The four elite crushers sent Tsukiyama hungry looks. The massive round demon lord gestured with his axe to Metsuhai's fast moving body, which looked smaller by the second. "How far do you think he'll get?"
His voice resembled something between a roar and a dog's bark. "But before that, I should introduce myself. Barran, demon lord- king of area nine."
"Tsukiyama Hisashi sama." The four crushers roared with discontent. It took but one gaze from Barran to shut them up.
"Good, you can still speak like that in my presence. Most life forms run out of fighting spirit as soon as I show up. I can see now how one of my patrols met its end. I thought it would be a good idea to personally crush the maggots who foolishly entered my domain, but you seem… reasonably strong?"
Electricity was discharging around Tsukiyama. "You may come to regret crossing paths with me." This time the crushers hid their emotions, though they did exchange looks.
"I wonder if you are truly confident or just pretending to be brave. Or maybe you have a plan," Barran seemed to find this idea amusing and not something to worry about. "We will find out soon… Now the two of us are going to fight to the death. I am not the merciful type that lets enemies slip away. That includes your young less capable companion whom you seem to care about. I should have already eaten him when he showed me his back. But unlike you, for him there is one way out. Ritual Duel me and I'll forget about the kid. As a bonus, you'll get a fast painless death. If you refuse I'll cook you for hours."
"Don't you threaten me you big soccer ball, I planned ritual dueling you as it is!"
The red in Barran's eyes seemed to have darkened. It was hard to read his gaze, even for demons. One might have mistakenly thought him to be angry when in fact he was overjoyed.
Barran extended his huge hand forward and Tsukiyama took it. The ground shook slightly as the curse marks etched themselves into their bodies (though for Barran it was hidden beneath the armor). Barran stood there smirking. When the barrier falls there will be thousands of humans to eat, rape and torture. My comrades will be so proud.
Tsukiyama was now very serious, as serious as he had never been. I'm gonna wipe that smirk off your ugly face.
One of the crushers, to the right of Barran, which was the commander among the four asked Barran loudly "What about us?"
"Beat it!"
The crushers rushed to leave. Tsukiyama and Barran stood there examining each other. The flow of lava nearby accelerated, reacting to Barran's mood. They clearly knew who's boss. Tsukiyamas heir was flatering in the wind.
Finally Tsukiyama jumped forward, moving inconceivably fast, the surrounding red rock scenery passing swiftly around him. His charge was answered with a blow of the huge axe. It was good Tsukiyama changed direction in flight at the last moment. The axe, bigger than his entire body, smashed rocks inches from him. Then the axe struck again. Tsukiyama dodged by the breadth of a hair. Too close. The one thing I cannot allow is getting hit by that massive axe. Even I cannot recover from this. Tsukiyama jumped backwards trying to regroup and think of a plan. Barran raised his arm releasing crimson energy, a furious storm of beams and balls making their way fast to Tsukiyama. It looked sinister. Tsukiyama used open palms hits to deflect each of them. The energies flew far and exploded like small nuclear bombs. When tsukiyama was done. Barran was nowhere to be seen. There was a huge shadow around Tsukiyama. Barran landed on Tsukiyama with all the weight of his plate covered hindquarters, so hard that that the rocks broke beneath him. Barran began laughing. His happiness was cut short. From beneath him Tsukiyama picked him up and through him off himself. Not a single injury on him. Barran couldn't believe it actually happened. Tsukiyama was breathing hard, but had no intention of slowing down. The happy laughing Barran was suddenly engulfed by chains- Tsukiyamas steel homing chain that ends with a blade extending, tying him up. Then came the shock- Tsukiyama used all the power he could generate zapping Barran's body with no mercy. Now Barran was shouting in pain.
…
Metsuhai had already stopped running. Not only there was a limit to his stamina, running carelessly like that is bound to draw unneeded attention. Though of course, there was nothing worse to meet than a demon lord. Hopefully he was far enough. To say there was a great distance between him and the fight was an understatement, yet he could clearly feel the tremors and the clashing forces even here. Sensei just unleashed so much power, yet the demon lord's energy isn't decreasing. This is bad.
