Sousetsuka

Aged Hero's Objective - Demon King's Objective

"Forgive me, the both of you."

"Uwaa!?"

"W-what are you!?"


Geezer suddenly grabbed our arms.
Immediately after, the scenery changed from a lush green bamboo forest to a cold inorganic room.
There's nothing in the room besides a lone door.

Was that, Fast Travel?
Then this geezer is really...!


"W-what? What's going on!?"

"My bad. I have been keeping secrets from you two all this time... 'Spada' is an alias I use when I go around as a swordsman. It's not fun when I use my real name cause people keep making fuss over my hero status."

"H-hero? Oy, gramps, what are you going on about now? Have you finally gone senile?"

"Oh shut up! ...Well, suppose that's the normal reaction. All that stuff won't make sense to you guys coming from Japan."


I can't catch up with all this sudden development.
Was his old swordsman persona hailing from Firie Kingdom of Parallecia a lie?
So this geezer really is the previous life of Demon King...?

...No, that doesn't make any sense! Demon King's previous life, the past hero should be someone from hundreds of years ago. He should be long dead now!
That's how the present Demon King became his reincarnation after all. Are you telling me they exist in the same time now?

<<It is possible to meet people from far in the future on 'Floor 21'. Consequently, this means it is also possible to encounter people far from the past.>>

...So it's like I'm someone from the future from this geezer's perspective huh.
Dammit, why didn't think of that! I'm so dumb!


"Who cares about my circumstances. What's important is the fact that I have accomplished my objective thanks to your help. I was faking my name to my comrades-in-arms."

"U, uh, I don't really get it, but it's not like that does any harm to us... Don't worry about it."

"...I'm sorry. Nevertheless, I must repay you. I have prepared the way back to Japan."

"Eh?"

"The door over there connects to 'Floor 21'. And the door that should be on the other side of this door ought to connect to '2020 AD Japan'."

"Eh what? Floor 21? Connected to, Japan...!?"


Spada smiled as he opened the door.


"Pay heed not to open the wrong door by mistake. Nobody can say where it leads to."

"H-hold it! This is all so sudden, I can't wrap my head around it! I don't get anything you're talking about!"

"Fare the well... Ah, right. I'll have you know my real name as a parting gift."


Geezer kept talking while ignoring Kira-san's reaction.
He introduced himself for real as he waved his hand.


"My name's 'Soma Ryota'. Kira Kazuya, Kajikawa Hikaru, thank you for helping me... Wait for me, Yukana... I'll find you no matter what..."


Real name, word of gratitude. Then something profound before he vanished.
He must have used Fast Travel to go somewhere.


"That geezer, he really went off just like that after saying his pieces..."

"Soma, Ryota...? Was that gramps, a Japanese too?"

"Formerly one, yeah... He really got me good there, dangit."

"Eh? Kajikawa-san, were you acquainted with that gramps?"

"That geezer's reborn self, yeah."

"????"


Kira-san looked perplexed you could almost see a question mark above his head.
He won't get it anyway, let's just brush it over.
...But still, Menu-san, were you aware that geezer was the past hero?

<<Affirmative. It has been confirmed that the man who called himself 'Spada' is also the previous life of Demon King, 'Soma Ryota'.>>


...!
Why did you keep quiet.
Killing him might be out of question but we might be able to persuade him out of taking that hand mirror and be reborn into Demon King.


<<...The information has been concealed as there is no possible methods to foresee what consequences will a Time Paradox bring from excessive interactions.>>

<<It is impossible to predict the results even if persuasion succeeds. What will happen to the 'current world' if Soma Ryota decides not to reincarnate into Demon King?>>

<<Will nothing change except the non-existence of Demon King. Or will the entire world vanish, with a brand new world replacing it. There is a risk of everything disappearing including 'this' Kajikawa Hikaru in case of the latter.>>

<<Therefore, it had been decided to conceal the analyzed information pertaining Demon King's previous life... The choice was made to ensure survival of Kajikawa Hikaru even if it goes against his wishes.>>


...Ha... I see...

...Frankly, I still don't get it all. I just know that we've been dancing on Menu-san's palm.
All of us including the past hero-turned-demon king. Menu-san... What a terrifying kid...!


"...I have absolutely no clue about what to even ask. Huh? Am I the only one in the dark here?"


Kira-san is looking tearful for being left out. Does he have a trauma on that or what.
...Come to think of it, who is this man anyway?

<<In all likelihoods, Kira Kazuya is an ordinary Japanese man who was involved in another world transportation by extremely low chances. His circumstances are no different from Kajikawa Hikaru in a way.>>

What about that offensive spell-like lightning bow or that black spear?

<<They are believed to be items and techniques Kira Kazuya learned in other worlds. He has no trace of powers originating from Parallecia.>>

...So he really got nothing to do with our mess.
Heck, had no idea you could get thrown into another world no matter how low the chance. Considering there's quite a few cases of people getting spirited away, some of them might have been transported to another world like Kira-san and me.





