Pawahara Seijo no Osananajimi to Zetsuen Shitara, Nanimokamo ga Umaku Iku Yō ni Natte Saikyō no Bōke

[Demon King Who Receives the Favor of the Goddess]

“Now, there’s no one left to disturb us.”

After Fluga-sama disappeared, Elysium pulled his tachi out of the ground.

Then, the barrier that was standing in our way vanished.

“What did you to Fluga-sama!?” Arca shouted.

“You don’t have to worry. It’s not like she is dead. She would prove to be a hindrance if she were to be here, so we sent her to meet our Goddess.”

“Your Goddess…? No way, Phinis-sama’s seal is already broken!?” I exclaimed in astonishment.

“Not yet,” Elysium shook his head and said, “Though as you can see, we have Sacred Treasures in our hands, clearly indicating that cracks have appeared in the Goddess’s seal. As such, your existence is utmost essential.”

“My existence what…?”

What the heck does he mean?

As I was confused by his words, Elysium pointed the tip of his tachi at me and said, “You are the substitute for Olgou, Youngster. By sacrificing you, who own the power of the Five, the Goddess’s seal will be completely broken. Then you will be reborn as the Demon King by her hands, and you will be loved and admired as the child of the Goddess for eternity.”

“““““““!?””””””

What the hell is he saying…?

We all were lost for words, and Elysium then smiled boldly and continued, “The Goddess yearns for a ‘child’. An obedient child who has power close to that of hers and can stay with her for eternity.”

“Obedient, child…?”

“Yes. So be proud of yourself, Youngster. You have been chosen for that venerated role. You possess an immortal body like the gods, and you also have obtained the power of the Five. You are the only one who is eligible to receive the love of our Goddess.”

“Don’t give me that bullshit! I didn’t seek their power for such a reason! I sought their power so that I can create a world where everyone can spend their time with a smile on their face!”

I denied with all my might, but Elysium plainly told me, “That’s unfortunate. Human smile will not exist in the world we will be building. Now, be obedient and come with us.”

“What do you—”

Right then.

“—Just stop. Whatever you say won’t get through him,” Arca said, grabbing my hand.

“Arca…?”

She then lifted up the corners of her mouth and continued, “Rather than wasting your words on him, we better hurry beat these guys up and go save Fluga-sama—don’t you agree?”

“…Yeah, you’re right. Sorry, I got worked up for a while there,” I said in remorse.

The other girls smiled as well.

“Well, don’t mind it. That old man’s just being crazy as usual,” Ophir said.

“Yeah. Well, the rest of the saints aren’t much different from him, though,” Zana said.

“Mm. We won’t let you be sacrificed, Exa. We will definitely protect you,” Tirna said.

“Yes, indeed. Although the ‘Shield’ Saintess stands on the other side, we are tied with a bond that is the Phoenix Seal. As long as you are with us—we are invincible!” Magmell shouted.

“Everyone…”

Their words warmth my heart.

In that case.

“—Okay, then let’s go all out!”

“““““Understood!”””””

Our battle began.

◇ ◇

“Foolish. You wouldn’t have to go through pain had you obediently came with us.”

Needless to say, the one who sighed and said that was none other than Elysium.

I was the only one who could deal with him.

Our duel could be said to be inevitable.

“That’s my line, Elysium. I’m warning you, I’m stronger than before.”

“No wonder. You’ve also obtained Fluga’s power. It’s a matter of course,” Elysium nodded calmly.

“You’re wrong,” I shook my head and said, “That may play a part. But the most important reason is because—I’m fighting with everyone!”

BOOM! A shockwave spread out from me as I transformed into Vermillion Bird Form—then I took a stance with dual swords in my hands.

After I did, Elysium said, “Is that so?” before continuing with a terribly cold voice, “In that case, I shall teach you that the thing you called bond is nothing more than mere delusion.”

With that said, Elysium body enlarged exponentially. He looked so fearsome that the word ‘oni’ couldn’t be more apt to describe him.