A hellish red light covers the vision.
　A roaring sound shook the labyrinth and a hot wind blew in the air.
　After the explosion subsided, the smell of burning filled the room along with the smoke of the explosion.

'...... somehow, did it work?'

　Away from the bombing zone, I muttered to myself, breathing heavily, at the outcome of the mission.
　A measure that took advantage of Dionis' carelessness and overconfidence - it was quite a burden, but it worked.

''.......''

　He frowned at his right arm, which was broken due to the forced physical strengthening, and swallowed the potion.
　He takes a few seconds to drink it, and the pain in his right arm and the muscles all over his body that were injured in the fight slowly eases.

'Are you alright, Iori!'

　Having blown Dionis away with his magic eye, the water serpent had disappeared.
　With nothing to block it, Elfi rushed over to me with Totete.

''Yeah. Somehow.''

　Before entering the labyrinth, I had thought of a plan to defeat Dionis.

　Elfi 'loudly declared the activation of the magic eye', and I took advantage of the opportunity to damage Dionis and use Elfi's magic eye to stop him.
　There was some deliberateness in Elfi's declaration, but it's good that Dionis didn't notice anything.

''It looks like you've taken quite a load of Reinforcement Magic layering ...... on.
'I swung my sword as hard as I could and my bones shattered at the same time. I took a potion, though, so it'll heal quickly.

　If you push it too hard in that state, you'll die a stone's throw away.
　"We can do another layer on top of the triple acceleration, but let's not do it.

Did you get ...... finished it off?

　I point to the smoke explosion and ask Elfi.
　To that, Elfi shook his head and replied.

The life force of the demon race would not be fatal. A few limbs might be blown off, though.
Oh, that's a relief.

　I won't be able to get my mind off of dying from that explosion.
　Shall I use the potion to lightly heal you so that you don't die right away, and let me take my revenge slowly?

　Thanks to the potions, I can feel the damage to my body healing.
　It's a good thing I had my top-tier potions ready.

''Well.

　Just as the smoke from the blast ahead is subsiding.
　Shall we check how much damage Dionis has taken?
　Let's also collect the 'keystone' for Karen.

　It was the moment I confirmed that the bones in my arm had recovered and stood up.

''I----k!''

　Elfie, who had turned his attention to the explosive smoke, changed his blood color and was about to shout something.
　But as soon as he opened his mouth, the figure of Elfie, who was right next to him, disappeared.

"Elfie?

　No, no.
　A little behind the place where I was standing until then.
　Multiple swords were thrust into Elfi's abdomen as he sat on his knees.

''What the ......!''

　I was attacked.
　The moment I understood that fact and tried to jump back.

''......?!''

　The flesh of his left leg was scraped off by the sword that flew from the explosive smoke.
　He lost his balance and fell to the ground.

''Ga.......''

　The first thing I visited was the heat.
　Hot.
　A different kind of heat than being roasted over a fire.

"Gu ...... ugh.

　The moment I looked at the cracked open wound, the heat turned to intense pain.
　Between the gutted flesh, the nerves running inside the body and the bones are peeking out.
　The pain was so intense that my vision flashed white again and again.

　I grit my teeth to the point of chipping, trying to reach for a handheld potion: ----

"Ha...... is ah......!

　A hum and wind noise.
　Following that, his right hand reaching for the porch was sewn to the ground by a flying sword.
　The blade could be seen penetrating the back of the hand.

　The sword that had been thrust into his hand seemed to glow for a moment, and then it disappeared without a trace.
　All that was left was the right hand with a hole in it.

''What...... is this, huh?
...... I was disappointed in what you did with me. It's a small fry's monopoly to play with the little tricks.

　From the smoke of the explosion, Dionysus emerged.

''Wha......!?''

　Elfi's magic eye should have been a direct hit.
　Nevertheless, there was no damage from the explosion on its body at all.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

　That's ridiculous.
　It's not possible to be unharmed after eating that .......

...... It's a good thing I have this on.

　As if to answer this one's question, Dionis took out a bill from his pocket.
　In the next moment, the bill flared up black and turned to ashes in tatters.

''The 'substitution protection'. I wonder if you remember it. It's the magic item that was supposed to be given to you before you rode into the Demon King's Castle. It's a good thing I stuck my hand in my pocket just in case.
I wanted to get my equipment delivered to ...... and I knew it was you guys!
It's your fault that people don't like you. Your lack of popularity saved my life.

