You didn't expect this, did you? I've time-traveled again!

Because of the Demon King's army's attack, the entire town immediately went into a state of war preparedness, like a war machine in action.

The machine was running somewhat slowly because the enemy arrived so quickly, but thanks to Kazuma Sato's arrangements, it was able to form an effective resistance.

Darkness, who had been following behind him, praised him with satisfaction: "Kazuma, I didn't expect that you would become such an outstanding lord in just six months."

“There’s no other way, I was forced into it.” Kazuma Sato shrugged. “After all, with those idiots like the Axis Cult and the Crimson Demon Clan around, I can only keep giving them my asses.”

“But we can’t deny Mr. Kazuma’s talent.” Princess Alice also seized the opportunity to say, “Thinking about it carefully, changing generals at the last minute is not a good thing. Why don’t we let Mr. Kazuma lead this war, and I will just cheer you on from the sidelines.”

Throughout history, changing generals at the last minute is a major taboo, and it usually doesn't produce good results, especially in such an urgent situation.

Even if Princess Alice can successfully take over command, she has no idea of ​​the town's effective combat strength. If she rashly takes over, it could have negative consequences.

She may be gentle by nature, but that doesn't mean she's stupid. Especially for someone in royalty, this is something they understand very well.

Therefore, she sees herself as a mascot, and will assist Sato Kazuma if necessary.

In Alice's mind, a general leading an army would usually be happy to hear such a sentence, but she did not expect that Kazuma Sato was a completely illogical person.

"...Ugh—, this is so troublesome!"

"Huh? Huh?"

Kazuma Sato wore a disgusted expression, completely unconcerned about having his military power taken away.

Knowing his true nature, Darkness couldn't help but chuckle as she explained, "Your Highness, that's just how he is. Forcing him to fight against the Demon King's army would probably be a burden for him."

"But...that's it! How about this! Give Mr. Kazuma a reward!"

In order to consider the overall situation and to arouse Kazuma Sato's desire, Princess Alice came up with a plan.

"If Mr. Kazuma Sato defeats the Demon King, you will be the savior of this kingdom... no, this world! Even if you manage to defeat the Demon King, the royal family will give you the best reward!"

Sato Kazuma had no interest in the usual excuses and just kept running forward.

Princess Alice continued, "...Let me think...reputation? Title? Territory? Treasure? Or perhaps a young lady?"

Kazuma Sato paused, but continued running forward with his head down, though his ears involuntarily perked up.

"...In short, whatever you want, the Royal Family will grant your request! I guarantee it with my reputation as Princess Rikka—all your demands will be met!"

Despite her young age, Alice's serious expression when she spoke of using the royal family's reputation as a guarantee was undeniably convincing.

Especially since she gave so much!

It can be said that as long as the Demon King is defeated, Kazuma Sato will immediately reach the pinnacle of his life!

Even though his eyes had unconsciously turned into the shape of money, he still said righteously, "Ahem, treasure and fame don't matter, as long as I can't bear to see the Demon King harm this world."

Seeing his appearance, Princess Alice's impression of a "hero" was shattered, and she didn't know how to respond for a moment.

Suddenly recalling how her father handled such situations, she could only murmur, "...You really are a man of strong character. I entrust everything to you."

But Darkness and the other two guards instinctively blurted out, "He's scum!"

"Shut up! Defeating the Demon King deserves a reward! Otherwise, no one would put in their best effort!"

Although Kazuma Sato is still very young, his nature has long put him past the age of making empty promises.

Especially since he originally wanted to live a carefree life in another world, the princess's guarantee gave him even more motivation.

But soon, the idea of ​​escaping arose again.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Just six months ago, Axel's starting village was a paradise, the starting town furthest from the Demon King's castle.

There was peace and harmony, and no conflict.

However, everything changed when the rumors of the "descent of two goddesses" were confirmed. Fearing the goddesses' wrath, the Demon King's army decided to launch a full-scale attack and fight to the death.

Then, naturally, the starting village became a war fortress on the front line against the Demon King's army.

With the resources of the royal family, the hidden masters in the beginner village, and the wisdom of Kazuma Sato, this town has become an impenetrable fortress.

Thick city walls, and the city wall river.

