Chapter 2

Hagure Yuusha no Kichiku Bigaku Volume 5 Chapter 2

The holy religious country of Aleclasta was founded based on the teachings of the Church of Richard.

Its capital wasn't located on the ground, rather it floated high in the clouds, the city of Aslanda.

In the innermost part of the island was the headquarters of the Church of Richard.

However opposite of the ornate cathedral, engraved with its teaching, lied a secret space that only a small number of the senior clergy knew of.

It was an open air garden filled with countless flowers in full bloom.

Yet for all it's beauty only a chosen few were able to step foot into this secret garden.

The view from there was like the perspective of a God looking down on the earth, Alayzard.

In the center of the garden was a white table.

The top two of the Church were sitting there side by side.

"Well, it seems to be finally entering the main battle…… much faster than expected," muttered Pope Volk, and after sipping his cup of tea, "And how is the current situation?"

"Conceivably not wanting to repeat the same mistakes that cost them the last war. Disdiya mobilized hundreds of thousands of troops, and at the moment only a small handful of troops are left to guard the most significant checkpoints along its border. It appears they are determined to win."

The second-in-command in the Church -– the Archbishop Miranda answered with a smile. She quickly added,

"Sherfied is following the same strategy as last time in deploying its troops with only tens of thousands of mobilized. However, excluding General Zechs, their Secretary of affairs Loutier and Queen Listy are also taking part in the military campaign this time around."

"Hmm…… then on that point, Sherfied is also bringing out its full strength."

Volk lightly squeezed his long beard looking very pleased,

"Is the battlefield still the central plains surrounding the Wandering forest?"

"– No, it seems to be the neighboring Grand Canyon of Gorudono this time."

Miranda pointed out the rocky terrain along the eastern part of the Wandering forest was the battlefield.

The armies will probably have to advance along the bottom of the canyon. However with the intricate channels of the ravine, and the towering almost vertical rock face on both sides of the road attacking through this route will be extremely restricted. Disdiya will be forced to divide up its large army into several small squadrons.

"This has to be a tactic of Akatsuki's to lure the enemy…… but how can Emperor Baram allow himself to fall this easily into his trap?"

"It's probably because Forestnium is still enshrouded by that powerful barrier."

Miranda replied and,

"With it, it is impossible to invade Forestnium. Disdiya can only target their new Demon King, Akatsuki. In that event Akatsuki has chosen Gorudono as the battlefield, and Disdiya can do nothing but comply."

"But still, it's the perfect place for ambushes or guerrilla warfare. It will be too easy to fall into a trap. Additionally the most crucial factor is the narrowness of the road. It is unsuitable for their army movements. Up to now Disdiya easily had the numerical advantage in the open plains, and so far their army was no match for Akatsuki. Now that the battlefield has moved away from the plains into the canyon, wouldn't it give them even less of a chance of winning?"

"I believe Emperor Baram also concurs with that, and is still confident there is a good chance of winning."

The reason was very simple.

"All of Akatsuki's actions have proven one thing so far. The purpose of this war is to facilitate a peace agreement, and he will unlikely kill any of Disdiya's soldiers during the battle."

Baram must have calculated a scheme to beat him at his own game. Since his opponent had no intentions of killing, even if the battlefield's topography was very disadvantageous to his side, until the end he can exploit human wave tactics(tl note — google) to obtain victory.

"Oh, so then……Akatsuki is going to fight alone this time?"

"No. He seems to be fighting alongside his comrades."

The Church of Richard wasn't only this country's religion, but its followers were in nearly every corner of Alayzard. Which of course includes Disdiya and Sherfied as well. On the battlefield there were no lack of believers in the Church of Richard, thus Aleclasta was able to grasp in real time the situation.

Miranda with a laugh,

"Not his so-called comrades that live in Galevain, but his personal friends. If I'm right then they're people Akatsuki brought from his own world."

"Ah…… come to think of it there was an unfamiliar girl at the peace agreement and at the duel with him."