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


~~~~~~~~Sword King Dukeris's POV~~~~~~~~~







"Fumu you are quite at an advanced age compared to that young Sword King. Your mastery from age is evident in your swordsmanship."

"Fu, fuhaha, it is of the greatest honor to have the great Demon King himself praise me... So much I'mma throw up."

"Such strength and sharpness in your sword coming from an aged body... Hmph, it is as if I am watching my previous self."


Sword King 'Spadia'-sama jumped off the Black Dragon and exchanged blades with Demon King.
His forged body belies his over 90 age yet the height of his swordsmanship is impossible to reach without dedicating oneself to the way of the sword for decades.
The previous generation Sword King is no pushover. I'm reminded of that again.


"Duke!! The hell yer' spacing out for!! Back me up, ya blockhead!!"


...His foul mouth hasn't changed at all either.
It must have been hard for Alan-kun who was under his guidance just half a year ago.

How many years has it been since I fought together with someone else.
I never dreamed the day I have Spadia-sama as my comrades-in-arms would come.


"Haaaaaaa!!"

"Uraaaaaa!!"

"...Doing this 'outside' while I am unable to use Skill Abilities well is proving to be tough."


I swung my sword with all my might at Demon King.
Combined slashes between two Sword Kings. Most enemies would have been ground to dust, yet Demon King took it on effortlessly in contrast to his words.
Lunati covered fire with Offensive Magic and Space Magic yet Demon King also warded it all off with a look of composure on his face.


The fierce offense continued for a while and we were still unable to land even one decisive hit.
But, then it's finally time.


"..."

"! Demon King's left hand is crumbling!?"

"Looks like it's true, Demon King can't stay out of his castle indefinitely! He's reached his limit!"

"...Well done. I must commend you for persevering this far."


Demon King spoke while holding his rotting left arm.


"Today's pleasure jaunt took longer than foreseen... I shall recede today taking my objective with me."

"!? He's gone...!?"



"I am here to fetch you, Black Dragon."

『Wha...!?』


Demon King got on Black Dragon's back in the blink of an eye.


『G-get off me! Only those I deem worthy may ride on my back!』


Black Dragon shouted sounding both panicked and angry.







"...Come on, don't be so cold now. Did you forget about me, 'Bahamut'."

『Wh...at...!?』

"I don't see the name on your Status. I suppose you really cast it aside when I died... How sad."


After saying all that, both Black Dragon and Demon King vanished.
I, Lunati and even Spadia-sama could only stare at the space with our mouths agape.


Killing the king was never Demon King's real objective.

No, it was all for the sake of taking Black Dragon away.

Previous Chapter

584 Above the Above

Apparently Kyaro was hit with a huge debt. But she had no way to pay no matter how much she complained.
Selram then agreed to have her 'hired' as a gladiator in this coliseum.

"Well you see, I was desperate to have a rare dark elf work for me at the time. I did ask for an unreasonable sum. I was hoping she could promote our store's equipment as a gladiator. But, as it turned out, cutie pie is really strong. She paid all her debt in no time. It was victories after victories in record times. Up until her fight against Bal that is."

Apparently Selram didn't think Kyaro would be that incredible.
I knew how strong an elf is because I've seen it first hand but I suppose that's hard to believe until you witness it yourself.

"I chose archery when given the choice between swords or bows. At the time, I believe I would never lose in that genre. Especially since I'm allowed to use Spirit Magic. I can't imagine myself losing. And yet that was my vanity speaking. Balga-sama crushed my conceited self head-on with his strength."

Kyaro narrated how the fight went.

All of Kyaro's arrows were struck down. Even arrows that moved freely in the air via Spirit Magic.
As she was disguising Spirit Magic as Wind Magic, she didn't made it too flashy.
Yet even arrows she shot seriously halfway through the match all got beaten down.
And once Kyaro ran out of arrows with all of Balga's targets intact, he went for the counterattack.
His arrows easily pierced through Kyaro's targets despite the spirit magic's wind barrier protecting them.
His great bow was simply that powerful. No ordinary man can even pull its bowstring. Even trained archers would have to slowly pull and shoot with every arrow nocked.
Yet, Balga rapidly fired without missing a beat. That's not the extent of his strength.
Even though his arrows pierced through the wind barriers, there is no avoiding the effect of winds on those arrows. Yet, how come they still hit the targets? Even the slightest change in trajectory would easily make them miss their marks.
It's because Balga had been observing Kyaro's matches. He only shot after calculating how his arrows would fly after being swayed by the winds and hit the targets in the center still.

Hearing this, my impression of Balga changed to 'He's not normal'.
Selram used the word monster to describe him.
So then what does that make me, someone that monster admitted as stronger than him?

"Hey? Can you use a bow? Bal sung praises of your strength Saito. Won't you have a match with Kyaro?"
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
"...What are you talking about? What's in it for me."

In the end I couldn't divert the topic away from this huh. What a let down.

"My? Then what if I hire you. Will you do it? I want to see your strength. Call it a mere curiosity. Don't think too hard about it. You've got this grave looks on your face."

"...I'm not particularly fussed about money. Allow me to decline your offer."

"Oh? Then maybe you'd like another form of compensation? Just tell me anything."

I don't get why she's so insistent on knowing my power.

