Demon King?


    He was relentless in his attempts to get at me, to plan ahead.


    I could never understand the principle of his actions.


    Is this due to a fact that only he knows and I don''t?


    "Huh, okay, I''ll tell you.


    The other man came on board.


    "Dariel, it''s what you need to do to keep up with me. Listen to me, and you will see that you are a smart man. Then, wise man, you will see that he is the worst danger to the world. You will see that he is the worst danger to this world. Until he is defeated, mankind will never truly be free.


    Yeah, I''ll ask you. Tell me.


    Why do you think the humans and the demons are fighting in the first place?


    Drismegian said.


    ''''The brave men of the human race will try to defeat the Demon King, and the Demon King''s army will prevent them from doing so. At the heart of this battle is the Demon King. But why do the human race want to defeat the demon king?��Why do the demons protect the Witch King?��A question that no one can answer. It''s been in the world too long to even be questioned until now.


    You think you have the answers?


    Yes.


    The answer was clear.


    That''s why I was killed and d*mned. ... no, no, no. Hell was created.


    What do you mean?


    Hell didn''t exist until I fell. That world was created by him to house my soul. So I was the beginning of hell.


    There was something proud about his "I''m sorry, I don''t know what happened to you," kiss.


    I''ve got a lot of people who are just as unforgivable as I am," he said, "and then he started throwing people into hell. You can say I''m the master of hell. No, hell itself. Therefore, I call myself the inferno.


    ''If you''re the Lord of Hell, then you have a problem with being away, don''t you?��Why don''t you go home now?


    I can''t do that. I can''t do that, because I have a mission to fulfill in this world. That''s what I''m talking about........phew, we''re going around in circles again.


    No, don''t laugh.


    There''s nothing funny about it.


    Yeah, I came up from hell to take him down. With a small group of like-minded people. But you claim that you can''t understand what I''m doing. You say that I''m the one who''s mistaken for a monster, while overlooking your own ignorance.


    So what do you know about it?


    We''re going in circles again, darling.


    "A brave man slays the Witch King, an army of demons stands in his way. And the reason for that battle is..........


    I finally came to a conclusion.


    Because that in itself is just a game to him.


    ..........


    Well, you don''t look surprised. You mean, you knew it was coming?


    It wasn''t just me, Granbaza-sama lined up next to me didn''t raise his voice or move his expression.


    ''''........Anyone who has been in the Demon King''s army for a long time will know that. That gentleman has never once blamed his subjects for their failures. In my Four Heavenly Kings lifetime, several other Four Heavenly Kings have been defeated by heroic parties and retired after losing their lives or being severely injured beyond recovery.


    It wasn''t just once or twice that we lost the Rasperda Fortress to the human race.


    We took it back each time, but it was one of the fiercest in the history of warfare, and the era of the two titans, Aranzir-san and Lady Granbaza, was not a smooth ride.


    ''But I never once saw the gentleman go into a rage when I reported any failure.


    We don''t get angry because it doesn''t matter.


    If you take everything as a game, you won''t get angry or happy about every single thing.


    ''''Well maybe so. But you still don''t understand the depths of the matter. He''s not just enjoying this world as a game. This world itself is a game board that he has created for his own amusement.


    "?��What does that mean?


    For instance there''s this guy called the God of War, right?��It''s not familiar to you demons, but it''s said to be a transcendent being who gave the human race their aura powers.


    If you say that the demon king is the one who gave the demon race magic, then the fighting gods are the only ones who are equal to the demon king.


    I''m sure you''ll find that the fighting gods don''t appear in front of the human race.��Even though the Demon King is in touch with the demon races to the point of overkill. Of the two races, only one transcendent is exposed and the other transcendent is absent. The reason for this is...!


    Because they''re both identical.


    I said.


    Next to me, Granberza-sama looked at me.


    ''''The Demon King and the God of War are originally the same being. In other words, if it was the Demon King who gave the Demon race magic, it was the Demon King who gave the human race its aura.


    This world was fought by those who received blessings from the same entity.


    That''s right.... Hmph, how did you notice that, I''m surprised.


    The signs that Inferno emitted were somewhat disappointing.


    ''How did you notice it?��There must be only one way to get to that fact other than me.


    The giant statue of a fighting god in the Center Guild. That one looks just like the Demon Lord. That''s how I knew.


    Of all the Center Guild sightseeing that I didn''t get much out of, that was the best part of it.


    It certainly felt like a glimpse into the truth of the world.


    I am a former dark soldier in the Demon King''s army.


    Also, because of my position as the Four Heavenly Kings'' assistant, I''ve attended several audiences with Granberza-sama to the Demon King.


    That''s why I knew that man''s face.


    ''''I see. So you''ve taken the opposite route to the regular one.''''


    "Regular?


    That''s his prank. A man who is determined to defeat the demon king offers his vows to the fighting gods he worships at his starting point. And if he or she arrives at the Demon King, he or she will see the same face that he or she prayed to.


    So, for the first time, one learns that the demon king and the fighting gods are the same entity.


    ''''It''s a game of bad taste,''''


    ''Right?��He likes to surprise people like that. It seems that he likes to surprise everyone more than he likes to be the one who surprises them.


    Well, then, it''s exactly the opposite of what I saw.


    I looked at his face first, and then at the face of the statue. I may be the first person in history to see the statue in that order.


    ''This one thing should tell you that. It''s not just the demon race. The human race and the heroes are also just a plaything for him to pass the time. The blood and tears of the people who are thrown into the grandiose contraption are his amusement.


    If it was the Demon King who gave the human race the power of aura, then even more so.


    The human race and the demon race. If the reason for giving different powers to the two races is so that they can fight each other, it''s understandable.


    But if that''s the case, as Inferno says, this world seems to be fundamentally set up by the Demon King for his own pleasure...!


    "Dariel, but you do not yet understand. You do not yet understand his sinfulness. How far he has perverted the world for his own amusement.


    What do you mean?


    ''What is the human race and the demon race in the first place?��That''s what I mean.

 214-213 Actually discovered

    ''Come to think of it, Dariel, I heard you lived among the demon race for about thirty years despite being a human race?


    He knows exactly where I''m coming from, and he knows my previous life.


    Inferno continues to talk amusingly.


    ''You''ve been pretty miserable, haven''t you?��In the society of the demon race, those who can''t even use magic are no better than trash. I can see how much they''ve been oppressed.


    Don''t bother.


    This guy seemed to like getting on people''s nerves quite a bit too.


    But why do you think that happened?


    What?


    ''''I''m just wondering how it was possible for you, a human, to mix with the demon race and no one realized the truth until you were well past your thirties. Usually, someone would notice, right?


    I don''t like being asked such questions.


    It''s true that the guy from Inferno might be right too.


    But, so what is the point?


    Figuring out why now won''t bring back the past.


    ''Stop mocking the human past for no reason.


    Kukkuk...!��You''re angry. Is that where you don''t want your humans to touch you?


    This guy....!


    Evil at heart!


    ''But it''s not pointless. It''s absurd that they didn''t find out you were a different species until the end. If you mix a puppy with a kitten, you''ll know it''s not. If you mixed a wolf pup with a puppy, you would know it was a wolf as it grew up.


    Maybe.


    ''But why can''t you see the difference between the demons and the humans?��It''s simple. There is no difference between the two species. If they weren''t different, there would be no way to tell them apart.


    What are you talking about...?


    No. No way...?


    ''You are slow about this one, Dariel. Is it because of your traumatic experience?��Then let me tell you the answer. The human race and the demon race are not different. They are the same species. They are both the same person.


    Inferno told him the truth.


    The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that there is no way to tell them apart. I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work. That''s the only difference. Wasn''t it because of the aura that you realized you belonged to?


    I''m too good to say anything.


    ''''That''s the only difference that separates the two races, so it can''t be helped. No, they''re the same to begin with.


    ''''Then.........?''''


    Even Granbaza-sama, who was beside me, is shaking his voice.


    The fact that this is a shocking fact seems to remain unchanged.


    ''''The human race and the demon race too!��The same person?��The same person?


    That''s right. The reason mankind is one and the reason it''s divided in two is clear. No, it was the will of one individual.


    That''s the Demon King.


    "He once divided the people he ruled over into two and gave them different powers. He used this power to make them fight each other. That was the beginning of the human race and the beginning of the demon race.


    Why would you say that...?


    How many times do I have to tell you? It''s a game. People watching each other fight and being bored.


    The answer was obvious.


    You''re not going to go that far...!


    "Of course, that was a long time ago, even from my point of view. I don''t even know how many hundreds of years ago it was. I don''t even know if the human race, which was divided into the human race and the demon race from that time onward, was divided into the human race and the demon race. I don''t even know if they were called "brave" or "demon king''s army".


    But one thing''s for certain.


    "He is the one who made this world this way. How about...?��Aren''t you starting to get a little in tune with me?��He''s remade the world for his own amusement. No matter what. Isn''t this evil that cannot be tolerated?


    That''s what you say. You have no proof.


    You''re the evidence.


    I choke at Inferno''s stinging point.


    ''I told you. How was it possible for you to mingle among the demon race and continue to spend your time unnoticed as a human race?��What better explanation is there to unravel its wonders?��The demon race and the human race are the same...


    I can''t help but be convinced.


    It''s true that I''m the only one among the demon tribe, and I''m the one who feels the wonder of being able to live until I''m over 30 years old despite being a human.


    The human race and the demon race are all the same.


    At least they look exactly the same.


    The only difference is that they have a different sense for what they wear in different cultures.


    And above all, there is a difference in aura and magic.


    So really, the only difference between the human race and the demon race is whether they use aura fighting or magic.


    If it was the Demon King who gave you that difference.


    Before that, all humans were an inseparable species...?


    If that''s true...!


    Master Granberza couldn''t hide his agitation either.


    It would be a shock, since this person had spent all of his time fighting the human race until he reached his old age.


    ''''The demon race and the human race are the ones who don''t need to fight each other in the first place...?


    ''''It''s true. They are the same species from the beginning. They are the same race from the very beginning. And this is all because of his whim.


    It''s him.


    The Demon King.


    But how do you come to know all this?��You didn''t start out as an all-knowing, all-powerful genie, did you?


    Of course, I started out as just a dark soldier. I''m not going to be able to get out of it. All the battles have been for him. I myself was there for him.


    ........For a moment, there was silence.


    ''When did it start?��I''m able to see things a little wider than the others. I was able to see into the past and the future. And I realized that I could see what was going on. I realized what I worshiped.


    It was either happy or unhappy for Inferno the Drismegian.


    ''I found out I was betrayed. So I rebelled. He is the scourge of this world. We, the people of this world, must get rid of him. Nothing will change that, no matter how many times he knocks us down or kills us.


    And Inferno reaches out his hand.


    ''That''s the end of my story. Let''s get back to our original proposal. Dariel, come with me. You and I will help you and I to defeat the demon king.


    ..........


    Your power is invaluable. "Your power is valuable, and I will use it properly, so that you can defeat him. I''m not going to be able to tell you what to do. You and I are going to be the first to do so!


    Your story is certainly a shocker.


    So much so that it undermines the way we perceive the world itself.


    After hearing this story, you won''t even know what to believe.


    But..........


    ''''But it has nothing to do with the story I''m about to deal with you right now.


    What?


    The monster froze with his hand outstretched towards us.


    ''No, are you an idiot?��If you listen to me, you''ll know what you have to do.


    ''Is everyone who doesn''t agree with you an idiot?��It''s common and selfish.


    He takes out the Hermes sword from his pocket and extends it into sword form.


    Holding the weapon is a clear indication of hostility.


    ''I knew there was no other way to prove what you''re saying than by your assertions.


    If the demon race and the human race were really the same, the only way to find out the truth is to ask the person himself whether it was the Demon King who separated them or not.


    So it''s a waste of time arguing about whether it''s true or not here. Before that, I have more pressing matters at hand.


    Urgent?


    You.


    The Monster Inferno.


    Not once or twice have I been in the vicinity of the inferno, causing a lot of commotion and almost getting victims.


    For the sake of the well-being of my loved ones, you must not be alive. I will kill you quickly.


    When things are complicated and difficult to process, you can start with the simple things you see for now.


    Once you''ve unraveled the complicated threads one by one, the rest is simpler than you might think.


    ''''I''ll take care of you first, which is all you need to do if you''re right in front of me and smash it. The problem about the Demon Lord is after that. If it''s a problem that''s been going on for hundreds of years anyway, it won''t matter if we spend a few more years on it.


    You are a blithering idiot. Are you only interested in what''s in front of you...?


    I''m going to get rid of all the things in front of me one by one. I''m going to get rid of everything in front of me, one by one.


    That''s the right way to build up your life.


    ''Don''t just look far away, build your feet up. It''s a solid way of life.


    So you''re a snob.


    So you''re a noble man, huh?��I just looked up and stayed on my feet and fell into a pit.


    And headlong into hell.


    There''s nothing more ridiculous than the downfall of a man who stays in high places.


    You...?


    I think it''s time to put an end to this chitchat.


    The villagers are being evacuated now.


    Since you''ve come all this way, let''s make sure this doesn''t happen again.

 215-214 Death fight begins

    Clattering, noisy footsteps came from behind me.


    ''Aniki!��Big brother!


    Gacita.


    It''s not just my brother Gashita.


    Many other hands rush in and line up on the same side as me.


    They were adventurers from the Rax Village.


    Thanks to the growth of the village, nearly a hundred adventurers are now registered in the guild and are well-protected.


    They were the most reliable people in such a crisis.


    ''Dariel, the evacuation of the villagers is over. Everyone has entered the shelter and the entrances are being fortified by the adventurers.


    Mr. Alanziel also helped to guide the evacuation.


    He was very helpful in this urgent situation.


    ''Marika and Gran are in the bunker, too. Now we can fight without worrying about the consequences.


    Thank you...!


    Dozens of people lined up to stare at a single inferno.


    There is no sense of cowardice in the many versus one. The other party is an outsider and a criminal. I''ll take all the means I can to protect the safety of the village.


    ''''........I see.......the reason why you kept on chatting for so long was to buy time for the evacuation?''''


    Otherwise there''s no reason to engage in this nonsense.


    The monster inferno that has sent us all kinds of misfortune so far.


    I''m going to settle this here so that I don''t have to be bothered by this guy any more.


    ''Do we have no choice but to fight?��It''s very sad that it''s the only way, though, isn''t it?


    "When you harm us, you have no choice. You will perish with an open mind.


    There are a total of 98 adventurers belonging to the Lax Village Guild.


    A few percent of them are assigned to guard the evacuated residents, but there are still enough people out there to come around and sack one person.


    The adventurers with the aptitude to guard are at the front!��Prepare for enemy attack. Get behind it and get the bowman!��Focus on the target!


    Everyone responds to my commands and adjusts their stance without hesitation.


    Nice moves. You''ve been training every day for a while now.


    "What about slash and hit adventurers?


    Aniki is right, I''m sending it to the village guard!


    Okay, that''s it.


    That''s the inferno. The death toll will rise without limit if you approach it carelessly.


    We need to keep the number of direct collisions to a minimum and leave the rest of the team to cover the rear.


    "Dariel, you know what I''m saying?��The opponent is a mage, and his attribute is fire. The way to win is to fight against their traits.


    I know, sir.


    Just as Aranziel-san said, this time''s Inferno was once one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army.


    And with its attribute being fire, it must be good at wide-area annihilation attacks.


    It''s the same attribute as the person I respect the most.


    There is no need to misread it.


    You''re on target, right?��Fire!


    At my command, the adventurers with sting (poke) aptitude who had drawn their bows and fired their arrows in unison.


    It shouldn''t be possible for them to escape by shooting in unison from a half-encirclement, though.


    ''''.........Scorching Heat Wards''''


    The rain of arrows never reached the inferno.


    Nearly all of them burned and disappeared before they reached their targets.


    ''''Nah!''''


    ''What do you mean?��It''s burning!��The enemy isn''t emitting any flames!


    The red cloak just stood there in a leisurely manner.


    The hem of the cloak is fluttering in the wind, wavering....


    .........no, no.


    ''''Everyone retreat!��Stay away from him!


    ''''Scorching hot wards...?''''


    Alanziel-san also noticed.


    A spell of fire magic that instantly and rapidly raises the temperature of the mage''s surroundings.


    It''s a vicious magic that raises the temperature so quietly that an unaware opponent who approaches will be burnt to death without notice.


    ''''The arrows burn up in spontaneous combustion, that''s not an ordinary temperature...?��I didn''t know that there were other fire mages besides Granbaza who could make a fire mage develop such a powerful ''scorching heat ward''...?


    It seems that the Four Heavenly Kings, whose records have been erased, are not as cool as I thought.


    ''''Gashta!''''


    Hey!


    At my command, this time only Gacita draws her bow.


    I didn''t participate in the simultaneous shooting earlier to convey my support to everyone, but...!


    ''''Put enough aura into it........Eat it!''''


    The arrows from Gacita''s bow fly toward the inferno without missing a beat.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.


    ''''Geez!''''


    No, to be precise, I should say that I blocked an arrow that was about to hit the head of the inferno with my hand, but.......


    ........what a guy.


    Even if that is the most certainty, to use your own arm as a shield without hesitation.


    "I didn''t burn up........ I''m sure you''re not the only one. It means that you have a very strong aura concocted in you.


    The arrow that stabbed through his hand ignited with a bang the next moment and immediately turned to ashes.


    ''''I heard there are well-trained aura users in the countryside. That one would be a good source of nourishment.


    f*ck!


    Next, I unleash the Super Emperor''s Splitting Sky myself.


    A large aura slash that flies from the Hermes Blade breaks through the high heat space and approaches the main body of the inferno.


    This time, he ducked down and dodged the attack with a flutter.


    Moreover, for some kind of magic, that guy runs up the air fluttering, and even dodges Arantzill-san''s ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky'' as he rises into the sky.


    ''''Don''t let him get away!��Archers, keep shooting!��Moving around shouldn''t clear the ''Scorching Wards''!


    The inferno dodges the countless arrows that spew out like a water discharge, while casting through the air.


    It''s eerie that they still haven''t set off from that side.


    Are they up to something?


    Did you think I didn''t see it coming?


    What?


    A voice from above.


    ''Your spirits. Even an idiot can see that the conversation is a stall for time. And that the intention is to evacuate the non-combatants. You''re a gentle village chief, you know. But on the other hand, if you have completed the evacuation, the target will be clear and easy to understand.


    Wha...?


    What was his plan?


    I can see it from up in the sky. You can see it from above, right in the hole. Just the right amount of steaming.


    In Inferno''s hands, flames dwell for the first time.


    However, that was only the prelude to the extreme flame magic that was to follow.


    With his magic power, a little hole digging and diving is not enough to prevent him from becoming a barrier.


    ''''All hands on deck!��Don''t let him cast a spell!


    The people who are able to attack from a distance, such as bows and arrows, all aim at the inferno, but since they have already risen to a considerable altitude, they cannot reach it with ordinary arrow shots.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    It''s also dodged flutteringly and doesn''t get in the way.


    ''''No way!��Doesn''t your chanting stagnate while moving like that!


    "Dariel, I''m going to pare down what you don''t need. I''m going to weed out the things you don''t need, Dariel, and lock you in to your hatred.


    From the beginning, the targets of the inferno were the people of the village in the shelter.


    Marika and Gran there, too.


    ''''Don''t do it, whoa whoa whoa!��Stop ohhhhh!


    ''Good scream!��That''s why you must kill everything you love!��It''s for the world!


    The inferno''s clasped hand was indeed pointing towards the shelter.


    ''''Fireside hellfire!��Burn up what you don''t want!


    The great flames that were released.


    It was enough to cover the sky, and I knew at a glance that the shelter was useless against those flames.


    It was all for naught.


    For a moment, I thought that this was all over.


    The flames that were released stopped in mid-air.


    ''''Wha?


    ''''What?!''''


    I was not the only one who screamed in confusion.


    Even Inferno.


    So that means it wasn''t his intention to do that...?


    "You are truly disrespectful. I am ashamed to be the last of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    It''s...!


    Lady Granberza!


    I see, that person who is a flame mage like him forcibly took away the control of the flame magic and stopped the flames!


    This is indeed the strongest of all time, the Four Heavenly Kings!


    I don''t mind your stern ideals. But your actions are completely lacking in integrity. I have no sympathy for your behavior.


    With a flick of Granbaza-sama''s arm, a huge fire that could have instantly consumed the mountain was instantly extinguished.


    And isn''t Granbaza-sama flying in the sky too?


    "I would never let a single scratch on Dariel''s family. Blotted out of name, Fourth Heavenly King, you will return to nothingness as you were treated.

 216-215 Senior group, strong

    "''Fireside hellfire''!


    "''Fireside hellfire''.


    Overhead, a tremendous flame stream and flame stream collided with each other.


    Everyone covered their faces at the brilliance and the residual heat that was transmitted to the ground.


    It was as if the heavens were covered with the sun.


    ''''You also used that spell...?��You!''''


    We won''t be late like we were at Lasperda.


    Inferno and Lady Glamberza.


    The two polar fire mages are in the air, shooting each other''s depth magic.


    The natural aspect must be spectacular and high level.


    And how is Master Granbaza flying in the sky!


    ''''Cremation young cremation!''''


    "Cremation of the Young Crematorium.


    "''The Creation of Wewetheotl''!


    The Creation of Wewetheotl.


    Martyrs'' fire!��"Martyrdom Fire!


    "Martyrdom Fire.


    Multiple layers of attacking magic rush through the heavens and collide between the two, and then disappear against each other.


    Same amount of same quality.


    This is a phenomenon that occurs because the two people''s magical abilities are on par with each other.


    "You!��All of them...?


    That''s right, a spell you developed in the past. I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    ''Lady Granbaza,'' says.


    You should be ashamed to see this. The magic you have created remains in the world and contributes to the development of magic technology. But only the creator is doing the world harm with his evil thoughts.


    What about it?��They are all magic that I invented to make me strong. The magic that was only for me.


    Inferno is not moved in the least.


    ''And is that what the future generations will remember and play with? "Are you playing with them? Why should I feel it when these inexperienced people lick the surface of my wisdom?


    ''You think I''m just licking my chops?��Then....!


    The flames swirled in time with the movement of Granbaza-sama''s fingers.


    It was like a living, flame-clad serpent slumping in the air.


    "Will you taste for yourself, how the inertia of future generations have inherited your training?


    A flaming serpent attacks the inferno!


    In the battles between mages of the same attribute, purely on the strength of the magic is the difference between victory and defeat.


    It''s because there is no room for factors other than skill, such as affinity, to intervene. It''s a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what your opponent is going to do.


    The winner is the one with more ground power, more experience, and better tactics than the result.


    ''''Ha!''''


    The inferno flies on a swallow-like trajectory again, dodging the attack.


    However, Granbaza-sama, who expected even that, doesn''t even give him time to catch his breath by showering him with a breathless series of attacks.


    ''''Ko-ooh-ooh!


    I managed to dodge and prevent it, but finally I couldn''t make it in time and the hem of my red cloak begins to catch fire.


    ''''My ''Hegan Flame River''!


    The wall of fire that Inferno lays in front of me shuts out all of Granberza-sama''s attacks once it''s in front of me.


    That magic, it''s similar to the ''Explosive Flame Barrier'', but the heat and density is much different.


    I''m sure you''re not the only one who is worthless and weak in the world. You''re the only one I''m willing to acknowledge.


    It''s a great pleasure to be recognized by your predecessor as a genius.


    Because it''s Lady Granberza, I''m able to stay one step ahead of her in a purely magical battle with Inferno.


    I know. I''ve been in the past and the current inferno I''m fighting is a completely different person.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most of it.


    They are different in substance.


    But even so, both of them were still at the level of excellence that will go down in history.


    It''s only because it''s Granverza-sama, the strongest and most honorable of all time, that he is able to counter such a history-level enemy.


    Such high-level magical battles might not have been seen in the past hundred years.


    I had to witness such a rare battle up close and personal!


    "They''re witnesses to history...?


    So, why are those guys still flying?


    Well that''s interesting. Last time I saw them, I thought they were just old men getting beaten one way or the other by Avos. Now they''re showing their true value.


    You can''t get away with this sort of thing.


    It''s a rare time. There are many brilliant and unusual talents at work that surpass the talents of ordinary people in this world. If you can tap into all of them, it shouldn''t be impossible to overthrow him.


    Do you only wish to face the Demon King?��Why do you hate the Lord so much?


    You''re the one who''s still clinging to him, even though I''ve gone to all this trouble to tell you the truth?��I don''t understand. You should only agree with me if you listen to me.


    In the sky above, the strong men were talking each other.


    "There''s a lot of clutter and crap going on, demons.


    A new voice shot up into the sky above.


    ''But don''t you forget that we''re in a battle?��If you want to chat, go to a women''s tea party or something.


    Mr. Alanziel!


    Before I knew it, Mr. Alanziel had jumped up to the sky above the two fighting men.


    How!


    He went around from behind Inferno and raised his signature stick staff!


    ''''A wall of flames released in agony after being unable to withstand the onslaught of Granverza''s onslaught. That was a bad move. That was a powerful barrier, but it also blocked your own vision.


    You!��How long ago?


    I didn''t have time to get this close to you.


    The perfect surprise attack was successful, and Great Brave Aranzir-san unleashed a full-body attack.


    ''''Awesome Emperor Splitting Sky!''''


    And it''s relentless.


    A surprise attack from that close range with the highest profoundness is a brutal and outrageous act that only Arantzill-san could have done.


    ''''Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo?''''


    It''s not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you''ll be able to get your hands on it.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.


    The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that it''s not a bad idea to have a good time.


    In vain, the inferno was crushed by the oversized aura slashing blade and crashed to the ground.


    ''''I''m finally back on the ground!


    Terrifying. How could the two men who had made the previous era a hundred and one flowers, become so egregious and breathtakingly aggressive when they fought together?


    Granbaza-sama draws the other''s attention, and Arantzill crashes.


    It''s as if they were in order from the beginning.


    Although they were enemies, they had been fighting together for decades and they knew each other well.


    That''s why they are able to combine so well in improvisation.


    ''''Dariel!''''


    Yeah?


    What do you think you''re doing?��His opponent is out of position and he''s going to have to fold in one fell swoop!


    If you let those two guys take the lead, there''s no time to breathe.


    With two experienced and energetic veterans standing in front of me side by side, even I, who''s over thirty, can''t help but feel like a young man.


    Even though I''m over thirty!


    This is why veterans are so terrifying!


    But you''re right that now is the time to make a move.


    We need to increase the number of hands as much as possible and attack them all at once.


    "Gashta!��Covering fire, please!


    Just in time!


    And I run out.


    I was sorry for the others, but I didn''t want them to do anything but look at me from a distance.


    Considering the inferno''s fire magic, there was a chance that they would be charred to blackened in the aftermath alone if they approached bypassed it.


    At best, we can only ask adventurers with guard (or guard) aptitude to stand in front of us and keep the damage from spreading.


    The guards are always reliable.


    I''ll do everything I can to ensure the safety of those around me while I join the fight and keep them from getting slaughtered!


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    But ...


    You''re kidding me.


    Even though a few hours had passed since then, we were still struggling to attack.


    Granberza-sama and Aranziel-san''s coordination finally knocked us down to the ground, and I joined in and beat the sack.


    That monster was able to surpass it.


    Aside from me, even though the strongest predecessor is attacking with a lineup!


    Normally, they would have been pushed out in less than a few seconds, but that monster is able to hold up the onslaught of the gurus.


    You can stop all of the covering shots that Gacita fires at crucial points, all just in the nick of time.


    It''s an accurate shot. If you don''t deal with it, it will surely hit you. Depressing........!


    Inferno shows persistence up to this point.


    It was shown once again that he was no ordinary man.


    ''''It''s a good thing that strong people are gathered around me, but we won''t get anywhere if we continue like this. ........it can''t be helped.


    The red cape said, cursing.


    ''We''ll have to cut a new bill too.

 217-216 A new Inferno is born

    Hey, GranBaza...?


    I know, don''t be a pest...?


    The old men are in some kind of trouble.


    The battle had fallen into a state of motionless stare down, with a sudden equilibrium created in an instant.


    ''Do you understand, Dariel?��That red deviant continues to catch all three of us at once. It never occurred to me until recently that there was anyone on earth who could do that.


    I''m even adding in Gacita''s precision unmatched shooting.


    It''s really hard to believe that he''s able to surpass that as well.


    But what''s even harder to believe is that he''s still not serious.


    What?


    ''''Remember. The Dorismegian of Sahih dabbled in the outer law and was condemned to hell for stepping into territory he shouldn''t have.


    I see.


    The only thing that such a non-standard foreign lawman has used so far is ordinary magic...!


    It''s all powerful, but all he''s using in this fight is proper mage fire magic, and that''s what he used when he was the flower of the Four Heavenly Kings. It was used when he was touted as the flower of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    The fact that it is handed down to future generations and treated as a common mage''s special magic reminds me of the fearfulness of this man.


    But even that is only a glimpse of his fearsomeness. But that''s only a glimpse of his fearsomeness, the magic he pursued to the point of descent into hell is even more terrifying and repulsive.


    Yes....!


    Hopefully, we''ll be able to take them down before they show it to us. Mind your own business.


    The thing is that Inferno hasn''t really taken itself seriously at all yet.


    I don''t know what the bottom of the monster is.


    I''m sure you''re not afraid of me so casually. I feel that you are a threat to me.


    The monster, whose entire body is wrapped in a red cloak, says


    The expression on the inside is unpredictable.


    I didn''t expect it to be so difficult. No, I''m defending myself. I''ll admit that I''m doing the best I can to prevent this from happening. So....!


    I was afraid of the next step, but now it''s time to move on.


    I''ll have to make a new card.


    Finally. I''ve waited long enough.


    Mr. Arantzill challenges back with a straight face.


    This guy!


    ''You''ve made even the Demon King afraid of your art. That''s why you were d*mned to hell. Show me how well you did. I''ll show you how brave you are.


    Don''t get cocky, you young bastard.


    From his point of view, we''re all young enough to be babies here, but........


    Well then, let''s take this one out for a quick inspection first. I hope you like it.


    Everybody look out!


    All of us are tightening up at the different moves we''ve made so far.


    There''s no doubt that a move like that is not a rogue thing if you say ''I''m into it''.


    With a thump, it fell to the ground with a sound.


    Something.


    From inside the inferno''s red cloak.


    What is that?


    Something is rustling around.


    Govan.


    From that something, something more grew out of it and struck the ground.


    It was an arm.


    It was a human arm extending from something.


    ''What was that, a person?''


    ''People?��But you''re missing some things...?


    The adventurers around them were also glued to the ground by the horrible thing that appeared, their souls muffled by the horrible thing.


    ''''There''s no leg........?��No, the lower half of his body itself is missing...?


    "Nearly half of your belly is gone too!��It''s only the upper half of your body...?


    How is it possible for him to stay alive like that?


    Everyone present was horrified by what Inferno had dropped to the ground, and they were writhing in fear.


    Of course.


    Something he had spawned was too horrible to be true.


    Is this the reason why he is d*mned to hell, the outgrowth of his madness?


    But I''m....


    Me, and Lady Granberza, were robbed of all of our attention by something else.


    Too abruptly, the appearance of a human being who is only half a human being.


    Who is that guy?


    That face was familiar to me.


    Me too, and Granbaza-sama........


    BASHBARZA........?


    Yes, that half-empty human is indeed Bashbarza, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army in the past, isn''t it Bashbarza?


    He is also GranBaza''s only son.


    ''''Bashbursa?��''''Why?��Why are you here now...?


    Hey! Wait a minute!��Don''t get upset in front of the enemy!��You, indeed!


    Granbaza-sama is upset, and Alanziel-san is protecting him.


    I''m sure that''s fine, but even I can''t stop my heart from jumping up and down.


    Why is he coming out again now........?


    Bashbursa is dead!


    I could have wiped out every last speck of dust with my own hands.


    Although I was one of the Four Heavenly Kings, I didn''t do anything commensurate with my duties. The people around me gave up on me and pushed me further and further into a corner, and to top it all off, I turned to the forbidden curse in an attempt to turn the tables.


    The risk of the curse was too great, and in the nick of time, it was a catastrophe, and I was the one who put the stop to it.


    I was going to erase all of his sins and Granbaza''s remorse, and then I made my hands dirty.


    Why does he reappear as if he''s a ghost?


    What''s up?��You know him, right?��I would have thought you''d be happy to see me again.


    Inferno says in a hushed tone.


    He was kidnapped just as he was escaping from hell. It seems that the lid of hell was opened most recently to corrupt this guy. I''m not sure it will be of much use, but I picked it up because it gave me a chance to escape. It''s called returning the favor.


    With that, Inferno raised his foot and stomped on the back of Bashbarza''s head as he crawled to the ground.


    Bashbarza, who only formed the upper half of his body, had no choice but to accept the soles of his feet as he crawled on the ground.


    ''I''ve been holding onto something useless ever since, but it means that I''ve been forced into a situation where I have no choice but to take advantage of even this scrap. Siegfriedgel and Tortoritu are gone. Sernya and Avos are being driven to keep Ida in check. This means that this is the only piece I can move now.


    Mr. Drismegian.


    A moaning Bashbursa''s voice comes from a position not at all different from the ground.


    It''s a good thing that you''ve given me only this imperfect body.��More, legs, belly, and a body with all of them...!


    Don''t be extravagant.


    Inferno, raise the foot you stomped on once and then step down again like a pestle.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time. I''m not going to be able to get a good look at it.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on a new one. It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for. The remainder I used on you.


    ''''Oh no...?''''


    So you can''t help but be halfway there. You know what? You''re just a punk-ass motherf*cker. I could tell from one look at you. Your ability is not matched by your bloated self-esteem. You''re a piece of shit who can''t do a hundredth of what you think you can do.


    He stomps on the back of Bashvaza''s head.


    "You stop it!


    ''Wait, Grand Barzah!��Don''t lose your cool!��It could be a trap aimed at you!


    Arantzill-san desperately holds the enraged Granbaza-sama back.


    The others, too, are overwhelmed by this bizarre scenery and can''t breathe.


    I''ll put you to good use, scum. "You''re a scum and I''m going to give you a job that even a scum can do. I''ll give you a better body as a reward for a job well done.


    Oh, really...?


    Really. There''s a lot of material all over the place. Dozens of well-trained adventurers, if they were compressed and put together, they would make a very strong body.


    Inferno''s gaze swept around him.


    A short scream rose from everywhere at the claim that was so horrific.


    I''m shaking with disgust as it occurs to me that the ''material'' Inferno is referring to is us.


    ''Do you understand?��Then go. You are my comrade in arms, albeit in a crooked way. Last but not least you are the sixth and final Inferno!


    ''Sicilian my lord!


    Bashbarza runs out like an unleashed hound.


    At first he proceeded with his hands tautly, but at a certain stage he exploded behind his body with fire magic and flew on the blast.


    ''''Guhyaaaah!''''


    The sight of a man with only his upper body running through the air and attacking me was nothing but a nightmare.


    The adventurers who were randomly targeted were consumed and unable to move their bodies.


    ''''Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!��Die!��For the sake of my Lord Drismegian-sama!


    The fire magic that is released from his hands.


    Although it''s only shabby compared to Inferno and Glamberza, it still won''t stop at burns if you eat it properly.


    ''''Kuh!''''


    I force my way in between and scatter the flames with the trajectory of the Hermes sword.


    ''''Dariel!��You!��You Aaaaaaah!


    Bashbarza''s appearance is no longer the same as that of a deceased person.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    ''''Again........!��Once again, you''ve managed to bog me down!��No!��I won''t allow it!��Why do you always do that?


    I could ask you the same thing.


    I thought I wouldn''t have to deal with you ever again.


    You have a history of showing up here, and now you''re going to do it again.


    You are not in the best interest of Lady Granberza''s physical and mental equilibrium.


    Get out of here and make sure you don''t rise again.

 218-217 Dariel and Bashbaza rematch

    Let me take care of this one!��Mr. Alanziel and Lady Granbaza for the main body!


    Dariel, but...?


    Everyone, follow Mr. Alanziel''s lead and cover me!��I''ll take care of this one on my own!


    I wouldn''t be able to keep this idiot son''s abomination in the sight of Granberza-sama any longer.


    However, I don''t feel comfortable leaving it to Mr. Alanziel, who has no connection to my son, to deal with.


    Therefore, I have no choice but to take care of it again.


    ''''Our forces have been splendidly divided...?


    You are.


    In the distance, from my vantage point, I can feel the red cloak''s good looks.


    ''You''ve proven that even a piece of crap like that can be used. I knew there were some familiar faces among you, so I thought I''d be able to be a scratching post, but it''s more than I expected. This means that the burden is lifted off of me until he is beaten like a bug.


    He was even more of a prick than I imagined.


    I have to take care of Bashbursa as soon as possible so that he doesn''t do what that guy wanted.......!


    Go!


    ''''Geez!''''


    I kick up Bashbarza, who is only on the upper half of his body, and pop him to another place.


    Anyway, we have to get this thing away as soon as possible, to a place where it can''t be heard or seen by Granberza-sama.


    It''s enough to defeat it in earnest then.


    ��.


    And then the battlefield shifted....


    Me and Bashbarza were in a one-on-one battle.


    The point of being outside the village remains the same, but we are quite far from where we were engaged with Inferno.


    With a single mindedness that didn''t want to cause Granbaza-sama pain, I opened the distance more than necessary.


    ''''Dariel........!��I never thought I''d have to fight you again!��I guess it''s a result of your own good behavior that you came back to this world and were promptly given an opportunity like this!


    If you always did good things, you wouldn''t be going to hell...


    Anyway, I''m heartily disgusted to see Bashbarza again.


    I thought I''d settled it with you a long time ago.


    So why should I bother with you again?


    I heard you went to hell, didn''t you?


    Not metaphorically, but actually.


    I was once in the military and served with him, but our positions have long since changed completely.


    I don''t want to draw on the civility of those days.


    You''re the only one who can''t help it! I was forcibly resurrected by the Dark Lord and condemned to Hell. ...Why did he do it?��What did I do to deserve this?��I was only trying to do my job for the Demon Lord''s army!


    After all, you haven''t changed your habit of trying to put all of the blame on anyone but yourself.


    Is there anything that death won''t cure?


    ''If I''m going to hell!��All the previous four Heavenly Kings should also go to hell!��And it''s just me!��This is inexcusable!��But even in the midst of hell, there is a savior. Thanks to him, I can start over again...!


    ...the inferno.


    No, to be more precise, Drismegian of Inferno''s leader ''Sahi''.


    ''''Drismegian-sama is the ultimate mage!��He completely changed my perception of what it means to be a man.��He''s the one I have to go after!��Compared to that man, he and your father are nothing more than small fry!


    ..........


    Such is the manner of speaking to Lady Granberza.


    ''You shall see!


    Despite the distorted figure of only the upper body, Bashbarza stuck out his hands.


    ''''Fire Stream!''''


    The whirlwind of flames released from both hands is an amazingly high heat and momentum.


    The Hermes Sword sliced through the flames, but otherwise, he would have been scorched whole in an instant.


    ''''You see!��This power, this heat!��My fire magic is getting much stronger!��Do you know why!


    It''s true that the current magic, from the former Bashbarza, is unnatural in strength.


    ''''It''s because of the secret formula that Doris Megian has given me!��My magic is multiplied many times over with that power!��Dariel!��I''ll never be behind you again!��I''m truly the perfect Bashbursa now!


    Even though you don''t have a lower body?


    Why don''t you at least wait until your body is complete before you use your name?


    Dariel!��I met you here and it''s been a hundred years!��Let''s settle our scores with you now, shall we?��Duel!


    Bashvaza gets excited by one person.


    ''Is that all you have to think about when you come back from hell?


    ''Oh, sure!��I''ve come back from hell for a rematch with you and that''s all I wanted!��That''s the only thing that sustains me now, aaaah!


    I''m tired.


    Dariel!��You are a mortal, isn''t that what they say?��And you are the son of Arantzill, the brave one!��This is just the way it''s meant to be!��We were meant to fight each other!


    What do you mean?


    ''Me, son of Granbasa, and you, son of Alanziel!��What was once the end of our relationship has been passed on to the next generation, to us!��Winning this fateful battle was the mission I was tasked with!


    ..........


    You, who never wanted to inherit anything Granbaza-sama owes you.


    Now you want to take advantage of the fate of Lady Gram-Burza?


    I will defeat you!��Arantzill, the great hero, I will make history this time by defeating you, my successor!��With the power of the secret technique given to me by Drismegian-sama, yeah!


    Bashbarza holds up his hands again and prepares his stance to release the great flame.


    And then it releases.


    The power was even more than twice as great as before.


    As I thought, the magic output that the former Bashbarza couldn''t produce even if he had to dust himself off.


    How did Inferno bestow such an ability on Bashbarza?


    He said that he was taught a secret technique.........


    No way.........?


    ............


    I slashed through the great flames with my Hermes Sword again.


    It''s still not enough to use the Super Emperor''s Splintering Sky.


    I''m not going to be able to get the same level of detail as you.


    It''s not hard to offset the scum inside.


    It''s a good idea.��You fought off my offensive magic without batting an eyelash.��But I wonder how long it will last?


    Enough...


    ''Oh, you''re going to turn up the sound already?��Surrender?��I can still use my offensive magic and still do it!


    Do you really want to stop that, or do you not even want to go to hell?


    "Huh?


    Bashbursa stiffened, his hand held out intact.


    A dumbfounded expression.


    The fire magic that was about to be unleashed now loses its momentum and smolders out.


    ''What do you mean, Dariel?��I can''t even go to hell!��I don''t want to go to that place even if they ask me to!


    ''Ida told me before. The inferno.... or rather, the forbidden magic that led to Dorismegian''s descent into hell. He said it was the art of converting a person''s soul into magical fire.


    The power of the soul is incomparably stronger than magic power or aura.


    It''s the fundamental power that makes life a life. So if you use it in battle, I see, you must be able to draw super power to overwhelm the others.


    But the cost of that will be great.


    Guhi...?


    The soul is the final definition of life. A person can lose their body but still have a soul, if they have one.


    Only if there is a soul left in the world, will one be able to go to hell.


    I don''t know if there is or not, but they could go to heaven, and maybe even the next life.


    But where can one go after losing one''s soul?��Losing a soul is complete annihilation. The worst spell the Drismegians have devised is to wear out that soul and turn it into power!


    What happens if you keep turning your soul into power and reducing it?


    If you think straight, one day it will go down to zero and disappear.


    What will happen to the master of the soul then?


    It will cease to exist.


    "Ah.........?��Aaaaah...?


    "Bashbursa, isn''t the secret formula that Drismegian said he gave you exactly the formula to convert your soul into magic?


    Bashbarza would have gained power beyond himself in exchange for his own existence.


    Drismegian himself would not invade such a risk.


    When he turns his soul into power, he uses someone else''s soul, not his own.


    It''s all very sneaky and calculating.


    Bashvaza. You''re the reason why you were taught the secret of soul transformation without any explanation of the risks. Even you, no matter how stupid you are, should understand that.


    Ahhhhhh?


    ''You''re an abandoned pawn. You''re nothing more than a discarded pawn who aims to rampage and rampage and drag me down until you no longer exist.


    I don''t rely on this guy to beat me from the edge.


    No matter how strong the soul is transformed into power, the red one knows that there is no way to reach me with the original Bashbursa.


    Knowing this, he pointed the self-destructive Bashbursa at me.


    ''Enough. You don''t have to disappear here to do what she wants. You don''t have to disappear in this moment to get rid of your soul, let alone your body. This is the last thing you need...!


    ''Aaaaahhhh!��It''s a lie!


    Bashbarza has been a bundle of arrogance since he was alive.


    I''m not going to be able to get the best out of him.


    I''m going to be able to show you the way.

 219-218 Bash Baza, you can point yourself at another

    The meaning of the battle has disappeared.


    And yet the mayhem still rages on.


    ''Stop!��No more magic, Bashbursa!


    ''''Ohhhhhh!��Die, Dariel!��Only you can die!


    Suddenly Bashbarza went out of control and began to unleash his magic wherever he could.


    Of course, the magic power boosted by the Spiritual Spiritual Transformation''s forbidden spell is dangerous to approach carelessly.


    But why doesn''t Bashbursa try to contain the magic power?


    ''You still don''t get it!��Continuing to lash out here is just what the Drismegians who tried to use you to get you to do what they want!


    ''It doesn''t matter!��I don''t care about Doris Megian anymore!��No, everything doesn''t matter anymore!��I don''t care!


    It was a complete abandonment bowl.


    But why do you persistently target me in desperation?


    At first I thought it was an indiscriminate attack anywhere, but little by little, the flying flames are focusing on me.


    ''''........Dariel!��I''m going to take you down!��I''m going to choke the life out of you before this me disappears from your existence!


    What the f*ck?


    Piss off!


    Another fireball is released again.


    But it was only to be knocked down by the Hermes Sword.


    ''You are the best curse of my lifetime!��If it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t have fallen from grace!��I could have fulfilled the duties of the Four Heavenly Kings, defeated the heroes, and lived happily ever after!


    Not likely.


    Your misfortune is the result of your own stupidity, and you are indeed not to be held responsible for it.


    ''But that doesn''t matter either!��I''ve lost everything, but I''m still searching for the last meaning in my life!��Dariel!��I''m going to take you down!��I will kill you and adorn my life with the glory of that victory!��That''s how my life is going to be meaningful, ah!


    What a selfish claim.


    My life is just a decoration for your life.


    It pains me to see such a difference in the lives of others.


    Of course, my life is for many other people, so I don''t want to give him what he wants, but of course.


    Burghgh?


    Huh?


    I''m also surprised by the sudden change that happened to Bashbarza.


    I''m not sure how many arrows pierced her chest at once.


    "Arrows?��That means.........?


    ''''Annihilator!


    I knew it.


    Gacita had rushed in.


    He''s the oldest adventurer in Lux Village.


    Now he''s the village guardian I rely on the most.


    But now.....


    "Why did you come here?��I asked you to take care of the inferno!


    The major component of the disaster currently hitting Lax village is undoubtedly the inferno.


    I was hoping that you would be able to deal with that along with Granbaza-sama and Aranziel-san.


    Among the ordinary adventurer''s bows and arrows, only arrows strengthened by your aura can remove the Inferno''s ''scorching heat ward''.


    ''''Excuse me, Aniki...!��But I knew I had to beat him to death with my own hands.


    What?


    ''Please, my brother!��Will you let me take over the fight?


    Why?


    Didn''t you and Bashvaza have a history like that?


    I think it''s a stranger level at the very least.


    Yeah. I thought so too. I thought he was just a bastard who would resent me for causing damage to the village. ........but I''m beginning to understand.


    What?


    He said he was me.


    What do you mean?


    Bashbaza and Gashita will not be similar.


    One is a demon race and the Four Heavenly Kings and the other is a human race and an adventurer.


    Their characteristics are also fire and sting, and they have nothing in common.


    "Who the hell are you?��There''s no need for you to be a zako!��Get out of the way!��I have to defeat Dariel.��You must defeat Dariel before he disappears and prove he''s alive!


    I won''t let you do that.


    A number of arrows float in the air around Gacita.


    They are still.


    The arrows, surrounded by Gacita''s powerful stinging aura, soar through the sky with their own buoyancy and propulsion.


    Go!


    At Gacita''s command, the arrows flew without being released into the bow.


    It was all due to the strength of Gacita''s aura.


    ''''Fool!��A few twigs like that, not even firewood in front of my flame magic!��Know the brilliance of the fire that burns with the grinding of my soul!


    The flying arrow dives into the fierce flames.


    I thought it would be instantly burned up, but the arrows protected by the aura didn''t even raise a puff of smoke.


    On the contrary, the arrow drew a vortex-like trajectory under Gacita''s manipulation, and the flames caught in its circular motion fragilely scattered away.


    Seeing this, Bashvaza........


    ''''No........how.......stupid.......?


    ''''It''s an arrow that even your boss couldn''t prevent. What makes you think you can prevent it?


    Come to think of it, Gacita''s sniping was bothered by the damage it would cause if it didn''t reach the inferno and deal with it without a single arrow.


    Is Gacita''s ability as an adventurer so great that even the former Four Heavenly Kings Bashbarza can no longer hold a candle to it?


    ''''No way!��Not only can I not reach Dariel, but I''m going to be pushed around by these scum!��It''s not true!��You''re lying!


    You know, this whole thing reminds me of you. You''re reminding me of this guy, this complete idiot, just like you.


    The arrows fly in all directions, as if to show Gacita''s intent.


    They arc and come and go, as if they were a swarm of hornets.


    And then they quickly shoot out and scatter the magic flames released by Bashverza.


    ''....It''s me. You''re just like me a couple of years ago.


    Gacita said.


    ''You have no skills, but you''re all confident. You''re so confident, pretending to be strong in a small village. When I think back on it now, I still feel like a painful fool.


    That''s right.


    That was the first time I met Gacita.


    Back then, he wasn''t as obedient as he is now, and he looked at me, a newcomer to the village, as if I was a direct enemy.


    When did that change?


    I''ve been able to change. Thanks to Dariel''s brother-in-law, I''ve learned to see how stupid I am. Once I realized how stupid I was, I wanted to change. I worked hard every day with that thought in mind... And here I am today.


    Shut up!��What do you want me to say?��I don''t have anything to do with your personal history!


    Yeah, I got it. You''re the one who didn''t realize how stupid you were at the time.


    ?


    The arrows are still flying around.


    Not just one arrow, but more than ten.


    That many arrows could be flown using only the propulsion of the aura, and they were perfectly controlled.


    There are no adventurers in the Center Guild who can handle such a sharp and precise aura.


    ''''I''m listening, Dariel''s brother was your assistant, right?��Then I''m sure Anita would have done everything she could to help you. I did everything I could for your success, for your safety, for your growth.


    What did you...?


    He''s a good person. That''s why you can give me your hand without looking bad, even if you''re a jerk. That''s why he''s not afraid to give you a hand, just like he did with me a while ago. I took his hand. And you didn''t.


    The current two parties that originated from that past.


    This is how they face each other.


    I don''t think there''s anyone else to say it, so I''ll say it myself. You''re clumsy.


    Hey!


    If you had listened to him, if you had trained yourself like he said, you could have become a man. I''m not going to be able to tell you what to do, but I''m going to tell you that I''m going to do it. You''re as filthy as a monster. You''re just three years old and used by others.


    Gacita takes out a new arrow from an arrow barrel on her back.


    Then he nails it to the bow.


    I squeeze the string.


    I''m sure if I hadn''t listened to my brother, I''d still be an unknowing idiot. And I would have fallen. Just like you.


    ....?


    That''s why you''re me. You''re the one who failed to correct your mistakes that day. I''m horrified to see you in your misery. If I had been wrong, I would have done the same thing.


    A serious color came over Bashvaza''s face that he couldn''t name.


    Did Gacita''s words sting?


    ''That''s why you thought I had to defeat you. You are a ghost from the past. I''ll take care of it with my own hands now!


    The string is released, and with a whimper, the arrow that was pushed out flies.


    Gashita has already acquired a dense pressure aura and can release arrows without a bow, but that doesn''t mean a bow is no longer necessary.


    With a bow, she can fly arrows even faster and with greater power.


    The bowstring that Gashita uses is a mithril string, developed by Sakai, a blacksmith, and forged as thin as thread.


    Then he sends an arrowhead made of mithril into the air.


    The arrow strikes Bashvaza''s chest without missing a beat.


    Then it popped and blew away.

 220-219 Bash Baza, annihilate

    "Gubba?��Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!


    The deceased Bashbarza, who originally only had an upper body.


    A hole opened in the middle of its chest.


    Suddenly, a large hole the size of a fist.


    It''s a large hole the size of a fist.


    The arrow that Gacita had shot into it seemed to pierce it and explode around that area.


    There was no doubt that Gacita had done something.


    ''The aura in the arrowhead exploded.


    "What?


    It''s a mithril arrowhead. It''s an arrowhead made of mithril, invented by Sakai. Mithril absorbs aura. When you give it a jolt, it instantly releases its aura.


    So you have an arrowhead that explodes the moment it hits the target?


    He''s evil.


    The one that became even more vicious when I let Gacita have it.


    It made that Bashvaza guy with the big hole in his chest, and now he''s out of action.


    I lost the lower half of my body from the beginning and it was completely inexplicable how he was able to operate with that thing, though.


    This time the delusion of that guy would end.


    ''But I''m surprised. I didn''t know you thought of it that way.


    ''What?��What is it?


    Is the former Gashita the same as Bashvaza?


    There was a part of me that thought so.


    Gacita, whom I had just met, was so hostile towards me that she didn''t even speak.


    It may be the same as Bashbursa, who disrespected me when I was the Four Heavenly Kings'' assistant and eventually fired me.


    ''''Gohhhhhh!��Ohhhhhh!


    Bashburza writhed in agony from the chest explosion for a while, but gradually lost momentum and finally stopped moving.


    The wraith just lay on his back and crunched his mouth.


    Me and Gacita look down at him.


    ''''...Did I lose?''''


    You know that better than anyone.


    Bashbarza is no longer alive.


    He died once long ago, and was brought back to life, neither dead nor alive, by the Demon Lord''s power.


    I don''t know how sturdy this body, which was reconstructed to take the blame in hell, is, but before that, Bashvaza himself has admitted his defeat, so he won''t be able to move anymore.


    It will only decay along with its lost energy.


    In the first place, Bashbarza overused the forbidden spell handed down by Inferno and cut too much of his own soul.


    I''m sure he was close to destroying himself before Gacita could finish him off.


    ''''In the end, I was unable to defeat Dariel. .........Hey, you.


    What?


    Bashvaza looks at Gashtha.


    It was impossible for this man, who had no interest in finding anything of value in anyone other than himself, to shift his interest to a human race adventurer.


    ''You said it. You said you were the one who failed.


    Yeah.


    So you''re the successful bastard, huh?��Would I have been more like you if I''d followed Dariel and listened to him?


    A hint of regret was evident in Bashvaza''s tone.


    Did the decisive defeat at the end of the fall answer the one who was so arrogant and irreverent?


    ''I don''t know.''


    Gacita replies.


    "Don''t get me wrong. It''s true that you changed my spirit. But that didn''t make me the person I am today. I worked very hard and worked very hard and almost died many times to become the person I am today. The world isn''t as easy as you think it is.


    ..........


    The surface of the Bashbursa turns white.


    To the whiteness of burned out ashes.


    ''People ain''t cheap enough to change so easily with a single trigger.


    "...do you want to humiliate me to the bitter end?��So how could I be like you?��Like you!��I wanted to be strong!��I wanted to be the strongest person anyone could recognize!��.........Dariel?!


    Bashbarza calls out.


    On a deathbed.


    "All you had to do was follow Dariel!��You came into my life for the first time when I was ten years old. Your father, whom I don''t see several times a year, came home, and I went out to pick you up, and you were there with him!


    Yeah, that''s right.


    I remember it well, too.


    On that day, Master Grandfather had intentionally set up a meeting between me and Bashbursa.


    He wanted me to take care of Bashvaza before he joined the Demon King''s army.


    He wanted to entrust me with the care of Bashbaza before he entered the Demon King''s army. "Father said, ''Ask Dariel here to be your brother and follow him as if he were me. ''Don''t be ridiculous!��Would you rather a child of a mongrel than your own son, me?��A mongrel who can''t even use magic?


    Later, Bashbarza cancelled his planned entry into the Demon King''s Army and proceeded to the Magic Academy.


    I hear that it was the mother''s wish that she didn''t want to send her son off to the rough military department....


    The next time I met Bashbarza again was after he was selected as the Fourth Heavenly King after earning his doctorate at the academy.


    ''''That time?��Was I wrong back then?��If I''d accepted Dariel back then...?��If only I''d gone with Dariel...?


    Lady Grandfather is my greatest benefactor in life.


    I would have given my life to do what Granberza wanted, and I would have given my life for it.


    Even when he asked me to protect and raise his own son on his behalf.


    I was determined to protect her even if it meant giving my life.


    I would serve him all my life, be loyal to him, and share his pain and suffering as his subordinate.


    One day I would see that he would gracefully follow in his father''s footsteps, fulfilling his duties with honor and becoming a respected successor.


    I had dreamed of this from my heart for a while.


    It was my dream.


    But the dream has already awakened.


    "...don''t spoil it.


    I said to Bashbarza.


    ''If you change a point in the past and follow the possibility of extending from it, it is a delusion. It''s nothing more than a delusion. There is no such thing as a ''maybe'' you. You are the only one here.


    The glorious self you imagined in your imagination is nothing more than an empty shell.


    Even if it''s the one I might have chosen in the past.


    You just have to admit that you''re miserable and clumsy here. If you don''t, you won''t be able to move on. If you couldn''t do that, then you''re the one who''s becoming more and more miserable.


    I can''t say a kind word to him.


    When I think about what he has done in the past, he shouldn''t have any redemption.


    Otherwise, it would be hard to feel sorry for the people he''s hurt.


    ''Bashvaza. Accept you as you are now. "Bashvaza, accept you as you are. You are the one who has left this world. No one will be happy if you stay here any longer, it''s just hard.


    And go where ever you can.


    Somewhere we can''t go after it, no matter how hard we try.


    Well, that''s just it. I''ll never get what I want in any case. My own stupidity has put me forever out of reach.


    That''s right.


    You''re a real fool for finally realizing that.


    ''Dariel, you''re right. You were right about everything, indeed. You were always right, every time. I really didn''t like that about you...


    I wonder if Bashvaza''s last expression was one of peace.


    ''''Well it''s just like your father, you know.


    I didn''t understand.


    For my vision was utterly blurred by tears.


    I accepted my vanishing self and Bashvaza disappeared without a speck of dust.


    In my arms.


    The only thing I could do for the disappearing guy was to hug him and cry.


    ''''.......Where did he go?


    Gacita said.


    ''I still can''t stop crying,'' he said, putting a hand on my shoulder.


    ''Have you gone back to hell or something?��Or did you run out of soul and disappear?


    He''s just gone. We don''t know. And where we''ll go someday, we''ll go too.


    And we will never meet again.


    At least not as we are now.


    I try desperately to stop the tears, but I can''t stop.


    The battle isn''t over yet. The real enemy is still waiting for us.


    "...Gacita. You were fine without me.


    What?


    You didn''t need me to tell you that one day you''ll figure out your own problems and you''ll get over it. I know you can do that. You''re a good guy.


    Don''t be so sad, Anita!


    Something about Gasita started to flirt.


    ''That''s the ''what if''!��He''s still my biggest benefactor!��Isn''t that right?


    He says he''s just trying to cheer me up.


    He''s annoyed with me, but it''s a relief.


    Well, you''re right.


    Just as you can''t go back in time and change yourself, you can never change your connections with people.


    Just as we can''t change who we are, we can''t change who we are.


    The real enemy that''s invading our home is going to be defeated this time.

 221-220 Scrutinize Infernos purpose (Brave side)

    When Dariel and Bashvaza leave the battlefield, Aranzir and Granvaza naturally remain behind to take over the scene.


    It''s called Inferno.


    I''m not sure what the name of the game means.


    ''''Me and Glamberza will act as the vanguard!��The rest of you don''t stick out!��You will be burned to death in an instant!


    Although he had already retired, he was forced to take the brunt of the situation here, and gave a stern warning to the local adventurers that his son Dariel had left behind.


    "All adventurers with the ability to guard, always come forward and surround him!��Contain it well so that the flames do not spread unintentionally!��Stay alert!


    The precise instructions were, as expected of a great brave man of legend, swift and thoughtful in equal measure.


    The hostile inferno inexplicably does not move as it watches.


    Is it a sign of composure?


    ''We know that you are now a powerful enemy. Even if it''s inevitable that you and I will hit each other.......


    Glamberza says with tension.


    A former hero.


    It was once an unthinkable sight to see two people who have always fought each other as enemies facing the same direction on the battlefield.


    I don''t think they would have let Gacita go to the other side. His ability is outstanding even in this village. It hurts to lose your precious backup fire, doesn''t it?


    Don''t be so shameless, Grandfather. Weep for the name of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    Aranzir, in his old age, was still bitter and demanding.


    He said, "If it was his request, why shouldn''t we old people do it? He is not the kind of young man who does things on the spur of the moment. We must trust him.


    ''Well...''


    Shouldn''t you be the one to go over there?��I know it''s your own son.


    Bashbarza, who was suddenly resurrected, was Granbarza''s own son.


    Father and son served as the Four Heavenly Kings in the Demon King''s Army for two generations, and his father retired while being honored as the strongest of all time. His son, on the contrary, was exposed for his incompetence and died a shameful death in battle.


    Although they were a father and son, they followed completely opposite paths.


    The failure to guide his son properly was the greatest bitterness of Grand Barza''s life.


    ''I''ve come to realize. I couldn''t save my son with me.


    Glamberza says with the look of an enlightened old man.


    If I could ask, it would be Dariel. I am sure that he will send out a son who is lost and can not be taken up to heaven. This is a man with a talent we do not have.


    Yeah, he fought a lot of battles, and that''s something we never had.


    Granberza was originally a genuine professional fighter.


    His sense of mission prevailed over the compassion of his flesh and blood.


    This essence influenced him, and may have been the difference between Dariel, who was raised like his own child but was also his half-subordinate, and Bashbarza, who was unable to define his treatment as his own son until the end.


    Heaven did not allow perfection, even for a great man who could be remembered in history.


    Grambarza had no choice but to ask Dariel, whom he had nurtured with great care, for help with his imperfections.


    ''Besides, if I were to go over there too, I''d have to leave that bastard in charge of you alone. I''m too worried, as expected.


    You want me to take him down and take all the credit for it by myself?


    Flames in Granberza''s hands, Aranzir holds aside his prey''s stick staff.


    Two people who were undoubtedly the pinnacle of an era.


    They had no one else to fight with all their might but each other.


    It was common knowledge to everyone that there was no way on earth that those two would be able to stand hand in hand against each other, but today''s opponent was the only one that would convince them.


    A long time ago, the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, Doris Megian.


    Now he calls himself the Inferno, the very embodiment of ''hell''.


    ''''........Is the meeting over?


    ''After all, you''ve been waiting for us to be ready. That''s very kind of you.


    The red cape that had been standing on a stick.


    Is that a sign of leeway?


    ''''You went out of your way to use your son to divide us, yet you are an inconsistent man. Was the Demon King''s army in the past so lukewarm that he could stand at the top with that level of judgment?''''


    ''''The Four Heavenly Kings, who get the most glorious name of all time, have different things to say. ........Granbaza, Alanziel. It''s not every day that so many extremists step together in both human and demon camps. No, I''d say none.


    That was why the two sides'' abilities were on par with each other and were not settled, and they remained at the top for thirty years.


    No matter what kind of elites they were, no matter what kind of elites they were, it was impossible for a single person to reign at the top for such a long period of time, not even the bravest of heroes or the Four Heavenly Kings.


    ''''And at the same time as your enemies. If you are dead too, your soul will surely be scooped up by Valhalla. To me, such a strong soul is a treat.


    What do you mean...?


    ''That''s exactly what I meant. It''s a pity that both of you have grown old and your temper has faded and you have lost your hatred. You are both very much missed ingredients, as are Dariel.


    So that''s why you''re here.


    The same demon race, the same four heavenly kings, and even the same attributes that they excel at, Glamberza was able to read the opponent''s thoughts.


    ''''The forbidden area you stepped into during your life. The forbidden curse method that converts a person''s soul into magical power. Your ultimate goal is to use it to challenge the Demon Lord, right?


    "...I don''t know.��But let''s just say that''s impressive. You have grasped the essence of the secrets I have practiced and deduced their purpose.


    In fact, the reason why Inferno, which advocates the overthrow of the Demon King, doesn''t immediately execute it has a lot to do with its ability to ''convert a person''s soul into magical power''.


    He is preparing for it.


    No matter how much one has mastered the art of opposing a powerful demon king, there is no way they can compete with an individual''s level of battle power.


    Therefore, prior to the confrontation, Inferno planned to accumulate enough power to compete with the Demon King.


    He would take the souls of the living from all over the world and turn them into his own power.


    However, when the opponent is the Demon King, a half-hearted amount of souls will not be enough.


    If it wasn''t enough, the Demon King could not be defeated.


    The quality as well as the quantity had to be carefully selected.


    ''''I see........so Dariel.......?


    Aranzir understood the story, and the more he understood, the more beastly glint in his eyes.


    ''''Don''t be silly, you scum........!��You''re going to use my son as your nourishment...?


    That''s a nice look. I wish your son could be as susceptible to hatred as you are.


    Inferno gave a thin hint of mockery........


    ''''That''s right. Dariel is the finest soul power I''ve ever seen. I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most out of it. That''s why I seek him out.


    It was a terribly self-serving claim, though.


    ''You guys said it was a ''nutrient'', but Dariel doesn''t deserve such a chutzpah perception. .........He is, so to speak, the ''key''. The key to open a door that has never been opened before. In order to defeat him, the key called Dariel is essential.


    That''s why Dariel is such a desirable person for Inferno.


    I''m not going to be able to tell you what to do," he said. At first, I wanted Siegfriedgel to play a key role in this, because he was the best aura user that had ever fallen to hell. I trained him in hell and finally produced the highest color that fusion magicians can produce, ''red''.


    "...what are you talking about?


    Inferno''s words suddenly turn into a mixture of arcane jargon.


    When an eccentric genius stops paying attention to the stranger, his words become no different than the animal''s cynosure.


    It''s just that it doesn''t make sense.


    Avos added to the inferno as a backup. There is a risk of losing Siegfriedgel before we even get to the confrontation with him. He was only a half-wit who could only emit ''black'', but still, it was better than nothing.


    However, such Doris Megian''s caution became meaningless when he encountered Dariel.


    ''Dariel is the one!��It''s the ultimate in what I''ve been chasing.��When Dariel and I are united, we will have the power to defeat him in the world!��That''s why I would love to have Dariel!��Dariel is my ray of hope!


    ''''Shuffling around on your own...!


    Aranziel''s expression showed an unconcealed anger.


    ''Dariel is not a thing!��As if you can do whatever you want with it...?��You selfish and misguided bastard, you must crush it with your own hands or else you''ll lose your mind!


    I feel the same way, but I don''t understand.


    Glamberza says calmly.


    ''''I had a dim idea of what Drismegian was trying to do when he got here. He wants to absorb Dariel''s soul to become stronger in order to counter the Demon King, right?


    So first, Inferno tried to dye Dariel''s soul with hatred.


    Apparently because it was more convenient for him to absorb the soul and turn it into power.


    In the past, Inferno has been preferring to absorb the souls of the hate-driven, selfish, insidious outcasts like a gourmand in order to expropriate the souls of others.


    Before taking in the soul of the mighty Dariel, it would be preferable for Inferno to dye his soul with hatred as well.


    ''That''s why I targeted the inhabitants of Rax village before Dariel did. He tried to draw Dariel''s wrath out of them by killing their friends and family.


    You''re disgusting to me, you nasty little...!


    I suppose it was with the same intentions that I nearly burned my unworthy son. Dariel can only be fair when it comes to Bashbursa.


    Because Bashbaza''s presence is the most naive part of Dariel''s mind.


    ''It''s probably a cunning ploy to get Dariel to be as upset as possible.


    This is getting more and more inexcusable!


    Inferno''s spare smile was a silent affirmation of Glamberza''s point.


    ''''However, the way you spoke earlier was clearly a special reference to Dariel. It''s not merely a difference in strength or weakness. You clearly have higher expectations of Dariel than that. What is the basis for those expectations?


    ''''It''s an idea to be too intelligent. I didn''t think you could get to the heart of the matter that well with your hasty words.


    Inferno had already erased the atmosphere of spaciousness.


    As expected, he had just had enough of the chatter.


    ''''I suppose so. ........If I were to answer one thing, it would be that my secret method has more to offer. It doesn''t end with converting souls into power. The realm beyond that is carved out by me in Hell.


    The only thing left to do is to use Dariel''s soul to put the theory into practice.


    Therefore, I will have Dariel''s soul drenched in hatred at all costs. Aranziel, Granbasa. I know that you are important to him. Dariel would be very angry if you were killed in cold blood!

 222-221 Doris Megian sees through his heart (Brave side)

    As part of the Inferno, the Drismegians turned their attention to Dariel quite early on.


    He escaped from Hell under the eye of the Demon King and tried to hunt down many souls in this world to accumulate the power of rebellion.


    In the midst of all this, Dariel caught my eye.


    Not just any soul to be absorbed.


    There were two main conditions for souls that were easy to convert into as much power as possible.


    One, the emotion that occupied the soul must be hatred.


    It was the emotion that was most efficient in converting hatred and rage, which was directly related to the burning image as the attribute that Drismegian controlled was ''fire''.


    The other was simply being strong.


    The strength of the heart is directly related to the strength of the soul, as it should be. A strong heart that had overcome many hardships and had been forged by experience and thought would also directly translate into strong firepower when converted.


    Therefore, after escaping from hell, Inferno first hid in the vicinity of Lasperda Fortress and ransacked the modern day strongmen.


    Because the most desirable ones who could have strong and unholy souls that fit the conditions were adventurers who lived in battle and soldiers of the Demon King''s army.


    The fortress on the front line, where these two clashed, was the most suitable hunting ground.


    The goal was correct, and soon the three brave men, Pigalo, Zester and Altamir, appeared and engaged in a fierce battle with the four heavenly kings of the day.


    They took the three brave men, who were defeated and frustrated, away as they were easier to govern, and gave them a mithril-robbing plan to grow them into better nutrients.


    It was a well-timed strategy since he was able to draw information about the mithril delivery route from Pigalo and the others'' memories.


    That was the extent of my sense of humor at the time, but finding Dariel at the scene was a surprising harvest.


    It was the most gratifying part of the mission.


    Dariel observed the situation from a distant point and twisted and crushed the Zester, whose strength was increased by absorbing Mithril, without any difficulty.


    If he could absorb a soul this strong, he would be much closer to the goal of the Overthrowing Demon King.


    What was regrettable was that his heart contained very little hatred.


    No matter how strong a soul was, if its heart wasn''t dominated by flaming hatred, its conversion efficiency would be poor.


    So he decided that the previous step was necessary to absorb Dariel as well, and he approached Roselwy.


    If he attacked the village under the guise of being sent by the center guild director, Roselwy, and killed everyone, including his family, Dariel would surely be ruled by hatred.


    The intention was to use Roselwy and make him look like an executioner, because that would bring out more of Dariel''s hatred.


    But it failed to do so.


    The defenses of the village of Rax were more solid than they had imagined, and several strong adventurers rebounded from the raids without a care in the world.


    At first, the men for the raid were expected to be manned by Rosselwy, but despite being a guild director, he was a disappointing little thing, as he did not have the strength to move on his own.


    Inferno had no choice but to prepare his own manpower, which was a group of shabby adventurers he had gathered from all over the world to provide for himself.


    They are on their way to rob you of your sanity with brainwashing magic and increase your hatred of them by mentally oppressing you to become a better feeder.


    It was a diversion that was used to attack Lax village, but it backfired and they were all captured.


    It was a painful loss, but it was only an afterthought.


    It was after all those disturbances that a direct confrontation with Dariel had occurred.


    Dariel''s ability and brilliance could only be understood when they met directly with the sword.


    I immediately realized. Dariel has the ability to become an essential and important piece of Inferno''s.......no, Drismegian''s plan.


    Initially, he had prepared the brave Siegfriedgel as that piece.


    It was because he assumed that Siegfriedgel, who was an aura user on the human side of hell and had the highest ability, would be the trump card of the overthrown Demon King.


    However, once he found Dariel, who was more than worthy of a trump card, Siegfriedgel was easily discarded.


    That''s also why he didn''t save Siegfriedgel in the fight against Dariel.


    With a better pawn, the old pawn was out of use.


    Likewise with Avos, which was prepared as a spare for Siegfriedgel.


    After physically separating them from Cernya and the others, Drismegian is ready to pursue only Dariel.


    And then he entrusts Sernya, the only person he truly trusts, with holding back the Ida of "Heaven and Earth"....


    And then he rode into the village of Laxx with the fullness of his heart.


    ��


    Dariel is ... a gem. Very talented.


    The inferno that has come this far after all kinds of conspiracies and schemes.


    No, the Drismegian of "Sahi" speaks in front of the two men of his day.


    He says, "Even through my eyes, the master of hell. That''s why I definitely want it. He will be the last one to defeat him.


    To that end.........


    "Dariel''s heart must be stained with more hatred than ever before. I must be in tune with the power of my fire. Granberza, Arantziel. You are all inherently useful enough material.


    Hell, he looks at the two heroes who are being exterminated and looks at them as if he were assessing them.


    The two heroes look at each other as if they were assessing each other, "That power is unparalleled in ancient and modern times. It would be a great source of sustenance if it could absorb your souls as well. But for now, Dariel takes precedence over that.


    Granberza and Aranziel.


    It is better to kill them both miserably here and there and invite the hatred of Dariel, instead of going through the process of absorbing their souls as corrupted by hatred.


    ''That would be a more useful use of your lives. If we can absorb them all in the best condition, that would be the best, but unfortunately, we don''t have that much time to spare. It''s not only Ida, but it''s time for him to make his own move.


    You''re an arrogant man in this room. It''s all very selfish of you, no matter what you say.


    A shimmer of righteous indignation flickered from the surface of Glambarza''s body.


    ''How mindful of our lives!��Neither Dariel nor we are meant for you. Your hubris and misguidedness, you certainly deserve to go to hell!


    That anger is not good. It does not lead to hatred. Righteous indignation is the most useless and vexatious emotion of all.


    Drismegian did not take offense in the slightest.


    Hundreds of years of being condemned to hell. His emotions had already been transformed into something too far removed from people.


    He was not interested in the good of people, nor was he interested in the evil of people.


    Everything is the incarnation of hell, obsessed with the delusion of ''defeating the demon king''.


    That was Inferno.


    It was Arantzill who said quietly.


    Glamberza, who heard it beside him, turned his gaze to huff and puff.


    ''''What do you mean by that, Aranzir?''''


    ''I too was once trapped by hatred. The loss of having my wife and children killed by the demon tribe, and the loss of what was most important to me forever, had to be transferred to hatred.


    That was the driving force behind the thirty-year battle of the brave Arantziel.


    The power of hatred continued to swell until he was too old and decrepit for his body to follow, and it did not diminish until he met his fate with Dariel again.


    ''If you want to reduce Dariel to hatred, it would be accurate to target his family. He''s a lot like me in some ways.


    Just as Aranziel once was.


    Dariel would surely become hatred incarnate if he lost Malika and his son Gran.


    ''I was in danger, too. My heart was hardened by hatred until I met Dariel and found out my son was still alive. Dariel loosened my hatred. Before that, I would have been a great treat for you.


    ''That was close. I guess that means we met just a little too late.


    ''I know the horror of being trapped in hatred, and I cannot let Dariel fall into such a situation. I will thwart your plans. I won''t let you kill Malika, Gran, or even Granbaza over here!


    The one who was more than a little confused after hearing the declaration of determination was Glamberza, who listened next to him.


    ''''Aranzir, you........?


    ''''Don''t even tell everyone. The fact is that Dariel respects you more than anyone else. It''s a shame, though.


    But...........


    Arantzill continues.


    ''That''s not all we''ve found out. It''s a byproduct of being trapped in hatred for so long, I guess. I can kind of sense it.


    What?


    ''The smell of hatred, if you will, that accompanies the words and actions of others?


    People are creatures with emotions.


    That''s why their words and actions always showed their emotions.


    Some people are able to hide their emotions well, while others will see through them.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    It''s a good thing I''ve noticed that. You are.........


    He points to Drismegian.


    ''You don''t hate the Demon King so much, do you?


    ..........


    The red cape was silent.


    It wasn''t a taiyoung man from the margin, but a raptured expression because of a figurehead.


    ''''You have in mind to defeat the Demon King above all else. Your attitude is now so vindictive that you could almost call it vindictive.


    And yet.


    ''''When you talk about the Demon King, not a bit of hatred for the Demon King is conveyed from your kiss. There''s no doubt about it because I felt that way. You don''t hate the Demon King one bit.


    No, on the contrary, the sentiment that Drismegian follows when he talks about the Demon King is rather the opposite.


    Respect.


    At least that''s what Arantzill''s intuition told him.


    ''I think there''s plenty of reason to hate the Demon King after being condemned to hell and exposing the tricks the Demon King has exerted on this world on your own. But you have no righteous indignation or resentment while relentlessly holding up the idea of overthrowing the Demon King.


    Aranzir, who had been tormented by hatred for so long, was able to see it acutely.


    ''That''s what makes it such a mystery,''


    ''''Shut up!''''


    There was a shout from the crowd that raged like wildfire.


    "Jari, who doesn''t even know death, has the audacity to try to see through my mind...!��The relationship between me and that guy is not within the scope of a person''s understanding. Guessing is just plain rude........!


    At that moment, a horrible change appeared from Inferno''s body.


    ''''You will pay for that crime with your life. I''ll tear you to pieces and kill you...!


    Sharp, insect-like knotted legs began to grow out from inside the red lotus cloak.


    They were huge, and many of them........

 223-222 Estelica arrives (Brave side)

    The Drismegian has started to disguise himself as a monster.


    Giant insect arthropods emerge from inside the cloak.


    They were hundreds of times thicker and longer than the legs of an actual insect. They were no longer on the scale of a log, and with just one swipe, they could reap several adults.


    The surface of the arthropod, with the texture of a shell, was red in color.


    It was the same color as the cloak Drismegian wore and the flames he controlled.


    Flames leaked out from the gaps between the joints of the arthropods, and the tips were as sharp as swords.


    ''''Cow Demon Legs. You can choose to be slashed or skewered by these giant knot-feet, whichever you prefer...!


    There were a total of four giant crimson arthropods. They looked as if they were growing out of the body of the Drismegian.


    The root of them is not known for sure though, as they are hidden within the cloak.


    ''''Hey, hey, Arantziel!��You provoked me, and now something amazing has come out of it!


    I didn''t really mean to provoke you. The person who blatantly encourages people to do something is likely to overreact when he or she is provoked.


    The long battle of tongues is over and the clash of strength finally begins.


    Giant arthropods come down from various trajectories and try to slice and dice their targets, but both Arantzill and Glamberza leap with quick movements and are not easily torn apart.


    ''I''ll take care of this guy before Dariel does. Maybe I''ll get a little more respect.


    It''s not just the knotted feet that attack.


    Drismegian also shoots out fire magic as before, but that one is precisely nullified by Granberza taking control of the magical flames.


    ''''Aranziel!��I''ll hold the fire magic!��You''ll have to finish him off in the meantime!


    "I never thought it would be so easy to have a mage ally in a fight against a mage. I''m sure you''ve got a lot of questions for me.


    Even so, Drismegian wielded this unparalleled physical tyranny of giant arthropods.


    They were not so thin that they could be sealed off with a single countermeasure.


    However, his opponent, Arantzill, is also not an ordinary standing hand.


    While quickly and accurately evading, he strikes back without a moment''s delay.


    ''''Great Emperor Splitting Sky!''''


    Moreover, Arantzill targets the jointed parts of the giant arthropod.


    Because of its operation, it is not covered by a hard shell, and it is slashed and dared to cut off a structural acute point with low defensive strength.


    ''''Nuh........?


    "Did you think the brave man would be scared just because it was a huge insect leg? I''ve torn down similar giant creatures countless times against monsters.


    Even if it is a structural acuity, it can only be described as a divine skill to accurately slice through a joint that is as thin and narrow as a line.


    Also, no matter how fragile the structure was, to slice through a structure as thick as a log under a single sword, it required a fair amount of power.


    In other words, only the brave Arantzill could pull off these feats with ease.


    Only Dariel was equally adept at this, and it would be a bit tricky for Radie and Zester to follow suit.


    He is still sharp in his old age.


    Every knotted leg is slashed off and the fire magic is sealed off by Granberza.


    This was the moment when the Drismegian himself was exposed as defenseless.


    ''''It''s over.''''


    The ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky'' that is struck into the main body of the opponent.


    It is the most powerful destructive technique that Dariel uses frequently, but the original master was Arantzill.


    No one has ever been able to survive the original Sky Splitting Strike in the flesh.


    As long as they didn''t use their exceptional advanced techniques to defend against it, they would surely die or be wounded.


    This time, in the battle against Drismegian, he had painstakingly put in place a series of checks and balances to seal off his defenses, and he had cooperated with Granbaza to carefully drive him into a corner.


    ''''Even if we haven''t defeated them, there''s no way we can be unharmed by this.


    That''s what I thought........


    ''''........What?!''''


    The Doris Megian who was standing after receiving the ��Super Emperor Splitting Sky�� was unharmed.


    Even the red cloak that flickered in the red lilies didn''t have a single hooked tear.


    ''''Ridiculous!��You''re saying you''re unharmed after receiving Aranziel''s ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''?��What kind of nonsense is that?


    As a nemesis in the past, Glamberza was once a nemesis, and he hated to chew on the reason for the desperate nature of that special move.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea.


    I''m not sure how many times I''ve been in the same situation. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this. I''m sure the guy doesn''t live long enough.


    ''''Mmmmm...?!''''


    Drismegian''s severed giant arthropods rose up from the cross section and grew back to normal.


    It was an odd behavior, even for a living creature.


    ''Hey, hey, everything''s grown back nicely!��Doesn''t common sense work for that guy?


    The more you fight, the more you smell like a monster...


    Is it because the enemy''s biology is too abnormal?


    The two of them, both seasoned warriors, were caught off-guard, which they shouldn''t have been.


    The two of us were caught off guard by an impatient voice from behind us.


    ''''Predecessor!��My predecessors!


    Watch out!��It''s backwards, it''s backwards!


    That was the voice of the Lax village adventurers who were watching from afar.


    They were strictly ordered to stay away from the designated area....


    "What''s the matter?


    Both Aranzir and Glambarza turned around and finally realized what was at stake.


    The sharp blade-like tips of the knotted feet were closing in on them, ready to pierce them.


    From directly behind.


    ''''Nah!''''


    It was not a new arthropod that had grown back.


    I''m not going to be able to get to the bottom of it.


    It was the old one that was cut down and still moves to attack us?


    What kind of structure is there in a living being?


    You''ll be puzzled, but if you don''t take action before that, you''ll be damaged.


    The timing of the aura of interception and fire magic is just right for the slice of knotty legs that are attacking you.


    A new support fell from above.


    ''''Splitting sky twin satin cutting!


    The aura slash that descended directly downward further severed the knotty pieces of the deadly body.


    It became shredded, and as expected, it became impossible to act.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do that.


    The moment they landed, it was as if a ''soft'' sound was heard.


    That''s how much the impact of the fall was softened by Takeshi''s movements.


    The female swordsman who appeared could be seen to have one of the best skills in the world.


    ''''You.........you.......you really.......?''''


    It was Aranzir who let out a trembling voice, but it wasn''t because he admired the woman swordsman''s skill.


    Looking at the woman herself, he reached the point of bewilderment.


    ''I knew Drismegian was coming this way, didn''t I? You have carried it as I feared.''


    ''''Estelica-dono........?


    First, Glamberza roars at the unexpected arrival of reinforcements.


    Alanziel stiffens with his lip trembling.


    ''''Why are you here?��How do you feel about Master Ida and my boys?


    Deep in human territory, they are fighting another inferno. They had Windigo Windora on their side and couldn''t leave him alone.


    "What?��How did one of these hexenbiest get into human territory?


    However, the crucial Drismegian was missing from the enemy camp.


    Ida was suspicious about this and sent Estelica and her men to Lux village.


    Ida said, "If I were to use my men as bait and the Drismegians were to attack alone, this is the most likely place. But the two of you fighting together to hold back the Drismegians is an unimaginable sight.


    ''Estelica?!''


    Finally, Arantzill remembered the movement and crowded Estelica.


    A man in his fifties, who had already entered the age of old age, and an enveloping young woman in her twenties faced each other straight away.


    ''''Is it really........?��Is it really you?��You''re not even a bit different from the you from that day!��Noble and beautiful!��I''ve heard stories, but to really see you alive again...?


    ''You have grown old, Aranzir. You have ugly wrinkles all over your face.


    What?


    Let go of me, sir. We have more important matters to worry about now than you do.


    Aranzir grabbed both of Estelica''s shoulders, but shrugged them off and confronted the red cloak.


    ''Drismegian, Lord of Hell. I am pleased to meet you for the first time. I am here to obey the Great Lord''s command and defeat you.


    That body........is it the Apostle of Valhalla? I thought it was Ida if they were going to come after you, but you''re a hell of a shrugger.


    Master Ida is being held up by the same men you cut off. I was sent to see if you would be willing to go ahead of them.


    And Estelica, for a moment of dignity.


    "Would you like to stand before the God of War and ask his forgiveness now?��Ida, your ally, would like that, and I''m sure the God of War will accept it graciously.


    "Huh, stupid...


    Before Drismegian could say anything, Arantzill interrupted him.


    ''Wait!��I don''t care about him!��Esterica!��If it''s really you, why don''t you just go toe-to-toe with me?


    ''''It''s not like you don''t care...?''''


    Even Granbaza was baffled by the co-workers'' distraction, but Arantzill''s eyes were bloodshot.


    He wasn''t this distraught even at the point of fighting the strong enemy Doris Megian.


    ''''This is how you can stay calm!��She''s my wife!


    Huh?


    ''My wife who was killed by demons more than 30 years ago!��Dariel''s mother!��How can you expect to see me here again after all this time?

 224-223 Brave couple, not happy to meet again (Brave side)

    Estelica the Brave.


    The name was a name that was known for a not very long period of time, about three or forty years ago now.


    Although he was officially appointed as a hero by the Center Guild, his tenure was less than five years.


    Although it was too short compared to the period of time that his successor, Arantzill, had served as a hero, it was still a very standard length if applied to the average.


    He was not a weak brave man.


    He had the strength and was blessed with friends to fight with. Among the enemies he had defeated, there were a few of the Four Heavenly Kings class.


    The defeat that led to his retirement was caused by Glamberza, who later became the strongest of all time.


    The achievements she had made during her career were solid, and her retirement should have guaranteed her a prosperous life and the respect of those around her.


    Since her retirement, however, her name has not been whispered about again.


    She didn''t have the ability to influence the Center Guild by instructing younger people or interfering in the A-level promotion examinations, as the current Aranzir did....


    He has completely disappeared from existence.


    That would be true too.


    The brave Estelica died just a year after his own retirement.......


    ........because in truth, she had lost her existence.


    ��


    "This woman is Arantzill''s wife?


    Grambarza''s eyes turn black when he is informed of this fact.


    ''So she''s Dariel''s mother...?��.........ha!


    And then it occurred to Glamberza.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what happened to Dariel at an early age when she grew up on the side of the demon race, which is completely different from her birth.


    A certain demon tribe abducted the still newborn Dariel and hid her.


    The one who found Dariel and raised her as a member of the demon race without knowing the secret of her birth was none other than Granbaza.


    The reason why the baby Dariel was targeted is because her father was the fierce and brave Arantziel.


    However, the stories about his mother were strangely rarely conveyed.


    ''''Is that..., I heard that Dariel was killed when he was taken away...?


    ''Yes!��Despite her weakness and lack of fertility after giving birth, she confronts her attackers to protect her child...!��No matter how many times he was beaten, he chased bloody away to get his child back who was about to be taken away. That''s what killed him!


    At the same time, Arantzill heard that a child had been born and was in the middle of returning home, abandoning his ongoing attack on the demon territory.


    But he couldn''t make it in time, and when he returned, he was greeted by his wife, who had run out of things to do.


    He hadn''t been able to witness the death of the woman he loved.


    After that, he chases after the demons who killed his wife and tears her to pieces, but the baby that was supposed to have been kidnapped cannot be found.


    But the baby that was supposed to be taken away from him is never found. This is exactly what happens when a man loses everything and throws himself into a long battle out of hatred for the demon tribe.


    ''After a long, long time, I was finally able to see Dariel again. But I had resigned myself to the fact that I would never see my wife again. I knew it. There is no way to meet the dead again...!


    But now, what should have been a hopeless reunion has come true.


    In this world, not the other world, Arantzill was able to see his wife, who was supposed to be dead, again.


    ''''I see. If you''re wondering what the intent was to bring a small fry that was far less than Ida by all appearances to be a helper.......''''


    The Drismegian, who is now in a position to listen, doesn''t take you by surprise, but rather watches as if he enjoys the mess.


    "He often plays such games. "He does that a lot, and he gets a lot of enjoyment out of watching all the people, not just the humans and demons, but all the people on the ground get in a hurry," he says. Everything in this world is just a playground for him...


    Shut up!��You shut up!


    ''''Whoa, whoa, whoa!


    The continuous shots from Alanziel''s "Super Super Empty Sky", as expected of a Drismegian, were not enough to deal with them, and they were blown away.


    You can''t prepare yourself for a little while with that.


    "I didn''t think we had a chance to do that...?


    Normally, we should be chasing after Drismegian like this, but even Granbaza is too shocked by the fact that he was confronted with it to do anything about it.


    It is not an easy opponent to take advantage of a small chance and defeat before that.


    I decided that the shortcut to victory was to sort out the situation here and remove any small confusion.


    ''''........Didn''t you say a single word when you visited with Ida-sama before?����A mother who was too young to remember her?��Why don''t you tell her!


    What would happen if I did?


    Estelica replies coldly.


    ''I am no longer of this world. I am Estelica, the Apostle of Valhalla. It is the duty of those who live in Valhalla to continue to fight even after death and become even stronger than when they were alive. In this way, we must please the God of War.


    So I guess I''ll just have to...


    ''Yes, the Demon King and the God of War are the same thing. I learned and accepted that after I died. That''s why they allowed me to live in Valhalla.


    Estelica proceeds to say that she no longer cares about them.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    That''s why I must fulfill the mission given to me by the God of War. We must defeat that Lord of Hell and drag him before Him.


    Can you even do that, you...?


    Drismegian stands up while fluttering his red lotus cloak.


    He is sufficiently monstrous at the point where he is hit with the ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky'' in succession, which is supposed to be a one-hit kill, and is only effective in stalling, rather than not getting killed.


    You think I can''t see through this?��You''re not inherently good enough to be scooped up by Valhalla. He does those things on a whim. In terms of ability itself, the two behind you are far superior to each other. I''m asking you, such a small fish, if you can handle me!


    ''''It''s not a question of whether you can or not. I''m sure you''ll be able to find a great deal more to say about it. It''s also the duty of a brave man!


    The sword was already in Estelica''s hand as she leapt.


    It was a hazy sword with a stupendous outline.


    ''''A weapon of holy relic composed from the ''Einherjar Body''?��It''s probably more useful than Namakra...!


    "See for yourself if I''m a copycat!��"The Splitting Sky Sixteenth Meter!


    From Estelica''s sword, a wild shot of the "Splitting Sky" that is as intense as a May rain flies.


    Normally, that would be enough to cut the enemy to pieces, but how much of that would be understood by the Drismegian, who doesn''t even have to deal with the ''Supreme Emperor''s Splitting Sky'' which far exceeds the ''Splitting Sky''.


    ''''No!��A mere ''ripping sky'' won''t get through to the Drismegians!��You''re going to get smashed by the counter!


    No, we''ll see.


    Aranzir conquers the panicked Granbaza.


    ''The sight of her fighting is still clearly in my mind. It''s exactly the same. Her ''Splitting Sky Sixteen Meter''........


    In her lifetime, Estelica was a brave fighter who fought with precise calculations rather than overwhelming power and speed.


    Her original technique, the "Splitting Skies Sixteen Meter" is a technique that she developed, in which each of the sixteen "splits in the sky" is carefully calculated and released.


    She accurately predicted how the enemy would block and evade her attacks, breaking the enemy''s stance in the first to fifteenth moves, sapping their energy, and then hitting the sixteenth move with a deadly attack.


    It was that kind of technique.


    ''''A small fry move is a small fry move when you add more moves to it!��You''ll learn the difference between the two!


    The Drismegian turned his body into a vertical axis and spun furiously.


    Then the four giant arthropods extending from his torso flung away every wild shot of the attacking ''Splitting Sky''.


    ''''Yes, I thought you would prevent it like that.


    ''''What?!''''


    It seemed as if the "Splitting Sky" was played by a giant knot-foot, but even though it was played and changed its trajectory, it eventually pushed forward toward the Drismegian''s main body.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.��Didn''t this start out like that?


    Yeah, that''s how I calculated it to work.


    The only thing that flew in the wrong direction was the front three "rifted skies".


    This invites the defense of the giant knot-foot, and the next four to twelve "split skies" adjusted the angle of reflection so that they hit the Drismegian.


    ''''Kaaaaah!''''


    Drismegian burns them away with ''Scorching Heat Wards''.


    However, it was far from a perfect activation, as it was released in an emergency and painful manner.


    For some reason, because of the activation of the magic, the giant arthropods also disappeared and their breathing collapsed greatly.


    That''s where Estelica cuts in.


    ''''It''s the endgame!


    With the thirteenth move, he slashed through the high heat space of the ''Scorching Heat Warding'' and jumped into the pocket.


    With the fourteenth move, he slashed through his right hand.


    In the fifteenth move, he slashed through his left hand.


    And the sixteenth and final ''Splitting Sky'' slashed through Drismegian''s forehead beautifully.


    ''''Oh?!''''


    If it were a normal human, it would be a fatal wound.


    However, the opponent was a monster inferno that had never been seen before.


    You lick it, you bastard...?


    "What?��The head is split open and then activated without regeneration?��That''s ridiculous!


    On the contrary, Estelica, who has used all of her skills, has a lot of gaps.


    On the verge of unleashing fire magic into that critical void....


    The more gigantic ''Supreme Emperor Splitting Sky'' crushed Drismegian''s entire body.


    ''''What will you do to my wife?''''


    Arantzill holds Estelica''s slender body in his arms and leaps backwards.


    ''''Anata........?


    ''''As long as you are in front of me, I will never hurt you again. Never again!

 225-224 Alanzil struggles hard (Brave side)

    I cracked his brain open. You fought back without even regenerating...?


    Estelica looked at the deformed Drizmegian while being held by Arantzill.


    The other party is still trying to move distortedly after being further struck with the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky''.


    ''''Isn''t that what the Hellwalkers are like?��The white kid I fought before had his arm slashed off and then quickly regrown, remember?


    Aranzir would point out that he was probably referring to his former battle with the Ida of ''Heaven and Earth''.


    ''You''ve gone to heaven and fought those types of people all your life, haven''t you?��Aren''t you a little out of it?


    Piss off!


    ''''Geez!''''


    Alanziel''s ears are pulled with all his might and he screams.


    The first time I saw it, I knew I was going to have to do something about it. And by the side, Glamberza shuddered.


    The "Einherjar body" given to the Apostle of Valhalla is indeed perfect. Even if it is shattered to pieces, the next moment it will begin to regenerate. It is the ultimate body set up to fight forever.


    Well, that''s quite a scary story.


    ''''However, even though it''s the ultimate ''Einherjar Body,'' it''s still fundamentally a physical body. Its structure and weaknesses are the same as an ordinary body. If you crush its head and stop its heart, it will soon begin to regenerate, but at that moment it will indeed ''die''.


    Estelica tried to restrain the Drismegian by making that small gap where the immortal would lose consciousness.


    But that plan was off.


    By a circumstance she could not have foreseen.


    "He attacked me like that, even after I cracked his head open...?


    "Moreover, the Wraith Body they were given is a much poorer substitute than the Einherjar Body.


    It is the body of a sinner who has been condemned to hell to receive the torment of hell.


    Although it regenerates, it regenerates at a much slower rate than Valhalla''s Einherjar Body, and yet it only senses pain acutely.


    Even if it is reduced to a lump of shattered flesh, it doesn''t die, but takes its time to regenerate.


    As if to say that it''s also a form of punishment.


    ''That''s the ''wraith body'' of hell. I thought that if I crushed its head, I could drive it out of action for half a day for now...?


    But you''re alive and well, aren''t you, over there?


    Inferno had already grown another giant arthropod and was in a vicious battle stance.


    The previous four giant arthropods had increased to six this time.


    The cloaked head shows signs of having been smashed by Estelica''s sword flash, but the details are still obscured by the hood.


    I''m sure that the Drismegian has some special characteristics that are unique to him.


    Granberza says.


    He was once the leader of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, emitting the dignity of a leader.


    From now on, you must proceed with the battle with the intention of revealing his secrets. I''ll continue to focus on shutting down his fire magic. I will continue to focus on containing his fire magic while you continue to attack remotely, forcing him to cut more cards.


    I don''t like that kind of a move, but I do.


    Yeah, I know exactly what I''m talking about.


    They had been sworn enemies for thirty years.


    They knew more about each other than best friends.


    ''''Then you can do what you want. If you seriously drive me away, I''ll have no choice but to expose all my cards. Just as I once did.


    You know what to do. You''ll cover me, won''t you?


    Aranzir, holding his prey stick wand.


    It was a weapon chosen to take advantage of his extremely rare characteristic of being the "most suitable for all aura characteristics".


    Slash.


    Sting.


    Hit (crush).


    Of the four Aura traits, three of them, minus the guard, could be unleashed with a simple stick.


    Then let''s begin.


    "Oye.


    Aranzir leaps into the vanguard with his arch-enemy Granbaza in the rear guard.


    Well, wait a minute!��If we''re going to fight, let''s have a meeting...!


    And no, ma''am.


    Granvaza further stopped Estelica''s restraint.


    ''Thirty years since you died. It has been occupied by my battle with him. I say with confidence that no one on earth understands him better than I do.


    The reverse is also true.


    ''Utsukume!��You jumped in without thinking!


    You can''t just use it as a means of attack.


    ''''Kuh!��I''m losing control of my magic flame?��........It''s him again?


    As long as Grumberza was around, Drismegian couldn''t use his best fire magic as he wished.


    Even though it is the same attribute, it is a trick that can only be done with Grumberza-level skills, such as violating the right to interrupt and manipulate magic used by others.


    In the meantime, Arantzill jumped into his pocket.


    ''''I don''t feel like I''ve won just by shutting down the magic, aaaah!


    The vicious giant arthropods start to move all at once.


    They look like the legs of a sharp crab and a ferocious giant spider.


    The power that those giant arthropods could exert was proven, and with just those six legs flailing about at will, they would be able to kick out a large army.


    ''''Normally wizards would be helpless just by having their magic sealed off...!


    He was not a Drismegian with such common sense.


    And Arantzill is the one who stakes out the other side against that uncommon opponent.


    With just a swing of his specialty stick stick staff, the giant knotty legs are torn off and fly away.


    ''''Nuh.........?


    Aranziru''s stick stick staff, which is filled with Aranziru''s powerful slashing aura, is sharp enough to cut off both sides of even a log with a single swing, even without a blade.


    All of the knot-feet were cut down in the blink of an eye, and all that remained was the Drismegian body, which had lost all its offensive moves and was now defenseless.


    ''''Riaaaaaaah!''''


    The tip of the stick staff pierces the abdomen of the Drismegian.


    The stick, which is filled with the aura of sting, gains a sharpness that can pierce anything, even if the tip is not as sharp as a spear.


    Then it pierced the Drismegian''s abdomen, again and again and again and again.


    The feeling of the skin cracking and burrowing deep into the flesh is definitely felt by Arantzill.


    How do you feel?��Are you ready for your next move?


    Gubuuuuhhhh...?


    If you don''t want to do it, you''re going to die like this!


    Aranziel takes a step back to take a pause, and this time he arcs with his stick cane and descends straight down from above.


    What is contained is the aura of a hit (strike).


    The force of the blow, which is struck in a perfect circle, shatters even a lump of iron into pieces.


    With this Aranziel-class aura power, there''s no question of the quality of the weapon that can contain it, in the end.


    It''s a great sword without a blade, and it''s a divine spear without a cutting edge.


    That''s why the simplest shaped staff was chosen for the smooth operation of all the characteristics.


    This was the ultimate form of combat for all trait adapters until Dariel took the Hermes Sword in hand.


    ''''Die!''''


    The tip of the stick with enough aura and acceleration caught Drismegian''s head accurately.


    The angle of entry is also ideal.


    At the moment of impact, a bobbing dust cloud rose from the ground that Drismegian stepped on, and countless cracks ran towards the surroundings.


    His skull was shattered, everyone watching around him thought so.


    It was rare for a fatal wound to be so perfectly certain.


    ''I drove him to this point!��Come on, you can show me what you are, your immortal identity!


    Still, Aranzir had no conceit of victory.


    He was still continuing to play the game and raising his vigilance to the maximum.


    Estelica rushed over while waving her sword.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on it.��Will you not learn?


    I have no need to be careful. I need not be alarmed, because I know that you will help me.


    ''''.........?''''


    At that reply, Estelica looked amused.


    To this old man, with whom she had once exchanged a marriage vow.


    ''''.........Since when did you start to trust others so much?��In the old days, you would never have given your mate your back.


    The longer you live, the more your character changes. That''s what life is all about, enjoying it.


    But the fact that the detached arthropods move independently means that the Drismegian itself is not a dead body.


    It was known, but the more they fought, the more pronounced their monstrosity became.


    It''s very annoying. I had hoped things would be a lot easier by the time I fought him.


    A vindictive voice came from deep within the cloak.


    It seemed to echo from hell.


    ''Do you want to go to hell that badly?��Then I will show you my newfound power!

 226-225 Doris Megian had become a dragon (Brave side)

    "Regret it!��You made me want to do it!��After you die, you''ll realize that being burned up by fire magic and torn to pieces by the ''Cow Demon''s Legs'' was still a happier way to die!


    An explosive flame erupted.


    It was as if the red cloak covering Drismegian''s entire body had turned into flames.


    ''''Flame!��I can''t take control of it!��Then that is not magic flame!


    ''''d*mn it, I''m going back, Estelica!


    The super fever that erupted forced Aranzir to retreat as well.


    He held Estelica in his arms.


    The flames were no longer like a pillar of fire, burning up as if they were impaling the heavens.


    At the center of it all was Drismegian.


    Normally, it would have burned and left no ashes, but everyone could be sure.


    That monster would never die like that.


    Instead, everyone was convinced for no reason that this pillar of fire was a ritual for the monster to become a more fearsome monster.


    It was true.


    The pillar of fire cracked open and the monster that stepped out of it no longer looked human in any way.


    ''''What was that...?


    ''''A person?��No, but those scales that cover your entire body are like...?


    A dragon.


    The figure that took off the red cloak, the symbol of hell, and was exposed from within it was a deformity that was no longer worthy of being called a person.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on a new one.


    And crimson scales.


    Like a blazing fire, the crimson red color of the red lotus that changed its color tone in various ways with the reflection of light.


    Its appearance was like the incarnation of a flame, and at the same time, it seemed to be the child of a human and dragon phase.


    ''''That''s the figure Doris Megian was hiding under her cloak.......?


    ''''No........!


    Estelica said.


    ''That figure is not what he had in the first place!��You bet!��That is exactly what you look like...!


    Dragon Man.


    ''''Drismegian!��You''re a hexenbiest who fused with a hexenbiest, aren''t you?


    ''''Nah!''''


    The first one to raise a cry of surprise at that point was Glamberza.


    ''''Hexenbiest fusion?��That''s that forbidden abomination technique...!


    It was impossible for Glamberza to recall it without bitterness.


    The forbidden art of demonic beast fusion. Because the forbidden art of demonic beast messenger connected to it is the means that his son Bashbarza took to get off the path.


    ''''A threat far beyond monsters, demonic beasts.


    There are only four of them in this world.


    They are so precious that their power is said to be the strongest in the world except for the Demon King.


    "The magic to control these magical beasts at will, so that they can eventually merge and take their enormous power for themselves...?


    But it will fail in every attempt.


    The Drismegian ... or perhaps the Drismegian, the crimson dragoness said.


    With a faint smile on his face.


    ''''Demonic beasts are beyond the control of humanity. If you try to use them, they will eat your mind, and if you try to fuse them together to gain their power, they will be unable to contain them and their bodies will collapse. This is because these monsters are much higher beings than the humans.


    I know ... I know!


    But how many dozens of people in the past did not understand such simple things?


    His son Bashvaza was one of them.


