The Impersonating Daimaou Wants to be Hated (WN): Chapter 105

 

Chapter 105: Right After the Hero

 The rainbow-colored sphere escapes from the great hole opened by the vampire. Tens of thousands of demons rushed toward Aquim Bonvoul, who landed on the ground again.

 The horde of monsters, which had been caught up in the mythical battle and scattered, was restored into a fearsome army by the Demon King's words.

 The momentum was tremendous, and we wondered if Aquim Bonvoul, exhausted from the battle with the four generals, would have the strength left to fight back.

 As we watched with bated breath, Aquim held up his sword to the sky in the face of the onrushing hordes.

"The prayer of the primordial one is here."

 The Founder gently touched the blade. Then the holy sword glowed with rainbow colors. Immediately after it looked as if the demon army was afraid to fight against the radiance that seemed to contain all the beauty of this world.

"World of Absolution - Zero."

 The blade swung down. A rainbow-colored radiance engulfed the army, and thenーー everything vanished without a trace.

 More than half of the army of demons that had filled the land, including dragons and giants, vanished as if they had never existed in the first place. The effect was so great that even though the great threat was suddenly reduced, the converged mind was dominated by silence.

(D-damn you! Founder!)

 A purple glow erupts from the Demon King's entire body. The Demon King stood up from her throne and walked over to Floria, who was bound with chains.

(Can you see, Founder? No, Aquim Bonvoul. Now, I will execute your king. If you want to help your king, come to my castle!)

 It's a trap. The Demon King's provocations were so blatant that even a commoner, let alone a soldier, was convinced of it.

(That is, if you have the courage to enter my castle, which was built for the purpose of eliminating the Founder and can seal the Founder's power.)

 The Demon King smiled wickedly and pulled the cross on which Floria-sama was bound with one hand, and walked to the back of the room where darkness reigned.

 When that darkness engulfed her, Floria-samaーー

 Unlike us, who can only tremble at the thought of what will happen to our king, the knight did not hesitate.

 The silver light turned into a meteor and ran across the air. Aquim's destination, with his magical light overflowing, is the Demon King's Castle that towered against the heavens. The knight, knowing it is a trap, dives into death to save the captive princess, but three terrifying darkness attack him.

 The darkness looked like the demon, the spirit, and the vampire. But they are different. These monsters, clad in abyss-like curse, attacked the silver-clad knight from all angles.

 The silver light stretches straight to the Demon King's castle. And three darkness repeatedly and fiercely intersect with the silver light. The four conflicting lights intertwined with each other and destroyed the outer wall of the Demon King's castle.

"GAAAAAAHH!!"

 The battlefield was filled with demons' cries. At the same time, the demons began to return to the Demon King's castle all at once.

 [Kill that knight!] The shouts that rose one after another sounded as if they were shouting in everyone's ears. It was as if to say that as long as Aquim Bonvoul was taken care of, everything would be all right. In fact, the demons that were running across the earth, raising dust like a tsunami, didn't care about us.

 A wave of strong anger, akin to humiliation, was generated throughout the Kingdom of Light. And then, the image was abruptly cut off.

"...Ah? Eh!?"

 The converged mind was forcibly released, and before I knew it, I had become "I".

"!? ...That's right, I... my name is..."

 Kurai Kurakunai. A person who plays a part in the defense. A Knight of Light. B-but now Iーー

"Listen, my brothers and sisters."

 It feels like I'm in a dream. That voice resounded well in my hazy mind.

 The image of a war maiden clad in silver armor was projected into the air. This is one of the means of transmission using illusionary magic often used in ceremonies. The skill of a single person in projecting such a large image into the air is nothing short of amazing, but it is not as good as it should be after the Demon King's magic.

 However, it is a fact that she is able to bring our consciousness back to reality.

 The voice of the Silver Maiden echoes greatly.

