LV999 Villager Chapter 4.2

Answering Such A Thing Depends On Yourself After All 

“I have never seen nor heard of such…a Monster.”

The books that recorded the Monsters discovered by humans until now were kept in the Royal Library. The biggest one on record, worthy of mentioning since it was 18 meters in length, would surely be the existence known as the 【Dark Dragon】.

Despite that, this illusive existence from who knows where was bigger than all the other approaching Monsters.

“…What is that? I don't know, I too…have never seen such a Monster. No, is that even a Monster in the first place?”

Originally, only Menou, who had naturally recognized it, was surprised upon noticing this giant warrior. Its presence, though, was capable of inducing Menou to tremble in fear, but he wasn't the only one.

Everyone felt weak in the knees just by looking at it, and although they had been fighting while repressing the instinct to run away until now, they were sure to fail this time around.

Just as Menou had said, they didn't know whether or not it was a Monster. The bipedal Monster that was covered in blacksteel armor glared at them sharply. Its body was wrapped in a black aura, and in its eyes was a golden glitter. The ground trembled as it advanced slowly, step by step.

“…Let's retreat. As expected, there's nothing else we can do against that thing.”

Although surprised by the giant enemy in front of her, Takako muttered that while keeping her composure.

“Kuh…We've endured until now, why should we run away!? Don't be foolish…I-I won't give up!”

After he had said that, Rex took out the sword that had been stabbed into the ground and held it before him. In this situation, Takako's judgement had been correct.
However, since an opportunity to meet his goal of overcoming an opponent several times stronger than him had finally arrived, Rex did not want to give it up so easily.

“Face reality…What can you do against that with your strength? Although I don't know what that giant Monster is, this…this isn't a situation you can easily solve. This is a genuinely…unprecedented and dangerous situation.”

Even without Takako's words, everyone could understand it. Even if they retreated for the time being, they would still have to fight that thing, because there were still humans gathered in Salumeria. It was clearly an opponent they could not oppose.
In other words, they had to face this opponent in this country, before it could affect the survival of humanity on a global scale.

Originally, humans and demons had both possessed overwhelming power, shown through their ability to control what was known as a 【Country】. However, the humans may have been one-sidedly sending Heroes as assassins to the Demon King's Castle to this day, in order to avoid challenging them in the open. Not once had the Demons ever come to attack them.

“Kagami-chan…retreat from here at once! Although it's regrettable…aren't you the one that doesn't get it!?”

In spite of the approaching blacksteel armor giant, Takako yelled out at Kagami, who stood there staring at the foe that approached with his hands on his hips.

“So huge.”

Kagami used just those words to describe it.

Immediately after, he cracked his neck with a 'kokikoki' and began to run towards the blacksteel armor giant with a slightly worried look, ignoring Tatako's warning.

“Hey…Kagami-chan!?”

Except for Takoko, everyone else was speechless. They couldn't understand this person, who had already surprised them several times during this battle. They did know that he had no fear of death. Yet, why was he challenging the overwhelming enemies before him without fearing defeat, even though he stood no chance against them?

This man, as of this moment, had decided that he would now witness the outcome of his future actions with his own eyes, without looking away. With this resolve, he had gained a sense of duty.

“Fall back everyoneeeeee! Run away! This is no longer an opponent we can handle!”

“Hey! But…that bastard is still there!”

“What can we do about it!? Run away! We've already decided that we will live!”

The Salumerian Adventurers, who had continued to fight against the remaining group of several hundred Monsters, began to retreat one after another. This was a natural action, a natural decision. Yet, an unexpected gale appeared and accelerated past the dry wasteland, heading towards the Adventurers who had disappeared towards Salumeria.

“HYAAAAAAAAA!”

This gale flew up into the air from the dry wasteland, and just before it collided with the blacksteel armor giant, Kagami let out a roar that could be heard by everyone. Then, at that moment,

“K…Kagami-san?”

Kagami had been knocked towards a large rock near Takako's group, far away from the blacksteel armor giant.

The large three meter rock was blown to bits from the collision with Kagami, and its debris rolled around the feet of the group.

This all happened in a moment. When Kagami had tried to punch it, Kagami's entire body had been struck by the blacksteel armor giant's immense fist.

“R-…Run away…it's useless! We can't win! It's the end for Salumeria!”

“Uwah…UWAAAAAAAAAH!”

The Adventurers who had held on to the hope that Kagami would be able to defeat it somehow began to retreat one after another after witnessing his defeat. If you thought about it, the only ones left were the several hundred Monsters, the blacksteel armor giant, and Rex's group.

“It's the end…even if it's Kagami, it can't be helped. It's useless no matter what, with only the Adventurers here.”

“Rather than that, Kagami-san is-!”

