Kuro no Maou

---- Phew

I took a deep breath after the huge body of the lost Deus Idol collapsed into a dumb sound.

"You're not used to it yet..."

Even I, confident in my stamina, was breathing up, and my whole body was wrapped up in tiredness due to the early symptoms of depletion of magic power.

However, I muttered as I sighed because I had a greyed out right hand as if I had eaten petrified.

Last blessing: "The Demon Lord of Light (Overlimit)".Ability to consume a large amount of black magic power and have a broken effect that boosts power.But as a recoil, my flesh became petrified like this according to the magic and skills I used.

If you use it, its power is enormous.However, after using it, Petrify drastically diminished its combat power. Worst of all, it became incapable of fighting as it was. It was also an extreme performance blade.

Still, as it stands, I believe that the most possible means of killing the Apostle is by blessing.

That's why I'm working on mastering the [Demon Lord of Light (Overlimit)]...... No, compared to the first time, it's obvious that I can suppress recoil.Since we can see the progress itself, should we say that it is a sufficient result?

Even after releasing enough power to defeat the Idol of Deus, the recoil of Petrify was now reduced from the fingertips to just beyond the wrist.At first, my whole arm was petrified.

But time was of the essence.

Two months have passed since I declared the demon king.

In addition to this training, the moon of telethoning in May, the formation and training of the Imperial Army, meetings with allies, etc., were rushed by the work of the Demon King, and today is the first of the month of Shinnyo.

How much longer do you think you'll have to concentrate on your training?Looking at the gray hands, the impatience bursts into your chest.

"Thank you for your hard work, Master!"

Without paying any attention to my heart, I made a vigorous weather voice echo all over the boss's room, and the sheep jumped in and hugged me on their own.

"Hey, come on, it's sweaty right now."

"It is the duty of the maid to heal your sweaty and tired mistress!"The sheep are now fulfilling their mission! ”

Do you feel like you're just holding on to something like a kid?A sheep that hangs by its neck has no healing effect on me.

Well, I'm not equipped with her now, just like the sheep are moving independently.To put it another way, they don't even wear [Maximilian's Armor], and they don't even have a weapon of curse, such as [beheading].

I wear only one pair of sturdy trousers, and my naked, half-naked style is what I am now.No, I was wearing a shirt at first, but it was burned down in a fight with the Deus Idol.

Sheep are holding on to me half-naked like that.

Master, I'm going to treat your hand right now.

"Oh, I'm always sorry, Prim. I asked."

In contrast to the happy sheep hanging from me, a prim in maiden clothes rushes towards me with a fluffy towel and el potion.

When I wipe my face with the towel I received with my left hand, the sheep make trouble and get in the way.Master maid, why don't you seriously learn from my healing junior?

……

Prim puts a serious look on my petrified right hand with an el potion.

El Potion is the finest item sold in the store, but the recoil of petrochemicals is not so sweet that it can be healed instantly.If you want to cure this immediately, you must use it in conjunction with a considerable amount of blackening and also use it in [Fairy Potion].In other words, Lily was the only one who could cure it immediately.

On the other hand, we can cure ourselves if we take the time to do so, so we can't ask Her Majesty, our Imperial Marshal, to work just to cure one of our right hands.

"Master."

"Oh, thank you. Let's go back once."

After applying the potion, I carefully wrapped a custom bandage that had been blackened in advance and applied healing magic (enchant), and the petrification process was completed.

I started training in a place where my health and magic were exhausted.The Deus Idol wasn't one to be lipoped right away.

Prim nods, "Yes," and grabs my right hand, wrapped in a black bandage, holding it in his chest like a precious treasure. In his big breasts.

While I was petrified, it was fortunate that my feelings were cut off, and although I felt that it was a bad posture to the extent that I thought it was... I decided to keep silent and start spilling tears while looking like the end of the world when I swung around in silence at the beginning of the training.

"Homunculus" is something that doesn't make you cry even when tears flow, so it's more sad than anything.

Anyway, while my right hand was pulled by the prim and my left hand by the sheep, I returned to the command room lounge from the great hall in front of the vault, which was the original Las Boss room.

"----Hello Chrono."

"Lily."

