The flames all over Phoenix's body had weakened for a time, but when he emerged from the magma, he was back to his original shimmering, burning form again.

'You've replenished your strength from the magma.

　This will come back again and again, no matter how much damage you do to it.

　When I was pondering what to do.

"...a ningen. I've seen what you can do.

　Hmm?

"Very well. As you wish I am now your servant.

　...for some reason, he said he's going to be a follower himself.

What do you mean?
What's wrong with you?
I'm not sure if I disapprove, but I'm simply surprised.

　Until now, the two bodies have been deprived of their strength and forced to become followers with a slavery spell--.
　No, he was trained to do it right.

　The Phoenix landed on the ground.
　It grew smaller and smaller.

　Eventually, it took the form of a human man.

　He looked to be about 40 years old.
　Where had the fire that was burning so vigorously gone, he was a sober and austere looking gentleman, a change from the way he was shining like the sun.
　At best, he has red and yellow in some of his gray hair.

　It's a mystery as to why they all look so different from their original appearance when they are humanized.

"To tell the truth........

　Phoenix gave him a divine look and said.

'I ... was ... lonely.

　....?

'Hundreds of years, thousands of years ... all alone ... and lonely ...'

　What did he say, this mythical grade demon?
　From the way he looked up at the sky with distant eyes, one could see the depth of his long years of living.......

''Because of this burning body of mine, no one will approach me........ Even if I am humanized, I can tell by the signs, or the demons and animals will flee immediately.... The only people who can talk to me are the mythological grade demons of the same rank there.......

　Phoenix glanced at Befi and Libby.
　Befy still looked sleepy and Libby was pouting.

'But it's been hundreds of years since we last saw each other...'
Well, I get along with all the sea creatures and I've never felt so lonely, so I don't really know.
How I envy you.

　Phoenix looked at Libby with envy and jealousy.

'How hard it is to spend your days alone do you know what it's like to be alone all the time?
I'm more comfortable being alone.

　Befi said calmly.

''You traitors........!

　Phoenix's voice quivered as he realized that he was the only one who continued to experience loneliness.

'Then you could have humanized yourself and gone to town like you are now.
Of course it's impossible! I'm afraid to go to the city of Ningen alone, just thinking about it. What would you do if you were approached out of the blue?　What if I'm too nervous to speak well?　What topic of conversation do you want me to have?

　So you're a lonely and shy person.
　That's a problematic quality.

"I talk to me like a normal person.
I don't think I could have done it one-on-one.

　It seems that he has some acquaintances now, so he's doing okay.

To begin with, how could someone who has lived alone for thousands of years possibly interact with anyone in the first place?

　That being said, it can be difficult.

　Well, I've never had a communication problem in the past, so I don't know.

"Master, I'm sure it's just a matter of time before they'll let you know that I'm okay.

　A reluctant middle-aged man looked at him like an abandoned kitten and said, "Please don't add me to your squire...?

''Will you please add me to your squire...?

　
　I nodded.

'All right. Nice to meet you, Fenny.

　I gave him a nickname for it while I was at it.






　I returned to the Demon City.

''Now that we have five demons, we should be able to join the guild this time.
Master.
What's up, Matty?
Are you seriously going to participate in this monster battle with these guys?　It's a force that can normally destroy the world, Ked...
I will.　What's the matter with you?
No.
?

　He went to the trouble of gathering three mythical grade demons for that purpose.
　What are they saying now?

''Therefore, I'll let you guys do your best.
No.
Sounds like fun.
Yes, my Lord.
''........if you really tried, the city would collapse in an instant, but.......?　Why are you most worried about the devil, Ole........

　I take them in tow and make my way to the guild as soon as possible.
　I just got kicked out of the gate last time.

''Oh?　Are you back again?

　The female staffer from the other day looked at me and sniffed, huffing and puffing.

''Oh. I've brought five demons with me. Now they should be allowed to belong.''
"Huh?

　When I told her my requirements, she lifted the corners of her mouth as if to make fun of me.

'I only see the same demons and slime as last time, though, from what I see?
I'm here.

　I pointed to Befy and the others behind me.
　Befy gave a big chipping motion, Libby was playing with a nearby statue with interest, and Fenny was hiding behind my back in fear due to the presence of so many ningens.

''It's not a person by any stretch of the imagination!
No, it's not. He's just humanizing.
'Humanized?　Hahahahaha!　That can only be done by a demon of the legendary level or higher!　Yeah, yeah, I don't have time for this either, so don't bother me.

　She waved her hand with a shush, as if she were chasing away a dog.

''........Hmm. Looks like the sooner you get it looked at, the better.