Summoned Slaughterer - Book 6

by Ido Masayoshi

  What fell into our laps at that point is the great event of avenging the king. If we contributed to it, even without delivering the finishing blow… Betting on the gleam of hope, both soldiers prepared their respective sword and spear even though they were trembling.

  Depending on one’s point of view this might be a moving tale. Their figures of entrusting the future of their families and themselves into a personal command might be seen as beautiful if watched by people in the same position.

  However, Hifumi doesn’t respect such things.

  “Die, you idiots.” (Hifumi)

  Breaking the spear with an elbow strike, he stabs the dagger into the crown of the head. Then he kicks the wrist of the opponent, who held a sword, from below. Having released his sword, the soldier’s head is seized and Hifumi’s fist, which grasped the dagger as is, determinedly bashed into the soldier’s chin.

  With the head making a full circle, the soul leaves the body in an instant due to the destroyed cervical vertebrae.

  “Even if you acquire the strength to fight at the front, don’t stand on the battlefield with a scared mug after going with the flow without figuring out how to compensate for the lack in wrecking your brains. It’s irritating.” (Hifumi)

  Hifumi was truly angry.

  It’s not like I hate people who can’t fight. Cooks, civil officials and farmers, if they live their lives while giving it their best, that’s a good thing, I think.

  But I hate uneasy fellows who are simply fighting by swinging their weapons without even scheming how to win and without putting effort into surviving while exposing their bodies at a place of battling.

  “Besides, have you understood anything about your raison d’être?” (Hifumi)

  The one Hifumi pointed at is the noble demon who ordered the charge of the demon soldiers who became silent corpses now.

  “I-I was born having prestige amongst the demons…”

  In the midst of him saying that, Hifumi rushed over and hit him resolutely.

  The noble, who fell off the horse, holds his cheek while spitting out several teeth and wheezing unable to breathe as he apparently hit his back.

  “It doesn’t seem so. It’s your role to let soldiers die for the sake of victory, right? But, thinking about what you should do to kill me, your enemy, in the end, no matter what methods you use, it’s a commander’s duty to use the lives of his soldiers for that goal, isn’t it?” (Hifumi)

  That’s why Hifumi evaluates Imeraria, who was able to order her subordinates to not start a fight, while rejecting to surrender herself to revenge not once but even twice for the sake of creating a situation where she is able to definitely kill him, highly.

  She will come to definitely kill him in a composed manner. For that reason she utilizes the maximum of her thinking and standing even if she doesn’t have fighting strength herself. That was Hifumi’s desired “way of humans.”

  “There is also someone who continued to give her best to achieve her revenge while being in a position unable to do so by herself as slave.” (Hifumi)

  Hifumi, who placed his foot on the back of the noble, who tries to run away while grovelling, slowly increased the foot’s strength.

  “That person became slightly weird, but she continued to forge herself for the sake of getting revenge with her own power. She continued to put in great efforts to obtain power, even by discarding her pride, while being greedy to become strong.” (Hifumi)

  “Gueeee… p-please stop…”

  The noble, who can’t properly speak due to the pressure on the solar plexus while listening to the grinding sound of the spine, pleads in a feeble voice.

  But Hifumi puts even more strength into his foot.

  The noble is already desperate to just breathe. He is unable to do anything but grasping the ground while opening and shutting his mouth.

  “You guys’ king was powerful. Even Phegor or whatever schemed to kill me. Even that woman called Bennia or such aimed at my life by using her own technique to the maximum of her ability.” (Hifumi)

  Due to the pressure of Hifumi’s foot the nobles back began to cave in. Several ribs have already broken and were apparently stabbing the internal organs. Leaking blood from his mouth, the noble begs for help while shedding tears.

  “I will kill you. I will kill all of you who are outside here. I thought about leaving behind some of you while considering the war potential of the demons, but I quit that notion. Even if I leave them alone, they probably won’t be able to stand in for Vepar’s role.” (Hifumi)

  With the sound of water leaking and a scream as if he ran out of air, the noble used up all of his strength.

  “Next it’s you guys’ turn.” (Hifumi)

  Hifumi, who changed his hold of the dagger into an overhand grip, counted the number of remaining people by letting his look circle around.

  There are 33 people remaining.

  ☻

  “I’d like you to explain to me what this is about!?”

  The messenger from Vichy raised his voice in the tent set up for Alyssa who is the commander of Fokalore’s feudal army.

  Alyssa, who is sitting in front of him, looks directly at the howling middle-aged man in puzzlement.

  Miyukare, who is standing behind the chair Alyssa uses, is trembling with a vein popping up due to the rude behaviour of the messenger, but she endured it with a clenched fist thinking currently Alyssa has the lead role.

  “I did explain to you, didn’t I?” (Alyssa)

  Due to Alyssa tilting her head to the side with a ? floating above it, the messenger isn’t even able to hide his irritation.

  “It’s not about the comment “Because the monsters are powerful, we came to exterminate them” as I heard as explanation by director-dono at the beginning.”

  “But, there’s no other reason.”

  “Do you really think that I’m able to believe in such a reason!? Although you have lined up with a large army at the national border, do I have to even tell the unknowing you how much uneasiness you are spreading amongst the people of each city-state compromising Vichy!?”

