Seirei Gensouki's
Chapter 82: Preparation for Interception
In the alley that was heading east from the central square of Almond, Rio was faced with a gray ghost.
「T- Too strong ....」
Natalie muttered with a dumbfounded face as she watched the one-sided battle unfolding in front of her.
Rio who had not even drawn his sword hanging on his waist easily defeated the ghosts with nothing but pure martial arts and amazing physical abilities.
Damage continued to accumulate in the Ghouls' bodies, despite recovering the damaged and damaged parts with phenomenal healing abilities, his movements became slow.
Although Rio did not use magic, seeing his extremely powerful physical abilities, Natalie judged that he might use some kind of magic tool.
Currently, among the artifact grade tools, the ones that increase the body strength and physical abilities of the user were not few in number.
Moreover, the problem was that, despite the enormous difference in skill, why he was easily opposed to it, the question was instantly lost.
「WOOW！ Onii-chan strong!」 [TL: Oniichan TUEEE!!!]
Behind Natalie, Mirey stared at Rio's figure fighting the ghosts while wearing an excited expression.
Rio's battle against ghosts can't be seen as a game where they fight each other, usually, if a child of Mireys' age sees a battle against the demons, it would be a terrifying spectacle that would probably leave a trauma in his life afterward.
To be more specific, a shattered human or demon body, a continuous rain of blood raining around it, such a spectacle.
Starting with a throwing technique that would break bones, accurately landing punches on vital parts of the human body, despite Rio's merciless attack, the ghost was able to maintain a perfect-looking body, at least an outward appearance.
This and that are also possible in consideration for the Mireys sense.
The difference in ability between Rio and the ghost was so great that he had the chance to do this in the midst of a deadly battle.
（But, however, to fight empty-handed against IT like his opponent is ...）.
Natalie felt goosebumps on her spine when she questioned whether she could do the same.
Although the movements of the ghosts were monotonous, his recovery ability and physical ability compensated for that deficiency.
He knew that he would receive a fatal wound if he was hit by a ghost attack and the ghost's ability to restore damage would slowly damage his fighting spirit.
Even so, it wasn't difficult to pursue that recovery ability if he had a weapon, when performing such a show with his bare hands, the height of a martial art that would not allow even a single loss was an absolute condition.
The courage and ability of Rio who can easily do this is very unexpected for Natalie.
「GAH ....」.
While Natalie was still dumbfounded with various things in her mind, Rio threw the ghost away a second time.
The ghost was somehow standing with its two broken legs while trembling nonstop.
Although a war-like power could be seen, it might not be able to continue the battle because it was being tortured by its bones and internal organs.
The ghost staggered unsteadily.
Section 2
（Unexpectedly quite difficult）
Rio was quite amazed by the tenacious body and ghostly vitality deep within.
Although he had yet to discover the effects of the slash attack unless he tried it, his body was hard, he had an unbelievable resistance to the powerful blow.
Although his movements were monotonous, as his 'recovery power and physical ability were incredible, it was an opponent that was troublesome enough to fight with martial arts alone.
But, he also roughly understood how to deal with that ghostly ability.
As if to say that he was going to stop her, Rio stepped forward, slowly approaching the ghost.
The giant groaned helplessly as if being threatened by Rio while vomiting blood.
But, Rio kept approaching her.
During the time in which the other party attempted to make a move, the instant when he closed the distance, stood in front of the ghost to become a blindspot for Natalie and her partner.
Rio snatched the ghoul's jaw and then, broke the ghost's neck with strengthened arm strength.
「GA」
The painful sound of a broken bone resounded along with a blunt screech.
As expected, as he broke his 'neck while the ghost suffered damage all over' his body, the ghost's body became stiff and twitched for a second then slumped to the ground.
Rio was vigilantly looking at the ghost.
If it was really a demon, he felt that the ghost would disappear and leave nothing but the magic stone――.
Sure enough, a few seconds after dying, that layer, the ghostly skin shattered and peeled off.
Rios' eyes were wide open as the wings attached to her back were also torn apart and exposed the human skin underneath.
「What is it ...... Man?」
He muttered in a low voice.
His appearance clearly resembled that of a human.
No, it's the man himself.