In the lounge at the end of the automatic door, Lily, a toddler in a pitch-black uniform and a long coat, waited for her to forget the strictness and cuteness that the marshal deserved.

What was the result of the training anyway?

"Oh, I can feel some growth, but I still can't see the results..."

I guess I was watching the battle with the Deus Idol.

I replied with a bitter smile to Lily's really shocking question.I can't lie to her.

"Don't be so hasty. I'm more worried that Chrono won't be able to do it."

”Just because the recoil is so big, I didn't do anything impossible”

Even if it's imitating the same kind of maneuvering experiment?

No, I'm not lying to you.

"I thought that hell would never be forgiven again... but it would be ironic to end up with similar imitations when you want to be stronger."

Especially when I challenge a big guy with this kind of naked coincidence of gear, I can't help but remember that time.

But what's that supposed to mean?

It is fair to say that this Elrood Empire is built on brainwashing.I'm doing the same thing that I hated with all my heart, because of the terrible devil.If you're traumatized, you're hurt.

If you want to impose your pain on others, you have to bear more pain... otherwise, it won't fit your price. It doesn't make sense.

"But Lily, this isn't something I care about anymore."It's luxurious because it can be used for training in a well-equipped environment. "

There's no danger to my life, I can adjust the difficulty myself, and my lovely maid will treat me.

"If Chrono wants it that way-- by the way, how long are you going to stick to it?"

Pyah!

When Lily blinked [Fairy Barrier (Oracle Field)] hard, the sheep clinging to my left hand screamed.

"Damn, even though Chrono is hurt, you can't just jump and play with yourself. Meh!"

"Hyah, ma'am, forgive me!"

While screaming, the sheep quickly let go of my hand and ran away.What the hell is he doing?

Well then, you're no different from your pet dog.

Well, well, don't say that.

Somehow, I must be healed by the sheep's innocence.

No, but that doesn't mean you really love your pet the same way.....

"Prim"

"W-Well, I'm treating Master--"

"I'll cure you, so you can step back now. Thank you very much."

Lily turned from her harsh face toward the sheep and grinned mildly at Prim, but it wasn't because of my imagination that the pressure was increasing.

In fact, my right hand, which was supposed to be held in Prim's chest, had already been taken by Lily.

Lily's hands, even younger than Prim's, are incredibly hot.Yes, the heat returned to my right hand, which was supposed to be severed.

The beautiful, carefully wrapped black bandage also falls to the floor alone.The petrified gray surface then rusted and cracked, and the small fragments began to fade.

If this is the case, your right hand will recover in less than five minutes.

"Prim, I'll leave the rest to Lily."You can take a rest today. "

"... yes, excuse me. Your Majesty, Your Majesty."

After a deep bow, Prim left the lounge to follow the sheep as they fled.

"I'm sorry, Lily."

And I did the same to Prim.

Why would Chrono apologize?

"That's... I think I made you a little jealous."

It's okay for a sheep to stick to me.The toddler girl Lily and the toddler girl are treated like that.

However, the fact that I was a little too attached to Prim,

"No, it's okay. If Chrono wants, if he wants, he can make Prim his own.If you like it, I'll make you dozens or hundreds of the same girls. "

"No, I didn't mean to."

"Fufu, I know." But it's true that I was jealous of her.I mean, I've been with Chrono for a long time now.Even though I want to cure you of petrochemicals! "

I see, I see.

Lily's cheek, which was so cute and swollen, I poked it with my fingertips and laughed.

"But you have to be patient there a little bit." That's why I'm working. "

"Oh, no, I don't want to grow up."

Really?

I would have liked to live an adventurer's life with Element Master even more recklessly.But now, what you hold is too big.I can't tell you how big it is.

By the way, am I still a minor? You're 18 years old, so you're already an adult?

"What's going on at this hour?"I'm just here to see how I'm doing. "

"Yes, this is a serious business story -- the Crusades have finally begun."

Sparda's eye.

"No, it's Avalon's Nero."

First, we gathered only the members of "Element Master" in the command room.

I'm the Devil King and Lily is the Marshal.We can't say very appropriate things in public, so I'd like to get together and discuss it with just us when this happens.Will, Joseph, and Xenon Galt are not present this time because we will give instructions after a certain degree of policy has been firmly established.

