Editing Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 3 Chapter 3 (section)

===Part 5===


After being hit by Mio’s lightning magic, Zest was unable to fight anymore.

Restraining her with a rope specialized for demons, Nonaka Yuki tied up Zest.

The reason for not finishing her off was for them to acquire Zolgear’s weakness. While he’s away, Mio was entrusted to her to this degree. Perhaps, Zest might be the most important subordinate of Zolgear. If that’s the case, then it should be not strange for her to know Zolgear’s secrets. Or so they thought,

“………………”

No matter how Yuki and Mio ask from her, there was no answer coming from Zest at all. According to Mio, Zest had a poor connections with Zolgear. Therefore, there may be a possibility that she was also forced to follow him like Maria, so thinking that maybe there’s a chance that she might be able to cooperate with them,

“Apparently… More than making her cooperate with us, it is even harder to make her confess.”

Yuki told to Mio while sighing in disappointment.

“Then it is dangerous to keep her alive any longer. We should eliminate her.”

They can’t let their guard down even if she is bound by a rope that seals off magic power. The risk of counterattack is not zero, and if Zolgear returned, they will have no chances of winning this time.

“…Well, it certainly is impossible to convince this person no matter what we say”

However, as for Mio.

“I wonder what Basara will do in this case… Even having found out the identities of Maria and me, that guy still accepted us. Maybe he can make this person have a change of heart”

“………”

In Mio’s proposal, Yuki fell silent. Zest was a challenge for even both of them, so this is a great opportunity to kill her. Even if Basara joined them, winning a head-on battle with a high ranking demon like Zolgear will be tough. If that happens, Basara will even risk his own existence.

“I understand… I must go to where Basara and Maria is as soon as possible.”

Though it has been a little while ago, the sounds of impacts and roars have already settled down, but there was a possibility that the battle still continued. If Maria were told that Zest has been defeated, this may help Basara in trying to persuade her who has her family taken hostage. However, if they left Zest here, this would give her a chance to escape while they weren’t looking, and it is still dangerous to watch her alone, given her ability. With Zest having restricted here, the best option will be to go to the other side with three people. Yuki and Mio who had matched opinions nodded to each other, but at the moment that they started to move, 

“―――?”

All of a sudden, Yuki and Mio got perplexed at the same time, because they couldn’t move their bodies. Even that they can pull out their voices, their breathing didn’t follow.  Over there,

“––––Hou? It seems that you have been going wild when I was away.”

a voice was heard smiling from above. Barely raising her face to look up, Yuki saw a figure of a demon at her first sight.

“Zolgear…!”

Mio nearby called his name filled with hatred. 

“Oh… my mental restraints were of the same power a while ago, but now you can talk through it?”

Zolgear said seeming to enjoy that, and went in front of Yuki and Mio. At that moment,

“Hah –––…”

Nonaka Yuki inhaled involuntarily. This wasn’t the first time for her in confronting a high ranking demon. However,

''… No way, just a little more and we’d…''

Yuki realized her naïve calculations.  The aura that Zolgear clad in his body was far beyond her imagination. As she clenched her teeth in her unmoving state, 

“The existence of friends after all was reassuring to see…isn’t it?”

Zolgear noticed Yuki’s existence, and suddenly a creeping stare was turned to her,

“Heh… This also. I saw it in the video so I knew, but seeing it in person, what a wonderful material we got here. And it seemed that it took these two people to apparently defeat that Zest somehow.”

Seemingly pleased,

“Together with Naruse Mio, I will make you mine… with a supreme pleasure even that boy called Toujou Basara will never give.”

“…Who would in the likes of you?”

“What dear… You and Naruse Mio, will soon wish to come for me.”

Yuki endured the sensation severely, and shakes her shoulder to Zolgear.

“By the way… are you alright, Zest?”

He said so, and stood in front of Zest next to Yuki. 

“…Your Highness, I’m very sorry.”

When Zest knelt on the floor while restrained by the rope and lowered her head in sorrow,

“I don’t mind it… thanks to Toujou Basara in addition, I’ve got a new toy in my hands.”

“Yes…”

Zest said in a gentle voice, and looked up to her master who’s worried about her.

–––but towards Zest, Zolgear casually brandished his arm in a flash.

A shockwave was generated and enfolded Zest, flinging her against the wall behind with a roar.


<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>


After throwing Zest through the stone-paved walls with quite an impact and falling down to the floor,

"… Zolgear, -sama…?"

Tattered, she looked up and saw Zolgear. Thereupon,

"Oh, sorry… are you all right?"

