Ars turned and blinked blindingly toward the source of the strange sound, a sound that was not supposed to sound.
　He bit his lip and opened his mouth to force himself to breathe through his trembling throat.

　The body of the demon that should have died out there was bloated with buzzing and popping blisters. The magic power that swelled up and accumulated inside the body is leaking out with a strange smell from the bubbles that popped as if it had no place to go. The demon is indeed out of breath. Therefore, the magic power should also dissipate.

(d*mn.........!

　The organs of demons have organs that generate magic power, so to speak, the demon nucleus, which is equal to life. Arus had already attacked the place where the demon's nucleus was likely to be, but he gave up when he realized that even the nucleus was a super recovery that could be restored. However, this demon was storing the magic power it had absorbed as evil food in another organ that was not the demon core. I don't know if it was the whole body, but in this case, the fact that it was different is the problem.
　It is said that the magic nucleus also has the ability to replace the magic power absorbed by the demon itself, but in this demon's case, it means that the body adapted to the different colored magic power without changing the magic power it absorbed.
　It must be too late to find that out, though.

　The magic power contained in the demon's death is probably running rampant like a ravenous beast that has been released from its fetters. The mixing of conflicting magic power........if this was successfully controlled within the body of the Abomination of Treason (Demi Azure).......

''An explosion of magical power........''

　Ars overflowed as if he had given up.
　Even though it was absorbed, it should still contain an enormous amount of magical power. If that happens, there is no doubt that there will be damage to the surrounding area of several kilometers.
　For sure, Letty's troops would be destroyed in an instant.

　Countless regrets were swirling in Ars's brain. At that time--and.
　However, the countermeasures that came to mind were kicked off with the excuse that there was no way he could have noticed.
　There have been no reports of SS-rated demons since 50 years ago. Even then, they had failed to defeat them, so there was no way they could have expected this to happen. And moreover, the types are different, so in the end - maybe it was no good.
　It could be said to be a stereotype, but bad food........no, one of the reasons for the disappointment is that demons are supposed to replace the magic power they absorb with their own magic power in the first place.
　After all, we had no choice but to slaughter them in an instant. There was no choice but to multiply the magic of all of them. No, since they had gone one step closer with the Black Lightning 《Croikazuchi》, they could have poured all their magic power into it.
　In the end, those were countermeasures to be utilized from the next time onwards, not a technique to overcome the current situation.

　The body of the demon was getting bigger and bigger, and it already had no trace of the original form of [Demi-Azur]. The shadow thickens with its immense size.
　I put the AWR back in its sheath and let out a sigh.

(I guess it's a blunder........)

　Ars looked up to the heavens and stared with resignation at the sky outside ... following the fluttering clouds. The sky in the outside world is still different today. I've never seen such a cloud shape either inside or outside. It snatches the sunlight, and it shines faintly, as if a halo has appeared on the clouds.
　If I had a water bottle that I always bring with me on my outside missions, I would have put it on over my head. Even though I know it's not there, I put my arm around the empty back.

''Well........''

　But I had already decided what to do. There is no way to communicate with Letty and the others. Even if they were to connect, it would be too late now.
　I turn my attention to the demons that are just waiting to be ruptured.
　The terrain in this area would turn into a barren land. Even Balmes would be affected by the aftermath in no small measure. If Letty and the others are going to die anyway, it's better to have a small chance of dying.

　Ars gently closed his eyes....

(I'm sorry for Letty and the others.)

　I apologized softly and sincerely. This is what you get for saying it.
It's a good thing that you're able to get the best out of it. There is no chance of Ars surviving either choice.
　I'm sure you know that, so the unfinished business flashed back to me like a runner-up.
　'So the place to die is the outside world after all...' I feel something very emotional. I like the view of the outside world. I like the view of the outside world, I can feel the wisdom...the providence that is beyond human reach.
　I was prepared to die in an honest way, so perhaps this current situation is a good one. Even though they are criminals, they killed a number of people, and the members of the squad that changed and changed and came in with each passing month until Ars became a single wizard who could go out on his own on an outside mission. Among them, Ars was the only one who remained the same.
　The number of hands that made his companions comfortable was not enough to make them feel comfortable.

　It's funny from Ars's point of view because it's this way of seeking to keep the squad alive. He puts his life on the line for others who he thought didn't matter.
　No, since there is no chance of survival in the first place, is it just a sideshow? I don't know how my mind works, because I feel like I'm immersed in sentimentality.

''Ha, I'm like this........''

No! He shook his face lightly and was prepared to make a decision without hesitation if it was the best one, even if the possibility was less than 1%. This is probably the first time I've experienced a small chance.

　So--

Let's get started!

　The AWR falls off my waist with a thud. This is just too heavy to use anymore.

''Eat it all, [Violent Predator [Gura Eater]!

