I...... weaving.

　With a jerky snap of the chain, Elfie picks himself up.
　Her eyes widen and her wannabe mouth trembles.

'And ...... Verdia, chan ......?　You're both ...... alive.
...... Don't kill me without permission.

　I return the lighthearted remark and turn my gaze to Gracia and the others.
　Right now, there is no time to explain the situation at leisure.
　Because Gracia, whose subordinates have been kicked out, is glaring at me with a demonic expression.

You're going to be able to get your hands on the ...... master. I'm here to help ...... help you.''

　In the form of a black flame dragon, Verdia came up next to me.
　Her red eyes are full of fighting spirit like fire, and her mouth is filled with black flames that drift with her breath.
　Because Verdia doesn't usually express her emotions, I could tell that her words, which were laced with trembling, were filled with universal feelings.

'...... I have waited for this time for thirty years. Gracia, your master will be returned to you.''
You think I'd let you do that, you idiot?

　Gracia's eyes twisted uncomfortably at Berdia's snarling declaration.
　Cutting her teeth just in time and tapping the floor with her knuckles, Gracia is taking a series of small breaths, even as she taps the floor with the tips of her shoes.
　Is she trying to control the rage that floods from within and keep her cool?

It is not possible for you to do anything but run around for thirty years. And more importantly, you can't help Master Elfiszak--

　In the middle of Gracia's words, I kick and leap across the floor as fast as I can.
　I'm sorry, but I don't have time for a long conversation.
　I'm shattering the floor violently, trying to use my momentum to reach Elfie's bottom - and

!

　His path was blocked by a huge wall of lightning.
　He cut both of them off with his jade sword, but a series of lightning spears blocked his path.

''----''

　Just in front of the bound Elfi.
　A yellow-haired man with a vacant expression was pointing a bee-bee and thunder-clad hand at me.
　So that's the guy who was trying to seal up Elfie.

The "Lightning Breath"
"Il Ataraxia."

　A torrent of intense lightning, like a dragon seed breath.
　I decide that I can't duck it and immediately put up my shield.
　The moment the lightning struck, I saw the moment it struck and jumped out from behind the shield.

　That was the timing.

''----''

　Red and blue.
　A small demon tribe with a very similar appearance except for the hair, jumped at the same time.
　They are using magic, or fast.
　But it's not a speed that can't be caught.

　With bodywork, I ducked the two attacks.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.
　I ducked several times and saw through the movement.
　I ducked the red-haired attack and counterattacked the blue-haired attack with my juju sword.

　The blue-haired arm flies through the air.

　--I've got it.

　A moment later, when I was sure of that.

"High Healing.

　The healing magic wrapped around the blue hair's body.
　The blue hair grabbed the arm that had been cut off and attached it to the cutting surface.
　He then used his arm to exercise his magic.

　He's unusually quick to regain his stance.

『--Purgatory Bullet』.
"Deadly Swamp Bullet.

　A huge sphere of fire and water fuses into one.
　It covers everything in sight, and then it is erased with a spell usurpation (spell dibauer).

''----!''

　As if he had foreseen this, he had already moved on to his next attack.
　With flames and water on his arms, he struck them from both sides.
　He stabbed his jade sword into the floor and grabbed their wrists with his free hand.

''Crush!''

　As it was, their bodies collided with each other.
　With a crunch, the two of them crushed each other.

"--High-ranked Healing (High Heels)

　At that moment, the two crushed bodies regenerated.
　Twisting their bodies to escape from my hands, the two of them step back.

''--"Dragon Strike Thunderbolt (Lightning Breath)"

　At that moment, the yellow-haired man thundered in.

''That's nasty.''
''Gaaaaaaaah!''

　Faster than I could move, Verdia released a breath.
　Lightning and black flames collide and cancel each other out.

''What's the matter?　Wasn't one and one of them enough for you?

　Gracia sneered at me as I was stranded by the four demon clans.
　When I noticed, the demons that I should have kicked away with my first attack were standing up.
　All of them must have recovered from the healing spell.