In a somewhat dimly lit room, Lily activated a giant horo-monitor and started a fire.

The Neo-Avalon king, Nero, has officially launched an army against the pandemonium, dubbed the Great Expedition.

Together with Lily's explanation, the monitor shows footage shot by Homunculus, who kept hiding in the field.

Large crowds of people filling the boulevard wave white cross flags as they watch the Avalon parade.

While the music team plays a brave BGM and dances in pure white flower snow, the infantry with their long spears marches into what is said to be a flower-shaped cavalry.

They were followed by a group of heavy silver armor helmets covering the whole body.It was definitely the [Holy Gear]...... A huge dragon car surrounded by a large group of guards wearing modern ancient armor made by the Crusaders.A man in a sumptuous costume stands majestically on top of a two-story bus, waving to a cheering people.

Only one man is allowed to be in his kingdom in his pure white robe, in his glittering ornaments, and in his crown.The king, that is, Nero.

"Nero left the capital and headed for Serene."Maybe we'll be on a boat by now. ”

Did you decide that any further shooting was dangerous, and the video was interrupted there?

The next thing you see is a map of Avalon.The arrows show the predicted progress of Nero's Grand Expeditionary Force, and extend to the port city of Serene, just south of the king's capital, Avalon.

Serene is also a memorable port city that defeated the Kaosiqrim in the Coliseum.From the ancient lighthouse, the Kaosiqrim flash-beamed off, causing considerable damage to the city, but the harbor was intact.The harbor will be operational without any problems.

"Nevertheless, it's a big expedition." I really didn't think I'd do it. "

We know from our research that Nero has acted in various ways since the time of the Holy King for the reign of Avalon by the crucifixion.

It is natural to promote a renovation policy to the crucifixion, and measures are being taken to move to a system that is exclusively human.Fortunately, they have not been short-circuited in their slaughter of other races.At least to the best of our knowledge.

In addition, the power of aristocrats who disobeyed Nero began to be blatantly cut down, and exclusion began to focus on the capital Avalon, including restrictions on the rights of other races and forced migration.Even in the footage of the parade earlier, only humans were shown.

Avalon, like Sparda, was originally a country with a high proportion of humans, but people of other races also lived normally.If you gather a large number of people, it is natural for 20% or 30% to become other races, but... it seems that the elimination policy is going well.

Parallel to the rejection of other races was a propaganda that was hostile to pandemonium, calling me the "Great Devil".

“I thought it was just a way to build an easy-to-understand enemy and encourage unity.”

"This is not because of the crusades, but because it is the usual means of the church.But even if I'm not a pagan, if I had a disruptive force, I would be a pagan, and I often promoted it as an enemy. ”

Fiona, who lived in Sinclair, had a real impression.

If there is a newspaper, the church that enjoys great support and faith in a society of the highest calibre will be the one that says, "Enemy!"For many people, it can't help but be true.

The judgment between good and evil. What is justice?Wherever, it is only within the scope of the information I know, so I can only make a judgment.

“This smooth way is definitely the church way.Perhaps we should view it as being led by the Aryan monks. "

Ryuishi, it's a real gateway.

I think that the enemy is very good at starting activities immediately after the Fifth Galahad War and gaining influence so far.No brainwashing cheats like Lily.

Instead, there would have been a large presence of Hidden Crucifixionists who continued to hide in Pandora.The twelve nobles of Avalon have waited for the time to rise while maintaining their majority... only sympathy for King Avalon.You realize that, don't you?

"On the face of it, it looks like you're pushing the crucifixion very hard, but the question is how much power you put into the expedition."Are they really going to come to the end of this continent? "

"At least, it's not a pretentious march."It was only a small part of the parade, and the main force and the assassins gathered from all over Avalon for Serene. ”

In addition, the arrows stretch from each territory of Avalon and show the amount of strength you have checked.

