CHAPTER 25

Nowadays, Even The Titles Are Not Safe From Clickbaits!

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◆Land Of Demons: Ruiyuko's Castle◆

A few minutes earlier---before Sub had entered the battlefield.

In the throne room.

Demon Lord Ruiyuko was indulging on his throne. As he was watching the live feed of battlefield as the camera was following Tom secretly. While Gluttony was behind his lord, standing still--as it was his clone who was broadcasting this live feed.

All while, the four other members of 'Six Fingers' were also present at this throne room. As they were sitting around the large-round table in center, while they were also watching the live feed very keenly.

『...』

And amidst of their watch---the live feed suddenly turns into a static. As everyone who were present in this room quickly understood that Gluttony's clone was taken out by some unknown enemy.

(Hm...Even though, my clone was weak. It was still enough to kill a S+ Adventurer. But my clone didn't even detect anyone near him and yet he was killed......) < Gluttony >

Gluttony ponders as he thought for some plausible reason for this cause.

『!!?』

But before Gluttony could come to a conclusion--he suddenly got startled by the dense mana gathering around the battlefield, all of a sudden.

「...」

When Gluttony looks at his Lord and others; they were also showing the same reaction as him.

『...』

Then, Ruiyuko and others soon walks up their close windows and gaze at the battlefield direction for something to happen.

Soon enough; they all saw a very bright light soaring through the skies. As it looked like a flower seed from far away.

And when that singular light reached the clouds, it suddenly exploded like a fireworks--as it's sparkles soon turns into countless light arrow as it rains down at the battlefield like a heavy rainstorm.

Until all Ruiyuko's armies were killed by these light arrows.

(Ah, what a spectacular view~ I wonder...who might be responsible for this...) < Ruiyuko >

Even when his frontline armies were just massacre by this countless light arrows just now; Ruiyuko didn't seem to be all concern about this. Instead, he was having some other questions in mind.

(Is this perhaps, the 'Wild Cards' Jim mentioned me about? If so then--it's getting more interesting~~) < Ruiyuko >

With a smirk; Ruiyuko returns to his throne and laid-back again, as he starts to recollect his conversion from earlier with Jim.

Soon enough, members of the 'Six Fingers' also return to their seats as well.

「Ruiyuko-dono! Seems like, Mech-Country has another powerhouse besides the Guardian, huh?」< Vulpes >

Vulpes soon spoke up as he looked excited.

「Seems like it~ So, what do you all think?」< Ruiyuko >

Ruiyuko said nonchalantly and gazes out the window.

「I think it's time for me to step into the battlefield~ Is what I think!」< Vulpes >

「For me--I think it's all to sudden...」< Jack >

「I agree with Vulpes, my Lord! I think, we should just crush our enemies right now!!」< Tia >

「Hm. I also think our enemy's attack was all to sudden...it even might be their plain all along. Right now, all I can say is, 'We should observe our enemy first. Before we act'.」< Ed >

Each members of the Six Fingers gave their opinions turn by turn, as the Demon Lord Ruiyuko himself calmly listen to them all.

「I see. And...what do you think about this, Gluttony?」< Ruiyuko >

With a light nod; Ruiyuko shifts his gaze at his butler Gluttony.

「? 'What do I think'? Well, if I'm being honest then--I have to agree with Jack and Ed on this one. But in the end, your decision is what matters the most, my Lord~」< Gluttony >

Gluttony merrily said, as he bows head and steps back to his original position.

All while; members of the Six Fingers were arguing with themselves.

「Hey, Jack! Are you perhaps afraid with the enemies? And what's with you too, Ed? Agreeing with him?!」< Tia >

「「...」」

「Yeah! Tell them, Tia-chan~!」< Vulpes >

「「...」」

Actually; it was just Tia--who was angry with Jack and Ed, while Vulpes was just cheering her. As Jack and Ed just kept quiet like a rock.

「Now. Listen well, you guys.」< Ruiyuko >

Ruiyuko said with an heavy voice as he could care less about this.

『Yes!』

To which; every Six Fingers members suddenly turns their attention at Ruiyuko. As they stop arguing.

「For now, let us observe our enemies first. Understood?」< Ruiyuko >

Ruiyuko said, while he specifically looks at Tia and Vulpes with a serious look.

「「Understood!」」

As Tia and Vulpes nods in unison at Ruiyuko's word.

