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There were two soldiers left behind on one of the watchtowers built along Morksi’s outer wall just in case, and their attention was on the battle between Vandalieu’s side and Hajime Fitun’s side.
“It’s so far away that I can’t see properly, but isn’t that some really crazy battle?” one of them said.
The soldiers had relatively good eyesight but ordinary in every other way, so they were unable to keep up with weapon swings that were too fast. On top of that, they didn’t have any deep knowledge when it came to magic.
As Vandalieu’s ‘Hollow Bullets’ were small and his extended tongue simply looked like a whip-shaped object, they couldn’t confirm much at all. And as Vandalieu’s back was towards the tower, they couldn’t see the Demon King’s eyeball on his forehead.
Thus, they were unable to notice the strangeness of the way Vandalieu and Hajime Fitun were fighting each other, and could only vaguely tell that it was an incredible battle.
“Yeah. The bandits didn’t run away even when a Thunder Dragon charged in… Those bandits might be as strong as B-class adventurers or even better,” said the other soldier.
“What the hell do you mean, bandits that are as strong as B-class adventurers?! Why the hell are they bandits if they’re so strong?!” the first soldier shouted.
It was commonly considered that no bandit would be as powerful as a B-class adventurer. Someone with that level of strength would be able to live a luxurious life by hunting monsters that were just weak enough for them to hunt with ease.
But it wasn’t that people with the strength of a B-class adventurer would never do bandit-like things.
“Aren’t those guys from another Duchy… No, maybe even from Duke Alcrem’s special forces?”
“Y-you fool! You can’t just speculate about things like that!”
“No, I mean, according to the rumors –”
“Shut up!”
Vandalieu had a familiar that looked exactly like the duke’s missing younger sister, and he and Darcia were spreading Vida’s teachings, taking a negative stance against the Church of Alda. There were rumors among some that the current Duke Alcrem did not think well of them.
One of the soldiers seemed to suspect that those rumors might be true, but his companion was quick to stop him.
“They could be Alda extremists who refuse to accept the peaceful faction or assassins sent by Vampires who worship an evil god, couldn’t they! And there’s no point in us trying to use our brains here! Our job is to keep a lookout! Now that I’ve made that clear, shut your mouth and –”
“Hey, look over there!”
“I said, shut your… What the hell is that?!”
The soldiers’ eyes opened wide in shock as they saw mysterious flashes of light appearing in a part of the Devil’s Nest forest on the other side of the field where Vandalieu and Fitun were fighting. Trees were falling and a large amount of dirt and smoke was rising into the sky.
On top of that, the Mountain Giant that had been thrown in Kanako and Melissa’s direction got onto its feet, as if new life had been breathed into it.
“M-monsters fighting each other? But we’d be able to see them from here if they were Dragons or Giants… I-in any case, we need to report that there’s something fighting inside the forest!”
“What about the Giant that got back up?!”
“We’re reporting that too!”
And so, the soldiers’ attention was drawn away from Vandalieu’s battle with Fitun and divided.
Meanwhile, Miles and the ‘Rapid Wind Demon Cutter’ Kizelbyne were battling in the forest, the shockwaves from their attacks causing flashes of light to shine towards the sky and numerous trees to be felled.
“‘Stardust Blow!’” Kizelbyne shouted, his martial skill unleashing a series of rapid stabs with his dagger that had been enchanted with light-attribute magic.
It had been said that his movements were so fast that his arm was impossible to see, and he looked like nothing more than stardust falling from the night sky.
The battle had already dragged out too long, so Miles’ ‘Familiar Spirit Demonfall’ had expired. With a grunt, he tried to defend himself with his extended claws, but he could not block all of Kizelbyne’s dagger attacks. Blood sprayed out from across his entire body.
He staggered backwards a few steps and fell onto his knees.
Miles gave a deep sigh that expelled as much blood as air. “… Impressive. To be honest, I didn’t expect that you’d be this powerful. It seems that I have underestimated you.”
He had transformed partially into a beast with ‘Beast Transformation.’ And yet, even after being forced into a state where anyone would immediately notice he wasn’t a human with one glance, he had been cornered by this foe.
The effects of both his ‘Familiar Spirit Demonfall’ and ‘Transcend Limits’ had expired. His entire body had sustained deep wounds, and his ‘Rapid Regeneration’ was no longer keeping up.
Up until now, that is.
“So, shall we begin round 3?” Miles said, his tone of speech somehow full of life as he returned an empty porcelain bottle to his pocket.
“… Are you immortal?” Kizelbyne muttered, his expression stiffening.
The wounds inflicted by his Orichalcum-coated dagger were deep, but they were healing before his very eyes.
He emptied his 3rd-grade Potion and threw away the empty bottle.
His hair, soaked in sweat, was stuck onto his forehead, and he had several not-so-shallow wounds on his body as well. Though Miles had put some distance between the two, fatigue had accumulated in Kizelbyne’s entire body to the point where he couldn’t give chase and deal a finishing blow.
Like Miles, he needed time to recover as well.
Kizelbyne was far more powerful than Mortor, the confidant of the Pure-breed Vampire Birkyne whom Miles had defeated previously. On top of that, he was a user of light-attribute magic, with experience from his mortal life in hunting not only Kijin and Majin, but Vampires as well.
Using this strength, he had already driven Miles into a corner twice, but… each time, Miles had consumed something that healed his wounds and restored his lost stamina, putting Kizelbyne back at square one.
Kizelbyne was the only one who had accumulated damage and fatigue.
“How many of those advanced Potions has the Demon King given you? I’ve slain countless Vampires before you, and yet you survive my deadly attacks, recover and continue fighting. You’re like an Undead!” he exclaimed.
“Potions? What Boss gave me is something far better than that,” said Miles.
The substance that he had been consuming repeatedly… was Vandalieu’s blood, the main constituent of Blood Potion.
It was no ordinary blood; it was the blood of a Demon King who had become a demi-god. Such blood had even greater restorative properties than if it were turned into Blood Potion, especially for an Abyssal Vampire.
With the ‘Bloodwork’ Skill, it boosted the Attribute Values and stimulated the ‘Rapid Regeneration’ Skill. On top of that, it made the body’s fatigue vanish as if it had never existed at all.
“‘Familiar Spirit Demonfall!’ Third time’s the charm! Die, Vampire hunter!” Miles shouted.
“I don’t recommend that you do this repeatedly within a short period of time though,” chimed in the clone of Vandalieu that had descended upon Miles.
Kizelbyne could no longer conceal his fatigued state.
Fully recovered and with a black light enveloping him for the third time, Miles threw himself at Kizelbyne once more.
The city’s back gate, on the opposite side of the gate that the monsters were advancing upon. The evacuating citizens gathered on the inside were waiting for the evacuation order. This was because if they were to leave too early, it was possible that the monsters would detect the presence of this large number of humans and make a detour to attack them directly rather than go through the city’s front gate.
Considering that the presence of large numbers of Thunder Dragons and other flying monsters had been confirmed, the plan was for the evacuation to begin once the battle at the front gate was well underway.
It was easy to imagine that this would be the plan, assuming that Earl Morksi and his vassals were not incredibly incompetent.
That was why Hajime Fitun had ordered the ‘Tempest Strike Mage’ Matilda, Shestun and the other heroic spirits to attack the evacuating citizens. He had thought that they would be able to create large numbers of casualties and shake Vandalieu mentally.
But Legion’s members had been stationed here and there, like the strangely loud-voiced old woman who had saved those who had been late to escape. Thanks to them, most of the heroic spirits had been dragged into the Dungeon.
But several of them had slipped past Legion’s traps and reached the city. However, they were unable to successfully execute Hajime Fitun’s plan.
“JYUOOOH!” Bone Man roared, swinging his magic sword that was made of fragments of the Demon King.
Having been fooled into thinking that Bone Man was a mere Skeleton, the heroic spirit that Bone Man swung his weapon upon screamed as he was butchered before he could even activate ‘Heroic Spirit Transformation.’ He would later be put in the records as one of the people who were late to escape and killed by a Skeleton.
One of the heroic spirits tried to cut across the forest, but by the time he realized that he was in a feeding ground created by the branches growing from Eisen’s back, he was already in a situation that he could not escape from.
“Take this until you die…” muttered Eisen, who had become a Skogsrå High Empress after her last Rank increase.
“D-damn it, there’s no end to this! How do I kill this woman?! Even if I stab her chest or put a hole in her head, she regenerates right away… She has no vital spots?!” he screamed in frustration.
He could not defeat Eisen, who appeared to be a demi-human but was actually a plant-type monster with ‘Super Rapid Regeneration,’ the superior version of the ‘Rapid Regeneration’ Skill. Thus, he ended up fighting a fruitless battle until his body collapsed.