"Yes, besides that young girl there seems to be several others like her."

"If Akatsuki is letting them fight their strength must not be underestimated."

No matter which side, Disdiya or Akatsuki, they were both prepared for an all-out decisive battle. Then Volk spoke in a teasing tone:

"Say Miranda, which side do you think has a greater chance of winning?"

"That goes without saying, no? Your Holiness should also be well aware."

After she said that, out of corners of Miranda's mouth emerged a deep cold smile.

Which side will win this war? Such a thing was a matter of course.

It was not Galevain even with Akatsuki's support. It was not Disdiya, and further it was not Sherfied.

That's right, the real winner will be Aleclasta. The same Aleclasta who took the wait and see approach towards Disdiya's request for cooperation in the war. On the surface they were abiding with the teachings of Church of Richard to avoid meaningless disputes as much as possible.

In fact, this decision fully highlighted the wily old Pope Volk.

If Disdiya wins, Aleclasta was fully prepared to denounce their victory because it was not in line with international justice. It was not only Sherfied that commissioned a third party to re-investigate the annihilation of the surveillance forces. Aleclasta had already obtained their report that hinted at a possible coverup. Even if it was pure speculation of a third country it was enough to change the direction of international public opinion. Not to mention that there were many believers of Church of Richard in Disdiya. The will of the people for a long time now has been under the control of Aleclasta.

In contrast, if Akatsuki and his companions gained the upper hand, Aleclasta was prepared to step in at the appropriate time to support Disdiya, and even go as far as to play the role of the peacemaker. Once the mediation was successful, the world's perception would have dramatically changed in their favor.

True peace won't be brought about to all the people of Alayzard by the former Hero. It won't be by the militaristic nation that was trying to strike down the demonic race, and neither will it be the non-committal magical country.

Rather it will be through the implementation of an anti-war doctrine that Aleclasta held from start to finish.

"Well…… this war will let the people see their respective future."

The Pope of the Church of Richard Volk Rem Aleclasta IV exposed a proud smile,

"I truly wonder, how many people truly realize the significance of this war."

The air was stretched taut.

A silence that would make anyone hold their breath filled the air. The tension was caused by the upcoming battle that would decide the future of Alayzard. Blind to the heavy atmosphere around him, Ousawa Akatsuki stood atop a towering cliff. Dressed in clothes fit for a Demon King he was overlooking the soon to be battlefield of Gorudono Grand Canyon. On the other side of his field of view was Disdiya and Sherfied's allied armies starting to move into formation.

Akatsuki couldn't help but show a fearless smile while staring at such a situation.

"Disdiya about 700,000 maybe even 800,000 troops, while I count only several tens of thousand for Sherfied. I don't want to be hurtful, but unexpectedly the calculating Baram had the audacity to lead his army here."

He laughed,

"Is that all… … If you plan on killing me you should of brought another million and then maybe you could of tried your luck."

Between the the allied forces and Akatsuki there was a total of three channels. One in the center, one to the north, and one to the south.

The necessary preparations were already in place. Chikage, Kuzuha, Haruka and Kaidou had taken up their positions a long time ago. The four were fully aware of the battle plan, and also understood there was no need to rigidly adhere to their positions.

Akatsuki believed since it was those four they would be able to successfully accomplish their tasks.

Therefore Ousawa Akatsuki grandly declared the war had begun.

"Come, your enemy — the Demon King is standing right here."

Meanwhile, Emperor Baram issued his commands through the use sound amplification magic.

"I, Baram Dy Alon Disdiya hereby order — All soldiers to begin the military onslaught!"

After receiving the command Disdiya's army sprang into action.

Their vanguards were the first to advance along the central path.

Tens of thousands of soldiers quickly made their way through the small ridge recess on the rugged ground. But their onrush was immediately halted.

Out of nowhere resonated a voice.

"– I advise you to turn back at once."

The incoming voice was clearly transmitted to the soldier's ears.

