Sariel: 「So, uum, what do you want with me?」
「Please spare me the pretense.」
It seems like they really know my identity.
I had a fleeting suspicion, but it has now been confirmed.
But—like how, though?
I look totally different. They didn't recognize Milim, but they recognized me?
What a load of bullcrap.
I bet they only find me suspicious and stuff.
I mean, I did do my best to conceal my identity.
If anything, Milim should be the one to be called.
They didn't approach us until Milim left.
From that, I can say that they recognized her, but to be with a nobody like me; something was on.
They likely believed that no ordinary person would hang around the "Destroyer."
I can't blame them, though.
In fact, they did well not to rush into action and put me behind bars.
I would be highly displeased if such were to happen.
Instead of beating around the bush, I chose to reveal my identity.
Sounds stupid, but I don't really want to go through the stress of cooking up a whole scheming system just to convince people who could hardly make me lift a finger.
With that, I spoke up.
Sariel: 「Fine, you must be the Empress Sylvia, right?」
To this, an eyebrow was raised.
Sylvia: 「How do you know me?」
Sariel: 「Let's just say I didn't appreciate being ogled at, especially during my aura farming debut.」
Sylvia: 「You must be Sariel, right? A-Ah, sorry about that. But you did leave your fly wide open in broad display.」
Oh? I guess she's right. I just had to do it, though.
Sariel: 「*Sigh* Forget that.」
As I spoke, my disguise was broken, and my real appearance was revealed.
Sylvia: 「Kufufu~, you're even more beautiful than the legends suggest.」
This woman...
Sylvia: 「You even look more beautiful than I do. What a waste.」
Sariel: 「W-Wah! I'm a handsome charming demon!! Not some damsel in distress! A "he" demon for your information.」
Sylvia: 「Is that so? Though, is it just me, or do you look more beautiful than a few years ago?」
Sariel: 「*Sigh* You remind me of Rose.」 I muttered in a low tone.
Honestly, I've been keeping my distance from Rose so as not to get mentally bullied and depressed for life.
It has been really peaceful since then.
My life has been blissful, and there was no form of disturbance whatsoever.
Sylvia: 「Though I must say, that is one solid disguise you've got there.」
Sariel: 「You're eyes hits harder, you know?」
Sylvia: 「Hm? If it were anyone else, I would take it as a flirtatious advance.」
Eh? I thought the intention was clear.
Sylvia: 「But nevertheless, I understand you.」
Ah, that's good. I think I need to watch my words from now on.
She was surprisingly very good at "reading words." (If you really understand what that means, give me a shout out in the comment section right here. 👉)
Sariel: 「Moving on, would you state your intentions already?」
Sylvia: 「Ah, yes. My intentions, huh? That should be the perfect question to ask you.」
Saying that, she got into a fighting stance, lightning crackling around her fists as she stared at me coldly.
Sylvia: 「State your intentions, demon.」
Sariel: 「Eh? What's the big idea? I just came to hang out and around with my adopted niece. Is that a crime?」
Sylvia: 「Eh?」
The words that came out of my mind left Sylvia stunned.
Was she not expecting such an answer? It wasn't all that great of an objective, to be honest.
Sylvia: 「You, the silver primordial, brought Milim Nava, the destroyer, to a nation of elves; the same ones who supposedly caused her many problems in the past.
You brought her to this nation with a well-made disguise, making suspicious movements towards our royal palace to hang out?」
A-Ah. Now that she puts it like that, it does sound alarming.
Man, no matter how hard I try, I still am carefree.
It looks like it's just part of me. Hopefully, it does not affect me in a... no. I better not jinx things.
Sariel: 「Hm. Now that you've mentioned it, I do see some flaws in my actions. Well, sorry for causing problems.」
Sylvia: 「*Sigh* You could've sent a heads-up letter before taking such reckless actions.
You are a popular individual. If your identity was exposed, chaos would've ensued.」
Sariel: 「Don't talk common sense with me when you leave all the work to your daughter!」
I spat back with indignation. I was right to justify myself.
She did always leave the throne to her daughter, so she had no right to make such accusations.
Not like she had any right to begin with.
