◆ Kingdom of Avangarde, Near the Kizel Mountains ◆
Thanks to Lord Daigami’s Divine Concealment, I was able to leave the Royal Capital without any trouble. I couldn’t hear that woman’s voice anymore, and now the Royal Capital appeared in the distance, no bigger than a speck. It seemed I was on the western side of Kizel Valley. Even Vandalsia’s minions weren’t spread across the continent, as there were several places that were lightly guarded. This was one of them, and aside from weak monsters, there were no other signs of danger.
Speaking of Kizel Valley, it reminded me of Kizel Inn. I wondered if Bloom was safe. He was quite strong, and I believed he wouldn’t lose unless he faced a Calamity Class opponent.
“Kurinka is going to retrieve Rutna’s body… I mean, her remains?”
“Yeah. I suggested it, so I want to take responsibility from start to finish.”
“That’s fine, but with Lord Daigami’s Divine Concealment, can’t we go right away?”
“It only applies to the location I recognized. Even with Clairvoyance, I can’t find that hideout of hers. It seems to be quite far away.”
Normally, Elmera would tease us, but she was unusually quiet. She had been leaning against a tree, staring down at the ground. Even when Hatra was causing a ruckus, she seemed lost in thought. Maybe I should try talking to her.
“Elmera, are you feeling unwell?”
“It’s the worst, so don’t talk to me.”
I should have held my tongue. That’s just how she is. And of course, Shin decided to tease her, only to get flicked on the forehead in return. I figured he was feeling a bit too cocky with the Demon Lord around.
“Hey, big sis Kurinka, I’m going too. With my Illusion Magic, I can at least create a distraction… Anyway, I want to help for Rutna’s sake. Please let me come along.”
“With your skills, I have no worries. Take him with you.”
“Got it. Alright, I’m taking off. Lua-chan, it’s just a short goodbye. Don’t cry because you’ll miss me, okay?”
“I-I won’t cry!”
With Lars and Rutna on her back, Kurinka took to the skies. I wouldn’t cry, but I felt lonely. We always adventured together, so without them, it felt like a hole had opened in my heart. It was strange to feel that way, even though it wasn’t a permanent farewell.
“Now then, Lua. What are you planning to do next?”
“Huh? Of course, I’m going to defeat Vandalsia!”
“What about those two over there, David and Juke?”
“Don’t make me repeat myself. I’m the one who will take down Vandalsia.”
“I want to ensure the safety of the villagers. From here, can you use that Clairvoyance to see Ikana Village? If you can, please guide us there.”
The Demon Lord aimed to defeat Vandalsia, while my father wanted to protect the villagers. Our goals were different, but our intentions felt the same. After firmly clasping arms, the Demon Lord and my father returned to their respective missions.
“Lua. You are strong enough that I have no right to say anything. But let me say this: do not hesitate to strike down the Evil Nobility.”
“W-What do you mean?”
“I am certain after meeting them. There is no salvation for those who have already stepped into the End. Forget any sentiments about their humanity. No, you must cast them aside.”
“But… they must have people they care about too.”
“…Well, it’s not something easily done. Let me say one more thing.”
My father firmly grasped my shoulder and smiled warmly. His rough, calloused hand felt nostalgic. I realized I hadn’t seen him in ten years.
“I won’t say anything as long as you are doing what you truly want to do. I have no right to speak, having failed to be a father for over ten years. Lua, if you are going to immerse yourself in battle, cast aside your emotions. It’s not wrong to have feelings or to hesitate to strike down someone. Just not in the context of battle.”
I couldn’t have imagined this back when I was in the Abyss Cave. Back then, it was filled with monsters, and I didn’t care about their circumstances. If I had, I would have surely died. What mattered most was my own life. No, it wasn’t just that. It was everything I had come to cherish.
“What I’m trying to say is that I don’t want you to die. Even if there’s only a slight chance, if that happens, it would be the end. So, well… come back quickly and show me your happy faces.”
