Hiding out of eyesight, I start to make my way outside. According to the knight, the evil god is apparently two days away. Assuming theyre most likely keeping pace with the monsters the succubus is bringing along, that amount of distance should take me a single day on horseback.
In any case, I need to secure a means of transport first. Lets borrow a horse from somewhere. Ive never ridden one before, but if its just riding, Im sure I can manage somehow.
Whoops!
As Im walking through the mansion and mulling it over, a knight passes right by in the hallway in front of me.
Its not like I cant come up with a suitable excuse if Im spotted, but I want to avoid trouble as much as possible. And Im on the first floor now, so maybe itll be harder to spot me if I leave the mansion.
-I open a window and go outside. And I come out in the garden. Relying on the light escaping from the windows, I walk towards the mansions gate.
Cant see at all this late at night, huh well, I think I can manage to get out, at least
On the way, I feel the sensation of something hitting my head. From the feel of it, it was probably a drop of water or something. I wonder if its going to start raining? As long as its not bird crap.
Sheesh, what now
I touch my head.
Its kinda sticky. What is this?
To determine the origin, I look up.
-Theres a dragon head there.
Whooaaah!?
I completely forgot. Oh yeah, Rurukas Earth Dragon was here in the courtyard. And its late at night, so since it was huddled next to the trees, I didnt notice it at all.
Guru
The dragon looks at me and growls. Man seeing it again like this, this dragon is scary after all. Its huge, it has fangs and claws, and it can emit that breath.
I really cant understand Rurukas sensibilities, calling this cute. I wonder if her cuuute! was referring to herself or something? It did seem like she really adores this thing, though.
Listen, dont move, okay? Im a little busy right now. I dont have time to worry about you.
It looks scary, but dragons can supposedly understand human speech. I hold my hand straight out, conveying a stop intent, while slowly backing away.
-That instant.
The dragon tries to bite my outstretched hand.
Hey, wai!!
I panic and fall right down on my ass. The dragons face steadily comes nearer.
Now the dragon is close enough that I can feel its breath hitting my face. Ah, this is hopeless. Before I fight the evil god, Ill be killed by Rurukas pet. Just how meticulously is she caring for it?
The dragons faintly minty breath brushes along my cheek.
And then- it licks me. After that, the dragon starts to rock its head a little, trying to nuzzle against my roughed-up face.
Nn?
Well this is different.
Its kinda like its super attached to me. Why is that?
By some chance, I wonder if the dragon remembers that I ordered Yuel to save it? If thats the case, its got a rather strong sense of duty. Even though that was quite a while ago. If Yuel-san herself came, I wonder how it would express its affection?
Thats it. I was searching for a horse, but maybe I dont need to look any further. And this thing is way faster than a horse.
Hey, Id kinda like you to give me a ride somewhere would you do that for me?
I query the dragon. When I do, the dragon makes a little growl in affirmation.
Strong winds are hitting my face. Thanks to the saddle that Ruruka attached, the dragon is an unexpectedly comfy ride. So much so that I only need to hold on with one hand.
If I let Yuel ride it next time, shell probably be thrilled.
With me riding on the dragons back, we fly dozens of meters in the sky for just under half a day. Finally, I spot a black cluster in the direction of the royal capital.
Most likely, thats the succubus monster army.
Unlike the ones around Merhatz, there are some considerably strong-looking monsters mixed in. And the evil god who uses large-scale magic should also be in there somewhere.
This is close enough.
Getting carried away by the mood, the succubus purses her lips with a mmmm and shakes her hips in midair. She must think that I cant do a thing now that Im being manipulated. Shes being totally careless.
Yeah, I would love that.
Since the succubus is inviting me, I reach my hands out towards her. Theres not even a meter between us anymore.
Hm? Theres blood coming from your mouth?
The succubus remarks when she looks at my mouth.
Looks like you noticed my abnormality. But even if you notice now, its too late. At this distance, I can grab you.
-I take out a certain something from my item box. Its the one from the church, which originally belonged to the archbishop. This magic tool, the ornate one that Yuel presented to me.
Ive been questioning it this whole time. The archbishop was trying to revive the succubus. That was in order to create his wonderful world where he can do dirty things to girls. But for that, he would naturally need some means of controlling the succubus.
How exactly was the archbishop going to try to control her?
And the answer was- this collar.
At the time, I thought the succubus was going to be petrified anyway, so I wasnt expecting to get to use this. But now, in this situation, this collar will be my strongest trump card. This is no mere monster-manipulating collar.
-Its a highest-grade Subordination Collar, which can control even an apostle of the evil god at will.
Thatd be cause I was biting the inside of my cheek to resist, of course.
I attach that collar to the succubus without hesitation. She was careless. Since I was easily manipulated before, I could be easily manipulated this time as well? Such negligence is fatal.
-I was biting the inside of my cheek, enduring the temptation via the pain.
What the!?
Also, I dont intend to tell the succubus this, but on the way here, I was using Slime Jelly while riding on the dragon.
Im currently in sage mode. Im most likely the only one in human history whos joined the Mile High Club with Slime Jelly. The dragon was moaning in utter disgust and squirming, but well, that was for the sake of humanity too.
The dragon fled to the skies the instant I dismounted, but I hope it will find it in its heart to forgive me.
Although I bet Ruruka would be pissed if she found out. But Ruruka, your dragon was a comfy ride.
This is a collar!? Guh!
The succubus is surprised at having the collar suddenly put on her. And she instantly tries to take it off. I empower my voice with mana and order her.
Do not remove the collar.
Wh-, My hands, my hands wont move!?
The collar glows red, and the succubus movement stops. Success.
But its kinda like a slave crest, huh. Perhaps they use a similar mechanism.
-Now then, having come this far, theres only one thing left to do.
Hey, succubus, that thing you told me? It left a huge impression on me, so I still remember it even now.
What did I?
That if you and I joined hands, we could even conquer the world. You said that, succubus.
Well then, the power of the evil god who once set out to conquer the world, and our combined power which could possibly conquer the world. Starting now, why dont we test which one is stronger?
The succubus face twitches. She quickly turns around and tries to tell the evil god something. But its too late.
-If I lead a massive army towards the evil god from the front, well be blown up by his large-scale magic before we get close.
-Even if I lead a small unit on a surprise attack, well be cut down by his overwhelming sword technique.
As far as I can tell from his description in the Bible, the evil god seemingly has no openings. But theres a way out of this conundrum.
If I cant lead an army to attack him from the front.
If a surprise attack with a select few will end in my demise.
-Then why dont I lead a surprise attack with the horde thats already surrounding the evil god?
I give the order.
Manipulate the monsters, succubus! Strike down the evil god along with me!!
Simultaneously, the troll suddenly goes berserk. The evil god is immediately thrown off the trolls shoulder, falling amidst the swarm of monsters. And, at the spot where he lands, I can see the surrounding monsters vigorously begin their assault.