Sousetsuka

631 Gotta Run Now

Someone barged in the room just before I could speak a word.

"Dongoro-san! We must get away now! Master Makiru too! T-t-they came out! Skeletons from the mine! Lots of them!"

The person saying that must be one of the disciples.
His urgency stopped me from vocalizing my idea.

"Oy, the heck you're on 'bout!? Speak clearly!"

The disciple gradually regained his composure and started explaining orderly.

Apparently the unit in charge of digging out minerals today hit a dungeon. A huge amount of skeletons flooded out of that dungeon while the diggers barely escaped with their life.
The disciple was on site for an errand by chance and instantly realized the ongoing situation. He rushed over here to notify his master to take shelter.
The emergency evacuation alarm should start blaring soon. They gotta run now before they get caught up in a crowd of people.

"Well I'll be damned. Ain't that the same thing happening a hundred years ago. It's real bad news!"

"We should leave as soon as we can. You too, Saito-san."

"Err? Are dungeon walls so easily broken just like that?"
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"Aa? What good is knowing that crap now. We gotta get outta this place. Ora! You go and tell the men!"

The disciple left the room to notify other disciples.
Followed by Dongoro and Makiru who then left the workshop.
Just when I also got out following them, an alarm sound could be heard deeper into the district.

"We gotta scram before we got caught in the flood of peeps! I ain't wanna be in there!"

Dongoro and Makiru were about to run. Meanwhile I stood still.

"What's the matter!? Is there anything you forgot to bring!?"

Makiru turned around and asked me. But I assured her there was no problem.

"Ah, you two can forget about me and go on ahead. Ah, but It'd be nice if you could answer my question. Are dungeon walls that fragile?"

"The hell kinda dumbarse question izzat. What's yer nerve made of!? Ah whatever! Ya see here! Dungeons got some real tough interiors. But the walls connecting them are easily smashed from outside. Dungeons are made of mana space. S'why nobody got a clue where a dungeon is connected to. Us dwarves been living in this mountain range for ages! Far as I know, this sorta stuff took place a few times in the past! Good enough for ya? We gonna leave now, you good yea?"

"Ah, thanks for the explanation. And yes, do go ahead. I'll go see the site for myself."

"Umm? By yourself? What are you planning to..."

I entered Acceleration without replying Makiru and started making my way to the accident site.

I stayed in Accelerated State as I looked for the source of this ruckus.
I should have asked where that place is, but it's too late to go back now. I made a beeline deeper in while surveying the surroundings.
All the people trying to escape in a hurry have stopped moving like they are mannequins.

(Well this is normal in Accelerated State. The way they all got this look of terror on their face reminds me of some certain famous horror manga...)

I figured those skeletons must be in the opposite direction of these people and headed there.

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Hero and Demon King

This chapter is from Hero's POV

『Welcome to the Castle of Demon King.』


The man saying that has long black hair, dark brown eyes and an exquisitely handsome face that somehow gives off the impression of being inorganic.
Those are the exact same features as a certain being Kajikawa-san told me.

An overwhelming presence not unlike a mountain with an invisibly tall summit and the bottomless depth of an ocean.
Those two instructors are real bad news. Kajikawa-san even more so.
Yet this man before me makes all of them seem insignificant.

There's no mistaking it, this man is...!


"Demon King...!"

"Indeed I am. You possess the insight to fathom my identity in one glance, I see."


...Anybody would.
If this man isn't the Demon King himself, just some random aide or something, I'd file a claim.


"Fumu, I did not foretell a female hero. You are likely the only---"

"No, I'm a man. You should know being a former hero and all, Heroic Fusion decides the end gender by the tallied ratio."

"...So it is. My apologies."


Do I really gotta go through this same old exchange even with Demon King himself. Give me a break already.
Ah, he's making an awkward face. The change of expression is real subtle, but I guess even this guy's got emotions.


"You are already aware that I am former hero reincarnate it seems. I surmise your Menu made the conjecture after finding out my Menu's interference, no?"

"Yeah. Let's be real, I'm disappointed in you, senpai... Why are you trying to destroy humanity."

"Foolish question. Demon Kings are an existence meant to be the harbinger of humanity's downfall. No inquiry necessary."

"Oh there sure is a huge one. I mean, I'm in the opinion that the job of saving the world doesn't have to fall squarely on heroes."


In fact, Menu told me that it's not like Demon Kings can only be defeated by Heroes.
They're just too impossibly strong to beat without an assortment of 'Brave Skills' including Heroic Fusion, it just ends up that way.
...Apparently Kajikawa-san is capable of defeating all previous generation Demon Kings on his own. That man is a monster alright.


"But like, you should have seen, felt and lived alongside the humans in this world as a former hero, no, a former human yourself. Do you really believe it's something you could so handily destroy?"

"...."

"This world's humans are no mob characters in a game. Each and every one of them is giving their all living to the fullest they could. Is being a Demon King a good enough reason to deny all that. Or maybe you're just acting that way as a necessary evil to regulate population?"


If it's the latter, his methods are super rough but there may be a point to it.
Too many mouth to feed is going to dry up resource which would eventually kill this planet. Like earth.
That doesn't mean I agree with that though.


"Did your past self lead a tragic life? Or is your sense of values got a complete 180 degree from becoming Demon King and now you think that human lives are worth nothing? If so, I'm just wasting my breath here. Get lost already, Demon King."


Thinking about how this person is the ringleader behind that gruesome war makes me all the angrier.
He's an enemy anyway, I might as well let it all out.


"...Nay, that is wrong."


Demon King quietly spoke up once I was done with my grumble.


"My past life, Souma Ryouta, cherished this world dearly. He loved humanity. So much so he wished to be reborn into this world once more. Those feelings remain within me to this very second, unabated."

"..."


Demon King thus spoke without any hesitation.
I could tell from his voice that he's not lying.
Then why, why is this man going up against the world as Demon King.


"I may be Demon King now but I am well aware how precious human life is. As someone who had lived an irreplaceable wonderful life as one man, I am more than familiar."

"Then, why are you---"


I was about to ask, 'Why are you trying to eradicate humanity', but I couldn't finish that sentence.
I can't talk nor breathe because the gentle face this Demon King has put on looks utterly repulsive to me.


"And that is precisely why I find it unforgivable. Those wonderful lives are built upon heaps of our, us demons' sacrifices"


"Wha..."

"Now that I am reborn as Demon King, I carry the perspective of a demon. I have made the vow to break this world's very system. I shall topple this world and its insistence to mark demons as a nemesis."


Even though his voice and face remained calm, hearing his word sent a chill down my spine.
It's not because his Attributes are higher than mine. I can feel sheer unimaginable hatred towards humanity in his voice.


"Hero and Demon King, swap their positions and so will the object they place values on. Hero (you) to humanity, and Demon King (me) to demons."

"...Even though you were a human once?"

"That is precisely how I  questioned everything pertaining demons. I may be the reincarnated form of Souma Ryuta, but my nature is ultimately that of Demon King. Consequently, I shall bring about humanity's demise with nary a speck of hesitation."


Demon King drew his sword.
A regal looking sword. It even exudes an air of nobility you'd think it was a sword for heroes.
That's all it took to make me feel like I was pricked by thousand needles all over my body.


"Demonkind shall rise to be the race that stands above all in this world, we shall take humanity's place. Once the last of human breathes their last, we shall live as we will. No more are we become tools of gods."

"So you're telling me this is a struggle for existence between humans and demons? The losers get to get stamped out of existence. Why bother with all that long winded crap then."

"All I did was answer an inquiry. For you and humanity, the soon to be loser and the exterminated."

"Oh wow you're so kind. Nobody asked for it tho'."


I drew my sword, 'Brave Blade' and got ready for combat.
There's no need for words anymore. All that's left is how a Hero and Demon King should...


"Perish, humans."

"Drop dead, demons."


Our swords clashed as we hurled curses at one another.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >

"...."

"Gii...!!"


I realized one thing after that close call of a clash.
That one moment of interlocked blade was enough to draw myself a conclusion.


I can't win the way I am.


"Heroic Fusion never ceases to amaze indeed. To think you managed to hold yourself against me."

"You're welcome!"


Despite my outwardly flippant attitude, I'm absolutely getting driven to the corner right now.
I'm only barely matching him after doubling my stats with Energy Control while under Heroic Fusion state.

Merely a match is no good.
Demon King still got True Demon Release and his Final Form as his trump cards.

If me going all out is barely a match against his first form, there's no way I'd win against him at full power...!


"Haaaaaaaaa!!"

"!"


There's only one path to victory!
I'm gonna kill him before he can activate True Demon Release and Final Form.


I raised my Attributes tenfold with Energy Control for one moment in time!!


"Drop deaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad!!"


This should be enough to overwhelm Demon King. At least his First Form.
I can only keep up this much buffing for a few minutes. I gotta finish him off before time's up.
There's a slight time lag between the initial activation of True Demon Release and Form Shifting and the actual change. I'm not gonna give him a chance to finish his transformation!

I used the combination of 'Ground Shrink' and 'Mana Blade Gale' to raise my speed even further and swung my katana.


"Ka..."


My blade slipped through Demon King's neck.
This is the end---


"...Impressive. Simply magnificent. What was that?"


....Wha?


"You were but a mere match for me until that explosive burst of tremendous power for a brief instance."


