Chapter 53

Chapter 53 - Esperanza Recapture Battle Conclusion

"Lord Vals, it seems the humans are more formidable than expected, and we're being pushed back a bit. What shall we do?"

"Oh... They are doing better than I thought. But, no worries. We'll retreat as planned and lure them into the fortress."

(Kukuku, no matter how strong they are, it won't matter once they enter the fortress... Boom, it's over!)

"...Hm? What's wrong? Respond to my command, you insolent fool!"

Upon receiving no response to the order, Vals yelled at the demon, but the demon's body split in half and collapsed before him.

"What?! What is happening?! Is anyone there?"

Looking around, he realizes he's the only one standing.

(Is this an enemy assassin?... How did I not notice... Perhaps someone skilled in stealth?)

But the threat doesn't end there; Vals' forehead starts sweating uncomfortably.

Even though he's not a noble species, demons have multiple lives. However, the fallen demons show no sign of reviving. In other words... they were killed with a single strike.

(Whatever trickery this is, it's bad... very bad.)

As a noble species, Vals possesses ten lives and has never truly experienced the fear of death. But now, experiencing this sensation for the first time, cold sweat runs down his face, and his body trembles involuntarily.

At this moment, he knows he could be killed instantly. Vals makes a quick decision.

"Y-yes, I surrender, I yield. Please spare my life!"

Vals pleads with trembling voice, but it's not genuine.

(Huh, huhu, show yourself quickly. The moment you appear before me, I'll detonate with Sonia's curse seal... I might die too, but I can be resurrected. Strong as you are, you're still a lowly human, thanks to Lord Gomis's insurance, I survived...)

The explosion's keyword is set to my name. As long as I introduce myself normally, no one would suspect anything.

"...Are you the commander of this fortress? What happened to Count Gomis?"

"What?! Who are you? Are you the leader of the human race? Nice to meet you. My name is... [Vals!!]"

Kukuku, it's too late. The word of destruction that annihilates everything has been invoked. Go ahead, die, human!!

"I'm Kakeru, got it. Nice to meet you."

Huh... That's strange, why isn't it exploding? Is it pronunciation? Or do I need to say it louder?

"Vals!!" "Valsu!!" "Valrs!!"

Vals desperately shouts his own name.

"It's futile, Baron Vals. The curse seal has already disappeared."

Sonia slowly appears from behind Kakeru.

"You, are you Viscount Sonia!? Why are you alive? The curse disappeared, you said?"

"That's right. We just met, but die!!" Kakeru brandishes his Death Scythe.

"I have the top-tier skill of Physical Invincibility, your attacks won't work on me. Thanks to this skill, I, despite being a Viscount, have risen this far."

Valus, the Baron, is cut down before finishing his sentence. His life core severed, he dies without a word.

(...Death Scythe's attack only cuts the life core, not the body. That's why Physical Invincibility is ineffective. Too bad.)

"Valus... He was dangerous in many ways..."

"Master? From my perspective, it seemed quite easy..."

"...Never mind, it's a personal matter."

"I've memorized Physical Invincibility."

"My level has increased."

"My level has increased."

"My level has increased."

"My level has increased."

Absorbing Valus' soul with the Death Scythe.

"My level has increased."

"My level has increased."

"My level has increased."

"My level has increased."

"Death Scythe's level has increased!"

Oh! The Death Scythe's level finally increased. I'm looking forward to seeing what has changed.

The monsters outside are breaking their ranks as their control is released. It's better to defeat as many as possible, considering the future.

"I'll head out to exterminate the monsters outside. What about you, Sonia?"

"I'll accompany you. After all, I'm called a genius who became a Viscount at such a young age!"

"Alright, I trust you. Oh, and please don't attack my summoned beings, Varonos and the white-haired Griffin. They are allies."

"You mean Varonos, the Baron? He's a real scoundrel."

"Hahaha, that's true. But don't worry, I'll make him work as the Baron of Toilets and Sewers from now on."

"Hahaha, what's that?"

"Also, wear this robe, Sonia."

I hand Sonia an extra robe so that allies who don't know her won't attack the demon.

"Thank you. Hehe, it smells like my master."

"Huh, seriously? Sorry, was I stinky?"

"No, it smells like danger."

"What? Danger? It wasn't supposed to..."

Sonia sniffs the robe. It's embarrassing, please stop...

"If you don't mind, can I keep this robe?"

"I don't mind, but are you sure about it? It's not a fancy one; I can buy a cuter one in town."

"No, this one is perfect."

Sonia hugs the robe affectionately. Well, if she likes it, it's fine. Death God's robes don't get dirty, so I don't really need extras anyway.

"Now, shall we teleport to the scene? Please, my lord..."

Sonia opens her arms towards me. Crap, I can't possibly tell her I can't use teleportation yet. I can't embarrass her! I should graciously accept her kindness. I have no doubts; I'll just casually stick close to her. It's so soft... I won't say that out loud, though.

"Teleport!"

We teleport right into the middle of the monster horde. Sonia... you could've thought about the location a bit more; I don't have time to consider that right now. Ouch... does Physical Invincibility work that well already?

Anyway, this is a chance. Let's go for leveling up, acquiring skills, and getting a cool summoning creature! Let's go, Death Scythe!

"I've learned Bite."

"I've learned Scratch."

"I've learned Mimicry."

"I've learned Poison Spit."

"I've learned Night Vision."

"I've learned Detection."

There are many, but not many useful skills among these monsters. I already have quite a few skills myself.

As a candidate for a summoning creature, I've obtained the Earth Dragon and the Cockatrice.

"I've learned Earthquake."

"I've learned Evil Eye (Petrification)."

Evil Eye! Damn, I'm becoming less human with each skill. By the way, I only gained two levels even after defeating so many monsters. What a disappointment...

I can see everyone running towards us from afar. The realization that the battle is over is gradually sinking in.

The fight against the Demon Empire has just begun, but for now... let's go back to Primera with everyone!