Iori fell from the Abominable Light Labyrinth, a short time ago.
　The Holy City of Schmelz was in an uproar.
　It's not because the abominable light labyrinth, which had been prepared and was about to be raided, had been defeated by someone - but because the demon king's army had suddenly appeared in the Churchland.

　-- it's because the demon king's army suddenly appeared in the teaching country.

　Together with demons and demonkind, it's an army of over thirty thousand.
　According to the report from the reconnaissance team, the figure of the Four Heavenly Kings "Distorted" has also been confirmed.
　Whether some kind of magic item was used or not, when the Church State noticed, the Demon King's army was closing in on the Holy City.

　Upon receiving this news, the Cathedral Knights moved swiftly.
　The knights of the first squad began to guide the evacuation of the people living in the Melt Order, including the head of the church and other Melt Order officials, as well as the people living there.
　At the same time, the knights of the second squad deployed on the Great Holy Gate surrounding Schmelz.

　The third squad has not yet come to the Holy City, and it will take a few hours to arrive.
　The Holy Hall Knights decided to hold a siege battle in Schmelz.

'...... what a number!'

　One of the knights who looked down from the Great Sacred Gate at the scene outside muttered in a shaky voice.
　Amidst the rich grasslands that surrounded them, the overflowing deformities were illuminated by the morning sun that had begun to climb.
　The knights around them couldn't help but clear their throats at the hellish scene that covered the familiar landscape.

　Since the battle thirty years ago, the Demon King's army hadn't shown much movement.
　The labyrinth that should have been defeated started moving again, the army that approached the Demon King's castle was destroyed, the blue-haired demon and the half-elf burned the village to the ground - there were a number of movements, but it shouldn't have been a while before an army of over ten thousand came out.

'At last, Ortegia is back: ......?　So, for starters, they're trying to destroy the Church State or something like that: ......
'That's not unlikely. It's possible that the pterodactyl attacked us not long ago was a scouting mission.
Maybe the disappearance of George and former Captain Marx had something to do with the demons.
''Then why did the Abominable Light Labyrinth stop a while ago ......?

　Amidst all that speculation.

!

　Finally, the Demon King's army began to move.
　More than ten thousand deformities began to charge towards the Great Sacred Gate, screaming and sending up a cloud of dust.
　The dragon species that flew across the sky flapped their wings towards the sky above the Great Sacred Gate.

''Do not be afraid!　We have the blessing of Master Melt!

　As the Demon King's army moved, the troop leader raised his voice.

''Don't let those filthy demons enter the Holy City!　Begin the attack!

　With the command, magic is swept from the top of the Great Sacred Gate towards the approaching army.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this.
　The dragon species attacking from the sky were blocked by the wards stretched above the Great Sacred Gate, and when they stopped moving, they were shot down by magic magic.

　However, that wasn't enough to stop the Demon King's army from moving.
　Overcoming the wreckage of his friends, demons came rushing in one after another.
　Some demons were not only advancing foolishly, but also unleashing their magic magic towards the Great Sacred Gate.

''Resist!''

　Defensive magic was deployed and the attacks were nullified.
　Immediately after, magic and bows by the knights fell on the demons again.

''Do you have the magic granting items (magic items) and potions yet!
Chanting complete!　I'm ready to shoot at any time!
'We need more arrows!　Refuel now!

　The knights were running around in a hurry to intercept the demon king's army.
　Their attacks have yet to bring any of the demons closer to the Great Sacred Gate.

''Alright, we can go.''
'Demon King's Army, don't underestimate us: ......!

　There are only a few hours left until the third squadron of reinforcements arrives.
　It's not a situation where you can let your guard down, but the Cathedral Knights are able to fight in front of the Demon King's army.
　If they continue to stall for time, they should be able to defeat the Demon King's Army in front of them.

''...... not yet.''

　Turning to the optimistic knights, the troop leader gave a stern voice.

