Tsuyokute New Saga (LN)

Book 5: Chapter 14

The following noon, Kyle and his friends stood in front of their boat, waiting at the islands harbor. Their plan for today was to return to humanfolk territory. Next to them were Irumera and Ghrud, already returned to their dragon appearances.

That was a messBut most surprising is that the Demon Lord of all people turned out to be a regular woman.

YepI never would have guessed that Id hear about the Demon Lords love story

Lieze and Urza were busy discussing their impressions and thoughts about the demon territory and everything that transpired. What left the biggest impression was the fact that the Demon Lord could act like an adolescent girl in love. A day has passed since that teary confession, with Luiza acting the same sluggish and listless way she had when she welcomed the group, almost like the events of the previous day hadnt happened. However, when it was time for the group to depart, she actually came to the harbor, walking straight to Seran.

Since Ive got no other choice, Ill let you have that sword for a while.

Again, this is mine to begin with.

Make sure not to die while youre keeping it on youItd be troublesome forthe sword if it just vanished without a trace.

Im not gonna die that easily, geez.

Hey, say something?!

Luiza gave Seran a gloomy gaze, one that packed a different meaning from before. Meanwhile, Yuriga watched this unfold with a brain-fried expression.

Hey, what do you think about that?

Lieze grinned to herself as she talked to Kyle.

No, no, no. Theres no way He grasped what Lieze was trying to say and waved his hand.

Really? I think theres a good chance.

Shes the Demon Lord, remember? The one who stands at the top of all demons. No way that would happen with a human.

I wont say that this doesnt matterbut I guess it just depends on the people involved? Urza seemed oddly itchy to support them.

Out of curiosity, did the Demon Lord ever come to see you off, Klaus?

Naturally, never.

Klaus had been given the quick rundown of events, watching the two lovebirds with a wry smile.

Oh, Angelas joined them, Shildonia commented as she pointed at Angela clinging to Serans back.

Weve been in your care, Demon Lord-sama. I doubt well ever meet again, but I wont ever forget you. After giving a farewell to Luiza, Angela immediately clung to Serans arm. Now that our business here has finished, let us leave in haste. Humans belong to the human territory, and demons ought to live in the demon territory. Angela smiled, as Luizas expression changed, realizing that she was picking a fight with her.

Lass. Luizas voice was cold as ice, but Angela had the guts to respond in a calm voice.

My, is something wrong?

Sparks flew between the two.

This doesnt make senseWhat did I do to be put in this situation?

Nobody dared to answer Serans plea. Realizing that she was just in the way, Yuriga opted to join Kyles group.

A-Anyway, you best be careful on your travels. ThoughI doubt this will be the last time well see each other. Yuriga showed a bitter smile.

YeahMake sure to report back if you find anything about Targ.

Indeed. And well get in contact once the process of the Dragon Kings hide has finished.

Kyle and Yuriga discussed their future course of operation. The request for them to serve under Luiza was changed to them looking into their common enemy Targ and the demon he called his master.

Keep your eyes openThat manthose two are no ordinary foes.

To think a demon would urge me to be careful, Kyle thought to himself.

And we will return to the World Tree. Its a shame we couldnt find Juvars-sama, but we have to report back to Zeurus-sama. Irumera spoke to Kyles group from high above them.

We demons are looking for his current hideout, so we will let you know if we find anything, Yuriga said.

You have my gratitude, Irumera nodded.

Hey, human! Im gonna go home for today since that old man will chew off my ear otherwise, but were gonna have a rematch next time! Ghrud still held a grudge against Kyle after losing some of his teeth.

Yeah, I knowBut, Im gonna need a lot of time to prepare. So give me at least100No, 150 years. Kyle said with a serious face and voice.

He knew that dragons could live thousands of years, so to Ghrud it might seem like a short time, but Kyle would not even be alive by then.

TskFine, then. But dont you dare break that promise!

Ghrud evidently wasnt familiar with a humans lifespan, so he agreed to this.

Of course, of course! Ill do my best so we can have another five in 700 years! Kyle grinned to himself as he discussed this with the dragon.

That sounds great! But dont you forget! Ghrud said and flew away.

Let us meet again. Irumera left behind a brief farewell and joined Ghrud.

All right, time to leave, Kyle said after confirming all the dragons had disappeared.

You have no intention of fighting him again, do you? Minagi sighed, but Kyle himself thought it would be best that way.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot.

They all boarded the ship when Kyle remembered something and made his way to Luiza.

Is there still something else?

Two days ago, you said something that caught my attention. You asked me Why are you with them?, remember?

He couldnt ask about that because of Flame-Eyes interruption, but Kyle was curious about that all the time.

Ah, that? Well Luiza closely inspected Kyle and showed a dubious expression. Youarent a demon, are you?

Huh? What are you saying?

I couldnt believe I, the Demon Lord, would be wrongbut you undoubtedly are a human, right now. Its justback then, you looked like a demon.

