Great Garnis Glacier
【Blizzard Moby defeated! HP 0/27300】
If those brats got here first, then why was this annoying whale left unattended? That woman, Rainis, didn’t mention any names, but she was definitely hinting at those kids. If that’s the case, then this weakling shouldn’t even be considered a threat. The birds and bears here were so easy to deal with that it was almost disappointing. For a place touted as one of the most dangerous areas in the world, it sure was lacking.
Well, there’s no real danger for me right now. I can feel power surging within me. Let the Demon Lord or anyone else come at me. But still, I am a Hero, and I must maintain a proper demeanor in front of others. My motto is to be kind to women, children, and the elderly. Just by doing that, these fools heap praise upon me for my title as Hero. You’d think that would mean I wouldn’t have trouble with women, but that’s not the case at all.
Sure, I could handle brats like Roin and Kude, but if I were to get involved with a normal woman, it would inevitably lead to complications. That’s why I can only deal with fleeting encounters with loose women. Ah, if only I could have someone like Lua or Kurinka. Just imagining how an innocent girl would react when I embraced her makes my lower abdomen heat up. However, overpowering them would not be easy. No, I might be able to do it now, but the risks are too uncertain. I need to find a substitute.
“I’m actually feeling a bit frustrated here.”
That Rainis was quite something too. A woman who seems tough at first glance often has a surprisingly fragile interior. Once you break through her defenses, you can do as you please. But that’s not what’s on my mind right now.
“Should I finish off the Demon Lord quickly… wait a minute?”
An idea popped into my head without any warning. Well, there was a hint. If those brats are already at the Demon Lord Castle, then things might get a little interesting.
“If all goes well, I might be able to embrace those kids… for that, I need to get to the Demon Lord Castle.”
I need to reach the castle as soon as possible. It’s no trouble at all.
“Air Move!”
I floated into the air, soaring freely. At this speed, I could cover the expanse of the Kingdom of Avangarde in mere seconds. I don’t know how vast the Great Garnis Glacier is, but at this rate, I’ll find the Demon Lord Castle in no time.
“Hyah hyah haaa! Just you wait!”
I’ve completely lost sight of my original goal; even I don’t know where it went. No, I’ve just added to my enjoyment. I, who will become a hero after defeating the Demon Lord, can do as I please. I’ve only added to that.
Demon Lord Castle, 1st Floor
“It seems the effects were greater than I anticipated.”
Before us stood a horde of monsters, a diverse army ranging from beasts to cloaked figures. From the depths of this army emerged an old man with white hair. His hair was neatly slicked back, and he wore a tuxedo that would make him seem perfectly at home in any formal gathering, if not for the fact that we were in the Demon Lord Castle.
This man, who stroked the head of a Dark Hound, appeared with a firm presence that only reinforced the fact that he led these monsters.
“And you are…?”
“Pleasure to meet you. I am Bathram, the Demon Lord’s aide.”
“You’re… not human?”
“I cast aside my humanity long ago. Or rather, I should say it was taken from me…”
His voice and gestures did not resemble those of a monster at all. But I could tell. The strong monsters gathered here all became docile, showing both fear and reverence towards him. He was more terrifying, stronger, and yet more ferocious than any monster here.
I realized instantly that I couldn’t win against him. Even if I transformed into a Dragon, it would be futile. Only Lua-chan could defeat him, which is why I continued to cast healing spells without being noticed.
“Now, we don’t have time for idle chatter. As expected, you seem to have exhausted yourselves escaping from the Catacomb.”
“Um! Where is Eek… the Funeral Knight?! We just want to meet him!”
“It’s unfortunate that I couldn’t hear that until you were in dire straits.”
“Y-You’re right… I should have bowed my head and asked to meet him from the start…”
“This is the Demon Lord Castle, you know?”
【The horde of Dark Hounds attacks!】
【The horde of Magic Barons casts Ice Age!】
【The horde of Screw Worms charges with a spinning thrust!】
As Bathram snapped his fingers, the monsters lunged at us all at once. I couldn’t afford to be defeated here; I had to protect Lua-chan at all costs.
