151 Mushoku Tensei

Immortal Demon Lord Atoferatofe.
She is a very famous Demon Lord.
Her first appearance in history is the second Human-Demon Great War.
"5 Great Demon Kings" Immortal Nekurosu Rakurosu's daughter, shock troop of the Demon Race.
Low intelligence, but wield tremedous battle prowess and tenacity, a cruel and feared Demon Lord.
But, perhaps because of her low intelligence, her supply route was cut.
Captured by humans, she was sealed.
Her revival happened before the Laplace Campaign.
Demon God Laplace revived her personally, and she becomes his most feared Demon Lord.  After the Laplace Campaign, defeated by North God Kalman, she surrendered.
It is said, that North God Kalman and Demon Lord Atofe had a child, who became North God Kalman II.
It is also said, that North God Kalman taught Demon Lord Aotfe everything he knew of the sword.
And it it is said, that North God Kalman II's sword art was taught by none other than Demon Lord Atofe herself.
In summary, Atofe is a veteran of uncountable battles, a protege of the original North God, and also immortal.
We're screwed.

---

Atofe before us.
Black clad soldiers surround us.
Our retreat blocked, Atofe eagerly brandishing her sword.

"Alright, come at me, all four of you."

Atofe did not attack.
Carefully wielding her sword, she is diligently observing us.
Her eyes are her real weapon.
With her strength, devastating us is not out of question.

"... I won't be so naive this time.  I remember well."

With that said, she glare alternates between Zanoba and me.
Vigilant.
Zanoba's special strength, and my lightning strike.
Even a Demon Lord cannot avoid our attacks.
But she now looks completely unscathed.
She completely recovers even after taking a Zanoba punch to the face and having her face smashed.

"Alright, do that again.  I will dodge this time."

Plenty of confidence.
Feels like she'll dodge it.
This world's sword art can even reflect magic.
Not sure about North God Style, but since she's a Demon Lord, I think she can avoid magic of my level.
Open my demon eye for now, but would a second of precognition really make a difference?
What now?
... First, find a opening.
But if we do, then what?

Would my magic even do anything?
The strongest Stone Cannon couldn't kill a defenseless Badigadi.
Much less when Atofe is poised.
As long as she guards it, no matter what kind of magic...

"Rudeus"

"If it's just Cliff, then he can make it to the magic teleportation circle and escape."

I look over to Cliff after she said that.
Cliff, his eyes focused at Atofe.
But his legs are shaking.
And no battle ability.

"Tea, plant, and notebook.  Take all three with him, and Nanahoshi will be saved."
"Right."

Right.
Yeah, this is why we came in the first place.
Save Nanahoshi, that was the goal.
If we have a goal, then accomplishing it is the most important.
If we lose here, we won't die.  But we won't see family for 10 years, which sucks.

"And find reinforcements.  Perugius and Atofe have a history. He can definitely get help."

Perugius and his 12 Familiars.
True, if it's him, maybe he'll come to our aid.
No matter what, he's the hero that sealed Laplace.
If he can do that, he should able to take on Atofe.

"Fine.  Then, let's do that... Can you convince Cliff?"
"Watch me."

Elinalise retreats next to Cliff.

Zanoba, Elinalise, and I will create an opening.
Cliff will break out, run into the magic teleportation circle.
Cliff convince Perugius.  We'll try to hold out.
Will it work?
Can we handle it?
Also, can Cliff convince Perugius?
While Cliff tries to convince Perugius, would we lose and forced to contract?

No matter what, if Cliff escapes, then Nanahoshi is saved.
Save Nanahoshi.
That was the goal.
But, I want to return too.
Eh, damn, I am going in circles.
Calm down.

First, we need to restrain Atofe.
At that moment, use magic to disperse the black clad soldiers and let Cliff escape.
Then, if the situation allows, we will also take a chance and dive for the magic circle.
Okay.
Let's do that.

Atofe cannot be defeated, but the surrounding black clad soldiers can.
Take it seriously this time.
Destroy them all.
Okay.
I can do this.
Do it, do it.
Kill.
Kill them all, and I get to go home.  Okay.
Yes, I can do this.
I aren't just just saying it this time.

