User:An absolute moron/Torappu Random

World Rumbling
On that day, the declaration of war was announced to all people who lived in the world.

A huge image was projected in the sky.

The boy with blue eyes in the projection opened his mouth dignifiedly.

『My name is Pangaea. The one who brings destruction to this world.

Today, on this day and at this time, I declare a war to the residents of the entire world.

Life or death.

All of you should fight as hard as possible. Well then, shall we begin? !』

Those words became the signal of the start.

From the huge gate that appeared in the sky, armies of angels spring out in succession.

The world was immediately wrapped in chaos.

Oh dear, we received a preemptive strike.

By the oath from Pangaea, the former Anrimayu, thus the game begins.

However, Pangaea huh.

Anrimayu having that name means that there is no trace of Yukino’s personality anymore.

Though I don’t know what kind of effect it had, I did comprehend that a completely different plan was put into motion.

“I don’t care whether it is Pangaea or something else, I will beat him speechless!”

“Yeah that’s right. There is no reason to trouble Reishou-sama.”

“Yes. Considering that I want to go out and see places I never seen, wishing for world destruction is unacceptable.”

Ul, Testa and Yubelle are talking as they please.

If it’s me, I would be more careful of Yukino, though I feel this is not an easy task.

I wonder from where did these three’s confidence come from.

The situation of each country is projected by my surveillance magic on several large screens which I installed in the control room, which is in the Joint Operations Headquarters.

The situation is not good, yet it is not the worst either. Due to prior communications, the governing body of each country were able to expect this situation.

Though with limited time, the arrangements for the evacuation instructions to the people were put in order. The problem is the chaos that will occur due to the prolonged war and food shortage.

Hinata is also cooperating in leading the people, so the evacuation was finished by yesterday. The people who were doubting it before, are now quiet.

I wonder till when this status will keep.

Right now, people who were confused by fear and people who complained because of their anxiety are few. However, such people will increase as time passes.

The people in the capital cities, where the evacuation is completed, only have enough food for about a week.

Because the help hasn’t reached the people of the rural areas, only a warning was conveyed. Later, under the command of the local government, in the current situation, each of them will cope with it by themselves.

I think that a considerable amount of effort will be needed just to maintain the current state.

Because The Great War has occurred every 500 years, only the shelters are prepared.

In each country’s capital, the shelter for the citizens is prepared inside a cavern in the nearby mountains or underground.

Although some, more or less, preserved food is stored, it is unable to satisfy all of the citizens whom exceed tens of thousands.

According to the record of the Great Wars up till now, the number of angels seemed to increase in a single week. As such, it is unclear what will happen this time.

Although preparation was greater than in the past, I expect that riots will occur in the case that The Great War is prolonged.

It only depends on the circumstances, but it was depressing to think that, in the worst case, I might need to use soldiers to suppress the riots.

How will the angels move? That’s the main problem.

Different from what has happened in the past, now that the angels have a will of their own, what will be the main focus of their armies’ attacks?

Will they focus on us, the opposing forces? Or, in order to bring us together, will they focus their attacks at the human nations?

My surveillance magic is effective in verifying that.

And so, I could observe all of the important locations by projecting images of them.

The preparation was complete, I can instantly grasp the angels’ movements.

The 「Palace of White Ice Cocytus」 on the Ice Continent where Ashtone resides.

The magic city that Art rules, the 「Golden Valley El Dorado」.

The 「Holy Empire Rubellios」 where Mare has concealed herself.

The 「Palace Reaching Heaven」, the castle of the Giants’ kingdom which Remus rules.

The Japanese-style kingdom of otherworlders where Shizuku formerly resided, 「Swordsman Kingdom Hinomoto」.

Every capital city and major city of the western countries.

Every big city that exists as important locations as well as the Eastern Empire’s capital.

And near the center of the land with the vast abundant harvests that spreads through the south of Great Plouton Forest, a castle with white walls, built by the people who admired Millie, stood there elegantly, it was the castle of Millie, the “Miss Drachen (Dragon Princess of Destruction)”, within the 「Capital of the Forgotten Dragon Y Ddraig Goch」.

Every place was projected clearly on the large screens.

Immediately after the war declaration was done, the army of angels sprung forth from the huge gate that appeared in the sky.

However, it was primarily a bluff.

Their focus was concentrated on five points.

First of all, Ashtone was excluded because Chloe was sent to deal with him instead.

With this, as expected, there was no need for additional forces.

Then, the problem are the 5 places in question……

First of all is El Dorado. An army of 200.000 angels of different sizes and qualities had invaded it.

The next is Holy Empire Rubellios. An army of 200.000 is also attacking this place.

The third place is Millie's castle, the White Wall Castle. An army of 200.000 also appeared there.

The fourth place is the Hinomoto kingdom. An army of 200.000 angels appeared there as well.

And the last place is right overhead, the outside of the Labyrinth.

In other words, our country, an army of 400.000 angels are attacking here.

Hey, why is it that only my place got twice the number?

I wish that the forces went to Remus-ossan’s place too. In that case, we could crush them with a swift attack.

I thought about such a naïve thing, but the situation doesn’t seem like it will be so convenient.

“Let’s gather all of the Calamity in one place, everyone can defeat them, right!” so I insisted, but the scene of me being looked at by everyone with cold eyes, is still fresh in my memory.

The reason for it is because it is against the aesthetics! Or something like that.

I don’t care about aesthetics, I only want to settle the problem quickly……

Somehow, the only thing that they consented to was aid during emergencies.

I had prepared the transfer magic formation, with much effort, for the plan I had in mind, however I failed in the persuasion.

I consulted with Ciel and agreed that there’s a margin of flexibility in it, unfortunately this plan was still rejected.

If we had executed that plan, we could have been predominantly advantageous when the angel army dispersed…… sadly it can’t be helped.

Oh well, the Calamities are not my subordinates, and not colleagues that can be trusted either.

It’s something like a miracle that they can cooperate with each other. So, I’m okay with such a result.

The progress of the war is hardly satisfactory, the enemy is good enough to divide the forces that could deal with our side.

If they had spared some of their forces towards Remus, then it is likely that the angels will still have an even force against us though.

The angel forces seem to be moving into a slightly advantageous situation. It’s as if they had counted our forces……

《As expected, I concluded that there is a betrayer among the Calamities》

Suddenly, Ciel give me a warning.

Although Ciel had pointed it out some time ago, I said that I disagree with the timing when Guy showed his true nature.

I didn’t think about Guy to that extent, so I laughed it off……

In any case, since the war has begun now, it is unnatural if they don’t attack when there is an opportunity to do so, or so Ciel insisted.

However, there’s no definite evidence, and each Calamity doesn’t have any motive for it either.

They spent the trump card that is Chloe to block the intervention of Ashtone, therefore Ashtone is out of question.

I can exclude Art and Mare because of their ties to Chloe too.

Shizuku, Amaryllis and Millie are out of question.

That only leaves Remus, however, his upright character as a soldier makes him the number one unlikeliest to be the betrayer.

It is certain that he was close to Guy, but he has continued to fight against the angels since the ancient times and didn’t seem to betray in those times.

Also, his three sons are being worked hard by Shion, and are training here. If he intended to betray us, surely he wouldn’t entrust his sons to the enemy.

This side didn’t suggest it either, it was a request from him.

As such I had rejected the opinion, and believed that Ciel was just thinking too much.

(Remus is the betrayer?)

《Remus has the highest probability of being the betrayer.

Yet I cannot throw away the possibility that Mare is the one either.

If Remus moves, his betrayal will be confirmed.

If Mare asks for help without moving, Remus is the betrayer.》

There seems to be a possibility that Remus is not the betrayer.

Is that so? Currently, An army of 200.000 angels are against Mare. Additionally, Mare has her own troops. If reinforcements went there, without a doubt they would be annihilated, huh?

Even if there were no reinforcements, at least in the current situation, Mare would have a hard fight, yet surely she wouldn’t defeated.

The battle might be hanging in the balance, but it won’t be one-sided. In that case, the proud-hearted vampire princess would not request for help.

But even so, in the case that Remus moves to aid Mare even when she doesn’t request for help……

Remus's troops would turn their fangs towards Mare.

I see.

Certainly, in that case the betrayer would become known.

They not only divided their forces, they allocated it in a way that could deal with us, with the intention to crush each and every Calamity.

Each Calamity does not have much in the way of surplus troops and it might have been anticipated that there are not enough spare troops to be sent as reinforcements.

And it will be uncertain which one is telling the truth if I check the situation with only telepathic communication.

Distrust will rise among us and our cooperation will collapse as well. After I saw through this plan, I realized that it is a cunning strategy.

They had Guy betray us once so as get our guards down, in the expectation that we would deem that there would be no further betrayals. To be honest, if Ciel-sensei was not here, I’m certain that I would have gotten caught in that plan.

That would only be in the case that she was not here, as that plan has already been completely seen through.

With surveillance magic, I can perfectly grasp the placement of the enemy forces. It is the enemy’s miscalculation, the chances of victory seems to be in our favor.

Although I made the transfer magic formation with much effort, it is not a thing which can be activated by every army.

So, I will not need to be so afraid even if someone defects. As it is not possible to transfer to inside the labyrinth with the magic formation.

I only would only tell each Calamity to seal the power of the transfer formation once the matter of the betrayer is settled.

(Okay, keep investigating the situation without stopping!)

《Yes, understood, Master!》

Saying that there is a betrayer from the very beginning of the war is not pleasant.

Truly, it is an omen that it’ll become a few nasty battles.

At the time that I was gloomily thinking such, I hardly believed my eyes when I saw a harder to believe scene.

Millie's army is being pushed back.

Impossible! The former Calamities, Kearie and Shuri, as well as my own subordinate, the former Calamity, Vraika, are over there, and yet……

At that moment, there was a change to Millie's castle which was projected on the screen. In a section of the castle, an explosion occurred.

It seems the situation has become worse than I expected.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

When the gate appeared in the sky, and angels had begun to pour out from it, Millie had been warming up for the war in high spirits.

A mob of angels is not a worthy foe for Millie.

She can rely on the subordinates whom she trained herself, and there’s Kearie who received the position of general.

“Hmm, in that case, I’m going out for a bit.”

Saying such, lightly, Kearie stands up.

‘Let’s go, all you rascals!!’ When Kearie issued his command, he gets on his griffon and proceeds to intercept the enemy.

Millie watched the situation while getting excited.

But the situation changed completely with the appearance of a single man.

“Yours truly is one of the 「Four Fiend Heavenly Commanders」, Vega! All you small fries don’t even pass the qualifications to be food for this great me.

Stop your useless resistance and quickly be eaten by me!”

The man shouted such with a loud voice and began to slaughter Kearie's lycanthrope subordinates.

Even the most earliest soldiers who have been following Kearie since the period of the Beast Kingdom “Eurazania”, all turned pale at the man’s dreadful power.

Millie's currently assembled troops have been assembled through the reorganization of the forces of her area.

The command of the whole army is left to Kearie who took the position of general.

Their total number is 300.000.

At the center of them was the 3.000 units titled “Flying Beast Knight Order”.

3.000 griffons of “Sky Queen” Shuri's forces and mounted on their back are the specially picked lycanthrope of “Beast King” Kearie's subordinates, all supported by the personally trained Arthropod warriors of the “Insectoid King” Vraika.

They’re merely 3.000 people but they are warriors who exceed A rank who are able to easily do high speed air battle as one effective body.

In this world, this is the largest force composed only of people who exceed A rank.

Even the Empire’s magic beast corps was composed of “A-“ rank, so it could be easily to comprehend that they are a significant forces.

Griffons are originally magic beasts with “B+” rank.

But, with the result of the training given by Kearie, their ability was raised to “A-“ rank.

As with the A rank lycanthrope who rode them, their ability became equivalent to A rank.

The Flying Beast Knight Order is the strongest subordinates who were trained by Kearie in both name and reality.

The rest are the devils, mercenaries and Orleus's former subordinates. It is a combined force consisting of various people.

Even the people who usually take part in maintaining the public order were roped into the war.

Opposing the angel forces of 200.000 is Millie's army of 300.000.

Millie's army has the advantage in number but they are somewhat disadvantaged as their ability quality is average.

Even so, there is the effect of increasing their ability due to Kearie's courageous shout, therefore in the beginning they held the superiority in the battle, but……

Due to the appearance of the man named; Vega of the Four Fiend Heavenly Commanders, the situation has completely changed.

“Humph! Useless, useless, utterly useless! None of you small fries can injure me!”

He shouted such as he swung around the Sky Piercing Halberd Houtengeki that he held in his hand.

With just one swing, a mountain of corpses is made in the surroundings.

‘Grr!’ So Kearie ground his teeth as he glared at the provocative Vega.

With just a glance, Kearie understood that Vega is different from the other angels. Even if he fights with that man, or even if he deployed the entirety of his treasured “Flying Beast Knight Order”, they would probably get annihilated.

Along with Millie, Shuri and her aides, “Harpy” are waiting.

The dirty work is for himself to deal with, the rest he may entrust to Frey.

“Hey, I’m going to fight that cocky bastard Vega.

And so, I entrust the command of the entire army to you, take care of the rest!”

Which is what he told his aide, the tiger lycanthrope Baum.

“Kearie-sama, that guy is……

Shouldn’t I be that guy’s first opponent so that you can check his weaknesses, even if just a little?”

Kearie shook his head at Baum’s idea.

In the case of the angel’s army, they have no unity, they are only attacking at random.

If it is so, although his own army is inferior on average, they are advantageous with their numbers, which exceed the number of enemies, and their united command.

In this situation, such folly like ‘the commander is not around’ cannot be permitted to happen. In case a Baum weakens Vega’s power and Kearie delivers the finishing blow, that strategy would be worth consideration. Unfortunately, Baum wouldn’t even slow that man down.

His intuition from his battle experience as the Beast King told him that the man named Vega is not an ordinary person.

“No Baum, you wouldn’t even buy any time. It’d be a big loss if there isn’t someone giving orders.

While I fight that guy one on one, you defeat the angels!”

Baum realized, the enemy who calls himself Vega has an unprecedented amount of strength, from Kearie's expression.

For Kearie who has an optimistic and frank character, that strained expression is similar to the expression Kearie showed before his fight with Millie sometime ago.

“Of course, a person who can only talk, won’t be a threat if it’s Kearie-sama.

You can leave the command of the army to me! However, please refrain from the behavior of leaving the work to Shuri-sama.”

“Oh crap. If you owe a debt to Shuri, it’ll be harsh when she comes to collect the debt.”

The two, both joking with each other, then part ways.

‘Don’t leave the work to Shuri’, in other words, he meant ‘Please don’t die’.

Worrying about Kearie, who is the strongest Beast King, is something that an aide should never do.

That strength is absolute, the name of “Beast King” is not just for show.

As the general, who is the right hand of the strongest Calamitous Lord Millie, Kearie needs to continue his reign.

(What a thing to say, even though I lost as the Lion Mask.)

Kearie recalled his defeat at the hands of Reien during the Tournament in Argento.

That country there, is abnormal.

Because even that Reien who defeated him, was defeated in the finals.

It had taught him that there is always someone better, his self-conceit was finally shattered. After that he endured grueling training and obtained strength greater than he had during his Calamity time.

It will be a hard fight, but Kearie doesn’t have any intention to be defeated whatsoever.