  Once the messenger strikes the table with his palm, the cups shake and the baked sweet jumps into the air from its plate.

  Alyssa grabbed that baked sweet before it fell down and tossed it into her mouth. As these were specially made by Caim, Alyssa loved those baked sweets dearly.

  “But, there’s no other reason for us to come here besides that.” (Alyssa)

  After chewing with her mouth, she drinks the tea which was lukewarm. It was personally poured by Miyukare for the sake of Alyssa who isn’t very good with hot things.

  “In reality we defeated several monsters already. Although the soldiers’ training is held at the same time as well, that’s according to Hifumi-san’s instructions. I think it doesn’t cause any kind of problems though? The ones being troubled about the monsters are the city’s residents and you as well, ojisan, I believe?” (Alyssa)

  “Gu… however, it’s a talk about whether it’s necessary for the army to have such scale…”

  “Oji-san.” (Alyssa)

  The gaze of Alyssa, which became narrow as if zooming in on him while being unsuitable for her own age and face, held a pressure to the degree of even stopping the talking of the messenger who had passed half through his forties.

  “Even if there’s the possibility of some of my comrades dying, you believe it’s a good thing to decrease the fighting strength by decreasing the number of people because of minding other people?” (Alyssa)

  “That is…”

  “I have already experienced being killed by people I considered to be my comrades, but an injury close to death is exceedingly painful. It’s saddening and unbearable. Rather than some of my comrades suffering such a thing, I will think about ways for my comrades to return alive, even if they scare or anger someone. That’s my choice.” (Alyssa)

  Alyssa thanks Miyukare for adding some tea.

  During that time the messenger is s
weating while struggling to choose his words.

  “We have come here following the intentions of our feudal lord, Hifumi-san. He has given the order to subjugate the monsters while considering the benefits of everyone. But, if you dislike that, it can’t be helped, right?” (Alyssa)

  Alyssa tilts her head in contemplation and matches her sight with Miyukare. Seeing Miyukare nodding, the messenger believed that his arguments finally got through, but reality isn’t that soft.

  “You oji-san’s aren’t doing anything to deal with the monsters and are just voicing your discontent and grumbling at us, who are risking our lives to survive. Let’s decide who’s correct with skill, huh?” (Alyssa)

  Alyssa laughs pleasantly, but due to the conclusion going beyond his expectations, the messenger’s face exceeds being ghastly pale and has already become white. It’s different when it’s that dreadful feudal lord, but for a young little girl to make such forceful statement, he couldn’t believe it.

  “S-Such an absurd…”

  “Neither Hifumi-san nor me have said anything strange. It’s simply a very important and simple talk.” (Alyssa)

  Facing the messenger, who is shedding sweat like a waterfall and who has become small on top of the chair while being in panic, Alyssa told him slowly while chewing her words.

  “If there’s something you desire, you have to obtain it with skill.” (Alyssa)

  “Though it feels strange for me, who received help and education, to say that”, Alyssa’s laughing voice could be heard by the soldiers who are outside the tent.

  Chapter 117 – No Reason

  Entering the slums of Swordland, the elves were each assigned a house for their families. It has been scheduled for them to be given a job according to Reni’s group’s decision as well as the wishes of the people themselves after a few days.

  The humans harboured feelings of fearfulness towards the elves, but as they were simply existences “whom they know of but had never seen before” for the beastmen, everyone had a keen interest in the new immigrants.

  Having been assigned a slightly larger one-story house together with Puuse and Shiku, Zanga officially accepted the role of being the mediator of the elves from Reni.

  Zanga’s group, who had been called to the workplace of Reni, was told about that role for the first time when they had a preparatory meeting about the future from now on while enjoying some tea.

  “I’d like you to teach magic to us beastmen as well.” (Reni)

  “Magic, you say?” (Zanga)

  “Yes. There are people among the humans who can use magic. I heard that elf-san’s group is able to use magic even more skilfully.” (Reni)

  After pondering for a while while having her eyes closed, Zanga looked directly into the eyes of Reni.

  “… What do you plan to do by learning magic?” (Zanga)

  “I want us to have the power to protect everyone in this city.” (Reni)

  No hesitation can be seen in Reni’s expression as she gives that immediate reply.

  “Fufu… okay, I got it, I got it.” (Zanga)

  Bursting into laughter, Zanga faced Puuse who was sitting next to her.

  “Puuse, teach them magic together with the women who can’t do manual labour.” (Zanga)

  “Understood.” (Puuse)

  Zanga turns a strict look at Reni who is jumping for joy with a 「Hooray」 due to that exchange.

  “But, you know, sheep-san. I have been living for a long time, but I never heard something like a beastman being able to use magic. You don’t know whether you will be able to learn it or not, do you? It might become a fruitless effort. Do you still want to do it even then?” (Zanga)

  “Of course.” (Reni)

  Nodding strongly, Reni grabbed the hand of Helen who was close-by.

