Grimoire x Reverse ~Reincarnated Demon Romance Tale~

Chapter 8

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Chapter 8

Volume 2 Chapter 8

City of Water Mermila V [Pearl Pieces, and the Reaction to its Power]

“Experiment Success…!!” (Desiree)

“Haha…hey wait a moment and listen to me magic librarian before you swallow a pearl piece…” (Shuten)

What kind of joke is this.

That was the only thought occupying my chest.

What was this? (何だよそりゃあよ) Didn’t the G.o.ddess say human beings couldn’t take it in?

Or perhaps, does this mean a magic librarian is on the level of the monster?

Unconsciously, I found a gulp shuddering through my throat that I couldn’t stop. (戦慄を禁じ得ない俺の喉が、知らず知らずのうちにごくりと鳴った)

The bas.e.m.e.nt second floor. Although it is more than ten meters difference in height, I can certainly feel the intimidation of that baldy.

Slicking back his blue hair, his mouth twisted at the corners into a smirk.

“Now I clearly understand the reason why you are looking for it…its seems this demon has only power caught in its sight.” (Desiree)

“That’s not it, I’m gathering them because the balance of the world will collapse otherwise, that’s the kind of mindset I have.” (Shuten)

“Ho…? Surely the power balance is already disturbed…what were you doing with such a lofty idea?” (そんな高尚な考えでやってたのか？) (Desiree)

“You’re just a little too idiotic Monocle Baldy.” (Shuten)

“Mono…!?” (Desiree)

His eyes opened wide.

If you provoke me I’ll provoke you. Even if it is Monocle Baldy.

Though there is a large difference in our ages. (年齢俺と大して変わらんっぽいけど)

“…I will kill you in earnest.” (Desiree)

“I have a reason to kill you now.” (Shuten)

He took in a pearl piece.

To be honest, it wasn’t a problem to lose one. I have given one to Flare Reel, and surely if there is one or two less the G.o.ddess will not get angry.

However, if the other party becomes the Imperial Academy, then it is a different story.

I do not know about the magic librarians, but the center of the Imperial Academy is a group of people who want to conquer the world. If the existence of the pearl pieces is brought to such a place, then the balance of power will quickly collapse.

“Fuu…” (SFX for exhaling, don’t know who says it)

That man, Desiree, jumped. In a moment he was on the same first floor as me.

Hid black coat fluttering, he rearranged his monocle and readied his naginata.

Between me and that guy, there is only the ground floor that I had hit and broken earlier.

However, this is really bad. It cannot be helped anymore…the only thing left is to kill him and recover the pearl piece like I did at the time of the Kuchiinu.

…I’ll have to get serious.

“Come, Monocle Baldy. I will split your forehead splendidly.” (Shuten)

“These words of a c.o.c.kroach” (Desiree)

“Who is a c.o.c.kroach!! These respectable horns are not antennae!!” (Shuten)

“And I’m not bald!! I just have a broad forehead!!” (Desiree)

Holding the Demon slayer, I glanced over for a moment.

He disappeared.

Now!!

The sound of metal rang out, and the wind pressure blew up.

“Gu, watch it…!!” (Shuten)

“Hooh…my power has increased…to the extent that I can suppress this thing!!” (Desiree)

“It’s not that sweet is it!!” (Shuten) (甘くみてんじゃ、ねェ)

The clashing of my axe and the naginata is enough to raise a windstorm.

And with pure technical skill, reached even hig

her speeds.

But my only proprietary patent is raw power…!!

With a high speed sidestep, I avoided Desiree and swung towards the guy, who fell back with a half step. Obviously he avoided it just as the large axe covered his immediate area.

“One sec.” (Shuten)

“Why you-” (Desiree)

The iron blade attacked and traced along the handle of the big axe to flip up the Demon Slayer. Then, when I tried to place a kick on his solar plexus, it was prevented by the naginata handle.