    He relied on the power of demonic beasts to overturn his failing plight, and then, like everyone else, the demonic beasts consumed his spirit and eventually died.


    It was a common end for a fool who tried to gain power beyond his own size.


    ''''Those who seek after demonic beasts will perish. This should be an ironclad rule that hasn''t changed for hundreds of years. No one has ever overruled it. Even my son..... And yet...!


    The Drismegian''s accomplished transformation into a dragon man was proof that he had complete control over the power of the demonic beast.


    What was determined to be impossible for anyone to do was now turned into possible by the Lord of Hell.


    ''''........................After all, your objective was a demonic beast.


    Estelica said.


    ''''Ida-sama was glaring at that too. After seeing your companions using the Wind Demon Beasts that live in the "Oroshi Forest". How could you not seek out the demonic beasts yourself while letting your minions use them!''''


    Well, of course. That''s what Ida thinks.


    Accompanied by the heat of the fire dragon, Drismegian showed a spare appearance.


    ''''But don''t be mistaken. Cernya is only receiving alms from the Wind Devil Beast. It''s a pity. I''m not in complete control of my hexenbiest, like I am. I''m the only one who has the power of a hexenbiest in my hands.


    It doesn''t matter.


    Red shimmering dragon scales.


    It was one of the four demonic beasts. It must have belonged to the Flame Demon Beast Salamandra.


    Coincidentally, it was the same one that Bashbarza was trying to control.


    Isn''t it just a coincidence that both of them are flame mages, but even so, the former threat has once again appeared ''stealthily'', emphasizing the sarcastic nature of fate.


    ''''The one that dared to act separately from the other inferno and deliberately divulged information to lure Ida-sama to the ''Oroshi Forest'', buying time to get the Flame Demon Beast!''''''


    He was so meticulous that he had Sernya and Avos placed as time-buying personnel.


    It was all a stepping stone to get the Flame Demon Beast Salamandra.


    ''''Humph, let''s just say I''m half right.


    ''''........If you can truly control the Flame Demon Beast Salamandra, then you are truly invincible.''''


    In addition, Glamberza pursued further.


    The power of a demonic beast was comparable to a natural disaster.


    It''s not a dimensional power that a person can resist.


    One who fused with such power would become a natural disaster in itself.


    If one obtained such an all-powerful power........


    ''''Why don''t you take on the Demon Lord sooner rather than selling oil here?��Is it that powerful anymore?


    You don''t understand. You don''t know what you''re talking about.


    Drismegian said annoyingly.


    You think a single hexenbiest is enough to counter him?��Do you really believe that?��That is hubris of the highest order. You have underestimated him. Truly, you underestimate him inexplicably!


    ''''Wha........?''''


    Drizmegian''s excited tone of voice was enough to overwhelm Granberza.


    I''m going to be the only one who really understands him. I''m sure you''ll be able to see that. I''m the only one who truly understands his strength and evilness.


    That Drismegian judges.........


    ...it''s not enough. I''ve definitely made my mark on a hexenbiest. That''s a big improvement. But it''s still not enough. You still need the pieces to defeat this giant.


    It''s.....


    Dariel. I told you at the beginning, I wanted two parts.


    The first is the Flame Demon Beast Salamandra.


    ''''It''s already in this hand. There''s one left, and that''s Dariel. Dariel and Fiendish Beasts. When we have these two together, I''ll be able to achieve the power to approach him. When that happens, I will become him!


    He says with visible excitement and euphoria.


    ''I will be another Demon King!


    ''''Don''t be silly!''''


    Aranziel jumped at him with a shout.


    ''''Shut up and listen to me and shove your selfishness in my face!��You call Dariel a part?��You''re treating my son like a stake or a door panel!��He''s not just for you, I swear!


    No, you don''t take that chance!��Step back!


    Estelica''s control is not enough to stop him in time.


    Aranzir sprays his own Supreme Profoundness while rushing forward.


    ''''Great Emperor Splitting Sky!


    It was a decisive move that only the great brave Arantzill could have made to strike this technique, which was originally a flying tool, while approaching.


    The speed of the flying aura slash further increases as the user himself carries the momentum of the rush.


    The opponent also misjudges the speed and timing of the attack since it can rapidly close the distance.


    The ability to wield this seemingly unreasonable barbarism accurately was the strength of the Great Brave Arantzill.


    However, for once, his opponent was too bad.


    ''''Weak.''''


    ''''Nah!''''


    The ''Supreme Emperor Splitting Sky'' that hit Drismegian''s body shattered like a haze and disappeared.


    Drismegian''s outer skin, which had turned into a dragon man, was superior to the power of the Superhuman Splitting Sky.


    The basic physical sturdiness alone was enough to crush the strongest profound technique of the strongest hero.


    ''''Now that you have demonstrated the power of the Dragon Man, there is no more one victory for you all in ten thousand.''''


    ''''Gobuah!''''


    A fist covered in red lotus scales dug into Arantzill''s stomach.


    It''s a very good idea to be able to have a good time with your friends.


    ''''Antah!


    Arantzill?��Are you kidding me?


    I can''t accept what''s happening.


    You can''t take this kind of thing.


    I wouldn''t have wanted to use it. I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work. I had planned to use my own strength until then, but...


    Drismegian said as he released the power of the magical beast.


    ''''But no more teasing. I will crush you all with all my might and then I will have Dariel.

 227-226 Heroes are kicked away (Brave side)

    After Drismegian removed the cloak, the shape of the game changed dramatically.


    Overwhelming.


    The dragonborn by pushing the demonic beast into a person was beyond the level that an individual could manage.


    ''''The flames...?��I can''t take away the control...?


    "You were able to stop my flame because it was a magical flame. I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work. But.....


    Great flames emanating from the palm of the dragonman.


    It swallows Grumberza.


    ........I''m a person and a monster beast right now. I''m a monster. I don''t accept any magic mechanism.


    Therefore, they could no longer use magic to compete for the right to manipulate flames.


    Drismegian could handle the flames at will.


    ''''Then it''s a pure contest of strength!��Eat it.........!


    Glamberza, unleashing his full magical power.


    ''''A-hazardous scorching hot uninterrupted flame hell!


    A jet-black blaze of unspontaneous flames erupts.


    It''s an extreme flame spell that GranBaza has developed independently, and it''s his secret technique.


    It''s a simple power alone that makes it a must-attack, but it''s GranBaza''s own secret to make it a black flame by adding spell power.


    Due to the cursed flame, it would not go out, and even after it was extinguished, it would continue to burn its target relentlessly.


    The secret technique that was concocted to counter the strongest enemy, Arantzill, attacked Drismegian.


    However.........


    ''''Hmph.''''


    ''''Nah!''''


    The jet-black curse flame instantly dissipated in front of the hand that Doris Megian held up.


    It was as if the most powerful profound technique created by the legendary man did not get through.


    ''''No, it''s a brilliant magic. How dare you turn fire into black. Only one person in ten thousand will be able to reach this level in their lifetime. ........I wonder if the next step, reaching the ''red'' stage, will be after you go up to Valhalla?


    The flames that are released just as a return gift will swallow Grumberza.


    Guh-oohhhh!


    Remember. I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work. I''m sure you''ll be able to find a great deal more to say about it.


    Grambarza tried desperately to defend himself with his own magical flames, but there was just not enough to offset them.


    Finally, it can no longer support itself and takes a direct hit.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this," he said. But with that Dariel, I suppose it could go much further.


    The two legendary heroes are defeated in the blink of an eye, and the adventurers who surround them are horrified.


    They, too, live in a profession where they live side by side with danger.


    I could fully understand the horror of the unhuman thing in front of me.


    ''''d*mn it!��Shield-master front row!��Put up a defensive line at all costs!


    "Archers!��We need to hold them back a little!


    The fact that they''re not running away and trying to maintain their line of defense is probably due to the training they''ve received from Dariel''s village chief on a daily basis.


    But for once, it''s indeed the opponent''s fault.


    "This is an act of courage. Let''s put out the coals as a reward.


    I won''t let you!


    Estelica flies away as the last hope.


    Wielding a semi-solid chi-sword as an apostle of Valhalla.


    ''''The ''Splitting Sky Sixteen Meter!''''


    You''re the least wanted man in the room, small fry.


    Even the sixteen aura slashing blades that were shot out with meticulous calculation were all burnt out before the flames.


    ''''Kyaaaaaaaah!


    The main body, all of Estelica.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get a good deal more than you think.


    ''''........Nuh-uh?


    Immediately afterwards, Drismegian noticed the shock he felt behind him.


    ''''An aura slashing blade?��I see, they changed their trajectory and bypassed it while blending in with the flames from this one. So you flew to hit them from behind? Small and clever as ever.


    However, while being hit, Drismegian didn''t seem to have been damaged.


    The strong demonic beast''s scales were completely blocking the slash of the ''Splitting Sky''.


    ''''Wisdom is powerless in the face of overwhelming power. That''s right, it''s the weak who rely on their wits. Being good at petty warfare techniques like you is proof that you admit that you have no power.


    Like Aranzir, like Granberza.


    If your original ability is outstandingly high, there is no need to cling to wisdom in the first place.


    Overwhelming them with force is the original and proper form of battle.


    However, there may be those who are not physically strong by nature. I''m sure there are some people who are not as strong as they should be.


    "You are, after all, a scapegoat who can only get into the first class by playing tricks.


    Aranziel, Granbaza, Ida, Dariel, Gacita, Siegfriedgel, Sernya, and Drismegian.


    In the realm where those monsters thronged.


    ''''No, don''t get me wrong. I''m not rejecting your methods. It''s the same as mine. No matter how much power you have, you can''t beat him. That''s why I''m trying my hardest to surpass him with my wits. I''m just as smart as you are.


    But.


    ''You are still fundamentally lacking in power. There''s nothing more unseemly than the evil struggle of one who had no potential from the beginning.


    He released more flames and carefully burned Estelica.


    ''''Ahhhhhhhh?


    ''''Burn it, burn it. Let''s test whether the Einherjar Body is truly immortal or not.


    Estelica is surrounded by flames that would have killed her long ago if she were an ordinary person.


    The tragedy is that she has acquired an immortal body given to her by the Transcendent.


    She couldn''t burn to death, and she tasted the fire torture endlessly.


    This is the torment that those who have fallen into hell suffer daily. O you who have ascended to Valhalla, is this not a good experience for you?


    "Gahhhhhhhh?!


    I will continue to be burned forever.


    Just when I thought it was over.


    "Stop it!��You f*cking dowager!


    Oops.


    Drismegian lightly dodges the huge aura slash that comes at him.


    ''''Ho, you''ve already revived. You''re tough for your age.''''


    Aranzir stood in human form with blood pouring from his mouth.


    He had received a powerful blow to his stomach, and there was a fear that his internal organs were injured.


    But even so, he stood upright without a hint of doubt because of his energy.


    From a fierce desire to protect his loved ones.


    ''Get away from her!��I''ll kill you!��No, I''ll kill him!��I''ll kill you...!


    Whoa, whoa, whoa...?


    The killing spirit is so thick that an ordinary person would faint, but Drismegian only takes it in a cool manner.


    ''''Oh, come to think of it, she''s your companion, right?��I see, that''s a very touching reunion. Since you are bereaved, you didn''t expect to see them again. I''m sure you''ll be very happy.


    Another giant arthropod grew out of the Drismegian''s abdomen.


    The cloak had been removed so that even the base of the abdomen was clearly visible, but it was so horrible that it was better not to see it.


    The tip of the arthropod was as sharp as a blade.


    The tip of it is swung down at Estelica.


    Agaaaaaaaaah!


    ''''Estelica!��No!��No, oh no!


    Huge knotted feet thrust into the chest and belly, respectively.


    It''s like being driven into a log stake, and one stake alone is enough to be fatal.


    Still, she cannot die because she is already beyond death.


    It contributes to her suffering.


    ''Look, look, the sooner you help her, the more painful it will be for your wife.


    Of course, Arantzill doesn''t bother with it, and immediately raises his stick up and leaps at it.


    However, the Drismegian has sprouted more than one giant new arthropod, and you can''t get close to it.


    "How hard is it?��You''re aiming at a joint and it won''t cut through.


    "That''s good, the one you love is ripped open before your eyes, and hatred flares up!��It''s just ideal!


    To bring out the hatred of Aranzir, he further teases Estelica.


    ''For this amount of time, you would be an ideal nourisher for me!��Before you take in Dariel, this is an unexpected treat!��How about my luck?


    Shut the f*ck up!��I will not forgive you!��I''m going to wipe out every last bit of it, oh, my God!


    Aranzir is a man who has fought with hatred from the beginning.


    His family was taken from him at a young age, and the only thing that fills the void of losing everything is his hatred for his avenger.


    The avenger is the demon tribe that took his wife and children from him.


    Normally, a brave man would target the demon king for a sense of mission or benevolence and fight the demon tribe that wanted to protect him, but Arantzill was different.


    Only he was the target of the demon tribe itself.


    Arantzill''s goal as a brave man is to kill as many demons as possible to satisfy his desire for revenge.


    That too was ended by old age, and the flames of hatred subsided when he learned of his own son Dariel''s survival.


    But when he meets his beloved wife again, the smoldering flames of hatred are rekindled.


    ''''Hahahahahahaha!��Great!��It''s about time to eat!��Now get a little angry!��Show me your beloved wife''s intestines, or I''ll make you more passionate!


    "You ah!


    Everything is going to go according to Drismegian''s wishes.


    Everything was going according to Drismegian''s wishes, and the only thing that could twist that wish was...


    ''''The Supreme Emperor''s Sky.''''


    I''m back.


    Dariel is back in the fray.

 228-227 Dariel meets his mother

    "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!


    The Zetsunoh Ryakkuu was based on the Zetsunoh Ryakkuu, my unique and special sword.


    The masterpiece left behind by a genius blacksmith named Hermes'' sword absorbs and releases aura far more than any other weapon.


    Due to its characteristics, the sky skyrocketed to a higher standard as I put my own aura to the maximum extent.


    The inferno....no, the monster that can only be called a Drismegian is indeed unable to bounce back to the Dristmegian, and it retreats back, snapping several of its giant legs at once.


    ''''You came back, Dariel!��Vashbarza, you are so trash that you can''t even hold me back a fraction of a second.......


    You were just goofing around, weren''t you?


    I could see him giving Estelica a good deal of grief until I came running up here.


    I''m going to be able to say that you are really annoying, you know. Calling it Bashbursa, you hurt others too carelessly.


    He blamed the Demon King-sama as a great evil and appealed to his legitimacy.......


    Any grandiose theories have lost their meaning because of the act.


    ''I''ll make a decision for now. You are evil. You''re a guy I can beat to death regardless of anything else.


    Hahaha, no, that''s not good enough for you to merge with me with such refined anger.


    But in a little while you haven''t seen it, Drismegian has changed a lot, hasn''t he?


    The red-cloaked monster has become a bizarre red lizard human.


    I wonder what kind of a crazy turn it would take to turn him into such a freak?


    ''I must have you more than willing to be angry. Hasn''t Bashvaza spoken one word against you?��Why don''t you take those words more seriously?��Blame yourself, and then pass the blame on to others. Then you''ll have a superior, ugly mind.


    "Don''t talk nasty.


    ''After all, what better way to allow true hatred to blossom in you than to kill your wife and children?��He''s going to spew good mud just like your father.


    ''''Scum.......!


    Behind me, Arantzill-san was already running up to Estelica-san''s bottom.


    As an apostle of Valhalla, she would never regenerate and die no matter what kind of fatal wound she received.


    She was already a person who had died once.


    So I can be more comfortable with my injuries than others........


    ''''Oh.........!��Estelica, pull it together!��I''ll have it fixed up right away!��Get a doctor!��Somebody get a doctor...!


    ''Don''t waste your time.........!��I can already heal from an injury of this magnitude, even if left untreated. Judge the situation more carefully. You are old enough to have a lot of sense...!


    It''s a mystery, though, when she left the village to chase after the infernos, but she''s back before I know it.


    What was going on while I was out of sight for a minute?


    Dariel...


    The flames were cracked open, and out from within came Lady Granbaza.


    How could this person be crushed by the flames?


    It looks like he was having quite a hard time.


    It means he''s gained a natural disaster-grade power in his human body.


    That''s how he became that lizard-human-morphed thing.


    Those red scales......


    ''''Oh, he''s the Flame Demon Beast Salamandra, my stupid son once tried and failed to do the same thing. Drismegian has done it. I must say, it''s quite terrifying.


    Just when you think you''ve just said goodbye to Bashbursa for good, this time it''s a Flame Monster.


    It''s a persistent fate.


    ''''I understand. I''ll take care of him. Everyone please rest.


    But what about the fact that I''m on my own?


    Gacita will be there to help.


    Speaking of the Flame Demon Beast Salamandra, he had bumped into her once, even in her bare state.


    The attack reached me, and it wasn''t an opponent that I couldn''t handle at all.


    It should not be underestimated, but it should not be feared more than necessary either.


    Anyway, lowering the wounded and tired three sides backwards, I''ll take the brunt of the arrows now!


    No, no.


    What?


    Why not?


    When I turned around, I saw Mr. Arantzill, full of energy and ready for battle.


    ''I''ll fight him. Dariel, take care of her.


    Is she Estelica?��Why?


    Her body is special, so even if she gets hurt, it will heal quickly.


    It wouldn''t even drain her physical strength.


    She may be the most energetic member of the team that can be on the front lines here.


    There''s no need to protect her from that...?��Aren''t you the one who''s been hurt worse than I am?


    You idiot!


    I was scolded by a terrible shouting match.


    But I have no idea why she was angry.


    You''re the one who doesn''t care about her?��It''s a natural thing for a son to care for his mother!


    ''Huh?��What?��Mom?


    Who?


    Who?


    "I''ll take care of that piece of garbage myself!��........Dariel, you should talk to your mother well in the meantime.


    No, you know what?��What do you mean?��I can''t see a thing...?


    Normally, everyone has their time. You couldn''t have it. But now we''ve got a chance to give it back.


    Mr. Alanziel''s spirits are rising.


    Maybe the most tremendous I''ve ever seen.


    ''It is my duty to protect the time between mother and child. Let me do my duty, Dariel. Father and husband...!


    Without even giving me time to stop him, Arantzill-san rushed towards the monster.


    I don''t think he''d be beaten senselessly even if he was a monster, but.......


    ''Um...?''


    I looked around at the people around me as if to ask for help.


    Estelica-san and also Granbaza-sama.


    The problem is Estelica-san, who is down and won''t say anything.


    Unable to watch, the other one, Granbaza-sama, says


    ''''Dariel........!��This guy seems to be your mother...!


    "Uso.


    But if Lady Granberza says so, there is no doubt about it.


    I''m still trying to understand it, though.


    ''She was a brave man before Aranzir, but at the same time, it seems, she married Aranzir after she retired and had a child with him. That''s you, Dariel. ...No, I heard that.


    ..........


    ''Shortly after that, the demons attacked. She fought to protect you while Alanziel was away. That''s why she died. They said she defended you to the end.


    ..........


    As an apostle of Valhalla, she is already dead.


    She was once in this world.


    As a living person, there must have been a time when she lived through it.


    But I always thought that had nothing to do with me.


    No, I never dreamed it had anything to do with it, but...!


    ''.........is this true.......?


    ".........


    She doesn''t answer.


    Instead, she hears the sound of heavy blows from the other side.


    Mr. Aranziel has resumed his fight with Drismegian.


    Now I''m beginning to understand something.


    That man is fighting to make this time for us.


    ''''You didn''t say anything when we met last time!��You''re a brave man from the past, that''s all you said...?


    It''s too late for this to be any good right now.


    That''s all Estelica said.


    ''What can I say to my son, who has grown up sufficiently and is older than I am here now? I am already dead before that. I am essentially a being who should not be allowed to have any influence on this world. The only reason I came here is for the intention of the fighting gods.


    ''Yet...!''


    I hadn''t thought about it.


    I never had a mother.


    I could have sought my father''s face from Lady Granberza, but I couldn''t even imagine my mother.


    That''s why you didn''t notice it when you first met her.


    You didn''t notice her at all.


    ''Instead, you should think about defeating Drismegian. That is the incarnation of hell, the worst threat to your life.


    But I''m sure there''s a lot more I need to hear from you...!


    It''s embarrassing.


    I was over thirty and a father myself.


    And now I didn''t know exactly what I was supposed to do.


    I knew I had to do something, and yet I didn''t know what to do.


    And yet I didn''t know what to do, it was as if I was back to being an ignorant child.


    ''''Well I don''t know what to tell you, Anna.


    Eventually, as if to confess, Estelica told her.


    ''Because I didn''t really love your father...!

 229-228 Estelica confesses

    According to him, it was out of a clear ambition that Mr. Estelica became a brave man.


    Becoming a brave man, setting up enough achievements, garnering praise and respect, and ultimately leaving a name in history.


    That''s what every brave person dreams of, and in that respect, Estherica was a very standard brave person.


    Speaking of achievements that a brave person can make, the ultimate one is the overthrow of the Demon King.


    Naturally, during her lifetime, young Estelica-san marched towards the Demon King and fought fiercely against the Demon King''s army that prevented her from doing so.


    That point hasn''t changed in the present or the past.


    However, Estelica was stuck in the middle of her attack.


    The four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army defending the Rasperda Fortress were so stubborn.


    The Four Heavenly Kings of that time must have been a completely different group, but they were sure of their abilities.


    He raised the aspiration to defeat the Demon King and was defeated by the Demon tribe, the front runner in the process.


    That was the most mediocre ending for a brave man, and it was very difficult for the aspiring Estelica-san to accept.


    She had to break through the Four Heavenly Kings at all costs.


    With that belief, Estelica-san needed more power, trained herself and walked in search of stronger companions.


    She not only wanted to strengthen herself, but also her friends who were fighting alongside her.


    Along the way, she met a strange man.


    He was young, no older than Estelica, and probably no older than her.


    He lived deep in the mountains, where no one could get close to him, and his behavior, his mannerisms, his mannerisms, made him seem like a true beast.


    But the man was also a beast of strength, and none of the choicest and strongest members she had with her at the time were a match for him.


    He could only be kicked to the curb in a matter of seconds.


    It was the same for Estelica herself, and she was convinced of this as she was stretched so cotenously that there was no excuse.


    ''''With this man''s power, I can defeat the demon king,'''' she said.


    The man, she said, had never known his parents.


    Ever since he could remember, he had lived in the mountains and fields, facing the fierce beast and demons he encountered with only his own arm strength.


    That may have fostered his strength, but apparently that''s not all.


    It was also clear that he was blessed with a natural talent.


    He was able to control all of the four aura characteristics to the fullest extent, and yet he was able to demonstrate his aura abilities without being registered with the guild.


    Everything was substandard.


    By welcoming him as a companion, Estelica-san''s party would be confirmed to have a significant increase in strength, but at the same time, she was also worried.


    She also unconsciously noticed it.


    The man''s brilliance was far beyond even herself, and if he appeared on the surface, the magnitude and brilliance of his existence would drown out herself and others in an instant.


    There was that much light in the man.


    In the end, Estelica didn''t add the man to the party.


    He was the one who was going to be the hero of the legend, and an actor more suited to the lead role was in the way.


    But inexplicably, the man has been following her around ever since.


    He appears everywhere she goes and solves all sorts of local problems before Ms. Estelica does.


    He was a man of proven strength to begin with.


    It would be much quicker and easier to leave things to a man than to do something about it yourself.


    But that was a very venerable problem because Estelica-san was a brave man.


    In time, all the world would notice. That he was more deserving of the lead role than she was.


    She was in a hurry to get to the merit.


    That was a bad idea.


    She had successfully distracted the man''s attention, and the battle for Lasperda Fortress was fought without him.


    She attacked boldly and somehow defeated the enemy''s elder statesman, Melothea, the then Four Heavenly Kings "Heavy Fire".


    However, that was ultimately the last battle result in Estelica''s life.


    She had made the mistake of being defeated by a young assistant who had joined the battle shortly after her, who was not even the Four Heavenly Kings.


    That young Four Heavenly King''s assistant would later become the most senior hero of all time as the Granbaza of the ''Karma Fire'', but it was none of Estelica''s business.


    Due to the unwritten rules of the Center Guild, any brave person who was defeated by the Demon King''s army even once would be stripped of their qualifications.


    How much of a sense of frustration did Estelica-san feel?


    Her path was abruptly and cruelly cut off while she was full of energy in search of a glorious crown.


    During her tenure, she ended up as a hero who had defeated one of the Four Heavenly Kings without any further achievement.


    No matter how young she was and how well trained she was, she would never get another chance.


    The man who came to visit her was the one who came to see her.


    The man was concerned for Estelica''s body, regretting that he hadn''t been there for the battle, and boldly stated that if he had been there, he would have led her to victory.


    There was no mistaking that declaration.


    However, that victory was not a victory for Estelica-san, but only for the man.


    She had no choice but to accept it for good.


    She had no doubt that the star of this era would be this man, and that man who would defeat her and become the new Four Heavenly King.


    Estelica''s premonition hit the mark shortly afterwards.


    Because almost a year or so later, the era of the two great heads of state, the great brave Arantzill and the strongest of the four heavenly kings, Granbaza, would begin.


    Yes, the man''s name was Arantzill.


    A man who had a mysterious birth that separated him from other people, a man who grew up without being seen by others while possessing an extraordinary talent that one would not expect from a human being.


    It was Mr. Estelica who first discovered this.


    She was devastated by the sense of frustration she felt at the time, she thought.


    She was no longer able to make new achievements, but if this man leaped to the front of the pack and accomplished something unprecedented, she would be the one to reap the rewards of his leadership, she thought.


    The achievement of being the "leader of the best and bravest" would be yours.


    She was full of ambition and wanted to be a part of the achievement in any way possible.


    Following her desire, Estelica asked Arantzill to become a hero.


    Ms. Arantzill was perplexed.


    He couldn''t stand in front of her. It was Estelica''s seat and she would only be supporting him behind the scenes.


    Arantzill, who is not well versed in the world of central politics, had a hard time accepting the fact that she would never have a chance to stand up for herself.


    In the end, Mr. Arantzill broke down.


    He made a condition in exchange for taking the brave selection test at the Center Guild.


    ''''I want you to marry me when you become a hero.


    It was only then that Estelica-san realized that. He followed her around relentlessly because he had feelings for her as the opposite s*x, she said.


    In her quest for glory as a fighter, Estelica-san had completely forgotten who she was as a woman, and although she was confused, she soon realized the new possibilities.


    If she married Arantzill-san here, if he later became the Great Brave of the Ancient and Modern Warriors as she expected, her title would be ''The Great Brave''s Wife''.


    I thought it was clearer and more glittering than "The One Who Guides the Brave".


    As you can see, a large part of her acceptance of Mr. Arantzill''s proposal to marry her was due to calculation.


    From then on, everything proceeded as planned, and Arantzill-san became the first person in history to become a hero from outside the Adventurer''s Guild registration.


    As promised, Estelica-san became his, and in the blink of an eye, she gave birth to a child.


    And Estelica-san had a new ambition as well.


    Mr. Alanziel, the most gifted man ever. Her successor resides in her own belly.


    She herself has even pushed past a number of adventurers to become a hero. I thought I was blessed with a lot of talent.


    How outstanding is the child born with the talents of such a man and woman together.


    Not only would she be ''the wife of a great brave man'' but even the title of ''the mother of a great brave man'' would be hers.


    The excitement was even more intense than when she was a brave person herself.


    The spirit of prosperity is stimulated.


    Although she couldn''t become a brave person to leave her name in history, she led a brave person to leave her name in history, and not only that, she would create a brave person to leave her name in history.


    I wondered if there were any other such feats.


    At that time, Estelica was more aware of her own womanhood than at any other time in her life, and she says that she felt intoxicated by the fact that she was a woman.


    She wondered if there was an easier way to make history without having to sweat and scrape and devote herself to it.


    That was the time when she was at the peak of her life....


    ��


    ....


    Hearing Estelica-san''s remarks, I had no choice but to shut down.


    She was stubbornly trying to keep her fate with me a secret because she was desperate not to let this thought out.


    ''You know what I mean.��I am not the kind of mother my children can be proud of. I''m a humble woman who worked by design and greed to the very end...!


    A woman who had more ambition than most people, but had to hide behind many different geniuses.


    The genius of Mr. Alanziel. Lady Granberza''s spiritedness.


    She was overwhelmed by them and felt powerless to leave her name in history only by being a woman.


    ''''How shallow and wretched...!��I can''t let you see your mother like this. You''ve done a great job of bonding with your father. All you need is that person''s presence. I''m a hindrance to you...!


    ''And yet, you still protected me, Anata.


    I''d just been born.


    My mother had risked her life to protect her son from the demon tribe that wanted to kill Mr. Alanziel when they tried to kill him in his absence.


    She had died for it.


    ''You sacrificed yourself to protect me, didn''t you!��That''s what a mother looks like!��What more motherly act could there be than that!


    Maybe even that........was just a calculation to protect her achievements. To protect the achievement of ''giving birth to a hero''...


    Did she protect me because she wanted to be a brave mother?


    She didn''t follow the instinct of a mother to protect her child.


    Perhaps she doesn''t know what is true for herself either.


    That''s why she suffers even after she dies like this.


    ''That''s not true,''


    Then a voice overruled everything, heroically.


    ''You love Dariel with all your heart. I know it.

 230-229 How to be a hero

    Mr. Aranziel doesn''t even take a step back as he turns the dragonified Drismegian over to the other side.


    With a sharpness of movement that is unbelievable for an old man, he counterattacks while avoiding both giant knot-feet and large flames.


    ''''This........this......movement is even faster.......?''''


    Even Drizmegian, who had acquired super strength, was bewildered.


    Finally..........


    ''''The ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky'', twelve strands!


    He was pushed aside and blown away by a series of great aura slashes.


    ''''Great...!��This is the movement of a person who has passed the peak of his physical strength...?


    After all, he''s special even at his old age...!


    He temporarily stifled the enemy''s movement and his gaze turned to me.


    "...I knew. I knew it was a long shot that you had to marry me.


    What?


    Estelica''s expression was dumbfounded when Aranzir-san told her.


    I knew how much you cared about the achievements of a brave man. I knew how much you cared about your dreams, and I wanted to be your dream instead of yours.


    It conveys the thoughts behind the words that were once uncommunicated.


    "It''s a gamble for me, too. I wanted to take advantage of your frustration, but I also wanted to make you mine. I had an ulterior motive that if we took the time to live together, even if we had other goals, we would be closer to each other.


    After finishing saying that at once, Arantzill-san let out a self-mocking smile.


    I would never have been able to say such a thing when I was younger. Is it a skill acquired in old age to be shy and drunk with embarrassment?


    Have you...?


    You''ve gone through changes of heart, too. Our marriage was short in comparison to most, but you still became a wife and a mother. You went from being a brave man to...


    I had my reasons for doing so.


    ''When Dariel was taken by the demons, why did you stand up to them to the death?��If only you hadn''t pushed yourself, you could have survived.


    Is that...?


    I have often wondered, with regret, why I resisted. Why did you resist until you did? If you want to be the mother of a hero, you just have to have another baby. Just let me rescue you.


    And yet.


    You were willing to sacrifice your own life to protect him.


    "Because you were obeying your mother with all your heart. It''s the only thing I could think of.


    I, too, now that I''m a father, I know what I''m talking about.


    Mr. Alanziel must have let the speculation out in tears.


    Over and over and over again.


    In those moments when I coughed up blood and wished I could go back, but I could only think of it in terms of remembrance.


    That''s why you are Dariel''s mother. Don''t refuse me that.


    The situation doesn''t give Arantzill-san that much leeway.


    While receiving an onslaught of ��Super Emperor''s Splitting Sky��, an onslaught that would normally leave no dust.


    Drismegian revives after being stopped from moving for a bit.


    ''''What a travesty...!''''


    While spreading anger.


    What is this lukewarm air?��This is not what I''m looking for!��Get angry!��Hate!��Let the emotions boil over!��Otherwise, I can''t make you part of my flame!


    I will not give you what you want.


    Mr. Alanziel is a man of war again.


    ''I have a family behind me. My wife and my son. Two people I should have lost that day forever and never returned.


    He stands proudly for us as if to protect us.


    "I''ve been waiting for this fight my whole life. I''ve been waiting for this fight for a long time. That''s all I''ve ever wanted to do. For more than thirty years I lost the things I had to protect and only flailed about in vain.... I was just a ''fighting corpse''........!


    But now it''s different.


    The things he needs to protect, his family, are right there at his back.


    Everything we lost that day is perfectly in place.


    "....Aranzir the Brave. Now in his 50th year, he''s ready for a real fight.


    The battle for the living to slaughter peril in order to protect what they are meant to protect.


    This is my first and last true and meaningful battle. In this battle, Arantziel the Brave will achieve greatness!


    Very well!��Then you will be defeated in that meaningful battle!


    The monster, out of life''s reason, lets out a horrific roar.


    ''I wish!��The more you hope for, the greater the despair of defeat!��It''s either anger or hatred that''s supposed to fill the emptiness in our hearts!��Then it''s time for me to get you in!


    Poor little freak. You are the one who has lost the meaning of being you.


    The game seemed to be won before it began.


    The dominance of the spirit was completely on Aranzir-san''s side.


    ''''That fight..., can I bite a piece of it?''''


    A flaming majesty that has been joined by a wavering, flaming presence.


    "Granberza-sama...!


    Those two men stand side by side.


    No matter how many times I see them, the awesomeness of their successors gives me goosebumps.


    I''m sure you have a strange connection with him. No one has been killing each other for as long as the two of us have. Usually, one of us is killed early.


    But they both survived. That''s a rare occurrence. Maybe that''s why it feels so good to stand here like this, standing side by side.


    Do you want to use that trick?


    Mr. Alanziel''s nervousness rises slightly.


    ''Yeah, I croaked out because I thought it was necessary,''


    ''Too bad you can''t tell me how many times I missed out on victory because of that technique. Now I remember, you''re still the worst kind of opponent I''ve ever encountered.


    You and me both.


    Lady Granberza steps forward.


    You are here to help your life''s greatest nemesis in his first meaningful battle.


    "I present to you Granbaza''s most powerful technique, ''Fire of Fury''. Let this ''kinetic fire'' guide you to your nemesis''s victory.


    ''Nonsense!��Your most powerful profound skill is that one, isn''t it? Isn''t it called the ''Annoying Scorching Hot Uninterrupted Flame Hell''?


    Under the pressure of the two heroes'' supremacy, Doris Megian has lost all dignity.


    I''ve also become a mere gallery.


    ''''You were just defeated by me a while ago!��To repeat the ineffective magic again is a folly to the name of a hero!


    That''s how it''s done in the world.


    Master Granbaza said quietly.


    ''''The ''Ancestral Scorching Heat Immemorial Flame Hell'' is the strongest magic in this Granverza.


    What?


    It''s a bit embarrassing. You''re not going to be able to get your hands on any of them. That''s why I''ve decided to call the second one, the ''A Nose Screaming Scorching Heatless Flame Hell'', the strongest, and the world thinks so too.


    Well.....


    I know. As the assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army in the past, I''ve seen that man''s battle up close and personal.


    Thanks to that magic, I was finally able to prevent the onslaught of the Shura-like Arantzill-san without being able to break through even once.


    ''''I ask you, Drismegian, Anna.


    What?


    Have you ever held a little baby in your hands?


    At Lady Granberza''s question, Drismegian looked bewildered, unsure of the meaning of the question.


    ''What do you mean?��Have you lost your mind at this point in time?


    You need to ask. I guess not. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have suffered such an abomination even in death.


    The relentless words stung Drismegian.


    ''The first thing I felt when I put Dariel, who was still a baby, in my hands was fear. Nothing could be more terrifying than that. A creature as small and as young as a baby. A fragility that could have broken with just a little misapplication of force.


    Lady Granberza was horrified.


    ''To my own power. I''ve never felt so afraid of my own power that could destroy the most precious thing of all, a baby.''


    Humph!��What is that supposed to mean!


    Drismegian, who didn''t know the world, could only let out a cynical laugh.


    ''''If you want to break it, you can break it!��That''s the way of the world!��As a fellow fire wizard, I can''t help but feel sorry for you.��Isn''t it the power of fire to destroy and consume!


    Dariel, as a baby, told me that''s not true.


    The hero said.


    ''My world has changed forever since I realized that my power is a terrible thing that could destroy something precious. The preciousness of the world itself jumped up. Dariel taught me that this world is full of precious things.


    Since that time.


    I assure you. I could have moved up a notch. If I''m a hero. Dariel is what made me a hero. I saw the view from the ground he gave me. The most powerful magic I''ve ever seen from that landscape. Let me show you, fool.


    And then the strongest magic of Granbaza-sama''s true magic is unleashed.


    Jikou Kabuto Rentaiten.

 231-230 white, burning

    Pure white flames were released from Granberza-sama''s body.


    The flame of nature is a vermillion red.


    It shone a white color that extinguished all impurities.


    ''''A white flame?��White?��Ridiculous!''''


    Witnessing this, Drismegian was excessively upset.


    ''''Are you saying that''s another magical flame with the power of your thoughts in it?��It caused the flames to discolor!��But!''''


    Granberza-sama''s ''Anasai Jiaozo Jiaozo Immanent Flame Hell'' is a special magic that causes jet-black flames to burn away the enemy.


    The flames turned to black due to the spell power added to the magic flame.


    ''''What kind of emotions, such as white, can be mixed to produce such a color!��The color of the flames mixed with feelings is black, and on top of that is red!��What else could it be?


    That''s just because you''re narrow-minded in your vision of the world.


    The demonic flames that emitted a dazzling white light as bright as the mid-heaven sun only overwhelmed Drismegian.


    ''''All you see are emotions of anger, hatred. The only thing you see is anger, hatred and uncontrolled turbidity. It''s only natural that the color will darken if you mix them with the fire.


    That''s all right!��Then we''ll see how well your prized white flame works!


    The Drismegian''s spewing flames changed color.


    Once it turned black, and from there to a crimson red.


    ''''These are the souls of all the third class adventurers we devoured on our way here!��I wasn''t going to use a spoonful of the Spiritual Transmutation Hellfire until I fought him!��Show me the power you have to match this!


    At first, he fought with only his own magical power and then with the power of the assimilated magical beasts.


    It was unfathomable that he still had the power he had preserved above this.


    ''''Kehaaaaah!''''


    The crimson flames that were released attacked Granbaza-sama and Aranziel-san in line.


    It was thought that the large flame would easily swallow the two people and burn them out, but........


    ''''........What?


    It was not to be.


    The white flames surrounding Granbaza-sama are drowning out the flames of harmful intent from the side of the touch.


    ''''The flames are extinguishing the flames?��What kind of logic is that?��You''ve taken away my right to control magic again!


    Don''t you know that a flame that has transformed into spirit can''t work like that?


    "Kuke-haaaaah!


    Unable to fully understand the current situation, Drismegian unleashes his flames.


    But the result is the same.


    The white flame does not accept any hostility or harm and silently extinguishes it.


    ''''This is Granbaza''s secret proficiency, Jikouto Soten.


    His nemesis, Mr. Arantzill, says.


    ''They have known each other''s fearful and troublesome nature better than anyone else.


    The white flame, laced with compassion, silently extinguishes all evil intent. It is truly a purifying flame.


    Compassion, eh?


    You never had any idea. Did you think that the power of the thoughts mixed with the flames was only anger and hatred?


    Of course!


    Drismegian rage.


    ''It''s not just magic!��The power of the fire!��The most violent and destructive of the four magical attributes!��The only emotions that are most in line with that power are anger, and hate!


    That''s your smallness.


    Lady Granberza takes over the question and answer.


    ''Your answer may be, but I have arrived at a different answer. The extreme of it is this white flame. From the time I held baby Dariel in this hand. I have seen the true meaning of power.


    When an adult holds a baby in his arms, he limits his strength to the maximum.


    They hold the baby gently and tenderly, killing most of the strength they have gained to avoid hurting the baby, who is unable to sit on his neck, thin and ready to break.


    I have learned that this power is the true meaning of fire. The flames that, if touched directly, can burn and consume everything, can become the compassion that warms the frozen ones if lit with the right distance and firepower. The power that has been forged to the extreme and has led to the Warriors...


    Like the sun that rises in the very heavens.


    "Sending warmth that gently shines on the world''s living beings. Like the most powerful sun in the heavens. What is the power of fire?


    What is the power of fire.....


    ''Compassion supported by the unlimited self-control of the strong. That is the power of the flame.


    ''''You''ve got to be kidding me!


    Drismegian rises madly.


    ''''Are you an idiot?��How do you arrive at such a conclusion?��The fire is the most powerful force of all!��Burn it all down!��No more destructive force!��How dare you speak such worldly words to pure violence where there is no room for deception!


    Pure. Isn''t that a myth?��There is no such thing as true purity in this world!


    The Drizmegians continue to release flames in an attempt to burn their enemies, but it is still in vain.


    The white flames of Lady Granberza''s white flames really do a great job of extinguishing harm and putting you at ease.


    Because it is a flame, it slowly spreads and finally envelops the point where Drismegian is.


    "Ughhhhhhhh!��.........?��Ha!��Hot, not hot....?


    ''''How can a flame that blots out harmful intent be harmful?


    Lady Granberza''s white flame was a flame that never burned anything it touched.


    That''s exactly what it was, as gentle as holding a baby, only transmitting warmth.


    ''''It nullifies all the harmful actions of the enemy and does not have any offensive influence from you. It''s a nasty fire. If they put this out there, the only way to stop the war is to stalemate the war effort.


    Thanks to this magic, I can always bring the game to a draw. You couldn''t stand it against them, could you?


    That''s right, Granbaza-sama''s ultimate profoundness, ''Jikou Kabuto-Ten'', was a flame of compassion and therefore would not harm anyone.


    It is the ultimate power to erase all harmful intentions, but the magic that has no offensive power ultimately lacks decisive power in battle.


    That''s why Granbaza-sama''s second profound technique, ''Anosu Jiaozo Jiaozo Immersion Flame Hell'', was better known to his enemies and allies as the strongest contraption.


    However, in the long battle to the death with Alanziel-san, it was always the white flame rather than the black flame that determined the outcome of the battle.


    All of Mr. Alanziel''s Asura''s slash flashes would be meaningless if they touched the white flames.


    It was because of this Granbaza-sama''s Ultimate Profoundness that the battle between the two of them lasted for a tremendous period of thirty years without being settled.


    ''''O Aranziel. If this were a match between you, it would end here.''''


    Of course. I''m not going to have to deal with a situation where every attack is nullified. As soon as he uses that stupid magic, I''ll pull out.


    But this time the enemy does not have that much grace.


    Hatred is the power of the fire, and it wastes its power with empty resistance, unable to concede its obsession.


    ''''This oh-oh-oh!��Kuhaaaaah!


    Because the surrounding area was already surrounded by gaping white flames, the flames of rampage disappeared the moment they were released.


    So, to the side eye, it was not even clear that it was being magic ejected, it just looked like a dumbass waving his arms around in the dark.


    ''''It''s ridiculous. No matter how intelligent you are, you can act so foolishly just by sticking to your own ideas.''''


    Are you going to do it, Alanziel?


    Of course.


    Mr. Alanziel steps forward, stick in hand.


    "This is my battle. What will you do without my help?


    Oh, yeah, that was too much.


    ''No, it''s not. I can see now that the white flame you showed me is where I''m going to end up too.


    Mr. Alanziel says.


    ''In the first place, the world I was supposed to see by raising Dariel was the world I was supposed to see. At last, after thirty years of detours, I stand on a new stage. I will catch up with you where I stand.


    I''m nothing of the sort. I couldn''t even tell my own son the answers I''d come up with after so much experience and thought.


    That regret is also one of the strengths that will shape you.


    They take failure, regret, and lack of distortion and turn it into strength.


    This is the power of the strongest men in their old age.


    "I, Arantziel, am the first to fight. Now I''m going to fight my first battle as a hero.


    Drismegian was already at the mercy of the white flames and was no longer in the fight.


    The white flames, which took the form of the polarity that Granbaza-sama had arrived at, rendered all harmful attacks meaningless and extinguished.


    There was no distinction between friend and foe.


    No matter what kind of attack they hurled at the Drismegian wrapped in white flame right now, it would eventually be erased and mean nothing.


    ''''But now. I can do it now. I can put to death the evil fools without damaging the meaning of that white flame. Now, I have someone to protect at my back, if it were me now...


    Aranzir the Great Brave.


    The man who never stopped changing even in his old age composed a new poem about a new technique.


    "Ching-Of-Sky.


    The technique that sounds the same as "Super Emperor Splitting Sky", however.


    It''s actually a completely different and terrifying effect.

 232-231 Empty, free

    Gunaugh?


    Drismegian, bewildered by the strange things that happen to me.


    The surrounding area is still surrounded by white flames, and although I will not be burned, instead all infringements will be erased.


    In this flame, any attack magic and combat aura are erased as soon as they are emitted, and even if you are hit directly, the impact is erased and is no different than being stroked, even if you are hit directly.


    ''''What........?��Like something just touched me!''''


    In the midst of it all, Doris Megian was in the extreme state of confusion.


    As the Lord of Hell, a phenomenon is occurring that is completely beyond the reach of this person who is the authority of malice and violence.


    ''''Nuh-uh!��Nuh-uhhhh?


    He suddenly screamed and thrust his hand into the ground.


    No, it''s not.


    Clinging to the ground?


    It was like a careless person who is about to accidentally fall down from a high place and reflexively grabs anywhere in a hurry.


    It was similar to such an action.


    "What the hell?��What''s happening!��It''s being pulled, it''s being pulled, ughhhhhhhh!


    At first I wondered what he was doing, but then I started to understand.


    I''m not sure how much trouble he''s been exposed to.


    He''s leaning forward and dangling like he''s going somewhere.


    I tried to go against that flow by stamping my feet and digging my fingers into the ground, but it didn''t have the desired effect.


    ''''Somewhere.........it''s pulling me........?


    It was as if an unseen force was catching and pulling Drismegian in.


    No, in fact, it must be so.


    It was as if the Drismegian was the only one whose gravity was changing direction and falling right beside him.


    But why is this happening?


    Is this some kind of magic act?


    But now it''s surrounded in all directions by the white flames of Jikang Kabuto''s Heaven, blocking all offensive actions and also nullifying any attacks that could be made on it from the outside.


    But what is that power that is forcibly pulling Doris Megian down?


    Who is the...?


    "Whoa!��No!��Stop pulling!��You did this to me, dammit!


    I watched Drismegian''s desperate tug of war and finally understood.


    The person pulling is Mr. Alanziel.


    He is standing upright, holding his specialty stick stick cane and holding it in his right eye.


    His spine is stretched out in an upright posture. It contrasts with Drismegian''s haphazard stance as he crawls to the ground.


    What I noticed was that Drismegian was falling towards Mr. Arantzill.


    Headlong and headlong in a straight sideways direction.


    ''Mr. Arantzill is calling him!


    I realized that''s all I could see.


    The poor wretch is being drawn helplessly towards the great brave who waits steadfastly.


    ''''Ooohhhhhh?��Stop!��No, oh no!


    I tried to bring out my giant knot-foot and stick it into the ground, but for some reason it didn''t sting well.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    Just silently but absolutely, the Drismegian is sucked towards Mr. Arantzill.


    ''''But what in the world........what''s going on.......?


    Estelica-san, whose wounds had completely regenerated, also seemed unable to accept the events in front of her.


    ''''He''s a human race........he''s an aura user, you know?��I don''t care if it''s a magic with a dramatically wide range of applications, how could such an inexplicable phenomenon with an aura that can only slash, poke, or shatter?


    I''ve moved up a notch.


    I know what I''m talking about.


    Mr. Aranzir went into his first battle to protect what was important to him. He stepped out into the further reaches of the aura.


    He is inherently such a gifted man.


    If his talent had not been distorted by the misfortune of his youth, he would have reached a level far beyond ordinary people long ago.


    ''''.........The aura characteristics that that person is emitting now are not applicable to any of the four existing characteristics.''''


    Dare I say ''sky''.


    The aura of the sky''s characteristic aura draws the enemy in.


    ''''Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!��Aaaaahhhh!''''


    Drizmegian must have sensed that it''s not good for him to continue to be drawn in like this.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    The more he struggles, the more powerful the attraction becomes.


    I am drawn into the aura of emptiness that Mr. Alanziel has created around me, as if I am being sucked into it.


    ''''My own eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!��Kuaaaahhhh?!


    Finally, the hands, feet, and huge arthropods that look like stakes leave the ground and fall headfirst to the side.


    It is a very good idea to have a good idea of what you want to do with it.


    At the end of it all is Mr. Alanziel.


    The body of Drismegian was there just in time for him to raise and swing his stick stick cane from the gaze of his adorably beautiful positive eyes, and then swing it down.


    ''''Seioh Cleavage Sky.''''


    The stick cane filled with aura very naturally, yet mercilessly, cut off both sides of Drismegian''s body in a circle from his waist.


    ''''Ayoeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!


    The upper and lower body parted in tears as such a bizarre monster was unable to put up a satisfactory resistance.


    It was also far away from the area where the white flames flared up when it fell right beside him, so Aranzir-san''s slash flashes did their job without any problems.


    ''''Qing-On-Splitting Sky........?''''


    That was the new frontier that Aranzir-san had reached.


    With the aura of ''Sora'', which does not belong to any of the four existing traits, she attracts the targeted target with her aura of ''Sora'' and draws them in from the other side in time for a special attack without moving a single step.


    Although the name "Sado" is attached to it, there is no need to send a slash at your opponent because he is going to slash you from the direction of your opponent.


    This is a completely different dimension of immense skill.


    "Keeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.��What is it?��What is this?��But don''t lick it!��A mere cut-off of my body is as bad as a mere cut-off of my body, and with my life-force that has turned into a dragonborn, I''ll be able to do it in a heartbeat...!


    Are you going to...?


    You''re gonna play it back?


    You call that a non-fatal wound?


    But....?


    "Wow....?��Why.........?


    Drismegian didn''t regenerate at all, but only lumbered around in each upper and lower body.


    There is no indication that the cross-sections are connected at all.


    "Why is that?��Why won''t it regenerate?��The life force of the ''wraith body'' should have been increased by the power of the demonic beast!


    "The aura that cut you down is the aura of the ''sky''!


    Mr. Alanziel says.


    ''It''s different from any of the existing characteristics, turning the void into a decapitating force. What is sliced and diced by ''emptiness'' is also ''empty'' in cross section. Therefore, it cannot be joined together.


    ''Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!''


    Mr. Alanziel''s very new situation.


    That person who fought for most of his life, driven by anger and hatred to bury his sorrow, fought for what he was defending for the first time today.


    With that alone, that person knocked on the door of a realm that no one had been able to enter until today.


    ''''..................After all, that person was an amazing person.


    Standing next to me, Estelica said.


    ''''After all, I, like myself, was just a bringer of that man from the beginning. That person is the main character of this era. I am, I am........!


    I didn''t know what to say to Estelica-san, who was in tears.


    On the other hand, Granberza-sama to Aranziel-san........


    ''''It was truly a brilliant........and terrifying feat.


    Kudos to your longtime nemesis.


    ''''If this technique had been perfected during our working days, I would have been defeated by you. The aura of the ''sky'' without hostility or harm, even my compassionate white flame would not have been able to resist you.


    No....


    Mr. Alanziel said with realization.


    ''We wouldn''t even have to fight anymore. If only we''d gotten to this point with each other.


    Are you free of hate yet?


    Probably.


    The human mind is not so easy.


    There will be times when you think you''ve realized, but you haven''t realized anything.


    ''But if my mind was truly freed. Dariel, Estelica, and you, I suppose it''s all thanks to you.


    It''s mutual.


    Both of them have been enemies for most of their lives, both of them having territory that no one else can penetrate but each other.


    He had made enemies with these two people.


    As I thought, Drismegian, no matter how powerful he was, could only be called a fool.

 233-232 Doris Megian, Still Fight

    After watching Mr. Aranziel''s tremendous evolution, the last thing left was the wreckage.


    The shabby wreckage of a horrible enemy.


    ''''Gosh, oh, oh, oh!��Ko, oh, oh, oh!


    That Drismegian fellow is still writhing around, trying to connect his weeping body and waist together.


    But he can''t succeed in any way.


    This is because Aranziel-san''s secret profundity has defined the two as no longer identical.


    ''It''s no use. You''ve already lost,''''


    It took two of the greatest heroes of our time to beat them.


    I hope you appreciate what you''ve done and embrace it.


    You''ve turned out to be quite a bore after all, haven''t you? You are a boring guy after all, a hell-raiser who has lost his way in the world, right?


    "What the hell did you do that for?


    I''m pretty pissed off at him too.


    I can''t tell you how many times his evil schemes have disrupted my life.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    That''s why I wanted to rip him off anyway.


    You''re the one who doesn''t know how to defeat the Demon King. I''m not going to take you for granted," he said. I''m sure he wouldn''t even care about you. It''s because you''re scum.


    "What are you talking about?��Take it back!��How could he not care about me?��Take it back!


    From what I''ve learned through several contacts, the thing that makes this guy tremble the most when he''s touched is about the Demon King-sama.


    The ultimate goal of this guy is to defeat the demon king.


    All of the various evil things he did in hiding are also connected to defeating the Demon King.


    Why is he so hostile to the Demon King?


    No, or do you have a passion for defeating the Demon King, itself?


    I don''t know which one, and the nature of that passion is a mystery to me.


    "Not yet, I haven''t stopped yet...!��Until we beat him, until we beat him, yeah, yeah!


    What is it that drives this guy to this point?


    What is it that drives him to this point?


    Mr. Dariel!


    Yes?


    As I was doing this, the group arrived.


    Radey?


    And Zebiantes and Droyer. The brave party.


    They''re coming in again in droves.


    We''ve rushed in at full speed, but it looks like it''s all over.


    Even his senior, Ida-san.


    "We''ve confirmed that they''re a diversion, so we''ve rushed over. .........I shortened the sectional distance with the spatial distortion I used to send Estelica out and had the wind user over there increase his speed, so he should have been able to move pretty fast.


    ''He was moving so fast!��It''s self-reinforcing!


    Zebiantes was breathing heavily.


    Furthermore, everyone except for Ida-san was ragged all over her body, and you could tell that she must have gone through a very intense battle.


    ''''Looks like it was an intense battle over there too.


    Yes, well, Dariel and the others...


    Radey''s gaze turns to Drismegian, who is rolling on the ground with his upper body only.


    ''Too''?


    But you beat it so easily. You''re very good at it, Dariel.


    No, it was mostly Lady Granberza and Mr. Alanziel who did it.


    That seemed pretty easy, too, right?


    "...if you guys are coming over here..................then Celnya is down.


    Yes, it was a noble end.


    He''s even more useless than I thought he was. He''s just a worthless piece of trash, isn''t he?


    ''It''s....?''


    Radie coloured in to Drismegian''s monologue.


    ''You don''t say that very well!��He was fighting for you, Mr. Cernya!��He even merged with a hexenbiest to fight for his loyalty to you!��Even if you lose, that belief should be admired!


    It means nothing if there are no consequences. He''s a hapless man who died and still failed.


    Then.....


    Mr. Ida approaches Drismegian, who smiles coldly.


    ''What about you, Ida?��Are you saying that you''re not ''not hapless'' now that you''re being cut in half and rolling on the ground while fusing with a flame monster beast?


    ..........


    Come on. How many times do I have to repeat the mistake?��Everything you do after you die is a trampling of your accomplishments in life. The unseemliness of your death makes me want to weep more than you do.


    What if,


    Drismegian says to his former ally.


    "Look away and look away. "Look away, but it''s my business, not yours. So this this is between me and him.


    Don''t be silly.


    This is between you and the Witch King.


    How many people have you gotten involved in that kind of thing?


    Some of them didn''t just get involved, they lost their lives. Are you saying that those people died for no reason at all, for your play, which had nothing to do with it?


    ''I''ve never seen a prick as bad as you. You''re worse than anyone I know!


    More than Bashbaza, more than Pigalo, more than Roselwy.


    This guy is the most disgusting and disgusting.


    It is offensive to have this fellow within sight of me!


    Call it what you will...!��I will do whatever it takes to bring him down!��I don''t care if you''re a coward, or a cold-blooded man, or if you fall to the bratty bastards!��I exist even after death just to defeat him!


    Even though I thought I was no longer completely incapacitated, Drismegian stood up.


    No, I jumped up.


    I''m not going to be the only one who can do that.


    The way it looks is very similar to Bashbarza, the deceased whom I had just trampled on a moment ago.


    "If it can''t be repaired, I don''t need this leg either!


    With that, he shoots a flaming bullet at a part of himself that rolls to the ground.


    The lower half of my body, which was crying out from him, immediately bursts into flames, losing its outline and burning to the point where I can''t even recognize its original form.


    But that''s when the strangeness began.


    The burning mass of pure flame suddenly flew up into the sky.


    Flying to its destination was the upper half of Drismegian''s body.


    Without hesitation, the flames jumped into him and blazed.


    "Hahahahahahahaha!��I guess re-fusion is still possible if we can reconfigure it from scratch here!


    ''Don''t be stupid!��That''s not called re-fusion anymore!��You just burned it and turned it into fuel!��So they''re only going to burn something up...?


    That''s right. We will burn this village to the ground!


    Everyone froze at the fierce declaration.


    The high heat emitted from the Drismegian gradually raised the temperature around them, and their skin tingled and sweated from the high heat.


    ''I really wanted to do it smarter than that. I killed them one by one, painstakingly killing them one by one, making sure Dariel could see how well I could cut my friends, wife and family, drawing out the hatred and taking them in when they were at their best. It would have been more sustenance if we could have taken in the souls of the other strongmen as well.


    You still think that''s a bad idea...!


    You prick!


    ''But you don''t seem to have the luxury of taking such a long time. I''ll admit it. You guys are strong. So let''s give up on our best achievements and focus on winning first!


    The flames expand around Drismegian.


    Into a sphere.


    ''Tremendous heat........?


    And that radiance.


    It''s as if the sun has come down to earth.


    Anyway, Dariel!��As long as I get you, I''ll be happy with this situation!��Survive well on your own!��That''s the kind of super wide-ranging annihilation magic I''m talking about!��I''m going to warp space!��You tried to neutralize it with that white flame!��He was trying to pull me in with a cheat!��There''s not enough to deal with it all!


    No!��He''s going to burn the whole village down!


    To be able to use magic on that scale is unimaginable.


    Is that because he fused with a magical beast, or was it his own strength from the start?


    ''''The inhabitants will be wiped out for sure!��Not a single piece of cinder block remains in the village!


    Claystone barrier!��No, not even close!��The area of expected damage is too big!


    Satome!��Can your shields...?


    I''m not going to have enough!


    Those on the ground, left and right.


    Everyone back!


    I shouted as I grabbed my Hermes sword.


    "In this situation, we have no choice but to annihilate them all before they can unleash their magic!��With my ''Exalted Sky''........!


    I will make his very existence disappear!


    It''s a risky bet, but it''s the only way!


    Let''s go!��AAAAAHHHHHH!


    Wait.


    Suddenly a prolonged voice came between me and him.


    What?


    You didn''t mean to say that!


    The appearance of that person is just baffling.


    It''s hard to believe that he came by himself.


    That''s right. I''m the Demon King.

 234-233 Demon King Comes

    Ooh!


    I was about to leap to unleash the Zemoh-Spachku, but the sudden appearance of that gentleman brought me to a halt.


    I''m going to be in the middle of a battle.


    I nearly fell head first.


    "Oh?��Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!


    I wasn''t the only one who was shocked.


    Even Doris Megian, who is about to unleash a massive, wide-ranging fire spell in the sky, is stunned to lose her expression.


    "Oh....!


    Hey, how are you doing?


    A gigantic man suddenly appears in the skies above Lax Village.


    He is richly dressed and glittering, reminiscent of some royalty, but his face and body are strong and have the appearance of a fierce beast.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    Bokuchin.


    I say.


    ''No, Doris Meghian kun?��You''ve lost weight since you first saw me.��Isn''t chopping off your entire lower body a bold diet?


    I didn''t expect you to be happy.


    Are you the kind of person who says, "My feet are just for decoration.


    Those gathered on the ground all looked up at the heavens with an equally astonished and shocked expression.


    "What a surprise...?


    How dare the Demon Lord come by himself?


    My God of War...?


    Each of them had different names for the existence of the Demon King.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    Especially the brave Radie.


    ''''Eh?��What?��What?��That''s the Demon King?��That''s the Demon King?


    To her, it''s the final destination that she should reach after overcoming all odds.


    It can be said that it came casually from the other side.


    You can''t help but be unable to keep up with the curiosity.


    ''''Demon King, is that...?


    ''''What a majestic Kai-wei, isn''t he...?


    But he just said ''Bok-chin''!


    More importantly.... wait a minute, don''t you think I''ve seen that face before...?��..........?��The statue of the fighting god of the center guild!


    The human side''s first time seeing the Demon King''s first time group was also perplexed by the Demon King''s glorious visit, which should be their final goal.


    ''''Dariel-san!��Is it really...?


    Yes....


    I must tell a bewildered Radie.


    "That''s the Demon King. The ruler of the demons and the world''s greatest transcendent. And he''s the target for you brave men to beat.


    I didn''t expect the Demon King to come here.


    I never imagined it.


    It was hard to believe that that person would even move from the Demon King''s Castle.


    If he could move, why didn''t he come here in the first place?


    ''''Why..., why are you...?


    And it was Drismegian who was most shocked, all calm vanished.


    ''You''re not supposed to move!��Waiting for someone to come and knock you down from that throne!��That was supposed to be the rule!��And yet...!


    Sometimes even I want to say ''I''m here''.


    The two transcendents facing each other.


    They are said to be ''the man closest to the Demon King'', even though Drismegian is also the ''man closest to the Demon King''.


    And with the long-cherished wish to overthrow the Demon King, they have been planning to achieve this goal using every evil means possible.


    And now, at long last, she is facing the Demon King directly.


    It''s been a long time since we''ve seen each other face to face like this. It''s been a long time since we''ve seen each other, hasn''t it, Zaemon?


    ..........


    I missed you so much.


    ''''Shut up!''''


    Drizmegian also glared back at the Demon King-sama as he floated in the air.


    The meaningless gestures were accompanied by a scorching fire stream, and if there was anyone around, it was likely to burn them to death with that alone.


    ''''I am........!��I''ve moved to take you down. No, I''ve moved to take you down!��And you don''t come to us!��What a simple act!��When did you become such a little thing?


    Yeah, I know. I''m proud of you, Drismegian.


    I can''t understand the depth of their conversations.


    What kind of emotions do those two have for each other?


    But I can''t show you this time. Drizmegian, you''ve brought too many people into this. That''s not the way it works.


    What...?


    ''I don''t care about Sernya-kun, Siegfriedgel-kun, Avos-kun and Tortoritu-kun, okay?��Isn''t it beautiful when they join forces with the same goal, hoping to beat me, too?��Adolescence, right?��I think it''s fine, that kind of thing.


    But..........


    Demon King-sama continued.


    "I don''t think it''s a good idea to try to mix up people who don''t want to. Isn''t that just out of character for you and me?


    Is that why you''re here to stop me?


    Dariel, you''re the one I''m looking for in a different line of work, aren''t you?��I just don''t want you to go out of business.


    Shut up!


    The flames swirling around Drismegian, the great flames originally prepared to burn down the village, apparently changed their target to the Demon Lord.


    ''''Ole!��You have no idea how much preparation I''ve put into bringing you down!��In the midst of all that hell!��While I''m being burned!��I don''t want that effort to be appreciated by you, my enemy!


    ''Then you should have used Siegfriedgel-kun as planned. It''s not a good idea to shake your side eye.


    ''''.........?''''


    Drismegian is horrified.


    You.....?��Have you seen through my plan, my whole...?


    Yeah, I know that. I knew you''d be the first to figure it out. That''s good to know. Aura and magic fused together. It is the most powerful force mankind has ever known.


    Aura fused with magic...?


    You found out in the depths of hell, and you continued your research. You''ve reached the practical stage after selecting the best materials from the experimental materials I sent you. The result is Siegfried''s ''Encounter Sky''.


    I didn''t think you... that you''d understand that much...


    But you weren''t satisfied with that. You wanted a more complete victory, and you wanted to get out of hell, gather more filthy souls, and even wanted Salamandora-chan, the fiendish beast.


    The demon king spreads his hands out in acceptance.


    You tried to beat me by taking all the necessary precautions, didn''t you? You did your best, didn''t you? I know. I know how seriously you want to beat me. You''re the only one who''s that serious about beating me.


    You are the one....


    "You are the one," said the Maori Master.


    "You''re the one who knows me best.


    "Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh...?


    Hey....?


    Seriously?��See...?


    Drismegian is crying!


    "Oh, how...!��That''s how I know you best. I''m a scorpion and a snake to get what you want most!��That''s why we needed Dariel!


    ''Yeah, it''s...''


    "If Dariel and I join forces, we can surely defeat you!


    A declaration of victory resounded in the sky.


    The many people looking up from the ground are overwhelmed by this energy.


    What in the world is he looking at...?


    All he could see was that Drismegian''s vision was high enough that the others couldn''t see through it.


    ''''Well no, now that you''ve appeared in front of me like this, I''ll show you how to beat you even without Dariel. The time for playing tricks is no longer over!


    You think you could take on a guy like me when you''re not at your best?


    ''''Even without Dariel, I still have the power of the Fiendish Beast Salamandra!��There are countless souls reaped on earth!��With this power, Ozin, I will defeat you!


    The flames emitted by the Drismegian swelled to a scale that covered the sky as well.


    Moreover, the color of the flames turned blood red.


    It''s proof that they are converting their souls into magical power.


    ''''Unleash your power, Flame Monster Beast!��Destruction raging in my midst!��This is the guy you should be hitting with your full strength. Give it everything you''ve got until it''s all gone!


    ''''Is that........?''''


    Drizmegian is trying to exert all his strength.


    The man who has arranged such a profound hand, the opponent who has to expose everything is the Demon King.


    No, it was obvious.........


    ''''Hmmm, well, it can''t be helped, can it?


    The whole world was about to be consumed by the flames of hell, but the Demon King was the Demon King himself.


    I knew this was going to happen as soon as I saw you in person," he said. Drizmegian, you are trying to entertain me a little too hard, aren''t you?


    But.........


    While creating such an atmosphere, the Demon King-sama


    But it''s all right. Well, how do you want to hang out with your Drismegian friend?

 235-234 Demon King fights (loves)

    ''''Kehaaaaah!''''


    A strange voice like that of a bird is emitted and Doris Megian releases magical flames.


    For some reason, the two transcendentalists, unrestrained by gravity, clash far up in the sky.


    However, the strength of the flames from the other one makes us on the ground feel like we''re being roasted.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on it.��It''s that guy''s!


    We can''t even see the direct rays of light in the middle of summer!��How much heat is that thing producing?


    Droyer was right.


    Honestly, it''s a good thing that they collided far up in the sky, because if they had hit each other on the ground, it would have been better.


    If they had been hit on the ground, the residual heat alone would have vaporized Lax Village.


    That''s how much extraordinarily high heat the Drismegian is emitting.


    ''''Even if it''s just simple hyperthermia, it''s far beyond me...?


    Even Granbaza-sama, the same flame wizard, says.


    ''''Even when I was young and most active, I couldn''t even produce half that temperature!��Drismegian, the Lord of Hell, the one who is truly approaching the realm of the Demon King...?


    Even Master Granberza is the most powerful flame wielder in the Demon King''s army ever, but what kind of a realm would such a person take his hat off to?


    It was as if Drismegian had become a wicked flame god after falling into hell and repeating the time of a wanderer.


    ''''Tsk!��We''ll deal with it anyway!��This high heat could wipe out your crops and spontaneously set the wood in your house on fire!��Use water magic to lower the ambient temperature...!


    The water wizard isn''t the only one who''s been pinpointed.


    "d*mn it!


    In this situation, I can only pray that the battle of the gods will end as soon as possible.


    It''s just a blunder that could result in the destruction of ordinary people.


    Is this the kind of battle that paranormal people will wage?


    ''''What do you think!��This fire!��This has to be one of the hottest temperatures we''ve ever unleashed on you!��I am!��I''m finally here!


    A terrifying super-heated flame is released at the Demon King.


    The Demon King was swallowed by the flames that were not natural and emitted a blood red color.


    From a distance, it looked as if he was being swept away by a flood of blood.


    ''''Burn, burn!��Burn me!


    There was no room for Drismegian from the beginning.


    An expression of impatience appeared on her face as if she was being rushed by something.


    Thinking about it, it''s an all-out trump card from the start. Drismegian doesn''t show the slightest bit of conceit towards the Demon King.


    Even though he uses flames that can burn up the entire world.


    ''''Hmm, that''s definitely a good fire.


    Shit.


    Cracking the blood-colored flames, the Demon Lord revealed his figure.


    There was not the slightest burn mark on his body. There were no signs of burning on his clothes either.


    ''''No way...?


    "Unharmed by that fire...?


    Everyone is surprised and dumbfounded.


    You''re right, he''s a lot more powerful than before. It''s a good thing that you took in Salamandra, isn''t it?��Thanks to that, I have more horsepower. So, it''s important to raise the groundwork.


    ''''And yet you still can''t understand me........?


    With that alone, an eye-popping change occurs.


    ''''........Huh?''''


    Isn''t it hot?��Cool?


    Even though the temperature was above midsummer due to the flames emitted by Drismegian, the high temperature disappeared in an instant.


    And to a truly comfortable and suitable temperature...?


    This can''t be...!��Demon Lord''s work!


    So we shouldn''t bother other people, right?��You''re already a godlike user. You have to take care of things downstairs, okay?


    He was not only unscathed, but cooler than unscathed while eating that sun-like flaming heat of the Drismegian, and even paying attention to his surroundings.


    He was no longer the one who was beyond all understanding.


    Demon King-sama.


    I knew that he was invincible, but I didn''t expect him to go this far.


    ''''Gunnuuuuuuuuu........?''''


    Drizmegian''s expression distorts and he is overwhelmed by his unbeatable opponent.


    The only thing that can be said for this level of fire is that it still doesn''t get through. As I thought, I have to get the last parts together...!


    ''''It was premature to abandon Siegfriedgel-kun, wasn''t it? It''s a good thing that you''re able to get the best out of it.


    ''No!��There''s still hope!


    Drismegian''s bloodshot eyes turn towards me.


    At me, to be precise, here.


    ''''Huh?��Me?


    Dariel!��If we can get him, Siegfriedgel will be a force to be reckoned with!��I can no longer afford to wait until I''ve filled my heart with hate!��Let''s start with the fusion!��Change of heart color and then whatever...!


    So f*ck it.


    ''Gwaaahhhh!


    The Drismegian, who was about to jump at me, scattered in four directions.


    What did the Demon King do?��I didn''t see anything.


    "I told you it''s against the law to involve Mr. Dariel.��Follow the rules and have fun dueling!


    ''Ugh!��You are the one.........?


    And the opponent who regenerates immediately after being scattered four times is also an opponent.


    The lower half of the body, as I thought, was cut in two by Arantzill-san''s secret sword, but it wasn''t able to regenerate.


    ''''In that case, there''s no other way to get it.......!


    Her body...!


    His body itself is turning into fire!


    A Drismegian transforms into fire?


    I will transform my own soul and turn it into fire!��Not like those other scum souls of scum!��The flame released by the spirit of Ore, the master of hell, is truly an unending flame!��Even if they''re with you, they''ll get through to you!


    No, Drismegian!


    Ida, who was watching with him, shouted.


    ''That way will cut down on your existence!��You know what I''m talking about!��Such as transforming one''s own soul into fire!


    The soul is the last unit that still defines itself after losing its body.


    That''s why converting it into energy would be a tremendous power, but it''s a fearsome double-edged sword.


    Sacrificing one''s body or reducing one''s life span is a light act compared to exchanging one''s soul.


    Shave the last core of yourself.


    The Drismegian had avoided that risk by using someone else''s soul in the past.


    That guy is prepared to chip away at himself and is about to make a move against the Demon King.


    ''''I wish!��I originally decided from the beginning to use this soul when dealing with Master Ozin!��It''s him!��You got a bastard!��Get Master Eugene!��I will not regret the disappearance of this soul to defeat it!


    Demon King!


    Ida also flies up into the sky.


    ''''Let me take it from here!��I''ll hold him down!��So!��Please!


    No!


    The demon king slips past Ida, who interrupts him.


    "No matter how good a friend you are, Drismegian, you will not be able to accept a charade with everything on the line. My most loyal and brave vassal, Drismegian of the Sahih,


    The Demon King spread out his hands and carelessly approached Drismegian.


    You have to be able to get to the guy who has now changed even your soul into fire.


    In fact you''re the first person to get this close to my identity on your own. And you chose it. You chose to be of service to me.


    "Ohhhhhh...?


    And he kept challenging my cock over and over again. Even though he was going to hell, he didn''t give up with his unyielding persistence. I can''t tell you how many times I''ve been touched by your uprightness.


    ''''Oh...?


    The Demon King and Drismegian.


    Their bodies touched.


    The Demon Lord embraced him with all his might.


    "I love you very much, my dear. I''m very fond of you, my liege.


    ''''Ooohhhhhh!


    The Demon King''s body burst into flames.


    At first I thought that the flames emitted by Drismegian had caught fire.


    But that''s not the case.


    That fire is coming from the Demon King himself!


    "Aaaaaaaaah!��It''s hot!��It''s hot!��!


    ''Oh I love it!��I love you so much!��You''ve really worked hard for me, haven''t you?


    That''s hot!��Ooohhhhhh!


    The Drismegians are burning out?


    He''s using his own soul as fuel, turning it into a super hot flame.


    The super-high heat is consumed by the super-high heat.


    That''s what the Demon Lord is doing.


    Moreover, while emitting that much flame heat, not a bit of heat was transmitted to us on the ground.


    Normally, the Lux village would have been vaporized and gone due to the residual heat alone.


    No, what percentage of this earth?


    "Aaaaaaahhhhhh?��Ogeehaaaaahhhhhh?


    "This searing heat is my reward for your hard work!


    I used to think that the Demon King was the ultimate inviolate.


    Now I realize that even that perception was an insult.

 236-235 Dariel goes to hell

    All the world, I thought, had been burned out.


    All of my vision was filled with white light, I couldn''t make out anything, and I thought that the heavens and the earth would dissolve and disappear as it was, and that even I would become one.


    It wasn''t just me, everyone who was there........


    Not only the brave party and the demons, but also dozens of adventurers in my Lax Village must have had the illusion that they were being erased in the light.


    In reality, the light soon subsided and the landscape returned to its original state.


    However, to those who had been swallowed by that intense light, even if it looked the same as the original, it looked like a different landscape.


    This was because common sense had been broken and the world had changed from the ground up.


    The Demon King-sama, who floats in the sky above, quickly descends in altitude and approaches the ground.


    ''''.........''''


    Anyone who greeted it on the ground was struck by the sensation of their skin tingling and laying up.


    Some of the less bilious adventurers around them even buckled or ran away.


    That''s how terrifying the Demon Lord''s fighting style was.


    ''''Whee, Gokuro-chan.''''


    We landed on the ground and for the first time today, the Demon King stood at the same level as us.


    For me, it was a face I had seen several times.


    When I was in the Demon King''s Army, I was only there to accompany my superiors as an assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings, but the tension was still palpable.


    Immediately, there were several people kneeling down on their knees in worship.


    Granberza-sama was the first to go. Followed by Droyer, Ida-san and Estelica-san.


    The Demon Clan and Valhalla Clan still had a decent reason to kneel and hang their heads against the Demon King-sama.


    I also reflexively kneeled down.


    ''''Dariel isn''t even in the Demon King''s army, so why are you ''hikewalking''?''''


    "Why don''t you stay back?


    After I made this Four Heavenly King''s politeness-less Zebiantes'' head sink into the ground, I thought that I was no longer a member of the Demon King''s army and that it was inappropriate to kneel to him, so I stood upright.


    Excessive humility is also considered rude.


    ''''Ahhhh, fine, make yourself comfortable.''''


    He was a friendly demon king as usual.


    That''s actually quite frightening.


    ''''Well, it''s immoral for the Demon King to visit us by himself!��We all feel the inadequacy of our abilities...!


    Good, because I was rather hoping to see you, Drismegian.


    The demon king spread his hands out.


    Then, with a light thud, something fell to the ground.


    It was pitch black, with no luster or anything else, and it seemed to be charcoal.


    In fact, it was probably charcoal. However, it was a human-shaped piece of charcoal.


    ''You''re kidding, right?��No way was that...?


    Drismegian.


    The end of his life.


    A man who transformed himself into super-heated flames while being consumed by even more super-heated flames.


    Is the end of it like that?


    Should we think it''s better that the prototype remains? But if I were you, I would not want to see him end up like that.


    I don''t know how many hundreds of years ago Drismegian was.��He was the Four Heavenly Kings of Fire about eight hundred years ago. .........or maybe six hundred years ago?


    It was, to some extent, the same information we knew.


    But when it''s told by someone who has actually seen it, the sense of presence is different.


    I don''t remember the exact age of it, though.


    I don''t remember the exact date of his death, but I do remember that he was a very bright kid," said Drismegian. He knew ten things by listening to one, so he was a very deep thinker. That''s how you found out. That''s how you know about me.


    The true identity of the Demon Lord....


    I''ve been trying to crash my cock with it, but don''t get me wrong.��He loves me. And I love him.


    "?��Then why are you facing the Demon King...?


    "For love''s sake...


    A vague reply that could only confuse everyone.


    However, no one had the guts to check with the Demon King-sama in detail.


    I''ve planned and acted very carefully this time. I''ve decided to finish it off with my own hands as a reward. I''m sorry to save you guys from doing your job.


    No, no, no...


    So, Drismegian, let''s go home.


    The demon king held his hand downward.


    Then a large hole appeared in the ground at his feet.


    It wasn''t a hole in the ground.


    It was as if a doorway to another world had opened in the ground.


    The hole was dark and deep, but a sultry heat was rising from the depths of the hole.


    ''If that''s what''s on the other side of that hole...?


    That''s hell.


    Do I say that lightly?


    This is one of the worlds possessed and managed by the Demon King.


    It is said that the Four Heavenly Kings and brave men who sinned and behaved ugly in this world during their lives are corrupted.


    It is said that Bashbarza was also corrupted here, and Siegfriedgel also came from here.


    And Drismegian is said to be its master.


    ''Well, welcome back. I expect you to be more active this time.


    The Demon Lord grabbed Drismegian''s body, which was already black coal, and threw him into the hole.


    The Lord of Hell will return to Hell.


    It seemed all too obvious, and no one stopped him and just watched it happen.


    It would be the end of the many events that followed.


    The main culprit, who was working behind the scenes, is now happily imprisoned in the most horrible prison called Hell.


    Hell, the most terrifying prison of all.


    If you go there, it is unlikely that you will ever come out.


    The inferno will leave the earth and peace will return to our surroundings.


    It was the endgame.


    But I couldn''t agree with that....


    I jumped into the pit of hell after Drismegian.


    ''''Huh?''''


    Unusual in the world, the Demon Lord''s voice that seemed to have been struck by the emptiness of the world left my ears.


    ��


    What do you think you''re doing?


    We arrived at the bottom of hell.


    It was truly a scene of an a-hazardous scene, the red-hot rocks cracked and flames erupted from the cracks.


    The flames had consumed countless walkers.


    I too would be burned out immediately if it wasn''t for the reinforcement provided by my aura.


    I can''t survive for too long.


    I''ve never seen anyone jump into hell before. Such a fool is unlikely to appear in the future. So, what brings you to Hell?


    The Drismegian, who had been a charcoal extinguisher, suddenly came to life as soon as he entered Hell.


    He is a guy who doesn''t understand body structure more and more.


    You would normally die if your body was turned to charcoal to the core, but you can recover just by coming back to the home.


    "I could tell from your conversation with the Demon King.


    Drismegian, this guy....


    ''This isn''t the first time you''ve done this, is it?��What was the plan to get out of hell and defeat the Demon Lord?


    ..........


    It''s happened before. And it wasn''t just once or twice. Whenever you have the opportunity, you have escaped to earth, hiding in the background, planning all sorts of schemes to escape from the Demon King''s eyes.


    In both cases, I defeated the Demon King, just for that.


    ''''But I''ve never once succeeded. Every time I escaped, the Demon King would have beaten me up and brought me back to hell. Just like this time.


    Such things, over and over and over and over and over........


    .........over and over again.


    ''Exactly. So what''s the point?


    His answer was clear.


    "I will defeat him. I will defeat him. No matter how many times I fail. Even if it takes hundreds or thousands of years, I will defeat him someday, and I will do his will. That''s my raison d''etre!


    I knew it would be something like that.


    In short, this is a game of him and the Demon King.


    He tries to defeat the Demon King, and the Demon King enjoys watching him fight back with his insatiable challenge.


    This game has been played for hundreds of years by these guys.


    They have been playing this game for hundreds of years, washing blood in blood and burning lives.


    ''''We failed this time too, but the next time we will definitely defeat him!��If we wait, another tainted and rough soul will fall from the earth. I will sort them out, forge them up, and this time I will be equipped with power to rival that one!


    No, I can''t do that.


    What do you think I''ve been chasing around here for?


    We''re trying to stop that silly game from being played at all costs.


    How many people do you think you guys have misled?


    Do you think we''ve gone off the beaten path?


    Do you think I lost my life?


    It''s a nuisance to have people''s lives clawed up by you who have already left the world.


    Even if the Demon King sent you to hell today, Drismegian will have another opportunity to crawl out of hell in time and repeat the same thing.


    He would cause trouble to the people living on earth again.


    To think that the people who would suffer such a disaster would be Gran and her children and grandchildren, who would one day become adults....


    I can''t allow you to exist...!


    Drismegian.


    Your silly games are over for today.


    With my own hand, I will wipe out your entire existence!

 237-236 Dariel faces the final battle

    "Erased"?


    He revived after finishing his full body regeneration as if it was a lie that he had been burned by the Demon King-sama.


    Even the lower half of his body, which was cut in half by Mr. Alanziel, is back to normal.


    Don''t even think about it, you little bastard!��The Almighty Odin has granted me the title of ''Sahih'' and allowed me to become the Lord of Hell, and you, a little boy who hasn''t lived for 50 years, are going to defeat me?��You know what you are doing!


    The Drismegian who had returned to hell seemed to be in a more than perfect condition for that alone.


    The spirit that surged in couldn''t be compared to the time on earth.


    Moreover, it wasn''t just from him, it seemed as if it was rushing in from all directions.


    It''s as if the entire hell is coming from...?


    "This whole world is his power.


    No. Is the world itself his?


    "Well the situation is indeed welcome. Dariel, the part that I sought above all else on earth jumped all the way into my bosom. And I thank you for it!


    Drismegian stares at me, licking his tongue.


    ''You were the last part I needed to defeat that gentleman. I challenged him without you, and the end result was that. But now that you''ve jumped into hell on your end, I will not let you go!��They will welcome you as a new hell-raiser and take you in as part of me!


    And then he raged on.


    "Our next challenge to that man will be built around your power!��We have a good head start!��You''ve got the best parts out of the blue!


    The flames struck at me.


    But it wasn''t something Drismegian had released.


    A wave of fire rushed in from behind me.


    It was like a tsunami.


    I realized that I couldn''t avoid it no matter how I escaped, so I slashed through the flames with my Hermes sword and escaped unharmed.


    You''re right. Normally, it would only take one move. Then let''s set it up before we can catch our breath.


    A tsunami of flames of the same size, from all directions!


    There was originally nowhere to escape, but there was no way to escape!


    ''''Great Emperor Splitting Sky!''''


    There''s no doubt that this monstrosity is the work of Drismegian...?


    It''s not so much that he''s releasing magic, but rather that he''s controlling this world itself...?


    Isn''t it amazing?��It''s as if this world is at my mercy!��That''s true, too, because I''m the Lord of Hell!


    Who said that?


    Hell is a world created by the Demon King to corrupt sinners, but the first person to be corrupted by that hell was Drismegian.


    Rather, Hell was created in order to corrupt Drismegian.


    Hence, Drismegian was the first hell-raiser and master of hell...!


    So that''s not just a title?


    I am the master of Hell, and I have the power to control it!��That''s right, because this hell is the world He gave me for me!


    The tidal wave of fire coming at us grows fiercer and louder and louder.


    Drismegian seems to have gained the all-powerfulness of a god in this hell.


    ''''It was a mistake to follow me here, wasn''t it!��There are many things I can''t do here on earth, but I can do here in hell!��I can do my best in hell!��Because I am the Lord of Hell!��Hell itself!��Because it''s an inferno!


    Still, he must have sensed that he couldn''t defeat me by simply covering me in flames.


    He cut more cards.


    A technique that can only be used in his home, in hell.


    Show ''em what you''re made of.��The true power of the inferno!��Gather round, defectors!


    Something emerged from the flames.


    It was a person.


    No, they were too horrible and decayed to be called people, but the shape of the five bodies could be called human.


    However, flames appeared from their entire bodies, and the flesh shimmering behind them was painful, with only bone and skin.


    A groan rises from its mouth that cannot be discerned as either a cry or a vindictive voice, and there is no such wraith in one piece.


    At least several hundred of them........?


    ''''It''s not just Cernya and Siegfriedgel!��There are hundreds of thousands of walkers in this hell, corrupted by Master Ozin!��He''s writhing under the blame!��These people follow my orders and cannot be disobeyed!��Because I am the Lord of Hell!


    I''m tired of hearing that.


    "Come on, let the walkers surround you and torture you!��"First Death, Equal Life Hell!


    The walkers attacked me all at once.


    Their movements were surprisingly agile. It''s not surprising that the one who will be tossed into hell is a brave man or the Four Heavenly Kings who have committed a great crime.


    Even if he was a wicked outsider, he was still a strong man.


    He slashes and throws away everything that comes at him from all directions.


    ''''As expected!��You''re no match for a bunch of mooks and walkers!��So let''s get on with the next round of hell sooner rather than later!


    Drismegian says in a high voice.


    ''''Second death, Black Rope Jail!''''


    The ground moved.


    ''In accordance with the will of the Drismegian..., the terrain of Hell is changing...?


    Can he intervene his intentions in hell to that extent?


    The ground, jutting out of the ground due to the change in terrain, became as hard and thick as a steel plate, and it came at us.


    And it''s not just an iron plate.


    It''s a steel plate, heated like a frying pan by the flames of hell.


    In fact, the deceased who had been run over by the approaching iron plate was himself emitting flames and was spewing out ugly smoke.


    ''''d*mn it, ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky!''''


    Although it can be easily destroyed with the aura user''s secret profound technique, the iron plate, along with the deceased, will attack repeatedly.


    You can''t be sure of that.


    Do you understand?��Do you understand how serious this is?��This is what I''m going to do to myself, right here in hell!��I am the Lord of Hell and Hell itself!��You''re turning the whole world against you!


    It''s a feeling I''ve never had before.


    Fighting the world itself.


    ''''But if you had such a horrible deep hand, shouldn''t you have used it against the Demon King?��Pull them over here somehow.


    Are you stupid?��This world was given to me by Mr. Ozin, and he gave it to me. Ultimately, the ultimate authority rests with Him.


    I see.


    It''s true," he said, "I have to develop my own power to defeat her in this world that she has given me.


    I need to develop my own strength to defeat him in this world he has given me. Dariel, you are the material. The best and only ingredient!


    But as for me, I can unleash the versatility of hell, and it folds in unsparingly.


    Mobilizing wraiths from all over Hell, changing even the terrain at will, Drismegian could act like a god in this Hell.


    ''Crush hell and be mine, Dariel!��"The third death in hell!��"Fourth death, screaming hell!


    He''s going to pull the trigger and turn the world inside out.


    The Fifth Death, the Screaming Hell!��Now let''s see how long you can stand it!


    Indeed.


    He is already a walker beyond death, while this is still a flesh-and-blood man.


    The physical strength will eventually run out, and if you are fatally damaged, you will be unable to move and that will be the end of it.


    However, there is basically no condition that says ''this is the end of it''.


    There''s no way to die because you''re already dead, and you have the world on your side, so your energy is inexhaustible.


    Sooner or later, I will surely run out of power before you do.


    That''s what it seems to be like to fight with the world on your side.


    ''Have you ever regretted it?��That you followed me down to hell. I guess you didn''t have enough imagination for how horrible hell is!"?


    Drizmegian wagged his tongue as if he had already won.


    ''But it''s too late!��You''ll never be back on earth again!��And you, too, my comrade, will be the new inferno!


    I''m sorry.


    I say, wielding my Hermes sword.


    ''I will obliterate you completely and spend the rest of my life in peace. That''s what I came here for. I will fulfill my purpose and leave.


    I''m going to lose in the root game, the physical game, no matter how I scrape by.


    There is too much difference in size between the world and one person.


    So, how can one person beat the world?


    How can one person defeat the world?


    The answer to that question has already been shown to us by those who came before us.


    How to slice through hell.


    The answer is ''White'' and ''Sky''.


    If these two are combined.


    Even the world can be cut down.

 238-237 Dariel kills hell

    The posture is normal eye.


    The most basic stance.


    Because it is located in the center of the body, it goes upward at once when you want to go to the upper level, and goes downward at once when you want to go to the lower level.


    It can move freely to the left or right.


    Because it is in the middle of the stage, it can go anywhere it wants to because it is in the center of everything.


    It is the same in life.


    The middle way.


    "What''s wrong with stopping the movement!��You''ve given up!��All right, you walkers, surround them!��And we can turn Dariel to our people!


    No matter how violent the tyranny, I will not let my heart surge.


    By making it as flat as the surface of a lake, my heart can also reflect the sky.


    The color of the sky is white.


    The color of the sky is white.


    It is the most appropriate color to reflect nothingness.


    We have a body and a mind.


    Therefore, it is absolutely impossible for us to become true nothingness, and our coiled mind that pushes us to become nothingness keeps us away from it.


    My great, two fathers taught me this.


    That Mr. Alanziel will overcome the worst confusion of hatred.


    Mr. Granberza taught me to give in to charity.


    All of these are conditions that each of us have arrived at for most of our lives.


    It''s presumptuous of me, still a young man, to try to approach that state of mind.


    But I can dream of that place, even if I am a reluctant child, if I follow the example set by my predecessors.


    That is what it means to pass on the legacy.


    One step further, towards the markers set by the greats.


    This Dariel takes the first step now.


    May he who comes after me take another step.


    For that, Drismegian.


    You are a hapless wretch, passed down to no one and sent back to no one.


    You are in my way.


    "The white color...


    Namely.


    ''This is the Sky''


    The technique released from my Hermes Sword was not the ''Great Emperor''s Splitting Sky'' or the ''Supreme Emperor''s Splitting Sky''.


    It was a completely new technique.


    This is the sky.


    The slash that was released in that name wasn''t the Drismegian, nor was it any of the surrounding ghosts, nor was it the earth itself that was attacking....


    It was a white slash in the heavens of hell.


    ''''Wha?��What.........?


    Drismegian also looks up at the sky while falling in love with it.


    The sky of hell is gradually shifting along the carved cuts.


    It is torn apart bit by bit.


    ''''No wait........?��It''s going to be ripped apart!��Hell!��What does that mean!��How is that possible!��But it''s ripping us apart!��The slashed hell itself is ripping apart ugh!


    Drismegian was the master of hell.


    That''s why he could understand the feeling of his world collapsing.


    ''No way!��You''re a liar!��..........Unstoppable!��I can''t repair the rupture carved in hell!��I can''t stop the collapse, okay?


    The anomaly grew larger and larger.


    No longer did the rupture run not only to the heavens but also to the surface of hell, the prison flames were sucked into the chasm and the departed fell and disappeared.


    How could they fall further down than hell?


    But at the bottom of it all would be complete nothingness. They had been freed from the torment of hell.


    This irreversible, irreversible destruction of Arantzill, couldn''t that be it?


    You took the hit yourself, does that occur to you?


    The ''Seioh Slaughterhouse'' that surpasses the ''Super Emperor Slaughterhouse'' that Aranzir-san has created as a new frontier.


    The technique I unleashed was just an imitation of that.


    The one I imitated is another one though.


    ''''Dariel!��Are you going to perform the same feat as Arantziel?��...or not?��Extremely similar, but if that''s all it is, it''s not enough to be an inexplicable force to break open hell!��Something else has been added to it!


    Now, hell was getting torn to shreds, with the rips I had carved here and there spreading.


    There was a light emanating from that rupture.


    The color of the light was white.


    This white light, could it be...?


    ''''You know that one too, don''t you?��That''s another one of those tricks you ate.


    The white flame released by Lord Granbaza.


    The answer that she arrived at, that charity is the power of the flame, was the Jikou Kabuto Roshi Heaven, which took on the form of an exquisite technique.


    Drismegian was unable to move against the white flame.


    Will the bitter memories come back to life?


    ''''Do you mean to say that Arantzill''s technique and Grumberza''s technique are combined?��That''s ridiculous!��There''s no way I could do that...!


    Drismegian. You''re the worst person I''ve ever met in hell. An enemy of the world itself is an unimaginable challenge.


    But it''s because they are such a terrible opponent.


    ''''You can''t take them down without combining the secret secrets of two of our best heroes, right?


    Aranzir''s ''Qing''o Splitting Sky'' by Aranzir.


    Granbaza-sama''s ''Jikou Kabuto Roshi Heaven''.


    I understood these two great techniques in my own way, and after extracting the key points, I put them together.


    That technique is the "Koreku".


    The empty blade that is released from the sky slashes and splits even the world.


    ''''What nonsense!��If such a thing can be achieved so easily, then what were my hundreds of years of toil in hell!


    Drizmegian was in a state of confusion.


    ''Aranzir''s technique is an aura!��Grand Barzas are magic!��You can''t make it fit!��It''s like water and oil combined!��.... but it is the only way to make it possible.


    Hell''s, complete collapse had begun.


    White cracks no longer covered the whole of hell and were about to be carved into a thousand pieces.


    The departed would be ripped apart along with the earth of hell and would disappear and never suffer again.


    They would sink into the repose of nothingness.


    ''Dariel!��How did you manage to merge your aura with your magical power!��Otherwise, I wouldn''t be able to explain it!


    What''s done is done, right?


    You''ve got to be kidding me!��You''re too much of a joke!��You have a youngster''s look of ignorance ah!


    So much for being on your own, taking advantage of others to get where you are.


    You are too concerned with self.


    Hundreds of years spent in solitude, unaware of the fellowship of others, are not worth a year of communing with all and dwelling as part of it.


    I learned a precious lesson from those two men I admire. "I inherited a noble lesson from those two men whom I respect, and I will tell my children. That is the extent of what has destroyed you today.


    ''No!��No, no, no!��It''s the ultimate in humanity''s quest for the ultimate frontier!��You have successfully merged your aura with magic!��With his power, he destroyed hell and the world itself!��This is a deadly blade that can reach even Ozin-sama!


    White cracks began to spread to Drismegian''s extremities.


    Hell is he himself.


    That''s what he said.


    So if hell is destroyed, he himself will have no choice but to disappear as well. And Drismegian will disappear with hell.


    "But...!��When it comes to fusing aura and magic, where did you get your magic power from?��You are a human race. You can absolutely only handle aura. That''s why I was about to finally fuse with you to reach that stage...!


    For a moment, the Drismegian stopped moving.


    It was no longer clad in countless white cracks, as if he had noticed something.


    ''''Well........so it''s Bashbursa!


    What?


    ''You took the magic factor from the fading away and captured it?��I never thought I''d be able to do that!��But!��What an oddity!��Wonderful!


    What is he talking about?


    Why is there a Bashbursa here?


    That guy who came back as a hell-raiser and then disappeared in my arms...?


    ''''Look, Mr. Ozin!��This wonderful polarity!��This is human evolution at its finest!


    The Drismegian''s body was chopped into cracks, his limbs and other parts of his body were already rotting in tatters.


    ''You Dariel!��Dariel, who took in Bashbursa''s magic factor and came to create a fusion of aura and magic power spirit energy!��It will bring you to your doom!��The credit is mine!


    Huh?


    ''It was completed when I found Dariel and bumped Bashbursa!��Dariel is my masterpiece!��Please see to it, Master Ozin!


    Don''t talk to me like that.


    You don''t get anything from me.


    I''ve borrowed and taken things from a lot of people, but you''re the only one who gave me anything.


    You''re the only one who got nothing from me.


    I am the one!��I am your loyal servant!��I worked for you until the end, right up to the end!��It''s a shame I couldn''t get to the bottom of it myself, but I''m sure Dariel will be able to finish it off for me.��My hope is that I will be able to give you what you want, and I will surely show you how to overthrow you!


    Die.


    I couldn''t keep up with them, and I brought down the remaining sword on Drismegian.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to get the most out of it.


    The fragments also dissolved into even finer particles, which also vanished into complete nothingness.


    As if in response, hell itself also shattered with a white light, leaving not a single fragment behind.


    Everything returned to nothingness.

 239-238 Demon King mourns

    I emerged from the hole in the ground and returned to this world.


    "Dariel!


    "Mr. Dariel?


    Many people call out my name.


    I clung to the body of the Flame Demon Beast Salamandra, and when I was sure it was safe enough, I kicked the scales and flew, landing on the ground.


    Salamandra''s guy appeared from inside it as soon as the Drismegian disappeared and tried to fly away from hell.


    That''s how I got in on the flight.


    Thanks to that, I escaped from the collapsing hell without any effort.


    ''Mr. Dariel!��Are you all right?


    What do you think you''re doing?��"I will not jump into hell!


    I knew that I would never see him alive again!


    Many people gathered around him and surrounded him.


    I seemed to have caused them much worry.


    When I think about it now, I realize that I did a horrible thing.


    I''m sorry to have worried you. I''m sorry to have worried you, but this is the end of Drismegian. From now on, I will never again appear in this world and bother the living people.


    I went down to hell to do it, you know.


    How many times over the years has that walker brought mischief?


    He must have repeated this because of his own delusion.


    If someone doesn''t put an end to it, it will happen again in a decade or a hundred years, unless he gives up the idea of overthrowing the Demon King.


    It''s been a nuisance to the people of this world.


    That''s why I made him disappear.


    "Dear Mr. Alanziel, dear Mr. Grandfather. I have refused to do anything to stop worrying about posterity.


    I never fail to report to my two fathers.


    ''Yeah,''


    Well done, Dariel....


    They took it with a wry smile.


    After all, it was reckless to the point that even the heroes were stunned.


    And one more.........


    ''''Drismegian-kun has disappeared........!


    The demon king stood there and looked down at the ground.


    The surface of the ground where the pit of hell was once located. But with the complete disappearance of hell, its entrance and exit also disappeared and is now gone.


    It was quite remarkable, wasn''t it?


    If I hadn''t been caught by Salamandra jumping up, I would have been in trouble too.


    "Drismegian-kun........has disappeared.......!


    The Demon Lord muttered that much repeatedly.


    What does the disappearance of that monster demon mean to that person?


    The man who persistently clung to the overthrowing Demon King while being d*mned to hell, and continued to wriggle for hundreds of years.


    His appearance was the same, but his spirit was even more monstrous.


    What would the Demon Lord feel about the disappearance of such a monster?


    ''''Doris Megian-kun...!��Drizmegian-kun aaaaaaahhh.......!


    That reaction was more than I expected.


    The Demon King-sama cried.


    On the contrary, he dropped large ragged tears, broke his knees and collapsed to the ground.


    ''''Drismegian kuunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!��I''m not going to die!��I''m not going to disappear!��Drismegian kunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!


    I roll on the ground as I spin around.


    I''m not going to be able to get it right. It''s not a matter of whether or not the luxurious costume is stained, but like a spoiled child.


    I sprinkle wailing to the enemy to whom I have given my allegiance.


    "Yada yada yada yada yada yada!��Don''t die!��I want more of your cock!��Doris-megian-oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!��Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy!��Bijyaaahhhhhh!


    I hit the ground with my hands and feet while crying and screaming. The impact was unexpectedly violent, and it rattled the surface of us surrounding it.


    The adventurers in Lax village who are watching from afar are surprised and many fall on their asses.


    I had to buckle down and hold on to the illusion of the ground wobbling, or else I''d fall over.


    ........no, is it actually shaking?


    He''s shaking the ground with his pettiness and shaking the air with his cries!


    ''Piiyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!��Zubeian!��Mr. Megian!��Dristmegian gububuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck!��Come back to life!��Come back to me!


    I never thought the Demon Lord would be so distraught over his disappearance!


    If we don''t do something, the mere wailing of the Demon King''s sorrow alone could destroy Lax''s village!


    But how do we stop it?


    How could anyone advise the Witch King in that state?


    Lord Grandfather!��Mr. Ida?


    You are unsightly, little shit. Stop your disgusting crying.


    Then the long-awaited admonition is thrust in.


    But who is it!


    You''re too frank, as expected, I''m afraid!


    I looked around to see whose rhetoric it was, but my gaze stopped at an unexpected place.


    A flaming dragon standing in the sky?


    "Salamandre the Fiendish Beast?


    "You always play such trivial games. "You always play mindlessly, exploiting the devotion of children and pushing them to their limits.


    That dragon could talk?


    It''s just that it''s never said a word before!��But the other hexenbiest I met in human territory couldn''t stop talking!


    You are such a jerk. That''s exactly why Hydra and Windora are so disgusted with you, of course I am. Of course I do.


    "...that little Salamandra is so mean to me. It''s very, very sad and you can''t console me!


    "They don''t like you, they don''t like you. They don''t like you, they don''t want to be nice to you.


    They are monsters that talk to the Demon King as equals.


    They are the beings that have been mentioned in legends, and they were originally created by the Demon King.


    So it''s possible that they are acquaintances, but their conversation is too careless...?


    ''Isn''t it true that Salamandra-chan is the one with a bad personality?��You''re the only hexenbiest who''s ever pretended to be a magical, mind-altering creature. You pretended to be under a siege, and you tried to control your own mind by pretending to be an emissary, and it''s poisoning your soul. You enjoy watching people get destroyed like this from the inside, don''t you?


    "The self-destruction of fools is an interesting spectacle. Consolation for the ennui of eternity.


    So you''re doing the same thing as me! So we''re the same kind of guys, right?��We''re buddies!


    Stop, I don''t like it.


    The flame dragon undulated as it swam in the sky.


    ''''But this time he was the worst. He surpassed my mental control with his obsession with you. It''s a relief that I won''t have to be bothered by him again. ........it''s best that man and monster will never touch each other again.


    And then, little by little, he goes up into the sky, scratching the air.


    I''m leaving. "I''m leaving, and if possible, I''d like to never see any of you here again. Tell your posterity about it. Tell your posterity that getting involved with our monsters is the first step to destruction.


    And the Flame Demon Beast Salamandra disappeared into the distant sky.


    I don''t strongly want to see him again either.


    All I could do was pray that seeing that red giant body would be the last time in my life.


    ''''.........Demon King-sama.


    I poured it out, too.


    ''The Drismegians are the scourge of the world. They are willing to destroy and slaughter for their own ends. He is an evil that the world should not have. So I have extinguished it.


    Thanks to the Flame Demon Beast''s admonition, the Demon Lord had calmed down a lot.


    This was the only time he could explain himself.


    The Demon King seems quite heartbroken over the disappearance of Drismegian, or maybe he''ll be killed out of spite....


    ''''I know that the Demon King-sama is the ruler of this world and can act as he wishes. However, if one is also a person living in this world, it''s only natural to remove the threat.


    Yeah, I''m sorry.


    Demon King-sama, honest.


    That''s why you''ve put the world in a mewak, and it''s not good that you didn''t deal with it.


    He even said he was sorry for what he had done.


    Actually, I sent Ida and I came out on my own because the damage was going to spread," he said. But now that I think about it, I should have been more thorough. I''m really sorry, I''m sorry.


    I couldn''t say anything if the Demon King, the ruler of the world, who could destroy humanity in an instant if he felt like it, had been so auspicious to me.


    I''m a little confused as to how auspicious it really is.


