◆ Kingdom of Avangarde, Hatra’s Mansion ◆
【The Demon Lord’s attack! Goto’s assault was thwarted by Gardea the Iron Wall!
Gardea the Iron Wall cannot be damaged!
Gardea the Iron Wall has appeared! HP 13000】
“I won’t let you lay a finger on Lord Goto.”
The Demon Lord, who attacked Goto without hesitation, was suddenly blocked by a shield. No, it had a face in the center and limbs sprouting from it. It was probably a monster, but it looked too strange to be anything but terrifying. Still, it seemed tough, not flinching even under the Demon Lord’s attack.
“Well done, Gardea!”
“Leave the defense to me, Gardea.”
【Aro the Sniper has appeared! HP 5902】
【Gatch the Melee Fighter has appeared! HP 9300】
“I’ll handle the long-range attacks!”
“If it’s close combat, Gatch is your man…”
A knight-like armored monster and a fish-like creature with eyes on its bow surrounded Goto, protecting him. In the center stood Gardea. What is this?
“Get out of my way.”
【The Demon Lord cast Grenade Typhoon! Harrike the Wind Howler has appeared!
Harrike the Wind Howler HP 3514
Harrike the Wind Howler cast Grenade Typhoon! The magic was nullified!】
Another creature appeared. It easily negated the Demon Lord’s wind magic, which had even blown Hatra away, floating in a whirlwind with limbs and a head wrapped in it. Could this be…?
“…You dare to oppose my magic? Who are you?”
“My name is Harrike the Wind Howler, the exclusive wind user for Lord Goto.”
The Demon Lord was visibly displeased at having his magic nullified. I could understand his frustration, but Harrike was likely a monster specialized in wind attributes. There was one in the Abyss Cave who could only do one thing but was unmatched in that regard. While he himself wasn’t much, if you wanted to counter with wind attributes, you had to be at least as skilled as him.
“Ha! Surprised, are you? I have this many elite guards with me! No matter what you do, they will protect me! And by the way, there are plenty more where they came from! If you want to apologize, now’s your chance! Hehehe!”
The elite guards posed dramatically, looking quite impressive. If they attacked Harrike, they would be blocked by Gardea. Even if they managed to get close, they’d have to face Gatch, who claimed to excel in close combat. Individually, they weren’t much, but together they amplified each other’s strength. It was just like our party play; if monsters did that, they would be formidable.
“Ah, if you’re going to apologize, do it now!”
【The Demon Lord’s Chaotic Flare! Dealt an average of 15201 damage to enemies!
Gardea the Iron Wall has been defeated! HP 0/13000
Aro the Sniper has been defeated! HP 0/5902
Gatch the Melee Fighter has been defeated! HP 0/9300
Harrike the Wind Howler has been defeated! HP 0/3514】
The elite guards, except for the plump Goto, were engulfed in the Demon Lord’s explosion of black smoke. The fact that even Gardea, who was supposed to be a great defender, could be taken down was thanks to No Motion. If the opponent stands still and unleashes skills without any action, there’s nothing you can do. As long as that exists, the Demon Lord can activate any skill he likes just by standing there. Of course, there’s no spell chanting either. I envied that; if I could do that, my combat options would expand significantly.
“H-Huh…?”
“Is the farce over? If you resist, you will die.”
“No way! My elite guards can’t be defeated this easily!”
“Call for replacements if you wish. By the way, that last Chaotic Flare was dark attribute magic; feel free to bring in any dark attribute experts you like.”
“How dare you! I will kill all of you!”
Goto’s round body became even rounder. His limbs shrank, and his plump form turned blue. Bumps appeared on his skin, and a long, slimy tongue emerged from his large lips. Webbing formed between his fingers. By the time it was over, a large, rotund frog stood in his place.
【Goto the Dissolving Reptilian Prince has appeared! HP 88700】
“Did you see that? This is my true form! Ribbit! I’m going to eat you all!”
“…He has completed his End. There’s nothing we can do now.”
Perhaps the Demon Lord and my father had hoped that they would surrender even a little. That whisper sounded so lonely.
“Mom, stay back! I’ll take care of these guys!”
“Goto… No, I can’t leave it all to you. We are loyal servants and kin of Lord Vandalsia. We are always together.”
