When I went around half a day to the south from the desert town of Alexar, there was a relatively warm mountainous area with lots of greenery. There’s a cabin built so that I can hide in the mountains. Surrounded by forests, the cabin was half-decayed, and it looked terrible.
– Is this the place…?
It used to be a bar and inn, but now it’s naturally an unoccupied house. The atmosphere which said it has been abandoned for more than a dozen years gives a nice feeling of ruins.
Satanachia bowed apologetically.
– Yes. This is the only thing I found that can be used as a hideout.
Forneus jumped into the sky and reached the roof.
– Wow, the roof is tattered.
Grasha scratched behind his ears while saying “yare yare”.
– Is there really nothing else but this? I’m okay with it, but for King-sama to be here.
I looked up at the battered small cabin.
– Worry not. I don’t need to live pleasantly. If I can hide myself, this will do.
Forneus jumped down from the roof, and lightly landed in front of me.
– Then this is our new home, the new Infermia.
– What on earth are you saying? How is this run-down shabby cabin… going to be Infermia?
Grasha said as if spitting out. But I shake my head.
– No. It’s as Forneus says. This is our castle now. Fufu… doesn’t it suit us, now that we are like this?
Satanachia hung her head with a sad look.
– Hellshaft-sama…
– Don’t get me wrong. I said it suits us as the castle we need now. We’ll use this as a starting point to take Infermia back as soon as possible!
At that moment, the door opened and Adra came out from inside.
– I briefly checked the inside. For the time being, cleaning and simple repairs seem manageable. Satanachia, Forneus, don’t be careless. You two will be cleaning the second and third floors. I will do the first floor. Grasha, you go to the nearby city and buy repair tools, materials and dinner ingredients.
Saying so, Adra passed the shopping memo to Grasha.
– I’m telling you this, buy the stuff, and don’t pillage it. Don’t touch anything at the storefront of your own accord because it looks delicious. Pretend to be a disciplined dog. And don’t make a scene.
– Tch, okay.
Grasha, who took the memo as if snatching it from him, kicked the ground and started running at once. His figure disappears into the forest in the blink of an eye. Adra clapped and gave instructions to Satanachia and Forneus.
– Now, hurry up. We have to prepare a room where our King can relax by the evening.
Thus, the three of them started cleaning, and when Grasha finally returned, the repair of the roof began. What I was doing during that time was… sitting outside and wait and wait. I was bored to death. I was about to die because I had too much free time. But if I tried to help, their 《LOYALTY》 would definitely drop.
Inevitably, I watched my subordinates repair and clean the new Infermia while realizing that I was useless.
──And at night.
I leaned on the sofa and relaxed comfortably. I look around, the fireplace is burning in the room with an antique design. There was a counter in a corner of the room, the remnants of the bar remained there. To be honest, it doesn’t seem to be the ruined room it was until a few hours ago.
– Thank you for your hard work. You have repaired it this much in a short time.
– I am much obliged.
The apron-wearer Adra arranges the dishes on the table.
– I am sorry, I can only do simple things.
The skewered meat and vegetables were grilled over an open flame. While they’re certainly not elaborate, they look tasty enough. Warm white steam rises from the grilled meat and vegetables and the overflowing juices rise to the surface of the meat. Even though I didn’t like the slightly-drifting savory smell, it stimulated my appetite.
– Uoooooh! I’m hungryyyy! Allow me to eeeeeat!
– Thank you for the fooood!
When Grasha and Forneus grabbed the skewers as if stealing them, they sunk their teeth into the meat and vegetables.
– Both of you have bad manners.
Satanachia said as if chiding them while removing the meat and vegetables from the skewers. But the two people who were like starving beasts certainly didn’t listen to her.
– It’s good! Isn’t this better than your usual bothersome cooking?
– Despite looking like this, the seasoning is properly done. This is the special Adra sauce. And the salt is made from Turguzarau’s rock salt.
Even though it’s simple, he was being picky about Adra’s style?
– Yeah, yeeah. First of all, it’s good so it doesn’t matter.
Saying so, Grasha picked up a second, no a third skewer. Satanachia uses a fork to carry the small-sized cut vegetables into her mouth.
– But it is certainly delicious. And it is kind of calm here.
Satanachia looked around in the room and showed a smile of relief.
– After all, it’s different when there is a roof and walls ♪.
Forneus responded with a big smile.
Certainly. We’ve been sleeping outdoors for a while now. In this way, even if we relax at our own home, we’ll be absolutely calm and feel at ease.
Then, when we ate everything on the table and there were nothing but empty plates, a freshly ground coffee was placed in front of me. When I drank a sip of coffee, I sighed with a feeling of relief.
– It was delicious, Adra.
– I am grateful.
Now we can relax after the meal. Grasha and Forneus are already lying and sleeping languidly on the couch. They’re true to their instincts, aren’t they?
– My King, I would like to ask about the future plans if possible.
Adra sat down in a chair and asked with his usual cool face.
– Yes. According to the information I got, Satan seems to have acquired a new armor. It’s a tribute from the guys called Orzelia doctrine.
I told the particulars of that armor. Satanachia opened her mouth while trying to remember something.
– That armor… I remember hearing it from rumors. But it actually existed… and Orzelia doctrine is certainly a heretical religion, to think they were the ones doing that kind of political activities.
Fixing the position of his glasses, Adra turns his face to Satanachia.
– In any case, the obstacles of overthrowing Satan have increased. Now that it has come to this, we have to consider all means. Even if Zeragiel and Ulriel are against it ──
The ears of Grasha, who was sleeping at that time, moved nervously. The next moment, he suddenly jumped up to his feet.
– What is it?
Grasha looks around and sniffs a smell.
– Something is coming. An incredible disgusting smell.
– What?
Adra stands up, approaches the window and takes a look outside. Satanachia shook her shoulder as she rushed to Forneus.
– Wake up, Forneus.
– Unyu?
– I’ll go take a look.
Grasha walks to the entrance door. Before he touches the handle, the door opened.
It was not opened by itself.
It was opened from the outside.
The figure of the person who opened the door was there.
It’s a knight dressed in black armor. His armor has a rough surface as if it had been used for a long time and it was rusted and corroded. It was dirty and eerie just like the remains of an armor. Four of them invaded the chamber.
I shouted as I stood up.
– These guys are Satan’s minions! Be careful!
Adra draws his sword at once and Satanachia holds her bow. The four black knights drew their swords and slowly moved to the center of the room.
– Nuryaaaaaaaaa!
Grasha throws a punch at the leading black knight. But before that, the black knight swung his sword.
– Guwa!
Grasha’s body is blown away and slams against the back wall. Adra kicked the floor and thrust his sword against the black knight as if changing places. He skillfully stabbed the sword in the chink of his armor. The red sword made from Adra’s blood pierces the stomach of the black knight. However, sand, and not blood, flowed from the body.
– This is…!?
Avoiding the black knight’s body stabbed by the sword, two black knights attack Adra from the left and right. The swords rusted by dry blood pierce Adra from both sides. An instant faster, Adra’s body disappeared, turning into a black fog. The fog came back in front of me and materialized.
– Please be careful, my King. These guys know what they are doing.
– Be sure to bring them down. Don’t miss even one of them.
Adra replied affirmatively and issued instructions.
– Forneus! These guys are undead. It is your turn.
– Got it!
The awakened Forneus raises her arms. Then the ring floating on her waist rotated and shined.
Forneus hooks the rings of light on her wrists and spreads her arms as if pulling them. Then the rings of light split, spinning around the wrists of Forneus.
– Restrain!
Forneus threw the shining rings. The shiny rings wrap around the black knights’ bodies in an instant, bringing the four bodies together and binding them up.
──She did it!?
– Gyaaaaaaaaaaaa!
However, when the black knights let out a noise-like shout, flames gushed out through the chinks in the armor. The flames spread to the floor in an instant, turning the inside of the room into a sea of fire.
– These asshoooooles!
Grasha jumps out of the flames and hurls himself at the black knights. Even though he crashes into them, the four black knights’ bodies are dragged along together without losing momentum. Jumping immediately outside, Grasha threw the body of the black knights away. We also go out of the burning room after that.
When the black knights, who roll on the ground, shake free from the rings of light, they stood up, pushing the bodies of their companions aside. But it’s too late. Grasha slammed his strong arm against the head of a black knight. The black knight’s head fell into the ground and was smashed into pieces.
Another black knight who stood up tries to thrust his sword into Grasha who has his back turned on him. But before that, an arrow of Satanachia was stuck in the chest of the black knight. It’s a thunder arrow. As if a thundercloud was produced inside the black knight’s armor, a lightning bolt flowed from the black knight, shedding a dazzling light. A fiery electric current runs through inside the body of the black knight, and the electric current crawls through the armor. The armor shook as if it twitched and burst open.
The other two black knights turned their backs on us and ran away from there.
– Sacred!
The holy light of Forneus pierced one of them. The next moment, the armor collapses right there as if it were empty.
The other one seemed to have successfully escaped.
However, black bats gather on his way.
– Did you think that you could live and return after pointing your sword at Hellzekter?
When the black bats gather, they turn into Adra. The next moment, his red sword flashed. The black knight’s armor was cut in half from the head to the crotch.
The remains of the black knight break into pieces and vanish while raising a miasma-like smoke.
Adra came back to me and bowed politely.
– My King. We have annihilated all of them.
– I see. Thank you.
For the time being, we won’t be worried about having our whereabouts reported. However….
When I turned around, the burning cabin was there.
– Wow… the new Infermia is burning…
With a sad look, Forneus gazed at the furiously burning cabin.
The place that was built over the day is burning and disappearing disappointingly. The castle that my Hellzekters prepared for me. Our house is crumbling down.
Despite being just a momentary cabin. Why does it feel so painful like this? For some reason, I felt a strong anger.
– Hey, King-sama. What the hell were those?
– … They’re ghosts who were brought back from the graveyard just like Satan. Satan seems to have released those black knights to hunt us.
– Fuck! That damn Satan…
As if being unable to stand it, Grasha bared his fangs.
– Hellshaft-sama. There is no other place for us to go to, is there?
Satanachia asked, sounding anxious. A heavy atmosphere comes down like the veil of darkness.
– Now that it has come to this, we have no choice but to fight! Right!?
Adra responds calmly to the roaring Grasha, but hiding the thing burning inside him.
– …Yes. At this point, that is the only thing we can do.
– Heh, it’s unusual for us to have the same opinion, isn’t it?
Grasha grinned. Satanachia bit her lips and raised her face.
– That’s right… I can’t let these thoughts annoy Hellshaft-sama further than this. Let’s get in Satan’s location.
– I can’t forgive him for burning your home! That’s why Forneus has decided to take revenge no matter what!
These guys…….
I got teary-eyed in my heart. And at the same time, I felt apologetic.
Sorry, guys. Because I’m worthless, I’m making you try too hard.
No matter how strong Hellzekter is, it will be impossible to deal with the entire Hellander army. We don’t know how many NG monster corps such as the black knight were brought back revived from the graveyard. Moreover, there’s Satan who has a terrifying strength. In my head, there was a picture of Hellzekter assaulting Infermia and being brutally killed.
Isn’t that really like dying in vain?
Why these guys have to die?
For me.
Come up with something.
To not let them die.
Isn’t there any way?
Forneus, whose anger doesn’t subside, rages, making a scene.
– Forneus will defeat Satan with one blow!
Adra stared at Forneus with an annoyed look.
– What method do you have for that?
– Uh… Ah! A good idea came into my mind ♪.
What? And the other three also lend an ear to her.
– There’s this thing called『Holy Grave』 that was found before! Even Hell-sama was kind of scared. If we have it, Forneus is proud to say that she can defeat Satan with a single blow.
Ah! That’s….
The reaction of the other three people is also weak. Adra sighed.
– Forneus. That is not a weapon to use against Satan.
– Fue?
The staring-in-puzzlement Forneus tilts her head to the side.
– Not that Holy Grave can kill the Demon King?
– Hey Forneus, the Demon King is Hellshaft-sama, no?
