----

　The person who was there was my bellybutton, who had been following me since before I became the Demon King.
　There was no significant change in the figure of the former subordinate kneeling in front of him.
　He was taller and dressed differently, but his voice, his mannerisms were the same.

　--Gracia Levatain.

　She was one of the subordinates who supported Elfiszak.
　She was assisting me as I moved from place to place, collecting, organizing and communicating information.
　Shortly before Ortegia's downfall, she disappeared, and her whereabouts were unknown, but--

You're alive and you gave it to me. ...... My name is Gracia.

　He suppressed the emotions that were about to overflow and called that name with a trembling voice.
　When I saw him in the Abominable Light Labyrinth, I was terribly upset.
　The reason I was so unconscious was because I was taken aback by the survival of my subordinate who I thought was dead.

　Seeing him working together with Lucifina, he doubted his own eyes that it was really Gracia--.

''...... haha.''

　There was no way I could mistake it for anything else.
　The person there was definitely Gracia.

''Please forgive me for the rudeness with which I have injured you and even held you in custody. For certain reasons, we are unable to lift that seal at this time.

　Heartbroken, Gracia apologized.
　She looks so pained that it's as if she's been hurt herself.

'Good. I'm just glad you're still alive.'

　Smiling, Elfiszak forgives him.
　He was able to say so immediately because he trusts Gracia.
　Gracia is not someone who would do this for no reason.
　If she can't break the seal, there must be a good reason for it.

'....... What a waste of time, your words.

　At Elfiszak's words, Gracia shuddered with a bulge and hung her head to hide her joy.
　For a long time now, Gracia had been overreacting to her every word.
　Elfiszak's mouth relaxed at the sight of his unchanging subordinate.

'I miss ...... you. It's a relief to see your unchanging attitude.
That's true for me as well, Master Elfiszak.

　Her cheeks are red, and Gracia turns her gaze to Elfiszak, enraptured.
　She looks so debauched that those who usually know her would suspect that she is someone else.

''Even after the passage of time, I am relieved to see your noble and beautiful appearance.
...... um, I'm sure you do.

　It was a voice that I hadn't heard in over thirty years.
　It was a voice I hadn't heard in over thirty years.
　Gracia's voice reminded me of the old days.
　This is how Gracia used to admire me.
　The nostalgia seemed to tighten his chest.

'...... So, it's Gracia,'

　Chewing on the past, Elfiszak broke off the conversation.
　It was nice to see him again, but there was no less confusion.
　His former subordinate had become the Four Heavenly Kings and Ortegia's subordinate.
　Several possibilities came to mind as to how he came to be, but I still wanted to hear it from his own mouth.

''I'm sorry I didn't think of it. I will explain immediately.''

　After apologizing for the delay in explanation, Gracia began to tell the story of what happened.

''It was shortly before the current Demon King ...... Ortegia turned against Elfiszak-sama. I had left the Demon King's Castle in order to detect the disturbing movements of the demon race that had not joined the Elfiszak-sama's command and to check.
...... Yeah. That's right.

　Elfiszak also knew that.
　This was because he had been aware of Gracia's movements through his other subordinates.
　It was right after Gracia left the Demon King's Castle that Ortegia took action.

　Ortegia and his subordinates began to slaughter the Demon Clan of the Elfiszaak Faction.
　Naturally, they had made an assumption when they were rebelled against.
　The problem was that Ortegia's power was far greater than expected.
　The powerful demon clans that rivaled each other, but it was as if Ortegia was no match for them.

''So you, who were away from the Demon King's Castle, were able to escape the slaughter of Ortegia?
...... Yes. But when I heard of Ortegia's rebellion, I immediately tried to turn back to the Demon King's Castle. But in the process, I was captured by Ortegia's men.

　After that, Gracia was locked up somewhere for a long time.
　She was able to get out of the prison after everything was over.
　Already the five bodies of Elfiszak had been sealed by Lucifina.

'............'
"With everything he had lost, he said to me in front of my broken heart, 'If you join my command, I'll let you live. "'If you are under my command, I'll let you live.

　Gracia continued to speak, her voice sounding humiliated.
　Elfiszak unknowingly bit his lip at the painful sight.　
　He told himself not to lose his composure at the taste of iron spreading in his mouth.

　--If you resist, so be it.
　--You will die. That's all.

