Sisyphe

Hey, Novice!　What the hell are you doing?　Don't be rash!

　I shout, but he doesn't answer.
　Normally he'd at least say, "Don't worry about it, Sisyphe.

Gaaaaaaaahhhh ！！！！

　Novis screams heroically and takes on Lesser Damon.
　The way he swings his sword is absurd.
　Perhaps he is completely out of control and has become a mad warrior.
　It seems that my voice can't be heard anymore. If he fights like that, his body will break down.

''d*mn!　The human touch!

　Lesser Damon wields the big machete and prevents Novis from attacking.
　I have only seen Novis once in the past, when he became a mad warrior.
　Novis, who became a mad warrior, attacked us when the demons were annihilated.
　That time we managed to escape, and we survived because Novis was strong enough to fall. Honestly, it's a memory I don't like to remember much.
　Novice's power as a madman was tremendous. However, Lesser Damon surpassed it.
　A tremendous offensive and defensive battle is taking place in front of me.
　Lesser Damon is being held back by Novice's powerful attacks.
　However, Novis, who has become a mad warrior, does not defend himself. He only works to kill his opponent. In this way, even if he kills his opponent, he will also die.
　In the teachings of Lord Tolls, the god of war, it is an honor to die in battle.
　So many of his warriors would die quickly.
　But I don't want that.
　I don't want anyone close to me to die.
　Father, who was killed by a demon and never came home.
　If I could have fought for him, if I had been there for him, he might not have died.
　Of course it's not possible. I'm not a force to be reckoned with. I'm not cut out to be a warrior. This is what my sister Kayna has been telling me.
　But I can't help but think about it.
　Why couldn't I save my father? Why wasn't he by his father's side?
　I loved my mom and dad. They were the perfect couple for me.
　But it was ruined by his death.
　My father died and my mother got married again.
　I know that's not an option. Without his income, she had to rely on someone else.
　My father-in-law is a good man. He is kind to me. And he even tried to find a man for me to marry.
　I should be grateful to him. But I am afraid to get married to him because I have seen how easily the marriage breaks up.
　I was frustrated that I couldn't get married and save my father, so I asked my sister Kayna to make me a freedom fighter.
　It would be good if I could save someone else by fighting. So I take up my sword and hold up my shield.
　Then I received Lady Raina's blessing and I became a warrior. I'm sure my wishes must have reached Lady Raina.
　She wants me to use this power to protect the people.

"Lady Raina, goddess of wisdom and victory!　Protect Novice!

　I cast a spell.
　A glowing magical shield appears around Novice. The magical shield prevents Lesser Damon's attack.
　The attack is blocked and Lesser Damon looks frustrated.
　Lesser Damon is a demon race, even if it's a lowly one. If I was alone, I wouldn't be able to win.
　Novis will attack and I will defend. With this coordination, we have managed to fight against Lesser Damon.
　But it's starting to get tight. I can feel the magic inside me breaking off.
　The attack of Novice, who is fighting in front of me, seems to be getting weaker and weaker.
　Novis also seems to be nearing its limit.
　Everyone fighting behind us is also unlikely to be able to rescue us since there are so many ratmen.

''Guaaaaaaaaaaaah!

　Novis's scream.
　Lesser Damon's attack smashed through the magical shield I had made and blew Novis away.
　It hit the sword Novis was holding, so it didn't take a direct hit.
　However, it must have still been quite an impact. Novis is blown to the side and becomes motionless against the wall.

''Novis!''

　I run over to Novice. He seems to be alive, but he's not moving.

'Hmph!　You're making it hard for me!

　Lesser Damon swears.
　When I look, my friends are retreating as well.
　It looks like they've defeated a lot of Ratmen, but there are too many of them.
　They couldn't kill them all and everyone looks tired.
　The Ratman is not chasing us. It seems that he's going to take us alive as planned.

'I don't care what happens to my life!　I'm sure these girls can help!
　Master Decius shouts to Lesser Damon.

'Of course I intend to, coloured man. These women are top balls, you know. I will turn them over to my own people. I will turn them over to my own people and I will be honored to face them.

　Then Lesser Damon laughs.

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

　Suddenly, a voice comes from behind Lesser Damon. From the sound of the voice, it's probably a woman.

'Who are you?!'

　Lesser Damon turns around.
　Then a glowing white butterfly flies in and flies around Lady Decius.

'Hey, what's this butterfly?!

　Then, one woman appears behind Lesser Damon, running down the side wall.

