Volume 6 Chapter 58 Side Braver Xiv (Part Ii)
The Brave party already knows the tale of humans who fought demons in Eubarest.
They also know the aftermath and the impact it had on the Brave team.
Yet, even knowing this, Relix had to ask.
"I'll ask again. Whose story are we talking about?"
"R...Relix-sama?"
Mayuri called out without realizing, but it didn't reach his ears.
Though her words were quiet, the white flames from the sword flickered ominously, reflecting Brave's inner turmoil.
It was more than enough to stir her anxiety.
"That detestable man wielding the black spear. His name was... 'Yukina', I believe."
"He's called 'Black Blade' in the streets, and somewhere else, 'Hero' it seems."
He must have sensed his partner's thoughts.
Setting logic aside, Weiss added to Bael's remarks.
Without any basis, but judging from Brave's state, Bael decided that this was the most effective move, more than claws or iron arms.
"Ah, Weiss lost his right arm back then, and now it's a magic prosthetic. I too almost lost my right arm."
"Why do you need to reveal all that!? You're lucky, your arm is fine. I was completely severed and had no way out!"
Weiss puffed up after hearing the account of the defeat.
That reaction only added credence to what was said.
"...Yukina...again──"
Unconsciously, Relix tightened his grip, causing the hilt of the Holy Sword to creak.
Stronger than the realization of struggling against demons, anger swirled in his chest.
"If their quarrel hadn't started right after we lost our arms, our fate would have ended there."
"Looking back, that was terrifying. The guy we were with, 'Trampling', was bad enough, but Black Blade was seriously dangerous. I can't believe we survived."
The demons dug up memories of their struggle, and each word added unnecessary fuel to Relix's white flames.
The flames that should have been a source of strength for Brave now surged to burn him.
"Stop wasting time – now!!"
"Huh?"
"Whoa!?"
Gabert ran past Relix, swinging his greatsword and slashing at the demons, who quickly jumped back to avoid the blade.
"Damn it!"
"You're being really reckless. But I guess we had no choice with that thing."
Gabert was well aware that his sword swings were clumsy, and he couldn't help but look frustrated.
The reason was that he had moved before Shion's healing magic had fully cured his wounds, and the effects of interrupting the healing process were significant.
However, Gabert was certain that if he hadn't cut off the demons' voices back there, something bad would have happened – not just now, but also later on.
Shion had also sensed something was off and didn't stop Gabert, even though he wasn't as alarmed.
There had been signs of trouble ever since the 'Black Blade' was mentioned in connection with Eubarest, and even before that.
Gabert couldn't pinpoint what exactly was wrong, but his battle-honed instincts as a mercenary told him that he had to move, even if it meant pushing through his injuries.
"Hey Relix! Don't just stand there! Even a low-ranking merc wouldn't get distracted in the middle of a fight!"
"S-sorry, Gabert."
Relix snapped back to attention after Gabert yelled at him.
The scolding seemed to have an effect, as the unstable white flames returned to normal.
However, Gabert's vague sense of unease remained.
Although his injuries weren't fully healed, Gabert had recovered enough to withstand the battle.
With Gabert back on the front lines, the situation began to shift again.
Just as everyone thought that, something strange happened.
The first to notice was Shion, who was watching from the back.
He felt a faint tremor in the air and saw falling stone fragments.
"Something's coming from above!"
This place is at the very bottom of the ruins set up between the canyons.
The ceiling was roaring, and a huge body that looked up at the finished hole began to descend.
He covers his face with his arm against the falling fragments, but when he pushes them away, what comes into view is a 'dragon,' one of the top-ranked monsters.
It is a beast of calamity, also called the 'Evil Dragon,' threatening with its ominous presence.
And on its back, another demon was standing.
"I was late returning, so I came to see how it was. I'm causing trouble, aren't I?"
Relix recognized the demon nodding in understanding.
"You fought at the royal castle!?"
"Long time no see, Brave. Things were hectic back then, so let me formally introduce myself. My name is Nils. Remember it well."
The demon (Nils) conspired with nobles of the kingdom (Arcus) to plot the extermination of the royal family and other powerful figures, aiming to plunge Blesstia into chaos.
However, that scheme crumbled due to the actions of the 'Hero' (Yukina), who acted for the princess (Aina), forcing Nils to retreat because of Relix's bravery.
"If I am at my best now, I wouldn't mind having a *rematch* here. There shouldn't be a lack of worthy opponents to display the power of my new servant, 'Vritra'──but first, I have more pressing work."
Just after Nils murmured this suspiciously, Bael and Weiss leaped, landing next to Nils on either side of the dragon.
"What about that thing?"
"It's right here."
Prompted by the dragon's master, Bael took out a dagger from his pocket.
It had no hilt or decorations and could easily be mistaken for a wooden stick, but the multiple attached 'talisman' papers gave off a strange aura.
This was truly the greatest reason for the fierce battle between the Brave and the demon here.
"Whoa!"
Suddenly, Weiss sprang forward, swinging his right arm, and a massive ice shard collided towards Bael.
It was a powerful magic cast by Mayuri, shattering with a sound like breaking glass.
Weiss flew back from the impact and landed next to Nils again, brushing off the ice shards stuck to him.
"That was close! No room for carelessness! If you understand that, don't pull it out unguarded!"
"I knew you would block it. However, even if she look *young*, she's a member of Brave. There's no reason to underestimate her."
At Bael's words, the light in Mayuri's eyes "suddenly" disappeared, but that's beside the point.
"So all that chatter was just to buy time, huh?"
"I'll admit that's part of the reason. However, it seems Brave-dono has some thoughts about the Hero."
Bael affirmed Gabert's regretful words.
Meanwhile, he whispered to Weiss, conveying his partner's thoughts, and the dragon's master nodded elegantly in response.
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