"Selram-san? What is your real objective? Is there a meaning in me fighting him?"

Kyaro seemed puzzled as well.

"Hm~? Cutie pie, you said you wanted me as your guarantor, right? Which is to say, I'll be your employer now and forever. You have discovered the thrill of being a gladiator in this city. You're pretty affluent too these days, you can already live how you want."

Making a killing. Believing in one's strength. Strength turns into gold. Coliseum dream.

"But that can't go on forever, you know. Your mind is going to rot if you carry on with such a lukewarm conviction. You'll get stagnant if you don't receive external stimulation. That's why. I want you to aim higher, cutie pie. Above the above, see."

"You're talking about that exhibition they're gonna hold I take it? Gotta say, they're going overboard... or not, I guess. It's the one thing everybody living in this city has been wanting realized after all."

"In fact, it's just weird how they never hold it until this point."

Balga and Selram are absorbed in a topic only they know.
Kyaro seems like she got it.

"You two must mean the great combat rally that will be held next year. All gladiators will participate in it... magic, spear, fist, sword and bow. An integrated rally that cross overs classification."

And what does that got to do with me? I have no idea.
Selram who seemingly saw me frowning gave me the concise answer.

"I want you to spar with my cutie pie. To help her climb an even higher height."

Previous Chapter

Item Screen

"Hihhihyaaaaaa!!"


All nine tails started cracking all over the place like supersonic whips.
Nine fans floating around Kyuubi also flew around by themselves, slicing anything they touch.


"Uwaaaa!?"

"Careful! Watch out for both the tails and fans!"

"Each of those fans is super hard like they're made of diamond of some sort! Getting hit by those will hurt like hell!"

"Aaaaaaaaaaahahahaha!!"


Kyuubi smiled devilishly while making some incomprehensible noise that don't even form a word.
She's not sane anymore. Or maybe she's only acting like it.


"Kiiiiiii!!"

"Ugwooooaaaa!!"


Spada blocked Kyuubi's claws.
He had to use 'Qi Clad' and still barely made it.
How strong is this Kyuubi's form anyways...?

<<Unable to confirm Status. However, her Attributes are estimated to be around 10000.>>

Oy oy oy, the hell is that. She's seriously on the level of a last boss for real.
That's bad, Spada's Attributes seem to hover around 5000 with Qi Clad active while Kira-san's are not even half that.
Even Alma Papa would have a hard time reaching five digit, frankly.
Can't be helped, guess I'll deal with the main body.


"Geezer, swap with me! I'll take her on, you cut down those tails and fans!"

"I-it's impossible for you, young 'un! This thing's beyond tough! Even I find myself struggling!"

"Just get back, you!!"

"Muoo!?"


I flung Spada back with Remote Mana Control and lunged at Kyuubi.


"Kihihihihi! Fodder! Fodder! Sacrifice! Sacrifice!!"


Kyuubi swung her claws at me while rambling incorrigibly.
I grabbed back and locked hands with her, my hands coated in mana already.


"F, fool, her strength is not normal! Your hands will get crushed!"

"Kajikawa-kun, don't push yourself!"


That's true, at 10000s STR, her grip strength must be insanely powerful.
She can probably crush steel into powder with bare hand.

But


"Gih!? Ugugu...! Gugigigigigi....!!"

"What's up. Try and squeeze me."

"Gigigi, gyaaaaaaaaa!!!"


Kyuubi's face warped as the bones in her hands creaked.
I can easily double her grip strength with Localized Energy Control buff.
I've got my hands coated in mana so her Physical Attack Void doesn't work either.

Ten thousand high Attributes are nothing to me now.
Also, I realized there was no need to seriously play along with this.


I activated Mana Pile Bunker from my palms!!

The stakes pierced in Kyuubi's palms and blew up.


"Kyaaaaaaa!! Aaaa!? Aaaaaaaa!!!"


Kyuubi wailed in pain from the pain of her hands popping off.
Her tails and fans are starting to move erratically. That worked well.


"U, uwaa, that's nasty..."

"He's brute forcing that brute. Who's the actual monster here..."


Kira-san and Spada murmured while striking down the slowed tails and fans. Oh shut it.

This thing may be strong, so are her tails and fans.
But she must have born strong from the start, she's got zero sense and ingenuity in combat. Just like that White Demon.

They're very strong, either on their own or thanks to weapons or gear, yet they never seem to bother mastering their power.
I can easily overpower them simply by raising my Attribute against hollow strength like that.


"Aaaa!! Uaaaaaaaaa!!!"

"Shut up. Die."


I'm a bit hesitant attacking a weeping and shouting beauty but considering what she's done, she must die here.
I'm readying a High Powered Pile Bunker aimed at her head.

0.5s to activation. This will--



"Aaaaaaaeruaaaaha❤"


Kyuubi's wailing face suddenly turned into that of a relaxed smile.
A moment later, a fan shot out of her mouth, turned into a spear and stabbed my head.


"Gah...!?"

"Ahahaha, ahahahaha! Fool, you dropped your guard! Did you truly believe I have lost my sanity? All of that was for the sake of entombing the biggest obstacle here, you!"

"K-Kajikawa-kun!!"

"Young 'un! How dare, you!"

"Resign yourself. You hold no chance of victory now that this man is no more. Come now and offer yourselves as sacrifices! Hohoho, hahahahahaha!"

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

"Who's dead again?"

"Hahaha... Ha?"


I put away the fan lodged in my head to Item Screen.
Uwaah, I lost nearly 1000 HP. Guess I can't compare that to a bandit's arrow.


"H-how? M-my fan pierced your head, I made sure of that!"

"I ain't gonna die from that. I would if you gouged my heart out tho'."

"No uh, you'd die either way though!? Kajikawa-kun, seriously who are you!?"

"...Really, who's the real monster here. Unthinkable."


Oh give it a rest, peanut gallery! I'm sick of listening to the same old impressions already!