　The light blue-haired demon tribe standing at the back.
　I've been using healing magic to heal my friends since a while ago.

''He's strong.''

　I thought honestly.
　The coordination of the four demon clans was extremely troublesome.
　It's like taking on several of the Four Heavenly Kings at the same time.

''...... Naturally. Because, that was master's subordinate.''
What did you say?
"...... All four of those men were trapped and killed by Gracia, your master's men.

　The yellow hair that uses lightning is Thor.
　The red hair and blue hair that work together as twins are Abel and Fay.
　The light blue-haired demon tribe that uses healing magic is Musubel.

　For some reason, the four people who were supposed to be dead are moving in front of me.
　With an upsetting tone, Verdia explained that.

''...... I see.''

　I can tell by looking at the empty expressions on those four men's faces.
　Gracia is probably using some kind of magic to manipulate the dead.

　Perhaps it's some kind of lost magic.
　When breaking the wards holding Elfie, she used a magical usurpation on the entire room.
　The fact that it's still moving means that it's a very complex magical structure.

　It's quite a joke.
"It's not wise to take on 'Elfi's men' head on.

"...... Gracia. What do you think you're doing?　How dare you do this to me?

　Verdia is indignant at the inhumanity of manipulating her former companion as a puppet.

'Terrible?　It's the incompetence of your people that's awful.

　Gracia snickered, then said contemptuously.

''The factor that kept you away from Elfiszak-sama's ideals without being able to perceive them. That's you guys.''
'...... What are you talking about?　We fought for our master!'
'That's what you call a mistake!'

　Gracia shouted as she crushed the rebuttal and spat at him.

'Elfiszak-sama's ideal was a peaceful world without conflict!　What must be done to achieve this is not to make a ceasefire agreement with humans!　We will have the humans and the sub-humans under our control!　That is the true ideal of Lord Elfiszak!

　Gracia's expression was even insane.
　She stared at Berdia with an expression of heartfelt contempt, while continuing to speak quickly.

''Like cattle, like the demons we use as labor!　Only by keeping them under thorough control and domination will true peace come!　My very ideal, Lord Elfiszak, cannot be oblivious to this!　If you people hadn't misled him, Master Elfiszak would have certainly come to this conclusion!　I will not forgive you for interfering with that!
''Is that why you betrayed us because of ......?''
Yes, that's right!　That's why I tried to get rid of your impurities!　Look, the result is these puppets!

　Beyond Gracia who said that, there are four demons.
　All of them are standing in a daze with uniformly emotionally drained faces.
　There was not a single trace of their former bravery or supremacy in their appearance.
　They are mere puppets, waiting for Gracia's instructions.

You will be added to the doll!　Thank God you foolish people can die and become the cornerstone of Lord Elfiszak's ideals!
'............'

　Berdia opens and closes her mouth as her eyes widen and her fangs are bared.
　She seems to be at a loss for words at Gracia's words.

''...... Do you really think that having a non-Demonic creature under control is that guy's ideal?''

　Instead of the silent Verdia, I asked her what I was wondering about.
　Gracia's face twisted uncomfortably, but she answered my question.

'Hmm, yes. "Well," he said, "if we don't manage you lowlifes, you'll only cause more trouble than you deserve. I'm sure Mr. Elfiszak also wants you to manage your own affairs.

　Oh, yeah.
　That's what I thought.

"...... haha

　I understood the woman in front of me, and I couldn't help but laugh.

''What's so funny!　You have a human touch!''

　That laughter seemed to touch Gracia's anger.
　But you can't help but laugh at something like this.

''No, what. It's not about how you look at it, it's about how you look at it.
What's that, ......?

　Even I haven't met him that long, but I know that Gracia is missing the point.
　You don't have to be me to know that by looking at the guy with his face down in his chains.
　But Gracia doesn't notice it.

　Of course.

'From the beginning, you never wanted to look at Elfie. You didn't even try to understand what you were thinking. You're just imposing your own ideal of 'Lord Elfiszak' on the person in question.

