“Fumu. Is this it?”

Bringing my vision back the mazoku soldiers are still rattling around on the ground. Some mazoku are standing but their feet don’t work out of fear.

Had this not been war some powerful people would have been able to stand up but Deiruheido has been peaceful for the last 2000 years so this is their first time seeing their allies collapse. Of course they’re scared.

If you see stronger people than you collapsed its understandable that your body won’t move.

Even the strongest of people can die swiftly if consumed by fear.

What I’d told Misha was happening now but it would have been a different story if not for Melheys and the others holding down the other Seven Elder Demon Emperors.

Using <Fres> I take off and land slowly in front of the demon king castle.

“How long do you intend to stay in there? Come out Avos Dillheavia.” (Arnos)

I create a magic circle and pour magic into it. The moment the jet black sun appears in the formation the door to the castle makes a noise and opens.

Looking into the depths of the castle holy light suddenly rushes out breaking my anti-magic and piercing my body.

Without a doubt that was Evans Mana.

“Fumu. Should I come in?” (Arnos)

Without hesitation, I step into the entrance of the demon king castle.

“Arnos-sama…..!”

Misa’s voice arrived through <Liikus>

“What’s wrong?” (Arnos)

“Ray-sans <Liikus> has been lost……!” (Misa)

What?

I activate my demon eyes and check.

“Fumu. <Guys> seems to have been cut.” (Arnos)

Just a while ago I could share Ray’s vision as well. Something seems to have happened to Ray’s body while I was concentrating on the castle.

That man is no good with magic but he’s not that easy to beat even without my magic from <Guys>

“Arnos-sama we have captured the 3 elder demon emperors.” (Melheys)

Strange. That was much quicker than I thought.

“What about the origins fused to their own?” (Arnos)

“……They abandoned the bodies and escaped.” (Melheys)

They ran away?

What’s the reason for abandoning the bodies of demon elders at this time?

“Arnos-sama the advance team is about to cross the border!”

“Ray-kun can’t be found anywhere.”

Messages came from the fan union via <Liikus>

“We will take care of the border. My lord, you focus on Avos Dillheavia.” (Aivis)

Nodding I turn my eyes back to the castle.

Ray won’t be killed that easily. He will break through even if backed into a corner.

The biggest threat in this war is Avos and Evans Mana. There’s no doubt the sword is in the castle. I can’t take my eyes off it.

In that case, I should leave the border to Ray, Melheys and the others.

But…..

I feel uneasy. Somethings not right.

What’s the enemies aim?

Why did the fused origins abandon the demon emperors bodies at this time?

Why is Avos letting the soldiers he gathered lose spirit while he sits in silence?

Why did you open the door to the castle and let me know Evans Mana is in there?

What are you after….?

“….Fumu. I see. Something like that is it.” (Arnos)

I deploy the formation for <Gatom>

“Melheys. Isolate the demon king castle along with the spirit god sword using Dimensional Prison <Azeishis>. If there’s any sign of Avos appearing run away immediately though in all probability this is a decoy.” (Arnos)

My vision turned white and I transferred to the Tora forest on the Azesion side.

There are no trees here. It’s a large open piece of grassland devoid of trees in the forest. It’s like there was a hole in the forest.

If I pass through here I would soon encounter the demon king subjugation force.

Listening carefully I can hear a voice.

“Advance my brethren. There’s nothing to fear from the humans. I will not let any of you die. Follow this back!”

It’s Avos Dillheavia.

I hear courageous shouts from the advance teams marching through the forest.

As expected.

Then his aim and purpose as well as who he is

I think I understand it all now.

I stood there silently and waited.

Eventually, a man appears.

Avos wearing his mask.

When he noticed me he stopped and without saying anything stares at me.

Then in an instant, his magic power swelled and he attacked me without words.

I received the violent sword swing and thrust out my right finger but he avoids it at such a speed he seems to disappear and kicks me away.

I landed a few meters back from where I started.

Avos lowers his posture like he’s about to pursue me and end it in one go but I speak to him.

“It’s been 2000 years hero Kanon.” (Arnos)

Avos’ magic power shook for a moment so I knew he was surprised.

Even with my demon eyes, I couldn’t see the origin of the man in front of me.

I thought it was the mask but it wasn’t.

Kanon excels at root magic. He’s much better at it than me. Even in the flesh, he was able to stop me from seeing his true origin.

“Well, actually it hasn’t has it?” (Arnos)

I opened my hand.

In the palm of my hand is half a shellfish necklace.

I robbed this from Avos during our clash.

“It looks like you’ve come to fulfil your oath Ray.”