Chapter 628 Arch Demon
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
(Liz’s POV)
Following the duo in cloaks, we wind our way through the back alleys of Raetia until we reach the outskirts of town.
”Could you stay with us a bit longer? We wouldn’t want to cause any trouble for the people of Raetia.”
Since the tavern, both I and Simona had no choice but to meekly comply with their polite tone, which starkly contrasted with their ‘take it or leave it’ aura.
”No doubt about it… These guys intend to mix with us, whether we like it or not…”
”Yeah, I get that… But we can’t exactly deal with them in the middle of Raetia, can we? They said it themselves, we have to follow along, don’t we?”
Walking a little behind the suspicious pair, I and Simona whisper to each other as we walk side by side.
(Still… It was a good thing I was returning from reporting to Sir Müller. I would have been in my regular clothes if I was just going out for a drink.)
Since it was a report on the conquest of the Great Labyrinth, it was the right call to visit Kazumi’s place equipped for adventure.
Who would have thought… someone would be targeting us.
”Assassins from Azradelius… perhaps?”
”Probably.”
I touch the ‘Eagle Eye’ on my back, feeling its pulsating, mysterious power and nod once.
(It’ll be alright. ──We’ve grown stronger.)
With that, I encourage myself and focus on the backs of the pair walking ahead.
* * *
”Now then… This should do.”
They stop their feet on a plain a little off the carriage road that leads from Raetia to the Goblin Forest.
”By now, you must understand that we are your enemies… We serve the Demon King, the Four Dark Heavens, as the Sixteen Demon Generals──I am known as Sir Three-Facesama’s subordinate, the First General, Vaize.”
”I am the Second General… Shunel.”
The duo turns around, shedding their hooded cloaks.
The one who called himself Vaize wore a black leather suit that clung perfectly to his navy-blue limbs.
The revealing garment, with its large swathes of exposed skin, hinted at something more intimate.
”My opponent’s a female demon… Quite the provocative look, isn’t it?”
Simona, facing the demon named Vaize, licked her lips with a hint of anticipation.
”My opponent is you?”
Before her stood a towering demon.
He wore nothing but a pelt wrapped around his waist.
But his exposed physique, though not as massive as a Minotaur, was undeniably strong, with muscles rippling beneath his jet-black skin.
(Definitely a high-ranking demon…)
The overwhelming aura emanating from the two of them surpassed that of even Greater demons.
”Hmm… Impressive strength. You two are ‘Arc Demons,’ aren’t you?”
Drawing the ‘Dragon’s Jaw’ from her back and hoisting it onto her shoulder, Simona made eye contact with Vaize.
She must have been worried about the compatibility between Vaize, the demon who introduced himself, and Simona.
Admittedly, the ghostly-looking opponent was a tough matchup for Vaize.
’Let’s start with a direct confrontation.’
Interpreting Simona’s gesture, Vaize notched 2 arrows onto his ‘Eagle Eye’ bow.
”Alright then… Let’s do this!”
Simona kicked the ground, launching herself into the larger demon’s chest in a single, powerful leap.
Vaize, on the other hand, leaped backward, creating distance.
At the same time, I released both arrows.
My target was the female demon, Vaize.
The arrows, fired in a trajectory that intersected with Simona’s charge, should have been difficult for Vaize to see.
──BOOM!
An impact that couldn’t be mistaken for a simple sword clash echoed through the air. Simona’s Greatsword, ‘Dragon’s Jaw,’ collided with the blade protruding from the demon’s arm.
”Oh… So you managed to stop my first strike? Not bad.”
”Woman… One strike, quite heavy…”
”I know. But── this is just the beginning.”
As their exchange played out, I was left stunned—my arrow had sliced through the air but failed to hit its mark.
They hadn’t been dodged.
”Where the hell… did she go?!”
The image of a female demon that must have been captured for sure disappeared from the scene in an instant.
I raise my guard, drawing another arrow.
(Did I step into an S-Rank territory? No──it’s not about speed. I should be able to keep up.)
I grip ‘Eagle Eye’ tightly, focusing my gaze.
(There’s no sign of an enemy…did they leave?)
Could this battle be a diversion? Me and Simona held back by that huge demon…
(Did that female demon go to join the other clan members!?)
My heart races…a cold sweat breaks out on my back.
(No, first──Simona’s support.)
I have to take down the enemy in front of me.
* * *
(Simona’s POV)
To push through the attack the demon absorbed, I unleash the power of ‘Berserker’.
Power floods through my body, leaving me brimming with exhilaration.
But unlike before, I don’t feel that overwhelming, desperate passion.
Instead──
(My thoughts are getting clearer, sharper…I can control ‘Berserker’! Proof that I’m getting stronger!)
”Wooaaah!”
The point where the blade meets starts to glow red.
The power I’m using to push through, and the power the enemy is using to resist, clash and swirl together.
(It’s worthy of Wash’s gift, this magic sword. My old sword would have shattered without a doubt…)
As I believe I can break through, suddenly the enemy’s resistance falters.
”What!?”
The giant figure vanishes, and my ‘Dragon’s Jaw’ smashes into the ground.
──Shush!
My full-powered strike explodes outwards, sending shockwaves through the sword and shaking the ground.
(Did they disappear…? No, killing intent from behind!?)
Turning around, I swing my greatsword horizontally, and a heavy impact slams into my right arm.
”You managed to block my slash from behind. …Not bad, at all.”
A low voice reaches my ears, accompanied by a sharp pain lancing through my left side.
”Ugh!?”
Through Toldo-sensei’s alloy armor and the pride of the 3 sisters’ underwear, a resounding, intense blow echoed through my innards.
I quickly darted to the right, rolling away to put some distance between us.
”You took my kick… and you’re still conscious?”
Crouching down, I assume the ‘Dragon’s Jaw’ stance, glaring at my opponent.
I don’t like it when they nod in admiration of me.
”Don’t flatter me. …I really hate guys who act tough the most.”
The pain is bearable.
After all, I’m a ‘Berserker’ right now.
But, I can’t afford to be numb to the pain; I have to stay calm and analyze the damage.
(It’s not broken. Thanks to the craftsmanship of Freeberry Workshop…)
Then, in my line of sight, behind the colossal demon-like creature, Shunel, I spotted Liz readying her magic bow, so I provoke to draw attention to myself.
”This isn’t nearly enough. Next, I’ll break the blade that grows from your arm.”
Shunel twisted his mouth ominously after hearing my words.
…I guess that’s his version of a laugh.
”I thought you were just a human… but this might be fun.”
Crossing his arms in front of him, the blade extending from his limbs grew even larger.
Rising up, I repositioned the ‘Dragon’s Jaw’ just as Shunel charged at me, but from behind him, an arrow loosed from Liz’s magic bow came hurtling in.
(I’ve got you in my sights!)
Even though Liz wouldn’t miss, I side-jump to avoid it, just in case.
But──
”What the──!?”
Just like before in our clash… I had the shot lined up perfectly, but right before the 3 arrows hit, the guy vanished again.
Astonished by the turn of events, I freeze in place, and then…
”Guh…!?”
A burning pain shot through my back.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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