Thank you for all the positive reactions to my first chapter! I've read some of your criticisms as well and I promise I'm working to make this story as best I can. Based on the initial responses I'll put up the answers to a few FAQ.
Q: Is Ainz in the new world as well?
A: Yes, him and Nazarick were transported just as they were in overlord.
Q: What version of Diablo am I using?
A: This Diablo is from around volume 11, after the fight with the Demon Lord Modinalam, but before his encounters with the Empire of Gelmed.
Q: Why use an experienced Diablo and a freshly transported Nazarick?
A: Not to give too much away for future chapters, but I want to give Diablo as many advantages as I can against the behemoth that is Nazarick and all its inhabitants. Bringing Diablo into a New World where Ainz already has his influences everywhere would make things difficult for him for sure. Even more so if I took volume 1 Diablo who, albeit powerful, just cant compete with some of the denizens of nazarick. Also this story isn't about a conflict between Diablo and Ainz, that'd be to simple and I'm pretty sure someone's already writing something similar. However I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to see any fights between Isekai Maou and Overlord characters, so stay tuned!
《Cross Reverie Magic》 Thinking {Cross Reverie item}
[Yggdrasil Magic] "Speaking" [Yggdrasil item]
How NOT to Save the New World
Chapter 1: Deja Vu
In the MMO Cross Reverie, there was a being that struck fear into the hearts of all its players.
He wasn't an in-game monster, but a player who had risen to such levels of power and notoriety that he was referred to as a "Demon Lord" by the player base.
His name is Diablo.
In reality, the terrifying Demon Lord was just a normal shut in gamer, named Takuma Sakamoto.
However, his life changed forever when he was summoned to a different world in the body of his character, Diablo.
Summoned by a Pantherian girl named Rem, and an elf named Shera, it was the beginning of many misadventures to come.
In the present day, Diablo found himself in a rare lull between his group's shenanigans, and was finally able to relax a bit with the girls.
Unfortunately, he was still incapacitated from his last battle, at least mentally.
All I want to do is become mold on these sheets…
As he quickly dazed back into his slumber he saw Rem and Shera enter the room and jump into the bed, but he was asleep before he could say a thing.
…
At first Diablo thought he was dreaming.
A few seconds ago he was dozing off to sleep with Shera and Rem at his side, but he woke up to find himself alone.
The room was empty barring its normal furnishings, causing Diablo to panic for a moment.
Where did those two go? He thought to himself.
Getting up from the bed, Diablo groggily shuffled towards the door.
Using up so much MP really makes me this lethargic, huh? Maybe Klem can help me out in the morning…
Before reaching the door, he noticed a faint glowing light seeping out from the bottom. Still in a sleep and MP deprived haze, he didn't think much of it, and proceeded to open the door.
What the-
Instead of the usual inn hallway he was expecting, Diablo found himself face to face with a blinding light that took up all his vision.
Realizing he was losing consciousness, he tried calling out for his companions.
Rem! Shera! Where are you! Somethings wrong-
Then all he saw was black.
….
Am I alive?
This was the first thing that came to Diablo's slow to wake brain. Besides the lingering pains of low MP, it seemed he was fine.
With all his might he pried open his eyelids and sat up. What he saw baffled him.
A field?
Before him was a vast field lined with an even denser forest. It didn't look all that different from the terrain around Faltra, but it was undeniably foreign.
The only other identifiable landmark was a lumbering mountain range to the north, but Diablo was also unfamiliar with it.
Standing up, he tried to go over the little information that he had. Unfortunately, he wasn't given much time to think before getting blinded by that strange light earlier.
That light, it seemed familiar… Was it something from the world of Cross Reverie, or…
At that moment, it clicked.
It was the same sight and feeling from when I was transported originally!
The glee from figuring out the connection quickly faded into panic when he realized the ramifications of such a thought.
Was I sent to another world again? Or maybe I'm just somewhere else on the same world… Did the girls get sent here too? Damnit, and right when everything was finally starting to settle down.
A calm breeze blew over the grassy knolls of the field. It brought Diablo back to his immediate situation.
Well it looks like there's no one around, but someone has to be out here.
He decided to walk along the border of the forest.
…
Diablo's suspicion that he was indeed sent to another world was continuing to grow as he traveled. The plants and animals of the area weren't drastically different from what he knew of his Cross Reverie inspired world, but they were not the same.
He even encountered a few small monsters, but most either ran from him or were quick work for his {Tonnerre Empereur}.
Diablo's {Tonnerre Empereur}, a wand he retrieved from his own dungeon in the new world, allows him to transform between sword and wand configurations. On top of that, it has an effect of activating magic or attacks seven-fold at a cost of using extra MP or SP.
