Sousetsuka

643 Ceiling

Well now that I inspected closely, I couldn't find a single suspicious spot on the ceiling.
Of course. It's supposed to be hidden after all, can't have it be out in the open.
Anything obvious must be either a fake or a trap.
And even if I find a path, I gotta make sure it's the real one.

(Now then, let's get this done. Here you go! There! Whoopsie! Hnng!)

I picked up handy looking debris and kept throwing them at the ceiling.
In Accelerated State of course. The moments those debris got off my hands, they stopped mid air. They should sink in the ceiling right after I undo Acceleration.
The spot that comes off should be the hidden corridor.
Then the core must be deeper inside.

(Alright, think that about covers all? Time to undo Acceleration... or maybe, not so fast.)

I'd likely get crushed under the falling ceiling if I did that.
As such, I retreated to the entrance of this room before undoing Acceleration.

I forgot to close my ears. The ceiling wreckage fell down the ground virtually all at the same time.
The loud booming sound assaulted my ears. I yelped 'Hie!' and crouched down reflexively.

It was over soon, and I timidly looked up. I saw a spot where the ceiling is holey.

"Oh, guess that means I was right on the money? But man, I'd hate it if it was a fake to lull me into a false sense of security and lead me to a sea of traps."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
I don't want to deal with that kind of attraction.

Also, looking again, the hole is going straight above endlessly. I'm not climbing that.
It's so tall I could barely make out the debris I threw stuck in the ceiling of the hidden room at the very end.
The only silver lining is the glimpse of blue glow which indicates the existence of the core there.

"Ah, how do I go about this? Scale it? How? The hole walls don't even look grab-able by hands."

I'm seriously stumped here. How do I even get up there without an elevator.

"...Ah, guess I gotta do that. But... Yeah, it'll work. Alright, guess I'll give it a try. But what if I failed? Don't think I'd... die. But man, it's gonna be a huge pain, a real huge pain."

I'm mulling over executing a certain plan I had in mind.
Leaving this place without doing that plan is a bit, then again the labor that plan demands is way too much.

"Eeei! I've come this far! Tough it up! Gotta tough it up! Why the heck do I even gotta tough up here!?"

I'm under no obligation to get this desperate. I might have poked my nose into this mess myself, but it's not like this duty falls squarely on me.
Yet, I've made the decision already. I'll never get over it if I don't see this through the end.

"Dammit! Have I always been like this? Saving people...? Nah, it's because I wanna. That's right, I'm not doing this for other. I do this because I don't want to have a lingering regret in the future."

I forcibly convinced myself as I made my way back to the maze above.

Previous Chapter

Last Chance

『Haa!』

"Uiyyy!?"


Demon King activated 'Qi Impact', sending out a shockwave all around him.
This ability allows even ordinary Combat Job blow their opponents away with a strong impact. Used by Demon King and his sky high Attributes, most everything hit by it will get turned into a minced meat.

I got blown and crashed on the wall, stuck there due to the sheer impact.
Not good, I must, move my--


『【Evil Laser】』


A super thick black beam shot out of Demon King's finger... The heck is even a black beam, that's contradictory.
The floor it grazed immediately disintegrated. I would instantly die if that hit me.
It's sliding on surface like it's homing in on me. Half a second until direct hit.

I struck myself with my pile bunker, evasive action!!


"Goha! ...That was close!"


The wall I was stuck on disintegrated.
Seeing that finally made me aware how close I was to death.


『Dodged that, did you. You would have had it easier if you did not.』

"You go ahead and die then, easy right!"

『I am not making a sarcasm. Dying merely means being reborn anew. Even if you cannot inherit memory like I did. Knowing the existence of the afterlife alone must come as a relief, is it not?』

"Screw that to hell and back! You've only got one try in life! You're someone else when you're reborn with your old soul! Like hell I'm gonna give up living this life to head for the next like you (Souma Ryuta), dumbarse!!"


Even that Lava Dragon I fought in the dungeon enjoyed life with everything it had even for a few minutes, it never gave up. It never placed an expectation on the afterlife.
Those who think they have another chance next time are the type that immediately gives up in their next life.
...Ah, my bad, Neora-kun. You're an exception okay. Don't cry on me now. Seriously, sorry.

I gotta forget debating, and think about our situation instead.

Demon King will instantly heal himself with magic no matter how much I damage him.
He'd likely die before he could heal himself if we just aim for his weakness on his forehead, but he's got that perfectly locked down.
Attacks on any other body parts are meaningless. Attacks on his weak point get blocked without fail. The hell you're supposed to do.

I've used up half of my energy. Don't got a lot of potions on me.
Damaging Demon King with my base specs is pretty much impossible. I gotta keep buffing my Attributes to ten times their base.

In contrast, Demon King's HP, MP, SP are all full.
He can constantly go at full power without any limit.


My chance of victory is slim to none. But it's not completely nil.
Besides, I can't afford any other outcome, I have to win this.


I mobilized all my dim-witted brain cells toward coming up with a plan.
All while listening to the opinions of the other four inside me.


『Here, the next one. Try and overcome it.』

"Shut uuup!!"


I kept wracking my brain while cutting down and absorbing magic, farslashes et al with my katana, repelling them with mana control and crushing them with greathammer.
All of it went down in the span of ten seconds, yet it felt like forever.

I may be able to restore my life force and mana with Alma's sword but I can't do that to my energy, the one that matters.
It keeps decreasing by the second from warding off the assault.

There's no time to hesitate.
I'm gonna run out of energy if I don't act soon.


Only Alma was strongly against the plan I came up with because it's 'risky for me', but I can't think up of any other way to defeat Demon King.
I pushed down the opposition and executed the plan.


I discharged part of my mana and converted all of it into 'light energy'.
The entirety of the vast Demon King Chamber turned bright white as if the sun manifested here.

I exhaled all the air in my lungs and screamed as loud as I could.


"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!"

『Nu...!』


A blinding light and a deafening sound. It should only work for a brief moment against Demon King's eyes and ears, but it worked.
I rushed toward his head and swung down my great hammer.


『A petty trick. And, too light.』

"Kuuuuuh...!!"


Demon King easily stopped my greathammer while sounding disappointed.


『Judging from your feebleness. You must lack the strength to buff yourself further, no? ...Yield now.』

"Gahabaaa!!"


He swatted me like a fly with his palm.
That alone dealt a huge damage on me right now. My HP buffer went down to zero and my entire body felt like it was torn apart.

I crashed on the floor with my limbs bent in unnatural directions.
Blood seeped out of my mouth, I couldn't even lift a finger anymore.


『Now, die.』


He raised his leg in order to trample me down.
I could tell he was solely focusing on me, nothing else mattered.



Decoy plan went well.


『Ga, ha...!?』

"Uaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!"


A blade of light poked out of Demon King's mouth.
The beauty, I mean Hero-kun in his fused form with me excluded stabbed Demon King from the back with a combo of Extended Mana Blade and Magic Sword.


I was to be a decoy while the other members in their fused form went for Demon King's weak point by using up all of our remaining energy in one single magic sword attack.
The plan carries a considerable high risk, but nothing else crossed my mind.


"Drop, deaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad!!!"

『Gugiyiiiiiiiii!!』


Hero-kun further activated Mana Blade Gale in an attempt to cut Demon King in half.
In response, Demon King gritted his teeth while putting on the most desperate look he showed yet.


『Giiiiiiiiiiigaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!』

"Uaaaaaaaaaaa!!?"


Demon King activated Qi Impact as he shouted, blowing Hero-kun away.
He then shot out a volley of Mana Fist Farpunch at the blown Hero-kun.


『Die! Die, alreadyy!!』

"Agaa!! Ugugagagaaaaaa!"


After taking on nearly ten punches, Hero-kun fell down the ground listlessly.
A few seconds later, their Fusion came undone, leaving four bodies there.

W, we failed...!


『Haa, haa, haa...! Well, done...! Had the stabbing point ever so slightly veered, it would have been your victory...』


Demon King healed his wounds while breathing heavily.
We let our last chance slip by our hands.

We've used up all our energy, there's no closing the gap in our Attributes now.
We have no more options left to defeat Demon King.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

So, what.


『! You would still move.』

"I ain't, moving. I made, myself move."


I forcefully fixed my limbs and made them move with Mana Control.
I can't feel anything but pain. My motor functions have mostly died. I'm not sure if I can even breathe right without using Mana Control.


『...A willpower truly worth a commendation. However, you are now left with nothing.』

"..."

『It is over for you. The end of the road. You have no more means to fight.』


Shut up, be quiet.
I know all that. You bastard don't hafta point that out.


『However, I shall show you my utmost respect. You may go on to the afterlife with nary a suffering.』


Demon King cast an offensive spell.
A black big sphere shot out of his palm, coming toward me.


『You shall disappear the instant that touches you. Die in peace.』


Having no way to stop or dodge it, I could only blankly stare at the incoming sphere.
Nevertheless, I cannot give up. If I do, this world will... Alma, will.


"...Hika...Ru...."


I heard a frail voice in the direction of the four.
She's still alive. She can be saved still.

But she's, gonna die, at this rate.


Alma, dying. That's the one thing I will never compromise on...!!



"Kajikawa-san!!"

"Braat!! Chickeen!! We gonna stop that even if it killed uuus!!!"

『CLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!』


I heard familiar voices just before the sphere hit me.


"Wha...!?"


Reina, Hiyoko and Aizawa-kun are facing off against the sphere in front of me.
Did they come all the way here with Shadow Dive...!?


Aizawa-kun and Hiyoko use Master Skill while Reina has her dagger to stop and absorb the sphere's mana.
The sphere halted for a moment before moving again. It must contain too much energy for them to stop.


"【Attachment - Offensive Mode】 aaaa!!!"


Aizawa-kun shouted that with his sword at the ready.
The sphere is disappearing before my eyes.

Is that his sword's ability? I believe it boosts Master Skill's effect by altering his Attribute values.


"Oy, drink this! Don't you dare die on us!"

"Radia, kun...?"

"It's a recovery potion! You're injured all over! Quick, drink it or you're gonna die!"


Radia-kun who must have come with them pushed a potion vial in my mouth.
I managed to somehow ingest the liquid washing inside my mouth.

I controlled my restored HP to heal my wounds.
That afforded me to move on my own somehow.


『Your, allies are they... What a futile struggle.』

"I-i-it's not futile at all! D-doesn't matter how scary you turn yourself into, Kajikawa-san is still way scarier!"

『Cluuck! Cluuck!!』

"...Uh, don't you think that's a weird comparison to make...?"


Reina and Hiyoko spoke up against Demon King despite looking obviously scared. Don't bring me up in there.
Can't really complain after getting my arse saved though.


『It is futile. Your arrival will change nothing at all!』


Demon King punched the ground.


"Uwaaaaaa!!?"

『Cluuuuuuck!!』

"Ga,aaaaa!!?"


He produced this shockwave without the use of a single Skill, just a punch to the ground.
All of them got blown away before colliding into the walls.

None of them died, yet they all suffered grievous injuries.

No, that's not it.


I can, still, move.


『It is time, for you, to go.』


Demon King gave another ultimatum before walking up to me.
A few seconds, till, he kills me.


Please.


I won't ask for help.

Neither will I ask for a cheap power up conveniently awakening in the middle of a struggle.


I only wish for an advice to beat the crap out of Demon King and go back home with everyone...!!






≪.....・.....≫


!


A familiar blue screen blipped in front of my eyes for a very brief instant.


M, Menu, san?


<<...Demon King・...・...・・・...Subduing...Method..・....Searching.....>>


It's full of noise, but it is the Menu Screen alright.


<<・・..・・..Match found・...■・...・・...Subduing possible...・...・..・..>>


!!?
Subduing, possible!? You're telling me we still have a chance!?

What is that method!?

<<・・・・●・・・・../..・■・..・・・・..・>>


The noise worsened.
Is it getting forced into Hibernation again!?


Please! Do your best! Tell me, how!


Pssh, the screen vanished alongside that sound.
Menu has gone into Hibernation before it could tell me.

D, dammit, dammit! I know there's a way but what!
Just a bit more, just a little bit more...!!


『It appears you held a conversation with your Menu. To no avail as it turned out, I see.』


As I groaned while listening to Demon King


I noticed something has been left behind on the floor in front of me.


This, is...?

Previous Chapter 

Foul Play Cheating Rule Breaking

"'Chtuga'! Burn down all those demons!"


The giant of flame I summoned with Advanced Spirit Magic turned the demons into charcoal one after another.
I might end up destroying the town ahead of the demons if I'm not careful with friendly fire.


"Fmph! Ha! Zeiaaa!!"


Duke is acting uncharacteristically serious for once.
He's dual wielding his trusty sword and a dagger to better deal with crowd of enemies.

I wonder when was the last time I saw him with those.
A single sword is apparently better in a one-on-one duel so he never whipped it out against Demon King.
That was his style back in the day whenever he jumped into a swarm of magic beasts. It's kind of taking me back.


"Eat dirt, humans! 'Mana Blade Downpour'!"

"'Mountain Splitter'!"


Sword-wielding demons didn't want to lose and unleashed their Master Skills.
A heavy downpour of mana slashes and a giant slash of mana are coming at us.
Ordinary Combat Job holders can't possibly stand up against these.

What a sloppy way of fighting.


"Naive."

"Wha!?"

"aat!?"


Duke ran past the raining mana slashes and cut the giant mana slash apart with his dual swords.
That's a piece of cake for us. Might be trouble if we were caught in an ambush.
One surprised demon had its throat pierced by a dagger while the other got its chest stabbed through by a sword.


"Kah...! It, cannot be...!"

"Randomly dissing out flashy moves just because you've learned them is a sign of third rate. Start over from the basics, foolish demons."


Duke pulled his sword and dagger from the unmoving demons and got ready for next.
...I use plenty of flashy moves like Spirit Magic and all but I don't do it randomly, so I'm safe.


"Guh...! How many of us have been done in, just by these two...!?"

"Cool it! They can't possibly last forever against our number! Do not let up until they've used up all their strength!"


They keep coming at us endlessly no matter how many of their friends we killed.
...Oh dear, having to fight a group of Special Job holder-class opponents with no end in sight does get me a bit sweatier than usual.


"Duke, are you holding up okay?"

"Not gonna lie, it's getting tiring. I'd still take this over fighting Demon King though."

"And our cute little girl is doing her best against that Demon King up there..."

"She's surely, no, definitely gonna do just fine. She's our daughter after all."

"Not to mention our ever reliable in law supporting her, ufufu."

"...I've yet to give him my blessing. He gotta snatch a win over me if he wants my daughter."

"He's already much stronger than us though~."


I have to welcome them once they're back home.
I'm sure they'd be all worn out, have to be ready with warm meals.
Can't have us looking tired if we want that.


"Chaaaaaarge!"


Hundreds of demons are marching towards us.
Nobody but us two could possibly stand up against this.
...I wonder how will we last.


"Let's see how fare you against this many, humans!?"

"Lunati, how long can you keep it up? I can go on day in and out for half a month."

"Oh I'm not good. I don't think I can last more than a week. Ah, I hope I could hold out until Demon King is dead."

"...Wha?"


The demons flinched when they heard our chat.
Their faces scream, 'Are they seriously saying that?'


"Let's keep going now, shall we. Fufufu."

"You lot aren't even worth a warming up. Ufufu, ufufufufufu..."

"D, d, do not, falter! Get theeeem!!"


We won't let them break the home Alma-chan is coming back to.
She still have to get a taste of happiness as a bride, the whole lots of them.
Besides--


"Mwu, Lunati, why are you holding your belly. Are you injured?"

"...Not at all, I'm feeling the greatest in fact. Ufufufu."

"...?"





She's going to be onee-chan soon.



