We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
It’s dangerous. The capital city’s streets are…
I was made to fully realize anew just how significant the incident that shook human civilization, which we got caught up in, truly was.
The demons crossed the fortress and invaded the capital city. The horrifying demons, with their bizarre forms, rejoiced as they advanced after crossing the fortress.
In the Wyvern Hunting Grounds, Dragon Race and Dragonkin are fighting for humans. However, the numbers are overwhelmingly different. Demons pressed forward one after another, dodging the attacks of the Dragon Race and Dragonkin.
We, who were merely pursuing the incident, would never have been able to defend against it alone.
If Elnea hadn’t acted, the Armēdo Kingdom might have already been destroyed.
“Slaton, stop spacing out.”
Creacio’s voice called out from behind me, and I retorted that I wasn’t spacing out.
Creacio’s curse power flowed into my greatsword. It then became a blade of blue light, transforming into a blade several times its original length.
“Naimi, aim for the legs!”
“Leave it to me!”
In response to Listea’s command, Naimi left afterimages as she dashed forward.
“Ghahahaha, you’re darting around like flies.”
A giant, about five times my height. A large oni with green skin swung his twin kanabo, crouching down as if to intercept Naimi.
“How rude to call me a fly!”
However, Naimi didn’t aim for the large oni’s legs but circled around behind him, aiming for his neck. A series of slashes attacked the large oni’s neck, and purple blood splattered.
Fool. Would you normally aim for where I spoke?
The oni, his face contorted in pain, turned around with a monstrous expression. Duranel’s dark breath was then unleashed.
The large oni’s skin was burned by corrosion. I attacked with my giantized greatsword as a follow-up, and Listea unleashed flames.
However, it didn’t cause significant damage, and the large oni laughed.
“How can human attacks be effective? It’s laughable that even the Dragon Race is only this strong.”
I am convinced that he is a higher-ranked demon than any we have faced until now.
The Great Evil Oni, Yan.
He was the leader of the demon army that attacked from the north, I believe.
He easily leaped over the fortress walls and invaded our side.
He had a body comparable to the Giant Tribe. His flesh was a grotesque green. He wielded steel kanabo in both hands like logs. There’s no way anyone could withstand that head-on.
Even Duranel was cautious and couldn’t get close.
This is the current situation, where we can barely keep him at bay.
Near us, who were struggling, an old man, who seemed to be Elnea’s master, was wielding a sword.
Taking our place, who were preoccupied with Yan, he was effortlessly defeating the other demons that had invaded.
His strength was overwhelming.
He cut down demons, sometimes gracefully like flowing water, and other times like a fierce storm.
“I’m retired, so high-ranking demons are a heavy burden,” he said as he pushed Yan onto us, but he clearly seemed stronger than all of us combined.
Well, that is to say, I believe it means that we, the Hero’s entourage, are expected to be active during humanity’s crisis.
However, we can’t see any signs of a decisive turn for the better.
His overwhelming attack power with the kanabo. His green skin, which our blades could not easily pierce, made our attacks less effective.
Listea, perhaps judging that it wasn’t time to go all out, fought while observing the situation. Around Listea, the Fire Phoenix was accumulating power, waiting for the right moment.
Cerise was analyzing the battle carefully from the rear.
Kiri and Inea were alternating their sorcery, supporting us.
Even if they are demons leading an army, they must have a weak point somewhere. We were currently trying our best to find it.
A strong wind blew.
Before I knew it, the thick gray clouds swirled, and thunder boomed.
A winter storm?
Between the demon invasion and the storm, it felt ominous.
I shuddered, feeling an unusual presence in the clouds above.
No. My thoughts are turning negative. Thinking so, I re-adjusted my grip on my greatsword.
However, as if mocking my thoughts, countless bolts of lightning began to fall on the capital city and the north.
“Ridiculous…! This is…”
For some reason, Yan looked up at the sky in stunned silence.
Immediately after. A flash of light, so bright it blinded my eyes, flashed through. The subsequent continuous roars caused Creacio behind me to scream.
During the brief moment my sight was stolen, I saw it.
The lightning that fell from the sky accurately struck the demons who had crossed the fortress. And several bolts of lightning poured down on Yan, who was brandishing his kanabo.
