Ortegia exhaled heavily, her silver hair swaying in the breeze that blew through her.

''Were the illusions I created no match for stalling? I would have deployed a good number of demons to stop you.''
I've beaten them all. That's why I'm here.
Okay.

　With his golden eyes down, much like Elfi's, Ortegia says quietly.

''After all, this is a world where the weak die and the strong survive, isn't it?
Don't talk like you're the one who gets it.

　It was Elfi who responded to those words.
　With his eyes shining with hatred, he bites Ortegia with a low voice.
　I felt the same indignation at Ortegia's words.

''Lucifina wasn't weak, you know.
...... Right.

　Snorting somewhat irritably, Ortegia replied.

'Then let me correct you. That this world is a world where only the mightier can survive.'

　Which mouth says it.
　I manage to keep the blood from rising in my head.
　This guy is no match for fighting and winning while being driven by passion.

　During the conversation, I finished observing Ortegia in one go.
　The only weapon is a jet-black greatsword, concocted with magical power.
　His body is covered with a strong armor composed of magic power, just like when he fought thirty years ago.
　Although he was somewhat wounded in the fight with Elfi, I could see from the way he stood that he still had plenty of time to spare.
　...... Apparently, he has not yet used the 'Tenri Sword' that he took from Lucifina.

''Amatsu. Are you also of the same mind as Elfiszak?　Do you think that demons and humans can go hand in hand and live in peace?

　While looking straight at me, Ortegia asks me quietly.
　It's a little unexpected.
　I thought it was something that would slash at me without even exchanging words.

''Of course. That's why we're here. I don't care what anyone says, I won't change my mind. I truly believe that with Elfi, I can create a world where demons and humans can live hand in hand.
I don't understand. I guess it doesn't make any sense to talk to you guys about the state of the world.

　Shaking his head as he let out a sigh, Ortegia turned his gaze to the bottom of the Demon King's Castle.

''Can't Lefise make it in time? I thought that that woman would be able to easily kick the shit out of them, even if they were dealing with a cathedral knight. Apparently, I underestimated the Alliance,

　At the same time as muttering that, Ortegia held her hands on the ground.
　Ortegia mutters without regard to us who are bracing ourselves.

"Connection--"Disconnected ward

　The "demon king's crest" that can be seen from his bare skin that isn't covered by armor glows red, and a transparent ward is deployed to surround the rooftop.
　You can find out by probing the magic power.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of your time with us.

''...... demon king authority?''

　I understand from Elfi's words.
　It seems that this ward is like an administrative authority that a demon king can exercise over the demon king's castle.

It's a ward that separates the inside from the outside. I'm not going to let this castle be reduced to a pile of rubble in a battle with you guys. And it's not my intention for my compatriots below to be caught up in the aftermath of the battle.
............

　...... what?
　I can't put it into words, but it feels strange.
　It's frustrating to not be able to describe it.

I'm done talking. I will destroy you once and for all.

　As if to cut off his thoughts, Ortegia held the great sword in a hunchbacked position.

''-- "Tengai, manifestation."

　Immediately after, Ortegia's magical power swelled up.
　It transformed like a clay sculpture, and in the blink of an eye, it formed like a giant armor warrior.
　Behind Ortegia, an armored warrior-like object appeared behind Ortegia.
　It's huge enough to look down on us.
　In its hands were two large swords, identical to the ones held in Ortegia's hands.

''It's coming, Iori!

　Immediately after, the two swords held by the armored warrior were swung down simultaneously.
　We each leap to evade them.
　The swords swung down shatter the ground with ease.

''You first, Amatsu.''
!

　Then the main body of Ortegia rushed in.
　It's as if Ortegia is right in front of me as if she had moved in an instant.
　The great jet black sword is swung down.

　It's fast.
　But it's not so fast that I can't see it.

''The Second Demon Sword-- Deviate!''

　The approaching great sword is countered by the demon sword as well.
　The blades cross and the magic and impact diffuse like lightning.

　Ortegia's blow is heavier than I imagined.
　No matter how much force I put into it, I can't push the great sword back.

''Ortegiaaa!''

