Hell Mode: Volume 4, page 25
With the weighty atmosphere in the room somewhat dissipated, Allen continued. “To be honest, after hearing Helmios’s account, I really can’t guarantee that we’ll win. I feel bad for the elves, but depending on how the battle goes, they might have to wait a few years to get their capital and World Tree back.”
What Allen meant was that he and his companions would go off to train for a few years to get stronger before coming back. And his party members understood this.
“What would happen to the promise with the Sovereign of Spirits, then?!” Cecil cried, standing up in a fluster. “Just how long would I have to wait to become an Archwizardess?!”
Cecil, you said your real intentions out loud with that last bit.
Allen placated Cecil and convinced her to sit down, then replied, “You don’t have to worry about that, because we’ve already fulfilled our promise to Lord Rohzen.”
“Huh?” The other No-life Gamers around the table looked at him in surprise.
“Think back to the conversation I had with him. I promised to save Rohzenheim, not to retake Fortenia or the World Tree. And now, Rohzenheim is no longer under threat.”
The seven million monsters of the Demon Lord Army were almost completely wiped out. The elves would have to do without two thirds of their territory for a few years, but that was about it. They could fight with Castle Lapolka as their border, but with the monsters all dead, they would not see much battle in the first place.
“I see. That makes sense.” Cecil recalled Allen’s exchange with Rohzen and caught on to the point he was making.
I only promised to do the most we could and never went into specific details. After all, I didn’t know whether we’d be able to beat a Demonic Deity.
Since Allen’s goal was to ensure that his companions received their reward from Rohzen, he saw no point in needlessly raising the difficulty of his own accord.
“Of course, we will not ask any further of you. It is as Lord Allen says,” the queen confirmed, speaking on behalf of Rohzenheim with Rohzen still on her lap. She did not seem bothered at all even though Allen had said earlier that the fight was not over so long as Rehzel still remained.
“You think in a really...unique way,” Helmios said with some wonder in his voice. “Being able to hold that attitude when you’re as strong as you are is honestly a little scary. But I suppose it is better than just charging in brainlessly.”
“Of course, I said all that, but I will do whatever I can to win this fight, as well as to make it as safe as possible for my companions. However, I’m sure there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that this is going to be an extremely dangerous fight. Now, then—Helmios, before we start brainstorming ideas and whatnot, let me tell you some basic info about our party members.”
Neither Siguul nor Lukdraal said anything in response to Allen. This was partly because they could not ask him to fight and die for them. They could also easily imagine Sophie insisting on accompanying Allen into battle.
To start his introductions off, Allen described the fighting styles of each of the No-life Gamers as Helmios listened attentively. Halfway through, Helmios cut in to say he wanted to hear directly from the Gamers too. So Dogora and Cecil joined in as well, talking about their respective roles on the front lines and in the rear during battle.
A little less than an hour later, Helmios smiled. “Thank you for telling me all this. I think I got the gist. That said, can we continue the rest of this meeting outside? Some things are easier to understand while actually moving around.”
“Are you referring to our teamwork?” Allen asked.
“There’s that too, but I want to know how strong all your companions are and their quirks in fighting. Let’s go out and have a few matches.”
“That sounds like a good idea,” Allen agreed. “Only I got to fight you at the Tournament, after all. Teamwork is going to be crucial once we’re working together.”
Helmios addressed Dogora again, this time in a provoking tone. “You showed a lot of spirit just now. I’m sure you’re strong enough to wow me, right?” He had his hand on the hilt of the sword at his waist.
Without a word, Dogora picked up the battleax resting at his foot and propped it up on his shoulder before following Helmios out of the room.
“They don’t seem to like each other very much,” Krena whispered to Allen while walking behind them. “You think they’ll be okay?”
“Helmios just doesn’t want Dogora to die,” Allen replied.
Soon, the group had reached a large, open space. Helmios cast an eye over the No-life Gamers. “You’ve got a Sword Lord and an Ax User as your vanguard... Allen, this is a really small party.”