“Mom…”
A large frog and a butterfly woman stood side by side. What could possibly be worth holding onto even in this form? What does it mean to be a loyal servant? I couldn’t understand what was so great about that guy. Why did it have to come to this?
“Rua, you stay back. I can’t let you drive a hesitant sword into their graves.”
My father saw that I had gripped my sword again. The resolve to end this with their own hands radiated from the three of them.
【Goto the Dissolving Reptilian Prince’s Acid Tongue!】
“I’ll melt even orichalcum! Look out!”
Goto’s tongue, and the three of them skillfully dodged Hatra’s hair. It looked like an impressive back-and-forth, but it was clear that Hatra and her companions were on the defensive. Hatra’s specialties, like starch and charm, were ineffective, and Goto was rolling around, using his massive body, but it was evident from the start that this was a lost cause. The Demon Lord countered with various skills, while Bathram deflected everything with Gentle Counter. My father even punched Goto’s belly with his bare hands, sending him flying.
【Juke’s Accel Swing! Dealt 8302 damage to Goto the Dissolving Reptilian Prince!
Goto the Dissolving Reptilian Prince has been defeated! HP 0/88700】
As Goto spewed green liquid from his mouth, he became motionless. That single strike against an opponent who was scattering what looked like digestive fluid. The way they gracefully dodged the droplets. Perhaps because I was my father’s child, I had grown to this point.
“G-Goto! Noooooo!”
“If we hadn’t acted, we would have been the ones to fall.”
I couldn’t bear to watch, even if he was the enemy. This was the first time I had turned my eyes away from a battle. The same went for those demon kin. Even if they were enemies, it was sad to see someone important die. For me, it was like losing Kurinka. I didn’t want to imagine that at all. My father, who coldly spoke to Hatra, seemed frightening. He didn’t change his expression, keeping his gaze fixed on the screaming Hatra.
“You… You! How dare you harm my precious son!”
“This is what happens when you refuse to listen!”
“…Stop, David.”
My father admonished the Demon Lord. Hatra’s bloodshot eyes turned toward the Demon Lords. I had no idea what the enraged Hatra would do next, but I was sure she would unleash a skill of unprecedented power. The proof was that her hair began to grow, threatening to cover the entire hall.
“Still going, are you? Very well…”
“No one is escaping from here! You will all die here! Bwahahaha!”
“W-What is that form…?”
The beautiful figure and face from earlier were nowhere to be found. Her wings remained, but Hatra’s cheeks sagged, her jaw became double, and her body took on a rounder shape. Her skin lost its luster, and she looked like an old woman who had aged overnight.
“I never despaired, even when I was abducted as a test subject. Can you imagine being laughed at by my sisters from when I was human and being called a pig by the man I liked? I wasn’t afraid of dying, but… you see, the beauty I ultimately obtained must have been a perfect match with the cells of that monster.”
Her plump belly shook. I realized that my mother and Goto didn’t resemble each other at all, and then it hit me—this was Hatra’s true form, the one she had obtained through Belmund’s successful experiments. Hatra’s tone and mannerisms were entirely different from before. She laughed with a “guhihi,” slapping her belly with her thick arms, as if waves of flesh were rolling.
“Only that man truly saw me. At first, I wanted to take revenge on those who called me a pig, but I ended up not caring about that at all. Not only my beauty, but I dedicated myself to endless training under that Shidge for Lord Vandalsia. The way to sit, walk, eat, breathe, every technique… I gave everything for him! For that man! Bwahahaha!”
“You devoted everything to a man who ignored you when you were a pig and claimed you as his own the moment you became beautiful?”
“What did you say?!”
“I’m at my wit’s end with you. Both Vandalsia and you. And that form of yours is probably a side effect of the End. I’ve seen many of my kin die because of it.”
【Hatra the Enchanting Evil Queen’s Queen Execution!】
The hair that enveloped the hall writhed as if alive, swirling in a grotesque yet strangely beautiful dance. The villagers, even in such dire circumstances, were captivated by the sight.
“Queen Execution is a skill only the Evil Queen can wield… no, it’s an execution! Yes, an execution! That means your deaths are already sealed! There’s no way to prevent it! You will writhe in the embrace of the most cruel beauty in this world!”
