Yuusha Yori Saikyouna Kuro Kishi

The Behemoth was about three meters tall and looked like a black bull with two pairs of sharp, crooked fangs. How fitting for a monster.

On the other hand, the Chimera was around two meters tall and was made up of different animals. It had a lions head, a goats body, and a snake for a tail.

Normally, it would take around five or six people working together to defeat each monster.

That was, if we were facing each of them alone. Facing both of them at once had never happened before.

Until now.

Conrad, Carl, you take on the Chimera.

Ye-yes sir!

Understood.

I gave the two of them orders.

There were four people in the arena who could fight, and two monsters.

Splitting into pairs was a given.

It wasnt like one monster would patiently wait while we dealt with the other one.

Lets get this over with.

Okie dokie.

Claude replied in his usual carefree tone.

I then gave orders to the magicians outside of the barrier.

Of course, I didnt look away from the two monsters.

Magician Corps, Ill separate the two monsters, then well split into two groups. After that, on my signal, make a wall in the middle!

Understood!!

With that, I dashed towards the two monsters. I kicked the Chimera and punched the Behemoth, sending them both flying.

They howled in pain as they slammed against the walls.

Now!

On my signal, the magicians cast their spell. A wall appeared, blocking my vision of the other side.

Such brute strength, as usual.

Shaddup.

I responded to Claudes teasing.

Its not like I had any other choice.

Lets beat this thing.

Yeah, yeah.

There was no sense of tension as we chatted idly while walking towards the Behemoth.

I couldnt see the other side once Commander Chie separated the monsters, but I wasnt worried about them.

I wasnt worried about our side either.

Ill cover you, Vice Commander.

Carl raised his staff, which was embedded with Diamond and Spade magic stones.(TLers Reminder: see chapter 25 to see what the card suits meant)

I couldnt help but marvel at how reliable he had become.

It wasnt just Carl; all of the soldiers had become more reliable.

All of you have become quite dependable, havent you.

I kept my eyes on the Chimera as I spoke.

Hehe, I guess we have. Its all thanks to the Knight Commanders training that weve gotten stronger than we were half a year ago!

Despite his bashful reply, he seemed truly happy.

But I dont want to play tag ever again.

His voice suddenly turned gloomy.

I couldnt see it, but I could tell that his face was had probably paled.

Half a year ago, I could have never imagined speaking with other soldiers like this.

It felt kind of nice.

Well, lets get moving. The Chimera seems ready to pounce too.

Okay. Compared to Commanders game of tag, this is like playing with a kitten.

Was it that scary?

I was always overseeing the Knight Corps training, so I never had the time to see the magicians train. Maybe I should take a peek.

Setting those thoughts aside, I dashed towards the Chimera.

I started off with a light strike at its body.

The Chimeras snake tail blocked the sword before it reached its body.

It was hard, all right.

I leapt backwards, giving myself some distance from the Chimera.

Its lion head sent a fireball at me.

Block!

A rock suddenly appeared in front of me, blocking the fireball.

Sylph Slash!

The Chimera was assaulted by invisible blades of wind.

The monster roared in pain, then set its sights on Carl.

Its heading your way!

Got it!!

I warned Carl.

Whoa there!

He narrowly avoided the monster by jumping to his right.

That would have ended badly half a year ago.

Back then, the magicians werent used to close combat yet.

They used to just give support from afar. If anything ever got close, it would get deadly.

They didnt have much stamina, and their reflexes were dull.

However, in the past six months, they had gotten a lot better. They were a lot more reliable now that they could deal with close combat.

Truly dependable. That person is really amazing.

I murmured as I charged at the Chimera.

That person was currently engaging the Behemoth.

She would probably be done before we beat the Chimera.

I couldnt let myself relax.

I swung my sword at the Chimera.

I didnt think there would come a day when we could be completely at ease in the face of monsters that should be a threat.

Hahaha! Youve also grown used to it, havent you, Raiz.

It would be stranger to have not gotten used to it in this past half year.

We chatted casually as we watched the battle against the monsters.

Hey, Emperor! Why the heck are you so carefree?

Yeah! We have to get away from here. Now!

The two monarchs stressed. Their faces were white with terror.

Their attendants were also panicking.

This is the safest place you can find.

Exactly. There isnt anywhere safer than here.

They looked at us as if we had gone mad.

What are you talking about? The monsters are almost upon us!

The King screeched.

I can hear you loud and clear, you know?

What I am talking about is right there, on the stage. If your Majesties would take the time to calm down and look, youll see what Im talking about.

Huh?

The Kings face turned bright red.

He was like an open book.

With a single glance at the arena below, they could see that there really was nothing to worry about.

On one side, an assassins speed and a knights blade were overwhelming the Behemoth.

On the other side, a mages magic and another knights blade were overwhelming the Chimera.

Any sense of urgency would disappear from watching such a one-sided fight.

Neither Raiz nor the servants were fazed. The servants just continued to serve us tea.

Please do watch as the Empire deals with this threat.

Claude and I attacked the Behemoth while dodging its attacks.

We had the upper hand, but it was STILL a pain.

The Behemoth was classified as a Demon. Claudes weapons, lacking any holy power, had little effect on it.

So I ended up being the one in charge of dealing damage.

Claude used his nimble and agile movements to distract the Behemoth.

It wasnt that I couldnt just beat the Behemoth alone; I just thought that it would be more fun to beat it with a joint attack or something.

