Vol. 1 Ch. 3 - The fight for survival and the hero's Punishment.....

Part#1

About three days has passed since the day that the heroes embarked on the journey to train inside the labyrinth in the eastern forest in the city of Palma. The news about them not returning to the inn they reserved for their training has been spread through the wives around the city with more or less nothing to do. Although only three days have only passed, many of the people were bothered by the fact that the heroes not returning after entering the labyrinth.

 

Currently, the matter was being investigated and the matters have taken precedence was issued. The safety of the heroes were being taken as a serious matter even by the public. Mainly because that the heroes were only recently summoned and they have yet to reach levels of higher stats.

 

So, many investigators were sent to investigate the labyrinth. Interrogation of witnesses and various other things were being held as well. Since the last place where the heroes disappeared was the labyrinth, they focused their investigation on that place.

 

Because of that, they have found the cause of the disappearance of the heroes. Inside the labyrinth was a path of four meters tall and three meters wide. There, was a trap laid with incredible high difficulty to detect. It was a trap that exist in the previous years before the war of the demon lords even began. At first glance it looks like a small magic circle with no significant use whatsoever but, once activated, an illusion-like or a mirage can be seen inside. There, once entered will be a wide room with no obstructions can be seen. Only a gigantic crystal that illuminates the dome shape room hanged on the tall ceiling.

 

It was called 'Wave room'. It is a type of space that spawn monsters in waves every 12 hours and each wave were stronger than the previous ones as times goes by. However, such trap has a weakness. It has a core within the room that can't be seen by the naked eye nut can be easily destroyed by anyone. Once it was discovered and destroyed, the wave room will disappear and the wave of monsters will stop. But, if you can't figure out where the core is and destroy it, the wave room will continue to spawn monsters.

 

Unlike normal rooms, the wave room was a peculiar room where it appears relatively in fixed locations throughout the dungeon. There are times when it will appear in floors far deeper and times when it appear in higher floors like in the 25th floor. Since it's appearance can't be predicted, there is hardly any information regarding such room. Still, it was an effective room for higher rank adventurers since the room will keep spawning monsters and with that, makes the individual raise their level. The room is also known as 'Farming room' for high level adventurers.

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

The king received such news. Inside the throne room where his throne lay, the king was sitting there as he was reading the report of the investigators sent to investigate the labyrinth. His face was painted with impatience and obviously enough, he was worried about the heroes.

 

"How are the attempts in taking them out from the outside?"

"For now it is impossible but the attempts were being tried non-stop. However, it is not advisable to continue since it might affect the exit of the heroes will use"

 

In fact, one adventurer tried it once and failed to save his companions. After that, that adventurers have entered it never seen again. Because of that, tampering of the magic circle that activates the trap have been banned heavily. Since it's cost are lives that entered it, the guild post a warning sign about it but was teared down eventually due to lack of proof. Still, the warnings have been spread even though there was no conclusive proof, in the end people just based it as an urban legend of some sort.

 

"Is it really impossible?"

"I'm afraid so....."

 

The king's face turned sullen as he was thinking up some more plans to help the trap heroes. Still, is there no other way than let those heroes find the core themselves? Moreover, wasn't Gaius informed about this beforehand?

 

"It seems that Taiga-sama had urged Gaius-sama to enter immediately and was unable to hear the information regarding the 'Wave room' trap"

 

That reckless brat!!--- The king held his infuriated thoughts inside to avoid letting out his anger openly due to the inconvenience the hero Taiga had brought. However, it can't be help that the king was seriously mad about that hero's rash decision. Still, as it can't be avoided anymore, the king set the problem about Taiga aside and focus on the rescue of the heroes and those that came with them.

 

"What about Inomiri-sama? Has the letter arrived to her yet?"

"Forgive us your majesty, but as Inomiri-sama was sent with Albert-sama to tend to the affected lands due to the war against the demon lords, the letter would arrived to them far later. I advise that waiting for her would be wasteful"

 

The day after the group was left for the labrynth, Inomiri, Albert and along a few guards were sent to tend to the lands that were gravely destroyed due the wars against the demon lords. Since the lands were big and previously abundant, letting rot and go to waste will be wasteful. So, as the king wished to reclaim those lands, he had set out Inomiri with Albert to greatly let her focused on her studies regarding this world. Furthermore, since the lands are far, sending a letter two days after they left was to optimistic. However the letters only travels by horse or by bird carriers in this so receiving the letter would not be possible in just short days. Teleportation circles are viable but, the place where Inomiri weren't cities or towns but villages and ruined lands so using the teleportation was useless.

