Arvish’s sword clashes with Suketarou’s sword. The hard sound makes the air tremble, and the killing intent of the two them intertwines like two snakes. In contrast to the hero who attacked valiantly, our general moves calmly. Suketarou uses his sword to deflect the powerful attack and immediately retaliates. Deciding that he couldn’t handle it, Arvish distanced himself in order to reorganize.
“It’s a sword technique on par with that of a legendary beast. For Homeless to have a subordinate like you… it’s really unbelievable.”
“…………”
“No reply huh. Well, it’s okay. Even if you clatter your jaw, I won’t understand what you are talking about. Alright, let’s continue the battle.”
Suketarou blocked the hero’s slash which suddenly accelerated with his sword. However, the different and heavier sword pressure made Suketarou’s feet sink to the ground. I, who was observing the fight, was surprised by the sudden power-up.
Was he hiding his powers?
No, I’ve never seen anything like that before. If that’s the case, Arvish is growing up in this fight. That’s all I can think of.
“Hahaha! I’m the real hero! I’m still going to get stronger!”
“Katakata”
The red aura that had been emitted from Arvish’s body gained even more momentum. In order to investigate the mystery of his insanely increasing power, I decided to investigate the hero with my analysis skills.
| 【Analysis Results: Arvish Gloris: The third son of the Gloris family. A man who awakens as a hero after a grueling training. His power is still in the middle of its growth. Rarity: SS, Overall Ability: B】 |
| 【Status】 Name: Arvish Gloris Age: 17 years old Race: Human (Hero) Profession: Hero Magic Attributes: Fire, Holy Magic: Fireball, Fire Arrow Skills: Superhuman Transformation, Hero’s Vessel ▹Intermediate: Explosive Sword Dance, Sword King Technique, Spear Technique, Shield Technique, Danger Detection ▹Beginner: Fist King Technique, Limit Breakthrough Evolution: Conditions are not met < Evolution Condition: Sword Emperor Technique(Beginner Level), Spear King Technique(Special Level), Limit Breakthrough (Special Level) > |
I’m surprise that there is a Hero specie. It seems that there are still races that I don’t know about. The scary thing is that he is still in the process of growing. Currently, his overall ability is still B, but there is a high possibility that it will change to A in the near future. Furthermore, he is in the middle of a battle with Suketarou. Unexpectedly, I thought I was being cautious, but it seemed that I was underestimating Arvish. If Suketarou were to be defeated, I would have no choice but to deal with him.
“Ooooou! It’s rising! Power is coming from the depths of my body!”
“Katakata”
“What’s the matter, skeleton!? You are now being pushed back! Resist more! Draw out my power!”
Suketarou retreats little by little as Arvish gains momentum with his strong blow. He is no longer able to handle the slashes of the enemy, who is getting stronger and faster. Still, I stayed put and continued to watch the battle. Because I believe that Suketarou can do it.
No, I forgot, there is also Duranosuke. The armor that Suketarou wears is also my familiar.
Clang!
Suketarou’s sword repelled Arvish’s sword strike. A turning point comes in a situation where there was only a defensive battle.
“Tsk. Don’t get conceited just because you pushed it back!”
Arvish unleashes another onslaught but it is different from before, Suketarou blocks his sword with minimal movement. He smoothly let his blade slide and slashed into Arvish’s left shoulder. It is a beautiful, efficient, yet terrifying blow.
“Uguahhh!?”
Arvish leaped backwards away from Suketarou. Blood dripped from his left shoulder, and I can tell that the wound was not shallow. He doesn’t have any healing skills so there’s no way for him to heal it right now.
However, I had doubts on Suketarou’s sudden increase in power. Well, it is possible that he also added Duranosuke’s attack to synchronize with his attack. In the first place, Suketarou is the only subordinate among my familiars who wears a sacred beast as armor. I guess that change was caused by that peculiarity.
“Not yet. I can still get stronger. I can finally kill Shinichi Tanaka, who turned me into a virtual phantom, with my own hands.”
Arvish’s aura swells even more.
However, I am quite confused. I am being resented for a long time now. Is it the pride of a noble, or is it something else that drives him that way? If I think about it, I don’t really understand why he is so obsessed with me.
“Uwooooh! Explosive Sword Dance!”
“Katakatakata”
Arvish and Suketarou collide. Suketarou is knocked off by the hero’s swordsmanship, which has been further enhanced. However, while spinning in the air, he extended a dark chain (Shadow Bind), from his left hand and wrapped it around Arvish. Upon landing, Suketarou clatters his jaw instead of smiling.
“Do you really think you can stop me with something like this!?”
Arvish’s aura changed from red to purple. The Superhuman Skill has evolved into the Superhuman Reform, and his overall ability has been changed to A. Once again, it seems that Suketarou has brought out the hidden power of the hero. The chains of darkness are torn off, like a fierce god, the aura Arvish releases overwhelm his surroundings.
I called out to Suketarou.
“Do you think you can defeat him? If you can’t, I’ll take your place…”
“Katakatakata”
Suketarou replied that he could still do it.