– Yes. And that’s a human weapon. It won’t be useful for you.
– Ack.
Seemingly unable to agree, Forneus inflates her cheeks and purses her lips in a へ shape.
Well, it’s not like things are cool if he’s a Demon King. Satan was a Demon King in the past, and I, Hellshaft, currently exist as the Demon King in Exodia Exodus. Holy Grave is completed when the identity of Hellshaft, that is, the name Doumeguri Kakeru is engraved into it. Only then, it will become a sword that will kill the Demon King Hellshaft. As for the identity of the Demon King, originally, another answer should have been prepared. However, by the time I became the Demon King, the answer changed to 『Doumeguri Kakeru』.
Now, Holy Grave is an item to exclusively defeat Hellshaft.
…….
…… Wait.
Why am I thinking so?
That’s because Satan is the previous Demon King, not the current Demon King.
The answer of the Holy Grave changed when I became Hellshaft.
So, of course, one thinks that it can’t be used for… Satan.
Huh?
Satan was in the game as the Demon King.
However, he’s an NG character.
He was the Demon King, but he was scrapped.
So Satan doesn’t exist in Exodia Exodus.
But now.
He came back as the Demon King.
Satan is the Demon King on the system.
Yes, a Demon King.
And he said.
『It’s worth returning to this world from the bottom of the earth again』
There was a time when he actually reigned as the Demon King. Holy Grave is originally a special item for the event prepared when Exodia Exodus does a collaboration with a sponsor.
And he has revived as he used to be.
The contents aren’t replaced.
If that’s the case, there’s a possibility.
If,
If there was a Holy Grave when Satan was the Demon King,
Of course, the answer that shows Satan’s identity should have been prepared.
In that case,
There’s no need for a large army.
As expected, the five of us aren’t enough, but if we have the minimum amount of soldiers, that will suffice.
Until now, for the sake of defeating the invincible Satan by force,
We were looking for an army to defeat Satan’s army that protects him.
So we needed a decent number.
However, if we can use Holy Grave,
The way of thinking changes completely.
If Satan is defeated, the current Satan army will return to my Hellander.
And Asagiri will be released from the curse spell.
Adra continued to explain to Forneus who couldn’t agree.
– Besides, it is unclear where Holy Grave is. It was previously discovered at a mine in the Rammel Mountains, but it went missing ever since.
I know where it is.
──Asagiri.
It seems I’ll have to get her travel with me one more time.
– Forneus, come here.
– Yes? Hell-sama?
I gently stroked the head of Forneus who came running up to me.
– Unyu? Ehehehe, I don’t get the reason why, but I’m happy ♡.
– …?
Suddenly, the other three looked at me who started patting Forneus with suspicious eyes.
– Eeeh!? You recited this for Forneus!?
– What!?
– Kuh…
– I, I am so jealous…
Not only Forneus’s 《LOYALTY》went up, the 《LOYALTY》 of the vexed three rose too. Perhaps the sense of being complimented by me is connected to their loyalty.
Neither Asagiri nor you will die.
So please, come along with me for a while.
I took off the Demon King armor and returned to Laguna, the city of water. I didn’t stop at the hotel where 2A is based, I hid myself in a narrow alley and listened attentively to the communication gem.
『Yes. Certainly that item should have existed since the early days of development. Satan was also in the development start period, so I think he was concealed back then』
──Nice!
I took a triumphant pose with one hand.
– So, do you remember the password at that time?
『There’s no way I can remember it, is there? 』
– …Yeah, you’re right.
『It was under development, so maybe he had a proper password』
– Oh… password, maybe? Or root…?
『Or someone’s name, birthday, favorite word… 』
If it were a TV drama, I would guess it from the nature of the person who decided the password and I would see into their mind just like that, but reality was hard. In the first place, I don’t even know who decided the password, it’s like catching a cloud.
『However, there may be a way to find out』
– Eh! Really!?
『Originally, it was for a collaboration event with the sponsor, so the password should have been written on the item that could be obtained at the event』
– What kind of item is it?
『It’s a book. The sponsor was a publisher』
I see, there are all sorts of strategy books.
『And that book seems to have been in Caldart』
Caldart? Oh, that bookstore? I didn’t pay attention to it because I was being guided by Asagiri. Does that mean that if I had searched for the bookstore when I was in Caldart, we would have gotten the answer!?
It’s something I couldn’t expect at the time, but it’s somewhat frustrating.
– Now Satan army is occupying it. But can I go and search for it, no?
『Yes, but I wonder if there’s any meaning in going now?』
– Huh!? Then why did you say that just now?
『You captured Caldart, no? At that time, Hellanders plundered all that they could.
– Ah…
There was that.
– Then that means it’s in Infermia now!?
『Shouldn’t it? It should be somewhere in the warehouse』
– Aikawa-san. I’m sorry, but──
『You’re going to tell me to look for it, right? Well… I’ll try doing just that』
But, Aikawa-san added.
『It wasn’t decided that Holy Grave was effective against Satan. It’ll be a hit or miss』
– Yes, I understand. But──
──Asagiri is already at her limit.
When I returned to Laguna and saw Asagiri’s face… the curse pattern had reached her neck. It’s already covering her body. All that remains is her face. Asagiri will die when her face is filled with that pattern.
– ──It’s just a possibility, but I’m grateful.
Saying so, I took my ear off the communication gem.
Now, there are lots of things to do here.
Moreover, I feel reluctant to do them from the start.
– To think I’ll have to rely on that one….
By the time the thin crescent moon was reflected in the Grand Canal of Laguna, I was standing still as if melting into the shadow of a maze-like alley. There’s a waterway in front of me, and narrow roads on both sides of it. There’s nobody around, only the sound of water swaying in the canal.
Will that one come?
In the daytime, when I told that person, they showed a cold reaction. But I’m sure they’re interested. They can’t let go of the interest, curiosity, and ray of hope. If it were a prank, they can just strangle me to death later and then come and explain it to them.
They have that kind of personality.
– …!!
Sounds of footsteps came approaching.
I stealthily gaze at the narrow path from the shadows.
She came.
──Shizukuishi Non.
The feeling of tension of Shizukuishi is transmitted from her way of walking. Once she reached the side of the specified bridge, Shizukuishi looked around.
– There’s nobody… I figured much.
I visited Shizukuishi’s room during the day. 「I saw something unbelievable last night」 I told Shizukuishi with a face of surprise and fear.
──The Demon King Hellshaft appeared in Laguna.
Shizukuishi initially showed an astonished look, but then immediately returned to a dark look and took it as I was lying. But I continued, without minding about it. He appeared in an alley with no people walking in it and told me:
──I want to see the black-haired witch of 2A Guild.
That black-haired witch smiled masochistically, and muttered to herself.
– Fufu… That’s not true. It’s obvious, no? And yet, I unconcernedly… I really fell this low.
At that time, a heatless flame slowly crawled along the waterway to the feet of Shizukuishi. The eyes of Shizukuishi are surprisingly wide open. A flame and a black shadow illuminated by it emerged in her eyes.
I was clad in flames and appeared from the darkness of the alley in front of Shizukuishi.
Showing neither an expression of fear nor delight, Shizukuishi raises a sobbing-like voice.
– No way… you really…
Staring at me, who showed up, Shizukuishi stands stock still. I slowly approached Shizukuishi as I looked down at her small body.
– I got you to come and one else, black-haired witch. There’s something I’d like to ask you.
– To me…?
Her eyes sparkled for a moment, but she immediately hung her head, looking sad. And she sunk into silence.
– What’s wrong?
– What are you trying to do… at this late hour?
– What do you mean by at this late hour?
Shizukuishi bites her lips.
– It’s already over.
And she sunk into silence again. The despair of Shizukuishi is transmitted to my chest.
– You were my… aspiration.
I said without relaxing my haughty attitude.
– Impressive. That’s admirable.
– But now it’s different. You lost. And you showed a terrible disgraceful behavior.
I smiled wryly in my mind. You don’t have to tell me, Shizukuishi.
– I found out you were my dreams and hopes. I wanted to be strong like that. I wanted to have confidence in myself like that. I wanted to follow the path of believing like that. I wanted to behave that way as I want.
Shizukuishi….
– But… in my world, in this world, in the end, one loses to the stronger ones. One just have to curry favors with the stronger ones and live according to their will. It doesn’t matter if it’s right or wrong. It’s impossible to live one’s life the way one likes it. I finally realized that.
In my mind, Shizukuishi’s singing voice that sang on the rooftop of the guild hall and the figure of the happy-looking Shizukuishi’s who sang on the sandy beach of Sandiano are recalled.
– Black-haired witch. Are you wavering about your destiny and your mission?
Shizukuishi pursed her lips and scowled.
She stood motionlessly, but her heart was shaking violently. I felt so.
I patiently waited for a reply.
Eventually, her heavy mouth opened and began to speak bit by bit like drops of water falling.
– I… love singing… I want to follow the road to music… I thought.
Once it flew out, Shizukuishi’s speech gradually becomes fluent.
– But my parents say they will never allow it… my school teacher also thinks I can aim for a good university… “Don’t say something that is a dream”
Surely the words at that time were recalled. The face of Shizukuishi distorts, she looks vexed.
– My parents impose their own values on me… they hate what they can’t understand and decide that something they dislike is worthless. They take my welfare into consideration… and so on, but that’s a lie. They just want me to be the person they want me to be. My parents are convinced that my life is theirs. As if they were trying to relive their lives. Or maybe they’re pet owners who are angry because their pet doesn’t do what they want.
I imagined a seemingly cool Shizukuishi arguing with her parents at home. No, rather, she rebelled in her heart while going with a defeated appearance like this.
– The teacher just wants me to improve my grades with a rate of advancement to go to a top university. They’re only thinking of using me for their own sake. How to use me to maximize their gains. Parents, teachers, even everyone in the class. When they say “friend”, they select and rate their friends based on how useful they are and how they make them feel good.
When Shizukuishi raised her face, she smiled as if giving up.
– But I have no way to fight against absurd people like that. I really wanted to fight and defeat them. The overwhelming strength to smash their ulterior motives, I wanted the power to live without being dependent on anyone else. I don’t want to be a useful tool called “friend”.
Shizukuishi looks up at me with tears in her eyes.
– You are my charisma. When I look at you, I feel like I can do anything. But when the dream ends, I’m a laughable existence. The magic has already been broken, Hellshaft.
Her wet eyes say goodbye to me.
Yeah, that’s right.
I can tell your feelings say that much.
As a matter of fact, I feel the same. Speaking of which, you said to me before.
『Somehow, when I see myself, I want to die』
──You really feel angry.
– I know nothing of your world.
Shizukuishi’s body shook violently.
– So I don’t know how deep or serious your troubles are.
Then she turns her eyes away as if being disappointed.
– Fufu… that’s true.
– Seeing the way I am now and getting disappointed is thanks to nobody but you. However, I won’t forgive you for willfully deciding that I lost.
– … But you lost, no?
– I haven’t lost yet. I only took a strategic withdrawal. Sooner or later, I will defeat Satan and recover Infermia.
Shizukuishi said as if laughing at my childish excuse.
– Yes, Hellshaft. You’re still dreaming, aren’t you…?
However, I quickly counterattack.
– It’s arrogant to think that because it’s impossible for you it’s impossible for others.
Shizukuishi frowned as if her weak point was stabbed. Even so, she talks back as if becoming serious.
– But, even if you think calmly, it’s impossible for you to defeat Satan and flourish again… miracles don’t exist.
Certainly, Satan can use powerful magic that I don’t have. His attack power is probably stronger than mine. Moreover, he has a special ability that can delete data.
Winning is highly unlikely.
The fear of the previous fight is recalled in my body. My heart panics and my willpower loses strength. However──,
– ──Satan, he doesn’t have the qualifications as the Demon King of this world.
– …What do you mean?
Shizukuishi asked with a suspicious look.
– The Demon King ought to be a ruler. Domination is achieved through fear and aesthetics. But Satan, he’s no more than a destroyer.