Zolgear apologized with a smile ––– not to Zest, but to Yuki who was also caught up by the shockwave that hit Zest aside.

"Though you will become mine later on, the number of wounds have increased too much. But you don't have to worry. I will heal you properly later ––– your whole body up to the very last corner"

"No… Your Highness, I"

As Zest spat out giving a bitter expression by reflex,

"Rather––– Zest, didn't you envy these girls that much you bastard? ''And that young man who is their master too.''"

As what Mio had said, she had thought of her own feelings and little desires which were locked away for long.
'''(!<!-- Note: Unsure of this sentence! please check it for me それは澪に投げ掛けられ、少しだけ想いを馳せてしまった己の可能性だった。 Page 227-->)'''

As Zest stiffened once her thoughts that she slightly held was seen through,

"Your thoughts, it has always been carried to me ––– Haven’t you forgotten whose hands you were created from?"

And then, Zolgear.

"Useless. A subordinate who had lost her loyalty is no longer anything but a thrash ––– Die"

Bitterly saying so, the master who created Zest spun a certain curse against her.

''… No……''

Zest’s breath was held involuntarily. It was an incantation to kill Zest immediately.

"Aah……a……"

At once, Zest was wrapped in purple light, but it’s not on the state to be shocked anymore.

She had never experienced even a single affection unlike the other subordinates so far.

Still, Zest worked hard to serve her master for a long time. even she's born as a woman, she never had a chance to serve him primarily as a woman, even if it is the sole purpose in life.

––– Yet, Zest right now, was cast away directly, and will be killed by her very own master.

However, Zest couldn't resist at all. She couldn't fight against the brutality and the unreasonableness of her master who turned his back on her. For Zest who is a magical life-form, the existence of her creator is absolute to this degree.

And as the purple glow that surrounded Zest amplified, the curse of instant death began to invoke ––– in an instant.

"––––––"

A gust of wind ran next to her ––––– and at the same time.

With a shrill sound, the light from the curse that wrapped Zest had disappeared.

"………"

''How on earth did that happen? –––––'' Zest was in blank amazement, and then she saw.

Grasping a demon sword which became the armor of his right hand, a young man was running towards Zolgear. It was Toujou Basara.

[[Image:Shinmai v03 229.jpg|thumb]]


<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>


Toujou Basara rushed into the hall without hesitation.

Mio and Yuki were safe. There was a male demon which seemed to be Zolgear. 

And Zolgear was trying to get rid of Zest who was his very own subordinate.

Basara who finished confirming the situation in an instant, materialized Brynhildr while running in full speed, plunging himself between Zolgear and Zest in a flash,

"–––––"

Wielded Brynhildr with both hands, and activated【{{furigana|Banishing Shift|Abysmal Execution}}】. While having high pitched shrills at the same time, the curse that was going to kill Zest vanished. And then,

""–––––Basara?!""

While hearing Mio and Yuki’s voice of surprise at the same time,

"Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"

Basara without flinching even a bit from the high ranking demon Zolgear tried to stab him with Brynhildr.

With a high ranking demon as his opponent, Toujou Basara wasn't conceited to slip in without petty tricks. Aiming for a killer blow by a diagonal slash downward, he targeted the shoulder of Zolgear. But as the high speed slash leaving trails of white was about to get sunk towards Zolgear’s left shoulder,

''Gakiiiiiiin!''

At the last moment, it was blocked by a black sword that Zolgear created in his right hand.

"Hmph… not losing your calm in these situations, even connecting a feint is not bad."

But, Zolgear then smiled,

"The speed is fine, but with a feint of that level is unfortunately useless against me."

"……"

Basara grimaced, then as he cut the distance by jumping back from his previous position,

"However, to be able to nullify the curse of the instant death, I don’t understand the theory, but that’s a wonderful one."

Zolgear turned his eyes of great interest.

"And it also seems to be able to erase even my magical barrier… according to the report, the technique can only be executed as a counter, but it seems that it can also handle many applications and extend limits up to this degree."

"………"

Basara which was directed by his thin smile, poised Brynhildr silently in reply.

The speculations that Zolgear spoke of were correct.  

––––【{{furigana|Banishing Shift|Abysmal Execution}}】is only possible to execute as a counter for the opponent’s attack. However, even with such handicap, enlarging the domain defined by the 【Attack】gave the move a new degree of versatility.  

He made to be able to draw out 【{{furigana|Banishing Shift|Abysmal Execution}}】against the barrier of Zolgear a while ago from the inside, because it considered the isolation to the outside world as if【it had received an attack from the barrier】.

"Still, even you have succeeded in persuading Maria, coming alone in such a worn-out state… with the power of that fellow right now, your chances of defeating me had just become slim."

