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「I heard about what happened. I tried to comfort her, but she didn’t even listen to me…」

Aria spoke with a bitter smile. I went to Aria’s room with both Mash and Elle to consult about Adenela’s current situation.

「Listen, Aria. What should we do? Should we ask the opinion of the Great Goddess Isister?」

「Well. That’s a bit…You know, Adenela is in a bad state already. If we involve Lady Isister too, wouldn’t we make things worse for her?」

「You might be right about that…But, if Seiya gets stabbed…」

「Both Celseus and Lista are exaggerating. Adenela won’t do such a thing. And even if that were to happen, I’m sure that hero will be fine in the end.」

Aria drank from a cup of tea after saying those words.

Eh! Wait a second! Isn’t Aria a bit too relaxed? Many things happened in a very short amount of time!

It would be horrible if that goddess were too kill that genius hero even though he’s not an enemy. I wanted to avoid that terrible outcome. Maybe, I’ll visit Adenela myself to sort things out. Besides that, I’ll visit Seiya too and tell him not to run into Adenela…

The doors of Aria’s room opened widely while I thought seriously of that strategy.

「Master!! 」

「Ah, it’s Mister Seiya!! 」

Seiya was standing at the door. Mash and Elle were surprised, and so, was I.

「Seiya!? Why are you here!? What about your practice!? 」

「I’m taking a break. I was curious about the goddess over here. 」

Seiya walked in Aria’s direction.

「You said you were the “Goddess of Sealing”. Then, do you have any trick to seal a monster and prevent it from coming out forever? 」

Aria lowered her head when she heard Seiya’s question.

「I am truly sorry. But I don’t have that kind of skill. I am good at breaking seals that someone put on others… 」

「I see. It can’t be helped then. 」

Eh. Sealing abilities? Why did Seiya ask Aria for that particular skill…?

I noticed something as I watched both of them talk with each other.

I…I got it! Seiya might be looking for a replacement for the Egzation! He wanted to find a solution to defeat the Demon King because, in the end, we couldn’t obtain the strongest weapon!

This cautious hero was not only training to defeat the current enemy. He was also preparing himself for the future. I was so proud of my hero. Therefore, I spoke to him with great esteem.

「Seiya, you’re amazing! You were thinking of a way to defeat the Demon King even though you’re on your break! 」

On that moment, Seiya looked at me with sharp eyes. I noticed that I spoke without thinking that much. I shouldn’t have said that.

「Hmm? A way to defeat the Demon King? But we have the Egzation, right?」

「Lisutan, that’s true, am I right? Then, why? 」

Mash and Elle were staring at me.

Ahhh!! I’m an idiot!! What should I say!?

Nonetheless, Seiya saved me from this dire situation.

「I don’t know what will happen in the final battle. Besides having the Egzation, it would be safer to find an additional method, for example, an effective attack to make sure I’ll defeat the Demon King for real. I will not use the Egzation until it’s really necessary. It would be troublesome if the sword were to break apart. 」

Elle was deep in her thoughts.

「I wonder if the blade will really break apart. We are talking about the strongest weapon after all… 」

The two of them were suspicious at first. However, they had a smile on their faces afterwards.

「Well…Master is careful all the time! 」

「Yes! Mister Seiya is always like that! 」

I also showed them an awkward smile.

I’m…I’m relieved! I’m sure they’ll keep being suspicious if it were a regular person! But, since it’s Seiya we’re talking about, I guess it was okay! Mash and Elle were both convinced!

Seiya took out the platinum sword from his stash and looked at me abruptly.

「By the way, Lista. You should keep this yourself. 」

「I…I understand…It…It hurts. It hurts!! 」

Seiya pushed the sheath ferociously onto my chest. I felt that it was a punishment for “saying unnecessary things”.

「Don’t do that!! They will get crushed!! My breasts are going to get crushed!! 」

Aria giggled happily.

「You two have a very close relationship. 」

No, that’s not it!! Don’t misunderstand this vulgar scene for a friendly relationship!! This hero was trying to crush my breasts!!

「…Okay. I’m going back to training. 」

It looked as if milk was about to burst from my breasts. Finally, Seiya stopped crushing me and walked away.

「C’mon…That really hurt…! 」

I called Seiya before he left the room while I rubbed my breasts gently.

「Seiya! You need to be cautious of Lady Adenela! 」

「Why? 」

「She is extremely angry because you hurt her feelings! 」

「Did I do something to Adenela? I don’t remember. 」

Seiya looked at me with his usual indifferent face as he closed the door and left.

Mash spited a depressed sigh after Seiya was gone.

「Ah. Based on what I heard, it seems that Adenela is not going to train me…What should I do from now on…? 」

「Mash, let’s eat sweets with me! 」

「Damn it! I guess I won’t have a choice but to eat sweets for three whole days…!」

Aria approached Mash.

「Oh dear. You seem to have a secret power, don’t you? 」

「Do you mean the dragon blood? Yeah, I think I’ll turn into a dragon form if I do my very best. That’s why I want to practice more to raise my level…」

「Actually, it sounds similar to a “seal”. Would you like me to unleash it? 」

「Seriously!? Can you do that!? 」

I was surprised by Aria’s suggestion.

「Wait a second, Aria!! Are you allowed to do things like that!? Won’t you break the rules of the God’s realm!? 」

「I will only release the power that this child originally possesses. There’s no problem. Besides, I will just teach him how to do it. Listen well boy, you won’t be able to do it overnight, therefore, think of this as part of your training.」

Aria was a senior goddess. So, if she was sure about this, then there shouldn’t be a problem. That meant that I’ll leave Mash with Aria for time being. As for Elle…

Elle laughed awkwardly when I looked at her.

「I’m okay, Lisutan! I don’t mind if you leave me alone! I’ve been eating sweets in the cafeteria! I like sweets very much! 」

Due to many factors that happened before, Elle seemed to have lost a lot of confidence.

Aria put her hands on Elle’s shoulders.

「You also have a talent hidden within yourself. I can unleash it if you want. What do you think? Why don’t you leave it to me? 」

「Re…Really!? There’s something useful that I can do!? Plea…Please, unleash it!! I beg you!!」

Aria was incredible to see Elle’s supposedly hidden talent. I entrusted them to Aria with my mind at ease.

I was feeling optimistic when I left Aria’s room. As Aria said, maybe Celseus exaggerated about Adenela. Perhaps, she was not that angry as I thought she would be. That was what I felt.

Still, I went again through the downstairs of the temple to see if Adenela had returned to her room.

In the dark, I knocked on the wooden door at the end of the passage. However, there was no reply again. Before I left, I tried to put my hand on the handle of the door. Apparently, the door seemed to be open.

「Ex…Excuse me… 」

I entered the dimly shaded room. I looked around, but Adenela was not there.

I gave up and tried to leave the room. But before I left, I noticed a weird pattern on the left side of the wall. It looked as if characters were painted on the wall.

I approached that wall in the dark. When I stared closely at the painted characters…my body froze.

“KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL KILL”

I saw small characters written repeatedly! If she wrote this not too long ago, then that meant that she still had a grudge against Seiya!

This…This was extremely bad!! I have to let Aria know about this as soon as possible!!

The moment I turned around in a hurry…

* sounds of a mad person*

Adenela was standing right in front of me.

* sounds of a surprised and weirdly person*

My knees crumbled. Adenela slowly approached me with lifeless dark eyes.

「Li…Listarte. If…If you came back, then…that means…that…that hero *sounds weirdly* has come…come here…too? 」

「No!! I am the only one this time!! Seiya didn’t come with me!! 」

I lied in the spur of the moment.

「Is…Is that so? Re…Really? 」

「It’s really true!! 」

「So…So, if you…came alone…Then…what do you…want…from me? 」

「Nothing in particular! I don’t have anything to say! 」

I was just saying rubbish because I was increasingly nervous.

「If…you don’t have anything to say…why…why did you come to my…my room?」

Adenela stared fixedly at me. I was getting more and more anxious.

「Well, about that. You know…I wanted to see the interior of Lady Adenela’s room! I have a decoration hobby, so I want to have a look at other people’s rooms! Ah, well, it seems that you have such a nice decoration on your room!」

「…You think? 」

Adenela and I watched silently for a long while at the wall written repeatedly with “KILL”…

「Aria!! Aria!! Aria!! It’s serious!! It’s extremely serious!! 」

I returned urgently to Aria’s room in a frenzy. I had to report what I saw to the senior goddess.

「Calm down, Lista. What do you mean by “serious”? 」

「Lady Adenela!! I went to her room in the basement of the temple!! She wrote “KILL” countless of times on a wall!! I was so startled!! She appeared behind me and I had to say that she had a “nice decoration” on that wall!! 」

Still, Aria smiled gently.

「Ah, she did not write that because of Seiya. That child drew that on her wall a long time ago. That was her wall art. 」

「“Wall art” you say!? You’re kidding, right!? 」

「Anyway, that wall is a bit away from the front door. Since her room is dark, you didn’t notice it when you went there before. 」

Then, that meant that it was really a decoration!? No, can I really call that a decoration in the first place!? I can’t believe it!!

「You’re too worried, Lista. 」

「But…But, Aria!! 」

Aria showed her index finger to me as she made a “shu” sound. Mash and Elle sat on the floor as if they were Zen* meditating like the Japanese people do.

「They are mentally focused at this moment. Can you be a bit quieter right now?」

「I’m truly sorry. 」

I thought that I should not interfere with their training, so I reluctantly left Aria’s room.

…Aria was always this kind. I’m sure she thinks of me and Adenela as her younger sisters. Even so…

…Even so, I felt that Adenela was absolutely dangerous!! I have no choice but to protect Seiya for the time being!!

—

The next day.

Mithis and Seiya were working hard practicing in the “heavenly green forest”. Both of them had serious faces.

「Seiya. In fact, the most important thing for bow and arrow are your “eyes”. You have to focus on our eyes first. It is important to see far away and grasp the enemy’s position.」

Seiya nodded positively when he heard Mithis’ advice. He released an arrow of light towards the distant trees. It seemed that Seiya had already mastered the magical bow of light.

Next, Seiya asked Mithis.

「Is it possible to throw a few arrows at the same time? 」

「You can’t because it’s a magical bow. In other words, when you use a magical bow and, afterwards shoot an arrow, you’ll need extreme mental unity. That’s why this magic is powerful in the first place. With a magical bow and arrow, it will be possible to shoot an arrow that goes far beyond the normal arrow. To preserve you’re mental unity through a battle, I would advise you to repeat the shooting process instead of simultaneous shoots. If you do it fast enough, it will be similar to simultaneous arrows. For ordinary humans, I would say that three consecutive shoots are the limit.」

Mithis invoked a light bow and arrow and aimed towards the sky. The moment she released the single arrow, she immediately created a new magical arrow with her hand. She released it straight away. She repeated the process of creating light arrows and releasing them consecutively. Mithis was extremely focused and her eyes were wide open. Per my calculation, she invoked seven arrows that disappeared in the sky.

「Even if I shoot it like this, seven is the limit that allows you to continually shoot. If you release your utmost power, then you’ll be able to shoot it for ten consecutive times. However…」

「Seven shoots you say. Is there a possibility that my arrows will be dodged by a demon?」

「Seven continuous shoots expands the range of the Shining Arrow. It means that the attributes of the magical bow will increase in accuracy and range…It will be almost impossible to dodge the arrows without taking some damage. Besides, I believe that such demon is impossible to exist.」

「Are you sure? 」

「I swear it in the name of the Goddess of Bow. It’s absolutely impossible. 」

Mithis laughed amusingly.

「Either way, seven consecutive shoots are almost impossible to accomplish by humans.」

「Hypothetically speaking I hope. 」

I was waiting in the shade for a while. Then, Mithis bowed gently to Seiya and disappeared to the other side of the forest. Apparently, it was break time.

I approached Seiya and handed him the bento lunch box that I had made for him.

「How is it going, Seiya? Your practice is going well? 」

「It’s going well. I will be able to master the magical bow and arrow tomorrow. 」

「I see. That’s great. In addition, I will ask you not to go to the temple until you finish your training. I don’t know what will happen if Lady Adenela sees you.」

「If Adenela sees me? What do you mean? 」

「I told you yesterday. Lady Adenela is furious with you. 」

「If you don’t want me to meet her, then I won’t. 」

「Well, Seiya, you have your own freedom. However, it will be wiser if you didn’t meet with her…Okay? I will bring Mash and Elle to this forest around noon tomorrow. I’ll open the portal right here. In other words, let’s return to Geabrande directly from this forest.」

「Lista, what the hell are you saying? 」

「Ah? About…what? I’m trying to find a solution so that you won’t meet with Lady Adenela.」

「I don’t understand the reason why. 」

Seiya pointed with his index finger to behind my back.

「If you’re talking about Adenela, then she’s right behind you. 」

…Eh.

I slowly looked behind…

* sounds of weirdly mad person*

My breath stopped when I looked at the distance. The crazy goddess was smiling creepily.

* screams*

I shouted aloud! Just like yesterday, my body stood anxiously frozen!

「*sounds weirdly* Li…Lista, you said…you didn’t…didn’t come…come alone, did you? I…I thought carefully about it and…and…today, I left the temple…to…follow you…」

Adenela drew out her sword on her waist after saying those creepily amused words.

「Lady Adenela, wait!! Please calm down!! 」

「It’s…It’s useless. I won’t…abso…absolutely…forgive that hu…human. 」

Adenela’s long hair stood up like a devil. The goddess who was crazy about revenge confronted Seiya head on. On that moment, she lowered her waist.

That stance…I’ve seen it before! That was the stance of her “gunshot sword” technique! She was seriously willing to fight against Seiya…!

「Come…Come on Seiya. I’m…I’m going to show my gun…gunshot sword with…consecutive strikes…!」

The overflowing air seemed like it was going to explode. However, Seiya was peacefully boring as usual.

「It’s been a while, Adenela. How are you? 」

Adenela and I were both taken aback for a moment after we heard his unexpected greeting.

「What…what are you saying? Ha…Have you forgotten the…the terrible thing you…did to…to me? I…I…absolutely…won’t forgive…you. 」

「Your hair is damaged. 」

A defenseless Seiya approached Adenela who had a sword pointed back at him and he caressed her standing hair.

「What…are…you…doing…to…me? 」

「Se…Seiya!? You’re in danger!! You’re going to get stabbed!! 」

However, Seiya caressed Adenela’s hair as if he was touching a cat.

「St…Sto…Stop. I…I won’t for…forgive you. 」

He was still caressing her. The irritable hair that was crazily untidy soon returned to Adenela’s usual hairstyle.

「Okay, that’s it. 」

「Seiya!! What are you thinking… 」

I pulled Seiya out of her way to stop an impeding attack. On that instant, I saw Adenela trembling with small spasms.

「Wo…Won’t…For…Forg…Forgive… 」

Whoa…!! She’s getting angrier!! How can I stop her!?

Yet, Adenela murmured with her head down.

「For…Forgi…Forgive… 」

「…What? 」

What I heard was not a mistake. Suddenly, Adenela rose her face after she professed those words that took a 180-degree change. Her full murderous eyes changed into heart-shaped loving eyes.

「Didn’t you just say that you won’t absolutely forgive him!? 」

「I…I can forgive him…after all. Because…I like him…! 」

Adenela dropped her sword to the ground while she embraced Seiya.

As soon as Mithis came back, Seiya turned his cold eye on Adenela.

「Adenela. I have to practice now. You’ll be annoying if you stay here. Get out of my way.」

「Ye…Yes. I understand. Lo…Love you…! 」

Didn’t she listen the horrible words that he said to her!? Did her emotional state turn around just by being caressed by Seiya!?

Adenela watched Seiya’s practice hidden in a shade from a faraway tree. Suddenly, Aria’s words were revived in my mind.

「I’m sure that hero will be fine in the end. 」

She was absolutely correct. What’s this…Aria seemed to know Seiya a lot better than myself.

It seemed as if I was the only one worried for nothing. I looked like an idiot during all this time. I lost my strength because of my nervously actions during the last days. I ended up sitting down beside Adenela.

... Настоящий страх не издает ни звука, поэтому я не заметила, что он так жутко прячется.

「So, you didn’t have a problem, right? 」

「Yes. I was worried for nothing. 」

The next morning I went to Aria’s room. I stood outside her room. The senior goddess smiled at me when she heard that nothing serious had happened.

「No matter what you said, I knew that Adenela was a gentle goddess. She would never do anything reckless such as killing others. Besides that, Seiya is a capable hero who can defend himself. 」

…Ah. I took a deep breath. After all, I can’t oppose anything that Aria says to me. But, even so…

「Aside from Lady Adenela, I should’ve known how things are with Seiya and yet I knew nothing again. It’s frustrating. I wonder why. 」

I was just complaining. However, Aria spoke encouraging words to me.

「Lista, listen to me. You often talk to me about that brave hero! You told me so many things, like for example, that he is cautious and strong! That’s why I thought he would be okay! 」

「Ye…Yes. I see. That’s right. 」

「More importantly, Lista! I want you to look at those two! I will show you the fruits of my training! 」

Aria put her hand on the door’s handle and slowly opened the door to her room. Then, she spoke to Mash and Elle who were both training quietly.

「Listen, Mash! Show “that” to Lista! 」

「Oh! 」 Mash was a little startled when he heard someone calling his name because he was so focused on his spiritual training. Suddenly, he stood up and approached me. He showed me his hand. 「? 」Soon, Mash’s right hand began to change gradually! This change was slightly different from when he dragonized into a lizard dragon man. Right on this moment, Mash kept his human form and only his right hand transformed into a huge dragon hand full of scales.

「Wha…What’s this!? Aria!? 」

「The Seal of Dragon God. Part of it was released due to spiritual unity. By releasing the dragon’s hand, Mash’s attack power has increased significantly. 」

「What do you think, Lista! It’s amazing, right? 」

I was delighted to see a self-confident Mash as one hand was dragonized.

「Yes! It’s amazing! Mash, you worked hard! 」

「Yeah! 」

「Still, it’s a bit creepy, because only the hand got huge and your body balance looks bad…But, you really did your best! 」

「What’s with that disgusting remarks!? 」

「Lisutan! That’s not true! It’s cool to see only the dragonized hand! At least is not the overall look…well, I’m glad it’s only the hand! 」

「What do you mean you’re glad because it’s “only” the hand!? What’s up with you two!? 」

「Both of you, don’t make fun of Mash. After working hard, Mash was able to acquire the special skill “Big and Funny Hand” in a very short period of time. 」

「Don’t make fun of me as well!! 」

Elle put her hand on the shoulder of a resentful Mash.

「It’s okay, it’s okay, Mash. 」

But during that time, Elle was talking in a meanly manner. Soon, Mash opened his mouth angrily.

「What…The…Hell…Are…You…Doing! 」

Eh…? Mash started to talk in an extremely weird tone, right?

「E…Elle! Damn…You! Wa…Wait! You…Idiot! 」

He tried to grab Elle, but his movements were dull like an old man.

Don’t tell me that this was…!

Aria smiled.

「That’s right. That’s an auxiliary magic called “Delay” that slows down the opponent’s movements. 」

「Then, you mean that Elle’s hidden talent was this auxiliary magic!? 」

「Correct. 」

Finally, Mash grabbed Elle while she apologized.

「I’m…I’m sorry! Forgive me, Mash! 」

She touched Mash’s shoulder again. Then, Mash started to move non-stop without hesitation.

「You idiot! Now it’s too fast! Put me back to normal right now! Elle, if you don’t do it, I won’t talk with you, I won’t share a meal with you, I won’t even listen to you! You damn idiot! 」

Mash was walking hastily as he spoke without taking a breath.

This time she used “Haste”. So, this magic was the pair of the Delay magic.

Aria deeply caressed Elle’s head.