　Dionis waved his hand.
　Immediately after, a sword suddenly appeared behind it.
　It shot out like a bullet towards me, by itself.

''.......''

　He moves his body with his available left hand and right leg and takes an evasive action.
　I couldn't duck and the blade gouged out my left shoulder.

''Ha......zu.''

　The intense pain of being gouged out by the blade distorts my vision as if I were inebriated.
　What the hell is that guy doing ......!

'I don't have anything special to say about Amatsu's little tricks, but ...... yeah, Elfiszak. You're good.

　Dionis's gaze turned to Elfie.
　Elfi was supposed to have been pierced by multiple blades in his abdomen, but before he knew it, the swords had disappeared.
　It seems that thanks to the fact that it was the minute body that was pierced, it doesn't seem to have received much damage.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about it. It's not a bad idea to have a good time with a good friend. I'm surprised. I'm sorry, I was licking your chops.
...... Shut up.
So I'm going to show you the best of me.

　The atmosphere that Dionis was wearing changes.
　A breeze is blowing in the room that should be sealed.

'First of all. It proves that I am the strongest of the demon race.

　A change appeared on Dionis's forehead - a corner that was obscured by his bangs.
　The sound of something creaking with a crunching sound could be heard.
　Immediately after, Dionis's horns extended to a length as long as the blade of a knife.

''-- Demonization. It's a secret of the demon race that temporarily increases physical ability and the amount of magic power to the extreme. This is a technique that was handed down long ago when the demon tribe was still a member of the demon king's army. None of the current gutted demon race had anyone who could use it now - but I have reached this level!

　The amount of magic power that was leaking out of Dionis increased dramatically.
　The slender figure could be seen to have grown in size.

"...... Is this the secret technique that the former Four Heavenly Kings 'Kongo' used?"

　Elfie muttered with a grim expression, as if he had an idea.

'It's not over yet,'

　Dionis removed his gaze from Elfie and looked at me.
　Lifting his face pompously, Dionis gave him a hateful look.

'I've always disliked it, you know. That I was the only one in that party who hadn't reached the extreme end of magic.'
What is ......?
You have a unique ability to conjure up proof of heroism. Lucidus had lost magic. Lucifina was a master of mental magic. I was the only one who didn't have any.

　'But that was thirty years ago,' said Dionysus in a cat-patting voice.

'Study after study, a lot of people as test subjects, arranged for me to use!　...... I've arrived. Beyond the extremes of magic.

　The magic power gathered around Dionis.
　Then, as if proudly, Dionis uttered the name of the magic.


''--"Lost Magic (Lost Magic), Broken Blade Loaded (Blade Trigger)"--


　That moment.
　More than thirty swords appeared around Dionis.

　By seeing them up close, he finally realized the identity of the swords that had appeared so suddenly.
　It wasn't that he had hidden the swords somewhere.
　Dionis used his own magic to instantly create the sword (・・・・・・・・・).

'It's a lost magic ......,'

　Loss Magic.
　Along with psychic magic, this is the great magic that is considered to be a point of magical attainment.
　The extreme region of magic that many sorcerers aim for.

　Dionis, who has mastered it, shouts out.

''I now surpass you guys of the past!

　At the same time as he shouts, the floating sword is pointed at me.
　At the same time as Dionis swings his arm down, all the swords are shot out like bullets.

''......ssh.''
''--You heal your wounds!''

　Immediately after the countless blades gleamed.
　With a shout, Elfi jumped in front of me.

"--"Demon Arm, Breaking and Ripping (Kairetsudan).

　Using his magic claws, Elfie crashes into a storm of swords.
　Every time Elfi's arm is waved, multiple swords are flung off and become magical particles that disappear.
　The onslaught is so fierce that not even one of the swords can reach me.

''Hmph. It's no different than firing a series of water bullets.
...... Is that right?

　A new additional sword is created and Dionis fires it.
　Seeing Dionis' maliciously twisted expression at the end of the sword storm, I understood.

　--That thing is bad.

''Duck, Elfiiiiiiiiiiiiii!
'?
"It's too late, slowpoke!