His voice came from his headless body.
The same body went on to grab me by my neck.


"I did not foresaw that would be the moment 'Scapegoat Talisman' would come into play. It was one of the trump cards I had set up for unforeseen situations. Nay, I suppose this was exactly that time."

"You, bastaaard...!"

"I shan't pretend to know the price you paid to achieve that but such power is indeed sufficient to end me. And with that much power..."


Demon King's head regrew.


Dammit, I ain't done yet!
I'm gonna kill you dead this time!

I swung my sword at Demon King with his hand still grabbing my neck--



"It shall not be me who opens, it will be you."

"!?"


The entire blade of my katana disappeared as I swung it at Demon King.
That katana should be indestructible, how is it broken...!?

No, that's not it.
I can tell my katana still weighs the same. It's not broken, it's only gone invisible.


The moment I realized that, I noticed the space around my katana warping.
The space itself, has been, cut.

What, the hell is this...!?

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630 Don't Ask That, Abbreviated

There's a shield in the room. All by itself. It's a round shield.
Around 60cm in diameter. A very ordinary looking round shield.

"To tell you the truth... I'm at an impasse. I cannot decide how should I decorate this shield."

Dongoro added to her.

"Tell ya what, errything this workshop produced came straight outta her head. My stuff's all curtly made. She's the one putting up all the flashy stuff on. Also, folks tend to look down on her just cause she's a woman, so the workshop got my name on it."

Dongoro confessed that this should have been Makiru's workshop instead.

(Uh, why'd you tell me something that crucial! How is it even my business, seriously!)

"I have pupils in this workshop. Those kids are, um how do I say it, very crafts-oriented. Oh I'm not saying that as a negative. They're all good kids who don't have a prejudice against me for being a woman. They're all tight-lipped, I'm sure they won't tell outsiders regarding this matter."

Not sure what you want me to do with all this information. I thought all I needed to do was to give my amateurish impression on her work before immediately exiting left.
Yet here I am listening to some deep topic I absolutely can't give a resolution to.

"My pupils put more importance on technical skill, they all believe in me... Everytime I give them difficult orders, they would go 'That's shiso for you!' for some reason..."

Are those pupils masochists or what? Also, they give the impression of being decoration fanatics.
Even hearing about them makes me want to put some distance. She's been enduring that kind of pressure all this time huh.
Apparently she's hit a roadblock as of late.

"Please, I would like to hear your opinion. Coming from someone that wields that beautiful weapon, katana, might give me a fresh new idea... Ah, do forgive me. I'm imposing so much..."

Being relied on by this girl is not a bad feeling, but this issue is not exactly simple for me either.
I'm not sure the stuff I have in mind would even be considered good design.
But there's no way I could just blurt out, 'No can do' now. That'd be heartless of me.

"...Hm? You have pupils? Err, I'm sorry for asking something personal, but Makiru... san? How old are you?"

"Eh? Ah, yes, I will be 21 this year. Is there, something wrong?"

(She was an aduuuult!? Who saw that coming!? She's older than mee!)

She looks like a dwarven little girl no matter how you look at her. Apparently female dwarfs all have red hair. With hers in pony tail, she doesn't look 21 at all.

The way she talked and behaved have always been adult-like. I got the wrong idea on my own. She's a young lady.

"Err um, yes, I would be glad to help."

I gave my okay to deceive myself away from the guilt of treating Makiru like a kid inwardly.

"Then, could you show me all the design you have drawn so far as a reference?"

And so, Makiru put all the sketches and drafts she had made on the table.
I look over them one by one. In an effort to buy time. For me to squeeze out an idea.
After about five minutes, I proceeded to speak about the idea that came to me while comparing her sketches.

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Those Who Don't Want to Destroy - Those Who Wish to Protect

"Oh no, things are gonna get reaal ugly if we don't beat this stupid lizard asap."

"Why's that?"

"...Neora-kun might've gotten himself abducted by Demon King."

"Eeh..."

"Eh, wait, whaaaat!? What's going on!?"


That's my line. Isn't it too early for Demon King's Menu to get rebooted?
Don't tell me it made use of its experience from its first forced shut down to reboot itself quicker or something.
...Heck it might eventually overcome the forced shutdown altogether the more often that Menu got through them.

If that ever happens, anybody anywhere in the world is at risk of getting jumped by Demon King.
That's beyond impossible to deal with. It's checkmate.

Our schedule had always been a tight one but it's now lost all margin rooms.
I wish I could get more things done first but we don't have the luxury of time anymore.

I knew it would happen right after he defeated the Demon Chief, but I had no idea it would be really that instantaneous.
I thought we'd still have like 2, 3 days grace period considering the timing of Menu reboot.


I'm gonna defeat Black Dragon and raise my level to 90. That's the very last preparation I can do.


"Alma, Reina, Hiyoko. Just like I said, we gotta fast track the plan now that Neora-kun has been brought to Demon King's castle."

"So that means... What does that mean?"

"Whether it's the Demon King or us that lie defeated, everything ends today."

"F-for realsies..."

"...I see."

『Pii...』


Each of them voiced out their anxiety.
Same with me.

...I'd like to soak in this just-before-final-battle mood but there's something I must do now.


"Oh man, guess we hafta save dragon hamburger for later. I'd get the minced meat ready at least!"

『GUROOOOOO!!』


I held my great hammer aloft and faced down Black Dragon upfront.
He can't fly anymore under the pressure of Alma's Gravity Magic.
Now that he's lost his mobility and both our breaths and magic-based attacks don't work, This is now a contest of pure strength.


My great hammer is releasing black smoke and explosive flames from its holes.
Black Dragon's fangs and claws are glimmering with sinister lights.


"Daaaaaaaa!!"

『Gaaaaaaaa!!』


Black Dragon's claws and my hammer head clashed with the internal combustion engine's explosion as the signal.


"Gugigigigiiii!!"

『Guagagagagaaaaaaa!!!』


In just a second, dozens of sparks flew and filled the surrounding area with constant flashes.
Black Dragon's claws bent with each and every hit. His fangs broke apart while scattering fresh blood.

I don't know the exact value of my great hammer's attack power with its internal combustion engine in the play, but judging from the way Black Dragon's body gradually getting torn apart, it's probably reaching tens of thousands high.
Me adding weight just before it hit must contributes a lot as well. This should work plenty against Demon King I'm sure.


"Break!! Break! To pieces! Drop deaaaaaaad!!!"

『Gagwu...!! Gya, ga, aaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!』


After hundreds of clashes, his steel crushing fangs and all matter rending claws are all gone.
This would have necessitated a full denture for human, but dragons can apparently grow their fangs back.


『Gigigigyagagaaa...! Kaaaaaa....!!』


Then how about breath, or so it seemed Black Dragon decided as he converged mana in his mouth.


I've been waiting for that, you darned lizard!!


"Almaaaaaaaaa!!!"

"Haaaaaaaa!!"

『Gagyuba!!?』


I had made the arrangement to have Gravity Magic at maximum output the moment Black Dragon motioned a breath attack.
He looks like he's gonna get crushed under the full brunt of the sheer weight, it's now or never!


"Reina! Hiyoko!"

"Hiyoko-chan! Take everything, all of it!"

『GLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!』


Hiyoko grew to her biggest size yet helped with Reina's mana transfer and energy buff.
Her spur trampled on the entirety of Black Dragon, stopping it fully.
This gigantic size will only last for a few seconds, but that's more than enough time.


『Ga, gagakakakakaaa...!!』

"...This is the last one."


I kept spinning my great hammer linked with a chain made of mana and accelerated its momentum with the internal combustion engine's explosions.
This should look nothing more than a small, insignificant mallet to a dragon, but it has accumulated more than enough firepower to kill Black Dragon.

Think I opted this attack to kill Minimum Jormungandr back then.

Aiming it away from Hiyoko's spur, I put all my weight and swung it down Black Dragon!!



"DWOORYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!"


『GA, A, AAAAAAAAAAAAA!! GABAHAAAA...!!!!』


My greatest strike yet with this new great hammer.
The sound of it cutting air was a reminiscence of a jet airplane.

Black Dragon's body got gouged out and popped.
A huge hole opened, scattering pieces of meat everywhere.


...That's a fatal wound. He can't even possibly move----


『Ga, ga, gagagabbabababababaaaaaaa!!!』

"W, what...!?"


Black Dragon's body started convulsing like crazy.
Its whole body started blinking light.

Eh, what's up with this 'I'm a bomb waiting to explode'-like effect.
Actually, Black Dragon's mana is swelling up like it's gonna burst open...!?

<<Tame Skill Ability 'Exploding Beast Ball', a Skill that causes a massive explosion by paying the tamed beast's life. The target's Attributes double while this Ability is active. It is estimated half of this continent will turn into a barren wasteland if a beast on the class of Dark Divine Dragon is the subject of this Ability.>>

It literally is a bomb! This is way cliched!
That blasted Demon Kiiiiing!! He went and prepared a stink bomb at the very eeeend!!


"W, what's happening now...!?"

"He's kinda, blinking, it looks kinda bad..."

"He's gonna blow himself up...! In a few seconds!"

"E, eeh!?"


What do!? What should I, what can I do!?

Finish it with my great hammer, ah crap, that strike sunk it deep in the ground, I can't pull it out!

Bare handed then, no his Attributes are way too high to make a dent!