　The divided Elfie approaches toward our antagonistic group.
　The armoured warrior's sword swings down, blocking Elfi's approach.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most out of it.

　Ortegia's goal is to destroy each of us, right?
　Instead of taking on both of them at the same time, he's going to destroy the one he can destroy first.
　That's a reasonable method of warfare.

　Naturally, we won't let them leave it at that.
　While dodging Ortegia and the blade, I'm going to use one hand to launch a spell usurpation (spell dibauer).
　He's going to destroy the armored warrior.

It's useless.

　Part of the armor warrior was shaved off, but that part of the armor instantly regenerated.
　It doesn't work.
　There's no point in having it regenerate at this speed.

　Again, Ortegia swings down the great sword.
　He tries to catch it with his juju sword, but it's too powerful and he steps on the tatara.

''Kutu.''

Even with the state of using [Heroic Reproduction], would I still be able to push it away?
　So it was the right time to make the next move.

"Blot it out--"Demon King Arm, Breaking Light.

　Five magic claws appear from Elfi's arms.
　Their size is the same as the previous ones.
　What's different is its overwhelming concentration of magical power.

　The moment Elfi swung the claws down, the armoured warrior's sword shattered and his stance crumbled greatly.
　Without missing it, Elfi fired a series of magic eyes.
　The armoured warrior continues to receive the magic eye with overwhelming stubbornness, but gradually cracks and tears begin to appear.

''----''

　But Ortegia didn't care.
　He didn't even take a glance at Elfi and didn't loosen his hand to swing the great sword at all.
　The large sword, which is as big as a person's body, is lightly wielded as if it were a one-handed sword.

　The next one was a sharp thrust after a big step.
　He managed to see through the movement and evade it diagonally back with his footwork.
　The blade was not even snatched, but I could feel the sword pressure of the stabbing blowing like a windbreak on my skin.
　Each strike is a level of power comparable to a demon sword.

　Without pause, Ortegia closes in on the pause.
　The sound of explosions can be heard repeatedly behind him, but Ortegia doesn't slacken in her onslaught.

''----''

　This move, Ortegia's aim isn't just to destroy each one of them.
　This guy is limiting Elfi's movements by continuing to attack me.
　The magic eye and magic arm are highly powerful, but at the same time, the attacks cover a wide area.
　The fact that Ortegia is so tightly attached to me means that Elfi will inevitably be limited in the techniques he can use.

　But we didn't come here ineptly either.
　Me and Elfi, we both know our weaknesses long ago, and we've already taken care of them.

　If I had to describe the sword wielded by Ortegia, it is simply a sword for killing.
　There is no type of sword like a knight's or demon's sword.
　It is a sword that is designed to kill with each blow, as if it were biting into the enemy.
　In other words, Ortegia always strikes the best possible blow to kill the enemy.
　That's where there's an opening to take advantage of.

''Kuchu.''

　The heavy blow pushes me down and I drop back.
　The Ortegia doesn't miss me as I lose my stance.
　Approaching the speed of sound, a desperate sword approaches.

　It's here.

"Juju Ken

　I stroked the surface of the great sword that was swung down with our blade.
　I deflected Ortegia's great sword away from us as if to slide it down without resisting the momentum.
　If we can't match them with power, we can respond with a technique.
　Here, I switch offensive and defensive moves.

''Fu--!

　He kicked the ground forcefully and slammed his sword into the ground from the large upper level.
　As a matter of course, Ortegia took the blow from us.

''Mhm.''

　The fifth demon sword - "Crushing Impact".
　It is a technique that strikes an impact through the opponent's sword and crushes the bones of the fingers holding the hilt.
　As expected, Ortegia responded to the technique on the first sight.
　Twisting his wrist, he moved the blade just before the impact was transmitted to his fingers, missing the impact outward.

　But enough.

''Wind Blast.''

　He uses magic and releases a gust of wind.
　I use it not on Ortegia, but on myself.
　As it pops, I get away from Ortegia at once.

'Now, Elfi!'

　Elfie, who had been dealing with the armoured warrior, glared at Ortegia with his twin eyes shining.

''I won't!''