I just wish I hadn't lost my {Staff of Tenma}... It wasn't as flashy, but man was it reliable.
Despite the possibility of being in yet another world, Diablo wasn't terribly worried. He looked down at his outstretched ring finger that wore the source of all his confidence.
The {Demon Lord's Ring}.
Able to reflect all magic, it was awarded to Diablo when he was the first to defeat the Demon Lord of the Mind, Enkvaros, in the original Cross Reverie.
The ring worked in the first world I was sent to, I have to assume it works wherever I am now as well…
Diablo had been walking for a few hours now, but he could hardly tell thanks to his durable level 150 body.
Although I might be more like level 160 at this point… It was already made clear that the level cap from the game doesn't apply in reality…
I wonder if this place shares the same leveling system as Cross Reverie? Perhaps its average level is different than the previous world…
With little information to go on besides killing a few small fry, Diablo had no idea what kind of power beings possibly weld in this new world. He was fairly confident in his abilities, seeing as there were few previously who could fairly challenge him.
The gamer mind of Takuma Sakamoto was buzzing with the possibilities of his puzzling situation. However there was still the ever present twinge of pain that clouded his mind.
Rem… Shera… Did I really leave them behind? I may have always been a solo player but that doesn't mean I wanted them to go…
He longed for the thought that they were sent here as well. To find his companions and perhaps find a way back to the world he had grown to love and defend.
The faint sound of screaming broke Diablo from his rancor. It was barely audible but his keen high level hearing was able to pick it up across the vacant field.
Someone's in trouble… It sounds like a lot of people actually… Maybe Rem and Shera are there?
With a frantic hope in his mind, Diablo imbued his {Empty Sky's Dance} boots with MP and took off towards the source of the screams.
…
As Diablo came around the bend of the forest, what he saw horrified him.
A village in chaos, dozens of knights slaughtering its inhabitants. Enough screaming to send chills down his spine.
To think that there's people like this in every world…
He descended at the outskirts of the town where he saw two girls running towards the forest.
"Why you little-"
One of the knights had his sword raised overhead. Having just been punched by a measly village girl, he was at his wits end.
However, when he saw the figure of Diablo land in front of him, his sword froze in the air.
"Who the hell are you supposed to be?"
A million things went through Diablo's mind.
Maybe I can finally drop the Demon Lord act? I mean, I only kept that going because of my poor social skills and because it was the only way people knew me… How else could I introduce myself?
"My name is Diablo, a Demon Lord from another world!"
I said it…
The confused look on the knight's face only grew more contorted. However, before he could do anything else, Diablo raised his {Tonnerre Empereur}.
"《Lightning Bullet》"
A brilliant bullet of light shot forth from Diablo and blew the knight meters away from where he was previously standing.
The two girls on the ground could only look at the scene with confusion and fear.
These knights are terribly weak… Even compared to the low level adventurers in Faltra…
Seeing that the smoking remains of the man weren't getting up, Diablo knelt down and handed the injured girl a vial containing a green liquid.
"It's a potion. Drink up. It isn't often a Demon Lord gives out his wares for free…"
The girl hesitated, but then reluctantly took the potion and drank it.
As expected, the wound on her back began to rapidly heal.
"Th- Thank you so much sir," The older girl said with gratitude.
"It is nothing for a Demon Lord like myself," Diablo replied with a wild grin on his face.
Perhaps because of the shock of the situation, the fact that he had introduced himself twice now as a Demon Lord had not sunk in with the girls. All they could do at the moment was feel thankful that they were alive.
"Our parents! Can you please save our parents…"
The girl already had tears in her eyes again, and her sister had her head buried in her side. All Diablo could do when looking at them was get angrier at the people who were behind it.
"I'll save your parents and this village, such a barbaric attack is an insult in the presence of a Demon Lord,"
The girls still looked confused, but they smiled and gave him their thanks as Diablo hurried into the village.
…
With almost all the remaining villagers gathered at the center square, Londes Di Grampp considered the mission a near success. All that was left was to kill off the stragglers and douse the homes in alchemical oil.
However, before Londes could give the order, he heard a loud explosion from the other side of the village.
"What the hell was that?"
His call to his surrounding men was met with shrugs and confused glances. Once again he heard another explosion, this time closer.
The mission is going perfectly! What in God's name could be making all that noise?!
Londes' question was answered before he could ask his men again. A dark blurr streaked through the sky, stopping over their position.
It was a man with horns wielding a strange looking staff.
"My name is Diablo! I am a Demon Lord who has come from another world!"
His declaration was met at first with silence, however several knights began to laugh heartily.
"You think to call yourself a Demon Lord?" Landes bellowed. "I must admit it's impressive that you can fly but to don such a title is ridiculous,"
Diablo merely grinned.