"Don't worry, Shishou.  Demon Lord Atofe, I would stop her even if it cost me my life."

Not an ounce of hesitation from Zanoba.
Calm.
Reliable.
Why is he so manly in a situation like this?
Like a line out of the movies.
If I'm a girl, it wouldn't to weird I fall for him.

(But can I really get away?  I don't run very fast, and the luggages too...)
(If they give chase, Rudeus and I will stop them.  Don't look back, don't think, just keep running.  And don't trip.)
(I should fight as well...)
(We won't win even with the four of us.  You leaving for reinforcements is also a serious battle.)
(In that case... Oh, I get it...)

Cliff's voice pass by my ears.
From him, to the magic circle entrance, takes about thirty steps or so.
Not close nor far.
But he has to run the whole distance.

"Persuasion successful."

Soon Elinalise returns to the front.
Looking at Cliff.
A serious look on his face.
A man with a purpose.
Not one running from a fight.

Running for help is a battle...
Elinalise sure has a way with words, how envious.

"Zanoba and I will create an opening with Atofe.  Rudeus, take care of the black clad soldiers around you."
"Got it."

Strategy session over.
We turn towards Atofe.
Poised with her sword, sneering at us.

"Your goal is to beat me?"

No enemy behind her.
30 paces.  Uphill, no good footholds.
Won't Cliff fall on the way?
No, do it anyways.

"Zanoba, Elinalise-san, I'll take the first shot."
"Understood."

Facing Atofe, I raise my magic staff.
Using my usual stone cannon.
By firepower alone, the King Class [Lightning] might be better, but at this distance we'll be hit as well.
Annihilated by my own magic, I'll pass.

"Phew..."

Deep breath, focus magic into the staff.
Atofe stands still.
Even if she knew I know voiceless incantation, we will proceed as planned.
Convenient, but...

<Atofe deflects the Stone Cannon with her sword.>

Demon eye clearly sees that Atofe moved to doubt my attack.
Damn.  Even though I was told that my stone cannon is very high level, but it seems useless against Atofe.
Then, would lightning work?
Use the magic that she's most vigilant against...?

"Shishou.  I'll definitely follow through, count on me."
"... Zanoba."

I can trust his words.
... I also prepare myself.

"Okay, go!"

I fired off the strongest possible Stone Cannon.
With a Kaboom it flies toward Atofe.

"Just give up!"

Atofe moves like a mirage.
Just a tiny bit she moves her wrist, barely shifting the sword.
And in that moment, sword and cannon collide, frightening sparks come flying out.
The stone cannon shifts course and slams into a boulder at some far off distance, kicking off a great cloud of dust.
Still no good.

"Arrrrgh!!"

In the next instance, Zanoba threw something at Atofe.

"Ehh?"

Screaming as it flew towards Atofe.
Atofe smiling at she prepares to parry the attack.

"Just give... Eh?"

Just when Atofe was about to cut it in two, she stops her motion.
Then, what's tossed hit Atofe on the face.

"Wah?"
"Ah?"

Like clue it sticks on Atofe's face...
It's Kishirika that was sitting on Zanoba's shoulder.

"Ew!  It smells!  Go take a shower you idiot!"
"This one wants to too.... Eek?"

Atofe grabs hold of Kishirika and toss her somewhere far away.
Kishirika flew out of the circle surrounding us and lands with a dud.

"Come on, throwing something like that over here.. Eh?"

Atofe screams in shock.
Zanoba with his fists clenched rushed up to Atofe.
Elinalise follows behind like a shadow.
Crap, I should stop watching.

"Come to me, fighting spirit!"
"Ahhh!"

Zanoba throws a punch.
With horrifying strength it flies towards Atofe.
With her gauntlet she easily...

"Ugh?"

She didn't dodge.
a terrifying noise, bam, he steps into Atofe.
The gauntlet smashed into an awful shape.

Zanoba follows through with another step.
A big step forward, another punch at Atofe.

