Kays Translations

Chapter 56: Demon King

　When I stepped into the arena, a thunderous cheer erupted.

"Hey, is that the human hero? It doesn't look very strong, will he be okay?"

"Isn't that the Minotaur who won the previous Monster Battle tournament?"

"No way... Is he going to fight alone? I've heard that even ordinary Minotaurs can take on about ten skilled human fighters."

"This will definitely be an amazing battle!"

　Once the barrier was erected around the arena, the cheers became inaudible. It seems that even sound cannot pass through.

Now, what should I do? With such a large audience, I don't want to reveal too much of my hand. And do they have a signal to start?

While I was still thinking, the Minotaur suddenly charged in, raising a cloud of dust.

　As I attempted to counter with a slash, the Minotaur stopped just within striking distance of each other. Despite running at that speed, it could stop abruptly without losing balance. Just that alone made it a formidable opponent.

Then, it took a deep breath and let out a roar aimed at me.

I expected something like a flaming attack, so my "Heart Wall" barrier didn’t activate when nothing came. Instead,  Intense vibrations surged through my entire body… My mind couldn't reject it.

　——The bleachers began to rustle.

"He took the full force of its roar."

"That's the pattern it showed in the tournament. It immobilizes its opponents and cuts them in half with its axe. This isn't good..."

"Hey, someone stop this!"

The Minotaur slowly lifted its massive axe and approached 

　Its tongue hung from its bull-like mouth, drooling, while its eyes, filled with the confidence of victory, gleamed with the instinctual urge for slaughter.

Screams resounded all around the arena outside the barrier.

　The Minotaur raised its gigantic axe high above its head, preparing to strike Takumi in half.

　And just then, while its arms were in the air, its body split vertically and slid left and right. The weight of the pieces of meat shook the ground.

　——And then it disappeared into black smoke.

　In the spectator seats, the majority of people were unable to comprehend the situation.

"Huh? What just happened..."

"Didn't it briefly flash red?"

"The human is... Oh, he's safe!"

◇

"Well, that should do it."

I felt relieved that I had won. I momentarily panicked when I received the roar, but no status abnormalities like debuffs occurred. It must have been thanks to my "Enhanced Yellow Rune Ring: Abnormality Resistance +95" that protected me.

　After that, it was rather anticlimactic. There were so many openings, so I charged my lightsaber with SP30 and slashed upward. The length of the light blade reached about seven meters, allowing me to slice vertically with just a wrist movement. It was a no-motion technique, so those who were hit might not have even realized what happened.

　Immediately after the slash, I deactivated the light blade, so I believe I was able to conceal my abilities to some extent from those watching. There were many things to reflect on, but well, the result is fine for now.

I connected the "Telepathic Communication Device" to Karla.

"It's over. What should we do next?"

"Um, wait a moment."

After a while, the barrier disappeared smoothly. Applause and cheers could be heard roaring from the spectator seats. What, did it get this exciting?

“That was awesome”

"Great battle!"

　A man descended from the guest seats while applauding. He was a tall, slightly mischievous-looking handsome man. He exuded an aura mixed with plenty of charm and charisma. Like Gale and Karla, he had an attractive face.

"I apologize for the delay in expressing my gratitude. Thank you for saving my daughter. I am 'Enzo Bloodheart.' I seem to be called the 'Demon King' by other races."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Takumi. I'm from the human race and I serve as an ambassador to the Dwarven race."

"Ah, I've heard about you from my daughter. Feel free to call me Enzo without reservation. Takumi, I'm sorry to ask this so soon, but I have a favor to ask."

"What is it?"

"Fight me."

As he said that, the figure of the Demon King disappeared.

　——Tap.

　Someone tapped my shoulder.

When I turned around, the Demon King was there.

Wha-! I quickly distanced myself from the Demon King.

The Demon King lightly spread his hands and tilted his head, as if asking what was wrong.

"Takumi, that can’t be it. A man recognized by Gale can't be just this level."

　Unlike before, there was a shadow in his smile.

The Demon King turned towards Mia.

Oh no. I quickly tried to move in front of Mia, but then I felt a tap on my shoulder from behind again.

"There, even more weaknesses... You, how haven't you died already?"

Who is this guy?

I can't figure out where the Demon King stands.

Is he an ally or an enemy... No, that's not it. Anyone other than an ally is an enemy.

Who decided that the Demon King is an ally?

　This is no time to hesitate.

"Oh, so you finally got motivated. Your judgment is slow. You'd be dead in real combat."

Don't be deceived by words and actions.

Anyway, I'll put up barriers in all directions.

I will absolutely reject being touched by that guy.

At that moment, a sharp sound came from behind me.

It was the sound of the Demon King's arm being blocked.

"Hehehe, how amusing. Takumi, it's quite amusing. Now, let's see your ability to defend against the attacks of the 'Sword Saint!'"

　Before I knew it, the Demon King's right hand was gripping a pitch-black sword.

Sinister flames writhed and squirmed on the blade as if they were living beings.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter