Grimoire x Reverse ~Reincarnated Demon Romance Tale~ Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Hana Flower Forest III [Solidly Strong Demon]

TL: Oh, boy, that took longer than I thought it would. Sorry for the late update on this chapter.

The members of the agency moved through the Hana Flower Forest according to the instructions of the Grendel. They were clad in extraordinary zeal, yet where did it come from?

The answer is that it was pride.

The intense pressure they felt when facing the Nine-tails had halted their movement, afterward spurred them as they ran away. They understood that they cannot leave everything to the strong Grendel. That is why only they are able to handle the abnormal organism with their own hands.

With that kind of feeling in their hearts, the members are proud.

“Deputy! A little while ago…was that really the Nine-tails sealed 100 years ago!? Wasn’t its pressure a little odd?!” (Imperial)

The words were heard behind the running Deputy, from one of the 50 members he headed.

Looking back without stopping his feet, the Deputy responded.

“Aah…perhaps.” (Deputy)

It’s regretful, but that heavy pressure certainly belongs to the legendary Nine-tails.

The members of the agency, even in large numbers, cannot compete against such a disaster.

However, they are not weak, and are doing their best to find the Kuchiinu. Based on the Princ.i.p.ality’s adventurer rankings, these gathered troops are similar to B cla.s.s veterans.

That is the pride of the Empire, the Imperial Academy.

However, even those guys have found an opponent that could destroy them with a single touch of her sleeve. Though such a thing is an exception of exceptions. Even this time, the role of the magic librarian Grendel was to monitor “just in case.” (TL: so usually the Imperial squad can handle most things by itself)

If the situation is uncertain, and the enemy is unidentified, it becomes a reason to use the “magic librarians.” This was not counted as a fighting force for just an abnormal organism.

It is an irregular situation that often happens. (TL: in other words, an uncommon, but not rare situation)

Grendel was the “force” to counteract the Nine-tails that appeared. Only two people were sent back to report to the Imperial Academy, while Grendel was going to hunt the Nine-tails by himself.

Compared to such a monster, his probable victory shows that the magic librarians are unquestionably monstrous themselves.

That was why the Deputy of the subjugation squad had moved on to another role. He was told to leave in order to subdue the abnormal organism. In the end, the only result was for him to carry out his duty without question.

“According to the report scroll, a ma.s.sive magical pulse was confirmed at Wendell Plateau. Considering the timing, it cannot be a coincidence.”

“…Sometimes living organisms can be troublesome!”

“So we will clean up the unusual organism, and leave the Nine-tails to the tenth seat. After cleaning this up, a great history will be carved out for the Empire!”

“…Th, that’s right!”

In actuality, the Deputy is lacking confidence. It is a fact that they have no idea how strong the abnormal monster is, but when Grendel focused on the pressure of the Nine-tails he became bearish. (九尾のプレッシャーにあてられて弱気になっていたのは事実であるし、差し引いたとしても異常生物がどれほどのものかなど見当がつかない。)

Running, running. Heading Southeast single-mindedly.

There are a few traces of the abnormal organism, though the territory of the monster should have been in the southeastern area of the Hana Flower Forest. He thought that it would be better to follow its trail of movement first of all.

However, there are too few signs of life.

Even mentioning how terrible the abnormal organism was, this was beyond the threat level of one week. While being vigilant, the Deputy looked over the surroundings and proceeded through the forest with a jump.

“By the way Deputy! It seems there is another demon there too!” (Imperial)

“…Ah, alright.” (Deputy)

The voice from the men earlier spoke to the Deputy again.

Although he wanted the evaluation that he could easily converse at this running speed by his precious junior, he thought he should add a little harshness.

“However…!” (Deputy) (しかし)

‘Is that even true?’ He thought.

Though it was tempting to sigh at the thought of some kind of wild demon, it would still be better if it was just because of the gigantic monster and not another demon. (どんな天外魔境だと嘆息の一つもつきたくなるが、それでも妖鬼ならば幾分かほかの魔族よりはマシだろう。) Perhaps it had been forgotten, but in addition to the Nine-tails and abnormal monster there is also currently in the Hana Flower Forest another demon.

“The abnormal monster changed this forest in one week. Compared to the Nine-tails the tenth seat is facing, we can afford a few extras. Especially if it is a demon.”

“Well, certainly. We the Empire are at the forefront of magic.”

Glancing at the squad member behind, who nods, and the deputy manager turned again forward.

The Imperial Hall of the Imperial Academy is simply a research facility that collects and studies intelligence for the Empire. Even in this place that is weak against the special attacks of demons, there is no complete defeat unless they stop. (もっぱら特殊攻撃に弱い妖鬼がいくら居たところで、近づけさせなければ敗北はない。) Because there was this way of thinking, the degree of danger from comparing the abnormal monster and Nine-tails was considerably low. (そう考えるからこそ、異常生物と九尾に比べれば数段危険度は低かった。)

Anyway, it is the abnormal organism.

Those who destroy this forest pose a threat to the Empire. They do not know under what circ.u.mstances the monster appeared under, but it was necessary for the Imperial Academy to remove it. There was a reason: they had a duty to fulfill.

