Battle with the Swordmistress of Fire, and raising flags.
"Luka... Hero Luka..."
"...Hmm... I-Ilias!?"
I once more felt this world's soft light. Since she wasn't afflicted with chaos, I suppose it was no big deal for her to show herself like this. I quickly shook off any sleepiness as she started talking again.
"Luka... I appreciate your earlier tribute... It was my first time since creation to have such an experience..."
"I am glad it was to your liking."
While we were traveling the world, she seemed to enjoy eating just about anything. Maybe heaven was actually quite lacking in luxuries.
"However... There is a lot I am curious about... Just who are you? Answer your Goddess truthfully," she told me, showing a somewhat stern expression. Well, I suppose it was expected to be on guard when something was so far removed from what she knew.
"Um, Did you hear my conversation with Alice?"
"...As a Goddess, I am rather busy. I cannot devote all of my attention to you."
Ah, so she was fixing her injury at that time. I should pretend I didn't notice for now. Pointing it out wouldn't do me any favors.
"Well, this will be a rather long story, but..."
Now, how much should I tell her?
...
"A parallel world where heaven fell down to the earth and I was afflicted with the Six Ancestors Great Seal... And I traveled together with you and a bunch of monsters from the surface world!?"
"Y-Yes. That's about the gist of it."
Her surprised reaction was just like Alice's... maybe those two are actually quite similar? Well, I would blame the cause of her shrinking on the Six Ancestors Great Seal for now. To be honest, I... really didn't want a future where she was my enemy.
"But for me to fall to the surface... Black Alice and Promestein... Perhaps I really should..."
"Ah, b-but you seemed to be having a lot of fun." I quickly corrected myself as her thoughts seemed to turn sinister. It may have been one thing while she was small, but if she was having dark thoughts now... After traveling with her so long, I could imagine the sorts of terrible things that were bound to happen.
"Me... having fun? Ridiculous. Are you attempting to trick me?"
"N-No, I'm not!" I vigorously shook my head to prevent her mood from dropping. After all, this Goddess had a far too low boiling point.
"You seemed to enjoy eating cuisine from across the world. Also, with such a small body and due to angels being a rare sight, you received a lot of candy from people."
"...I see. Certainly, human cuisine is quite interesting..."
"And you appeared like you enjoyed defeating monsters too."
"...I was considerably weakened at that time, correct?"
"Ah, yes. At first, we and our other comrades struggled to even fight against the monsters around Iliasville..." I still remember how our journey started out with only four people, learning how to fight in the Cave of Trials.
"Fighting together, growing, becoming able to defeat monsters we couldn't beat before with ease... You really seemed to enjoy that sort of journey."
"...Comrades...Growth..."
Ilias stood alone, with enormous power. Both of those concepts were utterly foreign to her. As someone who had traveled across the world with her, I could tell how she felt a slight pang of envy toward her other self who had experienced those sensations. I knew how lonely she could get.
"Um, Ilias... would you... like you to go on a journey together?"
"What!? What are you saying, Luka!? If I were to descend, it wouldn't even qualify as a journey anymore!"
"Ah, no, I mean... With a smaller body, or maybe by creating a cloned human body..."
Tamamo was apparently able to create a body within a different world with nothing but her thoughts... So Ilias should be able to do that much without issue, right? I hope so, at least... Otherwise, there is a real chance we could end up as enemies at this rate.
She sometimes used to look at me or Heinrich with such lonely and sorrowful eyes. I absolutely did not want that kind of future.
"I have not tried it before, but it should be possible... however..." She looked incredibly troubled.
"Err, since I'm touring the world, there is a lot of time. So if you ever feel like it, then by all means, please come along."
"...Very well. Now then, Luka. If there are any monsters that wish to do you harm, make sure to put them to death."
And with those words, my consciousness faded.
As I emerged from the tent, fresh air spread through my body. It somehow felt like even the air was more at ease than in the other world... though it may just be my imagination. To start the day, I stretched and boiled some water, then prepared the herbs I picked yesterday. Homemade herb tea was a maid's passion, after all.
"...I'm hungry." Alice got up, already hungry by the first time she opened her mouth.
"I'm making something right now. Have some tea until it's done."
"This is... tea made from yesterday's wild herbs, isn't it? Let me see."
She accepted the cup and sipped from it without giving it time to cool down. Casual gestures like this allowed a glimpse of just how sturdy she is. And judging from her expression, she liked it.
"Hmm, it has a pleasant aroma... We are growing herbs at the Monster Lord's Castle as well, but it seems the flavor and aroma change depending on where they grow."
"It is one of the pleasures of travel to eat the local delicacies."
"Yes, I look forward to it! The next town...Ilias...burg apparently has something called Ama Ama Dango. I will go eat those the moment we arrive." Her face scrunched up at the Ilias part. It seemed like even calling her name was unpleasant at this point.
"Yes, yes, I figured you would say that... though it's surprising how much you know about the town furthest away from the Monster Lord's Castle."
"Fufufu, I did not set out without a plan. Behold!" With a smirk, she pulled out an old tome, making me wonder just where she was keeping it.
