Chapter 43

A blade so powerful it could cleave through iron—Rex's greatsword. Even a glancing blow would tear through flesh.

When Rex fought seriously, his power was on another level entirely. Enough to completely overwhelm the self-proclaimed Demon Sword King without letting him lift a finger.

———However.

“You never disappoint, best friend.”

“…As expected of Rex. So, who’s the girl?”

Rex’s first strike had been flawlessly deflected by a swordsman who called himself Kazenagi—Windcutter.

Not through brute force, but like a dancer guiding a partner, he had let Rex’s massive sword slide harmlessly along the back of his own blade.

That movement—every part of it matched the defensive technique I had envisioned in my mind to counter Rex’s sword.

---

After dodging that opening strike, the Sword Saint and Kazenagi locked eyes in a silent standoff. Occasionally, a gentle flicker of wind stirred between them.

Neither one made a move. Time ticked by.

“What’s going on? Hey Flatche, what’s happening now?”

“Ahh, I think neither of them can make the first move. Rex has to keep the Demon Sword King within range to stop him from grabbing his sword. On the other hand, O— uh, Master can’t recklessly press forward either, or Rex might cut the Demon Sword King down the moment an opening shows.”

“Makes sense.”

Exactly. Neither could afford to act carelessly—and neither had much intel on the other.

For Rex, this was their first meeting in years. He was probably expecting the unexpected.

I was still curious about that fake. Most logically, it had to be a demon implanted with memories stolen from me—meant to copy my advanced swordsmanship. It pissed me off, seeing techniques I’d worked so hard to master being used like that.

“Then hey Mei, can’t you use your magic to attack that Demon Sword King guy? If we kill that demon general, it’d make things way easier for Rex, right?”

“…Hard to say. Right now, those two are locked in a really delicate standoff. I think it’s better not to interfere. It’d be safest to leave it to Rex.”

“Yes… it’s Lord Rex, after all. Better not to make any clumsy moves. If my magic accidentally hits him, I couldn’t bear the shame.”

Exactly. There’s no place to cut in over there. Even if Mei or I jumped in, we’d probably just end up needing Rex to bail us out.

As frustrating as it is, based on what I saw from that fake earlier, that thing was basically me—but with my strength and stamina jacked up to monstrous levels. A perfect superior version. With my frail body, I’d stand no chance.

Even the demon general who’s been neutralized is clearly above me. It’s not even about swordsmanship—just the difference in physical makeup makes me doubt whether I could even land a proper hit.

With that massive body, I’m not even sure my sword could reach his heart. Hell, with my weak arms, could I even drive the blade in at all?

And even if Mei’s magic hits, how much damage would it really do? …Best to stay out of this.

Besides—

“Ha.”

With a flash of brute strength, Rex suddenly brought his greatsword down. The blade tore through the air—and like a mirage, Kazenagi shifted, wrapping around Rex like dancing wind.

“Here we go!”

“Tch!”

A perfect counter. Calmly dodging Rex’s slash, Kazenagi spun gracefully, raising his blade toward Rex.

But Rex met him with a swift roundhouse kick. A roaring wind followed his spinning leg, sweeping Kazenagi away.

“Still the same dumb brute strength!”

Though the Sword Saint’s kick didn’t land directly, the sheer force of it blew Kazenagi back. The distance between them widened—enough for Rex to turn and strike at the demon general.

“Not on my watch!”

Rex readied his sword toward the Demon Sword King. But Kazenagi, having been knocked back, charged forward again—wind curling around him.

“Nishishishi!”

Grinning, Rex turned as if he’d been waiting for this, and sent Kazenagi flying once more.

…Man. Rex is in total control here.

Neither has landed a finishing blow, but it’s clear Rex doesn’t need help. After all, that man is Rex.

“…Heh.”

“Take this! And this!”

They’d clashed countless times now, yet not a single blow had landed. Steel met steel, sweat flew, and neither let their guard down.

And yet, on the faces of the two swordsmen—

Rex wore a nostalgic, almost joyful smile.

Kazenagi’s face was twisted in desperation, his voice sharp with pressure.

The fight itself was dead even. Each was flawlessly neutralizing the other’s attacks.

But in terms of mental state, the winner was clear. …Right, now that I think about it, I was always like that too. Always panicking.

Because I knew how dangerous Rex was. Because I understood that letting my guard down against him meant death.