    ''''The Demon King didn''t unleash a Drismegian... or rather an inferno in order to plunge the world into chaos, did he?''''


    Of course, I love all the people on this earth, all the living creatures on this earth, equally.


    It''s kind of stinky.


    That has been the case for a long time now, but gradually the more we learn about this gentleman, the creepier it becomes.


    ''''........May I ask you something?''''


    What''s going on?


    Why was Drismegian trying to take you down?


    The more I fought, the more I understood.


    That monster was obsessed with his goal of overthrowing the Demon King, but deep down, his respect for the Demon King was swirling around him.


    There may be no other person in the world as loyal to the Demon King as he is.


    He wanted to defeat the king of demons for the sake of no one but the king of demons.


    Why did he act in such a refractive manner?��If you have an answer, could you please let me know?

 240-239 Demon King

    Because that''s what I wanted.


    The Demon King said simply.


    You have to defeat me. That''s the way this world is basically made. The human race and the demon race are divided into two opposing sides, right?


    Then it is still true...?


    The story that the human race and the demon race were originally the same kind of human race is also true.


    It''s not too much of a stretch to say that this is a hoax that Drizmegian tricked us into believing.


    The idea was to create an antagonistic structure of conflict that would allow us to build each other up, so that one day a hero would emerge who could defeat me," he said. For that reason, I''m sitting here myself as the boss.


    Then.....


    I decided to call myself the Demon King in order to create a position where I could easily stand up to it. I''m sorry that I made the people who are defending me call themselves ''demon tribe'' because of this.


    So you are, in fact, a god of combat?


    I''m a human, but I''m just a god of fighting, you know. I''m not sure if that''s true or not.��He''s a god, sure, but it''s not like he''s omniscient and omnipotent only in battle.


    And that One said.


    If you want to call this great being a truly essential name........


    Lord God Odin. Oh, I''m guessing that''s your name, isn''t it?��I''ll only let you know if I like it, so keep it a secret!


    Yes, yes...?


    God.


    This is the person who has reached the extent of being able to call himself that, after all.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on it.


    I''m not going to be able to say that the existence that can do that is a god, but I have to agree.


    I''m not a god, but I''m not that good. He has a body and is trapped in the material world. That''s why I live with the sons of man that I created for myself. I am immortal, but...


    Stop slurring your words.


    "There was nothing in the world when my cock sprang up. But you instinctively felt something. "I need to develop this.


    Huh...?


    If it evolves enough to surpass its creator, it''s good for business. So first, I tried to create beings that could surpass me. I tried to create life beyond myself in person, you know? That''s what you call a Hexenbiest.


    Salamandre, the Fire Demon Beast.


    Wind Beast Windra.


    Hydra, a water demon beast.


    Water Monster Hydra.


    These four monsters are the transcendent beings that approach the Demon Lord of legends.


    They are still involved in the history of humanity from time to time, causing chaos in every case.


    But in the end, they couldn''t surpass me. Do you think it''s impossible to create something stronger than you?��And then everyone will hate me and go away...


    Ha ha.....


    This was evident from the attitude of the Flame Monster Beast just now.


    The next challenge, I decided to take a longer span of time. Instead of creating something stronger than you, I decided to create something weaker first, and then I''ll take a longer span of time. I''m going to make something weak first, and then make it stronger.


    That''s what we humans are.


    The Demon King who created the human race was first divided into the human race and the demon race and created an environment where they could train each other.


    The human race is much weaker than demonic beasts.


    However, if they grow stronger over the next hundred or even a thousand years, they will surpass demonic beasts, and one day they may even surpass the Demon Lord.


    ''''That''s the structure of this world that you want...?


    I''m not sure what the outcome will be, well, at the moment we don''t know. The more time I spend with them, the stronger they become, and I don''t think they''ve changed much.


    A man''s strength is like that, isn''t it?


    Every now and then, a genius is born, blessed with talent and experience.


    I''m not sure I''ve ever heard of such a thing.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most out of your time in the world.


    That''s why I made Valhalla with a few modifications along the way. I''m sure that if you take a promising child from this world and let him or her fight forever in this world, he or she will grow up to surpass me one day.


    However, I heard that the results were not so good either.


    It''s been nearly a thousand years since Valhalla was created, but it''s unlikely that anyone will be able to surpass me yet. Hell, too. I made it in a similar way.


    Hell, too.


    That''s Drismegian''s world. He''s very good. He was able to read exactly who I was and what I wanted, and then he tried to take me down to give me what I wanted. And he''s going to take me down to give you what you want.


    That leads to a series of confusion.


    To defeat the Demon King.


    I wonder how vindictive he was in his quest to do so.


    I''m counting on the resourcefulness of your vindictive mind, Drismegian, and I''ve prepared hell for him alone. I''m a little hesitant to raise them to Valhalla, but I''m sending more and more strong but evil people to hell. I hoped that with that, Drismegian would become stronger and stronger and surpass me.


    The Demon King sniffed again.


    ''It didn''t go well for me either. Is it impossible for humans to surpass me after all?��What do you think, Dariel?


    Um...?


    I was at a loss for a reply.


    It was because Drismegian''s decapitated frenzy was coming back with intensity.


    He said that I was the one who had the potential to surpass the Demon King.


    In fact, I don''t even dew about that.


    ''Oh well, we''ve been doing this for thousands of years anyway. I''ll continue to do this slowly and without hurry.


    The Demon Lord said, and promptly changed the mood.


    He went from sitting down to walking away.


    I''m sure you''re not the only one who''s interested in this. Dariel-kun, I''m sorry for causing you so much trouble.


    No, no, that''s not...?


    When I think about it, this is the first time I''ve ever spoken to you in person. It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one.


    Will you...?


    It''s true.


    When I was in the Demon King''s Army, I was only a lowly assistant soldier, so I was in no position to speak directly to the Demon King, because I was too afraid to do so.


    As time went by, even the Demon King''s Army was no longer in existence and I was just an ordinary person, and now I was going to face the Demon King in person.


    What kind of oddity?


    If you want to come back to the Demon King''s Army?


    What?


    Oh, my God. It''s okay. I know you like it here. It''s fun for me to watch.


    The Demon King finally slipped by my side.


    ''I look forward to seeing more of you in the future.


    That''s all I said.


    That would be the last thing he would say to me.


    But as he was leaving, the Demon King called out to another person.


    It''s the first time I''ve met the Demon King here, the heroic Radie and his friends.


    ''''Demon King........!


    She had been stunned by the flow of events so far.


    She finally thought of action as the real Demon King-sama was closing in on herself.


    It''s the first time I''ve seen you. This is the first time I''ve met you, isn''t it?


    ''''Huh?''''


    Perhaps reflexively, Radie drew his sword.


    What would be the point of doing such a stupid thing?


    The tensions spread quickly thanks to this, and Satome, Sesha, and Zester''s party members gathered under the hero, each with their armor.


    Droyer also tries to cast a spell, but....


    ''It''s okay, it''s okay.''


    He was stopped hawking by the Demon King.


    ''''Don''t be afraid, darling. I''m not supposed to meet you until you arrive at the demon king''s castle. But that''s how I met you, by accident.


    Are you really a fighter?


    That''s what I understand. That''s great. I''m sure it''s a bit of a spoiler if you heard that I''m talking to Dariel. I''m not going to be able to tell the difference. The system is designed to make you a brave man.


    The Demon King-sama good-naturedly stroked Radie''s head.


    Instantly, sticky sweat erupted from the entire surface of Radey''s face.


    ''I''m sorry about the halfway spoilers, so I''ll tell you the rest of the story. If you make it to the bottom of my cock, you will be unconditionally qualified to join Valhalla after death, so good luck!


    Eh.......


    Also, you''re allowed to challenge me, but you''d better not, because you''ll never win.��It''s a safer course to join Valhalla and train forever, right? Oh, that''s just lonely, you know. I''ve decided to reward the brave men who reach underneath me!


    Reward.


    ''I''ll give you one wish for anything you want!��The brave man who scored the goal before me, you know, learned the secret of the world and asked him to please stop fighting more than necessary," he said.


    ''''.........?''''


    That''s why this world is basically balanced right now, except for the war between the heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings. You are free to discard this request by arriving at a new location. It''s a good idea to come and play.


    After finishing telling Radey that much, the Demon King-sama left.


    He disappeared like a puff of smoke, and it was a return that no one could capture.


    This is the creator and ruler of this world.


    He was incomprehensible to begin with, but the more I understood, the more terrifying he became.

 241-240 Send my mother

    Then I shall return to Valhalla.


    That''s what Ida-san from "Heaven and Earth" said after the Demon King left.


    Although he was once one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, after his death, he was taken away and ascended to another world called Valhalla.


    There, he became a transcendent existence that will never die and never grow old...


    The reason he came back to earth is to chase after the inferno escapees from hell.


    They''ve already disappeared from the earth..... If that''s the case, there''s nothing more I can do in this world. I don''t even remember doing anything in particular.


    Ida says to herself.


    ''After all, it was you guys that defeated so many infernos and even stopped the Drismegians. I was only there to see it through...


    I really do.


    The Zebiantes guy behind me said, ''This guy has no mercy for anyone! He shouted, "I don''t know.


    ''I don''t know what it is.


    Dariel," he said, "thanks to you, Dorismegian won''t have to do anything bad ever again. And that''s certainly a good thing for the world. I should have done this a long time ago.


    No.


    I am ashamed of myself for sitting on my hands for so long. You are the hero. You are the hero of this war.


    No, not really.


    "You won''t see each other in this world again. The next time you see me, it will be when you come to Valhalla. You and your father deserve to be in Valhalla.


    I''m not going in there.


    I said clearly, with a hint of apology, to the person who had high hopes for me.


    I intend to live out this life to the fullest. I will raise a family, raise many children, and protect the people who love me. I will enrich my life. I believe that is the meaning of life.


    ..........


    ''Fighting is a means to an end. To protect or develop a prosperous life. I don''t intend to be trapped in the battle itself. Even after I die.


    So what do you plan to do with yourself after you die?


    Like so many others,


    Of course I don''t know what will happen to me if I die.


    That''s why I''m afraid of death.


    Like everyone else, I can''t help but fear the eternal nothingness that awaits us after death.


    I think it''s important to live an abundant life so that when the time comes to face death, we don''t have to fear it.


    Very well, then, you might as well end it properly.


    "If you don''t come to Valhalla," said Ida.


    "If you don''t come to Valhalla. This is your last chance to speak to your mother in a genuine way.


    I turned around and saw a beautiful woman standing there, younger than me in appearance.


    It was Estelica-san.


    Arantzill-san was standing next to her, leaning close to her.


    ''''Well I knew, I knew that you would reject Valhalla.


    Her tone of voice was sad, but at the same time proud.


    You are his son. You are the son of that man, and you will not be trapped in the fake heaven that he creates. You will not become a ghost like I did.


    Mother...!


    I couldn''t help but call her that.


    This is the woman who risked her life to protect me when I was a baby.


    ''I wouldn''t be alive today without you. Thank you, for protecting me.


    And one more thing.


    Thank you for loving me.


    You loved me so much that you risked your life to protect me.


    Your actions were the proof of your love.


    I could list all the different reasons.


    Actions can give rise to causes.


    "I know you love me because you fought to protect me. I am the blood of the man I love.


    ''No!��I''m...!


    Before her death, a female heroine pursued the defeat of the Demon King through her merit and ambition.


    She never achieved her ambition due to her lack of ability.


    Instead, the next best thing planned was to share in the merit of the strongest hero''s wife.


    Was Estelica-san just using Arantzill-san?


    ''''Estelica. I thought I couldn''t tell you these words until I myself went to the other world. But I would say it here and now, if you were in front of me.


    Without hesitation.


    Alanziel-san''s brave and decisive nature lives on here.


    ''I knew it. That you were trying to get the fruits of your bravery through me. If you can''t be the strongest hero yourself, then at least use me to gain the status of the one most loved by the strongest heroes.


    Mr. Alanziel is still good.


    ''I love you. I would have been perfectly willing to be a brave man if I could have been of any use to you. I can do anything for you. You are my everything.


    ..............


    ''My love for you is all I have. I want nothing else from you, as long as you accept that. It doesn''t matter if you love me or not.


    You''re...!


    So you don''t have to beat yourself up about it.


    Tears like a waterfall flowed out of both of Estelica''s eyes.


    Even from the transcendent immortals, she could not hold back her tears.


    ''Aranzir, my proud husband. You have completed your work in this world. I envy you for leaving this world at such a young age.


    And yet you accomplished the most important work of all.


    ''I am sure it is that you are much wiser than you were when you were with me. I wish I had spent time with you. I wanted to be old and wise with you.


    Finally, Estelica and her husband, the one who was her husband, embraced each other tightly, and then turned around.


    She turned to me.


    ''It must have been a hard life for you...?


    "A lot of great things, too. I''ve been able to face all of them because you gave birth to me.


    Oh, you''re a great one, just like your father. I''m prouder than ever to have you in my body.


    At that moment, a dramatic change occurred in Estelica''s body.


    Her body emitted a white light.


    As if unraveled by that light, her body gradually changed from the surface to dust.


    ''''The ''Einherjar Body'' is in an annihilation motion..., this can''t be...?


    ''''I''m sorry, Ida-sama. I can''t return to Valhalla.


    Ida is perplexed as she thinks of something.


    ''I''ve been satisfied...!��Knowing that there are those who love me, I have no more unrequited love for this world. Please tell that One that I ask Him to forgive me for leaving without a greeting.


    That''s all right. He doesn''t care whether his servant leaves or not.


    Oh...!


    Miss Estelica, my mother is disappearing...!


    The body turns to dust, and then diminishes little by little.


    It dissolves into light.


    Estelica!


    Mom!


    Me and Mr. Arantzill shouted at the same time.


    I''m sure I must have a face as pathetic as Arantzill-san''s.


    We looked at each other in turn, and Estelica-san made a happy and troubled smile.


    ''Don''t be sad. I only go where I have to go. To the place where those who die satisfied should go. I''m sure you guys will have to go there someday too.


    That''s what my mother told me, and I somehow understood.


    Hell and Valhalla are just a temporary shore created by her.


    They are like insect cages that trap souls that should be going and stop them in this world.


    However, a soul that has truly paid off its wanderings and has no desire to be in this world cannot be bound, not even by Ozin.


    It has left for a realm that even God cannot understand, and will never return.


    ''Estelica, I see that this time you are saying goodbye.


    Yes, Anata. The next time I see you, I''ll be somewhere far, far away, where neither I nor you know. I may never recognize you.


    Still......


    I''m looking forward to seeing you.


    "I''ll be where you are sooner or later. ...a little while longer, after I''ve seen a bit more of this world. See what our Dariel will do in this world, and how Dariel''s children will grow up.


    ''There''s no need to hurry,'' he said, ''because I''m sure the place I''m going to is timeless. I am sure that the place I am going to is timeless. ...Finally, for the last time in this world, really the last time in this world, Ana...


    Ms. Estelica gently stroked Mr. Arantzill''s old body with the last bit of her own.


    ''I''m sure I probably loved you,''


    That''s the answer she got in this world.


    With that answer in her arms, she was gone from this world.


    Her soul was set free....


    Freed from that same death, Ida said as she explained.


    Ida explained as she explained, "With the truth that is you, she is completely free of life and death. There must be a world outside of this one, a next world to which those of us who have done our duty here must head. She has gone there.


    Yeah, I know.


    She left us in peace, leaving us in good hands.


    She was free of all hesitation and suffering, out of reincarnation, and never to rise again.

 242-241 Ida of Tenchi” is still there

    I happened to be passing through the open air and saw a gashita.


    He was doing something.


    I squeezed my bow and arrow, which is my specialty, and finally released it.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this as well.


    This is not a good idea.


    To a person''s head.


    ''''Hm?''''


    You''re right, ''What are you doing?'' I was scared.


    For a moment I thought it was a doll, but it looks like an arrow went through the head of a live person without a doubt.


    What are you doing, Gassita?


    Have you awakened to the sensation of shooting someone because the arrows were too many?


    No, I''ve been hit again. You''re a tough guy.


    Thank you, sir.


    He pulls the arrow out of his own head and returns it to Gashita as if nothing had happened.


    And Gashita.


    He squeezes the returned arrow again with his bow and shoots afterwards.


    Ssssss.


    It sticks in your head again.


    "No, no, I''ve been hit again. You''re a tough guy.


    I''m afraid!


    Again, he pulls the arrow out of his head and returns it to Gasita...


    Gasita also nails the arrow that he received before and shoots it at his head.


    "Wait, wait, wait, wait...!


    As expected, I wanted to be able to say a word to him too.


    I recognized the person with the arrow through his head.


    It''s the Ida from Tenchi.


    He was one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army long ago.


    Even after his death, he was invited to an alternate world called Valhalla in recognition of his achievements. It is said that he continues to train himself there forever, fighting without growing old or dying...


    Didn''t you go home?


    At least that''s what you said last time, right?


    Even my mother escaped from a false eternity and went beyond the world that could not be resurrected again.


    What are you doing trapped in this world?


    Oh, Dariel. "Oh, Dariel, there are still some amazingly powerful people left to breathe in this time.


    What are you talking about?


    This bowman, for example. He perceives space as it is, and controls the direction of his arrows by reading the trajectory of the arrows as they must hit their targets. With a level of ability like his, he could take all kinds of shots, even in the woods on a stormy night.


    Huh.


    Of course, Gacita is our number one adventurer now, so you have to do that much.......


    What does that have to do with your relentlessly piercing your head incessantly...?


    ''My brother!��I''m being followed by this guy right now!


    Guidance?


    ''''Yes, I have a defensive magic that can deflect any attack by distorting space and deflecting its trajectory. This is the ultimate defense that is theoretically unbreakable.


    Indeed.


    Ida-san, who once mastered earth attribute magic among the demon race, finally reached that kind of ultimate magic.


    He even made it possible to manipulate space as a kind of substance.


    If you can distort and flex space like clay, you can also distort the vectors moving through space.


    If you use it, an attack on a hit course to you will never be able to hit you.


    They would just deviate in a different direction along the distorted space.


    This concept magic that is one dimension higher than a simple physical attack is, indeed, a super magic that should only be chosen by the Apostles of Valhalla.


    .........So.


    What about it?


    ''You can break through my space-distorting barrier, Mr. Gacita.


    What?


    As a master archer, I heard that he has an excellent ability to perceive space itself. The flow of wind and the distribution of humidity allow him to perceive the structure of space not only with his eyes, but also with his ears and skin. That way, he can understand how the space distorted by me is actually distorted.


    If the distortion of space can be accurately grasped, then the arrow can be released after adjusting its trajectory accordingly, and it will naturally hit the target...?


    ''He has an aura that allows him to change the trajectory of his arrows at will. .........After all, even my Space Distortion Barrier is not a perfect defense. There are many ways to attack it.


    For example, the most straightforward is a wide area attack with no partial gaps.


    If you lay down an attack with density and breadth that can''t be missed even if you run away or avoid it, no matter how much you distort the space, you''ll be hit anyway.


    Even Radie and the others who fought against Ida-san in the past, that Inferno, tried to use this method to attack against her, but in the end, they did not succeed.


    If your opponent is going to attack with a saturation attack that exceeds the capacity of the spatial distortion, then you can meet them with a larger, more extensive spatial distortion.


    It was just a matter of responding with a force push beyond force push.


    In fact, Ida-san, who is counted as one of the strongest Four Heavenly Kings of all time, has the magical bottom line to be able to do that.


    That''s why neither Radie and the others nor Inferno were able to defeat him, as they couldn''t extend beyond the range of Ida-san''s spatial distortions while applying a saturation attack with all their might.


    ''The strategy of reading the distorting surface and correcting its trajectory is also a kind of strategy that''s close to a legitimate attack. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on. So my countermeasures are adequate.


    Ida is constantly distorting space to prevent the enemy from reading the spatial distortion structure.


    If the distortions keep moving constantly, the distorting plane you''ve read through will be useless in the next few seconds, and you''ll have to read it all over again from scratch.


    It''s not just relying on super magic.


    In order for the strongest four Heavenly Kings of the past to be the strongest, they had to put in even more unflagging effort and ingenuity than that.


    ''''That''s why I wanted to compare techniques with this Gashita-kun.


    Huh...?


    As a bowman, Gacita can accurately grasp the structure of the surrounding space, down to the structure of the space.


    ''''If you can''t do that, you won''t be able to shoot a hundred rounds and hit the target at all! But it''s amazing just to be able to do it.


    Ida-san will counter the enemies who read the spatial distorting plane in that way and keep moving the distorting plane constantly.


    When it comes down to this, it''s a matter of how quickly the attacker can read the distorted space plane and how quickly the defender can read it to see if the defender can continue to distort the space beyond it, rendering the enemy''s analysis meaningless.


    ''''So, it''s a game as we speak. If his reading is fast, the arrow will hit. If my distortion speed wins, the arrow misses. So to speak.


    That''s why the arrows have been lodged in your head for a while now.


    There aren''t many archers in Valhalla who can read my spatial distortions as quickly as he can. The opportunity to trade techniques with a rare wielder is a rare opportunity. I must cherish it.


    It was a typical idea of the Apostle of Valhalla, who continues to seek for battle and strength even after death.


    Since Ida-san was given an undead body by the Demon King to continue fighting forever, there was no problem when an arrow pierced his head.


    Even if Gacita shot an arrow with a hyun and zassssss into his head, there was no problem in terms of life.


    Huh, zas.


    Huh-zus.


    Huen-zas.


    Hyung-zus.


    Huwene, zas...!


    What''s your problem, a**h*le?


    What?��Didn''t you tell him that he could stab you without reservation?


    Ida-san cut off abruptly, and Gashita was a bit tense.


    At least while I was watching, all the arrows hit Ida-san''s head.


    In other words, Ida-san lost the battle.


    ''''Gacita has read through the special magic of the strongest four heavenly kings in history.......?


    It was a fact in front of him that didn''t add up if he didn''t think that way.


    ................No, before that.


    After all, it comes back to this question.


    "Is this guy not back yet...?


    Ida-san is the one who was sent to capture the inferno that escaped from hell, right?


    Now that the inferno is gone, shouldn''t you get your ass back to Valhalla?


    I mean, isn''t that what you said in the past?


    Why do you take it for granted?


    Well, never mind.


    I''ll just say, ''Oh, well, that''s okay.


    I don''t want to get caught up in Ida-san''s problems alone, since we have a lot of problems ahead of us.


    Since Gacita is involved, let''s put him in charge of Ida-san.


    "I''ve got an important discussion to have now, so take care of that for me...


    ''What?��Don''t push me alone, Anikey?


    Gacita whines, but that doesn''t stop him from taking head shots.


    Well, let me rely on you, Gacita.


    I''m trying to get you to focus on the important meeting that''s coming up.

 243-242 Emergency meeting begins

    When I entered the room, there were already a few people sitting in line there.


    First, from the human race, the previous brave Arantzill-san and the current brave Radey. Then, from the brave party, Satome, Sesha-san and Zester.


    From the demon race, the previous Granbaza-sama and the current Four Heavenly Kings, Droyer, and..., that?


    What about Zebiantes?


    I''m coming to get him.


    To catch him?


    What''s the meaning of this? I was about to ask him from the beginning, but a scream approaching from behind the door told me all I needed to know.


    ''Yee-hah!��I hate meetings because they''re boring!


    It''s none of your business. The master told me to attend the meeting, so you have to be there!


    My wife, Marika, entered the room with her two children in her arms.


    In one hand, she has a genuine child, Grandpa, who is the breath of harmony, and in the other hand, a big kid.


    And in the other hand, the big kid.


    You were trying to escape, weren''t you...?


    Zeviantes is one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, so I told you to make sure you participated.


    You can''t afford to do that!��There is no more boring waste of time in the world than a meeting!


    That may be true, though.


    Though this guy sometimes prods the truth of the world.


    You''re not going to be able to get your hands on any of them.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    The truth of the world has been exposed in this situation where the central figures of the world meet at the same time.


    I''m sure that discussing this matter with my team members is not useless at all.


    Yes, the meeting that is about to begin is....


    It is called the ''Council on what to do about the battle between the heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings''.


    "That''s none of my business.


    Zebiantes is completely unconcerned about the big meeting.


    ''I am the wind!��The wind is free at all times!��No one can bind the wind!


    I mean, you''re a human being, right?


    The Demon King revealed.


    That the demon race and the human race were the same kind of people. He divided them into two for that person''s plan and gave them each an aura and magic power to compete with each other.


    I think it''s a pretty shocking fact if it turns out to be true.


    This guy doesn''t seem to matter much.


    I''ve been playing around, so I only need to report what was decided at the meeting. That''s the most efficient way to go about it.


    If I tell you, will you follow through?


    You''re adamant that they demand corrections to what they don''t like.


    I''m asking you to attend a meeting to get to the stage of discussing it!


    Discuss and decide!


    Pass the word and speak up!


    If we''re going to talk and fix it again, we''re going to have to do it twice!


    I''m not getting anywhere, so I decide to ask a trusted Zebiantes breeder for help here.


    A tray is falling from the heavens.


    The stars fly as the tray collides with the top of the Zebiantes'' head.


    The one who gave the sanction is my wife Marika.


    She was the one who brought this idiot to the conference room.


    ''''You can''t embarrass the master, can you?


    He says it with the dignity of a married woman and a mother.


    You''re a good adult, too, and adults have responsibilities. You''re only an adult if you fulfill your responsibilities.


    ''I don''t want you to say something like that to gouge my heart out!


    It was a critical hit in the heart of the big child Zebiantes.


    ''You should tell her, Gran-chan. ''Be the kind of adult I can respect.''


    Duh.


    My breath, Gran, who is almost a year old, smacked Zebiantes on the head.


    It''s not a good idea to have a baby chastising you. It''s a good idea to have a good time.


    The Zebiantes, as expected, couldn''t help but feel annoyed.


    I will attend the meeting. I''m going to attend the meeting.


    That''s it!


    It was still my wife, my son, who had infinite special effects against Zebiantes.


    ''Then I''ll leave you to it. I''ll bring you some tea later.


    The Marika...


    I was going to say something to my wife as she left the room....


    .........nothing came to mind.


    ''I don''t know the hard things in the world, but I believe that whatever you decide is right. But I can believe that whatever you decide to do, you''ll be right.


    Marika...?


    After all the trouble I caused you just a few minutes ago with the inferno attack and all the trouble I caused you with the evacuation, you still believe in me and are following me...!


    What a great wife!


    Let''s take her trust and make sure the meeting goes well.


    ''Oh, no, no, no. If we''re going to do this, I''d like it to be over quickly. And I need a cup of tea. I want the First Flush Golden Syrup stuff.


    You shut up in the meeting.


    Zebiantes, who was sitting on a chair without any motivation, and Droyer, who was positioned next to him, spoke briefly.


    She herself can see the difficulty of just being inexperienced as a commander.


    ''''Anyway, the brave and the Four Heavenly Kings, oddly enough, representatives of the various camps of humans and demons, are all here. We can''t afford not to take this as an opportunity.''''


    To begin with.


    Why did these two meet together without fighting?


    Aren''t the hero and the Four Heavenly Kings, who normally would have been forced to kill each other immediately?


    The fact that it didn''t turn into a dilemma is perhaps a peculiarity of this situation.


    Inferno.


    That monster''s abnormality had the danger of uniting even the brave and the Four Heavenly Kings who should always be killing each other.


    ''''And on top of that, the Demon Lord''s descent into the village of Laxx is a rare occurrence. Isn''t that guy coming out of the Demon King''s Castle?��And it''s a tweak, but the fact that it came out of that gentleman''s mouth is also nothing short of shocking...


    Mr. Dariel.


    Yes?


    Long story.


    I''m sorry...!


    Because it can''t be helped.


    It''s a good idea to have something as shocking as that happening so quickly that it becomes a long story, or else the hero and the Four Heavenly Kings will have a meeting across the table.


    Anyway, let''s talk about the future. I''m sure everyone was shocked by what the Demon King said.


    I guess I didn''t get it.


    Of course.


    But the decent people of the world can''t be as calm and self-conscious as you are when they''re overturned by common sense, anymore.


    It''s up to each of us to decide what our reaction will be under the impact. I think it''s good to discuss that here and establish a policy.


    I heard the truth revealed to me by the Demon King.


    It was completely proven that the battle between the brave and the Four Heavenly Kings was nothing more than a farce.


    Can you still continue this battle?


    The answer will be different for everyone.


    But there are many people involved in this battle.


    The Adventurer''s Guild, the Demon King''s Army, and the rest of the world still clamor for "defeat the Demon King! Thwart the brave! And he will be doing the coolest thing possible.


    We can''t stop fighting that battle on our own.


    Including that, the people responsible for knowing the world''s secrets would discuss what they would do from now on.


    Then you''re free to go. You are all free to do as you please. A mere expression of one''s feelings, even if that is all it takes to set a course for the future.


    Well, I think I''d like to go home now.


    I didn''t say I was free to go that far.


    Zebiantes was out of the question, so I''ll let him shut up, but the first person to open his mouth was the brave Radie.


    ''''I ..., I want to continue fighting like this.

 244-243 Brave Lady, never stop walking

    Radie says here, having arranged the appearance of the meeting.


    My wish is the same as I said to the Demon King just now. No matter what cruel truths are hidden in the world, I will always do what I do. With the mission of a brave man, I will advance to the Demon King and defeat him...!


    That''s it,


    He says with determined eyes.


    ''But that brave man''s mission was just a travesty created by that gentleman. It''s not unusual to send the strongest warrior to kill you.


    After all, the Demon King that the brave man is trying to defeat is exactly the same being as the fighting god who ordered him to ''defeat the Demon King''.


    He was ordered by the Absolute to go and defeat the Absolute.


    Is there any other deed that is so ridiculous and pathetic?


    What''s so pathetic is that even if the brave man had defied all odds and arrived at this point, he would never be able to defeat the king.


    I''m sure that even the king knows that for sure.


    It''s absolutely impossible for flesh and blood to defeat the Demon King.


    Even Inferno, who was transformed into a monster and became the Lord of Hell, threw away his humanity in the name of "defeating the Demon King," couldn''t fulfill the Demon King''s desire to defeat him.


    There is no way to accomplish such a difficult task with the hands of the present person yet.


    ''''Taking on a battle that you know you''re going to lose is not an act of courage, okay?��Why don''t you stop and think about it a little more?


    To that person, the battle between the heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings that was being fought in this world could only mean, at best, the selection of souls to be brought up to Valhalla.


    The hope of being called up to Valhalla and whether or not a gem of a person capable of defeating the Demon King will be produced by being called up to Valhalla and further trained up will become a full-fledged hope.


    ''''I am........''''


    Yet another voice rose.


    ''''It''s the Four Heavenly Kings Droyer.


    ''''I''m rather confused at all. What should I do? The barbaric human race who murdered the Demon King for their own sake. Wasn''t it the duty of the Four Heavenly Kings to frustrate the brave spearhead of the race and show the strength of the demon race and the pride of the demon race?''''


    Droyer''s shoulders trembled.


    It was hidden by the table, but her hand underneath it must have been squeezed tightly and rigidly.


    ''''That''s why I didn''t realize that the battle between the heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings itself was nothing more than an amusement by the Demon Lord....


    No, Ida-san has proven that even on the Four Heavenly Kings side, if you work hard, you will be recognized and called by Valhalla........


    ........that''s not comforting at all.


    ''''The current Four Heavenly Kings, Droyer, your lament is well founded.


    Yes, it was Granbaza-sama who even spoke in a comforting manner.


    This person might have already resigned from the Four Heavenly Kings and not directly receive the shock of the facts that turned out.......


    .........is that not the case?


    It might be like overturning his Four Heavenly Kings life, which was spent several times more than Droyer''s, for nothing in one fell swoop.


    However, Master Granbaza is still in peace as he shows his mettle as a heavyweight.


    If you feel that the Four Heavenly Kings'' mission is empty, you may ask for their resignation. Perhaps the Demon King will allow you to do so.


    ...........?


    That''s all he''s got left. I''m sure that even if you leave, a talented wizard will be chosen to take over the role of the Four Heavenly Kings. That''s how the battle will be repeated again and again.


    As it has been for hundreds or thousands of years.


    ''''Don''t get too defensive. Even if you are the Four Heavenly Kings and a brave man, it''s not such a special job. It''s to follow orders. You have to obey orders and contribute to the world. As long as you have those, every job is noble.


    Yes....!


    Having been given a word by a stalwart, Droyer seems to have calmed down a bit.


    Her seriousness made her tend to be rigid in her thinking.


    When she acquired a more flexible mind, she would grow not only as a fighter, but also as one who unites people.


    ''''I am........!


    ''Radey,'' he says again, emphatically.


    ''I cannot compromise. I want to reach the Demon King at all costs and defeat him. Even if it costs me my life.''''


    ''''Why are you so vindictive........?


    Radey''s obsession is so much more than I thought it would be, I pull back.


    I also became a brave man at first with only a pure sense of duty. ''''The Demon King is evil,'''' ''''He must be defeated for the sake of the world. I tried to satisfy my own righteousness by taking advantage of the simple preconceived notion of the Demon King that all of the human race thinks of him.


    It''s...!


    Serious Droyer was about to say something, but I held up my hand to control him.


    There''s more to the story.


    ''That changed when I met Dariel-san. He asked me to my face, ''Why do you want to defeat the Demon King?'' I was asked why, and I knew that I had no answers. Without an answer, I met Zevi-chan and knew the thoughts of those who came before me, and I knew one thing. .... that I should not fight for vague reasons.


    Radey has been involved in quite a lot of battles, too.


    She must have seen a lot of things in those battles, which crossed the boundaries of the demon race and the human race.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to get the most out of this article.


    I''ve come to the conclusion that I want to know the truth. Why is this world divided into the demon race and the human race and why are they fighting each other? I thought I could find out the answer if I could get to the Demon King.


    That''s what it meant to be a brave fighter in her mind.


    But the answer to that question has already been unraveled.


    Unexpectedly, it came from the answer.


    Even though there was a bizarre accident called inferno, the Demon King who came from the other side did a great job of answering the question and solving the riddle.


    There''s nothing more to solve.


    ''''No, we don''t have the answer yet.


    What?


    ''The answer has to be me. I have to know the hidden mechanisms of this world. Is it right or wrong? If it is not, then what form of the world is really right? I''ll give you my own answer.


    The answers are not given by others, but by you.


    Knowing the end of the world, which is yet to be viewed, Radey seeks to know what kind of answers he will give.


    ''''I think that''s the job of a brave man. I want to challenge the Demon King to give me my own answers. I don''t want to stop walking.......!


    Radey''s fierce determination left everyone around him speechless.


    Everyone gasped and a painful silence passed.


    It felt like they had been confronted with the painful force of who a brave man was, here and now.


    ''I feel like I''ve been confronted with who a brave man is,''


    The one who said that was Arantzill-san, the previous hero.


    Did you have the exact same impression as me...?


    Maybe that''s what being brave is all about. It''s about unlocking the unknown and opening up the way for people to move forward.


    ''Oh, Arantzill-sama...?


    When I was a brave man, I never had an ounce of that kind of thinking in my head. I had only anger and hatred. Normally a brave man shouldn''t fight for such reasons...


    Arantzill-san''s expression as he said it as if he was reflecting on himself, but on the other hand, there was a radiant look on his face that was not trapped by anything.


    Definitely after the battle with Inferno-Drismegian, this person had risen a notch in rank.


    This person who is called a great brave man, now it feels like he''s more than that.


    ''''Hey Dariel?��Wouldn''t it be better to say that Radey is the true brave man, rather than me or you?


    ''Huh?��Yes, that''s exactly what I think.


    I''m not trying to be a Texan.


    I, too, would think that this attitude of Radey''s is what a brave man should be like.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it happen.


    Who is it that you are to argue further?


    Then I, too, will support your ambitions, Radie.


    You''re not supposed to root for them.


    It was Zebiantes.


    You are the Four Heavenly Kings.


    You may be the one to block the hero''s progress, but don''t cheer for him. Keep to your assigned roles!


    The setting is ruined as soon as it''s spoiled. I can''t even bring myself to fight with my friend, Lady Radix, and if that''s the case, the Demon King will be more than happy to work with you to confront you as a formidable threat. You want a strong enemy, don''t you?


    ''''Ugh........?''''


    Zebiantes is an idiot, but he sees right through the main points.


    No, Zebiantes. You don''t disrespect the duties of the Four Heavenly Kings...?


    You just have to be flexible. That''s what Droyer is all about, he''s got a good head on his shoulders.


    ....


    Droyer''s rebuttal did not continue, as he was still unable to get out of his own hesitation.


    He sat back in his chair with no effort.


    ''''.........''''


    All right.


    In that case, in order for Radie to get her own answers, we''ll back her to reach the Demon King''s Castle?


    ''''Then the question is...''''

 245-244 Dariel seeks a new route

    That''s the route to the Demon King''s Castle.


    I turn my attention once again to the problems under my feet.


    It had been neglected due to the inferno related mess........


    The truth about the world, the true identity of the Demon King, and where people are headed....


    This is a much more substantive issue than those grandiose propositions.


    "Lasperda Fortress...


    How long has it been since I''ve mentioned this name?


    I remember it was a long time ago.


    "...it''s disappeared.


    I find it hard to believe that I''m going on like this.


    But Lasperda Fortress has disappeared.


    You may say, "How is it possible for a single fortress to disappear?", but it was indeed gone.


    The reason for this is the inferno.


    The monster, which wanted the power to destroy the world in order to defeat the Demon King, wielded a part of it to achieve an unorthodox result.


    That has receded to the present day.


    Although it doesn''t look like much due to Inferno''s rampage, the annihilation of Lasperda Fortress is an unprecedented event. If things go wrong, the aspect of the battle will change drastically.


    Rasperda Fortress was the keystone.


    It was the keystone that was the center of the battle between the brave and the Four Heavenly Kings for the past few hundred years.


    ''''In order for the heroes to attack the demon territory, they must drop Lasperda Fortress. ''''The support from the big stronghold is essential to attack deep into the enemy territory.''''


    The demon tribe also knows this, so they will defend it to the death to prevent it from being taken.


    There is no base on the same scale as Rasperda Fortress on the border of the demon race territory of the human race, so their presence is becoming more and more important.


    ''''The side that secures Lasperda Fortress will take the lead in the battle. As long as we have Lasperda Fortress, we can win. As long as we have Lasperda Fortress, we can''t lose. With that mentality, the heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings have been fighting only for that fortress for the past few hundred years.''''


    That hurts my ears.


    Beside me, Lady Granberza said.


    ''Dariel is right, our active years were really a bloody battle for that fortress. How many times did the ownership of that fortress go back and forth between the two sides?


    "It was always in your absence when we took Fort Rasperda.


    Mr. Alanziel says to his nemesis, Lady Granbaza.


    ''Well, I can''t be stuck in there at all hours,'' he said. I can''t stay there all the time," he said. The moment you leave the front line, you''ll lose your fortress.


    ''''Then, when we let the fortress enter the Demon Clan''s territory to Bridgehead Tamotsu, you will quickly take the fortress and cut off our rear. We have no choice but to make a detour and retreat.


    ''I''ve been through that a lot. Really over and over again...


    It''s spoken of as something of a memoir, but it''s a history of blood-soaked warfare.


    It''s horrible.


    But that kind of thing is no longer repeated.


    Yes, now that the fortress itself is gone.


    The Rasperda Fortress, an important stronghold for both man and monster, was gone.


    So this old hardened head can''t imagine what''s to come. Dariel, tell me. I''m not sure how the war between the heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings will change without Rasperda Fortress.


    The most likely scenario is no different.


    Even many people in the world are accustomed to the conflict between the brave and the Four Heavenly Kings, with Lasperda Fortress as the reference point.


    Those who are unable to think flexibly will stick to this form.


    What such people will do when they lose the stronghold of the pattern is to prepare a new stronghold.


    And they will try to do the same thing again.


    ''''Perhaps there will be a move to rebuild the fortress from either the human race or the demon race.


    Or both at the same time.


    A new fortress will be built, and under that new fortress the fighting will begin again. And the battle looks the same as it did hundreds of years ago, and it will continue to do so again.


    It''s not interesting, but it''s probably the safest development.


    People are fundamentally conservative, so they don''t care about random changes.


    ''''What we need to be wary of at this time is how the human and demon race will perceive each other''s movements.


    If I''m wrong, we''ll start building our own fortresses right under our noses and it will be a curious spectacle.


    Of course, it''s not going to be fun to build a stronghold under the leadership of the enemy, so there will be interference.


    Building a fortress requires a large number of people to build it, and a large number of people will be needed to block or protect it.


    A large number of people on the site of the Rasperda Fortress, both friend and foe, are in a state of chaos....


    If I''m wrong, the worst thing that could happen is that we could start a new war on a large scale.


    Now Bezalia should be at the site of Lasperda Fortress.


    Mr. Droyer reports.


    ''''We''ve given him a hard role in dealing with the field, but at any rate, we can''t leave that land unprotected. It seems that a significant number of adventurers from the human side have gathered there and the standoff continues.


    I''ll just sit in my room and drink my tea, leaving the annoying part to that sticky man. I''m just happy to have a nice cup of tea in my room.


    ..........


    You guys can apologize to Bezzeria a lot later, okay?��Don''t forget the candy bars.


    Already a flurry of activity is forming in the air? What do we do, Dariel?


    and Lady Glamberza.


    The air is also forming when we get to the troubled point of decision-making and I''m talking to me.


    ''''The most peaceful way to go would be to sign a ceasefire agreement until the fortress is completed.


    Anyway, the battle was cancelled for now.


    The humans and the demons, let''s work together to build a new fortress.


    If we could do that, we''d have no trouble...?


    Is that practically possible?��The human race and the demon race are exactly the kind of people who have hated each other for thousands of years, you know?


    The human race and the demon race were informed of this new revelation by the Demon King, and they were originally of the same race.


    Even if this fact is known, it doesn''t mean that the history of hatred between the human and demon races will be erased.


    Moreover, the majority of people in the world still don''t know this fact.


    That makes reconciliation even more impossible.


    I think you are being a little too optimistic, don''t you, Dariel?��How can you serve as the head of a village with such a poor outlook?


    Well, that''s not much to ask. But I''m asking you to use a standing one, even my parents.


    "?


    I look around at Lady Granberza and Mr. Alanziel in turn.


    ''Wouldn''t things be better if you guys got out in the open and took the initiative to wave this idea around?


    They are, after all, two of the greatest men of all time.


    They were well-known and their influence was messy.


    The fact that these two former rivals were meeting at this time and place at this time and place was an absolute opportunity.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to negotiate with people who are usually unapproachable, but also if you know that this is the place to build a bridge.


    And most importantly, the successful completion of the new fortress is advantageous for both tribes. Even if there is psychological resistance, as long as there is a single point of breakthrough, they will eventually lean towards each other.


    We''re going to be the breakthrough...


    Granberza-sama made an itchy expression while........


    "Dariel''s proposal to make me work even after retiring is still as efficient and labor-less as ever, isn''t it? I won''t even make it easy for me, my nurturing parents.


    "If this old man can run around and keep the peace, so be it.


    I''m glad you both have a positive attitude.


    But that''s not really the point of this discussion.


    "Radey, how are you gonna do in this situation?


    ''''.........?''''


    I turned to face Radey, who had been silent up to this point.


    ''''As we''ve talked up to this point, Lasperda Fortress was the root of the battle for the brave. The once defunct fortress is on its way to being rebuilt.


    What would you do in this situation?


    I ask you repeatedly.


    "You want to get to the Demon King, don''t you?��Then we have to examine this situation more seriously than anyone else. Right now this situation is clearly confusing. Do you want to take advantage of that confusion and outsmart it?��Or do you want to behave and wait for the situation to clear up?


    After the new fortress that replaces Rasperda''s fortress is completed, will you take control of that fortress and attack the Demon King in a fair manner?


    If you''re going to set a big goal, you''ve got to make a decision now, okay?


    So, what''s the plan?


    What do you want to do?


    Dariel?��Isn''t that question mean-spirited?


    It was surprisingly Droyer who questioned him on behalf of his party.


    ''Mean-spirited?��Why?


    ''''You said it yourself. You said it yourself: "The brave men of the human race can''t attack deep into our demon territory without the support of a large base. And only Rasperda Fortress could fulfill that role!


    That''s right.


    Good job remembering that, Droyer.


    "So, after all, no brave girl can march in without a fortress. She has no choice but to wait for the new fortress to be completed!


    No.


    It was another surprising Radie who refuted Droyer''s claim.


    ''Thank you for interfering with my concern. But there is a mistake in your claim. There is already one more place on this ground that should be a support base in addition to the Rasperda Fortress.


    What?


    Oh, really, Radey, you don''t need me to tell you that.


    I guess I didn''t need to know that.


    It''s a place called LUX village.

 246-245 Lux Village becomes a base

    ''''Yes, the village of Lux is a very suitable base for heading to the Demon King''s Castle.


    ''''Eh.........?''''


    Droyer was somewhat confused by that point.


    But think about it.


    Now nearly two years ago, after being fired from the Demon King''s Army, I wandered around aimlessly in despair and ended up in Lux Village.


    This is where my second life began, but I''ll leave it at that.


    What I''m trying to say here is....


    ''''The Demon King''s Castle and Lax Village are only that far apart.


    Just enough for one desperate man to walk aimlessly to reach it.


    It''s a village that originally belonged to the Mithril mine. The position itself is also on the very edge of the border between human and demon territory, making it easy to come and go between each other.


    Thanks to this, Zeviantes and Granbaza-sama come to visit casually.


    I''ve actually experienced it myself, but there wasn''t a single human village on the way from the Demon King''s Castle to the village of Lax.


    It also means that if you''re good at it, you can sneak into the Demon King''s Castle without being spotted by anyone.


    It''s a much better route of entry than attacking the Lasperda Fortress in a fair manner. The route from Lux Village to the Demon King''s Castle. In other words, it''s like going in through the back door.


    If it was the Lax village before, it was already too poor to secure enough supplies and personnel to support the brave men who had entered deep into enemy territory.


    But now it''s different.


    The revival of the Mithril Mine has enriched it, and the flow of people and goods is turning around at a tremendous rate.


    It would be hard for the outside world to find out that this is a cover to materially support the brave men.


    The more you hear about it, the better it is...?


    ''''Right?''''


    In strategy, there is never just one right answer.


    Until the time you are ready to make up your mind, you must explore and compare various possibilities. It''s important to expand your thinking as far as the world.


    That''s how I came up with the strange idea of using the village of Lax as a base. It''s a strategy that you can''t realize unless you think about other factors besides supply, search and battle. That''s another thing you''ve learned from your training here.


    ..........


    Radey, here''s a meaningful pause........


    ''.........of course!


    I don''t think he was thinking that hard.


    An idea.


    Oh well.


    "Anyway, since the world would be better off with as much peace as possible, Master Grandfather, I''m going to ask Mr. Alanczyk to step out into the open and start rebuilding Lasperda Fortress.


    The humans and the demons went hand in hand.


    "To draw attention to them, Radie will quietly try to break into the Demon King''s Castle from Lux Village.


    I think it''s a good idea to set up


    "Of course, it is a policy that requires the cooperation of the people of Lax Village. Dariel, will you accept the position as village chief?


    He asks dutifully.


    ''You''re serious, Radey.


    Good.


    I am of the human race.


    I understand that I have an obligation to cooperate fully with the brave men.


    And the former Demon King''s Army also has to do what the Demon King asks.


    That''s because I''ve heard his intentions.


    "I''m the one speaking out.


    ''Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!'' the hand that is raised just to say ''Yes, yes, yes!


    Isn''t that Zebiantes?


    I don''t recall ever giving an a**h*le a say in the matter, do you?


    ''''Even if we go to the Demon King''s Castle from this village, it''s still not far, is it?


    What do you mean?


    I''m so exhausted from the Demon King''s Castle that I''m going to need to get enough rest before I can use my wind magic to fly so fast from here to here.


    Isn''t that just you being poor...?


    And since you''re going into enemy territory, I think you''ll need to be more prepared than that. The fight is not over until we come back alive. I can''t help but feel that this plan is hasty.


    You''re a Zebiantes and you''re sticking to the point...?


    It''s a fair point.


    It''s true that even if you look at the simple distance, the theory of an immediate infiltration from Lux Village to the Demon King''s Castle is too violent.


    If not, Lux Village would have been destroyed by the Demon King''s Army long ago as an eyesore.


    ''''It''s true that it''s close, but there''s still a long way to go between Laxx Village and the Demon King''s Castle.


    Even if we were to send aid from the village of Luxe, there would still be several staging points.


    We''re going to connect these stopping points, and then we''re going to take the direct route from Lux Village to the Demon King''s Castle.


    I''m going to have Radie head down to the Demon King''s bottom.


    ''''Huh?��Huh?��Huh?


    Droyer was looking around at the exchange of Zeviantes'' question and me raising a strange plan, while Droyer was cringing at the side.


    ��


    That''s why I''m trying to build a relay point.


    I''ve got an idea.


    That''s why I came to the forest.


    This is the forest that entered the direction of the demon territory from Lux village.


    It can be said that the area is already sufficiently the domain of the demon tribe, and an atmosphere of magic power can be felt from the surroundings.


    But there''s no sign of human presence.


    I''m sure you''ll find no human settlements here at all, just like when I was dismissed from the demon king''s army.


    It seems to be a place outside of the human race.


    This is more convenient.


    In order for the enemy''s brave men to advance in secret.


    Well.........


    Then I''ll do what I have to do.


    First, I will bring my hands together at the front of my chest.


    After putting both my right hand and left hand together, both hands together in a form of praying to God, I furiously thrust my hands up furiously as it is.


    ''Kyeeweeeeeee!''


    With a shout.


    With the tip of the joined hands, the heart of the heaven is only impelled.


    And keep your hand raised to the limit. Keep your right hand and your left hand absolutely together.


    First, put your right foot in front of you.


    Dun dun dun, and two steps.


    Step forward as far as the right knee can go at a right angle. Don''t forget to make sure that the left leg behind you is stretched out.


    Stay in the same position and take another step with your right leg.


    Dunk.


    The footprints on the ground are so strong that they can be seen.


    Then exhale, lower your right foot and attach it to your left. Make sure your heels and toes are perfectly aligned.


    Then bring your left foot forward in the same way, but this time with your left foot bent at a right angle.


    Step.


    Dang.


    "Kyoehee!


    Don''t forget to call out.


    Then add a twist at the waist. Once to the right, twice to the left. .... or was it once?


    "............?


    I can feel a look of fear and confusion from the side.


    And more than one.


    "Dariel-san........?��What happened to you?


    She just suddenly did something strange in the woods...?


    It''s broken!��The a**h*le must be broken!


    Annoying a**h*le.


    Nobody''s broken.


    The accompanying Radie, Droyer and Zebiantes were staring at us with eyes as if they were looking at something bad.


    Granbaza-sama and Arantzill-san have been sent to the headquarters of both camps to wrap up the joint construction of the fortress as soon as possible.


    I''m going to keep moving my body here so that I don''t lose to the efforts of the two of you. I''ll continue to make strange noises!


    "Kyoyehee!


    And so, after a few hours of enjoying the bizarre dance.


    After a few hours of enjoying the bizarre dance, Radie and the others finally began to look serious.


    What should we do?��Should we stop her by force?


    Or better yet, just knock him out and take him home...?


    I couldn''t let my wife and children see me like that!


    Shut up!


    The cold stares from the ladies became unbearable, so hurry up and get here and notice me!


    "...if you think it''s a lame call-up dance.


    You there?


    Is that you, Dariel?��What do you want with us Dryadians?

 247-246 Dariel meets Morito

    Dryads are.........


    They are one of the subspecies that live in the territory of the demon race.


    Their main habitat is the forest, where they live in the shadows of the trees with many places to hide, and live a quiet and peaceful life.


    Even though they are a sub-race, they don''t have the same useful characteristics as the knockers, and they are ignored by the demon tribe.


    At the very least, they are neglected by the demon tribe, telling them not to bother them.


    And they live in the depths of the forest that is their home.


    He is taught the "Dance of Invocation" to meet with the dryads.


    The special wavelengths (?) that this dance emits But they say that they can penetrate a wide area and can only be detected by dryads.


    In the deep and wide woods, it is reckless to try to find a dryad by searching blindly.


    That''s why it''s best to send out the "Summoning Dance" and have them find you from the other side.


    This was the surest way to get in touch with the dryad, which is known as the "Son of the Forest.


    "I will introduce you all to them. These are the dryads.


    There were already a number of mysterious human beings gathered around me, only as tall as my waist at most.


    There are about five or six of them, if you count them roughly.


    I could tell at a glance that they were neither humans nor demons.


    They were not only dwarfed, but their skin was also bizarre.


    Their skin was many times less moist than normal human skin, becoming cracked and cracked, with multiple wrinkles carved into it, making it look like tree bark.


    In addition, the skin had become more and more bark-like, with the appearance of old skin or grime rising to the surface.


    A dwarf clad in bark, so to speak.


    It was a sub-race called dryads.


    "Wow, I''ve never seen a dryad before!


    The first thing he did was to give his honest opinion of Zebiantes.


    ''''You''re right.


    I''m sure you''ll find that there is a huge difference in status between you four heavenly kings and the sub-race.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    ''That''s the Dance of the Calling,'' as the dryads once taught me.


    How many years has it been?


    There was talk of clearing the forest for development in the demon territory, and the Dryads were in great opposition.


    For the Dryads, it was a matter of life and death for them to have their forest as their home to be cut down.


    The conflict escalated into a war, and the Demon King''s army was even sent out to put down the enemy.


    Thanks to this, the demon tribe and the dryads were able to reach a compromise that satisfied both sides, and it was then that I gained the trust of the demon tribe, and they taught me the Dance of Calling.


    ''''Thank goodness...!��Mr. Dariel, I thought you had suddenly lost your mind...!


    That''s a hell of a thing to say, Radey.


    "No, wait, but you still don''t get it, do you?��What''s the point of bringing a sub-race here?


    Serious Droyer says.


    ''''According to what you guys said, we were going to set up a transit point between the village and the Demon King''s Castle.


    That''s why these guys...


    To the dryads.........


    I''ll have them build a forest village to serve as a transit point.


    Hey, Chipmunks.


    The dryads give me a quick tug on my pants.


    ''We answered the call, didn''t we?��No hospitality?


    Yeah, yeah, yeah.


    I hold out something that Malika had prepared for me on my way out.


    It''s in a leather bag, and one of the dryads opens his mouth to check it carefully.


    ''....Sugar, right?��Well refined. It''s as white as cotton and has a fine texture of the finest quality. As a local product, it''s a passable grade.


    You talk too much. You better get up, or I''m taking it with me.


    ''Oh wait!��They''re here!��Thank you for such a nice souvenir!


    Many dryads are crooked people in terms of character.


    I''m sure it''s a race trait, but I think it''s also one of the reasons why the demon race has abandoned them.


    I''m sure the demon race will find it much easier to deal with an obedient, simple, and quietly do the job that has been assigned to them, like Knocker.


    Then, there will be questions like these.


    What is the point of having contact with such an inedible dryad that can neither be boiled nor grilled?


    Wouldn''t it be inefficient to try to make these guys, who even the demon race had spoon fed them, do something?


    But I know.


    I know what''s so great about these guys that most people don''t know about.


    "Are you guys still in business?


    When I pointed it out to them, the dryads'' faces changed.


    Some looked away, some deliberately tried to whistle but couldn''t.


    ''''Aheheh...?��What are you talking about?��I don''t understand what you''re saying, do I?


    Yippesots, he must have gotten old after all these years.��We are a people of nature living in the forest in poverty and modesty.


    That''s not true.


    When I was in the Demon King''s Army, I learned about your ''underhanded business'' and my soul was obliterated.


    The reason why you were so stubbornly opposed to the development of forests by the demon tribe was because there was a market for them in the area of development, right?


    Hey, this is Dryad, the black market divider.


    Black market?


    My companions responded to that phrase.


    ''''Wahhhhhhhh!


    ''''Ahoy!��You shouldn''t say that, that''s a promise!


    The dryads hurriedly try to cover my mouth.


    But it''s too late.


    ''Radie, Droyer, I''m sure you''ve overheard at least a few of them.��That somewhere in this world, there is a black market for selling human things to the demons and demon things to the humans.


    "What, exactly...?


    Droyer says, puzzled.


    I know that there is such a thing, but it''s a myth. But it''s a myth, right?��Is the black market a figment of your imagination to explain how the products of the enemy''s side occasionally blunder into your life?


    Well, it does exist.


    The black market in dryads is real.


    The forest these guys live in overlaps with the boundary between human and demon territory, so it''s like a garden for the dryads. To begin with, it''s difficult for both the humans and demons to reach the forest.


    So they can do whatever they want with it.


    "The specialties of the humans and demons from the other side of the forest, and they''re happy with the difference in resale.


    In fact, there is no way for the humans to get their hands on the products of their enemies, who are inherently enemies of both races.


    It could be said that this business was the exclusive market of the dryads.


    Come to think of it, a long time ago, the now deceased old man Smith had an Atanor furnace used by the demon race, which must have also entered human territory through the dryad''s black market.


    ''''Is that, um........legal?''''


    ''Of course it''s illegal?��I wonder if they''ll eradicate it when it becomes public, dryad?


    If you bought the enemy''s goods and gave the enemy profit, it would be a serious act of profit.


    ""Ochaaaaaaahhhh?"


    The dryads suddenly start crying.


    "You, you eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee?��You''re not going to destroy us?


    You said you''d overlook our actions!


    "Without people like us, a lot of people are in trouble.


    Yeah, that''s right.


    I''m sure there are a lot of people who benefit from the dryad''s black market.


    I''m sure you''ll find a lot of people in high positions of power purchasing these items through the black market. If the powers that be wanted, the black market was well protected.


    "Don''t worry, I''m not going to get in the way of your business.


    Oh, jeez.


    The dryads patted their hearts in relief....


    ''On the contrary, I''d like you to let me bite one.


    Now I can tell you what I''m talking about.


    "I want you to set up your own community here. I want you to open up a black market.

 248-247 Dariel tightens up the black market

    Dryads are a forest-dwelling species.


    But that doesn''t mean they live in the trees like monkeys.


    They usually form groups of thirty people and build settlements in the forest.


    They build simple houses and live there while raising their children.


    Can you build a village like that around here? Of course you can continue your business.


    The black market.


    Most of the Dryad settlements also serve as black market venues.


    There is always an underhanded merchant coming in and out, scavenging and bringing in the goods that are notorious.


    ''What?''


    I don''t like being told this all of a sudden.


    The dryads are not enthusiastic.


    "The people of the plain don''t know this, but we don''t move the yasa that easily, do we?��There are conflicts with other dryad settlements, and in-laws with our customers.


    ''''You wouldn''t want a merchant who always uses the black market to suddenly change places, would you?��We have to be honorable, too, especially in an industry like this.


    They have a point.


    ''I''m not suggesting that we move now. They can afford to make their familiarity known. And, you know, I''m not proposing this for nothing. We have plans for you to make a profit.


    Oh.


    Heh.


    "You want to get your mithril products on the black market?


    As soon as I said that, the dryads'' eyes changed color.


    It''s a good thing.


    Our mithril smiths have been following their own creative impulses to create not only weapons for the human race, but also magic tools for the demon race.


    Naturally, these are not sold on the human side. The only way to sell them to the demons is to get them to buy them, but of course they can''t be sold openly to the enemy.


    In the past, I used to go through my friend Rizzet, but it''s about time for me to ask her, who isn''t even the main job of a sideline, to do it.


    How about it?��Can you add the mithril mages we produce to your black market offerings?


    I''ll do it.


    A quick answer, huh?


    But this is a very nimble thing to do. If you''re not this quick, you can''t handle something as dangerous as the black market, right?


    But wait, wait, there''s more that I can''t understand.


    The oldest and most sensible of the several dryads gathered here said.


    ''''Aren''t you, as I recall, a Yippesotu with no power in the Demon King''s army?��What kind of power do you have over a mithril mage?��Besides, I know that the Mithril mine belongs to the humans now. I can''t sell mithril grimoires to the demons any more.


    Good question.


    You''re right, the dryads who run the black market are very intelligent in the world.


    They are the ones you can be proud of.


    "Don''t worry, I''m moving up in the world.


    Now I''m no Yippee-Sotu.


    "I am Soncho!


    So there''s nothing in this world that I can''t do!


    Village chief, I''m a great guy!


    ""I see...oh, I see!"


    ''The dryads!��There''s nothing to worry about!��Trust me and follow me!��Let''s open a black market in my lap and we''ll make a lot of money together!


    ""Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"


    Thus, I was able to take in the dryads.


    ��


    And a few days later.


    And a few days later, the forest was a bustling place, just like the one we were in before.


    "We''ve moved to a dryad settlement.


    I didn''t expect it to happen so soon.


    I can only assume it''s hasty, right?


    Do you have any obligations to the regulars who used to go to the previous settlement?


    Oh well.


    The area in front of me is already opened with the least amount of grass and trees trimmed, and a simple but solid hut has been erected in front of it.


    Who would have thought that there would be spectacularly rare and famous items lined up for sale inside that place?


    ''''Well Mr. Dariel, I''m beginning to see what you''re up to.''''


    Says Radey, who has been watching my work from the side.


    ''You plan to use this dryad settlement as a way station?��You want me to go from Rax Village to the Demon King''s Castle through this settlement?


    Do you understand me, Radey?


    With this, the march from Lux Village to the Demon King''s Castle route should be easy for now.


    The newly created Dryad settlement is located in a forest in the Demon territory.


    The dryad settlement is also a black market, so it was possible to take a break and prepare equipment.


    ''''How could you think that far and call the Dryad together...?��A bottomless person...!��But.........?


    A stinging word from Radey.


    ''Is that all you want?''


    Hmm?


    ''''Placing mithril magic tools on the black market was treated as bait to make the dryads feel more attractive, but the benefits to Lux Village that can be gained from that are absurdly large, right?


    That''s right.


    With the big sales channel of the dryad black market, we can sell more of Lux Village''s mithril products to the demon tribe.


    It''s going to be a boon for sure.


    If this is the case, Rizzet''s got no more use for me now...?


    Don''t call it cheating. A good trick is to have a variety of effects with a single move. And there''s nothing wrong with me, the mayor, wanting to make Lax Village a better place.


    ..........


    Radey, with a deep look on his face that seemed to swallow something.


    Even if you care about appearances now, it''s just a halfway house....... In that case, I''m going to thoroughly push forward without regard to appearances and reach the Demon King. And I will definitely defeat the Demon King!


    Radie was on fire.


    He is determined to defeat the Demon King without reservation.


    And then there''s the other guy who doesn''t mind pretending.


    The other guy is the one who doesn''t mind.��This is a treasure trove!��Another treasure trove of goodies over there!��It''s a bargain over here too!


    Zebiantes was addicted to the black market.


    ''You''re buying everything from here to there!��I''ll have the steward carry it out and pack it in the carriage!


    ''No!��It''s a top-secret market so no extravagant transport!


    Was it a mistake to let him know about this place?


    He''s a noisy guy who is definitely not good at keeping secrets.


    Well, now we''ve opened up a new sales route for the village of Lax, while also opening up a new route for Radie''s march.


    Since the Demon King''s Army is still unaware of this route (Droyer and Zebiantes know about it, but they don''t intend to interfere with it), if they want to go, they can reach the Demon King''s presence without any effort.


    ''''Now that we''re ready to reach it, all that remains is to prepare to win.


    Radey said.


    ''''Of course we can''t get upset that we can win at the current rate. To make this sword reach the Demon King, further training is essential...!''''


    Well, you will.


    I''m also relieved to see that you''re not as reckless as I thought.


    But when you''re dealing with a demon king, isn''t it enough to train for dozens of years?


    You might end up spending the rest of your life in a ''I''m going to get serious tomorrow'' kind of groove.


    '' "It''s okay. We already have a trump card.


    What?


    All that''s left to do is train them to perfection. .........Zebi-chan!


    Zebiantes, who was about to buy the entire hut built by the dryad, turned around.


    ''Hoho?��What''s the matter with you?


    ''Keep me in practice!��A new special move for the Demon King, I''ll have it within a year!


    ''''It''s fine - I made a promise and I will cooperate with you thoroughly!


    Thus.


    The brave Radie has been steadily preparing for the battle against the Demon King.


    She didn''t know what her secret trump card for the Demon King was, but she managed to obtain it through her blood-soaked efforts and headed for the Demon King''s Castle.


    The news that the brave Radie had confronted the Demon King echoed around the world.

 249-248 Dariel gets dignified

    Five years have passed.


    My thirty-something years are almost over.


    I might be able to call myself completely Ala-Fore-Four, if I''m so-called Ala-Four.


    However, I am still in my thirties.


    I won''t give up on being a thirty-something until my fortieth birthday.


    I''m going to pick out some of the important things that have happened in the past five years.


    Radhi confronted the Demon King.


    It wasn''t long before we developed a route from the village of Luxe to the Demon King''s Castle, but since then, Radie began training in preparation for the actual battle.


    I''ve been training under me for a while now, but it''s a different kind of training than that, and it''s with the goal of completely defeating the Demon King in mind.


    It seems that she has a secret plan to defeat the Demon King, and this training is to make it more certain.


    At first, she declared that she would finish it in a year, but in the end it took three years to achieve a satisfactory result.


    From there, he headed for the castle, but along the way he was confronted by Droyer.


    It seems that she didn''t disobey the mission of the Four Heavenly Kings either, saying something like that.


    It took us a year to break through this.


    It was a vindictive breakthrough, going back and forth from the relay village of Dryad.


    However, even though Droyer showed a willingness to thwart it, he didn''t seem to pour any more power into it than an individual.


    He didn''t mobilize the Demon King''s Army or the other Four Heavenly Kings to stop Radey, and he didn''t even report the incident.


    Thanks to this, the main body of the Demon King''s Army was occupied with the Rasperda Fortress, which was being rebuilt, and when they heard about the "Reaching the Radie Demon King''s Castle", they were so surprised that their jaws fell off when they heard about it.


    Other than that, Droyer didn''t even blame the Zebiantes for completely supporting the heroes.


    It seems that the complete one-on-one battle had the effect of giving Radie an extra boost of strength by overcoming the difficulties.


    Then, against all odds, Radey finally arrived at the Demon King''s Castle.


    The Demon King''s army was in turmoil.


    As mentioned before, no one noticed the brave men attacking from the backdoor route, and no one who knew about it reported it, so it was completely out of the blue.


    Moreover, the Demon King''s Castle was short-handed because the main force of the army was in the area where the Rasperda Fortress was scheduled to be rebuilt, and they were conducting mutual surveillance with the human race adventurers.


    After raiding the Demon King''s Castle, Reedy had no trouble getting to the Demon King''s side, and a direct confrontation was said to have taken place.


    The result of that match was.....


    The result of that match was.....


    The result of the match was.....


    The brave man, Radie, miraculously reached the farthest reaches of the enemy''s ranks in a surprise attack and brought them into a direct confrontation with the Demon King.


    However, his flash of sword failed to reach the enemy and he was burned to ashes by the Demon King''s overwhelming magical power.


    Nowadays, the rumors of the death of the brave man, Radie, are all over the place.


    I''m not sure of the location of the brave man himself, even though the Demon King is still alive and well.


    At the very least, the Center Guild immediately sent out the news of Reedy''s death to the public and held a grand funeral ceremony without the body, and sent the hero''s soul to the afterlife.


    Then, they write down Radie''s name in the hero''s biography and make him a person of the past as soon as possible.


    Otherwise, the rest will catch up with them.


    The Center Guild has to prepare for the next one as soon as possible so that the brave men and women can continue to fight.


    If Radey died, another hero would be chosen, and that new hero would end up being crushed by the Demon King, whether or not he broke through to the new Four Heavenly Kings.


    And then a new hero is chosen again, and the process repeats.


    Is that the settled form of this world? No matter how right or twisted this world is, I''m a dwarf whose only wish is to live a healthy life in it, and I have nothing to say about it.


    Yes, my personal life is no different after Radey''s battle is over than it was before.


    I just wanted to protect, provide for and nurture my family and friends.


    The village of Lax, which I had decided to make my new home, had become my home in both name and reality.


    It''s already been six years...or is it seven since my first visit?


    I even feel like I''ve been here since I was born. I''ve gotten used to my job as village chief, and I''ve learned to cope with everything without a hitch.


    Of course there have been changes.


    The most noticeable change is the growth of our children.


    My eldest son, Gran will be six years old this year.


    He can walk by himself now, and in fact, he is now running around the village in a frenzy.


    T-Chan!��Touche!��Toh-chan!


    Today, my son is full of energy.


    It''s morning and he''s already getting into his stride.


    "Come on, T-chan, play with me with the sword, I''m going to beat you today!


    His language has become much stronger and more reliable, even for a child.


    His words are probably a bit boisterous, though.


    "Don''t try to surpass your father at your age. Besides, my dad has to work today.


    Yesterday was my day off, but I was able to keep my son company.


    Gran, like anyone else, loves to move his body, and in particular, swinging swords and spears seems to suit him well.


    His skills are of the adventurer''s class, and he will be even stronger once he is officially recognized as an adventurer and wears his aura.


    I''m afraid that he has too much potential, even for my son.


    ''''What?��Dad, you only took a day off yesterday. If you''re going to do it, why don''t you continue to take a day off today?


    A child presents you with a horrible theory.


    Wrong?


    You know how when you take one day off, you''re supposed to work the next day?


    ''Hey, Dad, why don''t you take a break from work and cut up with me!��I feel like I''m going to beat my dad today, me!


    I should mention, in case you''re wondering, that even though it''s a slash, it''s not exactly a slash because the object is a wooden stick.


    Even so, it''s hard to take it easy when you don''t want your son to get hurt, and it''s more nerve-wracking than when you''re working.


    ''Hey, Gran!


    Guhee?


    The tray being swung down hits my son in the head.


    It was Maleeka.


    My beloved wife, soon to be the mother of four children, still shows no signs of abating her temper.


    ''Your father is now going to work to serve the village!��You, my eldest son, must not interfere!


    Maleeka is a tray in her right hand. She had a newborn baby in her left arm and a four-year-old girl clinging at her feet.


    Celica, the eldest daughter.


    This was my second son, Alan.


    My wife was a really fine easy-birth type, and our house became more and more crowded as the years went by because she didn''t know how to rest or give birth to a baby in a flurry of babies.


    Even now, she has a fourth life in her belly, and she is waiting for the day when she will go out into the world.


    Although she is pregnant with four children, her mother, Marika, shows no signs of slowing down in terms of her youth and beauty.


    Today, too, she was full of life force.


    ''Come on, the food is ready, let''s all eat together. We need to eat well on the first morning of the day if we are to work hard all day.''


    Hmm.


    I''ll have to stuff it in my stomach so I don''t neglect the work of the village chief.


    Where are your father and mother-in-law?


    It''s already on the table.


    Then let''s hurry up. We mustn''t keep them waiting.


    You must eat your fill, too. And you can have another day of fun that will break your body into pieces. You are doing your job now by playing.


    Yes, sir.


    A son who responds well only to his mother.


    But son.


    I want to remind you that the act of ''playing'' does not include leaving the village, going into the forest, encountering monsters, beating them up and hunting them.


    Don''t take away the work of your adventurer brother and sister.


    ''What do you do today, Anata?


    In the meantime, since we don''t have any pressing matters, I''m going to take a look around. I''ll have to get reports on any irregularities.


    All right. You''ll have lunch back at home, won''t you?


    ''Right, let''s all eat together at home. Gran''s going to be back once for lunch as well, okay?


    If I don''t nail this down, I''ll spend the day in the Mithril mine.


    You really are a tricky son.


    Okay, okay!��Then we''ll slash each other at lunch!


    It''s a lunch break.


    My young, energetic son had not yet acquired the concept of rest.


    This is how my days continue today, peacefully, five years later.

 250-249 Dariel inspects the village five years later (1)

    After having breakfast at home, I went to work.


    Today''s duty, as declared, is to check on the various facilities in the village.


    Lax Village has grown reasonably large over the past five years, so I had to take a look around frequently or else it could lead to an incident.


    That''s why we visited the Adventurer''s Guild first.


    For me, I guess you could call it my first stop.


    My first job after coming to Lax Village was as an adventurer.


    The guild itself has changed since then, and has become a much larger organization.


    The guild''s branch, which was rebuilt last year, is now a three-story building, and is as luxurious as any of the neighboring city villages.


    I opened the door of such a luxurious building and entered.


    ''''Good evening.


    Dariel!��I''m glad you''re here!


    I was greeted by the guild master in Alexandria.


    He is also the man from Alexandria.


    Therefore, we ate breakfast together around the table just now....


    It seems that he wanted to do this, so he dashed out before me.


    ''''You don''t have to push yourself so hard........''''


    It won''t be like that. Now you''re the genius that has made Lax Village the most prosperous it''s ever been!��I''m very proud to have someone like you as my son.


    As do I.


    If it hadn''t been for you and Marika''s hospitality, I would have died in a ditch somewhere.


    This is my small way of repaying you for your kindness.


    The guild has grown up," he said, "and now that I think about it, this guild has grown up. It''s hard to believe that I used to be both village chief and guildmaster, and used my house as my office.


    That''s right, at first.


    When the village was small, things were small and simple, so it was enough for my father-in-law to serve as both the village chief and the adventurer''s guild master.


    As the village grew and the duties became more and more complicated, I took over the role of village chief, and my father-in-law concentrated on being the guildmaster.


    I''ve heard that he was an adventurer in his younger days, which suits his nature better.


    He is no longer in his sixty years of age, and he is still strong and hardworking despite being surrounded by many grandchildren.


    It''s a good idea to give our adventurers a shout-out, too. The head of the village is the object of our admiration, so I''m sure everyone will be happy to see him!


    No, no.


    I''m nothing more than an old man to these up-and-coming adventurers.


    A village chief is usually a role like that, right?


    It''s like he''s just there to bring the case.


    There''s at least one person who''s going to be happy to see you.


    The one your father-in-law is pointing at is a rugged veteran with the dignity of a strong man.


    But that face is the same one that has been with me since I came to Lax Village.


    "........isn''t that your brother?


    A strong veteran adventurer noticed my appearance and rushed over.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time.


    I''m not going to be able to get a good idea of what I''m talking about.


    I''m not sure I''ll ever be able to find out if I''m going to be able to get my hands on one of the most powerful adventurers in the world.


    There aren''t many people who can beat him one-on-one.


    ''''What''s going on here?��Are you on a tour?��A village chief''s job is hard, isn''t it.......!


    Not compared to what you adventurers do.


    Their quests are always fraught with danger.


    "Or will you be an adventurer again?��If he comes back, it''ll be all over for us.


    No, no...?


    I''m about to turn 40, so it''s impossible for me to be an adventurer.


    It''s all about physical strength.


    How''s your health, Gacita?��How are the kids?


    ''Thanks!��My brother''s wife is very kind and delivers nutritious food to me every day!��And that''s why both mother and child are healthy!


    In the past five years, Gacita has settled down, gotten married and had a family.


    Last year they had a baby girl, and it looks like it''s been smooth sailing for him.


    He is married to a retired A-class adventurer, and the child he has born shows a lot of talent.


    Then I''ll have to work harder to earn more money. Gacita, what kind of quests are you doing today?


    Gathering herbs.


    ..........


    Um, Mr. Gacita?


    Since you''re a Class A adventurer, it''s time for you to get rid of the collection quest.


    You''re right, there are plenty of other high-level quests you should be hitting, right?


    ''No, no, no, no, no, no matter how great or strong you get, you can''t forget your original intentions!��Ore''s first instincts are packed into a collection quest!��And a lesson not to be forgotten!��That''s why I''m going to be the guy who takes collection quests on a regular basis from now on and forever!


    I think that''s an admirable sentiment....


    A long time ago, Gashita used to prod him as unworthy of the quests that Zako did, such as gathering medicinal herbs.


    In those days, he was truly a bundle of youth and pride.


    He is ashamed of himself and tries to remember his old feelings by taking regular quests to collect herbs so that he doesn''t make the same mistake again.


    You have become a straightforward man.


    I heard that you''re the strongest adventurer in the world, so we should expect to see what a great guy you are...!


    Hmm?��What is it?


    A boyish, cocky voice?


    You''re a lazy bastard who spends his days on picking quests.��If you want to collect that much, why don''t you just give up your A grade and do a D grade, huh?


    When I looked around, I saw a young adventurer who seemed to be the most cocky among the adventurers stationed in the guild.


    The guild in Lax Village has grown quite large, so there are always two to three dozen adventurers packed into the branch at any given time.


    It seems that they all gathered at the front door because of my arrival as the village chief, and the cocky little boy was one of them.


    ''''Oh, hey, are you sure you want to do this, Gashita?��I''ve been told a lot of things, but?


    Six years ago, I was right in front of you.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who has the generosity of a seasoned veteran to look at the newcomer who bites you without knowing what he or she is doing.


    It''s just that he''s also young and has a narrow view. Even if you don''t like it, your eyes will open sooner or later. It''s the role of a senior adventurer to follow him or her so that they don''t die at the very least until then, right?


    I never expected to hear such an overflowing line from Gacita''s mouth...?


    Yes, he''s already number one in this guild, so he''s in a position where he has to think about training his juniors and so forth, right?


    I used to do that to him as well.


    The fact that the role I served in is now served by a junior colleague who has changed and is now serving in a different role brings tears to my eyes.


    But the cocky new adventurer has no way of knowing what those old men are going through.


    I''m sure the village chief is annoying as well, barging in at every turn. Does he think the adventurers'' guild is under his control?


    The point of the difficulty turns to me.


    One of the other adventurers nearby chides me.


    I''ve heard that the village chief used to be an adventurer too.��I''m sure they''ll come to visit us because of that relationship, and they''ll feel close to us.


    That means you''re a retiree, right?��Keh, don''t go around trying to be an adventurer halfway through. It''s better to die than to quit halfway through. I''m not. I''ve risked my life to become a master adventurer, so I''m prepared to die if I don''t become a Grade A adventurer.


    It''s all about the youthful frivolity of the lines.


    If that old man had 1/10th the determination as I did, he could have become a better adventurer. After all, being a village chief is just an escape route for dropouts, isn''t it?��It''s a shame that such a person can''t just show up at the adventurer''s guild.


    The cheeky boy was attacked by flying arrows.


    And it''s not just one, it''s dozens, no, hundreds.


    It didn''t hit the boy himself, but it flew away from the threshold and pierced the wall behind him.


    On the wall, a line drawing of an arrow that copied the boy''s silhouette exactly as it was formed.


    ''''........What did you just say?''''


    A killing voice rang out, so chilling that even the wolves were frightened.


    Gashita, who has become an A-class adventurer, can already freak out and incontinence with just his voice if he''s a normal person.


    ''''You can still humiliate me. I''m the head of the guild, and it''s my job to take irresponsible insults from people. But I won''t allow myself to insult my brother.��Expose me to death with regret!


    Waaaaaah!��Wait, Gacita, calm down!


    I stop them in a hurry.


    I wanted my guild master, my father-in-law, to help me, but he wouldn''t budge, saying ''it''s only natural to crack down on the verbal abuse of the village chief''.


    Gashita, who had become an A-class adventurer, had condensed his sting (poke) aura and was able to create instant arrows with it alone.


    Thanks to this, he could rain a rain of sideways arrows for a long time with infinite remaining ammunition.


    The cocky boy who was driven away all day long by that rain of arrows escaped from the guild that night and returned to his hometown.

 251-250 Dariel inspects the village five years later (2)

    ''But there are some youngsters who have no idea how strong Dariel-kun is. It''s kind of strange.


    Your father-in-law says sincerely, "I''ve never fought a real fight since the Inferno five years ago.


    The last time I fought properly was five years ago at the Battle of the Inferno, and I haven''t had a proper fight since then.


    There are many young men who have come to the village since then, so I''m sure they don''t know that I can fight.


    It''s amazing to me that there are young men from other towns and villages who come to us. In the past, they used to migrate from our town to other places to work...!


    That''s also thanks to the development of the village.


    Young people come to work from the surrounding towns and villages because there are plenty of jobs available.


    Especially since adventurers are an unreliable profession, there are a lot of drifters.


    It''s rather rare for adventurers like Gacita to stay in one place for long, and even for those who experienced the Inferno War five years ago, only about 30% of the adventurers who retired or moved to another town are left.


    Even so, the size of the Lax Village Adventurer''s Guild has reached an all-time high as more and more adventurers are added to the ranks.


    ''''Honestly, can I handle this all by myself?��That''s a number of things, though. With the help of Gacita and Zester-kun, we''re getting by.


    And your father-in-law.


    Zester, who was one of them, began to stay in the village of Laxx after Radey''s heroic party broke up.


    He was originally an A-class adventurer who was once chosen as a hero himself.


    It''s a good idea to have an A-class adventurer in the village of Lax, and Gacita and Zester are the two top adventurers in the guild.


    ''''Come to think of it, I can''t see Zester today.


    ''He''s on a quest. He''s really hard working and helpful.


    Well, when it comes to adventurers, it''s quests.


    But as for Gacita, he seems to have cancelled today''s collection quests and will devote himself to teaching the newcomers.


    It''s not just him who got cocky, many young boy adventurers of all ages are getting caught up in this.


    ''''Pathetic...?


    ''''But it''s nice to have a veteran to guide you like that. It makes a big difference in the survival rate of young people.


    Gacita, despite his appearance, is a very caring person, so he should be able to take care of the newcomers.


    The new guild branch has plenty of space for training as well.


    After all, it''s a three-story building.


    The covered training area that used to be the center guild''s most astounding, is now there.


    In addition, the Adventurer''s Guild in Lux Village, which had been in existence for five years, was fully equipped with various other facilities such as a medical room, a conference room, a reference room where past monster trends and quest records were stored, a napping room, and a nursery room.


    ''''I''m really amazed that we''ve come so far...''''


    I never dreamed that I would be able to do that.


    Me and your father-in-law both cried.


    Adventurers are the bulwark that protects the town and village.


    The prosperity of Lax Village depends on the quantity and quality of adventurers.


    Fortunately, the development of the village has lured many adventurers to come to the village in search of work.


    They are the most powerful users in the world, such as Gacita and Zester.


    But they weren''t the only ones, our village''s guild was blessed with grain.


    ''''Good morning!''''


    Yes, sir.


    Saying that, the ones who showed up at the guild were Ryubeke and Salika''s siblings.


    They are also my brothers and sisters-in-law.


    My wife Marieka''s blood is in your veins.


    Oh, good morning. I see you''re in full force.


    Chief!��Good morning!


    They find me and repeat the greeting in a most cheerful manner.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most of your time in the city.


    I''m not sure I''ve ever seen such a thing.


    In the meantime, however, his LUX village has recovered and he''s back in the city. And that''s when I came back.


    I''m still in a weak position in the village, but I''m still contributing to the Adventurer''s Guild.


    I think it''s about time they welcomed me back as a proper member of the village, but my wife and mother-in-law still won''t let me, so I''m on the outside.


    They haven''t even given me permission to enter my house (the son-in-law''s house), which is supposed to be my birthplace, and I''ve been sleeping and waking up in a rented house nearby.


    ''I really rely on these guys, though.


    ''Even if you''re not as good as Gacita or Mr. Zester, you''re a B-level adventurer. He''s the perfect person to entrust with tough quests.


    A-class adventurers with a limit on the number of members per guild.


    Some people argue that a guild with dozens of flexible B-class adventurers is a better guild.


    That''s why we shouldn''t just focus on the glittering A-classes and pay close attention to the B-class C-classes, or even the DE-classes that will eventually grow up.


    They are the relatives of the village chief and Gilmouth, so they have a high level of trust. We have to take good care of them.


    As much as I wish I could, my wife still hasn''t forgiven me for what they''ve done to me.


    Five years have already passed.....


    So the crime of abandoning the village and leaving is still a serious one.


    Tough on the traitor.


    ''''No, that''s fine.''''


    L��beke, the second son, said, "We love this village where we were born.


    We love this village where we were born. That''s why we want to contribute. We don''t care what position we''re in to do so!


    I''m sure your mother and sister will understand one day!


    My youngest son, Salika, is trying hard.


    Hopefully their innocence will come through and one day there will be a time of reconciliation........


    ''''Well, there''s a problem...''''


    They came into the guild along with two of them, the other one.


    This was the problem.


    ''''You''re sinking so low...?


    They usually work in pairs of three.


    The second son, Lubeke, and the youngest sister, Salika.


    And Stanville, the eldest, was the leader of these two.


    They were joined by my wife, Malika, to make four siblings, but while all three except Malika had left their homes, only Malika remained in the village.


    The difference between the three of them and one of them was overwhelming.


    ''Is Stanville still depressed?''


    I''m a little fed up with that guy coming up to the guild and letting out a heavy sigh.


    ''''The promotion exam was two months ago.��How can you be so depressed?


    ''''This is the year.......I thought I could pass this year...!''''


    Two months ago, Stanville took the A-level adventurer advancement exam held at the Center Guild.


    For the past five years this guy has been trying every year without fail, but he still hasn''t been able to pass it.


    This year, he''s a B-class adventurer again.


    I''m sure my mother will forgive me if I pass the A-class exam and add me to the village as an official member...!


    I''m not so sure about that.


    Your mother-in-law is devilishly strict with you guys.


    It''s not like she said she would forgive you if you got to Grade A. You''re just assuming things, and that''s a recipe for trouble.


    "No, you have to forgive me...!��And I must officially become a member of this village again...!


    Stanville...!��That much.........?


    So you''re full of love for your hometown?


    I''ve been depressed for two months and thought it was just a matter of time, but it''s also an emotional way of expressing love for your hometown.


    I''m going to be a member of the village, if I could formally become a member of the village..., if I could, I could become the village chief?


    Hey!


    I knew this guy was no good.


    He''s a hopeless piece of ambition.


    Come to think of it, I heard that he took the initiative in persuading his younger siblings to leave the village when they first left....


    I''m the son of the former village chief!��I''m the son of the former village chief!��And he''s the eldest!��I''m fully qualified to take over!


    No, that''s not the point, is it?


    ''''What''s more, Dad is an active guild master in Lax Village!��Which means I have the right to take over Gilmouth!


    When I retire, I''m thinking of appointing Gacita to succeed me.


    I think that''s a good idea too.


    And the position of village chief already has me in it.


    I don''t intend to cling to power, but as expected, I''m not ready to leave the village''s future to you.


    I''m going to be the village chief for at least another 20 years, so don''t get greedy. "I''ll be the village chief for at least another 20 years, so don''t get greedy.


    Don''t you ever tell me you have a plan for your life?��I''m sure you have a plan for your life, too.


    It''s so weird how close it''s gotten to me.


    My plan for life is to live out my days in peace here in Lax Village.


    In less than ten years, you''ve turned a dying village into a thriving one. You can''t stop here, you know that. You want to use this prosperous village as a foothold for your future expansion into the center of the country, don''t you?


    What?


    ''''First of all, I can dream of becoming the director of the Center Guild and eventually the president of the guild!��With all your wits!��But in that case, the chief''s seat will inevitably be vacated, right?��And I, your brother-in-law, me!��I''m trying to carry it!��Don''t worry, I''ll do everything in my power to back you up!


    I think you''re making a grand mistake, so I''ll tell Malika and her mother-in-law about it later.


    After all, power and wealth are demons. The bigger it gets, the more bad things it attracts.


    It''s the same as in the past, but from now on, I have to be more careful.

 252-251 Dariel inspects the village five years from now (three)

    After a break in the inspection, I took a leave of absence from the Adventurer''s Guild.


    We can leave that place to your father-in-law and Gacita and we''ll be fine. Although there are some elements of anxiety like Stanville, I can report that to Marika and she will be able to squeeze it out of me.


    Leaving the guild, I decided to inspect the next location.


    In addition to the Adventurer''s Guild, there is another facility of utmost importance, the heart of the village.


    It is the Mithril Forge.


    It is the only place in the world where the mysterious mineral mithril is processed and turned into a variety of useful tools.


    The weapons made from mithril produced here are spread throughout human territory and are used to create great wealth.


    It is the wealth generated by Mithril products that has made Lux village so rich, so what happens to this place would be a real problem.


    So I''ll have to check up on them often.


    ��


    ''''Welcome, welcome to the village chief!


    The one who greeted me was Sakai-kun, the blacksmith who leads the forge.


    I''ve been with him since the reopening of this blacksmith''s shop, but he''s fully imbued with the dignity of a skilled blacksmith.


    What?��You''re kidding me!��I''m not even close to being a master yet!


    Old Smith is the master who taught Sakai the art of blacksmithing.


    He was the foremost expert in mithril processing, and the blacksmithing that is now practiced here was also laid by Grandpa Smith, who laid the groundwork and taught it to those who came after him.


    Sadly, old Smith, along with his golden, precious technical knowledge, has passed away where no one can go back.


    Sakai, as the apprentice of that genius blacksmith, did well to pass on his skills and enliven the forge.


    More than anyone else, the blacksmith shop and Lax Village have grown to this point, thanks to Sakai-kun.


    ''''No way!��Thanks to the village chief for establishing a sales channel!��Thanks to you, the more you hit, the more money comes in and we get to make new ones!��It''s an ideal environment for a blacksmith!


    This smithy has been able to invite alchemists of the demon race to create not only weapons for humans, but also magical tools for the demon race.


    Their different knowledge combined with each other''s, weapons and magical tools that have never been seen before are being created in a big way.


    The dryad black market acquired five years ago is also functioning, and many goods are being sent to the demon territory.


    Business seemed to be going well.


    ''''Not only the skill of the village chief, but that man''s cooperation is also important.......!


    Sakai-kun is very particular about someone.


    Oh, that guy...?


    He''s the one who does the test run of our new product and gives us some creative ideas, and that''s the inspiration for our development!


    So where is this guy?


    ''I''m still getting a look at the prototype. It''s flying.


    The sky?


    When I went outdoors and looked up, I saw a single shadow flying around like a falcon in a clear, cloudless sky.


    ''Ohohohohohoh!��It''s very good!��These new mithril wings are so comfortable to use!


    It was Zebiantes.


    I''m flying around in the sky with wings made of some kind of metal on my back.


    ''''........Huh?��Wasn''t that the one I made a long time ago?


    ''''No, it''s not!''''


    Sakai-kun told me with an awesome sword.


    ''''A movable mithril wing that was prototyped five years ago!��That''s its later development!��By making various improvements, we have increased the magic conduction rate and significantly increased the speed, trajectory control, and flight duration!


    ''''Oh, yeah...?''''


    When I let Sakai-kun talk about this kind of thing, I can''t control it.


    By the way, the Zebiantes in the sky above us are flying around at an unstoppable speed and finally landed right in front of us with a swoosh.


    ''''Sakai-kun!��This new model is really quite good!��You''re going to praise him for all his hard work up to this point!


    Haha!


    Why are you so high and mighty?


    ''Huh?��They''re coming to Dariel?��You''ve been drawn to my good looks, haven''t you?


    ..........


    "I don''t do it, I don''t do it, I don''t do it, I don''t do it!


    I felt annoyed, so I put a pencil between his ring and middle fingers and then squeezed his four fingers as hard as I could.


    ........well.


    Five years ago, this guy was free enough, but now that five years have passed, the situation has changed a bit.


    The Zebiantes are now fully settled in Lax Village.


    I''m not sure if I''ve ever heard of it, but I''m sure I''ve heard of it.


    The Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army have retired.


    When Radie reached the Demon King-sama, she was removed from the position of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    This was not for any special reason, but it was customary.


    It was the role of the Four Heavenly Kings First to protect the Demon King from the advance of the brave men. Since the brave man reached the Demon King''s side, he was relieved of his duties for failing to fulfill his role.


    This is because he doesn''t have the ability suitable to call himself the Four Heavenly Kings.


    This was a rule that had been decided hundreds of years ago, and there was no greater humiliation for an elite demon race that had been selected as the Four Heavenly Kings.


    Henceforth, for the rest of his life... or even after his death, he would have to continue to receive scorn and ridicule.


    However, despite being placed in such a harsh situation, Zeviantes was still full of energy.


    ''''I wasn''t interested in the Four Heavenly Kings to begin with, so it doesn''t matter!��I''d rather be free from all obligations and have fun playing around in this village!


    No, don''t play around with it.


    That said, it''s hard to complain about this guy because he''s cooperating with Sakai-kun''s weapon and magic tool development in a playful mood and has achieved a certain level of success.


    Isn''t dismissing this guy from the Four Heavenly Kings a way of putting wings on the tiger and releasing him into the field?


    And one more.....


    ''There you are, village chief.


    A crisp-looking woman walked over to us.


    It was Droyer.


    She used to be the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army and received the title of ''Fertile Ground''.


    But now she''s not at that level, she''s working as my secretary in Lux village.


    Why?


    I''d like to know what''s going on.


    His wife said she was going to take a look around the village today. How can we know what we''re going to see if we don''t hear about it first?


    Yes, I''m sorry...?


    Just like Zebiantes, he was dismissed from his position as the Four Heavenly Kings because he was at fault for causing a brave man to break through.


    Droyer''s new choice is to work here in the village of Lax.


    Her new life choice is to work here in the village of Lax.


    When she came to apply for the job, her words were unforgettable.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    -- ''I lacked everything in the end. I didn''t have the knowledge, the ability, the determination...!''''


    -- ''''I want to cultivate those things from the ground up under you!��Can you let me work for you!''''


    Even if I were to feed him, I don''t think there''s any time to make use of him as you''ve already been dismissed from the Four Heavenly Kings.


    I can''t be ruthless and say that I can''t just let him work for now as he wishes.


    Even if I return to the demon tribe territory now, I''ll just be waiting for the rest of my life to be pointed at as an incompetent person who failed to stop a brave man.


    It''s a little too cruel for her, who tried to diligently serve as the Four Heavenly Kings.


    So.........


    There were two former Four Heavenly Kings living in Lux Village now.


    ''''Report, village chief. ''''I have received a request that you have opened more living quarters.


    There are more and more people on the block.


    As you said, the influx of people into the village is still going strong. If we don''t make preparations as soon as possible, the overflow will lead to a deterioration in public safety.


    Droyer serves me much more politely than he did when he was the Four Heavenly Kings.


    I guess she has the personality to follow her assigned duties by nature. She is just as agile and capable as I imagined, so I''m very grateful that she has come to work for us.


    ''''Hm?��Hmm?��He''s thinking about me, isn''t he?


    I''m not talking about you, so keep it to yourself.


    Zebiantes is an idiot, but he''s not incompetent by any means, so he''s hard to handle.


    The village chief, please allow me to accompany you on your inspection. I''ll be able to summarize all the requests and problems that have been noticed from various parts of the world without losing sight of the details....


    ''Thanks, but the next place I''m going, especially on my own. You guys can wait for me.


    ''''Huh...?


    ''''I''m sorry Droyer, but you won''t want to visit with too many people.


    While we''re visiting various places.


    I think I''m going to see that guy.

 253-252 Dariel inspects the village five years from now (four)

    On the outskirts of the village of Lax, ... or rather completely outside.


    In the middle of the forest, where no one lives, there is a small hermitage tied up in the woods.


    When I visited there, the master served tea to me expertly as if he had been waiting for me from the beginning.


    It was a very strong flavored tea, not like ordinary tea, which was made by grinding the tea leaves themselves until they were powdered and then dissolving the whole tea in hot water.


    We drank it in a very large cup without a handle.


    It is said that this is the way of drinking that has been handed down in the other person''s hometown, and it is said to be in line with the old manners.


    "...with a pretty good set up.


    The village chief seems to be getting used to the tea ceremony. I''m sure it''s understandable, given how often you keep coming back.


    The master of the hermitage, who entertained his guests, smiled sharply.


    His name was Sesha-san.


    As a member of a brave party in the past, he and Radie had gone through many shuras together.


    He was an unquestionably strong man.


    But now I have no such background, no trace of it, and I live a hermit''s life deep in the forest.


    I drank the dark tea in the bowl again.


    I''m not sure if there is any trouble. There are many things that are lacking when you''re this deep in the forest. The cold must be even colder.


    I am grateful for your concern. But there is nothing lacking in my hermitage. If nothing is good enough, that is.


    He smiled like a bare sword again.


    Sesha-san, who was a member of the brave party, has been living like a recluse here for about a year now.


    To be precise, since Radie left to defeat the Demon King.


    Since then, Sesha has been hiding out here, as if she were waiting for Reedy, who has not returned yet.


    No, if you''re going to continue to wait for Redi''s return, there''s no need to leave the human settlement.


    You can get a place of residence in the village of Lax and live while working.


    I''m not going to be able to get out of the house, I''m going to be able to work and live within the village.


    Hopefully Sesha-san will live in a human village as well.


    And if an adventurer as senior as he is working for the guild again, that would be reassuring.


    That''s why I regularly visit Sesha-san''s hermitage to check on him and try to persuade him to stay.


    Is this cup made by Sesha-san again?��It''s not like anything I''ve seen before.


    It is called a teacup. I have so much time on my hands that there is no need to worry about how many ways to play with your hands. It would be fun to knead clay, bake in the kiln, and make a poorly made wabi bowls, that it would be an interesting thing to do.


    Are you happy with your life, Sesha?


    I''m satisfied, that I am not, that I''m not.


    Sesha offers an empty hand.


    He asks for the tea bowl back.


    I honestly offer it to him, and he fills the returned bowl with tea powder again, pours hot water, and mixes it vigorously.


    He seems to give me a refill.


    I want to find myself again here, that I do. I want to find out who I am, that I am.


    You''re Sesha, aren''t you, Sesha?


    "My left. ...But who is Sesha?��A strong spear-handling adventurer?��Are you good enough to get into a brave party?��I used to believe that myself. But I couldn''t believe it anymore. Since that time.


    That time.


    There''s no doubt about it. It was probably when Radie left for the Demon King''s Castle.


    "We won''t be going with you, Mister Brave.


    Yes, Radey went to the Demon King alone.


    Leaving behind the friends of the party with whom he had shared his pain and suffering until then, Radie challenged the Demon King alone.


    And he never came back.


    ''''It can''t be helped. Acting alone is what Radey said. What Sesha-san cares about is........''''


    I''m sure the brave man must have known that I hadn''t regained the courage to fight against the Demon King. I have never recovered the temperament to oppose the Demon King.


    Guts.


    "Dear left.


    Sesha let out a deep sigh as if he was going to spit out his own internal organs.


    I am not the only one. Both Zester-dono and Satome have had their hearts broken, that they have. By that infernal battle beyond human understanding.


    The memories that come back are of a fierce battle that you want to think of as truly hell.


    No, can we call it a battle?


    Isn''t it just the Demon King unilaterally torture a rebel who is equal to a little worm?


    The Demon King himself suddenly appeared underneath Inferno, who had once held up the Demon King''s defeat.


    And the monster Inferno, which I, Alanziel-san, Granbaza-sama and the strongest people in the world had so much trouble with, was burned down too unceremoniously.


    The brave party that rushed to the scene witnessed this.


    They said, "Facing that horror, it is deeply engraved in my heart. I can never win against the Demon King, and no matter what the situation is, I must avoid fighting the Demon King.


    At that time, Inferno had merged with a fiery demonic beast and transformed its own body into super heat.


    The Demon King''s super-heated body was consumed by the super-heated body from above with super-heated heat.


    No matter how dull it was to see that in front of him even a wooden stone would tremble with fear.


    Seeing that, I can no longer fight, that I can no longer fight, that I can no longer fight the demon king. You are a demon king. If you fight them, they will kill you. No, it''s okay if they kill you. When I saw the hell-raiser I wondered if I would suffer more than that.


    Sesha-san wasn''t the only one who felt that way.


    Zester and Satome were both broken just by witnessing the Demon King''s supernatural battle.


    That was a normal reaction.


    In fact, if you are strong enough to be allowed to accompany the brave men like them, even more so, you will be able to clearly feel the fearfulness of the Demon King-sama.


    I''m sure you were so disheartened by this horrifying scene that you thought you''d call off the defeat of the Demon King. But I was wrong. But, on the contrary, you didn''t stop moving forward, on the contrary, you tried to defeat the demon king.


    The strength of your mind is what made you so brave.


    Really, Radey.


    But not many people can keep up with that.


    The three companions whose hearts were already broken by the Demon King. It''s probably too pitiful to leave them along with him, so Reedy decided to challenge the Demon King alone.


    I''m ashamed to be a warrior. After seeing the brave man off, I''ve come to the conclusion that I''m no longer qualified to pick up a spear. This is why I''m going to live as a hermit.


    After Radey left and the heroic party disbanded, the members chose a completely different path.


    Some, like Sesha-san, went into hiding, while others, like Zester, belonged to our village''s guild and worked for the people.


    Satome went back to the center guild alone.


    ''''They have all lost their minds and will not return to what they were before. "You will no longer have the ambition to improve yourself, Lord Zester. The only thing that he does now is to use the power he has forged for the benefit of others.


    Satome...?


    She seems to have her own ideas, that she does. But she is a girl who has been working for a brave man since she was a child. You can''t stop even if your heart is broken, that it is. She is strong, that she is.


    We had trusted our lives to each other, even if for a short time.


    It seemed that their hearts were sufficiently in sync with each other.


    But the heart that was shattered by the Demon King''s horror was not easily cured.


    Sesha-san seemed to be healing his shattered heart by quietly blending in with the plants and trees in this grass hut.


    ''By the way, village chief,''


    Yes?


    How does the Lord Mayor see the truth in the rumors?


    What''s the rumor? I don''t have to ask.


    It would be about the life and death of their most important companion, the brave Radey.


    The world completely considers him dead.


    It''s only natural to think so.


    If they challenged the Demon King and he was still alive, it is natural to assume that the brave man lost and died.


    There is no reason for the demon race to keep a defeated hero alive.


    ''''But we already know that. We already know about the Demon King''s existence that is so out of the ordinary.


    If you say that Radey has been defeated, then he could be a Valhalla man like Ida and my mother once were.


    It''s difficult to judge that as being alive....


    ''But I think Radie is alive,''


    Not trapped in Valhalla or hell, Radhi will continue to exist in this world as Radhi.


    She is the true hero. I''m sure she won''t leave early and leave her accomplishments in obscurity. She''s going to come back in front of us to show us what she''s done.


    Yes.


    Sesha holds out a bowl of matcha.


    I, too, will wait here for the return of the brave lord. Thinking about how to deal with the shattered vessel that is my heart.


    I took the second cup of tea and looked at the bowl carefully before sipping it and drinking the contents.


    .........It''s bitter.


    ''''It''s a pretty good set up.

 254-253 New Shitenno, Gathering (Asmodus side)

    There have been changes over the past five years in various places far from the village of Lax.


    From now on, let''s take a look at some of them.


    Let''s start with the demon race side.


    We were absentmindedly cut deep into our own ranks by the heroes and allowed a direct confrontation with the Demon King.


    This was a huge blunder that shook the entire Demon King''s army. If the first duty of the Demon King''s army is to protect the Demon King from the brave men''s advance.


    The Demon King''s Army that failed to do so had no value of existence.


    Especially when the role of the Four Heavenly Kings against the brave is so strong.


    Immediately, the current Four Heavenly Kings were dismantled.


    The current Four Heavenly Kings were dismantled and the elite were selected again, and a new Four Heavenly King was re-organized.


    The new Four Heavenly Kings are as follows...


    Gels of "Weak Fire".


    Siltke in "Breeze


    Meris from The Ridley.


    And..........


    ��


    Have a good day, everyone.


    The man was sitting at the head of the conference room.


    ''''I am one of the New Four Heavenly Kings, Bezelia of the ''Muddy Waters''. It''s a pleasure to meet you.


    A scowling smile that seems to lick the other person off.


    Their ugly faces, which made one feel disgusted even if they weren''t, would turn away the goodwill of others, even if they just stood there silently.


    The newly re-selected Four Heavenly Kings were all youths who were young in years and full of vigor.


    Only Bezellia was different.


    She is no longer on the verge of middle age, her skin has lost its luster, and she simply floats around among these four people.


