Translated: Sei, MTL-sensei-tachi
Edited: Sei, Grammarly no Danna
Source: Syosetu

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Chapter 276


Following Kazuki and Senpai, this time we start from the Demon King's perspective.

——— read on seireitranslations.blogspot.com ———

　I had not been cornered this badly since the fight with Hisago.
　My fists were bloody and there was a deep wound on my right shoulder.
　And my magic powers had been depleted like never before.
　After checking my condition once more, I turned my gaze to the space where I had cast my final move —— the magic attack spell.

"..."

　I have very little magic power left.
　That's why I took a gamble and unleashed the technique, but was it enough to finish them off?
　It should have been powerful enough to finish them off.
　But still, I can't be sure I've defeated them.

"...No, I want him to stand up."

　The ramblings he uttered.
　It was something that would never come true.
　But even though I knew that, I still found it interesting.

"———Ah, I see."

　Up until this point, I'd gotten to know him better and had a deeper understanding of him.
　In that case, there's no need to go to the trouble of checking whether he's dead or alive at the other end of the smoke.
　If it was the Usato I knew———,

"Demon Kinggggg!"
"Of course, he'll come at me without losing his will."

　I block Usato's fist as he charges out of the smoke.
　It seems the assimilation has been undone, as the dark magic covering his body and the gauntlet that had been attached to his left arm until just a moment ago have disappeared, and the only thing that can be considered a weapon now is the gauntlet on his right arm.
　But even so———to me right now, he is nothing but a formidable opponent.

"I will avenge those two!!"

"No, I'm not dead~...!?" (Nea)
"I'm alive~...!!" (Ferrum)

　When the smoke cleared, those who had been assimilated with Usato were lying on the ground, but all of them were still alive.
　If Usato is the only one left, it means that the rest of them have done their best to protect him from the magic bullets.
　At this point, I'll even abandon sorcery and hold my fist.

"Even without sorcery, I am the Demon King...!"
"Even without healing magic, I'm a Rescue Squad member!"
"That doesn't make sense!"

　I grabbed the kick between my side and arm, and threw him against the wall.
　Even after crashing into the wall, he gets up easily and charges at me in the same way as before.
　———Now that he has been unassimilated, he has been solely engaging in hand-to-hand combat.

"But it would probably be effective against me right now...!"

　This is far more troublesome than having someone devise a poorly-crafted plan.
　Those who don't think poorly don't hesitate at all.
　After all, they are not thinking.
　And that's why I can face them with that same spirit.

"Hmph! Ngh!!"

　He should have wounds all over his body, but he attacks with bottomless physical strength and spirit.
　Even so, the fists that are unleashed are filled with a strength that resonates to the core.

"But!"

　I'm not so kind as to let him beat me either.
　I handle his fist, and then I slam my elbow into his face as if I were swinging it around.

"What's wrong, is that the extent of your resolve...?"
"...Not yet, not yet!"

　He looks up, wiping the blood from his forehead, and takes up his stance once more.
　I speak words of provocation, even holding a moment of admiration in my heart for his current appearance.

"Now, if you want to get your point across, try killing me...!"
"———Ha?"

　Usato's movement suddenly stopped.
　My fist slammed straight into his face, but he caught it without even flinching.

"!!"
"———"

　At the same time that he muttered something, a powerful blow was delivered to my stomach.
　At the moment when I recognize that my arm, which was swung with force, has been struck, the pain sensation in my abdomen disappears, and I realize that the wounds carved by the Thunder Hero have been healed.

"You...! You've come all the way here and are trying to make a fool of me...!"

　———He cast healing magic on me.
　I was furious at someone who would do something like that in the middle of a battle, but the man standing before me was even angrier than I was, his expression twisted like that of a demon.

"Aah?! Which one of us do you think is the one making fun of, you bast*rd...!!"

　A fist is thrust out with an angry voice.
　I catch it with both arms, but the force of the fist forces me backward.
　He's become so angry it's like he's a completely different person...!

"What the hell do you mean, try killing me?! We've come this far and you don't understand me at all?!"
"...!"
"Is strength the only thing a Demon King has?! What a ridiculous thing to say...!"

　Usato shouts in anger.
　His blood rose to his head, something that was uncharacteristic of him.
　Even before I was sealed, I had not expressed anger for a long time, but fatigue and exhaustion have driven me into a rage.
　I'd like to say that it's kind of silly to have your feelings shaken by something as trivial as this, but it's frustrating to be asked to understand when someone keeps behaving in a way you didn't expect...!
　I grabbed the guy who approached me by the collar and headbutted him.

"There are probably very few people who can understand you, whose actions are completely incomprehensible...!!"
"Then understand me right here and now!"

　Both he and I lost our cool as we received each other's attacks, dodging them and landing blows.

"U-Usato's pissed..."
"What are you doing against the Demon King...?"
"That's exactly what Usato-kun is! But more importantly, Nea, break the spell I'm under..."
"Suzune, you're looking pretty energetic..."

　I grabbed his left arm, and he grabbed mine as we glared at each other.
　Our strength was now evenly matched.
　Usato's and my physical abilities were now equal.