Yan’s deep scream echoed.
I couldn’t understand what was happening. I just intuitively felt that the opportunity to finally go on the offensive had come.
My vision returned, and I surveyed my surroundings.
The numerous demons had all been defeated. The old man was looking up at the sky with a satisfied smile.
The lightning continued to rain down on the capital city, not falling on us.
Struck by the lightning, Yan recoiled in agony. His green skin was burnt and twitching.
Fool! You get hit by concentrated lightning because you’re swinging two kanabo like that!
“Alright, now’s the perfect chance!”
Listea shouted. The phoenix, with full preparation, spread its wings and merged with Listea.
Listea transformed into an embodiment of flame.
Naimi renewed her resolve. Cerise gripped her weapon and stepped forward. Kiri and Inea switched from defensive sorcery to offensive sorcery.
“Let’s go too!”
In response to my war cry, Duranel roared back. Creacio poured all his curse power into the greatsword.
We all advanced towards Yan, who was still writhing in pain and moving slowly!
However, we would soon know despair.
The atmosphere of the capital city changed.
When I turned around, a colossal “something” that made Yan seem like a mere speck appeared in the southern part of the capital city.
I couldn’t see it.
Something undeniably existed, yet it was invisible. The space warped, and an immeasurable presence reached us, making us know that something eerie truly “existed.”
“Ooh, Your Majesty the Demon Lord.”
Yan’s words sent a chill down my spine.
Is that the Demon Lord…?
The overwhelming presence, which we couldn’t possibly hope to match, left not only me but also Listea and the others speechless. However, that wasn’t all.
Looking up, another presence appeared.
“A woman…!”
Yes. It was a woman. A giant woman, similar to the warping landscape, appeared.
“The Giant Demon Lord…!”
Hearing Yan’s words, I felt despair.
Two Demon Lords!?
Impossible! Even we were struggling with Yan, and now two beings superior to him, Demon Lords, have appeared…!
We were left standing in the face of the worst calamity that had befallen humanity.
Why did the demons invade?
Why did two Demon Lords appear on the front lines?
I was made to fully realize anew the terror of the demon race and despaired.
Duranel roared at my feet.
I understand. Why are we hesitating? Is it encouraging us? But how are we supposed to repel that…
If we can’t, can the Dragonkin? Can the Dragon Race counter it? Have we come to the point where we can only entrust our fate to other races?
“Don’t space out, everyone! Our opponent is the oni right in front of us. Let’s deal with him first!”
Listea, clad in crimson flames, charged forward. She attacked Yan, who was inexplicably dazed, and unleashed a flurry of flames.
Ah, that’s right!
Rather than despairing over an opponent beyond my reach, I need to deal with what’s in front of me first!
Two Demon Lords? Bring it on! Elnea and we will surely protect humanity! We are those who walk with the Hero. We will always move forward!
Renewing my resolve, I gripped my greatsword and fixed my gaze on Yan.
Elnea-kun… What have you done…
I watched the battle unfolding before me while chanting the great sorcery “Full Moon Formation.” I thought the fight was unusually restrained… What is this Demon Lord summoning? I wasn’t told about that! I was told that if Demon Lord Kusharilla appeared, the Giant Demon Lord would face her. However, I later realized there was no means of communication from your side, and I thought, “My, that’s so like Elnea-kun,” but… You are summoning them!
What should I do? If the Demon Lords start fighting within the capital city, even the great barrier won’t hold.
“Daughter. Temporarily release the barrier. The Dragon Princesses will be evacuating.”
The Niwatori Ryū (Chicken Dragon) told me from beside me. When I released the barrier, everyone from the surrounding area who had been fighting evacuated into the grounds.
“Ruiseine, that is…”
Mistral gracefully descended, flapping wings with scales of a color close to silver-gold. The evacuated people nearby, especially the old men and women, were clasping their hands together for some reason at Mistral’s beautiful appearance. I understand if they’re clinging to hope for the Goddess, but why are they praying to Mistral? They should be praying to the Goddess if they’re going to pray.
“W-Will they be alright…?”
“Now that it’s come to this, we can only leave it to her. We will focus on maintaining the barrier with all our might.”
“Yes.”