「You were blessed with this hindsight talent because of your inner thoughts. I’m sure that your wish “I want to be useful to everybody” gave you a special power. It’s a very wonderful occurrence. 」

「Yes! 」

Elle was so happy.

Okay! Both Delay and Haste will definitely become a powerful support to Seiya! I’m glad, Elle!

After she took Haste off and Mash went back to normal, Elle kept apologizing to him for being defiantly. Aria spoke with a serious face.

「Both of you. Feel free to come back here again. Next time, Mash will become a complete dragon, and Elle will learn a new auxiliary magic. 」

「Understood! 」

「Yes! Thank you so much for getting us another chance! 」

I stared at Aria with praiseworthy eyes.

「Hmm! I should have left them with you from the very start! 」

When I regretted for making a detour with them before bringing them here…

「There’s nothing unusable. Due to their various experiences, the Seal of Dragon God that allows Mash to dragonize was unraveling. While, Elle’s talent also blossomed. 」

「I see. Oh my, Seiya’s training with a bow and arrow is going well too. Mash and Elle also powered up. This time everything went perfectly! 」

Aria became flabbergasted when she heard my casual words.

「Bow you say…!? Don’t tell me Lista…Seiya is not being taught by Mithis, am I wrong!? 」

「You’re right! Lady Mithis is the only Goddess of Bow, correct!? 」

Suddenly, Aria grabbed my shoulders with both hands while she spoke with a very loud voice.

「You did a very stupid thing!! She’s a terrible goddess you know!! 」

Aria’s face was calm even when I spoke about Adenela before. However, right now her face was pale blue as if something horrible happened.

「Eh!? A terrible goddess…even worse than Lady Adenela!? 」

「Adenela doesn’t even compare to her! Do you know why Mithis is always in the “heavenly green forest”? That goddess is a horny goddess who sexually ate a hero she summoned! That’s why she was exiled into the forest after making Great Goddess Isister mad! It’s a taboo for a man to approach the forest!」

「What!? You’re kidding, right!? Then, why did you take me to the forest for a picnic!?」

「That’s because we are goddesses! Oh no, what should I do…! 」

「But, I didn’t see anything in particular during the last few days!! Both of them were practicing normally!! I’m sure that Lady Mithis learned her lesson by now… 」

「Mithis knows that today is Seiya’s last training day, correct!? I’m sure that she was preparing for the X day!! In any case, Mithis won’t hold on anymore and she is going to explode today!!」

「Oh no!! 」

「You know the reality! It’s absolutely forbidden for a goddess and a human sexual intercourse! Geabrande’s safety will be jeopardized! Just one shot to ruin it all! 」

「One shot…! Sexual activity…! 」

「Lista!? Don’t say stupid things and go to Seiya!! Hurry!! 」

「Ye…Yes!! Understood!! 」

I jumped out of Aria’s room.

「Wait, Lista! 」

「Lisutan! We’re going too! 」

Mash and Elle followed me.

While I ran, I realized the seriousness of the situation.

…The special talented hero, one in a hundred million people met his downfall by “having sex with a goddess”…!? No, I won’t let that happen!! Because with me…No, No!! That’s not it!! I won’t absolutely let that happen!!

Mash and I rushed together to the practice place in the middle of the “heavenly green forest”. However, Elle saw something outrageous on our way there. On a thick branch growing out from a large tree, Mithis was hung with a rope. The rope was wrapped around Mithis’ whole body. Under that terrifying scene, Seiya stood there quietly.

「Se…Seiya!? What the hell happened here!? 」

「I don’t know either. She told me 「Come when the preparation is ready 」and when I arrived here, she was already like this. 」

* wicked laugh*

On that moment, we heard a voice coming from above. The hanged Mithis started to talk.

「Seiya. This is the final test of the rapid continuous shoots. This special rope that is hanging me won’t cut unless you hit the same spot with the arrow of light with three consecutive times. You’ll need to strike the rope with an arrow right above my head. 」

I…I see! So, this was part of their practice! But why is Mithis hanging herself with a rope?

「If the rope upperpart is cut beautifully, then the whole rope will fall, and at the same time, I’ll be naked. If Seiya accepts me naked, then we’ll love each other intensely. This is the reward for completing the final test. 」

「What is that person talking about!? 」

I was startled when that goddess declared an unreasonable reward with a serious face.

Aria was telling the truth!! This goddess was a pervert!! What are you going to do, Seiya!? You won’t need that kind of lecherous reward!! Then, leave it as it is, okay!? But I felt like it’s going to get worse if he rejects her!!

「Three consecutive days…It was a continuation of self-perseverance and patience. My desire escalated to a maximum after being exposed by Seiya’s handsomeness.」

Mithis showed an ecstatic expression while her body was deprived of freedom by the rope she tied herself with.

「Come on, Seiya! Just shoot the three consecutive arrows to cut the rope and drop me naked! After that, Seiya will shoot his “arrow” from his body’s lower part to the center of my body’s lower part! 」

My head was spinning like crazy!! She was really a terrible goddess!!

「Seiya!! What are you going to do!? 」

「Of course, my answer is obvious. 」

Seiya invoked the magical bow of light without hesitation! He aimed at Mithis!

「Are you going to shoot!? But a naked Mithis will attack you if you succeed, right!? Will you be okay!? 」

「No worries. 」

As soon as we finished talking, Seiya shoot the arrow of the light at a terrific speed, and the rope above Mithis head was…Rather, the arrow pierced right in the middle of Mithis’ eyebrows!

Eh…? What!? *screams* Did he shoot the arrow into a goddess’ head!?

* weird sounds*

Mithis’ voice sounded strange! On this precisely moment, one of the lighting arrows pierced through the middle of Mithis’s forehead but she talked!

I shuddered when I saw that grotesque sight.

Or rather…She didn’t die while her head was perforated right through to the other side!? Both this goddess and that hero were absolutely unrealistic!!

However, Mithis opened one of her eyes slowly and stared fixedly at Seiya.

「Seiya…Childish pranks are not allowed…uh! 」

Suddenly, the rope cut off and she regained her freedom. The horny goddess became fully naked without a single piece of cloth as she fell to the ground.

「*giggles* Actually, this rope is removable. I can take it off and on anytime I want. 」

She got up from the place where she fell and her full sexy body was bare for everyone to see. On that instant, Mash’s face blushed.

「Wh…Whoa…! 」

「Mash! Don’t look! 」

Elle covered Mash’s eyes with her hands. Meanwhile, Mithis grabbed the arrow of light that pierced her head.

「The rapid continuous shoots didn’t go according to plan. You failed the final test. 」

Then, she pulled out the arrow that stuck on her forehead. She had an open wound between her eyebrows, but it was healed immediately.

「It’s time for the re-test now. 」

「Re-test you say? 」

Soon, Mithis lowered her body and took a crouching position on the ground.

「Seiya! I will attack you right now! If you don’t like it, then you can stop my attacks by shooting the bow and arrow that I taught you! This is also part of your training! 」

No, I’ve never heard of that training before!!

Even though there were lots of brothels in the earthly world, why did she want to have a perverted relationship in the God’s realm!? Mithis used both her legs and hands like a beast as she dashed at Seiya! The horny goddess attacked naked with her disturbed hair; however, Seiya was looking like his usual bored self! He calmly invoked a bow and arrow of light and aimed towards Mithis! He looked like a dignified figure of a male god statue! Light emitted from Seiya’s hand as he dispelled the arrow! Before I knew it, the arrow of the light pierced through Mithis’ mouth!

* screams*

Mithis, who was pierced with an arrow from her mouth right through her throat, stopped moving and groaned repeatedly. Seiya muttered next to me.

「…Three Shots Shining Arrow! 」

Oh! This was the result of his practice! He shoot the magical arrow of light for three consecutive shoots! But, it was two…

Before I noticed it, Mithis not only had an arrow on her mouth, but she also had an arrow pierced on her eyes!

* yells repeatedly* Ho…Horror!! Grotesque!! It’s too gross!! But…But Mithis won’t be able to see anymore with the last arrow punctured on her eyes!!

I was relieved for a brief moment. Unexpectedly, Mithis bit the arrow stuck on her mouth and shallowed it in one gulp.

She still had an arrow on her eyes. Yet, she re-positioned into a wild beast once again! She laughed in a very lecherous way at Seiya!

「*laughs insanely* I’m…I’m…I’m a goddess!! I…Won’t…Won’t…Won’t…Die!! You won’t stop me by using the same tricks!! 」

「Oh my goodness!! She spoke normally even with an arrow pierced on her eyes!? 」

Mithis didn’t lose her speed, and dashed forward towards Seiya. Elle shouted in a trembling voice to the naked monster that crawled with a bizarre voice.

「I’m…I’m scared!! Is that thing really a goddess…!? 」

「She looks like she belongs to the devil’s army…!! 」

Mithis changed her direction when Mash spoke! She headed towards Mash!

It…It can’t be!! Was she aiming at Mash now!?

「I’ll eat the main dish later! So, I’ll take an appetizer first! I don’t mind obsessing over young boys too!! *screams like a devouring mad woman* 」

That rashly goddess!! How dare she profess those profane words!! She can’t say things like “obsessing over young boys” in the heavens!!

「I’ll strip your clothes in one second! We’ll be in unison in two seconds! And I will eat you up in three seconds! 」

「What!? Ma…Master!! Help me!! 」

This was getting so unpredictable!! What should we do!?

Next to me, Seiya pointed an arrow directly at Mithis who is about to attack Mash.

「Because of your excessive sexual desire, you did a grave mistake by going after Mash before going after me.」

He took action immediately! Seiya released several magical arrows in a row like rays of light!

The arrows hit Mithis…

* screams loudly*

She screamed so loud and strongly when she was projected to the big chunks of trees on the background!

I was startled when I looked at Mithis who stopped moving altogether!

Both of her hands, both of her ankles and her heart! The splendorous arrows of light went into different directions towards her body and pierced on five distinct places!

Seiya, who was convinced of his victory made his magical bow disappear, and declared the following words.

「…Five Shots Shining Arrow! 」

Mithis was still stuck on a big tree and, suddenly, she started to grin like a lascivious sinner.

「How is that possible…I can’t move anymore…! Even so…he managed to aim exactly at my crucial spots…humans can’t shoot five consecutive times…! Wonderful…! It…was…brilliant…!」

The horny goddess lost consciousness. Mithis was still stuck on the big tree after being defeated. Meanwhile, Seiya looked back at the red shining sunset and he spoke in a refreshingly way.

「Perfectly Ready. 」

「…!? 」

When I took a deep breath after the ridiculous spectacle, the horny goddess regained consciousness and began to gasp.

「*breaths heavily* It looks like my body was penetrated with a thick and long item…*laughs eccentrically*」

Elle touched my arm.

「Listen, Lisutan…Is something leaking from Lady Mithis’ legs…? 」

Mash also nodded in agreement.

「You’re right. Hey, what’s that? Pee? 」

「No!! Don’t look!! Mash!! Elle!! You can’t be in a place like this!! Let’s go quickly to Geabrande right now!!」

I won’t allow a pure boy and a pure girl to see such filthy things. I opened the portal leading directly to the Olga Fortress. I grabbed their hands like a guardian and I jumped in with Seiya.

....

「Oh dear. That was a very terrible and filthy goddess. Eh…? 」

I escaped from that erotic situation. When I finally took a deep breath of relief, chaos awaited us outside the portal. When we arrived in Olga Fortress, senior soldier Carlo came running to us along with other soldiers while yelling desperately.

「Ah! Hero! Goddess! It’s serious! Lady Rosalie went to the flies’ nest by herself!」

Eh!! That girl really went by herself!? I told her to wait!! Besides, how could she go alone!? That was unreasonable!!

「We have to chase her!! 」

「Yes! Lord Bato and his man went with the horses to find Lady Rosalie! We are also in a hurry! We are going to follow them! 」

Carlo and I were both worried. However…

「Don’t rush. It’s just a hypothesis. 」

In contrast, Seiya wanted us to calm down.

「Based on Rosalie’s nature, it would be easy to imagine a situation like this. There’s no problem. It’s been almost an hour since then. We’d know by now if she crossed paths with Bell Bubu. But she didn’t yet. 」

「But there are scouting flies guarding their nest around the big tree! There is a possibility that those flies attacked her! 」

「Don’t worry about it. I’ll be able to catch up with her in a instant. 」

Seiya’s foot stopped touching the ground. He was flying in mid-air. He glanced at me afterwards.

「Let’s fly, Lista. 」

After Carlo told us the nest’s location, Seiya flew with Mash and I took Elle with me. I tried my best to cope with Seiya’s tremendous speed and, before long; I saw a huge tree ten meters wide. Their nest was on that tree, however, the tree was surrounded by a black mass, due to the countless flies surrounding it. Carlo said it was difficult to approach their nest because of the scouting flies. In fact, there were several scouting flies flying around in circles a bit far from the big tree.

Before the scouting flies noticed our presence, Seiya turned around and sent a silent signal to me. I nodded in agreement, and I followed Seiya who descended to a grove of trees.

While watching the sky, Seiya walked a few meters between the trees without making a sound. He stopped walking after a while.

「Okay. This place is good. It’s hard to see from above. Besides, from here we will be able to see their nest. 」

Certainly. When I looked at the line of Seiya’s sight, I could see the big tree and the flies’ nest. At the same time, I doubted the eyes.

「Eh! 」

I saw a human walking into the big tree surrounded by a large number of flies who roared in the sky. The human had blue hair and a golden armor. It was Rosalie, the daughter of the Warlord Emperor.

…Whoa…Reckless…! But in a way, she had a lot of courage…!

The scouting flies would attack immediately if intruders got close to their nest. However, they couldn’t approach Rosalie. When I looked closely, I could see a shining aura emanating from Rosalie’s body. I remember that when I saw her status, she had a special skill named “Light Protection”. This ability prevented the enemies to approach her.

Soon, a group of flies surrounding Rosalie split into two groups to make way for their boss, the “Fly Assault” charger Bell Bubu.

My heart beat extremely fast because of this tension. Yet, Seiya whispered in a calm manner.

「She became a good decoy in the end. I can snipe Bell Bubu from here. 」

When I turned around, Seiya already invoked the Shining Arrow.

「Snipe…It can’t be…Did you expect this to happen? Did you anticipate that Rosalie would head to the nest and be caught in the process? 」

「This will make it easy to hit the flies as they are within my range sight. 」

Mash and Elle narrowed their eyes behind Seiya when he muttered with confidence.

「But…I can’t see much… 」

「Me…Me too… 」

Their normal human eyesight impeded them to see Rosalie and Bell Bubu close to the flies’ nest. Seiya seemed to have considerably improved his vision after he trained with Mithis.

「I don’t have much time now. Look at that. 」

When Seiya pointed to the sky, I saw a horde of scouting flies nearby.

「Eh! How? 」

Elle and I bent down.

「Flies have an excellent sense of smell. Maybe they were able to sense the goddess’ odor that Lista produced. 」

「A goddess’ odor!? I…I smell!? 」

I sniffed my body. But I didn’t stink…or so I thought…I asked for their opinion.

「Mash! Elle! Be honest with me…I’m not smelling, right? 」

「Yeah! You don’t smell that bad! 」

「Ye…Yes! It’s not a smell that bothers me a lot! 」

「Hey, doesn’t that mean that I smell a little bit!? Tell me!! What kind of smell is that!? Huh? Huh? Huh?」

「You’re loud. Be quiet. They will notice us. 」

Seiya pointed the magical bow of light towards Bell Bubu’s direction.

「It’s a one-shot game. I’ll aim for his head. 」

「Can you do that? 」

「I’ll definitely hit it. 」

Such confidence! If Seiya says it like that, then he will probably hit it for real! If he hits the head, Bell Bubu will die instantly! It would be a stupid death, but I guess this was how a sniper worked!

However, an unexpected ambush appeared from behind our backs.

It was the warrior named Bato, who was Rosalie’s right hand man, and a dozen of his subordinates. They made a loud sound with their horses as they came through the forest.

「Oh!! It’s the hero!! You were here already!? 」

Because of that noisy sound, flies in the sky stopped moving all at once.

「Hey, Mister, your voice is too loud!! The flies will notice our presence!! 」

Elle was angry but her voice was also equally loud.

「What!? You don’t need to speak at me like that!! I got it, I’m sorry ‘kay!! 」

In addition, Bato’s seemingly apologetic voice was also high. Mash spoke to Seiya with urgency.

「Ma…Master! The flies are coming all at once! 」

「Calm down. I still have a chance to shoot. 」

Seiya was calm after the allies disturbed him. He remained calm even after the flies approached us from the sky. His magical bow was still aimed at Bell Bubu’s head.

「…With this, my hypothesis will come true. 」

「Really!? 」

I had my doubts. But it will come true if it’s Seiya we’re talking about.

However, it all changed in a second. Close to the flies’ nest, Rosalie yelled so loud that her voice reached the place where we were standing still the forest.

「I am the daughter of the Warlord Emperor, Rosalie Rosgard!! Bell Bubu!! Come out!! Let’s fight!!」

Wh…Whoa!! That child revealed her identity!! What on earth was she thinking!?

I noticed that Seiya’s nose shook a little.

「Seiya!? 」

「…No problem. It was super-predictable. 」

「If it’s super-predictable, then why didn’t you foresee this situation before!? You don’t have to force yourself, you know!? 」

Seiya sighed as he lowered the magical bow down to his waist.

I…I knew that it was unexpected after all…It was not predictable as he thought it would be…He was a little stubborn.

Close to the flies’ nest, Bell Bubu abruptly grabbed Rosalie and flew away with her.

「You…You bastard!! What are you doing!? Re…Release me!! 」

How did that happen! The Warlord’s daughter was taken as a hostage now!

However, it was impossible for us to help her on this moment. Right now, dozens of scouting flies surrounded us.

I was getting desperate by this awful situation. On that moment, Seiya looked closely at me. He silently pushed his sheath onto my chest.

「*screams* That hurts!! Milk!! Milk is going to burst out!! Don’t push me that hard!!」

「That’s not it. Go, Lista. 」

「Eh? 」

「I’m saying to “fly”. You should go and stop him from taking that idiotic woman further away. Just keep her on check. 」

…Me…Going alone? Really?

「I’ll be able to help once I swept these annoying flies. Until then, you need to buy me time.」

「How can you suggest that option so suddenly! How will I keep Bell Bubu under control until you arrive? 」

「About that, well. Try to say, “It’s a lovely weather” for example. 」

「“It’s a lovely weather”!? Will it work!? 」

「Anyway, you need to keep an eye on Rosalie. Just remember that. 」

「O…Okay, I get it! 」

I spread my wings and started to fly. When I was in the mid-air, a group of grotesque flies went in my direction!

* screams*

However, when the flies tried to grab me, Seiya’s magical arrows had already hit the flies’ heads!

「I will open the way. Fly with confidence, balloon woman. 」

「Okay! I’m counting on you! Wait…Who are you calling balloon woman!!」

While I yelled at Seiya, I flew away to follow Bell Bubu as he took Rosalie with him.

Bell Bubu flew up north while holding a resentful Rosalie with his humanoid arms. He noticed that I was following him from behind. He distorted his face as he laughed amusingly.

「Oh my, my, my! I can see white wings on the sky! A goddess it seems! If a goddess is here, then it means that the hero has arrived as well! 」

「I have a message from the hero! Let go of that child immediately! 」

「I don’t mind really! Originally, my plan was to lure the hero in! It seems that I don’t need her anymore!」

I smiled deeply inside.

Seiya won’t be able to shoot an arrow while he held Rosalie! So…The enemy had to let Rosalie go first! I’ll do my best to catch Rosalie! If he does that, then Seiya will shoot him!

「*laughs wickedly* I’ll become one of the four demon generals if I kill that hero!」

Yet, in contrast to Bell Bubu’s words, he didn’t let go of Rosalie and went higher instead.

