"Now, there's no one left to disturb us."
After Fluga-sama disappeared, Elysium pulled his tachi out of the
ground.
Then, the barrier that was standing in our way vanished.
"What did you to Fluga-sama!?" Arca shouted.
"You don't have to worry. It's not like she is dead. She would prove to
be a hindrance if she were to be here, so we sent her to meet our
Goddess."
"Your Goddess…? No way, Phinis-sama's seal is already broken!?" I
exclaimed in astonishment.
"Not yet," Elysium shook his head and said, "Though as you can see,
we have Sacred Treasures in our hands, clearly indicating that
cracks have appeared in the Goddess's seal. As such, your
existence is utmost essential."
"My existence what…?"
What the heck does he mean?
As I was confused by his words, Elysium pointed the tip of his tachi
at me and said, "You are the substitute for Olgou, Youngster. By
sacrificing you, who own the power of the Five, the Goddess's seal
will be completely broken. Then you will be reborn as the Demon
King by her hands, and you will be loved and admired as the child of
the Goddess for eternity."
"""""""!?""""""
What the hell is he saying…?
We all were lost for words, and Elysium then smiled boldly and
continued, "The Goddess yearns for a 'child'. An obedient child who
has power close to that of hers and can stay with her for eternity."
"Obedient, child…?"
"Yes. So be proud of yourself, Youngster. You have been chosen for
that venerated role. You possess an immortal body like the gods,
and you also have obtained the power of the Five. You are the only
one who is eligible to receive the love of our Goddess."
"Don't give me that bullshit! I didn't seek their power for such a
reason! I sought their power so that I can create a world where
everyone can spend their time with a smile on their face!"
I denied with all my might, but Elysium plainly told me, "That's
unfortunate. Human smile will not exist in the world we will be
building. Now, be obedient and come with us."
"What do you—"
Right then.
"—Just stop. Whatever you say won't get through him," Arca said,
grabbing my hand.
"Arca…?"
She then lifted up the corners of her mouth and continued, "Rather
than wasting your words on him, we better hurry beat these guys up
and go save Fluga-sama—don't you agree?"
"…Yeah, you're right. Sorry, I got worked up for a while there," I said
in remorse.
The other girls smiled as well.
"Well, don't mind it. That old man's just being crazy as usual," Ophir
said.
"Yeah. Well, the rest of the saints aren't much different from him,
though," Zana said.
"Mm. We won't let you be sacrificed, Exa. We will definitely protect
you," Tirna said.
"Yes, indeed. Although the 'Shield' Saintess stands on the other
side, we are tied with a bond that is the Phoenix Seal. As long as
you are with us—we are invincible!" Magmell shouted.
"Everyone…"
Their words warmth my heart.
In that case.
"—Okay, then let's go all out!"
"""""Understood!"""""
Our battle began.
◇ ◇
"Foolish. You wouldn't have to go through pain had you obediently
came with us."
Needless to say, the one who sighed and said that was none other
than Elysium.
I was the only one who could deal with him.
Our duel could be said to be inevitable.
"That's my line, Elysium. I'm warning you, I'm stronger than before."
"No wonder. You've also obtained Fluga's power. It's a matter of
course," Elysium nodded calmly.
"You're wrong," I shook my head and said, "That may play a part. But
the most important reason is because—I'm fighting with everyone!"
BOOM! A shockwave spread out from me as I transformed into
Vermillion Bird Form—then I took a stance with dual swords in my
hands.
After I did, Elysium said, "Is that so?" before continuing with a terribly
cold voice, "In that case, I shall teach you that the thing you called
bond is nothing more than mere delusion."
With that said, Elysium body enlarged exponentially. He looked so
fearsome that the word 'oni' couldn't be more apt to describe him.