I came to the bank of a pond, searching for a prey. Just as I thought, there’s a Katobrepas sunbathing after getting out of the water. It’s a monster that looks like a cow, but its characteristics are its large head and long neck. And more than anything, their meat is delicious.
I casually approach the Katobrepas and raise my sword overhead. Without giving it a chance to counterattack, I swung the sword about three times, dying quickly. As expected of the Demon King’s armor. It’s a world of difference when I do it with my own body. And I get Katobrepas’s meat. Moreover, the part is sirloin. I’m lucky ♪.
– Now, shall I go back and eat it…?
I leave the pond and enter the forest. On the way through the forest, I pick up native vegetables and nuts, fruits and berries on top of the prey. I walked for a while and reached the grasslands. The destination is at the top of a small hill to my right.
There’s a flat open space on the hill, that’s where my camp site is. Since I can’t go back to towns, this is a facility for break and lodging and fortunately, no monsters can get here.
A bonfire is burning in the middle of the camp site. There was a figure sitting in front of the bonfire, holding her knees under her arms, an old cloth covered her from the top. I put the meat of the Katobrepas I caught in front of her.
– I caught food. It ’s good.
Although I say that, it’s raw meat. Cooking skills are needed to cook it. When I’m a human, Arisugawa cooks, and when I’m Hellshaft, my exclusive chefs cook. Therefore, my cooking skills are zero. Terrible.
Ririko Asagiri gazed at me, her face sticking out of the old cloth.
– You plan to feed me?
She’s thorny, but that’s natural.
– You’re my prisoner. There are lots of things to get from you. I won’t allow you to starve to death.
Asagiri behaved like a spoiled child and turned her face away. She’s been like this ever since we left Infermia. However, I cannot afford to leave Asagiri alone. She has no good equipment, and the curse of Satan is on her. I need to take her to a safe place.
– You find yourself in a predicament and that’s the same for me. So have some patience. Otherwise, there won’t be a tomorrow.
Asagiri turns her face away and talks back.
– Isn’t that pride? Despite being the Demon King.
It is. But if it’s for the sake of saving you, I can throw it away.
– What is your pride? Are you protected by it when rising against me?
– That’s…
– An extremely meaningless pride.
Asagiri fixedly glared at me and stood up vigorously. The old cloth opened and a half-naked body appears from below. I was truly shocked.
Nothing but primitive clothes wrapped around the waist and breasts. Asagiri sewn the cloth she had picked up before coming here using her sewing skills. It was impossible to insist that it was “a bit wild swimsuit”. It’s unfortunate for the person in question, but there was still a long way to reach the city where equipment was sold, so it cannot be helped. She was lucky she could pick up even an old cloth.
– You, do you know!? Do you know what you’ve been doing to us!?
– Of course. And I’d like to ask something to you.
– You’re awfully shameless.
– If it’s for the sake of defeating that Satan and take back what I lost.
For an instant, Asagiri was at a loss for words. I repeat those words as if pressing for an answer.
– What my pride doesn’t allow is still having my throne taken away. Everything else is trivial. Fussing over it just proves your own intolerance.
Asagiri clenched her fist seemingly vexed.
– What do you want me to do?
– Prepare a meal.
Asagiri frowned.
– Are you really saying that?
– I am. And one more thing. Let me check the ring on your left hand.
Asagiri stared at her left hand. A black ring is stuck on the ring finger.
– This?
– That’s no more than Satan’s cursed ring. I want to find out how to remove the curse. But not for you. But in preparation for the upcoming battle with Satan.
Asagiri gazed long at the ring.
After doing so for a while, Asagiri finally picked up the Katobrepas meat and silently headed to the kitchen. This campsite has a simple kitchen made of stone. Asagiri fired the furnace there. For the time being, she seems to only cook.
I sighed deeply in my mind and sat down on the grass as if I was exhausted.
I can say that persuading Asagiri was successful, for now. She didn’t let her guard down, of course, but Asagiri, who got fired up with Hellshaft that defeated her to that extent, recognized she’s with me. This may be the same for Asagiri, but not even in my wildest dreams I thought I would travel with Asagiri as the Demon King Hellshaft. This reality goes too far above imagination.
I stared at the horizon as the sun began to set.
We’ll go to Caldart for now, but I’m choosing a route that makes a large detour. There’s no doubt that Satan’s pursuers will be there. I should choose inconspicuous routes rather than the main road as much as possible.
I looked at Asagiri’s who has turned her back on me in the kitchen.
Moving with Asagiri is dangerous for me. If I get along with her and lose my feeling of tension, there’s no telling what mistake I’ll make. It would be terrible if we talked about thoughtless things and she finds out that I’m Doumeguri Kakeru. 『Holy Grave』is in Asagiri’s item list.
However, if Asagiri is thrown into the field alone, she’ll die. Then, reviving will be impossible. The cause will be──,
– It’s done.
Asagiri came around with Katobrepas meat placed on a plate. The black ring stood out conspicuously on the white finger holding the plate.
──That cursed ring.
Finding a way to cancel that is top priority.
– Uh huh, good job.
Asagiri brusquely handed a plate to me and sat down a little farther. The dish is steak and fried vegetables. The smell alone is irresistible.
– Thanks for the food.
– Th──
That was close. I was almost lured to say “Thanks for the food”. As one would expect, not even the Demon King Hellshaft would do it.
I opened the guard of the helmet’s mouth and began to eat food in silence.
D-delicious… this is the finest sirloin steak! Kobe beef, Maesawa beef, Hayama beef and Matsusaka beef are no match for this! I think. At any rate, I’ve only eaten cheap meat.
As I forget myself, eating that meat quickly, Asagiri expressed a few words.
– You… opened that thing on your mouth.
Puh!
Oh no, I almost chocked involuntarily.
– And you talk a lot.
I can’t help it!
Asagiri is obstinate, so I talk to persuade you!
If you were a bit more submissive, I wouldn’t have to speak!
– I mean, you really eat. That’s unexpected.
Whoa! Now, after you have served food!? I lightly cleared my throat and closed the guard of my mouth.
– Hmm? Are you mad?
The voice of Asagiri sounded a little happy.
– … I may be a monster but I’m also a living creature. Since I’m a living thing, it’s natural that I need intake of energy.
Asagiri pierces a steak that has been cut into small pieces in advance with a fork and puts it into her mouth.
– Then, that Satan also eats, no?
Uh, now we’re talking about Satan…? I feel reluctant, but it’s certain that it’s necessary to clarify the situation Asagiri was put in ahead of time. However, disclosing too much information will lead to needless questions. I make my throat sound and started talking carefully.
– I don’t know. I don’t know anything about him in detail either.
– Were you allies from the start?
– No. He was the owner of Infermia in the past. I don’t know why he disappeared. But after he was gone, I became the owner of Infermia. That’s his only connection with me.
Asagiri snorts and extends the fork to the stir-fried meat and vegetables, pierces the sliced meat and stopped her hand.
– At that time, the elves and dwarves that were defeated by Satan… and my equipment had a strange way of disappearing somehow. And you said something odd. If Satan kills me, I won’t revive again. That…
– That’s right, that’s what makes Satan the biggest threat. Now, pay attention and listen.
I finished eating by throwing the rest of the meat into my mouth and put the plate down. I chewed the meat in my mouth, but I didn’t feel the taste now.
– You can revive even if you die. However, it’s different when that Satan defeats you. That guy erases existence itself. It means that your consciousness, heart, soul, and so on disappear and die.
– They disappear… from this world?
– From every world.
Asagiri kept silent. The orange light of the bonfire illuminates Asagiri’s figure, and the movement of the flickering flames draws a shadow as if dancing. Before I knew, the sun disappeared into the horizon, and darkness covered the world.
– If that’s the case… what will happen? Not reviving feels like sleeping continuously?
– I know you’re after Hells’ Gate. So don’t ask me how to go there. However, it means that even that won’t come true. No matter what world you go, your consciousness will be dead. Supposing you went to another world and your consciousness and mind have disappeared, then what tried to go there is a corpse, no?
When the sun went down, it became dark in the blink of an eye. The scenery that was so vast and beautiful turned black, nothing was in sight. What is certain now is only the small space illuminated by the flames of the bonfire. It appears as if the world has suddenly become smaller, and anxiety crawls up my body.
Asagiri put the plate aside and held her knees.
– Although you say this, you may not understand… but we aren’t residents of this world. But if I believe your words, then we won’t be able to return to our original world if we’re killed by Satan, right?
– Hmm… certainly, you are a little different from other humans. It’s not an unbelievably story.
– … I have another question to ask.
– ? What?
– Why do you know my name?
Light tension runs on my body.
– … I did some research about you. Particularly, I got good information from those who have fought with you. I also grasped your name on that occasion.
I thought that this would be asked of course, so I prepared an answer in advance. Thanks to that, I was able to deceive her without problems… right?
– Really…? I see. We’re always calling each other’s names during quests, so that’s why. You investigated all sorts of things about us.
Asagiri nodded as if being impressed. From her voice and gestures, I felt that her wariness towards me has gradually dissipated. The way Asagiri usually is has returned though just a bit. If I answer Asagiri’s questions in detail like this and reduce her anxiety, she may be able to recover her usual cheerfulness.
Asagiri watched the flame of the bonfire dance while holding her knees for a while. Suddenly, I remembered the stormy night when we were trapped by the wizard Grim.
– Hey…
The silent Asagiri let out a word.
– The dwarves and elves who were defeated by Satan… it really seemed to be painful, it was heartbreaking.
Certainly… it was. Both when killing monsters and when the guys from 2A die, in the end, they are unexpectedly and quickly killed. Because it has been adjusted so that they don’t feel more than a certain amount of pain. If they were to feel the same pain as in reality, then it’d be impossible to go on like this. No one would play a game in which pains like being cut by a sword or burned by fire is the same as in real life.
But Satan’s attack had a completely different level of intensity from the pain felt in normal quests. Is the pain real in the same way death is real death?
Asagiri wrinkled up her eyebrows as if reproducing the suffering of the elves in her memory on her body and then put her strength into the fingers holding her upper arms.
– Every time we die, it doesn’t hurt so much, it feels like I’m going to sleep all of a sudden… but this was totally different… it looked so painful and sad, it wasn’t the usual particles of light when one disappears, but more like a puzzle being scattered…
Asagiri stared at the cursed ring that was stuck on the ring finger of her left hand. The red pattern spreading from there covers the back of the hand, it looks as if she were wearing lace gloves.
– If this pattern covers my whole body, I’ll die too, right?
I must answer. I clenched my teeth and said as if squeezing out.
– That’s right.
It’s hard to see in the direction where Asagiri is. I kept talking, facing the flames of the bonfire.
– Pay attention to your HP. Don’t fail to recover energy.
– I tried it already, but it was useless.
– What?
I turned to Asagiri who held her knees, curled her back, and stared at the bonfire.
– Even when I used energy, I couldn’t heal to my maximum HP. I tried various other healing medicines but they didn’t work. Perhaps, as this pattern progresses, my maximum HP will decrease steadily.
What?! Shit! If healing medicines don’t work, then the situation will only get worse as time passes. I have to find a solution quickly.
– It’s too early to give up. There may be other recovery items even if medicine didn’t work.
The stars began to blink in the dark sky.
– What does it feel… to disappear?
For a moment, I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know how to reply. I want to use words of consolation and sensible, encouraging and tender words. But I’m not me today.
– Does that imagination have a meaning? What a waste of time. If you have the time to have such delusions, think about how you can help instead.
I stood up and went across the bonfire to the opposite side of Asagiri and lay down in a grassy spot.
– Sleep already. We’ll leave early tomorrow.
– Yeah…
Asagiri stood up and took my plate to the kitchen. She comes back, and lies down obediently at a distance. The lawn was like a blanket with long hair, and the earth was soft and comfortable to sleep.
– Hey, Hellshaft.
– Yes?
– Why are you helping me?
──.
– I’m the Demon King Hellshaft however down my luck may be. A man who gets everything in this world. But now I’m in the darkness. Even if I go down to the field and spend an unfortunate time, my destiny will eventually come back. You’re my prisoner. You’re the only possession I have right now so to speak. I can’t lose you.
– … I don’t remember being your property.
– Your intentions don’t matter to me. I won’t let you die of your own accord or let someone other than me give you death.
Asagiri sighed.
– As expected of the King-sama. How selfish.
And a laughter.
– You’ve lost everything and you’re sleeping alone on the lawn without a roof… and yet, you have faith in getting the world in your hands.
– Sleep already.
– I may cut off your head while you sleep.
– With your strength, impossible.
– What if I strip you of that helmet?
– That’s also impossible. Only my will can take my armor off.
I heard a bigger sigh than before, and she became quiet.
I lay on my back and looked up at the sky. A starry sky spreads in my field of vision.
I thought it was beautiful.
It’s not a real starry sky.
After all, it’s false, an imitation.
Still,
Beautiful things are still beautiful.
Three days later, we came close to Caldart.
I felt like I was a beggar when I walked while looking for items that didn’t drop, but I tried it and surprisingly, a lot of items dropped, so we could travel within our capacity. For some reason, I feel like I can live with this much. This is a field that is no good for humans.
– Hellshaft!
The tense voice of Asagiri echoes. In the direction Asagiri pointed out, there was a two-toned, black-and-white exhausted monster.
