I, the “Clock User”, Was Kicked Out of the Craftsmen’s Guild for Being Incompetent, but at the Dungeon’s Depths, I Awakened My True Power – Even Though I Was Told to Return Because They Couldn’t Handle the Work, It’s Too Late Now, and I Will Live Freely as an SSS-class Adventurer V9C4

Translated by Hamster

**Volume 9: A Moment of Respite**

**04. Encounter After the Parade**

"Wow, we were super popular, weren't we?"

Cyclo and his companions were returning to their mansion after the parade.

Kalim, reminiscing about the event, said this, to which Alice responded:

"But my face is all stiff from having to keep smiling the whole time..."

Seeing Alice so exhausted, Cyclo smiled.

"Good work, Alice."

He said, gently placing his hand on Alice's shoulder.

"Mmm, brother, comfort me..."

Alice clung to Cyclo in a playful manner, but he gently brushed her off.

"Ugh."

Mist, watching the two of them, became jealous and silently hugged Cyclo from behind.

"Mist?"

"I'm tired too, so please be kind to me!"

"Ah, uh, okay."

Cyclo accepted her, though he was somewhat perplexed by her attitude.

Before long, the four of them approached Cyclo's mansion.

Suddenly, looking towards the front gate, they saw a lone man standing there.

"That guy...!"

Yes, it was the mysterious black-haired, black-eyed man who had made eye contact with Cyclo during the parade.

"Is that the suspicious man you mentioned, Cyclo-san?"

"Yeah. He seems to be concealing his power now."

The four proceeded cautiously towards the man waiting in front of the gate.

Then, they noticed something. Behind the man was a young girl with the same black hair and black eyes, hiding timidly.

It seemed odd if he were an enemy, but they did not lower their guard as they approached.

"---Hello. Nice to meet you, heroes."

"Who are you?"

When Cyclo asked, the black-haired man nodded before answering.

"It's natural to be on guard. But first, I'd like to ask. Cyclo, you've been told something by the Creator God, haven't you?"

At the mention of the Creator God and the implication that he knew about their circumstances, everyone was surprised and heightened their vigilance.

"I see, that reaction is enough. Well, to alleviate your caution, I'll say that I am an ally of the Creator God. I need your help to defeat the Demon God. I've come here to explain the situation and make a small request."

"...What's your proof that what you say is true?"

When Cyclo asked, the man shook his head.

"There's no other proof than you believing me. However, let me say this---if I were to oppose you, there would be no need for such roundabout methods. I could just attack head-on."

"Does that mean you're stronger than us?"

"Who knows? We wouldn't know until we fight---but there are many ways to fight beyond just a difference in strength. Not using such means and being here in person is, in itself, proof."

Cyclo was suspicious of the man's words.

"What kind of person are you?"

"Ah, my apologies. I've been 'disguised' this whole time."

Upon saying this---the man suddenly released his magic power.

The output was overwhelming---it was powerful enough to possibly rival Cyclo's strength.

With the release of magic, the spells concealing the appearances of both the man and the young girl hiding behind him were lifted.

"---Beastman!?"

Cyclo inadvertently shouted upon seeing them.

After all, both the man and the girl had black fur-covered animal ears on their heads.

Such a race, characterized by their animal-like features, were called beastmen, a race almost non-existent in the Heimburgh Kingdom.

There were also races like dwarves, people with skin in colors such as red or purple, and races with wings or horns, but all of these were virtually absent in Heimburgh Kingdom.

They were collectively known as---

Demons.

And they were the people of the Rustgard Empire, the land of the Demon King.

"---As you can see. My daughter Leona and I are descendants of the 'Black Wolf Tribe,' a lineage of beastmen. And... I'm currently serving as the Emperor of the Rustgard Empire. The one you call the 'Demon King.'"

The unexpected revelation from the black-haired man, now known to be the Demon King, left Cyclo and his companions speechless and wide-eyed in shock.

Previous

Next