Dark Knight Kroki

What?　What's going on!

　Just when I thought the ogre was coming, the coonas come and gozal. I don't know what he's talking about, but I get a glimpse of something terrible.
　Daegan says the ogre is here, so I go outside to look and see, and then the coona footage comes out of the castle of sweets and challenges Shirone to a match. What in the world is going on?
　And then I saw Sirone flying into the castle of sweets.

''Not good, we have to stop it. ......

　I jumped up and turned into a dark knight as I jumped up.
　If you don't go quickly, the two of you might start a fight.
　I try to follow Syrone.

''What?!''

　Twist your body. Something big passes by where I avoided it.
　I rush down to the ground. The place I landed is outside the walls of Argoa.
　As I descend, someone else continues to descend from above.
　It's a woman about my age. The face is familiar.
　The first time we met was in the Republic of St. Renaria.
　I'm pretty sure her name is Kaya.

'I didn't think you had already infiltrated the place.

　A woman named Kaya holds her fist in the air.
　'Honestly, I don't have much time to get involved.

'I'm sure she was planning to take Regina-san away while that silvery white child was drawing us in. But we won't let that happen.

　No, no. I'm not going to let Kuna do anything dangerous. That's why I've got to stop Cyrone and Kuna soon.

''I'm a bit suspicious of your actions. You seem to have free will, so why would you side with the Demon King?

　She questions herself in a strong tone of voice.
　I don't answer myself.

'The Demon King is making people suffer!　You don't think anything of it!

　He says angrily.

'That's not true. 'When did the Demon King torment the humans?　How can you torment me when I've been holed up in Nargol for so long?

　I argue with myself.

'You finally answered, it's true that the Demon King hasn't moved from Nargol. But the demons are attacking the humans. Isn't that the same as the Demon King tormenting people?
'Not that the Demon King didn't order it: ......
'Did your subordinates do this on their own: ....... Isn't that irresponsible?　You could control it, but you don't. Then it's no different than tormenting them.

　I have no answer to that question.
　It's not that all the demons in this world are not under Modes' control. So I can argue with that.
　However, if you say it's wrong not to control them, I have no answer for you.
　Perhaps Modes would be able to control the majority of the world's demons. The reason why he doesn't do so is because he has no profit to do so.
　So what obligation does Modes have to rule and control the demons?
　The same is true of the gods of Elyos. The gods reign over humans, but they don't rule over them. From what I've been able to find out, the gods have the power to force people to rule, but they don't do that. Probably because it's too much trouble.
　And when someone sins, for example, can we say that the gods are to blame for not controlling that person?
　That would make it right to rule people like a robot.
　Does Modes have to rule over the demons and keep them from harming humans?
　To begin with, Modes does not exist for the sake of humans. Nor does it feel like he wants to torment humans.
　Modes' wish is simple. He just wants to protect a place where he can live with the woman he loves.
　As King of Nargol, I'm not so sure about that, but that's something for those who live in Nargol to condemn, not those outside of Nargol.
　But I don't know what she's thinking.
　If I had been summoned by Raina instead of Modes, I might have thought the same way she did.
　But I've been summoned to the side of the demons, not the side of the humans.
　I don't want to be the people's enemy, but it's hard to see it from the human side of this world.

'I'm sorry, but I don't think it's bad that I didn't control it: ....... That's why I can't listen to your arguments.
'Okay, so ....... Now let's ask the first question again. Why do you side with the Demon King?　What's in it for you? Or was it that silver-haired girl with the white hair?

　Speaking of the silver-haired child with white hair, it would be Kuna. It's true that he sides with the Demon King because of Kuna's presence.
　My own wishes are as simple as Modes'.
　It reminds me of the scene I saw in the Holy Dragon King's Mountain. Rage and the others seemed to be having a great time.
　I was jealous. I was really jealous of them. ......
　I'm almost in tears under my helmet.
　I didn't have anyone in this world that I could call my friends.
　Modes and Nat are a bit different.
　What I want is a companion like Rage and the others who can go on adventures with me, laugh with me, care for each other and support each other the most. If it's a pretty girl, even better.
　What an extravagant wish.
　But that hope came true. A pretty girl with silver hair.
　I wouldn't have met her if I hadn't come to this world. If I had stayed in my original world, I would have been alone for a long time.
　I'm sure it would be fun to explore this world with Kuna.
　I picture them having a fun adventure together, and I chuckle under my helmet.
　It's good to travel with a pretty girl, after all.

''It sure is: ......

　I nodded at her question.

