Chapter 86

Next time, the final episode.

Now, I have incorporated the powers of both Crossel and Focalor.

Because I absorbed more than usual, my appearance has changed significantly.

Wings of an angel from Crossel and wings of a gargoyle from Focalor sprout from my back. I have transformed into a form that is a blend of Crossel and Focalor, as if their appearances were added together and divided by two.

With my newfound power, I rush to where Orobos and the demon are fighting.

Orobos and the demon are exchanging punches.

Both are moving so fast that it's hard to follow them with the eye.

But there must be an opening.

Crossel's water and Focalor's wind. The combination of these two magic spells.

"Storm!!"

A swirling wind and water strike the demon directly.

"――――――――ッッ!!"

A dissonant sound rings out from the demon's mouth.

In an instant, the magic I cast is nullified. Apparently, even high-powered magic can be nullified.

However, my magic is just a decoy.

While the demon is nullifying the magic, a large opening appears.

"Master, I am grateful for your assistance!!"

Shouting this, Orobos delivers a powerful punch to the demon.

"Ugh!"

The demon is blown back, coughing.

Good, just as planned.

While the demon is nullifying my magic, Orobos can knock it down with a punch. If we repeat this, defeating the demon shouldn't be too difficult.

Just as I was about to cast another spell,

"――――――――――――――――――――――ッッ!!"

Another dissonant sound from the demon.

This time, it's not to nullify magic but a sound that makes one feel sick just by hearing it.

So, I cover my ears with both hands and endure.

While this sound is ringing, I can't move, but the demon can't move while making the dissonant sound either.

Therefore, if I can endure, there must be a chance to win.

Just as I was thinking this,

the demon's behavior seemed strange.

It was writhing as if in conflict.

It was so sudden.

The demon's body began to swell, and then an overwhelming light burst forth from its body. It exploded as if it had self-destructed.

"To fully take control of the body, it took a little time."

A deep male voice came from where the demon had been.

The dissonant sound had stopped.

"Still, it's been a while! Orobos! I've missed you a lot without you!"

The demon, though humanoid, had a somewhat distorted appearance.

However, the man speaking in front of me had a well-built physique. At first glance, he looked human, but with two horns, pitch-black eyes with golden pupils, and a tail, I could tell he was a demon.

"Orobos, are you doing well?"

"Yes, yes..."

The mysterious man said this and patted Orobos on the shoulder.

In response, Orobos seemed to be trembling with fear.

"I see, I'm glad you're doing well. Well, it's about time you came home."

"No... I won't go back! Because my master is only Lord Norman!"

When Orobos said this, the man looked at me.

"Is it you? The summoner who has been summoning various demons recently?"

"Yes, that's me."

"I'll allow you to state your name."

His tone was condescending. Well, it's fine.

"My name is Norman."

"Got it! Rank 13, Bullet. That's my name."

It was as expected that the being in front of me is Rank 13, Bullet.

A demon becomes uncontrollable and acts randomly when the human and demon personalities conflict, losing their self.

However, the entity in front of me has successfully formed its self by overcoming Dimit's personality, evolving into a higher form of a demon.

"Well, summoner, I'll be the one to pass judgment on you."

"Judgment..."

"Your punishment for being a summoner is death."

"...What?"

I couldn't understand what he was saying.

Just as I thought this, Bullet disappeared from in front of me.

No, that's not right.

He had moved to my side in an instant.

His movement was so fast that I couldn't even prepare myself.

Ah—

When I realized it, Bullet's fist had already sunk deep into my stomach.

"Ugh"

I let out a groan as my body was blown away.

I crashed into the wall and continued to break through it, gaining bruises and hearing my bones creak with each impact.

At some point, I lost consciousness.

◆

"...Ugh"

I opened my eyes.

Oh no, how long was I out!?

I have no idea if it was a few minutes or a few hours.

However, I can tell that I have returned to my original state, and the possession by Crossel and Focalor has been lifted.

"Hey, hey! How long can you stand there!?"

It's Bullet's voice.

I quickly look forward.

"It is my duty to protect my master! So, I will not move from here!"

There, Orobos was standing in front of me, shielding me.

"Shut up!! You're my servant! Don't oppose me!!"

"No, I am not your servant!"

"Wrong! You are my servant. So, move from there right now!!"

Bullet repeatedly punched Orobos.

Orobos just endured it.

Orobos's body was clearly battered and bruised, with blood flowing from all over. It was a wonder he could still stand.

Ah, I see...

While I was unconscious, Orobos must have been protecting me.

A feeling of gratitude and remorse welled up inside me.

"Orobos, thank you."

I managed to stand up, lifting my battered body.

"Ma, Master!"

When he heard my voice, Orobos let out a joyful cry.

"You protected me, didn't you?"

"Yes, I am your guardian! It is only natural!"

"I see."

Orobos has fulfilled his duty.

Now, it's my turn to return the favor.

"Master, I will protect you here! So, please rest assured!"

"No, you've done enough."

"Why? I'm still okay!"

Despite his battered body, he's still putting up a fight.

"From now on, I will fight."

Orobos protected me.

Now, it's my turn to protect Orobos.

However, I can't defeat Bullet with my strength alone.

"So, lend me your power! Orobos."

I said this and extended my fist to the battered Orobos.

"Yes! For my master, I will give my all!"

"Good, that's the spirit. Let's go, Orobos—"

"Ha"

Orobos touched his fist to mine.

In an instant, Orobos disappeared from the spot.

Possession—Rank 55, Orobos.

Blood circulates through my body, and power surges within me.

"Bullet, this time, I'll be your opponent."

"Haha, interesting! No matter what tricks you use, you can't beat me!!"

I remember Gamin, who taught me the possession technique, saying something like this.

—The power of possession increases several times over when the trust between the possessor and the possessed is strong.

"I see, I don't feel like I'm going to lose."

I said this and smiled.