I had come to Morishima after converting the Goodruiser into an airship and giving the crew a lecture on how to operate it.

　It would take time for the crew to become proficient in their maneuvering skills, and more importantly, I couldn't leave those demons who had escaped too long.
　Oh, and Bahamut, too.

''Now then, let's investigate the enemy's headquarters.

　He disappeared with covert magic and activated his body-enhancing magic to move nimbly through the forest.
　During my last reconnaissance, I was able to see Bahamut's huge body even from outside the forest island, but I can't see it now.
　Did it go outside to get food?
　Maybe it worked out well that we took down the demons on Morishima Island together when we killed Bahamut before.
　This time, I want to investigate the movements of the demons, so I'm grateful that we didn't have to fight an unnecessary battle.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a few demons along the way, but they didn't notice my presence due to my covert magic, so they ignored me as well.
　It would be troublesome if the demons noticed my presence in the battle, and it's Calm's and others' job to exterminate the remaining demons.

　And after advancing for a while, we came to a slightly open area.

''That's........''

　I found a structure there that looked like an old ruin.

Is this the site of some kind of facility?

　The facility was in shambles to be a building, and there was nothing left but a foundation and pillars.
　Even if you were to search for it from the sky, because the pillars are also overgrown with ivy and moss, you would not have found it without being very careful. If I hadn't looked for it from the sky, I wouldn't have found it without careful observation.

　However, I turn my attention to the object that was sitting in the center of the ruins rather than the site of this ruin.

Is that........an eggshell?

　Yes, there was a large black eggshell in the middle of the ruins.
　As I approach the eggshell, I observe it.

'It's old. The moss is growing and the soil is covered with moss. I guess it hatched a long time ago.'

　The shells are so old that the chicks that were born would have already become adults, right?
　Or rather.....

'Maybe these are the eggs from Bahamut that we defeated the other day...'

　As expected, it's a bit difficult to identify what kind of egg it is just by looking at the shell of a demon's egg.
　If I was an acquaintance from a previous life, I would be able to tell what kind of egg it is just by looking at it, but I, an ordinary human being, can't seem to reach that realm.

'If this is Bahamut's egg, then the purpose of the newly arrived Bahamut is... to lay another egg here?　If that's the case, then Bahamut should be following the demons now, and...

　Hmm, I can't be sure from this yet.
　Let's search some more.

　I leave Bahamut's eggshells on the ground and walk further into the ruins.
　I didn't get very far before I found a stone gate standing in the ruins.

　It was as unnatural as if the house had been destroyed and only the gate was left, it was the only thing that had left a beautiful shape.
　No, it's not just the shape that's beautiful.

'There's no moss or ivy as far as I can tell...'

　Yes, it is too beautiful compared to the other ruins.
　And the gate seemed to be different from the other structures in its architectural style.

'A gate, yes. It's also in an operational state.'

　It was exactly the transference device used by the demons, a gate.

If it's up and running, that means there's a genie in the vicinity, right?

　Of course, the gate is a magic item, but it consumes magic power when it is in operation.
　That's why it's common sense that if you don't move it for a long period of time, it will stop working, or rather, most magic items are designed to stop working on its own if you don't move it for a certain period of time in order to avoid wasting magic power.
　Well, it's possible that the current magic items are developed without worrying about such things.　

　Anyway, this gate has remained in operation.
　This was definitely a sign that someone was using it.

　Since this place was occupied by Bahamut for a long time, it's hard to believe that a human could have operated it inadvertently.
　If that's the case, it's reasonable to assume it's a demon.

''And that must be part of the devil's plan.

　A short distance away from the gate, a pile of unnaturally broken trees could be seen piled up.
　Furthermore, a large black object was sitting in the center of it.

''That thing is definitely an egg.

　If the fallen and stacked trees mean a nest, it must be a pretty big creature.
　Yeah, it's the size of a Bahamut that came later.

　And just then, the gate began to glow.

'Don't let anyone come out.'

　I lurk in a position where I can see the gate diagonally in front of me and keep an eye out for who will come out.
　It's easy for a high-ranking magician to detect the covert magic you're using now, so you have to be careful.

　Then the glow of the gate becomes even stronger and the door made of stone begins to open by itself.
　I'm sure you'll find a lot of people who are interested in this kind of thing.
　Well, that's not really important.

　As the gate opens completely, two figures emerge from inside.

　Neither of them seem to notice our presence, but we must be careful not to be caught off guard.
　They could pretend not to notice you and come crashing down on you.

"Well, now that you've screwed up, we're in for a real treat.

　One of the demons muttered sullenly.

''It can't be helped!　The kind of people who can easily dismantle our magic items!

　This one is the demon I encountered in the large magic item that was stuck in the Megalo Whale.

'Don't talk so much about your defeat, barguest!　The demon I was in charge of was killed for leaving his post to follow up on your screw-up!

