◆ Inside the Gates of Avangarde Castle ◆
I thought it was pointless to take hostages at this distance. If you’re going to do it, you should do it like Pansard in the Garden of Beasts, where no one can see. I shattered the bones in the arms of the thief holding the child, and as he loosened his grip, I caught the child just before they fell. It didn’t even take a second. After all, the thief only realized his bones were broken a few seconds later, by which time all the other thieves had been incapacitated.
“A Custom Magic that nullifies Self Magic, and an Imagination Magic that reduces physical abilities to that of a seven-year-old child.”
The weakened thieves, unable to hold their weapons, dropped them all at once. The clattering noise echoed deep into the Royal Capital, and it was clear they were struggling to comprehend what had just happened. They fumbled with their hands, desperately trying to pick up the fallen weapons. It was the moment when the thieves who had been laughing at their powerlessness fell to the same level. And just then, the tail of the Kurinka Dragon came crashing down upon them, leaving them no chance to react. The thieves were swept away like dust being brushed aside with a broom.
“Ugh, it hurts! It hurts! Aaaah!”
One of the thieves, the one whose arm I had shattered—one who had killed innocent families—began to scream in agony. Normally, I might feel a bit sorry for him, but right now, I felt nothing. In fact, I even thought it might not be enough. Just breaking his arm wasn’t sufficient.
“It’s so heavy!”
“Magnus! What’s happening?!”
“My Custom Magic isn’t activating…”
I slowly set the child down and handed them over to Ai without a word. I didn’t want to see what was happening inside the house. How could they do such terrible things?
“You really did it!”
“Gyaaaaaah!”
This time, I shattered his leg. A thief unable to stand on one leg naturally collapsed, crying out. With strength equal to that of a child, without weapons, and having lost their magic, I could clearly see what Elmera intended. She wanted them to taste the pain of those they had killed.
“Team Seven, Team Nine… what’s going on over there?”
“They’re not coming out! The lightning I spent five years mastering! Why is the captain of Team Seven, Ampere, having to go through this? It’s infuriating!”
“Team Nine is the same… My Sound Magic should have been able to destroy even the Flash Strike Girl from the inside… it’s been sealed.”
“Ugh, what was I thinking, forming an alliance with these guys?”
Elmera let out a sigh, and the murderous glares of the thieves focused on her. She walked boldly into the crowd of incapacitated thieves. Grabbing one by the head, she slammed him into another thief. Then came a flurry of knee strikes and slaps. In an instant, several of them were unable to rise again.
“Y-you little brat! How dare you mock me!”
“I never expected to break the alliance this quickly.”
“Yeah, it wasn’t worth it.”
Even as all of them lunged at Elmera, their bodies may have been larger, but their strength was that of a seven-year-old. Verbal demonstrated a popping bubble magic, hitting a wide area. Water droplets were shot out at high speed, slicing through heads. The fallen thieves, staggering and unsteady, bled profusely from their heads. Elmera had killed them; she had killed the thieves.
“Wow, that was too easy. What’s so special about Custom Magic? I mastered it in one second.”
Elmera seemed to taunt Verbal, delivering a finishing blow.
“W-what the hell! What are you doing?!”
“How can you be scared now? What did you say earlier? That it’s the weak who are at fault? Then isn’t this all your fault?”
“Uwaaaaaah!”
In a desperate attempt, one of the thieves lunged at Elmera, but of course, she stopped him with one hand on his head and grabbed his hair. After smiling sweetly, she tore his head off with a sickening sound, tossing it aside and kicking down the remaining thieves as if they were an annoyance.
“Ugh, please stop! We were wrong…!”
“You’ve finally reached the point of begging for your lives! Good for you!”
“Then, please let us go…”
“Not a chance. Don’t be naive. By the way, anyone who tries to escape from here will die.”
Normally, no one would believe such a thing, but after witnessing Elmera’s power, her words held a terrifying weight. Not a single one of them attempted to flee.
“Come on, come at me! You all have power and are privileged, right? Ahahaha!”
I knew I had to stop Elmera. I understood that. But my body wouldn’t move. The feelings inside me that couldn’t forgive these thieves held me back. I was scared that my hatred for them was stronger than my concern for Elmera’s massacre. I didn’t want to see it, but I felt I couldn’t look away. I hated that I seemed to enjoy watching people suffer like this.