– A panda…
A Boxer Panda. Although it’s a level 4 monster, it can be an object of fear for Asagiri. Similarly, I was almost killed by it in the past. At that time, Asagiri rushed and saved me.
I turned the cloak into a sword as I casually approached the panda and swung my sword. Without even giving it chance to counterattack, I consigned the Boxer Panda to oblivion with one blow.
I return the sword to a cloak and go back to Asagiri.
– How are you doing?
– I didn’t take any damage, so I’m fine. The curse hasn’t progressed since last night.
Saying that, Asagiri shows her left arm from below the old cloth. A red pattern appears on the white skin. It had already passed the wrist and was approaching the elbow.
The death sentence advances day by day. How much fear and impatience are attacking Asagiri? When I guess her inner feelings, my chest hurts.
However, Asagiri is surprisingly uninterested. She doesn’t seem to be irritated or trembling with fear. It’s as if she didn’t think of the imminent death at all.
– There’s Caldart.
We cross the hill and the ramparts of Caldart and the city inside showed its appearance.
– I kind of missed it.
Asagiri raised her voice, looking happy and tried to walk towards Caldart.
– Wait, Asagiri.
– Why?
I strained my eyes and gazed at the main gate of Caldart. There are figures of people in front of the gate. They weren’t gatekeepers. And their silhouettes are familiar.
– Satan’s subordinates are already… these guys used to be my subordinates, but they are watching the entrance to Caldart.
– Is that so? We took quite the detour… so, what do we do?
If Satan’s army is already inside, then those guys from 2A should have probably escaped. No matter how much of a disorderly crowd they are, if Ichinomiya, Asagiri, and Shizukuishi couldn’t revive in such a long time, I imagine they would have return to Sandiano.
– Maybe your companions have escaped already? Do you know where they went?
Asagiri hesitated to say it. Certainly, she would feel awkward revealing their base to the Demon King Hellshaft.
– Caldart and Sandiano are the only bases I’ve grasped. There may be others, but if you don’t say anything, I’ll take you to Sandiano. You’re okay with it, yes?
Asagiri nodded seemingly displeasured, but relieved to some extent.
– Yeah… there’s no other choice, so it’s okay.
– It shouldn’t be found by them. Let’s go at once.
I turned back and went down the hill on the opposite side of Caldart. Asagiri tilted her head and followed me.
– Why this far away?
– Well. Don’t underestimate them. They’re tremendous opponents.
Those are the four people I trust the most. The Hellzekter, the four leaders of Hellandia.
Asagiri and I hurried on our way to Sandiano. After going through the undulating-like high-and-low wilderness for a while, the road was divided into two.
– Hmm? Isn’t this the shortest one?
I chose the road on the left and Asagiri pointed at the other thick road.
– Yeah. I’m going to make a short visit to Sigineza.
– To Sigineza? So you wanted to eat yakitori?
Huh?
– Why… yakitori?
– Because it’s a specialty?
I didn’t know….
– I’ve never been there in person. I’m just making sure that there are no items connected to your curse.
– I think it’s useless. I went many times there, but they didn’t sell anything special.
– I said we’re going.
Even if Asagiri can’t buy them, there may be things that I, who has adult mode, can buy.
I go with the dissatisfied-looking Asagiri and walk on the road. As we walk, the grasslands and green of the trees increase. Trees as if they were planted by people line up on both sides of the road. I can see the village beyond that.
Before that, I come near the shade of a tree outside the road.
– What’s wrong?
– Well, while it’s nice you’re completely covered with that old cloth, that’s not the same for me who’s like this. A rumor saying “The Demon King Hellshaft has come” may spread, you know?
Asagiri pondered a little, and extended her hand towards me.
– Then, lend me some money.
What?
– I’ll do something about it.
Whoa, is this “that”? Isn’t this the behavioral pattern in which a lot of money is given then a break up comes right after?
– It’s not like I’ll run away.
Asagiri casually said so. She’s neither smiling nor has a disgusted face, if anything, I’d say she’s not that interested?
– … Will this do?
I take out 100,000 sol from the item list’s money. I handed the paper money that appeared in my hand to Asagiri.
– Don’t mind using all of it. If it’s not enough, tell me.
– It’s too much.
With a bitter smile, Asagiri entered Sigineza.
I don’t know what Asagiri plans to do. Will she inform Satan’s army about me, or contact 2A in some way and escape from another exit?
If that happens, then I’ll think about it when the time comes. If Asagiri wants to do that, it cannot be helped.
– I kept you waiting.
Asagiri returned. Holding a large bundle of cloth in her hands.
– Those are?
– I bought these at a material store here. Oh right, the change.
45,000 sols came back.
– ──What are these?
– I’m thinking of making a cloak so you can hide your body. That burning-looking cloak is good, but stands out too much so they’ll find out you’re the Demon King.
Asagiri sat down at the base of the tree and began cutting the cloth with the cutting scissors she took out from the item list.
– I was going to buy much cheaper clothes, but you said I could use it all, so I chose the most expensive ones. I was tense because I don’t usually buy expensive goods. After all, as the King-sama, it’s absolutely necessary to wear this much, isn’t it?
I felt I saw a talkative Asagiri for the first time in a while.
– But… was it a little too expensive?
Seemingly worried, she asks with upturned eyes.
– No. For me, it’s a paltry sum of money.
Sol is the in-game currency. Paid items aren’t funny, they’re completely different because I’m accumulating a debt.
Asagiri threaded the needle and started sewing the cloth. A smile appears on her mouth and her eyes seem to smile a little.
– Alice-chan cooks… there’s a child called like that in 2A Guild, while I’m no match for that child, sewing is my specialty.
Oh! A newly acquired information about Asagiri. Certainly, Asagiri seems to be enjoying sewing a little. That usual expression had disappeared lately, so it feels like the original Asagiri has come back after a long time.
I happily leaned against a tree and watched Asagiri sewing happily. The gentle rays of the Sun pass through the gaps between the leaves and form a pattern around Asagiri. I couldn’t get tired of watching the sunlight filtering through the tree change the shape of light and shadow like a kaleidoscope with a refreshing sound each time the wind shook the branches.
– It’s done.
Asagiri presented to me the finished cloak.
A handmade cloak that Asagiri sewn for me…. My hands that receive it seemed to quiver unintentionally. I received the cloak and put it on vigorously.
– This…
A black cloak that can completely cover my giant body of 2 meters and 30 centimeters. Since fabric was used plenty, it can be spread like wings. Above all, the high collar is cool. I like the black color too. However, the lining is red and takes over the image of Hellshaft.
– How is it?
Asagiri looked up at me, waiting for my impression.
– Yeah, I like it.
– It looks like a special fabric, right? The guy at the store said that it’s a balanced-type one with excellent defense and attack power, and it can be moved according to the will of the wearer.
I see. Certainly, I thought it was too expensive for being just cloth, but it was a magic item. Moreover, it’s a very rare item.
– If so, then try using it for a moment.
– And this is a mask. It doesn’t almost hide the horns, but is it okay?
A mask similar to an omen (mask) that only covered the eyes and mouth. If the Demon King’s army is the other party, they may be able to tell who I am, but if the other party is a mob like a villager, a subtle judgment will be difficult for sure.
– It’s fine. Let’s go.
I went into Sigineza Village with Asagiri.
Sigineza was a simple village with wooden houses lined up. Smoke rises from the chimneys and windows of old-looking houses. Among them, I stop in front of a shop that emits a particularly strong white smoke.
Pitch-black window frames that look as if they have been smoked for many years. The smoke that cooked the yakitori and that drifted from there easily broke my will that tried to ignore it, saying “that specialty isn’t delicious”.
I listened to Asagiri’s words saying, 「So you did come to eat after all」 and sat down at the counter.
The famous yakitori is quite delicious, and I can also taste rare meat such as cockatrice and diatryma. Chicken and scallion skewers are particularly good. Sigineza seems to be able to harvest vegetables similar to green onions, which were superb.
The figure of a woman completely covered with a hood and a giant body covered with a full-body armor and a mask on his helmet eating yakitori side-by-side would be a strange sight if seen from the outside. Particularly, I chew food by thrusting the grilled meat on the skewer into my mouth from below without taking my mask off. It’s obviously weird, even if I’m the one saying it. However, the effect of the disguise was outstanding, nobody noticed that I’m the Demon King Hellshaft. As expected of the NPCs. Thanks to that, I can enjoy the specialty without haste.
– Old man, another serving of the recommended assorted food.
– Yes! Assorted food coming right up!
With a lively voice, the shopkeeper who wore a headband responds. How do you subconsciously get carried away and make an additional order? You’re going to eat again? I endure the criticizing gaze of Asagiri that said so.
The owner of the yakitori shop lined up new skewers on the grill. After a short time, juices spilled from the chicken meat grilled by the charcoal fire, making an irresistible smell hang in the air.
– I kept you waiting!
I extend my hand to the skewer put in front of me as if I were lying in wait. The savory meat has a slightly grilled surface and a good flavor overflows from the inside of the tender and light-in-salt green onion. They mix together, an exquisite combination is in my mouth.
I’m so happy that I want to wield the skewers. I think I can rush about in the wide-open sky with the flapping of the skewers.
I was about to order another serving, but I endured it firmly. I pay the bill, leave the shop and headed to the item shop. Asagiri pointed to a house with a triangular roof in a corner of the plaza.
– That’s the only item shop in Sigineza. I think it only has things that other cities sell too.
I went inside, the size of the store was about 10 tatami mats wide. The products lined up were certainly mundane.
– Hmm?
I picked up the bottle that was quietly placed in the corner of the shop.
The label has written『Lotion for Magic Defense』. Asagiri looked into my hand and frowned.
– It’s not for sale, right? The price isn’t written and it has no explanation.
In other words, this is an adult-mode restricted product. The catchphrase is “includes a soft and smooth aroma”. It also properly protects delicate body parts. The price is 3480 yen. Surprisingly cheap.
No, it may be that my sense for money has gotten strange lately. For 3480 yen, I can buy five or six small-format paperback books. However, if this solves Asagiri’s curse, then it’s a bargain.
I pay what it costs and leave the shop. Asagiri looked up at me, amazed.
– Eh? You could really buy it? Amazing! How?
Asagiri, who tries to look into my hand, stretches herself while walking side-by-side, she was so cute like a kitten that I wanted to look after somehow.
– Some items aren’t available to humans.
– Heeee〜That’s why…
She let out a sigh of admiration as if she was impressed. I feel like I’m a bit superior to her. I’m kind of happy.
– I want to try this thing right away…
The accommodation facilities in this village are poor. And we have the rest of the day. Then, and for now, it’s best to go to Gralstock, the town at the foot of Rammel Mountains.
Asagiri agreed, so we left Sigineza.
By the time we arrived at Gralstock, the sun had completely gone down.
If we do our best, we may be able to reach Sandiano by midnight or at dawn. We haven’t had pursuers so far, so I don’t need to be that vigilant. And I suppose Asagiri wants to join 2A Guild soon. The dungeon in Rammel Mountains is now uninhabited and free of monsters, so I can safely escort Asagiri at night. I took a stab at arousing Asagiri’s interests it seems. However──,
– Sandiano is very close, so I think it’s okay to stay here?
She answered so quickly. It was a little unexpected. She doesn’t want to be with the Demon King Hellshaft anymore, and above all, the guys from 2A and Ichinomiya are beyond the mountains.
– Oh, that’s the hotel I stayed at before.
Asagiri pointed at the hotel I remembered too. Despite appearances, that wasn’t a bad hotel, but well, I’m finally with Asagiri, so it has to be something a bit better. I’ve been struggling with Asagiri sleeping outdoors the whole time. So this one…,
– No, a quieter place will do.
I chose a quiet hotel from the ones on the main street. If 2A stayed at a large hotel for school trips, then this one is like a one-day limited high-class ryokan.
The room is spacious, it has the appearance of a mountain hut. The good quality of the simple materials shone, it was a good room.
– Uwaa, amazing! There’s a bath! And a shower! Can I go in?
– Y-yeah. Of course. Do as you like.
Asagiri stampeded into the bathroom in a good mood. That’s right, she used to bathe in a river or spring until now. I’m sorry for the lack of resourcefulness.
I looked around the room again. The two double-sized beds boast a bizarre presence. A feeling of tension suddenly rose in me.
Calm down! You’ve slept alongside Asagiri until now, haven’t you!?
Even if I persuade myself, the atmosphere between sleeping outdoors and in a hotel room is different. As if to attack me even more, I can hear the sound of the shower and the humming of Asagiri. Even though I dislike it, I imagine the reddened and ecstatic face of Asagiri and the hot water flowing down as if licking Asagiri’s limbs.
The sofa in the room was too small for me, so I sat on one of the beds. It squeaked quite a bit, but I’m not worried that it’s going to break. … However, from this point of view, does this means that I… was taken to a hotel by a girl? Could it be she’s expecting me? No, no! How foolish. That’s totally wrong! The other person is me? I mean, I’m Hellshaft now! The person Asagiri said “I’ll defeat you for sure!” as if putting a curse on me, right?
That’s right, we’re traveling together, and staying at the same inn. I just put us in the same room in case we’re attacked.