「Wh…What!? He…Hey…Wait!? 」

I was surprised but I chased Bell Bubu anyways.

「I told you to let her go!! 」

「I will release her! But I’ll fly much higher! I want to show my grand reverse fireworks to that hero! 」

What…What did he say!?

「Wait right there!! 」

Bell Bubu kept increasing altitude. Bell Bub was rising rapidly that I hardly caught up with him.

Eventually, Bell Bubu stopped in the air while quivering his insect wings.

「Hey, woman! What do you think? It’s a great view! If you fall from here, your body will break apart into several pieces! You will make some beautiful reverse fireworks! 」

Rosalie yelled in an aggressive manner.

「You scum!! Apologize to my fallen men that you killed with that scheme of yours!」

「What? Hey, do you really understand your current situation? You will face the same destiny as your subordinates faced before! 」

「Damn you! 」

Unable to move, Rosalie stared at me furiously.

「You!! What happened to the hero!? What is he doing now!? Wasn’t he supposed to arrive after finishing his training!? 」

「Id…Idiot!! 」

Bell Bubu distorted his face as he became suspicious.

「Ah? Did you say “training”? Don’t tell me that he trained with arrows? Is he trying to aim at him from the ground? 」

This…was the worst!! He figured it out!! Why is that woman acting recklessly like that!? It will only get disadvantageous for her!!

「Okay then. I won’t let go of this woman until I fly a bit higher! 」

Bell Bubu started to rise again with Rosalie. I followed him. Nonetheless, Bell Bubu didn’t show any signs of stopping.

…Just how far he plans to go up in altitude!?

I looked down while I chased him and my face got pale. A sea of clouds spread under my eyes. All I could see from the earthly world was tiny cracks between the clouds that resembled poppy seeds.

He must be kidding me!! How can a magical bow reach this ridiculous height!? Actually, how will Seiya know our position if we’re hidden above the clouds!?

Finally, Bell Bubu hovered in the sky as the air became stuffy. He spoke with a joyful voice.

「*laughs wickedly* The magical bow won’t be able to reach me from this distance! Okay, let’s start with this scattering business! 」

On that moment, Bell Bubu tried to let go of Rosalie’s hands. But when he looked at me, he grinned sinisterly.

「Oops! I’m going to throw her down using my force! You won’t be able to catch her, goddess! 」

This was bad!! This was bad!! Extremely bad!! He saw through everything!! If he throws her with full force, then I won’t be able to grab her!!

「This…This devil!! You coward!! Get down to the ground and fight fair and square with me!!」

「*laughs wickedly* Don’t worry!! You’ll be competing with the ground soon enough!!」

Bell Bubu was carrying Rosalie by her hands but he was on the verge of dropping her.

Ah!! What should I do!? That…That’s right!!

Seiya’s words revived on my mind. I will try using his words.

「What…What a lovely weather…! 」

There was only silence for a while. Soon, Bell Bubu spoke with an astonished voice.

「…Hey you, what the hell are you talking about? 」

No, seriously, what the heck was I talking about!? No…No more of this!! I won’t be able to stop him from dropping that child!! Seiya, please!! Do something!!

…Suddenly. There was something glowing from the corner of my sight. One ray of light emitted from below and spread through the sea of clouds. It passed right under my eyes and ears without making a sound.

「Wh…What…! 」

Bell Bubu groaned softly…At the same time, part of his body greatly disintegrated. Bell Bubu, who was holding Rosalie with the intention of pushing her to the ground, forgot about that purpose as he freed Rosalie from his grasp.

Rosalie fell to earthly ground under the laws of gravity.

「Oh no!! 」

I quickly reached out to grab Rosalie. The moment Rosalie’s hand touched my hand, I pulled it so hard that I managed to catch her and hug her tight.

Ugh! She was wearing armor, so she was extremely heavy! But I managed to grab her tight! I managed to keep my eyes fixedly on Rosalie just as Seiya told me to do!

「…I…I apologize. 」

Rosalie whispered on my ear. But more than just being apologetic to me, she realized how reckless she was with her actions.

…Perhaps it was the Shining Arrow just now! Seiya’s magical arrow was able to reach here! Bell Bubu was so astonished that he even let go of Rosalie without noticing! Even so, his sniper skill must be equipped with perfect optical sight in order to reach such high altitude…No, it was way more accurate than just optical sight!

I was so impressed by Seiya’s talent that I drooled in excitement.

「Hey, Hey…Seriously? The magical bow of light…? How can it reach this high? Impossible!」

Белл Бубу начал непрерывно дрожать после того, как стрела превзошла то, что он считал невозможным.…

...

Bell Bubu was astonished when he saw that an arrow of light was released that high in the sky. He slowly opened his mouth because he became watchful.

「I studied magical bows a long time ago. I realized that it was the only way for humans to compete against me…But, even so, it was a bit strange. 」

「Just what are you implying? 」

I shouted at Bell Bubu while I held Rosalie.

「I didn’t fly this high just for nothing. I flew to this particular position in the sky because I prepared myself for the magical bow operative range. Although it is a magical bow of light with attributes strong enough to reach a long distance, it was not supposed to reach this high from the ground. Even if it’s a magical arrow, it will get some air resistance, right? 」

「*looks proud* Shall I tell you how the arrow reached this high? Because Seiya is a genius hero, the one in a hundred million people! 」

For a moment, Bell Bubu was silent. Soon, he muttered.

「…Lucifer Crow. 」

「Who…Who’s that? 」

「A legendary demon who once existed in Geabrande. The arrow that Crow shot from his magical bow is said to have reached the top of Mount Grastra in the Eines region. Our current position is much higher than Mount Grastra, which means that the magical arrow that appeared before has a longer operative range than Crow’s magical bow. 」

「Then…Then that means that Seiya is much more talented than that demon. 」

「No, no, no. That’s impossible. Lucifer Crow is a legend, you know? Even if that hero is one in a hundred million people, there is no way that a human being would be able to surpass the legend’s skills. And yet…His arrow came this high with commendable power. 」

「What is your point then!! 」

Suddenly, Bell Bubu started to laugh insanely high.

「There is only one conclusion to explain this riddle! Summing up! He flew and approached us without being noticed, and shot an arrow! 」

「Just…what are you saying…! 」

The fly monster pointed his finger to the sea of clouds that spread below our feet.

「Like a hunter awaiting in the bushes! He’s hiding somewhere in this vast sea of clouds! No, rather than just trying to attack me, he thought of using the clouds for camouflage! 」

…This guy! How could a fly make an analysis so meticulously like that!

I was surprised by Bell Bubu’s intelligence. I glanced to the clouds below me…I gritted my teeth in annoyance.

His analysis was…probably correct! If I thought carefully about it, I couldn’t explain how the magical arrow had sufficient power to hit Bell Bubu this high in the sky! After Seiya swept the flies on the ground, he probably noticed that we were moving away from the magical bow’s operative range! Maybe he flew afterwards! Just as Bell Bubu said, he was probably hiding somewhere on this sea of clouds…!

「Hey, goddess! Do you know what? I am the fastest within the Devil Army! No one can defeat me if they battle me in the sky! That’s absolute! It will be pointless even if he knew where I was in the sky! When I discover that defenseless hero, he will die! 」

I pretended to be calm. However, I was feeling awfully upset on the inside.

What is Seiya going to do!? This will get troublesome if he doesn’t attack Bell Bubu soon!!

Bell Bubu looked down and spoke with a provocative loud voice.

「Hey, hero! Show me your bow skills! I won’t run away nor hide! 」

Bell Bubu was paying close attention to the sea of clouds because arrows could suddenly appear from below. I secretly activated my goddess’ power. I improved my visual dynamics to be able to see with accuracy the disturbances within the clouds.

Rosalie looked up at me.

「Hey, goddess!! Is that hero okay!? Can he really win!? 」

「It’s…It’s going to be fine! Seiya said to me that he was Perfectly Ready! He’ll win! I’m absolutely certain that he’ll win this fight! 」

…But nothing happened for a long while. All we could hear was silence while the clouds moved along with the wind current.

Tension was about to break at any time soon!

There was something glowing continuously in the distant clouds! On that instant, the lighting ray burned my eye’s retina.

…Se…Seven!? Don’t tell me that it was…Seven arrows!? That was…No way…!! “Seven Shot Shining Arrow”!!

O…Outstanding talent!! Even though he was a human, he managed to reach the limit of Mithis, the Goddess of Bow! It was exactly what Mithis said! “Seven continuous shoots expands the range of the Shining Arrow. It means that the attributes of the magical bow will increase in accuracy and range…It will be almost impossible to dodge the arrows without taking some damage. Besides, I believe that such demon is impossible to exist.” There was a hole between the clouds where the ray of light was emitted! It looked like it was firmly calculated to aim at the head, limbs and anthropoid wings of Bell Bubu! That was too accurate! It was like “avoiding a shotgun shot” from a close range! There was no way that Bell Bubu will dodge it!

I was convinced of a victory…

「*laughs wickedly* “Rolling Dodge”…! 」

I improved my visual dynamics again by activating the goddess’ power. I was able to see the seven arrows exceeding the speed of sound. However, Bell Bubu twisted and rotated his body in an acrobatic motion to avoid the attacks.

Rosalie groaned.

「That demon is…avoiding all the attacks, isn’t he? 」

「No way…! How could he…? 」

No way, no way, no way!! It was impossible!! He was dodging the god-level seven continuous shoots!! I couldn’t believe that a demon like this existed in the world…!

…This was Geabrande, a world with an S-rank salvation difficulty!! This world was the ultimate degree of difficulty beyond the common sense of god!!

I started to feel despair. The area below us was getting sparse of clouds. The power of the magical arrows made the clouds disappear momentarily. On that clear space in the fly, I could see Seiya’s silhouette. Just as Bell Bubu said, Seiya was flying with a bow of light.

「Hero!! There you are!! 」

This was bad! Bell Bubu had very strong dodge abilities in the sky! This opponent will be too strong for Seiya! He will be killed!

Bell Bubu headed towards Seiya in the sky. Suddenly, a purple liquid was spilled from the enemy’s mouth.

「Oh…my…god…! 」

「Eh!? That is…!? 」

I had no clue for what was happening. Apparently, Bell Bubu had no idea as well. But, I immediately understood the situation.

Not only from the mouth. Bell Bubu’s abdomen was full of tiny holes. A large amount of purple liquid started to overflow from there as well. In addition, six birds surrounded Bell Bubu. They were similar to the Automatic Phoenix that Seiya created with fire magic. But this time, they were slightly different. Those were pale-colored birds that shined brightly.

Bell Bubu kept vomiting purple blood from his mouth.

「The…The magical bird of light…How? When did you invoke them…? 」

Yes, I was sure that Seiya created those birds! The magical birds pierced through Bell Bubu’s stomach! But when did he create the six birds of light with magic? …Wait a second! Six! The birds of light should have the same number as the shining arrows! Yet, only six attacked Bell Bubu! I…I got it! After Bell Bubu dodged the “Seventh Shot Shining Arrow”, it transformed into a big Garuda* of light! It came back and attacked Bell Bubu once again! In other words…

「“Transform Automatic Garuda”…!! 」

Bell Bubu probably noticed Seiya’s strategy.

「That…damn hero…! 」

He muttered with hatred. But that became Bell Bubu’s last words. Instantly, the birds of light approached Bell Bubu from all the directions to imprison him in the air. Soon, the temperature became ultra-high while the birds emitted a dazzling light. That area exploded furiously in the sky. After the strong light faded away, I opened my eyes and I saw an unrecognizable black figure that seemed to belong to Bell Bubu. That burnt corpse fell to the ground.

…I was perplexed.

What on earth was up with this hero!? The god-like Seven Shot Shining Arrow was said to be impossible for human beings to invoke…Moreover, I felt without hope when all of the shining arrows were shot!! Besides, the Goddess of Bow said that no demon would be able to dodge that attacks!! How could I doubt her!? But this hero…once again, made this all seem easy to accomplish, and made me feel like an idiot as usual!!

Seiya, who was floating in the distance, saw that Bell Bubu fell to the ground. Then, he disappeared under the returning clouds without showing much pleasure or joy.

…But it was fine!! Great!! As expected of Ryuguuin Seiya!! This man has defied the words and powers of the gods!! With his cautious attitude, I believe that he will be the one to truly save the S-rank World, Geabrande!!

I chased after Seiya. I took Rosalie in silence and came back to the forest where Mash and Elle awaited. I spoke to Seiya the moment I landed.

「I saw it! Transform Automatic Garuda was amazing! 」

Seiya twisted his head.

「Trans…? What’s that? 」

「Ah…sorry! I gave that name when I saw that technique! I’m talking about what you did early, don’t you remember? Your arrow of light transformed into a big magical bird! 」

「Yeah. That “converted bird that reverted trajectories”. 」

「That’s what you named it!? What’s wrong with your naming sense!? 」

「I haven’t thought about it that seriously. 」

「Then, how about the name I came up with? You can use it… 」

「Hmm. The transform one…? It’s too long. That’s not a very good name. 」

「Maybe “Come Back BON**” is a better choice!! 」

I was pushed aside as Mash and Elle rushed to Seiya’s side.

「You’re really incredible, Master! 」

「True! Mister Seiya is invincible! 」

These two praised Seiya. On the other side, Bato and the other soldiers surrounded Rosalie.

「Oh my! Lady Rosalie, we’re glad you’re safe! 」

Rosalie approached us after talking to her soldiers. I thought she was going to say “thank you for helping me”, but Rosalie turned her cold eyes back to Seiya.

「You are not a brave hero. That way of winning, a surprise attack, is contrary to chivalry principles. A true hero will not spare his own life. A true hero will risk everything to fight against the enemy head on. A true hero will behave honorably just like my father always does.」

It looked like Rosalie said everything she wanted to say. On that moment, my serenity as a goddess blew away.

「Hey, excuse me!! You were saved because of Seiya!! How about expressing some gratitude instead!? 」

I was feeling indignant. But on that instant Seiya put a hand in front of me.

「Seiya!? Why don’t you say a word too!? 」

Nevertheless, the hero spoke with tranquility.

「Leave her alone, Lista. 」

「B…But…!! 」

「It’s just a dog barking anyways. 」

Rosalie changed expressions instantaneously.

「Who the hell is a dog!! I never barked!! 」

Whoa…! This hero was amazing after all…! His single words inflicted more damaged even if I shouted a hundred times…!

* groaning angrily* Rosalie started to foam.

「Ah! Miss Rosalie is becoming like a dog again! 」

She noticed Elle’s worrying expression. Somehow, she managed to stay calm. After inhaling deeply, she left without saying a word. Bato and his soldiers chased after Rosalie.

Seiya took a deep breath.

「…Well then. I guess we’ll have to eliminate the remaining flies. 」

He was right. Even if Bell Bubu was defeated, the swarm of flies that flew around the nest were more than a hundred. We could not afford to leave it like that.

I was impressed with the stoic hero who, after defeating the fly boss, wanted to defeat the remaining enemies in the sky. Yet, Seiya put his hands on Mash and Elle’s shoulders.

「Mash. Elle. It’s your turn. 」

We were astonished with his unexpected words.

「My eyes don’t deceive me. I can tell that you’ve trained hard and gained new powers.」

「Ma…Master…! 」

「Mister…Mister Seiya…! 」

「Go. Show me your power. 」

「Yeah! I’ll do my best! 」

「Me too! I’ll do my best too! 」

Those two were happily approaching the nest after being encouraged by Seiya. However, Seiya invoked the Seven Shot Shining Arrow and released it rapidly. It killed all the other flies in the blink of an eye.

「Wh…What…? Master? 」

「Mister Seiya…? 」

Those two were looking stunned has more than a hundred flies’ corpses fell dramatically into the ground.

Seiya gazed at Elle.

「Okay, Elle. Use Haste to make Mash move faster. 」

「Ah…O…Okay… 」

Seiya told Mash, who was moving quickly with Haste, to reveal his Dragon Hand.

「Mash is next. Gather the flies’ carcasses on one spot with that big hand. 」

「Ah…Yeah. 」

Seiya drew a large circle close to a branch of a tree. Mash began to collect the flies’ corpses while moving incredibly fast.

「Okay. That Haste skill is doing a great job. It’s nice to watch. 」

In the end, Seiya burned the pile of the flies’ remains just as he did with Hell’s Fire. It reduced to absolutely nothing. He spoke with a satisfying voice.

「Both of you were very useful. 」

Even if Seiya praised them from the bottom of his heart, the two of them looked down as if their moral got crushed in that moment. Especially Mash, who was looking deeply at his hands thinking that “my hands are brooms…”.

I felt sorry for those two. Before I told them reassuring words, I heard the sound of horses’ hooves. When I turned around, I saw Rosalie sitting on her white horse. She looked down at us.

「*looks angry* So, you eliminated the remnants. The Rosgard Knights would be capable of dealing with those even without you. 」

When I glared madly at Rosalie, Bato came in between us.

「Lady…Lady Rosalie! You were not supposed to say that to the hero and his people!」

「I know that! They irritate me, but I’ll give them that rewarding information!」

Rosalie took a deep breath to calm herself.

「…Listen. There is a “Legendary Armor” in a small shrine near Izale Village. It’ll be necessary to defeat the Demon King. 」

「Legendary armor, you say? 」

Bato nodded positively.

「Yes. There is a saying that the Great Sage Mustaf prepared a special item for Geabrande’s future crisis. Originally, I was going to tell the hero about it, but the flies were an impending menace, so I missed the opportunity. 」

「It’s the sacred “Legendary Armor” that Rosgard has been carefully guarding all this time. We will give it to you, so be grateful to have it. 」

Seiya became suspicious after Rosalie declared with a bossy voice.

「I wonder if that’s true. It’s not a cursed armor, is it? 」

「You…Were you even listening to what we said? The Great Sage prepared the sacred “Legendary Armor” and Rosgard has been protecting it ever since then! There is no curse! 」

「Well. It might be the “Cursed Armor of the Sacred Legend”. 」

「That armor doesn’t even exist!! 」

After shouting, Rosalie shook her head heavily.

「Why is an abnormally nervous guy the chosen hero…? This is extremely absurd! A true strong person like my father should be the one to wear that armor…!」

While muttering in disagreement, Rosalie pulled her horse’s reins and changed directions. She went further away without even glancing at us. Only Bato and his soldiers gave us their thanks. Soon, all of the Rosgard Knights disappeared from our sight.

「…Well then. 」 I looked back at Seiya.

「Listen, Seiya. I know that we need to go back to Izale Village to pick up that armor…But why don’t we take a break right now? 」

Actually, I wanted us to take a break after we left the Dragon Cave. But right after that, we were summoned to defeat the flies.

「Listen, sometimes you need to take a break! Let’s take it slowly today! 」

After I said that, both Mash and Elle agreed with me. Unusually, Seiya said the following words.

「That’s right. My MP was consumed after I used the magical bow. Let’s stop by an inn to rest for a little while.」

He obediently agreed with me. To tell the truth, I was feeling tired and I was a little cold. So, I was relieved when I heard Seiya’s words.

「Let’s go to the village then! 」

I casted a spell for the portal to appear. I made it in order to connect into that village. Izale Village was a small but heartwarming place. It would be perfect to give us some peace and a well-deserving rest.

But when I opened the portal and reached the village, I felt a shivering through my spine.

The chill that I felt earlier was not due to my fatigue. It was the goddess’ intuition that gave me the chills because it warned me of something bad.

…A ruined field.

…The houses were brutally crushed.

Деревня изале была разрушена.

...

Izale Village changed so much that I thought, I had summoned the portal to the wrong place. The village turned into ruins. It was as if a strong natural disaster had wiped out this place.

「What happened here…! 」

Mash was fully surprised and Elle became speechless as she put her hands on her mouth.

