--The approaching slash was so huge that it could be mistaken for a warped pillar of light.

''----!''

　With an inaudible cry, Verdia flapped her jet-black wings wide.
　Following the idler's instructions on the spur of the moment, Verdia slid through the air to avoid the slash.
　The mass of magic power that passed right beside her disappeared as it melted after scraping the ground for a while.

'What is this amount of magic power!　Even though it's amplified by the 'Tenri Sword', it's still foul to send a slash this far!

　Seeing the slash that passed by, the idler shouted while turning blue in the face.
　It is true that the range of the previous Lucifina is unthinkable.
　I know only a few people who can do the trick of flying a slash so far instead of using magic.
　The former Lucifina must not have been among those few.

...... Lucifina.

　Again.
　Just like in the Abominable Light Labyrinth, he showed up at the worst possible time.
　I see. You - you - you - me again.

　Strengthening my vision, I stared at Lucifina on the rocky mountain, and

----
"----

　Our gazes crossed.
　In the midst of the raging magic, his habitual blonde hair was disheveled, he held a large purple sword, and he looked at me with the same silver twin eyes as he did then.
　Her pale, peach-colored lips quivered.

Mr. I-ri-san.

　Her eyes twisted into the shape of a crescent moon and Lucifina said that while sneering ugly.

''Lucifina aaaaah ......!''

　A dull ache runs through my chest where I was once pierced, and my vision is distorted with hatred.
　I can remember every single word he said to me at that time, in that place.
　I won't forget it. I'll never forget it.

　Right now, oh yes, right now, I want to give that woman hell.
　I've already thought of the revenge you deserve.
　If your face, with its mockery, continues to distort with painful fear.
　How much better it would feel.

'...... The next one is coming!'

　Berdia shouted, interrupting my thoughts.
　In the distance, a purple light flickered in a series of twinkling lights.
　The same scale of slashes as the ones just now were coming towards us at a tremendous speed.
　The speed of Verdia's flight is also faster than that of her.
　I don't even want to calculate how many slashes will be flying at us before we reach that guy.

''Hiyawah!　Be-Beldia, avoid!　My body is as delicate as a flower!　I'll die, I'll die if I get hit by that thing!
"...... I'd die too!
Whoa!　No, I don't want to die yet!
"...... Shut up. Shut up. Iori, what do you think?　Do you want to take a detour to the fort?

　I immediately dismissed Berdia's suggestion while holding back the fussing idler's mouth to silence him.

'No. Lucifina must have noticed that we're heading for the fort. They'll get ahead of us at the fort.'

　Lucifina will be able to get to the fort while we're bypassing it.
　Then we'll be dealing with Lucifina, Vanishing, and the Four Heavenly Kings at the same time.
　The possibility of rescuing Elfie would be very low.
　Then there is only one way to take.

I'm not going to be able to get to the front. I'm not going to be able to get to the bottom of it. I'll handle the attacks that you just can't avoid.

　At my words, Idler opened his mouth with a horrified expression.

'Well, that's suicide!　With Lucifina's slash, the Vanishing Machine should be aware of our presence. Even if we get past Lucifina, the worst thing that can happen is that we will have to fight the Four Heavenly Kings again. The demon tribe that heard about it will soon come rushing in.
'I know that. But now that they know where we are, they won't have any other choice. What do you have in mind?
...... It's not that I don't have any, but I don't want to use it if I can help it. I only have two or three more big spells left to use, and any more will kill me. If I use it any more than that, I'll die. ......
'...... would have to go in front. Verdia, fly just in time to avoid them until the last minute.

　We can't afford to argue about it.
　If running away and advancing doesn't improve the situation, then we have to kick the obstacles to the curb and move on.

'...... Okay,'

　As soon as Verdia nodded, the next slash arrived.
　Flapping her wings and using light bodywork, Verdia avoided the slash.
　However, it was only the first blow that could be lightly avoided.
　I'm not going to be able to get away in time to avoid the slashes that are flying in from various angles, blocking our escape route, and Verdia's evasion is gradually becoming less and less able to do so.

''--''

　It was the moment when Verdia avoided the slashes that flew in succession with the thresholds.
　From behind the slashes, a single giant bird appeared from behind the slashes, like a magic trick.

''Queuee ee--!''

　The noxious purple feathers covering its entire body, the reddish-purple chicken crown on its head, and the sharp, half-circular bill (beak).
　It's a demon that looks almost like a chicken, with muscles so bloated that even on top of its feathers you can see it.

......!
Huh.

　There are no signs of witchcraft.
　In other words, this bird had flown that far at a speed we hadn't noticed until just before.
　That's too fast. What a speed.

"Nah, it's ....... The Great Wind Bird!　That's an ancient species that's been extinct for decades!