Sylvia: 「Yeah, yeah, whatever.」
She coolly dismissed my statement as an insignificant topic.
Instead of getting annoyed, I only sighed in defeat.
She was a worthy opponent.
◇◇◇
We discussed a lot of topics, with one of them being her late husband.
She had actually wanted to know if I had any idea of his whereabouts.
Unfortunately, no progress was made on that matter.
Deductions can be made, but at the end of the day, they will all turn out to be fleeting suspicions without any proof.
Without the truth, progress can not be made.
We gave up on that matter and moved on to another matter.
The great upcoming war.
From the disaster that ensued in the first war, it was called the "Great Tenma War."
I do not yet know their objective, but the intention is clear.
Sylvia: 「To manage diversity and reduce the development of progressing nations.」
Yes, that was their objective; to be clear, Rudra's goal.
This way, they would remain at the top and rule the world.
Guy was to maintain the world's power balance, but now, he's doing nothing to stop this game.
How far will they fall?
It was clear that I would be in the way of that, so I must be their next target.
What an enviable position I find myself in. Hehe.
Sylvia has also been wary of the various individuals involved in the plot.
You can't blame her. She has no idea of the enemy's strength or intention.
Being in such a state has never been a good thing to begin with.
It was always being at the top of the food chain or being the fodder.
That is the unspoken rule. I have come to learn that the hard way, so I have understood that rule for a while now.
I would've liked to help her, but what can I do.
I can't make empty promises like I used to do.
There was no possible way to help, and even if there is, it was not always a must to help others.
Perhaps the only way to help would be to give them some information about the enemy, but that alone wouldn't do.
They have the holy relic as protection, so was mine needed?
I didn't think so. But just in case...
Sariel: 「Alright. I get it now. I'll try my best to help, but don't expect much. You know, you're also gonna owe me one, right? It's costly.」
Sylvia: 「Well, you're helping us out of generosity. The least we could offer in return would be to submit to your rule, but I can't have that.」
Sariel: 「Yeah, I wouldn't want that, too.」
Honestly, that would be too much work. I already have some unfinished business to deal with.
Anymore work would not be appreciated.
Just as I was about to speak, a violent quake shook the entirety of the divine tree.
This wasn't a normal event as earthquakes never occurred naturally on the central world.
If anything, it was a direct ambush.
Sariel: 「Alright, I'll leave that to the future me to handle. It seems like you have something to attend to.」
Sylvia: 「No kidding. This is an extremely rare event.」
Really? Well, it was foolish of any nation to directly declare war on Sarion.
In fact, I don't think it has ever happened before.
The era of now should be smarter than this.
Sariel: 「Alright, I'll give you the space you need. I will watch out for this supposed enemy.」
Saying that, I began to make my way outside the secret room I was brought to.
'Raziel-san, I-'
「Understood. Activating 『Universal Perception』 to identify the unknown target.」
Ah, she knows me down to the very soul.
With the order given, a search took place.
She was the one currently in control of the skill, so I experienced nothing.
But the information that would be lain to me was nothing within my range of expectations.
「Target found. The perpetrator is none other than Feldway.」
Eh? Feldway? What does he want with Sarion...
Ah, it's me, isn't it?
「Most likely.」
I see. He definitely caught me by surprise. I didn't see that one coming.
It seems like we would need to be careful at all times.
Just now, my 『Universal Perception』 was not activated.
If he had intended to land a sneak attack, depending on his speed and my reaction, I would be dead.
'Raziel-san, I need you to always be on full guard. This could be considered a lesson to us, right?'
「Understood, regarding that matter...」
Kalisha: 「Hey! Not now. We are under attack. This would be dealt with later.」
「...Understood.」
Eh? Just now, something incredible happened.
Raziel-san took someone else's order like a puppet. Not like I mind, but it definitely has something to do with me.
No, this is dangerous. A world threat, even. What is with the suspicious behavior?
Kalisha: 「Nothing of serious concern at the moment.」
Nothing-my ass!! Raziel-san was clearly nervous to lay this message across!!
Now you're telling me there's nothing to fuss about!?!
What a load of bullcrap!!!
Spill it out already!!
