The Devil (3)
The tension in the room reached its peak.
The Zodiacs, trying to stop Frondier.
Frondier, whose life was at stake against the three Zodiacs, did not yield an inch.
'What is with this guy?'
Daisy was bewildered by Frondier's demeanor in front of her.
Even she, a Zodiac herself, would be tense if surrounded by three other Zodiacs. This was partly due to their equal skills, but also because the stronger one was, the less vulnerable they became.
However, Frondier's expression showed no such tension. No, it was a face difficult to read emotions from in the first place.
Would this be the expression of someone who had just stepped out of their house for a casual stroll?
"Whatever you say, the decision has been made. You must stay here."
"Frondier, we don't want to fight you. You have an important role to play in protecting His Majesty. You know that better than anyone."
From the Zodiacs' perspective, there was nothing to gain from antagonizing Frondier.
He was the only one who could find the monster. Though they were currently threatening him, it was difficult to actually harm him.
'Frondier must know that too. But even so, can he be this calm?'
Even without harming him, there were many ways to restrain him. The Zodiacs, with their level of skill, could easily immobilize ordinary people without a scratch.
A Constel student was no different from an ordinary person to them.
However. Precisely because they were Zodiacs with such skill.
They couldn't help but be wary of the strange presence emanating from Frondier.
'At first, I thought he was just some insignificant guy with weak Internal Energy, but now that we're facing each other this close, I get it. He's thoroughly concealing his Mana.'
This method went beyond simply controlling his Mana, making it undetectable to others. It was a way to make himself appear as a 'pushover'.
'Either he has a natural talent for hiding it, or he trained under a good teacher.'
Ordinary students wouldn't do this. Especially not Constel students.
Aiming to become pros after graduation, they needed to make their strength known to the world.
They usually learned to control their Mana to a certain extent to avoid unnecessary conflicts, but hiding it so thoroughly like this meant he had other intentions.
'And he's doing it in front of us.'
Monty watched Frondier with a hardened expression, but inwardly, he was somewhat impressed.
A mediocre youngster showing off their power wouldn't impress the Zodiacs. From what he had observed so far, Frondier was a clever guy. He would surely understand that.
Yet, knowing that, even in this situation, he was thoroughly hiding his power.
The reason was obvious. He didn't want them to perceive his power as a 'threat'.
'I'd like to fight him one day.'
Right now, they were confronting him for the purpose of restraint, but Monty's fighting spirit was burning.
"Frondier."
At that moment, a voice that seemed to cut through the tension reached them.
Emperor Bartello. He had somehow raised his upper body from the bed.
He looked at Frondier and spoke in a low voice.
"Go."
"Yo, Your Majesty!"
"It's already unpleasant enough to be protected by a snot-nosed brat who hasn't even fully grown, not knowing when the enemy might come."
Bartello met Frondier's eyes.
For the first time in a long time, Bartello's firm and clear gaze was revived.
"Go and slay that bastard."
It was a rough statement, hard to believe it came from the Emperor. However, upon hearing those words, Ludovic felt a nostalgic sense of elation welling up within him.
Ludovic, the Zodiac with the highest loyalty to the Emperor. That's why Ludovic remembered the days when Bartello was full of spirit.
It felt like those memories had returned for a brief moment.
"Understood."
Frondier spoke as if that was a matter of course.
It was the Emperor's order. Monty and Daisy reluctantly released their hold on Frondier.
Frondier gave a light bow and walked towards the door.
"...Wait."
Ludovic, who had been watching his back, spoke up.
"That monster has observed Azier's battle. Even if absorption is difficult, it must have stolen a glimpse of his fragments. It's a much stronger monster than when you subdued it."
"You are correct."
"Furthermore, if your battle with it drags on, it will steal your techniques as well. Then your chances of winning will become even slimmer."
"That's right."
Frondier didn't particularly object. It wasn't wrong in the first place.
And Frondier also knew that what Ludovic wanted wasn't to capture him.
"So prove it here."
"...Proof, you say?"
"Show us that you have the power to finish that monster in one fell swoop."
"Then will you let me go?"
Ludovic nodded.
"I just hope a young child like you doesn't die."
Frondier was going to face the invisible monster.
Since Frondier was the only one who could find it, he was also the only one who could confront it. Moreover, since the enemy wasn't just one monster, the Zodiacs couldn't move recklessly.
Frondier, heading out alone. Could he truly subdue the konjac monster?
"...Understood."
Frondier closed his eyes for a moment.
Yes, at some point, he couldn't just keep hiding it forever.
Frondier had a premonition about this battle.
A not-so-pleasant premonition that he might have to pull out all his weapons if things went wrong.
Therefore, one of them.
He would prepare something decent enough to demonstrate his power.
"──Menosorpo."
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FINALLY
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