Although Krul tried to rush towards Kagami as she said this, a cloud of dust quickly swept over Kagami's body, and Alice appeared carrying a potion in her mouth.

“Kagami-san…Kagami-san! Hang in there!”

“…Alice. It's dangerous…I told you…to stand down, didn't I?”

“If I compared it to Kagami's dangers, this much is enough for me. Although everyone else ended up running away…you should be relieved since I won't. I'll be with you until the very end.”

As if she was trying to assuage him, Alice smiled at the weakened Kagami, who could barely keep his eyes half-open. However, Kagami understood that the hands supporting him were trembling.

“Don't push yourself. You're trembling, right?”

The moment he said that, he placed his hand on Alice's head as if to soothe her. Then Krul, who had arrived late, forcibly pushed the Potion into Kagami's mouth.

“It's not, 'You're trembling, right?' Alice-chan is trembling in fear, worried that Kagami is being unreasonable. Why don't you understand this?”

Krul muttered that worriedly, and at those unexpected words, Kagami's gaze froze upon her. Immediately after, his gaze turned grim, and he looked in a particular direction.

“Such an amazing healing ability. You're already capable of moving even though you took so much damage. Your endurance, speed, and power are amazing too. Now I understand why things weren't going according to schedule. I finally understand why Salumeria's Adventurers were able to resist until now. In the beginning…Although I had thought it was the Hero resisting…It was your power, huh?”

A tall man that looked similar to Menou, fully dressed in a Noble's surcoat-like garment, was floating in the air. He flew lower to be next to Kagami and looked at him.

He had pea green hair that covered his asymmetrical right eye. Using human standards, he appeared to be around 20 years old. His proof of being a Demon, horns, firmly sprouted from his head.

“Estellar…sama?”

At this moment, upon seeing the Demon floating in the sky, the surprised Menou trembled.

“Menou, although I had always doubted that a noble would support humans, I see…it's because you have been attending Alice-sama, who was supporting the humans? It seems that you have been faithful to Demon King-sama after all.”

After Estellar, the floating commander of the Demon Army, glared at Menou, Menou averted his eyes in a hurry, like a child being scolded by their parents, and cowered in fear. Seeing Menou's reaction, Kagami immediately rushed to his side and tried to whisper in his ear.

“Who is he? That slightly narcissistic guy that suddenly appeared and started talking.”

“He is Estellar Urgöt-sama…He serves the Demon King-sama, like me, but is his right-hand man. He will soon have more power than Demon King-sama…Rather than that, Kagami-dono, how are your injuries?” (TN: Changed Urgot to Urgöt)

“I have completely recovered, thanks to the potions. The effects were outstanding, probably because I've never used them before.”

Crackling sounds rang out from the bones in Kagami's neck, as if he had truly been healed, and he began to move his arms around like he had energy to spare. In fact, it wasn't a performance and he had truly healed, but that didn't mean he still had the energy to fight. Depending on the medicine used, its healing effects would weaken sooner or later.

“Can you still fight? Surely you knew that this battle of offense and defense was useless?”

Once again, Kagami tried to head towards the blacksteel armor giant that was approaching him from the front, ignoring the floating Estellar.

“The situation is dangerous so I have to do something about that thing before I defeat you. If you get in my way, I will have no choice but to fight you. Since you're taking it easy, you have no plans to do that, right?”

“Aah…I don't. It's fine to challenge it as you like. Go at it until you're satisfied.”

Estellar replied to Kagami, who had stated that boldly and without any hesitation, with a cynical smile as if he were speaking directly into his head. As soon as he finished declaring this, Kagami roared out like a gale and ran towards the blacksteel armor giant.

“It seems he still had some energy left…so what if you're the right-hand man of the Demon King? It looks like that Villager doesn't realize how much of an irregular he is.”

Maybe because he was unsatisfied, Rex said as much after Estellar bid Kagami off, making light of him as he ran towards the blacksteel armor giant.

“I know, but in the end, he is a Villager, isn't he? That's what you said, right? His Level is certainly…999? It's surprising that there is someone who reached Level 999 as a Villager. Though becoming Level 999 in itself is unprecedented.”

Everyone there shuddered at these words. This Demon had constantly been gathering information while hiding nearby. However, since none of them had been able to detect him at all, they instantly felt the true difference in power between them.

“What do you mean by…'He is a Villager after all'?”

Krul asked that since she had not misheard Estellar's words, and it seemed like he knew something. Although he didn't need to answer her, he seemed like he was bored and wanted to talk about something to kill time, so he stared at Krul.

“You don't know? A Villager's Status Parameter is low enough to be abnormal. Warriors who put their stats in strength are at least three times stronger than Villagers, and the difference is even greater if one becomes a Hero. Humans who have the role of Hero only have to reach Level 300.”