Shizukuishi waited for the continuation of my words as if being interested in them.
– He only has a sense of rivalry to God. So to speak, he’s a slave of his own consciousness. That’s right, he has an enormous power. But what is that? No matter how powerful he may be, he’s a small fry. He’s not a king’s vessel.
The hue of pity and disappointment fades from the eyes of Shizukuishi who stares at me.
– Black-haired witch. What you say is correct.
– Eh?
– Humans are… stupid. Really stupid creatures.
– Y-yes, they are. They are really… desperately stupid.
– But while knowing that, why do you lament?
– ──Eh.
She looked up at me with a surprised look.
– You agree, no? Humans are stupid. What do you expect from idiots?
Shizukuishi’s eyes swayed shaking.
– You’re dominated by others. You just move about in confusion and get your heart disturbed by the behavior and evaluation of other people and things like that. The speech and words of the stupid creatures you mention. Why?
– T-that’s…
– Listen. It’s because you’re used to being a subordinate to the will and words of others.
– … !!
– But it’s not someone else’s fault. The biggest problem is inside you.
The throat of Shizukuishi went up and down gulpingly.
– Don’t be a slave to insignificant attachments, black-haired witch. Free your own soul. You’re the same as Satan. The slave of a trivial fixation is in your heart.
– I… I──
Her fine eyelashes quiver short and repeatedly. The voice of Shizukuishi shook as if revealing her heart.
– Black-haired witch. Help me out. If you do so, I’ll show you something good.
– Something good… what?
– ──A miracle.
Shizukuishi solidified with a surprised expression.
– You said that defeating Satan and reigning this world again was a miracle. Then I’ll show you. The thing you call miracle.
A glimmer of hope sparkles in the eyes of Shizukuishi.
– I understood that you took me as an example of living. If so, believe in me. Worship me. In response to your faith, I shall defeat Satan for you.
Shizukuishi’s body shook. I felt that her heart was greatly tilted.
– For… me.
– Do you want to see a miracle?
As if she had a fever, a reddish thing was put on Shizukuishi’s cheeks.
– … I want to see it.
I opened my arms bravely, as if invoking a storm in the city of water.
Shizukuishi blushed and muttered ecstatically.
– So… cool…
Eh? Really?
I was wondering if I was a little too exaggerated now even if I say so myself.
But Shizukuishi looks up at me with teary eyes. I’ve been thinking about this for quite a while, but you’re pretty much a chuunibyou──
– So what do you want me to do…?
Oh. Straight to the point.
– I want you to talk to the people of 2A Guild.
– Talk? About what?
– I want you to encourage 2A Guild to join the Demon King Army.
– Wha…!?
– It’ll take the form of a joint struggle, but you’ll get to be under my command. Otherwise, that Satan won’t be defeated. In essence, 2A Guild will be the Demon King Army.
Now… what will you do? Shizukuishi.
Her mouth was bent as if had stiffened.
– As expected of Hellshaft-sama… you are far beyond my imagination.
Shizukuishi lost the color in her face and showed a challenging smile.
– Interesting. We we’ll be part of the Demon King Army that should be defeated, we… fufufu.
──Alright!
With this, Shizukuishi has fallen.
Now to draw near 2A’s core.
And obtain an army and the armament to defeat Satan.
2A Guild will be my new army.
The next morning, I was awakened by Shizukuishi.
– Hellshaft-sama really came to see me, you know? This I, the black-haired witch! That’s not everything. He came to have a very important discussion with me.
Her nasal breathing was heavy, it was Shizukuishi who talks about it with proud.
– A discussion that affects the fate of the world was held last night… Between the Demon King Hellshaft and me. Ufu, ufu, ufufufufufufufufufu.
Shizukuishi stares at the void with a fascinating face.
– Oh… amazing, isn’t it? It’d be impossible for me to talk with Hellshaft face to face. He’s scary.
Shizukuishi makes her eyes shine bright and took a questionable pose. Err, that’s the pose I took yesterday.
– That’s because you’re a slave of your own heart! Your soul is bound to your own chains of fear!
– O-okay…
Hold on, no matter how much you put it, you’re way too influenced, black-haired witch!
– I-I’ll be careful as much as I can… so, what was the discussion about?
She was so noisy, she teased me with “Then you want to hear? Do you want to hear, right?” but her figure that talked so proudly like Hellshaft is a little cute.
– ──That said, he wants me to talk to 2A Guild to join forces with the Demon King Army. So think of a good way for it.
Eh? Are you leaving everything to me? Despite yesterday night showing off with「Please leave it to the black-haired witch」. Well, I’m used to have things delegated to me as a subcontractor, but still.
– First is Ichinomiya. If you seize him, it’ll be the same as consolidating 2A’s opinion.
I know Ichinomiya’s plans. He came back from his expedition yesterday, so he should be in Laguna now. Unlike Hinazawa, he’s serious and methodical. He acts as planned.
──And an hour later.
I went to Ichinomiya’s room.
– Doumeguri. It’s rare for you to visit my place.
When I knocked on the door of Ichinomiya’s room, a refreshing smile appeared from behind the door.
– Yeah, actually, there’s something I’d like to talk about.
I was prompted to enter, and entered Ichinomiya’s room. Then I sat in a chair as recommended.
– So, what do you want to discuss?
– Well, to be exact, it’s not me, but Shizukuishi.
Ichinomiya, who was about to prepare tea, looked back at me, startled.
– Shizukuishi-san?
Then he took out a cup from the shelf and started preparing tea again. His movements are awfully hectic.
──I knew it.
Ichinomiya is attracted to Shizukuishi. I don’t know how much, but I’m sure he likes her. I don’t really know what he finds in her, but I couldn’t care less the reason he likes her.
Rather, I am concerned about his relationship with Asagiri.
Were you dating on the sandy beach of Sandiano? I got an ambiguous reply from Asagiri when I asked her. Even though we were talking about Ichinomiya at a café not long ago, she sometimes had a strangely cold look that lasted for only an instant. She wants to know all sorts of things about Ichinomiya. I thought that she was vigilant about Shizukuishi taking Ichinomiya, but I feel that’s not it.
Even if I think about it, I don’t understand the relationship between them. However, there’s no doubt that Ichinomiya has a strong liking for Shizukuishi. Now, that has to be used.
Holding two tea cups, Ichinomiya comes back in front of me. He asked nervously as he sat down in the chair.
– What does Shizukuishi want to talk with me? Moreover, why is that going through Doumeguri?
Then, I told him the main part, that she was approached to form a temporary alliance with Hellshaft. He was surprised at first, but as I explained it, he began to listen to me calmly.
– The alliance is only for the purpose of overthrowing Satan. That’s far as the cooperation goes, and the alliance will be dissolved when Satan is defeated… what do you think? I don’t think it’s bad for a conversation.
– Certainly, I understand the benefits to us, but I can’t trust him.
– But we have no choice. As things are, we’ll let Asagiri die without helping her. Shizukuishi also cares about that.
– Is that so…? Shizukuishi-san, too, cares about Ririko…
– Yeah. Shizukuishi has that sort of personality that it’s hard to understand, but she’s really worried. And I’m afraid that even she will have the same fate. So when she told me the story, she said she wanted to ask Ichinomiya for advice.
– Shizukuishi-san, asking me…
I put a lot of dramatization into it, but it can’t be helped. The intentions of the speaker can be matched later.
– That’s right. But she doesn’t know how she should talk to Ichinomiya, so she talked to me first, a person she relatively cares nothing about.
– I, I see… oh, I mean, there’s no way she cares nothing about you.
Ichinomiya shows a shy smile. He usually looks more handsome and mature than the age he has, but when he smiles like this, he looks strangely boyish. This kind of thing may be irresistible for girls.
Ichinomiya immediately put his serious face back and folded his arms.
– But I think everyone will be against cooperating with Hellshaft. It might be a trap. What will we experience after defeating Satan?
– We won’t cooperate with Hellshaft. We’ll use him. After all, he’ll be Satan’s opponent. We should just help Hellshaft until he reaches Satan. If we were to be killed by Hellshaft after the operation was over, we would only get a level-up penalty. It’s not the same as being killed by Satan. And, if there’s a chance, both Satan and Hellshaft could fall together.
– … But Doumeguri is eager about this operation.
I shrugged my shoulders forcedly.
– Well, I don’t want to die. And Satan’s army is getting near Laguna, right? If we don’t take measures fast, we won’t even have a place to escape.
– Certainly, there’s a report saying that Satan Army is in town, on the opposite shore. However, since it’s separated by the sea, I don’t think it’ll come soon…
… One more push, maybe?
– But that’s a matter of time, no? Also, I think it’s rare for Shizukuishi to depend on others, and I want to make that hope come true. If Ichinomiya is against it, there’s nothing we can do, but…
– No, that’s not what I mean.
– Is that so? Since Ichinomiya says so, I’m sure Shizukuishi will be pleased too.
Ichinomiya showed a shy facial expression again.
– Just talking to me won’t make her be pleased, am I right? But I got the gist of it. At least I think it’s worth considering a joint struggle with the Demon King Army.
This developed faster than expected. Shizukuishi power is impressive. To think it had this way of being used.
– I’d like you to hear the words of Shizukuishi again. Talk about the contents.
– Sure. That’s no more than Shizukuishi-san’s… No, Hellshaft’s demand, right?
– Actually there’s one more thing.
Ichinomiya, with a slightly vigilant look, tensed up at my words.
– The Holy Grave.
– I see.
– Well, it’s not like Hellshaft is demanding to protect himself, but it seems he’ll fight Satan with Holy Grave. According to what Shizukuishi heard from Hellshaft, that sword can be used for Satan as well.
Ichinomiya is… surprised? I asked.
– If that’s the case, what about Satan’s identity?
– That’s up to Hellshaft.
– I see, but Holy Grave…
Ichinomiya frowned.
– It’s a bit troublesome.
– … I guess.
– Even if a united front was set, Ririko didn’t intend to participate in the battle, but… as was expected, whether or not she’ll let go of Holy Grave…
– I… don’t like that. You should stop.
Asagiri replied, holding a soft but precise will of rejection.
In the lobby of the hotel, Ichinomiya, Shizukuishi and I are trying to persuade her, but she won’t nod yes by any means. Asagiri stubbornly refused to collaborate with Hellshaft or provide Holy Grave.
The discussion between Shizukuishi and Ichinomiya was solved really smoothly, but she’s a strong enemy, just like I thought.
– Collaborating with Hellshaft is… no. it’s truly impossible.
Ichinomiya looks at the troubled-looking faces of Shizukuishi and mine. Well, you’re reliable, so please, leader. Ichinomiya pulled himself together and boldly attacked.
– But, unless we accept the offer, Ririko. Your life will…
The pattern of the curse that spoils Asagiri’s body is now corroding under her eyes and cheeks like a tattoo. She seems to have a few more days. However, Asagiri answered confidently.
– I’m cool. Because I’m prepared.
Shizukuishi sighed deeply and frowned with a bored look in her face.
– Hey, Asagiri-san. You’re way too prepared. You have to struggle a bit more from the fate of death.
– I agree, Asagiri. It’s still early to give up.
I also follow suit and support her claims, but we were easily rejected.
– Because it will put everyone in danger. How can I let everyone put on a ring the same as mine? If that were to happen, then what should I say to everyone?
– That’s…
Looking at the frightened Ichinomiya, Shizukuishi makes irritation sneak a look at his expression. Dangerous. She seems like she’s about to say “isn’t it time for you all to be sacrificed to Hellshaft-sama?”
I hurriedly cut into the conversation.
– What if that’s what everyone decides? If everyone is ok with it, then Asagiri will be ok too.
This time, Asagiri was at a loss for words for a moment. She cast her gaze down and said as if complaining.
– If that were the case, then that would be it… still, I can’t trust Hellshaft. I mean, he’ll suddenly betray us… even if we talk to him and think that we can trust him, he’s someone who can easily reverse his decision. He must be planning something again, I’m sure of it.
My habitual behavior is at fault here, huh… however, that was an unstoppable situation… Even if I regret it, nothing will change.