　To Idler's astonishment, cloudy yellow eyes catch us in the act.
　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.
　At this speed, we won't be able to evade Verdia in time.

"--"Il Ataraxia"!
''Queuee!''

　The Great Wind Bird (Garuda) collides with the deployed magic shield.

''

　A strong impact through the shield, and the Demon Sealing (Il Ataraxia) cracks with a dry sound.
　It's just a lunge, what a power.

''...... Are you okay!
''Ah!　Keep flying like this!

　With this huge body and speed, he's a level of demon that could be a demon general if he's not good at it.
　...... It's tricky.

''Kaaaaah!''

　With a roar of rage, the great wind bird opened its beak wide.
　At the same time, the chest area seemed to expand greatly, and wind-attribute magic power gathered in the oral cavity.
　The same as the dragon species, a preliminary movement of the breath.

''--"Let there be light (Mezukushi Flash)!"!!!''

　A moment later, just as the idler seemed to place both hands on his forehead, a dazzling light pierced the twin eyes of the great wind bird.
　The great wind bird that was blinded screamed and lost its stance, and the magic power gathered in its mouth flew in a different direction.

''Hmph!　You see, this is my super magic!　Isn't it great, isn't it great!
'Don't get carried away. The next one is coming: ......!

　With my vision unable to return to normal, the great wind bird was approaching me from behind, although I was unconscious.
　At the same time, Lucifina's huge slashes were again coming towards us in succession.
　The great wind birds behind us are also on a collateral damage trajectory.

''You intend to make the ancient species disposable!
''......!''

　In order to avoid the slash, Verdia changes its trajectory.
　At that moment, I see another large wind bird flying towards us at high speed, blocking our path as we evade the slash.

...... That one is impossible to avoid. What do you do, Iori!
"Oh my God!　You're gonna die!　I'm going to die?

　Lucifina's slash from the front.
　It's not just a matter of time before you get a chance to see it.
　I'm not going to be able to get to the top of the list.

''............''

　Beyond my enhanced vision, I saw Lucifina sneer while holding her mouth.
　With a chirp, there is a sensation of magic power gathering around her.

''It's not good!　Even if we can avoid this, even if we can avoid it, won't we be able to rescue Elfiszak in time!
''....... Oh no, I don't want to do that ......!

　At Idler's impatient voice, Verdia shouts as if to squeeze out.
　There are four seconds left until the slash and the two great wind birds collide with us.

''--No matter,''

　I deny them both their cries.

'---- I won't let you do that.'

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

　At the same time, at Fort Ravas.
　In a room inside the fort, Elfiszak was blocked from moving.
　The chains that make his entire body a goose chase, cannot be shattered even with the former Demon King's arm strength.
　-- or rather, it would be impossible for those who are chained to it to shatter it.

''............''

　Realizing that scrambling was pointless, Elfiszak was reclined against the wall, hanging in a paragraph.
　Unable to sleep in the darkness alone, he opened his eyes and continued to stare at the floor until now.

“Humorless. How pathetic. What a former Demon King, it's not as if you're unworthy to be given the favor of Gracia-sama.

　A high-pitched voice sounded unexpectedly, and the silver eyes, carved with shades, wavered in that direction.
　It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on a new one.

We heard some strange sounds from outside. Just to be sure, we've come to check on you.
Surveillance. Lady Gracia has instructed me not to let you slip through the cracks.

　Saying that, the two demon clans approached slowly.
　The gaze they directed at Elfiszak was filled with strong hostility.

''Question. How could such a woman get to this point ...... to that gentleman?

　Gritting his teeth with a grimace, the one who made a vindictive noise was a white snake demon race.
　It has a shape similar to a human, but its skin is lined with pure white scales in many places.　
　The reptilian-like vertical red eyes were narrowed in jealousy, and a long tongue that was split in two halves with a tittle-tattle was visible from its mouth.

'Hey, Snail. If you talk like that, Lady Gracia will beat you to death. You know how obsessed that man is with this woman, right?

　The white snake demon race - the one who said that to appease Snail was a demon race with the characteristics of a dragon on the right half of its body and a lion on the left half of its body.
　Their muscles were enlarged to the point where even the top of their military uniforms could tell at a glance that they had a strong body.

''Regrettable. That fact already infuriates me. And so is Myra, isn't it?''
...... Well. I'm sure I do, too. Frankly, I don't want to work for a woman like her.

　The demon race called Myra looked down at me, sneering at my mouth lined with sharp fangs.

''Yeah?　Oh, Master Elfiszak. Why don't you say something?　I'm guessing that Gracia and her friends have gotten to you too, haven't they?　How do you feel right now?

　Letting out a small breath, Elfiszak takes his gaze off the two demons.
　I can see that they adore Gracia, but from their attitude, it's not worth exchanging words with them.