"Hi, hiiy!! Hiiiiyiiii! Stay away, stay away from me monsteeeeeeeeeeer!!!"


Kyuubi ran into the main shrine while screaming loudly.
Who you calling a monster! Coming from you!


"M, mirror! As long as I have this mirror!"


She took the mirror and ran toward the bamboo forest.
I won't let you! She's gonna start another massacre somewhere if she got away here!


"Hold it right there!!"

"Don't you dare run dangiiiit!!"

"Fuhoho, too slow!!"


I took stones from Item Screen, coated them with mana and threw at her.
Kira-san shot out a barrage of flaming bullets from his futuristic looking gun too but they all got stopped by her fans and tails.


Meanwhile, I caught sight of a magic circle shining blue in the direction Kyuubi is fleeing to.
...Menu-san, could that be.

<<Analysis complete. It is a teleportation magic circle. It can only be used exclusively by 'Kyuubi no Kitsune'.>>

Oh crap, we can't catch up to her from this distance!
Will I make it!? Buff my Attributes sky high with energy! Mana Flight--



"'Saint Laser'!"

"Hya, guha...!!?"


A ray of white light emerged and sliced the Kyuubi in two as I heard someone shouting behind me.
What, was that? Who, did it...!?

A figure took the mirror from Kyuubi's body before it vanished from his hand.
That...?


"Geezer...?"

"O, oy oy, you could've used that move sooner if you had it, gramps..."

"...I'm sorry."


Did Spada kill Kyuubi with an Offensive Spell?
Rather, where did that mirror disappear to?


"Sorry, I'm sorry..."

"N, no, you don't have to fret over it. That was a splendid timing to use if you were saving the move for the right time, you did beat Kyuubi too. Really, don't worry about it."

"...Geezer, you're..."


Kira-san reassured the apologetic-looking Spada while I couldn't drop wariness.
How could a human with Swordsman line of Job use Offensive Magic?
Is it a Gift Skill? Or maybe he's got an equipment that grants him Offensive Magic Skill? I mean I guess this question can be explained.

But then, how did he make that mirror disappear from his palm?


<<....The hand mirror was stored away into 'Item Screen'. In addition, that hand mirror is an Aberrant Object with the ability to collect life force and mana from surrounding dead bodies and allow its user to reincarnate into a denizen of their world.>>


Are you saying, this man, this, geezer is...!?



<<Demon King in his previous life, a hero of the past.>>

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

583 Got Found Out

There was an urgent bidding war at the auction house yesterday. They were selling Bearuds.
Materials from four Bearuds. The pelts were virtually flawless, thus they fetched for quite the prices.
The meat was of the highest grade and freshness too. Of course it went for a lot as well.

"I was fortunate enough to purchase one of those pelts. So you know, it got me thinking. Who and where can I find the person who brought these pelts to the trader?"

My mind was at peace at this point. I'm busted completely.
I didn't tell her everything. Yet this coincidence just can't happen every day.
Selram must be convinced that it was me already.

(Now then... How will this roll I wonder? Next, she's gonna say...)

I won't say anything. Staying silent is my only option.
Not like I can worm my way out with excuses anyway. I can only wait her next moves.

"I've been wanting to meet this person, you see. If they were an accomplished merchant, I'd love to offer them a position in my company. And if they were a hunter then I'd like to sign an exclusive contract with them, you see. But."

Selram paused and took a breath before resuming.

"I just had a second thought. My intuition is warning me to abandon the idea. There's this indescribable chill on my spine for some time now. It started since you talked, you know? My intuition is never wrong when it comes to this stuff. What a shame. Really a shame."

Selram shook her head with her hands up in the air like she gave up.
This was a bit anticlimatic even for me. I was sure she'd try to cajole me too.
Yet, she really stopped talking. She's given up for real.

"Saito, just how vast is your true strength? I'd love to fight you at full power at least once."

Balga suddenly made that demand.
I'm tired of going all out so no thank you.

"Ah, I'll have to decline."
<TLN: Catch the latest updates and edits at Sousetsuka .com >
I'm probably the only person in this city that can put such a sad face on their champion.
Balga looks like he's crying shame from the bottom of his heart.

"I understand that he's a mighty person capable of slaying Beruads. However, I cannot see what prompts Balga-sama to shower him with such high assessments."

Kyaro voiced her bewilderment at Balga's insistence on me.
I know that I'm gonna get stuck showing off my power again with the way this is going, so I try to divert the topic.

"Hey. How was Kyaro and Balga fight like? I can't imagine Balga winning against Kyaro and her spirit magic in an archery competition."

"Ah, Saito you haven't heard or watched it, I suppose. Let me be the one who narrates it."

This topic got a nice reception. Selram is going to be the narrator.

"Our cutie pie lost after all. Balga is such a monster~."

"Oy, don't call me that. My strength is nothing compared to Saito's."

(Oy Balga, don't swing it back to me.)

I panicked a bit but then Kyaro started to narrate her life story.

"I owed Selram-san so much at the time. I hail from a hidden village. I had left the confine of my home to travel the world when I found myself on the run from a magic beast in a certain forest one day. I roamed aimlessly without my baggage, food and weapons after losing them during my run. I did succeed getting away from that magic beast. It was such a mighty foe my power could never hope to beat. I never saw its figure with my own eyes, however the sheer amount of mana it emanated even from so far away was enough to make me flee in terror. My legs couldn't stop shaking from the malice I sensed back then."