　The countless swords that flew in the air.
　It's not a good idea to have a good time.
　It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.

"--"Break Magic

　The chanting of Dionysus, filled with joy, reached my ears.
　Immediately after.
　All the swords exploded and the vision turned white.


◆


El...... fi......!

　As the blast blew me away and I rolled on the ground, I realized what had happened.

　That sword that Dionis is creating.
　All of them are magic items.
　It's a sword that contains magic power inside, so naturally it can be detonated using "demons".

　Creating a magic item using only its own magic power is beyond the norm.
　The sword itself is unable to maintain its magical power and disappears within seconds, but even so, it is more than enough to be vicious considering the power of the demon.

U......g

　Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Elfie with large burns all over his body.
　He was on his knees and was about to fall over.

It's a good thing that you don't die from eating that one, ex demon king!　...... Compared to that, it's not like the former brave man is so feckless.
Te.......

　Dionis, almost unharmed, laughs, pointing at us.

''Haha, Amatsu. Are you still going to fight?
'Per ...... ago!'
It's important to never give up, but sometimes it's important to look at reality, right?

　Needless to say, the situation was bad.
　I'm still not healed of the wound that was gouged out by the sword.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

　...... What to do.
　How can I turn this situation upside down?

　You can't move without healing the wounds on your limbs, no matter what you do first.
　Can Dionysus wait on that?　
　...... not gonna happen.

　Only if the safe hand deploys Il Ataraxia.
　...... It's impossible.
　It's not strong enough to prevent lost magic.

　Then ask Elfie .......
　No, it's impossible.
　The explosion was so severe that Elfie couldn't move.

".......
You get it, Amatsu? You've lost.
Dionisssssss ......!
''Hahahahahahahaha!''

　With the effects of the sustained potion, the wound is slowly healing.
　If you stall for time, at least until your legs heal with this potency, you can get ......!

''Ammattu!　I've got a great suggestion for you, do you want to hear it?
...... what?
'Crawl on the ground, lick the floor with a superior eye, and say, "I wasn't a hero. I'm not a hero, I'm just a lazy, incompetent piece of shit who can't do anything without borrowing power." And then I'll spare your life?
''Screw you .......''

　No, wait .......
　This is our chance.
　The guy's a joy to be around, and if we can make him happy while he's healing...

Yikes!
''Ga...... ah!''

　Instantly, a sword stabbed into his right leg.
　Upon impact, I rolled on the ground, sprinkling blood.

''Hahahahahah!''

　Dionysus laughs out loud while pointing at me and holding his stomach.

I'm not going to help you, huh?　Why do you believe what others say unconditionally?　I don't understand it.
......
'You don't deserve to live. But ......

　'Except for you,' said Dionis, turning his gaze to Elfie.

'--unless it's you, the former Demon King.
...... nah, nah, nah.
I'll make you the Demon King. You'll cut off Amatsu and join me.

　Elfie yelled back at that suggestion.

'Screw you ......!
'I got overwhelming power, but this wasn't enough. The fight has made me understand. You deserve to join forces with me.
Who the f*ck is ...... with you, ......!
No, we're gonna partner up. You're a partner.

　After a tone of voice like admonishing an incomprehensible child, "Oh dear.
　A sword was thrust into Elfi's chest.

''Ga...... hmph.''
Me and Amatsu. I'll show you who's smarter to team up with.

　Dionysus approaches the fallen Elfie.

　What took place from there.
　It wasn't even a fight, it was one-sided violence.

◆

"You want revenge on Ortega, don't you?　Actually, I'd like to kill Ortega myself.

　First, both of Elfie's eyes were slashed to a straight line.
　The magic eye was sealed and Elfie grunted.

''You're weak and you act so high and mighty. I don't like it.'

　Then again and again, Dionis slashed Elfie's body with his sword.

　''The guys from the Demon King's Army are also laughing at me behind my back, calling me a 'demon tribe style'. I can't forgive them for that. I'll kill the demon king and show him my power. I'm going to make you regret it. ...... but I don't want to become a demon king. It's just a hassle.

　A sword the size of a small knife stirred Elfie's abdomen.

'So cooperate with me and I'll give you the title of Demon King. Elfiszak. Elfiszak Van (...) Guildegard.

　Van.
　That's a title that can only be given to a demon king.

