260: Future Prediction

They were monsters—giant boars, wolves, and tigers.

They were the type of ferocious beasts that didn't inhabit the Human World, creatures that lived entirely by feeding on Mana. However, to a monster from the Demon World, the air of this realm was probably akin to breathing in literal poison.

The first to arrive was a beast several times the size of a bear, charging straight at me.

These things have terrifyingly keen noses. Just as a predator is drawn to the scent of dripping blood, they find human Mana to be an irresistible delicacy. And unfortunately for me, I’m the biggest steak in the room.

"Cynthia, forget about Mana efficiency! We’re going all out!"

"Yes, Master!"

Thankfully, I already had a countermeasure for dealing with a crowd this size.

"Black Ice Rain!"

I thrust my right palm toward the manor’s ceiling.

It was a modified version of a rain spell I’d picked up a while back. The Mana I pumped out converted into thick, churning black clouds before pouring down like a storm. But this wasn't just rain—magic imbued the downpour, adding Ice Lances as a secondary barrage. It was a torrential assault of Absolute Zero that no ordinary defense could hope to withstand.

"Gyaaah!"

"Pugyaaa!"

Not even the thick, reinforced hides of these monsters were an exception. The beasts shrieked in agony as the freezing rain pierced through them.

Please work, please work... Amidst the chaos, I spotted a dark silhouette lurking in the shadows.

"Cynthia, I'm leaving the rest of the monsters to you! Don't let them get any further inside!"

"Hehe, you really do ask for the impossible, don't you? But very well, I shall manage."

Leaving the cleanup to Cynthia, I lunged forward.

A rugged man with short, black hair emerged from the gloom. I knew it. He’s exactly like the character from the Original Story.

I fired off a quick spell just to say hello, but the guy was heartless enough to grab a nearby monster and use it as a literal meat-shield to block the hit.

"Yo, Demon World Inhabitant. Out for a little shopping trip in the Human World with the kids?"

"...Something like that," he replied, his voice unnervingly calm despite my attempt to rattle him. "How much will you take for that Artifact?"

"Sorry, it’s not for sale."

I sent a light Magic Slash whistling toward him, but he parried it effortlessly—with a Katana.

A Katana? Seriously? Of course he has a Katana.

"You can run as many errands for the Demon Race as you want, but they’re never going to rebuild Ataolas for you."

That got a reaction. The man’s eyes went wide.

He recovered his composure almost instantly, however, and used a monster's back as a springboard to launch himself at me. He was moving at a terrifying speed, his movements devoid of even a shred of hesitation.

«He swings the Katana downward while unleashing a Wind Slash»

My ability read his future moves perfectly, but for once, I didn't try to dodge.

Until now, I’d mostly used the Inviolable Domain (Barrier) as a way to avoid getting hit like the coward I am. But usage depends on the situation. In a high-stakes moment like this, my best defense was going to be using it for an all-out offense.