"...... but. If you don't want that life to end for nothing--'

　Ultimately, Gracia descended to the military ranks of Ortegia.
　After completing many tasks, such as training human resources that had been diminished by the war and rebuilding the Five Generals Labyrinth, Gracia had reached his current position.
　It was only recently that he became a Four Heavenly Kings.

''...... So that's how you got to this point.
Yes, sir.
...... Yeah, right.

　It had already been more than thirty years since Elfiszak had been defeated by Ortegia.
　During that time, Gracia had continued to follow those who had taken away her own people.

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

　What has Gracia been thinking about all this time, and what has she been living for?
　What has she spent her life thinking about?

I'm sorry about .......

　When I thought about it, I couldn't help but say so.

...... I was powerless to do anything about it. I couldn't protect you guys, and I just showed up unworthy.

　In the words of repentance that were squeezed out of him.

No.

　Gracia shook her head in a towering manner.

'Master Elfiszak. You are no such thing as helpless.''
----
"You are a great person, worthy of ruling over the demon race. You were sealed up because my men were not strong enough. You didn't have the power to repay us.
That's not true: ......!

　When Elfiszak denied it, Gracia smiled at him, "You are still very kind, after all," she said.
　Then she clenched her fists tightly and raised her gaze powerfully.

''That's why - I will not repeat the same mistake again. This time, I will make your ideals come true in the right way.

　Gracia rose slowly to her feet.
　Then she said.

'Lord Elfiszak. --I will kill Ortegia and offer you the crown again.

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

　The quality of magic power varies widely.
　If we were to compare it to something familiar, it would be a voice or a smell.
　There are some things that are similar, and some things that are completely different.

　Just like Elfi's "magic eye", I can't clearly distinguish between people's magic powers.
　Even so, if you directly touch the magic, you can at least recognize the magic power of those you know.
　What makes up this ward is undoubtedly Lucifina's magic power.

　Hearing Lucifina's name, the idler tilted his head.

''Lucifina, you know. As I recall, she was one of the Four Heavenly Kings. Why would that be warding a place like this?''

　I thought about it, but I couldn't get a clear answer.
　Due to Idler's disguise, I should have been dead.
　The fact that the Demon King's army easily retreated after that, shows that they didn't find out that it was a disguise.

''Is it possible that the Demon King's army has heard about your movements?

　It wasn't me, but a ward to block the passage of Idler and Verdia.
　He mouthed the answer that came to mind, but Idler shook his head.

'Don't think that's unlikely. Even though Verdia is a Black Flame Dragon (Karth Dragon), its power is not as strong as the Four Heavenly Kings, you know. You don't need to use such a large scale ward, the Four Heavenly Kings would just have to attack them directly.''
'...... Lack of power. Disappointing.'

　In the battle in the teaching country, Verdia's presence would have been exposed to the Demon King's army.
　It may have been dealt with in some way, but is there little need to bother putting up wards?

''Then what about you?''
As you can see, I'm dainty and frail. And, besides, the great me didn't screw up in the first place so that Ortegia would know what I was up to.

　So, is it unlikely that these two are the cause of the problem?
　Lucifina's words and actions, which have revealed their true nature, are as unknowable as another person.
　The possibility that he or she is laying an unimaginable trap is not zero, but...

"......n

　Verdia, who had her face close to the wards, looked up unexpectedly.

''From inside ......, I can hear a scream.''
Scream?
The sound of shouting and fighting.

　I can't hear anything.
　Apparently, Verdia can hear the sounds inside the wards.

'There seems to be a village in ....... It seems to be fighting a demon.
Hmm. Which one?

　The idler took out a magic stone from his pocket.
　He grabbed it and drew some letters in the air with his fingers as it was.

''...... I see. It looks like Verdia was right, there's a village beyond the wards.
Can you understand that now?
Yeah. I put an eye in the warding.

　Come to think of it, Dionis made eyes out of water and looked at me.
　I wonder if it's a similar kind of magic.

There are more than one monster running wild inside. I can see the villagers fighting with the demons.
'Multiple demons. ...... Could it be that these wards are meant to keep the villagers from escaping?

　If it's not a ward against us, it's most likely a ward to keep the villagers in.

''Maybe it is, the wards go all the way around and the people inside can't get away with this.

　Lucifina has had this village attacked by demons.
　I guess it's called ......, which is the only street that has been warded and warded so that it doesn't escape.

.............

　I remember what Dionis said.
　He said that, along with Lucifina, he had destroyed a number of villages that I had saved.
　Even then, I wondered if they had set up wards like this to keep the villagers in place.

