The NTR Hero Knelt Before the Demon King – Chapter 84

After resolving the incident in one way or another, the Demon King and the Hero resumed their interrupted duel.

However, at this moment, both of them found it strangely difficult to engage in a serious match, perhaps due to the lingering impact of having held hands during their journey here.

“Damn… Even though it’s a competition, this feels really weird… To swing my sword with all my might against my partner, someone I just held hands with not long ago…”

“Why is it… I can’t shake off this feeling. I definitely came here wanting to face the Hero in a proper sword duel… So why am I feeling this hesitation now?”

Even now, just looking at the person in front of them made their hearts race.

In such a situation, where both only wanted to hold hands once more just like a moment ago, it was practically impossible to have a normal duel psychologically.

But, it wasn’t like they could just stop the duel now.

As a result…

The Hero’s mind automatically began to formulate a single thought.

“Well… honestly, at this point, isn’t it enough? I’ve already shown my strength by easily defeating a member of the Elite Guard, and surely, Your Majesty, the Demon King will win without much trouble.”

Knowing that the fact of possessing strength surpassing that of the Demon King would not be overly beneficial was evident when Beelzebub, who was well aware of this, was trying to keep an eye on the Hero.

Consequently, in this moment, the Hero decided to appropriately lose to the Demon King…

And this was the same for the Demon King.

“After all, it’s almost predetermined that the Hero will win… There’s no reason for me to desire Narcil, so there’s no need to stand out here.”

With that, they both agreed to just let the other win.

And as a result…

-KLANG!!!!!

As the duel commenced, the two of them struck their swords together with just the right amount of strength.

But in that moment…

Both honed to the extreme limits of nothingness could immediately sense it.

“…This… this is…”

“Your Majesty… No way?”

The moment their swords clashed, they could recognize a clear fact.

That was… the sword of their opponent did not convey any feelings of ambition or competitive spirit, but rather a distinct will not to harm the other.

Although the fundamental combat power of the two was so immense that it could be felt as a shockwave of magic to the eyes of onlookers,

It was, nevertheless, completely different from the visible appearance.

The two individuals involved realized through this ‘heart’ contained within the clash of swords that the person in front of them was thinking the same thing.

“Is that so… It isn’t just me, but even Your Majesty…”

“Looks like it was the same for you, Hero.”

Visibly engaged in a tense duel, both were, at this moment, blushing beneath their helmets out of sheer embarrassment.

The fact that someone they hold deep feelings for was thinking and acting the same way made it feel as if their hearts were in sync.

With their swords nearly perfectly still, maintaining a balance, the power exchanged held a sensation akin to a sweet expression of love.

“Whoa… how can this feeling… feel this good even while clashing swords…?”

“They say warriors can feel a connection of souls during battle… Maybe it’s related.”

Thus, not completely understanding the reason, the two began to feel overwhelmingly happy in this moment.

They continued this standoff, which could only be called cozy skinship disguised as a power struggle, for about ten minutes…

And during this time witnessing the “intense clash of pride between warriors”, the crowd involuntarily felt their palms sweaty.

“Such incredible spirit… To think they could exert this much strength and hold it for over 10 minutes…”

“The Hero defeated even one of the Four Kings, Nyadan. So, with opposing forces being equal, this is only natural.”

On one side of the arena, two Demon Generals watched the duel unfold.

Elias and Samson.

They showed serious expressions while observing the clash between the two formidable combatants far fiercer than they’d imagined.

But within that seriousness lay more than just appreciation for the clashing powers.

Unlike other Demon Races, they had a deeper understanding of the situation.

In their minds, they held a secret known only to a select few among the many present in the arena.

“Though the aura and feeling are slightly different… It must be that one with such power, right?”

“I can’t think of anyone else. There’s only one person in this Demon Kingdom with the ability to make it look effortless.”

“I never would have thought… Even so, I didn’t expect such fun and games.”

Hearing Samson’s confirming statement, Elias frowned slightly and slowly shook her head.

To that, Samson smiled slightly and said, “This can’t be seen as mere jest either. Despite appearances, that person is not only a ruler of a nation but also a warrior. Enjoying the clash with strong foes must be their inherent nature.”

“…Well, you’d be the one to say that… but honestly, I’m worried. That person isn’t just theirs alone, you know.”

“That’s called overprotection. No matter how long you’ve known them, your concern is always too much. To be blunt, their abilities have escalated to a level beyond comparison to yours.”

“Hah… That’s true, but…”

With a small sigh at Samson’s words, Elias continued to observe the intense battle with worry in her gaze.

Seeing her like that, Samson couldn’t help but smile faintly.

“But well… Personally, I kind of like that side of you. After all, people call that tenderness.”

*

The time of connection disguised as a power struggle with the Demon King.

Though it was unintentional, I found myself wanting to stretch out this surprisingly sweet moment as much as I could.

In fact, sensing my desire, the Demon King continued to regulate her strength as time flowed, allowing me to know this could go on for some time ahead.

Honestly, I was a bit perplexed by how this duel would ultimately end, but I decided to stop thinking about it with the mindset that it would somehow work out.

Thus, while completely setting aside victory and defeat, I continued to match weapons with her.

But then…

-CLANG!

“Huh?”

“Eh?”

In that moment, a sharp sound reached our ears.

At that, the Demon King and I momentarily felt a sense of unease and began to wonder if it was time to stop and consider our actions for a moment.

But then…

-CLANG!!!

“Ah!…”

“Oh….”

An unexpected turn of events suddenly occurred.

The sword the Demon King was holding shattered into pieces.

“W-What is this…”

I showed a look of bewilderment at the unforeseen development but soon had no trouble understanding the reason.

The sword I held was that famous sword gifted to me by the Demon King.

With the strength to slice through even tougher steel as if it were butter, it could withstand the might of my overwhelming magical power.

Moreover, as a great sword, it had the added bonus of not losing much durability.

In contrast, the weapon facing my great sword was just an ordinary iron sword, not a special sword at all.

With her identity hidden, the Demon King had to equip herself with relatively inexpensive gear instead of the strongest weapon she usually used, making this unavoidable.

In such a scenario,

Even if we were holding back somewhat, it was only natural that an iron sword would not withstand the attack from the two of us, who possessed strength far surpassing that of an ordinary person.

-“The victor is the Black Hero!”-

Thus, our match with the Demon King ended with a deeper disappointment than expected.

However, immediately after,

As the Demon King descended from the arena, she whispered softly in my ear.

“If it’s alright… let’s do this again later…”

“!… Ah… Yes. I… understand.”

“Hehe…”

With that quiet laughter, the Demon King left the arena, and watching her back in that moment made me feel a bit dazed, my face slightly flushed.

As if I had just lost a match.