I could understand from the tremendous magical power that Alice's words about the difference in rank above the county level, and that it wasn't a lie.
　And then, in front of the Iron-blooded Bacchus, the strongest maid, Ein-san, appeared in front of him as a reinforcement.

　Seeing Ayn-san confronting him, Bacchus smiled happily for some reason.


'A duke class!　And yet, but only one of them exists in the demon world... shouldn't there be more than one duke-class demon race?

　Hearing the words "the only duke-class" that Bacchus mentioned, Zeke-san mutters with an expression that says he can't believe it.
　Indeed, Lilia-san said that there are only a few duke-classes, and I think it was phrased in a way that there were more than one.

The only thing that's true is that the human race just assumes it on its own. Since there is more than one county class, there must also be more than one duke class.......in fact, Sieglinde-san?　Wasn't it? Do you know the name of even one duke-level high-ranking demon clan?
...no...

　To Zeke's question, Alice also replies with a shocked expression on her face.

''Even so, I didn't expect.......the appearance of the 'Guardian of the Empty Seats'.......Kite-san's friendship is truly outrageous....
The Guardian of the Skies?
The demon race that didn't become a king.......the only duke-level high-ranking demon race in the demon world, Ain.

　
　

　And Bacchus looks at Mr. Ain and smiles like a fierce beast.
　I've heard that smiling is essentially an aggressive expression and comes from the place where the beast shows its fangs.......this smile is exactly that.

''Naturally!　It's a good thing that I'd like to cross paths with you, who seldom appears on the stage, at least once. I'm sure that if I defeat you, I will be able to become a duke.
No need to talk. If you're going to fight, please come at me quickly. I am very busy I have to finish this matter as soon as possible and return to the castle to prepare the 'Special Deluxe Pudding à la Mode with plenty of fresh seasonal fruits - with seasonal sauces' that Master Krom has requested.

　You're craving something so cumbersome you're going to get heartburn just hearing the name!　What are you doing, Black?
　

''Well then, I'll take your word for it.................The five generals of the Warlord are one and the same, Bacchus of Iron Blood!　I'm coming!
....
"What?
Yeah.

　
　In front of us, who are stunned, Ein-san lightly pays off one hand.

''We've wasted a great deal of time. Well then, I'll take my leave now......Kite-sama, I'll see you again.
Uh-huh.

　Mr. Ayn, you're so hot!　One punch!　You beat him with one punch!
　I knocked him down too easily, so to be clear, I couldn't follow the situation, but Ain-san didn't seem to care, lightly picked at her skirt, bowed, and disappeared.
　

''And that's ridiculous........that thing is a duke-level power.......I'm glad it's on our side.
Yes, really...

　It seems I'm not the only one who is surprised, and Alice and Zeke-san also rolled their eyes and stared in the direction where Ain-san had disappeared.
　Anyway, that's the end of the story.......at that moment, I hear Anima's sharp voice.

''Master!　They're gone!
What?

　When I turned around after hearing Anima's words, I saw that Eta, Theta, and Sigma, the three bodies that were supposed to have passed out there just now, had disappeared.
　It wasn't like Bacchus had taken them away or anything. Bacchus was beaten by Mr. Ein, and I didn't think there were others....

　The landscape in front of us blurs as if it were noisy, affirming our expectations.
　And then someone wearing a jet black robe with chains here and there and whose face you can't see appears out of nowhere.

'....Miyama Kite.
Huh?
Nice work.

　In a high-pitched voice that sounds as if it's coming through a transformer, the robed figure hurls out words of praise.
　When he is stiffened by that appearance that is too creepy, Zeke-san mutters in a trembling voice.

''........Gee, Phantom King-sama.
What?

　The Phantom King!　This, this is........one of the Six Kings, and Liliwood-san told me to be careful.......Phantom King No Face.
　In front of us, who are surprised, the Phantom King continues to speak without seeming to be bothered.

"Blessed are those who seek to protect you. I suppose that's a strength too... but it's not enough.
...What the hell are you...
'The first task is a pass, but he's the one I expected you to do this much. But what about the next one?　You have defeated the Warlord's messengers and now the Warlord himself will appear before you.
Huh?

　What the hell are you talking about?　The way you were talking, it was as if you were the one who pulled the strings that got me attacked this time.
　When the eerie voice is pressured by the atmosphere, the Phantom King slowly turns his back to us.

''I have to do my duty to the Warlord as well. I'll take the Warlord's men back home so, Miyama Kite, good luck with your next ordeal.
Wait, wait!　What the hell are you talking about?
"Hmmm, you're right. You have passed the first test. Well, then, you need a reward and I'll only answer one question for you.

　Hearing me call out to him in confusion, the visionary looked back at me and told me he would answer one question.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find it in the end of the day.

''........what was the purpose of that?''
...the test.
A test?
Well, if I'm not mistaken I'm having a chance to see if the power you've gained, the will that resides in your heart is real or not.
Why me?
"...one question answered. If you want to know more, go further. Then I will appear before you again.

　When he said that, the Phantom King disappeared from the scene like smoke, leaving only his voice at the end.

You will be the one worthy of entrusting your blade to........

　The eerie voice disappears with the wind, and there is only silence around.
　A mysterious being that suddenly appeared and disappeared, leaving behind a mysterious word.
　

　Dear Mom, Dad - just when I thought the threat of the attack was gone, somehow the entire current situation seems to be driven by a being. No-Face, the King of the False Illusion, was - an uncanny being.