"You’ve got some nerve showing your face in front of me again!"

"...Actually, it’s more surprising that you, who got taken down in a single strike by me, would dare to show your face in front of me again."

"What did you say!? You’re getting cocky—I’ll kill you!"

"Hold on, Jilbe. This is an official duel! You’re not allowed to attack until the signal to begin!"

"Libera is right. This is what you’ve wanted, so wait for the explanation to finish!"

Jilbe looks like he’s about to pummel me, taking my provocation before the duel has officially started, but Libera and Debra manage to hold him back together.

I’m doing my best to act confident and strong in front of Jilbe and the others, but can I really handle this...?

I’m not used to acting tough or provoking people, and it seems I’ve overdone it this time.

We’re in a dedicated area inside the Demon King’s castle, specifically designed for duels. Apparently, while strength isn't everything for the demon race, individual combat ability is highly valued, so duels are quite common. ...It's like some kind of warrior culture.

"Now, the duel will commence! Both participants, take your positions!"

It’s finally time for the duel with Jilbe. We both stand in the center of a massive, circular ring, with Libera and Debra stepping forward as referees.

Surrounding the ring, other key figures of the Demon King’s army, like Lugaro (one of the Four Heavenly Kings) and several of the demon officers who were there when I was summoned, are watching. Libera and Debra had prepared this duel venue yesterday.

Though I’m human, Debra and Libera have already explained to everyone that I’ll support the demons under certain conditions. But, as expected, both Jilbe and Lugaro vehemently opposed it, leading to this duel.

"The rules are simple! The match is won by either incapacitating the opponent or making them surrender. No disqualifications; anything goes as long as it’s your own power!"

Debra explains the rules of the duel.

...Wow, these rules are brutal. Obviously, you can use weapons, aim for low blows—anything goes, even killing your opponent.

Usually, people avoid killing their opponent in a duel, out of respect for their position or the situation, but Jilbe’s definitely coming at me with the intent to kill.

"The loser must obey the winner! No exceptions!"

Demons wager various things in their duels, but this time the stakes are simple: the loser serves the winner. That’s it. But Jilbe’s aiming to kill me, and I, thinking ahead, can’t afford to kill him.

I’d like to call it a restrictive situation, but in any case, I don’t have any intention of killing him.

Killing someone—that’s something that takes serious resolve. As someone who’s gained these cheat-like powers without effort and never really fought before, I don’t have that kind of resolve.

"Now, the duel begins! …Begin!"

"Tch, wearing some weird armor, huh?! I’ll skewer you with it on!"

I’m wearing the black armor and helmet created by my “Maou Kokuengai” skill, the same set I’ve been wearing since yesterday. Jilbe, on the other hand, is unarmed and not wearing any armor.

According to Libera and Debra, Jilbe is a pure brawler who fights with his body alone. That’s his style, and it's served him well, allowing him to rise to the rank of one of the Four Heavenly Kings through raw combat ability.

"I’ll kill you!"

The moment the signal is given, Jilbe charges straight at me.

"Ugh!?"

Just like last time, it’s as if the world around me slows down, like a flashback. However, this time, Jilbe’s speed is completely different from when the Demon King summoning occurred. Looks like he wasn’t even trying back then.

I barely manage to dodge Jilbe’s sharp, right-handed thrust. I don’t have the luxury to counterattack this time. His speed alone is a threat, but it’s not just the speed that’s dangerous.

Jilbe’s sharp fangs and long claws—thanks to his Silver Wolf lineage—are what make him so dangerous that he doesn’t even need weapons. I don’t even know if my armor, which held up against Libera’s and Debra’s attacks, can withstand those claws.

"Tch!"

Jilbe spins and rushes at me again, at the same blistering speed.

But this time, because it’s his second attack and he’s still coming at me in a straight line, I’m able to dodge and strike back with a counterattack.

"Gah!?"

Even without a thought acceleration skill, Jilbe twists his body and avoids my counterattack with his incredible reflexes and the spring-like power of his body. Looks like he was holding back completely last time.

"Fire Bullet!"

I seize the opportunity and cast a fire spell. Fire Bullet is considered a mid-level spell that shoots multiple fireballs, but when enhanced by my cheat-like Demon King powers, nearly 20 large fireballs are unleashed, flying toward Jilbe at high speed.

"...Tch, not bad!"

But none of the fireballs hit him. Incredibly, Jilbe dodges all 20 of them with ease. His speed and reflexes are unreal.

"Now I’ll get serious! Silver Force!"

...And Jilbe’s physical abilities can still go beyond this!