But there were other heroic spirits who had managed to overcome the obstructions and reach the city’s walls.
“Are we the only ones who made it here?!” one of them shouted in shock, looking around to see that there were only four of them, including himself.
“Impossible… There were more than twenty of us,” another murmured. “But less than half of us were able to make it here…”
The majority of Fitun’s heroic spirits had belonged to the mercenary band led by Fitun himself when they were mortals. It was an unusually large number of individuals to become heroic spirits of the same god all around the same time.
This meant that less of his believers had become heroic spirits later on, but even so, Fitun commanded more heroic spirits than most gods.
The majority of those heroic spirits were taking part in this plan, having been incarnated in physical bodies by the ‘Marionette’ ability. However, their numbers had dropped harshly.
“Hey, if things keep going at this rate, is there even any point for us to continue with the plan? Isn’t it better to go and join the commander…?” one of the heroic spirits muttered.
“Don’t be stupid!” another said. “There’s no way we’d reach him in one piece from here. Are you trying to get even more of us killed?!”
“B-but there’s no sign of Shestun, Matilda and the others returning to their Divine Realms. They should still be fighting. If we can join up with them…”
“Just because they haven’t returned to their Divine Realms doesn’t mean they’re unharmed! They’ve either been teleported somewhere far away… or they might have already been defeated and sealed away or eaten. We’re up against the Demon King, you know?!”
“Y-yeah.”
The bear-type Beast-kin shield-bearer, the human mage, the Dwarf axe-wielder and half-Elf archer were finally at the city’s walls, but they were unsure what to do.
The initial plan had been to use martial skills and spells to destroy the walls in a spectacular fashion, then enter the city and kill everyone save a decent number to use as hostages. And once Vandalieu’s companions arrived, they were supposed to use ‘Heroic Spirit Transformation.’
But this was clearly not the situation that they had envisioned when the plan was created.
“Shit! We’re doing this. If we run away here, we’re just going to end up in the same way as the others!”
“Everyone, each of you make your own holes in the wall and go in! We’ll be less likely to be caught in traps if we don’t all enter from the same place!”
“If you don’t like it, then kill yourself right now, return to your Divine Realms and receive the punishment of the ones we left behind!”
“Mmm… We have no other choice!”
The four heroic spirits, who had undergone ‘Heroic Spirit Transformation,’ dispersed and went to each make their own hole in the wall to enter the city through. The soldiers on the watchtower closest to them realized what was happening and warned their comrades on the ground, but it was too late.
A shockwave produced by a shield, an axe swing, an arrow that was enchanted to explode on impact – these crashed into the wall, creating holes with a thunderous noise.
The guards on the other side of the holes in the wall screamed in panic. Behind them, a plump man who appeared to be a merchant and a well-dressed man with a beard were frozen in fear; they had been too late to escape. The female adventurer who looked like their bodyguard had been injured by the broken fragments of the wall, or perhaps she was simply terrified – she made no move to draw her weapon.
Several female screams came from somewhere in the distance.
“I’ll kill you to begin with! ‘Lightning Barrage!’” shouted the mage, unleashing lightning projectiles that swept the guards away.
“You people will die first!” shouted the Dwarf axe-user.
He and the female archer leapt into the city through their own holes. The bear-type Beast-kin shield-bearer began following them… but suddenly had the feeling that something was wrong.
Something’s strange… Yeah, those guards, didn’t their faces look a bit too similar? he thought to himself, thinking of the five guards who had been defeated by the mage before they even had the time to scream.
Alarm bells began ringing in his head. His intuition was screaming at him that this was a trap.
But the Dwarf and the female archer had already entered the city.
“W-we’re going to be fine, right?!” the well-dressed man said, trembling.
“Get behind me!” the female swordsman told him, raising her sword courageously. “Come,” she said to the enemy in front of her.
The Dwarf gave a delighted laugh. “As you wish! I will keep you company!” he said as he approached her.
“W-wait! I’ll give you money, please don’t kill me!” the merchant-like man screamed in tears.
The female archer pulled back the string of her bow, taking aim at him. “Money? I don’t need that. I just need your life!”
With that, she released her arrow.
At that moment, the Beast-kin shield-bearer tried to warn his companions. “Wait, this is a trap! Get outside, right now –”
But before he could finish his sentence, a thin thread wrapped around his body and dug into the gaps in his armor.
The slaughtered soldiers made a bubbling noise, turning into a viscous, blood-crimson-colored liquid… Kühl, who had split into multiple parts and changed his appearance, returned to his original form.
The mage, taking notice of his companion’s warning, hastily recited an incantation. “‘Wind God Beast Assault!’”
Enormous, wolf-like beasts of the wind attribute let out howls as they materialized.
By the time the Dwarf realized that his companions were in trouble and came back to his senses, he was already within the female swordsman’s range.
“S-‘Single Flash!’” he shouted hastily as he swung his axe.
This was a basic martial skill, but now he had undergone ‘Heroic Spirit Transformation.’ Even this attack would be enough to dispose of most foes.
But the Dwarf’s axe did not cut straight through the female swordsman’s weapon and into her body.
“It seems like you’ve fallen for the ‘Temptation’ that I learned from Great Grandmother!” the female swordsman said.
Though she had appeared to be a beautiful human woman, she rapidly transformed into a blue-skinned Obscene Majin with two horns on her head and membranous wings protruding from her back.
The sword that stopped the Dwarf’s axe also transformed, turning into a magical holy sword radiating a sinister aura.
“Splendid… You have succeeded. Ah, Iris, the time of you tempting a man has arrived…” murmured the sword… Nemesis George.
“George-dono, I understand how you must feel, but I am feeling relieved,” said the well-dressed man… Luciliano.
He had cast a spell on Nemesis George to make him appear to be an ordinary sword.
“‘Life Terror Beast Assault!’” Luciliano recited, conjuring a beast that resembled a carnivorous dinosaur.
“You don’t need money? That is most convenient!” said the man who appeared to be a merchant, producing a sword from somewhere and striking down the arrow that was traveling towards him. “I didn’t have any on me, you see.”
The man transformed into a beautiful Vampire Zombie who appeared to be in her thirties, with cloudy crimson eyes, fangs and a ferocious smile… Isla.
“‘Ternecia’s Hound?!’ Damn it! So, you were disguised with ‘Transformation!’” the female archer muttered.
“A magical sword that resembles the holy sword Nemesis Bell… and although your appearance has changed completely, that face is the ‘Liberating Princess Knight!’ To think that you still lived, as a Succubus!” said the Dwarf.
“The guards are a Slime! A Mimic Slime was disguised as the guards!” the mage shouted in warning.
Meanwhile, the Beast-kin shield-bearer who had been caught by a thread screamed as he was pulled deeper into the city.
“Welcome, dear guests. I apologize for being abrupt, but do you have any final words?” Bellmond said to the heroic spirits as she appeared at the scene.
Standing beside her was Eleanora, with her sword drawn. On the corner of the building was the source of the female screams… Yamata, the remodeled Hydra Zombie whose nine heads had been replaced by the upper body halves of beautiful women of different races. And next to her were Pauvina and Rapiéçage.
“… Why have I even been brought here? Though they are heroic spirits that are in quite the pitiful state, I would not be able to face them!” said Luvesfol, who was hiding in the shadow of a building.
“I do agree. Though they certainly are fascinating specimens… I will be quite satisfied with their corpses being brought back,” said Luciliano with a stiff expression, still hiding behind Iris.
“Luves, that kind of attitude is exactly why your Rank won’t increase,” said Pauvina.
“You are His Majesty the Emperor’s top disciple, and capable of clearing B-class Dungeons, are you not?” Iris said to Luciliano.
Watching this scene unfold, the heroic spirits understood that they were completely defeated.
They immediately looked behind them towards the holes that they had made in the wall, but… they had already been repaired and sealed.
Vandalieu had previously turned the protective walls around the city of Morksi into Golems and placed disguised Demon King Familiars all over it. These would notify Gufadgarn of the heroic spirits’ presence, and in response, she would create teleportation gates so that the heroic spirits would be sent into her Dungeon if they leapt over the walls or passed through any holes created in them.
To ensure that the heroic spirits entered the Dungeon, Kühl had disguised himself as five city guards with the ‘Long-distance Control’ Skill. Iris Bearheart had disguised herself as a human swordsman with a spell, and Isla had disguised herself as a fat merchant with ‘Transformation.’
Iris, who had become an Obscene Succubus, had learned a Succubus technique from the grandmother of the Majin king Godwin who had awakened in Vida’s Resting Grounds. With this technique, she had charmed and drawn the Dwarf inside.
Charming the enemy and drawing them closer to defeat them was known as ‘Temptation.’ It was said that according to Zakkart, it had originated from Hillwillow’s knowledge of Kunoichis.