I know how strong even a single elf can be. Hence, I can't imagine how powerful that magic beast must be to corner her enough she chose to flee.

"As I barely managed to clung to life, Selram-san picked me up. She offered food and water, saving my life in the process. But. Naturally those couldn't have come for free."

The story is going in a weird direction, but it's still better than having me as the topic of conversation so I keep my mouth shut.

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

Like an RPG Last Boss

"Gyaaaaa!!"

"Dammittallllll! We must sacrifice them no matter the cooost!!"

"You be one, lowlifes!"

"Line up your necks, you savages!"

"Die."


Kira-san started throwing all kinds of weapons, Spada geezer cut at least three Foxfaces with every swing of his sword while I kept hurling Foxfaces at other Foxfaces.
Despite our numerical inferiority, we routed these Foxfaces effortlessly.

It only take a few minutes till the Foxfaces were all nearly exterminated.
The blond beauty merely watched without a shred of anger all the while.
...She doesn't give a hoot about her subordinates' well being huh.


"Hiiyiii! T-Tamamo-samaa!"

"These people are beyond our capability! We beg of you, grant us your aid!"

"...Fumu. Very well, very well. Your entreaty shall be fulfilled. You may now retire."

"B-by your will! You have our deepest gratit--"


Plop, something fell off.

All the remaining Foxfaces' heads rolled on the floor.


"Lie now in peace. Worry not for your lives shall not be in vain."


The blond beauty smiled while fanning herself with a scarlet folding fan dyed in the Foxfaces' blood.
...What a chilly smile. I don't feel the slightest allure despite her sheer beauty.

Kira-san asked with a deep voice while frowning.


"Oy, you, why did you kill them. Weren't those guys working under you."

"Hoho, what a curious thing to ask. Did you not crush them like bugs yourself."

"Cause they're coming for my life. But you, you're their leader...! How could you call yourself one after cutting down your own subordinates!"

"Subordinates? Another curious question, I am familiar with the pawns and tools that had outlived their usefulness down there, but I do not recall ever having a single subordinate."

"Y, you darned haaaaag!!"


Kira-san threw a black spear at the blond beauty in a fit of rage.
The same spear that always hit those Foxfaces without fail. It's pretty strong, enough to kill an equivalent of a rank A magic beast in one strike.

But it stopped in mid air just before it hit the blonde.


"...Figured it wouldn't work...!"

"But of course? Do not liken me to those pawns."

"Hwo, teach me the difference will you!"


This time Spada geezer swung his platinum-colored sword at the blonde's neck.
Terrifying power and speed. It would have been fatal against the Foxfaces yet his slash couldn't even break her skin.
Their attacks don't work. It's nothing to do with a difference in Attribute values, it's more like those attacks are jammed by something.


"Nuu, I sensed no resistance... 'Physical Attack Void' huh."

"Verily. Neither needle-sharp spears, nor mountain-crushing hammers shall harm me. And I understand from your fight that you lot only possess the means to attack physically. In other word."


The beauty swung down her folding fan at Spada.
The moment Spada blocked it with his sword, a roaring thunderous sound echoed.


"Kuh...!"

"You shan't touch me while I have all the advantages."


The beauty looked smug as she swung another folding fan at Spada.
Spada took that with a sword created with Swordsmanship Skill 'Mana Materialized Sword' but he couldn't block the kick aimed at his belly.


"Gufuu!?"

"G-gramps! Take this!!"


As Spada got kicked away, Kira threw a lightning arrow from his palm at the blonde.
Offensive Magic? Never seen a spell like that though.
The blonde calmly erased that with her folding fan.


"Hohou, I see you possess some manners of talent in sorcery... But, tis' nothing I cannot handle."

"S-she just fanned it down...?"

"My pawns were fairly competent. That you did not deploy such sorcery against them must signify that was the extent of your ability in sorcery. I shall now--"


Ah, I'm done. Let's get her while she's busy acting smug.


I zeroed in with Mana Flight and drove 'Mana Pile Bunker' on her face!!


"Buhwa!!?"


The blonde went flying toward the main shrine while making a weird noise.
...She's still alive huh. Tougher than she looks.


"T-that worked? Isn't she invincible against physical attacks?"

"Pile Bunkers aren't physical attacks, it's an elementless 'mana attack'. Strikes coated with mana or formed from mana seem to be working just fine."

"I see... But man, that sure was an awful ambush..."


I mean, why'd I let my enemies notice.
Kira-san took a handgun in his hand while saying that.
...No wait, is that really a gun? It looks kinda like a mechanical laser gun you see futuristic people use.


"Hmph, that makes things simple. I shall permanently peruse 'Mana Blade' on my sword. Should have done that from the start."

"Geezer, you're alive."

"Weak blows like that don't do nuthin' to me. Forget it, she's coming!"

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

『Y, o, u mere preeeeeey!! How dare you do that to my faaaaaace!!!』


Wriggling tentacle-like things gushed out and tore apart the main shrine.
Octopus? No wait, there's nine of them and they look fluffy.
Nine, tails?


Ah, I know what she is. She's...


"""Kyuubi no Kitsune (Nine-tailed Fox)!"""


Three people reacted all at once at the realization.
Yup, she's famous after all. I mean one of the Foxfaces said 'Tamamo' too.

...? Something's not right...?


A fox with nine giant tails jumped out of the main shrine.
That thing's huge. The body is about three meter long while the tail easily exceeds 20 meters each.


『You shan't perish easily...! I shall drag out your intestines alive!』