　He thrust out one hand vigorously. Magic power that seemed to manifest chaos overflowed at once, and in the blink of an eye, the entire area was covered with darkness as if it were eroding. The all-out, tidal wave, with no thought of control, rushed toward the demons in a frantic rush to be first.
　Then the wave comes together and opens its mouth to swallow the giant demon in one breath.

　It will eat up all of its magical power before it explodes. It's simple, but the risk is commensurate and deadly.
　However, the magic power sent from the Gra Eater who swallowed the demon swallowed the demon shook off the capacity of Ars in an instant.
　Boom--I could feel a sensation as if something had jumped. It was never the sound of his own heart.
　I ignore the sound that leaves such an uncomfortable feeling and focus all my nerves on just covering the demon. The reason why it's getting bigger and bigger is probably because of the magical power it absorbed, which made the Gra Eater grow.
　Fortunately, even when it leaves the control, it greedily swarms the demons that contain vast amounts of magical power.

(Not yet........can't we make it even at this speed?)

　With his tongue clucking at the demon that continues to expand within the dusky magic power of the Gura Eater, Ars let go of all control, if he can't control it.
　The expression of anguish on the magic power that is accumulating at a terrific speed, increasing its speed even more--.

　The outstretched right arm began to tremble in small increments as if it had been convulsed, and gradually began to lash out against its will, as if dancing alone--bush!　The blood vessels in his arm burst with great force, and blood droplets flew in the air.
　It was probably caused by the excessive density of magic in the blood.
　Ars gritted his back teeth and endured.
　His left arm, which hung slackly, turned red from his shoulders, and the sensation in his arm was cut off without even feeling numb--.
　In almost no time at all, the blood vessels in both legs rise and burst.

　With a thud, Ars, who was on his knees, still stuck out his right arm and looked at the demon.
　He knew from the beginning, even if he could prevent the magical explosion in front of him, he couldn't reliably control the Gra Eater.......

　All of the magic power that had leaked out of the demon's body was eaten up, and when the bloating stopped, the Gura Eater moved away.
　There was a thin outer shell that had solidified, and only the residue remained as if it was hollow inside.
　Mishis and cracks run and partially collapse away.

(Just in time........next time.)

　The Gura Eater, which I had thought was going to go on a rampage as it was, was now back right above Ars. However, it seemed to be a harbinger of whether it would adjust once.
　The Gla Eater had grown so huge that it covered his vision, making it seem like it was night.
　Dark shadows that writhed on the ground as if they were translucent had fallen on the ground.

''This much........''

　If you turn your gaze upward, there is a tank of magic that is so wriggling that it could fit inside a huge crater.
　You don't know when it will continue to attack people as long as it is active, seeking its magic power. No, if it was in the vicinity, it would sense the magic power of Letty and the others. Is Balmes next?
　As expected, I absorbed it because I didn't think there was any ars to that extent.
　Even though it has an ego, if it's magic power as an energy body, if it's too far away, the information should degrade and return to the residue. But to this extent, perhaps he had misjudged it. A sense of frustration burned the section with a chill.

(If that happens, there's a move.)

　If you take your own life, this unusual ability should disappear as well.
　If the demon progresses and humanity becomes extinct, I wouldn't think anything of it, but as expected, if you destroy it yourself, it's a different story. I don't mind dying on its own, but killing it myself is not something I want.
　Ars dredged up an old memory. He hadn't intended to, but he was irresistibly curious.
　Yes, when was it?
　When he'd said he didn't need his companions it was after seeing how many ... hundreds of mages die ... or was it because he was afraid of being eaten by demons? Was it when he asked me to kill him?
　I've seen screams, cries, tears of regret and regret and regret.
　

(I didn't want to kill anyone........)

　The question to himself was one that he didn't feel bad about.
　A smile of self-mockery - he would be the last to wipe out the squad he brought with him by himself.

　Immediately after, a creeping chill crawled through his entire body. The giant Gura Eater dispersed as it popped.

''Kuh!!!!''

　A number of them jump out of the water tank (pool) like a giant giant snake, like a muddy stream that has been dammed up.

　♢ ♢ ♢

What the hell is that...

　Letty looked down and saw a collection of black magic power. It was like a water tank floating in the air.
　There is no reply to the monologue, but Letty pursues the person who showed a reaction.

''Linne-san, you know........what happened to the demon, what was that thing!
Well, the demon has been defeated by Lord Arthurs.

　A relieved relief and jubilation broke out on the faces of the squad members. However, only Letty fixed her gaze on Rinne still, as if urging her to continue.

''Can I say that was Arus-sama's.......magic.......''

　Linne was being kept quiet, but she couldn't keep her mouth shut in front of that devastating magical power. Because that was clearly out of control.
　That's why I put off telling him about the current Ars that I saw with my demon eyes.

''The true identity of the absorption that Ars-sama showed in the incident with Krama is definitely the magic power over there.
So it's over?
'No, you'd better get away from here at once. It's ... there's nothing we can do about it.

