Biting at the sight beneath her eyes, Sophia tapped the magic of the flames into the demon king in front of her.
The moment the flames that became dozens of spherical chunks exploded with the sound of the landing, and Klaus, who was jumping in with it, waves his sword down as it moves.
Slash and tear every flame. Slash and tear are rolled out - but what echoed was the sound of high armor.
Ahead of the flames clearing, the sword has stopped in an unnatural position and has not reached the body of the Demon King.
It was a sight that had been repeated many times before, but it was only to that extent that it was the same.
"Ha-ha-ha!
By taking a step further from there and exerting force, the blade is pushed forcefully.
It sounded giddy and unpleasant, watching as the Demon King looked slightly surprised as he was about to receive a blade that had never arrived before.
And finally, my arm swung through.
A sword draws a trajectory along with the sound of a thousand cuts pulling something... tongue pounding leaks out of Klaus' mouth.
Because there was no response, and the figure that should have been in front of him was gone.
If I patrolled my gaze, I was looking at this one a little further away, as the Demon King impressed me.
"Ho... I've stepped in without fear of fighting back, but you never thought you could break my barriers, did you? Hmm... I didn't mean to insult you..."
"... that I didn't insult you, etc., well said."
"Not at all. Who wouldn't have insulted you for completely ignoring us and destroying the very essence of our bond?
I'm not going to let you do any more of that nonsense, if you mean it, the Demon King tilted his neck.
What's on that face is a face that doesn't really understand the meaning of what you're saying.
"What the hell are you talking about? I wouldn't have had to pay any attention to you. Then it's only natural to prioritize what you need more."
"... eh"
The words weren't meant to stir this one up, they were probably just sincere.
And it's also true.
At least until just now, Sophia and the others had never been able to scratch or even retreat.
It is now the first time that it has been done, and even so it is natural to say.
Though.
"What you need...... you mean you needed to break the boundaries and invite demons to the city? Though I feel like you could destroy the city without doing that?
"Of course not. But then there's not enough fear and despair? I could have gotten that by snoring at you, but I couldn't have gotten it more than I thought. Although I tried to place both demons around, I honestly didn't intend to use them... Hmm. It's just not too bad to think of it."
Sophia and the others exchanged their gazes for a moment as they watched the words under their eyes, vigilantly.
I guess what I just said is like talking to myself, because I had something to worry about for that.
It's about gaining fear and despair.
Honestly, when I was told earlier, I only thought it looked like a demon king... but when I think about it, it's weird.
For once the demon king did not seek such a thing.
Though they didn't know everything about the Demon King's actions, Sophia and the others were still part of the Demon King Crusade and were serious about defeating the Demon King.
I've gathered quite a bit of information, and I can assure you that I've actually been relative.
Back then, the Demon King didn't want that.
Besides, I thought this was my fault... but it looks like the Demon King is gaining some strength.
I simply wondered if you were putting your power down, but it's odd for that.
The increasing amount of power is unstable.
There were times when there seemed to be only a slight increase, sometimes at once.
Especially when the Demon King destroyed the first of the boundaries earlier.
And it is also, without a doubt, when the men of the king's capital remember fear and despair.
Because the junction is important in the sense that it doesn't send demons, but it's something that can't be destroyed more than that.
Although it is the essence of the kingdom, it is not made of physical things, but of conceptual things.
Therefore, a physical attack could not have broken... but it was lightly broken.
It was known that demons were hitting the perimeter of the Wang capital.
There was no confusion in that situation either, because I thought it would be okay if there was a bond.
But the premise collapsed.
It will be natural for people to be ruled by fear and despair.
That must have been huge because Sophia and the others are still fighting.
Though they are pushed to see, they are not defeated.
Then you must do something about it, and I'm well aware that they believe that.
That is the Seven Heavens, and it is our duty and responsibility to meet that expectation and trust.
But even though Sophia and the others were alive, the need for a light connection was broken.
