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Returning wickedness in the face of good will is something common everywhere.
Eventually, Erika trusted me and lent me this “key”.
Kind.
Too kind.
For this reason—– I took a liking to Erika.
Yes, because of this kindness…
I think I’m starting to find this feeling likeable.
Whether it’s from Seras…
Or Eve…
Or even from Liz…
They all have pure good will.
“Pure good will.”
That’s a wonderful virtue that my Uncle’s family had.
There’s no way I could deny that.
And those who have pure goodwill should be protected.
That’s, at least, what I believe.
However, there are really poisonous beings in the world that cannot be detoxified, even by the most potent antidotes.
There certainly are evil people that preys upon those who held goodwill.
In that case—— To those who held poison, you need poison to control them.
Let an evil person eat those who were evil.
Yes…
Whenever we’re dealing with evil people, we should just have someone who were also evil, like me, to deal with them.
Our chariot continues to plunge forward in this gloomy forest.
[…………]
Inadvertently, a smile appeared on my face.
Well…
[There’s the fact that it feels really good to beat the sh*t out of those scumbags…]
I must admit, even I held some brutality within me.
[Mhmm? Beating the schwat…? Touka, what in the world are you talking about now—]
[Eve.]
[U- Umu.]
Eve’s arms tightened a bit as her body stood in attention.
Staring at the slightly cloudy empty space in front of us, I said.
[In this reinforcement operation, my priority is to keep both of you alive. Therefore, this Gem of Teleportation… No matter how I use this, don’t bear a grudge at me.]
Thus, the magical chariot that was given to us by the Witch of Taboos,while making sure that Slei takes some sufficient rest in between, ran through about half of the Northern Demon Zone just as planned.
[Thanks to Slei’s running speed and this magical chariot’s Recognition Obstruction, it looks like we’ll be able to arrive there much earlier than we planned…]
Putting away the map, I knelt down on the foothold in the roof.
To my sides are my two companions wearing black outfits.
Seras Ashrain.
Eve Speed.
And, I have my slime partner on my shoulder.
Pulling our chariot is a black horse magical beast with large demonic horns.
On the slope a little further ahead of us, the swelling vegetations burst open.
[Giiiiiiiissssssshhhhhiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh——!]
A huge Golden-eyed monster jumped out of the way.
Our chariot’s special ability, Recognition Obstruction, has already run out.
From hereafter, our battle with the monsters of the Northern Demon Zone begins.
Seras points her pre-winded crossbow slantly forward.
On the other hand, Eve held up a weapon that had a long chain and a spiked iron ball on its end.
Both of these weapons were brought out of the Witch’s home.
Just as I instructed her, Slei continues to run forward without stopping.
[Just keep on running forward, Slei… You don’t have to worry, we will eliminate any monsters that stand in your path.]
If they’re going to attack us, we’re not going to let them get away with it.
While measuring the range in between me and the monster, I held out my right arm forward.
[Well then——]
Seras and Eve take up their positions.
[Let’s get started, shall we?]
Chapter 176
I'm still an S-Rank Hero
The Great Demon Emperor appeared in the east.
The Goddess frowned upon learning this news.
Oyamada leans out from behind the carriage.
[Hey hey hey Goddess-chan!? That’s the last boss, right!? Isn’t this quite a pinch!? Is this the end already!? The eastern bunch over there, are you dead yet!?]
Riding on his horse, Yasu crossed his arms.
[Fumu, this is that pattern where Hijiri and Itsuki bit more than they could chew huh. Thinking about the casts, I guess this is where those twins’ roles end up.]
I gulped down.
(The big boss of the enemies came out…)
[One of the most unfortunate things in the world is that those who really wield power don’t get to use their power. There’s a good chance that this kind of loss is something we won’t be able to make up sooner or later…]
Riding his horse next to the Goddess, Kirihara said as if he’s insinuating something.
[There’s no hero as unfortunate as me. On the contrary though, the opportunities have been really in favor for Hijiri. Vysis, you know what I’m worrying about, don’t you?]
[I have some things to think about, so could you please shut up?]
[That’s because the Great Demon Emperor is more of a small fry than I expected, and he’s going to be defeated by Hijiri at this rate.]
Even though the Goddess said that, Kirihara still voiced out his concerns.
[Now that Sogou has been eliminated, the battle for the top has eventually went down to just Hijiri and I. It would have been fine… but it’s really boring if this were settled by your favoritism with Hijiri. I’d have to say that’s extremely a killjoy.]
Clicking his tongue, Kirihara sighs.
[Because these weaklings are really idiotic… The only way to make them realize our difference is to confront them with results that were easy for their meagre minds to understand. However… I guess it would be too much of a scam for the strong people to eve be given a chance to produce those results.]
Leaning forward on her horse, the Goddess covered her mouth with her hand.
“Fumu…” After a few moments of silence, it seems that the Goddess reached some sort of decision.
[In that case—– Shall we head east, Kirihara-san?]