'Shenna!
Shenna!

　Master Decius and Ainoe shouted when they saw the woman who appeared.

'We're here to help you, brother!



Shenna the dancer

Shenna!
Shenna!

　My brother and sister Ainoe call my name.
　I managed to get there in time.
　The butterflies led me on, but there were so many Ratmen that I couldn't get ahead of them, and I was late.
　I got there a little while ago, when the battle was raging.
　I wanted to run to them immediately, but the battle was so intense that I couldn't get out, and I was looking for an opportunity.
　Then he came out in a hurry when he saw that the warrior with the great sword had been blown away by the Lesser Damon.

'Shenna, how did you get here?　I thought you were in the clutches of the Moonlight Goddess?

　My brother asks curiously.

'We'll talk later, brother. Now is not the time to talk about it.'

　Then I look at Lesser Damon and sister Ainoe.

'I didn't think you were alive, Shenna. "I didn't know you were alive, Shenna," he said.

　Sister Ainoe gives a sarcastic laugh.

'Sorry. 'I'm alive.'

　I laugh back again.

'But what makes you think your arrival is enough to provide reinforcements? I'll kill you right here and now.

　Sister Ainoe wields her obi sword. The sword barrel is long and resilient and slashes the sky.

''Oh, is it right to say that?　What makes you think I'm still alive?

　When I say that, I pull out the sword I borrowed from the Dark Knight.
　When I pull it out, black flames erupt from the blade.

''That black flame is ！！！！.''

　Lesser Damon shouts at the black flames.

'That's what I'm talking about. Zeal, I think it is. He is furious with you," he said. I am his messenger, the one who is entrusted with this sword. If you're going to walk away, I can intercede for you if you want to?

　I'm a blatant liar.
　I borrowed a sword. I'm not an errand boy or anything.
　But my words came as a shock, and Lesser Damon starts to panic.

'Oh, he's mad at you ----!　Awwww!　Ainoe!　Let's get out of here!

　It's like he's lying about his attitude from earlier.
　He's behind me. My brothers look dumbfounded.

'No, I don't want to!

　Suddenly, sister Ainoe shouts out.

''Ah, Ainoe?　That one is angry, you know. You know how scary that man is, don't you?

　Lesser Damon hurriedly tries to convince his sister Ainoe of this.
　But sister Ainoe.

No!　I can't believe we're turning our backs on you.　Shenna!　I'm not going to be beaten by someone like you, who has grown up to be hard-working and nurturing!

　Sister Ainoe glares at me with an amazing expression.

'How hard do you think it took for me to become the flower of the troupe!　Dancing in a saloon in a shithole!　I don't like it and I don't want someone touching me!　I'd even sell my soul to the devil to get out of that kind of life!
Sis: "Sis: ......
"Senator's daughter!　The sister of the knight of the law!　What does a young lady of such privileged birth have to do with a theater company?　Why are you trying to take my position!

　Sister Ainoe spoke up quickly.
　Perhaps she had been storing it in her mind for a long time.

''It's good to be your brother!　You don't know anything about hard work or anything else, and you're lecturing me!　You and your siblings are an eyesore!

　Saying that, Ainoe sister points her obi sword at him.
　It's not hard to understand how Ainoe's sister feels. I'm a dancer too. I know what life is like for dancers.
　But there was one word that I couldn't leave out.
　I'm getting angry inside me.
　You don't know anything about hardship?
　How can you say that when you don't know anything about us?
　We were born to a mother who is a follower of Lord Ishtia, the goddess of beauty and love, and a father who is a priest of Lord Odis, the god of law.
　According to the doctrine of Lord Ishtia, we could not marry. Born of a mother who had no citizenship, we were forced to be born as bastards with no citizenship.
　Under the laws of the Republic of Ariadia, a child who was not born from a formal marriage, even if he or she was related by blood, would not be recognized as a male child.
　That's why I've never lived like a young lady. It is the same with your brother.
　I lived in the poor outer city with my mother and brother.
　I don't think that life was rich by any means.
　Then one day, my father decided to adopt my brother. Dad, who didn't have an heir, wanted his brother to be his successor.
　But it was a difficult thing to do.
　According to the laws of the Republic of Ariadia, in order to adopt a child, you need the permission of the Temple of Feria, which is dedicated to the Goddess of Marriage.
　This is apparently to prevent the sale of citizenship under the guise of adoption, but I don't know the details.
　And the Temple of Feria did not want to allow my brother's adoption.
　They didn't like the fact that the priest of Odis, the god of law, had a child out of marriage.
　Also, Dad's relatives and the people around him, including the priests of Lord Odis, did not approve of my brother's being a bastard.
　But he made an effort to be recognized by those people.
　I remember how he made an effort.
　He studied every day, learned the etiquette and manners, and tried his best to make people around him think well of him.
　But the people around me were still cold.
　But the angels were watching him. One day, my brother received the blessing of Archangel Sursha-sama.
　The people around him had no choice but to recognize him after receiving Archangel Sursha's blessing, and he officially became my father's child.
　I look at sister Ainoe.
　It's good to see me. But don't tell me that your brother doesn't know what he's going through.
　In the past, I have seen plays starring Ainoe in which she was the main character.
　She was so beautiful and dazzling, and I wished I could be like her.
　And then I joined the same theater company. And I practiced the play desperately.
　I wanted to be as good as her sister Ainoe, so I worked hard to be as good as her. That's why Ainoe's sister's words made me sad, and that's why I'm angry.
　Does she think she's the only one struggling?