No, but if Asagiri feels like it, then I’ll make her be extremely dejected, no? On the contrary, wouldn’t it be embarrassing? Is there any way to find out what Asagiri’s feelings are? Should I try pressing her lightly? Stupid, it’s the same as approaching her!
– What are you groaning about?
Uoah!?
When I turned around, Asagiri had stepped out of the bath without me noticing it. I pressed my chest to try calming my heart that sounded like an alarm bell. However, the appearance of the defenseless Asagiri who had only a bath towel wrapped around her body made my palpitations get more intense.
Hey! You’re too defenseless, I mean, your guard is inadequate! Are you okay with an equipment like that?
I wanted to ask that, but on second thought, during all this time she’s been with me, her body has been exposed a lot. However, the excitement remains strong.
– O-oh… that was fast.
– I was wondering if it was bad to be this relaxed.
Asagiri sat down on the bed next to mine and began to wipe her hair with another towel. We’re separated, but it feels like we’re sitting side by side.
– Are you getting in? It’s a large bath so I think you’ll be okay.
The bath Asagiri got in… *Gasp*! I mustn’t, I mustn’t.
– Rather than that, Asagiri, try this.
I took out the magical lotion I had just obtained.
– Oh, it’s the item you bought in Sigineza.
Asagiri received the magical lotion from my hand and tried to open it.
– Huh? It’s pretty tight.
It seems she’s having a hard time.
– Let me try it.
When I tried it, I opened it easily.
– Waa, amazing. Like I thought, strength makes a difference, huh.
Saying so, Asagiri turned the bottle upside down and tried to take the lotion in her hands. But nothing comes out. As if it were empty.
Maybe… this is?
When I received the bottle from Asagiri again and turned it upside down, a thick liquid flew out very easily.
– Eeh, why?
– It seems that you can’t use this item. However, I can spread it on you…
– Eh?
Asagiri suddenly pulled back. Well, I understand your feelings. However, the chance is low, but maybe the curse can be broken or slow the process. Even if you dislike it, I’ll spread it by force.
– Now, this is not the case to expect too much. Shouldn’t we try if the possibility isn’t zero right away?
– Ugh…
Asagiri groaned for a moment, but she turned to me as if giving up.
– Okay. But don’t do anything weird.
I won’t! Well, if I say I don’t want to, I’d be lying though.
– Fear not. I won’t do that.
Asagiri stared at me. A weak killing intent revealed itself.
– And yet, you want to.
Scaryyyyyy!
I had a feeling that her wariness and unpleasant feelings towards Hellshaft had considerably gone down, but this is this and that is that!
Asagiri quickly extended her left hand to me.
– But I do want to try it.
– O-okay.
I turned the bottle upside down, spilled lotion on the palm of my right hand and put it on the back of Asagiri’s hand.
Asagiri’s hand moves with a twitch.
– I thought I’d feel an even stronger sudden chill… but it didn’t happen.
I support Asagiri’s hand from below with my left hand, and spread the lotion evenly, covering Asagiri’s hand with it.
Ooh! I touched Asagiri’s hand. I mean, it’s amazing, I’m rubbing it. I did more incredible things before, but this has a different feeling of excitement, or more precisely, it’s completely different from trampling her down with ero magic.
How should I say it, my heart is close to Asagiri….
I glance at Asagiri’s face, she casts down her eyes, like she lies face down. I don’t know if her cheeks are slightly reddened because she just got out of the bath or due to embarrassment.
I take the lotion from the bottle into my hand and took Asagiri’s hand again. I mix the lotion thoroughly and evenly, grabbing her fingers one by one. Because Hellshaft’s hands are big, now I realized that Asagiri’s fingers were so thin and delicate.
I open her fingers and rub the cream into those spaces.
– Hmm….
A sigh leaked out from Asagiri’s mouth.
– Say if it hurts.
– … I’m fine. And even if it hurts… it’s better than dying.
She said so and smiled tenderly.
I spread the lotion from the wrist to the elbow and to the upper arm. The pattern of the curse had already reached the upper arm. The movement of my hand stops for an instant.
It has gone this far already… damn, will this item really be effective?
I glance at Asagiri and she’s calm while still faintly smiling.
Without touching the parts that aren’t corroded by the pattern, I slid my hand again to Asagiri’s fingertips.
– … You really are formidable. Not everyone can be this calm while carrying a fate like that on your back. Not even the warriors of my subordinates are this──
– I’m not okay.
Asagiri’s fingers bent and grabbed my hand.
– Asagiri…?
Asagiri gazes long at the ground diagonally with blank eyes.
– Since I came to this world, I thought that it was very easy to die. But when I realize that I can’t revive and can’t go back to my original world… then I…
Tears overflowed from Asagiri’s eyes. She broke for a moment and tears flowed without end, distorting Asagiri’s beautiful face.
– … I don’t want to die.
She makes her shoulders quiver and entwines her fingers in my hand.
– Asagiri…
I want to comfort her. I want to hug her gently. However, that’s not what the Demon King should do.
──But,
No matter what happens later, I can’t leave Asagiri as is.
I gently grasped Asagiri’s hand back.
– ──Hellshaft?
– I should have said it. No one but me is allowed to give you death.
– But… what are you going to do?
– Worry not. I have an idea.
– Okay…
Asagiri wiped away her tears. Then looks up at me with moist eyes, and asks in a trembling voice.
– This medicine… maybe will work, right?
– Yeah. The chance is low, but it can still have an effect to suppress it.
– If so…
Asagiri took a short pause and appealed to me.
– Spread it… on my whole body. Please.
Eeeeeh!?
Asagiri gazes at me with teary eyes. Her cheeks are flushing and her glossy lips are slightly open. An erotic, hot sigh can be heard through her lips.
Is this… no way?
I took the lotion bottle placed on the bed in my hand. I carefully read the effects written on the label again.
Uwaaaaa! It’s written! Somehow, “aphrodisiac” is written very small! Hold on a second, isn’t this dangerous? This and that. The so-called “do this and that and with a drug you trick a girl”…!?*
*TN: The last part is loosely translated as it’s very incomprehensible for me.
– I… I don’t want to die. So… please.
Asagiri….
I picked up the lotion again.
– Then… here I go.
Asagiri agreed with a small nod. As I gulped down saliva, I touched Asagiri’s shoulders with my hands oiled.
– Hmm…
Asagiri raised a tiny voice. I spread the lotion and make sure to rub her shoulders kindly. I stroke her up and down from the neck to the chin and from the nape of the neck to the ears. Her neck is thin. If I handle it roughly with my power, it will break easily. Asagiri entrusts her body with me as if she were completely relieved, but I’m scared. I safely and gently rub her throat. Asagiri lifted her chin, apparently she felt good. That gesture is cute, like a cat stroking its throat.
– Ah… it feels good, kind of.
Asagiri closed her eyes ecstatically and slightly licked her lips with her tongue. That gesture was sexy, my chest was trembling inside.
I apply lotion from the neck down along the clavicle. Her clavicle is also thin. I gently slide my fingers from the firm depression to the breasts. However, those are protected by the towel. Her big overhanging breasts were hidden underneath it. I fixedly appreciated the shape of her chest.
Well, as one would expect, this is as far as I can go. I moved my hands so that I could only enjoy the feeling that her breasts started to swell while touching the towel.
At that moment, and perhaps because my fingertips touched it, the part that had been folded in came off and the towel loosened.
– Ah.
Without thinking, I raised a flustered voice unbecoming of Hellshaft.
The towel undid like a petal opening, and underneath that, the figure of the naked Asagiri appeared.
Big white breasts. A cherry blossom bud bloomed at the tip of the breasts. They slightly move up and down, matching Asagiri’s breath. Her rightly trained and toned waist and hips spread greatly to the left and right. The shadow made from the belly and closed legs. Her fresh body had both beauty and lasciviousness that greatly stimulate my instincts.
Asagiri looked down at her body with a blank face. Maybe due to the lotion that has an aphrodisiac effect or due to her thinking ability being significantly reduced.
– … You saw them.
Asagiri looked up at me with an upward glance,
– Pervert.
She said that single word.
– Ih!? No, I didn’t intend to take it off, but it was inevitable!
Asagiri softened her expression, her eyes still turned upward.
– It’s the second time. You saw me. Oh, it’s the third time if I add Infermia.
– Y-yeah… you remembered?
Asagiri inclined her head and smiled.
– Of course.
Saying so, she twisted her body as if feeling shy. But that only looked like she took an even more inflammatory pose.
– Pretending it’s a loss being seen like this is… spread the medicine properly, alright?
It seems to have an effect similar to Ecstas, as expected of an adult-mode item. To think Asagiri would be this bold! To be honest, I feel guilty… but maybe this can help Asagiri.
I picked up a new lotion and touched her chest to continue from where I was. Then slowly grasp Asagiri’s big breasts under that with both hands.
– Nn! Aah!
Raising a loud voice, Asagiri’s body jumped with a twitch.
– A-are you okay?
– Yeah… I’m okay. C-continue.
I gently massaged Asagiri’s breasts as if being supported by her voice.
– Ah, aanh… haaah.
Asagiri blushed and gasped with a smile that said she felt good. I rub the lotion on her breasts carefully. Her skin got gently wet with the lotion, and a gloss that reflects the light was born. The wet and shining body makes Asagiri look many times sexier.
I also apply lotion to the tip of her breasts by rolling them with my palms.
– Fuaaaaaaaaaah ❤.
Asagiri’s body leaned and fell to bed. With a rough breathing, her breasts go up and down in a big way. My hands separated from her breasts and rubbed her belly.
– Fuh… kuu… nnh!
Her belly is especially sensitive and ticklish, it reacts sensitively to fingertips. Her reaction was so interesting that I end up rubbing her belly many times.
– Ah aah! Nooooooooo.
When I put my finger on the navel, she shook her body as if trying to escape.
– D-don’t tease me… too much ❤.
I heard the frail voice of Asagiri. I look at Asagiri’s face, she’s ecstatic. She doesn’t seem to even notice the drool hanging from the edges of her lips.
– Your legs and back remain. Be prepared.
I answer so and instead of Asagiri disliking that, that made her face shine as if blooming.
– Aa… n ❤.
I slide my hands on Asagiri’s plump thighs. Like I thought, she may get angry if I say that they’re much thicker than Shizukuishi’s, but, how to say it, they’re sexy.
Last time, I had no time to appreciate Asagiri’s body calmly like this. Thus, when I look all over her whole body, it’s really beautiful and exciting. When I look at nude paintings and sculptures, I usually think that they are erotic, but I felt that I understood that an artist depicts women to express their beauty.
I caress the curve of the calves and rub the lotion on each toe from the ankles.
– Ah… hi, a, a, kuuuu.
Asagiri writhes and makes her body bend back and forth loosely. So this place makes her feel this good, that new discovery makes me happy.
– This time, lie facing down.
Probably because she was already totally exhausted, Asagiri, who took a breath as if gasping, lies facing down obediently instead of replying.
Her hair is split to the left and right, her white back spreading from the nape is dazzling. I spilled the lotion on her back directly from the bottle.
– Ah… haaaaa…
This seems to be this pleasant for the already sensitive body of Asagiri. And my hands double that pleasure.
I trace the shape of the scapula and spread the lotion on her entire back. Then, I bring my fingertips down along the spine.
– Hyaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Asagiri’s body bent backwards.
– T-that ❤ no ❤.
I ignore her words and make her spine move back and forth many times; Asagiri’s body gradually began to get exhausted.
And I finally arrive at the last remaining place.
– Ah… no. There….
I sprinkle lotion directly on her buttocks.
– Aanh.
Then I open the valley in the buttocks and pour it directly into it.
– !? Nooooooooooh ❤❤.
I put the empty bottle on the bed and started rubbing the ample butt of Asagiri.
– G-good! Haaaah! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnh!
She began to gasp in a loud voice. I draw large circles with my arms as I grab her buttocks and put strength into my fingers and relax them. With a feeling like I’m kneading a large rice cake, I started rubbing Asagiri’s ass thoroughly.
Asagiri buried her face in a pillow and desperately subdues her gasps.
– Fuh ❤──fu, n ❤… uh! Fuuh, fuuh ❤❤.
Her body trembles in short and repeated movements and twitches repeatedly.
And the moment when I pulled and grabbed her butt strongly,
– !! N ❤ … nn… haah! ❤ Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ❤❤❤❤.
Asagiri’s legs stretched out and her body stiffened. The jumping-like twitching kept going. She continued suffering with intense breathing as if she had finished a long-distance race.
Sweat rose on her bright red face and her disheveled hair stuck to her face.
Asagiri didn’t move for a few minutes while still laying down. Then, when her breath gradually calmed, she grabbed a blanket and went under it.
– …
Ah… I can’t find the right words. What should I do at times like this?
– … Hey, Hellshaft.
– W-what?
Asagiri showed half her face from below the blanket.
– That medicine… that has something strange in it, right?
Ugh!
What should I say to deceive her? No, I don’t feel like I have to deceive her! I have to be honest! There’s no choice but to respond with sincerity!
– Y… yeah, sorry. It appears that it had an aphrodisiac effect.
– Ohh geeez, you’re the worst!
Asagiri grabbed the pillow and threw it at me. It hits me superbly, I see nothing but a pillow.
– But it wasn’t on purpose. I really didn’t notice. That’s the truth.