Kirihara brushed his hair behind his back.
He then looked like he heard something that should have been obvious.
[We’ll just have to hope that it’s still not too late before we arrive…]
Agito leads his horse towards the Goddess.
[Are you going to come too, Vysis?]
[I can’t deny that I’m feeling like I’m dancing at the palm of the Great Demon Emperor, but we can’t afford to not take any actions, don’t you think? Even though we have the Takao Sisters and the White Wolf Knights fighting in that place, it’s a different story if the Great Demon Emperor himself is involved.]
[Do you think we could get there now and make it in time?]
[We’ll be using the magic horse.]
Before we left Alion, I had already been briefed about this magic horse.
It is said to be a special horse created by the combined wisdom of the Goddess and the Magician’s Guild.
A magic horse can move much faster than a normal fast horse.
However, they were quite precious because there are only a few of these magic horses.
Apparently, only a few of them were deployed to each army in this war.
[It will just be me and Kirihara-san who will be meeting up with the Eastern Army.]
[Are you just going to leave and the rest of the Heroes here in the Southern Army?]
[Urza’s army, which was already in standby in the southeast, is also heading east as reinforcements.]
Other than the three armies deployed in the west, south and east, there are two other armies
that were deployed in the Magnar territory.
There are two armies: Urza’s army in the southeast and Mira’s army in the southwest.
These two armies were scheduled to move as reinforcements as the battle progressed.
[You’re thinking that this movement by the Great Demon Emperor himself might have been a trap, huh?]
[Since the movements of the Western and Southern Invasion Force are somehow unsettling, I have decided that the Southern Army should also remain as they are. However, as I mentioned earlier, we can’t exactly ignore the Great Demon Emperor either.]
Is it to show the enemies how composed we are?
A smile appeared on the Goddess’ lips.
However, her eyes weren’t smiling at all.
The Goddess instructed the others to prepare the magic horse immediately.
After that, she began giving instructions to the generals of Alion’s army.
It’s not that I’d say as expected of a Goddess, but she does it with speed and accuracy.
In the midst of that, Oyamada and Yasu slightly grumbled that they should also take them along.
However, they were easily persuaded by the Goddess.
After that, the Goddess gathered the Four Revered Saints and the Dragonslayer once more.
When the instructions to the various sections had been settled, Agito asked the Goddess.
[You’re not taking Ayaka Sogou with you? As recorded in the past, it seems to me that the power of the highest ranking Heroes are essential to defeating the Root of All Evil.]
[Fortunately, there are three S-Ranks members this time, so I’m sure it’ll be fine. Besides… Thinking about it, is Sogou-san really worth it to expend that precious magic horse…? It’s beyond unusual for someone who reached her level to not learn her inherent skill. Perhaps, her peculiar tree, in itself, is her unique skill.]
Placing her hand on her cheek, the Goddess heavily sighs.
[Actually, once this battle settles down, I’m thinking of arbitrarily demoting Sogou-san to B-Rank.]
The Goddess wistfully places her hand on her chest.
[It seems that the crystal could also make wrong judgements… Well, if there’s too much of a difference between her and the other two S-Ranks, the people around her will be confused. It can’t be helped. I’m the one who judged her as one, so I graciously admit the fault. Sogou-san’s S-Rank judgement was a mistake. Those who were entrusted with judging others must sometimes have the courage to admit their mistakes and apologize. There’s nothing wrong with that, is there, Sogou-san? I doubt there’d be any though…]
I emotionlessly replied.
[Yes.]
[I respect that attitude of not needlessly arguing against it. Ummm… I’m really sorry for all these harsh words I’ve said to you. However, it’s all because I’ve had high hopes for you, an S-Rank Hero. But, I’m not going to say anything more to the B-Rank you. From now on, do you best to live with the light-colored Heroes who may have taken away your opportunity to grow stronger. I have been warning you again and again out of kindness… but in this world, no matter how hard you think you try, it will all be meaningless if you don’t get results. How should I say this—–]
The Goddess sent me a sad smile.
Somehow, it feels like she’s pushing me away.
[Thank you so much for all your hard work so far.]
A soldier came to tell them that the magic horses were ready.
The Goddess gave back her horse and headed for the tent where the magic horses had been prepared.
Pulling the reins of his horse, Kirihara changed the direction where he’s facing.
Glancing towards me, he said as if he’s speaking to me.
[My misfortune certainly isn’t something you can overlook, but it seems that the different world isn’t as bad as I thought. Little by little, I can feel the difference between the real thing and the counterfeits is starting to become clearer… I’m really tired of that ambiguity in our previous world, but in this world, we still have to draw the line between the strong and the weak.]
Brimming with a silent courage, Kirihara looked towards the eastern skies.
[If you really get killed by Hijiri now, I’ll have to question your sanity, Great Demon Emperor…]
Muttering to himself, Kirihara places his hand on the hilt of his sword.
