Finally, the ancient castle came into view.
Sebirino and I were flying, and Ekvar was riding a wyvern. If only we could retrieve the imitation of Solomon’s ring, which could control both demons and angels.
To begin with, the head magician, who was so focused on filling his own pockets, couldn’t match Sebirino in magic or item creation. In fact, there were rumors that he couldn’t even make an elixir. It was said that he took an elixir made by someone else, claimed it as his own, and submitted it.
If he had just worked hard instead of resorting to dishonesty, things might have been different.
“There are two strong presences… They’re summoning,” Ekvar remarked.
“…It’s dangerous, but we have no choice but to go. Did Lord Belial say he would outsmart the ring?”
I nodded firmly in response to Ekvar’s confirmation. I wanted to show him that I had no doubts anymore.
I won’t let Belial, the King of Hell, be controlled by such a man!
“Yes. If we can create an opening, we’ll manage somehow.”
“With your strength, Master, everything will surely succeed!”
…I didn’t think Sebirino was the type to be so optimistic… He’s become a mystery to me lately.
When I opened the large iron doors with a folding design, I saw a figure. There, standing, was a young and beautiful demon wearing a pure white robe, with silver hair and translucent sky-blue eyes.
He smiled gently, and his name was…
“Lucifer!?”
“Ah, human girl. Belial told me your name.”
I never expected that I would accidentally summon Lucifer like this. The head magician is surely not going to survive this.
“…Huh? You know him?”
“Well, not exactly…”
I couldn’t introduce him casually, so I gave Lucifer a glance. He squinted his eyes at me with his usual soft smile that hid his emotions.
“I am Lucifer, a friend of Belial. I’ve been told to let her pass. You two, you’ll have to deal with me for a while. It’s been a long time since I’ve fought a human. Let’s see what you’re capable of.”
I could feel the rise in magical power, but it didn’t seem like he had made a contract. Did he forget? Is it possible to summon and control a demon without a contract?
But now, I didn’t have time to waste on such thoughts. It worked to our advantage, so it was fine!
“Both of you, he is stronger than Lord Belial. Stay alive until we figure something out!”
“Ha…?”
“Yes!”
Ekvar’s confused voice and Sebirino’s unexpectedly cheerful reply followed.
“By the way, who is she to you two?”
“I… I am Ekvar Kroas Karlsroa, her bodyguard.”
“I am Sebirino Osa Arens, her disciple.”
For some reason, introductions were being made beside me as I passed by. Since the ring’s magical power wasn’t complete, it seemed like I couldn’t fully control Lucifer. As long as I treated him carefully, he likely wouldn’t come at us with deadly force.
“Disciple… A magician, then. Let’s see what magic you can perform.”
He smiled as he stood, waiting for the incantation.
I wondered which magic Sebirino would use. I was curious, but I had to keep moving forward!
I followed the magical presence of Belial and moved deeper into the castle. The wide hallway had many large round pillars. The decorations were faded, and the walls had occasional cracks.
At the end of the hallway was a large wooden door, its paint chipped, with a dirty carpet stretching up to it. The double doors were massive, with ornate handles that showed the passage of time as the golden decoration had lost its shine.
He must be here.
“The power of the spirits, dwell within this symbol. O万能章 (Universal Seal), unleash your great power without reservation.”
They probably intend to have me fight Belial. I activated the Universal Seal. Then, to prevent the talisman from being seen, I hid it beneath my clothes.
My item box had been discarded on the ground by the head magician after he had expressed joy over the effect of the ring. Thankfully, Sieghart had recovered it. At that time, I had been too distracted to pay attention to the item box.
I’m glad it wasn’t picked up by some heartless person and the items weren’t taken away…
“…Such a wild child.”
As soon as we entered the room, Belial muttered that. The tension that had been almost terrifying until a moment ago suddenly shattered!
“Alright, Belial! Capture that woman!”
The head magician, from the depths of the room, gave Belial the command, mentioning his name.
As if in response to the command, flames erupted from Belial’s arm, and a blazing red sword of fire materialized in his hand.
But there was no declaration or anything. Huh?
Even the flame sword was in its weakest state, a reddish color. Without any declaration, it should be able to unleash more power. It seemed like he was only pretending to act. It seems the head magician didn’t notice that he couldn’t fully control him. Maybe it’s because he’s never seen a king before?
I felt that the magic sent from the ring was low, so the supply seemed insufficient.
“The star that guides those wandering the wilderness, descend upon us. Bearing the sharpened crescent spear, protect me from malice and disaster, protect me from harm. Protection!”
First, defense as the attack would likely come, then I would follow up with an offensive spell. This should work.
“Now, let’s see how well you do!”
Belial ran forward and slashed at my Protection barrier with his sword, but it was deflected. In the meantime, I began chanting an offensive spell.
“Light, flare brightly and show your existence. Let the thunderous roar of a hundred lightning bolts, the burning golden brilliance, strike with the force of a thunderclap, give me the power of the lightning storm in my palm.”
As I released the flames and Belial swung his sword down again, the Protection barrier shattered.
The timing was perfect.
“Resonate and pierce, lightning bolt! Fail-Tombe-La-Foodle!”
As Belial attempted his next attack, I struck with lightning from my hand.
“Ngh! Your incantation is fast…!”
The loud crackle of lightning struck Belial, illuminating the room with its light. The force of the magic caused Belial to stumble backward, as if he had been pushed by the impact.
“I thought a king would fall in a single blow… That woman, how could she defend herself…!”
I overheard the head magician muttering with annoyance.
If he were serious, one strike would have destroyed my barrier, but Belial hadn’t fully exerted his power yet.
From Belial’s feet at a distance, flames shot toward me.
I waited until the right moment, dodging just in time, and the explosion erupted in the spot where I had been, a fierce burst of fire shooting up. Next, he would strike with his sword without delay. Having fought alongside him before, I could somewhat anticipate his patterns.
One, two!!!
Belial, who had dived through the flames so I wouldn’t see him, revealed himself in an instant, running and slipping past me. Maybe he hadn’t expected it, or maybe it was deliberate, but the flame sword cut through the air. He immediately turned around and released fire toward me. His magical energy was clearly infused in the attack.
I waited for the flames to rush past me and quickly ducked, letting them pass over me.
“Again… you dodged!?! What is going on with that woman! Damn, she’s infuriating!”
He stamped his foot on the ground, clearly frustrated.
The flames that passed over me intensified as they hit the ground, spreading out in a circle around me and Belial, writhing like a living creature.
“This should be the right time!!”
At his words, the flames exploded with loud bangs, scattering chaotically around the room.
“Water, solidify in my hands. Become an ice spear and my weapon. Charge forth and pierce the target! Ice Lancer!”
I cast a quick attack spell from the water attribute magic. The ice spear, shrinking as it approached the blazing fire wall, aimed for the target but couldn’t reach the King of Hell.
In front of Belial’s raised palm, it turned to steam and water, vanishing into the air.
After finishing my chant, Belial closed in on me.
In his red eyes, I saw my reflection.
As I stepped back, his fiery sword pierced through my chest.
“…This is the end.”
Flames erupted behind me. I placed both hands on his right arm, holding the sword.
The room was filled with blinding flames, the walls painted in an orange hue.
The roaring sound of the blazing fire echoed throughout.