<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >



~~~~~~~~~~Hero-turned Kajikawa's POV~~~~~~~~







I push my katana on Demon King's body before hitting its back with my great hammer, combining sharpness with weight.
Ordinary katanas would have gotten bent by this but this one's indestructible, all good.

I'm doing this to counter Demon King's body trait of being elastic yet sturdy and it seems to be doing great. I've managed to create a deep gash on it.
The arm I cut is loosely hanging yet his face looks perfectly composed.


『I believe nobody else in this world wield both a katana and a great hammer at once.』

"I'mma take your right arm next."


Aiming straight for his vital at the forehead seems like a tall order so the plan is to crush all of his limbs first.
Can't believe it consumes half of the energy buff I got from Aizawa-kun's group just to get an arm.

But at the pace this is going, I should manage to destroy his vital point with my own energy buff.
Thanks to Alma sword's mana draining trait being fused with Hero's Katana, I've barely used up a sliver of my mana either.
I put all my focus on evading his attacks so my HP is pretty much unscathed as well.

...No, I dunno if it's just me but I feel like Demon King has been slacking up with his barrage of attacks.
Is he pulling punches, or is he still in a wait and see mode?
But how can he stay calm after losing an arm?

...It's eerie.
What's he got in mind anyway.


"Shiiaa!!"

『...Fumu.』


I struck my katana with the great hammer once again and added more propulsion by bursting the Combustion Engine.
That managed to cut off his right arm. He's lost both now.
Yet, Demon King still keeps his default dour look.


....
That attack used up all the energy I got from Aizawa-kun's group.
I immediately buffed myself back with my own energy and went for the leg.


『Hmph!』

"Nuoooooo!!"


Demon King trampled down with his leg to assault me with shockwaves and floor splinters.
Can't believe this castle is staying intact. That thought crossed my mind when suddenly the scenery in front of me became a wide open area!?

The room itself seems to have changed structurally. It's more spacious than the castle looks outside. 
Maybe some sort of Space Magic. Guess that means no meltdowns will destroy this castle.


I protected myself from the flying pebbles with mana armor and hid myself in the cloud dust before swinging my great hammer at the right leg.
A furious strike at the knee. Humans would have lost their knee down if they were hit by this.


『...!』

"Gotyaaaaaaaaa!!"


I flew straight for his face and attacked!
I let out a barrage of pile bunkers on top of great hammer and katana to deal with his Blocking!
Doesn't matter how good he is at it, there's no way he can manage to defend against this high density barrage!


"Dieeeeeeeee!!!"

『...Hmph.』


Demon King is smiling like he's at peace as I've got right in front of his face.
...Has he given up? Or maybe just maybe, is he losing on purpose--


『Have you had enough?』


...Eh?


Something stopped my attack just before my pile bunkers landed on Demon King's face.
This something repelled my great hammer, katana and all of my piles.


The right arm that I cut earlier stopped my attack.
H, how did his right arm grow back...!?


『Haa!!』

"Gugaa!!?"


Demon King's fist made a clean hit on my body while I blanked out for a brief moment.
Not the right arm, it was his left fist.
He's gotten both his arms back...!!

I got blown away and crashed on the wall. I could tell my HP saw a drastic decrease.


『Did you know? All previous Demon Lords gradually weakened every time the heroes returned from death to challenge them.』

"What, are you...!?"

『The reason for that being Demon Lords and their inability to recover themselves, originally. They do not possess magic or Skills to that ends, nor will taking potions have an effect. That is to say, their HP kept decreasing until their eventual defeat while heroes were afforded with unlimited retries... However--』


Light glowed on the leg I crushed earlier before it returned to normalcy. 
That, can't be...


『I am the reincarnated form of a hero. Souma Ryuta was highly trained in Healing Magic, capable of even restoring missing limbs. And I inherit that ability flawlessly. Hence, losing limbs means nothing to me.』

"What, the..."

『Ordinarily, a continuous and unimpeded usage of such powerful Healing Magic shall consume your mana in its entirety. However, those who bear the Title 'Demon King' consume not their mana.』


I recalled what Black Dragon said to me at this point


【No matter how great your power is, there is no winning against 'Unlimited'.】


He was referring to Demon King's unlimited MP and SP on top of his ability to heal his HP...!!


『It appears you have grown weary. Allow me to get serious.』

"You, gosh, darned cheating Demon Kiiing!!"


Screw that! How the heck am I supposed to win this!
The last boss being able to use full heal is the one cardinal sin you must not do... Uh, I guess that kind of last bosses do exist. Like a certain famous RPG 2 or something.
He'll block me if I go for his vital. He can regrew missing limbs.

To top it all off, I don't have much energy left.
Lost a lot of HP from that attack as well. The few potions I've got left won't do much.

How, what, how do I even defeat this cheating Demon King...!?

As I was panicking inwardly trying to figure out the path to victory, I recalled the word Black Dragon left behind.


【'Unlimited' is by no means 'Invincible'. The most trivial thing might very well be Demon King's weakness.】


That's the vaguest piece of advice I've ever heard! I bet that stupid lizard just made crap up!

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter 

642 Springing, Fluttering About

It's one thing if the core is hidden somewhere in this room. But I'd throw in the towel if it were located someplace else in this dungeon.

"Psychologically speaking, you'd rather keep something that important close to yourself. I have no idea how that guy's mindset works though so the possibility of it being hidden in another spot is not zero."

Finding the thing would be an ordeal if so.

I mulled it over for about five minutes. Then I noticed how dumb it is to even worry.
I might as well start working my way with this room.

"I'll dig up all the walls here first thing first. I'm not gonna leave it be anyway. Might as well look in every nooks and crannies till I find the thing."

The idea of asking for help never crossed my mind.
Normally, the more manpower helping the faster you'd find something.
But my head was full of that 'Happy Time' on my way here so that idea just never manifested.
I would have come up with it if I only I cleared my head, but I spent a long time in Accelerated State to defeat Dyulden as well. It's inevitable.
I never managed to collect my thoughts back.

And thus the theater of destruction begins. The walls in this room are gradually crumbling down. They're mostly five meter thick.
I went straight to digging after entering Acceleration.

(A hidden door should be pretty sturdy, it's gotta be camouflaged to look indestructible.)
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
My effort would be for naught if it was the 'transport by a magic circle' type like you often see in fantasy work.
But I'm not stopping. Whenever I destroy a portion of wall and find there's no more, I move on to the section next to it. I got too much into this repetition.

Eventually the room became almost twice as large than it was initially. Yet, I couldn't find any hidden path.

(Could it be, like you know? Guy was hiding it in a blind spot... The ceiling perhaps?)

That line of thinking should naturally bring you to the ceiling.
People don't tend to focus their attention upward. Up or down, anything that's not in front of their vision easily gets ignored.

(Alright! Let's try the ceiling next! But how do I reach it, my jump won't be high enough.)

I undid Accelerated State for now. Which prompted the wreckage I had set aside to start shooting off randomly in all directions.
I shoved aside all the sections I dug out without thinking, so there is no order in their trajectories.

"Oh craaaaaaaap! Uoo! Uoo! Uoo! Oooooo!?"

I shoved the wall I dug backward when I was digging a straight path in the upper floor but the wreckage flying here kept hitting each other and changed trajectories which added to the chaos.

I really had to sweat until the chaos subsided.

"T-thought I was a goner there... I was about to get offed by my own doing, an incredibly stupid one at that...?"

My body may be monstrously strong but I never want to test how far can it take.
I don't want to get hurt. It's probably never happening all my life.
Luckily, none of the flying wreckage hit me. It wouldn't be a laughing matter if a random debris hit a vital spot and killed me. Like, seriously.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter 

Final Battle

...........


I could tell the Fusion was done once the light enveloping me subsided.


『Oaa!!』


The black barrier covering Demon King broke apart at the same time.
Revealing his Final Form in all its glory with a grand shout.


Put in one word, it's a giant.
The metal and porcelain-like matter covering his whole body has a luster to it with black patterns all over it.
It looks hard at a glance but considering it's pulsing along with the muscles, it seems to be a form of elastic skin.

His elbows and knees have got sharp thorn-like things protruding on them.
Each of those thorns must possess enough attack power that far outstrips the best Unique Magic Beast's equipment.

His stature easily exceeds 20 meters.
'Cthuga' Spirit that serves Alma Mama may be bigger, but the presences he exudes is in a whole other dimension.
Demon King would easily decimate Cthuga in seconds.

A super heavyweight, super sized, simple and offense-oriented design.
You might think it lacks that last bit of sinister oomph for being a last boss, but try standing right in front of this thing, I bet you'd struggle to stand faced with its pressure.


The Demon King's original face is buried on its forehead.
That's the weak point huh... How am I even supposed to land a hit there.


The large mouth of demon king's head where the small face is buried flapped open. 


『...Now then, I have kept you waiting. I beg your pardon.』

"I don't need your apologies. Gimme your head on a platter."

『That I cannot comply. For it is your head that shall be severed.』


We're both probing each other's strength while hurling sarcasms.
Our fight has long since started. The slightest let up would bear a dire consequence.


『I ask thou.』


Perhaps he's starting with a feint by throwing a question.


"What is it."





『Where has Hero, gone to?』


....

Eh, what is he even saying.

His word prompted me to check on myself for the first time after fusion.


It's the same eye level, nothing feels off.
My clothes changed from looking adventurer-like to a business suit. What the heck.
Nothing seems amiss besides the sudden suit.

Hold it, hold up. All of us did fuse. I'm sure of it.
But my gender hasn't changed, I probably look the same as usual too. What's going on.


『...It matters not. Die.』


Demon King's fist was right before my eyes not a moment after he uttered that.
Fast!? I couldn't see him moving at a--


"...Eh?"


My body reflexively moved away before the fist hit me.
I didn't even realize I had already drawn the katana on my waist and slashed at the fist while dodging the attack.
I never swung a katana in my life before yet it felt so natural in my hands like I've been at it for decades. 


『...I suppose it shan't be quite simple.』


Demon King murmured like he foresaw this.
Uh yeah go on and get it on your own when the person in question himself is full of questions.


...Could it be that Kajikawa Hikaru has become the fusion's base form? And without my appearance changing in the least at that.
As I tried to cool my head off, I sensed the feelings and consciousness of Hero-kun, Alma and the girls inside.

Is it because my body is not that of this world's human, so the Fusion ended up incomplete and their Status gets added to my buffer Status instead?
That hypothesis is kinda pushing it but I can't think of any other explanations considering our situation now.


"T, thank goodness...!"

『...What makes you put that look as if you have narrowly overcome death.』

"Well y'see, I really don't want to turn into a woman which would be the case had Neora-kun been the base. Just so we're clear here, I absolutely am not a misogynist, but getting turned into one myself is a bit..."

『....』
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

Demon King is glaring at me like he can't believe it.
It's a grave problem for me you know.


"I've got a suit on somehow but asides from that, all good. Praise be."

『What are you relieved about.』

"...If by any chance that frilly dress stayed on, do you really want to have a front row look at a spare old man unit wearing that dress in all its glory?"

『I shall deny it with my all.』


Even Demon King frowned at the though of that nightmarish sight.
Hmm, this suit is so easy to move around despite how it looks. I don't feel restricted at all.
I can tell it's real sturdy too. It's soft yet I can't see it ever tearing off. How'd that even work?


『To think that you took over the hero as the fusion base. I do not believe such a case has ever occurred in all history... Truly you are incorrigible.』

"I'm just as surprised y'know. Haa, it's good that I don't get to be a woman but having to deal with this mess myself instead of pushing it all on Neora-kun is a pain."


...Ah, I can sense Neora-kun protesting in my mind.
'Why aren't you a woman, that's unfair!' or something. Don't ask me.

Leviara isn't keen on having to fuse with me.
'...Why does it have to be with this monster.' Stop that, you're gonna make me cry.

Olivie is as anxious as she is gritting her best to support Neora-kun.
'No matter what, no matter who I'm up against. I'll give it my all for my dear Neora-san.'