Asagiri pressed her chest.
– Besides, this… Holy Grave is our trump card for returning to our world. Even if I die, with this sword, everyone who remains can defeat Hellshaft and return to our world.
Without being able to stand it, I said in a strong tone.
– Don’t say stupid things! Why should Asagiri be sacrificed? Isn’t it okay if we obtain this Holy Grave again!?
However, Asagiri also answered back in a strong tone.
– Is there any guarantee that we can get it again!?
At that moment, the hotel door opened with a loud sound.
When I turn around at something, Hinazawa, Yuuki and Arisugawa burst in as if rolling. Hinazawa shouted before I ask “what’s the matter?”
– It’s terrible! The Demon King Army is crossing the sea!
Surprised, Ichinomiya stood up.
– What?!
That’s ridiculous! They should have no navy. Then how?
They came running at full speed then? Arisugawa reports while having his throat blocked.
– They’re using boats for transportation… such as gondolas… while they’re not coming all at once, they’re coming all in succession!
What the hell? To think they moved this fast… when we’ve finally talked this much.
From the open entrance, this time Ougiya, Leonhardt and Yamada burst in. And shortly after, Busujima and Miyakoshi came as well.
– B-bad news! T-the Demon King Army is coming!
The confused Ougiya shouted while spitting saliva. Busujima and Miyakoshi also appealed to us with frightened expressions.
– E-escape fast! Quickly!
Dammit! It’s useless. If we run away from here, Asagiri will really die.
A cold voice echoed in the panicked hotel lobby.
– Calm down. You’re losing your composure, you’re so disgraceful.
──Shizukuishi.
– B-because! It has already come here! The Demon King Army!
– That’s not the Demon King Army. It’s Satan Army.
– I don’t care! Any of that!
Ougiya yells with an indignant-looking force.
– You have to care about it. The Demon King Army is Hellshaft-sa… Hellshaft’s army. The army we’re going to fight with. It’s a big difference.
The lot that burst in the lobby became speechless with the words of Shizukuishi. That’s to be expected. A bolt out of the blue, no, it was beyond their imagination.
Hinazawa asked without bearing it.
– Wait a moment! What does that mean?
– It’s my first time hearing it so I don’t understand why!
– That can wait! Let’s go fast!
– Yeah, we don’t get it!
– W-what’s going on?
– Uwaaaaaaaa, I don’t understand anything!
The other guys made a great fuss.
– I’ve told you to calm down, haven’t I!? Okay? The only choice we have is joining forces with Hellshaft. We have no time or ways to fight. So──
However, the lot that fell into panic had no composure to listen to Shizukuishi’s polite explanation. Their brains ended up shutting out the contents they couldn’t understand.
– Shut up already! Shizukuishi!
– You always do as you please, so why are you giving us orders?
Moreover, Shizukuishi wasn’t popular. She was at a disadvantage.
Ichinomiya spread his hands and urged them to calm down.
– You said that Satan Army is coming!? Where and how many?
– Well, we don’t know the place or their numbers!
– But it’s coming anyway!
Without accurate information, only fear goes first.
Asagiri stood up and shouted sharply.
– Everyone, prepare for departure! Someone go to see the ship! If the ship is seized, we won’t be able to escape!
– This is bad, really bad! I’ll go and get the luggage! And check the ship!
──Oh crap, what should I do? Here and now? Maybe, by doing something here, I’ll influence what will happen next.
What will you do? Doumeguri Kakeru.
Starting over is impossible.
As if disturbing my desperate thoughts, the angry voice of the angry Shizukuishi resounded.
– You hopeless incompetents! Aa geez! You should really die for Hellshaft-sama willfully──
I gazed at the crumbling 2A Guild moving with each thought.
As I was staring at the confusion, my head did the opposite, it cooled down.
Well,
If I feel like it, it’s easy to put them together.
It’s not a special method. But an extremely common one.
The same method is used in both small groups and huge nations.
A “universal template” as they call it.
Only I will be at a huge risk.
But,
It’s the only way to get through this.
It’s fine.
At any rate, I’m a loner.
To sacrifice me and to obtain 2A Guild and Holy Grave.
And for Asagiri’s life!
I let out a voice from the bottom of my stomach to stop Ougiya who was about to go to the back to get the luggage.
– Goddammit! You’re morons! Incompetents! You’re nothing but scum! I can’t deal with you anymore!
– ──!?
A guy who doesn’t usually speak in a loud voice yelled, so everyone looked at me, surprised.
Asagiri opened her eyes wide and stared at me.
– Doumeguri-kun…?
I continued speaking while looking at everyone.
– It was the only way for us to survive! We make Hellshaft believe that we have formed an alliance with him but then we crash him into Satan, that way the Demon Kings crush each other!
Everyone is taken aback, listening to me. Alright, I got them.
– If you can’t do that, then I’ll take the liberty to leave! I’m joining Satan’s side. I’ll become Satan’s subordinate and kill you all!
– ──Wha!?
– Huh!?
– Eeh!?
Most of them hardened with stupid faces while having their mouths open. That’s to be expected, isn’t it? The guy at the bottom of the school caste suddenly revolted and became a threat to their lives.
Ichinomiya shouted, making anger envelop him.
– Hey, Doumeguri! Stop with the absurd jokes, this is not the place for that!
– I’m serious. If I’m with you, I’m just going to die. If I cooperate with Satan, maybe I’ll become a leader!
If they reflect on it calmly, they can see that it’s ridiculous and that I have no basis. But they can’t afford to judge that.
Ougiya grabbed me by the collar.
– You fucker! Don’t say brazen thinks like that!
– Rather, it’s impossible! You’re the scum! Go to hell!
Following Miyakoshi, the rest of the gang launch a stream of insults.
Busujima also stares at me as if looking at a dirty thing.
– I misjudged you… you’re the worst.
Hinazawa, Yuuki, Arisugawa, Leonhardt and Yamada, who took the opportunity, also gazed at me with scorn.
But I laughed with the worst face I could make.
– There’s no other way! Hellshaft needs Holy Grave to win! As long as it can’t be used, we won’t have a chance of winning against Hellshaft! Then it’s common sense to join the winning side! You morons should run in a hurry. I’ll go hunting you later!
– You fucker!
A shock ran through my face and my cheek became numb. The room leans and the floor draws near.
──Oh, I was hit, wasn’t I?
I understood that when I felt the shock of my body falling to the floor.
However, I can’t lie down comfortably.
– Hahahaha! I’ll never forget being hit! You guys aren’t going to have a normal way of dying!
Ichinomiya grabbed my chest and dragged me and pulled me up.
– Hey! Don’t say jokes like that! Now──
– I’m serious!
──It can’t be true.
I’m now a hypothetical enemy of 2A Guild.
What is the easiest way to band a group that is fighting over something together?
The answer to that is: creating a common enemy.
It’s a method that is widely practiced from small circles to powerful countries.
Its effectiveness comes from the fact that the enemy and the threat of the enemy are easy to understand.
I feel irritated. I’m aiming at their lives. As you can see, it meets the highest requirements.
And as for the story, a hero who will make my evilness look better is needed.
Akira Ichinomiya constricts my collar and shouts.
– Even if you do that, it doesn’t mean you can survive! Satan might kill all humans!
As expected, Ichinomiya has read me that much, huh. A very good performance. But he’s a little too serious. It’s hard to breathe.
I act violently and shake off Ichinomiya’s hand.
– I’m okay with it! Until now, you’ve been treating me like a loner, and you’ve been looking down on me as if I was scum or trash, so thanks for that! If I’m going to die, then I’ll beat you all with my hands before that happens!
The face of Ichinomiya is distorted by anger and sadness.
– You…
Ichinomiya clenches his fist.
──Hmm? Huh?
Ichinomiya had tears in his eyes and shook his clasped fist with all his might.
It’s a blow with all of his might that put his whole body weight on it──whoa, hold on, hold on! Don’t tell me that you haven’t noticed it!? If I eat that punch then I──
At that moment, Ichinomiya’s face hardened in astonishment.
– ! Shizukuishi-san… what──
Shizukuishi’s body jumped in front of me before Ichinomiya’s punch. I muttered towards the back of the black-haired girl.
– Shizukuishi-san…
At that moment, Shizukuishi’s body rotated and a punch with centrifugal force was driven into my cheek.
──Wha!?
My body staggers and falls to the floor while knocking down a table.
T-this bastard! Why did you punch me!? It’s more womanly to slap me in the face!
– The worst trash.
Shizukuishi looked down at me with cold eyes.
– Hellshaft can win! No, nobody but Hellshaft can defeat Satan! The Demon King equipped with Holy Grave. Nowhere else in the world you can find such a strong existence! We have no choice but to bet on Hellshaft to survive!
Hinazawa screams, as if she had suddenly realized.
– Ririko! The Holy Grave, you have it, right!?
Asagiri, who was half-dumbfounded and watched over the course of events, came to her senses and stared at Hinazawa.
– Eh… but.
– Come on, lend it! Being killed by the loner, give me a break!
Yuuki also stared at Asagiri with teary eyes.
– P-please…
– Hurry up! He intends to kill Ageha!? It’s too disgusting to be killed by a trash like that!
– Do it! We won’t have to fight! We’ll just let the Demon Kings fight each other!
– Yo! A monster crashing into a monster! A Champion Festival!
– Asagiri-san! If Satan is defeated, Asagiri-san will be saved! So please!
Everybody asked Asagiri for help.
– G-guys… but.
Shizukuishi delivers the final blow to the bewildered Asagiri.
– Asagiri-san. Don’t say anything more selfish. This is everyone’s consensus.
– … Consensus.
Asagiri slowly opened her eyes wide as if she had noticed something.
… It’s the right time.
While everyone swarmed Asagiri, I jumped up to my feet and rushed outside. I run at full speed without stopping. My face, which was hit, hurt, but I didn’t care. Rather, they unexpectedly and gentlemanly leave it as that.
Since I quickly turn a corner and turn a few number of alleys, they shouldn’t be able to follow me anymore. When I stopped, I checked the area just to be sure and twisted my finger to display the menu.
It’s Demon King time from here on.
My body was wrapped in Demon King’s armor, I transformed from Doumeguri Kakeru into Demon King Hellshaft.
I started walking, walked down the alley and knocked the door of a vacant house in the back. Then the door opens and Adra and Satanachia appear from inside.
– We were waiting for you, my King.
They bowed deeply towards me.
– Let’s go. But before that, Satanachia.
– Yes.
– Burn down all the ships in the harbor ahead. But don’t let humans notice that you did it.
– Understood.
The minute that I say so, Satanachia ran off like the wind.
– It looks like Satan Army is coming.
– Yes. Not the Black Knights, but the former Hellanders. Since they are crossing by small boats, it is not worth mentioning.
– Is our ship ready?
– Yes. It has been protected by Grasha and Forneus, so there is nothing to worry about.
Then, Satanachia came back.
– Hellshaft-sama. I have shot fire arrows on all ships. They probably will never be useful again.
– Well done. Let’s go.
I turned back and walked down the narrow path. Adra followed my back.
– Where are we going?
– To the ship.
Then, and without a moment’s delay, Adra moved to the front.
– I will guide you.
Satanachia followed me and prepared for an attack from behind. I speak to Adra from behind.
– It looks like humans have decided to join us.
– Naturally. Even though it is temporary, it is a delight to be a subordinate of my King. A reward too great for humans.
After turning the corner, I found a wide canal. There was a gorgeous sailing ship moored there, which looked like twice the size of 2A’s ship.
– Oh! You’re late! King-sama!
– H-e-l-l-s-a-m-a ♪ I was waiting for you!
Grasha and Forneus were waving their hands on the deck of the ship. I give instructions while crossing the ramp put on the ship.
– Start sailing. We’ll go help the humans who grieve and moan over their burning ships.
Satanachia smiled, looking happy.
– Ara, then I was the director of the scene.
– Fufu… because we need to make humans realize who has the high ground and who the king is.
My ship started to move slowly and headed for the harbor that dyed the sky red.
