I found it. You've got a lot of nerve, riding into this castle.

Faith. Stay behind me.

You got it?

　Licht and Faith succeeded in getting into the castle itself, but the enemy spotted them early on.

　There was one large monster. On either side of it, there were two smaller demons.
　It's impossible to escape.

　It would have been ideal to reach the Demon Lord in the east without being spotted, but now that it was like this, we had no choice.

　As planned, I'll get past these monsters while protecting Faith.

"My name is Doba. Speaking of which, there's a strange overabundance of dead spirits in the area, will they disappear once you're defeated?

I don't know. Why don't you give it a try?

"You!　How dare you speak to Master Doba like that!

You told me to be quiet and try it, didn't you, human?

　The monster who calls himself Doba pulls out a hideous sword as if to show off.
　It's a kind of sword I've never seen in the human world.
　There is clearly something evil in it. If you take a serious hit, you'll be mortally wounded.

　The imp was looking at Licht with a smirk on his face.

"f*ck you!

　A swing filled with hatred snatched a strand of Richt's hair.

　It was a hasty defense, but he was just in time.
　If he had taken the blow normally, he would have been overpowered, so he defended himself by letting it pass without recoiling.

　As an S-rank adventurer, this is a technique that I was taught to my heart's content.
　It seems to be effective even against non-humans.
　Somehow, the technique worked, and I could see a slight possibility of victory.

"I see. You seem to have some knowledge of swords. You seem to know a little something about swords and not just be a swinging idiot like the others.

Thanks for that.

But. But a man with halfway decent skills will die young. I'll show you that.

　Dovah changes his sword from one-handed to two-handed.
　It seems that the blow was just to see what would happen.
　Even with his eyes closed, he could tell that the mood had changed to something else entirely.

"Seer!

　The big swing that he had just taken was replaced by a sharp one.
　I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not.
　It's a good thing that you've got a good idea of what you're doing.

　You can't afford to protect Faith.

What's wrong?　Is she going to fight back?　Or is it more important to protect the woman?

"I'm sorry, Mr. Richt. I'm sorry, Mr. Richt, but I don't care if I die.

Faith's abilities will have to wait until the Mad King. Especially since you might be able to escape to the small fry.

　The two kobolds frowned when they heard Richt's words.
　The word "Faith's ability" bothered them, but what they couldn't miss more was the part about the possibility of escape.

　It's not like the kobolds are so open-minded that they can keep quiet when someone they look down on as a lowly race says something like this.
　The kobold on the right focuses on his bow and arrow, while the kobold on the left focuses on his sword.

"Oi, do you think you can get to the Demon Lord?　You can't beat Doba by cutting corners!

"......, you've got me beat. If that's the case, I'll give it my all, but don't call me a coward.

　The reaction of the dobers was one of clear anger.

　Taking away the opponent's composure is a great advantage in battle.
　But in this situation, it's a bit of a bad development.

"!

　The three of them attacked.
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

　I'm not sure what to make of this, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
　It was a very demonic way of thinking.

"Faith!

　The first thing that Richt received was the dreadful sword of Doba.
　This is not something that can be brushed aside.
　He stood in front of Faith, feeling the pain in his arm, and laid his blade on her.

I got it!

　You can kill the power of the sword by catching it at the base, but that makes you unable to move.
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it's a good idea.

　First.
　The kobold's arrow on the right pierced Faith's left hand.
　It seemed to have been aimed at her heart, but she seemed to have lost her cool and missed.

It was too easy.

　The little demon on the left grinned and swung his sword at his too easy opponent.
　The female must not be used to fighting, he thought as he slashed at her.



　I can't react to my swordplay at all.
　It was as if he was using a straw as a test sword.

　He slashes Faith over and over again as a way of releasing the frustration of being used as a lowly servant.
　For this moment, he could believe that he had become stronger.

"Suck it!　For licking me!

　With a triumphant look on his face, the kobold cursed the lich and wiped the blood from his sword.
　It had been many years since he had felt this confident.

　Not even he could stop the flow.
　He rushed towards the lich who was being held down by Doba with a murderous intent.

"d*mn it .......

　Then one of the kobolds spurted blood and fell.
　Of course, it was the one who was happily slashing at him with his sword.
　The kobold with the bow and arrow was still standing, as if nothing had happened.

"Whoa.

　Doba, who had witnessed these phenomena, sounded convinced of something.
　This was the worst development that Richt could think of.

　It started with the fact that he had run into Doba, and that she had the strength to live up to the name of the Demon King's army.
　Including the presence of the kobolds, I can only assume that the irregulars like him.

"It's taking the exact same damage. Did you repel the attack?　And to the one who attacked me.

"......

Looks like you were right.

　It looks like you were right.
　Licht gulped and swallowed hard.
　If Doba was able to use any kind of message magic, it would mean that Faith's abilities were no longer available.

I see. So it was you guys who killed Luluca. It's ...... unfortunate that that precise attack strangled you.

　I've never heard the name Luluca, but I knew it by heart.

　Dovah's sword strained as if to avenge him. And the sword, as if reacting to his hatred, was radiating heat.
　If he slackened even a little, he would be crushed into a pulp.


"Ugh!

　Suddenly.
　Suddenly, all the power in Doba's sword was gone.
　He moaned in pain, and blood began to flow from his eyes.

　It's not a good sign.
　Even Doba herself doesn't seem to understand what's happening.
　Finally, he lost his grip on the sword and fell to the floor at the same time.

　When I thought about the kobold who had already expired, I felt Doba's vitality was extraordinary, as she still had enough strength to struggle.

I'm sorry, Licht-san. You're dead.

"Don't worry about it. It's my fault for not being able to protect you. It was too much for three people.

　If you're not sure what you're looking for, you can always ask for help.
　In the end, the mission failed, but there is no one here to blame for that.

　It is only after this battle is over that we can reflect on it.


"...... Hey. What have you done to my body? ...... It's a super poison that can't be detoxified. ......

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

　In the end, Doba's body was ravaged by the poison.
　The effect of this conditional abnormality - is probably due to Iris' [Fairy Use].

　It seems that Doba was so absorbed in Faith's ability that she failed to notice the fairy approaching from behind.

I knew Iris was a monster.

"You're not so bad yourself, but Rose should be on her way to the Demon Lord of the East by now. You're not much use to us anymore, but we'll head there too.

I understand.

　Licht continued to climb the stairs to support Rosé, who had a big role to play.

　It was Rosé.
　It would not be surprising if he challenged the Demon Lord of the East to battle without waiting for reinforcements.

　There was not much time left.