(That reminds me, Gobta…… I wonder if he’s doing well ――）

The face of his friend who trained together with him came to mind.

When he remembers that genius who even Kearie admits to having abnormal talent that surpasses his own race, he feels happy.

(At best, not getting laughed at by that guy might be the proof that I became strong!)

When Kearie sprouted a fearless smile, he charged towards Vega.

When Kearie clashed with Vega, a fierce battle began.

Shuri pacified Millie who struggled to go there herself.

If Millie, who can’t go easy on anyone, is rampaging seriously, it will not only be the town around the castle that vanishes, but there’ll also be casualties among the ally troops as well.

The current situation, it seems there is a dangerous guy from the enemy side, but Shuri believes that Kearie can deal with it.

In the case that Kearie is defeated, then, and only then, would it be Millie's turn. Therefore, right now, she needs to watch the way Kearie fights, deciding that she needs to analyze the abilities of the enemy.

As Kearie's aide, she was going to do so and have Kearie work hard for Millie's sake.

Shuri is cold-hearted and calculating, but that doesn’t mean that she has never trusted Kearie. Rather, because she believed that Kearie might defeat Vega which would prevent Millie going out.

After all, Shuri cannot imagine a battle maniac like him having a hard fight with a person whom she has never heard the name of.

Shuri who is not specialized in combat was not able to see the truth of Vega’s terror.

She thought that they could win without having a hard time, even if by any chance Kearie had a hard time, so long as Millie analyzed the enemy's power.

But she will immediately notice that her thinking was naïve.

If Millie who is the leader, can defeat the enemy without a problem, a small sacrifice may be unavoidable.

That is what Shuri thought, when Millie was watching Kearie's fight.

That is, until Millie turned around with a fierce expression.

This presence is not an ordinary one, of course Shuri, and even the “Harpy” are alerted.

Besides Shuri, the others don’t sense anything like an unidentified presence, but Millie's intuition cannot be mistaken.

“Who are you?”

When Millie asked that, the space mutated it’s color slowly, and a woman appeared.

A woman with beautiful silver hair, similar to Millie.

A “matchless in beauty” woman who seems like an adult version of Millie.

Her white skin and the gaze of her almond-shaped eyes.

Shuri gasped. The appearance is too beautiful, and reminds her of her beloved master.

There is a sign that lets you feel that the two resemble each other closely, as if there is blood connection between the two.

Five pure white angels kneel in the rear, to protect the woman.

Their aura are overwhelming and each of them has power equivalent to an awakened Calamity, Frey was able to feel it too.

“Nice to meet you, Millie Aurelia-sama.

I am the one who holds the name, “Lucia”.

This time I have visited to meet you.

Your father is waiting for you. Please, let us go together.”

The woman who introduced herself as Lucia greets and bows to Millie respectfully.

And then she let out those shocking words.

A shock ran through them.

If you are talking about Millie's father, it would be the late “Earth Star Dragon” Velgaia.

A little while ago, the person who was shown on the image that appeared in the sky had introduced himself as Pangaea, it couldn’t be……

When Shuri thought so,

“Don’t be silly! My father is already dead. If you keep saying this nonsense, I will end your life!”

Shuri heard Millie's enraged voice.

Of course. For Millie, the topic of her family is taboo.

“No, it is the truth. Millie-sama.”

Immediately after the woman said that, a thunderous roar resounded in front of the of the woman who introduced herself as Lucia.

It’s Millie's fist that went towards Lucia’s face, yet was stopped as if it was blocked by an invisible wall.

Shuri was able to tell, Millie threw her fist with all her power and she did not stop it to threaten the woman.

Seeing Lucia who remained calm, even after receiving a full power blow from Millie, it made Shuri feel shivers run down her back.

Even if she’s going easy on someone, her titles as the “Destroyer (Mad Princess)” and “Miss Drachen (Dragon Princess of Destruction)” are not for show.

It’s impossible to completely block it, even if using Multiple Barriers.

The reason why is because when Millie attacks, the power is dispersed and not to the extent of killing the opponent. In other words, Millie who threw out the attack with a calculated power in order to break the target’s barrier and yet not kill the target.

For her to remain calm, it’s nothing but that she had exceeded Millie's assumptions.

Such a thing was something that couldn’t happen as far as Shuri knows.

After all, Millie is the strongest Calamity, rivaling Ashtone Baaldemonium and the late Yukirinka Pluto――

“It is useless, Millie-sama. Attacks toward me will not be effective whatsoever.

What is more important is that your father is waiting.

“In the new world, let us live together!” is what he said.

Please come with me.”

Although she is beautiful, Lucia repeats the same words like a machine.

Her voice resounding coldly, without any emotion that could be felt from it, it painted Shuri's mind with uneasiness.

(Return immediately, Kearie! Millie-sama may be in danger.)

(What did you say!? But, I’m sorry…… I may not be able come back――）

Unlike Shuri's expectations, the man who Kearie was fighting against seems to be a more powerful person than she had expected.

For Kearie who is a confident person to have no time to spare, Frey was able to understand that he is having a hard fight.

This is bad! As Shuri thinks so,

“Kill her!”

She gave an order to the “Harpy” without waiting for Millie's approval.

Frey had merely judged that it would be dangerous for Millie, if she let this woman keep on doing as she likes.

Because their beloved Master is too gentle to the extent that could be fatal.

If she really tried to kill her opponent then she wouldn’t have a hard fight regardless who the opponent is, but she didn’t fight seriously because she is trying not kill to her opponent. As far as Shuri knows, the last time Millie fought seriously was a long time ago. Shuri had just been born around that time, Millie destroyed a country and then clashed with Ashtone and the “Jet-Black Reaper” Yukirinka Pluto.

Because Millie is such a gentle master, Shuri wishes to keep her away from as much danger as much as she can.

「Fool.」

One of the kneeling angels stood up and materialized a war hammer.

And then,

「You insects who cling to Millie-sama should know your place!

Die! Lightning Bomber!!」

The angel swung down the war hammer and a destructive lightning which exhibited a tremendous amount of power struck towards Frey and the others.

Shuri prepared for her death when she saw the despair-inducing, destructive electric discharge that was released from the war hammer.

The released lightning ran through Shuri's body.

At the same time, the “Harpies” who began an attack towards Lucia were also annihilated with only that single blow.

Though it was an overkill attack that struck Shuri and the others, they seemed to barely avoid their deaths, somehow.

Shuri mustered her strength to stay conscious in her injured body that could break any moment as she confirmed the cause.

Millie's left arm had caught the war hammer that was swung down toward Frey and the others.

Thanks to Millie, they had barely survived.

(Ah, Millie is so kind. As I expected, you are not really cut out to kill.)

Thus she thought so.

And at the same time, she froze when she saw Millie's expression.

It was an expression of rage.

Millie flew into a rage as Shuri and the others, who are her subordinates, were injured.

“I will not forgive you. To injure my subordinates, I will never forgive this!!”

So Millie shouts.

And then, light is released from Millie's body and wrap her in it.

She wore the God-class armor on her body as she switched to Battle Mode.

She carries the power of a “True Dragon” in her body, and Millie who had become the incarnation of destruction let loose that power.

The heaven trembles, the earth shatters.

By the anger of an ancient Calamity, the world rumbled.

Shuri was astonished as she realized the enemy’s aim.

It is good if Millie accepts the invitation. In the case where she declines it…… make her fly into a rage that deprives her of her senses.

And like now……

(Not good! Don’t do it, Millie!!)

Shuri who tried to stop Millie with a soundless voice. However, her voice couldn’t reach Millie.

The world will once again be exposed to the wrath of the one and only, the ultimate 「Dragonoid」.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

This is bad....

Really bad.

From the video that was being projected on the big screen, Millie was enraged, and looked as though she has lost all reasoning.

If Millie seriously ran amok now, just who would stop her.

By some freak chance, Amaryllis had managed to calm her down when she clashed with Yukirinka Pluto-senpai, Ashtone and Guy in the distant past.... It doesn't look like we can depend on Amaryllis this time.

“Oi, Amaryllis....

Just asking, if I were to hold Millie down, would you be able to bring her back to her senses?”

“Wha-! Are you trying to get me killed!?”

As I thought.

Though I didn't expect anything in the first place, for the midget that Amaryllis is now, this is too big of an undertaking for her.

“Well, I kinda expected your answer. But, to think their strategy would involve angering Millie....”

As I murmured, I started thinking.

Honestly, this was unexpected.

Here, I was thinking, the being that calls itself Pangaea would be the only one using 『Lord of Temperance Michael』.

That said, I was negligent to think only Pangaea would be able to defeat Millie.

If Pangaea were to be on the frontlines himself, the plan was to teleport and confront him immediately. You can't really call this underhanded, leaving just enough to maintain our defense lines, the idea to go at him with everything we have is a good idea.

That beauty who I have never seen before, protected by 『Lord of Temperance Michael』's "Castle Guard", was taunting Millie.

Though having no offensive power whatsoever, she was protected by the absolute defense of "Castle Guard". Even with Millie's nonsensical destructive power, that defense couldn't be penetrated.

In fact, she was making use of that destructive energy to cause damage to the surroundings. Having it turn out like this, Millie's rage would only intensify, and that would be just what the enemy wants.

Distributing abilities, Ultimate Skills which were like trump cards, to his subordinates; this was unexpected.

Yukino was someone who had the tendency to hoard everything, thus, this was a thought process totally different from the original. What a troublesome opponent.

“That looks bad. If we don't stop Millie, her actions are gonna end up overshadowing those who are destroying the world.”

“Looks that way.... What should we do, Reishou?”

Amaryllis agreed, and looked at me.

Shit happened right after the war began.

So, what should our choice be....

While we contemplate our choices, the situation isn't going to wait for us.

Before I could make my decision, more problems began.

Lilith or Reien by themselves would have a hard time as Millie's opponent.

At the very least, I would need to send 3 of my followers of Guardian Level or the odds would be bad.

I already need to send that many to handle Millie alone. Then there's the rampaging Vega and that mysterious silver haired female, plus another 4 seraphim class opponents; I'm going to need to send a big portion of my forces already.

The 4 angels who are standing by behind the silver haired female don't look like those mass produced weaklings.

Looking at the present situation, the destruction of Argento seems to be unavoidable.

From the very start defense of the city was given up, with the aim to rebuild it. All important facilities were moved into the labyrinth, along with all of our guests.

It's sad but all the buildings that have been constructed will be discarded. Thanks to that, there’s no need to defend the city, so it’s possible to maintain our stance of total resistance.

Using the buildings as shields, the 300 thousand ex-empire soldiers were out in the field as our defense force.

Split into 3 combat teams, they’ll coordinate with each other, and confront enemy attacks.

There was a 4th combat team, comprised of combat specialised elites that were summoned previously, still standing by; in actual fact it was a big defense force of 400 thousand strong.

But, there were 400 thousand on the angel side too, so we’re even on numbers.

The remaining 100 thousand ex-empire soldiers, were employed as a peacekeeping force in the Great Plouton Forest. They ensure the villages and settlements don't get attacked by angels that were scattered from the frontlines or rouge/deviant angels; they coordinate their efforts and maintain our *other* defenses.

Finally, the volunteer forces which comprised of roughly 30 thousand adventurers, was led by Masayuki, and have headed out to the defense of the western countries.

It was an all out confrontation.

"Dragon Lord" Gabiru and "Barrier Lord" Hyugo are at the frontlines taking command.

Oh, let's not be forgetting about Gobta. Though he himself isn't on the level of the other Guardians, he's also working hard at the frontlines.

The battle is at a stalemate.

Of the angel army that's invading Argento, while they have the numbers they lack capable officers.

They have Ashtone as the Highest Command for the invasion, but because of his promise with me, he himself won't be taking to the field.

The two fallen angels that tagged along with him, are now in one on one battles against Gabiru and Hyugo. Previously Hyugo got pretty beaten up against the two of them, now's the time for his revenge match.

Both of them looked even in terms of power, but since neither are serious yet, the result of their match can't be predicted yet.

Gabiru was holding his own against the other, locked in an aerial battle. This side looks even too. I figured it was okay to leave this to them.

Though I wanted to send reinforcements to help them, as we still have no idea how much remained of their invasion force, it wasn't a good idea to show so much of our hand just yet.

I would take action if it looks bad, but I'll have to hold back for now.

With the situation at Argento currently a stalemate, I shall turn my attention elsewhere.

The problems, were in the other countries.

I now know who the traitor is.

It's Remus.

Even though there was no word from Mare, he is mobilizing his army.

Along with 200 thousand of the angel army [estimated B rank], plus 100 thousand of Remus's Chain Giant army [estimated B+ rank], Mare's forces definitely can't hold against them.

Looks like their main target is Mare.

Their aim is to crush one pillar of the Calamities first, "Queen of Nightmares" Mare Karnstein.

Rubellios was, in fact, the lynchpin in the defenses of the western countries.

If it were to fall, the enemy would gain a foothold over the western countries, and would probably get their momentum going.

As the angel army was flight capable, if they used the extra large transit gate they would be able to spread their forces rapidly.

It was easily predicted that the inhabitants of the western countries would be unable to fend off a pincer attack, and would get ravaged by the giant army advancing from their west, let alone the angel army coming down from the skies.

Mare's personal forces, comprised of:

300 Holy Knights and 400 Bloody Knights [Both estimated at A rank].

As the commanding officers, the 7 greater nobles.

Plus, a handful of Holy Knights led by Anno.

The main force consisted of 100 thousand members of the Holy Scripture Knights [estimated B+ rank], the Saint Church's believers, Lesser Vampires and other similar monsters under Mare comprised most of these units.

In addition, was 100 thousand knights [estimated C+ rank], that were sent from the remaining western countries.

That was all.

It was a great force of over 200 thousand, but they were already struggling against the angel army.

Among the elites who were directly under Remus, there are A rank Giants and Goliaths, this meant Mare would be outnumbered and outclassed.

Mare and Remus house the two largest factions among the Calamities, their forces were equal. But, counting in the number of reinforcements, and their quality, there’ll be a distinct gap now.

If at this point in time, Mare were to fall, the collapse of the western countries would take but an instant.

In less than a month, the western countries would be totally ravaged. This must definitely be prevented.

That means, I'm going to have to send in reinforcements.

Remus's strength is still unknown to me. It is said he has the beef to back up getting into fights with Veltartarus in the past, so it's a bad idea to underestimate him.

Even if he gets into a 1 on 1 fight with Mare, it was difficult to predict who would have the upper hand.

As Mare wields an Ultimate Skill of the Sin Series, I don't think she'll be defeated that easily....

In any case, there's a need for me to send reinforcements.

There are problems elsewhere too.

Against the forces of Art's Golden Valley, the 200 thousand strong angel army is too much for them to handle.

Currently, with the use of a Defensive Emplacement, and focusing on city defense, his forces are still holding on. But, the moment the defenses are broken through, the flow of the battle is likely to shift.

Art's forces, was comprised of only 10 thousand Magic Knights [estimated A rank].

They were an elite band of capable knights, which I caught a glimpse of during my visit.

But, the difference in power is too vast for them to be able to cover their handicap in numbers.

Although the angels are estimated to be B rank in combat prowess, the abilities differ for those who are Reincarnates. In other words, it's different depending on their willpower.

The mass produced angels are not a threat, but the angels who have a will of their own show obvious increases in strength.