“Got it, thank you.”
I didn’t know what else to say, so I kept it short. I felt bad for my mother, who was watching me with concern, but I had to be the one to defeat Vandalsia. I didn’t understand why he had revived. Maybe I had only thought I defeated him, and he was still alive. I didn’t know, but I wanted to end him with my own hands.
“Are you ready?”
“Yeah.”
My father used Lord Daigami’s Divine Concealment to return to the village, while the Demon Lord and the others stayed behind. The moment the people vanished, a cold wind swept through. It seemed snow occasionally fell in this area, and the cold season was approaching.
“Hey, there’s Elmera.”
“Is it a problem that I’m here?”
“Not really, but…”
Even though she followed us with a sulky expression, it felt a bit off. Did Lord Daigami leave her behind on purpose?
“Now then, we’re going to take down Vandalsia. How should we approach this?”
“With your current skills, you should be able to infiltrate his inner circle. We can’t waste time on the Evil Nobility.”
“I surveyed the Royal Capital and the castle with Clairvoyance, but I couldn’t find him anywhere. He might be hiding in a deep place.”
“He wouldn’t do something like that.”
I couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason, but I just knew. The absolute confidence I felt when we fought before wouldn’t waver, no matter who the opponent was. Whether it was a Divine Being or not, I felt ready to face them. Besides, anyone sealed for hundreds of years would naturally weaken. If he had revived and become stronger than before, he would undoubtedly have more abilities. So…
“…I think he might be using the power of ‘Vanishing’ to conceal himself.”
“Yeah, he would definitely do that. Lua, you’re really sharp.”
“Elmera, if you’re not motivated, just go home.”
“Huh? Who do you think you are to give me orders?”
“I’m serious about defeating Vandalsia. If you keep joking around, it’s going to annoy me.”
“Hah, there’s no way you can defeat him.”
Elmera suddenly laughed weakly, a stark contrast to her previous self. She had been so eager to take down Vandalsia, but now she seemed unmotivated, even scared. Yet, she bit her lip, looking genuinely regretful.
“If you become a hindrance, then so be it. Let her do as she pleases.”
“Lord, the angel over there is acting strangely.”
Bathram pointed at the large-winged figure floating above Avangarde Castle. It remained still, showing no signs of movement. Nothing seemed different.
“Indeed, it is strange. Its face is oriented differently than before.”
“Yes, it used to look down at the Royal Capital, but now it’s facing left.”
“Whoa, you’re right. I didn’t notice… Lord Daigami, do you know what that is?”
“Zaniel… It is said that he appears when an era is coming to an end. I do not know the details myself.”
An era ending sounded ominous. It felt as if Vandalsia were about to dominate this world. Looking at that angel again, a wave of anxiety washed over me. Why did that angel suddenly move its head? Something felt off. And Lord Daigami, why did he suddenly look away?
“An end of an era, huh? That means either Vandalsia or us will come to an end. By the way, Fox, you seem to know something about that woman’s voice?”
“…I don’t intend to be arrogant about being a Divine Being, but do you have no sense of decorum?”
“Sorry, but I have no faith in you. Let the humans of Azuma worship you instead.”
“I still can’t be certain about the voice.”
After that, Lord Daigami fell silent. His seated figure looked lonely, and the Demon Lord, watching him with a cold gaze, seemed exasperated.
“Um…”
Out from the shadows of the trees came Ritta and the others. I thought they had gone to Ikana Village with Irene and Shuri, but perhaps Lord Daigami had left them behind.
“It seems there is hope. You should ask them for the details.”
“I know I’m a hindrance. But I have to ask you for something. Please let me avenge Captain Kirkton!”
Despite everything she went through under Hatra, her eyes were still full of life. The usual strong Ritta and her squad were here. But even if she asked me, would the others allow it? Especially that Demon Lord, who was clearly clicking his tongue. He got along well with my father, but he was originally the leader of the Demon Lord Army, so seeking kindness from him might be a mistake. Besides, what did she mean by avenging Captain Kirkton?
