Black haired wise man Chiyuki

Mr. Chiyuki!　I'm over there!

　Reno shouts at me.

'I know!

　I beat Ratman away with my magic hands as he attacked me.

''Guez!''

　Honestly, I could hit him with my cane, but I wouldn't want to touch him if I could.
　Ratman uses weapons, perhaps because he is a former human.
　In fact, the Ratman who beat him away had a small sword (shortsword) and his body was wrapped in leather armor (leather armor).
　Perhaps that's why Sisyphe and the others seem to be having a hard time.
　Moreover, they have become quicker, probably because they have become rats. The only thing that is fortunate is that they are no longer able to use their flying tools because they have become beasts.
　A ratman on a giant rat is attacking you with his spear raised.

''Watch out, Sizfe!

　Rage pops a ratman rider (Ratman Rider) who attacks Sizfe with a light bullet.

''Thank you, Master Rage,''

　Sisyphe thanks him.

'Humph!'

　Novice's gruff voice beside me.
　Totally understandable.
　I hit Ratman with my magic hand while thinking about it.
　That was when we proceeded deeper into the underground canal.
　On the way, we met a group of demons that had ambushed us, and a battle ensued.
　And it wasn't just Ratman who came out.
　The lower half of the body was the snake Lamia and the lower half of the body was the spider Alkeny also came out.
　It's Silone and Decius who are fighting back.
　Aside from Decius, Silone would be able to handle it.
　The Lamia are a race that is mostly found west of here.
　They are a race of only females, and their lower body is a snake. They live by sucking the lifeblood of other species, just like the Striges.
　After escaping from the arena, I couldn't figure out where they went, but it seems they were here.
　Lamia and Alkeny are more magical than humans, but they are not Syrone's enemies.
　In fact, we are defeating them one by one.
　The battle advances to our advantage, and eventually, we defeat all the demons.

''Decius-san, are you okay?''

　Sirone is worried about Decius.

'He's fine. Just a little poisoned.'

　Decius' face is blue when he says that. He doesn't look okay.
　Lamia uses poison, perhaps because her lower body is a snake. It seems to have been hit by that venom.

"Sahoko-san. You need to detoxify it.
Okay.

　Sahoko used her magic and Decius' expression returned to normal.

'Let's get some rest. Sizfe-chan and the others must be tired, right?

　Rage suggests a break.
　There were more enemies than we expected.
　Therefore, we'll be fine, but Sizfe and the others should take a break.
　Reno and Sahoko cleanse the area with cleanliness magic. The Ratman seems to have some kind of germ.
　We may be fine, but Sisyphe and his friends are in danger.

"But then again, we didn't expect so many enemies.

　Cyrone says with a puzzled look on his face.
　That's for sure. The information from the captured ghouls made them seem small in number, but that wasn't the case.
　Would the freedom fighters who entered the underground canal from elsewhere be safe?
　Some teams might be wiped out if they're not good enough.
　It would have to be said that the outlook was not good.

''Hey Nao-san. Do you have any idea how many enemies are in this underground canal?

　I ask Nao.

"It's impossible. It's too welded in places to be detected.
'Wow. Then there could still be a lot of rats out there.

　Reno gives me a disgusted look.

'But we have to move on. We've got to find out what she's up to.

　When Rage says that, Sahoko and Reno look disgusted.
　I'm certainly curious about what she's trying to do, but it's kind of disgusting.
　I let out a sigh and look at Ratman.
　Ratman is a former human, so I don't kill him, I stun him.
　Come to think of it, can't we turn him back?

Speaking of which, Sahoko. Can't you put this ratman back together again?
If it's a curse, I think I can break it. I'm going to try.

　Sahoko casts a spell.
　Then Ratman's face returns to that of a middle-aged man.

'That's Sahoko-san!　I'm human again!

　Nao is excited.
　Apparently we can put it back together. This is a big win.

'But I don't think we can take her like this.

　Rage looks at the man and says.
　That's for sure. There may be a big battle ahead. We must not take those who cannot fight.