''Unpleasant. You b*tc*.''
...... Tsk, shut up. You're not funny, man.

　Myra shook the chains that bound Elfiszak with force.
　With a jangling sound, her entire body was roughly shaken.
　She closed her eyelids and remained silent, but unexpectedly, her throat was gripped tightly.

'Warning. You have to be careful not to get carried away just because Gracia-sama likes you. One day, you will be hurt to the hilt without Lady Gracia's knowledge.

　Snail whispered this as she exhaled in his ear and slowly let go of his arm.
　At the same time, Myra removed her hand from the chain and backed away from the scene.
　Just a few seconds later, the door to the room opened and Gracia walked in.

''Good morning, Elfiszak-sama.

　Gracia smiled and hung her head, then turned her gaze to her two men.

'Myra, Snail. Do you see anything out of the ordinary?
Affirmative. So far, no one has come close to this room.
'Hmmm, well, ....... Timing is timing. I was wondering if someone had come to recapture Master Elfiszak.

　At Snail's reply, Gracia puts a hand to her chin as she thinks about it.

'Did Lucifina, who was on her way to the fort, meet up with a bunch of Imperial sorcerers ......?
It's possible. They haven't been attacking us too much lately.
'I was expecting those feckless people to decide to hole up for a while longer. Did the Dead Swamp Labyrinth fall and gain some momentum ......?
I'm sending my men to check it out. If anything goes wrong, we'll take care of it, so don't worry about Gracia, you're free to go about your day.
...... Yeah. I'll take care of the chores.

　Myra's words cut off her thoughts and Gracia gave a small nod.
　She quickly erased her grim expression and came to Elfiszak, her cheeks stained with happiness.

''So ...... your head has cooled off?　Do you understand what I'm thinking?
...... the answer remains the same. Gracia, let me go.
----

　The expectant expression on her face changed and Gracia contorted her face in displeasure.
　Gracia grabbed Elfiszak's chest, which was still bound by the chains, and forcefully pulled him to his chest, and Gracia swung her other arm down vigorously.
　A fist clad in magic power struck Elfiszak's cheek, and with a dull sound, the sound of the chains shaking echoed through the room.

''You are a terrible person. Truly, truly, truly!　I've thought about you so much, I've done so much for you, I've lived my life thinking only of you!　If that's the case, well, I understand. I'll seal you up as planned. Cool your head in the dark.

　In a fit of rage, after repeatedly striking Elfiszak, Gracia gave her men a look.
　With a rattle, a cart with four heads on it was brought into the room.

'............'

　All the heads lined up are plastered with the pain of death on their faces.
　It must have been painful. They must have been in pain. You must have been disappointed.
　Right next to me, right next to me, because I didn't know what to think, and that's how they got that.

"...... I'm sorry.

　I could have done more.
　This didn't have to end this way.

You look as ugly as ever.

　Snorting with satisfaction at the sight of the raw neck, Gracia hobbled over to the trolley.

''Well. As Elfiszak-sama knows, I'm not very good at warding magic. My non-talented body, abominably, specializes only in struggle, and is not suited for detailed work.

　When he reached the dolly, Gracia shook his head, "But," he said.

I've been studying for the past thirty years for the sake of the Lord, and I've succeeded in learning new magic. The first is the 'disappearance' I showed you the other day. The first is 'disappearance', which I showed you the other day. It is a magic that allows one to move instantly within the range of one's vision.
............
And one more thing.

　Gracia smiled with amusement as she held out her arms to the raw heads lined up on the cart.
　It was at the same time that Elfiszak gasped at the viciousness of the situation.

　"--"Turn, Blassfemy Doll.

　A dark and ugly light swallows up the room without a trace.
　In the blink of an eye, the light disappears and the world regains its normal color.
　However, if there is one thing that is different from what it was before, it is ----.

'----'
"----
"----
"----

　--The four raw heads on the cart were the four raw heads that had regained their life-like form.

''It's a magic that allows you to control the corpse as you wish, with the power of your life intact!　What do you think, Elfiszak-sama!　I have succeeded in recreating the two loss magic techniques and making them my own!

　Gracia's high-pitched laugh didn't reach Elfiszak's ears as his mouth trembled.

'Thor...... Musbel, Abel, and Faye......'

　Elfiszak let out an unbearable sob as he called out the names of his four companions, who dropped their lifeless, empty gazes to the floor.
　It was the fault of the unworthy Lord that he let his men die.
　And even in death, they remain bound to this world without being freed.

'Has He shed tears over my growth?'
"Gracia, oh, my God, ......, how could you .........

　Gracia smiles at the misguided interpretation and asks Elfiszak's squeezing question.
　Gracia, who refuses to understand his intentions, tilts her head curiously.