“The benefits of being Level 999 isn't just the Status…they also have Skills!”

“Well then, do you know what Skills he has, besides Automatic Heal?”

To that, Krul hesitated to reply, answering with a “That's…”

“For him to have such a rare Skill like Automatic Heal is close to a miracle. In fact, there are many examples of curious Villagers who aimed beyond Level 100. It's because a Villager's level can be raised easily…with its disposition. Although there aren't any that aimed for Level 999…every one of their Skills ended up being rubbish. They also had Skills that allowed them to fight by flinging a certain something with their fingers.” (TN: *cough* boogers *cough*)

As a result, those who judged that it was beyond their means ended up discouraged and would fulfill their Role as a Villager. After adding on this statement, Estellar sneered as if he was denying their efforts.

“I wonder…why do you know about things like that?”

He knew too much. Although Takako, who had already known this much information, spoke whilst giving him a meaningful smile, Estellar didn't try to answer her at all.

Facing the reality that Villagers had a weak Status and Skills, the others began to feel unease since their hope, Kagami, might be useless in this desperate situation.

“Aside from the Skills, the difference in Statuses is absolute. That thing isn't an opponent that can be defeated by a fundamentally weak Villager. Look, the proof has returned.”

The moment Estellar said this, Kagami crashed into the stone wall with a tremendous force, just like before, as he was sent flying by the blacksteel armor giant. Despite running towards him like before, not even several minutes had passed before he crashed into the same spot. At that moment, everyone was convinced that, even if it was Kagami, it couldn't be helped.

“That's the end of his growth. That's his value as a Level 999 Villager. Even if he has his own Skills, that thing wasn't an opponent he could fight against in the first place. No matter how many times a Villager falls, it can't be helped. This is a Villager's limit after all.”

“Is that what you think?”

At that moment, the body that had collided with the stone wall leapt out, and Kagami spoke as if he still had some energy left. However, blood was gushing out from all over his body.

“So what? This time, I properly reduced the amount of damage I received…It's still a large amount though. Woah, potions. Please give me potions, Princess-san~”

After seeing Kagami stubbornly declare that, the arrogant Estellar's expression was momentarily disturbed, but it soon returned to his scornful smile.

“Certainly, his endurance is amazing. Even with his HP and Endurance, Villagers are inferior to Magicians…and, although I do not know what kinds of Skills he has, this is only thanks to Automatic Heal. It's better to give up while you still have your life.”

“It's impossible for you to not try to kill us.”

“Of course, I'll kill you if you get in my way. My goal is just the fall of the Fort City Salumeria.”

As if discomfited by Estellar's words, Kagami's expression stiffened.
Although Kagami had confronted Estellar, as he was trying to grasp the meaning of these words, Alice quickly stood in front of him with her arms spread out, trying to protect him.

“Stop it already Estellar! These things aren't what Father wishes for! I've spoken with Father once already…and if the city falls!”

“I guess so. I do know…that these things aren't what Demon King-sama and you hope for, you know? Even if I speak with the Demon King, who is right over there, he will say the same thing, won't he?

“Over…there?”

The moment those words were received, Alice and Menou's expressions distorted. As the words 'Over there' were uttered, the blacksteel armor giant stood before Estellar.

“Even though I can manipulate that huge power at will, it took quite a bit of time to accomplish. Using medicine to gradually weaken it to the point that it could be controlled with my power was difficult. The Demon King doesn't wish for this fight either, you know? The one who wishes for it…is me!”

“Y…You bastarddddd!”

Menou, his eyes wide open, shouted at Estellar, who had declared that while laughing loudly. He clenched his hand into a fist before kicking off the ground and leaping at Estellar, who was floating in midair.

However, Menou's suicide attack from before had depleted his stamina and magic power. Estellar threw his fist, emitting a shockwave of magic power at Menou and knocking him down to the ground without having to touch him. It looked like he had bounced off the sky.

“That blacksteel armor giant is Demon King-ossan?”

Muttered Kagami and he shifted his expressionless gaze to the blacksteel armor giant while Menou was pulling himself up from the ground.

“He's not the blacksteel armor giant. That is the Ancient Annihilation Weapon created to destroy humanity and it can only be handled with Demon King-sama's immense amount of magic power. It is the 【Mecea】. Its power is equal to that of a Hero who exceeds Level 400…Do you understand? It means that even if your Level is 999, you still aren't a match for it.”

“Humanity will be annihilated…Um, we'll run away though?”

“…What do you want to say?”

“Nothing much. Anyways, we've been betrayed by this Mecea, regardless of my and the Demon King's will?”

“That's right. This is Demon King-sama's true power. It's not an opponent you guys can compete against, unless it's a Hero who exceeds Level 500.”