「Heh~ Now then, Tia.」

With a smirk, Ruiyuko soon calls Tia out.

「Yes, My Lord!」

As Tia also soon response with a firm voice.

「You're not satisfied by my decision, aren't you? You're still angry that I've sent Tomoki instead of you, right?」< Ruiyuko >

「...」

「Go on. Say what you want. I'm listening.」< Ruiyuko >

「My Lord...you are right. I am angry but not with you nor with Tomoki. I'm angry at my own incompetence to prove myself. But why Tomoki though? You could've just send others instead of him?! Besides, he's so disrespectful towards you. I do understand that it's all part of your plan. But still...」< Tia >

Tia said and clenched her fist in anger.

「Then, why not take his will away, My Lord? So, he won't be a nuisance to you?」< Tia >

「Like I've already said, Tia. Every one of you are unique case and if I took away his will then he'll just be another corpse. And besides, I like his rebellious side~」< Ruiyuko >

Ruiyuko said with a smile.

「Also. Don't you think--you're underestimating Tomoki way too much? After all, his 'Explosion Magic' is one a kind. Who can destroy a country by his own. So don't you think, he's more suitable for the front line?」< Ruiyuko >

「...」

As Tia listens to her Lord's reasoning. She couldn't help but to feel more frustrated.

Maybe, it was because---

(He's a human...)

Tia bits her lips as she felt disgusted just by thinking about this.

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

In particular; Tia does not hate Tom...rather she hates the human race as a whole. As if she had personal grudge against human in general.

(Guess, I should just do what my Lord tells me to do for time being. Let's really see, how much stronger you really are, Tomoki...) < Tia >

Tia thought to herself as she laid-back on her seat.

All while; Gluttony suddenly walks up to Ruiyuko and starts to whisper something.

「Hoh~ Is that so?」< Ruiyuko >

To which; Ruiyuko looked more amuse after hearing what Gluttony had to say.

Next moment, clouds of mist soon starts to gather around at the center of this room, taking a form of T.V.

「Seems like, Tomoki has brought someone along with him.」< Ruiyuko >

As Ruiyuko was talking, a live feed again starts to broadcast itself---showcasing the very scene of first border of his territory.

And the focus of the broadcast was Tom himself, who had suddenly appeared in front of the first border from the west side.

However; Ruiyuko's and others main focus was someone else---a human, or to be precise--a young human boy(Sub) who was wearing a plain white mask, covering his face, while standing beside Tom.

『...』

Everyone present at the throne room were quite puzzled by this situation. But they did understand that the young human boy was there enemy.

「Hmm. I feel something off about this human...」< Vulpes >

Vulpes who was usually a cheery person---suddenly had a serious expression for once, as he looks at the live feed with keen eyes.

「Hoh~ It's rare to see you getting serious over something. Care to explain your reasoning?」< Ruiyuko >

Seeing Vulpes being all to serious. Ruiyuko couldn't help but to feel intrigue by his sudden change of behavior.

「About that, Ruiyuko-dono. I really can't pinpoint the exact reason for this... But from what I've seen, this human is not the one to take lightly about.」< Vulpes >

Vulpes said as he doesn't seem to like what he was seeing at the live feed.

「Really? This is the very first time; I've ever seen you getting so serious about something.」< Ruiyuko >

「Heh, Ruiyuko-dono. Seems like you've already forgotten about what I've said back then. Let me remind you again, 'If situation needs it then I'll become your very nightmare'.」< Vulpes >

With a faint grin; Vulpes looks back at Ruiyuko with his sudden bloodlust eyes.

「Heh~ I haven't forgotten about it. I still remember it very vividly. In fact, it's getting more interesting, don't you think? And by the way, do you still wish to enter the battlefield?」< Ruiyuko >

Even after seeing; the bloodlust eyes from Vulpes. Ruiyuko didn't felt intimidate by him, as he looked more interested in this sudden turn of events.

「Hmm...I think I'll stay here and observe the battle, first.」< Vulpes >

Vulpes said and continues to look at the live feed.

「Heh~」

Ruiyuko couldn't help but to smirk at this, as he soon shifts his gaze to the live feed as well.

『...』

While everyone keenly watches the live feed. They soon saw something strange about their enemy(Sub.

