ã€ŠI was invited hereã€‹


 Prologue

    "I was waiting for you!!"

    A strange man called out to me in a threatening voice.

    I opened my eyes to find myself under the burning sun standing on a crimson red ground. I didn''t remember how I got here or where was I but this place doesn''t seem anything like my house or even anywhere else I know.

    I could hardly see anything around me apart from the huge spears sunken deep into the ground and fallen flags with symbols of dragon and lions.

    I could make out the figure of the person before me who was completely hidden by the curtain of the dust.

    I looked around me to found corpses of humans along with some weird creatures. All of them wearing armors with various symbols and embroidery. It was a scene right out of battle aftermath. Most bodies were badly burnt making them completely unrecognizable.

    "You see this, I was searching for you all around but unfortunately they came in my way.......So I killed them the best way I know."

    He said still hidden.

    "I feel bad for the people and whatever you call these creatures....non-magi, right? They decided to follow you believing that they could gain the same power as the humans but you were just as weak as them."

    Suddenly the environment around him changes and dust vanished in an instant. I finally got a good look at him. He is a man of similar characters to me. Average height, Black hairs, small stature. But It wasn''t his gladiator-like outfit that caught my attention but his dropping hands. Which were hanging from him like an accessory? Somehow his hands were covered in rising flames.

    "You shouldn''t -"

    He took a step forward but stopped as he stumbles on a pile of corpses. At this moment, I realized something important I was not in control as my grip on the swordin my hand tightened on its own but this realization isn''t as surprising as the half burning man before me.

    Anger is clear on this pale face but it soon turns into a grin. He looks around himself and turned towards me.

    "Where aremy manners? Look at the mess I made. It seems...... I have to tidy it up a bit."

    With a flick of his finger, the dusty ground becomes visible as the corpses around us completely vanished. Screams of some survivors echoed through my ears but it was no use. I didn''t know how I got in this situation neither could I move my body to escape.

    "All clean now. Now let''s continue our talk from before. Unnnhhhhn........where was I?"

    He said as he moves his hand to his chin and went into deep thoughts.

    "Oh Yeah!"

    On sudden realization, his hand quickly move back to their dangling position and he starts walking forward with the relaxed demeanor of a man leisurely walking in a park, or some such situation. The flames engulfing his hands didn''t harm him in any way.

    "As I was saying to you. You shouldn''t go around spreading rumors of a fake world, a world you can''t return to. You should have just stayed in Al-Gharafbut instead, you decided to invade us, destroy our villages, towns, and castle. Kill our women and children. And finally laying siege to our mighty city of Arionople......"Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    Al Gharaf? Arionople? Invasion? Killing? It seemed like I was in the body of some horrible person but why was I seeing all this.

    The man before me is acting really weird as the edges of his face rose up and turned in to a creepy smile. He took a deep breath and looking to the sky continuing his monologue.

    "You know how many people have you killed? Poor Kristina! She only wanted to help her people. That was her weakness which make her an easy target!"

    He took a deep breath again. "You did some unspeakable to her. The creatures who followed you mutilated her and tortured her un....until she was forced t...to kill herself. But....."

    I didn''t understand why I didn''t feel sad at this but rather I felt a feeling of pleasure. A feeling of accomplishment. What the hell is wrong with me. His story wasn''t over. He again looked at me with a raging fire in his eyes and pointed towards me with his flaming hand.

    "But your bruitality ends today. No more people will die and no one will be sad...."

    Right before my eyes, he vanished.

    "LIKE ME!!"

    I heard his scream as he quickly reappeared with his face inches away from mine. In the blink of an eye, he swung his hand.

    *Slash

    Round and round, my severed left shoulder flew into the air.

    Still holding my sword, I quickly swung it throwing him some distance away from me.

    The arm dropped down in a spray of blood. Blood from the shoulder flowed bright crimson, the flesh, bones, nerves, and arteries were all perfectly severed. A clean and masterful attack.

    Losing blood, I looked at him with unfocused eyes. He quickly jumped back from the ground and took his original posture but suddenly his creepy smile was replaced by a shocked expression and then to anger. Wrinkled appeared on his nose and forehead as his eyebrow arches.

    "Tha- that- .....You have lost everything!!! Even your army, Your lands, Your people and now you are at the brink of death and still that smile. Smiling!!, you are still smiling. I...I can''t believe you. What is your plan now? How are you planning to escape or fight with a severed hand? Why there is still a smile on your ugly face?"

    I didn''t realize that I was smiling. But it was expected. I didn''t even felt pain when my shoulder flew off. I can only silently watch and hear. I tried to move but it was no use.

    Somehow things have quietened down as he is simply staring at me with rage. probably for an answer to his enquiry.

    "...."

    I could easily sense his strong killing intent.

    "You are right."

    I spoke.

    I recognize this voice. It is similar to my voice but in a disappointing tone.

    -Is this person really me?

    "I have no plan. My army is dead. I have lost the lands I controlled. I have lost the people I care for. I no longer have any allies in this world. I am all alone just like before I came here."

    My voice became louder before but It still had a feeling of sadness hidden behind it.

    "But you are the same. You have also lost everything you cared for. This is the curse of the hero and Demon Lord and now we both stand with nothing behind us all alone for our final confrontation. You asked me that why am I smiling?. Truth be told I am glad that I would get to die by the hand of the mighty hero. It will be a well deserved ending to my saga."

    -What demon lord? He is definitely me but what is he babbling about. What kind of weird dream is this?

    "You are WRONG!! I am a hero! I will revert things back to the way they were. Once I am done with you. I am going to kill that monster. and with it gone,...... Peace will return to this world. There is still hope for me but yo....you will die here."

    Just as a chill ran up my back, the man took a step forward. His drooping arm lifted, sweeping up a small gust of wind.

    Then, on the same line as the motion of his arm.... the earth, the air, and the world parted in two.

    "I hope you can end this cycle and save this world."

    I muttered in a voicehardly comprehensible by anyone besidesmyself. I didn''t know whether he was asking me or someone else.

    "That is the last time, I will ever meet you so please fulfill my last wish."

    With these words, I was pushed out of his body.

    -What!

    I was being pulled away from him... from me while he looks back at me. It seems he knew I was with him. I tried to reach out to him but unable to do so because of the pull which is taking me somewhere away.... Somewhere unknown.

    With my outstretched hand unable to reach him. Darkness has begun to engulf the world around them. He had started to disappear slowly. Disintegrating into nothingness.

    Before my eyes, the other me was cut into half by the wind blade and the last thing I saw was his sorrowful smile. The smile of a man who lost something valuable to him.

 Chapter 1 New place, New beginning

    "What a dream?"

    I woke up to find my hand still outstretched trying to reach something that no longer exists. I didn''t remember much besides the words '' I hope you can end this cycle ''

    ''What cycle?'' I thought to myself as I wiped the sweat off my face.

    "What time is it? I have a morning class today."

    I move my hand to grab the glasses but my hand hit something hard. A wall.

    "What?"

    There shouldn''t be a wall there. My bed was in the center of the room. I also realized something I wasn''t lying on a bed but on the cold floor with the bright sun shining on my face.

    <<Eye cure, Scar cure, heart condition=ideal>>

    The computerized voice startled me but before I can respond to it. I find that my eyesight has become better as I could clearly see the bright blue sky above me.

    I was lying in an alleyway. With no knowledge of how I came here with a brown haired boy smaller than me looking down on me.

    "Hey!"

    "Kiree ana sha gare??"

    Heeh, Did I hear it right or did the kid just babble some useless nonsense?

    "Can you repeat that?"

    "Kirre Nanaitklamgare??"

    After the words, he looks at me with prying eyes waiting for a response. I don''t think he can understand me either. Still, from my position, we kept staring at each other. I was too exhaustedto move and it seemed he wanted something from me.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    *thud*

    "What the hell!?"

    "Kirre Hontagare."

    The boy kicked me followed by an angry glare and some rebuking words.

    << Activate Unique Skill¡ºKeira Language¡»? YES/NO>>

    Suddenly, there was a voice in the back of my head. Wha... what was that?Unique Skill(Keira Language)...?And... what was that voice?

    I thought I heard a strange voice before, but I guess I wasn''t just hearing things,

    -huh...Is someone there?

    Yet, somehow that doesn''t fit. More than someone being here... it''s more like words appearing in my mind. The voice lacks intent; like the voice that would come from a computer, calling it synthesized would perhaps be most accurate.

    Itseems like a language skill so my response is..... [YES!]

    "Sir, Why are you sleeping in front of our house?"

    I finally understood him. It was really a language skill.

    "Sorry, I can''t move right now but I will be gone in a few seconds."

    "Be gone or I am calling the Guards."

    The boy left after hearing my reply.

    "Wait...."

    Despite my cry, the boy quickly ran away. It seems he was afraid of me or something.

    Tsk

    -I forget to ask him the most important question. Where the hell am I?

    I stood up from the ground and started brushing the dust off my clothes. The boy and I weren''t alone in the alley. There were some other people staring at me.

    "..."

    I am just an ordinary guy lacking character. I have short black hair and rather average height. Not too tall and not too short. I havea physique that would make you wonder if I had ever trained his body and bore a striking resemblance to a cheap gray t-shirt.

    I have a look so ordinary that a person could lose me in the crowd¡ªBut despite that, those who saw me right would most certainly look at me as a strange object. It''s something that is to be expected. At any rate, of all the people staring at me, not a single one had black hair nor wore a jersey

    Their hair came in many colors like red and gold, from colors like brown all the way to green and blue. Furthermore, they were dressed in stuff like a dancer''s clothing, a pitched black robe and the like. Some people were also wearing armors.

    They seemed like a cast of some medieval B class movie. It was clear that I wasn''t at home or anywhere else in my neighborhood.

    Most reasonable, I wasn''t even on the Earth but rather somewhere new.

    Under the unrestrained wave of stares, I folded my arms. It seems like I have no choice but to accept it.

    "In other words, it''s that," I said while snapping my fingers, and pointing it to the people staring at me. "¡ªa trans-world summon, or so it seems."

 Chapter 2 Mineka: The sword

    I was born on Earth, the third planet in the solar system, into an extremely normal middle-class family as a feeble boy.

    If one were to talk about my roughly nineteen years of life in a simple fashion, a preamble like this would suffice, and any other elaboration would be along the lines of "A first-year College student that doesn''t feel like seeing peoples."

    My Parent made a mistake thinking that I will become mature once I entered College. They were utterly disappointed when I declared my intention to stay in my room.

    When made to stand at the crossroads of life, people are forced to make a decision. Though if you were to ask anyone, they would call it ''a part of life'', I too made a decision. Rather than facing my problem, I decided to run away from them and lock myself inside. I detested working and humanity as a whole.

    In the end, the number of times I excused myself from college slowly increased, and by the time I noticed, I became a son that kept skipping college and doing a splendid job of making my parents cry. I was called outtwice because of this behavior and I was on the blink of being a drop out when I finally decided to attend college regularly out of love for my parents.

    "And in the end, I was summoned to another world. I am sure to be kicked out of College..... I really don''t get any of this."

    Though I felt like I am in a poorly-made dream, even if I were to pinch my cheeks or bang my head against the wall, I couldn''t wake up.

    I sighed.

    Moving away from the crowdy alley where I was bathed in stares of curiosity, I sat down on the paved surface of a back alley, slightly away from the main street. It is at least less crowdy than the place where I woke up.

    "So assuming that this is a fantasy world, this civilization would be that of the medieval era. From what can be seen, there aren''t any machines and the way the surface was paved is not bad... My money obviously can''t be used here."

    Regarding the dos and don''ts of communication with the people here, I, who realized he had been summoned to another world, swiftly tried to confirmed it with a boy. Though he kept throwing apples at me.

    Luckily, I could understand the words without a hitch along with the insults and was able to confirm that trade was done with the exchange of gold, silver, and copper as currency, though I was given a look of disgust by the first peoples I came into contact with.

    It was in circumstances like these, where I had the ability to quickly grasp the situation that I deeply felt blessed to be a youth addicted to anime and games.

    One would not be exaggerating to describe a phenomenon like trans-world summons as that of the dreams of mine.

    But when I looked at his overly crappy starting equipment and the situation I was put in, I couldn''t help but let out a whine,

    "An easygoing guy like me won''t be able to accept it if I''m not given more company benefits you know! "

    A mobile phone (about to run out of battery), a wallet (with plenty of membership cards for video rentals), a Bag of chips bought at the convenience store (French cheese flavor), a tin(Obviously coke), the black jersey that I love so much (yet to be washed), and a pair of worn-out sneakers (two years old) were among the things that I have.

    "Why don''t I have a single Excalibur on me? I''m so done for. What should I do?.... I should have kept a sword on me from middle school days."

    The trans-world summon occurred when I was on my way home from the convenience store so it couldn''t be helped. It was exactly in the blink of an eye. I knew I shouldn''t have left the house but Mom forced me.

    The only things that seemed useful, the snacks, were half-eaten as I lost them to my empty stomach. Though I later realized it was an important source of food, there was no use crying over spilled milk.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    Even if I were to try to relieve the huge initial shock I had, the passing carriage and the looks of the passers-by walking across the street did not make it any better.

    "I wonder if it would be more typical to ignore and not interrupt everyone."

    In front of me are people dressed in Arabic style clothing with colorful hair. It was completely different at the same time similar to the Middle-eastern culture.

    And most of all, the one that kept reminding me of the reality of trans-world summoning was the existence of sub-humans.

    As far as the rough scan of the area went, I discovered ''Elf ears'' and ''Horns''. The more eccentric ones I could see were ''elf-like with horns''. And if you thought about it, there were humans no different from me.

    "Seeing as how there are many sub-humans in this world, there probably are numerous wars and dangers around. "

    After putting that into order, I let out a long breath, different from a sigh. If this development is similar to that found in a fantasy, I should be able to use my current knowledge to thrive in this situation.

    ¡ªBut, I couldn''t bring himself to accept it.

    "The reason for the summon is unclear and no way return. I don''t remember going through a mirror nor falling into a pond, and in the first place if I''m a summon, where''s the beautiful girl that summoned me? I wanted to wake up to a beautiful girl, not an ill-mannered boy."

    A fantasy world is worthless without the main heroine. If it were a two-dimensional world it would be sleeping on the job. The fact that I got summoned without a motive and left alone made me look disposable.

    I finished ascertaining the situation and the reality of things and decided that I have no other choice but to quickly escape from this horrible reality.

    "Well, that being said, is it any different than being cooped up in my room back on my world? People stares are already similar."

    Though I thought of my parents for a brief moment, but this is no time for homesickness.

    Considering that the street was still too crowdy for me to go out. I decided to rest for a while. It was the night when I was summoned so it should be better to rest to replenish energy before I investigate any further.

    I lay down on the paved alley deciding to take a short nap.

    Then, goodnight! When I close my eyes, my consciousness fades away in a blink of an eye.

    -------

    I wake up to burning feeling in my body. I don''t know what happened when I was sleeping but somehow I was 10 feet above the ground.

    "Guch! More Guch!"

    I looked down to find a man screaming to himself strange words.

    -- What''s up with this loud guy. His face is truly weird. But I also felt something wet on my body.....

    blood? It should remain inside me but yeah, it''s clearly leaving. I am human, after all. When stabbed, I bleed!

    -Pain is trully unbearble, isn''t it....

    I touch my stomach to find something tentacle-like piercing me all the way with blood slowly dripping down. I looked at the strange thing and smiled.

    -I am really going to die just after being summoned here. I am really that disposable.

    (Anata waokite iru?)

    Along with the rambling person below. Avoice flows into my head.

    What I had heard is the faint voice of a man.

    (ekupeo iu)

    -What the hell? Why am I hearing things?

    "No Guch!"

    The tentacle-like thing quickly retracts back and I am thrown back to the ground. My head hit hard and with the spray of blood. I could hardly remain focused. Looking at the dark sky, my entire life started flashing before my eyes.

    Feeling the bare hard ground below me, Irealized I had fallen. All my strength has left me, and I lost all sensation in my hands. All I felt throughout my body was heat.

    ¡ªHot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot

    Coughing violently, I vomited blood where it flowed out of my mouth like water.

    With my blurred vision, I could see the floor stained bright red.

    ¡ªAhh. Is this all my blood?

    "Must kill witness."

    I always thought that I was going to die old, peacefulling lying on my bed. I suppose I was destined to die young by the the hand of a monster.

    (Hayaku)

    <<Activate Unique Skill (Japanese Language)? YES/NO >>

    -I am dying why the hell would I need a language skill now but .....but I don''t want to reject him. If he is offering me something like this now. It may be useful somehow.

    -Yes!

    (Say equip.)

    The voice flowing into my head suddenly become comprehensible.

    (Quick equip.)

    In front of my eyes are a black shoe stepping onto the slowly spreading carpet of blood, creating ripples.

    Someone was there and he was most likely the person who was going to kill me.

    (I can save you. Say equip.)

    Holding onto my far flown consciousness. I reached out my quivering hand and shouted the word.

    "EQUIP!!"

    "Die"

    I saw the culprit tentacles quickly rise up and move towards me. Accepting my death I close my eyes. I only wished for me to survive this situation.

    .......

    ......

    ....

    "How? How am I alive?"

    I opened my eyes to find .......a force field surrounding me with a thin sword in my shaking hand.

    (Are you Okay? I should heal you.)

    The voice of a man flows into my head again. With his words, my wound started to close. I still felt weak but blood is no longer flowing out of me.

    "Who are you?"

    (Don''t worry. I am your ally. I was also summoned here just like you. )

    "Why can''t I see you then?"

    (That''sthe strange part, I am in your hand right now. I ...I am the sword you are holding.My name is Mineka-)

 Chapter 3 Dont trust strangers

    "Uwaa, the sword is talking!"

    The black sword suddenly talked to me, I was surprised and dropped it on the ground.

    The moment, I dropped the sword. The forcefield around me disappears and tentacle came rushing towards me. Seeing it I quickly moved to the side dodging it by a hair breath.

    I felt better than before but my body suddenly felt weak when I dropped the sword.

    -I might be mistaken.

    -What is this... The sword is talking-

    Although it talked, it probably used some mind-reading skill as a mediator; this black sword surely has its own intentions like a person.

    I examined the sword as the culprit retract it tentacle once again. It was like a Japanese-style sword. I have seen in anime. I have never seen a talking sword but everything here is new to me. A man with tentacles. Elf. Succubuses. Everything is weird.

    When I heard it say that it was also summoned, I felt something like a sense of affinity from it.

    I still felt like it was saying ''Grab me'' again and again. Its way of talking is full of pride, however, I didn''t feel any malicious intent when I first touched him and it even offered to help. If it meant to harm me than it should have just left me alone.

    "kill kill kill!!!"

    The menacing muttering of the culprit could still be heard as he prepared his tentacle for the second attack.

    Seeing the threat before me, I realized that the sword was the only thing that could save me so I quickly grabbed it.

    The moment I grabbed the sword, I felt a strange surge of energy inside my body.

    ( I thought you were gonna run away, you''re the interesting fellow. Then are you willing to use me?)

    "I have no other choice. Though stop phrasing it like that. It''s disgusting"

    (Hehehe....Then follow my orders.)

    I simply nod despite feeling irritated at his commanding tone. Standing up, I took a combat posture from a sword-fighting film I saw. Prepared to attack the monster before me.

    "DIE!!!!!"

    With the scream that can tear any person eardrum, the monster rose his tentacle for an attack.

    (Jump Left)

    Wha-

    Simply following his order, I jumped to the left. Dodging the tentacle.

    It isn''t right to say that I dodged it. It was more like I was saved from any critical injury. It scratched my chin but the wound quickly healed.

    (Fire mode ON)

    With the words, the once black sword become covered with flames.

    (Move it forward.)

    "Whaaaaaaaaaa.......!??"

    I moved the sword forward to find an outburst of flame pushing me back deeper into Alley.

    Being aware of the danger before me, I swiftly gained my composure and quickly hide behind a corner taking complete advantage of the dark night. I could still hear the sound of his babbling from the other side.

    "Kill!Kill!kill!"

    (Make your move now!)

    I heard Mineka''s voice who gave me the signal to attack. I moved and slashed down my black sword on one of his tentacle that was visible from the corner.

    Gyaaa-!?

    The tentacle which was chopped down writhed for some time then become completely lifeless. The culprit began to bleed from the cutoff point.

    While I was relieved that my preemptive strike was a success, Mineka brought back my attention.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    (The fellow is not dead yet. Retreat now!)

    I jumped back behind deeper into the alley, the culprit quickly raised his other tentacle and swung it at the corner where I was a moment ago.

    Its power was overwhelming, the ground shook and stones flew.

    I''d probably die if I got hit by that.

    "That was dangerous. I''m saved"

    (It''s still too early to feel relieved. It''s coming)

    After it lost its right tentacle, the bleeding culprit screamed and raised the left tentacle. He found me. Fortunately, the tight alley was proving difficult for him to move around and attack.

    When I was thinking about evading it and using the chance to run away, Mineka said,

    (Have faith in me. You''ll have no problems with that sort of thing.)

    "If that''s the case!"

    Once again believing Mineka, I stepped forward and made my attack. From where I cut, Culprit other tentacle slid off and fell to the ground.

    What an amazing sharpness. I went and aimed to finish it off.

    I continued my attack and raised the black sword while jumping high above the ground. Striking down at his shoulder which he moved to dodge but failed.

    Gyaaa. Culprit raised its voice and fell on its knee.

    Using the opportunity, I quickly made another strike.

    The left hand which was cut flew away and fell to the side.

    Now its body covered with the wounds, it stared at me with shallow eyes as he stayed on his knees.

    (kill him!)

    "He is done. He can''t do anything. I going to use the chance to escape."

    (You are an idiot! He is regenerating. He would be back in no time. Finish him."

    Hearing Mineka''s Words. I noticed something. His cutoff part had already disappeared and the remaining part is slowly growing bit by bit.

    "kill! kill! kill!"

    Now his babbling nothing more than a whisper. I feared that he can attack me again once I turned my back to him. I decided to do what seems best and thrust my sword into his face.

