CH 24

It’s Shuten here, on site!

Today, I’ve come to the Plains of Vitality! This is a place where the forested wilderness and the grassland combine their efforts. There are places where you can feel the breath of the land, and there are places where you can feel the cry of the land that has already died. To the south there is the lake, Niuelet[1]. Rather than Eden, I’ve to come have a picnic next to Niuelet.

That’s a lie. I’m hungry. What’s wrong with this masochist? Why do I have to face this Monocle Baldy for two days straight in battle? I want to eat a sandwich.

At first I was eager to kill Desiree, but somehow the pearl pieces I have been tracing are now approaching us. Maybe the “festival” had begun while I was fighting Desiree?

I was thinking about these sort of things while in my death battle with Desiree. This guy is really too strong. If I’m not careful I’ll die. Just die already. Hurry up.

“Aren’t you hungry after fighting for two days?” (Shuten)

“Haah!?” (Desiree)

“You’ve even raised your skill level, haven’t you? But so long as I don’t mess up I won’t die” (Shuten)

“Just mess up and die already!” (Desiree)

His [Ancient Refining Forge Blade Sharpening] has the power to disperse the magical elements that touch the dark blue aura emanating around the blade while it is active. As my Demon Slayer is also a magical tool, the magical effect keeps getting weaker and weaker, and it’s really annoying. By the way, if that aura hits me, I would take extraordinary damage. Since demons are made up of magical power, it would be very bad if my vitals were hit.

“…So that shard isn’t just a power boost on the spot.” (Desiree)

“Huh, Is that so?” (Shuten)

“A demon like you wouldn’t understand…!” (Desiree)

What is he stressing about this time?

Avoiding the blade of his naginata, I pause, then strike a killing blow from above. With a flash his naginata defends and our blades crash into the ground. Next, I yank the Demon Slayer from the ground with my foot, and then kick it outwards. After the axe was blocked by the naginata’s blade and diverted, I broadly swung the Demon Slayer back at him again.

I was doing this day and night, so I had become more confident in wielding the Demon Slayer in battle.

“…Just how many pieces have you collected.” (Desiree)

“Hm?” (Shuten)

“The speed of your skill improvement is strange.” (Desiree)

“Oh~, so that’s also a bonus from the pearl pieces?” (Shuten)

“To not even wonder, I can’t rest while you are still alive…!! I’ll kill you!” (Desiree)

“Ha, you will be the one to die!” (Shuten)

This guy is unreasonable.

While he continued to make a commotion… Though I was still able to wield the Demon Slayer with one of my arms, I felt the reaction of a pearl piece being sensed nearby. Apparently it is near Eden. Since it is moving it seems someone has taken it in. Maybe I’ll just go grab it.

“Tch…this @$#% Oni, I thought demons couldn’t move as easily in the half-sanctuary zone.” (Desiree)

“Ah-, I was wondering why I felt like I was moving slower than usual.” (Shuten)

“That’s ridiculous…!” (Desiree)

Hiragi went somewhere, saying that I should just run away if the battle starts to go bad and that she was going to level up.

[It’ll be easier if I can get even a little bit stronger so I can help. Even if is somewhat pretentious of me.] [3]

I didn’t know what to say to that.

Well, it’s my responsibility to beat up guys like this even if they are strong.

But leveling? Why is she so motivated?

……After all, isn’t the Demon Army coming?

“Whoah!?” (Shuten)

“What …!?” (Desiree)

And at the moment when I was just thinking about that. The Demon King’s Army appeared. A few short spearman charged over towards Desiree and me.

“There’s something over there!”

“Is it a human? Is it a human?”

“Kill themmm!”

Ah.

It’s the races that energetically live off of instinct.. Orc, Ogre, Gova, Goblin, Kobold. There’s even some Minotaurs and flame elementals. It ’s really a bonafide demon army.

However, there is a reaction of the pearl pieces among them, which means it’s highly likely that someone among the Demon King’s Army has taken in the pearl piece…Would it be the kamiko Crane? It may also be Braument, or was it Veloce? If she participates, I feel like things will get more dangerous.

“Don’t look away, you #$%#^ demon!” (Desiree)

“You’re surprisingly capable.” (Shuten)

Desiree kept clearing away the flood of ogres and goblins that started attacking, but he could no longer reach me…Wait? Isn’t he the same level as me? Since there a pearl piece over there…No, I feel really bad, but in this situation couldn’t I go leave him to be killed by the others?

For that purpose, it is necessary to separate from this guy…Okay.

