Looking at the demon woman, the Pope tilted his head curiously.
　It seems that he really doesn't understand what it is all about.

　Or maybe he has an idea of what it is, but he doesn't understand why she would do such a thing.

It's all right to say you've got something to do ......, but before you do, may I ask you one question?
Yes, of course. It takes up your time, His Holiness. It's your duty to do that much.
Then I ask you: ...... How did you come to be here?　We have an idea that this is your work. I'm sure everyone is on their way to keep you from doing so. ......
It's easy to do. Do you think I came here alone to meet you?　I'm sure my collaborators have it under control by now.
"Collaborators, is ......?　You should be the only devil here right now. ......

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work for you.
　I'm not sure if it's the same for Noel, but they look at each other and ...... somehow, a smile appears on their faces.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going to be the best way to get the most out of this article.

　But even as you do so, the standoff between the demon woman and the pope continues.
　In fact, both of them are smiling, but that's all I could see.

"Mm-hmm, well, I guess you hard-headed people don't understand. And that hard-headedness will be your undoing.
"...... ruined," right? I see, you still think I'm ......
Yes, ...... after having inflicted destruction on tens of millions of people, your turn has finally come. But that's just as it should be. It is not reasonable to think that you are the only exception when you force so many people to be. This is what is called karma, isn't it?
I did not expect to be reasoned with by you, the devil.
"Is it?　I guess it's no wonder?　No matter how you see and judge us, no matter how the world sees us, we are still people.
"...... bullshit

　He didn't know what the words meant, but apparently they were too much for the Pope to miss.
　The smile fades from the Pope's face and a cold light dwells in his eyes.

"...... is fine. Surely you have a point. But I still have a lot of work to do. I will perish when I've done it all, not now. The time of my destruction is upon you.
How well you put it. The Streeter, the usurper, who clings to the world in ugliness, depriving people of their favors, depriving them of life, is the only one who can kill me? You think you can kill me?
I'll give it back to you in its entirety. Certainly your skills are useful, but they don't work for me. I thought you knew that very well, but how do you think you can destroy me at ......?
You don't like it, do you think I'm going to face you without a plan?　That's a little bit overestimating and underestimating me, too. --And it's the same old thing, right?　There is only one person who will be responsible for destroying the evil that is nesting in humanity.
"You're a bigot, but in essence, it's just a matter of letting other people do it for you, isn't it?

　At the same time as the words, a bolt of lightning struck the spot .

　The blue lightning struck the Pope and the demon woman, leaving the Pope standing there leisurely, the lightning dissipating before it could reach his body, and the demon woman hurriedly dodging by jumping back from the spot.
　As the demon woman turned her head to the sky, she cried out with her corner of the eye.

The first thing that comes to mind is that you have to be careful not to get caught in the middle of a storm.
"Oh?　If the demons are with us, it's only natural that we should try to smash them all together, right?
"Well, you'd better say that first, or I won't be able to accept it either: ......!
"I mean, is that you? ......

　The one who alighted on the spot with a disgusted look on her face was a familiar girl.
　She had black hair and black eyes, and blue lightning was gushing from the sword she carried on her shoulder.
　It was Akira.

You'll be able to find out what's going on.　Why are you here ......
"Hmm?　Yeah, well, ...... I didn't want to get in, but I was invited. I heard a lot of things about it, and then I had to get on it. Well, I wanted to see the side of ...... that was trying to kill me.
"...... brave?　This is surprising: ...... The reason why the demon lady asked the brave man for help and the brave man accepted her request. In the first place, how did you get them here?
Oh, no. ...... It wasn't your eminence who told me to bring the gift holder (・・・・・・・) here. With your eminence's permission, it wouldn't be difficult to transfer him directly here.
...... I see that I was being careless. I didn't expect this to happen, so it can't be helped, but ...... we'll be more careful next time.
Don't worry, there's no next time. Who's going to help you?　This is a use case. To crush all the people we don't like in one place.
I'm glad to hear that you're going to fight with me as well, but I don't have time to look after you .......　Because it's a total monster,


...... dammit, I know. It's a real pain in the ass, but it's ...... and I know what a monster it is.

　So saying, Akira stared at the pope with a grim expression.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most out of your time with this kind of thing.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　But looking at Akira, it doesn't look like he's joking.
　In other words, we're talking about a realm we don't recognize.

　Of course, this is not an atmosphere in which a discussion will take place, and it would be better to back off quietly.
　Noel may have thought the same thing, but he stepped back with a frustrated expression on his face.

　And as an alternative, Akira stepped forward.

Now ...... there's no need to ask any more questions, right?
I'm a little surprised by that ......, but I suppose it's a good thing. I can dispose of two beings to be disposed of at the same time, and at the same time show my power to Master Leeds and others. When you see my power, you will sense the majesty of the gods, and I am sure they will be happy to help you.
"I'm sorry to say that I'm imagining a future that suits me, but that future is never going to happen. You will perish here.
I will always just follow the will of the gods. If that's the future the gods are pointing to, I'll follow it, but ...... won't be.
Ha! ......, you'll see for yourself what the future holds for you: ......!