　Ortegia is furious.
　He crushes the ground and closes the distance with a speed like the instantaneous movement I just saw.
　I don't expect to be able to get away from this guy that easily.

""Demon Sealing (Il Ataraxia)

　A huge shield is deployed to split Ortegia and me apart.
　Immediately after, the great sword slams down and the shield cracks, but I've bought enough time.

''Demon King's Eye, Ashburst Chain--!

　A red light painted my vision.
　The remnants of the Demon Sealer are erased and the blast reaches underneath me as well.
　Even if I guarded against it with my magic power, I could still feel the heat that burned my skin.

''----''

　Explosive smoke swirled and dissipated in an instant.
　From inside, Ortegia emerges.
　He was burned everywhere, and the armor he was wearing was shattered.
　However, the light has not disappeared from its eyes.

　In the blink of an eye, the shattered armor is being repaired.
　At the same time, an armored warrior with two swords appears.
　Even after receiving a magic eye of that power, wouldn't it be a decisive strike?
　But the damage has definitely been done.

　--Let's fold.

　There was no conversation.
　We communicate with each other by eye contact only, and then I charge into Ortegia with Elfi.

　I'm the one with the demon sword and Elfi with the magic arm at the same time.
　The two swords of the armored warrior catch our attacks.
　Regardless of this, they do not let up in their attacks.

''Ohhhhhh!''
'Hahhhh!'

　He slides his sword with a soft sword and closes in on Ortegia.
　Elfie, too, raises his fist and flicks his sword, striking at Ortegia.

''Ugh.''

　With a large sword, Ortegia catches my demon sword.
　A moment later, Elfi slams his fist into Ortegia's vacant flank.
　A dull sound is heard with a bang, and Ortegia retreats.
　That's where I'm going to attack.

　I attack.
　Attack, attack, attack, attack, attack, attack.

　My body is light.
　I no longer even look at Elfi and his eyes, and we were able to coordinate perfectly.

　Ortegia's armor was hard.
　Even if he struck the demon sword at full strength, he could only inflict a graze wound.
　Even if Elfi struck, the armor would be blocked and the power would be erased.
　Even so, he continues to attack.
　He doesn't give Ortegia and the armored warrior any room to attack.

　However.

"Chiraku!

　A moment later, Ortegia slammed her foot into the ground with her great sword and armor to catch our attack.
　Instantly, all the footholds collapsed.
　Everyone in the place fell rapidly downward.
　In between, Ortegia's great sword was slammed into Elfi's abdomen.

''Gafu.''

　I spit blood and Elfie is blown away.
　I slash at Ortegia, but the armored warrior moves and catches my sword.
　I take advantage of the impact and drop backwards, and I also break away from Ortegia's spacing.

　Soon after that, we land on a transparent foothold.
　The battlefield shifts to the top of the wards that Ortegia deployed.

'Are you safe, Elfi?'
No problem. ....... It's just a really big bruise.

　Elfi's complexion is pale after being bitten by Ortegia's great sword.
　Although his torso was not cut off in both halves, the damage seems to have reverberated to his guts.
　On the other hand, Ortegia, although suffering from burns, cuts and blows all over her body, is still going strong.
　It's freakishly tough: .......

'The hardness is more than I expected. I'll change my tactics.
Are you okay?　If it goes well, it could get Iori into trouble.
Don't worry. I'll take care of it.

　From here on out, I'll be dealing with Ortega on my own.
　We can't defeat that thing even if we attack it slowly.
　I should take the risk and deliver an attack that will finish him off.

　I'm going to stick my hand in my pocket.
　Just to be sure, I'll check the magic stone I brought with me.

''Is it done?　Then let's go.

　Ortegia moved.
　He used Demon Sealing to create a shield in his path, but with the simultaneous attacks of the armoured warrior and Ortegia, he was immediately destroyed.

''The first demon sword, decapitation--!

　He unleashes a full-force blow at Ortegia, who comes charging at him from the front.
　Ortegia received it head on.
　The wards creak with a creak in the impact that ensues.

　In the meantime, Elfi had dropped backwards.
　Right now, he was concentrating on building up the magic power of the magic eye.

''I see.''