'I'm sure you're right. What should we do?　Yes, Sir Decius. I'm sorry, sir, but could you take this one with Mr. Siszfe and the others and get him out of here?

　I say, looking at Decius.
　To be honest, Decius is a liability. If there are only a few enemies, then we have a mighty foe ahead of us.
　Information from the demons has revealed that there are high ranking daemons at the end of the channel.
　It's difficult to fight while protecting them.

''But, Chiyuki-dono. I'm concerned about Shenna. Besides, we must see what the Moonlight Goddess is up to.

　But Decius shook his head.

'But, sir. Sir Decius: ......

　Rage holds me back as I try to convince him somehow.

'Let's get this straight. You're holding me back!

　Rage says clearly.

'It's getting very slow going. If the Moonlight Goddess is having a hard time, it might be too late. Are you sure you want to do that?

　Decius is silent at Rage's words.
　After a few seconds. Decius shakes his head.

'...... I understand. I will retreat with this one. But what about the other Ratman?

　Decius looks at the fallen Ratman and says

'Since he hasn't regained his form, he probably won't be attacked. I'll keep the wards up just in case, so there's nothing to worry about.'
'Okay, well, take care of my sister for me then.

　Decius reluctantly bowed his head and carried the man back to his original position on his shoulders.

'Mr. Sisyphe. Take care of Sir Decius, please. And keep an eye on Mr. Ainoe.
All right. I'll take care of it.

　Sisyphe and the others follow Decius. Naturally, Ainoe is with them.
　I brought them with me in the hope that they might be of some use, but the enemy's attacks are getting fierce. We can't take them any further.
　So we'll let them go home.
　Sisyphe and the others are going back the way they came.
　We are now alone.

''Maybe I was a little out of line.''

　Rage says to me.

'No, in that case I don't have a choice. And with the possibility of Ms. Shenna being turned into Ratman, I'd rather have her leave.'

　I said and everyone nodded.

'Well, now that we're lighter, let's move on, guys.

　We proceed to the end of the underground canal.




Nephim, the brave man of water

I think you're holding up your end.

　We've just escaped the Ratman attack.

"If it weren't for Lord Nephim, we would have been wiped out. That's the waterman in you, sir.

　One of the freedom fighters honors me.

'How many of you are left who are ready to fight?'
Well, there are four of them, counting Mr. Nephim.
'Well, that's tough: ......

　There were twelve of us in our group.
　We entered the underground canal from a different place than the Lord of Light's Brave Men.
　And as we continued on, we met the Giant Slug and encountered a large number of Ratmen.
　We fought back, but there were too many of them. So we retreated, but the way back was also blocked, so we decided to go through another waterway.
　Thanks to this, we don't know where they are now.
　Even so, there were still too many rats. Two hundred freedom fighters are not enough. We need more men.
　I don't think he deliberately withheld the information.
　Perhaps the general didn't expect such a demon to be there.
　Quite a bit of damage has been done.
　Probably the rest of the squad would have suffered the same thing.
　I then felt a sign of approaching and held up my spear.

''Everyone please take your weapons. Someone is approaching.

　I look at the back of the canal.
　Eventually I see the glow of torches coming from the depths of the channel. The one approaching is a human.

'I thought it was someone else because of the glow of the torch, but it's Nephim the Water Hero.
"You are the hero of the earth, Gaudin.

　The ones who approached were the brave men of the earth, Gordan and his companions.

''You guys are having a hard time of it, aren't you?
Yes. You too.
Sounds like you have quite a few rats.
'Yes. We can't get out of here like this.

　We get a dark look on our faces.

'You're counting on the brave men of light.

　Gordan is right. We'll be wiped out if we don't.
　If there's any chance of survival, the Brave Men of Light will do something about it.
　I think of the Brave Man of Light. I envy him, surrounded by beautiful women.
　They're strong. So we will have to believe in them.
　And so we looked up to heaven.




