Part 1

Sell me all of these.

The next morning.

Diablo paid a visit to the carriage shop alone.

The Dwarven shopkeeper, who still had a sleepy face, tilted his head.

Ahn? The Gold Fruit? It wont work as fodder butas fertilizer? Are you going to make a field or something?

Ill eat them.

HahahaThat sort of joke, has it gotten popular in the royal capital?

I am serious. Will you sell them or not, answer me quickly.

What will you do, if I say that I wont sell them?

In that case, it cannot be helped. If you say that they are harvested on the mountain, then will simply go to the mountain.

He did not catch sight of them near the mountain trail.

Going by the strength of the monsters, it was difficult to imagine that they would be found that deep in the mountains. Most likely, they are probably found a bit off from the mountain trail.

The shopkeeper shrugged his shoulders.

This really doesnt seem like anything but a joke butWell, if youre going to go that far, Ill sell them to you. They arent really high priced goods.

Yosh!

Diablo bought the entire cart.

He returned to the inn that they were staying at.

Looking around restlessly, Rem and Shera were waiting in front of the building looking worried.

Diablo! What in the world is with that?

What, what? Ueh!? Isnt that, the super bitter Gold Fruit thing?

Umu.

Just when I thought that you left so early in the morning aloneWhat are you going to do with something like that? Do you plan on making Shera eat them or something?

I absolutely dont wanna!?

Since she raised a loud voice while on the road, the people walking by ended up staring at them. Even though they had appearances that stood out even under normal conditions.

Diablo gave an explanation to the two of them.

No matter what form it was in, he had shown them defeat. Despite that, the girls didnt change their attitude towards him even a little.

That sort of thing, did it have a bit of an influence on his mentality?

He became unable to consider doing the training in secret.

He continued his Demon King role play, but it was a fact that his current self was undergoing training.

Becoming frantic to level up wasnt a disgrace.

The Gold Fruit, I will eat them.

Rem and Shera hardened.

Their expressions were stern.

Ah, umDiabloEven if you did lose, I find it questionable for you to worry about it that much.

Thats right! Everyone loses at some point, you know!?

To begin with, didnt Sasala also say that if you used magic, that you would be stronger than her?

Theres no reason for you to die!

Werent you going to participate in the fight to protect Faltra City?

What will happen with the Elven country!? Am I suddenly going to become a widow!?

Diablo stopped the two that were pressing him.

Wait, wait. You two are misunderstanding things.

It seems that Gold Fruit are poisonous.

If you eat these, you will definitely die, you know? They taste that bad.

There is also that sort of theory, but if you eat this, then you will level upWasnt there also that sort of information?

Rem spoke as if to admonish him.

To level up by eating fruit is it. That sort of, occultic thing, its impossible.

Something like food that can level you up, thats just strange, you know!?

Even Shera was desperately trying to stop him.

Diablo nodded.

Your thoughts, I understand them well.

So you understand us.

Un, un, lets eat things that are normally more delicious

The two of them showed expressions of relief.

As he thought, he couldnt get them to understand him.

But, I will eat them!

When Diablo grabbed a Gold Fruit, he threw it to his mouth.

==

Part 2

Since long ago, he didnt listen to what other people said.

He didnt want to bend on things that he decided himself.

To begin with, if he had a personality where he would obediently abide by the views of others, he surely wouldnt have been a hikikomori and a NEET.

Even if he did have a communication disorder, he was independent.

Rather, it could be said that he was lacking a cooperative spirit.

He would persist no matter what those around him tried to tell him.

If I had to follow the values of others, then what meaning is there to myself existing? is how he felt.

As a result of that

Diablo was fallen prostrate on the bed.

Uuuugh

Rem leaked out an exasperated voice.

So reckless.

Are you alright? Are you alright?

Shera was rubbing his back.

His stomach, hurt.

It is no problem. Naturally.

Diablo, while dripping cold sweat, replied with only that.

Shoving his hand into his pouch, he took out a purple potion tube. With trembling hands, he drank it.

As if a poisonous snake that was writhing about in his stomach had fallen asleep, the pain withdrew.

It was an Antidote Potion.

It was a valuable article in this other world, but in the MMORPG Cross Reverie, it was an extremely common item that anyone could easily obtain.

He hadnt hypothesized that they would be used like this, but he had brought along several of them.

Fuu

Diablo breathed a sigh.