Now that I think about it, the memories of that day when the village burned have faded from my mind. I shouldn’t have been able to remain calm after witnessing something like this. Was it since I fought Elmera and became aware of my own power, or had it been even before that? I thought I had understood all the truths and resolved everything. Perhaps that was part of it, but it felt like there was another reason.
“Mi, don’t look…”
Ai covered Mi’s eyes with her hands, trying to shield her from the sight along with Mai. The soldiers had fallen silent, many looking pale. Someone seemed like they wanted to say something, but no one could. If they spoke, they would suffer the same fate as those thieves. The violence on display was enough to instill that fear.
“Well then, are we just left with the captains?”
“Hurry up, hurry up! Is that thing ready yet…?”
“Huh? Elmera-chan, I can’t read minds, so can you tell me what that thing is?”
“Just that…”
“Speak.”
“Agyaaaa! I get it, I get it!”
Elmera delivered a knee strike while grabbing Captain Magnus’s saw-like hair. This was definitely too much.
“Elmera, let’s stop here…”
“Rua-chan, why are you being so soft? These guys don’t care about life or death, right? Isn’t that right, Captain?”
“Uh… well, yes…”
The captain, who was leading the soldiers, looked like he was forced to respond. Perhaps it wasn’t true, but in this situation, he couldn’t say otherwise.
“I agree with Rua-chan. This is enough.”
“Kurinka-chan, you’ve been rampaging around, haven’t you…”
“I-I didn’t kill anyone. Just barely…”
Elmera laughed softly, whether in mockery or not, before turning her gaze back to the thieves. Her eyes remained cold, as if looking at trash. With her hands on her hips, she approached them gracefully, causing their trembling to intensify.
“Now then, we’re left with two captains and the one who took a child hostage in a double sense.”
“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’ll live honestly from now on! I’ll atone for my sins! Please spare my life!”
“Spare your life? So, what happens to everything else?”
“Elmera, that’s enough. Let’s leave the rest to the soldiers.”
I couldn’t bear it any longer and grabbed Elmera’s shoulder. She clicked her tongue audibly, then turned to me with another smile. With her back to the trembling thieves, she let out yet another sigh.
“What’s with that kindness… no, that softness? With that much power, isn’t it pathetic that you can’t even kill a single thief? I mean, how can you hold back? You were just furious a moment ago.”
“I hate them too… but…”
“Elmera-chan, look around! This is the Royal Capital! It’s a town where people live! Don’t you notice everyone’s gaze?!”
At Kurinka’s words, I was suddenly jolted awake. The eyes of Ai and the soldiers were filled with fear, as if they were looking at monsters. It wasn’t just the thieves trembling; our allies were too. Ai held little Mi close, as if trying to protect her from a monster.
“…They’re being repelled.”
“If you hurt them more than necessary, you’ll be no different from the Comet Wolf Brigade. You’ll be just like those outlaws who have strayed from the path and are feared by everyone. These people can’t fight anymore, so the battle should have ended.”
“Me, with the thieves?”
“Exactly…”
Suddenly, as if she had stopped herself from thinking, Elmera looked down slightly. Her lips moved faintly, murmuring something.
“Well then, aren’t you a good child? If you don’t behave… if you don’t…”
She shook her head, her translucent green hair swaying with it. Then she glared at the thieves and took a step forward.
“Do you want to be saved?”
“W-will you let us go?”
“Not a chance.”
“Please! Don’t kill us…!”
“But you’re not truly remorseful. I’ve seen plenty of people trying to save themselves with excuses. And… Kurinka-chan.”
“W-what?”
“The waterway isn’t finished yet, is it?”
I immediately understood the meaning behind Elmera’s words. Why hadn’t I realized it sooner? Although they were frightened, the thieves still hadn’t given up hope. There was no way those ferocious bandits would beg for their lives so easily. This was just a stall for time, I thought, right before it happened.
“They’re coming! The Comet Wolf Brigade’s elite forces!”
Several black, humanoid shadows began to rise from various places—roads and rooftops. It was the Shadow Entry technique that the Comet Wolf Brigade had used when I defeated them at Hunter’s Nest. If anyone could use such a technique, then no defense would hold any meaning.
“There are only two of you left? Kyahaha!”
“You’ve really messed up, haven’t you?”
“I can’t believe it! This is the worst! Kyahaha!”
“Luke, Knight, look over there. It’s the Flash Strike Girl.”