"Good!"

Atofe lifts up her great sword from an awkward position.
Another terrible noise, crunch, Atofe's leg twisted.
But her momentum remains, and her swings towards Zanoba.

"Grr."

Zanoba kneels in pain.
The first time I ever seen Zanoba like this.
Zanoba doesn't even flinch when I hit him with Stone Cannon.
With a single blow...
Atofe looks over arrogantly, but a little short of breath.

"That body is not bad, but... remember.  There's no perfect defense.  This is what my husband Kalm..."
"Hah!"
"Mm?"

While she was talking.
Using Zanoba's back as her springboard, Elinalise leaps over.
Using her momentum she aim for Atofe's throat, aiming for the exposed flesh.

But the attack and cut sound are both deflected.
Not the sound of skin.
The defense of touki.

"There's more!"

Elinalise's sword hand holds firm.
With her shield raised, she makes a sidestep and thrusts.
Invisible shock wave flies from the sword and lands on Atofe.
But Atofe looks undisturbed.
She wrinkles her brows unhappily, like sand got into her eyes.

"Your strike is weak!  Fine, here, take this!"

Atofe raises up her great sword and slashes.
Elinalise steps back to avoid that swing.

"Psh!"

Hurriedly she raises her shield.
GONG Elinalise spins around.
Elinalise rolls on the rocky ground, then pounced like a cat.
My eye sees, terror.

"But good footwork.  With training at my place..."
"Aaah!"

Zanoba suddenly gets up while Atofe was talking.
More like a leap, with his hands stretched, he dives at Atofe.

"Ahh!"

Just like that, he grabs Atofe with a bear hug.
Her both hands restrained, he lifts her off the ground.

"Argh.  How dare you hug me so shamelessly... Guards!"

Like a vise Zanoba holds on with all his strength.  Atofe spits out black blood.
The combo worked?
No, the opponent is a Immortal Demon Lord, temporary damage won't work.

"Shishou!  Now!"
"...!"

Zanoba's words confirm the situation.
Atofe is immobilized.
A chance.

"Cliff, now, go!"

With all my power injected into my staff.
An area of effect spell.
Enough to kill all the black clad soldiers at once.

"Got it!"

Cliff begins to run, the black clad soldiers surrounding us raise their swords in shock.
No, too late.

"Frost Nova!"

Cold air surges from my staff.
The ground cracks, frozen, masses of cold air reach the black clad soldiers that circle us.

"Nah!"
"Mm?"

The black clad soldiers panic as the ground below their feet begins to freeze.
I did it...!
It might be a sneak attack.
But this way, it can't be avoided.

While I was thinking.
A voice rang.

"Bursting flames cover my body, [Burning Place]!"

One man, like on fire hot air spreads from him.
Like he's challenging my Frost Nova.
The man, and the two soldiers next to him, manages to defrost.

That man is Moore.
The old soldier begins to recite as soon as I raised my staff, taking advantage of the time gap.
Even so, no matter how powerful, no matter how fast,
Even if it's me, I will show no mercy...

But Moore's magic only managed to defrost himself and the two besides him.
Everyone else are completely engulfed in ice like sculptures.
By pure power, I have won.

Also, I, have finally killed...

"Even freezing our black armors... what incredible power!  Everyone, recite Burning place!"
"Yes!  Spirit of fire, everywhere between the sky and earth..."

Moore shout to his surroundings, and the black clads in the ice begins to sing.

Not dead.
No one died.

That black armor.
That black armor can resist water magic?
Curses.
I used the wrong spell?

"Mm."

Cliff squeezes pass Atofe's armpits.

"Moore, do not let him escape!"
"Ha!"

On Atofe's command Moore begins to move.
A moment later, the soldiers unfrozen by Moore's magic start running as well.
Elinalise dashes over, sliding in front of them.
And with her sword raised, stops them.

"Rudeus!  Go!"

Moore chases Cliff without looking back.

Cliff lugging a large baggage and sapling.
Although Moore is wearing armor, he's fast.
He's only 7 steps from Cliff.
I point my staff towards Moore.

