◆ Ruins of the Village Near Noibranz ◆
Noibranz has fallen. The shock of that alone is staggering, but the sudden appearance of Aboro is equally surprising. For a moment, I wondered if I was being suspected. But why would Aboro come all this way just to tell me that?
“Noibranz… has fallen?”
“Of course, I know it wasn’t your doing. While we have had dealings with that country, your motives are far removed.”
“Wait a second! Do you know who unleashed that light?”
“There is a massive contraption in the sky. It is likely the work of the Kingdom of Metallica.”
“M-Metallica did…!”
Metallica, the Kingdom of Metallica. That country destroyed Noibranz. Strangely, I didn’t think Aboro was speaking nonsense. Perhaps it was because I believed that country possessed such power. I also thought they might be capable of it. Platiu, who is here, has suffered greatly at the hands of the Machine Maidens. Moreover, knowing that Platiu is here, they still tried to kill her. Genia, no, Genia and Corin must know this. In fact, it was likely those two who were behind it.
“Even with Platiu here… if Metallica is responsible, I can’t forgive them.”
Pulling Platiu close, Kurinka murmured bitterly. Platiu was hearing that she had been betrayed right now. I thought I saw her eyes glisten faintly. Poor thing, she must have trusted Genia. Just saying we would be there for her might not erase this sorrow. I wish I could destroy the unpleasant memories of people with my divine nature.
“How do you know so much, Aboro?”
“Because I know. That country has existed since the age when the Demon Race thrived. I underestimated them as mere scraps, but now they have become this powerful. Hmph… humans.”
“So, Aboro, do you have some business with us?”
“Today, I declare the destruction of the Kingdom of Metallica here.”
With a body larger than my head, Aboro looked down at me with a calm demeanor. With his wings spread wide, he appeared even larger. Since our last meeting at the Demon Lord Castle, I felt it again—this guy could do it. He was strong enough for me to say that with conviction. He was incomparable to the likes of Getou or Eerlich. I understood well that Bathram’s words, which spoke of having cornered the Heroic Clan in the past, were not exaggerated at all.
“That is—”
“Will you stop me?”
“…!”
I hadn’t said anything yet. Perhaps I had anticipated this, but something felt off. His piercing gaze seemed to see right through me.
“The ones at fault are those who created that machine. Destroying an entire country is going too far.”
“I will sever all ties with that country. If we do not uproot it, it will only grow back.”
“Wait a minute, Aboro, have you been in Noibranz until now? Are you angry because they attacked you? Or is it Noibranz that angers you?”
“Sharp as ever.”
Seeing Aboro slightly tense, I realized he hadn’t come here to be friendly. Was he going to seek revenge against humans like Getou and the others? If so, I would have to fight, but I wanted to avoid it as much as possible. Elves and the Demon Race are among the few races in this world. They should have been wiped out long ago, yet Elmera and Meria are still alive. The same goes for the Demon Race. The Beastkin and Giant Race are the same. I can’t quite articulate it, but I think this is something incredible. Therefore, we must not allow extinction to happen so easily.
“Not long ago, I thought to start by erasing the greatest nation. However, I realized that country possesses technology left by our Demon Race. That is the Neue…”
“Is that the skill that allows monsters to become human armor or weapons?”
“Indeed, though it has strayed far from its original form, it is undoubtedly ours. When I questioned the king of that country, he confessed that there were records of the Demon Race’s involvement from long ago.”
“The Demon Race in Noibranz…? But would the Demon Race cooperate with humans?”
“You are quite knowledgeable about our circumstances, Rua. As expected of one who wields our supreme sword. Or perhaps you have been advised by someone?”
I felt a tremor in my pouch. Come to think of it, Shin is also of the Demon Race. Starting from the Dragonfolk, I know bits and pieces about the Demon Race. This Demon Sword was created as a last resort for the Demon Race to resist humans. But beyond that, I don’t know much. More than anything…
“I don’t know that much. I don’t understand why you want to oppose humans so much.”
“Though we were inferior in numbers, we overwhelmingly surpassed them in power. That is the Demon Race. With different origins, customs, and powers, our ideologies change as well. Coexistence is impossible.”