'Is Lucifina there?'
Hmm. I don't see anyone inside the warding. There's no strong magical power in the vicinity either. One of the demons inside seems to be maintaining the warding, and I think he let the demons attack the village and then left.
...... Right.

　For a moment, I felt disappointed, but maybe it was more of a good thing.
　I can't afford to deal with that guy right now.

'What do we do at ......?'
We have a few options. First, we can bypass the wards. I don't recommend this one. It would take too much time, and it would be a waste of Verdia's energy.
'...... Yeah. I'm pretty tired to get here.

　It's been less than five hours since the Verdia started flying.
　It was time to take a break ...... after a few more flights.
　I reject the idea of going the long way.

Next, we wait for the village to be wiped out. The wards are probably meant to keep the villagers here from escaping, and will disappear once they are all wiped out. We almost had to take a break in any case. I think it will disappear by the time Verdia's strength is at full strength, right?
............
You don't like the look on your face, do you?　Okay, three. Break the wards and get inside. I and Iori-kun both have a way to break the warding.
...... three eyes.

　I'm wondering what Lucifina is trying to do.
　I don't feel good about resting here and not doing anything.
　I'm also worried about what he's up to.
　Either way, ignoring him is not an option.

'That's fair enough. There's no way we're going to bypass it, and we're not going to feel comfortable around the wards.''
Yeah. At any rate, I'm going to go check out the inside first.
'Yes. Thought you'd say that, eh!

　The idler touched the warding and drew some letters.
　At that moment, a part of the warding disappears around the letter.
　Barely enough of a hole is created for each person to get inside.

'It won't last very long, so get in there. Verdia, humanize.
"...... Okay.

　I nodded and Verdia changed into a human form.
　I handed her the clothes I'd tucked away in my pouch.
　Removing my gaze from Berdia, I turned my head to Idler.

'Quite a handy magic to use, isn't it?
I've studied a lot of magic so that I can do this with less magic. I'm a very knowledgeable person.

　He doesn't have the power to fight, but when it comes to variety, he's no less than Liuzas.
　Even if he can't fight, there's probably a lot he can do with so much magic.
　Did Ortegia kick the idlers out of the army just because of 'no combat power'?

''I'm ready.''

　We made sure Berdia was dressed and we stepped into the wards.

◆

　After a while inside the warding, I could hear the sounds of battle as well.
　The roars of multiple demons, the angry voices of men, and the sound of magic clashing with each other.
　It looks like a fierce battle is taking place.

　As we proceeded, blotting out the signs, the village came into view just as the idler had said.
　The village is covered by a fence reinforced with magic, and we can see that several turrets have been set up.
　The person in the turret is releasing a continuous stream of magic into the village.
　Apparently, the demons are breaking through that fence and invading the village.

'Hiya, they're doing it. If you get involved, you'll probably die instantly, fragile me.
It doesn't look good from here. Let's get a little closer.
'You have to be careful, okay?　I can handle it for a little while, but I'm a natural at attracting demons.

　Since we're going to be slowed down, we decide to move the idler with Verdia holding it.
　We move quickly and come to the front of the fence so we won't be seen from the tower.
　Looking in through the broken fence, we saw a battle between the villagers and the demons.

'...... demons?'

　The first thing I saw was a demon tribe clashing violently with demons.
　A woman with bat-like wings and a tail was wielding a spear and kicking away the demons that swarmed around her.

''Hold on!　We must finish off the little bastards here, no matter what it takes!''

　The demon tribe shouted loudly to inspire the people around them, and then took the initiative to head towards the demons.
　Their body language is quite a thing.
　Just by looking at it from a distance, it can be seen that it is an uncommonly powerful person.

''A demon tribe is fighting a demon?

　I've always had the image that demons and demonkind are like friends.

...... Humans and subhumans kill each other for the same reason. That's just the way it is. And it's not just demons that exist.

　If you look in the direction that Berdia pointed in, there were other human, sub-human and half-demons as well.
　The various races are working together, becoming one eye to fight the demons.

''----''

　The strange sight took my breath away for a moment.
　But the next sight brought me quickly back to myself.

'Get ready!　The big one is coming!

　As soon as the demon tribe called out a warning, a huge demon appeared from the ground.
　It is a dragon with a hundred-legged body, moving forward while crushing its fellow demons.
　It has only one eye, and the eyeball that clamps half of its face is emitting a suspicious red light.
　It was a demon I had never seen before.