    ''''As you know, I''ve been the Four Heavenly Kings since the previous system. I have more or less experience in battle than you youngsters. I have been given the title of ''Four Heavenly Kings'' by the demon king, and I will be leading you. I''m counting on you to do the same.


    I''m not convinced.


    The New Four Heavenly Kings, other than Bezelia, were indeed dissatisfied with the expressions on their faces, even if they didn''t express it in words.


    All of them were young people who were either twenty years old or hadn''t even reached that age.


    You could say they were children.


    Even the Bashbursa''s of the previous regime said, ''''Aren''t they too young?'''' I was even told that. He is still younger than that.


    The new Fourth Heavenly King ''Weak Fire'' Gels was a boy officer in the Demon King''s Army who was suddenly selected.


    Although he was born into a noble class and was on an elite course, but even so, his entry into the Four Heavenly Kingship this time was out of the ordinary and could be called a bolt out of the blue.


    Even now, he still couldn''t erase his inner bewilderment.


    ''''Can I ask you one thing?''''


    The bells and whistles challenge the elder Bezelia.


    ''What is it?''��We must now work together to prevent the human heroes who will invade further. It is important for us to understand each other so that we can work together smoothly, so why don''t you ask more questions?


    That doesn''t make sense.


    The young Gels is toothless.


    ''The very fact that you are fighting with us,''


    What is it?��Are you saying that you want to exclude him from the group?��It''s sad. That kind of trivial thinking will come back to you when you become an old man yourself, okay?


    ''Age has nothing to do with it!��What we have a problem with is that you''re the former Four Heavenly Kings.


    Girls?


    Bezelia''s reptilian eyes look over to the left and right.


    The two maidens feel physiological disgust in their eyes.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that I''m not the only one.


    Of course, "Is Later the Four Heavenly Kings? There was no expectation that he would be able to do so, but he was still young and couldn''t suppress his confusion at the great selection too soon.


    ''''Wha........I respected the previous Four Heavenly Kings and the wise Droyer-sama of the ''Fertile Ground''......!


    Meris, who is currently serving as the Four Heavenly Kings of the earth, says.


    The expression on the girl''s face is still innocent. In fact, she must not have finished her teenage years yet.


    ''''No, I still respect you. Even that Droyer-sama couldn''t stop the brave man. It was a blunder, and he took the blame for it and resigned his position.''''


    ''''And you, the former Four Heavenly Kings, why are you still here?��You''re the only one hanging on and it''s unseemly!


    Schiltke, who was also given the title of ''Breeze,'' says.


    Gels, no less youthful than Meris. He hadn''t washed away the girl''s juvenile spirit at all.


    ''''Hmmm.......is that what you mean?''''


    Because of this, Bezelia''s calm tone comes across as how mature and comfortable she is.


    ''''Then the answer is simple. You guys know how the last brave attack happened, right?


    Oh, yeah...?��And what''s really weird about that?


    As a matter of fact, the Demon King''s army still didn''t know exactly how the brave Radie had arrived at the Demon King''s Castle at this stage.


    Their attention was focused on the front.


    To the Rasperda Fortress, which was in the process of being rebuilt.


    During the construction work, an agreement was really made to stop fighting activities together, and that period of time when it seemed that peace would continue for once.


    Even so, the Demon King''s army felt that it was dangerous to trust the enemy completely, so they advanced a reasonable amount of troops to the site where the fortress was to be rebuilt.


    The one who was in charge of this was Bezelia.


    However, the strange event occurred suddenly far behind, and the Demon King''s army was too late to deal with the brave Radie, who had invaded from somewhere, and was unable to do anything about it.


    With the exception of just two people, the previous Four Heavenly Kings, Zebiantes, the ''Flower Wind'' and Droyer, the ''Fertile Land''.


    ''''Somehow they seem to have noticed the heroes'' backward infiltration. What were they doing pushing all the surface work to me?��And they fought to prevent the brave men and lost.


    ..........?


    ''''Of course, otherwise the heroes wouldn''t be able to reach the Demon King. The two of you who were so miserably defeated, took responsibility and dismissed the Four Heavenly Kings. And I was the only one left. Makes sense, right?


    It''s not reasonable at all.


    The three young men must have thought together, ''''It''s not reasonable at all.


    It was true that the Four Heavenly Kings could not be defeated. Those who could not bear that oath should gracefully step down from their positions.


    Zebiantes, Droyer was guilty because he fought and lost.


    Bezelia is innocent because she did not fight.


    So if you say that this is the reason for the split between the light and dark in this case, that is still strange.


    It is true that for a fighter, defeat is unforgivable.


    But is it better not to fight than to be defeated?


    If that is the case, no one will be afraid of losing and will not fight.


    In the first place, is Bezelia, who failed to notice the invasion of the brave men, more competent than Zebiantes and Droyer, who were able to notice and deal with it?


    Which one should really have stayed?


    However, no more things could be said.


    The appointments of the Four Heavenly Kings are decided by the Demon King himself.


    "I''m sure we''ll all have our own thoughts on this, but let''s get along with each other. I''m sure you guys will be able to work together to the best of your abilities, and I''m sure we''ll be able to do even better than before.


    Unable to determine if they meant what they said, the youths were stifled.


    The four heavenly kings in the past were scattered. It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one. Thanks to him, the reputation of the people around us was disastrous. When we started, they called us up-and-comers.


    The smile on Bezelia''s face was just creepy without being able to read what she meant.


    ''After all, it''s the guy who can''t take responsibility for what he says who twirls his palms around. You can''t be confused by that kind of noise, and you can do your own thing.


    Now, first of all, I''d like to ask you a question about your future plans?


    Gers asks more boldly.


    "Hmmm, a policy. We have always done one thing. We must always do one thing: protect the demon king from the murderous blade of a brave man.


    Was it really possible for you to do that?


    The young people put up with the tweak that said.


    But it''s not long since the previous brave man was crushed. But the brave men and women have not yet been crushed and they cannot be replaced so quickly. We''ll have some time to spare.


    You''re taking so long, you guys are...!


    So, while there''s still time...


    Bezelia says, interrupting Gels'' protests.


    ''''I want to unravel the mystery. How did the brave man manage to reach the Demon King''s presence without us knowing about it at all?��Where in the world did it come in like a rat?


    Is that...?


    As long as we don''t make this clear, any strong defense is useless. And there''s no guarantee that the next generation of brave men won''t attack the Demon King through the same loophole.


    The three of them listening to this reviewed Bezelia, thinking that she was surprisingly righteous.


    This Four Heavenly Kings, as the title of ''Muddy Waters'' implies, are completely unable to see the depths of the situation.


    ''''So, what we should do now is to figure out the route of entry of the brave men and crush them?''''


    Yes. Otherwise, it would be pointless to foolishly defend Lasperda Fortress. And I.....


    Bezelia''s next words would further surprise the young Four Heavenly Kings.


    ''''We have a general idea of where the brave men have come through. Therefore, let''s recapture the Mithril Mine first, shall we?

 255-254 New fortress, not completed (old man side)

    Rasperda Fortress was once a great fortress that divided the boundary between the two camps of humans and demons.


    It was said that whoever conquered it would win the battle, and since ancient times, many heroes and heroines fought over it and it became the stage for all kinds of heroic tales.


    It has disappeared.


    Without knowing what happened in between, it suddenly disappeared without a shred of evidence.


    If the fortress, which should have been the keystone of human and demonic struggle, disappeared, the rules of battle, which had been established as unwritten rules, would also disappear.


    It was expected to plunge into an era of chaos and warfare, but an unexpected person prevented this from happening.


    Arantzill, the brave man of the past.


    He was also a member of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, Grampaza of "The Fire of Hell".


    The two who had already carved their names into legends while alive, and who had fought each other as fatal rivals when they were in active service, announced their intentions at the same time as if they were breathing the same air.


    --They said, ''We must stop fighting until we rebuild the fortress.


    Following their lead, a truce was signed, and for the first time in hundreds of years, the tension of warfare passed from the border area where Lasperda Fortress had stood for the first time in hundreds of years.


    Five years have passed since then....


    How is the construction of the Rasperda Fortress rebuilding work done?


    ��


    .... it was still going on.


    ''''Master Grumberza. I have just arrived with my replacement engineers, the dark general Lizete.


    Hmm.


    The new Rasperda Fortress, which is in the middle of reconstruction, is a blatantly unconstructed structure with halfway through masonry and exposed timbers of the framework in some places.


    Since it''s a huge structure, it can''t be helped that it will take a long time to build, but it''s still in the middle of the road after all sorts of twists and turns, with construction interrupted by various strange and unusual events.


    Nevertheless, for a time, there were even setbacks in construction. The reason why they were able to overcome these obstacles is because of their heroes.


    Granbaza, the former Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army''s "kagoroki", has been busy even after he retired as the Four Heavenly Kings, and is now in charge of rebuilding Lasperda Fortress on the demon side.


    He stayed at the proposed construction site day after day and worked even more vigorously than when he was active.


    ''''Come to think of it, Rizzet. You''ve finally risen to the rank of Dark General, congratulations.


    ''No!��I cringe when I''m in a position that''s too non-talented like mine!��I''m afraid!


    ''''Don''t be modest. You are without a doubt the most skilled magician among those who joined the Demon Lord''s Army in your generation. It''s a good thing that you''ve been promoted to the rank of dark general when you''re almost 40. Put your heart on the line.


    ..........


    Rizzet was a genuine Demon King soldier who had lived his life with a military career since he was a child.


    Therefore, it was a tearful moment to be praised by the legendary hero Granbaza, but he himself couldn''t help but take the praise at face value.


    ''''Upon arrival, Rizet. You are not allowed to fight at all here. I want you to make sure that not only you, but also your soldiers understand that.


    Yes, sir!


    The history of the war between the demon and human races was long, and there were times when it was a muddy and bloody battle, and other times when it was a quiet stagnation.


    Even so, this is the first time that a truce has been clearly stated and signed. Therefore, both the human and demon sides are greatly tensed.


    They wondered when this first tentative peace would be broken.


    There have been crises in the past.


    The most dangerous time was when the attack by the brave Radie was discovered to be an attack on the Demon King.


    You have a truce on the front lines and now you are attacking the Demon King behind it? The demon tribe was enraged, and tensions were high at the planned rebuilding site of Lasperda Fortress.


    It was the former heroes, after all, who prevented a violent clash.


    Let''s see who''s in charge on the other side. It''s not a good idea for you, a general, to have to negotiate a deal with a partner.


    ''''Huh........?''''


    Lisette''s liver shrank at the opponent she was brought to meet as she proceeded through the construction site accompanied by Granberza.


    Because it was the human tribe''s brave Arantzill, the human tribe''s brave man, who was feared as the evil demon beast, the worst enemy of their demon tribe.


    ''''A new commander for the demon tribe? ''''You are the new commander of the demon tribe?


    ''''Yes good........?''''


    Lizete''s hand trembled as she shook hands with him.


    The generation that is about to reach the age of forty is the generation that experienced the former Arantzill and Granbaza era as a real battle.


    The fierce battle between the two, who were once the active hero and the Four Heavenly Kings, was so fierce that an ordinary person would be cut to pieces just by coming close to them.


    It is said that there was no one who was not afraid of the enemy''s great hero, Arantzill, who rampaged in the form of a beast when it came to battle.


    Rizzet also faced Arantzill in battle for a moment in his youth, and from that day onwards, he still has nightmares, even now, without ceasing.


    She never thought she would be able to meet again so peacefully with such a person of fear itself.


    It was impossible not to feel the strangeness of fate.


    ''The new Rasperda Fortress is now sixty percent complete. It''s not a fast pace, but it''s progressing steadily. I need your help to complete this fortress.


    Gladly!


    They are essentially enemies, but they waved their voices.


    That should be the efficacy of a hero, regardless of the human or demon, but it inspires those around them anyway.


    There are two heroes mixed in here at the same time, who will surely be the stars of an era.


    Since those two people advocate cooperation, that was something everyone would follow.


    ''''The work will also progress once the new demon side''s engineers come in. How do you want to allocate them?''''


    The demons can use ground magic. I think it''s best if we just let them shape the general idea and let the humans do the details.


    "The human craftsmen are very meticulous. Many of the demons posted here also claim to be enlightened.


    The meeting was a familiar one.


    The seemingly impossible task of rebuilding Lasperda Fortress could be accomplished by these two heroes.


    Do they still want to build a new legend at such an old age?


    Lizet shuddered at the prospect.


    ''''I admire you!''''


    Then he shouted.


    ''''You guys are leaving behind countless legends even in your prime, and yet you''re willing to join hands to create the next legend at the end of it!��I admire it!��I''m proud to have been born in the same era as you!��As a witness to a legend!


    Lizet, who was a sensitive type from the beginning, was no longer filled with the supremacy released by the two heroes.


    ''''This time the commanding officer is bothering you...?''''


    Don''t say that. They''re easily moved.


    The old heroes didn''t seem to be fazed in the least.


    ''Don''t be so awed, Rizet. ''Don''t be afraid, Rizet, we are the same person, Arantziel and I. We are not special. We''re not so special.


    ''That''s right, it''s just that we''re the ones who''ve gone under the radar and have a strong causal relationship with each other through the history of the war. I didn''t think we''d be working together this late in life, though.


    Then the old men look up at the new fortress.


    ''What a fate that we, who have spent so much time fighting, should finally be in the business of building something. But that also seems to be a meaningful thing...


    Maybe it''s atonement for the sins of those of us who have spent most of our lives fighting. At the very least, I hope that we''ll pass it down to future generations with the sight of our completed fortress. That even those of us who have fought together for decades can finally hold hands...


    Seeing his words, his standing, Lizet cried tears.


    This is the figure of a complete hero. The end of a hundred battles, even hatred can be overcome.


    The truth that the two warriors showed me made me feel that the world is beautiful.


    Then..........


    ''''Grandfather!


    Someone came.


    A child running at a tremendous speed.


    The child, who was approaching at a speed that even a horse wouldn''t gallop at such a speed, stopped in front of both Granbaza and Alanziel.


    Grannnnnnnnn?


    ''''Oh!��You came from Lax''s village again?��Have you come to see us, Grandpa?��My darling!


    For a moment, Lizet didn''t understand what had happened.


    The voices of the heroes were too prodigal.


    ''''Um........you two?��And the child?


    Fearfully, Lizette asked, and immediately objected....


    ''''It''s my grandson.''''


    The answer was.


    I was slightly unable to follow my understanding.


    ''What, grandchildren?��Which one?


    "My


    Lizet is increasingly confused by the arguments from both sides.


    It''s not a situation of one grandchild and two old men. The parents'' fathers would only have to get each of them together.


    ''''What?��But speaking of Lady Granberza''s children, that a**h*le Bashbursa?��Was that guy married before he was born?


    The confusion doesn''t stop, but Rizzet instinctively decides to match the conversation here with the execution that has risen to the level of a general.


    ''No, when you put it that way, you''re a brilliant-looking child. As expected of the grandchildren of both men.


    No, no...! I know, right?


    The two of them ride around in transparent flattery.


    There.


    ''''Speaking of which, I was wondering...''''


    Gran Gran said something that shouldn''t have been said.


    ''Who''s stronger, Grandpa?''


    At that moment, the atmosphere of the place changed.


    ''''I will win my grandson''s respect,'''' an intense will came from two directions.


    ''''Um, both of you?��Why are you so eager to kill?��Where is the noble spirit of peace?��Why are you trying to fight to decide who''s stronger again?


    And Rizzet has learned.


    His nemesis, he said, would always be his nemesis, no matter how far he went.

 256-255 Dariel goes to visit

    Even in the days that seem to pass by peacefully and serenely, there are always troubles, big and small.


    This is one of those things that happened this time.


    I was in the Center Guild now.


    Alone.


    I thought I should bring Marika with me, but I''m a heavy woman, and I have children to take care of, so I decided to visit on my own.


    The reason for the visit was....


    I wanted to visit her.


    ��


    What happened to the Elieka guy?��You''re not coming?


    Your mother-in-law told me, ''If you''re going to die, go ahead and die in the wild.''


    Tough as ever.


    The President of the Center Guild, lying on the bed, seemed to have shrunk a notch in size from when I usually saw him.


    He is my wife Marika''s mother and Elika''s father.


    Will he be a granddaughter-in-law to me?��It is far away.


    Nevertheless, considering the social position of the two parties, they had no choice but to come and visit each other.


    I was surprised to hear that he had collapsed out of nowhere. Your father-in-law was trying to see what happened, but...


    No, you''re on your own.


    The Chancellor raised his upper body from the bed.


    Even that motion seemed to be a challenge.


    I''m tired of coming to visit you because I''m worried about you. I don''t want that kind of ritualistic visit anymore. I only want real, meaningful visitors. I don''t have much time left. I don''t want to be wasted.


    ''''Oh no, not again...?''''


    This person has been reigning at the top of the Center Guild for decades now and has been in total command of the entire human race.


    He''s a monster, you could say.


    However, so much time has been spent in the power struggle, and his body must be suffering a considerable amount of wear and tear.


    He''s old enough to have great grandchildren now.


    He looks like a complete old man, and his hair is completely white.


    It is quite possible that he will fall ill when the seasons change and end up in bed without being able to recover himself.


    This is when I realize how old I am," she said. When I was young, I used to attend meetings even if I had a high fever, and spit into the air all day long.


    That''s a nuisance...?


    Now my body is so demoralized that it can''t move at all after catching a bit of a cold. The result is this. The other members of the board must be thrilled to see me deteriorate.


    It''s not...


    I was about to say something like, "We''re all worried about you," but I stopped myself.


    He knows better than anyone else that in a power struggle, which is in some ways tougher than a real battle, caring doesn''t mean anything.


    I too have been at the top of the heap for a long time. "I, too, have been at the top of the heap for so long, everyone has grown tired of my reign and is now looking to me to take over. My downfall means that now is the perfect time for you to do the same.


    ''Don''t you care too much about it?��I simply came down with a cold and...?


    You just need to get some rest and get rid of the cold.


    I tried to encourage him to do so.


    I''m sorry to say that the term of office of the director of the Center Guild is about to expire. Normally, he would be elected without incident and continue to serve, but this time, he''s in this situation. I may not be able to be re-elected due to health reasons.


    But he is still old.


    People have long believed that the hard work of the board members was too much for him to bear, and his illness is likely to reinforce that view.


    But his illness is likely to reinforce this view. Who do you think is responsible for the fact that you have been able to do whatever you want?


    I don''t know what to say to that.


    In fact, I can''t say that the reason I''ve been able to run and develop Lax Village is because of this Chancellor''s support.


    After all, he''s the highest-ranking chancellor of all the adventurer''s guilds in human territory, the center guild that stands at the top of the guild.


    With that influence, I''ve expanded the sales channels for Mithril products with the backing of my wife''s grandfather, Chancellor-san, and brought many people to the village.


    If that Chancellor leaves the stage of power, me and Lax Village will have no choice but to be affected.


    ''''You mean I should at least return the favor?


    I didn''t ask for anything so auspicious. Still, I wanted you to see him. With you, I can talk to you about the future, not some distant, toothless platitude like the rest of them.


    As expected of you, Chancellor, do you think carefully about the future even when you are in a sickbed?


    It''s true that LUX Village has grown even more over the past five years.


    Should we take steps to ensure that LUX Village will continue to grow even after Chancellor''s departure?


    ''''The best thing is for Chancellor-san to get well soon and continue to run the Center Guild, but...''''


    ''It wouldn''t be hard if you could do it. I don''t need a lot of bullshit. Just give me a realistic idea.


    Send me....


    You look good enough, don''t you?


    Keep it up and stay in the pinnacle of power until you die?


    Well, I don''t want to keep you thinking, so I''ll come up with something.


    Okay?


    The best thing to do is to make a good replacement. My retirement will leave a vacancy on the Center Guild Board of Directors. A new board member will have to step in.


    Well, yes.


    "And therein lies my rightful successor. Someone to carry on everything I''ve built up, my ideas, everything I''ve learned, so that there will be minimal change. Of course, the person who succeeds me will have to be extremely close to me.


    That''s the problem, isn''t it?


    Mr. Chancellor, who looks like this, is a super-achiever who has served as Chancellor for decades.


    He would not be able to remain at the top of the heap if he didn''t have the political skills of a monster.


    And if the same level of competence is required to succeed him, he''ll have a very tough choice.


    Do you have your sights set on him?


    There''s one.


    That''s tricky.


    Who the hell is that?


    You are.


    What?


    That''s why I''m glad you came to see me. You are now a very powerful man with the village of Lax, of which you are the chief. You manufacture and sell mithril products, and the financial power you can earn by doing so is now one of the greatest in the world.


    I don''t intend to make that much money.


    Besides, the only reason I am making money from Mithril is for the development of the village, and the profits have been disappearing left and right.


    He is the son of Aranzir, the brave man, and yet he is good at what he does. He''s also very clever. And he''s smart enough to know that if he succeeds to my throne, he''ll be a devil to himself.


    No, no, no...!


    I hurriedly dammed up the current that was about to carry me away.


    ''You want me to be the Director of the Center Guild?��You want me to run for office?��No!


    You''re right.


    You have to make a clear statement to this kind of person.


    If you slur your words in the guilt of refusal, you don''t know how your words will be taken out of context and interpreted in a convenient way.


    The only thing I want to do is to develop Lax Village. I have no ambitions for the center.


    I want to live a quiet, peaceful life.


    That''s all.


    I don''t want to be distracted from the important task of running Lax Village by worrying about such things, and I am resolutely refusing to do so. Isn''t there someone else more suitable to succeed him?


    He is the President of the Center Guild of Heaven, to say the least.


    Many mere mortals should be slipping in to take advantage of his power.


    I can''t speak for others either, but....


    There must be one or two guys among them that seem to have potential, right?


    I wish it were that convenient.


    The chancellor''s tone became sulky all of a sudden.


    What the hell was that?


    That''s when it happened.


    It became noisy.


    "Please wait!��The Chancellor is currently in a meeting with an important guest and he doesn''t want anyone to come in...!


    The voice sounded flustered.


    Chancellor is sleeping in his own room, the place where he usually sleeps and wakes up.


    From the other side of that door, you can feel some kind of struggle.


    ''''That voice........is it the butler who led me here?


    "Please wait!��Please wait! That voice saying.


    It''s not every day that I let him get that upset. Silly boy, he''s got a keen sense of humor.


    Soon after, the door opened with a bang and a man with a stern expression entered the room.


    He''s probably older than me, maybe in his fifties.


    The appearance of the man gave me a whiff of more trouble.

 257-256 A new idiot appears

    ''''Ah, this is the arrival of new trouble,'''' I immediately thought, because the man who appeared had a face full of arrogance.


    I''ve seen that kind of facial expression so many times before that I''ve already started to pinpoint it at a glance.


    Starting with Bashvaza......... Noltiya, Pigalo and Roselwy.


    Mostly common. For some reason, the cloudiness in their eyes as if they unreasonably assumed they were special and looked down on the people around them.


    ''Father, if you have fallen, please inform me immediately.


    The man advances into the room with a zipper.


    ''Your departure requires me to act immediately. I''m not the only one. There are many who are waiting for you to leave. In order to get ahead of them, wouldn''t it be a father''s affection to hand the information to me, his closest relative, first?


    That''s a lot of filial piety for a man whose first words were to visit his son...


    Chancellor, letting out a weary sigh.


    ''You see, my granddaughter-in-law? This is my rightful successor in form. Why should I trust him with my successor''s job when he is such a fool? If this continues, my family will fall with my retirement. That must be avoided at all costs.


    What do you mean, father?


    The man says, without color.


    ''You, Gandomirahu, I have trained you well. As your son, I have trained myself sufficiently to be your son. He is clear in mind and body, and I am proud to say that he is capable of running the Center Guild Board of Directors right now.


    He says it''s your lack of perspective that worries him.


    It seems that it is not only because of his illness that Mr. Chancellor is looking weak in bed.


    He must be feeling anxious about the future that this successor will inherit, and his heart must be emaciated.


    ''''And this person...?


    The chancellor said, looking heartily disgusted at my demand for an explanation.


    ''This is Gandomirahu, one of my sons.


    Son...?


    Well, Mr. Chancellor is at his age.


    It''s no wonder that he has a son who is a grown man.


    And even more so when there are two or three children of good age........


    ''''Ah.''''


    Come to think of it, your mother-in-law........Marika''s mother was also the daughter of the Chancellor.


    It''s because of this connection that I came to visit her that I also came to visit her, so does that mean that this man in front of me is my mother-in-law and her brother and sister?


    I have nearly ten children, including illegitimate children. I don''t know why they''ve all given up on me.


    Isn''t that what you do every day?


    And my mother-in-law is the same way.


    Wasn''t she particularly strict?


    To make matters worse, he was the only one left under me. I could see the wealth and power that I had built up even after being abandoned by my family being eaten up by the second generation of the clowns. Is this also the punishment that the heavens have given me?


    I''m feeling weak.


    In addition to old age, his health is also weakened by illness, which can weaken his spirits.


    "Don''t worry, father!��I will take over your entire legacy and make it even bigger!��Let me take care of everything in the future and rest easy!


    You sound like you want to die quickly.


    Indeed.


    After continuing to run for power with all his might........


    All that''s left are his humble relatives who are only after his inheritance.


    It''s sad to think that this is the last years of a powerful man''s life.


    "That''s not where you come in, Master Dariel.


    Me?


    It''s true that I have done a lot of crazy things to gain power. And in return, I will be dismissed by my family and I''ll end up rotting away on my own.


    He said he would accept it gracefully.


    ''But that''s why I can''t bear to see the power I''ve built up over the loss of my family crumble with my death!��We need someone to take over this power!��That''s what I''m asking you to do!


    No!


    Power is a demon.


    It can drive people crazy without them even knowing it.


    I know that, and that''s why I don''t want to get close to it.


    "Rest assured, Father.


    A middle-aged man interrupts him unceremoniously.


    ''Your father''s power will be shown to you by this Gandomirahu, who will inherit it beautifully!��So please announce your retirement from the Guild Board of Directors at the end of this term, right now!��And may you appoint me as your successor!


    I''m sure he sees his father''s health problems as an opportunity to get ahead.


    As expected, I''m starting to feel sorry for Mr. Chancellor.


    I''m not going to be like that. If I die, I''ll live my life with compassion so that I''ll be spared by everyone and leave the world.


    I will never choose you to be my successor, stupid son. If you really want to get ahead in the world, you can do it on your own.


    What do you mean?��I am the only one to inherit your father''s aspirations and your father''s power!��I am your biological son, your blood, and your firstborn son.


    Really, it''s an abomination.


    But the Center Guild Directors are not hereditary. Regardless of their actual status, they are formally decided by nomination and majority vote.


    Well, you''ll need financial power and connections to get that vote....


    "I''d rather have a monkey take over the power base than you," he said. Of course, there are plenty of better successors than Ape.


    Father, don''t be so selfish.


    For now, my first choice to succeed me is Dariel here. If you are my son, you will help him succeed according to his father''s decision.


    What?


    The man''s gaze finally turned to me here.


    Until then, I guess it was just part of the background, like it was out of my sight.


    I''m not sure who is this guy?��Did your father lose his temper to make this young man the successor of my eldest son?


    It would be more impolite to make you his successor. Didn''t you hear me?��Your sister Elika. And this is Dariel, whose daughter I took as my wife.


    Hmm?��What...?


    I''m the leader of a distant village called Rax. Do you know what that means?


    "Lux village?��........ah!


    That''s when it finally hit me.


    As for me, I didn''t want it to come to my mind because it would be a hassle to get involved, but I didn''t want it to come to my mind.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to get a good idea of what you''re looking for.��You say you''ve suddenly gone from strength to strength lately?


    That''s all you can remember, isn''t it, boy?


    ''Oh, my God, I didn''t know my people were in on it!��...That''s fine, dude!


    They called me something.


    ''My name is Gandomirahu!��Who should eventually follow in his father''s footsteps and become the President of the Center Guild!��If you are going to join my clan, then support me with all your might and push me to the top of power!


    What are you saying?


    All right, let''s start with the financing. Fifty percent of your mithril sales will go to you!��If you throw away that money, not only will you not be on the board of directors, but you''ll be president of the board in a heartbeat!��Then I''ll ask to see a list of Mithril trading clients. I''ll pick out the best of them and get them to promise to cooperate!��Threaten to sell them no more Mithril products if they don''t cooperate!��Hahahahahahaha!��I''m starting to get lucky, I didn''t know I''d get such a usable handful on the verge of becoming a Center Guild Director!��The heavens are telling me to rise to the top!��Gubufuugh?!


    I punched him.


    My fist is plunged into the face of Mr. Gandomirahu and his friends.


    What?��What''s going on?��What?��What?


    He grabs you by the scruff of your neck and drags you into the corner of the room and throws you out the window.


    I''m on the second floor, but I don''t mind.


    I''m not going to be able to get a good idea of what I''m talking about.


    You are also Arantzill''s son," he said. You have the same speed as your father.


    He didn''t care about the tyranny of his son and smiled.


    I''ve learned from experience that words won''t reach that kind of scum. But it''s tough, isn''t it, Chancellor? To have a man like that as your eldest son.


    Hello?��I wouldn''t want to die trying to put up a guy like that as my successor, but at this rate, he''ll almost certainly inherit the estate. After all, the eldest son''s position is strong.


    Yes.


    And that''s bad news for all of you, isn''t it?��To him, everything about his own people is just a tool to serve himself. He will not think of your village as any more than a bodacious money-making tree. He will come to you at every turn.


    That''s a problem.


    It''s easy to silence him with goofballs now, but it will be extremely troublesome if he eventually takes over from Mr. Chancellor and wields the power as the director of the Center Guild.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time," he said, "but if you hit a member of the board of directors, it would be a rebellion against the Center Guild itself. That''s going to be something of a hassle.


    The only way for you to continue to run your village in good health is to get rid of Gandomirahu. What are you going to do now?


    Assassination?


    I''m sure that Chancellor is trying to get me to take his place, but I don''t want to take on such a troublesome role either.


    I''m sure that Chancellor-san is trying to make me take his place, but I don''t want to take on such a troublesome role either.


    So what''s the best way to go about it?


    It''s not me, and it''s not my stupid eldest son.


    The best thing to do is to find a reliable person to take over Mr. Chancellor''s position.

 258-257 Stupid Son, Ate Removes (Human Side)

    Gandomirahu was the legitimate son of the current President of the Center Guild.


    Since his father was a political monster who had served as Chancellor for a quarter of a century, he was very proud to be his son.


    --''''Eventually, I will be the one to succeed my father and become the new President of the Center Guild and run this world,'''' he said.


    In order to do so, he first had to get in the way of those in his position.......his younger brothers and sisters who shared the same blood and were equally qualified to take over his father''s position.


    The current President of the Center Guild was not blessed with parent-child love, and most of his children were living apart in a state of isolation, but it was none other than his eldest brother Gandomirahu who caused this.


    Dariel''s mother-in-law, Elika, was used as a pawn in a political marriage, and when the plan went awry, Gandomirahu was the one who issued a letter of insulation, telling her not to let him see her again.


    As is evident, when the family should have worked together to improve their fortunes, it was Gandomirahu who created enemies and divided the family.


    The wise President of the Center Guild had long ago been disappointed in his eldest son who did nothing but do nonsense.


    As long as he was human, he had no reason to live forever.


    He will die in less than a hundred years.


    But the most despairing thing about his death was the fact that the only person to inherit the power base and wealth he had built up was his stupid eldest son.


    A man can pass on the proof of his life to future generations even after death.


    If only that were to come true, the fact of one''s own existence would remain even if one''s body perished. That is immortality in the healthiest sense of the word, isn''t it?


    However, I can see that what the Guild President has left behind will certainly be devoured by the idiot eldest son and disappear without a trace.


    That was not a prediction, but a certainty.


    The things that he had built up, even to the point of throwing away his own happiness and love, would be destroyed with his death.


    For those in power, there could be no greater suffering than this.


    If he had been a greedy man, he would have used all his wealth and power to find a way to make himself immortal.


    If he had nothing but fear for his successor, he would have had no choice but to live forever himself.


    However, he himself did not have such a prominent desire, and he was half-heartedly accepting the outcome with a sense of resignation.


    --I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to get it right.


    Unaware of the master''s enlightened mind, the foolish son was immersed in wild ambition.


    Gandomirahu.


    A picture of himself, already the director of the Center Guild, flashed in his mind.


    The image of himself, solemn and brilliant, receiving praise from those around him as the greatest director of all time.


    It could only be described as a fool''s dream, but Gandomirav really thought himself capable.


    He could follow in his father''s footsteps and become the President of the Center Guild.


    He had everything he needed to do that, and all of these things were going to be taken over from his father''s pocket.


    He only thought of everything but himself as a tool for him to be useful, and he thought it would only be worth it if he used it to do it.


    I never doubted that he believed that.


    It was the same with Dariel, whom he had just recently met for the first time.


    Mithril weapons that had come to dominate the human territory in the past few years.


    The distributor of these weapons was a small country village whose name had not even been known until then.


    That was Lax Village.


    It was a backwater village that wasn''t worth rolling around in the corner of his brain for Gandomirahu, but if it was going to create value, it was a different story.


    If it''s useful to me, I''ll appreciate it.


    That was the measure of the world for Gandomyrav.


    To have a connection with the current time''s Lax Village, the president of the Center Guild, was indeed the president of the Center Guild. He gave up and admired the breadth of his connections.


    And he was also Gandomirahu, who had decided that what belonged to his father was his own.


    His father had fallen ill and had to finally step down from his long tenure as a board member.


    So, his eldest son, himself, would naturally take his place in the vacant seat.


    In addition, LUX Village, which is currently very well off from the sale of Mithril products, would be a great help.


    It seems that the connection between the Lax Village and the Chancellor''s family is due to his half-sister, whom he himself dismissed in the past.


    Without a trace of guilt, Gandomirahu asked the head of Lax Village for assistance in becoming a guild director after his father stepped down.


    The first and foremost necessity for political activity is money.


    It can only be fate that an ample source of money comes from the other side.


    In addition to the position he would inherit from his father, Gandomirav was convinced that as long as he had the money from the village of Lax, he would certainly be the new director.


    He knew that Lax Village would definitely support him.


    Being the director of the Center Guild is the highest position in the human race, and he would not regret destroying his own house for the honor of being its supporter.


    Helping himself was in itself something for the ordinary people of the world to be proud of.


    The common man is honored to serve the nobleman.


    So he took it for granted that everyone else had to help him.


    A blow to the face.


    Then he was thrown out of an upstairs window.


    Fortunately, the landing spot was in the courtyard, and the grass served as a cushion, so I wasn''t seriously injured.


    Still, my back hurts to death.


    ''''d*mn!��What a fool that guy is!''''


    An ordinary citizen who can''t get involved in the Center Guild is a miserable low-class citizen for the rest of his life.


    Isn''t the highest honor that these lowly citizens can touch is to assist and support the senior citizens involved in the Center Guild?


    ''''How dare you throw away that honor yourself!��He''s trying to get me to back him up!��I don''t think there''s anything more gratifying to talk about than this, although you could shed tears and fall to the ground and offer me all your money!


    Incidentally, Gandomirahu doesn''t know that Dariel is the biological son of that great brave Arantziel.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    The great brave Arantzill, who established a legend, still has a hidden influence on the entire Adventurer''s Guild.


    If you make an enemy of him, even if he is the son of the current president, you will have to give up your position as the new director.


    But without realizing that, Gandomirahu is furious with his emotions.


    He wants to be the Director of the Center Guild.


    As long as his father is the chairman of the board of directors, Gandomirav has decided that it is natural for him to inherit everything that belonged to his father, and he has decided that it is natural for him to become a board member as well.


    Although he himself is a sergeant, he is already well into his fifties.


    A number of board members had stepped down and been replaced over the years, but he had never had the chance.


    There was an unwritten rule that if there were two or more members of the board of directors who were members of the same family, their influence would be too unbalanced.


    In order for him to become a board member, his father, the chairman of the board, would first have to retire.


    That time is now at hand.


    He was also going to be inspired.


    For that, we must keep Lax Village as a pawn, absolutely.


    Gandomirahu himself is well-funded as the chairman of the board of trustees, but he is a lad who wants what he is interested in immediately.


    He now felt that he had to control Lax Village to become a board member.


    "Can''t we somehow bring him to his knees...?


    Gandomirav is worried.


    Gandomirav had completely missed the point.


    You''re going to be the President of the Center Guild, just like your father, and since you were rude to me, you should give me the retribution I deserve.


    He is not a sergeant of a great family.


    Even if he himself was incompetent, there are mountains and mountains of mountains and rivers that are attracted to his fame and fortune. Some of them have a reasonable amount of knowledge, and they can get into the hands of Tang Henwood.


    ''''Hmmm, Hou........''''


    Gandomirahu asked the cronies he had quickly called for their input and had them submit several ideas to trap Dariel.


    One of them was particularly interesting.


    It was a careful plan to investigate even Dariel''s family structure accurately and use it.


    ''''That''s interesting. It''s a win-win situation, turning him into a servant who will do my bidding, and also boosting my name as the director of the Center Guild!��Move forward now!��My heaven is at hand!

 259-258 Son Gran, departs

    If I made that idiot sergeant the director of the Center Guild, Lax Village would be in trouble not too far away.


    With that in mind, I decided to thoroughly hinder him from becoming a board member.


    In order to do so, what will be needed is someone to replace him as the director of the Center Guild.


    Soon, the board of directors will have one seat open due to the retirement of the chairman of the board.


    He''s the one who''s going to jump into that vacant seat.


    It was calculated that if they packed in another person beforehand and kept a lid on it, they wouldn''t let that guy hold any unnecessary power.


    So who would they push to be the new board member?


    The current president of the Center Guild seemed to think that I was the one, but that''s exactly what I''m going to do.


    I''m a lifelong servant of Lax Village only, so I don''t have time to be a board member in another land.


    I also serve my family.


    So, is there anyone else?��I rummaged around and came across just the right person.


    It was Mr. Best Fred, the foreman at Mithril Mine.


    That man has been posted to the Mithril Mine for quite some time now, and that''s why it''s probably time for him to be transferred.


    Before he was transferred, he was also serving as the director of the Center Guild and had fallen out of the capital, so to speak.


    If that''s the case, there is a way to return to the director''s position.


    Best Fred has been a great help to me during the mithril mining process, and I know that I can trust him with my personality and abilities.


    I know that I can trust him with my personality and abilities.


    So I approached him about it, but.....


    ''No!!!��Never!��I don''t like it!


    I was rejected like crazy.


    Why?


    ''I don''t want to go back to the Centre Guild anymore!��Day and night conspiracy numbers swirl!��I don''t want to go back to the mononoke''s nest where I can''t trust anyone!��No more days of nerve-wracking and even suicidal thoughts on a daily basis!


    He was adamantly reluctant to do so.


    ''By contrast, my days in the Mithril mines seem to be heart-warming!��Knockers are pure, hard-working people whose hearts show up!��I don''t want to leave this place ever again!��I''m going to spend my whole life with them!


    Danner!


    ''We love our dunnas too!


    The sub-race knockers working in the mine.


    The sub-race knockers who work in the mine came out of nowhere and flocked to Best Fred.


    "When did these guys become friends...?


    I''m baffled, but that''s because we''ve been working together for five years now.


    It''s not a bad thing.


    It''s a pity that Bestfred-san, who has found a safe haven, has to be dragged back to the center of the conspiracy, so he has decided not to run for office.


    I wish him a long and happy life with the knockers.


    ''I''ll have to find another person to run...''


    I returned home to the village of Lax, thinking about many things.


    Home is important.


    No matter how hard I work during the day, coming home and being surrounded by my wife and children revives my body and soul.


    They are the reason I can fight.


    Today, I come home to rethink the meaning of my desperate life...!


    But today, things were somewhat different.


    ''To-chan, to-chan!


    First of all, my oldest son, the most energetic in our house, came to greet me.


    And then he said.


    "Dad, I''m going to be a hero!


    What?


    I couldn''t believe my ears when I suddenly couldn''t believe what he was talking about.


    My child is a brave man?


    How did that happen?


    I had an errand boy come by during the day.


    His wife, Marika, who appeared to greet him afterwards, said.


    ''''They''re going to hold a selection meeting soon to select new brave men. And they''re inviting Gran to it........


    Did they invite you to watch the show?


    No, I''m told he''s a candidate for bravery.


    It was insane.


    Radhi had reached the Demon King''s Castle and disappeared without a trace.


    Since then, the human race has been without a brave man on the human side.


    Even excluding the great goal of defeating the Demon King, the existence of brave men is now an essential part of the human race.


    That''s why there must not be a period of time without a brave man.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on in the world.


    ''''When you think about it, it''s too late...?


    The fact that the selection meeting for the brave is now held after all this time.


    It''s almost a year since Radie disappeared.


    It''s a long enough time to be a problem for the return of a brave man''s absence.


    There was a lot of confusion. Radey didn''t receive any support from the center guild towards the end.


    The news that she had reached the Demon King''s side was the first I had heard of it.


    I was surprised and confused, and the situation was further complicated by the truce agreement to rebuild the Rasperda Fortress.


    This and other factors must have postponed it until today.


    Well, if you want to replace Reedy with a new, brave man, do what you want.


    It''s none of my business.


    I thought there might be another attempt to make me the hero, so I was wary of that.


    But now I''ve changed my aim.


    I''m going to carry my son out.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one.


    A six year old hero........


    "I think they think you''re more likely to be antsy than a forty-year-old brave man.


    I''ve been a married couple for a long time, and Marika is becoming less and less reserved in her speech to me.


    I''m not going to be able to do that. It''s not a good thing to be a brave man.


    It''s just life being used by the political monocrats of the Center Guild.


    I don''t want to be the one to do it, and I don''t want my son to do it either.


    I''ll tell him no.


    And I''ll give him a glare and tell him not to mess with my kids ever again.


    "Dad, I want to go.


    Hmm?


    There''s something positive about my son Gran.


    ''A brave man is a thing, right?��The best ones do it, right?��I''m strong!


    No, no, no.��Being brave isn''t just about being strong...!


    I''m not even talking about those with courage in their hearts, or love in their minds, or any of that ideological stuff.


    I''m talking about the politics of being a handmaiden to the Center Guild!


    ''''Ehhh?��I want to be a hero, I want to be a hero!


    Is that kind of a ''buy a toy, buy a toy'' kind of thing?


    Unexpected. Why is this girl so obsessed with being brave?


    ''Because Grandpa Arantzill was a brave man once, wasn''t he?��I''m always bragging about it. That a brave man has to be a true strong man to be a brave man.


    "That man...?


    You were just trying to win the respect of your grandchildren by lying to them...?


    Isn''t that the only time in your life?��How dare you go around spouting off about that guy being a hero?


    ''Grandpa Grumba says the Four Heavenly Kings are stronger than him!��I''m going to be a hero or the Fourth Heavenly King!


    Seriously?


    I wonder if the brave is still more realistic from that option?


    ... no wait?


    They''ve been busy rebuilding Lasperda Fortress lately, haven''t they been in town much?


    So where do you get to interact with your grandchildren?


    It''s okay, Anita.


    Maleeka says as she puts her dinner on the table.


    ''I''m afraid her wannabes are getting out of hand now. ''I think he''ll be a little calmer if he learns about the outside world. It''s important to make memories of your childhood.


    The brave selection committee is making memories.


    .........Well, there''s no way a six year old would be chosen as a brave person.


    It''s true that it''s just to make memories.

 260-259 Brave selection competition will be held

    That''s why I came.


    To the Center Guild.


    ''Wow, that''s huge!��Center Guild is so cool!


    Gran has been here once before, you know?


    I wasn''t materialistic back then, so it''s no wonder I don''t remember it.


    Naturally, the brave selection tournament is held in the center guild.


    So my son Gran will also come to the center guild.


    Well, if you think of it as making memories when he was small, it''s acceptable enough.


    We have to take care of the other children and Malika is carrying the fourth child, so she stayed in the village.


    Me and Gran, father and son, are going out together.


    There are a number of stern-looking people stationed in front of the main gate of the Center Guild headquarters where we are currently standing.


    I''m not going to be the only one who''s going to be able to do that.


    If they were to be chosen for the brave rear, they had to be at least an A-class adventurer.


    My six year old son will be fighting among them.


    I''m not worried about that...?


    Gran-kun, can we go home now?��Didn''t it make for a great visit to the Center Guild?


    ''What?��We''re still at the door!��If you don''t properly participate in the tournament and become a brave man, you won''t be able to leave!


    You''re a vigorous son.


    The young and hopeful Gran was full of dreams of becoming a brave man.


    You''re going to participate in the selection process?


    The shadow that hangs over us.


    It''s not a bad idea to bring a child with you, isn''t it?


    You''re not afraid to bring your child along, are you?��You''ve got to be licking your brave ass.


    No, it''s not me who''s competing...?


    You mean my son?


    Well, it''s still more common sense for an old man with a child to challenge a brave man than a six-year-old.


    ''Looks like a forty year old man who is past his prime as an adventurer came to show the kids what a good time he has?��Don''t do that. Would you rather embarrass yourself in front of the children?


    A huge man who gets entangled in a misunderstanding.


    Another misunderstanding. I''m still just barely in my thirties, not yet forty.


    I''m going to be the new brave one. The strongest adventurer in the world, Mr. Urbini, will become a hero and defeat the Demon King, which is the desire of the human race.��You are a waste of time. It''s a waste of time.


    Dad....


    My breath Gran, with the innocence of a child, says


    ''Why is this old man so weak and high-minded?


    What?


    The big man reacts instantly.


    My child, being a child, doesn''t keep his thoughts in his mouth.


    You little brat!��What did you just say?��You can''t call me weak, the future hero, Mr. Urbini?


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re doing.


    As a matter of fact, I''m pretty much the same as my son.


    ''d*mn cheeky little brat!��There are things you can say and things you can''t say just because you''re a kid!��Do you want to hurt me!


    And the big man is not mature.


    You''ll be able to get a lot more out of it. You''ll be able to get a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    Get out of my way!��You''re going to have to discipline that little shit!


    Don''t be so angry. Can''t you just let it slide?


    "No, you can''t miss it!��I have to become a hero and defeat the Demon King!��I won''t let you accuse me of being weak like that!


    He is a narrow-minded big brother, isn''t he?


    It is true that my child who speaks out immediately what is on his mind is also troubled.


    I have to teach him that he should keep silent about what he says.


    Even if it is true, it is not good to tell the truth.


    Hey, you!


    The big man is getting angrier and angrier.


    ''What do you mean it''s true?��You think I''m weak?��You licked both of my children...!


    Big man, he drew his weapon.


    It was a thick-walled battle-axe.


    "This is the important meeting for the selection of the brave, but I''m not going to back down after being insulted like this!��If you''re selling me a fight, I''m buying you one!��Father and son die together!


    The axe that was swung down.


    It had a mixture of slash and hit aura at a ratio of about 3:2, but in terms of total volume, it wasn''t the least bit threatening.


    It was already able to prevent the axe sufficiently, with an aura that had no meaning, wrapped around its body.


    ''''What?!''''


    The big man is surprised.


    It''s the best I can do.��The rock-shattering axe was defended with your bare hands?


    Bare-handed is a misconception. In this case, it''s primarily the quality and quantity of the aura that counts.


    The battle between adventurers is determined by their auras.


    How much of the aura of the slash-and-strike defense and the four traits are properly managed.


    And the amount of aura.


    That''s the primary factor in deciding the winner.


    In this case, the amount of aura between you and me is too different. At a level where it doesn''t matter what the difference is between a weapon and a bare hand.


    I knew it at first glance, but the big man''s total aura is far below mine, and below Gashita and Zester.


    Even my brother-in-law, L��beke, could beat him, I think.


    How can an A-level adventurer be inferior to a B-level adventurer?


    I wonder if he cheated something in the exam.


    ''''Oh no..., my aura power is lower than this old man...?


    I stepped back, shivering and wannabe.


    It''s a good thing that you are honest, but it''s hard to become a brave man if you have the mental capacity to be astonished by a point like this.


    ''''.......No!��I''m not going to be overwhelmed by this!��I''m going to be a hero!��Like that Lady Arantzill!


    But not gracefully.


    You should not have done this, but you have rallied yourself to challenge me again.


    I could have just apologized and dodged it, but I have my son in front of me.


    I can''t afford to show him my disrespect in front of his son.


    I''m going to beat you to a pulp.


    Don''t do it.


    But he was stopped.


    The big man was grabbed from behind by someone else.


    With that alone, the big man''s four limbs stopped as if frozen in an instant.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of who you''re going to attack if you''re going to be a hero. You''re the one who is the enemy.


    What?��You are...?


    The big man looks back and assesses the person who stopped him, and is surprised.


    What kind of celebrity are you?


    The newcomer is a skilled-looking man who appears to be in his thirties.


    It''s not particularly huge or flashy, but the presence of a presence is clearly different from that of the others.


    It was quiet and yet heavy from the appearance. You can see at a glance that this is hand training. Will he also participate in the heroic contest?


    You are Dariel of the village of Lax, aren''t you?


    ''''Oh, yes...?''''


    A guru-like man spoke to me.


    It''s a pleasure to meet you. It''s a great honor to meet you, and it''s great that you''re participating in today''s tournament.


    No, it''s not me that''s competing...?


    Everyone knows Arantziel, the great warrior. I''m sure you''ve got a lot of talent as his own son, and he''s rumored to be even more talented than his father. You''re the one.


    ''''Geez!'''' next to the conversation. I heard a dirty cry.


    '' ''Ko?��Is that...?��And this is Master Arantziel''s son?��No, he''s that guy''s...?


    It was a big man with an axe.


    I''m sure you''re not the only one.


    "You can''t even guess the opponent''s strength, you novice. If you''re as powerful as he is, you should be wary of his appearance alone, even if you don''t know his identity as the son of a hero.


    What...?


    No fool will ever be chosen as a hero. So go back to the country before you disgrace yourself.


    It was a tough talk.


    Guru-style, he turned to me again.


    ''''Excuse me. I am Kamikazo, a Class A adventurer from the city of Joshua. It is my deepest honor to participate in the same selection committee as the son of the Great Brave.


    Huh...?


    I''m going to challenge you to the main tournament with the intention of borrowing your heart. The choice for the hero is yours, but let''s give it our all to the end.


    Shaking hands lightly, Kamikazo-san and the others left behind the center guild.


    ''''Arantzill-sama''s son........? '' ''A stranger has arrived. "''Isn''t that the winner? I don''t think I''m going to compete, but I''m not.


    There''s no time to say, "I''m not going to participate in the tournament," and there''s no time to say it.


    On the other hand, my son Grandpa is watching the whole thing from my side.


    "Dad, you''re so cool!


    I was happy to see him look at me with envy, though.

 261-260 Son Gran, strong

    After such trivial matters, I finally enter the Center Guild.


    It seems that the brave selection meeting is held at the training grounds in the Center Guild building.


    I remember when I was sent out to be an examiner for the A-level promotion exam, it was held there too.


    That was five years ago, and I miss everything.


    Now, at the age of six, I give my son, who is challenging the heroic selection committee, another word of encouragement.


    Well, just think of it as a memorial. If you think you are in danger, give up immediately. Neither the judges nor your competitors will take you seriously against a child, so...


    ''What?��We''re going to win, okay?��I''ll be brave, okay?


    Where does this confidence come from, son?


    Seriously, I''m not sure if it''s appropriate for such a child to participate in the tournament, but in principle, there are no fixed rules for the brave selection committee.


    If I had to name one, it would be that he has to be of the human race.


    I''ve heard that Arantzill, who we know well, became a brave after winning the selection meeting without belonging to an adventurer''s guild, so anything is possible.


    You''ll be watching, dad!��I want to see me do great things!


    There''s so much more to it than that.


    My son is on his way to the venue.


    I wanted to see him as closely as possible, and I was also worried about him, so I stood by at the perimeter of the venue so that I could rush to him as soon as possible if anything happened.


    I hope it will end without any problems....


    Hmmm........isn''t this a good development.......?


    I was on the edge of my seat, worried about my son, and then an extra guy appeared.


    It''s Gandomiraff, or is this guy the mastermind behind the whole thing?


    You''re the one who sent my kid that weird invitation, aren''t you?


    ''''Gubo-hoo!''''


    At any rate, I punched him in the stomach as a greeting.


    My fist dug into my pigeon tail.


    "Goooo.........?��Goo-boo-boo-boo..............��It''s all a straightforward route to my glory.


    He still talks like a winner, leaking stomach juices from his mouth.


    Maybe he has more guts than he thought?


    My good men have already made inquiries. You''ve been a troubled boy.


    No. Aren''t all of your children cute?


    ''''If such a child of mine becomes a brave person, you can''t afford not to support him. As you already know, I was the one who recommended that child to the brave selection committee!��Grandson of the great hero Arantzill!��Talent and fame are the best of both worlds!��My insights on finding this out will be known and will be one of the factors in getting elected to the board!��..........


    I dug my fist into my pigeon tail again.


    I''m not going to let my child be a pawn in your power!


    The only way to do that is to support the kid who has now become a hero. You''re going to join me!��Aren''t your own children lovely?��You''re not qualified to call yourself a parent if you don''t help them. And you''ll have to help me back that kid off the board, too.


    It was a vicious trick, I thought.


    I knew from the first glance that Gandomirahu was a lowlife, but his eyes are not just a lowlife.


    If he didn''t know how much I doted on my son, he wouldn''t have been able to pull off such a scheme.


    He''s worked out every detail about me down to my private life.


    It was an evil plan that was unlikely to be able to be done by a stupid son who only relies on his parents'' seventh sense.


    "...who the hell put you up to this?


    ''I''m not obliged to answer. Let''s just say that I have many people who can help me. The future chancellor of the Center Guild must have a lot of allies on his side!


    Isn''t he just trying to take advantage of the power and financial power?


    And the owner of the power is such a boner. It would be much easier to control and extract profits from him than the current chairman of the board of directors.


    "Guhahahahahahaha!��I don''t care about your mundane will!��Everything will flow as the future Center Guild President Gandomirahu wants it to!��Abandon it and give up your money for me!


    "Sorry to be a winner, but is the plan going to work?


    What?��What are you talking about?��That''s the plan I''m going to follow!��It''s bound to work 100%!


    What confidence.


    Even if it''s groundless, it must be a great thing if you can believe in it to this extent, but....


    The fact is, you''ve come this far because of your son!��Everything is just as I thought it would be!''''


    So far?��But in order to assure my cooperation in the end, my kid needs to become a hero, right?


    Otherwise, my breath, Gran-kun, retired at some point in the heroic selection meeting, and went home with a "regretful" look on his face.


    That''s where it all ends.


    I''m not going to support the village of Lax, no matter who becomes a hero.


    ''''Well no, no, no, that''s it, okay?��You underestimate your son, don''t you?��If you''re the son of that brave Arantzill, then your son, that kid, is the grandson of the brave Arantzill!��Isn''t the talent perfect?


    Does he already know where I come from?


    If that''s the case, then you''ve got a pretty good hand on your stupid son.


    "He''s perfectly talented. And my son is only six years old.


    "What''s the matter with you?


    Couldn''t you have known about that reaction?


    He only asked me if I had a child and didn''t ask me about my age.


    He behaved like a good example of a boss who leaves it to his subordinates to gather information and doesn''t do anything about it himself.


    "You''re a dickhead!��Are you stupid?��Are you an idiot?��How can a six-year-old be able to compete with a strong A-class adventurer?


    Gandomirahu isn''t a board member yet either, as his father, the chairman of the board, hasn''t officially retired yet.


    He''s just a person.


    If such a person spontaneously recommends a six year old boy as a brave man, it''s inevitable that he will become ''This guy is an idiot''.


    On the contrary, the path to becoming a board member would be more distant.


    As a disciplinarian with no common sense and insight.


    "You''re an idiot too, huh?��Why don''t you stop him?��You think a six-year-old boy is afraid to take part in the heroic competition?��You''re a parent, stop it!��Isn''t that normal?!


    It''s selfish of you to put in your own words of recommendation.


    However, discarding the panicked Gandomirahu, the heroic selection meeting was finally held.


    About a hundred strong people gathered here.


    Only one of them was chosen from these buddies to become a brave man, succeeding Reedy.


    Who on earth will be chosen?


    I''m sure the judging will be divided into two levels...?


    It seems that the first round of judging is a sifting process to narrow it down to a certain level.


    The judging process is a battle royal.


    So you want to kill each other to reduce the number of people. That''s a little rough.


    "Oh?��Why are the kids here?


    My child, Gran, was spotted early on.


    You can''t help but notice that there are children among them.


    Are you........aren''t you the son of Lord Arantzill''s son?��What happened to your father?


    The one involved with Gran-kun was the big man I met at the entrance as well.


    The axe-handler Arbini or something like that.


    Dad is over there!


    ''Yes.........?��Really?��Why are you out there?��And there''s a kid on the inside?


    Because I''m competing. Dad can''t be there.


    "Really?��No wait?��If he is the son of Arantzill-sama, then he is Arantzill-sama''s grandson?��Then even a little boy like him is qualified to challenge the hero selection.......no.......?


    I''m confused, I''m confused.


    However, the place has already become a battlefield. If you''re bypassing the confusion in the middle of such a situation.......


    "There''s a gap...


    Gran''s side set it up.


    With the wooden sword I had prepared for this day''s battle........


    "Whoa!��But I''m the most adventurous person in my hometown!��I''m not going to be pushed around by a kid with the extent of a surprise attack!


    Arbini or something like that, relying on his own blessedly huge body, the greatest weapon he has been blessed with, tries to attack Gran.


    But it was a shallow decision.


    I told you that an adventurer''s greatest weapon is his or her aura.


    ''''Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!


    Hogehyaaaahhhhh!


    Have you seen that?


    Muscle armor has no meaning to Gran''s wooden sword with a solid aura passing through it.


    Furthermore, since it skillfully gouged out the joints and other thin muscle parts, it was even more meaningless and took serious damage, and the muscle giant sank.


    As long as the amount of aura was different to begin with, and as long as he didn''t have an aptitude for guard (protective) aura, it was best to avoid the opponent''s aura attacks.


    No matter how stubborn his body was, it would be too reckless to try to endure it with his bare hands.


    ''''That child........used his aura.......?


    What the hell is going on...?��It''s bizarre for a child to participate in the heroic selection meeting...?


    The surrounding participants are also surprised.


    Yes, Gran had awakened to his aura ability before he knew it.


    The culprit is your father-in-law.


    Granbaza-sama Arantzill, he''s that guy who''s as much of a jibberish idiot as Mr. Arantzill. It seems he was abusing his guild master''s authority to open Gran''s aura ability.


    Thanks to that, my son who is already quite familiar with aura attacks.


    I wonder who he looks like.


    My son, who is six years old, was worried about me for some reason.


    However, he seems to be starting to make great progress safely.

 262-261 Son Gran, Warriors

    First, let''s review.


    There are four main characteristics of the aura used by the human race.


    Slash.


    Sting.


    Hit (striking).


    Guard (defense).


    Every adventurer who fights with auras has an aptitude for one of these traits, and it is said that it is best to use the aura trait that suits you best.


    For example, one of our adventurers, Gacita, is an archer with an aptitude for sting, and Zester is a hammer user with an aptitude for hit.


    Sesha had half the aptitude for slash and half the aptitude for sting, so his main weapon was a spear that made use of both.


    As is so often the case, there are many different types of adventurers, even if they are called adventurers with a single word.


    And what kind of aura aptitude does my son, who has just awakened to his aura ability, have?


    ''''Oryah!''''


    He was most suited to all of them.


    Slashing and striking and defending, all aura traits could be displayed 100% fully.


    In the melee of the heroic selection meeting, my child Gran had demonstrated his power without regret.


    ''''Fighting while taking away the opponent''s weapons...?


    Apart from that child, there are countless other participants in the heroic selection meeting.


    They were nominal adventurers to begin with, and they carried special weapons worthy of their lives.


    Gran has been using them in his attacks, taking them one by one.


    And then he uses it up and throws it away.


    ''''The first wooden sword you used is already broken...?


    It''s just like a toy for children.


    It was not something that could withstand the momentum of the aura that Gran seriously emitted.


    That''s why that child is fighting an anomalous battle of snatching weapons from the enemy, but this is probably insane.


    ''What the hell is that child!��Aren''t you using too many different weapons earlier?


    Before, you used a spear!��But now he''s using a sword...!��What''s next, the hammer?


    A wide variety of weapons?��I''m sure you''ll be able to use only one type of human being.


    The theory of adventurers is that when aura has an aptitude for aura, they can only use weapons that are appropriate for that aptitude.


    If you have an aptitude for slashing, then a sword.


    If you have an aptitude for sting, you can use the bow and arrow.


    If you have the ability to hit, you can use the hammer, and so on.


    Conversely, if an adventurer only has an aptitude for slashing, using a bow and arrow or hammer will not have much effect.


    You have to use the right weapon for your aptitude.


    However, my breath Gran is able to handle all types of weapons evenly.


    That''s because he is able to demonstrate all of his aura characteristics more than enough, and that''s why he doesn''t choose a weapon.


    Originally, my father, me, has all the aura aptitudes, and his father, Arantzill, also has them.


    It''s a trait passed down from parents to children and from children to grandchildren, but it''s still raging even in Gran-kun''s generation.


    I''m not going to stand being licked by this kid!��Crush it!


    One of the adventurers, who is challenging the brave selection committee, is excited to attack Gran-kun.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you''ll be able to get a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    ''''Uhihaa?


    When he lost his stance, he strikes a blow.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most out of your time with the help of a few of your friends.


    Even so, it''s unlikely that he''ll be able to sit up and continue fighting.


    ''''You won''t be using this sword anymore, right?��Then let me borrow it!


    And Gran crunching and using the opponent''s weapon again.


    This was a repetition of this.


    The challengers of the Brave Selection Society were also overwhelmed by this do-it-yourself child and were kicked down in confusion.


    ''''Wow!��Hey, lady, that hammer looks strong!��Let me use it!


    Yikes!


    It''s just a tailor''s move.


    It''s not a good idea.


    Well, even if they''re female adventurers, they don''t get to rub my tits while beating me up anymore.


    I''ve been rubbing my baby''s tits as much as I wanted to.


    It''s a good idea to discipline him early or he''ll become a s*x offender, so Marijuana''s strict discipline was worth it.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time.


    Gran-kun''s invincibility is not only due to the quality and quantity of his aura.


    That boy is a sword, spear, hammer, bow and arrow. He knows how to properly handle all weapons.


    It means that he has knowledge and skill.


    As expected, that kind of thing won''t be able to be cleared by talent alone, and it''s not something that can be acquired by running around in the mountains and fields playing.


    How did my son become so hard and healthy?


    ''Nyah-ha-ha-ha!��Die!


    I noticed as I looked at my child, who was happily wielding a spear.


    ''''Sesha-san........?


    Even if they used the same weapon, each wielder has his or her own peculiar habits.


    And such habits are often passed down from master to apprentice.


    I saw in Gran''s spearhandling, the movements of a spearman who was once so skilled that he joined a hero''s party....


    ''Don''t tell me you were being instructed by Sesha-san?


    What do you think you''re teaching your son, when you''re living like a recluse?


    No, it''s not just Sesha-san.


    When Gran grabbed the hammer, the overlapping figure was another Lax Village A-class adventurer, Zester.


    When he holds a bow and arrow, he thinks of Gacita.


    .........What if they were teaching Gran all over the place about their own skills by stealing my eyes?


    We''ve all spoiled our children, and the result is a runaway warrior who''s out of control!


    ''Hit!��Human Shield!


    ohhhhh?


    The guard aura is also perfect.


    It''s the only thing I can think of that will work.


    It''s not a good idea to have a new one.��That kid is untouchable!


    "Run away!��If we collide with him properly, it will definitely be over!


    Even the bragging rights that aim to be the brave are destroyed by my child''s strength, who runs away when he''s done.


    It''s safe to say that the venue is already overrun by that boy alone.


    However, there is still one person who tries to stop my child''s rapid progress.


    "It''s a terrible thing, the blood of a hero.


    Oh, that guy.........?


    He has a masterful appearance. An adventurer I met at the entrance named Kamikazo-san.


    I thought Dariel-dono was going to be competing, but it was his son. Moreover, he is still a toddler, and he is strong enough to wipe out the strongest adventurers in every region. So that''s the bloodline of Arantziel-sama.


    A master with a sword in his hand.


    But this Kamikazo has come this far to be a brave man. You must not be defeated by a child!��I won''t let you go easy on this hand to earn the title of hero.


    Gran, look out!


    I''m going to call out to them from the outside.


    I''m sure he''s the only one who''s exceptional among the other brave contestants in the same boat.


    I''m sure if you lick it off, you''ll get a painful kickback.


    The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that I''m not going to be able to get my hands on any of them.


    What?


    Gran raises his sword and puts an aura into his blade.


    Didn''t think that appearance was........?


    "''Se-o-Sakku''!


    What the hell is that?


    The aura slash is unleashed as soon as it is swung down.


    And it''s an extra large one.


    This is an original technique developed by the brave Arantzill, and it is synonymous with the hero.


    And it was unleashed by a mere six years old child?


    "What the hell?��You, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!


    Kamikazo tried to defend himself, but he was unable to prevent it.


    He was immediately swallowed by the large aura slasher blade and blown away.


    Well, given his abilities, he won''t die........


    ''''Victory!''''


    My son declared victory in the middle of the hall.


    In fact, in the same place, there was not one more person left who was willing to fight him.


    They were all beaten down or demoralized to fight.

 263-262 Son Gran, not a hero

    No, my boy is strong.


    He was stronger than I, his father, had imagined.


    I thought he was a mischievous boy who ran around the fields and mountains day and night, calling it fun.


    But I never thought he''d be able to defeat more than one active adventurer at once.


    "Hahahahahahahahahaha!��Bwahahahahahahahahaha!


    The annoying guy next to me is annoying.


    You''re making me nervous!��It''s a crushing victory when it''s all said and done!��That''s the grandson of a great brave man!


    The guy from Gandomirahu is pleased with the result.


    He''ll be happy if his own recommendation, Gran, annihilates his rivals in a near-perfect manner.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea, but I think it''s a good idea. I''m sure you''re not the only one. Compared to that brat, the other adventurers who took part in the tournament are nothing more than trash!��It''s painful to think that some of those brave candidates nominated by the current board of directors are growing out of control!


    "How to say it,


    "Find the kid!��I recommended this Gandomirahu to the brave men!��I''m not crazy about my eyes!��Praise be to my credit!


    Gandomirahu is good at it, but it''s depressing, so let''s just let it go.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most out of your time in the world, but it''s not worth it because all of the contestants except Gran have retired.


    There was only Gran left in the hall anymore.


    ''''This........what''s going on...?


    What''s the point of continuing the judging in this situation...?


    The Center Guild Board of Directors, watching from the bleachers, seemed confused by the unexpected development.


    The board of directors also serves as judges for the selection of the brave, and only the chairman of the board is absent due to his health condition from time to time.


    It''s probably unexpected that they all disappear in the first round of screening.


    Gran-san wiped them out without even having time to stop to see how many people were eligible.


    ''''Stupid Center Guild board members!��Why bother!


    Gandomirav says enthusiastically.


    That''s a very provocative way of putting it.


    "We don''t need any more tests at this point!��The last one left to be chosen for bravery!��I''m pretty sure it''s this grand boy!��What else is there?


    ''Mmmm~?!''


    The board of directors groaned, but there were no other acceptable facts.


    It can''t be helped. It''s a bit stupid, but we''ll have to see about that.


    ''Our Center Guild Board of Directors recognizes Gran of Lax Village as the new hero!


    My boy has really become a brave man.


    Maybe it''s not the youngest record?


    Grandpa Arantzill was the first person to become a hero after not being registered in the Adventurer''s Guild, but he was definitely the second person in history to become a hero.


    He has accomplished an extraordinary feat.


    At the age of six.


    ''''Fuhahahahahaha!��It was this Gandomilaf who recommended Gran as a brave man!��Dear mediocre Center Guild Board of Directors, let''s remember that!��The kid has my back!��When I become the guild director, I''ll be in charge of all of the heroic Gran''s demon king defeating missions!


    Gandomirahu already felt like he was in the heavens.


    ''''Finally!��My time has come at last!��Hey, Dariel!��You should be more than happy that your son is now a hero!��We''re going to need a lot more money for your son.��I''ll manage it properly and you can give me all the money you have!


    You seem to think that everything follows you, but I wanted to make sure that I had something to go on before I did.


    "Gran, come here!


    T-Chan!��Toh-chan!


    My breath Gran, my breath, runs up to me with a happy patter.


    ''Dad, I could be a brave man!��It''s a winner!


    ''Congratulations, you''ve done well. But is Gran really going to be a brave man?


    Heh?


    Some of them would sidestep those words.


    ''What are you talking about?��That kid is bound to be a brave man, of course!��You won the selection committee!��Who else is going to be the brave one!


    Shut up. Shut up, outsiders.


    "Listen, Gran. "You won''t be able to stay in the village of Lux if you''re brave enough to do it.


    ''What?!''


    A look of utter astonishment.


    I guess you didn''t understand after all.


    You can''t go on a journey to defeat the Demon King, you know. We have to go around to various places in order to get to the Demon King''s Castle.


    ''I can''t stay in my hometown.


    Dad has work to do, so he can''t go with me. The same goes for your mother. If you become brave, Gran won''t be able to see your father or your mother.


    At least for a while.


    As soon as I told him that, large tears began to flow from Gran''s eyes.


    ''''Oh no~!


    My child who starts to cry.


    I don''t want to be separated from my mom and dad!��I don''t want to be separated from my mom and dad!��I definitely don''t want to be separated from my mom!


    "Okay, okay.


    I hold my sobbing child in my arms.


    He was only six years old. It must be unbearable for even a naughty boy to be separated from his parents at his age, even if he runs around the fields and mountains every day.


    I don''t want to be brave!��I won''t be a hero!��We''re going to be together forever!


    Okay, okay. Your father and mother will be with Gran all the time.


    So..........


    ''''I''m sorry to everyone gathered. My son is still too young to understand what being a brave person is all about. It was rude of me to come to the brave selection meeting with such unpreparedness, but it was a child''s doing, and I hope you will forgive me. Full responsibility.....


    My gaze turns to the side.


    ''It would be better for you to take it from this Mr. Gandomirahu. The narrow-mindedness of recommending a child as a brave man without thinking it through. I would like you to take it as a pitfall with a commensurate penalty.


    ''''Neeeeeeeeeeeeeee!


    Mr. Gandomirahu, who was convinced of the spring of his life until a few moments ago, was in a panic when he was hit with a huge twist.


    Gandomirahu, who was convinced that it was the springtime of his life just now, is now in a panic after being hit with a huge upset.


    ''''Ridiculous!��Why do I have to clean up the mess of a little boy like that?��You must take responsibility for it!


    You wanted to make Gran the hero, and you wanted to suck the honey, didn''t you?��Risk and return are two sides of the same coin. You can''t be pompous only when it backfires, can you?


    And don''t call my kid a little b*tc*.


    ''Ridiculous!��Nonsense!��Hey, you little bastards!��Change the language!��Be the hero!��That''s what you''re supposed to do!��Do your job well!


    No!


    "Don''t spoil it for me, you little shit!��I don''t want to be a spoiled brat!��Everyone''s on their own!��If you''re a man, show some guts!


    I don''t want to hear from you, who''s still gnawing on your parents'' shins even though you''re close to 50.


    The sight of you forcing a child in front of the public is not pleasantly received by those around you.


    That''s enough!


    Finally, the Guild Board of Directors in the bleachers voiced their restraint.


    ''''It''s far too unseemly, Mr. Gandomirahu. Your father has fallen, and you''re all pretending to be a replacement, but officially, you''re not even a guild board member yet, let alone a member of the Center Guild.


    Oh, my God, that''s...!


    ''''It''s too obvious for such an anathema to interfere with the Center Guild''s decision any further. Leave quickly. If you''re not willing to lose it yourself, I''ll order the guild guards to restrain you.


    ''Nonsense!��I''m as good as a guild director now!��If only my father would die!��When your father dies and disappears, that seat will be mine!


    ''Do you look forward to your father''s death? How shallow. I cannot welcome such a person to the prestigious Center Guild Board of Directors. Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your permission?


    One of the guild directors looked to his left and right, and the other directors nodded in agreement.


    What the hell is this?


    The Center Guild Board of Directors has designated Gandomirav as an ''undesirable person''. This makes it impossible for him to hold any key positions in the Center Guild, let alone the Board of Directors, thereafter.


    He lets out a voice like a chicken being strangled.


    In fact, it''s like a death sentence for him.


    ''''That''s absurd!��If I can''t be on the board, who will?��I''m not just a guy who should be on the board, I''m a guy who should be president of the board!��Just like your father!��If my father is the chancellor, then of course I should be the chancellor too!��Why do you try to stop me from taking that natural path?


    You can think what you want, but everything in the world proceeds objectively. It''s a mistake to think that this is the way you want things to go.


    "You!


    Anyway, that''s it for Gandomirahu.


    And to top it all off, we have one more messenger to drive him back to hell.


    "Oh, I''m here at last.


    That was Mr. Alanziel.


    It must have taken you a long time to get from the Rasperda Fortress straight here to where I was working.


    Dariel... which one of you?


    Who are you talking about?


    ''Don''t fall in love with me, you miscreant who tried to use my grandson and use him as a pawn. How dare you try to involve your lovely grandson in dirty politics. What a traitor. I''ll have to put him to death myself.


    Well, here''s what happens.


    Mr. Aranziel has been catcalling his grandson, Gran, and has hated the political habits of the Center Guild since he was an active hero.


    He would be angry at the double factor.


    ''Looks like I need to remind you of that, don''t I?��What would happen if we pissed off this Alanziel?��Regret along with pain...!


    YEAH!��Stop!��Stand down!��I will be the future President of the Center Guild, no!��Noaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah?


    Aranzir-san, who had lost his temper, couldn''t possibly show any more mercy than I did.


    Gandomilav was to drop out of the race for power, with every bone in his body broken.

 264-263 A new shadow, wriggle

    So, in the end, how did you select a new hero?


    After calming the place down once more, we discussed it again.


    At the edge, a battered gandomillah was being carried away on a thangka.


    It seemed more like garbage disposal than rescue.


    The guild directors, who had the right to decide on the selection of a brave man, talked among themselves.


    I''m not sure if there''s a problem with Gran''s selection as the hero. No matter how good he is, he is still an inexperienced child.


    You don''t even have the ability to make good decisions. It''s not enough for a brave man to have only the ability to fight. And if they were to be criticized for sending their children into battle, it would cause endless damage to the center guild.


    If he had grown at least ten more years, that would be ideal conditions.


    He just says what he thinks.


    Incidentally, the important thing is that Gran was playing with Grandpa Arantzill, whom he hadn''t seen in a while.


    Granberza-sama wanted to come to the party too, but he was in tears because he couldn''t come to the center guild because he was a demon.


    ''''Well then?��Shall we start the selection meeting from the beginning again, except for Gran-kun?


    ''You''re not gonna close me down like that, are you?��All of them are the ones who were obeyed by six-year-olds, right?


    The only thing that matters is the fact that we have to pick out a brave man from such people.... It''s no use...?


    I feel sorry for them for being said that.


    The people who participated in the heroic contest this time around also worked hard to become heroes.


    It''s sad that they still couldn''t match Gran''s talent, but.......


    Anyway, this doesn''t seem to be a problem that can be concluded immediately.......


    Let''s dismiss for the day. And we''ll discuss this later...


    As such, the heroic selection meeting ended with a simmering feeling.


    The only thing that was decided was that Gandomirahu was removed from the position of power forever.


    ��


    It''s been a while.


    Oh, my sweetheart?


    After the end of the heroic selection meeting, they met again with an unexpected person in the center guild.


    One of the former brave party, Satome the shield wielder.


    Five years have passed and her physical appearance has changed completely, once she was the face of a girl, but now she has grown into an adult woman with s*x appeal.


    ''''Come to think of it, did you go back to the Center Guild?��I haven''t seen this since Radey announced that the party was breaking up. No, no, grow up...!


    Dariel, you are the one who has become more and more dignified as the village chief. Gran has grown up, too. He''s still a child, though...


    Gran, as it turns out, is still playing with Alanziel.


    But he is enjoying his time with Alanziel, who met his grandson after a long time.


    Thanks to this, I was able to focus on seeing Satome again.


    ''''She''s a child after all, putting her mother''s pampering ahead of her brave mission. No one could have predicted this. I never thought it would end like this.


    Is Satome still here to watch the heroic selection meeting?


    It was more natural to think so.


    As a matter of fact, I don''t know what Satome is doing in the center guild.


    I thought she was still an adventurer earner, but her current appearance was in a tight-fitting suit with a collar.


    It was very hard to believe that she was dressed as a fighter.


    More like a female official engaged in political affairs........


    What kind of day-to-day life had she been leading while we were unaware of it?


    ..........


    I understand why you can''t guess that.


    The brave party members after Brave Raymond disappeared must have had deep feelings for each other.


    Sesha, who was in the same party, has withdrawn to the cottage and is living a recluse life because of her own sense of helplessness and frustration.


    I thought that Satome''s new life was more positive now that she''s returned to the Center Guild, but....


    Was it my own imagination?


    ''''Are you curious?��What am I doing now?


    Um...?


    I work for the Chamber of Commerce through an acquaintance of Master Radey''s family. So you''re practically retired as an adventurer.


    The Chamber of Commerce...?


    Another nasty name came up.


    ''It seems that Mayor Dariel doesn''t like the Chamber of Commerce after all. It was clearly on his face.


    Okay.


    I''m not interested in doing any belly tricks, so I don''t mind the expression on my face.


    I have some idea of what a shokai is.


    I''m not sure what to make of it, but I have an unpleasant impression of it.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time with them. It''s an existence that should be called a leader of the economy.


    They control the distribution of goods in the human territory. It is as indispensable to human society as the Adventurer''s Guild.


    In fact, like the Adventurer''s Guild, most large cities have a branch of the Chamber of Commerce, which approves business in the city and checks the distribution of goods.


    Why am I smoking such an existence?��But the reason is simple and clear.


    The reason for this is simple and clear: we can do without a trade association.


    There are no trade association buildings in Lax Village.


    That''s because Lax Village was originally a backwater village on the verge of natural extinction, and there was no profit to be made.


    Traders only appear where there is money to be made.


    In the past, poor Lax village was ignored, but as soon as the Mithril mine was recaptured and great wealth began to be generated, it began to slip through the cracks.


    He appeared in front of me, the village chief, rubbing his hands and making these demands with a smile.


    LUX Village must immediately join the trade association.


    All sales and distribution of mithril products produced in LUX village must be under the control of the association.


    The price of all mithril products shall be determined by the Chamber of Commerce.


    LUX Village shall provide full access to the production process of mithril products when requested by the Chamber of Commerce.


    Only those with permission from the Chamber of Commerce may buy and sell goods in the village.


    I refused at once.


    This is like asking me to surrender my village''s sovereignty.


    We can''t do the Merchant''s Association''s bidding for the independence and survival of the Lux village.


    It''s been nearly three years since I sprinkled salt on the Society of Commerce messengers and wished them goodbye.


    From there, I was repeatedly harassed in a horrific manner.


    On one occasion, a large order was suddenly cancelled, and on another occasion, the man carrying mithril was turned into a rattler, and he was on the verge of running away with the Misuris products.


    Even when there was a suspicious fire in the village, there were whispers that it was the work of the Chamber of Commerce.


    Most towns and villages would succumb to those harassments and join the association, but fortunately for me, I had a number of hands against those dastardly measures.


    Originally, Mithril products were only produced from Mithril mines, and only the blacksmiths in our village could process them.


    No matter how much we cut off trade and feed our troops, as long as there is a demand for mithril products, we have no choice but to buy them from our own village, and it was the other side that would be the first to make a noise.


    Besides, I have a thick pipe with the Center Guild President.


    The Adventurer''s Guild was not pleased with the Merchant''s Association''s selfishness, and Mr. Chancellor dealt with the Chamber of Commerce whenever he had to.


    And the black market for the dryads, I guess.


    Don''t be surprised, the black market is supposed to be far more expensive than the healthy market due to the illegal trade, but if you want to buy the same thing through the Chamber of Commerce, it''s cheaper to buy it on the black market.


    If you buy one thing on the dryad black market.


    When you buy the same thing through the Chamber of Commerce, it''s about 1.5.


    That was how much the Chamber of Commerce was charging a huge margin.


    Thanks to this, mithril products sold without the Chamber of Commerce are sometimes cheaper than weapons made of iron or copper, which are less powerful.


    If we let these people parasitize us, Lux Village will be on the decline in no time," he said.


    I can''t believe you belonged to such a trading company.


    ''You''re disappointed?��But don''t worry. I don''t recall being a pawn in their minds.


    Satome smiles a preconceitful smile that she hadn''t shown at all five years ago.


    ''Dariel village chief. It was the Chamber of Commerce that was behind Gandomirahu this time.''


    Of course.


    ''''The person who is most in the way of them taking control of Lax Village is the current President of the Center Guild. Because that person was actively putting a halt to them because he was on their shoulders as a relative of Anata, and because he feared that the Chamber of Commerce would grow larger than necessary.


    The good news for them is that Mr. Chancellor has fallen...


    And it would be even better if the current chairman of the board of directors was replaced by the chair of the Center Guild board of directors, someone who was willing to put his shoulder to the Chamber of Commerce.


    ''And that brings you closer to Gandomirahu?


    He''s just a coward with big ambitions. He''s the perfect puppet.


    Sending a guy who can manipulate at will to the Center Guild Board of Directors and reflecting the will of the Chamber of Commerce, he slowly swallowed up the Lux Village.


    ''To the Chamber of Commerce, Mithril products are such an attractive commodity. There seems to be no greater humiliation for a merchant than to be unable to bite yourself where the profits are,''''


    It''s annoying.


    I don''t deny the desire to make a profit, but if that''s the case, shouldn''t you use your own ingenuity to increase your profits?


    It is a parasite to suck up the profit generated by others.


    In other words, it''s the Chamber of Commerce that''s the mastermind behind this event. That means the Chamber of Commerce is the mastermind behind this event, isn''t it?


    They are much weaker than the enemies I''ve been facing, but at the same time, they are different and annoying.


    I didn''t know that I would have to deal with an opponent like this if I lived as a village chief for a long time.


    ''''Naturally, the Chamber of Commerce will definitely not give up when this time''s plan fails. I''m sure they will use all sorts of different ways to get at Lax Village''s mithril. Please be careful.


    Thank you.


    I was relieved to hear that much.


    It''s not that Satome has turned against us. In fact, she even went so far as to impersonate a spy to help us out.


    Isn''t that why you joined the Chamber of Commerce?��I''m trying to get information on someone who''s going to harm Lax Village...


    No, that''s just a side note.


    Satome said something even more outrageous.


    ''And it was my idea to bring Gran-kun into this matter.

 265-264 Satome gets poison

    ''''Yeah........?''''


    I can''t contain my confusion at the fact that Satome has revealed it.


    "Satome...?��Then the one who persuaded that idiot in Gandomilaf to recommend our Gran to the heroic selection committee is also...?


    It was me. I''ve gained the trust of the Chamber of Commerce in my own way, so I''ve been entrusted with the important task of pretending to be complicit with the Chancellor''s son and turning him into a puppet.


    Did you say something as important as that?


    "I could say that using Gran-chan was my own special trick.��No matter how tough the Chamber of Commerce is, it would be difficult to investigate the village chief''s private life in detail.


    Yeah, that''s right.


    I have a couple of my own people in charge of espionage, including Selmet and his people. It''s less likely that I breached their counter-intelligence and stole my family''s information than it is that it leaked to my people.


    Isn''t it?


    So you joined the Chamber of Commerce wholeheartedly in an attempt to bring us down?��Not just me, but Gran...?


    If Arantziel over there finds out about that, you''re dead.


    I wouldn''t forgive you either.


    If you go after my wife and children to get rid of me in any way, shape or form, you deserve to die.


    Gandmeerff is dead. You can''t have that going for you, can you?


    ''No, it''s not. My purpose has been perfectly accomplished. That''s exactly what I want, ideally.


    ?


    ''The Chamber of Commerce will be different, though. He replaced the current chairman of the board with his idiot son on the board, manipulated him from behind the scenes, and, to top it all off, took over the village of Lux. I''m sure they''re gnashing their teeth at the first sign of such a plan.


    And you''re not?


    In other words, he said, Satome is currently a member of the Chamber of Commerce, but has separate purposes from the Chamber of Commerce.


    ''''Naturally. My purpose is always and always Lady Radie.


    "Radey,


    I don''t know where he is now.


    I don''t know where he is, but he''s alive. I don''t know where he is, but he''s still alive, training himself to defeat the Demon King. Master Reedy will return. That''s why we must be ready for Master Radhi''s return at any moment.


    Preparation.........?


    ''''Especially when Lady Redi is still alive and well, choosing a new hero is out of the question. Lady Redi''s fight is not over yet. We can''t let that man''s battle end on its own...!


    The election of a new brave man is exactly what signals the end of the previous brave man.


    That was unforgivable to Satome, who adored the brave Radey with all her heart.


    ''''Is that why you said you called Gran........?


    ''''I know from my stay in Lux village that the boy is substandard in everything. There is a very high possibility that if she rampages, she will destroy the heroic selection committee, and that''s what happened.


    Indeed.........?


    Gran can''t become a hero thanks to not being able to leave his parents yet, and the other candidates for heroes were reamed by Gran.


    Thanks to this, the Center Guild Board of Directors is baffled, to the point of postponing its conclusion.


    ''''I''m sure they won''t come to a conclusion anytime soon. ''''I''m sure we won''t be able to reach a conclusion anytime soon,'''' he said, ''''Most high and mighty people do. It''s all the more difficult to reach a conclusion when the crucial Center Guild President is out sick.


    As it is, the human race continues to return without a brave man....


    The newest and bravest will be Radie.


    Is that what Satome had in mind?


    I''m sorry that I used the inexperienced Gran-kun as a ruse. I can''t say it was a smart move.


    In the meantime, he had a word of remorse for using Gran.


    If it wasn''t for that, even if it was Satome, I would have smashed it to bits.


    ''There is nothing else. I........we were not able to accompany Lady Radey at a crucial time. We are no longer qualified to call ourselves adventurers. But I''d like to at least help that person in some other way.


    Everyone in the brave party was heartbroken after being shown the Demon King''s overwhelming full power.


    That''s why they couldn''t accompany Radie on his way to the Demon King''s castle.


    The fear of fighting the Demon King had taken over their minds and they were unable to proceed.


    That''s why Radey challenged the Demon King alone, and now he''s not bringing it back.


    Sesha has lost her confidence in this one and is now a recluse, while Satome is also walking a different path than the adventurer.


    ''You still believe in Radey, don''t you...?


    ''Of course. ''You don''t believe in Chief Dariel?''


    I was asked about it sharply.


    Of course, I don''t even think for a minute that Radie is dead.


    I''m sure he''s alive somewhere, making some kind of effort to achieve his goal of defeating the demon king.


    The answer to that question is the same as it was in front of Sesha-san, and it will never change.


    ''''Then please cooperate with us, Dariel village chief. I won''t let you set up any new brave men until the day that Lady Radie will one day defeat the Demon King and return in triumph. As an ally, the influence of Dariel-san, who is the son of Aranziel-sama and now holds Misuris Distribution in his hands, is reassuring...!


    I''m not.


    It''s not that I''m not willing to do anything for Radie, but...?


    ''''Of course, I have some advantages for the village chief. If you join forces with me, the information about the Chamber of Commerce will come to you as much as possible. Isn''t the Chamber of Commerce the one you should be most wary of now?


    That''s all very true, but...


    Five years later, Satome is too full of vitality and scary.


    You''re completely divvying up your own conspiracy numbers.


    Would she have been this kind of woman to begin with?


    Isn''t she the one who has changed the most in five years?


    You''re undercover to exploit the Chamber of Commerce?


    Do you think there''s another reason?


    Now Satome was far too bewitching to be trusted casually, but the past that they fought together was still the same.


    ''All right, I''ll trust you. If there''s anything I can do to help, just say the word. .... but...


    Taking advantage of children is a golden opportunity for you to take advantage of them.


    I reminded him of this.


    ''Of course I understand. ''Of course I know, but I''m more concerned about living a normal life with my family than unlocking the truth about the world. That''s what you are, isn''t it, Chief Dariel?


    It was a look from Satome that seemed to see through something.


    ''''Well then, since we''ve established a cooperative relationship, please be careful, village chief, right away. Gandomirahu isn''t the only demon hand that the Chamber of Commerce extends to you.


    I know.


    In the hall, Aranzir-san is still playing with his grandson Gran.


    Since the nature of the game is said to be a bumping match of the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky'', the onlookers are crowding around him.


    Are the adventurers who have dropped out of the Brave Selection Society in a god-worshipping posture?


    ''''Hahaha, Gran-kun, you''ve become quite adept at firing ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky'' in rapid succession!��Grandpa''s a Toshi and he''s going to be out of breath!


    ''Wow!��Let''s push through!


    It''s the bitterness of the secret talks we have as we watch over the peaceful landscape.


    The new Center Guild Director who joins in anticipation of the Chancellor''s retirement, and the Chamber of Commerce still has three more candidates to breathe his life away. That means Gandomirahu and others are just one of the spares.


    ''''Through these guys, are you trying to spread the trend of ''Rax Village is an outrageous place to be if you don''t join the Chamber of Commerce'' within the Center Guild?


    The Center Guild itself is hostile to the Chamber of Commerce, so they''ll probably play the puppet, but we must not let our guard down.


    According to Satome, they have a number of other plans to take over Lax Village.


    None of them were a straightforward attack. It was a roundabout way to get in.


    That''s what the Chamber of Commerce is all about. They don''t have a word for clash. They bypass it, deflect it, coax it, entangle it, and take the opponent into themselves.


    We''ll take care not to let the village of Luxe get captured.


    In the meantime, I''d like to see a new member of the Board of Directors from our side as well. We need a perfect ally who will be a staunch defender of the village of Lax.


    Yeah.


    Satome is right.


    If there is no one fight that can be won by being passive, then the only way to win is to always take the initiative and stay in the lead.


    The irony of this rule is the same whether it''s a head-on struggle or a dark fight behind the scenes.


    As for me, who wants to live a peaceful life, that''s what bothers me.


    ''If you stay quiet, you''ll have to take a back seat,''


    When Gran has had enough of playing with his grandfather and returns to Lax Village, we should immediately look for a serious candidate for the new board of directors.


    I don''t want to have a Chamber of Commerce in the village in order to protect the healthy environment for Gran and the other children to grow up in.

 266-265 Stanville becomes a director

    I''m back in the village of Lax.


    From the Center Guild.


    It was a day trip.


    He''s not going to be happy if he doesn''t have his mother, Marika, with him at night, you know.


    He''s still at that age where he misses his mother.


    So no matter how lively he is, no matter how much he plays around outside, he always comes home in the evening, or else it''s possible that he won''t come home at all.


    Thanks to that, my son himself declined to be appointed as a brave man, and we didn''t have to worry about it this time...


    In the end, the result of the hero selection meeting was vague, just as Satome had wanted.


    Even if we were to start over from the beginning, the candidates who had already been defeated by a six-year-old child would not be brave enough to become heroes.


    The best thing would be for my child Gran to become a hero, but the problem of age still looms.


    We have to wait at least ten more years before we can offer him a chance to be brave again.


    Until we come up with a clever idea to solve these problems, we are likely to shelve choosing a new brave man.


    Well, that''s good.


    If you know the reason behind the brave men''s mission to defeat the demon king, you''ll know there''s no need to hurry at all.


    I decided to take advantage of the advice given by Satome as soon as possible.


    I need to make sure that we can find a new board member to replace the retiring president.


    The Center Guild Board of Directors is a powerful body that decides important matters for the human race.


    The fact that our opponents have gained influence there is really not very interesting.


    I have a clear political rival, the Chamber of Commerce, in the village of Lax.


    They want to profit from the Mithril products that come out of LUX Village.


    For my part, I don''t like fighting, but I don''t like being told what to do by others.


    Unlike the days of the Demon King''s Army, I''m now the head of a village, the lord of a castle, so to speak.


    The days of working for others ended with the Demon Lord''s Army, and I''m proud to say that I''m surviving by my own decision now.


    And I don''t think it''s beneficial to the villagers to follow the trade association.


    That''s why it''s necessary to have your own board of directors in order not to let them do whatever they want.


    The Chamber of Commerce also seems to have a few other pawns, even though Gandomirahu, who can move most conveniently, has been disqualified.


    We need to make sure we fill the vacant seats before those sods slip in.


    In place of the current President of the Center Guild, we''ll install a board member who will definitely be on our side.


    But was there ever such a convenient person?


    And Mr. Best Fred, who already had a white feather in his cap once, is ruined.........


    If there''s anyone else who''s good........


    ''Yeah, that''s the guy.


    A face flashed in my mind.


    ��


    Stanville, would you like to be on the board?


    What did you say?


    I''m my wife''s brother and brother-in-law, Stanville, but I''m simply older than him in age.


    It''s a good idea to have an adventurer and the social position of a village chief, so I usually treat him with an open attitude.


    Also, he''s not in the mood for respect in terms of personality.


    ''''What did you just say?��What?��What will it be?


    So I''m a director. Director of the Center Guild.


    ''''Heeeeeeeeeeeeeee?!''''


    I don''t know if it was really surprising, but the words that came out of my mouth were a strange voice.


    It''s a good idea for me.


    It''s a good idea to have Stanville on the board of directors.


    Originally, our wife Marika is the granddaughter of the current president of the Center Guild.


    Then, of course, Malika''s brother Stanville is also the granddaughter of the president of the guild.


    These guys seem to pay no attention to such things and devote themselves to making adventurers, but by making full use of their blood connections, they are in a position to hold key positions in the Center Guild even if they are not that capable.


    Of course, one or two more positive factors need to be added to the top of the list in order to get the position of Director of the Center Guild.


    ''''Don''t worry about the financial aspect. ''''Don''t worry about the financial situation, I''ll back you up with everything I have in Lax Village. We''re making a lot of money right now, so you''ve got the money, okay?


    No, that''s not what I''m asking.��I''m on the board?��I''m on the board!��Shouldn''t you be on the Central Guild Board?


    I''m going to serve the village of Lux for the rest of my life.


    So you won''t be leaving the village continuously.


    But there is much you can do for the village in the Center Guild.


    I''m turning that responsibility over to you, brother-in-law.


    ''''Hokeeeeeeeeeeee?!''''


    I let out another strange sound.


    Was it really surprising or happy?


    Hey, are you sure you''re okay?


    The strange voice he released sounded so much better. Malika, who shouldn''t be here, came over.


    I''m sure you''re not going to be able to get away with anything else.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make the most out of your time at the office, no matter how great your bloodline is.��My brother is a bit light on his feet, and he has never been an adventurer. There''s no way he''d be able to serve as a politician.


    It was obvious.


    There is not an ounce of mercy in Maleeka''s words to her own brother.


    But it''s also true that what she says is true.


    ''Don''t worry about that. He just needs to sit in the director''s chair.


    The bottom line is that we don''t expect Stanville''s skill at all.


    If he''s incompetent, he doesn''t do anything extra in his incompetence, he just nods his head in our favor and stubbornly opposes unfavorable cases.


    It''s good to be that kind of person.


    I''m sure that''s why Stanville is the perfect person for you. He''s ignorant, so he''s not likely to do anything unnecessary and the chances of him betraying you are slim to none. After all, he''s your relative.


    Doesn''t Monsieur buy my brother a lot of dope?


    Harsh.


    Sometimes it is the prerogative of fools to do more foolish things than the wise man can imagine....


    ''But my brother seems to be up for it, eh?


    Already, Mr. Stanville, you''re flying around the area.


    ''I''m the director!��Center Guild leaders ugh!��Let''s go!��I''m going to do it!


    He was a man with a strong upward mobility to begin with, so he was happy to hear this proposal to the heavens.


    The person in question is also very motivated, so is this a done deal?


    But then things take an unexpected turn again.


    ��


    "Chancellor, he''s back!


    The current president of the Center Guild has recovered from his illness.


    Moreover, he''s on the mend.


    He''s feeling better than before he got sick, isn''t he?


    ''Well, I feel better when I hear that my eldest son is out of office!��I''m full of energy and full of energy, I''m full of energy!


    and poses with his hands in the front double biceps pose.


    He looks really healthy.


    And then he talks about his retirement.


    Of course I take it back!��I think the board members learned at the hero selection meeting that they can''t decide anything without me.��I''m sure you''ll survive your re-election without a problem, and you''ll be in office for another ten years!��Hahahahahahahahahaha!


    The chairman of the board of directors laughed high like a young man.


    At this rate, I''m not going to die for another twenty years, you old man.


    Beyond that, an even younger one is burning up white like an old man.


    "So.........then I''ll be on the board of directors.......?


    It was Stanville.


    I tried to send him to the board of directors as the pro-Lax Village in place of the chancellor, but if our chancellor is going to be reinstated, there''s no need for that.


    I didn''t mind Stanville with no experience if he was going to be the backer of Lax Village, but of course if Chancellor-san, who is experienced and competent, is going to continue, it''s better than nothing.


    I''m sorry. Let''s just call everything a blank check........


    Oh no...!��My path will open up...!��The upswing is about to begin...?


    Stanville nodded in disbelief.


    It seems that the joy of being nude was quite hard to bear.


    You can''t help but feel bad about it when you''re so spectacularly depressed.


    "It''s Dariel?��What''s with that young man...?


    It''s your grandson.


    To the chancellor who brought Stanville to my attention for the first time, I''ll tell you.


    ''My God, did Elika have another baby?��Hmmm...?


    Chancellor, staring intently at Stanville, and then saying a few words.


    "Will you leave this young man to me?


    Yeah?


    He said abruptly, "Even though it has been decided that I will remain in office, the issue of my successor has not been fundamentally resolved.


    He said abruptly, "Although it has been decided that I will continue to serve, the issue of my succession has not been fundamentally resolved. Someone has to take over the reins sooner or later.


    And Stanville?


    It''s perfect for a grandson, and it''s just right for a young man who doesn''t know anything about anything else to start from scratch. I''ll give you ten years to run out of steam before I run out of steam, and during that time I''ll make you into a fine mononoke!


    With that, Chancellor, he ran off, dragging Stanville with him.


    ''''Ehhh?��Wait a minute!��I''m going to be, which one is my tomorrow?


    Stanville''s bewildered voice moved away as it rose higher and then disappeared.

 267-266 Dariels children become healthy

    Peace has returned.


    My son, Gran, who was once selected as a brave man, is still running around the mountains and fields as an ordinary child.


    To play.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for when you go up to the top of the mountain and come back before dinner.


    The reason for this is the incomparable strength that that child showed at the brave selection meeting.


    Moreover, our Gran is adored by everyone in the village, so he''s been taught techniques by many powerful people and seems to have mastered them all perfectly.


    Later on, when I finished up with Gacita, Sesha, Zester and others, I found out that they were hiding and teaching Gran his special moves....


    It''s fun to teach them, because they can learn any technique at a moment''s notice!��Excuse me!


    .........or so they say.


    I need to see for myself how far my son has grown, I thought....


    ��.


    We''re going to be doing some serious hand-to-hand combat today.


    ''Yes!��Dad''s going to play with me!


    It''s not playful.


    There have been many times I''ve played chambara with Gran, but that''s why it was totally within the scope of play.


    They don''t use aura, they just barely strike each other with a wooden sword.


    But this time, I''ve lifted the ban on aura, and I''m in serious mode for the first time in a long time using the Hermes sword.


    Well, I have no intention of hurting my beloved son.


    I''ll always try to stop them.


    "Let''s go, Dad!��Kuke-Eee!


    My son is attacking me with a roar like a monster bird.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find the right one for you.


    Like me, he''s a son with an all-around aptitude for aura, so I really wish I had a weapon to match it.


    -- ''''Now is the time for a second Hermes sword to rival my master''s with my own hands! And Sakai-kun was all tensed up.


    Anyway, my son Gran''s blade is swung down without mercy.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you''ll be able to see your son''s face.


    Can''t you be a little more afraid of slashing your father?


    But it''s sweet.


    I play back the Hermes sword in sword form.


    No matter how much talent he is blessed with, Gran''s total aura is still small compared to me.


    As it is, it was a battle between an adult and a child.


    ''''Even so, Gran overwhelmed the other candidates in the heroic selection meeting, but...''''


    That''s my dad!��Then I''ll be there in earnest!��''''Se-Oh, Splitting Sky!''''


    My son doesn''t hesitate to fire a giant aura slash at me.


    Would you like to play around with it a little more?��But if he''s actually shooting at me for fun, I''ll have to change my son''s mind.


    "I''m the one with the Holy Grail, too.


    The kid and his grandson hit each other with a special move that the grandfather had developed.


    They added and subtracted and shot, so they were able to offset each other well.


    In order to shoot again immediately, the "Super Emperor''s Splitting Sky" clashed one after another in the air, and a tremendous impact was scattered.


    It was the same as the one I did the other day with my grandfather Arantzill.


    ''''Grandpa gave up after the 156th shot, but I wonder if Dad will be able to do the same!


    ''''Hahahahahahaha...!


    I''ve already passed the peak of my physical strength, but I can''t afford to lose to Arantzill-san with my endurance in the prime of my life.


    I''ve got to score at least a double...!


    However, the clash between father and son in the ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky'' ended without a dare.


    It was because they were forced to end the hand-to-hand combat.


    ''''Hey!��Stupid brother!


    ''''Aaargh!''''


    Gran shoots sparks from his eyes at the impact of being slammed into his head.


    Well, that''s what happens when you get hit on the head with a frying pan.


    ''He''s bothering me in the yard!��Little Alan will cry!


    Excuse me!


    It was his sister, Selika, who beat Gran.


    She was five years old this year.


    She was born after her first son Gran, and as I recall, she was found to be pregnant when she first went to the Center Guild.


    I remember that she was born right after the turmoil surrounding the inferno had ended, so the timing of her birth was a bit sloppy.


    My eldest daughter has grown up quickly, and now she''s grown up to the point where she can be picked on by her uninhibited older brother.


    As a father, I''m filled with emotion.


    ''''But you know........isn''t hitting her with a frying pan too much.......?


    What Celica was holding was not a real frying pan, but a toy that resembled a frying pan.


    It''s much smaller than the real thing, and I wonder if it''s used for trick-or-treating.


    But the shine on that surface, no matter how you look at it, was mithril.


    If you''re not good at it, it has a higher impact than the real thing.


    ''Father!��Alan is taking a nap right now!��If you''re going to make a scene, do it somewhere else!


    ''Sorry........!


    Alan, my third son born last year, is still a raving baby.


    He can''t even walk on his own and only drinks Marika''s breasts.


    His name, of course, was given to him by his own grandfather, Alanziel.


    He got his first son''s name from Mr. Granbaza, so he remembers Mr. Alanziel crying and being happy that his name was finally used for his grandson.


    His second son, Alan, seems to be more mature than his older siblings, even when he is still a baby.


    Gran has been rubbing women''s breasts since he was a baby, and his impression of mischievousness is strong, but Alan was very normal at the same time.


    He doesn''t cry at night and is not a handful compared to his older brothers and sisters.


    Since such a child is quietly taking a nap, it''s no wonder that as a big sister, she is burning with a sense of duty to protect the peace of her young brother.


    It''s a good thing that you''re a good boy. ..............


    The reply to the complaining brother was another frying pan blow.


    There is no question.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one.��You can''t just appeal to strength without words...?


    No, my mother has instructed me to do just that!


    Oh...?


    Maleeka, what kind of an education are you giving your daughter...?


    I said, Mother!��My firstborn son is an a**h*le, and he can''t understand a word you say!��He said the only way to discipline them is to hit them!��Grandmother Shama said it too!


    .........


    It''s true that Marika''s own brother was a bastard, but....


    I recently found out that Elika''s mother, Elika, also had an older brother who was a complete bastard.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not going to be able to find out what''s going on in the world, because you want to break that chain of events.


    It''s okay, my Gran will not grow up to be such a bad adult. .........?


