How NOT to Summon a Demon Lord: Volume 5 Read online

  The story so far—

  In the MMORPG Cross Reverie, Takuma Sakamoto was overwhelmingly powerful, and was able to role play so well that his performances were more boss-like than the actual bosses of the game. For this reason, he came to be known as the “Demon Lord.”

  By defeating the 《Demon Lord of the Mind, Enkvaros》 faster than anyone else, he obtained the super rare item, the 《Demon Lord’s Ring》. It was one of the ultimate pieces of equipment in the game, able to reflect all types of magic.

  Then, one day, Takuma found himself summoned to a world that looked exactly like Cross Reverie! Having performed the ritual magic at the same time, the Pantherian, Rem, and the Elf, Shera, fought over which one of them was his Summoner:

  “...I am the one who summoned him. Your magic was a failure.”

  “You’re wrong! He’s mine!”

  But thanks to the Demon Lord’s Ring he wore, the magic was reflected, so the 《Enslavement Collar》 meant for him had clamped onto the two girls instead!

  Faced with Rem and Shera arguing, Takuma was at a loss of what to do. While he may have been a superior player back in the game, he couldn’t talk with other people if his life depended on it. After struggling over what to say, the words that came out of his mouth were from the Demon Lord role play he had used in the game:

  “Cease your pointless squabbling. You are in the presence of Diablo.”

  The three of them have since made the town of Faltra their home base. As it turned out, Rem held a great secret: Within her body was sealed the soul of the 《Demon Lord Krebskulm》. Trembling with fear deep down, Diablo’s Demon Lord role playing drove him to promise he would find a solution to her plight.

  A Fallen named Edelgard then led an army of one hundred of her brethren. At the same time, a powerful Fallen, Gregore, appeared in the middle of Faltra. Showing off his true power, Diablo completely routed Edelgard and her army. Using the 《Return》 spell, he made his way back to Faltra instantaneously, and in an overwhelming display of magic, Diablo destroyed Gregore. Thanks to his efforts, he managed to save Rem and many others in the city.

  Diablo later found himself the recipient of a quest from the governor of Faltra, Galford. Prince Keera of the Elven Kingdom of Greenwood had demanded Shera be returned to him, threatening open war with Faltra against the country of Elves should compliance fail. The details of Galford’s quest were simply to find a way to avoid the war. The bespectacled, straight-and-narrow Imperial Knight Alicia was assigned to the group as an observer to watch over their actions.

  Yet Shera still ended up being taken away from Diablo. Despite the numerous obstacles in his way, however, Diablo was successful in rescuing Shera.

  After her rescue, the group set off to resurrect the Demon Lord Krebskulm trapped inside Rem. But in the process, Krebskulm had lost a portion of her memories as a Demon Lord, being reduced to a biscuit-loving young girl, who was then nicknamed “Klem.”

  Peaceful days passed by...

  Suddenly, Alicia betrayed the group! Now awakened as a true Demon Lord, Klem went into a destructive frenzy. But thanks to one of Diablo’s ultimate spells and the sound of Rem and Shera’s voices, Klem was subdued and reverted to her biscuit-loving form. To ensure Klem would never go berserk again, Diablo bound her with the same enslavement magic afflicted upon Shera and Rem.

  Through a string of coincidences, or perhaps God’s own guidance, Diablo found himself rescuing Lumachina, a holy woman, from the Paladin Gewalt. Being a High Priest, Lumachina was the highest ranking member of the Church. However, due to her attempts at ridding the Church of corruption and avarice, she was nearly assassinated. Still seeking to reform the corrupt Church, Lumachina sought the help of the Paladin Captain Batutta, setting out to meet him in Zircon Tower.

  Located in the perilous expanse of the former Demon Lord’s Domain, Diablo’s group of Adventurers accompanied her as bodyguards. After a long journey, they arrived at their destination, and were greeted by Batutta.