What's more, it doesn't fit in one, and it's three in total.
As a result, demons are starting to break into the city.
So far, the Knights seem to be working hard for me, but I don't know how long I'll have that either.
Besides, the point of the bond is still there.
That's supposed to be salvation, but I don't care what happens if it breaks too, it's only a source of anxiety.
But if Sophia and the others had been defeated or pushed more, it would probably have been stronger to give up than to feel something like that.
"... I'd like to ask you one thing, but aren't you seriously trying to take us down, too, to give everyone fear and despair?
"Hmm... is there any point in responding to a question that I know the answer to? In the first place, did I tell you? Play with you."
"... that's something licked"
"Whether you're licking it or not, isn't that what you better understand? Well, that's why I'm a little surprised..."
That being said, I guess the reason I'm not looking greatly surprised is because I actually am.
Just because it was unexpected is not enough to make it problematic.
Sophia and the others are well aware of that, and that's why I wanted to let you take one of my hand wounds with an earlier blow... it just doesn't seem to work that well.
But now I know one thing for sure.
That still means the Demon King gives priority to wielding fear and despair on people.
It is also a consequence of doing so, perhaps increasing the power of the Demon King.
I don't remember the question there because I knew there was such a thing.
The information we gather to defeat the Demon King is not only about the Demon King.
I really gathered it from one end because I didn't know what kind of information would help.
Of course, some of them had a lot of eyebrow spit, but many could never be ignored.
For example, Evil Dragons, previously relative, and Evil Gods, whose existence would later be called the Demon King, served, said they had the ability to make it their own strength by giving people fear and despair.
In fact, evil dragons seemed to have such power, and then there is no wonder where demon kings had such power.
Now that I know it, I don't have the means to counter it... but if it's a priority, then there's a way to do it.
"... by the way, wouldn't you break the point of the junction any more? I just broke three, though I stopped my hand to my satisfaction. I don't suppose you're saying that our interference has been successful?
"You seem to recognize reality correctly. And let's just say no to that. If you break everything, you give up, not despair. Sometimes I've heard that you need to add and subtract."
I was listening, where I narrow my eyes.
Although there is a question as to who it came from, I'm sure that's because I thought that's why Hildegard still doesn't show up here.
There's probably a collaborator or something, and thereby Hildegard is being held back.
It's not very believable, such as being able to hold her back, but I just have to decide that's more than possible otherwise.
That shouldn't last that long either.
This is the only way to buy time, believing that Hildegard will come.
"… So why are you answering so many questions with Bella Bella?
"Well, at your convenience, you're going to hang out with me. So, what's the cost?
The words, which were unleashed with a mocking grin, must have come from the heart.
Perhaps the Demon King understands why this one has noticed why the Demon King's power continues to grow, but he doesn't seem to care about it.
Instead, I dare you to teach it to me.
It's not something I can manage to do from what I found out in the first place... to give this one, too, fear and despair.
"... you already said that. Don't think you're like us then."
"As for that, it certainly seemed true. If you were guys back then, you'd have had fear and despair at the same time... well, it wouldn't be bad if you were a playmate. He seems to be up to something, but he's also excited to figure out a way to give you despair, including that."
You seem to realize that you're up to something, but I don't mind.
There's no way we're not gonna find out this one is mostly about buying time.
If you are going to play on it, it is just a ride of what is angry.
"It's no use. There are many lives on our backs that we have chosen to bear. As long as we have it, we don't have time for despair."
"Ho...? So many lives and things, you mean the ones here?
"That's not all. All the people who live in this country. That's why we won't forgive you for taking it from us."
"Well, I don't need your forgiveness or anything... so you're not desperate when you've killed all the people who are here? You want to give it a try?
"... eh"
If they really moved it into action, I'm sure there's nothing Sofia and the others can do about it.
But I never moved to stop it because of what Sophia said to herself.
There are numerous people here, but that is not all of the people of this country.
