178.My World
「完っ全に出遅れた!」
王城内にある貴族向けの大食堂が無料と聞いて、思うさま暴食を堪能していたアリッサは今、涙目で城内を全力疾走していた。
満腹で走っているので、胸から喉までに嫌な感触があるが、なんとか飲み込む。
調子に乗って四つ目のケーキを頼もうとしたときに、ようやく城の外が騒がしい事に気付いた自分に腹が立つ。城内で慌ただしく戦闘準備をしていた騎士を捕まえて状況を確認したところ、どうやら王城前広場に突然多数の魔人族兵が流入したらしい。
「もう始まってるの!?」
アリッサは、一応一二三の“計画”を知っている。最終的な一二三の狙いはもちろん、実のところイメラリア女王や他の種族たちが踊らされているのも知っていた。
なぜ知らされていたのか。
これだけ情報を先に持っているというハンデを与えられて、しかし少数の兵力。そこでどう立ち回るのか。先代領主である一二三からの“課題”に他ならない。
「お、怒られる......!」
先んじているという余裕に油断していた。部下の兵士たちの無事を祈りながら、王城から飛び出す。
戦いは始まっており、背の低いアリッサには全体を見通すことはできないが、王城から出撃した兵士たちが並び、押し込んでくる魔人族を必死に押えていた。どうやら、戦闘は広場全体で始まっているらしい。
一人の魔人族に飛び乗り、頭を蹴り飛ばしながら広場を囲む高い塀へと登る。
乱戦になりすぎていて、魔人族も人間側も魔法も弓も使えない状態らしい。広場の中央で、一際大きな存在感を放っている一二三の姿を最初に見つけ、次いで少し離れた位置で魔人族を相手に鉄扇を振るい、混戦の中でも最小限の大きさで風の刃を飛ばしているオリガを発見した。
そして、広場の隅で防衛態勢にあるフォカロル兵たちを、オリガがいた方向と反対側に見つけると、アリッサは塀を駆けてその中心に飛び降りた。
「領主様!」
「遅れてごめん! 状況は?」
「正確なことはわかりません!」
周囲は掛け声や悲鳴のるつぼで、背後の壁を除いて大わらわだ。喉が裂けんばかりに大声を出さないと、まともに会話もできない。
どこかの馬鹿が爆発の魔法を使ったらしい。魔人族も人間もそれぞれ二人ずつが吹き飛んでいた。
「魔人族が突然、その、広場入口にできた大穴から湧き出て来たんです! 前領主様と何か話したと思ったら、戦闘が始まりまして......広場からの出口は、騎士隊と国軍が押えているはずです!」
報告を聞きながら、アリッサは懸命に頭を回転させる。今、フォカロルの軍勢は何をするべきか。一二三の狙い。いや、願い。それは“可能性を見せる事”。
「お城から出てくる騎士と、町の方の兵士、どっちが強いと思う?」
「騎士たちでしょうね。彼らは前領主様の稽古を受けたんでしょう? それに、まだ城に向かっていった魔人族は少数です!」
「なら、決まりだね!」
アリッサは立ち上がり、どこからか飛んできた長剣を、脇差で弾いた。
「全員、二列縦隊! 出入り口側にいる魔人族軍の一部を切り取って、出口の兵士たちと協力して挟み撃ちにするよ!」
「応!」
質問や戸惑いは無い。アリッサが決めて、兵士たちが続く。
それは一二三が指導し、繰り返し訓練された動き。今となっては笑い話にしているが、当時は死ぬかと思った訓練で身体に染み着いた行動。
フォカロルの軍は、少数であっても強い。
それを今。彼らは改めて証明する。
「そうだ。お前らはそっち側で良い」
大きな布を引き裂くように、魔人族の軍へと勢いよく割り込んでいくフォカロルの軍を見て、一二三は一人の魔人族を上下に両断しながらほくそ笑む。
今から始めることにおいて、アリッサは数に入れていないのだ。彼女は後に残す者であり、まだ役割が残っている。
何より、フォカロル兵が本格的に参戦してしまうと、一二三の獲物が減る。
「どうした? 魔法を使えよ。遠慮しなくて良い」
一人の首を刎ね斬り、近づいてきた魔人族の足を踏み、まっすぐに伸びた膝の皿を蹴り砕き、倒れた首に刀を突きこむ。抜いた刀は、手元へと引き寄せる動きと共に、もう一人の喉を裂いた。
まるで一連の舞のような動きに、吸い込まれていく兵士たち。
「まだまだお前らの在庫はあるな? 俺の命はここにあるぞ。欲しければ取りに来い。ただし、お前らの命を賭けて、だ」
真っ黒な左手で、城の方にいる魔人族たちに向かって手招きをする。不意に飛んできた火球を、そのまま左手で払うようにかき消す。
あっという間に仲間を殺され、及び腰になっている魔人兵に囲まれながら、一二三は悠々と刀身へ懐紙を走らせる。
そこへ、広場の中央から唸り声が高らかに響いた。
「おう、ようやくバール何とか君の復活か」
台座にしがみつくようにしてふらついているバシムの身体の上には、鼻から上にバールゼフォンの頭部が張り付いていた。
バールゼフォンが再び雄たけびを上げると、身体は一度だけ痙攣し、しっかりと地面に足を付けて直立する。バールゼフォンが前を向くために、バシムの顔は上を向いたようになっているのが、異様に不格好だった。