“We have been thoroughly trapped,” muttered the mage. “But… ‘Short-range Teleportation!’”
While his own divine beast fought against Luciliano’s terror beast, he teleported the bear-type Beast-kin shield-bearer a tiny distance, freeing him from the metal thread that was binding him.
“You saved me! Let’s restore our formation! Now that things have come to this, we won’t be able to attack the city, but we’ve succeeded in our original objective of drawing the Demon King’s subordinates to us! All that’s left to do now is fight until we die!” the shield-bearer told his companions.
The Dwarf and the archer gave a spirited shout in response as they prepared themselves for battle. They had been capable mercenaries as mortals. They had overcome a disadvantage in numbers with sheer strength numerous times.
Knowing what they were thinking, Eleanora smiled. “It is true that you are strong… but there is less of a difference than you may think.”
There was a tiny amount of blood on the blade of her magic sword.
The battle at the city’s front gate had intensified greatly. The earl had placed his soldiers outside the gate rather than inside, prepared to die in order to buy the time that the citizens needed to evacuate the city. Thus, Gufadgarn was unable to teleport the monsters, and they were able to charge straight towards the city.
“Th-this is my first time in a battle like this! E-everything is so strange!” shouted the former B-class adventurer Rodriguez as he shuddered.
The battle was very one-sided.
“‘Thundering Ogre Slash!’” shouted Basdia, who was wearing what appeared to be a combination of a suit of armor and a swimsuit with a skirt-like decoration.
She swung her axe down upon the Troll Tyrant that was leading the Trolls, splitting its skull in two.
“‘Chaotic Light Circle Blade Dance!’” cried Zadiris, who was wearing something resembling a miniskirt with frills and ribbons.
Her spell released seven shining, disc-shaped blades that danced into the sky, slicing through the necks of the Venom Wyverns.
The monsters let out dying screams as they were slaughtered, unable to put up even the smallest amount of resistance.
Troll Tyrants were powerful Rank 8 monsters; defeating one would require multiple B-class adventurers. Venom Wyverns were Rank 6, but they were troublesome foes that were difficult to defeat due to the fact that they were airborne, with fangs, claws and deadly venom in the spear-like tips of their tails.
Such monsters were being disposed of with ease.
I knew that Darcia-dono was more powerful than me. I knew that, but… I didn’t expect for these two Ghouls to be far more powerful than me as well! Rodriguez thought to himself.
When the battle with the monsters started, Darcia had used ‘Familiar Spirit Descent,’ and Basdia and Zadiris had shouted ‘Transform!’ while holding their weapons in the air.
Bewildered, Rodriguez had watched as a portion of the decorations on Basdia’s axe and Zadiris’s staff split away from the weapons and wrapped around their bodies to form defensive equipment.
It seemed that this boosted their strength tremendously; the two of them were now defeating powerful monsters one after another.
But Rodriguez had noticed that the transformation had not simply made them powerful. The two of them had already been powerful before the transformation.
There was no doubt that the transformation had boosted their power by increasing their Attribute Values, improving their spells and raising their defensive power. But there was also no doubt that both of them were already more powerful than Rodriguez even without it.
The merchant who employed Rodriguez had once thought of using the Ghoul women as sacred prostitutes at a brothel disguised as a church; Rodriguez was really glad that he had been able to put a stop to that.
The plan may have worked for ordinary Ghouls, but there was no way that Ghouls as powerful as this could have been made to do such work. If their strength had been discovered, the merchant may have been arrested upon suspicion of crime – not for operating an illegal brothel, but for smuggling a great amount of military forces into the city and plotting a coup d’état.
Guild Master Berard of the Adventurers’ Guild, the Guild Master of the Mages’ Guild and Earl Morksi were surely on the verge of fainting in shock right about now.
Guild Master Bachem of the Tamers’ Guild was currently engaged in airborne combat on his Huge Wyvern, so he seemed to be fine.
Incidentally, Darcia was leading the battle, in front of the knights and adventurers. After activating ‘Familiar Spirit Descent,’ she had cast basic enchantments on everyone on the battlefield and engaged in battle on the frontline.
She had swept away a Minotaur that charged excitedly towards her, Basdia and Zadiris, blocked the concentrated magical attacks of the Ogre Mages who had deemed her a dangerous foe and was now engaged in one-on-one direct combat with a Mountain Giant Chief.
Indeed, a Rank 9 Mountain Giant Chief that was over ten meters tall.
The Mountain Giant Chief let out a noise that was half-battle-cry and half-scream as it charged with its stone axe raised towards Darcia, who was floating in the air with a spell.
“Muscular Strength Super Enhancement!” Darcia shouted.
She held her staff with both hands and used it to block the Mountain Giant Chief’s attack. Considering the difference in their sizes, one might worry that her staff would break… but it was the stone axe in which a crack appeared.
Incidentally, Darcia had shouted ‘Muscular Strength Super Enhancement,’ but she had not actually cast a spell. She was simply pretending to have strengthened her physical strength with magic to block the Giant’s attack, putting on a show for those around her.
But the Mountain Giant Chief seemed to have instinctively sensed this. It was clearly fighting a battle against fear itself.
However, Darcia did not attempt any counter-attack and instead turned towards Rodriguez. “Now, Rodriguez-san! Strike, while I am holding the Mountain Giant back!”
“Huh? O-of course!” Rodriguez said hastily, swinging his weapon at the Giant’s legs.
“Now! Follow after Rodriguez-san!” one of Earl Morksi’s knights shouted.
“We can’t allow the holy lady to push herself!” said another.
The knights and adventurers charged in after Rodriguez, while the guards fired their arrows.
Meanwhile, Kest was firing arrows at the monsters rapidly, and each of his arrows had power behind them.
“Kest, your pace is pretty fast. Are you going to be alright?!” asked the senior guard, seemingly worried that Kest might exhaust himself.
“It’s not a problem, Senpai!” Kest shouted back.
“We’re the ones in control of the battle. You don’t have to be thinking that you need to fire all your arrows before you die!”
“I’m fine! I don’t know why, but I feel strength just rising up in me and I’m not feeling tired at all!”
“Maybe you were particularly compatible with the holy lady’s enchantment? No, maybe the enchantment’s effect changes depending on the compatibility to begin with? … Whatever!” the senior guard muttered. “You lot, Kest is going to take all of the guards’ glory at this rate! If you want a pay rise, don’t slack off and aim your arrows well!” he shouted at the others.
Though everyone had been prepared to die at this place, they were now fighting hard towards victory after seeing Darcia and the others in action.
But naturally, they were sustaining injuries. Adventurers were suffering burns after being hit directly by spells, and knights who were swept away by Ogres’ clubs had their arms broken along with their shields.
However, healing spells immediately flew towards them from Darcia, Zadiris and even Priestess Paula at the others at the backlines, ensuring that these injuries were not fatal.
“Don’t let your guard down! Seal those holes and don’t let the monsters inside!” Basdia ordered the soldiers.
“Make sure to engage with a number advantage of at least three to one! While those at the front hold the line, those at the back must support them and create openings to attack,” Zadiris added. “Like this!” she said, showing the soldiers an example.
As for why they were commanding the soldiers rather than simply facing the monsters on their own… That was because they would defeat the monsters far too easily if they did that.
The three of them were not skilled enough to fight while putting on an act to conceal their true abilities. They couldn’t afford to put on any poor acts, especially with people like Rodriguez around who would be able to see through them.
“What are you afraid of?! Are you really the knights of Morksi who are renowned for your strength?! Have you not spent every day of your life training for this very day?!” Basdia shouted fiercely at the knights.
“No, there isn’t anyone who thinks that our men are strong. In fact, as a city of commerce, we are very far from any battlefields, so most would actually think that our men are weak…” Earl Morksi muttered to himself under his breath.
“Now is the time to earn your keep, adventurers! Thunder Dragons, Mountain Giants and superior forms of Ogres and Trolls! Their materials and Magic Stones will be yours for the taking! Show me your strength!” Zadiris shouted at the adventurers, pointing her staff towards the horde of monsters with a movement that looked like a part of a dance.
“Indeed, everyone would earn quite the sum even if all of the rewards were divided evenly… but you are the ones who have defeated the most enemies,” Berard murmured with a strained smile.
“Now is the time to show your pride as knights! Prove that there are no cowards who hide behind their wives’ skirts in our Knights’ Order!” one of the knights shouted.
“It’s just as that lady says! Let’s get rich and show off our strength!” one of the adventurers cheered.
The knights and adventurers’ morale had reached a climax, having seen hope for victory despite having been prepared to die. Their voices were so spirited that the monsters, whose aggressive instincts had been stimulated by the Dungeon rampage, stepped back a little.
This left an opening, but it was Fang and the rats who charged onto the frontline before the soldiers and adventurers.