"A centipede dragon. It's a long time ago. I thought they died out a long time ago, but there was an individual still alive.
...... Is that guy doing any magic with his eyes?
'Yeah. It's the eye of the hundred-legged dragon that keeps the warding in place, isn't it?

　It seems that his eyeballs are acting as a kind of 'keystone' to maintain the boundaries.
　The villagers seem to be struggling with the Hundred Foot Dragon, which moves around while moving its long, slender legs in small increments.
　The leader-like demon tribe is sharply hitting the spear, but the Hundred Foot Dragon's wounds have healed in the blink of an eye.
　Perhaps because of the continuous battles, the demon race is exhausted and doesn't seem to be able to attack as much as they would like.

'She's quite strong, but she's a bit incompatible with the Hundred Foot Dragon. Her regenerative power is so strong that you have to erase them all at once to kill them.

　As the leader stayed with the Hundred Foot Dragon, the other demons' momentum increased.
　Little by little, they are beginning to be pushed.
　Even the covering fire from the turret didn't have much effect.

''At this rate, those demons might be in danger, aren't they?　Now what do we do?

　Somewhere, an idler asks me to test me.

'...... If I kill that dragon, this warding will disappear, right?
Yeah, I do.
Well, it's a simple matter then. They're blocking traffic, so I'm going to remove the wards.

　Just like Idler said, if we leave it alone, the wards will disappear in time.
　But it's also annoying to do what Lucifina wants.
　Let's get rid of the obtrusive wards before we let Berdia rest.

All right. Well, I'll be waiting for you, frail little man.
...... I'm going with you.

　That's when I was about to leave the idler and run off with Berdia.

''As you can see, the key point of the Hundred Foot Dragon is that eye socket, but even if you crush it, it won't die immediately. Its life force is extraordinary. Besides the eyes, there are several other nuclei in the body, so you can crush them.
Okay.

　He nodded and went under the fence.

...... utterly, you seem to have a hard personality to live with.

　I thought I heard such words as a blur.

''What are you masters!''

　As soon as we entered, we were stared at by the leader's demon tribe.
　The other villagers also turned their attention to us.

''We're going to help you!

　I said just that and unleashed my magic on the back of the Hundred Foot Dragon.
　It exploded, but did no damage.
　However, my attention turned to me.

''Verdia, can you spit out breath even with your body?''
'......?　Yeah.
Okay. I'll crush his eye socket. Then you'll burn him to death with your bracelets.
...... Got it.

　I improvise a plan and head towards the Hundred Foot Dragon.
　Demons jumped out to block his path, but

...... No.

　Only Berdia's right arm became the dragon's, tearing apart the demon in its way with a single blow.
　Partially, can it be returned to the dragon's form?

''Kiiiiiiii--!''

　With a roar, the hundred-legged dragon slammed its arms into the ground.
　Immediately afterwards, our feet melted into a slurry.
　A swamp of magma was born on the ground in an instant, perhaps because of the heat it slammed into the ground.
　It was shallow, but the amount of heat was considerable.

'......!'

　Verdia leaps to the side and avoids the magma faster than it can swallow my feet.
　I - run on top of the magma without evading it.

　It's the effect of the 'blue-blue shoes' that I got in the teaching country.
　These shoes allow you to run as normal no matter what the foothold is.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal of information on this.

''Nah.''
''......!''

　The demon tribe that was watching the battle and the hundred-legged dragon let out a cry of surprise.
　They ignored them and continued running.

''----!''

　Impatiently, the Hundred Foot Dragon let out a breath.
　A tremendous amount of heat rushed in from the front.
　However, I jumped straight into the flames.

''...... Iori!''

　Hearing Berdia's unsettled voice, I lightly put up a protective barrier with my water-attribute magic.
　Naturally, that's not enough to withstand the breath, but I have the 'Red Lotus Armor'.
　I ran through the breathlessness and jumped out in front of the Hundred Foot Dragon.
　As it is, I slash at the eye socket.

''Gee!''

　The Hyakusoku Ryu responded to this one's surprise attack as a matter of course.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this.
　In conjunction with that timing, I poured magic power into the 'Blue Blue Blue Shoes'.

　The shoe's boost function is activated, and our movement speed jumps up.
　At the same time, I also activate the "Acceleration" magic.
　I'm going to be able to see that you're not going to be able to get your hands on any of them.

