The Conclusion of the Nightmare

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As Cecilia gazed at the newly appeared figure, she swallowed nervously. She realized immediately that this was something other than a person. Earlier, she had sensed something similar from the creature that resembled a boy… Was that what they called a devil?

Despite hearing some stories, she honestly couldn’t believe they could win. She hadn’t expected Isaac to be using illusions all along, and Soma’s ability to see through them was truly remarkable as always. But clearly, that man was not an opponent that humans could defeat. Even she didn’t convince that Soma would win… Glancing sideways, Cecilia could tell that Aina and the others felt the same.

However, the difference between them and Cecilia was that even though she definitely thinks so, there was trust in their eyes. She didn’t believe they could win, but she felt that Soma could surely… That was the impression she got. Of course, if Cecilia could believe it, she wanted to. But… The man’s presence was overwhelmingly impossible to overcome.

‘What was Soma planning to do against that man?’

As she stared in desperation, Soma casually spoke.

“Now… It’s gotten quite late, and I’d like to wrap this up if possible… Can I ask you one thing?” (Soma)

[Hmm… I don’t see a reason to agree to your request… Well, go ahead. It should be a reward for defeating that man… And a souvenir from the underworld, perhaps.] (??)

“Oh? You’re quite honorable, aren’t you?” (Soma)

“Of course. Devils are like that.” (??)

“Even though you’ve deceived this man?” (Soma)

At the word “deceive,” the man didn’t react much. Rather, he tilted his head as if not understanding.

[Deceive…? Unfortunately, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I haven’t deceived that man.] (??)

“Are you playing dumb? Surely this man not realizing he was in an illusion… Well, that might be unavoidable. But surely you must have noticed?”  (Soma)

Indeed, that was true. Such a presence. Just as with Soma, it wouldn’t be surprising if the illusion didn’t affect him.

[Well… I see your point, but I assure you, I haven’t deceived anyone. I wouldn’t be asked such a question if I had.] (??)

“Yet, this man seemed almost as if he was deceived by you?” (Soma)

[That was simply a misunderstanding. I did mention being able to wield the strongest power, but I don’t recall saying it was in reality. It was all about the illusion… Besides, until you showed up, he was indeed wielding the strongest power in reality. It became impossible due to you, so why should I be held responsible?] (Soma)

“I see… Quite an elaborate way of putting it. Let me rephrase slightly. Why did you say things that would mislead?” (Soma)

[After answering one question, I see no reason to entertain a second… Well, come to think of it, the previous one wasn’t even a question.] (??)

“Indeed. It was just for my confirmation, and you happened to answer.” (Soma)

[Hmph… Very well then. So, why did I say things that would mislead? Well, for efficiency, of course.] (??)

Upon hearing the word “efficiency,” Cecilia honestly found herself nodding first. If Isaac had realized that everything was just an illusion, he wouldn’t have been able to go that far. It was because he truly believed he had obtained the strongest power that he acted so freely.

Or perhaps, what would have happened if he had been told the truth from the start? …Maybe there was someone there who didn’t differ much from the Isaac she knew. As she confirmed her newfound freedom by moving her limbs freely, she thought of such things… but it was ultimately a meaningless hypothesis.

In reality, Isaac was never informed of the truth until the very end, and it was already too late to undo what had been done. The fact couldn’t be reversed… and certainly, just because it was efficient didn’t mean she agreed with that method.

[Besides, it would make that man happier. Indeed, ever since he obtained power, he seemed happy. Well, it seems the despair upon learning the truth was considerable… but that’s inevitable. Everything comes with a price. If feeling the despair of happiness gained balances out, then it’s fair enough.] (??)

“…I see. Well, honestly, that’s reassuring.” (Soma)

[Reassuring…?] (??)

“Yes. I feel reassured because it seems I can crush you without any hesitation. By showing yourself, it means you’re prepared for that, right?” (Soma)

[Hmph… Spouting such arrogance, as if you’ve easily defeated a demon king. Have you mistaken yourself for a demon king? I am a devil, an extension of this world, serving its will and executing its intentions. Don’t think a mere human can oppose me.] (??)

