Published: September 10, 2025
There was no time to check this chapter thoroughly, so please forgive the many typos.
After interacting with the cheeky Duke's young lady, Lady Ringlande, in Labyrinth City Selbira of the Shiga Kingdom, we crossed the Great Desert and arrived at the western continental countries.
We had come to the Parion Divine Kingdom, named after the young goddess.
Our purpose was to investigate the ruins of the "Demon God's Prison" labyrinth—commonly called the "Demon Lair"—where it was said that the Demon King had once appeared.
Master Blume and Witch Merryest were not with us. They remained at the grand cathedral in the Holy Capital Parion, engaged in some complicated talks with the Pope and sages.
"The entrances scattered throughout the desert, huh..."
"If the Demon King is hiding here, that would be troublesome," scout Locossi remarked, echoing my thoughts.
"Don't worry. The Demon King appeared back when it was still a 'living labyrinth,' before it became ruins," said Seina.
"There's some truth in what Seina says. Since the labyrinth became ruins, no Demon King has appeared in the Parion Divine Kingdom," added Loleiya. If she says so, it must be true.
"Hayato, let's head back," Subak said, scanning the surroundings.
"I feel an itch at the base of my tail. When that happens, something bad is about to occur."
"Superstitious nonsense aside, I agree we should return. If we're attacked here, we'll get covered in sand."
"I agree too! My hair and ears are getting gritty from the sand."
Scout Locossi and Seina also urged retreat.
I wanted to explore the Demon Lair a bit, but everyone else seemed reluctant.
Siari from the Long-Ear Tribe kept worrying about the nearby rocky hills, while Zayan of the Horned Tribe and Knight Gerid turned away, seemingly unconcerned.
Wait, maybe they were watching carefully.
Come to think of it, Witch Merryest had said that the Parion Divine Kingdom was infested with a Demon King worship cult called the "Light of Freedom."
"Alright, let's head back—"
Mid-sentence, I sensed a tense presence.
The talisman given by God Parion was reacting.
This is—
"—Demons!"
From past experience, I quickly activated my "Invincible Shield (pierces none)" and kept my guard up, scanning the area.
'Kyo kyo kyo. The hero is very perceptive,' came a mocking voice.
I leapt back from a spreading yellow shadow at my feet.
From it emerged a huge yellow-skinned demon.
I rapidly used my appraisal skill to read the demon's information.
"Mid-rank demon! Level 55! Watch out for poison claws and ice magic!"
While I shared the info, Loleiya cast support magic.
Though missing Merryest and Master Blume was painful, we would win without losing a single member.
—Because I am the hero!
"I'll block their attacks!"
With my unique skill, there's no attack I can't stop.
Just in case, I also used "Infinite Regeneration (endless healing)."
"Come at me, demons!"
I shouted, lacing my voice with the "Provocation" skill.
It rarely works on intelligent opponents, but demons charge straightforwardly at me.
"—Burst Hacker!"
From the side, Subak's finishing move streaked red and exploded.
"Can you really block this?!"
The strongest axe finishing move was stopped by a barrier the mid-rank demon raised.
The demon flicked its tail, sending Subak flying, then leapt to strike me with its poison claws.
I blocked with my Holy Shield.
"Everyone, don't panic! Keep chipping away at their health steadily!"
Following my orders, we attacked relentlessly, but every strike was stopped by the demon's barrier that had blocked Subak's attack.
"Gerid!"
"Leave it to me! —Blast Armor!"
Gerid's barrier-breaking finishing move struck the mid-rank demon's shield.
It won't break with a single hit?
"What a monster!"
If this is mid-rank, the high-ranks must be even worse.
"If it doesn't break once, we keep trying until it shatters!"
Gerid struck again and again with "Blast Armor."
Subak and I disrupted the demon's attacks targeting Gerid, supporting him.
And finally—
"It shattered!"
"Nice work, Gerid!"
I praised Gerid and used shield bash to unbalance the mid-rank demon.