"Uwaah, she's saying stuff like some RPG last boss. Scary."

"Those tails would make for some first rate goods stripped off."

"Wipe your nosebleed. Unsightly."

『You bastaaaaaaaaaaards!!!』


Kyuubi got enraged at our provocation. How do you feel now?
She swung her tails and instantly mowed down all the surrounding bamboo forest. That's gonna hurt like hell if it hits.


『Shiiiiiiaaaaaaaaaaaa!!』

"Whaaaaaaa!! T-time out! This thing's surprisingly dangerous!"

"Mwu...! Every single tail possesses enough power to match my blade. Going up against many at once is a poor move!"

"Then cut 'em down one by one! Also, geezer, you haven't gotten serious yet have you! Get real now!"

"Mwu, very well! Astute observation, young 'un!"


I mean you haven't been using 'Qi Clad' or any Skill Abilities. 'Course, I noticed.
Spada stabbed his sword on the ground as mana swirled into a vortex with him in the center.


"'Mana Blade Severing Penance'!!"


Spada became three people as he shouted that out loud.
All of them lunged at the Kyuubi tails and cut them down one after another.

...Why didn't he use something so handy sooner.
I've never seen this move before, some sort of Master Skill? Thrice the hands that attack is such a cheat.

All the tails got cut off in no time at all, leaving only the biggish fox.


『Gwu...! Aaaa....!!』

"I-it's over in a flash... I didn't even do anything."

"Shame on you, wicked fox. Stay still, and I'll make it swift."

『H, help... Please let me be...!』


The fox turned back into a blonde beauty.
She desperately begged for pity in tears.


"I-I shan't kill anyone no more...! I vow I shall live alone peacefully deep in the mountain...!"

"Who was it that turned such people living in peace into the dead if not you. Quit your nonsensical rambling."

"In, deed... Death, is, my, only, path to, redemption..."

"You got it... Don't move."


Kyuubi listlessly offered her neck.
Spada held his sword high, ready to swing it down.


The moment he did.



"...Indeed, for that is to be your deaaaaaaaaaath!!!"

"!?"


Kyuubi's face warped as she smiled.
Floating scarlet fans manifested one after another all around her.


"Spin spin, spin spin, into madness thou fall. Major powers, who serve, under me. Hihi, hihihihyahahahahah!!"


Kyuubi speaks in delirium like she's gone mad.
Fox ears and nine small tails sprouted up on the beauty's body.


Its final form huh... Yep this thing musta been some RPG last boss, I bet on it.

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582 Plainly, but, Grandiosely

I have no idea what kind of story would satisfy Selram.
But neither am I planning to tell her about my origin. I can't afford to.
There's no telling what kind of future awaits me if I disclose my power.

Let's talk about regrets. Problems:

1. Came across someone in need of saving. I chose to look the other way even though I had the power to help them. Eventually that someone couldn't get out of their predicament and fell hard in life. I never lent a hand despite watching the whole story from start to finish.

2. Came across someone in need of saving. I helped them and got dragged in their mess. The whole things kept dragging up and annoyed me to no end. But it was eventually solved and the person came out saved.

Which one between them gives you the biggest regret and remorse?
It's probably '1' to most people.
Meanwhile, even though you get dragged into a mess with '2', everybody is saved in the end.

'1' gives regret, so does '2'. I've been choosing '2' all this time.
Of course. It's obvious which one is gonna keep me up at night for many long years to come.

That's the reason I never turned a blind eye on those people even though my goal is to retire and not stand out.
Even if I knew beforehand it would bring me more trouble.
Even if I knew it would draw attention.

I absolutely don't want to keep reminded of those regrets in my peaceful retirement life for years to come.
I've been sticking my nose in all kinds of mess to avoid that future and cut myself of those people once their mess is no more.
I'm not purposely seeking out those people though. I've been trying to stay away from them in fact.

At the end of the day, I only do what I did to satisfy myself. Even if my decisions are swayed by the situation on hand.
Hence, this life of mine is probably gonna stay like this forever.
I have no regret about all my past decisions. I don't plan on changing that.

"Ah, I saved some people who were being attacked by Beruads on my way to this town."

My latest activity should work as a story for her. I'll just play it down a bit.

"Fufufu, that sounds interesting. Beruads don't tend to show up around this city, you see."

It managed to pique Selram's curiosity. Got the OK.
I'll just understate it a bit but tell it in a slightly grandiose way.
Gotta do what I gotta do to entertain spectators.

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

I ran into a stopped carriage along the road, turned out they were under attack by Beruads.
(There were five Beruads, but I won't mention it. Same with Griffon.)

Two escorts were doing their best to stave off the assault but those mercs were powerless against the Beruads.
(One of them was already incapacitated, while the other escort, a woman, had to protect the injured escort. No telling too.)

That was when I came in the picture. They managed to calmly deal with Beruads' attack while I acted as a shielder.
(Griffon immediately crushed one Beruad while I took care of the rest instantly. Naturally, not telling.)

We eventually found an opening and repelled the Beruads.
(I won't say how I gave the injured man the highest grade potion and stripped off Beruads mats afterward.)

The mercs wanted to reward me as a token of gratitude but I refused their goodwill and quickly left the place.
(The woman in the carriage was knocked out. I was taken aback by the enthusiasm of the two escorts I saved and ran away in a hurry. Left that part out too.)

