I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit [239] [100 PS]
The battlefield stretched to the southern outskirts of the capital.
Though the Demon King's forces seemed unusually active tonight, launching two waves of attacks in succession, the experienced knights and adventurers quickly organized a defense, engaging the invaders in combat.
Despite the title Demon King's Army, the bulk of the attackers were goblins and kobolds—creatures so weak they barely qualified as low-tier demons. These standard fodder monsters had no redeeming qualities besides their sheer numbers.
In fact, in certain infamous tales, even Kazuma, the weakest adventurer with abysmal stats save for his absurdly high luck, had once looked down on these creatures—before being killed by them and sent to meet his goddess.
These monsters posed no real threat. The warriors gathered in the capital were no rookies, and dispatching such creatures was a trivial task for them.
However, one corner of the battlefield was notably avoided by knights and adventurers alike.
"What is that thing?"
"Such a terrifying appearance… It must be an Archdemon, right?"
"Has the Demon King's army finally gotten serious? They even sent an Archdemon this time…"
Murmurs like these spread across the battlefield, a heavy tension hanging in the air.
The reason for this avoidance was clear: a massive, imposing figure occupied that area.
The creature had horns like a bull, leathery wings like a bat, a serpent's tail, cloven hooves like a goat, and eight blood-red eyes resembling a spider's.
"Kneel before me, insects, and tremble at my majesty! I am Balzac, the demon leading the charge on this capital!"
With a resounding bellow, the horned demon swung his muscular arm, smashing a row of knights holding tower shields.
Boom!
Several knights were sent flying, their shields shattered. Those who remained standing wore grim expressions.
"Knights, reform the line! Mages, prepare your spells!"
Claire's commanding voice echoed from the rear of the knights, her tone equally grim.
"Wait for my signal! Target the Archdemon! Fire!"
In an instant, a barrage of fireballs, ice lances, and light blades streaked through the air, colliding with Balzac's massive body.
"Uwaaagh—!!"
A guttural scream erupted from the explosion.
"Did we get him?"
"Don't be ridiculous. Look at that monstrous body. He's clearly a high-ranking officer in the Demon King's army—or even the Demon King himself. There's no way a few spells could take him down."
"Y-You're right… What do we do now?"
"We hold the line. Swordmaster Mitsurigi Kyoya is on his way. If anyone can take on an Archdemon, it's him."
"Mitsurigi Kyoya? You mean the legendary Swordmaster who slew the ancient dragon? If anyone can face this Archdemon, it's him."
Standing at the rear, Claire didn't believe for a second that the horned demon had been defeated. Her eyes remained fixed on the dust cloud where Balzac had been.
When the towering figure emerged unscathed from the smoke, Claire's expression darkened.
"Not a scratch on him? When did the Demon King's army gain such powerful monsters? And why didn't we receive any intelligence on this?"
Within the smoke, Balzac himself was having some thoughts.
What the hell! That hurt so much! Damn that old bastard of a Demon King for sending me on such a dangerous mission!
I just wanted to slack off and relax! Who would've thought…
Does no one understand? I'm not actually an Archdemon. I'm just a nobody who put all my energy into crafting a badass appearance to scare people off! I don't even like fighting—my hobbies are fishing and feeding stray cats! I even gave myself the name 'Balzac' because it sounded intimidating, but these idiots didn't even flinch! If this keeps up, I'm seriously going to die! I need to get out of here!
But leaving outright felt humiliating, and that cheapskate Demon King would probably dock his pay for it. And Balzac had been eyeing a premium fishing rod back in Axel City for ages… He couldn't let his bonus slip away!
Alright. Time to throw out some cool lines, summon a few monsters for cover, and make my escape. Perfect plan!
Clearing his throat, Balzac raised his voice with a thunderous proclamation:
"Tremble, insects! Under my black wings, the dawn shall never rise!"
Man, what a great line, Balzac thought smugly.
"I could crush you like ants! You're not even worth my attention! So let me give you an opponent more suited to your pathetic level! Come forth, my minions!"
The moment his voice fell, summoning circles appeared around him, glowing ominously.
"It's a summoning spell! Be on guard!"
As the light faded, several more monsters materialized, their presence deepening the unease among the defenders.
"Damn it… more monsters?"
"Look on the bright side—at least the Archdemon won't attack directly anymore. We just have to deal with these summons."
"It's infuriating! That Archdemon doesn't even take us seriously!"
"Well, he's not wrong. We're no match for him. Only someone like Swordmaster Kyoya can face him head-on."
After summoning his minions, Balzac prepared to make his getaway.
These summoned monsters will distract them while I slip away. Genius plan! Now, where should I go fishing to relax after this?
Already imagining his tranquil retreat, Balzac's thoughts were rudely interrupted by the commotion around him.
"W-Wait! Something's flying toward us!"
"It's coming fast… Is that a meteor?"
"No, it looks like… a person?"
"No, two people!"
"And they're headed straight for us!"
What nonsense is this? Balzac thought, looking up curiously.
Then, in an instant, his massive body was bisected by a radiant slash of sword light.
Instead of blood, a flurry of crimson rose petals burst forth from the wound.
Hundreds, thousands of vibrant red petals scattered in the breeze, framing the arrival of a striking figure.
Her dress flowed elegantly, her blade gleamed brilliantly, and her presence combined the softness of a maiden with the strength of a warrior.
"I have arrived! umu!"
Nero Claudius, standing tall and proud, declared her entrance with a dazzling smile.
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T/N: GAHH I CANT FIX NAMES IF I DONT KNOW THE STORYYY