156 CHAPTER IV COLLECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME ② (1/2)

Okay, I'm here!　Now, let's keep gathering more and more material today.

After preparing for the bell, we came to the entrance of the Devil's Forest.

The last time I was here, it looked a lot more evil: .......

I knew I was getting stronger over the years, right?

I've been so busy with school and territory management these days that I haven't had a chance to really fight ...... I hope my instincts haven't been dulled.

''Is it safe to go out of the country without permission ......?　Wouldn't you normally have to go through a checkpoint?

A checkpoint?　Oh, that's right, yeah. Well, it's a day trip, so it should be okay.　Besides, I don't want my mom to find out .......

Maybe ...... or maybe you definitely have to enter the Devil's Forest from the proper place, but if you do that ...... you'll get in touch with your mother .

''You're going to hide ...... after all, aren't you?

That's true. I'm tired of my mom's long hours of preaching, so I don't want her to find out.

All right, we'll make it to the Demon Lord's palace in half a day.

'You fooled me. ...... is a demon king?　What do you mean?

''Oh, by the way, ......, um, it's okay . He's a gentle demon king.

Would it be a bad idea to spread the word that the Demon King is alive?

I just feel like I want to live my life in secret, unencumbered, for the rest of my life.

It would be a disaster if I provoked her, so I think it's best not to tell people.

”What do you mean, being a gentle demon king?

Don't worry about it. Let's go, guys. Come on, follow me!

Oh, don't fool yourself!

Overhearing Bell's plea, I pulled her hand away and walked into the forest.

I'm holding her hand so that I can escape in transition soon.

Well, I'm sure it'll be fine, but I promised Belle that I would.

Just as I was thinking that, a horde of black ogres surrounded us.

Hey, it's a black ogre. Long time no see.

I remember the first time I came through here, I was surrounded by these guys.

I was having a hard time with them.

Leleo-sama. I have a feeling that you're very strong. ...... Are you sure you're okay?

While squeezing my hand tightly, Belle gave me a worried look.

From Belle's point of view, there's a four-fold difference in level between her and the Kuro Ogre, so it's no wonder she's scared ...... .

”Don't worry about it. You'll be able to kill this one in an instant.

I created a lightning spell that instantly killed the black ogres to reassure Belle.

''Oh, it's true. But ...... the demon was more ferocious than I had imagined. Isn't it still dangerous?

It's okay. You didn't have to move a single step to take him down, okay?

Unun......

Belle wasn't exactly nodding my head in response to my safety appeal.

Six hours later

Okay, now we won't have to suffer from a shortage of magic stones for a while.

While talking about this, I looked at the magic stone and precious materials in my bag and naturally smiled.

It was worth it to run around the forest at full speed.

You're already ...... too fast. If it weren't for this broomstick that Leo gave me, I would have been left behind in a heartbeat.

I was pleased with the results of my half-day's work when I heard a voice from above complaining.

”That's why I got a broom for you. Didn't you enjoy the ride?

Belle was riding the flying magic broom I used to find the dragon .

I didn't think it would be efficient to walk with her, so yesterday I had a plan to get her to follow me on this broom once she understood it was safe to do so.

It's quite difficult to operate, but Bell got on it quickly and kept up with my speed.

Yes, but ......

Then why not? Come on, I'll go to the Demon King.

You know, I just thought I'd at least say hello to you if I came all this way.

She's probably already aware that I'm on my way there and she's waiting for me.

With that in mind, I walked out into the open area where the demon king was.

Is this ...... the demon king really here?