Asagiri went under the blanket again. And sunk for five minutes. She slowly rises to the surface, and makes half of her bright red face sneak a look at me.
I apologized honestly.
– I’m very sorry.
– It’s fine… forget it. We had to try it anyway. It might have been better than… someone from 2A.
– Is that so? If you say so, then I also feel at ease.
Asagiri’s eyes became sharp.
– But you rub too much! And touch too much! You don’t have to go that far, do you!?
I reflexively bowed my head deeply.
– I’m sorry! I’m really sorry! I apologize!
– Jeez…
At that moment, a human voice was heard from a distance.
– Run away! The Demon King’s Army has arrived!!
I stood up as if jumping up.
– Asagiri!
Asagiri jumped out of bed and wore the old cloth she got used to.
– Let’s leave at once! Get ready!
Dammit, why did they come to a rural area like this!?
– Alright! Let’s go!
Asagiri, who quickly dressed herself, opened the door and tried to head to the hallway.
– Wait, this way is faster.
I opened the window and looked down on the roof of the town from the balcony. I forcibly held up Asagiri who came running up to me in my hands and jumped out to the city at night.
– Kya…!
I land on the roof of the building across the street and continue running. And run on the roofs of the buildings while jumping over the streets.
Then I suddenly stopped.
──Oh crap. I forgot something.
– What’s wrong?
Asagiri asked to me, who stopped, with a voice that contained impatience.
– The cloak you made for me is…
I didn’t turn it into an item list, I just hung it in the closet.
– But by the time we’re back…
Just when I got something made by Asagiri. Damn it!
– Hmm?
At that moment, something came flying from the hotel we were staying at. It looks like a giant bat.
– That’s…
Black wings flew down lightly and perched on my shoulders.
– The cloak… came flying.
The cloak made by Asagiri came flying according to my will. Speaking of which, when she was making it, she said it would move, following its owner’s will.
– Exactly as advertised, huh.
Asagiri smiled, looking amused.
– Yeah. Let’s hurry!
I started running again. I’m lighter than ever. When I jumped from the roof again, the jump was much higher. Like I’m flying in the night sky. I glide and ride upon the winds like that and land on the road leading to the mountains outside the city.
The Rammel Mountains stand towering in front of me, the other side of it is bright.
– We’ll escape to the dungeon. It’s already dawn, so we’ll head there in one go like this!
– Yes!
Asagiri puts her hands around my neck to make her body be glued to mine so that she’s not shaken off. I also carried the fragile egg and hurried to the mountain road.
As I advance on the rocky road, I can see the entrance to the dungeon that was once a mine. The place where I carried on an operation to split 2A before.
I jumped into the entrance, the inside was wrapped in a yellow-green light like that time. However, the orcs who were at that time are now gone. I ran through the cave without obstacles at full speed.
I go through a large room, the exit is almost there.
I enter a cavern that leads to the exit and turn around the corner, the surroundings suddenly become bright.
– The exit! Asagiri!
On the way, there was a bright and pure-white entrance overflowing with light awaiting us.
The light is divine, like the light of salvation. If I go there, we can escape from the crisis. I run to the pure-white exit while holding Asagiri.
──!?
Black silhouettes stood out against the pure-white background.
– Wha…
Four shadows.
I heard a hoarse voice from the trembling lips of Asagiri.
– No way…
No expression can be seen from the shadows turning their backs on the sun. But the silhouettes alone were enough to tell me who they were.
The four people started to walk slowly.
– We finally found you!
A human-shaped beast began to walk, moving the ears that grew on his head.
– You hide yourself very well… or so I think.
The silhouette of a long, slender and well-proportioned tuxedo.
– But we finally caught hold of you.
A stunning figure with long hair and intonation.
– We won’t let you go anymore ♪.
Large wings and a ring floating at the waist.
– You…
The four strongest in Hellandia and the four Corps Commanders of Hellander’s 4 Corps.
And my most trusted subordinates.
──Hellzekter.
I put all my strength into the arms holding Asagiri. My feet gradually fall back.
It’s impossible to compete with these four people directly. To say nothing of doing it while holding Asagiri in my arms, that’s nonsense.
What the hell.
What the hell is this joke?
How things will end this way!?
Aaah! Fuuuuck!
I cast down my eyes at Asagiri. Asagiri was also looking up at me with an uneasy look.
──Goddammit.
At least,
I’ll make Asagiri.
I’ll make Asagiri run to the entrance and protect her until I die.
I don’t know how much time I can gain.
But if Asagiri escapes harm with it, then it’s worth doing it!
I stop my feet from going back and bring Asagiri down to the ground.
– … Hellshaft?
Asagiri said my name in a thin voice.
– Listen, when I move towards them, you go back to the way we came with all your strength. And when the excitement of battle has cooled down, come back here and head to Sandiano. Are we clear?
– B-but what about you?
– I’ll be fine.
– But!
Asagiri touched my chest as if clinging to me. I gently pull that hand off.
– It was a short but fun trip.
– That’s…
I step toward the Hellzekter blocking the way.
It’s not bad that you’re my last opponents.
Suitable for the end of the Demon King Hellshaft.
I open my hand, a flame runs in my palm. I catch that flame and turn it into a sword.
– Here I go!
The Hellzekters kick the ground.
The distance was shortened in an instant.
──Fast!!
What a rushing speed!
I swing my sword from below in a hurry.
──But the moment this blow comes out──,
The four people disappeared from my view for an instant.
!?
Their bodies go down and charge at me in a low posture close to the ground.
They read my thoughts?!
My sword sliced the air.
Damn! It’s useless, I can’t deal with them!
I can’t deal with them.
As expected,
Of my Hellzekter.
I stared at my enemies taking my life as I tasted a strange feeling of satisfaction.
The four slid on the ground and kneeled down on one knee.
Then they thrust one hand on the ground and hang their heads.
– My King!
– King-sama!
– Hellshaft-sama.
– Hell-sama!
「「「「Thy are safe!!」」」」
– Wha…
I hardened in a stupid pose with my sword cutting the air.
「「「「 We apologize for being late! The Hellzekter have just arrived! 」」」」
Eh?
I unconsciously exchanged glances with Asagiri.
Eeh?
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!?
– Y-you… didn’t become Satan’s… subordinates?
Grasha raises his face, his expression seems to want to say “unthinkable”.
– Why would I? King-sama, you’re the only one I pledged allegiance.
But Satanachia darkened her face.
– It’s just… it is a fact we felt a strange presence in Infermia. It was for a moment, but the stupid thought that… Satan was my master… crossed my mind. What on earth was that…?
Adra looks up at me with a stern expression.
– I fear that it is likely that it was a magic used by Satan. The other Hellanders must have been brainwashed by Satan. Although it is impossible to control even us, the Hellzekter.
Forneus smiled happily.
– But I’m glad to see Hell-sama at last ♪.
──Yeah.
There’s no doubt.
My Hellzekters.
Oh crap. My vision got blurry.
A hot thing overflows in my chest.
Dammit.
I can’t hold back my tears.
– Hmm? What’s wrong, King-sama?
I hide my face with my hands.
– It’s nothing… don’t worry.
Adra whispers into Grasha’s ear.
– He got angry because we arrived too late.
Grasha pointed his ears downwards as if he were troubled.
– So that’s why. It’s not so bad when it’s mercenaries, but to have the nerve to interrupt me and even the Magic Beast Corps. Sending that lot flying was more time consuming than I thought.
– We are late because you chose to turn and pick a fight with opponents there was no need to fight with.
– Yup yup. It would have been great if you had blown them all showily like Forneus. Forneus is proud of what she can do.
Adra was at his wits’ end.
– Forneus, because you are too conspicuous, our movements could have been leaked. Reflect on that a little.
However, Forneus, who appeared to not understand much, inclined her head to the side while smiling.
I wiped my tears and looked down at the four of them kneeled.
Their allegiance is determined by 《LOYALTY》. The fact that these guys didn’t come under Satan’s control meant that their《LOYALTY》 towards me was higher.
About the other Hellander, I haven’t directly raised their《LOYALTY》. Maybe it’s easier to overwrite their《LOYALTY》, and perhaps the AI they have isn’t as advanced as Hellzekter’s. And so, they easily surrendered to Satan.
– It’s fine. Stand up.
The four people stand up according to my words.
– I lost Infermia. I lost my country, my people, my land, my sky, everything.
Satanachia hangs her head with a painful look.
– I am sorry to hear that… Hellshaft-sama.
Adra also closed his eyes. Grasha faces away and clicks his tongue.
– That’s so sad… Hell-sama.
The wings of Forneus are folded up as if she were dejected.
– But I’m not dead yet! As long as I’m there, so will Hellandia. Even if it’s just me, I’m a country. And I’ll destroy Satan’s country!
A sigh of excitement leaked from the four of them.
– I’ll do it alone. But since the four of you are here… there’s nothing more reassuring.
Light fills their eyes. Like I can see a fire burning in their hearts.
– I can’t do anything for you right now. But will you come along with me?
Grasha pushes his fist forward.
– Naturally! I’ll follow you even if I’m told to not come!!
– Fufufu, Hellshaft-sama shouldn’t let go of me.
– Yees, Forneus can be with Hell-sama!
Adra smiles as he uplifts the bridge of the glasses.
– Hah, if you can afford to say that…you better think of ways to defeat Satan instead.
I twisted my body and thrust my five fingers up into the sky.
– Now is the right time, creation of heaven and earth
My legend starts now
All of you, prostrate yourself before
The legend that is called our way of life
– We, from this moment, are the newly birth Kingdom of Hellandia. Only the five of us. That is our Kingdom!
「「「「Yes sir!」」」」
Hellzekter shed tears and kneeled before me again.
──I can do it.
I can still do it.
Asagiri, hidden behind me, lined up next to me.
– The Hellzekter, from your point of view, are good subordinates.
– Yes… that’s right.
The subordinates I’m proud of.
– By the way, Hell-sama?
– What’s wrong, Forneus?
Forneus went from a smiling face to be filled with killing intent in an instant.
– That woman… who the hell is she?
– *Eek!*
Asagiri trembles violently due to the terrifying pressure.
– W.wait, Forneus. This girl is… yes, I brought her as a caretaker of my everyday necessities. Don’t kill her.
– Muu, that’s suspicious. Forneus will take care of you, so this person has no use anymore. Forneus thinks it’s better to kill her soon.
– Please wait, Forneus. Judge for a bit.
– Hmm?
– That woman seems to be Hellshaft-sama’s sex slave.
Asagiri’s face turned bright red.
– Sex…!?
Satanachia continues the explanation with a triumphant look.
– As the proverb says: Great men have great fondness for the sensual pleasures, yes? I cannot think of a hero like Hellshaft-sama not chasing after women for so long.
Forneus clapped.
– Oooh, as expected of Satanachia.
– And so, as Hellzekter’s female leaders, we need to make sure that the novice sex slave is educated thoroughly.
– What do we do if it’s not done thoroughly?
– We get rid of her.
– Wait a minuuuuuuute!
– Adra and Grasha, please guard the entrance. Well then, let’s do it, human sex slave. There is a room fit for that in the back.
– Wait a minute! I, I’m not… He-Hellshaft!!
Asagiri extended her hand towards me as if seeking help.
This is bad! It’s highly unlikely that Asagiri can act like a sex slave! As things are, Asagiri will be killed by Forneus and Satanachia.
– W-wait! Don’t turn your hands to that woman!
Asagiri had a relieved expression.
– Hell-sama…? What’s wrong? Is this human more important than Forneus and the others?
– Strange, is it not? For Hellshaft-sama, to say something like that.
Gu! Crap, Forneus’ and Satanachia’s《LOYALTY》is going down rapidly! At this rate, the unity that finally consolidated will come to nothing!
– A-are you pretending to leave me out!? I will examine her personally!
– Huuh!?
Asagiri let out a shout in disarray.
– Understood. Then we will help you. If she is not trained as a sex slave, then at that time, we will get rid of her. Right? Forneus.
– Get rid, get rid of her ♪. Nothing less.
– Wait a moment! I-I’m not a sex slave, say something, Hellshaft!
I’m sorry, Asagiri! I’m also in a very delicate position!
– This sex slave is totally useless.
– She is really not disciplined… she cannot be trained.
Kuuuu, there’s no other choice! Forgive me, Asagiri!
I quickly opened the menu and selected the usual magic.
『Age verification──This is an inappropriate function for people under the age of 18. Are you sure you want to use it?』
Of course I want to! Let’s go!
-『Ecstas』!!
A heart-shaped crest emerged on Asagiri’s chest.
– Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
──Forgive me, Asagiri. You shouldn’t forgive me though.
But this is the only way to save you!
After that, Forneus, Satanachia, Asagiri and I, the four of us, performed a play that couldn’t be put into words. As a result,
– Despite being a human, she did it very well.
– Yes… I am surprised. We can surely say she is just a female that was born to be a sex slave… b-but, from the perspective of a dark elf like me, it is not that significant, I think? Yes.
She got words of appreciation from the two judges.
However, since Asagiri will be danger if she stays here any longer, I stealthily went to leave her in Sandiano without being seen by Hellzekter.
The scream of Asagiri don’t leave my ears since we scurry home.
– Hellshaaaaaaaaft! I’ll never forgive youuuuuuuu!
