In the Demon King's Castle, Dvorberg, there is a place called the Dueling Hall.

　Until a long time ago, it was the place where captive humans and beasts were made to fight each other, or demons who had become criminals would fight each other.

　Even among the demon tribe, the privileged ones enjoyed watching the brutal scene.

　Typical of the demon race, if you can call it that, but similar things had been done in many places, starting with ancient Rome in the previous generation.

　It is said that the higher the status of intelligent creatures, the more they prefer blood.

　However, the dueling hall has not been used for such purposes since the current generation of demon kings.

　In short, this dueling hall hasn't sucked 'blood' for a while.
　However, tonight, for the first time in a long time, blood will be flowing in this dueling hall.

　When the duel that is about to take place now is over, at least

　Commander of the 7th Legion, Sephiro the Witch of the Black Peril.

　Because the commander of the 3rd Legion Legion, the bloody headless Duke Basteo, was going to be executed.

　If possible, I'd like to win and sell my debt to Cephiro.

　The actual Cephiro was sitting on the guest's seat, that is, next to the Demon King, yawning absent-mindedly.

　You think I'm going to win for sure?
　Or do you have a plan to get away with it when you lose?
　It's not easy to tell.

　It's because the witch named Sephiro is an inedible person.

　-When your own life is at stake, you wouldn't have that lack of commitment.

　I'm dumbfounded, but for now, I'm the one fighting on your behalf.
　This is not the time to worry about Sephiro and the Demon King's eyes.

　For now, I'm going to look at my opponent, Basteo.
　He is headless, just like his nickname suggests.
　That's because Dullahan is an immortal race of headless knights.
　To be precise, he has a head, but he holds it under his arm.
　If you try to make eye contact with him, your gaze will naturally go down.
　However, I've been in the Demon King's army for many years, and I'm still not very good with immortal demons.

　Furthermore, if they have animosity towards me, there is no reason for me to show them any affection.

　Basteo's head glared at me and said.

''Kid!　So you're Ryke or something like that, working smartly with the 7th Corps these days.

　It's Ike, not Ryke.

　It's too much of a hassle to correct, but let's just answer the question.

　Even if it's true, the opponent is the commander of the 3rd Legion. You should treat him as your superior.

It's 'Ike', sir. Lord Basteo.

Ike. It's not like I was thinking about the Seventh Legion. I'll take care of it from now on.

　He snickers when I say that.

　I'm an adult, so I don't get angry, but I guess I'll just return the sarcasm with sarcasm.

No, Lord Basteo. You don't need to remember my name.

Well, you're humble. You are a man of decency, aren't you?

Yes, I have been disciplined by my grandfather. I've been disciplined by my grandfather. And not only that, you don't need to remember my name--

　I stopped talking at that point, paused, and said, "You're going to lose and get out of here, anyway.

You're going to lose here and leave the game in misery anyway. What's the point of remembering my name if you can't remember it now?

..........

　The look on Basteo's face as he heard the irony was a masterpiece.
　His face turned a bright red color.

　I wondered how the blood was circulating through the body and neck, even though the body and neck were separated.

　Does it have a heart in its head too?

　Because of the immortal race, there must be some mysterious power at work here, but let's not worry about that.

　I'll never have the chance to meet this guy again anyway.

　I was planning to beat him to a pulp and make him a loser.　　　

"So let's get started, Lord Basteo.

　I said that, but I didn't want to shake his hand.
　I'm sure he doesn't want to do that either.
　Anyway, Basteo and I waited in silence for the duel to begin.




　The rules of the duel were as previously explained to me.

　We commanded a magical creature made of mud prepared by the demon king, a puppet soldier, and we competed for superiority as commanders.

　The abilities of the puppeteers are exactly the same, which means they are purely for the sake of command.

　You control 50 puppeteers and make them fight each other.

　In other words, you could say that the battle is already decided before the fight.

　Sure enough, Basteo's guy seems to have made the most orthodox formation of 50 puppeteers.

　A remote attack by 20 archers,
　And defending it with 20 heavily armed spearmen.
　The remaining ten of them will have their swordsmen in place and be ready for the assault.

　It's exactly the same as my first idea.

　Looking at that formation, it seems that Basteo is not incompetent.
　I'm sure he's the commander of the Demon King's army.

　Otherwise, it wouldn't be fun.

''It's no fun just hunting small fry, you know.

　I let out a wry smile.

　On the other hand, Basteo's guy also let out a wry smile.

　He must be very confident.
　What is the basis for that confidence?
　I look at Basteo's gaze.

'....I see.

　I know the source of his confidence.

　It seems that his soldiers are all made of Damascus steel equipment.

　Their spears, swords, shields and even armor are made of Damascus steel.

　Damascus steel is the best metal that is mined in the country to the west of this other world.

　It has less magical strength than mithril and orichalcon, but it is more versatile than that.

