Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter's Hero Dream - Chapter 257 p2

Chapter 257 Demon King
Part 2
　However, this time――It is absolutely unacceptable.

　A shining Key of the Earth. According to the books, it is――A sign that the Key of the Earth has been fully released.

　It is said that the Key of the Earth, when fully released, will absorb the power of the Earth’s veins and affect all corners of the world, collapsing mountains, sinking continents, and even changing the topography of the earth.

　According to a book found in a Treasure Shrine, even in ancient times when the Key of the Earth existed, it was never fully released.

　And according to the research of the Empire Relics Research Institute, it is very likely that the reason for the demise of that civilization was due to a single and total release of the 『Key of the Earth』.

　I knew that the goal of the secret organization, 《Nine-Tails Shadow Fox (Kyubi no Kage Kitsune)》 was the destruction of civilization.
　However, leaving aside the destruction of a country, when it comes to unleashing a power that can indiscriminately change the planet, they are already――The enemy of the world.

　It was a shot that should never have been fired. Because hidden behind it, there was a fearless, murderous intent to destroy any organization, including the world.

　Had he known that a plan of this magnitude was underway, Radrick would not have taken a measure that light.

　Even if Cleat became an empty land, or if he was impeached by other countries, he would have used every possible means to destroy the “Fox (Kitsune)”.

　I take a deep, big breath. The burning wrath that had been coursing through my brain subsides.

　However, it has not disappeared.

　The only thing left was――A cold killing intent. Squinting, I look down at the fox mask man gripping the hilt.

　I clenched my fist tightly. My nails pierced my skin and blood started to flow from it.

　However, neither the pain, nor the tremors, nor the screams enter Radrick Atrum Zebrudia’s consciousness right now.

“I will crush you――I will kill you, you damn “Fox (Kitsune)”. Even if tens of thousands of our men die, even if we have to turn every root upside down, not a single fox will escape our grasp and be destroyed.” (Radrick)

　The “Fox (Kitsune)” isn’t the only one who can do whatever he wants.

§　§　§

　So this is――《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》. What a crazy man.

　When the Boss just barely parried the impact released by the initial activation, he quickly attached himself to the key held by 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》.

　At the same time, he poured his Magic power into the key and struck his own power against the destructive magical power released from the Key of the Earth to offset it, even if only a little. A terrifying shock, unlike anything he has ever felt, runs through his body.

　《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 who was also gripping the sword, blinked his eyes frequently, but he didn’t seem to rein it back.

　It was something of a miracle that I was able to parry the shock wave. If I had been swept away, the country would have been destroyed within seconds before I could come back. The destruction of the Key of the Earth would have grown in the blink of an eye.
　I didn’t have time to pay attention to what was happening around me. I just stared at the man in front of me, desperately trying to offset the destructive power.

“Bas… Tard――How… could you――” (Kitsune’s Boss)

“Eh? About what?” (Cry)

”
”
　《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 stared in wonder as he gripped the sword. 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 remained unperturbed in the midst of the terrifying torrent of destruction.

　It is the privilege of the activator of the Key of the Earth. He is the eye of the storm. I am sure he does not feel the wave of destruction caused by the Key of the Earth at all.

　I wanted to strangle him to death. However, I didn’t have the leeway to do that.

　If I let my guard down even for a moment, I will be swallowed by the destruction. That was the premonition I had.

　The Relic was shining brightly. It was a sign that the power of the Key of the Earth had been fully released.

“Kuh――You… Bastard――” (Kitsune’s Boss)

　The power that flowed through the hand that touched the key caused an intense pain that felt as if his entire body was being torn apart. It was something that the Boss, who had studied and acquired a vast amount of magical power and strength, had not felt for a long time.
　He could see how small his power is in the vast power that tries to sweep him. He could just hold the key with all his might.

　Even if the original plan had succeeded, it was not intended to go this far. The “Fox’s (Kitsune)” ultimate goal is the destruction of civilization, but it is on the premise of recreation.
　The full release of the Key of the Earth was too destructive for that. The Key of the Earth was a kind of trump card that should never be used.

　A little show of strength would be enough of a demonstration.

　To fully release it――Is this man trying to destroy the world?

　He is――Insane.

“Dogeza…… I was just trying to do a Dogeza.” (Cry)

　If he made a move now, the Boss would not be able to resist. However, there was no sign of 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 making a move.

　It is not like he activated the Key of the Earth in order to defeat the Boss in the first place. It’s too far-fetched for a plan.

“What… A… Dogeza!?” (Kitsune’s Boss)

　I had no idea what he was talking about. I had no idea how he could afford to fully unleash a Relic that would doom the world.

　His thoughts are――Unreadable. Kryhi was strong, but he was just a hero. However, the man in front of me is different.

“B-But, you know, I think that it is also your fault too, you know. It wasn’t like I was particularly hostile against you guys, so, you see――” (Cry)

　Why!? Why aren’t you trying to stop the Earth of the Key from activating?

　The world will be destroyed, you know? Zebrudia, Cleat, and even other countries will all be destroyed. The nature of the Earth’s veins from this era is very different from those in the ancient era, so I don’t know the details of how large it will spread, but at the very least, the number of victims will not be just a few million.

　I knew that 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》 are supposed to be drastic, but the word drastic is a kid’s play compared to him.

　The man in front of me is――The “Demon King (Maou)”.

　He is going to wipe out the “Fox (Kitsune)”, along with his allies and the whole civilization.

　His blank, absentminded expression on his face seems more and more frightening.

　When he saw the shining sword, his hands, and the Boss’s face, he frowned.

“Somehow, I’m really sorry for everything.” (Cry)