With the ‘Surpass Limits’ Skill active and enveloped in the ‘Aura of Fear,’ Fang roared, leapt in and sank his teeth into the leg of a Hill Giant… a Giant that was about half the size of a Mountain Giant.
Maroru and Urumi, who were covered in flames and cold air, leapt onto the Hill Giant as it toppled over. Another Hill Giant threw its fist towards them to help its companion, but… Suruga leapt in front of its fist.
The Hill Giant let out a scream of pain as its punch collided with her steel-like fur, causing multiple strands of needle-like fur to become embedded in its hand.
And as Suruga’s tail came striking like a whip as the Hill Giant staggered, it wasn’t even given a chance to recover.
“‘Flowing Cut!’”
“‘Boulder Rend!’”
The Hill Giant’s abdomen was sliced from both sides by Simon’s sword and Natania’s claws.
“M-my sword really cut through! To think that my sword would work against a Giant! As expected of Master!” Simon said in awe.
“These things cut so well that it’s almost scary!” Natania murmured as she watched blood pour from the Hill Giant’s mouth and wounds.
Simon and Natania had equipped and transformed the artificial limbs that they had received from Vandalieu.
Simon’s artificial arm had produced a helmet that protected his head and other parts that reinforced his armor, and another part of his arm had transformed into the sword that he was using as his weapon now.
Natania’s four artificial limbs had produced an armor that protected her torso, as well as claws on her hands and feet.
However, both of their armor had less decorative parts than Zadiris and Basdia, and it was mainly black in color, so they looked completely different.
If Zadiris and Basdia were magical girls, Simon and Natania were like mysterious characters from old television shows or villainous bosses.
But their artificial limbs performed greatly; the liquid metal blades were sharper than even Mythril or Adamantite, never mind iron. If their weapons were made of iron, it would have been difficult for them to inflict fatal wounds upon a Rank 6 Hill Giant even with Vandalieu’s divine protection and guidance.
Though Simon and Natania were likely not the cause, the monsters began letting out screams rather than intimidating roars.
Their instincts had made them more ferocious due to the Dungeon rampage, but having their numbers reduced so one-sidedly had forced them to remember the fear that they had forgotten.
The final Mountain Giant let out a scream and began to run away. As if this was a signal, the other monsters all turned their backs on the city and fled as well.
They looked utterly defeated as they ran for their lives towards the forest, abandoning their wounded brethren.
“They’re running away!” one of the knights murmured.
“We’ve won… We’ve won!” shouted an adventurer.
The knights and adventurers celebrated their victory, not giving chase to the monsters. They did fire some arrows and spells at the monsters’ backs, but they feared sustaining unexpected injuries if they chased too far.
Earl Morksi breathed a sigh of relief. “We can rest easy for the time being.”
He had no intention of ordering the men to pursue the monsters. The Knights’ Order and the adventurers were likely exhausted, and the monsters would have the advantage in a battle inside the forest, as tactical formations would be impossible to maintain.
Monsters that awakened from a rampage became just like any other monsters and almost never left their Devils’ Nests, so the city’s existence was no longer under threat.
In this particular case, the monsters were high-Rank monsters that hadn’t existed in the Devils’ Nests around the city so far, so the chaos would likely continue for some time as they stamped out the weaker monsters, but… that situation would be solved by the Adventurers’ Guild posting commissions and hiring adventurers of B-class or above to exterminate them.
The Devils’ Nest would be closed off until the situation was resolved, so adventurers would have less hunting grounds to acquire monster materials and other resources found in Devils’ Nests. This would indeed be quite a problem. But there was no need to recklessly attempt to solve that problem right now.
That was what the earl thought. Berard and Bachem likely held similar views.
But the circumstances were different for Darcia… At this rate, the battle would be over before Vandalieu defeated the reincarnated individuals.
“W-what should we do? I thought we could make it last longer… Sh-should we be giving chase?!” she wondered. “Gufadgarn-san seems busy, and I’m not a knight or adventurer, so it’ll be fine for me to leave this place for a while, won’t it?!”
“Calm down, Darcia. I don’t think there’s much point in just us giving chase,” said Basdia. “Van and the others are fighting on a grassland that isn’t too far away from the city, aren’t they?”
“We have finished exterminating the monsters, so if the boy and the others are still fighting against mysterious bandits, someone will go to support him. They are fighting in a place that is visible from the city, after all,” said Zadiris. “The knights and adventurers are already equipped for battle right now… Those who have sustained less injuries and fatigue would be able to make it there very quickly on horses.”
And then they would become caught up in the battle between Vandalieu and Hajime Fitun. Those of ordinary strength would likely die upon being hit by a single shockwave from an attack; they would become burdens, not reinforcements, for Vandalieu.
The same was true even if they headed for Kanako and the others as well.
And the same was also true if Darcia asked them to head for the forest in which Miles was fighting. In fact, Miles was fighting a closer battle than Vandalieu was, so it was likely that the result would be even more terrible if she did that.
This needed to be prevented. Just as Darcia, Basdia and Zadiris were wondering what to do –
“Maybe you should just go and support him yourself, Darcia-san?” Natania suggested. “You’re his mother, so nobody will stop you. If you head over quickly and fight the guy Vandalieu is fighting two-on-one, you’ll probably be finished before anyone else arrives.”
“She’s right,” Simon agreed. “There isn’t anyone who’s really severely wounded, so I don’t think there’ll be any problems… Maybe you should get over there before the earl and the others remember that Master is engaged in a battle against bandits?” he said, looking at the expression of relief on the earl’s face.
“That’s true!” said Darcia, her eyes lighting up. “Then I’ll quickly – huh?”
At that moment, the fleeing monsters had turned around once more and began heading back towards the city.
Their eyes were bloodshot; it was clear at a glance that they were even more aggressive than they had been during the rampage.
Behind the monsters were a woman holding a Tamer-like whip and a young man who appeared to be a mage.
“It’s just as Fitun-sama feared! Monsters, pin that Dark Elf and those Ghouls down at this city!” the woman shouted, commanding the horde.
“To think that we were forced to come out as well… What is Commander having such trouble with?” the mage murmured.
These two were heroic spirits that had been positioned here just in case, to ensure that the monster rampage was not suppressed before the battle between Vandalieu and Fitun reached its conclusion.
They had been positioned very far back, flying through the sky with magic, so they had not been caught in Legion’s traps.
Seeing the monster horde returning, the knights and adventurers hastily scrambled to rebuild their formations.
Darcia and the Ghouls raised their weapons once more, their gazes fixed upon the two heroic spirits behind the monsters.
“We’ll have to go more serious against those two, won’t we?” Darcia murmured, raising her staff. “Transform!”
- Name: Iris Bearheart
- Race: Obscene-Majin – Succubus Princess Knight (Human)
- Age: 21 years old (Physical age 19)
- Title: Liberating Princess Knight, Majin Princess
- Rank: 11
- Level: 61
- Job: Obscene Demon Sword Princess
- Job Level: 80
- Job History: Apprentice Knight, Lesser Knight, Warrior, Swordsman, Cursed Spirit Swordsman, Apprentice Mage, Mage, Tamer, Majin Knight, Demon Tamer, Demon Rider, Fire-Attribute Mage, Magic Swordsman
- Passive skills:
- Super Strengthened Attack Power when equipped with a Sword: Medium (Awakened from Strengthened Attack Power when equipped with a Sword!)
- Strengthened Attribute Values: Loyalty: Level 10 (LEVEL UP!)
- Super Strengthened Agility: Level 1 (Awakened from Strengthened Agility!)
- Strengthen Subordinates: Level 8 (LEVEL UP!)
- Super Strengthened Attack Power when equipped with a Cursed Spirit Sword: Large (Awakened from Strengthened Attack Power when equipped with a Cursed Spirit Sword!)
- Dark Vision
- Allure: Level 7 (LEVEL UP!)
- Endless Sexual Stamina: Level 5 (LEVEL UP!)
- Mana Enlargement: Level 4 (LEVEL UP!)
- Vitality Enlargement: Level 7 (LEVEL UP!)
- Mental Fortitude: Level 8 (LEVEL UP!)
- Self-Enhancement: Guidance: Level 6 (LEVEL UP!)
- Self-Enhancement: Mounted: Level 4 (NEW!)
- Rapid Regeneration: Level 3 (NEW!)
- Magic Resistance: Level 5 (NEW!)
- Active skills:
- Demon Combat Swordsmanship: Level 1 (Awakened from Swordsmanship!)
- Shield Technique: Level 8 (LEVEL UP!)
- Armor Technique: Level 10 (LEVEL UP!)
- Archery: Level 7 (LEVEL UP!)
- Mount: Level 5 (LEVEL UP!)
- Housework: Level 3
- Silent Steps: Level 5 (LEVEL UP!)