"Ha, a demon being killed by a human couldn't have served any purpose anyway, could it Rodolga?

　Hmm, so the demon who was in charge of Megalo Whale is called Burghest and the demon who was in charge of Bahamut is called Rodolga?

''It's not a human power. The messenger reports that he was defeated by the power of a magic item.

　Hmm?　Could this possibly be a reference to us defeating Bahamut?

The only thing I can think of is that even though he was weakened due to being deprived of his magic power, I didn't know he possessed magic items that could defeat Bahamut. Even if it's rotten, it's only a descendant of the Celestial Continent.

　It looks like he was talking about Bahamut after all.
　And the fact that he was deprived of magic power means that the Bahamut on this island was also deprived of magic power with magic items like Megalo Whale.
　That Bahamut was unnaturally small, you know.

'But then, wouldn't the magic item kill him again even if we prepared a new Bahamut?

　Rodolga shook his head at Barghest's statement.

'No, it seems that the magic item destroyed itself after defeating Bahamut. As expected, it looks like they couldn't prepare a powerful item that could be used multiple times.

So you don't have to worry about getting knocked down.

Yes, human civilization is in decline at this time. We can't even create new magic items.

　A time when civilization was in decline?
　What does that mean...

Do you really think so, Rodolga?

Well, there's no denying the possibility that he still has a magic item in his possession.

　Yeah, you were talking about something important.

Then let me help you.

　With that, the barguest thumps his own chest.

'And that's supposed to make up for this time?　I had to interrupt Bahamut's watch, too, because you screwed up originally, remember?

But in any case, even without this incident, the humans would have killed Bahamut with magic items nearby.

Mmm.

　Rodolga ponders Burghest's words.

'Indeed. Since we don't know how many magic items a human possesses, it's highly likely that we would have ended up in the same situation as this one at some point.

'Right?　So this time I'll attack the humans' home base and destroy them with every magic item. All you have to do is protect the remaining Bahamut and eggs.

　Saying that, the barguest points to the black egg seen in the back.
　I knew that thing was Bahamut's egg.

Well, that's fine. In that case, let's get the debt we owe you right away.

Well, why don't we destroy the humans and I'll go get some new victims.

　Saying that, the barguest snaps his fingers while licking his tongue.
　Oops, if you're going to harm the people of Sora Island, I'm not going to miss it either.

　I'm glad I asked Liliella to stay behind this time, because I thought it might come to this.
　I didn't know how strong Bahamut and the stolen Bargest and Rodolga were in control of Bahamut.

'Then I'll be off.'

　Oops, I won't let that happen.
　I drew my sword and leapt up and slashed the bargest from the side as he jumped up.
　'This is a fight, don't let me tell you that a surprise attack is dirty.

''Guh!''

　The barguest screams as he is suddenly attacked.

''Nah!''

　And Rodolga shouts in surprise at the sudden appearance of me and my screaming companion in front of him.
　This reaction, apparently he really didn't notice my presence.

''Tei!''

　I took a heel drop on the head of the barguest and slammed it into the ground, then turned to Rodolga.

"Who are you, huh?

"I'm just an adventurer, that's all.

　I accelerate my flight magic and rush forward to defeat Rodolga.

Huh!

　Rodolga shoots out a red light from his palm to intercept me and check me out.

''It won't hit you!

　I correct my trajectory and close the distance while avoiding Rodolga's attacks.

'Don't lick it!'

　At that moment, Rodolga's red light burst out and scattered around him in scattered bullets.

'How about it!'

　If you find out you can't hit it, it's quite a feat to increase the power and make the barrage so dense that you can't avoid it.

'But it won't work!

　Through the dust cloud, I leap to the front of Rodolga.

"Nonsense!

　Sorry. I'm not going to be able to get it right.
　I'm not going to be able to get my hands on any of them.　

''Now, the end!

　But after thinking about it, if I kill them, I won't be able to get any more information about the monsters.
　Let's change our policy and capture them alive.
　I immediately hold the sword in my reverse hand and drive the hilt of the sword into Rodolga's pigeontail.

''Guhoho?

　Even though it's an attack with the hilt, it's an attack enhanced by body strengthening magic.
　I'm not going to be able to get a good idea of what I'm talking about.

　Alright, all we have to do is capture it with restraint magic and.......

You can't make me!

　And then the fallen barguest attacked me.

'I remember you, kid!　You interrupted me and now you're following me to a place like this!

　No, no, no, I don't mean to chase you.
　I mean, it's not completely healed, but has the wound healed?

'Hahaha!　You were right to have a hypothesis ready for the next time I'm fighting you!

　Oops, so the enemy had a way to recover too?
　Well, but if you think about it, it's normal.
　Even the adventurers would prepare potions in reserve as well as the monks' recovery magic.

''Come on, let's make up for what we owed you last time!　If I defeat you, who are able to thwart our plans, we will be more than ready to make up for my failure.