This girl sure got the guts... It makes me look like I'm peeking at someone else love affair. It's not a good feeling.


And, Alma.
...I almost regret fusing now.

It's the worst.

The worst.

I should have conveyed my feelings to her sooner if I knew I'd end up peeking at hers.


『Please don't worry about it. I can sense how you feel as well, Hikaru.』


It's as if I could hear her say that without a voice.
That was probably Alma's thought.
...Ah, crap it's the final battle and here I am feeling both embarrassed and happy, aah, no, aaaahh!!


"It's all your fault you stupid demon king!! I'mma beat you up!"

『...You appear to harbor a misplaced anger toward me, but it is you that shall meet your end.』


He clapped at me like he was trying to flatten a mosquito.
PAAN, a huge shockwave that could easily kill 20-30 people spread out along with that loud booming sound.


It was super easy to dodge though.


『...!』

"Raaa!!"


I went straight to Mana Flight from my jump to dodge the clap, heading for Demon King's weakness (probably) on the forehead.
I cut at Demon King's head with an iai slash while simultaneously striking it with my great hammer via Remote Mana Control.


Two shrill metallic sounds resounded just before they hit, repelling both my katana and great hammer.


...That pseudo-blocking again huh.
Guess I can't expect to hit his weak point willy-nilly.


After moving around a tad, I see that I seem to have gained the effects of Hero's Brave Skills.
I can finally use Skills too, or so I thought before I found out there was no particularly flashy move I could use.

By the way, 'Skills', 'Master Skills' and 'Unique Skill', Gravity Magic from Alma's accessory are all apparently gone.
As it looks like, ※Unobtainable※ still works its magic on every Skills besides Brave Skills... I was kinda hoping for it too.

Brave Skill is probably an exception to avoid the paradox of 'Fused via Valorous Fusion, but Valorous Fusion is unusable.'
Or maybe they're treated as a different category from ordinary Skills or something.


！


『Haaa...!!』


Bird shaped flames showed up all around Demon King as he growled.
A type of Offensive Magic huh... I can tell each and every one of those is loaded with much much higher firepower than Alma Mama's Advanced Magic.


『Hmph!』


Those flaming birds flapped their wings and flew toward me as if they had wills.
They're fast, hard to predict and I also have to deal with Demon King himself.


All the better though!


I folded open giant hands made of mana cushion and grabbed the birds with them.


"Guoooooooo!!"

『Wha...』


I threw them all back at Demon King while he was dumbfounded!
Fuhahahaha! Fool, half-baked Offensive Magic Spells are easy pickings for me!

The flaming birds landed on Demon King, but it didn't seem to do a thing.
His skin got some burn marks but I can tell it's fine inwardly.
Even though the floors and walls where those birds landed melted.

I couldn't have thrown back Offensive Magic that powerful if it were me before the fusion. It's a simple matter now.
I've got the fused boosted stats of Hero's Party Members and all the buffs from Aizawa-kun's Energy Control. It's just a dizzying amount.
My Attribute values are probably around 200,000 right now. Same with Demon King I bet.

I'm smaller which means more maneuverable.
Meanwhile, even though a lot of attacks don't work well on Demon King due to his sheer size, stuff like air resistance must make him slightly slower.
It's very slight yet enough to be a decisive factor to give me the upper hands in mobility.


But that doesn't change the fact that I'm still at a disadvantage.
The moment the buffs I got from Aizawa-kun's group end, my defeat is all but assured.
I don't have unlimited mana or stamina either. No replenishing them either since I can't use Item Screen. I've only got a few vials of Recovery Potions on hand.

Meanwhile, Demon King can use stamina and mana without limit thanks to his Title.
His body is paradoxically sturdy and elastic. Both my katana and great hammer don't work as well.
To top it off, attacks on his vital get blocked and nullified with extreme precision.

It's an opponent I'd have to take my time on yet that's the one thing I must avoid.
A protracted battle would only put me in a bad spot.
It's a crappy game where Demon King has access to unlimited resource while I've got very little.
It's gonna be a real pain in the arse trying to find an opening to land a decisive strike on his forehead.


...But, it feels like I've overlooked something important.
Not just one, around two at that. Maybe due to all my boosted Attributes, my intuition, the ghost in my head is whispering me that.
Something hopeless. Something something overturn.

...Menu-san could have told me what if only it were here.

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter 

641 What To Do? What Do?

(What have I done... Well, whatever, I guess?)

I have to take care of this thing if I want to keep going anyways. I'm just doing it sooner.
Another question pops up in my mind. How many times have I hit this giant boss's chin?

I have never hit the same place for so many times in Accelerated State before.
I can't imagine how will it end, and this Dyulden Second Form is pretty tough.
No telling how much tougher he is compared to ordinary men. You can't really tell someone's endurance without testing it firsthand.
Yet I'm sure the end result won't be less even against a monster like this thing. I shiver at the the possible outcome of someone eating this many hit.

I'm afraid of undoing Acceleration. But I can't progress if I don't.
I steeled my resolve and undid Acceleration.

The scene was straight out of a nightmare.
His neck instantly twisted off and spun high into the air.
Then it stopped mid-air before it immediately, BAM!, popped off.
The leg I used as a foothold broke into pieces and the arm I one-two punched crumbled down.
Having lost its support, the gigantic body fell down with a loud thud.

"The expression he had when the head stopped was like... 'Ugeeeh'... It looked so gross."

I'm sure he couldn't understand why he was suddenly spinning or how he died.
I feel bad for doing something so cruel. Yet I don't regret it.
Just gotta be careful next time.

"Ah, figured that killed him off for good. They're starting to vanish."

Dyulden's body turned translucent as it crumbled down into blue light particles.
Same goes with pieces of his organs that got splattered everywhere.
It looks beautiful especially after that grotesque showing.

"Ah, right, this doesn't solve everything yet. What to do about... The dungeon core?"
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
The most important thing had slipped my mind. That is how to take care of the Dungeon Core.

I can't opt to just leave it alone.
Best thing to do is to take Dungeon Core out and let the dungeon collapses on itself but that's gonna draw all the attentions to me. I don't want that.

I alone went in the dungeon, beat the Dungeon Master and took the Dungeon Core out even though I'm not an adventurer.

I can't even imagine how much problem would that cause. One thing for sure though, nobody else has ever done the feat.
There will be no stopping the news from traveling far and wide, which includes my existence. Rumors about Griffon have probably spread, but I don't want to bolster that further.

What do then?


"...Destroy it I guess? But then, this dungeon will self destruct, no? I'd probably get caught in it if I don't get away right after..."
This space will turn into nothing. Me included if I'm still inside.

"Ah, but I do posses the 'Power' to avoid that."

After realizing that, I come face to face with another snag.

"So, where is he hiding the room that houses the Dungeon Core?"

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter 

Do You Have the Resolve

This chapter starts from Hero's POV

After leaving Floor 21 behind, we Fast Traveled away from some really familiar looking ruins.
I wanted to go straight to Demon King's Castle but we couldn't get to the chamber. Probably because Demon King is there.

As I was wondering what to do, I noticed Alma and the others standing by near the castle.
I had put Markings on Alma and Reina beforehand to prepare for them joining my party so I can Fast Travel to them anytime.
...I see, that's why he suggested me to add them. He foresaw this far ahead. But then, can't it just be Alma?


"Uh, isn't it cause you hate the idea of letting a man join as the final member?"

"Besides, the last person is currently higher leveled than Neora-san, so he must have purposely lied to avoid Neora-san rushing it..."


...Yup. If I were to be honest, I still can't get over having an all girl party.
But we really can't afford that right now though we still have to do something about our level difference. Really.

<<A certain Feature becomes available once he reached Lv90. I believe he was aiming for that.>>

You're telling me that feature can solve the issue with level difference?

<<In all likelihood yes. That man has amassed an absurd amount of Resource after all. It's as if he defeated the last boss of a world or something...>>

What was he doing on Floor 21 anyway...
Well whatever, we gotta join up with Alma quick.



I teleported next to Alma where she was waiting with several other members in front of Demon King's castle.
They all look surprised... No wait, they don't look all that surprised? They're kinda glaring at me looking kinda impatient.


"You're finally back! We've been waiting forever!"

"What took you so long. Kajikawa-san's fighting on his own right now, yaknow?"

"...Yeah, he's a boy who just looks like a girl. My eyes musta played a trick on me back then, yep."

"Welcome back, Neora. We've heard everything from Hikaru. Add me to your party quickly and let's go to where Hikaru is."

"O, ou...?"


They're all inching on me hard. Leaving aside one guy who's muttering something dumb.
It's good that things go smoother without me explaining but it's also kinda hard to accept.


"Once I'm a party member, perform fusion immediately."

"Next up, Baredo, Rasfin, Alan, Hiyoko and I will buff you with Energy Control."

"Better than us draggin' yer feet up there... I still don't like it."

"And once all that's wrapped up, I'll be carrying you to Demon King with Shadow Dive."

"He thought that far ahead huh..."


Demon King's plan was super simple and nasty, but Kajikawa-san won't lose on that front.
If Kajikawa-san was on Demon King's side by some sorta mistake... Humanity prolly won't even last three days. Way scary.


"Quit spacing out, and fuse already dangit. Go beat the crap outta that Demon King."

"Y, yeah yeah I get it. Lend me your hand Alma, I'll add you to my party."

"Un."


I gripped Alma's hand and added her.
Activating Valorous Fusion.


My body as well as Alma's, Levia's, Olivie's glowed and turned transparent.
Four lights mixed into one.

....

.....


........Err.


Valorous Fusion you see, is a Skill that gives me the sum package of the fused party members' abilities, combat experience and knowledge.
A not insignificant amount of memory and feelings also get transmitted to me, mixed in with my own.

The feelings Alma's got for Kajikawa-san is so strong, I'm taking it head on.
...Kajikawa-san's so blessed. Blow up.


The light subsided as the Fusion completed.
And now, I just gotta get buffed by Aizawa (dumb brat), Radia and the rest then Reina's gonna take me--

...?
Why are they all looking at me in silence? What's wrong?


"Fuhaa...!"

"W-whoaaa... I ain't never seen anyone like her..."


Ah, I seldom showed Valorous Fusion in front of anyone, no wonder they were surprised.
...Hm, Aizawa just grabbed my hands. Ah yeah yeah, go ahead and buff me.


"Marry me."


.....


Wha?

Wha?

Whaaa?


Aizawa dropped a huge bombshell with his hands still grabbing mine.


"Oy, this ain't no time to joke around. Actually, ewww. You said it yourself earlier, I'm a man."

"I'm being serious. I declare without a shadow of doubt that right now you are the most beautiful..."

"Hey, the hell you're blabbering about, for real!? Your eyes don't got focus on, pull yourself together dangit!!"


Wait wait wait! Was this guy always like this!? Something's obviously not right with him.
Checking his State shows "Charmed [Maximum] (Target: Neo Raifu)."
Is it cause I fused with Alma? What? Was Alma a Succubus or something?


"Aah aah aah... Well, can't really blame him when she's this gorgeous..."

"Look away, Baredo... I hate to admit but she's quite the temptress."


Reina was half laughing while Rasfin said something while covering Baredo's eyes.
Eh what? What's going on with me?

<<No uh... How about you look at yourself in the mirror for now?>>

I'm afraid to check but I gotta see myself on a hand mirror.


"……………Ｏｈ"


My face reflected on the mirror... Is the incarnation of Beauty itself.


My red and silver forelock now has black hair from Alma mixed in, and my features has become even more devilishly attractive.
It's not just my face looking pretty. There's this sort of charm that directly aims at men's instinct in a barrage... My vocabulary can't express it.
My body's all filled up here and there thanks to Olivie, yet they're all perfectly in harmony.

I really loathe to admit, but my fused form which was already a pretty girl before Alma has now become an unreal super pretty girl that perfectly embodies the ideal beauty in men's dreams.


....No good, this is not good. She's too cute. Too beautiful.
I'd have confessed to her without a second thought if only she weren't me.


"....Why can't this girl leap out of the mirror..."

"You're kinda sounding like a narcissist there."

"I'll make you happy for the rest of your life. Once Demon King is defeated, let's--"

"Oh shaddup! Just get on to buffing you dumbaaarse!"


I slapped Aizawa's face twice, thrice to forcefully wake him up and got the buff done.
We don't have time for this crap, not when everything might end for real if we're too late...



<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