　With a glance at Elfi, Ortegia mutters.

''Either Elfiszak is quicker to accumulate his magic eye or I'm quicker to kill you. So it's called a competition.''

　Good.
　With the words, the armored warrior's arms increased to four.
　In all of them, swords were held in their hands.

''----!''

　From all sides, the armored warrior's sword strikes with a roar.
　He offsets the first blow with his sword, avoids the second blow by jumping sideways, leaps and ducks the approaching third blow, catches the fourth blow that comes around with his sword, and kills the power by flying backwards himself.
　Then, the fifth strike of Ortegia's convolutional strike is slashed into the air.

''Magical Reflex (Impact Mirror)!
Mmm.

　The moment the jade tachi sword that managed to stick out touched the great sword, double the power of the attack it received was slammed into Ortegia.
　Ortegia was blown backwards as if it had popped.
　Have I surpassed it?

　It was only a short time before I thought so.

　The armored warrior thrusts his sword into the ground.
　After regaining its position in the air, Ortegia used the sword as a foothold and came back to us like a bullet.

　A chase that didn't even have time to exhale.
　I barely catch the rush, but I can't kill off the power.
　With a jolt as if my insides were being stirred, I was blown up this time.

''Gafu.''

　Aiming for the landing spot, I vaguely see the armored warrior swing his sword down.
　Understanding that it was a reckless stance, he swung his jade sword in the air and managed to deflect the armoured warrior's attack away from him by releasing a slash.
　Instead, he rolled unceremoniously over the wards without even being able to passive.

　The chase was not over.
　The three remaining arms and Ortegia swing their swords at the same time.
　Four slashes slid over the warding and came towards me.

　While lying down, he activated the Demon Sealer with his right hand.
　With his left hand on the ground, he shoots a "wind blast" at the ground and the recoil sends him flying up into the sky.
　Feeling the shield shattering right below him, he fired a slash at Ortegia with the "Second Demon Sword, Deviation".
　As a matter of course, the four swords of the armoured warrior caught the slash.
　The armoured warrior wobbled slightly, but that was all.
　The damage wasn't as if it was contained.

　Strong.
　Even if he tried with all his strength, he was in danger of even stalling.
　The reason why I was able to fight this guy evenly thirty years ago was probably because of Lucifina and the others' support and Ortegia's exhaustion from fighting Elfi just before.

''The weakest and bravest, huh?''

　If there's such a difference, it makes sense that they said that.
　It's true, I really might be the weakest.
　But even so, there's a way to do it, even though I'm the weakest.

"I admire your strength to persevere to this point against me by yourself. But, as the Demon King, I can't afford to lose.
We can't afford to lose, and so can we. Ortegia.

　Once again, the armored warrior swings his sword down.
　Juju sword, demon sword, magic, I use everything I can use to get past those attacks.
　I can't afford to lose.

''I was really happy to see you, Iori-san.''

　I remember Lucifina, in her deathbed, Lucifina.
　Possessed by Hilde Garda, Lucifina had been fighting alone for thirty years.
　She hadn't done anything wrong.
　He could have started over.
　Lucifina could start over again.

　And then she, Ortegia, ruined it.

　--You look greedy, my brave friend. I'll share it with you.

　Lucifina's head pops in my retinas.

　--If you don't have to, unholy half-elf skins are offensive just to put them in sight.

　Ortegia's words of insult to the dead Lucifina are stuck in my ears.

　Besides.

'We're ...... friends, aren't we ......?'

　She covered for me and the idler died.

'No. ...... Iori-kun, help me!　I don't want to die.
'I'll give you my blessing: ...... Iori. ...... please. Ortegia can be defeated by ...... that guy. ......

　I also remember the words of the dying idler, "What is this world where only the stronger can survive?

"What is this, a world where only the stronger man can survive. "Don't be a fool, Ortegia.
----
''I will definitely kill you and get my revenge. I'll pay you back for Lucifina's and Idler's here!

　He passes through the armored warrior's attack and slashes into Ortegia.
　I am received by the great sword.
　While receiving my blow, Ortegia opens her mouth.

''What are you saying, you?''
What?
Idler?　I don't know who that is.
----

　My vision turned red in anger.

