Chapter 4.1

Chapter 4: Trying Out Saving Companions Part1

Part 1

Even Diablo who created the dungeon didnt know where the muddy stream that crossed the stage would carry them to.

What he did was simply configure a waterway as a setting tipThings like where the water came from, or where it was headed, he hadnt worried about that kind of thing at all.

He wouldnt be surprised if appeared with something magical, and just disappeared at the end of the stage.

However, it seemed that the water of the muddy stream was the real thing. It continued to flow to the end of the stage.

Is that a waterfall!?

They would fall together with the water.

They fell from a spot high enough that he thought that they would not survive if there was a boulder or something at the place that they were falling to.

If they were to separate again, he might not be able to find him next time. He made it so that Horun was held within his arms.

He didnt have the leisure to store the weapon he held in his hand into his pouch.

He let go of the Staff of Tenma inside of the muddy stream.

He lost his sense of up and down.

Spinning around, he no longer knew whether his own head was above him or below him.

Im drowning!?

His spirit was adversely affected by his anxiety but

Underwater Movement was highly efficient. He would never have a hard time breathing, and he immediately regained his sense of equilibrium.

While holding Horun in his arms, Diablo headed for the waters surface and kicked underwater.

Puhah!

His head came out to the waters surface.

So it was a waterfall lake.

At the bottom of the vertically long cave, it had turned into the shape of a flask. The water that accumulated at the bottom of the flaskIt felt as if they had been submerged in there.

The current had become calm.

Using Underwater Movement once again, he swam to the edge of the accumulated water. Heaving Horun, who he carried under his arm, up onto a boulder, he then raised himself out from the water.

PhewOi, Horun, are you alive?

As Horun lied down on top of the dry boulder, he didnt make a response. Maybe because he was breathing, water was spilling out from his mouth.

Oi, answer me!

He called out to him once more.

Although Diablo was acting calmhe felt his heartbeat getting faster. His chest tightened from an unpleasant prediction.

He brought his own hand close to Horuns small lips.

His breathinghe could feel it.

Hes alive!

However, it seemed he was unconscious.

What about his pulse?

He grabbed his wrist. As he was flustered, he couldnt really tell.

Trying it out several times, he was able to confirm that he had a pulse. In other words, his heart was moving! He was alive!

It seemed that Horun was a level 20 Adventurer. Just as that title implied, he was fairly sturdy. Even if he was a light in body weight Grasswalker, that might be the reason that saved him.

Right now, he was in a state of fainting from shock.

Diablo patted down on his own chest.

PhewThank goodness

Since Horun was fainted and there was no one else around, Diablo leaked out his original voice. He even spontaneously broke into a laugh from the sense of relief.

Next, he checked Horuns shoulder that was probably cut by Geibalt.

Fumu fumuThere is some bleeding, but its shallow. If its like this, the blood might stop even if I leave it alone, wont it?

It would be simple if he had an HP Recovery Potion, but he had used them all up before they came in to capture the dungeon.

Diablos Distorted Crown had an HP Recovery effect, but

there was a restriction that one had to be greater than level 140 to equip it. He was unable to lend it to him.

Suddenly, a sneeze came out.

ColdThis is badIm fine since I have the Curtain of Dark Clouds but

His mantle, The Curtain of Dark Clouds, prevented all Bad Status conditions. Therefore, Diablo probably wouldnt catch a cold.

However, at this rate, Horun was in danger.

He had a memory of reading a net article or something before.

When a persons deep part (the rectum) gets below 35 degrees, they get hypothermia. And when that condition continues, its possible for them to die. It was said that by doing something like sleeping while wearing wet clothes even in summertime, if the body temperature falls too much, then there is the danger of death.

Un, since I also have to treat his wounds, I guess Ill have to strip himI also have to create a fire, huh. ErmSome burnable stuff is?

He looked around but, it was a boulder.

At any rate, a boulder.

At the parts where water was touching it, there was moss that emitted a faint shine was growing there. Thanks to that, it seemed bright. However, that probably wouldnt burn.

He was able to produce a fire with magic, but without something to burn, it would be difficult to sustain it.

Ever since they entered the dungeon, he kept on consuming MP. The rest times were short, and the recovery was insufficient.

When he lost focus, he felt like we was going to fall asleep beside Horun.