~~~~~~~~~Kajikawa's POV~~~~~~~~~~






"So Reina got me here afterward where I saw you locking hands with Demon King. I was going for his neck given the chance but nope, he dodged that."

"Yeah, no way you could defeat Demon King just like that. Thanks a lot for the save."


Sounds like things went mostly as planned.
...I'm worried about Aizawa-kun in all sorts of ways though.


"! Hikaru, what happened to your eye!"

"Ah, Demon King gouged it out. Sorry, mind healing me with magic?"

"Sure thing, but I can't grow missing organs back you know."

"That's fine, I can do it myself as long as I've got HP... See."

"U, uwaa, it really did grow back..."


Fumu, I was sure he should know about Life Force Control now that he's fused with Alma. Guess he doesn't get to access all of her memory and knowledge.
Well, nobody wants to share everything with another person so this is good.


"...I see, to think you rescued the hero even after time slip had taken him into the far future. Truly you are our greatest adversary, Kajikawa Hikaru."


Demon King murmured while glaring at us.
Well, the hero he finally went all the trouble of banishing got back here not a moment later after all.


"However, he must have lost the Grace of Revival after his connection was temporarily severed from this timeline, correct?"

"...Well yeah."

"If so, I have no need to expend effort on such a serpentine scheme. I merely ought to exterminate you here and all is well."


He found out about the loss of Revival already huh.


"For your information, I'm way stronger than I was before, yano?"

"...It appears to be the case. Attribute values that exceed my True Demon Release deserve extol indeed. Tremendous Status."


All thanks to the Energy Control buff he got from Aizawa-kun and the others outside. Think they're around 70000-80000 right now.
They're probably around 10k-ish without the buff.


...Hold it.
Something felt amiss with what he just said.

He could see Status?
Meaning, his Menu Function is back online...!?


"Heroes have three Great Graces."

<<U...!?>>

<<...!?>>


Noises ran through my and Neora-kun's Menus a moment after Demon King started speaking.
The usual blue screen turned into sand blank tv-like with a sizzling sound.


"The first being Heroes' abundance of powerful Skills including Brave Skills and their superhuman Attributes. The second being Grace of Revival. And lastly--"


<<Oh... No...! This... Is...!>>

<<■Jamming... ・Akin to Virus・...・Forced・ ...Shut Down・...>>


"The existence of Menu Function."


Our Menus' Noises got worse with every word Demon King uttered.
What the hell's going on...!?


"My Menu has malfunctioned due to my imperfect reincarnation. It has lost several Features, and gained a particular new one. The feature to amplify Menu Function's bugs, capable of affecting other Menus."

"You're talking about this!?"

"Indeed. It is a feature that forcefully shuts down Menu Function for a period of time. I name it 'Support Virus'. It has put my Menu Function in a hibernated state yet my situation is far from dire, unlike you two."


Oh crap, I won't be able to fetch all those potions I stockpiled in Item Screen.
No, more importantly!


"Menu!! Quick give Neora-kun--"

<<...『Resource Transfer』・・..It is・..・...Done..・..>>


'Fsh' Menu Display disappeared along with that vanishing sound.
I tried opening Item Screen, Map Screen and Status Screen to no response.

...He got us good, who could've thought he can do something like this too...!


"Well then. Now that we all have lost our Menu Function. Have you sufficient recovery items on hands?"

"Y, you bastard...!"

"It appears you have them all stored in Item Screen. Be ashamed not... Such was the way of Souma Ryuta as well."


Considering that geezer's personality, he probably hoarded a mountain of trash inside. Demon King's Item Screen must look like a chronic hoarder room.
...The only thing we have left are several vials of potions intended for Alma's immediate use.
Might be a tad chancy against Demon King.


"Very well then, and now onto your disposal... Gu, uuu....!!"


Demon King crouched down and started groaning.
Almost looks like he's in pain, but that's not it.
The power I feel from him is gradually increasing, no his body itself is swelling.
Is he seriously gonna transform into his Final Form now...!?


"Like I'd let you!!"


Neora-kun swung his katana at Demon King, but a black barrier covering Demon King stopped his attack.
...Guess you're not allowed to attack during the transformation.


"Dammit... It's no good, the recoil feels all wrong. Ain't no way we breaking this."

"No stopping the transformation huh... Guess we'll finish our business too while he's at it."


I stretched my hand to Neora-kun.


".....Are we seriously gonna do this?"

"There's no winning this fight if we don't. Demon King's power is already doubling as we speak. Gotta shoot every shot we got."

"...Err, isn't it impossible cuz I'm lower leveled than you?"

"Before hibernating, Menu-san transferred exp points to you, Neora-kun with 'Resource Transfer'. Your level should be higher than me now. No problem."


Yep, I acquired 'Resource Transfer Feature' when I reached Lv90.
An incredible feature that lets me transfer exp points I didn't use to level up other people.

Apparently Menu-san forcefully unlocked a part of this Feature to preserve the Resource I got from defeating that Kyuubi BBA on Floor 21.
It wasn't possible to give it to other people until I reached Lv90.
The amount was quite enormous, I glanced and saw Neora-kun at Lv94 now.


We might just be able to defeat Demon King's Final Form if we add my Attributes in there.
Neora-kun opened his mouth and confirmed me one last time.







"...Hikaru is going to turn into a woman, albeit temporarily, once we're fused. Do you have the resolve?"


.....

AAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!
No! Absolutely not!! Why must I bid farewell to my son!
But there ain't no more hands we could use besides this! I get it! I get it really, but dangitall!!


"..................I really really don't, but this is no time to act selfish."

"Okay then, let's do it."

"...Yeah you go and get 'em."


Neora-kun grabbed my arm before both our bodies got wrapped in lights.
...Ah, I've steeled myself and all, but, still...

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter 

640 Usual Word

After about a minute, his broken leg shined blue and started healing.
The torn leg is returning to its original state before my eyes.

"Restoration? Recovery? Healing? ...Ah, guessing it's mana related cause he's connected to the Dungeon Core."

I murmured when that classic setting crossed my mind.
He must have overheard me. Dyulden replied once his pain was gone.

"...Indeed, that is correct. Nobody can kill me! I'm the only being able to open the passage to the Core! Weep in despair! You shall forever be locked up here unless I lie defeated! Yes, as a punishment for hurting me, you shall become my plaything for the rest of your life!"

Where did he even get all that confidence from? He couldn't even dodge or bear the pain from my attack.
I can't even begin to fathom how his mind works. This guy can't win against me. Is he incapable of processing that fact from what just elapsed?

"Don't get ahead of yourself just because you managed to land a low blow on me! Ugaaaa!"

Looks like this guy is averting his eyes from reality. He greatly swung his arm at me while still on his knee.

There's no way such a large swing can hit me. But the range was surprisingly huge, I couldn't guarantee it wouldn't graze me even if I easily dodged.
Therefore, I entered Acceleration to be safe.

(Well now, where should I aim next?)

I can't get my mindset out of the game, I'm now deciding which parts to destroy next.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
(It's gotta be the arm. But the swinging one is out of range. Guess I'll go for the one touching the floor.)

Dyulden has got one knee and one arm on the ground which is my next target.
I walked up to it and went with a kick. A low kick if you will.
But just that is gonna give the same end result as earlier which is boring. So I jump and hit his arm from the elbow above as well.
Still not feeling enough, I turn my sight at the knee.

(This guy won't be able to perceive my attacks anyways. It'll be same old torrent of questions like 'Why?!', 'How did you do it!?'.)

As a Dungeon Core is supposed to be a crystallization of mana, this guy will probably keep regenerating until the core runs out of mana. 
And as he keeps getting wrecked and regenerated, he'll eventually say 'Who are you really!?' as his last word.
Might as well send him to the afterlife while the guy's still ignorant.
With that decided I jump on top of his knee.
Then I jumped lightly and punched his chin once.

(Whoopsie! And land... Hm? Is one punch enough? Maybe another?)

I got on the knee again and let out a full powered jump kick.

(Hyatts! And land! 100 points!)

I had already spent a long time in Accelerated State by this point. Yep, I was in a state of euphoria.
Also, I still couldn't shake off feeling like I was in a game, like it was a fever time.

Second Form Dyulden was already wrecked beyond belief by this point.
I had forgotten all about my earlier feeling of pity for him.
It was like a child in an amusement park, I didn't stop hitting his chin for ten more times afterward.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter 

As Hero in The Realest Sense

This chapter is from Hero's POV again

Once we finished exchanging information and formulated our plan, we managed to find a door that connects to real time Parallecia.
...Or to be exact, it's Parallecia 624 years in the past but we apparently can go back to present day Parallecia by spending 624 years in a room that quickens the passage of time first.

The room in question is pure white with partitions every few meters. Each partition has a clock on the wall. It's very weird.
...You can tell at a glance the spacetime works wonky here.


"Don't go deeper in or you'll get to be Urashima Tarou."

"...Ura-sima?"

"Err, you might end up slipping past the correct time and get thrown into the far future instead."

"Yep. The passage of time goes faster the deeper you go in, or more like slower from the perspective of people outside."

"...Was that an idiom from Japan? I can't believe you people can understand so much from so little..."


