Chapter 50

Lucifer.

Once a great and beautiful angel serving the Lord alongside Archangel Michael. But his arrogance reached to the heavens, seeking the Lord’s position, leading to his fall and banishment to hell as one of the Seven Demons.

The Demon God created the demons by mixing devils and humans. One demon pleased Lucifer, who engaged in relations with it.

Thus was born the House of Lucifer in the Demon Realm’s Northern Duchy. To this day, the House of Lucifer remains one of the four duchies, holding great prestige.

Beatrix Constantinople, a Holy Knight serving the Lord, is an eternal enemy of <Demon>.

“You wicked demon, what do you think this place is to just barge in!”

[Because I was called? The lady wanted me here!]

“Get out immediately! Do you think I, Beatrix Constantinople, would fall for your wicked tongue so easily?”

[Kukuku! Quite feisty! Well, desperation is required for any contract with a demon! You lack that desperation right now!]

“Shut your mouth! Who do you think you are to talk nonsense like that!”

[Soon, there will come a time when you’ll need me! When your desperate wish won’t be answered by the Lord! At that time, call me! I’ll show you how fantastical a demon’s contract can be!]

With those words, Lucifer leaped into the night sky through the window. By the time I rushed to the window, he had already disappeared among the moonlight.

Completely sobered by the sudden and inexplicable event, I set down my Greatsword.

Great Demon Lucifer.

Though he is someone I should absolutely reject, for a moment when he offered to grant my wish… my heart moved. How shameful.

That night, I couldn’t sleep a wink.

*****

As we approach the final battle, we sing holy hymns.

All citizens of the Holy Nation have gathered outside to sing together.

“Lord is coming-.”

“My glorious Lord is coming-.”

“The blessed horn welcoming our Lord resounds-.”

“Lord’s grace falls upon the earth grain by grain-.”

“That day, my Lord walks the path of love-.”

“Lord comes- to save all things-.”

The power of tens of thousands singing hymns is overwhelming. My eardrums feel like they’re about to burst as I ride my white horse with the knights, but it’s a pleasant pain since they’re cheering us on.

“Open the castle gates-!”

I shout to the gatekeeper, with hundreds of knights following behind me.

Just then, Father comes rushing over.

“Hold on! Stop this madness!”

“Pope?”

“Your Holiness! Emperor! What do you think you’re doing?”

“I’m going too! If the vanguard fails, we have no future!”

“Father! How can you say such a thing!”

I dismount and kneel urgently at the unexpected declaration of Father’s participation. It’s something that must never happen – the leader of the church going to battle.

“Father! Please reconsider this order! You must lead the faithful until the very end! How can you personally go to the battlefield?”

“Knight Beatrix! Look up!”

A deep voice penetrates my ears. His voice is trembling with emotion I’ve never heard before.

When I look up, I see Father’s face, his eyes shaking with agitation.

“Do you think you can break through that battlefield?”

“…”

“Can you create a path?”

His usually stern voice sounds different now – passionate and intense.

So, he finally shows some emotion as the time of my death approaches. He does love me after all.

But even so…

I don’t want you to die, Father.

“Yes! Even if not, it’s my duty to accomplish it!”

As I shout back while glaring at Father, the atmosphere changes. The looks directed at me become filled with admiration.

“Then let me change the question.”

“Yes.”

“Knight Beatrix, can you stop the leader of the enemy nation, Agesilias?”

“…”

“Everyone here knows you haven’t reached the level of ‘absolute.’ Even if you lead the First Knights, you’ll only meet death without breaking through Agesilias’ barrier.”

Before I could refute, these were undeniable facts.

“I, Emperor Constantinople, will stop Agesilias. During that time, you lead the knights to break through their encirclement.”

“Understood, I shall follow your orders.”

“Then open the gates.”

The order has been given.

Any further resistance would be considered insubordination. Especially during these already chaotic wartime conditions, insubordination cannot be allowed.

The gatekeeper tries to open the gates again at Father’s command. Father stands in front of me on my horse. Despite being on foot, Father towers over me on my horse, his massive frame making my fully-armored figure seem small. My heavy armor clinks as I grip my Greatsword tightly, ready to swing it whenever the gates open. Once this iron barrier between us and the enemy disappears, I’ll face the enemy camp that will surely bring my death.

I won’t hold onto false hope. Even with Father participating, there’s no comparison between the military strength of the enemy nation and ours.

I’m heading towards my destruction.

At the end of the path I chose as a Holy Knight.

Creakkkkkk.

The doors of the Holy Emperor’s Palace open.

An endless sea of enemy forces comes into view.

I mustn’t be afraid.

Behind me are precious Holy Knights.