So, that leaves only one option.....

 

"Send the the remaining hero to save them?"

 

That was the idea given to the king by his advisers. Using Kyoushiro, whose the only available hero, was the best option. However, the person himself has no hero title nor sword skills or even magic skills. He only has two skills which were useless in battle and only useful in manufacturing processes.

 

In conclusion, Kyoushiro is too useless in fights. He won't even last for a second in battles.

 

 

"Are you out your minds? Sending another hero is a stupid plan!!"

"But, he is only a free loader in the castle. Besides, even the other heroes doesn't see him as a part of their group"

"Even so, can't we send soldiers to them instead?"

"Unfortunately, we already did such plan but the soldiers were repelled by some kind of barrier"

 

At that time, the soldiers of fifty men tried to forced their way in but only to be repelled by a barrier. The soldiers weren't injured but entering by force wasn't also a good idea.

 

"If such thing was done, then doesn't that mean that having Kagami-dono enter it would be impossible as well?"

"No, after we have examined the trap further, only a hero can enter freely in such space. Furthermore, we are absolutely positive that the black hero can enter. Since not only he has no job-class, he is a demon-spawn as well. So, we have concluded that such judgement is correct"

 

With face as if saying 'It is obvious' the adviser smiled greatly. However, the plan stated was too ridiculously one-sided. It was plainly obvious that the plan was just to get rid of Kyoushiro. The king objects to their plan but, will he let 16 heroes go to waste and face 7 countries' wrath due to the deaths of 16 usable heroes? or let one of the 18 heroes die in order to save the other 16? It was a hard decision, but as the king that prioritize his people...... letting a single death wouldn't hurt....

With such thoughts, the king decided.....

 

"Very well, let the remaining hero......sent to save the other heroes..."

 

To let Kyoushiro die to save the others........

 

Part #2

Three days have passed and results of my everyday experiments have been improving greatly. Although only three days has passed, because I have Lina to help me out in my experiments, the compounding proceeded smoothly. In the end, I was able to make 15 crates of small healing potion, 12 crates of medium grade healing potions, 20 crates of Mp potions, 3 bags of energy supplements, and 2 small pots of cold medicine. After re-reading the recipe books and modifying them, I came up with various kinds of ideas I wished to use. But, because the ingredients was already used, I stopped the manufacturing.

 

Also, I practiced the skill 'Transmutation' and was able to create weapons made with the materials I currently have. In the beginning, I created mortar and pestle as test and successfully created such object. Next was sand that was changed to glass, carbon to carbon fiber, iron ore to iron swords and many more. Due to that, I gained skills called 'Metal forging' and 'Mineral processing'. The first one might have been due to numerous repair request that coming in from soldiers that wished their weapons and armor to be repaired. I have no idea as to how I gained 'Mineral processing' skill but it might have been due to constant use of transmutation to make glass, carbon fiber and kitchen utensils. The maids obviously loved the kitchen utensils so I had been making some for them. In return, they'll make me some food that i'll eat once my tasks were done.

 

Oh yes, I almost forgot. I leveled upped a few levels after hunting in the fields the other day. Because there are times when the materials were too poor to be used, I hunted some for myself along Lina and one bodyguard. I wasn't useless since I have seen how sword skills were used so I copied those and tried some few ideas I came up with.

 

When I hold a weapon or object, I infused it with magic power. Then, with a specific movement and stance, executing swords skills became possible. Though the problem was that the output wasn't comparable to the original sword skills but still better than nothing.

Due to that, I gained the skills 'Magic infusion', 'Enchant', 'Magic seer' and ' Magic manipulation'. Although I haven't tested the new skills yet, I hope that it'll be useful to me.

It took time but I already gained new skills and gone up a few levels...

 

 

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

Kyoushiro Kagami 

17 yrs. old

Male

Job class: ------

Level: 15

 

STR: 90

AGI: 93

DEF: 92

MAG: 95

RES: 90

 

Skills: Appraisal, Language Acquisition, Transmutation, Compounding, Metal forging, Metal processing, Magic Infusion, Enchant, Magic seer, Magic manipulation.