''It's not just demons that we're up against. There are powerful demons waiting behind them.
The mighty, demonic race: ......
"The Four Heavenly Kings ...... have also been spotted distorting. Don't let up.

　At the words of the unit commander, the optimistic knights braced themselves to deal with the situation again.
　For the next ten minutes or so, the Cathedral Knights continued to defend the Great Sacred Gate, even though they were injured.
　They would continue to defend it in this way - although the knights swore to do so.

''......!''

　A lone demon was seen coming forward to join the demons.
　It was a blue-haired man with a naginata in his hand.

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

　From the moment that demon came out, the attacks he unleashed began to deflect in a misguided direction.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this.

''Shakashite. I'd rather end it all at once than make unnecessary sacrifices.

　With a ding dong, the demon tribe begins to walk towards the Great Sacred Gate.
　The knights concentrate on attacking the demon tribe, but all attacks are deflected and fly in a different direction.
　The blue-haired demon tribe raises its cleaver.

　With a sense of twisting space with a limpid sensation, the magic power concentrates on the demon's cleave.

''Be alert!　There's something coming.

　It was at the same time that the unit commander issued a warning.
　The naginata was swung down.

''N--''

　As it gouged out the earth, something was approaching the Great Sacred Gate.
　Attacks were repelled and defensive magic collapsed in a daze.
　The moment something reached the Great Sacred Gate, there was a tremor that turned the world upside down.

I don't know.

　Faster than the knights could understand the situation.

"--Another one!

　The naginata is swung down.
　An overwhelming amount of magic slams into the castle gate in succession, and soon--

''Whoa!

　A tremendous smashing sound rang out.
　One of the pure white gates collapsed, engulfing the knight on top.

''Fool, the Great Sacred Gate is ......

　At the same time that the knights who had been waiting behind the gates were in despair.

I'm sorry. You were in the way, so I had to take you out.

　The blue-haired demon tribe smiled sharply, as if it was bared of fangs.

''Goooooooooooooooooooooooo!''

　With a roar, the demons began to rush towards the shattered castle gate.

''U......ah!''

　The Great Sacred Gate is one of the most important supporters of those who live in Schmelz.
　It is the same for the knights.
　Some knights begin to freeze at the fact that the Great Sacred Gate, which has protected Schmelz for so long, has been shattered.

　The moment the knights begin to shrivel up, that moment.

''--Don't get flustered.

　An interesting voice echoed through the Great Sacred Gate.

　A lone knight with his subordinates in tow raised his voice, shaking the indigo color out of his hair.
　The man there is the man who unites the Second Squadron Knights.
　It's the captain of the Second Squadron, Leo William Disfrender.

''We are the Cathedral Knights. We are the only ones who can protect the people who are afraid of the looming threat of demons.

　Leo swung his sword.
　A whirlwind arose, blowing through the shattered Great Sacred Gate and swallowing the approaching demons.
　Countless demons are shredded in an instant.
　The knights were encouraged by its strength.

''Don't give in. Arise and take up your swords. Protect what's important to you from them!
"Oh--Oh, oh, oh, oh!

　Swallowing their fear, the knights stand up.
　They have to hold their mission in their hearts and protect what is important to them with their own hands.
　Now that the castle walls have collapsed, they have only one hand left to do.

''All troops, charge--!　Don't let them enter the Holy City!

　With Leo's command, the waiting troops begin to attack.
　In order to prevent the demons from entering the city walls, they confront the demons.
　The demons and the knights collided head-on.

''Whoa!


　Pierce it with a spear, blow it away with magic, and cut it in two with a sword.
　For a well-trained cathedral knight, it's not that difficult to defeat normal demons.
　However, if there are a few of them.

''Gosh, geez.''
"Geez!

　The victims began to appear as they could no longer cope with the demons that appeared one after another.
　The blood of demons and humans spewed out and dyed the grassland red.

''Those who are injured, get back immediately!
"High Heels."

