7DP 180.2
１８０． Mortal Combat
TL : Cnine
ED/PF :
R1[1-2], R2[3-5]
Part 3
A song-like chant echoed out, and a pure magic, evoking the feeling of a vast forest, spread throughout the surroundings.
An elven spellcaster!? And not just your average spellcaster, but a Sage!? Are you serious? There was someone like that in this place.
『ALEX, BEHIND YOU!』
Ante warned me―― Yeah, got it!
Barbara’s retreat was a diversion! The real monster was heading this way! I deflected the incoming arrow of light as I turned around and saw it, golden fur gleaming in the dark, something terrifying is coming!
Glowing fiercely, the beast’s eyes lock onto me with unwavering focus.
「【―― Taboo to Hand to Hand Combat!】」
There was no room for holding back anymore, no time, no luxury for that now――
「Guh――」
The fist saint beastfolk movement stiffened for a moment, but the ward of the sage that enveloped his body instantly neutralized the taboo hex.
But that brief moment… Was what saved my life.
「Humph!」
A claw strike tore through the air with a roar. The only reason I was able to block that lightning-fast blow was because I’d won my gamble. I’d bet everything on the assumption that they’d go straight for the kill, by aiming for my neck, and so I had already thrust my spear-sword into the predicted path of his claws.
The dull blade clashed hard against the claws, and the impact slammed straight into me. Damn, that hurt like hell. But I’m still alive. While parrying and retreating, I unleashed a surge of pitch-black magical power of darkness at the Fist Saint, just as he moved in for the follow-up.
「Nuh――」
It wasn’t even a proper hexing, just a raw mass of magical power. But the Fist Saint wouldn’t know that. Even with a sage’s blessing, he wasn’t about to charge straight through it. He faltered for just a moment, and that moment was all I needed to catch my breath――
「―― UWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!」
――Naturally, they weren’t about to give me any time to breathe either, the heroes, swords of light drawn, rushed in to strike. And behind them, Barbara vanished in a blink, probably circling around into my blind spot.――
「「【Arishida Endron(Chain of Restraint)!】」」
The priests began chanting in unison. Luminous chains wrapped around me, restricting my movements. I lashed out with magical power of darkness to shake them off, but they just kept coming. And all the while, I still had to deal with the heroes. Ante, I’m counting on you to handle the sword――
『【Taboo to Swordcraft!】』
Fwoom, a pulse of ominous, malevolent magical power shook the air. The heroes faltered for a split second, and I drove my Spear-sword forward, using it purely as a spear. But of course, they easily deflected it with their shields, these guys were no amateurs! They were as used to group combat as seasoned soldiers!――
「【MAY WE PROTECTED FROM EVIL CURSE!】」
On top of that, Anté’s ominous curse was dispelled. As soon as her hexing lifted off, the heroes suddenly moved more freely, their movements becoming light and unhindered.
「【O spirits of wind, grant us your blessing! O spirits of earth, cleanse us of wickedness!】」
The elven sage continued chanting the incantation for ward with unwavering devotion, his voice was clear and resonant. He must have judged that enough attacks had been made, now, his sole focus was to suppress my magic, doing nothing else but disrupting my magic――
――Aah.
How amazing.
Their coordination was flawless, there was not a single thing to criticize.
The hostile gazes of those who seek to strike down the demon prince, felt strangely comforting to me.
...Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to be killed by them. Maybe I wouldn’t even have any regrets. That was how I felt in that moment.
Hessel's corpse lay on the ground, still gripping his greatsword, an unyielding smile pasted on his face. He was already dead. He’d taken down countless mid-tier demons and even brought down a high-ranking one with him. I’m sure he died satisfied――
Maybe the same goes for me――
Maybe it was fine for me to die in satisfaction like this...
The holy swords of the approaching heroes, the forest elf’s arrows, the light magic, the chains of restraint, the Fist Saint’s claws, and the sound of a rapier slicing through the air coming from behind, closed in from all directions――
『...What madness possesses thee!?』
Anté shouted, her voice rising in something close to a scream.
Hahahaha.
I know that.
It just a passing thought. Yes, just a fleeting wish...
They were magnificent, worthy of praise. Their resolve, coordination, and skill, every single aspect was top-tier.
However,
Nevertheless.
I couldn't imagine them defeating THAT Demon King.
That's why,
They were not good enough.
―― Ante, give me back half of the deposited power.
『Hmph, I almost felt like just giving back everything.』
Ante let out a disgruntled snort.
And then, that gigantic amount of magical power...
The amount that felt like volcanic eruption...
Poured straight into me.
「――!?」
I saw the elven sage opened his eyes wide in astonishment.
Yeah. This sensation again.
Well, this was beyond anything I’ve ever felt before. It was the first time I’ve experienced something like this. It’s like downing a bottle of the finest liquor, intoxicated by the power, yet far from dulled, my senses were razor sharp. This wasn’t just a sense of omnipotence, everything other than me feels thin and hollow. I could feel it... All existence trembles before my will and bows down in fear.
O Rule of the World.
Bow before me...
「――――」
I unleashed my magical power. Swiftly conjured a chantless defensive ward.
All the threats closing in on me from every direction— Were stopped in their tracks with a loud banging sounds,
「Wha――」
Including the hero’s holy sword, blazing with holy attribute.
「Eh...」
Neither the forest elf’s arrows nor the priests’ arrows of light could get through my defensive ward.
「Impossible...」
Not even the Fist Saint’s all-out strike could break it.
「You must be kidding me...」
Even Barbara’s sure-kill thrust failed to break through my ward.
Everything was stopped— By nothing more than a simple defensive ward.
The chains that had hindered my movements like tough ropes just moments ago was now offered no more resistance than soggy paper.
「―― Splendid. You showed me a splendid display of prowess, warriors of Alliance.」
I addressed them in a calm voice.
「Your teamwork is commendable… However, I’m afraid it still falls short of bringing me down.」
Truly… A most unfortunate thing.
「【Our Name is Jilbagias Reiju】」
The brave warriors encircling me instinctively recoiled back a step.
「【The 7th Demon King's Child of the Demon Kingsom―― And the One Who Will Become the Demon King.】」
My magical power surging forth like surging waves.
That's right, I――
Am going to become the strongest in the Demon Kingdom.
「Your fight was truly impressive, I am deeply admired it. That's why, as a warrior of the demon race, I shall face you with all due respect.」
That's why, my apologize.
「――BE MY NUTRITION!」
I let my overflowing magical power surge through my spear-sword――
I casually drove it into the nearest hero.
He raised his shield, layered with holy attributes and multiple blessings of protection, immediately――
.
..
…
But Adamas' blade easily pierced through those wards and protection as if it was nothing more than piece of paper, and tore straight through the hero's arm.