Chapter 52: Esperanza Retrieval Battle - Part 2.
"I can't be saved anymore... the demonic inscription engraved in my life core has already been activated..."
The demonic inscription is a method of execution where a curse is engraved on the life core, the source of a demon's life, using dark magic. Though it's illegal to impose such a curse on a noble like Sonia without consent, during covert operations outside the country, it becomes a different story. Executing someone secretly with this curse leaves no room for complaints.
"The curse inscribed on me will explode. Its power will be enough to easily obliterate this fortress. Count Gomis intends to use me and detonate the fortress with me inside. There's still time. Please take me to a secluded place."
Sonia pleaded tearfully.
"No, don't give up. There must be some way... something."
I thought about cutting the curse with the Deathscythe, but it's directly engraved on her life core, and any attempt would harm her. Maybe if my Deathscythe's level was higher, it would be possible, but right now, it's impossible for me.
There is another way, though. If I kill Sonia and perform a summoning contract, her soul could continue to exist, but that's the last resort. I don't want to bind someone as proud as her to me.
I'll check Sonia's status again.
[Name] Sonia
[Race] Demon (Noble)
[Age] 16
[Status] Demon Inscription (Explosive)
[Level] 59
[HP] 8984
[MP] 9982
[Attack] 9987
[Defense] 8991
[Agility] 8439
[Intelligence] 9394
[Skills] Miasma Manipulation, Monster Domination, Physical Resistance (Strong), Dark Magic (Intermediate), Stealth, Teleportation (Short)
...In the status, there's "Demon Inscription (Explosive)." Could it be considered a status abnormality? If that's the case...
"Sonia, please consider drinking this without being deceived. If this doesn't work, I'll take responsibility and make you mine."
"Huh? Y-yours? What do you mean... I-I understand, I'll try drinking it..."
Sonia drank the sacred water, and her dantian began to faintly glow as the demonic inscription on her vanished. It seems the curse was indeed treated as a wound on her life core. Thank you, Mikoto-san, for saving her again.
"What...? It's gone... the curse is gone? Did I... get saved?"
Sonia's shoulders trembled. She must have been terrified. I gently stroked her head.
"You're safe now. You've done well on your own. Sonia, you're truly a strong girl, and I admire that."
Sonia buried her face in my chest and cried silently. She must have been careful not to alert any enemies. Ah, I wish I had a skill to block sound.
I held Sonia tenderly, patting her back.
"Please don't treat me like a child! I-I'm a full-fledged adult... but, thank you."
Blushing and puffing her cheeks, Sonia protested. I wonder if she's alright now.
"By the way, since you helped me, let's grant you three wishes!"
"Are you a genie from a lamp!?"
"Huh? Demonkind is a very principled race. Come on, tell me anything you want. Ah, but nothing lewd or asking for more wishes, okay?"
"...Is that not allowed?"
"Huh... why do you look so disappointed?! Which one are you choosing?! Uhm... But I think it won't hurt if it's just... a little..."
"W-well, if just a little is okay... make it five wishes then."
"Wha... you idiot!"
***
"Haa... Have you safely infiltrated, milord? Storm's Edge!"
"Don't worry, Sylphy, Purgatory's Inferno!"
"That's right. Kakel-kun should have no problem attracting more girls. Flare Burst!"
"What's wrong, Chloe? You've been silent all this time. Bloody Rain!"
Eva swept away the monsters that attacked Chloe.
"...I smell an unfamiliar woman."
Chloe narrowed her eyes, sniffing the air.
"Ahahaha! As expected of Kakel, you're impressive, man."
Even facing 100,000 monsters, they were held back and reduced in number by Primela's top forces.
Seemingly impatient, two demons appeared.
"Oh, there's a fine lady here. First come, first served."
"Gehehe, we're itching for a fight. Entertain us!"
The demons found Chloe's group and began assessing them with crude laughter.
"...Every single one of you demons... Just die there!! Aqua Cage!"
The demons were trapped in the water cage created by Mitsuha.
"Glub, glub, glub (I can't breathe)."
"Um, Mitsuha-sama? By any chance, is there a way to break this water cage? Grand Tree Creation!"
"It's simple. If you use water or fire stronger than what I can produce, you might destroy it, Sakura."
"Sakura, be careful not to upset Mitsuha-sama. Flying Sword Autoclaire!"
Sakura looked frightened, and Celestina smiled wryly.
(My Lord, please be safe...)
***
"Hey, Sonia..."
"What is it, Master-sama?"
Sonia smiled brightly. Cute, definitely cute, but...
"Isn't it strange to call me Master? I'm not your master, right?"
"If I think of you that way, isn't it fine? Or... was it bothersome?"
"N-No... It's not a problem, but..."
"Then there's no issue! Now, shall we go, Master-sama?"
"Y-Yeah."
The two of them continued to defeat the remaining demons.
"By the way, Sonia, you can use teleportation, right? Can I teleport with you?"
"...It's possible, but the conditions are quite strict. Want to try?"
"Sorry, then please teleport us to the front of that room."
He pointed to a room about 50 meters ahead.
Short-range teleportation allowed them to travel only within their clear line of sight.
"Understood. Hold me tightly."
"Got it, like this?"
"No... It's not enough. Get closer!"
"Alright, like this?"
"Mmm... That's better. Now, while looking at me, kiss me."
"Sonia, are you sure about this?"
"Hehe, just kidding! Teleport!"
With a momentary floating sensation, they teleported in front of the room.
"I've memorized short-range teleportation."
"Teleportation is amazing! Thanks, Sonia."
He kissed Sonia on the forehead.
"W-W-What are you doing, Master-sama! That's unfair! Since I didn't quite get it, let's do it again—"
"Sonia! The demons inside are coming out!"
"Wait! Leave it to me. Dark Bind!"
The demons that emerged from the room were restrained by a jet-black serpent, unable to move.
Quickly, he defeated the demons with Death Scythe.
"I learned Intermediate Dark Magic."
"Level up!"
"Level up!"
"Level up!"
"Thank you, Sonia. You're amazing!"
"By the way, didn't you have something to say earlier?"
"...I-I don't know anymore."
Sonia blushed and looked down.
"Now, my Lord, we must hurry!"
"Alright, let's move!"