　With Akira's shout, a flash of lightning gushed out and the sword Akira was carrying slammed into the ground, and blue lightning rushed towards the Pope.
　Immediately after, Akira and the demon woman kicked the ground almost simultaneously and jumped at the Pope in unison.








　While Leeds has some knowledge, it is basically not in the realm of self-defense.
　Partly because it's not necessary, but mostly because of a simple lack of talent.
　Because I don't have the talent to master the martial arts, I never learned or mastered anything more than self-defense.

　But a scene that even Leeds could understand was unfolding before his eyes.
　The fact that all three of them have a fighting ability that can be called out of the ordinary.

I wish you would stop at all ....... I was confident in my skills, but now I'm losing confidence. I'd be put out to charcoal in a second if I set foot in there.
I'm sure there aren't many people who wouldn't?　And Noel is a good blacksmith, so why not?
"That's it, that's it, that's it.

　As Leeds and the others were talking about this, a phenomenon was happening beyond their gaze that would make a natural cataclysmic event seem like it was going to happen.

　The ground is cracking and exploding, lightning bolts blowing out and a terrific roaring sound is echoing.
　With each swing of his sword and kick of the demon woman, the ground around the pope's standing looked as if it were the only place where war had taken place, and moreover, it continued unabated.
　There are really only a few who could break into a place like that and stay safe.

　But that's why the Pope's abnormality was also highlighted.

d*mn you, ......, you think you have room to spare!
No, it's not, is it?　Honestly, I am amazed. It's a tremendous fighting force. I guess I was right that I couldn't turn to attack, after all, I should get rid of it quickly.
"How can you say that. I'm completely protected and I can afford to be aware of my surroundings. ...... This is more rigid than I expected.
"If you don't have time to tell me, you should be more motivated. ......!　You're not going to do it, Devil: ......!
You're rude, but it's in its own way, isn't it?　But I honestly don't feel like getting on board with them because they are the ones I'm dealing with. ...... This is not the time to be saying that.

　Looking at the words alone, it seems that Akira and the others have room to spare, but in reality, there is no such thing.
　You can see it in their faces, and most importantly, it's obvious from the situation on the spot.

　The Pope has not moved a single step from his original position, nor is he injured, nor is there a single stain on his clothing.
　All of their attacks have been prevented at the last moment.

　Perhaps they have put up some kind of wards around them, but it's crazy to think that they continue to prevent those attacks.
　And that's not all.

　The attacks of Akira and the others are too powerful and their impact on the surroundings is tremendous.
　As mentioned earlier, even if the pope was unharmed, the surrounding area was as if a war had broken out, and if it was left as it was, it would definitely affect not only the ground but the buildings as well.
　It's easy to imagine that it would collapse rather than crack ...... but Leeds wasn't worried about that as much.
　He didn't have to.

　Because the ground around the Pope would crack, explode, and shatter with each passing moment.

It's really tricky: ...... What's tricky is that this means that if our attack ever reaches you, there's a good chance that you'll be back to normal in no time at all.
Don't say "just in case." ......!　Well, when you think about it, it's certainly not what you're thinking about. ......!
Oh, no, don't worry about that. I can only restore things. I can't affect a living thing. Which is why I'd really like your help, Mr. Leeds.
Tell me. Ends here, you don't care ...... No, wait a minute?　Restoration, you said?　That means that ...... maybe you've even helped the devil's stronghold ......?
"The base, is it?　I don't know which one you're talking about, because there are so many demon strongholds. ......
...... If you're referring to the stronghold you built in the south of the kingdom of Ad Astera, you certainly have some help from this. But I'm sure you didn't borrow it directly.
I see. I've been of some assistance to you in that area. The kingdom of Ad Astera has been a little too comfortable. It's time for you to remember that it's in the midst of struggle that we grow.
"Well, ...... I knew you'd be doing a lot of crappy things. You're going to end up here: ......

　The result is still the same: ......
　Everything will only fizzle out without reaching the pope.



　Of course, I don't expect that to last forever.
　Warding or something similar, there must be a price to pay to prevent the force.

　And not only that, you're also restoring the ground around it.
　One day the force must surely run out.

　But the problem is that Akira and the others are more likely to run out of power before that.
　I don't know about the demon woman, but Akira has released so much blue lightning.
　She should be quite exhausted, and in fact, a look of irritation is on Akira's face.

　The Pope's face, on the other hand, isn't sweating at all.
　It's not that he isn't tired at all, but at least it's a matter of optimism or something else to think that he'll run out of power first.
　And although you're only playing defense now, there's no reason why you can't attack.
　It was obvious that we were going to be destitute at this rate.

　But I don't need Leeds to tell me that, and Akira and the others would know that.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. ...... For a moment, Akira showed a look of anguish on his face.