"Our king, Floria-sama, has been taken away by the Demon King. What we are facing now is undoubtedly the greatest crisis in the history of the Kingdom of Light. But do not be afraid, my brothers and sisters. Our prayers have been answered in this desperate situation. You have seen it. You have seen that our Founder has returned with a hero. There is nothing to fear now. Our victory is unassailable. But, my brothers and sisters, can we really remain as we are as the people of the Kingdom of Light? The Founder and the hero is fighting a battle against the demons even as we speak. Is there nothing we can do? Are we that helpless? No, it cannot be so. We are the people of the Kingdom of Light. Come, my brothers and sisters. Take up your swords."

 Sharna pulled the holy sword from its scabbard and held it up to the sky as a hero would have done.

"For our King Floria-sama! Together with our hero, Aquim Bonvoul!"

 Thenーー

"For our King Floria-sama! Together with our hero, Aquim Bonvoul!"

 A voice comes from somewhere. That voice... is it the messenger? The face of the man who had been with me just a moment ago came to mind, but there was no time to confirm it. Becauseーー

"For our King Floria-sama! Together with our hero, Aquim Bonvoul!"

"That's right! Take up arms! For our king, Floria-sama!"

"Open the front gate! It's all-out war! Don't let the demons outside go to Floria-sama and that hero!"

"For our King Floria-sama! Together with our hero, Aquim Bonvoul!"

 War cries were heard everywhere.

 It was only natural that people would praise Floria-sama, but I never expected so many people to praise Aquim Bonvoul.

"...No, it's natural."

 What kind of a fool would disregard that knight after such a great battle? I, on the other handーー

"I should go."

 I found myself re-gripping the hilt of the holy sword I had been clutching for so long, and walked toward Sharna. And that's when it happened.

"That's……"

 I saw a familiar face in the crowd.

“Damn, I guess I can't get out after all.”

 I was freed from the Demon King's terrible magic, and I couldn't stand still as I continued my struggle to get to Aquim, but with all the gates completely sealed by magic, it was no easy task to get out.

 Voices of praise for Floria-sama and Aquim are heard from all around, and with that, the main gate is finally about to be opened. However, with all the forces of the Kingdom of Light about to converge, it is not easy to weave through the crowds.

 It might be possible to use magic, but I hesitated to provoke the soldiers, who were showing an eerie sense of unity and excessive fighting spirit, perhaps still under the influence of the Demon King's magic, any more than necessary.

"Aquim, how could he leave me behind..."

 After the day of the meeting, Aquim did not give instructions to the soldiers, but continued to hold me, Mina, and Laura at the mansion.

 He ignored my words that this was not the time to be doing this, and continued to torment me day after day, until finally, when I realized that I was exhausted, he was already nowhere to be found.

 Did he run away? Frustrated with the worst premonition, Mina and Laura were left naked on the bed, and when I ran out of the mansion, I was caught by the Demon King's terrifying magic.

“Aquim was chosen...... by the Founder?”

 It was so unrealistic that I felt no emotion about it, which was surprisingly true. It is as if we were told only the setting of a story I do not know. That's how I feel.

 What was more shocking than such a ridiculous story was the battle and the figure of Aquim, who was pushed by numbers in the battle. My chest tightened every time his shining silver armor was covered in blood. Why am I, his attendant, here? No, even if I was thereーー

"I... what could I do."

 I was once defeated by that vampire, unable to do anything. There is not much difference between me then and me now. If I fight, I will be killed instantly without being able to do anything. But even if that were to happen, I would still have toーー

"I have to go, if I didn't go. Otherwise, what the hell am I......"

 I don't know why I dedicated this body to Aquim.

 What pops into my mind is the image of a knight who would not back down against a monster that I could not even touch. My lower abdomen, which had been tormented by Aquim day after day, became hot for a moment.

"Damn it! What am I thinking at a time like this!?"

 By engulfing mana all over my body, I erased the inappropriate feelings. Anyway, I need to go to Aquim. Is there any place other than the main gate where I could get out?

 I was about to run, when.

"Elana-senpai."

 I turned around at the sound of a voice calling me and saw a doll-like beauty approaching, deftly weaving her way through the crowd.

