Reincarnated Devil's Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~ - Chapter 29

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

Chapter 29   A token gesture of deterrence from the lesser demon.

“You’re quite something. I’ve heard that the Captain of the Holy Knights in this country is the strongest in history, and it seems that rumor was true.”

While pondering over the techniques of physical enhancement employed by demons, the battle progressed. As they momentarily distanced themselves from each other, Gaius finally assumed a stance of his secret technique, deftly seizing the opportunity while maintaining a vigilant watch, interspersing their exchange with conversation.

“Not at all. You, too. I’m glad I intervened when my subordinate, the gatekeeper, was being reckless back then. If a warrior of your caliber had decided to wreak havoc, our country would have suffered immense damage. I’m truly grateful that I was able to settle things before incurring your displeasure, the most powerful warrior I’ve ever seen, including the noble lady.”

“Well, sorry for causing you trouble.”

Although their voices were loud enough to be unheard by ordinary people due to their distance, with my devil ears, I could easily catch their conversation. It’s natural, or perhaps it’s what I expected.

It seems that even before entering the Holy Kingdom, the Captain of the Holy Knights had some understanding of our capabilities when we were stopped at the city gate. However, it seems he doesn’t know much about me.

But well, it’s natural for someone as strong as him to make such judgments.

And it’s probably because there were two individuals like Gaius and Elsa, recognized by such a formidable figure, that he put a stop to any unnecessary sacrifices among the gatekeepers before it happened. Plus, despite differences between demi-humans and humans, in the end, they share a common enemy in demons.

During this time when the existence of a saint is revealed, no one knows what kind of problems might arise. Therefore, the arrival of strong warriors was likely welcomed in that sense as well.

“Well, that’s exactly it. For warriors who hold me in such high regard, I must show respect. It’s about time to settle this.”

“Huh!?”

…Oops.

Anyway, it’s about time to make his move.

Gaius’s magical power surged suddenly, causing the surrounding space to tremble.

“This is the first time I’m using it in a match, so I can’t guarantee I’ll hold back. Don’t die on me, Captain of the Holy Knights. Here I go—”

—Ultimate Warrior Awakening Secret Technique Super Devil Bat Assault.

At that moment, Gaius disappeared from the spectators’ sight.

Well, that’s how it seemed, or at least it wouldn’t be entirely wrong to say so.

After all, his sword was already poised at the neck of the Captain of the Holy Knights, the gleaming cyan blade of his Ice Dragon Sword signaling the end of the match.

Unable to cope with the speed, the Captain of the Holy Knights’ sword was partially severed, making a clanging sound as it rolled onto the stage.

It was a flawless conclusion that no one could dispute.

“T-That’s enough!”

Amidst the tension enveloping the stage, the referee, judging that the match had reached its conclusion, announced the end of the match.

Hmm, it seems our servant has safely secured victory.

“Hmm… He let your guard down, Captain of the Holy Knights. Well, I guess that’s to be expected on his first encounter.”

Well, it’s quite a sudden acceleration, isn’t it? Even if you know something is coming, you wouldn’t be able to react until you feel that speed firsthand.

“No, it’s a bit different from letting his guard down. They were both giving it their all until halfway through, so he should have recognized that the other person wasn’t someone to be underestimated. However, that’s precisely why he couldn’t respond.”

“So, it means that the calculations didn’t match up between the strength before activating the technique and the strength after activation, catching him off guard.”

“Exactly. This is akin to assassination techniques that exploit the gaps in awareness, a method familiar to us assassins.”

I see, now that you mention it, that makes sense. From my perspective as a demon, this kind of body enhancement is too standard to catch me off guard. However, from a human standpoint, if you suddenly get attacked with several times the strength and speed after giving it your all, it doesn’t matter how skilled you are; it’ll catch you off guard.

Understood.

“But now, Ars has lost one advantage. Probably, that kid they call the ‘prodigy of the sword’ is watching this match. Well, it’s all part of the experience, though. Everything is a learning opportunity.”

“Yes. The outcome varies depending on whether one is aware of such techniques existing in this world or not. However, as you mentioned, if we consider it in terms of Ars’s training, experiencing such unexpected attacks will be more valuable than relying on them to win.”

Since he has such a great opportunity with rivals and friends, it would be a shame to settle for something like this. I want Ars to engage in even more heated battles.

In that case, Gaius showcasing his strength here could be considered a fine play.

Alright, once the trip is over, I’ll reward him by teaching him a new technique.

“Indeed, Gaius is strong. I’ve got to give it my all too!”

“Yeah, go for it. Your parents are cheering for you from here. It’d be great if you could become friends with those kids too.”

“Yeah! Well then, I’m off!”

With that, Ars jumped from his seat and dashed towards the arena where the final tournament was being held.

Today, as well, my son seems full of determination.

“Well, in terms of equal conditions, is this place suitable? The Holy Maiden’s bodyguards, huh?”

I muttered to myself.

Directing my words at the few individuals who were observing from the shadows, I murmured with just enough volume for them to hear.

Honestly, there’s no need to prepare such scary assassins. Just fight fair and square.

Even if Gaius has achieved more than expected and has become unavoidable halfway through, being too blatant is just too much.

They’re probably on guard about Elsa being a demi-human, but honestly, that’s why I dislike countries that uphold human supremacy.

I wonder if they’re unhappy because a demi-human’s attendant won the championship.

“What shall we do, husband? Ars isn’t here now, so shall we eliminate them?”

“No, it’s fine. Let them be. It’s just that the church isn’t as united as they pretend to be. As long as there’s no harm done, there’s no need to bother.”

Even if the captain of the Holy Knights was satisfied with the outcome as a single warrior, there are those who cannot accept it in terms of the nation’s honor.

Understanding the motives of such individuals, I casually mentioned the information I had gathered as a token of goodwill.

As a token of goodwill, I revealed that Ars can also utilize the same body enhancement that Gaius used.

And now, having already dispersed their presence with the deterrent I just employed, there’s no need to concern myself further.

They must realize by now that it’s too risky to continue.

“Well then, I suppose it’s time to witness Ars valor next. It seems for some reason, that Holy Maiden has an unusually keen interest in him. It’s bound to get interesting.”

And so, finally, the curtain rises on the children’s division of the martial arts tournament, the final tournament.