That’s why—

“Thanks, best friend. Even after falling to the demons, even with your heart corroded—you’re still standing as my enemy.”

Then Rex stepped half a pace forward.

“You’re just as strong as I’d hoped.”

His blade closed in—just inches from Kazenagi.

“But strength I predicted… won’t be enough to beat me.”

——In that instant, Rex’s massive form shifted.

“To make sure I didn’t lose to the version of you I expected, I’ve been pushing myself hard.”

He let go of his sword with one hand—and as if swatting a bug, seized Kazenagi by the face.

“Gah!?”

“Heh heh heh, still as weak as ever in close combat, huh, partner? You always get too fixated on the sword.”

Kazenagi—no, the fake version of me—couldn’t react to Rex’s sudden grapple. Most likely, it was because Rex had taken a large, decisive step forward.

“Tch! Rex, the demon commander’s escaping!”

“Let him. You’re way more dangerous than that demon.”

An attack launched from beyond the range where the Demon Blade King could be neutralized—it had caught him completely off guard.

Kazenagi groaned and tried to slash the arm that was grabbing him to break free from Rex’s grip—

“All done!!”

—and was slammed into the ground at terrifying speed.

A crater opened in the earth, and blood spurted from Kazenagi’s skull. The swordsman didn’t even twitch after that.

“With this, it’s 2,408 fights and 2,335 wins. Another victory for me, partner!”

The Demon Blade King hurried to pick up his sword, dashing forward in an attempt to rescue Kazenagi—but he was far too late.

The man who had called himself Kazenagi, the demon, lay unconscious, unmoving.

“Of course Mino made her strategy assuming Rex would win.”

That makes sense. Back during that war with the neighboring country—the one I didn’t know much about—Mino must have seen Rex like this before.

I get it now... imagining him losing is the harder thing to do. Rex really is like someone born just to win.

“Oh, so he picked his sword back up, huh? Well, that’s fine. In that case—how about a rematch, Demon Blade King?”

Rex could beat someone like that demon commander as many times as it took. That’s why he used him as bait to finish off Kazenagi.

No—honestly, even without the bait, even in a fair one-on-one fight with no handicaps... Rex would still win.

Of course he would. The memories that demon carries are only mine. And someone like me—someone on my level—has no hope of defeating a monster like Rex who operates on a completely different plane.

No matter how much stronger my muscles might be. No matter how much faster my sword swings might get. There’s a clear, undeniable gap in class between me and Rex.

“Well then—try a little harder next time, will you?”

The damage Rex took while taking down both the Demon Blade King and the fake? Just two tiny grazes on his torso.

Kazenagi had blood gushing from his head, and the Demon Blade King, holding a cracked sword, stood swaying before that monster. I can’t imagine any scenario where Rex loses from here.

—Yeah. There’s just no way anyone could beat something like that.

---

A trump card is something you keep hidden.

General Mino, ever cautious, had made sure to prepare such a “trump card.” Though she hadn’t thought Clarise would lose, she had naturally made provisions for such an unexpected turn of events.

“…So it all depends on Rex, does it?”

“Yeah. I can’t beat that monstrously strong demon myself. But once I confirm those two are dead, I’ll make my move.”

Mino was speaking to an old man. The lecherous-looking elder, while polishing a slim, pointed sword with a pair of white panties, replied without looking up.

“You dragged me, the retired predecessor, out of my peaceful life, so I expect you to be mindful of this old body.”

“I’m well aware.”

…A suspicious-sounding voice came from the frail old man. He was once a veteran swordsman who reigned as the Supreme General of the nation.

And—

“But I did give you my underwear, didn’t I? So you better pull your weight.”

“Nyuh-hohohoho!”

This old man was Mino’s trump card—the backup force she could actually deploy.

Though a pervert with a hobby of collecting young women’s underwear, his skill as a swordsman was unfortunately the real deal. Even in retirement, his strength was second only to Mello’s.

More importantly, he had spent nearly his entire life immersed in warfare. His experience in military strategy was unparalleled. Until Mino succeeded him as the new military strategist, all national battle plans had been led by this man.

Born into a family of military nobility, he had been trained in the art of war since childhood, led troops at the front lines in his youth, and devoted his middle age to mentoring the next generation—a true war hero in his twilight years. Unfortunately, he also fell too deeply into his lusts, eventually committing sex crimes such as underwear theft, which led to his dishonorable discharge and retirement. Since then, he had taken to loitering in the castle town and harassing travelers for fun—a rather disgraceful figure nowadays.