    ..........


    Answer quickly, son.


    ''That''s why I''m going to make sure my brother doesn''t turn out to be an idiot!��This is also an important mission handed down by the chama!


    My daughter Celica said as she swung the frying pan around.


    It''s scary.


    In addition to these three unique children, our family is expecting a fourth child soon.


    Next year, we will be an even more lively household.


    ''''Oh yeah,''''


    After beating up her own brother in one go, Celica said as she remembered.


    ''I''m going to go to Auntie Altamir''s soon. It''s about time for the boy to finish his nap!


    And then he ran off.


    What do you mean?


    Altamir, the Gacita''s wife?


    Did you just recently have your first baby?


    I''m told he was a fine, fine boy, but what are you going to do by telling him down there, Celica?


    You''re not suggesting...?


    That''s Malika''s daughter.


    Does this mean that they have already found a future blue chip stock and are working to acquire it?


    She''s only five years old.


    But considering that she''s Malika''s daughter...?

 268-267 Shitenno Vezeria Aims for Mine (Side Side)

    The Dark General Rizzeto had been exchanged to the Demon King''s Castle.


    He should have been given the task of rebuilding Lasperda Fortress at the front line, but he had urgent business to attend to.


    Although he had assumed a key position in the Demon King''s army, the position of the Dark General, he still held the role of special agent in the Demon King''s army.


    The special agent was a position that supervised the incompetent Four Heavenly Kings and sometimes performed their duties on their behalf, so he naturally had to react to any major moves on the part of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    The Four Heavenly Kings began to make big moves in the army as soon as the new members joined, and as a special agent, he couldn''t afford to overlook this.


    He immediately returned to his home base from the front lines.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who knows the harshness of your position.


    The only thing that can make you jealous of Dariel at times like this is the fact that he''s so jealous...?


    In his mind, he thinks of his former colleague.


    When Lizete joined the Demon King''s Army as a young dark soldier, there were hundreds of peers, but the man who stood out among them was Dariel.


    Even though he couldn''t use magic at all, he had a sharp mind and wild judgment, and he never doubted the slightest bit when it came to life-or-death situations, nor did he ever make a mistake in his decisions.


    On top of that, he was a favorite of the Four Heavenly Kings Granbaza, the chief executive at the time, and was given an important role while remaining a lowly dark soldier, unable to use magic and remaining the lowest-ranking dark soldier.


    He was off the mark, saying that those who didn''t talk were ''favourites'', but Lizet knew that.


    That it was an important role that only Dariel could play.


    In fact, Dariel''s decisions had saved the Demon King''s army more than once.


    Such a Dariel was also involved in the political upheaval and was chased out of the Demon King''s army.


    But in the end, it was probably a good thing.


    After Dariel''s departure, the Demon King''s army was in turmoil, and it was plunging into the most difficult time of modern times.


    Grumberza, the hero of the previous era, and Dariel, who supported Grumberza from the shadows.


    The Demon King''s army without these two men was like losing a pillar stone, and under the young and inexperienced New Four Heavenly Kings, the chain of command was torn to shreds by a series of arbitrary instructions.


    Lizet recalls that those days were the most painful.


    In fact, back then, Lizet had once collapsed due to sores on her stomach wall.


    On the other hand, Dariel, despite being dismissed from the Demon King''s Army, had managed to find a new place to live, and he was sailing his life with smooth sailing there.


    I knew he was a guy who could make it wherever he went, but when his true birth was discovered and he gained his aura abilities according to his origins, his former colleague finally became a true monster who was out of his depth.


    He possessed a general talent, expositional strength, and determination. In addition to that, he also has the strength to defeat a thousand troops and horses with a single rider, so he was a strong man who could make himself a brave man or the Four Heavenly Kings.


    And yet, he has selflessly retreated to a rural village, where he works as the village chief.


    He got a wife, was blessed with children, and had a life that was so peaceful and full of life that the current Lizet could not even imagine.


    ''''Well this one is just too busy to handle it.


    He was so busy that the number of visits to his old friend''s house had decreased so much that he had mistakenly thought he was a child of his peers who had grown up in the Rasperda fortress.


    He is still very busy right now.


    After the death of the problematic Bashvaza, the New Four Heavenly Kings did not cause any major problems, but this time, for the first time in a long time, there were indications that something outrageous was about to happen.


    Even though the two old males had joined hands with each other, and the period of calm since the beginning of the human and demonic struggle had arrived....


    ''''Why are you moving your army at this time...?''''


    Resist the urge to scream out, and yet he hurriedly returned to the Demon King''s Castle.


    A unit of the Demon King''s army was already assembled there, ready to launch an attack.


    The commanders were the newly selected members of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    ��


    "Bezzeria-dono!


    As soon as they arrived, they were bitten by the Four Heavenly Kings.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what to expect when you''re in a position to do something about it.


    The only person who could make things happen was the Four Heavenly Kings of Water, the only person who had survived the reshuffle and was now an old hand.


    ''''What do you think you''re doing, Bezalia-dono!��Raising an army without consulting me, a special agent?


    Calm down, Lizet?��We''re both old. You don''t want to get too angry all the time, do you?


    Whose fault is it that my blood vessels are about to burst........


    Lizet takes a deep breath, suppressing the urge to scream.


    ''''Well, aren''t you a wizard who''s good at the water attribute, too?��Can''t we just get along as fellow water mages?


    Despite his familiarity, Lizet is wary of the depths of this quadruple-king, as he can''t quite see it.


    He is the only survivor from the previous regime. Bezelia of the ''muddy water'' that cannot see into the depths........


    Yeah, we''ll be in charge of each other.


    The Four Heavenly Kings have a particularly special role in the Demon King''s army.


    Their main objective is to stop the assassins who are aiming at the Demon King from being brave enough to kill him.


    The rest of the Demon King''s Army will carry out miscellaneous duties such as eliminating monsters and criminals in the Demon territory, while the Four Heavenly Kings will focus only on countermeasures against the brave.


    For that reason, the Four Heavenly Kings, who had the authority to give orders to the entire Demon King''s Army, were in a very powerful position, and at the same time, it was a proof of the seriousness of their mission.


    The Demon King''s army.......the Four Heavenly Kings must stand in the way of the brave men with their pride.


    ''''It''s true that the earlier attack on the heroes was a shock. I was able to reach the Demon King without anyone noticing.


    ''''Yeah, I was completely outsmarted by my stakeout at the ruins of Lasperda Fortress. I thought that the only way for a brave man to attack up to the Demon King was to pass through that place.


    To be precise, Droyer and Zebiantes noticed and went to stop it, but neither of them mentioned it.


    ''''Since then, the defense system of our Demon King''s army has been blanked out. The premise that it''s enough to protect the Rasperda Fortress has fallen apart, and the brave men don''t know where to enter the Demon King''s Army from...!


    That''s why it''s considered best for us Four Heavenly Kings to stay back and protect the Demon Lord in his immediate vicinity. Instead, you''ve been promoted to the rank of Darklord, and you''ll be the one to go to the front lines.


    To be honest, one could wonder if there was any point in rebuilding Lasperda Fortress under these circumstances, but the work was necessary to keep the truce agreement with the human race alive.


    No matter how you look at it, the conflict with the human race was just a hassle that would slow down the progress of the demon race.


    ''''The front line will be left to the regular leaders of our Demon King''s army, and the Four Heavenly Kings will take up the defense in the Demon King''s immediate vicinity. I''m not going to be able to get a new hero to attack again any time soon. Wasn''t that supposed to be the plan?


    I''m not going to be able to tell you what to do. I''m sure you''re not the only one.


    ".........huh?


    An attitude that seems to have groped that human being.


    The praise seems to belittle the opponent.


    I''m not sure if Bezelia has lost all her colleagues and is leading an unreliable newcomer, or if she has been freed from all the fetters and is now able to show off her creepiness to the fullest.


    ''And besides, I don''t run the army for no reason either, you know?��It''s something to think about. I hope you get the idea of that part, don''t you?


    Where the hell do you want to hit?


    It''s a mithril mine.


    ''Mithril mine?''


    Hearing the name, Lizet is more and more confused.


    It has already been six years since the Mithril Mine, which was once in the hands of the demon race, was stolen by the human race.


    Since the loss of the mine was the fault of the demon king''s army (Bashbarza alone, to be precise), the action to recapture it was forbidden by the demon king''s order.


    You must have cooled down by now.��The Mithril Mine is of outstanding importance. I think it''s about time we got it back in the hands of the demon tribe, don''t you?


    Why is this happening at this time?��A truce has now been signed between the demons with the rebuilding of Lasperda Fortress as the main objective!��If we take military action now, we will have broken the agreement!


    ''''It was the human race that did that first. Remember at what point the brave man attacked the Demon Lord?


    That being said, it was hard to argue with Lizet.


    When the brave raid happened, the agreement almost collapsed as well, but it was somehow averted by the desperate mending of both human and demon camps.


    After all, no one wants warfare.


    And yet, if Bezzeria took an unnecessary step and attacked the Mithril mine with an army, it was now a noble military action.


    The situation will get worse, and the demon race and the human race will probably plunge into an all-out war.


    If this is the result of your whims, Bezelia-dono, I will do my best to stop you. We can''t let the wavering that threatens the world out of the demon race''s side.......!


    ''Don''t lump me in with Bashvaza, please. I don''t see the word ''fickle'' in my dictionary.


    So...?


    It''s a probe, Mr. Lysate, it''s a probe.


    Bezelia said with an unprecedented seriousness.


    ''My theory is that the brave men are staring at us from the Mithril mines.


    What?


    They actually have a bunch of adventurers stationed there under the guise of security, don''t they?��Neither Droyer nor Zebiantes spoke up until the end. That''s why we''ll just have to shake things up from here, won''t we?


    The Mithril mine is a key location.


    If that location is compromised...


    The other party will have no choice but to make a move. The mastermind who sent the brave man to the Demon King. This is just one step in a far-reaching plan.


    In order to protect the Demon King, it was urgent to identify the secret raid route of the heroes.


    If that policy was issued, it was impossible for Lizet to rebel any further.


    ''''This is my hunch, though. The identity of the mastermind might be someone you and I both know more than we think, right?


    After something like that, Bezelia left at the end of the day.


    It was probably to order the troops he had gathered to march in earnest.


    His discarded line stung deeply in Lizet''s chest. The face of his long-time friend came into his mind.


    ''''...Dariel, is that you...?''''


    Rizzet knows that the man who is practically ruling the Mithril Mine now is none other than that man.


    Dariel''s current village of Lux Village is surprisingly close to the Demon King''s Castle, and with his talent, he could send a brave man to the Demon King''s Castle without anyone noticing....


    ''''Dariel.......You were once a member of the Demon King''s army and now you want to threaten the Demon King?


    Lyseto, who has never known the series of disasters caused by the inferno, can only think so.


    Knowing the true desires of the Demon King and finding out that sponsoring a brave man is not in any way inconsistent with his loyalty to the Demon King, Lizet cannot reach him.


    ''''If you become a human race in body and mind and try to kill the Demon King-sama. I must defeat him as a member of the Demon King''s army...!


    One responsible man prepared himself.


    The Demon King''s Army went to the Mithril Mine with its actual abilities........

 269-268 Shokai, aiming for mines (human side)

    The Chamber of Commerce was a single organization that controlled the commerce of the human race.


    It secured local distribution channels and sent all kinds of valuable local products to every place.


    They made commerce a licence system and drove corrupt merchants out of the market.


    Although a mediator is essential for legitimate business, such a mediator is always involved with the interests of the people and can become a haven for wealth-seeking parasites.


    In fact, the merchant associations of the human domain have reached the end of their organizational life, and instead of protecting the common merchants, they only bring about harm due to their exorbitant usage costs and needlessly complicated rules that restrict them.


    It had become a mere stronghold for vested interests.


    Now, there is one entity that is an eyesore for such a trade association.


    Lax Village.


    Just a few years ago, it was a cold village with nothing to offer, but it has grown rapidly since then.


    This was all due to the existence of the Mithril Mine.


    What was once in the hands of the demon tribe was reclaimed by the humans, and the mithril produced from the mine was distributed to human territory.


    Its value is supreme, as it is as practical as iron and copper, and its performance surpasses all existing minerals.


    On the contrary, with the help of the Adventurer''s Guild, that village has brought in skilled blacksmiths to create all sorts of armor using mithril as a material.


    The Adventurer''s Guild''s side was probably already wary of the movement of the Chamber of Commerce, which was only vicious.


    When I noticed, everything was completed and there was no room to get in.


    Everything was completed only within the Lux Village, and the sale of Mithril Armor did not bring any benefit to the Chamber of Commerce.


    This was not the case.


    With a sense of urgency, the Chamber of Commerce moved belatedly to bring the mithril business under the control of the Chamber of Commerce.


    But the man who leads the village of Laxx is even more difficult to deal with than you can imagine, and he stubbornly refuses to comply.


    Normally, I would have used all sorts of threats to bring him to his knees, but as a marginalized village, the Chamber of Commerce has done no harm to the village, which had never had any contact with each other.


    Even more than that, there is also a great backup from the Adventurer''s Guild.


    Most of the items made from mithril are the weapons that adventurers handle, so if the Adventurer''s Guild trades directly with the adventurers, there is no reason for the Chamber of Commerce to be involved.


    In fact, the involvement of the Chamber of Commerce would only lead to extra steps, increased costs and delayed distribution, but the Chamber of Commerce doesn''t care.


    For the Chamber of Commerce, it was supreme that it was profitable for them, and they didn''t care how much the retailers and consumers lost as a result.


    All commercial principles were meant to benefit themselves and there should have been no commerce that was not.


    So the mithril trade in Lax Village must be firmly under the control of the Chamber of Commerce.


    This is no longer just a matter of interest, there is also a religious motive at work: to get rid of those who go against their doctrine.


    Lax Village........or rather, Dariel was now the enemy of such a troublesome opponent.


    Those who eat into people''s lives, hijacking the law and distorting it for their own convenience were in a sense even worse than Inferno.


    Nevertheless, Dariel was experienced in dealing with such parasitic creatures since his time in the Demon King''s Army, and he didn''t go into it ineptly.


    With the help of reliable relatives such as Aranziel and the President of the Center Guild, Dariel has somehow managed to maintain his commercial independence until today.


    However, the other side had finally begun to become numb to that as well.


    ��


    I hear the President of the Center Guild is feeling better and back on duty.


    "Tch, that old demon........ How long do I have to keep clinging to the pinnacle of power to make you feel better...?


    The top brass of the chamber of commerce have gathered in one place and are holding a meeting.


    Without exception, they are all dressed in extravagant clothing, and there are several rings shining in seven different colors on their hands.


    Each one of them may be an exorbitantly priced luxury item, but they were not bought with their own hard-earned money. They were not bought with money earned by their own sweatshops, but with money that had been put into their pockets in their sleep by vested interests.


    However, they were still greedy for wealth.


    They wanted the huge profits that Mithril generated.


    Even though they had nothing to do with it.


    If Chancellor''s retirement is postponed, the future of our control of the Mithril mine is more and more distant...?


    It''s the only proper future...!


    ''The current chancellor has turned his back on us!��Why do you shut out our Chamber of Commerce every time the Adventurer''s Guild is involved in distribution!


    It was because it would cost too much.


    ''''It is our Chamber of Commerce that has jurisdiction over the business of the Human Domain!��Then it''s only natural for us to control the flow of money that happens in the Adventurer''s Guild!


    ''I''m going to set up and do the buying and selling much more efficiently than an amateur does!


    For a nominal fee!


    That little commission was to collect fifty percent of the sales as a profit on the part of the Chamber of Commerce.


    Inevitably, the retail price would jump twice as much.


    ''''Well, let''s leave the Center Guild Chancellor alone.


    One calm voice rises amidst the discussion of the ragtag crowd.


    ''Either way, he''s an old man. No matter how well he takes care of his health, he will soon be gone from the stage. Yes, in less than ten years, he will be taken up to heaven.


    ''''Well.........?��There''s no point in worrying about an old man with a short life expectancy. That''s the wisdom of the chairman of the board!


    The man called "Chairman of the Board of Trade," however, was even younger than the executives around him.


    In appearance, he is around forty, about the same age as Dariel.


    But he has a carefree appearance, and his eyes never miss a moment of profit.


    In a creature of the kind that can only live off of profit, he had an agile air about him.


    ''I want to be on good terms with all the people in the world,''


    Commerce Chairman Litges said.


    He said that the number of people he has ruined to be at the head of the Chamber of Commerce at this young age is more than two hands.


    ''Business is built on trust and peace,'' he said. You sell things to people you trust, and they pay you through trust. No one will buy anything sold by someone who doesn''t trust you. Therefore, we, the Chamber of Commerce, must have the trust of all the people on earth.


    You are right, Trade President!


    The Chamber of Commerce executives all agreed with him.


    Only his drummers can now survive in the Chamber of Commerce.


    "Especially Dariel, the mayor of Rax. I''d like to get to know him better, wouldn''t you?��If he and our chamber of commerce join forces tightly, we can turn around a pretty big business. It''s an ideal world.


    You are right, Trade President!


    ''But alas, he has no intention of getting along with us. We''ve been sending him love calls for a long time, though. It''s sad that our feelings aren''t reciprocated.


    Merchants do not make a living out of fighting.


    Therefore, even if there are people in the way, they will not be outright eliminated.


    They wither away slowly and quietly as if to dry them out, and if the opponent who cannot bear it gives in, it is fine.


    This is called ''getting along'' in their value system.


    But it doesn''t translate to Lax Village, which has its own livelihood and has the powerful backing of the Adventurer''s Guild.


    That''s why they were in a hurry to get along.


    ''''Since the trusted Mr. Gandomirahu has been disqualified, it''s safe to say that we have run out of ways to pigeonhole Lax Village.


    We don''t think we have the luxury of time. Will our trade association be taken a dim view of others if we allow the tyranny of Lux Village to continue?


    No. We mustn''t speak ill of them. As I have said many times before, trust is the most important thing.


    It was an empty word.


    ''But you''re right about that, too. Maybe it''s time to move on to plan B.


    ''''That''s the Chairman of the Board of Trade!��Did you already have a plan for your stomach!


    "Don''t you think it''s cheating in Lax Village?��Misuris keeps the treasures of the entire human race to himself. This is an inexcusable imbalance. So.....


    You can arrange for another to handle the mithril.


    Until now, the geographical factors didn''t allow it.


    It bordered the Demon Race territory and was a delicate piece of land, and to transport the mithril dug up by the deep mountainous terrain to human territory, one would always have to pass through the village of Lux.


    ''''How is our new friend?''''


    ''''Haha, as per the Shangguan Chairman''s wisdom, Campbell Street near Lax Village is growing in resentment!��They can''t allow a neighboring village to prosper unilaterally and gain nothing for themselves!


    It was the merchant''s specialty to look over the situation and find the available pawns.


    That''s how he found the city of Campbell, which was located near the village of Lax.


    It was a troublesome neighbor who had had several skirmishes in the past.


    We''ve already funded a new route to the Mithril mine with funding from our chamber of commerce. When it opens, the village of Lax will no longer be the only mithril road in the village!


    ''Good. It will be a sight to see the look on the faces of the Lax Village when their own immovable position collapses. I wonder if Mr. Dariel will be my friend then.


    The Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce was confident that he could take the mithril that had been forcibly produced and sell it through the Chamber of Commerce''s channels if only he could connect the routes.


    But he didn''t know it yet.


    He did not know that the Mithril mine was going to be the center of a great confusion.


    The conspirators are conspirators and are no match for direct military force, no matter how proud they are of their numbers.


    Once they enter the historical arena of war, they are more helpless and pathetic than a mole dragged to earth.


    Even the Demon King''s Army, which has been fighting on the front stage alongside the Adventurer''s Guild, has its sights set on Mithril.


    The parasites of vested interests should have anticipated this, but it was impossible for their imagination to extend outside of what had long been the world''s only human territory.


    For this error of judgment.


    They would lose the vested interests they loved above all else and perish.


    Everyone is after the Mithril mine.

 270-269 ??Brave Lady, fighting against the werewolf (Ghost side)

    One of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army, Zebiantes of ''Huafu''.


    She is not the Four Heavenly Kings, she was already ousted from her position, but the person in question doesn''t care about it.


    She was a woman who never cared about her position from the beginning.


    To her, she was only worthy of what satisfied her interests.


    Now that she''s been rendered useless, she doesn''t even care about her affiliation, she lives in the village of Lax and enjoys her freedom.


    It was not the village of Lax that Zeviantes had just landed in.


    It was the entrance to the Mithril Mine, just a short distance away from the village.


    ''''Wah wah wah~ pupu pupu~''''


    When she casts the spell, her figure disappears like a haze and nothing is seen.


    While hiding her figure with magic, Zebiantes walks into the Mithril Tunnel.


    Naturally, there are a number of people around her who work in the mine in various roles.


    Some were doing office work, others were security adventurers to keep an eye out for intruders more clearly, but even they didn''t make a scene.


    Even though Zebiantes, the blatant outsider, was about to get into the action without asking for permission.


    Utterly unresponsive.


    It was the effect of a magical hidden form.


    A wizard who has mastered the wind attribute perfectly controls the air around him, even manipulating the sounds that travel through the air.


    You can eliminate any sound that comes from you. The sound of your footsteps, your breath, even the sound of your heartbeat.


    Not only that, he can manipulate the refractive index of the air to hide himself from view, or diffuse body odors.


    Someone once said, ''If a wind user really followed you, no one would notice,'' and similarly, no one guarding the Mithril mine could notice the Zebiantes'' intrusion.


    Neither did the knockers working in the mine.


    As they passed each other, Zebiantes patted the knocker on the head.


    ''''Huh?��!" "Someone''s been patting me on the head?


    Don''t be silly, there''s nobody here but us!


    Is it possible he''s the latest rumored ghost?��A revengeful spirit wandering through the mines?


    Huh?


    What a bunch of crap!��What a load of crap!��A space-weathered victory!


    After scaring the knockers into mischief, the Zebiantes proceeded deeper.


    After a while, they came to the deepest part of the Mithril Tunnel, a tunnel that has been dug and shaped day and night by the knockers.


    The tunnel has been dug out by the knockers and is changing its shape day and night, so that the deepest part of the tunnel also varies from day to day.


    It is not only a matter of time before you get to the bottom of the tunnel, but also a matter of when you will be able to find it.


    The Zebiantes have released all of their air manipulation hides to reveal themselves.


    Knockers rarely enter such depths, so there''s no particular problem in terms of being unpretentious.


    ''Olah!��You must open the entrance quickly!


    Zebiantes, kicking the dead end of the tunnel.


    ''I have come for you!��It''s good manners to raise your hands and do your best to welcome them with all your might!


    Wah, wah, wah!


    The echoes in the tunnels are heard.


    A moment later when the echoes run out and it seems that silence has finally returned.


    A huge, human face-like object emerged.


    The face was as long as an adult''s height, and its total area was comparatively large.


    How monstrous it would be if a face larger than his own body appeared in front of him.


    But Zebiantes is not afraid for a moment and says to the huge face.


    ''''Don''t keep me waiting!��You, Lady Zeviantes!��You''re going to show him to the back of the room as quickly as possible!


    ''''Yes, yes, this man''s child is not afraid of anything. You don''t even have to say hello or face me...!


    The face disappeared again, and a new passage appeared at the end of the tunnel, which should have been a dead end.


    It was as if an invisible door had opened.


    The passage, which the knockers had not yet dug out, opened by itself. Xeviantes advanced without hesitation into the depths of the passage.


    ''''........Geez, no matter how many times I pass through this passage, I still have a strange feeling. I feel like I''m going to throw up.


    "It can''t be helped. It''s not an option, as it''s a passage that separates dimensions. You, a sane creature, must be overloaded.


    Zebiantes, moving down the passage.


    Eventually a narrow tunnel-like space opened up and suddenly she was in a wide open area.


    The path behind her was gone. It was as if she had walked through a tunnel of illusions.


    Considering the path to this point, this was even deeper than the Mithril Tunnel. It must be deep underground, far below the surface.


    But there is no such impression, and there is not a hint of suffocation in the underground.


    It was a spacious space, lined with pillars on either side, as if it were an indoor space of some kind.


    Like a stone temple.


    However, this space was filled with a different kind of suffocation than the basement.


    ''''........It''s still the same beastly thing.


    As Zebiantes complained, this space was filled with an invisible strangeness.


    A strange odor that made one''s heart burn.


    The smell of life''s blood and sweat, dozens of times thicker and more wild than a human, filled the entire temple.


    ''This smell, it''s so hard to get rid of it every time!��One dip in the water and it doesn''t even flow!��Can''t we do something about it?


    "This is a space that was built for him. It''s only natural that his stench should be overpowering.


    ''But we should still try to counteract it!��My daughter, who is about my age, said, ''Doesn''t it smell like you?'' You can imagine how hard it is to be called "a girl of your age"!


    "Who''s a girl of your age?


    Granddad has recently turned six years old.


    Zeviantez is also steadily crossing the mid-20s, and she is now dressed in an age where she cannot be called a "young lady" by any means.


    It sounds good if you say that you''ve developed a mature, s*xy look, but your youthfulness is definitely fading.


    ''''Well, you can take care of your own problems. More importantly, she''s waiting for you.


    Oh, that''s right!��I''m a friend at heart, for I am a friend of Radie and her heart!


    The voice of someone conversing with Zebiantes from earlier was no different than the voice of the giant face that floated in the depths of the mining mountain.


    It was undoubtedly the presence of that feat that invited Zeviantes to move to this different space.


    However, in the different space where it was moved, it was impossible to tell where it was calling out to Zebiantes from without bringing that stern giant face to the surface.


    With each step forward, the stench of the animal grows thicker and thicker, to the point where an ordinary person would feel nauseated.


    ''''Oh! It''s unbearable! It''s the wind that disperses the smell.''


    The fact that Zebiantes is a wind wizard paid off.


    Eventually, they reached the farthest corner and Zebiantes'' vision came into view........


    ''''Oh, Radie-chan is working hard today!


    The brave Radey.


    She was here when she challenged the demon king and disappeared without a trace.


    It should be deep in the depths of the Mithril mine, but at the end of the mysterious space, where you can''t be sure of that.


    Moreover, Radey wasn''t the only one there.


    Something huge was attacking Radey.


    Its physique was large, far bigger than bears and elephants, and it was huge, comparable to the most terrifying flame monster beast Salamandra and the wind monster beast Windora.


    Such a huge, hairy.......beast.


    Radie was in a fight to the death with the source of the beastly odor that could emanate throughout the temple.


    The shape of that beast........probably a wolf.


    It was far larger and more fierce than a true wolf, but with its firmly standing limbs and bare fangs, it was exactly that of a wolf.


    That wolf''s name was the Extreme Demon Beast Fenrir.


    It was the fifth demonic beast that had never been recorded in the lore.

 271-270 Brave Lady, training (Gaki side)

    The brave Radie is fighting a demonic beast.


    The wolf has a body many times larger than normal. However, its movements are many times faster than normal wolves, and it thrusts its fangs into Radie with unnoticeable force.


    "Kuh!


    But not to be outdone, Radie is not to be outdone, and with the sword raised, the fangs of the wolf are firmly caught.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.


    ''''Vacuum cut-off air''''!


    The glittering, brightly shining sword blade slashed up from the giant wolf''s chin to its eyes.


    The wolf let out a shameful scream with a cown and moved away from Radie to escape.


    Its face was carved with a painful sword wound in a single vertical line, dripping red-black blood from the throbbing.


    A wound that Radey had just inflicted just now.


    The giant wolf dropped down to the far end of the temple and curled his body up and lay down, glaring at Radie as if resenting him.


    ''''You got it!��That''s my Radie girl!


    I didn''t hurt him. A wound like that would make Fenrir regenerate in a heartbeat.


    Radie says with a calm expression.


    The five years had brought a reasonable change to her as well, transforming her into a more fearless and clean-cut womanizer.


    The mithril sword in her hand is spilling over in tatters.


    It was a testament to how fierce the battle with that demon wolf was.


    ''''Fenrir is truly a terrifying demonic beast. After receiving the ''vacuum breakage'' that combines my full-bodied aura and the magical power of the wind, he only suffered that level of grazing. Moreover, it regenerates quickly.


    As Radey had said, the sword wound on the giant wolf''s face was shuffling and smoking, and was about to be closed up by natural healing so rapidly that it could be seen.


    In that minute, it would soon complete its regeneration so perfectly that it seemed like there were no wounds to begin with.


    ''''Terrible beast........ Even Sernya, who fused with the Wind Demon Beast, disappeared because her regeneration couldn''t keep up with the cutting power of the ''vacuum breakage''...


    "The size of its existence is far different from other magical beasts. That''s why even the most powerful combination of magic and aura can''t deliver a fatal blow.


    The voice that echoed out of nowhere was the same one that lured Zebiantes to this dimensional temple.


    ''''However, just being hurt is a big enough feat. Normally, no one could slice through the fur of the Extreme Demon Beast Fenrir. Except for that monster''s creator, Almighty Odin-sama.''''


    You can''t do it either, can you?


    ''''You can''t, even if they''re all Hexenbiest, all four of them are lower in rank than him, including me.


    According to the legend, the creator of this world, the Lord God of Demons, Odin, the Almighty, created four demonic beasts.


    Salamandre, a Fiendish Beast, and Wind Windra, a Fiendish Beast.


    Wind-Devil Windra.


    Hydra, a water demon beast.


    Water Demon Beast Hydra.


    But that''s not the only demonic beast he produced. Our monsters are the first prototypes created to fulfill his desire to destroy you.


    However, the four demonic beasts were not able to defeat the Lord God Ozin.


    No matter how powerful he was, he couldn''t create anyone who could surpass him with his own abilities.


    The four demonic beasts were all monsters that transcended human knowledge, but none of them were able to surpass Lord God Ozin.


    After that, the gods changed their minds and created humans who could learn and become stronger, and hoped that they could surpass him.


    But in truth, there was another attempt in the meantime.


    Lord God Ohjin had gathered his full strength to create the strongest and worst monster in the world.


    That was the Extreme Demonic Beast Fenrir.


    This giant wolf ate everything in the world and turned it into power, trying to surpass the Lord God, the Creator.


    But in order for Fenrir to surpass the Lord God, he would have to devour the entire world.


    Even if he could surpass the Lord God, it would be meaningless if the world was destroyed in exchange.


    Sensing the danger, Ozin bound Fenrir and sealed him into another world.


    If not, the demon wolves would devour the world as they hungered.


    He trapped Fenrir in the space between the divided worlds and placed the second worst demonic beast as his guardian.


    ''''That is this me........''''


    The unseen voice said.


    ''''Earth Demon Beast Gigantomachia. The one who is ordered by Master Ozin to contain Fenrir.''''


    Most of the four demonic beasts have fallen out of love with their creator, Ojin, and they all behave freely, but not the demonic beast that controls the earth.


    He is still guarding the mission from the Creator and keeping an eye on the most dangerous demonic beasts.


    If Fenrir were to break his commandments and devour this inter-dimensional world of Ringvi and advance into the human world, Gigantomachia would meet him with the full power of the earth''s demonic beasts.


    ''''Not only do we have to obey his orders, but the fate of the world depends on it. It''s a mission worthy of my existence.''''


    He''s a very good boy.


    "...is this guy''s boy licking it?


    In fact, Fenrir was bound and restrained with thick straps all over his body.


    With that thing, he could rampage within a certain range, but he couldn''t jump out beyond that range.


    That''s why the wound on his slashed face was all better, but he wouldn''t attack Radie or Zebiantes again, who had gone out of range.


    ''It''s like a tame dog in a collar, dammit.


    ''Still, be careful, Zebi. If you get within range of moving around while being restrained, that giant wolf will immediately attack you. It''s too fast for even the Fourth Heavenly King, Zebi-chan, to react.


    He''s already a ''former'' quadruple king.


    Why is Radie in the depths where such a dangerous magical beast was sealed up?


    Just as the rumors spread in the world, Radie challenged the Demon King, and lost.


    However, the trump card she honed for the battle against the Demon King worked reasonably well, and she was able to injure the Demon King.


    The Demon King was pleased with the result and decided to give Radie a new chance.


    He allowed her to fight against the polar beast Fenrir in order for her to train and become stronger.


    ''''It''s been already a year since I started fighting Fenrir.... It''s a tougher cultivation than I imagined...''''


    I don''t have any sense of training in Fenrir. He''s just biting into the edible thing that appears before him.


    Some of the strongest men who were once valued by the Demon King were encouraged and challenged to become stronger in a fight to the death with Fenrir rather than join Valhalla.


    All of them were eventually eaten by Fenrir and became the flesh and blood of the Demon Wolf without even leaving their souls behind.


    A cultivation method that was too risky.


    ''''That worst demonic beast itself is far stronger than the Valhalla''s Heroic Spirit, so it would be an excellent training partner. But this is beyond the limit. Why does Master Oujin let you waste a promising strong soul on muzak?''''


    What do you mean, that doggie is too dangerous?��We can just destroy them all as fast as we can, and I''m sure the demon king can do it.


    It will not be destroyed. He''s still one of the best candidates to surpass her. And the most promising one at that.


    But in order for Fenrir to defeat Ozin, he would have to devour the entire world and strengthen it to the limit.


    Surely the Lord God would unleash Fenrir to devour everything when he was disappointed that no human could surpass him.


    ''I won''t let that happen.


    Radhi said.


    For that reason, I will be strong here. At the end of the fight to the death with Fenrir, I will destroy that one too with my own hands!


    That''s my friends!��This wretch is always rooting for me!


    The only person who knew that Radie was devoting herself to the training of an outsider in this way was Zebiantes.


    For various reasons, she was present at the battle between Radie and the Demon King, and as a result of observing the entirety of the battle, she learned about Radie''s aftermath as well.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what happened to him as a result of the fact that he was able to see the end of the game.


    I''ve got a new sword from Sakai," he said. It''s a new Mithril sword.


    ''Thank you!��The sword I''m using right now is so battered that I almost couldn''t hold on to it anymore!


    ''Also, my mom baked a meat pie for me, so I brought it with me!��I want you to eat a lot of food.


    The ''mother'' as Zeviantes called her was Marika.


    As soon as I opened the box and brought out the meat pie, Fenrir''s eyes changed color and he started barking.


    ''Yuck!��I didn''t bring it here for you to eat!


    ''Wow, that looks good!��As expected of Marika, her cooking is the best in the world!


    The smell of Fenrir''s animal stench, which normally fills the whole world, is so overpowering that it would kill your appetite, but Radie doesn''t care.


    It''s a good thing that the training has made him more robust.


    Thus, trapped deep in the Mithril Mines where Gigantomachia dwells, Fenrir and Radhi will try to become stronger in their death struggle.


    This time, they wanted to defeat the Demon King.


    The Four Heavenly Kings, Bezalia, peeked into the Mithris Mine to find out if they could burn Dariel.


    The merchant society of the human race moves in on Mithril itself.


    Strangely enough, all kinds of forces are moving towards the Mithril mine.

 272-271 Ida from "Tenchi" is still there (old man side)

    Once again, Laspada Fortress, the site of the planned reconstruction.


    There, the old masters Granbaza and Alanziel have teamed up to lead the rebuilding of the fortress.


    They have fought fierce battles with each other in the past, so the fact that these two men are united in their dreams is quite unusual.


    That''s why there were many people who wanted to participate in the rebuilding process, and the site was always crowded with people.


    There was no shortage of people, and therefore there would be no delay in the work.


    Five years have already passed since the reconstruction began. Originally, it should have been completed a long time ago.


    There were political factors that delayed it to this point, but there were other reasons as well.


    In fact, this one is more serious........


    ��


    ''No, wait, we''ll keep this wall open. We''ll make sure there''s an opening. And a hidden room.


    On a construction site, a boy was making a lot of noise.


    His entire body was white, and from the looks of it, you could tell that he was unworldly.


    ''What? "If we build a cavity in here, the entire fortress will be weakened"?��What are you going to do if you''re scared of that?��The impossible is the only way to have fun!


    "That Ida-sama..., Ida-sama...!


    You will be able to get a good deal more than just a few hours of sleep if you are able to get the right amount of sleep.


    That''s why the people around them are even more confused.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    You can''t do that. They are doing their best to make sure that the construction period is tight. It''s not fair to ask them to do something even more difficult.


    What do you mean?��Don''t you know that now is the time to give your all and more!


    A child who is not afraid of Grand Barza, who is supposed to be the greatest in the field.


    You know what?��Buildings are meant to last for hundreds of years to come!��And that''s after the creator''s death!��That''s why it''s a once-in-a-generation job that can''t be skipped!


    You yourself will still be around hundreds of years after you die...?


    Even more so when it''s a huge structure that will be seen by thousands of people for a long time to come!��What''s the point of cutting corners and making them?��This is the kind of thing that you should put everything you''ve cultivated into to make it the best it can be!


    So, what kind of gimmick are you trying to put on the fortress this time?


    ''''Wouldn''t it be cool if this place opened up and the cannon extended out!


    Grumberza is normally the chief executive of the scene (the demon race side).


    Why is that child so high and mighty to such a heavyweight?


    Everyone thinks so.


    The reason I think so is because I don''t know the child''s true identity.


    Who would have thought so?


    That white child was the Ida of the Heaven and Earth, the hero of the Four Heavenly Kings in the Demon King''s Army hundreds of years ago.


    Even if he was the Fourth Heavenly King, he was still a person, and he would never be able to remain at the top of the heap forever due to his irresistible decrepitude.


    However, because the Demon King and the Demon King''s Army would continue from generation to generation, the Four Heavenly Kings had been replaced many times before.


    Both Granbaza and Ida were the same in that they had already fulfilled the duties of the Four Heavenly Kings and retired from active service.


    The only difference was that Grambarza hadn''t even been retired for ten years, while Ida''s era of activity was already several hundred years in the past.


    ''''Who is that kid really...?


    The people around them, who have no way of knowing such a secret, are baffled.


    And Grampaza, too, is struggling to cope with his senior by far.


    "I never thought I''d be bullied by my juniors at my age...?


    ''''It''s hard to deal with a senior colleague of yours, isn''t it?


    The new person who appeared there was the great brave Arantzill, who was also the chief executive of the Rasperda Fortress rebuilding (on the human side).


    Just a few days ago, he headed to the Center Guild and immediately returned to the Dragonfly.


    ''''Shall I give you a thumping from my end?��Fundamentally, the heroes and the Four Heavenly Kings are enemies. Hence, even if you''re a great senior, there''s no holding back!


    Please...


    It was Granbaza, who was being hunted down to the point of asking his nemesis for help.


    Arantzill approached Ida with a formal request.


    ''Hey kid. Go home. Or come of age.''


    That''s a wild thing to say to a child. Don''t you think your grandchildren will hate you for that?


    ''''I''ll kill you, you ah!


    Ida''s sarcasm hit a critical point in Arantzill''s psychological kryptonite.


    ''''Stop, Alanziel!��Don''t be a provocateur!��You''ll never win against this man who lives for hundreds of years in a verbal quarrel!


    Granberza only increased his futile hardships as he pushed his former nemesis to the ground with a feather-light squeeze.


    ''''Well why are you still in this world in the first place?��Your presence here is long overdue, isn''t it?


    The fact that Ida, a man of hundreds of years ago, exists today is a mystery in itself.


    The reason for this was that this was also the ultimate being beyond human knowledge.


    The Demon King, who is equal to the God who rules this world, created and holds various worlds as a plan to fulfill his wishes.


    One of these worlds, Valhalla, presides over the Shura Road and welcomes the souls of warriors who have once distinguished themselves in the past.


    These warriors will fight endlessly in Valhalla and continue to refine their already strongest abilities.


    They will use their strength to fulfill the Demon King''s wishes.


    However, not a single soul of the Shura has ever reached that point.


    Ida, who was once the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings, "Heaven and Earth", was one of the Shuras scooped up into the heavens in this way.


    He has further refined his own power in the other world which is equivalent to the afterlife.


    Just a few years ago, he returned to this world for some reason, and on that occasion, he was seen in front of Dariel and Granbaza.


    His business in this world is long gone, and he should have been allowed to return to the astral world a long time ago, but....


    "You''re still here, aren''t you...?


    "I don''t want to be an eyesore...?


    Granvaza and Alanziel are the oldest of their generation, and are now respected by all those younger than them.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    ''You really should go home already, dude.


    You say, as if to a friend who keeps sitting around.


    "No, wait, listen. Listen. I was going to go home as soon as my mission was complete. But then, something happened in this world that I couldn''t let go of. You can''t just leave it at that, can you?


    What''s the one thing that can''t be left alone?


    That''s it.


    He points to a huge structure that is still not completed and is only half built up.


    ''Rebuilding the Rasperda Fortress!��Can you go back to Valhalla quietly when you hear that such a major undertaking is taking place!


    Why?��Can we go home?


    Being a father of Dariel''s blood, he knew how to tweak it as well.


    ''You don''t understand, my dear Granbaza, explain it to him.


    Your involvement in the renovation of the old Rasperda fortress?


    Rebuilding.....There used to be a fine fortress here.


    It was in need of rebuilding because it had been destroyed.


    It was the fortress before its collapse that Ida was involved in before she was alive.


    ''Yes, it was the human side that built the fortress in the first place. That was taken away by me and the Drismegians in a joint operation.


    That guy.


    It''s nice to take it, but it''s a fortress the enemy used to use, so it can''t be used as is.��That''s where we made a major renovation so that the demons could use it properly. With magic.


    That''s why the Lasperda Fortress of the past had become an impregnable danger with a variety of magical traps.


    In fact, that''s why the fortress is so solid. It''s so solid, in fact, that the human side has never once dropped me.


    ''Oh?��I dropped that fortress when I was on active duty.��Don''t put the right fucacies in there?


    ''Like a burglar in my absence!��That''s when we had a general who could properly run a fortified facility!


    The rivals have been sparking for a long time.


    In short, it was only because of Ida''s skill that such a solid fortress was completed.


    The former Lasperda Fortress was a masterpiece in which the Ida of the Four Heavenly Kings, the Heaven and Earth, had concentrated his wisdom and technology.


    As the producer, I''m delighted to learn that such a fortress has been in operation for several hundred years. As a producer, I''m delighted that such a fortress has been in operation for hundreds of years. But it''s gone now, and new ones are being made. You''ll want to wield your arms!


    ''''Oh........?''''


    The two old men together, the emotion on their faces was ''troublesome''.


    ''''This is an opportunity to incorporate all the trapping mechanisms in my brain to create a stronger fortress than the previous one!��And I''ve got an idea that I really wanted to attach to the front fortress, too!��And now we''re going to put it to work!


    Why didn''t you use that in the last one?


    I was stopped by my colleague, Doris Meghian.


    I heard that he was scolded, "If you do what you want, the renovation will never be finished," and the construction was forcibly terminated.


    "He was a scumbag at heart, but he had a rational way of thinking...


    ''That''s why we''re going to build the most powerful fortress ever!��It''s going to cost about this much to build, so go get it for me!


    It''s impossible. The Demon King''s Army is in financial trouble.


    I imagine that he must have annoyed Drismegian by doing this in his lifetime as well, and he said, ''''This time I have to be the one to stop him! It was Grumberza who was determined to do so.


    ''Don''t worry, Grumberza. I''ll help you stop it, okay?


    I''m sorry, Arantziel. But when the time comes, I''ll talk to the devil king directly.


    It was the ultimate technique, ''I''ll tell a greater person what to do''.


    But after overhearing their conversation........


    ''''It''s a pity. That person has already agreed that I still remain in this world.


    "Why? !


    The best of the best from the past scream.


    That man seems to be starting a new game. And he''s planning to make me work for it. I''m in my free time until things really get underway.


    ''''...........?''''


    Granbaza and Aranziel originally looked young for their age, but they had aged a lot in an instant.


    The hardships of the two of them are not over yet.

 273-272 Son Gran, can make friends

    The brave men''s selection game went well (?). The end.


    I came back to Lax village without incident.


    "Hmm, I''d feel most at home at my parents'' house.


    Now the village of Lax is my home and home base to bury my bones in.


    And my son Gran, who was actually born and raised in the village of Lax, is still full of energy and dreams today.


    What is Gran going to do for fun today?


    "I''m going to play chambara with my friends!


    At the breakfast table, his mother, Marika, asks him if he''s going to play chambara with his friends.


    Gran has a friend too...?


    Yes!


    That''s congratulations...!


    I can''t believe that Gran, who was so small and mute when he was born, is now able to make friends on his own...!


    ''We''re celebrating today!��Maleeka!��Bake me a cake!


    ''If we celebrate at this level, every day will be a party!


    My wife chided me softly.


    Aside from her, Gran and Celica shouted ''''Cake!'''' and their eyes lit up.


    Did I say something rash?


    The silent stare from Maleeka hurt.


    ''''Well, I wouldn''t mind baking a cake if you''re willing to pay for the ingredients but...''''


    Strawberries!��Strawberry!��Strawberry!


    ''Marron!��Marron!��Marron!


    The children were driven by desire.


    Then..........


    ''''Gran Kuhn!��A-Sobo!


    A voice echoes from outside the house.


    It''s a child''s voice, isn''t it?


    And full of energy?


    The first to react to the voice was my son Gran.


    ''Oh shit, he''s already here. .......................Haaaaay!��Wait a minute!


    I shout out in reply and hurriedly scrape up the few remaining pieces of breakfast.


    She knows that if she leaves a single grain behind, her mother''s tray will hit her in the brain.


    Maleeka has become a good, educated mother too.......!


    "...bwahaha!��Finished!��Thanks for the meal!��Then I''m off!


    Watch out for monsters.


    My son runs off.


    It''s good that my son has that kind of nimble energy.


    I''m not suited to the role of a brave man.


    It''s a good thing that you''re in such a hurry. It''s really fun to play with your friends.


    Friend....who is this kid?


    As Lax village has become more and more affluent, there has been a noticeable influx of population, and even I, the village chief, can no longer keep track of it.


    Some of the migrants have come with their children, and some may have been born after they moved here.


    Lax Village, which used to be a very old village during the depopulation, is getting younger and younger now.


    But I wonder what kind of friends my son has made...?


    Wouldn''t it be annoying if you were too vague...?


    ''''Ughhhh?''''


    I am gutted by Maleeka''s casual attention.


    .........Well, since I don''t want to become an annoying father who gets smoked by his children, I''ll try to hide my presence in plain sight and peer at them from afar.


    If I decide to do that, I''ll immediately follow him!


    What do you do?


    The village chief''s job is a little more flexible, so there''s no problem.


    And now that we have Droyer, our capable secretary, it''s even better.


    That''s the way it''s going to be!��It''s time to see my son''s friends!


    I''ll help your mother with the dishes.


    Celica, you''re a great girl.


    Don''t cultivate the image that women work hard and men play around!


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    And outside.


    In front of the house, in addition to my son Gran, there was another child standing in front of the house with an unfamiliar face.


    ''Hal-kun!��Whoa!


    Good morning.


    Is this new friend that my Gran calls ''Hal-kun''?


    He had a neat face and looked docile.


    What he wore was very ordinary. Otherwise, he was glorious, as if he would be called some kind of prince.


    He had blonde hair, so he looked even more noble and glorious.


    .........


    Isn''t he a bit gorgeous to be a village child?


    Hey!


    Hey!


    "Hey, hey, hey, hey!


    Hey, hey, hey, hey!


    Hey, hey, hey!


    "''Wayyyy!''


    My son and his friend clap each other''s hands with a mysterious shout.


    What''s that move?


    Is that a common thread among friends?


    Anyway, a series of moves were made to confirm the bond between them, and the children smiled wryly and gave each other a satisfied high-five at the end.


    A ceremony of friendship.


    The power of our friendship will go around the world today!


    With friends who believe in each other, we''re not afraid to get hurt!


    The two of you are so excited in the morning, aren''t you?


    I didn''t know there were other kids who could keep up with his intensity.


    And in the same village.


    What are we going to do for fun today?


    Then let''s play chambara again today!


    My friend, a boy, says, holding up an easily recognizable wooden stick.


    The stick itself is ordinary and looks like it would be lying on the side of the road.


    It''s a good thing that it''s branching out and if it were in the hands of a child, it would be named "The Sword of the Brave".


    Gran also has his beloved wooden sword and is ready to go.


    Let''s go!


    Whoa!


    ...........


    Hmm?


    No, no, no, no. Wait a minute?


    Isn''t this a bad idea?


    I''m sorry to boast about my son, but my granddad is strong as hell.


    The other day he participated in a tournament for the brave men''s team, and he kicked out every single person who wanted to be a brave man.


    It''s safe to say that he''s already a class A adventurer.


    I''m not sure if it''s right for you to be fighting with kids your own age, even if it''s just for fun.


    If it''s done poorly, he could be injured or even killed.


    He decides to get down on his knees to the parents.


    "Wait, wait, wait, wait...?


    It''s no longer possible to hide and watch, but to jump out and try to stop them.


    But before that.....


    "Finally!


    Bye!


    A wooden sword and a wooden sword collide.


    A tremendous shock wave spreads from the clash.


    "Whoa whoa whoa whoa!


    It spills over to me, who is hiding in the shadows, and the rushing air hits me in the face!


    "Yes, huh, huh?


    Takuramakan.


    The two of them called out in a gentle, childlike manner, but their luck swords were sharp.


    Their sword strikes seem to split the earth and split the heavens.


    The more the swords of both sides collide, the more a new shockwave is created, the more the surrounding trees are noisy and the little birds are startled and flee.


    ''''Yesboru!''''


    Shogoro.


    With another distracted shout, Gran and his friend swung their wooden swords.


    Gran, you''ve been trying to aim at my legs while pretending to hit my opponent''s head.


    When did he learn such a bold feint?


    However, the other child responds well and dodges by backing away, and then attacks Gran when the action ends, leaving an opening!


    Wha-cha!


    Gran twisted his body to dodge!


    That action, mixed with aura, creates a whirlwind of activity around you.


    Are you trying to blow them away with that aura flow?


    But.........?


    ''Hmmmph.''


    The other child also emitted an aura and tore apart the aura flow!


    What was that attack?


    Even professional adventurers don''t have a stifling fight like that!

 274-273 was my friend

    My boy had gained some awesome friends.


    After the two of them played a game of chamberlain and struck each other a few times, the dust rose and the air swirled, turning it into a kind of shura.


    Each time the wooden swords clashed, they made a sound like the screams of wild beasts.


    ''''Nyanda-ba!''''


    I''d rather have a cat than a dog.


    But only the call was distracting.


    Eventually...........


    ''''Ah!��It''s lunchtime!


    Gran was the first to stop the wooden sword he was wielding.


    ''''Lunch!��Oh, I''m starving!��Hal, I''m going home!��Let''s play again after lunch!


    Yeah, okay, I''ll see you this afternoon!


    "Go-go this afternoon!


    Saying that, Gran ran away from the path he had come from.


    .........


    Eh?��Noon?


    Then the children''s play (?) I''ve been here all morning watching this?


    Even though the kids were playing chanbara at an unimaginably high level, I was still watching them lose track of time.


    .....


    Well, you can apologize to Droyer later.


    More importantly, right now, it''s that kid.


    It''s just as well, or rather, that kid is all alone because Gran went home for lunch.


    I thought he was going to go back to his house for lunch, but he doesn''t seem to be doing that and is just standing there.


    This is all the more suspicious.


    I decided that now would be the time to take action, so I stepped out of the shadows.


    "Hey, boy, you got a minute?


    Oh, you''re a pervert.


    No!


    Well, talking to a strange child in the daylight is an obvious case, but it''s not a problem for me!


    Village chief and father of three (soon to be four) children!��You''ve got to have social standing and credibility!


    "I just wanted to say ''thank you'' for being so close to my boy. And I also wanted to know what your intentions were.


    What are you talking about?��Hmmm, he''s Grandpa Gran''s father. They''re very much alike, just because they''re father and son.


    Ha-ha-ha, good boy.


    Where do you live?��Are they coming to visit from afar?


    It''s that way.


    The boy was pointing in a different direction.


    There''s a residential area over there, so well, it''s not that strange.


    What does your mother and father do?��Would you like to say hello to the parents of my children if you''d like?


    I''m very busy.


    I think I''m starting to feel like a real pervert.


    I don''t care about my mental health any more, so let''s get to the heart of the matter.


    Have I said enough?��Is it time for you to reveal yourself?


    I have no idea what you''re talking about.


    Hey, now.


    That''s a bit of a mouthful.


    As far as I know, there''s only one person who uses the bizarre first person.


    So, come to your senses.


    Well, I guess it''s all right. Daryl, you''re just too persistent.


    This boy''s mood had clearly changed.


    It became sharper, louder, more overwhelming, and somewhat more familiar........


    ''At one time he was a monk with a reputation in the neighborhood. One time he was the neighborhood monk, another time he was the god of war, revered by the human race, and another time he was the demon king. At other times, he''s a demon king. But is he really...?


    The child''s appearance was not particularly different.


    The one who rules this world, is the Lord God, Ojin!


    You''re not gonna change?


    Well, I can change into any form I want. I''m not sure what my true form is. I''m not going to be able to tell you what to do, but I''ll tell you what to do.


    Yes.


    The new friend that my son Gran had made was.....


    ...is the Demon King!


    Why is that?


    What''s wrong with you, why do you yell out?


    No, I need to raise one of my screams here or the story will be too far-fetched to fit in.


    The Demon King who makes friends with my kid.


    What in the world is that?


    How did you manage to figure out who I am, Dariel?��Where the hell did they find out?


    What''s that..., a child fighting a horrific battle like that...?


    It would be weird not to think it''s weird, right?


    ''What?��Still, didn''t you think of a kid with a bit of uncommon brilliance who would eventually become a hero?


    I already have my boy.


    There was no way that Kirin children could be born in such a small area.


    And then there''s the crucial thing. It''s your aura.


    ....


    ''You''re going a little too fast, even if it is to attend to my son who has already released his aura abilities. You are the master of this world. Your magic and aura are nothing more than what you have given to the people.


    That''s why the Demon King himself would not be able to use either aura or magic.


    It''s only adjusted to fit a person. It''s not the power inspired by a ruler who is a completely different species from a person.


    But since the source of all power is you, you can use your aura or magic-like powers. A higher power..........


    When you were flirting with Gran earlier, you adjusted that power and disguised it as an extremely aura-like power.


    I''m sure you''ll find that the quality of the power is much lower than what you would normally use. Even though it''s to play with my child, you''re still very much in the wrong place, aren''t you?


    It''s a good thing that Dariel can see right through me, even if I thought I was pretending to be indistinguishable from him. Dariel is the only person who can distract me from my intentions, even for something as trivial as this.


    Thank you, sir.


    In.


    I want you to cut to the chase.


    What the hell are you doing here?


    He has gone to the trouble of transforming and hiding his identity....


    He left his original home, the Demon King''s Castle, and came to a country village to play with children.


    It''s hard to believe that this is the work of the God who rules the world!


    Because I was so bored.


    Without mischief, the Demon King said.


    In the form of a child.


    It''s more comfortable than your previous appearance, isn''t it?


    Daryl, you''re the only one who seems to be having fun every day. Are you busy?��Is it fulfilling?��Just leave me alone.


    .................


    What if this is.........?


    Am I bothered by the Demon King?


    This is a very bad situation.


    There are many troublesome people in the world, but none are more troublesome than the Demon King.


    After all, he is the god who created this world.


    His abilities are also undoubtedly the greatest, strongest and most powerful in this world.


    And that''s while separating the second and lower-ranked players by a dimension difference.


    It''s hard to believe that they can live out their lives in peace and quiet with this person''s attention.


    ''''I have a lot of questions I want to ask you.''''


    Blatantly off topic.


    Demon King, in the form of a child, smiling like a demon.


    Isn''t the inside still the same?


    Rest assured. You''re alive, little Radie. I''m not even a resident of Valhalla.


    "You don''t want me to get ahead of such questions...?


    No, I''m sure you''re worried about her, too, right?


    I thought he was still alive!


    ''She''s quite a sight to see and she''s being trained in a special environment. If she lives up to my expectations, she''ll come out of it extremely strong. Otherwise, she will disappear.


    Extinguished?


    I don''t care what the problem is, Mr. Dariel.��It''s been five years since then, and I was hoping you''d come to me, but you haven''t come at all. You could have beaten me.


    ..........


    Yes, you already have the power to defeat me, don''t you?


    I couldn''t answer anything.

 275-274 Dariel gains the power of hell

    The next moment.


    A deformity that cannot be described has attacked me.


    This is.........?


    A demon king in child form shoots out........


    ........What is this?


    It''s like a semi-solid piece of meat, undulating....


    Anyway, some unpleasant thing I don''t understand is coming at me in waves!


    ''''If an object touches it, it will instantly dissolve, so be careful!


    Demon Lord says casually.


    What kind of stuff do you let loose?


    Is this all about me...?


    We''re under attack from the Demon Lord?


    ''''Great Emperor Splitting Sky!


    Anyway, we have to deal with this, otherwise there''s nothing we can do.


    I''m not going to be able to do anything about it, even if it''s just for fun, since the Demon King has unleashed it.


    I myself was the first one to confront them with my secret weapon.


    However.........!


    ''''It doesn''t work!


    The Aura Slashing Blade of the ''Great Emperor''s Splitting Sky'' that sliced and crushed everything, was swallowed by the meat wave and disappeared!


    The opponent didn''t seem to have changed in any way.


    ''''Aura won''t work on that kid. I''ve set it up that way.''''


    The demon king said.


    ''''Well, how will you resist when your aura is blocked?


    It''s reckless.


    If he couldn''t use his aura in the human race, it''s the same as not being able to do anything.


    I knew he was omniscient and omnipotent, but I didn''t know he could do something so reckless.


    He was the one who gave the human race their aura in the first place, so maybe it''s quite normal.


    In this situation, I have no choice but to be swallowed up by that flesh wave without any recourse!


    ''''A-ha-ha-ha...!


    What was spun out of my reluctant mouth was a spell....


    It was a spell.


    ''.........Scorching Hot Uninterrupted Flame Hell''!


    The black flame released from my hand.


    The flesh wave wrapped in the cursed flames was in a different kind of pain than when I was hit with the aura earlier.......


    He is unable to extinguish the black flames that are burning throughout his body and is crawling around on the ground.


    Even so, the flames are cursed by magic, so they won''t be extinguished or spread to anyone but the target.


    Because of the heat, the lump of flesh shrank rapidly and turned into tiny grains, and finally disappeared without a trace along with the flames.


    ''''Bravo!��Harrasho!��That''s great, great, Dariel-kun!


    The Demon King claps his hands together.


    ''''It''s really a brilliant magic!��I knew you''d master magic too!��COOK!


    ..........


    I looked down at the rest of the black flames with mixed emotions, while the Demon King-sama was in a big huff.


    That was soon extinguished, though.


    ........Yes, I can use magic.


    The current me.


    In the past, I was looked down upon within the Demon King''s army for not being able to use magic, and eventually I was even dismissed.


    I''m not going to be able to get rid of it.


    ........I can''t help but feel the irony.


    ''You''ve noticed it, haven''t you? The change that happened inside me.


    The demon king knows everything!


    The Demon King speaks in a broken tone.


    But this is a horrible event.


    Essentially, the human race cannot use magic.


    That''s why I never realized my origins in the first half of my life, I tried to master my magic, but I couldn''t in the end.


    It''s time to know that there are things in this world that can''t be done no matter how hard you try.


    But now, the lesson I spent half my life learning has vanished in vain.


    What in the world had happened to me?


    ''Still, I don''t wonder that much now. The demon race and the human race are the same person. I already know that.''''


    They were originally of the same race, but the Demon King dared to divide them into two.


    And he gave each of them different talents of aura and magic.


    There is no difference at all between the two races otherwise.


    You''re right, I''ve incorporated a factor that expresses magic and aura into each of the demon and human races. The factor that resides in the bloodstream reacts to produce aura and magic power. If there is no factor, neither will come out.


    The reason I couldn''t use magic is because I, as a human race, didn''t have the magic factor.


    ''''Then why is it now...?''''


    Dariel, you already know the answer to that question. You didn''t have the magic factor congenitally, instead of having the aura factor. Instead, you had the Aura Factor.


    Yes, what you are not born with, you have to take in a new one after you are born.


    Acquired.


    The reason why I acquired the magic factor.


    Indeed, I had an idea.


    "Bashbursa?


    That''s right, he''s the one who came back from hell with Mr. Drismegian.


    Bashbarza, the son of Granbarza-sama and a fated opponent for me.


    Once he died and I thought we would never see each other again, but we met again due to a deformity that twisted the common sense of Inferno.


    It wasn''t the reunion I wanted, but....


    Bashbarza, who was also given destruction as a defector, came to a perfect end without being resurrected this time.


    In my arms.


    I''m sorry to say that your magic factor was transferred to you. That''s when your magic factor was transferred to you, didn''t it?


    How could that happen?


    It won''t happen. Normally it never happens. But Bashbarza-kun in that state was not normal. He was one with Drismegian and turned into an inferno.


    Inferno...


    Isn''t that the kind of street name that that hell monster used to operate on earth?


    I call all the people who have been altered by Mr. Drismegian in hell for convenience. He''s a really good kid. He really tried hard to make my wishes come true.


    He continued his research, using many of the departed who had gone to hell for this purpose as a test case.


    ''It''s not just Mr. Bashbarza. Celnya, Siegfrieder, Avos, and Tortoritu," said Drismegian. All of them were the fruit of Drismegian''s labour.


    ''Experimental work?��For what...?


    To defeat me, of course. To create that power. As you saw before, I can''t understand the power of the aura. That''s natural. You will be able to find out if there are any problems with this. You''re going to be able to get the best out of it, and it''s going to be the same for magic.


    You cannot kill the Creator with the power given to you by the Creator.


    It seems obvious when you put it into words, but it''s too hopeless a fact.


    The current human race has no power to fight other than magic and aura.


    In order to defeat me, I need to obtain an entirely new power that is neither magic nor aura. And Drismegian challenged him to do so. That''s what Hell was for, that''s what the wraiths were for, and that''s what Inferno was for.


    Not magic.


    Nor is it aura.


    A whole new power...


    It''s a fusion of aura and magic, isn''t it?


    That''s the first idea that comes to mind. ''That''s the easiest idea to come up with,'' he said, ''to take two things that are already there and combine them to create something completely new. He tried to do it with his magic and his aura.


    Therefore, he has continued to study aura and magic power, using many of the walkers who have fallen into hell as his test subjects.


    Eventually he was able to identify and process the aura factor and the magic factor. The aura factor that had undergone the fusion procedure came to reside in the demon race, which was originally incapable of expressing its aura, and vice versa.


    The magical power factor that dwells in the human race, which is essentially incapable of using magical power....


    The third life energy, which is a fusion of aura and magic power, is far more tremendous than the first two combined. Drismegian was trying to kill me with this power, wasn''t he?


    Drismegian himself was already an outstanding mage, so what he needed was a comparable aura of power.


    ''''Only when they were combined did he become a threat against the Demon King.


    At first he chose Siegfriedgel, who has the biggest aura in hell, as his fusion partner and prepared Avos as his spare. But when he came into the world, he found more powerful and attractive material.


    So that''s what I am...?


    That''s why Drismegian was relentless in his pursuit of me.


    Defeating the Demon King, as a necessary ingredient for ultimate power.


    ''You could say that Inferno is a wraith who got the fusion factor from Drismegian-kun''s modification. Drismegian-kun gave the same treatment to Bashbarza-kun, who was duly picked up by Drismegian-kun and only used him as a temporary handmaiden.


    It was unexpectedly fused to me here.


    The reason I was able to use magic was due to the last piece of Bashverza left in me.


    ''''........So you''re telling me that I can defeat you?''''


    Finally, the story is back.


    The decapitation of the irredeemable deceased Drismegian came back to life.


    -- ''Look, Master Ozin!��This wonderful polarity!��This is human evolution at its finest!


    -- ''You Dariel!��Dariel, who took in Bashbursa''s magic factor and came to create a fusion of aura and magic power spirit energy!��It will bring you to your doom!��The credit is mine!


    You are Mr. Drismegian''s masterpiece, born outside of his calculations. He tried to use an entity just like you to take my cock down.


    So I''m supposed to take you down?


    It''s not a joke.


    Why do we have to inherit that guy''s wishes?


    I have the right to choose my fate. I don''t want to follow in the footsteps of that infernal human being.


    Yeah, that''s still not enough to defeat me, is it?

 276-275 Dariel also gains heavenly power

    What?


    What is this guy?


    You came here to tell me that I can defeat you because I can use not only my aura, but also my magic, and I can use the strongest power of both together.


    ''''Bokin has only said half of what I want to say,''''


    What?


    You''ve received Bashbarza''s magic factor, and you''ve reached the final form that Drismegian was aiming for," said Drismegian. You''re the very definition of his dream. But you''re not even close to beating me.


    What?


    Does that mean that Doris Meghian was a disaster in the planning stages?


    What?


    He doesn''t have anything nice to offer.


    He was also halfway there, wasn''t he? In fact, he challenged me in a very satisfying way and lost pretty quickly. I wanted him to use that as leverage to get to the next level, but you just made him disappear.


    Are you upset about this?


    No, that''s not true! That''s because Drismegian''s goal has come true in the form of you. I''m sure he''s happy with that.


    I don''t want to....


    I have no intention of carrying on his dream.


    And you''re so much further along than he ever was.


    Yes?


    ''Even if you don''t want to carry on Drismegian-kun''s thoughts, don''t you have other thoughts that you want to carry on?


    That''s the two faces that come to mind when you point that out.


    "...the technique you used to make hell disappear, ''Koremsky''.


    In the final battle against Dorismegian, aka Inferno, I eliminated the hell he lodged in with my swordsmanship.


    When I think about it now, it''s an outrageous thing I did, but I didn''t intend to do it in the first place.


    When I found out, I was able to do it.


    It was like that.


    The teachings of Lady Granberza that live inside me.


    The vein of Aranzir-san''s blood flowing through me.


    The two were connected, and the new technique that blossomed within me was Koresora.


    Until it was unleashed, I never thought for a minute that I could do it.


    I''ve never seen a technique completed with such a natural feeling.


    ''''As I''m sure you know, that profound technique was born from a completely different source than Drizmegian-kun''s logic.


    I understand.


    That''s the result of the struggle of my fathers, which was transferred and sublimated.


    I don''t want to think that that rotten bastard had anything to do with it.


    I''m sure you''ll agree with me that Grampaza and Arantziel are both immortal in a different way than Drismegian. A different approach has given them the power to defeat me.


    "The power to defeat the Demon King...


    In other words, neither magic nor aura, but a third power.


    The mind of nothingness that wanders, cries, rages, and is quieted at the end of it is quite different from being nothing from the beginning. It is a powerful ''nothingness''. Those two have reached that state of mind and have each reached their strongest profoundness.


    Granbaza''s "Jikou Kabuto Tien" by Granbaza.


    Aranzir''s ''Jing''o Splitting Sky''.


    Both are the ultimate techniques that will never be broken on earth.


    My sword technique is derived from those techniques.


    Dariel-kun, the exquisite sword that you reached, sliced through hell and made it disappear. It''s already close to the realm of ''I-Sword ETI''. A sword that can slice through the heavens.


    Is it my imagination?


    The Demon King''s tone sounded buoyant.


    "When your life energy changed color, Drismegian, you were happy because you thought your magic and aura had fused together. He thought it was because your magic and aura had merged with yours. But no. But no, your aura changed because your life energy has been evolved to a higher dimension by your two fathers'' sentient beings!��I''m going to...


    The Demon King''s solo performance continued.


    ''I prepared about six means to defeat Bokchin and gave each of them a name. Hell, Hungry Demon, d*mnation, Shura, Man, and Heaven....


    ''The hell of it is the world where Drismegian was. ''Shura is Valhalla, isn''t it?''


    ''Yes, there is one particular one of these six paths that is special. That''s ''Heaven''.


    I had guessed that this person was making various preparations to kill him........


    That much..........


    "The ''heavens'' are the only world that I can''t have in my hands. I have an idea of what it could do, but there''s nothing I can do about it. I could only anticipate its existence and hope for the best. ....but!


    Whoa!


    The Demon Lord is approaching!


    He''s in the form of a child, but his presence is so eerie that it''s overwhelming.


    You''ve opened up the world of Heaven!��No, you guys!��Dariel, Granberza, and Alanziel!��The world that these three men have carved out through their struggles is truly a ''heavenly'' world!


    What is the world of heaven....


    The world of heaven is a world of worries, hesitation, suffering, writhing in the mire of the world, and the purity that comes afterwards.


    It is cloudy yet pure.


    Only those who have mastered this contradiction can deliver the unbreakable blow.


    That is the Jikou Kabuto Tengoku, the Quiet Sky, and my Koremitsu Kuu.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on it. The sword that cuts off heavenly destiny is the only ''God-killing power'' one can have in their hands!


    And..........


    ''Aranzir-kun, Granbaza-kun tried to welcome them to Valhalla after death, but they are already beyond that. They are their own ''heaven''. .... and you, Dariel, are even more special.


    Really?


    After all, you not only have the power of the ''heavens'' that you have carved out, but also the power of hell that Drismegian-kun pursued.


    After being told that much, I finally understood why the Demon King is so obsessed with me.


    ''''The power of ''Heaven'' that I inherited from Granberza-kun Arantzill-kun. The power of hell that I acquired by fighting Drizmegian-kun. You have two of these powers that can defeat me. It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one with a great deal of promise.


    There are six ways to defeat the Demon King.


    Among them, the power of "Heaven" is the most highly desired.


    Not only that, but it also has the power of hell at the same time.


    Can you say that it''s inevitable that the Demon King has high hopes for me?


    I myself have noticed the changes that have occurred within me.


    Gradually, over a period of five years.


    When did I become aware that there was a different kind of power breathing inside me than my aura?


    In order to unravel that discomfort, I shot a test spell in the middle of nowhere.


    I was surprised because it really came out.


    I''m not going to be the only one who can do this.


    I never thought that the futile efforts of that day would come to fruition now.


    ''''Your sword sliced through hell and destroyed it.


    The Demon King said in a voice full of expectation as always.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one," he said. The fact that you were able to cut through my world means that you can also cut through me, Dariel-kun.


    What''s with that three-paragraph argument?


    I''ve been waiting for someone like you for a long time, you know?��Hey?��You know how long I''ve been waiting?��No, you know how many tens of thousands of years I''ve been waiting?


    It is beyond my understanding.


    After all the hard work of raising and guiding humanity, this is a great opportunity for us to finally have a chance.��If you can motivate yourself, I can be destroyed in a heartbeat!


    That''s what it was all about.


    I''m sure you''re not the only one who''s interested in this. It''s a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what to expect.


    I''m not a brave man or a hero, so I don''t go out to defeat the demon king.


    All I do is work in my hometown.


    I was still waiting for him, but of course he wouldn''t show up, so I guess I came voluntarily, out of sheer exhaustion.


    That''s just like him, isn''t it?


    He''s like this person.��Aren''t you going to knock out my bastard?��It''s humanity''s mission, okay?


    No, I have other things to do.


    "That''s fine, just say "poof" and kill me.��Please kill me. Kill me, kill me, kill me?


    The demon king in child form, clinging to me.


    There''s a huge gap between the fact that I look like one and the fact that I look like one.


    ''Neeeeeeeeeeeee!��Kill, kill, kill, kill!��It''s a cooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!��Kororoshi-teh!��Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no!


    Finally, he lay down on the ground and began to jitter around.


    Yes you are really a child!


    Or is it Zebiantes?


    ''''Still, I can''t beat you.


    "Zubieeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!��Ababa-baba-baba-baba!


    The demon king-sama, who''s already in spoiled child mode, is trying to push me away with a cancerous cry.


    It might have worked out fine if you were a single person, but now I''m a father with three tough kids.


    I''m not easily coddled.


    ''Listen, I have my reasons for not being able to fight.

 277-276 Dariel regards God

    This world.....


    It seems that we humans were created for a reason.


    To defeat the Lord of Creation.


    I don''t know what the meaning of that act is.


    But if we were created for that reason, if we don''t follow that, then our existence will lose its meaning, don''t you think?


    But it''s not.


    No matter what the purpose was in the beginning, because it was created, it has the will and desire of its creator.


    Humanity, which was a means to kill the Creator, has spun various activities and stories throughout its history.


    I am one of them.


    I don''t have a great mission.


    I''ve been living my life as hard as I can, as an ordinary person, wherever I am.


    As a result, I''ve met all kinds of people, made connections, come into a family and have things to protect.


    ''I have something to protect. Protecting that is the meaning of my life.


    So even if the Creator presses us for a reason for creating us....


    I can''t throw away the goal I''ve found for myself.


    ''''That''s why I can''t fight you. I''m sorry.


    At the very least, I bow my head in apology.


    If I have to fight against this master, the master of this world, I will do so with my entire life.


    But I have my children, my family, and this village of which I am the head, and I want to devote my life to protecting and nurturing them.


    Can''t you listen to the Lord of this world?


    Shouldn''t we, as masters of this world, have compassion for the little happiness of each and every person who lives there?


    It''s the Creator.


    He can do what he wants, more than anyone else in the world.


    And if he doesn''t like it, he''s more than happy to smash the things he doesn''t like.


    If I refuse The Creator because of my home and my homeland, He can threaten the things I care about most.


    I must defeat the Demon King or the world will fall.


    Then even I will have no choice but to fight for my place in the world.


    Like a beast that has been pierced by a nest of beasts that are desperately trying to attack me.


    .....


    What decision will this gentleman make to get what he wants?


    ...Haaaaahhhh, okay, okay, okay.


    The Demon King let out a weary sigh. He was dressed like a child, like an old man.


    "You''re just as mean as I am," he said, "I''m sure you''ve seen a lot of things up close as a dark soldier. "You''re a mean old man," he said, "and as a dark soldier, I''m sure you''ve seen a lot of what I''m capable of up close and personal, and you''re the guardian god of sentient beings. And now you want me to be the guardian of sentient beings?


    I became a parent myself, and I learned that. A parent should have compassion on his or her children, no matter what they are.


    If only all the human beings living in this world were created by you....


    If it is your duty as the father of all things, then you should have compassion on all of this world.


    If that is your duty as the father of all things.


    That''s a lot to ask.


    The Demon King-sama smiles bitterly.


    Well, I knew it would come to this. Even if I put the world in jeopardy to make you feel better, there is no guarantee that you will be able to defeat me when you''re pissed off. If you don''t, it will seriously ruin the world and ruin all our plans.


    Good eye, sir.


    I wonder if this is what happens to people who are awakened to the power of ''heaven'' after all?��You will find something more important than immediate victory or defeat. That''s why you don''t care about defeating the Demon King.


    That''s what enlightenment is all about, isn''t it?


    As a matter of fact, people before you have been awakened to the power of the heavens. As a matter of fact, people before you have awakened to the power of the heavens, but they all lose interest in the fight. And then they go away, enjoying life to the fullest. Not to hell and not to heaven.


    Without going to any of the afterlife that the Demon King had prepared for you, you will be annihilated along with your soul as it is.


    I understand what it''s all about.


    That''s how I will eventually disappear after death, leaving nothing behind.


    Except for the various possessions and unfinished business I will leave to my children.


    "Everyone is on their own.... They''ll just go their own way.... They''re all going away, leaving me alone. You will leave me alone with my cock, which is not going anywhere...


    For some reason, such a soliloquy from the Demon King was something that sticks in my mind.


    The Creator of the world.


    The Lord of Omniscience and Omnipotence.


    The pinnacle of excellence in everything and supposed to be able to do whatever he wants with everything.


    I''m holding on to one really significant point that I can''t control.


    Just at this moment, I felt pity for this Almighty.


    ''Hmmm, fine. It''s okay that Dariel isn''t available. I still have Radie!


    So where is Radey now and what is he doing?


    ''Little Radey has the power of hell too!��Another legacy that Mr. Drismegian left behind unintentionally!��She''s got the guts to go out there and beat me, doesn''t she?


    She''s a very brave girl.


    That''s our goal.


    I''m expecting more from her than usual, so I''ve set up a special training ground for her. At first I thought about sending her to Valhalla. After much consideration, I realized that sending them there would not be enough to defeat me.


    Anyway, it''s a good thing,


    If you go to Valhalla, it won''t belong to us completely.


    ''''Demon King-sama, may I have a word?''''


    What the hell?


    ''You say I''ve got the ultimate power, but I still think I''ve got a lot of things I''m missing.


    As a father, as the head of this village.


    There are so many things I can''t do.


    Every time I find a mistake, I get irritated and wonder why I never grow up.


    I have to keep growing up. "I must continue to grow as a nurturer. Isn''t that hundreds of times harder and more meaningful than becoming a fighter and a destroyer?


    I''m far from ultimate.


    I am just one of the most ordinary people, struggling like a jitterbug, like everyone else in this world does.


    ''Will he who has mastered the holy try to master the mundane as well? Well, I can see that.


    Apparently, the Demon King understands.


    "Don''t lick it. There are thousands of times more people who have existed for thousands of years than you. How many saints in the past, when they couldn''t get enough of the ground they''d reached, they went one step further?


    ''It''s very convincing when the Demon King says it.


    They usually return to the mundane. Such people usually return to the mundane, where they have been resigned to the lowest and dirtiest of all. Those who have seen enough of the sacred space to know that it is in the mundane that they will find the truth.


    No, I don''t know.


    I''m not one of those great people''s kind, I''m just an old man.


    It''s all I can do to earn money every day and provide for my family.


    That''s all right. "Well, okay, I''ll show you the magnitude of a creator, if that''s how you feel. You can seek your own path in the mediocrity in which you live.


    Thank you.


    I''ll be my own person and I''ll work out a way to get what I want. I''m just beginning to formulate a new plan.


    Hmm?


    It was then that I was about to pursue what the hell he was talking about.


    ''Hal-kun!��Hal.��Hal kuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck!


    I thought I heard a call from afar, but it was my Gran-kun.


    Huh?


    What?


    I see you''ve finished your lunch. The afternoon games have begun.


    So, you''re saying that I spent my lunch break today talking to the Demon King?


    I spent my entire lunch break today talking to the demon king?


    After the morning session!


    The day is going to go down smoothly!


    ''Hooyah!


    "What?


    It hits me in the shin.


    I see my daughter, Serica, swinging at my shins with a frying pan.


    Father!��What are you doing here, skipping work?��Aunt Droyer''s having a hard time alone!


    I''m so sorry!


    It''s all true!


    It''s the end of the lunch break, but this is no time to eat lunch anymore!


    I''ve got to get back to my job as mayor, for goodness sake!


    Then it''s Gran and Selica!��My father has a job to do, he''s going to beat himself up about it, and you guys can do whatever you want with it.��Because playing is what kids do!��Adieu!


    Good luck, Uncle.


    Huh?��........Oh you too!


    I swallowed the words as I held back the urge to call him ''Demon King-sama''.


    And then run away.


    In the end, I had no idea why he had disguised himself as a child and approached my child.


    If I''m the target, you should have approached me openly.


    I still have a lot of work to do, but I couldn''t allow myself to be distracted by the fact that I had a lot of work to do.


    Is this what it means to be painted in the common sense?


    As I ran, I glanced back and saw my sons Gran and Hal, the Maou-sama, happily playing a game of chambara as usual.


    I should have been running a long time ago, but the shock waves were chattering away.

 278-277 Droje, work (demon side)

    Droyer was once the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army.


    The Four Heavenly Kings are the flower of the army.


    The four strongest mages selected to thwart the worst threat to the demon race, the brave men.


    Fire.


    Water.


    Wind.


    Earth.


    They organize the highest peak of each of the four magical attributes and attack their nemesis, the hero.


    And it was the duty and mission of the Four Heavenly Kings to keep the Demon King, the great master of the demon race, from touching them.


    In the past, Droyer had been selected as one of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    He was assigned to the seat of "Earth".


    With the title of "Iodine", Droyer worked diligently to fulfill his role as the Four Heavenly Kings.


    Droyer had the ability to fulfill his role.


    It can be said that she was the most active among her colleagues during her time in the service.


    It was Droyer''s personal diligence that held back the approaching heroes for more than a year.


    But that was only ''compared to the Four Heavenly Kings of the same period''.


    Her own talents are not outstanding when compared to the big picture, and if compared to the past Four Heavenly Kings, she is at the very top of the heap.


    It''s a good thing that you''ve got a lot of experience in the field of magic, but you''re an amateur magician with no military experience, and therefore you don''t know how to fight a battle against a brave man.


    This is because in the previous generation, the meritocracy of the Four Heavenly Kings Grumberza, who reigned at the top for a long period of time, was justified, and only servants of the Demon King''s Army who were experienced in battle were chosen for the selection of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    Before Grumbersa, it was customary to select at least one of the Four Heavenly Kings who belonged to the academy due to the balance of power between the military and faculty.


    As soon as Glambarza seized power, it was rejected entirely, saying, ''I can''t entrust the front line to someone who has no actual battle experience.


    Granbaza continued to serve as the Four Heavenly Kings for more than thirty years. During that time, the other Four Heavenly Kings of Geomancy and Wind had retired and been replaced many times, but among them, there were less than ten bachelor Four Heavenly Kings.


    Moreover, most of them had been appointed in the early days when Granbaza''s power structure was not yet solidified.


    Therefore, the Academy''s political offensive became fierce and fierce, with the retirement of Grand Barzas as an opportunity to reinstate their power.


    The fact that Bashbarza, the only son of Gloucao Gloucao, was a member of the academy and was considered a sure-fire Four Heavenly King at the time, added to the excitement.


    Buying into those prodigies, the new Four Heavenly Kings after Granbaza''s retirement were all high-ranking academy bishops, and among them was Droyer''s name.......


    Looking back on those days, she herself did not have any feelings of buoyancy about joining the Four Heavenly Kings.


    She was originally a calm and collected person, so she didn''t care about the power struggle between the faculty and the military, and she was determined to do her best to protect the Demon King, which was a serious matter for all the Demon Clan.


    I''m sure that Droyer also has magical abilities, and I believe from the bottom of my heart that if I do my best, even if I''m a hero, I will be able to defeat him and protect the demon king.


    However, it didn''t take long for her confidence to be shattered.


    The first real battle she experienced was completely different from the academy''s laboratory, and not a single thing went the way she wanted it to.


    Not only that, things were changing rapidly, and if you didn''t do anything, all you could do was get left behind.


    There was nothing that Droyer could do in his first sortie, and the soldier who was assisting him managed to get away with it.


    That soldier also found himself dismissed by the other Four Heavenly Kings and Droyer was forced to fight a handful of battles with nothing to fall back on.


    For Droyer, his time as an active Four Heavenly King had only made him realize how helpless he was.


    Battles are not won simply by being good with magic.


    There are tactics in battle, and you must also have the ability to see the right opportunity.


    In order to make full use of them, you need to know the ancient and modern tactics, and you also need to pay close attention to the people you are fighting with.


    There was no one in the Four Heavenly Kings during Droyer''s tenure who could do all of these things perfectly.


    Including herself.


    More and more, she was painfully aware of her own inadequacies and was driven by the desire to retrain herself from the ground up.


    And now, as if trying to fulfill that desire, Droyer retired from the Four Heavenly Kings and was in the village of Lax.


    The soldier he recognized as the most capable.......was to work for Dariel.


    After being driven from the Demon King''s army, he was reunited with his father, who had become the head of the small village.


    In order to learn many things from Dariel, the village chief, Droyer went to work for him as his secretary.


    At first, she wondered what she would do as the village chief''s secretary, but when she first saw it, the work was far more intense than she had expected.


    LUX Village is on the verge of transforming itself from a backwater village into a major city.


    The village mayor is extremely busy supporting the village''s upheaval, and the secretary who supports him is also extremely busy.


    Trade is expanding due to the mithril industry.


    As the money flowed thicker, the influx of people expanded, and the village''s population doubled in size.


    The identities and backgrounds of the influx of people are checked at every turn to ensure that new residents have a home and to prevent security from deteriorating.


    Dariel has employed a variety of ideas to maximize the benefits of Mithril, rather than just reaping the benefits.


    In the face of population growth, Dariel has been able to anticipate and anticipate problems and deal with them in a proactive manner.


    Doyle, who was watching on the sidelines for his deftness and ideas, rolled his tongue, and was convinced that this kind of resourcefulness was what made him so highly regarded in the Demon King''s Army as well.


    ''''So this is what I was lacking...?


    She had become a secretary to study under Dariel in the first place, but when she actually started working, her days were more intense than she had imagined.


    Every day, every second of every day, lessons come to her.


    She could feel herself becoming more fulfilled and growing every day.


    But today.....


    ��


    ...the chief is not coming?


    In the morning.


    Droyer visited the Town Hall first thing in the morning.


    But his boss, Dariel, hasn''t shown up for any length of time.


    In the past, the chief''s home used to be his workplace, but as the village grew, the number of employees increased and a special building was built for him.


    Dariel, the village chief, was supposed to arrive in the morning to carry out the various tasks from yesterday, but there was no sign of him showing up at all.


    ''''........Are we in some kind of trouble again......?


    As a matter of fact, it''s not unusual for Dariel to not show up on time like this.


    It is usually on the way to work that some kind of unexpected event occurs that leaves you busy.


    At such times, the burden falls entirely on Droyer, and the entirety of her case is left to her judgment.


    ''Secretary!��The mithril from the mine is supposed to arrive today!��Please direct the action!


    Mr. Secretary!��And today the petitions from the villagers are piling up!��If the village chief isn''t here, then let the secretary decide!


    Mr. Secretary!��The couch has been taken over by a stray cat!


    There were some matters that clearly deviated from the authority of the secretary, but this was the result of Dariel''s decision to give Droyer more authority at her own discretion.


    ''''I want to retrain myself,'''' she said, ''''and that''s what she wanted.


    ''''But that doesn''t mean...!��This busy schedule is too hard........?


    Droyer turned his eyes around, but he couldn''t complain because this was the kind of achievement he wanted to build up under Dariel.


    An avalanche of decisions came in like an avalanche. A decision that must be made.


    Time is not waiting.


    In the midst of all this, he was able to look ahead to the future, while at the same time not failing to care about the people around him.


    This kind of thinking ability is something I''ve learned the hard way, and I realize how important it was when I stood at the top of the organization.


    If only she had had this much experience when she was the Fourth Heavenly King, and had been equipped with the thinking and decision-making skills to go along with it....


    I wonder how well I would have been able to work.


    And now, thanks to Dariel''s actions, she is beginning to acquire those necessary skills, but the more her skills improve, the more a certain feeling arises within her.


    She wondered what she was going to do with her abilities now.


    Droyer has long since been forced out of her position as the Four Heavenly Kings and has no prospect of returning.


    The climax in her life had already passed.


    Nevertheless, will there ever come a time when she can gain more skills and use them to her advantage?


    That was a question that Droyer had to face every day.


    But still, he was still working before he even finished his twenties.


    Droyer can''t stop moving forward and continues to improve himself to the maximum today.


    Droyer-chan!��Droyer!��Doro-chan, Doro-chan!


    Then, an uninvited visitor arrived.


    It was Zeviantes, who once stood side by side as the same Four Heavenly Kings.


    ''''What is it?��I''m busy, as you can see?��I don''t have time to play with you, okay?


    ''He didn''t come here to play!


    "You''re not here for fun, are you? Droyer thought.


    ''If we announce this game, orders will come in from all over the world and we''ll be wooing with royalties!��But I''ve come to say a word to the village about that sort of thing, and then I''ve come through humanity!


    Hmm?��Well, if that''s the case...?


    I don''t know, but it''s true that if the game we invented is popular, we can make money.


    I can''t abandon the fact that it will benefit the village, so I''m going to make sure that Dolorje is on board.


    We have to compete with these different pieces!


    ''It already sounds like you''ve heard it somewhere, doesn''t it?''


    This piece is a soldier. This one is a mage. They are the pawns of a general, an interloper, a demon king and a brave man!


    So, is it a board game where you have the same number of pieces, and the winner is the Demon King who wins at the end?


    It''s a match-up of one heroic piece versus all the other pieces.


    The balance of the game is a little skewed, don''t you think?


    It''s based on a true story.


    It was true that the heroes would face the Demon King''s army alone, but.....


    Unless it was a very bold warrior game, it didn''t seem to be fun.


    ''''It''s all right!��That''s where they''ve thought of a way to play!


    ''There''s nothing more unreliable than your ''thinking''?''


    You have to use all these pieces and stack them together!


    "How?


    And if you pluck them out, one by one, and the mountain collapses, you''ve lost.


    What''s the point of having different types of pieces?


    ''It''s there!��If you get four pieces of the same kind, there''s going to be a revolution!


    How many different games did you mix up?


    Droyer''s busy schedule was no different today.

 279-278 The company moves

    I thought I was going to get mad at him for skipping work in the morning.


    When I arrived at work, Droyer was playing too, so I was safe for now.


    ''I''m not playing!��This is just another way to help the village grow!


    ''Yes!��He''s pulled a brave man out of the ground!��We''re getting five points at once!


    What?


    What the hell is going on here?


    What game is that?


    ''And anyway, now that the village chief has come to work, we can finally get on with our work!��I''m going to make up for the morning''s lag, Shakaliki!


    "Gah!��He brought the mountain down!��Just because you''re losing doesn''t mean it''s terrible!


    Maybe it''s because we were originally the same Four Heavenly Kings, but we''re two of the closest friends.


    But I''ve been having a serious talk with the Demon King in the afternoon and haven''t even had lunch yet.......


    If I''m going to work as hard as I can, I''ll have to eat Malika''s beloved lunchbox first...!


    Chief...


    .........but troublesome things that are not invited always come suddenly.


    The one who knocked on the office room and came in was one of the employees working at the village hall.


    ''The village chief has a visitor...''


    ''What?��Who?


    I was confused because I wasn''t expecting visitors at all.


    I''ve become so busy these days that I can''t even get a meeting done without a solid schedule.


    Otherwise, I''d have too much to do and I''d crash.


    I''ve entrusted my secretary, Droyer, with managing that kind of schedule.


    ''''Strange, isn''t it?��You didn''t have any visitors scheduled for today, did you?


    She tilted her head as well.


    While cleaning up the pieces scattered all over the floor with Zebiantes.


    .........


    Because you can''t help but take a pile of pieces and crumble them with all your strength, so you can''t be blasted all over the floor.


    ''The point is that you''re visiting without an appointment. In the interest of fairness, I won''t allow you to skip any appointments. You should tell them that and ask them to leave.


    Droyer is strict in this way.


    You could say he''s serious and inflexible.


    However, it could also be called an emergency.


    For now, I''ll just ask him what he wants, and as soon as it''s confirmed that he''s not in a hurry, I''ll just do what Droyer said.


    So just deal with it.


    Yes, sir.


    I asked the staff to follow him and I was about to pick up the scattered pieces when..." "That''s not a very nice thing to do, village chief.


    That''s not the way to handle it, village chief.


    Someone jiggles the door to the office, followed by someone who enters.


    ''There are two kinds of people: those who are not special and those who are not. The special ones get special treatment, isn''t that the way of the world?


    Who are you?


    A man walks into the room without a refusal.


    I''ve never seen his face before.


    But I could tell at first glance that he was no ordinary man.


    In terms of age, he''s very young, about the same age as me, or a bit younger.


    I mean, for a man who works........


    The signs emanating from this man were clearly those of a shrewd businessman.


    It was good to say that a businessman and forty or so was still a young man, but this man........


    At the same time as being a businessman, he also wears a hint of a con artist.


    ''''I''m in trouble!��I asked you to wait in the other room!


    The staff member who came to report the incident colored and poked at the man....


    You''re bothering me, errand boy. Look at the person you''re talking to and say something.


    The man was arrogant.


    You want to wipe out tens of millions of dollars of profit based on the decisions of a lowly person?��You think you have the authority to do this?��Don''t disrupt the actions of the higher ups with silly ideas. The underlings don''t have brains, they just need to carry out orders from above.


    My staff couldn''t help but flinch at the too one-sided manner in which he spoke.


    From that exchange, it sounds like that man is a visitor who wants to meet with me.


    ''Our staff are just doing their job.


    I''ll take the case for you.


    ''If you''ve got a problem with that, you''ll have to address it directly to me. But only after you make an appointment and schedule an appointment.


    Excuse me. I don''t mean to be rude.


    Man, you''re condescending to me, unlike any other.


    "I would like to have a good relationship with you. A mutually beneficial, mutually beneficial relationship. You are a resourceful and respected man, Chief Dariel.


    You would be....


    I say to the man with this sales smile on his face.


    ''You must be Mr. Litges, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce?''


    As soon as I said that, he pulled back his blatant fake smile and kept a straight face.


    "Ho, I''m surprised. I didn''t expect you to know who I am...?


    This is the first time I''ve seen him in person.


    But that doesn''t mean that they don''t know what a person looks like.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on in the world.


    They send me physiognomies of important people every day.


    You seem to be a more tricky opponent than I thought. Allow me to introduce myself. I''m Rittges, head of the Chamber of Commerce.


    ''I am Dariel. I''m the head of the village of Lax.


    He held out his hand and I quickly squeezed it back.


    I hand-shake it for a few seconds and quickly wipe my released hand with a rag from the area.


    ''Nice to meet you. I hope this is the beginning of a long-lasting relationship.


    The Chairman of the Board of Trade himself.


    I was only surprised by that.


    I''ve known for a long time that the Chamber of Commerce is targeting our village.


    It''s the fact that they''ve been doing various arrests behind the scenes and on a daily basis.


    And now, to come face to face with it openly....


    "Take it as proof that we care about you. You don''t seem to be able to tell how much we long for you.


    You make it sound so weird.


    "You will go down in history for an achievement that will surely go down in history. Six years ago, we took back the mithril mine from the demons. In that time, you''ve put in place various policies and systems to revive the art of mithril processing and set up a system for distributing it throughout human territory. His skill is worthy of admiration.


    Hi.


    Originally, the Chamber of Commerce is a huge organization along with the Adventurer''s Guild.


    According to information from the secret service, Litges, who should be called the pinnacle of the organization, should still be in his mid-thirties.


    When it comes to that title at such a young age, he should be called a rare businessman.......


    .........why?


    That''s so ''awesome!'' What doesn''t make you feel like that?


    Just a few minutes ago, it was the best in the world, and far beyond its dimensions, and it was ''awesome! Because it was right after we faced the one who would become


    I don''t feel like...


    "The Merchant''s Association would also like to sponsor your achievement on behalf of the humans. Let''s sit down and discuss what we can do for each other.


    Maybe that''s a good idea.


    ''Thanks for talking so fast!�� I was wondering what I would do if I was rejected again this time. I knew it was better to talk to him in person!��I''ll know your sincerity!


    The chairman of the board floats.


    ''After we''ve made a proper appointment.


    What?


    ''My staff would have told you. All meetings with me, the village chief, are scheduled and scheduled with appointments, except for those that are urgent. There are no exceptions to this.


    ''''But..........?��I am the chairman of the board of trade!��Don''t you think you should give that some thought...?


    There are plenty of other people I should be paying attention to. I''ve thought through all of that fairness and that''s what this is. I can''t have a conversation with someone who doesn''t play by the rules.


    Nugu....?


    Especially those who treat my staff like errand boys.


    All you have to do is go back to reception and request a meeting. There''s no need to worry about it. I''m sure we''ll be able to get an interview tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, since I''m one of those people who works quickly and efficiently.


    In the meantime, you can stay at the inn in my village and lose a lot of money.


    ..........��Hmph!


    A hint of indignation, perhaps a touch of pride compared to his title, flashed across his face, but the chairman of the commerce department angered his shoulders and walked out of his office.


    ''''Did he leave in anger...?


    Droyer looks away from it, talking to himself.


    ''No, you''re going to make an appointment with the receptionist as you were told. You can''t get to the top if you get pissed off and let your emotions get the best of you.


    No matter what kind of mountain it is, the person who climbs to the top of it contains a great deal of passion, but is able to spew it out in the most appropriate way.


    That merchant chairman, Litges, is also the top of the Chamber of Commerce, the Fushigi-dono, so he wouldn''t let it drip out on unnecessary occasions.


    ''''What''s more important is that the Chamber of Commerce has finally come on board directly.


    They''re not like the Center Guild or the Demon King''s Army.


    They are an organization with no direct power of action.


    That''s why they can only achieve their goals by anticipating, conspiring, and manipulating others like pawns.


    The fact that such men have directly appeared in person....


    We were never optimistic.

 280-279 Dariel talks

    In the end, it was only a few days later that the meeting took place.


    As the head of the village, as a village chief with numerous jobs........


    ''''Yes!��He''s got five soldier''s pieces!��This is a revolution!


    ''''From the top to the bottom all of a sudden!


    During the course of the day, we would play a game that Zebiantes brought with him, but it''s true that we were busy anyway.


    I didn''t mind staying busy, but that''s not going to happen, so I''ll be reluctant to meet with the chairman of the board of directors, Litges.


    Reluctantly.


    ��


    So, once again, this is our chairman, Litges.


    This is Dariel, the village chief.


    The meeting takes place in the same village chief''s office as before.


    I have Droyer as my secretary waiting by my side.


    ''''Alright?��Can I interrupt the scene by cutting out the urgent business of the fire and urgent needs of the people~? I sent him a reminder that there was a problem, but Droyer did not respond.


    I guess that''s why there are no emergencies so conveniently.


    Thank you for this meeting. "Thank you for this meeting and may this be the first step towards friendship between you and I.


    "Hm.


    His response is also very terse.


    "Then let''s see what you want. What is your purpose in coming here?


    ''Gunnu...?''


    I start with the main topic without any social graces.


    Normally it would be better to praise or flatter the other party a bit more, as it will help their nobility later on.


    I''m sure the litigator is uncomfortable with the hasty way of proceeding without such a preliminary step.


    Even so, the fact that they are still trying to amicably proceed without changing their expressions is indeed a true testament to the sea and the mountains.......


    ........A blue streak is floating on his forehead.


    As you know, the Chamber of Commerce is an essential part of the human race, just like the Adventurers'' Guild. And so is the Adventurers'' Guild.


    The adventurers, coordinated by the Adventurers'' Guild, gain extraordinary fighting power from the aura of the God of War.


    They use this power to defend themselves by exterminating monsters and fighting criminals of their own kind.


    Defense is absolutely necessary for survival.


    ''''In the same way, do you think the Chamber of Commerce is also indispensable to the human race?


    Isn''t that right?��For a living being with a certain level of intelligence and civilization, whether it is a beast or not, the economy is essential to keep the village alive. Economy is wisdom, and economy is civilization.


    Well, that argument is probably correct.


    And logistics is probably essential for people to make things and enrich their lives with their functions.


    A group of people of a certain size who make use of their talents and ideas to create various tools, barter them, and streamline various troublesome tasks essential to their survival is the progress of civilization.


    Underpinning this is logistics, and if it is the economy that drives the logistics, then the trade association that controls the economy is essential for the human race.


    What''s this three-tiered argument?


    That''s why our company is always striving to better serve the human race. It is my sole purpose in life to serve society.


    Oh, man.


    And the same goes for Rax village. Dariel, don''t you think you''d like to make your village more prosperous as mayor?��And at the same time, wouldn''t you like to contribute to the world at large?


    Well, I suppose?


    I mean, I''m proud to say that no one has contributed more to this entire world than I have?


    You have directed the production of mithril weapons to raise the war potential of the human race as a whole, and the same is true for the demon race that has been diverting its magical tools.


    I''ve been working hard to guide Radie, who is trying to defeat the Demon King, and to destroy the inferno, which was the enemy of the world five years ago, for all eternity.


    Just the other day, he faced the Demon Lord and nailed him to the wall so that he wouldn''t be subject to his whims.


    But all of this was done with the love of my family and my hometown in mind!


    The motive is micro, the action is macro.


    That''s me, the village chief.


    That''s what I am.��We at the Chamber of Commerce would like to help you do just that!��No, I''d say that''s what the organization is for!


    What were we talking about?


    Oh yeah, you want to make a difference in the world, right?


    With such a fluffy, large-scale concept, and with a positive direction, everyone can only affirm it.


    ''''We, the Chamber of Commerce, are capable of distributing the mithril weapons produced in Lax Village as fast as possible to every corner of the human territory!��If we work together, your products will sell even better and you''ll be richer. Wouldn''t that be great?


    Wouldn''t it be great?


    ''Isn''t it!��........What the hell, we can communicate much better than I thought. I suppose it''s best to negotiate face-to-face, after all. Then let''s set up a branch of the Chamber of Commerce in this village and let them manage the merchandise!


    That''s on one condition.


    What is it?


    Let''s make sure the Chamber of Commerce never makes a dime.


    As soon as he said that, the Chairman of Commerce''s expression froze.


    ''''No compensation for expenses or anything like that. The Chamber of Commerce will just lose money by cutting their own money to distribute Mithril products. As soon as we discover the part of the company that is making any form of profit, the contract is terminated.


    What are you talking about?��What kind of a business is that?


    That''s what it means to serve the world, right?


    We''re not thinking about what we''re getting for our contribution.


    No cost.


    That is the true contribution.


    It''s because you interfere with selfishness and neatness that you get turned around like this.


    I''m sure I''ve turned down your offer plenty in the past.


    At the end of the day, what these guys are after is the profit generated by Mithril products.


    They are only trying to add their share to it.


    They are asking for a share of the profits, since they are doing this as a sales channel, and they will double or triple the price.


    They ask for more than the actual contribution.


    It''s the customers who are made to pay too much.


    As a consumer, I can''t help but be disgusted by this kind of brutality.


    ''''We''ve already established a sales channel that covers the entire human territory without the need to rely on the Chamber of Commerce. With the backing of the Adventurer''s Guild.


    Under normal circumstances, it would be impossible to stay without the help of the Chamber of Commerce in the distribution of goods.


    Normally.


    But with our Mithril weapons, it''s a little different.


    That''s why it can be left to the adventurer''s guild, which is essentially a different field.


    Currently, Mithril weapons are sold directly by the adventurer''s guilds located in each town and village. It''s also an effective way to prevent powerful weapons from falling into the hands of unwanted people.


    ''''So there is no room for the Chamber of Commerce to intervene there. And yet you''re really a persistent person who won''t give up...?


    ''''Leave the distribution to us, the Chamber of Commerce, the experts!��That way we can get things done more reliably and efficiently!


    And you''re going to add on the exorbitant fees?


    I had to go and talk to him face to face about something I''ve been told over and over again.


    He really is a bad ass.


    Otherwise, he''s an idiot.


    Or you could call him greedy or greedy.


    "My business is completely off limits to you. If you really care about the world, shouldn''t you get out of our business and find another way to contribute?


    You are only hostile to me... or to the Chamber of Commerce, aren''t you?


    Since when did you guys talk like enemies?


    "...I''m sorry, I''m very sorry. I really wanted to ''get along'' with you.


    When he said that, Shangguan Ritges stood up.


    There was no longer a shred of good-naturedness for business meetings left on his face.


    ''I have an important lesson for you, country bumpkin and ignorant of the world,'' he said. You are a country bumpkin and don''t know anything about the world, I''ve got an important lesson for you," he said, "that in the end, it''s the one with more power who wins. The only way for a small individual to become a winner is to belong to a group with greater power.


    Do you think that''s a trade association?


    You had your chance to be on the winning side by sheer luck. You had your chance to be on the winning side by luck, and you foolishly threw it away. You can no longer apply this lesson. It''s all too late. You have become the downfall and the ruin of the world. You have made an enemy of our Chamber of Commerce!


    ''Welcome home~''


    And with that, Commerce Chairman Litges left, sprinkling his anger.


    The door closed with a loud bang.


    That''s violent, I thought.


    Even though he was angry, his gestures were childish.


    I can''t believe I''m having a fruitless conversation with that guy....

 281-280 Dariel, I didnt feel like talking from the beginning

    I''ll make you a cup of tea.


    Please.


    After Commerce Chairman Litges left with an angry shoulder, I decided to discuss future measures with my secretary, Droyer.


    No matter how disrespectful and self-serving the Chamber of Commerce guys are, it''s risky to leave them struck down without doing anything.


    Droyer and I sipped the tea that we hadn''t had when we had invited Litges to join us.