“In the end, you think like Getou and Eerlich, huh…”
“I have no intention of avenging them. They had their own will, and that is all. What I demand is…”
Just from his gaze, I understood what he sought. It was Platiu, whom Kurinka was holding close. Realizing this, Platiu clutched Kurinka’s robe tighter, refusing to let go.
“I will kill that girl. It was she who wore the mechanical armor and cornered the forces of Noibranz. And if she is a human of Metallica, all the more reason.”
“I won’t let you.”
“I knew you would say that.”
At this point, a fight was unavoidable. Aboro must have intended to fight from the very beginning, knowing this would happen. In response to his clenched fist, I drew Disballade. There were no words exchanged between us.
“Disballade… why does the sword meant to fulfill our tragic wish belong to a mere girl like you…? Disballade! Now return to my hand! You should serve me, the hero of the Demon Race!”
Aboro raised one hand, opening it wide as if to claim it for himself. Nothing was supposed to happen.
“I said no.”
Of course, Disballade wouldn’t speak directly. But I somehow understood; Disballade showed no reaction to Aboro’s fierce call. Even when it clashed with the Hero’s Sword, it had radiated such a sinister aura. This meant that for Disballade, this was a non-issue. It wasn’t about strength or weakness; it was something entirely different.
“…Why?! Hundreds of our kind have fallen, raising their voices of resentment in exchange for their blood… and yet you were born from that! Hah, how interesting!”
This place is bad. I instinctively sensed it when Aboro entered a serious combat stance. Just by lowering his waist and concentrating power in one arm, a gust of wind erupted around him. I couldn’t even transform into a dragon in time, and Kurinka was blown away while still holding Platiu.
“I’m fine, you know!”
Even while being blown away, Kurinka transformed into a dragon and quickly left the area. With Platiu on her back, she kept her distance and watched the situation from above.
“Kurinka, Enhancement Magic is fine. I’ll settle this myself.”
“…Understood.”
I think she was trying to provide rear support. But I genuinely wanted to test myself. Aboro is strong, stronger than anyone I’ve met so far. He might even rival Lord Daigami or the Dragon God.
And then there’s Disballade. It chose me over its creator, the Demon Race. If that’s the case, I must sever the ties with the Demon Race on my own, with this sword.
“You seem to be misunderstanding something… I had no intention of fighting you. When I faced you at the Demon Lord Castle, my heart raced, but you were a disappointment.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve heard something like that.”
“Ah, you cannot win against me. I declare it.”
After a brief pause, his words felt heavy. I had been told by Balbus and Elmera that I couldn’t win, but this felt different. If anyone else said the same thing as Aboro, I probably wouldn’t have cared.
“I’ll say this one last time. Leave that girl from Metallica and go.”
These words, spoken by the hero of the Demon Race, carried weight. The sense of discomfort I felt since our meeting would become clear in battle.
“I won’t.”
“I see. Then know this: you will never become a hero.”
【Aboro has appeared! HP: ????????】
I knew he was coming; I should have realized it. But before I knew it, Aboro’s left foot was upon my head.
【Aboro’s attack! Inflicted 406 damage to Rua! HP: 43709/44115】
“It hurts!!”
Just like when I endured a monster’s attack at the bottom of the sea, I focused all my energy on defense. Yet, I still took a significant hit, which was dangerous.
Immediately after his heavy left foot collided with me, he attempted to grab me. But it seemed he anticipated my move, and his foot slipped away effortlessly.
【Rua’s attack! Aboro dodged skillfully!】
“You’re seeing that too.”
Even though I slashed at him almost simultaneously, he easily evaded. Something felt off. He wasn’t necessarily faster than me; of course, he was dangerous if I let my guard down, but his reaction speed felt different, creating a sense of unease.
It wasn’t simply because he was the strongest of the Demon Race, nor was it the precision of Bathram’s counters. I definitely had my doubts about Aboro’s abilities. No, it was more than just abilities; it was surely his Divine Nature.
“Aboro has some kind of Divine Nature too, right?”
“Premonition… According to Elmera, that’s how it is. I can see the future.”