"Ah, the travel guild's 'World Traveler' tourist guide... quite lucky to find something like that at the Monster Lord's Castle... Wait, Johannes 867 Edition!? That thing is 500 years old!?"
"Hmm... I suppose it may be a little outdated."
"Not just a little, I'd say more than half the towns and villages in this guide are already gone... Wow, I wonder how much I'd get for this if I sold it..."
"I am not selling it, idiot."
"Alright, fine. But why is such an old book... Hold on, 500 years ago... Monster Lord... Could it be this is Alicetroemeria's..."
"What!? Why are you suddenly throwing out Black Alice's true name!?" She was shocked at the utterly unexpected name. I wondered how many times that made now.
"500 years ago, Black Alice traveled together with Heinrich under the name Alicetroemeria as a mage. They seemed to get along really well and—"
"Wait, wait, wait, wait! Wasn't Heinrich the one who slew her!? How did that happen!?"
"Well... We didn't really get to that part yet... to begin with, Black Alice, no, Alicetroemeria was traveling together with us and—"
"No, no, no, no. How did that happen!?"
"Uh, when we went through Tartarus, we ended up in Succubus Village 500 years ago, where we happened to meet Heinrich and Alicetroemeria. She noticed that you were her descendant and decided to follow us because it seemed interesting." Okay, now that I say it, I don't think I really get it either.
"...Enough already. I am tired of being surprised at every single thing. Let us focus on the important thing first: the flavor of Ama Ama Dango." It looked like she would need some time to digest all that information, not surprising, really.
"Don't worry. I've had them before, and they tasted great."
"Excellent! Now, let's eat and then set out!"
"Yes, yes."
Making food for only two lacked the lively atmosphere of having a lot of friends around, but traveling with the naive and hungry Monster Lord in her adult form felt fresh, and I was beginning to enjoy myself again.
We didn't meet too many monsters along our path. But after getting a mandragora out of the middle of the road because it was dangerous and chasing off a bunny slime, we arrived at Iliasburg just past noon. Due to both me and Alice having a high physical performance, we arrived significantly faster than ordinary travelers.
"Alright, back over there, monsters could enter just fine, but it's probably no good here. Alice, could you transform into a human?"
"Transforming into a human is simple. But it is somewhat uncomfortable. Why do I have to—"
"You won't be able to eat any Ama Ama Dango if you enter the town like this."
"Urgh. That would be bad. I suppose it cannot be helped. How is this?"
Getting the Monster Lords to listen to you was easy so long as you baited her with food. The only problem was that if you didn't have any, she'd get into a foul mood immediately...
"Ah, yeah. That works. Still, seeing you with a human lower half is certainly new." However, her outfit was still outrageous. If she entered this world's Iliasville, she would probably still be accosted by the guards, even without being in her monster form.
"...So you're saying that transforming wasn't necessary over there?"
"Yep, that's right. I hope such a day eventually comes here as well." And so I entered the town while thinking of just how to convince Ilias.
As I entered the town, I instantly noticed something was off. Usually, Iliasburg was lively, and at this time of day, the streets should be full of people. If I had to compare this to the things I've experienced before, it would be like... When Succubus Village was attacked by the Queen Succubi 500 years ago!
"Over there!" Fortunately, I was able to find the source of the disturbance right away. Since most of the town was silent and a lot of people were holed up in their homes... it was probably a small number of powerful monsters.
But it was worse than I expected.
"...How disappointing. Is there not a single strong person in this town!?"
Standing in the midst of collapsed warriors was one of the Four Heavenly Knights, Granberia.
"I see... normally I would have... here, against her..."
When I first met the rabbit, a faint memory flashed in my mind. That was probably what is happening now. And because I didn't challenge her... didn't challenge her... In the back of my mind, an image showing my hometown obliterated by angels appeared... I would never allow that to happen! I rushed out, my heart ablaze.
As I approached, two more warriors fell, and one fled. But it did not look like anyone's life was in danger. She reigned supreme in the city square, suffering not a single wound despite holding back on the warriors opposing her.
"Is that it!? If so, surely there will be no complaints about monsters taking over this town!"
Granberia roared with a voice so loud that it echoed throughout the town. There was no one left who could resist her. Except one.
"No, there is one right here!" I yelled with a volume equal to hers. I walked up to her without a shield or even a single shred of armor, just an iron sword, clothes made of fabric, and courage.
"You intend to challenge me with that sort of equipment, boy?"
"Of course! There are times when a hero has to stand his ground no matter what!"
My fighting intent clashed against the pressure she released without yielding a single step. The difference in equipment was enormous, but I had to do it; I couldn't retreat here. With that resolve, I readied my sword.
"I see. Your name?"
"Luka."
"I see. And here I thought that none of these humans had a spine... To think I would meet such a warrior."
Granberia grew excited as pure fighting spirit welled up in her, not in any way inferior to when she fought for the title of Monster Lord, yet unburdened by any feeling of defeat. There had been not a single quiver in his approach, and now, no gap in his stance. This boy in front of her was undeniably a warrior capable of quenching her thirst for battle.