“We have one more who’s currently back home in Baukis, but yeah, I know.”
“All right, let’s start with Dogora. First, show me your Extra Skill.”
No answer came from Dogora. That was enough for Helmios to catch on. “You’re not thinking of fighting a Demonic Deity when you can’t even use your Extra Skill, are you?” He drew the golden orichalcum sword at his waist, giving Dogora time to reply, but the boy remained silent. “Cat got your tongue? Okay, no problem. Come at me. I’ll beat some sense into you.”
Dogora tightened his grip on his ax and charged forward at top speed.
＊ ＊ ＊
“I really think you ought to stay behind, Dogora.”
“Shut it. I’m definitely going.”
Dogora was again lying spread-eagle in the middle of a plaza in Tiamo, his chest heaving violently as he panted from exertion. Today was his third day of accepting Helmios’s provocation and charging in only to get beaten down.
Even if Dogora doesn’t get his Extra Skill in time, we have to make a decision now.
A tiny part of Allen had hoped that Dogora might learn how to activate his Extra Skill training with Helmios like how Krena had with Sword Lord Dverg, but clearly it was going to take him more than three days.
Allen turned to Helmios. “We were taught at the Academy that it takes some people years to pick up their Extra Skill, whereas Krena did it in one day. Why is there such a large spectrum?” he asked, just in case this Hero, who had taught at so many Academies, had any hints. After all, Allen did not think Dogora would ever swallow his pride and ask Helmios himself.
“Well...it is said that those with high Intelligence and MP learn their Extra Skills faster. The general consensus is that activating one’s Extra Skill feels quite similar to using magic. This is why those who use swords and axes tend to require more time. You see the same disparity when it comes to learning to activate normal skills.”
I see, that does make sense. As expected of someone who’s dealt with so many students.
Helmios’s analysis matched what Allen had himself observed. Unlike Cecil, who had received magic tutoring tailored to her ever since she was young, Keel practically had to learn on the job, and yet he still only took two or three months to learn how to use his skills. Conversely, it had taken Krena and Dogora much longer, even though they were taking classes specifically for it when they were at the Academy.
“Thanks, I think I sorta get it,” Allen replied. “But what about Krena, then? She trained with Sir Dverg and managed to activate her Extra Skill in a day.”
Dogora listened in on the conversation without saying anything, still focused on catching his breath.
“Well, there’s also a saying in Giamut that simpler people—or, to be blunt, the stupid ones—have an easier time of it.”
“Huah?” Krena, hearing her name, had looked up from biting into a molmo. Everyone else looked at her, surprised at the word “stupid” being mentioned with such bluntness, but a look of understanding dawned on her face, and she said, “I see, I see.”
Seeing no need to drive his point home any further, Helmios continued. “In contrast, Dogora, you’re— How do I put this? You’re stubborn in a way, and you’re also, like, boxed in by your idea of what common sense is.”
“As in, he overthinks things?” Allen offered.
Helmios snapped a finger. “Exactly. So then, what do you want to do? Do you want to continue this? I’m only on loan for seven more days.” The fact that he purposely used the words “on loan” indicated that Helmios was still holding a bit of a grudge about how he had been treated.
So they’re on the extreme ends of the spectrum. Those who learn their Extra Skills fast either have high Intelligence or a flexible mind.
After giving it a bit of thought, Allen said, “Well, we’ve already worked out our game plan, so I suppose there’s no point putting it off for much longer. We’ll head out for Fortenia tomorrow.”
“All right, tomorrow it is.” Cecil nodded.
In the end, everyone confirmed that they would be coming along for the Rehzel fight. They had already worked out a strategy involving all the Gamers and Helmios, so there was no other reason to stay in Tiamo besides holding out hope that Dogora would figure out his Extra Skill. Allen had asked Helmios whether those like Krena with stat-boosting Extra Skills activated could use their skills, but he replied that no precedent came to mind and that it would take time to have Giamut look into it.