 

[Cursed arm of Hastur]

Disable's the person's potential growth.

Effects: Power down, Magic down, Fighting skill acquisition prevention, Mind devour, Magic resist down.

-Cannot be purified by any holy means-

°°°°°°°°°°°°

 

 

My stats rose up to 90 already so I guess you can calk that an improvement. Now, as I have stopped manufacturing potions and other medicines, i'm currently in the field where five goblin, two hobgoblins and one ogre were having a feast on a wild boar's corpse.....

Since the boar was big as well, the goblins, hobgoblins and ogres were having such tasty treat. But still, seeing such grotesque scene, I can't help but hold my breathe since the stench of blood is something i'm still not used to.

 

*Ugiii!!!??"

 

A goblin noticed me and alerted his companions. The group became aggressive and charged all together. Since i'm a single prey, it would take even long for them to kill me.

 

"Like that's gonna happen!!!"

 

I draw out my sword from it's scabbard, infuse magic power into it and on my body at the same time. I feel some sort of surge enter me, strengthen my physical abilities and my senses. With that, I lowered my half of my body, and prepared the stance I learned after watching Gaius the other day.

 

*Guruaaaa!!!!*

 

The ogre attacked first with his weapon raised over his head, preparing to smash my body. However, before the club had even reached half of it's angle to be swung down, I dashed directly under his chest and swung my sword in a single flash.

 

"[Sword Flash- revised]"

 

Although it wasn't a quick draw move, I severed the body of the two meter tall ogre in one slash. Blood gushed out and the lifeless body fell, motionelessly with it's body cut in half.

 

"Good, although weak, it's workable"

 

I commented on the skill I used which was through body means instead of skill. the mark on my right arm proves it. After I read a few books regarding 'Hero's mark' I accidentally, stumbled on a book that studies cursed marks that dark mages use on their enemies. There marks that caused people unable to wake up in an eternal sleep, a mark that is preventing one's regeneration, and some could turn the cursed person into a demonic beast.

 

Because of that, I feared that I may turned in to demonic beast. But, as I kept on reading, I discovered the very same mark on my right arm. The one on me was a cursed mark preventing one's growth in strength and in power. It seems to have included my stats and job a hero as well. It doesn't resists production skills so I can consider it lucky.

 

Then, after defeating the remaining monsters and took out the materials, I returned back to the castle, only to be shocked by the sudden summons of the king.......

 

Part #2

"You want me to...... go and save those heroes?"

 

I was faced with a problem, shoved to my face. After the adviser of the king told me the purpose of the king's summons, I have troubled believing such role pushed onto me.

 

"W-Wait!! I'm not a hero so why should I be the one that saves them?"

 

After the others went to the labyrinth, news about my role in this world spread widely and became known by every staff in the castle. It would be funny if it didn't spread to the populace yet.

 

"Certainly that is so, but only those who came with heroes can enter the 'Wave room' of the labyrinth"

 

What a convenient excuse.... It's obvious enough that they want to get rid of me. I'm not much of an idiot to see such truth considering that i'm freeloading in their castle. My anger was already blocking my throat. I endured my rage and looked at the king who was sitting high on his throne....

 

"This is a role you must take Kagami-dono. Not as a hero, but as their companion from the same world. If you do not wish to save them, then you will not live peacefully in this world"

 

The king looked down on me giving a glare along with a threat. His intimidating aura as a king was dominating the room. I see the soldiers listening trembling and making clattering noise with their armors. I noticed that the king was using some kind of skill since the surrounding was being coerce by some kind of filter. I can see it with my 'Magic seer' skill.

 

I can very well see that kind of outcome. But.....this people really  care about those freaks. My blood is boiling just by thinking of saving them and letting me die in their stead.

 

But still..... I want to refuse. If I can wouldn't be in this place if I wasn't strong enough to leave. I need their assistance and they need mine.

 

"So, i'll die if I refuse and i'll die if I accept?"

"I hope that we will receive a favorable reply"

 

The king's adviser was looking down on me. His irritating grin was infuriating and making me want to crush his face with my fist. Still, I can't say no to them. In this condition of mine, I can't fight nor defend myself. I'll die if I disobey them. So for now, i'll be act like a loyal dog till I get strong enough to leave this place....