"Your attack on these innocent villagers has angered me greatly. I've already disposed of some of your foolish men who thought to oppose me."
Now that he mentions it, it's way too quiet… what happened to my men!
"Now feel true fear and leave this village at once! 《Explosion》!"
Pointing his {Tonnerre Empereur} towards the sky, Diablo unleashed the level 50 fire spell《Explosion》. Magnified sevenfold by the effect of his wand, it created a spectacle that illuminated the whole village below.
He finished off the show with a flap of his {Call of Darkness}, a mantle that bestows the《Fear》debuff on all enemies, grinning victoriously.
Shocked by the utter power of the blast, as well as the《Fear》bestowed by the {Call of Darkness}, Londes and his men fell into a rout. Every man was clawing to retreat before the next.
Diablo was in his element roleplaying as Demon Lord, however he suffered a mental blow when he didn't see Rem or Shera's faces among the villagers. He noticed that there were no demihuman villagers at all, only humans.
Perhaps there are no demihumans in this world? Well, could just be that things are even less integrated than they are back in my old world…
He landed in the village square where most of the villagers were still cowering from the《Fear》debuff, however a few were standing there to greet him.
"Who- who are you?" Asked the man, seeming to represent the village.
"Like I said before, I am Diablo! A Demon Lord from another world!"
His proclamation was met with murmured whispers amongst the villagers, but he cut in before anyone could get the wrong idea.
"This is my second time arriving in a new world it would seem. I was merely looking for my companions, and thought they may be among this village. Don't think I saved you for any other reason,"
The suspicion in the air lessened slightly, and the village representative stepped forward.
"I'm not sure what all this Demon Lord talk is about, but you saved our village from destruction,"
The representative bowed deeply towards Diablo.
"There is nothing we could possibly do to repay you for your kindness, but please accept whatever coin we can scrounge together!"
Uwah… It's always so awkward when people show this kind of thanks…
"Saving this village was nothing, and I don't want your money,"
He could clearly see the level of poverty that these villagers were in, and it was only going to get more difficult after the deaths of those killed in the attack. Taking money from them would be cruel.
"However, this land is foriegn to me, and if possible I'd like to find a way home. Any information you can provide would be more than enough,"
Hearing the words of his savior, the man beckoned Diablo.
"I should have introduced myself earlier, I'm the village headman. Please, come back to my home with me and I'll try and answer your questions the best I can,"
Replying with an "Umu," Diablo followed the headman towards his house.
…
"So it seems I'm truly in another world,"
Diablo was now sitting in the small house of the village headman. When asked about places in the Lyferia Kingdom like Faltra City or Zircon Tower, the headman was clueless.
He also had no knowledge of any of the conflicts with the Demon Lords, nor the fallen.
Even the little money Diablo had on himself was foriegn to all the villagers he showed it to.
"I'm afraid your predicament is quite unique," the headman started. "Even among legends the only beings that ever supposedly came to our world from another were the original great gods. Unfortunately I can't say much about them as it is a faith of the Theocracy..."
So I'm pretty special in having been sent here, huh? Nothing new there, I suppose… and what's this Theocracy? Ugh it really does feel like information gathering at the start of a new game…
After his QA with the headman, Diablo had a relative understanding of the area's political scene. Unlike his previous Cross Reverie world, the continent was divided between three major powers.
The Re-Estize Kingdom, which the village is a part of, the Baharuth Empire, which lays on the other side of the mountain range, and the Slane Theocracy, which lays to the south.
Diablo was told that based on the crest of the knights, that the attack was from the Baharuth Empire. However, his gamer intuition told him that there was definitely something awry with that explanation.
As their conversation was winding down, there was a sudden knock on the door.
Diablo nodded to the Headman, who bowed slightly and went to open it.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but the preparations for the funeral are complete,"
The Headman once again cast a look towards Diablo.
"I am done here, your information was more than enough compensation,"
Bowing deeply, the Headman thanked him and left out the door.
…
Diablo was never a fan of funerals. Not that he had plenty of experience, but the few he saw from the attacks on Faltra had done enough. The mood of the city took awhile to recover even though they were victorious in their defense. He could only imagine how long it would take a small village like this to recover from its loss of life.
The two girls he saved were also at the funeral. Unfortunately, it seemed that their parents weren't among the survivors. This burned within Diablo, he had given them his word. He would have to live with his efforts being enough though.
At least they still have a village to call home…
While the funeral was progressing, Diablo spent his time wandering the dirt roads of the village. It was already almost dusk, so he had decided to spend the night and leave in the morning.
The headman had said the nearest city was called E-Rantel, and that they had an adventurer's guild as well.
Probably a good place to start gathering more information, I need to figure out why I was sent to this world… Speaking of which, what is this world anyways?