Sizfe the War Maiden

Hey, Novice!　You will carry it for Master Decius!

　Back the way the underground canal came, I say to Novis.
　Novis has more power than Master Decius.
　So Novis should be the one to carry the man from Ratman back to human.

'Yeah, why not, Siszfe? I don't want to carry a bastard, let alone a pretty girl.

　Novis gives me a disgusted look and says.

'It's fine, Lord Sisyphe. Nobis-dono is stronger than me. We may encounter some demons on the way back. Therefore, I shouldn't let Lady Novice's strength be drained.

　Nobis looks triumphant when Master Decius says this.

'Look here!　Sisyphe!　That's what Decius's husband says, too!
M--!

　Novice's attitude frustrates me.

'Please stop fighting, both of you. We can't let our guard down yet.'

　Mr. Leiria makes a dumbfounded sound.

''Hm, what are you doing? Just let me go, for goodness sake!

　Ainoe-san looks at us and makes a sullen sound.

'Sorry, Ainoe-san. I can't let you get away with this.

　Kayna's sister says as she pulls the rope that tied Ainoe-san to her.

'I don't know if it's right to say that. I think it would be better for you if you let me go.''

　Ainoe smiles wryly.

'Stop, guys!

　Mr. Nola shouts.

'What's the matter, Miss Nora?'

　Nora looks carefully ahead.
　The only light is the magical illumination on the end of Maddy's wand. This is what Chiyuki-sama turned on as she would need it when she returned.
　However, this magic illumination, unlike the magic of the koujo, only brightens the surroundings.
　This makes it hard to see what's in the back.

''You're an elf indeed to notice me.''

　A shadow emerges from the darkness.
　If it is only a shadow, it appears to be a human being.
　However, the head of the person who appears is not a person.
　It's a muscular body, one size larger than a human being, with a large black goat's head above the neck.
　So it is not a person but it should be called that.

The lie ....... Lesser Damon.

　Maddy shakes her head in disbelief.
　Lesser Damon is a Damon, albeit a subordinate one. He is much more powerful than a human.
　It's blocking our way home.

"You will surrender. Surrender, and I'll let the woman live.

　Lesser Damon points his large machete-like sword at us.

'What do you want to do, Siszfe?'

　Kayna's sister asks anxiously.

'We'll fight. It's the only way.

　I'll draw my sword. I have no choice. You can't surrender when you say you won't take a woman's life but you don't know what they will do to you.

'Certainly it is the only way. I can't surrender to the devil.

　Master Decius lowers the man he was carrying and sits him down against the wall, then draws his weapon.
　His companions each take a weapon.

"Hold on, Damon!　I don't care what happens to this woman's life!

　Sister Kayna steps forward with the tip of her spear pointed at Ainoe.
　It's a cowardly move. But I can't say that.

''Zeal-sama, I believed that you would come to help us. Hah!''

　Suddenly, the rope that was binding Ainoe-san falls to the ground. Then, sister Kayna jumps to the side.

''Ugh. ......''

　Sister Kayna dropped her spear and held her hand down.

'Sister Kayna!

　I come up to my sister Kayna. Blood is coming out of Sister Kayna's arm.
　In Ainoe's hand is a squishy sword with a squishy sword barrel.

'This sword is called an obi sword. You can carry it around your waist. From now on, you're going to have to do a thorough physical examination.

　Mr. Ainoe stood beside Lesser Damon with a laugh.

'So now there are no more hostages. Now what do we do, humans?'

　Lesser Damon laughs.

'Sisyphe!　They're coming in behind you!

　I turn around and see a lot of ratmen with weapons.
　I'm pinned down.
　They don't move, as if they don't want to attack us right away.
　Perhaps they intend to take us alive.
　I look and see several Ratmen coming out from behind Lesser Damon as well.

'Sisyphe. I'm the one who's going to make the breakthrough. You'll manage to get out of there while you're there.

　Novis says, holding up his beloved greatsword.

'Hey Novis. Are you going to use that thing?
Of course. What would you do without the inspiration of a beast in here?