As the race that mirrors the devils, it is better to assume that they too, become stronger the longer they exist.

Additionally, there are Reincarnates who were formerly from Yukino's hybrid forces, it is predicted that there are other hidden commander types and the like.

Then there is also the placement of the upper tier angels, the details are still unconfirmed as of now. They seem to be hiding their true abilities, and blending into the horde of regular angels.

Though there were a few who stood out, there's simply too few in number at this point.

There should be roughly 100 thousand Reincarnates from the ex-hybrid forces. There's a need to be wary of them.

With just Art's forces, he's not going to hold out against 200 thousand angels.

A massive reading has been confirmed in El Dorado's airspace.

With Souei's Tsukuyomi, that was analyzed and confirmed using "Eye of the Moon".

It was a reading similar to Vega who was currently attacking Millie's forces.

I think she called herself one of the "Four Fiends Heaven Commanders".

That would mean, the one who's going to confront Art is likely Four Fiends Heaven Commanders Kazaream.

The strength of an Awakened Calamity. No, if we aren't careful, she might have powered up even more than that.

Art's plenty strong sure, but since we have no idea just how powerful Four Fiends Heaven Commanders Kazaream is now, being overconfident is a bad idea.

She still seems to be observing, meaning the stalemate will hold, but the situation will change the moment she makes her move.

Until then, I'll need to make my move too.

For now, that's what the overall situation looks like for the other fronts.

Such a bad outlook shortly after the battle began.

Ciel's all fine and dandy as she has completed her predictions and whatnot, it's just a boatload of headaches for me.

After sorting out the issues,

The biggest problem is still Millie.

Next, would be that against the rampaging Vega, Kearie alone doesn't have enough to clinch the victory.

Then it’s Mare's pinch, from Remus's betrayal.

Finally we’ve got to handle reinforcements for Art.

Would be how it looks.

Also, regarding Art's case, I won't butt in unless he calls for help.

Though I kinda feel bad for Art, even if El Dorado falls, it's not going to affect the other sides. The destruction of a city in that remote a location, among the many that exist, isn't going to affect an overall victory.

The exception, is if by any chance Art is defeated, I would want to mount a counteroffensive against Kazaream. Co-op with Art would be the ideal situation though....

Even if I don't make a move, since they're Art's friends and allies, Ashtone's and Shizuku's forces would move in to assist, that was Ciel's prediction.

It doesn't look like the angel army is moving to attack Ashtone's side anyways, and the Otherworlders from Hinomoto appear to surprisingly be holding their own, with Miserie and Ginko as the respective commanders, their combined forces will move to Art's aid.

This looks like the best choice.

Ashtone has his own information network. So he definitely knows that his ally is in danger.

And Shizuku already has several students living in El Dorado, so she'd eventually hear of it.

With a powerful, combined army comprised of thousands of Greater Devils [estimated A rank] and hundreds of Otherworlders with Skills, I'd want to believe that they can close the gap in numbers.

I'll be leaving Art's problem to Ashtone and Shizuku for now, until there's a call for help I'm going to leave him be.

“What shall be our move, Reishou-sama? If we are to stop Millie-sama, we will need to send a large portion of our forces....”

Benimaru asked.

I cut off Thought Acceleration, and put my conclusion into words.

“Although that's also important, you've noticed haven't you?

Remus's betrayal――”

“Yes....”

“Eh!?”

“....”

“ “!?” ”

Benimaru, Lilith and Reien, have noticed as expected, while the remainder don't seem to have noticed.

There was a wave of unrest in the command room.

Well, this isn't surprising. Considering that our greatest asset, one pillar among the Remus, has betrayed us, it's normal to be disturbed by such news.

Though it's important to stop Millie, this was also a problem that couldn't be left unattended to.

“Luckily, they have yet to make their move.

Therefore, we will be sending reinforcements to Mare via the Transit Gate, while contacting her at the same time.

The ones to be dispatched are....”

The question is, who should I be sending.

Whoever I send will be up against an army, so someone who can handle such situations. My choice should be――

“Reishou-sama! I would like to make a selfish request――

Please, send me out to the battlefield!!”

Shion stood up, and spoke her piece while looking straight at me.

Is the responsibility of being the guardian for Remus's sons a part of this?

《There should be no problems》

(But, isn't there a chance the sons would betray us too?)

《The possibility is actually fairly low.

Except, it would be unwise to send only Shion. I'd suggest sending Adamal and Albert along too.》

I too, thought of sending Adamal as they'll be up against large numbers of enemies.

He seems to be research buddies with Mare too, they should have fairly friendly relations.

There shouldn't be any problems so long as Zegion is in the labyrinth.

“Alright, Shion. Go for it.

You're bringing your squad along with you right? Don't get complacent.”

“Hahah! Many thanks!”

Shion vacated her position in high spirits, gave me a bow and left the room.

I don't think Shion can stand up against Remus as she is now. But, with support from Mare, her Immortal properties can be put to good use.

With Mare's 『Day and Night Inversion』, and Adamal's『Holy-Demonic Inversion』.

They'll be able to handle the giant army which has many different elemental specialists.

“Adalman, you're heading out too.

Though you'll be leaving the labyrinth, go forth and assist Shion and Mare!”

“Understood!! As one who was granted life, I feel nothing but gratitude.

I shall definitely show that I am able to meet your expectations!!”

Adamal took off, with Albert and Wentie in tow.

Using the Dead Spirit series of summoning magic, he is capable of summoning undead knights within his labyrinth territory, he can easily whip out a dependable mobile force.

Albert also looks to have gotten used to his Gods class equipment, while Wentie was all excited as it has been awhile since she had the chance to rampage in the outside world.

For now, let's see what happens with such measures.

Next, to choose who is going to be Vega's opponent.

Let's not think about getting rid of him for now, we need to send reinforcements soon, else Millie's forces are gonna take massive casualties.

It looks like Kearie has been sent to face him, but it's going to be tough for him alone.

“Now then, as for who is going to help out Kearie who is facing Vega....

I'm thinking of sending Gobta.

Your thoughts, Storm.”

“(hngh)! Master, does that mean, that it's ok for me to head out too?”

“Ahh, that's right.”

“!! Gobta is a genius. Our synchro rate, has already reached over 80%.

If we were to gain combat experience with a superior foe, he is definitely going to grasp the knack(for their synchro) in no time!”

As expected of Gobta.

He's getting praised a whole lot. More like, the Goblin Genius, how's that?

Storm was wagging his tail, looks like he's looking forward to getting some of the action.

Though it looks like he's exaggerating somewhat because he wants to head out too, his words are true to a certain extent.

I shall believe him then.

“Alright. If it's Gobta, he can teleport to where Kearie is.

Go forth, Storm! Go, together with Gobta and Vraika, and kick that Vega's butt!”

“Understood!!”

At the same time he replied, Storm disappeared into the shadows.

Storm's all pumped up about it. What about Gobta?

He wasn't all too enthusiastic, saying, “Wha-! Why'd you have to choose to fight that scaryasheck fella!!”, having to be convinced by Vraika.

Well, Gobta'll be fine.

He'll put in the relevant amount of effort. Let's leave it at that for now.

Lastly, our main problem with Millie.

“As for Millie, I'll head out to deal with her.”

The moment I said that, the surroundings became silent.

Well duh. The leader himself is making a move, this is nothing but a bad move under normal circumstances.

But, rather than sending large numbers against Millie, I judged that there was a need for a more flexible response.

Ciel also agrees, as in her calculations, the death of one of my Guardian class followers is a possibility that couldn't be overlooked.

It's not like we're going to face Millie with the intent to kill, but shit can still happen even if we’re only trying to stop her.

This scenario calls for me to step in.

“Kufufufufu. Then, I shall be accompanying Reishou-sama.

There will be the need to get rid of those annoying bugs(angels) that are flitting around when confronting Millie-sama.” (Diablo)

“And of course, we'll be going too!” (Testa)

“Un! Imma go too” (Ultima)

“Without a doubt” (Yubelle)

“Yeah!” (Zane)

“Seriously?! Ah, well... let's go!” (Adam)

“They're right Rei. We can't let you face Millie-sama alone.” (Lilith)

My most powerful assets, the officers of the Black Numbers, and my wife, all spoke in unison.

Oh well.

I'll leave the regular Black Numbers members behind then, since I can summon them anytime I want to.

Even if the silver-haired angel who's facing Millie has no attack power whatsoever, there's 4 other angels of the awakened calamity class too, we can't be getting complacent.

Now that Shion has left for her battle, my "bodyguards" end up being these 7 pillars, doesn't give me much of a choice but to bring them along with me.

Though the situation looking like the enemy's plot to draw me out isn't out of the question, me not moving now is only going to invite an even bigger disaster to follow.

It is imperative to stop Millie from destroying her own country.

Our help would be in vain if she really ends up doing it.

“Also――There's that lower lifeform Vega, who stole my thunder.

If Gobta and Vraika doesn't finish him off, I'll need to be there for the finishing touches.”

Yubelle declares, while showing an awfully scary smile.

Ahh, he's the one who interrupted her battle with [what was his rank again?] Kondo. I can understand that much.

Guess I can let her move in to "support" Gobta and Vraika, after the extra nuisances have been taken care of.

Thinking back, can they actually win this time?

Though I gave the order because Gobta and Vraika were able to get there almost instantly, Gobta's synchro rate with Storm being only 80% is kinda bugging me.

It's not like it would be a definite win at 100%, even with Kearie, Gobta & Storm, and Vraika, emerging victorious against Vega is going to be a real feat even in Ciel's calculations.

That "man" Vega, just how much has he grown.

He also seems to be absorbing the dead bodies around him, slowly increasing his power.

If we don't get rid of him soon, he can become a real threat to us.

“Alright, it's decided then.

Yubelle, you shall head to assist Gobta and co. after getting rid of those higher class angels.

Lil and Diablo, you'll be supporting me. I'll be counting on you all.”’

“ “Understood!!” ”

With this our objectives have been laid down.

“Reishou, I leave Millie to you!!”

“Ahh, leave it to me!”

To the uneasy Amaryllis, I smiled and promised to save Millie.

Against Millie who can be said to be one of the strongest Calamities, half baked actions won't cut it.

Due to her 『Wrath Conversion』, if her anger can be suppressed, she'll probably come back to her senses.

But, it's plain suicidal, to try doing that while holding back. It'll only be possible for me to do this.

It's gonna be one heck of a task to keep that easily enraged Millie in check, but I still gotta do it.

“Benimaru, Amadeus, I'm entrusting the rest to you guys.”

“You can leave the rest to me without worries!”

Command is now passed to Benimaru and Amadeus.

There's also the preparations for the time when demon lord Art requests for our aid, Benimaru understands what needs to be done.

“On the off chance, Art comes to us seeking our aid――”

“If that time comes, I'll do something about it. Fret not!”

I'll leave it to him then.

As I hold command over the Black Numbers, I told him to contact me if there ever was the need to.

For this demon army which can move anywhere via teleportation, they need to be ready to move out at a moment's notice.

Even if we were to not take them into account, Argento still has forces in reserve.

There's Benimaru, Amadeus, Souei, Azazel and Ortlinde & the Valkyire Squad.

Zegion and Inarin.

Along with the 4 dragon kings under Amaryllis, and Beretta too.

They'll be able to handle any problems, when the need arises.

After handing over command to Benimaru, I headed out with Lilith, Reien and the others.

I need to bring Millie back to her senses posthaste.

(Wait for me, Millie! Don't go all out just yet!)

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

If you think about it, a strategy where all of the Calamitous Lords gather in one place and fight the enemy together would never work.

This is because it would be a decision that would disregard the people who have faith in their Calamitous Lords.

It would be a reliable way if all we wanted was to win the Great war, but if this plan went badly then it could lead to a worse result where the majority of the population would be lost.

If the goal is just defeating Velda, this plan could be considered as the best plan, but it seems that the Neun Dämon cannot ignore one of the Four Fiends who introduced himself as Vega and those who have the same rank as him.

No, it might be difficult even for the Neun Dämon.

If we take on this monster along with all the members, it would end quickly without any problem, but the domain we rule would very likely be ruined if we did so.

That is the reason why Ciel-san said that the Calamities won’t give their consent.

Oh well, it isn’t even guaranteed, that if the Neun Dämon stayed together, that the victory would be certain.

Because once we defeated all of them and went around the places that got attacked, with the gate, one by one, the last country would probably be destroyed.

The part that we misread is the mass of the enemy forces.

That is because Ciel made her predictions based on Vega and Kazaream from before they absorbed and mastered the power of the Seraphim.

The ability of Vega of the Four Fiends Heaven Commanders has exceeded Ciel’s expectations.

It is expected that his ability will break through his limit if he continues his rampage on the surface as he is.

In addition, as the number of the Seraphim is unknown, it would be fatal if we can’t predict the force of an enemy who has the strength of awakened Calamity class.

Oh well, I expected that there would be at most 10 of them, but currently they still can’t be considered as a threat.

I think that those of my Guardian Lord class, would be able to deal with them perfectly.

The problem is the Four Fiends Heaven Commanders.

Because he said four, there is probably four of them.

Of course they wouldn’t mention Four Fiends if their members are more than four.

That would be great.

By the prediction, Vega and Kazaream is confirmed. Another one seems to be Guy Dino, the problem is the last person.

I believe that the last one is probably Remus.

Remus who is one of the Neun Dämon as well as Mare.

I think both of them are equal. But they only became equal because Mare had obtained an Ultimate Skill.

Remus is a Calamity who has an abnormal power. The scale of his powers cannot be understood completely.

If in contest of strength, it is certain that he would overpower Remus.

Guessing from Vega’s power, I’m able to expect that Mare won’t be able to win against Remus.

That’s why I sent over Shion and Adamal, two of the Guardian Lords, but......

I still have this bad feeling that I can’t shake off.

I think that forcing me to fight Millie is not to buy time.

I’m relieved that Benimaru, Amadeus, Zegion and Azazel will remain in Argento, but I should not be careless.

In the worst case, I need to prepare to make a move but a slight uneasiness passed through my mind.

The next is that there is a question about Art's confidence.

I’m certain that Kazaream of the Four Fiends Commanders went towards Art's place.

Kazaream and Art also have a connection and I think that Kazaream bears a grudge against Art.

The problem is the extent of Kazaream's power.

Vega’s power exceeds Mare’s.

When compared to Art, depending on the situation, I think that Art would be defeated by Vega too.

Vega has become abnormally strong to such a degree.

If I assume that Kazaream, who is on the same rank as Vega, became equally strong as him, Art's victory will become questionable.

Before the reinforcement request comes, thinking about some kind of countermeasures sounds good.

I floated in the sky after I teleported and decided to watch the battle on the ground.

Vega is fighting against Kearie, but the situation is that Vega is overwhelmingly superior to Kearie.

I think there is a need to greatly revise the ability analysis result of the so called Four Fiends Heaven Commanders, Vega and Kazaream.

As I expected, there is a difference in obtaining information by seeing the fight directly versus from seeing it on the screen.

For caution’s sake, I contacted Ashtone with telepathy.

I told him the current situation. Next I let him decide what he wants to do, let’s believe that he will move appropriately.

The time when Chloe and Ashtone meet is soon, let’s have him do what he can currently.

Just like that, when I finished all of the preparations, I calmly began to descend.