　The support unit supports them with healing magic, but they are not in time for the large number of injured people.
　There was no time to regain their stance, the demon assault.
　The situation was a complete change from earlier, and it wasn't good.

''What!?''

　On top of that, a black light could be seen blasting out from the abominable light labyrinth that rose in the distance.
　An overwhelming wave of magical power was gushing out in the labyrinth that should have stopped.
　Not a few knights were distracted and injured.

''...... It can't be helped,''

　Leo muttered as he looked at the battle situation.
　Leo has some idea of what is happening in the labyrinth.
　Right now, he should give priority to the demon in front of him.

　The overwhelming blow by that demon tribe has tilted the battle situation to a great disadvantage.
　If you want to improve the situation, you have no choice but to deliver an equally overwhelming blow.

"Captain, are you going to use that thing?
Yeah. I'll give you some time to get things in order. In the meantime, you'll be in command.
Ha!

　Leo leads his troops forward.

-That armor will repel any attack.

　Leo's words echoed across the battlefield.

"-The sword will cut off any enemy.

　Magic overflowed from Leo's body and spread out.

'Because there's a place I want to protect. Because there's someone I want to protect.''

　Those waiting in the rear, those injured and unable to move.
　Their bodies were enveloped by Leo's magical power.

''We will never give in.

　At the same time, power flowed into the bodies of Leo and the knights he led.

'Therefore, we--'

　Magic power, muscle power, and agility.
　It is a mental and physical magic that can distribute all the power among friends.
　The name is.

Knights of the Unrivaled.

　With the power gained from their friends, Leo and the others unleashed an attack on the approaching demons.
　That attack, which bundled the power of dozens of people into one, obliterated the demons in sight in the blink of an eye.
　In that time Leo made, the knights regained their stance.

''I see. You are the knight who can use psychic magic? I've heard of you.''
!

　Just like when the gate was destroyed, Leo's attack was abruptly deflected.
　At the same time, a blue-haired demon tribe appeared.

''There's someone who wants to ...... protect you, so I won't give in. That's a good word, isn't it?
...... You are...

　That demon tribe laughed good-naturedly at Leo, who was becoming more alert.

"--The Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King's Army, 'Distortion' Volk Granberia.
......!　Knight of the Holy Hall, Captain of the Second Squadron. Leo William Disfrender.

　While squinting at the demon tribe who called themselves the Four Heavenly Kings, Leo also came forward.
　"Distortion"--Volk nodded with satisfaction at Leo's appearance and readied his cleaver.

''Well then, I'd like to say ...... as soon as possible.
...... what?
Don't you know a brave man and a former demon lord?　Let them out, and I'll let you go.
What do you say ......?

　Leo frowned at Volk's words, but he immediately huffed.
　"Because I had an idea of a brave man and a former demon king - I had an idea of those two people.
　It's an incomprehensible combination, but I have those two people in my mind's eye.

You look like you know something. Bring those two in. You'll be saved.
...no.

　Leo cut off Volk's words with a bang.
　There's no way he would sell himself, Kirie, and the benefactor who helped them both.
　In the first place, it's outrageous to follow the sweet talk of the demon race.

　Volk's expression was stunned by Leo's immediate response, but he immediately grinned and smiled.
　It's a very happy expression, even though the proposal was kicked down.

'I like ...... it, dude. It's a lot better than someone trying to save themselves by selling someone else out.

　But,' said Volk, his expression tightening sharply, 'we've got work to do.

"It's my job, too. If you don't let me out, I'll just beat you to death.
Get ready!

　The Volk, who has lifted his cleaver, is filled with magic power by Leo and the others.
　I'm not going to be the only one who can do that.
　It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on a new one.

''--Let's go!

You're not going to be able to do that.

　The magic flashed and the atmosphere distorted.
　The battle between Leo and Volk was fierce.
　Stepping in and swinging his knight's sword, Leo's slash was parried by Volk, who manipulated his naginata into a master.
　Even considering that they are demons with physical abilities far higher than humans, Volk's cleaver handling was outstanding.
　A knight with a number of powers bundled together could only achieve a single sword strike at Volk.