 

"......Fine, i'll do it. But, after that, you'll leave me alone"

 

After saying my conditions, I left the throne room and went back to the shed.

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

"Why did you accept such thing!!?! Kagami-sama?!!"

 

When I return, Lina was there and with a deep red face filled with anger. It seems that news spread faster than expected. Lina heard the news about the heroes through other maids and when she heard that, Lina ran straight to my shed fuming mad because of the dangerous role I was given.

 

"Even though you also have a life to live..... for the king to..."

 

Lina was on the verge of crying. Was she enduring all those discrimination against me all this time? Lina is a very nice girl but her tears are wasted on person like me. Just seeing such cute girl having a troubled face because of me, I can't call myself a man.

 

I calm her down with a pat on her silk like black hair. I sooth her while brushing her long hair and let out a worry filled smile I haven't made in a long time.

 

"Don't worry about it. If things go wrong i'll run away. Even if its impossible, i'll survive. I'll be returning back to my world after all"

"But still....."

"You don't have anything to worry about. I'll make sure that i'll return so wait for me ok?"

 

With a reluctant face, Lina was unable to say anything but nod. I pulled her close to me and embraced her. As the only person that cares for me, this the only thing I can do.

 

I head inside the shed and prepared the items I would need to survive. I took my hand-made magic bag that has been enchanted with magic and had been sewn with a magic circle of spatial manipulation magic. Since I have been both studying and working for three days straight, I have been creating items that involves the laws of this world.

 

The magic bag was something I conceptualized when I read about space augmentation spell in a book inside the library. Dimension stones and mithril spider silk what was used as needle and thread. I drew a magic circle in replace of the rare material all 'Dragon's eye' since dragon's in this world had grown scarce.

 

I infused it with magic power to increase the potency of effectiveness of the replaced part. So, in the end, I was able to make the magic bag.

 

Inside, I placed the crates of potions I made, along with magic infused stones and, magically enchanted rings and amulets. I also prepared food and other necessities in case of emergencies. As well as some light armors, boots and gauntlets. I have all necessary items and suited up myself with the best gear I could prepare. With that, I left the shed and went to the stables where the soldiers that will guide me are waiting.

 

A couple of minutes later, I arrived at the stables. I received a very strong glare from the soldiers when I arrived.

 

"You're slow!!! What will happen to the heroes if you arrive so late?!! This the only job you can do so at least be quick about it!!"

 

Along those lines were the whispers and laughter of the other soldiers around me. The head soldier was faking his anger and obviously enough, he was trying to embarrass me in front of the other soldiers.

 

Endure it..... Even if I can't help it, all I have to do is inform those heroes and come back alive. It'll be their problem afterwards.

 

I ignored their insults and rode the horse prepared for me. After that, we dashed all the way to the labyrinth without taking a break. Of course, I fed my horse energy supplements before we left so mine has energy to run back to the castle. The other were falling behind because of the weight their armors gave to the horse. Because of the weight a full grown man, on top of wearing a full body armor, the horses became too tired to even catch up with the speed of my horse.

 

I can only laugh on those losers.....kukukuku.....

 

"We have arrived"

 

Said the head soldier that guided me and fell on the horse before we even arrived. It's really laughable that he can stay upright when he had his leg broke when fell on the horse. Well, i'd rather used the potions I have than to give one to him.

The entrance of the labyrinth was 5 meters high and 3 meters wide. It was also letting out some eerily dark magic power..... I guess those are called...'Miasma' right? 'Magic seer' skill is really useful in times like this. I also used 'Appraisal' to know the complete information of the miasma if the labyrinth.

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Labyrinth Miasma

Negative energy that comes from the core of the labyrinth. Creates demonic beast within the labyrinth and materials concentrated with magic power.

Gives negative effects to those that enter it

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

So it give such effect huh? Plus.... what's a labyrinth core? Is it the thing that controls the whole labyrinth? Anyways, I equipped my three enchanted rings of speed, strength and mind resists. Along with my amulet of magic power to temporarily increase my Mp. Magic resistant mantle, boots that increase speed, and gauntlet that increases damage. With all the boosts I equipped my stats all tripled in amount. I can stand against those heroes with this much but..... I can't be so sure about that.

 

Well, thanks to the mind resistant effects of my magic accessories, the amount if miasma affecting me weren't much but it looks like the other soldiers were having trouble because of the demon beasts that were attacking them while I was being ignored.

