Chapter 191: The Darkness of the Demon Race, and the Shining One

Well, I did think it would turn out this way.

On the eve of our departure from the demon race capital, I wandered endlessly through the castle’s underground corridors, eventually guided to a grand hall.

It is truly vast.

Seats are arranged around the perimeter, clearly designated for spectators observing the battle.

For a friendly match arena, it is truly magnificent.

Naturally, they wouldn’t have us fight in the pitch-black blizzard outside, but I didn’t expect such a well-appointed stage.

Looking up, I see a high, dome-like ceiling, with a hole in the top revealing the night sky.

And, the current situation is…I am alone in this excessively spacious hall.

That’s the situation.

No Mio and Shiki.

Those two, renowned for their ability to suppress High Spirits, have already spoken.

“That’s why, there’s no problem if only Raidou-dono shows his strength,” they said.

In short, that’s what happened, and now my two companions are seated among the spectators.

The concessions I received are impressive indeed~.

I find it acceptable to listen to their somewhat unreasonable requests, and also, using High Spirit-level power would likely cause the arena to crumble.

Because, you see, I’ve been granted free passage throughout their entire nation, and something akin to the Demon Lord’s royal seal.

Even if I open shops in several towns, I won’t have to pay taxes.

The demi-humans are numerous, and the market is underdeveloped.

Thinking about being tax-exempt in such a place with unknown marketing potential…

As long as I don’t encounter any unforeseen circumstances, it’s polite to reciprocate, right?

This time it was unfortunate, or rather, the natural price to pay.

That’s my thinking, so I stand here.

“Now then, I wonder who will be my opponent.” (Makoto)

The announcement echoing through the hall signals the start of the friendly match.

There aren’t many spectators, and the wild enthusiasm of the Rotsgard fighting arena is absent.

Instead, serious gazes, as if holding their breath, are directed at me.

It feels as if every move I make is being scrutinized.

As a lecturer, I’ve experienced this kind of gaze a few times, and in Japan, during archery demonstrations.

“Geh, the worst possibility from what I imagined. As I thought, my unluckiness is still going strong.” (Makoto)

Four shadows advance towards me.

From my guess, I thought the Demon Generals or the Demon Lord himself would appear, but I also considered the possibility of all the Demon Generals coming out.

Given the current circumstances, I even considered Zef himself might appear, but as expected, having the Demon Lord defeated in front of his subordinates is just unfortunate.

I felt he wouldn’t be messing around regarding his position as Lord, so I’m not surprised.

Still, all the Demon Generals, huh.

Leaving Io and Rona aside, I somewhat know what Reft can do; but the last one, I don’t know much about.

Until today, I haven’t had a proper conversation with that person, and there haven’t been many instances where I’ve seen them speak.

It was a man with unkempt hair, wearing a white robe.

The type that would look good with tobacco.

I thought he was a demi-human, but perhaps this person is a human?

They stopped at a distance similar to that of baseball players paying their respects.

“…Let me clarify this first, I am not a human, Raidou-dono.”

“Ah, sorry.” (Makoto)

He noticed I was looking at him, huh.

I thought I was being inconspicuous, though.

“It seems I have 1/16 demi-human blood. I don’t know the name of the race, though.”

“…”

No, no, no, isn’t that practically like being human?

It’s like saying your parents are half and your grandfather a quarter, right?

And if, on top of all that, there was only one demi-human there…and since you already look human, isn’t human fine?

“I see, you are just as I’ve heard. Blood, race, and outward appearance don’t matter. How interesting. Just what kind of life did you have to grow in this way?”

“Every living being is equal. It seems you already know, but I am Raidou Misumi. Please be lenient with me today.” (Makoto)

“Mokuren Kazusa. Even if this is a match, it is a serious battle. Something rude like pulling punches isn’t what I will be doing. Even if I look like this, I live as part of the demon race after all. The power within this body of mine, I will let you witness a bit of it.” (Kazusa)

“Hahaha…” (Makoto)

He isn’t a warrior, right?

He’s a mage.

And he’s not like Rona, who holds two positions. He gives off the aura of a pure magician.

Also…he has an atmosphere similar to someone.

That feeling is…right, an alchemist.

I can sense the scent of a researcher from this person.

…How nostalgic. Was his name Hazaru? He’s probably still at Toa-san’s party, doing more leveling and living thoughtlessly, huh.

“I wish that Raidou-dono and I don’t stand this way on the battlefield. But today, I will do my best.” (Io)

With four arms and gauntlets that are clearly high-grade, Io rises, displaying a competitive smile filled with motivation.

…The ceiling is open, so at worst, I can just throw him away with a rocket punch again.

“…”

Rona is completely silent.

She isn’t saying a single word.

That’s what I thought, but it seems she has already prepared several spells, concealing them.

It seems she is already on the verge of unleashing them, but she maintains a cool expression.

It feels like a lot of things will be flying at me right from the start.

“I apologize for leaving early at yesterday’s banquet. I am the Demon General, Reft. Someone like me has received the position of Demon General by the grace of his Majesty. I am happy to have the opportunity to witness your power, recognized by his Majesty.” (Reft)

“You are a hybrid dragon, right? I have heard that you possess great power. I am looking forward to it.” (Makoto)

“?!! So you know of hybrid dragons. It seems you are someone of extensive knowledge. Here as well, I am looking forward to it.” (Reft)

…

Tomoe said it as if it were common knowledge, though.

So it was rare information?!

“Then, all that remains is to wait for the signal to begin.” (Makoto)

“….”

For some reason, the Demon Generals exchange strange expressions.

We introduced ourselves, and the announcement is over, so the next would be the signal: “FIGHT!” right?

“Eh? It seems like it isn’t beginning.” (Makoto)

“…Raidou-dono, today we will be fighting you, but…” (Io)

Io speaks to me.

“Yes?” (Makoto)

“Did you not hear the details?” (Io)

“The only thing his Majesty told me was to lightly demonstrate my strength.” (Makoto)

“Umu. In that case, regarding the fight…” (Io)

“Yes, it’s fine to just fight everyone, right?” (Makoto)

“….”

Isn’t that the case?

“Raidou-dono, could it be that you intend to fight us all at once?” (Io)

“Eh? That’s not how it was?” (Makoto)

Silence once again.

Well, Io seems to be the strongest of the four Demon Generals, so going 1v1 four times is pointless, isn’t it?

“Io, the permission came from his Majesty. It seems it’s fine that way.” (Rona)

“But Rona, that’s just…” (Io)

Hm?

“The person himself has the intention to do so, you know? Also, if it’s just demonstrating a small amount of power, that’s fine, right? Hey, I don’t want to talk too much, I’m concentrating after all.” (Rona)

“…Understood. Fine.” (Io)

Io’s sigh serves as a signal. The Demon Generals begin to move.

Io and Reft advance, Rona in the middle, and Mokuren as the rear guard.

Io is slightly ahead, but the formation is 2-1-1.

The announcement to commence the battle between the four Demon Generals and me echoes through the hall.

“Then, to begin… [Brid]!” (Makoto)

Kicking the ground, I leap backward, releasing fire Brids towards the four Demon Generals respectively.

They told me not to hold back, but I’m not the same person as before who would take those words seriously.

To restrain myself, I reduced the power and speed.

(The rest of the translated text continues in a similar format, maintaining the original paragraphing and line breaks.)