    ''Is that all right with you?��You mean, by turning away Ken and the others like that?


    ''That''s the only place those types will look if they show the slightest pretense of being hopeful. They''ll only interpret it to their advantage, no matter what.


    If you''re not good at pushing, you''ll be pushed to the edge.


    "I''m a pretty pushy person myself, so I have to say no at the first entrance. I believe that was the best response.


    Not a pushover...?


    No, Mr. Droyer, you don''t have to look at me like I''m a liar like that.......?


    I''m a real pushover, you know.


    Otherwise I wouldn''t have married him.


    ''You''ve rejected that jerk more clearly than ever before, but of course that''s not the end of the story. Rather, it''s fair to say that the fight is just beginning.


    As I''ve said before, when a guy who can only carry things through with intrigue like that shows up head-on, it''s when the path to victory is completely clear.


    There was a hint of that in his kiss. I think it was a surrender offer after all.


    Surrender?


    -- ''We''ve already got a blade at your throats.'' ''Resistance is pointless. It''s not worth resisting, it''s just a matter of saving your life now.


    It''s like.


    ''It didn''t sound very much like that, did it?��To me, it just looks like you''re trying to slip up and suck the sweet juice as usual...?


    They''re specialists in storytelling, or conspiracy, or whatever. They''re specialists in that kind of thing. That''s the only thing they can do. Eventually, they will be able to make their hidden agendas difficult to understand.


    As if the great scholars want to use arcane jargon.


    Or maybe by doing so, they are testing the other person''s intelligence.


    I wondered if they were capable of being used.


    "They''ve only got smarts and capital. They don''t have the kind of power to deal with people directly.


    Force and violence.


    They try to win over as many people as they can. "These people try to win over their opponents as much as they can, because they see the inability to fight directly as power in itself. There''s also a sense of superiority in knowing that you''ve brought them to their knees without fighting them.


    It''s refracted...


    There it is.


    When you try to show strength without fighting, it''s hard not to get refracted.


    But today they failed to bring us to our knees without a fight. Then, well, we''ll have to clash.


    The clashes they do are the ones that don''t involve bloodshed, and that''s why they''re so gruesome and sticky.


    I''ve spent most of my life as a soldier, so I don''t like those kinds of clashes.


    I''d rather have a fight that is black and white on the spot.


    I''m sure you''ll be pleased to know that even on the battlefield, the decision is rarely a clear-cut one.


    So what do you think he''ll do next, chief?


    Droyer asks bitingly.


    ........why is she this kind of politically oriented (?) The bite is good when it comes to the story of


    Do you think he''s eager to learn?


    Well, I''m very interested in what the Chamber of Commerce is up to, too....


    I don''t know.


    What?


    It can''t be helped.


    I can''t see a thousand miles with my own eyes, and I''m not a demon king.


    My vision is limited, and it''s presumptuous of me to know everything about this world.


    But when it comes to the safety of my family and my hometown, I can''t ignore it.


    That''s why I need someone to go in my place to see what I can''t see.


    I clap my hands with a pang, and someone opens the door and enters the room.


    ''''You are...!


    Droyer''s complexion changed at the sight of his visitor.


    ''Yes, it''s Selmet, the secret agent.


    The former intelligence unit of the Demon King''s army was dismissed and I, who was also dismissed, begged him to work for me.


    ''''As per Dariel-sama''s orders, I have collected various information around the Chamber of Commerce. I thought that by examining these, I might be able to find out what their plans were.


    Thank you, as always.


    No matter what you do, information is life.


    Whether you''re fighting, running a business or just living.


    In such cases, the intelligence unit led by Selmet can be really dependable.


    After all, it was originally an agency of the Demon King''s Army.


    I''m sure you''ll find that the regular army''s secret service is just a workhorse, and it''s a lot to be relieved about.


    You can''t go back to the Demon King''s Army?��You don''t have Bashvaza to fire you guys, and the system over there has changed a lot, hasn''t it?


    ''The only person we can call our commander is Lady Dariel. It would be a waste of treasure for us to look to anyone else for direction.


    I don''t know if it''s right for Selmet to say that so clearly.


    Anyway, the benefits of having these women follow me without ever having to return to the Demon King''s Army are immeasurable.


    I''ve taken advantage of them and left the information field to them.


    Five years have passed since we met again, and Celmet is getting older and his dignity and judgment are being refined more and more.


    So..........and information.........?


    ''''Well, anyway, I''ve tried to gather every bit of information about the Chamber of Commerce, but that would be an enormous amount, so I''ve carefully selected one piece of information that I''m interested in.


    Information of interest to you?


    I thought it might have something to do with Master Dariel...


    The story that Selmet told me certainly caught my attention.


    ��


    The Chamber of Commerce and Campbell Street are close together?


    Yes, sir. There have been emissaries from the Chamber of Commerce coming and going over the last few weeks.


    Campbell Street is a city not far from the village of Lax here.


    You could call it a neighboring town.


    Originally, this area is remote, and even though it''s a neighboring town, it''s a considerable distance away. The closest one among them was Campbell Street.


    ''''Another troublesome name...?


    I''d like to get along with my neighbors, but that''s not the case, and that''s the lesson of the floating world.


    The city of Campbell, while located reasonably close to the village of Lax, is completely off the mithril transport route and does not benefit from the profits that mithril generates.


    Even so, they try to get involved in some way or another, but sometimes it''s only to harass Lax Village.......


    .........well......


    ''It''s so f*cking annoying, isn''t it?''


    Mr. Selmet!


    I just chose the words in my mind!


    Well, as a matter of fact, I''ve been harassed by Campbell Street more than once.


    The most memorable is the first one.


    The adventurers who were sent to us right after the retaking of the Mithril Mine interfered so much that when they failed, there was even a dueling frenzy.


    In fact, since then, there have been harassment from Campbell Street in various sizes.


    Even in the past five years, there have been countless times.


    Are you unhappy that you can''t take advantage of Mithril''s profits that much?


    The behavior of Campbell Street''s behavior even made me feel vindictive beyond loss and gain.


    I.........I''m not good with the people of that town. I''ve sat down with them a few times to negotiate, but they seemed to look down on me so blatantly...!


    It''s rare for Droyer to be so open about her evasiveness.


    She has been working for us as a secretary for more than a year now. I''ve had more than one opportunity to leave her in charge of negotiations outside the village, but did I give her an unpleasant experience at that time?


    ''Campbell Street was the biggest town around here to begin with. I heard there were a lot of migrants from the surrounding small villages, including the poor village of Lax, which was poor at the time.


    The city is that large and has the capacity to accept employment.


    As a large city, it had a certain amount of pride and looked down on the surrounding cold, remote villages.


    But nowadays, LUX Village is bigger and more prosperous, and there is a remarkable influx of residents here.


    The reason for their hostility towards Lax Village may be because of this.


    ''''It''s precisely because they are such people that I can''t help but feel bad that they are approaching the Chamber of Commerce.


    ''I thought so too, and made a careful survey of Campbell Street. And that''s what I found out...!


    Selmeto says, his voice hushed.


    ''They seem to be trying to blaze a trail,''


    The road?


    The road leads directly from Campbell Street to the Mithril mine.

 282-281 Open new route

    Way?


    There''s no road in front of me, but there will be a road after I go through it.


    "A frightening amount of ingenuity is being sent to Campbell Street at the moment. They''ve been sent to open up the road.


    Opening up?


    ''We''re cutting down the trees, pulling out the weeds, removing stones of all sizes, and leveling the earth to make the roads passable for big wagons and carriages. We''ve already infiltrated my men, and we''ve got confirmation.


    As usual, Selmet is working fast.


    Well, it''s good to make a road.


    The question is, where does that road connect to where?


    Can I ask you again?


    Campbell Street and the Mithril mine.


    ..........


    Well, that''s how you got here.


    The reason why the village of Lax is thriving now is because of the Mithril Mine.


    The reason why LUX Village is so prosperous is because the mithril mined from the mine always passes through LUX Village to reach the whole country.


    The village of LUX is the main artery of the mithril distribution route.


    That''s why it''s so crowded with people, and even a smithy was built to process mithril.


    The benefits of these facilities are immeasurable.


    That''s because there is no single pathway for mithril except through the village of Lax.


    We''ve been reaping the benefits of all this for so long. I can''t sleep with my feet in the Mithril mine.


    ''''If that one path is lost, the loss to the village will be incalculable!


    Droyer says in a panicked tone.


    Selmet, the one who came to report back, is still keeping his cool....


    ''''There will be two mithril transport routes, and even with simple calculations, the inflow will be half that amount. Of course, the Campbell Street route will be backed up by the Chamber of Commerce, so they''ll try to divert the mithril stock that way in one way or another.


    ''You have no idea how much of a burden it is just to compete with them!��The development of Lax Village will stop!


    The more we both talk to each other, the more anxious we become and the more hectic our tone becomes.


    I''ve said it myself, but when people like the Chamber of Commerce who don''t want to fight directly with their own hands, that''s when they already have an idea of how to win.


    This must be the plan.


    Did they pull in those who have been eyeing Lax Village for a long time to cooperate and make the most of it?


    It must have been possible to achieve this with major construction work, such as opening a road, and investment from the Chamber of Commerce.


    Otherwise, Campbell Street would have started construction long ago on its own.


    People would be less likely to notice us if the Chamber of Commerce recruited people at a remote location and sent them directly to us.


    A craving for Mithril and a grudge against Lux Village.


    It''s a big project caused by those who share these two obsessions.


    ''''I wonder how well the construction work is progressing?


    ''They''re moving forward pretty quickly and it looks like it''s going to open soon. I thought there was little hope of a setback. On the contrary, it may already be completed.


    Then maybe the fact that the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce directly rode in this time was a kind of declaration of victory.


    ''''Your superiority has already crumbled.'''' ''''You''d be better off following us from now on without any losses.......


    ''''We can''t stay like this!��Chief!��Let''s go sabotage the construction now!��With my earth magic, I can make a mess of a road in a heartbeat!


    Droyer''s words are more extreme than I expected.


    As expected of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army.


    "Wait. "Wait and settle down.


    But!


    Well, you''re going to have to listen to me very carefully from now on.


    To begin with, I''ve always thought that the current great prosperity of Lax Village was somewhat unnatural.


    Everything is built on mithril.


    If the mithril mine were to disappear again, all industrial commerce would collapse and Lax Village would revert back to its original cold village.


    This was something the village had already experienced at least once.


    There was no guarantee that this village would not experience the same kind of difficulties in the future.


    No, we should be prepared for it to come one day.


    I think it''s my job as the village chief to prepare for that day by coming up with various plans.


    I told Droyer and the others that I was prepared for that day.


    If we stand the chance of losing the Mithril mine, and we panic and try to sabotage others, wouldn''t we say that this is an unseemly act of obsession with wealth?


    Uh....?


    The kind of people who are jealous of other people''s possessions and try to snatch them and take them away if that doesn''t work, aren''t they like the guys in the Chamber of Commerce and Campbell Street?


    ''''Yes, maybe...?''''


    I can understand Droyer''s difficulty in convincing me.


    It''s true that I don''t want to live an unseemly life, but it''s also not a good idea to be too graceful.


    It''s not a righteous world to give away your profits to the filthy people.


    I don''t want to just sit back and let them beat me up all the time, either.


    The bottom line is that we must be noble if we are to survive.


    And with that philosophy in mind, let''s take a look at what we can do.


    ...First of all, the new transportation route that is about to extend from Campbell Street.


    What exactly is that route?


    I will explain!


    Selmet deftly brought out a map of the area.


    ''According to the transmissions from the colleagues we''re having infiltrated the scene, it''s going to look something like this.


    He ran the pen with ink and wrote on the map.


    The point marked ''Campbell Street'' and the point marked ''Mithril Mine'' were connected by a single line.


    ''''Isn''t this...?


    Isn''t that a long way off?


    I thought the two points would be connected by a straight line of the shortest distance, but they were more of a large curve.


    This would be more than twice the distance of a straight line.


    ''Campbell Street is farther away than Lax Village for a simple distance, and the terrain is even more intricate. There are small mountainous areas in the vicinity, and thanks to this, there are aspects that prevent monsters and others from entering the area...''''


    If you think about the route that connects the Mithril mine, it''s a complete obstacle.


    You''re making a big turn because you''re bypassing this.


    ''And just because we bypassed the mountainous terrain doesn''t mean we''re completely spared from the effects. The road continues to go downhill and uphill. It''s even harder than it looks on the map. Not to mention the fact that it is expected to be quite difficult to go pulling a large load of mithril....


    The traditional LUX village route is almost a straight line, and as I''ve actually walked it myself, it''s almost flat from start to finish.


    There are plazas along the way where you can get off to rest, making it a much easier route.


    The newly opened Campbell Street route sounds tougher than that.


    You''ll probably need extra clogs and manpower for transport, and that will certainly increase the transport time. Besides, I''m sure this area will be covered in snow in the winter.


    It was riddled with problems.


    In the first place, Campbell Street couldn''t get on board with such a delicious mithril transport despite its geographic proximity.


    And there was no reason for it.


    The reason was that no matter how hard they tried, they couldn''t find an efficient transportation route.


    It only highlights the inefficiencies that cannot be overlooked.


    Campbell Street must have tried many times before, but failed to find an efficient route.


    I could see that very clearly.


    ''''That''s why this time we were able to push through with the Chamber of Commerce''s large capital.... But it''s only a formality, and it''s far from being practical...?


    ''That''s a relief...!''


    Droyer lets out a breath of relief.


    Indeed, this kind of disappointment is too inadequate to be a free competition partner.


    Even if this route was put into practice, no one would choose it and Lux Village''s transportation route would be safe.


    ''''Nah, what a loss to worry about!��I guess we can''t let those people scare us after all!


    ''Not at all!��I''m relieved to report it myself and explain it myself, feeling uneasy!


    Both Droyer and Selmet were completely relieved, but I was the only one who was struck by a sense of inexplicable uncertainty.


    This time, that trade association is involved in this road construction.


    Even if the organization that controlled the commerce of the human race couldn''t have noticed this level of failure?


    It didn''t make sense that the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce had come all the way down here to be proud of his victory.


    It was an unpleasant impression, but he didn''t feel that he was that stupid either.


    ''''Well I shouldn''t be too optimistic.


    Something should be done about it.

 283-282 Litges, Plan (Human Side)

    Commerce Chairman Litges.


    As soon as we left the village of Lax, we headed to the next town.


    The next town was Campbell Street.


    To carry out our plan from before.


    "You fool...!��The last chance we gave you, you left me hanging...!


    Litges was a pathological pragmatist.


    For this reason, he pursued what was most profitable, and there was no morality or pride involved.


    He visited LUX village on his own because it was the most profitable for him.


    LUX Village has expertise in the sale of mithril.


    If we could capture this know-how, we would be able to sell mithril to the maximum extent possible, which would benefit our business association.


    That''s why I''ve sent Akinami many times before, inviting him to partner with Lax Village, but the other party didn''t take me up on it.


    The chief must be stubborn.


    The Chamber of Commerce has sales channels throughout the human territory. It is a vital organization in this society.


    How could he refuse to cooperate with such a Chamber of Commerce?


    It was the height of folly.


    It was the justice of the world to obey the Chamber of Commerce and to keep the money according to the Chamber of Commerce.


    Those who refused to do so had no choice but to be crushed as enemies of the world.


    ''''Don''t underestimate the power of a large organization...!


    The alliance with Campbell Street, where Litges was currently heading, had already been concluded.


    It''s a good thing that they are not at ease with that city, geographically speaking, because it''s the one that doesn''t have the most peace of mind for Lax Village.


    It''s a good idea to reiterate the hostility.


    Campbell Street is the largest in the area and takes pride in being the center of the city.


    It''s status is threatened by the rise of Lax Village.


    Most of the money and people flowing into Lax Village, which has experienced an unprecedented rise in popularity due to Mithril, should have originally flowed into Campbell Street.


    On the contrary, it is not uncommon for those who originally lived on Campbell Street to move to Lax Village in search of a more affluent life.


    Leaving Lax Village on the loose any longer would be a threat to the survival of that city.


    That''s probably why they jumped at the offer from the Chamber of Commerce.


    The route between the Mithril Mine and Lax Village is completely different from the route between the Mithril Mine and Lax Village, and is a transport route that originates from Campbell Street.


    If this route were to open, Campbell Street would be able to enjoy the benefits of mithril transportation and be on par with the village of Lax.


    However, even though this is easier said than done, some things are harder said than done.


    It was supposed to be an unprecedentedly large project, and the reason they couldn''t go ahead with it even though they knew it would bring great benefits is that Campbell Street didn''t have the financial and organizational strength to do it.


    So, through gritted teeth, I watched the village of Luxe thrive sideways, but things changed when the Chamber of Commerce got involved.


    It was because the Chamber of Commerce took the funds and manpower for the problem on its shoulders, making it possible to construct the opening construction.


    Given the blade of vengeance, Campbell Street rallied to work on the opening construction.


    Thanks to this, the construction work progressed faster than they could have imagined, and they have already opened the road to traffic.


    The Chamber of Commerce was not without speculation.


    As a matter of fact, Litges knew about it.


    Even if a second route was created to connect Campbell Street to the Mithril mine, Campbell Street would never surpass the village of Lax.


    First of all, due to the problem of the terrain, which was out of man''s control, Campbell Street would only be able to carve out a large detour, and it would never surpass the Lax Village route due to efficiency issues.


    In terms of labor and other expenditures, it is one and a half times more expensive than the Lax Village route. It had already been calculated that the burden would increase by a factor of five.


    Also, the Mithril Forge, the largest profit-producing institution in Lax Village, has a skill that is out of the gate.


    Campbell Street would never be able to rival it with its brand power, and even if the same amount of skills were to be nurtured from scratch, it wasn''t known how many decades it would take.


    So, inevitably, even if they could bring it into the race for mithril transportation, Campbell Street would not stand a chance.


    Even if the Chamber of Commerce had Campbell Street''s backing, it was an act that was not even remotely profitable, as the money invested in it would just bubble up and disappear.


    Of course, the Chamber of Commerce cannot become a giant organization that controls the commerce of the human race if it doesn''t seem to understand that.


    Litges had other intentions.


    He said that Campbell Street was just a stepping stone to reach his goal........


    ��


    Arriving in Campbell Street, Litges was immediately met with a grand welcome.


    ''Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce!��Welcome!


    From the town''s mayor to the guild master to the head of the chamber of commerce branch and more.


    The town''s main and most talented people were all there to greet them. It was incomparable to the time in Lax Village.


    ''''That''s right. A merchant president is supposed to be treated to the fullest extent like this.......!


    Litges chuckled in his mind.


    He was still unhappy with the rough treatment he received in Lax Village.


    It''s a great honor to have the head of the Chamber of Commerce come to visit us for the first time since Campbell Street began!��Please make yourself at ease as we offer you a wholehearted hospitality!


    Although Campbell Street was also showing the top development in the area, it was still located in an area that was not so different from Lax Village.


    It was, so to speak, a remote provincial city.


    For that reason, the visit of the world''s most powerful person, the head of the Chamber of Commerce, was sure to be a historic event.


    It''s a great honor to have the head of the Chamber of Commerce visit us!��Never before!��There is no other settlement in this region that would have such an honor as ours on Campbell Street!��I''d be terrified if the upstart Lax Village found out!


    The one who would be shaken would be the mayor who controlled Campbell Street, but he didn''t know.


    The fact that the chairman of the merchant association had already visited Lax Village and then came to his town.


    On the contrary, the village of Lax Village has been visited by a hero, the president of the Center Guild, the previous hero who was touted as the strongest of all time, the previous four heavenly kings as well, several current four heavenly kings, the Lord of Hell, and the Demon King, among other eminent men and women.


    It''s a very good idea to be able to have a good time with your friends and family.


    I''m grateful for the welcome, Mayor, but I''m here for a very specific purpose. I need to finish my business first.


    ''Quite right, sir!��The new transport route extending from our city is already open, sir!


    Huh?


    Ritges was deeply impressed by the progress that had been made beyond what he had expected.


    He had expected it to take a few dozen more days in his estimation, but had the city''s resentment towards the neighboring villages hastened the work?


    What was frightening was the power of human vindictiveness, but it was the merchant''s way of using that vindictiveness to make a profit.


    In that sense, the people here in Campbell Street are very good pawns.


    They have worked hard for the Chamber of Commerce because of their hatred for Lax Village.


    ''''I can only say thank you to the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce!��Thanks to the Chamber of Commerce for providing financial and human resources!��Because we, Campbell Street, have been able to establish a transport route with the Mithril mine that we have dreamed of for years!��If this is a 50-50 situation with Lax Village, then there''s no way our Campbell Street, the original center of the city, can be defeated by a dying country village!


    Rittges thought that this was both low and old-fashioned.


    The village of Lax may have once been a cold village on the verge of extinction, but it has grown to become one of the most advanced cities in the world, not just in its neighborhood.


    If possible, Litges, as the chairman of the board of directors, wanted to make Lax Village a better business partner than Campbell Street.


    That''s why he reluctantly stopped by LUX Village before coming here.


    The village chief of Lax Village is conversely too wise to accept the control of the Chamber of Commerce.


    It was still better to be foolish than overly wise.


    To manipulate him as a pawn.


    Avoiding the best and taking the next best is also necessary in business.


    But Campbell Street and the Chamber of Commerce were very different in their perceptions while working together.


    The Chamber of Commerce does not consider Campbell Street to be a business partner in the slightest, and their perception of it is that it is a "pawn".


    They were just tools to be used to achieve their goals.


    That''s why Litges cleverly hid the fact that the opening of the new route alone would not be enough to defeat Lax Village in any case.


    It wasn''t just their own stupidity that prevented those in Campbell Street from realizing the fact that they should be aware of it.


    After all, it was none other than the Chamber of Commerce that would benefit from the plans they had made.


    That was the case with all of the plans they had hatched so far.


    Lax Village, Campbell Street, and all the people and wealth on this earth were made to kneel to the Chamber of Commerce.


    In order to retain that ironclad rule, the Chamber of Commerce had to get it.


    The Mithril mine.


    ''Then let us go. To the source of wealth.


    For that reason he has put the fools to the sword and prepared the way for their glory.


    Fools always work tirelessly for the sake of the wise, with the convenient illusion that it is for their own good.


    The fool always works in the wise man''s favor, with the convenient illusion that it is for his own good.

 284-283 Mithril Mine Receives Unwanted Visit (Human Side)

    The Mithril Mine is located just on the border between human and demon territory.


    This may be one of the reasons why this land was subjected to a long battle.


    But even more significant than that is the unique added value of being the only place in the world that produces the world''s finest metal mithril.


    Over the centuries of warfare between demons and humans, the mithril mine has changed owners.


    It was all because mithril was too good a material for weapons and magic tools.


    Right now, the Mithril Mine belongs to the human race and is under the strict control of the Adventurer''s Guild.


    This was also to prevent the misuse of mithril, which could pose a serious threat if misused, from leaking out unintentionally.


    Therefore, it is forbidden for any unauthorized person to approach the mine.


    They have even gone so far as to prohibit entry to the transport route leading from the village of Lax to the mine in partnership with the village of Lax, which is the first place where mithril is taken out of the mine, and allow only authorized personnel to pass through.


    The arrival of a stranger at the Mithril mine, where such comings and goings were currently controlled, caused a bit of a stir.


    ��


    F��hrer, F��hrer.


    Hmm?


    Bestfred, the chief executive of Mithril Mines, was known as the Governor in the field.


    He had once held the key position of Director of the Center Guild, but he had stepped down from that position to take up his post in such a remote area.


    It would be enough to call him an eccentric.


    ''''What''s the matter?��Have you run out of three o''clock snacks to hand out to the knockers?


    Yes, that''s all there is to it, but...?��A patrolling adventurer reported that there was something out there on the west side.


    A hint?��How can that be...?


    The Mithril Mine is a mine where the comings and goings of people are strictly controlled.


    There was no way an unscheduled visit would occur, and if someone was going to come, there was sure to be an advance report from Lax Village with the approval of the village chief.


    Furthermore, it is unique in that it is located in the west.


    There shouldn''t be anything to the west of the Mithril Mine, and when the convoy from Lax Village came, it was always from the east side.


    ''''........They could be bandits or something. Put the adventurers on alert.


    I understand.


    Be very quiet so as not to alarm the Knockers. And if it''s the wrong guys, there''s no way it''s a diversion. Tell them not to only focus on the noise.


    Yes, sir!


    Quickly giving out instructions, Bestfred himself heads to the west side where the problem is.


    The Mithril Mine is packed with about fifty D- to B-class adventurers who are tasked with guarding the mine, as well as administrative personnel to measure and manage the mined mithril.


    In the past, the Mithril Mine was driven to the brink of collapse by an attack of fiery demonic beasts, and based on the lessons learned, the Mithril Mine has put in place a solid defense system.


    Best Fred was the one who stood at the forefront of that effort.


    Although his age was no longer at the age of sixty, his running gait was firm and he was able to reach the western face of the mine immediately.


    Several guarded adventurers had already gathered and were on alert.


    ''''What''s going on?''''


    It''s a good-natured one, and the adventurer responds to the short question with a wise and precise response.


    It''s like we''re intruders after all. And they are in a group.


    A group...?


    From what I can tell, there''s a big group of a hundred of them. They''re headed straight for us.


    ''Nonsense!��There''s nothing west of the mine but wilderness!��It''s so full of mountains and forests that people shouldn''t even be able to walk properly!


    It was not possible for a large group of people to rush into it.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time.


    I''m sure the scouts, from the direction, have returned to do their part.


    ''Leader!��Leader, it''s tough!


    You must report directly to the Governor.


    The adventurer who had been exchanging words with Bestfred up until now was also the older man who was organizing the security.


    Receiving a thoughtful gaze, Bestfred nodded.


    ''''Please........!


    Well then...!��I ran when the leader told me to look for a way in for the mysterious group. Bypass the group and exit unnoticed to the back.


    Then he saw it.


    ''In the middle of the mountains, where there was supposed to be nothing, there was a big road!


    A road?��You mean a road?


    Huh?��What''s the difference between a road and a road?


    If I had to correct the minor differences, I wouldn''t be able to make any progress, so I ignore it.


    ''Trees and stuff had been cut down, the ground was well leveled, and it was clearly a man-made path!��I thought they came through there...!


    If a group of people had come through the mountains, there was no other explanation for it.


    Best Fred stroked his chin, trying to gather his thoughts in confusion.


    ''''That''s right...!��It''s better to know who they are and what they want than how they came to be right now...!


    If there''s a path, you can follow it, and you''ll know where they''ve come from. We''ll know who they are.


    The leader adventurer had a good point, but the young adventurer who came back from scouting shook his head and said.


    I thought so too and tried to follow the path, but it was too long and I didn''t think I''d be able to get there soon enough. I gave up and came back. I figured what''s the point if I can''t report back before the other guy arrives.......!


    It was a good decision by the scouts.


    Just the knowledge that a mysterious group of people had carved out a mountain forest to build a road and were walking leisurely over it was a harvest.


    The opening of a road is a huge undertaking. "Opening a road is a huge undertaking, and they have the financial and organizational resources to do it...?


    ''Not only that, but building a new road means you need public permission, right?��The safety of each community is a major concern, especially here in the Mithril mine area. This is even more so here in the Mithril mine area.


    The leader adventurer was right.


    If it''s just a hair''s breadth of the beast''s path, but if a hundred people can line up to pass through it, it''s already a street.


    If such an authentic road can be built by bandits, it''s a big problem.


    If not, then the hundreds of people approaching here now belong to some kind of public organization.


    ''''Don''t tell me it''s the Demon King''s Army?��No, that''s the wrong direction too...?''''


    As Bestfred pondered, he came up with one possibility.


    The fact that he had been warned by Dariel village chief, who was well acquainted with him.


    ''''Uh...!''''


    Best Fred scurried around his feet.


    He looked like he was looking for something, but he picked up a tree branch that happened to be lying around, and scavenged the ground at the end of it.


    The adventurers around him wondered what in the world was going on, but.......


    ''''It''s.......this mark.


    Best Fred drew on the ground with a branch, a sort of crest with a curious geometric pattern superimposed on it.


    ''Didn''t the group that''s heading this way right now have a symbol similar to this one!��With a flag or a banner or something!''''


    I only know one thing.


    Viceroy, you''re not very artistic...!


    There was no need to mention that, Best Fred thought.


    It didn''t matter what his assessment of his descriptive skills was, what mattered was whether the group carried this mark.


    ''That being said, this picture in the example is too squishy to collate. It''s more difficult to identify them, don''t you think?


    ''Then frankly, I''d like to know if they''re in the Chamber of Commerce!��If he did, he''d have the Mark of the Chamber of Commerce on his back, wouldn''t he?


    That was the Mark of the Chamber of Commerce?��They don''t look anything like each other, do they?


    They say raggedly.


    ''''........Ah!��They did indeed raise a flag with some kind of symbol on it!


    Several of the adventurers who served as scouts said among themselves, "I thought I saw that mark somewhere, but it was the Chamber of Commerce.


    It''s the mark of the Chamber of Commerce.��It''s exactly the same as we''ve seen in some town!


    ''''I wonder why I didn''t notice it first!


    It''s a good idea to get a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    It is not directly related to the adventurers, so their memories tend to fade.


    ''''But the Chamber of Commerce is here...?


    I''ve been warned in advance by Dariel village chief.


    It''s a very good idea to be able to have a good time with them.


    I''ve been told to be cautious of the Mithril Mine, the main camp, because of the conspicuousness of this movement in recent years.


    The head of Lax Village, Dariel, is a powerful and resourceful man who is both flexible and tough. I''ve known him for more than five years now.


    The fact that Dariel told me to be careful is something I should pay attention to.


    "But I didn''t expect them to approach me in this way...?


    A whole new road would be opened to reach the Mithril mine.


    I thought that only a powerfully capitalized Chamber of Commerce could do that, but now was not the time to be impressed.


    Even while he was doing so, the other party was right in front of him.


    ''''Well, well, well, well, well, we''re very sorry to be greeted by you.


    A group of a hundred men, a cart drawn by a horse and its attendant. An armed group that seemed to be an escort. In addition to that, there was a handful of beautifully dressed groups that looked even stranger.


    ''My name is Litges, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. From now on, let''s get along with each other as co-managers of the Mithril Mine.

 285-284 Best Fred decides (Human side)

    Co-management?��What does that mean?


    Best Fred has been in charge of the Mithril mine here for over five years.


    Being so far away from the center of the city, it is too unfavorable to get fresh information.


    Nevertheless, the gossip related to the merchant chairman, Litges, has reached the backcountry as well.


    According to him, his skills, which made him rise to the top of the Chamber of Commerce at a young age, are vicious. That''s the only word for it, he said.


    He only sees others as pawns to be used and others as pawns to be used, and there are many people who have been used and discarded by him.


    And the number of people who have been destroyed by him far exceeds that.


    Anyway, he was a person who left a bad impression.


    My impression of Best Fred is that he is the complete opposite of Dariel, who is a man of virtue.


    I thought I would never have to face such a person in my life, and now I am in front of him.


    Life was an unexpected thing.


    ''''It has been decided that the Mithril Mine here will be tightly controlled by the Adventurer''s Guild. Mithril is a vital commodity. It only makes sense that it would be centrally controlled by one agency.


    Yes, it''s better to be safe, but wouldn''t it be better to venture out now for the sake of civilization? But wouldn''t it be better to embark on an adventure for the betterment of civilization?


    Best Fred began to think that this question was a bad idea.


    The presence of the Chamber of Commerce here now is an act of hostility that threatens the security of the Mithril mine.


    There was no way they were going to be at peace with the intruder.


    "Mithril should be more closely connected to the lives of the human race, so that the human race can become more prosperous. Then the human race will be richer and new technologies will be born out of that wealth. The human race will become more prosperous, and new technologies will be born from the affordability of the human race. With the distribution network of our Chamber of Commerce, Mithril will be more efficiently distributed throughout the Human Nation!


    With an exorbitant price tag?


    But Best Fred had a reason why he couldn''t bypass it.


    A simple difference in strength.


    While the opponent rode in in large groups of a hundred men, the Mithril Mine''s security was at most fifty men.


    If you exclude the clerks and other non-combatants, the number is even less.


    In contrast, many of the group that Rittges had brought with him were armed, and seventy percent of them were likely to be able to join the fight.


    They are here to take the mine by force.


    Bestfred immediately read the intentions of his opponents.


    ''The Chamber of Commerce is too greedy. Everything that is sold through the Chamber of Commerce is subject to exorbitant price increases, and all the difference is exploited as a payment to the Chamber of Commerce. This is the evil that prevents the development of a civilized society. The absurdly high prices hinder consumption and slow down circulation.


    This is a quibble often trotted out by those who falsely accuse us of being a trade association. The money we get from each merchant is a pittance. It''s a fee for the use of our distribution network to move goods efficiently. It costs money to maintain the distribution network. If we pay it, we won''t have a penny or two left in our hands.


    That''s never been proven to be the case, though.


    But it was clear that the situation could not be resolved by stalling on this futile talk.


    Best Fred was a member of the Adventurer''s Guild and not someone who wanted to avoid a fight at all costs.


    ''Anyway, your intrusion is a serious hostile act. You have even built a large passage in the dark and threatened the defensive capabilities of the human race''s treasure, the Mithril Mine. This outrage will officially draw a protest from the Adventurer''s Guild.


    You''re the one calling it an outrage.��The Mithril Mine is the treasure of the human race, and we can agree on that too. But that''s why the monopoly of the Adventurer''s Guild is the height of outrage!��The treasure of the human race should be entrusted to the entire human race!


    He rants.


    ''''So, we are forced to eliminate by force the adventurer''s guild that commits the cardinal sin of monopolizing the supreme treasure!


    ''''........As I thought, that''s why you brought a large army with you!


    That was the true purpose of the Chamber of Commerce.


    The forced occupation of the Mithril Mine.


    By doing so, the Chamber of Commerce would take control of mithril management and even distribution and sales with its own hands.


    It was also the purpose of the Litges to have the road carved out of Campbell Street.


    It was to create a pathway to send the forces for the mine occupation.


    Because the battle is also about numbers.


    ''''Kukkuu.......it''s your fault, isn''t it?��I gave them a chance.


    Litges smiles triumphantly.


    ''I wanted to do business with you guys in harmony and cooperation. Trust and harmony are the basis of business. ........But you guys, that cocky country village chief also refused my offer. You have trampled on my good intentions!


    You''ve already met Dariel.


    Bestfred was impressed by the way Litges spoke, how typical of Dariel to behave.


    ''So our actions are justified!��We will assert our legitimate rights and appeal to merit!


    ''Do you think such lawlessness is going to be allowed to stand?��If we appeal to our strengths, how can the Chamber of Commerce be a match for the Adventurer''s Guild?


    Adventurers are professional fighters who keep the human race safe.


    They are governed by the Adventurer''s Guild.


    Compared to that, no matter how large the Chamber of Commerce is, it is an organization that can only account for money.


    When it comes to a serious killing match, the Adventurer''s Guild, which has real-world capabilities, cannot be defeated.


    ''''The armed group you guys brought in are also........adventurers, right?


    The majority of the confronting group flinched at Best Fred''s suggestion.


    ''''Perhaps they belong to an adventurer''s guild in a town or village that cooperated with the Chamber of Commerce? The only place around here that could have done so would be Campbell Street.


    The speculation that was on target was causing more and more turmoil on the other side.


    As Bestfred pointed out, the people Litges brought in were adventurers who belonged to Campbell Street.


    Adventurer''s guilds were scattered throughout the towns and villages, and although the policies were coordinated by the center guild, the basic decisions were left to their own discretion.


    It wasn''t impossible for the Campbell Street Adventurers Guild to follow local policy and side with the Chamber of Commerce.


    However, in that case, the Campbell Street guild would be considered to have taken an illegal action from the guild as a whole. They will be executed by the center guild and stripped of their guild management rights, and all the adventurers they belong to will be stripped of their adventurer status?


    Not at all. I assure you that we at the Merchant''s Association will defend their rights.


    Litges proclaims the words with the ear of an impostor.


    ''I have long wondered about the arrogance of the Center Guild, which gives humans their aura abilities, and which wears its privileges. I have long wondered about the arrogance of the Center Guild, which wears the privilege of granting aura abilities to humans. I think the Adventurer''s Guild as a whole should take this opportunity to make a major change. Don''t you think we should decentralize our privileges for a more just and peaceful world?


    That''s how you rounded up the adventurers as individuals.


    I''m sure there are some adventurers who put their own profit and loss before their loyalty to the guild, and others who love their hometown.


    Did he skillfully use the hearts of each of these people and make them into pawns in his hands?


    Lithoges thinks that their arrogance is forgiven.


    That would be a conclusion drawn not from foolish self-centeredness, but from cunning calculation.


    It''s true that the Chamber of Commerce doesn''t have actual combat power, and if they went head-to-head with the Adventurer''s Guild, defeat would be obvious.


    However, they are convinced that they won''t actually go head-to-head with the guild.


    This is because even though the Chamber of Commerce does not have the power to fight, it also has a hold on the economy.


    If the Chamber of Commerce is crushed, the distribution of the entire human territory will collapse, the economy will be in turmoil, and the adventurer''s guild will suffer great losses.


    No matter how much of an eyesore they may think it is, there is one thing they cannot destroy because it is essential to their livelihood.


    That is their trade association, he said.


    That''s why they think they can push through a little recklessness.


    The adventurer''s guild will not be able to come out strong even if they are forced to occupy the Mithril mine, and they will find a way to get out of it while it''s still in limbo, and the Chamber of Commerce will be able to get involved in Mithril''s management.


    I''m sure they will be able to find a solution and the Chamber of Commerce will be able to get involved in running Mithril.


    It''s a big gamble. It is true that the Adventurers'' Guild and the Chamber of Commerce have been at odds with each other for some time now. The loss of the Chamber of Commerce will be very disruptive to the Adventurers'' Guild.


    That''s also true.


    ''''But if you go this far out of control, the cracks on both sides will be irreparable, won''t they?��At the very least, it leaves a lump. Are you taking that much risk into account in your execution?


    ''It''s all your fault. It''s all your fault, because you''re making us look bad. Shouldn''t we all be making money when we make it?��That''s what you call helping each other?


    ''Nonsense. It''s always up to the person in question to make the most of it.


    Bestfred, you step forward.


    "It''s true that your army is too small to prevent a fight. You will have no choice but to vacate the mines in vain. But don''t underestimate the Adventurers'' Guild. Soon, a hordes of men will descend upon this place and slaughter every lawless plunderer.


    What are you trying to kill?��Can you take it and leave us in peace?


    You drew your sword first. That''s a fighter''s way of standing up to a challenge. That''s a man''s way of life.


    Bestfred turns around once and looks at the adventurers in the same camp.


    ''''You will die with me, won''t you?''''


    ''That''s the quest to get in there, isn''t it?��You don''t want me to remind you now, do you?


    The adventurers smiled good-naturedly at each other.


    I''ll teach those merchants who can only count money a lesson in the horror of the field. Once you take on a quest, you complete it even if it kills you. That''s the way of life of an adventurer.


    It''s just like the adventurers dispatched from Rax Village. You''ve been well educated.


    Life energy erupts from Best Fred''s body.


    "What?��That can''t be... an aura?


    I''m a member of the Adventurers'' Guild in my own way. Did you think that because you''re in management that you couldn''t fight?


    ''Best Fred,'' he says, clenching his fists.


    ''Well, let''s get started, as you wish, on the blood-drenched shura!��I''ve tested the resolve of a professional adventurer, I''m sure you''re ready for it too!

 286-285 Best Fred, strong (human side)

    There''s no doubt that things are headed in a way that Lithoges did not intend at all.


    He is essentially a merchant, and he has hunted down and ruined many of his opponents with threats and deceptions.


    But he has never laid a direct hand on anyone.


    I have never stained my own hands with blood, and never breathed the last breath of a true man, not with metaphor or exaggeration.


    I had never thought that I would ever have to face such a situation.


    That''s why I couldn''t imagine the situation that had just been brought about.


    I''m not sure I could have imagined that Bestfred and his friends, who are vastly outnumbered, would be attacking me from the other side.


    ''''Kick them out!''''


    Bestfred''s shout was enough to make the Campbell adventurers he led cower.


    Who would have imagined that he, who was supposed to be in charge of managing the Mithril Mine behind the scenes, would be the first to fight.


    Best Fred''s unleashed fist pounded the ground.


    The uninitiated are puzzled as to what is going on. But that was just the first stage of a powerful ranged attack.


    ''''Earth Flow Bursting Force!''''


    He strikes the ground with a fist that is filled with aura thickly.


    The aura that permeated with the impact shattered the ground, and countless grains of earth and stone scattered and avalanched forward.


    The Chamber of Commerce and Campbell''s forces that were confronting each other got a decent amount of dirt and sand.


    ''''Uhhhh!��Upepepepepepepe!


    ''''Watch out!��This sediment aura is moving in!��If you get exposed to it properly, you''ll take damage.


    Best Fred was a generalist aura user with an aptitude for two types of generalist aura: guard (defense) and hit (hitting).


    The small shield that made the most use of this aptitude could also be worn in front of the fist to become a knuckle guard for fist strikes.


    "Best Fred........?��Aren''t you just an office worker?


    You didn''t do enough research beforehand, Mr. Chamberlain. You are the ones who insist on investigating the people you are negotiating with to a sickening degree.


    Best Fred, full of irony.


    A high-pitched metallic sound rang out as the small shield set in my right fist and the one set in my left fist clashed with each other.


    ''''I used to be the director of the Center Guild, but all of the directors were raised by good ol'' boys, and if you think you''ve risen through the ranks with money and connections, you''re mistaken.��Some of them are stubbornly beaten up, and it''s not impossible that some of them have experienced active adventurers and joined the board of directors. Like me here.


    ''''Nahhh...?


    Unnervingly, at this moment, Litges remembered a rumor he had overheard a long time ago


    A man with a rare background of having joined the board of directors from an active adventurer, for some reason, he became enraged and beat up three center guild directors of the same rank.


    All three of the victims were seriously injured, with their jaws shattered or their internal organs ruptured, and were forced to resign.


    The assailant, a former adventurer board member, was temporarily imprisoned, but thanks to the special arrangement of the Center Guild President, he only had to resign from his post and was transferred to some remote area.


    ''''That couldn''t be...?


    ''''I was still young back then...!��I couldn''t even pass up a cheap provocation from the monk director...!


    Best Fred strikes a fighting pose to show his fighting spirit.


    I''ll summon the fist I''ve been keeping shut up since then. Don''t think you can get away with a C-level maniac?


    With that proclamation, there is tension on Campbell''s side.


    You know what I''m talking about?��There isn''t a single A-level adventurer in the Campbell Street guild right now, is there?��It''s a shameful situation, even if you take into account the fact that the talent is flowing to LUX Village. It''s probably because we''re not training people properly.


    Best Fred quickly unleashed a fist on the spot.


    He only struck the empty space, but for some reason, the Campbell adventurer, who was much further away, danced his chin up and was blown away.


    ''''Wha?��Huh?��Eh......?


    Oh, really?��You''re in trouble, everyone, watch out!


    An adventurer with some experience with the Campbell''s group shouts.


    "That old man is punching the air out of us at breakneck speed!��It''s hitting them like a rock and blowing them away!��You can''t let your guard down just because you''re in between!


    Well spotted, are you a B-level adventurer?


    The more Best Fred thrusts his fist out, the more the Campbell adventurer is blown away.


    It''s a small tweak that applies aura. The hit characteristics are not naturally suited to long range attacks, but by using air as a substitute, you can increase your distance to some extent. In addition, I have a slight aptitude for guarding, so I can briefly solidify my aura.


    Then the fixed air is sent flying like a projectile at fist speed.


    If you hit it, it hurts, but not enough to cause a fatal wound. As a result of the fact that it relies on an ambiguous object like air, it is not possible to demonstrate the characteristics of the aura, and its power is much less powerful than regular long-range attack techniques like the Searing Sky.


    This is why it is not a decisive factor, but each strike is quick and has few gaps, making it an excellent technique for checking. It''s something to remember.


    As explained by the person in charge, the flying fists that were unleashed without a separate curtain were draped over all of the Campbell adventurers, confusing them and stirring up their formations.


    The problem is that it is invisible because it relies on air.


    The only way to deal with this is to predict the trajectory of Best Fred''s fists, and even then, you''re forced to concentrate, and your vision narrows.


    ''''Now, ''earth flow bursting force''!


    ''''Whaaaaahhhh?!''''


    When they were sufficiently alerted to a distant hit from a fist strike, they suddenly switched to an earth and sand attack.


    Campbell''s group was utterly caught up in the art of Best Fred, who was a veteran adventurer.


    ''''Now!��Take them on!


    ""Yes!"


    Under Bestfred''s command, the adventurers on the mine side brandish their weapons.


    The Campbell''s side is completely unable to respond to the assault in the midst of being scratched and kicked around.


    The swords swung down, the flying arrows, and the circling chained iron balls cleave the frightened Campbell adventurers and chop up their formations.


    ''Nah, what are you idiots doing!��Are you still a professional adventurer?��Can''t we just hurry up and get back on our feet and fight back?


    I''m giving you one too.


    ''''Aaaaah!''''


    The pneumatic fist released by Best Fred hits Litges'' chest.


    The attack is heavy on the amateur who isn''t even protected by an aura, and it blows up big and rolls around, finally spitting up the stuff in his stomach in a big way.


    ''Ogee!��Eeeeeeee!


    Shit!��Company president?��All hands on deck!��Protect the VIPs!


    The Campbell adventurers can''t afford not to protect the important guests from the center.


    The counterattack was also put off for later and they lingered in front of Lithoges and turned into a shield.


    But that was just as the veteran adventurers had calculated.


    ''Now!��Withdraw while the enemy is on the defensive!


    ""Got it!"


    The timing of the offensive break to defend Litges was beautifully timed.


    Best Fred and his team retreated quickly and swiftly, like a receding wave.


    The Campbell forces didn''t even have time to say ''wait''.


    They were commanded by a seasoned veteran, and the professionalism of the miner adventurers was on display as they carried out their instructions without delay.


    Have they........fled to the depths of the mine.......?


    We''d hate to be holed up in here, but are you okay, Mr. Shangguan?


    Litges managed to stand up after being lifted from the Campbell adventurers.


    But his expression was filled with displeasure and annoyance.


    ''What are you doing, you idiot!��Go after them!��Capture them all and bring them in front of me!


    Well, I don''t think that''s a good idea.��This is their home base. The advantage of the ground is out there...?


    !" said one of the Campbell''s adventurers who showed signs of experience.


    We don''t know the terrain here at all, and we can''t prevent them from ambushing us. We have to proceed with caution...!


    ''Don''t take your time!��What do you think I''ve brought so many of you here for?��Don''t you just have to go forward without regard to the sacrifice of one or two people!


    Litges couldn''t suppress the feeling of screwing up here.


    According to his calculations, this should not have happened.


    An opponent is a thinking person.


    If they were overwhelmingly outnumbered, they would have realized that resistance was pointless and surrendered on their own.


    But he was completely wrong, and the battle plunged into a boggy mess.


    You didn''t expect your opponent to be willing to die for you in an all-out fight.


    Rittges did not expect that at all.


    He had a top-notch brain as a merchant, and he had never missed a beat in anticipating the changes in prices and trends.


    But those and the determination of the men who went through the shura were different.


    There was a realm he didn''t know about, and thinking it was as guessable as his daily coinage was the beginning of his mistake.


    ''''What do I do........?��What do I do........?


    Litges''s head spins around after all this time.


    Anyway, it must not become an all-out conflict at this point.


    It''s obvious that the Chamber of Commerce will never win against the Adventurer''s Guild if it becomes an armed conflict.


    That''s why we should definitely have left room for negotiation.


    Through negotiations, we must force the Chamber of Commerce to allow them to participate in the Mithril Mine.


    That was the main objective of this project.


    Even if the field is ahead of the curve in resisting, there will be people at the top who can understand what''s going on.


    What we need to do to prepare for them before they come out....


    All right, everyone, chase the enemy. We''ve got the advantage in numbers. If we spread out and surround them, they will surely catch up with us.


    You''re not going to retreat, are you?


    ''Of course!��....and then, we don''t kill the enemy, we capture them.


    ''''What?!''''


    It was an essential step to keep negotiations going.


    No matter how well-informed the people at the top, if someone died in a mishap, negotiations would fail.


    There would no longer be anything but an all-out war between the Chamber of Commerce and the Adventurer''s Guild.


    It''s a good thing that the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Litges, understands that much.


    ''''Of course don''t kill them, and if possible, don''t injure them either. It would be ideal if we could capture them unharmed.


    ''It''s not possible!��You''re dealing with a professional adventurer with a fighting spirit!��He''s even an A-level adventurer, albeit retired!��How can you leave that thing unscathed?


    Obey my d*mn orders!��I''m entrusted with the right to direct you from your mayor!��I will not allow you to disobey!


    There are a number of reasons why things fail.


    One of them was to stir up action on the ground for political reasons or something like that.

 287-286 Blowing the Wind of Salvation (Human Side)

    Bestfred, the head of the Mithril mine, retreated.


    The retreat was not a disorderly escape driven by fear, but rather an orderly retreat to gain an advantage while valiantly defending the enemy and calculating the gap in strength.


    ''''Everyone''s here, right?��Are you hurt?


    When I asked him if he was okay, he immediately replied in a very encouraging manner.


    I''ll be fine!


    Not only did no one drop out, they didn''t even have a scratch on them.


    ''''It was thanks to the Governor''s precise instructions. And to be as strong as that...?


    "I didn''t mean to underestimate you, but I was still wrong.


    The adventurers who fought together in the front line are still able to fight well enough.


    Even so, they were still overwhelmingly outnumbered by the enemy.


    It was clear which side would be favored in a war of attrition.


    Still, we were able to deliver a good blow in our first engagement.


    The other side is rolling its eyes and slowing down its movements. It seems to give him a little room to breathe, and Bestfred regulates his breathing.


    ''....Are the clerks evacuated?


    The first step was to check the current situation.


    ''Yes, sir. As we had discussed, all non-combatants have been evacuated, sir.


    In the mines?


    On your left, sir.


    Best Fred and his team were now in the core of the Mithril Mine, a hole dug for mining Mithril.


    The deep, intricate holes that had been dug for the mining of the ore provided a reliable refuge in the event of an emergency.


    The fighters were in a position to protect the enemy near the entrance while the non-combatants, such as the clerks, were sheltered in the back.


    Even now, Bestfred and his men are still peering out from the entrance of the tunnels, waiting for the enemy to come to them.


    The Viceroy bought us some time so we could get out of there smoothly...!��I took them out without leaving any important documents behind!


    Well, it was worth the years of trying to get rid of them. I''m sure that''s what they''re after.


    They are the Chamber of Commerce.


    In that case, information is their greatest weapon.


    We couldn''t just hand them the information about the amount of ore mined or the names of the people who go in and out of the mines," he said.


    "You never know what they''ll use it for," he said. "You never know what kind of abuse they may use, so be prepared to burn it if the need arises.


    ''''Yes........?''''


    The clerk with a large stack of papers ran off to the back of the action.


    The situation is still bad.


    As I said before, we are already outnumbered.


    By hiding in the tunnels, they would be able to endure some of it.


    However, there will come a time when they will eventually succumb before the sheer numbers.


    A siege is a battle that can only be won when there is a chance of reinforcements coming.


    Just a few dozen top-class adventurers from Lax Village with a few dozen hands would easily reverse the situation and destroy the insolent intruders.


    The quality of adventurers would make a big difference in the guild of the town or village they belonged to.


    He had heard that Campbell Street''s adventurers had been severely under-resourced in recent years, and the earlier skirmish had sufficiently confirmed that this was the case.


    They were not the enemies of the Lax Village adventurers trained by Gacita, Zester and others.


    ''''That''s only if they come here, though...?


    Lax Village had no idea of the mutation that occurred here.


    I''m not sure how close it is, but that''s only in comparison to other settlements, and the distance between Mithril Mine and Lax Village is too far away for the warfare and strange signs that occur here to reach us.


    ''''Did you skip the arrows of retribution?''''


    ''Yes, but how long will it take for them to find out about the danger and send us reinforcements...!


    There was no guarantee that Bestfred and the others would be able to endure by then.


    ''When it comes down to it...!


    It was at least a bad idea to line up pillows and die here and make an excuse for the destruction of the Chamber of Commerce.


    ''''........Governor.......''''


    There was an anxious voice at his feet.


    Best Fred looked down and saw a dwarf, only about the height of a human knee.


    It was a knocker.


    They were a sub-race that lived in the mines, and all the mining work was done by them.


    They were the most important people to get the mithril, and how well the mine manager treated the knockers was the difference between success and failure.


    "Viceroy, are the bad guys at it again?


    If the Governor''s in trouble, we''ll fight with him!��I''m going to kill all the bad guys!


    Bestfred''s years of hard work have paid off, and the knockers have placed the utmost trust in him.


    Originally, sub-humans are subject to discrimination as those who are neither demon race nor human race.


    Some of the demon race human race think that they exist to be slaves to humanity, such as sub-humans, and the more elite classes that don''t know about actual warfare, the more likely they are to do so.


    It is a typical example of this tendency in the elite class, who are unaware of actual warfare, and who have no idea what to do with the knockers once they occupy the Mithril mine.


    That was when he thought about it.


    The two words ''Surrender'' that faintly flashed in Best Fred''s mind had completely disappeared.


    ''It''s all right. We''ll get rid of the bad guys for sure.


    We''re depending on you, Viceroy!


    So you and your men will take your people and hide deep in the mines. You mustn''t hurt yourself.


    The Governor is kind!


    The inside of the mine is so complicated and maze-like that anyone who doesn''t know the way in will inevitably get lost.


    It would be absolutely impossible to enter the deepest part of the mine without a knocker.


    They would have to wait until the reinforcements from Lux village arrived.


    That said, the professionalism of adventurers would not allow intruders to enter the heart of the mine, the heart of the mine.


    "Those who can fight must stay and defend it. Those who can fight will stay here and defend it to the death.


    ""Yes!"


    The security adventurers were hungry, too.


    Their innocence was encouraging.


    ''Viceroy, you have a visitor.


    ''You''re finally here. You''re taking your time, aren''t you?


    When you look out from the entrance, a large army that surrounds you as far as the eye can see is slowly approaching.


    It''s a trap. That''s why our progress is delayed to the maximum extent possible.


    You look like a coward with a bad attitude.


    Since we have the number of people, we should be able to attack them with force.


    "Attention all adventurers in the mine!��Resistance is pointless!��And he''s surrendered now!


    For some reason, the call to surrender came out of nowhere.


    ''No matter how hard you all fight, we cannot overturn this gap in numbers!��Isn''t it more profitable to live than to scatter yourself in a battle you can''t win!


    It was Litges who was raising his voice.


    What was the point now?


    ''Best Fred-kun!��You''re a conductor now, too!��Shouldn''t a man in high position make a wise choice for that?


    The wise choice?��If I could do that, I wouldn''t be an adventurer in the first place!


    This place is adventurers with all of their enemies and friends.


    They all nodded at Bestfred''s dare.


    The best thing about being an adventurer is that it''s a job that is fraught with danger!��You may not be alive tomorrow!��No one so clever could ever be in a job like that!��Hey!��You guys!


    ""Oh!"


    Our fellow adventurers respond.


    ''You have to be an idiot to be an adventurer!��That''s why we try to be graceful, innocent idiots!��Lithogesuys, I''ve got to be a sly, twisted fool with a twisted heart like you!


    Wha...?��What the hell...?


    Those words hurt Litges'' pride.


    "You think I''m an idiot...?��I should have told you...!��Then I''ll force you to do what you want!��All hands on deck!��But like I said before, catch them unharmed!


    ''''What in the world are we going to do...?


    The Campbell adventurers who charged in response to Ritges'' desperate instructions seemed to be disapproving.


    There is no morale at all, and they don''t seem to be able to demonstrate their abilities.


    We can hold out for a long time with this. But in the end, we will lose.


    That was when Best Fred decided that he was going to lose.


    ''''Waaaaaaaaaah!


    ''''Huh?��What the hell?��Wind?��Tornado?��Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.


    A mysterious phenomenon that suddenly happens right before your eyes!


    The wind blew in directly in front of the mine entrance, and in the blink of an eye, it increased in force and became an undulating tornado, flicking away the attacking enemies.


    It was as if the position became a barrier to protect Bestfred and the others........


    ''''........Huh, they finally got into an ideal formation.


    What?


    A beautiful woman who has come down from the sky.


    For some reason, she''s flying in the sky.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make your life easier and more enjoyable. I think I''m just a schemer for waiting this long.


    ''''What are you...?''''


    Litges also looked up at the heavens and trembled.


    This beautiful woman who can change the whole situation........


    ''''Let''s just say she''s just a passerby immensely gorgeous beauty.


    He was the former Four Heavenly Kings, Zebiantes.

 288-287 Dariel sends reinforcements

    I was the one who felt that I should take some kind of action regarding the stirring of the Chamber of Commerce that was blatantly visible.


    I knew that they were aiming at the Mithril Mine, so strengthening the defenses there was a must.


    I could have sent the adventurers from Lux Village to increase the number of personnel, but that would have taken a long time, and judging by the state of completion of the Campbell Road, they could have come tomorrow.


    So we decided to take a quicker approach.


    That''s the Zebiantes.


    Even so, he''s still the king of the four heavens in the past, and his fighting prowess is unmatched.


    He would be able to kick out hundreds of adventurers from the B-grade and below, no matter how many of them came at him.


    He''s the Four Heavenly Kings of Wind, and his speed is unparalleled, and he can move to the Mithril Mine and take up a defensive position the moment he says "Go.


    Most importantly, he''s been playing around and doing nothing on a daily basis, so if you suddenly entrust him with a job, there won''t be a hole in the ground somewhere.


    That was the best thing about him.


    So he had sent Zebiantes to the Mithril mine on the same day he heard the report from Selmet.


    Just in case something went wrong.


    ''Excellent, village chief!��I can''t believe you''re putting that Zebiantes on the line!


    I got another look of respect from Droyer, something else.


    ''''Well no, I was just asking for a favor, okay?


    That said, it''s not hard to see why Droyer respects it so much.


    Because it''s that Zeviantes.


    ''He''s obsessed with Mithril, right?��So if the Mithril mine is in danger, I''ll take the lead.


    That kind of lustful gesture is easy to control when you know exactly what kind of things intrigues you.


    As expected....!��I didn''t know Zeviantes had such a control scheme...!��If only I had known that when I was the Fourth Heavenly King, if only I had known that...!


    Yes, yes, no crying, no crying.


    When I think of Droyer''s time in office, it''s not hard to imagine how much he was swept up in the Zebiantes and I feel sorry for him.


    You really had a hard time, didn''t you, Droyer?


    Well, I didn''t send it off easily either.


    Zebiantes doesn''t want Mithril to not be able to collect, but he doesn''t want to work himself, either....


    ''''I hate working, even if it kills me!��You can''t wait to send someone else! It took me and Marika a day to convince him to go.


    It took me and Marika a day to convince him to go.


    In the end, Zeviantes was in tears.


    "Force...?


    That''s right, no matter how many conspiracy tactics are used, in the end it is power that counts.


    No matter how the Chamber of Commerce without the ability to execute it, it cannot win in the end, no matter how it struggles. They won''t even be able to gain the upper hand once they''ve placed the Zebiantes in the Mithril mine.


    The problem is that the Zebiantes won''t get bored and go away while waiting for the enemy.......


    ''''........Hmm?''''


    What''s the matter, chief?


    This faint interval that makes my ears tremble.


    A voice that is distant yet close enough to be heard.


    ''''Can you hear ... Zebiantes?''''


    ''That would be remote air vibration magic. This is remote air vibration magic, where a wind wizard makes distant air vibrate and emit a sound. I''ve heard that the sound becomes a voice that transmits information.


    That''s a magic I don''t know about either.


    It''s a good thing we have magic communication devices and such nowadays.


    The only thing I can think of is that I''m not going to be able to get my hands on any of them.


    Did you get bored early and want to go home or whine about it?


    Anyway, I listened to the message from him....


    -- ''The wind is speaking to me!


    -- ''Oh no, too bad, too bad''


    ''What?��Is it bad?


    The message from Zebiantes was more urgent than I had expected.


    ''Since it''s Zebiantes, maybe it''s something like, ''I''m too bored to be in trouble''?


    No, that woman, surprisingly, does not use exaggerated expressions.


    She only says ''bad'' when it''s really bad.


    "What the hell is going on?


    If Lithoges was the one who led the attack on the mine, then even with the strongest and worst forces he could mobilize, Zebiantes would still be able to give it a twist.


    "But he''s the former Fourth Heavenly King!


    I can''t imagine what''s going on in the mine right now.


    But in a time like this, there is only one thing to do.


    "Assemble all available adventurers. I''ll send reinforcements to the Mithril mine!


    I understand.


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    More and more adventurers gathered as they were notified by Droyer.


    The number soon rose to nearly a hundred.


    ''''That''s a sufficient number for the first group.


    Zebiantes is an a**h*le, but his strength is real.


    And he also has a unique sense of smell about battles, so when he says ''bad'' about a battle, there''s no room for misunderstanding that it''s bad.


    That''s why I''m throwing my forces into it right away.


    I''m not going to be able to get a hold of any of them, but it''s still too risky to just throw them all in immediately. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out what''s going on in the world.


    The chief himself went into battle!


    It''s an important mithril mine.


    And in a situation that makes Zebian Teslas say "this is bad," a half-hearted effort could result in water being burned out.


    I''d like to try to understand the current situation on my own.


    "Okay, I understand....!��So let''s get them in line and get them ready to go...!


    No,


    We don''t know if that''s going to be enough.


    This is an emergency. We''ll have to improvise.


    Gashta.


    Hey!


    We have sent word to our number one adventurer, Gacita.


    "Do the thing.


    You''re really going to do it?��It''s a technique I invented just as a joke?


    Although I''m confused, it''s clear that I''ve known Gacita for a long time as far as being able to understand her by saying ''that''.


    I''m not sure what to do. It''s a good idea.


    Yes?


    He called one young adventurer from the group and prepared a gashita bow.


    It was a large bow that was almost twice as long as the one I usually use.


    ''''Don''t move - if you move poorly, you''ll get hurt...''''


    Mr. Gassiter?��Why are you going through my body''s aura?


    I make the young adventurer "take care" and put an aura into his body.


    After the aura has passed through your body, you replace the young adventurer with the big bow.


    ''''Huh?��No?��Am I going to look like an arrow in a bow and arrow...?


    Go ahead.


    ''''Gyaaahhhhhh!


    The young adventurer flew high into the heavens with the force of the bow.


    This is the "human target" that Gacita has developed after years of training.


    It is a technique in which the human body itself is used as an arrow to shoot.


    It''s a good angle of fire and good wind direction. With that, we''ll be able to reach the Mithril mine without any problems.


    You''re going to send in reinforcements with that?


    It''s a lot faster than a normal walk. Now, let''s go for it, who''s going to go next?


    Almost everyone here was ejected and decided to fly.


    The adventurers flinched, but since it was the will of the village chief and the village''s number one adventurer, they couldn''t escape and had no choice but to let themselves go.


    ''''Nhyaaaahhhh?


    ''''Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!


    But I can''t help but have a little fun with it!


    They were shot out one after another.


    The planned landing site is the Mithril Mine.


    But.........is the landing okay?��Wouldn''t it be a smashed, smashed tomato or something?


    Droyer''s concern is understandable, but it''s okay.


    ''The Gashita is pouring an aura into everyone''s body, isn''t it?��That thing absorbs the impact of the landing.


    Of course, channeling aura to others is a super advanced technology, so only an A-level adventurer can achieve it.


    On top of that, he has an aura output that can reach long distances.


    A finely honed stinging aura that never misses its target.


    An aura that can repeat in hundreds of units.


    It''s easy for Gacita to pull off the perfect move that requires all of these elements to be present.


    Good, I''ve already sent out enough men for the first batch.


    Shit.


    You can eject me once and for all.


    But wait. What?


    What is Gacita supposed to do when this happens?


    You can''t eject yourself, as expected.


    I''m going to have to ask you to lead the rest of the adventurers here. You can''t leave the village empty either.


    Rissie!


    That''s why I''m launching myself!


    Ho, thus placing his foot on the bowstring........


    Bang!��And!


    Gyaaaaaaaaah!


    It''s really flying!


    I''m scared.

 289-288 Demon King Army, Appearing (Human Side)

    Time has gone back only a few moments since Dariel was ejected...


    ��


    The Zebiantes Warriors were developing in the Mithril Mine.


    ''''Nyah-ho-ho!��Overrunning is fun!


    The tornadoes created by her wind magic are a total of eight so far.


    If caught, a single person could easily be hoisted high into the sky and then slammed to the ground.


    It''s a threat that cannot be stopped on an individual level.


    Of course, there''s no way for Campbell''s adventurers, who are not at the level of the average adventurer, to do anything about it.


    Furthermore, Zebiantes could also increase the number of tornadoes even more than this.


    ''''You should be running around like a bug!��The superiority of the strong really feels so good!


    ''''Ah, that woman...?''''


    Best Fred looked up at the sky and devoured the figure of a beautiful woman floating there.


    It was a familiar face.


    In the six years since he had been assigned to the Mithril Mine, he had visited the nearest Lax village many times on various errands.


    She was the noisiest woman there.


    Every time he saw her, though, Best Fred could only think, ''There''s some poor kid with a head on his shoulders.


    Such a woman is saving him from a predicament now.


    Because the whirlwind magic she unleashes is kicking around the adventurers from Campbell Street like they are devouring them.


    ''My adventurer''s guild!��You coward!


    Shangguan Ritges yells with a hint of desperation.


    ''''Are you out of your mind to have the demon race on your side?��Isn''t this a betrayal of the entire human race!��Did the Adventurer''s Guild forget its founding ambitions?


    ''''No, wait, I don''t know what the hell is going on here either...?


    Bestfred was also baffled by the abruptness of Zeviantes'' help.


    It is true that the mithril mine sells mithril against the demon side as well.


    It seems to be an unspeakable act of betrayal against an opponent who is essentially an enemy, but it was also an evacuation measure to keep the world''s only mithril mine from becoming a bloody battlefield.


    If the mithril supply was guaranteed, even if it was costly, it would stop the invasion from the Demon King''s Army''s side.


    I''ve already obtained official permission from the Center Guild.


    However, that doesn''t mean that the demon tribe would come to support us.


    ''''What in the world are you...?��And why...?


    ''I can''t help it if Dariel tells me so. He''s cheating because he''s so quick to hurt your mother.


    ''Dariel village chief!''


    Best Fred is surprised that the name has come up, but at the same time, he feels somewhat satisfied.


    Ever since I met him, he has always had an unfathomable atmosphere.


    It doesn''t seem strange that he was the first to make such a move.


    If there is a mystery, it''s the existence of the man himself.


    The statue of Dariel becomes more and more confusing.


    "While I was saying this...


    Zebiantes snapped his fingers, and the tornado that had been rampaging like a slaughterer, another dozen or so, disappeared in a single huff.


    All that was left were the Campbell adventurers who had been crushed by the tornado and turned into dead bodies.


    ''''Well you''re not dead, are you?


    Dariel would be annoyed if I killed him, so I''m keeping him alive. I wouldn''t worry about any broken bones.


    The next moment when it seemed to be hopeless, everything was taken care of.


    Fear of how powerful the magic of the demon race is so far coursed through Bestfred''s body and mind.


    And in the center of the fallen human wilderness, there is only one man, who is trembling and unable to move while raising his upper body.


    ''''Litges...?


    ''He''s the worst of them all, isn''t he?��They''ve been untouched by it for reasons of discipline.


    How could they do such a thing?


    In the face of the unfathomable threat of the Zebiantes, Best Fred, while tongue-tied inwardly, steps forward to fulfill his mission as the person in charge of the Mithril mine.


    You can''t even call it a crime, it''s an infringement. The Adventurer''s Guild will never forgive you. Prepare yourself.


    What do you mean?��The Adventurer''s Guild was in collusion with the demons behind the scenes!��I''m going to spread this betrayal around the world and crush you!


    Litges was determined and refused to give in.


    Best Fred is also inwardly troubled, not knowing what this is all about.


    I don''t care about the Demon King''s army or anything else. But if this guy is going to complain, I don''t mind giving him a squeeze here and there.


    ''''Heehee!''''


    Zebiantes'' boisterous proposal scared Litges to the core.


    ''You''re a coward,'' sighed Bestfred.


    ''No, no. No, he must be transferred to the Center Guild and punished by law. I''d like to hear what happened to you yourself, if that''s all right with you?


    He doesn''t want to have to deal with it.


    ''''You ouch!''''


    Zebiantes''s selfishness almost cut my blood vessels.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.


    It''s a good idea to get the best out of it.


    ''''........''''


    ?


    The sudden quietness of Zeviantes was disturbing.


    She had been bothering to talk without talking, but she suddenly stopped uttering a single word.


    It was even bizarre.


    ''''.......What is it?''''


    ''What?��What?


    The footsteps. Not just one. Dozens?��Hundreds of people?��No, there could be thousands of them.��Why is such a large army heading towards us!


    And other incomprehensible soliloquies.


    Zebiantes immediately grabbed the hunched-over man (Litges) and lifted him up roughly.


    It didn''t seem like a woman''s arm strength, but apparently it was assisted by magic.


    ''It must be you!��I can''t believe you''re still hiding your cue!


    I don''t know what you''re talking about!��That''s an uncomfortable accusation to make!��I''m only a good merchant!


    It was the attitude of Litges, which was not much to say and was bordering on brazen, but it was not an attitude of telling a lie.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    ''''Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!


    He was flying everywhere on the wind.


    ''''Anta!��You must come with us!


    ''What?��Where are you coming?


    I don''t know if the humans belong to any of them, so you''ll have to decide for me!��Hugs!


    ''''Uh-hyun!''''


    I was suddenly hugged by Zebiantes.


    You can''t help but feel a thrill when you are in full physical contact with a beautiful woman, but your heart is about to scream even more.


    "I''m going up!


    I fly high in the sky with Zebiantes while being held in my arms.


    Is this also the power of magic?


    Could it be that if I let go of Zebiantes'' body in this state right now, it will crash headlong?


    The thought made Best Fred more and more terrified, and he clung to that glossy body.


    ''''Kyaaaaaah!��I''m afraid of the tall one!


    I saw him!


    Once they had gained enough altitude, the view from above was magnificent, looking out over the horizon.


    Best Fred let out a sigh, thinking how impressive it would have been to see this view without a care in the world.


    But this was not the time to be impressed.


    It was because something more vicious than ever had been transferred to the overhead view seen from above.


    ''''Is that........?''''


    There was a blackness that spread like a stain on the earth visible from the sky above.


    That black stain wriggled and gradually increased in size. It seemed as if it was multiplying from beyond the horizon.


    ''''Could that be..., an army?''''


    Best Fred said.


    I remembered a swarm of ants I had seen somewhere before that behaved exactly the same way.


    If you looked at them from this high up in the heavens, you couldn''t tell them apart in perspective, but those were people who were too far away to look as small as ants.


    They gathered together like a stain.


    There were certainly thousands of them, and it was safe to say that there were several thousand of them.


    ''Which army...?��I''ve never seen anything on that scale...?


    No, I recognized this one right away. No, I recognized it right away, from the direction it was coming...!


    Demon King''s Army.


    An army organized by the demon tribe to protect the Demon King.


    And it''s on the march now.


    Why is the Demon King''s Army on the march?


    I''m afraid that''s not what I want to know!��...and they''re going to...!


    Where the army advances like ink dripping on paper spreading........


    ........the Mithril Mine.


    ''''It''s coming this way!


    Couldn''t have come at a better time!


    This is bad, this is bad.


    A murmur from Zeviantes escaped, "This is not good, this is not good.

 290-289 Rizeto encounters youth (Asmodus side)

    ''''........I''ve finally come this far......?''''


    Dark General Rizzet thought as he looked at the Mithril Mine in the distance.


    He joined the army in some way or another and advanced. Their destination, the Mithril Mine, was already in sight.


    The objective of the war effort is to retake the Mithril Mine.


    It''s been six years since the humans stole what was once in the hands of the demons, and now they want to take it back. At last, a movement to get it back has begun.


    The number of troops mobilized is 2,000.


    Furthermore, it was an odd camp, with all of the Four Heavenly Kings, who had been reformed, participating.


    This focus could be seen as a sign of seriousness and determination to take back the Mithril Mine.


    However, Rizzet couldn''t help but feel a little uneasy about such a big operation... or rather, something inexplicable about it.


    Rizzet is basically against this operation.


    This is because the truce was only signed during the rebuilding of Rasperda Fortress.


    This is a rare occurrence since the beginning of the war between humans and demons, and yet how confusing would it be to take military action during that truce period?


    If this is not done well, it could cause an all-out war with the full force of the demon human race.


    Normally, Lizet had to stop it at all costs, but the reason she didn''t do that and even accompanied him was because she couldn''t get those words she heard before she left out of her ears.


    -- ''''My guess is that the brave men are staring at us as coming from the Mithril Mine.''''


    -- ''This is my hunch, though. I think you and I might know who the mastermind is, don''t we?


    With those words whispered by the Four Heavenly Kings Bezelia, Lizet''s imagination could only be attributed to one person.


    ''''.........''''


    No matter how many times I told myself that I was delusional, the same person''s face flickered in my mind.


    The entire Demon King''s Army was struck by a falsehood, the ''Brave Raider Incident'' only a few years ago.


    It is said that he was sent out to solve Bezelia''s reasoning that the mastermind behind it was a surprisingly familiar person.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what you''re talking about.


    I''ll go and check with him directly! But there was no way he could say that.


    Rizzet, who had gone with him to at least stop the worst of it, still couldn''t figure out exactly what he was supposed to do here after all.


    ''General Rizeto!''


    In the midst of the march, someone is advancing through the ranks and approaching Rizzeto.


    You can tell that it''s an officer belonging to the Demon King''s army, but he''s too young and looks like a boy.


    That youthfulness, on the contrary, allowed Rizzet to recognize him immediately.


    It''s one of the newly selected Four Heavenly Kings.


    ''''You''re, uh........Mister Gels?


    ''Yes!��I''m the newly inaugurated Fourth Heavenly King ''Weak Fire'' Gels!


    The new four-headed Gels who responded cheerfully.


    Lizet liked his youth and candor.


    ''''There is no need for you to be respectful, Mister Gels. You are one of the Four Heavenly Kings who stand at the pinnacle of the Demon King''s army.''''


    ''That said, I''m still young and inexperienced. I have very little real-world experience, and I''m eager to learn a lot from my elders!


    How straightforward.


    The complete opposite of his predecessor, Bashvaza. This humbleness and diligence is what makes him so highly respected.


    ''''Therefore, General Rizzet. I would very much like to ask for your guidance and encouragement, as you have risen from the lowest-ranking dark soldier to the dark general. I''d like to ask you for your support!


    No, no...!


    It was doubtful that this was really the same Four Heavenly Kings.


    The previous Four Heavenly Kings were all crooked and troublesome, but if the new appointments were all like him, the new regime of the Demon King''s Army seemed brighter.


    ''''The lowest-ranked... dark soldiers?''''


    "?��What is it?


    ''''No, but Lord Gels is well versed in the inner workings of the Demon King''s army....... Come to think of it, I heard that there''s only one new Four Heavenly King who was promoted from the military...?


    Yes, it''s me. Just after graduating from the military academy, I was nominated to become the Fourth Heavenly King. I thought it was a dream, but...!


    ''That remains to be said. I suppose they appreciated your talent.


    ''''I''m honored, but isn''t the Four Heavenly Kings still more appropriate for someone with a proven track record?��That''s just like General Rizzet''s...?


    I''m the only one who has survived to this day.


    Yes.


    In this world, there are those who cannot be recognized no matter how much achievement they have.


    That''s why there are those who have been unjustly kicked out of the Demon King''s Army....


    ''''However, it''s strange that the Four Heavenly Kings are the pinnacle of the Demon King''s Army, yet I''m the only one directly promoted from the military department. How can everyone else be seconded from the academy...?


    ''''They also want to make their presence known.


    Among the demons, the Demon King''s Army and the Academy have a close relationship with each other.


    It is the magic peculiar to the demon race, and the academy studies it and contributes to its development.


    On the other hand, the Demon King''s Army is more concerned with practicing magic and performing real-life tasks such as ''protecting the Demon King''.


    The academy is a research institute for the children of the upper class, and at the same time it is a social circle.


    As a result, they tended to despise the Majesty''s Army, which was actually at work in the field, calling it ''muddy'' and ''the work of lowly people.


    In fact, many of those who volunteer for the Majesty''s Army are of low rank and not rich enough to enter the Academy. The only way to learn magic without paying high tuition fees is to train in the Demon King''s Army.


    My family is also a lowly nobleman in name only.


    Gels said shyly, but even so, he was one of the blessed ones in the Demon King''s Army.


    There are many orphans who start out as dark soldiers in the Demon King''s Army who have no relatives, so to speak, they receive protection on the condition that they serve the Demon King''s Army for life.


    Just like that man who was once my classmate.


    ''''That''s why those from the academy with a strong sense of elitism always want to look down on the Demon King''s army. That''s why they want to take the top spot in the Demon King''s Army, the Four Heavenly Kings, under the guise of a secondment.


    ''I know it''s annoying!��An academic who doesn''t even know how to fight a real battle, bursting onto the battlefield!


    However, the four Heavenly Kings of the day were all academy graduates, except for Gels.


    It might be better than the previous generation where all four of them were from the academy, but.......


    ''''Your other new appointments.......the New Four Heavenly Kings of Earth and Water are also from the Academy......?


    ''''Meris and Siltke?��I''ve met those guys as well, but I don''t know what they''re thinking for the life of me. Still, it''s better than Bezelia-dono, but...!


    ''''I don''t even know what that gentleman is thinking...?''''


    Bezelia was the only remaining Water''s Fourth Heavenly King from the previous period''s Fourth Heavenly King.


    At the time, he was overshadowed by other troubled children such as Bashbarza, who were rampaging loudly. However, he has begun to show a unique presence here.


    Should we call it eeriness........


    ''''What do you think, Rizeto-dono?��You mean this plan that he has devised...?


    It''s ridiculous. It''s annoying that I can''t just say with certainty that this is a ridiculous plan.


    As a matter of fact, Lizet, who knows of Dariel''s existence, finds out that her intentions this time are not completely off the mark.


    And the fact that Bezelia, who should not have known, has planned this operation as if she could see through it, is uncanny.


    You can''t help but feel weird that Bezellia, as if she could see right through you, had planned this operation. Will you cooperate with me, Mister Gels?


    ''Of course!��Let''s keep the pride of the Demon King''s army alive by coming from the same military branch!


    He is a spirited young man.


    Lizette, who is approaching 40 years of age, is even envious of his vigor.


    It could be said that he has passed the turning point in his life, but he is still single and has not even been able to produce a child to carry on the next generation.


    I can''t help but feel a sense of inadequacy about my own life, but I suspect that''s because I didn''t have the energy that this young man had in his youth.


    But the truth is, I''m happy to have been chosen as the Four Heavenly Kings!��I joined the Demon King''s Army because I admired Granberza-sama so much!


    ''''Ho!''''


    It''s already been six years since Grampaza, the Four Heavenly Kings'' "kagaku-fire", who was touted as the strongest of all time, retired from active duty.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    ''''That''s why it''s a real honor to be chosen as the Fourth Heavenly King of Fire, the same as Granbaza-sama...!��I''m a rookie now, but I hope to become a four-tiered king like a proper Granbaza-sama eventually!


    So, even for your generation, Lady Granberza is a dreamboat.


    However, there was another goal to surpass if you wanted to be like Granbaza.


    This is the gem of a person who was once the most beloved by the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    "We know exactly who you are, Mr. Gels. Grandfather will be very pleased to see a young man of your caliber take the reins of power.


    Yes, sir...!


    You''ll have to be very diligent in your work. By the way, Mr. Gels, what brings you to my doorstep?


    ''''Ah!?''''


    Gels realized that he had been making small talk ever since he came under Lizet''s wing.


    ''''S-Sorry!��We''re getting close to our goal, and I''d like to discuss the formation arrangements with you...?


    Huh?��Shouldn''t we ask Lord Bezelia for direction then?


    He is the current leader of the Four Heavenly Kings and the planner of this operation.


    Isn''t it inevitable that he would be the one to take overall command of the operation?


    ''''That''s...!


    Gels slurred his words once, and then announced the extraordinary thing.


    ''''I only said to leave everything up to Lord Rizzet, and then he disappeared, and no matter where I looked, I couldn''t find him...!


    What?


    The person in charge was hiding from the clouds right in front of the target area?


    I don''t know what he or she is thinking, but he or she is the first of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    If I''m the one in charge, I''ll just turn around and go back!


    What?��You''re not going to be the only one.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    This is the appearance of Zebiantes, the "Flower Wind".

 291-290 Zebiantes confronts the Demon King army (demon side)

    What was that?


    Are those birds?


    A magic flying machine?


    Numerous soldiers from the Demon Lord''s Army, all of them without exception, looked up at the sky.


    They focused on the unidentified object flying from there.


    ''''No, that''s...?


    ''''A woman!''''


    The magic of the wind attribute has a technique that makes the sorcerer fly like a bird in a gust of wind.


    This is a lady who sits in the sky with her magic and radiates an emerald glow.


    The soldiers of the Demon King''s Army knew about her.


    ''''No way...?


    Mr. Zeviantes!


    She''s now the Four Heavenly Kings of the last period.


    I''m sure they''ve been stripped of their titles and are now a person of the past.


    You can''t help but take your eyes off of them with their shimmering beauty.


    She is a dancer of the wind, free to the fullest. It was the previous Four Heavenly Kings ''Huafu'' Zebiantes.


    ''''Why are you here...?


    While shouting, Lizet was convinced somewhere in her heart.


    Ever since he was the current Four Heavenly King, Zeviantes had been obsessed with mithril and frequented the village of Lax, which was a collection point for it.


    Lizet was also aware of this.


    After she was ousted from the Four Heavenly Kings, her whereabouts were unknown, but she must have mostly settled in the village of Lax.


    And Lax village is controlled by that man.


    "He sent you to do this...?


    Rizzet''s soliloquy, "I don''t know," was not heard even by those around him, as if he was biting down with his back teeth.


    ''''Zebiantes!��What do you want here!


    Instead, the rookie Fourth Heavenly King ''Weak Fire'' Gerz said bravely.


    ''''You couldn''t even fulfill the mission of the Fourth Heavenly King, you were forced to resign, and now you''re going to get off your ass and talk about this?��This is not the place you should be here!��Losers can retreat to the corner like losers!


    Who are you, Boya?


    Boy!


    Zebiantes with a toothless wind against Gels.


    I''m sure the reason why they are scurrying around with their gazes is because they thought that the one they just spoke to wouldn''t make a difference.


    And it was when I turned to Lizet that my gaze eventually settled on her.


    ''I think I''ve seen your face somewhere. I have no choice but to talk to you.


    ''''That attitude ooohhhh...?


    It had been a long time since Lizet had experienced the sycophantic attitude of the first semester''s Four Heavenly Kings firsthand.


    It''s not just a matter of how much time you have left on the clock.


    But since you''re not going to be able to talk about it, I''m going to go get a higher ranking person. You don''t have the words to talk to an underling.


    I''m the commander of this army, for Christ''s sake!


    That makes it all the more sinful.


    Zebiantes still floated high in the sky by wind magic, seemingly glowering down at the Demon King''s army from far above.


    And at his side, for some reason, a middle-aged man was clinging to him and crying out.


    ''''Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!��I''m so high!��Falling ughhhhhh?!


    Perhaps they are floating together because they clung to Zebiantes'' female body, but since wind magic only works on the sorcerer himself, if you let go, you have no choice but to fall.


    It''s a good thing that you''ve got a good idea of what you''re looking for. And yet here we are, showing a move to invade the Mithril mine.


    "Hey!��It''s so far!��"The ground is so far away!


    You''re not going to tell me it''s not an invasion, are you?��I''m leading such a large army, and I''m armed to the hilt.


    My feet are limping!


    In other words, you must be committing an act of rebellion against the Demon King!��Otherwise, military action in the middle of an armistice agreement is a clear violation of the rules!


    ''Geez!��Don''t shake it and let go!��"My hands are free!


    I''m sure he''d be very angry if I told Lady Granberza about this!��He''s so scary when he''s angry!��This I know firsthand!


    ''My palms are starting to sweat!��Slip!��Slipping down ugh, ugh, ugh!


    Anyway, all the officers of the Demon King''s Army thought in unison, ''''That old man is so annoying.


    I''m not sure why they''re flying with Xeviantes, but the thought that came to mind was...


    I don''t know why I''m flying with them, but the thought that came to mind was... "I''m sure that man must have been caught up in the whims of Zebiantes.


    Or.


    ''Dying of envy in your beautiful body, Lady Zebiantes.


    I guess.


    Anyway.


    ''You people threaten the Mithril mine, you know what you''re doing!��You can turn around and go home right now!


    That''s not going to happen.


    The one who answered decisively was Rizzeto.


    It was Rizeto, who had now become a dark general and carried an army.


    No, I''m not going to. It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re going to do. This operation is officially approved by the Demon King. This is a legally flawless action.


    That''s such a banana!


    Even Lizete isn''t convinced.


    Bezelia was the one who got the Demon King''s permission in the first place, and Lizet herself has only questions about why she was allowed to do so.


    In order to unravel that, I also served in the army.


    The arrows that are released do not stop until they pierce the target.


    The fact that there was no movement to retake the Mithril mine in the first place, that was more unusual. Mithril is an important resource for the demon tribe. We must get it back into the hands of the demon tribe at all costs. It''s only natural for them to think that way.


    ''But Mithril should be bought and supplied by the human race!��I''m sure you''re not in any trouble!


    As Zeviantes said, after the Mithril Mine, an important base, was taken away, the demon race was supposed to be cut off from the Mithril supply and be in complete shortage.


    What saved them was an offer from the human side to sell mithril.


    Normally, they should have been able to feed their troops and make their opponents suffer. At first, the sale price was exorbitant, four times the market price, but now it had settled down to almost a fair price.


    It was all thanks to that man who was looking out for them behind the scenes.


    This act of aggression was tantamount to avenging the huge debt of gratitude he had received from that man.


    Even so, Lizet could not turn back.


    ''''Zebiantes, if you were once a member of the Demon King''s army, you should pave the way. You should agree and cooperate with us. The Demon King''s army must be victorious. That''s why we need the Mithril Mine!


    You''re not supposed to do that.


    It was obvious, but Zebiantes'' reply was clear.


    A murmur spread among the soldiers.


    I have always obeyed my flamboyant sense of beauty. I have never obeyed a military order, so why should I obey it after I leave the military?


    ''Don''t be so proud to say that!


    In the end, Zeviantes was such a woman.


    Although she had assumed the glorious position of the Four Heavenly Kings, she didn''t understand the importance of this position until the very end, and she only acted freely.


    Even after she left the Demon King''s Army, her selfishness interferes with her.


    ''''In the first place, it''s not going to be interesting if Mithril returns to the Demon King''s Army. ''''In the first place, it would be very uninteresting if Mithril returned to the Demon King''s Army, even though an ideal world of interesting Mithril products is growing.


    Zebiantes said.


    ''''It''s definitely better to leave the mithril processing to Lax Village. That''s why it''s nigh-on impossible for the Demon King''s army to take back the mine!��My sense of beauty and creativity won''t allow it!


    ''''What nonsense!


    In the end, Zebiantes ended up on the human side.......or rather, Dariel''s side, which was, in a way, predictable.


    And that has stirred up more and more suspicion in Lizet.


    If the connection between Dariel and Zebiantes has grown so thick, then there was a chance that Zebiantes could have made a move on the brave men that Dariel sent to him.


    No, that was still the stage of doubt.


    His mind wavered between trusting and doubting his friend.


    ''''Even if he was a former Four Heavenly Kings........how irresponsible of him to behave!


    Next to the distressed Lizet, newcomer Gels expresses his young indignation.


    ''''Let''s take that one down before we take back the Mithril Mine and show him what happens to traitors!��Lord Rizzet, give me permission to attack!��It''s also the duty of the Four Heavenly Kings to deal with their disappointing predecessors!


    So who is this boya?


    He clashed with the former Four Heavenly Kings before the full-scale battle.


    It was clearly not an interesting flow. I don''t want to waste any unnecessary wear and tear before a full-scale battle.


    ''''We have to wait!


    And yet, the source of the growing fuss.


    "If you''re going to do it, leave it to me!��If the Four Heavenly Kings were standing in the way of your predecessors, then it''s only natural that I would crush them myself!��One of the current Four Heavenly Kings, ''Breeze'' Siltke!


    "So what are they all about?


    A showdown between the new and the old Four Heavenly Kings of Wind.


    Without a doubt, the battle of the Four Heavenly Kings is about to take place.

 292-291 Zebiantes joins the sky (demon side)

    It begins, the Zebiantes vs. Schiltke showdown.


    A confrontation between the four heavenly kings with a new and old wind.


    The Demon King''s army was shaken by the seriousness of the match as if it had fallen from the sky.


    Siltke and Zebiantes........sama?


    Who the hell is going to win?


    The Four Heavenly Kings is the ultimate title given only to the highest mages.


    There is no doubt that a battle between two people who have earned that title would be tremendous.


    The other side is still young, having just become a mage, and since this is practically his first battle, no one knows his abilities yet.


    A lovely young budding Siltke.


    In contrast, Zebiantes, although his freewheeling nature was looked upon with dismay by those around him, his abilities are undoubtedly top class.


    That was already a well-known fact.


    How far will Siltke''s youth go with Zeviantez?


    That would be the point to be noticed.


    ''''.........Haha, when I thought there was a boya or a little girl I didn''t recognize wandering around. I didn''t know that this is my replacement, Masama...!


    Zebiantes still floats in the air, and Siltke flies through the air as if he were bitten by it.


    A battle of wind-users is inevitable, a battle in the great sky.


    ''You''re not a bit young, are you? Too young?��It''s hard to believe that these kids will be able to serve in the position of the prestigious Four Heavenly Kings, isn''t it? Even though I''m retired, I worry about them.


    ''''I don''t want to be told just by you.......! Everyone in the Demon King''s army soldiers present thought, "I don''t want to hear that just from you...!


    ''''Giaaaaaaah!��Falling uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu?


    And I also thought it was time to put the middle-aged man who was clinging to Zebiantes'' body down.


    ''''You''re going to get hurt if you lick it!��You''re just a loser who couldn''t even stop a brave man!��He''s already decided he''s the four lowest-ranked king in history!��I''m not like my young and capable self, you know!


    ''The less confident they are, the more youthful they are...''


    The wind blowing around Zebiantes grew sharper and sharper.


    ''Because they are not accompanied by their abilities. The weaker they are now, the more they hope for a future where they may eventually become strong. Cling to the possibility of youth.


    "Ugh?


    But from my experience, I can tell you that people who are not ready for this moment are not ready for the passage of time, because the future will only come to those who work hard. Because the future will only come to those who do well in the now.


    ''''Nuguuguuguugu...?!''''


    No matter how selfish and troublesome she may be, everyone knows that Zebiantes'' strength is real.


    It is a woman who has stayed at the top of the heap by virtue of her strength.


    ''''The proud youthfulness of the boastfulness will be diminished with time, Zunzundocho?��In the end, a woman like me, who always seeks strength and beauty, will win the kingdom.


    What the hell is the matter with you?��This, this........!


    Siltke, who continues to be agitated, finally speaks out in frustration....


    "Obasan!


    ''''What?!''''


    I said what I shouldn''t have said.


    All the Demon King''s Army soldiers looking up from the ground thought, "I shouldn''t have said that.


    What does he mean by that?��I''m not an old woman yet!��My skin is still very firm and lustrous!


    That doesn''t mean I''m old enough to be an old lady!��You''re trying to keep your skin glowing because you have to do something to make it glow.��All the bad things you''ve said so far are just jealousy of me for having what I don''t have!


    Haves and have-nots.


    Youth.


    It''s been a little over five years since I began to frequent the village of Lax.


    Zebiantes is nearing the end of her mid-20s.


    ''It''s not like I''m doing all those things!��In fact, he''d never do any housework!��Your hands are getting rough!


    ''Don''t do that!


    Siltke is pushing Zebiantes.


    Everyone in the Demon King''s army soldiers watch with bated breath at this shocking scene.


    A battle shouldn''t really be in this form, though.


    ''''Ngaaaaahhhh!��When it comes to this, I''ll show you!��All he can do is ask and answer questions, and that''s not enough to show me!


    What do you propose to show me?


    A figure that proves I''m extraordinarily brilliant, of course!


    ''''Super-aging!''''


    Zebiantes'' magic power shows a tremendous exaltation.


    When the Demon King''s Army soldiers sighed, as if it was finally going to be a proper battle, they sighed....


    ''''We won''t let them!��The first move!


    Siltke struck before his opponent''s rules were in place.


    It''s a bit of a surprise, but it''s not bad for a pretty face.


    It''s a good idea to make sure that you have a good idea of what you''re doing.��He''s going to be chopped up while being whirled around in a tornado of interwoven vacuum slashing blades!


    Uh-huh.


    However.


    Siltke''s full-length extreme wind magic, but it dared to disappear with a single roar from Zebiantes.


    He wasn''t able to inflict a single graze before it reached the opponent''s body.


    ''''Nah!''''


    "It''s wind magic without a core. It''s not just a matter of time before you''re able to get your hands on it.


    Stupid, but the most powerful wind user.


    That was the assessment given to Zebiantes. It was a viciousness that lived up to its reputation.


    I''m not sure I''m going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do that. In addition, the fact that he uses a vacuum slice as a hidden flavor shows his intelligence. Therefore, it''s impact knowledge.


    Huh.........


    Maybe I can show you. I''ve been pursuing the ultimate in beauty.


    "Beauty at its finest?


    I''m going to show you now.


    Zebiantes adjusts his fingers with a snap.


    In response, a heavy sound slicing through the air that can be heard from the sky.


    ''''What is this........?


    ''''It''s like my ears are being crushed...?


    The soldiers on the ground are also confused by the heavy bass sound.


    "Ah!��What is that?


    It''s a bird again!��Is it a magic flying machine?


    No!


    It''s both!


    Flapping in the sky is a bird that spreads its wings like a great eagle........


    ........but it was different.


    Its wings were shining silver.


    It was the silver color of metal.


    Its entire body shone silver, like a bird, a metal model formed in the shape of a majestic bird of prey.


    But more confusing to the viewer was that it was supposed to be a lifeless lump of metal, but it was flapping its wings from the water and flying.


    It would have been manufactured in the form of a bird, only to be manufactured in imitation.


    The silver metal bird stayed on the hand that Zebiantes held out to her.


    It acted as if it recognized her as its master.


    ''''What the hell is that...?


    ''Am I surprised?��That''s what I''m talking about, a metal eagle made out of total mithril.


    ''''Made of total mithril!''''


    The silver color emitted a white light so clear that it could not even reach the level of pure silver, but that was exactly the characteristic of mithril.


    ''''I didn''t expect it to be made of mithril from the mine...?


    ''''Mithril absorbs magical power, and the accumulated magical power is used as an energy source to operate somewhat autonomously. It took us a year to perfect this mechanism.


    Indeed, if what she said was true, it was a tremendous technological innovation.


    A metal body that operated independently at the command of a mage.


    ''''But!��The truly amazing thing is just beginning!


    ''What?!''


    The mithril eagle flies away from Zebiantes'' hand.


    It''s as if it received some sort of command through its magic.


    ''Why did I create this child as a bird type!��And now you''re going to see why!��Let''s go, it''s a big sky merger!


    As if in response to Zebiantes'' command, the Mithril eagle begins a dizzying transformation.


    No, it is a transformation.


    The bird-shaped head and claws are folded up and retracted into the body.


    Then the mithril eagle is transformed into a form that looks just like a wing.


    Its metal mithril wings.....


    "Attached to the back of Master Zeviantes!


    What the hell?


    The Mithril Wings and Zeviantes merge in midair.


    The Winged Xeviantes form is now complete.


    I saw it!��By giving the mithril wings themselves the mobility and power to act, they can merge and attach at any time!��It took him three whole years to create this system!


    Many of the people who witnessed this were saying, ''''Idiot...? !


    It''s a waste of time and effort to spend three years creating such an obscure thing.


    But our opponent, Siltke, was.....


    "I lost.....


    ""What?��Why?


    He readily admitted defeat.


    That glitter, that form. I can''t make such a masterpiece," he said. It is impossible for me to create such a masterpiece. The only thing I can do is to admit that I''m a good sport...!


    He''s a kid who has a lot of things to offer that can impress you at first sight. You must tell him that he is a worthy successor to me.


    Before they knew what it was, they recognized each other and the battle was over.


    First of all, one victory was up for the old Four Heavenly Kings side.

 293-292 Dariel landing on the front (demon side)

    "No, no, no, no!��I don''t understand it!


    Lisette notices something strange as she tries to convince herself of the outcome of the game.


    You''re about to be carried away by the atmosphere.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re getting into," he said, "What are you getting so weak about, Siltke?��Your opponent just had something strange on his back!''''


    ''That''s right, Siltke!��The game hasn''t even begun!��Stay strong and don''t lose your fighting spirit!


    Gels as well as Rizzeto waved his voice, but Schiltke, already struck by his opponent''s creativity, did not regain his will to fight.


    ''''Just carrying something strange on your back?��That''s why you''re so mundane.


    Wha...?


    A truly gifted person would see right through the terror of these wings.


    The pointing out of this point is more galling to Rizzeto than he could have imagined.


    In the first place, the person who knows best that he has no talent is himself.


    There is nothing more painful than having someone else point that out to you.


    ''What do you mean!��The Four Heavenly Kings have been eliminated and defeated!


    But young Gels would not back down.


    ''Lord Rizzeto!��Let''s ignore that a**h*le and march on already!


    How did they know I was an idiot?


    Shut up!��Anyway, a bad girl who can only show off her weird stuff, no problem leaving it alone!��Let''s go forward in one fell swoop and take over the Mithril Mine as fast as we can!


    I have a feeling that''s the best solution.


    ''''Ummm...!��Resume all troop advances!��The target is the Mithril Mine!


    Oh, no!��We wait!��If I ignore you, I will not allow you to ignore me!


    Rizet proceeds with his army anyway.


    He proceeded to Shanimu with the intention of shaking off any unnecessary hesitation with Zebiantes.


    It was as if he was entangled in his own hesitation if he did not hurry.


    I''m not going to be able to get the best out of it.


    The only thing that can make this happen is the fact that it''s not going to happen....


    Boom!


    And.....


    Something fell down and blocked my progress.


    "Hey, what''s this time?


    It was thought that Zeviantes, angry at the ignorance, had done something, but it was not.


    It turns out that something of great mass had fallen from far above.


    It had a definite weight, and it was the furthest thing from the wind magic used by Zebiantes.


    It''s because wind magic is the most nimble among the four attributes.


    If it wasn''t the work of Zebiantes.


    The impact of the fall had already caused a cloud of dust to rise on the ground.


    It''s not easy to see, and you still can''t see clearly what it is that has fallen.


    But when the smoke cleared, I was finally able to confirm its identity.


    ''''That''s...?''''


    People?


    It was a human being.


    A young and rugged man.


    The tension in the Demon King''s Army soldier jumped at the appearance that made him recognizable as a combat soldier with just a glance.


    ''''........Gubeh?��Oh, my God!��Dust on your throat?��d*mn it, Gasita-san, you''re a mess!


    The man who appeared seemed to be complaining about something.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.��Maybe I should reconsider my decision to join the Lux Village Guild.... .........hmm?


    And then his gaze turned forward, and instantly his eyes met with the entire Demon King''s Army.


    It would be at this very moment that the man who suddenly flew in grasped the situation.


    ''Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!��Army?��Why are they here?��And there are so many of them!��What do you mean by that?


    The man panicked, as if he hadn''t anticipated the situation at all.


    It''s more and more difficult to understand.


    I''m not going to be the only one, but I''m not going to be the only one.


    ''''So meaningless. Don''t be confused by the suddenness of the situation!��Still no change in the situation, move forward solemnly and do your duty!


    Don''t tell me they''re all Demon Lord troops?��What are they doing here?��Hey, wait for me!��I won''t let a single step through here!


    Confused, the nameless adventurer, taking up arms and trying to block his way.


    But it was a fool''s errand.


    How could one man stop two thousand troops?


    I won''t say a bad thing. I don''t want to see you die.


    ''d*mn it!��Why do you send me alone in a place like this?


    To the person''s chagrin, it was true, but why only one person?


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get a good idea of what you''ll be doing.


    People can only demonstrate their meaning in a group, they can''t do anything alone.


    ''''........Hmm?��And?


    A shiver ran down Lizet''s spine when she realized that.


    Who decided that the shells were only one shot?


    ''''No way........?''''


    When I looked up at the sky, there were already a number of black spots floating in the sky.


    One, two, three........


    So many that it was impossible to count them all up one by one.


    Although they were so far away that they could still only be seen as black dots, I could see that they were approaching us with tremendous speed.


    ''You think those are all flying humans...?��All hands!��Battle positions!��And air defense, hurry up!


    Just as Rizzet had expected, the next series of bullets that landed on the ground one after the other, all of them were human in nature.


    A person with a shield.


    A person with a bow and arrow.


    One with a spear.


    All of them were fully armed human adventurers who appeared one after another.


    "I thought I was dead!��I thought I was going to die!


    About the fact that Gacita-san''s tactics are so devilish!


    Ouch!��I hit my ass!


    "But flying feels good...?


    There were different impressions.


    Anyway, people are falling one after another, and they are coming together as a group.


    This group is undoubtedly aimed at blocking the advance of the demon king''s army.


    I never thought that there would be no resistance, but I didn''t expect that they would stand up to me in this way.


    The only thing I can think of is that the support has finally arrived. It''s too late!


    Zebiantes!��You didn''t think you were standing in the way of...?


    .........to buy time for real reinforcements to arrive.


    It''s a good thing that they want you to come as soon as they call you. I''m tired of doing something I''m not used to, and I''m exhausted for the most part.


    Anyway, the situation is getting worse every minute.


    If you keep quiet, that''s how many enemies will fall on you.


    ''''General!��Give the marching orders now!��We have to kick them out while they''re in a small force!


    Ugh...!


    What Gers advised was a perfectly legitimate argument, and Rizzet, as temporary commander, had to give orders as soon as possible.


    But he couldn''t say it.


    He can only stare at the enemy lines that rain down on him in silence.


    ''''Don''t move like this.......!


    "Mr. Lysate!��But!


    I want to make sure they are ready. Wait until they''re sufficiently ready and have a representative present.


    That decision was a true representation of Rizet''s hesitation, which was still rambling.


    If that group was the human side of the adventurers who had rushed in to protect the Mithril Mine (although it may seem too rushed)....


    The source of the group was the human tribe''s settlement closest to here.


    At a time when the opponent''s formation was sufficiently prepared and the rain of people seemed to have run out.......


    There was one last thing that flew in.


    ''''That one........?''''


    Even if one didn''t see it directly, one could tell the owner of a huge aura and magic power to some extent by their senses.


    The last one was so oversized that it was blatantly recognizable.


    There was no doubt that that last expressman was the master of that group.


    The figure that appeared when it landed and a cloud of dust rose and cleared........


    Only the upside-down lower half of his body was visible.


    In other words, the upper half of his body was plunged into the ground.


    The tsukimi brought the hearts of the adversaries together.

 294-293 Dariel disappoints

    Geez!��Whoa!��Pepe, pepe, pepe.........?


    Dirt!��Dirt in your mouth?


    It''s me!


    .........


    Oh, shit. I thought I was going to die.


    My head.........or rather, my whole upper body was buried in the ground and I couldn''t breathe!


    The adventurers pulled me up by my legs and I managed to save myself, but if it weren''t for the help, I would have choked!