After this, the No-life Gamers and Helmios went over their strategy several more times, making sure that it was the best way to use the cards they had up their sleeves.
＊ ＊ ＊
The next morning, the queen and generals saw the No-life Gamers off.
“Are you sure you do not need me to come along?” Gatoluuga, Rohzenheim’s most powerful fighter, asked one last time.
Allen nodded. “We’ll manage this by ourselves. Sir Gatoluuga, please stay behind to protect Castle Lapolka.”
“Hmm... Very well.”
The strike force did not include Gatoluuga this time. It was clear that he wanted to join them, but having him stay behind was a tactical decision with Rohzenheim and the queen’s future in mind. He accepted his role, albeit reluctantly.
And the Sovereign of Spirits is still lit up like a Christmas tree.
Allen lifted his gaze from the sleeping creature in the queen’s lap to meet her eyes. “Your Majesty.”
“Yes, Lord Allen?”
“Our battle with the Demonic Deity will likely be fierce. In the worst-case scenario, the city of Fortenia might be leveled. I hope that won’t be a problem?”
“Do whatever you must. Losing the city would be a small price for our country being freed from this calamity.”
“Thank you very much. Now we know that we can fight with everything we’ve got.”
Lastly, the queen clasped her hands before her chest and prayed, “May the Sovereign of Spirits bless these our nation’s saviors.”
Allen’s group bowed deeply to the queen. They left the building, then flew off toward Fortenia on the back of their Bird Bs. Helmios was not with them now, as he had already set off yesterday as part of their strategy.
The No-life Gamers reached Castle Lapolka the following evening. Thanks to the elves’ dedicated efforts, not a single runaway monster had been left alive within the vicinity of the fortress. Allen’s Summons had been helping out as well, proactively harvesting magic stones in preparation for the upcoming Demonic Deity fight and incinerating carcasses wherever asked to. Allen’s group spent the night at Lapolka.
Morning came and the group set off again. By evening, Fortenia came into sight. The World Tree appeared truly awe-inspiring against the backdrop of the setting sun, and the closer the Gamers drew, the more overwhelming it became.
“All right, Volmaar, good luck.” Allen nodded at the elf who was to break off on his own now.
“Mm-hm. Please take care of Her Highness.” Volmaar mounted the extra Bird B Allen had just Summoned and flew away.
The remaining six continued onward, flying over the walls to enter Fortenia. Their destination was the temple in the center of the city where Spirit B previously faced off against Rehzel. He ought to have still been there, waiting in the queen’s audience chamber.
“There’s no one here,” Cecil murmured while looking down over the large, sprawling city that was large enough to house over a million people.
The city was filled with charred remnants of buildings, likely from fires that had raged when it fell more than two months ago, but bits and pieces here and there provided flashes of what had surely been gorgeous wooden structures filled with the spirit and history of the land. While the Gamers had been expecting hordes of monsters laying in wait, however, not a single thing stirred here. All they found was desolation.
Are they maybe hiding in order to catch us off guard?
Allen’s group landed in front of the temple in the empty city and warily made their way inside. This, too, was a wooden structure, with a lofty ceiling supported by thick wooden pillars that looked like the trunks of trees centuries old, standing tall and proud at regular intervals.
All the way in the back was the altar dedicated to the Sovereign of Spirits. In the center of it was a throne, and this was currently occupied by a being with crimson eyes that were studying Allen intently as he approached. Next to him, Neftira—the demon who had gotten away from the Gamers once—glared at the party as a whole.
“So you’re finally here. Are you Allen?”
“We’re here to kill you, Demonic Deity Rehzel.”
“Kill me, you say? Hmm...” Rehzel continued staring at Allen, sizing him up. “You don’t look afraid of me.”
“Huh? You’re a mere Demonic Deity, and I’m the Chosen One. There’s no way I’d lose,” Allen scoffed, intentionally borrowing the words spoken by Ellie and adopting a haughty attitude.
Demonic Deity Rehzel smirked and slowly rose to his feet. “Ah, so you are fearless because you are ignorant. Apparently even a Liberated would misjudge himself when among humans.”
