Volume 10 Chapter 22 (2/2)

Coupling that with his intelligence, his fortitude, and his war potential, he was quite ideal as an ally.

”Alright, I'd like to ask something. You might have approached me because of the [Black] Demon Lord, but do you want to become my ally?”

”Listen, even if I tipped you off, shouldn't you consider me an enemy?”

”Your help outweighs whatever offense you made. So, let me invite you once again: be my ally and fight together with me, [Despair] Demon Lord Belial.”

I said so and then stretched out my hand.

He looked conflicted whether to grab my hand or not.

Could he be feeling undeserving of my offer?

”Belial, let me be frank. I think of you as my benefactor, and I want to somehow repay my debt to you. To that end, whether you accept my offer or not, I won't stop your treatment, take revenge, or ask you to return the [Creation] medal I handed. What I want to say is I don't want you to worry about anything else except how you want us to move forward.”

At that, Belial smiled wryly and looked me straight in the eye.

”…and here I thought I was soft-hearted. How could I say no after that? Very well…no, let me do that again. [Creation] Demon Lord Procell, I humbly request permission to join your faction. I feel like I could accomplish anything so long as you're by my side.”

And so, Belial grasped my outstretched hand.

He gripped it with such force that it was hard to believe he was on the verge of death just a while ago.

He was finally, truly, and fully an ally.

Once his condition has improved a bit, I planned on introducing him to Stolas and Ronove.

”Procell, I realize it's too soon, but I have a request to make.”

”What is it?”

When I replied, he took out a monster from his [Storage].

It was Ubel, his [Monster of the Covenant].

”Please get this girl back to my dungeon. I just don't want the rest of my monsters to worry about me. There's no need to update her. She's special in that even though she's inside the [Storage], she knows what's happening outside.”

While Belial was explaining, Ubel made a graceful bow.

”It vexes me to no end that all I could about Belial-sama's dilemma was watch. [Creation] Demon Lord Procell-sama, on behalf of Belial-sama's monsters, I thank you for breaking Belial-sama free of the [Black] Demon Lord's curse.”

At first, I thought she would resent me for causing his master to almost die, but thankfully, that was unnecessary worry.

”It's nothing. Well then, let's set up that Transfer array…Tiro, come.”

”Gaugau!”

Upon my call, Tiro who was resting on the floor stood and walked toward me.

”Tiro, I'd like you to bring her back to her dungeon. Oh, wait. Belial, I'd like you stay here until you've made a complete recovery. According to Aura, that'll take about a month's time. Unless, of course, you have a monster with better healing capabilities than Aura..?”

”No, I don't think any of my monsters can treat wounds this grave within a month. So, I'd like to take you on your offer and stay here.”

”Understood. There you have it, Ubel. Please relay that to your comrades.”

”Certainly. Well then, I'd be borrowing your cute little puppy.”

”Gauu!”

Tiro barked and then constructed a Transfer array that led to another one that's in Belial's dungeon.

Soon after, she and Ubel left.

”……Sorry, but I think I'm at my limit for now. I think I better go lie down. But before that, Procell, I place myself in your care.”

”And I in yours.”

Belial smiled and then proceeded to rest.

The real Belial talked intelligently, such a far cry from his frivolous tone before. Having said that, I found myself curiously missing his old way of talking.

”Alright, this case is officially closed.”

Finally, I could concentrate my efforts into preparing for the upcoming [Evening Party].

It was, after all, our faction's grand debut.

A thorough meeting with my allies was therefore in order. Moreover, since that Creator would likely propose a sideshow much like he did the last [Evening Party], I should also consult with Marcho.

…oh shit, I knew I was forgetting something important. The deadline for using [Rank Up] is also almost here!

[Rank Up] was a reward I had received from the Creator.

If I don't use it within the given deadline, I would be penalized.

But then, who should I use it on? There were risks to it, so my S ranks monsters, who were the cornerstone of Avalon, were out of the question. I was not keen on subjecting one of my B rank monsters to its risks either.

I'll have to be smart about this. I guess I still can't fully devote my attention toward the [Evening Party], huh.