The Principle of a Philosopher by Eternal Fool “Asley”

became Adolf’s role model for the day.

Though his attacks were blocked by the enemies’ strong defenses, they still served as effective assistance to the stronger combatants.
Adolf reevaluated his opinion on Egd, learning from him and imitating him as much as he could.

Even warriors whose levels couldn’t catch up should find ways to contribute — that was what Adolf had learned from Egd.

 

“And that… and that one…”

 

As Cleath looked at Natsu and Adolf, his eyes glimmered once again.

And then, the last one his gaze fell upon was…

 

　◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

 

“HAHAHA…! Impressive, Asley! This level of arcane energy is unlike anything history has seen.
It is truly on par with the Devil King and God himself…”

“…Hah.”

“Oh-ho? Was that a sigh?”

“Well, you know, just thinking how you — the DEVIL KING — were pretty much the only one to praise me… made me a bit sad.”

“To possess such arcane energy and yet not be worshipped… Humans truly are foolish creatures.”

“Yeah, no, I’ll have to deny that.”

“Why?”

“Because I love everyone, that’s why.”

“Hehehe… Oh, I am SO glad to hear that.”

“What?”

 

The moment of questioning was short-lived as Lucifer swiftly closed in on Asley, interrupting his thoughts.

 

“Ngh–!”

 

Asley barely managed to defend against the attack with his Drynium Rod, his face twisting in agony.

 

“Ah, I see.
Although you can withstand attacks, your body screams in pain…”

“T-That’s… my wisdom and guts doing their thing!”

 

Asley forcefully swung his Drynium Rod in an attempt to blow Lucifer away. 

However, the impact barely had an effect, as apparent from how Lucifer landed gracefully in the distance.

 

“Another try, then.”

“Guh–!”

 

And as soon as his feet touched the ground, he launched another attack at Asley. 

A powerful blow to the shoulder sent a dull, heavy ache coursing through Asley’s body.

 

“Minerva has taught you to use the Hide Spot, I see.
That woman… she provided me with an incomplete technique.
But now I understand — this is how you were able to withstand my attacks.
At the same time, however, it is puzzling — A mere human, physically inferior as they are, should not be able to endure my attacks this well.
Is there still something you are hiding? …Some other magitek I do not know?”

(I wouldn’t have been able to sustain such heavy attacks without the Magic Direction technique! I’ll have to thank Minerva and Warren again later…)

“REGARDLESS…!”

 

Lucifer attacked for the third time.

 

“Ngh–!”

“There!”

“Gwoh–!?”

“And another one!”

“GAH–!?”

 

After landing the first blow, Lucifer proceeded to attack Asley repeatedly, then ended the chain with an extremely powerful hit.
The impact was overwhelming, and Asley was sent flying backward like an arrow.

Asley plunged his Drynium Rod into the ground in an attempt to slow down, but Lucifer did not stop his pursuit.

 

“Gah!”

 

Hit with a shockwave from above, Asley’s body slammed straight down into the ground.

The impact shook the entirety of Eddo and left a circular depression in the earth.

Lucifer, cracking a sinister smile, stepped on the back of Asley’s head.

 

“Are you out of your mind? Did you think you could defeat me with that level of power? That is why you are a fool.””

 

With his foot, Lucifer lifted Asley’s chin and then kicked him up, causing Asley to flip over and fall on his back. 

Lucifer, sweeping back his hair, proceeded to look down upon Asley.

 

“Weak.
Where did your ‘wisdom and guts’ go, self-proclaimed Philosopher? Hehehe…”

 

Asley clenched his trembling hands around handfuls of soil.

 

“Sh-shut up……”

“Hmph, resorting to bluffing now, are you?”

“…R-rise! High Cure Adjust!”

 

Quickly drawing up a Spell Circle, Asley invoked a recovery spell.

 

“…Surely you are aware that this is no time to hold back.
While my mercy lasts, show me everything you have… then I will crush them all to pieces.”

“Heh… hehe… you really are a Devil King, huh?”

“You dare to laugh in front of me… Perhaps you are not only a fool, but also a jester.
How amusing.”

“Let’s see if you can keep laughing after you get a load of THIS…!”

“I have already told you: show me everything you have.”

 

Facing the nonchalant Lucifer, Asley’s fingers moved quietly yet swiftly.

He formed an intricate magic formula…

 

“Oh-ho, a powerful lightning spell… But you intend to unleash it on me? It will have no effect.”

“Oh, I won’t… because THIS is how it’s used!”

 

…And then he invoked the spell.

 

“…Rise, A-rise, A-rise! Vestment: Thor’s Hammer…!”

 

That instant, T’oued was wrapped in a brilliant flash of light.