The ancient castle I had arrived at stood atop a hill, offering a rather good view. It was clear that it hadn’t been used for a long time, as it was not only unswept but also partially damaged.
When I opened the large iron double doors, there stood a young man wearing an elegant white robe, with silver hair like the moon and sky-blue eyes that seemed to reflect the translucent sky. He gave off an impression of grace and gentleness, neither appearing clearly as a demon nor an angel.
“Lord Lucifer!?”
“Ah, human girl. Belial told you my name.”
It seemed that he was someone my master knew. As expected of my master, he had a wide network.
Considering that Belial had given my name and addressed me so casually, there was no doubt he was a ruler of Hell.
He began introducing himself, still wearing a calm smile.
“I am Lucifer, a friend of Belial. I was instructed to let her pass. You two will entertain me for a while. It’s been a long time since I’ve fought a human. Let’s see what power you have.”
I could feel a rise in magical energy, but it didn’t seem like there had been any contract made. The Grand Mage is likely not well-versed in summoning magic, so he might not have noticed. After using that ring, it’s unbelievable that he failed.
Was he planning to control me with just that…? Ridiculous.
The name of the god set for activation shouldn’t be one that the Grand Mage would know. It’s impossible to fully draw out its power. How foolish—it’s like climbing a mountain without wearing shoes.
“Both of you, remember that he is more powerful than even Lord Belial. Hold on until we can do something!”
“…Huh?”
“Yes!”
Having been given a task by my master, I was pleased! I must make sure to keep him here… I will surely succeed!
While my master looked back at me with a worried expression, he slipped past Lucifer and ran off without turning around.
“By the way, what is your relationship with her?”
I braced myself, thinking we would jump into battle, but Lucifer, the demon, continued asking without changing his smile.
“I am her bodyguard, Ekvar Kroas Karlsroa.”
“I am her disciple, Sebirino Osa Arens.”
Unusually, Ekvar seemed flustered. He probably couldn’t read Lucifer’s true intentions.
“Disciple… A mage, then. Let’s see some of your magic first.”
“…Very well, I shall.”
For the first move… I’ll use a lightning strike. If it goes well, it might also cause paralysis.
I drew the black short sword with a magic handle that was hanging at my waist. It was engraved with magical symbols and functioned like a staff. I don’t use it much, but it would probably be insufficient for this opponent.
“Light, shine fiercely and make your existence known. Let the hundred thunders roar, the golden glow that burns brightly! Grant me the lightning of thunder, as a bolt of the heavens strikes from my palm. Let it pierce, lightning strike! Fale Tombé La Foudre!“
A burst of light shone from my palm as lightning surged towards Lucifer, crackling loudly.
He did nothing to evade it, nor did he put up any defenses, simply extending one hand to catch it effortlessly. A brilliant light surged, and my vision went white.
“Hmm. What made you choose this magic as your opening?”
However, I felt no effect at all… The difference in power was too vast.
This demon was clearly someone no human should ever face.
“Yes, it’s relatively high in attack power, and it can also cause paralysis. And I sensed a light attribute from you, so I didn’t think it would be possible to weaken you with holy magic.”
“Eh!? A demon like that exists?”
Ekvar was surprised. I was too, but I was sure of it.
“…Sharp boy. Well deduced.”
So it’s true… A demon whose weakness isn’t light is extremely difficult to fight. Using holy magic would have only empowered him.
“May I ask one question?”
“Go ahead, ask.”
“You don’t seem to be under the control of the ring. Why are you obeying?”
“…Heh… A calm judgment. Yes, the man who owns that ring doesn’t truly know how to use it to control me.”
Lucifer’s eyes glowed coldly. His smile was gentle, yet there was something terrifying about it.
“However… Let’s just say I’m preparing to hunt my prey?”
“Ekvar! Hold on until my master retrieves the ring! He doesn’t seem like he wants to fight any further!”
“…Understood!!”
Lucifer slowly approached us. What did he intend to do? I couldn’t read his movements. A demon with both light and dark attributes, and his power is at least at the level of a Hell king. Even without a contract or declaration, it was a miracle we were still alive.
Ekvar stood in front of me. I had resigned myself to the fact that if anything happened, I’d probably be left to die. That’s how cold he’s reputed to be.
Lighthearted, joining the royal guard through connections, a womanizer.
But on the other hand, those who interacted with him described him as a dangerous, fearless man, utterly loyal, inflexible, merciless to enemies, a cold, unfeeling person. Few have such a split personality.
I once felt paralyzed with fear when he became truly enraged…
But it was because of his devotion to my master. He has more compassion than one might think. As expected of my master, he’s been able to win over such a complicated character! He was also quite skilled in reading and managing people’s hearts. Truly impressive.
Lucifer, the beautifully radiant demon, raised his arm, and a slightly longer stick-like object appeared in his palm. It was white and glowing, made of magical power, and while it didn’t have a blade, it seemed like he could cut or strike with it at his whim.
He moved swiftly, sliding silently across the ground like water, and approached Ekvar. Despite the speed, Ekvar remained calm and unflustered, drawing his sword without hesitation and attacking.
Lucifer effortlessly blocked Ekvar’s sword with the stick, deflecting all of his blows. With a quick movement, Lucifer slipped past Ekvar and was already aiming for his next move.