For a moment Metsuhai wondered if he was sacrificing Tsukiyama for Chizue. But of course it wasn't like that. Tsukiyama chose to come here, and chose to fight alone. If it'll get too bad, he'll retreat for sure. I can count on it…I hope. Metsuhai sent another look backwards. I should keep running, he decided, It's still not far enough. Metsuhai ran to the direction the compass pointed to.
…
Barran was shouting in pain, or was it rage. Tsukiyama continued to send more and more lightning into the steel. I don't know how much longer I can keep this up.
Slowly the steel loops the chain was made of began to stretch. In a desperate attempt the demon lord broke free. The power and the flexibility reserve of the chains have come to an end. Tsukiyama's most powerful weapon was shattered. A huge fist slammed into Tsukiyama's double- blocking hands. Tsukiyama was sent flying far backwards. Barran confidently put away his axe and proceeded to rain down fists on Tsukiyama. Each exchange sounded like thunder. Normal opponents wound have their bones shattered. Even Tsukiyama, with all his might and perfect blocking technique could barely take it. Barran was getting to business like an MMA fighter finishing off his opponent. Tsukiyama wasn't healing fast enough. Tsukiyama was sent flying, crushing into a rock, breaking it. Barran rushed after him continuing to hit. Barran didn't stop there. He took a deep breath and unleashed all-consuming fire out of his mouth. With great effort Tsukiyama blocked the fast incoming inferno with energy covered hands, struggling to maintain his stance. But the flames were too hot, too wide and too violent. They burned through Tsukiyama's energy, hands and body, covering him with burns. I don't know how much longer I can keep holding this fire back, and this guy doesn't seem to be getting tired at all.
But the flames ended soon enough. Exhausted Tsukiyama was breathing hard. Barran was laughing. He was concentrating on laughing more than on fighting.
…
Metsuhai crouched behind a large red rock. Just a moment ago he stopped breathing hard after all that running, which by the way wasn't uneventful either – he killed three goblins, one familiar and one crusher practically without stopping. But now he encountered a big problem. It was his own fault really. He could have sensed them ahead, at least somewhat. But thinking about Tsukiyama and Chizue, constantly looking at the compass affected his concentration. And it was still hard to sense anything in this damned place. Also, Metsuhai's armor was slowly cooking him. It was red hot, despite supposedly being enchanted to remain cool. What am I supposed to do now?
A pack of crushers, Metsuhai counted more than fifteen, was everywhere around him. He just barely noticed them before bumping into one. That crusher luckily had his back turned to Metsuhai. The crushers were obviously not aware of him. Metsuhai considered engaging at first, this was his warrior instinct after all. But aside from the many crushers, there were two powerful commanders. Their energy alone made Metsuhai reconsider. Most of the crushers are to my left, should I try going right? There were many big rocks scattered everywhere. Moving between the crushers undiscovered was a difficult task, but not impossible. They shouldn't be able to smell me, and I'm hiding my energy so as long as I stay out of sight and move quietly, its gonna work… I hope.
If Metsuhai had any hope of the crushers moving out of his way it died fast. The crushers were at work: They were using their fists and body slamming on a thick, monotone brick wall, visible through a wide spatial distortion. Is that a rift? The energy keeping this rift open clearly came from one of the commanders. The crushers' persistent assault seemed to be having no progress, pointless. If anything, the crushers themselves were getting hurt. Their fists were covered with blood. Metsuhai did not feel sorry for them. He thought of the brick wall, this must be the legendary barrier. I must admit I thought it looked differently. Carefully moving from rock to rock, Metsuhai began to make his way out of there. It felt like a mission more fitting for Takeo and his military antics. All that sneaking around wasn't Metsuhai's specialty. Metsuhai recalled the one and only lesson when Lezner taught them how to move without being seen. He didn't have a lot of respect for the matter, but even Lezner acknowledged the order needed scouts too. Well, although Metsuhai seriously lacked scouting training, his energy control was better than that of any scout he ever met, and right now he had no scent.