    ''Thank you!��Ladies and gentlemen, you have saved my life.��Thank you so much!


    "Please keep your head down and watch the back...!


    .........Ah.


    The way the young adventurers were looking at me, the color of their eyes were like, ''That''s an old man sticking out...! You know what I mean?


    We''re being treated like a distraction by these young people!


    I''m surprised to see you here, but the situation is really bad. It''s the Demon King''s Army. And that army is that big...!


    One of the young adventurers said as he surveyed the situation.


    We need to contact the village and ask them to send more reinforcements. We need to contact the village and ask them to send more reinforcements. We''ll defend it to the death, so the village chief should fall back to the rear.


    No, no,


    That''s not how it works either.


    I''m one of the people responsible for Rax Village.......and Mithril operations.


    I''ll negotiate with them first. We need to find out what they want. A discussion before a fist fight is the official manner.


    But..........


    .........what does this mean?


    As for me, I only thought it was the forces of the Chamber of Commerce led by Rittges that we would encounter.


    For some reason, the Demon King''s Army has appeared instead.


    And it''s on a huge scale.


    The fifty adventurers we sent to fight the Merchant''s Association couldn''t even begin to scratch the surface.


    How did that happen?


    Zebiantes!��Zebiantes hey!


    First of all, I call Zebiantes, who will have the best grasp of the situation.


    I''m not going to be the only one who has a problem with that.


    The report of ''bad'' that has been conveyed by magic must also be referring to this demon king''s army.


    Anyway, thanks to that guy, I was saved thanks to him.


    And where is this Zeviantes?


    Oh, there he is.


    It was very easy to find because it was flying in the sky.


    He was flying around in a good mood wearing the mithril wings that he and Sakai-kun had been studying.


    ''Ho ho ho ho!��It''s okay!��He''s flying around so briskly!


    You''re the best, sister!��We''re going to be the wind together!


    There''s a girl I don''t know flying around with me.


    And one more person.....


    "Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.��Someone help me, for goodness sake!


    Mr. Bestfred?


    What''s that woman doing with you too?


    "Oraaahhhh!��Are you coming down here?


    Oh, shit!��It''s Dariel!


    He finally spots me and drops right in front of me.


    So, what''s going on here?


    Before I do that, I wish I had a thank-you note. I''m unusually good at my job this time.


    Huh?


    Even if what I''m saying is correct, it doesn''t really make sense when it''s Zebiantes who''s saying it.


    But I''m an adult.


    If the gutsy one doesn''t take a step back........!


    No, you did a really good job. I owe you so much for being here.


    ''You''re lucky too!��Given the rare opportunity to praise this me!


    It''s really rare.


    So?��Isn''t it about time you explained the situation?


    I''m so busy trying to find the perfect pose for my new Mithril wings that I don''t have time to explain them to you.


    Sister!��Now let''s pair up with me and try a new trajectory!


    So who was that girl?


    And explain.


    ''You''ll have to ask this old man for the details! It''s time for him to start getting heavy and lazy around the waist.


    Gopu!


    And then Best Fred threw it to me.


    You''re going to be accused of s*xual harassment if you cling to a lady''s waist for too long.


    Terrible!��Didn''t you ask me to come with you!


    Here''s another victim caught up in the Zebiantes'' own pace.


    I''m sorry, Mr. Bestfred.


    ''It''s quite..., Dariel. It was you who sent that demoness, after all. Well, you''ve saved me from that, but...!��You could have died...!


    What''s happening?��Do those demons have anything to do with the Chamber of Commerce?


    ''''No, it''s completely unrelated. Just now, adventurers from Campbell Street, led by the Chamber of Commerce, came from the other direction. We managed to subdue them and took a breather, and then that army...!


    I guess my prediction of the Chamber of Commerce doing something wrong was right.


    But the fact that the Demon King''s Army is moving at the same time is completely unexpected. It''s nothing short of unforeseen that you''re so conscious of the Chamber of Commerce that you don''t notice it.


    What in the world is the purpose of this...?


    ''''I just had a conversation with someone who seems to be a commander, and it seems that the goal is to retake the Mithril mine. That may be just as well. Even the demon race wants mithril so badly that they can''t help themselves...


    But do you really want to raise an army now to get it back?


    There are many reasons why it''s not a good idea for the demons to get involved in the human race under the current circumstances.


    That''s why I thought that the demon king''s army wouldn''t move, and I was caught off guard.


    The Demon King''s Army, which was never supposed to move, has begun to move.


    And at the same time that the Chamber of Commerce bared their fangs.


    Is this a coincidence?


    ...a coincidence.


    ''Anyway, I understand the situation. Let''s try to negotiate with the other side from me.


    "Are you all right, Mr. Dariel...?


    ''''We''ll just have to talk it over first.


    We came here with the intention of dealing with the Chamber of Commerce, so we didn''t bring enough people with us to take on a legitimate large army.


    I''m sure the Chamber of Commerce can only mobilize the forces of the city''s ragtag bandits, so....


    Well, it''s not as if there''s no one on the other side who can talk sense.


    It would be better if that kind of person was among that army.


    Well........there''s Lizete.


    An old friend who once shared a kettle of fish with me.


    You''re lucky to have him.


    All right, I''ll go talk to him. All adventurers stay alert. Do not attack until I say so.


    I wouldn''t be too scared to set up against such a large army...?


    What a pity.


    If you''re an adventurer from Lax Village, when the time comes, you should have the guts to cut them down to the ground with ten kills each.


    It''s been a long time since we''ve seen you.


    Anyway, I walk up to him in a frank manner to show that I have no intention of fighting.


    I''m sure Rizzet would be able to casually tell me what happened....


    ''''Wait!''''


    A sharp voice flies from the other side.


    ''Stop right there!��Any further approach without agreement will be considered a hostile act!


    "What?


    It was actually Lizette''s voice that said this.


    What''s the matter with you, are you that cold?


    How dare you?


    Dariel!��....I knew you would come. If the Mithril mine was in danger, you would be forced to come out, even if you didn''t want to.


    You think this was all about luring me here?��If that''s the case, it''s a huge waste of resources.


    If they wanted to see me, all they had to do was visit me as usual.


    A thousand men, a waste of human resources, and yet how much money and supplies are wasted when deploying troops?


    Other people are the planners. ....You have fallen right into his trap.


    What?


    "And I wanted to ask you something that I couldn''t resist. ........Dariel. Answer the question without any falsehoods...!


    Rizzet said.


    ''''You''re the one who sent the brave man to the Demon King?

 295-294 Dariel and Rizeto face off

    A tremor like a ripple emanates from the Demon King''s army.


    "That''s Dariel...?


    Dariel, the Four Heavenly Kings'' assistant...?


    "Dariel, the prodigy who was known as Master Grandfather''s bosom buddy...?


    It''s been about six years since I was expelled from the Demon King''s army....


    A good amount of time has passed, but even so, it''s not long enough to completely replace a generation.


    Some of the more experienced old soldiers will still remember my face and my record.


    Why is Dariel, who was unknown to me after the Bashvaza fools banished him, here now...?


    Huh?��What is it?��Who is that old man with the bad attitude?


    Still, the relatively young ones are fluttering their eyes, feeling like they can''t keep up with the groove.


    ''''.........''''


    Yeah.....


    I can''t resist being called an old man anymore.


    ''What''s the matter, Dariel!��You can''t answer me!


    In the midst of all this, Lizet continued to sound even more distressed.


    ''''You''re one of the Demon King''s army!��Even if the affiliation was changed and the true race was found out, my heart would still be the same, and I knew we could walk together. ........But!


    Rizzet is furious.


    "Unless you want to violate my Demon Lord, that is another matter. Protecting our great ruler, the Demon King, is exactly what our Demon King''s Army is supposed to do!��And that''s exactly what we must not do differently!


    The existence of the Demon King is the ultimate for Lizete, who is approaching 30 years in the Demon King''s Army.


    The Demon King''s Army must protect the Demon King.


    The Demon King''s Army is supposed to protect the Demon King, and this is something that has been told to them over and over again as they rise through the ranks.


    When they reach the rank of high ranking officer, they will defend the Demon King, even if it means risking their own lives.


    There are many people who think like that.


    It''s not an exaggeration to say that the Demon King''s soldiers have lost their souls if they''re trying to harm the Demon King. Dariel, are you now a human in body and soul?


    There was a thunderous commotion around them.


    It''s a voice that permeates the entire army, but no one can understand what it means.


    ''Dariel is the human race...?��What do you mean?


    ''The village chief is the Demon King''s Army...?��What do you mean?


    Although he is a human, he was raised in the Demon King''s army.


    There is no one else with such a strange background but me.


    That''s why I was able to see things I couldn''t see just by being in one of them.


    ''''Well what if that''s the case?''''


    Me exploring back.


    Lizet was determined to no end against me, who was not boiling over.


    "Then I will defeat you. As an enemy of the Demon King''s army, avenging the Demon King.


    ....


    Is that still the case?


    The answer was too exemplary for an officer of the Demon King''s Army.


    When I was once a member of the Demon King''s Army, I would have said the same thing.


    ''''I''m sorry Lizet. I guess I didn''t have enough to say to you.


    Even though we were friends who had been through so much together, the playing field had changed, we had responsibilities and families, and we didn''t get to see each other as much as we could because we were both too busy with our jobs.


    I couldn''t tell you what I was going through in my village of Lax, where I lived.


    And even when I had the chance, things were too big for me to talk about it casually.


    ''I''ll come to a conclusion. As you may have guessed, I was the one who helped Radie the Brave.


    !


    Rizzet''s expression freezes.


    ''''I prepared a path for you to go to the Demon King.


    I knew it...!��I knew it........?


    Lisette''s expression was filled with sadness as she accepted the fact.


    I didn''t know it hurt that much.


    ''''But Lizete, that does not contradict your loyalty to the Demon King in any way.


    What?��What are you talking about?��Do you think killing the Demon King is a way to show your loyalty to the Demon King?


    Rizzet, without a hint of a doubt, comes up with the correct answer.


    That''s right, that man is looking forward to the person who defeats him.


    But it is not possible for anyone to understand that.


    You will need to have the strength to become a true servant of the Demon King.........no, that''s what is required to become his true servant. Strong enough to accept the truth of the world.


    No sophistry!��So you were human after all!��So the heart to avenge the demon king was etched in your blood!


    That''s not true.


    The demon race and the human race are the same thing.


    In the first place, I think the will to fulfill the Demon King''s wishes is engraved in the souls of both sides.


    However, I may still be a disloyal person for refusing to defeat that person, brushing aside such a fundamental directive.


    ''''Then what would you do?''''


    ''''It''s a regrettable decision, but it can''t be helped. As one of the supporters of the Dark General and the Demon King''s Army now, I cannot afford to overlook the danger.


    Huh?


    What''s the matter, Lysate, you''re moving up in the world?


    Speaking of dark generals, isn''t that the rank of a military leader anymore?


    ''''You''ve done a great job.


    ''''Dariel I will bury you as an enemy of the Demon King''s army. But first, let me ask you a question. From now on, will you renounce the brave men of the human race and swear never to defy the Demon King again?��I swear to you, I will save your life...!


    Still, it was only Lizet that he couldn''t be ruthlessly dedicated.


    His sweetness is desirable in its own way.


    It''s precious.


    ''I can''t do that,''


    Dariel!��How far have you fallen?


    I didn''t mean that.


    But, but...


    "Rizzet. I''m no longer a soldier in the Demon King''s Army. Since I left the Demon King''s Army, I''ve learned a lot of things and I''ve taken on a lot of responsibility.


    I''m a former member of the Demon King''s army and a human.


    I''m tied up with my enemies and allies accordingly, and I can''t betray either of them, but I can''t give back to only one of them anymore.


    And what''s more....


    I have to contribute to this world in a different way than I did when I was in the Demon King''s Army. Not to the world of either the human race or the demon race, but to a world that includes all of them. Apparently, that''s my fate.


    What do you mean by...?��A world where everything is controlled?��Do you want to play God, Dariel?


    No, I don''t.


    Instead, I refused to be a god.


    That''s why, as a human being, I have to serve the world as a human being.


    As a human being.


    That means as a son, as a father, as a husband, and as a friend to anyone and everyone.


    "Dariel...!��So you''ve already gone to a place I don''t understand...!��Then I''ll be the Demon King''s army, too, until we eliminate the Demon King''s enemies!


    Lizet raises one hand. As if raising a beheading axe.


    ''All troops charge!��We must avenge and destroy the demon king''s enemies!


    But the soldiers are slow to move.


    Although they have a large army, they have only one enemy. And since each person is an old friend, it is extremely difficult to do.


    That''s why their reactions were so slow.


    ''''Yeah!��d*mn.........!


    Rizzet also understands how the soldiers feel and can''t come out strongly.


    ''''I''m sorry.......for the trouble I put you through.


    If it''s true, I suppose I should explain it from the ground up to get you to understand, but in order to do that, I''d have to expose you to the truth of the world.


    I feel like I shouldn''t swing around in a big way.


    ''''Well let me show you another reason instead. Why you shouldn''t fight me...


    I take out the Hermes sword from my pocket and extend it into sword form.


    The tension in the place rose to a crescendo as the murder weapon appeared.


    ''Nonsense!��You''re going to fight........?��There are 2,000 of us over here!


    Two thousand to one.


    Normally, this would be a ridiculous difference in strength.


    There are adventurers brought from Lax village, but they are only about fifty people at most.


    You can''t even burn it.


    You can''t be sure that the Demon King''s Army will have resistance to crushing them with such an overwhelming difference as ''bullying the weak''.


    This is one of the reasons why they can''t step forward.


    ''''But that''s only an apparent difference in strength...!


    Just the apparent number.


    ''''The Great Imperial Splitting Sky.''''


    A huge aura slashing blade from the Hermes Sword was released towards the army of the Demon King''s army.


    ''''Waaaaaahhhh!


    In reality, the aura slashing blade didn''t hit them directly because it had shifted its aim a bit, and the aura slashing blade slipped towards the sky.


    However, if I had aimed that properly, would there have been only a hundred casualties?


    ''This is the power of the Demon King........or rather, the power of one who has only stepped into the realm of God.


    Those who have ascended to a new stage of strength have a righteous logic common only to that stage.


    I''ve learned that by facing that divine one.


    I too am getting closer to that stage.


    I want you to feel that power, and use it as a persuasive force for my words.

 296-295 Gels challenges Dariel

    In battle, sometimes the air of the place is dominated by one color.


    When something too overwhelming appears, all the attention of those on the battlefield turns to the same direction, and everyone thinks the same thing.


    Oddly enough, it''s a situation of ''unity of mind''.


    It''s ironic that they are supposed to have opposing wills to kill each other, but their thoughts are aligned.


    The powerful power required for that.


    It seems that this time, it''s me who will fill that power.


    ''''Let''s say that with a single strike of the current ''Great Emperor Splitting Sky'', we can defeat a hundred enemies...''''


    The Demon King''s army in front of us is said to number 2,000 men.


    That means we can eliminate all of them in 20 rounds.


    Zazazazazazazazazan!


    The ''Super Emperor''s Splitting Skies'' are fired in rapid succession, busily moving their arms.


    All of them disappeared into the sky, but the momentum was too much for them to fire twenty-two shots.


    ''''Uhieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee?


    The screams of the soldiers as if their souls were blown out.


    They must have felt their lives scattered by a paperweight.


    ''''Don''t think that just because it''s a big move that it can''t be fired continuously.''''


    I''m aware that my stamina has been improving lately by keeping up with my son Gran.


    ''''You guys seem to be convinced of our absolute superiority in terms of numbers, but that''s not quite right. One of you can do the work of more than a thousand men.


    Use your aura, your magic.


    You can run away from me in fear of my strength. There''s no shame in being an army and avoiding a fight you can''t win.


    I''d rather have them withdraw quickly, since there''s no complications or anything else except for Rizzeto.


    After that, let''s have a long talk with Lizete.


    ''''Heeeeeee...?


    The village chief is this powerful...?


    Didn''t Gasita-san elaborate on his story...?


    Even our fellow adventurers are trembling, let alone our enemies.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    It doesn''t help that the younger generation doesn''t even know that I can fight.


    On the other hand, the Demon King''s Army too.......


    "Dariel has an aura...?


    And she''s absurdly strong...?


    So he''s not just the weakest of the weak...?


    The old soldiers who knew me back then were baffled by this.


    It''s a good thing that you''re not the only one who can''t use magic.


    I''m going to fight you guys, even if it''s by myself. And I''ll win. Would you recommend retreating to avoid unnecessary casualties?


    No!


    Then one, a youthful voice.


    And it was a declaration of refusal.


    Who the hell is that?


    "The proud Demon King''s army should not cower in fear of the enemy!��"Even if we lose, the spirit of the Demon King''s Army is to fight until the last man is gone!


    Who are you to say that?


    He''s a young man, isn''t he?


    I think I''m old enough to call him a boy, and he only joined the army two years ago.


    Then it''s no wonder that you don''t know me.


    I''m one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army!��Gels, who was given the title of "weak fire" by the Demon King!��A new shield to protect the Demon King!


    Oh, you''re...?


    You''ve finally decided on a new fire quadrant.


    It''s been nearly five years since Bashvaza died. It''s been vacant for all those years, and I''ve been worried about it.


    Zeviantes and Droyer also retired from the Four Heavenly Kings, and as expected, it became essential to replace the newcomers, so they picked them out together.


    Then the Four Heavenly Kings were completely reconstituted?


    What about the new guys, by the way?


    Why does the enemy care about that?��This is me, Gels from Weak Fire, Siltke from Breeze, and Meris from Rift Valley!


    Why all those subtle titles?


    The titles that are given to the Four Heavenly Kings are usually decided by the Demon King, but what''s the purpose of this kind of harassment?


    "I, Gels, the ''weak fire'', have been selected as the Four Heavenly Kings, even though I am young and inexperienced, and I will do my best to fulfill that responsibility.��You can''t run away from this battle, your first mission, with your eyes open!


    Do you have to call it that?


    ''''We must shake off the stigma of our predecessor Bashbursa and regain the mighty Four Heavenly Kings of the era of the strongest Granbursa-sama!��And that''s why I''m not retreating!��No matter what kind of enemy you''re up against!


    No matter what enemy you face!


    "Why are you crying?


    I''m sorry.


    I was moved to tears.


    Because the new Four Heavenly King was so healthy.


    If he was as upright as he was, he would surely become a great Fourth Heavenly King.


    ''''But he''s still young. You''re making a mistake between recklessness and courage.''''


    As a forerunner, I''d like to give you all the advice I can.


    "You''ll never beat me no matter how hard you try. You know that already. You know that already. You know you''re going to lose, you tried without consideration, and as expected, you failed miserably, and the result was a spectacular loss.


    What?


    "A truly great fighter is one who sees the purpose of the battle and strives only to carry it out.


    It''s no different for the Demon King''s soldier of the demon race and the adventurer of the human race.


    Winning is not about killing the opponent, it''s about achieving the goal of the battle. "Winning a battle is not about killing your opponent, it''s about achieving the goal of the battle, and you''re a fool for fighting a meaningless battle that you can''t win. If you''re going to play the role of the Four Heavenly Kings, you shouldn''t just run straight ahead, you should also learn how to back away and go around.


    "Enemies don''t preach to the choir!


    No, well.........


    If you say so, I wouldn''t be able to say a word.......


    It''s none of my business.....


    ''''So much for confusing me with nonsense!��I''ll beat you and take the Mithril mine for my first achievement as the Four Heavenly Kings!��And bring back the glorious Four Heavenly Kings of the Grand Barza era!


    Gels-kun and the others, leaping towards me.


    I''m not sure if it''s because of the explosive power of fire magic, or if it''s because they fly to a considerable altitude.


    It''s a good idea to have a good time.��"Blaze Slaughter!


    Hoh.


    This is a high-level spell of the flame magic type.


    This is an annihilation spell that casts intense flames over a wide area.


    It''s a good idea that you are skilled enough to use the big techniques for battle in actual combat. And at such a young age.


    It seems that he has the talent to be chosen as the Four Heavenly Kings.


    However.


    "...Wha...?


    There''s no need to use some kind of technique.


    All I had to do was hold out my hand and the vicious flames dissipated, not even a spark of fire remained.


    It''s gone?��My flame?��How is that possible?��It''s my most powerful spell, and you can''t even reach the enemy, let alone defeat it?


    I''m sorry I didn''t have enough to counteract it.


    But this is the safest way to handle it.


    What I just did wasn''t done by aura.


    It''s magic.


    The magic factor that I acquired from Bashburza in the past enabled me to manipulate magic power, and I secretly acted on Gelz-kun''s magic flame to take away his control and order him to disappear.


    I''ve heard that Grampaza-sama also did so in the past, and that''s how he got the upper hand in the battle against the inferno.


    It''s an effective method of warfare. When I was young, I also desperately studied to be able to use magic, and I didn''t think it would be useful now.


    ''''d*mn!��Once again, ''Blaze slow........?


    ''''It''s a bad idea to repeat a magic that didn''t work once without any kind of effort to make it work again.


    ''''Agh!''''


    The cutting edge of the Hermes sword is thrust into Gerz-kun''s throat flute.


    Even the bloodthirsty man would not be able to move after being treated like this.


    There is a battle to be won.


    "The Four Heavenly Kings have been defeated...?


    And he lost in a one-sided manner...?


    He''s a child.��He''s a kid...?


    The soldiers of the Demon King''s Army were trembling as they watched the outcome of the battle.


    I hope they can feel my strength at least once in their lives.


    What does that mean?��What do you mean...?


    After seeing how I''ve fought up to this point, anyone with a little bit of combat experience will understand.


    I''m not going to be able to get away with it.


    I''m not going to be able to get a good look at it.


    I''m not going to leave it up to the brave men.


    I''m not going to be the only one who can do that. It''s a good thing that I can fulfill the wishes of the other people within that range.


    If you really believe that...!


    A new will to fight.


    Rizzet faces him in battle formation.


    "Fight me, too, Dariel. If your true intentions can only be seen through fighting, then I will also see through your belly in battle with you...!

 297-296 The lysate gets the mystery

    Will I have to fight Rizzet as well........


    .........or is it inevitable?


    ''''General Lyseto!''''


    Gerz-kun lets out a sad voice.


    The tip of Hermes'' sword is still stuck to his throat whistle.


    It''s a good idea to stay back, Mr. Gers. "Stand back, Mr. Gels, and let me take it from here.


    Although this was an unbelievable way to talk to the Four Heavenly Kings, due to the age difference, he could only say.


    You''re still young. You are still young, you have a lot of things to learn and to complement each other in the future. You have a lot to learn and supplement your skills to grow into a stronger you, but for now you have to survive.


    Master Lizete.


    When I pulled my blade, Gerz-kun pulled back without any particular scruples.


    This kind of honesty is one of his virtues.


    ''''...Well, Lizet.


    And then I turn around.


    The man who was once my friend.


    It''s been years since we last saw each other. We used to have mock fights every day in the old days.


    ''I won every game. No way I was going to lose to you because you can''t use magic.


    I let them have the flowers. The proof of it is that every game was a close win, right?


    In the past, Lisette and I survived a rigorous training program as apprentices to each other''s dark soldiers.


    In order to train in magic, we had countless mock battles where we were divided into allies and enemies.


    Well, all of that was just a one-sided game where I, who couldn''t use magic, was shot at one side....


    But now it''s different.


    The most important difference is that I realized my true origins and started using my aura.


    Even when I was forced to be unarmed as a dark soldier who couldn''t use magic, well, I had never been beaten unilaterally.


    I''ve been able to use strange tactics and such.


    But now I''m good enough to fight with the straightforward method.


    Even if I remember now, I''m still disgusted...!��You''ve been fighting dirty.��I used to resent the fact that this guy had no fighter''s pride!


    "I was just practicing the way the weak fight. If you don''t have the strength to break through from the front, you have to learn to take the long way around.


    Do you think it''s wise to mix laxatives with your lunch?


    It was a time when I was exploring the battlefield.


    When we met face to face, we would talk about all sorts of stupid memories.


    That''s exactly the kind of relationship he and I had.


    I''m going to tell you this because you are. You can''t compete with me now, no matter how hard you try.


    ''Are you so happy to know that you are of the human race and that you can now handle the power of the aura?��So you think you''re finally on the same playing field as us?


    A thunderous echo spread to Rizzet''s words.


    "Dariel is a human race...?


    Did you know that...?


    If that''s why she can''t use magic...?


    The upset comes mainly from the old soldiers of the Demon King''s army.


    ''''You rise through the ranks of the Demon King''s Army without knowing that you are a human race. ........It''s a completely strange career. How in the world can I make a mistake and live such a life?''''


    ''It''s not that big of a deal. I was kidnapped when I was just a baby because my blood father was a brave man and I was kidnapped to threaten him. It was a mistake and I ended up living as a demon, that''s all.


    "My father is a brave man...?��No way.........?


    Rizzet has a good instinct.


    "Arantzill?��Fearsome fiend, a deformed monster!


    ........From the enemy''s point of view, Arantzill-san would be like that.


    When I was in the Demon King''s Army, I saw him as a demon or a Ramada.


    Hearing that, this time the human side........


    "The village chief is Arantzill-sama''s son...?


    ''''Well, I''ve heard something...!


    You didn''t know?��So how often does Master Arantzill come to visit the village!


    He was making a lot of noise again.


    Inheriting the bloodline of the great brave Arantzill........


    He was under the tutelage of the most powerful Four Heavenly Kings, Granbaza....


    ''''So you are following in the footsteps of the two heroes of your day? No wonder he''s a monster.


    ''The monsters are those two, not me. I''m just some random guy from the city who''s just trying to make ends meet.


    ''Nonsense. The general weapon of Lady Granberza and the viciousness of Aranziel. Not one of these two things can be so ordinary!


    Rizzet takes up the fight.


    ''I think I know what you mean!��It''s impossible to say that you have that much talent and yet have no influence on the world. Then I will only measure what effect you will have on the world. Through this battle!


    Do what you want.


    If it makes you feel better.


    ''Don''t think I''m the same as before again, Dariel!��Even I have made bloody efforts to rise to become a dark general!��And the result is this!


    ''Oh!''


    The water generated around Rizzet.


    I''m not sure if it''s a good idea or not. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about it.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    And.........?


    It began to spin...?��With Rizzeto, the surgeon, at the center........?


    This technique is not possible...?


    "As expected of Dariel, you noticed it at first sight. That''s right, this is the ''Flowing Water Circle Method'' which is said to be the most powerful fighting method of the Water Demon Method!


    The essence of water magic is that formless water can be transformed into any form.


    It''s not as light as the wind.


    It is not as light as the wind, nor as solid as the earth.


    With just the right amount of weight and just the right amount of fluidity, it can adapt to any situation.


    In order for water to be most powerful, it must be made to flow.


    When it flows, it gains speed, and when it gains speed, it gains impact.


    If you can connect the beginning and the end of the "flow" and turn it round and round in a circle, the flow will accelerate without stopping and become an irresistible force.


    The water with its momentum can shatter even rocks. By laying a vicious circulating current around himself, the water wizard could have the ultimate violence at hand.


    ''Let''s go, Dariel!��Taste the horror of the raging waters!


    Rizzet rushes forward while letting the circulating water flow expand around you.


    "It''s bad to touch that thing...!


    The super-fast water current gouged out a big hole in my original spot, which I had dodged by jumping and dodging.


    If you increase your speed endlessly by spinning, water can have that much destructive power.


    It''s something that even a colorless form like that can''t do to the weightlessness of the wind.


    It''s not over yet!


    The water bullets released from the lysate are accelerated by the circulating water stream, so they are much faster and more powerful than those released normally.


    Huh?


    Moreover, it was like a hailstorm because they were fired continuously on the water current.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    "It''s not enough to prevent this one, it''s impoverished.......


    Judging that, I was forced to fight back.


    ''''Awesome Emperor Splitting Sky!''''


    Since you can''t kill it, this is an aura slashing blade that has narrowed down its power enough.


    It may no longer be the same as the "Splitting Sky".


    That Aura Slasher clashed head-on with that Aura Slasher Blade...!


    ''''Koohhhhhh!''''


    The raging water current rubbed away the Aura Slashing Blade.


    This is also a technique of the water flow spinning at high speed around the body.


    The only thing that matters is the fact that it''s not a bad idea to have a good time.


    "General Rizzet is strong!


    Even the Demon King''s soldiers were surprised by the unexpected struggle.


    ''''General Rizzet........I never thought he would be this strong......!��Isn''t it the Four Heavenly Kings level now...?


    Even the current Fourth Heavenly King, Mr. Gers, couldn''t help but wince in shock.


    But.........


    ''''I suppose that''s true...''''


    I must taste his lack of study.


    ''''The ''Flowing Water Circle Method''........ ''''The ''Flowing Water Circle Method''........Once a person has mastered this profound technique, there is no doubt that he or she has the ability to be at the Four Heavenly Kings level. Because.........


    ''''Because this is the ultimate profound knowledge originated by the most powerful Four Heavenly Kings of Water in history, right?


    It''s Rizzeto.


    You and I used to talk about this from a very young age.


    After I grew up and learned the taste of alcohol, we''d go to the public tavern after work.


    One of the topics of conversation was, "Who is the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings of all time? I guess that''s the story.


    It''s a good idea to have a discussion about the strongest of all the young monks.


    I''m not sure I''ve ever seen such a thing. I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it, but I''m going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    And the strongest of the water attribute is.....


    The name of General Reximeral of "Shunsui" was the one that came up.


    A person who was unofficially dedicated to the title of ''General Manager'' for his strength and appearance.


    He was the Four Heavenly Kings who were active about a hundred years ago, and he was undoubtedly an outstanding man on a par with Ida and Lady Glanbursa.


    It''s a very good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you''re looking for. It''s an ultimate ultimate skill that has been perfected to the point that if you want to be the strongest in the water attribute, you have no choice but to master it.


    Did you manage to do the ultimate test?


    ''''It''s not as easy as it sounds. In order to keep the super fast spinning water stream under you, you need not only an enormous amount of magical power, but also precise magical power control. If you''re going to apply that to a thousand and one things, you''ll need even more precise control.


    You can use it unabashedly, Rizzet........


    I see, you''re still working hard too.

 298-297 Lysate, reminisce (devil side)

    The "Flowing Water Circle Law" and its creator, the past Four Heavenly Kings "Shunsui", General Reximeral.


    Dariel was able to explain all of this in a matter of minutes.


    ''''I knew you were a genius, Dariel...''''


    When did he realize that Dariel was a genius, and when did he realize that?


    Many dismissed Dariel as a failure.


    Because she can''t use magic.


    That''s all there is to it, but to the demon race, that one point was a fatal flaw.


    What use would a magic-less demon race be in the Demon King''s army?


    Normally, they should be discharged from the army as soon as possible, but they were still able to remain in the demon king''s army not only because of the backing of their foster father Grandfather, but also because the efforts of the person in question were indescribable.


    If he couldn''t use magic and couldn''t fight on the front lines, then at least to support the logistics.


    With that in mind, Dariel read ancient and modern strategy books and studied military science to master how to move a large army.


    There were many people who ridiculed Dariel as a ''brainless, futile effort''.


    Indeed, as long as the Demon King''s Army was an army, it was not that they didn''t need the commanding ability to move the group.


    Still, the first thing that stood in front of them was the power of magic greater than anyone else.


    Who would follow the weak?


    No matter how much he studied, as long as he couldn''t use magic, Dariel would never rise to the occasion.


    Hence, he scoffed at it as a wasted effort.


    Lizet had once been one of that sneering group.


    Rather, there wasn''t a single person who joined the Demon King''s Army at the same time as Dariel and served as a dark soldier who didn''t laugh at Dariel.


    Even Rizzet didn''t know what kind of insidious isolation he would suffer if he didn''t laugh in sync with them.


    But in his heart, he could not laugh.


    Dariel''s mental capacity to keep going to the book, no matter how disrespectful or tormenting, without losing the sparkle in her eyes.


    It was impossible to underestimate him, and he was overwhelmed.


    The difference between those who ridiculed him and those who were ridiculed gradually began to diverge.


    And more rapidly than you can imagine.


    Not a single one of the peers who had dismissed Dariel as incompetent and useless still remained in the Demon King''s Army.


    They all failed the aptitude test at a relatively early stage or dropped out because they couldn''t bear the rigorous training anymore.


    Everyone who had mocked Dariel had left the Demon King''s Army after being sent off by Dariel.


    In the midst of all this, Lizet was terrified.


    He thought that he too had made fun of Dariel, even if only formally, and that he too was going to drop out of the Demon King''s Army like a matter of cause and effect.


    In fact, as a boy, Lizet was so stretched that there was a year when he couldn''t learn a single new magic because he was so sluggish.


    If he didn''t, he would be branded useless and dropped to a miscellaneous soldier.


    This would cut off all avenues for advancement and no hope of improving his life.


    Unable to bear this humiliation, the others left the Demon King''s Army.


    What would I do?


    It was during this time of conflict that Dariel reached out to me.


    The boy, Dariel, who had already established himself as a logistics expert at the time, pointed out the problems of the sluggish Rizzet and even proposed an improvement plan.


    Just by following that, he was able to immediately master two magics and remain in the executive ranks.


    I once asked him, without understanding how Dariel, who was not supposed to be able to use magic, was able to instruct him on magic in such detail.


    At that time, Dariel answered shyly, ''''Because I studied to use magic...''''


    Dariel had put in dozens of times more effort than Lizet herself and her peers who had already dropped out.


    That effort was ultimately confronted with the futility of that effort as well, and it was the path that Dariel had walked that allowed him to overcome that as well and establish a new identity.


    Those who don''t understand that and scoff at it, will never be able to achieve as much success as Dariel.


    For the one who scoffs at the effort is always the one who has never made even the slightest effort.


    Little by little, from that time onwards, Lizet had developed a friendship with Dariel.


    Dariel is good-natured in character.


    He would answer anything you asked him, and if his answers were always accurate and correct, his superiors liked to have him by their side.


    Even if he couldn''t use magic, yet another talent would be essential to properly motivate a group of people.


    And Dariel had retained more than enough of that talent.


    Eventually, he was able to substitute his assisting abilities and was greatly selected for the position of Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings as a rank and dark soldier.


    It was the first time since the beginning of the Demon King''s Army that he was forced to make this appointment, and although there were many objections from those around him, he was pushed through with the supremacy of Grand Barza, who was in control of the military department at the time.


    When he received the news, Lizet recalled how he felt.


    He was amazed, and the great strides his peers had made, who had been denounced as incompetent ever since they joined the army, were simply appalling, but at the same time, he felt satisfied.


    I was proud that I was the one who had seen Dariel''s efforts up close and personal.


    Was there also jealousy?


    It was a lysate that he couldn''t deny.


    No matter how close they were to each other as friends, it would be a lie to say that he had no superiority over Dariel, who could not use magic at all.


    He wouldn''t be able to call her a person without that level of self-affirmation.


    However, Dariel had jumped far beyond the path Lizete had taken and assumed the position of Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings.


    Never before had Rizeto felt as keenly as he did at that time that he was just an ordinary man.


    What was that man?


    He doesn''t have what everyone deserves to have, and yet he gets what only a handful of people get when they ask for it.


    I began to think that a true genius is such a thing as a one-in-a-hundred-year-old genius.


    I wondered if it was fortunate for Lizet to spend time in close proximity with such an extraordinary person.


    For an ordinary person who can only look at their feet, a genius so brilliant is like a poison that confuses them every time they see it.


    Whenever Dariel causes an unexpected incident at his side, his little heart is shattered and upset.


    Is there ever a story this annoying?


    It is now.


    Dariel and I were supposed to be acquainted, and we were supposed to have been in pain and suffering longer than anyone else.


    Why can''t you see into the heart of your friend?


    Is it because he''s a genius?


    Is it because he is a genius, or is it because he is an ordinary person?


    A man of no talent, trapped in the grip of common sense, can''t even begin to imagine the thoughts of a man of great talent.


    Just as a mouse cannot understand human language, so an ordinary person cannot understand what a genius says when he hears it.


    Are you and he that different a creature?


    Was it also a misunderstanding that emerged from his own stupidity to think of such an opponent as a friend?


    Whenever he thought this, a fierce emotion rose from his mind.


    Anger.


    Anger at being reminded of his own insignificant mundanity.


    ''''Don''t be ridiculous........!��Don''t look down on me...!


    Lizate has self-esteem, too.


    That mind, which he thought he had long ago completed controlling, becomes uncontrollable again when he doesn''t understand what his friend is thinking.


    ''Dariel, you''re always like that...!��You''re supposed to be behind us, but you''re always in front of us. You''re underneath us and yet you always look down on me...!��Do you really enjoy watching these idiots get so worked up?


    Even Rizzeto has worked hard to become an ordinary person.


    It''s the end of that process that made him rise to the position of dark general.


    His efforts should have been recognized as well.


    Just like Dariel.


    However, standing in front of that genius exposes your own petty satisfaction with such a small success.


    I can''t stand that.


    ''''I''ll show you that ordinary people have the willpower of ordinary people!��My masterpiece!��''Blow away with the ''Flowing Water Circle Method'', Dariel!''


    Reviving the depths of the past hero, the Four Heavenly Kings Lekimeral, in the present day.


    The Water Demon Method had been Lizet''s stronghold since she was half a man.


    With Water Demon Law, he would not lose to anyone. He had come this far with that spirit.


    Even though he was able to recreate the depth of General Rechimeral''s profound technique, which is touted as the best in the past, Rizeto can be confident that there is no mistake in his pride.


    If it''s this profound technique........


    If it''s the final destination of your efforts........


    Even the genius Dariel can be defeated.


    .........That''s what I thought.


    As I thought, it must have come from Lizete''s optimism due to her mediocrity.


    Dariel easily dismissed even the deepest techniques of Rizzet''s longest running....


    The ultimate water stream and the ultimate water flow are both crushed.

 299-298 Bezeria appears

    "Eat it, Dariel! ''Splash Tornado!''!


    Lysate approaches in a swirl of rapid water flow.


    It''s not a bad idea.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on a new one.


    Of course it had to be dealt with.


    For that reason.........


    ''''Huh........!


    What!


    As it turned out, Rizzet''s circular water flow never reached me.


    I, myself, had created a circular flow of water that swirled around me.


    However, in my case, it was an aura.


    The reflux created by the erupting aura collided with Lizete''s water reflux and interfered with each other.


    Circles and circles.


    If you look at it from above, you can see that the diagram of "��" has been created.


    And that was my own intention.


    Is this...?


    ''Yes, Rizzet. The direction of rotation of the circular flow I created is exactly the same as your circular flow.


    So what happens when you do that?


    Rotation and rotation don''t collide with each other, but rather, they mesh tightly together like gears, accelerating each other''s rotation.


    The faster one pulls the slower one.


    ''''Nuh-ahhhh!


    ''''The rotation speed of the circular flow is affected by the basic strength of the surgeon. It means that the more powerful aura and magic power can make the vortex spin faster.


    Do you know what that means?


    ''Goooooooooooh!��Bastards!��It''s because we put the whirlpool together, wow!


    Don''t you see?


    The rotation has a speed limit depending on the surgeon''s strength. What do you think happens to a vortex that is accelerated beyond its limit speed by being combined with a vortex created by someone else?


    "No way!��Whaaaaahhh?!


    The speed of my aura circular flow was already far exceeding the speed of Lizete''s water flow.


    I''m going to have to say that I''m not going to be able to get my hands on it.


    "The vortex is going too fast........I can''t control it!��The magic is leaving my hands, ughhhh?


    Even if you try to back off and move away, the two vortexes that are already tightly interlocked can''t be separated.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you''ll be able to get your way.


    "Ggahaaaaahhhh!


    The water current, which was unable to withstand its own speed, finally destroyed itself, and the impact of the water current sent Lizate flying away.


    This is essentially a formless aura flow, and more powerful eruptions were needed to blow away the massive water flow, but it''s a good thing it was powerful enough.


    ''''d*mn........!��Shit!


    Blown away, Lizet was on her back on the ground, and looked pained as she fell.


    No, you''re frustrated.


    ''''Are you saying I can''t beat Dariel after all, no matter what?��You''ve mastered the strongest battle techniques of water magic, but even that can''t reach Dariel...!


    Rizzet, remember.


    I say as I walk over to the collapsing Lizete.


    ''''The ''Flowing Water Circle Method'' is the ultimate combat method of water magic. When and where did you learn about it?


    ''What would be the point of asking that?��When I was young, which would have been obvious, we used to talk about it at a drinking party where we got together among our friends. When discussing the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings, the name of General Reximeral came up........ah?


    Yeah, that''s what I said.


    There were some who pushed for ''Spiritual Water'' Cordeliza-sama and ''Thirsty Water'' Arzero in the discussion of the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings of Water, but I was the one who forcefully argued that ''Shunsui'' General Reximeral was the strongest among them.


    ''''You were drinking with him, weren''t you?��I haven''t forgotten your line then.


    ....


    "You said, ''Heh, there are people like that,'' right?


    In short, you didn''t know about General Reximeral until you heard my story.


    Naturally, you also didn''t know about the Flowing Water Circle Law that he created.


    You''re not going to be able to get your hands on any of them.��You were too drunk to be subtle about whether you were listening or not.


    However, this guy has now mastered and used the ''Flowing Water Circle Method''.


    If that day''s drinking session wasn''t a waste of time.......


    ''''It means that the source of the information for the Ultimate Profoundness is me. There''s no reason why I can''t take countermeasures against the magic I already know about.


    ''''............?


    You''re being careless, Rizet.


    However, as soon as I told you that, tears spilled out of Lizete''s eyes.


    Eh?��Why?


    ''Well it was you, Dariel, that gave me my most powerful power.


    Hmm?��Is that right?


    ''You always have. When I hit the wall and almost stopped, you were always the one who pushed me from behind. ...I mean, I wouldn''t have made it this far without Dariel.


    Maybe not?


    You became strong because of who you are, right?


    You can''t get anywhere with my advice without your own efforts.


    "So, in the end, I''ve risen in the world because of Dariel...!��I was built by Dariel for a life of everything...!��I.........!


    Lizette received some kind of incomprehensible shock, and I had trouble handling it.


    I don''t know how to comfort her without incident.


    ''''Err, well, never mind!��He said it''s to your own credit that you''ve risen to this point in any way, shape or form!


    And now that I''ve fought, I''m learning more and more. You are in a higher realm than us mere mortals. You''re in a higher realm. From your point of view, you can see a different image of the Demon Lord than we do...?


    In terms of being on high, there is no one better than the Demon King.


    In order to understand the person in high places to some extent, you have to climb up to a high place yourself.


    But each person has a certain height of mountain to climb, and moreover, none of them can reach the point.


    ''Tell me, Dariel...!��How does the Demon Lord look from the perspective of a genius like you?


    ..........


    That was a bit hard to answer.


    It was hard to explain.


    You see things that I don''t. That''s why you think and act differently. Then what kind of existence is the Demon Lord that you see?


    ..........


    ''''I have no idea what the Demon Lord is after all. Even if he rises to the Dark General, I have no idea what he is at all!��I''ve never once understood who the Demon Lord is and what he wants while in the Demon Lord''s army!


    Does that mean that that''s the reason why Rizzet was confused this time?


    The Demon King''s Army is an army to protect the Demon King-sama.


    That''s the first principle.


    However, since the beginning of history, has there ever been anyone who understands the Demon King as accurately as Lizet here?


    Drismegian.


    He''s a pear.


    ''''Ordinary people like me can''t understand the Demon King!��And you!��Tell me, Dariel!��What the hell are you people?!


    Rizeto is drenched in tears of frustration.


    You''re going to be able to find out how much the anguish is going to hurt, but I have no way of answering it.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good time.��What you''re thinking.


    Who is that?��Who''s there?


    A voice that echoes across the battlefield.


    What''s this netherworldly, sticky-like voice?


    No, this voice..., where have I heard it before?


    It''s a subtlety that scrapes the recesses of my memory, a subtlety I can''t seem to remember!


    And before you can try to conjure up more memories, a new situation makes it impossible to do so!


    What?��What?


    I found my feet were flooded?


    It''s shallow enough to soak your ankles, but even so, the entire ground is covered in water.


    "Whaaat?��This water is...?


    "It wasn''t your doing, Lisette!


    Lizete is also surprised as she raises her upper body.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    How could they let the water spread over such a wide area.....


    ''''When did we get here...?


    I didn''t notice it at all. If it flowed in from somewhere, I should have been able to hear it or feel it, and yet I didn''t feel anything.


    And yet I didn''t feel anything.


    It''s as if a stream of water that had no flowing water seeped out of the place.......?


    ''''.........stagnant water with no flow.......this can''t be.......?''''


    What''s the matter, Rizzet?��How did you know that?


    It''s right there!


    Huh?��Where?


    Rizzet pointed to a single small hill by the side of the battlefield where the Demon King''s army and adventurers were staring at each other.


    Because of the high point, no water reached only there, and he was standing on top of it.......


    ''''That guy.........?''''


    As expected, I remembered when I saw him.


    That guy is one of the Four Heavenly Kings........


    Bezelia from "Muddy Water"........!

 300-299 Vezeria apologizes

    ħ��܊��������һ�ˡ���ˮ���Υ٥��ꥢ��


    ����ħ��܊���ͤ��줿���r������������


    �����Щ`��������ֱ��ˤơ�����ȫ�T��һ�Ž�������Ȥ����ʤ��ʤ��ʤ�״�r�dz��������¥��`�ࡣ


    �����Ф�һ�ˡ�ˮ���Ԥ�˾�뤢���Ф����˱Ȥ٤Ƶ�ζ��ӡ��Ǥ��ä��ݤ����롣


    �����б��Υ����������͡�


    �g�H������ȡ�äƤ���褦��Ҋ�����ˡ���ä���Ȥ������`�֤�ޤȤäƤ��뤫��ʤ�����ã��Ȥ���ӡ��ˤʤ롣


    Ҋ���������֤ǤϤʤ����������٤ʤ��ä��Τǡ������ˤ˱Ȥ٤�Ф�Ϥ�ӡ��ϱ�����


    �٥��ꥢ��


    ������������„���ư�����൤�˼�������ʤ��ä��Τ��˷��Τʤ����ȤʤΤ���


    ������ˮ�ϥ����Ĥ��˘I������!?��


    ���������ʡ����ˤ�ˮ���������������Α��ȫ���ˮ�����ˤ��뤯�餤�ϤǤ����������


    ���ä����ڹ�������ʡ�


    ���פޤǤĤ���̶ȤΤɤ����Ԥ����ȤΤʤ���Ȥ���������Ǥ�K��ħ��ʹ�������Щ`�Ǥ�����e��ң���˳����Ƥ�����


    ���ݤ�Ĥ������ꥨ�롭��������ؤ�����ϥ����Ĥ�����������!?��


    ���������Ǥ⥢���ġ����ӥ���ƥ���ɥ�������ͬ�ڤ�����������������


    ��Ů��ͬ������`�ǥ���ħ�����ΤȤ����ޤ��Ф����Ƥ��ޤä�؟��ȡ�ä����������š�����󤸤�ʤ��Τ���


    �������Ĥ������Ӥˤʤ�ʤ��ä�����������������ƽ����ʽ���������P�^�ˡ�������


    ������ޤ���


    ����ʤ��Ȥ����ꤨ��Τ���


    �ޤ�ħ�����Κݤޤ���΄��������롣


    �������`�`�`�`�ã����٥��ꥢ!!��


    ������ŭ��������Ϥ����դ����w�����Ƥ���Τϥ��ӥ���ƥ���


    �⤷�䡢���줫�餺�äȿդ���äƤ����Τ�!?


    �����Υ��������Ϥ�ǰ���˘I���ä��Τ������һ�ˤ����������˲������䤬�äƣ����؄e�Q�����줿�Ϥˤ錄�����Υ��ޤ�Ĥ餹�ʤ������ʤΤ�����ЛQ���̣���ʳ�館����ȥ��ߥ���������


    �����㤢����������!?���������ޤ���������!?��


    ���ӥ���ƥ���Ů�ɡ������������Ƥ���Ů���Ӥ��w��΄ݤ���Ͷ���Ĥ���!?


    �٥��ꥢĿ�줱�ƣ�


    ����!?


    ���΄ݤ�������܉���ʤ�Ů���ӤϤ���ޤ����٥��ꥢ�˼�ͻ����ʹ�����Ȥˤʤ��������


    ������������


    �����㤢����������!?����������!?��


    Ů���ӤϿ��Ф��M��ۤɤ��ٶȤ���Ȥ��Ƥ���������ˤ�ֹ�ޤäƤ��ޤä���


    �٥��ꥢ�ޤǽ줯���Ȥʤ�������


    ���Ҥ㤢��������!?��


    �������ٶȤ�ʧ�ä����Ϥ������ˤĤ��ޤꡢ���Ϥؤ�����Ƥ�����


    �ڹ���ˮ�����ˤʤä��ر��ˤ֤Ĥ��ꡢ�ܥ����������Q�餷����


    �����������ճ�`�Y�硭��!?��


    �Ȥ����ȥ٥��ꥢ������Ȥ���ˮħ���ǡ��՚ݤ�ճ�Ȥ�ˮ�Τ褦�ˤ��Ƶֿ���α��ˤ�ߤ��ħ�����ä��ʡ�


    ����Τ����Ǥ���Ů���Ӥϡ�;�Ф�ֹ�ޤäƤ��ޤä��Τ�����!?


    ���ݤ�Ĥ������ꥨ�롭�������٥��ꥢ��Ŀ�Ĥϡ��֤餯��ǰ����


    ����!?��


    �ꥼ�`�Ȥ����Ԥ˰�����


    ��Ŀ�Ĥ���!?��һ��Τ�!?��


    ���狼��󡣡����狼��󤬥٥��ꥢ�ϡ���������𤭤�ɫ���ʤ��ȤˤĤ��ơ���ǰ���I���դäƤ����˼�äƤ���餷���������餪ǰ��̽�����Ƥ�����������


    �ߥ�����kɽ�򹥤᤿�Τ⡢�ߥ�����kɽ���夬Ŀ�ĤǤϤʤ������T����������βߡ�


    ��Ҫ������{�����줿�顢���l�˳������äʤ�����ʡ�


    ���H�ѤΥꥼ�`�Ȥʤ�Ȥ⤫���������Ĥʤ�ޤ������ޤǤ��ʤ��Ȱ��ˤ��ɤ��Ť��󤫡�������


    �����ޤ��H�����g���Ǥ�ʤ����ʡ�


    �����ơ����Υ٥��ꥢ���鰳�ؤκ��Ӥ�����


    ���䤢�䤢�ä����ͥ��ꥨ�뤯��һ�����֤������������


    ���Τ�äƻؤä��褦���Ԥ�����


    ���r��˼�������Ρ��K�äƤ�����


    ������˻�ä��Τϥ��ߤ��ͤ����r���ä����ʣ����Ǥ�Ԫ�ݤ����ǺΤ�������������������Α������Ԥ�줿���Ťϡ�š��ʧ�ä��̶Ȥ���ӥ��Ȥ⤷�ʤ��餷���ͣ���


    �����Ӥˤ������ˤ��Ԥ�����դ���ʤ��ʡ�


    ���⤽��񤵤鰳�˺Τ��ä���


    ����ʴ�܊��Ӥ����Ƥޤǻᤤ�����Ȥϡ�


    ���������ͤ��������ޤ����x��򤷤Ƥ����٤����ͣ���


    ���x���


    �����ߤ��������a������ͤ������ȡ��ҡ����g�`�����ä��衣�����˷Ǥ�ȫ��Ĥ��J���x�路�褦���S���Ƥۤ�����


    ��������


    ������


    �����⤹�������~�����Ƥ����Τǡ�һ˲���Ĥ��Ƥ��ޤä���


    ˼���г���Ƥ���ʤ�����


    ħ��܊�򥯥Ӥˤ��줿���Ȥ��x����B�ä��Τϡ�


    �������������~�����Ǥϥ��ߤ�{�ä�����������������������ҡ����Фä��˴�����������ʤ�ΤǤ��뤳�Ȥ������ޤ��r�g��U�äƤ��롣�������ЄӤǤ��x���ʾ������˼�������ɤ�����������


    ���Єӣ���


    �����ĤΤ��뤳�ȤϤ��Ȥ��Ȥ��櫓�狼���


    ���⤽��Τ�Ŀ�ĤȤ��Ƥ��뤫���ޤä����i�������Τ��ЄӤ�������������Ĥ��ʤ���


    ��������衹


    ������!?�����䡢�����Ĥϡ���!?��


    ����ޤǡ����ꎤˤʤä�Ҋ���ʤ��Ȥ������顢��󤺤��׸��ä�����ޤ�����Ï����������ˡ�


    �٥��ꥢ��ͻ��������������ϡ�����


    ����ȥ���!?��


    �̻��L�Υ�ȥ�������ʤ���!?


    �ޤä�����żȻ�ʤΤ���ħ��܊���M���ȕr��ͬ�������ƥߥ��ꥹ�kɽ��ѤäƤ�����Ĥ����ιʥ٥��ꥢ�˲��ޤäƤ���!?


    ���g�ΤȤ�����˽����܊����Ȥ󤸤ƥߥ�����kɽ�˵��_���Ƥ��Ƥ͡����Ф餯�L��Ƙ��Ӥ�̽�äƤ��������


    ���ΤΤ����!?��


    ��������󥭥ߤȤν��h����ڤ�Ҋ�Ĥ��뤿��ˤ��裿���٤��Ǥ⥭�ߤ˚ݤ���äƤ�餦�֤�̽������˼�äƤ͡�������Ҋ�Ĥ����Τ��������


    �׸��ä��򲶤ޤ����ơ�˼���褦�˄Ӥ��̘��ӤΥ�ȥ�����


    �������Ƥ���������!?���l�������Ƥ������������å�!!��


    �̻��픵�����ä����g��νU�g���ƈR�����ȥ��������ɤ����褦��ʤ�ȡ���Ҥ��褦���ä���


    �Ǒ��L��Ǥ��륢���Ĥ����˲��ޤ�С������ʤ�Τ��˷��ʤ�����


    �������Фϡ����ߤ�������֔����Ĥʤ褦����ʤ��������������ߤ�������g�ȡ����֤˄Ӥ���ͬ�嚢�������ؓ�蘆��롹


    ������!?��


    ����ϡ��ޤ�������!?


    ���������ơ���!?��


    ������������Ǥ���˽�ˤȤäƤ��v�S�Τʤ�Ԓ�����ष��ħ�夬���g����֤ˤ�����ʤɵ�Ȼ�Τ��ȡ����ߤ�Ŀ�Ϥ�ηN�����ä�ȡ����������ߤؤ��\���ʾ��������


    ����������Ƥ��ԤäƤ������!!��


    �������٥��ꥢ��ֹ�ޤ�ʤ���


    С�ߤ�����Ϥ���ݤ��褯��ȥ�����ͻ���w�Ф���


    �������οF���w��Խ�����¤ؤ�ܞ��������롣


    ���դ�����������������!?��


    ��б���ܞ�����ȥ�����


    �K�Ťϰ�������ͬ��Ŀ���θߤ����ä���


    ���ѥ���Q��ˮ����


    ����Ԫ�ˤώڹ����ˮ�����äƤ���Τǡ�


    �����㤢�������ã���ˮ����ˮ�䤿��������������!?�������Ƥ�����������!!��


    һ�r�Ĥˤ�ħ��˲��ޤꡢ����Σꓤǥѥ˥å���ꈤäƤ����ȥ�����


    �Ȥˤ����ŤƤդ��᤭�ʤ������������������������롣


    ���Τ��ӵ���ˏ��ä�ˮ�����͡��wĭ���Ϥ��롣


    ���l�������l�Ǥ⤤�����������������Ƥ��줿����B������˽���̻��L��������Ǥ�����뤾������������!!��


    ����뤿�Ӥ��褤�Ϥ���ˮ�wĭ��


    ���������������wĭ�������Ǥ��뤳�Ȥ˚ݤŤ�����


    ����ĄӤ������ؤ���


    ��ͨ��ˮ���⡣�ޤ�Ǹߤ�ճ�Ԥ�֤Ĥ褦�ˡ�


    ��������!?���ޤ��������Ӥ��ʣ���


    ���εر�һ��ˏ��äƤ���ˮ�Ϥ�����ˮ����ʤ���


    �٥��ꥢ��ħ���ǰk����������Τ��Ȥ���С���!?


    ���ऴ������������!?������������������!?��


    ��äѤ꣡


    ����ˮ�ϡ�ͨ���κα����ճ�ԤǤ�äƽ����ä��ߤ�������롺����ճ�`����ħ������


    һҊ������ˮ�Τ褦��Ҋ���ơ������줼��л줼��ۤ�ճ�Ԥ򉈤��Ƥ⤬���ߤ򲶤��룡


    ����ˤ���Ӥ��Ǥ��ʤ��ʤ�ۤɤˣ�


    ���Ӥ��ʥ�ȥ�����������τӤ��ۤɥϥޤäƤ����F��!!��


    ������������������������������!?��


    �������������ж�����ʧ�ä���ȥ����ϡ��Ӥ�����һ�ĤǤ⤬��������Ф��ꡣ


    �������㤬ճ��Һ��������Ƥ�����


    �������ã�������ʡ���!?��


    ����������


    ������ѿա��γ��ж����ʤ�ɤ��ճҺ���äƶϤ��Ф�褦������ȥ����T���I�Ϥ��Ƥ��ޤ���


    �����������ֶΤ��v����ˤϾ��x���_�������Ƥ��롣


    �����äƄӤ���ճ�Ȥ򉈤�ˮ���Ф�������Ƥ�������


    �ߤ�Ф������������롣


    �������ƣ��������Ƥ�����������!!��


    ���Τ����˥�ȥ����ϡ�ճ�ȤΘO�ޤä�Һ���ޤ�����졢�ǿڤ�������롣


    �������Ǥ��ʤ���


    ����椨����˱�����������⤽�����ճ�Ȥω����Ƥ������Ӥ��ʤ��ʤä���ȥ����Ϥ䤬�ƄӤ����Ȥ���ʤ��ʤä���


    �����;�ˡ�ħ��ˮ��ճ�Ȥ�ʧ��Ԫ����ˮ�ؤȑ��äƤ�����


    ��������ȥ����Ϥ⤦�Ӥ��ʤ���


    ���g��һ��֪�\���F�ä������Фϡ�����һ�ޤ������˘���ɹ������

 301-300 Bezeria talks about her dreams

    Bezalia of Muddy Water, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King''s Army.


    He was the Fourth Heavenly King at the time I was dismissed from the Demon King''s Army.


    Immediately after Granberza-sama''s retirement, a new team was formed in an unusual situation where all four of us changed places at the same time.


    I think that one of them, that man who controlled the water attribute, had a more subdued impression compared to the others.


    He had a medium-sized, middle-height, old man''s build.


    It''s not just the fact that he looks older than he really is, but also the fact that he wears a loose robe that gives him an even more stark impression.


    It''s not as flashy as it looks, and he doesn''t talk much, so it''s still not as impressive as the other three.


    Bezzeria.


    So it can''t be helped that I couldn''t remember it on the spur of the moment after hearing his voice alone.


    ''''Was this water done by him...?


    ''''I suppose. It''s the four heavens of water. It is possible to flood this entire battlefield.


    It''s quite extensive.


    It''s an unimportant depth, just enough to get you up to your ankles, but it was still far beyond the area that an ordinary wizard could cover.


    ''''Be careful, Dariel...!��This mission was planned by him...?


    Huh?��But that guy is the Four Heavenly Kings in sync with Zebiantes and Droyer, right?


    Like them, I thought he resigned from the Four Heavenly Kings after taking responsibility for letting Radie go to the Demon King.


    ''''He''s the only one who wasn''t fired.......!��And now, the official leader of the Four Heavenly Kings...!


    Oh, my God.


    How is that possible?


    I can smell the Demon Lord''s whimsy again.


    ''''Holy shit!��Bezelia!


    Then he shouted in anger, and the one flying in from the sky was Zebiantes.


    If it had been flying in the sky ever since then!


    ''This mess was your doing!��Only one man left in the Four Heavenly Kings!��It''s a felony to be singled out and to trash my territory!��Sentenced to death!��Eat it, it''s a Siltke missile!


    "Kyaaaaaaaah!��My sister!


    The Zebiantes woman, threw the girl she was holding in her arms with the force of flight!


    At Bezelia''s eyes!


    A demon beast?


    With that kind of momentum, that kind of trajectory, the girl would not be able to hit Bezelia in a hurry, and it would be painful.


    However..........


    "Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!��...........Huh?


    The more the girl went through the air, the more she slowed down and finally stopped.


    She didn''t reach Bezelia........


    ''''Hee-ahh!


    And as long as he lost his speed, gravity grabbed him and he fell to the ground.


    It hit the surface of the ground, which was widely flooded, and made a buzzing sound.


    It was a water magic method that Bezelia was good at, and it was a magic that made the viscosity of the air like water and increased the resistance many times over.


    That''s why that girl stopped in the middle...?


    ''''Watch out Dariel........!��Bezellia probably wants you.


    What?


    I''m confused by Rizzet''s advice.


    It''s all about me?��I don''t know why.


    I don''t know. I don''t know, but Bezalia seems to think that you hold the key to everything that''s happened in recent years. That''s why she''s been looking for you...!


    The attack on the Mithril Mine was not for the purpose of the Mithril Mine itself, but to lure me away.


    If your important base of operations is threatened, you''ll have no choice but to go on the defensive.


    "I don''t care if it''s my best friend Rizzet, but if it''s him, well, he''ll have to go that far to reach me.......!


    We''re not that close.


    And then Bezelia calls out to me.


    ''Hey, hey, it''s been a while, Dariel-kun, how long has it been since I''ve seen you?''


    This is a bit of a roundabout way of putting it.


    I''m starting to remember those days.


    "The last time I saw you," he said, "was when I fired you?��But I''m glad to see you''re doing well. As expected of a great genius who is said to be a bosom buddy of the strongest four heavenly kings, I heard that he doesn''t get freaked out to the extent of losing his job?


    That doesn''t sound like the kind of thing to say to a guy you fired.


    And what the hell do you want with me now?


    I never thought I''d have to move such a large army to see him.


    I suppose. I suppose I should apologize first?


    Apology?


    "Dismissing you over the Four Heavenly Kings. It was our fault. We hereby admit our faults and apologize. You must forgive us.


    ....


    ...What?


    The words were so unexpected that I let go for a moment.


    Come to think of it, isn''t this the first time I''ve heard it?


    I got an apology for being fired from the Demon King''s Army.


    But words alone won''t convince you. That''s how unreasonable we were, and it''s been a long time since we did that. So I''m going to show my gratitude in action as well, what do you think?


    "Action?


    Everything this guy does makes no sense to me.


    What he wants is a complete mystery to begin with, and his next move is unpredictable.


    That''s it.


    That?��No, that''s...?


    Until then, a person is grabbed by the neck root and pulled out of the shadows of the hill and out of sight, unceremoniously.


    That person Bezelia thrusts out is.....


    ''''Litges!


    Isn''t that the merchant chairman''s Litges?


    Is it just a coincidence that Bezzeria has captured the guy who came after the Misuris Mine at the same time as the Demon King''s army was advancing?


    As a matter of fact, I was the only one who reached the Mithril mine before the army did. "To tell the truth, I was the only one to reach the Mithril mine before the army, and I''ve been hiding for a while to get a better look at it.


    What''s that for?


    To find a lead on your side of the bargain, of course.��I figured I''d find a way to make you like it. And this is what I found.


    Rittges looks like he can''t move as he should after being caught by his neck.


    ''''Help eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!��Someone help me eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!


    Litges, who stood at the top of the Chamber of Commerce and controlled the economy of the human race, seemed helpless and distraught.


    As a non-combatant, if that guy is captured by the enemy, it can''t be helped but be like that.


    "This guy''s pretty hostile to you guys. But you''re on the side of the humans now, and if you''re wrong, you will be condemned to a kindred killer.


    ...?


    Is this...?


    No....?


    But as a different race, it''s none of my business. It''s only natural for demons to get their hands on humans. I want to show my loyalty to you by removing that blotch from your eyes.


    ''So I told you to wait!


    But Bezelia doesn''t stop.


    She pushes Litges off the top of a small hill with great force.


    Then he jumps over the edge of the hill and tumbles downward.


    ''''Whew!


    Litges rolls down the steep slope.


    The end result is at the same eye level as us.


    A rumbling sound of water.


    There is now extensive water at your feet.


    ''Geez!��Water!��Water cooler!��Help me, eeeeeeee!


    Litges is temporarily caught by the demon tribe and is in a panic due to the danger to his life.


    Anyway, they panicked and looked to the right and left for help.


    Each time this happens, the water on the ground is splashed and splashes are raised.


    ''''Who''s there!��I don''t care who it is, just help me!��If you help me, I''ll pay you!��I''m the chairman of the board of trade, I can pay out as much as I want!


    A splash of water danced up every time he raged.


    The wave movement is heavy?


    More than ordinary water. As if it had a higher viscosity.


    ....?��''''Oh no!��Don''t move!


    This water all over the surface of the earth isn''t just water!


    What if Bezzeria was generated by magic...?


    "Mugoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggoggg!��!


    I knew it!


    This water is the magic of ''Prison Viscosity'', which restrains those immersed in it with a viscosity many times greater than normal!


    It looks like just water, but the more it''s stirred, the more viscous it becomes and the more it catches the squirmers!


    By the end, I couldn''t even move!


    "Don''t move, Rittges!��This is a trap that gets more and more addictive the more you move!


    However, Litges, who has lost his normal judgment, only struggles and scrambles with the sole desire to escape.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands and feet trapped in the sticky liquid.


    "d*mn!��"Super Emperor...?


    No, it''s no good.


    I''ll be able to use the super cutting power of the Super Emperor''s Sky to cut through any mucus, but it will cut through both of the lithoge''s.


    But it''s too far away to take any other measures.


    I''ve got my feet in water that gets more viscous as I move.


    If I run, I''m trapped.


    ''Help me!��Help me, eeeeee!


    Before long, Litges was trapped up to his face by the extremely viscous liquid and his nose and mouth were blocked.


    He can''t breathe.


    Therefore, even though he scrambled even more desperately, the viscosity increased by that much more, and eventually the lithogeus, who couldn''t move, couldn''t even move.


    Then, the magic water loses its viscosity and returns to its original fresh water.


    However, Lithoges no longer moved.


    That man, who boasted the greatest wisdom of the human race, died the most foolish death in the world.

 302-301 Shitenno Vezeria pursues

    The Four Heavenly Kings Bezalia.


    I didn''t know this guy had such a plan.


    Reconciliation between the human race and the demon race.


    I don''t know if there has ever been a Fourth Heavenly King who aims for such a thing.


    How long have you been...?


    The idea itself has been around since the beginning, right?��However, this is the life of an inexperienced person. I didn''t know how to translate my ideals into reality, and I was passing the time in vain.


    In the meantime, the Demon King attacked by the brave Radie.


    I was supposed to quit my job after that incident. I was called before the Demon King. He asked me, ''Do you have a proposal?


    That''s effectively a recommendation for removal from office.


    If I can''t make a good excuse, I''ll be immediately removed from my current position.


    Protecting the Demon King from the attacking heroes is the duty of the Four Heavenly Kings, so those who failed to fulfill that duty have no reason to continue to be the Four Heavenly Kings.


    Therefore, it is easy to see that Bezelia was on the edge of a cliff at the time.


    There is no excuse for this. I was prepared to lose my job. I was prepared to lose my job. I''ve had a plan for a long time.


    We will reconcile the human race with the demon race, and with that, the invasion of brave men will cease forever.


    I regret to leave the Four Heavenly Kings without being able to carry out this plan. And I''m cursed by my inability to even find a clue to carry out this plan. As for me, I''m still a bit of a quack, but a miracle has happened.


    The Demon Lord expressed his interest in Bezelia''s ridiculous concept.


    -- ''''Hmm, then why don''t you try it?''''


    That was what the Demon Lord said.


    ''''With those words, it was decided that I would remain in the position of the Four Heavenly Kings. Not only that, I was given the position of the Four Heavenly Kings'' leader, and the power in my hands has increased dramatically. More power means more things I can do.


    And not only that, the demon king even gives Bezelia a serious hint.


    -- ''''Your dreams will never come true on your own, right?��In fact, you''ve been sitting on your hands until now.''


    -- ''''So let me introduce you to a powerful collaborator. .........no pun intended?''''


    -- ''Go over the events of the last few days with great care?��I''m sure a person will emerge.


    -- ''You have to be able to at least find him and make him sympathetic. You can''t make it that big.


    And.


    ''''I took the hint given to me by the Demon King and did all the research I could to find out more about it. As it turns out, many of the major events of the past few years have originated in the Mithril Mine. And then there''s you, Dariel.


    And then he turns to look at me.


    "I''ve known about your shadow for a long time. You were the one who helped the Zebiantes increase the security at Lasperda Fortress, weren''t you?��A lot of the old-timers remember how you did it. I''ve heard so much gossip about them.


    And that''s how you connected me to the Mithril mine?


    "A little hope. In order to bring it to fruition, I have mobilized the newly acquired power of the Four Heavenly Kings to bring about this campaign.


    It''s a vindictive story now.


    To put it all together, he''s won the bet.


    He''s succeeded in pulling me out of the game.


    "Do we really need to make such a big deal out of this?��It''s like ringing a mountain to drive a single rat away.


    ''Is that a form of humility?��You know, like you''re a rat.


    No, no, seriously.


    This time, which could mobilize the Demon King''s army and lead to an all-out clash between the Demon Race and the Human Race, is something that could ruin the fundamental goal.


    Bezzeria definitely has a perspective and a sense of conflict that the Four Heavenly Kings don''t usually have, but it''s a dangerous thing to do.


    "That''s how badly she wants your help. Take it as a sign of enthusiasm.


    "There''s nothing scarier than runaway enthusiasm, isn''t there?


    But the risk was worth it. Dariel, you''ve been far more useful to me than I could have ever imagined.


    Bezelia, says, buoyed by the heat.


    ''''Not to mention the competence I''ve developed as an assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings. The true origins of the human race are worthy of being the bridge between the two races. And I can help you control the Mithril mine, which is a crucial location for both of us. Now, your every move will be impossible to ignore.


    No, no, no.


    I''m just a humble village chief. Don''t buy it.


    "With your help, I can achieve the great ambition of reconciliation between humans and demons, which I could not do alone. ...the human race can abandon their foolish dream of defeating the Demon King and turn to worship the Great One together...!


    This is the ideal world Bezelia envisions.


    Then, the demon race and the human race will work together to receive the grace of the Demon King and build a peaceful world without conflict. They will work together to develop and find a new world that cannot be created by conflict.


    ...a world without losers.


    Yes, it''s a winner-take-all world.


    .........


    The surroundings were just quiet.


    It''s not just me and Bezelia, there are thousands of people surrounding this place.


    Most of them are soldiers of the Demon King''s Army who came to the battlefield under the name of ''retaking the Mithril Mine'', but the unexpected turn of events left everyone stunned and unable to keep up with their thoughts.


    It''s not a matter of rank, and even Lizet and the newcomer Four Heavenly Kings, who were clashing with me just now, were just blinded by their own eyes.


    ''''Bezelia, you........?


    Furthermore, one of the people who were present here, and his former colleague, Zebiantes, said, "You''re an idiot!


    "You thought that was stupid, didn''t you?


    You''re the biggest a**h*le in the world, right?


    Indeed.


    "Now, Dariel, let me ask you again. "Now, Dariel, I would like to ask you once again, to join me in this difficult undertaking to create a new era for humans and demons?


    If I don''t like it, will you continue to mobilize your troops to bring down the Mithril mine?


    ''I wouldn''t do that. Terrible intuition, isn''t it?


    Bezzeria became tense at the irony of my blows.


    This is just an invitation for you to come and join us. It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to see him or her again, or else I''d turn my head and leave. An all-out confrontation between human and demon forces is the last thing I need.


    Given the subject matter, I suppose.


    Reconciliation between the demon race and the human race....


    It would be really great if that were to happen.


    I don''t think the current situation, where two separate forces have been at odds with each other for years, is at all desirable.


    It''s definitely better to be at peace than to fight each other.


    Even if I did," he said.


    "Whatever your response, I swear to you, I will not force you to do anything. And what will you say?


    Sorry, no.


    A blatant sense of discouragement surged toward me.


    Moreover, it''s clear that Bezelia wasn''t the only one to emit this feeling, and thousands of people around her were filled with disappointment.


    What is it?��Is that what everyone here was expecting?


    ''No, no, wait, wait. Listen.


    I didn''t mean to be mean or refuse to be mean or anything.


    It was deeper than that.


    Yes, Bezalia is a noble ideal. I wonder how nice it would be to see that happen.


    Then why...?


    Bezelia asked, "Do you refuse to do so?


    ''Because the one who doesn''t want such a world the most is the Demon King. He is the one who desires strife, and he is the one who brings strife to this world.


    I can assure you, how would you know that?


    Of course, that''s because I heard it from him.


    The people around me were in a doo-doo frenzy at my words.


    That''s probably true too. In my days in the Demon King''s Army, I was the Assistant to the Four Heavenly Kings. As for my rank, I was just a lowly dark soldier.


    I was in no position to speak directly to the Demon King.


    I''m not sure how I''m able to guess what''s on the Demon King''s mind.


    "Bezzeria," he said. And all the soldiers of the Demon King''s army gathered here. You know that. You know the greatness of the Demon King that you worship.


    But no.


    ''''The Demon King is far greater than you can imagine. And he is even all-powerful. And since that Demon King wants to fight, there must be no fighting in this world.


    I wouldn''t know what I was talking about.


    At least that''s how it should have sounded to the people around me.


    The one thing that mere mortals can''t understand is the existence of a transcendent being.


    In other words, that''s the Demon King.


    In order to convey my true intentions, I''ll have to tell them first.

 303-302 Dariel reveals the secret

    "...Dariel, what do you know?


    My good friend Lizette is standing up in a hurry.


    She seems to be recovering from the damage she sustained in her battle with me.


    I know you''re a capable person but even so, the way you''re talking now is not something we can imagine. ...How far have you gone?


    How far, if you ask me, is the extent to which....


    ........to the truth of the world?


    "They say that the Demon King gave the Demon Race their magical powers. That''s why the Demon King is revered and worshiped like a god.


    That''s true, but...?


    In contrast, the power of the human race''s aura is said to be the result of a transcendent being called the God of War. The demon race and the demon king, the human race and the fighting gods, it seems as if the two races have two transcendent beings involved...


    Actually, no.


    They are one entity.


    One....?


    The demons were given magic and the humans were given an aura by the same being. This is the Demon King, the one the humans call the God of War. They just call him by a different name, that''s all.


    The fact that I told you is an unprecedented shock.


    It wasn''t just the Demon King''s army that was out in force, but also the adventurers in Lux village who were led by me.


    "A fighting god is a demon king...?


    What are you talking about, village chief?��Has a screw gone off in your head?


    Well, that''s the reaction I expected, but I didn''t expect them to look at me like I was looking at the poor kid that much.


    That''s how outrageous it is, what I''m saying.


    It can''t be helped if you can''t accept it.


    "Dariel, chief ...?��You are...!��What are you saying...?


    Mr. Bestfred joined the conversation in a shaky voice.


    He''s recovered too.


    The adventurer''s guild considers a fighting god to be an inviolable and sacred existence. Equating them with a demon king is an act that deserves to be interrogated!


    ''''I''ve been living in human society for many years now, so I know your common sense well.


    You are well aware of the existence of the fighting gods of the human race.


    I know what the fighting gods are for the human race, and I have done a lot of research on them since I found out the truth.


    That is why I said, "It is true.


    It is true. The truth is that the fighting god is just another name for the Demon King. No, even the name ''Demon King'' is just a temporary title for that person. ........That person''s true name is Lord God Ozin. The creator of this world and the creator of all life.


    The area was silent.


    The vibe was that they couldn''t swallow the information I provided and were stuck in thought, not knowing how to process it.


    ''Ozin''s purpose is to create beings beyond himself in this world he has created. That''s why we have set up a situation where life is fighting to train each other. If you yourself reign as the Demon King and divide it into a group that is opposed to it and a group that protects it, a warfare will naturally be created.


    That is the shape of the world as it is today.


    There are subtle changes, but the basics have continued for hundreds of years without deviating from that form.


    ''''As the battle continues, the skills and power of both sides will be refined and enhanced, and one day they will reach their own realm. And one day, the Demon King....no, Ogin is waiting for you to reach your own realm. That''s the way that being should be.


    "Wait a minute...!��So it''s like this then...?


    My best friend Lizet says with a shaky voice.


    This world is entirely made up of everything and anything for the Demon King. Not only the demons, but also the human race, and even the forces that try to harm the king, are all part of the plot.


    Not just the plot, the whole thing was prepared by him. It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time with them. There is no difference between the two races.


    The human race and the demon race.


    They are the same human race in the first place and there is no difference between them.


    It was God Himself who gave them magic power and aura, and added a clear difference to their race.


    Because of this, the demon race and the human race have branched off to the point where they look like different species even though they were originally the same.


    It was all at the mercy of the Creator.


    Well, since he created the world, it might be natural for him to do as he wishes with what he has created.


    The human race''s brave men attack and the demon race''s Four Heavenly Kings defend. That offensive and defense causes conflict, and the conflict forges each other. That''s his aim...!


    I can''t help but feel that I''m speaking so fluently.


    The truth that I''m revealing to anyone and everyone now is a secret that has not been revealed for hundreds... or even thousands of years.


    If that truth is made known to the world, it could drastically change the nature of this world itself.


    But I''m going to tell it like it is, without a care in the world.


    How is that possible?


    Don''t get your hopes up. Maybe he''s just letting things happen...?


    But when Dariel says something like that, it sounds so convincing...?


    Regardless of whether it''s the demon king''s army or adventurers, the unrest doesn''t stop.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on it.


    If it was anyone else''s words, it wouldn''t have had such a big reaction. Because you say it, everyone takes it seriously.


    The one who opened his mouth as if to sum up the situation was Bezelia, the ''muddy water'' Bezalia, who should be the source of many things.


    You really have gone far beyond what we can imagine, haven''t you? You''re really getting that close to the truth of the world. And another thing I''ve learned is that the ''truth of the world'' and the ''demon king'' are synonymous.


    Maybe.


    The closer you get to the center of this world, the closer you get to the core........


    The closer you get to the Demon King, the fighting god, the closer you get to the Lord God, Eugene.


    And perhaps you are the closest person to the Demon King that I''ve ever met. I''m in greater awe of you than ever before.


    ....tch.


    ''What?��Why the tongue-lashing?


    "The Closest Man to the Demon King".


    I never thought I''d inherit the title that the former Lord of Hell, Doris Megian, had once held.


    Well, now that he''s gone, I may be the one who knows more about him than anyone else in the world, but..." "That''s not what I''m talking about.


    I''m not trying to say that. "That''s not what I''m trying to say, I just don''t want to boast my knowledge of you guys.


    In other words, what''s important........


    ''''The person who will be most troubled if there is no more conflict from this world is the Demon King. It will frustrate his goal of creating an existence beyond himself in this world.


    And it is the most unforgivable thing in the world to disobey the wishes of that person who is the master of this world in both name and reality.


    ........that''s what I''m saying.


    It means that the Demon King doesn''t agree with your plan at heart. Bezzeria. I''ve gone to the trouble of explaining what I don''t have to say to you to convince you of that.


    ....


    The expression on Bezelia''s face that was announced was hard to read, like the depths of murky water.


    I''m sure that he won''t be able to force you to do anything if your idea is still a dream. He is a man who has high hopes for us humans. He is the one who hopes for and loves all the possibilities that humanity has in store for us.


    But when the dream story finally shows signs of coming true, he will be judged to be on the same playing field as the Transcendent and will be subject to hostility.


    They will surely be crushed without mercy.


    ''''That''s why your dreams will never come true. The Creator has decided that this world is for the purpose of fighting each other. To defy him would be to make an enemy of him.


    I''ve taken a masterful position on the way the world is.


    I don''t take the lead in obedience or rebellion to the Lord of this world.


    Fortunately, God does not force all the people living in this world to fight. He only asks those who want to fight to fight.


    That''s how this world is made.


    I want to take advantage of that looseness with all my might and live a life of smooth sailing and peace. That''s all I want to do.


    The same "man closest to the Demon King" should be called the opposite of Drismegian, who pretended to be a rebel but was the most obedient to the master of the world.


    That''s my way of life.


    It''s better for you to stand firm on your feet and do the job you''ve been given, rather than dreaming of grandeur.


    If you are loyal to the office of the Four Heavenly Kings and serve to the end, you will be granted a reasonable inheritance to your successor and the honor to remain after your death.


    Wouldn''t it be enough for you to be satisfied with that for the rest of your life?


    Bezelia, muttering to herself in an unmentionable tone.


    ''''Much more than me and others. You know the true power of the demon king, which is so awesome that most people can only guess, or even imagine, what it is. You''re the only one who knows the true power of the Demon King.


    But?


    I have my own willpower. It''s not a man''s place to retract an ideal that he has once set forth without a fight, don''t you think? Don''t you think?


    You''re a lot muddier than I thought.


    ''That''s true, after all, my title is ''Muddy Waters''. Muddy, I suppose.


    You thought you said it well.


    "I don''t care what you say, I''m not going to join you in challenging the Demon King. I want to spend the rest of my life in peace and quiet, taking care of my family and nothing else. I''m too old to have any ambitions.


    My thirties are almost over.


    The time for dreaming is over, and I''ve got time left to spend on my family.


    I don''t have a reason to go along with Bezelia''s big game more and more.


    I''m not in a position to say ''yes, that''s right''. I''m going to do everything in my power to get you to give in to my will.


    What do you think you''re doing?


    I ask, somewhat disgustedly.


    I don''t want to get upset when my life is on the line, even if they do something to me.


    Why don''t you just give up and go home?


    There''s only one way to prove our resolve. It''s a fight.

 304-303 Dariel again fights Shitenno

    "...I thought you weren''t going to force me?


    They rejected my offer, so they''re going to decide in a fight.


    The thing?


    I''m the guy who tells you to do whatever you want when you win?


    There''s nothing fun about doing that with a man.


    "I''m not here to brutalize you. It''s not like I''m gonna beat you, is it?


    Do you think you know what you''re doing?


    "It is my intention to show you my resolve, my resolve, through battle. There is no more effective way to convey a person''s true feelings that cannot be faked than to fight for your life.


    It was a highly combative ethnic logic for the goal of reconciliation.


    ''''Well I once fought with the Zebiantes and Bashbursa as well.


    These are the four Heavenly Kings who dominated for a period of time, including Bezelia, who is now in front of me.


    "I''ve beaten them all. You are their equal, and even if you challenge me, you won''t stand a chance against them.


    ''''You don''t have to quote me every time!


    Zebiantes himself protested from above.


    She''s a woman who can''t keep quiet at any time.


    Of course we know that. �� Of course I know that, and I can''t express my determination in a battle that I deserve to win. The hardest obstacle comes true.


    And I don''t want to back down either.


    It''s good to burn with passion, but it''s unbearable for an old man to have to go along with it.


    It''s a good thing, but when you''re an old man going along with it, you can''t help it.


    Even from the people around me, I can hear the sound of contempt, or rather ridicule.


    ''''Challenging the village chief.......are you serious, that ugly guy?''''


    ''Even General Rizzeto was completely out of his depth...''


    ''''Even if it''s the Fourth Heavenly King, he''s no match for Bezalia''s style, right?��After all, he''s Arantziel''s son!


    Dariel is no longer in our realm of understanding. He''s the closest thing to a demon king you''ll ever have.


    I was already in an overwhelming mood.


    Where is the past when people used to scorn me as a lowly soldier or an old village chief?


    No one ever dreamed that Bezeria would defeat me.


    They don''t think you''ll even fight the good fight.


    ........Well, actually I think so myself.


    The fighting style of the Four Heavenly Kings Bezalia has already been cracked.


    The power of water, which is mainly based on steadfastness and tenacity, befitting the title of "Muddy Water".


    It''s not a matter of attacking your opponent by yourself, but rather scooping up their feet as they come at you from the other side and setting them up in a bottomless swamp.


    This is a so-called "trap-and-frame-up" style of fighting.


    The fearsomeness of this technique was taught to me just a few minutes ago by the chairman of the board of directors, Litges, with his life.


    It''s a fearsome strategy that, once framed, can be used to finish a superior fighter, but on the other hand, it''s not a threat if you can deal with it properly.


    It''s not suitable for a fair fight, but right now, as Bezalia and I are facing each other head-on, that''s the only way it can be done.


    It''s a good thing that I''m not the only one with a big advantage in terms of strength, but also in terms of affinity.


    Is it right to have such an advantageous fight?��I feel sorry for him, but I have to accept the challenge, so I have to take it.


    If he''s satisfied with the fight, it''s the gentleness of an elder to accept it.


    By the way, is Bezzeria younger than me?


    I''m sure he was the oldest among the Four Heavenly Kings right after Granbaza-sama''s retirement.......


    By the time I noticed, they had closed the distance to the front of me.


    Right in front of me was Bezelia''s hot and cold face.


    ''''You wouldn''t call me a coward by surprise, would you?


    Huh?


    A hand is swung down.


    Bezzeria''s five fingers make a hook, and she tries to slash me like a rake, but I jump back and dodge as fast as I can.


    It didn''t hurt my body, but just in the nick of time, a piece of cloth was cut off from my clothing.


    That finger...or is it a fingernail?


    You''ve got magic in you.


    It''s a serious business in every sense of the word. This is a serious business, and if there''s a chance to take advantage of it, it''s always better to attack immediately. You don''t think you are going to start off by saying, "Yeeeeeeeeaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy, do you?


    Yeah, you''re right.


    But what''s the speed at which they''re stepping in now?


    A mage who isn''t good at hand-to-hand combat is able to move this far?


    In that case, it''s this way!


    I also deployed my Hermes Sword and slashed at it.


    The aura special that is effective against these water mages is the slash.


    It''s a surefire way to slash through irregularly shaped water with instantaneous speed and sharpness.


    No matter what kind of water magic Bezzeria uses to oppose it, I will slash through them all!


    I swung down with the intention of doing so....


    ''It''s sweet,''


    Bezelia, who thought she had slashed into a kesa, suddenly lost her outline and collapsed into mush.


    An alter ego made of water........?


    ''''It means a highly viscous liquid can be used like this.


    The real one comes at him from the side.


    He dodges the claw attack again.


    You dodged it again?��Being cautious, well, that''s the right thing to do.


    I understood what he was trying to say.


    I''m dodging his claw attack with a paper-thin line of defense. Thanks to that, the clothes I''m wearing are only slightly torn....


    The torn clothes are rotting away from the cross section little by little...?


    ''''Turning magic power into rotten poison......... Is this also a type of water''s magic power........?


    ''''Turbid water is a source of corrosion that returns everything to the ground. It''s even more effective when it''s a living being.


    If you scratch your enemy''s body, you can slowly corrode them from there, gaining an advantage with every passing moment.


    That''s exactly what I''m doing, and that''s what''s helping me so far.


    But.........the clothes that Marika sewed for me........


    I want to kill this bastard.


    He was an even more difficult enemy than I had imagined, to the point where I wanted to think so.


    The Bezalia of the Four Heavenly Kings ''Muddy Water''.


    The conventional image of the enemy slowly eroding like water seeping into the body of water is still intact, but I didn''t expect him to show this level of bravery in a head-to-head battle.


    I want to beat myself up for thinking it would end so easily.


    Has my crisis instincts been dulled by my long absence from actual combat as a village chief?


    If it were true, it would have been over in an instant. You''re the human race that uses aura, and your physical abilities far exceed mine. But even so, I''ve managed to bite back, thanks to the fact that you''re already in the midst of your ''prison bondage''.


    .....


    I see.


    The water that covers the entire flatland area that has been a battlefield since just a moment ago.


    Although it''s only shallow enough to soak your ankles, but even so, the water that was spread out over a wide area that could accommodate everyone gathered in this place where there were thousands of people, was a very nasty spell that Bezzeria had set up.


    This water seems to be clear and pure, but in fact it is a magical liquid that contains a terrifying effect.


    If you move it violently, its viscosity will increase and it will cling to the rampaging opponent.


    In the end, it will deprive you of the freedom of your limbs, and if it''s too much, it will block your mouth and nose, block your breathing and make you die of suffocation.


    It was Litges who was taken up to heaven after going that far.


    The more I move, the more the viscosity of the water that soaks my feet rises and the more I move, the more I am prevented from moving.


    On the other hand, there''s no way Bezelia, the master of magic, would be restricted by her own magic.


    It bounces as if it were sliding on the thinly stretched water, rather than the subtlety of movement is increased than normal!


    ''''The ''Prisoner''s Prison Viscosity'' inhibits my movement, and the ''Rotting Poison Claws'' won''t allow me to graze. How long do you think you can sustain this situation?


    Bezzeria continues its onslaught without giving you a moment to breathe.


    This guy understands.


    I''ve been in a position to say that there is an absolute difference in power between the enemy and myself that is impossible to fill.


    That''s why he continues to attack without letting up for even a moment, and doesn''t give his opponents an opening to go on the offensive.


    This man knows that once the offense and defense are reversed, he will never be able to recover, this man knows that.


    "The ''Prison Viscosity'' and the ''Rotting Claws'' only serve to keep you at the edge of your seat. One moment of slackness can lead to instant death. I will not let my guard down!


    Yes, this man was not careless.


    He was the type of person who was completely absent from the four heavenly kings I had fought so far.


    Bashbarza and Zebiantes both thought I was a helpless lowest-ranking soldier and completely licked it off.


    That''s why I was able to conquer them in one fell swoop and win over them.


    The only reason it''s not possible to do that against Bezzeria is because he''s the one who calmly analyzes the difference in strength between his own and others and has figured out the only path to victory that can be entrusted to him.


    Who was ever this unflappable and insatiable for victory?


    The four heavenly kings during the period when I was expelled from the Demon King''s army.......


    Bashbarza, Zebiantes, Droyer, and this guy......Bezelia.


    He alone is different from the others in the first class.


    It''s as if they are a different kind of creature.


    I didn''t even notice it until I actually met with him.


    This ''muddy water'' bezeria is the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings!


    ''''Hey!��What are you bothering with, Dariel?��If you don''t win easily, it''s as if Bezalia is stronger than I am!


    Shut up, Zebiantes!


    In fact, it is!


    At least Bezelia is much stronger than you!

 305-304 The secret of Bezerias strength

    I didn''t expect this to happen....


    The battle against the Four Heavenly Kings Bezzeria began suddenly.


    I''ve lightly twisted Bashbursa and Zebiantes in the past, so I thought I would be lightly twisted this time too, but that''s not the case....


    Rather, they are being driven to the edge.


    ''''.........Oh dear. I can''t believe they stopped even if I attacked them to this point. What kind of monster is this?


    That''s my line.


    I''ve been so one-sidedly passive, and they haven''t allowed me to fight back one bit.


    It''s a humiliation for a fighter to try to take the initiative and not be able to do it.


    Now they''re both staring at each other out of breath........


    ............d*mn, I''m still old.


    My body can''t keep up with me........


    But it seems that it''s the same for the other side as well, I''m scratching sweat all over my face and the way I''m breathing feels like I''m about to die.


    It''s not a good idea. I''m trying to put a desperate attack on a superior opponent. The stamina drain is overwhelmingly greater than ours.


    On top of that, they kept the game at five minutes.


    It was even more humiliating.


    I guess the lack of practice is really starting to take its toll on me.


    Your body is refusing to do anything that is impossible...!


    The gazes from the surroundings were also filled with confusion.


    Demon King''s army, adventurers.


    Regardless of race and profession, those who had witnessed this battle were stunned by the reality that was so far removed from their expectations.


    ''''I can''t believe Bezeria would bite back to this extent...?


    ''''How can a desperate resolve be able to bridge the gap in strength to this extent...?


    To some extent, the gap in ability can be made up with determination and mental strength.


    Bezzeria was exactly that practitioner.


    It''s not that I''m being devoured because I''m a hack!


    But, as expected, my body won''t be able to keep up with it any longer...!��If the game goes on even longer, my defeat will be a certainty. So.........!


    ..........?


    Bezelia''s magic is stagnant...?


    I''m going to make it a game of it.


    The magic power it emits is getting heavier and heavier, cloudier, and creepier...?


    This is the first time I''ve ever seen magic power that gives off such an indication.


    Even if you don''t understand it, it''s definitely in the preparation stage for some sort of major move.


    Just as I declared, they''ve come to make their move!


    Then there''s no reason to wait in silence.


    ..........


    "........What?


    My feet won''t move!


    The ''prison prison bondage'' that still clings to your feet. The more you move, the more viscous the liquid becomes, the more it doesn''t stick, but rather hardens into a tickle and catches your foot.


    "As hard as amber...?��So this is what you''ve been waiting for!


    ''''I desperately needed some time to perform my big move...!��I had a hard time getting the viscosity of the ''Prison Viscosity''.......no, the hardness to the maximum without being noticed. Now you can unleash the final blow without a care in the world!


    No, what Bezelia is preparing right now is undoubtedly his most powerful magic.


    If you take a proper shot at it, you will certainly not come out of it unscathed, and you might even die!


    It would be best to stop it before it''s completed, but how?


    If they can''t move because their legs are so tightly packed, I''ll have to destroy the hardened mucus first... no, that won''t be a problem.


    I thought about releasing the "Superhuman Splitting Sky" to attack Bezelia first, but I soon realized that it was no use.


    There are a thousand people packed into the perimeter, and from what I can see, there are many figures behind Bezelia.


    It''s the special profound technique, the ''Soul Emperor Splitting Sky'', that Arantzill-san, who was praised as a great brave man, used as his trump card.


    If you unleash this, not to mention Bezzeria, hundreds of people behind it will die as a result.


    As expected, I couldn''t let anyone else get killed because of my charm...?


    Thanks to your kindness, we have a chance to win. My most powerful annihilation spell has now been perfected...


    Bezzeria is confident of victory.


    ''Eat me up!��Biohazard, the ultimate in muddy water magic!


    This is....?


    This is a destructive magic that takes the corrosive effect of water to the extreme!


    The water that stops flowing becomes muddy and rotten, emitting a foul odor and decomposing even the things inside of it.


    Everything rots and turns to sludge.


    Is it Bezzeria''s secret to using that violent natural process as an attacking magic?


    The corrosive space that the magic unfolds expands, and it''s closing in on us!


    Water, soil and air decay in an instant without question.


    The speed of corrosion is fierce.


    It is truly worthy of the name of annihilation magic.


    ''''Surrender!��If you do, we will stop the spell!��Don''t be so naive as to think that an aura will prevent it!��My corroded space lasts for a long time, and if there''s even a small gap, it will erode and eat away through it!��No bones left behind!


    Bezalia was right.


    His corrosive attack is the worst match for his aura ability.


    Although there is a difference between a slashing sting and hitting, the nature of aura is a pure destructive phenomenon.


    If it was just water or fire, it could be nullified by simply kicking it away, but if the space itself is turned into a special area of corrosion, it''s a disadvantage.


    With my feet hardened with hardened mucus, I can''t even escape.


    Bezelia seems to be trying to get both of us to win unscathed by forcing me to admit defeat.......


    .........I can''t be beaten silently too!


    ''''A-ha-ha...''''


    What?


    "...Scorching Hot Uninterrupted Flame Hell!


    The extreme heat of black flames unleashed from my hands.


    The four Heavenly King Granbaza, once called the strongest of all time, boasted of his annihilation magic, the Greatest Flame Blast.


    You can''t get away from it.


    It can burn away even the power of corrosion!


    As intended, Bezzeria''s annihilation magic from its full length is cancelled out and neutralized by my fire magic.


    I''m sure you''ve been able to adjust the power just right.


    If I had released it at its original power, I would still have burned a lot of people with it.


    "Dariel..., you, you...?


    Lizet, one of the spectators, asks fearfully.


    It''s a very good idea to have a good idea of what to expect.��And Granbaza-sama''s special magic?��I''m sure you don''t have the ability to use magic!


    I can''t use it, at least not at first.


    He''s a human race, and because of that he was expelled from the Demon King''s army.


    I''m sure you''ll be happy to know that I''m not the only one. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about it. I''m not going to be able to get rid of it.


    "How is that possible?


    Thanks to this, I can use my aura and magic now, and I''ll be the supreme and probably the last person to do so.


    I''ll crush the hardened mucus and regain my freedom.


    I still have plenty of time to spare, but Bezelia seems to have consumed a great deal of magical power with her current extreme magic.


    Unless you take a break and recover your magic power, you can''t unleash the same special magic in succession.


    As long as you''ve lost your trump card........


    You''ve lost.


    ''Well..... I didn''t expect to win, but it''s hard to ignore the frustration when you''re showing that you''re actually toothless.


    No, me too.


    For a moment I thought I had lost.


    There have been times when we''ve been almost crushed by opponents with overwhelming power, but this is the first time we''ve been beaten to this level by someone who is considered inferior in terms of ability.


    It''s safe to say that his initial objective of ''showing resolve'' has been achieved.


    Bezelia''s determination and her hardness, I was shown a lot of it, but that doesn''t mean I want to agree with his concept.


    ''''But I didn''t know you were this strong. If you were this strong, wouldn''t you have been able to take the initiative with a forceful push even when Bashbarza was alive?


    And with him at the right helm as our leader. He could have done enough to advance his own ideals.


    Now he doesn''t have to rely on me.


    It''s just not right!��There''s no way Bezelia could be this strong!


    ''That''s just because you''re an a**h*le and didn''t notice it, didn''t you, Zebiantes?


    Thus, it was Bezelia''s great effort to surprise even her former colleagues........


    ''''No, Zeviantes is right........!


    "With my own personal strength, there is no way I can match Dariel-kun. Even if I added the power the Demon King lent me, I still couldn''t defeat him in the end.


    "I told you so.


    Who said that?


    ''You could have won if you had followed my advice from the start. I''m sure that this sweet man will show his vulnerability if he fights with the other scum around him, killing a number of people miserably. That way, even the weakest of you could have taken advantage of it.''''


    The outcasts who say that........

 306-305 Demon King sends the trial

    During the audience, Bezelia was asked this by the Demon King.


    "I heard that Bezetan of ''Muddy Waters'' is a relative of yours, is it true?


    What?��........I heard that there was an uncle of mine who was chosen to be the Four Heavenly Kings by that name. ........But he was killed in battle when I was born or before that, so I don''t have any direct acquaintance with him...?


    ''Hmmm, ironic, isn''t it? The blood of a man who was once far from peace is going to speak of peace?


    Is that any...?


    Well, all right, I''m gonna give you a little gift from my cock. I''m glad I only pulled his soul out of hell to see how well this would work. I knew it would come in handy after you showed yourself, Dariel.


    You''re not going to be able to do that.


    ...and now.


    An unbelievable scene is unfolding in front of me.


    "Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...?��Stop!��Quiet!��The game is over!��What does it mean to be rough on this...?


    Bezelia squirms.


    Suddenly.


    It was as if she was being tormented by a parasite nesting inside her body.


    I''m going to be able to relax and take off my clothes as if to drown my suffering.


    Bezelia''s upper body is now naked, and what floats on her chest is.......?


    What is that.........?


    It was a human face.


    I''m not sure if it''s the same thing.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you''ll be able to see your own face.


    It''s not just a good idea to have a good time, but it''s also a good idea to have a good time.


    It''s a shameful thing, Bezzeria!��My nephew and his deaf friend will not make a sound like this!��Don''t give up. Stand up and fight.��''Kill all the human race!''


    It was no longer in the dimension of ''like a human face''.


    It was a human face itself.


    A human face floating on Bezelia''s chest.


    What in the world is this?


    ''Isn''t it creepy?��I''m fed up with my uncle like this too....


    Bezelia says in a self-mocking tone.


    ''''When I had an audience with the Demon King and told him of my plan to reconcile man and demon.... I was given permission to proceed with that plan. It seems to be someone who is my uncle.


    Uncle?


    I mean, he''s a real person?


    ''''They say he''s the Four Heavenly Kings who died in battle a long time ago. Instead of possessing my body, he offers me his power. Thanks to that, my strength has increased a lot. It''s only natural since it''s for two people...''''


    I see.


    So Bezelia had such tremendous power during the battle........


    The tactics and the spirit of the battle were also important, but this is an enormous amount of magical power that far exceeds the existing Four Heavenly Kings.


    If they could use that much magic, they could easily call themselves the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings, but did they have a trick up their sleeves with that super power?


    That''s Zuri''s.��If you can be the most powerful in the world like that, I want it too, your face!


    As usual, Zebiantes is still ranting about stupid things, but are you sure about that?


    A face like that could get stuck to your body. That old man''s face.


    That''s a good thing.��It''s all about beauty over strength!


    Hooray.


    Aside from the idiot Zebiantes.........


    "Powerful but extremely bizarre........?��Why did the Demon Lord give you that thing?


    It may be a parting gift for me, but I have no idea what he really wants. It''s a good idea.


    Indeed.


    The One who has transcendent power and yet is all about enjoyment.


    Sometimes everything you do doesn''t seem to make sense.


    It''s true that having this fungus has multiplied my power. But this uncle the soul of the Four Heavenly Kings was far more vicious than I had ever imagined. What''s the point of using this thing''s power to grant me my wishes...!


    "Hey, this is a hell of a way to help out your sweet nephew, isn''t it?


    A ranting and screaming mansplain.


    Indeed, that behavior is nothing but evil.


    ''''Don''t get me wrong?��You know what annoys me as much as I annoy you?��Why should I lend my strength to Ama-chan who wants to reconcile with the human race, even though he is my nephew who shares my blood?��I would have preferred someone with more of a bone in my body to host it.''


    What the...?


    You are a plainspoken man.


    "The Demon King''s Army is all about killing all the humans. Slaughter is the true nature of the army. I''m sure the Demon King followed me around to help you understand the true nature of this. Your dreams are nothing but spoiled fantasies.


    Shut up!��I don''t want to know what you think!��You only need to offer me strength!��No, in the first place, if you don''t tell me that accepting you is a condition for remaining in the Four Heavenly Kings, then who would be a monster like you...!


    "Monster"?��You know what you are. You''re just an ordinary person in the eyes of a true Four Heavenly Kings like me. ...Yes, I am the true Four Heavenly Kings. Just like me, who only pursues killing the enemy and destroying the verminous human race...!


    The human face mask said as he sprinkled his evilness.


    ''''One of the Four Heavenly Kings, ''Mud Water'' Bezetan, is the true and supreme demon race!


    ..........?


    Now this guy...?


    Bezelia.... the source of this smallpox is...?


    Oh, yeah. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this as well. I''m not going to be able to tell you what to do with it. ........or is it okay to say that he is alive in this state of affairs.......?


    The Four Heavenly Kings are already dead.


    That information matches with what I have in mind.


    ''''Why did the Demon Lord possess me with this thing...?��No, I know what it is, somehow. I suppose I''m testing whether my resolve to reconcile with this mass of ferociousness by merging it with my soul and tormenting it at all hours of the day to see if my resolve to reconcile is unshakable...!


    No, no...!


    What?


    You''re right, the Witch King is testing us.


    He''s testing us.


    But it''s not the lukewarm, sweet thing Bezelia envisions.


    It''s something more horrible and nasty.


    What...?


    Nearly forty years ago, the Four Heavenly Kings who took me away when I was a baby........


    Bezetane from Muddy Waters.


    I believe that''s his name.


    He killed my mother, who was exhausted from childbirth, and took me away as an infant, and then he himself was killed by an enraged Mr. Arantzill.


    Soitzu''s name was Bezetan, the Four Heavenly Kings ''Mud Water''!


    After that, Granbaza-sama handed me over to him and I was raised as a demon. The man who started my strange life........the man who should already be gone.......


    I never thought I''d meet that guy in a place like this.


    This is not a coincidence.


    There''s a prankster who made it happen.


    It''s the Demon King.....


    A huge existence that could be synonymous with fate.


    That person must be making this situation up because he wants it to happen!