【Rua unleashed the Sonic Ripper! Aboro deftly dodged!】
“That attack and its outcome!”
【Aboro’s Big Bang Knuckle! It dealt 2498 damage to Rua! HP 41211/44115】
The sound pierced my ears, and even as my head spun, I struggled to regain my footing. If what Aboro said was true, then no matter what I did from here on out, he would evade it. The idea that he could understand everything happening right now was beyond unreasonable. It meant that no matter how smart or strong anyone was, no one could defeat Aboro.
“…No Hero has ever withstood this series of attacks. For that alone, I shall commend you; you are strong. Too strong.”
“Not exactly a compliment I wanted…”
Aboro crossed his arms, seemingly impressed as he halted his attacks. Would he still dodge if I attacked in this state?
“My Big Bang Knuckle has no tricks. I simply channel the energy within me into my fist and unleash it… The last one I obliterated was the Hero of the Sun… what was his name again? Or was it that boy hailed as the Child of Destiny?”
“…How many people did you kill?”
“They had their reasons to fight. I had mine, and that’s why we crossed paths.”
Those people must have been expected by many as well. They might have believed they possessed the strength to save themselves from peril, that they could not be defeated by anyone. When those Heroes fell, the hopes of everyone must have shattered alongside them. I couldn’t imagine that feeling; I didn’t want to. It was a bit different, but I couldn’t bear to think of Kurinka being killed. After all, she was my hope.
“And I crossed paths with you! You will protect that girl from Metallica! I will kill her! We both have our reasons! A battle without reason is meaningless, flavorless, and odorless! Without a core, it is not a fight!”
Aboro spread his wings and laughed heartily. The dust from this completely flattened area swirled around him as if being swept clean.
“I saw this coming since we faced each other at the Demon Lord Castle! But! The outcome… is truly disappointing.”
“You mean I’m going to lose?”
“Indeed. You are truly strong. A Hero like you is the strongest. However… at the same time, you are the weakest.”
Aboro’s glare was not directed at me but at Kurinka and the others. I instinctively understood what he was thinking. In an instant, I positioned myself in front of them to protect them.
“A Hero who fights to protect what is precious… that motivation is incredible. It can sometimes bring forth strength beyond one’s capabilities. But what happens if that motivation crumbles? A Hero who entrusts their reason to fight to what they must protect is truly fragile.”
“…I won’t let that happen.”
“Rest assured. I have no intention of such a crude act.”
Though Aboro had his sights set on the two behind me, it seemed he had no intention of attacking. Still, I couldn’t let my guard down, so I urged them to flee just in case. Kurinka took off with Platiu, and Aboro merely watched them go. It seemed he truly had no intention of targeting them.
“I will crush you in your prime here, at least in accordance with what I can see.”
【Aboro’s Big Bang Knuckle! Rua deftly dodged!】
“What…!”
From the surprise on his face, it seemed that Aboro’s Big Bang Knuckle was supposed to hit me. Premonition, indeed a terrifying Divine Nature, but there were monsters in the Abyss Cave with similar abilities.
“Aboro, you and I are different. I understood that from our conversation.”
“What do you mean…?”
【Rua’s attack! She dealt 95230 damage to Aboro! HP ????????/????????】
“Gah…! Wh-what…?”
“But in a way, we are the same.”
If there had been no outcome he could see, that strike would have settled it. I could have obliterated his arm from shoulder to wrist, but even so, his evasion was impressive. Despite the purple blood dripping from the severed limb, he still stood firm.
“The strongest Demon Race that has killed many Heroes in the past… indeed impressive. But Aboro, have you ever fought against someone as strong as you or even stronger?”
“Ugh…!”
“I have.”
This was the fundamentally different aspect. He kept talking about seeing, seeing, and seeing too much. Perhaps he saw everything too clearly.
“That is also a refuge for the weak! Then shall I unleash my full power! Haaaaaa!”
The power Aboro released from his entire being created shockwaves that altered the terrain around him. Even the distant trees were uprooted, and the ground itself was gouged, causing devastation deep into the earth. The sheer force of his release was staggering.