Sis, I don't know what you've been through. I don't know what you've gone through, but don't tell me that my brother and I don't know what you've been through. But don't tell me that my brother and I don't know what you've been through. Let's end it right here.

　I hold up my sword.

'Good nerve, Sienna!　I'm going to pay you back!

　The sister also holds her obi sword.

''Hey, hey!　Ainoe!
'Master Zeal!　Please, let me do it!

　Lesser Damon stops her, but sister Ainoe doesn't seem to be interested in stopping her.

'Shenna: ......'

　My brother calls my name with concern.

'It's okay brother. Watch over there.

　We face off.
　Lesser Damon is lolling behind sister Ainoe.

'Dance, wind, dance!

　Ainoe sister, who must have received power from Lesser Damon, casts a spell. And the obi sword moves strangely in time with Ainoe sister's movements.
　It's as if the sword is dancing.
　Then I'll dance too.
　Black flames erupt from the sword entrusted to me by the Dark Knight according to my will.
　If the other side is a dance of wind, this is a dance of fire.
　The wind-cloaked obi sword is coming towards me.
　I rotate my body to face sister Ainoe.
　And then we cross.

''I knew we couldn't win. ......

　Ainoe's sister muttered softly. Ainoe sister's sword-body-less obi sword in her hand.
　The power of the sword sliced through the obi sword with the power of the sword.
　And Ainoe sister who was struck by the hilt of the sword falls down. At that moment, I felt tears spill from Ainoe sister's eyes.
　I'm sorry, but this is also a game.
　Considering the strength of my backers, there was no doubt in my mind that I had won overwhelmingly.
　I don't consider that to be cowardly. It's one of my talents to have a backer.
　Ainoe's sister must have known that. Still, she must have had to compete.
　I look down at the poor woman who fell.

'Ainoe-chan: ......'

　Lesser Damon runs up to him.

'I didn't kill him!　Take your sister Ainoe and disappear!

　As I say this, Lesser Damon disappears into the depths of the underground canal with his sister Ainoe.
　After meeting the dark knight named Master, I no longer felt that I was a bad person just because I was Lesser Damon. So I don't think it's bad that sister Ainoe made a contract with Damon.
　Naturally, she couldn't tell her brother about this.

'Shenna, what the hell are you? And that sword?

　His brothers come over here.
　Behind them, Ratman, who has lost his ruler, is puzzled.

"We'll talk about it later, brother. But first, give me the flute I left with you. They say you can control Ratman with this flute.

　It reminds me of what the Goddess of Moonlight said.
　It seems that this flute is effective not only for Chalkinos, but also for Ratman. However, I don't think my sisters knew about this.
　You can't keep track of things. Why would I entrust such an important thing to them so easily?
　Well, it doesn't matter now.
　I took the flute from my brother and put it to my mouth.




◆Nephim, the brave man of water

"Hey, Water Hero Nephim. Can you still do it?

　Gaudin, the brave of the land behind me, says to me.

'Of course. At least this much.'

　But with the exception of Gordan, he has no friends. All of them had been killed by Ratman.
　We managed to get away from the earlier attack, but we're nearing our limit.

'We've lost the torch. We're counting on you to help us.

　Gordan says with a laugh.
　I have the power of the water spirit, and where there is water, I can act to some extent without the light.
　That's why I'm surviving.
　However, I can tell from the signs of water that Ratman is nearby.
　There are so many of them that there is no escape.