  However—

  Batutta had been culminating the spread of a cursed illness known as Death Knell disease, and extorted donations in exchange for treatment.

  Diablo fought hard, defeating Batutta and toppling his underground altar. But all of a sudden, Lumachina collapsed, the mark of the Death Knell disease having appeared on her body.

  Diablo declared: “We’re going to a certain dungeon, a place we’re sure to find what you need!”

  Prologue

  Her pale fingers gently flicked away the dull white steam. Ripples spread across the liquid, reaching her body that was soaked in the bathtub. The water splashed over her plump chest.

  “Ahhh...” The young woman rested her head against the marble, spreading out her crimson hair.

  She was the governor of Zircon Tower, Fanis Laminitus.

  Near the peak of the tower was this splendid bathroom, the likes of which couldn’t be found even within the Imperial Capital. A luxurious facility of unmatched extravagance, it was here she would go to restore her spirits, so she may persist in her governmental duties the following day.

  Laminitus’s thoughts drifted to the Sorcerer she had met in town this afternoon...

  “What do you plan to do after finding this Sorcerer?”

  “If We can use them, then We will make them into Our subordinate, of course! If they won’t listen, however, then We will teach them the difference between our powers by force!”

  “Aren’t you a nasty piece of work.”

  To call the ruler of this land a “nasty piece of work”...

  “Heh... An interesting man, that one.”

  The magic he used to repel the 《Sand Whale》 charging at the town was stronger than anything she’d ever laid eyes on. One would be hard-pressed to find an Elemental Sorcerer of that caliber, let alone as a part of the Mage’s Association. He was undoubtedly blessed with extraordinary talent.

  But there was something young and boyish in his eyes. His selflessness, unbecoming of someone of his ability, was at odds with his arrogant attitude.

  Laminitus stroked her well-rounded breasts. Seeing her do so, that man would appear rather embarrassed, wouldn’t he?

  “Walking around with those slave girls by his side... Could it be he’s never known a woman?”

  Come to think of it, she’d forgotten to ask for his name. She should have someone look into that. She was the type to set things into action as soon as they came to mind, so, while still submerged in the tub, she called out.

  “Come!”

  Usually, a steward waiting outside would reply to her instantly...

  But there was no response.

  An odd sense of unease filling her heart, Laminitus rose from the tub. Water dripped from her toned body and brilliant scarlet hair.

  She strained her lulled senses. Exposing her body to the air, she felt something she failed to notice until now.

  —What is this? This sticky presence in the air...

  Laminitus reached out her hand. A muddy, sloshing presence was approaching her with startling speed.

  Swiftly grasping her Revolver-type Magi Gun, she turned around—

  A jet-black presence stood over the bath water’s surface.

  Not even bothering to confirm its identity, Laminitus pulled the trigger, the gunshot echoing across the room. The Magi Gun’s bullet had undoubtedly hit its target, but the figure hadn’t changed its expression at all.

  It was a man, appearing to be in his twenties, and could be described as quite a looker. His skin was pearly white, with a slender jawline, slit-like eyes, and a smooth, narrow nose. He sported a tuxedo, as if he was preparing to attend an evening party.

&nb
sp; All in all, his attire was somewhat old-school.

  With just his appearance, one could mistake him for a youth who would mingle easily with high-society.

  But he was standing on the water’s surface, and on his back was a pair of bat-like wings. Even though a bullet was lodged in his left breast, no blood seeped from the wound.

  He’s clearly not human...

  Coming to that realization, Laminitus tried to steady her breath. She was nude, but wasn’t the type to feel shamed for it, and didn’t currently have the leisure for it either.

  “You’re Fallen, aren’t you?”

  “Eheheh... Indeed I am, lovely miss.”

  “Shut your trap. We are far beyond an age where the likes of you could call Us ‘miss.’ We were under the assumption a Fallen could never invade this tower.”

  “Oh, it was quite simple, really. Unlike the races, I’m capable of flight.”