　It could be said to be the best weapon to be carried by an ordinary soldier.

　But, well, it seems that the Third Legion has plenty of funds........
　I can't help but look up at Cephiro, who is in the noble seat.
　You should have at least given me that much equipment.

''Oh dear........''

　I can't help but complain about it, but I can't start complaining.
　My Immortal Brigade is not well funded.

　The head of our legion is a mad scientist (Matudo scientist) who likes to experiment.

　A significant amount of the funds provided by the Demon King must be flowing into her pockets.

　I'd like to see as much of that money as possible go to my brigade.

''Well, let's use our wits and cheats (guns) to win that amount.

　As I blurted out, I heard the signal to start the duel.

　The sound of loud bells filled the dueling hall.
　At the same time, I gave orders to my puppeteers.
　This is the formation of the puppet soldiers under my command.

　30 spearmen with a super-sized kite shield.
　While the puppeteers are blocking the enemy's offensive, I will attack the enemy with 5 guns.

　Of course, he doesn't let the remaining 20 of them play around.
　They are playing their roles properly.
　First, the five puppet soldiers fire their guns at the enemy.
　Then the firing puppeteers step back.
　Then, of course, the puppeteers are given flintlock guns.
　Naturally, the puppet fires it.

　The rest of the soldiers, meanwhile, support the one who just fired the gun, reloading and loading the powder.

　In this way, only 10 guns can be used effectively.
　Only ten guns can be doubled or tripled.
　I look at the person who developed this method of operation.

　The girl who was known as "Oda Nobunaga" in her previous life.

　Now, what will she think when she sees this operation method?

　Will she give it a perfect score?
　Or would she give it a perfect score?

　In fact, this is the strategy she used in the Battle of Nagashino.

　It is commonly referred to as "three-step shooting".
　No, since she used two guns, it was a 'two-step attack'.

　In that sense, it was an unfinished battle method, but it was still effective enough.

　If a sufficient number of gun crews were assembled, any large army would evaporate in a flash, no matter how large it was.

　That's how powerful the flintlocklock is.

　When you hear the word "flintlocklock" you can't help but think of it as old-fashioned, but after all, a gun is just a tube that fires a 'bullet'.

　The flamethrower has a large caliber, so it can fire a larger bullet.
　Its power is said to surpass even the current rifles.

　If you are bombarded with such a thing, even the Damascus steel shield of the stone will be of no use to you.

　A piece of paper, ........is that an exaggeration?

　However, your prized equipment is easily pierced, and the puppet soldiers fall down one after another.
　Crumpling, crumpling, crumpling, crumpling on the spot.

　Seeing this, it was the bloody headless Lord Basteo, who turned pale.

　You were all red and furious just a moment ago, but now your face is completely pale.

''Bah, silly, oh, my prized puppet soldiers.......''

　It's probably that expensive set of equipment that I'm proud of.
　I wanted to say that, but before I could, Basteo shouted out loud.

'Seriously, what is that tubular thing?　Is that a magic wand!

　I don't have the right to answer, but I'll respond in passing.

It's a flamethrower.
Hinawaju?

　You wouldn't understand if I explained it to you.

'Well, you can interpret it as a magic cylinder,'

　The man is going to die.
　I don't need to explain in detail.

　All that's left now is for you to climb to the top or be hanged.

　--No, I'm afraid that's not possible.
　After all, this is the headless duke of the immortal tribe.

　He can't be hanged and he can't be cut off.

　There are several ways to execute an immortal, but which way will Basteo be executed?

　I considered it, but the idea never came together.

　This is because the Demon King, who was in the noble seat, stood up.

　Basteo and I turned around to face the demon king and fell to our knees almost simultaneously.
　She looked down at us and praised me.

''That was brilliant, Immortal Brigade Commander Ike.

　I bow my head and say I'm sorry for the compliment.

　Next, the demon king looks down at Basteo.
　That gaze is infinitely cold.

I have no words for a loser, but I also owe you a debt of gratitude for serving me for so many years. Basteau, I'll prepare two ways for you.

　'One,' she sticks one finger in the air.

'A path to gracefully commit suicide and die an honorable death here.

　As she says this, she holds out a sachet from her own pocket and tosses it in front of Basteo.

　It seems that the sachet is filled with "Euryalis Poison".

　I think it's the demon king's mercy to drink it and die at ease.
　The Basteo just stared at the sachet and didn't move a bit.
　It seems that he has no intention of committing suicide.

　The demon king offers a second option.

"Two ways, right now, right here and right now, you can use your fire magic prominence to put out the coals.

　As she said this, she let a blue-white flame appear in her palm.
　This is the magic used by the demon king grade.
　Its power would be incomparable.
　It's not possible to withstand it, no matter how talented the commander's class is.
　Basteo is in a cold sweat.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most out of your time with the help of a few of your friends.