    An unpleasant sense and sound have been transmitted from my hand, but I don''t mind it and kept pushing my thrust.

    After I pulled out, I shook off the Monster''s blood which covered my black sword.

    "I killed a person."

    (You did well for your first time but I think you should unequip now. I feel weird.)

    "I need some answers first."

    (I can also talk in my Minature form. Just say ''unequip''.)

    "Un...equip!"

    As these words left my lips. The black sword quickly turned into a small version of itself.

    Somehow I felt feeble as the sword disappear forcing me to lean to the bloody wall. I raised the miniature sword to examine it.

    (what are you looking at!?)

    "If I look closely, you are just a keychain, right?"

    Now I look closely, it really has a ring attached to it like a keychain. I use to have one like it back home but in the shape of a gun.

    (You know that I don''t have eyes. So I don''t know how I look.)

    "OK! I need some questions answered. First, Who are you?"

    (As I already told you. My name is Mineka. A Japanese person...... I think i came from the same world as you.... I came here after dying in a accident. My turn!, Who are you and how did you come here.)

    "Ahhh... Let see, My name is Bayezeid and I am a normal person. I don''t know how I was summoned here but luckily I wasn''t summoned as an inmate object."

    (Very Funny! now my turn, You know wh--)

    "Can it wait! I feel really dizzy right now. I think I am going to faint."

    Avoiding the Mineka words, I felt a sudden urge to lie down and close my eyes but I knew from my knowledge that such desires are deadly.

    (huuuhhh! It seems you lost a lot of blood. I think some people are passing through the main street. you should ask them for help.)

    "I don''t know. Isn''t it better to get your sword form to heal me and how do you know that people are passing by?"

    (It will only be temporary and it drains my energy.)

    "How can I ask them for help with blood all over me."

    (This world is still in the medieval era. People covered in blood is a common happening. They will understand.)

    It seemed like a world with monsters and all so being bloody should be a common sight

    "Ok, I will try. Though I don''t think I can make it."

    Still leaning to the wall. I slowly dragged my self to the main street. At some point, I felt that I was about to die but I managed. With pain spreading throughout my body I somehow stumbled to the main street.

    They were three men passing by. Two of them are holding muskets while one of them was handling a luggage loaded horse through Its reins.

    "......."

    Despite opening my mouth wide to call for them. Words didn''t come out of it.

    "......"

    The injuries and weakness had overtaken my sense of speech.

    (Why aren''t you calling for them?! They are going to leave!)

    -I want to but I can''t.

    Opening my mouth wide open for one last attempt. I used all my strength to expel words.

    "Help!!!!"

    Only a faint voice came and I fell to the ground.

    Hearing my voice, the three turned at once to look at my desperate form.

    (They are coming. Bayezeid!You are saved.)

    I didn''t think that they would have hospitals here so my chances were still quite thin. The man holding the horse reins quickly rushed to my side while the other two unload something off the horse and followed him.

    "Guiya Guiya."

    One of them quickly moved both its hand above my chest and start using some kind of magic. I immediately started feeling better but it was not enough to stand. It seems like some kind of healing magic

    "Deira nich."

    Other men quickly put patches over my body. I don''t know what language they are speaking but it was different from the local language here.

    (Bayezeid, Listen I don''t know but if you can but you should run.)

    I don''t know why Mineka is worried. I don''t have the strength to run away neither the intention to run from helpers.

    "Ich griene kashen."

    one of them said as the edges of his lips rose up in to smile.

    (Bayezeid! Equip me!)

    "Gen ik ich"

    Man healing me respond as his lips followed suit.

    (Bayezeid! Hurry!!!)

    As these words flowed into my head. I felt a strange numbness spreading throughout my body.

    "Griene Kashen."

    << Activate Unique Skill(Al-Gharib Dialect)? YES/NO>>

    [YES!]

    Without thinking, I quickly responded in my head. I want to know what they were saying.

    My body was losing all sense of feeling as my conscience slowly fades. With half-opened eyes, I caught the glimpse of my so-seemed benefactors.

    "He would make a great slave at Al-Gharab."

    These were the last words I heard as my conscience completely fade away and with that my new life in this cursed world began.

 Chapter 4 A Slave in another world

    I woke up to a rattling sound to find myself in a huge dark room filled with a foul odor.

    In this congested room, the first thing that caughtmy attention was a huge gate standing before me. Engraved with the picture of strange beasts. It was made with a dark metal making it indistinguishable from surrounding dark walls.

    I immediatelylookedaround metofindthatIwasn''talone. They were other people all tense, muttering something to themselves. There were about 14 of them. Looking down on the floor, Inoticed drops of sweat. Sweat was pouring down my face in the form of streams. It was definitely hotter than before along with the smell of salt in the air. It almost seems like an entirely different place to the location where I lost my conscious.

    I moved my hand to my face to find a restraint covering my mouth. Some other people also had a similar restraint in their mouth.

    -Where the hell am I?

    I didn''t know how I got here or what I was doing here? The restraint prevented me from asking others. I once again looked around for a sharp object to cut the restraint but there was nothing besides us and a small light in the corner illuminating the room. Any kind of object was nowhere to be seen. Though, I did notice a door in the corner where other people had gathered in a hope to escape.

    Unable to free myself, I called out to Mineka with that thing in my mouth.

    "Mineka, You there?"

    I try to say it but restraint made my words incomprehensible mumble. I seem like an idiot for trying to talk with this thing in my mouth but it is the only way we can communicate or I think it is.

    (Finally, you woke up!! I was worried.)

    My words were hardly comprehensible but Mineka understood me. It seems like my theory was correct, we didn''t communicate by words rather than with intention or thoughts

    "Where are we? How did I get here? "

    (We are somewhere in ...... something called Al-Gharib. We traveled for days to reach here. You were sleeping like a baby all the way...HEHE)

    "Is my body, alright? They didn''t do anything horrible to it."

    (What?... NO! They treated you like luggage most of the way, feeding you through magic or something. I don''t know. I was so bored during the entire journey. There was no one to talk with. I tried calling them but they can''t hear me.)

    Mineka is acting more concern about himself rather than me. It irritated me for some reason but on the other hand, I was not harmed in any way so that was a Plus.

    "Thank God!.... So .....where are we now?"

    (We are in a Glad....)

    Mineka sentence was interrupted by the rattling sound of the door in the corner opening as few guards enter the room followed by a tray of weapons.

    "Take your weapons and leave!!"

    No introduction, No instruction just a sentence as other soldier wearing bright golden armor stand beside him with their weapons ready.

    As the guard shouted all the other people rush to get the weapons. I followed them but being the weak one I was immediately pushed aside.

    (Bayezeid! You don''t have to worry. You have me.)

    Ignoring Mineka, I jumped back in and got my hands on a dagger. Using it, I immediately cut off the thing blocking my mouth as did the others.

    Soon after, the giant gate in front of me opened slowly taking its time and the people around me started rushing outside through the small gap. Not having anything better to do, I followed them into the open sun.

    - Wow!!!

    The huge crowd gathered cheers as we emerged from the darkroom. I was in a huge oval structure made up of concrete bricks. It was a colosseum. It was just like the one I have seen in my History book just dustier and more realistic. They were thousands of people sitting in this huge, round stadium with a huge open balcony in front of us which was probably reserved for V.I.Ps.

    The outside was completely different compared to dark inside. The sun was shining brightly above us indicating it is about noon. It was warmer than before as my dehydrated body could hardly stand in this blazing sun. There was dust in the air indicating we were in a desert.

    Others around me were as surprised as I as they all look around curiously. They were people of different color and even races among us. I even saw a person who seems like an elf to me. Long ears and long hair.

    - Yup! clearly an Elf.

    With a crackle, gate opposite to us burst opened as the cheering crowd suddenly become silent followed by the door behind us closing.

    "Shit! It is a test!"

    A Man close to me whispered under his breath as I looked at the opened door before us.

    Nothing appeared through it but the entire environment somehow become tense. There was killing intent comping from right in front of us but nothing was there. I tighly gripped my sword and prepared my self for the worst totally focused until I heard a shout.

    "GATHER AROund."

    A man with a somewhat dark complexion ordered us.

    We quickly followed him and join together into a group like formation with a dark-skinned man taking the center. It was more like a cluster with people trying to fit in it rather than being on the outside.

    "GuGUGAAAAAAA!"

    The intense roars vibrated the entire Colosseum.

    "Gu!?"

    "UWA!?"

    "KYA!?"If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    On hearing this voice, a strange shock ran throughout my body. These roars completely froze us momentarily.

    "PREPARE YOURSELF!!!"

    The dark-skinned man screamed once again who take the roar to point-blank distance. His calm voice and commanding voice indicated that he had some experience with these creatures. He continued to glare at the monster before us.

    A camouflaged monster revealed itself just a short distance away from us. A huge brown monster standing on two legs. It raised its chest and start pounding. It was a gorilla-like monster that seems to have a chameleon-like ability to disappear into the surrounding.

    "Oh shit! a Rodhog. "

    Once again, the person next to me murmured as he stares at the gigantic beast in front of us.

    Some of us still frozen including me acted completely useless. While other people on the front with better weapons and maybe better experience decided to take the charge and rush to engage the Rodhog. They appear somewhat skilled than others as they quickly reflect the attacks from the Rodhog. One of them was even able to stab that monster.

    "RAhhhh!!!!"

    The Rodhog immediately screamed in agony. It tried to attack once again but they immediately evaded its attack.

    -We really got some talented people here.

    If they continue like this, we didn''t need to even move.

    Rodhog realizing that he couldn''t make through them, having stabbed twice in the leg. He withdrew and took a deep breath.

    "GUGAGAAAAAAAAA!!!"

    The roar stronger than before threw all of us off the ground. It also damaged the gate behind us producing a dent on it

    Taking advantage of the gap in the defense, Rodhoglifted a boulder and threw it at our rear guard. A stunning shot-put form was executed by it. The rock flew towards our rearguard and with best occupied with the front. Other at our rear couldn''t do anything besides running. Fortunately, there was enough time for them to dodge.

    But----

    The moment they were about to move, They were involuntarily shunned by the sight before them. The Boulder thrown at them is another smaller rodhog. Nearing them it did a splendid rotation and expandedits arms. It is like Rune Diver. A screamis heard before all of them are annihilated by it.

    "YEAHHHHHHHH! Half of the fighters were just eliminated in one complete sweep. We just witness an amazing work of art before us."

    An Announcer shouted as the cheers erupted in the Colosseum as people were brutally murdered.

    The First Elf I met is being brutally torn up before my eyes.

    -Good-bye Elf.

    I stand stunned at the scene as the Rodhog stare at me with bloodshot eyes. Blood splattered all around with the body of victims torn apart painting a horrible picture of human nature. It was truly a piece of art that speaks a thousand word about human savagery.

    I looked around the stadium at the cheering crowd and then back at the rodhog before me.

    Its breathing had become strange. Other Rodhog behind attacked the shocked fighter disturbed by the scene behind killing one or two in an instant.

    (Bayezeid!!! Summon me!)

    I can hear Mineka in my head but I couldn''t do anything with the terrifying sight before me.

    "Hey! What are you.....!?"

    A man pushed me back as he rushes forward to deflect the attack of the Rodhog directed at me.

    Now only four of us are left out of nearly 14 that entered this arena originally.

    Both Rodhog has retreated back and quickly vanished or more like camouflaged into their surroundings.

    Taking this as the cue, all three quickly regrouped and stood with back directed to each other while I stand alone away from them over the mutilated body of the dead elf.

    (Bayezeid! You are going to get yourself killed.)

    At the view before me, I felt something change inside me. I didn''t know what but suddenly I no longer fear those monster but the people in the stand above us.

    "Where are they?"

    I asked Mineka in a voice as low as possible

    (huh!)

    "You can sense them, Right!? Just like when you sense those people. Just tell me where they are?"

    "What are you doing murmuring to yourself? Come here quick!!"

    One of the survivors worried called out to me.

    "Shut it!"

    But instead, I rebuked him. I felt wrong for doing this but it wasn''t time to worry over about such little things.

    (Both are behind them. One to the left of the dark-skinned one.)

    "Thanks!!!"

    I shouted as I grabbed the sword of one the fallen discarding the rusty dagger, I originally picked. Others stare at me as I rush towards them with a sword in my hand.

    "Wh......What the hell are you doing!!?"

    They inquired as they prepare themselves to face me.

    -Idiot, I am trying to save you guys.

    Rushing to the intended position of the monster. I jumped and using something hard as footing thrust my sword forward into the thin air.

    "GAAAAAA!"

    A scream erupted in the Colosseum. It wasn''t the air but rather the monster in which sword now appeared pierced. The ground quickly rose and discolored. I had slain the smaller Rodhog as my sword pierces through his right eye. Causing it to convulse before finally dying. Sword seemed to pass into his brain or something as it was now stuck.

    (WOOW!! That was a really precise attack.)

    "I didn''t expect this!!"

    I jumped off the falling Rodhog as other stand shocked looking at me. The entire crowd is silent from the stunt.

    I quickly retreated and bend down to grab another sword.

    "Ahhhhh!!"

    The other Rodhog had marked me. It punched me with his giant fist right in to my stomach throwing me all the way to the other side of the Colosseum.

    "What the crap!!?"

    I didn''t think anything was broken but my body hurt. I felt pain surging through my entire body.

    The Rodhog quickly turned in a blind rage and attacked the others. The two of them moved forward to stop him while dark-skinned one quickly rushed to my aid. I looked at my hand to find that I was still holding on to the sword.

    "Are you alright?"

    "I can be better."

    "Awa!"

    "GAh!!!!"

    We look back to find our comrades being brutally ripped apart by the angry Rodhog.

    Munch* munch*

    The enraged Rodhog had started feeding on them.

    -I thought it only like ripping people apart.

    "If we want to live. We have to kill it. Only then we will be allowed to live."

    He said while offering me his hand.

    "Than Let''s survive then."

    I quickly grabbed and stand back on my feet.

    (You are forgetting about me.)

    "If I use you now. People will know that we are special and may use us for their own profits."

    I whispered to Mineka as I took a combat posture with the small sword in my hand.

    The giant finally turns to us and look directly into my soul as I stared back. After a brief staring, it roared once again and rushed towards us with a terrifying look on his face.

    We quickly rushed at the approaching Rodhog.

    The other person with me chanted something as an aurora gushed out from his longsword. It seems simple but its effect was on a different level. As he strikes the Rodhog, entire colosseum shook and a crater erupted on the ground where his strike touched but Rodhog dodged his attack.

    Finding the Rodhog distracted, I quickly move behind it and from its blind spot. I Jumped up to strike the monster. Aiming for his neck. I quickly swung my sword, slashing into the main artery in his neck causing a fountain of blood to erupt from his slashed neck. Some even fell on my clothes. The monster convulses as it violently moved his body trying to strike me until it finally bled to death.

    "We did i.....hah.... hah..... hah."

    -We did it. We killed the monster.

    Breathinghaphazardly, I looked at the cheering crowd. I don''t care about those people. I did it for survival but it somehow feels greats when people cheer for you. Even if they were disgusting piece of shit.

    "WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!!"

    An announcer announces through some magic.

    I rose both my hand to show off my victory as cheers rose.

    "NOW THE LAST SURVIVOR WILL RECEIVE THE PRIZE."

    -A!?Last!?

    -It can''t be I killed the monster before it can attack then why am I the only Survivor.

    Thinking about the horrible possibility I quickly started running around the dead Rodhog to the other side---

    "....."

    "........."

    "NO!"

    "NO! NO! NO!"

    (Bayezeid, he is dead.)

    I looked at the structure before me. A statue-like structure made up of black rocks stood before me. It wasn''t a statue but the person who was helping me.

    "Why he is frozen like this?"

    (It seems he drains his Guch to defeat the monster.)

    "What the hell is Guch."

    (Magic.)

    "WE WILL NOW GIVE OUR WINNER A NAME. A NAME THAT WILL MAKE HIM ELIGIBLE FOR SALE."

    I stood covered with the blood of my fellow human and the monsters as the cheers became louder and louder. This was a game for them.

    14 people die for their entertainment. The stench of the blood became stronger as I look down at the dusty ground I felt something change in my heart. Something opened like a lock hidden deep within my soul, maybe some memories resurfaced or something even more horrible.

    (Bayezeid....)

    "WE WILL NAME HIM AFTER THE GREATEST WARRIOR OF THE OLD. HIS NAME WILL BE........"

    "Wh...What the hell is wrong with th...The people?"

    "IBLIS!!!!"

 Chapter 5 A girl in distress

    (A slave! HAHAHAHAH!!)

    "what is so funny about it?"

    (No I am not laughing because you become a slave but on the way of them choosing one. A gladiator match just for finding a slave. That''s weird!!!)

    "Don''t worry! I am not going to stay a slave!!"

    (And what with you feeling sad for the person you just met. You should enjoy the celebration of becoming a slave. It is a big honor.)

    "I felt sad because no one felt any remorse as people died for their entertainment."

    (HAAHhAHA!)

    "Shut it! I am going to leave this place today."

    It''s true I have become a slave. A Combat slave. But not for long Iintended to make my escape and leave this desert.

    (So what are you going to go after escaping. Empire or back to the republic? Iblis?)

    "Stop calling me that."

    During my short stay in the hell hole, Al-Gharib, I was able to obtain some information about this world. Supposedly, the city where I was summoned is Keriateniya, the capital of the Republic of Keira. It lies on the eastern side of Al-Gharib. There are other countries here as well, like the Empire of Ario on the west and Shallow kingdom to the South. This world has a basic, otherworld setting but there is one strange thing about it.

    We weren''t the only one who were summoned here.

    According toEmpire Slaves, there is a newly summoned hero in the empire powerful enough to destroy Entire armies but unlike us, the empire has summoned him and been using him forEmpire purpose.

    But right now, my major concern is getting out of here.

    "Are you sure he is inside the building? We have been waiting for hours. "

    (I am 100% sure.)

    Right now, only one thing stands in the way of my freedom. The slave collar. This collar that prevents me from leaving the city and is considered a mark of a slave. I could be controlled by the collar, if an owner is set. Thinking what people can make me do already give me creeps.

    I had to get it removed if I want to leave this place.

    With the collar hidden behind the cloak and the mask, that I stole from the local merchant. I am waiting for the person who can remove it.

    "I need to get that announcer before the auction."

    The person is the announcer from the match who is right now busy in the brothel.

    (At this moment, I really wished that I was still a human.)

    "We can enjoy things like this once we are free."

    (You can but not me, I was summoned as a lifeless sword. I always have a harem-Otherworld fantasy but it is all ruined. I got hit by a car and reincarnated as a side-character. I really hate this world.)

    "At least you died. I am supposed to be alive back on Earth. If I were to return there, my entire life would be ruin by then. I would be expelled and my parents may even disown me. My future Wife may get married by then."

    (You are a hero, You could always get a harem. If you were to do something about your face and attitude but who will ever love a sword.)

    "I would."

    (That really creepy, Let go of me.)

    "I am never going to leave you. You will spend the rest of your life near my heart."

    (.......)

    "Mineka you there?"

    While I was talking Mineka has somehow become really quiet. I don''t think he took my remarks to the heart.

    "Mineka, why aren''t you speaking?"

    (Iblis, I think I have made a mistake. The announcer has left the brothel.)

    "What!?"

    Hearing the surprising news, I quickly jumped out of the cover without thinking.

    "Then where is he now?"

    (I don''t know, I can sense small amount of his Guch going towards the marketplace.)

    "Why can''t ... you sense him?"

    I said as I ran towards the empty marketplace.

    ( I can only sense people when they are close-by and it was your fault that I lost my focus.)

    "Concentrate on finding him or else I will be sold tomorrow and we have to spend our lives as a slave."

    (Warehouse!)

    "what!?"

    (He is in the warehouse to your right up front.)

    That was fast.

    Following the Mineka''s direction, I arrived at the huge warehouse hidden behind the main market. According to Mineka, the announcer should be inside here.

    (I am sensing another person inside so be careful.)

    "Will do!!"

    I closely walk towards the old door and put my ears to it to eavesdrop. I can hear two people talking. A man who is clearly the announcer and a whimper of a girl.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    "Please! I will pay you back by next week, by the great Goddess. I will pay you."

    "That what you said last time and money aren''t still here. I try to help you but this is how you repay me?"

    The tone of the announcer was different from before. At the match, it was more cheerful tone but right now itwas scolding one.

    ".......I am..... really thankful for your help....... Like I promised, I didn''t tell the great succubus about i-"

    "Are you threatening me!!?"

    (What are you waiting for!? Go help her, the announcer is alone.)

    "Oh yeah, I totally forget about it."

    I stand back from the door and prepare myself.

    "Equip!"

    Grabbing still enlarging Mineka. I kicked open the door and entered inside.

    Before me, stands a man in his middle twenties pointing a sword at a girl with teary eyes tied to a pole, both look at me shocked.

    The announcer has the face of a pretty boy. It really pisses me off the moment I saw it but the girl, on the other hand, is small and feeble. She is a perfect example of what we call a kid character.

    "Help meee....."

    The girl muttered in a low voice. Even her voice is of a child. It sends tremble through my spine.

    I turned my gaze to the announcer who was looking at me with a vicious expression. It was to be expected. I was interrupting his special break but I am in urgent need of something from him.

    He opened his mouth to ask the most obvious question.

    "Who are...."

    "I am Robbin the savior of slaves and I came here for the spell to remove slave collars."

    But I interrupted him, Proclaiming a self-made title with a triumphed pose.

    (Why are using that name?)

    "I can''t tell him my name. I am the champion after all. Everyone is talking about me."

    (You just won a slave entrance test. It''s nothing special. )

    As I argued with Mineka in a hardly audible voice. The announcer turned to look at the girl again.

    "We will continue this once I have dealt with that Psycho."

    and turned towards me and continued.

    "What benefit will you gain from helping slaves?"

    "That none of your concern."

    "Oh really!"

    With this, he moved his hand grabbing his sword tightly and taking a defensive posture.

    "HUH!"

    He immediately disappeared.

