Vol 3 Chapter 52 – Creeeeepy…

The succubus is a surprisingly underestimated type of demon.

This is likely because its name and the rumors surrounding it don’t pose much of a threat to humanity.

After all, the general human perception of them is, ‘Somehow, they’re hot guys and girls who do pervy stuff to you.’

Since they’re seen as less of a threat than other, more tangible monsters, very few people are actually afraid of them.

Humans are so weak when it comes to sex… I, an inanimate object, will never understand.

While they may not be seen as a major threat, succubi are actually the perfect race for covert operations.

Just like this time, if you can Charm an enemy VIP, you can make them betray their own side.

Of course, it’s not so effective against individuals of a certain skill level, as they have countermeasures for mental attacks, but for someone as powerful as Rayphia—who climbed the ranks to become one of the Four Heavenly Kings—it’s entirely possible.

Then again, it’s not like there are a ton of succubi on Rayphia’s level just lying around.

If there were, humanity would have lost long ago.

What’s more, Charm is supposed to be especially effective on the opposite sex, yet Rayphia is clearly a woman, and so is Melia.

To be able to beguile and Charm a fellow woman who rose to the rank of Hero… she’s an incredible talent.

The kind of talent that would leave its mark on history, even.

“Hmm… Now then, which is it, demon?”

Well, the moment Al set his sights on her, that brilliant future of hers was over, anyway.

“I-It’s not that convenient for you. Even if you kill me, the Charm itself is permanent. You’ll just end up creating one more vengeful Hero, enraged that the person she loves was killed.”

“You think so? Generally, a spell loses its power when the caster dies. For a spell to remain after the caster’s death, either the one who cast it has to be a hero-class talent, or someone who’s still alive has to keep maintaining it, right?”

“…………!”

Rayphia glared as if to say, Don’t say unnecessary things. Her bloodshot eyes were blazing with killing intent.

How odd. When I first met her, she seemed like a much quieter demon.

When your own life is on the line, this is what you become, I guess.

“If we’re going by that logic, this one is a succubus who climbed all the way to the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon Lord’s army. I imagine she’s quite powerful.”

“Hmm…”

Still, to crawl her way up to the Four Heavenly Kings as a succubus… she must be something else.

Even back when I was forced to fight against my will, there weren’t any succubi.

They’re a race that basically specializes in covert ops, after all.

“But this is rather unexpected. For you to defend Melia so ardently…”

Antares looked at Alan in surprise.

He puffed out his chest and declared proudly.

“A Hero isn’t some resource you can just toss aside. It’s not like replacements just pop up out of nowhere. Besides, for better or worse, she was the one who took being a Hero the most seriously. If she gets taken out, all her work is just going to get dumped on me. No thanks.”

“Master, he really is a villain-in-the-making.”

“I told you to stop that!”

Even though they’ve barely spoken, it seems he fully understands how terrifying Al is.

But even if you understand, you can’t escape. That’s the Al-quality guarantee.

“Hmm, that’s true…”

Al put on a show of thinking for a moment.

Well, I can see where Alan is coming from.

Just finding someone compatible with a Holy Sword is rare enough.

And even if they become a wielder, the extent to which they can draw out the Holy Sword’s power varies from person to person.

For example, Al, who yanked me out by force and has been abusing me ever since, can barely use any of my power.

Because I haven’t acknowledged him.

That’s why he can only use a tiny bit of my power on the rare occasions I decide to acknowledge him.

From what I hear, Melia was able to wield enough power to save a great many people, so she must be a fairly rare type.

If we kill her, we also have to think about a replacement.

…though personally, I think the Holy Sword being used by Melia should just get its act together.

They have their own consciousness, after all.

“Well, it’s a fact she was Charmed and brainwashed. Whether killing this demon lifts it or not… it doesn’t matter either way.”

Oho? Did some ominous words just slip out at the end there?

“Whatever the process, she betrayed humanity and disturbed the peace of the people. That is a fact. Therefore, she must atone for her sin. With her death, of course.”

“Just as the Master says. Alan’s point about the lack of talent is valid, but we can just kill her first and think about it later.”

The hellish Al-Ann combo.

From the very beginning, they had no intention of sparing either Rayphia or Melia.

Kill them first. Think about it after.

The two of them casually say things that can never be taken back.

Man, this is gross…

“Hey, you gotta be kidding me. What are these two? Why were monsters like this ever born?”

“Don’t ask me.”

Alan pressed me, dripping with cold sweat.

I don’t know. I have nothing to do with it.

Even Al was like this from the moment I met him.

I know even less about Antares.

“You have to pay for what you’ve done. Now, don’t move. Not unless you want this one killed before you.”

“Grrr…! You fiend!”

Melia’s anger exploded.

Even if she is Charmed… no, because she is, she probably can’t forgive Al for taking the person she cares for hostage.

However, there was one person who could not tolerate that insult.

“Who do you think you’re talking to, you little brat.”

“Creeeeepy.”

Antares snapped.

She absolutely could not forgive anyone bad-mouthing her beloved Master.

Seriously, that fuse is way too short!

I get the feeling she’d seriously lose it even if someone called Al an idiot, a moron, or anything less than a child.

Besides, it’s not like the assessment of him being a fiend is that far off…

“Kya!?”

As I was thinking that, a massive explosion roared from nearby.

It grew closer and closer…

Until it finally came crashing through a building!

Multiple muscular demons, each the size of a small building.

And the one who had likely been fighting them: Ruru.

The enraged Antares turned to her and grew indignant.

“Honestly! What are you doing, Ruru!”

“Hey, these guys are a real pain in the ass, nya! Besides, fighting while trying to protect someone is super stressful! I can’t move the way I want to!”

Ruru was holding a small child in her arms.

She isn’t built like Al, so fighting while carrying someone must be extremely difficult.

A child who couldn’t evacuate in time, I see.

Really, for all her talk, she does act like a proper Hero.

“Hmph, it can’t be helped. Ann, go and assist her. Killing a woman who can’t even move is easy enough for me to handle alone.”

“Wait, is this guy a complete monster?”

Did you only just notice, Alan?

“Yes, Master!”

“Hah… This is exhausting. I’m out of here. Do whatever you want with her…”

Antares gave a cheerful reply and went off to slaughter the demons, while Alan departed with a grumble, his shoulders slumped.

And so, only Al and Melia were left here.

Rayphia?

Between the damage and the mental stress, she lost consciousness long ago.

“Well now, just the two of us.”

“…………!”

“Hey, I’m here too. And the beat-up Rayphia.”

Al grinned, saying something terrifying.

Melia was intensely on guard.

The terror of having Al tell you, “It’s just the two of us now.”

“Grh…! You fiend, let Rayphia-san go! My precious… my beloved! Don’t you dare touch the one who taught me love, who loved me, with your filthy hands!!”

“Hmm…”

Seeing Melia’s fiery rage, Al stroked his chin as if in thought.

To take the full killing intent of a current-generation Hero and not even bat an eye… his guts are incredible.

Seriously, what is this guy…?

“By the way, there’s something I’ve been wondering about…”

Al didn’t look like he was trying to interrogate or pursue the matter; his expression was that of someone simply trying to solve a puzzle as he asked Melia.

“————You’re not actually Charmed at all, are you.”

“Eh…?”

My mouth fell open.

Not Charmed? What does he mean?

As I stared blankly at Melia…

“…………”

Her intense anger from moments ago vanished in an instant, and with a completely blank expression, she stared intently at Al.

Creeeeepy….