It might be making me uneasy by letting other people handle everything, but I should believe in my subordinates.

Using all of the cards I can use, even Ciel says that there is no other better strategies besides that.

Under the present situation, there is nothing else that I can do.

Then I’ll do my work.

The most important task in this place is to eliminate the person who is trying to manipulate Millie.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

At the moment when Reishou arrived in the sky and gazed down with his eyes.

Kearie was in a hopeless battle.

“Guhaahhahahahaha!! Is the power of the Lion King only this much?

It is so weak that I’m speechless!

You don’t even reach my, this Vega-sama’s feet, the true Beast King!

How is it? I might make you a subordinate of mine if you kneel down and beg for your life.”

“Hha! Don’t make fun of me! This Kearie has dedicated his loyalty to Millie-sama.

I need not lower my head to be your petty underling!”

“How cheeky.

Just like Millie, you’re just a fang-less pet dog!

Although I would spare your life if you served this great me, Vega-sama…...

You better regret the stupidity of your decision in the next world!”

Vega shouted such.

And a compressed aura bullet of a 50 cm diameter surged up.

‘I can’t receive that’. Kearie's instincts, which could be called super instincts, perceived the danger of the destructive power that aura bullet has.

Even if he promptly evaded it, Vega seems like he will not allow him to do so.

Aiming at Kearie, Vega continuously shoots the aura bullets.

“Damn itーーー!!”

As he shouts, Kearie put all of his magic power into the deployed Aura Shield in front of him.

Of course, he understands that he would die if it hit him directly. He adds some angle on the Aura Shield with repelling the aura bullets in mind.

Because of Millie's intensive training, the means of dealing with an enemy who has more destructive and stronger power than him had been hammered into him more than needed.

Rather, he doesn’t have any memories of it stopping no matter how much he shouted for it to stop.

Millie laughed, but she didn’t stop……

The result of that special training saves Kearie now.

His magic power is depleted greatly but he has somehow managed to survive. The repelled aura bullets, transforming the surroundings’ terrain with their destructive power.

Kearie believes that just the fact that he was able to endure them somehow, is praiseworthy.

Under the cover of the smoke caused by the explosions, he slipped into a newly created crater. He hid himself in the shadow and suppressed his breath.

(Good grief, what the heck is with that power……

If Millie was not my opponent during the combat training, I might already be done for right now ――)

He thought about such things.

At the same time, he remembered his friend who trained together with him.

(Wait! You’ll die-ssu! If you take more than this, you’ll seriously die-ssu!!)

That guy had always been next to him and had yelled that.

And even though that guy said ‘I’m at my limit, it’s impossible’, he kept Kearie company until the end of the training while being lively.

(Damn! I’m still okay. I will get laughed at by that guy if I admit my defeat here!)

Kearie grinned widely and laughed.

Kearie's power, which had risen greatly as a result of Millie's training, is clearly shown during the fight.

He remembered Millie's words, “The most important thing is, don’t die!”.

Just like that, he is now able to understand what Millie said.

When fighting against a stronger opponent, first ascertain the enemy’s strength, then prioritize survival over everything else.

Fortunately, his subordinates seem to have left the vicinity of this area in accordance with his aide’s orders. Afraid of getting involved in the battle, the angels also didn’t approach this area.

Vega didn’t manage the angels in a skillful manner, if he was smart, he would make them surround and annihilate Kearie and he would be dead by now.

But Vega hasn’t given any orders to his subordinates because he is confident with his own strength.

(There might be a chance for victory. Anyways, I need to endure. And then, wait for my chanceーー)

Kearie doesn’t give up.

He need to draw out the enemy’s forces and expose their power, giving Millie the advantage.

He will leave the rest to Millie, who is the leader.

He was anxious because of what Shuri said, but he needs to do what he can do right now with all of his effort.

“Tch! How sly!! You’re just a coward who only has hiding in your brain.

What is with the title ‘Lion King’? Rat is a more appropriate title for a coward like you!!”

“Shut up!

It’s a strategy, strategy. You who are dumb may not be able to understand it!”

Kearie shouted back to Vega’s provocation.

He won’t get provoked.

Making use of the echo, Kearie used tricks so Vega can’t know where he is.

Baited by the voice, Vega shot a series of magic bullets at the places that had nothing.

Compared to the simple aura bullet from a while ago, the power was higher. The surrounding terrain wasn’t just altered, but hollowed and annihilated.

It seems very unlikely for Kearie to be able to endure many of them if he received them directly, because of the power they have.

Vega just threw them without accumulating them, yet they have the power to alter the landscape.

It was more than the kneaded magic bullets. If he face it upright, his magic power will be run out in a moment.

If it goes badly, he fears that he will receive an attack which won’t leave him any chance to recover.

He could feel the pressure in the hand which wield the Byakko-Seiryuu Lance. Because it seemed the situation will become worse if he lost his composure here.

He’s considering using his trump card,『Beastification』.

At the same time of this ability activation, all the damage he received from before that would be completely restored, and all of his energy would also be restored.

Then with the large rise of his fighting power, it’s possible for him to raise the limit of his abilities.

During Millie's special training, Kearie acquired the Unique Skill 『Lion Heart』.

This ability increases his power against a person stronger than him and gives his attacks penetration effect.

And using it together with 『Beastification』, results as an Original Skill 『Dragon Body (Lion Dragon Body)』.

An indomitable heart and an unyielding body.

He had acquired a strong and unparalleled power.

However......

(In order to win against this guy, I have no other choice than to use Original Skill 『Dragon Body』, but it’s time limit is a mere 10 minutes......)

That’s right.

It is an incomparable ability that can be thought to be an invincible power, but after 10 minutes passes and all of the magic power runs out, the transformation would come undone.

In the current situation, he would be defeated overwhelmingly if he only using Unique Skill 『Lion Heart』. Kearie wants to refrain from using 『Beastification』 until he receives a big damage, but once he uses it, he won’t be able to use the Unique Skill 『Lion Heart』.

He would be defeated in the case that he doesn’t defeat Vega during the 10 minutes of him using it.

Because without the correction effect against a stronger opponent of Unique Skill 『Lion Heart』 he might not be able to fight back with only the strengthening of 『Beastification』.

He has confirmed that Vega has a super-regeneration ability.

Is he sure he can win? So long as he doesn’t see Vega’s weakness, he can’t use his trump card. However, losing without fighting back, he judged that he must dodge for it to happen.

“Strategy, strategy you said? Fuhahahahaha, you make me laugh.

A small fry like you should know your place and stop thinking for nothing!!

Well…… It’s easy to kill you, but should I teach you what despair is?

This your's truly hasn’t used any abilities yet. Do you understand what that means?

Because you may not be able to understand it, I will show you.”

Saying as much, Vega put one of his hands to the front.

The corpses which had fallen down to the ground began gathering and uniting, as they transformed into a decaying wicked life-form.

Then, it easily shot down the angels who are flying in the sky, as they became the prey to the life-form which was just born.

This is the moment where a horrifying creature was born into this world.

The wings of raptors grew on the wriggling wicked humanoid form.

However, it lacks the light of intellect in its eyes. Because, in the first place, it has no head. But, it seems to possess 『Magic Power Perception』 and be able to grasp the surroundings accurately.

If it was named, it should be called an Evil Dragon Beast.

Vega activated the ultimate power that he himself got, the Ultimate Skill 『Evil Dragon Lord Azi Dahaka』.

“Guhaahhahahahaha!! How is it, this lovely pet of mine!!

It’s a waste to use this kind of fighting power against small fries like you all. All of you should fully enjoy it!!”

Vega laughed loudly.

In total, there were four evil dragon beasts that were born.

They ate the angels and took their power, although they are distorted creatures, their combat ability is high.

“Hey hey…... are you serious…..”

Kearie's super instincts rings an alarm.

His instincts tells him that they might be just as strong as Orleus who was a former Calamitous Lord just like him.

However, Vega who created such creatures didn’t seem to have his power decreased.

It’s unknown how many of them Vega can create, but they might get increased later. Just like the angels.

The adjutant had splendidly taken command so there were not many casualties and thus it only produced 4 enemies.

(These wicked fiends, I need to quickly annihilate them, how can I let my subordinates see such things!?)

Kearie shuddered, their repulsiveness made him nauseous as anger filled his heart. He said something like he had room to spare, and didn’t seem too unwilling.

“Go!! Lure the rat who’s hiding and trying to run!!”

In accordance to the order, they started acting at a terrific speed.

The ground was kicked, the air fluttered, and the surrounding smoke was blown away.

When it came to this, it was only a matter of time that they would notice Kearie, who is hiding in a hollow.

‘Tch!’ so he clicked his tongue. Kearie condensing his own magic power and let out a 『Beast Roar (Beast Magic Particle Cannon)』 at one of them, which was approaching him from the front.

He judged that if such fiends were mass-produced, if he tried to buy more time, even more distant he will be from his advantageous situation.

It is not the time to be asking for chance.

One of the evil dragon beasts was burnt up by the Beast Roar that Kearie let out.

The terrific destructive power of the magic particle cannon didn’t lose it’s might even after burning the evil dragon beast, it continues straight on towards Vega.

It is as Kearie planned. As it’s a attack from a blind spot, it will be a direct hit.

However, the distance was slightly too far.

The power was reduced by half at around 300m, so it’s better to shoot it from more of a point-blank range.

As Kearie became stronger than before, the beast roar became a perfected, highly effective, special move. So, the distance he is able to shoot from increased, and he can also shorten the preparation time for it’s firing, but the range hasn’t increased.

Right now, the power doesn’t decline until 200m but the power deteriorates no matter what when it reaches the 300m mark.

Even so, there’s no complaint from him as it has improved greatly as a result of the special training but…… it’s unlikely for it to be a telling blow in the current situation.

“Guwaahhahahahaha!! How crafty! Is this your strategy?

Yours truly doesn’t even feel any particular pain or itch from such an attack!!”

While laughing, Vega provoked Kearie.

However, the area which received the direct hit suffered a major burn, to say that he didn’t receive damage, it doesn’t seem like it.

“Ha! Don’t pretend to endure it! If it’s painful, you can cry you know?”

Kearie dashed quickly while returning the provocation with a provocation.

Towards the second evil dragon beast who notices Kearie and was coming closer, he shot a beast roar with his left hand and dealt the killing blow with the Byakko-Seiryuu Lance loaded with kneaded aura.

The evil dragon beast whose stance was broken to evade the beast roar was destroyed without being able to react.

(Next is the other two of them!)

In Kearie field of vision, he was able to see that two of them were coming together at a run.

If Kearie was the apex of a triangle. The two beasts formed the tips of the sides, and Vega was in the center of the base.

If he adjusted his position, his special skill would get an even line of fire.

The length of the side is around 100m, Vega is letting his guard down as he was underestimating Kearie.

It’s a chance.

(Eureka!!)

Kearie condensed all of his magic power while thanking for the good luck, and refined his demonic fighting aura.

While concentrating so that the power wouldn’t leak out, Kearie poured it all into his Byakko-Seiryuu Lance. He waited until the demonic fighting aura was refined to its limit, he chose to gather it to the tip of his Byakko-Seiryuu Lance and turned it into a terrific power.

“Uoooooooo!! Take this! 『Diffusion Roar (Scattering/Diffusion Magic Beast Particle Cannon)』!!”

The flash divided into nine and ran through.

Each target was to be pierced by three lights. Although it’s power is equal to the single shot Beast Roar, as it was spread out, it was a sure kill attack that shoots through the target from various angles.

The convergence of the three lights slightly exceed the power of the single shot Beast Roar because of its synergy. This is the true special move that Kearie created.

“Hha! Serves you right. Because you looked down on someone, you will suffer like this!”

Kearie spat those words out towards Vega.

The two evil dragon beasts seemed to be annihilated, but Vega seems to have stopped the attack.

Kearie needed to step in to finish him off.

Both Vega’s arms were blown off and his whole body suffered a severe burn, there was also a large hole in both of his flanks.

Normally it would be a fatal wound, but for such a troublesome monster like him, it would be fine, so long as he still has a piece of his cell.

Thinking as much, Kearie gathered up his remaining magic power and was going to shoot a Beast Roar as the finisher.

However――

The evil dragon beast which should have been bisected drew near, unnoticed, from Kearie's rear and attacked him.

The evil dragon beast must also have a dreadful regenerative ability.

Give it a little time and it will revive even when bisected into two.

In addition,

“Guhaahhahahahaha!! Did I say it was crafty?

Someone like you are not an opponent for me but……

It was troublesome when you were sneaking and hiding.

I lured you out with me as the decoy!

How is it? This is a strategy you know!!”

Grrrhhh…..!!

Despair struck Kearie.

Vega showed a supercilious smile to Kearie.

And then, his injuries were restored in but a moment, the traces of the serious injury was nowhere to be found.

From the beginning, he was not hurt.

(Damn it! I was had by this guy……!)

Though it was frustrating, Kearie couldn’t help but to admit that Vega’s abilities are far stronger than he expected.

At Kearie, who Vega was looking down on like he was looking at trash, he shot a large magic bullet.

He intended to get rid of Kearie, without minding the evil dragon beast who was pinning Kearie down from behind rear.

The moment the magic bullet was shot, Kearie desperately mustered his strength to take evasive action.

He managed to avoided a direct hit, but he did lose the left side of his body.

He is alive, barely.

As Kearie is the king of the beastmen, he has a high vitality. He won’t die to this degree.

However, he believes it would be hard to make a comeback from this situation.

(Damn…… is this the end, huh?)

He wanted to think that he would survive till the end, but he doesn’t seem to have any other choice.

The rest he can only gamble for with his last resort.

For the remaining 10 minutes, he will perform his full offensive attack.

‘I have no choice but to fight using my Original Skill 『Dragon Body』.’

He thought so.

All of his injuries will be completely heal and his magic power will be restored too. However, all left is defeat.

But, he will die regardless as things are now, there is no choice but to do it.

Kearie resolved himself.

And,

“Don’t underestimate me! I will show you a man’s way of life!!”

So he shouted.

Vega was smirking and making an unpleasant jeer, his eyes were as if he was looking down at a defeated dog.

Such looks filled Kearie with anger and he was able to forget the pain.

At the moment he was about to activate his ability,

“Wai~ttt, please wait-ssu! Hero is the one who always comes late-ssu!!”

A stupid voice was heard.

A dear friend of his, who was so out of place to the extent of the ridiculous.

What jumped out of Kearie's shadow is one Hobgoblin.

Without any mistake, it’s his dear friend, he, the genius (best friend) who Kearie acknowledges.

That person’s name is Gobta.

He is the 13th man who can dissolve this critical situation.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

As Lilith and I were observing the battle between Millie and the silver-haired Angel from the skies, I began to think that something was amiss.

The silver-haired Angel is definitely using 『Lord of Temperance Michael』's "Castle Guard".

Confident that she’ll be unaffected, she guides Millie's attacks into causing damage to the surroundings.

This is a major problem of course. But despite that, visually, the damage caused seems to be less than expected.

(Hey, if Millie were dishing out Full-Power Attacks, wouldn't there be far more damage than what we're seeing now?)

《Affirmative. If it was a "real" attack by Millie Aurelia, she would reduce her castle to ashes in an instant.

Of the predicted possibilities, the damage may have been reduced from the effects of "Castle Guard".

Or, Millie Aurelia still retains her sanity, and is controlling her output.》

Fumu.