    "Mineka, Where is he?"

    Shocked from it, I immediately inquired.

    (I don''t know, I can''t sense him. Be careful!)

    Dangerous! Mineka couldn''t sense him, Icouldn''t see him. It is really dangerous.

    "Shit!you are really useless then."

    (Hey, I can still use fire mo--- Iblis to your left.)

    Mineka stops midsentence to warn me.

    On Mineka direction, I quickly turned left to find Ice spikes coming in my direction. I quickly moved Mineka to reflect them.

    (Iblis behind you!!!)

    "Gya!!!"

    But it was a trap.

    I looked down to find a sword thrusting through my heart.

    "Wow! that was quick."

    I muttered.

    "Yeah, it was."

    He retracts his sword and starts walking away while I fell to the ground.

    "A Follower of great Succubus can''t be beaten by a rookie. you aren''t the first one who tried to become a savior."

    He walked slowly towards the tied up girl and a smirk appear on his face as he sees the terrified look on the girl''s face.

    "Don''t worry! You are going to join him soon."

    He raises his sword to strike down the girl but the girl''s eyes weren''t directed towards him but instead, they are focused behind him.

    swash*

    The clashing swords echoed throughout the warehouse as he blocked my attack.

    "tsk, I was this close to killing you."

    "Incredible, you fake your death just to get close to me. I didn''t think a rookie like you can know that vanishing magic doesn''t work in close range."

    (You know that!)

    "Yes! Of course, I knew that. It has a major flaw in it."

    In Truth, I didn''t know how he disappeared. I just tried to take advantage of his blind spot. I was able to stand thank to Mineka otherwise I was dead for sure.

    "This time I would kill you for sure!!"

    He quickly throws off my attack and retreated back. Taking the defensive posture similar to before.

    I knew that I can not make the same mistake again. So the moment my feet touch the ground. I dash forward, striking him with all my strength.

    swash*

    He quickly deflected it and soon turned around in a dancer like movement to attack me from the other side.

    *Swash

    (Now Iblis!!!)

    Mineka forcefield deflected it and I quickly swung my sword to attack again. The announcer not having enough time to dodge it or deflect it grabbed it with his bare hand and use his other hand to thrust his sword towards me.

    I withdrew back a few steps and prepare for a counter attack.

    (Be careful! He isn''t like your other opponents. He is not a monster like the rodhog neither insane like the tentacle monster.)

    "Stopping saying tentacle-monster it gives me creeps."

    The announcer looks strangely at my sudden remark but ignoring him, I continued.

    "Mineka, Use fire mode."

    (Why?)

    Despite the question, Mineka followed my order as the room became enlightened by him, Mineka is covered with flame.

    "You will see."

    I replied to it.

    "So it was some kind of chant. I thought you have lost it.

    I started swinging Mineka blindly around me, striking huge boxes of flammables around me.

    "What are you doing?"

    The flaming Mineka cause these boxes to burn that created huge flames between me and the announcer. I decided to truly use the skills of Mineka against the announcer

    Realizing my plans, the announcer rushed forward to prevent any more fire and I followed.

    When only a distance of few steps was left between us, the rising flame rose to blind us.

    (NOW!!!!)

    Following Mineka instruction, I rose it to strike the announcer. Somehow he read my move and move his sword up to deflect my attack.

    (His Knee!!)

    "AHHH!!!"

    I move around the sword and grab it with both my hand thrusting it into his knees.

    He immediately moves to retaliate but I took out a hidden dagger and strike his hand forcing him to dropthe sword.

    Now the announcer on the ground and me on top of him. It was clear who was victorious.

    "What do you want?"

    "The spell to remove slave collar."

    The edges of mouth rose to form a smile and he replied.

    "Robbin kill your self."

    "I am no slave."

    It''s true I am a slave but I have discarded my old name and Iblis is the name registered on the collar. So it can''t work until he says Iblis.

    Shocked at the realization, his face immediately turned pale. It seems that this was his backup plan.

    "So the password..."

    "Ok, I will tell you but please don''t kill me."

    I simply shrug my shoulder on his remark. Taking it as Yes, he continued.

    "It''s Kaldir. Say it while touching the collar and it will come off."

    Kaldir!

    That simple to remember. I will do it once I leave this place.

    "That wasn''t hard, Right?"

    I said as I jumped up from him and started walking away as he lies surrounded by burning storage.

    "Wait, You are leaving me."

    He whined unable to move because of the dagger and wound in his knee.

    "I promised not to kill you."

    "Wait, I can''t move. You got to help me ...... Stop!! I will reward you. How about...... money and treasure!"

    Hearing that I turned around and returned back to the dying announcer.

    "Go ooon?!"

    "Here is the map to a newly discovered Dungeon in Lost Forest. It will definitely have a lot of treasure. Take it and help me."

    He said while offering a piece of paper which he took out from his pocket.

    I quickly took it and turned back. Slowly moving my hand to touch my collar.

    "Kaldir!"

    It worked. The collar came off and fell to the ground. I didn''t think it will be so easy to defeat one of the followers of Succubus whatever she is.

    "You were a slave after all!!!. ....Why are you walking away!? Help me!! ...... You will pay for this!!!! The great succubus will take revenge for me!!!!! You will pay for it!!!"

    I walked towards the girl as the Announcer continue his rambling with the entire warehouse around me burning. It was already hot in Al-Gharib and the flames have caused me to sweat badly and blood loss from before is making me really dizzy.

    I arrived at the pillar where the girl was tied. Squatting down to her level. I gently moved my hand to touch her collar.

    "Kaldir!"

    Her collar immediately fell off. I unequip Mineka, who was tired of prolonged usage and started untying the girl.

    So--

    She was also a slave

    "So what is your name?"

    I asked her while I remove ropes off her.

    "Namra.."

    The girl replied in a terrified voice. It is to be expected she just saw me die and came back to life. Itwas an unbelievable act for some. Blood from my body is still covering the floor behind her. I am not completely healed yet.

    Once I completely remove all the rope tying her----

    "Please, Heal me."

    I requested as I fell to the ground immediately fainting while the warehouse burned around me.

 Chapter 6 Demons Lair

    A cold breeze carrying the stench of blood blew in and made the torch flicker.

    Although it was noon, sunlight was unable to enter the cave, making its interior pitch black.

    The bulky shadows of the boulders danced in sync with the flames, projecting a writhing dark monster onto the cave paintings. We are at the dungeon of the Lost Forest.

    Five people stood in a row, three lightly equipped young men and likewise poorly equipped two women fumbled through the darkness.

    "That shithead lied to us." I murmured to myself. "A new dungeon with a lot of treasure. It is a grade one adventure guild dungeon."

    (We did need help, you can''t conquer the entire dungeon yourself.)

    Aside from me and Namra, there were three other people from Adventure guild who we met at the entrance. On Namra suggestion I allowed them to join us but they are just novice like me. They aren''t going to be of any help.

    The one leading at the front is me who was bearing the torch, with the brown hair female martial artist and Namra behind me and the swordsman and assassin in the rear.

    Right now, I and Namra are also acting as a member of Adventure guild from Republic. With me as a tank and Namra as an Apostle or healer. I just randomly throw in some names from my gaming knowledge.

    The one who suggested this formation was the Namra herself.

    With this, as long as there weren''t any forked roads along the way, we didn''t need to worry about being ambushed from the back.

    As long as the vanguard didn''t mess up, the rearguard was safe and only needed to focus on supportingme.

    "......It should be fine....right Iblis......?"

    Still, the whispers of the Namra is filled with uneasiness.

    Ever since they had entered the cave, her anxiety had only become worse and worse.

    "Iblis!!"

    ".......Yeah, we will be fine...."

    (You just forget that your name is Iblis.)

    "Shut up!" I whispered to Mineka who was enjoying this tense atmosphere. I told Namra my slave name by mistake because ofMineka taunting and now it has become permanent.

    "We still rushed in even though we know next to nothing about our opponents......"

    "Geez, you worry too much. Though that personality of yours doesn''t match an Apostle."

    The swordsman''s jovial voice didn''t match the atmosphere of the cave as it slowly disappeared in echoes.

    "You heard the scout report, there are only goblins here. Nothing like Rodhog or something."

    Oh.... I remembered killing two of them.

    "Even children know something like goblins, right? I even helped to chase some who came to the village away before!"Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    "Is defeating goblins something worth flaunting over? How unsightly, please stop bragging."

    "Besides, you didn''t even defeat them."

    The assassin teased the swordsman in a low voice, yet the swordsman retorted with a

    "I didn''t say anything wrong".

    The female martial artist sighed as if she was helpless, yet she seemed to be enjoying it.

    "Heh, even if they cut this loser up into minced meat, I''ll still send them flying! So don''t worry!"

    And for some reason, she also started teasing the swordsman.

    "Hey, saying I''m a loser is too much isn''t it......"

    The torch shone on the swordsman''s dispirited face, but then immediately cheered up and raised the sword in his hands.

    "It''s fine. Even if a dragon shows up, we''ll figure a way out even if it''s just the four of us!"

    "......How impatient."

    The Assassin mumbled softly, making the female martial artist chuckle. The sound of their voice overlapped with each other in the cave.

    Worried if their voice would lure out some unknown thing from the depths of the cave, I didn''t dare to make a sound.

    "Still, we would go slay a dragon one day. Right?"

    In order to go along with the nodding swordsman and Assassin, Namra could only smile silently.

    I knew that they weren''t bad people. I understood that.

    But......

    "Still, you should have prepared before coming here. You didn''t even bring some medicine with you."

    "What about you guys? You were even short on weapons when you came here."

    Yeah, we kinda came here in a rush so I wasn''t able to get my hands on a weapon and also forgot to salvage announcer sword. I got Mineka but I have to borrow a weapon for Namra.

    "Even if you say it like that, we don''t have the time nor the money to go shopping."

    The swordsman didn''t mind my comment, showing that his courage is exceptional.

    This place is little too quiet for a dungeon. It almost feels like we are walking into a trap.

    While Swordsman and other female companion were chatting, Namra started praying.

    "-please end this adventure quickly."

    A dark shadow draw her attention

    "Ah, sorry......"

    ------In the end, the one who first noticed something was off was none other than Namra

    As she was reciting her prayer, the Assassin that bumped into her and urged her on. Just as she was about to hurry up and keep up with the formation, suddenly¡ª¡ª

    Guruguru

    A slight sound that sounded like rocks rolling entered her ears.

    "......!"

    "What is it again!?"

    With a shudder, Namra froze in her steps. Irritated, the Assassin questioned her actions.

    The assassin who wasalso a beginner seemed irritated from Namra behavior

    She was jittery and cowardly. His first impression of the priestess was horrible and got even worse when ww had entered the cave.

    "I just heard the sound of something collapsing......"

    "From where? In front?"

    "Be...hind......"

    The assassin thought to himself, this wasn''t called being cautious, but being weak. She wasn''t suited to be an adventurer at all.

    Due to the Namra that had stopped moving, their distance with the others grew further.

    Yet, us who was still walking straight didn''t notice the situation behind us.

    "I want to ask you something from the time we met."

    "........What......?"

    "Are you guys really adventur-?"

    "Be...hind...you..."

    The Assassin sighed as their surroundings grew darker with their only source of light went further and further away from them.

    "We are walking in the straight line since we came here what could be possible-"

    As Assassin turned his head back in frustration.

    What happened next was his cold voice changing into one more of a surprised cry.

    "Goblins?!"

    The cave wall had collapsed. No, it was actually dug through.

    From the tunnel emerged numbers of hideous monsters, who then proceeded to surround both of them who were, unfortunately, walking at the end of the line.

    ------On hearing the terrified voice, I turned to find myself alone. Two behind me had already rushed back.

    "What the...."

    (Iblis, don''t move.)

    I dashed backward ignoring Mineka order but the cave before me fell down separating me from the others.

    "Mineka report!!"

    (We are being surrounded. Small goblins are appearing from everywhere.)

    From the various hole in the wall arises Monsters.

    Monsters holding crude weapons, having disgusting faces, possessing a child-like body and hides in caves.

    They were Goblins.

    ".....Equip......"

    I whispered as Mineka materializes in my hand.

    I move around to find my self completely surrounded in the dark cave. Only things visible were those monsters and a sign in a language I recognize.

    "Welcome to Demon Castle!."

 Chapter 7 Goblin King

    Throwing the torch aside, I held Mineka with both of my hands and pierced through a goblin''s throat.

    "Guia!!"

    "Next!!"

    Pulling my sword out from the corpse, I turned around and killed another goblin. The sword came slashing down horizontally at the goblin''s shoulder and instantly cut him in two.

    "What''s the matter huh!? COME ON!!"

    I can''t describe but easily slicing two of these monsters felt good.

    It seems I had become bloodthirsty from all the murdering and killing.

    I was always weak. A perfect example of a nerd but since I came here, things that seem impossible has become quite possible. Thanks to Mineka, my skills have improved considerably and I was able to kill so many monsters.

    Killing monsters called goblin is the dream of any gaming freak who fantasizes about being a hero and today that dream has become true for me. It seemed Iwas summoned to be a hero.

    (Watch out!)

    Or not.

    Before I can respond a rusty blade has been stabbed into my thigh.

    (Not again, What were you doing!?)

    "Uh, AHH!? YOU BASTARD!!! I was Living my fantasy! Where the hell is your force field."

    (It took to much energy. I can''t use it that freely or else we wouldn''t be able to kill these monster.)

    The one who wounded me was a goblin who had a serious wound in its chest. As I was distracted, I didn''t manage to finish off the goblin completely.

    As I lost my balance and turned awkwardly to the side. Still, I swung desperately and finally manage to kill the goblin.

    But in a moment, another goblin had jumped onto my back......

    "FUCK! OFF!"

    I swung Mineka at the goblin, but only a dull CLANG sound could be heard as Mineka hit the cave wall.

    It was the end. More and more goblin surround and I found myself unable to even move.

    ....

    (Fire enlightenment.)

    A huge flame lighted the room burning the Goblins surrounding me while forcing others to retreat.

    (Heal! Iblis, Are you alright?....... Why do I have to save your gut every time.)

    "How many did you kill?"

    ( whaaat? Iblis, what are you thinking?)

    "HOW MANY!!!?"

    (EIGHT!!?)

    Hearing this word, I look around seeing nearly fifteen looking hesitantly at me.

    I quickly rushed forward without caring about my stabbed wound and holding Mineka tightly with both hand and thrust it into the skull of a goblin. Mineka still burning. Burned down the Goblin into ashes.

    "Run away or FACEEE MEE!!!"

    I shout as all goblin rush towards me in unison.

    WIthout a though, I swung Mineka and beheading 6 of them while dodging others

    GURUGURU!!

    An echoing voice reaches my ear. Before Mineka could say anything I jumped back and dodged two Goblins ambush and slice them in half making total nine kills.

    Already hesitant Goblins, start running towards their tunnels and retreated back into their layers.

    "Yeah, you better run away."

    (It is a lot coming from a guy who was just about to die.)

    "Let me enjoy my victory for once."

    (Now what?)

    "Route back is closed so the only way is forward."

    (Front is empty. Boss of this dungeon isn''t there. We should go back.)Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    "How?"

    (Check the rock to the left.)

    I followed Mineka instruction and checked the huge rock to my left. I didn''t notice it before but it is quite big to be ignored. I move closer to it using light from Mineka, to find a secret Passage behind it. Big enough for a person to move through.

    "You know about it?"

    (I sense something big walking through here during the ambush so I thought it might be a secret passage.)

    It is better than nothing. I light the torch using Mineka and unequip it. I ventured into the secret passage to find that it was heading back the way we came.

    "EIK, AGH!?"

    I heard a voice of not a goblin but a girl. I quickly followed the voice to find another opening hidden behind another rock.

    (Iblis, don''t go!!!)

    "You know your warnings are useless."

    I peeked out to find the route we just walked through. Illuminated by the solo torch of the swordsman, as a disgusting scene unfolds before me.

    The martial artist with us was on the ground as she made sounds that humans would find hard to do as she spits a mixture of blood and vomits on the floor.

    Goblins are swarming her and stripped her completely naked.

    "HUK?! GU!? HAK!? ERG!? EIGH!? AGH!?"

    The female martial artist cried out as the goblins whacked her with clubs and break her limbs.

    While on the other side stands, a huge Goblin, bigger than an average human over the mutilated corpse of the Swordsman as he removes bone from him.

    Towards humans who came to subjugate them, they had no mercy.

    The girl who was faced with a cruel treatment made a sharp cry.

    But in the noisy environment, I heard what the girl muttered clearly,

    ¡ª¡ªR,run......

    "......! Sorry......!"

    (Iblis, Don''t.....)

    "AHHHHH!"

    Ignoring Mineka comment, I let out a huge scream to draw the attention of the monster which seems like the Goblin King.

    "..HURGGG!"

    This moaning huge horrible-smelling goblin is large.

    Ignoring all instincts, I equipped Mineka and rushed towards him.

    "Ahhh!?"

    and swung it with all my strength but--

    He simply grabbed my wrist.

    I wasn''t that short but I have to look up to see him. My grabbed wrist made a crunching noise as the pain made me scream loudly.

    "UGH! AH! IT HURTS!! STOP IT¡ª¡ªAH?!"

    Suddenly, the large goblin grabbed my hand and threw me clumsily towards the cave wall.

    What happened next was the dull sound of something dry cracking.

    It hurt so bad that I couldn''t even make a sound, but the goblin once again threw me toward the cave wall.

    -----Running, running, running. When she felt like she was falling, she stomped hard on the ground to regain her balance to keep running.

    In the darkness, she couldn''t see the rugged rocks on the uneven cave floor, but on and on she forced her legs to move.

    She desperately gasped for air as she opened her mouth painfully.

    There was no light in front of her. Even though she knew that she was forcing herself to run deeper into the cave......

    "Ugh, Ack, Ha......"

    What scared her the most was the sounds of footsteps coming from the chasing goblins coupled with the echoing cries nearing her.

    She never stopped running, not even stopping to look back.

    Even so, all she could see was darkness.

    Indeed, goblins were extremely weak. They are small with the body of a child. Even rookie adventurers can kill them alone.

    But, what if 10 or more children armed with weapons rushed towards you with the intent to kill, what would you do?

    They were weak, childish, inexperienced, poor and unlucky. Not to mention the number of goblins were just too many.

    These kinds of things......will always happen.

    Namra stepped on the rope and fell clumsily.

    Her face and hands were scratched painfully by the gravel, but she was more worried about the Assassin she had let go from her back. Consider being a boy his body was extremely light.

    Namra hurriedly scuttled to the side of the Assassin and grabbed the comrade who had kept her safe all this time.

    "S,sorry! Are you alright?"

    "ugh,ack......"

    The Assassin didn''t reply, but only spit out foamy blood from her mouth.

    Because she had been running this whole time, she didn''t notice that the Assassin''s whole body was convulsing and was having a high fever. His sweat had already soaked his clothes.

    "H,how......!?"

    Namra initially suspected that her healing magic didn''t work.

    Thinking about that, she used her precious time for escaping to open the Assassin''s clothes to inspect the wound. The assassin was able to beat down a ton of goblin before he was stabbed by one in the gut.

    But the Healing indeed had an effect. Although it was slightly stained with blood, the belly skin was smooth and didn''t look like it was even wounded, to begin with.

    "..W-why? What should I do in this situation? What should I......"

    Namra totally had no idea what she was supposed to do next. She came here following a man but he was nowhere to be seen.

    She had some knowledge about emergency treatment, and she could cast her healing magic once again.

    But then, even if she used a Healing again, would the Assassin be healed? Or should she find some other way to this?

    Not to mention, he was in the state of panic. Could the magic even cure him?

    "Hrkkk, cHaaa!"

    A voice reaches her ears

    Turning her head backward, she saw there werea bunch of armed goblins who were approaching her.

    Saliva flowed down from their wide grinning mouths.

    Maybe suicide by biting her own tongue was better now.

    But the goddess she worshipped didn''t allow suicide, so she was bound to face the same fate of her comrades.

    Will she be torn in pieces, or will she be defiled, or was she going to face both?

    [eik...haa......]

    Namra teeth began chattering uncontrollably.

    As if she wanted to protect the Assassin, the priestess hugged her tightly. Suddenly, she felt her lower body becoming a little warm.

    As the goblins smelled the stench, their faces contorted with disgust.

    The priestess turned her gaze away from them as she chanted the Earth Mother''s name.

    Yet, salvation didn''t arrive.

    But¡ª¡ª

    "......Eh......?"

    In the darkness, a ray of light could be seen.

    It was like a star shining proudly in an evening sky engulfed in darkness.

    That small, weak but clear light slowly approached her but suddenly it disappeared.

    The Goblin didn''t notice it and continue their approach. At this moment, Namra really regrets leaving her slave life behind. Namra had lost all hope and closed her eyes tightly accepting her fate.

    "....Duuuhhhh....!!"

    Suddenly Namra hears a strange voice of something falling followed by a crushing voice.

    Followed by complete silence. Namra was scared but somehow it seems Goblins were no longer approaching her. Trembling to the core, Namra gathers her courage to slightly open her eyes to find a man lying before her.

    A man breathing erratically.

    Namra slowly moves forward to approach him to find that his entire body mangled. He was unconscious but alive with all bone in his body crushed.

    It was a miracle that he is still alive.

    He lies before her struggling between life and death on top of crushed Goblins.

    She wanted to scream out loud. But her tongue had frozen with fear, causing her to be unable to mutter out a single sound.

    -----Iblis....!

 Chapter 8 My rise to Power

    With such a horrible sight in front of her, Namra couldn''t help but gasp.

    "ha......ha......"

    Yet, Iblis was still alive. Although he was convulsing, he wasn''t dead yet.

    There''s still time. I have to save him.

    Namra bit her lip.

    Holding the dagger in front of her chest, Namra used her hands to push Iblis spilled guts back into the stomach and activated her Magic.

    If magic was something that could change the truth of this world, then Miracles were no doubt the power of the goddess.

    Namra used her entire magic as she prayed as if she had even focused her whole soul in it. At her palms, a faint light emerged and flew towards Iblis.