  “After meeting with Hifumi-san, the two of use have been taught many various things, studied and are now able to live in the city somehow. However, there are still many beastmen and humans who are on bad terms with us. Although I want to invite our mothers as well, I think that it’s still difficult to do so.” (Reni)

  “But”, Reni continues while breathing roughly through her nose.

  “Even if it’s only in this small city, we were able to create a place where beastmen and humans can live together peacefully. From now on it will be together with elf-san’s group as well. Am I able to do anything to protect this city… since I won’t know if I don’t attempt as I’m not overly smart either, I will give it at least a try.” (Reni)

  “Now that I remember, even the stuff like studying, Hifumi made us do, has its use, right?” (Helen)

  Helen, who squeezed back the hand of Reni while looking embarrassed, recalled the time when she could study with they other beastmen and everyone while being confined in the inn. Now that she has risen to a position with responsibility the reading and writing of characters as well as the partial knowledge about calculation was a very priceless treasure.

  The beastmen, who flowed into this city from being purchased by Hifumi and who haven’t originally lived in the slums, are generally able to read and write while a part of the beastmen like Reni is also able to calculate. At certain points their administrative throughput became even better than the city centred around the humans. However, not knowing of someone to compare with, Reni’s group believed that there are still many problems.

  “We will know whether it’s possible or not once we try it.” (Reni)

  Reni has included that detail in her calm calculations as well.

  As result of abuse among beastmen, there are even quite a few injured people who can’t properly walk. They harboured emotions of shame for not being able to contribute to the growth of the city. Hearing the words from those, who are helping with Reni’s official work, and those, who are doing things like tending to stores where they can work without having to move around, it was a worrisome aspect for Reni in particular as she didn’t know what would be good to do about it.

  If beastmen are able to use magic, it will probably become possible for them to play a support role with long-distance attacks and healing the injured on the battlefield with healing magic. If they gain a little confidence by being able to contribute to the city by fighting to protect it, won’t that calm their hearts? Reni wonders.

  “Sheep-san… no, it’s wrong if I don’t call you Reni-san.” (Zanga)

  Fixing her seating posture, Zanga bowed fully while facing Reni.

  “Thank you very much for giving us elves, who lost their home, roles and a place to stay at. Please take care of us as we will be useful for various things besides magic.” (Zanga)

  “Same for me, I look forward to work with you.” (Reni)

  Zanga, who shook Reni’s small and soft hand, got anxious in her mind while showing a smile.

  (What has Hifumi-san done to such a charming, little child… I don’t understand what that man is thinking, but I want to protect these children…) (Zanga)

  Although that’s something vain to say for me who has abandoned her village, while smiling bitterly in her heart in self-mockery, Zanga firmly grasped the hand of Reni with her deeply wrinkled hand.

  ☻

  The demons, who ended up confronting Hifumi, have been slaughtered one after the other starting from those, who were close to Hifumi, regardless of their status.

  The dagger, which is wielded along a sound of cutting wind, slashes through the demons’ throats and thigh arteries, pierces their eyes and gouges out their hearts.

  A vast amount of bloodstains remain here and there on the way towards the elven village from the demons’ city.

  The demon soldiers, who are running away in the lead, have already diminished to only three people.

  With them being split apart from their own groups, they remained to the bitter end in order to escape without minding their own appearances while their comrades were done in.

  However, they haven’t failed to notice Hifumi’s pursuit.

  “Ah!”

  Some
one fell by pitching forward while voicing a short scream.

  The soldier, who crashed into the ground starting with his face due to the momentum of running, has the dagger sticking out from the back of his head. At the time of falling he had already died.

  “Heave-ho.” (Hifumi)

  Recovering the dagger by pulling it out while running past, Hifumi examined the blade of the dagger while keeping the remaining two in his field of vision.

  “Well, I guess that’s normal.” (Hifumi)

  Discovering several small nicks in the blade, Hifumi grumbles quietly.

  The dagger, which hasn’t received a divine protection, has a sharp blade to bring out its cutting ability. Given that this part is brittle, the clinging grease will kill its edge and the blade will be damaged as well if one kills several tens of people, even if he mostly aimed at the soft throats and eyeballs.

  “I guess it’s still usable for piercing, but… oh well, it will probably be fine.” (Hifumi)

  Tossing the dagger into his darkness storage, Hifumi, who became unarmed, raised his speed even more.

  The remaining two knew that beyond this point the elven barrier would stretch out. If they went in that direction, it would turn into a dead end for them.

  However, the current situation was that they couldn’t do anything but run away straight ahead until here. Even while checking each other with a look, they wondered whether the human would come their way if they escaped by dispersing left and right.

  “Haa, haa… It looks like that human threw away his weapon. He isn’t holding anything in his hands anymore.”

  Once one of the demons said so after having looked behind with a glance, the other also turned back for just an instant and confirmed Hifumi’s state.

  “You are right…”

  “Won’t the two of us be able to somehow manage if that weapon is gone?”

  The other soldier thought about that suggestion while running.

  The figure of the human, I had seen with a glance before, has a small size compared to career soldiers like us if I think about it calmly.

  If he has decided to abandon even his weapon which is able to cut to a terrifying degree and if it’s successful for either of us to pin him down, the victory will be likely decided with only that much.