"… You have taken someone important from Maria"

Finally, Toujou Basara opened his mouth.

"As I face you, I recall all sorts of things, being shook up by a threat and being thrown into confusion. It’s too high risk for you to fight that guy right now."

Though Maria said that she wanted to fight together with him, Basara didn't allow her. Realizing her feelings, although he’s grateful, Maria had suffered Zolgear's blackmails for a long time. Plus, having a spiritual advantage, it would be easy for her to be manipulated. Even if she could transform to boost her power, if it cannot be unleashed, it is useless. In fact Maria won’t be able to kill Basara even though she had her family being taken hostage. The girl called Maria has a gentle heart. However, that gentleness is why Zolgear has the advantage. That’s the reason why Basara set Maria aside.

"I see. It appears that the head seems to be around in its own way."

Zolgear put up a larger smile.

"But I don’t understand… To go that far and help Zest who is your enemy, what are you scheming? Saving a dying person who is your enemy, have your chivalrous spirit gone mad"

"… Unfortunately, I don’t have such noble beliefs."

Basara said casually.  To make it clear, Basara moved his sight to Zest who was looking at him in utter amazement,

"Well, she could be similar to Maria, who is made to follow you by force, too. If that’s the case, then she isn't our enemy. That is enough reason to help her."

"What a sweet thing… unlike your half-hearted plays from Naruse Mio and that girl over there, my and Zest’s contract are absolute. Similar to just now, a command to die is also included. If I give a command some other time, won’t you reconsider it again if she bares her fangs at you?"

"At that time, Yuki and Mio will hold her in check again."

Seeing her being bound up, Perhaps, while Basara is holding off against Maria, Mio and Yuki fought her and won. It’s the opponent who Takigawa referred troublesome. Zolgear is not a sham to a degree but a man befitting of considerable caliber, and though there is no guarantee that Mio and the others can win in a head-on fight, if she’s restricted with the rope, there won’t be a problem. However,

"–––– I’m sorry to say this, but that’s impossible."

Zolgear sneered in ridicule.

“Unfortunately, those two aren't in a condition to move right now… Well, that’s because I have bound them up already."

"Be careful Basara…… that guy uses some kind of odd magic!"

Mio shouted, Yuki next to her also shown affirmation in her bitter expression.

"It’s futile –––– no one can avoid my mental restraints"

And then, Zolgear's sharp gaze pierced through the whole body of Toujou Basara in an instant.


<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>


Upon seeing Zolgear’s gaze, Basara was stuck in a pose while setting up Brynhildr.

"––––? Thi, this is……"

While in the midst of confusion, Basara tried to struggle to slip out from the bondage.

"What happened to your power a while ago? It’s kind of disappointing if you can't move at this degree."

Zolgear's mental bondage is neither an art nor magic. It is pure will similar to a mere hostility and killing intent transformed to disable an opponent. The intensity of the effect is directly proportional to the ability of the user.

"I heard that you’re the son of that Jin Toujou, and really look forward to it but… did he really threw away the title of being the strongest hero for the sake of such a son? I don’t know if it was a father's sentiment, but for a fool who was once called the war god to have stooped so low…"

Mocking at him full of scorn, he faced Basara who was at loss for words.

"Don't worry. Though I have no particular interests to keep such a man who is on the level of an insect alive with mental bondage, you with a rare ability is an exemption. I'm going to analyze those powers and make you mine, as well as Wilbert's power sleeping in Naruse Mio, too."

Zolgear walked a few steps in a slow pace,

"But first –––– how about showing me what's inside your head?"

As he said so, he stretched out his left hand towards Basara's forehead–––– then at that moment,

"––––?"
Zolgear jumped back in reflex, and the spot he was a while ago was mowed down by Brynhildr at the same time. As Zolgear landed on the floor lightly,

"Hou… You escaped from by mental bondage by force? Looks like you aren't really a burden to your father"

Zolgear grinned, while Basara looked down.

"You can say whatever you want to me… well as you see, I'm not that great"

However, with eyes filled with intense fury, Basara raised his head.

"But my father –––– Toujou Jin, I'll never ever forgive anyone who insults him… ever!"

Basara raised his sword and rushed unto Zolgear with no hesitation. Then, 

"Is that so? Then, prove it to me right now."

Zolgear showed a coldhearted smile.

"–––– Bear this in your mind. Insects will still give birth to insects"

While saying so–––he charged in front of Basara.


<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>


The truth is ––– Toujou Basara's ability was not on the level capable of freeing from Zolgear's mental bondage. But Basara was able to escape from Zolgear's rule as he applied his experiences in handling high ranking demons on the same level.