"Mina... you, that outfit."

 Mina was not wearing a maid's uniform, which I had become completely accustomed to seeing recently, but a magic tool suit somewhat similar to my military uniform, which she used to wear before she was captured by Aquim.

"You're going to Aquim. Let me help."

"I appreciate that, but..."

 Although she is young like me, Mina's ability far surpasses most soldiers. She has experience in actual combat. And above all, in this situation. If she can lend me a hand, I'd be happy to, butーー

“Elana-senpai?”

 Mina's doll-like beauty is slightly clouded, as though her conflict has shown on her face.

 I let out a small sigh and let out my inner thoughts.

"Mina, I want to make this clear. I am going to help, Aquim-sama. I know you have ill feelings toward Aquim-sama, but if you intend to harm my master who is fighting, I, as his attendant, will not tolerate it."

 I draw my sword. I lightly pressed the crimson blade against Mina's neck. ーーKiiling intent!? The tip of the sword almost hit her, but the killing intent disappeared in an instant, and it was not Mina who released it. Who, then? I was curious but did not want to take my eyes off Mina under these circumstances.

 Mina was surprisingly calm. It was as if she knew I was going to do this, and she was quietly staring at me with the same cold look she always does. I tried not to be intimidated by her gaze, but I also focused on her eyes.

"...I only want to help Elana-senpai. If Elana-senpai wants to help Aquim, then I will help him."

"There's no guarantee that you'll make it out alive, you know? No, the chances of you dying are much higher."

"It doesn't matter."

"Why are you so devoted to me?"

 I asked reflexively and immediately regretted it.  It was more than enough for me to understand Mina's feelings.

"You already know the reason, right? ...No. The truth is, maybe I don't really understand it either."

 Mina's answer was just a little different from what I had expected, and I lowered my sword, having been taken aback by the gloomy look on her face. I was not sure why, for a moment, I saw Mina as Atom, even though they were so different in appearance and everything else. And thenーー

“Mina, Elana-senpai.”

 Laura came in a maid outfit.

"Laura, it's dangerous outside. Stay in the mansion with Eluina and the others."

"Are you going to help Aquim-senpai? Me too, I'm going too."

"Laura, you..."

 Unlike her usual easy-going demeanor, Laura's ghastly atmosphere made me feel as if she was a completely different person. Mina stares at Laura's face and doesn't say anything.

“…………No, I can’t take you with me.”

"Why!?"

"Because you're a hindrance. Did you see the image earlier? Perhaps we are dealing with a strong being that even Sharna-san can't handle. I cannot take you, who are not even close to me or Mina, let alone the Knights of Light."

"That's... but, I-I... even I..."

“Laura, don't worry about Aquim. That scum won't die easily."

 Mina gently grasped Laura's hand as she bit her lip and looked down.

“Mina…… t-that's right. Aquim-senpai wouldn't die so easily...... right? .........Hahaha. I'm sorry. I said something out of character."

 Mina said nothing to Laura, who scratched her head in embarrassment, and simply continued to hold her hands in silence. At that moment, a loud voice was heard at the main gate.

"...The main gate will open soon. I'll give this to you, Laura."

"Um, what is this?"

 Laura looked curiously at the blue card I handed her.

"It's a certificate of protection for Aina and the others. It is not the same as the eye of the law, but it has a function to record their condition when they are nearby. In order to avoid any unwanted suspicion, someone with this must be in the vicinity of the two women. I'd like to ask you to do this, Laura."

 I would like Aina-san and Maroana-san to come with me if possible, but we are dealing with four generals who have turned the two of them into vampires. I can't take them into this battle...... The image of my mother passed through my mind for a moment.

"...I understand. Please leave everything to me, including the house. I will take good care of Draco-chan and Nanami-chan, too."

 When Laura tapped her own chest, her rich breasts, which I had become accustomed to seeing for the past few days, shook.

"Yeah. I'm counting on you."

"Yes. So please be safe Elana-senpai and Mina."