「将軍に何をする!」
「頭だけ狙え!」
周囲にいた魔人族たちは、剣を持って頭部を狙う。
叫び声をあげて振るわれたバシムの右腕は、魔人族の顔面を真正面からぶん殴り、ふらついた相手から器用に剣を奪い取った。そして、その剣は元の持ち主の頭へと叩き落とされる。
「おっと、忘れていた。これはその身体の一部だ」
闇魔法から一二三が取り出したバシムの左腕は、今切断したばかりのように血が滴っている。
放り投げられたそれを、剣に突き刺して受け取ったバールゼフォンは、本来繋がっていた場所へと押し付けた。ぶらぶらと力なく垂れ下がった腕も、ほどなく完全につながる。
「便利なもんだ」
笑っている一二三を、バールゼフォンの変質して濁った眼が睨みつけた。
「おっと、怖い怖い。......怖いから、助けでも呼ぼうかね?」
思い切り息を吸い込んだ一二三は、バールゼフォンに背を向けて大音声を響かせた。
「ミダス! 魔人族の化け物に、民間人が襲われてるぞ!」
「サブナクさんはここに残ってください。ヴァイヤーさんは、一階に下りて騎士隊の指揮を。今ならまだ、魔人族の兵は少ない状況です。余裕をもって押し返せるでしょう」
そして、と一呼吸置いて、イメラリアは命令を下す。
「魔人族の殲滅に乗じて、一二三様に対する牽制を。槍や剣が彼の咆哮へ飛んでいく程度の事故は、複数回あってもおかしくはないでしょう。また、広場を制圧するために、彼の周囲に魔人族が押し込まれることも必然だと考えます」
「ご下命、承知いたしました。では」
ヴァイヤーは一礼の後、一歩だけ後ろ向きに下がり、背を向けて駆けて行く。
それを見送ったサブナクは、イメラリアへと視線を戻した。少しだけ、女王の顔が青褪めて見えるのは、気のせいではないだろう。
サブナク自身は、この作戦自体は反対だった。一二三が飛びぬけて強いことと、その性格というより性質によって、国の安定性に不安を覚えるという理由は解る。だが、それを言ってしまえば、強い勢力は片っ端から潰して回らなければならなくなる。
そして最後にオーソングランデ王族が残った時、果たしてその周囲には何者が立っているのだろうか。
「サブナクさん......サブナクさん?」
「はっ? ああ、これは失礼しました」
どうやら、考えに惑溺していたらしい。
「サブナクさんが考えていることは、わたくしも考えました。」
イメラリアは、隣でハラハラと戦況を見守っているウェパルを一瞥する。
「彼からの影響によって、良くなった部分は非常に多いのは認めております。ですが、この世界のことはこの世界の者たちで決めていくのが道理。わたくしはこの世界で政を行うものとして、一二三様には退場いただくのが良い、と判断しました」
「......私も、同じ意見なのよ」
話を聞いていたらしいウェパルが、バルコニーの手すりに乗り出したまま振り向いた。
「正直に、子供じみた意見を言わせてもらえば、“ずるい”」
女王たる人物が言う言葉じゃないだろう、とサブナクが顔をしかめると、ウェパルが小さく息を噴き出して笑った。
「そんな顔しないの。これでも真剣なんだから......私とイメラリアさんの約束はね、“お互いに頑張りましょう”くらいのものよ。邪魔が入らないところで、真剣にやりあうのに、あれはイレギュラーもいいところよ」
個人的な恨みもあるけれど、とウェパルは舌を見せて笑った。
「わたくしも、個人的な恨みも含めて、彼を排除することに決めたのです。サブナクさん。貴方も一二三様がいなくなった後の国を動かす一人なのです。覚悟しろ、とは言いませんが、しっかりしてください」
ほら、とイメラリアが広場を指し示す。
そこでは、城の方へ向かっていた魔人族兵を鎧袖一触に打ち負かし、押し戻している騎士隊の姿があった。圧倒的な攻撃の中でも、騎士の一人が魔法と思われる攻撃を受けて、血煙を上げて倒れた。
「戦いに赴くこと以上に、戦いを強いることの罪。わたくしは一二三様を呼び出したとき、それを全く考えていませんでした。その責任も......。目的のために誰かを死地へと向かわせる覚悟と、責任。一二三様にわたくしが示すべきは、きっとそういうものなのでしょう」
自分で戦おうとして失敗して、ようやく気が付きました、とイメラリアは力なく笑った。
一二三の叫びを聞いて、フォカロルの軍勢と入れ替わるようにして騎士や兵士と共に中央へと突っ込んできたミダスは、何故か復活しているバールゼフォンと一二三がいる場所までたどり着いた。
その間も、周囲では兵士と魔人族が殺し合い、徐々に人数を削られていく。それでも、民間人を救わねばならない一心で、剣を振るった。
元来が調査任務が主である第三騎士隊への所属が長いミダスにとって、本格的な戦闘は苦手な部類だったが、そうも言っていられない。
息も絶え絶えになって一二三の前に立ち、周囲を見回したが、見渡す限りの魔人族。他には城の方から近衛騎士隊の連中がせり出してきているのが見える程度だ。
「み、民間人はどこです?」
「お前の目の前にいるだろう?」
「......は?」
「俺だよ。民間人は」
