I was on the brink of death.
There wasn't a single part of my body left unscathed. My left arm was still attached, but it wouldn't move properly.
My left eye was gone, leaving me half-blind, though I could still sense mana around the surroundings to predict what was around, so it wasn't a huge problem.
My body being a wreck wasn't the issue. Well, it's not good, but it's something I can manage. I've been through enough nasty experiences by now to deal with situations like this—when I had to fight with an immobile arm or when my vision was shot but the enemy kept attacking.
I've survived similar things a few times.
The real issue was my nearly depleted magic power.
As a human—and a former earthling one at that—my magic reserves are far lower than the creature I'm fighting right now.
The difference is staggering to the point where it almost makes me want to cry.
Even so, I've managed to keep fighting because humanity, in order to compensate for its low magic reserves, has developed highly efficient magic formulas.
By trimming away unnecessary power and maximizing efficiency, we've managed to create spells with drastically reduced energy consumption compared to those of other races.
A result of accumulated wisdom.
In contrast, the opponent I'm fighting to the death is a demon.
Not just any demon—a monstrous mutation with magic far surpassing even elves, known for their powerful magic.
The ruler of the demons—the Demon Lord.
Although, she's a woman.
So, DEMON QUEEN.
She has these beautiful, jewel-like, shining silver eyes.
Her hair is the same colour, gleaming like the moonlit night sky.
And on the side of her forehead, a single horn protrudes, clear as ice.
Her pale pink lips curve in a challenging smile, radiating a captivating allure that pulls everyone in, even here on the battlefield.
While I can barely maintain my combat ability for a week, she could likely unleash her magic nonstop for an entire month, day and night, without ever running out of energy.
With her immense reserves, she doesn't worry about efficiency, casting one overpowering spell after another, each reshaping the very landscape.
Just the other day, a critical hit from my best magic spell only managed to scratch her skin. I couldn't help but feel dejected.
'She's probably using some kind of body-enhancing magic, but it's strengthened to the point where her physical resilience rivals that of Vibranium—the hardest metal in existence.'
Her appearance suggests otherwise, though. Her skin and figure are so beautiful and soft-looking that it feels like the most magnificent statue ever crafted has come to life.
At some point, I gave up on using spells and switched entirely to sword fighting—or rather, Axe fighting, since my main weapon is a 2 handed axe. It's been three days and nights of non-stop combat, but if this keeps up, I'll be the first to die.
The difference in our races is frustrating. Here I am, nearly dead and barely able to move, while she's coming at me with those radiant eyes, thrilled as she slices at me.
If I were fighting a human, I'd have an advantage in magic and stamina. I could probably hold my own against an elf, dwarf, beast folk, or a lesser demon.
But against her, I'm probably at about a third of her strength.
Well, I guess it can't be helped.
If it means defeating her… if it means dying alongside her… that's fine.
Resolving myself, I did not dodge the thrust of the Demon Queen's great sword.
The blade pierced through me, from my abdomen to my back.
A gaping hole appeared in my body, and instead of pain, I felt a scorching heat tearing through me.
My organs were mangled.
She must have expected me to dodge; surprise briefly stalled her movements, and I seized that moment.
My heavy axe, thrust at close range, hit its mark—slicing the Demon Queen's heart.
Coughing up blood, the Demon Queen looked down at her chest, then at me.
And then she smiled.
"You're bold. Choosing a mutual kill to defeat me, are you, Hero?"
Her voice was like the chime of a bell, pleasant to the ears.
"…Well, I've been fighting you for a while now. I figure my life is worth it if it means taking you down. I was starting to think I'd actually lose otherwise."
"Hah! Without that last unnecessary comment, it could have been a decent line. Although, it's true that if we kept fighting, I would have wiped you without any traces!"
"without cou-gh! an-y traces, huh?"
With swords impaled in each other's chests, both of us beyond saving even with healing magic, we exchanged a few lighthearted words.
We had been fighting each other. Not just today, but over and over.
But there was no resentment between us.
Both of us simply had to fight. So we fought.
That's all there was to it.
"Well then, Hero, having you by my side on the road to the afterlife is quite grand. Come! Let's conquer the underworld together! With the two of us, conquest will be easy!"
"Idiot, do it alone. I just want to relax this time."
"What? How small a dream. A real man should aim high!"
"I've done big things. I just killed a Demon Queen. That's enough. Now I just want to take a peaceful stroll, eat something good, and enjoy life."
I shrugged—though my body wouldn't actually move anymore. At least, that's what I wanted to do.
I'm just an ordinary earthling guy.
This fantasy world has been enough.
"Haha, perhaps that's true. That kind of life… doesn't sound too bad."
She laughed.
Even with death approaching, she laughed like a child, so carefree and truly happy.
Her face, despite being dirtied with soot and blood, was still beautiful, without a trace of regret.
Ah, surely… her allies fought alongside her, drawn to protect this smile.
They must have run through battlefields with her, despite everything.
I, on the other hand, do have regrets. I worry about this world's future, and I'm especially reluctant to leave Earth.
I can't deny that I don't want to die here.
But… somehow, I also felt satisfied.
If my life ends here, it wasn't the best, but it was a reasonably good life.
"Then… one day, may I come visit your home? Perhaps you'll make something delicious."
"Sure. But you'll have to make something too. You're a ruler; I bet you've got good taste."
"…I'm the DEMON QUEEN. I'm more the eating type, not the cooking type! I can barely even light a fire!"
"Did you just brag about how incompetent you are?"
I let out a bitter laugh.
Well, I guess it's normal for a ruler to rely on servants for daily tasks.
Maybe she's never even been in a kitchen.
"…Hey, Hero."
"Yeah?"
"Come to think of it, I never did properly introduce myself."
"Yeah… you were always just 'Demon Queen,' and I was 'Hero.'"
The Demon Queen gave a bold smile and introduced herself.
"I am Valencia Alvast, the 52nd Demon Lord of the Alvast Demon Kingdom. I'll allow you to address me by name."
"That's nice. Then I'll call you Valcia."
"Fine, call me what you like."
Then I introduced myself.
"My name is Revan Karl—or Karl Revan if you go by surname first. Feel free to call me whatever."
"Are you a noble?"
"In my country, everyone has a family name. I'm just an ordinary guy."
"Haha, if you're an ordinary person, the world is a terrifying place indeed."
It's the truth, though.
"All right, I'll remember it. Nice to meet you, Revan."
"Yeah, nice to meet you, Valcia."
We exchanged those words—but there would be no more words from her.
Her body stilled, her eyes dim.
Yet, a smile lingered on her face.
A smile of satisfaction, as if to say she had no regrets, that she had done all she could.
Somehow, that smile seemed to save me.
And then, my own consciousness began to fade.
As my body went numb, my thoughts scattered, and everything drifted toward zero, I gazed at her smile until the very end.
As darkness enveloped me, a faint tug—a thread of magic—seemed to bind me to her. Even in death, she wouldn't let go. Or perhaps… I wouldn't.