　A quizzical Letty pursues further.

What do you mean by that? That's Al's magic, isn't it?
Maybe. But I didn't think of it as magic. That magic doesn't have a magical structure. It just works on its own.
..........

　Linne's resignation-like voice sound cooled the buoyant air, and a strong sense of tension began to waft through the air.

''Perhaps, but I believe that Arus-sama was trying to control that magical power. The demon was just before the magical explosion, so it absorbed......... But.........

　He bit his lip with difficulty.

'I can already say that Master Ars is close to death. He's bleeding badly....
Then we have to go get him right away.

　Sajik raises his voice, but Linne's story continues to be analyzed calmly, as if he's trying to get out of the way.

'The fact that it still has that magical power in its dying state................In other words, it can definitely be seen as having left the control of Ars-sama. I think that's the kind of creature it is. If it goes, it won't even let us resist. We're not trying to fight or prevent it.

　Linne couldn't get away from the first time she saw that strange power in her eyes. A power that wasn't magic, it was like a natural disaster that people couldn't have the ability to resist.
　That's why it's dangerous if you don't leave this place as soon as possible.

''Let's retreat at once. Even so.........''

　It was a word that made me think I was already stuck.
　But--

"Then I guess I'll just have to rescue Al-kun.
Yeah.
I have no objection to that.
I'm very fast, sir.

　Following Letty, the troops open their mouths of their own volition and make a decision.

'I can't!　There's no way we can get there. Instead, we owe it to you to report this situation immediately.
Hmm... I see. Then I'll ask Linne-san to take care of that role.

　Letty replied simply with a broken face.

It's not a good idea to go out with them. I have no reason to go out with you.
That's not the point...

　With bloodshot eyes, Lynne raised her voice, but this time Mugel interrupted her.

''That's the kind of issue we're talking about, Lord Linne. We are members of the military, we are members of Captain Letty's unit. Let's call it pride - an incomprehensible way of life, right?　But that's what we are. And if I abandon Master Ars and return to my own country, I won't have a face for my wife.
If you have a wife, even better...
Yes, I'm not going to die. "Yes, I'm not going to die, but I think we know what our priorities are. My wife is a lifelong companion because of me. And when I think of the next generation all the more so!

　Mugel scratched his shame-stained cheeks and Sajik stared at him with envious eyes.

''Well, in this guy's case, there are a few, but I can't expose myself to the shame of going home like this either. I didn't learn to live like I abandoned my captain in the squad.''
He's got it. Lynne told the Governor about this.

　Linne listened to Letty's words as they flowed through. That was because she couldn't see any regrets, such as bitter decisions, on the faces of these troops. There was no hesitation in doing so - it was telling that it was natural.
　Although he was indeed in the army, Rinne was in the rear and his military service was short. It's a pride that you can't possibly understand.
　Nevertheless, I was envious of the faces of the troops who said so. I'm not dissatisfied with my current position as a close aide to the head of state. On the contrary, I consider it to be my calling. Still, the way he is as a magician is worthy of respect, and Linne's decision was quick, as she had a vision of what Cicernia would be like in a similar situation.

''Huh~''

　He cowered his shoulders and forced his stiffening body to make a smile as he forced himself to say it.

Okay. I'd like to join you.
"--!　What do you want to report?!
'It's good, isn't it?　Because I'm not going to go to die, am I?

　A sarcastic smile came naturally to his face. And perhaps, but he had no idea.

'We don't have time for this,'

　Letty also smiled wryly at Lynne's determination.

''You can do what you want.''
I know I said we're running out of time, but inaction won't save us from ourselves. We have a pretty good idea of what that could be like.
It's a surprise.

　I felt like I was being rude, but I'm not stupid enough to eat a single mage, and I don't have the time.

''I'm not as good as Als-sama, but I do have a little bit of knowledge about xenomorph-related things... so!

　I tell him that it's probably an irresistible force of nature that the language has become so strong.

'Still, there are more things I don't understand than I can figure out. I'm an oddball who doesn't even listen to stories.'

　He saw everyone nod and continued to speak.

'That thing will continue to move even if Ars-sama's consciousness is disrupted. If that happens, there's nothing we can do about it, but if Ars-sama's consciousness is still clear, there should be a way to break the deadlock. And please don't touch that thing by mistake it will kill you in an instant. And you know what I mean about absorbing it. Think of magic as only making you grow.

　I'm not put off by the troops when I hear that they can't touch or prevent it. I don't know if they were prepared for this from the beginning.
　Linne is checking the speed of the magic power, which is an alien ability, with her magic eye. If it was that huge, it might slow down a bit, but even Letty could assure him that it wouldn't last long.
　That's why I said it was like going to die. You wouldn't listen to me if I told you.

'Master Ars is near the centre of the crater, but his wounds are so severe that he can't move. He should be conscious now, but he could pass out at any moment.
It's nice to have a haphazard approach that feels like us.