Move him away with Fast Travel... That's only gonna cause destruction to wherever that place is! Would love to send it to K*ng Ka*, but I dunno anybody that handy.

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

Yup, no dice. It's over.
I'll get us and people I marked to safety with Fast Travel.

What about the rest you ask?

No other choice than abandoning them. I really have none.


...This is the result of me giving my all. The worst, just the worst. I'm the worst incompetent.


『Gogogooooo.... Ooo, o, ooo, o, o...!!』

"...?"


Black Dragon stopped blinking just before I could use Fast Travel.
He's fuming smokes all over his body, the swelling mana is slipping out like a balloon.

Can I take it as a sign of an interrupted self-destruct...?
How come?


『...How ironic. To think I am only liberated at the verge of my life.』

"! You...!"


Black Dragon started talking like a normal dragon unlike his crazed growls earlier.
Did he come back to his sense now after all this time?

<<Black Dragon has successfully resisted the Tame Status due to his doubled Attribute values by way of 'Exploding Beast Ball'. However, there is a high chance of the forced control returning in due time.>>

So Demon King ended up digging his own grave with that stink bomb Skill?
Guess he never foresaw that. Dumbarse.

But we're saved thanks to it.
Black Dragon spoke with his fangless mouth while I was sighing in relief.


『Cast aside any notion of me surviving. There is no guarantee I regain my sense if I come under his control once again.』


...!
...Honestly, I didn't expect that.

My image of this stupid lizard is that of a selfish and spoiled bastard that pays zero attention to other people.
It's kinda surreal watching him offering his life for other sake.
...Reminds me again how naive I am.


"...Err, I'd love to do just that, but you might be able to break free once Demon King is defeated. Maybe do a dogeza and I might consider sparing your life---"

『Balderdash. Did you not hear a word I said. I might very well turn back into Demon King's puppet in the blink of an eye.』


Looks like there's really no room for error.
Even moment where he can talk normally like this is probably not for long.


『Further, I bear no reason to apologize to you. I told you before, you must snatch a victory over me if you wish to get an apology out of me.』

"Says the dragon who's barely able to lift his head off the ground."

『Fahaha. What you defeated was a foolish puppet under Demon King's control. I did not lose. As such, I bow my head to none.』


Alright, this guy is dead meat.
I was a fool for having a shred of mercy.


『Besides, your reason for your anger is because of me putting that lass over there in danger. This is between me and that lass, you bear no relation whatsoever.』

"I do... You prolly won't die in peace if I told you we're gonna beat Demon King's butt."

『Why would I? Do you mean to tell me I have a problem with Demon King's death?』

"...Didn't you know? Demon King is your owner, Souma Ryuta's--"

『Demon King, <<That>> is no Ryota. I hereby proclaim as the last individual who saw him off. He might have been reborn or possess his memory, but that thing is no Ryota. You bear no right to say otherwise!』


Black Dragon angrily denied me while coughing up blood and enduring the pain.
It's as if I'm looking at myself, being angry at Black Dragon for putting Alma in danger....


『Ah, I see. I get it now. This is why you are mad. Fahaha, it is all so simple once you understand.』


Black Dragon realized it too and laughed like he finally got it.
I feel like throwing up at the thought of him getting me.
...Not like I don't get him though.


『Now then, that's everything out of the way. Leave the final blow to that lass, and you watch.』

"Eh... Me?"

『Indeed. It was me who made you go through that life threatening experience at the prairie. All will be finally well if you settle the score with your own hands... Gwu.』


He grew a claw and made a cut on his own neck as he said that.
Cutting apart his scales and skin like he was drawing a mark.


"But, I'm no longer, angry about that."

『Do you now. Nevertheless, yo ought to cleave my neck. Or do you mean to let your spouse do the deed?』

"Spo...!?"


Alma turned beet red at Black Dragon's teasing word.
...Maybe I should just end him here and now.


『Lastly, o black haired male... Hikaru. You can not beat that Demon King with sheer strength. There is no winning against 'Infinite' no matter how great one's power is.』

"Wha? ...What are you going on about?"

『And yet, 'Infinite' is by no means 'Invincible'. The most trivial matter might very well be that Demon King's undoing. Squeeze out your entire head's worth of brain juice and think...!』


Black Dragon's body started blinking once again after he finished speaking.

Oh crap, has the countdown started once again!?


『Lass!! Quit blanking out! Go and cleave my neck!』

"!"

『Everybody you know will perish if you don't! All the people you love, those you cherish, every single one shall meet their demise by my hand! Cleave! Cleave me this instaaaaant!!!』

"Almaa!!"


I converted all my remaining mana into energy and buffed Alma with it.
Alma should be as strong as a buffed me now.


"...Good bye."


She muttered that before readying her sword.


Alma turned toward the cut Black Dragon made on himself and swung her sword-----


『Protect this world Ryota loved so dearly.』


I could've sworn that word came out of Black Dragon's head.



<<Level has reached a certain threshold. Upgrading Menu features.>>

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629 Inspection All Clear

The two kept at it until I got a word in.
After observing the blade closely, Dongoro grabbed the grip and very slowly swung the katana, likely to check its center of gravity.
Meanwhile Makiru was closely watching him doing all that.
Knowing it can't go on like this forever, I threw them a question.

"So, uh, you've got a good look haven't you? So, anything wrong with it?"

"Hm? Ow yeah. You only been swinging this thing for a few times, ain't ya? No maintenance done on it too. But man, this thing got some real snazzy swings. I never held a blade as nice as this thing in my life before."

Can anyone really tell that much just from swinging a weapon once or twice? Surely he's bluffing?
Makiru spoke to me as if she could read my mind.

"This man's skill is authentic. So much that he never lies or jokes around when it comes to work."

"Oy, you're fine if I do my thang on this thing, right? I'mma do it. Though it's obvious at a glance thing's in a good shape. Now I'm curious about the maker."

Dongoro said something weird. Is he saying that he can tell a weapon maker's personality just from touching their creation?

"Yes, please. I mean, I'm the one asking for help here, you might go all out."

I think that came out weird, but it's probably the right word considering the glimmering eyes of these two.
I can't just say that they don't need to do anything and go home now.

Dongoro proceeded to do maintenance on my katana while Makiru observed him throughout the whole process.
Having nothing to do, I sipped my tea while blankly watching them for about an hour.
There was no conversation at all. It got so stuffy my eyes began darting to all the swords and armors in the room.

"Alright! I'm done. Told ya, found nothing wrong with it. You may've only used this thing a few times, but it's been enchanted yeah? The blade don't got a single chip nor is it bent. Thing's so fine. You ain't nothing to worry about no matter how many stuff you cut apart with it."

"That was an incredible learning experience for me as well. You have my gratitude."

"I should be the one thanking you. No really, thank you so much."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
I walked to the exit. But then, they told me to wait.

"Won'tcha come again whenever ya got anything interesting with ya? I haven't been feeling it lately, y'see. I been looking for, y'know, something new. Starving for stuff that coulda broken through old tradition like that katana, a chop above the rest. Saito, was it? Be counting on ya."

Dongoro bowed as he asked. That will depend on my luck.

"I don't mind doing that while I'm staying in this country, but I can't give you a guarantee you know? I have no idea what kind of things you deem interesting either."

"Ah, sorry, guess I went ahead and imposed m'self on you huh? No worries, you just gotta keep that in the corner of yer' mind. Got carried away after seeing yer' katana."

I bowed again and walked up to the door before another voice stopped me.

"Umm, would you be willing to spare some time and take a look on my work? I'd love to hear opinions from someone who wields such a beautiful weapon like that katana. Do you mind?"

I can't exactly say no to a girl's earnest wish.
Just you know, I'm not into little girls.

"Well, I don't have a specific plan after this so if you don't mind comments from an amateur."

So now we're heading for Makiru's workroom.

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Be Equipped For Unforeseen Circumstances

"Alma! Use all the mana you have to force Black Dragon down the ground!"

"Got it!"

"Reina and Hiyoko, get ready for the breath! Make do with Energy Control somehow! Don't worry about saving up for later!"

"Gotcha!"

『Cluck!』


Alma amplified the gravity affecting Black Dragon many times over.
She had been using a lower output version up until this point to preserve her mana in a protracted battle. But she can go all out now.


『GUVAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!?』


Even Black Dragon has to crawl on the ground weighed down so much.
I swung down my new great hammer 'Dragon Buster (Temp)' mercilessly.


My new hammer has a smaller head than the previous one and is full of holes to expel the internal combustion engine output.
It looks a bit unbalanced cause the orichalcum grip is still the same size as before.

My first impression when I grabbed it with my hand was 'it's light'.
The hammer Demon King smashed to pieces was super heavy even carrying it around outside Item Screen was an event.
Its striking power was an absolute menace due to that weight though.

I was wondering if this new one's striking power would suffer from its lightness at first. But in reality, this new hammer makes the last one looks cute in comparison.
That's because the hammer head is made of a 'Mysterious black box that gets heavier the more mana you put into it', courtesy of Kira-san.


"Oraaaaaa!!"

『Gava! Gobu! Gahaa!!?』


I showered the Black Dragon's head with my great hammer strikes.
His Dragon Scales easily got smashed into pieces like they were made of rice crackers.