　There is no way you can know what Elfie is thinking, because you only see your own ideals.
　Because you don't see Elfie from the beginning.
　It's not about believing or not believing, or about the way you look at her.

'Don't talk about Elfie in terms of your ideals. It's so silly, it's just laughable.
"--Huh!　That's the guy!　Hey, kill me!

　The enraged Gracia screamed hysterically.
　At that moment, she and Berdia exchanged glances and nodded at each other.
　Fortunately, this situation is still within our expectations.

"You puppets!　Strangle them with your own hands!

　Without even nodding their heads, Thor and the others begin to move.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this as well.

"--The fourth demon sword, Zangsen.

　In the side-leave, he swung his sword.
　Taa, not only did he swing his sword.
　A huge fan-shaped slash rushed out and slammed into Thor and the others who were trying to move.

''----!''

　As for the stones, they didn't take a direct hit.
　Everyone used magic to defend against the slashing fan.
　However, they couldn't kill the momentum, and all of them retreated significantly.

''Gaaaaaaa--!''

　There, Verdia let out a breath.
　The black flames released from his mouth cavity proceeded to scorch the floor.

''Don't think that kind of breath will pass!

　The enraged Gracia stomped the ground violently.
　Immediately afterwards, a torrent of magical power slammed into Breathless, canceling each other out.

''......!''

　But that wasn't the end of Verdia's breath.
　The moment they were phase killed, they scattered four times, sending black smoke flying across the room.
　Due to the black smoke, the visibility in the room was significantly reduced.

''...... save your master!''

　Inside the room covered by the black smoke, Verdia started to move.
　It's not a good idea to go to the beach, but it's a good idea to go to the beach.
　I'm not going to be the only one who can do that.

''Thor!　Seal off your kind!
''......!''

　But its advance did not continue.
　An orange chain rushed across the ground, binding Berdia's body in the blink of an eye.
　Blocked from moving, Berdia falls to the ground with great force.

　...... Okay.

''Verdia!''

　That's when I leaned forward to help.

'You're not going anywhere, brave man.

　From behind me (・・・・), I heard a voice (・・・・・・).

'Huh.'

　He turns around and takes a defensive stance.
　But there was no one there.
　Zokuri, I felt a killing spirit from behind me, and it was at the same time that I turned around.

"--"Dance, struggle (Levatein).

　Gracia swung her wand at me.
　That staff, constructed with an enormous amount of magical power, unleashes the magical power contained within it while emitting a dazzling light.

''--!

　The entire body is covered with magical power, but it's impossible to defend against it.
　It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

Opportunity. I'm going to kill it.
''I've been waiting for you, brave!

　Two demons were waiting for him as he blew away.
　The white snake-type demon tribe and the mixed dragon and lion type demon tribe.

''--!

　The magic power flows through the legs and activates the "Blue Blue Blue Shoes".
　Water spurts out of both feet vigorously and changes direction in the air.
　Avoiding the demon tribe's attack, I land on the ground.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal more to say. Therefore, I will crush you with all my might.

　Next thing I know, I'm surrounded.
　Gracia, Thor, and the others.
　And the demons in the room.
　Verdia is left tied up in chains.
　Apparently, they are keeping a close eye on me.

You're outnumbered. Even if you are a brave man, if there are more than one Four Heavenly King class demon tribe, they cannot compete with you.
...... I don't know. Just--

　Gracia produces a staff made of magic in both hands.
　Thor constructs a huge lightning spell, and Abel and Faye bend down to pounce.
　The demons tried to follow suit, filling their entire bodies with power.

''-- I'm not alone.

　It was right after he said that.
　A chain clanged.
　Everyone turned their attention to that sound that echoed throughout the room.

''----''

　No one here knows.
　That Verdia could be humanized.
　That's why no one noticed that Verdia took advantage of the black smoke to humanize himself and escape the chains.
　He reached Elfie in his human form and tore off the chains.