Wonder if the world here doesn't have a similar fairy tale? Like Rip Van Winkle maybe.
First we spend 600 seconds or 10 minutes in the 'One second here, one year outside the door' spot.
Then around 400 seconds in 'One second here, one week outside' spot to fine tune the time.


"There'll be no going back if you spend even a second deeper inside by mistake so yeah, take it easy, sip some tea or something."

"...This man really went and got us a tea table and cushioned chairs."

"It's so relaxing our fight to death against Demon King just earlier almost feels like a lie..."


...I mean, I'm not complaining. I just don't get how can this man stay composed.
Meanwhile here I am losing my mind over the prospect of having to fight that Demon King.


And without the grace of revival at that.


Heroes' biggest advantage is the ability to be immediately revived endlessly. It enables them to keep going until Demon King is defeated, risk free.
Without this Grace, the world is at risk of ending the moment a hero is beaten. It's an extremely important ability.
And I no longer possess it.

I had been cut off from the Revival Formula engraved on the world itself the moment I was sent from present day Parallecia to another world, or more like the future dead Parallecia.
There is no linking me back to the formula. The goddess might be able to do it, but even if I somehow manage to get in touch with her, there's no guarantee she can reconnect me according to Menu.


<<Activating and maintaining the Revival Formula requires an extreme amount of Resource. We don't have enough energy to consume unless another person from earth gets reincarnated here.>>

What's a 'Resource'?

<<It's a type of energy in broader terms. Or rather, a component that can transform into any form of energy. Earthlings have an unbelievable amount of Resource within their body. Their latent potential to become anything without a Skill is also thanks to that tremendous energy contained in them, you see.>>

...I don't really get it, but in short, there's no hooking me back up unless we sacrifice an earthling.
Maybe we can find someone on a death row.

<<Can you not with those disturbing thoughts!? No, it can't be done! The earth's god would definitely penalize us if we did that!>>

Ah, figured earth has a god too.
So we gotta get the permission from that god?

<<Yep. Once every several hundreds years, a human who dies on earth gets to be reincarnated as a Hero in Parallecia. They act like a porter that brings the Resource within them here. That has been repeating many times for over tens of thousands of years in Parallecia.>>

So, it was my turn this time huh.
Are you sure you're allowed to tell me that.

<<Nope! Goddess would scold me if you found that out before Demon King is defeated... But Neora-san already got an inkling didn't you? That the epic of Hero defeating Demon King is a farce at global scale.>>

...Well yeah.
Also, Demon King and demons are the regulators with the sole purpose of culling humanity, right?

<<Yes. If they don't exist and humanity proliferate unchecked, it's gonna turn out like Neora-san's...  'Oishi Shinobu (Neora-san in previous life)'s' earth, on the verge of dying due to resource running out.>>

This revelation is only gonna put reincarnated people in a bad spot in this world, so I won't publicize it.
Being known as the hero who defeats the Demon King is going to make all kinds of things smoother, especially to those who love isekai genre.
...Just like I was.


Haa... Well, that didn't really come as a shock since I already expected it.
That's for the goddess to deal with, it doesn't change what I gotta do.

Defeat Demon King, save the world.
The only thing that changes is it's no longer a farce now. It's the real deal.
...Frankly missing the revival has got me scared stiff.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

"Whoops, it's about time. Guys, put this on."

"Eh, what's with that weird mantle. I don't wanna."

"Is there something that necessitates us to do so?"

"It's called 'Veil of Tengu', an equipment that conceals your presence by consuming your mana. Past Kajikawa Hikaru (me) is going to enter this room soon, we gotta stay out of his sight."


Ah, the Kajikawa-san that initially found this room is coming huh... Man it's so convoluted.
We hid in the veil for a while before someone entered the room and left not long after. I couldn't really see it well since it happened so fast but that must have been the past Kajikawa-san.


"Phew, there he went. Well then, I should get going as well. You guys do your best."

"Hey, can't we get back earlier too? Like maybe we can prepare for stuff in secrecy before the final battle..."

"Don't. Menu-san said there's a high risk of causing unpredictable outcomes when two of the same person exist at the same point of time."

"Like say?"

"Like a god much greater than Earth's and Parallecia's gods handing down divine punishment, destroying the entire world."

"...Yup, we're gonna wait for our correct timeline. Yes."


I thought it was something to do with Time Paradox but things are way out of my hands if it relates to the godly side of things.
It's not worth risking to lose everything anyways, we just gotta wait patiently like the good kids we are.


We exited the room back to Floor 21 once it was the time.
We should be able to return by opening the door to real time Parallecia now.

...Starting anew without revival huh.


"Aah, if only I could run away to another world, heck, maybe even back to Japan."

"Neora-san, that's..."

"Hey, are you seriously going to run away with your tail between your legs now after all this time?"

"Oh come on, I'm just grumbling out loud. I get that I can't run nor I plan to. It's just that..."


I've experienced death countless times now.
Both Levia and Olivie have shared the suffering as well.
I won't let there be another time.

I don't care about myself. I'm scared of dying but I already died once on earth. Were I to die again, it just meant my borrowed life ends for real.
But that's not the case with Levia and Olivie.

The only reason I let them join me without much thought was because of Grace of Revival. I invited them in the fight against Demon King because I knew they were never at risk of dying for real.
But not anymore. A death is final now.
As such, I absolutely won't let them die.


"Don't die on me, you two."

"Hah, says the person who's died the most. Worry about yourself first."

"Besides, we're one mind and body once we are fused. We'll be fine as long as Neora-san is alive."


...Fair points.
Now that it's come to this, I'm gonna beat the crap outta Demon King with sheer will and grab our happy ending.
Now then, time to head back. It should be the door next to that wooden door.



Knock knock, someone knocked on the wooden door.

...Eh? Aren't these doors supposed to be safe as long as you don't open them from this side?
Oh crap, some unknown monster from the other side might get in here at this rate!
...Calm down me, I gotta calmly and politely refuses them.
Err, what should I say, what do, what do, telling them to stay away sounds bad, what do I do, ah geez I got no time to overthink!


"It's occupied."

"Ah, excuse me."


Aaah I'm an idiot! What is this, a toilet?! There's tons of way to phrase that better!
And the person who responded right at the other side! What? Did you want to use a toilet booth for real?
...Gotta go back to our world pronto before more weird stuff crops up. That sudden knock was real bad for my poor heart...

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter 

639 This Is My True...

His skin turned purple, bat wings grew on his backs and his face became demonic looking.
Two horns popped up on his forehead, large fangs grandly poked out of his mouth.
The white on his eyes turned black with vividly red pupils.
He's now a three meter tall muscled gorilla macho.

"This is my true form! You're the first ever person who made me assume this form. You can pride yourself on that. I always took my time tormenting all the people I caught as an entertainment, but you, I will kill you right away. I cannot imagine getting bested in this form but you are a risk. I shall make sure you're dead."

His second form looks kinda the lord of a castle, vanity-like.

(I'm no Belm*nt though? I don't even got a vampire killer as my weapon.)

I looked up at my opponent while recalling a certain orthodox Gothic action game.

"I shall hold nothing back! Eat this!"

His voice was clear, sonorous and grating to the ear.
Dyulden opened his mouth wide where a flame swirled. Dunno how it works, but he's probably gonna shoot out a torrent of flame or a fire ball.
Targeted at me. Of course, I'm not gonna take it lying down.

(He's gotten so big his head is grazing the ceiling huh... How do you even move around like that...)

I have enough composure to nonchalantly think that. Since I've entered Accelerated State already.
I had Accelerated the moment he was charging flame in his mouth.

(Well then, since it doesn't seem like he's willing to talk anymore what's with wanting me dead and all, guess it's time to end this once and for all.)

A bit late for that since I'm here to clear this dungeon in the first place.
Guy can't complain dying. The being before me is no longer human anyways.
Meaning, I just gotta beat him up like a monster in a game.
Just see him like an RPG boss.

My mindset immediately turned game-like.
I am the protagonist. In front of me is a giant boss.
I felt like I was playing a 3D action game.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
(Alrighty! The first thing you do to giant bosses like this is 'aim for their legs'!)

I walked up to his right leg and unleashed a full powered straight punch with. The punch caved in for about 4cm.

(Yeah! Let's undo Acceleration and see how it goes for now. Next up...)

I turned off Acceleration to see monster Dyulden's reaction.
I didn't wait at all before a splitting shriek filled the room.

"Gyoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!"

The right leg I punched bent weirdly, or more like it broke apart. Like crack crack, creak creak.
The monster fell prostrating on the ground and started groaning.

"Ah, did I go overboard? Hmm? I did put my all into that punch cause I dunno how much damage was enough. Guess this is to be expected."

Ordinary humans would have died. I figured a being this big would survive, and I was right.
Yet, the damage was grave enough to this monster. He's groaning in agony trying to contain the pain.
Looks like it's gonna take a while till he gets over his pain and back on his feet.

"Hmm, normally I should aim for the vital to deliver huge damage while he's down... Maybe not."

The way he got downed so anticlimactically and so pitifully made me decide to give him a time out for now. 

Previous Chapter 

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The 'Them' Encountered Before Exiting Floor 21

This chapter is from the POV of Hero who was time leaped into the future.

There is nothing here.
There's nobody around either.
I can't even find a single grass growing on Map Screen.
No matter how many times I checked and rechecked. The result stayed the same. The only object here is a wasteland of a dead planet.

...Or so it should be but then a reading blipped up on my Map Screen without warning.
It's someone I know.

Fearing the reading would soon disappear, I ran toward it at with all my might.
The other party seemed to have noticed us and started approaching as well.
I almost burst into tears once we got close enough to make out each other's figure.


"Oo--------yy!!"


I shouted with all the breath in my lungs. I wanted a respond, I didn't care if it was just a dream or an illusion.
The other party seemingly responded in kind, waving their hands at us.

By the time we got close enough to touch, I was on the verge of crying.
All I do is crying lately. But I bet anybody would if they were in my shoes.


