Chapter 108
"Did we get her!?"
No good, that’s a flag! Just by Minato-sama saying that to confirm, the chances that she’s still alive just shot up. Well, I guess it makes sense—we’re here to rescue Lady Scarlett, not kill her. I’m sure Albert-sama adjusted the power accordingly, so she probably won’t die or anything.
Sure enough, as the light cleared, what appeared was Franme-san, down on one knee and missing her left arm—but still staring us down with unwavering focus. Should I be glad she’s alive? Or should I be stressed that the fight isn’t over yet?
“Annihilation magic, huh… Brings back memories. This pain, these sensations.”
“I held back so you wouldn’t die. I was aiming to knock you out.”
“A fine attack. You've inherited Noir’s technique well.”
Franme-san regenerated her left arm and slowly stood up. Just as we braced ourselves for Round Three, she gave us a satisfied smile.
“I’ve lost. I no longer have the magic left to fight you. A promise is a promise. I’ll return Scarlett’s body to her.”
“Huh? You sure? Still looks like you’ve got some fight in you.”
Yuri interjected just as Franme-san casually admitted defeat. Hey! Don’t provoke her! I panicked inside, but Franme-san simply shook her head and replied with a smile. The fighting spirit from earlier was completely gone.
“I was just curious about what a Deep Demon is. You’ve got remarkable power. And still… Hmm, I see.”
“…See what?”
“That the Deep Demons are, without a doubt, descended from Demon Gods.”
“Wait, what?”
So I’m part Supreme Demon now? Because I merged with Lumière? Is it just a lineage thing? I’m not really sure…
“That said, there’s still much I don’t understand. Even I can’t fully grasp your strength… or what you’ll eventually become.”
That sounds... ominous. Why does that sound scary?
“But for now, let me offer my praise. It was a spectacular battle. How long has it been since I felt something like this? And I even saw some familiar things. In Albert and Yuuka, I caught a glimpse of an old friend. Thank you.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“Heh… Just like Noir. Well then, it’s about time. Until we meet again, comrades.”
Franme-san was wrapped in light. When it faded and her eyelids gently opened, it wasn’t Franme-san anymore—it was Lady Scarlett, unconscious and collapsed like she’d fallen asleep. I rushed over, checking her breathing and pulse—everything seemed normal. Just in case, I asked Lil-chan to cast some healing magic. I could do it myself now that I’m a Deep Demon, but it’s probably better to let the expert handle it.
“Scarlett has been safely retrieved. Mission complete. Let’s go home.”
Albert-sama gave the command as he carried Lady Scarlett on his back. Meanwhile, I was carrying Lil-chan, who had passed out from using healing magic.
We passed through the same magic circle we’d used when we first came to the Abyss and returned to Albert-sama’s mansion. Nothing unusual happened along the way—except for one thing. The two members of the group known as “Seven Stars,” Duve and Merak, had vanished. Did they flee?
In a room of a certain mansion, around seven men and women were kneeling before a single woman, heads bowed. The woman wore elegant, noble clothing and had a calm, cool expression. Her deep navy hair reached her waist, and her amber eyes radiated a mysterious aura as she listened to their report.
“Lady Polaris, as planned, the demonification of Scarlett and the Deep Demon transformations of ‘Thunder Lord’ Albert and his vassal Yuuka have been successfully completed.”
“Is that so? Well done, Duve, Merak. As expected.”
“Yes, ma’am. We are honored by your words.”
“The awakening came faster than we anticipated… Should we adjust the plan?”
A man who appeared to be an aide spoke to the woman called Polaris. She shook her head gently in response.
“No. Even if they’ve awakened, mastering their power will still take time. We’ll proceed as scheduled.”
“Understood.”
The aide bowed silently.
“Then, let us move forward. The Maginist Church’s gathering is in one month. We strike that day. Most of their executives are already gone—what remains are nothing but scattered remnants. There is no need to fear them.”
“The targets are the Maginist Church’s founder, Kaiser Yuge Foster, and his son, Cloud Rogue Foster. Any objections?”
“As you command.”
Polaris glanced around the room and, seeing no dissent, gave a satisfied nod.
“Very well. Return to your posts.”
Once the others had left, Polaris took out a photograph. In it, she and an older, handsome young man with green hair were smiling together.
“Big brother… I’ll end all of this. Just wait a little longer…”
Her voice and gaze now carried a warmth completely different from the composure she had shown her subordinates. She kissed the photo gently and tucked it away with care.
Then, she pulled out a second photo. This one showed a black-haired girl, clearly taken from above and probably without the subject’s knowledge. Her expression shifted, now tinged with chilling coldness, as she spoke.
“Yuuka, Albert’s vassal… If you even think about hurting my brother… I’ll kill you.”
All that remained was the raw emotion—no mystique, no composure—just the burning jealousy and anger of a single girl.
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