Using the proud strength they had honed to slay monsters, merely to escape from that place.
Before their brains could even process the unbelievable events unfolding before their eyes, their instincts had already taken over.
Commanding them to flee with all their might, right now.
The moment the monster, akin to a demon, noticed their survival, the men fled simultaneously.
The remaining survivors also began to act in unison. This was their calculation to increase their chances of survival, even if only slightly.
The man thinks.
Thereâs no way such a monster could exist!
Simultaneously, as a flash of light appeared, thousands of soldiers died.
Even those resistant to fear couldnât help but be terrified.
The only thing keeping their spirits from breaking was the fear of their master, Hinata Sakaguchi.
Even if Hinata disliked them and treated them like insects, they felt nothing but gratitude, not anger.
It was only natural.
They had sworn their loyalty out of fear of his existence, admiring his overwhelming ruthlessness and strength.
They are strong. If they donât stick to a single combat style, they can even fight on equal terms with a holy knight.
Even when they sometimes attack, they are no match for Hinata.
He instilled in them an absolute fear.
It was impossible to even harbor resentment.
However, fortunately, they didnât realize that this was the only way they could survive this time.
If their spirits had broken due to fear, they would have died at that moment.
Driven by the single-minded determination to convey this to Hinata, they desperately moved their legs.
They believed that Hinata could even defeat that monster.
But, such hopes of the men would not be realized.
They were already recognized by the pursuer and were nothing more than simple prey.
They merely helped to earn praise from their master.
They lived only as pitiful prey with such a mindset.
Silently, the demon chased its prey.
A hunt after a long time. Not enjoying it would be a waste.
The exquisite meal they just had provided them with ample satisfaction.
The current hunt was perfect for post-meal exercise.
âKukukukuku. This is good. Let me enjoy it~â
Muttering thus, he twisted his face into a grotesque smile.
A smile that seemed to instill fear from the depths of the soul of anyone who saw it.
Already, two subordinates had rushed ahead, leaving no escape for the prey.
The hunt was reaching its climax.
In front of the fleeing men, two demons blocked their path.
They had appeared right before their eyes, having transferred through space.
The men, who had chosen to flee quickly, abandoning their comrades, no longer felt any anxiety.
Recalling their symbol of fear, Hinata, they regained their composure.
The situation did not improve.
However, the pride and self-respect of the Blood Shadow Frenzy, who took on the churchâs dirty work, gave them the confidence to fight.
They quickly identified the nature of the demons.
They were Upper Demons.
Annoying enemies. But, there were three of them.
They could fight one-on-one, and with three against two, they had a good chance.
âTch! They summoned an annoying brat!â
âBut, if they didnât track us down themselves, they might be running out of stamina.â
âOf course. How much mana do you think they use when they go on such a rampage?â
They shared their thoughts aloud and gripped their weapons, ready to face the Upper Demons.
However.
The Upper Demons showed no signs of moving. They had been ordered to restrain them.
And, a beautiful demon walked calmly from behind.
âKukukukuku. Is the escape over? Then, I will bind you.
If you wish to resist, feel free to do so.
However, while I am not allowed to kill you, I am not prohibited from tormenting you, so be careful.â
With a twisted smile, the beautiful figure, neither clearly male nor female, spoke.
Just by looking at it, oneâs legs trembled, and one might wet their pants.
There was no thought of complaint, and not even a hint of resistance. They were completely broken, their spirits crushed in an instant.
âCough, cough. K, t, aaaaaa.........â
An indescribable feeling of fear.
Three men, first-rate killers who handled the churchâs dirty work. Men with first-rate skills in the battle against monsters.
The three recognized the moment they saw it.
Even just seeing it could be fatal, and being alive was worthy of praise.
Upper Demons were merely parts that could be replaced with a few spares.
The demon before them was of a different dimension.
This being is called an Upper Demon Lord (Arch Demon).
The ruler of the demon race, the uppermost existence.
It is said to be a mental life form that cannot exert power in this world without materialization.
Physically, they are on par with spirits.
Using the mana of their summoner, they gain temporary materialization and can only act for a short time.
However, some have gained materialization in the material world.
One of the oldest demon lords is among them.
It is recorded that this demon lord was originally an Upper Demon Lord.
An Upper Demon Lord is the supreme ruler of the demon race.
A creature that can only be confirmed to a certain extent from records, half-legendary.
Its power is said to be of the "A+" rank, making it a quasi-demon lord class.
And, the power that is recorded in the legends of demon lords.
The number of villages destroyed by a single demon is countless.
It is truly the strongest demon lord.
The vessel of a demon lord, an Upper Demon Lord, is right before them.
Naturally, they had never seen one before. But, the atmosphere surrounding its body was not ordinary.
Without a doubt, it was an Upper Demon.
There was no way to win. Not only that, but there was no way to escape.
It was a disaster-class monster, far beyond the reach of even a calamity-class monster.
Facing such a creature, it would be better to face a hundred Upper Demons.
The men despaired and collapsed on the spot.
Looking at them with satisfaction, the demon deepened its twisted smile.
The Demon Lord captured the three and returned to the village to hand them over to the designated person (Ranga).
To deliver the captured men to the designated person.
??????????????????????????
In front of everyone, Rimuruâs body continued to undergo a strange transformation from its slime form into an amorphous shape.
Eventually, it stabilized into its original streamlined form.
However, it began to flicker with strange colorsâred, blue, yellow, green, and purple, even white and black.