Kyle burst out laughing at Luizas statement, but she was as serious as can be.

You and your soulyoure no regular human.

Ah, thats what you meantBut, Im a demon? Kyle knew that his own soul was different from the normal one, so he could understand what Luiza was referring to, but the fact that this made him look like a demon left him bewildered.

However, youre no absolute demon, either. This is the first time Ive wavered with my judgment this much. Luiza seemed confused.

The only ones who caught onto the irregularity with Kyles soul were Shildonia, Zeurus, and the empires court mage Beadola. And even in their judgment, Kyle still was a human. However, Luiza had mistaken him for a demon. What exactly caused her to feel that way?

Well, its because Ive got a deeper attachment to humans. Same goes for Zeurus. However, since the Demon Lord is used to demons, she probably saw you that way first. Shildonia joined them and their conversation. This ones soul is a bit special. Definitely different from the average soul.

So a sudden change occurred? But when did that happen? Luiza asked.

Its not even been a year yetWhat about it?

That means theres no change, yetBut, listen well. A soul is what builds a person. If the shape of the soul changes, so could your body.

So the shape of my body could change? Are you telling me I could become a demon?!

The chance stands.

Kyle started to panic when Luiza delivered a calm response as always. Since Shildonia stayed silent, too, there was no denying it either.

Whatis gonna happen to me? Kyle looked down at his own hands as anxiety and worries filled him.

And with that being the caselet me give you a warning. If you want to continue existing as a human, you cannot allow your soul to waver. Your feelings, thoughts, and will to fight all influence your soul.

Youre telling me to retire and live an easy lifeand there wont be a problem?

As I said, this is just a possibility, and theres no way of telling without a previous example. Im only giving you my own personal opinion, and theres a good chance I might be wrong.

Hey, whats taking you so long? We cant depart without you! Seran called out to him.

Thanks for looking after us. Kyle lowered his head and boarded the ship.

Farewell, O strong humans. Though I doubt we will meet again Luiza watched the ship sway off into the distance, as she sighed with slight regret in her mind, and turned her back towards the ship.

Yuriga had never seen her master this saddened but didnt say a word as she just tagged along.

In the evening, Kyle gazed at the rivers surface all by himself, remembering what had happened. Then again, they spent only about three days there, and they didnt leave the vicinity of the Demon Lords residence. Even so, a lot happened, and they gained a lot. Kyle even got to meet the Winged Demon again. Their goal isnt even the seat of the Demon Lordthat was simply a means. Instead, their plot was to gather human sacrifices in order to gather mana, which then could allow them to travel back to the past.

One day Ill be able to find out, but just what is that guy trying to fix?

Kyle grasped the [Heart of the Divine Dragon] he had in his chest pocket.

Stillwhat is going on?

When he was thinking about the Winged Demon, there was something else that caught his attention. Something was different, something gave Kyle the shivers. And that is

Hesstronger than before?

Kyle compared himself to the time he fought the Winged Demon Lord and now. He couldnt clearly tell which variation of himself was stronger, but it was clear that he currently had no chance of winning against the Winged Demon as he was now. The Winged Demon had become strong through undefined means, widening the gap between them.

It wont be enough at this rate. II have to become stronger.

Kyle wished to become stronger. No matter the sacrifice, he had to reach that level. And while watching the setting sun, Kyle swore with these words.

It took them roughly seven days upstream, but the way back only lasted five days. Hence, after about half a month of traveling, they returned to the city of Bayone in human territory. Once they got off the boat, the relief from returning home safely set in.

Good work everyone, Klaus called out to all the passengers.

Half a month, huhIt felt a lot longer but also shorter than that.

We might as well have stayed a bit longer.

The food was a lot better than I thought, too.

Their tension from their departure had long vanished, as they once again reminisced about their trip. Needless to say, their lives were in grave danger throughout, but it wouldnt hurt to visit again.

Now, what to do next

Kyle thought about his plans from now on, looking at the biggest problem, which was Angela. Since she had been missing for half a month at this point, the Empire must be in absolute disarray.

At this rate, we might be treated as the people who abducted her

Rest assured, I will guarantee your safety, Angela said with a smile. If anything, we should head straight for the capital. Come join me, Seran-sama. Angela took Serans hand as she always would.

Seran had gotten used to this and simply gave up with a bitter smile, but everyone around them was smiling. However, the atmosphere was interrupted when one of the servants from Klaus company arrived to whisper in his ear.

Wh-What did you say?! Hearing the report, Klaus screamed in shock, gathering everyones attention.

What happened?

Well, um

Klaus hesitated if he should tell Angela. However, he knew he couldnt just stay silent forever and reluctantly opened his mouth.

I just received information thatin the Imperial Capital Luos of the Galgan EmpireFirst Prince Eldorand has been assassinated.

This was the beginning of an uproar that would soon engulf all of humankind.