I mustn’t hesitate.

I must become a fiery spark to make them tremble.

I mustn’t spare myself.

This life destined for death must cut down as many enemies as possible.

“Agesilias! I was about to attack around lunchtime today since you didn’t show up, but here you are!”

The commander and greatest warrior of the enemy nation shouts with all his might. His voice carries clearly despite the hundreds of meters distance, truly the voice of an absolute powerhouse.

Father takes a deep breath and responds, slightly softer than Agesilias’.

“Agesilias! How dare you be so arrogant! Have you no fear of the Lord?”

“The only god I serve is the omnipotent and great Zeus! Don’t mention your heresy to me!”

“Is this savage and ignorant life what your god commands? How far can your nation expand with such methods?”

In response to Father’s shout, Agesilias draws his long spear and swings it vigorously.

“As far as this spear can reach!”

The ground shakes violently. The palace building seems to bend slightly.

What kind of sight would greet those next to Agesilias, considering we’re feeling this from hundreds of meters away?

Using my enhanced vision, I observe them. Unbelievably, none of the enemy warriors flinch or cover their ears. Blood flows freely from their ears, yet they stand firm under the sun, their bodies like steel armor.

Truly warriors who dedicate their lives to training. I silently whistle in amazement and bow my head.

“Knight Beatrix…?”

Seeing my actions, Father gives me a questioning look.

Even though I wouldn’t normally do such a thing, I smile gently while looking at Father.

“Father always seemed like someone who didn’t love me…”

“Beatrix, what nonsense is this?”

“But I love you, Father.”

Leaving these words like a last testament, I kick my horse’s flanks hard.

“Let’s go!”

“Bea, Beatrix! Wait!”

Going in all at once wouldn’t make a dent in their iron formation. Someone who won’t fall easily needs to stir up the enemy ranks first before the main force attacks.

There’s no one more suitable than me riding this horse. Therefore, I choose to charge. It’s an extremely rational decision.

Hiiii! My beloved steed, said to be the fastest in the Holy Nation, gallops forward at full speed with its white mane flowing in the wind. The cold wind slices past my cheeks like a blade.

The scenery blurs rapidly. Father and the Holy Knights realize my charge too late to catch up with my horse.

I’m not heading for Agesilias. As Father said, he’s beyond my capabilities. Instead, I gallop toward the left side of the battlefield.

“YAAAAAAA!”

In an instant, the distance between the enemy nation and my horse closes. The enemy soldiers form a dense formation with round shields as big as human bodies and spears pointed at me.

Riding requires only lower body strength. With both hands gripping my Greatsword, I channel divine power into the blade. A bright, glowing energy wraps around the greatsword.

Woooom!

With only five meters remaining, the sharp spear tips gleam in the sunlight, ready to pierce me at any moment. Without slowing down my horse’s speed, I swing the sword with acceleration.

SHOOOAAK!

KABOOM!

The divine aura spreading from my sword collides with the enemy’s row of shields. My power is far superior.

“Ghhhhh!”

“We’re being pushed back! Get out of the way!”

“Be careful! It’s Commander Beatrix Constantinople of the First Holy Knights!”

Unable to withstand the aura, the enemy soldiers fall backward one after another. Their tight formation collapses. Without hesitation, I rush in with my horse and begin gathering divine power in my sword again.

I have no intention of surviving. I’ll kill, kill, and kill as many as possible to help the reinforcements following behind me.

SHOOOAAK!

“AGHHHH!”

“Watch out! She’s releasing aura!”

“This isn’t ordinary aura! Block it with your shields at all costs!”

“Don’t be afraid! We’re from the enemy nation! Dying in this battle is the glory we’ve always desired!”

Releasing divine power wildly, I send out circular auras in all directions. Instead of retreating, the enemy soldiers’ morale rises as they charge at me.

Though I’d like to see how our main force is doing, I have no such luxury now. I immediately prepare for my next sword strike.

“One target! Grab the horse if you can’t get her!”

Sssssssshiiiing!

Dozens of spears aim their tips at me and charge forward simultaneously.

Though I swing my Greatsword wide, it’s impossible to block all dozens of spears. Several spear tips suddenly pierce through, painting the area red with blood. My white horse tumbles to the ground.

Thanks to that, I roll several times on the ground, but there’s no time to mourn my beloved horse’s death. Keeping my body as low as possible, I deliver a low slash at the warriors’ ankles where their shields don’t cover.

Zzzzshaaaak!

A fountain of blood erupts. The warriors of the enemy nation, embodying fighting spirit until their dying moments, fall with their banners held high.