''Haha!''
''Phew!''

　However, Leo's skill is not inferior to Volk's.
　The shortness of pause against the naginata is filled with bodywork, swordwork, and a sharp blow.
　An attack that added the strength of another knight to Leo's skill.

　-- and yet, it doesn't hit Volk.

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

　Just before the blade approached Volk, the space would bend with a gnarled bend and the attack would be deflected.
　The same phenomenon as the magic from the top of the gate was deflected.
　Leo was a relative stranger to magic that distorted space.

　The unidentified ability caused Leo to step in to get a distance.
　Volk stepped in hard and followed Leo's lead.
　Leo avoided the naginata swung down from an angle with his bodywork.

　But.

Hey!
''!''

　As soon as the gnarled cleaver seemed to distort, its trajectory changed.
　The attack that should have been evaded slashed through Leo's shoulder.

''Captain!
...... okay!

　He lets his men back down and glares at Volk, who smiles wryly.

(No way, this sorcery is ......)

Oh, come on!　That's not how it works, the power of a knight!
Don't lick .......

　With that, Leo was about to step forward.

!
!" "What is ......?

　Suddenly, an explosion occurred far behind the Demon King's army.
　Although from a distance, you can see a series of red lotus explosions blinking in succession.

(In the rear, someone is fighting with a demon ......?　Third squad?　(No, ......)

　Like Leo, who was thinking, Volk also turned his quizzical gaze backwards.
　A demon tribe came running underneath him and told him something.

''...... Lucifina and the others?　Tsk, I'm late to the party.

　Volk clicks his tongue, as if he's annoyed about something.
　Leo can't hear what the demon tribe is talking about.

(...... but it's now.)

　While Volk was conversing with the demon race, Leo used a magic power granting item that had a healing effect towards his injured companion.
　The body injured by the Cleave Sword healed in the blink of an eye.

''...... Well, that's good. I'll just settle this settlement.
......!

　Grulli and Volk turned their gazes towards us and rushed in furiously.
　The speed of the attack catches Leo off guard, but he manages to deal with it.

I'm sorry. You don't have much time.
...... what?
I think we've taken care of the target.

　As he crossed his blades, Leo realized the meaning of the words.

'...... stupid.'
So I don't see the point in fighting you anymore. So I'm just going to leave it up to you to decide. Now that I've met the right person, right?
Huh.

　Leo is sent flying by Volk's physical strength.
　He manages to kill his momentum while wearing down the soles of his shoes.
　By the time I stopped, Volk's figure was already in front of me.
　I unleash my magic, but as usual, it doesn't hit Volk.

...... Those two are not going to be easily beaten!

　Aiming at the approaching Volk, Leo unleashed a slash with all the power he could muster.
　The huge slash is approaching Volk while cutting the earth.

''--!''

　That blow did not deflect.
　Volk's eyes widened and he swung his cleaver down from the upper level.
　The magic power collided and the impact shook the grassland.

''Oooh-ooh-ooh!''

　With a roar that seemed to shake the earth, Volk swung off his cleaver.
　Leo's slash is cut in both directions and disappears.
　The biggest blow was broken and Volk attacked the stiffened Leo without pause.

''Gah!''

　He defends himself with his knight's sword, but he can't kill the power and is flung off, rolling on the ground.

''It's ...... the end.''

　With that, Volk approaches.
　The knights around him come rushing in, but they can't get there in time.

"...... You are a good man and strong. That's why my friends will be killed if I let you live.
Kirie ....... I'm not going to die here!
I'm sorry.

　When Leo was still trying to scramble, Volk saluted him with a respectful bow, and then readied his cleaver and--

...... what?

　Before he swung down, he looked at the sky and stopped moving.
　In the morning sunrise sky, just above the Abominable Light Labyrinth, something black was flying at high speed.
　From the two pairs of flapping wings, it was definitely a dragon species.