　Novis says with a serious face.
　Novis is a beast warrior in the service of Master Torrs, the god of power and battle.
"Thou shalt be a beast. Thou shalt be a beast." That is what Master Tolls teaches.
　His warriors do not like to live inside the walls of the city. They prefer to live in the open air, where there are many demons.
　Warriors do not wear armor, but instead wear the pelts of monsters and beasts to fight. The warriors do not wear armor, but instead wear the furs of monsters and wild beasts to fight.
　For this reason, few countries have temples to Lord Tolls. Basically, the cult is often located in the open air.
　The beast warriors build their cult around the beast priest in the open air. And they live in search of places where there are many demons and move around.
　In a country where there are many monsters, the beast warriors are a very grateful existence.
　After all, the beast warriors are not looking for money. Countries that don't have much money to spend on money are saved by them.
　There is a secret art that only such beast warriors use is the inspiration of the beast.
　Dye made from the blood of a vicious monster is drawn on the body as a tattoo. Then you'll be able to get the power of the beast. That's the inspiration of the beast.
　It seems that this beast's inspiration is difficult to obtain, and sometimes people die as a result of getting tattoos. For this reason, the tattoo is done little by little, while toning up the body. However, those with talent are said to get all their tattoos done in a short period of time.
　There are several types of beast inspirations, some are bear inspirations, some are wolves, and some are lions.
　And if you use the ability of Beastification, which maximizes the inspiration of the beast, your power is multiplied several times over and you become a powerful warrior.
　However, the problem is that if you use beastification, it can sometimes go out of control.
　When he goes out of control, he will lose sight of the situation and attack his allies. This is why they are sometimes called mad warriors instead of beast warriors.
　Novis had joined the Beast Warriors in the past in order to gain the inspiration of a beast. Novis had a talent for it, and he got the inspiration of a beast in two years when it would normally take nine years.
　The beast inspiration Novis got was a boar. By turning into a beast, he gains a powerful assault power.
　Before Novis gained the title of Fire Brave, he was known as the Red Boar.
　Novis is trying to invoke it.

''GUUUUUUU!

　The tattoos on Novice's body pulsed like blood.
　The muscles in his body swell and fangs emerge from his mouth.

'Please, don't go off the rails. ......

　I tell Novis, but he doesn't seem to hear me.

'What are you doing?　Decide quickly whether you're going to surrender or not!

　Lesser Damon panicked when he saw Novice's condition.

'Gahhhh!

　Novis raises his sword and plunges it into Lesser Damon.

'What?!'

　Lesser Damon is blown away by Novice's attack.

'Master Zeal!

　Ainoe-san comes towards us with Ratman in tow.

'I'm sorry, sir, but I'm the one you're dealing with.

　Decius-sama confronts Ainoe-san.

'I'm sorry, but I'm not letting you go from here.

　Sister Kayna stands beside me as Ms. Laylia heals her.

'Guys!　Get behind me!　I'll cover Novice!

　Oh, now Novice is a boar warrior with no protection. If you don't protect him, he'll die soon enough.

"Please, Goddess Raina. "Please, Goddess Raina, protect me from the Novice.

　I use a spell given to me by Lady Raina. The Goddess's shield protects her targets from all attacks.
　Goddess Raina is a warrior god just like Miss Toles.
　But unlike Master Tolls, she is a protector. Everywhere I've seen Lady Raina's holy seal carved into the walls.
　That's why I'll be praying to Lord Raina. Protect Novice.
　The light surrounds Novis' body.
　The light prevents Ratman from attacking Novis as he tries to attack him. In the meantime, Novis wields his great sword and cleaves Ratman.
　Lesser Damon, who was blown away, also gets up and heads towards Novis.
　Behind him, the sounds of a fierce battle can be heard.
　It's a pretty tough fight. However, he doesn't give up until the end.

''Goddess! Courage to all!