'They're coming. I'd say there are 30 in number.''

　I say, looking at the end of the channel.
　If I go backwards, there will be the Ratman from earlier. There's no way to get away.

You can't run. Just point me in the right direction and I'll run him in. I'll run into him. You'll cover me from behind.
I understand. It's the only way.

　He nodded at Gordan's words. Without the torch, Gaudan would not be able to see his surroundings.
　I'll have to give him my position and if Gordan runs into him, I'll have to cover him from behind.
　Ratman seems to be able to see in the dark. I'd have to say we're at a disadvantage.
　The Ratman has spotted us and is coming closer.

Huh?
What's going on?

　I make a strange sound, and Gaudin makes a worried sound.

'The Ratman is acting weird. He should have noticed us, but he's gone away.

　Ratman, who had been waiting in front of me, had gone away.
　It was as if something had called him. Ratman and other beastmen have far more acute senses than humans do.
　They might have heard a sound or something that humans couldn't hear and gone away.

''But, thank goodness. Let's get out of here while we still can.''
Yes. ......

　We run through an underground canal.




Chiyuki, the black-haired wise man.

What's going on, Nao-san?

　I ask Nao.

'Chiyuki-san, I can hear the whistle.'
The sound of a whistle?

　But I can't hear anything.
　It's probably because Nao has an acute sense of hearing that she can hear it.

I'm sure I can hear the sound of a flute, Chiyuki. It's as if I'm being called. This is the same as when Kalkinos showed up.

　Rage, with his equally acute hearing, says.

'Could it be a trap?'
'I don't know, Sirone. The entrance to the altar has been set up as a trap. The sound of the flute could be a trap, too. But it's strange for that.

　We are standing in front of the passage that leads to the altar of Badon.
　In truth, the underground channel does not lead to the altar of Badon. Therefore, it seems that the demons have dug a side hole from a nearby location and opened a path to the altar.
　I was about to enter, but then I realized that there was a magical trap set up for me.
　It's a warding to confine those with magical powers above a certain level.
　It's a pain in the ass to set it up, but I can use it too.
　If we, with our high magic power, entered unnoticed, we would be trapped. It was a dangerous place.
　I remember what happened in the basement of the Kornes mansion. Perhaps she's setting some kind of trap. Maybe this magic trap is what it is.
　And I'm in the process of breaking this magical trap.
　These magical traps for confinement are difficult to defeat from the inside, but they are relatively easy to defeat from the outside.

''What do we do now, Ray-kun?　Back to the one with the whistle?
No, Sahoko. Let's move on from here. We can't go back every time. Besides, we've come this far. Let's see what's in there and then we'll go.

　Rage replies with a shake of his head.

'I certainly might not want to come back here again. Chiyuki. Is the magic still not broken?''

　Reno agrees. Reno wants to get out of the underground canal as soon as possible.

"Hold on, Lino. It seems like a pretty powerful trap. But it's only a matter of time before it unravels.

　I concentrate my magic power.
　Magic traps are quite powerful. Even I'm confident in my magical powers, but it's hard to break them. But I'm sure I can handle it.
　It took some time, but I succeeded in disarming the magic trap.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to get ahead of me. Now, what's waiting for us?

　We enter the altar of Badon.
　A short passage leads to a large area.
　Unlike the underground canal, the plaza is well-lit, so it's easy to see what's there.
　There is a group of deformed monsters there. Most of them are called Lesser Damon.
　And then I see the one in the middle of them.
　It's a face I've seen. It should be a Damon Lord named Ulvald, I believe.
　It seems that the Demon King was behind this incident after all.

You've arrived ....... Brave men.

　Urvald looks at us hatefully.
　His expression is somewhat weary.

'Now, shall I ask you to tell me what you guys are up to?

　Rage draws his sword and thrusts it at Urbald.

'What I'm trying to do is where I want to find out for myself,'

　Urvald shakes his head and replies.

'What do you mean?'

　Rage is right. I don't understand.

I'm sorry, I can't answer that question. But thanks to you guys breaking the wards, we'll be able to escape. Tarabos!
Yes ......

　One man comes forward when Ulvald calls him.

'Vice President Talavos: ......'

　I mutter.
　The one in front of me was Tarabos, who was the vice president of the Sorcerer's Association. I heard he'd lost his whereabouts, but I didn't know he was here.
　Talabos's eyes are empty. Did Urbald do something to him?

'Talabos! Buy us time to get out!