…Don’t tell me this was the Devil Army’s doing!? But why would they attack a small village!?

Seiya pointed his finger to the horizon. When I stared closely at the pointed direction, I was able to see a line of smoke that extended to the sky.

「Someone’s here. But it may be a trap. Be careful. 」

Just like Seiya said, there was a possibility that those who destroyed this village were still lurking around. We quietly proceeded to the smoke’s direction.

As we approached, the smoke slowly extinguished. If I recalled correctly, this area resembled the place of the dwarf tool shop that we came to buy torches before.

「Hey…! Look at that…! 」

Elle made a quivering voice. Rather than the burnt houses, our gaze turned to the monster that was standing beside the ruins.

That was a huge turtle monster. The carapace was like a roof. Beneath it, the monster appeared to have earthly-colored skin. The turtle, reminded me of the Dragon Mother when she transformed, and it was about to attack the dwarf shop owner with its sharp fangs.

「This…This is bad! That dwarf old man is going to be killed! 」

「We have to save him! 」

Mash and I instinctively jumped out. We came between the dwarf owner and the giant turtle.

「Sir, are you okay? 」

When Mash looked back, the dwarf owner smiled in a weird way.

「Yeah, I’m okay. Don’t worry. This monster won’t attack me. Because it was me who called it over here. 」

「Ah? 」

「Adamantaim. I summoned this monster from a different world. 」

Before I knew it, Seiya pulled out the platinum sword from his sheath. The tip of the blade was directed not to the nearby turtle monster, but to the dwarf himself.

「…Who are you? 」

The dwarf was smiling weirdly as he told us his name.

「I am one of the Four General Kings of the Devil’s Army…I present myself as Kill Capul. 」

「Four…Four General Kings…! 」

I muttered…

「Oh god…! 」

Elle took a step back. Kill Capul caressed the throat of Adamantaim.

「Mister Hero. Since you left this village, I’ve been following you from a thousand miles away through a crystal ball. My, my. You possess a tremendous power too incredible for a mere human being. You are also smart and meticulous. However, for us, you are nothing but a small threat.」

「And that’s the reason why you summoned that turtle monster!? Just to defeat Seiya!?」

「No, no. I had a different purpose. That’s why I called this creature Adamantaim.」

When Kill Capul pushed Adamantaim’s throat, the monster opened his big mouth revealing his piercing fangs. Inside that thing’s mouth there was something that fell to the ground. It looked like a piece of debris that was stuck on Adamantaim’s oral cavity. It shined brighter than gold.

「The “Legendary Armor” hidden in Mustaf’s shrine is also known as “Adamantite’s Armor” because it was made using Geabrande’s hardest substance, known as “Adamantite”*. It is impossible to crush the armor even with the Demon Lord’s attacks. Except for the summoned Adamantaim though because it has the same body properties… 」

「Don’t…Don’t tell me that you…! 」

I was shocked when I saw a piece of metal that Adamantaim vomited.

「It’s a fragment of the legendary armor that he just ate. Before you people arrived, I broke the shrine’s seal to destroy the armor. 」

It can’t be!! We couldn’t have the strongest weapon Egzation and, now, even the legendary armor was broken!! With this…How could we win…!!

「The Demon Lord must remain the strongest. However, if there is a threat that has the smallest possibility of defeating the Demon Lord, then it must perish at once.」

Adamantaim immediately started to roar.

We were prepared for the attack, but Kill Capul laughed weirdly as he shook his head. He put his hands on Adamantaim’s thick feet.

「I’m done using you. Disappear. 」

Soon, the giant turtle gradually faded and disappeared completely as if it melted away from this world.

「What happened? Weren’t you going to fight against Seiya? 」

I stared confused at the little dwarf. Kill Capul showed me a tiny smile.

「Yeah, of course. But he is not the kind of opponent that I can fight with and win. And of course, neither is Adamantaim. I told you. I followed the hero’s moves and I studied it carefully.」

Kill Capul continued to talk with a smiling face.

「Besides me, the last one remaining from the Four General Kings is Eliza Kaiser. Eliza is the incarnation of more than 200,000 demons. It exceeds the limits of both the attack and defense power. But Eliza won’t be your opponent.」

…Eh? What on earth was this dwarf talking about?

「I can feel a very strong power coming from the hero that goes beyond theory and reason. His power resembles the power of the Demon Lord. I can’t describe that accurately. But let’s say that it’s a “power that holds the fate of the world”. What they have is very different from what the rest of us possess. Here…」

While speaking, Kill Capul had two packages beside him and placed them in front of us.

「Please look at this.」

We looked at the contents of the opened package and…

* horrifying screams*

Elle screamed extremely loud. My body also trembled incessantly. I saw the heads of the elderly woman dwarf and the little boy who we saw in the tool shop before.

「It’s my wife and son’s heads. 」

「You’re…You’re lying!! These heads must be fakes!! 」

I shouted. But Kill Capul stroked the neck of the little boy with love.

「Don’t he resemble me a lot? My wife and son’s heads are real. 」

「Why!? How could you do such a thing!? 」

「I must defeat the hero. The heads of my loved ones and the villagers of Izale are a catalyst. Their lives are an important sacrifice that will summon an evil magic…!」

I felt a glimpse of Kill Capul madness lurking behind his smile. I got goose bumps.

「You’re crazy…!」

「Yes. I cannot win if I’m not crazy. However, I realized that this hero is a prodigy. Even demons have feelings you know. I was sad. It was really painful. But, the Demon Lord said to me, “Kill Capul, you must defeat that hero”. It was an honor. Of course, my wife and son understood the situation and died for me. Look carefully. They have a very peaceful dead face. It’s great, isn’t it? 」

「Just…Just how far are you willing to go only for that honor!? 」

「“To kill the hero”, for that purpose alone. Knowledge, talent, and power will be meaningless. Even the Egzation that you got in the Dragon Village won’t have any effect.」

He even knew about the Egzation!! But I didn’t think he found out that we have a fake instead…!!

「Ma…Master! It will be better if you killed this guy now! 」

「No. It’s probably too late. Even if I killed him, the summoning he speaks off will be activated anyways. That’s why he’s showing up right in front of us. He is not even upset or in fear.」

「It’s just as you say. It’s too late now…The lives of the Izale villagers, the lives of my loved ones, and finally, my own life, Kill Capul’s life, will be exchanged with the dark summoning! It will manifest from another dimension! The ultra-god of death, Cross Tanathus! 」

Ultra…god of death…Cross…Tanathus…!?

Kill Capul pierced his throat with a short sword taken from his sheath.

「Wh…What’s going on!? 」

Black blood kept overflowing from his sliced throat. It spilled so much blood that it formed a pool of blood on the ground. Kill Capul kneeled on the ground after being mortally wounded. Yet, Kill Capul looked to the sky with satisfaction.

「My dear Demon Lord…! Please change this world into a demonic world that we’ve been…longing…for… 」

Kill Capul fell down and stopped moving.

「Is…Is he dead? 」

Seiya whispered to me before I confirmed his death.

「Lista. Open the portal to the heavenly world. 」

「What!? Now!? At this timing!? But nothing happened yet, right!? 」

「Just hurry up. His confidence is not to be underestimated. You have to open the portal just in case we need it. 」

「I…I understand. 」

I heard some noise the moment I tried to open the portal. Suddenly, there was something creeping out from the black blood pool of Kill Capul that spread on the ground. That thing had the same color as Kill Capul’s black blood. A black shadow appeared and instantly formed a humanoid figure.

「Is that…Cross Tanathus!? The ultra-god of death that Kill Capul sacrificed his life for!?」

It was weird. That shadowy figure was small bodied. It was covered in a black robe, a hood covered its head, in place of its face there was only darkness and hollowness. Even though it was called god of death, it held a large iron cross on one of its hands. That appearance was contradictory to what we believed it was a god of death. I thought it was supposed to be a symbol of an ominous event. And yet, it carried a holy cross.

What kind of power did this god of death have?

I activated my clairvoyance ability to see the enemy’s status…

Cro@ss Tanatz8z

Level – umu?g

HP – rkuak

MP – pN.B

Attack – %9rr6%87%

Defense – C6>

Agility – c8o6.>’’ M9C

Resistance – arU`)#@

Special skills – 7s&<БDSOKt

Skills – 8T2e1J-

Personality – L1dreL

「…Ah? 」

I doubted your eyes at first. But when I tried it again, the abilities on Cross Tanathus’ status were indecipherable.

「What…What’s that!? I can’t read the numbers!! Seiya, what’s going on!? 」

「Yes. There are twisted numbers in my eyes as well. 」

「Don’t tell me that this is the camouflage skill that you use too!? 」

「No, I don’t sense any kind of barrier. I’m sure that’s his real status. 」

「Eh!? The twisted numbers are his original status!? What does that mean!?」

「…It means that he omitted the real value in order to cheat us. 」

While we were talking, we heard a roaring sound when Tanathus put the big cross on the ground. As soon as that happened, the ground tore apart!

「Ma…Magic of the Earthly Attribute!! 」

At the same as I shouted, the crack approached Seiya at a tremendous speed. It tried to swallow him into the fracture! But…Seiya was already floating in the air!

A…Amazing! Even though we didn’t know the opponent’s abilities, he started to float as if he predicted the opponent’s attacks! He was always so careful!

I admired Seiya’s careful moves it was as if he really had an ability to look into the future. Suddenly, a strong lightening occurred from the fractured ground! It was unleashed towards a floating Seiya!

The lightening strike reverberated from the cracks on the ground towards Seiya…

「Double Wind Blade! 」

Seiya drew his sword from his sheath as he activated that technique in the sky. He created with the platinum sword a wind pressure extremely strong that it changed the trajectory of the lightning strike. He was able to successfully dodge the attack. In addition, Seiya counterattacked from the sky and slashed aggressively towards Tanathus. That god of death got hit from the attack because his body was cut in half.

Mash and Elle ran in Seiya’s direction.

「Master! Are you okay? 」

「Yeah. No problem. 」

「But…But what was that just now!? Lightening Magic came from the ground!? Isn’t that really strange!? 」

It was a combined magic with earthly and thunder attributes. It generated from the earth after it was activated…Certainly, as Elle said, it was very strange since it was an attack that transcended the providence of magic. However…

「It seems that you defeated it. 」

I felt a little bit relieved. But Seiya was staring at the two-bodied Tanathus with sharp eyes.

「Hey, Lista. What are you doing? Get the portal out. 」

「Eh? But… 」

「Hurry. Summon the portal and leave it open. 」

「O…Okay. 」

I finally made the portal appear and I opened the door. Unexpectedly, the upper body of Tanathus lifted up and floated even though it was cut off in half from the torso. The lower body immediately revived as well. Even more surprisingly, that lower body created a new upper body.

「Gosh! It split in two! 」

「What’s wrong with that thing! 」

One of the Tanathus turned his cross directly at Seiya. In an instant, arrows of light were fired from the cross! They resembled the Shining Arrow! Seiya curved his body in time and avoided a critical hit! Abruptly, the other Tanathus raised the cross as he quickly approached Seiya! That thing made the cross enlarge in size and it tried to hit Seiya with it like a weapon! Seiya stepped back and managed to gain sufficient distance. However! The cross was extended even further while Seiya kept on dodging it! The long cross was going to hit Seiya’s chest but it stopped extending in size. I thought that thing had a limitation but I was wrong. The tip of the cross transformed into an ice pillar-like and attacked Seiya continuously!

Seiya sounded as if he was struggling. There were a lot of light arrows attacking him. It was hard to get rid of them. An ice magic was invoked from the holy cross and hit Seiya’s abdomen. Seiya was repelled and thrown to the ground.

「Se…Seiya!? 」

This was the first time that I saw Seiya struggling on a fight against the enemy. However, Seiya stood up right away and straightened his body.

The two Tanathus, who were coming towards us, put their bodies on the top of each other as they walked. It transformed into one body once again.

Seiya put his sword on the sheath. He turned his hands directly at Tanathus.

「Maximum Inferno… 」

A terrible explosion absorbed Tanathus. It was an intense and extreme fire. Even if it burnt everything in the surroundings, I was sure that, by now, it won’t be able to defeat that thing as long as it activates. Seiya approached Mash in a hurry.

「Eh? Master? 」

He carried a confused Mash and he threw him into the opened portal!

「Uah!! 」

Mash disappeared inside the portal. Next, he grabbed Elle…

「Ah!? 」

He threw her away as quickly as possible. And then, Seiya rushed to me.

Is he…he going to throw me as well!? I got it!! But be gentle!! I wouldn’t mind if he carried me like a princess!! Please treat me well!!

However, Seiya raised his right foot high! Before I knew it, Seiya directed his kick right into my abdomen!

* loud scream*

After the impact from the kick, I screamed in agony as I was blown away to the other side of the portal! Seiya followed behind almost at the same time as I crossed over! I immediately closed the portal’s door when I arrived in the God’s realm!

I rolled over into the God’s realm’s courtyard. Then, I shouted.

「*yells* Why did you kick me!? I was the only one to be treated with cruelty by you!!」

I yelled at Seiya but I noticed that he was different this time. Seiya fell down silently while he held the abdomen with his hand. He was hit by Tanathus’ attack.

「Hey, Seiya!? Are you all right!? 」

「Yeah, somehow. But…I got a severe injury. 」

I was an idiot!! Even though Seiya was deeply hurt by Tanathus’ attack, he did his best for us to escape to the God’s realm!! Not only Mash and Elle!! He didn’t abandon me and brought me here safely!!

「It’s the first time I suffered damage from the enemy. I have to recover. 」

「Show me your wound! I’ll heal you now! 」

「Please do it quickly. 」

Seiya took off his armor and showed me his wound.

「…What? 」

I was astonished. Seiya’s abdomen had just a small red scratching.

「Sorry…But how much damage did your status suffer? Numerically speaking!」

And then, Seiya spoke as if something really bad happened to him.

「I had about 300 000 HP…But, now I only have 299 900… 」

「Didn’t you say that you had a severe injury!? 」

I was perplexed. Yet, Seiya looked serious.

「It will get troublesome if the HP is not at its maximum. Just fix it up. 」

I was amazed by his everlasting cautiousness. But I was also surprised to find out that his HP reached 300 000. I activated my healing magic to heal his tiny scratch.

「Even if it is a little wound, Master got hurt. What the hell was that thing…?」

Elle agreed with Mash.

「It was chaos. The rules of magic and the rules of the living were both ignored…」

I could feel the fear coming from their words. I spoke to encourage them.

「Well, let’s think carefully about a plan! We are safe in the God’s realm because it’s a totally different dimension!」

I thought so. However, on that moment I heard some noise coming from gods and goddesses in the courtyard.

「What is this ominous feeling? 」

「Is it, perhaps…a malicious feeling? What on earth is going on? 」

There were several gods and goddesses staring at each other with a tense expression.

「What…What’s that!? 」

A god pointed to a particular area in the courtyard. I saw a black whirlwind appearing from the courtyard’s fountain.

「…It…It can’t be…!! 」

My bad premonition was right. The first thing that appeared from the black whirlwind was a huge iron cross! After that, the god of death crawled out of there!

「How!? That thing transported itself from Geabrande to the God’s realm!!」

I tried to encourage Mash and Elle not too long ago. However, right now, my face was terrified and my feet kept shivering repeatedly.

Im…Impossible!! It broke through the dimension!! That…That thing must be a demon from a mythological class!!

This time, Mash and Elle raised their voices to encourage themselves.

「But…But! Every fearful enemy has a weakness, am I right? 」

「Ye…Yeah! Elle’s correct! There is no way that that thing is an invincible monster!」

They were right! As a goddess, I mustn’t let fear cloud my mind! We had Seiya! I was sure that Seiya will find a way to defeat that demon! No, maybe he already found a solution…

「Seiya! Do you know Tanathus’ weakness? Maybe you’re already aware of it!」

Nevertheless. The hero had fiery eyes as he mumbled with a low voice.

「…I don’t know. 」

「*everybody screams* What!? 」

「…I have no idea how to win. 」

「Mi…Mister Seiya!? 」

「Master!? 」

Whaaat!? Please tell me it was a lie!! Why was Seiya speaking with a weak voice!? The end!! Don’t tell me that this will be our end!!

…The God’s realm was in an uproar after the sudden appearance of a demon.

…The ultra-god of death slowly crawled out from the fountain. That thing walked towards us with a cross on its hand.

Ангелы громко закричали и убежали. Как и они, наши лица стали бледно-белыми.

...

Cross Tanathus broke the dimension and approached Seiya. There was no way to escape.

However, a ray of light appeared under this helpless situation.

「…Wait right there, demon. 」

I heard a dignified voice of a god that stood in front of Tanathus. Gods and goddesses of the God’s realm surrounded that evil monster in the courtyard.

「I don’t know how you managed to come to the God’s realm… 」

「Demons aren’t allowed to come to a place like this. 」

「Evil, disappear! 」

Whoa! It was Frala the Goddess of Wind, Orlando the God of Thunder and Kieron the Goddess of Ice! They were famous gods that went against that demon! We were so lucky! Maybe they’ll help us!

Just as I expected, they fought the demon with confidence! Frala casted wind magic, Orlando invoked a thunder and Kieron hit with an ice stake…But Tanathus walked towards us as if nothing happened.

「The…The attacks didn’t work on him…! 」

Nor fire, nor wind, nor thunder, nor ice was having any effect on this thing!?

「Hey…Lisutan… 」

Elle spoke to me with an uneasy voice. I wanted to say “it’s going to be okay”. But right now, I didn’t have the confident to even smile. I was hesitant to reply to her…

「Lista! Hey, Lista! 」

Mash forcibly shook me.

「Look over there! Master is…! 」

「Eh…? 」

Mash and Elle were pointed their fingers at Seiya. Then, I noticed that Seiya was running away extremely fast.

「…Ah!? That…That bastard!! Stop right there!! 」

We chased after Seiya. Apparently, he was running towards the temple. This reminded me of the other times when he ran away as well!

「Don’t you dare run by yourself!! Damn you!! 」

Even so, Seiya continued to run without stopping. When he reached the temple and opened the doors, he jumped inside.

I was out of breath when I reached temple’s entrance. When I looked back, I noticed that Tanathus repelled the gods’ magic powers and was approaching us from behind.

「Ah!! Lisutan!! He’s almost here!! 」

「Hu…Hurry! Let’s get inside now! 」

We rushed inside and closed the door. I heard a strong stepping sound on the stairs as soon as I came in. I looked up and I saw that Seiya was running up the stairs that led to the second floor. The second I tried to follow him; I heard a huge “bang” noise coming from the doors. The doors opened widely and the god of death stepped inside.

「Oh god!! That thing even entered the temple!! 」

Thankfully, the Gatekeeper Gods stood near the door and blocked the path of the demon.

「Demon, how dare you! Demons are absolutely forbidden in the sacred temple! I am the Fist God Arx! My unbeatable fist will crush you into pieces…Gyaaaa!!」

「Don’t underestimate Arx and the rest of us, demon! I, the God of Sumo, will be your opponent as well! I’ll show you my divine battle skills through my hands…Gyaaaa!!」

The gods in the temple challenged Tanathus to a fight. Of course, they won’t be able to succeed in defeating that thing, but at least, they managed to buy us some time. I ran up the stairs rapidly…

「Seiya! Please wait! 」

Somehow, I managed to reduce my distance from Seiya.

「He is only targeting me. You guys should hide somewhere. 」

「But, we can’t just leave you alone. 」

Even after arriving to the second floor, Seiya did not stop running through the hallway. A muscled man with a beard appeared right in front of us. The Swordsman God Celseus was carrying a big cake on a plate.