As if, the origin of the thing was a human that turned into a ghost—, such a crazy premonition was floating on his head.
But, the ghost's body dried up in the next moment, it cracked and began to make a crumbling sound as it shattered into ashes.
This is a strange phenomenon that occurs when a demon dies.
After a while, one stone remained and flickered for a moment in the completely destroyed ghostly ruins.
Dark purple colored gems like sapphires, magic stones.
But Rios' eyes were wide open because it was different whether it was the amount of magical power inside, and the size with that left behind by normal demons.
And then, at that moment.
"Thank you very much . Really lovely. As I thought, IT is a true demon？ 」
Natalie called Rio from behind in an apologetic voice.
Maybe he felt guilty for letting Rio fight alone. .
Section 3
「Yes, it's probably devil」
After Rio turned around and replied, he showed the magic stone to Natalie.
It was as if to say that leaving a magic stone was the best proof that it was a demon.
Although of course, the ghost from before, his human-like appearance that appeared before disappearing would not disappear from his memory.
「It is a very big magic stone is not it. Should I say “justable if a demon is that strong” 」
Perhaps Natalie missed the human-like appearance that appeared before the ghost vanished, she looked at the magic stone with great interest.
「Ya, that should be the correct reason」
Rio gave an evasive answer.
But, out of curiosity and interest in the magic stone, Natalie longs for a change in tone.
「Anyways, let's leave this place soon」
After ignoring the question in his head, Rio said that to her.
Since there was no guarantee that a new demon would not come to this place, now was not the time to think about it.
"Yes nih . Of course"
Natalie nodded in agreement.
Just then Rio exchanged glances to deal with Natalie.
"All right then . I'm going to go here. Because I will take them with me to the east gate 」
After saying that she nodded at him and then turned around.
Although the matter involved with the troublesome matter more than this was unpleasant, it would leave a sense after he left the powerless Rebecca and Mirey.
Therefore, when he tried to leave this place, the two of them had to avoid any necessary conversation but.
「E, AH！ EEEEEH. A, P-Please wait a minute！ 」
Natalie tried to stop Rio from hearing such overly simple words.
「Regarding that demon before, my lord ……. I'd like to convey my hope that you explain it to Liselotte Kretia, will you？ It was safe in the mansion, and it would be faster to get there than to go to the east gate. 」
Natalie continued to talk nonstop.
From his point of view, the matter of reporting to Liselotte about an unknown demon was a must.
Presenting that ghost magic stone, if possible, receiving a direct testimony from the mouth of the person fighting it was more desirable, so going with Rio was indispensable.
Natalie's job is something she can understand, but.
Section 4
"By the way…… . Do I have the right to cancel？ 」
Rio asked, showing a slightly frustrated face. .
「My deepest apologies. This case is forced coercion as a proxy using the power of the governor during emergencies 」
Natalie told him with a somewhat stiff face.
Perhaps because it was not his own will, it echoed as if disdain mixed in his voice.
Although it was a forced compulsion, to Natalie, she had no confidence that she would be able to drag Rio back with her.
Rio sighed after hestitating for a while.
「Of course. Let's go"
He replied as if he was resigned to his fate.
☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Right now, the house where Liselotte lived in had become more lively as if it was a battlefield.
Everything was due to the huge crowd of demons that were pouring in from the west gate of Almond.
「Those who are severely injured will get healing from healing witches. Please keep the supplies for the magic stones to recover the magic power. The reception of refugees who are late for evacuation is being carried out in the reception room of a large house.The instructions are for the sake of smoothing the operation！ 」
In the mansion's garden, Cosette's treasurer makes brief instructions to the employees and soldiers working at the mansion.
The injured adventurers and soldiers were being carried endlessly to the temporary open-air hospital set up in the mansion's garden.
And, the part of the civilians who lost the opportunity to escape the demonic attack on the west gate came asking for protection.
Despite some panic, the people's shelter was almost finished.
From the fact that they were given emergency drills for emergency situations to people living in peaceful cities, there had never been a case where they fell into a frenzy.
Liselotte was looking at the busy people moving around the park with unpleasant expressions from the windows.
And then a short breath a moment later.
