“I am the King of Beasts of Varna, the leader of the Clan of Great Fangs, Lionel Leoguyger!!”
Lionel, the white-maned lion beastman, roars loudly. His voice not only resonates with volume but also brings a palpable sensation of magical power that trembles through the air.
I’ve never seen it, but I’ve heard of mental magic like “Intimidation” or “Fear” that can frighten opponents. Lionel’s loud voice likely carries such an effect.
However, effects like this aren’t very effective against those with equal or greater power, or those with strong hearts. There’s no reason for me to pretend to be scared here.
“My name is Chrono. I’m not the guy named Gashure.”
“Here I come!”
He has introduced himself but seemingly does not care to hear my name.
Lionel is fully in battle mode. A true warrior or a type like that often doesn’t pay attention even to a word spoken when focused on a fight. From Lionel’s perspective, I am already recognized as an enemy, so he might deliberately ignore any words I say to avoid being distracted.
I’ve caught the eye of quite a troublesome individual. One could say I’ve stuck my neck into a troublesome situation myself.
“Hah!”
With a sharp breath, Lionel leaps toward me in a single bound.
The fact that he charges at me without hesitation, despite my calmness in the face of his roar, indicates he is not relying on the intimidatory effect. Rather than activating it as a spell, it seems like a unique magic that automatically activates when he shouts.
Nonetheless, despite his massive frame, Lionel approaches with incredible speed. With the agility of a large feline, he brings his fist down toward me from above. Is he not using a claw attack…?
“Hmph!”
I manage to evade his punch with a backstep. Lionel’s fist, slammed into the ground, creates cracking sounds as it makes contact.
True to his muscular appearance—and even seemingly more powerful than he looks—those robust arms harbor significant strength. I don’t want to take a direct hit.
“I won’t let you escape!”
His acceleration is swift. Lionel has already assumed a crawling stance, quickly closing the distance toward me after I’ve created space by jumping back.
“Black Barrier.”
Ordinarily, I would launch a counterattack, but Lionel is merely misunderstanding my intentions and attacking. To avoid issues later, I want to subdue him without injury or pain.
Thus, my only option before the charging Lionel is a defensive and passive choice for now.
However, if I were to cast a Black Magic barrier in this not-so-wide alleyway, I could create a prison and trap him, couldn’t I…?
“Fuhaha, do you think such a thing can stop me?!”
With a lively shout, Lionel crashes through the barrier of black magic. Perhaps the wall’s strength was insufficient. I should have put in more effort to make it a “Black Earth Barrier.”
Even so, breaking through just one tackle shows Lionel has considerable power. If I’m going to restrain him, I need to bind him without mercy, even if it’s somewhat harsh.
“Help me, Hitsugi—’Magical Hand’!”
“Leave it to me, Master! When it comes to binding, Hitsugi is the best; and when you think of Hitsugi, you think of binding. Watch as Hitsugi, who has mastered this necromancer-binding technique, elegantly handles the tentacles—”
“Just do it quickly.”
That Hitsugi, having not had much to do lately, was eager to be called upon again. I can feel the cuteness of a puppy wagging its tail with joy, but with a powerful lion beastman closing in, I’d prefer her excitement to be subdued right now.
“Nn!? What is this—”
Firstly, the black chains from my “Magical Hand” wrap around Lionel, clinking as they ensnare him. The numerous chains bind his massive frame, barely stopping his charge.
“Don’t think you can bind a lion with mere chains! Hmph!!”
However, Lionel, filled with determination, begins to push forward again, step by step. As he does, my “Magical Hand” groans under the strain, and as he shakes his large body, the chains start to crack.
So this is what it’s like to be broken by strength.
But now that I’ve managed to stop him this much, that’s sufficient.
“Okay, everyone of the ‘Great Serpent,’ let’s go!”
Hitsugi activates “Magical Hand: Great Serpent,” transforming into six thick, dark tentacles that rush toward Lionel, who is pulling against the chains.
“Uooooohh!?”
The six “Great Serpents” entwine themselves around Lionel’s large body, lifting him into the air.
Even with great power, one cannot maintain footing if their feet aren’t on the ground—it’s going to take a lot to break free from this restraint.
“Damn you, Gashure. To think you would try to catch me without even using your fists; that’s quite the insult! If it comes to this, I must give it my all—”
“I’ll say this one more time, I’m not Gashure, and I don’t know anything about him.”
As Lionel flails in the air, entangled by the serpents, I finally take the opportunity to pull out my guild card from my chest, regaining the composure to reintroduce myself.
“I am Chrono from the Rank 5 Adventurer Party, ‘Element Master.'”
“…What did you say?”
Despite being upside down in midair, Lionel’s fierce lion-like gaze sharpens onto my gleaming mithril guild card.