They soon saw Sub's left-hand bracelet starts to wiggle for a moment. Before the bracelet itself turns into a slime-like as it start to devour the very ground they were standing on, without being detected by the Demons nor Tom--who were right at the scene.

But when Tom did notice it---it was already too late as the black gooey slime-like thing had already devoured upto the first border of the Demon Lord territory.

As it soon starts to wiggle again for a moment---before, releasing countless black chains towards the demons and monsters of the first border, while also destroying the wall itself, in process.

But Tom was able to react to it in time, as he jumps upwards the sky. As for the demons and monsters, they weren't lucky enough to get away from these chains as they got imprisoned by these.

『...』

Demon Lord Ruiyuko and others who were watching the live feed--suddenly felt astounded by this...

At first; they all assume that the bracelet itself was just some kind of a weapon. But now--after witnessing its abilities, they weren't sure either as it was a weapon or some kind of magical artifact...

But before, anyone could figure this out---they saw something more absurd.

The very next moment; the same young human boy(Sub) soon puts his hands in a double palm strike pose and looks at Tom with his mask on. As he soon shoots a small light blue beam at Tom's direction.

But this small light blue beam was so slow--that Tom was able to dodge this at ease.

But the blue beam didn't stop at its track--as it was now heading towards the rubbles of the first border.

And when it made contact with the rubbles--it soon turns into a massive explosion, obliterating everything in sight, even killing the imprisoned demons as well.

『!!?』

Demon Lord Ruiyuko and the other members of Six Fingers soon got speechless, as they watched this scene unfolding from the throne room.

Nobody knew what to make of this---

「Haha...hahahahaha!」

When--all of a sudden, Ruiyuko starts to laugh maniacally out of nowhere.

「? My Lord?」

「「...」」

「Ruiyuko-dono...don't tell me......」< Vulpes >

Soon enough; not just Tia but Jack and Ed also got puzzle by Ruiyuko's unusual behavior. Expect for Vulpes that is--who seems to know the cause for his unusual laughter.

「Y'know, I've never expected to come across such a human--who is so much interesting than I initially thought!」< Ruiyuko >

『...』

「I want him! Yes, I want him to join my forces to aid in my conquest!!」< Ruiyuko >

With a sinister grin; Ruiyuko said as he couldn't hide his excitement any longer.

『...』

After hearing what Ruiyuko had to say, everyone who were present at the throne room went completely silent as they didn't knew how to respond at this, until---

「Ruiyuko-dono. I don't think it's a good idea. This human is too much of a mystery. And from what I've seen, I feel like this human wants us to notice him......」< Vulpes >

Vulpes soon spoke up his mind, as the remaining members of the Six Fingers also nods their heads in agreement with one another.

「...」

Seeing every members of the Six Fingers agreeing with themselves; made Ruiyuko to think about this for a second time.

「Hmm. I'll take that in consideration before making my mind up. For now, let us watch this battle~ we might learn something from our enemy.」< Ruiyuko >

With a grin; Ruiyuko said as he continues to watch the live feed.

『*Nod*』

With a nod; Gluttony and the other members of the Six Fingers soon shifts their gaze at the live feed as well.

「...」

But little did anyone knew; Vulpes was hiding another reason for his seriousness...and that was---

(I smell very faint scent of my little sis from this human.) < Vulpes >

Perhaps, everyone was so heavily invested on the live feed that they forgot about Vulpes's keen sense of smell.

But of course, Vulpes also doesn't seem to be interested to talk about this, as he believed that it was his own personal matter that he has to deal with it, alone.

(Ah~ My sweet little sis. I hope, you're okay~~) < Vulpes >

With this mindset; Vulpes soon turns his attention to the live feed in front of him, as he watches it very keenly.

◆Tomoki's POV◆

Hah...

I've never planned to use my sword Danda in battle again...but here I am, where I don't see a way to win against Sub--if I don't then.

Or at least, I'll just have to hold my ground.

And what's more is; Ms. Jyoti calls him 'Master' for some reason. Along with two other people who seems to be not human either like her.

Is Sub really that superior than them?

(Whatever the case is... I'll just have to find that out for myself.) < Tom >

With these thoughts, I took out my sword Danda from a distort space and took my battle stance.

「If you're ready, then...」< Tom >

With these words; I jump at him to make the first move--when I saw Sub just checking his pockets one after another, without a care.

