CHAPTER 123: THE VOICE OF THE STARS, SORROWFUL CRIES OF THE DEVIL

~3rd Person Perspective~

“What did you do to Toru?” (Lily)

“Well, guess what?” (Amy)

　While trying to keep her face expressionless, Amy chuckles inwardly.

(Fufufu. At last, we have succeeded in isolating Toru.) (Amy)

　Toru had now stopped moving. He is not breathing. He has no heartbeat.

　But that does not mean he is dead.

　Amy had sacrificed a human soul and stopped his time.

　This is the ultimate Magic Law using the divine power of the King of Gods, the space-time god Elrelio.

　A Magic Law is activated by borrowing power from the gods. However, since Elrelio is currently sealed, she cannot borrow his power directly. However, if a soul is used as a sacrifice, it is possible to borrow limited power.

“Bring back Toru!” (Lily)

“Oops, it’s not safe to take even one step forward!” (Amy)

“……What do you mean?” (Lily)

“I mean this.” (Amy)

　Amy raised the soul vessel high in the air and slammed it hard into the ground.

　The next moment the vessel broke, and a viscous blackness crawled out from inside. Watching the crawling blackness, Amy raised both hands and chanted her final spell.

“—Crawl out, devil, Sadoku, and destroy the world, Shigilam.” (Amy)

　At that moment, Finlis was covered by huge darkness. The darkness was so great that it was almost impossible to see.

　Lily withstood the direct hit of the terrifying gust of wind using [Wind Barrier] which she immediately activated.

　The gust of wind had the power of explosive magic.

Their house, which was not protected by the [Wind Barrier], was completely destroyed by the gust of wind.

　Moreover, Toru, who was frozen in time, was also blown away by the wind.

“-!?” (Lily)

　In normal times, she would have immediately rushed to his rescue. However, a strong sense of crisis would not allow it.

　Cold sweat trickled down Lily’s temples at the sudden appearance of this fearsome presence.

　Looking up at the sky, a black calamity floats.

“… Ah, de.” (Lily)

　Lily’s spine was chilled as she looked at the mass of writhing tentacles – a body of blackness deeper than darkness.

　Devils are said to be a calamity with the same level as dragons and are said to be second in power only to gods. Most of them were supposed to have been buried in the darkness by the gods during the War of the Gods.

“Why is a devil here…!?” (Lily)

　While Lily was stunned, a devil descended to earth.

　And just like that…

　—*Shatter*!!

　The [Wind Barrier] that Lily had deployed was broken.

　Just by releasing magic power, this pressure.

(What is with that magical amount of magic power!) (Lily)

　While Lily was stunned, the devil began to move toward the center.

　If left unchecked, Finlis will surely be destroyed. This town, where the adventurer party “Cat’s Paws” lived, would disappear.

“I won’t let you!” (Lily)

　Lily gripped her magic staff and used [Float] to fly up into the air.

　The center of the city, where the devil was headed, was enveloped in a strange silence.

　There are people there. Everyone is alive and has witnessed the appearance of the devil.

　However, no one can even speak.

　No wonder. What appeared was a devil with power second only to that of God. When confronted with an opponent whose power of existence is too high, living creatures instinctively froze in fear.

　While ordinary people cannot even run away, Lily is able to move without any difficulty. This is because of her high status.

　Though, it is not only Lily.

“Long time no see, Lily.” (Aaron)

“Hmm. Aaron, it’s been a while.” (Lily)

　Aaron Dilmut, former A-rank adventurer and current guild master appeared in front of Lily.

　He is usually a man with a carefree air, but now he wears an air like a sharp blade.

“The guild has issued a formal emergency request. It is enough until the residents escape. Please lend me your strength.” (Aaron)

“Hmm, leave it to me.” (Lily)

　Lily nodded her head in response to Aron’s request.

　If the opponent is a devil, if she fights, she will lose her life. The guild’s request is tantamount to saying, “Please die”. However, Lily did not choose to flee.

　She chose not to flee because this town holds fond memories of the adventurers she cherished.

(Tucker, Liger, Mina… Sorry. I’ll be seeing you soon.) (Lily)

　Praying to the god of nature, who she worships, Lily put magic power into her staff.

“Aaron. Hold that big guy back.” (Lily)

“What? But, I’m a middle guard—” (Aaron)

“Do it.” (Lily)

“…” (Aaron)

　Lily who is usually expressionless, looks somewhat angry. In Aaron’s heart, “Hey, I’m the Guild Master, you know?”, however, Aaron felt he has no choice but to follow her instructions.

(There are no vanguards who can move properly…) (Aaron)

　Aron pulled his sword out of its scabbard.

　The sword he had used in his adventuring days fit well in his hand. The sword, which is neither long nor short, is a relic made of Orichalcum. It was found in a treasure chest after clearing a certain dungeon.

　With this sword, it is able to deal damage to devils.

　—Well, if the attack hits properly, that is.

(Now, it’s time to get serious, huh?) (Aaron)

　The opponent is a devil. If he is not careful, he will immediately perish. Aaron casts a [Strength Enhancement] and [Resistance Enhancement] spell on himself.

　At the same time, he uses his [Appraisal Eye] to check the status of his opponent.

Status

　Name: የኮከብ መናፍስት

　Level: 89    Race: Devil

　Rank: VIII

Passive

[Body Enhancement] [Magic Enhancement] [Natural Recovery]

[Stamina]

Techniques

<Body Arts Lv7>

<Mind CurruptionLv7>

Weakness: Light

“Oh… Hahaha… I shouldn’t have looked.” (Aaron)

　Aaron’s face tightened at the incredibly high status of the devil. If this is a trial from the gods, what a tough opponent.

　Its level is frighteningly high at eighty-nine, and it has six passive skills. In addition, its Techniques are all level seven.

(This is the worst……) (Aaron)

　Even before fighting, he felt like his heart was about to break. But Aaron bit it down and pushed it back.

The information obtained by [Appraisal Eye] is not all bad.

“Lily. The opponent can use [Body Arts] and [Mind Corruption]. Be especially careful of the [Mind Corruption]!”

“Hmm”

　Following Aron’s advice, Lily quickly invoked resistance magic.

　His dexterity was smooth, and it didn’t look like he had any blanks as an adventurer.

“One more thing. The devil’s weakness—it is Light.” (Aaron)

“…!” (Lily)

　That alone was more than enough to grasp Aaron’s intention. Lily’s eyes light up with her strong will.

(Well, how shall we fight it…?) (Lily)