'I see. So it's because of that girl after all? Then it seems that we have to defeat that silver-haired girl called Kuna.

　I can feel something black inside me spewing out at those words.

'I'm sorry ......, but I won't let you do that.'

　I say to myself and take a step forward.
　She backs away with her fists at the ready.
　I don't know why she came to the conclusion to defeat Kuna. But I can't let them hurt Kuna.
　So I'll go on. As long as Kuna is around, I'll side with the demon king.
　It's fine to be a dark knight now.
　I'm siding with the Demon King and turning my back on the people for the sake of my own desires. I really am the villain. That's enough.

''No more questions!　Let me push through!

　You have to head to Gokashi's castle. The Castle of Sweets is right in front of her, on the other side of her.
　I start walking towards her.




◆Silone, the Maiden of Swords

　We broke the crystal-clear sugar candy window pane and entered through the largest spire in the center of the Castle of Sweets.
　Once inside, I found myself in a sleeping quarters. There was a huge canopy bed.
　When you touch it, the bedding feels like cotton candy, and underneath it feels like soft rice cakes. I wonder if it's the same candy that I was treated to at Rage's house a while back.
　If it weren't for this, I'd want to dive into bed with all my might. But I don't have time for such a thing right now, so I'll hold back.
　This is probably the castle owner's room.
　If she's here, she must be in the throne room, which is located on this lower level.
　I walk on the floor, which is covered with cookie-like baked goods.
　At the stairs leading down, you encounter a Myrmidon soldier.
　I take another good look at the Myrmidons. They look like a cross between ants and humans.
　The soldier of the ant seems to fit the castle of the candy well.
　The Myrmidons are attacking me with spears in their hands.

''Get out of my way!　Flameblade!

　I let the flames reside in my sword and cut through the Myrmidons.
　The castle is bright with lights made of crystal-clear candy work.
　I make my way through the marble corridors made of white sugar.
　As I walked, I came to a huge door decorated with baked goods and cream. Probably beyond this door is the throne room.
　I close my eyes. Concentrate on your consciousness. I feel several huge figures inside. They are probably the ogres.
　I open the door and step inside.


Deaaaaah!

　Two ogres, hiding in the shadows of the door, attacked us.
　Of course, I've already seen that coming. I took a few steps, ducked the attack and swung my sword.
　The two ogres, whose bodies were slashed into pieces by the kesa-slasher, fell down and didn't move.

''Retzug!　Zayg!
Bastards!　How dare you, brother!

　The rest of the ogres stare at me.
　But I don't care about the ogres. I look at the front.
　There is a huge throne at the back of a large room.
　A beautiful throne decorated with all sorts of sweets. A small girl sits on the throne.
　The girl's body is small compared to the throne, but her attitude is very large.
　Kuna, the Silver Witch. I'm sure that's what she's called. And the person who is controlling Kroki.
　I met her once in Velos, but looking at her again, she's a beautiful girl.
　She's wearing a black-based dress with a blue flower decoration. The red and purple hair clasp makes her silvery white hair look even more beautiful and attractive.
　The girl doesn't speak when I appear, but looks at me condescendingly.

'What are you guys doing here!　Lady Coona is watching us!　We have to take that human down quickly!

　At the words of the ogre woman, the other ogres come towards me.
　In the hands of the ogres are spears, swords and axes. They all look like magical weapons.
　I twisted and ducked the ogre that rushed at me with a spear at the ready, and swung my sword.
　I then defeat the ogre with the spear and another ogre comes at me from three directions.
　I duck the sword ogre's attack with a light step and repel the axe ogre's attack, hitting the other ogre.
　Then I move while rotating my body and slash the ogre.
　Now there's only the white and silver witch and the ogre woman left.

'How dare you!　How about this!

　The ogre woman raises her hands. Something like a black haze comes out of her sleeve.

''Just about, explosive crushing bugs!

　The little bugs released from the ogre's arms are coming towards us.

'Such a thing!　It doesn't work!

　When I spread my wings, I shoot down the bugs by releasing a feather arrow.
　The pollies shot down explode into small pieces and disappear.

'Then how about this!

　Electricity runs through the ogre's hands.

'O snake of thunder!　Strangle your enemies!

　The electricity in my hand takes the form of a snake and comes towards me.

"Ei!

　I catch the lightning snake with my sword as I call out.

'I'll give it back to you like this!　Lightning Blade!

　The sword absorbs the snake of lightning and glows.

''What!

　The Ogre lets out a surprised cry.

'Ha!'