The moment Estellar looked at Rex sarcastically and with a hideous smile, Kagami muttered “Is that so,” with a smile, as if he were relieved.

“Well then, we have to save both Salumeria and the Demon King.”

The moment Kagami had said that he would continue fighting, Estellar, who had been looking at Rex, hurriedly returned his gaze to Kagami, looking baffled.

“Save him…you say? What the hell are you saying? Isn't Demon King-sama an existence that humans need to defeat? Besides…do you still not understand? You can't defeat the Demon King.”

“It doesn't matter that he's the Demon King. He's fighting with humans even though he doesn't want to, right? The Demon King is a close friend of mine, and he's the father of Alice-chan. Isn't it a given for me to save him?”

At these unexpected words, Estellar's mouth gaped for a while, and although he seemed curious, he remained silent.

“Close friends with Demons? Although I thought that something had happened because of Alice-sama's actions…do you not regard Demons as enemies?…I see, with that logic, even if you reached that Level, you wouldn't go and try to kill Demon King-sama. Even though you originally had that reason…give it up. No matter how many times you lose, it's useless.”

“I won't give up.”

The moment Kagami replied, the fighting spirit in his eyes lit up again, as if he had confirmed that he was absolutely capable of doing something. Estellar looked directly at Kagami.

Immediately, without seeming discouraged, Kagami once again ran quickly towards Mecea, leaving a gale in his wake. Dumbfounded by this useless action, Estellar continued to stare at him. Then, in less than a few minutes, Kagami flew into the stone wall once again.

“P-…..Potion please……”

Whether he'd remembered to put up a defense or not, it appeared that the damage he'd taken this time was less than before. The baffled Estellar furrowed his brows when he saw the tattered Kagami seek help from his allies.

“Yosh, I can go at it one more time. The potions are still effective.”

Kagami once again ran past them, moving towards Mecea with a gale-like speed. He did not seem discouraged, as if nothing had happened to him after he was healed. However, barely a minute had passed before he collided with the wall again.

“Yosh…that was too painful, it made me cry a bit. This thing is too dangerous, though I certainly saw a dent in its armor. I was able to get a blow in. How is it? I held true to myself.”

While this was said, he gulped down the potions that the worried Krul, Tina, and Alice were silently handing to him. Then, the wind scattered once more as Kagami rushed out again, but not even a minute had passed when he collided with the wall for another time.

“…What is it?”

At this time, Rex had a feeling of indescribable discomfort. It was that strange sensation he had felt ever since the first time he met Kagami.

“The potion's effects have worsened…although I can't fully heal…I can still go.”

Just like before, Kagami had immediately rushed at Mecea, but at that moment, Rex realized the source of his discomfort.

“He avoid…ed it?”

When everyone saw Kagami do this, they wore expressions of surprise.

Mecea fired off a fast punch, which was unexpected due to its giant body, and although it had previously sent Kagami flying each time before he could react, this time, he narrowly avoided being punched.

Just like that, he punched Mecea's head, and Rex noticed that Mecea was certainly becoming frightened.

“He's…getting faster?”

Estellar, who hadn't noticed it before because of his condescension, realized it as he muttered that. Rex had also thought what Estellar muttered.

It made them doubt another thing; 'Was Kagami's power truly weaker than that of a Hero whose Level was below 300?'. Rex wondered about this because he was a Hero, but of course, he had no way of finding out what the true power of a Level 300 Hero was.

However, he doubted that he could pull off the same movements as Kagami if he reached that level, even if he looked at his own status's growth from level one. Rex had believed that, one day, he could be Kagami's equal…however, now he thought that becoming like Kagami was beyond his ability.

“Kagami-san!”

Immediately afterward, the Mecea, which had appeared momentarily frightened, caught Kagami with its giant hand and, using a force incomparable to the previous times, forcibly threw him into the stone wall. He was engulfed in the debris of the destroyed stone wall. As the fluttering cloud of dust engulfed the surroundings, Alice cried out, looking worried, and rushed towards Kagami in a hurry.

“What did that bastard…do?”

Estellar uttered as he looked at Kagami, who was still breathing after receiving that last attack.

“Nothing at all…? I'm just…putting in some effort.”

It was clear that the effects of the potions that Alice was handing him were weakening, and despite his worn out state and reduced healing speed, Kagami slowly stood up and answered Estellar.

“Just stop it…just stop it, Kagami-san! Y-you don't have to do your best anymore!”

“You stupid idiot…I have to…rescue…Alice's father, right?”

With half-opened eyes and a 'pon,' Kagami placed his hand on the worried Alice's head while staggering. However, before he could run at Mecea again, Krul and Tina, who were trying to gather potions, stepped out in front of him.