The Gold Fruit tasted terrible beyond imagination. Enough that he couldnt say that it was the taste of food to begin with. It had a medicinal kind of bitterness, and the aftertaste made him break out in a sweat and cause his body to tremble.

When he ate the third one, an abrupt stomach ache struck him.

Did it really have toxicity to it?

At any rate, it didnt seem like it was food for the Races. It was just as what the carriage shop shopkeeper had said.

The cartload of Gold Fruit was placed in the corner of the room.

Within Diablos brain, an angel persuaded him.

Let us stop this. There is no guarantee that you will become stronger even if you go through this suffering. Since you are plenty strong as a Magician, would it not be fine if you just came up with a way to fight? That is what you did up until now after all.

In contrast, a devil whispered to him.

Lets stop this, okay? Besides, wouldnt it be fine if you just ran away from the fight, and lived enjoyably in a distant country? Lets enjoy a slow life!

So both were in agreement.

However, his gamer soul was different.

If there is the possibility of efficiently leveling up, then Ill risk something like my life!

Naturally.

Diablo progressed as if dragging his heavy legs, and with trembling hands, he grabbed a Gold Fruit.

Rem and Shera no longer stopped him.

I, will believe in you. In the past, I said that, didnt I. And that wont change even now.

Diablo, if you feel that its necessary no matter what, then it cant be helped.

HmphDo no fear. I have no intention of dying from something as stupid as this.

Diablo put a Gold Fruit in his mouth.

At the same time, he drank an Antidote Potion and a HP Recovery Potion, and washed it down.

Within his body, the poisonous snake started to rage about once again.

Pain ran through him, and his face cramped up.

A rumbling could be heard from his stomach.

He purposefully put strength into his stomach that had an acute pain running through it.

I am, the Demon King of another world Diablo! I will not yield, to something, of this level!

He ate even more.

Eat.

Ate.

Drank.

Bit it. Stuffed his cheeks. Indulged in it. Ate it. Gulped it down. Ate untidily. Devoured greedily. Overate it. Heavily ate it. Engorged on it.

Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Vomit. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat.

Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Ate. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat. Eat eat eat it all.

Three days later

The Gold Fruits that were once a huge mound on the cart were gone.

==

Part 3

Diablo once again climbed the Heavenly Mountain.

He should have taken antidotes and also healed, but a heavy pain remained deep within his stomach.

Since he continued to eat for three days and three nights and couldnt sleep due to the pain, his eyelids were heavy.

Enough that it was tough for him to even walk.

The Demonic Beasts that appeared on his way up were eliminated by Rem and Shera.

He didnt have the spare energy to fight them.

Having climbed up the cliff that was right before the Master Swordsmans hermitage, Diablo lied down on the grassland. Going *Fuu*, it felt like his consciousness was going to break off.

Eh? Ah, you all are!?

It was Sasalas voice.

Diablo brought his body up.

The time was evening

With the facts that they had left the inn later than before, that Diablos body felt heavy, and that the battles were left to Rem and Shera, it had taken up more time for them to get there.

The place was shining red by the setting sun.

Countless weapons were stuck into the ground.

It was the Master Swordsmans hermitage.

And then, maybe because she was in the middle of practice, Sasala stood there with a spear in hand. She had made a surprised face by their abrupt visit.

For you all to come by againWhat is wrong?

Rem spoke looking shameful.

I, had proposed that he come here after resting a bit butDiablo said that he needed to no matter what.

Sorry, Sasalchan. He said that he wanted you to test him one more time.

Shera also spoke for him.

Sasala tilted her head.

Ehh? B, but, not even a week has passed, you know?

She had predicted ten years.

Diablo stood up.

His hands trembled.

Even if he did rest, he didnt know if it would get better. Whether it be the strange chill he had, or the pain of the poisonous snake that was raging about within his body.

He didnt improve with neither the Antidote Potion nor the HP Recovery Potion.

However, that didnt matter.

Thinking If I eat the Gold Fruit, wouldnt I level up just like in the game?, he did the absurd.

What was the result?

He wanted to know.

Would he be able to see Sasalas slash, or not.

Finding it to be a pain to even take a sword out from his pouch, DIablo grabbed a sword in front of him that was stuck in the ground, and drew it out.

I will, borrow this.

It was a long sword that was covered in rust.

He felt a faint amount of magical power from it, but it probably wouldnt have that great of an effect.