As a result of the rejection of other races by the crucifixion religion, other nobles who were hidden crucifixionists, of course, human nobles who had earlier expressed their intention to go to Nero, were apparently distributed the territory and property of the nobles of other races.Of course, the deprived nobles did not shut up, but it seemed that with the direct support of the seven families of the twelve nobles and the Crusaders in Nero, who possessed the power of an apostle, there was not even enough battle to develop into a civil unrest.

By giving such profits to the nobles first, we could have successfully pulled out the cooperation of the Great Expedition.

You've already gathered a large army in Serene, so it seems that you're already planning to cross the sea.

“Yes, it's not very public, but the majority of the Central City Nation on the Lemurian coast are Neo-Avalon supporters.It's a place with a large human population ratio from the beginning, and it's highly likely that we've formed an alliance and established a system of cooperation in secret.In fact, Tolkis, Ucia, and the other cities across from Serene are already preparing to receive Avalon's army. ”

The name of a nostalgic country has come up.

It was when Lily and I went to Parthia to defeat Manticore.The route came from Tolkis via Farren, and the return route went from Ushia to Serene.Of course, I remember that there were more humans in both countries.

It makes me feel complicated to recall it in this way.However, if Avalon is serious about marching here, it is a place that must be secured as the first landing point.

"What about the runes?"If it had been for Avalon, Lemuria would already be a crusade. ”

"There is no transfer there, and the connection is somewhat from the Sparda royal family, so negotiations and investigations are not going well."But for now, it doesn't look like you're showing your support.There is a strong view that we are taking advantage of the island nation's location to stay still. "

I want the runes to remain independent at all costs.It's perfectly situated to take advantage of all the coastal areas of the Lemurian Sea where the Central City National Park meets.It can be said that the maritime power around here is essentially runes.

Nero didn't raise his runes as a spearhead for his first expedition because he didn't want to go to sea battles there.Rune, an island nation, was flying in the area.

Even if you can't be drawn into the crucifixion, is it enough to judge that the sea route for crossing the opposite shore can be secured as long as you maintain neutrality?

If Mass suddenly boarded the runes with a carrier, it would be like nothing.

"I don't think you need to worry about that."Unless the runes mess with the Avalon army across the ocean. ”

That being said, the next port town that is projected is a different scenery from Serene.White beaches with gentle ripples, quaint buildings, and touristy landscapes.

But there was a huge thing floating up in the sky that I was sure to see.

A white palace standing on a vast deck on a flat hull like a carrier.I've been there once, so I can't make a mistake, and I don't care if there's another one like that.

Peaceful Heart, the castle of the Eleventh Apostle Mass, is an aerial fortress.

Is he already across the river?

"Yes, Mass has made a public announcement to participate in Nero's expedition."

"I see... that's true, maybe I'll come this far."

I've already gotten on a single ride.

Will you come alone again?This time, I was able to greet and shoot with all my strength.

"It's not just Mass. Sparda's crusaders also seem to be on the move during the expedition.Even if they don't move, they'll definitely help. ”

"... first of all, Parthia will fall."

If you're going to Hell's Land Pandemonium, home to the Great Devil, the first place to block is the vast meadowland of Parthia.

If we're going south from there, we're going to have to go through that territory.It is quite a large area.

And Parthia, the kingdom of Centaurs, will never be allowed to descend into the Crusades.

"Yeah, it's going to fall." It's also because we haven't been able to conclude diplomatic relations yet. "

Lily said it clearly.

Don't say cold things. It's just a fact.

"That's right. We don't have time or room for Parthia right now."We'll have to defend ourselves somehow. "

"I'm sorry, Chrono."

"It's okay, Lily's doing her best."There is a limit to what people can do. "

Here's the limit. Until we reach Parthia, we can't reach for support.

Since the metastasis is not clear, it is not possible to accept the evacuation as in the case of Sparda.In the first place, there is no room to get involved because the diplomatic relations between the two countries have not been concluded.

“Let's hope Parthia pays off and gets more time.”

I can't deny Fiona's cool words.In fact, that's all we can do right now.

"The journey to this point at the southern tip of the continent is long.No matter how well the expedition progresses, it will surely take more than a year.If we are going to capture a country on the invasion route, it will take even more time. "

Sarriel, who has actually led the Crusades, can give you an approximate speed of advance.Excluding the carriers of Mass, the crusade is only common sense for a human army.