　It's kind of overrated.
　But I'm not gonna let you beat me to it.

Stunhold!

Wall guard!

　The thunderbolt magic that was released to capture Burghest was blocked by a wall of rocks.

''Ha!　If we know they're planning to capture us, we can handle it as much as we want!　My wallguard will withstand a single strike of advanced magic!

　Heh, that's interesting.
　So instead of being less offensive, they're better at defending themselves?
　And you underestimated me in the last fight, but this time I'm going to take it seriously and I'm not going to go as far as I did before?

'Then!　Burst slash slash!

　I slam a series of attacks into the rock wall created by Burghest with my sword, which has been strengthened with magical power to enhance its slashing power.
　And the rock wall that withstood the first attack is cleanly cut off by the second attack.

''Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

　A bar guest screams from behind a wall of rocks.

'I mean, what?'

　No, wait a minute.
　I thought you were proud of your defensive skills.　How does it take two blows to get hit?
　This magic is a magic that uses a sword with enhanced sharpness to make a series of attacks, but this is just two attacks.

　And then the rock wall crumbled, revealing the barguest's halved corpse that had been hiding behind it.

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

　The unexpectedly moronic Burghest's wall of rocks confused us.
　Were demons this weak?

I can't believe...

　And then I hear Rodolga's weak voice from behind me.
　When I turn around, Rodolga is staring at me with blood dripping from his mouth and a stunned face.　

''Who are you to so easily crush the ironclad barguest's defenses...?

　Eh!　Ironclad?　With that?

"Well, like I said before, I'm just an adventurer.

　It's embarrassing to say it twice...

I'm just an adventurer?　Don't be a jerk!

　Rodolga screams in anger, but he's really an adventurer.

''d*mn!　If it comes to this, just the eggs!

　Rodolga flaps her wings and flies towards the egg.

"What do you think you're doing?

　She's going to do something to Bahamut's egg.
　It's a plot that needs to be stopped!

Wait....

　That's when I tried to chase after Rodolga to stop him.

　Zuzuun!　With a sound, a black mass filled my vision.

''Huh?''

　When I looked up, I saw a huge body that looked like a large mountain.

''...Bahamut.''

　Yes, it was the storm demon Bahamut.

　d*mn it, I was so caught up in fighting the demon, I didn't notice Bahamut's approach.

''.........''

　Bahamut stares at me.
　I meet his gaze head-on, too.
　My instincts scream that if I look away, the fight will begin.

　How will Bahamut move against me, now that I'm in his territory?
　No, if they were following the demon before that, they'd probably come together and attack us.
　Hmmm, that's a pain in the ass.

　Pakiri.....

　A small sound could be heard in the silent world, not even the sound of a bug.
　Bahamut averted his gaze and stared beyond his body.
　Something seems to be happening.
　And just when I thought I heard the sound of pakiri, pakiri again...

　ku-caaah.

　I heard a small but energetic voice say.
　Could this be.........
　Then Bahamut bent down once and stood up again.
　With a small Bahamut in its mouth.

'I knew it, the chicks have hatched.

　A newborn Bahamut cries out in a lovely voice.
　And in the next moment, Bahamut flies up into the sky with his chicks in his mouth and disappears into the sky somewhere else.

''You don't want to fight while protecting your children...''

　Well, I'm glad that we didn't have to kill them for nothing.
　And then I remembered Rodolga, and I returned my gaze to the nest, but....


It's crushed.

　Poor Rodolga had been trampled and flattened by Bahamut.
　Hmmm, does this mean that the desire to protect the child prevailed over the fear and subservience of the person who controlled her?

Looks like we never learned what the enemy was up to after all.

　Not only Rodolga, but the gate was crushed as well, so I don't even know where it was connected to.

Well, I suppose it's a good thing that I was able to thwart a demon's plan.

　Yeah, it was successful enough if you think about it.

I think I'll go home, then.

　You're not going to be able to do that.

　I am Bahamut, the ruler of the sky.
　I was forced into servitude by an irascible demon, but when I came back, I found her weak, so I took advantage of it and crushed her.
　Haha, that's a good sign!

　But then I saw someone who was in trouble.
　It's already bad as I saw it.
　It's because the demon is split in half behind you.

　I'm sure it's natural to assume that the reason why the demon I just crushed is because of this human being.
　The human claws are giving off a very intimidating impression.

　Oh no, what am I going to do? I'm in a horrible position.
　I want to run away now, but I can't just leave my baby to hatch soon.
　You can't win even if you fight, and you're terrified of their silence.

　That's when it happened. A crack appeared in my child's egg.
　You're going to be born!　You're going to be born!
　Come on!　Be born soon!

　ku-caaah.

　Okay, I was born!　Then let's get out of here!
　Thus, I had succeeded in escaping from the presence of a horrible human being with my newborn child.
　Oh, I was terrified.