Uh ... it's so depressing.

　It's Leanne who walks through the empty plains, blurting out such a blur.
　She clutches tightly to her favorite piece of equipment she recently received, the rainbow crystal.

''Excuse me.''

　Monica is standing next to Leanne, looking apologetic.
　She takes a step back to follow her.

''Lean-san, I can't believe you're going to be asking for help again so soon after you just had it moved the last time.
'Absolutely........and we're going to the northern continent. There's no good food and no soft beds. We've got nothing.

　Begrudgingly, Leanne says with a lot of frustration.

　After returning from Kagne........
　What awaited Leanne was a new job.

　It was said that there was a strongest species unknown on the northern continent.
　Information from those who were watching Chiffon had revealed this to be the case.

　That strongest species is a dangerous being.
　Trapped by blood and destructive impulses, it is useless to discuss.
　If it's not done well, the road to reconciliation between people and the demon race will be closed.

　So, I want you to gather some serious information.
　And if possible, annihilate the strongest unknown species.

　That's what Reese told me........
　Without much rest, Leanne and Monica were sent to the northern continent.

'I thought we could get some rest. Oh God, I'm craving a thick, fatty steak.'
I'm really sorry...
Well, that's fine. I know it's a hassle to say the least, but I'm looking forward to being able to use this girl in a big way.

　Leanne looks at the rainbow crystal.
　Its face is that of a child who has gotten her favorite toy.

　She thinks back to the time she took Iris by surprise.
　Even though he was caught by surprise, he defeated the Heavenly Clan, which is said to be the strongest of the strongest, in a single blow.
　What an amazing power.

　With the Rainbow Crystal, there was nothing he couldn't do.
　He can defeat any opponent he makes an enemy against.

''Hmph........''

　Drunk with power, Lean unwittingly raises the edge of her lips.
　Let's wield all the power we can against the strongest species we have ever known.

　People overwhelm the strongest species.
　It would be so much fun.
　Just thinking about it makes my heart itch in my chest.

　Maybe it was because he was trapped in dark thoughts, but Lean didn't realize it.
　That a slight shadow was beginning to dwell on the rainbow crystal.
　As if to reflect the mind of its owner, the crystal was slowly beginning to turn black.

　Looking at Lean like that, Monica thought back to her conversation with the Lord.



----------



The strongest species unknown in the northern continent?

　A room in a mansion.
　Monica, who was talking alone with Reese, scowled.

　I've never heard of the strongest species on the northern continent.
　However, if Reese says so, then it must be a certainty.
　After dismissing the question, I asked myself what I should do.

''What should I do?''
'Will you take Mr. Lean and go to the northern continent?　So, please gather information on the strongest unknown species.
Are you sure it's just a matter of gathering information?
''Well if I'm going to be honest, I wish I could borrow some of your soul, just as I did with Iris-san.
Okay. Now, please do as you're told.

　It should have been incredibly difficult to do, but Monica agreed without hesitation.

　There was no great confidence that Reese would succeed at what he wanted to do.
　If anything, the odds of success would be low.

　Still, if Reese wants it, I'll just be a loyal pawn and push on.

　Why would he go that far?
　How could they carry out such a reckless thing?

　The answer is simple.
　If it weren't for Reese, Monica wouldn't be here.
　She would be dead.

　To Monica, Reese has saved her life.
　It's not just that.
　In a way, she feels close to her parents.
　It's Monica's belief that she will do anything for Reese.

'Monica, you don't have to do it,'

　Reese says softly, as if he could see right through Monica's mind.
　He gently strokes her cheek and gently combs her hair with his other hand.

'Sure, I want information on the strongest species. If possible, I want to take away their power as well, and I want to eradicate them so they don't hinder us in the future.''
In that case, I'm going to...
'It's fine. If that causes me to lose you, I'm not going to be able to regret it. So, please keep it to the basics, just to cover for Leanne.

　Reese, who said that, had a gentle face that was unthinkable for a demon race.
　He wasn't spouting sweet words to manipulate Monica in a good way........
　It's clear that he truly cares for her.

　It seems that Reese's heart was conveyed to her, and Monica's face became enraptured.

''Thank you, Rhys-sama. It makes me so happy to hear such words from me, a human being.
'Sure, you're human. I'm a demon. But I think of Monica as a daughter.

　That was Reese's unmistakable true intentions.

'That's why I don't want to do anything that would put you in great danger.
If it's about me...
I do care. I don't care if thousands or tens of thousands of other people die, but Monica's life is much heavier than that.
Thank you.
'I'm glad you feel that way for me?　When the need arises, I'll have that life in my hands.
Yes, sir.
It's just ... now is not the time. We don't need to risk it all for nothing.

　Huh?　Monica tilted her head slightly.

　Considering their purpose, there's no way they can leave the strongest unknown species alone.
　We need to take action before it develops into a troublesome situation, but....
　But Reese says there's no need to push it.

'Are you sure you want to leave it alone?'
'Oh, you don't have to leave them alone. We can take the power away, or we can destroy it. Well, that would be ideal, so a devastating blow would be a realistic range, wouldn't it?
But I don't have to do that...?
Let's get Mr. Lean to do it.
'For Miss Leanne?　But even though she has the Rainbow Crystal in her hands, with her abilities...
It's okay. Does Monica think that thing is really a rainbow crystal?
Isn't it?
It's an extremely troublesome item that looks exactly the same, but is a different item inside. If you use that thing well, it's possible to eradicate Lean-san alone.