I’m the type of guy who doesn’t give up on anyone. However, my subordinate says he can do it, so as his master, it’s my duty to believe him.
“Like a corpse, go back to the graveyaaaaard!”
With a powerful thrust that could be mistaken for an explosion, the hero cuts towards Suketarou. The opposing general also fought back with all his might. When the two swords collide, a shock wave was generated. The blades of the swords rubbed against each other, and the two glared at each other at close range. Their power contend with each other. It’s a situation where either side can win.
“Haaaaaaaaaaaaaa”
“Katakatakataaaaa”
The spirit of the two of them is conveyed here. The area beneath their feet were cracked by the impact, and cracks were spreading like a spider web. I don’t think the floor will collapse, but it would be better to repair it after the battle is over.
The battle that lasted for several minutes came to an end. Arvish started pushing Suketarou. The general’s body is arched but he manages to hold on to it in such painful position. If he loses here, there is nothing left for him.
“Hahahaha! After I bury you, I’ll chop up your master, Tanaka, into pieces!”
“Katakataaaa!”
Suketarou said, “Don’t underestimate Tanaka-sama’s faithful servant!”.
Those are nice words but it’s very painful to lose him like this. I decided to draw my sword and intervene between the two of them.
――But I stopped in my tracks. This is because Suketarou’s body started to glow faintly. Then a blinding light was emitted from him, both Arvish and me closed our eyes.
“Katakata….”
When the light subsided, I turned my attention to Suketarou. Standing there was a platinum knight that reflected a sparkling light. His eyes are filled with purple light, and in his left hand, he holds a shield with a skull on it. The strange thing is that not only Suketarou, but also Duranosuke has changed color.
Could it be that they evolved at the same time?
When I look closely, I can see that the Mithril sword that I gave him has also undergone a transformation. The wooden handle was made of platinum, and the blade reflected the scenery as if it was new. However, it seems that the mechanism that uses magic stones has been excluded. It’s a little disappointing on that part.
| 【Analysis Result: Suketarou: A new race born from Suketarou’s fusion with Duranosuke in the process of evolution. Rarity: L, Overall Ability: SS】 |
| 【Status】 Name: Suketarou Race: Homeless Platinum Skeleton (General Species) Magic Attributes: Earth, Darkness, Saint, Nothingness Magic: Rock Bullet, Rock Armor, Metal Wall, Ground Hammer, Shadow, Shadow Field, Shadow Bind, Mindbreak, Purify Skills: Familiar Summoning, Soul Eating ▹Special: Search ▹Advanced: Intelligence, Self-Healing, Shock Absorption ▹Intermediate: Axemanship, Spearmanship, Hammer Technique, Archery, Fist King Technique ▹Beginner: Sword Emperor Technique, Shield King Technique, Body Domination rate: 100% dominated by Shinichi Tanaka Evolution: Conditions are not met <Evolution Conditions: Sword Emperor Technique (Special Level), Outstanding Talent (Beginner Level), Self-Regeneration (Beginner Level), Dictatorship (Special Level) > |
Duranosuke…… Has it been absorbed?
While I was delighted with Suketarou’s new appearance, I felt sorry for Duranosuke. No, it was true that at first, I thought he was just an armored magical beast that would suit Suketarou, but I never thought that he would be absorbed. However, since the appraisal says “fusion”, it may be that consciousness has also been assimilated. I decided to think so to escape from guilt.
“Don’t think I’ll be frightened by the change of your color! You are just a magical beast that tricks people! I’ll recite the last words for you and help you cross over right away!”
“Katakata”
Suketarou said, “A hero with evil heart, I will give you the ending you deserve.”
Suketarou runs with his black cloak fluttering. His appearance is just like that of a General. I was inwardly excited to see my subordinate so full of dignity.
The two collided again.
“I’ll kill you! Explosive Sword Dance!!”
The hero who jumped up unleashes a technique on the general. Immediately, Suketarou blocked the explosive slash with his shield and flashed at the defenseless hero.
Arvish’s left arm flung through the air with fresh blood.
“Agggh!?”
Suketarou stares at the enemy lying on the ground. The hero had lost an arm from his shoulder. The expression on his face as he writhes in pain no longer shows a trace of composure. Arvish stood up with his remaining right hand.
“Not… Not yet. I can still do it.”
“Why are you so obsessed with me?”
“You won’t understand. How I felt when I got promoted as I took the head of the general that my rival killed… I have to get it back. Back in the days when I was called the child prodigy and was the strongest. The only defeat I had must be erased. Otherwise, I can’t be a true hero.”
“So you’re saying that if you defeat me, you’ll be satisfied?”
That’s rubbish! If he is not the strongest, he won’t like it he says. Isn’t he just quibbling around like a child? Besides, I don’t want to be recognized as a rival. I’ve never thought of it that way.
Should I still kill him?
“Suketarou, make it easy.”
The general nodded at my words. Arvish is in a precarious state. There is no need to prolong the battle any longer. However, the hero suddenly began to laugh.
“Do you think that if you kill me, you’re done?! If the hero dies, the soldiers of the kingdom will rush here! His Majesty will never forgive you!”