    As the light slowly dispersed, the belly that was cut open slowly healed along with some scratches but his bones were still broken. His eyes weren''t opening and his breathing had become even more erratic.

    Namra didn''t know much about the man before him but she knew one thing that this man has survived death before and he can do it again.

    ".......What ....should I do?"

    Namra looks around to find something of use but it was to no avail. There was nothing in this dark cave that can be used to heal him.

    "....The.....Sword...."

    Namra remembered the sword Iblis carries. She had seen that thing appear and disappear magically along with Iblis talking to it. At that moment, she thought what any sane person will think.

    ----That man is insane----

    but right now that sword is her best bet.

    Searching around that black weird sword was nowhere to be seen. She slowly moves her hand to check the pocket of weird clothes, Iblis was wearing but even his pockets were empty. She gradually moved her hand to her chest, searching thoroughly but as she was about to reach upper pocket.

    "......Ahhh....!"

    Something mushy threw her arm away. It was Iblis broken arm.

    "Don''t!!!"

    She hears a dim murmured echo through the cave. She felt a strange aura forming around Iblis but she didn''t have time for that. She decided to return to her search when-

    "Erh, AHHH......!?"

    An immense pain overwhelmed Namra as she fell to the floor before she could even scream.

    She had sensed something coming from the darkness, and then she felt a burning pain in her left shoulder next.

    Turning her head backward, she saw an arrow embedded deep into her shoulder, with blood already soaking through her clothes.

    She didn''t wear any protective gear, so the arrow easily went through clothes and embedded itself mercilessly into her slim shoulder.

    Whenever she moved her body even by a little, the arrow dug deeper into her flesh. It felt as if she was being clamped with a pair of hot pliers.

    [hrkk...ergh...]

    She turned back to find that Iblis has disappeared.

    -----I don''t know what happened after being mercilessly thrown but I woke up to find to two Goblins approaching me.

    Saliva flowed down from their wide grinning mouths. As with the case with any one of their kind.

    I quickly jumped back to run but discovered that Mineka is still equipped and a strange metal is covering my entire body.

    (Welcome back! How do you find Mineka Armor.)

    It is black just like the sword but I somehow fell stronger than before. I looked around to see Namra sitting powerless beside a dead Assassin. Shemight be the one to found us. Unharmed, She is trembling with fear. She is really weak

    The goblins probably thought the same too. That a powerless prey like her could wait until later.

    Both of them turned to face me. One of them nocked an arrow to its bow and shot it at me.

    The arrow was made crudely, with its tip carved out of stone. Not to mention the goblin''s marksmanship was also subpar.

    But in the pitch black darkness, the goblins had an absolute advantage over us.

    With a normal person''s eyes, it would be impossible to dodge the oncoming arrow ¡ª¡ª

    Yet, Mineka moves on its own to deflect the arrow to the ground.

    The other goblin who didn''t notice this abnormality jumped towards me.

    Aiming for the slit at the shoulder in the armor, it stabbed with the dagger hard.

    "Ah......!"

    Namra gave a sharp cry. After the cry, all she heard was the light sound of metal hitting each other.

    The armor had moved to close the slit.

    The goblin felt confused but swung its dagger again.

    [GYAUUUU?!]

    That moment of hesitation was fatal.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    With a heavy thud, I pushed the goblin hard against the cave wall.

    "That''s one."

    I said simply. Namra also immediately understood my meaning.

    I then shoved burning Mineka hard at the goblin''s face.

    The sound of its cry along with the disgusting smell of burning flesh filled the cave.

    The goblin struggled desperately. But because it was being pushed hard against the wall, he couldn''t even reach for his face.

    In the end, the goblin could no longer move as its limbs limped towards the ground. Confirming the goblin was dead, only then I released it.

    The goblin with a burnt face fell to the ground with a thud.

    Kicking its body aside, I continued walking.

    "Next."

    The goblin that was holding the bow stepped back unconsciously. Even if he abandoned his comrade here, it would have been understandable.

    Because the word ''Courageous'', was the one word that didn''t fit the description of a goblin most.

    But then, the obstacle behind the goblin was no other than Namra.

    "......!"

    She finally made a move.

    Even if she was shot with an arrow, wet herself, scared until she was unable to stand and kept relying on her dead comrades.

    She still used her arms that was still movable to stab at the goblin with her dagger.

    Her movement was an instinct without any further thoughts. Her resistance was also actually futile.

    But this futile resistance was enough to make the goblin hesitate for a moment.

    At that moment, it became its first time to be confused about what to do.

    But before it could make a decision, it was struck by my sword. The final answer of its life splattered onto the cave wall.

    In an instant, the goblin''s skull was crushed, killing it on the spot.

    "That''s two."

    As the fight ended I stepped on the goblin to confirm that it was dead and pull my sword out of him.

    Meanwhile, a girl lay paralyzed on the ground, shivering in both pain and fear, her elbow pierced by an arrow.

    Without a moment of hesitation, I walked to the front of Namra and squatted.

    "You know he is dead?"

    "Ahhh......!"

    Namra gasped unable to understand what I was saying.

    "It seems we were the lucky one."

    I said as I forcefully pullout out the arrow, as blood flowed freely out from the wound, as did her tears, and fell to the ground.

    She immediately moved her hand and started cast healing magic on the wound as tears flow down her face.

    "..........What about..... the Assassin...!"

    "He is dead. Been Dead for quite some time."

    "........What??....How???....."

    (It seems Poison.)

    "Poison most likely. I think Goblin dagger has poison on it."

    Even I was stabbed by a poison one before.

    "...Po...ison"

    I look forward to the dark cave. We were close to the entrance, we can leave if we want but I didn''t came so far for nothing.

    Now with armor, killing these goblins will be a lot easier.

    Deciding, I took a step forward.

    "Where are you going?"

    "To boss room!!"

    "What you can''t do that? We hardly survived. Why would you want to go back to face those monsters."

    Her plead has no effect as I know I have to go to the boss room. The words ''Welcome to Demon castle'' appear before me. I have to know why language from my world appears in this dungeon.

    "You can leave if you want but I have to avenge our comrades."

    Saying that I begin walking forward towards the boss room while she silently followed behind. She knew that she has no other choice but to follow me. She couldn''t survive in the lost forest without me.

    Using the secret passage and light from Mineka we safely make our way to the boss room entirely avoiding goblin ambushes.

    Before the sign with the words ''Welcome to Demon Castle''

    Namra looks at it with a confused expression unable to read it. It confirms my doubt, this place may hold some secret regarding my summon.

    "Mineka, how many?"

    I whispered to Mineka as Namra try her best to read the sign.

    (It seems 100 goblins are inside there along with that monster. Iblis we should retreat.)

    "Do I ever listen to you?"

    "This is the boss room....., ......Right?"

    "Namra, Listen carefully,"I said as I looked forward at the door."Hide somewhere and don''t come out until I say so,"

    "But you will return right?!"

    "Hmmm.......Yeah!! It is a Promise."

    I said as I look back to give her with a cheery smile as she returned it.

    "....ah...!''

    For a moment face of one of classmate flash before me.

    With this small exchange, Namra ran off back to the secret passage to hide while I stepped forward towards the huge door.

    (So she is the first addition to your harem.)

    "Shut it!"

    BooooMMMM!!!

    Using the burning sword, I broke open the door to the boss room.

    Uh!!

    It seems entirely different thing from the dungeon. It was huge with beautifully decorated with painting and a throne at the center. It seems almost like a throne room. Lack of window was made by special light on ceiling enlighting the entire area.

    ----But the weird things wasn''t the huge empty room or the fact that goblins weren''t attacking me but instead the fact that they were clearing the way leaving me face to face with the huge Goblin King.

    "So you want to fight me?"

    I said pointing inflamed Mineka at the Goblin King but it was useless. They couldn''t understand me.

    I rose the sword above my head and prepare myself into a combat pose as the Goblin King pick up a log lying close to him.

    With a deep breath, Ilunged forward and swung the sword---

    "Uh!!"

    Goblin king again grabbed me by the wrist and started trying to crush it like before.

    "..."

    I grinned at his useless effort as my armor protect me against it crushing grip.

    "Mineka retract!"

    Mineka immediately disappeared from the main hand and appear in my other hand which I thrust forward into goblin face.

    Thukk!

    Goblin King countered and blocked it by using his log. Mineka thrust into the log causes us in a stalemate.

    "Mineka retract!"

    Goblin king immediately abandoned the log and move his hand to grab me but I immediately retrieve Mineka and shoved it right into his arm.

    ROOOOUUUGGG!!

    An agonizing scream echoed throughout the room as other Goblin silently stares at us.

    I once again retrieve Mineka and retreat back.

    "UGHH!!!"

    "HUGH!!!"

    "WAAAAAGH!!!"

    The goblin king moves around in blind rage destroying everything that came in his path.

    "This armor is really light. Why didn''t you do it before?"

    (While you were unconscious, I absorbed some Mana from Namra and suddenly this ability appear. Isn''t it cool?)

    "Yea-"

    "RAUGGGHH!"

    Our conservation was interrupted by the roar of Ragging Goblin King.

    He has found himself a huge sword and rushing toward me.

    *Cluuung!

    Sound echoes as our sword collide. I immediately jumped to the side but it immediately swings his sword back throwing me to the ground.

    Unhurt. I immediately jumped back at my feet and rush towards the monster.

    *Clung

    *cling

    *Swash*

    We both parried each other attack again and again as this battle become the test of stamina. My lack of swordsmanship skills and his slow speed had made this battle a long one as none of us were able to utilize each other openings.

    I am too inexperienced and he is too slow to actually land an attack.

    "Mineka help me here! I can''t keep this up any longer."

    (WAtch this!!)

    With this comment, Mineka starts shinning even brighter causing the Goblin King to unconsciously moves a few steps back as he is blinded by the light.

    Taking advantage of this lack of defense, I rushed forward using his sword as a stepping stone I jumped high above him and slash him in the center cutting him into two.

    "hahhh.....Haaahhhh!"

    I won. I killed the strongest among them and now only minions are left.

    (Iblis...I can''t keep this form any longer.)

    "don''t...HAhh...It won''t take long."

    I said as I prepared myself to face the hesitantly approaching Goblins before me.

    "Comeeee!!! Ahh ......and die like your king."

    The Goblins slowly approached me coming from all direction. Despite making such declaration, I have no strength to deal with these many and Mineka is at its limit as well. It is just a brag.

    "Chhahaa gyaaaaa chhhaaaa gyaaa!"

    Suddenly one of the Goblin prostrated himself before me and start chanting something rubbish. Soon followed by other Goblin behind until all the Goblin in the Room are prostrating themselves before me and chanting this rubbish.

    "HEEEHH"

    (HeeeeHHH!)

    What the hell is wrong with them?

    They seem even stranger than their usual behavior.

    << Activate Unique Skill¡ºGoblin Tongue¡»? YES/NO>>

    The voice, I haven''t heard in so long appear in the back of my head.

    Obviously Yes!!!

    "All hail the New King, Al Hail the new Goblin king!!"

    I started understanding their chants.

    "Whhhhhatttt!!!!?"

 Chapter 9 Dealing with Demons

    After the battle ended, I immediately gain hundreds of followers.

    Honestly, having so many followers is tiresome considering they all have the intelligence of a child.

    Thanks to sudden power change, Namra and bunch of other Girls held prisoner were freed but Namra decided to stay with me along with the female Martial artist who can''t move because of her fractured legs.

    I think her name is Mariana Rimel. I decided to call her by her last name. I didn''t realize it before but she is quite cute with her short brown hairs and scarred face. Other Girls beside them immediately left for their villages. Mineka hadn''t been talking since the fight and I have to spend an entire day getting heal by both Mineka and Namra to get my bones fixed up. So the first day was wasted.

    The next day of my victory, I gathered all of the Goblins.

    They were a lot of things I want them to do but I need to tell them the most important thing.

    That is the Rules to live in this dungeon!

    These things are needed to be decided if I want to establish a community here.

    Community life needs a rule after all. Like a great man once said,

    ''A rule is something that protects not something to protect''

    Though I believe it is other way around.

    "Are they all gathered? Well then, I will announce the rules! There are 4 Rules you need to uphold at all time."

    Is what I called out as Namra and Rimel beside me look at me as if I was some crazy person preaching among monsters.

    But I need to do it to make my rule over them absolute and prevent any rebellions.

    So, I announced the 4 Rules

    1) Don''t attack anyone under my protection.

    2) Don''t attack your own.

    3) Hide from humans.

    4) Don''t attack other species until orders are given.

    these were the 4 rules.

    If I wanted to add something, additional rules will be added but I think these should be enough for now.

    Now then, How will they react?

    "Lord, I am confused. Why should we hide from Humans?"

    A goblin name Mileka inquired. He should be the leader of the traditional faction among Goblin. If I remember correctly.

    Mileke from the other side of the room is glaring at him with a furious expression. He is supposed to be the leader of the conventional faction. I don''t think any human would believe me if I told them that Goblin actually has a Language and factions among themselves. Regardless of the fact, that both of these wanted the same thing and even had similar names, they hat each other to the core.

    "You know humans are organized society. If you reach out to them, there is a chance that they may have a backlash. You won''t stand a chance if they come at you seriously. So from now on, Our meddling with them is banned."

    "I see, I understand."

    He said so but it was clear from his expression that he didn''t understand even single word of my explanation.

    Talking to them, I found out that Goblins are a childish but proud race so it is expected that they will not think much of humans.

    "Are there any other question?"

    No voice came from the Goblins. So, I decided to appoint tasks. I don''t really know many of them so tasks were distributed among faction rather than individuals.

    Everyone listened with Enthusiasm. It seems fine but-

    In the end, even if I warned them, there will still be some that won''t listen. So it is better to warn them again.

    "And remember to follow these rules as much as you can."

    With this meeting ended and all the Goblins scatter back into their tunnel except Mileke who decided to stay behind as my guard.

    With this, I sat down on my throne still feeling exhausted from tomorrow injuries.

    " You really don''t feel any disgust from these monster!!!"

    The one to pass this comment is Rimel. She has been looking at me with a disgusted look since the moment I freed her. It was to be expected. I was ruling over the monsters who defiled her.

    "I can''t do anything about it, can I? If I leave this place, they will follow me and if I have to stop them from following me, I have to get myself killed by one of them. I am trapped here just like you."

    I whispered so that Mileke next to me can''t hear me. Somehow whatever I say got translated to their language so I have to watch out when near them.

    "But....Stilll...."

    Rimel tightly bites of her lip in anguish.

    "You know it was guild fault for sending the bunch of amateurs to Demon lord castle. We have seen the corpses of other adventurer as well. You are the lucky one."

    ".......Don''t worry...... we will get out of her soon..... Goddess will help us...."

    Namra quickly moves to comfort Rimel who was about to cry.

    I really want to get out of this situation.

    I turned to Mileke who was standing straight unbothered by the situation.

    "Mileke send someone to check out the house, I ordered."

    Among the task, I ordered them to build a house outside the Dungeon. This dungeon was hardly liveable for a human. So, I wanted to move to a house as quickly as possible to avoid this horrible smelling dungeon.

    Unfortunately, I couldn''t find any clue regarding the demon king or my summon except that signs so this entire adventure was literally useless.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    Now, I have to get all the way to the empire to meet the hero, If I want to find more clues or hope that Hero came here to meet me.

    Rimel might know about it but I can''t ask her while she is crying--

    Suddenly the door to the throne room opened and Mileka appear.

    "Iyaaa.....ha....ha...Lord, I Mileka has brought amazing news."

    He brazenly stated.

    "Kill him?"

    Mileke asked me with a serious face.

    That kind of face that appears ''serious'' and reads ''absolutely serious''.

    Mileka paled and,

    "I got carried away, I am sorry!"

    Mileka immediately fell to a kneeling position.

    "Please allow me to convey an amazing new."

    "Continue!!"

    At this moment, I almost felt like a king of a country. It felt really good for some reason. Sitting on a throne while my subjects kneel before me and I order them around. It is really a unique experience for me.

    "Lord, Demons are here to recognize you as the new Lord of the Dungeon."

    "What?"

    "Lord, It is good news, they are here to offer your service."

    Mileke added.

    "Who are these demons?"

    "Demons, are demons. they protect this castle."

    That tells me nothing.

    Whenever I hear the word ''demon''. Some horrible images came to my mind. The one described in ancient Myth.

    "...Iblis, What are they talking about?..."

    Namra asked me with bewildered expression while still tending to whining Rimel.

    Oh yeah!

    She has proved quite knowledgeable about certain aspects of this world. It is possible that she might know about the Demons

    "Hmmm, Namra. Do you know anything about demons?..."

    ".....I don''t know..... but..... I think I heard about it in a storyregarding the first hero.....But they should have gone extinct a long time ago....."

    These should be extinct!

    So an extinct creature is waiting for me outside

    "According to these Goblins, some of them....are waiting for me outside.."

    "Iblis.... Don''t fight them... according to legend, they should be powerful enough to kill Hundred of elite soldiers alone...."

    Despite Namra desperate tone, this remark seems more like a sarcastic one. Do I really fight a lot?

    Now I think about it, I had been fighting ever since I came here. Wow, I never thought I was such a fighter.

    "Wouldn''t it be great. I hope to see their strength with my own eyes and maybe Iblis finally got what he deserves!!"

    Here comes the sarcastic remark from Rimel. She is really pissed at me.

    "Remember, if I die you die. So choose your word carefully."

    With this remark, I stood up from my throne and venture out.

    Outside the dungeon, where goblins were desperately trying to build a house which seems nothing like I requested. Using bones for support. Old leather hides for the roof. Clothes of some human as a door. It is more like a tent than a house. These Goblins really suck in following instruction.

    Idiots!!

    "You''d stand out too much."

    I was so annoyed by the Goblin incompetence that I completely ignored the man standing before the house.

    Long ears, White long hairs, and long height. No matter what others say, it was an elf with a dark complexion. A dark Elf

    "A real-life Demon!!"

    Rimel shouted from Namra back. For some reason, they decided to follow me and not only that small Namra was carrying Rimel on her back. Poor girl.

    "Why did you follow me?"

    "I just wanted to see a demon. There''s no special reason."

    "......She said that without you, goblins may kill ---"

    Rimel hit Namra hard from behind causing her to drop Rimel into the ground.

    "Ouch!!"

    "....Sorry...!"

    "Namra, You idiot. I told you that in confidence. You shouldn''t tell him anything."

    "....Sorry!Sorry!"

    "Why shouldn''t she tell me anything? We are in this together!"

    "Because you are a fucking monster."

    "That hurt."

    "Is your play over?"

    The Demon spoke again to draw our attention towards him. I again ignored the Demon who is now standing just a few steps away from me.

    I have no special powers but even I can sense a strange aura coming from him. He is no normal being.

    Namra beside me is already trembling with fear. I am no different, I can''t look directly in his eyes. I felt tremble in my knee as he stares at us closely examining me. I try to talk back but nothing came out.

    It seems like the eyes of a beast staring directly into our souls. I had never felt fear like this since I came here not even when I was facing the Rodhog.

    "Let us talk then,"

    He might have realized that we can''t talk while trembling with fear. So, he decided to take a few steps back away from us. Observing Goblins around us. While Namra and Rimel were already on the ground, I also felt a strange urge to just lie down and relax for a bit.

    I have seen Elves before but he is completely different from them. His relaxed posture and his strut gait. All of these things are terrifying for me. I can''t even understand what is he doing walking in reverse while looking around him.

    Suddenly he turned away from us with a smile and murmured something to himself.

    and he starts walking away from us -

    "Let''s make it quick, we are going to have a match. If you win I will accept you as the lord of this dungeon but if you lose, you will die" He said while turning back pointing still materializing sword at Rimel and Namra "along with these girls."

    With this, he grabbed the huge long sword with both his hand and took a combat posture.

    "Let us! BEGINNNN!"

    He immediately vanished or disappeared. The distance between us is too short, to begin with, and him suddenly disappearing has made this situation a lot worse.

    "Equip!!"

    I quickly equip Mineka without a second thought.

    (I am resting. What the hell are you doing?)

    "Why are you sleeping? We are goin----"

    I was interrupted as Mineka I held was hit out of my hand. He has reappeared right before me.

    Mineka fell some distance away from me and turned back to its miniature form.

    The match was decided in an instant or so it seems. I impulsively jumped back but it was no use. Without a weapon, I can''t fight.

    He walked towards looking pitifully at defeated me.

    "Relying on a sword to save you. You would make a real weak lord."

    Fuck!!!

    I don''t want to be a Lord. I just wanted to return home and survive till then. I finally gain some respect and now he appears to kill me.

    Feeling helpless, I fell on my knees as he slowly moves his blade close to my neck.

    "You really accepted your death fast."

    I tightened my grip on the soil below as I look down with defeat.

    "di-"

    A rock came flying causing him to move back to dodge it. Using this distraction, I threw the Mud in the fist at him. Blinding him long enough for me to reach Mineka.

    "Armor Equip."

    The Armor is formed around me as Mineka materializes in my hand.

    "Iblis... Fight!!"

    Rock thrown by Namra has saved me. It also the first time I saw her speaking in such a loud voice. She is really cute.

    The Demon still frustrated with my cheap tactics is glaring at me.

    "Eyes!"

    I can hear a small whisper from him but I ignored it.

    "Die!!!"

    I screamed as I rush forward.

    I swung Mineka as hard as I can at him but he simply repelled it and throwing me off ground.

    Once again gaining my footing, I dash forward. Swinging Mineka once again but he simply parried it.

    (Iblis, I can sense 7 of them here.)

    "I am busy with this one right now."

    I know I can''t defeat him using simple tactics. Goblins are not interfering just like my match with their previous king and my other two allies aren''t in no shape to help.

    Only thing I can rely on is Mineka.

    "Mineka HELP!!!!"

    (Wait for some time!)

    Once again pushed back, I rushed forward not giving him a chance to disappear. I learned from my encounter with the announcer to not make this mistake. This time, I strike interlocking our swords not giving him a chance to parry.