The reading shown on my Map is none other than my Japan-born acquaintance, Kajikawa Hikaru in person. 
...No really, how'd he even get here anyway?


"Haa, haa, haa, Kajikawa, san, how, are, you here...?"

"O, ou? No uh, I should be the one asking that, why are you all here?"

"D-Demon King abducted us right after we beat the Demon Chief during the war, then we got thrown here."

"Wha? Wait, eh? H, hold on a minute. That's way too much information. Did a big battle break out somewhere? And what do you mean Demon King abducted you!? What's going on!?"


...? Something doesn't feel right.
I get that my wording could have been better but his reaction is just all kind of wrong.
It's as if he doesn't know about the war on Continent 3 like he didn't go on a huge rampage all over the place himself.


"Heck, weren't you supposed to be busy doing that Hero's Trial thingy to get your Job Change? Why are you even taking part in a war."

"Wha? Uh I'm already way done with Hero's Trial. I mean, you broke through the ruins straight to the innermost--"


<<Stoop! ...Hello Kajikawa-san, may I ask some questions?>>


Menu's display interrupted me.
Kajikawa-san's eyes popped wide at the sudden display screen.


"Uwaah, that startled me. Err, is that your Menu-san? What's up?"

<<Kajikawa-san, what are your immediate goal right now?>>

"Eh? What do you mean? ...Err, I'm trying to find a way out of Floor 21 and stumbled upon a door that connects to this place by chance."

"...Floor 21?"


Hold it, I'm getting confused here.
What's going on?


"Menu-san told me this is the dead Parallecia hundreds of millions years in the future. I was glancing at my Map thinking there shouldn't be anything alive anymore when I found you guys' readings here."

<<...I see. This is quite a convoluted situation we found ourselves in... But it seems we can avoid the worst case scenario. Phew, I thought we were done for good...>>

Oh come on! Don't just get it all by your own!
I'm utterly baffled here! I demand an explanation!

<<Okay okay, I'll explain from start to end, don't get all prickly on me now. On your period today?>>

Hell if I got one. Just give it to me straight.


<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
....


The result of Menu's analysis by cross referencing with the Kajikawa-san here is both understandable and hard to understand.
The gist of it would be like so.


① I fell for Demon King's trap and time slipped hundreds of millions into the future.

② I can't get revived anymore now that I'm cut off from the Hero Summoning Magic Formula. There is no going back unless I  know a way to go back in time. AKA checkmate. It's all over for us.

③ ...Or so we thought but then the 'Past Kajikawa-san' who was trying to get out of Floor 21 opened a door that connects to this era and found us. And here we are.


Floor 21 is where spaces and times are completely out of whack. It's connected to any eras in the past or future. Even parallel worlds altogether.
One of those doors is 'Parallecia hundreds of millions years in the future' in almost the exact time period as the one Demon King threw me to.
...Uh no, that's way beyond plot convenient. What kind of miraculous RNG did this guy just pull.


"...I'm scared of my Luckiness myself. Luck Attribute-sensei is way too overpowered."

"Demon King's Luck being 0 might play a part too here."

"At any rate, we can go back to our time period as long as we follow this past Kajikawa-san back right."

"T-thank goodness... I, thought we can't go back anymore...!"


Levia and Olivie expressed their relief.
...Yup, I'm just as glad. I was about to seriously believe Kajikawa-san betrayed us and we'd have to spend the rest of our life here.
When in fact he's the key person that's gonna get us out of this pinch... Uwaah, I feel so bad about it now.


"...Err, I'm still trying to find the door that's connected to real time Parallecia myself and it's prolly gonna take a while. Just keep that in mind while you follow me okay."

"We'll wait forever if we have to. So long as that can bring us back home... Really, thank you so much."


I feel guilty about doubting him but telling this past Kajikawa-san about it is only gonna confuse him so I'm just gonna say my thanks.
'Oh don't worry about it', he said as he led us to Floor 21.


There's doors everywhere in Floor 21, top bottom left right it doesn't matter. It's making my sense of directions awry, so eerie.
The door exteriors are all over the place too. I'm not even sure if some of those designs fit to be called doors.


"Hmm, wonder which door is it. Here maybe?"


Kajikawa-san opened an iron door. Inside is a silver haired woman with a black colored forelock crouching, bound by chains.
She's paying us no heed, muttering to herself in her position instead.


"Ah, got it wrong. Excuse me."


BAM he slammed the door shut.
...Wait wait wait, what was that. I mean, who.


"...You sure we can leave her alone?"

"We ain't going back for years if we keep playing along with every one of these. We don't know her situation and my intuition is telling me getting involved won't do us any good anyway."


Hmm, I only saw a glimpse but she was quite a cutie. Her body was quite bombastic too.


"Quit making a lecherous look, you!"

"Ooow!"


Levia kicked my delusion away... Okay okay, let's keep going.

Kerclack


"Hey you, do you know, where my eye is. I dropp--"


SLAM


"Next one."

"...What the hell was that..."

"This place is chock full of doors housing that kinda stuff. You mind, you lose."


Kajikawa-san spoke with vacant eyes... He must be speaking from experience.

...We opened tens of doors afterward trying to find the door to our world.
All while exchanging information and planning out our next move.


"Knowing the future in detail might get me make a different decision than I should which could bring about unforeseen consequences. Just tell me the general gist of things."

"Ah, you mean like, Time Paradox?"

"Yup. Menu-san said the world itself could wholly reset worst comes to worst. Please keep risque intel to yourself."

"What the, that's scary..."


With that in mind, I only told this Kajikawa-san vague details such as 'Things will happen in around a week' and so on.
This should afford him to take actions that are advantageous to humanity once he gets back.


"But did you really go up against Demon King with just the three of you?"

"They got us good before we sorted out all our party members. Future Kajikawa-san told me, 'Fuse with Alma and Reina then defeat Demon King with a combo of Shadow Dive and Magic Swords'."

"Hmm, that's not a bad plan but your stats are still way below Demon King in his Final Form, so I dunno... Hm, Menu-san, what's up?"


Kajikawa-san's Menu displayed a Screen while we were discussing which members to put in my hero party.

<<Suggestion for the two renaming members. First one is Almatina. The other one is...>>



....
Umm, yeah.
Honestly, that thought did cross my mind, but I wonder about that...


"...Eh. But won't that erase most of Hero's advantages."

<<It is estimated that the acquired merit will more than make up for the demerit. Those who join 'True Hero' Party Member gain a big boost in Status Values. By making a good use of Energy Control after Fusion, these members have the best chance at triumphing over Demon King.>>

"...What's it like in percentage?"

<<...Estimated to be around 50%.>>

"Best chance and it's only 50%..."


...Both Kajikawa-san and I would rather not if we could help it but we can't help it in our situation.
We can't come up with a better person in the end and so the plan is to fuse with Alma first before the last person. Then we fight Demon King.
...Oh man, I was hoping everybody besides me would be girls. Well since Alma is joining, I might as well include her in my harem ah, Kajikawa-san, I'm sorry please don't make that if-glare-can-kill look and point that at me, I'm real sorry, forgive me!

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter 

Chapter 638 Moment One Stops Being Human

"That's right! I am no longer on the side of the deprived anymore! From this moment on, I shall be the one depriving you lot for all eternity!"

Sounds like this Dyulden guy has gone off the deep end after staying in this dungeon for so long.
From where I stand this man wasn't always like this originally.
He mentioned something about blood sucking. Guessing he's a vampire of some sort now.
He must have been a human originally if he was a founder of this city.

The same incident that happened 100 years ago was probably this Dyulden guy's doing too.
Dunno how he got to become a Dungeon Master but the enormous mana he received from the dungeon core likely transformed him into an inhuman being.
It's probably the same mechanism that turns normal animals into magical beasts when they're fed with powerful mana.
Humans are ultimately an animal. That possibility is not off the table.

"Nobody can stand against me and this power! Hahaha! That's right! You must be here to plunder my fortune as well! You're dead! None shall plunder from me ever again!"

There's no logical connection to that. He's incoherent. He doesn't care about my circumstance at all. Dyulden can never go back to his old self.

"We could communicate at first though... Guess it's inevitable. But how do I deal with this? Can't decide..."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
Dyulden sprung up and lunged toward me. 
His arm was raised high, ready to claw at me. His nails look unnaturally sharp like small knives.
I swiftly swatted it with my left hand. A karate move, 'Uke'.
His lunge might have been moderately fast yet not quite at a level that necessitated Acceleration.
He might manage to take out those who have never been trained or unprepared but not me.
I raised my alertness level to max the moment he declared he's gonna kill me. Yet, his weak attack was a let down.
He might be fast but the way he grandly swung his arm far is a no no.
That's amateur hour. As someone who was trained in martial art, it was nothing more than a simple swing.
The gap in our experience afforded me to deal with him in Normal Mode.
One thing is clear now. Dyulden obviously knows nothing about fighting.

And yeah, I didn't just stop his swing, I swatted it away. My swat which I put some power into and his full powered swing clashed.
I came out on top. Dyulden had a look of shock on his face as he lost his balance and exposed himself to attacks.
I gave him a get well straight fist to the torso. With a pared down strength.
I put less power into my fist here than the swat earlier.

You could tell it was a critical hit. It felt good to unleash an attack with a satisfying impact for once.
Dyulden got sent flying in a bent position and crashed on the seat he was sitting on earlier before rolling on the ground.

Dyulden stood up after about ten seconds. His eyes weren't looking straight ahead.
They look unfocused.
I stayed on my toes while Dyulden stayed still.

(His arm, doesn't look broken. He took a hit from me head on, ordinary humans would have gotten their arm broken.)

I'm well aware of my super strength. Dyulden's arm is intact despite getting hit by my relatively strong swat.

"And that was a clean hit on the torso too. I get that it's not ineffective, but it's kinda shocking how he managed to endure that."

My initial guess is spot on. Dyulden is no longer normal.
Guy might believe he has transcended.

"I didn't put too much strength in that punch sure but you can't be human anymore if you could stand up after taking that on."