「Um. Wait a sec, Tomoki-san. Let me also prepare myself.」< Sub >

「...」

I feel really dumbfounded here, y'know... I mean, he's the one who challenged me in the first place. So, he should've came prepared.

But then again---I wasn't prepared either for this encounter.

I've never imagined that I would be fighting such a foe... whose attack is just out of ordinary.

Like; who wouldn't want to shoot 'Kam*ham*ha'! It's every men's---I mean...

Anyways!

My point is; Ruiyuko and others must've noticed him already. And if Sub keeps on making a scene here then---he's making his presence more known.

And this bad. I mean...really bad.

(Tch!)

For now, I must lure Sub away from this place.

「Ah. Here it is.」< Sub >

While I was in deep thoughts, Sub's nonchalant voice echoes through my ears. As I soon look back at him.

「...」

And when I looked at him; I saw him holding a energy drink can, which had yellow color on it as in the middle of it was a thin line of red stripe...

「*Tssss* 'Red Balls. It Gives You More Balls'!」< Sub >

With these words; Sub drinks the can in one go.

「...」

As I felt dumbfounded yet again by his stupid joke.

(What is he trying to prove by provoking the 'R*d B*lls'? In fact, they might even sue us...) < Tom >

「Ok. I'm ready, Tomoki-san. Let's start.」< Sub >

Without caring much about his own actions, Sub was now facing me with his plain white mask on.

「*Nod* Here I come.」

With a light nod, I too stare at him for a moment.

*Swoosh*

In blink of an eye---I closed my distances towards Sub and was ready to make my first move.

「...」

But then; I saw Sub just standing still without a hitch and looked unhinged by this. While I suddenly felt something off about him, but I didn't let it bother me.

As I soon lunch a upward slash towards him--while I expect him to dodge it or just jump away from it.

「?!」

However; he didn't do neither of them, instead he just puts his left-hand front of him as a shield.

(I-Is he stupid or what?!) < Tom >

To which; I suddenly had to stop my attack in midway--not to cause damage head on... After all, the moment whenever my sword Danda made contacts with its target, it'll cause a massive explosion, killing everything within its radius.

Let's just say that my sword Danda is like a ticking time-bomb.

So yeah...I don't want Ms. Jyoti to get angry on me for hurting him.

Like, how she looked pissed earlier when Kira had challenged him.

(Oh man...she's the least person that I ever want to be on a bad terms with...) < Tom >

Y'know, I haven't told this to anyone, but...I really am afraid of 'Guardians Of Humanity'.

Especially, with those first generation of 'Guardians'--after meeting every one of them. I had realized that they were on a whole different level than anyone else... It's like comparing an ant to a whole cosmos.

My point is, 'try not to mess with the first Guardians'.

While having these intense thoughts, I was becoming more hesitant to even fight with him.

「...」

「Is something wrong?」< Sub >

Seems like Sub also noticed my hesitation as well. As he tilts his head sideways.

「...」

I didn't know what to respond other than to---

「It's nothing. Sorry for that, Sub-kun.」< Tom >

I smile back at him and jump away from him to start this all over again.

「I'm sorry, Sub-kun. But I really can't take this battle seriously.」< Tom >

I again took my battle stance and looked at him.

「And this time, I'll be sure to hold back---!!」< Tom >

Suddenly, out of nowhere; I saw a densely infested magic arrow coming towards me. And if this magic arrow were to hit me then it'll gravely injure me...

Also, this single magic arrow was coming at me at such a rapid speed that it was impossible for me to dodge this.

「...」

In just a split second; my whole body reacts to it by putting the Danda in front of me as a shield. Maybe, it was the battle experience that I had in past. So, my body is reacting to this danger automatically.

*Kaboom* *Kaboom*

And the moment when the magic arrow made contact with my sword Danda---a massive explosion soon takes place through our surroundings, even shaking the very ground I was standing on.

All while, dust covers every corner of my vision, making it hard to see.

「...」

And after blocking this magic arrow head-on; I can confidently say that this attack packed more punch than any others I've seen so far...

「If you don't wanna take this thing seriously then, I'll make you serious.」< Sub >

Soon enough; I heard Sub's nonchalant voice, while the dusts around us were slowly fading away.