I let the hammer stay light as I swing and load it with mana a moment before the head hits.
By doing this, my strikes have both the speed and weight even without activating the internal combustion engine.
How easily these dragon scales smashed is proof enough.


『Guroooaaaa!!』

"! Hikaru, get back!"


I could hear Alma's scream as Black Dragon swung its claw to rend me asunder.
I can't block it with Mana Control. Black Dragon's Unique Skill will absorb mana-formed attacks and defenses.

Well, I've got nothing to worry about with this thing thing (great hammer) tho'.


"...Wha?"


Alma made a dumbfounded voice.

Understandable. The one that gets torn apart is Black Dragon's fingers, not mine.


『Guvagyaaaa!!?』

"What's up. Your fingers' falling off."


His log-sized fingers got chopped off just like that.
Can't let them go to waste. I put them straight into Item Screen. That's a lot of meat already.


The reason for this is obvious if you look at the great hammer.
I transformed my great hammer's grip into the shape of a scythe and tore him apart.

The grip is made from an alloy mix of orichalcum and the 'Memory Shape Living Metal' that Kyuubi BBA's fans were made of.
I tried mixing them together with 'Synthesize Screen' and it worked like a charm.

This metal is able to freely change its shape in accordance to its wielder's will. Like a physical mana control.
In addition, it will forever remember a shape it's been transformed into once. The internal combustion engine inside the hammer head is made from this metal as well.
Which is to say, this hammer can return to its original shape even if it gets destroyed, super handy. Restoration Screen has lost its purpose.

This lets me deal with opponents that can absorb mana like Black Dragon.
What a timely function. Feels like it's not that useful against other foes though.


Now then, it's finally time to test out the internal combustion engine.
I'mma pour mana into the hammerhead and make it combust... Huh?


My mana keeps getting sucked in more and more. But it's not combusting at all!
Oy, hold it right there, you can't be telling me thing's a dud now after all that suspense!


『Guruoooooooooo...!!』

"Yii!?"


Oh crap, Black Dragon is readying a breath attack.
It's seriously gonna shoot at a point blank range!? Not good, Reina and Hiyoko won't make it in time to absorb this.

Hold it, lemme check my greathammer's condition real quick first. Dammit why won't it combust, when will it combust if it's not now, normies get blown up, I mean, just explode already aaaaa!!


Black Dragon shoot his breath my way while my thought was in disarray.

In the meantime, my great hammer's grip turned into the shape of a canon and shot out a violent torrent of flame reminiscence of Lava Dragon's breath.


"...Eh, wait, wh, whaat!!?"


I couldn't hold back my confusion escaping my mouth at this unexpected situation.
The blazing torrent offset Black Dragon's breath, nay, it pushed the breath back and hit Black Dragon right in the face.


『Gyaaaaaaaaa!!』


Black Dragon screamed in pain as his face got burned bad.
That burned through the insides of his mouth too. Gotta be hurt. Hahaha.

...Hold up! What the heck is this, what kind of gizmo did Julian put in this thing!


<<It is presumed to be an application of 'Flame Dragon Crystal', processed from Lava Dragon's dead body, its property allows a super efficient mana to energy conversion. It is for all intents and purposes an 'Artificial Dragon Breath Emitter'. Its output is proportional to the supplied mana, however this functionality will not activate until it has consumed a certain amount of mana.>>


No no wait, I don't remember ordering that tho'. Is there even a need for the hammer head with this.
Heck, what's going on with the internal combustion engine.

<<It is possible to alternate between the combustion engine and breath by swapping the circuits engraved with the great hammer. The combustion engine's efficiency has been raised to around 30 times the previous engine, proper adjustment is well advised.>>

30 times, so it's outputting more energy than the mana input. What about the law of conversation of energy.

<<'Flame Dragon Crystal' is perpetually storing high density mana which is then emitted upon a mana to energy conversion. If S-rank magic stone has a 99% efficiency, 'Flame Dragon Crystal' has around 5000%. That number has been lowered to allow for a better control of the combustion engine's formula.>>

Lowered and it's still 30 times huh. My arms' gonna get ripped off my body if I'm not careful.
...I mean, I guess a weapon gotta be this crazy if I'm hoping to face Demon King.


Now then, time to try out the combustion engine for real.


<<Warning: Defeat Black Dragon posthaste and prepare for the upcoming state of affairs.>>

Eh, I mean sure that's the plan, what's up?

<<...>>


...Wha? For real?
Er, umm, isn't this too soon...?



