Chapter 70: Aurelius vs Jaldabaoth (Patreon)

Lakyus had always been a chuunibyou, or to put it more simply, she had "middle school syndrome," as evidenced by her childhood fascination with stories of heroes and adventurers, which eventually led to her becoming one herself.

Although it wasn't explicitly mentioned, one scene in the anime where she was caught talking to her Dark Sword, Kilineiram, suggested she still had that chuunibyou personality.

In the anime, everyone thought Lakyus was struggling against the sword's corruption, but that was complete nonsense.

As far as Aurelius knew, Kilineiram had never been an item that could affect its user's mind. Even some wikis clearly stated that the sword did not corrupt the user's mind—it was simply Lakyus's delusion. Or rather, it was her chuunibyou personality kicking in as she talked like a maiden fighting a demon, trying to protect the world.

That was also why she was instantly embarrassed, her face turning red with shame when Gagaran caught her in the act.

Knowing her adoration for overpowered heroes who defeat villains, Aurelius disguised himself as Lucifer, making his attack even more mesmerizing as he slayed the dragons and demons. As anticipated, his attack instantly captivated Lakyus.

She was astonished by the attack, and her thoughts started racing.

'What was that skill? Was it martial arts? No, it was totally different from martial arts fundamentals. Could it be talent? Or something else...?'

Unable to figure it out, Lakyus gave up thinking.

Raising a holy-looking, platinum-colored longsword, Lucifer unleashed a bizarre swordsmanship toward his enemies. A blue aura surrounded the sword, as though it were accumulating power.

'Holy attribute magic? No, it's different from holy magic.'

And then, three dragons floated in the sky—dragons that were on a different level than the demons on the ground. Yet he annihilated them with a single blow, leaving no corpses behind.

Once again, she couldn't help but solidify her belief that Lucifer was a dangerously powerful man... but since someone like him was on their side, he also seemed kind of... cool?

‘What? What am I thinking...?’

Lakyus squeezed her head, trying to process her thoughts. Even though she tried to push Lucifer from her mind, she kept thinking about him over and over again.

Her heart, once pure and maiden-like, now beat wildly, and her face flushed red.

For a fleeting moment, she thought Lucifer was like a hero she had read about in those stories. She hadn't realized it when standing close to him, but watching him fight made her feel secure.

Again, she couldn't help but stare at Lucifer's face.

'Wait... he's surprisingly handsome. Why is he so handsome?' Lakyus suddenly thought.

But then, her gaze turned towards Nabe, who was on the ground leading the adventurers below.

'Come to think of it, Nabe is awfully calm around Lucifer, as if she's used to Lucifer's power. Could this mean she's been through a lot?' Without even realizing it, Lakyus was jealous of Nabe.

…..

As Lucifer, Lakyus, and Evileye approached Jaldabaoth, proudly standing in the center of the plaza, they also spotted the Masked Demon Maids standing beside him.

Unlike in the anime, where there were five Demon Maids (Pleiades), this time there were only two. The goal was to draw Evileye away, leaving Lakyus to support Lucifer alone.

“Looks like everything’s going according to plan.”

From behind, the sounds of drums and loud cheers echoed. The invasion had likely begun, meant to thin out the enemy's defenses and set up Lucifer for a one-on-one fight with Jaldabaoth. This was a one-time-only operation. There would be no second chance.

“Yeah, it seems we’ve entered the final phase of the operation. Evileye, you’ll handle those Demon Maids, and Lakyus will support you from the rear. I'll fight Jaldabaoth.”

“... Understood.”

Their gazes crossed for a moment before Evileye turned her attention to the Demon Maids, leading them away despite her reluctance. Her main concern was still the resurrection of Inveria and her parents, leaving her no choice but to go along with Lucifer's plan.

Alpha and Delta were the two Demon Maids she faced. They didn’t speak much, and after engaging with her briefly in some taunts, they moved to another area, leaving Lucifer, Jaldabaoth, and Lakyus alone.

Lakyus immediately sensed a shift in Lucifer's demeanor as his eyes sharpened in response to Jaldabaoth's demonic presence.

‘Is that Jaldabaoth? His power... it’s overwhelming,’ Lakyus thought, a shiver running down her spine.

At that moment, Lucifer stepped forward, as if to protect her, which warmed Lakyus's heart.

“It’s been a while.”

“Ah, Lucifer. Has it truly been a hundred years?” Jaldabaoth, masked and polite, bowed with exaggerated courtesy.