"!

　Unleash the next technique.
　A combination technique of the 5th Demon Sword and the 1st Demon Sword.
　The power of the demon's boundary is smashed into the opponent's arm as an impact.

"Guh!

　He slammed the demon sword into the neck of Ortegia, who was on her back.
　The blade shattered the armor and slashed through the skin.
　However, the blade stopped when it tore the skin slightly, not enough to drop the head.

''I see. ...... I see. You are better than me in sword skills. But.
Gosh.

　Ortegia's fist pierced his gut.
　It did not penetrate.
　But it felt like bone cracking.

'In terms of physical strength, I'm better than you.

　The power of the blow sends it flying through the air.
　The magic stone in my pocket spilled out onto the ground.
　The contents of his stomach and blood are rushing up.
　I'm not going to be able to get a good idea of what I'm talking about.

''Ga, ah, ......''

　Consciousness jumps out at me.
　I roll to the ground and manage to hold on to my mind's magic as it seems to unravel.

'...... It's over.'

　Ortegia is approaching.
　Now.

"'Break Magic' ......!"

　The magic stones that were deliberately scattered on the ground shone and exploded, engulfing Ortegia.
　The large sword slashed through the explosive flames and Ortegia came out.

''Little wise. But this small cleverness is probably the strength of your humans. But you understand that it doesn't make any sense to me, right?

　Naturally, Ortegia is unharmed.
　But that's good.
　Ortegia's feet stopped.

'...... Time's up, Ortegia.

　Elfi's, ready to go.
　Ortegia's eyes widen.

"I'll pay for the death of my man who was murdered by you, and I'll pay for it right here and now.

　Before Ortegia can move, Elfi opens her crimson eyes.



''--"Demon King's Eye, Ashburst Chain"--!


　As if to bite Ortegia, countless lights appear.
　The Hell of the Red Lotus exploded with a dazzling amount of light.
　The perfect body of Elfi unleashes a blow with all his might.

　If this is the case, ----, the

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!

　A roar gushed out of the explosive flames.　
　As it followed, Ortegia flew out of the Red Lotus Inferno.
　Most of its body was charred to a thudgy black color.
　Half of his face had been burned and one eye was missing.
　As soon as it landed, its charred right leg shattered.

----

　But.
　But Ortegia does not fall.
　Even after losing one eye and one leg, Ortegia continues to stand with her grip on the great sword.

''-- brilliant.

　His voice was croaky, as if his throat was burning.

"There really are very few people who can match me. In the area of strength, that's really, really admirable.

　But.
　The one remaining eye glares at me and Elfie.

'I told you earlier. Only the stronger ones will survive in this world.

　Magic power blasted out from his burnt-out body as if he was swinging.

''--"Tengai, Muso"

　Even the armor that covered his body was removed, and all of Ortegia's magic power was concentrated in the great sword.

''I threw away my defenses, the biggest blow of all. After using so much magic eye. You'll have nothing more to do.

　The spearhead of the great sword is pointed at Elfi.
　There's no way Elfie has any power left to deal with that one right now.

"A world where only the mightier than ...... can survive.

　Staring Ortegia squarely in front of him, Elfie chuckles to himself.

'Sure, maybe now.
----!

　Gakun,
　The magic power that was gathered in Ortegia's great sword decreases.
　It's as if something is taking it away.

''...... No way.''
Sure, you're stronger than I am. But you know what?

　Ortegia's gaze turned to me, who had fallen down.
　In my hand - a jet black vortex was floating around.

''You, still--''

　Just before Ortegia was about to turn the target of her attack on me.
　Elfi's heavy pressure crush halted Ortegia's movement for a moment.
　That's enough.

"...we're stronger than you.

　We're not looking for the magic eye.
　It was us from the start.

Do it, Iori!

　That is the magic that the hero, Amatsu, invented to kill the Demon King Ortega.
　It is the greatest magic that Amatsu can boast of, which was created by developing a magic that absorbs magic power.
　The name is...

Eclipse.


　A torrent of magic power was released like an arrow.
　A jet-black light painted Ortegia, who was shouting about something.