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


~~~~~~~Hero's POV~~~~~~~







"...That it? I mean, you're not exactly weak yeah, but man, I'd be lying if I said it's not a letdown."

"Kuh...!"


Hello there, I'm currently fighting the Demon Chief of this continent.
The demon is quite a warrior at Lv100.
Clearly a cut above other continents' demon chiefs. His Attributes reach 6000 with True Demon Release. A real monster.

Meanwhile, Valorous Fusion gets mine to around 8000-10000.
I can easily handle the demon without any power up. I wasn't even a match to that white demon back then, power creep sure is a harsh mistress.
Heck, I'd probably win without the fusion with just Energy Control buff.


"Y, you little! Take this! This! And thiiiiiiiiiis!!"

"Hoi hoi, oopsie, ho hoi, whoapsie!"

"Gohaa!?"

"What's wrong? I'm fighting bare handed y'know, get serious already."


The demon is a curious wielder of both spear and sword.
Unlike that white demon, I can tell this one is a hardened veteran.
He can probably bury the gap in Attributes with battle experience alone. Against an ordinary opponent that is.

Unfortunately for this demon, I have a new Brave Skill unlocked, not sure when though.
Thanks to this Skill, my body moves by itself to deal with my opponents attack before I could think and I somehow have the knowledge how to deal with their attacks.
I've been parrying the barrage of sword and spear attacks with my bare hands while throwing in counter punches here and there easily.


<<That's gotta be be Brave Skill 'Will of Heroes'. It's a cheat skill that lets you master past heroes battle experience subconsciously. Frankly, this skill is way better than stuff like Long Sword Arts and co.>>

...Do I get to inherit Demon King, Souma Ryuta's experience too.

<<I think so yep. In other word, you've got a good shot at it as long as you can do something about the gap in Attributes... But how do we do that...>>

Eh, are you telling me, I'm still no match against Demon King even now?

<<I won't mince word, it's hopeless.>>

...What do then. Kajikawa-san said things are gonna go just fine somehow but I dunno if we can just 'somehow' this kind of situation.


"Where are you looking at!!"

"Ah, I'm just contemplating about the uncertain future. Haa, I'm getting depressed..."

"You may as well accept it! You and the rest of humanity shall witness no future! The era of man ends today!!"

"Uh, where are you getting all that confidence from when I'm owning you this bad. I can't take that seriously."

"Fu, hahaha...! How pitiful. How pitiful you are, o beautiful hero-dono! You know nothing at all! You understand nothing!"


The demon chief laughs happily while coughing up blood.
...What's with this guy's composure. Does he still get some sort of hidden ace up his sleeve?

No, I don't see anything that could turn the table on me from his Skill, equipment or tools on hand.
He should know that I'll just get revived even if I somehow die here.


"Are you waiting for the activation of that continental destroying magic formula? That stuff's long gone now."

"Hahaha, I see, so it is! ...I am elated to hear everything is going according to plan."

"A sore loser huh, that's not cool."

"I might be one indeed! Hahaha, hahahahaha!"


I'm getting annoyed seeing this demon chief's maniacal laughter.
Just like that demon earlier, it's as if they've always designed that continental destroying formula to be destroyed in the first place.

Why would they do that?
If it's always been made to be broken, is it supposed to be a trap to lure someone?

Who are they luring?
There's not a lot of people capable of defeating this continent's demon chief.
The two instructors, Kajikawa-san and us, hero party.

Other powerful personas are busy dealing with those summoned beasts and we can't afford to send them here in a group.
Naturally, that means I'd be the one coming here.

Why go out of their way just to bring us here...?


While I was thinking that, the demon chief took a near crouching stance.
Looks like he's gonna use his trump card of some sort.


"Take this! This is, my most powerf---"

"Ah, I'm good. Bye."

"Wha? ...Kah..."


I looped off the demon chief's head with a combo of 'Ground Shrink' and 'Long Sword Arts' Iai strike.
He couldn't process that he was cut as he made that voice with his head on the ground.
That was anticlimatic. The difference in power between Demon King and his chiefs are way too nasty.


Now then, the Demon King's hideout should show itself up now.
But first, I gotta deal with the magic beasts ravaging this continent and prepare our forces before we march on that place.



















<<Neora-san!!>>


Eh, what's up?



"Long have I waited, for this very moment."



Just as Menu displayed the biggest red font warning I've ever seen, I heard someone's voice from behind me.
I reflexively turned around and saw a black long haired young man there----


"Allow me to bid you welcome."


As he grabbed my arm, the scenery shifted from the dimly lit demon hideout to a bright neat and clean white palace.


Wha, what just happened?
Where am I, why am I here, or rather, who's this black haired man...!?

<<...This is the worst...! We're not done preparing anything yet...!>>


The man let go of my arm and bowed exquisitely.



"To the castle of Demon King, Hero-dono."

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

628 When Craftsmen Left to Their Own Device

Dongoro folded the blueprint on the table and put it under his armpit. I placed the katana on the center of the table.

"Fumu? Oy oy, ain't that a katana? Well damn, I ain't no way I'mma work for the day now that I've seen this. Ya can already swing this thing well for someone so young. Well I'll be, tickle me intrigued."

Dongoro's eyes are sparkling suspiciously as he stares at the still sheathed katana.
He saw through the fact that I wield this katana. Even though I only used it a few times since I got it made. Must be the so called craftsman's eye.

"I ain't got lotta chances to inspect something this fine. Alrighty! I don't need no gold. My thanks for showing me this interesting stuff."

"Eh? I'm paying though. Are you sure you can decide that on your own anyway? I don't think so, no? Your accountant is going to have a word with you."

"...Ah, yeah someone's gonna raise hell 'bout it... Hold it right there. Ya got any more business today? Not in a hurry ain't ya? Yer' free the whole day, yeah?"

"Yes, I don't have anything planned. I'll wait."

"Lemme go get her."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
Why? Who? Dongoro left before I could throw those questions.
He hasn't even touched my katana. I'm getting worried now.

(Who is he calling? The accountant? Is there even a point of the accountant being here? Then who?)

Besides, Dongoro should be the one inspecting the katana. Is there even a point for that someone to be here?
He introduced himself as the manager. Is it somebody higher on the pecking order?
Besides if that someone is gonna raise hell, why call them here.
My confusion lasted until Dongoro came back. Along with a girl.

"Hello, nice to meet you. I take it you're the person Dongoro approved. And that must be the katana you brought with you. Do you mind if I take a look as well?"

"Eh? Ah, no I don't. And um, uh, you are?"

"Ah, do pardon me. I am this workshop's backer. My name is Makiru."

"Oh yes, I'm Saito. Not only did I make a request without reservation, he also offered to undertake it for free so I'm not sure what to do."

"Please don't overthink it. Dongoro only deems something worthy once a year, if even that. I would love to be present as well for this rare occasion, so please think nothing of it."

"Thank you very much."

After all that formal pleasantries, Dongoro finally took the katana in his hands.
Then he slowly pulled it out its sheath.

"...Ho... Well I'll be darned. It's forged from mithril. By quite a skilled fella at that. The enchanter ain't no slouch either. So simple yet so refined. Beautiful..."

"This workmanship... is the polar opposite of mine. But the word beautiful comes up in my mind as well. I'm reminded again how 'beauty' is ultimately rooted on simplicity over haphazard gaudiness. You cannot desert complexity but that cannot be the sole factor either."

"Look at these ripples. They're natural. I don't see a single superfluous addition yet this work exudes beauty. There is no waste to be found. To top it off, this thing has an unimaginable sharpness. It must have cut quite a few things. How's the cross-section like?"

"Oh the sword guard has this coolness factor to it. It's stylish in an understated manner. I spot many tiny details with the same idea behind them. Ah, the sheath is quite a fine specimen as well."

The two got more and more heated up. I can't find a good time to interject them.
Dongoro asked me about the sharpness. And Makiru is apparently an ornament artisan? or so she sounds like from the way she fussed over the finer details.

It took some more time until they calmed down.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

The Time is Ripe

It's been a few hours since our fight with Black Dragon started.
We've been replenishing our mana, and stamina with potions and meals but our accumulated fatigue is nearing its limit.


"Hikaru, I'm running out of potions on hand...!"

"Lend your item bag for a sec! I'll stuff it directly with Item Screen."

"Ah, geez, how long do we hafta keep this on! I'm about to drop dead from exhaustion!"

『Cluck! Cluuck!』


That makes the two of us. I'm tired, starved, fed up with this never ending fight too. Don't you give me, 'Me too, me too!', Hiyoko.
We've been managing to keep the status quo thanks to Menu but that doesn't really stave off the sense of helplessness.


"Just a bit more, a little bit more!"

"How long is this 'bit more' anyway!? You've been saying that for several hours now--"

"Hold it! Look at Black Dragon!"

"Eh, what about... it...!?"


I pacified the half-snapped Reina and pointed at Black Dragon.
Looking up, you could an immeasurable amount of mana converging above us, inside Black Dragon's mouth.


<<That is the start-up move of 'Charging Dragon Breath'. Nine seconds until discharge.>>

<<It is recommended to hinder and divert the breath's trajectory. If the breath remains at its current course, there will be an enormous amount of casualty on a continental scale.>>


"Oh crap! Stop it! We gotta stop that or this continent's a toast!"

"Eh!?"

"Blast it aaaaall!!"

"Kajikawa-san!?"


I raised my Attributes to maximum with Energy Control buff and lunged at Black Dragon!
The me now is able to raise my Status by 15 times for about 10 seconds if I use up all of my energy!

Oh crap, my Stamina is gonna get used up in four more seconds! Convert from mana, wait this one's less than half full too!
I don't have enough to buff myself and stop Black Dragon, what do!?


Use potions to restore energy, no, the breath won't wait that long! I won't make it!


『GWOOOOOOOOOOOOO...!!』


Five second left. I concentrate all my energy into my right arm, no, Dragon Scale is gonna stop it.
There's no point if I don't have any means to attack after breaking through Dragon Scale.
I lack that kinda of firepower right n...!


...!!!







~~~~~~~~Baredorai's POV~~~~~~~~~~







"Baredo, fall back...! Run...!"

"Shut it! Just keep quiet and drink your potion!"


『Gyujurururururu...』


I'm facing off against a swarm of giant locust magic beast created by demon's Forbidden Magic.
There's actually only one beast, but that thing seems to be a Unique Monster with a Unique Skill that can create dozens of its clones.

Dunno if that consumes lots of fuel or the beast is inherently ravenous, the swarm is eating everything up, from grass to magic beast dead bodies.
This thing can probably devour an average magic beast forest clean in a matter of days.
They don't seem to be picky and will attack and eat anything that moves.


『Gyajaaaaaa!!』

"Blast it aaaaall!!"


I pointed the spear I got from Kajikawa (monster) at the locust swarm.
High powered light balls shot out of the spear but the locusts' exterior repelled the attack.
These fakers are as durable as the real thing...!


『Gaja』『Gija!』『Gishaa!!』

"Gugigigi...!!"


Around ten locusts rushed at me in response.
Each and every single one is monstrously strong...! Even my lowest estimate would put them among lesser S-rank beasts.

I'd want nothing more but to run, but I can't do it.
Behind me is Rasfi who got seriously injured by the locust ambush.

Trying to move her carelessly might prove fatal. We gotta wait till the potion kicks in and heals her.
Can't expect backup. Can't run either. My only choice is to exterminate 'em all!


"Stop it! Forget about me and get away! If you keep this on, you will..."

"I told ya to shut it! Just get some rest there! You ain't moving anywhere with those wounds!"

"I don't want to! How could I take it easy while you're dying in front of me!"

"You dumbarse!! I'mma take my own life if my partner ended up dying cuz I made her do the unreasonable!"

"Why would you go so far...!"

『Gibyaja!』

"!?"


The locusts went for Rasfi while we were having a squabble.


"The hell yer' tryina' pull you bastaaaards!!!"

『Vajaa!?』


I activated another internal mechanism of the spear as I shouted out loud.
In that moment, the spear pierced through the attacking locusts with the sound coming later.


"Ga, a...!!"


My muscles screamed with pain from the recoil. The bones in my whole body creaked. Blood spurted out of my nose.
This mechanism expels a powerful burst of mana from the end tip of the spear to enable high speed movement beyond Ground Shrink by propelling its user.
A hit is powerful enough to break through these locusts' defense, but I didn't expect this level of load...!

Can't use this mechanism to propel thrown spear likely due to center of gravity issues, so you gotta get flung alongside the spear.
That probably ain't no sweat for that monster of a man, but this stuff is beyond me.


"Baredo, quit pushing yourself...! You're, at your limit too...!"

"Ha, this ain't nuthin'...!"


Yeah, this is nothing.
...This pain can't compare to the pain I felt from my blunder of letting Rasfin get hurt.


『Gichiii...!!』

"What now, ya gonna throw a temper tantrum like a kid?"

『Gijiiiiiiii!!』

"Baredo, I'm begging you----"


My angry shout drowned out Rasfin.


"Ya got nothing on my rage you damned inseeeects!! I'mma make you regret for hurting the woman I fell for!!!"

"!?"


...Ah, what a cliched line.
Rasfin's not gonna let me hear the end of it later.

If there's later, that is.


『Gyabyashaaaaaaaaa!!!』


The swarm of locusts jumped at me altogether.
They flew up high and swooped down while flapping their wings noisily.

I can't get a good aim with them splitting up. That earlier trick ain't gonna work no more.


Fine then, I'll take ten, twenty of you down with me!
Go ahead and tear off my limbs, I ain't letting any of ya touch Rasfi!!


"No! Don't die! Don't die, Bare-------"



Sound disappeared altogether before Rasfi could finish shouting.

My eyes were focusing on the incoming locusts but my vision has now turned white, nothing else is visible.

Ah, did, I get killed off...?



That thought lasted for an instant, interrupted by a loud explosive sound.


『Gaju...』


The locusts burned down, no got evaporated one after another.
Every single locusts in the sky disappeared without a trace.
All of them got swallowed in that torrent of light.


....Huh?
What's, going on?


"U, oooooo!!?"


My thought froze for several seconds before coming back to my sense and crouching down.
The light might swallow us whole if we stood up.

