17 – The flames that freeze

It was a mass of many shining wings, and among them were a pair of arms that held a scepter, symbolizing royal authority, but neither its head nor legs were visible. Though it looked quite disturbing, anyone could tell this was a sacred being.

The advent of this supreme incarnation of goodness drew wild cheers from everyone who saw it. Normally, one would probably stiffen up like a frog being glared at by a snake. Its appearance is still pretty strong looking though. The guards that would come running if one broke the rules only happen in the games and fairy tales. Because it was late at night right now, the figures of any law enforcement units weren’t around.

However one look at this angel was enough for me.

“This… this is it? This is what you call getting serious…? This is your ace in the hole that you were planning to use on me?”

Phobos, who was intoxicated from the booze, breathed a sigh of relief. In fact, his heart was filled with joy as he replied:

“Indeed! Your fear is only natural. After all, this is what an angel of the highest order looks like. A divine authority that God entrusted to me. While using it here seems like a bit of a waste, I have determined that you are worthy of it!”

“How could this be…”

I slowly raised my hand and covered my face.

“Miss Edelweiss. The truth is, you deserve respect for forcing me to summon this most exalted of angels. Be proud that you will be purified by this being! At least your soul shall be cleansed!”

Phobos nodded deeply, and continued:

“Personally speaking, I would like to bring you into our ranks. A woman serving at my feet. If you are truly that powerful… however, I am not allowed to do so as our order of warriors does not accept females, let alone some cross breed. At the very least, I shall remember you — the one who made me decide to summon this mighty angel.”

“Really… this is ridiculous.”

“What?”

“I can’t believe I was on guard against such child’s play…”

“How can you act like that in front of the angel of the highest order!? Do you really think you’re stronger than it? No! Impossible! It cannot be! Nobody can be stronger than the highest-ranking of the angels!

Use it! Cast your special ability, my servant! Use Holy Impact!”

“[Holy Impact!]”

The spell was cast, and a pillar of light broke through the sky. With a loud whoosh, a seemingly endless cascade of holy yellow-white radiance flooded down from the heavens, submerging me. In response I mostly raised my hand to shade my eyes from the light.

“—Hahahahaha, is this supposed to be  damage? All I feel is a little tingle. It’s like you’re trying to scratch an itch I’ve had for a while.”

The pillar of light vanished. It didn’t have any effect.

“Wh, what’s the meaning of this? Why are you alive?”

For him, it appeared that this angel was the strongest summoned beast that he could believe in from the bottom of his heart. It seems that it was a miracle that I didn’t die from that attack. I won’t deny, it probably is the strongest thing I have faced so far… in human terms that is. The difference between this thing and Shamoa is still lightyears.

“One more time! Use Holy Impact one more time!!”

“...Now, it’s my turn… know despair!”

Blue flames erupted from my palms.

“What? Fire!? Weren’t you an ice mage?”

“These azure flames are the Nether flames. They don’t burn. They freeze. But right now I will have them… [Devour]!”

The raging flames extended from my hands and formed a small tornado, sucking the angel inside. Before long, it almost looked like a dragon head was devouring the angel. My flames swallowed everything.

It was so underwhelming that it made them stare in dumbfounded silence. But they could no longer see it. As the radiance of the angel vanished, the light drained from the surroundings. A ring popped into my head.

*Unique skill acquired: Mystic Eyes*

Hou? So I can even acquire more skills even when devouring summoned beasts? I don’t recall getting anything from the coliseum monsters, but maybe I can only gain stuff from stronger opponents. Anyway, I can check this skill out later. For now…

“This is where we say farewell, weaklings.”

As I extended my hand once more…

“Just what are you? Are you some follower of the Demon King!? How can a being like you exist?”

“Don’t know. I guess you’ll never find out. Now, freeze!! [Bloom]!”

An ice explosion occurred and enveloped everyone.

In addition, the explosion’s after-effect gouged out the ground, froze the stone paving and scattered it all about the area. Right now, a giant ice rose blossom was towering, with all the knights engulfed.

“There’s no coming back from that. That temperature causes instant death. Did I maybe take it too far? Nah. That’s what they deserve for getting on my nerves.”

I better get out of here though. I don’t want people noticing that this is my work. Let’s head back to the inn. Hopefully by now those 3 solved all their problems.

------

When I got back to the inn I was pleasantly surprised. The 3 girls were actually getting along. Finally some good news. This shitty day was too much for me.

"Well I am glad to see that you girls settled your disputes. Have you reached a compromise?"

"Yes! Yuki taught us many things!" (Stella)

"Yup! It's ok if you have a crush on both of us. I mean it's not your fault that we're this cute." (Sasha)

Huh? I tilted my head in confusion.

"You see, darling, it's established that I am your one true bride. However history has proven that strong men… err… I mean women with male genitalia need equally strong partners in bed.

So as long as I am your bride…" (Yuki)

"We can be your mistresses! We lack experience, but we have general knowledge about mating." (Sasha)

"But you're a kind person, Edel-sama. You treated us in one day with a lifetime of kindness, so we don't mind if you use us as your bed companions." (Stella)

.

.

.

"Yuki… come closer."

"Hmm? What is it?"

*BONK!*

I couldn't help myself so I applied a karate chop on Yuki's head, making her crash on the floor.

"What the fuck is that logic!? Do you seriously have no common sense? You're a bad influence on children!! Who the hell would ask a minor to have sexual activities!?"

"Uh… what's a minor? Are you afraid about our age? We already told you we're 9. We are perfectly capable of breeding." (Stella)

"We had a friend that was taken for breeding at 7, so we should be fine." (Sasha)

"Please don't tell me that being a lolicon is actually normal in this world?"

I felt a huge headache coming over.

"Look, we'll debate this more tomorrow. I just want to sleep now."

Yuki immediately got back on her feet.

"Then as your bride, it is my duty…"

But I didn't let her finish her sentence and forced back into sword form.

"Why!??"

"Punishment.

Sasha, Stella, you two sleep on the bed. I'll sleep on the floor. And I don't want any objections."

…

"Okay." (x2)

For crying out loud. Why did I get stuck with these 3 idiots?