We succeeded in defeating the demons one after another with coordinated attacks.
The remaining two demons, Arikeeno and Calcabrina, began to get angry at each other.
“You said you would listen to that man!”
“You’re the one who threw Barbariccha into the hole!”
They were so confident just moments ago, but I guess this is what demons are like. I was getting tired of the same old routine when Arrowa appeared, stimulating my curiosity. It’s only natural to want to escape if you get the chance.
I sympathize, but Hell’s Overseers won’t forgive you. Hyde, taking off his helmet that made him invisible, revealed himself. His appearance had changed since I last saw him.
He had long, beast-like ears, curved, sharp claws, and black feathers hardened like knives. There were droplets of blood from the demons he had torn apart clinging to them. Was this his true form? He was closer to a demon than a Dark Harpy.
“Return to where you belong quietly. If you don’t follow instructions…”
As he started to say that, another demon leaped at him from behind. Hyde dodged, dragging the chain of his Hell Weapon. Did he still have companions?
It was a demon with a crushed dog-like face. And there was another one, reaching out to a fallen coffin, scratching at it with its claws. The appearance of these two reinforcements made Arikeeno and Calcabrina change their expressions.
“What if we don’t follow instructions? Will you dock our pay?”
“What’s wrong? Are you going to ask for help from the ones in the real world? Or are you going to cry and cling to your daddy?”
Hyde, enveloped in surging magic power, looked around at the four demons surrounding him.
“You all should go on ahead.”
“Huh? But…”
Even he probably couldn’t handle four opponents at once.
“If the man you mentioned, Auroa, reaches Lucifer, that will be the end. I’m counting on you.”
The dog-faced demon lunged at Hyde. He pulled his chain, swung the coffin, and smashed it into the enemy’s face. His already ugly face became even more distorted.
“Hurry up!”
“But…”
Sharin grabbed my hand as I was about to reach out.
“Let’s go already. Don’t waste his efforts. We have to do what we need to do, that’s all.”
I understand, but no, she’s right. We have no choice but to move forward now. If we keep fighting here, Auroa will have his way.
We proceeded deeper into Hell, leaving the sounds of Hyde and the demons fighting behind us. After passing through an area with fire-spewing holes, we came to a cliff. It felt like a narrow path on the side of a steep mountain. However, looking up, there was no blue sky.
The sky was covered in black mist, and a foul, bloody smell constantly hung in the air. Looking down, we could hear the pained cries of sinners.
Philiana gasped, putting her hand to her mouth as if remembering something. She looked at me and let out a breath.
“Thank goodness, Hiro-san. I’m so sorry, I was so caught up in the fight that I completely forgot.”
“Don’t worry, I was with you, so it’s fine.”
“Thank you, Sharin-san. I got too fired up and couldn’t see what was around me.”
I wanted to say I was fine, but honestly, I was in danger alone. I was just watching everyone else fight. I used to feel pathetic about that, but it’s better to just accept it and let them handle things.
After all, people have their strengths and weaknesses…
“Thank you too, Piyo-chan. The enchantment worked well, too.”
“Hehe, my Piyo-kick also landed!”
Was that explosion an enchantment? It seemed it wasn’t just a simple stab in the back.
“It might have bent a little from the sheer power.”
Philiana took out her dirty sword and gazed at its blade. I should get it polished properly once this is over. The demon’s flesh and blood are caked on and could cause rust.
“It’s a good thing the wind demon was an idiot.”
Elana said that to Piyo, who was happy about her attack landing.
“That’s harsh, you don’t have to be so sarcastic.”
“It’s not sarcasm. He was so absorbed in his own wind that he couldn’t hear anything around him. He didn’t even notice Pillon jumping up behind him.”
Is that possible? It was an incredibly strong gust of wind, though. It’s like burning yourself with your own fire. Too much power, without the body to back it up, becomes a double-edged sword.
“He must have been so happy to show off his power.”
Elana said that with a light laugh and walked ahead briskly. I wonder if Lauren is alright. We’ve been going nonstop. Wait, I don’t see her.
I quickly looked back and saw Lauren stopped on the road.
“Oh good, I thought you’d disappeared. Lauren, are you okay? You must be tired, but it’s almost over.”
Her face was pale, and she looked generally listless. I can’t make her fight any longer.
“Lauren?”
“Ah, er, I’m, I’m okay. It’s, um, I just feel a little sick.”
I took her hand and decided to walk slowly with her.