So that's it huh.

Although she is emanating waves of anger that are enough to cause the atmosphere to shudder, there were no signs of her unleashing ultra high output attacks.

Only the castle tower was blown away at the start of the battle. It would be best to assume she still hasn't lost her sanity, and is suppressing her rage.

Which is also why, 『Lord of Temperance Michael』's domination abilities have not been activated.

If Millie were to have totally lost her sanity due to her rage, she would have been dominated almost immediately.

“Reien!”

“Ha! I am here”

From my summons, Reien appeared behind me, ready to respond.

Kneeling behind him, were the 4 remaining devil lords.

“Reien. You guys, go and get rid of the other 5 angels.

After that's done, go defeat Vega.

Though I sent Gobta and Vraika, just them alone is kinda worrying.

Also, one of you shall stay and be my support with Lilith.”

“Understood. We will finish up shortly, and move to support Reishou-sama!”

The representative Reien answered, Testarossa and co. also nodded in unison.

Though those angels are on par with awakened Calamities, the devils are the more combat oriented ones among my guardian class followers. It'll be fine to leave this to them.

They are even in numbers, and Lilith, Reien and Adam are around too. I can believe they’ll succeed.

“I'll leave that to you guys then!”

After saying so, I began flying towards Millie.

As for the ones left behind, they seem to have begun arguing about who is going to be my support, it was fortunate that I didn't notice this.

Whoever won the spot, is really of little importance.

Among the ones who remained, a winner emerged from their "peaceful" discussion.

Reien showed a gentlemanly smile, as he glares at the others.

Tch! And the like could be heard from the others, but the 4 of them didn't openly protest.

“Kufufufufu. As expected, this went smoothly all thanks to your prudence.”

A highly satisfied Reien was smiling.

Then, with a glance, he turned his attention to the 5 angels with disinterest.

Pangaea's minions, 5 of the "Apostles of the End".

They were known as the 「Executioners (7 Angels of Crucifixion)」, and were the combat team in charge of close quarters combat.

This time, they were dispatched under Lucia's direct command.

As long as she had "Castle Guard", Lucia's safety is assured. They were around as a form of insurance.

But, their main aim, was to be Lucia's "sword".

The Ultimate Skill 『Lord of Temperance Michael』 has almost no means of directly attacking.

In other words, the Executioners are to be Lucia's hands and feet, weapons for the purpose of destroying enemies.

Michael's will, which has now became Lucia's ego, chose them for this purpose.

Toruneoto, who wields a Warhammer imbued with the lightning element, is a hulking muscular man.

Aria, who wields a Great Axe imbued with the fire element, has the looks of a small framed girl.

Oruca, who wields a Trident imbued with the water element, is a pretty lady with a slim and prim body.

Priscilla, who wields the Nine Tail. An item imbued with the wind element. Is average in build and height, has a prominent large bosom. Though her semi-closed eyes leave an impression, she gives off an "androgynous" air.

Harina, who wields a Greatsword named Stone Edge, an item imbued with the earth element. Though they give off "Sixth Ranger" vibes, I honestly can't tell if they're a guy or a girl cause of their hood and mask, but if I were to guess, judging from their build, I'd say a lean guy.

The five of them, were calm and composed even when Reien and co. suddenly appeared.

What that showed, was the confidence of the absolute strongest beings.

Their pride, as beings that have attained the powers of the highest class, Seraphim.

The devils and angels sized each other up, and quietly looked at one another.

“Fumu. We have no time for games. Let's end this quickly.”

The first to speak, was Reien.

Testa, Ul, Yubelle and Zane agreed.

「End this quickly, you say? Don't make me laugh puny demons.

There's no way you demons who have restricted evolutions, are able to reach us Seraphim, the highest of the angels.

For us who have been granted the powers of Seraphim from Pangaea-sama, we are the strongest existences, vastly superior to the mass produced army.

We easily outclass you lot.

Though it seems you bunch have become Calamity class, in the end your evolutions are still incomplete.

You shouldn't be letting your arrogance get to your heads simply because you’ve been upgraded to Calamities from Archdemons!」

Toruneoto bellowed.

To his words, Reien felt something was amiss.

Does the opposing boss Pangaea, not know that they have reached the Demon Peer class?

This would be a joke, if that was the case. If it was their master Reishou, he would have identified them in one glance.

Unless....

(Information has not been shared amongst them, that seems to be the case.

Because of his absolute confidence in himself, he was lax in doing a matter as trivial as sharing information.

The ego of the strong, huh.

On that point, Reishou-sama has his bases covered. As expected. Kufufufufufufu――)

Reien was thoroughly ecstatic, as he thought of their master, who meticulously worked to set up a network to disseminate and share information, no matter the kind of information.

As his mood has greatly improved, Reien's eyes turned "gentle", towards the fools before him.

“Hey, Reien. Why you’re so happy? Didn't we just get dissed by the other side....?” (Ultima)

“Kufufufufu. It's because of such matters, that you still have a ways to go.

Even from the words of those foolish beings, we can pick out points that show us how great our master is.”

“Eh?”

“Ufufufufu. That's right, as expected, you seem to have noticed too, Reien.”

“Of course, Testarossa. I shall leave those beings in your merciful hands.

If I were to do it, I'd cause them to suffer.... You'd be able to purge them with no such pains.”

“Ara, are you sure about that?”

“Wa- wait a sec! I still don't really get what you two are talking about!?”

“What're you lot rambling on about!?”

“.... What this means, is that Reien is saying he'll let us have his share.”

Testarossa very kindly, began explaining to Ultima and Zane.

About how their master Great Calamity Reishou, puts great faith into his subordinates.

After listening to the explanation, Ultima's eyes sparkled and exclaimed loudly,

“So that's it!! So what you're saying, is that Reishou-sama is way "higher class" than them!”

Testa nodded satisfied.

Though she also noticed that Ultima's understanding is slightly off, it's not a problem as of now.

As she has reaffirmed the greatness of their master Great Calamity Reishou, it is satisfactory for now.

「Hold up!! What's this bullshit you bunch are spouting!

Haaan? You pathetic devils, do what to us highest class angels?

Purge us without suffering? Don't make me laugh!」

Due to the insulting words from the devils, Aria screamed as she was totally pissed.

She unholstered her Great Axe, a weapon that didn't seem to fit her small build, and assumed a stance while gripping it.

With a burning anger lit in her eyes, while her hair was standing on end.

「It's a taunt. Calm down, Aria.」

The slim beauty Oruca, cut in on Aria while she glared at the devils with her cold eyes.

But, the Trident she was holding had aqua coloured waves swirling about intensely from within.

Though her thoughts were calm, on the inside she was just as furious.

「Ufufufufu. It seems that punishment for some naughty kids is needed from big sis here.」

Priscilla declared with a smile.

「...」

Though silent, it was clear that Harina was preparing to battle,

Though it wasn't particularly planned, the one sided words from the demons have succeeded in angering both the easygoing Priscilla and emotionless Harina too.

Seeing that his comrades have also been angered, Toruneoto made his move and took a step forward.

Lightning raged across his body, showing his anger for him.

「Well wait up a little. I just had the best idea. You want to hear it don't you?」

Before the angered angels, was Yubelle who spoke out without a care for the mood.

「Frankly, I got no interest in you guys at all.

There's that fool named Vega who's rampaging about over at that side, I got some business with him.

So, I'm going pass on you guys as well.」

Speaking as though this has already been accepted, was Yubelle's suggestion.

To what Yubelle has proposed,

“Ara? Are you sure about that, Yubelle?” (Testa)

“Eh!? Then, does that mean we each get two of em?” (Ultima)

“But that means I only get one.” (Zane)

Were the jovial responses from Testa and Ul, and sour response from Zane.

In contrast to that,

「Don't be underestimating us, lowly demon filth!!」

「Kill. Imma definitely kill you all!!」

「Fumu, looks like there's no other choice. I shall have to carve the painful truth into your bodies.」

「That just now, it got big sis all fired up.」

「!!!」

The members of the Executioners, were all painted red in anger.

Even among the heavenly armies, they were considered the most powerful existences, as members of the "Apostles of the End", and part of the combat specialized Executioners.

To be looked down upon to this level, was unexpected for them.

Even in their previous life as members under Yukino's direct command, they were already the most capable members then.

Though they were not part of the rank battles in the empire, they had the confidence to be able to go toe to toe against the Royal Knights.

Having attained the powers of a Seraphim now, each of them have awakened to the Ultimate Skill 『Master Weapon』, and are confident that no being that walks the lands could be a worthy foe.

The weapons they each wield, is proof of their abilities.

A weapon said to be more powerful than any physically existing God class weapon. With that pride on the line, they have no intention of giving any quarter to the devils.

「We bestow upon you all, death. That, is the wish of our creator, Pangaea-sama!!」

Together with Toruneoto's battle cry, the other members all moved in unison.

With their weapons on hand, they take their stance.

On the other hand, the devils....

“Awwright, the Axe and Spear for me!”

“Ara, is that so. Well, I don't really mind any of them.”

“Then I get the swordsmen!”

As though a child picking which toy to have fun with, Ultima voiced out who she intends to face.

They were fine so long as they gets someone to battle against, were Testarossa's and Zane's reactions.

Though it is their attitude that is angering the angel side thus, this is but the norm for the devils.

「Kufufufufu. Now then, if you three really get in a pinch, do call for help.

You poor girls and guy will not be abandoned.」

「Like that'd ever happen!」

「Hmm, right. It seems there's a real need to settle things with you some day, Reien.」

After the brief exchange, Reien took off towards Reishou and Lilith without looking back.

As for Yubelle,

“Kay then, I'll be making my move too. There won't be a need to leave your share right?”

“Yea. We'll make do with these fellas here.” (Testa)

“Un! Yubelle, if you don't hurry, Gobta and Vraika are gonna end up getting all the best stuff ya know?” (Ultima)

“I'm fairly worried about that too. No matter what's said and done, you can't underestimate those guys.”

Yubelle nods, while frowning.

Just as Ultima said, her reason for forgoing the angels was because worried Gobta and Vraika might end up actually defeating Vega.

Though her thoughts have been slightly revealed, there’s nothing she can do about it for the moment.

Vega has defiled her sacred duel. To Yubelle that was something totally unforgivable.

Though it can't be helped if Gobta and Vraika really do defeat him, there's the part of that wants to make  pay back in spades for.

For that reason, Yubelle left the current area promptly.

Similar to Reien, she had totally no worries for her colleagues. As the ruling class of the Devils, she had the utmost confidence that victory will not elude them.

And thus――

Testarossa vs Toruneoto & Priscilla

Ultima vs Aria & Oruca

Zane vs Harina

These three battles began.

………

……

…

The victor was decided almost instantly.

Letting his anger propel him, Toruneoto unleashed his most powerful attack 『Lightning Bomber』.

But, that location was already under Testarossa's Ultimate Skill 『Afterlife King Baal』's territory.

Lording over life and death, a Death Blade appeared in Testarossa's hand, and Toruneoto was split in two.

The 『Lightning Bomber』 attack from the War Hammer that was swung down, was caught by Testa's left hand, and was changing into a shining clump of energy.

But, Testa gripped the energy clump without any problems, and mixed in some of her own Magic.

Towards the crumpling remains of Toruneoto,

“You can have this back.”

She tossed that energy, which has turned into Superheated Plasma, with those parting words.

Flashes of light, compression, destruction.

Toruneoto perished, with next to nothing left of his former body.

Having lost her window to attack as Priscilla's timing was off, she was shocked at what happened.

「H-hiii!!」

She let out an involuntary scream.

Impossible. What just happened shouldn't have been possible.

The total Energy levels of both sides, though their Magical and Spiritual Power were of different natures, should have been at similar levels.

Despite that fact, the jarring difference in their battle prowess, just seemed downright absurd.

If there was little difference in total Energy levels, the side with a higher evolution should have the upper hand. Plus, they were battling 2 to 1 in their favour, thoughts of defeat never crossed their minds.

Priscilla's judgement of the situation was flipped over instantly.

In an overpowering display by the woman before her.

“Ara, what's wrong? Do come at me too.

I shall be your "gentle" opponent.”

The deviless named Testarossa, slowly walked towards Priscilla, with a smile on her face.

「S-stop! Don't come any closer!! Big sis here apologizes. I'm apologizing alright?!」

“Ara? Weren't you the one who said something about punishment for bad kids?”

「I'm sorry, it was improper on my part!! Big sis here, was getting ahead of herself!!」

As Priscilla became frenzied, she broke down sobbing and screamed.

Her fighting spirit was broken at light speed.

One's calm thoughts halt in the face of monsters of unimaginable proportions.

Toruneoto was a reliable companion. He would be the one standing at the frontlines, giving his allies the support of a unyielding shield, no matter what kind of battle it was.

Even he, who was already so reliable, attained an "Angel's power", and has supposedly became incomparable to his past self....

Priscilla herself was no slouch and showed pride as one who is capable, but even she herself has noticed that she wasn't able to match Toruneoto, even if she battled with everything she had.

That strong companion Toruneoto, was insta-killed without any proper retaliation, right in front of her; it wasn't surprising Priscilla would fall into a state of panic.

“Ara ara. This makes it look like I'm bullying you doesn't it.

Now now, I promised to finish you all without suffering did I not?

It's really okay to be more reassured.”

At that moment, Priscilla could be considered lucky, as Testarossa was in a really good mood.

「P-please forgive me!! I promise to not go against your greatness anymore!

If you let me go, I'll give you anything, anything other than my life!!」

She looks down on Priscilla, who was truly begging for her life, sunk by her own fear; and made her decision.

“In that case, I'll take it then. Your "Angel's Power", that is.

I shall let you go, in exchange for that.

Your emotions of fear, are absolutely delectable too.”

As amazingly rare as it is, Testarossa let Priscilla go, as she herself said.

What that showed, was simply her not dirtying her own hands, and couldn't care less whatever happened to Priscilla after this.

(The power of a Seraphim, this might turn out to be useful for Reishou-sama.)

Having decided as such, she robs Priscilla of her "Angel's power", and left her be.

What was unexpected for Testa, was that she ended up getting the Ultimate Skill 『Master Weapon』, which was supposed to be part of the "Angel's power".

The skill was then unified into 『Afterlife King Baal』, and becomes the base for her to materialize a "Death Whip".

For Testarossa, who conducts herself as though a "Queen", this weapon was a great fit for her.

And so, the battle of, Testarossa vs Toruneoto & Priscilla, came to its end.

Priscilla was inelegantly crawling away, and left the battlefield.

At that time, what was unlucky for Priscilla, was her choice to meet up with Vega.

Now that she has lost her powers, she has decided on a course of action that could give her protection. Sadly, Vega was giving his attention to his battle, and checking who was his allies or enemies was the least of his priorities.

The result, was that Priscilla ended up getting devoured by Vega and perished, but that was something that was unrelated Testarossa's actions.

Similarly for Ultima, her battle ended quick and easy.

Using one hand to parry away Aria's flame clad Great Axe, she pierced Aria with a Bloody Bite.

That attack alone was fatal, and Aria perishes.

Oruca, who was shocked at what happened, lost sight of Ultima for a brief moment, and then suddenly from behind her,

“And, done!!”

Was what she heard.

At the same time, she felt a burning pain in her chest,

(Wha-? Eh!? Just when did she....!?)