    " You are really good with the sword."

    He said, with his face close enough that I can feel his breath on my face. I am focusing entirely on his sword and evaded his eye because every time I look at them, I feel a tremble down my spine.

    (Iblis!!! Try Dual Equip!!)

    "Dual equip!"

    Another shorter Mineka immediately appeared in my other hand. I immediately thrust it forward into the demon face.

    Tsk!

    He slightly moved his face to dodge the blade.

    With our blade interlocked, I don''t have enough freedom to move around and maneuver. My only choice is to keep this fight in a stalemate until I could do something.

    (Fire mode!)

    "ahh!"

    Both Mineka immediately caught flame. The short one causes his cheek to burn a bit.

    He immediately kicked me away and disappeared.

    (I can''t sense his Guch.)

    He appeared some distance away from us. Smiling like a freak.

    "Found you!!"

    Are the words that came out of his lips.

    Ignoring all this, I once again dash forward to strike him down. It was different, the terrifying aura is gone along with his blade. His eyes don''t feel as terrifying as before.

    As I approach him, he slowly raises his arms high above his head. I don''t know what he is planning but I am not going to give him any chance.

    "I surrender!"

    These words completely caught me off guard causing me to stop in my path.

    Seeing that I have stopped my advance, he immediately kneels down before me as six more demons like him suddenly appear from the wood. Two of them, clearly female.

    "Iblis!! You aren''t going to forgive them too!!!"

    Idiot Rimel is screaming behind me. She really doesn''t know when it is best to stop.

    I ignored Rimel and walk towards the seven demons or Dark elves before me.

    "We recognize you as our new Lord. The eight Demon Lord."

    The person leading them announced as others followed him.

    (Iblis.. what does that mean?)

    "It means that we will follow Iblis and yours every command from now own."

    The one to respond to Mineka wasn''t me but the Demon.

    (Wait, you can hear me?!!)

    "Wait, I am the demon lord."

    Demon Lord Army:

    Humans: 2

    Goblins: 100

    Demon or dark elves: 7

 Chapter 10 Empires hero Ignis

    Winds of spring blow through the Empire as the bird sings the melody for the blooming flowers. It was one of the best time to enjoy the beauty of the Empire.

    But unfortunately for Ignis, he was stuck in a cursed place known as the Lost Forest following after baseless rumors.

    A man ruling over Goblins---

    A rumor that spread like wildfire throughout the Empire. At first, it was considered a crazy talk by some girls who escape from a dungeon but soon the Goblins attack became more organized. More eyewitness start appearing and more proof appear causing even the nobles to start worrying about it.

    Under the pressure from the noble and the people. Empire decided to send an expedition of 500 under the leadership of good for nothing hero, Ignis. A preemptive strike to kill the supposed Demon Lord.

    Ignis doesn''t understand why these people worried about some demon lord as he wasn''t born in this world but for the people here, a demon lord is a real threat. Its last incarnation was able to reach the doorsteps of empire capital when a summoned hero was finally able to defeat him.

    It left Empire completely ruined both militarily and economically for centuries to come. Leaving million dead leading to a Dark Age. It took a genius like Emperor Leo to make the Empire prosperous again.

    As for Ignis, He doesn''t really consider this assignment a pain in the ass. It is better than lazing around in the castle whole day. The reason behind his annoyance is his companion.

    "What are you waiting for? We are already here! .........ummm! Get it done already, I wanted to visit Al-Gharib before I return to the capital."

    The one to babble is the Ignis''s companion, Princess Alba the third riding next to him on her white stallion. Long, blond hairs, Skin whiter than snow itself with the face of Goddess.

    She was the perfect example of an idol Woman if only something can be done about her attitude.

    Ignis try to ignore her and return back to his scouting.

    150 Goblins, Three Human and seven unknown. The presence of seven unknownwas the real reason for his hesitance. He knew a single misstep could cause him the life of his followers including the princess so he wanted to confirm the situation before moving forward and try resolve situation as peacefully as possible.

    "Commander! Please announce terms of the empire to the dungeon."

    Ignis turned back and called upon one of his commanders.

    -Announce terms to the dungeon-

    "Are you sure?"

    Hearing a weird command, Commander question Ignis with Confusion completely evident on his face but Ignis simply nod compelling the commander to move forward to make his announcements.

    "Wait! We aren''t attacking. We venture all the way from Empire and we still aren''t going to attack them."

    The Princess immediately question Ignis action. This was supposed to be her maiden battle but Ignis pacifist attitude was preventing her from it.

    "It will a careless move. We need to access their strength."

    "What to access? You hear the guild. it is supposed to be a Goblin dungeon. We don''t have to access a couple of Goblin strength. It just a baseless rumor afterall."

    Ignoring Princess agitation, Ignis simply gallop his horse and move away from her. He knows that there is no use arguing with her. She might not know but Ignis was mostly worried about her safety. Her chainmail with a huge Empire emblem had already set her as the main target. If the Enemy was hiding someone stronger, she might end up as the first victim.

    But despite Ignis, Princess took his move offending and turned away pouting acting as if she begun to take out her frustration on the soldiers.

    The commander rushes to the Dungeon Entrance and starts announcing Empire terms.

    1) Release all hostage.

    2) Send leaders for negotiation unarmed.

    3) End all aggression.

    Announcing these terms, Commander immediately gallops back. These are the terms given by the Empire for the surrender. Offering them to a dungeon is consider an absurd act but if this dungeon is really ruled by a person he will either attack us or accept them.

    ---We will now play the waiting game.

    "Sir, Can I speak freely?"

    The returning Commander requested.

    "Yes!"

    "What do you think about the action of demon lord so far? Does he seems to be a powerful one like the one before?"

    " hmm...."

    Ignis doesn''t know the Answer to this question either. Princess is correct, there have only been baseless rumors regarding demon Lord. So, either he is a foolish man who stands out too much or a genius who has set up a trap for us.

    "Sir, Someone is coming!!"Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    Before Ignis could answer, a soldier came screaming holding what seems like binoculars.

    -That was quick-

    Someone was coming through the Dungeon Entrance alone. It wasn''t a monster like most expected but a person.

    "It is a human!!"

    Another soldier screamed as he observed the person approaching.

    Ignis quickly grabbed the binoculars and look through them. It is more like a boy, no a man in early twenties. Muddy face and messy hair. It seems he hadn''t washed it for days but it didn''t concern Ignis. His attention wasdirected behind Alba.

    In the trees surrounding them, there are 5 unknowns. He doesn''t know when did they appear but they were there when the man came out. All of their sight aimed at the Princess. One of the weak point of Ignis Squad.

    Ignis trying to ignore them, examine the man before him. Wearing a cloak behind which is a rugged shirt which had a huge hole in the center. Strangely in his clothing one thing caught Ignis attention. His trouser was something, Ignis had never seen in this world. In his original world, Ignis used to wear a lot of similar trouser but since coming here, he hadn''t seen even one of them.

    "A Summon one!"

    He immediately galloped his horse forward toward the man. He knew that he is taking a risk by leavingthe princess surrounded by the enemies but he has to take it If he had to end the war before it begins.

    "Where are you going?"

    Princess screamed from behind worrying over Ignis agitated face.

    "Wait for my further command!"

    Ignis screamed as he moves away from his party.

    ----

    "Hey!"

    The man greeted in a carefree manner while giving a cheerful smile.

    "Hey!"

    Ignis responded back while jumping off his horse.

    For a moment both men stand there smiling at each other as the world around them revolve at its own pace.

    Until finally the mysterious man decided to break the silence.

    "So you are from the Empire?"

    "Yeah! I am from the Empire. So you are the leader of this dungeon?"

    Ignis responded with the same tone.

    "Yeah! kinda they don''t leave me around no matter how much I try!"

    He said while kicking a peddle away.

    For Ignis, the attitude seems like of a boy who was just bored.

    "You aren''t from here! right?"

    "Huh!..... Yeah, I don''t think any Human live here...... I am .... let''s see..... From Republic."

    Ignis question immediately caught him off guard. Surprised, he immediately responds after a bit thought. An Act which clearly revealed that he was lying.

    "Sorry, let me clarify. You aren''t from this world. Right?"

    "Wait! you mean you are also not from this world."

    To his question, Ignis responded simply by a nod.

    "Really!!"

    The man immediately grabbed Ignis shoulder with his eyes sparkling with joy. It was pretty easy for Ignis to understand his happiness as Ignis had also been through it but it felt creepy so Ignis throw of his arm and took a few steps back.

    "Sorry, I am so excited. You are the second Summoned person, I met."

    "Wait, you have met another."

    It was Ignis first time even hearing about a Summoned person. Since his arrival, he had been hearing that summoning magic take too much energy so only one can be done once a century and he was the only one in this time but suddenly there are 3 of them.

    "Yeah, He is..... why?... hmmm.... shut up already"

    Mid-sentence, he started talking to himself. An act that causes Ignis to doubt his sanity.

    "Sorry, I can''t tell you about him just yet. You will meet him in due time."

    A comment that feels me more like a threat to Ignis than assurance. Ignis doesn''t know whether this person is really insane or just acting.

    "So, how did you find this world?"

    "Great! I was summoned by the Emperor so he decided o take care for my accommodation and other things. Along with that I also gain amazing power, a beautiful fiance and a large portion of Empire Army under my command. It is a wonderful life. What about you?"

    The man giggles at Ignis answer and starts telling his story.

    "Being stabbed, Betrayed, mark as a slave, Surviving death. Pretty much my story has been pretty grim till now but I am habitual to this life by......Huh.....Oh......other summoner helped me through it a couple of time.. My life back home was also a social nightmare so it was no big deal for me. How about your life before here?"

    "A living hell!!"

    It was a sensitive topic for Ignis. He immediately shows discontent on it and replied back in a rebuking voice much to the man horror.

    "HUH! .... sorry, ..... I think."

    Scratching his chin, he responded.

    "No, actually it was nice at the beginning. I was born into a rich family. Both Parents were loving and caring. I had friends and everything even a girl I like. It was a perfect life. Until one day-"

    Ignis stop to take a deep breath. Hesitance was clear on his face. He didn''t want to remember his past but he couldn''t ignore it either. It was what mold him into a man he was. So he continued.

    "It was when I was fifteen when all of it went downhill. Trying to save a girl, I was hit by a truck and paralyzed down neck..... At first, everyone promised to stay beside my side forever but ....that was a lie. First, the girl left me then my Friends. Then, my dad left my mom and married someone else to produce an heir and finally my mom... She decided I was only a deadweight pulling her back. She killed me in the darkness of night."

    "Oh, I am sorry. I didn''t know you suffered."

    It was the first time Ignis got a chance to talk about his feeling with someone. He felt somewhat relief but-

    "Huh!"

    When he looks at his face he saw a smirk. He knew at this point that the man before him was no normal. He was insane

    "Oh yeah! we can talk about it later. We came here to clear the dungeon so please hide with other two Humans while we clear the dungeon."

    "Oh!! Sure!"

    Despite the fact that the mention of other humans never came up in their conservation. He didn''t seem confused when Ignis suddenly mentioned them. Instead, he responded with a thumbs up.

    Assured, Ignis get back on his horse and ride back to his party.

    "Hey, What is your Name!?"

    The man screamed as Ignis ride away from him.

    "Robert!! Also, known as Ignis!! Hero of the Empire!"

    "I am Bayezeid, Also, Known as Iblis............. "

    As Ignis ride away from him, the man was hardly comprehensible.

    "The Demon Lord."

    Unable to hear his last words Ignis, ride back to his party.

    "What were you talking about?"

    "Nothing!!"

    It seems everyone is fine and five unknown are also gone. Feeling relieved, he asked his soldiers to prepare for an attack.

    It was a weird meeting. Ignis never understand whether he was talking to one person or two. As the other party personality continue to change during their conservation.

    Waiting for the right time, he once again scouts the dungeon.

    "Huh!"

    He couldn''t find any one inside.Not a single soul.

    "Huuuhhh!"

    The dungeon once occupied by 150 Goblins is now completely empty.

    "What?

    "Sir! SIRRR!"

    A soldier came rushing pushing through the soldiers'' formations. Panting. He stops to take a deep breath and continue.

    "Sir!!! All our muskets are gone."

    "What! What the hell were you guys doing?"

    Princess quickly moves in to rebuke him but Ignis doubt it was soldiers fault. He looked back at the dungeon. He could only smirk at his own mistake.

    "Calm down!! let''s go to Al-Gharib."

    Ignis turned around and said to the princess giving her a cheerful smile.

    "What! What about the attack?"

    Princess confused at the Ignis suddenly questioned him but Ignis simply replied.

    "Sometimes, Battle are decided before they even begin. We have lost this battle but we will win the war. Don''t worry."

    With this Ignis ordered a complete retreat and Princess simply followed.

    Iblis outsmarted him. 5 Unknown, his clothes, their conservation, and Iblis ignorance. All were a trap to distract Ignis.

    "Lucky Bastard!"

    It was the first meeting between the hero and the demon lord where Hero was completely defeated. Now, only problem remains is how Ignis is going to convey this information to the emperor but for now, itwas time to enjoy shopping with the Princess.

 Chapter 11 Republics Protector Kahraman

    Five years before Ignis Summoning, Battle for Republic

    Those who had fled with King Eshaq met with obstruction on the narrow trail arching over the waters of the Ceyhan River. Just as they thought they had left the echoes of sword and spear of Republic far behind and successfully escaped the battlefield, an incoming iron pierced through one rider''s face. The rider''s death cry as he tumbled from his horse preluded a way of sharp iron hailing down all at once with the terrible noise of a locust swarm taking flight. It was an ambush.

    At either side of the Kingdom men and horses alike toppled like brittle stone pillars. Both king and general were hit as well, the iron piercing through their armor and digging into their flesh.

    When the rain of iron ceased, not one single survivor remained in their vicinity. A lone rider spurred his horse over to face them. He bore not the arms of Republic not the kingdom. And yet it was something else entirely that seized the attention of the king and his general.

    A silver mask. It covered the entire face but for narrow slits at the eyes and the mouth. And through the eye slits leaked a cold gleam.

    In the light of day, both king and the general would have certainly guffawed at the sight. The silver mask seemed far too much like something out of a play, something impossible to imagine existing in reality.

    But here under the dim gray veil of fog, where the very landscape seemed submerged in the darkness of a Gharibi ink painting, the mask seemed to freeze within itself the accumulated misfortune and calamity of the entire world.

    "Abandoning your men, Eshaq? How shameless. And how very like you."

    Fluent Zeira speak sounded through the mouth slit. The voice possessed a quality that caused a man''s heart to grow chill.

    "Flee, my liege! Let these old bones hold here..."

    The general body pierced through with five spears of iron drew his sword from its scabbard and planted his horse between the king and the man of the silver mask.

    An intense light emanated from the eyes of the silver mask, burning with the radiance of fury and hatred combined.

    "Doddering old failure! Enough of your posturing!"

    The masked man unleashed a thundering cry. His longsword, glittering white, arced toward the general''s head in a single stroke. Even against an opponent both mortally wounded and advanced in age, his blade did not hold back, leaving not the slightest opening for the General, great Commander-in-chief of Kingdom, to counter. It was a breathtaking display of swordsmanship.

    Eshaq watched on with deadened eyes as his faithful old retainer''s body crumpled heavily to the ground. His sword arm did not move. Left with no further means of resistance, the king could only sit helplessly upon his saddle like a clay doll.

    "Do not kill him."

    The voice behind the silver mask trembled. Naturally, not from terror, but from a wave of barely suppressed passion.

    "Do not kill him. For sixteen years I have waited for this day. How could I grant him such easy release?"

    Five or six riders from the man''s troop pulled King Eghaz from his mount.

    "Who the hell are you?" Eghaz, wrapped and bound with thick thongs, whispered hoarsely.

    "It is very like you, not to remember the person whose life you ruined many years ago."

    Behind every word grated a noise like scraping metal. It was the sound of gnashing teeth ¡ª as if in that very action, the man of the silver mask could grind away the long endless days of bitter obscurity. He slowly removes his mask to reveal a face that the king recognizes. A face he has long forgotten about.

    "Will you not welcome your son, King Eghaz!!"

    He said with a grim look on his face as no response came from the King.

    When he noticed the disquieted expressions of his men upon seeing him in such a state, he of the silver mask wordlessly turned his horse away. Those encircling the captive King Eghaz did not rejoice in their victory, and continued down the narrow trail to the opposite shore in gloomy silence.

    Though Kahraman had fight hundreds of battles, It was the battle for Republic at Mert that still haunts him like a terrible nightmare.

    -------Despite his protest, Kahraman had been reappointed as the Bodyguard of minister and protector of Mert.

    That day, in the open space before the western gate of Mert directed towards the Empire, a grand book burning ceremony was held. A total of twelve million volumes had been designated to burn as "wicked heathen books"; the libraries had been entirely emptied. Standing before the texts piled mountain high and the crowd of spectators was the shouting Arch Priestess of the Republic. One particular knight with scholarly interests bravely ¡ª or perhaps rashly ¡ª raised a protest against the book burning.

    "Even if you say they''re heathen books, is it really a good idea to toss such precious texts into the fire without even examining them? Even if they are to be set aflame, shouldn''t it be after enough time has been spent determining their value?"

    "Blasphemer!"

    Arch Priestess stamped her feet upon the ground.

    "If what is recorded in these texts is in accordance with the holy scriptures of Goddess Meira, then the scriptures alone are sufficient for earthly mortals. Should they contradict the scriptures, then they are based on the trickery of evil demons and must be destroyed. No matter what, all should be thrown to the fire!"

    "But to toss even medical texts into the fire...."

    Receiving a severe strike to his mouth, the knight staggered back.

    "One who reveres Meira from the bottom of her heart shall not be possessed by the demons of disease. One who is diseased, carrying the seeds of evil within her heart, shall receive divine retribution! Even if she is the leader of a nation..."

    Directing a look full of poison at the minister sitting upon her distant throne, Arch priestess raised her voice anew.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    "Even if she is the leader of a nation, when she gives rise to such wicked designs as giving such power to the heathen king''s son, one so haughty shall surely be struck down by a divine staff formed from her own sickness. Repent and reform, oh sinful ones!"

    Kahraman paled, and his sturdy body quivered. Not out of fear, but out of extreme displeasure. The minister Reyham, sitting on her throne beside her, was secretly satisfied. To her, this was an excellent opportunity to show the people of Mert who supported the Heathen Kings for last 70, the strength of Republic.

    Arch Priestess raised his hand, and the mountain of texts was doused with oil before a torch was tossed in.

    Kahraman decided to leave before the ceremony was completed. Requested permission from the minister, he left his post to wander the city.

    The city, Mert, where Kahraman spent his childhood, once called the second capital of Keira felt under great depression when it was conquered by Republic three years ago. Since then only a shadow of its former glory remains. Filled with crimes and murders. This city has fallen to a depth it can''t rise from. Now, this city serves only one purpose and one purpose alone for the Republic. A base. A base for its Future invasion into last heathen stronghold of Empire.

    Even in times of chaos, there were some businesses that did not halt operations ¡ª brothels for instance, or gambling dens, or fences dealing in victory spoils and pillaged loot. And along with them, establishments offering a drink with conversation. Naturally, such places were filled with irresponsible rumors, and in fact, the number of reports flying around probably exceeded the number of gathered people.

    As he was about to enter a tavern. A man tottered out from there. A man no bigger than Kahraman itself, colliding into Kahraman''s shoulder in an attempt to step aside him. He was no doubt kicked out of the tavern.

    The man glanced at Kahraman face from beneath his hood that hardly hides his muddy face. The man immediately apologized and turned away.

    The peasant like this were a common sighting in this area of the republic or maybe a beggar that just wanted some food. Best Kahraman can do was ignore and be on his way.

    "OYE!!"

    Suddenly a voice echoed to the empty streets of Mert supposedly calling out Kahraman. Kahraman couldn''t ignore and turn back to find the person who was calling out to him in such an informal tone.

    "Can you offer a bunch of warm clothes to a merchant like me?"

    The man from before now standing upright with his face completely revealed stare back at the glaring Kahraman. A merchant acting all mighty before a General.

    Kahraman can only laugh at his vigor.

    "ohuh! So you desire some warm clothes. May I have the honor of knowing why a merchant like you desire warm clothes?"

    "Actually, we were on our way to Al-Gharib when suddenly we were asked to go to the Shallow Kingdom because of an Empire expedition team so we are in a severe need for warm clothes to withstand southern cold."

    Empire expedition in the region between Al-Gharib and Shallow Kingdoms. It was news to Kahraman as it now seems like Republic wasn''t the only one preparing for a war. Empire had also mobilized. A piece of news that had made the rudeness of the man completely ignorable.

    "Hmm, Empire in Lost Forest. That news to me."

    Kahraman couldn''t sense any lie from him but something strange caught his interest.

    His Guch wasn''t in his stomach rather in his right chest. An abnormality that hadn''t been seen before.

    "So, how many clothes do you need?"

    The man immediately glittered with joy. It was to be expected. It had been difficult to find clothes in these chaotic times.

    "Only three, For the women. We man can withstand cold. I am mostly concern about women. You know how Goddess Meira asked us to protect them so I wanted to make sure that they don''t feel uneasiness during the tour."

    These words showed that man as a devout follower of Meira and Kahraman couldn''t ignore one.

    ---But this case was special, his tone doesn''t have devotion rather there was a cunning edge to his words. They could had confused anyone but not Kahraman. Surrounded by enemies in Republic court, he had learned to be wary of such actions.

    "Sorry! I don''t deal in clothes so I don''t have any clothes for women but I appreciate your devotion."

    "Umm! Can''t you even lend us some of your old clothes? It will be a great help."

    "No! I again apologize but as East isn''t a cool place, we don''t have much warm cloth for you. Maybe you should check in the morning. Some shops may be open then."

    "Tsk!"

    With a click of the tongue emphasizing his disappointment, he turned around and start walking away. Kahraman stood there and look at his back which was slowly moving away from him. This was an ordinary meeting but for some reason, Kahraman couldn''t just ignore this feeling of unease in his heart. He wasn''t sure whether he should run after him or just ignore him.