Just a bit more, Metsuhai tried convincing himself. There was a big distance between him and the next rock, and the enemy commanders were close too. Well, here we go. Metsuhai ran as fast as he could without making a sound. The crushers pommelling on the barrier in the background certainly helped. Metsuhai found himself behind the backs of the two powerful supervisors. He was close enough not just to see them, but even hear their words. One was an orc, two meters tall and armored from head to toe. He carried on him the kind of heavy plate armor only a combatant with great physical strength could handle. Even though he was in the middle of a calm conversation, he held his massive two handed war- hammer. His conversation partner was, by Metsuhai's estimation, even more dangerous. A one eyed Lizardman elder shaman. His skin consisted of hardened scales and Metsuhai got the feeling that his short but powerful claws tore through human flesh before. He only wore a black eye patch on his left eye and a brown belt around his hips. He held his stick like wand in his right arm, keeping the rift open (though the energy was invisible to most). His focus however was on the conversation.
"…official, baron Phaulin defeated Metalics. He's number one now. I didn't see that coming." The lizardman's voice was hoarse but not as strong as the orc's answer.
"Who cares? They give orders, we are follow. Nothing changed. You too involve of commanders. Not our place, dangerous. I prefer never meet a demon lord my whole life."
The lizardman seemed to want to say something but eventually decided to let it go. Metsuhai was about to move again when suddenly the lizardman's and then the orc's head perked up. Oh no! But it wasn't him who caught their attention. A small section of the wall became transparent. The overjoyed crusher lifted his battered, blood covered fists, roaring a victory roar. Then he tried to squeeze himself through the opening. Yet his happiness was short lived. The wall regenerated from the sides. Slamming shut, with a snap, sending the wounded beast crushing into the stony ground. The crusher roared in pain, or was it disappointment?
The orc said nothing of the incident. The lizardman shook his head with a bit of disappointment. "I studied the barrier all my life, yet it's still a mystery to me."
Metsuhai, who used the commanders' distraction to slip away breathed with relief. This was so nerve-wracking.
…
Barran eventually stopped laughing. "Your weapon was shattered, what are you gonna do now?"
Tsukiyama forsed himself to stop breathing hard. I think I just found an opening. "Losing the chain was most unfortunate, but I'm far from done. Actually I'm more of a melee fighter. I wonder. Will you allow me to hit your armor covered stomach?"
"Ehhh," Barran was obviously surprised.
"Are you afraid?"
Barran roared. "Barran fears nothing!"
Barran put his arms aside, waiting.
Tsukiyama approached and began hitting with his fists. Though his hits were strong, they made no impact on Barran and his armor covered front. Barran was smiling, proud of his invincibility. You will come to regret this… Sure my fists are useless here, and Welding Hands are too slow to make the difference. However, I have an attack more powerful and more secret than the welding hands. "Armor..."
Purple energy gathered around Tsukiyama's open palm. "…Piersing..." Barran gazed downwards, not understanding. "…Fist!" Tsukiyama's palm smashed into Barran's stomach. His round armor bent deep inwards. Barran spat blood out of his mouth. Tsukiyama didn't waste time. He grabbed Barran's arm tossing him down. Barrans body slammed into the rocks so hard they were smashed to bits. He roared, in pain. Tsukiyama was unrelenting, flying towards Barran's head, concentrating energy around his fingers Welding Hands! with one strike Tsukiyama tore into both Barran's eyes, blinding him. Barran tried to catch him, but Tsukiyama slipped away. The next welding hands attack went into the neck. Usually demons bleed slowly, surely on that level, but the wound was just too deep. Blood gashed out like a waterfall. Desperate Barran was looking for the axe. He did find it. Barran swung the axe at Tsukiyama, but without seeing him, he couldn't be accurate, missing every time, braking rocks. It's time to finish this. Tsukiyama, standing on the ground lifted both his hands aiming at the sky. High up, above even the smoke currents, a huge yellow energy ball was forming fast. Tsukiyama was sweating, his hands shaking. Barran stumbled on a big stone and almost fell. Tsukiyama swung his hands sharply. The overwhelmingly massive ball slowly began its way down. Barran forced himself to talk "you really think you can do me in with this?!"
