“Graaaahhh…!”
Screaming in its death throes, the massive cyclops began to fall. There came a shaking like the mountains themselves were collapsing, before it finally slumped to the ground.
I was pretty sure I had taken it down for good, but I couldn’t let my guard down yet. I slowly approached the cyclops to check its condition and placed my hand upon its hulking, still-warm body. Its core had stopped. This endlessly fighting monster of a soldier was finally at rest.
As I silently confirmed this, I heard a voice from behind me.
“Excellent work, Ruchika.”
“Leonie! You’re awake.”
“Yes.”
It was Leonie. It looked like she had already used healing magic on herself because her external wounds were gone, and she was steady on her feet. We ran over to Nor, who lay beside her, and began casting healing magic on her as well. I couldn’t help but think Leonie was amazing for still being able to cast healing spells even after sharing all that mana with me.
“Ruchika, what did you mean when you said the cyclops had fought for your mother?”
“Huh? Didn’t I tell you before?”
Maybe I had forgotten.
“My mama’s name was Elichika. You know, the Demon Lord, Elichika, who fought to the death with your mama, the hero Lainie Baez.”
“…?! That means you’re the daughter of the Demon Lord?!”
“Yeah?”
For some reason, Leonie looked surprised. Huh?
“…Well, you don’t look it.”
“Aw, man! I get that all the time…”
My nanny always said that Mama had been a bewitching beauty, and that I didn’t look much like her. Just another reason why I’d always stuck out back in the demon realm.
“But whatever. Can I leave Nor to you for now?”
“Sure. What are you going to do, Ruchika?”
“I’m gonna go talk to her for a bit.”
I started walking toward the other two girls who had straggled behind—Danita and her follower. The flunky was hugging her knees and letting out sniffly sobs. She had completely lost the will to fight. Danita seemed a bit dazed herself, but there was a note of relief in her expression.
“Thanks, Danita. We might not have been able to defeat the cyclops without you.”
“……”
“…So were you the one who destroyed the teleportation circle?”
It was a random guess, but I had a feeling I was right. And just as I thought, she slowly nodded.
“Danita, I don’t know what it is you’re so tormented by. But just think: Is it really what you want?”
“……”
“I doubt it is. When we fought at the entrance exam and I tasted your mana for the first time, sure, it was all prickly, but at least its flavor was clear.”
I said this to Danita with a smile. She hung her head and responded:
“…Dammit… I really lost to you.”
When she raised her head, I saw her eyes were wet with tears, but her face looked refreshed, like she was finally rid of an evil spirit that had been possessing her.
“…Ugh…”
I felt my consciousness start to dim, and all the strength left my legs as I slumped down.
“H-hey…!”
“Ruchika?!”
“Oh no, Ruchika?!”
On the other side of my fading consciousness, I heard the girls’ voices calling out to me. But it was too late… I couldn’t even tell them apart anymore. I’m sorry, everyone.
“Ruchika…Ruchika! Wake up!”
I heard a pained voice that must have been Leonie’s. But in my current state, I wasn’t sure anymore.
“I finally met a partner who I can let my guard down around. If I lose you now, I… I—!”
Rrrumble.
“……”
“……”
“……”
“…I’m staaaaarving…”
I struggled to speak as my voice trailed off. I had used Gluttony at full power. Of course I was hungry.
“You! Are! Un-be-liev-able!!”
“Hee-hee. Give her a break, Leonie. At least she’s okay.”
“I can’t believe I lost to a dope like this… What a drag…”
I heard the three of them each comment in exasperation.
“Please, give me something, anything… I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse!”
After some waiting, I felt somebody shove a meat skewer into my mouth, and I was saved. But when I opened my eyes, I was met by Leonie’s icy gaze. Huh? What’d I do this time?
Not long after this incident, the Institute finally came to rescue us.