I came to the bank of a pond, searching for a prey. Just as I thought, there’s a Katobrepas sunbathing after getting out of the water. It’s a monster that looks like a cow, but its characteristics are its large head and long neck. And more than anything, their meat is delicious.
I casually approach the Katobrepas and raise my sword overhead. Without giving it a chance to counterattack, I swung the sword about three times, dying quickly. As expected of the Demon King’s armor. It’s a world of difference when I do it with my own body. And I get Katobrepas’s meat. Moreover, the part is sirloin. I’m lucky ♪.
– Now, shall I go back and eat it…?
I leave the pond and enter the forest. On the way through the forest, I pick up native vegetables and nuts, fruits and berries on top of the prey. I walked for a while and reached the grasslands. The destination is at the top of a small hill to my right.
There’s a flat open space on the hill, that’s where my camp site is. Since I can’t go back to towns, this is a facility for break and lodging and fortunately, no monsters can get here.
A bonfire is burning in the middle of the camp site. There was a figure sitting in front of the bonfire, holding her knees under her arms, an old cloth covered her from the top. I put the meat of the Katobrepas I caught in front of her.
– I caught food. It ’s good.
Although I say that, it’s raw meat. Cooking skills are needed to cook it. When I’m a human, Arisugawa cooks, and when I’m Hellshaft, my exclusive chefs cook. Therefore, my cooking skills are zero. Terrible.
Ririko Asagiri gazed at me, her face sticking out of the old cloth.
– You plan to feed me?
She’s thorny, but that’s natural.
– You’re my prisoner. There are lots of things to get from you. I won’t allow you to starve to death.
Asagiri behaved like a spoiled child and turned her face away. She’s been like this ever since we left Infermia. However, I cannot afford to leave Asagiri alone. She has no good equipment, and the curse of Satan is on her. I need to take her to a safe place.
– You find yourself in a predicament and that’s the same for me. So have some patience. Otherwise, there won’t be a tomorrow.
Asagiri turns her face away and talks back.
– Isn’t that pride? Despite being the Demon King.
It is. But if it’s for the sake of saving you, I can throw it away.
– What is your pride? Are you protected by it when rising against me?
– That’s…
– An extremely meaningless pride.
Asagiri fixedly glared at me and stood up vigorously. The old cloth opened and a half-naked body appears from below. I was truly shocked.
Nothing but primitive clothes wrapped around the waist and breasts. Asagiri sewn the cloth she had picked up before coming here using her sewing skills. It was impossible to insist that it was “a bit wild swimsuit”. It’s unfortunate for the person in question, but there was still a long way to reach the city where equipment was sold, so it cannot be helped. She was lucky she could pick up even an old cloth.
– You, do you know!? Do you know what you’ve been doing to us!?
– Of course. And I’d like to ask something to you.
– You’re awfully shameless.
– If it’s for the sake of defeating that Satan and take back what I lost.
For an instant, Asagiri was at a loss for words. I repeat those words as if pressing for an answer.
– What my pride doesn’t allow is still having my throne taken away. Everything else is trivial. Fussing over it just proves your own intolerance.
Asagiri clenched her fist seemingly vexed.
– What do you want me to do?
– Prepare a meal.
Asagiri frowned.
– Are you really saying that?
– I am. And one more thing. Let me check the ring on your left hand.
Asagiri stared at her left hand. A black ring is stuck on the ring finger.
– This?
– That’s no more than Satan’s cursed ring. I want to find out how to remove the curse. But not for you. But in preparation for the upcoming battle with Satan.
Asagiri gazed long at the ring.
After doing so for a while, Asagiri finally picked up the Katobrepas meat and silently headed to the kitchen. This campsite has a simple kitchen made of stone. Asagiri fired the furnace there. For the time being, she seems to only cook.
I sighed deeply in my mind and sat down on the grass as if I was exhausted.
I can say that persuading Asagiri was successful, for now. She didn’t let her guard down, of course, but Asagiri, who got fired up with Hellshaft that defeated her to that extent, recognized she’s with me. This may be the same for Asagiri, but not even in my wildest dreams I thought I would travel with Asagiri as the Demon King Hellshaft. This reality goes too far above imagination.
I stared at the horizon as the sun began to set.
We’ll go to Caldart for now, but I’m choosing a route that makes a large detour. There’s no doubt that Satan’s pursuers will be there. I should choose inconspicuous routes rather than the main road as much as possible.
I looked at Asagiri’s who has turned her back on me in the kitchen.
Moving with Asagiri is dangerous for me. If I get along with her and lose my feeling of tension, there’s no telling what mistake I’ll make. It would be terrible if we talked about thoughtless things and she finds out that I’m Doumeguri Kakeru. 『Holy Grave』is in Asagiri’s item list.
However, if Asagiri is thrown into the field alone, she’ll die. Then, reviving will be impossible. The cause will be──,
– It’s done.
Asagiri came around with Katobrepas meat placed on a plate. The black ring stood out conspicuously on the white finger holding the plate.
──That cursed ring.
Finding a way to cancel that is top priority.
– Uh huh, good job.
Asagiri brusquely handed a plate to me and sat down a little farther. The dish is steak and fried vegetables. The smell alone is irresistible.
– Thanks for the food.
– Th──
That was close. I was almost lured to say “Thanks for the food”. As one would expect, not even the Demon King Hellshaft would do it.
I opened the guard of the helmet’s mouth and began to eat food in silence.
D-delicious… this is the finest sirloin steak! Kobe beef, Maesawa beef, Hayama beef and Matsusaka beef are no match for this! I think. At any rate, I’ve only eaten cheap meat.
As I forget myself, eating that meat quickly, Asagiri expressed a few words.
– You… opened that thing on your mouth.
Puh!
Oh no, I almost chocked involuntarily.
– And you talk a lot.
I can’t help it!
Asagiri is obstinate, so I talk to persuade you!
If you were a bit more submissive, I wouldn’t have to speak!
– I mean, you really eat. That’s unexpected.
Whoa! Now, after you have served food!? I lightly cleared my throat and closed the guard of my mouth.
– Hmm? Are you mad?
The voice of Asagiri sounded a little happy.
– … I may be a monster but I’m also a living creature. Since I’m a living thing, it’s natural that I need intake of energy.
Asagiri pierces a steak that has been cut into small pieces in advance with a fork and puts it into her mouth.
– Then, that Satan also eats, no?
Uh, now we’re talking about Satan…? I feel reluctant, but it’s certain that it’s necessary to clarify the situation Asagiri was put in ahead of time. However, disclosing too much information will lead to needless questions. I make my throat sound and started talking carefully.
– I don’t know. I don’t know anything about him in detail either.
– Were you allies from the start?
– No. He was the owner of Infermia in the past. I don’t know why he disappeared. But after he was gone, I became the owner of Infermia. That’s his only connection with me.
Asagiri snorts and extends the fork to the stir-fried meat and vegetables, pierces the sliced meat and stopped her hand.
– At that time, the elves and dwarves that were defeated by Satan… and my equipment had a strange way of disappearing somehow. And you said something odd. If Satan kills me, I won’t revive again. That…
– That’s right, that’s what makes Satan the biggest threat. Now, pay attention and listen.
I finished eating by throwing the rest of the meat into my mouth and put the plate down. I chewed the meat in my mouth, but I didn’t feel the taste now.
– You can revive even if you die. However, it’s different when that Satan defeats you. That guy erases existence itself. It means that your consciousness, heart, soul, and so on disappear and die.
– They disappear… from this world?
– From every world.
Asagiri kept silent. The orange light of the bonfire illuminates Asagiri’s figure, and the movement of the flickering flames draws a shadow as if dancing. Before I knew, the sun disappeared into the horizon, and darkness covered the world.
– If that’s the case… what will happen? Not reviving feels like sleeping continuously?
– I know you’re after Hells’ Gate. So don’t ask me how to go there. However, it means that even that won’t come true. No matter what world you go, your consciousness will be dead. Supposing you went to another world and your consciousness and mind have disappeared, then what tried to go there is a corpse, no?
When the sun went down, it became dark in the blink of an eye. The scenery that was so vast and beautiful turned black, nothing was in sight. What is certain now is only the small space illuminated by the flames of the bonfire. It appears as if the world has suddenly become smaller, and anxiety crawls up my body.
Asagiri put the plate aside and held her knees.
– Although you say this, you may not understand… but we aren’t residents of this world. But if I believe your words, then we won’t be able to return to our original world if we’re killed by Satan, right?
– Hmm… certainly, you are a little different from other humans. It’s not an unbelievably story.
– … I have another question to ask.
– ? What?
– Why do you know my name?
Light tension runs on my body.
– … I did some research about you. Particularly, I got good information from those who have fought with you. I also grasped your name on that occasion.
I thought that this would be asked of course, so I prepared an answer in advance. Thanks to that, I was able to deceive her without problems… right?
– Really…? I see. We’re always calling each other’s names during quests, so that’s why. You investigated all sorts of things about us.
Asagiri nodded as if being impressed. From her voice and gestures, I felt that her wariness towards me has gradually dissipated. The way Asagiri usually is has returned though just a bit. If I answer Asagiri’s questions in detail like this and reduce her anxiety, she may be able to recover her usual cheerfulness.
Asagiri watched the flame of the bonfire dance while holding her knees for a while. Suddenly, I remembered the stormy night when we were trapped by the wizard Grim.
– Hey…
The silent Asagiri let out a word.
– The dwarves and elves who were defeated by Satan… it really seemed to be painful, it was heartbreaking.
Certainly… it was. Both when killing monsters and when the guys from 2A die, in the end, they are unexpectedly and quickly killed. Because it has been adjusted so that they don’t feel more than a certain amount of pain. If they were to feel the same pain as in reality, then it’d be impossible to go on like this. No one would play a game in which pains like being cut by a sword or burned by fire is the same as in real life.
But Satan’s attack had a completely different level of intensity from the pain felt in normal quests. Is the pain real in the same way death is real death?
Asagiri wrinkled up her eyebrows as if reproducing the suffering of the elves in her memory on her body and then put her strength into the fingers holding her upper arms.
– Every time we die, it doesn’t hurt so much, it feels like I’m going to sleep all of a sudden… but this was totally different… it looked so painful and sad, it wasn’t the usual particles of light when one disappears, but more like a puzzle being scattered…
Asagiri stared at the cursed ring that was stuck on the ring finger of her left hand. The red pattern spreading from there covers the back of the hand, it looks as if she were wearing lace gloves.
– If this pattern covers my whole body, I’ll die too, right?
I must answer. I clenched my teeth and said as if squeezing out.
– That’s right.
It’s hard to see in the direction where Asagiri is. I kept talking, facing the flames of the bonfire.
– Pay attention to your HP. Don’t fail to recover energy.
– I tried it already, but it was useless.
– What?
I turned to Asagiri who held her knees, curled her back, and stared at the bonfire.
– Even when I used energy, I couldn’t heal to my maximum HP. I tried various other healing medicines but they didn’t work. Perhaps, as this pattern progresses, my maximum HP will decrease steadily.
What?! Shit! If healing medicines don’t work, then the situation will only get worse as time passes. I have to find a solution quickly.
– It’s too early to give up. There may be other recovery items even if medicine didn’t work.
The stars began to blink in the dark sky.
– What does it feel… to disappear?
For a moment, I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know how to reply. I want to use words of consolation and sensible, encouraging and tender words. But I’m not me today.
– Does that imagination have a meaning? What a waste of time. If you have the time to have such delusions, think about how you can help instead.
I stood up and went across the bonfire to the opposite side of Asagiri and lay down in a grassy spot.
– Sleep already. We’ll leave early tomorrow.
– Yeah…
Asagiri stood up and took my plate to the kitchen. She comes back, and lies down obediently at a distance. The lawn was like a blanket with long hair, and the earth was soft and comfortable to sleep.
– Hey, Hellshaft.
– Yes?
– Why are you helping me?
──.
– I’m the Demon King Hellshaft however down my luck may be. A man who gets everything in this world. But now I’m in the darkness. Even if I go down to the field and spend an unfortunate time, my destiny will eventually come back. You’re my prisoner. You’re the only possession I have right now so to speak. I can’t lose you.
– … I don’t remember being your property.
– Your intentions don’t matter to me. I won’t let you die of your own accord or let someone other than me give you death.
Asagiri sighed.
– As expected of the King-sama. How selfish.
And a laughter.
– You’ve lost everything and you’re sleeping alone on the lawn without a roof… and yet, you have faith in getting the world in your hands.
– Sleep already.
– I may cut off your head while you sleep.
– With your strength, impossible.
– What if I strip you of that helmet?
– That’s also impossible. Only my will can take my armor off.
I heard a bigger sigh than before, and she became quiet.
I lay on my back and looked up at the sky. A starry sky spreads in my field of vision.
I thought it was beautiful.
It’s not a real starry sky.
After all, it’s false, an imitation.
Still,
Beautiful things are still beautiful.
Three days later, we came close to Caldart.
I felt like I was a beggar when I walked while looking for items that didn’t drop, but I tried it and surprisingly, a lot of items dropped, so we could travel within our capacity. For some reason, I feel like I can live with this much. This is a field that is no good for humans.
– Hellshaft!
The tense voice of Asagiri echoes. In the direction Asagiri pointed out, there was a two-toned, black-and-white exhausted monster.
