Chapter 39

With a surge of immense magic power, pitch-black armor materialized onto Lisbeth’s body, enveloping her completely. Her golden blonde hair swayed gently in the wind as the armor settled.

At the same moment, Clothilde—who had already manifested—also transformed. Her once transparent, gleaming blade turned pitch-black, and both blade and hilt shortened slightly, seemingly adjusted to fit Lisbeth’s height.

Once the armor secured itself, a skull-like helmet appeared in Lisbeth’s hands. It covered the entire head. She placed it gently over her face and murmured, “Then, let’s begin.”

ROAR!!!!!!

The instant Lisbeth donned the helmet, every demon beast nearby instinctively roared. The sound was deafening, yet held no fighting spirit. Their roars stemmed not from anger, but pure, deep-seated fear.

The fear of death.

“One second.”

Like the Grim Reaper counting down, Lisbeth softly uttered the number. In the same breath, she vanished from her spot and reappeared before the monsters. Two fell instantly, slain.

Blood gushed from their bodies. Before it could hit the ground, Lisbeth leaped into the air and whispered two words:

“Two seconds.”

Clothilde ignited with pitch-black flames in her grip. Lisbeth closed her eyes gently and intoned, “Skill—Fatal Combo.”

Her figure vanished mid-air. A black streak darted among the giant bear monsters. In a blink, she reappeared at her starting position.

“Three seconds.”

BOOM!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Blood erupted from the monsters. One by one, they collapsed to the ground.

“Class Change deactivation.”

Lisbeth exhaled slowly, gazing at the piles of corpses. The black armor shattered on command, dissolving into dark light that vanished.

“Phew… Looks like I barely managed it.”

“Yeah. But Alex, your physical abilities are surprisingly good now. Still not like your original body, but already strong. I don’t get how you were sore from housework two days ago.”

“Ah… no… Actually, my muscles are sore right now too…”

Lisbeth plopped down, ignoring the dust on her Maid Outfit. She lifted her hand and saw her right palm trembling slightly. She couldn’t even grip a sword for now.

“What now? The crisis is over, but how do I explain these dead monsters to Head Maid Hilda…”

“Ah, true. I was too busy surviving to think about that.”

Lisbeth clutched her head helplessly and sighed. “Sigh… What to do… I’ve no energy left to deal with these corpses…”

BOOM!!!!

“Huh!?”

Just as Lisbeth despaired, a massive explosion boomed from above. The nearby monster corpses instantly incinerated to ash. Lisbeth snapped her head up. A demon clan man floated in the air—thirtyish, short golden hair, draped in a dark green cloak.

“Huh? Why does he look so familiar?”

Flying too high, Lisbeth couldn’t make out his face. After his attack, he didn’t leave. He descended smoothly and stood before her.

“Miss, are you unharmed? I’m Crus, one of Lady Christia’s Four Heavenly Kings. Head Maid Hilda requested my aid.”

Lisbeth froze, unsure how to react. She didn’t grasp why he’d incinerate the corpses without hesitation—or why he acted like her savior.

Lisbeth didn’t recognize him, but Clothilde shouted, “Alex! Isn’t this the guy you punched into the sky when you stormed the Demon King’s Fortress?”

“Ah! It’s him! You’re right.”

Remembering, Lisbeth stayed silent. Crus removed his cloak and draped it over her shoulders. “You must be too frightened to speak. No worries—the monsters are gone. No one will harm you now.”

“Hah…”

“Alex, is this guy blind? Those beasts were dead before he showed up. What’s his role?”

“No, Little Sword. I get it now. He was flying so high, the monsters looked like tiny black dots to him. He didn’t notice they were already dead. That’s why he’s playing hero.”

“Huh? Really? Then you’re crazy lucky!”

“Right? Lady Goddess really helped—a perfect cover appeared. But shh, Little Sword. If I stay quiet, he’ll get suspicious.”

Lisbeth forced out a few tears and gazed up at Crus with watery eyes. “Lord Crus, thank you for saving me. If you’d arrived a moment later… I might have died.”

“Is that so? Chased by so many monsters—you must’ve been terrified. But don’t fear now. I’m here. No one will hurt you. Your hands needn’t tremble anymore.”

*Ah no, it’s just muscle soreness… And please let go of my hand. It’s disgusting.*

Lisbeth swallowed her nausea. Revealing her thoughts would ruin everything. She endured the urge to vomit and said, “Lord Crus, could you take me to my companions?”

“Beautiful lady, of course. May I know your name? Your attire suggests you’re also a Maid from the Demon King’s Fortress?”

Lisbeth nodded quickly. “Yes. I’m Lisbeth—one of Lady Christia’s Personal Maids.”

“Oh! What a perfect encounter! A Personal Maid of Lady Christia… Truly worthy of the Demon King’s servants’ beauty.”

“Hey, Alex, what’s this guy raving about?”

“I don’t know. But I’ve got a very bad feeling…”

Lisbeth’s lips twitched violently. As if confirming her dread, Crus swept her into his arms. His eyes glowed softly. “Let’s find Head Maid Hilda first. Our meeting today feels fated. Back at the Demon King’s Fortress, I’ll ask the Demon King for your hand in marriage.”

“Hah!?”