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Chapter 115. Secrets and Regrets

Well, this is unexpected—Zilbagias, calling forth the soul of the Sword Saint.

‘—The green-haired Demon Lord’s Prince, you say?’

Looks like I piqued Antendeixis’ interest; I can sense him leaning in.

The folks lined up here… Apparently, they were all taken down by Emelgias.

This old beastman’s corpse is a total mess, as if it’s been sliced up dozens of times with a blade. Is it the magic of the Wind Blade? Did he die from receiving that magic…?

The green fellow from the Izanis Tribe is known for using the bloodline magic “Voice of the Curse.” Major bloodline magic from influential clans is widely recognized within the Demon Race, so the value of that information is pretty low.

But if it’s magic from a demon, that’s a different story.

Emelgias, the one of “envy.”

He’s called that because he’s always complaining, making no effort to hide it, but it probably has something to do with him contracting with the Demon of Jealousy.

As I’ve mentioned repeatedly, the demon society tends to keep secrets about demons.

It’s common not to disclose which demon one has contracted with, what their powers or magic are, and it’s considered bad manners to ask indiscriminately.

Even so, if someone excels on the battlefield, it may come to light naturally… However, unless it’s a particularly prominent magic, the specifics are surprisingly unclear.

The same can be said for Emelgias.

If only I knew the name of the demon, I could ask Sophia.

‘It wasn’t written in the report, either.’

That’s right. Unfortunately, the name of the contracted demon isn’t publicly known, and the fact that he’s contracted with the Demon of Jealousy isn’t even confirmed.

According to rumors, that green guy’s demon magic is called “Fierce Weakening,” but—

‘There are various types of weakening, you know. Even my forbidden magic can be viewed as fierce weakening depending on one’s perspective.’

In other words, it’s equal to knowing nothing about the actual situation.

But surely there’s some truth to it. The green guy has a history of taking down higher-ranked heroes and Elf Mages since his rookie days, including his first battle.

It could be a magic with a vicious ability allowing for killing opponents above one’s rank.

…Did this old beastman’s Sword Saint grasp even a portion of that?

Basically, every Demon Lord’s Prince keeps their surroundings surrounded by their own troops on the battlefield. Moreover, the Izanis Tribe is particularly tight-lipped.

This is a rare opportunity to know his hand. I can’t let this chance slip!

As a necromancer, I was about to open my mouth—

“………………”

I hesitated and fell silent.

‘…Ugh… I’m sorry… everyone, I’m sorry…’

Like a feeble candle flame flickering,

‘If only, if only… I had stayed there…’

The worn-out soul sobbed, as if it might vanish at any moment.

‘I wanted to die honorably alongside everyone…!’

Covering his face with both hands, he was tormented by deep regret.

Ironically… that attachment, that suffering was what kept the outline of his soul intact…

In his dull, clouded eyes, my figure was not yet reflected.

But what would happen if I carelessly addressed him? If he recognized me as a hated enemy—one of the Demon Race.

That would be beyond talking.

And this old beastman’s soul is too fragile. If I forcibly tried to pry open his mouth using necromancy, would he even be able to handle it…?

In the first place—

I… don’t want to do something so cruel to this gentleman…!

‘Then, what should I do?’

That’s obvious.

I’ll sincerely listen and draw it out.

I closed my eyes and envisioned—an age similar to my current appearance. Keeping my silver hair and a more tanned skin tone—

At that moment, the world faded.

From behind, I heard Claire’s voice, “Huh?” but I ignored it. As I patted my head, I felt nothing but soft hair; the horns had completely disappeared.

Human transformation magic.

“If I may, you would be referred to as Lord Dogajin?”

With strong intent, I spoke to the Sword Saint who introduced himself as “Dogajin.”

‘…Who goes there? Is someone there!?’

Dogajin looked up and hurriedly scanned the surroundings.

“I’m here! I’m right here!”

Finally, his eyes focused on me.

‘…Human! What a stroke of luck, …no, what is happening to me…?’

He seemed to finally realize his condition, confused.

‘Surely… I should have died…’

“Lord Dogajin, please calm down and listen. You indeed have passed away. I am a necromancer.”

‘A necromancer, you say!?’

With all the fur bristling, Dogajin suddenly took a battle stance. His soul, teetering on the edge of collapse, still held a stance full of conviction—as if he could shatter the barrier I had set to ward off souls with a punch—

“Please wait! I am not your enemy! I am from the Holy Church!”

‘The Holy Church, you say…!?’

“Those born with dark attributes like me are often sheltered secretly by the Holy Church and trained as necromancers.”

‘What?! Really…?’

Dogajin nodded with a somewhat dazed expression.

Maybe it’s fortunate or unfortunate, but it seems he’s not really thinking much of it, showing no signs of doubt towards me.

Or perhaps… it’s because I’m only speaking the truth.

“Your body was retrieved from the battlefield. I heard you were on your way to bring some information back…”

‘That’s right! That’s it! I wanted to convey the magic of Prince Emelgias…!’

Leaning dangerously close to the barrier, Dogajin rambled on.

‘According to the Elf Mage, he first uses a unique magic that manipulates the wind. And though the specific conditions are unknown, it seems he can cast a curse that bypasses the enemy’s wards by delivering his voice and stealing their abilities…!’

…!!

‘The Elf Grand Mage of the High Elf lineage had most of his magic power taken away and was rendered nearly unable to move, magic or not! Because of that, we lost our protection from wards and were altogether helpless against the demon’s magic…!!’

Dogajin, baring his teeth and shedding blood tears—

…I see. It wasn’t just simple weakening…!

‘To steal the opponent’s power. A typical move of the Demon of Jealousy. By envying the opponent to the limit, he takes that ability as his own. Surely, there are conditions to it, too—like having them hear his voice, or maybe inflicting some sort of wound…’

While I was biting back excitement, Antendeixis was coolly mulling over the information.

“Thank you! Lord Dogajin, that information is worth its weight in gold…!”

I fixed my gaze on the old Sword Saint and sincerely expressed my gratitude.

“I’ll make sure to utilize this information. I will avenge you all!”

‘Ah… ah…!!’

Almost lowering himself to the ground, Dogajin cried tears in abundance, feeling relieved.

‘Ah… with this… my final… duty…!’

His outline faded even further, becoming blurry.

‘Thank you, young one… thank you…!”

With his fists clenched together, he bowed like a true Sword Saint.

‘Ah… if only I could have… fought a little longer…’

In his final moment, he forced a nonchalant smile—

And then he vanished.

“…”

There is no one left inside the barrier.

…Lord Dogajin.

My words aren’t empty.

I will surely take revenge for you all.

May you rest in peace in the afterlife…!!

“…Prince?”

From behind, I heard a girl’s voice.

Oh. I completely forgot.

Turning around, there was Claire—

“Wow, what’s that, what’s that—?!”

Her eyes were gleaming with excitement.

So much so.

“The Prince has turned into a human—?!”

Well, it’s human transformation magic after all…

“Oh my gosh, so cute!!”

Then Claire, with incredible speed, closed the distance—

The transformation made her react too slowly—

And she caught me, starting to pat my head.

 

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