"Or else you WILL get hurt."

However, not even one soldier paid head to such a request. 'Whoosh' they all continued on at full speed.

"I'm sorry…… but you were warned."

The voice came from the sky.

"There — above us."

One of the soldiers yelled out. The squadron immediately focused their attention towards the sky. Floating in mid air was a girl that had several layers of magic already well underway. And the next moment, an intense sandstorm enveloped the area.

"Attack formations! This storm is nothing to us!"

One of Disdiya's soldiers shouted as he lowered his stance.

"Yeah…… I also think that this level of attack is weak."

The girl coldly stated. In fact, the sandstorm was just a front, the soldiers soon understood what the girl meant. Disdiya's soldiers invariably stopped as painful cries disseminated all around.

"Wah… … My eyes… …!"

The naturally rocky terrain at the bottom of the canyon made it impossible to move without opening their eyes. However even if they opened their eyes slightly the incoming sand particles would enter their eyelids blinding them. The soldiers were forced into a painstaking situation.

If they closed their eyes they couldn't see the road, however if they open their eyes they can't see anything. The march was completely stopped, but still the soldiers refused to give up.

"Bear with it… … This magic can't last forever!"

"Archers aim at the sky. I don't care if your eyes are closed just shoot!"

"Magicians move to the front! Create a barrier to stop the sandstorm!"

The solder's analysis of the situation was quite accurate, he also made proper judgment. He saw that the sand filling the sky was entering their guns jamming the bolts making them useless. Additionally he took into account that the arrows would easily be affected by the wind, making it impossible hit what they were aiming at. Rather he had them indiscriminately fire a volley to threaten and restrict their target. At the same time he had the idea to use the attack to call forth the magicians, but not to attack. With such poor visibility using magic was quite dangerous. One mistake could have sent the rock walls falling down on them causing massive casualties.

However, the situation did not improve. Although the barrier blocked the sandstorm from reaching them. Sand was already in their eyes making it hard to see. Yet Disdiya's vanguards weren't discouraged. Even if the speed was greatly reduced, they were still able to resume their march.

"– Much earlier than expected, but I knew this method alone would only go so far."

Even with the loud sandstorm the girls voice was exceptionally clear.

"Your magicians should have been used to defend from the rear. Sending them to the front was your undoing."

The wind carried the girl's voice to ear's of the tens of thousands of soldiers along the central path. Then suddenly a huge wind storm surpassing one hundred meters per second uprooted Disdiya's soldiers from behind.

"Wow……the Vice president is really amazing."

Chikage Izumi was in charge of guarding the north path. When she saw how the battle was progressing in central path she couldn't help but leak a voice of admiration for her.

Launching a long range spell at the magicians hiding in the back normally would be very troublesome. However, Haruka took advantage of the soil with the sandstorm to lure the magicians to front completely exposing them to the threat of fire. Then she used a powerful storm to blow them away from behind. Still before the attack even started she made air cushion along the rocky wall. This way the enemy that was flung aside at most would just be knocked out and in now way endangering their lives.

"…… However this is no time to praise her."

Chikage turned back to the front. Making use of her AD she summoned a longbow and shot countless water arrows at the tens of thousands of Disdiya's soldiers coming towards her.

"Arrows alone apparently isn't enough … …"

Chikage focused her consciousness, a huge magic formation appeared in front of her. The dry valley moments ago was engulfed in a flood of muddy water sweeping away the numerous soldiers.

"Rest assured you won't drown. The flood created by my magic was designed so as long the water was in contact with the skin it will allow for oxygen to enter your body without the need for your lungs."

And the flood itself also cushions the soldiers from crashing into the rock wall preventing any serious damage.

…… But then again.

Considering the magic's power and the results, Izumi Chikage can't help but think: regardless if it was Haruka or herself their magical power had significantly increased. For a while after they came to Alayzard everyone had lost their ability to use magic. It was because the dimensional shift caused their consciousness channel between the body and soul to become unstable, not allowing for a smooth to link to construct magic.