「Then, what is the progress on each battlefield?」
Liselotte turned around and asked Aria who was standing behind her.
The mansion's office was treated as a temporary emergency headquarters, he was currently in the middle of receiving a situation report from Aria.
「Ha. I think the number of demons that come to attack will not reach a maximum of 1000 bodies. Most of them stormed from the west gate then moved towards the city center 」
Section 5
Aria reported in an indifferent and calm tone.
「To intercept them before they arrived at the central square, a unit consisting of adventurers and brigades of the Almond Army was currently fighting with a large number of demons. Although our side is lower in number, it seems like the battlefield conditions are somehow at 50/50. Looks like Captain Patrick did a great job here 」
Aria explained smoothly.
Liselotte listened in silence while showing a mysterious expression.
「We concentrated our troops around the east gate where the refugees gathered, and there seem to be cases where a small number of leaking demons flowed in, he said, but it seems that they can fight without difficulty for now . 」
Liselotte stiffened as she sighed in an ominous manner.
Despite their meager numbers, it was still a serious situation for the loose demons that reached the east gate.
Looks like we need to quickly exterminate those demons.
「Although there are patrols surrounding around the east gate consisting of several commando units of the army brigade, our side cannot guarantee sufficient numbers with our labor shortage」
After delivering the report up to that point, Aria paused for a moment for Liselotte to bring order and understand the situation.
「..... Thank you very much for your report. I understand the war situation. Is there anything else you would like to report？ 」
Liselotte asked.
"Yes nih . There's one thing I'm worried about. …… The truth is, there are reports of the appearance of an unknown demon 」
Aria nodded and said that while slightly hestitating.
「Unknown demons?」
Liselotte let out a confused voice.
"Yes nih . It seemed like they were human-shaped demons that were different from orcs, ogres, or goblins. For some reason when looking at their appearance when they were attacking the city, although it seemed like they were slaughtering adventurers with unexpected strength, it was impossible, no further reports of the same individual appearing again in the city * 」[TL *: Witness is in their stomachs]
「Is that a new kind of demon?」
「I fear most likely ...... But then, since the survivors who saw the demon were zero, I cannot give a final confirmation」
「I understand ........... It is better if we take precautions against them instead of」
As she said that, Liselotte closed her eyes as if thinking of something.
「However, now let's think about with maximum priority to keep the casualties in the city to a minimum. Moreover if a powerful demon will most likely appear in the city of 」
After opening her eyes a second time as if deciding on something, Liselotte expression suddenly sharpened.
When he saw Aria.
Section 6
「Aria, you will go to the central square. And then, please exterminate the demons in that place for me 」
Liselotte gave her orders. .
From the fact that their enemy's main force was right in front of the central square, they might need to exterminate the demons in that place as quickly as possible.
Attacking with their greatest war potential in his homeland on the main force of their enemy―― Although this tactic is very simple and clear, it is in accordance with their advantages.
With the exception that they had to prevent any more casualties, now was not the time to skimp and go as hard as possible.
There was someone who had the most skill under his control, the absolute trump card in his hand that was extremely beautiful as if ice itself.
Although that person might be angry if he heard about what he said about that person, Aria was a great power that boasted the strength of thousands *. [TL*: ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ -Ikkitousen-matched in thousands]
And, Liselotte had absolute confidence in him that If it was him, they would not be outdone by the demons that numbered in the best thousands.
Subduing her head, Aria received her order.
「You can pick up Fragahha from the arsenal」
Liselotte added that after smiling tiredly.
As for Fraghahha, it was an artificial grade demon sword that she possessed.
It would strengthen the body and physical abilities by using the magical power of the person equipped with it, the sharpness of the tip of his spear was at the maximum limit, magic to inhibit the healing of wounds added within it, the sharpness of the tip of his spear was at the maximum, if there was to buy it, a few hundred mystical coins would not be enough for it.
If Aria was equipped with it, it would definitely make her stronger.
「And, except for the personnel who need to protect the mansion and the healing magic users of each of the treasurer squads, please use the rest as personnel to attack the whole part of the city. You can include guard personnel and treasurers who have not returned from the information collection 」
Liselotte continued the additional order.