Taking advantage of the gap when the barrier was released, Elnea-kun and his group also evacuated. Clutching his head, he stumbled towards us. It’s us who want to clutch our heads?
“Oh, what should I do. Everyone.”
As Elnea-kun approached, clutching his head, the Twin Princesses drew near.
“There’s nothing we can do. Let’s leave the Demon Lord to the Demon Lord.”
“There’s nothing we can do. Only a Demon Lord can deal with a Demon Lord.”
Twin Princesses, what are you saying… Mistral also tried to soften her words so as not to let the evacuated humans realize that the “Demon Lord” had descended, but for you two to expose that those two terrifying presences are “Demon Lords”…
The people who heard the Twin Princesses’ words trembled, and some even fainted.
“Tch. Troublesome.”
“Elnea-sama, are you alright!?”
Laira leaped from above Revalia, who had evacuated from the sky, and hugged the swaying Elnea-kun. The other Wyverns and Earth Dragons are waiting on the inside edge of the barrier. They will likely put up a defensive barrier.
“Hey, Lyra. That’s unfair.”
“I need to replenish my Elnea-kun nutrients too.”
The Twin Princesses also hugged Elnea-kun, returning to their usual demeanor. Please, show some restraint… Where has the cool-looking Elnea-kun gone?
The Elnea-kun who danced the Dragon Sword Dance was divine and beautiful. Did he realize it himself? The evacuated people were captivated by Elnea-kun’s dance, which seemed to resonate with the chanting of prayers. The dance, which felt more solemn than the Kagura performed by the High Miko and Head Miko, gave people an absolute sense of security. I’ve heard that the Dragon Sword Dance is a practical dance for fighting, but… Since when has Elnea-kun’s dance begun to incorporate a purity similar to Kagura? My eyes continued to follow him. With every swing of Elnea-kun’s white sword, with every raise of the Spirit Tree Wooden Sword, clear Dragon Energy filled the world. Not a wild dance, but waves of Dragon Energy spreading gracefully and beautifully. It mixed with Mistral’s divine Dragon Energy, making the sky shine brighter than a canopy of stars. Power surged from the Dragon Veins as if dancing, guiding the demons like dancers. Not only the evacuated people but I too was captivated. However… Elnea-kun, who is being overwhelmed by those with large breasts and smirking, doesn’t convey any coolness at all. The people around you are also stunned by the sudden change. Come on, you should probably straighten yourself up soon, or I won’t be responsible.
“Elnea?”
Mistral beside me is on high alert. Danger is approaching more closely than the Demon Lords glaring at each other outside the barrier.
“N-No, it’s not like that, Mistral.”
“Oh my, Nina. My behind was touched.”
“Sister, I’m envious.”
“Elnea-sama, you must be tired. I’ll take care of you.”
These people never change, no matter where they are or what the situation is. They are either heartwarming or incredibly thick-skinned… As I resume the grand chanting, I watch everyone’s developments. Ah. Once this is over, I’d also like to replenish my Elnea-kun nutrients. The evacuated people can no longer keep up with the completely different atmospheres inside and outside the barrier. However, a dire situation was unfolding outside.
“I’d appreciate it if you’d stop being so meddlesome. I have no reason to be interfered with by you.”
“I don’t want to interfere either, but there’s a reason for it.”
“Is that so? Then let’s make it interesting.”
A rumbling presence, like that of a purring cat, was transmitted. Although invisible, the presence of Demon Lord Kusharilla, who undoubtedly existed, swelled, and the warping space changed to a size that made me look up in astonishment.
“How laughable, a weakling Giant Demon Lord. Now, reveal your true form before me.”
“Foolish creature. Know that such a foolish act will bring you death.”
The Giant Demon Lord’s presence swelled. At the same time, the Giant Demon Lord grew larger.
We finally understood the origin of his name. The Demon Lord, now a colossal body that surpassed even mountains. Demon Lord Kusharilla, facing him, is also giant, but the Giant Demon Lord, transforming into an even larger size, unleashed immeasurable magic power. The capital city was dominated by a rain of lightning. You can easily convey your support by clicking on the heart. (Login required.) Support If you have an account, log in Learn more about the reading experience on Kakuyomu.