“Hmph, still struggling, are you?”
The Demon Lord snickered, but the execution did not commence. The hair was swallowed by something at the tips, vanishing in mere seconds without leaving a trace. The light that consumed it spread out from Lord Daigami, reminding me that the Absolute Divine Territory could be breached at his will.
“Bu, buh?!”
“Why did you interfere, fox?”
“That’s enough. There are children present.”
With Lord Daigami’s words, everyone, including the Demon Lord and myself, became aware of the trembling children huddled together, the adults doing their best to shield them from fear. It was clear that, aside from my father, they were not warriors, yet they steeled themselves.
“Bu, buh… what is this?!”
Even as Hatra regenerated her hair, it was erased by the Absolute Divine Territory. Lord Daigami narrowed his eyes at Rutna.
“Rutna, there is something I must tell you.”
“Stop! If you say that, I won’t forgive you!”
“Rash, if you care for her…”
“Rutna is alive!”
Lord Daigami shook his head silently, as if to say “what a hassle.” It seemed futile to say anything to the agitated Rash. Rutna, looking exhausted and confused, was clearly affected by the terrifying battles she had witnessed.
“Lord Daigami, I will do something about Rutna’s soul.”
“Exorcism? That would be helpful.”
“Not that…”
“Rutna is alive! Her hands are warm, and sometimes she seems to be in pain!”
Rash interrupted the conversation between Kurinka and Lord Daigami, saying something incomprehensible. I wondered if he had lost his mind from excitement.
“Rash, I understand your feelings, but…”
“Rutna is in that hideout! Ever since the attack, Grandpa has been casting healing magic on her!”
“…What do you mean? Are you talking about her corpse?”
“I told you, it’s not a corpse!”
Even Lord Daigami seemed troubled by this. He pulled back his front legs and pondered for a moment. So, what does this mean? Rutna’s corpse is not a corpse and is with Lord Hast. What on earth does that imply?
“Fox, is it really okay to have such a discussion here? We are in the heart of enemy territory.”
“No problem. No matter what comes, they cannot breach this Absolute Divine Territory.”
The Demon Lord, unaware of the situation, threw a sarcastic remark at Lord Daigami, but I truly wished he would wait just a moment. The Demon Lord dramatically exhaled toward the ceiling and then stood still, eyes closed, as if deep in thought.
“Are you saying you are keeping a corpse?”
“How many times do I have to say she’s not dead! For a god, you sure are dense!”
“I apologize.”
“Rutna is definitely alive. What is here is her soul.”
“…What do you mean by saying I’m dead?”
After speaking so loudly, it was only natural for Rutna to hear. She glared at Rash and Lord Daigami. What would happen to her now? If she learned that she was dead, would she become a malevolent spirit?
“If you’ve been listening, it’s quite pathetic for a god to say that. That girl is not exactly dead yet; if she remains separated from her body for too long, who knows what will happen?”
The Demon Lord, having grasped the situation, looked down at Lord Daigami. His silence while sitting might indicate that he still could not accept it. After all, Lord Daigami had firmly stated that Rutna was already dead.
“Um, if that’s the case, there might still be a way.”
“What are you trying to say, Kurinka?”
“I might be able to return Rutna’s soul to her body with my Power of Regeneration.”
“…………! R-Regeneration! To her body…!”
Lord Daigami, who had been sitting, suddenly leaped up. His reaction to Kurinka’s innate ability seemed exaggerated, as if he were viewing her as prey.
“Lord Daigami, Kurinka’s regeneration is—”
“I know! I know, but still!”
“And I want to heal Hatra over there too. She may have done terrible things, but the root cause was her appearance and the complex that came with it… I never thought there were people suffering because of their looks. It’s embarrassing to admit.”
Hatra, who had given up attacking and knelt, still glared at us. I understood what Kurinka was saying, and if she wanted to help, I wouldn’t stop her. But I couldn’t shake my worry. After all, it wouldn’t mean anything if Hatra didn’t repent.
“Is Kurinka-neechan really going to do something about it?”
“I don’t know if it will succeed… but the soul is here, and the body is at the hideout, right? It might be impossible if they’re separated.”