Izumi Chikage was reminded of when she was first summoned to another world and how it took a while for her magic to awaken. Perhaps this situation was the same as last time, and her soul and body were in a precarious state. But perhaps because of the second visit to a different world Chikage and Haruka's magical abilities have recovered and now was a lot stronger than it was before.

And it was not just in terms of brute force, but also things like flexibility and configuration. That was why her flood was able to have "oxygen infiltration" and "protective cushion" attributes added.

……If I had this power earlier.

Back in JPN Babel, when the cockatrice training program went berserk or when Phil Barnett I would not have ended up blindly thrashed. Also when I was first summoned to the alternate world Banrakua, I could have been able to do more. Even if it wasn't something outrageous like defeating a Demon King and redeeming the entire world like Akatsuki.

However Izumi Chikage doesn't care how she had gained her new power.

Since she met Akatsuki and Miu she wanted to get stronger.

So that she was no longer be a burden to the others. Enough power to fight alongside Akatsuki. Enough power to protect Miu and Kuzuha her best friends. Now Chikage could raise her head high, because she was standing together with them facing the enemy.

"…… It makes me happy."

After the deafening noise of the impact the earth was depressed around the armor Knight. The destructive power in Akatsuki's slash was obviousness, based on the aftermath it gave birth to.

But……

"With one hand, huh……"

After their swords crossed, Akatsuki stared at armor Knight.

He thought that no one would have been able to stop that attack, but the Knight block it easily.

Akatsuki heard how powerful the enemy was from Kaidou and Kuzuha. Therefore he did not think he would beat him with one blow. However, Akatsuki was using both hands while he only used one to wield a sword that blocked him. Besides withstanding the power in the strike, he even resisted the fall and did not move an inch. These signs prove one thing, the other party knows full well about the power of his renkan keikikou.

"……….."

The armor Knight silently waved his sword tossing both Akatsuki along with his sword back. Akatsuki regained his balance in the air, smoothly landing on the ground.

At the same time, the ground where he landed was destroyed by the armor Knight's wave shot from his sword slash. He used his magic sword to fend off the attack, then he sent out a shock wave to disperse the sand cloud that filled the air. Followed by a dash cutting the distance, and stabbed at the knight. However, it was also blocked easily by the Knight.

"– Take this!"

As the blades hit Akatsuki used them as a fulcrum, lifting his body to the side allowing his right leg to he kicked out.

Hitting the side of the armor Knight's head.

"Bakii" along with the sound of hitting metal the armor Knight staggered to his left. The shock wave caused by the kick should of penetrated the armor, and surly rocked his brain. Akatsuki was confident it was a solid hit.

How…… he started to say, but Akatsuki swallowed his words. The armor Knight not only did not fall, but instead reached out and grabbed Akatsuki's right foot slamming him into the ground.

"Gaaaaah"

The strong impact felt on his back caused him to momentary stop breathing, followed by an intense pain. However, there was no time to rest, because the armor Knight swung his sword straight down at his lower body.

"–Damn!"

Akatsuki avoided it by rolling to the side, he barely escaped the danger. Taking advantage of force to stand up to swing the demon sword horizontally.

The resulting rush of air shot out, but it missed the target because the Knight had disappeared. Akatsuki subconsciously looked up.

He found the enemy standing in a small cave half way up the rock wall.

"Son of a……"

Akatsuki glared at the armor Knight who in-turn responded by taking action. He turned his back to Akatsuki, and slashed at the rock wall. After a shrill sound, a huge v-shaped crack quickly spread on the wall. After a moment of silence, the cave's ceiling began to give way above the Knight's head accompanied with a bang similar to sound of an earthquake. In face of the rapidly approaching rockslide the armor Knight raised his sword continuously hacking apart the rocks.

The falling rocks where turned into countless smaller ones and poured down on Akatsuki.

