Part 2
—Little Garden, Outer Gate Number 54545, [Kouen, City of Brilliant Flames][11]
Having made their way through the Astral Gate of the East Side, a warm wind brushed their cheeks.
The huge chandelier that hung from the city’s centre swayed violently as the hot winds generated from the ironworks refineries blew at it from below.
The huge chandelier, which was fifty meters in diameter, drove off the cold in the North Side and kept it warm while dyeing the whole city in the color of dusk with the warm glow that it emitted.
“It never fails to astound me no matter how many times I’ve seen it. With just that chandelier, it’s able to prevent the cold from invading the city.”
“……Yeah, just what could that be made of?”
A voice echoed his thoughts from behind.
She who had once fought against the [Salamandra] forces to be able to set foot in the Territory of [Salamandra] once more, was all thanks to the achievements obtained by [No Name].
“Saurian Demon King of the East Side seems to have scheduled his arrival at the Convention tomorrow. So what are we going to do during the wait?” Percher gave a little stretch as she asked her Master to confirm the schedule for the next day.
“Well, there’s nothing much to do currently and it’s still in the preparation phase tomorrow. And the time for all the other Masters of the other regions to assemble would still be a week away, so there’s no problem with taking things slow.”
Having heard this information for the first time, Percher tilted her head unhappily.
“…… I guess I will also be thoroughly interrogated as well. Such a bother.” She gave a sigh as she stared broodingly at the dusk colored skies.
“That can’t be helped. You are the only one who holds some information on the enemy and being the important source of information, we would naturally need your cooperation.”
“……”
*Hmph* Percher whipped her head away. With things the way they were, she no longer had any more regrets or hesitation to sell out information on her old allies……but there was another reason that made her unwilling to tell the whole truth.
(Putting aside Rin and Aura for now…… It’s best to keep the existence of His Highness a secret.)
Percher gave a listless sigh.
That white haired teen with golden irises was the commander behind Rin and Aura and the one whom the Demon Lord Alliance members call in an affectionate way as ‘His Highness’. For her own ambitions, Percher did not want to expose his identity.
Though that might be so, if she were to receive a command from her master, she would still be made to tell the whole truth. The contract itself was just that sort of nasty curse.
Jin being her Master gave a troubled and wry smile as he looked up once more at the chandelier.
For the cold and freezing North Side that was unfortunate to have nutrient leached soils, that chandelier would be a Gift equivalent to the Sun.
And it wouldn’t be much of an exaggeration to say that it’s a Gift that represents the North Side’s Master, [Salamandra] for only a handful of Communities would be able to create such a large monument to encompass the region in its Gift.
“As expected of a Community that’s originally of the four digits. To have such a huge monument, I guess even Jack and the others wouldn’t be able to create this right?”
“Yahoho? I won’t be so sure on that.”
Appearing from the flames of the torches hung along the corridor outside the Outer Gate was a huge ball of fire. The Pumpkin head Devil—Jack o’ Lantern gave a cheerful laugh as he appeared before Jin.
And seated on his head was the leader of [Salamandra], Sandra Doltrake. Sandra, whose beautiful red hair was lightly swaying with the movement, brightened up immediately upon seeing Jin.
“Jin, it’s been a long time! I just knew it that it’s about time you arrived!”
“Mhm, it’s been a long time, Sandra. And Jack. What are you two doing?”
“We just came from the Workroom District after listening to the suggestions on the development of the new Gift.”
“Yahoho! We were just returning after the discussion when we spotted Jin-dono! As part of my own code of conduct, I needed to come greet you guys!”
Jack cheerfully laughed *Yahoho!*.
However in the next moment, the light in the hollows of Jack’s eyes narrowed to thin but intense slits as he continued,
“Compared to that……Jin Russel-dono. Insulting the Flag of Azure flames will be quite troubling to me! Our Community’s techniques are good enough to create a Gift bigger than that chandelier!”
“Is…Is that for real?”
“Yahohoho! If it’s faulty, we will even replace it for you……Mah…but it’s just the problem of the cost of production that prevents us from doing so.” Nearing the end of his words, Jack suddenly turned his pumpkin head away. It was unknown whether it’s an act of regret or to hide his embarrassment but it was enough for Jin to realize that Jack had a fierce pride in his creations.
Sandra had also giggled happily by the side but that smile had also vanished from her face suddenly.
Her gaze was riveted on her former enemy—Percher, and she made a show of standing up slowly.
“……Oh, right. You have come as well, [Black Death Demon Lord].”
“Uu, Mhm. In the past two months, Percher had been together with us as a guard……”
“Oh, Sandra. Long-time no see. Your spiritual power seems to have grown quite a bit during that time as well huh?” Percher gave a leisurely smile[12] while Sandra returned a piercing glare.
The childishness from before was long gone from her face and replacing it was the expression worthy of a Community Leader.
“On the other hand, your spiritual power seems to have diminished quite a bit. It’s so meager that it can’t be compared to your former God-class spirit level.—With just a blow, I would be able to reduce the current you into a pile of ash.”
“……Well, who knows about that? Sounds like some big words to me.”
Percher easily swatted back at Sandra who had tried to show her might with that condescending tone. But in reality, her current self didn’t have the right to retort like this.
The words she had said earlier weren’t just social pleasantries—Sandra’s spiritual power had indeed increased a few times since the last time she had battled against Percher.
(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 as 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[13] 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?”[14]
“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 the famous and strongest Devil of the North Side and the 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 Willa’s 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, 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 do 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?” [15]
“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.
“Oh Ho! The view up here is much prettier than I thought!”
“That’s right. The streets that are paved with flames and glass totally looks like a jewel box lying open on the ground.”
“Nn. The view is much different than that of [Underwood].”
Totally in their moment of enjoyment, were the three problem children who had boarded the chandelier without permission. And upon closer look, one could even see the bentos that they brought with them being laid out.
No matter how you look at it, it was still a trespass of another’s property.
“Why….Why would Izayoi-san and the others be on that chandelier?!”
Jin cried in panic. But that was understandable. Needless to say, that chandelier was a symbol of [Salamandra]’s Authority and Order.
Climbing up there without permission and start eating bentos up there, it wouldn’t be too much a punishment even if they were to be chased out of the Convention. It was even more likely that the [No Name]s reputation would be questioned.
“Any…Anyway, Percher! Take this opportunity now that people have yet to notice, to get them down now even if you have to resort to violence ……”
Sadly, it was too late.
“You BASTARDDDDDDDDDDDSSSSS! WHO THE HELL ALLOWED YOU GUYS TO CLIMB UP THERE?!”
[Salamandra]’s military police had already spotted them and started to gather.
Jin hugged his head that was aching with despair as he said:
“……I say, Percher…”
“What’s wrong?”
“Is it possible for you to make them incapacitated for a time being?”
Jin had spoken some incredibly dark words in a calm tone.
To even break the kindness in him to this extent, Percher secretly admired that for this sort of character would just be a wolf in sheepskin.
“Well, it’s not like I’m unable to do that. Just that when they recover from the illness, won’t Jin’s life be in danger?”
Percher held back her urge to laugh.
“Then just give me a break. I don’t intend to depart from this world yet.” The young Community leader sighed softly before taking out a pen and letter which he signed,
“There’s no other way. Looks like we can only call the expert to solve it.”
“I’ve no objections to that.”
“She should be in the dormitories right at the end of this corridor.”
“Thanks for the info. Percher, please go now to get her.”
“Yeah Yeah~got it.” With a light flutter of her maid outfit, Percher left in a swirl of black winds.
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