We kept the posture for around a minute, by the time we stood back up all the locusts were gone.
Not a single cloud in the sky. Coulda sworn I saw lots just now.
Is this also due to that mysterious light?


"Baredo..."

"...We're alive, aren't we."

"...Seems, like it."


Our brains got no capacity left to rejoice for our survival. All we could manage was standing still in shock.
What was that all about...?



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


~~~~~~~~Alma's POV~~~~~~~~







『Gagyaaaa...!!?』


Blood gushed out of Black Dragon's mouth, where the broken fang is.
The dragon made a confused sound, I'm not sure if it's from pain or astonishment.


"D-did, he, make it? What, happened?"

"I, I'm alive... We'd all be done for if that breath was shot here...!"

『Cluuck.』

"Umu, I am glad you're all safe and sound. I too found myself in a life or death crisis before I even realized what was going on."


As it looks like, the Black Dragon's breath was shot into the far horizon instead.
Reina and Hiyoko voiced out their relief too.


"That must have been a powered up breath. The sheer firepower contained within was unthinkable."

"How're even supposed to block that. We'd turn straight into vapor if that hit us."

『Cluuck.』

"Did Hikaru stop it?"

"Umu, that's my customer for you. Pulling that off during that brief juncture was simply superb, fuhaha!"

"But he couldn't even make a dent earlier, just how...?"

"The answer to that question is naturally thanks to my magnum opus. Did you perhaps miss that moment?"


Hold up.
Hold, it right there.

A familiar man has been joining our conversation like it's the most natural thing.


"...Why are you even here, Julian-san."

"Umu, I had finally managed to finish the final weapon. Just when I was thinking of delivering it to my customer, I found myself standing here. This world sure is full of mysteries fuhahahaha!"


Julian is acting the same as ever.
When did he...? Why, or rather, how...?
Did Hikaru call Julian here with Fast Travel?


"It is clear that was quite a close call and I am happy we managed to overcome it. His new partner has more than proved its worth."

"New, partner?"


"Umu! That is precisely my ultimate magnum opus, humanity's strongest men final weapon, 'Dragon Buster (Temp)'!!"


Julian pointed at Hikaru holding a hammer with a far smaller head than the one he had before.
The jet black hammer head is rectangular shape like a box, adorned with curious or rather sinister looking objects.
The grip is lustrous emerald colored, probably made of orichalcum. That should be quite hard to break.

Hikaru responded to the excited Julian with a wry smile.


"...That name's kinda lame though. And 'Temp', really?"

"It has yet to bust a dragon! You go and bust that dragon and it shall be thereafter truly called 'Dragon Buster'!"

"Well, this thing can easily do that yeah. I mean, I just hit him on the spur of the moment with and that alone dealt some major damage."


It's true. The dragon that was nigh impervious to all our attack is bleeding from its face.
If that was a spur-of-moment hit, then he should be able to draw out more power with proper use.
...I kinda wanna see it, and kinda don't...


"Fuhahaha! Swing it as freely as you will! I bid you good sleep now! I'm so sleepy I could di-zzzzzz."

"Uwaah, this man just up and went to la-la land!"

"...He must be really overworked."


...I bet Julian has been working on that hammer up until this point. He lied down on the ground and fell asleep.
I kept thinking 'So slow or is not done yet' while we were fighting Black Dragon. But Julian really was working on it all that time.


"Umumu, munyamunya..."

"Girls, time for a new round! Don't let Julian's sacrifice go in vain!"

"No uh, he's not dead you know!?"

"Ufuhahaha... Grandmother is doing laundry at the opposite bank... Ah, peach, the peach...!"

"You probably don't wanna cross that river. Like, you absolutely don't!"


...What kind of dream is he watching.

Previous Chapter 

Next Chapter

627 Spur of the Moment Customer

I didn't walk far to find Dongoro Workshop afterward.
Outwardly it looks like your run-of-the-mill house. Except for a lone signboard next to the front door.
It was nothing like I imagined which took me by surprise.

"Was sure it's gonna be a huge workshop but this looks just like a quiet private home. I was bracing for trainees running around all over the place along with constant yells."

All the workshops I saw in this country so far were all old school-er than old school like that.
But I haven't heard anything like it once I arrived at this central area.

I opened the door bracing myself for the unknown.
The inside is 4.5 tatami mat big room with a lone table in the center.
There's a door in the back. Must be staff only beyond that.
There's no chair, ornament or painting in the room. Only white walls and nothing else.

I couldn't come up with a reaction and could only stare in a blank amazement.
Not for long though.
A dwarf came out of the door in the back.

"What? A customer? Whaddya want? I ain't got time to process a new order. Best I could give ya is this form. Make a reservation and write down your contact info here."

"Ah, I heard this is the best workshop in this kingdom. I'd like to have my weapon looked after if possible. Could you take a look."

"Fumu, yeah that should work without an appointment me think. Hold on a bit. I'm gonna check on the schedule."

The dwarf shopkeeper left the room.
I did have to wait. But a room this small with nothing inside is suffocating.
It's white wall everywhere you move your eyes. The silence is deafening.
I have no idea why a place that's supposed to be a workshop is this quiet but I chalk it up to some sort of soundproof magic device.
Which is a relief cause this whole town would be hard to live if it was full of those clanks clinks.

"Kept ya waiting. Follow me. I got no more work today. I'll examine yer' stuff myself."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"You have my thanks."

Thus I got in the door following what seemed to be the shopkeeper.
There's a five meter long straight corridor beyond that small room, with rows of doors lining up left and right.
There's one last door at the end of the passage. The man led me there.

"Go on in. Take a seat anywhere and wait."

What greeted me inside was a furiously burning furnace yet I couldn't feel the heat. Is this another magic device?
Looking around, I saw hammers, anvils, saws, tongs and a table with an unfolded blueprint. Not to mention all sorts of tools an amateur like me can't fathom.
The room is quite spacious.
Swords, armors are hanging on the walls without a gap between them though I'm not sure if they're finished or not.
Thanks to this, the room feels cramped despite its size. The armors are especially intense.

"I've brought ya tea. Let's take it easy. Oops, right forgot my introduction. I'm Dongoro. This workshop's manager."

That surprised me. Having this kingdom's best craftsman accept a request from some random customer who popped up out of nowhere like me is way too sudden.

"Err? Aren't you busy? Besides, don't you have to make a reservation first at this workshop? Can the top man himself really accept a rush order?"

This question is necessary. Normally you don't take a rush order without reservation like this. By this workshop's top guy at that. I might understand if it was some underling.
Like getting his trainees to learn how to deal with customers or something.

"Ain't like yer privy to our internal conditions, are you? Then who cares. Weird chap. Got few customers I took orders from whenever I was free before ya, but none of 'em missed the chance to bite on it right away."

Is this due to my personality? Or my Japanese-ness showing? I'm getting worried about this workshop's internal.
But I am not qualified to criticize nor is there a point. Might as well ride this fortune.
I'm a stranger to this workshop. A customer. What's the issue with getting fast tracked.

"Then, I'll take you up on your offer. You don't mind if I put it on this table right?"

Thus I fetched my katana from my magic bag.

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Just a Bit More

『GUVABYAA!!』


Black Dragon swung its claws sending mana blades toward Alma's side.
Each blades clearly contains enough power to kill all of us.


"Farslash! Shoot them down, no dodge! Dooodge!!"

"E, uh, can't, dodge--"

"Tch!!"


Reina and Hiyoko tried to absorb the attacks but unlike breaths, those blades have far higher explosive power, it can't be done!
They couldn't react fast enough because my instruction was delayed so I Fast Travel-ed them to safety instead.
Damn, Remote Fast Travel is handy but it uses up way too much mana. Calling them back here doubles that amount.

The ground where they were at exploded and glowed red. Like a volcano eruption.
The nearby ground also started exploding one after another, it was like the picture of hell. Blocking that would instantly evaporate you.

Black Dragon's status may be stupidly high but no Farslashes can output that much power.
It must be the effects of Master Skills. Looks like breaths aren't the only attack we have to be extra careful about.


I called back Alma's group with Fast Travel to resume our battle.
They were dumbfounded from the sudden teleportation and the erupting ground.


"Hiee, the ground is burning and melting...!"

"We'd have been dead if we stayed there."

『Pihie...!』


The three grimaced in terror.
How long must we go on with this super close call of a combat...?


"Kajikawa-san, I don't think we can deal with that by ourselves."

"I know, I know. Just one hit and we're toast, yet none of our attacks make a dent. There's no winning this fight."

"That's why we should call for backups. We might be able to hold it off for now, but at this rate..."


Yep, all it takes is one slip up.
Fast Travel may afford us emergency escape at a moment's notice but it'll be checkmate for us the instant we run out of mana potions.


"But you know, is there even anyone who can hold their ground against this thing?"

"...Mom and dad, or Neora's party."

"Alma's parents can't break away from their battlefield. They're fighting monstrously strong magic beasts over there. I could bring them here by force, but everybody else there would be killed off."

"What about Neora-san?"

"Not an option either. Apparently demons have taken some brainwashed people hostage. Him leaving or Fast Travel-ing those people will force them to take their own lives."

"Uwaa, that's just the worst. Might be an even worse hell than us in a way."

"That said, we can't exactly run away either. In the few minutes it takes to have a toilet break at our inn room, this Black Dragon is gonna shoot out breaths randomly, changing the landscapes in all directions at dozens of kilometer scale."

"Leaving Black Dragon be will spell doom to this continent. It might even set its sight on other continents."

"So we really gotta beat Black Dragon-san on our own... Kinda asking for waaay too much."


Yep, it is.
I thought I'd gotten plenty strong. I really did.
In reality, I can barely defend myself against that stupid lizard.


"Do you have a plan?"

"...It's gonna take a bit more time."

"Are you planning to wear Black Dragon down?"

"No, we shouldn't expect that. Demon King is apparently supplying him with mana and stamina continuously. Probably an ability of Tame Skill or something."

"So you're saying we'll have to wear down both Black Dragon and Demon King's mana and stamina?"

"Yeah, but it's no good. We'll run out of gas first."


At the very least, Black Dragon definitely won't run out of his mana and stamina before us.
...Damn that Demon King, why'd he go and prepare such an annoying pawn.


"But then, how are we even supposed to win?"

"...I know things aren't looking up but just bear with it for now."

"Are you waiting for something?"

"Yeah, it's gonna turn the table on him but it needs more time in the oven... Oh crap, incoming breath!!"

"Geh! Hiyoko-chan, let's do it!"

『Cluuck!』


Reina and Hiyoko absorbed the ambush breath.

However


"Ugwuuu...!!? I, it's more powerful, than ever...!"

『Cluuuuuuu....!?』


Black Dragon finally used Qi Clad to boost his Attributes further.
His breaths naturally became more powerful which made absorbing them harder.


"Haa!"


Alma shot an Offensive Magic spell at the remainder of the breath attack, narrowly stopping it.
Not good, these breaths went from easily being handled just by the two mascots to all three working together to stop one.
How'd we even supposed to take a break now.


"Anybody hungry should eat now! I'll distribute portable ration while you fight!"

"But what if it comes right out."

"Don't, swallow it back."

"I'm gonna get an upset stomach."

"Bear with it. Fust (just) aliffbiffmore (a little bit more)."

"You're seriously gonna eat while fighting!? Heck, I can't decipher your words!"


I focused my attention to the battle while nibbling on a calorie bar.
It's drying my mouth but I can't afford to care about that now.


『GAVAAAAAA!!』

"! Rapid Breath! Dodge!"

"I-it keeps coming one after another!"

"Hiyoko! Absorb and shoot back at those breaths! You too, Reina! Alma, throw off Black Dragon's aim with Gravity Magic!"

"Got it!"


I flew all over the place while stopping the breaths with Remote Mana.
This darned lizard just had to power up now after all this time.


『Va... aa...!』


...? I'm hearing a groan, could he be suffering.
No, his State is still the same as before, his HP has barely budged too... Must've been the wind.




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


