In A Parallel World With Random Skills, I Reluctantly Become A Mafia Boss?

Chapter 21: Deceived

Finally, the Demon King opened his mouth...

"....Pal-kun? Who's tha...Ah, did you mean the kid I swallowed yesterday? He didn't have any taste but he wasn't bad for a snack. What about him?"

Instantly, my anger surged.

"Marielle, no don't fall for his provocation!"

Lode seemed to have been shouting something, but I didn't have time to listen. Even if I did, I couldn't forgive the enemy in front of me. Even if he was one of the 'Demon Kings'.

*Woosh*

*Slap*

*Crash*

Suddenly, one of the tentacles shot out and wrapped around my outstretched fist. In the next moment, it lifted me up in the air as if I had no weight at all. Finally, it threw me onto the ground as if I was trash. The pain from hitting the ground was stinging.

"...If only I had my equipment from before..."

I remember my former equipment that could bring down large beasts in one blow, but regret the fact that its divine power had already been exhausted about a year ago. It was like swallowing a bitter pill, seeing as I had no fighting strength in front of this enemy.

"Marielle!"

In the corner of my eye, I could see the large gorilla-like figure of Lode rushing towards my location, but I could tell it was futile, even with both our strengths combined.

"...R..un....Lode....protect Elle..."

"Like hell I'd just leave you here! Elle is going to cry without you there!"

It hurt.....that only at these moments, he was right. Well, I guess most of the time, he was right about most things. It was just me that refused to listen.

"Sorry, it's impossible to beat this guy without my equipment. Please...run"

"....."

Lode stopped about 2 meters away from where the 'Demon King' stood, and seemed to have been thinking hard about something, but I had no time to watch him be troubled.

"Hou, is the one known as Elle, the one who released the gigantic amount of power last night? I came here for that reason after all. I really would like to taste the human capable of that kind of strength. By all means, lead me to her."

"..I'd ra..ther..die than do that, Demon!"

I somehow muster up the courage and strength to talk back, if only to buy time for Elle to escape. I hope Lode makes his decision soon...

"Oh, how rude of me. Even for measly humans, I have to introduce myself or I would be looked down upon. This one's name is Edacitas Von Beelzebub, the Demon King chosen by Gluttony. A pleasure to meat, I mean meet a delicious-looking human such as you both."

[Gluttony].

One of the 'Seven Deadly Sins'.

The sin's ultimate goal which was devouring the entire world.

Signifying endless hunger.

One of the things I know about demons is that each demon was born with a sin, and only the strongest among them that follow their desires the most, can rise up into higher ranks. Especially, a Demon King which was the highest rank only second to the 'Demon God' who was their creator.

So it wasn't here for Elle? He was looking for someone else?

That fills me with a slight sense of relief. But I didn't sense any large magic power last night. Still, I doubt a 'Demon King' would come here for nothing.

There was a slight tremor in the middle of the night, but that was it. Most of the people would be asleep at that time. So I really didn't know what this Demon was talking about.

"I have no idea, who you're talking about. So, let me go!"

"No, no, please do not lie. Hmm? Oh, it seems you really didn't know anything, amusing."

"Then..."

"But...too bad, I wouldn't be a [Gluttony] Demon if I let go of a delicious meal right in front of my eyes, would I? No matter, I'll find that human myself and have him as the main course. While you two..."

*Woosh*

*Bang*

*Crumble*

Suddenly, Lode had brandished a giant hammer from somewhere and tried to flatten the 'Demon King' but he just nimbly dodged the blow, as if he was expecting it.

Naturally, the hammer had missed its target, and landed heavily onto the ground, crushing the grass and earth below it.

"....will be my appetizers."

With a playful grin, he extended his other tentacle feelers made out of demonic energy and wrapped Lode's humongous body in darkness.

Suddenly, I felt as if the feelers wrapped around me more tightly as I kept struggling, and I seem to have been losing my strength the more I was stuck here.

As expected of [Gluttony], it was sapping my energy as if it was a delicious drink. I could feel my consciousness slowly dimming...

"Umu, you humans are strong aren't you. Although, it's a pity I couldn't devour you at your peak form. Weakened humans dull the flavor a bit, but it doesn't change the general taste. In fact, you should be glad to be eaten by one of the 'Demon Kings'. Truly an intriguing taste, your companion with the overly large body has 'Titan Blood' flowing through his veins, does he not? A rare meal has made its way to myself. I am overjoyed at my luck of eating one of a titan's descendants."

Yes, he was right. Lode's abnormal body strength was because he had 1/18 of blood from a 'Titan'. I'm amazed he could tell that much from a taste. It just goes to show you that 'Demon Kings' weren't to be underestimated.

Ah, my strength has reached into a critical state. I doubt I can recover from this even with a month if I escape now. I started to escape the cruel reality in front of me while thinking of what would happen to Elle without me and Lode.

Suddenly, I recall the bright smile of Kyouya-kun in my darkest moments...

'I see. Then, I'll make it up to both of you. Deal?'

That kindheartedness put me at ease. If you still want to repay me by the time I'm gone, please take care of Elle for me...

"...Kyou...ya-ku..n..."

"Hou, you found the strength to move your lips even under my <<Overeat>> skill? Truly-"

*Slash*

*Thud*

"Guh-what happened!? Who's there!? Reveal thyself!"

I couldn't see that clearly with my darkening vision, but I could make out the fact that I had fallen to the ground along with Lode, along with a severed arm that looked like it belonged to a child.....and something else...

"....Little boy, or should I say, 'Demon King'....Don't lay your filthy hands on her!"

An incarnation of rage, with hair of shining silver.

Wielding a sword adorned with the blackest of colors, a contrast of beauty.

Was the last image I had seen before I drifted into slumber.