Kalisha: 「Look, this is a matter requiring full attention. Can you afford that now?」
But... fine. If anything goes wrong, the blame's on you two.
Got it?
Kalisha: 「Understood.」
Good. I was glad that the blame wouldn't be on me.
If it were something that was caused by me, an argument would've erupted from that single statement.
In actuality, I never intended to pin the blame on anyone.
It was just a way to see whose fault it would be if anything were to turn out bad.
Focusing back on the matter at hand, it was a solid fact that even if I tried to leave quietly, such leeway would not be given so easily.
Knowing that, I went ahead to confront the problem directly.
'Raziel-san, send me to his current location.'
「Received. Implementing order... successful.」
With that, my field of vision changed drastically.
Instead of stepping on a solid ground, I was now flying above the divine tree.
I knew that an assault on this scale would be done on high grounds, so I had prepared my wings just in case, and I was right.
Though, a note of warning would've been appreciated, too.
「....」
Raziel-san is really acting weird. Is this issue she's facing such a big deal?
I need to quickly do away with Feldway to help her out in time.
It kinda hurts to see her in such a state.
「...」
Kalisha: 「*Sigh* Even I am stressed out, you know?」
I flew towards his direction to get a clear view of him.
Kalisha: 「Oi! Don't ignore me!」
He was still in his surrogate body instead.
Kalisha: 「....」
In this form, he had blonde hair, wearing a red military attire with white long boots, a form far weaker compared to his true body.
I wonder why he chose this form.
Don't get me wrong. He is still quite powerful in this form, capable of giving even Velgrynd a one-sided beat down.
This would normally be impossible, but considering his abilities, it is all true.
But even upon that, he has never beaten me with his true body, and now, he plans on fighting me with a weaker body?
Was he underestimating me?
It sounded like the work of a fool, but knowing Feldway, he definitely had a good reason for doing so.
Has he grown considerably ever since then? A growth so vast that he needn't his true form to dispose of me?
That would honestly be scary. That unmistakable smirk, the relaxed posture, he definitely has potent something against me.
I broke the silence with a casual remark.
Sariel: 「Feldway, eh? I figured it was about time. You came for me, right?」
Feldway: 「No, I have no need for you. I came to get rid of the inhabitants of this Holy Relic.」
Eh? I wasn't a priority? That sounded too good to be true.
I would normally be one happy bee after hearing that, but the implications were far from good.
I was definitely a target. This should just be another roundabout conversation where I had to figure out the enemy's objective and intentions.
How I hate those types of conversations... *Sigh*
In order to test the genuineness of this statement, I made a decision.
Sariel: 「If you say so. I have nothing to do with this, so I'll head out now.」
Saying that, I turned my back on him to leave.
But as expected-
「Incoming attack!! Warning-!」
*Clang*
*Clang*
*Clang*
I drew my soul Blade out of my dimension to block a half-hearted attack from Feldway.
Feldway: 「Heh. As expected, you were quick to respond.」
It then began. A clash no one expected.
Dodging another strike from him, I inquired.
Sariel: 「So, what is your "real" intention?」
Feldway: 「I want you to join us. We need your help. But as we all know, a negotiation must always have something beneficial for both sides. So, think of it as an offer of merits.」
I see. It seems like the future is already unfolding ever so lightly.
It seems like Chloe's words were now showing effect.
I now want to see the factor that enticed me so dearly to make me join hands with the enemy.
After dodging his previous strikes, I moved towards his side and attempted an overhead kick, one that was easily parried with his sword.
I felt my leg go numb for a while, but with a little battlewill applied, the feeling of numbness was gone.
Sariel: 「You mind elaborating? Depending on the content, I might be interested.」
He pushed me back, sending a slash towards my chest, but I quickly ducked that attack, waiting for the next strike.
I was not in the position to strike, so it was my only option.
Feldway: 「Good. A normal fool would've immediately turned down such a beneficial offer.」
Again, the emphasis on the beneficial. Just what does he mean?
I don't see myself in a dire need for anything at the moment.
So what is this offer?
As expected, he sent a flash strike to my shoulder to disarm me, but a perfect parry was made.
I was pushed back a little by that attack, giving him the leeway to prepare a magic attack.
