Zofi and Pal collided in mid-air, fitting for creatures that could fly. Pal narrowly dodged Zofi’s right fist and retaliated with a kick to her right flank. Zofi blocked it with her left hand, but Pal followed up with a knee strike aimed at her jaw. Zofi narrowly evaded it, retreating backward.
These were attacks unique to flying creatures, but they were also easier for Zofi to deal with. Zofi was unleashing status effect attacks every time she touched Pal, but they seemed to have little effect. Pal, however, was surprised that Zofi, who should have been a lower-ranked creature, was able to engage in close-quarters combat with her. Realizing the reason, Pal clicked her tongue.
“Succubi have a trait where they get stronger the more they mate with the opposite sex.”
She had likely grown considerably from being intimate with Marius so many times. In a way, it was unfair. To get similar effects from serious training as from mating. Since succubi were by no means a race suited for combat, Pal, who came from a race skilled in hunting, felt humiliated.
Deciding that close-quarters combat alone would not lead to a quick victory, Pal quickly switched her mindset and went for the win. She spread her wings wide, accelerated, and charged at Zofi. Zofi’s reaction was a millisecond late, but she managed to defend herself. However, that was exactly what Pal intended. She wrapped both arms around Zofi’s back, restraining her, and began a rapid descent towards the ground.
It was a classic finishing move for flying races: Accelglide. In reality, it was simply a high-speed charge, but Pal utilized it in an advanced way, intending to slam Zofi into the ground while restraining her. Zofi tried to slow down with her wings, but it had little effect.
“Accelglide can’t be broken with that method.”
Pal smirked confidently, calling it a futile struggle. Immediately after, Zofi’s entire body was slammed violently into the ground. The surrounding trees and the earth below were blown away, creating a large crater. Dropping alone would not have severely damaged Zofi, a demon, but this was the finishing move of another demon. For a moment, the intense impact caused her consciousness to waver.
“An ordinary person would be finished in one hit, but you’re a demon too.”
Pal ascended again, still restraining the defenseless Zofi, and used Accelglide once more. This time, it was faster, and she slammed Zofi into the ground with even more force. Pal released her grip and soared into the sky, observing Zofi. Accelglide required close proximity to the enemy, making it susceptible to counterattacks, but by disengaging immediately after dealing damage, the risk was reduced. Pal calmly watched as Zofi, groaning, managed to stand up. Accelglide was simple, and against a demon like Zofi, it was difficult to finish them in one or two hits. It was even more so against Zofi, who could now keep pace with her in close-quarters combat. Therefore, Pal, without any particular surprise, unleashed a third Accelglide.
(Don’t underestimate me.)
Having seen the same technique three times in a row, Zofi, only in her mind, grew angry and launched a counter-punch aimed at Pal’s chin as she approached. However, it missed. As if she had read her mind, Pal stopped abruptly, evading the attack.
“Even demons will counterattack if you show them the same move repeatedly; I knew that.”
She told Zofi, who had frozen in surprise, and then kicked off the ground, accelerating instantly. Zofi reacted late and took the full force of the attack. She was repeatedly slammed into trees and finally into what looked like a cliff.
“Instant acceleration to maximum speed. And stopping from maximum speed in an instant. Only then does Accelglide show its true effectiveness.”
Of course, it wasn’t as easy as it sounded. It was something Pal had struggled with even in her demon form, let alone her monster days. It was only through combining her powers as a mid-level demon with acceleration and deceleration skills that she could achieve it. It was the crystallization of Pal’s obsession with strength, honed over an immense amount of time. Pal exhaled softly and was slightly surprised to see Zofi, swaying, stand up again. The succubus’s body structure was similar to a human’s, and it was no wonder that repeated severe impacts to the head could be fatal. This resilience was unimaginable from Zofi, who had always slacked off her training before they parted ways. It seemed she could fight for Marius, the human, to such an extent. A strange irritation arose from the conclusion her brain had reached.
“This is the end.”
Pal, obstinately, used Accelglide again. However, this time it was the fastest yet. She had actually been hiding her maximum speed until now. The moment she thought she had closed the distance by more than half in an instant, Zofi’s magic power surged. And in the next moment, Pal’s chest and both wings were pierced.
“Gah!”
Her wings pierced, she lost balance and fell to the ground. She couldn’t stop herself in time and skidded across the ground with momentum.
(W-What…? What happened?)
Pal, hit by an unknown attack, couldn’t suppress her shock. All she could comprehend was Zofi’s amplified magic power and the three beams that had been fired.
“It’s a human technique called Laser,” Zofi said, approaching Pal and dutifully informing her. She had used a counterattack with Laser as Pal charged in, and successfully shot her down.
“A-A human technique…?”
Pal, a mid-level demon, didn’t die instantly even with her chest shot through. Her life force was different. Stumbling and spitting blue blood, she stood up. Pal glared at Zofi, who had used a human technique, with hatred, but then quickly noticed something strange. Zofi should have sustained about the same damage as Pal, yet most of it had already healed. Even for a demon with excellent regenerative abilities, recovering so quickly from Pal’s attack was almost unbelievable. Sensing Pal’s doubt, Zofi replied.