「Hey! So, you came back again! Look! I baked a new cake! I made it with a lot of effort! The cake looks so yummy delicious. 」

「I don’t need it. Move away. 」

Seiya was moving so rapidly that he pushed the cake on Celseus’ face. Celseus screamed, as he was “defeated” on the spot. Mash, Elle and I ran after Seiya. We passed by cream-faced Celseus as the remains of his cake fell on the ground. (Editor: Noooo such disrespect of Celseus, damn you Seiya)

It…It was too pitiful!! Next time he bakes a cake, we’ll definitely eat it…!!

Just when I was immersed on my thoughts, a well-known goddess appeared on our pathway.

It was the Goddess of War Adenela. She spotted us on the way and she started to smile with crazy eyes. Her face looked unhealthy because her expression was a bit disturbing.

「Se…Se…Seiya…! You…You came back…! 」

Seiya stopped right in front of Adenela and talked.

「Adenela. Stop the thing that is coming after me. If you do it, I’ll play with you next time. 」

「Eh…Re…Re…Really…!? 」

Adenela drew her sword from her sheath. On that moment, I looked behind and I saw that the evil was coming towards us.

「Se…Seiya…I…I…will protect you! 」

She took a unique stance as if she was drawing a circle.

「I…I will show you…! I’ll…show…my true…consecutive gunshot sword…!?」

She jumped right at the approaching Tanathus!! The consecutive shots were so fast that it created an illusory image of several swinging swords!! It was so fast that it exceeded the technique that Seiya showed before! She cut Tanathus’ body in an instant!!

…Oh!? As expected of that technique’s creator!! It had an amazing speed and power!!

However, Tanathus was divided every time she cut with the continuous gunshot sword! Two bodies became four, four bodies became eight, eight bodies became sixteen, sixteen bodies became…

I shouted loudly to Adenela.

「No, it’s splitting too much!! Stop it!! 」

But Adenela continued to slay the opponent. Amidst that chaos, she gazed at me with a troubled face.

「This…thing…can’t…be stopped… 」

Seiya touched my shoulder.

「It’s useless. As expected, she won’t be able to defeat it. Let’s escape. 」

So he expected her to fail! Anyways, we tried to run away from Adenela’s fight with Tanathus. When I looked back, I could see that the temple corridors were filled with Tanathus’ remains from Adenela’s slashes. After a while, the remains were sucked into the center of one part of the body. The god of death merged into the main body once again. Tanathus resumed his pursuit.

…Even Adenela, who is the Goddess of War, failed to inflict damage on that thing!! What…What should we do!?

After running through the long corridor, Seiya ran up the stairs leading to the third floor.

「Seiya!! You can’t run forever like this!! 」

I was being chased by an invincible demon. My head was panicking excessively.

「Ah!! C’mon!! What are we going to do!! 」

Seiya looked back at me when I yelled deplorably.

「Calm down a little. Lista. 」

「It’s impossible!! You said it yourself, don’t you remember!? You said “I have no idea how to win”!! How can I calm down in a perilous situation like this!? 」

Even if Tanathus was chasing us, Seiya spoke with his usual bored tone that never changed.

「I certainly said “I have no idea how to win”. But I already knew how to “deal with an enemy that we don’t know how to win”. 」

「…Eh? 」

「Her hobby must be drawing. Regardless of her appearance, it seems. 」

「Ah? What are you talking about? Drawing what? 」

「That person must be drawing a scene on the temple’s roof because that’s where the entire heavenly world can be seen.」

「But who? 」

Before I knew it, we ran through the whole long stairs. Seiya reached the door at the very end.

「Li…Lisutan! Mister Seiya! I can’t run anymore! But I’m almost catching up with you all!」

It was almost simultaneously when Elle spoke loudly from behind and when Seiya opened the door.

As soon as he opened the door, a strong wind blew in and shook my hair. We were at the top of the temple and I saw a stunning view of the God’s realm. I noticed that a goddess was sitting on the gently inclined stone roof.

「That person is…! 」

Just as Seiya said, her hobby was indeed drawing but it was a hobby that didn’t suit that person.

The goddess Valkyrie, who was wearing just a chain to cover her cheat and lower body, had a paintbrush on her hand that seemed to belong to an oil painting. Valkyrie was so concentrated on her drawing that she didn’t notice our presence.

「In other words, Seiya!! You wanted the strongest goddess in the God’s realm to fight against Tanathus!? 」

「That’s right. But given her hastily personality, she wouldn’t fight against that demon even if I asked her properly. So… 」

The door opened and Tanathus jumped to the roof. Seiya didn’t run anymore and challenged the demon. Tanathus released his extended cross. Seiya looked back and shifted his location. Seiya awaited for the attack until the last minute. He barely managed to dodge the offensive strike, but the long extended cross hit the oil painted drawing that Valkyrie had on her hands and was immediately destroyed!

「Great. It went as intended. 」

Seiya spoke with a low voice.

Oh my god!! He purposely let Tanathus destroy the drawing!?

「…This is…a joke…right? It was…almost completed… 」

The cross that broke her drawing shrank in size and returned to its owner, the god of death. She gazed at demon-shaped offender who broke her unfinished drawing. A great silver aura started emitting from Valkyrie’s body when she stood up.

「You bastard!! What the hell do you think you are doing! I will destroy every inch of you! You bastard!!」

The goddess’ speech was so aggressive that I forgot for a moment that she was, in fact, a goddess from the heavens.

「…Here. Stay away from them. 」

Seiya invited Mash, Elle and I to the edge of the roof. After we walked to where Seiya was standing still, I looked back to know what happened and I was startled. Valkyrie was already by Tanathus side with zero distance between them! She grabbed the head of Tanathus without hesitation!

…That was…fast!! When did she…!?

「You damn underling…! I’ll break you into pieces…! 」

The fearsome aura that surrounded Valkyrie’s body immediately increased in quantity. Soon, that incredible force concentrated on her right hand that grabbed Tanathus’ head!

「Destruction Operation Method the First…“Shattered Break”…! 」

Oh!! A destruction technique!? Somehow, that sounded pretty amazing!!

…Nonetheless. Nothing happened. Eventually, Tanathus altered his body like a fog and literally vanished away. After the release of Valkyrie destructive attack, that demon appeared and materialized once again.

「What’s up with this bastard…a ghost huh? ‘Kay, bring it on! Then, I’ll… 」

Valkyrie put her hands on the chain that wrapped around her chest.

「Destruction Operation Method the Fourth…“Astral Break”…! 」

Valkyrie’s chain transformed like a terrifying snake that entangled Tanathus in the process!

It…It made sense! That was a destruction technique to destroy ghosts! Formidable! She could deal with any enemy based on that skill alone! I bet this will bring us victory…!

However! The black aura that came from the body of Tanathus shattered the wrapped chain in an instant! Valkyrie collapsed because the broken chain was connected to her chest!

* screams* Eh!? It didn’t work!! Why was the Goddess of Destruction’s skills meaningless against that thing!?

With this, I could only feel despair.

The strongest goddess in the God’s realm couldn’t defeat that demon…! That thing was a perfect life form without weaknesses that transcended everything…! There was nothing in the three thousand worlds that would be able to defeat this unbelievable enemy…!

* bizarre laugh*

Suddenly, Valkyrie began to laugh. And then, after laughing for a while, she turned her face around. She was tremendously enraged. She spoke with an awfully red face…

「I have an order!! Isister!! 」

She shouted with an enormously loud voice that pierced through the heavens.

Order! She intended to release her suppressed divine power!

Soon Valkyrie’s aura changed from a normal silver to a dazzling silvery. It seemed that the Great Goddess Isister granted Valkyrie’s request.

…Just how much power did she receive with that order…!?

I saw Valkyrie’s skills using my clairvoyance ability…and I was speechless.

The Goddess of Destruction Valkyrie

Level – 999

HP – 999999999

MP – 999999999

Attack – 999999999

Defense – 999999999

Agility – 999999999

Magic – 999999999

Potential – 999999999

Resistance – Fire, Wind, Water, Thunder, Ice, Earth, Holy, Darkness, Poison, Paralysis, Sleep, Curse, Instant Death, Abnormal Condition

Special skills – Status Limit Breakthrough

Skills – Destruction Operation Method

Personality – Fearless

What’s up with this status! So, this was the strongest power of the God’s realm!!

Seiya also saw her ability value. He nodded right next to me.

「Yes. She doesn’t compare to the other gods. Well, a god should originally be something that is far beyond the human knowledge. 」

I’ve never seen a status that broke through the limits! Still, the opponent was a legendary monster that didn’t get damaged by any attacks! On the other hand, what kind of power will the Goddess of Destruction use on that unbeatable demon!? We were holding our breaths as we were watching the fight closely!

Valkyrie took a deep breath. Then, she put her left hand lightly on her right wrist as she faced Tanathus straight on. Soon, an overwhelming aura that swallowed the entire God’s realm started to diverge!

「Take this bastard…! Destruction Operation Method the Final…“Valhala Gate”…!」

I thought that something would be coming out from her hand. But I was wrong. A huge gate appeared above Valkyrie’s head as if it came out of nowhere. At the top of the old-looking gate was the face of a goddess made of plaster.

…Was that…a summoning magic!? I bet she was trying to summon something from that gate!!

A black door, that was not a lattice-like door, appeared on the gate. I couldn’t see the inside because of that door. However, eventually that door started to open slowly.

I was shocked when I saw what was inside.

Inside there was a figure wrapped in a dark robe that held an iron holy cross. It was the god of death Cross Tanathus.

Mash and Elle raised their voices in astonishment.

「*screams* Eh!? How!? Why is Tanathus in there!? 」

「Don’t tell me that he split up in half from the main body!? 」

However, there was no other Tanathus around. There was only one Tanathus and it was inside that gate. That demon must be the one that fought against Valkyrie until now!

「What…What on earth is that technique…!? 」

As soon as I murmured, the goddess of plaster on the top of the gate opened the eyes. The face of that goddess, that resembled a supernatural creature, dripped bright red blood from the opened mouth.

* eccentric laugh*

A creepy laugh was heard. It sounded like it crawled right from the bottom of hell. That disturbing-looking goddess, who laughed like crazy, was bleeding excessively from the mouth. Soon, it started to bleed from the eyes as well.

「That thing is so scary!! 」

I almost wetted myself.

Tanathus tried to crawl out of the gate, but the black door gradually closed with a creepy laughter. Countless of needles were installed outside the door as they pierced Tanathus without mercy.

Although Tanathus was always unresponsive to any magic or attack, when those needles pierced through the door, we heard a crackling sound as if bones were being broken.

* screams*

Suddenly, we heard Tanathus’ voice screaming in distress through the open cavities on the door that the needles pierced through…

* agonizing screams*

I thought the god of death was just a lifeless form with no emotions. And yet, it screamed painfully. Tanathus continued to scream loudly…

* excruciating pain*

An amusing smile appeared on the bloody mouth of the plaster goddess.

* smashing sound*

Then, a heavy sound echoed as the gate closed completely. Soon, the borders of the gate became transparent as if they were disappearing. Before long, the whole gate disappeared as if it melted away.

Everyone was at a loss of words. Yet, Valkyrie spoke with confidence.

「The moment the gate is invoked, it will swallow the target automatically. It will trap the enemy inside, and then it will attack it directly and painfully. Last but not least, it will destroy it completely. It’s the absolute destruction technique…The Valhalla Gate. 」

...

「The needles of destruction from the gate are both tangible and intangible. It breaks everything until it returns to nothing. This rule allows no exception.」

…Valhala Gate…! What a crazy and shameful technique…!!

Valkyrie put her hand on her shoulder as she stood on one knee after the gate of destruction swallowed the so-called invincible god of death.

「Ah…Lady Valkyrie? 」

I approach her because I was worried. Valkyrie looked as if she was hurt because she had a hard time breathing.

「Stay away, Listarte. It’s been thirty seconds. It’s about to come out. 」

「Thirty seconds? Come out? What do you mean? 」

The next moment. A red liquid spilled out from Valkyrie’s shoulder and splashed on my face.

「Is…this…bl…blood!? 」

When I wiped my face with my hand, I screamed when I found out that it was blood. In addition to Valkyrie’s right shoulder, there was also some abnormality on her arms, legs and abdomen…All those places were lacerated as if they were cut with a knife. Blood was spurting everywhere from her body.

「Whoa…! 」

My body froze in shock and Elle was trembling in horror. A bloody Valkyrie opened her mouth.

「The Valhala Gate…uses the user’s life force as a catalyst. If the user were a human, then the catalyst would be his…life. 」

While talking diligently, she started to vomit blood from her mouth. Valkyrie stopped moving as if she was a broken doll.

「Lady Valkyrie!! Are…Are you all right!? 」

Soon, Valkyrie displayed an ecstatic expression.

「Oh no…This has become a habit…! Ah, it feels so good…! 」

「Are you a masochist!? 」

Don’t tell me that she was a pervert as well!? What was wrong with the divinities of the God’s realm!?

Her words made me worried about her sanity. Next to me, Seiya nodded in agreement.

「The previous order was not to give her permission to use that technique. It was an order to give her permission to be resistant to the aftermath of that technique. 」

Seiya’s colored-eyes looked very different when he stared at Valkyrie. It seemed that he activated his clairvoyance ability.

I also wanted to check Valkyrie’s physical strength and know how much it decreased.

The Goddess of Destruction Valkyrie

HP 319851 / 999999999

…Her HP had a dramatic decline! Seiya was correct! …But…this…what…was this feeling?

I felt an uncomfortable pressing on my chest as I saw Valkyrie’s status. When I looked at the place where Valkyrie collapsed, the place was empty. She was nowhere to be found in the vicinity.

Suddenly! Valkyrie appeared behind my back and rubbed my breasts ferociously!

「Ahhhh!! 」

「Hey, Listarte! You brought that bastard here! Am I right? 」

「Well…about that…you know…there’s some truth to it…but…please…stop touching me!」

Mash and Elle were watching me like this…Ahhhh!

「My painting was destroyed! You are indeed the worst! Just look at that! 」

Valkyrie was rubbing my breasts with one hand, while the other hand showed me the drawing torn into pieces. What looked on the remaining pieces was a drawing that looked like it was made by a kindergarten child. But my mind went blank for a moment because my breast were being rubbed intensely.

「You will take responsibility for my unfinished masterpiece! I will rub you until you spill milk from your breasts! Be prepared! 」

Valkyrie was trying to put her hands beneath my undergarments!

「What…What are you doing!? You’re…kidding, right!? Wait!! Don’t do that!!」

However, Valkyrie’s hands didn’t go inside my undergarments no matter how much she wanted to. I noticed that Seiya firmly grabbed Valkyrie’s hands.

…Se…Seiya!? Don’t tell me that you protected me!?

What’s up with him! His actions were too obvious…so, he really liked me in a romantic way, didn’t he? Was I right? He liked me for real? Okay, I understood! He wanted me for himself! It couldn’t be helped…right…? Was I that special? If it was Seiya that stood next to me, then…I wouldn’t mind…I’ll let him touch me too…

However…

「Ugh!! 」

Seiya kicked my bottom violently. The power of his kick was so strong that raw milk exploded from my chest as I rolled on the ground with bare underwear.

「Why did you do that to me all of sudden!? 」

I shouted at him, but he did not even look at my face. Instead, his eyes were sharply pointed at Valkyrie. He did not help me. I was just standing on his way.

「Valkyrie. You are the one after all. You are the best out there to train me.」

「Ah? Train…you say? You watched that, didn’t you? You’ll only be able to accomplish that ultimate technique for a price. 」

「I don’t mind. 」

After cleaning myself from the raw milk, I arranged my dress, stood up and yelled.

「Wait a second, Seiya!! Are you planning on practicing again in the God’s realm!? It’s not been that long since Lady Mithis taught you the skill of the bow, right? Isn’t the pace too fast this time!? 」

「That’s why I came here in the first place. Besides, I can’t go on like this. The enemy is getting stronger and stronger. I need more training. 」

Certainly, if it wasn’t for Valkyrie, Seiya would be in deep trouble to defeat Tanathus. And, perhaps, the next battle will be equally difficult or even more arduous than that. Seiya did not obtain the strongest sword Egzation and neither the legendary armor. In order to save Geabrande, maybe he’ll have to learn the skills of the strongest goddess.

「But Lady Valkyrie said that a human being will have certain death if he used the Valhala Gate technique!」

Abruptly. I felt severe pain on my bottom once again.

「Ahhhh!! 」

Someone was rubbing my bottom aggressively. It was too painful, so I cried even if I was a goddess. When I turned around, I saw Valkyrie who wrinkled her eyebrows.

「How dare you talk without my permission? I don’t intend to teach the destructive technique to anyone. It’s not something that I can teach in the first place. 」

Seiya was staring at Valkyrie.

「That’s what you decided. 」

「It’s impossible. There’s no reason for humans to learn a technique like that. 」

「You’ll only know if it’s impossible if you give it a try. 」

「…You’re a very persistent guy. 」

Valkyrie touched her silver hair as she grinned at Seiya.

「Hey, by the way. The training was going on for a while now…Didn’t you notice it? 」

「What do you mean by that? 」

Soon, Seiya’s expression changed.

「I mean. I’m talking about you, that is. Don’t you understand what I’m saying? Then, I will tell you properly this time. Pay attention… 」

…Suddenly, I heard a dashing sound. Instantly, Seiya put his sword on Valkyrie’s throat.

「What are you implying, you witch? 」

Valkyrie was looking ghastliness. I rushed immediately to their side.

「Se…Seiya!? What on earth are you doing!? 」

Nonetheless, Seiya was staring at Valkyrie with hawk eyes.

「There is no need to say it right now. 」

「Oh my. So, did you realize it? 」

「That’s why I said that I wanted to practice with you. 」

「I see. Just for that purpose huh…I get it now. 」

The two of them glared at each other in silent for a while.

Eh…? Just what…what were they talking about? Maybe Valkyrie sensed with her goddess intuition that Seiya won’t be able to defeat the evil because the special sword and armor weren’t obtained?

I held my breath while I watched them both. Eventually, Valkyrie opened her mouth and showed us an amusingly grin.

「Indeed. This person is certainly different from the other heroes. He might has a slight possibility of acquiring that destructive technique. 」

Seiya lowered his sword after he heard her words. Valkyrie was laughing terribly high.

「But, is it okay? I’ll only teach you the Valhala Gate, get it? 」

「I don’t need other techniques. 」

Valkyrie started to walk away. She spoke without turning around.

「…Come to my room afterwards. 」

—

After Valkyrie left…

「Ah, so you will be training again. In the end, it turned out like this again. I just wanted us to rest today… 」

I murmured through my sleeves, but at the same time, Mash and Elle spoke eagerly to me.

「Listen, Lista! Now that it turned out like this, can we go to Aria’s place? I want to continue with the practice from the other day! 」

「Ah! I want to go as well! I want to learn a new magic as soon as possible!」

Last time, they had to clean the flies’ corpses with their newly acquired magic skills. They lost enthusiasm in the process…But they looked so motivated right now. How pure they were. Well…I guess it was a good thing then.

「Yes. I don’t mind. Aria will be pleased as well. You can go now. 」

When I acknowledged them, both Mash and Elle waved goodbye to Seiya and I, and ran away.

I became alone with Seiya on the rooftop. I took a deep breath.

「*sighs* So next, you will acquire the destruction technique. But it can’t be helped. You couldn’t get the special sword and armor. Ah. I wonder why we have to go through this repeatedly. Why is so difficult to save an S-rank world? Why do I feel that Seiya is comparing this to those impossible-to-finish games that your world possess? 」

I was complaining to Seiya because no one was around us. However, Seiya didn’t sympathize with me and just told me to let go.

「Complaining won’t help us solve this problem. The status quo doesn’t matter that much. We just need to find the best way out. 」

Suddenly, Seiya approached me to show me something. There was a thing on his open palm.