However……

"–Hey, Did you read this from a textbook?"

Akatsuki laughed as he looked up at the falling rocks.

He jumped up with his magic sword in hand, and crushed the rocks coming at him. While he look for other rocks to grab a foothold to slowly climb up. Just as Akatsuki cut through an enormous rock — the armor Knight suddenly attacked from the front.

"Another textbook move!"

This attack came as no surprise to Akatsuki. He received the attack with his demon sword. The two of them used the falling rocks around them to get footholds on. Using the rocks the battlefield became three-dimensional as they freely tried to cut each other.

The roar of the rock's crashing into the ground one after another was the BGM, while their swords crossed over and over again.

— Akatsuki's attacks began to gradually overwhelm the armor Knight.

"Is this all you have? Come at me again!"

Akatsuki's sword strikes were holding the armor Knight at bay. At first the Knight's strength greatly puzzled him, but it was well within the range he could cope with. The other could only use his one sword to attack, while Akatsuki could still use both his hands and feet to fight. As formidable of an enemy he was, it was difficult for him to fight against Akatsuki's ever changing patterns of attacks.

It was just —

……Strange ……?

Akatsuki suddenly had a indescribable feeling. He always felt that something was amiss — but didn't know what it was. His heart started to beat faster and faster, a sinking feeling came over him. Like the time when Phil Barnett turned his body into the evil dragon Zahark. The same sense of impending crisis.

Just when two swords crossed once again.

……! Is this guy –!

After he become aware of this feeling, Akatsuki could not help but hesitate.

However, right this moment he was in the middle of a battle and it was beyond his control at this point.

"Woo oh oh oh oh –!"

With a roar the black demon sword was forcibly swung, the armor Knight was tossed backward along with Akatsuki. The Knight straightened his stance mid-air avoiding the falling rocks, then rushed to get the ground one step faster than Akatsuki.

Akatsuki chased after him. The two men returned their fight back to the ground.

Standing on top of a cliff Kaidou Motoharu was watching the fight between Akatsuki and the armor Knight.

After they resumed their fight on the ground it only intensified.

Judging from both sides, attacks and defense, that he saw, Kaidou calmly believed Akatsuki had the edge.

But……

…… His fighting style seemed to have changed……?

From where he was, Kaidou could see Akatsuki continuing to wave his Demon sword. But something didn't feel right to Kaidou about the way he was moving his body. Kaidou had witnessed several of his fights up till now including the one at JPN Babel school's ranking tournament when Akatsuki and the others were ambushed by three of the student council members, excluding Hikami Kyoya. And then the fight with the high dimensional dragon. Even in that one, Akatsuki won in the end.

But he did not notice until a little while ago, that Akatsuki now was showing less confidence and ease with his body.

And now that they were back on the ground — he wasn't acting like his usual self.

…… That bastard in the armor was indeed a powerful enemy sure, but –-

Kaidou couldn't help but suspiciously say:

"Come on Akki…… this is nothing like your usual style."

"Gaaaaaa –!"

After blocking a flurry of slashes Akatsuki jumped back, putting space between them.

He stared at the armor Knight in front of him, trying to calmly judged the situation.

……That bastard was gradually getting used to my attacks.

Even thought Akatsuki was the first to familiarize himself with other's movements, now he was gradually picking up on Akatsuki's patterns. The reasons were obvious enough, Ousawa Akatsuki thought.

……There's no other way than.

Akatsuki secretly made a wry smile in his mind, and also a decision. So he looked at the armor Knight before quietly telling him:

"Apparently, as it stands now I can't beat you –"

Akatsuki was confident in his own judgment. And,

"For me to defeat you…… I just need to become stronger."

At the same time he said so his body began to emit a dazzling light.

Overflowing from his body was a torrent of Ki.

This was the same move Akatsuki used during the duel with Listy and the others, using renkan keikikou he was able to exceed the limits of his body. Taking into account the condition he would be in following the battle Akatsuki didn't plan of using this in the first place, because of great burden it puts on the body. However the immediate situation left him no other choice.

