Chapter 74

"This... I made a mistake in how I reported it."

As I approached Zevion, who was lying on the ground, he said such things. Frowning, not understanding what he was talking about, he closed his eyes and smiled.

"What we need more than a seal is for you to be our obstacle, that's what I'm saying."

... You mean you can do whatever you want with the door, right?

"What's in the Moonlight Temple?"

"Well, it's said that there's something that can cure my boredom. I was tired of the meaningless days spent burning insignificant beings. So, I cooperated."

By the way... you said you were bored just a while ago. With such a fearsome ability, there probably wasn't anyone who could match you...

Flames began to rise from inside his body, from the edges of his wounds.

"But at the very end, I had a delightful... battle."

Then—Zevion's entire body burst into flames. His voice could be heard from within the flames. The last ashes were carried away by the wind, scattering into the sky. Narrowing my eyes, I watched until the last bit disappeared.

... To cure Zevion's boredom, huh? Considering his tastes, it seems like something dangerous for humans, doesn't it?

"Theo!"

Grace's voice reached my ears.

"Ouch..."

Trying to turn around, I ended up wincing. Maybe I relaxed after hearing Grace's voice when the battle was over. I just remembered the burning pain, or rather, it came back. I was writhing slightly.

The most painful might be the side of my ribs, which I barely avoided with a thin layer of skin. Well, none of them are serious, so I guess it's a good trade-off for defeating a demon of that class.

"Theo... You're hurt all over..."

"They're not that serious. It'll be fine with a healing spell."

Holding the light of a healing spell in her hands, Grace said anxiously.

"N-no! Emergency healing spells will leave scars on burns!"

"...Understood. Then let's go back and ask Ashley. Grace? That demon said the fog's influence would disappear when he died, are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. But—"

I could see the knights returning from a distance. From their expressions, it seemed—

"The familiar escaped, huh?"

"...I'm sorry. I chased it for a while, but it was gone by the time I defeated the demon."

"Well, there's nothing we can do about that."

If the wyvern's speed and vision couldn't find it, it would be impossible. Moreover, Zalbash probably spread the fog to prevent pursuit. Even if we tried to chase after Zalbash, it would likely have been futile.

That dorsal fin, whether it's a shark or a dolphin—whatever it is, it's not a normal creature. If a marine-type familiar like that submerges and really tries to escape, it would be difficult to capture or track.

Zalbash said the report was incomplete. I wonder how much interference there was.

In terms of actual damage— I think it was kept to a minimum. Some buildings were damaged during the process of luring it to high altitude...

"What a wonderful sight."

Riding on a ground dragon, Mildred and Mercedes appeared.

"How about the damage?"

"Our subordinates are checking the buildings that were damaged. If there are any injured, we've instructed them to transport them... but since the evacuation was already underway, it should be fine. I'll also make sure the blame for the damaged facilities doesn't fall on you."

"Thank you."

Especially the inn. I blew a hole in the wall.

"You did an outstanding job this time. Leave the detailed cleanup to us. I think you'll be summoned to the castle eventually, but for today, it should be fine."

If that's the case, I'll leave the cleanup and reporting to the knights and go home with Grace.

"How are you?"

Ashley's worried expression. Shira and Ilmhirte also didn't look too happy.

"Hmm. It feels cool and nice, but... it's kind of ticklish..."

Back at home, sitting on a long chair.

Under Rosetta's supervision, Ashley cast a burn healing spell on me.

In case I got injured, the two of them were apparently on standby.

"Endure it. I'm restoring the burned parts under your skin."

Rosetta said with a wry smile.

A film of water-like substance was adhering to various parts of my body.

Water healing spell, Healing Shell. It's effective for injuries where the damaged and undamaged tissues are not clearly separated, such as necrosis or burns.

In BFO, it had a sustained recovery effect. I didn't feel the need for it, so I skipped it, but I didn't expect it to feel ticklish.

"However, the wound on your side will leave a scar. Don't misunderstand. It's not about Ashley's skill. I would have the same result."

"The scar on your cheek—"

Ashley's worried voice.

"Hmm. I think it'll be fine."

Rosetta tilted her head. Trusting her judgment, Ashley sighed in relief. Well, I don't really care either way.

"By the way, you said Zevion was a fire demon? Is that correct?"

"Yeah, that's what he called himself."

"Being injured so lightly by such an opponent is surprising."

"Do you know him?"

"A demon who wreaked havoc in the Groufonica Kingdom a long time ago. I hadn't heard his name recently, so I didn't expect him to be here."

Groufonica. The western neighboring country.

They suffered significant damage from a battle with a demon. It was Zevion's doing. I think it happened before I was born.

Lynette usually went by Lynette, but Zevion using a pseudonym might be because his reputation was so notorious.

Rosetta looked exasperated... but if I had to fight him, it would be all or nothing.

If I took a direct hit, it would be over, or at least make it impossible to continue the fight. So, if I won, having only minor injuries makes sense. Burns are a necessary expense.

"By the way, what are your plans from tomorrow? Another dungeon?"

Rosetta stood up and asked.

"Hmm. I'll take a few days off."

"I'm relieved to hear that."

I smiled wryly at Rosetta's words. The burns are fine, but it's more about the mental aspect.

New challenges have also emerged. Trying to do all the flight techniques on my own seems difficult, but with the right assistive devices tailored to each one, I can manage aerial combat.

Since the demons' goal is in the dungeon, the possibility of fighting demons in the future is high. Proper aerial combat equipment, not just makeshift, will be necessary. With the Greg faction in disarray, it might be a good time.

"Well, for today, it's good to confirm that we're all safe."

"We'll go check on the West District once."

Rosetta smiled and stood up, followed by Shira and Ilmhirte.

Now, about the aerial equipment and the demons...

There's a lot to do, but I've decided to take it easy today.

Meeting Grace's gaze, she smiled seductively.

This time, the backlash seems quite significant. Zalbash's tactics really angered her, and she was heavily influenced by the vampire side.

Grace said she was fine, but I might check her qi circulation to make sure she's okay.

--- By the way, as a postscript.

There were no human casualties, but a hole was found in the roof of Shira and Ilmhirte's roost in the West District.

... Hmm. A pinpoint hit on a family member's place. They were laughing about it, finding it amusing. It was a good decision to evacuate them.