“Human healing magic. Healing.”
A gentle white light enveloped Zofi, and when it disappeared, she was completely healed.
“Y-You… are human?”
Spitting blood repeatedly, Pal didn’t stop glaring at Zofi. She felt an even fiercer anger than when she had heard that Zofi had become a human’s Familiar.
“That’s right. The reason I tried to counter with my fist earlier was because I wanted to see how you would evade.”
The ability to stop instantly even during high-speed movement was indeed amazing, but it ultimately convinced Zofi that she couldn’t evade her counterattack with Laser. And the reason she hadn’t used healing magic until now was to avoid alarming Pal. Pal realized this and fell to her knees.
“D-Damn you…”
Blood spilled from her mouth with her words. She cursed her own carelessness, but the situation was now hopeless. If she had enough time to recover, Pal could fully heal even from this state, but Zofi wouldn’t allow it.
“H-Handmaiden of humans…”
More than anything, Pal couldn’t stand this. Onyx Owls, her own kind, were being overhunted by humans and were on the brink of extinction. The eyes of an Onyx Owl were as valuable as jewels… solely for that reason, Pal could never forgive humans who hunted them. Zofi, somehow sensing this, did not hesitate and delivered the finishing blow to Pal. She then lowered both hands and knees to the ground. Simple Healing could mend wounds, but it couldn’t restore fatigue. It was a bluff by Zofi that worked because Pal, unfamiliar with human magic, fell for it.
“You were strong, Pal. I admit it.”
Zofi offered words of praise to Pal, who vanished after leaving behind the drop item “Soul of the Onyx Owl.” If she hadn’t repeatedly empowered herself by being intimate with Marius, and if she hadn’t learned recovery magic and “Laser” from Barra, it would have been her who was defeated. Though perhaps she wouldn’t be pleased to be praised by her current self, who sided with the humans she hated. Restoring some of her energy, Zofi felt she would have to go and help, and thus rested her body.
With Pal dead, the demon army besieging Ranleo halted. The Undead, freed from the control of demons, became immobile, and the other monsters descended into utter chaos. Orcs and Trolls, who would normally attack humans on sight, began to flee, their fear of the demons’ defeat overcoming them. Seeing this, the human army knew of Pal’s demise and Zofi’s victory, erupting in joy.
“Alright!”
“W-We won… we won against the demon, against the demon army.”
“Zofi is amazing!!”
Some raised their fists to the sky, others hugged their comrades or fellow soldiers in armor, and some even shed tears. Of course, it was too early to celebrate. The vast numbers of Undead that formed the core of the demon army were still alive. However, they were now just targets, and the human army had indeed gained a respite.
“Hah!”
August III skillfully deflected Rebera’s attack. Barra and Al then attacked, but they couldn’t land a decisive blow on Rebera. While it looked like they were gaining the upper hand, the opposite was true. Despite numerous hits, Rebera showed no signs of faltering and unleashed powerful attacks. While Al and August III could manage, Barra would perish instantly if hit. Because of this, August III focused more on defense than offense. Furthermore, Barra continuously cast support and healing magic. The reason August III could block Rebera’s attacks so many times and Al could maneuver effectively was because Barra was casting magic at the perfect moments.
(This might be bad.)
Al felt cold sweat trickle down his face. The situation wasn’t bad, but it could turn for the worst at any moment. The burden on Barra was immense, and if anything happened to her, the battle would likely end instantly. A large number of Undead were pouring in from the city gate destroyed by Rebera, making it a fierce battle even from a distance. The reason the short-tempered Rebera wasn’t trying to finish the battle quickly was likely because Rebera also realized who had the advantage. Annoyingly, Rebera was not foolish when it came to fighting.
(Master… please hurry, or we might all be wiped out.)
Of course, Al was stationed there to prevent that, but he couldn’t shake a sense of foreboding. Even if Marius was incredibly strong, capable of fighting a Demon Lord, it would be difficult for him to fight Albert and Franklin simultaneously for even a minute. He believed his mission was to at least keep Barra alive, but there didn’t seem to be enough room for that. The only solace was that in the fierce battle at Uspra Castle, the human army seemed to have the upper hand. Even without the supreme commander, they had many generals and captains, and the human army was fighting well against the demon army. The human assertion that commanders were crucial in army battles seemed to be correct. Even if the human army defeated the demon army and came to their aid, it would be useless. If it were useful, they would have already sent them to deal with Rebera.
“Hahahaha! How long can you last?”
Rebera laughed and unleashed “Shock Sword” at August III. The attack, which would instantly kill ordinary soldiers, was deflected. Rebera had the leeway to not go all out, intending to toy with those in front of him. Kill the men, and enjoy the women slowly. That was Rebera’s way of life, and something he felt confident would soon be realized. The auxiliary magic cast on August III wore off, and Barra’s reaction was delayed. Rebera leisurely waited for the auxiliary magic to be cast before attacking. Barra was intensely frustrated by this.