Lucifer unsheathed the platinum longsword at his waist, dragging its tip along the ground.

Screech--!

The blade etched a straight line in the dirt as Lucifer spoke.

“Nothing’s really changed, Jaldabaoth.”

“Is that so? Then where are your comrades?” Jaldabaoth asked, his tone filled with mockery.

Lucifer’s aura twisted slightly at the mention of his comrades, which made Jaldabaoth's words even more playfully mocking.

“Oh... did I make a mistake? I annihilated them all one hundred years ago. My apologies.”

‘Annihilated?’ Lakyus thought back to when Lucifer had mentioned his past in the royal palace, feeling both sympathetic and slightly saddened by his loss.

“You still stink, Demon. Didn’t I tell you? Those with long tongues never last long.”

“Haha! Mine appears to have lasted quite a while, though."

"Shut up. Just hearing your voice makes me want to vomit. That abominable laughter—a creature like you shouldn't even exist. I haven't rested comfortably for a hundred years because of it."

Lucifer's silver-white armor shifted with a click. In an instant, a blue aura flared around him.

“Oh? You’ve grown stronger! I’m quite pleased. I hope that the attack I failed to land a hundred years ago will connect this time.”

“Your cursed life... it ends today.”

With that, the two clashed violently at the midpoint of the battlefield.

BOOM!

The sheer force of the collision startled Lakyus. Jaldabaoth’s claws deflected Lucifer’s rapid strikes, but Lucifer dodged each attack in turn, countering one after another.

Clank! Clank! Clank!

Lucifer leaped back, his jump was so fast, it almost felt like a teleportation spell. Strange energy began to accumulate in his sword, and the blade vanished, turning transparent.

Behind him, Lakyus continued casting buffs on Lucifer.

[Anti-Evil Protection]: A spell to defend against evil attacks.

[Holy Protection]: slightly boosts defense.

[Lesser Dexterity]: Boosts the target's agility.

[Lesser Mental Protection]: Protects the target's mind.

[Lesser Strength]: Raises the target’s physical power.

[Light Healing]: A divine spell that heals minor wounds with a soothing, warm green light.

[Protection Energy—Fire]: Offers limited protection from fire-based attacks.

Though she knew her spells weren’t particularly effective, Lakyus cast them without hesitation, determined to help in any way she could.

However, watching their battle with buildings collapsing from the force of each strike, she understood why Lucifer hadn’t allowed her or Nabe to directly intervene. This was far beyond her.

Suddenly, Jaldabaoth’s arms expanded, growing large enough to touch the ground. Flames erupted from his limbs, now resembling molten weapons, as he swung them with terrifying speed toward Lucifer’s face.

—Saeaeeae!

Lucifer narrowly evaded the strike, the attack grazing him by mere inches. A split second later, and he would’ve been hit. This made Lakyus feel relieved that her buffs were making a difference.

Time passed, and the fight only grew more intense. Unlike the anime, this time Jaldabaoth (Demiurge) didn’t hold back, unleashing his true strength. Their violent clashes were turning parts of the capital into a wasteland.

Wounds began to appear on both fighters, but thanks to Lakyus’s constant support, Lucifer remained in better condition. Lakyus herself, however, was exhausted, on her knees and panting, yet she pressed on, determined to aid him.

But as the battle raged on, finally, Lucifer found an opening in Jaldabaoth’s defense. Without hesitation, he pushed his body and sword forward like a shooting star.

"It's over, Jaldabaoth!"

"!!!"

In an instant, Lakyus could see Lucifer's magic power increase multiplefold. Was that bluish-white aura all magic? The ultimate slash, which increased his momentum by converting the mana into light and concentrating and accelerating, was aimed at Jaldabaoth.

Unable to react in time due to his injuries, the sword stab pierced Jaldabaoth’s chest.

“Kuh, huh!”

Jaldabaoth’s body erupted in flames. In response to Lucifer’s strike, the demon seized the blade, trying to force it out of his chest, but it felt as though the end had come.

Lucifer smirked with a twisted grin on his face.

'Win this!'

Lakyus also laughed so happily in her heart, thinking that it was finally over...

But just as it seemed Jaldabaoth’s defeat was certain, the demon let out a loud, desperate cry.

“Master, save me!!!!”

Tick!

Jaldabaoth's shout, as well as the sound of a clock's tick, were the last things Lakyus heard before the world turned black and white and time froze, along with her consciousness.