  “The scouts and guards should have noticed you in that case.”

  “Well, it appears they were a touch tired, you see, so I went ahead and put them to sleep... An eternal slumber, shall we say?”

  “You bastard!”

  Laminitus fired a second time. The bullet hit him dead on, but again didn’t seem to have any effect.

  —Is he immortal!?

  She stifled the unease in her heart. But try as she might to remain calm, her nakedness concerned her. All she had in her hand was the Magi Gun she carried for self-defense, after all. She couldn’t so much as hope to bluff her way out of this.

  The Fallen youth smiled wryly. “That little toy wouldn’t even scratch me. But please, do compose yourself. I only came tonight to talk.”

  “Hmph... A Fallen ‘only’ wants to talk...”

  Fallen butchered the Races on sight. There was no discussing or negotiating with them.

  Or at least, that’s how it should have been...

  Still floating in the air, he changed his posture as if he was sitting down, crossing his long, slender legs.

  “It would be appropriate to begin with introductions, no? I am known as Varakness.”

  “Can’t say We’ve ever had the pleasure of a Fallen introducing themselves to Us. Don’t tell Us you’re expecting Us to give you Our name in return.”

  “It’s only natural. It was I who came to you, after all.”

  “And just what for?”

  Varakness clapped his hands, as if applauding her.

  “Let me begin by expressing my admiration for you. You’ve done quite well shooting down that great whale. I was honestly astonished to find one among the races who had the power to fell such a beast.”

  Laminitus’s eyes widened in shock. “So you were the one that loosed the Sand Whale on Our city?”

  “An astute conclusion. There are those under my command capable of manipulating magical beasts; however, controlling the great whale was an arduous task. I never imagined you would repel it.”

  “We take it the runaway sand ship was unrelated?”

  “Let’s just say we...put it to good use.”

  To manipulate a magical beast of that size—truly, a formidable foe. Laminitus couldn’t afford to let him shake her confident façade here.

  “So you tried to use a massive magical beast to destroy Zircon Tower. We see you Fallen are afraid of attacking Our city directly. That’s the best news We’ve heard in a while.”

  “No no, make no mistake.” Varakness shook his head with a wry smile. “That was my attempt at mercy.”

  “Color Us surprised. Never thought We would hear a Fallen tell a joke.”

  “I thought you would find an instantaneous, painless death by the whale’s maw preferable to being slowly butchered by my armies.”

  He said something she couldn’t easily ignore.

  “Armies?”

  “Why, yes, I am the commander-in-chief of the Demon Lord’s armies.”

  A shiver ran down Laminitus’ spine, her hairs standing on end.

  “It can’t be...”

  With the former Demon Lord’s disappearance, the Demon Lord’s army should have been wiped out. Hearing those words come from the lips of a Fallen must have meant it was reorganized somehow.

  “I’m sure that you’ve already surmised this by now...but His Majesty the Demon Lord has been resurrected.”

  “What!?”

  —The races have fought for so long to prevent the Demon Lord’s revival, but if what he’s saying is true, then he’s already been resurrected...

  It’s been told that, should the Demon Lord return, the Fallen and magical beasts would rise in power. And this Fallen, Varakness, already has great magical power, capable of taking Laminitus’s bullet without so much as flinching. It may well be that he received power from the resurrected Demon Lord.

  Laminitus recalled hearing rumors of the Demon Lord’s sigil appearing over the skies of Faltra. Apparently that was more than just nonsense now.

  Laminitus nodded. “Now you’ve come to announce the Demon Lord’s return?”

  “He has already awakened, yes. But I wouldn’t come just for the sake of informing you of that.”

  “Then spit it out, already. We are not much for patience.”

  “Ah, as you wish. Then I shall put this as bluntly as possible: Surrender.”

  An unexpected suggestion; she never thought a Fallen would try to negotiate.