When I went around half a day to the south from the desert town of Alexar, there was a relatively warm mountainous area with lots of greenery. There’s a cabin built so that I can hide in the mountains. Surrounded by forests, the cabin was half-decayed, and it looked terrible.
– Is this the place…?
It used to be a bar and inn, but now it’s naturally an unoccupied house. The atmosphere which said it has been abandoned for more than a dozen years gives a nice feeling of ruins.
Satanachia bowed apologetically.
– Yes. This is the only thing I found that can be used as a hideout.
Forneus jumped into the sky and reached the roof.
– Wow, the roof is tattered.
Grasha scratched behind his ears while saying “yare yare”.
– Is there really nothing else but this? I’m okay with it, but for King-sama to be here.
I looked up at the battered small cabin.
– Worry not. I don’t need to live pleasantly. If I can hide myself, this will do.
Forneus jumped down from the roof, and lightly landed in front of me.
– Then this is our new home, the new Infermia.
– What on earth are you saying? How is this run-down shabby cabin… going to be Infermia?
Grasha said as if spitting out. But I shake my head.
– No. It’s as Forneus says. This is our castle now. Fufu… doesn’t it suit us, now that we are like this?
Satanachia hung her head with a sad look.
– Hellshaft-sama…
– Don’t get me wrong. I said it suits us as the castle we need now. We’ll use this as a starting point to take Infermia back as soon as possible!
At that moment, the door opened and Adra came out from inside.
– I briefly checked the inside. For the time being, cleaning and simple repairs seem manageable. Satanachia, Forneus, don’t be careless. You two will be cleaning the second and third floors. I will do the first floor. Grasha, you go to the nearby city and buy repair tools, materials and dinner ingredients.
Saying so, Adra passed the shopping memo to Grasha.
– I’m telling you this, buy the stuff, and don’t pillage it. Don’t touch anything at the storefront of your own accord because it looks delicious. Pretend to be a disciplined dog. And don’t make a scene.
– Tch, okay.
Grasha, who took the memo as if snatching it from him, kicked the ground and started running at once. His figure disappears into the forest in the blink of an eye. Adra clapped and gave instructions to Satanachia and Forneus.
– Now, hurry up. We have to prepare a room where our King can relax by the evening.
Thus, the three of them started cleaning, and when Grasha finally returned, the repair of the roof began. What I was doing during that time was… sitting outside and wait and wait. I was bored to death. I was about to die because I had too much free time. But if I tried to help, their 《LOYALTY》 would definitely drop.
Inevitably, I watched my subordinates repair and clean the new Infermia while realizing that I was useless.
──And at night.
I leaned on the sofa and relaxed comfortably. I look around, the fireplace is burning in the room with an antique design. There was a counter in a corner of the room, the remnants of the bar remained there. To be honest, it doesn’t seem to be the ruined room it was until a few hours ago.
– Thank you for your hard work. You have repaired it this much in a short time.
– I am much obliged.
The apron-wearer Adra arranges the dishes on the table.
– I am sorry, I can only do simple things.
The skewered meat and vegetables were grilled over an open flame. While they’re certainly not elaborate, they look tasty enough. Warm white steam rises from the grilled meat and vegetables and the overflowing juices rise to the surface of the meat. Even though I didn’t like the slightly-drifting savory smell, it stimulated my appetite.
– Uoooooh! I’m hungryyyy! Allow me to eeeeeat!
– Thank you for the fooood!
When Grasha and Forneus grabbed the skewers as if stealing them, they sunk their teeth into the meat and vegetables.
– Both of you have bad manners.
Satanachia said as if chiding them while removing the meat and vegetables from the skewers. But the two people who were like starving beasts certainly didn’t listen to her.
– It’s good! Isn’t this better than your usual bothersome cooking?
– Despite looking like this, the seasoning is properly done. This is the special Adra sauce. And the salt is made from Turguzarau’s rock salt.
Even though it’s simple, he was being picky about Adra’s style?
– Yeah, yeeah. First of all, it’s good so it doesn’t matter.
Saying so, Grasha picked up a second, no a third skewer. Satanachia uses a fork to carry the small-sized cut vegetables into her mouth.
– But it is certainly delicious. And it is kind of calm here.
Satanachia looked around in the room and showed a smile of relief.
– After all, it’s different when there is a roof and walls ♪.
Forneus responded with a big smile.
Certainly. We’ve been sleeping outdoors for a while now. In this way, even if we relax at our own home, we’ll be absolutely calm and feel at ease.
Then, when we ate everything on the table and there were nothing but empty plates, a freshly ground coffee was placed in front of me. When I drank a sip of coffee, I sighed with a feeling of relief.
– It was delicious, Adra.
– I am grateful.
Now we can relax after the meal. Grasha and Forneus are already lying and sleeping languidly on the couch. They’re true to their instincts, aren’t they?
– My King, I would like to ask about the future plans if possible.
Adra sat down in a chair and asked with his usual cool face.
– Yes. According to the information I got, Satan seems to have acquired a new armor. It’s a tribute from the guys called Orzelia doctrine.
I told the particulars of that armor. Satanachia opened her mouth while trying to remember something.
– That armor… I remember hearing it from rumors. But it actually existed… and Orzelia doctrine is certainly a heretical religion, to think they were the ones doing that kind of political activities.
Fixing the position of his glasses, Adra turns his face to Satanachia.
– In any case, the obstacles of overthrowing Satan have increased. Now that it has come to this, we have to consider all means. Even if Zeragiel and Ulriel are against it ──
The ears of Grasha, who was sleeping at that time, moved nervously. The next moment, he suddenly jumped up to his feet.
– What is it?
Grasha looks around and sniffs a smell.
– Something is coming. An incredible disgusting smell.
– What?
Adra stands up, approaches the window and takes a look outside. Satanachia shook her shoulder as she rushed to Forneus.
– Wake up, Forneus.
– Unyu?
– I’ll go take a look.
Grasha walks to the entrance door. Before he touches the handle, the door opened.
It was not opened by itself.
It was opened from the outside.
The figure of the person who opened the door was there.
It’s a knight dressed in black armor. His armor has a rough surface as if it had been used for a long time and it was rusted and corroded. It was dirty and eerie just like the remains of an armor. Four of them invaded the chamber.
I shouted as I stood up.
– These guys are Satan’s minions! Be careful!
Adra draws his sword at once and Satanachia holds her bow. The four black knights drew their swords and slowly moved to the center of the room.
– Nuryaaaaaaaaa!
Grasha throws a punch at the leading black knight. But before that, the black knight swung his sword.
– Guwa!
Grasha’s body is blown away and slams against the back wall. Adra kicked the floor and thrust his sword against the black knight as if changing places. He skillfully stabbed the sword in the chink of his armor. The red sword made from Adra’s blood pierces the stomach of the black knight. However, sand, and not blood, flowed from the body.
– This is…!?
Avoiding the black knight’s body stabbed by the sword, two black knights attack Adra from the left and right. The swords rusted by dry blood pierce Adra from both sides. An instant faster, Adra’s body disappeared, turning into a black fog. The fog came back in front of me and materialized.
– Please be careful, my King. These guys know what they are doing.
– Be sure to bring them down. Don’t miss even one of them.
Adra replied affirmatively and issued instructions.
– Forneus! These guys are undead. It is your turn.
– Got it!
The awakened Forneus raises her arms. Then the ring floating on her waist rotated and shined.
Forneus hooks the rings of light on her wrists and spreads her arms as if pulling them. Then the rings of light split, spinning around the wrists of Forneus.
– Restrain!
Forneus threw the shining rings. The shiny rings wrap around the black knights’ bodies in an instant, bringing the four bodies together and binding them up.
──She did it!?
– Gyaaaaaaaaaaaa!
However, when the black knights let out a noise-like shout, flames gushed out through the chinks in the armor. The flames spread to the floor in an instant, turning the inside of the room into a sea of fire.
– These asshoooooles!
Grasha jumps out of the flames and hurls himself at the black knights. Even though he crashes into them, the four black knights’ bodies are dragged along together without losing momentum. Jumping immediately outside, Grasha threw the body of the black knights away. We also go out of the burning room after that.
When the black knights, who roll on the ground, shake free from the rings of light, they stood up, pushing the bodies of their companions aside. But it’s too late. Grasha slammed his strong arm against the head of a black knight. The black knight’s head fell into the ground and was smashed into pieces.
Another black knight who stood up tries to thrust his sword into Grasha who has his back turned on him. But before that, an arrow of Satanachia was stuck in the chest of the black knight. It’s a thunder arrow. As if a thundercloud was produced inside the black knight’s armor, a lightning bolt flowed from the black knight, shedding a dazzling light. A fiery electric current runs through inside the body of the black knight, and the electric current crawls through the armor. The armor shook as if it twitched and burst open.
The other two black knights turned their backs on us and ran away from there.
– Sacred!
The holy light of Forneus pierced one of them. The next moment, the armor collapses right there as if it were empty.
The other one seemed to have successfully escaped.
However, black bats gather on his way.
– Did you think that you could live and return after pointing your sword at Hellzekter?
When the black bats gather, they turn into Adra. The next moment, his red sword flashed. The black knight’s armor was cut in half from the head to the crotch.
The remains of the black knight break into pieces and vanish while raising a miasma-like smoke.
Adra came back to me and bowed politely.
– My King. We have annihilated all of them.
– I see. Thank you.
For the time being, we won’t be worried about having our whereabouts reported. However….
When I turned around, the burning cabin was there.
– Wow… the new Infermia is burning…
With a sad look, Forneus gazed at the furiously burning cabin.
The place that was built over the day is burning and disappearing disappointingly. The castle that my Hellzekters prepared for me. Our house is crumbling down.
Despite being just a momentary cabin. Why does it feel so painful like this? For some reason, I felt a strong anger.
– Hey, King-sama. What the hell were those?
– … They’re ghosts who were brought back from the graveyard just like Satan. Satan seems to have released those black knights to hunt us.
– Fuck! That damn Satan…
As if being unable to stand it, Grasha bared his fangs.
– Hellshaft-sama. There is no other place for us to go to, is there?
Satanachia asked, sounding anxious. A heavy atmosphere comes down like the veil of darkness.
– Now that it has come to this, we have no choice but to fight! Right!?
Adra responds calmly to the roaring Grasha, but hiding the thing burning inside him.
– …Yes. At this point, that is the only thing we can do.
– Heh, it’s unusual for us to have the same opinion, isn’t it?
Grasha grinned. Satanachia bit her lips and raised her face.
– That’s right… I can’t let these thoughts annoy Hellshaft-sama further than this. Let’s get in Satan’s location.
– I can’t forgive him for burning your home! That’s why Forneus has decided to take revenge no matter what!
These guys…….
I got teary-eyed in my heart. And at the same time, I felt apologetic.
Sorry, guys. Because I’m worthless, I’m making you try too hard.
No matter how strong Hellzekter is, it will be impossible to deal with the entire Hellander army. We don’t know how many NG monster corps such as the black knight were brought back revived from the graveyard. Moreover, there’s Satan who has a terrifying strength. In my head, there was a picture of Hellzekter assaulting Infermia and being brutally killed.
Isn’t that really like dying in vain?
Why these guys have to die?
For me.
Come up with something.
To not let them die.
Isn’t there any way?
Forneus, whose anger doesn’t subside, rages, making a scene.
– Forneus will defeat Satan with one blow!
Adra stared at Forneus with an annoyed look.
– What method do you have for that?
– Uh… Ah! A good idea came into my mind ♪.
What? And the other three also lend an ear to her.
– There’s this thing called『Holy Grave』 that was found before! Even Hell-sama was kind of scared. If we have it, Forneus is proud to say that she can defeat Satan with a single blow.
Ah! That’s….
The reaction of the other three people is also weak. Adra sighed.
– Forneus. That is not a weapon to use against Satan.
– Fue?
The staring-in-puzzlement Forneus tilts her head to the side.
– Not that Holy Grave can kill the Demon King?
– Hey Forneus, the Demon King is Hellshaft-sama, no?