　But its species was the problem.
　A dragon species that was covered in jet black scales and had far more individuals than normal individuals.
　The one that was flying was the 'Black Flame Dragon'.

"...... I don't think they brought a Black Flame Dragon with them.

　Looking at the sky, Volk mutters softly.
　The Black Flame Dragon is coming towards us at a terrific speed.

''...... I have a bad feeling about something. Hey, shoot that guy down!

　Following his own instincts, Volk gave that instruction.
　The demon clans unleashed their anti-aircraft magic at the flying dragon species.
　The black flame dragons evaded them at high speed, but the demon race's attacks gradually increased in number.
　Eventually, the black flame dragon stopped its progress, as if it had decided that it could not proceed any further.

　That, immediately after.

''...... ah?''

　From the back of the Black Flame Dragon, something black could be seen falling from its back.
　It fell rapidly and landed on a grassy field where the demons were clamoring.
　The impact shattered the ground and the demons that were directly below it were blown away.

''You've got plenty of room to spare with ...... extra eyes!
......

　As Volk was distracted by the Black Flame Dragon, Leo's blade closed in on him.
　Quickly catching it with his cleaver, Volk used his momentum to get away from Leo.
　In the meantime, the knights had gathered around Leo.
　They began to retreat while healing and supporting the wounded Leo with healing magic.

''You're not going to let him get away,''

　When Volk was about to release his magic to put a stop to it.

----

　There was a huge explosion.
　That's the point where something fell earlier.
　You can hear the demons' decapitation.

"...... No way, those guys.

　With a dazzling glow, something began to move.
　The flashes of light rushed through the battlefield, kicking away dozens or hundreds of demons.
　Whether it was a huge demon race or a powerful one, the flashes would obliterate them without distinction.

　And then.

You screwed up: ......!

　The five-meter tall large ogre split in two and a man appeared.

　It was a black-haired boy dressed in a red magic outfit.
　His age was around sixteen years old, and his appearance still had some juvenility to it.
　Whether it was his own blood or that of a demon, his entire body was covered in blood.
　The earth was shaking from the magical power gushing from the boy's body.

''...... Where are you?''

　With a jade-colored sword in hand, the boy let out a low voice.

'Where is Elfie ...... Elfiszak?'
----

　Volk gasped at the dark eyes peeking out from between his blood-soaked hair.
　Because what was floating there was the color of rage that seemed to swallow everything.
　It's not a very good look, but it's not a look that a sixteen or so child can make.

''Voowow!''

　From behind the boy, a large ogre (ogre) launched a surprise attack.
　I'm not going to be able to get rid of it.
　Immediately afterwards, the entire club, the big ogre had disappeared without a trace from this world.
　The boy didn't even turn around and blotted out the big demon with a single blow.

''After all, you're still alive ......!

　As he backed up, Leo was relieved to see the boy.
　There was no way those two were going to be so easily beaten.

(But ...... that one.)

　At the same time, the atmosphere was breathtakingly different from the one I had seen him in before.
　He was now spreading a killing spirit that was very different from the last time I saw him.

'...... Answer me. Where is Elfiszak?
...... I see. So you're the brave man of the hour. That's a lot of spunk.

　When Volk didn't answer, the boy asked again.

'Not next time. 'Where is Elfiszak?'
I don't hate ....... I don't hate , it's just that you're pissed off for your own people. I like that much better than those guys who murder their own people and then laugh about it.

　The next moment, a slash was attacking Volk.
　However, just before it hit, the slash was it, flying in a different direction.
　The boy took a glance at the slash that flew without saying a word.

It's my creed to 'bend but not break'. It means I won't give in, but I will be flexible to the situation.
............
Bend over so I can tell you where that Elfiszak is.

　At the same time Volk smiled with a grin.
　The boy - Iori - slashed at him with tremendous force.