Soldiers all over the kingdom? It’s a terrifying threat. However, it would be a pity if I misunderstood, so I will just explain it to him.
“The king you know is no more. Moreover, Arvish Gloris is not even a hero.”
“Huh? What are you talking about? Did you start talking nonsense out of fear?”
“I know you’d think that way. Well then, let me give you a hint. These guys are my followers, but in fact, they are less than half of them here. Moreover, I am just the clone of Shinichi Tanaka.”
“Less than half of it… Clone…… No way…”
It looks like he has finally noticed.
Yes, the kingdom has already been conquered by the main body and the other commanders. In other words, the kingdom of Logas is under my hands now, and Arvish has been stripped off of his title as a hero.
“That’s a lie! If that’s the case, what am I here for then?”
“I’m just stating the facts. Just think about why you all need to came down here before I attack you.”
The reason why the twenty-eighth floor of the Mohed Great Dungeon was chosen as the battlefield was to separate the hero and elite troops from the royal capital. A happy miscalculation was that the general was also with him. In the absence of a general, it is difficult to lead the army. It was the perfect opportunity to attack the Royal Capital.
I took advantage of the Kingdom’s strategy to complete this operation. I named it “Surprise, Surprise! Operation Royal Capital Invasion.”
“I see, the reason your subordinates appeared was to keep us from going home. They appeared to be defeated to a certain degree too…. I guess that’s the result you opted to.”
“That’s right. We needed to make you realize that the Homeless party is right ahead, and also make you believe that the mission was going well. Skeleton 7 was defeated, which was unexpected though.”
“Damn it! Are you saying I’ve fallen into your trap!? I-! What is going to happen to me now?!”
“Don’t ask me. You brought it to yourself.”
The last conversation is over, and Suketarou raised his sword. Arvish still raised his sword and showed his willingness to fight. If he hadn’t grown up distorted, he might really become a hero that everyone admires. Still, it’s a pity though.
“Please stop!”
Feria stood in front of Suketarou. She knelt on the ground with her hands together as if praying.
“What do you mean?”
“Please don’t kill Arvish-sama, please I beg you!”
“Do you want me to overlook the person who came to kill us?”
“I fully understand your anger! Even so, I ask you to let him go! I swear we will never appear before you again! I apologize for what we have done! Please!”
Erna decided to keep Feria alive. I have no complaints about that, but it’s a different story when it comes to keeping Arvish alive. Letting a mage go and letting a hero go have different meanings. In addition, he may grow rapidly in the future and he could bare his fangs again. The seeds of conflict should be picked while they are young.
“Move, Feria.”
“Arvish-sama…”
Arvish pushes Feria away and steps forward. My eyes widen slightly at his attitude.
“Hoh-, that’s valiant of you. You’ve made up your mind huh.”
“Hmph. I just want to thank you for not killing Feria. But the battle isn’t over yet. Shinichi Tanaka. Fight me.”
I smiled inwardly at the hero’s bravado. That spirit is what I like though.
“Okay, then I’ll deal with you specially.”
I draw my sword and wait for him to move.
“Tanakaaaaaaaa!!”
Arvish takes a leap and aims for my neck. A sword without hesitation, it is a living sword that is different from the time we first met. I take a swing to his neck as he passes. As I sheathed my sword, the head of the hero behind me fell to the ground.
“Arvish-samaaa!”
Feria ran up to him and held his head. The tears she shed made me feel that there was definitely love between them.
“Erna, how long is Aquarius Recovery effective?”
“Do you mean after death? Hmm, maybe a minute.”
“That’s enough.”
I approached Arvish’s body and then I activated my Skill Picking and Race Picking skill. I acquired his race, explosive sword dance, superhuman transformations and hero’s vessel.
This is also an experiment. I was curious. What will happen to those who are deprived of their race?
I then took Arvish’s head from Feria and Erna uses Aquarius Recovery on his body. The neck connected to his body in the blink of an eye.
“I… I am alive?”
When Arvish woke up, he sat up and looked dazedly at his hands which had been restored. Upon checking with my analysis skill, his race had turned into just a human, no special specie was connected to it. It seems that the fact that he was deprived of his racial characteristics by me led to a downgrade.
“Why did you bring me back to life? Maybe I will take revenge you know?”
“If you can, try it. You’re just a mere human now.”
“What do you mean?”
After confirming his status, he covered his mouth with a stunned face.
“My race! My skills! What’s going on!? What did you do!?”
“So noisy. Just be grateful that you have been saved.”
There is no next time after all. Compassion comes only once. I then confirms with Feria.
“You promised that you’ll never show yourselves before us again. If you break that, you know what will happen.”
“Thank you for your generosity. I will definitely keep my promise.”
“Good. Leave immediately.”
“Yes. Let’s go Arvish-sama.”
Feria bows deeply to us while Arvish remained silent. He took one last look at me before leaving. I don’t know where they’re going from now on. However, as long as he is alive, he should be able to do it all over again.
I then decided to return to the base with my subordinates.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
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