    At last Kahraman decided to ignore him and head into the tavern.

    "Welcome!"

    ---- "Where''s that damned Kahraman!" roared Minister Reyham, her face contorting with fury. She has always brimmed with confidence. It had always been the same but the incidents of the night had forced her to lose hers.

    Beside her, one of her knelt assistance rose her head. She had been in charge of all the information and witnesses record regarding the incidents.

    "The lord protector hadn''t been seen for quite some time. We have been searching for him but-"

    "When you find him bring him to me or else don''t bother to show yourself."

    "....At your will!"

    Cringing at the minister''s fury, the advisor immediately makes her escape. As Reyham watched the advisorleave, she let out a low, frustrated groan. The night hadn''t been peaceful at all for her. Once the book burning ceremony was over, a group of rebels decided to take revenge and bunch of robbery were committed throughout the city mainly targetting military storehouse. Military ration and uniform were among the things that were stolen.

    Ever since her appointment as the minister, She had pushed her warmonger attitude and promoted the assemblage of ton load weapons and import of more advanced weapons from the land to the East of the Zeira.

    All other things stolen were considered a low priority and wouldn''t cause much panic for her but unfortunately, a load of weapons was stolen along with some experimental weapons.

    "That bastard Kahraman. Has he betrayed us? I heard some guards say that No one was spotted entering or leaving warehouses. Only Kahraman is capable of that."

    The Arch priestess who had been busy with her prayer till now added. Kahraman absence after Book burning ceremony has already created doubt in Minister mind.

    "We all know he betrayed his father in the name of the republic but he still has his blood. Maybe, he has decided to betray us after all. Once a traitor is always a traitor."

    "Maam!" The assistant from before opened the door and bowed down."Kahraman has returned and he brings good news."

    "Let him in!"

    "Tsk!"

    Arch priestess realizing that her assumption was wrong turned back and return to her prayers while Kahraman entered the room followed behind him soldier carrying bags full of weapons.

    "Forgive me! I didn''t get the chance to report as I was busy preparing them. May minister find in his heart to forgive me!"

    "Hmm!" Minister rose up from her throne-like chair and walked to one of the soldiers. She took out one of the swords and start inspecting it.

    "Fascinating! These are an exact copy of the one that got stolen! Kahraman, How many are there?"

    "One Million or near it, Minister!"

    "And you created all this with your creation magic! Kahraman, You truly amaze me."

    The creation magic, the magic that allows you to create anything if you have required knowledge, is the gift bestowed by Goddess on the people that live East to the lost Forest. It had always been a strength that Easterners were so proud of but this strength came with a huge prize. It had been difficult to produce even a single weapon without sacrificing a large amount of Guch, the energy required for magic.

    Many people could use it only once or twice before turning to stone but it was different for Kahraman as he had been using it for everyday things since childhood without depleting his Guch.

    "But what about the weapons from the east? Did you create them as well?"

    Minister asked while looking down into the bag with a somewhat impressed look. She hadn''t even created a single thing in her life and the fact that Kahraman had created millions of weapon truly fascinated her.

    "I couldn''t create them but I try to compensate for it by making extra magical weapons, may minister found in her heart to forgive me!"

    "Don''t worry, We can always import more......Kahraman for this....., you can take leave for the rest of day. Rest and recover your Guch. We will talk tomorrow!"

    "Thanks, Minister."

    As Kahraman said this, he looked towards the arch-priestess who was throwing stingy glances at him all this time and give her slight smile before turning back to leave the room as soldier followed him with their bags.

    Kahraman may have solved the problem of weapon shortage for upcoming war but the thieves still remain at large and Kahraman couldn''t rest until thieves were punished. So he decided to spent his day off chasing off behind thieves that were no longer there

 Chapter 12 The Shallow Kingdom

    Due to interference from the Empire, we were forced to leave the stinky dungeon and found refugee somewhere else. So it was decided that we head to the Shallow Kingdom to find some land to settle for my precious monsters and two humans.

    With a month-long journey along the continental highway and small stops at some Republic cities for the replenishment of supplies, we were able to reach the icy landscape of the Militaristic nation, Shallow Kingdom

    It was known as the heaven of Refugees.

    2,000 years had passed since the first generation of Freeing Slave from East under King Gulan Deiga built this country in the snowy mountains of the south. Also called Gulan range on the name of its settler.

    To this day, the country had been protecting, as well as developing, its own history, culture, and technologies.

    The current King Gamil Deiga was part of the tenth Generation of founding Family of King Gulan and have a similar aura to him.

    King Gulan was renowned as a great hero and celebrated as a wise king for his impartial rule.

    The land was governed by one such a Human

    As a free city-state, it was the center of trade between all nations. That want to avoid high taxes of Al-Gharib.

    Therefore, the town kept a policy of absolute neutrality.

    Within this city, the wise king would not tolerate violence.

    Even the Empire in the west avoided open aggression with this nation.

    It was the only nation in this entire forsaken world that could offer me someplace to establish a safe settlement and would welcome monsters.

    But for that, I need a permit or else we will end up as a practice target for the Kingdoms Military.

    "I offer my sincerest apologies~~~~!!!"

    I was deeply bowing my head (in my heart at least!).

    For some reason, me and my other two companions were being detained in the guard station of the Kingdoms gatekeepers.

    After causing an uproar at the city gate, it was somewhat obvious that I wouldn''t be declared innocent. This is what I get for trying to be nice.

    I tried to save some Dwarf-like creatures from thugs at City gate and they thought I was harassing them. The Kingdom guardsmen came rushing over and instantly surrounded all of us that were involved.

    Although...my opponents of 5 were perfectly knocked out by my demon companions, so I

    felt like it was just us being trapped in that circle.

    That was it! I should have brought Mineka and....Use its power to Run away.

    As without it, I attempted escape...

    Grab!

    My body was abruptly seized, and then a feeling of being suspended came over me.

    I was so easily captured...

    The tall soldier who caught me was smiling with a face that said, ''Where do you think you''re going?''

    But I could tell by the bulging vein in his forehead, that he wasn''t happy in

    the least.

    I tried pleading but it was no use. They only smiled and said....

    "Uh huh. Is that right! All the same, I''ll listen to your story at the guard

    station! You''d better not think about running away!"

    I had to surrender peacefully or else my companion would have turned this into something horrible.

    With that in mind, I sneaked a quick look up at soldier guarding us. As ever, he was still wearing that wonderful smile. His beard was a fine match with his good-natured and hearty looks.

    It''s such a pity though~, if only those veins on his forehead would calm down...

    I looked back at two of my dangerous companion. I wanted to take Namra with me but due to still healing Rimel. Namra decided to stay behind in the camp, a day distance away from the city. Demons weren''t allowing me to go alone and if I took them. The Goblins would have followed behind so I decided to leave Mineka behind in their guard and went to the city with the two female Demon.

    They claim that they don''t have any name so I decided to give them some name. I decided to call the tall one Lamli and the one that can draw any man attention towards herself with her body, Malena. Aside from Physical body, all demons facial feature look same to me, the same face and same hairstyle so it was pretty difficult for me to differentiate them but now I am pretty much habitual to it.

    "Why was I brought along with you?:"

    "Lord, it was due to your involvement that we were forced to take action."

    "Uhhuh, For that I am sorry. I thought we can quickly gain some allies if I helped them but I was proven wrong. Sorry!"Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    "Well, it couldn''t be helped this time, but make sure to be more careful in the future, alright?"

    "wait! Isn''t it, your turn to accept your mistakes and apologize. And you are my follower, at least show me some respect."

    "The previous Demon lord ordered me to talk with no respect toward him so his orders also applied to you."

    From my encounters with demon and stories regarding previous Demon Lord, It seems he was really a pervert. A masochist. Order like this has made me demons leader only in name, they don''t show me any respect, unlike Goblins who at least show some respect.

    "What else did he ordered you to do with him?"

    "He ordered me to step on him whenever he did something bad."

    My body shivered at these words. The previous Demon Lord was truly a Masochist. I immediately Moved away from Lambla and turned to Malena who was glaring staring intently at the guard.

    "Malena, Lamla is scaring me again. Let me hug you."

    "Lord! The guard is irritating me. Should I kill him?"

    She replied back to me with a deadly serious expression. I choose them because they were girls but both of them are truly crazy. I decided to not answer the question and instead turn to the Guard and wait for other guards to return from the investigation.

    -It didn''t take long before investigating officers return and let me out of the cell while my two benevolent companions were requested to stay in the cell for the everyone safety.

    Using the information they gained from the witnesses, It seems guard has reached the conclusion that we are innocent.

    I felt that their attitudes towards me had become softer to a certain extent.

    "Now. About that the ladies. What are they?"

    Asking the question was the soldier who seems to be in charge of the investigation.

    What did he mean by what are they?

    The name of their species?

    "Let''s see, the name of their species is dark elves. I think..."

    I am Lying, of course! In this world, they should be called Demons. One of the most terrifying species which has always been following demon lord and are a threat to this world existence as a whole.

    I couldn''t just tell them that they are demons so Dark elves should be best.

    "I don''t know any such species but I don''t need to know the name of its species, or anything like

    that. Why are you bringing them in this place? To begin with,

    where did they come from and why are they glaring at us? Speak about everything you

    know about them!"

    They seem mostly interested about the demon than me. It should be expected but even I don''t know much about them. Their leader whom I fought and named Jacob never told me anything about their origin or place they were hiding for the last 200 year since the last demon lord. So, I only know their name and that they serve me or follow me around.

    "From Far east....."

    "Far east!"

    "Yeah, I brought them from far east. They are really powerful species so I decided to let them accompany me on my visit here.

    The Far East is a land beyond republic which could only be reached by crossing a hazardous mountain range, which is called ''Dead range'' or something like that in the tongue of Keira and so not many people had gone there. I also heard from Namra that strange creature live there so it is a lie no one can contradict.

    "UHuh! So what is your business here? You know slavery is illegal here."

    Wait! what?

    They are thinking that I am using them as a slave.

    "What? No, they wanted to see new places so I allowed them to accompany me. I am here to visit a friend."

    "Uhuh! What is the name of your friend?"

    Wait, how should I answer it. I came here for a permit and to find a good blacksmith to help me build a settlement. I had no idea how I am going to gain an audience from the King. I thought I would be able to improvise on my tour through the city.

    I AM FREAKING OUT!

    I have no friend in this world nor in my original one. Why did I said that i have one!!

    "He is not famous. You may not know about him. Also,...... He lives in southern part so i....."

    "Don''t worry we get every one record on this."

    He bluntly replied while taking out a card.

    What is that? A computer or something.

    "Wait! Why are you interrogating me? I am not the one who...."

    "Just answer the questions?"

    "Uhhhhh! His name is....."

    "Gibi! Stop harassing the kid!"

    The kind looking soldier finally stepped in.

    "pfft...Gibi.."

    Gibi!!

    Again a weird name. People in this world has a really weird name.

    "HUHHHH!What so funny......Ouch!.... Sir, why did you hit me?"

    "What did the witness said?"

    "Sir, ..."

    "Stop being an annoyance and answer the question."

    "Sir, it seems they were telling the truth. It was Duke Gabe''s goon doing again."

    "Shit! This makes it a seventh incident this week. We should do something about it. He can''t go on harassing people like this."

    "Sir, we can''t hurt him. He is under king protection."

    "Yes! but we can hunt down his goons."

    "Sir, actually we can''t. All of the goons hideouts fall under King protection."

    "Then,  we will draw them out and then hunt them."

    "Sir, Are you ok with going against the king?"

    "We all know that King is only ignoring his action because of the previous king promises."

    Why do I feel like that I shouldn''t be here for this?

    It appeared to be a serious situation...and they''ve completely forgotten I

    am here.

    I thought to myself, ''Why are you talking about such serious matter before me!''....

    I could offer Lamlia and Malena help with this matter but it will make my situation even worse. SO!

    "SO we are allowed to go!"

    "Huh! Why are you still here? Leave already."

    He again replied with his wonderful smile.

    "Because you still have my allies."

    "Oh! Gibi open the cell. Let them go!"

    "Pffft ...."

    Once again I tried to suppress my laughter as a nerve popped on Gibi temple.

    With a flip of a finger, cell door opened and my companions were allowed to leave.

    It felt strange that they stayed quiet during the entire exchange but I soon find out the reason behind it .....

    ".....Iblis why weren''t you responding? I have been calling for you."

    The cell was soundproof.

    Malena immediately rushed and cling to me as I felt something huge touching my chest.

    Lambli on other hands simply walk up to the door and opened it.

    "We are getting late. We should leave."

    "ohhh!"

    I said as I dragged Malena still clinging to me behind me.

    "Oi! Leave your weapons behind. They are illegal in the city."

    The kind guard called out to me as I approached the door.

    "You already took my weapons. I don''t have anything else on me."

    "Yes! We did but what about those creatures. They are still hiding magical weapons."

    I turned to look at Lambli who is completely avoiding my eyes.

    "Lambli, give them your weapons."

    "Sorry, but I can''t do that. I can''t live without my weapon."

    "Lambli, just hand it over or else we won''t be able to leave this place."

    "But...But..."

    "Malena, You too!"

    "Yeeeeessss~~~~"

    Malena still clinging to me materializes her bow and hand it over to the Guards.

    That was easy. I thought that she would show some hesitation like Lambli

    "Lambli!"

    "Tsk!! Idiot Malena."

    Lambli muttered to her before hesitantly materializes her lances and handing it over to the guard.

    She immediately rushed out with a face that was about to cry.

    I followed her and at the door turned back to give a bow to the guards and .....

    "Can you direct me to a blacksmith?"

    I decided to ask for some directions

    "Hmmm! You may find Demure brothers at market. But...."

    "Thank you!"

    Hearing the name of the blacksmith, I rushed behind Lambli who had left us behind.

    "Dealing with Demure brothers. We might see him again."

 Chapter 13 Royal Blacksmith

    "Hey! Anyone there?"

    While calling out to someone inside, Lambla entered the supposed shop.

    Due to witness evidence, we were able to continue our search for the architecture or blacksmith to found a new settlement. The problem is the only blacksmith working in this city are the Demura brothers. We were easily able to find the shop but...

    No one seems to be inside. From the outside, it looked like the kind of small shop run by a stubborn person. It is located in a corner and has a suspicious look to it. Even people around us were giving us creepy look.  After knocking at the door for hours, we decided to barge in.

    "HELLO!!!"

    "Anyone there~~"

    Saying our greetings, Me and Malena followed Lambli inside the shop.

    The moment we entered we saw many eyes focused at us.

    "Ah!"

    All three dwarflike creature had exclaimed at the same time

    Those three I saved earlier in the morning had all raised their voices in surprise and were looking over here. They were looking much better now. Although for some reason they were making depressed faces...

    And then surely, as expected, there was a grim looking person whose face didn''t show one-bit sign of surprise. He was the owner of this shop. He was only human-looking among the bunch.

    "What are you doing here? Didn''t you read the sign, the shop is closed."

    "Master!"

    Lambli who was leading us until now slowly walked behind me and give me a slight push.

    I don''t know what causes the change in the behavior but since leaving the station she has been quite obedient. I really like the new Lambli.

    "Uh-huh! Sorry...."

    "What are you looking at? Do you know him or something?"

    Before I can answer, the shop owner turned to other three people who were staring at me.

    "Demure! It''s the human!!! The one that saved us!!!"

    "Yeah, that''s right!"

    "The women beat down the Duke goons. He is their leader."

    "Ohh...! So that''s the man you were talking about! I''ve heard you were the one who saved these guys. You have my gratitude!"

    "Not at all! I don''t feel as if I''ve done that much, or perhaps I might have? Hahahahaha~~!!!"

    For one such as I, who easily gets carried away and goes too far, words of praise is taboo...because I wouldn''t be able to calm down for the next long while.

    "So, why have you come here today?"

    After slightly regaining his composure, the owner asked a question. It seems he has totally forgotten about us barging in here earlier.

    All of us had moved further inside of the shop to talk. And then, I began briefly explaining my situation.

    But I must say, those three apprentices are really weird. They look completely like a dwarf, all with huge beards and short height but they are considered Humans.

    "I understand what you want now. But I''m sorry. I don''t think I can be of any help.... The thing is, we''ve already received a request from the kingdom...."

    He told us that it was a secret, and explained what was happening worldwide while withholding the important information.  It seems Kingdom is also preparing for a confrontation between two superpowers of this world i.e. Empire of the west and Republic of the east.

    It appeared that kingdom was feeling pressured by the fear of war coming to their door because of ''A certain fool somewhere!'', and that was why craft orders for weapons and armors were being issued to the blacksmiths. He didn''t told me much about that certain fool but it seems like a shrewd fellow who is trying to monopolize the upcoming war.

    "And so, about the request I received. Although I did manage to make 200 steel spears overnight...but on the other hand, regarding the main order of 20 swords, not even a single one has been made yet. I don''t have the materials, you see..."

    Despite hanging his head low, Demure still grumbled.

    "If it can''t be done, isn''t it fine to cancel the order~~?"

    It was a reasonable question, asked by Malena.

    "You idiot! Even I told them from the beginning that it was unreasonable!

    ...but then that shitty Duke Gabe butted in and said... "Famed throughout our kingdom for your skills, can not a man of your caliber, Demure, complete a small task of this degree?...is the kind of drivel he prattled on to me!!! Not to mention, this was said in front of the king! Would you forgive him? That shitty bastard!!!"

    He was furious the whole time he talked. It seems Malena didn''t understand any of it as she carelessly ate the snack we were offered.

    As we continued to converse, I learned that in the past, the Demure brother rejected a request from Duke to build a house that he wanted. Bearing a grudge against him, the Duke had

    repeatedly harassed him to the point that he decided to leave the country. Demure also wanted to leave the kingdom but he got himself some apprentice to guide so it became a little difficult.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    However you looked at it, it was definitely an unjustified resentment towards Demure brothers.

    Then I thought to myself, ''Wasn''t it likely that the Duke bought up all the materials to obstruct Demure''s work?.

    "If you couldn''t make the swords due to the lack of materials, does that mean that spears require different materials?"

    And to my question Demure replied,

    "Yeah. The swords require a special material called "Guch''s ore". The

    spears only needed to be made out of steel."

    He had replied in a very tired manner

    Without the materials, even a master blacksmith was just an ordinary person. It must be so frustrating for him.

    But when you think about it, wasn''t it possible that the Duke was

    waiting for Demure to come to him begging for help?

    "To top it off...it takes a whole day to complete one sword. Even by using

    the assembly -line system for efficient production, it would still take 2

    weeks to make 20 of them...."

    I was about to ask about the time limit but then decided not to. The despair on his face told me everything I needed to know.

    But he told me anyway.

    "The deadline is by this weekend.... On the first day of next week, I have to deliver it all to the King. This job is something that is assigned to each and every craftsman, commissioned by the country...if you can''t complete it, it is possible to have your qualifications as a craftsman revoked..."

    In other words, only 5 or so days left to complete the order. Or rather, since any progress couldn''t be made today, then only 4 days until the deadline?

    I got the feeling like the talk was getting serious. I had nothing to do with this, so why was I here?

    Just wait a moment, I can''t seem to understand what''s going on~?

    I didn''t know if they were misunderstanding something or not, but

    everyone was looking towards me. Being stared at by men doesn''t make me happy! Since coming here, only Namra or Rimel stare at me like that. I become so accustomed to them that it feels weird to had men stare at me.

    Their eyes seemed to be telling me, ''Hey you! Can''t you do something about this?''.

    These people...what did they think a man like me was capable of?  I was even a disappointment to my parents.

    I turned to look at Malena who is intensively feeding on my portion of snack.

    -Creation Magic!!!!!

    Jacob did tell me that Malena can use something like creation magic. Can she use it to create these swords?

    I gestured Lambli standing next to me to lend me her ear.

    "Yes! Lord!"

    "Eh! can we use Malena''s Creation magic to help them."

    "Yes! we can but I advise against it. We shouldn''t help these scums."

    "Yeah, I will keep that in mind."

    It is a difficult decision but I guess I''ve got no choice.

    "How about we help you with the sword and in return you help us with our settlement."

    "What are you saying? Aren''t you an amateur in this? What can you do to help?"

    "Sir, I know a way but before that, I need a promise that you will help me gather enough workers for my settlement."

    "  ... It''s okay to trust in you, right? In the case that you can''t make the order, I would be handing you over to guards for false play. Well, it wouldn''t make much difference for me but my time is really precious and I can''t afford to waste it.

    But, if you manage to keep your promise...I swear to keep my side of the promise as well! I''ll prepare for you the best workers there is!!!"

    We''ve made our promises! And a promise made was something to be kept!

    "So, do you have a prototype of the sword?"

    ".....Kingdom did present us with one to copy from."

    "Can you show it to me?"

    Demure ordered one of his apprentice named Midd to go get a sword from the storeroom.

    As expected, a magnificent sword was bought from the storeroom and handed over to me.

    Unlike plain Mineka, It is longsword with rubies attached to his golden handle. I can feel anything from it but according to Demure it has intense power in it.

    Now it was my turn.

    "Alright! From here on I''ll be working in secret. I''m sorry, I want everyone to leave the room. "

    Saying that I made sure that everyone would leave the room including Lambli.

    "Not you!"

    For some reason, Malena was also leaving with them.

    After all, I couldn''t afford to let anyone know my manufacturing method as I also don''t know the method.

    " So Malena, Do you know what to do?"

    "NO!!!~~~"

    Malena replied back while licking her finger. She is still as dumb as ever.

    "Iblis, I think you want me to kill those humans.... Can I kill them?"

    Again with killing! I don''t understand how can she ask these question with such a cute face. I think she suffers from bipolar personality or something.

    "No!! Malena Listen!! I want you to create 20 copies of the sword here."

    I said while pointing at the sword in my hand.

    ......

    ....

    She began intensively glaring at the sword in my hand. After her last question, I was too afraid to cause any more confusion between us.

    She slowly touched the sword with her gentle hand and started closely inspecting it.