今なら殴っても誰にも文句を言われないだろう、と拳を握るミダスを見て、一二三は笑う。
「俺は軍人でも無ければ、フォカロルの指揮権も持っていない。身を守る武器を持った程度の、どこに出しても恥ずかしくない民間人だ。違うか?」
「......いえ......」
言いながら、一二三が不意に飛んできたものを手刀で叩き落とした。
「哀れな民間人は、魔人族どころか騎士にすら攻撃をされているんだがな。この状況、どう思う?」
迎撃されたのは、近衛騎士が城内警備に使う手槍だった。
「いや、これくらいはたまたま......」
「ほう?」
さらに二本、槍が飛んできたのを一二三は容易く叩き落とした。
石畳の上に、音を立てて転がった手槍を見てミダスは絶句し、城の方へと目を向けた。
「なぜ......」
魔人族を押し戻そうとする動きの中で、明らかにこちらを狙って槍を投げようとする一人の騎士を見つけた。さらに言えば、騎士隊の動きは魔人族を一二三の方へと押し集めるような動きになっている。
「イメラリアの命令だろうな。この混乱に乗じて、俺を始末するつもりだな」
「馬鹿な! そんなことを......」
「見てみろ。お前らの女王陛下は、この状況を冷静に観戦しておられる」
言われるままに顔を上げたミダス。イメラリアと目があった気がするが、距離が遠く、その表情まではわからなかった。
「さて、ミダス。お前はどうする?」
「どう、とは?」
「近衛騎士どもと同調して、俺を押えに回るか? それとも、騎士の在り方とやらに従って、“民間人”を守るか?」
拳を振るわせていたミダスは、右手に握ったまま下ろしていた剣を両手に掴み直した。
「全員、横に二列に並べ! 近衛騎士隊からこちらへ漏れてくる攻撃を防ぐ! ......一二三殿、これはあくまで建前です。あんたは大人しく守られる様な人間じゃないでしょう」
剣を肩に担ぎ、ミダスは城へと向き直った。
「これは、近衛騎士の連中を守るためです。一二三殿が余計なトラブルに巻き込まれないようにする。少なくとも王都ではそうする。それが私の考える、平和の守り方です」
一二三の答えを聞く気は無いのだろう。言い捨てて、ミダスは防御の列へと加わった。中央で、前に出る。
「ふぅん。まぁ、いいさ」
敵はまだいる。
魔人族は数が減ってはいるが、それだけスペースに余裕ができてくると、次第に魔法攻撃が増えてきている。
飛んできた岩を、首をかしげて躱した一二三は、刀を鞘へと戻した。代わりに、鎖鎌を取り出す。
「あとは、俺がやるべきはひたすら殺すだけ、だな」
一二三は、イメラリアが封印を狙っている事は知っているが、その方法までは知らない。この機会を好機と見て仕掛けてくるだろうことまでは予想していたが、オリガやプーセがどう動くかまでは聞かなかった。
「ようし、ようし。全力で来い。この世界の今の力、食い足りないのはわかっているが、せめて腹八分くらいは楽しませてくれよ!」
鎖鎌の分銅を振り回し、一人の魔人族の顔面へと打ち付ける。
鎖を引き寄せようとした瞬間、一二三の隣を通り過ぎた気配。
しなやかな動きを見せたそれが腕を振るうのを視界の端で捉え、素早く首を傾けて攻撃を避けた。が、一筋の傷が一二三の頬へと刻まれる。
「ヒフミ......殺す......」
小さな音を立てて着地し、一二三を睨みつけながら爪に付いた血を舐める虎のような顔をした小柄な人物は、魔人族の軍に参加すると言って獣人族の集落を去ったマルファスだった。
Chapter 178: My World
"I got a cooompletely late start!" (Alyssa)
Alyssa, who filled her stomach to her heart's content after hearing that the big dining hall for nobles in the royal castle is for free, dashed through the castle at full speed with tears in her eyes right now.
Given that she's running with a full stomach, an unpleasant feeling rises up from her chest to her throat, but she somehow manages to swallow it down.
She's angry at herself for only noticing the noise outside the castle when she was about to enjoy her fourth cake after getting caught up in the moment. As a result of catching a knight, who was preparing himself hurriedly for battle inside the castle, and confirming the situation, she learned that a great number of demons had apparently flowed into the plaza in front of the castle.