Still, there’s much more to come. The divine aura continues to extend endlessly, splitting every piece of flesh and bone it encounters, but the army of the enemy nation is simply too vast.

Just as I’m about to gather divine power in my sword again after gaining a bit of time,

Puuhk!

“Ghh!”

A spear thrown from a blind spot pierces through the gap in my armor, impaling my thigh. Looking quickly, I see several wounded soldiers whose ankles were cut off pooling their strength to thrust one spear.

Despite the searing pain spreading throughout my body, I bite my lip and regain focus. My legs feel like they’re giving out, but I can’t afford any more mistakes.

Kaang!

Barely blocking another incoming spear, I jump high into the sky. Though suicidal in a one-versus-many fight, my Greatsword is wider than my body, so it’s fine.

Lightning-like flashes gather at the tip of the sword. Completing it instantly, I unleash sword strikes in all directions. Though the surrounding encirclement tightens like a vice, I charge recklessly.

Gathering divine power from deep within my body, I stab the sword into the ground like falling rain. Simultaneously, an enormous shockwave occurs, causing the air to violently ripple.

Bright red blood splatters everywhere, screams fill the air.

KWAHHHH!

A powerful gale rages. Even within it, invisible spear tips fly toward me. Constantly crossing the threshold of death, I desperately defend myself.

My breathing becomes increasingly labored. I need to endure longer, but my divine power reserves are getting dangerously low. To be honest, they’re almost depleted.

As the wind dies down, my vision clears. Hundreds of spears still aim at me from all directions, using the dozens of corpses on the ground as stepping stones.

I’ve been put on the defensive.

My legs tremble uncontrollably. Squeezing out every last bit of strength, I block the flying spears and raise my head. Beyond the helmets of the enemy warriors, I can see our main force and Father struggling valiantly.

It’s clear at a glance that the situation is unfavorable. Most of the Holy Knights have sustained serious injuries, and several have become cold corpses.

Father fights alone against Agesilias, the greatest warrior of the enemy nation. Though both are absolute powerhouses, it’s obvious Father is being pushed back.

“Ghh…! What should I do…!”

Another spear flies.

I swing my sword.

The amount of blood spilled is negligible compared to the number of enemies.

There’s no hope in sight.

Our main force seems to be in worse condition than me, despite me being used as bait. If I hadn’t been bait, the First Holy Knights would have been annihilated by now.

Death is right in front of me.

I’m scared.

Not of my own death,

but of theirs.

Of the deaths of those I love,

of the death of Father who has always been dignified and great.

I’m so scared.

Ka-ga-gak!

“Beatrix! Looks like you’re finally out of strength! You monster woman!”

Being called a monster is the highest praise a warrior can receive. I spent my whole life wanting recognition as a warrior from Father, but I’m receiving it from the enemy at the moment of death.

“I acknowledge it! You fought well! Even the goddess of honorable battle, Athena, would praise you! So close your eyes now!”

Another spear flies.

I want to swing my sword, but my arm tingles. Glancing down, I see a red spear piercing through my armor into my shoulder.

A desperate situation. I need to keep resisting, but my eyelids are getting heavier.

My Lord,

Why don’t you appear before us?

My Lord.

I humbly inquire:

Your children are dying at the hands of evildoers.

Why don’t you show any miracles?

I am an unworthy sinner. Therefore, I have no complaints about death.

I feared Father more than you. That is my impiety.

However, aren’t those fighting the main force of the enemy nation now righteous?

They are all equally devout, good, and pure warriors of yours.

Omnipotent you, why do you watch silently as their flesh is mercilessly torn apart by barbarians’ swords?

Why… Why…

My consciousness fades. My vision blurs as if caught in the rain, slightly reddening.

My mind is completely scattered. Doubts, complaints, and grievances about the Lord bloom like flowers in the face of death.

No matter what, it’s meaningless…

[Hey! How about reconsidering one more time?]

Somewhere, black wings spread out before me.

The man I saw last night spreads his arms wide and shouts at me.

“Still don’t get it? That arrogant and prideful Lord will never help you! He always just watches from the sidelines!”

“But, God is…”

[I’m different! I’m a demon! When I make a contract with a human, I always fulfill my promises! So, take my hand!]

I don’t know what I was thinking at that moment.

Maybe I was enchanted by that single world-saving line.

[Ask for anything! Tell me your greatest wish right now!]

Without hesitation, I shouted.

“POWER!!”

I screamed with all my might. Like someone willing to lose their voice forever, I poured my entire soul into the shout.

“POWER TO SAVE EVERYONE!!!”

Grasping the hand extended to me as if it were a lifeline.

“Whether it’s the Lord or a demon…! I don’t care anymore! As long as it saves them!!”

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