This had been itching at Diablo's mind ever since he woke up in the field.
His previous world was clearly inspired by Cross Reverie…
Or the game Cross Reverie was based on elements from that world… I'm still not entirely sure which.
However he had no clue what the basis for this world was. It was undoubtedly similar, as he could still use the magic granted to him by his former Cross Reverie character like in the old world…
It just seems different. The people, the landscape, the animals…
Well, I won't know anything for sure until I make it to a city. There could still be elements from Cross Reverie that I just haven't seen yet.
Above all, he hoped he wasn't sent on this new adventure alone.
I have to keep looking for Rem and Shera, too.
He realized now that those two would stick out like a sore thumb in this world, as the Headman had told him that demihumans were a rare sighting in the human nations.
Even worse, they still have those {Enslavement Collars} on, which will no doubt raise suspicion…
When Diablo was summoned to his previous world, it was through the summoning ritual of Rem and Shera on {Starfall Tower}. The {Enslavement} ritual used on summons to place them under the control of the summoner backfired due to the effects of Diablo's 《Magic Reflection》.
Thus, Rem and Shera have been stuck sporting {Enslavement Collars} for as long as Diablo has known them.
Perhaps this world doesn't have a similar system of summoning… maybe they don't have a system of slavery to confuse it with either...
Realizing there were still some gaps in what should be common knowledge of this world, Diablo went to look for the Headman for a few more questions.
It seemed he didn't have to walk far, though.
…
"Excuse me, Mister Diablo-
"Diablo is fine, continue,"
Gotta nip that in the bud early…
The Headman continued.
"Yes, of course. I just wanted to tell you that we have word of mounted knights heading towards the village,"
The Headman and villagers were glaring at Diablo with nervous looks.
In for an inch, in for a mile, I guess…
"Such small fry are no problem for a Demon Lord. Have the villagers gather somewhere safe and then meet me in the square. Perhaps we can solve this without violence,"
I'm also still low on MP… I mean if these knights are as strong as the last bunch then I should be within an acceptable limit.
I just hate being this groggy for so long…
A bell rang as all the villagers began to move. The Headman walked with Diablo towards the center square, still thanking him periodically for his continued help.
Before long, they spotted the group of cavalry coming down the main road towards the village. They rode in formation and quietly proceeded to the center square.
Diablo noticed that these troops were different from the ones earlier. They all wore armor, but how they were equipped varied from person to person. The only common thing between them was that they showed their faces.
A group of mercenaries? I don't think so, but they don't strike me as a formal unit from some country…
They were about twenty men strong, and as they formed a uniform line in the square, the most robust of them came forward.
He practically looked right over the Headman, instead focusing on Diablo.
He's probably never seen a demon before, let alone one with horns! Well it's not like I can take them off now…
After looking Diablo up and down, he seemed somewhat satisfied with his observations, and made a declaration.
"I am captain of the Royal Select of the Kingdom of Re-Estize, Gazef Stronoff. We've come on the king's orders to subdue imperial knights terrorizing this region,"
Diablo could hear the Headman mutter something under his breath about the captain of the Royal Select.
"Who is this man?" he asked quietly to the Headman
"I've only heard from rumors, but he was once champion of the royal tournament and now leads an elite group of soldiers that serve the king directly,"
Diablo nodded and looked towards the now approaching Gazef.
If he is who he says he is, he's gotta be strong… I can definitely sense power from him, but judging someone's ability as a swordsman rather than a magician is not my strong suit…
Before Gazef or the Headman could say anything, Diablo let out his usual introduction.
"My name is Diablo! I am a Demon Lord who has come from another world!"
Gazef once again stared at him discerningly, but the Headman cut in to save the day.
"Besides that, he saved our village from the attacking knights! I can assure you he is of goodwill,"
Diablo let out an internal sigh, realizing he still didn't fully understand the ramifications of claiming a title like "Demon Lord" in this world yet.
"What he says is true. Shortly after being transported here I was searching the area for my companions when I came upon this village. Based on the likelihood that they could've been here, I defeated the pathetic knights."
A frown settled on his face with the thought.
"Unfortunately it seems they weren't here after all,"
In response, Gazef dismounted from his horse with a clatter of armor. He bowed his head towards Diablo.
"If what you say is true, there are no words to express my gratitude for saving this village,"
It was a strange sight for the captain of the Royal Select to be bowing his head to Diablo, someone of unknown affiliation and status.
"Don't bother with that, I was merely looking out for my companions,"
"I see, well in the future if there's anything I can do with my power as captain of the Royal Select to aid you in finding them, let me know at once,"
He was surprised to get such a pleasant reaction, even when role playing as his Demon Lord persona.