If we need to abandon the king's capital to save this country, to help more people, then so must the Sophias.
Besides, there was some certainty that the Demon King would not do that.
Not for humanitarian reasons, of course.
"I can't let you get any upset, or... I'm bored. Did you give him a little too much information? Are you convinced I'm not supposed to do that?
"... I don't think you'd do such a waste."
"Huh, you're right. There's no way I'm going to do that in vain just to despair you, even though I'm still going to squeeze you out. But then..."
The demon king, who was circling his gaze, smiled, as if he had noticed something.
A chill ran on my spine momentarily because I understood what was in the direction the Demon King was looking at.
"Oh, you, no way -"
"You stopped the attack and you're having this conversation because you decided this would be a better way to buy time? That's right. If I keep doing this, I'm going to kill you before I let you down. But it's boring to just keep talking like this. So why don't we change the place a little bit? This is going to make the people down there more desperate."
Behind the demon king's gaze, behind Sophia and the others.
There it is, the royal castle.
"Oh, let me..."
"I told you? He said he was going to kill me as it was. Give me the difference in power."
Klaus tried to jump reflexively, but is blown away by the Demon King before waving his sword.
Though I knew it, Sophia's hand stopped for a moment at the difference in power that was too clear, during which time the demon king's figure disappeared.
I don't have to think about where I've been.
"... the worst. If you're headed for the royal castle, it means you're in the junction."
"No, it would be too soon to say it still sucks. If it's more about buying time, then he's better suited. Perhaps I should say it's convenient."
"... right. Think about things."
"And to do that, you can't be relaxing here. It bothers me downstairs..."
"It still looks fine... and I guess I'll just have to leave it to you. Let's hurry."
"Oh."
I care about demons, but I can't leave them alone about demon kings.
I look down just for a moment, but I turn my gaze toward the royal castle, trying to shake it off.
Hearing the hustle and bustle that came from under his eyes, Sophia and the others followed the demon king to the royal castle.
Biting at the sight beneath her eyes, Sophia tapped the magic of the flames into the demon king in front of her.
The moment the flames that became dozens of spherical chunks exploded with the sound of the landing, and Klaus, who was jumping in with it, waves his sword down as it moves.
Slash and tear every flame. Slash and tear are rolled out - but what echoed was the sound of high armor.
Ahead of the flames clearing, the sword has stopped in an unnatural position and has not reached the body of the Demon King.
It was a sight that had been repeated many times before, but it was only to that extent that it was the same.
"Ha-ha-ha!
By taking a step further from there and exerting force, the blade is pushed forcefully.
It sounded giddy and unpleasant, watching as the Demon King looked slightly surprised as he was about to receive a blade that had never arrived before.
And finally, my arm swung through.
A sword draws a trajectory along with the sound of a thousand cuts pulling something... tongue pounding leaks out of Klaus' mouth.
Because there was no response, and the figure that should have been in front of him was gone.
If I patrolled my gaze, I was looking at this one a little further away, as the Demon King impressed me.
"Ho... I've stepped in without fear of fighting back, but you never thought you could break my barriers, did you? Hmm... I didn't mean to insult you..."
"... that I didn't insult you, etc., well said."
"Not at all. Who wouldn't have insulted you for completely ignoring us and destroying the very essence of our bond?
I'm not going to let you do any more of that nonsense, if you mean it, the Demon King tilted his neck.
What's on that face is a face that doesn't really understand the meaning of what you're saying.
"What the hell are you talking about? I wouldn't have had to pay any attention to you. Then it's only natural to prioritize what you need more."
"... eh"
The words weren't meant to stir this one up, they were probably just sincere.
And it's also true.
At least until just now, Sophia and the others had never been able to scratch or even retreat.
It is now the first time that it has been done, and even so it is natural to say.
Though.
"What you need...... you mean you needed to break the boundaries and invite demons to the city? Though I feel like you could destroy the city without doing that?