And that, was Oruca's last thoughts.

The 2 of them, were slaughtered by the little girl Ultima, unable to even retaliate.

As there was no conversation whatsoever, she finished up even faster than Testarossa or Zane did.

For the 2 of them who were killed, having died without feeling any pain or fear could be said to be the only silver lining, if you could call it one.

Ultima unintentionally ended up doing what Reien wanted.

The battle of, Ultima vs Aria & Oruca, ended near instantly after it began.

-[Battle of Zane vs Harina]-

And finally, the battle of Zane vs Harina, the longest of the three battles, ended.

Moments later.

“Ya know, those guys, weren't they too weak despite their Energy levels?” (Zane)

“You're right. But, all this has been expected by Reishou-sama.

Just having attained power, doesn't mean much as it is. We have just experienced that ourselves.

The thought that Angels would become more proficient given the time, is likely to be true.

.... But, just how much time that would take, is another matter altogether.” (Testa)

“I know right! The difference between us and them can't be bridged that easily, coz we lived real long and got lots of experience!” (Ultima)

Such was the conversation between the three.

As predicted by Ciel, angels begin their growth after gaining their lost ego.

But, expectedly, tangible growth in short periods of time is impossible.

Even if they do gain human-like levels of ego, there will always be limits to individual souls.

Plus, the level of experience, would almost always pale in comparison to the devils.

The soul of a mere mortal, would never be able to bring out the true power of an angel, much less the highest Seraphim.

If it were at least a Human Saint, who has gained a fair amount of experience from being a mortal, then things would have been different....

Thus, the devils' battles end, Testa, Ul and Zane then began moving towards the next objective of defeating Vega.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

“I’m going to die-ssu! That one just now was considerably dangerous you know-ssu!!”

Kearie let out a deep sigh while sending a sidelong glance at Gobta who was running, trying to escape while screaming.

‘This guy, he’s clearly doing it intentionally!’ so Kearie thought, as Gobta repeatedly evaded Vega’s attacks at the last moment.

Yes certainly, if he was late by one beat, Gobta would be hit by the magic bullets and die. There’s no doubt about it.

But, that’s only the case if he’s hit.

『Kearie-san, take a half step to the right, and then jump slightly-ssu!』

Kearie receives Gobta’s instructions and followed them without hesitation.

He carried it out obediently without asking questions. This action hasn’t changed since the their special training with Milim.

Soon after moving according to those instructions, magic bullets hit the spot he was standing before, and the ground was gouged out by the magic bullets which bombarded his feet. Thankfully, there was no effect on Kearie as he moved according to Gobta’s instructions.

(As I expected, this guy is really a genius)

Kearie cannot see it.

Even the aura bullet from before came flying faster than the speed of sound. The magic bullet was much quicker after being shot, despite it needing some time to knead magic power into the aura.

Evading them with sight is difficult. Kearie thought not just that it might be impossible to dodge himself, but even more to give instructions to other people.

If was communicated using voice, then it would be impossible. Because before someone understood the content of the instructions, they would’ve received a direct hit from the attack.

That’s why Kearie, Vraika and Gobta converse with 『Telepathy』 but......

How fast does someone have to think to be able to see through the enemy’s attack, movement, ascertain the kind of attack being used, then predicting the timing and the location of impact.

Kearie was interested in how far Gobta and Vraika had forseen, as he could barely respond with super instinct ability that was beyond his imagination.

He remember the conversation happened when Gobta arrived a little while ago.

“Kearie-san, it will be bad if you are still like that-ssu. Can’t you use 『Beastification』 just for a moment and immediately cancel it-ssu?”

He said such a thing.

Kearie understood that he was in a dangerous situation as he more or less lost half of his body. However, he couldn’t understand the meaning of Gobta’s words.

“Huh? You, what are you saying……?”

“It’s easy, you know-ssu. You just need to activate 『Beastification』 and immediately tell your mind to cancel it-ssu!”

Although he didn’t understand the meaning, he carried it out just as Gobta had said.

Because Gobta is his bestie, he did it and matched Gobta’s timing.

And then, an unbelievable thing happened.

In a moment, his ability rose tremendously and his body regenerated due to the effect of super restoration.

And, he should have transformed, but 『Beastification』 didn’t activated because he cancelled it.

In other words, only the recovery effect was activated. With the added bonus of his energy recovering about half by taking in the surroundings’ magic essence.

(Haaaaaa!? What the hell is this!!)

Kearie was astonished.

He didn’t clearly understand what happened, but was certain he was able to recover while keeping 『Beastification』.

“Wow, as expected from Kearie-san, you’re able to do it in one try-ssu!

In case you failed I had a Full Potion-ssu, but with potions-su your energy wouldn’t restore right-ssu.

How is it, convenient right? I also taught this to Gabiru-san and Kuroneko-san, I’m overjoyed-ssu!”

Gobta said those words.

In other words, it’s possible for people who possess transformation type abilities to receive the complete recovery effect by canceling the transformation at the right time.

‘How can you know this without a transformation ability!!’ so Kearie wanted to ask Gobta, but he needed to act rationally now and strongly endured it.

Anyway, right now it’s time for him to defeat Vega.

(Actually, that guy looks like a bad joke……)

While Kearie thought so, he kept avoiding Vega’s attacks by following Gobta’s instructions.

Vega felt that he had never before been made a fool by a Hobgoblin, who impudently came to support his opponent.

It’s so weak to the extent that it would die if I hit it with one bullet.

His opponent is only a small and weak devil class with a meager amount of magic power whose barely surpass A rank.

His attacks couldn’t hit this opponent.

(Shit! Stop messing around!!)

He violently throws out the aura bullets without refining them against the ground.

The aura bullets explode on the ground, blowing the earth and sand to the sky.

(Humph! With this I’ve deprived them of their sight. You insolent trash!!)

Hidden by the raised dust, Vega molds an extra-large magic bullet. And then, against his targets who have their sight deprived from them, he releases his sure kill attack.

The large magic bullet goes on while blowing away the dust.

However, he notices that the presence of his targets disappeared right before the large magic bullet hit them.

（――！？）

Vega’s question was answered by a short sword stabbing his flank.

“Waa! It’s so tough-ssu. My hand that tried to stab him became numb-ssu!”

That damn impudent goblin seems to have sensed the place where magic power was refined beyond the blockage of the dust and at the same time tried to stop it.

Gobta didn’t immediately utilize the smokescreen and attack. Instead, he completely suppressed his presence and slipped into Vega’s bosom under the cover of the earth and sand.

“Don’t make fun of me, you lowly goblin!!”

Vega who’s enraged, shouts so.

But, Gobta without panicking,

“Ooh, you have mistaken-ssu. I’m a Hobgoblin-ssu!”

So, Gobta corrected Vega’s statement in a cheerful manner.

Vega’s mind is boiling with anger due to Gobta making fun of him

But, that state of mind is a reaction that Gobta expected...... Kearie who had been forgotten by Vega, who can’t think straight because of anger, is getting closer to Vega while suppressing his presence.

Then,

“Die, Beast Roar!”

Vega who nearly attacked Gobta at that moment received a direct hit from Kearie without being able to react.

Gobta splendidly made Vega dance in his palm.

It’s a deadly blow from the Lion King Kearie, not just surface-grazing power. Half of Vega’s body had been blown off by the magic particle cannon.

However, even in such conditions, this isn’t a serious problem for Vega.

Because his auto-recovery ability activates immediately, his body simply starts regenerating.

The problem was the inferior race, a hobgoblin, who was currently leading him around by the nose for no good.

“Damnnnnn!! I will not forgive this, you inferior insect trashhhh!!”

So Vega shouted.

He’s already wanting to smash it with all of his power.

His eyes burn with anger, there’s no longer any fragment of his pride to prevent him from doing things seriously, or make him underestimate weak opponents.

Vega, for the first time, recognized Gobta as his opponent.

At the same time Vega recognized Gobta as an enemy, he regained his calm train of thought.

He changed his thoughts, ‘If it was an enemy he himself recognized then he was not made a fool of, it’s just a great opponent’.

“Kukkuku. Is that so? That’s right. Yours truly wouldn’t have much trouble against a mere goblin.

You’re pretending to be a goblin, but you’re not actually an ordinary one, something like that right?!”

Vega revealed a thought that he himself agreed with, while laughing.

Kearie and Vraika looked on with eyes that said ‘What is this guy talking about?” and ignored him, Vega then continues.

“But…… Yours truly doesn’t have a bad eyes. Your true abilities have been seen through easily!!

Well now! You should reveal your true colors quickly! Yours truly will destroy you!!”

Saying so, he pointed his finger at Gobta.

To Vega, who said such a thing,

“Huu, good grief-ssu. If it’s been seen through then there’s no other choice-ssu.

Okay-ssu. I will show you-ssu! My true form!!”

Gobta’s playing along well.

And while acting like that,

『Well then, without any delay. Kearie-san, get behind him and fire another one-ssu!』

Gobta gave out the most cowardly instructions to Kearie.

Even so, Kearie didn’t have any reason to object to it.

He left Gobta, who was saying his catchphrase and for some reason taking a strange pose, to sneak around behind Vega.

“「Storm Lord」 Storm, it’s your turn-ssu! Activated 『Storm Star Wolf Summon』!!

『Right now-ssu!!』

See this carefully! “Transform”!!”

Gobta shouts, and in an instant, Ranga jumps out of the shadow.

(Well well, I’m tired of waiting you know, Gobta)

(Well~ it takes time to reach the climax you know-ssu!)

Vega hadn’t imagined such exchanges happening.

Vega looked at Gobta, with a surprised and delighted expression, as Gobta was wrapped in light and the appearance of a huge amount of magic power was fused with him.

Kearie, who had done with his preparations, fired out a Beast Roar at Vega’s back.

Alas, it has no effect on Vega even though he had already been hit by it many times. Even the holes in his body got healed in an instant.

He shoots it with the maximum power, but even the 1 decimeter wide flash didn’t seem to burn Vega completely.

It’d be the same even if he did it with Diffusion Roar.

He’s able to understand that the result wouldn’t change, even if 9 magic particle cannons were fired at the same time, it wouldn’t stop Vega from recovering.

He understood it now.

Vega wasn’t really doing things seriously.

Kearie shot his technique according to Gobta’s instructions, Vega already received more than three direct hits as he was careless due to the smokescreen and his aura bullets.

Thanks to that, Kearie’s energy was about to run out. Because the timing for the skill he learnt a while ago was difficult, restoration wasn’t an option, it has a low success rate so it can’t be expected much.

Above all,

“It cannot be used many times-ssu. Because it is absorbing the magic essence from the surroundings-ssu, the concentration of the magic essence will get thinner and eventually the restoration won’t happen-ssu.

If someone powerful like Reishou-sama or Veltartarus-san did it, who have much of their own magic power, such worry is not needed…..”

Because of that.

Kearie could certainly understand that it’s not a technique that could be abused.

Meanwhile, what’s the purpose of attacking so many times while knowing that it’s useless?

At first even Kearie questioned it, he was able to understand the purpose a bit now.

Vega was looking down on them and never going seriously. With that, his weaknesses can be analyzed by attacking him from various angles and positions.

And Gobta wonderfully provoked the self-conceit Vega by showing off that weakness and taking the role as the decoy.

(Splendid, As expected of Gobta……

If we used full power from the start, then we wouldn’t have been able to draw information smoothly up to now……)

Kearie praises Gobta’s strategy honestly.

But, the result was only this dangerous feeling he got, that was, Vega didn’t have a weakness.

Vega had taken root in the ground and absorbed the nourishment from it.

And he’d take in the organic matters such as corpses and plants to made up his body. The only saving grace was how it seems he’s unable to use inorganic substance for his body.

The battlefield continued spreading, and so new corpses are being mass-produced on the ground.

It was possible for Vega to restore his body near limitlessly.

Kearie bit his mouth and thought unpleasantly, as he saw that the wound he just gave to Vega was quickly restored.

However, in front of Kearie and Vega, the light which came from Gobta became jet black fog that was cladding Gobta inside it.

‘Transform!’ so Gobta’s voice reached Kearie’s ears.

Then――

What appeared was the figure that Kearie had witnessed several times during their special training before.

This is the combined state of Gobta and the Dark Star Storm Wolf, Storm, in this form Gobta has energy levels comparable to an awakened Calamity.

In other words, gathering the information was done. From now on, it was the real performance.

『Kearie-san, please move back and refine your aura-ssu!

I request one big shot-ssu, on my signal!』

『But, I’m already out of energy.

Unfortunately, I can’t shoot anymore……』

『What are you saying! You still have 『Dragon Body』 don’t you-ssu?

With that, please pour all your magic power in that one shot–ssu!』

Kearie steels himself.

It’s his trump card, but it will not mean anything if he didn’t use it.

If not right now, then when will he use it?

『Understood. I will use it, but it only has a 10 minute duration, is that good?』

『Ehh!? Wasn’t it 3 minutes before-ssu!? As expected from you-ssu!

But, I intend to end this battle with a huge one.

Don’t worry about what happens later, let’s go with a bang-ssu!』

Gobta, cheery to the end, said it with a carefree tone like he wasn’t worried about anything at all.

Kearie can’t help but smile wryly to Gobta’s cheerfulness, which blew away even his worries.

『Gotcha. I’ll leave it to you!!』

The conversation ended with Kearie’s reply as the last.

And with Vega, who became serious, Gobta’s true battle has begun.

A Vega who became serious, was strong.

“Guhaahhahahaha!!

For yours truly to play seriously, you should feel honored!”

“Ehhh, that’s my line-ssu!!”

Both of them clashed.

With just that, they made the surroundings’ air vibrate and made explosions occur.

It’s a clash of pure energy

It was an exchange of supernatural powers beyond Kearie’s imagination.

Ultimate Skill 『Evil Dragon Lord Azi Dahaka』 possessed the ability to manipulate organic matter.

He constitutes his body with an aggregation of very small bacteria. Thus, he can freely regenerate himself.

Even acquiring new abilities by predation thanks to imitating the structure of his prey, this he can freely use too.

He was an existence that should be called an 「Imitation Slime (Pseudo-Artificial man-made Slime)」 which Yukino created.

He had taken the characteristic of various creatures and added improvements to the original, allowing him to use it efficiently.

What he let out on the surface was only a small part of him which transformed into a humanoid form, while his main body stays hidden.

In other words, beyond what’s standing on the surface, everything is connected to the ground, so it’s possible to replenish himself without limit.

And, not only his detached kin whom he give a simple order like the evil dragon beasts from before, he can create several clones of himself.

His clones have all of his abilities.

But, because there’s a limit to his ability to control a person, they have the weakness that they can’t perform a complicated action even if he commanded them at the same time.

Vega knew this well, so he was only using the ability to regenerate himself and stopped making evil dragon beasts which could only take simple orders.

However, this usage of the ability didn’t make use of the true capabilities of 『Evil Dragon Lord Azi Dahaka』.

Ultimate Skill 『Evil Dragon Lord Azi Dahaka』


 * Thought Acceleration
 * Parallel Thought
 * Organic Matter Control
 * Duplication Mass Produce
 * Ability Absorption
 * Space Control
 * Multidimensional Barrier.

Those are the full contents of this ability.

A dreadful ability, with very high performance.

It was an ability that could be strengthened to the utmost if someone could master it.

