My battle with Asmodeus wasn't progressing as expected. He stood there with a relaxed expression on his face. No matter how much I tried, I couldn't imagine landing a successful attack on him. If I can't even imagine it, there's a high chance he'd counter me easily. That's how much stronger he is.
"What's the matter? Not coming at me?" Asmodeus taunted.
"Just keeping you engaged is effective enough," I replied.
"Is that so? Then let's continue this staring contest."
I tried to provoke him into attacking, but Asmodeus remained unfazed. He probably doesn't feel threatened. If anything, I'm the one being drawn in. He likely won't make a move until his demon subordinates fail. He's already given his orders; now it's up to them. I could distance myself from him, but his ominous presence keeps me rooted.
"You humans are more formidable than I thought," Asmodeus admitted.
"You lost once, yet you're still arrogant," I retorted.
"I didn't lose; the Demon King did."
"If the strongest Demon King lost, wouldn't that mean the demons lost?"
"Hmm... It seems your understanding of the Demon World is lacking. The Demon World is a world where barren lands stretch endlessly. It used to be rich in greenery, but has since been devastated by repeated wars. Such a Demon World was governed by several factions. Five hundred years ago, the Demon King who invaded this world was merely the largest force in the Demon World. He sought my allegiance and that of my faction. Therefore, I did not participate. I had no intention of working under his banner."It's not something one would hide.
And Asmodeus declares it in such a manner.
It's quite a shocking revelation.
The Demon King's army, which humanity had finally managed to drive away five hundred years ago by uniting as one, was not the unified force of the Demon World but the largest force, akin to an empire on the continent.
"When the remnants of the Demon King's army fled back to the Demon World, I was inclined to invade. It was a prime opportunity. However, the gate that the Demon King had expanded and maintained was closed. Therefore, I spent time planning a re-invasion. In the Demon World, there are those who think I am not as powerful as the Demon King."
At the point of trying to compete with that monstrous Demon King, Asmodeus himself is a monster.
Surpassing the Demon King was probably one of Asmodeus's goals.
Of course, that's likely not his only goal.
The continent is preferable to the devastated Demon World, that much is clear.
Especially if the inhabitants there are weaker than themselves.
The notion of swiftly seizing it is a perception befitting the strong.
Asmodeus seemed to be sizing up the situation, but I had to make my point clear.
"You will fail, just like the Demon King did," I declared.
At this, Asmodeus finally showed a flicker of emotion and began to laugh. He still didn't seem fully committed to the fight, but at least he was somewhat interested now.
Just then, Elna descended from the sky and attacked Asmodeus with her holy sword. He caught the blade with one hand.
"Is this the sword that defeated the Demon King? It's…. Surprisingly... Light," he mused.
Elna quickly distanced herself, raising her sword high.
"Awaken, shining Star Sword of Life! The Hero needs a miracle now!"
A golden light illuminated the battlefield.
"Holy Sword Aurora—Second Unleashing."
Elna had unlocked one of the seals on the holy sword. But she didn't stop there.
"Transform, shining Star Sword of the Heavens! The Hero needs victory now!"
Another seal was broken, and the sword's light became even more intense.
"Holy Sword Aurora—Third Unleashing."
Even Asmodeus widened his eyes at this. The sword had clearly become more powerful. Elna, the so-called second coming of the Hero, had achieved something unprecedented.
"Silver, if you're going to hold me back, I don't need you," Elna warned.
"The feeling is mutual. Let's hope that sword isn't just for show," I replied.
Both of us turned our hostile gazes toward Asmodeus, who welcomed our animosity with a smile.
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