    ''Ho ... well, yeah, yeah, yeah!��You''re the kid!��You''ve gotten so big!


    The wicked man-face pox is screaming out all the malice in the world as if to spit it out.


    ''The little bastard who was crying and screaming back then would only be crying and screaming in front of his mother, who is now a bloody lump of flesh!��You''re just getting better at this, Nalie!��What''s wrong with that Grand Barzah guy?��Why is he letting the human race''s kids live to adulthood?''''


    His words are so evil, it''s beyond belief.


    I told you to use this kid to your advantage!��Son of a brave man!��The father is the target!��Let the kid run around east and west as bait, and after exhaustion, tear him to pieces in front of your eyes, what you could have easily struck out of him if you had broken his spirit!��Why haven''t you done so, Granberza!''''


    A ranting man-face-owl.


    ''Why can''t you understand that much!��How can you be so incompetent, Grandfather?��I knew he wasn''t worthy of being the Fourth Heavenly King!��It''s me!��''Muddy Water'' Bezethan is truly the Four Heavenly Kings of Excellence ah!''


    How unsightly and unseemly.


    He lost his body and even his life.


    He was just a boil in the shape of a face that was stuck in the flesh of his descendants, still spreading malice and hatred.


    This must be an ordeal for the king of demons.


    But it was far more vicious than you might think.


    Bezelia''s attempt to reconcile the human demons and even involved me in the process.


    The gap that lies between the two races is clearly shown.


    The human race and the demon race.


    They have been fighting and hating each other for so long.


    How can they mend such a situation now?


    The thing that confronted the people on the front lines of the party in the most resounding way was this Bezetan monster.


    As expected of a demon king, the viciousness of his deeds.


    My life was ruined by this man.


    And the Bezzeria who is trying to reach out to me now is this man''s relative.


    I wondered why I should join hands with such a man.


    That''s what the Demon Lord is trying to tell you.

 307-306 Cut off hatred

    What viciousness from the Demon King.


    Even if it is not what you want, how could you deny it completely in this way?


    Like a parasite, Bezetan, the former Four Heavenly Kings, could only exist in this world by clinging to the surface of others'' bodies.


    Its existence is still tolerable, though, since there were Ida and Drismegian from "Heaven and Earth" who were also dead, but were free to exist in this world...


    ''''Geehahahahahaha!��You seem to understand!��You got it, kid!��How does it feel to have your revenge in front of you?��You''ve had your life ruined by me!''''


    The mannequin is no longer just a device for spreading malice.


    ''''And, Bezelia!��My nephew!��Now you''ve got it!��He''ll never help you in the future!��After all, you''re his avenging relation!��You killed my mother and ruined my life, and the bitterness that comes with it comes with you!


    ....


    ''Now, all right, out with it and back with me!��There is no reconciliation!��The human race and the demon race can only fight and destroy each other forever!��And I, Bezethan, the "Muddy Waters", will borrow your body to take credit for this time and leave your name as the ultimate Great Four Heavenly Kings!��You''re building up a pile of the human race''s corpses!


    Bezetan yelled.


    This is the kind of person who deserves to go to hell for their actions during their lives.


    No, it doesn''t matter now.....


    "Shut up, leftovers. The dead have no say in the activities of the living.


    "Oh?


    He reacted bluntly to my words.


    ''You''re a little old to be chirping like a little old, aren''t you?��Do you hate me for this?��You want to avenge your mother, don''t you?��Will you wipe me out with this incompetent nephew?��Hmm?


    You''re a little boy. I''m older than you are now. You ought to respect your elders, don''t you, young man?


    "Never say no more...?


    I think I''ve gained some life experience befitting my age.


    I''m sure you''ll find a lot of people who have a lot of experience in this field.


    A ghost, after all.


    You don''t even seem to know how much this world has moved since your death.


    What did you say?


    Let me tell you something.


    You''ve always thought of Lady Granberza as a rival, haven''t you?


    "After your death, Master Grand Baaza served as the Fourth Heavenly King for thirty years, retiring safely to his final resting place. His accomplishments during his tenure were innumerable and will surely be remembered for centuries to come.


    Unlike you.


    After the death of Bezetan in Muddy Waters, no one remembered his name.


    Not even my relative Bezelia could remember it.


    "That''s about as far as you''ll go, boy.


    "What the hell did you say?


    ''''You should know your own status more accurately. It''s true that you are the Four Heavenly Kings, but if you go back in time, there were hundreds of Four Heavenly Kings in the past. You''re just one of them.


    He''s not an extraordinary genius like Lady Granberza.


    ''''What do you mean...?��I''m the strongest of the Four Heavenly Kings, more than Grand Barzas, more than anyone else...?


    ''''After being so easily defeated by my father, who was a brave man?


    .....


    Yes, you were defeated and killed by my father, Alanziel. You''re not worthy of your name. You are not worthy of your name.


    The best you could have done was to kill your mother, who had just given birth and was not well enough.


    That''s unforgivable to me personally, but it''s already been paid for by Alanziel.


    I''m going to beat you to death for being a criminal.


    So there''s no point in not forgiving you now. You''ve been condemned. Condemned and murdered, gone from the world. You are just the residue of that condemnation. As a residue, you can only exist in this world by possessing Bezelia.


    "No!��I''m the greatest of the four heavens!��Far more than Grand Barzas and the like!��What do you want to say to me?


    The clinging tailings are upsetting.


    The gaze from me is colder than I expected and I''m confused.


    ''''Haha........?��I get it!��You are too afraid to move your body in front of me, the avenger of your parents, aren''t you?��I should be avenged, but I can''t!��You''re just twisting some inane logic to justify it!��Isn''t it?


    You''re not your enemy anymore. You''re the remnants of an avenger. You don''t deserve to be avenged again.


    I told you so, but you''re the one who makes idiots say it over and over again.


    I''m sorry, Demon King-sama.


    You probably expected me to be enraged when I was shown this, and you expected me to scrape Bezelia from the main body.


    I''m not young enough to lose myself with this level of bad taste.


    ''''But there''s no doubt that it''s unpleasant.


    This residue will be completely obliterated.


    The possessed Bezelia remains safe.


    That level of manipulation is something that I, who gained the power of ''Heaven'' after being trained by Granbaza-sama Alanziel-san, have no control over.


    ''''Go away, tailings. You''re too filthy to be in this world.''''


    Wait.


    It was Bezelia who stopped the Hermes sword from being raised.


    He should be the one who was most annoyed to be wearing this kind of filth, though.


    ''''I can''t let you erase this thing,''''


    What did you say?


    I won''t let you get away with this. I''m going to have to make this thing go away myself...!


    Bezelia''s hands are filled with magic.


    "You may not know it, but my people have been working against you in a monstrous way. It''s really rude to think that you''d be willing to put that behind you. If you two make amends, I''ll make amends too!


    What''s going on here?


    Isn''t the magic in your hands - on a smaller scale, but isn''t that the corrosive magic you dipped into to be the deciding factor in the fight just now?


    With such an extremely dangerous thing in my hands........


    ''''Aaaaaaaaahhhh?


    And it was also the part where Bezetan, who had become a mannequin, resided.


    Are you trying to corrode the possessed person''s face by chipping away at it?


    "How reckless?��If you just want to scrape off the residue, that''s fine...?


    The problem is the part of the tailings where the manacles reside.


    Of all places, the left chest of all places.......that''s right above the heart.


    If you make a mistake, it could lead to instant death.


    Stop it!��You''ll be safer if I can handle it...!


    That''s not good enough.��I have to fulfill my responsibilities...!


    The reconciliation of human and demon.


    That''s Bezalia''s goal.


    "A little risk isn''t unreasonable for someone to ask you for help. That''s what you ask for when you ask someone for something. It''s not just about making things harder for them.


    "ohhhhhhh!��Stop, stop, stop, stop!


    The corrosion from the magic spreads through Bezelia''s skin.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you find yourself in the middle of the night.


    ''''Wait!��Wait, wait, wait!��I am your uncle!��How dare you show disrespect to your elder blood relative!��You''re still a proud demon lord?


    It''s because they''re so proud that they can''t tolerate outsiders like you. It''s because they''re my brothers and sisters that I have to condemn them.


    "Stop being stupid!��You know what I''m talking about!��Inhabit me, and my magic will become your power!��I can control the magic of two people!��Are you willing to throw away your deliciousness and downgrade your power?��At the risk of your life?��That''s just foolishness!


    I have come for a world where the human and demon races are reconciled without strife...!


    Bezelia''s skin gurgles and bubbles.


    The skin breaks and a pus-like white liquid spills out and falls to the ground.


    The stench stings your nose.


    For that reason, you have to cut off all hatred from your own hands. Those who are not prepared to do so are not qualified to speak of peace!


    ''What do you mean by that, you don''t know what you''re talking about?��!��Stop it!��I''m the Fourth Heavenly King ah!''''


    The residue of the outcast disappears.


    They were rotten and muddy, becoming the filth they deserved to be.


    ''''No, no, no, no........?��I didn''t come back to life for this...!��He has acquired the body of a foolish descendant, this time to become the ultimate Four Heavenly Kings and leave his name behind...!��Far surpassing Granbaza and others...?


    No matter how many times you reincarnate, we won''t let that kind of nonsense happen.


    You''ll be annihilated without a care in the world.


    You don''t even have to have a soul to continue to exist.


    "What?��Hiiiii........?


    After completely rotting off the manhood pox on her chest, Bezelia falls down.


    His whole body is sweating with sludge and his ragged breath is about to fade away.


    I rush to catch his body and support him.


    ''Medic!��How many people in the army of the Dark Lord have access to healing magic?��Or a chest of pills from an adventurer!��Hurry!


    Bezelia''s chest was in a terrible state of decay.


    The depths of her ribs were about to be exposed at any moment.


    ''''Until it gets this bad...?


    ''''Because those who don''t pay for the fallout are not qualified to talk about ideals.......?


    You look like you''re about to die, but your eyes don''t lose their sparkle.


    If it was a bad idea, he could have really died........


    ''''................I lost.


    I couldn''t help but be motivated by this much faith.


    "I would like to think, too, how wonderful it would be to live in a world without conflict.


    I''m sure the Demon King will be opposed to this, but I can''t stop people from taking the path they want to take.


    ''''I will help you. I don''t know if we can create an era where the demon race and the human race can come together, but...''''

 308-307 Demon King Unleashes (Side of Lord God)

    Odin, the Lord God, aka the Demon King, watched the battle that was taking place near the Mithril Mine.


    The place was his home base, the Demon King''s Castle.


    The omniscient and omnipotent God could see everything on earth, no matter where he was on earth.


    ''''Daedanenoo, that''s great!


    Snap, snap, snap.........


    The large space in the Demon King''s room was well echoed with unassuming applause.


    ''''You took advantage of Bezetan-kun, who was attached to you with the intention of harassing you, to bond with Dariel-kun by using him in reverse. That''s pretty good, nice, awesome!


    The Demon King muttering to himself.


    His appearance was the same as when he had infiltrated Rax Village.


    He looks like an innocent child.


    If a person is an omnipotent being, he or she is free to take on any shape or form as he or she sees fit, but is it too much trouble to change it every time?


    But is it too much trouble to change it every time?��What do you think, Ida-kun?


    Ha.


    Beside him, an innocent boy, all pure white, was kneeling.


    A child following a child.


    A child obeying a child. It may look like a joke, but there is a tension in the air that never seems to be there.


    Ida, who is much older than she appears to be, says of the four heavenly kings of the past, who do not even exist in this world.


    It''s not just the good-naturedness, it''s the viciousness of the situation. If their wishes are fulfilled, the conflict will be cut off from the earth. They will be ruled by a sluggish stagnation.


    People have many opinions, but for Ida at least, peace was inexcusable.


    In his lifetime, he was a fierce warrior who lived through a war-torn era that was still more chaotic than today.


    After his death, he was welcomed into Valhalla, one of the worlds ruled by the Demon King, and was elevated to an existence that would continue to fight for eternity.


    Because of his history, it would be unforgivable for him to even suggest the possibility of a world without conflict.


    I don''t deny that you seek peace, but it is something that must be found after you have overcome the struggle. Stopping the fight in the middle of it is outrageous. If you give your permission to the Demon King, I will personally go to the rescue myself.


    Okay, okay, I just wanted to get your opinion.


    I don''t know what the Demon King, who is also the Lord God of this world, is thinking in an unenthusiastic mood.


    Is he really happy or indignant at the outcome of this?


    Or is he not interested in anything?


    I''m sure you''re not going to be able to find out what I''m talking about. You are the most self-indulgent ruler in the world, but you have to take responsibility for your own words and actions. You have to take responsibility for your own words and actions...


    His Majesty didn''t foresee how that young lad would go to such lengths?


    Although he has not yet accomplished anything concrete, the one thing that persuaded Dariel to do so is worthy of amazement.


    After all, that man has a history of dismissing even the Demon King''s direct requests.


    Dariel says that he has arrived at the only power that the Demon King recognized as capable of defeating him.......the power of "Heaven".


    Because he is such a man, he cannot be obeyed by force and can only be moved by appealing to his true feelings.


    Bezzeria would say that he reached his true feelings.


    Ida, as an apostle of Valhalla, is one who is a dedicated believer in power.


    To such a man, Bezelia, who was the Four Heavenly Kings in this world, was still only a young monk, but that was why it was such a shock to him that he moved Dariel.


    ''''........I didn''t have Bezelia-kun on my mind....


    The Demon King says.


    ''''Every once in a while, a girl will come out and say something like that. It''s the best thing to be peaceful. It''s a commonplace and beautiful phrase, so it''s repeated regularly.


    And what will happen?


    ''Just look at what''s going on.��What''s the point?��And the kids who started talking about peace are nothing. They didn''t go to hell, and they didn''t go to Valhalla. They''re just ordinary.


    He was a demon king who didn''t pay the slightest bit of attention because he thought Bezellia was one of them.


    At best, he focused on his blood relationship with the ''Muddy Water'' Bezetan, who was an avenger in Dariel''s eyes, and possessed the residual soul of the Bezetan that he had saved to see if he could give Dariel some kind of stimulation.


    That''s the extent of it.


    That one move is about to push the entire world situation into an unexpected vector.


    ''''It''s not good...''''


    Ida prostrated herself more and more deeply.


    For a warrior loyal enough to be welcomed by Valhalla, there should be no situation that goes against the demon king''s wishes.


    I will go to him. "I will go to you," he said, "and you will receive me in Valhalla after burying the great Dariel.


    You think you can handle the man who destroyed Mr. Dorismegian?


    Those words pierced Ida''s heart.


    ''Dariel-kun''s power of existence after stepping into the Heavenly Dao can''t be managed by you guys in the Shura Dao. You should refrain from doing anything unnecessary.


    Ha......


    I don''t have a...


    The Demon King........God spoke.


    The weight of his tone made Ida naturally tense up as well.


    ''''........Why were you born?''''


    What?


    I''ve never understood. The only thing I can''t know is that I am supposed to be omniscient and omnipotent. It''s the reason for existence. I feel like I''ve been thinking about it for the past tens of thousands of years, ever since my birth.


    And once God assumes one answer.


    To evolve.


    "Everything born and born changes in whatever form it takes. Change itself is life, and ceasing to change is death. And because I exist, I am alive, and because I am alive, I must change. And if you''re going to change, you have to change for the better.


    To change for the better and better.


    That change is evolution.


    But my cock is perfect when it''s first born. There''s no way to evolve further. Then what should we do?��If you can''t rise above yourself, you can create others beyond yourself.


    That was the beginning of God''s play, a play that continues to this day.


    In order to create something beyond himself, he first created the strongest and most honestly powerful monsters, but it didn''t work.


    Those monsters are now called Demonic Beasts.


    His next attempt was to gradually raise the weaker lives at first, and eventually lead them to surpass him.


    He also prepared a path for them to evolve after their souls were freed from their bodies, such as Valhalla and Hell.


    Dariel is one of the answers we have reached at the end of it all.


    Finally, humans have reached a stage where they can kill God.


    While rejoicing at his achievement, however, Dariel refused to defeat the Demon King.


    He has the ability but not the will to do it.


    To top it all off, he was devoted to the peace that Bezelia advocated and accepted cooperation.


    You will be able to find out if it''s the right thing to do.��And?


    ''''Is that...?''''


    Ida panicked just listening.


    A perfect God would make a mistake, he couldn''t let that happen.


    ''To be beyond God is to kill Him. I''ve always thought so, and I''ve been trying to get humanity to do so as well. But the more I look at you, Dariel, the more I think about it. There is only one way to rise above God.


    Fighting God, defeating God, killing God.


    Is that the only way to surpass God?


    But Dariel rejected that seemingly unique path, and not only that, but he has acted beyond God''s intentions on several occasions since.


    I''ve been watching him, and I''ve thought to myself. I think that to truly surpass me...to surpass God, it would have to be in a way that I could never have imagined.


    You can''t be beyond God if you don''t deviate enough from God''s imagination.


    Unbeknownst to him, Dariel is now trying to deviate from the structure of the world that God has arranged.


    Could it be that stepping beyond the world God has constructed in this way, and building a new world using only human imagination, is what will truly surpass God?


    No it''s not ... it''s not!


    Ida''s voice trembles and refuses.


    ''My Lord why do you say such impudent things?��We''re just trying to be helpful to you, and we''re excited to this day to surpass you.


    Even if your body is destroyed after death, you will still be able to forge yourself by stepping into the demon world of Valhalla according to God''s command to ''surpass yourself''.


    "I am not alone in this...!��Drismegian and others have done me no favors in laying down justice and pride for you.��And if it was a mistake, then he is not rewarded for it!


    It''s not like I told you to throw it away, you know...


    The Demon King reaches out to the void.


    ''''But don''t be so quick to judge. We haven''t come to a conclusion yet. Let''s try again to see if they''re right.


    Yes, to Dariel and the others who have just passed one ordeal.


    They will be put to the test again soon.


    "Dariel-kun. If you are truly greater than you think you are, my dear. I won''t need him anymore. I''ll take another look at you to see what you can do with him, and then we''ll have a new conclusion.


    The magic power released from the Demon King''s hand is carried far away.


    "Now, I''m sorry for making you ''wait'' for so long. You don''t have to endure it anymore. Eat up all this world as you please. You were born for that.


    The first being created by God, only to surpass him.


    The fifth monster beast was regarded as the most evil and worst of them all.


    Let''s go.

 309-308 Fenrir, unleashed

    Bezelia''s serious injury is serious anyway.


    After all, she had set a desperate corrosion magic on herself.


    Even if a fatal wound could be avoided, once necrotic tissues might be infected with the normal tissues around them and let them rot to death, and it was necessary to remove the contaminated tissues anyway before they could recover.


    Painstakingly.


    ''''Please........don''t let me die......!


    I know.


    As a high-ranking water mage, Lizet would be able to wash away the wounds easily.


    Bezelia''s condition is tough, but as for the rest, it seems to have been uniformly settled.


    It seems that the demon king''s army is no longer willing to make any more incursions, and the adventurer''s side will be relieved of its wariness by me controlling them.


    The situation has changed two or three times, ''What the hell was that...? But I don''t think that''s going to change any more rapidly than it already has.


    Are you guys leaving already?


    So you''re the new Four Heavenly King, Gers-kun?


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    I''m not sure if the previous Bashvaza had ever led an army to fight in his life.


    "Lord Bezelia said, ''Since the true purpose of our departure has been accomplished, there is no need to fight any further, rather it is strictly forbidden to turn hostility against an opponent who has become a comrade...''...


    He does not lose sight of his true intentions and is committed to accomplishing them, while covering them with a multitude of mimicry.


    It''s surprising that Bezelia is more of an entrepreneur than you can imagine.


    That''s how vindictive he is.


    ''''Reconciliation between the demon race and the human race.......''''


    At present, the demon tribe and the human tribe, although there is no major conflict, are at odds with each other and are maintaining a hostile relationship.


    The only conflict that seems to be a conflict is the confrontation between the heroes and the four heavenly kings, but there is no guarantee that the balance of power that is being maintained is not going to collapse and turn into an all-out war.


    I''d like to see a visible and complete peace.


    There is nothing strange about wanting that.


    But...


    It''s easier said than done, but it will be very difficult to accomplish.


    More than anything else, it has been going on for hundreds of years, and changing something that has been going on for so long is a Herculean task in itself.


    Some adventurers are devoting themselves to becoming brave and defeating the Demon King, and they even have interests in doing so.


    The most important thing is that the Demon King himself is not willing to do so.


    What should I do...?


    How do I get started?


    When I was mulling over many things, at that time........


    "...Whoa!


    The ground just shook?


    It''s a tremor so loud that it''s hard to even remember to stand up straight.


    "Earthquake?��Hey, is everyone okay?��I''m not injured!


    The place is densely populated with many people, including the Demon King''s army and adventurers.


    The higher the density, the more likely it is that an earthquake will lead to more damage.


    But this.........


    Isn''t this just an earthquake?


    No matter how much time passes, the shaking lasts too long...?


    And the shaking is getting more violent with every passing minute!


    "Hey look!��Huh.........?


    Who was the first to notice?


    There was a towering mountain beyond the gaze gathered one after another.


    That''s the mountain directly above the Mithril mine........


    Directly below that mountain, the Mithril tunnels spread out far and wide underground.


    That mountain.........


    ...has collapsed.


    What?


    I watched from the distant view as it cracked and broke into pieces as if it couldn''t bear the violent shaking, and then crumbled away as if those pieces were being sucked deep into the ground.


    "........no?


    No, wait?


    Just below that mountain is the Mithril Tunnel...?


    The knockers working in it and the guild people around it as well...?


    There must have been no time to evacuate after such a rapid collapse.


    In other words, everyone who was working there was buried alive under the collapsed mountain.......?


    "Oh, no, no, no, no!


    "Calm down, don''t worry.


    I don''t know where that voice came from again!


    What is it this time?


    From the ground!


    We got every last one of the men in the mine out. "Whether on the ground or underground, as long as you touch the stones, you can reach me.


    What the hell?


    The soil in front of me suddenly rose up in front of me...?


    I thought the surface was wriggling, but then it started to shape up...?


    This is a.........humanoid shape?


    A Titan made of clay has appeared?


    And in the clay giant''s treasured arms is...?


    Lady Dariel!


    Master Dariel, it''s been a long time!


    Knockers!


    And the guild staff!


    Thank God you''re okay!��When I saw the mountain collapse from here, I thought I was screwed!


    "We''re banging around in the mines!��Geez!


    ''A-baba-baba!��Duh!


    These knockers don''t have a clue what they''re talking about!


    First and foremost, to this completely unidentified earth giant...?


    "Well, um...?��Oh, thank you?


    Do I have to thank you for helping me first?


    But I can''t say the words that follow.


    ''A terrible thing has happened...!


    What?


    But while I''m at a loss for words, the giant starts talking.


    .........or was that still this Titan speaking?


    From the looks of it, it doesn''t look like it''s a golem that''s being moved by magic....


    Seriously, who in the world are they?


    "Why did that person cut off the power supply at this point in time...?�� I can''t hold him back by myself!


    Excuse me........what is going on here?


    "You!��What did you do to him?


    I know I''m asking you the same thing!


    Things are getting more and more confusing.


    The earthquake isn''t even over, and it''s only getting stronger.


    If we don''t do something like this, the whole ground is going to shatter, not just the mountains.


    "They''re coming...?


    What''s...?


    I know something about it.


    The shaking that comes from underneath my feet.


    This swaying feeling is like........it''s getting closer.


    I''m not sure if it''s the same when there are many things separating us and when there are few things separating us.


    "The epicenter of the earthquake.........is getting closer........?


    From the bottom to the top....


    Those deep underground are closing in on the surface....


    "No wait...?��What''s down there deep in the ground...?


    And it appears.


    The one that kicked off the lid and shattered the ground, jumping out of the ground like it was being bitten by the sun....


    ''''........a dog!


    No, a wolf!


    But what a huge........?


    That thing is as big as a Hexenbiest I''ve seen in my time.


    "He''s finally come out on the ground...!��The Creator made the brat''s cage and broke it.


    And the earth giants.


    ''''He is the one who will devour everything in this world, Extreme Monster Fenrir. We can''t stop him anymore...!

 310-309 Earth Devil Beast Fights for Humanity

    Out of the ground a wolf came out of the ground!


    And it''s huge!


    There have been so many things happening earlier that were beyond my expectations that I can''t catch up with my thoughts!


    ...aaaaaaaaahhhhhh?


    What''s going on now?


    The screams coming from far away.


    A scream.


    It''s getting closer and closer, until it finally crashes into me.


    What?


    T-This is...!��Yikes!��You''ve got a man underneath you!


    says whoever came crashing down on me.


    What is she?��Didn''t it just fall out of the sky?


    I mean, are you Radey?��Why the hell are you here?


    Daryl, isn''t it good to see you?


    The brave Radey.


    Just two years ago, she disappeared while challenging the Demon King, and some even said she died.


    ........why did she appear out of the blue again?


    ''''It''s been a while!��Thank you so much for that section...!


    ''''No, it''s fine to say hello, but... what the hell is going on here!


    At this point in time, I wanted Radie to explain everything to me when he appeared on the blitz.


    I''m not sure I understand any of the series of things that are happening right now.


    ''''Demon King.......I''ve been cultivating all this time with the kindness of the God of War. Against the Extreme Demon Beast Fenrir.


    A Hexenbiest?��What!


    We''ve been fighting all the time in the different space she''s been trapped in.... Suddenly that space itself began to collapse... .........Gigantomachia-san.


    The one that Radey turned the water on was another unidentified dirt giant.


    Too many of them have already appeared so suddenly that I can''t understand them in time.


    ''This is on the ground, right?��What''s going on?��Shouldn''t Fenrir be allowed to come to ground?


    "The Creator has decided. The Creator has decreed that the power to contain him is cut off. If he can no longer hold the cage, it''s only natural for him to step out into our world.


    Why on earth..., if Fenrir-chan is unleashed, will this world be destroyed too?


    He''s probably the only one who knows why.


    The gazes of Radie and the earth giants turned to me.


    ''''........Dariel-san!��What did you do?


    What the hell did I do?


    I don''t know what''s going on here, sir, but I don''t know what''s happening to me.


    What is that giant wolf?


    Let out a howl, not moving from the point from which it popped out for now.


    The Demon King''s Army soldiers and adventurers present were also stunned by the attention.


    The violent earthquakes have stopped, and now we can see that they were vibrations for the big wolf to run up to the surface of the earth.


    Now, though, the place is tense to the extreme in a different way.


    ''''That puppy is Fenrir the Extreme Demon Beast. He is one of the most evil and worst and feared monster beasts created by the God of War.


    "No, no, no, what''s a Hexenbiest?


    I know a bit about these hexenbiest things.


    Salamandre the Fire Demon.


    Water Monster Hydra.


    Wind-Devil Windra.


    I''ve got a lot of them.


    The four demonic beasts that the Demon King once created are so powerful that they can''t accept the control of their creators and roam the world freely.


    Their existence is nothing short of monstrous, and if you happen to meet them, they will unilaterally kill you.


    They are the most vicious of all the viciousnesses that can''t be tamed.


    That was supposed to be a demonic beast....


    There are a total of four demonic beasts....they are supposed to be the things that carry each of the four attributes. I''ve never heard of a polar beast before!


    ''''There was a fifth demonic beast. That''s the last demonic beast that can surpass the four demonic beasts known to the world and truly defeat the Demon King...God of War.


    You think it''s the wolf?


    Faenrir...!


    "The Creator''s desire was supposed to be fulfilled by that Fenrir. But it was not to be...!


    The earth giant says, as if inheriting an explanation.


    What is this guy, too?


    ''''That thing is too greedy, it''s too greedy, it has no limits.... Even if they defeated the Creator, they would then devour the world according to their own appetites and bring everything back to nothing. That would be meaningless. He wants the world to develop further by being able to exceed himself.


    That''s why Fenrir was sealed. A different space divided by dimensions...!


    ''''But just now Fenrir''s seal has been broken. There is no doubt that this is His will. That means.........


    The earth giants say, ''''He has decided that he himself is not worthy to exist in this world.


    ''''It means that he himself has decided that this world is not worth existing in this world. With Fenrir''s fang, I will put an end to this world. That''s the extent of the role that this overly strong polar beast has to play.


    I mean, that wolf...


    ...a disruption device that was set up in this world?


    "Fenrir is, for now, the only possibility of destroying the Creator. But when he reaches that point, the world will fall as well. And if the Creator is disappointed in this world, there is only one reason...!


    Oh, my God, is that...?


    "When the most promising mankind stops trying to surpass her... and defeat her.


    ..........?


    Is that because...?


    It''s because Bezalia talked me into it, and I decided to reconcile the human and demon races?


    That''s why the human race doesn''t want to surpass the Demon King anymore, so they decided to destroy him?


    And if the device for that is that big wolf........


    "It''s my fault after all...?


    Here we go!��You''ve done something else, Mr. Dariel!


    The Demon King is omniscient and omnipotent.


    I''m sure he must have been watching the events here from somewhere.


    He is the one who knows everything about everything, no matter where in the world.


    Do you think he lost interest in this world after seeing me make my decision?


    "Unleashing Fenrir.... That in itself is already an admission of doom. This world has been abandoned by that person........''''


    The earth giant trembling.


    ''''But this earth monster, Gigantomachia. Today is the day we''ll face the Creator''s thoughts. I''ve existed in this world for thousands of years. I understand and even like the way this world is.''''


    ''Gigantomachia-san...?


    ''''There''s no way I''m going to be destroyed by just one person, even if it''s just you!


    The energy emitted from the earth giants is a tremendous force.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you get your hands on a new one.


    ''O Creator!��You have given me a gift, and my mission is not yet complete!��I won''t let it end with my will!��I will execute the office of keeping Fenrir in check and not allowing him to influence this world, at my own discretion!''


    ''What?��What!?


    Oddities arise from the surroundings as well.


    The ground rises and swells up to the size of a small mountain, and then it takes shape and begins to move by itself, taking on the appearance of a person.


    That''s the soil giants... but they''re growing in number!


    As I looked at them, their numbers increased, and by the time my understanding of the situation caught up with me, there were more than a hundred of them.


    This is a bit of an army.


    However, due to the huge body masses of the clay figures as one unit, it could be considered a large enough army to be overwhelming.


    The demon race human race who were present at the sudden appearance of the army was surprised and confused.


    ''''Stay back, human children, this is a battle between demonic beasts and demonic beasts that is about to begin. It''s going to be a fierce battle beyond your imagination.


    The first earth giant that was there was about to undergo even more changes.


    It grew even larger than its original size, showing off a far more massive majesty than the other earth giants.


    Magic power from its body surface?��Aura?��Anyway, a visibly dense biological energy erupted, and the way it seemed to adorn his body with a luxurious robe.


    It was as if he was the commander of the newly summoned earth giant army.


    ''''This is........Gigantomachia-san''s battle form?''''


    ''''Whaaat?''''


    I know I''ve been talking about it for a while now, but that earth giant''s name is Gigantomachia?


    As expected, it sounds familiar.........


    Its name is.........


    Along with Salamandra and Windora........one of the four demonic beasts?


    ''''That''s right. As the strongest of the four demonic beasts, Gigantomachia-san has been given the task of watching over Fenrir-chan, who is one level above them.


    What do you do?��Who are you going to play?


    That''s obvious....


    The Demon King?


    Yes, Gigantomachia-san has been spying on Fenrir-chan, who''s been sealed up for a long time deep underground, deeper than the Mithril mine. If the seal works properly, and if he tries to break out of the seal after a breach in the seal, to stop it from happening...!


    I''ve heard that demonic beasts are no longer obedient to the Demon King, but I didn''t realize there were still such disciplined demonic beasts.


    And even now that Fenrir, the object of his surveillance, has completely escaped into this world, he''s still trying to restrain him.


    Let''s use all of our strength.


    ''''All forces, charge!��And now that it''s come to this, there''s no way to push him back to the Hungry Demon Realm!��In that case, there is only one thing to do: destroy the Extreme Monster Fenrir!''''

 311-310 Be Compassionate Like a God

    The great wolf standing on top of what was once the Mithril Mine.


    The Demon Wolf Fenrir.


    He looks exactly like a wolf, but his size is so huge that it''s still very strange.


    Hundreds of earth giants are rushing towards the big wolf.


    They''re huge, too, so they''re relatively similar in size, but we''re just human beings watching them, so I''m losing my mind.


    Earth Demon Beast Gigantomachia.


    I''ve only heard that name a little bit, but I''ve only touched my ears.


    I''ve only heard the name in conjunction with the demonic beasts that control the four elements, such as fire demon beasts, wind demon beasts and water demon beasts, so I don''t know much about them.


    However, originally, there were four demonic beasts in total. And all of them have left the control of the Demon King and are doing whatever they want. It''s extremely dangerous to get close to them.


    All you have to do is to tell them.


    Now that all of that prior information has been overturned, I''m very confused....


    ''''It seems that among the four demonic beasts, only Gigantomachia-san is in a special position.


    Radie says, lining up next to me.


    ''''Most of the four demonic beasts left because they were too affectionate with the Fighting God-sama''s Texanism. But only Gigantomachia-san remained loyal and took up the role of a watchdog for Fenrir-chan, a being higher than him...


    No, it can''t be...


    We hadn''t seen Radey for a while, but after seeing him again for the first time in a long time, we could still see that he had changed.


    He has thicker bones overall and looks more dependable.


    Is he growing up?


    ''Radey!��It''s been so long!


    Zebiantes, who had been floating puka-puka in the air, hugged him with a rush.


    However, Radie didn''t get pushed away and took it head on.


    ''''Wufu!��Hi, Radey!��There''s something outrageous going on out there!


    ''It''s all Bezelia and Dariel''s fault!��It''s really the only thing men do that''s unnecessary!


    Don''t try to put all the blame on them for not saying it.


    These guys are friendly as ever.


    But that dog is going to be okay here on earth?��Giga-san, you can''t stop one of them, can you?


    Maybe I can''t...!


    Radie, says in a voice tone that includes melancholy.


    ''''Even though they are the same demonic beasts, the polar demonic beasts are higher than the four demonic beasts. The reason why the suppression in the sealed space was effective was only because the power of the Fighting God-sama was holding Fenrir-chan down through the different space itself. That helped and was antagonistic to Gigantomachia-san.


    Oh, he must have been on a leash while that dog was under seal.


    ''''It''s the divine tool Draupnir prepared by the fighting gods. Thanks to being tied up with that, even I managed to avoid being eaten and become a training partner. But now Fenrir-chan has escaped from the sealed space and can''t even be chained up. There''s nothing to limit your power...!


    Oh, no. It''s over, Giga.


    Or rather, Zebiantes.


    How do you know so much about the situation?


    I used to go to the sealed space periodically to bring in food.


    Tell me if you want to!��How many people do you think were concerned about Radie''s well-being?


    "Hmmm, I''m a woman who always has something people don''t know!��It really does feel good to look down on those ignorant guys!


    This guy is the worst!


    "Stop fighting, Mr. Dariel!��It''s more serious right now, Fenrir-chan!


    Am I in trouble?


    Fenrir-chan''s freedom on earth is a definite world crisis!��If we don''t do anything about it, the world will surely die!


    Indeed, if you believe the explanations up to this point in a false sense of the word, that''s the only way this could happen.


    ''''Well, if those giants march in, they''ll manage in the end, right?


    "Didn''t you just say ''no''?


    However, despite such a scattered reputation of the earth demon beasts, their offensive is tremendous.


    The battle had already begun and more than a hundred earth giants made up of more than a hundred of them rushed into the wolf''s body and beat it to death.


    Their fierceness was truly earth-shattering and their power was overwhelming.


    It might even surpass the monster beasts they had encountered in the past such as the Fire Demon Beast Salamandra and the Wind Demon Beast Windra.


    ''''I knew they were the strongest among the four demonic beasts and their reputation is not justified...?


    ''''Yes, among the four hexenbiests...?


    But the other party isn''t unilaterally beaten either.


    It''s not just a matter of time before you''ll be able to get your hands on it.


    I''m sure the giants are robust and strong enough to be unmanageable, but they are crushed into pieces with a fragility like sand.


    ''''Nuh-uh-uh!


    Gigantomachia also created new earth giants in opposition and put them on the front line.


    However, they are being destroyed at a much faster rate than that, so at any moment, the equilibrium is going to be shattered and they are going to be pushed out of the way.


    ''''After all, there''s too much difference in their basic abilities...''''


    From a human point of view, they are both transcendent.


    Even in that sense, it was a terrifying battle.


    ''''After all, Gigantomachia-san alone is not enough!��Mr. Dariel, we need to get in on the action!��We can''t sit on our hands in a global crisis!


    ''''That''s right!


    If that Fenrir-esque wanker is as described, leaving that thing in place is tantamount to allowing the world to end.


    It''s not someone else''s problem.


    We''re going to gather our forces here to make the crisis........


    ''Don''t mess with it!''


    But the giants stopped it.


    A giant body like a pillar that supports the world.


    The only thing that can be said for this Gigantomachia is that it has the intention of being a magical beast. No matter how high-ranking it is, there''s no way I''m going to let a dog that has nothing but an appetite get the best of me!


    ''''But...!


    ''I''ve been that witch wolf warden for hundreds, maybe thousands of years?��.... have been in this land for a long time. So, inevitably, I have come into contact with the humans of this world.''


    This is the story of a magical beast of the earth.


    "I cannot ignore it.... What are the thoughts of the little ones living on earth? Why do they crawl so desperately in their tiny bodies?��How wretchedly do you treat me, my Creator?


    ....?


    The body of the Gigantomachia (commanding body) begins to change...?


    Is this ... combat mode?


    "If you have seen the desperate lives of the little ones, is it not the Great One who will protect and guide them?��I can no longer fight only for the mission given to me by you!��This power is for the protection of the weak!''


    The Gigantomachia''s body is enveloped in a white light.


    Something hard and smooth emerges from the earth giant''s body.


    Is that........metal?


    Is the metal covering the body of an earth giant?


    Like a piece of armor?


    ''No wait... that silvery white glow...?


    Where does this metal look familiar...?


    Oh, okay.


    Is that mithril?


    Wow, that''s some serious mithril!


    The purity is high!��Good stuff!


    No doubt the knockers who work in mithril mining are like that too.


    The Gigantomachia is clad in thick mithril.


    "This mineral you call mithril is essentially a part of me.


    What?


    Should I call it an enchanted shell? I create my own mithril, which I use as my weapon and armor. But since it is generated naturally without my awareness, it is often released into the earth where I sink.


    The Mithril Mine was the one that had been dug up for it.


    Okay, so the Mithril Mine wasn''t just a mine, it was a vein of ore that arose in the soil where Gigantomachia existed!


    Gigantomachia had sat deep in the earth here to keep an eye on Fenrir.


    Was that the source of the Mithril Mine in this area?


    No wonder everything was different from the other mines........?


    "Haha, so it was like collecting the innards of a bunch of demonic beasts like us?


    I''m getting a little scrubbed by a Hexenbiest.


    The knockers are interested in this.


    But to call a super-luxury Mithril a solid........?


    Already, the giants other than the commander''s plane have begun to arm themselves with mithril, becoming stronger and more powerful.


    Gigantomachia''s existence as an earth demonic beast is a spiritual being that is one with the earth.


    The earth itself under his feet is him, his body.


    Therefore, as long as there is sand and soil on the earth, it can exist as many times as it wants, and it will never cease to exist.


    If there is ground, it is infinite.


    If you think about it in a normal way, no one can defeat such an existence.


    But still..........


    It was impossible to reach Demon Wolf Fenrir.

 312-311 Fenrir, rampage

    Has a few hours passed since the battle began?


    The battle was in a different dimension from our point of view.


    Does it feel like watching a storm-ravaged ocean or an erupting volcano?


    Anyway, on the same level as that kind of level was the conflict between the demonic beasts.


    In the past, even when he had faced off head-on against the Flaming Demon Beast Salamandra, he hadn''t been able to feel the intimidating feeling that was sprinkled all around him.


    ''''Keyaaaaaaaaaaaaah!


    It is a very good idea to be able to have a good time with them.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a great deal more to say about this.


    The basic abilities of both sides are too different.


    The Earth Demon Beast Gigantomachia was currently only maintaining an equilibrium with the violence of an infinitely replenished number.


    However, that balance........will eventually be broken.


    ''''Nah!''''


    The Demon Beast Fenrir hadn''t thought of it.


    I''m not going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it, but I''m going to be able to say that I''m not going to be able to do anything about it.


    From the gaps in their viciously lined fangs, the sound of grinding and chewing could be heard.


    This sound, this sound, could it be........?


    ''''Chewing on an earth giant?


    Armed with mithril...?


    Like a big carnivorous fish that eats shrimp and shellfish with their shells...?


    d*mn.....?


    This is not good.


    The color of the big wolf''s eyes changed as he looked at the giants.


    Up until now, she had been looking at her opponents with an exasperated gaze, but.......


    Now, it''s a complete look at the bait.


    The demon wolf said, ''''Gbaaaaaaah! He bellowed and began to bite and eat one giant after another.


    It didn''t matter if they were armed with mithril or not.


    It doesn''t matter if he''s armed with mithril or not, the top-grade minerals aren''t even a source of bellyache for him.


    But that''s not the only thing that''s wrong with it.


    "Captured...!��My spirit...!


    The earth giants are not just dirtbags, they are pseudo life forms that possess a transcendent existence called Earth Demon Beasts.


    They are pseudo life forms inhabited by a transcendent being called an Earth Demon Beast.


    Normally, even if the earth giants were physically destroyed, their spirit body would still leave and dwell in a new clod and form a new earth giant, their army would not run out indefinitely.


    However, the earth giants that were eaten by Fenrir would be unable to revive as even the spirit body inhabiting them would be digested and absorbed.


    If it continued to be devoured like this........


    ''''The Gigantomachia will literally be devoured...?


    The man himself must have sensed this danger.


    The Gigantomachia (the commander''s plane) shivers.


    Normally, this is the inviolable Absolute. The fact that that great monster beast would be on the side of its prey is a terrifying thing in itself.


    ''''If we continue to be devoured for a while, we will eventually become destitute...!��If that''s the case, the only way to win is right now........''''


    The countless earth giants are falling apart and returning to the dirt.


    As if in response to this, a single commander-type earth giant increases in size.


    And the glow of the mithril it wears is also...!


    "I will concentrate all of my energy on making sure the Demon Wolf remains intact!��Behold the power of the four most powerful monsters!


    It was true that he could avoid jitteriness, but it was clearly a bad move.


    It was obvious that Fenrir''s basic ability, as an Extreme Demonic Beast, was superior to the other four Demonic Beasts.


    Challenging such an opponent in a pure power contest would be tantamount to suicide.


    Even for Fenrir, it was just a matter of being able to eat a large portion of what had been served on a small plate until now.


    A clashing demon wolf and a super earth giant.


    However, the clash was divided into light and dark from the start, and Gigantomachia was on the losing end.


    ''Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!��Gaaaaaaaaaaaah!''''


    Because he was the strongest being from the beginning, he didn''t know how to fight for the weak to stand up to the strong.


    That''s why it was so fragile.


    ''''What a time for calm analysis...?


    I couldn''t move because I had been told there was no need to do anything........ No, before that, I couldn''t move in the face of such an extradimensional battle, but I couldn''t move because my feet were slumped in front of it!


    This is not the time for that.


    ''Mr. Dariel!��At this rate, Gigantomachia-san will be eaten up!


    Radey says as he lines up next to me.


    They don''t even give me time to worry about seeing her again after a few years or something.


    ''''Gigant Makia-san isn''t like any other magical beast!�� We can''t let this crisis go unnoticed!


    Doesn''t that mean that the only demonic beast that''s evil and harmful is Salamandra?


    This was not the time to question such things.


    Already the giant had been assembled by the demon wolf''s paws, and there was no way to prevent its fangs.


    ''''Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo?


    They were just waiting for him to stick his fangs into the throat flute as it was...!


    ''''Soaring sky!''''


    The huge aura slashing blade that was released hit the wolf in the face.


    The momentum of the giant wolf is indeed a bit of a shock to him, but he wobbles around.


    ''''You can''t take a direct hit from the ''Super Emperor''s Splitting Sky'' and then just wobble around...?


    Once again, what a monster........?


    "...I told you to stay back. I won''t let you dwarfs sacrifice yourselves for the sake of a hexenbiest''s membership.......


    The earth giants are also wobbling to their feet.


    I''m sure you can''t defeat that wolf on your own, either. On the contrary, you''ll be eaten and become a nourishment.


    ''''Ugh........?''''


    Perhaps knowing this, the earth demon beast choked out in frustration.


    ''''That seems to be the characteristic of that wolf. An endless appetite. It''s not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you''ll be able to get your hands on it. Perhaps even a god.


    So that''s a God-killing wolf....


    Devouring the entire world. It''s just that God is included in it.


    ''''Then it''s nothing to do with us. If you''re eaten to death, the next target will be us. If that''s the case, it would be more efficient to fight as a single unit instead of fighting separately.


    ..........


    The wolf doesn''t just wobble around forever either.


    He is a monster that will only get in your face if you slam the ��Super Emperor Splitting Sky��. But soon, they will be ready and ready to attack.


    ''''I too...!


    Reedy holds his sword.


    It''s a brave man''s duty to protect the world. I''m sure the training that the god of war imposed on me is still alive. I''m not going to be the only one who can do this. I take this as the final stage of that!


    After all, Radey has become tougher than before he disappeared.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for when you''re looking for it.


    "If you''re going to fight, Radie, I''m going to fight.


    Zebiantes comes down from the air.


    "I have just been looking for a fur scarf of the finest quality. I''m going to skin that doggy and tan it and make it into a fine piece of clothing. While I save the world!


    Boys.


    A demonic beast of the earth shakes in his voice.


    ''''I know. This is another test that He has given you.''''


    Of that utterly out-of-character transcendent.


    ''If you want to rebuild this world as you see fit, beyond your own agenda, you''re asking me to show you''re qualified to do so?��You''re asking us to show our willingness to go in the direction we''ve decided to go, by force?


    I''ve learned the hard way how bad his character is.


    So let''s show him what we can do without God.


    We can do without God.


    People are willing to beat the Lord, who destroys the world, in order to live.


    I will show you before God!

 313-312 The decisive battle begins

    Nevertheless, the opponent was a true monster.


    If the "Soul Emperor Splitting Sky" didn''t work, he would normally be a desperate opponent.


    Is he the most evil person I''ve ever encountered?


    Salamandra, the Flame Monster Beast.


    The Lord of Hell Drismegian who took it in.


    They were also memorably formidable opponents, but this enemy is undoubtedly even more so.


    Even the Demon King acknowledged his abilities as the most evil and worst monster monster.


    ''''If Drismegian is the Lord of Hell, then Fenrir is the Lord of the Hungry Demon World....... It won''t be easy to defeat an existence for one world.......''''


    So, if that''s the case, there''s only one thing to do...


    I know the master of the world, I have an idea.


    If we accept what the Demon Lord once put in our ears.


    I''m also the master of a world.


    ''''The power of ''Heaven''.......it''s time to rely on it again.......!


    A sword of the extreme degree that once wiped out Drismegian and his entire world.


    This is the Sky.


    This is the ultimate sword, surpassing even the Supreme Supreme Rift Valley, that can cut down to pieces.


    This is the time to gush forth my sword, my sword flash...!


    ".....


    What is it?


    You can''t move your hand?


    I don''t have the same response I felt when I slashed Drismegian, I don''t have the same response of feeling something in the middle of nothingness.


    ''''Dariel-san!��They''re coming!


    "What are you talking about?


    Before you know it, Fenrir, who has regained his position, is right in front of you with his mouth wide open.


    "Whoa!


    You''ll be able to jump around, but if you were to delay for even a second, you''d be in that wolf''s mouth.


    ''''It stinks!''''


    A moment later, the smell that leaked out of the wolf''s mouth, which passed by in close proximity, almost made my nose turn.


    You can feel it when you come in contact with it again.


    It''s a very thick beast smell.


    I''m not sure what kind of beast it is, but it''s absurdly smelly, this wolf!


    No, it''s not that........?


    ''''Koremsky........the power of the ''heavens'' didn''t work?��Why?


    "You have no idea what your destiny is.


    The earth demon beast Gigantomachomachia snuggles up to me.


    It seems that thanks to our participation in the game, she was able to breathe well.......


    ''''Your sword is the sword that divides heavenly lives. It''s not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you''ll be able to get your hands on it. If you slice through that divine order, nothing can exist.


    That''s the power of "Heaven".


    The world that I was able to glimpse and take over from Granberza-sama and Mr. Arantziel.


    Not even God can escape from the ''heavenly'' mission. Hence, the power of ''heaven'' is a power that can kill even gods. But it''s not an all-powerful force.''''


    That''s right.


    There must not be a heavenly mandate that says that because you can cut, you can cut all of them one by one.


    Because it''s a life in heaven, the person who cuts it must have the proper resolve and belief....


    ''''So I haven''t yet determined that doggy''s natural destiny...!


    That''s right. If you don''t know him and find out what kind of being he is, you won''t be able to find his destiny. If you don''t find its true destiny, you won''t be able to cut it down.


    I must get to know him better in order to find out what his destiny is.


    For that, we must put our swords together and get to the heart of the matter....


    Radey!��Zebiantes!��It''s going to keep him around for a while!��Cover me!


    What a load of trolling!��They''re going to kill him, so they don''t have to cover him or anything!��You are the one who takes it to the climax right from the start!


    You''re absolutely right...?


    The seriousness of the battle has already begun. The young girls are much more serious about this than I am.


    Especially Zeviantes.


    With those mithril wings on their backs again, their motivation is visible.


    ''''Stupid dog!��I''ve been thinking about ending this with you someday!��I didn''t want to interfere with Radey-chan''s training, but if Teme came to tickle me, there''s no reason to refrain from doing so!


    Each and every one of the silver-winged wings emitted a super high-pitched ringing sound.


    ''''Now is the time to eat it!��I''m going to be sliced to pieces by the ultimate version of the ''Wings of Harpuer''s Wings'' with the supreme special attack ''Symphonic Razor''!


    The silver wings she equips, imitated by metal.


    A thin, thin blade of highly compressed air emanates from the gaps in each of the wings that make up it.


    That is the strongest attacking wind magic, "Symphonic Razor", that Zeviantes can demonstrate by borrowing the power of those wings.


    A number of sharp blades of air are unleashed, slicing the target into pieces.


    ........but....


    "Geez, it doesn''t work!��The highly compressed air blades are easily flicked off!


    On Fenrir''s hot fur, the best attacking wind magic by the strongest wind wizard of the current generation didn''t even manage to scratch him.


    I''m not going to be able to get a good look at them.


    You can''t get away from them.��Don''t get close to me!


    He slid through the air on his silver wings and ran away, with Fenrir chasing after him.


    It''s a good idea to make sure that you have a good idea of what you''re looking for. It''s just like that in terms of contrast in size.


    ''''Don''t mess with Zebi-chan!


    The sword flash swung down snatched the tip of Fenrir''s nose and frightened him.


    The one who released that sword........


    ''''Radie-chan!��Thank you for saving me!��You are indeed a friend of the heart!


    ''Fenrir!��I''ve fought with you many times for my training!��I''m the best when it comes to combat experience with you!


    He thrusts the tip of his sword at the demon wolf.


    In response, Fenrir is........frightened?��Obviously?


    The Demon Wolf has never shown any fear of the Gigantomachia, but is now afraid of Radie''s sword?


    Why in the world?


    It looks like it''s finally sinking in. You''re not going to be able to get away with it.


    It is swung down.........


    The power contained in that sword.........


    ''''Vacuum break!


    Radey''s sword brilliantly catches Fenrir''s body, causing red fresh blood to spurt out.


    The wolf roared bitterly, ''''Gah-oh-oh! and jumped back with a painful roar.


    ''''The blade passed through...?''''


    This is the first time I''ve seen the damage that Fenrir seems to have suffered.


    I''ve never been able to get through any of my strongest moves until now, so how is that possible?


    "And that was...?


    I felt a sense of discomfort in the sword strike fired by Radey.


    Is that technique imbued with magical power?


    Not just the aura?


    It''s the same combination of aura and magic power as the ''Encounter Sky'' used by Siegfriedgel, the former inferno hero.


    If that''s the case, it makes sense that it can also be used by a hexenbiest...?


    But why?


    As a human, Radhi has no magic factor in her nature, so she can''t even use magic!


    It was passed down to her.


    Gigantomachia says.


    ''Just like you. That''s what she was expected to do, by the One. That''s why she wasn''t welcomed to Valhalla and allowed to be trained in a more special way.''


    Did Radey also inherit the magic factor from someone else?


    ''''During my fight with Sernya-san, I was entrusted with something important by that man. So much.


    Radie holds his sword in his hand.


    Watch me. I''ll use what I''ve inherited from you to open up a new era!

 314-313 Front, expand

    "Vacuum break.


    It''s a special move unleashed by Radey.


    It''s probably the slash aura technique, the "cutting aura" technique, combined with the magic power of wind and the power of vacuum to further strengthen the cutting power.


    It''s a vicious technique that uses the vacuum effect to make the severed surface unregenerable.


    In terms of pure cutting power, it''s even better than my own "Super Empty Sky".


    As I suspected, the combination of magic and aura is a terrifying combination of techniques.


    It''s a bit of a shame that you can''t do it on your own, because you used to have to work with me before.


    Zebiantes says as he drifts through the air.


    They say it''s because I inherited that old man''s magic power, like Sernya. I''ve always been annoyed with you, Radhi, because you''ve always respected that old man, that old man. I''m the one who wants to be the most powerful wind user in her memory. That old man!


    Don''t tell me, old man!


    I''ve never met her until the end, but I know from my own senses that I don''t like being treated like an old man.


    ''''Coincidentally, she became the ''Heir to Hell'' who can use both aura and magic power together, just like you.''''


    Gigantomachia also says.


    ''''No, it could be said that it was a coincidence that courage in the face of difficulties and victory over difficulties drew you in. That''s why the Creator allowed her to be sent to the Hungry Demon Realm to train with the bound Fenrir. This is a far higher treatment than even Aynherill of Valhalla.''''


    So there was a reason for the special treatment.


    Radey.


    While she was missing, she was growing by leaps and bounds under circumstances we could never have imagined.


    She''s the brave one, after all.


    ''''Even so, that girl who was fighting in the starving demon world was bound all over and could hardly move. That''s why even I was able to survive to this day without being eaten to death.


    Radey says, backing away once.


    ''''But now the grapnil is off and she''s completely free. I know what that boy is capable of better than anyone else I''ve trained with. He won''t be able to hold her back for long.


    Don''t worry about it. We''re here for that.


    In order to slay that big wolf with Koresora, you have to understand him better and look for his heavenly destiny.


    And it''s been proven that the Sky Splitting Sphere of Terror doesn''t work.


    Even the Zetsuoh Ryouku, a special move that is one step higher, won''t be the deciding factor.


    If that''s the case.......sometimes it''s good to follow the example of your juniors.


    Koresora is the culmination of my heavenly power and the power of hell that comes from Drismegian.


    It''s a combination of aura and magic power, relying solely on the power of ''hell''.


    ''''Granbaza-sama''s ''Anosu Jiaozo Jiaozo Immanent Flame Hell'' and Arantzill-san''s ''Super Emperor Splitting Sky'' together...''''''


    Swinging the Hermes sword down........


    .........it appeared.


    A giant aura slashing blade covered in black flame.


    It didn''t fail to hit Fenrir''s massive body and the flames spread out to burn his fur.


    The slashing nature of the "Soul Emperor Splitting Sky" also remains, and it continues to slice and dice the giant wolf''s surface while burning it.


    "That persistence is the effect of the ''Anomalous Scorching Heat Uninterrupted Flame Hell''. That is a terrifying aspect of the strongest magic that burns for years until the opponent dies.


    ........Let''s call this technique ''The Sky Splitting with Fire''.


    It''s a dreamy combination of the strongest techniques controlled by the strongest rivals of the past.


    However, this has been proven once again.


    The power of ''Hell'', a combination of magic and aura, could even damage that wolf.


    In this case, even the Demon King''s only approved Extreme Demon Beast could be injured, so it was a form of Drizmegian''s persistence coming to fruition?


    .................This is somewhat disgusting.


    ''''This power is the fruit of Sernya-san''s dying wish!��I was an enemy to that man, but his hope lives on in me!


    .........


    It''s supposed to be the same event, but me and Radie have completely different perceptions.


    Is this what it means to be a brave man.........?


    On the other hand, the wolf who chased the damage that seems to be damage for the first time, grrrl and snarl while inching backwards.


    ''''Have you gotten scared?��You''re a cowardly fellow for a figure, aren''t you?


    ''''That''s what beasts are like. Fenrir, in particular, must be very confused because he rarely gets wounded.''


    That''s how it works.


    However, if the opponent is frightened, he has a chance to convince us.


    They continue to hold the initiative this way.


    ........but........


    What is it?��Is Fenrir acting strangely?


    I thought I saw his fur creeping around...?


    !��What?


    !" It''s just a bunch of stuff coming out of its body!


    Everything in its path, not just one, but hundreds of them, comes out of its body like a swarm of locusts!


    At first I was confused as to what it was, but then I checked it closely and realized.


    It''s a wolf!


    Small size....although it''s still about two times larger than a real wolf. In short, a small Fenrir!


    "The large size has given birth to countless smaller ones!


    "Your replication........simplified!��Isn''t that just like my ability?


    The astonished earth giants are surprised.


    It''s certainly similar to the ability of earth monsters to create countless numbers of themselves from scratch.


    ''''Don''t tell me.......that you copied my ability from my spirit body that I ate?


    Analysis is welcome, but this is not the time to take it easy!


    There are hundreds of small Fenrir bodies that have separated from the main body.


    If they''re outnumbered, they won''t be able to handle it all!


    There are still soldiers of the Demon King''s army and human tribe adventurers around here who were there!


    They could have gotten to you.


    Zebiantes!��That''s when your wind magic comes into play.��Blow it all up together!


    ''There are too many of them in any amount of time!��Uhiiiiiiiiiiiii?!


    She had already generated a tornado and gone on an eradication mission, but she was too outnumbered to make it in time.


    Should we join in on the extermination?


    But if you don''t hit the unit now, you''re going to get weaseled...?


    "What are you doing, Dariel!


    With a voice of scolding, a reeling water stream swallowed the small Fenrir and pushed it away.


    ''''That water magic...?


    I''ll take care of this one!��It seems that if that freaky wolf falls into a small size, the magic will be understood!


    It was Lizet who said that.


    With her signature water magic method, she used her signature water magic method to reap the small Fenrir that attacked her one after another.


    ''''Is your body okay?��Didn''t you get beaten up by me just now?


    Don''t tell me that!


    But if you can''t force a fight...?


    The wounds are minor compared to Bezzeria''s. We can''t rest on our laurels in such an emergency!


    The "Flowing Water Circle Method" shown in the previous battle exploded again.


    The small Fenrirs rushed forward unthinkingly with the stupidity of a beast, and they were easily trapped in the flowing water and were wiped out.


    ''''........This is a battle for the fate of the world, right?''''


    "Huh, well...?


    In more ways than one.


    So you have every reason to fight together across species and affiliations. Dariel, I''ll take care of this. I''m a pretty good shot at getting rid of the dew.


    Lysate...!


    ''I just thought I''d never be able to fight with you again. Let me make the most of this opportunity.


    Until about twenty years ago, that''s what it was like to dive under the gaze with this guy.


    It makes me feel fresh, remembering my younger days.


    ''I''ve got your back, my best friend.''


    Yeah, I''m on it.


    I''ll need you to take care of the Zebiantes, and I need you to work together and destroy the little bastards. It''s more efficient.


    Can you...?


    Even if old friendships are revived, it''s still hard to leave Zebiantes'' talisman in charge, apparently.


    "What?��What do you think of me as a nuisance?��I''m going to show you that I''m a hundred men!


    ''You''re not a good fighter, you''re a failure to take a shot!��Look, two more just got loose!��Realize it''s a meaningless fight if you don''t defeat them all!


    "Then you should have covered it!��Supporting the Four Heavenly Kings is the job of the Demon King''s army, isn''t it!


    You''re not the Fourth Heavenly King anymore!


    I''m sorry, Lizette. I may have put you in charge of the hardest part.


    However, with the help of a friend from yesteryear, I can focus on the main body without being bothered by the sudden increase in small Fenrir!


    ''''Dariel-san, we''ll take the bigger one, little Fenrir!


    Mmm!


    All of us, not just me, are going to fight this world''s crisis.

 315-314 Shitenno wakes up (demon side)

    One of the new Demon King Army''s Four Heavenly Kings, Melis of ''Aniji'', was puzzled.


    She had participated in this time''s exodus, but she hadn''t had any particular scene to speak out and had no presence at all until now.


    But even so.........


    ''What''s happening........?��This.........?


    The war is taking two, three, and even sudden turns far beyond the young woman''s imagination.


    First of all.


    Just as she was about to attack the Mithril Mine, it was a surprise to find that the previous Four Heavenly Kings, Zeviantes, appeared to prevent her from doing so.


    And then the human adventurers appeared to follow him.


    Amidst them, one of the last to appear overwhelmed the Dark General Lyseto with unbelievable strength.


    Rizzeto''s power was roaring throughout the Demon King''s army, so much so that there was a reputation in advance that he would be chosen as the new Four Heavenly Kings.


    That Rizzeto was defeated without even a little bit of stopping, and the current Four Heavenly Kings, Bezelia, who came out after him, were also defeated in succession.


    Just when you thought that was the end of it, the ultimate giant wolf appeared.


    The giants of the earth giants were opposed to it.


    Merisu, who was selected as the Fourth Heavenly King because of her earth magic abilities, understands this.


    The earth giants are nothing like the golems created by magic.


    The only thing she can grasp with her ability is ''I don''t know what it is, but it''s amazing''.


    It was an event beyond comprehension.


    She was still only a student at the academy and was set up by the Four Heavenly Kings as a pawn in the power struggle, and she could only regret being here.


    It wasn''t just her in any way........


    ''''Merisu-chan!��Little Meris!


    Flying in a voice that sounded like it was about to cry was my colleague Siltke, the Four Heavenly Kings ''Breeze''.


    Even though they were seconded to the same academy, he had little contact with her, majoring in wind magic and having a different faculty.


    ''''What in the world am I supposed to do?��We didn''t learn how to deal with this kind of situation in the academy!


    I wanted to say the same thing to Meris.


    With a scream.


    They have no experience in actual battles, and if they were suddenly given command and thrown into actual battles, there was nothing they could do.


    Bezzeria, who should take the lead as the leader of the Four Heavenly Kings, was seriously injured. The experienced Rizzet, the only person who should be his deputy, is also on the front lines and can''t do much more than command.


    The only ones who could organize this army of several thousand demon kings and decide how to get them to act were the ones who were given the title of the Four Heavenly Kings, in spite of their bent.


    ''''What do we do?��What do I do...?


    Meris bites his trembling fingernails.


    Anyway, as a commander, I have to give orders to the confused army to act in a unified manner.


    If you abandon everything and run away here, it would be like throwing away the responsibility of the Four Heavenly Kings.


    However, there are only two actions that can be taken.


    You can either challenge the monster that suddenly appeared with all your forces or you can retreat.


    I don''t understand the situation at all. I can''t afford to lose an entire army in an incomprehensible battle...?


    ''What are you talking about, Meris!


    Then a brave young man jumps in further.


    It was their peer, Gels of the Four Heavenly Kings "Weak Fire".


    ''''There is no such thing as a retreat when General Lyseto is fighting, and you are abandoning him!��We, too, must march resolutely!��We''ll reorganize the chaotic Demon King''s army into an assault formation!


    ''''But who is the enemy...?��Just by looking at that terrifying figure, I''m sure it''s the enemy of all mankind!


    ''''That may be true, but...?''''


    But Meris, who is a theoretical thinker, still can''t go into a fight without grasping the whole story.


    ''''I''m scared!��Let''s get away as soon as possible!


    And Siltke was only horrified.


    The chain of command was completely out of control, and if things continued as they were, the confusion would reach the ends and the entire Demon King''s Army was on the verge of collapse.


    ''''You guys are so unseemly!


    Meris was sincerely startled by the voice she heard.


    Because it sounded familiar.


    ''''Ah, you are...?


    ''''Is it the role of the Four Heavenly Kings to be on the front line of battle, left and right? Don''t hesitate, don''t be afraid, and don''t be afraid to make up your mind. The person at the top should be as steady as the earth. Only then can the soldiers be kept in check.


    "...Mr. Droyer?��"Lord Droyer of the Fertile Ground?


    Droyer, who was the Fourth Heavenly King of the Earth a generation before Mellis.


    He was called "The Fertile Ground".


    The former Four Heavenly Kings had a bad reputation, and were accused of being incompetent, selfish and evil.


    Without her, the former Four Heavenly Kings would have fallen apart at a much earlier stage.


    Even though she was such an accomplished person, she was ousted from her position as the Four Heavenly Kings after being blamed for the heroic attack last year.


    He had been missing ever since.....


    ''''Master Droyer!��How did you get here?��Where the hell have you been all this time?


    Good to see you, Meris. I didn''t know you were the man to replace me.


    Droyer was also seconded from the Academy to the Demon King''s Army and became the Fourth Heavenly King, so he was acquainted with Meris.


    The relationship between the two is stronger than that of Zeviantes and Siltke, and they are junior to their seniors.


    "This is the Droyer of the Iwo Jima.


    ''''The only one who was said to be sane in the previous Four Heavenly Kings...''''


    Both Schiltke and Gers braced themselves for the sudden appearance of their predecessors.


    I''m just amazed at the abomination that is you guys. It''s a shame that you can''t make a decision in the middle of a real battle. If this was a real mass battle, the enemy would rush in during that time and that would be the end of it.


    What do you mean?��You''re an incompetent predecessor!


    ''You need to calm down, Gels!��This person was one of the better incompetent predecessors!


    Siltke is stopped by the furious Gers.


    The newborn Four Heavenly Kings, who have nothing but bravado, are still only in the rough with talent.


    He must have read that immediately. Or he switched to arguing in the middle of the battle as useless.......


    ''''Anyway, now it''s time to deal with the battle. We have a general idea of the situation through the wind transmissions from Zebiantes.


    Sister Zeviantes?


    The frontline soldiers are already fighting the little Fenrir and his friends at their own discretion. You can''t blame them. I''m sure you''ll be able to find out more about this.


    That''s why we have to fight with everyone here.


    The soldiers of the Demon King''s army are experienced and can fight more than enough without being commanded to do so, but they can still fight more reliably if they work together with precise instructions.


    "Meris, send the Demon King''s soldiers back.


    ''''Ha!''''


    The instruction Droyer gave was an unexpected order to retreat.


    ''''That''s reckless, Droyer-sama!��It''s complete chaos right now. If we show our backs to these wolves, they''ll be easy prey for...?


    "I''m not worried about that, because we have someone to protect them.


    It was then that Meris finally noticed.


    The strong warriors lined up behind Droyer.


    It''s the adventurer''s reinforcements from Lax village with me. I''m sure you''ll be able to find a way to make it work. This is the best way to bring out the strengths of both sides.


    ''''Why is Master Droyer leading the human race...?


    Meris had no way of knowing that Droyer had been working as a secretary under Dariel for the past few years.


    Because of this, he has formed a deep bond with the human race, and when the village chief is absent, he can take over for them and carry out his work.


    It''s a good thing that Droyer has more experience than the Four Heavenly Kings and his command and decision-making abilities are incomparable to those of his time.


    ''''The reinforcements will proceed with haste and join the advance party!��Join forces and deal with the monster!��Forward!


    Receiving Droyer''s instructions, the newly arrived adventurers proceeded.


    Since they came with normal means of transportation, their size was incomparable to that of the advance party, which was in a hurry.


    ''''Take command of the front line, Gashita-dono!


    I got it!��The adventurers in Lax Village are well-equipped for group warfare, too!


    We''ll be walking to this point with no breaks. I know it''s going to be physically demanding, but I''m counting on you.


    It''s easy to see that this is a critical moment for you. Don''t worry, the adventurers in Laxx Village don''t have any bad training to be out of breath like this!


    Anyway, the veteran adventurer Gacita marched in, pushing the adventurers of Lax Village.


    With that alone, the battlefield grew as hot as hot coals.


    ''Come on, you guys!��I''m about to show you how terrifying it is to be an adventurer in Lax Village!��We have a village chief on the front lines!��I can''t let you see that embarrassment!


    " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " "


    "I''ll feed you to the serpent if you mess up!��All of you fight to the death!


    With just the support of Gashita, who had become a heroic warrior of the past, the strength of the entire army increased at once.


    ''''Well, it''s now or never. I''m not going to be able to get to the bottom of it. We''ll be ready for a simultaneous cover fire. Now it''s your turn to help the adventurers.


    Master Droyer, but...


    Meris, come on, you need to realize what kind of fight you''re in. What kind of fight we''re in now...


    Droyer says with a gleam in his eyes that is appropriate to his wisdom.


    ''''The human race and the demon race join forces as a group to fight. This is the first ever battle between the human race and the demon race. Do everything in your power to decorate this proud battle with victory!

 316-315 One sword, sneak away in the sky

    Mr. Dariel, stay back...!


    In the midst of the battle, it seems that changes have begun to occur in the background.


    I can see that Radey is buoyant.


    ''I hear Gacita and Droyer have arrived.


    The Gigantomachia bought us quite a bit of time in the fight with Fenrir.


    Reinforcements are arriving as well.


    ''''With the increase in the number of adventurers, our close combat capabilities have increased. If we fortify the vanguard with adventurers and the rear guard with the mages of the Demon King''s army, we will have a much thicker formation than ever before.


    "A battle between humans and demons...��I can''t believe I''m seeing this...!


    Radey is impressed.


    That''s understandable, but if you''re not careful, you''ll be thrust down in one fell swoop.


    The most frightening part of this battle is the main body, Fenrir.


    No matter how miraculously created a mixed formation of humans and demons, if he charged in himself, he would be annihilated in the blink of an eye.


    It''s safe to say that the two of us are still the backbone of this war.


    But....!


    How long is this fight going to go on?


    Although I have been hitting him with my longest strike many times since a while ago, I can''t see a single sign of a fatal wound on Fenrir.


    It''s good to know that you can only inflict hand wounds with an attack that combines magic power and aura, though.


    The wounds that can even be carved into it are shallow, and moreover, they are being blocked up as you look at them by his overwhelming regenerative abilities!


    ''''d*mn it, ''Koreku'' is still...!


    It''s not working.


    I can''t see his destiny.


    I don''t know what he''s been born for!


    "d*mn, is that enough...?


    It''s time for you to be physically fit and ready to go, but you''ve got plenty of energy to keep going.


    I''m sure the training has paid off.


    It''s a good idea to have a good idea of what you''re looking for.


    However, it''s not infinite.


    If this situation continues, the first to run out of stamina is going to be me and Reedy.


    "I''m old enough to know how much longer I can last...!


    The giant wolf roars.


    It really looks like it''s going to devour everything in this world.


    We can''t let this kind of monster go free.


    That''s where.........


    ''''True and awesome Goryoku!''''


    A powerful hammer strike struck Fenrir in the side.


    Who will use this technique........?


    ''''Zester!''''


    Muracho, we''re here to help!


    The one who showed up was the hammer-wielding Grade A adventurer, Zester!


    He''s now the most powerful adventurer in the village of Lax, and he''s the greatest adventurer in the village of Lax, but I guess he came to support us, too!


    ''''Always in the wrong place at the wrong time!��That''s because the commotion would occur when it was out on a quest. But we made it to late reinforcements!��Now is the time to take my hammer to the village!


    I appreciate the enthusiasm, but would you back off and take on the little Fenrir if you can?


    Besides me and Radey, the burden is too much for Fenrir''s main body to win........


    ''''That''s not the only thing that can help you!


    What?


    The sharp edges of the blades flying in from the sky.


    ''''Dragon Fang Falcon Claw flying strike!


    A spear strike thrusting down headfirst strikes Fenrir.


    It''s a good idea to be able to have a good time.


    "Sesha-san!


    "And me!


    Satome came out with a shield.


    "Not only Sesha-san, but Satome too?��Why?��Aren''t you in another part of the world, hiding in the Chamber of Commerce?


    The Chamberlain, Litges, sensed that the situation was even more chaotic than he''d imagined and rushed over here!��Where is he?��I''d like to drag him home with me if I could, along with all the incriminating evidence of wrongdoing!


    He''s dead around here...


    ''''Around!''''


    Too many tremendous things had happened, and I didn''t care about his death or anything else.


    It''s no use, it''s his humanity.


    I''ll leave the small things for later.


    ''''That''s right!��More importantly, Mr. Radey!��Be well!


    Long time no see, Satome.


    Radie, who had been training in the Hungry Demon Realm all her life, had been lost to the world... or was already considered dead.


    However, there were those who continued to believe in her survival.


    That was the party members who had shared life and death adventures with the hero.


    "Brave Lord.......I''m sorry I couldn''t accompany you at that time due to my disappointment......!


    Mr. Sesha...!


    While my friends are happy to see me again, I am working extra hard.


    However, we have trained our minds while you were away, that we have. Now....!��Once again we are in the battle line of the heroes...!


    I won''t let you be alone again!


    "Come on, hero, give the word!��We will fight again under your command!


    Brave party reunited!


    Hey wait a minute, get out of there, dog!��Because now they''re an emotional scene!


    You''re going to have to fight me some more!


    No, thank you.


    ""Eeeeeeeeee!"


    It was Radey who kicked off the dedication of his friends.


    ''''It''s nice to see everyone again, but I can''t let you guys hurt Fenrir-chan with your offensive methods!��Please meet up with Gacita, Zebi and the others to deal with Little Fenrir!


    But now that we''re together again...!


    ''The fight is no longer contained to our party size!��It''s a battle for the survival of mankind!��Let''s each fight to be useful!


    What a calm and collected judgment on Radey''s part...


    His training has made him mentally tougher than ever.


    Each person here has their own role to play....


    I''m going to keep standing where I belong.


    Demon Wolf Fenrir, what is your role?


    What is your role?


    Where do you keep holding on?


    If you can see that, that would be your true destiny.


    Are you also born to destroy the Demon King?


    Is that what you were born to do?


    No, no.


    There is no such thing as a natural order for someone to destroy someone else.


    Because everyone who is born into this world must exist in order to create something new.


    Like so many others in the offensive and defense that is now being waged on this battlefield.


    The Rizzet.


    The Gacita.


    The Zebiantes.


    The Droyer.


    Mr. Bestfred and the knockers.


    The young Four Heavenly Kings.


    Radie and his friends.


    And Bezellia, who was deeply wounded and is now wandering between life and death.


    They are aware of what they have to do and are doing what they have to do to the best of their ability.


    To make this world a better place.


    If only it could be called a calling.


    That monster beast should have one too.


    It''s a good reason to be in this world.


    I''m sure it''s a good reason to call it a destiny.


    "GAHHHHHH!


    The dirt giant pounced on him and strangled the massive body of Fenrir in a feather-light choke hold.


    ''''Now, strike as hard as you can while I hold Fenrir back!


    ''''Gigant Makia-san!''''


    The demonic beasts belonging to that earth are also trying to do what they have to do for this world.


    I''m beginning to understand somehow.


    What does it mean that the heavenly destiny I have to slay with this sword.


    Grandpa Smith.........


    You are the old man who made up this Hermes sword and died pockmarked when he made it up.


    Was your natural destiny to forge this sword?


    How satisfying it would be to be able to do the job you were meant to do!


    With the sword, which is your natural destiny itself....


    I will discern my heavenly path.


    The sword by heaven......


    I swung that sword at the demon wolf.

 317-316 Dariel gives a sandwich

    My swinging blade struck the Demon Wolf Fenrir directly on the tip of his nose.


    However, that moment was enveloped in white light and no one would have been able to witness it.


    Even I myself, who slashed at it, could not.


    Eventually, when the light subsided and I was able to see everything, there was a strange sight to behold.


    ''''Fenrir....isn''t there?''''


    Not just the main body, but even the little ones that split off from it...?


    The scene was so strange and obvious.


    Fenrir, which had been spreading like a karmic disease as the scourge of the world, now left no trace of its existence, to the point where it seemed as if its existence had been a lie all along.


    ''''We won...?


    ''''Those wolves are dead?


    We won!��We''ve won!


    The Demon King''s Army soldiers and adventurers, who have been fighting desperately without knowing why, are overflowing with joy from the sense of relief that they have escaped the crisis anyway.


    Normally they are friend and foe, but they even embrace each other regardless of their differences.


    But what happened to Fenrir in the end?


    Did my ultimate sword really make him disappear?


    No, no.


    I walked up to the site where I fought a fierce battle with Fenrir''s body where everything was blown away and became a wilderness.


    ''''What is this...?


    The first thing there was the gigantic body of Gigantomachia that was holding Fenrir back until just before he was about to strike the "Koresora".


    His own earthen giant body did not have a single scratch on it.


    And another one at its feet.


    An unfamiliar object was lying on the ground.


    I''m sure you''ll be able to find a lot of people who are interested in this kind of thing.


    Yes, it''s not an object, but a creature with a will of its own.


    It raised its trembling snout and let out a woof.


    It was a tiny little furry body.


    ''''Is this...?


    Radie and the others who came up with me look down at it and roll their eyes.


    A dog..., a puppy!


    "He''s so cute!


    Many women are immediately struck by the child-like loveliness of the beast.


    "Why is there a puppy here?��How is this possible...?


    That''s Fenrir.


    This puppy is the end of the polar beast that brought this world to an end just now.


    My ultimate sword has transformed him into this shape.


    My Ultimate Sword ''Koresora''. So this is the meaning of its effect, ''slaying heavenly destiny''.


    He would cut the distorted destiny, take out the frayed pieces, and return it to its original, straight form.


    If it is too distorted, it can only disappear with the distorted destiny.


    Just like that Drismegian.


    But it seems that this Fenrir was able to accept the correction of the distortions and start anew.


    So that''s how big his existence was.


    ''''Kyaaaaaah!��It''s a cute, cute, cute thing!��Pick him up!��You''re rubbing your cheeks!��Owwww!��He''s been bitten!


    The idiot is overreacting, but that''s beside the point.


    It''s just like a power that cuts through time and space.... This is the village chief''s secret sword, that it is.


    I don''t know the whole story myself, though.


    If you think of it in the manner of the Demon King, it''s the heavenly equivalent of the Drismegian of ''Hell'' and Fenrir of ''Hungry Demon''.


    It''s not that he ever wanted the fate of destroying the world. This guy is going to pursue what he wants in this form.


    Over there, Zebiantes is crawling around after being bitten by a still puppy-like Fenrir.


    Well, that''s good enough for me.


    The village chief. I have something for you, from your wife.


    What''s that, Droyer?


    A sandwich. It''s been a long time since I went out, so I figured you''d be hungry...


    Thank goodness for that.


    Indeed, it''s been a few hours since I rushed to this place. I''ve been moving around a lot and I''m hungry.


    My beloved wife''s lunch for me. I really appreciate Marika''s consideration.


    But should I say this at this time?


    But then, there was some guy who reacted to the bento more than I did.


    It was Fenrir''s.


    He was taking a bite out of a Zebiantes, but then he let go of his mouth and came running over to me.


    And then, he''d baw-baw-baw and scream.


    "Whoa!��What the hell?


    He''s coming at me with his paws raised wide.


    This is definitely the one.


    That''s what they want, the sandwich.


    You''re not going to eat it?��This?


    "Bow!


    Good answer.


    But you''ve got to be kidding me.


    Why would I share the lunch my wife prepared for me with a dog?


    ''''Fenrir-chan used to share the food that Zebi-chan sent to me during my training. He must have had a taste for it.


    ''It was always your mum''s cooking for me!


    I don''t know anything about that?


    I didn''t know that at all.


    That''s how she learned that you are such a good cook.


    Your sandwiches are the best in the world!


    While we''re talking about such futility, Fenrir the puppy is still super clinging to me for a sandwich.


    He''s trying to claw his way up my pants, but stop, it hurts.


    ''Yeah, okay, okay. I''ll share one of them with you. Just one piece, okay?


    Bau.


    You''re a good guy.


    ''The d*mn dog liked meat better than vegetables! All you have to do is give him a ham sandwich!


    Don''t be a picky eater and eat your vegetables.


    But, since this is your request, I''ll give you a ham sandwich.


    Here, eat.


    He ate it.


    It looks like he''s going to bite off the whole wrist.


    But you are a dog that eats with such gusto.


    I''d give her another piece, but I''ll take that as a yes.


    I''m obligated to eat all of this lunch since my wife made it for me!


    ''''........So, Dariel-san. What on earth am I supposed to do with this?


    What is this?


    No, I mean...?


    I know.


    You got to get rid of this little Fenrir guy, right?


    I''m sure this doggy didn''t want the world to end.


    What he wanted was to eat a lot of good food.


    I''m sure every dog in the world wants this equally.


    Who gave this guy, who only has such a modest desire, the power to destroy the world?


    Without getting caught up in such things, this guy should just look for and devour something delicious from now on.


    ''''........Well then, let''s go home.


    I pick up Fenrir the puppy.


    ''What?��Are you going to take that boy home with you?


    Of course you do. Or do we just leave him here?


    A little puppy.


    "Ugh?


    You can''t!��It''s such a lovely thing to do!


    Isn''t it?


    Before that, no matter how cute the puppy is now, it''s still a hexenbiest who could wipe out the world.


    They couldn''t be left alone.


    With the collapse of the Mithril mine, Bestfred and the knockers can''t stay here. They will be evacuated to the village of Lux, even if only temporarily.


    Hey, we''ve got to go!


    The frolicking knockers.


    And..........


    ''''Let''s have Gigantomachia-san come too. You can come, right?


    I mean, I won''t let him get away.


    As it turns out that Mithril can be dug up thanks to this person, it''s our own survival that he has to leave us.


    If this was Salamandra, I would have sprinkled salt on him and chased him away, but this blessed demonic beast must definitely be under our thumb.

 318-317 God leaves (main god side)

    The Lord God Ozin, the Demon King, watched the course of the battle until the end.


    Then, after he had witnessed everything, he said


    ''''That''s not fair, Dariel-kun...''''


    Even Fenrir''s heavenly destiny was unraveled and he was given the life he wanted again.


    ''This is the power of ''heaven. The power to affirm that you can live the way you want to live. If only you could use this power on me.


    Even gods cannot escape their heavenly destiny.


    And the Lord God, Odin, after tens of thousands of years of existence, still does not know clearly what his heavenly destiny is.


    He creates someone beyond himself in his world.


    He is a god who has pursued that goal, but now he is not sure if it is the right thing to do.


    With the emergence of something beyond his own assumptions, including Dariel.


    He had always thought that those who were beyond God were synonymous with those who would kill him.


    But there are plenty of other ways to surpass God, aren''t there?


    As Dariel just showed us.


    ''Is it possible that to go beyond God is to open up a world of one''s own that God has never before imagined?''


    At least now, Dariel effortlessly repelled the ordeal that had become God''s own.


    If even the doomsday device that was supposed to be his last resort, the Extreme Demon Beast Fenrir, was disabled, then the only way for the gods to harass him any longer was to turn to their own enemies of humanity.


    ''''That''s not quite right.


    God doesn''t want to destroy the world.


    He wants to be destroyed.


    He believes that the world beyond the Creator''s intentions will begin when he kills it and then destroys it.


    But finally, Dariel, the doer of this new world, has appeared, and he is trying to give form to this new world, as if God did not exist in the beginning, regardless of his existence.


    The rituals of the creation of the new century, which seemed absolutely inevitable, have been brushed aside as a matter of course.


    Or is that what it means to ''surpass God''?


    Maybe I really have no more use for it...


    The world that Dariel is going to create is a world that does not need God.


    Wouldn''t God''s abiding presence on earth be a detriment to man?


    Is there a man for God?��Is there a God for people?��...I think I''ve got my answer.


    Either way, God''s presence was only a hindrance to a world that began to turn without the need for him.


    The actor whose role was over would only leave the stage promptly.


    The being called the Demon King, whose body gradually became transparent.........


    ........eventually disappeared completely.


    No one was there to witness that moment.


    From now on, the place that will never again be called the ''Demon King''s Room'' was wrapped in nothing but silence.


    From now on, this world....


    The one called the Demon King and the one called God........


    .........never again appeared in this world.

 319-318 Dariel decides

    Back in Lax Village, the Fenrir that I brought back was a big hit with the children.


    ''Wow!��Dog dog dog ughhhhhhhhh!


    My son, Gran, was very excited too.


    "Doggie, doggie, doggie, doggie!��Womp, womp, womp!��Fenyah!


    My daughter, Celica, was so happy that she forgot to speak human language.


    ''Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho!


    ''Gubebe bebebe bebebe!


    "Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!


    ''Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!''


    The joy is becoming more and more unusual.


    Children especially love animals, don''t they? And because of that, they''re relentless in their biting, which is hard on animals.


    I hope Fenrir the puppy doesn''t go bald from the stress of being bitten so much.


    And so Fenrir has become our family dog.


    Our brave dog, Radey, is back, no longer missing, and the world will be moving on.


    However, the shocking news that could not be any more shocking arrived around the time when I was well rested and recovered from the fatigue of the Fenrir battle.


    The Demon King is gone?


    The one who came to tell you the news was Lizet herself.


    It''s only been a few days since the commotion at the Mithril mine, and since Bezelia can''t recover in such a short period of time, this guy must be very busy.


    The fact that they came to inform us of this means that they''re quite confused as well.


    The fact that they''ve disappeared without anyone noticing is a sign of their confusion. The entire army of the Demon King has searched everywhere, but they couldn''t find it. It''s as if they were nowhere to be found...


    Come to think of it, Gran has been looking lonely lately, but....


    Disguised as a boy not much older than he is, he became Gran''s friend, and the Demon Lord, who was playing with him, is also not seen anymore.


    Well, I thought that since it was that person, he would stop coming on a whim and come again when he''s in the mood....


    Something was closing in on me.


    I realized instantly.


    I knew instantly that he was no longer in this world.


    And he will never appear in this world again.


    For some reason, I instantly understood.


    ''''Anyway, I''ll mobilize all of the Demon King''s army to continue the search, but in any case, the Demon King is a symbol to the demon race. Under him, the demon race will be gathered and stabilized. I don''t know what kind of chaos will ensue if the Demon King''s absence is known!


    Lizet was in a hurry, like this guy always was.


    They had gone back and forth to the point where it looked like they were going to be insulated at one point, but it was good to see them back to their former friendship.


    ''Dariel, will you cooperate?��Information control and the search for the Demon Lord. If you are on the side of human territory, we can''t help you.......!


    No....


    He says quietly, trying to control his frustrated Lizete.


    ''''Perhaps the Demon King-sama has left this world. I doubt he''ll ever come back.''''


    Oh no...?


    This world has passed the point where it is protected by a god and stabilized. We who live in this world must decide what to do with it ourselves.


    I think God has recognized that we have the strength to do so.


    That''s why he was able to leave this world that he had come to rely on.


    ''''Oh no..., even if you say that, I don''t know what I''m going to do now...!


    Lizette is confused.


    Is it because of my friend that he readily believed what I said on this occasion?


    But the bewilderment that envelops him is the bewilderment that is about to befall all of humanity.


    There is no longer a god in this world to rule and guide us, and humanity must decide on its own path by its own will.


    The world has been warped and misshapen in order to make God''s wishes come true.


    That warp remains unadjusted, and the task of correcting it must be fulfilled by us.


    ...leaving us with a lot of homework to do.


    Anyway, all I know is that Lisette is going to be very busy. It''s going to be a lot busier from now on.


    "Isn''t it enough to keep you busy?��Until now, he''s ruled over the demons and all of mankind including the humans, hasn''t he, Demon Lord?��The loss of that demon king would be like losing a major pillar of power!��Unprecedented havoc...?


    Rizzet is right.


    The mansion, which has lost its biggest pillar, will not be able to support itself and will collapse.


    And a new house will have to be built on top of it.


    A house big enough for the people who live here on earth to live in comfort and security.


    I also have a promise to Bezelia. The fact that the Demon Lord has stepped down is also proof that he has given his approval to the world he is trying to achieve.


    He said that he would eliminate the conflict between the human race and the demon race.


    If such an ideal is completed, then the Demon King''s hope that ''he who surpasses himself will defeat him'' will never be fulfilled.


    Knowing this, he was forced to choose between crushing our hopes and abandoning his own, and gave us priority over him.


    He ended up behaving like a god in the end.


    But that is why we, the people who have been entrusted with this world, have to make sure that we create this world by ourselves.


    Then what should we do...?��How do we stabilize ourselves in this world where there is no more demon king.......?


    I am completely depressed and only seek my opinion from me, Lizet.


    It''s important to make sure that you have a good idea of what you want to do with it, but it''s also important to reveal the idea to this old friend who is a good friend of yours first.


    ''''First of all, it would be important to reconcile the human race and the demon race.


    ''That''s what Bezelia was talking about...?


    Originally, the human race and the demon race were one and the same species, and the system was created by the Lord God Ohjin, who claimed to be the Demon King, in order to raise human beings that surpassed him.


    He divided the one race into two and had them compete with each other to train each other.


    But after God''s departure, this system of friendly competition is no longer necessary in this world.


    We got rid of the false boundaries. Let''s aim to develop together as one race again.


    But the human race and the demon race have been hostile to each other for hundreds of years now.��Is it really that easy to reconcile?��Even if I could, how should I treat them?��How can two forces that are meant to fight each other stop doing that and recognize each other?


    It''s true that Rizzet is right.


    The current human race and the demon race have interests in fighting each other, so it''s impossible to stop fighting.


    Even after the demon king''s departure, they will continue to have a warped structure to protect their interests.


    If this is the case, they will fail the Demon King, who trusted them with the world and stepped aside.


    "It would be better to destroy the old structure, to smash it down to the ground.


    What?


    We''ll build a new structure on top of that.


    We must be prepared to live together without separation of earthly mankind, to be stable, and to deal appropriately with any trouble that may arise in the future, even if it happens.


    ''We will build a new kingdom.''


    What?


    A kingdom where people will leave the protection of God and operate on their own judgment and effort.


    With the current demon territory and human territory, which is based on the premise of incorporating a large presence called the Demon King, it''s impossible to continue in the same way even now that the Demon King has left.


    That''s why we have to break the old system and build a new one for once.


    ''''For that, we must build a kingdom.


    Create a new one.


    In any form. Whoever is many.


    To live healthily in this world God has entrusted to us.

 320-319 Founding history, spell

    Let''s talk about what happens next.


    I''m planning to establish a new kingdom, and I''ve decided to gather as many powerful people as I can from different forces to talk about my plans.


    I''ve decided to gather as many powerful people as I could to talk about my plans, and I''ve tried to get their support.


    Lizet from the Demon Tribe territory as the Dark General. Bezelia also attended with an injury that had yet to be fully healed.


    All the other young Four Heavenly Kings were also unexpectedly present.


    From the human tribe, the President of the Center Guild, who was also a relative, and his brother-in-law Stanville, who was being lobbied for by that person.


    Mr. Best Fred was also present as a talented person from the Center Guild.


    In addition, two people from the Rasperda Fortress, which is under construction, Granberza-sama Arantzill, also came to the event.


    They were regretful that they couldn''t participate in the fierce battle the other day, but as expected of them, they were already old enough to know better, so they didn''t want us to do anything reckless.


    And so, they had gathered enough people to talk about their future prospects.


    The disappearance of the Demon King that was discussed there, as well as the identity of the one who was called the Demon King.


    This was a shocking fact for the human race as well, but the remaining members of the group had to discuss the state of this world after the Demon King''s departure.


    I presented my plan to build a new kingdom that I had been preparing for some time.


    Many people were surprised and confused, but in the end they agreed with me.


    This society has always revolved around the Demon King.


    Now that the Demon King is out of the picture, a new center is needed to keep the world running.


    A new king will be chosen from the humans to replace the Demon King.


    Speaking of suitable candidates, Granberza-sama or Arantziel-san, who has already made great achievements.


    Or Radey, who is a young but active hero and has both aura magic factors.


    ''''The new king will come from one of these........''''


    ""Dariel and the decision is made."


    Hmm?


    I don''t know why, but before I knew it, I was proposed to the king.


    I only suggested it, and I didn''t remember saying I would be the one to do it.


    Anyway, with the Demon King''s departure, the entire world was thrust into chaos.


    The Demon King''s army, whose mission was to protect the Demon King, was also in turmoil.


    There was also the Center Guild, whose goal was to defeat the Demon King.


    While we were in the midst of losing our reason for existence and being in great turmoil, we declared our independence of Lux Village as one autonomous region.


    We have come forward as a force that does not belong to human territory, let alone demon territory.


    Our village has a roaring amount of wealth that we have gained from the trade of Mithril so far, and the residents gathered under the richness of the village.


    And there were adventurers who had been thoroughly trained.


    In addition, the majority of the Demon King''s army, including Lizet, joined up and huddled together, creating the first group of human demons in the history of mankind that was jointly formed.


    With enough size, wealth, and strength to form an autonomous group, we were able to make the people around us fully recognize our existence.


    Of course, there were those who didn''t....


    The representatives of these were the old forces.


    In order to protect their own prosperity, the people who have been wielding power in human and demon territory will not allow a new power to rise to power.


    Even so, we were still able to secure the supply of mithril by surrounding the Gigantomachia, and we had a monopoly on their processing technology.


    Because of these strengths, the old power could not easily be trifled with, and the surrounding villages would come to join us for protection.


    Even though the battle between humans and demons is over, self-defense is still a necessity in this monster-infested world, and relying on a larger force for safety is a necessity.


    The Center Guild, which was drowning in power, was about to lose such practical skills, and the collapse of the Center Guild accelerated when the President of the Center Guild, who was performing his duties diligently, solemnly withdrew from the guild and joined me, his relatives.


    On the demon tribe side, the entire Demon King''s Army, the actual work force, huddled in Lux Village.


    This was the result of the top brass, the Four Heavenly Kings and Lizete, agreeing with me, but the demon tribe also has its own power-hungry clientele, and the lack of personnel to move their own limbs is a fatal problem for them.


    In the meantime, a few years passed, and some forces emerged to imitate us and become independent.


    The leadership of the Center Guild completely collapsed, and from there, we entered an era of chaos of rivalry.


    Even so, we in the village of Lax... or rather, our forces, which had already come to be known as the Lax Independent Autonomous Region at that time, had always been in a position where we were head and shoulders above the rest, thanks to our monopoly on Mithril products and our self-defense capabilities that combined both human and demonic abilities.


    They were a process of seeking a unified peace, but sadly, we sometimes had to fight to continue down that path.


    The independent forces that followed us would attack and annex others in order to expand.


    Sometimes we had to fight fierce group battles to protect ourselves from those trapped in hegemony.


    And yet we always won without exception.


    The aura of humans and the magic of the demons.


    It''s a good thing that you''re able to get the most out of this project.


    Beside the power structure that was being repainted over and over again, the Center Guild, which only thought about trying to preserve its past prosperity, slowly declined and quietly disappeared without anyone noticing.


    This is the same with the other old power, the one that boasted of its former prominence in the demon territory was a magical research institute called the Academy, but it was still unable to keep up with the changes of the times and shrank with time.


    Of course, not everything was smooth.


    There were several times when the Lax Independent Autonomous Region, which seemed to have no enemies in a row, was in danger of losing its existence.


    One of the fiercest battles was the attack of Hydra, a water monster beast.


    The last of the four monsters had never had a chance to meet, but they suddenly attacked and tried to swallow the entire district with a huge flood.


    All the mages managed to dam up the water flow, and the adventurers managed to repel it with a group battle.


    We later found out that the reason why the water demon beasts began to see us as enemies was because the Academy of the Demon Territory had spread a lie to them.


    As soon as we cleared the misunderstanding with the water demon beasts, we crushed the last barely remaining academy stronghold, and the old power of the demon race disappeared without a single piece of it.


    There was also a new development.


    Another world that was ruled by the Demon Lord. The couple of Decarion and Pilar, who came from Eden, one of the worlds, were a human and a demon, but they loved each other beyond the differences between their races and became a couple.


    They were the ones who had been put to death by the Demon Lord for that reason and had their souls sealed in the other world.


    They husband and wife, a law that fused their respective magical power and aura factors by loving each other.


    ........In other words, they were aiming for the same thing as the Drismegians.


    The d*mned couple had come to complete their own truth and offer it to the earth, late to the Lord of Hell, Drismegian.


    After having this, the children born to the man and woman who were once called the Demon Race Human Race would be born with both the magical and aura factors from the beginning.


    What was once one human race was split into two for the convenience of the gods, and then became one again.


    If they were separated by ten generations, the blood of the human race and the demon race would completely mix and become indistinguishable.


    Although it didn''t help in overthrowing the Demon Lord, which was the fundamental purpose of their being sealed in the other world, the couple left the world, more than satisfied with the fact that they were able to contribute to the new world.


    And the extreme.


    From Valhalla, one of the other worlds also bequeathed to them by the Demon Lord, Aynheriyal, a powerful man from the past, over tens of thousands of people, attacked them.


    They have trained to defeat the gods, but they have lost their purpose when the gods have left.


    They set their sights on a new target on earth to wield their power.


    The war against the battle ghosts, which would later be called "Ragnarok", became the final war that would conclude the chaotic swarm.


    By that time, the children of the new couple, who were united beyond the boundaries of the old demon race and the old human race, were already of the current generation...


    Before the activation of the fusion of the magic aura, it was sufficiently capable of competing with the thousands of years of forging of the Aynheriyal thousands of years.


    The four demonic beasts that had come to share their intentions at the end of the long-lasting war also joined the battle lines.......


    All the ghosts trapped in battle were able to fulfill their true intentions, which was to continue to fight until they disappeared.


    This war also has the effect of uniting the existing forces in a crisis that threatens the very existence of humanity.


    Humanity had no choice but to unite as one against Ragnarok, and at the center of this unity was the largest force in the world, the Independent Autonomous Region of Lux.


    By surviving the Final War, all of humanity would be united under the Autonomous Region of Lux, where the entire world would be united and the Kingdom of Lux would be founded.


    By then, I was old and no longer able to lead everyone in the lead.


    My body was beginning to creak in many places and my energy was waning.


    In place of me, the first king of the Lax Kingdom took the throne.


    My eldest son, Gran, was enthroned as the first king of the Lax Kingdom in place of me.


    My son, who changed his name as an adult and took part of his name from his other grandfather and called himself Granziel, became a true standard-bearer for a new generation.


    As my son, Granziel inherited only his aura ability, but he is still the best in the world.


    He participated in every battle during his time in the Autonomous Region, maximizing his battle results and gaining the trust of his friends.


    He even married a woman from the demon tribe, raised a family of his own, and even showed me his grandchildren''s faces.


    He has become a true leader of mankind.


    Forty years after the Demon King''s disappearance, Granziel declares the founding of the Lux Kingdom and his own accession to the throne.


    I watched with satisfaction as he did so.


    Along with many other people.


    My work has been and will continue to be passed on to my sons and daughters without a hitch.


    My work is done.


    I have done my part, and those who come after me will take over whatever is left to be done.


    What could possibly be so satisfying at the end of a man''s life?


    My work will be out of my hands and history will be made from here on out.

 321-epilogue

    And...


    I died.


    And from what I''ve analyzed, it would seem so.


    Dariel was 78 years old.


    He died right after witnessing the founding of the Kingdom of Lux, the vision for which I had devoted my life.


    I''ve caused my sons unnecessary trouble.


    The day after the auspicious day of the founding of the country, a funeral for my father?


    I''m sorry to have caused you such a disappointment.


    So..., what is it?


    Granziel is going to posthumously name me a king?


    My father, Dariel, was appointed the first king of the LUX Kingdom, and he would govern himself as the second king.


    By doing so, he''ll inherit all of my accomplishments and use them to lead the nation.


    Gran has become a lot more thoughtful.


    In the past, he was just a child who acted on instinct....


    ...seventy-eight years old, huh?


    Well, you''ve lived a long time.


    It was a fruitful life with many things.


    Will I be able to meet Granbaza-sama, Alanziel-san and your father-in-law, who passed away before him, here?


    Bezzeria and Lizet have passed away rather early as well.


    I wish Maleeka would have stayed on a little longer...


    Well, it''s turned out the way I''ve been expecting it to for a while now.


    As for my wife and I, we thought that I would die before she did.


    Perhaps the happiest thing in my life was that she took care of me and died.


    I was thinking that I could go on without any regrets, so all that was left was to annihilate myself in peace.......


    ''''Yo.''''


    "Whoa!


    I met some old faces.


    I would have been happy to see Granbaza-sama and Aranziel-san who had departed before me.


    The reunion after they died was not such a happy one.


    ''''Demon King-sama!


    Nonnon-non-none, I discarded that role as soon as I left the earth. I''m not going to be the only one. I''m just a guardian of this world.


    Really.........?


    Wow, how many decades has it been?��Has it been since this person himself left the earth?


    I thought we''d never see each other again alive........no, it''s not a problem.


    I''m already dead!


    If we''re reunited after I''m dead, then I''m out of the scope of my life!


    ........or rather, the fact that I met the Demon Lord again after I died means that this is the afterlife, right?


    It''s just as useless as it was before you were born, isn''t it, after death?


    "There''s even a weird one living there...


    "What''s the weird thing?��Watching over people from a place they can''t reach alive is a very God-like behavior, isn''t it?��Isn''t this what you want me to do for you?


    Yes, sir.


    You are absolutely right.


    Thank you so much, God, for stepping back and laying out your own territory for the sake of the humans.


    ''''Demon king.......or is this how God always greets dead humans?


    ''You don''t think that thousands of people die out every day?��Even a natural death is quite something. They can''t handle it.''


    ''''Is that how it is...?


    Still, if it''s an omniscient and omnipotent god, I feel like he''d be able to break through the time limit and do something about it.


    But the reason why he came all the way to meet my soul in such a situation is because he wanted to confirm his vow before his death.


    ''''........God, did you see the light?''''


    Oh, well.


    "Have we created a world of our own that we can carve out for ourselves?


    This One left the earth because we decided to go on by our own power.


    God left the earth because man decided that the world didn''t need God''s intervention.


    Then the world we built after that must fit God''s glasses.


    ''Well, that''s fine, isn''t it?��We''re a society of people governing people.''


    So...?


    Well done, Dariel. You''ve surpassed this god in ways he never would have imagined. In ways he never imagined. You''ve ushered in a new phase of this world.


    I''m honestly glad to hear that.


    I''ve dedicated my life to the founding of the Lax Kingdom, and I believed that it would lead to the happiness of the people of the entire world.


    I was recognized by the Divine One and felt rewarded again.


    ''Thank you. Now I too can head down to my predecessors without a care in the world.''''


    Neither Lady Granberza nor Mr. Aranziel would stay in a place like this, if they had to.


    Valhalla, or hell, for that matter.


    Such a soul''s provisional first.


    In order to get to the true destination of my soul, I would have completely disappeared without leaving anything behind in this world.


    I also annihilated to get there....


    ''That''s about it, though.''


    "Yes?


    Consciousness that was on the verge of extinction is pulled back by the gods.


    The truth is, there''s something I want to propose to you before you die out completely. That''s why I came all the way down here to see you.


    "What do you propose to me?


    "The thing is, Dariel...


    God smiled the same mischievous smile as before....


    ''''Would you like to play God too?

 322-Afterword

    "The Slow Second Life of a Fired Dark Soldier in His 30s


    This is the end of it.


    Thank you very much for following me this far.


    I started this work with the idea of trying out the popular "outcasting thing" myself, and it''s been well received, and I''ve managed to make it into a book and a comic.


    It''s difficult to expand the story further because of the dilemma of "banished characters," or perhaps it''s just that I took revenge on the person I banished, and after some trial and error, I''ve decided to end the story with a clean break, and that''s all there is to it.


    This is the end of Dariel''s troubles in the web novel, but the comic version, which is currently being serialized, is scheduled to continue, so if you''d like to read it, please support me!


    Once again, thank you so much for reading this far.


    I look forward to seeing you again with a new piece!