"Be careful too, Laura."

 Mina strongly nodded at her friend who had a worried look on her face. Laura nodded back, and she smiled anxiously.

"Yeah. Then I'll be waiting for you at the mansion."

 Laura turns her back on us and goes back the way she came without looking back. We watched her for a while and then noticed a figure approaching us.

"Are you done talking?"

"Kurai-san... No, Kurai-sama."

 The person who approached us was a woman with a scar over her right eye and brown hair in a ponytail. Knight of Light, Kurai-san. Behind her was a group of talented people who were instantly recognizable as elite.

 ……Are they from the Shield family?

 I nodded back at the familiar face that greeted me with my eyes. Looking closely, I can see that all of them are well-known fighters. In other words, they are the elite among the elite.

“Are you going to go to Aquim Bonvoul with just the two of you? That's reckless. You're just like Rosina in that way."

"...I am Aquim-sama's attendant. Not even Kurai-sama can stop me."

"Don't be impatient. I didn't come to stop you. From now on, Sharna will take command and start mopping up the swarm of demons returning to the Demon King's Castle. In the meantime, we will invade the Castle and rescue Floria-sama. ”

“It is only natural that we should rescue Floria-sama. However, as his attendantーー"

"That's why I'm telling you not to be impatient. Elana Shield. You must have seen that battle. What can you do when you rush to that kind of battle?"

“That’s…… I see! We need Floria-sama.”

"That's right. There is no one other than Floria-sama who can intervene in a battle of that level. With the eyes of the Demon King, including the four generals, on Aquim Bonvoul, we must take this opportunity to rescue Floria-sama and have her fight together with Aquim Bonvoul. This is the best plan we can take right now... I will give this to you."

 What Kurai-san handed me was a magic tool for storage. When I channeled mana into the ring-shaped tool, a case appeared. Inside were twelve transparent bottles. Inside the bottles was a liquid that emitted a blue light. This isーー

“…Is it magic water?”

"Yeah. As you can see, it's extremely pure. An ordinary human would surely die if he or she ingested even a sip of this concentration of magic water, but for Floria-sama, it is just the right recovery medicine. Our role is to deliver this to Floria-sama. Even if we were annihilated, I am sure that Floria-sama will take care of the rest."

 Even if it is for Floria-sama, it is too risky. But it's also true that under the circumstances, there's no better plan.

"Understood. What is the unit formation?"

"Three platoons of four each from the Swordaina family and the Shield family. Me and my attendant Gorkin, Elana Shield, and Mina-sa... Ten'a. Each unit moves independently, including the point of entry. There is no support. If anything goes wrong, don't expect any help. I'd like to plan a little more, but we don't have time for that. Do you understand?"

"Yes. We can't afford to let this battle continue, of course, as well as Aquim-sama's battle."

 The top brass had been concealing the fact that Floria-sama had been captured by the enemy. Even if it was necessary to do so, such words will not reach the people who have lost their reason. When the truth was revealed by the Demon King, I was prepared for this Kingdom's demise, not figuratively.

 If it had not been for the great impact of the Hero Aquim and the Founder-sama, this country would have collapsed from within without even waiting for the Demon King's army to launch an all-out attack.

 In that sense, Sharna-san was the savior of this country, as she was the first to decide on the overall direction at an early stage when the influence of the Demon King's magic had not fully worn off. Mother might have been able to make the same decision on the spur of the moment, but even so, I don't think she would have been able to guide them so brilliantly.

 The strongest knight of light in history. That title is not a title for nothing.

"Is the front gate open? As expected, the minimum unit will be formed, but in this situation. The battle will probably begin immediately. We're going, too. Don't fall behind."

"Yes."

"Copy that."

 Mina and I followed Kurai-san, who was leading the way with the elite unit.

“Aquim, I'm coming. So, don't you everーー"

 Don't die.

 For the first time, I prayed for Aquim's safety from the bottom of my heart, thinking my master was fighting the demons while we were doing this.