“In that case, you should put a little more effort into it. It would be disgraceful to talk big and then be defeated easily.” (Soma)

[I could say the same to you. I’ve already seen enough of your power. There’s no chance of my victory wavering. You’ve overestimated yourself and underestimated us… Prepare to regret it!] (??)

The man shouted, and Soma directed his gaze. After a brief moment, they clashed fiercely.

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—

 

As Cecilia listened to the resounding roar, she realized that her earlier sense was correct. That man was indeed beyond any human opponent. The scene unfolding before her affirmed this thought.

The barrage of light bullets raining down resembled a downpour of rain, each one carrying tremendous power. Despite the throne room’s design to withstand any attack, with each impact of these light bullets, it gradually eroded away. Just one of these bullets would likely be fatal for most.

Amidst this deluge from above, the man moved with unrestrained agility, darting around in every direction. His movements were so swift that they were almost imperceptible to Cecilia’s eyes. Before she knew it, he had slipped into Soma’s blind spot, launching strikes that were also invisible to her eyes.

The only indication of these unseen strikes was the sound that followed immediately after, for without it, she wouldn’t even know what was happening. Moreover, each strike that hit the ground or walls caused significant damage. Undoubtedly, these strikes possessed power surpassing even the light bullets. If one were hit squarely, there would be no chance of survival. And this man wielded both of these abilities with complete mastery. If one tried to dodge the slashing attacks, they would be met with light bullets, and vice versa.

In a sense, he was like a superior version of Aina and Sheila combined. While delivering attacks surpassing either of them individually, he coordinated strikes equivalent to that of two people. There was no opening whether it was close-range or long-range. Anyone standing before such a force would surely have no means of escape. He might even be capable of destroying not just a single country, but perhaps the entire world.

Such thoughts crossed her mind. However…

[Why… How absurd…! I’ve seen your power. I should be able to win without a doubt. So why… Why can’t I track your movements…!?] (??)

Most impressive of all was Soma, calmly handling everything before him in the face of such overwhelming force. Moreover, there was no hint of panic on Soma’s face. In fact, he seemed almost relaxed. In contrast, it was the man who appeared increasingly agitated. Initially, while watching Soma respond to the man’s attacks with admiration, Cecilia showed signs of appreciation, but now that was all gone. The hint of anxiety that had gradually appeared on her face was now clearly evident.

As the man’s attacks intensified in proportion to this, Soma’s movements remained unchanged. He deflected every light bullet that threatened him and repelled the slashes that were unleashed. Despite the ferocity of the man’s attacks, Soma remained cool, continuing to handle them effortlessly. However, precisely because of this, the scene was peculiar, almost surreal. Soma truly hadn’t changed. Not his expression nor his movements, nothing.

To illustrate how abnormal the situation was, consider this. Cecilia could perceive Soma’s movements clearly, but could she understand how abnormal that was? Yes, Cecilia could see and comprehend how Soma was moving. In contrast, she couldn’t discern the man’s movements at all.

The abnormality of this situation didn’t need further explanation. Essentially, while Cecilia could grasp movements visible to her eyes, Soma somehow managed to perfectly counter the man’s movements, which Cecilia couldn’t perceive at all. It was inexplicable how Soma could achieve this, given that he was only executing movements that should be visible and understandable, yet Cecilia couldn’t fathom how.

“Really… He’s just the same as ever.” (Aina)

Aina muttered in exasperation while observing Soma’s battle alongside Cecilia. Cecilia reflexively turned her gaze toward Aina because she sensed a tone of understanding in her words.

“Do you… Does Aina-dono understand what Soma-dono is doing?” (Cecilia)

“Huh? Isn’t that obvious? I have no clue.” (Aina)

“Huh…?” (Soma)

“Because no matter who he’s up against, he always moves the same way. At least, that’s all I can see with my eyes. But even so, he overwhelms every opponent he faces. How could anyone understand that?” (Aina)

“…Yeah, I agree. …But what I really can’t understand is when I actually fought against Soma. …Even though I’m clearly faster, he stopped everything. …It’s just baffling.” (Sheila)

Listening to their conversation, Cecilia nodded in understanding. She realized why Aina’s earlier mutterings resonated with her that Aina genuinely didn’t understand. However, she understood that Soma was incomprehensible. Simultaneously, Cecilia grasped another thing, why both Aina and Sheila placed such immense trust in Soma. Cecilia had assumed it was simply because of the time they had spent together.