Sasala made a bewildered looking face.

Ah, umYou are looking very unwell but

Do not mind it.

But, you look like youll collapse at any moment now

It is because, your residence is this deep in the mountains. When we left the inn, I was feeling a bit better.

I, I am sorry.

If you feel guilty, then let me do it once more. If you say that you wont no matter what, then I will be the one to start it.

UuughI, I understand

Once again, Sasala was on the verge of tears.

He harbored feelings of guilt, but he didnt have the luxury to worry about them. Just as she had said, Diablo felt like he was going to collapse at any moment now.

Sasala readied her spear.

Her atmosphere changed once again.

This time, there was an intimidating air where it felt like his skin was getting burned.

It was different from the other day.

The tip of the spear was wrapped in flames.

To think that there would be this much of a change by the weapon equipped.

Sasala glared at him with eyes like that of a starved wolf.

I warned you. I wont listen to any complaints even if you die, you know?

That is just what I want. If you hold back on me, then I will turn you to ash with my maximum magic.

Fuu

She drew near once again.

Normally, Spear-users that fight against Magicians would charge in with the Martial Art Lance Charge.

With her slowly closing the distance, there was a feeling of oppression.

Do not be impatient.

In this other world, the effects of Gold Fruit were unknown, but in the MMORPG Cross Reverie, if he consumed that huge amount of Gold Fruit, he definitely would have leveled up.

Really?

A game was a game. Even if this place is called another world, it was reality.

Leveling up with fruit, is that even possible? His thoughts were going round and round.

Sasala got into range.

This is a sure-hit thrust, desu.

Wait a

Involuntarily, he said that out loud.

Since she had a kind personality, maybe she complied with him.

The attack that aimed for Diablos shoulder, right before it hitIts speed fell.

He just barely evaded it.

FuuAhSorry. UmIts just that I felt like a sneeze was going to come out, you see.

It was because he became worried just before it happenedhe couldnt say something like that.

Sasala displayed a stern expression.

She was timid, but she had a personality that was a bit too serious. It might have hindered her mood.

Once moredesu ne. Please receive it properly.

Yeah, it is that sort of test after all.

He took a deep breath.

It was no good to think about unnecessary things. He needed to concentrate.

However, the Gold Fruit was bad enough to cause him to tilt between life and death.

If he didnt receive Sasalas attack, then it would mean that all that suffering would become meaningless.

His heart felt like it would break.

It was unavoidable for a hikikomori.

Shouldnt he at least challenge her after his physical condition was perfect, is the common sense that passed through his mind at this late point in time.

O, on second thought, lets do this some other time

Here I come!

Did she get mad from his earlier excuse? Sasala raised a loud voice that she hadnt made up until now that was filled with fighting spirit.

She thrust at him with the spear.

Diablo opened his eyes wide.

Dodge, Sasala!!

The matter of the test flew out from his head. He had no hesitation.

He stuck out the sword.

Diablo fired magic, Flare Burst.

===

Part 4

Sasala rolled down on the ground.

Hii!?

At the same time, the explosion activated at point-blank range.

From that smoke and flames, a black figure rushed out.

Diablo clicked his tongue in his mind.

The activation was slow!?

Maybe due to his physical conditionIt took a bit of time between his chanting of the magic to the activation of Flare Bursts explosion.

Sasala darted her eyes about from what had happened so abruptly.

Wh, wh, what!?

Thats what I want to know! This thing, it is really a monster!?

The black figure that took a distance of several steps and confronted him was, a giant monkey densely covered in thick hair. It was a bit taller than Diablo.

It had a Japanese sword with a crescent moon engraved on the pommel at the ready.

Grrrrr

It made a low growl.

Rem shouted.

Diablo! Isnt that the Evil Monkey!?

AhhWe heard a story about it.

He remembered how the carriage store Dwarf had warned them.

Sasala gulped.

Wh, why!?

It seems that it attacks when it sees that an Adventurer is strong. It would seem, that you were targeted, Sasala.

Earlier, just before she came thrusting with her spear

It coming from behind her, and slashing with incredible speed, is what Diablo had seen.

Sasala shook her head left and right.

Nonothe one that was targeted, wasnt me, desu

What came out on her face wasnt the gallant ambiance that she had when she was in stance with her sword, but her usual timid-looking side. Although she held a spear in hand, she wouldnt stand up.