"They have already started!?" (Alyssa)
Alyssa pretty much knows about Hifumi's "plan." The final wish of Hifumi of course, and she also knew that he's actually making Queen Imeraria and the other races dance on top of his palm.
Why was she told about it?
Being given a handicap of possessing this much information ahead of the others, and yet only having few troops at her hand. How she's going to deal with this situation is no more than a "homework" given by Hifumi, the previous feudal lord.
"I-I will be scolded...!" (Alyssa)
She was careless due to being able to anticipate the course of events. While praying for the safety of her subordinates, she rushes out of the castle.
The battle has started, and the short Alyssa can't overlook the whole battlefield, but the soldiers, which sortied from the castle, were standing in a line, frantically holding back the pushing demons.
Jumping upon a demon, she kicks his head while climbing the tall wall enclosing the plaza.
As the battle has developed into a melee, neither the demons nor the humans can fire arrows or spells. First she discovered Hifumi, who is throwing a remarkably huge presence, in the middle of the plaza, and then she found Origa who swung her iron-ribbed fan at a demon at a slightly distant place, unleashing wind blades at the lowest size even within this melee battle.
And, once she spotted Fokalore's soldiers, who were in a defensive formation in a corner of the plaza, on the opposite side of Origa, Alyssa ran on the wall and jumped down in the middle.
"Lord-sama!"
"Sorry for being tardy! What's the situation?" (Alyssa)
"The precise circumstances are unclear!"
The vicinity is a melting pot of screams and encouraging yells with desperate fighting going on except at the back of the walls. If one doesn't shout at the top of their lungs, a normal conversation isn't possible either.
Some idiot apparently used exploding magic. A couple of demons and humans each were blown away.