Chapter 16: Fighting Demonic Deity Rehzel
“Huh? Are you calling me a Liberated?” Allen asked in a voice that made it seem like he was growing irritated not understanding what Rehzel was talking about.
Wow, he’s pretty tall when he stands up. He’s...about two and a half meters tall? At least in stature, he’s not elf-like at all. He’s not holding a weapon, but all his muscles make it clear—he can definitely hold his own in close quarters
All while feigning annoyance, Allen closely studied Demonic Deity Rehzel from head to toe, trying to determine whether to use long-range magical attacks or move in close to throw kicks and punches. Allen always liked to know his opponent’s fighting style ahead of time. Putting together Rehzel’s physical appearance and how he took out a Spirit B with a magical blast, the obvious conclusion seemed to be that he was an all-rounder proficient in fighting at any range.
“Hmph. So you really know nothing.”
Aww, he’s not gonna tell us anything about the Liberated. Oh well. Let’s try pushing his buttons a bit more.
“Look at you, acting like you’re the shit. I know your secret: you used to be a dark elf, right? How’d you turn into a Demonic Deity, huh? C’mon, share with the class.”
“Oh?” The change in Rehzel’s facial expression made Neftira gulp.
“What’s the matter? I gotcha, didn’t I? You attacked Rohzenheim ’cus you want the World Tree or something, right? What a stupid reason. Well, I’m sure you’ve got a good view of it here in Fortenia. Have you enjoyed your stay?”
“Did you hear all that from the elven queen? The World Tree was originally ours. It was the elves who kept it to themselves.” Rehzel was making an effort to speak calmly, but his words were laced with rage.
“That’s not true!” Sophie cried, interrupting the conversation with indignation. “We elves have always been the ones managing the Tree!”
Huh? Why’s Sophie the one getting angry?
“Hmph, and you’re a high elf, meaning you must be a member of the royal bloodline. Looks like the descendant of the Priestess of Prayer is as ignorant as the foreigner. Do you truly believe what you just said?”
The World Tree was precious to both the elves and the dark elves. Allen, who was not particularly beholden to the Tree, did not fully grasp their circumstances. The certainty with which Rehzel had said that the World Tree was originally theirs did pique Allen’s interest, though. The elven queen had made no mention of this.
Could it be that there really had been an era millennia ago when the dark elves were the ones caring for the World Tree? Or had Rehzel been fed a false account that he now fully believed as fact? There was no way to tell which was the case, but then again, it did not really matter. What Allen had to do here and now remained unchanged.
“I may not know which claim is right, but I do know that you, Demonic Deity Rehzel, led an army of monsters to this continent and are responsible for the deaths of millions of elves.”
“That is something I do not deny. And it is my mission to kill even more in the future. That is the reason I am here. Knowing that, what will you do?”
“Take you down, of course!”
All the No-life Gamers assumed battle-ready stances. Along their way to this location, the party had cast all the buffs they would need. Krena and Dogora now raised their weapons as Keel prepared to cast his Healing Magic.
Rehzel and Neftira were about to do the same, but Allen seized the initiative using Quick Summoning and had General Dora appear out of nowhere right beside Neftira in ambush. Paying no mind to how cramped it was in this temple—at around twenty meters in length, the Summon was knocking off parts of the ceiling with even the slightest of movements—the Dragon B promptly unleashed its Hellfire of Fury. Flames burst from its mouth in a beam that enveloped both Rehzel and Neftira. The wooden temple was unable to bear the heat, with many of the massive log pillars either breaking off or burning to cinders. In the blink of an eye, half of the monument was destroyed.
Nice, got Neftira. That just leaves Rehzel.
Neftira had likely died without ever knowing what hit him. His Healing Magic had been sufficient to offset attacks from Allen’s Summons last time, but Allen now had Deputize, and there really was no way to heal your way from being killed instantaneously. The notification of Neftira’s death glowed faintly on the cover of Allen’s grimoire.
