Chapter 41

"......Levi, you bastard......"

I walk down the road leading to the city where the Beast King lives.

The ground, merely leveled earth, has weeds poking out here and there at the edges, indicating that it hasn't been maintained for a while.

This is typical of the Beastmen, or something like that.

By the way, the roads in the human continent were properly paved.

"I think we should have a bit more discussion before we go. What do you think, you two?"

"W, well, even if you ask us......"

"I don't understand."

Mineko and Shironeko, who are following behind me, are smiling wryly.

Why the two of them are with me and how we parted ways with Levi is a story that goes back to yesterday——

◇ ◇ ◇

I want to take a separate route for a while——

That's what Levi said, and I asked her why.

"I'm going back to the Demon Continent right away. I can infiltrate alone and reach there in half a day......"

"Why don't you take me with you? They're not weak, but it's not like they'll lose in half a day. If I'm there......"

"You're not perfect either. From what I've heard, that Tohma and the black-robed people are on the human side, right? If that's the case, we don't know what will happen to Setsu."

Indeed......If Dōma's goal is really to destroy the demons and the Beastmen, they are on the human side.

In that case, we would have to face the relatively strong black-robed people and Dōma.

Dōma and I......there isn't much of a difference in our strength.

I confirmed that I am stronger when I killed him last time, but my magic power was drained, and I was quite injured, even if not to the point of being in tatters.

If I had been a little more careless at that time, the outcome might have been reversed in an instant.

Speaking of carelessness, I just let the enemy escape a moment ago.

Right now, I don't have enough grounds to argue with Levi that I should go with her.

"Indeed......If my classmates who were summoned and the black-robed people team up......I might not be able to stop them alone."

I can probably buy some time.

But that would lead to a direct defeat.

"But if that's the case, it won't make a difference if you go——"

"I know. I won't be as reliable as you if I go......So......can you do me a favor?"

I could only nod at Levi's self-deprecating words.

"Yeah......"

"Thanks. The favor I'm asking is......to send reinforcements from this Beast Continent to the Demon Continent."

"Reinforcements?"

"Yes. With your influence, it shouldn't be impossible, right?"

Indeed, if I ask, the Beast King will take action.

Even if he can't move himself, he will lend us the maximum fighting force.

"But is it worth going that far? If we combine the forces of the two continents, even with the black-robed people and the heroes......"

"——I want to wipe out those black-robed people......and that Tohma, their leader."

"......"

Levi's eyes burned with something like hatred.

In this situation, it's probably impossible to reason with her.

"You won't tell me the details, will you?"

"Right now......I don't want to talk about it. So, if you could, don't ask."

"......Alright."

It's not worth pressing the issue......right.

Women have a lot of things they don't want to talk about.

Men do too, so it can't be helped, yeah.

"Well, I get what you're saying. Your wish......since you asked, I'll do as you say. But if you go first, make sure to protect the Demon Continent properly."

It won't be a laughing matter if I arrive and find out you've already lost.

"I know......And one more thing, if you don't mind......please do it as soon as possible."

Levi said this with a wry smile, and I couldn't help but laugh.

Can't be helped, I'll have to finish it quickly and come to your aid.

"Haha......I understand. Well then......"

"Yes, see you there."

"Yeah, see you there."

Levi and I turned on our heels without much of a farewell.

We can't waste any more time.

It's still morning, and I plan to go to the Beast King's place today and tomorrow.

Borrowing a teleportation magic array, it will take three to four days to reach the Demon Continent......hang in there, Levi, Desastor.

"Setsu......"

"Huh? What is it, Shironeko?"

Just as I was about to set off, Shironeko called out to me, and I stopped.

"I want to thank you."

"Me too!"

Shironeko spoke, and Mineko chimed in, trying to outdo her.

If we weren't in this situation, I would have jumped at the chance......

"It's fine for now. We can do the thanks later——"

"Then I'll go with Setsu."

"......Huh?"

"Me too!"

"......What?"

◇ ◇ ◇

So, I parted ways with Levi and am heading to the Beast King with these two cat girls.

Shironeko and Mineko decided to stay with me as a fighting force.

They say they will also participate in the war on the Demon Continent as a way to thank me.

From what I've heard, they have an excellent combination and are quite powerful.

They are more than suitable as companions.

"The Beast King......it's been a while, really."

It's been five years, and just like with Desastor, it's natural to feel this way.

It's been a while since I've seen Roa too......has that energetic kid grown up a bit?

"Who is stronger, Setsu or the Beast King?"

"Huh? It's obviously me."

"Is it really you......"

I fought with him many times to satisfy his love for battle, but I never lost.

However, I was injured far more often than the others.

I never lost, but I often ended up with a blood-soaked arm or something like that.

"Anyway, the Beast King is pretty strong too. If possible, I'd like to borrow his power......"

If the Demon King and the Beast King team up, they can turn the tide of the battle even if the situation is unfavorable.

The strength of a king is not for nothing.

"——There it is."

It took us a day and a bit, but we arrived much sooner than expected.

Beyond the trees, the vast plain spread out, and the city of the capital, Regdam, appeared before us.

◇ ◇ ◇

In the sea between the Beast Continent and the Demon Continent, a shadow was swimming at high speed.

(......I can't say it, I can't possibly say it......)

Levi muttered, her face twisted in frustration.

"That I, and Desastor, are important pieces in the black-robed people's plan to achieve their goal......"