After obliterating Ose from this world down to his very soul with a single strike of "True Kai-Style Swordsmanship: Eighth Form—Shiranui," Kai approached the bird-monster child still lying on the ground. Summoning the Healing Slime from his Compendium, he quietly gave his instruction.
"Heal that child."
The Healing Slime slid toward the child and instantly enveloped her within its translucent body. As though time itself were winding backward, a healthy color returned to her bruised, bluish-purple skin.
"Good work."
As the Healing Slime wrapped itself around his leg in proud satisfaction, Kai scooped it up and gently stroked it.
"It is dangerous out here, so stay inside," he told it calmly.
The Healing Slime gave a soft jiggle against Kai's chest before fading smoothly into nothingness.
"To revert her to a state where even the internal curse is entirely absent... that can hardly be called a mere Heal anymore."
Kai shrugged at Astaroth, who had appeared behind him.
"I know nothing about that. The Healing Slime was able to cure her—that fact alone is enough. More importantly, take this child to the New City of Ket Nya. She must have relatives there."
"Understood, Master. And what of you?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
Kai exhaled a long breath, and the atmosphere around him transformed drastically.
The corners of his mouth curled high, and a dense, black-and-red fighting spirit seeped from his body, coiling around his limbs and writhing like a living creature.
"Extermination down to the very last one."
Cracking his bare left knuckles, Kai glared toward the monster-shaped palace where the Evil Army Generals were stationed.
"..."
Watching in silence as his master took on a terrifying countenance unlike anything he had shown before, Astaroth let out a heavy sigh and glanced back over his shoulder. Kneeling behind him was Beelzebub, a giant bipedal fly wearing a crown upon his head.
"Gweat One, Bub would like pewmission to accompany you too, please!"
To Beelzebub's plea, Kai readily agreed, delivering an order that could only be described as merciless.
"I don't mind. With your strength, there should be no issue. However, if you come along, I will not tolerate half-measures. Trample them thoroughly."
"As you command!"
Beelzebub clicked his mandibles in sheer delight.
Astaroth clapped his hands together, and a woman clad in a jet-black hood materialized.
"Deliver that child to the city of monsters."
Astaroth gave the hooded woman her orders. Scooping up the bird-monster girl, who was now sleeping peacefully, she bowed to Asta and Kai before vanishing into thin air.
"Are you planning to come along too?" Kai asked, sounding surprised.
Asta pulled a cane from empty space, gripping it firmly in his right hand.
"Is that forbidden?"
"..."
Kai regarded Astaroth in silence for a brief moment.
"Very well. I permit you to accompany us. However, I will not lift a finger to save you if things turn dangerous. Are you still fine with that?"
"Help is the last thing I would ever ask of you."
Seeing the wicked grin spreading across Astaroth's face, Kai closed his eyes with a wry smirk.
"Let's go!"
With that fierce cry, he set off toward the palace that served as the Evil Army's stronghold.