Leaping upward, I swung the Demon Slayer from above.

Instantly understanding its trajectory, the naginata deflected it with minimal movement.

“I will not be the one to receive the attack properly…!”

“Tsu…!!!” (Shuten)

I fell while changing my posture slightly, and landed low while blocking the naginata, then attacked from below by kicking towards his chin.

“Stop kicking!” (Desiree)

“Ha…!!” (Shuten)

Wielding the Demon Slayer, Desiree avoided being grazed by it by moving his head. The response from his naginata was fast, and sparks scattered from the direct clash. At the same time, there was tremendous wind pressure, causing my hair to fly around.

The conflict of the forces…reflected each other, and withdrew. We jumped back from each other.

“…Huh, equal. I don’t mind it though.” (Shuten)

“It’s this arrangement.” (Desiree)

Spitting out his words like discarding them, he was shocked. Although I’d agree that we’re evenly matched, I’m the one who is shocked.

He is still using his Divine Phenomenon Phase Skill.

“Well, okay. Trying to surpa.s.s this monster Oni with pure physical skill…may not be realistic. But with this, it is a different story.” (Desiree)

Then, the large naginata of Desiree is dyed dark blue.

The aura that sprung from that strong man and drifting is completely different from the former one.

Ohh, this is a battle to the death.

It is not on the same level as fighting Grendel.

—Divine Phenomenon Phase Skill [Ancient Refining Blade Edge Rising Forge] —

Shaking his Naginata, he drew his body back into the stance.

Well, I can do it too. I did it in the fight with the Kuchiinu, charge.

Pulling my Demon Slayer behind me as if to swing it like a bat. This is my strongest attack.

Fill it with my strength, with magic, all of my power.

In this hand wielding the Demon Slayer, through my arms and legs. Save it up. Just for one victorious blow.

“Die, you %$&*# demon.” (Desiree)

“Come on over Monocle Baldy.” (Shuten)

Did he move at the same time he spoke? The distance between both sides shrinks without hesitation. I swung the great axe like it was bamboo. On the other side, Desiree released his naginata with a swing.

Along with a tremendous sound, huge sparks scattered where the Demon Slayer and the large naginata hit. I clench my teeth and put as much as I can to push against the Divine Phenomenon…and crush it…!

“What..!?” (Desiree)

“Whether it’s your Divine Phenomenon or just your magical ability…!! Either way, it is only a matter of putting in power that surpa.s.ses it..!!!” (Shuten)

“I have never heard…of such a countermeasure…although it is technically correct…there is no one who wields such individual force…!!” (Desiree)

Sound, power, and light criss-cross between me and Desiree, just like a chainsaw cutting against an iron plate.

Thanks to the charge or something like that the Demon Slayer wasn’t sliced, but it is still obvious that the blade is being scratched.

Keep it up just a little longer Demon Slayer…!

“Ha…It seems my Divine Phenomenon was aimed too high, ^#%&!!” (Desiree)

“Aaaaaaahhhhh!!” (Shuten)

Desiree’s aura increased.

At the same time, I could see in my mind’s-eye that my Demon Slayer would be overwhelmed in a moment. Whether for good or bad, I was blown away into the wall.

“Gah…!!” (Shuten)

Oh…I was fortunate not to hit my head.

My breathing is a bit painful, but it’s still fine.

Desiree was breathing hard, with his posture returning the grimoire naginata to his shoulder. It seems his eyes still galre at me in disdain, still lighted by murderous intent, and I want to say that those are my eyes.

“After killing you, that research-worthy crystal…the pearl pieces? I will collect them.”

“Ha ha…Is that so?” (Shuten)

“Can you hold only one?” (Desiree)

“…Well, if I’m fighting like this while holding a pearl piece…I’ll be suspicious, right…?” (Shuten)

Huh…

Even though my opponent was a magic librarian, I thought that if the other party only had one pearl piece I’d be fine.