　He swings his sword down along with his spirit.
　The slash of lightning goes straight forward and hits the ogre.

''Nonsense!　You kuzig!

　The screams of the ogre's demise.
　The slash of lightning that burned through the ogre goes straight forward and goes towards the white and silver witch.
　Battin.
　However, the slash is bounced off and disappears one step before it hits the Silver White Witch.
　Naturally, the Silver White Witch is unharmed.

''It's just you!

　I point my sword at him.

'Weak ......'

　The Silver Witch said and rose from her throne.

'Of course!　How many of these ogres can't take me down!

　I say, pointing to the remains of the ogre.
　But the silvery white witch shakes her head.

'Much weaker than Kroki: ......

　The silver witch looks at me with cold eyes as she says this.

'I heard you learned the sword at the same place ....... Kuroki's sword is much sharper. If it was strong, I was going to retreat ....... But that's not the case. The ogres have been instrumental in measuring your strength.

　Then he held up his scythe.

'You may come, Shirone. Kuna will make you disappear.

　I snapped at the words.

'Make fun of me!

　I kick the floor and close the distance at once.

'Ha!'

　When she comes to the front, she steps and swings her sword down from the top step.
　The silvery white witch moves her body a little while catching it with her scythe and receiving the slash away.

''Eh?''

　I'm caught off guard, and I lose my poise.
　Oh no. So I twist my body.
　The scythe attacks me.
　Thinking I can't avoid it, I put out my wings and change the trajectory of the scythe.
　A feather dances down from the slightly slashed wing.

''What!!!''

　I regain my poise and stick out my sword.

'Huh. ......'

　The silvery witch laughed a little and spun her scythe to change the trajectory of her sword.

''Guh!

　Immediately after that, the hilt of the scythe hits me in the abdomen. I was caught off guard because I was only looking at the blade of the scythe.

'Don't only look at the tip of the blade ....... That's what Kroki taught.

　I jump back and keep my distance.
　This girl is strong.
　I glare at the silvery white witch.

'My training with Kuroki came in handy: ......

　The Silver Witch smiles happily.
　I wonder what Kroki is doing without me. I'm so angry.

'What?!'

　I spread my wings and unleash a Feather Arrow. Just as I thought, the feather arrow is flung in front of the white and silver witch.
　But it's a feint.
　I jump up and kick the ceiling and get behind the silvery white witch.
　I increase my magic power and accelerate my own movements.

''At least, a thousand-winged flying blade!

　I unleash over a thousand slashes in an instant.
　However, my sword doesn't reach the silvery white witch at all. Everything is blocked by an invisible wall.

''Lie ....... How can you deploy multiple magic shields (magic shields) at the same time......

　It was the magic shield that prevented my attack.
　Normally, a magic shield, no matter how powerful it is, can only produce one shield. But she's deploying multiple magical shields at the same time.
　Even Chiyuki can't use this much defensive magic.
　The only person I know who can use this much defensive magic is Raina.
　Raina doesn't do much fighting, but she's pretty strong.
　She's especially good at magic and techniques related to defense, and once I asked her to let me match up with her, but her attacks didn't reach me at all.
　Other than that, Raina can also use recovery magic and spirit magic.
　According to Nao-chan, she's called a priest warrior, but she might be the same type.

''It's a nine-fold magic shield. Kuna can produce up to nine magic shields at the same time. Kroki says that Kuna specializes in recovery and defensive magic. Nevertheless, I was a little impatient with the attack now ....... Kroki would be able to avoid all of them, but I can't avoid that one now with Kuna.

　The Silver Witch was right, indeed, Kroki had avoided this technique in the past.
　It's not just this technique. When we fought in the St. Renaria Republic, Kroki easily avoided every move I could muster.
　When did he really become so strong?

'But Kuna is still stronger than you. No, it's not just strength. She has bigger breasts than you and a thinner waist. Even in beauty, Kuna is superior to you!

　The Silver Witch looks at me and continues.

'Nah, what's that!　You're too big that way!

　I say, holding my chest.
　It's true that the other side is shorter than me, but her breasts are bigger than mine. And her waist is thin and nipped.
　It's frustrating, but I'm losing in style.
　But I'm sure my breasts are not small. Rather, they should be larger than the average. They are too big over there.
　In the first place, why do I say such a thing at this time? I don't know what that means.

'Silone, you are no longer needed. So, this kuna will make you disappear!

　I could see the white witch's magic growing.
　I don't know why, but I didn't want to lose.
　The White Silver Witch comes towards me with her scythe at the ready.