“Kurinka, what you are trying to do is essentially resurrection. That is an act against the natural order… and furthermore, it is a rebellion against the gods.”
“Then, are you going to let Rutna die?”
Lord Daigami is a god. What would he do to Kurinka, who is rebelling against him? He spoke of difficult matters, but if he were to do something to Kurinka…
“…It is not I, but a higher power. Moreover, there is another reason why resurrection is forbidden. That is—”
A gentle maiden’s afternoon,
Sipping tea on the engawa, feeling the scent of summer,
As autumn approaches,
A maiden’s love burns like a flame.
“Hey, can you hear something?”
A woman’s voice echoed from nowhere. It was faint, almost fading, yet it seemed to resonate throughout the hall. Naturally, I looked around, but aside from Hatra, there was no one else. In fact, Hatra’s demeanor was strange.
“Ah, ahhh… Why, why…?”
“Hatra?”
“Stop! What do you intend to do to me?!”
――Burning even the core of my body.
In that instant, flames erupted from Hatra’s body. Fire spewed from her eyes, ears, and nose, bursting forth from within.
“Ahhh! It’s so hot!”
Autumn has arrived, and this ugly appearance no longer reflects in that person’s eyes.
Once I realize that love has withered like fallen leaves, I will abandon this body,
Only to fall,
And find peace.
――Death.
“Gyahhh… Guh, buh…”
Her burned body seemed to be smashed against something. Skin, bones, and organs burst apart, leaving behind a gruesome corpse of Hatra. As blood flowed out onto the golden floor, screams erupted.
“Noooo!”
“W-What is happening?!”
“Ughhh…”
Even the villagers panicked and vomited, while the children cried out in madness. I couldn’t comprehend what was happening, and it was all too much to bear.
“It seems certain that Hatra’s death is connected to that woman’s voice.”
“Does killing Hatra mean we might gain an ally?”
“I don’t care about that! Father, the Demon Lord! Lord Daigami! Whatever we do, we need to get out of here!”
“That voice… No way…”
Lord Daigami looked the most shocked. He seemed to tremble slightly, a sight I had never seen before.
“Lord Daigami!”
“Indeed. However, escaping from that song is meaningless even if we distance ourselves.”
“Eh, you know about it?”
“Kurinka, I am not angry. Do as you wish.”
Suddenly addressed, Kurinka could only blink in surprise and nod.
◆ Shin Report ◆
Everyone turns to look at the beauty,
Surely, everyone must have desired it.
But to not use it to get back at everyone or to be adored,
That was Hatra’s only purity, I believe.
For the sake of love for just one,
To give everything for that alone.
Is there such love between Rua and Kurinka?
That is still the mark of a child.
A song dedicated by Shin to the Demon Lord,
Words offered at the end of the day,
Whispers of love, murmurs of affection.
Ah, this feels a bit like a song.
Monster Compendium
【Gardea the Iron Wall HP 13000】
One of Goto’s elite guards, an expert in defense.
A monster born from a long-used and discarded shield.
【Aro the Sniper HP 5902】
Goto the Dissolving Reptilian Prince
HP: 88,700
The firstborn of Hatra the Enchanting Evil Queen, Goto was raised in indulgence, resulting in a highly spoiled demeanor. From a young age, he developed a fascination with reptiles, keeping various creatures in his room. It’s unclear whether his physique is a perfect match for the reptilian traits or if his love for them influenced his transformation, but he has successfully adapted to the cells of a frog monster. Goto excels in combat by rolling around with his round, hefty body, maneuvering effortlessly. His dissolving liquid can melt even orichalcum, with some variants designed to dissolve only clothing.
Harrike the Wind Howler
HP: 3,514
A member of Goto’s elite guard, Harrike is an expert in wind magic. He shares a compatibility with the cells of the same monster as Renedo, one of the Twelve Demon Generals of the Neo Demon Lord Army, having once been human.
Gatch the Melee Fighter
HP: 9,300
Another member of Goto’s elite guard, Gatch is a close-combat specialist. Unlike the others, his armor has not transformed into a monster; within it resides a former human who has served Goto for many years.
In this world of monsters and magic, these formidable beings serve the whims of their prince and queen, each with their unique abilities and histories, shaping the fate of the Nation of Vandalsia.