He must really care about these people then…
Diablo's opinion of this Gazef Stronoff went up in his mind, already above the man that resembled him from his previous world.
Galford is a scumbag, but at the end of the day he was willing to put his life on the line for the sake of Faltra, too.
Even though Faltra's Feudal Lord had killed Shera's brother, Prince Keera, and tried to take over the Elven nation of Greenwood as a whole, he still fought on the front lines to defend the city against the Demon Lord {Modinalam}.
I wonder if this guy is as strong as Galford? I mean it's not like I can just ask him to put on a demonstration…
However, before the conversation could go any further, a lone cavalryman came riding into the square.
"Captain! Several figures spotted in the area! They're surrounding the village and approaching!"
…
Everyone in the square ran to the cover of the nearby houses. Diablo followed the captain of the Royal Select into the shadow of one of the homes, where they were able to make out some of the figures approaching in the distance.
What the hell are those summons?!
Alarms were going off in Diablo's head when he saw what was accompanying each of the figures.
They look like angels, but I've never seen or heard of a summon like that from Cross Reverie…
The angelic summons wore gleaming breastplates and carried swords of crimson fire. Menacing enough to make an MP depleted Diablo nervous, especially as he lacked an understanding of this world's level of power.
"If they've got angels, then they're with the Slane Theocracy," The captain grumbled. "Even worse, based on their numbers and the look of those summoned monsters, they're probably one of the rumored six scriptures. One of their special ops units…"
Diablo was confused as to why a country would go so far out of its way for a small frontier village.
"Why would they send such a high-profile group to a village like Carne… do you know something, Stronoff?"
The captain chuckled lightly. "If they're not here for you, then that only leaves one other option,"
Diablo immediately understood the situation at hand.
The village wasn't the objective, but the foundation for a trap… Just how important is this Gazef Stronoff?
"If this group is here for you, what do you plan to do?"
Gazef hesitated with what he had to ask next.
"Diablo, I know we've only just been acquainted, but I was hoping I'd be able to hire you,"
He had seen this development coming, although…
"I must decline! My magical power was depleted even before having to save this village, I can't go charging into battle against an unknown enemy in this state,"
While it was true that Diablo was almost out of MP, he neglected to mention the MP potions that he always kept on himself.
This is the perfect chance to gauge the power level of this world… but I also don't want to wind up dying to some unknown ability right off the bat…
"I see," Gazef said disheartedly.
"However, I will protect the villagers at all costs. I already made my promise to save them earlier,"
Diablo felt this was a good compromise. Sure, he wanted to be careful in this foriegn world, but he also couldn't let harm befall the villagers.
"Thank you, Diablo. If my impression of you is correct, I can go into battle without a worry in my heart,"
With a solemn nod, Gazef swung up onto his horse and took off in the direction of the scripture.
In the meantime, let's get these villagers somewhere safe…
Pouring mana into his {Empty Sky's Dance} boots, Diablo floated above the village, directing the stragglers to the Headman's house.
…
After making sure everyone was accounted for, Diablo flew high above the village, and began to knock back vial after vial of MP potion.
It'd be nice to save these and let my MP refill normally, but I promised Gazef I'd protect these villagers, and if he winds up needing help, I can't do it in my current state…
After refilling his MP, he cast a look to the battle happening down below.
I suppose I shouldn't have expected anything else…
The regular swords of the Royal Select were ineffective against the Theocracy's summons. Diablo could see the group starting to get pushed back, but what he saw next defied his expectations.
{Sixfold Slash of Light}!
Gazef Stronoff, who stood at the front of the battle, unleashed a move that took out six angels simultaneously.
What is that speed? I only saw him swing once, but it looked like six attacks came out all at the same time…
Diablo had received training to level up his warrior class from the Master Swordsman Sasara Graham. He had even broken through the limits of the races and achieved level 100 as a warrior.
Still… That attack was a lot like Sasara's 《Thousand Hands》, except six attacks instead of ten...
I guess it's a little unfair to compare him to a level 200 prodigy chosen by god…
These attacks by Stronoff boosted the morale of his men, and momentarily caused panic among the casters.
{Instant Reflex}!
{Flow Acceleration}!
Diablo witnessed one foreign martial art after another, continuously peaking his interest.
This Gazef Stronoff really lives up to his title… I wonder if he'd ever want to spar...
The sound of a thunderous battle cry pulled Diablo back to his senses.
Maybe I gave him a little too much credit…
…
The Captain of the Royal Select was barely standing at this point. His teeth were grit so hard it felt like they might shatter.
This was a hopeless battle to begin with, but at least I can die knowing I bought the villagers time…
With all the strength he could muster, Gazef steadied his sword in front of himself.
There were dozens of angels closing in on him at this point.
