214 Episode 214 "At the back of the legendary ruins, I came across something like a demon king".txt (2/2)

Big brother!

Cecil and Rafilia are coming back. Iris is next to me, squeezing my hand.

There's someone else in here besides us.

Is it really the Demon King?

It is said that he is the one who destroyed the ancient elves... and sealed them in this land.

”Chosen one, clothe yourself in me and become the Demon King of this world!

............ Yes?

''What's the matter. You must be a demon king in order to come here, right?　Put on this armor and rule the world as the Demon King. It's a good idea to wear this armor until a brave man comes to defeat you.

There's no one in the armor.

It's the armor itself that's talking.

This thing is a 'living armor with life', just like the magic sword Leggy.

”Reggie, are you awake?

Oh. He's been up for a while.

My armor is saying something in front of me... is this your kind of thing?

”So be it.

There was a pop, and a humanoid Leggy appeared.

I feel something close to me. I'm sure that if it's my living sword, this is my living armor. Hey, there's the armor!''

”...... reigns as the Demon King. Who is not a man?

”I am the living sword, my name is Leggy. Who are you?

”I - I - I am ......

The black armor held his head up, as if trying to remember something, and then

”I am a living armor. My name is Death Catastrophe, that I am.

You know, that.

No, it's true that this armor has a Japanese flavor to it.

...... Death Catastrophe?

”How

The armor nodded.

It was a fancy name.

He had a great sense of naming.

'Well, you will have to ask Lord Death then,' he said.

Sir?

”Like me, you have a short name. So, Lord Death, what are you doing here?

”I'm waiting for the true identity of the Witch King, that I am.

”Demon king's real identity, right?

The Ancient Elf ordered me to do so. ''The Demon King's true form will appear sooner or later. I will take countermeasures for that time. You will work as an armor to protect the Demon King.

Wait a minute.

”What are you?

''I'm the master of this Leggy. From what you're saying, it sounds like the ancient elves' countermeasures against the Demon King aren't 'countermeasures to defeat the Demon King when he appears', but 'countermeasures to support the Demon King'.

”You are mistaken, that I am.

Yeah.

”A countermeasure to make the Demon King appear, that it is.

That's even worse!

”The Ancient Elves” had read the future. They foresaw a time when the world would fall apart and fall into chaos. In order to prevent it from happening, they had a common enemy. That is the enemy of the world, the Demon King. Since the king has summoned a brave man, that he has summoned a brave man, it is only natural that a demon king would be needed,''

So who is the current Demon King?

”I do not know this. ”I have been here all along.

'The ancient elves were preparing for a demon king clad in you, weren't they?

”Oh, ...... somewhere, there was a body for that, ......, that is.

”I've been here all alone, haven't I?

Reggie sighed.

'What a pity.

...... What were the ancient elves doing?

They were indeed taking measures against the Demon King.

But it wasn't to protect the world from the Demon King, it was to make the Demon King appear in the world and make him the common enemy of humans. ......

'So you made Uriella-Grace work for that, and created a 'misfortune skill' in Rafilia?

Uriella was to raise a brave man.

Raphilia was probably going to send them to the Demon King's army to haunt his bad luck.

Righteousness and evil - The 'Ancient Elves' were trying to control both of them.

Perhaps even using the death of the 'Earth Dragon Earthgalls'.

''There was a genius, that there was.

Lord Death, the armor of the living, said, ”This genius foresees the future and drives the ancient elves to their goal of preventing chaos in the world, that is.

The genius foresaw the future and drove the ancient elves to the goal of preventing chaos in the world, that he did. As a result, the people worked too hard and died. Those who remained eventually disappeared. The city, too, has fallen. There is no one left anymore ...... perhaps.

What's the genius?

'I don't know ......, but your coming here has made me realize my destiny.'

The humanoid armor nodded approvingly.

''The Demon King doesn't appear, that he does.

”Oh, that's not going to happen. ”Lord Death.

”The genius is supposed to be ready to assume the identity of a demon king, that he is.

”It's been a long time since you've been here. You must have had some sort of accident.

”...... Okay.

Lord Death looked at the chariot next to him.

''The Wheel of the Underworld (Hell's Ring) that the Demon King was supposed to ride on, has gone unused?

It was a genius idea to name it.

Yes. I'll miss you, that I will. I will miss you. ...... I will miss you.

With a gulp, the armored Lord Death nodded.

This armor was meant for the Demon King to wear.

Since he was a demon king, he must have planned to lead demons and attack humans.

That was the plan of that genius, to bring the humans together by doing so.

But this armor will never be used again.

The White Guild has been destroyed.

Even if the Demon Lord's body was somewhere, it would never come here.

”Like me, a living sword, that I beg of you!

What?

”Will you use your blade to destroy me?

Lord Death said.

'I understand that I was created for the wrong purpose. Then it's not a good idea for you to continue to exist. In any case, the Demon King will never appear. It will be a relief if you destroy it with your own hands, that it is.''

...... I will be obedient to the Lord.

Reggie looked at me.

I've decided what to do on my end.

Uriella-Grace was given a mission, and her soul was bound even after death.