With the Red Demon race, who can use teleportation magic, providing necessities, they didn't need to leave the town at all, thus blocking most of the attacks.

But this 'resistance' ended today.

As we stood atop the city wall, a gentle breeze stirred.

An inexplicable sense of heaviness enveloped everyone's hearts.

Some even whispered, "If I win this war, I will definitely marry her when I get back!"

"Hey! You over there! Don't throw around those flags! You're not allowed to say things like that!"

Kazuma Sato was so frightened that he started cursing at the guard.

but……

It's no wonder they said such discouraging things; the dark, gloomy scene was truly frightening.

Unlike the 3 to 5 cannon fodder minions of the past, this time the Demon King's army has about 10, and each one of them is a mid-level or higher demon!

Not to mention the large group of powerful magical beasts and the Demon King's army behind the town.

It seems that it wasn't just them who were making preparations over the past six months; the Demon King's army was also making thorough preparations.

谷饛

hateful!

Can someone this steady even be considered part of the Demon King's army?!

"Kazuma!"

"Oh, it's the clan chief."

The person who greeted Kazuma Sato was the patriarch of the Crimson Demon Clan, Yu-Yu's father.

Speaking of which, the main force fighting against the Demon King's army this time is the Crimson Demon Clan.

That's why he's been tolerating the chuunibyou (middle school syndrome) Red Demon Clan causing destruction in the town.

Now, it's finally their turn to step up!

"How's it going? Are you sure?"

"Hmph! You really underestimate the Crimson Demon Clan!"

With his cold snort, a group of fully armed Crimson Demons behind him, their eyes glowing red, struck various strange poses to assert their presence.

...Although none of them are of any use.

However, it was precisely because of their presence that Sato Kazuma felt somewhat relieved.

"By the way, where are Huihui and Youyou?"

“There it is.”

Following the direction he pointed, Sato Kazuma saw his two Crimson Demon teammates who had been staying indoors for a long time. Seeing Megumin's sorrowful and unhappy face, he thought of going over to comfort her and not letting her down at a time like this.

But as he got closer, he heard...

"...Finally, has this day come? Having slain my mentor, I fought against the Demon King's army, carrying her beliefs, and finally, after countless hardships, successfully defeated the Demon King! But amidst the cheers of the crowd, I silently scattered the Demon King's ashes before my mentor's grave, then disappeared from everyone's sight, becoming a legendary magician..."

No more.

I'm speechless.

It looks so strange no matter how you look at it!

Your mentor was also a high-ranking officer in the Demon King's army, right? If you didn't want to, why did you kill her in the first place?! And speaking of which, she didn't die, did she? She fused with your pet instead?

Is this the bizarre thought process of a teenage girl with chuunibyou (middle school syndrome)?!

Before Sato Kazuma could speak, Yuuyu blurted out, "Megumin?! Your master isn't dead yet!"

"But Youyou, my master lost her body because of me, and the reason is that she was a member of the Demon King's army. So... let's do it, let's use all our power and unleash the strongest explosive magic!"

"Okay, Huihui! ...But I can only cast my own spell after all the other clansmen have finished casting their spells."

"...You traitor, Youyou!"

"Why?!"

The two, possessing [Magic Burn] and [Crimson Crown], are the perfect combination.

No, it's more accurate to say that Youyou is the ace of the entire Crimson Demon Clan.

Sato and Mami got along very well, so they didn't go up to disturb them.

Where on earth did Aqua go?!

Everyone in the team is here, but she's nowhere to be found?!

We're still waiting for her to release the protective barrier!

Speaking of which...

Speaking of protective barriers, Kazuma Sato suddenly remembered someone else.

After searching around the city wall, they finally spotted her.

The haughty young girl looked down at the demon army with indifferent eyes, showing no fear whatsoever.

"Hey! Beatrice!"

That's right, I'm talking about Suoh's contracted spirit.

Although she was cold and aloof to everyone, Kazuma Sato understood that she just didn't know how to get along with strangers, and that she was getting along very well with the rest of the team now.

"Kazuma?"

"Has the barrier been set up?"

"finished."

This was another trick he had up his sleeve.

Fearing that Aqua might be unreliable in this situation, he asked Beatrice to act as a backup and set up a barrier around the entire town to protect them.

only--

"This barrier cannot withstand sustained high-intensity attacks."