Volume 5 - CH 52

Act 5-52: Behind The Scene of The 2nd Trial

When I entered the tent after the post-meal exercise with Asta, Girimekhala, Ifrit, and Titan were kneeling.

「So cruel, why did it suddenly turn into a real battle! I thought I’m about to die for real back then!」

The Chicken Majin-dono who entered a while later raised a protest with a sulking look on her face.

「Uhm? I have no intention to fight for real though?」

It was but a performance after all. So I did my best to go easy on her. Rather, I wouldn’t fight Asta for real. Well, I guess it’s just an exaggeration from her side. That’s why she got that embarrassing Chicken Majin title.

「Are you… Serious?」

Asta asked with a look of bewilderment on her face, her cheeks twitching non-stop.

「Yeah, I kept it down at the level of the boss of current trial.」

Don’t be that scared, the current enemy was one of the four great demon kings, Aldebaran. It would be a good experience for them since a stronger enemy would come later. They had to get used to that kind of pressure.

Asta crouched down, seemingly at the end of her wits,

「That stupid prince’s performance will only deteriorated after you showed such thing!」

And screamed like usual. Uhm, I guess I had to hold back from pulling that kind of stunt again since Asta looked furious (more than usual) .

『Supreme Ruler-sama, the preparation for the 2nd trial has been completed.』

Hearing Girimekhala’s remark, I sat in my chair, seeing that Asta heaved a sigh, shook her head, stood up, snapping her fingers. Suddenly, the scenery of the marshland with the army of the monsters on their post appeared before us.

「Master, I have a question.」

Asta asked, wearing a serious face.

「Why so formal now?」

「What are you going to do about your participation in that stupid prince’s group after this 2nd trial?」

「Uhm, I already did everything I can do. There’s nothing I can do there anymore.」

In the end, this was the trial to test the soul of that stupid prince. No matter what kind of shitty enemy that will appear after this, I had no intention to help them anymore. It is just that leaving them on their own device would make them far too weak. That’s why I gave them just the minimum amount of help. I’ve pointed out the general situation, and left some warning for that stupid prince too. Now that boy is on his own.

「Do you really think that they can clear the rest of the trial without your help?」

「I don’t think it’s possible. Firstly, my requirement for Gil to clear the trials aren’t strength.」

The strength of the four great demon kings was well known in this world. Though I wouldn’t lose to them, the same couldn’t be said for Gil and co. The requirement to clear the final trial needs him to do so by himself.

「What if that monkey failed to recognize that fact?」

「Then he will die. But, that has been already agreed from the very beginning.」

This wasn’t training. This was my last, ethereal thread of mercy for Gilbert who committed such grave sins. He would survive if he cleared the trial, and die if he fails. This was a game, with him betting on his life. There was no exception since the king and prime minister themselves were the witnesses.

「…」

Hearing that, Asta stared straight into my eyes for a while but,

「Master, have you been aware of the deed of that maggot called Aldebaran?」

She asked a question that I had expected.

「Yeah, I heard about it from the monsters that I protected along the way. I also know about what you guys did behind the scene.」

Girimekhala’s body trembled nonstop upon hearing my remark. It was just a casual remark but, it seems it hit the bull’s eyes.

「Honestly I’m surprised…」

「Eh? About what?」

「I thought that master would blow his top the moment you know what they did.」

「You have some misunderstanding here, Asta. I’m neither a hero, saint, or hypocrite with a sense of justice. At this point, Aldebaran has yet to become my enemy, and we’re a third party. In addition, we have no justified reason to intervene directly with this situation.」

Strong people resolved the problem with power just like a brave or hero in the legend. That was one of the solutions. But, the people we save would remain weak. I couldn’t expect true growth in mentality from them. Take Gil and the sheep cats for example, they showed more flexible thinking capabilities after they passed the 1st trial.

「A guide, does that mean our roles are showing them the right direction?」

「Not something as grandiose as that. It is just that our intervention isn’t needed in the current stage. In short, I’m just doing it my way.」

「Then, what are you going to do about Aldebaran if that idiot prince failed his trial?」

「Honestly, I’m disgusted by the way Aldebaran is doing things. In case Gil was defeated in this trial, I’ll take the responsibility and dispose Aldebaran myself.」

Even if the other party was four great demon kings, losing wasn’t an option. I would crush him with everything I got.

「Really, selfishness that knows no bound.」

Seeing Asta stated her opinion with rather dumbfounded look on her face,

「Indeed. Since the very beginning, I’ve been a selfish person. And will always stay that way in the future.」

I revealed a whole faced smile as I declared so to Asta.

Asta was exaperrated in seeing that and,

「You may do as you like, Master.」

She placed her right hand on her chest and bowed elegantly.

「That’s my plan from the very beginning.」

――Thus begins the 2nd trial betting on the pride and life of the monster who organizes it.

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