“That’s enough.” (Eldmed)
The one who stopped their swords, Eldmed, then spoke to them.
“That was lousy swordplay for the Demon King’s subordinates, don’t you think?” (Eldmed)
Sasha glared at the Conflagration King in indignation, but didn’t argue with him, maybe because he was speaking the truth.
“Putting aside your lack of skill with a sword, don’t you think you should at least be able to handle a demon sword?” (Eldmed)
Eldmed drew a magic circle and pulled out two demon swords from it.
Then he thrusted them into the ground right in front of Misha and Sasha.
“Now, try and pull them out.” (Eldmed)
Sasha looked at the demon sword in front of her with a dejected expression.
“I’ve tried to use them many times before, but I’m simply not compatible with demon swords.” (Sasha)
Misha nodded in agreement with her.
“Then maybe today is the day your efforts will pay off. Come on, you two try to pull them out.” (Eldmed)
Misha and Sasha each grabbed the hilt of a demon sword.
However, even with all the strength and magic power they put into it, the demon swords didn’t seem to budge one bit.
“Haa… Haa…” (Sasha)
Sasha was gradually running out of breath.
“…I… told you… It’s no use…” (Sasha)
“Kahaha! Not a bad try. Just a little more and you’ve got it out.” (Eldmed)
“…You think so? But it’s not showing any sign of listening to me…” (Sasha)
Eldmed loudly tapped the ground with his cane.
“What you’re missing is consideration for the demon sword. A demon sword isn’t a tool. You should try treating it more like an equal.” (Eldmed)
Right after that, the Conflagration King pointed his cane at Misha.
“For you, Misha-kun, it’s the opposite. You should try to show it more disdain. Make it listen to you. Exert your dominance. Demon swords have their pride. They won’t choose a gentle demon as their master.” (Misha)
When Sasha and Misha tried to follow his advice, he grinned in amusement.
“Yes, yes, that’s it! That’s how it’s done. Wonderful, isn’t it? Another thing you two lack is self-confidence. If you believe the demon swords can come out, they will. In that case, drive your conviction into its source along with your magic power. You two can definitely pull them out. With your kind of magic power, those little demon swords won’t resist!” Eldmed declared, as if to inspire them.
“I, the Conflagration King, am proud to say that when it comes to scanning the power of others with my Magic Eyes, I am second only to the Demon King. Now, on the count of three. Three… Two… One…” (Eldmed)
At that moment, as easy as pie, Sasha and Misha pulled their demon swords out of the ground.
“Ah… It came out…” (Sasha)
“…Shocking…” (Misha)
Eldmed laughed aloud.
“What’s so shocking about that? You guys are the subordinates personally acknowledged by the Demon King. No matter how unskilled you are at wielding demon swords, there was no reason for you to fail this. Because you’ve always had the magic power to pull it off.” (Eldmed)
After saying that, Eldmed ran his gaze around him.
“You there! I see you’ve got quite a way with swords! But you’ll tire yourself out like this. And then you won’t be able to put even a single scratch on the Demon King— Ugh… URGH…!” (Eldmed)
Despite having trouble breathing thanks to the effect of <Contract Zekt>, Eldmed happily provided guidance to the students.
Elsewhere, one pair with a boy and a girl were hitting each other in a friendly manner.
“Hmph…!” (Lay)
“Ah….!” (Misa)
A sword spun while flying through the air, and fell to the arena floor.
That was Lay knocking off Misa’s sword.
“Ahaha… I’m sorry… for not being a match for you…” (Misa)
Misa picked up her sword.
“I’ve been thinking for the past while…” (Lay)
Lay put his sword down and walked to Misa.
“You’re not fighting seriously, are you?” (Lay)
“…Eh?” (Misa)
Lay gave her an invigorating smile.
“As you are now, you can access your true form, can’t you?” (Lay)
“Ah… Ahaha… Right…” (Misa)
“The rumors and legend of Misa the spirit state that she’s the reincarnation of Avos Dilhevia. You may not be as powerful as you were back then, but you should still be strong enough to spar with me without trouble.” (Lay)
“Perhaps you’re right.” (Misa)
Misa hung her head down, as if in reluctance.
“.But… I’m a little afraid…” (Misa)
“What’s there to be afraid of?” (Lay)
“Well… I’m currently in my temporary form, so I’m still the same person I was before. But I have a feeling that if I assume my true form, my personality will be a bit different.” Misa said with a bitter smile.
“I think it will probably be similar to that of Avos Dilhevia.” (Misa)
“Are you afraid she will hijack your mind?” (Lay)
“…Ah, no. I’m not worried about that. She and I have thoroughly become one, and even in my true form, I can feel that I’m still me. But… Well…” (Misa)
Misa talked in a fearful manner..
“You might… hate that part of me…” (Misa)
“No worries there.” (Lay)
Lay put his hand over the one Misa was holding her sword with.
“Ah…’ (Misa)
“Whether it’s the way you look or the way you speak, it won’t change my feelings for you. As long as you remain you, I will keep loving you.” (Lay)
Misa blushed and stared at Lay.
“Misa. Please show me your true self.” (Lay)
Misa nodded shyly.
“You seem to have quite a bit of free time, Lay Grandsley.” (Shin)
Startled, Lay turned around.
Before he even realized it, Shin was standing right behind him.
With his penetrating, ice-cold gaze on him.
It was so full of bloodlust that it made even the battle-hardened Hero who had survived on countless battlefields jump back instantly.
“It appears that you are short on opponents. I will therefore devote myself.” (Shin)
Thrusting his hand into the magic circle he had drawn, Shin pulled the Pillage Blade Gilionojes out of it.
“And as I said before—” (Shin)
Shin’s eyes glowed coldly.
“I am going to have you die. Three times or so.” (Shin)
That was one more death than he originally demanded.