The reason is simple. The reason for this is simple: These people are treacherous to the Lord, but their ability to do so is useful. They have discarded their unnecessary intentions and are being used as puppets for me.
...... ahh.

　It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most out of your time with us.
　Because the suffering of the source of driving Gracia mad was a sobering feeling to watch.

''Do you remember?　Thor was a man who was skilled in warding as well as lightning magic. It may not be as good as Lucifina's wards, but it would still be enough to contain Him.

　As if to match the words and actions of the surgeon, Thor, who had become a puppet, got off the cart with an awkward behavior.
　Dizzy, he walked toward Elfiszak with a behavior that didn't feel human.
　His eyes didn't have an ounce of the warmth of his life, and he looked down on his former master as inorganic as a glass ball.

''Thor, seal Elfiszak-sama with your wards. "Thor, seal Master Elfiszak with your wards, the best wards you can create that can never be broken from within.
"----

　Magic power gathered in Thor's palm as he was lifted up.
　Only the smooth exercise of his magic has not changed from his life.

'...... To be sent back to that darkness again by your former subordinate.

　Elfiszak poured out his words in self-mockery as he just watched the wards being created.

'I couldn't protect you guys ...... and even now, thirty years later, I've lost my friends again. Such a fitting end for me?

　At that statement, Gracia's eyebrows rose with a twitch.
It's probably because they understood who the word 'mate' was referring to.
　At this stage, he gnashes his teeth at Elfiszak, who still overtakes the present for 'human brave' and the like, and his emotions rage to the verge of rage.
　But just before that, he suppressed his anger and his expression shone at the good idea he came up with.

''-- If you are that fond of a brave man called 'Iori' or something like that, then let's make that man my puppet.
----
''As I recall, the chunks of meat that were scattered on the battlefield were carried to the Demon King's Castle. Let's retrieve them and use them forever, just like Thor and the others.
'Don't be silly: ....... Don't be silly, Gracia!

　Immediately after Elfiszak became enraged, Musubel, who was on the cart, leaped.
　Musubel slams his fist into the cheek of his former master.

''Gak......''
Be quiet. You must not shout like that. He always guides me calmly and with deep wisdom. That is the real Lord Elfiszak. Please do not expose yourself to such impudence in my presence.

　Putting a finger to his mouth, Gracia urged him to silence.
　Almost at the same time, a ward is completed in Thor's palm.
　Slowly, the orange ward covers Elfiszak from underneath his feet.

''Then, Elfiszak-sama. It's time for me to say goodbye.''
............
'Never mind the miscellaneous matters. For from now on, He must cool His fevered head in the darkness where He cannot see, hear, or even move.

　Those words reminded Elfiszak, even if he didn't want to.
　The thirty years of hell, when everything was covered in darkness and only hatred.
　It was the hatred of having his subordinates taken from him that sustained his creaking spirit in that world.
　But now Elfiszak knew.
　That Ortegia's betrayal had been bitten by her beloved Gracia.

'Ah ...... ah!'

　A glorious memory is destroyed.
　The hatred that had been burning in my chest is reversed.
　Deprived of the accomplices he had worked with.

　I will not be able to bear this darkness that consumes me anymore.
　Elfiszak concluded with a deeply etched despair.
　The next time he was able to get out of the wards, his spirit would no longer hold its form.

'I wonder where I went wrong .......

　The warding completely covered the lower half of Elfiszak's body.
　The remaining upper half of his body would also be covered by the warding in not too long.
　There were only a dozen seconds of grace left.

''--Good night, Elfiszak-sama.

　In those last ten seconds, Elfiszak's mouth quivered.

'...... Iori.'

　Before my own heart breaks and I forget everything.
　I say that name for the last time, as if it were etched into my soul.

　And.


'-- you called me, Elfie,'


　With such a voice, the canopy exploded.
　The explosive flames scorched the room, illuminating the dimly lit room.
　From the hole in the drilled canopy, the figure of a jet-black dragon could be seen.


　-- From its back, a shadow descended.

'----'

　It was a boy with dark hair.
　He has sharp eyes that are not appropriate for his age. The body is tight, but looks somewhat slender.
　The magician's uniform, which was shaken by the blast, was etched with a pattern of flaming red lilies.

''Who are you?!''

　Even as Gracia shouted, the boy's gaze continued to catch Elfiszark.
　As if angry and dismayed.
　He stares at Elfiszak, and then, after a moment, smiles in relief.
　The boy snaps his fingers.

'Na----'

　With a balin, and a sound like glass shattering, the wards that covered Elfiszak disappeared.
　The boy turns his gaze to Gracia, who has a shocked expression on her face, as if to slash her.

''-- That guy is my accomplice. I'll have him back, "Vanishing".

　The boy - Amatsuki Iori said.