~~~~~~~~~Hero's POV~~~~~~~~~







"The chief of this continent's demons awaits inside."

"...."

"This is as far as I can take you, quite a shame. Ufufu, please enjoy yourself."


We reached the interior depth without encountering any trouble.
...What are they scheming, really.


"Release the hostages, don't you dare forget."

"Yes, of course. Look over there."


As the female demon pointed, the purple flickers in the hostages' eyes grew dimmer before disappearing entirely.


"...Ah?"

"Huh, wh, what? Where, am I?"

"Dad, where are you?"


Checking the confused people's Status, the brainwashing really have come undone.
...Didn't expect that. I was sure she'd go, 'It's just work don't think bad of me. They'll have to die.'


"Well then, that will be the end of my role. You may go on ahead."

"...Aren't you scared I'm gonna kill you once you've released the hostages?"

"Oh I don't mind. My role has always been 'guiding hero to interior depth.' I don't care if me or these hostages are dead or alive as long as I have accomplished that."


This demon....
She sees not only the hostages but herself as nothing more than pawns.


"What is your goal? Shouldn't you try your hardest to keep this continent's chief alive and prevent Demon King castle from manifesting?"

"Yes, yes, you're exactly right. However, there is no sidestepping that end. No demon can stop Hero (you) anymore, nor can you be sealed, brainwashed or bound... How very vexing."


The demon glared hatefully with a hint of sorrow in her tone.
...Has she always known that the chief is going to be defeated regardless? I really can't get a read on this demon.


"Is that everything you wanted to ask?"

"There's a magic circle with a massive enough scale to destroy this continent in this hideout. What are you planning--"


"Ka, ha...!"


"...Eh?"


The female demon coughed up blood while I was asking.
A blade popped out of her chest.

A familiar looking sword stabbed her from behind.


"I already destroyed that crap. Sheesh, y'all so slow."

"You're...!?"

"Alancyan...!?"


The darned brat, Alancyan Brat, scowled as he said that.
Wasn't he supposed to be brainwashed like those people. Heck where'd he been gone off to.

The female demon asked with a mouth full of blood.


"You, couldn't, have been, trying, to destroy, the magic, circle, all this time...?"

"Ha, a parlor trick only possible cause yer' too damn incompetent to count your hostages."

"How did, the brainwashing..."

"I ain't saying."


I'm guessing he must have broken free with 'Mana Control'.
Kajikawa-san mentioned how 'Aizawa-kun has been making his moves in a half-brainwashed state'.
...Guy's pretty handy.


"Oy, okama. Go beat the demon chief inside, get on to it. I'mma take those hostages away."

"I'm no okama! Heck, why'd you even come here for!"

"Quit yer noisy yappin'... I don't hafta to tell ya 'bout that stupidly strong monster's presence outside, do I. Ya need to get outta there and help."

"Ah? You mean Black Dragon under Demon King? That's--"


"Hahaha, cough, a, ahahaha...!"


Just before we got into a debate, the female demon started sneering.
Her crazed laughter sends a chill down my spine.


"The hell yer' laughing for. Ya gone insane from dying or somethin'."

"Haha, hahaha, oh, do pardon me. Who could, have, thought, everything went, exactly as."

"Hah. Who said all that crap about not caring and dying. Look at you now. Pathetic."

"Ahahaha, gaha, hahaha, I can't, believe, haha, I can only, laugh."


She kept laughing eerily all while coughing up blood. But, she's nearing her limit.
She let out a very faint whisper at the very end.


"To think, everything truly went according to plan. Demon King, with your majesty, this world, will..."


Her voice was even quieter than a rat's dying scream yet it echoed vividly in my ears.
...Just what was her deal anyway.


"...That was unsettling. She made it sound like me breaking the magic circle was the plan all along?"

"Or it might be just her being a sore loser."

"That true?"

"...Beats me."


What was that female demon thinking when she said that.
Or to what extent is Demon King's plan. There's no end to speculating that stuff.
It's creepy... I'm worried we're gonna end up in a situation with no turning back if we keep this up.

Yet, I can't help with the battle outside if I don't beat the chief quickly.
I must do what I can do right now.


"The heck yer' spacing out for. Go beat the crap outta that chief already."

"Yeah yea. 『Valorous Fusion』."


I'm gonna go in already fused.
Levia and Olivier glowed before they fused with me.
What came out of the light was the usual bombastic bodied beautiful girl (me).
Ah geez, I can never get used to becoming a woman. It's gone breezy again.


"Now then, let's get this show on the road... Hm?"

"...."


That Aizawa brat is staring hard at me with a dropped jaw.
What's even that face. Flehmen response?
Ah, right, he's never seen me in this state.


"What are you looking at. Just so you know, I never asked for this appearance."

"........You, really are a girl?"

"No I ain't! I get to be like this if I use the Hero's Secret Move!"

"...Ah, err, sorry for calling you okama, my bad."

"Shaddup!"


I've got loads of things to tell him, but I'm fed up already. I'm just gonna go defeat that chief and be done with it.
...Oy, the heck you're blushing for, gross. Heck, what about Alma, you.

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626 Just as Imagined? No, Not Exactly

"Hi there, so what business do you have in this country?"

That's the gatekeeper's question for me. The checkpoint inspection isn't particularly strict.
Thus I give an honest answer.

"I'm here for sightseeing. Also, I wanna do maintenance on uh, this weapon I have."

"Have you decided on which workshop?"

"Ah yes, I'd like to drop by Dongoro Workshop if I could."

"Oy oy, that workshop is this country's best you know? I get you're going for their prestige, but even if you manage to get a reservation, you're gonna have to wait a year. You sure?"

"Ah, is that how it is. Well, I've got nothing to lose trying. I could always look for another place."

"I see, then just one thing. Mind showing me that weapon? Just to be safe."

I wonder if this gatekeeper asks that to test if I'm lying or not.
Not like he can immediately tell that here and now anyway, but I guess it's something that needs to be done.
I offered no resistance and fetched my katana from magic bag.

"Oh a magic bag, are you a merchant? I suppose that doesn't matter. May I take it? ...This is, incredible. Alright, good. Let me see your ID."

I showed Second Class Pass and got in trouble free.
The gatekeeper was shocked at the pass like usual but he immediately focused his attention to the next person in line.
I can tell the guy has been trained well.

I took a good look of the dwarf kingdom.
It's got a semicircle rampart wall with a huge mountain in the back. For a kingdom, I don't see a castle anywhere.
Lively voices of what I assume to be merchants could be heard, shouting at their disciples, here and there.
There's plenty of food carts in the streets with many dwarfs eating and drinking booze.
But the moment I entered a workshop area, sounds of clanking hammers filled the space.
A busy bustling city of craftsmen. That's how I would paint this kingdom.
But, it's just that.
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
(Why is it steam punk-ish? Moreover, it's...)