「This is a fragment of the legendary armor. I picked this up when we were in Izale Village.」

「Is that the Adamantite that the big turtle chewed up? What are you going to do with it?」

「We can’t make an armor with this insignificant size. But… 」

Seiya pulled out the platinum sword from his waist and put the Adamantite pieces in the blade. He took my curly hair from his pocket and added to the blade. Soon, the platinum sword increased in radiance.

「I used synthesis to combine the remains with the sword. The amount of effect won’t be that great, but it’s better than nothing. 」

It looked like a divine sword. Even if it was held by Seiya’s hand, the sword seemed to shine brightly by itself as if it gained a personality of its own.

「It will be called “Adamantiter”. I don’t know how frightening the Demon King is, but in the meantime, I managed to make a better and stronger sword.」

「Se…Seiya…You truly are one of a kind…! 」

My heart beat fast when I looked at the shining sword that gleamed more than gold. I felt that this hero was extraordinary as he took away any negative feeling that I had inside.

I entangled my arm within Seiya’s arm on impulse.

「You never give in to pressure!! Seiya is amazing after all!! I’m counting on you!!」

「…Stay away from me, Lista. 」

Seiya hated kinship. But I didn’t let go.

「*grins amusingly* You don’t have to be embarrassed! We are not in a romantic relationship, you know!」

「…I said to stay away. 」

「No! Because Seiya…You had my curly hair hidden on your pocket…! C’mon! If you weren’t Seiya I wouldn’t be able to forgive you!」

This looked like a love comedy with sweet bickering. I looked angrily cute at Seiya. Well, actually I was not that angry! I’d rather hug him tight!

「Lista… 」

「Hmm? What? 」

I was expecting some lovey-dovey development between us somewhere deep in my heart. Nevertheless, my heart froze when I heard Seiya’s words. Seiya said to me with a serious face.

「You…stink. So, stay away from me. 」

「You’re kidding, right!? Do I smell that badly!? What kind of smell do I have!? 」

「…Sour. 」

「Then, that means my body odor is getting strong!! I…I’m going to take a bath quickly!!」

「Do as you please. I am going to Valkyrie’s room. 」

When he said that my body odor was “sour”, this was no longer a love comedy. Seiya and I went into different directions. When I was walking to the public bath in the temple, I came across Celseus in the hallway. Steam was rising from his body. It looked like he just left the bath.

「Ah, Celseus. Did you took a bath? 」

I thought that he would feel refreshing after taking a bath. Yet, he was in very bad mood.

「*sounds frustrated* I went to wash my face on the public bath because of the cake….I made that cake with so much confidence…and yet…it was my face who ate it…I’m a laughing stock.」

Celseus laughed masochistically. I also laughed awkwardly.

「Well…was it delicious? 」

「No, of course it wasn’t delicious!! I made the cake with a lot of effort, and in the end, it was smashed onto my face!! I even got tears in my eyes!! 」

「Is…Is that so. I’m sorry. 」

After a deep sigh, Celseus suddenly recalled something.

「By the way, did you know that Lady Isister has been looking for you? 」

「What? The Great Goddess Isister? Why? 」

「She is probably angry because a demon appeared in the God’s realm. 」

「Oh my. Se…Seriously? 」

「You should go. 」

…I really wanted to take a bath. But I changed directions. I went to the Great Goddess Isister’s room.

—

After knocking, I said 「Excuse me 」 when I opened the door. The Great Goddess Isister was sitting on a chair and I noticed that she was knitting as usual.

「Listarte. You came. 」

I was a little relieved to see the unfussy expression of the Great Goddess Isister.

「Ah, excuse me. I heard that you were looking for me. Is it because of that demon?」

「Yes. But that was not your fault. That other one came along without permission, am I right? And it seems that Valkyrie cleared it up. There is no problem.」

「Then, Lady Isister. Why did you want to see me? 」

The Great Goddess Isister stopped knitting.

「It seems that the last of the Four General Kings from the Devil’s Army will be making a move in Geabrande soon. That demon will be leading a great army to attack the Imperial Capital. 」

「What!! 」

I was going to say 「Are you sure! 」, but I didn’t. The Great Goddess Isister could foresee the near future. So, there was no mistake on what she said.

「Lista. This is a crucial point. 」

「Yes! I’ll do my best! 」

「By the way…Is Valkyrie teaching Ryuguuin Seiya at this moment? 」

「Ye…Yes…Was it a bad idea? 」

「Valkyrie’s destruction technique…He didn’t obtain the Egzation and the Legendary Armor in the end. So, this option was probably an act of desperation.」

It seemed that the Great Goddess Isister knew about everything as expected.

「I don’t think that humans can learn Valkyrie’s godly techniques. However, we’re talking about that hero. Perhaps, there is a high possibility that he will be able to learn. 」

Oh! The Great Goddess Isister recognized Seiya’s abilities! I really felt proud as the goddess in charge of him!

「Even so, there isn’t much time left before the last of the Four General Kings attacks the Imperial Capital. You need to head back to Geabrande when the time is right. Because this time, I will allow you to arrive in the vicinity of Rosgard’s Imperial Capital. 」

「I…I understand! Thank you very much! 」

I said my respects to the Great Goddess Isister when I was leaving her room. Yet.

「Lista. Is that child…Is Ryuguuin Seiya that strong? 」

She suddenly asked me a question. I answered with a smile.

「Yes! He is the strongest hero I’ve ever met! When he finishes his practice, he will say “Perfectly Ready!” He displays so much confidence that I feel a sense of security! Geabrande is a tough world to save, but I am sure that he will be able to save it in the end! 」

After I reassured her, the Great Goddess Isister’s eyes became stern when she looked at me.

「Listarte. Soon, you will know the real strength of Ryuguuin Seiya. 」

「Eh. What…? 」

What on earth was that supposed to mean? “Real strength”? Wasn’t Seiya already too strong…?

It was a strange remark. I thought for a while because I was confused. When I looked at the Great Goddess Isister, her face returned to the usual unfussy expression.

「Sorry for asking you to come here when you should have been taking a bath. You should go now. You smell like vinegar most probably due to the long trip.」

...

The next morning my whole body was tingling when I got up from my bed. I didn’t know why for a moment, but ah, I remembered. Yesterday, I soaked my body repeatedly and scrubbed it like crazy in the public bath.

I wore a clean white dress and I sprinkled perfume on myself.

Okay, perfect! I won’t let anyone say that my smell is sour!

I opened the door of my room and walked through the aisle of the temple. I encountered Valkyrie on my way. I noticed that she was holding a white canvas and a paintbrush. It seemed that she was taking a break from practice. She will probably use this free time for her hobby. Maybe she will try to paint the same poor drawing again.

「Hello, Lady Valkyrie. By the way, how is Seiya doing? 」

「…Why are you giggling so much? 」

Eh…Was I giggling that much? But I thought that he would be probably alright. Even if she said that it would be “impossible for humans” to achieve that fearsome technique, I was sure that Seiya had almost mastered her skills!

Valkyrie spit a short sigh.

「It’s just as you imagined. That guy is outrageous. He already learnt a few steps of the destruction technique.」

「See, I was right!! *laughs* I thought that would be the case!! 」

I showed her a big smile on my face.

「Why…You are actually laughing, you blockhead! 」

* knocking sound* Valkyrie hit on my head.

「It…It hurts! But…don’t you agree! That hero is a genius after all! 」

「You keep being ridiculous even after I hit you. 」

After snorting, Valkyrie quickly said.

「Surely, there is a pinch of natural talent. But that’s all. There’s no way he will be able to surpass me with my own skills. Listen, Listarte… 」

Valkyrie muttered with a serious-looking face.

「What matters is the resolution. 」

「Resolution? 」

I heard an unexpected word. Resolution…? Seiya’s resolution…What was that?

「You should learn from him. 」

* screams*

Suddenly, I felt excruciating pain on my bottom! Valkyrie kicked my bum and went straightaway to the rooftop.

Don’t kick my bum! Well, anyway, this time it seemed to be going well!

After that, I went to Aria’s room. When I quietly opened the door, I noticed that Mash and Elle were sitting side by side. They were mentally focused.

Aria saw that I came in. She prepared some bread and put on their hands. She smiled at them and said; 「Let’s take a break 」.

Aria prepared some tea for the both of us. I asked her about their training progress.

「Well. It’s a bit early to tell. But, I think I’ll be able to release their spiritual power a little bit more…That’s what I believe. 」

「Yes! I can feel a very good presence coming from them! 」

Both of them were bright people. And I understood their unwavering determination.

「I want to be useful to Mister Seiya as fast as possible! 」

Unexpectedly, Elle showed me an innocent smile. Mash also nodded in agreement.

「Yeah! I must be ready to help my Master on crucial moments! 」

We drank a cup of tea made by Aria as everyone chatted for a moment. Soon, I felt a bit uncomfortable because I would be disturbing the next session of their training. Therefore, I left the room.

…Mash and Elle were working really hard on their training.

…Seiya was trying to learn a new technique that will be able to defeat the Demon King because he didn’t obtain the holy sword and the legendary armor.

Somehow, I was feeling a bit frustrated.

I returned to my room and thought for a while…I finally made a decision.

…Okay, it’s decided!! Yes, I completely decided!! Everyone was trying their hardest!! I won’t say that I’m embarrassed! I’ll do it myself!!

—

Three days have passed since we came to the God’s realm.

In Aria’s room, Mash and Elle were smiling joyfully.

「What? Did something good happen? 」

Aria also told me happily.

「Lista. Their training is complete. 」

「Eh!! And what are the results!? 」

「In fact, Mash can transform into a full dragon god with ease. Elle got a new auxiliary magic called “Quick”.」

「That’s incredible you two!! 」

I praised them but they looked a bit shy. Then, Aria turned her eyes at them and changed her expression to a serious-looking face.

「Elle. You haven’t reached a good level yet where you can perform both “Haste” and “Quick” at the same time. You can only use both of them once a day. You’ll need to think wisely, when it’s the best time to use those magic skills together.」

「Yes! Thank you, Lady Aria! 」

「Mash. It’s the same for you. Originally, to open the seal of your power would take you several years. Once you turn into a dragon and then revert, you won’t be able to use that skill for a few hours.」

「Yeah! Understood! 」

Even so, I was surprised to see that Mash and Elle grew much faster than I anticipated! Now, only Seiya was left, but surely, Seiya will…!

Suddenly, Aria was facing me with a worried face.

「Listen, Lista. Adenela told me that Lady Valkyrie and Seiya…have been locked in her room for a long time. 」

「Hmm? But isn’t that always the case? 」

「At first, I thought so as well…But I never know what goes inside Lady Valkyrie’s head. I can never predict her actions. You should better go and check on them as fast as you can. It would be bad if a similar incident like the one with Mithis repeated again, am I right? 」

「What!? Do you mean that Lady Valkyrie could attack Seiya!? That would be disastrous…」

Impossible…That couldn’t be…right?

I became extremely anxious and I jumped out of Aria’s room.

「Wa…Wait, Lista! 」

「Lisutan! 」

Both of them came right behind me.

I ran to Valkyrie’s room…

「Excuse me!! Sorry for intruding!! 」

I opened the door without knocking.

「!! 」

I saw something terrible inside.

There was something frugal in the center of the spacious room. There were two naked bodies entangled with one another on top of the double sized bed.

「What…what…what!? What the hell are two doing over there!? 」

I screamed. But they were staring at each other’s breaths and not onto their eyes. A red-faced Valkyrie whispered in Seiya’s ear.

「This is…my first time. 」

Seiya also turned his hot gaze to Valkyrie.

「Yeah…Me, too. 」

I rushed to the two of them who were having an intimate talk. I forcibly hugged Seiya and pulled him off from Valkyrie.

「Hey, Lista. What are you doing? 」

「That’s what I should be saying!! I thought that you were training seriously…but you were…doing this…this stuff!! Where is your underwear!? Just wear your damn underwear!!」

「Why are you misunderstanding the situation? This is part of my training.」

「What part are you talking about!? I don’t remember telling you to do sexual training!!」

I got closer to Seiya to ask him without Valkyrie listening.

「Li…Listen, don’t you remember that Lady Mithis forced you to do those filthy acts!? Did you forgot!?」

「No. This is not like that time. We’ve both agreed. 」

「A…Agreed!? Are you saying that you and Lady Valkyrie agreed on this!?」

I bit my lips as I looked angrily at Valkyrie. Valkyrie looked way too relaxed for having her breasts exposed like that.

「Ah. What you just did with me…You truly did it… 」

「So, you two really did it!? 」

This…This was a completely serious situation!! They crossed the line!! A sexual intercourse between a goddess and a human was a totally forbidden act!! Bad things will surely happen if the Great Goddess Isister knew about this!!

「Well, don’t worry. I will explain this to Isister. She won’t complain that much if I apologize.」

If she were the one to apologize, maybe the worst thing that would happen to Seiya was to retire from his hero job. But that was not the problem.

I stroke my heart and, then, I raised my voice against Valkyrie.

「What on earth were you thinking!? 」

「It can’t be helped. It’s true that this guy is definitely a good man. That’s why I had to do that too.」

I felt dizzy after I heard an obvious confession of love.

「Why did you do that?…Did you forget that a sexual intercourse between a goddess and a human is absolutely prohibited!?」

「Ah? What are you talking about?…Geez. That’s why a blockhead like you is a third-rate goddess.」

「Third-rate….you say…? 」

Finally, I exploded.

「I don’t want to be told that by a filthy goddess that is embracing a naked human being!!」

「Listarte!! You bitch!! 」

I grabbed my chest because I was nervous. But I wouldn’t lose against her.

「Wh…What!! I am right!! I am also doing my best you know!! Just look at this!! I did my best to prepare this for Seiya today, and yet, “this” is what I get from you!!」

I wanted to give Seiya the box I held on my hands. However, Valkyrie took the box herself and took the contents out to the palm of her hand.

「What’s this thing…? Hair strings…? 」

The strange complexion Valkyrie had on her face gradually changed.

「He…Hey, Listarte…! Don’t…Don’t tell me that these hair strings are…! 」

「That’s right!! It’s my private hair!! 」

「Don’t say “it’s my private hair” that easily!! How can you give this to him as if it was nothing special!! Are you serious!? You must be insane, you blockhead!!」

Valkyrie closed her hands with my private hair and…she threw it directly to me like a “hairball”.

「I am serious you know!! I thought earnestly about what I could do to help Seiya!! I came up with this idea and I carefully collected my curly hair by pulling them out!!」

「You…You are…! You are a creepy and frightening goddess…! 」

「No, I didn’t do that for any ulterior motives!! I did it because it is very useful!!」

Valkyrie’s eyes altered her complexion as if she changed her opinion about me.

「I didn’t know that Listarte was such a bad person. I’ll…I’ll stop massaging you to get milk…」

She looked at me as if I was a pervert. Behind me…

「Li…Lista. Don’t tell me that you are serious… 」

「Lisutan…That was a bit…How could you… 」

I heard Mash and Elle’s surprising voices.

Wh..Why!? Why did it turn out like this!? I just brought it for the sake of synthesis, that’s all…!!

I looked at the gift on my hands.

In order to defeat the Demon King, Seiya was trying to master the destruction technique…

Mash and Elle were training hard because they wanted to be useful…

That’s why I wanted to do something meaningful as well…

On that moment, my brain switched back to normal after I went through exasperation.

…Eh!! What’s this!? “Private hair”!? What the hell!? Why did I try to even give this to Seiya personally!? Am I that crazy!?

As soon as I became sane, I felt that, shame, sorrow and despair, fell hard on my head.

* screams*

I screamed while I cried because I was ashamed, depressed and hurt. And…

「*yells* Seiya!! 」

I ran while I cried and I embraced Seiya with my runny nose in search of salvation. Yet, Seiya pushed my forehead with one hand.

「Stop it. Dirty. Don’t come near me. You’re dirty. 」

He said I was dirty twice. I cried even more.

「Please don’t!! *sobs* Don’t hate me!! *yells desperately* 」

「Then stop crying. You’re worse than Rosalie now. 」

He said that I was worse than the warlord princess. Somehow, I stopped crying aloud. However, tears were still overflowing from my eyes. I just couldn’t stop my tears because of my overwhelming feelings.

「But…But Seiya is bad too!! You laid in bed with Lady Valkyrie!! 」

「I didn’t do such a thing. 」

「Then, why were you hugging each other naked!? 」

「I said it was part of my training. 」

Seiya had a serious expression. But I thought it was a lame excuse.

「Lista. You are being delusional. Why do you complain and cry all the time?」

I…I just didn’t know why! Why was I sad in times like these? Was I that frustrated? Even if I liked Seiya so much, he was a human being and I was goddess. Then, why? But…

…I couldn’t explain it that well. But it felt that my favorite person was being taken away from me!!

I asked Seiya persistently.

「Did you not laid down with her? Are you really expecting me to believe that?」

Seiya spoke after a deep sigh.

「I’ve been saying that it was part of my training for a while now. 」

「Really? Are you really sure? Do you swear to god? 」

「The god is you. Are you that stupid? 」

After a moment of silence…

「…I understand. I can’t believe it that much…But for the time being, I’ll believe you.」

After I spoke, I wiped my tears with my dress’ sleeves.

Seiya scratched his head after all that tantrum. Then, he took the hairball from my hand and…

「Put it in that bag, with my other belongings. 」

He threw it to Mash.

「Whoa!! What the hell!! 」

Mash was startled and threw it away immediately as if he was touching something burning.

「E…Elle! You take it! 」

「No…No way! That was given to you Mash! I don’t want it! Never! 」

…I was about to cry after I saw their hurtful interaction. However, Seiya spoke to Mash seriously.

「Mash. You keep it. 」

「Wha…! Un…Understood…! 」

Mash took my private hair reluctantly and he put it inside the luggage.

「Okay…Then, have you guys finished your training? 」

「Ye…Yeah! And what about you Master, have you finished as well? 」

「Yeah. 」

Seiya nodded in agreement. He looked at Valkyrie afterwards.

「I was in your care, Valkyrie. 」

「Seiya. Will you…come again? 」

「Probably. 」

The two of them were staring deeply at each other.

「Se…Seiya! Let’s go now! The last of the Four General Kings is about to attack the Imperial Capital!」

I pressed hard on Seiya’s back. I wanted to leave this place as soon as possible.

「I got permission from the Great Goddess Isister! She will let us take a shortcut to arrive directly at the Imperial Capital! So let’s hurry! Geabrande is on a state of emergency now! 」

I forcibly took him out of the room. I casted the spell right away and the portal to Geabrande appeared instantly.

After Seiya left Valkyrie’s room, he looked at the surroundings for a while. It looked as if he was a bit reluctant. However, soon, he made up his mind as he touched his glossy black hair right in front of the magical portal.

「Okay…Let’s go. 」

He opened the portal doors and went inside.

At that time. I felt a sight discomfort when I looked at Seiya’s back. But I didn’t care much because I was extremely upset about Valkyrie. I thought lightly that “something might’ve happened”, but I felt it wasn’t that significant.

... Сейя не произнес обычных слов” совершенно готов " после окончания тренировки.

I wanted to get away from Valkyrie. Therefore, I pushed Seiya in a hurry as if it was a “life-and-death” situation. We managed to arrive in Geabrande extremely fast. When we arrived, I heard a thundering sound on my ears.

「Rosgard is on a brink of a critical situation!! 」

I heard a loud voice nearby.

We arrived right in front of the Imperial Capital from the portal. A soldier, wearing an armor with the coat of arms of the Rosgard Empire, was shouting really high…I saw other soldiers…Actually, a lot of soldiers…What was going on!? Wasn’t it a bit too early for this!?

There were more than a thousand soldiers lined up in several rows. They all had weapons and they had dreadful looks on their faces. I became startled when I saw the opposite side of the line.