“I just arrived in Salawin today, and it’s my first time visiting. I don’t know what kind of connection a lion beastman has with the ‘Judgment Arrow,’ but I’ve also just begun investigating ‘Judgment Arrow’ for my own reasons. If you would, could you tell me about it?”
Now, will he understand that this was a misunderstanding, or will he just view it as a mere excuse and get even angrier? If this fails, I’ll just have to knock him out with ‘Lightning Cannon’ and escape.
“I see, so you are not Gashure, but Chrono.”
“Yes.”
“…Damn that ‘Judgment Arrow’! To deceive me is unforgivable!!”
Wait, I didn’t deceive you, did I? That follower who called me Gashure was probably just mistaken—he likely thought we looked alike.
And since Lionel took it at face value, he bears half the responsibility for this misunderstanding. Speaking of which, I did say immediately that “it’s not me,” right?
“Ah, honestly, what terrible people they are.”
Still, since it was a hassle, I decided to go along with Lionel’s approach. After all, being right doesn’t always guarantee that it’s the best solution.
“I am the King of Beasts of Varna, the leader of the Clan of Great Fangs, Lionel Leoguyger!!”
As if I were experiencing time travel, Lionel again introduces himself word for word.
“I am the maid, Irma.”
“I am Elma.”
The two female beastmen reveal their faces after removing their hoods. Like Lionel, they too are lion beastmen.
However, one has brown fur, and the other has gray. Lion beastmen have features that are more pronounced than cat beastmen, making their expressions harder to read; nevertheless, I feel that both of them are relatively young and quite beautiful. By the way, even if their names are similar, they are not sisters.
“I am Chrono. This is a fellow party member.”
“I am Sariel. A slave.”
I would have preferred if she had only given her name…
In any case, now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up, we moved from the alley to a restaurant they frequented.
After the commotion, I rejoined up with Sariel. In fact, once I began fighting with Lionel, Sariel rushed over immediately upon hearing the sounds of battle.
“Hmm, you’ve brought some nice girls with you. But I cannot be outdone; I am Varna’s greatest heartthrob!”
“Oh my, Lord Lionel!”
“Your jesting!”
Lionel leans back, sitting with a maid on each side, teasing them lightly. What is this, what kind of appeal is this?
“…Master.”
Sariel sitting next to me leans slightly and snuggles up against me.
“No, it’s fine, you don’t have to compete.”
It’s not that I want to boast about having a harem. Such a fearsome thing is impossible for me.
“Well then, let’s eat first. No need to hold back; eat as much as you like!”
He claims to treat us as an apology for what just happened, so I’ll take him up on his offer. It’s around lunchtime anyway.
However, good thing Fiona isn’t here with Lionel. He’s laughing heartily as he orders a lot, but I can only imagine what would have happened if she were present.
For now, Sariel and I equally require reasonable portions for a meal, so we manage to eat through the dishes served. Perhaps due to Lionel being the one ordering, meat dishes are the mainstays.
Thick cuts of snake meat steak, akin to what we had eaten in Morrigan, are served, and among them are large cylindrical pieces of meat with a thick bone running through the center, reminiscent of a turkey leg in cartoon style. I wonder what kind of meat this is and which part it comes from.
While I ponder this, it was delicious enough to not complain. However, I suppose the seasoning was better on the snake steak. The difference in spices makes a big impact, after all.
“Hah, I’m stuffed!”
Sitting back contentedly, Lionel looks like he might just take a nap right there. I wonder if saying that he’ll turn into a cow if he eats and sleeps immediately would even make sense to a lion.
“Oops, I can’t sleep just yet. So, Chrono, you say you are a newcomer here today? Hmm, where shall I start—”
Not exactly suited for providing clear explanations, Lionel ponders reflectively before starting to speak.
“First of all, are you aware of the Varna Beast Alliance and the three great clans?”
“Yes, I’m familiar with the outline.”
The Beast Alliance encompasses all tribes living in Varna Forest Sea, among which three great clans hold significant power.
The Clan of Great Fangs of the War Liger.
The Clan of Great Claws of the Lizardman.
The Clan of Great Horns of the Minotaur.
These are known as the three great clans.
“Why is the leader of the Clan of Great Fangs here in Salawin?”
“Actually, I am not the leader anymore.”
“Excuse me?”
“Oh no, it’s just an old habit! When introducing myself, I tend to say I’m the leader, ha ha ha!!”
“Really, Lionel…”
“But that ruggedness is precisely what makes you so charming!”
It’s not a laughing matter, and it’s not something to praise. Isn’t that deception?
“So who is the current leader?”
“My son. I transferred the title about ten years ago. I passed on the burdensome role of leader, and now I’m living a leisurely retirement.”
He’s laughing heartily, but I feel that it’s not something to laugh about for the current leader’s son.However, it’s clear that he’s no longer at the forefront of leadership.