“Hey guys! I am a soldier who reports directly to Veloce! This guy is strong and I’m struggling! Let’s kill him together!!” (Shuten)

“You @#%$# demoooonn!!!! You dirty cheateeeeerrr!!” (Desiree)

“Huh?? I can’t hear you! Now, everyone!” (Shuten)

*Gumo-! Gooaah-!* The Ogres and Goblins shouted as they charged.

The more intelligent Minotaur and Gova looked at me suspiciously, but the name of Veloce is great, hahahaha.

“Was there such a person under the Imperator?” (Minotaur)

“I dunno-?” (Gova)

“Hahaha I was always there by the side. No, recently, I was on vacation for a while. Don’t you believe me, friend?” (Shuten)

“We’re not friends…” (Minotaur)

“We’re not friends…” (Gova)

“How terrible. Hahahahaha.” (Shuten)

I was stared at with narrowed eyes, but I have no choice but to push through.

However, the demons who initially rushed at Desiree without any doubts should finally be able to pressure that guy. I did it.

“I’ll never forgive you!” Desiree screamed as if a cry from a vengeful ghost, desperately swinging his naginata.

Seeing Desiree being swept up by the torrent of the Demon King’s Army, I headed towards the pearl pieces. Rest in Peace, I said in my heart as I ran to the west. No, if I say it out loud, then I will be targeted by the other demons.

I left quickly, slinging the Demon Slayer over my back.

Westward through the vast wilderness along the eden.

Well, if you think calmly, there is only the sea to the west through Alicanta. If the Demon Army invades, it’s most likely from over there.

I can proudly say that my running speed across the grassland may be faster than a horse, as long as I don’t run into humans. However, I think hopping across the trees will be faster.

So, I proceeded at a pretty good speed and came to the west of Eden near the gate. Even though it looked like it will be crumbling soon, both sides were still going at it. This is what death looks like. Regardless of whether they are human or demon, there are many many corpses piled around. While thinking that war was cruel, I readied Demon Slayer.

“…Alright.” (Shuten)

“Gyagigagogogeageogoohohohhhhhhhhhhh!!” (Braument)

“That’s, Braurement…right?” (Shuten)

What appeared in front of me was a familiar face, with broken limbs, and body fluids such as blood and brain juice flowing out of his head.

“Aguiya…… the fragment…… Gigagae…” (Braument)

“Ah? Did you know about absorbing the pearl pieces? I came because I know as well, but haven’t you lost control in the end? Well, I guess it doesn’t matter…”

Prepare yourself.

“Ayaaaaaaaaaahh!” (Braument)

“It seems only death will save you now.” (Shuten)

Steel thread came from both of Braument’s arms at a speed that is incomparable to the previous time. They seem messy because he has lost his reason, but it doesn’t feel any less dangerous, rather it is more powerful.

“Tch…!” (Shuten)

If I try to block it, I will be pushed into the ground. So I gathered my strength and swung the Demon Slayer at full force.

There was an exceptionally familiar sound.

It was a loud crashing noise that rung out after the axe blade clashed with the threads…although the power is higher than before, but as expected it still isn’t enough for his attack to repel mine.

It’s a simple difference in strength value[2].

“Gigaaaaaahh!” (Braument)

“Don’t make a noise like that, you’ll hurt your abdomen.” (Shuten)

Hya!

I slashed through a total of 80 steel threads released by Braument. I’ve been polishing the axe carefully every day. The sharpness attribute should be pretty high! I don’t even know if there is such an attribute!

“Aaaaaaaaaaaah!!”

“You remind me of the guy who shouted at me at the top of Habuil tower… So you’ll end up just like that guy–” (Shuten)

“Gyaaaaaaaahhh!” (Braument)

“–who didn’t listen!” (Shuten)

“Gyaara!?” (Braument)

The punishment for people who don’t listen to others!!

I daringly rushed forward and knocked the handle of the axe into Braument’s cheek, and he was blown away! Due to its flexibility, the remaining steel threads bent into a U shape and tore of the dirt behind me.

Leaping after him, I swung the Demon Slayer toward his head.

Those lifeless eyes turn towards me and throw the steel thread from his feet and hands.

Ah, yes yes, I get it.

That kind of thing —

“Just a little bit!” (Shuten)

“Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” (Braument)

—Let’s just slash through the entire body!

Wasn’t it called Karatake Wari[4]?

Two corpses flopped to the grass in the surroundings. No, it’s simply Braument who has been cut in two. And so Braument died with a gross sound. I swung the Demon Slayer once more, scattering the blood off of the blade.

“……Hmm?”