    "Ok~~Just wait a second"

    She took the sword from me and turned away. She started casting some kind of magic on the sword.

    "Malena it seems, you really know what you are doing. I always thought of you as some idiots but you are really reliable. With this, we can create a ton of .......Wait, what the hell are you doing?.... Why are you eating it...... Ouch! Ouch! Malena stop biting me... Malena stop!! STOP!!!"

    With a lot of force, I snatched away the half-eaten sword from Malena.

    I looked towards Malena who was still chewing upon sword fragments as if she was some kind of monster. Now I think about it, Demons here are classified as a monster. So technically she is a monster.

    "What the hell were you doing?"

    "Iblis! I need to eat it to sample the sword and create a copy. You ordered me to do this and now you are stopping me. Pupu"

    Pupu? Who is she trying to fool? I already know that demons are bloodthirsty monsters. Why is she acting all cute!

    "Wait! Can I trust you with it? You know if you fail, we will be as good as dead."

    I decided to threaten her with a bluff. It was nothing as serious as death but i didn''t wanted to go back to jail.

    "Iblis~  Trust me a bit, I can do it"

    She said while puffing out her chest.

    I looked at the half-eaten sword. It was already useless. I can''t show that to blacksmith so my only option is to give Malena a chance.

    "Ok!! but make 21 copies."

    "Yes sir!"

    She replied while taking back sword from me.

    She swallowed it.

    Chew, chew, gulp!

    And then moving her body as if she was mixing something.

    FINISHED!!!?

    In a second she materializes an exact copy of sword in her hand.

    "Amazing!!!"

    After producing, 20 more copies we were done. It is a really convenient way, We don''t even require any raw material for swords. We were done in some time over 3 minutes. I would ask her to make some more for Goblins, once we returned home.

    Loudly opening the door, I stepped outside.

    Demure and the three Dwarves were looking over in worry as they hurriedly rose to stand up.

    Lambli also followed though she was staying some distance away from them.

    At this moment, I realize that demons really hate human. It may explain hatred when I first met Jacob. Though they treat Namra and Rimel with respect under my orders.

    Malena immediately fell asleep after completing the task so she was resting on the couch with the swords.

    "Hey, what''s wrong? Did something happen?"

    "Was the materials perhaps not enough?"

    "... Or was it that it was impossible after all?"

    Everyone was questioning with the same concern in their faces.

    "Uh, mm. No, actually...you see."

    All those eyes full of worry was hard to stand. I couldn''t help but put on airs.

    I wanted to tease them but I might feel bad later on so,

    "Just kidding~! Actually, I''ve already finished it all!"

    "....... Haa???"

    They raised their shocked voices in perfect harmony.

    Well, of course, they''d be surprised...!

 Chapter 14 Trouble with Duke

    "Cheers~~~!"

    In honor of successfully completing the order, we were drinking in a bar. We were celebrating under the pretext of having made sure the goods were safely delivered.

    Well, I did tell them that it wasn''t a necessary thing to do...But they said...

    "Now now, there''ll be plenty of pretty ladies there!"

    "Yeah yeah!!! Young pretties and mature ladies! It''s just the right place for

    gentlemen to visit!"

    "Hey now! If Master Iblis doesn''t go, the party won''t begin?"]

    I didn''t want to, but there was no choice! These guys were really a handful!!!

    Man~, my sincere image of a refined man will go to waste~! This was really troubling!!!

    I was told the name of the establishment was, Naughty Succubus.

    Would there really be Succubus? I wouldn''t forgive them if there are Dwarves there.

    ...No no, it''s not like I''m interested in that, okay?

    And while thinking these thoughts, we entered the shop.

    "Oh my~! Welcome, ~!!!"

    "Welcome to our shop~~~!!!"

    Extremely beautiful women were standing all lined up!!!

    Ohhhhhh!!! Those long ears!!!

    Demons! No I mean, those are elves~!!!

    On my body a sensation of Puyon Puyon!

    On my back, it was Boyon Boyon!!!

    Was this paradise?

    "....... Eh, uhm...although you seemed discontent at first, it looks like you''re having a great time of it?"

    Gasp!

    Oh no, for the great me to be like this...

    "Eh?...no, not that much?"

    I guess that was a bit too forced...

    Not a single one of them believed in me.

    However, I couldn''t help it. What could I do!

    I mean, right now an elf is sitting on my lap and one is hugging me from

    behind...

    My heart is so deeply moved!!!

    Ahh...if only my classmate were here, they would be so jealous...

    We were passing away the time and enjoying ourselves when someone interrupted us,

    "My my, isn''t this Demure? That''s no good at all, to bring a vulgar barbarian into such a refined establishment as this!"

    A provoking voice had called over to where we were.

    Who was that? Who was this old man?

    All of a sudden, our surroundings had quietened down.

    As if they disliked that old man, the serving girls all had a hint of dislike on their faces. But it was hard to notice unless you carefully observed them.

    Unusual for people here, that person was really slender and rather tall.

    "Hey, madam! Do you permit the entering of barbarians into this shop?"

    "N-, no, even though he''s an Easterner, He didn''t seem that dangerous..."

    "Huuh? It''s still an Easterner! Am I wrong? Do you mean to say that we can trust them? Why don''t allow all of them to enter our country and make us slaves again? Who knows maybe he is a spy of Republic."

    Do I really look that suspicious? I know I am wearing rag-like clothes but still.

    And what about me being an easterner. I visited a bunch of republic cities and none of the people there look anything like me.

    "No...it''s not like that, I never meant..."

    Owner of the club had replied non-committally in an evasive manner, trying to avoid those angry words, but the old man paid no further attention to her.

    It was plain to see that the old man''s objective was us.

    "This isn''t good...that''s the Duke...."

    So that was the rumored Duke Gabe?

    I see...how should I put it, his face had a high strung and obstinate look about it.

    At that moment,

    "Hmph! For a barbarian, this would suit you well!!!"

    Saying such nonsense, he splashed my face with water.

    That really got on my nerves, but I firmly put up with it.

    Since my opponent was the Duke of a nation, I couldn''t let my quick temper get the better of me and make trouble for others. I can''t even face him right now. I didn''t have Mineka with me and Malena and Lambli had left for the camp to prepare it.

    Also To be banned from this shop or something like that, I didn''t want to experience such a sad thing!

    But just when I had resolved to endure it all,

    "Oi.... Just because we were nice and quiet, you get full of yourself!"

    Demure kicked the table flying with a ''Bang!'', and stood up.

    "Hey, Gabe! Bastard, acting so rudely to my guest, are you ready for what''s coming to you?"

    ...Eh? Hang on, Demure...the other party is the Duke, is that okay?

    Duke had become stiff from astonishment, and I was also jumping up and down in a panic!

    "Yo-, you bastard! To dare to use such words towards myself...!!!"

    Duke couldn''t even properly speak due to his anger and surprise.

    "Isn''t it about time you became silent!!!"

    Bellowing in a fury, Demure sent an unhesitating fist flying towards Dukes''s face....

    "Iblis, you were searching for skilled craftsmen right!? Would I be lacking?"A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    You would be far from lacking but...I should say, will this be alright? But well, after hitting the Duke, there would be no place for him in the country now.

    However.

    In a man''s life, there would be times, when words were unneeded.

    "I''ll take you up on those words! I look forward to working with you,

    Demure!"

    I didn''t care about the minor details.

    If Demure wanted to come with me, I was just fine with that!

    Pretty words can go to hell! I''ll be satisfied with living the way I want! Demure and I, passionately nodded to one another.

    And so, our promise was fulfilled!!!

    But still...from here on, how should we escape the country?

    As expected, when in society, if you didn''t act with prudence, a mountain load of problems would come about...

    Now... then.

    Of course, hitting a Duke is very bad.

    Of course...

    "Sir... what have you done? It is just your first day and you already have been involved in two different incidents"

    So said Gibi, having brought in the soldiers.

    He was the same guard who was responsible for my investigation in the morning. It is really a coincidence that we have again met with a new incident.

    "And I will repeat the same thing I said in the morning. It isn''t my fault, He was the one calling me an Easterner and bullying Demure."

    I replied while pointing at Duke who was being nursed by four soldiers.

    Gabe, on the other hand, was so shocked and surprised that he couldn''t even stand. Blood was dripping from his nose, he glared stupidly at me.

    Not even in his wildest dreams had he imagined being punched. Thus, he was so surprised, that he probably didn''t even feel the pain.

    "Oi oi.... It isn''t going to be as easy as the morning.  Making an enemy of the Duke is very bad..."

    Gibi muttered with a foreboding sigh.

    "Anyways... I''ll have to restrain the people present."

    He said and gave his subordinates an order.

    But, only audible to us, he added,

    "We won''t harm you, so please come peacefully!"

    He mumbled.

    Of course, I had no intention of causing further trouble. So, I followed behind them quietly as I handed over some money to Bar owner for causing trouble.

    So the five of us were brought into the royal palace.

    But I may have exaggerated a bit¨Cwe weren''t restraint with much force. Felt more like we were coming voluntarily. Well, were coerced into doing so...

    As a result, we spent two days in prison.

    "My short temper got you in this mess... forgive me!"

    Demure came over to apologize.

    However, no one gathered here particularly minded in the first place.

    "Demure sir, we''re fine! Don''t sweat it!"

    "Exactly. Don''t worry about it, pops!"

    "Hmm! We will be alright!"

    All three seemed to be of the same opinion.

    "That aside, once we''re freed, we intend to come along with Demure!"

    "Iblis, would our presence be a bother?"

    "Alright! I guess I''ll say it again: you''ll be in my care! However, I plan to work you hard, so be prepared!"

    "Yeah!"x 3

    And, well, that''s the kind of discussion we had.

    During our stay in the prison, I learned more about Demure Brother past and their rivalry with the Duke.

    Demure and his brother were apparently high ranking military officers and Royal blacksmiths. When Demure brother was serving as captain in Kingdom military. Duke Gabe approached him with an offer to betray the king in the favor of king''s sister.

    "Duke wanted to make princess as a puppet queen and marry her. We brothers were always thought never to betray the kingdom so he followed his instinct and decided to tell the King about Duke plan..........

    Unfortunately, before he can report the betrayer....... A bunch of his subordinate were already bought and were presented as a witness against my brother for corruption. Military records were forged and false shreds of evidence were planted to frame him. The punishment for Corruption is death in the kingdom but the generous king strip us of our ranks and we were forced to leave the military.  "

    In short, Gabe is a stereotypical villain. And in some sense, he''s easy to understand.

    "I always waited for the chance to return back to the military but Gabe always stood in my way like an obstacle."

    It seems mood has become grimed from his story

    "It should be fine, probably. Although retired, my position as a captain did earn me the rank of Baronet.

    Had it been a case of a commoner hitting a noble, I probably wouldn''t be able to avoid the death penalty!"

    Having said that, he laughed loudly.

    I couldn''t laugh at all, though...

    It seems the earlier story about not makinaDuke an house was a lie after all. The reason behind grudge was bigger than that. I couldn''t escape from here easily.

    Worst case scenario, Demons came here searching for me and I got to escape. Until then, I will just act like a regular merchant.

    ~And, the day of the trial came.

    We were led before the king.

    The Hero King.

    Though in front of him, you couldn''t feel that overpowering aura.

    The current king¨CGamil Diega.

    He sits deeply on the throne.

    Looking like a typical Warrior, he had a sturdy build. His armor concealed his excessive energy.

    Though he could easily be distinguished by his darker skin, and jet black hair swept back.

    He''s strong!

    Been a while since my instincts last cried out in alarm.

    To both of his sides, the Knights stand at attention. Though I feel that those two are strong as well, they seem dull in comparison to the king.

    As that guy is just a monster.

    I had planned to run away if needed, but with this...His mere presence forced my distracted mind to focus. He has a similar presence to that of Jacob. I would love to see both of them fight it off in 1v1 match.

    There was one man kneeling before the king as if confirming something. Having received the king''s permission, he stood, and,

    "The trial shall now begin! Silence your voices!!!¡¹

    He informed us of its beginning.

    Taking up an hour, both sides'' stories were presented. The parties in question¨Courselves¨Cwere not permitted to speak. The only ones who could freely speak are nobles rank "Count" and above.

    The rest must wait for the king''s explicit permission.

    If I had to speak, what would I say?

    Speak out of turn, and your guilt shall be confirmed. Moreover, we''ll also include a free "Insult the King" special!

    Even if the charges against you were false, the rules stay the same.  No choice but to leave everything to your representative. That representative, these past two days, has shown his face many times. If I had to say, he''s kind of like our lawyer.

    I wonder if he''s any good?

    Those kinds of worries tend to prove true too often...

    "Thus, in this way, the drunk and relaxed Sire Gabe, while making his way into another shop, was assaulted!

    Such action must not be pardoned easily!!!"

    "Is that the truth?"

    "Ay! I, more than listening to Demure, have investigated with the shop owners!All my previous statements are, in fact, completely true!!!"

    ... Huh? Umm... what did he say?

    Someone we thought to be our ally had unexpectedly betrayed us?

    Isn''t this... bad?

    When I look at Demure''s face, it first turned bright red but slowly paled. Well, that''s to be expected.

    I mean, he can''t even complain.

    Oh and by the way... the representative is not allowed to lie.

    If his lies get revealed, he gets the death penalty. So without some extreme circumstances, to lie is unthinkable...

    Thus the system that forbids those of lower birth (in this case, the accused) to speak in front of the king, is being abused in the worst of ways. It was against the very foundation of Shallow kingdom welcoming policy.

    "Your Majesty! Have you heard enough? Please bestow a harsh punishment on them!"

    High with excitement, Gabe proposes thus to the king.

    Moreover, while looking at us, he shows a triumphant smile.

    That bastard... I really should have killed him... Only if I had Mineka or Demons with me.

    The king, with his eyes closed, refuses to move a muscle.

    Seeing this, those close by announcing his decision.

    "Silence!!! We shall now announce the verdict!

    The assailant, Demure! You are sentenced to 20 years of forced labor in the mines. The rest, accomplices! You are sentenced to 10 years of forced labor in the mines. That, concludes this..."

    .....

    What 10 years!!!

    For a crime, I didn''t commit. 10 years of hard labor. I can''t accept it. I Won''t. If I don''t return by Tomorrow. Demons will come for me and they will wreak havoc in the city.

    I still have a lot to do. I have to return to them. I have to help N....

    "Wait!!!"

    My deep, heavy voice resounded through the hall.

    The king opened his eyes and looked at Demure.

    "It''s been a while, Demure! Are you in good health"

    "...Yes! More importantly, I am happy to see his Majesty in good health!"

    Thus Answered Demure. King completely ignored me.

    "Those with you are the real question! Do you have an intention of returning to service?"

    The hall immediately filled with noise.

    Gabe''s face turned blue.

    The representative who betrayed us turned deathly pale.

    "I fear, your Majesty, I already have a master!

    That pledge has become my treasure. This treasure, even if it be his Majesty''s order, I shall never part with!!!"

    Angry words resounded in return.

    The Royal Guard directed their killing intent at Demure.

    Even then, Demure faced the king without a hint of fear, but rather with a grand price.

    Seeing this, the king closed his eyes again.

    "Is, that so... So that person with you is your new master."

    Having so muttered,

    He ordered his attendant to call silence again.

    And,

    "I''ll declare the verdict. Steel your hearts!!!

    Demure, I deport you from the kingdom. You shall not be permitted to remain here even a single night longer. While Punishment for other remains the same.

    That is all. Now, begone from my sight..."

    What? I turned to look at the Demure who is as surprised as me.

    What is the king thinking? I didn''t hurt the Duke. Why the hell is he punishing me? Demure should be punished.

    I have to do something.

    I look at my trembling hands.

    King may not what is waiting for him if he punished me.

    According to the legends, Demons could kill 500 elite soldiers...... with ease. I was a first hand witness of their strength.

    They will come searching for me and without me controlling them. They will attack others. People of this city will suffer because of me. The soldiers at the guard station, the girls at Naughty Succubus and all other uninvolved citizens could be dead because of me.

    I am the demon lord, Afterall.....

    I have to prevent it!!! No matter what!!!

    "Your Majesty!!!...., I request the right of Sacred Audience."

    The room darkened with my words.

 Chapter 15 Sacred Audience

    "{The challenger had to introduce himself.}"

    A voice echoed through the darkness.

    As soon as the request to the king left my lips, We were transferred into a dark room. I stand confused staring at my surrounding while the mighty king of Shallow kingdom stood before me alone.

    "Ah! Wh....."

    "{INTRODUCTION!!!!}"

    UHhhhh!!

    The voice once again echoed through the room this time nearly damaging my eardrums. The King doesn''t seem bothered by it. He only smirks at my desperate situation.

    This voice is similar to the one I heard when I first came into this world. It was the same but different. It echoed through the room rather than coming from inside me.

    "My name is Iblis!"

    "{LIEE!!!}"

    UUHHHHH!

    The voice louder than before caused me to fall to my knees. I covered my ears with both hands but it was no use. Itis an unbearable echo.

    "My Name is Bayezeid!.......Uhh"

    Still covering my ear, I stood prepare for another echo but...

    No Response, NO order. It seemed it had quietened down. It seems itis a kind of a lie detector.

    Now I had to deal with King.

    What does that idiot think he is?

    "... Ho, Hoho! To call me an idiot, aren''t you a brave one!!!.... It has been years since I last had a Sacred audience so Ithink I am going let it go just this once but carefully chose your words."

    Wait! What!

    Did I say that out loud?

    No,It can''t be. My mouth didn''t move. It was something else. Something related to the voice from before. Magic. science or a miracle

    Still trying to get my head around my situation, I glare at the person before who simply responded back with a cheery smile.

    He may think that cheery smile can ease the mood but itis creepy. Smile like this is totally contrary to the image he has as astrong, ruthless warrior.

    "{What so creepy about it? You know strong, Ruthless warrior have feelings too.}"

    Uhh! It is the voice from before. Don''t tell me.....

    This is bad. Not only can he hear my every thought but can also use that piercing voice to deafen poor old me. I have to empty my mind. I shouldn''t think about anything indecent.

    I shouldn''t...

    I shouldn''...

    "Ok !!! I will not read your mind. You are no fun...... Just get this over with so I can go back. Let''s see, Let''s see."

    After announcing that he sat down on a still materializing chair and begin reading abook.

    "Oh so, I have to..... and then we........ hmmm......... answer the.......oh, I see."

    He leaned back at his chair and continue reading through the book as if he was cramming for a test.

    -Is that some kind of guide to the audience!? Can he be any more disappointing? Or is this a joke? If so it isn''t even a little bit funny.

    "Excu..."

    "Be quiet! I needcomplete focus forthis part."

    "Ok! Take your ....time. I....will be right o....ver here if you need anything."

    I said in a dim voice making surenot to disturb the mighty person before me. His rebuttal from before brought back some really unsavory memories from my life back home.

    -Shit! why do I feel so depressed?-

    I divert my attention towards my surrounding in my attempt to busy while the king understands the audience himself.

    Now I get a chance to look around, this is not a room. It is just vast emptiness. I took one last glance at the king confirming that his still busy with the book, I decided to walk away from him toexplore vast emptiness.

    I walk

    ..... I walk

    ........I walk

    "It is really boring!!"

    I continue walking away from the king. I am sure how much time has passed but it almost felt like I was walking for hours. There were no walls to stop me. No furniture to obstruct me. And no other living being beside us. It was just complete darkness and lonely silence.

    I turned around to find that King was nowhere to be seen. Judging from the size of the book, he should have read it by now so it''s best that I should return.....

    ''{As the witness of the sacred Audience, I have to announce rules of the challenge first. Soooo

    First, You should be keptimmobilize until the challenge is over..}"

    Followed by a voice that seems to be coming from right beside me, A pair of the chain came from nowhere and tied me by my hand and neckand before I can do anything, I found myself being dragged to the king and being tiedto an erect object behind me.

    "Uhhh!"

    With a thrust, I am completely immobilize

    King still sitting on his cozy chair smirked at my helplessness.

    ".. Second, you will only get 3 chance to answer the riddle. If you fail, you will be executed by the observer on the spot..... by the method of his choice and if you succeed. You will be given the treasure of God.

    And third, if you are caught trying to read Observer mind, You will be subjected to hellfire."

    With this, He clapped both his hand and a book appeared between us.

    ".....Well Then, Let the audience commence."

    ~Sacred Audience or meeting with God.

    It is one of the oldest tradition of Shallow Kingdom. I heard about it from both Demure and Namra.

    No one has obtained the prize of this meeting even though it only takes to say I challenge you to the king to invoke the rite.

    The reason may be that nobody has survived it. After all, Demure told me that anyone who invokes the sacred audience dies in the end. So, my chances of succeeding are hardly 1%. But if I survive, all charges against me will drop. That the law. Holder of Treasure of god can''t be punishedYou could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    "Fufufu. Fuhaha. Fuahahahahaha!"

    And suddenly, laughter.

    A burst of perfect, three-step laughter. Simply breathtaking.

    What is so funny about this situation?

    " Interesting. I never thought the leader of Invaders would walk right up to me. hm...hm. You are really a brave man. "

    What?

    "Why the shocked look? Aren''t you the leader of the Goblin army that set up a camp in our territory some time ago?"

    Did he get all this information from reading my mind or.....

    "How do you know that?"

    "I know about everything that occurs in my Kingdom. How you wanted an audience with me or how you sent off your bodyguards back or how you wanted the right to establish a settlement. How you desperately need my military help"

    "How..."

    "I, Also know you intended to get your hands on Sacred treasure from the very beginning. That''s why I freed Demure and punished you so that you would request a sacred audience."

    What?

    No way!! It''s impossible. How could.....

    Iglare at the King, looking back at me with a triumphant smile, Is he trying to impress me or something

    "If you knew that from the beginning then why are we waiting for? Then what is your answer?

    "No, Of course! It is your problem and you should be dealing with it."

    "I see!! You knowif I fail what is going to happen to this world? To your Kingdom? To this city, you are so proud of?!"

    "I will think about it when that will happen."

    "Hmmm! Then what are you waiting for? Let begin this rite!!