【Kurinka unleashed Fire Breath!
Dealt 17,023 damage to the Dark Hound!
Dark Hound horde defeated! HP 0/1230
Dealt 1,929 damage to the Magic Baron! HP 1,081/3,010
Dealt 14,503 damage to the Screw Worm horde!
Screw Worm horde defeated! HP 0/3,755】
Among the monsters that had been burned to the point where their flesh was charred and bones were reduced to nothing, only the cloaked figure maintained its guard, still standing. Its resistance to flames was extraordinary. I could probably take it down with one more hit, but I wouldn’t be able to dodge the magical onslaught first.
【Kurinka took 678 damage! HP 19,722/20,400】
“Cold!”
“Impressive, you’re hardly affected by the top-tier magic of the Magic Baron. But how long can you hold out?”
Bathram was right. That Magic Baron was still lurking, and more monsters were gathering. Most foes could be defeated with Fire Breath, but some weren’t so easily dispatched. Even though I’ve grown stronger, I’m still not Lua-chan. I’m not strong enough to fight alone.
But I have to do my best here; Lua-chan is in danger. No matter how tough she is, if she’s bombarded by this many monsters while unprotected, she could very well die. I often joke around, but in truth, I’m incredibly worried. I do this to feel the reality of being together with her today.
【Magic Baron defeated! HP 0/3,010】
【Cave Gigant’s Gigant Knuckle!
Dealt 133 damage to Kurinka! HP 19,589/20,400】
One after another, the damage isn’t that significant, but what I’m truly worried about isn’t these monsters. It’s Bathram over there. If he gets serious… I’ve cast all my support spells, but that’s like throwing water on a burning stone.
【Kurinka unleashed Fire Breath!】
“Phew, it seems my subordinates are no match for you.”
【Bathram stepped into the fray! Bathram’s Gentle Counter!】
I didn’t even register Bathram moving. Before I knew it, he had spun around, deflecting my flames and wrapping them around himself.
【Kurinka took 16,345 damage! HP 3,244/20,400】
“Ah… Aaaah!”
I was confident in my flame resistance, yet my body was being burned by my own fire. Heat invaded my throat, and my insides felt like they were boiling. Rolling on the floor, I had long since reverted to my human form. It was hot; I needed help. The pain was so intense that I wanted to cry out in desperation. I couldn’t even breathe.
“Is it painful? That is the very pain you inflicted upon my subordinates.”
Barely clinging to life, no, I was being kept alive by Bathram. My flames were returned to me, and the damage ignored my flame resistance. I understood without needing an explanation; he was returning the attacks directed at him right back at me. Just like that. The pain and suffering I was supposed to endure were being handed back to me. It was a fighting style befitting the gentle Bathram.
He never struck first, but he deftly deflected the flames that came his way. He returned the appropriate amount of pain to his opponent, making them thoroughly aware of what they had intended to do.
“Even if you are a woman, you must know pain. This is the education of a gentleman… Now, next is that girl over there, Lua, was it? I’m afraid I must personally deliver the finishing blow.”
“Lua… chan…”
The pain coursing through my body was too intense for me to move. Surrounded by several monsters, I felt utterly helpless. I couldn’t protect her. Ever since I met Queemil, it’s been like this. I’ve always been protected by Lua-chan.
Just being with Lua-chan makes me feel strong, even though I’m not remarkable on my own. I could never repay her for everything she’s done for me. And yet, I can’t protect Lua-chan, who is about to be killed right in front of me. With her defense, even if she were defenseless, no ordinary monster could harm her. But that old man is different. Even if I woke up and fought properly, I wouldn’t know if I could win against his counterattack. I thought Lua-chan’s Sonic Ripper might work. But right now, I can’t think positively.
“Wake up…”
Because my tears are overflowing like this.
“Lua-chan, wake up!”