But there was one thing she could not comprehend... why did such a warrior have nothing but beginner equipment? But it did not matter. As they crossed blades, some manner of understanding would undoubtedly bloom. And so they faced each other, swords at the ready.
"Here we go, Luka. I, Granberia, Cursed Swordmistress and one of the Four Heavenly Knights, shall be your opponent.
"It's on!"
If the difference in equipment is too large, I just had to make up for it in another way! Casting buffs at the start of combat was basically an ironclad rule, but this was a one-on-one fight. Without any allies to provide support, I had to do it myself.
"The story of a hero. Traveling the world, bonding with spirits, and defeating evil. His name was..."
Luka told an Epic Tale! The party is filled with courage!
"An incantation!? Not on my watch!"
I drew out all my latent potential with a heart-shaking Epic Tale, but Granberia did not miss that opportunity. Shattering the cobblestone below her, she closed the distance in an instant and struck with a Bloody Fissure Thunder Thrust * Gale.
"Ugh!"
Luka took 1825 damage!
"I won't just stand here and take it!"
Luka counterattacks! Granberia took 6842 damage!
"So much power behind a simple counter... Intriguing!"
Granberia laughed gleefully despite the streak of blood running down each of our bodies. I, on the other hand, did not have that kind of leeway after taking unexpectedly high damage.
Damn! This was really rough without any armor...
I had gotten stronger, certainly. To the point it couldn't even be compared to the time I initially set out. But right now, I was reminded of just how much of it came from the powerful equipment I'd gained on my journey. But there was no guarantee one would be able to enter combat at their best. I would have to manage with what I had.
"Beneath the moon, spring never ends... Moonlight Flower Rite!"
Luka unleashes a blade scattering the flowers of life beneath the moonlight. Granberia takes 48991 damage!
Granberia counterattacks. Luka takes 583 damage!
"The ultimate skill of a Swordmaster! Magnificent, Luka!"
Granberia used Demonic Meteor Slash!
Luka took 525 damage!
Luka took 611 damage!
Luka counterattacks! Granberia took 8124 damage!
Luka took 498 damage!
Luka counterattacks! Granberia took 5394 damage!
Luka took 567 damage!
Luka took 442 damage!
"Urgh!"
With every strike, a shrill cry of metal resounded from my sword. And every time her blade grazed my body, it cut through without resistance. I already took massive damage, but I had no choice but to proceed. If my sword skills were being matched, then...
"A perfectly clear, pure flash... Kyoka Suigetsu!"
Luka used the special technique of a Serene Mind! Granberia takes 43655 damage!
"A samurai move... and you have managed to achieve Serene Mind after all. Good, good! I don't think I have ever been this excited!"
Granberia was too slow to respond to the unknown technique and was unable to counterattack, resulting in a severe injury. However, her face was tinged with joy. Though the Monster Lord and her fellow Heavenly Knights were powerful opponents in their own right, it was the first time she was able to cross blades to this extent. Her heart pounded as if she was a maiden dancing with a man for the first time.
"Sever this world! World-Ending Slash!" Even taking her attacks, he did not fall.
"Iai: Thunder!" And she was unable to keep the unknown skills from cutting into her body.
It was the first time she had found a partner for an unrestrained dance of blades. It was almost like a dream come true, but...
"Can you take a dragon's ace in the sleeve!? Deathbound!"
"Argh!?"
Aaah, even though her attacks should hit lighter...
"I can... still... Sever divinity and destroy evil... Zanjin Zanma!"
Aaah, even though his blade should cut deeper...
Their skills were evenly matched, yet... Whereas she could keep going, the worthy opponent standing in front of her was wounded all over, blood streaming down his body. It was... absolutely... completely... utterly unacceptable. She jumped back and sheathed her sword onto her back.
"Wha— What are you doing!?" Despite the deep injuries across his entire body, his eyes were filled with a pleasant fighting spirit, and he kept his sword aloft, never dropping his guard.
'Please stop; don't look at me like that... I truly do wish to cross blades with you, but...'
"...The difference in our current conditions is the result of nothing but the quality of our equipment... I cannot accept that. Cloth cannot block any meaningful damage, and an iron sword cannot parry my blade. Winning like this would shame me as a warrior."
"...I see."
Luka, too, was a first-rate warrior. It would be one thing if it were to prevent evil, but in a serious match like this, he would prefer fighting on equal terms. That's why he understood Granberia's feelings well. He sheathed his battered sword.
"Luka, I have a request. Please find equipment befitting your superb skill. And when that time comes... have another match with me." And then she bowed her head, the proud Granberia, to a human warrior.
"I understand; I swear so. It may take some time to find something, but I definitely will."
"Thank you... As a sign of respect, I shall retreat for today. Occupying this town can wait until we have reached a conclusion. Let us meet again." Her part said, Granberia's form vanished like a haze, and silence returned to the area."
Luka went down to his knees with a groan, almost like the loss of air had deflated him. He no longer had the strength to even lift his sword. Though he put a hand to his injuries and chanted a healing incantation, his consciousness gradually faded. He saw Alice coming closer with a worried expression as his vision dimmed and a nonsensical thought flashed through his head.
'Still the same as over there, huh?'