"When did! I say I was going to kill you!? Aah?!"
"My existence is nothing but an obstacle to the ideals you speak of! How dare you make such naive claims!"

　The existence of me, the Demon King, causes humans to feel unnecessary fear towards demons, and causes the demons to feel hope that does not exist.
　That is why my defeat as the Demon King would mean death.
　That is the plot that Hisago would have written.
　It is nothing but the end point of the story where they unite to defeat the great evil that is me...!

"It's the other way around!"

　But my words and Hisago's intentions are shattered by the words of the healing wizard in front of me.
　He head-butted me with such force that I was thrown back, breathing hard on his shoulder and raising his voice.

"Don't die here and try to make it easier for yourself...!! You have to work harder for the sake of the demons!! That's why I'm going to bring you down alive, no matter what it takes!!"
"Wh, at...!?"
"Your existence is essential to the future I envision!"

　His movements slow down as he kicks the ground and comes towards me.
　Even as I was being attacked, I suddenly came to my senses and grabbed Usato's arm, slamming him to the ground.

"Guha...!"
"Are you telling me to live and suffer in this world to come...?"
"That will be your punishment!"
"Don't mess with me...!"

　I swung my leg down with the intention of crushing his head, but he quickly got up and evaded it.
　The hand-to-hand combat resumed, but in the middle of it all, my head was almost engulfed in a whirlpool of thoughts.
　Ah, you've got to be kidding me...!
　I understand how crazy the fools in front of me are thinking and trying to carry it out!
　For the sake of the demon tribe, for the sake of mankind, he is about to overcome all obstacles and move forward into an extremely difficult future with the intention of destroying it!
　Hisago has given up the present for the sake of the future.
　Usato tries to live in the present for the sake of the future.
　His way of being has already made Hisago———,

"Ooooooh!"
"!!"

　Before I knew it, my arm had been caught by the guy's raised left arm.
　A momentary blank in my thoughts———Usato's right arm slammed into my exposed torso, sending a powerful pain through my brain.
　I almost fall to my knees, but I manage to hold on, and when I look up at him———,

"I'll... punch you and win!!"

　———Usato was breathing heavily and was about to swing his raised left arm down.

"Eat this!!"

　His eyes were filled with strong will, without any hatred whatsoever.
　A fist not covered in gauntlet, but covered in healing magic.
　I feel like I have to defend myself, but I can't move my body.
　It's not that I don't have the strength to defend myself, but at this moment in time, I myself am———,

"Healing Punch!!"

　———In the face of this man, I had admitted defeat.
　The next moment after I admitted so and closed my eyes, a shock pierced my cheek.

●
——— read on seireitranslations.blogspot.com ———

　A healing punch with all my might, literally putting my last bit of strength into it.
　It hit the face of the Demon King, who was on his knees, and sent him flying.

"———Uwh..."

　As I swung my fist and started to fall forward, Blurin leaped to my side and supported me.

"Grua!"
"Thank you, Blurin."
"Usato!"

　Soon after, Amako, who was with senpai and others, rushes over to us.
　It seems Amako is the only one who can move properly.
　It will probably take some time for senpai for the spell placed on her to be lifted by Nea...

"Amako... Where is the Demon King?"
"There..."

　When I look toward the Demon King, I see him lying on the floor with his back to the floor, having been punched out.
　He seems to be conscious, but does not seem to be getting up.
　Supported by Blurin, I walk up to the Demon King and see him looking up at the sky with a self-mocking smile on his face.

"I never thought I'd be beaten off by a healing wizard..."
"Demon King..."
"I admit defeat. You win."

　I couldn't understand those words for a moment.
　After taking a few seconds to process his meaning, I noticed that the Demon King had a calm expression on his face.

"It was a crushing defeat, but I'm okay with it now."
"Is that okay?"
"It will be interesting to see where you end up. It will be much more amusing than dying here."

　"Amusing" is a harsh thing to say...
　The Demon King raised his torso and made a small spell float in his palm.
　Then the blocks that were floating in this space return to their original state.
　Even the ones we are on are slowly descending to the floor.

"First I have to announce that the battle is over."
"...Are you sure you're okay to get up?"
"Don't be silly, you attacked me with healing magic just now. Don't you dare mock me..."

　I manage to support myself with my hands on Blurin's back while returning a bitter smile to the Demon King, who is speaking harshly to me, and look back.
　Kazuki is unconscious and Senpai is having the sorcery on her removed by Nea, but everyone is still alive.

"———Is it, over?"

　Finally, the battle with the Demon King is over.
　I don't know what will happen in the future if we don't kill the Demon King, but for now, we can only be satisfied with this outcome.

"The Demon King's army will be disbanded. After that, we will send a letter stating our surrender."
"...Yes"
"If necessary, I will surrender myself. After that, I leave the rest to you, the Kingdom of Lingle."

　No, rather, the real thing is just beginning.
　This is only the first step after all.
　From now on, it looks like I'll be working so hard that I won't have time to rest.

"But I need to rest now..."

　Anyway, I was so tired that I was about to pass out at any moment, so I tried to lean my body against Blurin's back for the moment ——— the door to the great hall, having regained its original shape, was kicked open with great force.