- Coordination: Level 10 (LEVEL UP!)
- Transcend Limits: Level 1 (Awakened from Surpass Limits!)
- Surpass Limits – Cursed Spirit Sword: Level 8 (LEVEL UP!)
- Commanding: Level 5 (LEVEL UP!)
- Illusory Transformation: Level 7 (LEVEL UP!)
- Drain Vitality: Level 7 (LEVEL UP!)
- Etiquette: Level 2 (LEVEL UP!)
- High-speed Flight: Level 4 (LEVEL UP!)
- No-Attribute Magic: Level 3 (LEVEL UP!)
- Fire-Attribute Magic: Level 7 (LEVEL UP!)
- Water-Attribute Magic: Level 4 (LEVEL UP!)
- Mana Control: Level 3 (NEW!)
- Unarmed Fighting Technique: Level 4 (NEW!)
- Cooking: Level 1 (NEW!)
- Familiar Spirit Demonfall: Level 1 (NEW!)
- Unique Skills:
- Xerx’s Divine Blessing
- Vandalieu’s Divine Protection
The pioneer of princesses who weren’t born into the status (with parents of high nobility). For the past year, she has been receiving instruction not only from Godwin himself, but his grandmother, who awakened in Vida’s Resting Grounds along with the Pure-breed Vampires. Thanks to that, the Levels of her ‘Allure’ and ‘Illusory Transformation’ Skills have increased. Godwin’s grandmother is also the one who taught her the ‘Cooking’ Skill and the ‘temptation techniques’ from the champions’ knowledge.
However, she has not learned Skills such as ‘Bedroom Technique.’ Godwin’s grandmother says: “There are experienced individuals all around, and it is better for you to use your inexperience as a weapon rather than learn some poor techniques.”
She deliberately declined to specify what kind of experienced individuals were around who.
- Name: Nemesis George
- Rank: 9
- Race: Dark Demon Cursed Holy Sword
- Level: 80
- Passive skills:
- Special Five Senses
- Mental Corruption: Level 4
- Physical Resistance: Level 10
- Magic Resistance: Level 10
- Strengthened Attribute Values: Iris: Level 10
- Self-Enhancement: Subordination: Level 10
- Strengthened Attribute Values: Guidance: Level 10
- Murder Healing: Level 5
- Active skills:
- Swordsmanship: Level 9
- Armor Technique: Level 7
- Shield Technique: Level 4
- Mount: Level 4
- Archery: Level 4
- Unarmed Fighting Technique: Level 3
- Etiquette: Level 3
- Coordination: Level 6
- Commanding: Level 4
- Spirit Form: Level 10
- Materialization: Level 3
- Familiar Spirit Demonfall: Level 1
- Unique Skills:
- Vandalieu’s Divine Protection
George Bearheart, whose vessel is the holy sword Nemesis Bell. He could be categorized as a Cursed Weapon, a type of Undead that was a weapon haunted by an evil spirit.
He has already regained numerous Skills that he possessed in life, and he is also capable of using the ‘Spirit Form’ and ‘Materialization’ Skills to create a body and fight on his own.
However, he believes that being Iris’s sword is his reason for existence, so he does not do this often. He is also more powerful being wielded in Iris’s hands than fighting directly on his own.
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NOVEL DISCUSSION
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Winter
It would be funny, if Iris and her father could both cast demonfall at the same time.
Zenden1st
side chapter but not related to origin? NANII???
EldenXS
A sword who knows Unarmed Fighting Technique.
That’s a new one.
XPotato
“Are we the only ones who made it here?!” one of them shouted in shock, looking around to see that there were only four of them, including himself.
“Impossible… There were more than twenty of us,” another murmured. “But less than half of us were able to make it here…”
This sounds awfully similar to Tanjiro’s demon Slayer exam
Chiu ChunLing
“Don’t ever pass through anything that looks like a hole, even if you made it yourself. Don’t forget that the enemy has a space-attribute mass of flesh and evil god.”
“Everyone, each of you make your own holes in the wall and go in!”
… Just. As. Planned.
Well, even if they’d tried going over the wall or something, Gufadgarn could probably have done the same thing, since she copied the skybox as well. I guess Fitun just didn’t consider the possibility that there would be a fake of the whole city.
Gabriel2061
“Are we the only ones who made it here?!” one of them shouted in shock, looking around to see that there were only four of them, including himself.
“Impossible… There were more than twenty of us,” another murmured.
Nice Demon Slayer reference.
Dr. Steel
“Endless Sexual Stamina: Level 5 (LEVEL UP!)”
Oh my, what have you been up to, Iris? Do I even want to know?
Vitor
Literally, nothing, if one is to believe what it’s written below
However, she has not learned Skills such as ‘Bedroom Technique.’ Godwin’s grandmother says: “There are experienced individuals all around, and it is better for you to use your inexperience as a weapon rather than learn some poor techniques.”
Dr. Steel
Kest has been fully guided now! I think.
Lord Rin
And so continues the more or less one-sided beatdown of Fitun’s forces by Van’s forces.
I often forget that Luciliano is actually pretty strong. They just mentioned he can clear B-rank dungeons.
Meanwhile I am a bit surprised that Miles’ fight is as close as it is. Isn’t he pretty high rank? I guess he’s probably not had much practice fighting in a while since he’s been mostly recently doing undercover work managing his new security company.
I guess Van has gotten really attached to the city of Morksi since he’s having his people soften up the monsters and getting the knights and adventurers to give the killing blows to power level them. If he wasn’t so attached then he’d have just ordered his forces to wipe out all the monsters themselves.
It was kinda funny how Zadiris and Basdia were encouraging everyone like it’s a huge war and Earl Morksi is just like “Ah no we aren’t in some desperate war and we know we are weak.”
Wait are Simon’s and Natania’s transforming equipment tokusatsu equipment? They said it was like something from some old tv show.
Iris is now Rank 11. I remember when she was like D-rank when she was first introduced. I assume she managed to tame some demons and is now considered an adult since she has had both the Demon Tamer and Demon Rider jobs along with the Tamer job. It is kinda funny that she has Endless Sexual Stamina at level 5 even though she’s still a virgin and her grandma has even said she has no experience and that in fact she should use that to her advantage. The skill’s level must have gone up as a racial bonus from all her rank ups. I mean she had it at level 1 when she became a succubus despite being a virgin and it is a skill normally acquired by people who have a lot of sex like Schneider or Gordon. On another note it seems her father and sword George can use Familiar Spirit Demonfall just like Iris so they can essentially get a double boost if they both use Demonfall. And George can also materialize his spirit and fight on his own if need be.
On a completely unrelated note, is there a way to change how comments are sorted? Right now it seems they are sorted by most liked. I’d prefer to be able to sort it by most recent.
Kuro-san
Thanks for the chapter!
Miles’ scene reminded me of a meme I saw recently.
You after healing for the tenth time: Okay, nothing wrong here.
You after seeing the boss heal once: F**k you, your f*****g cheater!
Doc
So can Kuhl the blood slime talk now or was I misreading? He took the form of numerous guards.
Jonathan Hurd
I’m not sure if Khuul can talk yet, but I don’t think any of the guards he was transformed as actually spoke. Part of the reason it didn’t might be because it was controlling five bodies at once and it would of said the same words from all five mouths. That would of easily broken the illusion he was going for.
WholesomeAF
Endless sexual stamina lvl 5…. Iris…. What have you been doing?
lucj
when did iris managed to level up her sexual skills?
Eddy
level up with the range? something similar to that of the orcs that is born with them and tends to grow more by level than by practice, I think the only ones who have to train that skill are humans (as always, scheneider is the exception to war, he has more practical talent than which makes it the highest level of life on this planet, even until Van reaches puberty)
Jonathan Hurd
I think skills, jobs, and ranks experience gain are a bit separate. I think to gain levels in a skill you would need to actually practice it. Now to be fair Jobs and Ranks can make leveling skills easier and require less exp, but I don’t think Iris could jump to Rank five in Endless Sexual Stamina without having done it with someone.
If I had to guess I think she raised it as part of Great Grandma’s special training.
Lord Rin
Skills can level up without you using them. I think they need to be skills that relate to your race though for them to level up via level/rank ups. Succubi/Incubi have sex skills as an inherent racial trait which is why Iris had Endless Sexual Stamina at level 1 when she became a succubus despite being a virgin and that skill is usually acquired from having a lot of sex if it isn’t an inherent racial skill like in orcs and noble orcs.
Jonathan Hurd
That makes some sense. I can imagine Iris getting bonus’ to Sexual Stamina from her race just like vampires would probably increase their regeneration as they evolved to higher levels.
Still kind of amuses me the thought of Iris getting tips about bedroom techniques from her great grandma.
Valeth
I assume she is still a virgin and Grandma was just teaching her some techniques, to help increase here stamina.