To the national army, he was an outdated relic that risked tarnishing their image. Yet to Mino, this perverted old man was a military asset worth his weight in gold.

A seasoned commander who would move for nothing more than a pair of panties? Such men were not easily found. …Mino was in the middle of organizing a strike team to reclaim the northeastern fortress, with this man at the core of the plan.

“Oh, looks like Rex pulled through. No complaints now—you’ll be heading out.”

When Mino pointed in the direction of the battlefield, Rex had just slammed his Windcutter into the ground, finishing off his opponent. Soon, he would likely defeat the Demon Sword King as well.

All that remained was for the elderly general to take the lead and seize the northeastern stronghold. If Mino explained it was to save Clarise’s life, Rex and the others would surely cooperate.

Clarise losing her head hadn’t been part of the plan—but frankly, what kind of battlefield unfolds without unexpected events? That’s why people like this old man existed—second and third contingencies for the unforeseen.

Mino still had no doubt about the humans’ victory. At least, not at this point.

“…Honestly. That fool… I did warn him.”

The old man muttered bitterly, his voice tinged with sorrow.

“Something wrong, sir?”

“This war’s lost. Mino, I’m giving the panties back—start preparing for a retreat.”

When Mino looked over, the old man was slumping in disappointment, watching Rex charge boldly at the Demon Sword King with a crestfallen expression.

“…Huh? Retreat?”

“Yes. This war is already lost. In fact… if this goes badly, it might be the end of mankind.”

“W-What!?”

Mino, stunned, rushed up to the old man. By all accounts, the situation should be favorable. If Rex just finished off those two, the battle would be as good as won. So why was this man speaking such ominous words?

"Remember this, Sword Saint Rex. You are about to make a grave mistake. A mistake that may cost you something dear. Never confuse your goal with what is truly important to you."

The old man had meant those words as a warning to the Sword Saint. He had conveyed them earnestly, based on what his favored “divination” had revealed.

But it seemed that warning had already slipped from Rex’s mind.

“…Fool. It’s common sense to lop off your enemy’s head after you’ve beaten them.”

---

Rex was strong.

I caught a glimpse of that overwhelming strength for the first time that day—power honed over many long years.

Was that why? Because I knew I could never reach him, did I let my guard down? Did I foolishly assume that if I left everything to Rex, things would turn out fine?

───

I should’ve been able to follow it with my eyes, and yet… my body wouldn’t move.

Rex stood face to face with the Demon Sword King, raising his sword. The Demon Sword King charged at him with a desperate roar.

And behind him—behind it all—stood a demon swordsman, blood spraying from his head as he sprinted forward, silently, like the wind.

───Playing dead. A trick I used often when backed into a corner.

“Re───”

Not even my scream made it in time. The monster wearing my former face lunged from behind Rex, who was focused on blocking the Demon Sword King’s blow.

Two-on-one—and a sneak attack at that. Not even Rex could fend off something like this.

“───ex!!”

Then it happened. The Sword Saint’s dominant arm—his right arm, still gripping his sword—was severed by the slash from behind.

Rex’s eyes went wide. His greatsword lost its strength and went flying from his hands.

Now disarmed, the human swordsman stood facing the massive demon, several times his size. And behind him—me. Or rather, the thing that used to be me, sword in hand.

───Death.

“Aaaaaaaaah!!”

The Demon Sword King’s blade came down, cleaving into Rex. No—this is bad. That strike is headed straight for his heart—a fatal blow.

He’s going to die. My rival, my best friend, my goal… killed by a mere demon general, not even a Demon King.

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!!”

───

Was it a miracle that I made it in time?

Just as the Demon Sword King’s sword touched Rex’s shoulder, I rushed in and drove the spine of my thin blade into the side of the descending sword.

It was only slight, but it knocked the strike off its path. Rex was torn open across half his body—but he avoided a fatal blow.

“Hah… No way am I letting anyone else be the one to kill Rex.”

Then, from behind, I felt a dreadful chill.

The wind-wreathed demon stood over Rex’s dazed face, his eyes cold and merciless.

“Die, Rex.”

Fast. Heavy. That slash had both the speed and weight I never possessed back then. It felt like one of Rex’s own strikes.

But I won’t let it happen. I have to protect Rex.

Even if it’s my own sword technique—especially if it’s my own sword technique—even if it’s coming from behind───

“...What!?”