 

Does miasma affects the sight or smell of demonic beast? Hmm... I don't have enough information so I only guess.

 

A little while later, we arrived at the place where the heroes were last seen. Using 'Magic Seer' skill I traced the magic where it was activated and saw a small magic circle carved on the wall. It's a complicated circle filled with tangled magic threads with various effects. It'll be bad to tamper with it since the core wasn't inscribe in the magic circle. So, with the help of 'Magic seer' skill I followed the tracks and found the entrance.

 

As I touched a certain portion on the wall, a transparent film appeared before me. Like a bubble's surface, there was some multi-color effect on it. I looked back and saw the soldiers still fighting so I ignored them and went inside.

 

Enveloped by light, my vision turned blurry and on the moment I opened my eyes, there was a devastating scene that couldn't be ignored.

 

 

 

 

Part #3

Three days have passed and in that time span, the 'Wave room' have turned into hell. After the flood of skeletal warriors, the heroes all thought that the path would return but, contrary to their expectation, it never reappeared. Because of that, the group became anxious and began to desperately search for the path but, after six hours of searching, the same magic circle appeared and brought out an army of demon cats and black hounds. It became a battle of life and death against hundreds of demon cats and black hounds. That was what happened in the first day.

 

The second day, was the same as well but the opponents were stronger than before so it took longer to clear all the enemies at that time. Top with the fatigue, the injuries gained from the fights were problems as well. Some if the soldiers died and because of that, the moral of the group dropped greatly.

 

The third day came and but the heroes were prepared this time. With Gaius being the leader, he issued commands perfectly. Since all heroes have power upped in each battle, their strengths greatly affected the outcome of the fight. However, in terms of numbers, they lose completely against such force.

 

Although they have rested every time after the end of the battle, the fatigue after every lost was too much, even for them. As such, they were fighting with only survival in mind.

 

"Just a little more everyone!!'

"""""""""""OOOUUUUU!!!!!""""""""""""

 

With a word of encouragement from Gaius, the heroes all fought with all their power. However....

 

"W-What the!!?? Their strength doubled?!!"

"Gaahh!!!!"

"Uwaa!!!"

 

The strengths of the demonic beats doubled. Moreover, they have figures of those of ogres. Two meters in each heights and a meter wide in bodies. All of them were muscular and despite all that, their speed were out standing.

 

The heroes were being pushed back. Each time they stand up, they get attacked by ogres with double the strengths than those of heroes. Currently, the only fighting heroes were Taiga, Hayato Koizumi, Shintaro Kurume, Reigi Oga, Mikoto Aizawa and Todoroki Minami. With all of them tired fighting multitudes of ogres at a time, their body ached with pain and fatigue. That was then Kyoushiro Kagami entered the 'Wave room'.

 

"What the hell is going on....."

 

His face filled with both shock fear after seeing a scene of carnage in full view. There, the black skinned ogres turned their attention to the new comer and all attacked at once.

All heroes were dyed in bewilderment. After seeing Kyoushiro, the least person to come to their rescue, they couldn't help but be surprise because the weakest among them was the one that came to help.

 

However.....

 

"[Tornado Assault-Revised]!!!!"

 

As a roar was heard, meat and guts scatter through the air like they were chucked out from a grinder. Now, at least 1/4 of the ogres have been wiped out instantly. And the one that killed them was the weakest of them all, Kyoushiro Kagami.

 

 

 

 

Part #4

There was no time to think so I took out my most strengthen swords. A long thin black sword and a long white bastard sword. Both were strengthened with both magic and refining. Through 'Transmutation' skill and 'Metal Forging' I achieved the level of strength that a mere sword of normal materials could give. Added by 'Mineral Processing' ores were re-strengthened over and over until a certain metal was made.

 

Compatible with magic, Mithrill ore was created. Along that was the second strongest steel, orichalcum were made through numerous times of 'Mineral processing'. With both legendary metals used, making swords with it became possible. Both were the strongest sword I made through 'Transmutation', 'Metal Forging', and 'Mineral Processing'. My strongest product. Demon blade - Dawn and Angel blade 'Dusk'.