Because of that, I was able to leave my tribe so lightly and make my way to Salawin.
“So, what is the connection with ‘Judgment Arrow’?”
“Well, actually, there have been a series of disappearance incidents recently that are believed to be related to them—”
In Varna Forest Sea, there have been reports of people of all ages going missing recently. Among them, it is especially frequent in the territory governed by the Clan of Great Fangs.
Those who live by hunting monsters like adventurers do sometimes have a few casualties or missing persons. However, the number of incidents such as being attacked by a monster and getting separated, or becoming lost deep within the woods, is relatively small. Statistically speaking, cases where those who set out do not return are obviously high.
“It’s understandable that hunters might not return. But when even women, children, and the elderly who don’t go hunting go missing… Even the dullest of noses would smell something foul.”
Indeed, if that’s the case, it would clearly be a human-made disappearance, or rather, a case of abduction.
“So, after doing a little investigating, I found out that the moment those wearing the blue robes calling themselves ‘Judgment Arrow’ began to appear, our people started disappearing.”
One day, the people in blue robes calling themselves ‘Judgment Arrow’ started showing up in the settlements of each tribe.
Their purpose was legitimate adventurer activities—hunting monsters to obtain fur materials in a dungeon-designated area in Varna Forest Sea. It is not uncommon for adventurers to use settlements as a base to challenge the dungeons in Varna Forest Sea. In fact, this has been a standard interaction that has been happening in this region for hundreds of years.
Their party structure is not different from ordinary adventurers, consisting of armored warriors, leather-clad archers, wizards in robes, and so on. However, since there is at least one person with their trademark blue robe in the party, it is obvious that it is a party dispatched by ‘Judgment Arrow.’
“At first, I thought they were strange folk, but since they didn’t cause any trouble, there were no issues in any of the settlements.”
Even in the dungeons, there were no particularly suspicious points about them. They actually vanquished monsters, properly reported it to the guild, and obtained materials through formal procedures.
When I spoke with them, it seemed that most of the members, aside from those in blue robes, were adventurers hired from Salawin or nearby areas.
“Only the blue one is a believer. However, these guys seem to use some special enhancement magic. They say it’s the power of the god they believe in or something like that.”
It sounds quite suspicious, but thanks to that enhancement magic, there are adventurers who gained a good reputation for taking down big monsters they wouldn’t normally be able to defeat. Recently, an increasing number of people have begun to exclusively work under ‘Judgment Arrow,’ and some even start to convert to their beliefs.
“They haven’t caused any trouble with us or other tribes. However, it’s a fact that their appearance coincided with the beginning of the disappearances. And that has been getting worse recently.”
“They’re a bunch that doesn’t show their tails easily. However, if you already have a target, you must have investigated further?”
“Of course, I have repeatedly dispatched skilled warriors and hunters to follow them after their work. But… they disappear.”
“Disappear? No way—”
“Yes, they apparently vanish as if they used teleportation magic.”
What a situation. If they can teleport freely using the power of the monolith, they could engage in any wrongdoing without limitation. At least with the magical technology on the Pandora Continent, neither teleportation magic nor ritual devices exist. If they did, they would likely only occur accidentally in ancient ruins’ dungeons or be set as traps.
The only exceptions are us who know how to use the monolith and the Crusaders.
“Is it really teleportation magic? Didn’t anyone report seeing white light when they disappeared?”
“There are no reports of seeing any light. Even mages with sharp magical perception said they felt no signs of magic activating. Just at the moment their line of sight was obstructed, the shadows they were following blurred and disappeared.”
If they were to leap into the monolith soaked in white magical power to teleport, it would surely emit a white glow. However, Lily has already mastered a spell called ‘Mirror Gate’ that allows her to teleport freely using a mirror exclusively in Destiny Land. There is a possibility of using teleportation magic without the monolith, within a certain range.
“If they really are teleporting, then they are directly flying to a base in Salawin.”
“Indeed, even if they adeptly shake off their tail, their base is already exposed. Along with that fur shop, they have stores and warehouses they’re renting in various places… but actually, investigations have already been conducted.”
Twice, to be precise.
The first time, the security maintenance team of Salawin entered facilities related to ‘Judgment Arrow’ under the pretext of cooperating in the search for the missing persons occurring within the allied territory.
The second time, rather recklessly, an investigative team from the three major clans entered the same facilities and conducted a thorough examination.
“But nothing came of it, I suppose.”
“Regrettably, it appears that they’ve set up their main base somewhere entirely different.”
Hiding people is a challenging task. The more individuals involved, the harder it becomes.
So far, when you aggregate all the missing persons in the allied territory, it seems to add up to nearly a hundred. Accommodating that many people would require a facility of considerable scale. If they are indeed killing and sacrificing people, there’s no way to continuously kill that many without attracting some sort of attention and being noticed.