"The demons suddenly, umm, gushed out of a hole that opened up at the plaza's entrance! Straight after they talked about something with the previous lord, the battle started...the exit from the plaza should be under control by the knight order and the royal army!"
What should Fokalore's troops do right now? Hifumi's aim. No, wish. That is "to show what's possible."
"The knights, who have appeared from the castle, and the soldiers in the city; who do you think is stronger?" (Alyssa)
"Likely the knights. They were trained by the previous lord, weren't they? Besides, the number of demons heading for the castle is still a minority!"
"Then it's settled!" (Alyssa)
Alyssa went into action and repelled a longsword, which came flying from somewhere, with her wakizashi.
"All hands, form two columns! We will cut through a part of the demons' forces located at the plaza's entrance and launch a pincer attack by cooperating with the soldiers over there!" (Alyssa)
"Aye, ma'am!"
There's no hesitation or doubt. Alyssa decides, the soldiers follow.
Those are the movements which Hifumi taught them and which they repeatedly practiced. Nowadays it has turned into a funny story, but back then it was so deeply ingrained into their bodies by training that it made them wonder whether they are going to die.
Fokalore's forces might be few, but they are powerful.
Right now they are going to prove that once again.
"That's right. You guys should move over there." (Hifumi)
Watching Fokalore's soldiers vigorously plunge into the demons' forces as if tearing apart a huge cloth, Hifumi chuckles while bisecting a demon into upper and lower body.
As for what's going to start from now on, Alyssa hasn't been included in the count. She is a person to be left behind for later. She still has a role to play.
Above all, if Fokalore's soldiers genuinely join the fray, Hifumi's prey will decrease.
"What's wrong? Use magic. You don't have to hold back." (Hifumi)
Loping off one head, Hifumi steps on the foot of another demon that had approached. Crushing the straightly extended kneecap of that demon with a kick, he completely pierces the demon's head with his katana after he fell down. Alongside withdrawing the extracted katana, he cut open the throat of another demon.
The soldiers are completely sucked into his movements that are just like a series of dancing steps.
"There's still plenty of you guys in stock, right? My life is over here. If you want it, come and take it. However, you have to put your own lives on the line." (Hifumi)
With his pitch black left hand he beckons the demons, who are in the direction of the castle. A suddenly approaching fireball he erases with a wave of his left hand.
While being surrounded by demons, who have become indecisive due to their comrades being killed in the blink of an eye, Hifumi calmly cleans the katana's blade with a paper.
At that point, a loud roar reverberated from the center of the plaza.
"Oh, it's finally Balsomething-kun's revival, huh?" (Hifumi)
Balzephon's head was stuck from the nose to above on top of Bashim's body that's staggering while trying to cling to the pedestal.
Once Balzephon raises yet another yell, his body twitches only once, and then he properly stands upright with his feet planted on the ground. Bashim's face looking upward for the sake of Balzehpon facing forward was oddly misshapen.
"What are you doing to the general!?"
"Aim at only the head!"
The demons in the surroundings target the head with their swords.
The right arm of Bashim, which was swung while raising a scream, directly strikes the face of a demon from right in front. Next he skillfully steals the sword from the giddy opponent. And then he strikes down that sword at the head of its original owner.
"Oops, I forgot. This is a part of that body." (Hifumi)
Bashim's left arm, which Hifumi retrieved from his darkness storage, is spilling fresh blood as if it had be severed moment's ago.
Balzephon, who caught that arm, which Hifumi had thrown in his direction, by stabbing it with the sword, pressed it at the spot where it had originally been connected to. Before long the arm, which was dangling heavily, is completely connected to the body.
"That's a convenient skill." (Hifumi)
Balzehpon's transformed, cloudy eyes glared at the laughing Hifumi.
"Uh oh, scary, scary. ...I guess I have to call reinforcements since you're so scary?" (Hifumi)
Hifumi breathed in very deeply and screamed with a very loud voice while having his back turned on Balzephon,
"Midas! A civilian is under attack by the demons' monster!" (Hifumi)
"Sabnak-san, please stay back here. Vaiya-san, go down to the first floor and command the knight order. At the moment, there's still only few demon soldiers. You can probably force them back with ease." (Imeraria)
"And then," making a short pause, Imeraria orders,
"Take advantage of the demons' annihilation, and restrain Hifumi-sama. An accident of swords and spears flying his way, even if it's several, won't be odd, right? I also believe it necessary to herd the demons into his surroundings to gain total control of the plaza." (Imeraria)
"I heard and received your command. Well then." (Vaiya)
Vaiya bows, steps backwards only once, and runs off after turning around.
