Ritzken Empire, the second day of the defense of the capital, Larrichmond.
As expected, the Demon Lord's army began their advance after sunrise.
"How are you feeling, Nyau?"
Nyau and I are standing in the same position as yesterday, on top of the western fortifications. We walked here while holding hands, and we are still holding hands.
"I'm in perfect condition, even better than yesterday."
"I see."
I feel relieved upon hearing Nyau's response.
"Nyau, let's survive today together. And then, maybe we can have a wedding."
I said this but felt embarrassed, so I averted my gaze. I felt something softly hit my chest. When I looked, Nyau was hugging me.
"It's a promise! Absolutely, absolutely!"
While hugging me, she asserted that. Her sincere determination was cute.
"Yeah, absolutely."
I nodded and gently stroked her hair.
As I did so, I felt her warmth. It's my duty to protect her.
"We have confirmed the Demon Lord army's advance!"
We heard a soldier's voice shouting. It seems like the battle has begun.
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The beginning was not much different from yesterday.
Aerial attacks by dragons and ground offensives by a force composed of demons.
As before, Nyau was responsible for shooting down the dragons in the sky.
"Inferno Infinite Annihilation Cannon, Destriete!
Like that, Nyau shot down the dragons one after another.
There seem to be more dragons today than yesterday.
I've been watching several dragons fly over the walls and invade the town since earlier, thinking about such things.
"Nyau, are you okay…?"
"Yes… I'm still okay."
She said that, but you could tell from Nyau's expression that fatigue was accumulating.
I hope she can hold out like this.
Just as I thought that…
From a dragon flying high in the sky, I sensed something falling.
It was clear that the falling object was aimed at Nyau.
"Nyau!!"
While shouting that, I grabbed Nyau's body and moved away.
A loud thud echoed.
Something had crashed down where Nyau had been just a moment ago.
"It's you. The one who killed many of my precious subordinates."
As something crashed down, he muttered this and moved closer to Nyau.
"Die!!"
Then, he raised a large sword.
So, I used the "Blazing Sword" to block the attack.
"Kiska!!"
"Don't worry about me. I'll take care of this."
Despite trying to act tough, I couldn't help but feel anxious about whether I could handle this guy in front of me.
After all, the one standing before me was…
"You think a loser like you can do anything to me!"
It was the Demon Lord Zoga.
"Shut up, you're the loser here."
Using "Provocation" I deftly evaded his attack, I aimed for his weak points and thrust my sword.
"Damn, that hurts."
He said that and clicked his tongue.
"――huh?"
Is it really possible?
My sword is piercing the head of the Demon Lord Zoga like this. And yet, I haven't sustained a single injury.
"Fire magic, fourth tier, Scorching Flame Fuego Trio!"
Suddenly, a mass of fire is released at Demon Lord Zoga from behind.
I immediately recognize that it's Nyau's magic.
"Hmph, such a feeble magic won't have any effect on me!"
Saying that, Demon Lord Zoga easily brushes aside the fireball Nyau had released.
"How about trying a magic that can defeat a dragon on me? Well, before that, I'll have to kill you first."
As Demon Lord Zoga suggests, the Ninth Tier, Inferno Infinite Annihilation Cannon is a magic that takes a considerable amount of time to cast. Before Nyau could finish casting it, Demon Lord Zoga will already get close enough, and Nyau will be killed.
"So, which one of you should I kill first?"
Saying that, Demon Lord Zoga approaches.
"Both of you can die together!"
Saying this, Demon Lord Zoga swings his large sword sideways.
I try to intercept it with my sword to protect Nyau.
"Agh!"
I couldn't fully block it, and I'm forcefully blown backward with great force.
"Kiska-san, are you okay?"
Saying that, Nyau rushes over with a concerned expression.
"Run."
"Huh?"
"I said, run, now!"
I can't win. No matter what, I can't defeat Demon Lord Zoga with my own strength. So, at the very least, all I can do is get Nyau out of here.
"I don't want to."
"Huh?"
"I can't leave behind someone I love, Kiska."
Nyau grips her staff and turns to face Demon Lord Zoga.
"You'll die now!"
He says this as the approaching figure of Demon Lord Zoga draws near.
"Nyau!"
It's no good. At this rate, Nyau will be killed!
"Barrier magic, First Tier, Barrier Este."
In an instant, a barrier is deployed to protect Nyau.
It was a sight I had seen before.
"I'll take on the Demon Lord. So, the rest of you, get out of here quickly."
It was the Grand Sage Aglupus who was there.
"Thank you! Nyau, let's go!"
On impulse, I grab Nyau's hand and move away from the scene. Perhaps, with the Grand Sage Aglupus there, there might be a chance to somehow deal with Demon Lord Zoga. With that hope in my heart.
Crunch! I hear a sound of something being scattered.
Wondering what that sound was, I turn around.
There, I see the figure of the Grand Sage Aglupus, whose body has been torn in half.
"Don't let these small fry stand before me."
Those were the words of Demon Lord Zoga.
It was his hand that had pulverized the Grand Sage Aglupus in an instant.
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