　With that, Urvald smashes through the ceiling and escapes into the sky. Naturally, Damon and the others will follow.
　There should be a theater directly above us. Just to be sure, I have evacuated the people in the theater, but will it be safe?

"I'm going after Urvald! I'll leave this one to you, Chiyuki!
Hey, Mr. Rage!

　Without me having time to stop him, Rage flies through the air after Urvald.

''Ah-ha. He's gone, isn't he?
It's all on its own now. ......

　I press down between my eyebrows.

'Chiyuki-san!　What's going on with that man!

　Syrone's panicked voice.
　When I looked, I saw that Talabos' body was bulging.

'What's that?　Bugs?

　Reno says sickeningly.
　Insect legs are coming out of Talaboth's body. It's more than one, too.
　The insects' bodies grow larger and larger as they devour Tarabos' body.
　And then it absorbs the undetected ones around it. They are probably eating them.
　I am reminded of a relief from the theater. Badon, the evil god of bugs, eats all kinds of things and grows. I wonder if Talaboth's body could have been a possession of Badon.

Hey!　Mr. Chiyuki!　This is dangerous!

　Sahoko panics.
　Talabos' body is getting bigger and bigger. At this rate, it's going to be bigger than this room.

'We're getting out, guys!

　We fly into the sky above where Rage and the others left.



King Damon Urvald

'Master Urvald!　A brave man is coming after you!

　The entourage shouts.
　We know that.
　Talabos couldn't seem to stop it. They're useless.
　I gave this Talaboth, or whatever he's called, to Badon for possession. Badon is a once-defunct god.
　All that remains is the residue of his power. Even the weak body of a human should be able to turn it into a possession.
　However, the brave man ignores Tarabos and comes after him. The brave man is moving fast. If this is the case, they will catch up with you.
　I tried to use shifting magic, but it didn't activate. They must still have been manipulated in some way.
　The following black goats are being defeated by the brave men and women, this is not good.

''Urbald-sama!　I'll hold them here!　Please run!

　It was Manseid, a member of the lowest ranking aide, who said that.
　Manseid was an investigator who was investigating the situation outside Nargol. I heard that he came to this area when he was an investigator.
　You'll be able to find out more about the situation outside of Nargol.

''I'm counting on you, Sir Manseid!

　I'll make sure Manseid heads for the heroes.
　We have to get far away while we can.

'What are you doing!　Lord Ulvald!　You're abandoning your people!

　Suddenly you are called out to me.
　I look far up in the sky.
　I notice that there is a dragon hiding in the clouds. That dragon was familiar to me as well.

'Lord Llanfeld! Why are you here!

　The dragon is a thunder dragon, the rider of Lanfeld. You can see the dark knight under your command around it.

''I heard a brave man is doing something, so come and visit ....... What does this mean, Sir Ulvald!''

　Lord Llanfeld, who has come down with his men, looks at me in a furious manner.

''This, this is .......''

　I try to make an excuse, but I can't find the words.

'But you don't seem to have time to listen to excuses, Sir Ulvald!　I'll stop the heroes with a single blow! In the meantime, get your men down!

　When he says that, Lanfeld draws his sword. When he draws his sword, a thunderbolt runs from the sword barrel.
　Lanfeld's sword is a thunderbolt sword that calls for a thundercloud. And the riding thunder dragon can create a thundercloud.
　In the blink of an eye, a black thundercloud is generated.

''That's absurd. ......

　Brave men are strong. Even if the dark knights were bunched up in Nargol, they couldn't win. It is impossible to stop them with a single rider.

'Sir Algado, Sir Zaylessed: ......

　Lanfeld is muttering something. If you listen carefully, those are the names of the dark knights who were killed by the brave men.
　I'm a kind man to my men. I'm sure he still regrets the subordinates who were sacrificed by his leadership.
　Llanfeld raises his sword and turns to the heroes.

'We will remain. His Excellency Ulvald, please take your men and retreat.''

　The Dark Knight under Llanfeld's command comes to his side.

''Do you plan to stay behind as well, my lords?''
"We've been ordered to retreat. But not without Mr. Lansfeld. We will stay.

　My head hurts when I hear those words.
　Are they all stupid? You'll only be making more sacrifices.
　But we can't abandon Llanfeld, even if it's a lower-ranking subordinate, we can't abandon him.

What do I do: ......

　He is troubled but inconclusive.
　The clouds that Llanfeld had called for were thundering.
　The storm was about to begin.