"Demon King-sama!"
"Wait! Amira Belgred! The battle isn't over yet!"

　The two who jumped in were Amira Belgred, a red-haired demoness, and Leona-san, who was following behind her.
　The battle seemed to be continuing as both were covered in soot and melted ice, but when Amira saw the Demon King sitting in front of me covered in wounds, an angry look appeared on her face...Hmm?

"You bast*rd——!"
"H-H-H-Hold on?!"
"I won't let Demon King-sama die!!"

　Amira jumped at me, spreading flames.
　Perhaps she is exhausted from the battle with Leona-san, or the flames are only on her sword, but I still doubt that I can catch her in my exhausted state.
　I move away from Amako and Blurin to avoid the sword.

"W-Wait! The battle is over!"
"Shut up! I'll take you down with me and kill myself!"
"Why!?"

　It's no good! She has completely misunderstood the situation!
　The Demon King also tries to stop her, but his voice doesn't reach Amira, who is furious.
　I tried to block the next slash with my gauntlet ——— and in the next moment, something black came between me and Amira, blocking the flaming sword.

"Stop it, Amira!"
"Wha!?"

　It was Koga who blocked Amira's sword with his left arm, which was wrapped in dark magic.
　As he blocks the sword, he looks at me behind him and gives a snickering smile.

"Heh, that was a close call."
"I..."
"I? What, a thanks?"
"I can't believe someone like you saved me...!"
"Isn't that terrible? I saved your life, didn't I?"

　Koga's cheeks twitched as he watched me express my genuine frustration.
　But Amira still pressed her sword forward with an angry look on her face and glared at Koga.

"Kogaa! Are you trying to side with him?!"
"No, that's not it... I know you're getting angry, but look around you."
"...Hah?"

　Then, as if coming back to her senses, Amira looked around and saw the Demon King.
　Though covered in wounds, he had a calm expression on his face, which was different from when he was fighting, and seeing that, she also put down her sword.

"Amira, that's enough."
"B-But...!"
"I was defeated by the healing wizard there. As you can see, I'm still alive."
"...!"
"Our battle is over."

　Amira's sword dropped from her hand as she heard the words leave the Demon King's mouth.
　She looked back and forth between me and the Demon King, tears welling up in her eyes as she strained her voice and trembled.

"... I-I will commit suicide."
"Ha?"
""No, why?!""

　The Demon King was stunned, and by coincidence, my voice overlapped with Koga's.
　Amira was crying and took out a knife, but for some reason, Koga and I did everything we could to stop her.

"Let go! Are you telling me to live in shame?!"
"Usato! Knife! Get the knife!!"
"Ha ha ha! Aah, it's just, well, how uncontrollable."
"You too, don't laugh, stop her!!"

　I try to take the knife from Amira while yelling at the Demon King who is laughing.
　We must avoid meaningless deaths here...!
　Why do they make me flinch like this even after defeating the Demon King?

"N-Nea! Please release it quickly! It looks like they're having fun over there!"
"Suzune, I'm tired too, you know? I'll sew your mouth shut with sorcery."
"Go for it! Nea, do it!"
"Hih?!"

　I could hear the cheerful voices of senpai and others, but I somehow managed to take the knife from Amira, throw it on the floor, and sit down on the spot.
　That made Amira quiet, but she still seemed to be unable to recover from the shock.

"Usato! I-I don't know what the situation is, but are you okay?"
"Leona-san...!"

　I feel relieved when I see Leona-san running over to me.
　I grabbed the hand she offered me and stood up, and Amako and Blurin came over too.

"Hahaha, as you can see, the battle is over."
"Yup, Usato and the others won."

　At my and Amako's words, Leona-san looks at the sight of the Demon King alive and seems to want to say something, but then she immediately smiles.
　She puts the spear she had been clutching in her hand back into the pendant and supports my body, which is about to wobble at any moment.

"That's... so typical of you."
"I don't know if this is correct though."
"...In the stories of the heroes I know, the Demon King was defeated. There was no mention of the Demon King being allowed to live, but——"

　As we continue on our way to senpai and others, Leona-san continues to speak.

"I don't dislike this kind of ending. I truly believe it's so typical of you."
"...Thank you"
"Fufu, I think it's actually me who should be thanking you."

　The tough battle has come to an end, and we have secured victory.
　But although the battle against the Demon King's army has come to an end, the battle for me will continue.

"Before that, first..."

"Suzune, you're banned from assimilation from now on."
"No way?!"
"Of course. You're really noisy..."
"Is this power harassment in the assimilation's hierarchy...?!"

　Let's go over to the unconscious Kazuki and my noisy friends.
　Amako looks astonished at the state of senpai and others, while Leona-san gives a wry smile and Blurin yawns sleepily.
　Seeing them like that, I felt a sense of relief as I continued walking.

——— read on seireitranslations.blogspot.com ———

Author's Notes:
The fight ended with an enraged Usato unleashing a powerful healing punch.
It was a victory after using all his strength against the Demon King.

And for some reason, Koga has a sidekick-like face...