Without even turning, I swung my short sword behind my back. As I caught Rex’s collapsing body with my right arm, I parried the wind-cleaving blow with the sword in my left. The fake must not have expected the counter—it stumbled, its stance collapsing.

“What the—this is just like my sword───”

“Rexxxxxxxxxx!!!”

Then, with all my strength, I kicked my unconscious best friend toward Karine and the others.

Damn, he’s heavy. But I’d already used both arms to deflect the enemy’s blade. I had no other way to get Rex to safety than to use my legs.

“What the!?”

Thankfully, even my weak legs were enough to push him away. Rex flew through the air in a small arc, landing near Karine and the others who were running toward us.

Now if I just protect the rear, Rex should be safe───

“Hungh!!!”

The air split beside me.

A small sword, thrown at incredible speed. Probably forged specifically for throwing.

“Watch out!!”

Throwing technique. That damn Demon Sword King had a trick like that up his sleeve?

At some point, he’d thrown it—and the sword shot toward Rex like a missile.

“Rex-sama!!?”

It pierced my best friend’s heart. The momentum carried him, flung violently into the distance, disappearing over the horizon.

No... That far away, there’s no way we can get a healing spell to him in time. All I can do now is pray that it wasn’t an instant kill.

“Karine!! Mei!!”

“We’re on it!”

The healers ran after Rex. But how far had he been thrown? Could he even be alive after taking that kind of blow to the heart?

No. Don’t be stupid. Rex wouldn’t die that easily───

“You think I’ll let you chase him?”

The Demon Sword King—Wind Cutter—charged straight at the fleeing Karine.

...It’s my job to stop them. I’ll believe in the miracle that Rex isn’t dead. I’ll buy time—for that slim chance of victory.

No, of course he’s not dead. He’s Rex. He’s the Sword Saint. The strongest man in history. Of course he’s alive. If Karine can just get to him in time, he’ll be back on the battlefield in no time—even if he’s down an arm.

So I stepped forward, sword in hand, blocking the path of the Demon Sword King and Wind Cutter. I curled my fingers at them in provocation and gave them the most irritating grin I could muster.

“Your opponent is me.”

I volunteered to hold the line.

---

"Hah? Who the hell is this pint-sized chick? Move it. I'm the one who's gonna kill Rex."

"Oh? What’s the matter? Scared to fight me? Fufu."

"The hell did you say, huh?! You think someone like me would be scared of some weirdo little runt like you?! And what’s this about being his disciple anyway, huh!?"

"...Haa. Well, he's probably already dead by now... I guess I can kill this one first and catch up later."

Karin blocks the path where Mei and the others are escaping, glaring at the two demons. Her stance makes it clear—she won’t let them take a single step forward.

"This won't take long. With this guy’s skill, even holding out for a few minutes would be considered impressive."

"Seriously, what the hell do you mean by disciple!?"

But deep down, I already understood.

Even though I was standing there with my sword drawn like I owned the place—there was no chance of victory. Not against someone heavier, faster, and sharper than me in every way.

"Come on, you're telling me a bunch of weaklings who had to play dead just to beat someone like Rex actually think they can take me on? You’ve already lost, losers!"

"You bastard!! Take that back right now!!"

"...Haa. He’s strong, no doubt about that, but he's way too easy to provoke. That’s his one fatal flaw."

...I’m scared. I’m terrified. This demon—this towering mass of steel and rage—could crush my body into pulp without even trying.

Why the hell was I so confident until now? Why did I ever believe, without a single doubt, that I could beat monsters like Rex or these guys?

No—don’t chicken out, idiot. You called yourself the strongest swordsman, didn’t you? Remember the confidence you had back then.

What good is losing your nerve before the fight even begins?

"Don’t take too long."

"Bring it on!! I’ll finish this in one shot!!"

"Try it if you think you can!!"

——No. That’s not it.

I was supposed to be dead already. That’s right—I was killed long ago, torn to pieces without mercy.

The one standing here now... is nothing more than the remnants of a life already spent.

"……"

My best friend.

We’d been together since we were kids.

I challenged him again and again—lost, again and again.

Rex... you were always my goal, my admiration, my ideal.

Even if I give up on beating you, even if I stop trying to reach your level... the one thing I’ll never give up is being your best friend.

——If I can just buy them some time here, then I still have the right to call myself that, don’t I, Rex?