When Aria's a little hestitating, ⁇
「By being humble I will comply with it. In that case, I will leave Cosette as Liselotte-sama bodyguard 」
He told Liselotte in a calm voice.
Cosette's ability is next to Aria among the chamberlains working in the mansion.
Seeing that Aria was going to leave the mansion, there was nothing she could trust to protect Liselotte except for Cosette.
「Ya, please do」
Liselotte agreed without hestitation.
「Then, I'll excuse」
Section 7
After bowing respectfully, Aria left the office.
Leaving Liselotte alone in the office.
Drinking the tea that was already cold, after meeting his thirst, he sighed deeply a moment later.
「Although the preparations are in place now, I have to do it right. I never expected that demons would come to attack the city in the group of 」
Liselotte muttered with a grim face.
Unlike the Era of Demon-God War, after the beginning of the holy calendar, the talk of demons attacking humans in large numbers was a matter of history, their numbers were never that much.
First of all, the mysterious points in the ecosystem and the actions of demons were too many, as none of them were gifted with high intelligence, there were too many points shrouded in mystery.
Now, pondering the cause of the attack on Almond, as expected, it might be due to the black dragon that was confirmed about 10 days ago, or something completely different.
「After all, it's something to think about after overcoming this situation」
☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
The brilliant sunlight shone softly in the afternoon, in the forest located to the southeast of Almond, Masato swung his sword in silence.
Practicing with repetition was very important, he trusted the advice of Rio, the one who taught him, he alone did nothing but repeat the words he learned in these few days.
Aki also waved her pole right by her side.
The three, Miharu, Aisia, and Celia were staring at the two of them while sitting on their seats.
Miharu who finished the homework sometimes then was resting and invited the other two over for tea.
Meanwhile, Miharu received a practice conversation by Celia, sometimes Aisia acts as a translator between them.
This was a heartwarming sight that could be seen in this place lately.
It was truly a peaceful moment but, Aisia suddenly stood up.
His line of sight was sharp and narrowed his eyes as he stared at the forest where no one else was.
「What's the problem, Aisia?」
Celia asked in a curious tone.
「A strange presence is heading towards us while carrying a herd of devil」
Aisia frankly reported the situation.
Celia showed a puzzled face for a moment.
But, he gasped after knowing the meaning of those words.
"Certainly that?"
He asked, a little confused.
Although this house should be protected by a barrier so that there will be no intruders, if there are any, then it is really a serious matter.
「No doubt. Something with an ominous mark led the demon. At this rate they will arrive here in 10 minutes 」
Section 8
Aisia confirmed the situation in a firm tone.
First of all, why Aisia could see the presence of a demon that could not be seen by the eyes, for her who was a spirit, there might be certain search methods that Celia could not understand.
「Celia, hide yourself at home with Miharu」
Aisia gave instructions for him to bring Miharu, Masato, and Aki to hide inside the house.
Celia put her hand on her chin, pondered something and,
「I won't. I agree with the matter of hiding Miharu and co at home but, I will fight with you 」
He gave a firm answer.
Aisia looked a little confused for a moment.
「I won't let myself be protected when Rio leaves and can't be here. I might not be able to win against you but, I, even like this is a great magician. I'll help you at least 」
Celia said that as she smiled at Aisia.
Aisia was unable to make a decision for a moment and just silently looked at Celia.
「Understood」
And nod at him.
Just like that, Aisia looked at Miharu.
「Miharu. Take Aki and Masato to hide at home. Because there are demons coming here. They might try attacking this place 」
After Aisia said that, Miharu was surprised.
Feeling as if something was snatching inside his chest, he tightly bit his lower lip.
What should I do, or maybe I really can't do anything—, he shakes endlessly as such thoughts keep spinning in his head.
But, there was nothing Miharu could do.
At most, it was possible for him to hide inside the house so that he would not be a hindrance to Aisia.
It's fact.
"Yes nih . I have to say this to Aki-chan and Masato-kun right 」
Knowing that, Miharu replied with the best smile she could show.
Just like that, he quickly rushed towards Masato and Aki, and explained the situation.
「Aisia-neechan!」
After which, Masato dashed towards him with a mysterious expression.
Masato showed a pretty excited expression even ignoring Miharu's warning.