I was dumbfounded. I saw familiar black wings. It resembled those of the Great Demon. Actually, the demons resembled Chaos Makina, one of the Four Generals from the Devil’s Army. They were assembling a formation line ten meters away from us. There was a horde of demonic monsters getting ready to confront the thousands of soldiers from the Imperial Army in battle.

「Don’t tell me that this is…the battlefield location…! 」

I got an ominous feeling that this imminent situation would “explode” at any minute. Mash pulled out the sword from his sheath and took an offensive stance. Elle hid behind me.

We were aware of the demonic forces, but before I knew it, the allied Imperial soldiers surrounded us.

「Who are you people? Where did you come from? 」

「They are suspicious! 」

「No way! Are they underlings of the Devil’s Army? 」

「No. We are… 」

When I tried to get rid of this misunderstanding…

「These people are not our enemies! It’s the goddess and the hero’s group!」

I heard a robust voice. When I looked back, I saw an elderly soldier with a beard. When he noticed that we were staring at him, he changed his strict attitude and kindly bowed his head.

「It’s been a long while! I give you my gratitude for saving the Semul town back then! 」

…Eh…This person…Who was he again? Ah, that’s right! The senior soldier who arrived in Semul’s church looking for the undead!

Seiya asked bluntly.

「More importantly. What is the current situation? 」

「Eliza Kaiser from the Four General Kings led an army of demons with swords and attacked the Imperial Capital! Although we had the advantage in numbers, our army had to retreat because of their terrible offensive power! This is the crucial point in Urges highway that leads to Orphe, the Imperial Capital…! 」

「In…In other words, you got cornered in your city’s water edge!? 」

The soldiers nodded with distressing faces.

「But…They cornered us here to slow down the attacks. We’re in a state where we don’t know what’s going on.」

It was true that the demons didn’t try to move forward. They just looked at their opponents. It was as if they were waiting for something.

Eventually, there was movement on the enemy side. A demon, with a body that was remarkably larger than the other demons, appeared by breaking their formation lines.

The demon’s head was like a goat with a curved horn. The muscles of the demon’s whole body shined in black as if the muscles were armor themselves. The first thing I noticed was the arms. The demon had three arms on its right side, and the same number of arms on its left side. All six of the demon’s arms were equipped with swords and battle-axes.

Seiya’s sharp eyes were pointed towards the enemy.

「The aura is different from the other demons. He is the last of the Four General Kings. 」

「That is the Eliza Kaiser of the Four General Kings…! 」

That demon stood a little ahead of the formation line. The six-arm demon started talking with a low voice in the human language.

「Humans!! Bring your strongest man!! 」

Seiya snorted a bored sigh.

「It seems that he is trying to show off his power. His plans to defeat the strongest soldier of the Imperial Army to crush his enemy’s morale. After doing so, he would plunge in and destroy the Imperial Capital.」

I…I see! I mean, for an enemy to show off his power proudly like that…It means this enemy was a very strong opponent himself, was that right…?

I invoked my clairvoyance ability to see the status of General King Eliza.

Eliza Kaiser

Level – 88

HP – 245842

MP – 98564

Attack – 218333

Defense – 207465

Agility – 140251

Magic – 87654

Resistance – Fire, Wind, Water, Thunder, Ice, Earth, Poison, Paralysis, Sleep, Instant Death

Special skills – Full Magic Attack Power Conversion (Lv MAX), Flight (Lv MAX), Evil Eye (Lv 15)

Skills – Mode Demonic Six

Personality – Ferocity

Ugh! The attack and defense power exceeds 200,000 just as Kill Capul predicted! Also, the other numbers were high as well! This demon had a very balanced status! Except for Tanathus whose status was omitted, this demon might be the strongest enemy we’ve met!

Eliza glared at the Imperial Army with evil blood-red eyes.

「What’s wrong!! Why aren’t any of you coming out!? Is the Imperial Army just made of human cowards!?」

Before I knew it, there were countless of soldiers from the Imperial Army around Seiya.

「Sir hero! Please! 」

「Defeat him! Please, defeat that demon! 」

The soldiers around Seiya knew that he was the famous brave hero. Therefore, they begged for his help.

…But, he will be forced to fight immediately with the last of the Four General Kings!? Just as we got out of the portal? Was Seiya going to be alright!? Was he prepared to fight that soon!?

But as usual, Seiya drew the sword out from his sheath without changing his facial expression. The soldiers voiced a small cheer 「Oh! 」. Seiya tried to step forward…But his leg stopped.

I saw that a soldier was already walking towards Eliza Kaiser from afar. Although the distance was very far, I could see clearly that it was a soldier. A white-haired soldier, dressed in a golden armor like the one that Rosalie wore before, approached Eliza without fear.

「Is that…the Warlord…Emperor…? 」

Someone confused murmured near us. Soon, all of the thousand Imperial soldiers’ voices screamed aloud simultaneously.

「The Warlord Emperor!! It’s the Warlord Emperor!! 」

「His Majesty came out from the Imperial Castle in order to save us!! 」

Mash was narrowing his eyes.

「Is that person the Warlord…? Rosgard’s strongest warrior…Is that really him? 」

“Warlord”. His sword was said to be able to tear the heavens apart and break the earth. However, his head was full of white hair. Deep wrinkles carved on his face. The Emperor was much older than I imagined.

「So…He…looks like a grandpa… 」

It seemed that Elle was also surprised. When I thought of Rosalie’s father, I imagined a man on his late forties, early fifties. But the Emperor was an old soldier who was over seventy years old.

The distance between them was only a few meters away from each other. Suddenly, Eliza mocked the approaching Emperor.

「Hey. Who is that old man? 」

The demons behind him started to laugh as well.

「*laughs amusingly* I don’t remember asking you to give me a sacrifice!!」

I pulled Seiya’s arm when I heard the demons laugh.

「He is going to be a true sacrifice if this keeps going on!! Seiya, let’s go!! We have to help!!」

Yet, Seiya didn’t move an inch.

「Don’t be deceived by his appearance. Just look at that gramps’ status. 」

「Eh? 」

「I don’t think there is a human like him… 」

Seiya murmured quickly. I caught a glimpse of the Emperor’s status using my clairvoyance ability.

Warlord Emperor Wolks Rosgard

Level – 90

HP – 259985

MP – 0

Attack – 189633

Defense – 176358

Agility – 148796

Magic – 0

Potential – 777

Resistance – Fire, Water, Thunder, Ice, Darkness, Poison, Paralysis, Instant Death, Abnormal Condition

Special skills – Light Protection (Lv MAX), Attack Power Evolution (Lv MAX)

Skills – Style Saint Light, Crash Saint Light, Massive Saint Light

Personality – Exceptionally Courageous

「…What’s with that status!! 」

I was astonished when I saw the Emperor’s capability value.

「Death will fall upon all of you! Go to hell…! 」

Three of Eliza’s hands attacked the Emperor using three great swords. However, the Warlord Emperor stopped the swords attack with a golden shield. A heavy and dull uproar echoed everywhere.

「Oh…I never thought that I would see a proper shield that didn’t break with my single strike. So, you didn’t come here just to be killed after all. I changed my opinion about you, old man.」

And then, Eliza grinned devilishly.

「I’ll show you…“Mode Demonic Six”! 」

All of Eliza’s arms were equipped with weapons that were faced towards the Emperor. Soon, a black aura was emitted from Eliza’s body. That fearsome demon took an offensive position.

I couldn’t stand to watch it because it was too nerve-wracking. So, I pulled Seiya’s arm.

「Seiya! Certainly, the status of the Emperor is far above from a human capability! But both the attack and defense powers are inferior to Eliza’s! He needs reinforcements! 」

「I guess so. 」

Seiya tried to move forward, yet…

「He doesn’t need your help. 」

A cold voice echoed from behind. Before I knew it, a handsome young man of unknown age stood behind us. He was wearing a white robe with a gold embroidery.

「Nice to meet you, Lady goddess and Sir hero. My name is Flasika, the thunder wizard. 」

He kneeled gracefully as he introduced himself.

「Wait a second, Mister Flasika!! What do you mean he doesn’t need our help!? It doesn’t matter how strong the Warlord Emperor is!! Can’t you see that his opponent is one of the Four General Kings!?」

I perfectly knew firsthand how terrifying the Four General Kings were in Geabrande. Each of them had a demonic force of no less than B-rank difficulty.

At this precise moment, Eliza was striking the Emperor with the six-arm weapons. The Emperor kept on using his gigantic shield against those strikes. It looked like he had a defensive strategy.

…I couldn’t watch! The difference in abilities was obvious! If we don’t hurry, he’ll be chopped to pieces!

During that time, my worst fears came in unexpectedly early. The shield of the Warlord Emperor received a strong blow from the six arms and was cast away.

「Ugh! 」

That demon laughed while he tried to stab the Emperor with the swords! The Emperor failed to dodge the attacks and started to bleed on his cheek! The continuous strikes did not stop! The Emperor’s arms, legs, were…Those body parts were not covered with armor, so they were vulnerable against the enemy’s attacks! He will be cut repeatedly!

「I…I can’t watch this! He is going to die! 」

Still, contrary to my impatience, Flasika was calm.

「It’s okay. That’s how His Majesty fights. 」

Flasika was staring at Eliza as if he was watching a fool.

「After this, there won’t be any more demons to invade Orphe, the Imperial Capital.」

I was perplexed. It was the Emperor who was cornered! What was wrong with this Flasika guy? It was not only him. The other Imperial soldiers were silently watching the battle between their Emperor and the enemy.

If he lost his shield and only defended himself with a single sword, there would be no way that he would be able to prevent the Demonic Six attacks. I could only wait until he was gradually chopped up.

However. The Warlord Emperor finally opened his robust mouth.

「Those are fierce sword attacks…As expected of the Four General Kings. But… 」

He spoke as if he was having fun.

「I’m accustomed…  」

Instantly. We could hear consecutive metal sounds from wielding swords. Then…

「What just…happened? 」

Eliza’s face, which was looking down on the emperor with overwhelming confidence not too long ago, changed to a troubled-looking expression. I couldn’t understand what was going on! Eliza’s eyes could not see the Emperor’s single sword attacks! That confused demon stroke repeatedly with his six-arms, and still, the human with only a single sword prevailed! And then…

「Style Saint Light…! 」

The sword of the Emperor started to emit a strong light. The beam of light was released towards Eliza!

* Bang*

One out of six…Eliza’s arm with a battle-axe fell to the ground. Black blood was scattered around!

「Ba…Bastard…! 」

Then, the trajectory of the light ray was drawn into the space and it created a geometric pattern. In a second, pieces fell to the ground! The remaining arms rolled in the floor!

「Ho…How…! It’s impossible…! This man is a human, not a hero… 」

「I apologize for not being the hero. 」

The Emperor raised his mighty sword above his head…

「Crash Saint Light! 」

It hit Eliza’s head! However, the sword’s light pierced through Eliza’s body in a straight line! The sword swing was extremely fast! The sword’s light came from outside Eliza’s crotch and hit the ground, creating a crater from the impact! Soon, an earthquake occurred! I lost my position and I almost fell to the ground!

「You’re…kidding, right!? Did he really defeat the…last of the Four General Kings…!?」

The soldiers’ cheers roared on my ears while I dazed away. Somehow, I managed to hold Seiya’s feet in the meantime.

「Se…Seiya! Why? How the Emperor won against Eliza? I thought that the Emperor was losing against Eliza’s attacking power not that long ago, am I right? How could he attack faster and stronger than those fearsome six-arms?」

「You need to see the Warlord Emperor’s status once again. 」

After I was told to use my clairvoyance ability, I looked at the Emperor who was putting his sword back on his sheath.

Warlord Emperor Wolks Rosgard

Attack 227512

「…Eh!? The status of his attack changed!? 」

「It seems that it got higher during the battle. And it exceeded Eliza’s status.」

「How…How is that even possible! 」

I was speechless. The enemy soldiers were not that thrilled by the turn of events. Soon, there was movement in the enemy side after they lost their leader.

「How…How dare you kill Lord Eliza!! 」

「The enemy is just a mere human!! 」

The horde of angry demons started to advance forward in order to attack the Emperor. However, the Emperor drew his sword again and raised it to the top.

「Massive Saint Light…! 」

The sword of the Emperor was engulfed in a bright light. Suddenly, the sword extended in length! He slowly moved that great sword of light that stretched through the skyline…It scythed down! The dozens of demons that jumped to attack the Emperor were torn apart from their torso!

* screams*

The complexion of the surviving demons dramatically changed. The demons trembled with fear.

* frightened screams*

The Warlord Emperor counter attacked!! Every time he wielded his huge sword of light, the demons became lifeless corpses cut in pieces! In addition, after watching the offensive strikes from their Emperor, the Imperial Army raised their swords in unison and headed towards the Demon Army! At the same time, thunder fell from the heavens! The demons became scorched by the powerful lightening magic!

「De…Defeat! Defeat…!! 」

That was the result of the demons strategy. They were supposed to kill the human enemy, but they were killed instead. The result was that the demons’ attack failed and they were defeated.

In the midst of this, the Warlord Emperor changed directions and walked slowly towards us. He loosened his face and laughed.

「My, my. I wonder if an old man like myself took the victory credit from our Sir Hero. 」

Without even asking, the Emperor seemed to know that I was a goddess and that Seiya was the hero. I lowered my head to the Warlord Emperor.

「No, no! There is no problem! On the contrary, your Majesty defeated a formidable enemy, so I would like to thank you! 」

Mash and Elle were excited.

「Warlord Emperor, you were really amazing! 」

「I can’t believe it yet! The last of the Four General Kings was finally defeated!」

The Emperor crushed the feelings of admiration right in front of the boy and girl.

「I’m getting too old. If I confronted an enemy like this in the past, I would not take this much time just to defeat it.」

What!? When he was young he was a lot stronger than now!? What kind of human was he!?

Surprisingly, the Warlord Emperor bowed his head in reverence.

「Lady goddess. I am honored to meet you. 」

「Eh…Ah…Yes… 」

I was a little embarrassed by his gentle attitude. Ah, no, there was no need for me to be embarrassed! That’s right! Originally, this was supposed to be the regular attitude when a person meets a goddess for the first time! Seiya treated me so unkindly that I forgot what was supposed to be like!

「Please come to the Imperial Castle later on. There is something I would like to show you.」

「Something to show me? What’s that? 」

「Please, look forward to it. 」

The Emperor invited me to his castle with a gentle expression. Of course, there shouldn’t be any problem to go. But, I couldn’t suppress the question that arose on my mind.

「Ah, excuse me, your Majesty. But why won’t you participate in destroying the devil forces, even though you’re so strong?」

Then, the Warlord Emperor gave me a slightly painful expression.

「That’s because… 」

「That’s because? 」

At that very moment, I heard his excruciating voice…

「Ugh! 」

The Emperor crouched while he grabbed his chest. Flasika noticed what was happening and came rushing to us.

「This…This is bad! Warlord Emperor! Clear everyone from here! Hurry! Hurry up! 」

* agonizing sound*

The Emperor screamed in pain. And Flasika yelled to everyone around us.

Don’t…Don’t tell me that the Emperor had an incurable disease!? Was this the reason why the Emperor could not leave the Imperial Capital!?

「Warlord Emperor is…Warlord Emperor will… 」

The usually calm wizard Flasika became nervous as he yelled extremely loud.

「The Warlord Emperor will become an idiot!! 」

…Eh…!?

* dripping sound*

I heard a weird sound. When I looked closely, I noticed that liquid dripped off from the crotch of the Emperor without stopping.

Where was his majestic face? The powerful Warlord Emperor had small tears on the corner of his eyes. He spoke while biting his thumb like a young child.

「*sobs*…Feels wet. It’s leaking out…*sobs* 」

...

「Somebody…Somebody…Please, give me a towel!! 」

After Flasika received a towel prepared by the soldiers…

「Excuse me! 」

He placed it between the Emperor’s legs.

「Whoa…It’s wet and disgusting…Hey, my underwear…Is it okay to take it off here?」

「N…No! Please, be patient! 」

* sobs*

The half-naked Warlord Emperor started to cry as he displayed a runny nose.

Elle, Mash and I were hardened like stones. We were more shocked by this unbelievable situation than when we were with the demons with swords. Seiya was looking at the Emperor with his usual normal demeanor as if it was nothing special.

「Hey, Lista. Look at the Emperor’s abilities using your clairvoyance power.」

「But, we already looked at his status, right? 」

「Look at it again. 」

I focused on my special skill to look at the Emperor’s status…

Warlord Emperor Wolks Rosgard

Special skills: Aging (Lv MAX), Peeing (Lv 8), Infant Regression (Lv 9)

「What ridiculous special skills!! Since when Aging became Level Max!? 」

「Now we know why the Emperor can’t leave the Imperial Capital. 」

Soon, the Warlord Emperor stopped crying as if he forgot his crotch was wet moments ago.

「Butterfly! Butterfly! 」

He started to run around with his hands stretched to the sky. By the way, I didn’t any fly that resembled a butterfly flying around here.

…This…This was terrible…! Don’t tell me that this was a “primary nursing level”…!

During this time. The sound of horses’ hooves was heard from behind our backs. When I turned around, I saw a female knight with a familiar blue hair that approached us with a white horse.

「Father!! 」

The Emperor’s daughter Rosalie jumped immediately from her horse. Noticing her arrival, the Emperor stopped chasing butterflies and ran in Rosalie’s direction.

「Sweet Rosalie!! 」

He screamed joyfully as he embraced his daughter.

「I felt so lonely! My sweet Rosalie was gone! So, I was very, very, lonely! 」

「Father, please calm down! 」

It felt more when a stray child found his mother than the embrace of a father and daughter. Not only us, but the soldiers of the Imperial Army were also staring speechless at Rosalie and the Emperor. Rosalie noticed everyone’s gaze and she became furious.

「What are you looking at!! 」

The soldiers trembled in fear.

「People got wounded because of the battle against the demons!! There are lots of things to do!!」

The soldiers rushed like scattering spiders. We were the only ones left behind.

「You…You people were here…! 」

Of course, it was a scene that Rosalie didn’t want us to see. She had a very complex expression on her face, but she couldn’t say more as the Emperor hugged her again.

「 Lovey ! My sweetie Rosalie, I  lovey  you! 」

「Father! Please, stop it! A ghost will appear if you do that! A ghost will definitely come out!」

「Ghost!? Gh…Ghosts are…very scary!! 」

「It’s scary, right? Then, please be quiet! 」

「Yeah…I’ll be very quiet…I’m scared of ghosts…*sobs* 」

Rosalie, who noticed that Seiya was staring at the Emperor with cold eyes, yelled at him with a red face.

「Hey, you, what’s up with your eyes!? If you have something to say, just say it!!」

However, Seiya remained silent with a disgusted face. I opened my mouth instead.

「Li…Listen, Rosalie. Don’t tell me that his condition really is a “cognitive…」

As soon as I started to speak, she looked at me with a scary face that resembled an ogre.

「Don’t say it…! Don’t you dare say anything anymore…! 」

「But, you told us to speak if we had something to say!! 」

In the meantime, the Emperor ran in Seiya’s direction.

「Brother, let’s play! Play! 」

He crushed the innocent old man’s request.

「Stay away from me. 」

Seiya kicked the Emperor’s abdomen without hesitation. The Emperor rolled on the ground…

* cries loudly*

He burst out crying without stopping.

「You bastard…!! What the hell do you think you’re doing, damn you!! 」

Rosalie ran to her father. A crying father embraced his daughter.

「*sobs* That was so scary…I got myself wet again…*sobs* 」

「Yeah, okay, okay! Don’t worry, I’ll give that guy a lesson! 」

Rosalie was comforting her crying father. I approached them and I touched her shoulder slightly.

「Ex…Excuse me. But I was told by the Emperor to come to the castle. He said he had something to show me…」

「Ah!? That’s for later!! 」

「Later…How long afterwards? 」

Then, the Warlord Emperor began to chase the invisible butterflies again.