A strange woman with tanned skin and long eyelashes, along with a girl in a ridiculously short pink skirt that fluttered around her. The armored figure who called them Luke and Knight was surrounded by others dressed in outfits I couldn’t even begin to understand.
“Could that be the Comet Wolf Brigade… the First Squad… also known as the ‘Main Unit’…?”
“Each member has been assigned a code name based on chess pieces, and they’re all pawns to the leader… but where is the ‘King’ of the brigade…?”
“Why do you know so much about them?”
The soldiers didn’t have the luxury to respond to Elmera’s interjection. Now it was their turn to tremble; I could hear the sound of armor and weapons clinking together.
“Hey! That’s the Flash Strike Girl! So plain! She’s way uglier than I imagined! I mean, she’s just a real kid! Smells bad! Kyahahahaha!”
“Kurinka, I’m getting really annoyed.”
“Lua-chan is the cutest when she’s not trying to show off.”
I wished she hadn’t said that while I was in dragon form. But I couldn’t deny that it felt nice to be nuzzled like that.
“Is that a dragon?”
“That’s the Flame Princess. Apparently, she has a skill that allows her to transform into a dragon. She’s not someone to take lightly either.”
“Gross! What’s that about? She should just die! Kyahahahaha!”
“I think she’s cute.”
“Kurinka, we’re going to take them down.”
I didn’t care if they were the Main Unit or whatever; there was no need to entertain them. They might be saying impressive things, but it was all nonsense. They’d kill the people of the Royal Capital and mock Kurinka, and it was infuriating. Why were there humans like this? Why were they born this way?
Is this what my father meant by unimaginable humans? Even the pink girl, who had called me cute, was annoying. She was all wiggly and seemed to look down on me.
“Are you saying you’re going to take us down? That’s pretty bold, isn’t it?”
“Calm down, Luke. Hey, Pawn!”
“Ha… Listen well, Flash Strike Girl and the rest. What I’m about to say is important.”
The one called Pawn, wearing a plate vest over bare skin, stepped forward without a hint of fear. I couldn’t fathom why he was dressed like that.
“Where do you think the Third and Fourth Squads have gone?”
“I don’t know, and I don’t care.”
“Fufu, I’ll tell you. To Ikana Village.”
“…!?”
“Look, your face changed immediately. Hahahahaha!”
This must be what it means to lose all color in your face. I couldn’t believe they knew about Ikana Village’s existence and location. That the thieves were headed there.
“By the way, where’s the Second Squad? It’s hilarious if they’re not here! Kyahaha!”
“They say they have someone to discipline over at the port, ‘Knight’.”
“What’s that? That’s so funny! Kyahahaha!”
“Lua, Lua-chan…”
“It’s okay. Everyone can…”
Even as I reassured myself, the anxiety wouldn’t fade. I had no idea if everyone had the strength to fight the thieves. According to the Demon Lord, my father was incredibly strong, but that was all in the past. If this was going to happen, I wished the Blast Chimera had stayed behind.
“Look, look! She’s making such a sad face! How pitiful! Kyahahahaha!”
“So pitiful.”
“No matter how strong she is, she’s just a kid. If she had just lived quietly in the village instead of trying to stand out, she wouldn’t be in this position, being held hostage like this. I can understand why truly strong people prefer solitude.”
“Pawn, you’re going too far! Kyahahahaha!”
“Well then, shall I go even further? Flash Strike Girl and the rest! If you value the lives of the villagers, drop your weapons and surrender immediately! There’s a way to communicate with the separate squad from here! You might just make it in time! So, what will you do? The precious lives of the villagers are at stake! And the women and children won’t be safe in many ways! Hahahaha!”
Clutching my sword tightly, I thought. One option was to defeat these guys and head to the village. There was no time to waste.
“So, what will you do?”
“Take this!”
Just as I was about to move, someone landed right in front of me. I thought it was an enemy, but it wasn’t. The person who had discarded their black armor took a deep, refreshing breath.
“Hey, Lua. Just like I promised, I caught up with you.”
“Ah, um…”
“By the way, that guy over there was saying something, but don’t mind him. That person has already gone over there. Though, I and that person both laughed, thinking you wouldn’t have to worry about your old man.”
“You… you came for me…”
With a casual greeting that hadn’t changed in ten years, he raised one hand confidently, showing off his white teeth.
“No way…”
“The hero… Eeks!”
At that moment, the crowd erupted more than I did. No, it wasn’t just the crowd; it was the entire Royal Capital. The cheers were so loud it felt like the ground was shaking.
