The fine sunlight pierced the earth and illuminated the streets.

　It was only slightly warm in nature, but Kiel-Bazarov felt a heat that almost made his skin burn. His nerves were racing to his fingertips, and every minute was insane.

　Kiel's appearance had changed drastically. Gone was his gentle manliness, his eyes constantly moving as he surveyed his surroundings. The only thing that awaits him is the execution of the wizard general Mastighios-La-Borgograd.

　That Mastighios who looked like a monster will die here today. Really?

　Kiel couldn't help but ask himself that question. That monster is going to die. It's hard to believe. His eyes dimmed as he stared.

　Even though he was the one who suggested this public execution, his suspicions were growing as time went on. Mastighios was the epitome of a sorcerer. Even though he had been defeated by the sorcerer, would he simply die by execution?

　Kiel repeated the unanswered question over and over again.

　--Then the time came. One by one, the demon birds shouted, announcing the beginning of the show.

　The audience consisted of Kiel, the supreme human commander, Nuto, the king of the capital. And a large crowd of people. All stared anxiously at the execution site, but unable to leave. Perhaps the demons are watching this from somewhere.

　The simple execution table and wooden shackles were made for the purpose of chopping off lives. Originally, they were reserved for criminals.

　But not now. Standing in front of it are the brave men who risked their lives to fight for the dynasty of Borvat.

　Brave men being executed as criminals. It was a distorted scene.

　None of the people knew why they were here. I couldn't turn away even if what I was about to see was a manifestation of half malice. I feel that leaving this place will only lead to worse nightmares.

　The demons drew their iron chains and tied Borvat's sorcerers and elite to the execution table. Some of them went berserk, but no one could do anything about it when they were surrounded by demons.

　About a dozen of them, side by side, were secured to the execution table. The people gasped. The demons each raised their armor.

　--And a moment later, ten heads fell. A great spray of blood spurts out at the people.

　Screams and exclamations came from all around. The shock of seeing something you didn't want to believe in can shake a person's spirit. Some people were not sure they were stepping on the ground.

　But after so many times, there was nothing to do but accept. The people were stunned and just watched their own soldiers die.

"Hmm, but it's so plain!　It would have been a better entertainment if they had armed each other and fought each other.

　Nuto, the king of the capital, said as he sipped his wine from the seat of honor that had been set up for him. I'm usually dizzyingly busy, but today, thanks to this entertainment, I can afford to drink. Perhaps that's why I'm in such a good mood.

"No. This is good. Give them a little freedom and they'll come to life. And there's no good in giving the people false hope.

"Huh, coward's idea. I don't get it!　How can you be afraid of humans when you've been raised from a human to a demon?

　Nute opens his beak in blatant contempt of Kiel. The blue feathers fluttered and brushed the air. Kiel looks down at the execution table with his hands folded, not even considering Nute.

　He gazes down at the scene as one head slides off after another. Some of them might have spoken to each other in the past, but Kiel could no longer remember. To Kiel, they were just appetizers.

　After about a hundred heads had been dropped, it was his turn. The people shouted in surprise.

　His wrists were bound with iron shackles, and he was led by chains. His black hair swept in the wind as he acted more regal than criminal.

　Mastighios stood before the people for the first time in months, accompanied by his lieutenants. The way he called out to the general and Mastighios was conspicuous.

　Without realizing it, Kiel rose from his seat. His heart thudded.

"Mastighios!　Looks like it's finally your time to die. Die like a scrawny dog here and now!

　At the sound of Kiel's voice, the people fell silent. After the past few months, the people knew well who this city and its human rulers were.

　Even if it was a hateful enemy, they had to keep their mouths shut. Only one person can keep his mouth shut.

"We all die eventually. I will die, you will die.

　Kiel's gaze intensified, and Mastighios took a step forward. A wooden chokehold was placed around his thick neck.

"My lord ......, my lord Mastighios.



　Eileen, one of the lieutenants tied to each side, let out an involuntary cry. Her lip, which she had been biting down on desperately, was bleeding. The blood was steeped in dignity and humiliation.

　Hind, on the other hand, just stared ahead in silence. He stared at the demon with eyes filled with murderous intent, but he had not yet accepted death.

　The three were roughly placed on the execution table by the demon's hands.

　A little bird chirped loudly. The people's ears trembled.

"Incoming! Incoming!　--Master Lugis is here!

　Even Mastighios opened his eyes. He could not believe his ears, and then his eyes. He wondered if he was having a strange dream on his deathbed.

　It came from the entrance where executioners normally come and go.

　Its mood was more violent than when I had met it before, and it carried an evil sword on its shoulder. Unlike before, his blood-red eyes seemed to look down on people lightly and knead hatred into them. His clothes, his appearance, everything was different.

　For the first time, I could see that Mastighios was upset. Questions and emotions mixed together in his chest, and an inarticulate voice came out of his mouth.

"...... Lugis, huh?

"Oh?　What's the matter? Too many people know my name. I don't even know my name.

　But that's okay. Lugis drew his sword from its scabbard. The sword, pulsating and glowing with purple light, now roars as a decapitating blade.

　The people and the demons around him. For a moment, they spat. They didn't know what it was, but they all understood that it was no longer just a sword.

"They say it's how you die that counts, right?　I'm dirty, but what about you? If you have any last words, I'll hear them.

　People are going to die. The demon Lugis snapped his neck as if he didn't feel any such weight.

　I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇


　The Bolivartian soldier Oylant opened his eyes and caught the scene in his vision. The vicious-looking triangle of his eyes wavered involuntarily.

　The square in front of the Kingsguard Hall has been turned into an execution site. It was all right up to the point where I had blended in with the people with the aim of retrieving the Mastighios. As planned, the demons were unable to control the presence of so many people who had gathered.

　The sight of their fellow soldiers being executed one after another was hell. The humiliation of having to abandon those who had endured the training together.

　However, if he were to step in at this point, the demonic nature would probably quarantine Mastigios or kill him on the spot. His guard was unusually tight because the enemy was aware of its importance.

　That was why he had to wait. One moment, one moment for Mastighios to be exposed to the public. The moment when he would be brought out in public and executed. That was the moment to take him back.

　And so the moment came.

　--With disaster in tow. The demon Lugis stood in front of Mastigios with an air of composure.

　A hero, and a man who had been told so. But what was wrong with that? He looks so demonic, and yet he is treating Mastighios as an executioner.

　What's going on? What's going on? Otranto covered his mouth with a look of confusion in the corner of his eye. It feels as if the world has been turned upside down beneath his feet.

　From afar, he heard the sound of steel hitting steel. It was probably a sign that another diversionary force led by Kalia was moving. With them attracting the demons, we were going to be thin on the ground.

　But now that the demons have appeared, it's a completely different story. It was because Majin Lovell and Majin Junerva had rarely been seen in public before that they made this plan.

　A moment of agitation, a moment of hesitation. Just as Otranto's lips twisted, Mastigios' voice was heard.

"Well, that's quite a look you got there. It suits you.