Story of The Ancient Demon King!-Chapter 97.1: Erika’s Talent

Chapter 97 – Erika’s Talent

The monster that was unleashed rampaged with fury.

Without form or shape, its rage lashed out with sheer tyranny.

“Grr!“

With its great axe it chipped away at the bridge, with its fists it crushed it, and it would continue until every living being in its sight were obliterated.

“–”

A blue-haired beastman, whose mouth was covered by a mask, lunged at the frenzied monster.

“–!”

With blue flames dwelling in both his fists and legs, he instantly delivered six hard blows to the orc’s chest and abdomen.

The huge figure fell down with a loud noise.

“[Blue Flames]…!”

“So, Souryu-dono’s (1) here!“

Commander of the Second Division of the [Order of the Bannerless Knights] (2), Souryu!

Combining his blue flames and fighting techniques with the extremely high physical ability of a canine beastman, he was one of the best fighters, only below the First Division Commander in terms of prowess.

“Hmph! –Chii!”

Alto leapt at him and slashed down with his great sword.

However, the great sword aimed at the orc’s neck was easily knocked away by a roughly wielded great-axe.

“I will have to thank Zeke for sending you…”

“……”

Souryu, who generally stayed silent, nodded to Alto.

He was very dependable.

Everyone was convinced that the combination of Alto and Souryu would win.

Even an immortal monster should be defeated by them.

Yes, as long as they remained in this state, there was no chance of defeat…

♢♢♢♢

Erica sprinted after Kelly, as he ran away.

Kelly fled to an area of the old exterior wall that was usually off-limits to the public.

Two intimidating walls stood tall, looking as if they overlapped.

These walls had a history of continuously protecting against the invasions by other kingdoms in the past.

However, a new wall had recently been built on the other side, and because it was built so strongly, it was difficult to tear down, so it had been left unattended.

Erica knew that she had been lured into this area, because Kelly’s steps felt… relaxed.

She had a feeling that she would not be able to shake him off.

“–!”

“Huh?”

She gained thrust by springing from the back of her legs, and ran along the wall in front of Kelly.

“Shh!“

“Nu!”

Erika drew her sword.

The orange trajectory of her magic drew a beautiful semicircle.

“…beautiful and sleek. Have you improved your skills further?“

He traced the tear in the uniform on his chest with his finger and asked in a pleased tone.

“…Why do you only target new recruits?”

“Oh, you noticed.”

To get Erika’s attention, Kelly had made the knights scream by mercilessly wielding his whip.

But the ones who he targeted were all new recruits that Alto had brought along to gain experience.

“Did you know that knights who are prepared and experienced are less likely to scream?”

“No. And I didn’t want to know.”

Erika’s eyes were sharp, and she drew her sword smoothly, just like her teacher.

“Then do you know the reason why the knights you had with you did not come?”

“……”

She believed that the rest of the group, except for those who were chasing the orcs and the priest, were divided into two groups: those who were chasing Kelly along with her, and those who were trying to corner Kelly by intercepting him.

Since it was clear that they were being lured, she had them act while keeping the number of knights in mind.

♢♢♢♢

“…what is…?”

In this area near the entertainment district which was far from the city, there were people who preferred to live comfortably without forming families or getting jobs.

They lived in abandoned buildings.

However, when some of them came to see what the commotion was about, they found the bodies of slaughtered knights strewn around.

The stench of death filled the air, and corpses soaked in puddles of blood laid in a heap.

“..oo…aa…”

“Sir, Sir! Be careful!”

A bloodstained knight tried to pass a message while facing the dying light of life.

“Please, god! …reinforcements! … Her Highness Erika-“

“…This… is a disaster!”

Pushing his skinny old body to its limit, he ran for a more crowded area.

“Hu, hu…! Ah, you guys! You guys, you guys from the food stalls! There’s trouble!“

♢♢♢

“With my strategy, we can defeat a large army with a few elite troops. The only one left is you….”

“……”

“You will be the bait that brings that servant here. I will not accept such a shameful end. This time, let us face off with our full might-“

“That’s enough. Shut up.”

It seems he had slaughtered so many knights and had lured her away all just to have a rematch with Glass.

“I don’t like you very much, as usual. I can’t let you go. I’ll definitely… slay you here.”

Her usual cheerful and friendly atmosphere had disappeared, and she was poised with a blade-like sharpness, as if she was a different person.

She moved with a cold mind, an angry heart burning inside.

“…You are too talented, too deadly, too fierce to be left alone, princess.”

Kelly said gleefully, but Erika dipped her sword to her waist and bent low.

“–”

“Hmph!”

Kelly’s whip flew out like a viper, baring it’s fangs at Erika.

But…

“Hm?“

She moved in a zigzag pattern at high speed, dodging Kelly’s whip as she approached.

“Whoa!“

He backed away and fought with the reach of his whip, but the distance between them was closing in.

“–”

She drew her sword.

(1) -dono means lord/master.

(2) They’re one of the mercenary guilds that appeared before in earlier chapters.