"Come and get me you pieces of shit!"
However, before the angels' crimson blades could find their target, they struck an invisible obstacle.
"《Air Block》!"
Diablo descended from the sky behind the now kneeling Gazef.
"I've created an invisible barrier, we're safe for now,"
Gazef looked up at the strange horned man standing before him.
"I thought you said your magical power was too low to fight?" he said in between bloody coughs.
"I did say I was a Demon Lord, remember? I've decided these small fry are weak enough to take on,"
At least that's what I'm hoping for…
Reaching into his cloak, Diablo took out an exquisite looking bottle.
"I wouldn't have sent you out here if I didn't have a way to fix you up, take this,"
Diablo handed the bottle of 《Elixir》to Gazef, who took it reluctantly.
"It's the highest grade healing potion from my old world, it should have you at 100% right away,"
Diablo was hesitant to use one of his 《Elixirs》, but Gazef's near-death state was his fault for not helping out from the beginning.
Knocking back the vial, Gazef was briefly enveloped in a white light, after which he stood up with no trouble at all.
He couldn't help but guffaw at the effects. The potions he knew, even the higher quality ones, merely accelerated the body's healing process, albeit to a ridiculous amount.
"You weren't kidding, that stuff is potent," Gazef said in astonishment. "I feel better than I did before we even fought in the first place,"
If only I had an unlimited supply...
Diablo felt bad for having to use one of his few elixirs, especially since he doubted he could obtain more in this world.
Problems for future Diablo I suppose...
Meanwhile, since his unexpected arrival, the angel summons of the Sunlit Scripture had been pulled back to defend their summoners.
"Who are you demihuman? Why is it you would interfere in our battle with the captain?"
The leader of the scripture called out to Diablo, who was still attempting to make small talk with Gazef.
"My name is Diablo! I am no mere demihuman, but a Demon Lord who has come from another world!"
How many times am I going to say that today...
The scripture went silent after hearing Diablo's usual introduction.
Their leader was once again the one to break the silence.
"Insolent fool! There is no 'Demon Lord Diablo' in any of our histories! Why tell such a bold faced lie?"
How many times are people going to keep doubting me today, too…
"Hmph! Believe what you wish, but you will realize your naivety through our battle! Stronoff will be leaving in my place,"
Gazef cast a worried look towards Diablo.
"I don't doubt your strength, but they have you overwhelmed in numbers. It'll be impossible to get close with all their summons and spells flying your way,"
He put a hand on Diablo's shoulder.
"You've already given me a second chance, let me help you here,"
Diablo couldn't help but grin as he replied to the Captain.
"You remind me too much of my companions. Always trying to keep me from doing too much…"
He lost his train of thought for a moment, thinking through all the times someone had his back in his last world.
"Don't worry though Captain, you go back to ensure the village's safety. I can handle myself in this kind of fight, as a Demon Lord is more than just a powerful magician,"
Gazef could feel the resolve in Diablo's voice. He shook his head and turned to walk away.
"It's not often that I walk away from a fight, but I owe my life to you, so I'll make an exception, just this once,"
Diablo smiled wryly and looked back towards the scripture.
"Good,"
…
Nigun Grid Lewin, the leader of the Sunlit Scripture, was nearly boiling with rage at this point.
The success of this mission was guaranteed! We caught Gazef without any of the Kingdom's treasures and had him on the ropes!
Who is this mysterious horned demihuman…?
Nigun had fought many battles all across the continent and yet he had never seen a demihuman like the one before him now.
He looks almost totally human, but those markings on his face and the horns sticking out of his head say otherwise.
There's no way his claim of being a Demon Lord is true…
Even with this thought in his head, Nigun was internally sweating, still bothered by the mystery behind this so-called Diablo.
"Don't just let him get away, intercept him with some angels!"
At the command of their leader, two angels flew forward towards Diablo, who stood between them and the now retreating Gazef.
"I told you, I am your opponent now,"
"《Dark Press》!"
Diablo had his {Tonnerre Empereur} pointed at the incoming angels.
As the spell was cast, a massive black orb appeared at the tip of his staff, which flew right into the path of the pursuing angels.
The moment they entered the radius of the spell's effect, they were sent crunching into the ground.
The attempts of their summoners to call them back was in vain, as even the ground beneath the angels began to crumble from the oppressive force.
"Your summons are interesting, but they're far too slow-
With a resounding boom, the angels gave out under the pressure and dissolved into motes of light.
-and far too weak!"
Worried shouts began to rise from the scripture, who were rightfully scared after seeing two of their angels obliterated in one spell.
"If that was all for your attack, I think I'll take my turn now,"
Diablo pointed his {Tonnerre Empereur} towards the scripture, more specifically towards their leader in the middle, Nigun.