I suppose it's not my imagination that the queen's face looks slightly pale.
Sabnak himself was against this plan. He knows the reason why she feels anxious about the country's stability, considering Hifumi's nature, or rather his character as well as his outstanding strength.
And, I think only when Orsongrande's royalty is left at the end, no one will really stand in their way.
"Sabnak-san...Sabnak-san?" (Imeraria)
"Ha? Yes, I'm sorry." (Sabnak)
He had apparently been deep in thought.
"Sabnak-san, what you are thinking about is the same what I'm thinking about." (Imeraria)
Imeraria glances at Vepar, who is watching the ongoing battle while on tenterhooks, next to her.
"I'm acknowledging that there are extremely many improvements thanks to his influence. But, it's a truth that the matters of this world have to be settled by the people of this world. As someone ruling in this world, I judged that it would be best to remove Hifumi-sama from it." (Imeraria)
"...I share your opinion as well." (Sabnak)
Apparently having listened to their conversation, Vepar leaned forward across the balcony's handrail while looking over her shoulder.
"Honestly spoken, if you allow me to state a childish opinion, it's
, Vepar breathed out slightly and laughed.
"Don't pull such a face. Even though I may appear like this, I'm serious...the promise between Imeraria and me is just "Let's each other do our best." To compete seriously without any hindrances, that man is an irregular at best." (Vepar)
"I have a personal grudge with him as well, though." Vepar stuck out her tongue and laughed.
"I also decided to remove him while harboring a personal grudge. Sabnak-san. You are also one of the people who will influence the country's future after Hifumi-sama is gone. I won't tell you to resolve yourself, but please stay levelheaded." (Imeraria)
"Look," Imeraria points at the plaza.
Over there one could see the knight order pushing back and utterly defeating the demon soldiers heading in the direction of the castle. Even within the overwhelming charge, a single knight was hit by what appears to be magic and collapsed with a spray of blood.
"More than proceeding towards battle, forcing battle is a crime. When I summoned Hifumi-sama I didn't consider that at all. The responsibility for that also... The resolve and duty to make someone head towards their death for the sake of an objective. I'm pretty sure that's what I should demonstrate to Hifumi-sama." (Imeraria)
"I finally realized that it's a mistake to fight myself." Imeraria smiled feebly.
Midas, who plunged into the center of the plaza together with knights and soldiers trying to switch places with Fokalore's troops after hearing Hifumi's yell, finally managed to arrive at the place with Hifumi and Balzehpon who has revived for some reason.
Meanwhile the soldiers and demons kill each other in the vicinity, resulting in the number of people whittling down slowly. Even so, Midas wielded his word with the mindset of having to save a  civilian.
Midas belonged to the Third Knight Order, which was originally focused on investigative mission, for a long time. It was a group that was weak at genuine battle, and yet you cannot say so either.
Standing in front of Hifumi while gasping, he looked around him, but as far as he could see, only demons were in sight. Otherwise he could only see the people of the Royal Knight Order pushing away from the castle.
"W-Where is the civilian?" (Midas)
"He's right in front of you, isn't he?" (Hifumi)
"...Wha-?" (Midas)
"It's me. I'm the civilian." (Hifumi)
Looking at Midas who clenches his fists while saying, "I'm sure no one will complain even if I hit you now," Hifumi laughs.
"I'm not a soldier, neither do I hold the command over Fokalore. I'm a civilian as written in the books, who holds a weapon to defend himself. Or am I wrong?" (Hifumi)
"...No..." (Midas)
While saying so, Hifumi knocked down something that suddenly came flying at him with with his hand.
"This pitiable civilian is not only being attacked by demons, but even the knights. What do you think about this situation?" (Hifumi)
What was intercepted was a short spear as it's used to guard by the royal knights inside the castle.