"Of course not. But then there's not enough fear and despair? I could have gotten that by snoring at you, but I couldn't have gotten it more than I thought. Although I tried to place both demons around, I honestly didn't intend to use them... Hmm. It's just not too bad to think of it."
Sophia and the others exchanged their gazes for a moment as they watched the words under their eyes, vigilantly.
I guess what I just said is like talking to myself, because I had something to worry about for that.
It's about gaining fear and despair.
Honestly, when I was told earlier, I only thought it looked like a demon king... but when I think about it, it's weird.
For once the demon king did not seek such a thing.
Though they didn't know everything about the Demon King's actions, Sophia and the others were still part of the Demon King Crusade and were serious about defeating the Demon King.
I've gathered quite a bit of information, and I can assure you that I've actually been relative.
Back then, the Demon King didn't want that.
Besides, I thought this was my fault... but it looks like the Demon King is gaining some strength.
I simply wondered if you were putting your power down, but it's odd for that.
The increasing amount of power is unstable.
There were times when there seemed to be only a slight increase, sometimes at once.
Especially when the Demon King destroyed the first of the boundaries earlier.
And it is also, without a doubt, when the men of the king's capital remember fear and despair.
Because the junction is important in the sense that it doesn't send demons, but it's something that can't be destroyed more than that.
Although it is the essence of the kingdom, it is not made of physical things, but of conceptual things.
Therefore, a physical attack could not have broken... but it was lightly broken.
It was known that demons were hitting the perimeter of the Wang capital.
There was no confusion in that situation either, because I thought it would be okay if there was a bond.
But the premise collapsed.
It will be natural for people to be ruled by fear and despair.
That must have been huge because Sophia and the others are still fighting.
Though they are pushed to see, they are not defeated.
Then you must do something about it, and I'm well aware that they believe that.
That is the Seven Heavens, and it is our duty and responsibility to meet that expectation and trust.
But even though Sophia and the others were alive, the need for a light connection was broken.
What's more, it doesn't fit in one, and it's three in total.
As a result, demons are starting to break into the city.
So far, the Knights seem to be working hard for me, but I don't know how long I'll have that either.
Besides, the point of the bond is still there.
That's supposed to be salvation, but I don't care what happens if it breaks too, it's only a source of anxiety.
But if Sophia and the others had been defeated or pushed more, it would probably have been stronger to give up than to feel something like that.
"... I'd like to ask you one thing, but aren't you seriously trying to take us down, too, to give everyone fear and despair?
"Hmm... is there any point in responding to a question that I know the answer to? In the first place, did I tell you? Play with you."
"... that's something licked"
"Whether you're licking it or not, isn't that what you better understand? Well, that's why I'm a little surprised..."
That being said, I guess the reason I'm not looking greatly surprised is because I actually am.
Just because it was unexpected is not enough to make it problematic.
Sophia and the others are well aware of that, and that's why I wanted to let you take one of my hand wounds with an earlier blow... it just doesn't seem to work that well.
But now I know one thing for sure.
That still means the Demon King gives priority to wielding fear and despair on people.
It is also a consequence of doing so, perhaps increasing the power of the Demon King.
I don't remember the question there because I knew there was such a thing.
The information we gather to defeat the Demon King is not only about the Demon King.
I really gathered it from one end because I didn't know what kind of information would help.
Of course, some of them had a lot of eyebrow spit, but many could never be ignored.
For example, Evil Dragons, previously relative, and Evil Gods, whose existence would later be called the Demon King, served, said they had the ability to make it their own strength by giving people fear and despair.
In fact, evil dragons seemed to have such power, and then there is no wonder where demon kings had such power.
Now that I know it, I don't have the means to counter it... but if it's a priority, then there's a way to do it.
"... by the way, wouldn't you break the point of the junction any more? I just broke three, though I stopped my hand to my satisfaction. I don't suppose you're saying that our interference has been successful?