– Yes. And that’s a human weapon. It won’t be useful for you.
– Ack.
Seemingly unable to agree, Forneus inflates her cheeks and purses her lips in a へ shape.
Well, it’s not like things are cool if he’s a Demon King. Satan was a Demon King in the past, and I, Hellshaft, currently exist as the Demon King in Exodia Exodus. Holy Grave is completed when the identity of Hellshaft, that is, the name Doumeguri Kakeru is engraved into it. Only then, it will become a sword that will kill the Demon King Hellshaft. As for the identity of the Demon King, originally, another answer should have been prepared. However, by the time I became the Demon King, the answer changed to 『Doumeguri Kakeru』.
Now, Holy Grave is an item to exclusively defeat Hellshaft.
…….
…… Wait.
Why am I thinking so?
That’s because Satan is the previous Demon King, not the current Demon King.
The answer of the Holy Grave changed when I became Hellshaft.
So, of course, one thinks that it can’t be used for… Satan.
Huh?
Satan was in the game as the Demon King.
However, he’s an NG character.
He was the Demon King, but he was scrapped.
So Satan doesn’t exist in Exodia Exodus.
But now.
He came back as the Demon King.
Satan is the Demon King on the system.
Yes, a Demon King.
And he said.
『It’s worth returning to this world from the bottom of the earth again』
There was a time when he actually reigned as the Demon King. Holy Grave is originally a special item for the event prepared when Exodia Exodus does a collaboration with a sponsor.
And he has revived as he used to be.
The contents aren’t replaced.
If that’s the case, there’s a possibility.
If,
If there was a Holy Grave when Satan was the Demon King,
Of course, the answer that shows Satan’s identity should have been prepared.
In that case,
There’s no need for a large army.
As expected, the five of us aren’t enough, but if we have the minimum amount of soldiers, that will suffice.
Until now, for the sake of defeating the invincible Satan by force,
We were looking for an army to defeat Satan’s army that protects him.
So we needed a decent number.
However, if we can use Holy Grave,
The way of thinking changes completely.
If Satan is defeated, the current Satan army will return to my Hellander.
And Asagiri will be released from the curse spell.
Adra continued to explain to Forneus who couldn’t agree.
– Besides, it is unclear where Holy Grave is. It was previously discovered at a mine in the Rammel Mountains, but it went missing ever since.
I know where it is.
──Asagiri.
It seems I’ll have to get her travel with me one more time.
– Forneus, come here.
– Yes? Hell-sama?
I gently stroked the head of Forneus who came running up to me.
– Unyu? Ehehehe, I don’t get the reason why, but I’m happy ♡.
– …?
Suddenly, the other three looked at me who started patting Forneus with suspicious eyes.
– Eeeh!? You recited this for Forneus!?
– What!?
– Kuh…
– I, I am so jealous…
Not only Forneus’s 《LOYALTY》went up, the 《LOYALTY》 of the vexed three rose too. Perhaps the sense of being complimented by me is connected to their loyalty.
Neither Asagiri nor you will die.
So please, come along with me for a while.
I took off the Demon King armor and returned to Laguna, the city of water. I didn’t stop at the hotel where 2A is based, I hid myself in a narrow alley and listened attentively to the communication gem.
『Yes. Certainly that item should have existed since the early days of development. Satan was also in the development start period, so I think he was concealed back then』
──Nice!
I took a triumphant pose with one hand.
– So, do you remember the password at that time?
『There’s no way I can remember it, is there? 』
– …Yeah, you’re right.
『It was under development, so maybe he had a proper password』
– Oh… password, maybe? Or root…?
『Or someone’s name, birthday, favorite word… 』
If it were a TV drama, I would guess it from the nature of the person who decided the password and I would see into their mind just like that, but reality was hard. In the first place, I don’t even know who decided the password, it’s like catching a cloud.
『However, there may be a way to find out』
– Eh! Really!?
『Originally, it was for a collaboration event with the sponsor, so the password should have been written on the item that could be obtained at the event』
– What kind of item is it?
『It’s a book. The sponsor was a publisher』
I see, there are all sorts of strategy books.
『And that book seems to have been in Caldart』
Caldart? Oh, that bookstore? I didn’t pay attention to it because I was being guided by Asagiri. Does that mean that if I had searched for the bookstore when I was in Caldart, we would have gotten the answer!?
It’s something I couldn’t expect at the time, but it’s somewhat frustrating.
– Now Satan army is occupying it. But can I go and search for it, no?
『Yes, but I wonder if there’s any meaning in going now?』
– Huh!? Then why did you say that just now?
『You captured Caldart, no? At that time, Hellanders plundered all that they could.
– Ah…
There was that.
– Then that means it’s in Infermia now!?
『Shouldn’t it? It should be somewhere in the warehouse』
– Aikawa-san. I’m sorry, but──
『You’re going to tell me to look for it, right? Well… I’ll try doing just that』
But, Aikawa-san added.
『It wasn’t decided that Holy Grave was effective against Satan. It’ll be a hit or miss』
– Yes, I understand. But──
──Asagiri is already at her limit.
When I returned to Laguna and saw Asagiri’s face… the curse pattern had reached her neck. It’s already covering her body. All that remains is her face. Asagiri will die when her face is filled with that pattern.
– ──It’s just a possibility, but I’m grateful.
Saying so, I took my ear off the communication gem.
Now, there are lots of things to do here.
Moreover, I feel reluctant to do them from the start.
– To think I’ll have to rely on that one….
By the time the thin crescent moon was reflected in the Grand Canal of Laguna, I was standing still as if melting into the shadow of a maze-like alley. There’s a waterway in front of me, and narrow roads on both sides of it. There’s nobody around, only the sound of water swaying in the canal.
Will that one come?
In the daytime, when I told that person, they showed a cold reaction. But I’m sure they’re interested. They can’t let go of the interest, curiosity, and ray of hope. If it were a prank, they can just strangle me to death later and then come and explain it to them.
They have that kind of personality.
– …!!
Sounds of footsteps came approaching.
I stealthily gaze at the narrow path from the shadows.
She came.
──Shizukuishi Non.
The feeling of tension of Shizukuishi is transmitted from her way of walking. Once she reached the side of the specified bridge, Shizukuishi looked around.
– There’s nobody… I figured much.
I visited Shizukuishi’s room during the day. 「I saw something unbelievable last night」 I told Shizukuishi with a face of surprise and fear.
──The Demon King Hellshaft appeared in Laguna.
Shizukuishi initially showed an astonished look, but then immediately returned to a dark look and took it as I was lying. But I continued, without minding about it. He appeared in an alley with no people walking in it and told me:
──I want to see the black-haired witch of 2A Guild.
That black-haired witch smiled masochistically, and muttered to herself.
– Fufu… That’s not true. It’s obvious, no? And yet, I unconcernedly… I really fell this low.
At that time, a heatless flame slowly crawled along the waterway to the feet of Shizukuishi. The eyes of Shizukuishi are surprisingly wide open. A flame and a black shadow illuminated by it emerged in her eyes.
I was clad in flames and appeared from the darkness of the alley in front of Shizukuishi.
Showing neither an expression of fear nor delight, Shizukuishi raises a sobbing-like voice.
– No way… you really…
Staring at me, who showed up, Shizukuishi stands stock still. I slowly approached Shizukuishi as I looked down at her small body.
– I got you to come and one else, black-haired witch. There’s something I’d like to ask you.
– To me…?
Her eyes sparkled for a moment, but she immediately hung her head, looking sad. And she sunk into silence.
– What’s wrong?
– What are you trying to do… at this late hour?
– What do you mean by at this late hour?
Shizukuishi bites her lips.
– It’s already over.
And she sunk into silence again. The despair of Shizukuishi is transmitted to my chest.
– You were my… aspiration.
I said without relaxing my haughty attitude.
– Impressive. That’s admirable.
– But now it’s different. You lost. And you showed a terrible disgraceful behavior.
I smiled wryly in my mind. You don’t have to tell me, Shizukuishi.
– I found out you were my dreams and hopes. I wanted to be strong like that. I wanted to have confidence in myself like that. I wanted to follow the path of believing like that. I wanted to behave that way as I want.
Shizukuishi….
– But… in my world, in this world, in the end, one loses to the stronger ones. One just have to curry favors with the stronger ones and live according to their will. It doesn’t matter if it’s right or wrong. It’s impossible to live one’s life the way one likes it. I finally realized that.
In my mind, Shizukuishi’s singing voice that sang on the rooftop of the guild hall and the figure of the happy-looking Shizukuishi’s who sang on the sandy beach of Sandiano are recalled.
– Black-haired witch. Are you wavering about your destiny and your mission?
Shizukuishi pursed her lips and scowled.
She stood motionlessly, but her heart was shaking violently. I felt so.
I patiently waited for a reply.
Eventually, her heavy mouth opened and began to speak bit by bit like drops of water falling.
– I… love singing… I want to follow the road to music… I thought.
Once it flew out, Shizukuishi’s speech gradually becomes fluent.
– But my parents say they will never allow it… my school teacher also thinks I can aim for a good university… “Don’t say something that is a dream”
Surely the words at that time were recalled. The face of Shizukuishi distorts, she looks vexed.
– My parents impose their own values on me… they hate what they can’t understand and decide that something they dislike is worthless. They take my welfare into consideration… and so on, but that’s a lie. They just want me to be the person they want me to be. My parents are convinced that my life is theirs. As if they were trying to relive their lives. Or maybe they’re pet owners who are angry because their pet doesn’t do what they want.
I imagined a seemingly cool Shizukuishi arguing with her parents at home. No, rather, she rebelled in her heart while going with a defeated appearance like this.
– The teacher just wants me to improve my grades with a rate of advancement to go to a top university. They’re only thinking of using me for their own sake. How to use me to maximize their gains. Parents, teachers, even everyone in the class. When they say “friend”, they select and rate their friends based on how useful they are and how they make them feel good.
When Shizukuishi raised her face, she smiled as if giving up.
– But I have no way to fight against absurd people like that. I really wanted to fight and defeat them. The overwhelming strength to smash their ulterior motives, I wanted the power to live without being dependent on anyone else. I don’t want to be a useful tool called “friend”.
Shizukuishi looks up at me with tears in her eyes.
– You are my charisma. When I look at you, I feel like I can do anything. But when the dream ends, I’m a laughable existence. The magic has already been broken, Hellshaft.
Her wet eyes say goodbye to me.
Yeah, that’s right.
I can tell your feelings say that much.
As a matter of fact, I feel the same. Speaking of which, you said to me before.
『Somehow, when I see myself, I want to die』
──You really feel angry.
– I know nothing of your world.
Shizukuishi’s body shook violently.
– So I don’t know how deep or serious your troubles are.
Then she turns her eyes away as if being disappointed.
– Fufu… that’s true.
– Seeing the way I am now and getting disappointed is thanks to nobody but you. However, I won’t forgive you for willfully deciding that I lost.
– … But you lost, no?
– I haven’t lost yet. I only took a strategic withdrawal. Sooner or later, I will defeat Satan and recover Infermia.
Shizukuishi said as if laughing at my childish excuse.
– Yes, Hellshaft. You’re still dreaming, aren’t you…?
However, I quickly counterattack.
– It’s arrogant to think that because it’s impossible for you it’s impossible for others.
Shizukuishi frowned as if her weak point was stabbed. Even so, she talks back as if becoming serious.
– But, even if you think calmly, it’s impossible for you to defeat Satan and flourish again… miracles don’t exist.
Certainly, Satan can use powerful magic that I don’t have. His attack power is probably stronger than mine. Moreover, he has a special ability that can delete data.
Winning is highly unlikely.
The fear of the previous fight is recalled in my body. My heart panics and my willpower loses strength. However──,
– ──Satan, he doesn’t have the qualifications as the Demon King of this world.
– …What do you mean?
Shizukuishi asked with a suspicious look.
– The Demon King ought to be a ruler. Domination is achieved through fear and aesthetics. But Satan, he’s no more than a destroyer.