 

*GRAAAAAA!!!!!*

 

A new wave of black demonic ogres began to surge and attacked me. with clubs and axes in hands, the ogres charged relentlessly. However, I boosted my stats by infusing mp on myself, making a complete copy of the hero skill 'Limit Break'

 

With all the reinforcement I made, my stats rose greatly above 500 and 600 hundred. And each time I kill an ogre, my level goes up by one. I guess the amount of exp these ogres has are more than I have expected. Each time I raise a level, my stats gets added by 2 and after several more ogres, my level stopped at 29 with stats stopped at going up from 800.

 

"Damn....their too many...."

 

Grumbled, I utter under my breath. Seeing that there was still more than four hundred ogres, I felt an unreasonable cheating in the situation. I saw some of the heroes in the corner filled with wounds all over their bodies with broken down weapons and armor.

 

 

"Tsk!! Oi!! To get out of this alive, search for the core!! it'll end if someone can destroy it!!"

 

I said so with a loud voice. But, they were to far away and the roars of the ogres made my voice unable to reach them completely. So, in order to make sure the heroes do their job, I dashed towards them, evading every slash, smash and clobber by the demonic ogres. Until finally, I reached their stronghold.

 

I saw Todoroki busy with the healing, but because her magic power was running low, the efficacy of her healing magic dropped and was now useless against graved wounds.

 

"K-Kagami-san?!!"

"Sorry Todoroki-san, but this is no time to chat. Take this and make the others drink them. Take these Mp potions as well and replenish your Mp"

 

Saying so, I took out the 15 crates of healing potions(Small) and all the 10 crates of Mp potion(Medium) to Todoroki which, was surprised because it the items were taken out from a small bag. However, there was no time to stay idle. I left in a hurry once Todoroki received the potions. I activated 'Magic seer' skill and searched for the core but because of the huge amount of ogres blocking every path, it became impossible to pass through them. I took out a vile of mp potion(medium) and drank it. Because my mp was running low, I drank two to replenish 70% of my Mp.

 

"No time!! [Edge burst- Revised]!!!!"

 

As time was of the essence, I unleashed Gaius' signature skill [Edge Burst] skill and created a wave of bluish white light that teared down the ogres and gouged out the earth. As the explosion occurs, half of the ogre army disappeared. Using the time that was bought, I activated 'Magic Seer' skill and found where the core was placed.

 

About 1 kilometer away from my position in a straight path, the core was embedded on the ground 5 inches underground. I sprint to it with all my strength, and stabbed the ground where the core was directly placed, with my Demon blade 'Dawn'.

 

The sword pierced the earth and easily reached the base of the core and destroyed it. It sound like a glass shattering, the room warped and the disappeared, only to appear back in the previous cave I was in earlier.

 

Fuu.....I let out my breath and returned my swords back in the magic bag along with enchanted items I have equipped on me. My stats returned to normal afterwards and because of that, I drank an Hp potion(small) from the magic bag and drank it. The taste if refreshing watermelon spread through my tongue down to my throat. I returned the vile in the test tube and looked behind me.

 

There I saw the heroes catching their breaths. The others were already healed by Todoroki and some drank the hp potions(small) and got their wounds closed afterwards. I looked to where Gaius was sitting and saw him breathing but only with a single arm was dangling on the ground. It seems that the ogres got him huh? That was quite a number earlier after all. The wave room is gone now and the magic circle that activates the wave room has disappeared along with the wave room.

 

"Kh....So you came to our rescue, Kagami?"

"I was ordered to. If I refused, I wouldn't be alive right now"

 

When I walked towards Gaius, I was greeted with such phrase. I can see him smiling at me whilst having a huge scar across his face. With such scar, how can he smile like that? It can't be helped. I took a vile of Hp potion(Medium) from my magic bag and poured it on top of Gaius' head. He got mad afterwards but the scar disappeared along with his scars and bruises. Unfortunately, a severed arm won't regenerate from a single potion. Todoroki has a skill 'Regeneration(small)' right? i'll leave the arm problem to her afterwards.

 

"Gaha!! What was that about?!--- Huh? my wounds are...."

"It's a Hp potions(medium). Although it won't regenerate your arm completely, it'll heal all your cuts and bruises completely. Your deep wounds as well. So don't throw"

 

I left Gaius and confirmed the situation of the others. Taiga seems unharmed but, he was too tired to stand up. He was sitting in the corner beside the remaining soldiers. Huh? The bodies of some soldiers that died in the wave room didn't return? Come to think of it, not even the corpse of the demon ogres were present. I guess the wave room uses the corpse to reanimate them and again make them fight once some stupid person activated the trap again.