A burst of spirit-decaying light was released, and my only salvation was to dodge.
Naturally, I used the power of my teleportation to enhance my reaction speed.
By bending and repairing space, I could move to the desired location within short ranges.
Seeing this, he only scoffed and spoke up.
Feldway: 「We are working towards the resurrection of Lord Veldanava.
Surely, you know that he won't be returning to the central world for a while, perhaps never.
His sudden lack of interest in the world he created is nothing short of astonishing.
The world he once so adored, now left without its creator. There is definitely something wrong.
His absence has caused us a lot of trouble, and the world is slowly collapsing.
The world needs him, so if something or someone is hindering his return, we have to do something about it.」
Hmm, he has a solid point. Veldanava's disappearance has slowly caused corruption.
I don't see the world progressing without him. Well, I could do something about it, but there is so much to do.
I can't do it alone. I'm gonna need help to do so.
Feldway: 「This brings me back to the offer. If you joined us, you would have your best friend back to you.
The loneliness you have suffered all this while will be forgotten about, and instead, you'll have him to yourself.
Obviously, it also benefits me as I want nothing more than to serve my lord like I used to.
We all need him, so instead of fighting against each other pointlessly, why don't we join hands together to form a faction and ensure our desires become reality.
With him by our side, we don't need to stress ourselves over every single thing threatening the world.
What do you say, Sariel?」
One of the biggest problems that restricts the world's growth would be the discrimination towards monsters and other non-human races.
That has always been a big problem. One that I had prevented temporarily by preventing the humans from entering the forest.
That would only last for a while, but the moment I was no longer, there would be no doubt that the humans would try to take over it.
This, in turn, could create a war on the scale of the tenma war.
The insects that began to take refuge in the Jura Forest have already settled in.
That fact alone is something to consider with seriousness.
They would continue to grow under my watch, only to become the most powerful race to ever exist in the forest.
They are aware of my position as the mysterious ruler of the forest, which is why they haven't gone out of their way to take over the forest.
If the humans were to invade, they (the humans, of course) would only be driven to extinction.
This is why I considered it a big pain, but it was something I had to deal with either way.
Veldanava had always wanted the progress of the world, so that was a no-go route.
In the long run, this offer would help me significantly, a factor he is exploiting quite well for a negotiator.
In addition, Milim wouldn't have to be so lonely.
She would have her father to bond with, along with a caretaker far better than I am.
I, for one, don't believe I am fit to handle and teach kids well.
I feel like I haven't been a good enough teacher for her, so that too would be a desirable outcome.
To sum it up, a single goal like this could result in many desirable outcomes, yet...
Sariel: 「I refuse.」
He said it himself. The old man should have returned, yet he hasn't.
According to my belief, he prevented that natural phenomenon.
Instead of being a part of creation, interfering with the natural order of it all with his presence, he decided to take a third person's seat.
He wanted to see the world he so cherished grow on its own without his intervention.
He must have grown bored of handling everything on his own.
Leaving that task to the residents of the cardinal world, he intended to see just how strong the world was on its own.
Would a Godless world survive? A question only he can answer, yet he decided not to.
This is how I saw things, so, no matter how low I could stoop, doing such a thing was beyond my level of shamelessness.
If my best friend desired something, I would not like to be in the way of that.
He has helped me a lot, so to let him rest is the least I could do for him.
Yet, this hard-headed angel could not bring himself to understand that.
Feldway: 「But why? Why be so unreasonable as to deny this deal when there are countless number of benefits that could be derived from this single offer?」
Sariel: 「Tsk, tsk, tsk. You don't get it, do you?」
Feldway: 「....」
Sariel: 「Instead of speaking too much, take this.」
Saying that, I brought out the letter written to me by Veldanava out of my soul dimension.
Funfact's that my soul wavelength couldn't suppress and override the magic signature of the letter even after so many years, clearly displaying his superiority even in his heavily weakened state.
There was obvious disappointment after reading the letter in his eyes, but he quickly dismissed it.
