The Evil Noble Desires A Beautiful Demise - Could It Be That You're Stuck In A Loop? - Episode 38

“Let’s find the zebras first.”

Since then, I have tried to rescue Salifa many times, but each time I was thwarted by the woman in the purple attire. After discussing with Endens, we decided to avoid engaging with her. To do that, we must incapacitate Salifa and the woman in green and retreat before the woman in purple appears.

However, that doesn’t help us figure out how to return Salifa to her original state. So, I suggested finding Zebras first. As far as I can remember from the previous discussions, the purple-clad ones and Zebras are not in a cooperative relationship. On the contrary, it even sounded like they were in conflict. They might be willing to cooperate with us.

“That might be the best option… As things stand, there’s nothing we can do.”

Endens agreed with a stern expression.

It’s reassuring to have someone else who can share the experience of time rewinding. Plus, I was glad that they didn’t give up on rescuing Salifa.

“Then, we will track Zebras’ magical wavelength with the magic compass.”

Insert the plate that records the magical wavelength of the zebras and watch where the needle points. If it doesn’t react to this, finding them will become difficult.

The needle that had been spinning around eventually stopped.

For now, I feel relieved.

Somehow, the path to rescue Salifa has been connected.

“Alright, let’s go.”

Together with Endens and Firai, we head towards the direction the needle points. Suppressing the urge to rush to Salifa’s side immediately.

The slums at the very edge of the imperial capital.

Even in the imperial capital of the great nation of the Olbraim Empire, there existed a place that cast a dark shadow. The magic compass points to one such building.

“…There are guards, aren’t there?”

As I watched the building from the shadows, I could see people in black outfits coming and going. Those are the enemies. Their presence confirmed that Zebras is here.

“There’s no time. I wanted to handle this as smoothly as possible, but we’re going in.”

Nod in agreement with Endens’s words.

I have to take Zebras out from here and go to the church. Fortunately, it’s not that far, but it wouldn’t hurt to hurry.

“Leave the front to me. Tiarola and Endens, please follow and charge in.”

Firai said that and quietly headed towards the building. His movements were so natural that the two people in black standing in front of the building didn’t even show any signs of caution.

Thud

Firai moved swiftly, captivating the consciousness of the one in black attire with a beautiful motion.

“As expected. Tiarola, let’s go.”

With the end, it continues after the fillet.

There were still black-clad figures inside the building, but Firai quickly incapacitated them. It’s no wonder he taught Salifa swordsmanship; his skills are impressive.

“Is this the last watch?”

We were able to subdue this building by also incapacitating the black-clad figure standing in front of the inner door. The needle of the magic compass points beyond the door.

“I will open it.”

Firai opened the door cautiously.

There was a bloodied man chained up. I gasped at the obvious signs of torture. The man, looking down and not even glancing my way, began to speak.

“…Oh? Oh my? Do you still have something you want to ask? Even though I taught you so carefully, being truly incompetent is really tough, isn’t it?”

The voice lacks power, but it clearly provokes the opponent.

It might be more relaxed than it looks.

“Firai, are you sure that man is Zebras?”

“The appearance is somewhat different, but it is undoubtedly Zebras.”

Good.

All that’s left is to persuade them to cooperate.

“Hmm?? This feeling, isn’t it the usual guys? Coming all the way here, do you need something from me?”

“Zebras, do you know a man named Salifa?”

“……Yeah, I know, you know? Did something happen to him?”

“Well then, do you also know about the demon god?”

“You’re being quite roundabout, aren’t you? About the demon god? Of course, I know all about it. In fact, there are probably very few who know more than I do.”

The zebras finally turned to face us.

That face was gaunt, but only the eyes were bloodshot and gleaming.

“Hehehe, did Salifa successfully become a demon god? No, with that vibe, do you want to prevent the demon god transformation? Or do you want to return the demon god and bring Salifa back to normal?”

“Hmph, you’re quick to get to the point. We want to restore Salifa. We’ll have you cooperate.”

Endens is quite intimidating.

Originally, Zebras were criminals, so they probably have no intention of showing mercy.

“Hmm? You want me to do that? Do you even know why Salifa became a demon in the first place?”