　While gutting Elfie with his sword, Dionysus repeatedly whispers to him.
　It's a good idea to be my companion.

It's a good thing that you're a part of this. I apologize for the men under your command that I killed. In the meantime, I have some information about your men, which I can share with you.

　You've got to be kidding me.
　But as I tried to move, to save Elfie, the sword came flying at me in no time.
　It was all I could do to avoid a fatal wound.

　There's nothing I can do about it.
　Now I'm either healing my wounds or .......

'Great. The eye you tore off has already healed. This is the power of the highest demon race. The fact that they can come back to life after killing them doesn't seem to be a lie either.

　With that, Dionis slashed both of Elfie's eyes again.

''......ssh.''

　Elfie doesn't scream, he just lets out a muffled voice.

'I've learned in the process of making slaves for the last thirty years. No matter how strong your will is, you can't win the pain. You can't fight the fear of death. You can't fight the fear of death.

　Gingerly, on the other hand, Dionysus gently whispers to Elfie.

'There is no shame in it. Everyone is. If you betray Amatsu, no one will attack you.''
............
I hate pain. Who doesn't? So, huh?
............
You can choose to be rejected by me here for a long time or you can follow me back to the throne. You'll see which is the smarter choice. Elfiszak Van Gildegard. Wouldn't you like to take that name again?

　-- so team up with me.

　How many times had Dionysus whispered this to Elfie?
　I've been gouged out of both eyes, stabbed with swords all over my body, and my guts scraped with blades.
　Eventually, Elfie opened his mouth.

'...... really.'
......?
''Are you really ...... going to make me a demon king?''

　In a thin voice, I heard Elfie say something like that.

----.

　I stop thinking.

'Of course. I'll acknowledge you as one of my own if you kill the ashes lying there with your hands.

　Elfi was released.
　With wounds all over his body and breathing heavily, Elfie turned his gaze towards us.
　His slashed eyes were almost healed.

''...... Elfi,''
----
Elfi......!

　I call out.
　But there's no reply.

"Hahahaha!　You just got betrayed by us, and you really haven't made any progress!　You still don't get it, after 30 years!　Why can't you understand?　They'll just throw you away when you're no longer useful!
"...... and ......

　Elfi stands up.
　He looks at me.
　His eyes turn red, and he activates his magic eye.
　I'm going to be killed.

"............

　The risk was acceptable.
　We knew this could happen.
　But this.

　But ...... is Elfie is going to be safe?
　From the way he talks, if it's true that he's using Elfie for his own ends.
　If he can be saved, then ...... can help him.

　That's ridiculous.
　Even if he survives, all that awaits him is a future where he is used up and killed.

　Shit, what was I thinking?
　I'm not going to die here.
　I haven't gotten my revenge.

　I...
　I'm gonna get betrayed and die again.

"It's funny how we get used to being avengers. You wanted someone to lick your wounds, didn't you, Amatsu?　And that's why you believe it, isn't it?　What a shame!　As a result, you will be betrayed again!

　Ridicule resounded in the air.

''Iori.''
----
I can't end up here.

　Death.
　That was the moment I thought.

"But I'd rather die than betray my friends.
Is ......?

　Elfi turned around vigorously.
　From the tip of his gaze, there was Dionis with a dumbfounded expression.
　The red lotus light blew Dionis away.

　To the stunned me, Elfi comes closer.

''You have a terrible face, Iori.
...... Elfi.
Didn't I tell you?

　The voice sounded gentle.
　Smiling thinly, Elfie said.

''--I would never betray you.
......

　I remember.
　The words I exchanged with Elfie in the Abyssal Labyrinth.

　--I'm not going to betray you as long as you're one of us.

'You're a joke......!　Elfiszaak!　You spit on the hand I held out to you, huh!

　Dionis's indignant cry of rage rang out as he was blown away.

'I'm going to kill ......!　I'll kill you!''

　Dionis's magic power was blown out.
　The amount of magical power is so great that you can see how that guy has been playing with it until now.
　Even if we were in good shape, I don't know if we could beat that thing.

"As I thought, we couldn't defeat it with a single blow.

　And yet, Elfie's voice sounded strangely calm.
　He looked back at me once and returned his gaze to Dionis.
Then he let out a small breath and said

'Get away from here, Iori.'