"Well, this much is just an accident..." (Midas)
"Hoh?" (Hifumi)
Hifumi easily knocked down another two spears that came flying.
Seeing the short spears loudly rolling on the stone paving, Midas was lost for words and then looked in the direction of the castle.
"Why...?" (Midas)
Within the movement of trying to push back the demons, he found a single knight who is obviously  about to throw his spear in this direction. If you go even further, the knight order moves for the sake of gathering and pushing the demons in Hifumi's direction.
"I'm sure it's Imeraria's order. I guess she plans to get rid of me, using this disturbance." (Hifumi)
"No way! Doing something like that..." (Midas)
"Have a look. Your guys' queen is calmly watching this situation." (Hifumi)
Midas lifted his face as told. He feels like his eyes met with Imeraria's, but as the distance was too far, he didn't make out her expression.
"Now then, Midas. What are you going to do?" (Hifumi)
"What, you ask?" (Midas)
"Are you going to restrain me in alignment with the royal knights? Or are you going to protect a "civilian" in accordance with a knight's duty?" (Hifumi)
After being forced to swing his fist, he grasped the sword, which he had lowered while holding it with his right hand, with both hands and fixed his stance.
"All troops, line up in two rows! Prevent the attacks by the Royal Knight Order being hurled this way! ...Hifumi-dono, to the bitter end this is my official stance. I don't consider you a person that will allow for him to be protected obediently." (Midas)
Shouldering his sword, Midas turned around towards the castle.
"This is for the sake of protecting the royal knights. Hifumi-dono, make sure to not get involved in unnecessary trouble. At least keep it like that in the royal capital. That's my idea of protecting the peace." (Midas)
He has no intention to listen to Hifumi's answer. Saying so over his shoulder, Midas joined the defense line. He steps forward in its center.
"Humph. Whatever." (Hifumi)
There are still enemies left.
The number of demons has diminished, but as that resulted in there being more space now, the number of magic attacks is gradually increasing.
Hifumi, who dodged an approaching rock by tilting his head to the side, sheathed his katana. Instead he takes out his kusarigama.
"All that's left now is to focus on killing." (Hifumi)
Hifumi knows that Imeraria's aim is to seal him, but he still doesn't know how. He anticipated that she would likely make a move here, seeing it as a good chance, but he didn't hear how Origa and Puuse are going to move.
"Alright, alright. Come at me with your full power. I'm well aware that the current power of this world leaves something to be desired, but at least allow me to enjoy myself at 80%." (Hifumi)
Brandishing the kusarigama's counterweight, he flings it into the face of a demon.
The instant he tried to pull back the chain, a presence passed next to Hifumi.
He perceived that, which displayed flexible movements, swinging its arm at the edge of his vision. He swiftly dodged the attack by inclining his head, however, one long cut is carved into Hifumi's cheek.
"Hifumi...kill..."
The small person with his tiger-like face landed with a small sound, and licked the blood on his claw while glaring at Hifumi. It was Malfas who left the beastmen settlement after saying that he would join the demon army.magic
Summoned Slaughterer
呼び出された殺戮者
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/summoned-slaughterer/
Action Adventure Fantasy Martial Arts Mature Psychological Romance Shounen
Adapted to Manga Aristocracy Arrogant Characters Average-looking Protagonist Beastkin Beautiful Female Lead Betrayal Calm Protagonist Clever Protagonist Cunning Protagonist Dark Demi-Humans Demons Determined Protagonist Different Social Status Dwarfs Elemental Magic Elves Enemies Become Allies Enemies Become Lovers Evil Protagonist Fantasy Creatures Fantasy World Fearless Protagonist God-human Relationship Gods Kingdom Building Kingdoms Knights Love Interest Falls in Love First Magic Beasts Magical Space Male Protagonist Marriage Monsters Nobles Obsessive Love Overpowered Protagonist Politics Power Struggle Protagonist Strong from the Start R-15 Royalty Ruthless Protagonist Samurai Schemes And Conspiracies S*aves Strong Love Interests Strong to Stronger Summoning Magic Sword And Magic Sword Wielder Transported to Another World Underestimated Protagonist Unique Weapon User Unique Weapons Wars Yandere
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4399ci/
井戸正善／ido