''What? I'm never going to lose!

　I will meet them with my sword at the ready.



Regina, former princess of Argoa

'Oh, your husband is here: ......'

　It warms my heart.
　I didn't want to be here anymore.
　It reminds me of Riette.

'I used to play with you back in the day: ......

　I muttered to myself.
　It was sad to see the look in Riette's eyes as she hated herself.
　Liette's mother was kind to me, too. The person who killed that mother was none other than her own father.
　So I have every right for Liette to hate me. And so do all the others. That's why I don't want to be here.
　The only one who isn't is Omiros.
　But I feel bad for Omiros, but I still want to stay at the Master's.
　That's why I have to hurry and go to the master's place.
　Right now, there's only one other brave sister in the room besides me, called Kyouka.
　The woman called Shirone or something like that was called by Kuna-sama and ran out of this room.
　The woman called Kaya seems to have found her husband and this also ran out of the room.
　Let's get out of this room somehow.
　The woman called Kyouka doesn't seem to be very strong, but I still wouldn't be able to match her.
　I steal her eyes and how do I get out?
　Suddenly, there is a knock on the door.

'Who are you?　You can come in.

　The door is opened. It's Omiros there. He is armed as if he is wary of the masters.

''Oh, Omiros-san. Is something wrong?
'Master Kyouka. Would you give me permission to take Rigena out?
What, you call me?

　I wonder what Omiros is going to do.

'What do you think he's going to do with Mr. Regena?
"The Dark Knight has come to Argoa. Therefore, I will return Regina to the Dark Knight.
Eh, .......

　The word surprises me.

'Yes, sir. If you say so, we won't say anything.

　Kyouka says as if she realizes something.

'Before we do that, I'd like to go outside with Regina ...... to talk to you alone. ......

　Omiros and Kyouka look at me.

'What do we do, Regina-san: ......

　I see Omiros, too. I am not lying. Omiros is not going to cheat me.
　Omiros really intends to bring me back to my master.
　So I nod my head. To say goodbye for the last time to my childhood friend who thought of me.

''I will go.''

　I stand up and head towards Omiros.

'Hold on, Miss Regena. You forgot something.

　Saying that, Kyouka comes to me and holds out an object.

''This is my sword .......''

　Kyouka held out a small sword that the master gave me for me.

''It's important, isn't it?　I'll give it back to you first. And don't forget to tell me that you're coming to me. I'm always waiting for you.

　Kyouka smiles at that.
　Isn't this young lady really a very nice person?

'I'll have to get your husband to agree to that. But I'd appreciate that sentiment alone.

　I bow my head.

'So here it is: ......'

　I raise my head and go to Omiros.

'Let's go, Regina,'

　I'm going to follow Omiros.

Where are you going, Omiros?
I'll start with the cemetery.

　Omiros answers without looking back.

'Why are you in the ...... grave?'
'Your mother's grave. If you go to Nargol, you might not be able to come back here again.

　So I can see why Omiros wanted to take me to the grave. 'Omiros is going to take me to my mother's grave,' he said.

'No, I can't go!

　But I refuse to accept it.

"Why, Regina?
'Because everyone left in Nargol can't visit the grave, but I can't do it alone: ......

　I can't be allowed to look good when everyone else can't.

So ......
'I'm sorry Omiros ....... You said that because you were thinking of me. ......
'It's okay ....... I was happy to see Regina again.

　Omiros looks back and laughs.
　My heart tightens.
　I am aware of Omiros' feelings. But my mind is already made up.
　So even if I could stay in Argoa, I would not be able to respond to Omiros' feelings.
　I remember that day.
　That day, we were driven into a goblin's den.
　I was afraid of the goblins. We were running away to avoid detection.
　One by one, we were down, and one by one, our friends were down. My heart felt like it was going to break with fear.
　And then it appeared before us. A huge dragon that seemed to embody the horrors of this world.
　When that dragon appeared, my heart was shattered.
　I was so scared that I felt like crying.
　But then a miracle happened.
　A dark knight rode on that dragon, took off his helmet and smiled gently at us.
　A dark knight on a dragon more fearsome than a goblin, even though the dark knight is even more fearsome.
　The moment I saw that smile, my mind was out of control.
　The fear I had before disappeared as if it were a lie.
　My life in Nargol began at that moment.
　Even though there were only demons around me, I was strangely not afraid of anything.
　That's because I'm with my master. When the Master is by my side, I don't even remember the day I was chased by goblins.
　If the most frightening being in the world smiles at me, then I shouldn't have anything to be afraid of.
　I have to be without my husband. I am not safe without my Master's side.
　If the Master is not there, I only have nightmares of goblins chasing me. I never have such nightmares when the Master is around.
　So I want to be by the Master's side. It doesn't have to be a wife. You don't have to be one of his favorite mistresses. You don't have to be a slave. Anyway, I just want to be by your side.
　So I want to return to the Master's side as soon as possible.
　I'm sorry to Omiros for all the things he did for me, but there's nothing I can do about this. I apologize in my heart.