(I can’t rely solely on Marius-sama…)
She was pained by her own powerlessness, wanting to help even a little. If only she could at least provide healing, but Rebera was not that generous and would interfere if she tried to use an item.
“Here!”
August III was sent flying towards Barra. Barra stumbled as she tried to dodge and fell. Al attempted to harass Rebera, but Rebera, having anticipated it, counterattacked and slammed him to the ground.
“Is it about over?”
Rebera declared victoriously, grandly announcing his future plans.
“First Al, then that woman. After that, the Princess… well, if she’s even there. You can’t protect anything!”
In hindsight, this was a misspoken word. The three fighting him were all injured, and he was confident he could deliver the finishing blows whenever he pleased. That’s why August III standing up was one thing, but his subsequent actions were unexpected.
“My daughter… What do you plan to do to her?!”
He attacked Rebera with a speed far exceeding anything before. He thrust his spear, and as soon as he saw it was evaded, he let go of the spear and lunged with a punch.
“Berserk…”
Al had an idea about this phenomenon. If his daughter Catherine had Berserk, it wasn’t strange for her father to possess a similar skill. However, this berserker-type skill, once activated, made it impossible to distinguish friend from foe, making it troublesome for those around.
“My! Daughter! What do you plan to do?!”
August III repeated the same words, relentlessly attacking Rebera. Rebera, caught off guard, was on the defensive but quickly regained his composure and launched a counterattack.
“Don’t get cocky!”
He unleashed “Shock Sword” with all his might. The spear and armor were easily shattered, and August III was sent flying, spitting blood. Rebera, on the other hand, didn’t seem to have sustained much damage. The difference in species between human and demon was stark. Even demons left openings after a full-power attack. Al leaped from the ground, attacking Rebera from behind, but Rebera, who hadn’t let his guard down, parried with a greatsword slash from bottom to top.
“N-No way…”
Though he instinctively blocked with both arms, the blow was too powerful for Al, and he was sent flying. The drawstring of the item bag tied to her waist snapped from the backlash, and the bag flew up into the air.
“The service time is over, you idiot!”
Rebera roared with laughter.
“You just be quiet for a bit!”
To neutralize Al’s actions, who was the most troublesome to him, he launched a follow-up attack. He figured Al, being a woman, wouldn’t die instantly unless hit in a vital spot. After all, Rebera was a demon who enjoyed toying with his female victims while they were alive. At that moment, the item bag, falling just in time, struck Rebera’s greatsword, and the sword bounced back.
“Wh-What…?”
Rebera stepped back, stunned, unable to believe what had happened before his eyes. How could his “Shock Sword” be deflected by a mere item bag?
“This!”
To believe it was just an illusion, he attacked the item bag that had fallen to the ground again. This was the full-power “Shock Sword” that had ravaged Berganda and dealt significant damage to August III. The ground exploded with soil, the item bag was supposed to be blown away, and Al would also take damage from the shockwave. This was what was supposed to happen, but reality betrayed him. The item bag, as if nothing had happened, bounced back Rebera’s ultimate attack once again. The ground and Al remained unharmed.
“I-Impossible… How could this be…”
Rebera was dumbfounded, almost dropping his greatsword. His greatest finishing move being deflected by a seemingly ordinary bag, yet again. It was a comical and utterly humiliating experience. As Rebera’s emotions became a complex mix of anger, humiliation, confusion, and a slight loss of confidence, two women found their courage. It was Barra and Al. They understood that the magic Marius had imbued was what repelled Rebera’s attacks. Whether it was simple or strong-willed to feel courage and the will to fight just from that. Barra drank a healing potion and cast the advanced healing magic “High Heal” on August III, then turned toward Rebera. Al also took a potion when she saw an opening. August III, who had lost consciousness, also regained his senses and stood up.
“Sorry for the trouble.”
“We can talk apologies after we win.”
Barra offered the king of another country her usual cheerful smile. It soothed August III’s heart like a refreshing breeze.
“Indeed.”
By the time Rebera noticed the human side recovering, it was too late. However, Rebera, still confident in himself, mocked the three.
“Hah? You understand you can’t win against me, you trash?”
“We do. However, giving up before your soldiers is betrayal.”
August III took a fighting stance. Depending on the opponent, surrendering early or seeking a truce to avoid the pointless deaths of his soldiers was also a king’s duty. However, that was only for opponents who understood human logic; giving up the fight against a demon army intent on destroying humanity was foolishness.
“A king is king because he carries his people. A king proves himself by saving his people in times of hardship. My father taught me that.”
Barra followed August III’s example and took a stance.
“Hoh. Perhaps the King of Ranleo and I get along surprisingly well.”
King Boltner and the Princess of Ranleo exchanged quiet, transparent smiles. Seeing them like this, Al muttered inwardly, “El was right when she said that human royalty are either good-hearted idiots or bad-hearted idiots,” and moved to aim for Rebera’s back.
(Next preview)
“Finally, it’s my turn.”