"Fufufu! That was a fun story! You're really amazing. Oh right, let me tell you a story I heard yesterday as thanks."

Selram suggested that once I was done. She looks to be in a good mood.
I had a bad feeling about her expression but it was already too late to revise my story.

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Sacrifice

We ran past the bamboo forest as we made our way to the Foxfaces's hideout while dealing with their ambushes.
Geezer made a literal shortcut with his sword so there's no chance of us taking the wrong turn.


"Ah, I see a shining bamboo."

"...It'd be a pain if we found a small princess inside. Leave it be."

"Haa, all this fighting is tough on this old body's stomach."

"Kajikawa-kun, don't you got more snacks?"

"Oh my gramps, didn't you just eat the day before yesterday."

"Feed me everyday lololol."

"Hahaha, making a senile fool out of me, are you two. Let me have a chop on those heads, I'll straighten you lot."


We cracked some dumb jokes as we advanced through the bamboo forest.
Considering he got the reference, I'm guessing Kira-san comes from the same Japan I know.
Meanwhile, the geezer is half laughing half snapping. Sorry, our bad, put that sword back in will you.


We got out of the bamboo forest into a path adorned with many torii gates. They're exquisitely red.
But thanks to geezer's slash, all of them have been split in two. What a waste.

...Still, wonder why both my Life Force and Mana Search aren't working right here.
They're getting disturbed, or more like life force and mana are getting sucked into somewhere, wonder what's the cause.


"Now then, we are finally closing in on their stronghold... This is dreadful."

"Eh? What do, you, mean..."


Spada Geezer muttered while frowning, responding to that Kira surveyed the surroundings and stopped moving in his track.


There are piles of corpses all around the torii gates.
Men and women of all ages, none of them is breathing... It's unbearable.


"U, o, oeee...!!"


Kira-san couldn't bear the tragic sight and threw up.
I don't blame him. I feel like puking too.


"Kira, do you wish to wait at the bamboo forest? Do not exert yourself."

"Cough, cough...! N, no, I'm going. Acting alone in this situation is just asking for my death flag..."

"Did those Foxfaces do this."

"They mentioned something about sacrifices when they attacked us. These people were probably..."

"What sacrifices, how dare those bastards...!"

"...I shan't leave one alive."


Kira-san who had been acting nonchalantly all this time is showing blatant anger on his face.
Geezer looks calm outwardly but he can't hide his bloodlust. I feel like he's gonna draw his sword anytime.



We passed through the torii gates and arrived at a shrine akin to the ones you see in Japan.
There's a main shrine with nine katsuogi logs on the roof ahead of the front hall, split in two by geezer's slash.

A bunch of Foxfaces are praying at a hand-mirror enshrined in the main hall.
That hand-mirror is apparently the thing that's been sucking in the surrounding mana and life force.


"...What are they, doing?"

"Looks like they're praying at that mirror, is that...?"

"! Someone's coming out."


A human figure walked from inside the shrine while we were peeking behind a cover.
A blond beauty wearing a Japanese kimono, no, a Chinese-styled dress.

I had goosebumps the moment I laid my eyes on her.
Not from her sheer beauty.


No, it's from her sheer repulsiveness.


"S, she's gorgeous...!"

"Kira? ...What's wrong, your eyes are losing focus. Oy, Kira!?"


Geezer pinned Kira's hands to stop him from unsteadily walking toward the beauty like he was lured by her.
Going there alone is suicidal. He's acting too strange even considering his usual laissez-faire attitude.


"Let me go gramps, I have to go."

"You fool! You will get yourself killed! Young 'un, aid me stop him!"


Hm, this looks like a form of brainwashing, charm maybe? I'm sure of it even without looking at his Status.
I could knock him out, but that'll make him an easy target for those Foxfaces. What do.

Ah, right. I can try making him wear this Status Abnormal resisting earring. My RES Attribute is so stupidly high, I'm unaffected by that level of Charm anyway.
I took off my earring and put it on Kira-san's ear and then light returned to his unfocused eyes.


"Ooh... Beautif... Huh?"

"Have you come back to your senses, you lecher."

"That blond woman apparently charms anyone nearby. Even a glance turns you into Kira-san earlier."

"I, I'm ashamed of myself..."

"Fumu, that earring helped him regain his sanity I see. Kira, do not take that off no matter what."

"Got it... Heck, why're you two fine."

"Apparently I got some real high resistance against Abnormal Status."

"I have no interest in women other than my departed wife."

"Sure it's not cause you can't get it up anymore, gramps?"

"Shut it."


We resumed our spying while conversing about silly stuff.
The woman smiled happily at the enshrined hand-mirror.


"Fuumu, it is accumulating well I see. A few more sacrifices and it will suffice."


Her voice was clear and sonorous.
Yet merely listening to it makes me want to puke. There's no sense of relief.
The last time I heard this gentle yet unsettling voice was Demon King's.


One of the prostrating Foxfaces lifted up his face toward the blond woman.
He spoke reverently.


"W, we beg your pardon. Our inadequate selves are unable to bring back the three finest quality sacrifices..."

"It matters not. Do not belittle yourselves, you have done well thus far. I commend your hard work."

"Y, your honored words are wasted on us...!!"


The Foxfaces looked overcome with emotions.
...So, those heaps of corpses were sacrifices for this woman.
Revolting.


"You shall henceforth offer those three hiding in the shadows. Those who kill them shall be rewarded handsomely."


...Busted.
Can't be helped, it's plan B time, extermination.


It's your turn to be piles of bodies.



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



