She Who Became Immortal

When Serena unleashed the will-o'-the-wisp towards Euphemia, there were two reasons.

One was because she knew Euphemia wouldn't die.

The other was the disruptive implication towards Zamba Broad.

Before finishing hearing Euphemia' loud words, Serena had already woven her magic inside, releasing the will-o'-the-wisp. Just as Euphemia finished speaking, the will-o'-the-wisp landed, exploding with a loud noise.

To Serena and others of similar stature, the orcish dwelling seemed disproportionately large, but that didn't matter much to the foxfire of a Kitsune. With directional blasting and exposure to high heat, instantaneous destruction blew apart the wooden structure.

For a moment, the heat wave reached Serena.

"What... What in the world...!?"

Stella, Kirina's mother, looked at Serena with a shocked expression, but Serena didn't have time to pay attention to that. She was wary of Zamba Broad. She couldn't afford to divert her attention from the werewolf man who might attack her.

As for Zamba, being quite close to Euphemia, he bore the full brunt of the explosion. However, he was literally blown away, and most of the heat and shockwave were directed towards Euphemia, beyond him, towards the wall and roof. Of course, even an ordinary beastman would not have escaped unconsciousness if not death, but Zamba Broad was no ordinary beastman.

"What... What the hell... is this...?"

Slightly staggering, Zamba got up, pressing his head, and directed a gaze of frustration and confusion towards Serena.

---

Just as planned.

If they blew away even the roof as Euphemia suggested, it would be clear that Serena sided with Euphemia. But by unleashing the will-o'-the-wisp targeting Euphemia Grimwood, both Zamba and Stella refrained from making judgments. It was understandable; who would cast such magic towards allies to blow up a house?

Even Serena wouldn't do such a thing under normal circumstances.

It was because Euphemia Grimwood was abnormal that such a thing was possible.

"Hahaha! Haha! Hehe, hehehehahaha!"

There, laughter rang out.

What was so funny?, Serena couldn't understand at all. And probably Euphemia herself didn't really understand either.

At the place where the explosion blew away the wall materials, while tearing apart her ragged clothes, Euphemia Grimwood shouted towards them.

"Hey, hey, what are you all standing around for!? It's time for a walk, Zamba, the loser dog! Look, it's a sunny day outside, the wind is gentle, and the wheat fields are sparkling. It's not the time to stay holed up in a burning house caused by a foxfire! Hahaha!"

A sigh was heard.

Zamba withdrew the hand he had been pressing against his head and regulated his breathing. For what purpose? It's obvious, to attack. To move swiftly, inhaling, exhaling, inhaling again—and then, kicking the floor.

Instantaneous step!

Closing in more than thirty steps with just four paws, Zamba's right arm tore apart Euphemia' upper body once more.

It was truly a ravaging to behold. More easily than a lion hunting a hare, the girl's body was torn by the werewolf's claws and scattered on the ground.

---

Anyone could see it was a fatal wound.

There's no way she could be alive after that.

Yet, Euphemia gets up as if nothing happened.

"Really, is that the only thing your brain is capable of? There must be something else you can do. Come at me with more tricks. No matter how many times you try, it's futile. Time is limited. I'm not so idle as to keep playing with a loser dog forever—"

Squelch.

This time, the claws ground her from head to waist.

"—I said I'm not idle. I doubt it, but is that really all you can do? Is scratching cute girls your specialty, oh esteemed leader of the werewolf tribe?"

"What the hell are you—!"

Zamba's voice, screaming, didn't seem directed towards anyone who would understand words. It was like shouting in front of a flooding river or an uncontrollable wildfire, that kind of helplessness.

The blonde girl, in response, no longer burst into laughter, just spoke with a normal smile.

"I've said it many times. I'm Euphemia Grimwood. Nothing more, nothing less, just Euphemia Grimwood."

Zamba said nothing more.

He just raised his claws to silence Euphemia—

—Only for his downward swing to be severed by a black sword.

---

"Why... why are you here...!?"

Stella muttered in utter confusion.

However, despite her old friend's bewilderment, Serena decided to pull her arm and escape from the house. Flames were starting to rise from the areas exposed to the intense heat of the will-o'-the-wisp.

Since the walls were already gone, it was easy to exit the house.

What wasn't easy was the situation over there.

Somehow—truly, somehow—a demon with a black sword stood in the way of Euphemia and Zamba, slicing through Zamba's claws.

With a foreboding shade of pale purple skin.

Black hair resembling soaked crow feathers, with black eyes that carried a hint of elegance.

A slender figure. Yet there was no trace of weakness.

Serena knew his name.

The one who first visited them with Euphemia.

Junos.

No longer a demon, not even a demon race, a man of the demon species without a tribe name.

"Well... Well, I thought it would come to this anyway, but seeing it actually happen doesn't make me feel good," he said, grumbling discontentedly.

"Hehehe, don't be so angry. You came in a hurry, didn't you? Or can't you bear to see Euphemia Grimwood in the buff?" Euphemia replied with a delighted smile to Junos' disgruntled muttering.

Ignoring Junos' dissatisfied muttering, Euphemia returned with a genuinely happy smile.

"If my memory serves me right, your clothes are borrowed from Serena, aren't they? Well, whatever. For now, put this on," Junos said, tossing his own coat to Euphemia and then turning back towards Zamba.

"Now then—after dealing with monsters, you're probably feeling terrible, but it's only going to get worse from here. I'm a little annoyed. I've been told not to kill, but I haven't been told not to leave them half-dead."

With a swaying motion, the tip of the black sword moved towards Zamba.

"...I see, you're just buying time."

"Hehehehe. You finally realized"

As Euphemia happily put on the black coat, puffing her chest out, Serena couldn't help but be amazed. Even children at play wouldn't laugh so joyously. What could possibly be so enjoyable?

Or perhaps, even if it's not enjoyable, why is she laughing?

Serena didn't understand.

"Why are demons even here—"

He probably wanted to say that.

But that line was never completed.

Junos, taking a step forward, swung his sword, and Zamba hurriedly dodged it.

No, he didn't dodge it—was made to dodge it.

Connecting the motion of swinging his sword, Junos further stepped in and kicked Zamba's abdomen.

It was a kick as if throwing an iron lump from close range.

"Gah—!"

Uttering a voice of inexpressible agony, Zamba was sent flying parallel to the ground. Covering quite a distance, just as he seemed to touch the ground, he continued to roll for a while without stopping.

"That won't do at all. If you're the head of a tribe, show some dignity. Show your strength. You haven't even introduced yourself yet. Thaat's why... that little girl over there is laughing at you. In such a state—don't get conceited and think you can do something about Euphemia Grimwood."

"Who are you..."

Holding his stomach from the kick, Zamba stood up and said.

Junos moved the tip of his sword again, returning a rather uninterested response.

"Speak while you still can. It's too late to regret it later."

"Zamba Broad. The name of a werewolf that devours you."

"Junos. Just Junos for now. The name of the one who won't kill you."

The air crackled.

Tense, like a taut string making a creaking sound. But it was just a thin thread after all. If stretched too tight, it would naturally snap.

Almost simultaneously, Zamba and Junos moved.