“Eeks! You’re alive!”
“Is that really you?!”
“The hero has returned!”
“““““Woooh!””””””
The gloomy atmosphere from just moments ago completely vanished. It was as if everyone had forgotten that people had been killed, celebrating the arrival of the hero. Even with thieves still around, it felt like a party was about to start. The cheers were that vibrant.
“So cool. I really want to stick by him.”
“The hero Eeks has been missing for quite a while, but why is he here…?”
“Why am I here? Well, I guess it’s because I was inspired by the young energy around me?”
Scratching his head awkwardly, Eeks boldly addressed the thieves. The atmosphere had completely shifted to one of admiration for Eeks, but those who had been called Pawn looked merely displeased. In other words, they were ready to fight.
◆ Avangarde Port ◆
“W-What? You’re not going to follow my rhythm?!”
“Of course not. We’re free, after all.”
Three massive ships docked at the port with an air of grandeur. I had heard of them before; they were the all-female band of thieves known as the Leopardess Guild, who roamed the world. Not many ports accepted them, but this one, Avangarde Port, was one of the few lucky enough to do so. I thought irresponsibly that the country’s judgment was correct, as they seemed like saviors.
“It’s gotten quite dangerous since I was last here.”
The leader, Amane, with her exposed dark skin, must have been a newcomer or simply ignorant if she didn’t know the name of the Hundred Emperors’ Heroine. Flanked by a muscular woman and a dancer-like girl, a large number of guild members stood behind them. Two more women, likely captains, stood on the remaining ships, commanding their own groups of members.
“Randa! These guys are from the Comet Wolf Brigade!”
“You shouldn’t refer to your wife with honorifics, Eikichi.”
“Ah, sorry… It’s just a habit.”
I had heard that the Leopardess Guild was composed entirely of women, but there was one man among them. Given that he referred to the muscular woman, Randa, as his wife, they must be a couple. Honestly, the world was truly unpredictable.
“Huh. Why is that fool of a leader doing something so reckless?”
“How dare you! You filthy woman, calling our leader a fool! This is why women are so… filthy in both mouth and heart! And don’t even get me started on that! A culmination of ugliness! I don’t even want to see you!”
Jikaru scratched his head furiously, muttering nonsensical things repeatedly.
“Hmph, women are merely here to bear children. In contrast, this boy… irresistible… slurp.”
“Help me! No, please!”
Rash was about to fall prey to a pervert, who was drooling.
“Now… help…”
“Don’t worry, Wizard girl.”
Amane approached me and placed her hand on my hat. Meanwhile, a phenomenon occurred that made me wonder if they had used Enhancement Magic or One Move. A woman named Randa had somehow sent Jikaru flying with a punch. His face was so mangled that I thought it might have caved in. By the time Jikaru fell in an arc, the battle was already decided. He lay there, trembling, showing no signs of getting back up.
“Same-sex relationships, huh? That’s fine. But you should do that with consent,” Randa said.
“I can’t hear you, Randa,” came the retort.
“I can hear you just fine; I held back, you know.”
I doubted she could hear anything at all. In fact, she might not even be alive. It felt surreal, as if the thieves who had been dancing joyfully just moments ago had been plunged into a nightmare.
◆ Shin Report ◆
I-I twisted my neck, you know?
That guy over there, he did it with a crack on the road.
He did something that Rua couldn’t even manage without a care in the world.
If this angers Elmera, then Jikaru’s head will surely roll.
Noooooo!
E-Excuse me?
Could it be that person?
No way?!
I’m heading there immediately! I can’t waste time on this!
I need to end this! I must end this!
No, no, the village is in danger, so I must hurry!
Current Situation
◆ Avangarde Central Street ◆
Kirkton, Ord, Ritta, Irene, Yuyu, Mugen, Soldiers
VS
Mysterious Man
◆ East Street ◆
Seigel
VS
Jag
◆ Near the Castle Gate ◆
Rua, Kurinka, Elmera, Ai, Mai, Mi (Three Sisters), Soldiers
VS
Comet Wolf Brigade, First Division
“Luke” “Knight” “Bishop”
“Pawn” x8
“King” Leader Absent
“Queen” Absent
◆ Avangarde Port ◆
Truppo, Rash, Bottom, Jijinia, Silva, Soldiers
Leopardess Guild
VS
14th Division, Captain Jikaru
◆ Ikana Village ◆
???
VS
Third and Fourth Divisions