「Seems like I wasn't the only one who's holding back, huh.」< Tom >

「Well, yeah... I mean, you don't look like a bad person to me. Even back then, before destroying the Mech-City, I had noticed that you were taking your time to do it. Isn't that right, Tomoki-san?」< Sub >

「? What's your point?」< Tom >

「My point, huh. My point is, 'you still care about the mankind. Even though, you're supposed to be their enemy'.」< Sub >

「...」

After the brief exchange with Sub.

I started to feel my heart beating way faster than ever for some reason. As I began to have deep thoughts like---

(Do I even look like the person who cares about others? Of course not. When my own hands were stain with innocent bloods...) < Tom >

Just thinking about my past, made me grit my teeth in frustration as I soon clench my fist in anger as well.

「Tch! Don't talk like you know me...」< Tom >

I mutter as I soon felt sudden surge of strong emotion of anger welled up inside of me...not because of Sub but because of my own incompetence self.

That day---when I had lost my love(Maria) still hunts me to til this day. Even when I try my best to move on---I subconsciously couldn't let go of this...even though, it was damaging my mental health.

And what's more is; my sword Danda is kind of a weapon which feeds on emotions. So...the stronger the emotion is--more power it'll get to fuel itself.

However, this time it was different.

'Cause my sword was only feeding on my emotions alone, while ignoring Sub's presence entirely as if he wasn't here to begin with.

「...」

Y'know, I've fought many opponents with poker face, who were really good at hiding their ture feelings. But even then, Danda would still feed on anyone's feeling with ease.

But for some reason; Danda wasn't feeding on Sub's emotions. And I can think of two possible reason for this and that is:

First possible reason might be, he really don't feel threaten by his surroundings at all...

Another possible reason might be... He just really lacks any emotions to begin with.

「Hey, Tomoki-san. Snap out of it already.」< Sub >

「..?」

As I was having deep thoughts, Sub calls me out while crossing his arms.

「Ah, sorry about that. By the way, Sub-kun. I'd like to tell you something if you don't mind?」< Tom >

「Sure.」

「Your reason to fight me is...quite minor, don't you think? I mean, you could've just bought new copies of Mangas from the bookstore. If remember correctly then it's not even that expensive, y'know.」< Tom >

I said my honest thoughts about his reason to fight me. After all, who would've even want to risk their life entering the battlefield--just to have some pity revenge for those burned mangas...

「*Sigh*...」

But Sub didn't say a word, instead he just looks down and sighs.

「!?」

And to my surprise; I noticed that my sword Danda was starting to feed on Sub's emotions, all of sudden.

All while, I was starting to shiver down with fear, as I wasn't pleased by how the situation is unfolding.

(..did I actually hit his nerves? But why is he upset when I just said a sensible thing like anyone else...) < Tom >

「You still don't get it, huh...」< Sub >

Suddenly, Sub mutters as I soon saw his left-hand bracelet starting to wiggle for a moment before turning itself into a slime-like as it starts to enter his tightly clenched left-hand palm.

「I was going to get those mangas for free...without ever paying a single dime for it. But you had to ruin it.」< Sub >

Sub said with grumpy voice as he held up his clenched left-hand towards me.

「...」

Soon after; those slime-like thing turns into a mini-crossbow, as it was loaded with a magical arrow.

「Oh no, I won't let you.」< Tom >

*Swoosh*

In an instant; I started to run towards Sub at speed of sound, while breaking the sound barrier itself along the way.

To stop him from firing the arrow, as I was holding Danda tightly with my right hand.

「Too slow, Tomoki-san.」

With a nonchalant tone; Sub fires the magic arrow at me. When I just about 8-9 meters away from him.

「...」

But I didn't stop running. 'Cause I was confident in myself that I can block or dodge this single magic arrow, without a hitch.

However---

「Huh..?」

That single magic arrow suddenly clones itself into dozens in midway, covering a wide range, leaving no gap for me to dodge this in time.

And so, that left me with no choice but to hold my ground from this barrage of attacks.

And this time, I was sure that Sub can handle my heavy attacks. So, there's no point for me to hold back either. As I don't want my naivety to be a factor for losing this battle.

Also, I have to try by best to lure him away from Ruiyuko's territory.

*Kaboom* *Kaboom* *Kaboom*

◇End Of Tomoki's POV◇

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I hope you enjoy it and sorry for my bad grammar and I hope it's understandable.

I'm trying my best to improve and if you find some mistakes or anything like that, then let me know on the comments.

Peace:)