Ah, my motivation is

Anything and everything was becoming troublesome.

JeezI guess its fine to go to sleep

However, if Diablo stayed like this and didnt act, Horun would die right before his eyes.

No, no, no! I cant let that happen! No matter how much of a shitty bastard I amThat is way too terrible.

He breathed a sigh.

He tried searching for something that looked like it could burn.

DammitIt looks like this is the only thing.

Diablo took off his mantle, the Curtain of Dark Clouds.

This could prevent Bad Status conditions, and prevented instant deathIt was SSR (double super rare) class equipment that was strengthened to the limit.

It was said to be things like EX (Extra) or seven convex. It was because the number of gradations it could be strengthened was seven times.

He held this hand over that Curtain of Dark Clouds.

I liked it quite a bit butWell, I guess theres no other choice.

Life cant be replaced.

Diablo muttered.

Fire

Naturally, equipment that was taken off from his body wouldnt be a subject to Diablos Magic Defense. The current Curtain of Dark Clouds was nothing but a wet mantle.

While it was drying by the fire cause by magic, the dry parts of it started to burn.

HaaIts warm.

After that, he took off his jet black clothes, The Hollow of Jet Black.

There was the danger of hypothermia if he wore wet clothes. Besides, the mantle alone was insufficient for a bonfire.

The Hollow of Jet Black had a Physical Damage Reduction effect, and an effect of raising many parameters.

As expected, he kept only the pants.

It was because it would be bad if he was nude when they join up with Rem and the others.

In terms of his Demon King role-play, there would be a problem with that.

Un, its still not enoughHorun, Ill be taking your equipment as well, okay?

He was reluctant to strip off another persons clothes though.

Well, since were both men, hell forgive me, right?

When he imagined the complaints that would be said once he regains consciousness, he felt heavy-hearted but

Ill get through with the Demon King role-playThat is what he thought, and then stripped him.

First, he would burn the cape.

It was a normal cape that had no magic endowments. Moreover, it was fairly old and worn-out. He was sorry if it was a keepsake, but there was nothing more important than lifeor so he hoped.

He took off the pouch belt on his waist and his arm and leg armor.

He didnt know about it from the games graphics, but on the reverse side of the armor, there was a leather belt with a hook to keep it in place.

Since Rem used equipment that had a similar construction, he learned about it while watching them change clothes.

He also took off the wet and cold clothes.

It was a body that had absolutely no muscles and had a roundness to it.

UnHorun, wouldnt it be better if you had a bit more muscle? Even if you are a Grasswalker, youre a Warrior-type, right?

He really wrung out the shirt and threw it onto the bonfire.

He also stripped off the bottom.

He had the tights turn into fuel. However, since it would be cruel to burn even his pants, it would probably be better just only take it off.

It looked cold to be naked, but it was much better than wearing wet clothes.

Huh?

He ended up accidentally turning his gaze towards the stripped Horuns abdomen.

He tried to make it so that he didnt look at him too much but

Huh?

He didnt have one attached.

Un?

Horun leaked out a groan.

And then, while rubbing his eyes, he raised his body.

Thank goodness, so you were alive! is something that he couldnt say with a smile in this situation.

Horun was naked.

Diablo was holding was holding the pants that he just took off of him.

Moreover, this guy wasnt a he, as he didnt have the thing that should be at his crotch, so in other words, he was a she.

Could it be that Grasswalker males dont have one attached!?

He had never heard of such a story.

Diablo froze up, and a cold sweat trickled down the muscles along his spine.

It seems that the dumbfounded Horun finally understood the situation. Her face turned red very fast.

Wha!? Wha, whawhat!?

Diablo stood up while still holding onto the pants.

He acted self-important and arrogant.

Hmph! So youve finally recovered consciousness, you weakling! You should give me your greatest amount of gratitude, for your life was saved by this Demon King! Well, it was just on a mere whim though!

Eh!? Eh!?

It is because if a meagre person of the Races were to continue wearing wet clothes, they would die! Doing this, and wringing the clothesLike this!

Diablo wrung out Horuns pants. Making splashing sound, water fell onto the ground. He then tossed it into the bonfire.

Maybe because it was old cloth, it burned really well.

Ah!?

Now he had done it. Even though he had intended only taking the pants off!