 

Haah.... This surely is a long day so I wanna go home. But, I will have to wait for the soldiers to come since the heroes and the one who were left of the guards, were exhausted. If I leave like this, demonic beast may come and attack them. I can fight decently now since my stats is already 150 due to that power up. Though, it's still less than those heroes can do.

 

"Kagami-kun!!"

" ?? "

 

I heard someone called my name. I turned my head to where the voice came from and was welcomed by a soft mound on my face. Eh? W-Who is this?!!!!

 

"Kagami-kun!! Thank you for saving us!!"

 

As I recovered my sight, I noticed that I was already on the ground with someone on top of me. Slightly red hair, dark chestnut eyes......this girl is....Mikoto Aizawa right? Why is she acting like this towards me? Usually, I always get the cold shoulder from them so this really uncomfortable to me...

 

"U-Um....Aiazawa-san? C-Can you move already? I think this kind of position will create misunderstandings in more ways the one"

 

I tried to tear her off of me but because of her hero strength was higher than me, I wasn't able to do anything. A while later, Aizawa finally lets go and thanked me properly. The soldiers came the moment after that so I left the heroes to their hands. I went outside and went to the horse I used and rode it back to the castle. Good thing that I gave it an energy supplement, it still as strong as it was before we left the castle.

 

With that, the life and death situation if the heroes cane to an end. Several days later, the heroes were all summoned to punished the one recklessly had the guards led to their deaths. Currently, we were all present in the throne room.

 

"In light of the incident within the Labyrinth, the hero responsible for the deaths of five guards will hereby be punished"

 

The adviser read through the scroll he was holding like a script. Is this even important? That incident was just an accident so having someone take responsibility for it is meaningless. Of course, the life of five guards can't be compensated, but that was their job. Their suppose to be prepared to die when they accepted the role if safe guarding the heroes. So why are we even listening to this thing?

 

Still, why do I feel like something is wrong about this? It's like from when I arrived here in this world. Something bad was about to happen.

 

"Evidence show that demonic beast within the labyrinth were not seeing the hero as a threat and let him passed through. Same goes with how easy he discovered the core of the 'Wave room' and destroyed it. It which this evidence show, the hero will be banished from this land because of this treachery. I here by proclaim that the hero is guilty!!"

 

T-Those are..... I knew it!! They were already onto me from the beginning!! The surrounding became noisy as the judgement was being said. The gazes of the heroes and soldiers present of that time were all directed.....

 

"I hereby judged the demon-spawn, Kyoushiro Kagami, as a traitor and a criminal for the attempted murder of the 16 heroes"

 

at me......

 

"W-What is the meaning of this?!!!! Didn't you told me to rescue the heroes?!!"

 

Why am I being blamed for something I obviously didn't do??!! I wasn't with them to begin with, so am I a criminal?!!

 

"We did, however it came to light the you were brought by the demon god to this land to kill the heroes!! Your actions in the cave that wasn't attacked by the demonic beasts and the fact that you knew where the core of the 'Wave room' was, are evidences that you tried to murder the heroes!! It is an obvious fact that your plans were overturned when the king announced your death once you disobeyed his order!! Now, come and tell the truth, you wicked demon-spawn!!"

 

The whispers turned to chatters, weapons and condemning eyes were all directed at me. I can feel the anger, suspicion, hatred all directed towards me. I looked to where Gaius was standing and even he was unable to comprehend the situation. Are eyes met and we both weren't able to understand the current situation. So, with that thought, Gaius took the initiative to defend me.

 

"Oi!! What kind of absurdity is this?!!! You are placing a crime on am innocent hero!! Those charges are falls!! I've seen it with my own eyes how Kagami rescued us from the wave of demonic ogres and desperately searched for the core himself!! So why are yo-----"

"However, we have a witness that say all those charges are all truth!! Are you saying that you are siding with the demon-spawn rather than your own kind?!! Tell me, have you been brainwashed after being drenched in the potion that the demon-spawn gave you?! Can your memories be trusted when you have been brainwashed by that demon-spawn?!!Answer me, Gaius Kalbern Zeios!!"