"----?

　Furthermore, I aim at the inside of the wound and strike the flame magic.
　The eyeball exploded and blood flesh flew out.　

　At that moment, the wards that surrounded them disappeared.
　With his eyes crushed, he would no longer be able to maintain the ward.

''......!''

　However, the Hundred Foot Dragon's movements did not stop.
　He shook his body greatly as he lost his head.
　He drew his sword and jumped backwards.

''Indeed, an awesome life force.''

　He lunged at me with a lurching motion, wondering how I was perceiving my surroundings.

'You lack ...... firepower,'

　His skills and magic power have returned to a certain extent, but not enough to kill the high life force demons.
　That's something we'll have to work on in the future.
　But for now.

Please, Verdia.
...... medical society.

　Berdia interrupts between me and the Hundred Foot Dragon.
　Then, I take a deep breath.

----!

　A black breath was shot into the Hundred Footed Dragon's head, which was ripped wide open.
　The breath that entered the wound blew away the lower half of the Hundred Footed Dragon's body.　
　With a ding, the remnants of the Hundred Footed Dragon sank to the ground.

◆

　With the death of the Hundred Footed Dragon, which was the leader of the group, the momentum of the other demons visibly waned.
　The villagers are exterminating them in the blink of an eye, without us even having to do anything about it.
　It's not just that demon tribe, but each and every one of them is very capable.
　They are not large in size, but they probably have the battle power of a group of adventurers.

　As the demons were cleared away, some villagers arrived.

'Thank you for the help,'

　The one who said that is a demon woman who seems to be the leader.
　She is equipped with light-looking armor and a spear filled with magic power.
　The wings and tail of a bat were peeking out from a gap in the armor.
　She has a hard expression as if she is wary of us.

''No. That ward was in the way, so I only came to lift it.''
Did you break through that d*mned warding to get in: ......?
Yeah.

　I wasn't the one who did it, though.
　The villagers behind the demon tribe are looking at us quizzically.
　Well, it can't be helped.

''The deftness with which you defeated that curious demon and the strength of your liver that doesn't falter when you see me, the demon tribe. The fact that you appeared at this time makes me doubt the relationship between you guys and the demons, but ......
............

　The demon tribe glares at me as if they were testing me.
　They are not dependent on me.
　Silently, I look back at the demon tribe's eyes.

　After a moment of silence.

...... No. If we had left them alone, we wouldn't have been able to escape, and the demons would have gotten us. I don't see why we should bother to help them.

　When I muttered that, the demon race's expression relaxed with a huff.
　Smiling, he extends his hand to me.

''I'm sorry for doubting you. I am Tyra. I am the warrior of this village. I want to thank you for saving our village.

　As the demon woman, Tyra, let down her guard, the villagers' vigilance also relaxed.
　As soon as Tyra's attitude softened, this is it?
　It seems that this person is quite trusted by the people of the village.

''I'm ...... Iori. This is Verdia.
...... says hello.
"And I'm an idler, my little baby!

　An idler appears out of nowhere, as if it were approaching.
　The appearance of the idler gave the villagers a fright.

Iori, Verdia and the idler. Okay, we've learned. We want to thank you three. The sun will be setting in a few hours. Unless you have something urgent to do, would you be willing to spend the night in our village?

　Overnight, huh?
　In any case, Verdia must be rested, but .......

"I'm in favor of staying the night, I guess. It was a bit hard to sleep in the field, and I'd rather sleep somewhere decent.
...... I want to stay the night. I'd like to tell the master about the village.

　Elfie, ni ka.

Are you sure you want to go to ......?　Staying with strangers like us. I'm a human being, okay?
No problem. It's a shame to see your benefactor go home without a fight.

　Besides,' said Tyra, turning her gaze to the village.

'As you can see, there are many races in this village. Human or demon, you needn't worry about them.
......, got it.

　For now, let's nod here.
　Although it's not Verdia, I'm curious about this village, which is inhabited by multiple races.
　I'm also curious why Lucifina targeted this village.

...... Okay. Hey, I'm taking these people to the guest house!　You guys need to fix that fence!
Yes, I understand!
Also, when the warrior chief returns, tell him to come to the guest house!

　Warlord?
　Wasn't Tyra the leader?

Then come on over here.