Normally, the limit would definitely come somewhere.Half of the continent will be vertical.Without hostiles, it's a long way to get here.

Deep forested Varna Forest Sea in the rugged volcanic Adamantria.And finally, the Atlas Desert.This was the only factor that prevented the march of a great army.

"But there are two apostles."

Nero leads the Avalon forces. Mass of bone marrow against myself.

Mariabelle is likely to be on a big expedition, unless she has a specific reason.At least two, and in some cases three.Worst of all, Eye might join us and push us here in a composition of four messengers.

"They will definitely come here."I don't think there is a country that would stop the apostles from attacking. "

With the power of God, they will overcome all kinds of enemies and difficulties.

I can't imagine you falling on your own in the middle of the road.I can't help but feel a certain crisis inside me.

"Adamanturia and Varna are forming an alliance."So, I'll help you as much as I can.If I have to, I will evacuate here just like Sparda.But I'm not obsessed with defending myself. "

"Chrono, that's me--"

"No, it's okay, Lily." This is the strategy I came up with. "

Lily, who already understood my intentions, opened her mouth, but let me tell you this.Nothing else, Demon King Chrono had to say.

“Pull the crusaders of the Great Expedition as far as you can to the Atlas Desert, assuming all allies are defeated.That's where we wipe them out. "

By suppressing the original monolith, we gained the ability to manipulate quicksand.The Atlas Desert was ours for the first time.

The ultimate benefit is here, with all of the earth at your side.

A hundred thousand, a million.Whether they form a huge fleet of thousands of desert ships, or they walk in infinite rows, they can swallow all of them in the Great Desert.

"We don't have enough time or personnel.Forging alliances with nations is impossible to contain that great army and messenger.If we don't win the battle somewhere, if we don't achieve results enough to wipe out the entire army, we won't be able to reverse from here. "

It was a ruthless decision to abandon everything but the pandemonium before the battle.

What will save the Pandora continent?How many sacrifices are you going to make, abandoning them?

I know that. I know that.

But I can't win.

If we're going to beat them, we're going to have to win.Focusing on defending all your allies will buy you more or less time.But if we continue to drain, we will soon run out of the bottom.

It is only two months since Neo Avalon's inauguration that a great army was launched for the expedition, which is the worst timing for us.Or perhaps, in anticipation of being an emerging nation, we have embarked on this swift expedition.

If you had bought time on an annual basis, you wouldn't have had to develop such a frivolous strategy.But the enemy is already on the move.

If you're saying they've done their best to crush us, we need to do our best too.We can't beat them in a head-to-head battle.

"Draw the crusaders into the Atlas Desert and destroy them with quicksand."Is there anyone who disagrees with this strategy? "

"Isn't it okay?"If you think about this hand, that's the only way. ”

"... I support the master's decision."

Fiona, as a matter of course.I'm sure Sarriel has something to think about.But you also know that you can't have any other reasonable countermeasures.

"Chrono, please." I need you to come up with a plan for me. "

"I'm the Devil King." I became a demon king.In that case, I'll have to carry it. "

Thanks, Lily.

Adopt the lowest strategy of abandoning so many people as the only way to win.Lily is trying to bear the rational but ruthless decision on my behalf.I'm sure that's what hurts me the most.

But I didn't appoint a marshal to make you do that.

"Please keep this strategy proposal confidential."The content will only be revealed to the general. "

"Yeah, I got it."

With a deep, heavy sigh, Lily expressed her understanding.

"I said that, but I want to support my allies as much as I can."

If you don't do it properly, I'll hate you for abandoning me.

"There's a side to that... but if we can destroy it before we get to Atlas, then that's the end of it."

"---- Excuse me, but I need to report something urgently."

He picks up his voice from outside the door and passes it inside.At the same time, Ain standing in front of the door was reflected on the holographic monitor without moving upright.

"Come in."

When she was allowed in, Ain walked in with a beautiful bow.Kneel before us and open your mouth.

“Earlier, we heard from Avalon that two important people have been protected at Destiny Land.”

Who is it?

“King Avalon, Myriad Julius Elle Road, and his bodyguard, Serise Ann Arclight.”