Chapter 267 (Self Edited) – Encountering Something Peculiar
Following Ingrid, who was running ahead, Soma was wondering what happened.
It wasn’t about what was going to happen, but it was about what was to come. The fact that Soma felt this event was somehow structured, including meeting Ingrid.
And perhaps, it wasn’t his imagination. That was because…
“Is she someone who has the skill to choose the best future for the crisis in the world?” (Soma)
“…Well, as long as the conditions are met, it’s unlikely that she won’t be in contact with you. No, perhaps, they were checking whether she would make contact.” (Hildegard)
“Wouldn’t it be best if she doesn’t make contact?” (Soma)
Even if the skill didn’t do it directly, it was the same if she could get what she intended as a result. Moreover, it had the effect of letting them know that it was the best, so it was rather ill-natured.
“Well, that’s not the case yet.” (Hildegard)
“Sure, it’s possible that it’s only best up to this point, but…” (Soma)
As expected, the skill might be hopeless. Unfortunately, Soma wasn’t that optimistic.
“And what happens if that’s the case?” (Hildegard)
“Well, you’re right.” (Soma)
Although it was the best course of action, it was definitely true for Ingrid. There was a good chance that it wasn’t the best course of action for others, such as Hildegard. It was true that it wasn’t worth considering.
However…
“…Well, there is no point in thinking about it now, right?” (Soma)
“Yeah. For the time being, it’s alright to solve the issue if something happens.” (Hildegard)
When they concluded so, they stopped talking in a small voice and looked forward. It was probably time to get there, and the timing was just right.
By the way, the fact that Ingrid was ahead because it was a matter of locality. Although the general direction was known and the scene was as seen was spreading around, this wasn’t the royal capital of Radeus. On the contrary, there was a possibility that they might get lost because they were familiar with the scene, so they entrusted the direction to Ingrid.
So, after a few corners, they finally arrived. Soma and Hildegard reached the place slightly a bit later, and…
— The Rules of Swords – Divine Protection of Dragon God – Battle Ready – Special Rank Presence Detection: Surprise Attack – Null
Ingrid and Soma were moving almost at the same time.
Ingrid jumped backwards, and Soma moved forward. He didn’t know the situation at all, but there was no problem.
— The Rules of Swords – God Killer – Dragon Killer – Divine Protection of Dragon God – Absolute Slash – Lightning Speed: Secret Technique – Flash.
‘Something’ that was approaching before him was sliced off as it was.
“U-uh… s-sorry…! I…” (Ingrid)
“Hmm? Aah, there’s no problem with your movement just now, you know? It’s just that you unconsciously decided that it was best to leave it to me rather than dealing it yourself.” (Soma)
And actually, that was the correct answer. Ingrid’s skill hadn’t been confirmed yet, but… as expected, it was probably a disadvantage for the opponent.
“That reminds me, it has been a while to see that. I wonder why it is in such a place… well, I’m sure you can tell me if I ask you, yes?” (Soma)
There was a man there. However, his eyes were empty, and his gaze was facing the void. His mouth was half-open and drooling. In a glance, it was an appearance that they could see that he was losing his mind.
Nevertheless, this body gave off a strange sense of intimidation. If that was converted to a skill, it would be suitable for Special Rank. Based on the feeling Soma felt on the skin, Ingrid was hardly an opponent.
And Soma had a similar feeling before.
“Hmm, I’m thinking how could this be, but I’m sure you know this, Soma? What a terribly bad taste.” (Hildegard)
“I don’t know. But… I’ve seen something similar about five years ago. Surely… the Demon God?” (Soma)
Yes, it was certainly like the Demon God he felt at that time. From the man’s body, he could feel something that he should call a soul, and it could be inferred that the situation was similar to that of Steina at that time.
If there was something to care about, it had a very weak impression compared to that even though it was suitable for Special Rank… so, it was no wonder that there was a difference between individuals. If anything, the question was why this appeared in the middle of the Holy City.
“Is this called… a Devil possession? How, how could it be in such a place…” (Ingrid)
When Ingrid thought about it, she turned her gaze toward the man, muttered in a daze. It might have been a monologue, but Soma tilted his head to the words that clearly reached his ears.
“Hmm? Devil possession?” (Soma)
It was a term he heard for the first time. The term didn’t seem to be well known, considering that Hildegard shook her head when Soma looked at her. So, what did that mean?
If it wasn’t because of Soma’s imagination, it was surely that the Demon God possessed that man’s body. It wasn’t a Devil or something.
Or rather, this was the first time he heard the word Devil in this world.
“No… that reminds me, Sheila was called the White Devil. At that time, the name clicked normally, and Aina and others were also reacting normally, but… does that mean that the term of Devil itself is known in this way?” (Soma)
“Sure, the term Devil isn’t so well known. However, that means something that isn’t well understood or scary, and the very existence of the Devil wasn’t firmly recognized.” (Hildegard)
“Is that so?” (Soma)
“Well, if you say that, they don’t know anything about the Demon God to begin with. It’s known to some, but that’s about it, and it’s the first time I’ve seen the real thing.” (Hildegard)
“Hmm… I’d like to think about what that means, but I think it’s better to leave it for the time being.” (Soma)
It might because the first blow was easily repelled, that existence seemed to have indication of asking them, and somehow it looked motivated. The eyes looked empty, but the indication was clearly said so.
“Hmm… are you going to do it? That is the Devil’s possession…” (Ingrid)
“It’s alright. I’m not worried about that man. At any rate, I have a history of actually doing it.” (Soma)
“No, that’s not what I mean…” (Ingrid)
–The Rules of Sword – God Killer – Dragon Killer – Divine Protection of Dragon God – Absolute Slash – Sword of Ten Thousand Demons: Demon Slayer Blade.
Soma shook his arm as if to block Ingrid’s words when she said something.
Of course, that wasn’t the intention, but to cut off the thing which was approaching. The instantly charged air burst with a noise, and the residue left on the sword also flowed to the ground and disappeared.
The true identity of the thing approaching was lightning, which literally attacked at an invisible speed. The previous Demon God manipulated flames, but this one seemed to manipulate thunder.
“I would like to hear a lot if possible, but I will ask for it later. If there is anything I need to be careful about, why don’t you tell me first?” (Ingrid)
“At least, as far as I know, the Devil possession can only be undone by the Saintess’ scripture.” (Ingrid)
“Scripture? I’m not sure what is that, but… well, it’s probably fine. I don’t feel like I can do that. And no matter how I look at it, wouldn’t it bad to leave it alone? As expected, if I overlook things here, I don’t feel good in so many ways.” (Soma)
“No, but that is…!” (Ingrid)
“Aren’t you unconsciously know his words are correct? The evidence is you’re not moving from the current spot… In fact, you somehow think you don’t need to stop him, right?” (Hildegard)
“That’s… you’re right, but I’m a Paladin. If I’m going to do something, I’ll rather be the one who does it first…” (Ingrid)
“Aah, that’s fine. Well, you should take a look there. You’ll soon know that it’s fine.” (Soma)
As Soma said so, he took a step forward as if to block Ingrid who was still trying to say something. Soma ran forward as it was.
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