'Well, let's go to the lookout. I've asked Macusis to send an exorcism. It should be easier for the Dark Knight to find Regina there.

　With that, Omiros walks away.
　The watchtower is where it's higher than the rest of the city walls to keep an eye on Nargol.
　Surely the master will be able to find me there.
　We head there.
　After a short walk, we reach the lookout point.
　The place where we climbed up the ladder was surprisingly large and could accommodate 2 to 30 people.

I'm sure they'll find us here soon enough.

　Omiros laughs.

'Thank you, Omiros,'

　I thank Omiros.
　I wonder where the Master is? I look around.

'Wait, Regina!　Someone's coming!

　I hurry and hide my face at Omiros' words.
　I am hated by the people of Algore. It's tricky when they find me.
　I hear someone coming up the ladder.

'Who's there!　You're supposed to not let anyone come here!

　Omiros says to the one coming up.

'It is I, my prince,'
Lord Parsis?

　It was Parsis who climbed up.
　He climbed the ladder and stood on top of the viewing platform.

'Lord Parsis!　Where have you been all this time!　And why are you here!

　Omiros packs up to Parsis.

'No, I saw the prince climb up to the viewing platform. ...... 'More importantly, I have a question for the prince as well. Why have you brought Princess Regina to this place?

　I hid my face, but I think it was obvious. I make a face.

'That shouldn't be any of your business. I want you to get out of here as soon as possible!

　But Parsis shakes his head and laughs.

'That's not irrelevant, Prince .......
What do you mean by that?
'But more importantly, why did you bring the princess here?

　I wonder at the words. Why would he ask me that?

I understand. I'll tell you: ....... It's to give the Dark Knight the regena. Now you know. Now get out of here, please.

　A rootless Omiros replies to Parsis.

'It shouldn't be ....... That's not allowed, Prince .......

　Pulsis shakes his head and replies in a muttered voice.
　I feel something disturbing in his appearance.
　I wonder what it is, I have a bad feeling about something. The sword he wears is ringing.
　I look at Omiros. The shield Omiros is holding feels like it's shining.

'What is the matter, Parsi ......?　Hmm, the shield?

　Omiros looks at his shield, noticing that it is shining.

''Sshhhhhh!

　It was sudden. Pulsis suddenly pulled out his sword and slashed at Omiros.
　The movement was so fast that he didn't even have time to call out to Omiros.
　But even more than that, Omiros's shield moved quickly to catch the sword. It was as if it had a will of its own.

''What ......?''

　Omiros steps back and comes over to me.

Are you okay, Omiros?
'Yeah, the shield moved on its own ....... It looks like they protected me .......

　Omiros says, looking at the shield.
　The shield has a faint glow to it. It looks like a magical shield. I wonder where he got this shield.
　Then he looks at Parsis. Why did I do this?

'What are you doing, Master Parsis!　What do you mean by that?!

　Omiros glares at Parsis.

'd*mn. ....... You've been defended. I was going to kill you with this blow...oh .......

　Pulsis' tone changes. It's as if the polite tone he used earlier is a lie.

''Nah...... Parsis-dono?''

　The face of Parsis blurs. And as the blurred face becomes clearer, a completely different face appears there.
　I look at the face and almost scream.

'Oh ....... You're ......'

　The face was familiar. Abominable memories that had been sealed in the depths of my consciousness come back to me.

'You're ...... Goz?!

　Omiros calls out the name.

'Yes ...... it's Goz, Omiros. I didn't think you'd remember me.

　Omiros shook his head at those words from Goz.

'I'll never forget you even if I wanted to, Goz ....... I never once forgot the day I met you. I never thought it was you, Parsis, .......

　Omiros draws his sword.

'I am honoured to be remembered, my prince. Kukuku.

　Goz laughs cryptically.

'Back off, Regina,'

　Omiros tells me to step back a bit. But there's no way out on this lookout.
　Goz's eyes catch me. I get goosebumps when he looks at me with those eyes.

'Come here, Regina. I'm coming for you.

　Goz grins at that.