Coulomb castle. Steam punk nine dragon castle.
Where am I?

"Where have I wandered into? Isn't this a world of sword and magic? ...There won't be mechs and guns popping up soon will there? Please no."

I feel like I'd get lost right away if I keep wandering randomly. Yet the streets are nicely ordered and there's plenty of guideposts around.
Only the buildings look like they're randomly positioned, the streets themselves are well regulated.

I referred to a guidepost and decided on a direction.
Onward to Dongoro Workshop. I bought three pieces of BBQ Spits along the way lured by the fragrant aroma.
They had a thick flavor which parched my throat but I couldn't find any place that sells water. All of them offered booze instead.

(Oyyy, why's everything booze and more booze!? I mean sure that fits the bill and all!)

Left with no choice, I entered an alley and grabbed my own water barrel from magic bag.
Knowing it looks out of place, I quickly tidied it up once I was done.

(Asked a food cart uncle for water, only to get 'Why'd ya drink flavorless stuff like that. Ya want booze! Drink booze!'...)

That uncle's face was tinged red, he must have been drinking. In fact, every single dwarfs in vicinity looks like that.
Dwarf Kingdom really doesn't miss the beat huh. Booze for life or something.
It's a difficult place to be for a normal tourist. I mean asking for water only to get served booze is just whack.
Hope the inn is normal. I wished as I made my way deeper.
Since I come from the rampart wall, the direction I'm going takes me closer to the center of the kingdom.
Apparently Dongoro Workshop is there. As I kept looking around and taking in the sight, the mountain that could be seen from so far away gradually seemed even bigger up close.
As it turns out, the closer you get to the center, the more ordered the buildings become.

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Hard Close Fight No Mercy

『GUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!』

"Incoming breath your way! Reina, Hiyoko!"

"On it!"

『Cluuuuuuuuuuu!!』


Half of a breath attack aimed at Alma was absorbed by Reina's repeated slashing while Hiyoko absorbed the remaining half.
They then shot out the captured energy away from Black Dragon to avoid it getting reabsorbed.


"Alma! Make him heavier!"

"Got it!"


I have her add weights to Black Dragon with Gravity Magic, restraining him.
The effect is diminished by Black Dragon's Master Skill but it's still significant enough.

As he desperately flapped his wings to avoid crashing down, I readied a High Powered Pile Bunker strike.
I'm using an adamantite ingot as its head not a mass of mana though.
He might be able to absorb magic-based attacks, but a physical object should work.


I shot the super heavy ingot at Black Dragon, producing a canon-like sound in the process.
It packs enough firepower to gouge out an average magic beast with the slightest touch.


『Goau!!』

"...Dammit, he blocked it."


But the ingot got stopped by 'Dragon Scale' Skill before it hit the main body.
I'm not sure if it's gonna deal enough damage even if it reaches though.
Guess I really should give up going on the offensive and focus on defending instead.


『GAVAAAAAAAAAAA!! AAAAA!! HYAVAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!』


Black Dragon shot out a barrage of black scales like a slugshot.
He can do that!?


"Incoming scales! No dodging this! Shoot them down!!"

"【Grand Blade】!"

"【Death Blade Barrier】!"


Alma blocked the scales with a giantified blade, while Reina put up a spider web-like barrier made of thin mana thread.
Each and every scale has an incredible penetrative power. Blocking them is no simple feat.


『GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!』

"Breath! Hiyoko, turn big and absorb it! Don't forget Energy Buff!"

『Cluuck!!』


My hands are full just from barking orders.
The slightest delay could be disastrous. I can't look away even for a moment.


"Alma, recast Support Magic! Speed Up!"

"Un!"

"Hiyoko! Stop Black Dragon's ramming attack! Put all your energy into your Strength and kick him with everything you got!"

『Cluuuuuck!!』

"Reina! Put up a smokescreen as a distraction!"

"Yessire!"

"Hikaru! I need mana refill!"

"You got it!"

『Cluuck!』

"Say what, you're hungry from using up too much energy!? Ah geez, step away for a bit and eat your lunch box!"

"Kajikawa-san, I gotta go to the restroom for a bit!"

"Ah, same here but my hands are tied now, you go and do my share too!"

"How does that make sense!?"


It's so chaotic I don't even know what I'm saying.
Anybody but me can take a short break, but there's no way they can take on Black Dragon if I'm not here.
Meaning, I gotta stay here until the very end. What is this sweatshop hahaha.

...I do still take toilet breaks though.
Eh, why don't I just dump it straight into Item Screen? ...I feel like I'd lose something important if I did that, so no.


『VYAGAAAAAAAAVAAAGIAAAAAAAAAA!!』

"Shut up will you! Eat this!!"


I drove High Powered Pile Bunker on 'orichalcum splinters', sending them flying at Black Dragon like a shotgun shot.
They pierced through Dragon Scales but did virtually no damage on the main body. It's like getting hit by tiny gravel if we likened him to a human.

Damn, I knew it. There's no way to get out of this situation without a real finisher.
Is it not done yet, is it? Please finish it asap!




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


~~~~~~~Hero's POV~~~~~~~~







"Curses! We cannot hold them back...!"

"How could three mere little girls possess such power...!"

"Who you calling a girl dammitall!
'Saint Laser'!"

"Ugiaaaaaa!!"


We made our way deeper into the hideout where the chief-class demons should be lurking while mowing down more and more demons.
...I'm used to it with people, but I can't believe even demons would misgender me...

No wait, this is no time to feel down.
Gotta beat that demon chief and destroy the continental destroying magic circle!


"Hero, sama."


Just as I was about to dash off, some unfamiliar voice called out to me.
No, I think I've heard this voice before, but where...?


"...Eh?"


I turned around and saw a long purple haired beauty with a sword in hand, pointed at me.
Isn't she the captain of Continent 4 Anti Demon Army...!?


"Hero-sama."

"Hero-sama."

"Heero-sama."

"Hero-dono."

"Hero."

"Hero."

"Hero."


W, what the hell...?
An armed group of people with hollow eyes are creeping toward us.
These people, are they, humans?

Familiar purple-colored flickers could be seen in their hollow eyes.
That's, the same thing I saw on the brainwashed Kajikawa-san...!?


"N-Neora-san, they are...!?"

"They don't seem like demons mimicking humans, but they're acting weirdly. Actually, are those small kids mixed in there...!?"

"Don't hurt them, you two! They've been brainwashed with a Skill!"


Levia and Olivie were thrown into confusion as they tried to stop the brainwashed people.
Dammit, upon a closer inspection, there's non combatants and even children among them. They don't discriminate huh.
This group likely consist of this continent populace as well as anti demon army folks and adventurers.


As I was contemplating how to deal with them, the brainwashed people opened up a path.
Someone walked in this direction in that path... A blue skinned woman? A demon huh.


"Hi, nice to meet you Hero-sama. How do you do?"

"...The hell, are you."

"Oh tut tut, don't make that face now. Smiles fit a girl best, smile for me~."

"I'm a man, dangit!"

"...Eh?"

"Don't you 'eh?' me! I'm tellin' you, I'm a man darn it!"

"O, okay. I'm sorry?"


Stop that, don't look genuinely apologetic there! You're only making me sad!
How could this demon take it wrong too!
Really puts a damper to this serious situation...


"Ahem... Let's have a retake. My mighty and cute hero-sama, you will go with me to the interior depth if you wish to save these people."

"...What's your game?"

"You think I will answer?"


...An invitation from these demons? What are they scheming.
There's around 50 brainwashed people in total. I can just Mark them and Fast Travel--


"Ah, right. Try and take these people away with that Fast Travel of yours and they will take their own lives altogether."

"Wha...!?"

"I have given them the instruction to cut their own neck the moment they are teleported. You don't want to act rashly, now."


Dammit! They foresaw everything!
...What do, the plan always involves going into that interior depth, but there's no telling what's waiting for us there under these demons' guidance.
Fleeing is out of question, these demons are gonna kill the hostages, yet we can't just follow them...


"Neora, let's do what she says for now."

"We are left with no other option. We cannot abandon these people."

"...Right."

"Ufufu, you have my gratitude for making the right choice. Over here if you would."


I sighed as I followed the female demon.
...She's grinning and acting flippant.


"Get us there, onee-san."

"Ufufu, oh I shall give my utmost."

"Ah, also, let me just say this."

"Hmm? What is the...!?"


I concentrated my energy into my eyes and glared at the female demon as I spoke.


"You will free all hostages once we're there. Walk back on it and I'll beat you up until you plea, 'Please just kill me.'"


"Fu, fufufu... Oh yes, I shall take it to heart... It's no wonder you're the antithesis of Demon King-sama."


She dropped her facade and sweated for a moment before immediately putting back her flippantly attitude.
That served nothing but my ego, but at least I've got one off her.
Well, I won't show any mercy if she broke her promise.


"...You really are similar to that old man."

"Eh?"

"L-Levia-san, that's a bit rude. He's not as scary as Kajikawa-san."


...Looks like these two equate that man to monster.
Can't believe they think I'm imitating Kajikawa-san when all I did was giving a rather stern warning. Guy's really a symbol of fear...

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