“Kagami-san…you should stop it already. It's already useless…you'll just end up dying.”

“P-potions aren't really helping you anymore!”

The two of them understood that Kagami was just being reckless, so they no longer tried to give him potions, even though they had more.

“Seriously…Well, I'll rest for a little bit, then I'll go out one more time?”

The two of them were puzzled by these words. Even if he wanted to say something, why did this man not try to change his mind on the answer to 'why is he capable of rescuing this person?'

“Why do you continue to fight like this?”

Palna couldn't help but want to ask him this, despite not showing any attachment until now.

“You…could use healing magic? Rather, you had some magic power remaining?”

“Just a bit, because I retreated immediately. However, the effect will be small, since it's not Advanced Healing Magic like Tina and Krul use. Rather than that…tell me, what's the reason you've been fighting until now? What is it that you know, what is it that you think? Please, give us your reasons for taking on such a reckless battle and not opposing the Demons, or else…I'll stop healing you.”

As she pointed her palm that was emitting a faint light at Kagami, Palna said that and glared at him, as if she thought he would run away. As if the others had realized it already, their gazes shifted to Kagami at Palna's words. Feeling resigned to the current situation, Kagami said:

“It started when my father was killed by a Monster. It was really frustrating that I, as a Villager, was so weak, but I've seen many things after finding a way to become stronger.”

He had said that while sighing, but continued to speak.

“What are Roles? Who decides them? Why do Monsters drop gold? Why are we able to go shopping with the gold dropped by the defeated Monsters and use it as currency? The number one thing we don't understand is, naturally, the Status Window. What is it? Even though no one has realized it, what's the meaning of the display? Is it to show the benefits of our roles? Levels also have an unknown meaning. Do we become stronger if we obtain experience from defeating Monsters of higher Levels than us? Does the way to become stronger depend on a person's Role? If so, how? The Skills too…Why do we suddenly obtain a Skill at Level 100?”

Only Estellar's face distorted at these words. Conversely, the others couldn't quite understand what he was saying. Although this was natural and considered common knowledge, they didn't understand why it was strange when Kagami mentioned them.

“I realized it when my mom was killed by humans. Humans and Demons don't really change. It's just the world fighting them with its ploy. It was rather simple after I thought about it a little. In this world, you become stronger when you defeat Monsters, and the way to lead a better, more efficient life is by obtaining gold and spending the time to outfit yourself.”

However slightly, Rex's group was beginning to understand the discomfort brought on by his words. They had definitely felt as if they were being guided by something.

“We didn't doubt this since it was natural for us. It's like I was being completely manipulated by something, and I didn't realize it as I continued to fight. I couldn't realize…that the way we live is defined by the Role that we are given.”

At these words, everyone of them recalled their own lives.

Tina, born as a Monk, had entered a Temple and trained there. Palna was the same. Since she was a Magician, she had strengthened her magic power and memorized incantations from many books. Krul, as a Princess, was born as a Sage, so she had devoted herself to training since she was expected to join the Demon King subjugation party. Rex, too, was the same. Since he was the Hero, he was obstructed from choosing another path, by the restraining feeling that there was something he had to do.

“Rex, seeing that you were bound by a Hero's sense of duty, I had pitied you from the bottom of my heart.”

The abrasive Rex couldn't find any words to reply with as he was reminded of his past. In reality, he thought he had led a merciful life by just fighting.

“Exactly what is the value of living while being bound by your Role?”

The only one who felt like they could understand these words was Takako. She had understood the value of living the way others could after she had deviated from the path of continuous fighting.

“We…surely, it's fine to become what you want to be, but with this world's scheme, it tries to get in your way. I thought I was unhappy when, no matter how much time passed, I couldn't throw away my role as a Villager. I finally gave up all hope once I reached Level 999. The amount of experience necessary for the next Level was no longer displayed on the Status Window.”

“If that's the case…then, why have you continued to fight?”

Before he knew it, Estellar was also questioning Kagami. Disregarding their relation as enemies, he was simply worried about what Kagami had obtained after becoming the unprecedented existence of being Level 999.

“I was frustrated. I thought I was being taken for a fool. I thought I couldn't forgive it. I had hoped to become much, much, much stronger. Then, I realized it. When I became Level 999 and acquired a new Skill…I was given the answer by this world I had always doubted.”

At that moment, Kagami displayed his Status Window before him. What was displayed was his Level of 999, and Estellar was surprised when Kagami revealed his Status Parameters. It was clear that each value in the Status Parameters were not those belonging to a Villager.

Although it wasn't equal to a Hero's, if a Hero temporarily became Level 999, the values on Kagami's card would probably equal half of the Hero's power. On that screen, there was not a single value that should have belonged to a Villager.

