Chapter 223 Brave Friends

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The moment Eleanora told me about my father fighting, I felt moved. I didn't wanted to go back to the village and leave him to die. I wanted to be at his side, shoulder to shoulder, and help him fight… and win. I had never felt this inspired to help another person from the kindness of my heart. This was a feeling like nothing I had felt before. Was this what it felt to be a human? Although I might never truly change how I am at all, I have changed… in other ways that usually don't show in the surface, perhaps small changes that are improving my own perspective of life and people. I will never change how my nature or my personality truly is, nor my convictions, ambitions, and dreams. I will never stop being Asmodeus… However, there's nothing wrong with also being Blake, the human boy.

Right after that, I decided to tell my companions about it. Eric, Chris, and Erika listened to my words carefully, their faces grew darker the more they realized the enormous threat that the demons created for the village. I told them about my father as well, and I gave them two options.

"You can come with me and fight the demons, putting your lives on the line… I will do everything in my power to keep you alive, but not even I know if we'll survive. Or… you may choose to go back to the village and quickly escape with the rest of your families, I won't blame you if you pick this option, it is logical and-"

"WE'LL GO WITH YOU!"

"Eh?"

All three of them jumped over me and roared back to me, with their faces extremely close to mine. It honestly scared me and made me flinch for a second. I didn't knew they were so willing to put their lives on the line to such an extent… they were so young. Well, my age, but… their mentality shouldn't be the same as mine, they're clearly children, stupid and na?ve. Ah, I guess that's why they decided to come with me. They had leveled quite well for now but… I am not sure if we can truly make it out, even less when there's another three hundred demons.

"Are you sure about this?!" I asked.

"Yes!" Said Chris.

"I am…" Said Eric.

"I will follow you anywhere, Blake!" Said Erika.

"But you… you may die!" I said.

"You said you were going to do anything you could to keep us alive, we believed you." Said Chris. "I can't just run away like a chicken anyways, I will protect my village… I bet my father is there as well, he's also a hunter you healed! I want to stand at your side as you fight with your father as well, Blake."

"I don't want to be a coward anymore… I-I know I can fight, I got the magic and the talent… I just have to go and do it! I know you'll… protect my back, all of you. I trust you… because you're my best friends." Said Eric.

"I've slain many demons already and they had yet to become a challenge to me! I am sure I can slay a few more while I am at it! Don't worry about me, Blake… I trust you'll cover my back. I will never leave your side… Never ever! I will stay by your side and protect you as much as you've protected me… I want both of us to survive and grow up so we can marry!" Said Erika.

Once more, I felt strange. Moved by the burning passion and emotions of my comrades, I realized I had truly changed the lives of people in this world already. All of my friends were the living proof of that. I can't really blame them for wanting to do something so reckless that might kill them, they feel indebted with me for all the things I've done for them. I should feel happy about having such loyal subjects, but… I also feel an even stronger feeling. I feel like they're my family, part of my own kin. I couldn't help but smile like an idiot as I sighed, they're really hopeless. Despite feeling happy, I also should feel angered at them for being such reckless idiots.

But aren't I quite reckless, despite thinking I am quite smart? At the end of the day, I always jump into danger after preparing just a bit. I've always been called a genius by many, but in truth… I am also a reckless man.

"Fine…" I sighed. "Let's do it then."

I ended summoning all the Beast Spirits I had summoned through Gluttony beforehand, bringing out ten Fenrir and ten Orcus, alongside ten Spores. The limit was ten for each one of them, so I had already reached it… If I wanted to make more than ten, I had to use Spirit Orbs of their respective Ranks, which I did had, but didn't wanted to waste right now unless we were truly desperate.

I quickly told them three to mount the Fenrir I summoned, as the four of us rushed through the forest over the giant black wolves whose mere presences created enough fear in the hearts of Imps that they felt paralyzed when they howled. I also have Gluttony with me, and all the magic I've learned until now. I… am even ready to make a Magic Circle inside my soul, even in the middle of a battle it should be possible, but I won't do it unless it is incredibly necessary, as it takes a toll on my body.

"I can see something!" Said Erika. "T-The people is fighting the red-skinned demons there! Ah… there are a few blue ones mixed! Dozens between the hundreds!"

"So there are also Onis?!" Said Chris

"I can see… a handful of big giant ones!" Cried Eric.

Naturally, I was also seeing through the army using my [Hawk Eye] Skill… And indeed, the army wasn't just easy to kill Imps, there were dozens of Blue Onis mixed in between, and also giant demons… this fight won't be an easy one.

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