“Wait, are you saying Captain Kirkton was killed?!”
“I can’t believe that Garlyle, the Captain of the Royal Guards, cowardly struck from behind after protecting us until the very end to ensure our escape! Just when I thought we were finally safe!”
“Captain of the Royal Guards? That’s someone from the Kingdom of Avangarde, right? I don’t know him, though…”
“Yes. He was originally a guard tasked with protecting His Majesty for generations, but he betrayed this country alongside Belmund. I don’t know the reason, but to abandon the very mission he was meant to fulfill and turn against the kingdom…!”
Ritta’s face twisted in frustration as she ground her teeth. It seemed she was also angry at herself for being unable to do anything while witnessing Kirkton being struck down right before our eyes. Ritta wanted to defeat that Garlyle with her own hands. I had felt the same way when I escaped from the village engulfed in flames. It was a feeling that couldn’t be expressed with mere words like “frustration,” and I knew she must be thinking about how desperately she wanted to grow stronger. No matter what the Demon Lords said, I couldn’t ignore those feelings.
“That’s fine. I don’t know where this Garlyle is, but—”
“Ah, thank you!”
“I have no intention of helping them. If you want to take them, then take them. If you don’t want them to die, then protect them properly.”
As expected, he was cold. But Ritta and the others were prepared, and that was enough. In the distance, the castle walls of the Kingdom of Avangarde loomed, and within them lay the Royal Capital, now under the control of Vandalsia and his minions. I was curious about how it had changed, and I wanted to save everyone as soon as possible.
“Lord Daigami, the members have been decided.”
“I alone would suffice, but…”
The members were me, Lord Daigami, the Demon Lord, Bathram, Elmera, and Ritta. We began discussing how to approach the situation, but first, Lord Daigami would use Clairvoyance to assess the overall strength of our enemies. We would swiftly eliminate the weakest points. The more areas we could free from their control, the more people we could save, and it would also shake Vandalsia’s grip on the kingdom. According to Lord Daigami, there were several Calamity Class monsters aside from the Evil Nobility, so I would take care of those. It seemed that Lord Daigami’s Absolute Divine Territory couldn’t cover a wide area, so relying on it too much wouldn’t be wise. Moreover, that mysterious voice had managed to slip through the Absolute Divine Territory and reach my ears, indicating that we weren’t completely invincible.
“Then let’s return to Hatra’s mansion first. Hatra, who was controlling that area, is dead, so it should be easier to clear out.”
“What about the remaining Evil Nobility?”
“I’ll handle the Second Evil Consort Karein myself.”
“Oh? That voice seems to be related to something.”
“…Let’s go.”
I thought I wouldn’t have to worry with Lord Daigami around, but an uneasy feeling settled in my chest. When I glanced over, I noticed that the angel’s expression seemed somewhat off. Her smile appeared to be more of a grimace, but perhaps it was just my imagination.
◆ Avangarde Royal Capital, Palace of the First Evil Consort Grea, Watchtower ◆
“Garlyle, that must be…”
“Ah, I never expected him to act alone. This is a perfect opportunity. Inform him as well.”
“Inform him? With all due respect, I don’t trust him at all.”
“I was the one who revived Vandalsia, yet I’m not trusted…”
The Necromancer, Juo, stood there without making a sound as he ascended the stairs of the watchtower. His face was still obscured by his dark robe, with only his sickly lips twisted into a smirk. I knew of his obsession with that dragon girl, which was why I intended to inform him.
“I don’t know where he’s headed, but we should send pursuers after him.”
“I’ve already arranged that, you slowpoke.”
“Ah, that’s a relief.”
“You dare speak to Captain Garlyle like that…!”
