CHAPTER 96: PRAYER FOR LIFE

I covered his vision with grass and leaves and fired arrows, but the man brushed them all off with his sword.

“……No”

　I shook my head.

　Even if the arrow pierces, the man will not be damaged.

　That is clear from the fact that the [Magic Sword] slipped through the man before.

That man cannot be defeated using [Magic Sword].

　――What should I do?

　Thought’s spin rapidly in that moment.

[Magic Sword] does not deal damage.

　However, I do not want to use magic because it can destroy the city.

　――So why not combine the two?

　As soon as I came up with it, I casted [Fireball] on my [Magic Sword].

The [Magic Sword] accepted [Fireball], surprisingly without resistance.

　As if this was the way it should be used…

>> [Magic Sword Arts Lv1] Acquired

　I’m ready.

　I held the sword.

　I saw Esther hit the man.

　The man makes a counterattack, but Esther kicks the air and flew back.

　The line of sight matches with Esther.

“Toru!!”

　The moment she screamed

“—[Earth Shrink]!”

　I kicked the ground.

　My body accelerates rapidly in response to the huge mass of wind magic.

　I shot out like a catapult, holding the [Magic Sword] on my side.

　The distance of 20 meters becomes zero in the blink of an eye.

　Perhaps he noticed my killing intent, the man turned his head.

“Uh, ohhhhh!!” (Sarnus)

　The man twists his body by forcibly moving his vulnerable stance.

　However, I calmly predicted his movement.

“Hahhh!!”

　Along with a shout, I thrust the [Magic Sword] into the man’s chest.

　In a moment.

　Go! The flame swallowed his body.

　I hurriedly stepped back as I was about to be burned by my own flame.

　The man glared at me while pure white smoke spewed from his mouth and chest.

　His eyes are still filled with unquenchable thirst for death and hatred.

(Is this still not enough…?)

　In front of me, completely on alert, the man slowly kneeled and collapsed.

　I can’t feel the man standing up.

　Counting slowly for thirty seconds, I released my stance.

“………… Haa.”

　I let out a sigh of relief,

　Suddenly, a scene I don’t remember happening flowed into my mind.

　A bloody room.

　A young child is lying down in front of him.

　Gnashing and chewing sounds.

“Fathe-er…” (Child)

　The child made a soft voice.

　The father was eating his child’s body without flinching and without recoil.

　The father was this man that I had defeated.

　But my his are different.

　The man’s eyes were hollow as if he was being manipulated by someone.

“–!?”

　I suddenly inhaled sharply, My consciousness soon returned to reality.

“What was that…?”

“Toru. You did it!” (Esther)

　Esther rushed towards me, and she was looking at me.

　Her ponytail is swaying vigorously.

“Thank you, Esther.”

“Good work. By the way, Toru. Was he a devil?” (Esther)

“I doubt it……”

　I shook my head.

“I don’t think he is a devil.”

[Magic Sword] is a weapon that he got in Eargard and it can never damage humans.

　If this man was a demon, my [Magic Sword] would not pass through him.

“If that is true, there is something happening with demons.”

“Themis-san!? Are you okay…?”

“Thank you for your concern, Toru-san, and Esther-san. You were quite helpful in this battle.” (Themis)

“No… Is that a person from the demon tribe from the eastern country?”

“That’s right.” (Themis)

　Themis nodded.

　Earlier, when entering the Finlis Forest, I had heard from Esther about the demon territory.

“—He did not deny that he was affected by the barrier. Only the barrier affects those who have magic stones in their bodies. If he is not a devil, then he can only be a demon.” (Themis)

“I see.”

　I nodded to Themis-san’s explanation.

“Kuh—Kuuhff!!” (Themis)

“Themis-san!?” (Esther)

“Themis-san, hold on!”

　Suddenly, Themis-san coughed out a large amount of blood from his mouth.

　I hurriedly supported Themis-san’s body, as he suddenly collapses.

“No way, the wounds of the battle…”

“No… it’s not because of the wounds during the battle. This is the price of using a Sacred Treasure.”

　Themis-san briefly talked about the abilities of his treasure and the price.

　And told us not to be sad.

“Because I will die as a shield for the royal capital. There is no greater honor.” (Themis)

“That…”

　He has already used a tremendous amount of his life in exchange for tremendous power.

　Isn’t it possible for me, a mortal, to save this?

　–I won’t let this be.

　I made my decision and summoned the skill board.

　A person who sacrificed his life and protected the royal capital will not face such a tragic ending.

(I won’t ever give up!!)

>> Skill points 45 → 0

>> <Magic Law Lv9> acquisition

　According to Lily, recovery is a field of Magic Law.

　It is a power to call down miracles by praying to God.

(Please… God. Please help Themis-san!!)

　Toru felt something leaving his body.

　At the same time, Themis’ body glows softly and faintly.

“Th-This is–!?” (Esther)