If someone could master it……

Unfortunately Vega didn’t have many experiences after he was born.

He grew up at a dreadful speed and his capability rose, but he didn’t get to master his abilities.

If he was able to master Parallel Thought, he might be able to control two or more main bodies, even if there was a restriction of standing on the surface.

Such threat would be unimaginable, but that was just an assumption.

In the reality, Vega couldn’t master it.

And so, Gobta saw it through accurately.

He used his own body as a decoy, making Vega careless, and succeed in landing several strikes on Vega.

Knowing the ability of the enemy when fighting with full power; will directly connect to a life or death situation.

Gobta had been taught that he should use his trump card only after he’s finished analyzing the enemy’s power as much as possible.

―― The combat experience of the absolute master who Gobta respected, the Great Calamitous Lord Reishou, was the proof for this.

As the one of most senior subordinates, Gobta always witnessed Reishou's fights.

It was carved in his heart, that what was most important, above anything else, was information.

Therefore――

With Kearie’s cooperation, He judged that he had gathered enough information.

With Vega’s characteristics, which were informed by Reishou, and the sensation that he felt when he fought him before.

The answer went out naturally as he compared and matched the details.

The memory and ego seem to transferred to the main body even if the part seen on the surface was erased. His regeneration is near infinite as long as he’s connected with the ground.

But when the temporary main body disappears and disconnected with the ground, there was some time lag that occurred during the memory and consciousness transfer.

In other words, Vega’s true main body is in the ground. No, he thought that there’s a possibility that Vega would not be able to transfer the memory and consciousness if he vanishes at a place separated from the ground.

(What a troublesome opponent-ssu. Even so, he’s not invincible-ssu!)

He finished analyzing most of the enemy’s abilities, Gobta was convinced of victory.

“Then, I’m going-ssu!!”

He spoke to encourage himself and Storm, so Gobta went full power combat mode.

Vega admired the high fighting power of Gobta.

Much like when he guessed before that this goblin was not an ordinary one, Vega trembled with joy.

Vega was defeated overwhelmingly in a contest of speed.

The power is on par with him, no, it seems to surpass him slightly.

But, Vega was still able to continue thanks to his marvelous recovery power.

He steadily amplifies his power. If he could steal his enemies abilities, his power would rise sharply in an instant.

Therefore, the stronger the enemy is, the stronger he can be.

He was convinced that the Ultimate Skill 『Evil Dragon Lord Azi Dahaka』 that he obtained was certainly the ultimate invincible ability.

「Guhaahahahahaha!! You’re pretty good. As expected from the man recognized by yours truly!」

Gobta ignored Vega’s praises.

(Storm-san, be ready for it soon, please your help-ssu!)

(Kukukku. Very well, I understand!)

That is because it’s almost over.

Vega got cocky before he himself recognized the real threat, he now understood that he needed to fight seriously.

And he was correct.

“Vega-san, unfortunately-ssu, it’s my victory-ssu!”

「As if, for a goblin, no I admit that you’re strong and I can’t think of you as a goblin.

But, yours truly is still the strongest, you still have a long way to go――」

“Is that so-ssu? Then, is it okay for those to be your last words-ssu?

Oh yeah, I will correct you once again Vega-san before you die-ssu, I’m a Hobgoblin you know-ssu!”

「――what!?」

Gobta and Vega locked onto each other.

Vega’s bacteria began its corrosion effect attack and preyed on Gobta, but all of it was blocked by the Stellar Wind Barrier of Storm which clad Gobta’s body.

The magic power of the wind has deadly corrosion and decaying effects which destroyed Vega’s bacteria.

Gobta declared the end to Vega who was irritated he couldn’t eat him.

Immediately after that, Gobta and Vega soared up into the sky due to the wind’s power.

All the corpses and vegetations on the ground were rolled up to the sky.

It’s the effect of Storm's power which allow him to freely manipulate the atmosphere. The ground became a cleared surface due to the corrosion effect of the wind, all of the germs crawling on the ground and all of organic matter were ejected to the sky.

「Yo, you! It, it can’t be, yours truly’s ability is――!?」

“Ohhh, seeing you panic so much, did I hit the bull’s-eye-ssu?”

“Hellstrom (Death Heralding Wind)” included both “Storm of Destruction” and “Lightning of Destruction”.

「Guoooooooo!! Damn you, stop it!! Stop it right now!!」

Vega shouts, but Gobta didn’t stop.

Because he has no reason to stop.

“It’s a joke, I only gathering Vega-san’s existence-ssu!”

He lightly gathered up all of organic matter into a big sphere.

A huge black storm sphere is completed, and Vega who is inside is being shredded to small pieces by the blades of wind and by the small thunder balls made of lightning.

He was gave in to flow of the winds.

“Kearie-san, are you ready-ssu?”

“Yes, sorry for the wait!『Dragon Body』!!”

At Gobta’s signal, Kearie activated his ability.

And,

“I only need to shoot a huge one at that sphere right?”

“That’s right-ssu, please-ssu!!”

Kearie noded.

For the perfect setting, a smile appeared on his lips.

(As expected from Gobta. I’m really glad that he’s an ally.)

And he poured all of the magic power he refined into his Byakko-Seiryuu Lance.

Then, imagining the figure of his master, Millie.

Her overwhelming destructive power which destroyed the sacred mountain of the Beast Kingdom “Yuurazania”, his homeland, that――

「Stop it, you damn insects!! Stop――」

“Here I go! Eat this!! Dragon Roar!!”

A massive flash of light pierces the black storm ball which Gobta controls.

The destructive energy is devastating.

It was an ultimate secret technique that Kearie invented while thinking of mimicking Millie's Dragon Nova.

The direct hit of the Dragon Roar set off the small thunder balls inside the black storm sphere with a chain reaction of explosions.

And then, it became one huge explosion sphere.

The super-high temperature of the discharged plasma burnt all of Vega’s bacteria into nothing.

Only a vast empty land remained later.

It was a landslide victory thanks to the combined technique of Gobta & Kearie.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

Faraway, where the black storm ball explosion could barely be seen, a person slowly begins to get up.

That person is the Vega who should have been destroyed just now.

「That was dangerous, really dangerous……

But, in the end it’s my victory.

Yours truly still can be stronger. As long as there’s 『Evil Dragon Lord Azi Dahaka』, I’m invincible!!」

Vega smiled with a broad grin and laughed.

While thinking that it was the right decision to have left a clone as an insurance.

It was possible for him to transfer his memory and consciousness at the last second to the clone he had left behind.

He hasn’t been able to master his ability yet, but there’s no doubt that he will become the strongest existence when he finally masters his ability.

That’s right, he believes that even the “Earth Star Dragon King” Velgaia would kneel on his feet soon.

“You seemed to enjoy yourself―――― I found you.

It’s as what Reishou-sama had said.

He thought that a coward like you would surely do this.”

Vega didn’t doubt his evolution or his being the strongest, until he heard a cold voice from behind.

But reality wouldn’t permit him that.

Vega begun to feel himself floating.

It’s too late, when he finally noticed he was up in the air far from the ground.

Vega was already trapped and isolated from the surrounding ground by a huge barrier.

“Die, you lowlife!! 「Abyss Annihilation」!!”

Exceeding the explosion from before, the energy of destruction trampled upon the inside of the barrier.

「――Gyaa, pulisuhu shopu――――――」

This honest plead for mercy, the first time in his life Vega had let out, didn’t reach Yubelle.

As if she had heard something filthy from a lowlife, Yubelle annihilated everything without mercy.

Like this, Vega, one of the Four Fiends Heaven Commanders, received his complete “death”.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

After leaving Reien and Co. behind, Lilith and I blitzed towards where Millie was.

Millie's furious attacks, rained down upon the silver haired angel.

Each and every one of those attacks were deflected away by the shield of "Castle Guard".

Thinking back, when Rindra used the ability, I don't seem to recall it being able to deflect or reflect attacks....

《It is possible that the ability was originally meant to be a "commander" type skill.

As it was a skill used by someone who didn't need to directly attack, there was no need for that effects.

Chances are, alterations are being made to the skill by that person.

Making changes as required by the situation, you could think of it as something more "flexible" now.》

(Hmm? You mean, she has an ability that’s similar to yours?)

《――mmm.

Though there's no way to say for sure, the possibility that it may be an evolved skill cannot be denied either.》

Fumu.

If it really is an evolved skill then this isn't all too unbelievable.

But if that's the case, the silver haired angel would be the avatar of 『Lord of Temperance Michael』's ego.

If Rindra losing control really was caused by intervention from 『Lord of Temperance Michael』, this might not be impossible after all.

The problem now, would be how capable it is.

If it had calculation power and freedom that is on par with Ciel, it would make for a pretty nasty opponent to deal with.

(What do you think? Is it an existence on the same level as you?)

《Fu. As if.》

Woah!?

Did Ciel-sensei just totally deny that statement?

Plus, that haughtiness. Makes me wonder where she learned how to show such expressions.

Also she seems to be somehow giving off an air of belittling the opposition. It kinda feels like the aura of some bigshot.

Somehow, that feels mighty reassuring.

Well, I understood what Ciel was trying to say. "Don't lump me in together with 'that'!" would be it.

(Does that mean, you know how to neutralize opponents that have "Castle Guard"?)

I tried probing without expectations,

《Of course. Regarding that, I have put together a plan.》

She nonchalantly replies, quite matter of factly.

I had no words for how amazing she is.

Could it be, that I'm actually kinda unneeded? Though such thoughts ran through the back of my head, that is definitely not the case.

This is where I need to protect my dignity, and humbly accept the facts.

(I wouldn't expect any less. I believed! Always believed you'd easily crack this "Castle Guard" problem!)

Regardless of what I "believed", this was an ability that Velda would have had anyway, which we would be able to overcome by eliminating Velda's underlings. That was what I thought anyway.... At this point, it's not much of an issue now.

Since we can neutralize her, it's a good idea to quickly restrain that silver haired angel.

Trusting Ciel, I went ahead and landed right in front of the silver haired angel, a.k.a Lucia.

At the moment I stood before her, she turned her attention to me.

Showing perfect composure, even while she's being attacked by Millie.

「My my, if it isn't calamity Reishou. I have been notified of your existence.

The fool who dares oppose Pangaea-sama.

Also, the nuisance of a calamity, who dares to get in my way.」

“Hmm? That's an honour. Now then, just what are you?

An angel, or.... Lord of Temperance Michael's ego?”

It was fine if she didn't answer, I only asked as a "formality" of sorts.

It was on the level of getting some information, depending on how she reacts.

「Seems like a self introduction would be proper.

I am the one who has been bestowed the name "Lucia" from Pangaea-sama.

As you have guessed, I was borne from Ultimate Skill 『Lord of Temperance Michael』.

Perhaps you would understand if I were to call myself "Manas"....

Let's just say, an ultimate existence of sorts.」

She showed a mysterious smile from her beautiful face, as she said her piece.

So the silver haired angel's identity, is Manas: Lucia.

But Manas, huh....

I was honestly surprised, that Manas other than Ciel-sensei were born.

《This is unpleasant. So this is the emotion of "displeasure".》

Ciel mumbled, seemingly in a bad mood.

Maybe she is feeling unhappy about the fact that there is another existence which could possibly be equal to herself.

But looking at her, she's really starting to understand how emotions work now. I guess this is something amazing, but I don't really get the point.

Well, there's no doubt it would be pretty amusing to have a conversation with her now.

Just as I was thinking that,

《How dare she look down on Master, that lowly Manas!》

That's what you're concerned about!?

I almost took a jab at her out of reflex there.

Also, "that lowly Manas", aren't you one yourself!?

She seems to be ignoring that fact, and feels like she has passed the point of being displeased to being fairly pissed, at Lucia.

“Lucia, huh. So, what are you up to?

Are you enraging Millie, so as to dominate her?”

「Fufufu, so you have the minimal ability to understand that much.

That is exactly it. Millie-sama, is the great Pangaea-sama's daughter.

After the destruction of the world with her "cooperation", she is the being most suited to become the "Mother of the New World"!

For that purpose, her trifle memories are unneeded.

Those filthy memories of this world, should be returned to nothingness.

And you, are the greatest representative of this "filth". An existence that should be cleansed.

I should give you credit though, for noticing what was happening here.

But, it is already too late.

――this should be about enough now.

Time for you to perish, vile calamity.

Destroy that calamity, Millie-sama! 「Regalia Dominion」!!」

Fumu.

So that, really was what they were aiming for. Just as predicted by Ciel.

Millie, who was clobbering Lucia's "Castle Guard" with fists enchanted with unreal amounts of magic, took a direct hit from "King's Rule" and froze in place.

――or so that's what it looked like.

(Hey, isn't that just an act?)

《No doubts about that. From what has been analyzed earlier, Millie Aurelia is still in total control of her emotions.》

Though it looks pretty realistic, it's kinda obvious that it's all an act.

She looked pretty happy when she saw me too, she also removed the Dragon Knuckles that I gave her as a present, so as not to damage them....

The best evidence, would be that if she really has lost her sanity, she'd attack us too without provocation, which hasn't happened at all.

On that point, she's a really bad actor.

Though she seems really confident that she hasn't been found out, that's still pretty naive for her.

But, this is where I should play along with her ploy.

“Ge, geh!! Millie just got dominated!!”

『Reishou...』

《....that, is just too exaggerated, Master――》

I got penalized by Lilith and Ciel for that.

Seems like I'm not much of a better actor myself.

Seeing as I was going to have to deal with someone who had inherited Lord of Temperance Michael's abilities anyway, I went ahead and prepared some measures against domination type abilities beforehand.

Which naturally, has been disseminated to not just Millie, but all of the other calamities as well.

This is pretty obvious already, as this ain't a game of chess we're playing here, having our fallen allies become enemies is really annoying to deal with.

As a countermeasure, I went and got Ashtone to teach us the 『Mind Power』 technique.

What this 『Mind Power』 does, is that it simply lets us awakened calamitous lord class beings resist abilities such as "King's Rule" as long as the being in question isn't under heavy pressure; this even has Ciel's seal of approval.

This technique has an almost equal level of performance as Ciel's “Mind Protect”.

That was why, if it was under normal circumstances there wouldn't even be a need to worry.... But if Millie really did lose her sanity, things would obviously be different.

Here I was expecting the worst and hurried over.

Only to be needlessly worrying myself.

It seems like Millie has a plan of some sort, and I’ve no need to worry that she's going to fall under the control of "King's Rule".

I'll listen to what she is planning to do later, time to decide how to deal with Lucia.

Ciel did say she has a plan to get around that "Castle Guard", seems like things will end without too much trouble.

Those were my intentions when I began "hostilities" with Millie....

But that Millie, came at me for real. As I could see she was grinning, I knew that she was doing this purposefully.

She may have wanted to fight me for real.

How "troublesome" this has become.

Millie drew her sword, and began her assault unto me, I too unholstered my scythe and received her attack.

Sparks flew as we furiously exchanged blows. I couldn't even see her movements in the past, so I was honestly surprised with myself now that I have breathing space.

If it was the old me, I would have been left numb from just receiving a single attack, which would have also greatly drained my stamina.

Now there was no difference in the level of our weapons, and I have simply powered up physically. As expected of a body that is similar to that of a "True Dragon".

I have now become able to battle evenly, even against Millie's absurdly violent strength.