 

The adviser greatly pushed the accusations even further and included Gaius in it as an accomplice. I can't believe it.... brainwashing.... my potions doesn't have such an effect. If that's the case, the heroes that drank it were under suspicion as well.

 

Still, who the hell is that witness? How does he even know what happened inside the wave room when he saw how the demon beasts acted towards me?! Was he among those soldiers I saved? No, impossible!! I was seen when I entered the caved with 'Mind resist' effect by my accessories I wore that time. Gaah?!!! who... who is the one that accusing me?!!

 

"?!!"

 

D-Damn you!!!! Kurosawa....I should have known....!! He is smiling at me as he saw me being falsely accuse.

 

"KUROSAWA!!! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!!!!!"

 

I charged towards me preparing to punch his face, but I was unable to when I was attacked by a wind magic on my flank and got blown away a few meters.

 

"Guha!!"

 

I slid down on the floor. Guh... my ribs are..... I can feel a few of my ribs were broken. I coughed upped blood to clear my throat and drank an Hp potion kept under my leather gloves. My body heals, I stood up unsteadily when the guards all pointed their swords against me.

 

"See?! That thing is just a Demon in a hero's skin!!  He attacked an innocent hero in desperation because he has been discovered!! Now everyone!! See how the beast is being push down by our brave knights!!"

"Gaah!!! St-Stop it!! I didn't do anything!! I'm innocent!! I'm just being fr--gaaha?!!"

 

Thud.... I fell down on my knees as someone had punched my solar plexus with the hilt of a sword. I....I can't breathe...

I was left defenseless. Condemned by people by something I didn't even do.... I've done my part yet.....why am I being treated like this....?!!

 

"Disgusting..."

"How vile, trying to kill the heroes....."

"I guess, he's been drowning in desire that he'll earn more when we're dead huh?"

"Bastard"

"Just die already"

 

Word for word... Every meaning of it were me being a cursed being drowned in greed. Their eyes.... no....don't....don't look at me like that!!! Why? Why? Why?!!!! Every time....even back in that world, those eyes.....those eyes....

 

Memories of me as a child being looked like that after my parents died..... A static occurred, and like a television show being changed, a different memory resurfaced..... It was in middle school..... I helped a girl from being raped only to get accused myself... after that....those eyes were directed at me again.... the memory changed and it now was from when I took several part-time jobs.....I help a fellow co-worker from being assaulted by my boss only to be blamed again on something I didn't do.......

 

Why.....why.....why do I always get treated like this....... Why do I have to suffer......?!!!!

 

*Throb*

 

The mark on my right arm throbbed. As if something was pulsing, I felt something block my consciousness. The cursed mark spread as if trying to devour my arm. I felt the burning sensation.....unbearable......on my skin... Guh....

I felt myself changing....but.....I need to suppress this....no...

 

--Do you wish to destroy all these people around you?----

 

A voice? who....who are you?

 

--Let your anger rage wildly against those who oppose you---

 

No!! Like i'm turning to something they think of me!!

 

--I'm your power!! Let me devour your enemies!!!!---

 

Like hell i'm letting something unknown do that with my own body!! Whoever you are, what ever you are, I won't let you do as you please!!!

 

"Gaha--haah--haah....."

 

It seems that I blacked out earlier.... I already had my breath steady but still laying on the floor.

 

"We have confiscated it's belongings. It seems that he has made something interesting even though he's just a demon"

 

I looked upped and saw the king's adviser with my swords 'Dawn' and 'Dusk'. His lips formed a smile of great pleasure after seeing as unbelievably powerful swords in my magic bag. Along those were my enchanted accessories and armors......

 

No....Those are mine!!!

 

"The swords will be presented to the hero, and what's left will be divided among the others. This court has adjourned. Take that beast to the dungeon and lock that thing there"

"Guh!!! No!! Those are mine!!! Give them back!!! You monsters!!! I made those with m---Kua?!! cough....cough.....those are......"

 

As I was hit behind the head and on the stomach, I drifted away unconscious.... My last memories were......I was being dragged.... After that, I blacked out again.......

 

 

 

 

 

(EDITED)

Special thanks to: Pyro5379

From: Demon Sword - Lucifer 

To: Demon Sword - Dawn

From: Angelic Sword - Ikaros 

To: Angelic Sword - Dusk