「Butterfly! Butterfly! 」

「Hey. Do something about this idiotic gramps. 」

「How…How dare you call him idiotic gramps!! Watch out your words!! 」

「Listen, Rosalie. How long will he stay like this? 」

「You’re really noisy!! Well, it will take approximately one hour…no, two hours!! Come to the Imperial Castle two hours later!! You guys will have to wait in Orphe until then!!」

After being told, Seiya started to walk away.

「Let’s do that. There’s nothing left for us here. Besides that…If we stay too long, we might get infected with stupidity.」

「You bastard!! *yells furiously* 」

「Le…Let’s go now!! 」

Elle hurried ahead and we followed her from behind. We went quickly to the Imperial Capital to escape from Rosalie’s wrath.

—

When we entered in Orphe, the Imperial Capital, I noticed that this city was more prosperous than any other town we’ve seen. The cobblestone streets were overflowing with old and young men and women dressed in stylish clothes. I could hear lively voices from the merchants in the shops lining the narrowed streets. It seemed that the city was in a celebratory mood. It was an undeniable fact that the Emperor defeated the last of the Four General Kings. The people regarded their Emperor as an idol. Everyone greatly praised his accomplishment in the battle even though they didn’t know the real abomination.

That’s right. Thanks to the Emperor’s efforts in defeating Eliza, the only enemy left was the Demon King himself.

…Hmm. Somehow, I felt that something was off. Maybe that was because a human from this world actually managed to overthrow the last of the Four General Kings. Well…I thought deeply about it…but maybe it was just luck…?

I noticed a sign after we walked in the city for a while. It said “BAR”. I touched Seiya’s shoulder.

「Look, look, Seiya! Can we drop by for a minute here? It looks like a nice bar.」

However, Seiya looked at me with a bored face.

「What would you do if an enemy suddenly attacked you while you drank alcohol?」

「I…I just want to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere! 」

「The bars are full of drunkards. Usually, they make mistakes. That escalates to disputes between other drunkards. Then, it becomes a fight and, eventually, someone is stabbed. For that reason I won’t go.」

…Ah. He was cautious with these ordinary things as well.

I didn’t go to the bar. Suddenly, Mash grabbed my hand.

「Lista! There’s a casino over there! 」

When I looked at the casino, I saw a Bunny Girl holding a signboard and receiving guests. Geabrande wasn’t well-developed in science and it didn’t have the glittering of neon lights. Nevertheless, the casino was a colorful-decorated building. I felt it had a gorgeous atmosphere.

Elle’s eyes were shining brightly.

「So, this is the casino! It’s the first time I’ve seen one! 」

In the fantasy world, the casino was one of those fun places for adventurers! Mash and Elle seemed to be interested as well…

I smiled at them.

「Shall we go inside for a little bit? 」

「Is that okay, Lista! 」

「We all need a distraction once in while! Look, maybe we could exchange this medal for some money.」

However. Seiya left us in front of the casino and walked away.

「He…Hey, Seiya!? Wait a second!! Don’t you want to go with us!? 」

When I shouted, Seiya looked back at me with troublesome expression and said emphatically.

「Even if the possibility of losing was just 1%, gambling itself is a bad habit.」

Ah, c’mon. How could he be this serious!!

Mash really wanted to go. So, I persistently invited Seiya go to with us.

「I wonder if we could exchange this medal for a great weapon or armor?」

What do you think! With this, Seiya will get a bit interested, won’t he?

I thought so. Still, Seiya stared at me with icy eyes.

「Lista. If you really think you can get a strong weapon that will defeat the Demon King with a mere casino prize…then, your brain is about the same size of the white ball around the roulette wheel.」

「Are you implying that my brain is that tiny!? 」

Seiya started to walk away without stopping. I could hear Elle’s voice saying 「Ah. I really wanted to go there… 」 behind my back.

I spoke with Seiya with an angry tone.

「Seiya. You won’t be punished if you relax for a little bit, you know? Both Mash and Elle really wanted to go there. So, why not?」

「If I have leisure time, then I would rather go to a weapon shop or a tool shop. Since it’s the Imperial Capital, they might sell something useful for battles.」

「We…We were supposed to do that later! But, right now… 」

Then, Seiya glared at me with icy eyes.

「You are a goddess. Why don’t you just think about this world more seriously?」

「Of…Of course, I think. But I also think that we need to relax for once in a while!」

「Absolutely. That’s why Valkyrie calls you a third-rate goddess. 」

…Ah? Why did he brought Valkyrie’s name into this conversation?

「What’s wrong with that!! I can’t win against Valkyrie anyways!! 」

「Li…Lisutan!? Calm down!! 」

Elle tried to calm me down because I was extremely angry with Seiya. He continued to walk where the wind was blowing as if nothing happened and stopped in front of a tool shop.

「What do you think, costumer! We have a limited product called “Top Herbal Medicine”!」

「I see. How is it different from ordinary medicinal herbs? 」

「The resilience is completely different! With this, you can heal any wound instantly!」

「Really? I will burn your shop if you’re lying. So, is this herb that good? 」

「Well…but why are you blackmailing me!? You are a very scary customer!! But, I’m not lying!! The resilience of this special medicinal herb amounts to three ordinary herbs, so the quality is far superior than any other medicinal herb you’d find!!」

「Hmm. Then, get me some of it. 」

As usual, I yelled at Seiya, who was trying to buy a ridiculous amount of herbs with tons of money.

「Listen, Seiya!! You can heal using my magic abilities!! You don’t need those random medicinal herbs!!」

Then, the shopkeeper got an upsetting complexion far superior than Seiya.

「What do you mean by “random medicinal herbs”? It was extremely difficult for me to purchase this Top Herbal Medicine! These herbs won’t lose against the High Priestess’ meaningless healing spells!」

I would apologize under normal circumstances. However, I was in a very bad mood.

「What! My magical abilities are more powerful than those herbs! 」

「Well then, let’s have a competition! I’ll find the perfect subject…’kay! 」

The shopkeeper found a soldier walking in the city and called him out.

「What happened to me, you ask? When the demons with swords attacked us earlier, my arms were hurt. But I don’t have money with me, so I can’t cure them…」

The shopkeeper looked at the soldier’s arms and grinned victoriously.

「This soldier has a similar injury on both arms. What do you think? Shall we compete to see who can heal this man’s arms faster? If I can get you to buy my special goods, then I will sell them for half the price!」

「Bring it on!! 」

The shopkeeper put his medicinal herbs in the soldier’s right arm! And I concentrated my healing abilities on the soldier’s left arm!

The Will of Creation that brought this universe to life!! Please give me strength!! Go!! My goddess’ power!! Burn it up!! Go!!

…After a minute.

「The Top Herbal Medicine was the quickest to heal, after all!! It doesn’t hurt anymore!! The other arm where this Lady tried to cure still has some wounds left.」

…Yes, I lost. I tried my best, but it was useless. I could not win against medicinal herbs.

The soldier was still hurt. So, Seiya looked down on me.

「…This dumb medicinal herb woman. 」

「You perfectly know that I am far better than those mere medicinal herbs, right!? You know it too well!! Because if I released my true goddess’ healing power, I wouldn’t lose against those medicinal herbs!!」

「If that’s true, then show it right now. 」

「But if I do it right now, I will be demoted immediately from working as a goddess!!」

「You are delusional as always. 」

「But…But I said it to you countless of times before!! A goddess cannot help human beings excessively.」

「Hey. Give me those special medicinal herbs. You said it was a limited product. So, give me everything you got up to the limit. 」

「Yes!! Thank you very much!! 」

—

After we left the tool shop…

「Why…! Why again…! Why that happens all the time…! 」

I was walking as I murmured angrily to myself. Mash noticed my anguish and spoke with me.

「Hey, Lista. Calm down. Look, Lista. We still got your special private hair!」

「This mushroom is getting on my nerves!! I am going to tear you apart, you mushroom!!」

「What dreadful words!! And you call yourself a goddess!? 」

「Ma…Mash usually says weird things sometimes! Please, forgive him, Lisutan!」

I ignored Elle’s words and continued walking ahead.

「Lisutan…? 」

After that, Seiya went into various weapon shops. After spending a lot of time in the shops, we finally left.

Before long, I could see the Imperial Castle’s structures in the distance…

「We should go now. 」

Seiya changed direction towards the castle…My heated tension was the worst in history due to repetitive frustrations.

...

The Imperial Capital had a huge castle on a hill top that proudly conveyed the prosperity of the Empire and the dignity of the Warlord Emperor. A strong-looking gate that served as the entrance of the castle was widely opened by the guards as we approached.

「You came. 」

As soon as we entered the castle, Rosalie, who was wearing an indigo-colored dress, greeted us. We followed Rosalie as we walked on a red carpet. After opening the doors, we arrived in a designated room. However, the Emperor was not inside. I spotted a large rectangular table with chairs arranged around it.

「There’s something I want to tell you. But before that… 」

Rosalie was staring at Seiya with alarming eyes.

「You are wearing the same platinum vests from before. What happened to the legendary armor?」

「A big turtle ate it. 」

「Hey. You have to be kidding me. 」

「I’m not kidding. I would be wearing it if I got it. But when we went to get the armor, we found out that it was already destroyed by the demons. 」

「What did you say…! 」

Rosalie shook her head from side to side after she was at a loss of words.

「There’s nothing we can do about that armor now. So, what do you want to tell us?」

「Ah, yes…First, sit down. 」

Rosalie invited us to sit down. She sat down on the chair that enabled her to face everyone sitting in the table. She started to talk slowly with a very serious expression.

「The Warlord Emperor Wolks Rosgard pacified the Cyclops rebellion that occurred three decades ago. And fifteen years ago, he destroyed the Lion King Dorfreah that ruled over the devilish Hades country. He turned eighty years old this year, and yet, he didn’t listen to the words of his advisors and went to Alfreis continent alone. He went to defeat the Demon King that was living in the colder northern part of that continent. Well…It seems that he became stupid on his way and our army rescued him on the border of Alfreis continent.」

「What on earth are you trying to say? 」

Eventually, Rosalie opened her mouth with a heartbreaking look.

「My father…won’t live much longer. The royal physician of the castle says that the recent eccentricities and his old age may be the main factors for his health decline.」

During that time, Rosalie’s usual dangerous face changed to a tenderly face of a daughter that cared deeply about her father.

「My father was not only strong. He was also kind. He always stroke my head gently when he returned from his battles. For me the Emperor is…No. He is the pride of Rosgard’s citizens. That’s why I wanted him to live the rest of his remaining life in peace.」

Rosalie looked at Seiya with unusual and unappealing eyes.

「If my father tells us that he wants to fight the Demon King with you; I would like you to protest against it.」

Seiya spoke without much care.

「Even if you didn’t tell me this, I would refuse if he brought up that proposition anyways. I don’t want to be bothered by an idiotic grandpa. 」

Rosalie nodded quietly.

「Thank you, I’ll entrust it to you. Also…Don’t you dare say “idiotic grandpa”…!」

—

After the audience with Rosalie, we met the Emperor, who sat on his throne with dignity. When we approached him, I noticed that he looked a little bit ashamed.

「I do not remember much after I defeated the last of the Four General Kings…I must’ve been rude. I heard it from Rosalie…It seems that sometimes I lose my consciousness.」

「Did you lose it now too? 」

The Emperor distorted his face when he heard Seiya’s words.

「I am okay now as you can see. It will be a long while until it happens again because I lost my senses not too long ago. More importantly, hero. With the Four General Kings gone, are you going to attack the main stronghold of the Demon King?」

「Yeah. But, I don’t need your power. 」

「Hmm… 」

The Emperor was taken aback by Seiya’s abrupt words. He stood silent for a moment. Yet, after that, he started to laugh cheerfully.

「*laughs* Of course! Even if you don’t borrow the power of this old man, the world will be saved if you people are there!」

Rosalie agreed immediately with the Emperor.

「Yes! My father bravely beat down the last of the Four General Kings! He already exercised too much active energy! All we have to do is leave it to the hero!」

「That’s right, that’s right! Originally, all I wanted to do was to talk with the Lady goddess!」

The Warlord Emperor smiled at me after laughing extremely high.

「I am planning to show the proud Cathedral of this city to the Lady goddess!」

「That’s wonderful, father! I’m sure the goddess will rejoice after she sees the stunning sacred Cathedral!」

On that precise instant. The doors of the audience room opened and a soldier with a strange complexion came running inside. Rosalie yelled furiously.

「Hey!! We are in the midst of a private audience now!! 」

「Excuse me for my rude behavior! But we’ve got a report! A report to deliver! The remnants of demons with swords are attacking a town near the Imperial Capital! 」

「What did you say!! 」

Whether the sense of justice was high, or whether the blood was boiling with hatred. But the Emperor stood up from the throne straightaway.

「I will not stand by!! 」

On the other hand, Rosalie looked at Seiya with eyes that signaled something. Seiya puffed out a small sigh after he noticed her signs.

「I’ll be the one to go there. You are the king. You should remain here and protect the Imperial Capital.」

「Bu…But… 」

「Don’t worry. I will take care of it immediately. As you mentioned earlier, you should show the proud Cathedral to the goddess.」

I was actually prepared to follow Seiya to the battlefield. However, I looked at Seiya with surprise after what he said to the Emperor. I felt really angry before, but those frustrating feelings were no longer inside my heart.

Seiya turned his gaze to Mash and Elle.

「You both have my luggage. Follow me. 」

「Ah, yeah… 」

「Ye…Yes… 」

Both of them looked at me before they left the audience room. Even Rosalie glanced back while walking away…Seiya was the only one who did not look behind as if he didn’t care much about me.

—

The Cathedral was located in the premises of the Imperial Castle. When we arrived, I noticed that the doors were solemn but with detailed structures not inferior to the castle’s decoration. The Emperor, who was wearing a golden armor, slowly opened the doors. The Emperor told me 「I have to be dressed respectfully to enter this place 」, so he changed cloths before coming here.

When the heavy doors closed, I was surprised to see that the interior was much wider than I expected it to be. A stone statue of a winged goddess was placed far in the distance, and behind it was a beautiful glass that transmitted a seven-colored light from the outside. The space was quite large because there weren’t any chairs available for worship. The Emperor and I were the only ones walking inside the Cathedral.

「A few decades ago…I heard a legend about a goddess who would appear in front of the person who was fated to save the world. I longed for it, so I built this Cathedral. Well, I wasn’t the one to bear such a big responsibility in the end.」

The Emperor stopped in front of the statue and his laugh sounded lonely.

「But if I kept living, I was sure that the day would come when I could invite the real goddess to this place. I, Wolks Rosgard, feel deeply honored to have you here today.」

I was feeling down because of Seiya. But, when the Emperor bowed deeply his head as if I were a Buddha, I felt even worse. Somehow, I managed to respond with a bright voice.

「Ah well, it’s really a wonderful Cathedral! It is not only beautiful, but also well-built…It’s completely different from ordinary cathedrals!」

The Emperor smiled when I expressed my thoughts.

「As expected of Lady goddess. You noticed the difference. Actually, it was not by chance that this Cathedral was built with stronger structures. I wanted it to be used as a temporarily shelter in case the city got attacked by demons.」

「I see! So, His Majesty thought of your people when this place was built! Really, I wanted that cold-hearted hero to be more considerate like you! 」

「Lady goddess. I noticed earlier that something happened between you two…I was wondering if you are not getting along well with Sir hero? 」

I finally let lose my accumulated frustration when I was asked about it.

「Nothing goes well! Seiya completely ignores me! No, actually it’s been like this since I first met him! He always says to me that I’m “useless”! Sometimes he rejects me by saying “I don’t want it”! He always makes me feel like a fool, always…At the end of the day, he will always say to me that I’m a filthy goddess…Ah! I got angrier now because I remembered it!」

In contrast to my resentment, the Warlord Emperor fully smiled at me.

「*laughs* The more talented he is, the more distorted his character will be.」

However, the old man in front of me was not only talented, but his character was wonderful as well. Maybe he got wiser and kind with age…Ah, I wished my hero was a responsible person with a similar character like the Emperor’s!

「Either way, the Lady goddess is a high-ranking deity that lives an eternal life. So, this kind of frustration will only stay for a moment. Humans, who are busy living this short life, won’t even have the time to contemplate over these sort of feelings. So, don’t worry too much. 」

「Ah, yes. That’s probably right if you say so. 」

The Emperor murmured as he looked closely at the statue in the Cathedral.

「By the way, Lady goddess. Why gods can live an eternal time without dying…? Do you know the reason why?」

「I…I don’t think I do. 」

「I heard many stories and theories about that for these long years I’ve lived on this world. Well, I don’t know if it’s true or not, but if you don’t mind, I would like you to hear a version of the story.」

The Emperor began to speak as his voice echoed throughout the vast space of the Cathedral.

「You are able to descend to this world Geabrande in the form of a human being. Right now, the soul that you have in your human body is a “temporarily soul” called Astral Soul. Your “original soul”…is called Divine Soul and is stored in a stationary room in the heavenly world. So even if you die in this world, your Astral Soul, that is the temporarily soul, will be the only one to perish. As long as your Divine Soul is kept in the stationary room, you will be able to live forever without dying…That’s the reason why.」

E…Eh!! I didn’t know any of this!! So, that was the real reason for not dying!?

「Besides, the summoned hero’s soul has the same principle. If the hero is killed in this world, he will return to where he came from. The hero’s real soul is currently on his original world. Therefore, if he dies here, he will return to that world.」

「I…I see! 」

「Well, as I said earlier, it’s just a story I heard before. So, I don’t know if it’s true or not.」

「No…I think that this story is probably true. 」

「I wonder about that. 」 The Emperor spoke with a gentle laugh. However, I heard from Aria before that the God’s realm had a “room that stopped time”, and that the Great Goddess Isister was responsible for that special room. I was wondering why the Great Goddess Isister kept going to that room back then. But now that I heard the Emperor’s story, I became convinced about it.

「Even so, you know the details of that story really well! 」

「*laughs* I hope you enjoyed it. Okay, then let’s talk about a magical device on this story.」

「Magical device…you say? 」

「Yes. In fact, there is a magical device called “Chain Destruction” somewhere in the three-dimensional world. In other words, it’s a horrifying magical device that will destroy the Astral Soul, and it will also destroy the Divine Soul in the process, because that original soul is connected to the temporarily soul through that destructive chain. 」

「If that’s the case…then that means that Seiya and I will die!? 」

「That’s right. There is a rumor that the Demon King staying in Geabrande already got his hands on this magical device…」

The Emperor looked at me with a face that came from a ghost story. My spine froze in terror.

「Ple…Please, stop it! That’s a very scary story! 」

「I apologize if I scared you. However, the Demon King remains in his castle without getting out because he is awaiting earnestly for the hero to arrive. The Chain Destruction has been already activated in the Devil Castle. If you die in there, neither the hero nor the goddess will be revived…This is just a rumor though.」

「It’s…It’s just a rumor, right? First, the Chain Destruction story is a bit unrealistic! There is no way that such magical device exists in an earthly world! 」

I raised my voice to dispel the anxiety that spread rapidly on my heart.

「I wonder if that story is true… 」

The Emperor slowly went behind the goddess’ statue. When he reappeared, the Emperor held a scabbard on his hand.

「The Demon King has already completed the Chain Destruction by torturing thousands of clergy people. He used the negative aura that generated from the cruel murders. That device rests in the Devil Castle. Furthermore, the demonic power of the Demon King does not stop here. He has created weapons with terrible magical powers that can be connected with the Chain Destruction…」

Soon, the expression of a good kind-hearted man disappeared from the Emperor’s face. The Warlord Emperor drew his black sword and directed it at me.

「This blade is associated with the Chain Destruction. It will be able to destroy the hero’s soul and kill the goddess. This is the “God Eater”.」