Eight planets simultaneously approached from all directions. That alone was a threat, and behind them, a newly appeared, mysterious planet, Earth, waited. It was as if after gathering planets specifically for me, they were aiming for a further break shot with that Earth Ball; that was the kind of maneuver it felt like.
Judging from the flow of events so far, that Earth Ball likely possessed some sort of ability. It was impossible to grasp it at this very moment. Therefore, for now, I should somehow deal with the surrounding planet cluster! That would probably be the safe choice… but there was a good chance that the strategist Maou had foreseen that and was preparing for the next development. Well, this seemed to be the turning point.
“Farewell, Kelvin-san!”
“No, I can’t die yet! Spit it out, Clive, ‘Cursed Sound Tuning Fork Sickle Wind’!”
I swung Clive, whom I had been holding, and made him expel all the curses residing within his blade. According to Clive, it felt like expelling all the organs inside his body, and he was supposedly assaulted by that literal agony. Furthermore, after releasing all curses, it would take several months to recharge new curses—it was a trump card that was quite impractical and couldn’t be used very often. However, the curse was correspondingly powerful. ‘Cursed Sound Tuning Fork Sickle Wind’ was something like a combined magic, a fusion of Clive’s resentment and my Green Magic. Needless to say, this was a troublesome technique.
“Hrk!?”
Maou’s expression, which had maintained a friendly smile until then, was visibly contorted. Well, of course. Centered around me holding Clive, this entire area had instantly transformed into an extremely troublesome space swirling with resentment. Even those with no spiritual sensitivity would turn tail and flee at this curse. Especially for those who could see, it was as if hell had suddenly appeared before their eyes. And I was delivering that hell on the wind to each direction within the barrier.
—Slash! Slash-slash!
The first destination for delivery was the planet cluster that had been approaching us from the start. The wind imbued with curses possessed a degree of aggression, leaving behind small slash marks. This in itself wouldn’t cause significant damage, nor could it destroy even the smallest planet. However, these small scars were curses in themselves, a “thankless gift” mark that said you had become the target of resentment. Moreover, it also carried some of the characteristics of a great scythe, making defense basically impossible once hit. And what happens after this mark is etched?
“They get dyed pitch black!”
“Will!? Hrk…!”
Before I could even finish my words, the surrounding planet cluster vanished like mist. The fate awaiting the planets invaded by supreme curses was the reversal of their properties. Even the purest arms and armor, in this state, would join the ranks of cursed items, no longer trying to use their power for their master, but instead acting with malice.
In this case, the planets that were part of Sacred Sword Will, by becoming cursed, tried to trample on Maou’s wish. The result was the collapse of the ideal that Maou had wished for, leading to the current spectacle. Well, this was like destroying their dignity— Hm? Wait a minute? If the intention was to exercise all sorts of malice towards Maou, wouldn’t it have been better for them to have sided with me rather than collapsing on the spot? Like Sera’s ‘Blood Dye,’ for instance.
…Could it be that those planets chose to collapse on their own before being completely cursed…? No, no, that’s too much love for a partner, isn’t it!? Even if it was a part of Will’s power, it’s like choosing death for their master!
“But, but… even so, I won’t lose!”
“You spoiled darling!”
Ah, being a hero is the best!—But it wasn’t the time to be rejoicing. The main event, the Earth Ball, was still approaching. I swung Clive, exposing myself in a completely defenseless state. However, the curse wind I had propagated around was still potent. No matter what power the Earth Ball possessed, if it self-destructed, there would be no problem—
“—I will show you the way! ‘The Path of the Saint’!”
“What!?”
What in the world? An excessive amount of holy light was emitted from Maou’s fingertips, and partially, the cursed wind was nullified. More than that, I felt the flow of magic power on my skin… You created new magic on the spot, didn’t you!? And you did it at the timing right after Clive and I unleashed the curse, in this single moment! Without ‘Parallel thought,’ how monstrous!
While doubly surprised, I analyzed the magic. It felt the same as Rion, who possesses ‘Absolute Purification,’ charging straight ahead. I see, they constructed a top-tier purification magic within the range where the path for the Earth Ball would be created. Its effect was indeed equivalent to Rion running there herself, but the fact that it could nullify Clive’s full-powered curse just by doing that reconfirmed how precious Rion is. Maou, thank you for showing me Rion’s magnificence anew—this isn’t the time for that!?
“But hey, we’ve got a two-stage trick too!”
Before my throat could be impaled by a blade, I activated the second ability of the Foolish Sacred Sword Clive. Yes, it’s easy to forget, but he’s still a sacred sword, a proud treasure I had reforged. After expelling all curses, he reveals a truly pure Clive.
“■■■■■■■■■■■! (I’ll do it, you hear meiii!)”
…His personality and way of speaking are still problematic, but he’s still a holy artifact. Alright, let’s get back to the story. In his truly pure Clive state, he begins to emit a holy breath instead of curses. Specifically, he boosts and assists White Magic. Frankly, in this state, he’s a better match for me, a White Magic user. Now, let’s go.
“■■■■■! (God Sickle Gai Kou Uma!)”
It’s only recently taken shape, but even so, it would take me alone a long time to activate this combined magic, but in this case, it’s instantaneous— No, wait, you’re shouting the magic name yourself!? Well, well, that’s fine, I guess.
—*Kyuiiinnn*.
Even though I’ve lost my balance, this combined magic is unleashed mercilessly. Numerous azure lights are emitted from Clive’s blade and spread around faster than anyone else in this place. God Sickle Gai Kou Uma, descending from all angles as beams of light, is undoubtedly my strongest move.
“Gah…!”
Immediately after activation, Maou is pierced by about three beams of light, with large holes opened in his shoulders and legs. It’s a storm of light beams filling the barrier. Even if hiding behind the Earth Ball, God Sickle Gai Kou Uma wraps around from blind spots and even penetrates through the Earth Ball itself. With the slashes of the Great Wind Demon God Scythe approaching at the speed of light, there is virtually no way to dodge this. In fact, the Earth Ball that had been approaching closely has already been completely destroyed.
“You dodged the vital points well! But what’s next!? Even as you heal your wounds, the vortex of killing intent will constantly try to consume you!”
“■■■■■■■■■■■■■!? ■■■! ■■■■■■■! (I thought I was going to die just now!? Die! Drop dead!)”
True pure Clive, your mouth is foul… I’ll need to adjust that later. But the situation has reversed. The Earth Ball, which was a threat, is now gone, and only Maou, who has barely survived, remains.
“Th-that, but…! I will win! Holy Greatsword!”
At this point, Maou transforms what was a sacred sword into a greatsword and deploys white wings on his back. Even as his body is continuously being worn down, Sacred Sword Will seems to supplement his depleted body and avoid Maou’s death. Maou himself has now become Will. Whoa, like the planets, your way of using Will is too bizarre, is it the best!?
“I like that spirit! God Sickle Gai Kou Uma, crush their hope!”
“Uooohhh!? Starry Skyy!”
The white wings grow even larger and flap powerfully. Numerous beams of light pierce even these white wings, leading the hero to death. Will Maou’s sword reach first, or will my magic deliver him to death— Come on, Maou. Show me your sword and cut me down!