　Tyra takes me through the village.
　The houses that stand in a row are all made of brick.
　They are filled with magic and all seem to be sturdy.
　They don't seem to have the same advanced technology as the hot spring city or the imperial city, but they don't seem to be living in a very primitive way.
　It seems to be about the size of Rayford territory.

''Come to think of it, where are Iori-dono and the others planning to go?　There shouldn't be much room for people to go beyond this village: ......
...... I have a little business to attend to and I'm traveling.
I'm sorry. That was a poorly thought-out question. Forget it.

　Tyra quickly ended the topic with a vague answer.
　Doesn't he pursue it in depth?
　He said he was a warrior, and maybe he's a sappy character.

'I'm ...... surprised. Demons and people living together.

　Berdia muttered as she scurried around the area.
　Perhaps it was because the demons were out, but there were hardly anyone out and about.
　Still, I could tell that humans and demons were working together.

'...... Ah. This village is home to those who have no place to live or relatives. Regardless of race, we accept those who are in need of a place to live.
Won't there be any conflicts or problems?
I'm not saying there's any ...... at all, but we're all stepping up and playing by the rules, so you haven't had any major problems.

　The coexistence of humans and demons.
　The ideal that everyone laughed at as impossible was spread out here.
　The atmosphere would be similar to that of the United Kingdom.

I'm sure it's a bit of a mess these days with all the people coming to the village. If you guys want to live here too, just let me know.

　Politely declining the invitation, we followed Tyra.
　After a while, we arrived at the mansion she calls the guest house.
　It seems that this is the place where visitors are greeted.
　It is a large and magnificent mansion.

It's a pretty sturdy-looking building. Even if you shoot magic inside, it's not so easy to get out.
"Lord Idler," you say? You could tell that just from looking at him?
I know the difference, of course I do. I can tell just by looking at it, even if I don't go in there. That's right, Ai!

　Tyra was frankly surprised by the smug-looking idler's chest.
　The reaction made him feel better, and Idler is on a roll.
　This guy is a no-no when it comes to praise. With Elfi.

'I'm impressed. Idler-dono is right, this mansion is especially sturdy compared to the others. It would be a disgrace to the village if anything happened to the guests we invited.
............

　If something happens to the guest you invited, you'll have to ...... it.
　Idler interjected, 'Even if you shoot magic inside.
　If that's right, then the sturdiness of the mansion won't protect the guests.
　We need to be ...... vigilant.

'Come on, come on in.

　I do as I was told and enter the mansion.
　Just like Idler said, it's pretty solidly built inside.
　Even if Verdia unleashes her breath, she won't be able to break through the walls with a single blow.

　Tyra led us to a room with a table and a couch.
　He urged me to sit down on the couch.

'Soon, I'll have your tea served. I hope it's palatable.
Lady Tyra!

　As he did so, a man came to Tyra.

'What's up?'
The Warrior Chief is back.
Yeah. Well, that's good news. I'd like you to meet Iori and the others. Could you not wait a little longer?
I understand.

　Warchief, huh?
　I don't think Tyra's attitude towards his benefactor would make him come at him suddenly, but .......　

...... ugh.

　Suddenly, Idler muttered, holding his mouth.

'What's wrong?'
'Oh, no, ...... what a funny thing it's going to be,'
'What about ......?'　What do you mean?
I'd like to believe that ...... probably won't cause you any harm, but ......

　I muttered something inarticulate, and Idler stood up on the couch and tangled with me.
　What the hell is this guy.

'If anything happens, ...... you'll protect me, okay?
It's freaky. Don't mess with me.
''Ribs!　Isn't that reaction unlikely after being entangled with such a pretty girl!

　As we were exchanging such an exchange, I heard the sound of the front door opening with a rattle.
　Thumping, the sound of footsteps approaching us.

'Looks like the warrior chief has arrived.

　He tangles with Berdia and takes one look at the blown-up idler, then turns his attention to the door.
　From the Idler's reaction, there must be something--.

You're back. Where's your benefactor?

　He opened the door and a man walked into the room.
　He had upside-down blue hair and three grimy-looking white eyes.
　Sharp, wolf-like fangs peeked out of a small, open mouth.
　He carried a naginata, which was as big as an adult's height, on his shoulder.

　I froze when I saw the man who entered.

'I thank you. For saving my village ---- ah?

　The man who came in also froze when he saw me.

'You, how come you're alive ............'

　Because.
　The one who came in was the one you just crossed blades with in your own country.

　--It was the Demon King's Army and the Four Heavenly Kings, "Distortion".