Barran put his hands forward struggling to stop that ball. The ball smashed into his palms with unbelievable force, dragging even the huge demon lord back. His legs curved trails in the stone. Well this is the end.
Tsukiyama kicked Barran's leg, making him trip. Barran lost his grip on the energy ball at the worst possible timing. Then came the big explosion. The blast, blindingly bright, annihilated everything in its path. The ground shook violently. Stone melted and turned to shreds. Lava flowed out of its banks. Even the volcanoes far away reacted, erupting one after the other.
The smoke cleared slowly, the explosion subsided. Tsukiyama stumbled forward, making his way out of the reforged stone wasteland, now turned to a massive crater, slowly being filled by small streams of lava. Naked, covered with burns, Tsukiyama dragged his feet across the edge of the crater, clutching a blood soaked rag. He was pressing it hard against the left side of his body, trying to stop the bleeding. Close to the middle of the crater, behind his back, Barran lay dead. His armor obliterated, his blood making his way out through uncountably many wounds. His gaze was empty, though he looked intimidating even now.
I did what I came here to do… Though I got more than what I bargained for. Tsukiyama could sense the movement of the enemy divisions moving out towards him. The dark army is on the move. They couldn't have possibly missed this. I wonder if they already know that one of their supreme commanders, one of the invincible demon lords, met his end. I must retreat…
The wounds Tsukiyama sustained were bad enough, but given some time, healing himself was not a problem. But there was no solution to the exhaustion. Without a good rest Tsukiyama could not recover. …No! I need to draw away this infinite army if Metsuhai is to stand any chance of survival… Well Metsuhai, my student, there's really nothing more I can do for you now. I wish you the best of luck, the lives of many depend on you… I really overexerted myself.
…
Goh sat with a hunched back, his face tucked between his hands. A stature unbefitting a ruler. But he was completely alone, just a father grieving for his technically still alive daughter. Even this short time of sorrow he allowed himself felt like a luxury he didn't deserve. How many have lost their sons following my commands? How much grief have my mistakes caused? I sit here in pain when I should be preparing for what's to come. My duty calls, yet I cannot answer. I am in no shape to lead. But Goh knew that when the invasion begins he'll force himself up and lead his troops to their final fight. My sons are stronger than me it seems. Both Kagehiroto and Yamato already knew of the tragedy. Kagehiroto got himself drunk, even more than usual, yet for the first time in a long time he took the war seriously. He didn't just attend the meetings, he voiced reasonable suggestions and gave valuable input, supporting his comrades. He hides the fact that he is grieving. Yamato looked almost broken, despite still perfectly performing his duties as always. He always had strong will. And yet…
"Father, is there really nothing we could do? It's Chizue!"
"Some things even we Arisu can't do. I will say no more of this."
It pained me dearly to say that. I wish there was any other way. But it would have been beyond foolishness to send anyone to the rescue, it would have been a betrayal to humanity. In 10,000 years every expedition ever sent to inferno was met with defeat. Furthermore, there were no survivors, not a single one. They all met horrible death. May they rest in peace.
The hourglass suddenly began shaking and glowing. Oh no, can my old heart take it?!
Goh intended to wait until the movement stopped but found himself looking up. The sand surged upwards, flowing with force. It, it can't be! The hourglass stopped glowing. The movement of the sand finally returned to its usual state, however there was much more sand on the upper side, though there still was more sand on the bottom. Most importantly, though the number 8 remained burning as before, the number at the top changed from 4 to 5. Is the hourglass broken? Goh couldn't believe his eyes. No no, this enchanted ancient devise does not err. Did Chizue actually won her duel? Goh shook his head. That's impossible. Only once in our entire history a demon lord was defeated. Uragiri, what a fiend. He was so strong… and yet according to the research he was by far the weakest one of them all. My daughter trained well, but such a feat is far beyond her capabilities… What the hell is happening out there?
No matter. Gohs miserable expression turned into a wide smile. Goh jumped up, his fists high above his head, He charged out of the room like a child. After all this time, effort and sacrifice humanity finally scored a victory in a ritual duel.