"This is the only way to defeat you."

The powerful Ki gushed out from his whole body as Akatsuki faintly smiled. And,

"Ready –"

Akatsuki bent his knees and lowered his waist, sprinting ahead like a shooting star rapidly approaching the armor Knight. Godspeed was the only way to describe it. The distance was shorten in an instant. He was holding the demon sword up high as he swung it straight down.

A strike that could kill in one hit.

Then, in the middle of his swing.

"……Do you really want to do that?"

Ousawa Akatsuki clearly heard the armor Knight's voice.

"– That person is watching."

"–?"

The Knight's sudden words stopped him for a moment at which he stared blankly. At the same time gave him a chance to look out from the corner of his eye to see "that person." His hesitation left the black sword immobile half way in the air.

"Damn –!"

Akatsuki realized he was still in the middle of swinging down the black demon sword, however the armor Knight showed no signs moving.

And then — the shadows of two people interlaced them.

Listy by chance happen to get there at that precise moment.

After the chain binding Zechs disappeared. Drawn by the sounds of an intense fight, she headed north. Allowing her to see with her own eyes Akatsuki and Knight in golden armor — at the exact second the outcome of a battle occurred.

"……………."

Listy stood there mesmerized, she almost couldn't believe what she was seeing.

The armor Knight's sword — ran through the left side of Akatsuki's chest.

While Black Sword of Akatsuki's had stopped only several centimeters above the knight's helmet.

A fraction of a second was the difference that divided victory or defeat.

That tragic millisecond lead to his loss.

The Knight pull his sword out from Akatsuki's chest. His body slowly fell towards the ground, as if it was a slow motion replay — then the Knight drove a kick to the center of his body. All power left Akatsuki's body as he topple over backwards. Listy clearly saw the whole spectacle step by step.

"———–!"

Listy was too busy to dwell on it, as she immediately used her flying magic. Before Listy even noticed she was heading to the bottom valley towards Akatsuki at maximum speed. From the war standpoint, Sherfied's Queen should have been unimaginably far away from the this place. But she completely lost the ability to think of anything — other than that of Akatsuki.

"Stop it…… Don't hurt him any further!"

In a moment, Listy got between the armor Knight and the fallen Akatsuki.

Fresh blood was gushing out his back through the hole in his chest, and spreading out on the ground. Without the slightest hesitation she held her wand out towards him.

Disdiya's armor Knight's eyes turned hostile.

…… Lulu's recovery magic should be able cure him, somehow……

The anxiousness inside Listy's heart grew the more she started to think of way to save Akatsuki. Loutier was taken away by Akatsuki's companion. As long as I carry him to the Demon's village, then perhaps there was a shred of hope. However, now was not the time to fight the armor Knight. What was important was to find a way to get out of here as fast as possible. She looked over the Knight's armor from head to toe for a flaw, desperately trying to think of a way get away with Akatsuki.

But — at this time.

Listy still hadn't sorted out her anxiety, but the situation suddenly changed.

"Paquin" a crisp metallic noise rang out. The armor Knight's helmet was split in two and fell. Even though Akatsuki's slash never hit the powerful Ki around the blade had cut the helmet.

— And.

At that moment — the curtain on the biggest tragedy of this war was raised.

"……Lies ……"

Listy El Da Sherfied stood there dumbfounded.

The armor Knight's true identity was seen for the first time. His face was very familiar to her.

So she lightly called out the name of the armor Knight.

"Le… on……"

She was shaking as she said his name.

The Golden armor Knight was — Leon Esuperio, who gave a her a peaceful smile.

The evidence was starring her in the face. There was no way it was a different person, unmistakeably it was that person in question.

Leon looked down at Akatsuki's face lying on the ground behind Listy.

"What happened Akatsuki — that wasn't like you."

He said while laughing, and exposed a mocking grin.