~~~~~~~~Sword King Dukeris's POV~~~~~~~~~~







"Haaaaaaa!!"

"...Impressive. Among all previous generation Sword Kings, you must be the first to have reached this level of strength."


Long.

Long, long. One second is too long.

According to Neora-kun, Demon King can only last for a few minutes outside his castle.
Once it's past a certain amount of time, his body will start to disintegrate till he disappears for good.

In other word, our role is to buy time.
I'll do everything in my power to keep Demon King busy till the time limit.
That was the belief I held until I saw Demon King with my own eyes.


"Speaking of humans, that is."

"!? Gwaaaa!!"


Demon King swung his arm toward me.
That mere gesture assaulted me with enough force to crush my whole body into powder.


Alma, Reina-kun, Hiyoko-kun, Radia-kun, Alan-kun, Baredo-kun and Rasfi-kun.
We have asked them to buff us with 'Energy Control' in our stead who are unable to.

An unbelievable amount of power is surging within me thanks to them. My Attribute values should be around 15000.
I'd have long died if not for their cooperation.

And yet, there exists a hopeless gap between us still.


There's so many ways to bury a difference in Attribute values with techniques and combat experience (career).
Even I alone can hold my ground against an opponent that has just been born with immense power yet little to no practical experience.

But this Demon King is clearly a battle hardened veteran.
Far more than me, a Sword King.


"Burn down!!"


Lunati summoned High Spirit Chtuga and attacked in conjunction with Offensive Magic through her Unique Skill 'Parallel Magic'.
Thanks to Energy Buff, Lunati's tremendously powerful spells got an order of magnitude stronger.
Not even Demon King should escape unscathed against that.


"Fumu, you 'Archmage' is nothing to scoff at either."

"Wha...!?"

"You two are indubitably the strongest of humanity as of present. I cannot think of any other combatants as capable."


Demon King coolly came out of the Flame of Conflagration.
How can that be, not even one burned hair strand. Is he invulnerable to all magic.


"Now then, I would love to keep you company for a bit longer, sadly I am lacking the luxury of time... Begone."

"Gwuu...!!"

"Ka... Aa...!?"


He's already lifting Lunati and I by our necks by the time I realized.
T, too fast, too strong...! How do you hope to fight against this monster...!!


...Alma. Looks like, we can't go back home.


"D... ear...!"

"Yea...!!"

"...Mu."


But we'll make sure to destroy this calamity no matter the cost.
For the future you walk on.



"Drop... dead...!"

"Ah, if I may, you will not self destruct."

"...!?"

"You had magic gear that will explode upon your death equipped, did you not? I already foresaw such a trivial stratagem."


'Clank' our exploding collars fell down the floor.
How, when, did, he get those off us...!?


"Apologies. I will not play along with your heroic sacrifice. This is goodbye."


He's raising his grip strength on our necks.
I could feel my neck breaking down by the second.
One second left till it's completely torn off.



...Forgive us, Alma.

Forgive us for helplessly and pitifully dying without accomplishing anything.
















『Gaaaaaaaaaaa!!!』


A voice echoed in the palace.
That roar sounds familiar, a dragon's.


"Gwoaaaaa!?"

"Kyaaaaaa!!"

"Mu..."


A tremendous impact hit Demon King along with us.
Both Lunati and me escaped his clutch as we got thrown onto the wall.

That voice must be...


"...Hou, to think you dared to strike me. Do pardon the intrusion."

『Right back at you. You're a Demon King, quit wandering around and stay shut in your castle!』

"...Hmph."


The guardian dragon of Firie Kingdom, Black Dragon stood there.
...I can't believe we ended up getting saved by him.


"Do you truly believe you alone is a match for me?"

『Nah, there's no way. I ain't dumb enough to go one-on-one with a Demon King.』

"Hou, then..."



"Am I to spar against the 'Other Sword King' riding on your back?"

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