I restrained Tristan, the vice-captain, who had his hand on his sword, and calmly scrutinized the Necromancer from head to toe. His all-black appearance certainly didn’t inspire trust. However, that didn’t matter; my objective was singular. I needed to assist Lord Vandalsia. To do that, I first needed to capture the Flash Strike Girl alive. But realistically, even if we banded together, a proper battle wouldn’t be feasible.
If there was an opening, it would be with Kurinka. If she lost something dear to her, no matter how strong she was, she would still be a child. In fact, breaking her spirit could be surprisingly easy. Once that happened, it wouldn’t matter if Kurinka died or fell into Juo’s hands. I would only need to obtain the result I desired.
“So, will those pursuers be able to fulfill their role?”
“Probably not. If it’s just that girl, then maybe, but there are likely others as well.”
“Hah, then that would be meaningless.”
“If we can find out where they’re hiding, even if just one returns alive to tell us, that would be enough. With that, they won’t be able to use the same hideout anymore. If you’re going to play the role of vice-captain, you should use your head sometimes, Tristan.”
“Let them say what they want…”
“And that girl will come back again. To see her beloved Rua.”
Juo licked his lips with a tongue the color of dirt and chuckled, causing Tristan to bristle with anger. He was indeed an excellent subordinate, but ever since he pledged his loyalty to Lord Vandalsia, he had been acting this way. The influence of having discarded his human body might be a factor, but the other subordinates had also been acting strangely lately. Anton, who used to be quiet, was laughing more often, and Nikil, who had a small appetite, had begun to binge eat. It must have something to do with the monster cells.
“Hmm, so my lovely fiancée is turning into a dragon, huh?”
“A-Alcist-sama!”
He walked with an elegance that seemed to disregard the fact that he was in mid-air. It was none other than the First Evil Prince, Alcist.
“When we marry, I shall forbid her from transforming into a dragon. As my wife, she must always take care of her appearance. Also, that length of her blonde hair is a problem; the only length I can tolerate is up to her armpits. That white robe is unacceptable as well. I will have her change into a custom-made dress. Red would suit her best, contrasting beautifully with her small, adorable figure. And those boots are far too clumsy.”
Alcist already had someone in his heart. Thus, there was no room for Juo to interfere. Dressed in a white tuxedo and envisioning a wedding, Alcist’s awareness of his future bride was something to be admired. Kurinka would undoubtedly be happier as Alcist’s wife than with Juo or Rua. There was no greater happiness than being the wife of this stunningly handsome man, sought after by women throughout the Royal Capital.
“Now then, Garlyle, invite her.”
With that, Alcist descended the stairs of the watchtower, separate from how he had arrived. Juo quietly watched him leave. Despite the threat of losing his beloved woman, he could only watch helplessly. There was no one foolish enough to challenge Alcist, hailed as the strongest among the Evil Nobility.
“Let’s devise a strategy. Alcist has graciously allowed us to use the vacant rooms in the palace.”
“Not only is he skilled and handsome, but he also has a generous heart… I wish that rotten Necromancer would learn from him.”
The height of this watchtower, overlooking the Royal Capital, perfectly represented the nobility of the First Evil Consort Grea. I decided to take Tristan with me and promptly begin our meeting. This was the first step toward becoming one of Lord Vandalsia’s kin.
◆ Shin Report ◆
In the realm of the Demon Lord, I continue to write this report, filled with happiness.
To think that a handful of us could take down that horde of monsters is reckless.
I want to say that, but with the Demon Lord around, there are no issues.
Kurinka’s solo actions have been a concern since the Hunter Nest incident.
Shin has a bad feeling about this.
No matter how strong I’ve become, I’m not a monster like Rua.
And that Necromancer—no, the Necromancer Juo—wouldn’t remain silent.
He’s been quiet lately, but he’s definitely waiting for an opportunity.
Even if Shin opposes this, it won’t change anything.
Elmera’s flick on my forehead still stings; it hurts even now.