"Stone Cannon!"

<Moore recites [Earth Wall] to counter Stone Cannon.>

It's fine.  I can make it.
I pour magic into my staff and fires.

"The earth... Grr!"

Moore runs with a hand raised while singing.
But like a laser the Stone Cannon strikes his arm, sending his armor flying.
With one hand left Moore stumbles... but did not stop.

"Spirit of Water, become my strength - 'Icicle Field'."

Moore's magic surrounds him in mist.
Using fog to evade my attack?
Still, his incantation is short.
Almost like Roxy, Short Incantation?

"Wind Blast!"

I form wind with my staff and clears the fog.
And maybe to blow him away too, but, without regard to pain he approaches Cliff.

That black armor, does it resist wind magic as well?
No, not just wind and water, but resists the others too.
What do I do?
He's only 6 steps away.
I miss the kill shot, and if he dodge it'll hit Cliff--
Just now, my Demon Eye sees.

<Moore begins to sing as he runs.>

"Spirit of Earth all across the land!  I call upon you, answer-"
"Disrupt Magic!"

Instantly released, the magic I have practiced at home.
The spell I trained with Sylphy.
Moments before Moore's magic is complete, it disappears.

"Seriously? Even Disrupt Magic?"

Moore looks at his hand in shock.
But his legs has not stop.
Only 5 steps away.

I follow, like using my hand to block his way, and fires.
Of course, I should use what I'm used to.
My well worn tactics should work no matter how experience the opponent.
Just like in practice.

"Quagmire!"

Between Moore and Cliff, a giant quagmire formed.
Moore steps one foot onto that sticky quagmire..

"Mm... The unknown God!  Answer my prayer, bring heaven on earth! [Earth Lancer]!"

Instantly, Moore release magic under his feet.
From his feet, a great spear of earth appears.
Running on this spear, Moore quickly passed the Quagmire.
His legs has not stop.
Only 4 steps away.

Countered.
I was stopped.
How unexpected.

"Rudeus, Cliff!  Hurry!"
"I know!"

Elinalise screams out.
Glance over, she's currently busy with the two soldiers.
Two versus one.
The black clad soldiers do not press the attack, merely to keep her busy.

"Hey, I said, you shameless person!  Let me go!  At least fight with your hands!"
"I won't even if I die!"

Zanoba headbutts Atofe.  Trying his best even with blood flowing down his head.
I need to too.

The other black clad soldiers are also unfreezing.
Steam rises all around, coloring the air white.

"Grr."

What do I do?
What do I do to stop Moore?
He is strong.  In a magic fight he's far more experienced than I.
He parries basic magic like nothing.
Would stronger magic work?
No.  If it's too strong, then even Cliff will get dragged in to it.  Then there's Moore's counters and the armor's resistence.

"...!"

Just then, I noticed my feet is wet.
The result of Frost Nova.
Due to defrosting from Burning Place, the entire area area is shocked in water.

The first to defrost, Moore too is soaking wet.
Of course, Elinalise and I, our feet are also covered in a water puddle.

This magic, Atofe only saw once before.
In other words, Moore has never encountered it.
But if I use it now.
I, Elinalise, even Zanoba will get hit.
Only Cliff would be spared.
Cliff is out of range.
He won't be hit.

In that instant, I had resolve.

"Electric!"

Not enough to kill, electricity comes flying out.

A purple lightning flies towards Moore.
BANG it rings loudly, a terrifying show of force.
Purple lightning indiscriminately licks the surrounding ground.
With the ground soaking wet, it easily spread out to all the water soaked people and electrode them.

"Kyaaa!"
"Gaaa!"
"Ohhh!"

All the black clad soldiers collapse in a heap of smoke.
Elinalise as well; Zanoba as well; Atofe as well.
All the unfrozen people.
And Moore as well.

Me too.

"Ugh!"

My body too received a horrible shock.
A pain down my spine, all my joints feel like they're bend in the wrong direction.
It wasn't enough to kill.
So I know I wont' die.
But my eyes went dark, and my consciousness went with it.

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