''If someone is too fiddly to use mind-image magic, use me as bait.

　This was one of the plans I had made before entering this room.

　Gracia is aware of my abilities.
　Naturally, I'm the one she's most wary of.
　But I've been using that to my advantage.

I told you.　One man and one animal is enough.
"--!　Oo......reeee!

　Hysterically, it was at the same time that Gracia shouted.

'----'

　A clunk, clunk, clunk of shoes could be heard.
　The owner of the sound source is a silver-haired, golden-eyed former demon king.
　Accompanied by the humanized Verdia, Elfi walks on the messy carpet.
　His expression is hidden by his bangs and cannot be heard.

''Elphis...... Zark, sir.

　Gracia's expression was distorted, and her subordinates were buzzing.

''Unexpected. I didn't expect to get out of that chain ......!
'Tch. Lady Gracia!　We'll tie her up again soon, and--

---- Shut up (...)

　The murmur disappeared with a single word from Elfi.
　The illusion of sound seemed to disappear from the world.
　It was as if the room temperature physically dropped, and those inside the room froze.
　"The air inside this room was completely controlled by the intimidation of the former Demon King.

''Gracia, this is the last time.''

　Elfi's voice echoes in the room, which is fixed in silence.
　Gracia looks at Elfie with an enraptured expression as her name is called.

'I'm going to ask you one last time,'
'At your service, Master Elfiszak!　I'll answer everything I can!

　Gracia's subordinates were all glued to Elfiszaak as well.
　In the meantime, I'm out of the siege with no sign of them.

'Really ......, really, you killed Thor and the others?　You were not threatened by Ortegia, but you are killing at will and manipulating the dead as puppets?

　Flat, Elfi's question.
　From the beginning, an all-encompassing question.
　Still, a hidden, throaty quiver in the back of his throat indicated a faint expectation inside.

　But.

'Of course!　Those incompetents are at my will!　I killed them with my power and made them into puppets!　All, all for you!

　Gracia will never notice it.
　This woman who sees only her own ideals will not be able to reach Elfi's wishes.

I'm not going to be able to get it right. --I don't know.

　Shattered faint expectations.
　Elfi said, bitingly.

'I have sworn an oath. I will take revenge on Ortegia for breaking the pact I made and killing my friends without mercy. And that, together with Ortegia, I will kill every single one of my fellow humans who killed them.

　Her silver hair swayed in the wind that blew through the hole in the canopy.
　Her eyes, which had been golden, blinked and then turned a hellish red lotus.
　In a low voice, unimaginably low by normal standards, Elfie announced.

''I mean, Gracia. You too - no. You (...) are also the target of my revenge.

　A change in the second person signifying a decisive rupture with his former subordinate.
　What kind of thoughts did he have when he said that?
　That Elfiszak Guildegard who cared so much for his subordinate.

''Eh, Elfiszak-sama ......?　What do you mean by that?

　Gracia asks with a pale, drawn-out smile.
　Without answering the question, Elfi turned his gaze to me.

''Iori. In this kind of situation, what kind of face should the avenger (I) have to make ......?
...... You've seen it all over the place, right next to me.

　The expression on your face at a time like this has been determined by one thing.
　You and I have already prepared ourselves for this.
　You know that.

...... Yeah. Yeah.

　Nodding quietly, Elfie turned his gaze back to Gracia.

'Ku...... kuku. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.

　Yes.
　The expression on his face when he sees the traitor he swore to kill is a given, etc.

"Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

　It's a smile.

'I've been waiting for you. I've waited a long time!　I've waited for the day when I could avenge my friends. The day I can avenge my friends with my own hands!

　The former Demon King is ecstatic.
　Of course.
　I've found the traitor who killed my friends.

''Hahahahahahahahahaha!''

　He laughed loudly to the point of being snatched, and rejoiced to the point of tears.
　Turning his twin eyes burning with hatred to the dismayed Gracia.

''--So let's begin my revenge.

　The former Demon King sneered.