“Gyaaaa…!!” (Kuchiinu)

“!!?” (Imperials)

Everyone from the squad noticed the roar.

It was low and eerie. However, it was strong enough so that they could hear it.

And at that moment, the earth shook sharply.

“Guwah!?” (Imperial A)

“What!!” (Imperial B)

“!!?” (Imperial C)

The severe earthquake that badly shook the whole forest caused the squad members to quickly fall to the ground. The noise of trembling was troubling, as slender branches broke one after another. And the flapping from the remaining birds. .h.i.t their ears in an unpleasant cacophony.

“Wha, What…!?” (Imperials)

As the stopped and raised their heads, a violent wailing echoes throughout the surroundings.

“Gughaaoooooo!!” (Kuchiinu)

“Chief Deputy!” (Imperial)

“Everyone Evacuate!!!” (Deputy)

Which of the cries was faster? (その叫び声とどちらが速かったか)

They were struck with a strong wind pressure as something like a rocky mountain blocked out the sky for a moment. Its speed of flight is much faster than what matches its bulk, causing the members to spread out in a hurry. At the same time the ground is dashed, the earth roared. *Crack, clang* and a fissure ran down along to where their feet were. In the ground pounded into a rounded crater, there are trees pitifully crushed.

“Gururu…!!” (Kuchiiinu)

Something swells, and a small mountain rises up. Its size is even longer than trees.

“Kuchi…inu…?” (Imperial)

Who was the owner of the trembling voice? The Deputy also agreed with him.

This must be the abnormal monster. There is no way he thought it was it even though the monster was said to have a big frame.

However, it certainly does seem like a Kuchiinu.

The distinctive sharp jaw like a shovel. *Grind* (ぐり)

With creepy eyes opened wide. A black nose and triangular ears. Without a doubt, except for its size and aura, it is a Kuchiinu.

“Whoa…?” (Imperial)

“!!?” (Deputy)

*Clatter*

The Deputy was surely in the Giant Kuchiinu’s line of sight. His instincts went to full alert.

Now that most monsters had left the forest, the terrifying carnivore was very hungry. Even the regular Kuchiinu, which is only half the size of a human, is a carnivorous beast that preys on humans in packs. This one had now become hug and hungry, and could not be overlooked. Without a doubt, it will attack. It glared at him. In that moment they made eye contact. However, the huge Kuchiinu diverted its gaze.

“Gughaaoooooo!!” (Kuchiiinu)

It roared. Then, it leapt forward swiftly as if its back legs were pushed vigorously.

“…We were ignored?” (Deputy)

“Deputy, please focus!” (Imperial)

“Oh, Oh sorry.” (Deputy)

Why. Why did it not attack? Doubts swirled within the Deputy.

The report said it was a danger to the Empire and would rampage in hunger. Looking at

Even just looking at the desolate condition of this forest, anyone can tell.

Yet, for some reason the carnivorous Kuchiinu missed the human food right before its eyes.

“Gugaaoooo!!” (Kuchiinu)

“Let’s follow! Our mission is to kill the monster!” (Imperial)

“Well, that’s right! Let’s go!” (Deputy)

As they started the chase, he suddenly realized. He had noticed.

“Deputy…?” (Imperial)

“…Hey, do you think the Kuchiinu flew so far over here by its own will?” (Deputy)

Unintentionally, he spoke aloud to his men. While praying he was wrong.

“…N, no?” (Imperial)

However, the subordinates who realized the same thing will only turn blue in the face and shake their heads.

But if that Kuchiinu was –

“…If it had just leapt backwards, it would be impossible to create a crater on this large of a scale.” (Deputy)

“It was blown away by someone?” (Imperial A)

“…No way.” (Imperial B)

They suddenly paled.

Right now, even just being hit by the aura of the monster dog was terrible. He wondered if there are even any monsters strong enough to launch a monster with such bulk into the air. He wondered if in the future they will come across such a monster that can cause this giant Kuchiinu to fly.

Since when had the Hana Flower Forest become such a hostile wilderness? He thought while cursing in his heart.

“L, Let’s go!” (Deputy)

“Y, Yes!” (Imperial)

The Kuchiinu who got up earlier now stared into the distance. The eyes of the Kuchiinu glaring further southeast almost seemed frightened.  It was as if it had met some unknown monster, and was steeped in fear. Just like that time when they encountered the Nine-tails.

“There it is!! It’s a giant Kuchiinu!!”

“Hurry up!”

Below the Deputy, the squad continued to run Southeast.

It was there.

The Deputy noticed a shadow slipping through the trees, so he followed its movement with his eyes.

“Gugaaoooo!!” (Kuchiinu)

Along with the roar, it threw a big rock with its paw towards something like an illusion. The claws glinted in the sunlight before cras.h.i.+ng back to the ground. From the blow there was a blast that cause the soil and trees to fly back. At that moment a small shadow leaped toward the other side of the Kuchiinu. The sharp jaw attacks the small shadow attacking in the air.

Is that the target of the Kuchiinu?

But, before the Deputy could chose to purse the monster.

“Guyaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!” (Kuchiinu)

“!!?” (Imperial)

The smaller figure pulled an axe as large as its body from its back.