Pulling it out of my shirt, I roll the darkened pearl in the palm of my hand.

“Somehow, I still can’t integrate it.” (Shuten)

“Huh?” (Desiree)

“Since it’s painful, I don’t really want to use it.” (Shuten)

“It seems like you are quite the sweet guy.” (Desiree)

“Oh well…rather than handing over the pearls to a magic librarian, if it is between killing you in exchange for suffering, or inadvertently being killed by you, I’d choose the former.” (Shuten)

“…Then I will kill you while you are tormented by pain.” (Desiree)

“Uh, please wait a minute?” (Shuten)

“Don’t compare to those stupid Kingdom Knights.” (Desiree)

Alright.

I certainly got a flashy injury, though my back is still sore from hitting it.

Pulling myself from the cracked wall, I get up. No, I’m sure the research inst.i.tute is ruined.

“You have been killed by an upper rank, and if pardoned you will be used to promote my study of the pearl pieces.” (Desiree) (お前が上位に殺されて、珠片の研究とか進められても勘弁だしな)

“Should such words come from the honorable president of the research inst.i.tute?” (Shuten)

“It’s a t.i.tle only.” (Desiree)

“That’s not an honor you idiot!!” (Shuten)

Always talking c.r.a.p about people, every time.

……Fuu.

In front of us was the stony ground. Extremely broken stones.

“…Have you resolved yourself?” (Shuten)

“Even a hopeless demon like you can feel pain right?” (Desiree)

“I’m a bit curious about your balding.” (Shuten)

“Who the heck is bald!” (Desiree)

“I wonder who else I could call bald!!” (Shuten)

“…Hmm?” (Desiree)

“…Hmm?” (Shuten)

“Oh my?” (Yatano)

……

How long has she been there.

At that time between me and Desiree, that person was standing one step from us.

“Yataaannnooooo!! Where did you ^*#$()@# go!? Is this the kind of job that you feel like you can just play around and take a walk whenever you feel like it!? Did you also feed the pigeons!? I’m seriously gonna kill you!!” (Desiree)

“A pigeon…would be too afraid for me to get close…” (Yatano)

“That’s not what I’m talking about!!” (Desiree)

What is this, a comic skit planned beforehand? Is it the once-in-a-lifetime climax? A stage showing guts? She was standing in the way, and a comedy was starting in front of me. What are they doing?

Between Desiree and I. Although the common person would have been blown away just by the wind pressure from our scuffle, it seems to be nothing much to Yatano-chan.

Well…that’s probably how it is.

How many pieces would it take to be able to fight her? I cannot even imagine.

Holding her umbrella as usual, she looked towards me with a serious face.

Hmm?

“I am sorry to interrupt you in the middle of a serious battle, but can you both stop here?” (Yatano)

“Haaa? I don’t understand you suddenly coming out like this…! Were you missing out, and tired of leaving this demon to me?” (Desiree)

“To put it properly, that’s it, a small problem has occurred.” (Yatano)

“A problem?” (Shuten)

Asking about it, I turned my head that had been facing Desiree, and Yatano nodded towards me. Her expression is serious, and made me feel somewhat unpleasant.

The next words that came out of her mouth after she nodded, I could kind of predict which direction they were going to take.

“Yes. Hiragi has been kidnapped by the Marshall. It is impossible with my authority to stop it. Please go.” (Yatano)

“Hiragi?” (Shuten)

I cannot imagine him being done in so easily, but in what kind of state has Grendel returned in? Are magic librarians unable to sleep?

“Hey Yatano…Do you mean to say youd don’t mind a demon stepping on the soil of the Imperial capitol…?” (Desiree)

“What would you do if I said that was so?”

“…This superior. I only thought about dragging you off of the third seat, but from now on…I will kill you for obstructing librarian forces.” (Desiree)

“Is that so?” (Yatano)

It seems like the atmosphere between this comedy duo is bad. This could dissolve quickly. (これは解散もありえる) It doesn’t seem to be a joking situation, so I’d better hurry.