No doubt, the time they had spent together contributed to it, but more than that, this very demeanor was the key factor. Certainly, being exposed to such a sight continuously would lead one to believe that Soma could handle any situation. Cecilia had thought she understood Soma to some extent, but now it seemed she had merely pretended to.

In essence, Soma displayed his true abilities to the fullest when facing opponents of high caliber. Cecilia realized this when she saw the exceptional power of the man they were up against. Ironically, it was because of the man’s incredible strength that Soma’s abilities were being proven relatively. However, from the perspective of their opponent, this situation was undoubtedly frustrating. In fact, anger began to surface on the man’s face following his growing sense of urgency.

[This… this cannot be… It cannot be allowed…! No matter how much of a demon king you claim to be, humans should never surpass me…!] (??)

“Hmm… Regardless of what you think, it matters little to me… Ah, come to think of it, I heard a fitting phrase for this situation earlier. How does it feel to have overestimated yourself and underestimated us? Do you regret it?” (Soma)

[You…! No, fine. Very well, I admit it. Indeed, you seem to have some skill. But still, you’re nothing but human… Therefore, I have no choice but to respond in kind…!] (??)

As soon as he said this, the man directed his palm towards Cecilia and the others. The implication of this action became immediately clear when their field of view underwent a sudden change. The light bullets that had been targeting only Soma until then now rained down on Cecilia and her companions all at once.

[Hehehe… Now, while defending against those, you won’t fare the same as before…! Indeed, you cannot defeat me…!] (??)

As Cecilia listened to the man’s mocking laughter, she felt the blood drain from her face. The sheer number of these projectiles confirmed her earlier thoughts. There were easily hundreds of them, and surely, Aina and the others alone couldn’t shoot them all down. However, if Soma were to adapt to them, as the man suggested—

“What can I say…? When cornered, isn’t it typical for most people to do the same thing?” (Aina)

“Huh…? Uh, Aina-dono?” (Cecilia)

Turning her bewildered gaze towards Aina, who muttered those words, Cecilia noticed that there was not a trace of fear in Aina’s demeanor as she gazed up at the raining light bullets. Without a hint of hesitation, she seemed to understand the outcome as though it were nothing. And then…

As if affirming the correctness of Aina’s attitude, in the next moment, the hundreds of light bullets disappeared, every single one of them, as if they had never been there to begin with, without a sound. The man’s eyes widened in disbelief.

[What…?! This is ridiculous…!?] (??)

“My, my… Attacking bystanders when cornered truly reveals your true nature. Well, I always felt your nature was rather shallow from the start.” (Soma)

[You…!] (??)

Ignoring the glaring man, Soma returned his gaze nonchalantly. For the first time since the battle began, he assumed a stance. The man, seemingly intimidated, took a step back… but immediately, he took another step forward, almost as if driven by humiliation.

[I am a devil…! The one who fulfills the world’s desires. How could someone like you…!?] (??)

“I’ve grown tired of your ramblings. Are you satisfied now? Then, regret your actions as you depart to the afterlife. Although I have no idea if such a thing as an afterlife exists for devils.” (Soma)

[Don’t underestimate me, human…!] (??)

With a shout, the man lunged at Soma… and Soma simply watched silently. And then…

“Flash.” (Soma)

A faint murmur echoed, accompanied by a flash-like movement, almost simultaneous. For an instant, Soma’s figure disappeared… but quickly appeared again.

Soma stood slightly forward from his previous position, directly behind the man who had lunged at him. However, there was no apparent difference in Soma’s or the man’s appearance… No, it was simply that they couldn’t perceive it.

As Soma sheathed his sword, it was as if to confirm this fact—the man’s body disintegrated into dust. Perhaps Soma didn’t need to confirm it… Without even a glance, Soma exhaled a deep breath, as if to signify the end, not just of this battle, but perhaps of the entire commotion itself.

 

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