Chapter 19 – Battle with the Demon Ogre Boss Part 02

I can’t believe it… that attack barely hurt him, but it wasn’t enough to kill. This is bad—the ogre is closing in. I try to think fast, but my mind goes blank. Right now, I see my past lives flashing before my eyes… as if it’s already my time to die.

No… I won’t die! I won’t allow it. Even if it costs me years of my life, I’ll try. I’ll do this.

Akane looks at me, shouting:
—No, Taiyaki! Don’t do it! You’ll shorten your life!

I reply:
—I don’t have a choice, Akane… I have to.

I gather the little mana I have left and part of my life force, pouring it into a spell powerful enough to finish this Demon Ogre Boss. I know there’s no turning back once I cast it—but it doesn’t matter. I have to save my friends. I can’t let this monster win.

A dark, fiery aura engulfs me. The world turns violet, with black flames dancing around me. Despite their color, my vision remains clear. I see fear and unease in my friends’ eyes… while the ogre stumbles back, terrified.

With a trembling voice, he mutters:
—This… this can’t be happening! Damn it!

He vomits blood. So much that I realize my power truly damaged him. His body trembles, unable to move. This is my chance to end it. I raise my hands, channeling the dark flames of my aura.

Taking a martial stance, I glare at him:
—Here’s your pain and your mockery back at you… you damn ogre!

The flames erupt, taking the form of a Chinese dragon. The impact slams into him, and the ogre howls as my fire consumes his body. Watching him burn feels almost like justice. I wonder how many people he killed without regret… but this is what he deserves: pain and death.

With the little strength I have left, I approach him and whisper:
—Who’s laughing now? Rot in hell with your Demon Queen… or maybe she’ll erase you herself. Now, die already.

Barely clinging to life, he makes an obscene gesture and growls:
—Rot in hell, bitch! My Queen will kill you all… humanity will fall. Our deaths will be avenged!

Then he collapses. His skull bursts against the ground. Silence. It’s finally over.

I collapse too, unable to move. My friends rush over. I can’t even speak, but Mizuki says softly:
—Don’t worry, Taiyaki. We’ll return home soon. Just rest.

Kori lifts me, while the others use a strange device to report the kill. The receptionist’s voice echoes:
—Unbelievable! You defeated the Demon Ogre Boss! I’ll open a portal immediately so you can exit the dungeon and return to the city. Your friend needs rest.

My consciousness fades…

When I open my eyes, I’m lying on a bed surrounded by clouds. Miku stands before me.
—Miku? Where am I? What is this place?

She smiles gently:
—Don’t worry. Everything’s fine. This is a bridge between worlds. Only warriors who defeat powerful demons may enter. Stay here for a while—your body rests while your soul relaxes.

She lays me face down and massages my back. Warmth spreads through me, as soothing as a hot spring. My pain melts away, my mind clears. For the first time in so long… I feel at peace.

—That’s it —Miku whispers—. Empty your mind. Be at peace with yourself.

Hours pass. I feel stronger than ever.
—Miku… how much longer do I have to stay here?

—About three hours more —she replies.

—I see… by the way, can I eat something? I’m starving.

She sighs with a tired smile:
—All right. I’ll make you some empanadas and bring you a cola. Wait here.

She leaves. Alone, I think about what to do once I return. I’ll take a week off. I need it. My thoughts drift to my old world… the wars, my killer, probably rotting in hell now.

I don’t know if things have improved there, or if nothing has changed… but for now, I close my eyes, letting peace carry me away.