“It’s pointless. I have no intention of holding back against this girl… Finish her!”
Bathram’s hand strike aimed for Lua-chan’s heart. Yet, his fingertips halted just above her chest.
“Wha…? Wha-wha… what is this…”
Bathram, who had been calm since his entrance, began to falter. After all, his strike didn’t penetrate Lua-chan’s body at all. Even after thrusting and slashing two or three times, it was futile. Only her clothes were left in tatters, and it would be a disaster if she woke up like this.
“Ouch… What are you doing?”
She looked just like a sleepy Lua-chan greeting the morning. Grabbing Bathram’s arm, she effortlessly tossed him aside. Bathram crashed into a pillar, attempting to brace himself, but it was clear he was taken aback.
“Good morning, Kurinka… Whoa! What happened to that injury? Heal, quickly!”
“Hehe… I got a bit roughed up.”
◆ Demon Lord Castle, 1st Floor ◆
What mattered more than the monsters was that Kurinka was gravely injured. Although I had chosen a seemingly safe spot to sleep in the Abyss Cave, there were times when we were inevitably attacked. In the beginning, I was too on edge to sleep at all, but eventually, I learned to wake only when dangerous monsters approached. This time, it was the recoil from Sonic Impact, and my reaction had been delayed.
Since Kurinka was completely immobilized, I rummaged through my bag for healing items. However, Shin inside was being too much of a nuisance, and I accidentally tossed him out.
“Gyaah!”
“Oh, sorry!”
“…Shin, it’s been a while.”
“B-B-Bathram!”
Bathram, whom I had just thrown, stood up, brushing off the dust from his body. I knew he was by far the strongest among us. But right now, my priority was Kurinka. Thanks to the healing items, she managed to use Heal on herself.
Kurinka’s healing magic could mend even the gravest injuries in an instant, yet when it came to her own wounds, she struggled. In reality, it would have been dangerous without the healing items. I couldn’t use healing magic myself, so I was truly grateful for having stocked up on supplies for moments like this.
“Shin, show me the report.”
“Huh?!”
“The one I asked you for.”
“T-This is—…”
“Who was it that hurt Kurinka this badly?”
I was surprised at how low my voice sounded. Bathram and the monsters instantly shifted into a defensive stance.
“I merely dealt with the intruder appropriately. With Bathram-sama’s Gentle Counter, that poor girl burned herself with her own flames. Hehehe!”
A monster in a cloak grinned provocatively, blocking our way. What are these guys? Here goes, Detect Ring.
【Magic Baron Level: 72 Class: Magic Baron HP: 3010】
They were just ordinary monsters. I knew they weren’t anything special, so why was I even bothering?
“Then it’s not you guys. If that’s the case, I have no business with you. Step aside.”
“There’s no need for Bathram-sama to intervene… Ice A!”
【Rua’s attack! Dealt 4,627,655 damage to 2 Magic Barons!
Defeated the Magic Barons! HP 0/3010】
So weak; I truly had no business with them. The one I needed to deal with was that Bathram over there. He stood elegantly, ready to confront me at any moment. His stance was unique, but so what? I wouldn’t forgive him for hurting Kurinka like this. I absolutely wouldn’t allow it.
“You seem quite angry, but you have no grounds for reproach.”
“If you’re going to apologize, it’s not too late to do so now.”
“Apologize, you say…”
The intimidation radiating from Bathram made even the surrounding monsters take a step back. I wasn’t sure if it was due to the old architecture, but I thought I heard a faint cracking sound from above.
“There’s a proper way for a greenhorn girl to behave. Allow me to educate you personally.”
【Battle Butler Bathram has appeared! HP 54,600】
“Lua-chan… be careful… that person, his attacks…”
Kurinka’s warning was well-intentioned, but I didn’t feel like I could lose. On the contrary, my anger was boiling over. I would destroy everything that harmed Kurinka—every single one of them, without exception. I would obliterate them.
I would kill them all.