Is the the type that is weak in actual combat? Or maybe

At any rate, it seems that harm has been brought to other Adventurers as well.

We havent taken up the quest, but should we hunt it?

Diablo was about to fire his next magic.

The large monkey densely covered in thick hairThe Evil Monkey nimbly jumped back.

Giiiiiiia!

It raised a strange shout.

Just like that, it ran away into the mountains trees.

He didnt chase after it.

Honestly, he wasnt in a condition to fight against a formidable enemy.

Good grief.

Uuu

Sasala was still sitting down on the ground.

Rem and Shera rushed over.

Diablo, are you alright?

It kinda had a strange feeling to it, didnt it. It felt like it was different from wild animals, Demonic Beasts, and Demonic Beings, didnt it?

Thats right, that thing was different.

Diablo thrust his sword into the ground.

Sasala, I will ask you, once more. That Evil Monkey, is it really a monster?

Th, that is

Under certain circumstances, I had seen the Master Swordsman.

Eh!?

She gulped.

Why, does the monster that is called the Evil Monkey and that is attacking AdventurersWhy does it have the Master Swordsmans katana?

Rem was surprised, and Shera tilted her head.

Sasalas shoulders trembled.

Earlier, you asserted that you were not the one that was targeted. You know something. What are you hiding?

*Guh* She gritted her teeth.

Did she intend on not talking no matter what?

Rem squatted down beside her.

Sasala, it would be best for you to talk now while you can. It is because this person known as Diablo becomes dreadful at times. If you keep hiding it, he will make you taste a shame that will last a lifetime.

Hii!?

So she still held a grudge over how he had played with her panther ears to get her to talk about her secret on the first night they were together.

With a smile, Shera placed a hand on Sasalas back.

Its fine! Although Diablo has a mean-looking face, and a mean way of talking, he is a good person that saves everyone!

B, but

You have some circumstances, dont you?

Sasala nodded.

UmTh, the matter of all this, could you keep it a secret, from the people in town

Un!

I promise.

Diablo also nodded.

He didnt have a preference to spreading other peoples secrets.

Breathing a sigh as if she had given up, Sasala stood up.

As you have, already guessedthe Evil Monkeyis the previous Master Swordsman. My foster fatherdesu.

How, did he become like that?

Th, that is

Shera grabbed Sasalas hand, who was still hesitant to speak about it.

Tell us, Sasalchan. Were, friends, arent we!?

FFriends?

Un!

Is, is that true?

Thats right.

FriendsThis is, my first time being called that, desu.

Diablo tilted his head.

Among those so-called friends, would he also be counted among them?

He couldnt understand Sheras way of closing the distance.

However, Sasalas cheeks were flushed, and as she gazed at her tightly gripped hand, she didnt seem dissatisfied at all.

Part 5

Diablos group moved to a place within the estate.

It was the room with a sunken hearth that they ate soba in before.

Ten years ago

Sasala, brought along by her father who was a merchant, came to Sodmas.

However, her father was done in by a Demonic Beast of the Heavenly Mountain.

Right when she was nearly eaten as well, a Master Swordsman that just happened to be passing byGraham saved her.

He was an old master that held the Japanese sword that had the crest of a crescent moon on its pommel, the Dark Moon, in his hand.

Maybe feeling pity for Sasala whose parent had just died and who had no other relatives, he taught her the sword as a means of living.

Sasala had a natural talent for it.

Sounding like she found it really painful, she spoke.

At around the fifth yearprobablyI had become the stronger one.

It was something really dreadful.

Graham was the one that kindly taught her, hoping that she would succeed the name of Master Swordsman someday, but

Half a year ago

Graham held the suspicion of Wasnt his daughter holding back on him during practice?

He slashed at her with the intent to kill.

It was not practice.

It was an attack on her.

Fortunately or unfortunately, Sasala repelled Graham. She was too favored by talent. Enough to drive the kind old master mad with jealousy

The Master Swordsman fell into darkness.

Abandoning the shell known as being a person of the Races, and becoming an existence that only wields the swordThat sort of thing, happens.

Could it be a Martial Art?

Sasala shook her head sideways to Rems question.

That, is no longer anything like sword techniques or skills. In the words that the ancestor left behind, he is a mere Oni.

Oni.

Even though it is a tabooBecause of me, my dear foster father (tou-sama) who was so kind was

She had a tearful voice.

Shera hugged her shoulders.

That is so sad.