"Five years ago — when you killed me you did it without the slightest hesitation."

"What……?"

Listy couldn't understand right away the meaning what Leon said.

Akatsuki was hovering before the gates of life and death, and the long dead Leon was standing before her eyes. Just one of those things was already enough to caused havoc in her mind. Nevertheless…… Leon now added that astonishing revelation, it was even more unacceptable. All together, it was beyond the scope of what Listy was able to comprehend.

Akatsuki — killed Leon.

Putting aside Listy and the mess that her mind was in, the cruelty of situation did not stop there. On the contrary, it continued to proceed. Leon slowly moved forward, it was not necessary to think about what he intended to do. He was going to finish off the enemy -– end Akatsuki's life.

"—–! STOP!"

Along with her heartbreaking voice, Listy hurried to hold back Leon. She attempted to restrain him with her magic somehow. She focused her consciousness, however his feet didn't stop moving. The state her mind was in, there was no way for her to concentrate enough to use magic to stop Leon.

— However, another person moved on her behalf.

It was Sherfied's pride, the person known as the Crimson sword king, Zechs Doltrake.

Zechs jumped in to protect Akatsuki and Listy.

"Stop — Leon."

As he quietly said so, Zechs drew his crimson sword, and with no hesitation pointed it at Leon.

…… Why……?

His behavior only confused her more. How can he be so calm right now? It was as if Leon being the enemy was natural.

But — the confrontation between the two did not last long.

"Uh-oh…… Seriously, give me a break."

A familiar voice called out from behind. Listy turned back to look, at that moment a young man was standing there. It was same young man that overwhelmed Zechs. He had Akatsuki over his shoulder as he also said "not good."

"Sorry, I know you three are busy over there, and I know it's rude to interrupt old friends catching up, but I need to speed things along. If this guy over here dies, I wont be able to go back my former world anymore."

"Ah…… your one of Akatsuki's companions."

And Leon narrowed his eyes,

"– Do you think you can walk away?"

Just when Leon was about to take a step, the atmosphere suddenly changed.

"-!"

Listy couldn't help but gasp.

While carrying Akatsuki the young man grinned, an overwhelming aura enveloped the whole area around them.

It was an aura of death — the young man laughed a few times "Fufufu."

"Don't be so fast to act. Ah, I'm a pacifist, and basically just an onlooker on the sidelines. Umm, probably that's true….. but If Akki dies, then I'll properly be your opponent at that time."

So —

"You best begin to pray, and hope that Akki survives…… I'm not like Akki, and I'm sorry to say I don't have any attachment to this world. Frankly, if you force my hand — I'll crush you without a care."

After that, the young man with Akatsuki disappeared without a trace.

"Hmm… did he escape? Akatsuki's friend is quick on his feet."

After seeing that, "ha" Leon laughed to himself.

Then turned away from Listy and Zechs, and started to slowly walk towards Disdiya's main force.

"……!"

There was no way that she was going to let him leave like that. She still had so many questions for Leon and wanted his answers. Why are you here? What did you mean Akatsuki killed you? Therefore Listy tried to call out to him and stop him from slipping away.

"Don't — It's useless Listy."

Zechs grabbed her shoulder.

"No, let me go……! Zechs why? Don't you care at all?"

Listy's disheveled hair covered her face as she cried out hysterically,

"Why? I don't get it! Tell me…… Leooooooon！"

But, nobody responded to her question.

Leon's back just got smaller and smaller the farther away he went.

In the end, she didn't learn a single thing — and was left standing there.

The decisive battle at Gorudono Grand Canyon came to a close.

Akatsuki was critically injured — From Disdiya's standpoint they believed their original goal was accomplished. Without a means to break through the strengthen barrier around Forestnium continuing to stay here would be useless. So Emperor Baram immediately issued the orders to withdraw.

— The sword of Disdiya defeated the new Demon King.

The outcome of the battle was immediately spread to every corner of Alayzard.