Published: September 10, 2025
※ 2016/8/17 Typo corrections made.
“Honorable hero, Seina-dono has returned.”
Weaving through the companions who were taking a short break, petite Seina came running.
The extra fat around her chest looked cumbersome. Such a pity for her youthful face.
I think a smooth, straight silhouette like those little girl maids suits a youthful face better.
“She appeared, wearing silver shining metal armor, not that turtle shell from before.”
“She transformed again, huh…”
The image of the Demon King I first saw flashed through my mind.
Back then, the Demon King was somewhat paranoid, just a purple-haired ratman you’d find anywhere.
When it saw us, it screamed, then struck a strange pose and ‘transformed’ into a bug-like costume with a purple scarf around its neck.
When we first met, it was only level 55, but every time we challenged it again, its level had increased. The last time we fought, it had reached level 62.
Compared to my level 71, it should have been much weaker, but the ‘transformed’ one was surprisingly strong.
If it weren’t for the short endurance, running out of gas quickly, it wouldn’t have been able to fight so advantageously every time.
However, that complacency almost cost me my companions.
I never want to experience that again.
“But hey, was it really okay to leave it all to Satou? Maybe I should have gone instead?”
“It’s fine. If it’s Satou, he’ll handle the Dungeon Master somehow.”
To the worried Seina, I said with baseless confidence.
That guy is someone who makes you feel like everything will be okay—truly a mysterious fellow.
Frustrating as it is, I can entrust my honey to him.
“If it’s Satou, he’ll probably manage.”
“It’s rare for Wee to be so confident, huh.”
Everyone else seemed to have no objections.
Only Lean made a siscon comment, “But I’m not giving Sera up.”
I advised him that too much attention would cause resistance, but it seems he can’t control his love for his little sister.
“This time for sure, we’ll defeat the Demon King.”
I declared to my companions, then headed toward the Great Hall where the Demon King awaited.
Only two Demon Kings remained.
Nanashi reported that the Demon King on another continent was destroyed by the ancient dragon’s breath.
That left the Demon Kings of the Weasel Empire ahead and the ratman country (…).
I felt bad for Nanashi but decided to leave the ratman country’s Demon King, who had shown no signs, to him.
—When this battle ends, if I can win against the Demon King, I will return to Japan. To my sister and childhood friends waiting there.
◇
—ZHW WUUUUUUUUN.
As I entered the hall, the Demon King roared, and purple ripples ran over its silver armor.
“Hayato.”
“Yeah, I know.”
I nodded to the worried Mary.
“The transformation is coming! We need to buy time until the effect wears off.”
Although the form remains after the effect ends, the overwhelming enhancement state is lost.
The disappearance of the purple aura is the sign.
“Looks kind of weak.”
“That unicorn-like horn is probably dangerous, right?”
“It’s a bit hunched over. Probably a charge type relying on thrusts with that horn.”
Watching the Demon King in its purple, smooth, hero-suit-like form, the companions analyzed.
I recognized that form.
“Lean, Wee, attack first with fire swallow staff and bow!”
Following my instructions, the two launched quick strikes.
“Did you forget, Hayato? Attacks don’t work while it’s transformed.”
“Yeah, I know.”
I nodded to Mary’s words, watching where their attacks went.
“Ah, it was blocked.”
“Flexible shield spell of arcane magic?”
“Odd shape.”
Just as I thought—that horn resembling a unicorn reminded me of the worst opponent.
“That’s absolute defense. I’ll be the vanguard to hold it. Only knockback-type attacks until the effect wears off!”
“I’m coming too.”
“Hayato alone is tough, right?”
Russus and Fifi smirked and volunteered to help restrain the Demon King.
It’s a dangerous mission, but having them really helps.