Seeing that tool of destruction pointed his way, Nigun couldn't help but panic.
"All angels, attack now!"
This might have been a tough spot if their summons were any good…
"《Cross Blizzard》!"
At Diablo's command, two massive freezing tornadoes sprung forth.
The angels that had moved in to attack were caught up in the torrent, where they were turned to ice, and shattered by the wind's deadly force.
It was a massacre.
About forty angels died from Diablo's one spell.
Upon seeing all their summons wiped out at once, the men in the scripture began to cry out in despair.
"Who is this guy?!"
"Is he actually a Demon Lord?!"
And in all the chaos, they began shooting off the spells they normally relied on,
[Charm Person]!
[Iron Hammer]!
[Hold]!
[Fire Rain]!
[Emerald Sarcophagus]!
[Shock Wave]!
[Stalagmite Charge]!
[Open Wounds]!
[Poison]!
[Fear]!
[Blindness]!
A hailstorm of spells bore down on Diablo.
"The magic of this world is intriguing, but it is useless!"
He raised his arms as if to take all the attacks, and when the flurry of spells made contact, the unthinkable happened.
A brilliant red light shone from Diablo as if to stand between him and the enemies' attacks.
Nigun could feel his jaw drop as his watched all his men collapse to the ground, incapacitated by their own spells.
"Impossible- that's impossible! No one should be able to kill so many angels in one spell, and it's impossible to reflect magic!"
He was seething at this point, distraught over his mounting bad luck.
"[Principality of Observation]! Attack!"
Responding to Nigun's faltering voice, the larger angel that had previously remained still at his side moved forward.
It flew towards Diablo, and without losing any momentum, began to swing its mace-like weapon towards him.
"You're smart trying to get in close to a mage, however-
Diablo gave a mental command to his wand, which transformed into its sword configuration, {Tonnerre Emperuer • Libéré}.
-A Demon Lord is no mere magician,"
He met the angel's attack brandishing his sword with only one arm.
It seems the level difference between us is great enough that I didn't even need to use 《Iron Wall》to block the attack…
With the force of a high level warrior, Diablo pushed against the angel, sending it a few meters back.
"You're in my way, 《Heat Sonic》!"
Upon activating his martial art, Diablo's sword glowed red with heat and he unleashed eight swift consecutive slashes.
The majestic form of [Principality of Observation] fell into pieces, and then disintegrated into motes of light.
"Th-that's absurd!"
"In one attack…?"
"Eeeegh!"
"Impossible!"
A chorus of confused voices erupted from the Sunlit Scripture, including their beloved leader, Nigun.
"Principality of Observation is a defense heavy summon… even one boosted by my talent was obliterated in moments…"
I've fought through and survived countless battles… This is not my destiny… It is not my fate to die on this field!
"Buy me time! I'm going to summon the highest-ranking angel!"
Nigun revealed a large shimmering crystal from underneath his cloak, and held it towards the sky.
Is that a summoning crystal?
Diablo had noticed that these mages were able to summon angels one after another without crystals, so he was confused as to why one had been brought out now.
It's not as refined as the one that Prince Keera used to summon the《Force Hydra》back in Greenwood, but the size is definitely the same...
Could it really contain a similar power?
Their summons up until now have been fodder, but I still have to be wary of their trump card…
While Diablo went on guard, the crystal Nigun had raised began to glitter as it broke down.
Then, a light emanated from it that was so bright, it reminded Diablo of the effects of his grand magic 《White Nova》.
If this thing has power on the level of that spell, I might be in for some trouble…
"Behold! The noble [Dominion Authority]!"
The angel that appeared before them was a cluster of sparkling wings. It lacked legs or a head, and carried a magnificent scepter.
It certainly looks powerful, but something isn't right…
Diablo wasn't well versed in the religions of his original world, but he knew from game lore that there was a hierarchy of angels.
And Dominion types aren't at the top…
"What a tremendous summon! However to call it the strongest angel seems a little much,"
Unfettered by Diablo's jab, Nigun announced his absolute victory.
"This is the angel that defeated an evil spirit single handedly! Not even a self proclaimed Demon Lord can withstand the potency of its magic!"
"Use [Holy Smite]!"
At Nigun's command for an all out attack, [Dominion Authority]'s scepter shattered, and its shards began to float around the angel.
I've never heard of this spell before, but the chances that it can bypass my {Demon Lord's Ring} are slim to none.
Diablo recalled to the time that he put his faith in the ring against the Demon Lord of Insanity {Modinalam}.
If it can reflect the strongest spell in Cross Reverie, 《Ruination Flame》, which managed to decimate Faltra's defenses, it can reflect this [Holy Smite] as well!