[If I’m going to show everyone the difference between the real king, Kirihara and these small fries, there’s no one better suited to this task than you… killing the Great Demon Emperor, there can be no one but me—– it can’t be anyone but me.]
* * *
After the Goddess and Kirihara left, Oyamada clapped his hands.
[Buhyahyahyahyahyahya! Wait Ayaka, seriously!? That seriously happened!? B~ B~ B~ B~ B-Rank Demotion~! The greatest fall in the century has happened~! Giiieeehhhh, this is that time, don’t you think!? This is where Ayaka-senpai would compete with her erotic seductive techniques, right!? Hieeeeeeeehhh, this could work! Too hot! Too passionate! You’re starting to burn meeee!]
[…Shogou-sa, I have something to say about Takuto but…]
[Hah?]
The one who spoke to Oyamada was Murota Erii.
She’s a gyaru who stands out the most among the girls in Kirihara’s group.
Previously, Kirihara had used a monster with an amputated limb as bait to summon other monsters.
At that time, it’s that girl who was drawn away as she said “Wait, a- aren’t you overdoing it?”
[Don’t you think that Takuto has been acting really weird since we came to this world?]
[Huh? Is that so?]
[I mean, who the heck talks like that? When he was back in our previous world, he wasn’t very talkative, but I thought he was kind of cool like that… I thought he was really cool when he speaks only when necessary…]
[That may be the case, but this isn’t the world we lived in before, don’t you think that his change might be necessary? Or perhaps, it’s just that his true nature that he had been holding back has been released! —Or something like that? Even in manga, it’s like those protagonists who awaken when he’s in a pinch.]
[No, I don’t know whether he’s really just hiding his true nature or something like that but… Even Yasu looks like he’s swayed by the change that it’s a little disgusting. Even Asagi has turned slightly creepy since we came here…]
I also felt uncomfortable with their sudden changes.
There are several students who have certainly changed since we’ve come here in a different world.
Oyamada said that they may just be their “true natures”.
When the Heroes were summoned, was there some kind of ability at work that brought out their hidden true natures?
[You look like you’ve got something on your mind, are you okay?]
Banewolf led his horse beside Ayaka.
He then glanced in the direction where the Goddess left.
[As always, the Goddess’ comments are harsh. Well, I just don’t like the idea that results are everything…]
Banewolf offers a doto stick to me.
I politely refused though.
He brought the doto stick he offered into his own mouth.
[Regardless of the outcome, if you’ve worked hard at something… I think you still deserve some credit for that.]
Banewolf shrugs.
[You see, I’m a lazy ass by nature, aren’t I? From how a lazy ass like me looks at it, it’s easy to see how difficult it is to work really hard. Well… that’s why Sogou-chan and her group, who have been working really hard, should be praised.]
A slight smile appeared from my lips.
[It seems like Bane-san is the type who’d look after someone for the long run.]
Scratching his head, Banewolf turned towards where we will be marching now.
[It’s easier for me when I’m not asked for results in a hurry… But well, I don’t want to burden you, but I gues
s the Goddess can’t afford to watch you grow over a long period of time.]
[Thank you for your concerns.]
Standing tall on her horse, I face forward.
[However, I’m fine. It’s not that it isn’t difficult, but I’m starting to understand how to treat the Goddess. If I don’t refute her, her scoldings would end sooner.]
Banewolf looks at me like he’s impressed.
[To be honest, it’s frustrating that I wasn’t blessed with inherent skills. However, it’s not like I’m completely helpless at all. My level has increased and I’ve honed my skills. Yes, I’m sure…]
While holding the reins, I look behind me.
Suou Kayako is following a little behind me.
The Heroes in my group are looking at us anxiously in the carriage.
[I’m sure that I’m not so helpless that I can’t protect anyone.]
Banewolf follows my gaze.
[Being optimistic is good.]
[I didn’t work hard just to get the praise from the Goddess. I’ve always been working hard to get back to our world together with everyone… and to protect everyone, I must persevere. And if it really was as the Goddess says, until this battle ends…]
I jokingly said.
[I’m still an S-Rank Hero.]
* * *
[——–
Razor-sharp gusts of wind wildly raged, it’s like a rampage of countless kamaitachis.
(T/N: kamaitachi = sickle weasel)
The other monsters were being swallowed in the whirlwind of confusion as the monster rolled over and clutched unto its slashed throat
A boisterous dance of tyrannical wind blades tremendously slashed through the charging forces of the Great Demon Emperor.
As splashes of blood scattered everywhere, the enemy’s formation which had barely held on, completely collapsed without a hint of resistance.
The monsters’ screams of agony covering the area in a deafening chorus.
It was the very image of hell.
Even though they’re monsters, the sight of their bodies being mercilessly chopped in thousand pieces, even if they were our enemies, I still couldn’t help but feel sorry for it.
In the end, all the monsters within the range sank into the sea of blood.
Elder sister, Takao Hijiri was gazing at this scene without any change in her expression.