No, perhaps that’s precisely why they utilize teleportation.
If there were an altar for their sacrifices somewhere in a far-off corner of the continent, it would be practically impossible to reach unless they could directly teleport there.
“Master, at this stage, it’s not necessarily certain that teleportation is being used.”
“Indeed, that’s true.”
Since I’ve already used it multiple times and have seen the other party utilize it, I naturally began to think in terms of teleportation. However, normally, I should be suspicious of advanced concealment techniques or illusions.
“I believe their hidden base is certainly somewhere in Varna Forest, particularly in the area between Salawin and our tribe’s territory.”
“Do you have any basis for that?”
“Just a hunch!”
I see, a hunch. Makes some sense.
“The enemy is lurking nearby. But despite searching everywhere, they can’t be found, which is troubling. No, it’s less about being troubled than it is about feeling impatient right now.”
“Considering the people who’ve been abducted, I understand the desire to retrieve them quickly.”
“As a former tribe leader, I also feel a sense of concern for my tribal brethren. However, at this moment, I am acting solely based on personal emotions.”
“…Could it be that someone close to you is involved?”
“My youngest daughter has been abducted. No, I should say captured.”
Recently, Lionel’s daughter, worried about the situation where missing persons were continuing to grow just like her father, set out to independently investigate ‘Judgment Arrow,’ taking along several warriors from the tribe.
Realizing his daughter had acted on her own, Lionel hurried to follow her… but the traces she left suddenly cut off along the way, making them impossible to follow. Indeed, his daughter, along with the warriors, has not returned to the village. There have been no sightings in the vicinity either.
“I see, so that’s why you were trying to forcibly capture believers to extract information.”
“I am fully aware that what I am doing is illegal as an investigation. But I am no longer the tribe leader; I am merely an old beastman. If things go poorly and I’m apprehended by Salawin’s security forces, it won’t trouble the Clan of Great Fangs.”
“Ah, Lionel-sama!”
“What a commendable resolve you have!”
While it’s a situation and action that can’t help but draw sympathy, the somewhat deliberate words of the entourage lend it a subtly suspicious air.
Still, as a parent, it’s only natural to become restless when a beloved daughter has become a victim.
“Adventurer Chrono, the reason I’ve shared all this with you is that I have a request to make.”
With great seriousness, Lionel immediately had his attendant sitting on either side produce some familiar paper and a quill pen.
Taking the feathered pen in his large hand, Lionel surprisingly wrote the message swiftly and then presented it to me.
“Based on your abilities as a Rank 5 adventurer, I ask for your cooperation in investigating ‘Judgment Arrow.'”
It’s what you would call a personal quest.
The last time I received a quest directly from an individual was probably when I sneaked into Garuda’s nest with Lily back when I was still living in the Fairy Forest.
“Master, depending on the circumstances, there’s a possibility of a time loss.”
“I understand that.”
While I would like to eagerly accept the offer without hesitation, I am, after all, traveling with some measure of urgency. If I spend a lot of time uncovering the secrets of ‘Judgment Arrow,’ only to find out that it has nothing to do with the Crusaders, it would be nothing but a detour.
Well, considering the battles I’ve been heavily involved with, both in Fahren and Adamantoria, it’s not entirely unexpected…
“I’m sorry, but I’m currently active within a party called ‘Element Master.’ I’d like to gather my members’ opinions.”
“Indeed, that’s only natural.”
I want to consult with Lily and Fiona. Beyond whether it’s a waste of time, speaking with them might yield some insights regarding the secrets of ‘Judgment Arrow.’
“If there are no particular developments, I will have lunch at this table in this store every day. If you feel like accepting the request, come again.”
“Understood. I will continue my investigation as well. If I find out anything, I will let you know.”
“Hmmm, a man who is more conscientious than his face suggests, ha ha ha!”
Even with such a ferocious lion face, don’t tease my appearance. It goes both ways.
Thus, sent off by Lionel’s cheerful laughter, I left the shop with Sariel.
“——Chrono-san.”
“Whoa, Fiona!?”
As soon as I exited the shop, I unexpectedly ran into Fiona, who seemed to be waiting for me.
“What’s up? I thought you were going on a quest?”
“I went partway but turned back. I have officially retired from the quest at the Adventurer Guild.”
“What? Why would you do that?”
“Um, it’s a bit lengthy to explain…”
“Oh?”
“Lily-san has been abducted.”
August 24, 2018
The comic adaptation of “Black Demon King” has been decided! Starting September 24, it will begin serializing on “Comic Walker” and “Niconico Seiga.”
From now on, we hope you will also read the comic version of “Black Demon King.”
Additionally, the book version of “Black Demon King” will now be available as an e-book. There have been some requests for an electronic version, so we hope you will take this opportunity to purchase it.
Details will be updated in the activity report, so please check that out.