Also the last time we got to see her stats she had ranked up Endless Sexual Stamina to 2 and was to our knowledge still a virgin. I assume her Race/Rank increase it some, as she is growing stronger in addition to training from Great Grandma.
Remember Great Grandma taught Darcia a bunch as well, however Darcia refused the more sexual training from her. Although Darcia has a higher Allure skill.
ExplodingPenguinDood
George can summon FSD? That’s hilarious 😆 i wonder what it would look like, maybe he would look even more cursed
Superboy8338
Thank you, Yoshi!!!
Dvsb@std
….Author really threw in a side chapter in between Van’s big fight.
Idk, but that just seems truly irksome on so many levels
bk3k
Disagreed about it being irksome. A lot of things are happening at once. It certainly isn’t an unrelated matter to Van’s fight. And there is more impact covering as it happens than after Van’s fight has concluded. I’m not ever sure I’d have called it a side story (even though the author did) since they’re basically just zooming into different parts of the same battlefield.
Jonathan Hurd
I think its important that the author goes with this order honestly. We’re about to hit the climax with the main fight so he had to finish the setup for the other fights and head towards the climax for those ones too.
I think with this chapter all the hidden forces have now been moved, at least the forces of Murakami and Fitun’s sides. Thanks to that we can now pay even more attention to the climax of Van versus Fitun without wondering if one of Fitun’s heroic spirits might jump in.
Part of the point of this chapter is that it reminds us that Van is currently holding back and why. That raises the stakes some what for the climatic battle. I think we’re all pretty sure Van is most likely going to win this war, but will he be able to win and keep his more monstrous side hidden from the city of Morksi.
I will say your not alone in craving the upcoming climatic battle, but honestly if the scene isn’t properly setup and the groundwork done then the climax can be thrown off. Chapters like this help keep away annoying questions like “Why didn’t Van summon allies” or “Where are Fitun’s forces” from popping into mind when the climax hits.
V4NQU1SH
Miles is a P2W player with lots of premium potions from item mall. lol
Thanks for the chapter~~~
gomezseba37
Kizelbyne: no you just cant spam heal until you win. thats bullsh*t.
Miles: haha blood potion go brrrrr
Raidanzoup
Tokusatsu henshin!
Nox
Thanks for the chapter.
That Miles would have that much trouble dealing with such an opponent was rather surprising.
Eventhough Fitun himself believes that fights are sacred he is forcing innocent people to death/misery just to shake the mind of his opponent and his heroic spirits are supporting this. Alda and his gods are truly doing everything for the common people.
Jonathan Hurd
Fitun to me has shown fairly clearly from day one that he’s in it for himself and no one else. I think part of what makes a fight to the death sacred in his book is that you do everything and anything to live through it. Basically there is no move to dirty if it could help you live.
It is interesting to compare Fitun’s views versus Vans though. While Fitun lives by the motto nothing is off the table. Van has clearly set quite a few restrictions on himself. He refuses to involve unrelated parties. He refuses to accept collateral damage and goes out of his way to try and protect as many innocent bystanders as he can.
I have to say I always find it funny that everyone tries to point at Van as being evil just because he can use the fragments of the Demon King and Death Attribute magic, but if you look at their policies Van is the only person who doesn’t accept slaughtering unrelated people to get what he wants. All of his foes from Alda, Fitun, Heinz, and even the Bravers do the complete opposite if it would increase their chance of success.
Lord Rin
Fitun doesn’t think fights are sacred. He just said that because he was trying to trick Van into thinking he’d lost his cool and that Van would do something that would create an opening he could exploit. It didn’t work.
Jonathan Hurd
It could be part of Hajime’s personality leaking through as well. I think we can all imagine Hajime whining that Van’s cheating, lol.
Kazza
Hallelujah, a new chapter. Almost got my hopes up when I saw Side Chapter, but the title indicated it didn’t have anything to do with Mei and Banda.
Altogether, I thought it was pretty enjoyable. We got to look at some old faces and how they’ve grown, which has become harder and harder recently due to how many characters have been introduced.
Honestly, I wish Iris was a bigger presence. She’s honestly one of the more interesting characters to me, due to the Cursed/Demon sword arts and her relationship with her two dads. She’s also recently gotten a great-grandma out of the deal, too! Who’s… very interested in getting her to embrace the Succubus-ness…
.
.
.
Ok.
Anyone else got a character they wished was more major? Honestly curious.
Jonathan Hurd
While I am one all for the buddy cop Banda and Mei-kun I don’t think we’ll be seeing them until this war is over. It doesn’t really make a ton of sense to get this far into the action to randomly segway, lol. I do think after the dust settles with Hajime and Murakami’s respective groups being destroyed (my guess but that seems to be where we’re heading). Rodidiot is going to start panicking harder than he ever has before and we all know when Rodidiot panics he makes a big and stupid move. So I’m thinking the next move is going to be to try and get more pawns from Origins remaining Reincarnators. Potentially trying to kill them himself if he has to.
For chars I want more screen time for, I gotta say Quinn has always been one of my favorites. Knochen has also not gotten a lot of spotlight in a bit too. Khuul is another favorite of mine, lol. I would honestly enjoy a part of a chapter focusing on Jadal and Varbie though. I would like to see more of their interactions especially around Van.
Honestly considering how many characters there are to read about I can’t bring myself to want to cut anyone’s screen time for anyone else. Its fun seeing the established guys, but also really enjoyable meeting the new people and watching a new wave of Van followers.
Even reading about Van’s idiot enemies is fun in its own way. Getting to see how in over their heads they all are, and how each one keeps trying to one up the last. It feels like they’re all competing to see who can claim the stupidest decision of the story trophy.
Eddy
I like onikawa, she is Van de’s sister in the muscle sects and I also like iris, I love every time khuul appears, and I do not mind the idea of uncomfortable moments between father and his stepdaughters that one day I will have to make woman
Jonathan Hurd
Lol, I gotta admit I loved Van’s meeting with Oniwaka and how they came to understand each other as comrades. That was an amazing chapter all by itself, haha. Kind of looking forward to another body building competition with Oniwaka there as a judge and Van sitting in his special judge seat.
Kazza
Yeah, I think the next Mei/Banda chapter will probably be after the fight. Just a little tic of mine when I see “Side Chapter.”
So, I promise I’m not trying to be insulting, but can I ask you to elaborate more on why you like the tamed characters (Quinn, Knochen, Khuul). Is it more their power sets/ monster characteristics, or do you see something character-wise I don’t? ‘Cause I agree Jadal and Varbie could provide a very interesting look on how children raised semi-personally by a King/Emperor see him (’cause Pauvina grew up too fast, and Densuke seemed to forget about the Anubis twins whose names I ironically can’t remember.)
Again, not trying to be rude and say you’re easy-to-please or anything. It’s just that I’m not the biggest fan of the tamed monsters myself because they don’t really have characters. This goes even further to ones like Rappie and Eisen. Cool concept, but they don’t have that extra something that makes me invested in them, you know. Honestly curious.
Eddy
In my case, Khuul, although he cannot speak, I like how his personality as a little devil has been transmitted, being vicious in combat, and he is a jealous joker. He also found a certain affection for Pete and Pain although they appear little. While I like the interesting concept, Knochen is for me the most peculiar, he may not have a defined conscience and personality, but he has been there from the beginning, and he is always there in the background doing his work and contributing to the group
and I share the same thing about wanting to see the youth of Talosheim interacting with Vandeliu (he wants because he remembers how important it is for having friends of his age who treat him normally), especially when it comes to explaining to the young ghouls that Vandeliu He is a man, even though in a way his appearance and personality is the same or more feminine than any of the ghouls around him, maybe even more than his mothers
Jonathan Hurd
I think one of my favorite parts about Khuul was in one of Luciano’s journals. He wrote that if you see a red colored Van then its either a statue, Khuul changing his form to look like Van, or Van himself covering himself with ink, lol.
A big thing I really love about Knochen is while he keeps moving forward and developing new skills. He never leaves behind what he got from the beginning. I like how he is effectively a much more terrifying Bone Palace because in his early days he developed high speed flight skill, poison breath, and silent movement and he makes use of all of these skills even now.
Eddy
that was one of the best in the novel in my opinion, talosheim is the safest place until Van gets a joker, in which case no one is safe except Darcia
Jonathan Hurd
Oh no insult taken. I will admit part of it is I am somewhat easy to please with cute things, lol. I would say part of the reason I like a lot of the pets is because I enjoy how extremely they change as they level up. Its kind of fun to me to remember Knochens starting point as a rank one bone animal that even farmers could kill and now he’s strong enough to be classified as more than a calamity to a whole country.