RightThat is, rightSad.

*Boro boro* Sasala shed tears.

Raising her voice, she cried.

After waiting for Sasala to calm down, Rem asked her a question.

According to that story, would that mean that the Evil Monkeys target is you?

Tou-sama who had turned into an Oni, no longer, remembers the past. It looks like, he doesnt even recognize me.

So there is no meaning to it.

A person vanished, and turned into a single Oni.

In other words, it was that kind of story.

The current Tou-samaIf he finds a strong person, he would only slash at themBut, I, can no longer fight against Tou-sama

Nn? What do you mean by that?

ErmIf the opponent is someone that doesnt have an intent to kill or fighting spirit, then Tou-sama wont fight them. Also, he wont fight anyone other than Warriors.

So the ones attacked, are strong Warrior-types?

Yes.

And then, since you dont have the will to fight against your predecessor, you wont be targeted.

Probably, desu.

Rem knitted her brows.

This is going to sound harsh but, is that really the correct thing to do?

Correct?

You feel obligation towards your predecessor, and you feel that you dont want to fight that person, right?

O, of course.

But, that predecessor of yours, didnt he want to win against you so badly that he fell into becoming an Oni?

Sasala was at a loss for words.

She gazed at her own hands.

Th, that way of putting itI hadnt thought of it, at all. I only thought, that he had no other options, and got mad at me.

Rem spoke slowly.

I do not know, what was in his mind. Its possible even the person himself had misunderstood. But, ways of killing a person, there are countless ways of doing it. But for him to not go with any of those, and changing into an Oni that only wields the sword, there should be a meaning to it. Dont you feel that way?

Uuu

I have not met with your predecessor. Sasala, there could be something that you, who was the closest one to him, might know.

Yes.

Please try to think deeply about what needs to be done.

Sasala said nothing and nodded.

Rem purposely spoke to her with an impersonal tone.

Depending on the result of your thoughtsIf you say that you will not fight him, I will take action as an Adventurer. A monster that possesses as much strength as a Master Swordsman cannot be left on the loose after all.

For the time being, things became like that in regards to the Evil Monkey.

==

Part 6

Diablo stood up.

Now then, I suppose well head back.

As expected, it was extremely unlikely that he could concentrate anymore.

His physical condition was also at its worse.

He decided to return to the inn, take a couple days of rest, and then challenge Sasala once again.

Ah, umPlease wait. ErmAbout the test

Mu?

Could it be that she is going to say that there is a limit to the number of challenges that could be made? If that were the case, he felt that with todays accident, it should not be counted.

Sasala straightened her posture.

UmYou saw it, didnt you? My thrust.

Didnt a bother come in the middle of it.

Th, that was the second onedesu. I am talking about the first one.

Diablo remembered how Sasala slowed down her attack when he asked her to wait.

If she says that that was a disqualification, I have no words to give back.

Was there any enemy that would stop from being told to wait in an actual fight? Even if he were to say so himself, he blurted out something stupid.

He thought of an excuse.

AhActually, at that time, the presence of the Evil Monkey was already

While breaking out into a cold sweat, he tried to come up with a suitable reason.

Sasalas eyes sparkled.

Th, this is a first for me. To have my thrust evaded!

Mumu?

I was thinking couldnt you also have warded it off with your sword at that time.

That is only natural. You, had slowed down your attack after all.

Eh? ErmI didnt slow it down.

Rem and Shera were also in agreement.

It was an attack so fast I couldnt see it. It wasnt any different than before.

Yup, yup. It was faster than slashing with a sword, wasnt it.

Diablo tilted his head.

You say some strange things. The first time, didnt you clearly thrust slowly?

Sasala spoke being somewhat excited.

Slowly! This is, the first time my own thrust was described like that.

C, could it be

I am a Master Swordsman. There is no way I would make a half-baked attack. I had not aimed for a vital spot, but it was a serious thrust that I put all of my energy into. And you, had evaded that!

Se

Seriously!? is what he was about to say.

*Futsu futsu* Joy came welling up.

Sasala made a declaration.

You pass! Diablo, I welcome you as a disciple of the Master Swordsman. M, my discipleYou are number one.

Disciple number one.

What, did you say?

In response to her words, not just Diablo, even Rem and Shera tilted their heads.

Sasala scratched her head.

Her bushy dog tail flapped about.

UfufuHaving no one able to receive my full-powered sword, I became a bit uneasy. I finally have one.