"You fool, did you not see the results of your pitiful attempts earlier? I possess the ability to reflect all magic!"
Nigun had seen the impossibility with his own eyes, yet he wanted to believe there was some kind of limiter on such a monstrous ability.
Maybe it only works on weaker spells, maybe it has a cool down, maybe it has limited uses, THERE'S TOO MANY MAYBES!
"[Holy Smite] is seventh tier magic, it's in a realm that humanity can't challenge!"
Diablo wondered what he meant by seventh tier. As far as he was concerned, magic was measured by what level one could first learn it.
"Then allow me to correct your misunderstanding-
[Holy Smite]!
-a Demon Lord is no mere man of the races!"
The spell was cast, and a pillar of brilliant white light descended from the heavens.
However…
"That's… impossible…"
Before the pillar of light could make contact with Diablo, the same red glow from earlier appeared to shield him from the attack.
Just as expected…
Then, in accordance with the ability of his 《Magic Reflection》, the [Dominion Authority] became engulfed in the white light of its own attack.
"No… no! You're an evil spirit! You must be!"
Nigun was laughing hysterically at this point, having just seen the magic capable of vaporizing evil spirits reflected back at his angel.
"I'm no evil spirit. It's as I said, I'm a Demon Lord who was unfortunate enough to happen upon your paltry world,"
Diablo looked towards the [Dominion Authority] that was still standing after taking its own [Holy Smite].
I suppose an attack meant for evil beings wouldn't be as effective on an angelic one… I'll have to finish this in one go if I really want them to leave me alone…
"Allow me to give a demonstration on true magical power!"
Nigun froze when he heard these words.
If what he put out before wasn't his true power, what in the gods' names is he going to do now?!
"O darkness yielded from the blackest night, congregate into an arc…《Dark Arc Seek》!"
At the center of the Demon Lord's staff, a line of dark light began to manifest. It resembled the arc of a bow, but its size was taller than that of Diablo.
Racking his brain, Nigun couldn't think of any course of action.
Any spells I use will only get sent back at me, and [Dominion Authority] can't use any attacks so soon after firing [Holy Smite]!
"O nihility that engulfs all creation, come forth in my hand…《Black Hole Arrow》!"
A black sphere appeared at the tip of the staff.
It was a hole. A hole that swallowed anything and everything, including light.
Could he really defeat the highest tier angel in a single spell?
He had never heard such an incantation before, but judging from its description, he could only expect the worst.
"O arrow of nihility, pierce the lynchpin that is between the boundary of heaven and Earth… 《Gravity Abyss》!"
The atmosphere trembled as the crystallization of three maximum magic spells soared towards its target.
The projectile that oozed a black radiance made contact with the torso of [Dominion Authority, and the magic was invoked.
"What the-
In only a moment, the body of [Dominion Authority] warped under the immense pull of the black hole, crumpling inwards on itself, until nothing remained.
…
A dead silence hung over the quickly darkening field. It was only broken by the thud of Nigun as he crumpled to the ground in despair.
"A Demon Lord is truly upon us… the human race is doomed…"
Diablo crossed the empty battlefield, feeling awkward at the sight of a bunch of grown men in fetal positions.
"I wouldn't bother with such a tiresome task," Diablo said in response, standing over the broken man.
Suddenly, Diablo's ring glowed red, signaling that someone had tried to use magic on him.
I didn't see a spell come from anywhere… And it certainly wasn't one of these guys…
He was truly perplexed over what had just happened, and even stranger, he couldn't shake the feeling that someone had been trying to watch him from afar.
Deciding it wasn't an immediate threat, he continued with his victory speech.
"All I wish for is to find my companions and possibly a way back to my previous world. As long as you and whatever pitiful country you represent don't get in the way, my wrath will be sated,"
Nigun looked up at the monstrously powerful being before him.
Is he really just letting us go? He went through all that effort to destroy our angels just to set us on our way?
He couldn't bring himself to believe it, but he would be a fool to not play along.
"Of course, our organization will do all it can to not get in your way again, Lord Diablo,"
Still in disbelief, Nigun slowly stood up, and motioned for his men to follow.
Standing up from their prostrate positions, the Sunlit Scripture joined their leader in retreat.
I'd be running with my tail between my legs if I saw multiplex magic for the first time like this too, I guess…
As the battered mages of the Theocracy disappeared over the horizon, Diablo felt like he could finally relax for a moment.
Even in another world I have to keep proving my power...
While he walked back towards the village, he saw someone running over to greet him.
Gazef…
The hulking captain of the Royal Select met him halfway.
"I suppose I expected nothing less, but from what I was able to see, you've got power like none I've ever heard of,"
Diablo sighed, and looked at Gazef with a devilish grin.
"For a Demon Lord? It was nothing!"