  “Ha! A Fallen, demanding the races surrender?” Laminitus shrugged. “What do you intend to do if We agree, rule over a town of humans? That’d be a spectacle. Imagine the Demon Lord, dabbling in politics. What a kicker.”

  “Eheheh... His Majesty’s rule will be a merciful, fair one.”

  “Oh, will it, now?”

  “Yes; as a matter of fact, we will have every single one of the races commit suicide. A far more merciful end than being devoured alive by our magical beasts, no?”

  Disappointment and excitement mixed within Laminitus’s heart. In the end, there really was no coexisting with the Fallen.

  The realization that there truly was no reasoning with them filled her with disappointment. But on the other hand, she felt exaltation, an excitement for the battle to come.

  A fighting spirit filled her body and soul, burning with vigor.

  “In our language, we interpret the Fallen as living beings who stand with the demons. Since you can understand our language, let Us teach you what we say whenever something like this happens—”

  “It seems you have an answer. Just what, oh what, will it be?”

  “Piss off.”

  Varakness stiffened, his wry smile still on his lips; but his peaceful expression gradually crumbled. His lips parted, revealing a mouth full of fangs.

  “Hahahaha! Then I shall begin our massacre by devouring you!”

  “Don’t look down on Us, you insignificant small-fry! 《Flare Bullet》!”

  She reinforced the magical energy laced in her Magi Gun’s bullets with further magical energy, and fired the three remaining shots in her revolver.

  Flames burst out in a blaze, and Varakness was covered in black smoke.

  Laminitus jumped out of the bath. Her powerful equipment was in the adjacent room. If she could just get to that—

  Something burst from the black smoke, pushing her away and ramming her against the wall.

  “Kuha...!”

  —What just happened!?

  The black smoke cleared, revealing Varakness’s fist that had just rammed into her. His arm stretched unnaturally, extending like an elephant’s trunk. It returned to its normal length with a sickening slithering sound.

  “Eheheh... Magically reinforced bullets, is it? Quite an effective idea. It certainly packed a punch, and I’m being very honest here, you know?”

  His tuxedo was burning; was it only his clothes that were on fire, or did she actually inflict damage to him?

  “Oh, how sad for you...but I am far too strong. I’ve no means of gauging my strength accurately, but if I were to measure it by your standards..
.I believe I would most certainly be level 160.”

  “What!? That’s a lie!”

  To properly manage quests, there was need for a system that would scale and measure an Adventurer’s strength, that system of measurement being levels. But the highest level one could become was 100 at best.

  In the past, the races’ greatest hero, Alan, once claimed his level was 150. It was then commonly believed that the upper level limit for the races was 150. This meant this Fallen was stronger than anyone among the races.

  As infuriating as it was to admit, she had no way of fighting back as she currently was.

  Laminitus placed her left hand against the wall, supporting herself. Keeping herself upright was the most she could do right now.

  The pain in her seemingly dislocated shoulder sapped away all her strength. Not to mention she had dropped her Magi Gun, though it didn’t really matter since it was out of bullets, anyway.

  Varakness closed in on her.

  “I’ve changed my mind about you. You’re stronger than I anticipated. I find strong women to be most...alluring.”

  “What did you just say?”

  Varakness’s fingers, entirely human in appearance, ran across Laminitus’s skin, tracing the outlines of her breasts. His demonic claws tweaked the tips of her chest, grabbing them in a pinch.

  A shock ran down Laminitus’s spine.

  “Ugh...!”

  A droplet of blood oozed from where the claw touched her. Varakness’s lips distorted into a smirk.

  “Heh heh heh... All it takes is a small touch, and you tear apart. To think someone so short-lived, so fragile, would be strong enough to injure me. I find women like you oh so, oh so attractive.”

  “You make Us sick.”

  “That strong will of yours only whets my appetite more. You stand strong despite knowing all I have to do to end your life is plunge my fist into that soft bosom of yours.”

  “Try it, then. Even if you crush Our heart, We’ll just chew out your windpipe.”