For a bystander looking at us, our furious exchanges would look as though we are going at it seriously.

But, I could tell.

That even Millie hasn't put in any real effort, not yet.

Just as I have one, Millie too, has what you would call a "Magic Generator" that can be used as a Status Booster.

For me, it would be the void energies of 『Void God Azathoth』's “Turn Null”. Said energy would be regulated from within the void space, it is then possible to "inject" that energy into my body.

As my body is mostly made up of Magic Essence, that means I would power up if there was more Energy.

It works similarly for Millie.

Having reached a similar level, I now felt like I could understand the secrets to what was previously seen as unreasonable.

Well that should be the gist of it, and as we were battling it out with our techniques....

『Are we connected now, I wonder.... Hey Reishou, can you hear me?』

I received a telepathic message suddenly.

Seems like, Millie has been trying to establish a “Secret Telepathy” connection with me, all while still in combat with me.

That is another form of telepathic communication, as Millie wasn't connected to me via the "Soul Corridor", she needed to "run a line through" so to speak, if she wanted to use it.

It was also possible with the normal directional telepathic messaging, but the danger of the message being heard by unwanted third parties would increase.

To summarize, if you wanted to make use of “Secret Telepathy”, it would take some time and preparation.

It seems like Millie has been pretty cautious for awhile now, so as not to let her movements be picked up by our enemies.

This is all still under the pretext that she was dominated, and also still very enraged.

『Yep I can hear you. So how long should I keep up with this act of yours?』

『Wahahahaha! As expected of Reishou, so you noticed.

When you went “Ge,geh!! Millie just got dominated!!” just now, I got real worried that you actually thought I was dominated you know!』

Ouu....

That exaggerated reaction of mine was taken for real it seems.

Looks like I really underestimated how simple Millie is.

『That ain't it! Wasn't it really obvious, and very purposeful!?』

『Eh!? Ah, right. That's right, I totally noticed that yea!

――anyways, enough of that.

Back to business, I got a favor to ask. Shuri and her underlings went and got beaten by Lucia's flunkies earlier.

Though I don't think it's anything worrying, can you go tend to them? 』

『Nn? Got it.』

And Millie tried to cover up her "blunder".

I overlooked that with my magnanimous heart.

So, before I arrived, Shuri and some guards were defeated. Maybe Millie used that as her "reason" for getting enraged.

They probably aren't as injured as Millie made them out to be, as she had already said.

(Reien, can you hear me?)

(Yes, Reishou-sama.)

(Before supporting me, go tend to Shuri and co.'s wounds.)

(Then, I shall delegate the task to Testa and the others.

As of now, I have just received the message that the 5 other angels have been dealt with.)

Eh, already? That's way too fast!

Aren't those 5 angels, on par with awakened calamities....

More like, it's somewhat troubling that I could only think of the awakened calamitous lord class as a comparison. As I am now, any single awakened calamity isn't even a threat.

This might just be what Veltartarus-san's point of view is like. This almost justifies him letting it get to his head, going around picking fights with any other being.

Not like I would go around doing something as childish as that, neither do I need to.

(Is that so, I'll leave that to you then. So, are you heading to my position then?

(Yes. I am by your side, while totally hiding my presence!)

(Alright then, standby as you are with Lilith for now. Don't be letting that angel Lucia sense your presence.)

(Of course!)

Fumu.

Now that I think about it. Seems like Ciel has noticed his presence, but I don't notice him if I don't concentrate on him.

Guess I should have Reien standby in case something actually happens.

『Looks like there aren't any problems. I got a report from one of my underlings.』

『Is that so, thanks!』

I gave Millie a reply.

A report from Testa came in, stating Shuri and co. are all fine.

As I was communicating with Millie, we were exchanging blows at the same time.

Though it was an exchange between a sword and a scythe, we were flying around and really shifting the ground around us. As we were moving around with quite a bit of force, to onlookers it was really flashy.

And towards me, Lucia has been launching magic attacks every so often.

It's obvious she can attack, during the short pauses when "Castle Guard" isn't in use.

Would I be able to make a move on her if I manage to work out the timing?

《Unfortunately, as it works automatically, my prediction would be that the defenses would be prioritized.》

That much was obvious huh.

On that point, she's making more efficient use of the ability than Rindra did.

She's the Manas borne from the actual skill anyway, this much should be nothing for her.

What a troublesome opponent to deal with.

『That angel, she's getting annoying. But, I kinda want to earn her trust somehow.』

『Hah? Why would you need that? She *is* troublesome, but her attacks are being blocked, which is why we're ignoring her right?』

『You know....

She spouted some "Pangaea is my father, "Earth Star Dragon King" Velgaia".

I was thinking, I need to dole out some punishment for her insolence.』

Here I was thinking she wanted to get Lucia to lower her guard as she had no means of beating her as is, instead she was thinking of something else altogether.

After hearing the details, she intends to work out the unknown location of our enemy, and defeating "him" instead.

It's true, that in this great war, there isn't much meaning even if we manage to be victorious on all fronts. We still needed to deal with the root of the problem which is Pangaea.

Even if we did defeat the Four Fiends Commanders and get the strategic victory, it's still defeat for us if Pangaea manages to get away.

『I get your point, your aim is to earn Lucia's trust, so you can travel to where Pangaea is.』

That makes much more sense now.

This was a logical plan, the type that you would expect from Millie. This was why she isn't one to be underestimated.

《There is only one problem with your plan. As we have no idea how powerful Pangaea is, your safety isn't guaranteed.》

That, was my only concern.

Although Millie is one of the most powerful among us Calamities, isn't it still too dangerous for her to head into the heart of enemy territory alone?

『Wahahahaha! Fret not. You can leave it to me to pinpoint the location.

In other words. I'm gonna be a Spy!

I have studied, just for a moment like this! Stop worrying!』

Ahh, thinking back a little, she *was* watching a movie that was somewhat relevant....

It was part of an experiment to crystallize the footage from my memories into a "film"; it was that movie from my memories, the one we extracted then.

Millie was among them, the ones whose eyes were sparkling, which were also glued to the screen watching the story that was filled with riveting spy action.

Ahh, she ended up picking up some fairly unneeded knowledge.

But, if you think about it, this is an unexpectedly good plan for our current situation.

It's best to discuss the itty bitty details, and decide on our course of action.

But, before that....

(Ciel, *that* is getting annoying, I want to disable Lucia first.)

《Understood. Then――》

As per Ciel's explanation, I pieced together the relevant abilities in my head.

And then,

「You've been getting really annoying since earlier on, time for you to learn who's in charge here!!」

I intimidated Lucia with something suitable.

Reading the situation, Milim also faked being blown away by a swing from my katana, and entered a state of not getting in my way.

She's doing great there.

Looking down upon Lucia, I thrust my right hand forward.

There was actually no need for this movement, but theatrics are still important.

「Fufufu. You won't be able to penetrate my defenses no matter what you do.

This is where the true worth of "Castle Guard" really lies.」

「Is that so. But, let's see if you can still say the same after receiving this.」

After saying that, I began channeling『Void God Azothoth』's “Turn Null” energies onto my right hand, and maintaining control of it.

This was a lot harder to control that what I previously thought it would be.

This stuff, would cause a massive explosion if i were to release it as it is. This ain't the kind of stuff that's practically usable without Ciel's support.

After seeing the ultra compressed energy mass, there was an obvious change in expression even for Lucia.

Even if she would be unharmed, there was no doubt the remainder of the angels army would get annihilated though.

「You fiend, it's pointless for you to do that!!

Even if you were to turn the surroundings into a wasteland, it won't accomplish anything――」

「Silence, I get to decide if there's a point in doing this.

Now are you done with your prayers before the afterlife? Bye! Offensive Barrier "Eternal Pain"!!」

With the channeled energies, I activated a certain spell combination, shutting the screaming Lucia up.

As experimented from before, activating magic using this energy instead of the normal elemental magic results in multiple times the usual resulting output.

Such a spell, constructed using the ridiculous output of the ‘Turn Null’ energies, headed towards Lucia.

As she had utter confidence in her defenses, this was a major blunder for her.

The spell successfully made contact with Lucia, without any resistance.

Obviously, explosions or other direct forms of damage would not cause even a scratch whatsoever on Lucia.

But.... There was no need to cause damage to Lucia in the first place.

As per Ciel, this is what you would call "a change of perspective".

《There are no doubts that ANY kind of attack would have absolutely no effect.

That ability activates an "Impregnable" effect.

No matter what kind of attack it is, all known effects that cause "damage" would be shut out.

Which means――》

Simply, be it a nuke or poison, regardless of the damage it would inflict, all of that stuff would be blocked.

Even if I made use of『Void God Azothoth』and launched a high output attack, even if it was an attack that could destroy the stars, Lucia would survive in the end.

She would survive even if she was in outer space.

Well, that's also including the fact that she doesn't need to eat or breath as she is an angel which is a spiritual entity, such logic wouldn't work for Rindra who is human.

To sum it up, the fact is, there are no real means to "defeat" her as of now.

But, that doesn't mean there are no loopholes.

"Castle Guard", with its highly reflexive nature, limits the user's actions while active; this can be seen as a demerit of the ability.

For example, "Castle Guard" would activate and defend its user from say a sneak attack when the user is attacking something else, the user's own attack would get cancelled as well during that instance.

To sum it up, "Castle Guard" gets full priority.

So much to the point, that it puts a restriction on even simple movement.

Rindra, was totally restricted on movement when "Castle Guard" was active. But as expected of Lucia, she is capable of walking and simple flight, but that was the limit for her.

So I made use of that property.

I surrounded Lucia, with an offensive barrier that when triggered will constantly attack, limited to within a fixed space.

With my "Space Time Control" ability, fixing the coordinates for the barrier was a piece of cake.

So what happens? When you apply an offensive trigger, within a barrier?

The answer is simple.

Lucia would be restricted where she is, with "Castle Guard" constantly active.

And the space around the barrier is locked as an extra effect, so her movement is also effectively restrained.

With the space time properties added in, the effects would be sustained for a few hundred years. For such a simple barrier, the effects were pretty broken.

Well, a fair amount of energy was poured into the spell.

For me or Veldora, it would be possible to break through such a barrier with brute force if we don't mind taking some damage, but for someone who has "Castle Guard" forcefully activated constantly, this becomes a different story.

Lucia too understands, that if she were to deactivate "Castle Guard", she would no doubt take a concentrated barrage of damage for doing so.

The plan to totally restrain her has succeeded.

It is unknown if she is able to deactivate "Castle Guard" manually or not, but in the event she does deactivate it and break through the offensive barrier "Eternal Pain", I only need to hit her with another even more powerful one.

In terms of determining Lucia's capabilities, this "attack" of mine was an effective one.

Anyway, it looks like Lucia is unable to break out of the offensive barrier "Eternal Pain".

「Fuh! You shall twiddle your thumbs in there alone and in despair, for an eternity!」

I said that, as I struck a cool finishing pose.

That was perfect.

Lucia was screaming something in anger.

But, as she was impeded by the barrier, her voice failed to reach me. My voice too doesn't reach Lucia, so taking advantage of that I taunted her with my pose.

Offensive barrier "Eternal Pain", was a spherical shaped growth enchanted barrier. What that means, is that whenever Lucia's "Castle Guard" makes contact with the barrier, small explosions would occur; the energy generated from the explosions is then re-absorbed into the barrier, and is used for the growth of the barrier to increase its strength.

This was well thought out, a fearsome combination of nasty properties.

Hats off to Ciel there.

《Magnificent! Especially that pose at the end, it was perfect!》

Eh, that part?

Ciel showed no interest in the effects of the barrier or the results, as though they were invisible to her eyes.

And instead, reacted to my taunting pose, showering it with praise.

(Kufufufufu. I expected no less from Rimuru-sama!)

I felt Diablo's praises too telepathically, and he too, had no negative feedback about me.

Though I kinda wanted to be praised for succeeding in activating the spell that Ciel came up with on my first attempt, Ciel notwithstanding, getting praises from Diablo felt a little off too.

It felt like, getting elated from getting praise from someone who is usually very strict, that kind of feeling.

Well, now isn't the time to think of such luxuries. It's not like I know of any such beings who are close to me.

I should be happy for now, that nobody made jabs at me for the 8th grader syndrome-ish pose that I did.

I discreetly, breathed an empty sigh of relief.

So that was how, I succeeded in handily restraining Lucia.

Shortly after, with the addition of Diablo, Milim and the two of us started our discussions.

And of course, that was done while we were still in combat. That was done pretty damned skillfully if I were to say so myself.

While we were doing that, I received word from Carrera telepathically, reporting that Vega got his ass handed to him by Gobuta.

Plus, he did it handily too.

《――! As expected of Gobuta. He really showed his worth as his growth was one of the hardest to predict.

Though I did give him the Unique Skill『Genius(False Wiseman)』, to think he was this capable.》

Ciel gave Gobuta her honest praise.

I really want to question her, as to why she doesn't show such praise for me[3].

And when did she give him the Unique Skill『Genius(False Wiseman)』. And yea, it's a fake[4].

Gobuta and『Genius(False Wiseman)』, it's hard to tell if it actually fits him or not....

Oh well, he *is* a genius of sorts.

I did have a grasp on the abilities of everyone who had training of some form in the labyrinth, there were some parts that were unknown to me as Gobuta did his training in secret.

Even after considering the overall limits, it was predicted that he would have a hard battle with Vega as his opponent.

But then, it's quite the feat, for him to exceed Ciel's predictions as he has.

Even if we assumed he managed to reach his highest potential, the prediction was that he would gain victory, but only marginally; just what is Gobuta made of....

It probably *was* a tough battle. But after considering Gobuta's personality, it may have just "looked" like he managed to get the victory handily.

I shall leave it at that.

Now then, we have come to a decision.

First, I would take my leave from the battlefield, with my "defeat".

(Rimuru, first up is for you to "disappear"!)

As per Milim's words, our plan was finalized.

In other words, a plan where I "play dead".

(Kufufufufu. This is going to cause quite the ruckus!)

Diablo happily snickered.

For some reason, Ciel suggested that we do not relay the information regarding my "death" to my remaining followers.

《This is a prime opportunity, to smoke out the remaining problematic elements who are eluding us.》

That was the reason.

Though I don't think there would be any traitors among my comrades, this is a good opportunity to gain knowledge about the plans of the other demon lords; and according to Ciel, there is a chance of problems arising from the human countries.

Be it the western countries or the empire, we have been forcefully keeping them in check.

There might very well be some who hold discontent against us.

Maybe it's the empire soldiers who I revived, they might cause a rebellion after knowledge of my "death" reaches them.

(Won't this just cause greater confusion?)

Diablo's earlier reaction, was the answer to my amazingly "normal" question.

A cleansing storm would be whipped up, upon the ones who would plan to rebel.

(Also, I kinda feel bad, as I'll be deceiving the others too.)

I said that as I was thinking how I'll be worrying the others,

(Kufufufufu. There won't be any problems. Their happiness when they find out you are alive would be far greater!)

And, my pleas were declined as such.

According to Milim's plan, saving Lucia after dealing with me, would get her the greatest amount of trust.

In addition, it would lure Velda into lowering his guard, making him bolder and more complacent in his moves.

The plan was gleefully accepted by everyone except me.

And thus, a storm of great confusion would engulf the world.

On just the first day of the great war, major changes among the world's factions are about to occur.