　But it's really only for a moment, and then immediately afterwards, he turns his attention to the demon woman.
　Since Leeds noticed this, naturally the demon woman should have noticed it too.
　As proof of this, the demon woman's attack increased in momentum - the moment Akira jumped backwards.

　With that, she lifted her sword as if pointing at the ceiling--

"-Fall away, thunder emperor . Penetrate the Thunder of Heaven ......!

　Immediately afterwards, a roar sounded overhead.
　The magic Akira had cast caused the lightning to fall, shattering the ceiling.

　And that magic was one that Leeds had also seen.
　It was definitely the one he had used when he was meeting up with Allen, but I'm pretty sure it was meant to strike the opponent directly.

　It's true that Akira won't be affected since he's at a distance, but the demon woman is now attacking to keep the pope at bay.
　I thought they were really going to attack the whole demoness, but my fears were unfounded.
　But my fears were unfounded as the lightning struck Akira's sword as it was lifted up.

　Of course, it wasn't a self-destruction.
　The lightning that struck was charged to the sword and Akira held his arm horizontally.
　Twisting his upper body like a drawn bow--the next moment, he kicked the ground with all his might.

"--Back off ......!

　To the cry, the demoness responded in perfect form.
　She continued her onslaught until the very last minute, sewing the Pope to the spot and then, just in time, she jumped back.

　Right next to her, with the force of an arrow, Akira, clad in two types of lightning - thunder and blue lightning - plunged in - a high-pitched sound rang out.
　With a shattering sound of glass, the space in front of the pope cracked ......, but not one step further.
　The sword that came closest to the Pope's body so far ended up creating a single scar on the Pope's cheek.

...... This was a real surprise to me. I didn't think you'd put a scratch on my body. Yeah, you should be proud, right?　You're the first person to scar my body since I became Pope. But it wasn't enough to destroy me.

　At the same time as the words were spoken, Akira's body was blown away with greater speed than he was heading for, and he crashed into the wall with a roaring sound.
　I'm not sure how much of an impact it was, but a lot of blood was spat out of Akira's mouth.

I'm not going to be able to get a good idea of what I'm talking about.

　The demon woman, seeing the scene, had a slight, but still palpable twitch in her cheeks.
　You can see the impatience in her hands even if she is only watching from the side.

...... This isn't good. It's really more than I expected. I didn't expect it to be this overwhelming: ...... Your eminence, it seems that you are a true monster.
A monster ...... is certainly a thing beyond humanity, in the sense that it may be so. I'm sure that from a human perspective, gods and monsters are the same.
What's that, ......?　I mean, are you going to call yourself a god, or what?
"Oh ...... this is another surprise. You're not only physically intact, but you still have the energy to talk. That's as brave as they come.

　The words seemed to be a sincere admiration.
　But that means that he looked down on Akira.
　Otherwise, such words would never have come out.

　But at the same time, it is certainly true.
　I'm not sure if Akira understands that, or if it's simply out of pain, his face was twisted.

"d*mn it ......, you're a big shot. I'm not dead yet ......?
"Are you still going to do it?　It's not my intention to make you suffer too much, but I hope you will accept death soon. There is no need to worry. This is the will of the gods. Your death will surely be for the benefit of future generations.
"Ha! ...... hindsight?　I don't care what happens after I die.
I'm sorry to hear that. ...... It's a shame, but even if you don't care, your power is a foundation for future generations. But even if you don't mind, your power will be the foundation for future generations. So please rest assured.
"Shut the f*ck up, I don't know what you're talking about!　I mean, so who do you think you are?
...... is absolutely right. I don't like your god-like attitude more than anything else.
That being said, the fact that I am an agent of the gods' will is evident from this ending. If what I am saying is false, I would have been destroyed long ago. The fact that I am doing this is proof that the will of the gods is with me.
It sounds like the ravings of a power-crazed lunatic to me. ...... but well, what I'm saying is just a loser's howl. It doesn't matter what you say, it doesn't matter if you lose.


"You're giving up on ......?　I'm not going to give up yet, though, am I?
You can't do anything about it, can you?

　There was a resignation on Akira's face as he said this.
　It seems to be able to still fight, but maybe it's more difficult than it looks.
　Or did he sense the absolute gap in strength between the two groups?

　It's true that there is resignation on Akira's face ...... but at the same time there was a smile on his face.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make your life easier and more enjoyable. It's a good thing that you're able to get the most out of your time. I'm still not equipped to be a leading man. The best thing I can do right now is to be the starter.
"......?　What the hell are you doing at ......?

　The pope finally noticed that Akira was acting strangely, and turned his quizzical gaze to Akira.
　But as soon as the pope looked at him, he smiled clearly and told her.

What do you mean by that ......?　Hahahaha ......, of course. --I'm done stalling. ......!　I'm sure you know where it is now!

　Instantly, the wall disappeared.
　The wall opposite the one Akira was immersed in disappeared without a trace.

　And from beyond it appeared a boy.
　It was a familiar boy.

Indeed, I think I do. I honestly wasn't sure where I was going, so that's good.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make your life easier and more enjoyable.