Shizukuishi waited for the continuation of my words as if being interested in them.
– He only has a sense of rivalry to God. So to speak, he’s a slave of his own consciousness. That’s right, he has an enormous power. But what is that? No matter how powerful he may be, he’s a small fry. He’s not a king’s vessel.
The hue of pity and disappointment fades from the eyes of Shizukuishi who stares at me.
– Black-haired witch. What you say is correct.
– Eh?
– Humans are… stupid. Really stupid creatures.
– Y-yes, they are. They are really… desperately stupid.
– But while knowing that, why do you lament?
– ──Eh.
She looked up at me with a surprised look.
– You agree, no? Humans are stupid. What do you expect from idiots?
Shizukuishi’s eyes swayed shaking.
– You’re dominated by others. You just move about in confusion and get your heart disturbed by the behavior and evaluation of other people and things like that. The speech and words of the stupid creatures you mention. Why?
– T-that’s…
– Listen. It’s because you’re used to being a subordinate to the will and words of others.
– … !!
– But it’s not someone else’s fault. The biggest problem is inside you.
The throat of Shizukuishi went up and down gulpingly.
– Don’t be a slave to insignificant attachments, black-haired witch. Free your own soul. You’re the same as Satan. The slave of a trivial fixation is in your heart.
– I… I──
Her fine eyelashes quiver short and repeatedly. The voice of Shizukuishi shook as if revealing her heart.
– Black-haired witch. Help me out. If you do so, I’ll show you something good.
– Something good… what?
– ──A miracle.
Shizukuishi solidified with a surprised expression.
– You said that defeating Satan and reigning this world again was a miracle. Then I’ll show you. The thing you call miracle.
A glimmer of hope sparkles in the eyes of Shizukuishi.
– I understood that you took me as an example of living. If so, believe in me. Worship me. In response to your faith, I shall defeat Satan for you.
Shizukuishi’s body shook. I felt that her heart was greatly tilted.
– For… me.
– Do you want to see a miracle?
As if she had a fever, a reddish thing was put on Shizukuishi’s cheeks.
– … I want to see it.
I opened my arms bravely, as if invoking a storm in the city of water.
Shizukuishi blushed and muttered ecstatically.
– So… cool…
Eh? Really?
I was wondering if I was a little too exaggerated now even if I say so myself.
But Shizukuishi looks up at me with teary eyes. I’ve been thinking about this for quite a while, but you’re pretty much a chuunibyou──
– So what do you want me to do…?
Oh. Straight to the point.
– I want you to talk to the people of 2A Guild.
– Talk? About what?
– I want you to encourage 2A Guild to join the Demon King Army.
– Wha…!?
– It’ll take the form of a joint struggle, but you’ll get to be under my command. Otherwise, that Satan won’t be defeated. In essence, 2A Guild will be the Demon King Army.
Now… what will you do? Shizukuishi.
Her mouth was bent as if had stiffened.
– As expected of Hellshaft-sama… you are far beyond my imagination.
Shizukuishi lost the color in her face and showed a challenging smile.
– Interesting. We we’ll be part of the Demon King Army that should be defeated, we… fufufu.
──Alright!
With this, Shizukuishi has fallen.
Now to draw near 2A’s core.
And obtain an army and the armament to defeat Satan.
2A Guild will be my new army.
The next morning, I was awakened by Shizukuishi.
– Hellshaft-sama really came to see me, you know? This I, the black-haired witch! That’s not everything. He came to have a very important discussion with me.
Her nasal breathing was heavy, it was Shizukuishi who talks about it with proud.
– A discussion that affects the fate of the world was held last night… Between the Demon King Hellshaft and me. Ufu, ufu, ufufufufufufufufufu.
Shizukuishi stares at the void with a fascinating face.
– Oh… amazing, isn’t it? It’d be impossible for me to talk with Hellshaft face to face. He’s scary.
Shizukuishi makes her eyes shine bright and took a questionable pose. Err, that’s the pose I took yesterday.
– That’s because you’re a slave of your own heart! Your soul is bound to your own chains of fear!
– O-okay…
Hold on, no matter how much you put it, you’re way too influenced, black-haired witch!
– I-I’ll be careful as much as I can… so, what was the discussion about?
She was so noisy, she teased me with “Then you want to hear? Do you want to hear, right?” but her figure that talked so proudly like Hellshaft is a little cute.
– ──That said, he wants me to talk to 2A Guild to join forces with the Demon King Army. So think of a good way for it.
Eh? Are you leaving everything to me? Despite yesterday night showing off with「Please leave it to the black-haired witch」. Well, I’m used to have things delegated to me as a subcontractor, but still.
– First is Ichinomiya. If you seize him, it’ll be the same as consolidating 2A’s opinion.
I know Ichinomiya’s plans. He came back from his expedition yesterday, so he should be in Laguna now. Unlike Hinazawa, he’s serious and methodical. He acts as planned.
──And an hour later.
I went to Ichinomiya’s room.
– Doumeguri. It’s rare for you to visit my place.
When I knocked on the door of Ichinomiya’s room, a refreshing smile appeared from behind the door.
– Yeah, actually, there’s something I’d like to talk about.
I was prompted to enter, and entered Ichinomiya’s room. Then I sat in a chair as recommended.
– So, what do you want to discuss?
– Well, to be exact, it’s not me, but Shizukuishi.
Ichinomiya, who was about to prepare tea, looked back at me, startled.
– Shizukuishi-san?
Then he took out a cup from the shelf and started preparing tea again. His movements are awfully hectic.
──I knew it.
Ichinomiya is attracted to Shizukuishi. I don’t know how much, but I’m sure he likes her. I don’t really know what he finds in her, but I couldn’t care less the reason he likes her.
Rather, I am concerned about his relationship with Asagiri.
Were you dating on the sandy beach of Sandiano? I got an ambiguous reply from Asagiri when I asked her. Even though we were talking about Ichinomiya at a café not long ago, she sometimes had a strangely cold look that lasted for only an instant. She wants to know all sorts of things about Ichinomiya. I thought that she was vigilant about Shizukuishi taking Ichinomiya, but I feel that’s not it.
Even if I think about it, I don’t understand the relationship between them. However, there’s no doubt that Ichinomiya has a strong liking for Shizukuishi. Now, that has to be used.
Holding two tea cups, Ichinomiya comes back in front of me. He asked nervously as he sat down in the chair.
– What does Shizukuishi want to talk with me? Moreover, why is that going through Doumeguri?
Then, I told him the main part, that she was approached to form a temporary alliance with Hellshaft. He was surprised at first, but as I explained it, he began to listen to me calmly.
– The alliance is only for the purpose of overthrowing Satan. That’s far as the cooperation goes, and the alliance will be dissolved when Satan is defeated… what do you think? I don’t think it’s bad for a conversation.
– Certainly, I understand the benefits to us, but I can’t trust him.
– But we have no choice. As things are, we’ll let Asagiri die without helping her. Shizukuishi also cares about that.
– Is that so…? Shizukuishi-san, too, cares about Ririko…
– Yeah. Shizukuishi has that sort of personality that it’s hard to understand, but she’s really worried. And I’m afraid that even she will have the same fate. So when she told me the story, she said she wanted to ask Ichinomiya for advice.
– Shizukuishi-san, asking me…
I put a lot of dramatization into it, but it can’t be helped. The intentions of the speaker can be matched later.
– That’s right. But she doesn’t know how she should talk to Ichinomiya, so she talked to me first, a person she relatively cares nothing about.
– I, I see… oh, I mean, there’s no way she cares nothing about you.
Ichinomiya shows a shy smile. He usually looks more handsome and mature than the age he has, but when he smiles like this, he looks strangely boyish. This kind of thing may be irresistible for girls.
Ichinomiya immediately put his serious face back and folded his arms.
– But I think everyone will be against cooperating with Hellshaft. It might be a trap. What will we experience after defeating Satan?
– We won’t cooperate with Hellshaft. We’ll use him. After all, he’ll be Satan’s opponent. We should just help Hellshaft until he reaches Satan. If we were to be killed by Hellshaft after the operation was over, we would only get a level-up penalty. It’s not the same as being killed by Satan. And, if there’s a chance, both Satan and Hellshaft could fall together.
– … But Doumeguri is eager about this operation.
I shrugged my shoulders forcedly.
– Well, I don’t want to die. And Satan’s army is getting near Laguna, right? If we don’t take measures fast, we won’t even have a place to escape.
– Certainly, there’s a report saying that Satan Army is in town, on the opposite shore. However, since it’s separated by the sea, I don’t think it’ll come soon…
… One more push, maybe?
– But that’s a matter of time, no? Also, I think it’s rare for Shizukuishi to depend on others, and I want to make that hope come true. If Ichinomiya is against it, there’s nothing we can do, but…
– No, that’s not what I mean.
– Is that so? Since Ichinomiya says so, I’m sure Shizukuishi will be pleased too.
Ichinomiya showed a shy facial expression again.
– Just talking to me won’t make her be pleased, am I right? But I got the gist of it. At least I think it’s worth considering a joint struggle with the Demon King Army.
This developed faster than expected. Shizukuishi power is impressive. To think it had this way of being used.
– I’d like you to hear the words of Shizukuishi again. Talk about the contents.
– Sure. That’s no more than Shizukuishi-san’s… No, Hellshaft’s demand, right?
– Actually there’s one more thing.
Ichinomiya, with a slightly vigilant look, tensed up at my words.
– The Holy Grave.
– I see.
– Well, it’s not like Hellshaft is demanding to protect himself, but it seems he’ll fight Satan with Holy Grave. According to what Shizukuishi heard from Hellshaft, that sword can be used for Satan as well.
Ichinomiya is… surprised? I asked.
– If that’s the case, what about Satan’s identity?
– That’s up to Hellshaft.
– I see, but Holy Grave…
Ichinomiya frowned.
– It’s a bit troublesome.
– … I guess.
– Even if a united front was set, Ririko didn’t intend to participate in the battle, but… as was expected, whether or not she’ll let go of Holy Grave…
– I… don’t like that. You should stop.
Asagiri replied, holding a soft but precise will of rejection.
In the lobby of the hotel, Ichinomiya, Shizukuishi and I are trying to persuade her, but she won’t nod yes by any means. Asagiri stubbornly refused to collaborate with Hellshaft or provide Holy Grave.
The discussion between Shizukuishi and Ichinomiya was solved really smoothly, but she’s a strong enemy, just like I thought.
– Collaborating with Hellshaft is… no. it’s truly impossible.
Ichinomiya looks at the troubled-looking faces of Shizukuishi and mine. Well, you’re reliable, so please, leader. Ichinomiya pulled himself together and boldly attacked.
– But, unless we accept the offer, Ririko. Your life will…
The pattern of the curse that spoils Asagiri’s body is now corroding under her eyes and cheeks like a tattoo. She seems to have a few more days. However, Asagiri answered confidently.
– I’m cool. Because I’m prepared.
Shizukuishi sighed deeply and frowned with a bored look in her face.
– Hey, Asagiri-san. You’re way too prepared. You have to struggle a bit more from the fate of death.
– I agree, Asagiri. It’s still early to give up.
I also follow suit and support her claims, but we were easily rejected.
– Because it will put everyone in danger. How can I let everyone put on a ring the same as mine? If that were to happen, then what should I say to everyone?
– That’s…
Looking at the frightened Ichinomiya, Shizukuishi makes irritation sneak a look at his expression. Dangerous. She seems like she’s about to say “isn’t it time for you all to be sacrificed to Hellshaft-sama?”
I hurriedly cut into the conversation.
– What if that’s what everyone decides? If everyone is ok with it, then Asagiri will be ok too.
This time, Asagiri was at a loss for words for a moment. She cast her gaze down and said as if complaining.
– If that were the case, then that would be it… still, I can’t trust Hellshaft. I mean, he’ll suddenly betray us… even if we talk to him and think that we can trust him, he’s someone who can easily reverse his decision. He must be planning something again, I’m sure of it.
My habitual behavior is at fault here, huh… however, that was an unstoppable situation… Even if I regret it, nothing will change.
