(Hmph, to have defeated two Demon Lords, no wonder her power has risen this much.)
Just a few months ago, there had been Demon Lords appearing simultaneously in the East, North and South Sides.
[Salamandra] had also participated in that battle. In other words, it was [Salamandra] who defeated the Demon Lord by themselves.
The Dragon Horn of the Dragon King of the Stars and Seas was emitting a red glow and its majestic position that sat high on Sandra’s head did not seem to match the proportions of her body size. The Dragon Horn that possessed the Strongest Spiritual power had now become a part of her. It was not known what kind of trial that Sandra had to pass through but it was clear that there’s an actual rise in power to an unbelievable level.
The current atmosphere was so charged that a spark would have set it off.
Jin frantically stood between them.
“Wa…Wait a moment! It would be problematic if you guys do something here……”
“ “ JIN! SHUT IT!” ”
Two voices from different directions shouted together. Jin could only shut his mouth at the order.
But his effort didn’t seem to be futile after all as Sandra withdrew her hostility as she gave a sidelong glance at Percher and Jin.
“……I guess you two should already know that by contracting a Demon Lord under you and to summon it once more, it is to atone for the sins that caused the branding. And before the atonement is completed, I will never recognize you for who you are. Otherwise—The five comrades whom you have killed, will never be able to rest in peace.”
“……Is that so? I will commit that to memory.”
In an instant, a shadow seems to have fallen over Sandra’s expression but she immediately turned around. And that must have been the reason for her hostility towards Percher.
Watching the lone figure of Sandra depart into the distance, no one knew how to break that silence then.
But taking the lead to tear through that heavy atmosphere was Jack’s cheerful voice.
“Yahoho! She’s right. Actually, Jack is also unworthy as well for I’ve also committed quite a number of heinous crimes in my life too.”
“Ja…Jack also?”
“That’s right. To atone for my sins, I’ve adopted the young dead spirits in [Will-O'-Wisp].”
“……”
Percher’s eyes slid away to avoid their gaze for this topic should have been quite a harsh subject to be brought up before her.
But Jack only bobbled his Pumpkin head and continued with a smile, seeming to say it on purpose for her to catch his words.
“In the end, it’s all the same for those who are called Demon Lords. Be it Shiroyasha-sama or Saurian Demon King-sama……and there’s also Indra. Those with your sort of spiritual level only need to convert to some religion to be enlightened to a God-class spirit. Well… if you do possess the desire to reflect on your sins, I can help to introduce a saint whom I’m acquainted with to…….”
“No need. I’ve got my own plans—And Jack. Please do not bring up the topic of Saints and Gods who couldn’t even solve the problems of famine in front of us[3] ever again. If you do, I won’t just be giving you a simple warning only.”
Percher’s gaze was fiery for just a moment but she soon looked aside seemingly in a small tantrum. Looks like Jack had set foot upon her minefield.
Jin gave a bitter laugh before taking on a serious expression on his face.
“Jack, let’s leave Percher and Sandra’s matter for another time. Currently, what’s most important is……the Community that’s to join our Alliance. Are they going to participate in this large scale Convention?”[4]
“You can be rest assured about that! I’ve already asked Kouryuu-sama before that to help send the letter of invitation to them. Willa has also finally agreed to make her appearance here as well. With this, they would be sure to appear before all of the [No Name]s.”
*Doink Doink* Jack bobbled his head.
Willa the Ignis Fatuus was famous as the strongest Devil of the North Side and her true appearance had still remained a mystery. According to the rumors, it was rare that she would rush over for the hosted Game in his [Kouen City].
All that Jin knew about Willa would just be the fact that she was a devil who controlled the boundaries between life and death……And from Jack’s response, it would also seem that this leader of [Will-O'-Wisp] was also quite a problem child.
“I see……But since Willa-san is coming over, I will go and meet up with everyone first. If possible, I also hope to use the opportunity to tell them about the situation of the last Community to ally with us as well.”
*Hai* Jin gave a gloomy sigh.
There were three problem children on his side as well and the situation was much more troubling.
“Could it be that you have not told the members of [No Name] about the other party whom we are allying with?”
“No, it’s not that. The only ones who know about it are Izayoi-san and Leticia. After all it’s someone that had bad blood with [No Name] before……if I were to mess up with the timing to say it, they would no doubt oppose the plan.”
“……Then Jin-dono, what do you think about the Alliance?”
“I don’t find anything bad about it. Even if they ran to the lower levels, their Community still possesses the Strongest type of Gift. As long as the talks proceed smoothly, both sides would stand to gain from it.”
Jack nodded his pumpkin head.
“……Yahoho. Both sides to gain from it, huh? You mean to interact with them as equals?”
“Mhm. As long as the other party does not try anything to offend us, we will also abide by our social pleasantries.”
Jin stated his intent clearly and Jack nodded in satisfaction.
On the other hand, Percher who had been listening to the conversation quietly had tilted her head quizzically as she asked in surprise:
“Oi, Jin. Who’s that last candidate for the Alliance? Is it someone that Freak boy and Asuka knows?” [5]
“Hm, I guess it’s more than just knowing, but yet a stranger? It’s a Community that has fought with [No Name] before……”
—*Shock* Jin was unable to continue his words as his facial expression became stiff.
Wondering what might have caused that sudden reaction of his, Percher followed his line of sight turn to have a look for herself.
Jin’s eyes were fixed on something high in the distant skies.
The symbol of [Kouen City]’s development, the chandelier that everyone knows about—Three figures of Sakamaki Izayoi, Kudou Asuka and Kasukabe Yō could be seen standing on it.