The hustle and bustle of the war continued around me, even though the sun was beginning to set. It was a little distracting because of how noisy the surrounding are, but there was clearly a reaction from a pearl piece.

“…Ah, so the reaction was from Braument. Then, why was there no reaction to this pearl piece on the wagonless road?” (Shuten)

While thinking about that, I pick up the pearl piece that rolled at my feet. My sensor settled down considerably as soon as it was in my field of view, although the color of the pearl piece itself was as dull as usual. However, I still felt the sensor going off……In front of me.

“…Oh, so that’s it.” (Shuten)

From Braument’s chest, another bead fell down. As I walked over and picked it up, the sensor finally switched to a completely different direction. This is…the direction of the sea.

….Anyway, I got two pearl pieces. There is the one Braument had from the beginning, and then the second one he took before losing control.

Well, among the bad things the goddess said could happen because of these fragments, this would be an example of losing control and running “Rampant?” Rather than a “Rupture” or “Calamity” I think this was a better result?

“Alright then” (Shuten)

It seems that the Demon King’s Army has started to retreat now that Braument is gone.

Now that I think about it, Reckless of “Balance” also attended the invasion in the original game, so maybe he gave the signal to retreat. Since it hasn’t been that long, most likely Desiree will survive even if he is worn out, unless there is a delay in the message to that area.

Returning the Demon Slayer to my back, I played with the two fragments in my hand.

“Hmm?”

When I suddenly raised my head, I saw some familiar faces some distance away. One person had collapsed, and the other was leaning against a big sword…Hey, Crane better not be dead.

I moved through the wilderness towards Crane, clearing my way by thoroughly killing the soldiers of the Demon King’s Army in my way.

With each swing I pushed through.

Oh yeah. I was talking about why the pearl piece did not react on the wagonless road.

My sensor was probably reacting to a pearl piece that was located near Eden, or point A. Then, Braument captured another bead at point B which was a further distance away originally. Then I met him at the wagonless road and most likely the sensor didn’t switch over. Then Braument invaded Eden and found the pearl piece I was after before I could get to it.

Well, and it led to him running Rampant.

He uttered the phrase “fragment” while out of control. I’m a little worried about that…The only thing that gives me relief is that they don’t seem to be the pearl piece I gave to the vampire girl Flare Reel.

Well, and…

As I was thinking about this, I arrived in front of the two guys who had fallen down near Eden’s walls.

“Are you guys alright?” (Shuten)

“Ah…Shu…ten…” (Crane)

“Somehow…” (Rudius)

That’s good.” (Shuten)

Even though there were cuts all over their bodies, they did not seem close to death, fortunately.

I don’t have any recovery medicine. Magical potions and the like tend to not work on demons. As only humans can use it, I envy them a bit. I can deal with bitter herbs.

“Hey, Shuten.” (Rudius)

“Hm?” (Shuten)

Rudius called out to me, exhausted, but laughing slightly. His abdomen hit the hilt of the sword he was leaning against.

“How is it… your ‘Romance’[5]…” (Rudius)

“Haha…… Ah, that seems like a nice weapon.” (Shuten)

“Originally I was going to get a Gatling Blade…but it seems there is no stock of it here.” (Rudius)

“You’d have to run a long way before finding a weapon like that.” (Shuten)

Obtaining the Gatling Blade is not one of my favorite things. It’s like a ridiculously large bayonet, and I don’t know of any one else except for maybe this Prince here that can use such a weapon with any decent amount of skill. What’s with this blade from a completely different game?[6]

“No, but…it was last minute, but we somehow managed.” (Rudius)

“But…If it had returned… then we…” (Crane)

“Oh…maybe, you are talking about Braument?” (Shuten)

“Yes. I won…but then it disappeared somewhere…” (Crane)

Crane said with a radiant smile while lying on his back. It was an honest smile of victory, which made me involuntarily laugh and smile in return. These two people had defeated two of the Four Heavenly Demon Lords…Hmm? Why are they acting independently? But it’s too late now anyway.

“Where are the girls?” (Shuten)

When I asked, Rudius glanced towards the gate.

It looks like they’re still in battle, but the Demon King’s army had already begun to retreat on the outer edges. The end is probably near. I wonder if that’s what it means.

“Hiragi came to help. Now Shuten is here too. I figured they were fine so I came over to help Rudius.” (Crane)

“I see.” (Shuten)

I was wondering if Hiragi had gone to a place like that.

However, since there is an almost endless amount of enemies, she’ll likely gain a few levels. Although it’s a bit away I want to see her soon.

Then.