Asagiri pressed her chest.
– Besides, this… Holy Grave is our trump card for returning to our world. Even if I die, with this sword, everyone who remains can defeat Hellshaft and return to our world.
Without being able to stand it, I said in a strong tone.
– Don’t say stupid things! Why should Asagiri be sacrificed? Isn’t it okay if we obtain this Holy Grave again!?
However, Asagiri also answered back in a strong tone.
– Is there any guarantee that we can get it again!?
At that moment, the hotel door opened with a loud sound.
When I turn around at something, Hinazawa, Yuuki and Arisugawa burst in as if rolling. Hinazawa shouted before I ask “what’s the matter?”
– It’s terrible! The Demon King Army is crossing the sea!
Surprised, Ichinomiya stood up.
– What?!
That’s ridiculous! They should have no navy. Then how?
They came running at full speed then? Arisugawa reports while having his throat blocked.
– They’re using boats for transportation… such as gondolas… while they’re not coming all at once, they’re coming all in succession!
What the hell? To think they moved this fast… when we’ve finally talked this much.
From the open entrance, this time Ougiya, Leonhardt and Yamada burst in. And shortly after, Busujima and Miyakoshi came as well.
– B-bad news! T-the Demon King Army is coming!
The confused Ougiya shouted while spitting saliva. Busujima and Miyakoshi also appealed to us with frightened expressions.
– E-escape fast! Quickly!
Dammit! It’s useless. If we run away from here, Asagiri will really die.
A cold voice echoed in the panicked hotel lobby.
– Calm down. You’re losing your composure, you’re so disgraceful.
──Shizukuishi.
– B-because! It has already come here! The Demon King Army!
– That’s not the Demon King Army. It’s Satan Army.
– I don’t care! Any of that!
Ougiya yells with an indignant-looking force.
– You have to care about it. The Demon King Army is Hellshaft-sa… Hellshaft’s army. The army we’re going to fight with. It’s a big difference.
The lot that burst in the lobby became speechless with the words of Shizukuishi. That’s to be expected. A bolt out of the blue, no, it was beyond their imagination.
Hinazawa asked without bearing it.
– Wait a moment! What does that mean?
– It’s my first time hearing it so I don’t understand why!
– That can wait! Let’s go fast!
– Yeah, we don’t get it!
– W-what’s going on?
– Uwaaaaaaaa, I don’t understand anything!
The other guys made a great fuss.
– I’ve told you to calm down, haven’t I!? Okay? The only choice we have is joining forces with Hellshaft. We have no time or ways to fight. So──
However, the lot that fell into panic had no composure to listen to Shizukuishi’s polite explanation. Their brains ended up shutting out the contents they couldn’t understand.
– Shut up already! Shizukuishi!
– You always do as you please, so why are you giving us orders?
Moreover, Shizukuishi wasn’t popular. She was at a disadvantage.
Ichinomiya spread his hands and urged them to calm down.
– You said that Satan Army is coming!? Where and how many?
– Well, we don’t know the place or their numbers!
– But it’s coming anyway!
Without accurate information, only fear goes first.
Asagiri stood up and shouted sharply.
– Everyone, prepare for departure! Someone go to see the ship! If the ship is seized, we won’t be able to escape!
– This is bad, really bad! I’ll go and get the luggage! And check the ship!
──Oh crap, what should I do? Here and now? Maybe, by doing something here, I’ll influence what will happen next.
What will you do? Doumeguri Kakeru.
Starting over is impossible.
As if disturbing my desperate thoughts, the angry voice of the angry Shizukuishi resounded.
– You hopeless incompetents! Aa geez! You should really die for Hellshaft-sama willfully──
I gazed at the crumbling 2A Guild moving with each thought.
As I was staring at the confusion, my head did the opposite, it cooled down.
Well,
If I feel like it, it’s easy to put them together.
It’s not a special method. But an extremely common one.
The same method is used in both small groups and huge nations.
A “universal template” as they call it.
Only I will be at a huge risk.
But,
It’s the only way to get through this.
It’s fine.
At any rate, I’m a loner.
To sacrifice me and to obtain 2A Guild and Holy Grave.
And for Asagiri’s life!
I let out a voice from the bottom of my stomach to stop Ougiya who was about to go to the back to get the luggage.
– Goddammit! You’re morons! Incompetents! You’re nothing but scum! I can’t deal with you anymore!
– ──!?
A guy who doesn’t usually speak in a loud voice yelled, so everyone looked at me, surprised.
Asagiri opened her eyes wide and stared at me.
– Doumeguri-kun…?
I continued speaking while looking at everyone.
– It was the only way for us to survive! We make Hellshaft believe that we have formed an alliance with him but then we crash him into Satan, that way the Demon Kings crush each other!
Everyone is taken aback, listening to me. Alright, I got them.
– If you can’t do that, then I’ll take the liberty to leave! I’m joining Satan’s side. I’ll become Satan’s subordinate and kill you all!
– ──Wha!?
– Huh!?
– Eeh!?
Most of them hardened with stupid faces while having their mouths open. That’s to be expected, isn’t it? The guy at the bottom of the school caste suddenly revolted and became a threat to their lives.
Ichinomiya shouted, making anger envelop him.
– Hey, Doumeguri! Stop with the absurd jokes, this is not the place for that!
– I’m serious. If I’m with you, I’m just going to die. If I cooperate with Satan, maybe I’ll become a leader!
If they reflect on it calmly, they can see that it’s ridiculous and that I have no basis. But they can’t afford to judge that.
Ougiya grabbed me by the collar.
– You fucker! Don’t say brazen thinks like that!
– Rather, it’s impossible! You’re the scum! Go to hell!
Following Miyakoshi, the rest of the gang launch a stream of insults.
Busujima also stares at me as if looking at a dirty thing.
– I misjudged you… you’re the worst.
Hinazawa, Yuuki, Arisugawa, Leonhardt and Yamada, who took the opportunity, also gazed at me with scorn.
But I laughed with the worst face I could make.
– There’s no other way! Hellshaft needs Holy Grave to win! As long as it can’t be used, we won’t have a chance of winning against Hellshaft! Then it’s common sense to join the winning side! You morons should run in a hurry. I’ll go hunting you later!
– You fucker!
A shock ran through my face and my cheek became numb. The room leans and the floor draws near.
──Oh, I was hit, wasn’t I?
I understood that when I felt the shock of my body falling to the floor.
However, I can’t lie down comfortably.
– Hahahaha! I’ll never forget being hit! You guys aren’t going to have a normal way of dying!
Ichinomiya grabbed my chest and dragged me and pulled me up.
– Hey! Don’t say jokes like that! Now──
– I’m serious!
──It can’t be true.
I’m now a hypothetical enemy of 2A Guild.
What is the easiest way to band a group that is fighting over something together?
The answer to that is: creating a common enemy.
It’s a method that is widely practiced from small circles to powerful countries.
Its effectiveness comes from the fact that the enemy and the threat of the enemy are easy to understand.
I feel irritated. I’m aiming at their lives. As you can see, it meets the highest requirements.
And as for the story, a hero who will make my evilness look better is needed.
Akira Ichinomiya constricts my collar and shouts.
– Even if you do that, it doesn’t mean you can survive! Satan might kill all humans!
As expected, Ichinomiya has read me that much, huh. A very good performance. But he’s a little too serious. It’s hard to breathe.
I act violently and shake off Ichinomiya’s hand.
– I’m okay with it! Until now, you’ve been treating me like a loner, and you’ve been looking down on me as if I was scum or trash, so thanks for that! If I’m going to die, then I’ll beat you all with my hands before that happens!
The face of Ichinomiya is distorted by anger and sadness.
– You…
Ichinomiya clenches his fist.
──Hmm? Huh?
Ichinomiya had tears in his eyes and shook his clasped fist with all his might.
It’s a blow with all of his might that put his whole body weight on it──whoa, hold on, hold on! Don’t tell me that you haven’t noticed it!? If I eat that punch then I──
At that moment, Ichinomiya’s face hardened in astonishment.
– ! Shizukuishi-san… what──
Shizukuishi’s body jumped in front of me before Ichinomiya’s punch. I muttered towards the back of the black-haired girl.
– Shizukuishi-san…
At that moment, Shizukuishi’s body rotated and a punch with centrifugal force was driven into my cheek.
──Wha!?
My body staggers and falls to the floor while knocking down a table.
T-this bastard! Why did you punch me!? It’s more womanly to slap me in the face!
– The worst trash.
Shizukuishi looked down at me with cold eyes.
– Hellshaft can win! No, nobody but Hellshaft can defeat Satan! The Demon King equipped with Holy Grave. Nowhere else in the world you can find such a strong existence! We have no choice but to bet on Hellshaft to survive!
Hinazawa screams, as if she had suddenly realized.
– Ririko! The Holy Grave, you have it, right!?
Asagiri, who was half-dumbfounded and watched over the course of events, came to her senses and stared at Hinazawa.
– Eh… but.
– Come on, lend it! Being killed by the loner, give me a break!
Yuuki also stared at Asagiri with teary eyes.
– P-please…
– Hurry up! He intends to kill Ageha!? It’s too disgusting to be killed by a trash like that!
– Do it! We won’t have to fight! We’ll just let the Demon Kings fight each other!
– Yo! A monster crashing into a monster! A Champion Festival!
– Asagiri-san! If Satan is defeated, Asagiri-san will be saved! So please!
Everybody asked Asagiri for help.
– G-guys… but.
Shizukuishi delivers the final blow to the bewildered Asagiri.
– Asagiri-san. Don’t say anything more selfish. This is everyone’s consensus.
– … Consensus.
Asagiri slowly opened her eyes wide as if she had noticed something.
… It’s the right time.
While everyone swarmed Asagiri, I jumped up to my feet and rushed outside. I run at full speed without stopping. My face, which was hit, hurt, but I didn’t care. Rather, they unexpectedly and gentlemanly leave it as that.
Since I quickly turn a corner and turn a few number of alleys, they shouldn’t be able to follow me anymore. When I stopped, I checked the area just to be sure and twisted my finger to display the menu.
It’s Demon King time from here on.
My body was wrapped in Demon King’s armor, I transformed from Doumeguri Kakeru into Demon King Hellshaft.
I started walking, walked down the alley and knocked the door of a vacant house in the back. Then the door opens and Adra and Satanachia appear from inside.
– We were waiting for you, my King.
They bowed deeply towards me.
– Let’s go. But before that, Satanachia.
– Yes.
– Burn down all the ships in the harbor ahead. But don’t let humans notice that you did it.
– Understood.
The minute that I say so, Satanachia ran off like the wind.
– It looks like Satan Army is coming.
– Yes. Not the Black Knights, but the former Hellanders. Since they are crossing by small boats, it is not worth mentioning.
– Is our ship ready?
– Yes. It has been protected by Grasha and Forneus, so there is nothing to worry about.
Then, Satanachia came back.
– Hellshaft-sama. I have shot fire arrows on all ships. They probably will never be useful again.
– Well done. Let’s go.
I turned back and walked down the narrow path. Adra followed my back.
– Where are we going?
– To the ship.
Then, and without a moment’s delay, Adra moved to the front.
– I will guide you.
Satanachia followed me and prepared for an attack from behind. I speak to Adra from behind.
– It looks like humans have decided to join us.
– Naturally. Even though it is temporary, it is a delight to be a subordinate of my King. A reward too great for humans.
After turning the corner, I found a wide canal. There was a gorgeous sailing ship moored there, which looked like twice the size of 2A’s ship.
– Oh! You’re late! King-sama!
– H-e-l-l-s-a-m-a ♪ I was waiting for you!
Grasha and Forneus were waving their hands on the deck of the ship. I give instructions while crossing the ramp put on the ship.
– Start sailing. We’ll go help the humans who grieve and moan over their burning ships.
Satanachia smiled, looking happy.
– Ara, then I was the director of the scene.
– Fufu… because we need to make humans realize who has the high ground and who the king is.
My ship started to move slowly and headed for the harbor that dyed the sky red.