「Nee, count me also」
Section 9
While saying that, Masato looked at Aisia with a stern face.
But, Aisia flatly shook her head then,
"Not good"
And answers.
Masato surprised.
「K-Why. I mean, if I use the magic loaded in this sword, I can fight！ 」
Masato raised his voice as he held the sword in his hand.
Rio instilled the spirit stone into the sword in Masato's hand, which was loaded within it was a magic suitable for battle.
Although not as much as Masato's sword, Miharu and Aki's pole is also loaded with magic for actual combat.
For the sake of Masato and his comrades who could not yet use magic, the thing invoking magic using aria type, the sword automatically sucks the magical power of the user to invoke the effect of the spell if they recite aria spell .
Practically, Masato used the magic loaded in this sword with Rio's supervision by his side.
If he unleashed the true power of this sword, even Masato could fight as much as possible against the demons in the area.
But–,
「It was just sword force. That doesn't mean that you are strong 」
Masato gasped to hear Aisia who easily said that.
「T-But ..... 、I .....」.
His chest tightened, Masato tightly grasped the handle of the sword in his hand.
「Now is not the time for you to fight」
Aisia said that when she saw Masato whose voice was trembling.
「But, Celia-neechan is fighting too right?」
Masato looked at Asia's face as if pleading with her while asking that question.
「I just let Celia shoot her attack magic next to me. Because I had no intention of letting him approach the demons in the first place. You fight with the sword, so no 」 is needed
Masato finally lost the very logical words of Aisias.
Making Aisia and Celia the girls to fight, and her who is a man hiding like this ……….
Recalling the difficulty of describing the annoyance, Masato gritted his teeth with "grit".
「Masato-kun」
Section 10
After calling him out as if annoyed by his actions, Miharu gently led Masato by the hand.
Holding Aki's hand with her other hand.
Aki looked at Masato who looked agitated as he was led by Miharu's hand.
Masato looked at his feet as if taking a look, Miharu clasped their hands tightly.
While showing a very stiff face, Masato and Aki were led by his hand to enter the house.
☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Rio headed towards Liselottes house for the second time.
（I never thought that I would return to this place again in one day）
As she showed a self-mocking smile, Rio scanned the surroundings of the house where people were busy moving.
After which, the busy moving figure of Chloe was caught in her eyes.
「Bu！ Mirey!」
When she saw the figure of Rio and his partner entering the park, Chloe rushed towards their place in a panic.
「Ah, oneechan！ Long time no see!」
Mirey jumps up to hug Chloe while giggling "Ehehe".
Chloe's feeling was relieved when she felt the warmth of her sister passing through her cloth.
「You're safe, thank God. But, why were mom and the others in this place？ 」
Chloe asked after nodding at Rio and Natalie at the same time.
「They were ambushed by the devil …………. . And saved by Haruto-sama. I came here because there is something I want to convey to Liselotte-sama 」
Taking Rebecca's place requested by Chloe, Natalie explained the summary of the situation.
Chloe was confused by this information.
「T-Thank you very much!」
Perhaps because she immediately understood the situation, Chloe who was bowing bowed to Rio.
「No, I happened to pass through that place」
Rio shook his head while smiling wryly.
It seems Rebecca is Chloes' mother, and Mirey is her younger sister.
Rio smiled wryly inside when he thought that it was no wonder that there was some memory in seeing Rebecca's face.
Because this Rebecca is the mistress who runs the inn where she stayed during her stay in Almond. [TL: See Act 2: Trade City, Almond]
She hoped that she was with her husband but, there was no cover even if she pondered over it now.
Section 11
「Chloe, You will return to your work after you lead them inside Home」
And, Natalie gave orders to Chloe.
「Thank you very much, senpai!」
Chloe replied with a reassuring smile.
Natalie replied with a smile and then,
「My deepest apologies for keeping you waiting, Haruto-sama. Since we have no time, I will guide you on my master at once 」
He bowed to Rio and said it.
Rio and Natalie finished with a simple introduction on the road to this place.
At that point was their first real encounter with each other, there was a joke but, Rio ended up with the so-called one having been acquainted with Liselotte.
「Ya, please treat me well」
Rio nodded, following Natalie's guidance towards Liselottes' office.