You said that you were acting as the Master Swordsman, since half a year ago, right?

Y, yes. Several very strong looking Warriors, had come by butThey didnt quite make it.

Do you know a man called Emil?

Au, Im sorry. I am not very good at remembering peoples names

He is a strange guy that self-proclaims himself to be an ally of women. He has a long name of Byushe-something.

Sasala made a displeased face.

H, he didHe said that he defended himself against the sword of Faltras Feudal Lord, so I guess that was amazingBut, while thinking if he were to become my disciple, would this person stay at the estate? Thats a bit scary, I cut him down.

What happened?

Although I cut him about a hundred times, he was unable to block even one of them, and I felt relieved. Ah, I told him to please come again after he went around to various countries and got him to leave

You, thats just a shitty game, isnt it!?

Diablo involuntarily shouted.

*Biku* Sasala was taken aback.

Wa, wawaW, was somethingwrong with that?

It was said that to receive the Master Swordsmans instruction, they need to be a level 80 Warriordid you know that!?

Eh? Level? What is that?

Were you not taught about that part by your predecessor!?

She did her very best to remember.

AhahCome to think of it, when people came wanting to be his discipleTou-sama would test them.

Umu.

Sasala, as if yearning for the past, made distant eyes and spoke.

He would slash at about three times slower than usual, and if they could catch that blow, then they would pass.

Thattt isss theee original difficulty levellll, you damned imbicileee!!

Hii!? Im s-s-sorry.

You mean to say you tested me at three times that level!?

AwawaW, was it wrong of me to slash at you with my full power!?

What did your predecessor do!?

Hauu, he held backI had forgotten this whole time

When Sasala escaped to close to the wall, she hugged her tail and trembled. Her pointed ears were drooped down.

Diablo took a daunting pose.

His drowsiness had been blown away.

You, do you not know about your own level either!?

AhuhI was told onceby Tou-sama

And what did he say?

When you win against this father of yours, I shall deem you as level 200 is what he said

Level 200!?

His head, felt dizzy.

He felt as if the ground became slanted.

He could understand why he was unable to see through Sasalas slash before. It was an unknown high level that he had never fought against before.

The highest level implemented in the MMORPG Cross Reverie went up to level 150.

She was far higher.

To think that she would reach such height with just a few years of training.

So she was a prodigy.

I might be able to understand a bit why the previous Master Swordsman had turned into an Oni out of jealousy.

One couldnt imagine it from seeing her tremble like a scolded dog, but this young Dwarf girl, she was a much higher level than anyone he had fought up until now.

Rem spoke so as to pacify him.

Diablo, everyone makes mistakes.

He wasnt mad anymore, but he replied with a Demon King-like self-important attitude.

There wont be a next time.

Sasala nodded many times.

Diablo asked with an exasperated sounding tone.

To begin with, I seem to be disciple number one butYou are able to provide proper guidance, right?

It, it is fineTou-sama had said this. That the arts of a Master Swordsman are not for the sake of fighting, but for the sake of teaching people.

What will we do tomorrow? If you say that it is cleaning the estate, or working in the fields, I will be going home.

He understood that basics and spirit training were important, but he didnt know when the Demon King army would invade Faltra City. If there was a need to settle down there, he intended on coming back again later.

Sasala had a nervous look to her.

E, ermSince you will be fighting against me with a wooden swordHow does that sound?

Umu

He had nothing but unease.

With her being a level 200 Warrior, he found it scary since it seemed like she could do a one-hit kill even with a wooden sword but

I, I can properly hold back!

Ehh? Can you really?

That was how he felt, but he decided to trust her on it for the time being.

Rem squatted down in front of Sasala.

May I ask something? I have two requests for the Master Swordsman.

AuuIf you are fine with someone like me.

Having suffered from Diablos anger on top of already being a timid person, she had shrunken down to being servile.

It is something that only you can do. With the correct intensity that you mentioned earlier, could you test me as well? If it is somewhat slow, I might be able to handle it somehow.

B, but, arent you a Summoner?

I had said this before, but in order for me to fight against the Demon King army as well, I want to become stronger.

Uu, I understand.

It turned out that Rem would also take the test.

Shera raised her hand.

Then, Ill also take it. It seems like itll be boring if I just wait alone after all.

Rem glared at her with scornful eyes.

Youre an Archer.

I told you Im a Summoner!