''Your Majesty the Demon King, I will take the third path.

　The Demon King heard those words.
Ho.....
　He sounded interested.

　He looked down at Basteo's entire body and continued.

''In other words, it's good that you're going to defy me and take the Demon King's position by force, right?

　Basteo nodded his head reverently.

It is as you wish. I'm afraid to say, but I think it's more appropriate for Basteo to lead the demon king's army, not you.

On what basis?

　The Demon King replied shortly, "You know that the Demon King's modus operandi is so lax that the demons are talking behind his back.

"Are you aware that the demons are complaining about the laxity of the current king's tactics?

I know.

''With all due respect, I'm of the same opinion. If Mr. Drachten remains at the head of the Demon King's army, it is inevitable that the humans will eventually lose. I don't foresee that kind of future.

Well, you've made your point.

　The demon king took a breath there.
　Then he said heavily.

But it seems that we don't have to choose the third way.

　As she said this, she disarmed the flames in her own palm.
　It seems that she felt that there was no need to take care of it herself.

　I'm sure you're not the only one who's noticed the intentions of the demon king.
　He turns towards me and stares at me as if licking my whole body.

''.........Ho, I mean, not the Demon King, but this young man is going to take care of me.''

　That's right. And at least learn its name.

　I don't talk about it, but I gave the circular snake's staff a magical power.
　It's not a bad idea.

　This is a duel.

　It's not like a sorcerer, but you should fight with swords and swords.
　That's the way to be polite to the Legionnaire.
　As soon as I finished imparting my magic power, Basteo slashed at me.
　It was very similar to the sword technique of the lord I had defeated during the Arsenum attack before.
　Could it be that they were the same knight?

　There is a tradition that the demon race called Dullahan is an undead knight who has been revived as a demon race by a knight who has done a lot of evil deeds in his lifetime.

　This guy might also have been a famous knight in his lifetime.
　Thinking that, I received Basteo's sword strike with my staff.


　With a clink, a large spark flares up.


　A surge of pale magic surged out.

　I'm sure that a person of the Legionnaire's rank has a fine sword that has been pre-loaded with magical power.

　However, you still can't break this circular snake staff.

　This staff was bequeathed to me by my grandfather, who was once touted as the most powerful magician in the Demon King's Army.

　I'm sure that with my current magical power, I'm confident that I can defeat any great sword.
　It's a good idea to have a good time with them.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on.

"What?!

　He must have been extraordinarily confident in his saber and sword skills.
　There was no way he could be defeated in his sword skills, let alone in his magic power.

　He may have thought so, but he didn't seem to know that the strongest magician in the Demon King's army was also one of the best swordsmen in the Demon King's army.

　Having deflected Basteo's sword shot, I turned to the offensive.
　The circular serpent's staff can be freely manipulated to slay vertically and horizontally, as well as with a kesa-slash.
　I've got my hands full trying to catch Basteo with my sword, which I'm very proud of.

　Now, realizing that he is defeated in both his ability as a commander and his personal bravery, the man's next course of action has been decided.

It is a "cheat".

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

　Then the bricks between the duel rose up in a heap.
　A large number of zombie soldiers appeared from there.

''--Good grief!''

　Letting out an exhale.
　This type of human behavior is really easy to understand.
　I decided to give him one last piece of advice.

'Basteo, do you know why you lost?'

　Basteo's mouth twists up.

'This me losing?　What are you talking about?　You're at a huge disadvantage.　These guys aren't just zombie soldiers. They are the most elite in our legion.

　They are said to be the ones who revived famous warriors and sorcerers by necromancy.
　They were all killed by him in person and turned into zombie soldiers.

　I'm not sure how the undead are able to be so brutal," Basteo said proudly.

　I wanted to give him some of my grandfather's claws, but there was no need for that.

　I'm never going to see this guy again.
　It's not necessary to give him any advice, but I did say it at the end of the day.

The reason why you lost is because you thought you were going to lose from the start and did something so clever.

　It was true that I had a powerful weapon, a gun. However, I didn't rely on that weapon, and I paid close attention to the way it was operated.

　Basteo only prepared expensive armor, but he didn't show any ingenuity in how to use it.

　The difference in weaponry was not the only thing that decided the outcome of the battle.

In the end, it was the one who never gave up thinking to the end that won the day.

　I let that slip out of my mouth and start chanting the spell.
　The most powerful magic I'm acquiring.

Flare.

　It shrinks the magical power stored in the body into the palm of one's hand.

　It is one of the forbidden spells that only the highest-ranking sorcerers can use.
　Its power is tremendous.

　The mass of magical power unleashed from my palm emits a blinding light and swallows up Basteo and the zombie soldiers.

　They would have been able to annihilate themselves from this world before they even knew they were in pain, or perhaps they would have achieved Buddhahood.

　This is how the duel between me and Basteo ended.