In front of me stood the warrior Gorgano, wielding a black scythe.
A Puppeteer of Parasitic Scythes…?
Is this similar to a comrade of the Parasitic Sword Puppeteer?
If he's a companion of the Holy Knight Canaria, it wouldn't be surprising for him to wield similar parasitic weapons, would it?
"I'm in a bind. Having that ring stolen is quite troublesome. It could disrupt our plans."
"And by 'plans,' you mean resurrecting the Demon Lord?"
"…You seem to know quite a lot. You should be more cautious."
Saying that, Gorgano picked up the Parasitic Scythe Puppeteer.
It seems there's no choice but to fight.
My stamina has been considerably drained from the battle with Holy Knight Canaria, but I can still fight.
So, there's a good chance I can win.
"Puppeteer, let's give it our all from the start."
"Yes!"
"Okay, master."
"Hey, it's no fun if you go all out."
"Shut up and obey, Puppeteer."
After a peculiar exchange between Gorgano and the Puppeteer, Gorgano said the following.
"Resilient Three-Jawed Azi-Dahaka!"
In an instant, the Puppeteer transformed into a grotesque entity with three heads.
I recalled the third form of the Parasitic Sword Puppeteer, the "Ruthless Predator."
The entity before me greatly resembled the "Ruthless Predator."
"Oh…?"
I realized it a moment too late.
The Parasitic Scythe Puppeteer had extended large tentacles to launch an attack, and I couldn't even perceive the attack.
Before I knew it, I was rolling on the ground.
"This one is weak, huh?"
"Very weak."
"Not much of a challenge."
When I looked up, multiple jaws on the Parasitic Scythe Puppeteer were chattering.
"Hey, don't talk too much."
Said Warrior Gorgano, and the Puppeteer replied,
"Yes!"
"We'll be careful!"
With this bizarre scene before me, I was momentarily captivated.
Do I have to defeat this…?
Anxiety surged within me, but I couldn't afford to stand still. So I bolstered myself and took up my sword to face the challenge.
"Amu!"
Suddenly, I heard a voice.
When I realized it was the voice of the Parasitic Scythe Puppeteer, my right arm, sword and all, had already been devoured.
"Agaahhh!"
The excruciating pain made me scream.
What just happened…?
I looked in bewilderment at the blood pouring from my severed right arm.
"Hey, is it delicious?"
"Yeah, it's really tough… I wonder why? Maybe because we ate the sword too?"
"Lucky! I want to eat it too."
The Parasitic Scythe Puppeteer carried on a seemingly cheerful conversation using its three mouths.
"Well then, let's have the rest."
Saying this, the Parasitic Scythe Puppeteer approached me.
"P-please, stop…"
I had already lost the will to fight. After all, I had lost my weapon and my right hand completely. There was no chance of winning.
I was certain that I would be brutally killed shortly.
"Bon appétit!"
The Parasitic Scythe Puppeteer opened its large mouth and displayed sharp fangs.
"Stop it, Puppeteer."
Upon hearing such a voice, the movements of the Parasitic Scythe Puppeteer came to a halt.
"Why? Can't we eat him?" "We're hungry!" "Listen to me."
Warrior Gorgano warned them sternly.
"I guess we have no choice." "You're so stingy."
In compliance with Gorgano's command, the Parasitic Scythe Puppeteer reluctantly withdrew.
"Hey, Gorgano! Why did you stop killing him!?"
It was the Holy Knight Canaria who spoke.
"Canaria, this one might have the potential to be a hero's apostle."
"Nonsense! There's no way that could be true!"
"Listen, in order to fulfill the Lord's desires, we must consider all possibilities."
A hero's apostle? What's that? I wondered as I listened to their conversation.
"Hey, who are you?"
Warrior Gorgano grabbed me by the collar and lifted me, asking the question. What should I say?
"I'm Kiska, but…"
Troubled, I merely spoke my name.
"Tch, seems like you're not going to answer properly."
Saying this, Warrior Gorgano threw me away. The impact made me cough up blood, and I felt my consciousness slipping.
"If you are really a hero's apostle, killing you might be more troublesome."
What are they talking about…?
I thought so, but I didn't have the strength to speak.
"That's why I'll seal you away."
The moment I heard those words, my consciousness faded to black.