– A panda…
A Boxer Panda. Although it’s a level 4 monster, it can be an object of fear for Asagiri. Similarly, I was almost killed by it in the past. At that time, Asagiri rushed and saved me.
I turned the cloak into a sword as I casually approached the panda and swung my sword. Without even giving it chance to counterattack, I consigned the Boxer Panda to oblivion with one blow.
I return the sword to a cloak and go back to Asagiri.
– How are you doing?
– I didn’t take any damage, so I’m fine. The curse hasn’t progressed since last night.
Saying that, Asagiri shows her left arm from below the old cloth. A red pattern appears on the white skin. It had already passed the wrist and was approaching the elbow.
The death sentence advances day by day. How much fear and impatience are attacking Asagiri? When I guess her inner feelings, my chest hurts.
However, Asagiri is surprisingly uninterested. She doesn’t seem to be irritated or trembling with fear. It’s as if she didn’t think of the imminent death at all.
– There’s Caldart.
We cross the hill and the ramparts of Caldart and the city inside showed its appearance.
– I kind of missed it.
Asagiri raised her voice, looking happy and tried to walk towards Caldart.
– Wait, Asagiri.
– Why?
I strained my eyes and gazed at the main gate of Caldart. There are figures of people in front of the gate. They weren’t gatekeepers. And their silhouettes are familiar.
– Satan’s subordinates are already… these guys used to be my subordinates, but they are watching the entrance to Caldart.
– Is that so? We took quite the detour… so, what do we do?
If Satan’s army is already inside, then those guys from 2A should have probably escaped. No matter how much of a disorderly crowd they are, if Ichinomiya, Asagiri, and Shizukuishi couldn’t revive in such a long time, I imagine they would have return to Sandiano.
– Maybe your companions have escaped already? Do you know where they went?
Asagiri hesitated to say it. Certainly, she would feel awkward revealing their base to the Demon King Hellshaft.
– Caldart and Sandiano are the only bases I’ve grasped. There may be others, but if you don’t say anything, I’ll take you to Sandiano. You’re okay with it, yes?
Asagiri nodded seemingly displeasured, but relieved to some extent.
– Yeah… there’s no other choice, so it’s okay.
– It shouldn’t be found by them. Let’s go at once.
I turned back and went down the hill on the opposite side of Caldart. Asagiri tilted her head and followed me.
– Why this far away?
– Well. Don’t underestimate them. They’re tremendous opponents.
Those are the four people I trust the most. The Hellzekter, the four leaders of Hellandia.
Asagiri and I hurried on our way to Sandiano. After going through the undulating-like high-and-low wilderness for a while, the road was divided into two.
– Hmm? Isn’t this the shortest one?
I chose the road on the left and Asagiri pointed at the other thick road.
– Yeah. I’m going to make a short visit to Sigineza.
– To Sigineza? So you wanted to eat yakitori?
Huh?
– Why… yakitori?
– Because it’s a specialty?
I didn’t know….
– I’ve never been there in person. I’m just making sure that there are no items connected to your curse.
– I think it’s useless. I went many times there, but they didn’t sell anything special.
– I said we’re going.
Even if Asagiri can’t buy them, there may be things that I, who has adult mode, can buy.
I go with the dissatisfied-looking Asagiri and walk on the road. As we walk, the grasslands and green of the trees increase. Trees as if they were planted by people line up on both sides of the road. I can see the village beyond that.
Before that, I come near the shade of a tree outside the road.
– What’s wrong?
– Well, while it’s nice you’re completely covered with that old cloth, that’s not the same for me who’s like this. A rumor saying “The Demon King Hellshaft has come” may spread, you know?
Asagiri pondered a little, and extended her hand towards me.
– Then, lend me some money.
What?
– I’ll do something about it.
Whoa, is this “that”? Isn’t this the behavioral pattern in which a lot of money is given then a break up comes right after?
– It’s not like I’ll run away.
Asagiri casually said so. She’s neither smiling nor has a disgusted face, if anything, I’d say she’s not that interested?
– … Will this do?
I take out 100,000 sol from the item list’s money. I handed the paper money that appeared in my hand to Asagiri.
– Don’t mind using all of it. If it’s not enough, tell me.
– It’s too much.
With a bitter smile, Asagiri entered Sigineza.
I don’t know what Asagiri plans to do. Will she inform Satan’s army about me, or contact 2A in some way and escape from another exit?
If that happens, then I’ll think about it when the time comes. If Asagiri wants to do that, it cannot be helped.
– I kept you waiting.
Asagiri returned. Holding a large bundle of cloth in her hands.
– Those are?
– I bought these at a material store here. Oh right, the change.
45,000 sols came back.
– ──What are these?
– I’m thinking of making a cloak so you can hide your body. That burning-looking cloak is good, but stands out too much so they’ll find out you’re the Demon King.
Asagiri sat down at the base of the tree and began cutting the cloth with the cutting scissors she took out from the item list.
– I was going to buy much cheaper clothes, but you said I could use it all, so I chose the most expensive ones. I was tense because I don’t usually buy expensive goods. After all, as the King-sama, it’s absolutely necessary to wear this much, isn’t it?
I felt I saw a talkative Asagiri for the first time in a while.
– But… was it a little too expensive?
Seemingly worried, she asks with upturned eyes.
– No. For me, it’s a paltry sum of money.
Sol is the in-game currency. Paid items aren’t funny, they’re completely different because I’m accumulating a debt.
Asagiri threaded the needle and started sewing the cloth. A smile appears on her mouth and her eyes seem to smile a little.
– Alice-chan cooks… there’s a child called like that in 2A Guild, while I’m no match for that child, sewing is my specialty.
Oh! A newly acquired information about Asagiri. Certainly, Asagiri seems to be enjoying sewing a little. That usual expression had disappeared lately, so it feels like the original Asagiri has come back after a long time.
I happily leaned against a tree and watched Asagiri sewing happily. The gentle rays of the Sun pass through the gaps between the leaves and form a pattern around Asagiri. I couldn’t get tired of watching the sunlight filtering through the tree change the shape of light and shadow like a kaleidoscope with a refreshing sound each time the wind shook the branches.
– It’s done.
Asagiri presented to me the finished cloak.
A handmade cloak that Asagiri sewn for me…. My hands that receive it seemed to quiver unintentionally. I received the cloak and put it on vigorously.
– This…
A black cloak that can completely cover my giant body of 2 meters and 30 centimeters. Since fabric was used plenty, it can be spread like wings. Above all, the high collar is cool. I like the black color too. However, the lining is red and takes over the image of Hellshaft.
– How is it?
Asagiri looked up at me, waiting for my impression.
– Yeah, I like it.
– It looks like a special fabric, right? The guy at the store said that it’s a balanced-type one with excellent defense and attack power, and it can be moved according to the will of the wearer.
I see. Certainly, I thought it was too expensive for being just cloth, but it was a magic item. Moreover, it’s a very rare item.
– If so, then try using it for a moment.
– And this is a mask. It doesn’t almost hide the horns, but is it okay?
A mask similar to an omen (mask) that only covered the eyes and mouth. If the Demon King’s army is the other party, they may be able to tell who I am, but if the other party is a mob like a villager, a subtle judgment will be difficult for sure.
– It’s fine. Let’s go.
I went into Sigineza Village with Asagiri.
Sigineza was a simple village with wooden houses lined up. Smoke rises from the chimneys and windows of old-looking houses. Among them, I stop in front of a shop that emits a particularly strong white smoke.
Pitch-black window frames that look as if they have been smoked for many years. The smoke that cooked the yakitori and that drifted from there easily broke my will that tried to ignore it, saying “that specialty isn’t delicious”.
I listened to Asagiri’s words saying, 「So you did come to eat after all」 and sat down at the counter.
The famous yakitori is quite delicious, and I can also taste rare meat such as cockatrice and diatryma. Chicken and scallion skewers are particularly good. Sigineza seems to be able to harvest vegetables similar to green onions, which were superb.
The figure of a woman completely covered with a hood and a giant body covered with a full-body armor and a mask on his helmet eating yakitori side-by-side would be a strange sight if seen from the outside. Particularly, I chew food by thrusting the grilled meat on the skewer into my mouth from below without taking my mask off. It’s obviously weird, even if I’m the one saying it. However, the effect of the disguise was outstanding, nobody noticed that I’m the Demon King Hellshaft. As expected of the NPCs. Thanks to that, I can enjoy the specialty without haste.
– Old man, another serving of the recommended assorted food.
– Yes! Assorted food coming right up!
With a lively voice, the shopkeeper who wore a headband responds. How do you subconsciously get carried away and make an additional order? You’re going to eat again? I endure the criticizing gaze of Asagiri that said so.
The owner of the yakitori shop lined up new skewers on the grill. After a short time, juices spilled from the chicken meat grilled by the charcoal fire, making an irresistible smell hang in the air.
– I kept you waiting!
I extend my hand to the skewer put in front of me as if I were lying in wait. The savory meat has a slightly grilled surface and a good flavor overflows from the inside of the tender and light-in-salt green onion. They mix together, an exquisite combination is in my mouth.
I’m so happy that I want to wield the skewers. I think I can rush about in the wide-open sky with the flapping of the skewers.
I was about to order another serving, but I endured it firmly. I pay the bill, leave the shop and headed to the item shop. Asagiri pointed to a house with a triangular roof in a corner of the plaza.
– That’s the only item shop in Sigineza. I think it only has things that other cities sell too.
I went inside, the size of the store was about 10 tatami mats wide. The products lined up were certainly mundane.
– Hmm?
I picked up the bottle that was quietly placed in the corner of the shop.
The label has written『Lotion for Magic Defense』. Asagiri looked into my hand and frowned.
– It’s not for sale, right? The price isn’t written and it has no explanation.
In other words, this is an adult-mode restricted product. The catchphrase is “includes a soft and smooth aroma”. It also properly protects delicate body parts. The price is 3480 yen. Surprisingly cheap.
No, it may be that my sense for money has gotten strange lately. For 3480 yen, I can buy five or six small-format paperback books. However, if this solves Asagiri’s curse, then it’s a bargain.
I pay what it costs and leave the shop. Asagiri looked up at me, amazed.
– Eh? You could really buy it? Amazing! How?
Asagiri, who tries to look into my hand, stretches herself while walking side-by-side, she was so cute like a kitten that I wanted to look after somehow.
– Some items aren’t available to humans.
– Heeee〜That’s why…
She let out a sigh of admiration as if she was impressed. I feel like I’m a bit superior to her. I’m kind of happy.
– I want to try this thing right away…
The accommodation facilities in this village are poor. And we have the rest of the day. Then, and for now, it’s best to go to Gralstock, the town at the foot of Rammel Mountains.
Asagiri agreed, so we left Sigineza.
By the time we arrived at Gralstock, the sun had completely gone down.
If we do our best, we may be able to reach Sandiano by midnight or at dawn. We haven’t had pursuers so far, so I don’t need to be that vigilant. And I suppose Asagiri wants to join 2A Guild soon. The dungeon in Rammel Mountains is now uninhabited and free of monsters, so I can safely escort Asagiri at night. I took a stab at arousing Asagiri’s interests it seems. However──,
– Sandiano is very close, so I think it’s okay to stay here?
She answered so quickly. It was a little unexpected. She doesn’t want to be with the Demon King Hellshaft anymore, and above all, the guys from 2A and Ichinomiya are beyond the mountains.
– Oh, that’s the hotel I stayed at before.
Asagiri pointed at the hotel I remembered too. Despite appearances, that wasn’t a bad hotel, but well, I’m finally with Asagiri, so it has to be something a bit better. I’ve been struggling with Asagiri sleeping outdoors the whole time. So this one…,
– No, a quieter place will do.
I chose a quiet hotel from the ones on the main street. If 2A stayed at a large hotel for school trips, then this one is like a one-day limited high-class ryokan.
The room is spacious, it has the appearance of a mountain hut. The good quality of the simple materials shone, it was a good room.
– Uwaa, amazing! There’s a bath! And a shower! Can I go in?
– Y-yeah. Of course. Do as you like.
Asagiri stampeded into the bathroom in a good mood. That’s right, she used to bathe in a river or spring until now. I’m sorry for the lack of resourcefulness.
I looked around the room again. The two double-sized beds boast a bizarre presence. A feeling of tension suddenly rose in me.
Calm down! You’ve slept alongside Asagiri until now, haven’t you!?
Even if I persuade myself, the atmosphere between sleeping outdoors and in a hotel room is different. As if to attack me even more, I can hear the sound of the shower and the humming of Asagiri. Even though I dislike it, I imagine the reddened and ecstatic face of Asagiri and the hot water flowing down as if licking Asagiri’s limbs.
The sofa in the room was too small for me, so I sat on one of the beds. It squeaked quite a bit, but I’m not worried that it’s going to break. … However, from this point of view, does this means that I… was taken to a hotel by a girl? Could it be she’s expecting me? No, no! How foolish. That’s totally wrong! The other person is me? I mean, I’m Hellshaft now! The person Asagiri said “I’ll defeat you for sure!” as if putting a curse on me, right?
That’s right, we’re traveling together, and staying at the same inn. I just put us in the same room in case we’re attacked.