    His already creepy smirk widens into a smile as he points at the book lying between us.

    "This is the prizefor passing the rite ''The book that will break the cycle''. No one knows about its power but it is a fact that it holds some. "

    What!? a book? The treasure of God is this thin book? I don''t understand. People have been giving up their lives for this book and what with the weird description ''The book that will break the cycle''. Why don''t they tell us about this before a person demands an audience?

    I thought I might be some weapon of mass destruction or something but it is just a useless book.

    But I can''t complain now. My life is already on the line. I am one of the idiots who took the risk for this book.

    "It is a book gifted to us by the great Creation Dragon Ero. This entire nation is established to protect this simple book until a faithful one will take it away from us."

    Wait! A Great dragon! I never heard about. I thought that this world only has two Gods.

    Goddess Meira of East!

    God Aero of West!

    Shallow kingdom state diety is supposed to be Aero like the west than why is he mentioning this dragon as if he is some kind of God.

    Maybe I am thinking too much into it. But he did call it the Creation dragon.

    "May you be that faithful one and find the answer to this riddle."

    He ended his speech with a flick as the book is set on fire.

    Wait! why the hell is he burning the book?

    .......

    ...

    Oh ! it seems like it was only for show. The book is still good and well as flames are blown away by a gust of wind.

    "What is the spell that connects people and helps them share thoughts with others."

    Huh! That''s all! That the riddle.

    I expected something confusing and mysterious but it is rather a simple one.This is not a riddle. It is just a simple question. It should be included in a general knowledge test for the wizards. Not as a test for the life-threatening Rite.

    But it is a problem, I have to answer to survive.

    I don''t know anything about magic. This world seems to have Number of spells but I never bothered to learn even a single one.

    Namra usually used a healing spell. What was it again?

    ''May goddess something something heal the person something something''

    I can''t even remember a simple one like this. I am really not suited for this world.

    "Take your time! You have all the time in the world."

    tsk!

    Why the hell is the chain tightening? Is there a time limit? That idiot just lied to me. If I speak now it will count as a guess. If not I can''t take the chance to confirm it. Idiot king! Why didn''t he told me about the time limit?!!!

    I have to think fast. Spells usually have simple names like creation magic or healing magic so a spell that connects people should also have a simple name. LIKE!

    "Mind-link spell"

    "{WRong!!!}"

    Shiitt!!

    Again with that loud voice. My arms aren''t even free to cover my ears. Why can''t he just use his mouth?

    "One gone. Two Left. I really love your pathetic expressions."

    "Mens Copulare."

    "{Wrong}"

    AhhhH!

    "I don''t know what that means but only one chance left."

    I sprout some random Gibberish in the hope that I got it right. Why is the king acting like a game show host?

    GRRR.

    I have already lost it. I came unprepared and now I am dead. There is nothing, I can do but guess.

    AAAAhhhh!

    The chain is tightening again. At moments like this, I really miss my life back home, my computer, gaming station and carefree life. I hope that if I die here, I woke up on my bed back home. I still wish that this world is just a bad dream. I can''t stop myself from wishing that one day I will wake up back at my home and get a chance to eat something good for once.

    I never wished for life like this I really hope this nightmare end. With that hope in my mind, I decided to make the...

    Last guess....

    I can hardly breathe now... As the chain around my neck tightens, I begin to lose sensation in the body below it. This is bad. I coughed and vomit bloodthe blood rising in my nearly obstructed neck. It is thesign of my wanning life. Before my eyes, I can still barely see the famous merciful king smiling at my unfortunate situation.

    -You got to be..... kidding me...... I am going to die like this.

    -I can''t.... I have to return back..,... I have....

    I seized last bit of fading consciousness, desperately pulling it back to buy some more time,

    Without a thought, I screamed the first word that came into my mind. Aword that my brain somehow linked to the riddle

    "Face-"

    -boook!

    .....

    ...

    ..

    "{Correct.....}"

    "What!!???"

    Both of us responded in unison as the chains around me disappeared.

    --- A total of five days were spent on my quest in Shallow kingdom.

    But, it''s still within my estimate.

    Although we met many problems along the way, the main purpose of the journey was achieved!

    On that note, I didn''t see an Adventurer''s Guild in that city; shame, I wanted to take a look at it.

    Also, the incidents in the Shallow Kingdom has sadly prevented me from further research on this world history and my purpose... well, it can''t be helped.

    But, I was satisfied with my new comrades! And, I obtained the sacred artifact.

    Though I could hardly obtain 4 new companions and was exiled from the Shallow kingdom, this trip didn''t end in complete success.

    HUH!Facebook.

    I haven''t heard this word since I came here.

    It seems like more people besides Ignis, Mineka and I were summoned into this world during the different timeframes. But, Question still remains why the hell was I summoned into this world and what is my purpose here? Ignis was summoned by Empire but Mineka and I have no such backing to lean on.

    Sacred artifact or shallow book as I like to call it has proved useless so far. It has a lock on it which need a password. Unfortunately, King didn''t have knowledge of any such password. So, Shallow book is just a deadweight for me.

    When we return to the camp, I introduced Demure group to the rest. It didn''t go as smooth as I thought. Goblins and Demons were preparing to attack the kingdom and Rimel was trying to persuade them against it. There were also Mineka and some new addition of local Giants who were just tamed by Jacob and his group.

    This entire scene really terrified the newcomer and surprised how monsters follow my order.

    "That''s amazing!! How are you able to control them?"

    "It must be...... some kind ...... magic. Right!!"

    One of them can''t even speak right. That''s how surprised they were.

    "We have to leave before nightfall so prepare the tents."

    Hearing my word, Jacob stood upright as if at attention

    "Acknowledge my lord!"

    Jacob consented and return back to his fellow demons.

    The King''s knowledge about our movement really scared me. If I had a choice, I would love to stay in the Shallow kingdom but regrettably, the king had exiled me and my army and issued an order for us to be attacked if we haven''t left his territory by tomorrow so we were again forced into the lost forest.

    It''s still morning, so, we got plenty of time to leave this frozen landscape and escape into the lost forest before night.

    (So how was the trip?)

    I pick up the small Mineka from the couch. Spending days without it had made me realize that it is really difficult to deal with people here without proper sword training.

    "Great! I got a chance to enjoy the company of some elven woman and I got what I wanted. So, the trip was somewhat a success."

    (Iblis! I still think you should have allied with Ignis.)

    "Shut it!! He is enjoying life here. He would never help us escape this hell."

    (But still... Is he really worse than goblin?)

    "No! but he could help us no matter what? Anywaydid you send Namra on some scouting quest? I didn''t seem her here. We have to leave soon."

    (Namra left! A group of Al-Gharabian came and took Namra with them. Rimel didn''t told you about that.)

    "No! she mentioned no such thing to me."

    (You should ask her. Namra talked to her before leaving.)

    -No, I can''t be. Did they came all the way here for her?

    Throwing Mineka back on the couch, I rushed to find Rimel. After running through the busy camp, I located Rimel near one of the tent packing her stuff. I ran towards her and grab her by both her shoulders.

    "Rimel!! Why did Namra leave?!"

    I shouted out at surprised at Namra sudden departure toRimel who was packing her bag.

    "Uh! What....!!!...... Namra!!! she said someone named Announcer needs her so she decided to go with them."

    What? Announcer! Didn''t he died in the warehouse fire?Why had he chased us all the way to the Shallow Kingdom for Namra?

    Maybe, it is for the best. I can''t always babysit her but...

    "Where are we heading to? Iblis"

    Jacob, not a bit bothered about my reaction on Namra sudden departure shout out to me.

    That''s a hard question!

    We can''t stay in the lost forest forever. We need a definite home and a place where we can stay until I can find more answer.

    We can''t go to Empire after fooling them.

    We can''t go to Republic after stealing from them.

    We can''t go to Al-Gharib after killing a top official.

    We can''t stay in the shallow kingdom after being exiled.

    Other nations are too far for us to reach.

    So, the only option left is...

    "We don''t have a place to go so we will build a new nation to call home."

    "Huh?!!"

    Rimel seems confused by my random statement. But..

    "So Al-Gharib?"

    Jacob inquired with a face that clearly says ''finally!''.

    I simply nod to his remark.

    I believe its time to free the people of Al-Gharib from the succubus and find Namra.

    Afterall, It is the weakest nation.

    Demon lord Army

    Humans: 5

    Demons: 7

    Goblins: 230

    Giants: 25

 Chapter 16 Declaration of War

    Though it was middle of the night, a portion of empire capital was lit by torches as if it was broad daylight. In a room, a group of women and men were gather all equipped with Empire battle gear.

    They were all warriors within the capital who had hastily arrived on the royal summon. Some of them were magicians, skillful technicians, and swordmen. All of them talented in their sphere but it was still strange for them to be present in the royal palace.

    The great door to the chamber suddenly opened, and what appeared was a group of men- along with a woman- causing a stir.

    Every one of them was well known throughout the kingdom.

    At their head was the hero of the empire, Ignis the lightning.

    Close behind him was the snow white princess Alba, along with the leader of the adventurer guild. Then there was the famous adventurer Achileus and at the back was one of the strongest and intellectual man in the Empire- Prince Basilius. The firstborn son of Emperor Leo.

    As the group stood before the gathered warrior, the youth in white cloak unrolled a scroll in his hand and pasted it on the wall behind him.

    It was the detailed map of Capital Adrianople.

    The first to speak was the man in his 20s, Prince Basilius whose eyes were filled with vitality.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, Thanks for arriving at such short notice."

    After the room has quietened down, he continues.

    "Normally, we wouldn''t bother you neither the Adventurer guild with such a crisis."

    Every eye in the room turned to the adventurer Achileus but he remained silent. As eyes can''t speak as mouth can.

    "However, today is a different situation. We have decided to call upon your help to deal with the situation as quickly as possible..."

    The prince advance towards the central table flanked with Alba and Achileus.

    "I am Basilius Octavian and I am looking forward to working with you."

    He bowed to them.

    Princess Alba hesitantly followed her brother gesture, as she bowed demurely to them.

    "Normally I would render well deserve praise upon all of you for your deed in the past, but as time is of the essence, let us get straight to the point. Tonight, a portion of the capital..."

    here prince raised a finger to the map- eastern districts of the capital - and drew a circle around it.

    "...Has been occupied by the followers of Goddess Meira. The emissary of the Republic has also taken refuge there. They have produced a huge barrier around the area occupied. I am certain, you have all seen them."

    Most of the present people nodded while others looked out through the palace window to look outside. Wall of palace make it difficult to see the eastern district but disturbance in the city was apparent.

    "The barrier doesn''t prevent entry nor does it harm us in any way. Though it is found to be soundproof and we couldn''t found its source. But I will assure you that that barrier won''t affect our Guch in any way."

    At this magician, present breathed a sigh of relief.

    "The mastermind behind this incident is one of the generals of Republic known to us as Hiranur the man-hunter, an extremely powerful and dangerous woman. Our spies had already confirmed that there are a bunch of Meira''s Extremist on the other side of the barrier along with her. They all are equipped with really powerful weapons."

    Achileus nodded to Basilius as he said that.

    "Strike the head of the snake and body will die....a basic tactic. Does that mean all we have to do is to kill the general and others will follow?"

    Basilius turned to acknowledge the speaker, an old man holding a staff in his hand.

    "That might be true but difficult. We have already sent a group of assassins after him... They all were killed by her. Her main objective is to cripple us from within so we aren''t allowed to make a mistake. We are already at war with Republic."

    This news sparked a disturbance among the people present. They had finally realized that the area occupied included warehouse and storehouse along with factories that create weapons for the Empire. If they are destroyed, Empire may not stand to face the ultimate war machine of the Republic.

    "How do you know that Republic is behind it? It may be a lone wolf attack by the Extremist."

    "We received a letter signed by the minister herself, officially declaring war at us."

    "It may be forged."

    "Certainly it is not out of question. It may be a rouse by extremist for us to go to war with Republic but we can''t ignore the current threat. The enemy hadn''t made any movement since they set up the barrier. Most importantly, if the letter is true then our inaction could lead to the worst-case scenario of the entire Republic army teleporting to the capital."

    "How powerful is this general than?"

    Achileus stepped forward with a stern expression.

    "Too powerful for carelessness. She is famous for destroying half the army of Mert in the battle of Republic. We don''t have the convenience of underestimating her. Even I fear her raw strength."

    "She is powerful enough to invoke fear even in the best."

    "How could such a monster reach capital?"

    "Republic is hiding such people."

    Chaos erupted with Achileus statement. Achileus is considered the pinnacle of human strength a living legend. It was unthinkable that he could be afraid of a monster let alone a human.

    "Do not be afraid!"

    Alba shouted as she disperses the fear with her soft voice.

    "Certainly,Hiranur is strong. I don''t know much about her but if Brother and Achileus are being so worried about her than there is a chance that we would be defeated even as a group. But there is no need to worry. In the end, she is a human just like us and we have certain someone on our side who is capable of defeating armies himself."

    Amidst the commotion, some of the brighter warriors looked to a certain someone.

    "I believe you all know him already. The great summoned hero, the one who was blessed by god Aero himself."Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    The Alba pointed her finger at the carefree figure behind her, and the entire room went with her.

    "The Empire''s Hero Ignis!!"

    The one encased in Golden armor wearing an open helmet that is somehow seemed stuck on his head. Not any different from others at first look. He suddenly becomes the center of everyone attention. The exclamation of awe and wonder filled the room as they realize the celebrity in their midst.

    "Ignis! please come to the front."

    In contrast to Alba excitement, Ignis simply raised his hand in reply and murmured something in his mouth and walk to the front.

    "Ignis! why don''t you introduce yourself?"

    Disregarding Alba comment, he whispered few words into her ears.

    "It seems like Ignis doesn''t want to introduce himself. That''s a shame. Alba, may I continue briefing?"

    "Uh! sorry, brother, please continue."

    Her tone clearly shows disappointment.

    "As my sister said, we aren''t fighting a losing battle. We have Achileus and Ignis at our side so rest assured we aren''t picking a fight we can''t win. Then shall I explain the detail of the operation."

    Basilus draw a line at the map.

    "Our plan is simple. Instead of dividing our strength over to multiple fronts. We will concentrate it on a single front. According to sources, we can reach Hiranur quickest through here. Ignis will lead the charge, followed behind with me, Achileus Rimel and all swordsmen and finally, Alba will stay behind with magicians and provide us with support."

    He pointed at the support line of magic casters.

    "So who will accompany me?" came a doubtful voice. "Adventurers or Soldiers."

    "No, we need them with us to search for survivors. You will go alone. Afterall you are the Empire''s Hero!"

    "What?"

    "Ladies and Gentlemen! We are the bow of Empire. Ready to set loose and pierce the enemies. Our arrow will be Ignis. So let the operation begin!!!"

    "Huhh!!"

    ~Magic caster of the group cast a spell of protection on the gathered warriors.

    With preparation complete, Ignis stepped into the barrier.

    A silent world spread before him. The street was same as any other street of the capital if you ignored the fact that they were completely devoid of human life and many of residence was destroyed.

    "What happened to the residence? I can''t sense anyone around here. I should hurry up to Hiranur before this destruction spread."

    According to the detailed plan. The soldiers were meant to enter the barrier 5 minutes after Ignis. It was their job to search for survivors and deal with small fries. Ignis objective was only the Hiranur.

    Ignis ran through the dark and narrow alley. Nobody else was there. Thanks to his power of sense, he was able to choose the safest and fastest route.

    He intended to avoid any extremist looking for a fight while he searches for their general.

    Looking up, his line of sight followed buildings above him -in that instant, he felt an impact that stopped him in his track.

    On the edge of the roof of a nearby warehouse was- judging by body and appearance- a girl with dark brown hairs. She wears an outfit made completely out of silk. Her necklace, Earing and her accessory made her look like a noble daughter. A complete lady

    He was sure of it. Under the false mask of a beautiful lady was the monster- Hiranur.

    It seems he hadn''t noticed him yet. Ignis doesn''t waste any time waiting for a response and lept up the building where she was standing in a single motion. He immediately scales the two stories building. On the roof, Hiranur remained where he had first seen her.

    Ignis heart pounding mightly.

    He wasn''t terrified or scared. The reason behind his beating such was the seductress body before him. He couldn''t believe that such a beauty could be responsible for such devastation but the proof was before him.

    She watches over the forest of bodies before her. The bodies of men of all ages even the children brutally impaled were arranged in a way that it says, Meira. It explained the lack of life on the streets.

    "Is something the matter?"

    Ice-cold woman''s voice called out to Ignis.

    "I came here because I saw a strange woman on the rooftop. What are you doing in Adrianople."

    "Can''t you see purging heretics..... Are you the only one who has gotten this far in? "

    It seems she didn''t recognize Ignis. A chosen hero should be famous by now.

    "Are you looking for someone else?"

    " NO! why would I need to search for anyone?"

    "I am confused. Why a beautiful lady like you be responsible for such devastation?"

    "You came here to stop me not chat. Right?"

    "Sure!"

    Ignis draw out the sword he borrowed from adventure guild and slowed his breathing. The technique he was using was the only sword technique he knew. so it seems best to start with such an attack.

    The Hiranur gently shook her head.

    "I thought you were someone powerful but you proved to be a weakling. How annoying..."

    Hiranur stalked forward. Taking one step at a time, Hiranur raised her left, approaching at an unnaturally slow pace.

    Once again, his reach Ignis cleared his mind and used the skill (slash). One of the basic skill of an adventurer.

    "Hmph"

    Hiranur snorted as her left-hand moves faster than Ignis slash. A sound metal clashing rang through the night air. What happened that Ignis slash was easily deflected.

    Slash was repelled leaving her completely unharmed.

    Hiranur shrugged her shoulder looking at Ignis. It was not directed at Ignis but rather at herself for allowing such weak warrior stand before her.

    But that moment, her eyes widened.

    "Eh?"

    Before her eyes, long nails of her left hand were all cut down into a neat shape.

    "Whew! Ladies should take of their nails or it will catch germs."

    "Were you aiming for that?"

    "Now we are done with that. Let''s get to the real battle."

    Does he have few screws loose? He had been sprouting rubbish since they met. All in all, it made her feel uneasy, so she had better kill him quickly.

    With that in mind, she stepped forward.

    The sword in his hand slashed once again. This time followed by a mighty wind.

    It was amazing for a human.

    As the gust of wind slashed through her silk clothes throwing her off the roof on to the plaza below.

    "Eh!"

    Ignis turned with the swing of his sword but he lost his balance as the surface was uneven.

    From the behind, the song of drum and battle cry rang.

    "It seems operation has truly begun. It''s about time I end this and return back.......Doesn''t the stars look beautiful today?"

    "YouUU!! Engage him!"

    Both talked from their lied down position

    From house adjoining plaza, few women appeared wearing masks that hide their face and hair...

    "Four of them! So you aren''t going to fight me alone."

    Then a fire blazed up from Ignis hand and he rose up from the ground.

    "Here i come...... MOnsters.."

    Ignis roared and slashed down on to Hiranur. Hiranur now equip with her sword blocked the attack but the area around them is blown away as a crater is formed below her.

    "Ah!"

    A fierce battle begins as Ignis pressure on Hiranur slowly forcing her away.

    "What are you looking at? Att....AHHH!"

    Ignis immediately kick her into a nearby house and turned to the four women.

    "Just so you know, If you surrender. I won''t harm you in any way."

    Ignis shouted out to them in a carefree tone.

    "FOR......Meira."

    Hesitantly the announced and rush towards Ignis with their magical weapons. Each one of their weapons represented different elements.

    Wind, fire, water, ice.

    "Pfft! Then here I come."

    "HAH!"

    One of the women with hardened gloved lunged forward towards Ignis. She began swinging her fist at Ignis trying to hit him but every attack fail.

    It wasn''t her fault. She moved faster than Ignis can dodge but protection magic from before protected him. Ignis making use of a slight opening slashed at woman throwing her at the other 3 waiting knocking them down.

    The mask of the women with the gloves cracked open from the slash revealing her pale skin and blonde hairs.

    "A Westerner!! Wait!! Why a citizen of empire following Republic?"

    "These women have seen the true light of the Meira and joined us just like Kahraman. You may be powerful but you aren''t powerful enough to defeat him. You should also join us."

    Hiranur replied from the inside of the house she has crashed into.

    Wait, wasn''t the name of the person, I met in the lost forest, was also Kahraman. I can''t remember it but it seems it was something like that. So the demon lord is allying with Republic. He really is the smart bastard. That what Ignis thought as he approached Hiranur.

    "Wait!! Who are you?? What happened to Ignis?"

    Hiranur eyes were wide open as he looked at the figure before him. A pure white figure slowly approached him. Taking one step at a time as the ground below him shatter. She watches in horror as that man move towards her with a widened smile. She had never felt fear like this before but the thing before him is definitely worth fearing.

    "So, Republic already know about Ignis. This war is going to be fun!!!"

    Hiranur closed eyes and started praying to the Goddess. She was prepared to die as she knew only a non-existent miracle could save her from the being before her. She, again and again, requested Goddess for help.

    "Please Goddess!! May you be merciful and help me in......."

    But, no help came.

    -Hours later,

    Troops led by Achileus reached the district central plaza, only to find a huge crater in place of what used to be a market. All the houses around it completely destroyed while in the center of it lied a man with 4 unconscious women.

    It was Ignis.

    "Ignis, What happened here? Where is Hiranur?"

    Achileus shouted out to the person below.

    "Finally You came!! Can I go back now? I am super tired."

    He replied back with his usual tone ignorant of the huge crater around him.

    "What happened here?"

    "I found her. We fought. She is dead now."

    Ignis fly over to Achileus and started walking away.

    "SO That''s the power of Legendary Hero."

    "It''s true then, he killed the monks who summoned him with his destructive power. He is not something a human can compare to."

    Soldier whispered to each other as Ignis walked through them.

    "Tell Prince, that I did what he asked me for so don''t bother me with war."

    "Sure !! Ignis! But Emperor is asking for you."

    "EMPEROR HAS RETURNED??!!"