Mainly, more fun for me.

Hey, Blacky. Stop thinking that its a pain and looking for ways to have fun.

Claude was right on the mark. Even though he was busy distracting the Behemoth.

How did you know?

It showed from your attitude.

For real?

Ill have to be careful from now on.

Speaking of, shouldnt we finish up soon? I still have to investigate and clean up.

That has nothing to do with me.

Boo, I envy ya.

I sulked.

Claude was right, but I still felt jealous.

Yeah yeah, dont sulk. Ill treat you to some food after this.

Crepes. I want crepes.

Got it. What should we do? It looks like itll take a while.

Despite his out of place words, Claude didnt stop moving.

I answered him while marvelling at his skill.

Step back a bit. Then, stop its movements for a while. On my signal, get the Behemoth to rush towards me.

Okay.

He didnt ask what I was going to do but still did what he was told.

Fighting together with Claude really was easy.

I took some distance.

Due to the wall, there wasnt much room in the arena, but it would do.

I sheathed Sakuya.

Now, Claude.

On my signal, Claude ran towards me, and the distracted Behemoth turned to chase him.

Yeah, come here, Behemoth.

The Behemoths charging speed prevented it from being able to change directions.

I stepped forward as Claude slipped past me.

I could see the surprise on the Behemoths face, but it was too late.

Sakuya slid out of its sheath, and slashed through the charging monster.

The Behemoth took several more steps behind me before collapsing in a pool of its own blood.

Splash! I shook the blood off my blade, then returned it to its sheath.

Hiyah!

I slashed the Chimeras tail in half with all my strength.

It let out a shriek and tried to step on me.

But a slab of rock appeared in front of me, blocking its attack.

Using the rock as a foothold, I leapt onto its lion head.

Youve met your match.

I drove my blade into its lion head with all my might.

While I leapt back, the Chimera let out a howl.

The howl quieted, and the giant beast slowly fell to the floor, unmoving.

Phew.

I exhaled, and the wall dividing the arena disappeared.

Judging by the fact that Commander Chie was just about to sheathe her sword, it seemed that we had finished up at the same time.

YEAAAH! the crowd cheered.

I scanned the cheering crowd.

It was something I had not noticed while in combat, but it turned out that the audience hadnt fled and watched the fight instead.

I could hear my subordinates cheering among the spectators.

Hey, arent they supposed to be leading the people to safety? I heard Chie asking.

Its not like His Majesty fled either, Claude replied.

Oh yeah, he didnt. Hes waving at us.

Even though they just slew a Behemoth, Commander Chie was still chatting casually.

Just as she said, His Majesty was waving at us, and Prime Minister Raiz was smiling in satisfaction.

The two monarchs flanking them could only stare in amazement.

I bowed slightly and then turned to Carl, who had knelt to the floor. His feet had probably lost their strength from the relief.

Hey, ya alright?

Yeah, somehow.

Carl answered, out of breath.

What is it? You tired?

Claude and Commander Chie approached as we spoke.

Of cooouuurse! Vice Commander Aiden fought with me, but it was against a Chimera! I thought I was gonna die for real!

Carl looked pale.

The rest of us chuckled at that.

No- no way.

The Holy King stammered.

That was a rare expression from someone who usually looked down on others.

The other monarch was no different.

As I took a sip of my tea, I smiled at their faces.

I guessed that this was a good time to bring it up.

Incidentally, when are you planning on returning my subjects?

A written complaint had been sent, but they merely answered that it was impossible.

Wh-why bring that up so suddenly?

Suddenly?

Sheesh, have I not given you my reply? It would be too hard to find them. Let it go, Emperor.

The Holy King answered indignantly.

However, that reply was within my expectations.

I had come prepared.

About that. Raiz.

Here it is, your highness.

Raiz handed me two scrolls of paper.

I handed one to each monarch.

Hm? What is this?

They stared dubiously at the papers.

Our lips curled upwards.

That is a record of all the victims, and who bought them.

WHAT!?

The two of them hurriedly scanned the contents.

I continued.

This was sent together with my request, but it seems like it never made it. I thought that Id personally hand it over to you, so I might as well add more detail. Isnt that great? You dont have to search for them.

I suppressed my smirk as I watched the two of them grimace.

Hahaha, it felt so good.

B-but.

The King was still hesitant.

Just another push.

Is it still hard? Then I guess I will be unable to offer any assistance on the Demon countrys attacks.

He widened his eyes.

What do you mean by that, Emperor!?

I calmly replied to the Kings outburst.

There is no deeper meaning. We have no reason to protect a country that fails to protect Our subjects. As you have seen recently, the Empire is luckily blessed with talented people. They are the ones who lead the imperial army.

Blood drained from his face.

The Kingdoms army couldnt oppose the demons alone.

The King realised that.

That was also the case for the Holy King.

They couldnt do without the Empires support.

Demons had been active since half a year ago.

I had played my trump card.

Are you blackmailing us?

The Holy Kings voice trembled.

Exactly that.

Not that I could say so.

I simply want my subjects to be returned to their homeland. With them back, we will happily help you out. It cant be any simpler than that.

The two monarchs clenched their fists.

After a moment of silence.

We understand.

We will promptly search for and return them.

They conceded.

I looked up at the sky.

The sun had almost set.

The sight brought a refreshing feeling never before felt to me.

With that, the tournament and the slave auction incident were both wrapped up.

To be continued.