This armor with the neuromuscular name of ”Death Catastrophe” has also been waiting for the Demon King to come. And now it's going to disappear without gaining anything.

We can't just leave it at that.

”Demon Lord's armor, this is what Lord Death says.

I said.

”Are you a cursed instrument?　Do you have the power to force anything on the person who wears you?

None.

Can I look into it later?

Yeah. But I don't have the ability to force something on you. That is what is supposed to be embedded in the Demon King's body, that it is.

You're right. If you had the power to create a demon king, you wouldn't be sleeping here, would you?

If Lord Death has the ability to create a demon king, then you can dress someone up and send them out into the outside world.

That would instantly generate a Demon King. The wish of the 'Ancient Elf' should also come true.

''All right. In that case, I'll hire you.

Do you employ me, that I do?

Yeah. We don't have enough physical protection. I don't want you to be a shield to protect all the slaves, I want you to be a tank in an RPG. If I wrapped myself in you to draw the enemy's attackers away, everyone would be safe, wouldn't they?

No, Nagi!

...... Why? Cecil.

Nagi can't be on the front lines.

What do you mean?

What did you think?

I thought it would be a bad idea to take the Demon King's armor home with me.

No, that's not a problem at all. On the contrary, I would like to cover myself in it and protect you, Nagi. ......

It's a good thing that you've got a good idea of what to expect.

I was so worried when Nagi-sama fought the 'Fiery Demon (Efreet)' yesterday that my heart almost stopped beating. ...... If anything happens to Nagi-sama... ......

No, just because I wear it doesn't mean I'll always be at the vanguard.

...... Are you sure?

...... Well, it's a cool armor. At least experiment with it to see how much protection it has.

Nagisa!

Cecil hugs me with tears in his eyes.

It seems that the trauma of my having to face the 'Fiery Fiend' all by myself the other day was traumatic.

I feel the same way as Cecil-san. I think that big brother is more important to Iris and the others than anyone else. This armor will be worn by Iris.

No, no, Mr. Iris can't do that. I'll wear it. I'm cool!

Iris and Rafilia won't fit together. I'll take that one.

I love you, Nagi!

Why did you confess?

'I can't see my beloved going to the vanguard!　I am prepared to disobey your orders as a slave. I don't care what kind of ...... embarrassment they do to me, please .......

'This isn't fair, Master Cecil!　Even Iris is your brother's 'soul assignee', right!

I've already pre-ordered ”Grace Corps”!

Cecil, Iris, and Rafilia are surrounding me and staring at me.

They're too worried about me.

...... I see. I understand that the Demon King doesn't show up, that I understand. The world has become a kinder place, that it has become a kinder place, like these people ......'

”No, Lord, you are the exception.

Is that so?

''Mm. 'The Lord and the others came here by defeating those who are more fearsome than the Demon King. They have come to this point with love, courage and flirting as their weapons. I have a mission to breed you and your slaves, and fill the world with love and flirting!

What?

”Don't waste your time, Reggie.

What if the Deaths get serious?

Well, not ”pathetic”. Come on.

”All right. Whether I use it or not, I'm wearing it, in this moment.

I told them.

'I'm going to have to take it home with me anyway. It's better for someone to wear it than for all of us to carry it around.

”Oh, I can't move without a creature inside me, that I can't.

Lord Death nodded.

'I can support the movements of those inside and move their limbs. But with no one inside, that I can't move, that I can't.''

Do you want someone on the inside?

”You are on my left, that I am.

...... I see.

Well, I guess there's another way to go about it.

”Rafilia. ”Call the Elderslime.

”Yes, sir.

Me, Cecil and Iris turned around at once.

A blue slime appeared with a pop, as I felt Rafilia was doing something that was disturbing me. It's Rafilia's messenger spirit, the Elder Slime.

''Neda-chan. You're going to have to go inside that armor.

”Hmm. ”When he becomes the core, you will be able to control Lord Death.

”I hope you'll wait, that I will.

What is it, Lord Death?

...... As expected, I have some resistance to slime, that I do. I am an armor made for the demon king, and it even has the ability to sustain life. Slime in its body is a very ......'

That's nice. You're the weakest.

”Even the weakest”?

It happens all the time. The demon king puts a curse on the heroes to weaken them or level them down. You put it on yourself. You power down your power from the strongest to the weakest in order to live comfortably in the world. Wouldn't that be fun?

”Sure. ......

''It would be a way to get back at the genius of the 'Ancient Elves' for tying you up in this place.

'Surely ...... certainly does, that it does!

Lord Death in Demon King Armor snapped his helmet as if laughing.

''Interesting!　This is interesting, that it is, my lord!　I didn't know the Demon Lord's Armor was made of slime!　Haha. I see. No wonder you're making the genius who made me look like an idiot, that I am!　Fun. What a fun thought!　Amazing, that it is, my lord!

Okay, then?

'Oh!　From now on, I am 'Lord Slime Armor Death,' that I am!

With Lord Death's consent, the Elderslime begins to move.

Winding and undulating, it climbs up the throne and into Lord Death's.