No, but if Asagiri feels like it, then I’ll make her be extremely dejected, no? On the contrary, wouldn’t it be embarrassing? Is there any way to find out what Asagiri’s feelings are? Should I try pressing her lightly? Stupid, it’s the same as approaching her!
– What are you groaning about?
Uoah!?
When I turned around, Asagiri had stepped out of the bath without me noticing it. I pressed my chest to try calming my heart that sounded like an alarm bell. However, the appearance of the defenseless Asagiri who had only a bath towel wrapped around her body made my palpitations get more intense.
Hey! You’re too defenseless, I mean, your guard is inadequate! Are you okay with an equipment like that?
I wanted to ask that, but on second thought, during all this time she’s been with me, her body has been exposed a lot. However, the excitement remains strong.
– O-oh… that was fast.
– I was wondering if it was bad to be this relaxed.
Asagiri sat down on the bed next to mine and began to wipe her hair with another towel. We’re separated, but it feels like we’re sitting side by side.
– Are you getting in? It’s a large bath so I think you’ll be okay.
The bath Asagiri got in… *Gasp*! I mustn’t, I mustn’t.
– Rather than that, Asagiri, try this.
I took out the magical lotion I had just obtained.
– Oh, it’s the item you bought in Sigineza.
Asagiri received the magical lotion from my hand and tried to open it.
– Huh? It’s pretty tight.
It seems she’s having a hard time.
– Let me try it.
When I tried it, I opened it easily.
– Waa, amazing. Like I thought, strength makes a difference, huh.
Saying so, Asagiri turned the bottle upside down and tried to take the lotion in her hands. But nothing comes out. As if it were empty.
Maybe… this is?
When I received the bottle from Asagiri again and turned it upside down, a thick liquid flew out very easily.
– Eeh, why?
– It seems that you can’t use this item. However, I can spread it on you…
– Eh?
Asagiri suddenly pulled back. Well, I understand your feelings. However, the chance is low, but maybe the curse can be broken or slow the process. Even if you dislike it, I’ll spread it by force.
– Now, this is not the case to expect too much. Shouldn’t we try if the possibility isn’t zero right away?
– Ugh…
Asagiri groaned for a moment, but she turned to me as if giving up.
– Okay. But don’t do anything weird.
I won’t! Well, if I say I don’t want to, I’d be lying though.
– Fear not. I won’t do that.
Asagiri stared at me. A weak killing intent revealed itself.
– And yet, you want to.
Scaryyyyyy!
I had a feeling that her wariness and unpleasant feelings towards Hellshaft had considerably gone down, but this is this and that is that!
Asagiri quickly extended her left hand to me.
– But I do want to try it.
– O-okay.
I turned the bottle upside down, spilled lotion on the palm of my right hand and put it on the back of Asagiri’s hand.
Asagiri’s hand moves with a twitch.
– I thought I’d feel an even stronger sudden chill… but it didn’t happen.
I support Asagiri’s hand from below with my left hand, and spread the lotion evenly, covering Asagiri’s hand with it.
Ooh! I touched Asagiri’s hand. I mean, it’s amazing, I’m rubbing it. I did more incredible things before, but this has a different feeling of excitement, or more precisely, it’s completely different from trampling her down with ero magic.
How should I say it, my heart is close to Asagiri….
I glance at Asagiri’s face, she casts down her eyes, like she lies face down. I don’t know if her cheeks are slightly reddened because she just got out of the bath or due to embarrassment.
I take the lotion from the bottle into my hand and took Asagiri’s hand again. I mix the lotion thoroughly and evenly, grabbing her fingers one by one. Because Hellshaft’s hands are big, now I realized that Asagiri’s fingers were so thin and delicate.
I open her fingers and rub the cream into those spaces.
– Hmm….
A sigh leaked out from Asagiri’s mouth.
– Say if it hurts.
– … I’m fine. And even if it hurts… it’s better than dying.
She said so and smiled tenderly.
I spread the lotion from the wrist to the elbow and to the upper arm. The pattern of the curse had already reached the upper arm. The movement of my hand stops for an instant.
It has gone this far already… damn, will this item really be effective?
I glance at Asagiri and she’s calm while still faintly smiling.
Without touching the parts that aren’t corroded by the pattern, I slid my hand again to Asagiri’s fingertips.
– … You really are formidable. Not everyone can be this calm while carrying a fate like that on your back. Not even the warriors of my subordinates are this──
– I’m not okay.
Asagiri’s fingers bent and grabbed my hand.
– Asagiri…?
Asagiri gazes long at the ground diagonally with blank eyes.
– Since I came to this world, I thought that it was very easy to die. But when I realize that I can’t revive and can’t go back to my original world… then I…
Tears overflowed from Asagiri’s eyes. She broke for a moment and tears flowed without end, distorting Asagiri’s beautiful face.
– … I don’t want to die.
She makes her shoulders quiver and entwines her fingers in my hand.
– Asagiri…
I want to comfort her. I want to hug her gently. However, that’s not what the Demon King should do.
──But,
No matter what happens later, I can’t leave Asagiri as is.
I gently grasped Asagiri’s hand back.
– ──Hellshaft?
– I should have said it. No one but me is allowed to give you death.
– But… what are you going to do?
– Worry not. I have an idea.
– Okay…
Asagiri wiped away her tears. Then looks up at me with moist eyes, and asks in a trembling voice.
– This medicine… maybe will work, right?
– Yeah. The chance is low, but it can still have an effect to suppress it.
– If so…
Asagiri took a short pause and appealed to me.
– Spread it… on my whole body. Please.
Eeeeeh!?
Asagiri gazes at me with teary eyes. Her cheeks are flushing and her glossy lips are slightly open. An erotic, hot sigh can be heard through her lips.
Is this… no way?
I took the lotion bottle placed on the bed in my hand. I carefully read the effects written on the label again.
Uwaaaaa! It’s written! Somehow, “aphrodisiac” is written very small! Hold on a second, isn’t this dangerous? This and that. The so-called “do this and that and with a drug you trick a girl”…!?*
*TN: The last part is loosely translated as it’s very incomprehensible for me.
– I… I don’t want to die. So… please.
Asagiri….
I picked up the lotion again.
– Then… here I go.
Asagiri agreed with a small nod. As I gulped down saliva, I touched Asagiri’s shoulders with my hands oiled.
– Hmm…
Asagiri raised a tiny voice. I spread the lotion and make sure to rub her shoulders kindly. I stroke her up and down from the neck to the chin and from the nape of the neck to the ears. Her neck is thin. If I handle it roughly with my power, it will break easily. Asagiri entrusts her body with me as if she were completely relieved, but I’m scared. I safely and gently rub her throat. Asagiri lifted her chin, apparently she felt good. That gesture is cute, like a cat stroking its throat.
– Ah… it feels good, kind of.
Asagiri closed her eyes ecstatically and slightly licked her lips with her tongue. That gesture was sexy, my chest was trembling inside.
I apply lotion from the neck down along the clavicle. Her clavicle is also thin. I gently slide my fingers from the firm depression to the breasts. However, those are protected by the towel. Her big overhanging breasts were hidden underneath it. I fixedly appreciated the shape of her chest.
Well, as one would expect, this is as far as I can go. I moved my hands so that I could only enjoy the feeling that her breasts started to swell while touching the towel.
At that moment, and perhaps because my fingertips touched it, the part that had been folded in came off and the towel loosened.
– Ah.
Without thinking, I raised a flustered voice unbecoming of Hellshaft.
The towel undid like a petal opening, and underneath that, the figure of the naked Asagiri appeared.
Big white breasts. A cherry blossom bud bloomed at the tip of the breasts. They slightly move up and down, matching Asagiri’s breath. Her rightly trained and toned waist and hips spread greatly to the left and right. The shadow made from the belly and closed legs. Her fresh body had both beauty and lasciviousness that greatly stimulate my instincts.
Asagiri looked down at her body with a blank face. Maybe due to the lotion that has an aphrodisiac effect or due to her thinking ability being significantly reduced.
– … You saw them.
Asagiri looked up at me with an upward glance,
– Pervert.
She said that single word.
– Ih!? No, I didn’t intend to take it off, but it was inevitable!
Asagiri softened her expression, her eyes still turned upward.
– It’s the second time. You saw me. Oh, it’s the third time if I add Infermia.
– Y-yeah… you remembered?
Asagiri inclined her head and smiled.
– Of course.
Saying so, she twisted her body as if feeling shy. But that only looked like she took an even more inflammatory pose.
– Pretending it’s a loss being seen like this is… spread the medicine properly, alright?
It seems to have an effect similar to Ecstas, as expected of an adult-mode item. To think Asagiri would be this bold! To be honest, I feel guilty… but maybe this can help Asagiri.
I picked up a new lotion and touched her chest to continue from where I was. Then slowly grasp Asagiri’s big breasts under that with both hands.
– Nn! Aah!
Raising a loud voice, Asagiri’s body jumped with a twitch.
– A-are you okay?
– Yeah… I’m okay. C-continue.
I gently massaged Asagiri’s breasts as if being supported by her voice.
– Ah, aanh… haaah.
Asagiri blushed and gasped with a smile that said she felt good. I rub the lotion on her breasts carefully. Her skin got gently wet with the lotion, and a gloss that reflects the light was born. The wet and shining body makes Asagiri look many times sexier.
I also apply lotion to the tip of her breasts by rolling them with my palms.
– Fuaaaaaaaaaah ❤.
Asagiri’s body leaned and fell to bed. With a rough breathing, her breasts go up and down in a big way. My hands separated from her breasts and rubbed her belly.
– Fuh… kuu… nnh!
Her belly is especially sensitive and ticklish, it reacts sensitively to fingertips. Her reaction was so interesting that I end up rubbing her belly many times.
– Ah aah! Nooooooooo.
When I put my finger on the navel, she shook her body as if trying to escape.
– D-don’t tease me… too much ❤.
I heard the frail voice of Asagiri. I look at Asagiri’s face, she’s ecstatic. She doesn’t seem to even notice the drool hanging from the edges of her lips.
– Your legs and back remain. Be prepared.
I answer so and instead of Asagiri disliking that, that made her face shine as if blooming.
– Aa… n ❤.
I slide my hands on Asagiri’s plump thighs. Like I thought, she may get angry if I say that they’re much thicker than Shizukuishi’s, but, how to say it, they’re sexy.
Last time, I had no time to appreciate Asagiri’s body calmly like this. Thus, when I look all over her whole body, it’s really beautiful and exciting. When I look at nude paintings and sculptures, I usually think that they are erotic, but I felt that I understood that an artist depicts women to express their beauty.
I caress the curve of the calves and rub the lotion on each toe from the ankles.
– Ah… hi, a, a, kuuuu.
Asagiri writhes and makes her body bend back and forth loosely. So this place makes her feel this good, that new discovery makes me happy.
– This time, lie facing down.
Probably because she was already totally exhausted, Asagiri, who took a breath as if gasping, lies facing down obediently instead of replying.
Her hair is split to the left and right, her white back spreading from the nape is dazzling. I spilled the lotion on her back directly from the bottle.
– Ah… haaaaa…
This seems to be this pleasant for the already sensitive body of Asagiri. And my hands double that pleasure.
I trace the shape of the scapula and spread the lotion on her entire back. Then, I bring my fingertips down along the spine.
– Hyaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Asagiri’s body bent backwards.
– T-that ❤ no ❤.
I ignore her words and make her spine move back and forth many times; Asagiri’s body gradually began to get exhausted.
And I finally arrive at the last remaining place.
– Ah… no. There….
I sprinkle lotion directly on her buttocks.
– Aanh.
Then I open the valley in the buttocks and pour it directly into it.
– !? Nooooooooooh ❤❤.
I put the empty bottle on the bed and started rubbing the ample butt of Asagiri.
– G-good! Haaaah! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannnh!
She began to gasp in a loud voice. I draw large circles with my arms as I grab her buttocks and put strength into my fingers and relax them. With a feeling like I’m kneading a large rice cake, I started rubbing Asagiri’s ass thoroughly.
Asagiri buried her face in a pillow and desperately subdues her gasps.
– Fuh ❤──fu, n ❤… uh! Fuuh, fuuh ❤❤.
Her body trembles in short and repeated movements and twitches repeatedly.
And the moment when I pulled and grabbed her butt strongly,
– !! N ❤ … nn… haah! ❤ Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ❤❤❤❤.
Asagiri’s legs stretched out and her body stiffened. The jumping-like twitching kept going. She continued suffering with intense breathing as if she had finished a long-distance race.
Sweat rose on her bright red face and her disheveled hair stuck to her face.
Asagiri didn’t move for a few minutes while still laying down. Then, when her breath gradually calmed, she grabbed a blanket and went under it.
– …
Ah… I can’t find the right words. What should I do at times like this?
– … Hey, Hellshaft.
– W-what?
Asagiri showed half her face from below the blanket.
– That medicine… that has something strange in it, right?
Ugh!
What should I say to deceive her? No, I don’t feel like I have to deceive her! I have to be honest! There’s no choice but to respond with sincerity!
– Y… yeah, sorry. It appears that it had an aphrodisiac effect.
– Ohh geeez, you’re the worst!
Asagiri grabbed the pillow and threw it at me. It hits me superbly, I see nothing but a pillow.
– But it wasn’t on purpose. I really didn’t notice. That’s the truth.