Feldway: 「Do you think this is enough to impress me? How foolish.」
Sariel: 「You're one stubborn hothead. Has anyone told you that?」
Feldway: 「I don't care of an outsider's opinion of me. Why should I?」
Sariel: 「You have always been such a coward. Never the type to try settling a score for good.」
Feldway: 「Why does that matter? It is my job to outlast everybody else. You know that as well, don't you?」
Sariel: 「I can come to understand your reasoning. But what if that causes you to miss that one opportunity to win a battle?
Gotta keep your priorities straight, you know?」
Feldway: 「Heh. As if–」
Sariel: 「I'm actually grateful to you. If you had intended to truly end this tree, I'm sure you would have attacked me unaware.」
Feldway: 「....」
Sariel: 「Either way, I'll kick your ass. Anything for a free beat down, anytime.」
Feldway: 「Enough, it is clear that our eyes do not meet. Let's end it that way, once and for all.」
With that statement, I went up close to Feldway—and with a casual stroke, swung my blade.
Feldway caught it equally as casual.
His own sword parrying the direct slash.
The ground shattered with every clash, the very atmosphere cracking around us with every shockwave that shuddered through it.
The impact of each sword clash was so great that it made the air smell burnt across the city's square.
「A-Amazing…」
Naturally, the evacuating citizens had stopped to marvel at the sight.
Sariel: 「You're so damn weak.」
Feldway: 「Don't rile me up, Sariel!!」
Sariel: 「Heh. This is the consequence of relying solely on skills, Feldway.」
Feldway: 「You're one to talk. Always sucking up to our lord for the benefits.」
Sariel: 「Tsk, tsk, tsk. Correction, Fraudway. I don't suck up to people, I watch people. I have never been the type to make friends.
Even if that's the case, I at least have a friend to look up to. Let's have a dive in your life.
You have no bitches, you have no friends, your backstory is lame as hell, your subordinates are mindless energy masses, and if I remember correctly, you were also once a mindless natural waste worth no will whatsoever.」
The mental challenge was on, and the winner would distinguish between who was superior and who was the fodder, but it seemed as if he would blow up anytime.
Knowing him, he must be restraining quite the amount of anger for we demons.
Wait, now that I think of it, how did he reach the cardinal world?
Noir did always guard the hell gates, so what's with the matter?
Feldway: 「You speak big, but you cried upon losing a girl you met for only three hours. She wasn't even up to the age of ten. What a disgrace of God's own creation.」
W-Wah!! I didn't know he had this much intel. No—that's not the point! How dare he!!
I wasn't about to lose to this soon-to-be fodder, so I spat back coldly.
Sariel: 「Feldway. You are a complete idiot. You do not learn from your mistakes.
I have never seen a very competent yet unreasonable leader like you before. You do not heed the opinions of your comrades.
Tell me, how do you expect to be successful without taking into consideration the opinion of those below you?
Instead, you prefer absolute loyalty. Is this how you would also treat me if I were to join forces with you?
If this was what Veldanava wanted, do you think you could've gotten to this level with a one-sided mindset?」
Feldway: 「.... Come to me, 『Ark』.」
Without responding to any of my questions, he summoned his original weapon.
A sword that was granted to him by Veldanava.
Only he could wield it, so it was only natural to use it at such a time.
I knew he had gotten serious, so I needed to do the same.
'Raziel-san, take every optimal action needed to be taken. Do not let a single detail go uncared for.
Increase my thought-processing speed to the highest of your capabilities. I am counting on you, two.'
「Understood.」
'Kalisha, do everything in your power to assist Raziel-san.'
Kalisha: 「Got it!」
Good. Let's get this underway.
If we were to fight above the nation of Sarion, there was no doubt that the divine tree would be severely damaged.
This is something I can not allow.
I looked over at the tree, trying to see what was happening below us.
The people were evacuating. It was a normal thing. Such an event was not something anyone would want to be a part of.
If anything, many would want absolutely nothing to do with this.
Sylvia was ensuring that everyone evacuated before anything happened.
She also seemed worried. She seems to have realized that if we were to fight right above this tree, there would be undesirable consequences.
Our previous light attacks had already begun to take effect on the nation.
I wanted to avoid this. Hence, a suggestion was made.
Sariel: 「Hey. Let's settle this somewhere els–」
What he did next shocked me.