Five years ago, a Hero has been possessed by an evil spirit that drove the 【Village】into destruction. Mio had Wilbert's power ran wild last month. And then, Maria who had runaway transformed herself from her spirit form just a while ago.

Both of them have powers of S- and S class. Those are relative for Basara in fighting against the mental bondage Zolgear had cast.

–––But, the thing that moved Basara wasn't his experience.

It's the feeling that is burning up inside him.

His beloved younger sisters–––Mio and Maria were continuously being hurt by this man and continued tormenting their hearts. Added to that, Jin, his father whom he respected more than anyone ––– was insulted right in front of him.

Facing Zolgear, Toujou Basara changed his anger burning up his body into sheer power. He dashed three steps forward, accelerating even further from Zolgear's sword with proper timing, and leaped from the front. In an instant, he got into the back of Zolgear, and drawn out a horizontal killing blow. However,

"––––––Fuu"

Zolgear caught his attack by the black sword from his hand with a grin.

High pitched sounds of clashing metal resounded–––––– however, Basara had readied his own body for the next action even before the sounds were heard. Sliding on the stone-paved floor, Basara sprinted as he lowered his body, reducing his distance from Zolgear immediately.

"Uoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo"

Basara connected a series of high speed attacks. Performing quick footwork at point-blank range consistently, he tried to stab different times in succession.

"I have said this already –––––– your speed isn’t bad. It is in a considerable level for human beings"

Zolgear praised, however he easily continued to parry Basara’s sword attacks at ease.

"Perhaps among the hero clan, no person can match your speed. That speed can pretty much overwhelm an opponent I say."

Unfortunately,

"These attacks that gave priority to speed has a nice look, but it's easy to read as it concentrates only to blind spots and taking your opponent off guard. These cheap and childish sword tricks can only be used against opponents of the same level"

With weapons reverberating constantly, Zolgear who keeps on receiving attacks,

“Aren't you taught by your father on how to use a sword? –––––– You are to use it this way”

In just a mere pause, he had cut through the openings between the sword attacks of Basara, swinging his black sword all the way to the bottom. Basara who received it with Brynhildr at once,

"Gah––––⁉"

Was thrown up right away from the heavy sword attack. Then, kicking the floor at once, Zolgear approached him,

"Kuh… You––!"

Basara who broke his stance forcibly swung Brynhild.

"To wave your sword in desperation like that ––– how unsightly"

As Zolgear drove with his jet black sword easily, Brynhildr was warded off without making any sound.

"Wha––…"

Not even making a sound of clashing metals, Basara stared in blank surprise.

"––Does this surprise you that much?"

Zolgear gave a scornful laugh and declared at a distance as he approached Basara.

"Don’t tell me… You haven’t understand the difference of our abilities yet?"

At the same time, Basara received a heavy blow to the back. He received a blow from the hilt of Zolgear's sword.

"Gaha…!"

The impact reached his lungs, Basara was deprived of his concept of breathing and fell on the floor.

"…––––Kuh!"

His feet made a landing barely. As he was about to fall down, he thrust his knee on the floor with irregular breathing.

Then, Zolgear’s sword was wrapped in dim light.

"Let me have you taste the flames of hell––––"

As Zolgear said so, dark flames were released as he swung his jet-black blade. He approached at once while burning down the whole atmosphere from an empty space.

"Kuh––––Uoooooooooo!"

Basara countered with 【{{furigana|Banishing Shift|Abysmal Execution}}】at once–––––however it wasn't enough, as it was barely repelled. Then, when the remains of the black flame Basara countered reached the floor, it created a simultaneous chain of explosions.

"Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

Basara wa blown off by the impact and was flung to the floor about ten meters away from that spot.

"––––Basara!"

Yuki cried out loud–––that voice barely joined Basara’s consciousness altogether.

"Kuh……uh……ah……!"

Basara stood up in desperation. He couldn't afford to fall down now.

He has a precious family that he needs to protect. He couldn't afford to lose those important to him.

He couldn't allow his precious sisters and his childhood friend to be stolen from him––––Therefore,

"…………"

Wiping the blood in his lips by the back of his hand, Toujou Basara faced in front. Zolgear who already landed from the air to the floor was looking at him in anticipation.

"That’s a good one… to be able to scatter my flames even from a bad angle. That technique sure is wonderful." 

"When I have gotten Wilbert’s power ––––The new king of the underworld will be me."

"…I won’t let you do such thing!" 

''I won’t let this man do as he wanted!''

Speaking words of rejection, Basara charged in front again.