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39. The True Form of the Grim Reaper
The black mist gradually transformed into the shape of a human.
Red eyes stared intently at us.
Horns sprouted from its head, wings from its back, and a tail from its waist, like a――
“A demon…?”
Yes, it had exactly the aura of a demon.
“A modified demon…?!”
Mirage groaned.
“Huh?”
“A few hundred years ago, it was an abominable bio-weapon used by the Demon King’s army.”
Mirage explained.
“I only have fragmented memories, but... I remember modified demons wreaking havoc all over the world… Many lives were lost.”
“So, this thing is a modified demon?”
Ran asked with keen interest.
“I don’t know much about what it is, honestly. It’s only recently that I’ve been able to summon a Grim Reaper.”
“A demon as a servant of the hero… huh.”
I murmured.
“Doesn’t matter what it is. It’s my power to crush those who defy me.”
Ran grinned widely.
“I didn’t know its true form, but I’ve already tested its combat abilities in this form.”
Gwoooooooh.
The Grim Reaper―― no, the modified demon let out an eerie roar.
“Enough, Ran.”
I looked at both Ran and the modified demon.
“What’s the point of all this?”
“There is no point. I’m just causing havoc because I feel like it. My blood’s still pumping from that fight with Kenzaki. I just want to calm down. And besides――”
Ran fixed his gaze on me.
“Shigure, I thought you were just some weakling, but you’re pretty good. I want to leave a mark on someone like you.”
“To leave a mark…?”
“So you can’t ignore me.”
“If I ignore you, you’ll just attack without hesitation, won’t you?”
I glared at Ran.
“Haha, that’s perfect! It means I’m someone you can’t ignore!”
Ran looked oddly pleased.
“Good! Then I’ll engrave myself deeper into you! Go, Grim Reaper!”
Even knowing its true form as a modified demon, Ran insisted on calling it the Grim Reaper.
Gwooooooooh.
The modified demon roared again and moved toward us.
With a swing of its right arm, that arm extended greatly.
This is―― the same type of attack as that mid-level demon, Bloodclaw!
“...!”
I quickly dodged to the side.
Even with a [Shield], it would probably break through. It seemed Mirage had made the same decision and jumped in the opposite direction. And then――
Slash!
The extended arm, with claws at the end, pierced the Red Mage at the back. With a massive hole through its torso, the Red Mage vanished.
“There’s only one servant left.”
Ran spoke with amusement.
“Only one left on your side, too.”
I retorted casually.
“Oh? You can still talk like that? Got some nerve.”
Ran looked impressed.
“I thought you were more of a coward, Shigure. But when push comes to shove, you’ve got guts.”
“I don’t know… maybe ‘coward’ isn’t too far off.”
I readied my sword again.
“But I’m not backing down. I’m stopping you here.”
“If you can talk that big, then you’re no coward.”
Ran said.
“I like you, Shigure! Alright, time for the final attack, Grim Reaper!”
The modified demon charged.
As he said, this is likely the final showdown.
What to do――. I wracked my brain.
First of all, blocking the modified demon’s attack is impossible.
Even if I dodge, it’ll eventually get me.
So―― strike with a counter [Slash].
The risk is high, but if it works, I can deal a significant blow――this tactic is the only right, the optimal answer.
“…Bring it on.”
I steeled myself and awaited the attack.
Mirage, slightly apart, waited in the same stance.
Who will it target? Me or Mirage?
Or will it use both arms to attack us simultaneously?
Thud!
The modified demon slammed its arm into the ground.
“Huh!?”
For a moment, I couldn’t understand its aim and froze.
Boom!
The next instant, its arm appeared from behind me.
Damn it, it dug underground and tunneled behind me!
“This is bad――”
The attack was faster than I could fully turn around to counter.
Its claws approached my back. No, I can’t block it――.
“Master!”
Mirage rushed in, sword in hand.
“[Illusion Sword Dance]――”
Whirr…
The tip of the sword blurred and started to fade slowly.
“Huh…?”
What is this skill?
It’s the first time I’m seeing it, too――.
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