“What…an axe!?” (Deputy)

In a moment it collided with the giant jaw and the air was knocked out of it.

“Ku…!!?” (Kuchiinu)

The members of the squad were blown back from where they stood by the wind pressure. Among them, one was the Deputy who was staring at the battle.

“Our levels are…too different.” (Deputy)

The Kuchinnu screamed as blood clearly spouted out of its jaw. Yet, without a large gap it still brought its foot down to crush the silhouette.

There is a *Don* obviously from when the legs explode against the ground. The shadow avoided the attack from the landing foot with a small step, then it jumped at the huge Kuchiiinu. At a terrific speed equal to when it was knocked back, it attacked the neck of the Kuchiinu up to the handle of the blade.

“Gyoop!!?” (Kuchiinu)

The Kuchiinu could not even finish its scream as the smaller shadow rotated its axe and beat it down further. But, thinking the situation indisputable, the Kuchiinu instead bared its fangs and raised its energy at the one holding the axe.

“Tch…” (Shuten)

He thought he heard its tongue make such a noise. The smaller sillouhette spun the axe and engaged the fangs like a skillful sportsman. As the metals crossed once again, they caused a sharp clas.h.i.+ng sound.

Both sides were blown back by the force.

*Zazaza* (sfx for sliding or das.h.i.+ng) and the small shadow slid along the ground while the bleeding jaws of the Kuchiinu fell to the ground.

During the standoff, the smaller shadow slowly readied its axe.

“…The abnormal Kuchiinu species and the other are equal…!!” (Imperial)

The Deputy returned to his senses with the voice of a squad member.

That’s right, this is not a case where he is deprived of his eyes in this fierce battle. Who on earth is fighting? He should verify it, and in certain cases, fight.

At that time he took one step forward.

“…Let’s do it.”

Instead, a chill runs down his spine.

Looking for the source, it is because of the terrible aura that spews out of the smaller shadow.

What is that? It’s like the edge of a blade with a cold bloodl.u.s.t. It cannot be the Nine-tails, but it has a refined energy.

It’s probably not directed at them, but even with that thought the Deputy cannot move.

At this distance he cannot verify the other person’s appearance in detail. Still, at this distance he was stopped by the small shadow’s bloodl.u.s.t.

‘What is going on with the Kuchiinu, who is receiving such a thing from the front?’ When the Deputy looked over there instinctively, it was gnas.h.i.+ng its teeth. Perhaps it was trying to turn tail and run away.

Suddenly, the great energy increased. An overwhelming aura that even surpa.s.ses the Nine-tails.

It is hard to claim to have any fighting spirit left after being hit by such a thing.

It as if he is “collecting.” (溜め)

Absorbing the power to its limit, condensing, and then loosing the ma.s.s of energy to try and hit the opponent before it.

Whether or not its feet tangled for a moment, obviously the smaller silhouette is faster.

“Fuu…!!” (Shuten)

“Guwaaaaaaaaaaaa!!” (Kuchiinu)

Like cutting bamboo.

The axe swayed high in above before falling and bisecting the Kuchiinu from the front. It cut down through the hard fur, meat, and bone in one slash. The giant Kuchiinu sank with a tremendous earthquake, causing the dust to dance and hinder visibility for a minute.

“Did it succeed…?” (Deputy)

Fearfully, the Deputy advances to the battlefield. The squad also slowly followed him.

However, through the dust there is the glimpse of a black shadow. From the silhouette appears the figure of an Oni holding an axe.

The tremendous aura continued, and became stronger the closer they approached.

This kind of opponent faced the Kuchiinu with similar strength.

“… It’s a demon.” (Deputy)

“What…?” (Imperials)

Among the subordinates, they murmured that the “eyes” of their superiors will always discover something first. But if they returned their eyes to the dust quickly, two twisted black horns could certainly be seen.

*Klunk,* the sandal tapping the ground had some sort of magical coating, and there was a fluttering Navy blue Kinagais.h.i.+.

It was unique as well.

The Oni is a dangerous race of demons that specialize in close combat by an individual.

This demon that should be like others from its tribe carried a huge axe and wore beautiful Far Eastern clothing was now hunting the abnormal monster here.

At that blow of overwhelming power, his instinct lit up all danger signals.

“Ah, Aah…!” (Deputy)

His brain cried that he needed to flee.

That is on the scale of the Nine-tails…it was not an opponent they could stand against.

“……Hmm?” (Shuten)

Its two red circles drilled into the Deputy.

At being noticed the Deputy screamed internally. His heart beat so hard it seemed like something was going to break.

Clearing his throat dry from the fear, the Deputy desperately overcame the crus.h.i.+ng pressure and moved the corner of his mouth to cry out.

“Everyone, retreat!!!” (Deputy)

Turning around as he said so, he then ran to where he had come from and could no longer afford to worry what was behind them. Such a monster can only be handled by a magic librarian. Hopefully, that person would finish the battle with the Nine-tails quickly and hunt this monster.

While wis.h.i.+ng so, the people of the Imperial Academy, including the Deputy, ran back desperately to where the tenth seat was.