Then, the display on the Status Window changed. What was displayed now was one of the ten Skills Kagami had in large letters. This was what was written:

Skill: The One Who Challenges God
Effect: This person's growth will not stop. Obtained experience is converted into a power that exceeds one's limits.

“There are people who created the system of this world. That's why I'll find these guys and beat the crap out of them. We are free; we are not puppets they can manipulate!”

They were speechless. They couldn't help but be speechless. Estellar who still wore a surprised expression could only mutter, “Such a thing is…” and trembled.

This Skill granted Kagami two benefits. The first was that he was a presence akin to a 【God】, and the other was that he caught a scent of the existence of skills that would oppose them.

“Hints have been found, you know? Although they were unable to manipulate this world since ancient times, it was always the creators selling these items for 10,000 gold. They were 'unclaimed rewards'. Well, I just had the feeling that I would need to buy one someday, but it was just a hunch.”

After Palna finished casting her Healing Magic, Krul, Tina, and Alice, who had advised him to give up earlier, stood up and faced Kagami. He had recovered his stamina as he spoke, thanks to his Skills.

“This is my answer. That's why I will never give up, even if you tell me to.”

He clearly declared his intention with those words.

“Finding the answer to such a thing, depends on yourself.”

Kagami turned his back to them and headed towards Mecea, who was walking towards them at a really slow speed from far away.

Then he muttered, “Healing no longer works…This is the end.” He abandoned the tactic of run-and-strike that he had been using until now. He bent his waist while concentrating and began to release a white aura from his entire body, bright enough to be visible.

The overwhelming white aura swirled around Kagami. This change was too sudden, and everyone gazed at him doubtfully.

“What is that…You still have something?”

“I remembered that I can use this Skill. It's a Skill I couldn't use when I was Level 900. If I use it, my HP will drop to 10 and I won't be able to move after using it. In exchange, it doubles my Status.”

“Doubles…!?”

They were shocked. Even if it only doubled Kagami's Status for an instant, he would have a power comparable to a Level 999 Hero.

“Although I really wanted to get stronger by fighting that thing more, this isn't the time for that, right? I'll get strong enough to defeat that thing so…this is the end. Let's compare our strength, shall we?”

At that moment, Rex sneered. He had managed to figure out why Kagami had become stronger without needing anyone to tell him. Considering the fact that Kagami possessed a skill that allowed him to grow stronger by gaining experience, the items that he could have obtained from fighting strong enemies, and the reason Kagami fought barehanded, there was only one conclusion. Rex realized why Kagami had rushed up to the Mecea by himself.

“The goal this time is different. If that's the case, then you, Villager…no, Kagami! Use this!”

At that moment, Rex tossed his sword to Kagami, who stopped and caught it with one hand.

“Although it's not the Legendary Sword, it's still a fine sword (TN: wazamono) forged by a master craftsman. Go! Go, accomplish our goal!”

As soon as Rex finished speaking, Kagami smiled and released a pressure strong enough to push everyone back. Then, Kagami's figure disappeared. Although they could trace his path with their eyes, they couldn't actually see him.

He was moving so swiftly that, even though they couldn't see him, they could see the shockwaves left in his wake. The earth of Astro scattered into the sky, as if a series of explosions had occurred.

These invisible shockwaves approached Mecea and the enemy Monster troop. They attacked Kagami using long range Heat Beams, but none of them hit him.

【Skill: Limit Release】

This Skill didn't actually double a person's Status. Normally, humans could only exert up to 30% of their true strength. This Skill released a person's natural inhibitor and temporarily allowed them to access 70% of their true strength. Even if this was a power that appeared normally, the astonishing Kagami only pulled out twice the amount of power. With this skill, the living beings of this world could draw out power which others would be incapable of stopping.

“Even with the Level 999's growth limit, this skill doesn't give a shit about the world's ploy.”

Kagami evaded several Monster attacks, quickly arriving before Mecea's feet. He gripped Rex's sword in his right hand while yelling that, and bent his waist, preparing to attack.

Immediately after, he opened his eyes, clenched his teeth, and kicked off the ground with all his power, jumping towards Mecea.

The jump of this human cannonball, which shot off directly towards Mecea at an inhuman speed, created a shockwave that blew away most of the surrounding Monsters.

Although Kagami was a mere Villager…no, it was because he was a Villager that he had accomplished such a feat.

Abandoned by God, he had continued to fight back, and no matter how many times the barrier called limits stood in his way because of his role as a Villager, he had always relentlessly overcome it. And then, the conclusion.

“My limits…I will decide them!”

He unleashed a single attack, swinging his sword upwards. He had swung the sword with all of his power as he jumped, causing the attack to surpass human limits. Just a single, unimaginable attack.

