The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 39

## Chapter 39: Demon

They shook off the demons and returned to Higashiya Castle, reuniting with Aria and the others. Immediately, they gathered the key members and began the discussion.

“Everyone, first of all, thank you for your hard work. However, Ozuma is likely to attack soon without much delay. To devise a countermeasure, I want to ask, what exactly is a demon?”

I thought demons were a type of ogre appearing in Hizuchi, but the one that attacked me didn’t look like a monster. Hinowa then slowly answered.

“Demons are a legendary race said to have existed in Hizuchi. They are described as having various skin colors, possessing horns, and being ferocious beings with great strength.”

However, after a brief pause, Hinowa continued.

“The demon race perished long ago… The one that appeared on the battlefield this time is someone who has come to be called a demon by wielding a certain sword.”

“A person who became a demon…”

My murmur faded in the room as Hinowa quietly trembled while revealing its identity.

“The sword they wield is the Extermination Sword ‘Rust Unyielding’… It is a masterwork sword that transforms its wielder into a demon, compelling them to fight until death.”

***

It is said that this sword was the last creation of a certain swordsmith.

This swordsmith solely focused on increasing the lethality of his weapons, believing that taking life was the ultimate purpose of a weapon. He endlessly experimented, creating not just swords but various weapons.

Finally, he forged it—a large, heavy blade that could slash like a sword, smash like an axe, crush like a hammer, pierce like a spear, and hook like a sickle. No matter how fiercely it was wielded, it would not break until it annihilated the enemy.

Before the swordsmith could name this massive sword, he died. The great sword passed into the hands of mighty warriors, each of whom perished in battle.

The life of anyone who wielded the great sword was filled with blood and conflict. Even as the blade was stained with blood and grease, new battles arose before it could be cleaned. Rust would cover the sword, yet the wars never ceased.

Eventually, the great sword earned a name, signifying that its wielder must continue fighting relentlessly, unable to even clean off the rust.

The name was ‘Rust Unyielding.’

***

“The one wielding Rust Unyielding appeared on battlefields, slaughtering soldiers from both sides… However, they disappeared ten years ago and have not been seen since. It was believed they had died in obscurity.”

“So, they were still alive…”

“I too believed the story of their death. I apologize…”

As I reassured the apologetic Hinowa not to worry, I pondered over the information gathered from this battle to secure victory next time.

…There was someone on the enemy side capable of halting Aria and Rakul. Additionally, the enemy soldiers still outnumbered and were highly trained. A direct confrontation would clearly result in significant losses for us.

Moreover, the enemy commander, Shion, was a formidable warrior, arguably the closest in skill to Loud among those I had encountered.

And that child called a demon…

“…That’s it.”

A sudden idea struck me, prompting me to stand. Ignoring the stares of everyone, I asked Irma.

“Irma, how long will it take for the enemy to reorganize their army?”

“Hm? …For an army of that size, it would normally take five days, but for Lord Shion, I think three days would suffice.”

“Lord Raigou, how is our army?”

“I cannot provide an exact number, but combining the castle’s soldiers, we have about four thousand ready to fight.”

“Then…we need to act quickly.”

“What are you planning?”

In response to Aria’s question, I shared my idea.

“Before they come, we will lure the demon to our side.”