Fortunately Hiragi is still alive. I can tell through the kindred connection. But she was caught and abducted. That’s why…

“Please go Shuten. I cannot go against the Imperial Academy.” (Yatano)

“Hey nasty old hag, the mission to kill the demon is still ongoing.” (Desiree)

“I’ve decided to heed the order after all this fuss.” (Yatano)

Yatano turned her back towards me and faced Desiree.

Well, I wonder if you should let me go…

“Oh, can you tell me something?” (Shuten)

“What do you want to know?” (Yatano)

“Why are you trying to save Hiragi?” (Shuten)

“Originally I didn’t feel any commitments, but…just a little my thoughts have changed.” (ちょっと、思うところがありまして) (Yatano)

“Would you tell me?” (Shuten)

Turning suddenly and looking back at me she pressed her index finger against her lips and smiled a bit.

“It’s a secret.” (Yatano)

“Oh I see, a secret? Well then I will have to ask again.” (Shuten)

Even so there was no use.

Re-shouldering the Demon Slayer, I put the pearl piece in my pocket.

The goal is the Imperial City. I wanted to enjoy this carefree traveling a bit more but I do not know what will happen now that she’s kidnapped but I think I want to help.

She’s my cute kindred after all.

“Wait you &%*#$&!!” (Desiree)

Desiree shouted and leapt forward, shaking the large naginata.

Shuten had instantly leaped out of the research inst.i.tute through the broken wall, and had already jumped across town.

However, now Desiree had enough leg power to chase him down.

Trying to click his tongue in disdain, he then noticed the presence of a girl now standing in front of him.

No, he was the one who was noticed.

“…Unfortunately, I cannot let you pa.s.s by.” (Yatano)

Closing her umbrella with a snap, she pointed it at Desiree. Yatano wore no expression.

However, an enormous magical power that had been enclosed in her small body swiftly appeared from her.

“…Hey Yatano.” (Desiree)

“What is it?” (Yatano)

“Why are you defending it?” (Desiree)

“…When I was young, do you know the reason why my older sister who once played with me called me a monster?” (Yatano)

“…It’s not a bad term for something like you.” (Desiree)

“Is that so?” (Yatano)

“Tsutsu…Well I don’t care enough to pry.” (Desiree)

Beyond that, she did not seem to remember the rest. (向こうは、覚えていないみたいでしたけど)

Though her smile was a little lonely, her gaze never deviated from Desiree for even a second.

It seemed to be no reason for it, but it just didn’t seem like Yatano even thought to lend her power.

“Okay, I understand how it is &*%^#$.” (Desiree)

Eventually, Desiree slowly said these words.

Yatano Fuso ArcLight. He did not know how strong she was, as she kept herself aloof from the world and only occasionally sat in the third seat.

“I took in the mana crystal called a pearl piece and now, as a result, I can say that my competence has increased by more than 30%.” (Desiree)

He exhaled deeply.

“Because of that, I am able to look at your issues properly. For example, the competence of the opponent before my eyes. Indeed, the difference of heaven and earth between you and I, I understood it well.” (Desiree)

This power had been hidden intentionally.

He can finally recognize the hidden “facts” with his eyes, ears, nose, and senses. As her concentrated aura pulsed in occasional bursts, he obtained glimpses of understanding.

“What are you planning to do? With me.” (Yatano)

“I will not even give you a &%$*# opportunity to retaliate.” (Desiree

Standing upright, and drawing back taught like a bow, he released the large Naginata like an arrow. The concentrated blue aura that had sprung up towards Shuten again arose.

“Lend me your chest, Third Seat.” (Desiree)

“I refuse.” (Yatano)

“Aah!?” (Desiree)

*Shing* and in an instant the aura of Desiree’s faded away.

With a look of disbelief that his attack had been rejected, Desiree stared at Yatano in irritation. She looked into the distance beyond the hole in the wall Shuten had leapt from and muttered.