【Overbreak】

Mecea was pushed upwards by the power of Kagami's attack, and the solid, black armor was split, like a piece of paper getting sliced in half. The tip of the sword moved faster than the speed of sound, creating a hollow shockwave and quickly tore the armor apart. When the armor around Mecea's head was destroyed by Kagami's single attack, the figure of a worn out Demon King appeared.

“Hey, Shishou. It's been a while.”

Kagami, who had jumped up into the air, exchanged a glance with the Demon King and muttered those words. The Demon King lost consciousness with a smile, as if he were relieved.

“Father!”

Mecea flashed and vanished, becoming a spec of dust, as if it had been eaten by the heavens. What remained was a weakened Demon King, lying down on the barren land. His dark brown hair was combed straight back from his forehead. With his aged face and his beard, he had the features of a middle-aged man.

Douglas Balnesio. This was the Demon King's name. He was Kagami's benefactor who had allowed him to get stronger. Nine years ago, when humans and demons had just begun to doubt their relationship with each other, Kagami embarked on a journey to the Demon King without hesitation. Making it to the Demon King's abode was nothing short of a miracle. He stealthily trespassed into the Demon King's castle and, while trying to remain hidden, accidentally arrived at the Demon King's bedroom. The Demon King had taught Kagami many things after finding him.

“Alright, how do you feel?”

“It seems…you have gotten a bit stronger. Will you…kill me?”

“Nono, I have been fighting to save you, you know?”

While letting out a sigh, Kagami replied to the Demon King, who was lying down. The Demon King smiled while lightly laughing at him, and muttered '…Like always, you're an odd Villager.”

From the Demon King's perspective, someone like Kagami was rare. Only Kagami, a normal Villager who had just exceeded Level 100, would have suddenly come into his room, without any killing intent, and asked him the puzzling question, 'What do you think of humans?'.

The Demon King felt nostalgia over the days he had used his position as a Demon to train Kagami, who had wanted the power to change his current situation.
The Villager had rushed out during his training, saying that he would somehow fix the relationship between Demons and humans, and now, here he was in front of him, nine years later.

The Demon King intuitively guessed that he had likely experienced many setbacks after hearing Kagami, who had fought to save him, mutter that and seeing a worried Alice beside him.

“I've made you worry…Alice.”

“Kagami-san came to save you……Takako-chan and Rex-san's group too.”

As she said this, the Demon King slightly shifted his unmovable body and looked at his surroundings. There was a martial artist whose physique was more rugged than his own and his servant, Menou. Then, there was the presence he guessed belonged to the Hero's Party, who were looking at him with bewildered expressions.

“It's quite the unique party. The Hero there…it would be easy to kill me now, you know?”

“…We have yet to reorganize ourselves. We don't have any plans to kill you in such a situation.”

Rex gripped the sword Kagami had returned, suppressing his impatient urge, and headed towards the Monster troop surrounding the Demon King.

Even though the Monster troop had them surrounded, they didn't try to attack Kagami and Rex's group at all. Although Rex's group didn't know what they were planning, it was a very favorable situation for them. Rex's group and Kagami looked ready to fight, but they were so weak that they couldn't take another step.

“If I decided to kill you…!”

While she spoke, Palna pointed her palm at the Demon King. This was just an empty threat, since she no longer had any magic power. Back when her life had been in danger, she had genuinely wanted to see his reaction in a similar situation. Would he show an ugly appearance as he begged for his life? Or would he accept it without complaints?

However, the Demon King's reaction greatly differed from Palna's expectations. The Demon King laughed. He laughed regrettably, like it couldn't be helped. As if he were accepting the world's ploy.

Alice was standing next to her father and looked at Palna with teary eyes, as if pleading for her to “Stop it.”

“I won't allow you to kill Alice-sama and Demon King-sama as long as I'm alive.”

Palna's mood worsened, feeling as if she had been toyed with by fate. After seeing Menou stand in her way to protect Alice and the Demon King, she wordlessly retracted her hand and turned away.

“Menou…I'm really thankful you assisted Alice. I'm proud to have a subordinate like you.”

“Don't be preposterous…Everything regarding Alice-sama is thanks to Kagami-dono.”

After conversing with Menou, he looked at Alice and Kagami with a 'fuu'. As he watched Alice forcibly stuff the last potion down Kagami's throat, the Demon King smiled. He believed from the bottom of his heart that sacrificing his life would be a cheap price to pay if it accomplished his ideals.

“But…it is necessary to know the true intentions behind these events. Estellar…you, what are you planning to do?”

At the Demon King's words, everyone turned to face Estellar who was nonchalantly floating in the air. Estellar had been quiet, as if contemplating something, while gazing at Kagami and the Demon King.