　I use the magic of courage. Now you will be able to face any difficulty without fear.
　We have the blessing of the goddess. There is no way we're going to lose.



Dark Knight Kroki.

Is this the witch's house, Kroki?

　Coona beside me asks prettily.

'Maybe it is, Kuna. This is supposed to be the witch Alima's house.

　After hearing the story from Urim, I waited for Kuna to wake up and searched for the witch Alima's house.
　The house seemed to have been hidden by an illusion, but I was able to find it quickly.
　After dropping Glorious off where they could drop him off, they walked with Kuna to the witch's house.
　In front of us was a house with a wooden straw roof. This was the house of the witch, Alima.
　The house stood alone in the forest.
　Normally, demons and beasts would eat you up if you lived in a house like this.
　However, the one who lives here is a witch who received her powers from Damon.
　According to Urim's story, witch Alima isn't such a bad person.
　But as a witch, she is forced to live in the middle of nowhere.
　But I heard that she is known to be a good person, and sometimes people from nearby countries come to her to hide behind the Odis and Feria cult.
　Urim has also been in charge of Efa's affairs several times.
　I look at the protective amulets around the house.
　The amulet has a sign with two overlapping squares on it. This is the holy seal of the Demon King Modes.
　In other words, the person who made a contract with this witch must have a connection to the Demon King Modes.
　After confirming this, I will become the Dark Knight. I thought it would be easier to talk to him in this form.
　As you approach, a door is suddenly opened.
　One old woman emerges from the door.
　Perhaps she could tell if someone was coming. Well, I didn't come here in hiding, it's only natural to be noticed.
　The figure, clad in black robes, looks like a witch.
　So, I tilt my head back.
　When the old woman sees her appearance, she kneels down.

''Great demon king's messenger, what do you want to do in our house?
No. Look up, please. This is the one who came out of nowhere. Are you Alima-san?

　The old woman looks up when she asks herself.

'Yes. I am Alima, sir.
'I'm sorry for the unexpected visit. In fact, I'd like to ask you something.

　I greet myself politely.

'Yes, my lord!　O great dark knight!

　Alima opens her eyes wide and replies.
　'I think you put a little too much effort into it.

'Alima the witch. In fact, I'd like to know the name of Damon, the man who made the deal with you.

　When I ask politely, Alima seems to have difficulty saying it.
　She seems unsure if she should say it.

'Hey woman. Why don't you answer Kuroki's question? Do you want to die?

　Coona hits Alima's neck with her scythe.

''Hi!!!''

　Alima's face twitches with fear.
　It's a bit much. She tries to stop Kuna.
　But Kuna doesn't stop.

"Hey, woman. Look into Kuna's eyes.

　Coona uses magic.
　Alima's eyes go blank.
　I let out a sigh myself. Maybe this is faster after all.

'I signed up for this, Master Manseid: ......

　Alima mutters softly.
　Manseid.
　I knew the name myself. It was Damon, a close associate of Ulvald's, I believe.
　Manseid was a mage of the Damon tribe. I hear that he sometimes does espionage outside Nargol on Urvald's orders.
　It may have been then that he made a contract with her.
　But if we can locate Urvald's entourage, we might be able to find out where Urvald is.
　Wouldn't we know where he is?

'Its ....... Do you know where Lord Manseid is?
'Yes, it's been thirty years since I left Master Manseid. The connection has faded. But I still know exactly where he is. Mr. Manseid is in the Republic of Ariadia.

　I answer clearly.

'The Republic of Ariadia is so large, can't you be more specific about where you are?'
'The basement ....... Perhaps this feeling is underground.

　I'm surprised to hear Alima's words.
　And by underground, you mean underground canal? Why are we in an underground canal?
　I'm confused.
　I don't understand. I believe that Rage and his friends are in the canal now.

"Oh, Urvald is in the canal. This is bad luck. A brave man could get you.

　Coona says with a laugh.
　But it's no laughing matter. I don't know why I'm in that place, but I should go help.

'Coona!'　Hurry up and get back to Ariadia!