Before I could complete my sentence, a powerful magic slash was sent towards the escaping citizens.
A bright flash of light headed towards the tree, and it seemed as if the end was near, but–
Sariel: 「『Soul Lord』!!」
A quick intervention was made. Before the bright speck of light collided against the tree, I teleported instantly and ate the attack.
But in the process, a sneak attack was made.
He appeared behind me, thrusting where my heart core was supposed to be.
He coated his blade with spiritrons, creating the art known as 『Overblade 』.
It is a very dangerous art, in my opinion.
But aside from that, I hate this.
This was totally chuuni and all. Something every second-rate villain would do in the anime and manga.
Target a victim to make the hero do everything in their power to save the so-called victim.
When this happened, the villain would strike at the moment of weakness.
I really hated this scene. So, to prevent myself from ever experiencing such a thing–
Sariel: 「As if!」
Three heads operated in one body.
Kalisha made use of my teleportation magic, whilst Raziel-san directed the attack to face the bastard using precise calculations.
I simply held the flash of light for Raziel-san to work on using my all-encompassing skill.
Such was the brilliant strategy thought up by Raziel-san.
'Well done, Raziel-san. You have transcended expectations once again!!'
I couldn't help but cheer for her. I was her number one fan.
I watched as the attack crashed against Feldway's figure, but the expected groan of agony was not heard.
Instead–
Feldway: 「Kufufu-Kuhahahahaha!! You fool! You will always remain naive.」
Sariel: 「Eh?」
No damage whatsoever. He was in the perfect condition. But how?
Did he have some sort of barrier type skill?
「Notice. There is no mistaking it. This is definitely the effect of the skill 『Castle Guard』.」
Sariel: 「Eeeeeh!?!」
I couldn't help but yell out loud.
Justice King:『Michael』 was a skill that belonged to Veldanava but was seemingly passed onto Rudra.
It seemed they had a skill swap of the sort.
But how did Feldway achieve this skill, too? He never had it—no, he shouldn't have had it, so why?
I'm so confused. Did he also have a skill swap with... no, that would be stupid.
Instead of that, he must have killed Rudra and stolen it.
But knowing Velgrynd's reaction, that would be unlikely.
Unless Velgrynd, too, is dead. But I don't think that's possible.
I should've definitely sensed something if that were the case.
Kalisha: 「Oi! Have you forgotten the way things were done already? You should just leave the brain work to us.
Besides, you're too stupid to figure out anything on your own.」
W-Wow. What a way to slap reality unto someone..... *Sigh*
'You're right. I need to focus on the matter at hand.'
Kalisha: 「So you finally admit that you're stupid?」
'SHUT IT GODDAMMIT!!!'
「Pfft–」
'R-Raziel-san.... TRAITOR!!!'
This is what happens when you decide to be considerate to these two.
Kalisha: 「You say that, but you love us no matter!」
Yeah, right. You just piss me off is all.
I had no one to complain to but myself. In that case, it was better to keep to myself.
I concentrated on Feldway as he held his sword pointed at me.
Feldway: 「Sariel. As the generous person that I am, I will give you one last chance–」
Sariel: 「I disrespectfully decline. I don't even think I could give you a chance to become sane. You are beyond help. No wonder Veldanava rejected you.」
That was the last straw burnt to crisp.
Feldway: 「You.... WHAT DID YOU SAY!?!?」
Sariel: 「You know, I never appreciated deaf companions, but as my friend, I'll manage you. Be honored!!」
Feldway: 「You'll regret ever uttering those cursed words, mark it!」
By this time, a huge battle ensued.
—————————————————————————————————
「Note: Umm, what's up, fellow readers and authors? Are you feeling good today? I hope you are because I sure am! I hope this chapter was enough to hype some of you up.
I felt hyped writing this, so I thought the feeling was mutual. It seems like I'll be on another writing spree as I am now on a vacation break.
I hope I am graced with the motivation to write more interesting chapters. This is also me being a fraud and writing scrap to increase my word count, but there's nothing you can do about that. Kuhahahaha!!!
Well, let's hope the next chapters being released are as interesting as we wish them to be. Well, stay safe, everybody! See ya all later!!」
Word Count: 「5055」