Concealing his discomposure, he persisted in his Demon King role play.

Hmph! Surely, you wont be saying that clothes are more important than life, will you!?

Horun was overwhelmed and kept silent, but being somewhat late, she timidly nodded.

I, I wont say that -ssuLife isimportant -ssu.

It is fine as long as you understand!

Did I get through it!?

Her face was red, and she hid her slender body with both hands.

ButI was a bit, surprised -ssu.

I was too!

Do not mind it. I am a Demon King. Know that I do not mind such small and faint details.

Ththats true -ssu yo ne. To Danna, whether I am a man or a woman isKushun! (Sneeze)

Mu. It would seem that your body is still feeling cold. You should come closer.

Diablo sat down in a place close to the bonfire. Since he had lost the Curtain of Dark Clouds, he was anxious about how his own physical condition would get worse if he became careless.

It was the bonfire that he went through the trouble of burning his equipment of the highest grade and even Horuns pants to makeAt the very least, he had to warm his body.

Even Horuns ears went red.

Umis it reallyalright -su ka?

What are you hesitating for? If I didnt have the intention to save you, why would I have expressly jumped into the river for you?

Thats true -ssu yo ne. Really, thank you -ssufor saving me.

She got up and got closer.

When he thought that she would surely sit on the opposite side of the bonfire

She sat down right beside him.

Huh?

Come to think of it, he did say you should come closer, but he didnt say to the bonfire.

But normally, wouldnt one think close to the bonfire?

Even though she looked embarrassed, why would she bring her body close?

Moreover, completely naked.

No, the one that stripped the clothes off was Diablo but

At times when its cold, its warm when bodies are huddled together -ssu yo ne. In the past, I did this with my family -ssu.

Th, that is true.

As a Demon King, being shaken up over nestled close by a childish figured Grasswalker, he felt that it was a bit different from his idea of a Demon King.

No, no matter what kind of company it is, a Demon King wouldnt be shaken up.

He needed to be confident.

Horun brought her body close.

Cold.

It would seem that you are considerably cold.

Ah, did you not like that -ssu ka?

Grabbing her as she tried to separate from him, he held her close.

Do not make any trivial reservations. If you were to attract wind, then that would make the bonfire pointless.

I burned two EX level equipment, you know? I burn your pants too, you know?

Horun was small.

Even when compared to other Grasswalkers, it felt like her body was petite.

Moreover, she was soft, like a baby rabbit.

Within Diablos hands, she twisted her body looking like she was embarrassed.

Its warm -ssu

It would be troubling if it werent.

Ehehe

She looked like she was nervous at first, but now she leaned her body on him. Horuns small uncovered back touched his own skin.

He felt that her body that was like ice was slowly regaining its body temperature.

Diablo was also becoming warm.

Fuu

In some way or another, it looks like I was able to save her.

Horun placed her small hand on Diablos hand that was placed on her shoulder.

She muttered.

Papa

Wh, at?

Diablo stiffened up, and replied with only that.

Seeming to have realized the meaning of the word that she leaked out a bit late, Horun hurriedly half-rose to her feet.

Ah! Um, thats, erm, respect! It had the meaning of respecting you as an Adventurer -ssu kara! So youve got it wrong -ssu kara!

Flapping about, she grew restive.

Diablo grabbed both of her shoulders, and quieted her down.

I understand! I understand, so do not pointlessly use your strength!

Hauu

Horun went red up to her ears and curled up.

Only the throbbing of her heart passed through the skin and was transmitted to him. *Tokutokutoku*

Diablo said no more.

However, his mind was actually in chaos.

Papa!?

Just when did he become the father of a single child!?

No, no, it was because she respected him as an Adventurer, soBut, why would she call him Papa for that!? Naturally, that was his first time being called that way since he was born.

Did it mean that she approached him with trust that was that special!?

Wait, waitIt might actually just be a mere mistake in the way she called him.

To begin with, a Grasswalkers father, their outward appearance would be that of a child even if they were an adult. There was no way they would reach a physique as big as Diablos. But, if going by an infants point of view, even if they were a Grasswalker, wouldnt a fathers hand feel big?

Or maybe, could it have been a Papa in a special kind of meaning!? No, there was no way that kind of culture would be in this other world

His head simmered.

With both of their faces dyed red, time flowed for awhile.