“……You did something to Salifa, didn’t you?”

“Oh? You understood that much? Yes, that’s right. I adjusted Salifa’s body and completed it as the perfect vessel for summoning the demon god.”

At Zebras’ words, I clenched my fists.

Of course, there was anger. But now, I have no choice but to rely on this man.

“……As for that matter, we will leave it unaddressed for now. We don’t have time. Decide quickly whether you will cooperate with us or not.”

Endens points his sword at Zebras.

Zebras laughed without a hint of fear.

“Well, it was getting boring being stuck here. If you’re going to take me out, I might as well cooperate. I’m also curious about how my theory turned out.”

I can’t trust this man.

I understood that even from this short conversation.

“Lady Tiarola, please rest assured that I will keep a close eye on Zebras.”

“Yes, please.”

I freed Zebras and provided some treatment.

After that, I head straight to the church. There’s not much time left until Salifa fully becomes a demon god…

Bang!

I couldn’t make it in time.

I was just about to reach the church with Zebras. A loud explosion echoed, and the church shook.

“It’s coming…”

A sinister presence approaches.

Slowly, the demon appeared.

“Oh, oh…!! This is the Demon God!!”

The zebras are captivated, looking excited.

“Zebras, can you restore Salifa?”

While taking a battle-ready stance, Endens asks.

“Hmm? Ah, that is…”

The thing I wanted to hear the most.

Surely, there must be a way to save Salifa…

“In that state, it’s impossible.”

I felt like everything in front of me went completely dark.

“What do you mean by impossible!?”

Endens is confronting Zebras.

“Literally, right? There’s nothing we can do if we assimilate like that.”

Zebras are shrugging their shoulders and saying that.

Endens tries to press further, but…

There, a black flash of light was unleashed.

“Ugh…!”

Endens barely avoids the flash.

I need to talk to Zebras, but we’re in the middle of a battle right now. The demon won’t wait.

The demon is unleashing black flashes one after another, attacking us. In that state, it’s even difficult to get close.

“Hmm, it was good to see the demon god, but the results were as expected. Well, I guess this is how it is.”

In a somewhat detached tone, Zebras muttered that. Then, he distanced himself significantly from Firai.

“Sh1t…”

Firai raised his voice in a flustered manner.

While continuing to evade the demon’s attacks, it must have been quite difficult to keep Zebras captured.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave. We don’t know when that witch might show up.”

“Wait…!!”

Endens tried to grab Zebras, but it was too late. Zebras turned into mist and vanished from the spot.

Ah, is it already no good?

Is Salifa not going back to normal?

The strength is draining away.

“Ugh…!! There’s no helping it, I’ll hold back the demon god!!”

Endens says that, but what should I do from now on? I can’t see Salifa anymore. Even if I try my best…

“Tiarola! Don’t give up…!!”

Endens looks over here and shouts.

“Zebras said it was impossible in that state! Then, if it’s an incomplete state, there should be hope!!”

I remember Zebras’ words.

Indeed, I feel like I said that.

“Look ahead! We’re the only ones who can save Salifa…!!”

As Endens said.

What was I being so timid about? Giving up on Salifa is just unthinkable.

“Excuse me, Endens! I can still fight…!!”

“That’s right! That’s more like it…”

The sentence I was about to say was pierced by a flash of light.

Because I was distracted by you.

“Endens…!!”

Ah, here we go again.

Again, others are getting hurt because of me.

Why am I so weak-hearted?

In the end, haven’t you grown at all since that time when Salifa saved you?

“That’s not true…!!”

Lift your head and look ahead.

Endens made me realize that there are still things I can do.

“Light Chain!!”

Cast a spell to bind the demon god.

Even if I die this time, this combat experience will be useful. I will hold on until the limit and find a way out.

“I’ll take the lead! Tiarola, provide support!”

“Yes!!”

Saying that, Firai dashed out.

Desperately casting spells to hinder the demon’s movements. However, the demon’s strength is overwhelming.

Eventually…

“Ugh… Lady Salifa…”

Firai was pierced through the body and died.

There’s no way I could endure it alone.

I too was pierced by the black flash and died.