◆ Nation of Negesta, Royal Capital ◆
“Whoa! What just happened this time?!”
“Divine Being! Please protect us!”
The power unleashed by some malevolent force was all shielded by the Divine Being. The people could only experience the deafening sound and the tremors shaking the buildings. But outside the Royal Capital, it was clear from the vantage point on the hill. Other places had been stripped bare as if harvested. The land, nurtured by nature for years, had returned to nothing in an instant.
“Rest assured, we cannot be punished. The Divine Being would not allow it.”
“Lord Ryoho…”
The smile of the messenger, Death Angel Zaniel, brought us relief. When I looked up, he answered me.
“Yes, you must believe. If you believe, you will surely be granted the power to counter the malevolent. Just like this person…”
【Formas Lv: 1803 Class: Demon Rank: A HP ????????】
“Oh, indeed. To punish is unthinkable for a human. Kukukuku…”
Though it could be seen as an evil grin, he was now an ally. In the teachings of the Uzei Religion, there is no distinction between holy and wicked. Even if one is wicked, if they wash their sins in the heavens, they become human. A natural human, that is the state the Uzei Religion aims for.
“Now, let us go. To our realm, to guide the still unaware lambs.”
I must do this. I must lead the people to a natural world, even if it takes my entire life. That is the true happiness for them.
◆ Noibranz, Village near the Border, Ruins ◆
【Aboro’s Self-Regeneration! Aboro’s HP recovered by 95230! HP ????????/????????】
“Ugh!”
The arm that should have been gone was sprouting back, oozing a sickly purple blood. Just like the Dragon God or Belmund. No, this might resemble Eerlich more. Even when he is defeated, he can create another version of himself. It was similar to that. If Eerlich could do it, it wouldn’t be surprising if Aboro could too.
“This level of injury will heal instantly. It’s only natural for a Demon.”
“That’s impressive; I might die from that.”
“But you will die right now!”
【Aboro’s Big Bang Rampage!】
The energy from the Big Bang Knuckle enveloped Aboro’s entire body. A golden, shimmering aura erupted from him, threatening to obliterate everything in the vicinity once more.
“If you can withstand this and maintain your form, I shall commend you!”
【Aboro unleashed Meteor Rush! Rua deftly dodged!】
Each strike had the power to reshape the terrain. The ground exploded, creating massive craters, and it rapidly turned into a pockmarked landscape. The shockwaves even shook distant mountains, causing a disaster-like rampage.
“See? I dodged…”
【Rua took 897 damage! HP 40314/44115】
“Ouch!”
It seemed he had anticipated my dodging, as the last strike landed perfectly. It hurt quite a bit, but it was bearable. I realized that Vandalsia might have nullified my defense with his Vanishing power. Even then, I had given it my all, but the Catastrophe had dealt significant damage, as had other attacks. Compared to that, Aboro’s strikes were merely chaotic in power. Of course, if even one of those hit a human town, it would be obliterated without a trace. It had that level of power. Yes, Aboro was strong. I had to acknowledge that. He was strong enough to defeat Vandalsia without breaking a sweat.
But that only left me with a nagging thought. It was something Aboro himself had said.
“Aboro called me weak, but you fight to protect too, right?”
“…!”
“If that’s the case, I think we could understand each other better…”
“Shut up!”
【Aboro unleashed Comet Rain! Rua deftly dodged!】
I anticipated where Aboro would strike and dodged accordingly. If I could see where I had evaded, I would predict his next move without hesitation. What I was relying on was pure instinct. It was a combat style honed in the Abyss Cave, where I often depended on my intuition, but right now, it was all instinct. On top of that, my Divine Nature was destruction. There was no way I couldn’t shatter the future Aboro had seen.
“Damn… how could this happen!”
He claimed to see the outcome of our battle, but it seemed that wasn’t absolute. The bitter expression on Aboro’s face told me everything I needed to know.
“Well then, it’s my turn now.”
The Demon Race, who had never felt panic in battle before, instinctively took a defensive stance with both arms raised.
◆ Shin Report ◆
It’s fine, it’s fine.
First, let’s get Shin down.
To Kurinka.
I’m going to die.