“Shuten…” (Crane)

“Huh?” (Shuten)

“I have something I want to hear…” (Crane)

“What is it?” (Shuten)

“Why, should we bother our allies–” (Crane)

“I’ve come to ask about Braument’s death. Shuten seems to have obtained his goal, which may be for the best.” (V)

Before Crane could finish his question.

Hearing the distinctive, familiar voice, I turned around.

A girl dressed in a gothic dress, stood alone in the wilderness, dusk behind her.  With her sleepy eyes and frilly parasol, she spoke in her usual tone of voice… but why is she here right now?

“…Hey, Veloce, how are you? I managed to achieve my goal, but I apologize if I’ve disturbed you.” (Shuten)

“Oh, that’s fine. In any case I knew this invasion would fail when ‘Wheel’ didn’t come. It’ll be nice to have one less annoying member in the Four Demon Lords. They were a lot of work.” (Veloce)

With a soft snap she closed her western style parasol. With a natural movement, the tip of the parasol was pointed towards me…no, just past me, directed towards Crane.

“– It’s just like how I will be erasing the Kamiko of Light.” (Veloce)

“Wait, wait, Veloce. What are you saying?” (Shuten)

“It’s a rejection~. If you don’t let me do this, then how am I supposed to stay as the Demon King’s “Imperator?” If I can’t take care of him now, the others will annoy me to death~.” Veloce’s words were matter-of-fact and choppy.

“Will you be my opponent? …Kijin[7] of the Oni tribe.” (Veloce)

“…Haha.” (Shuten)

In my right hand, two pearl pearl pieces clacked together.

Originally, I hadn’t needed to use any to hurt Desiree. If I just think of it as if I am advancing earlier…it doesn’t sound too bad.

“You guys look worn out.” (Shuten)

“…Shuten, you?” (Crane)

“What are you going to do…Shuten…” (Rudius)

Looking behind me, Crane seems exhausted from the battle, especially facing the violently powerful magic of Veloce. Rudius seems to have recovered a little, but it’d be better if he rested more.

“Yeah, if you stay here then you’ll just get beaten, so I’ll take care of it. So do your best to flee from here?” (Shuten)

“……Wh-What….!?!”

“No worries, no worries. There’s nothing to be concerned about. I won’t die. Because that person and I are on good terms…Yeah, I think, probably. But you guys would die. That’s why I’ll take the beating. Kay?”

“Shuten…!!”

Now then.

No, I’m happy to give them the chance to run away.

“Lend me some time, Miss Veloce.” (Shuten)

“…You will fight me~? Unlike before, you decided quickly.” (Veloce)

“Well yeah, you helped me make a fast decision. I’ve matured.” (Shuten)

“…Do you really think our strength is comparable?”

“Aah, that’s right.” (Shuten)

Veloce questioned me with a small laugh, a doubtful smirk on her face. No, even I feel a little bad if you laugh at me so suddenly. But, I want Veloce to hear me out.

“If I have to eat something unpleasant. Then I think it is better to eat it all at once, rather than enduring through multiple portions.” (Shuten)

“Huh?” (Veloce)

Alright.

If I consume all the pieces I have on me now, can I fight her till the end?

Tell me, and I’ll pay the price to become the strongest!!

Veloce wants to battle!▼

(Exclusive BGM “Blossoms Blooming on the Ridge – VELOCE BOSS BATTLE”)

Translator Notes

二ウェレト Nivulet, Niulet, Nyuwelt? It reminds me of “rivulet” a bit.I would think that Oni’s which are known for their immense strength, would have a higher physical strength value than most, especially Braument which uses a weapon that seems more finesse-based.This phrase seems to have been said by Hiragi, but I can’t find when she said this exactly and it may have been between chapters.Karatake Wari (唐竹割) is a specific sword strike, where the blade is slashed vertically down a piece of bamboo (“whip-like” apparently), and the two halves fall to both sides after being split.Romance, as in a “Man’s Romance” that was mentioned earlier. For Shuten, this means the freedom to travel and do what he wants, basically.This paragraph was pretty confusing, but it seems to be a reference to things from the Final Fantasy series. For example, Gatling Blade > Gunblade from FFVIII, and Rudius’ current weapon sounds very similar to Cloud’s sword from FFVII. I’d guess that the Gatling Blade is a specialty weapon in Grimoire Lancer II that could be considered an Easter Egg found later in the game, but since the game doesn’t exist in reality, who knows for sure?鬼神 or Kishin/Kijin, means “Oni God” or “Fierce God”. In some stories, this refers to a higher order or species of Oni.