Dullahan

After Megumin had exhausted herself using explosion magic, she asked Darkness if she could help carry her back to town. Darkness accepted her offer, and together they walked outside of the town. As they walked, they noticed an abandoned castle in the distance, and Megumin decided to use her explosion magic on it. The resulting explosion partially destroyed the castle. As Darkness carried Megumin back to town on her back, they suddenly sensed a mysterious being on horseback behind them. When they turned around, they saw that it was a demon knight.

Demon Knight "So... it was you..."

Darkness and Megumin were shocked.

Darkness "Who are you?"

Demon Knight "I am Beldia, a Dullahan who serves the demon lord as his general."

Megumin began to sweat really hard.

Darkness: "What do you want, and why are you here?"

Beldia "I came looking for the one who casts explosion magic on my castle. It appears the one I have been looking for is behind your back."

Megumin "I am sorry to disturb you; I didn't know people were living there."

Beldia "I am not buying that. You are doing this every day, purposefully, just to provoke me. Now that I am here, I will eliminate you and restore my peace."

Darkness "Are you sure? I won't go easy on my enemies, you know."

Beldia "I would like to speak with my swords."

Darkness "Very well then; you asked for it."

Then Darkness set aside Megumin, who was unable to stand. She pulled out her swords and faced Beldia.

........

It was already evening, and Kazuma hadn't seen his companions all day. He searched the guild, hotel, and many other places inside the town but couldn't find them. He started to worry when he remembered the warning Kyouya had given him the day before. So, he decided to check outside the town. When he reached the front gate, he saw Megumin walking toward him from outside. He asked her about their absence, and she replied that they were practicing. She then lied to Kazuma, saying that Darkness had gone back to her family for an urgent meeting. However, after that, Megumin collapsed in Kazuma's arms, leaving him no choice but to carry her back to her bed.

Beldia and Darkness had a fierce fight, but in the end, Beldia emerged victorious. In a fit of anger, Beldia cursed Darkness, giving her only a week to live. However, Beldia added a condition to the curse: if Megumin visited the castle alone within a week, darkness would be spared. Beldia took Darkness with him to the castle, leaving Megumin injured and unable to move. She eventually managed to make her way back to town after some time, where Kazuma helped her home. Megumin is worried about losing Darkness and is anxious about going to the castle alone. She does not want to put Kazuma in trouble, so she pretends to be normal in front of him and others.

Kyouya and his companions visited Kazuma unexpectedly the next morning. Kazuma introduced Megumin to them, but when they asked for Darkness, Megumin appeared nervous and anxious. She explained that Darkness had gone to a family meeting, but Kazuma became suspicious of Megumin and felt as though she was hiding something from him. After spending time together, Kyouya and the others said their goodbyes and left. Later that night, Kazuma visited Megumin and asked if she had anything to share with him. Megumin acted normal and said she had nothing to tell him. Kazuma went back to his room, still wondering what Megumin was keeping from him.

It has been six days since Megumin decided to embark on a journey to the castle alone for the sake of saving her friend Darkness, even if it meant risking her own life. On this particular evening, Kazuma went to purchase some items from the shop, while Megumin began her journey to the castle, taking care to avoid the main road to avoid being seen by others. Despite being chased by a group of frogs, she continued to walk until she finally caught a glimpse of the castle in the distance.

After a moment of fear and hesitation, she decided to save her friend, Darkness. She didn't want to live with the regret of letting her friend die. Despite the late hour, she approached the castle but was soon confronted by some undead who began to attack her. Fearful for her life, she fled into the nearby forest with the undead in pursuit. Exhausted and feeling hopeless, she tripped over a rock, expecting it to be the end.

But just as the undead were about to strike,

Beldia appeared behind them and commanded, "STOP."

The undead stepped aside. Beldia walked over to Megumin's side.

Beldia "You really came, Megumin."

Megumin: "Where is darkness?"

Beldia "Oh, she is doing just fine."

Megumin "I want to see her. Take me to her."

Beldia "Now, now, Megumin... Don't rush; we have plenty of time on our hands."

Megumin "What do you mean?"

Beldia "Megumin, I will give you two options. Try fighting me and dying with my hands, or bear my child. But be careful with the first choice. If you die here, your friend will die too. So make your choice wisely, Megumin."

Megumin is very upset and angry. "That's unfair... You told me that you would release her when I came to you."

Beldia "You really are a fool, Megumin. You must have known whom you were messing with. We demons won't play fair, you know."

A moment of silence

Megumin, with deep sorrow in her voice, said, "Fine, you can do whatever you want with me; just release Darkness already."

Beldia with a cunning simile "Good. Your friend will reach home safely. You have my word."

While lying on the ground, Megumin looked at him nervously and anxiously. She was sweating and was afraid as well. She was praying for Kazuma to save her.