Published: September 2, 2025
※1/2 Typo corrections made.
This is Satou. There used to be a long-running show that distinguished between the fake and the real, but in another world where skills and magic exist, it seems both seeing through fakes and pretending to be genuine are quite challenging.
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“Julurhorn? Could it be… the real one?”
Arisa was astonished.
So that twisted Holy Sword was famous. I'll have to ask later what kind of legends it has.
The false hero's sword also shows as Julurhorn in the AR display, but it is classified as a Demonic Sword, not a Holy Sword. The description as a magical artifact is similar to the one I have. Needless to say, it’s a forgery. Its combat power is no different from a normal iron sword, and it looks like an ordinary straight sword.
“You, hero, dare oppose me with a fake sword given to me! Foolish!”
“Shut up, demon race! Where did you put the real Governor!”
I see, so that's how they interpreted it.
I want to skip the charade and finish this quickly, but since it’s a split form (Splitter), there’s a high chance it’s connected to the demon race’s main body. If I eliminate it with overwhelming force, the main body might become cautious and go into hiding somewhere. That would be troublesome.
Feeling impatient with the false hero’s battle, Pochi tugged at the hem of my robe.
“Is it alright for Pochi to fight too?”
Although the opponent is a level 1 demon, they seem a bit stronger than a normal level 1. But Pochi should be able to neutralize it unharmed.
“Alright. Be careful, it’s an enemy that uses magic.”
Pochi probably didn’t hear me, but the demon let out a roar (scream). However, the magic had no effect.
“Toh! Here I go!”
With such a lackluster battle cry, Pochi thrust out the dagger, effortlessly piercing the split form (Splitter) at the shoulder joint, just like when attacking bandits.
In an instant, the Splitter’s HP dropped to zero, turning into black dust and vanishing.
Pochi’s strong.
Actually, the Splitter’s HP was less than the bandits’, so if a strike landed, it was game over.
“Impressive, Pochi-chan.”
“To be cute and such a skilled fighter! So Pochi was the beastman who saved Tolma!”
The baron’s family praised Pochi.
Yet Pochi’s ears flattened, and with heavy steps like a defeated soldier, came back in front of me. Then, looking up at me with teary eyes.
“I’m sorry… I killed the black one…”
It’s not much different from the gargoyle defeated earlier, right?
Maybe Pochi has judged that even deformed beings who can speak shouldn’t be killed.
I myself am unclear about this judgment. I don’t want to kill humans or demi-humans, but I’m pretty okay with exterminating demon races. It probably comes down to appearance, huh?
Still, if it means making Pochi look like that, I should have just finished it off quickly with a guided arrow (remote arrow).
“It’s alright, Pochi. Thank you for protecting everyone.”
I hugged and comforted Pochi.
Once the commotion is over, I’ll treat Pochi to a steak so delicious that she’ll complain, “I can’t eat anymore~.”
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“That’s right, we have to rescue the real Governor!”
“Yes, I wonder where the Governor is being held.”
Even seeing the transformation right in front of her, that’s how you’d interpret it. How should I persuade them?
After Arisa whispered to me, I gave my permission. The log displayed records of multiple mental magic spells being cast. It was the same kind of believable magic the demon race used for brainwashing. An eye for an eye, so to speak.
“That demon just now is the real Governor.”
“Ridiculous! What are you talking about?”
“That can’t be.”
“Yes.”
Arisa stated the facts, but no one believed her. Did they resist (resist) the magic?
Maybe I should follow up.
“You were all under the control of the demon’s magic. As proof, you can’t even recall the Governor’s name, can you?”
“That’s true.”
“But without the Governor…”
“To think the Governor was really a demon. He was the one who first recognized me as hero…”