Reincarnated Devil's Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~ - Chapter 122

Reincarnated Devil’s Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~

Chapter 122   Black Knight Jyoku

While Mermel, having finished her information-gathering ego search, was receiving a thorough scolding from an angry Hades, Ars and his childhood friends were in the audience chamber, receiving a direct decree from the pope on the throne. They were to serve as the most powerful support forces for the southern continent, battling the ever-encroaching demon forces.

The ceremony, conducted before the dignitaries gathered from various countries of the Western Continent, was a symbolic ritual performed by the Holy State, an organization devoted to combating demons. Although largely formal, such events are crucial for maintaining the operations of a nation.

“Now, hope of humanity who has overcome the trials bestowed by the Goddess of Creation. Heroes, step forward…”

“Yes.”

Led by the hero Ars, attention was drawn to the saintess Isha, known to many across the Western Continent, and Ein, who had distinguished himself as both a paladin and a sword saint. Kneeling before the pope, the three of them were tapped on the shoulders with a ceremonial sword, receiving their mission in the form of spoken words.

However, the pope’s words trembled. While fulfilling his duty to recognize the savior of this world, he was also burdened with the sorrow of placing even greater responsibility on his beloved daughter.

With the demons invading the southern continent, the pope’s feelings were understandable. This mission meant these young heroes would stand on the front lines of the war against the demons, inevitably clashing with them.

No matter how legendary the hero foretold by prophecy, a human being can still die. However, as a deterrent against the demons, the Holy State receives support from various countries and must not falter in its responsibilities.

Caught between his duty to his country and his love for his daughter, the pope’s inner turmoil was evident in his trembling words.

Having somehow conveyed all his words, the pope presented the ceremonial sword to Ars, speaking with a heart full of sorrow.

“Please… Please, save the world, hero. I won’t ask you to protect my daughter, Saintess Isha, at all costs. But, even so. No matter what, save this world. This is my decree as the pope.”

How much anguish did he feel, having to prioritize the world over the life of his daughter, the saintess? The gathered dignitaries from various countries, usually quick to criticize, sensed the pope’s resolve and silently clenched their fists.

“We will bring salvation to this world, without fail!”

“I’m counting on you.”

While the country will provide all possible support, there are few who can stand against the powerful demons that excel in combat.

Only a few individuals can single-handedly face high-level demons: the Saintess, who possesses innate advantages against certain demon species; the Sword Saint, whose pure swordsmanship has reached the highest level among humans; and the Hero, whose strength exceeds human limits.

Even if there were others who could contend with such threats, it wouldn’t be wise to leave the country undefended by sending all capable individuals away. Hence, these three are the best candidates for the task.

Now, it was up to them. Just as everyone resolved to see them off, something unexpected happened.

── Run, kid!!

── Something terrible has happened～～～～っ!?

A woman’s voice with an androgynous tone and a young girl’s scream echoed through the castle, as a sinister, overwhelming magic power enveloped the entire royal palace.

“…!? Wh-what is this!?”

Caught off guard, the Pope fell to one knee, his body paralyzed by the magic power, his expression one of shock.

Many others present experienced similar reactions; those with low resistance to magic either fainted or were pinned to the ground, unable to move.

“Hades!!!”

“Wha!? Ars, wait!! It’s dangerous!”

“Lord Ars!”

Despite the oppressive magical force, some could still move. These were the Hero, the Sword Saint, and the Saintess.

Among them, Ars, the Hero, reacted immediately to Hades faint voice. He activated his Brave Engine and sped off. Ein and Isha tried to stop him, but he was already moving with the urgency of rescuing a loved one, breaking free from their attempts to restrain him.

This reaction was understandable, as Ars had encountered such overwhelming magical pressure twice before. Ein, his close friend, knew this and hence warned of the danger.

“So, he’s finally made his move, Black Knight Jokyu.”

As Ars continued his high-speed movement, he muttered under his breath: “Black Knight.” The first time Ars and Ein faced this transcendent being in their childhood, they were helpless. The second time, even with four of them, they were severely beaten by this monstrous entity.

“However, I knew. If you were to take action next, you would surely reclaim the Crown Princess Hades before a full clash with the demons.”

── Isn’t that right?

In an instant, Ars rushed through to Princess Isha’s chamber, confronting a towering demon floating in the air.

There, in Isha’s room by the window, was a large hole, and a massive man clad in black armor, holding the unconscious Hades close to his side.

By the way, at this moment, overwhelmed with fear, Mermel hid under the desk, though her shaking rear end wasn’t exactly hidden.

Despite being an elite angel, Mermel had no direct combat capabilities, making her ill-suited for battle. Her hiding technique might need some work, though.

“…You’re the blondie I let go that time, huh? Well, you’ve grown big.”

“Of course. Supported by irreplaceable people, trained by Dad, I’ve come this far. I won’t lose to you anymore. Now, I’m going to settle the score for what happened back then!”

Channeling the fully awakened Brave Engine empowered by his trials, Ars unleashed it at full throttle against the ominous magical power before him.

Unbeknownst to Ars at this moment, the energy he wielded far surpassed even that of the Demon King.

However, the Black Knight merely brushed aside the released energy as if shooing away a bug, showing no sign of wavering or intimidation.

“You seem to be misunderstanding something, so let me clarify. I have no intention of harming the Crown Princess. My mission is to cleanse her contaminated heart, which was caused by the Hero, and refine her into a proper demon. This will pave the way for her to become the next Demon King. Farewell.”

“What!? Are you running away!?”

With these words, the Black Knight disappeared suddenly, as if to say, “If you have a problem, come after me.”