“Chapter 266: Distinction Between Right Or Wrong 7”

    – …Roar.

    – Don’t worry. That was the end. It’s over.

    The way we used our (my) abilities feels like cheating.

    But just this once should be fine.

    – That was reckless. Why did you do that?

    – Well…

    He must’ve noticed it when removing Shiori’s abilities.

    – When I took my last step, I got rid of the abilities you restored. That way, she wouldn’t be able to steal anything.

    – Did you not trust us? (Selfia)

    – Selfia-san, how are your injuries?

    – I’m not weak, I’ll be fine. Back to my question…

    – I did trust you all. But I wanted to be as careful as possible.

    Shiori had already pulled out a lot of unexpected tricks. In fact, she even strangled me with a tentacle coming out of her throat.

    – To be honest, I had expected it to become a race on who would eliminate the other’s ability first. In which case, I would be at a disadvantage.

    I’ve never tried doing something like that before, whereas Shiori had much more experience with manipulating her own body.

    – I’m glad you were ready to save the day. (Takaya)

    – It was weird to see you on the frontline. (Roar)

    This wasn’t planned in advance, but I knew Roar would be there, waiting for the moment to strike.

    – You and your team have a great bond. (Selfia)

    – He’s the best leader I could ask for. (Takaya)

    Roar clicked his tongue, but his face was slightly red.

    – Ooh, are we done here too?

    – Kouya!

    – Good to see everyone alive.

    – And Ralph!

    I wanted to ask a handful of questions about what they were up to, but their bodies were full of injuries.

    – Don’t worry, I’ll drink China-chan’s blood later. By the way, catch this.

    – What? A sword?

    Kouya tossed me a sword stained with blood.

    The handle had a small jewel, similar to Ever’s life nucleus.

    – That’s Ernika’s true form. I killed her. (Ralph)

    – You did? I remember being the one doing everything. (Kouya)

    – I finished her off. Actually, why were you even there? I could’ve done it by myself.

    – HUH? Do you not remember my Grandmaster having to heal you after both of your arms exploded?

    – No one asked for her help. Besides, I have feet. I’m the Great Swordsman, demon king. I can use a sword with my feet if I have to.

    – Do they call you Great Swordsman because you have a sword cutting through your small brain?

    I missed this.

    Even after such a fierce battle we can banter like this.

    – What happened with Shiori? Is she still alive? (Kouya)

    Shiori was laying on the floor next to me. Barely able to breathe.

    Her tree is gone. She’s not a threat anymore.

    Still, as Arueetel said, she’s way past the point of redemption. I can’t save her.

    It’s up to me to make the choice.

    – Ralph, I have a favor to ask.

    Or rather, a favor to ask of everyone from the thundercloud boat.

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    Author’s note: Next episode, “Minagami Shiori’s Venture” (267), will be the end of this arc. However, there are still a few more chapters to go. Thank you for reading.