Watching their exchange, I began chanting the incantation for a dark magic attack. My preferred attributes are darkness and earth. The demon certainly cast his gaze upon me.
“Break the chains that bind, let out a roar. Free from long restraint, unleash the brutal calamity. The lower jaw scrapes the earth, the upper jaw reaches the heavens, devouring all in its path! Bring chaos to the world! I offer up sweet, pulsing blood. With eyes filled with fury, feast with your ferocious fangs! Rouge Croi San!“
“Tear the chains of restraint asunder, and let out a roar. Released from long confinement, a brutal calamity. The lower jaw scrapes the earth and is shaved, the upper jaw reaches the heavens, a great beast that devours all and creates chaos in the world! I offer up the pulsing, sweet blood. With eyes filled with the flames of wrath, devour everything with your ferocious fangs! Rouge Croi San!“
The magic is a dangerous one that tears the target with beastly fangs, making it easy to break through defensive magic. Raising his arm to shoulder height, he points the tip of his dagger downward and, with the incantation completed, he aims it straight at the target.
However, Lucifer doesn’t move and simply raises his hand. A light, metallic sound rings out as the beast’s fangs are deflected, and the darkness easily disperses.
“Hm, I’ve seen a rare magic. There are still practitioners of it, I see. Is it my turn now…?”
Lucifer turns his palm toward me. The magical power rises, and a dangerous aura begins to form.
“Holy one, of the sacred name! The exalted Agria, the one who looks down upon all from the heavens, show your authority. From the unseen threat, grant us the protection of the aurora! Maji Defance!”
After confirming the defensive magic, an attack follows with an immense surge of magical energy that shines with a silver brilliance and rushes toward me.
I can’t block everything. The defensive magic shatters, and the magical energy presses against me like a gust of wind, causing a small explosion. I still have a protective charm, but the shock makes me kneel, and I feel a jolt in my abdomen. It hurts, but it doesn’t seem like any bones are broken.
Without thinking, my hand opens, and the black-handled dagger I was holding falls to the ground with a clatter.
“……”
There is the sound of metal clashing, and Ekvar’s sword is knocked away by Lucifer’s rod.
“Attacking without missing a beat, without even a sound… I see, so that’s the kind of man you are…”
Lucifer’s mouth is smiling, looking even more delighted than before. He quickly parries, avoiding Ekvar’s repeated strikes, and lightly jumps backward. No, it’s more like he slides back swiftly.
Ekvar, with little vertical movement, chases after him lightly, like a bird.
I take advantage of this moment to replenish my mana potion. Time to prepare the next spell.
“Behold the desired bright moon of dawn, the beautiful mystery that waxes and wanes. The beautiful lady who commands the stars, carry your bow and arrow and come hunt your prey.”
As Ekvar chases, Lucifer swings his rod horizontally.
He crouches lower to avoid, and swings his sword from right to left, aiming for Lucifer’s legs. The demon lightly jumps to avoid, then presses his rod against Ekvar’s sword as he aims for a strike at Ekvar’s chest with his other hand.
I can’t see the attack from my position, but a white light fills the space between them, and Ekvar is sent crashing into the wall.
No time to worry about that. I must activate my magic!
“Those who walk the earth, those who glide through the air, none can escape your target! Draw the bow and fire it, release! Alc Furesh Tille!”
Countless black arrows fly toward Lucifer.
However, as he gently moves his right hand, all of the arrows stop midair, falling and vanishing as if erased. I’ve never felt a magic effect like this before!
This is the King of Hell!
It’s no wonder people say he’s not someone to fight.
After the attack is blocked, Lucifer’s gaze shifts. It seems he is concerned about Ekvar, who was knocked down by the attack.
“…Perhaps I overcharged the magic. I wonder if he’s still alive?”
Ekvar, thrown against the wall and collapsed on the ground, struggles to rise. His torn jacket reveals black armor underneath.
“It hurts… But the armor came in time, I’m lucky…”
“…Wait. Is that chestplate of yours…?”
Lucifer steps closer, still eyeing the armor. Ekvar responds with a playful smile.
“Yeah, it’s from Tiamat’s scales. I received it through Lord Belial.”
“I see, so it has resistance to magical power.”
Tiamat’s scales…!
To think he’s wearing such a powerful and rare material. It’s crafted so thinly that you can’t tell he’s wearing it. Dragon scales are usually heavy, but with such thinness, it shouldn’t be burdensome.
“…Well, it seems like this is enough for now.”
“Then, Master…!? Could it be…!? You’ve recovered the ring!? ”
“Because the magical power has run out, that’s probably what happened. I’m leaving, but you should escape immediately. Oh, and Mage, let’s make a one-day contract.”
“What!? An honor, truly!”
“I am Lucifer, the King of Hell. What is your name?”
“Sebirino Osa Arens.”
What!? I, someone who has never made a contract with a demon, am able to make a contract with the King of Hell for a day?! Master!! It’s all thanks to you!
Indeed, my Master is the supreme being!
After the contract is made, Lucifer proceeds deeper into the castle, and we follow his advice to escape. Ekvar uses his wyvern, while I fly with levitation magic. We wait a little away from our masters. I wonder what kind of power they’ll use to escape so deliberately.
Very intriguing.