Another part I like with the pets is they are the ones who go through the most extreme transformations. While seeing the Vampires evolve into Day Walkers is fun the changes of creatures like Knochen into a giant bone fortress or Quinn into an armored Bee Girl kind of blows me away. I always look forward to see what Densuke is going to come up with next for them and how they’ll change.
I’ll admit the pets have fairly simple personalities. Effectively like dogs, but it is kind of amusing seeing their interactions with each other and Van. For instance I enjoyed when Khuul got jealous of Legions transforming ability so he decided to try and copy them. I don’t think we could fill an entire chapter with them, but I do always love whenever the story checks in with them.
I would like to see a chapter involving all of the pets together. Basically Knochen, Fang, the rat sisters, and maybe some others competing for Vans attention or training together. Then off on the side you have Eleanora and Isla on the side wondering if they get on all fours if they can join, lol.
The kids group I just enjoy because their interactions are fairly cute. I especially like that the kid group is so accepting of just about anyone. They adopted as one of their own the reincarnated Evil Dragon God, lump of flesh-chan, Quin the Bee, and so many more, haha.
Kazza
Fair enough, and honestly, I’d also be game for a side Chapter dedicated to every tamed monster getting wrapped up in some misadventure. And I think you’re right on the Pokémon-esque “What’ll it be next?” being interesting enough to want to see through. I still think they could use more character moments though. Especially since you reminded me of that Kuhl scene with Legion, that’s more of what I’d like to see from the pets.
Tejing
I’m with you about Iris. She’s my personal favorite. I’d also like to see more of Kachia, as well as Kasim and Gerda.
UnveilingSage
I’ll be honest I completely forgot who Gerda and…Gaol? Were for a while, for me it was just kind of *bam* they’re now a couple, plus when I reread the entire story I tend to skip over those little parts, not that I do that when reading them the first time through. I’m actually kind of proud that I still remember who Bilde, Kachia and the the Adventurer Tri are still, but I can never seem to remember who is who however
Blackpercher
hey are basdia and zadiris suppose to be able to communicate with humans? i thought ghouls couldnt do that, enlighten me sensei’s/senpai’s/guro’s/master’s
Kazza
Yeah, Ghouls can freely communicate with humans. They do have a second language with each other using growls, but they can speak Japanglish just fine.
Jonathan Hurd
Ghouls have always been able to communicate. Same can honestly be said of the higher forms of Orcs, Kobolds, and Goblins so ‘humans’ basically just labeled them as intelligent monsters.
I think everyone of Vida’s races is able to speak common.
Eddy
the main problem is that all ranked races are treated as enemies by humans
Jonathan Hurd
To be fair, even the non ranked ones sometimes are labeled as enemies. Titan’s, beast people, and Dark elves don’t have ranks but because they were born from Vida and someone they’re treated as enemies.
Tejing
Drakonids and Merfolk don’t have ranks, but are often treated much the same as the ranked races because they look too different from humans. In summary, Vida’s races get the short end of the stick everywhere.
Jonathan Hurd
That is a good point honestly. The discrimination probably has more to do with their looks rather than being about the race having ranks or not.
I think Ghouls are on the list because the males have tiger heads, but humans are still very happy to make the females slaves because they just look like tanned humans overall.
Lord Rin
That’s exactly it. The discrimination is all because they look too different. Even Alda’s Peaceful Faction only wants to extend human rights (bare minimum) to the races of Vida that look the most human. And even Alda only talks about being willing to accept the races that look closer to humans despite his statement that he will accept any races of Vida that don’t have ranks. Both only ever mention about accepting dark elves, beastkin and titans but they never say anything about accepting merfolk or drakonids despite how they also have no ranks just because they look more inhuman with their fish tails or wings and horns or scales. Dark elves just look like tan or dark-skinned elves, titans just look like really tall people and beastkins look predominantly human save for animal ears and maybe a tail.
Chiu ChunLing
Keep in mind that Alda originally wanted to wipe them all out without caring about whether they have ranks or not, just as he wants to suppress technological development regardless of whether it comes from other worlds or not.
It’s just that it’s already too late to eliminate the Titans and Beastkin since they now occur within the general human population by atavism (it’s not clear whether Dark Elves do as well). These latent traits can no longer be purged without exterminating humans completely.
Previously, the plan was to eliminate all existing Vida races (including atavistic Titans and Beastkin) to shut down Vida’s reincarnation cycle, which would force any future atavism into Rotcortex’s cycle. Now, the strategy has been changed to permanently sealing Vida to allow Rotcortex to mess with her cycle directly.
WholesomeAF
Ugh! Why did it have to update at sleeping hours! I just woke up! And I got work! Damn it! I have the worst time zone!
Minty chocolate
Why has George got familiar spirit demon fall lmao
Jonathan Hurd
Nice catch there I accidently skimmed over that, lol. I mean he has his own abilities and stats even as a cursed sword. So summoning Van’s familiar spirit will increase his stats and abilities. Also since George can make a Spirit Form he can fight on his own as well so he could use it then.
bk3k
I think all Van’s followers get that at the point they can sufficiently handle it.
They need to teach George some magic too, because I like sentient swords that cast their own spells.
Jonathan Hurd
That would be an awesome upgrade for George. I hope that is the next thing he starts to try and improve himself on.
no1
Okay good to know how everyone else is doing during the battle. Thanks for the chapter Yoshi. I would like the see how Vandalieu is doing now that murakami’s group decided to interfere in the previous chapter, I hope another chapter comes out before the month ends.
Baldingere
Now the earl knows some people are behind it and i bet he will make the link with the bandits attacking Vandllieu. He will make his own conjectures as to who is behind it and wants to ruin his city and it will lead to more political misunderstandings. Fun~
Thank you for the chapter!!
Jonathan Hurd
That is one thing I kind of love about this novel. There is definitely some political intrigue and background dealings going on, but honestly Van is so disconnected from society, much less high society, that everyone is basically trying to read volumes into his moves when he often times is being pretty direct.
I honestly think the end result for the Earl is going to be ‘its probably safest just to say the monsters are a freak accident and the bandits are opportunists.’ Even if he could figure out who would overflow a dungeon and send it at his city he has no where near the power or influence to fight such a person. Best way to stay alive is count your blessings and keep your head down.
Eddy
It is true, this story actually builds a peculiar political plot in the background, which the protagonist ignores almost completely due to his power, wealth and ignorance about politics in general
Jonathan Hurd
It does feel like all of Vans foes are trying to play chess against him and Van is off in his own little corner playing checkers, lol. Of course that’s not to say Van doesn’t think about his actions, but just that the rules and baseline assumptions for both parties are so disconnected from each other they can’t really understand the other sides moves at all.
UnveilingSage
I think It’s more like he’s putting all his cards on the table during a game of cheas and his opponent just gets to stare at him dumbfoundedly and trying to figure out where he got those cards from and more importantly how to deal with them because Van is beibg an overprotective child and isn’t letting his opponet go “let’s move these aside, because that’s not how you play this game Vandalieu” and he just goes “No!” And stops him from sweeping the cards off the chess board. I could go on and on with this analogy, but lets just end it with the image of Van eating any piece he takes off the board, like a toddler would.
Chiu ChunLing
It’s more that Van is less focused on optics than his enemies.
To most of Van’s enemies, politics is everything. Their image (even if only their self-image) is the all-encompassing end that justifies any means necessary.
To Van, image is nothing but a one possible means, and he has many alternatives to trying to look ‘good’. It’s not that he never does “putting up an appearance,” but he’s generally aware that’s all he’s doing and it’s for a particular goal, not something he’s going to do forever.
Rotcortex, on the other hand, absolutely wants to avoid having an image at all, and hasn’t the slightest idea of how to even look good anyway.
Chiu ChunLing
… Oh well. I guess they were planning to wipe out the witnesses anyway, and when they fail it’s not like they’ll be able to hide what happens to Fitun’s statues once Van devours him. So why should it matter that you’re shouting about the attack being Fitun’s doing right in front of the Earl and all the high-ranking combatants in the city, eh?
flannan
I expected to see more jokes about Iris levelling up her endless sexual stamina and allure.
Eddy
I keep saying it, the grandmother would have given him some very strange lessons to shaltear
Lord Rin
Racial bonus to inherent racial skills that she got due to level/rank ups. She still has no experience. Which is hilarious in its own way. A virgin with the endless sexual stamina skill.
Eddy
I’m even beginning to feel sorry for those monsters, the poor know they don’t have a chance and well, with this all the subtlety is gone, it’s time little by little to reveal to the world the glory of the empire
I like how Van and his group did all that preparation, I imagine them rehearsing everything as if it were a play
Jonathan Hurd
It is kind of amusing thinking that a bunch of giant blood thirsty monsters have been reduced to tears and wetting themselves being forced between Fitun’s flunkies and Darcia’s group, lol.
I assume the majority of Vans forces just sat in their spaces and waited to be given enemies. The true masterminds are basically Van, Gufadgarn, and Legion who meticulously watched the entire stage and picked up and moved each piece into the optimal position. Its kind of like watching an amazing Orchestra. Each of Vans allies is a master of their own instrument(their weapons/fighting styles) and their true power is being brought out through the careful movement and direction of Vans Baton (Legions and Gufadgarns teleportation).
Kuro-san
Thanks for the chapter!
Miles’ scene reminded me of a meme I saw recently.
You after healing for the tenth time: Okay, nothing wrong here.
You after seeing the boss heal once: F**k you, you f*****g cheater!
Eddy
It reminds me of the enemies in dark souls using estus, when they are the initials it is reasonable but when we talk about npc of your level, one remains as the rival of Miles
Seinvolf
Thank u always for ur great work…
^^…
JeKeBe
Great to see what everyone else is up to while Van deals with the meathead. Zadiris and Basdia failing their Acting checks was particularly amusing, with lots of sweatdrops around.
Thanks for the chapter!
Jonathan Hurd
They inspired the cannon fodder and hey what more can you ask for? lol. Part of their job is to show off how awesome Ghouls are anyways so them leaving such a strong, even if somewhat cringey, impression can’t be a bad thing.
Halfsweat
Thank you for the chapter Yoshi!
Tejing
Miles is having more trouble than I expected. Spamming potions may seem cheap, but it really does work. I’m sure he’ll be fine.
I’m honestly surprised even that many of them made it to the walls. Also, I want to see Eisen’s stats now.
Hmm, it’s gonna be tough to fight those heroic spirits in front of everyone without giving away too much of their power. You might just have the hardest job here, Darcia.
I’d been wondering how much stronger Iris got. Rank 11, huh? Looks like she’s been working quite hard. Based on her skills, I’m guessing she eventually tamed a demon mount of some kind… I hope that means she’s considered an adult now. Honestly her skill setup seems excellent, so considering her stat boost from being rank 11, I’d say she’d be solidly S-class if she were an adventurer.
I’m glad George can use spirit form and materialization, so he can act independently if he wants, not to mention socialize and other more mundane things. Also, he’s gotten pretty darn powerful himself. I’m just imagining some opponent being bewildered when not only does Iris summon a familiar spirit, but her sword ALSO does so.
Eddy
The most terrifying thing about Van’s group is that the vast majority can pretend to be weak monsters, imagine, one is a legendary warrior, and one day is accidentally killed by a skeleton or by tripping over a branch, although it is also that these are accustomed mercenaries to fight with humanoid beings or even if they have regeneration they still have weak points, bone man and eisen do not have.
about iris, I doubt it, although maybe her grandmother gave her a little practical teaching on shaltear, and if she did, I don’t think her first experience was with demons, the vast majority are mostly genderless and asexual and none He’s crazy enough to do anything with one of the friends and potential fiancees of the only being they fear. and about his abilities, it’s true, he should be stronger than edgar at least
Tejing
Yeah, that it a pretty terrifying aspect of Van’s side.
I think you misunderstood me somehow… I’m honestly not sure how. I wasn’t talking about anything sexual at all in my post. I just meant that the type of demon she tamed was probably something that could carry her on its back. Also, how did shaltear get into this?
Eddy
I’m sorry, I forgot the rules of the majis, my mistake, if more or less I should be able to ride several, although it will be weird to see her fighting while they climb on her shoulders, no, it’s actually the kind of crazy things you would expect from this group, our vampire is relates a lot to the kind of lessons grandma gave him, you just have to remember
Superboy8338
Like Frieza’s final form’s 1st appearance?
Jonathan Hurd
I gotta admit I was also feeling like Miles is having a tougher fight than I first expected. Though to be fair he is still a rather newish addition to Van’s team and while Eleanora, Isla, and Bellmont were spamming dungeons he has been doing more guard duty and espionage for a while. So it makes sense he is not quite as advanced as those who have been constantly grinding.
Admittedly potions are amazingly cheap when Van just makes all the ingredients from his own body, lol. We know he even made a manufacturing plant for the stuff so Miles can drink as much as he needs, hehe.
I’m with you on Iris finally becoming an adult. When I saw her Demon Tamer job I assume that she has managed to tame a demon and been recognized as a full grown Majin now. Considering the Ride skill I think she might have tamed the Demon Horse Van and Georg were talking about at one point.
Eddy
It’s true, I forgot that the majin are considered children until they are 100 years old or they capture a demon, bad my sick mind, bad
Jonathan Hurd
If it makes you feel any better I also noticed that Iris’ endless sexual stamina and energy drain have apparently jumped up too. So she has definitely gotten some practice in those categories at this point.
Lord Rin
I’m pretty sure those are just racial bonuses from leveling up. Like you know how some skills levels just go up after a rank up or level up? That’s what I think is happening here and Iris hasn’t actually done anything. Her grandma even says that she’s inexperienced and that she should stay that way because it is a formidable weapon.
Tejing
Good point about how Miles is both newer and has had less time to grind exp. I guess it really does make sense.
Jonathan Hurd
I think another part of Miles troubles would be he’s fighting someone with a plethora of anti Vampire exp. Add in that Miles doesn’t have a transformation staff to massively boost his stats and they are playing on a pretty equal playing field.
Superboy8338
CHEAP?! Anyone who plays RPGs knows that you need to spam healing potions/spells to fight the harder bosses. Also, if you were in Miles’ shoes, why would want your enemy (WHO WANTS TO KILL YOU) to have a chance at winning? I don’t care about honor, I want to live!!
Blackpercher
finally, what happened anyway? its been weeks…
Yoshi
I was away for a week. Also the chapter was longer than most chapters
Thk
Thanks for all you have done, and all you continue to do.
Blackpercher
okay, good to know
Jonathan Hurd
Thanks for the chapter Yoshi, the Cliffs hurt but the pain just makes getting over it all the sweeter :D.
duy
thanks for the chapter!! awesome translation as always
Apokryphos
Thanks for the chapter~
Man, using potions in the middle of a combat is not a common strategy? (altough.. it’s blood, does it count?)
Eddy
but the potions in this story are not usually that effective, I think the most they can do is heal 50 of your wounds and they do not restore fatigue, while for vampires they restore 100% health and stamina, a barbadity, also the taste is so bad that just eating one is difficult, while those from Van come with different flavors and natural flavors
Jonathan Hurd
I remember way back near the beginning they mentioned the better the potion is for you the worse it tastes. I think the super effective potions were enough to knock someone out just from the taste, lol. Not a particularly helpful thing to heal your wounds only to end up unconscious from doing so.
Add in that taking out the potion itself leaves you with openings. You have to also find a moment to swallow it while not having you opponent hurt you or the potion while trying to swallow it. It did mention that the reason why Miles could drink his potion was because his opponent was worn out and needed to do the same.
The final reason I think potions aren’t used as much is I don’t think people can actually make them. I think they’re only randomly dropped in the dungeons. So they are mostly a very precious resource people would only have a few of and be more of a last resort than something you can just chug at a moments notice.
Problem for Van’s foes is Blood potion ignores almost all these weaknesses. They taste good so no fears of nausea or passing out. Van produces them from his own body so supply is no worry. They are stupidly effective especially on Vampires. The only problem left would be to make sure you can drink it without interruption because if you spill a drop not only do you have to finish your foe, but then you have to run away from Eleanora, Isla, and Bellmond for spilling precious goods.
gomezseba37
yeah it was said that the highst grade of potion could let you without a sense of taste for a long time but it would restore any wound
Eddy
It is also that the piece of soil can grow wings, legs and tentacles, or all at the same time and gain a soul, conscience and a desire to kill people from alda
gomezseba37
no its not common. powerfull potions are expensive, rare and taste like sh*t the better they are and do not restore stamina
Lord Rin
High grade potions are both rare and expensive. They also taste like crap. An adventurer having a single high grade potion as a trump card to use during emergencies is already rare so spamming potions during combat isn’t a common strategy.
Loki
Miles doing the Full restore strategy of the Elite Four from Pokémon. It’s super effective.
Kazza
Darn it, was going to comment the same thing, just with the added meme.
“ONE DOESN’T BECOME CHAMPION OF THE POKÉMON LEAGUE WITHOUT KNOWING HOW TO SPAM FULL RESTORES!”
-Lance, Pokemon Golder.
Jonathan Hurd
‘I choose you full restore!’
-pokemon masters
Haraken
When facing honorless butchers Miles does not give a single flying flip whether or not his way of fighting is cheap or not, he will do whatever he freaking please to make them feel the pain of the no-sell trope.
Jonathan Hurd
I mean its not like his foes didn’t come with their own potions. Its not his fault that his potions are twenty times as effective as theirs.