Some time passed. The sense of time had already become distorted.
How much time had passed, in the minds of those worried.
ăReport. The individual named Rimuru = Tempest has completed its evolution (Harvest Festival).
Next, it will bestow blessings (Gifts) to its lineage.ă
The "Voice of the World" echoed.
And, a fierce drowsiness overwhelmed them.
Benimaru thought that Rimuruâs evolution seemed to have succeeded.
Next, it was their turn, but he didnât expect the drowsiness to affect them.
Those who couldnât resist fell into a deep sleep one after another.
However, there was a promise with Rimuru. He couldnât fall asleep.
Suddenly, Rimuruâs body emitted a dazzling light.
When the light subsided, a beautiful figure with long, flowing silver hair stood there.
Rimuru, without a gender, had removed the familiar mask.
The silver hair, flowing like a stream, enhanced the celestial beauty.
Unfortunately, it had no gender.
ăReport. I will take care of the rest. Go to sleep.ă
A soft, resonant voice.
The voice gave Benimaru a deep sense of reassurance, making it impossible to resist.
Benimaru, drawn by the voice, was tempted into an irresistible sleep.
Looking at him, and simultaneously confirming that no one else was awake.
Only Muran was looking around, seemingly puzzled.
The humans remaining in the village, except for Yohm, had already evacuated to the building with the meeting room to avoid the high concentration of mana.
Thus, the only one still awake among those left was Muran.
The figure resembling Rimuru confirmed this with emotionless eyes.
Then, it slowly spread its arms.
The long silver hair flowed behind it, shining like the wings of an angel.
ăReport. By the name of the King of Wisdom (Raphael), I command you.
O King of Gluttony (Belphegor), devour all the mana in this barrier.
Leave not a single soul!ă
With these words, the King of Gluttony (Belphegor) activated.
And, its terrifying power was unleashed.
However, this time, the power was used for a specific purpose.
Following the computational results produced by the King of Wisdom (Raphael).
In the village of Tempest, all the mana was absorbed, transforming it into a pure space.
Afterward, the barrier covering the village was completely devoured, and the power of the King of Gluttony (Belphegor) ceased.
As if nothing had ever happened.
The figure resembling Rimuru, acting as a proxy for the will-less master.
Raphael approached Zion, who was lying down.
Extending a hand, it began the analysis.
Carefully, to fulfill the masterâs wish.
Muran watched in shock.
The barrier they had set up was devoured in an instant, a threat beyond that...
It was impossible.
For the power to act autonomously without the masterâs will.
While it could be understood if it had been pre-ordered, there was no such sign this time.
Most importantly, the sacred appearance was so different from Rimuruâs usual demeanor.
Rather, it seemed closer to a spirit than a monster.
Such a ridiculous situation, he couldnât laugh it off.
However, all Muran could do was watch without interfering.
??????????????????????????
Yohm, having received a request from Benimaru, was waiting at the entrance of the village with Ranga.
Beside him was Main Grusis.
They were tasked with guarding the Palms King and the Blood Shadow Frenzy, who had been captured and prevented from escaping.
With the barrier in place, entry and exit were impossible.
Thus, while Grusis was inside the village, Ranga was outside.
They had secured the prisoners and handed them over to their subordinates to be moved to the building.
Due to the high concentration of mana, leaving them outdoors was not ideal, as it was too early to let them die.
He had heard that about three had escaped, and Rimuruâs summoned demon was chasing them.
Ranga, who had just shared this information, had also fallen asleep.
He seemed to have intended to stand and wait, but it appeared that sleep was necessary when receiving a Gift or something similar.
He had fallen into a deep, irresistible sleep.
Looking at him,
âWell, a true demon lord, I thought it was just a legend...â
Grusis sighed in amazement.
Due to the high concentration of mana, Yohm was also outside the village, but they could still communicate without issues.
Yohm had never even heard of such a thing.
Even someone well-versed in the back routes, like himself, didnât know that a demon lord could evolve.
Lord Rimuru, a demon lord. Reflecting on it, it was a profound realization.
âStill, I donât think Lord Rimuru would change even if he became a demon lord.â
He said this without much thought.
Grusis laughed and agreed.
âI think so too.â
They both hoped that Rimuru wouldnât change.
Realizing they shared the same thought, they felt pleased.
âI hope Mr. Zion will be alright when he wakes up...â
âHeâll be fine. Monsters are different from humans; they are more resilient.â
Grusis laughed, a comforting thought, but typical of him.
âHey, you serve a demon lord, right?
Do you have to return?â
He asked, concerned.
âOh! Youâre worried about me.
Everyone else seems to ignore it, but...
At first, I was worried about how to cover it up, but now it seems silly.
Actually, I...â
He then explained that he was a subordinate of the demon lord Carion and had been given the freedom to act as he pleased.
He decided to work as Yohmâs subordinate until he received further orders from the demon lord.
Yohm nodded,
âThank you.â
They firmly shook hands.
Grusis and Muran.
They would support Yohm from now on.
To the two chatting,
âExcuse me, is this the place where you hand over the prisoners?â
A beautiful demon approached.
To Yohm, it seemed more majestic than an Upper Demon.
But, to Grusis, it was different.
He felt the demonâs mana, making his entire body shiver.
âHey, Iâve never seen you before. Are you an Upper Demon Lord?
What brings you here?â
Grusis, still young and inexperienced, had not attended the Demon Lord Conference.
He was so uninformed that he didnât even know about