"You seem to recognize reality correctly. And let's just say no to that. If you break everything, you give up, not despair. Sometimes I've heard that you need to add and subtract."
I was listening, where I narrow my eyes.
Although there is a question as to who it came from, I'm sure that's because I thought that's why Hildegard still doesn't show up here.
There's probably a collaborator or something, and thereby Hildegard is being held back.
It's not very believable, such as being able to hold her back, but I just have to decide that's more than possible otherwise.
That shouldn't last that long either.
This is the only way to buy time, believing that Hildegard will come.
"… So why are you answering so many questions with Bella Bella?
"Well, at your convenience, you're going to hang out with me. So, what's the cost?
The words, which were unleashed with a mocking grin, must have come from the heart.
Perhaps the Demon King understands why this one has noticed why the Demon King's power continues to grow, but he doesn't seem to care about it.
Instead, I dare you to teach it to me.
It's not something I can manage to do from what I found out in the first place... to give this one, too, fear and despair.
"... you already said that. Don't think you're like us then."
"As for that, it certainly seemed true. If you were guys back then, you'd have had fear and despair at the same time... well, it wouldn't be bad if you were a playmate. He seems to be up to something, but he's also excited to figure out a way to give you despair, including that."
You seem to realize that you're up to something, but I don't mind.
There's no way we're not gonna find out this one is mostly about buying time.
If you are going to play on it, it is just a ride of what is angry.
"It's no use. There are many lives on our backs that we have chosen to bear. As long as we have it, we don't have time for despair."
"Ho...? So many lives and things, you mean the ones here?
"That's not all. All the people who live in this country. That's why we won't forgive you for taking it from us."
"Well, I don't need your forgiveness or anything... so you're not desperate when you've killed all the people who are here? You want to give it a try?
"... eh"
If they really moved it into action, I'm sure there's nothing Sofia and the others can do about it.
But I never moved to stop it because of what Sophia said to herself.
There are numerous people here, but that is not all of the people of this country.
If we need to abandon the king's capital to save this country, to help more people, then so must the Sophias.
Besides, there was some certainty that the Demon King would not do that.
Not for humanitarian reasons, of course.
"I can't let you get any upset, or... I'm bored. Did you give him a little too much information? Are you convinced I'm not supposed to do that?
"... I don't think you'd do such a waste."
"Huh, you're right. There's no way I'm going to do that in vain just to despair you, even though I'm still going to squeeze you out. But then..."
The demon king, who was circling his gaze, smiled, as if he had noticed something.
A chill ran on my spine momentarily because I understood what was in the direction the Demon King was looking at.
"Oh, you, no way -"
"You stopped the attack and you're having this conversation because you decided this would be a better way to buy time? That's right. If I keep doing this, I'm going to kill you before I let you down. But it's boring to just keep talking like this. So why don't we change the place a little bit? This is going to make the people down there more desperate."
Behind the demon king's gaze, behind Sophia and the others.
There it is, the royal castle.
"Oh, let me..."
"I told you? He said he was going to kill me as it was. Give me the difference in power."
Klaus tried to jump reflexively, but is blown away by the Demon King before waving his sword.
Though I knew it, Sophia's hand stopped for a moment at the difference in power that was too clear, during which time the demon king's figure disappeared.
I don't have to think about where I've been.
"... the worst. If you're headed for the royal castle, it means you're in the junction."
"No, it would be too soon to say it still sucks. If it's more about buying time, then he's better suited. Perhaps I should say it's convenient."
"... right. Think about things."
"And to do that, you can't be relaxing here. It bothers me downstairs..."
"It still looks fine... and I guess I'll just have to leave it to you. Let's hurry."
"Oh."
I care about demons, but I can't leave them alone about demon kings.
I look down just for a moment, but I turn my gaze toward the royal castle, trying to shake it off.
Hearing the hustle and bustle that came from under his eyes, Sophia and the others followed the demon king to the royal castle.