“If you ask me ‘why did you defend him?’ then the answer is the same as before. But if you ask ‘why did you stop me?’ then it is a different story Desiree.” (Yatano)

“What are you saying…!?!” (Desiree)

Suddenly, Desiree found he was unable to balance on his feet and unexpectedly fell to his knees, holding his mouth as he felt as if he were about to vomit and his vision was dyed in red.

“Guha…!?” (Desiree)

It was then that Yatano turned to face Desiree.

“If you had continued as is, it would have been Desiree who had died.” (Yatano)

“…This, is…” (Desiree)

He felt an intense internal pain, like something was burning down his throat.

A severe pain pulsed through his whole body in a far different realm from the pain during the training he had received. It violently shook his soul rather than his body, causing even a mighty magic librarian to fall to the ground.

“…Probably, if a normal human being had taken the substance in it would have been extremely toxic. They would die the moment they ingested it. That intense pain you are dealing with now is that…so just go rest quietly.” (Yatano)

“…But, that…but…!!” (Desiree)

“It is already impressive to have not lost consciousness.” (Yatano)

Desiree collapsed to the continuous severe aching, though was not dying.

However, even if he was unable to get up, she had to admire his guts for trying to move his body by digging his nails into the floor and trying to push himself up.

“Besides, Shuten was not going all out. If it had become a drawn-out battle you would have definitely died.” (Yatano)

“What…?” (Desiree)

“Please think carefully. He is a demon. It has a surprisingly strong body that cannot be forgotten, but the essence of demons is an Oni’s power…Shuten is not even in a “demonized” state (生身で驚くほど強いので忘れかけるところではありますけれど、妖鬼の本質は鬼のエネルギー……”鬼化”すらしていない状態なのですよ、シュテンは).” (Yatano)

Enduring the pain filling his whole body, Desiree kept his eyes open as his blood flowed.

“Demonization” (TL: or Onika 鬼化, I kind of wish I had a better term for this, if you guys can come up with a better one I’d love to know)

It is the demon itself as well as the demon’s essence, and is the reason why they are feared. (TL: from what I can tell, this demonization is like a demon soul, and probably the source of their magic? It also seems to encompa.s.s a special ability.)

“A demon un-demonized is like a magic librarian who does not use their divine phenomenon…it is interesting that the situation would arise where he would meet Desiree in this state (その状態でデジレとやり合うあたりが、やっぱり面白いですね).” (Yatano)

“……” (Desiree)

“Oh….I will carry you to your bed later.” (Yatano)

At last she looked at Desiree and saw that he fainted. Yatano smiled gently while hiding her mouth with the sleeve of her kimono.

With him, life will not be any different. (彼の場合、命に別状はないだろう) In any case, she was relieved that things have happened without any unnecessary killing.

“There is no reason to use it, but that technique truly eats up a large amount of magical power, though in a situation that he may have been killed by Desiree, I think he would have spared the expense…Perhaps it is not usable yet. “Demonization” is like a soul boost. The nature of Shuten is close to a human so it might take some exertion to use the power of his soul (魂依存のあの力を発揮するには些かシュテンの性質は人間に近い).” (Yatano)

Alone, Yatano could only think of that strange humanoid demon.

Beyond the collapsed wall the full moon illuminated the night sky.

“He’s a young demon…so unless something activates in the soul then it cannot be invoked arbitrarily, clearly. I thought that since he overwhelmed Grendel without a scratch he had used ‘demonization’ but…” (Yatano)

Thinking that far, Yatano shook her head as if there was no help for it.

“The legendary Oni Shuten. He is still a bit weak to inherit the name, but he is a young newcomer to look forward to. Though the Shuten of Ibuki I know of had mastered his demonization, so how strong could he be?” (Yatano)

Indeed, it is an exciting potential.

Grinning, Yatano’s smile was full of happiness.

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