“Although I had put in considerable effort to borrow the Demon King's power in order to threaten the humans, since the next opportunity won't appear regardless of how long I wait…I see. This is annoying.”

Estellar's mysterious words resounded in their minds.

“What the hell…is next?”

Kagami asked the question everyone had on their minds.

“Let me give you a few hints on how to beat the crap out of the guys who made this world. There are two ways. The first one…is to kill the Demon King.”

After deliberating over whether to tell them or not, Estellar replied with a sigh, as if it couldn't have been helped. The only one who understood the hint was Kagami. The others simply looked like they wanted to inquire further.

Kagami had originally considered this issue. Even though Estellar had obtained the Demon King's vast pool of power, why did he not try to kill them? Didn't he have a separate goal of eliminating humans?

If the goal was to eliminate humans, weren't there more effective ways to invade? Why did he pretend to be hostile, as if he wanted to…spread it throughout the world? Why did he resort to taking Salumeria? Why were all of the Salumerian citizens allowed to run away without being intercepted and killed?

With normal invasions, Kagami had always felt as if there was an ulterior motive. However, with that answer, he came to understand Estellar's words. By making them feel threatened, wouldn't that lead to the rise of an existence capable of defeating the Demon King?

“Dismissal…!” (Kagami)

Due to his comprehension, Kagami declared that. He had always worried about following the world's system.

“Right?…That's why it's difficult. I have yet to find any records of this being done before now. However, it's a different issue if you were aiming for that originally.” (Estellar)

“I don't understand what you're trying to say at all, though?” (Kagami)

“Show me the item you will need to obtain to complete your goal. The other method.” (Estellar)

“You mean…the 10,000 gold item?” (Kagami)

Estellar nodded to Kagami's question. He couldn't understand why Estellar let him know that. However, Kagami finally gave into the feeling that he was being asked for a favor. He couldn't understand the reason even though Estellar had told him that while looking at him steadily.

“Who…are you? Are you not a subordinate of the Demon King?”(Kagami)

Estellar only muttered, “I was destined to be a subordinate by fate,” in reply before extending his arm and directing his palm towards the Demon King. The Demon King was wrapped in a violet light released from Estellar's palm, and soon, his figure vanished, as if he had ceased to exist.

“Demon King-sama? You bastard…Estellar! Where did you take Demon King-sama!” (Menou)

“Estellar! Return my father!” (Alice)

Menou and Alice yelled at Estellar while looking worried to death.

“I have collected Demon King-sama. If you want me to return him, show me how you will accomplish it…the other method. That's right, the time limit is…one year. If you are still struggling by then, I will use Demon King-sama once again, and I will destroy humanity with all of my power.” (Estellar)

Estellar muttered, “I wonder which side will survive next time,” and then his body was wrapped in violet before his figure vanished, just like the Demon King.

Worried about the implication of killing the Demon King in a year, Kagami furrowed his brows and wore a baffled expression.

“Even though…I finally met father.” (Alice)

With half her body already sagging, Alice ended up collapsing and sat down while muttering that weakly.

“Please look….The Monsters are!” (Tina)

Tina was pointing at the Monster troop that was heading back towards the Demon King's Castle, while completely ignoring Kagami's group and abandoning the battle.

After they disappeared, Kagami's group stood alone, already sick of everything in the Astro Wasteland. Although they had been able to protect Salumeria and confirm the safety of the Demon king, they all had a big lump in their chests from dissatisfaction.

Many of Estellar's words were mysterious, and then there was the issue of defeating the Demon King and obtaining the 10,000 gold. It was like they hadn't understood this world. They were left with negative feelings while worrying over that unsolvable problem.

“What will we do…now?” (Krul)

Krul suddenly raised the question while Kagami was gazing after the Monster troop that was disappearing over the horizon.

“What will you guys do?” (Kagami)

“I…” (Krul)

Krul considered the question seriously, even though Kagami had yet to look away from the Monsters. To be honest, she couldn't decide what was right or wrong. Krul and Kagami shared the same dilemma. At least Alice had a parent and child relation to the Demon King, and that wouldn't change.

The others had the same thought as well.

“I want to listen to your opinions, what do you plan on doing from here?” (Rex)

Although he had initially begun on a journey to defeat the Demon King, Rex was worried about whether he had decided to do that by his own will or by the will of the world.

Rex, who had been gazing into the distance with a lost look, asked Kagami.

When faced with that question, Kagami twisted his body left and right while groaning with a worried look as he pretended to think about it. Then, suddenly, as if he had thought of something, he snapped his fingers with a 'pachin.'

“Alright, to start with, I'm going to open up a Casino!”

Is what he said.

“””””Hah?”””””

Everyone there exclaimed that with their heads inclined in reply to Kagami's completely unexpected and baffling words.

Chapter end