Asagiri went under the blanket again. And sunk for five minutes. She slowly rises to the surface, and makes half of her bright red face sneak a look at me.
I apologized honestly.
– I’m very sorry.
– It’s fine… forget it. We had to try it anyway. It might have been better than… someone from 2A.
– Is that so? If you say so, then I also feel at ease.
Asagiri’s eyes became sharp.
– But you rub too much! And touch too much! You don’t have to go that far, do you!?
I reflexively bowed my head deeply.
– I’m sorry! I’m really sorry! I apologize!
– Jeez…
At that moment, a human voice was heard from a distance.
– Run away! The Demon King’s Army has arrived!!
I stood up as if jumping up.
– Asagiri!
Asagiri jumped out of bed and wore the old cloth she got used to.
– Let’s leave at once! Get ready!
Dammit, why did they come to a rural area like this!?
– Alright! Let’s go!
Asagiri, who quickly dressed herself, opened the door and tried to head to the hallway.
– Wait, this way is faster.
I opened the window and looked down on the roof of the town from the balcony. I forcibly held up Asagiri who came running up to me in my hands and jumped out to the city at night.
– Kya…!
I land on the roof of the building across the street and continue running. And run on the roofs of the buildings while jumping over the streets.
Then I suddenly stopped.
──Oh crap. I forgot something.
– What’s wrong?
Asagiri asked to me, who stopped, with a voice that contained impatience.
– The cloak you made for me is…
I didn’t turn it into an item list, I just hung it in the closet.
– But by the time we’re back…
Just when I got something made by Asagiri. Damn it!
– Hmm?
At that moment, something came flying from the hotel we were staying at. It looks like a giant bat.
– That’s…
Black wings flew down lightly and perched on my shoulders.
– The cloak… came flying.
The cloak made by Asagiri came flying according to my will. Speaking of which, when she was making it, she said it would move, following its owner’s will.
– Exactly as advertised, huh.
Asagiri smiled, looking amused.
– Yeah. Let’s hurry!
I started running again. I’m lighter than ever. When I jumped from the roof again, the jump was much higher. Like I’m flying in the night sky. I glide and ride upon the winds like that and land on the road leading to the mountains outside the city.
The Rammel Mountains stand towering in front of me, the other side of it is bright.
– We’ll escape to the dungeon. It’s already dawn, so we’ll head there in one go like this!
– Yes!
Asagiri puts her hands around my neck to make her body be glued to mine so that she’s not shaken off. I also carried the fragile egg and hurried to the mountain road.
As I advance on the rocky road, I can see the entrance to the dungeon that was once a mine. The place where I carried on an operation to split 2A before.
I jumped into the entrance, the inside was wrapped in a yellow-green light like that time. However, the orcs who were at that time are now gone. I ran through the cave without obstacles at full speed.
I go through a large room, the exit is almost there.
I enter a cavern that leads to the exit and turn around the corner, the surroundings suddenly become bright.
– The exit! Asagiri!
On the way, there was a bright and pure-white entrance overflowing with light awaiting us.
The light is divine, like the light of salvation. If I go there, we can escape from the crisis. I run to the pure-white exit while holding Asagiri.
──!?
Black silhouettes stood out against the pure-white background.
– Wha…
Four shadows.
I heard a hoarse voice from the trembling lips of Asagiri.
– No way…
No expression can be seen from the shadows turning their backs on the sun. But the silhouettes alone were enough to tell me who they were.
The four people started to walk slowly.
– We finally found you!
A human-shaped beast began to walk, moving the ears that grew on his head.
– You hide yourself very well… or so I think.
The silhouette of a long, slender and well-proportioned tuxedo.
– But we finally caught hold of you.
A stunning figure with long hair and intonation.
– We won’t let you go anymore ♪.
Large wings and a ring floating at the waist.
– You…
The four strongest in Hellandia and the four Corps Commanders of Hellander’s 4 Corps.
And my most trusted subordinates.
──Hellzekter.
I put all my strength into the arms holding Asagiri. My feet gradually fall back.
It’s impossible to compete with these four people directly. To say nothing of doing it while holding Asagiri in my arms, that’s nonsense.
What the hell.
What the hell is this joke?
How things will end this way!?
Aaah! Fuuuuck!
I cast down my eyes at Asagiri. Asagiri was also looking up at me with an uneasy look.
──Goddammit.
At least,
I’ll make Asagiri.
I’ll make Asagiri run to the entrance and protect her until I die.
I don’t know how much time I can gain.
But if Asagiri escapes harm with it, then it’s worth doing it!
I stop my feet from going back and bring Asagiri down to the ground.
– … Hellshaft?
Asagiri said my name in a thin voice.
– Listen, when I move towards them, you go back to the way we came with all your strength. And when the excitement of battle has cooled down, come back here and head to Sandiano. Are we clear?
– B-but what about you?
– I’ll be fine.
– But!
Asagiri touched my chest as if clinging to me. I gently pull that hand off.
– It was a short but fun trip.
– That’s…
I step toward the Hellzekter blocking the way.
It’s not bad that you’re my last opponents.
Suitable for the end of the Demon King Hellshaft.
I open my hand, a flame runs in my palm. I catch that flame and turn it into a sword.
– Here I go!
The Hellzekters kick the ground.
The distance was shortened in an instant.
──Fast!!
What a rushing speed!
I swing my sword from below in a hurry.
──But the moment this blow comes out──,
The four people disappeared from my view for an instant.
!?
Their bodies go down and charge at me in a low posture close to the ground.
They read my thoughts?!
My sword sliced the air.
Damn! It’s useless, I can’t deal with them!
I can’t deal with them.
As expected,
Of my Hellzekter.
I stared at my enemies taking my life as I tasted a strange feeling of satisfaction.
The four slid on the ground and kneeled down on one knee.
Then they thrust one hand on the ground and hang their heads.
– My King!
– King-sama!
– Hellshaft-sama.
– Hell-sama!
「「「「Thy are safe!!」」」」
– Wha…
I hardened in a stupid pose with my sword cutting the air.
「「「「 We apologize for being late! The Hellzekter have just arrived! 」」」」
Eh?
I unconsciously exchanged glances with Asagiri.
Eeh?
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!?
– Y-you… didn’t become Satan’s… subordinates?
Grasha raises his face, his expression seems to want to say “unthinkable”.
– Why would I? King-sama, you’re the only one I pledged allegiance.
But Satanachia darkened her face.
– It’s just… it is a fact we felt a strange presence in Infermia. It was for a moment, but the stupid thought that… Satan was my master… crossed my mind. What on earth was that…?
Adra looks up at me with a stern expression.
– I fear that it is likely that it was a magic used by Satan. The other Hellanders must have been brainwashed by Satan. Although it is impossible to control even us, the Hellzekter.
Forneus smiled happily.
– But I’m glad to see Hell-sama at last ♪.
──Yeah.
There’s no doubt.
My Hellzekters.
Oh crap. My vision got blurry.
A hot thing overflows in my chest.
Dammit.
I can’t hold back my tears.
– Hmm? What’s wrong, King-sama?
I hide my face with my hands.
– It’s nothing… don’t worry.
Adra whispers into Grasha’s ear.
– He got angry because we arrived too late.
Grasha pointed his ears downwards as if he were troubled.
– So that’s why. It’s not so bad when it’s mercenaries, but to have the nerve to interrupt me and even the Magic Beast Corps. Sending that lot flying was more time consuming than I thought.
– We are late because you chose to turn and pick a fight with opponents there was no need to fight with.
– Yup yup. It would have been great if you had blown them all showily like Forneus. Forneus is proud of what she can do.
Adra was at his wits’ end.
– Forneus, because you are too conspicuous, our movements could have been leaked. Reflect on that a little.
However, Forneus, who appeared to not understand much, inclined her head to the side while smiling.
I wiped my tears and looked down at the four of them kneeled.
Their allegiance is determined by 《LOYALTY》. The fact that these guys didn’t come under Satan’s control meant that their《LOYALTY》 towards me was higher.
About the other Hellander, I haven’t directly raised their《LOYALTY》. Maybe it’s easier to overwrite their《LOYALTY》, and perhaps the AI they have isn’t as advanced as Hellzekter’s. And so, they easily surrendered to Satan.
– It’s fine. Stand up.
The four people stand up according to my words.
– I lost Infermia. I lost my country, my people, my land, my sky, everything.
Satanachia hangs her head with a painful look.
– I am sorry to hear that… Hellshaft-sama.
Adra also closed his eyes. Grasha faces away and clicks his tongue.
– That’s so sad… Hell-sama.
The wings of Forneus are folded up as if she were dejected.
– But I’m not dead yet! As long as I’m there, so will Hellandia. Even if it’s just me, I’m a country. And I’ll destroy Satan’s country!
A sigh of excitement leaked from the four of them.
– I’ll do it alone. But since the four of you are here… there’s nothing more reassuring.
Light fills their eyes. Like I can see a fire burning in their hearts.
– I can’t do anything for you right now. But will you come along with me?
Grasha pushes his fist forward.
– Naturally! I’ll follow you even if I’m told to not come!!
– Fufufu, Hellshaft-sama shouldn’t let go of me.
– Yees, Forneus can be with Hell-sama!
Adra smiles as he uplifts the bridge of the glasses.
– Hah, if you can afford to say that…you better think of ways to defeat Satan instead.
I twisted my body and thrust my five fingers up into the sky.
– Now is the right time, creation of heaven and earth
My legend starts now
All of you, prostrate yourself before
The legend that is called our way of life
– We, from this moment, are the newly birth Kingdom of Hellandia. Only the five of us. That is our Kingdom!
「「「「Yes sir!」」」」
Hellzekter shed tears and kneeled before me again.
──I can do it.
I can still do it.
Asagiri, hidden behind me, lined up next to me.
– The Hellzekter, from your point of view, are good subordinates.
– Yes… that’s right.
The subordinates I’m proud of.
– By the way, Hell-sama?
– What’s wrong, Forneus?
Forneus went from a smiling face to be filled with killing intent in an instant.
– That woman… who the hell is she?
– *Eek!*
Asagiri trembles violently due to the terrifying pressure.
– W.wait, Forneus. This girl is… yes, I brought her as a caretaker of my everyday necessities. Don’t kill her.
– Muu, that’s suspicious. Forneus will take care of you, so this person has no use anymore. Forneus thinks it’s better to kill her soon.
– Please wait, Forneus. Judge for a bit.
– Hmm?
– That woman seems to be Hellshaft-sama’s sex slave.
Asagiri’s face turned bright red.
– Sex…!?
Satanachia continues the explanation with a triumphant look.
– As the proverb says: Great men have great fondness for the sensual pleasures, yes? I cannot think of a hero like Hellshaft-sama not chasing after women for so long.
Forneus clapped.
– Oooh, as expected of Satanachia.
– And so, as Hellzekter’s female leaders, we need to make sure that the novice sex slave is educated thoroughly.
– What do we do if it’s not done thoroughly?
– We get rid of her.
– Wait a minuuuuuuute!
– Adra and Grasha, please guard the entrance. Well then, let’s do it, human sex slave. There is a room fit for that in the back.
– Wait a minute! I, I’m not… He-Hellshaft!!
Asagiri extended her hand towards me as if seeking help.
This is bad! It’s highly unlikely that Asagiri can act like a sex slave! As things are, Asagiri will be killed by Forneus and Satanachia.
– W-wait! Don’t turn your hands to that woman!
Asagiri had a relieved expression.
– Hell-sama…? What’s wrong? Is this human more important than Forneus and the others?
– Strange, is it not? For Hellshaft-sama, to say something like that.
Gu! Crap, Forneus’ and Satanachia’s《LOYALTY》is going down rapidly! At this rate, the unity that finally consolidated will come to nothing!
– A-are you pretending to leave me out!? I will examine her personally!
– Huuh!?
Asagiri let out a shout in disarray.
– Understood. Then we will help you. If she is not trained as a sex slave, then at that time, we will get rid of her. Right? Forneus.
– Get rid, get rid of her ♪. Nothing less.
– Wait a moment! I-I’m not a sex slave, say something, Hellshaft!
I’m sorry, Asagiri! I’m also in a very delicate position!
– This sex slave is totally useless.
– She is really not disciplined… she cannot be trained.
Kuuuu, there’s no other choice! Forgive me, Asagiri!
I quickly opened the menu and selected the usual magic.
『Age verification──This is an inappropriate function for people under the age of 18. Are you sure you want to use it?』
Of course I want to! Let’s go!
-『Ecstas』!!
A heart-shaped crest emerged on Asagiri’s chest.
– Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
──Forgive me, Asagiri. You shouldn’t forgive me though.
But this is the only way to save you!
After that, Forneus, Satanachia, Asagiri and I, the four of us, performed a play that couldn’t be put into words. As a result,
– Despite being a human, she did it very well.
– Yes… I am surprised. We can surely say she is just a female that was born to be a sex slave… b-but, from the perspective of a dark elf like me, it is not that significant, I think? Yes.
She got words of appreciation from the two judges.
However, since Asagiri will be danger if she stays here any longer, I stealthily went to leave her in Sandiano without being seen by Hellzekter.
The scream of Asagiri don’t leave my ears since we scurry home.
– Hellshaaaaaaaaft! I’ll never forgive youuuuuuuu!