As if proving that, Dyulden's body started growing in size before my eyes.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter 

Heroes Always Show Up Late

This chapter starts from the long purple haired female captain Vijikaranna.

"Kuh...! Is this, the end of the line for us...!"

"Weak, you are far too weak humanity. We may have the grace of Demon King empowering us but to say it's a disappointment is an understatement."


Each city is only invaded by about 20 demons.
A small enough number we normally would be able to deal with if they were ordinary demons.

But they're not.
Each and every one of these demons is powerful enough to obliterate a city on their own.
We can't hope to win against such forces...!


"...All units, avoid close quarter combat! Focus on defending by shooting Farslashes and magic!"

"B, but those demons have been shooting far stronger ranged attacks than we could hope to match. Our attacks can't stop them..."

"It should serve to offset the firepower for a tad... It's frustrating but they're simply on a whole other level. Our chance of victory is extremely slim. Put our effort into holding them back, not winning!"


We are weak. The battle earlier made that painfully clear.
I admit it. I lack the overwhelming strength to eradicate demons like that black haired monster.

So what of it.

We, the Anti-Demon Army, exists to protect people from the threat of demons even if it means risking our life.
All the better if we could defeat demons.
But if that is not possible, then we simply have to focus on protecting.

At one point, my envy was exploited to entrap me into getting brainwashed. But thinking clearly, there's no point feeling envious about that irrational strength in the first place.
I must focus on what I can do instead.


"Captain! We have finished evacuated all areas besides the west district!"

"Alright, go finish that--"


An especially huge explosion sound resounded before I could finish issuing orders.
The direction is... The west district!?


"C-captain! Demons showed up out of nowhere at the west district!"

"They're attacking the residents there! We have to save them asap!"

"Hurry it up! Stop those demons even if you have to use yourself as a shield!"


If only that black hair was around at times like this but there's no end to what if-ing.
Doesn't matter where and how those demons decide to show up, it won't change what we have to do.


"Strike back at the west district demons! Save as many citizen as you could, bring them to safety!"

"C-captain! Their barrage of attack is  too severe! We cannot possibly hold it back!"

"Nevertheless, it has to be done! The fact that we cannot best them is obvious from the very start!"

"B-but...!"


...I get how horrible I'm acting. It's like I'm telling my subordinates to go die.
I never wanted to be such a horrible superior.

And yet, that's exactly why we exist.


"...All units, follow my lead."

"Eh, C-captain!?"


Then, allow me to lead by example.
I will take the very first fall.
Please forgive me with this.


"Hmm? That human is rushing here all by her lonesome."

"She must have a death wish. Very well, I shall grant it to her."


The demons are sneering and ridiculing my charge.
Yeah, go on and have a laugh! I'm the biggest of fool who ordered her subordinates to die!
But even a fool has pride, and I'll let you watch a showing!


"Now, die... Uh...?"

"W, what the, my strength, it's..."

"The effects of Lord Demon King's Skill, have been cut off!?"

"Has something happened to, Lord Demon King...?"


...?
The demons suddenly got all flustered up.
Is it just me or does the pressure emanating off them seem weaker.

Unsure on what and why, but I won't overlook this chance!


"This is our chance! All units, attack those demons altogether!!"

"""Acknowledged!!"""


That Black Hair mentioned something about heading off to fight Demon King.
Did his fight bring about this change to these demons?
...I loathe to admit, but his assistance comes at the most opportune moment.
I'll give him my thanks, this one time... I'd never do this to any other man.


"Dammit, we don't need Lord Demon King's grace to slaughter the lot of you!"

"It's time for, True Demon Reguhaa!?"


Someone drop kicked the group of demons that was rearing to go at us.
What tremendous speed...! Just who's---


"W-what the hell are... you...!?"

"Eh..."

"...No, for real though, what is even...?"


The demons were all dumbfounded.
Same goes for us Anti-Demon Army, we've been stopped dead in our tracks.



"Ofuhahahahahaaaaaai! I have come darniiiiiiiit!"


......................
A completely hairless head with a questionable content, and a body bulging with muscles wearing nothing but a single underwear. A man with those features is making a ruckus on his own where he stands.
There's no way that won't freeze anybody.


"Come at me you demons!! I'mma play with y'all till Hero-chan comes baaaaaack!"

"G-get away from me!!"

"Die! Just die already!"

"Whoa there, that ain't gonna hit moiii! I been honing this stuff all my liiiife!"


The demons shot a barrage of magic at the muscled man, but not a single projectile managed to hit him.
The way he kept making a weird emphasizing pose whenever he dodged an attack is utterly irritating.
The way he moves is so needlessly refined and so uselessly efficient....


"Captain! That buck naked pervert is throwing the demons into chaos!"

"Ignore him!!"

"P-perhaps we could use him as a decoy as long as we look away from his gross appearance!"

"I can't accept it on the basis of that fatal appearance!!"

"I get you! I so get you, but you know!"


....There's really nothing good with getting involved with men.


<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >


~~~~~~~~~POV of the monster fighting Demon King~~~~~~~~~






"Gugiiuugwuuu...!!!"

"Fumu, you managed to dodge by a hair's breadth... Nay, that felt amiss. Are you employing some manner of tricks?"


Demon King murmured as he crushed an eyeball he took from me.

It hurts, it hurts so bad I'm gonna die. My immediately vision narrowed down.
Blood is spilling out of my eye socket like a waterfall.


I explosively energy buffed myself for a brief moment the instant Demon King's finger was sunk in my head.
My brain remained intact thanks to that but he managed to nab an eyeball.
...It would have been over the moment his finger sunk on me if not for my HP buffer.


"This should be a sufficient demonstration of my superiority over you... Or perhaps you intend to win with but an eye?"

"Shut, the hell, up...!"

"...This is my last warning to you. Leave this world at once. I am indebted to you for your help that granted me this power. I shall overlook you, and you alone."


He urged me to run away again. Dunno what's on his mind.
Debt, huh. Guy's either a real stickler to rule or he simply has no interest in me.


"..Hey, Demon King."

"What."

"Do you have, something you cherish?"

"...?"


Demon King frowned with a dubious look.
Well I guess that did come out of nowhere.


"How about, Souma Ryuta?"

"What...?"

"He muttered 'Yukana' when he left us. Who's that?"

"...That is insignificant. Both to you, and to me."

"Wasn't that insignificant thing the reason Souma Ryuta sought reincarnation? Regardless whether I'm leaving or dying, I just gotta know the truth behind this."


Demon King frowned, looking really ill-humored.
He obviously isn't keen on talking about it despite what he said.

But then, he obliged which I didn't expect.


"...Souma Ryuta's goal was to 'Be reborn in this world and reunite with his reincarnated spouse'."

"Ah, I knew it. Yukana was his wife, yeah?"

"'Yukalatina', a woman beautiful to the very end. The curse of word that woman left for Ryuta was the beginning of everything."

"Curse...?"


Demon King spoke while laughing dryly like he couldn't believe it himself.


"Souma Ryuta gave a nod when she asked him to 'Reincarnate after his death and reunite with her'. It was an impossible request, yet his love for her did not allow him to respond any other wise."

"...So he took that seriously and went around to find a way to reincarnate with his memory intact?"

"Menu told him that a hero's soul is sent back to their world, Earth, once they die here. Dying as is would have him break his promise. Thus he searched for a way to reincarnate in 'this world'."

"There's no way to know who he's going to reincarnate into even if he succeeds though."

"Exactly. It's a hopelessly foolish and futile wish... And yet Souma Ryuta simply cannot bear to do nothing toward honoring his promise. After exploring countless options, he at last arrived at Floor 21."


...It went about as I expected.
That geezer was awkward beyond belief.
He even half succeeded and ended up with the worst possible result, reborn as Demon King.


"Well, that foolish wish is what enabled me to come into a realization on Demon King's true role."

"...."

"That is the end of my story. Thus I ask thou once more."


Demon King asked while sharply glaring at me.


"Forfeit your life, or step aside. What say you."

"...Neither of 'em. I've got mountains of things I cherish in this world. I'd rather die than leaving all that behind and go back to Japan."

"...It is so."


I may not go as far as looking for a way to reincarnate, but even I've got things I won't back down on.


"A shame truly. I loathe to return good with evil, however, I too have a wish toward a world of demons."


Demon King got right next to me in the blink of an eye.
My hands reflexively locked with his, like a contest of strength.


"You may die now."

"Ugugigigi...!!"


My hands are creaking. I've been putting all my energy into my Strength, yet Demon King easily outstrips me.
He's overwhelmingly stronger than me it's like an adult against a child.


"You shall lose your means to defy death once your arms have been crushed. Pile Bunkers shan't do a thing against me now."

"Agugagagagaaaaaaaa!!!"


I can tell my bones getting fractured.
They're gonna break for real at this rate...!!



"!? Tch!"


Just one last step before my arms broke apart for real, Demon King let go of my hands and stepped back while clicking his tongue.
Someone stood in front of me, replacing Demon King's position.


...They're here at last.



"Kept you waiting, Hikaru."

"Ou, you sure did. Dangit, thought I was a goner there..."


There stood a girl.

Long blond back hair with a mix of red, silver and black forelock.
Light purple left eye and blue right eye. Her proportion is unbalanced yet there's a harmonious and fantastical attractiveness to it.
I'm convinced she's the most beautiful woman in the world presently. As for the gender inside.


"Wait, did you always call me by my first name? Neora-kun."

"...It's probably cause Alma is also fused with me, I wanna call you dear on reflex, wait, no, what the hell! Stop that!"


Neora-kun who should have been sent far into the future is standing there while blushing and scowling.
...He's gotten even cuter than ever, though I guess that's only natural with Alma in the mix.


"...How are you, hero, here. How did you escape that future of death...?"


So Demon King inquired while glaring hatefully at Hero-kun.
...For real though, thank goodness I found them right before left Floor 21 for good.

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