Then, behind Lord Death's helmet, a red glint in his eyes gleams...

”I am Slime Armor, Lord Death, that I am!　Escaping the yoke of fate and born here and now!

Lord Demon Lord Armor Death rose from his throne and raised his fist.

''Oh!''

Me, Cecil, Iris, Raphilia and Reggie clapped their hands.

'It's amazing, Nagi-sama!'

''Putting the weakest slime in the strongest demon king armor is just too funny!

So, Elda-chan is protecting the master, huh?

”Now you have an item equal to me. This is going to be fun!

Deep within the ruins of the ancient elves.

It was there that we freed the Demon King's Armor.

It was something that the geniuses of the Ancient Elves had made to control the world, and it was the legacy of the Ancient Elves that remained until the end.

Probably, that 'Great Valley' was only accessible to the elemental body of the Demon King.

We crossed over there and freed Uriera-Grace.

The Demon King will no longer appear in this world.

If we can communicate that to the royal family through Princess Claudia, we might be able to end the ...... heroic summoning. If there is no Demon King, then there will be no need for brave men.

''As for Chariot, I guess we'll just have to leave him behind.

I looked at the chariot on wheels next to the throne.

It's a large one that could hold four or five people. As expected, I can't take this one with me.

Oh, that's no problem. My lord. I can transform into horse armor as well.

Lord Death in Demon King Armor said.

Kasheen.

Shakin.

Gaki, Gakien.

Lord Death transformed into a horse.

”...... This is great. You.

”What are you saying? This is only possible because my lord turned me into slime, that I can do it.

What were the original features?

It was meant to protect my chariot when the Demon King showed his face to threaten the enemy. But thanks to you, I have become a transformed armor. Now, attach me to the chariot.

All right. Everybody help me.

”'Yes,'

We connected the chariot's hardware to Lord Death's horse-shaped chariot.

The connection part is an attachment type, so it was easy to connect to Lord Death. Moreover, this chariot is said to be able to be disassembled and stored away.

''...... It really was amazing, wasn't it? What an ancient elven genius.

But ...... that's why you went off the rails.

Yes.

Me and Cecil looked up at the ceiling of the big tree.

Maybe this was the place that was supposed to be the last dungeon.

The area around the ruins is surrounded by a deep fog, and it's separated from the outside by a 'great ravine'.

If the Demon King holed up here and placed his men in front of the great ravine, it would be quite difficult to attack. Furthermore, if we occupy the mountain fort and block the mountain path, it would be perfect.

So, the brave man is led by Lyra's clan, and after receiving an ”apparent” prophecy in front of the tailbone of the ”Earth Dragon Earthgulls”, he heads for the extermination of the Demon King...

Maybe this scenario was prepared for that.

Maybe that's why these ruins are so empty, and there's nothing left.

Just as the Demon King is the last dungeon, it can be remade at will.

Well then, let's go home. I'm worried about Rita and the others who went to the royal capital, and I have to take Lyra-san to the holy woman.

Yes. Mr. Nagi.

Aine and Cutlass must be worried about you.

I'm sure it's ready for dinner.

”Hmm. ”I, too, will try to settle in at the inn.

'Well, then!　I will carry you all, that I will carry you all!

The armored horse, Lord Death, shouted.

We took our turn getting into the chariot that was tied up behind it.

The seats were in two rows, and if we could pack them in, we could seat three people each.

In the front, it's me, Cecil and Reggie, and in the back, Iris and Rafi. Iris and Rafilia in the back - and I thought, but before I knew it, Reggie was sitting on my lap. But you can go back to your sword, right?　You could be figure-sized before that, right?

”Good. I would like to see a living item like me in action, up close and personal.

That's fine.

'And here, my master has only his right leg to ride on. My left leg is free. Whoever wants to ride, may do so.

Yes! I hope so! I need a ride!

””Janken!”

Cecil, Iris and Raphilia raise their hands in unison.

Seeing this, the horse-shaped Lord Death starts laughing.

''I'm sorry. This is the kind of party we are.''

No, that's wonderful, that it is. This is what ”fun” is all about, that it is. My lord.

The horse-shaped Lord Death rubbed his ear against my hand.

I've been waiting for the Demon King's identity here all along, that I have. I thought I was just like that, that I was. But ...... was different. This is the way it should be, that it is. It's not the armor of a demon king, it's a horse, and I'm slime inside ...... Hmm, that's great!

Yeah. Good.

Then, since the matter is settled, let's go, that it is. Please hold on tight!

Lord Death's hooves pounded the ground with a thump.

On my lap are Reggie and Iris. Cecil and Rafilia are sitting on either side of me.

The second row of seats is empty, but that's okay.

Then let's get going. Lord Death!

Yes, sir!

Then Chariot starts running.

We leave the empty ”Ancient Elf Ruins” behind.

There are two things we've learned.

The Ancient Elves were trying to create a Demon King to unite the world.

And that the person who did it was a genius among the Ancient Elves.

There are two things I don't understand.

What was the true identity of the Demon King doing right now?

And whether or not the ”Ancient Elf Genius” was still around or not.

That was all I cared about.