HawawaThis is about becoming a disciple of the sword though!?

Quarrelling a bit, in the end, Shera also ended up being able to take the test.

Going for the other oneRem started again.

This one, is a much more major request.

Wh, what is it?

Could you come to the Fortress City Faltra, and fight against the Demon King army together with us?

Eh?

I understand that Sodmas City at the foot of the mountain has flourished thanks to the Master Swordsman. However, if Faltra City falls, then this place will also become isolated.

Yes.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the protection of Faltra City will influence the destiny of the Races. By all means, please lend us your strength.

Shera put her hands together.

As expected of you, Rem! If she does that, itll be something really pleasant! Ill ask too, please do it, Sasalchan!

Being petitioned like that, Sasala pondered.

U, unWe are friends, so I feel like, I want to do something about it butThere is still the matter about Tou-sama.

Ahh, thats true! In that case, well need to settle that!

Shera said that, and Rem had no objections.

=

Part 7

The next day

Sasala, whose eyes were red, made a big yawn.

Diablo readied his wooden sword.

Are you alright?

AhS, sorryAfter everything yesterday, I read the book of secrets that founder-sama left behind over again, and then it was morning before I knew it

For soba?

AuTh, thats not it. Things like the method for the trial, and in regards to levels, various things were written. I should have read about them long ago though.

So thats why you forgot.

UuuIm sorry.

Damned novice Master Swordsman. And so? Werent we going to be crossing swords today?

For Sasala, she wasnt even holding a wooden sword.

AhIt was written in the book of secrets that you would die even if I held backSo since I will be dodging, you pass if you hit me, desu.

He felt gratitude from the bottom of his heart for the book of secrets that was left behind.

Founter-sama, nice!

Is it fine if I slash with all of my strength?

That is alright. It seems that, I have a constitution where I dont receive damage once per day after all.

!?

I am a tiny bit sturdy.

He felt that that being a tiny bit sturdy wasnt something cute, but was more of a legitimate cheat though.

From now on, if something happens, I will first make you a shield.

Hawawa!?

Diablo focused on his sword.

Thanks to Sasalas mistaken difficulty level setting and the Gold Fruits, he leveled up remarkably as a Warrior.

Thanks to having slept well, his physical condition was better than yesterday. The stomach ache remained, but the chills and the cramps had vanished.

Just how much is my offensive ability as I am now?

He slashed with full power.

Seei!

A side sweeping blow.

Sasala crouched down, and easily evaded it.

U, umYou mustnt look at where your are slashing, before you slash. It gets exposed, by the movement of your eyes.

Kuh.

He swung again.

She avoided it once again.

It was exposed with the movements of your muscles.

Gunu.

It needs to be much faster, desu. Muscles that arent needed for slashing, it would be best if they dont movemaybe.

The body of the Races, arent made to be like that!

AuuHow should I put itHave you ever seen weaving done? That sort of movement where there is no uselessness and only required movements are done is good.

Being told that by Sasala, Diablo gazed at his own hands.

Arriving at that mental state, he had done it before.

I, remember.

The operation of extreme Players, would become unchasable with the eyes of an ordinary person. They would end up not having any unnecessary movements just like machines in a factory.

If you want to win, then quit being human! He had been on the side that declared that.

Since he was swinging a sword, he had moved his body while going with the sensations of the flesh and blood he was familiar with but

If he were a high level Warrior, then he was probably already a different existence from the body he had in his original world. It was just like using magic in this other world.

He imagined a normal attack done in the MMORPG Cross Reverie.

Perceiving the target in range, then the attack button.

By the time he realized it, he had already swung his sword.

The sound of cutting the air, was different.

Oo!?

It was a speed that surprised even himself.

Hyaah!?

Surprised by the sudden change, Sasalas evasion was delayed. He grazed her pointed ears.

Diablo expressed a smile.

I hit, didnt I?

Th, that just nowsince it was the hairit was no good, desu.

I dont mind that but, the next time I hit you, wont you receive damage?

HawaI will endure it.

Against a Sasala that was absorbed in evading, he couldnt hit her all that easily.

Even for Diablo, when compared to the magic that was ingrained into his brain, his attacks with a sword couldnt be said to be smooth.

It took three days until he could properly hit her.

At that time, having challenged her several times, Rem and Shera were somehow able to pass.

They became the Master Swordsmans disciples number two and number three.

==