I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit

Nero's expression shifted to one of surprise.

Despite its menacing appearance, the demon before them—towering, winged, and formidable—seemed… oddly well-mannered?

"Ah, please don't be alarmed," the demon spoke in a measured, courteous tone. "I am Host. I'm searching for a massive, jet-black beast in this area. Have you seen anything like that?"

Trying his best not to intimidate them, the demon, who had introduced himself as Host, spoke with as much gentleness as he could muster.

Since Kazuma and Aqua were too stunned to reply, Nero took the initiative to answer.

"A massive, jet-black beast? Are you talking about the Novice Killer? There are plenty of them in the nearby forest."

The moment Host mentioned a jet-black creature, Nero's first thought was of the Novice Killer she had encountered in recent days.

These monsters, resembling a cross between a tiger and a panther, were aptly named for their tendency to prey on rookie adventurers. They lurked near groups of goblins or kobolds, using the lesser creatures as bait to lure novices to their doom. The Novice Killer would then ambush and kill its unsuspecting prey.

"Novice Killer? That's not what I'm looking for," Host replied, his tone tinged with faint disdain—or so Nero thought.

"No, I'm searching for Lord Wolbach. I caught the familiar scent of Lord Wolbach here, but I've found nothing so far. That's why I decided to ask you."

Wolbach? Nero furrowed her brows. The name tickled at her memory, faintly familiar, but she couldn't quite place it.

Host sniffed the air again, his expression shifting to one of intrigue as he fixed his gaze on Nero.

"Strange… the scent of Lord Wolbach seems to be coming from you. Tell me, what is your connection to Lord Wolbach?"

"Even if you ask, I don't know who this Wolbach is," Nero replied, her brows knitting tighter.

It was frustrating—this sense that she was so close to remembering, yet the truth remained just out of reach. The harder she tried to recall, the more elusive the memory became.

"Think carefully. The scent is strong and fresh—likely from this morning," Host said, leaning down as if to implore her.

Nero frowned as she thought back. "This morning, the only ones I interacted with were Alice, Yunyun, Megumin, and… Megumin's familiar, a small black cat called Chomusuke."

The realization struck her mid-sentence, and she paused.

Among those she encountered that morning, Chomusuke stood out. Megumin often neglected to feed her familiar and, on one occasion, had locked it in her room all day while she went questing. The poor creature had nearly starved.

Feeling pity for the cat and frustration toward Megumin's absentmindedness, Yunyun had entrusted Nero with caring for Chomusuke. Thanks to her Imperial Privilege EX, Nero had acquired the skill Animal Communication and quickly earned the cat's trust. Chomusuke often napped on Nero's shoulder or head.

Digging into her hazy recollection of the original story, Nero vaguely remembered that Chomusuke wasn't an ordinary cat but rather a fragment of an evil god—specifically, the aspect of destruction and wrath belonging to the God of Violence and Sloth.

"…I think I know what you're talking about," Nero said, her expression growing complicated. "Among those I know, there is a Crimson Demon girl named Megumin. She keeps a black cat called Chomusuke. I suspect that's what you're looking for."

"Chomusuke? A black cat? And… a Crimson Demon?" Host stroked his chin, contemplating her words.

"I see. If it involves the Crimson Demons, that does make sense. Thank you for the information. It seems I must seek out this Megumin and her familiar. By the way, since you know both Megumin and Lord Wolbach, could you perhaps—"

Host seemed about to ask Nero to bring Megumin and Chomusuke to him, but he never got the chance to finish.

"Ultimate Sacred Exorcism—!"

"Gaaahhhhhh—!!"

A brilliant column of light engulfed Host, and an agonized howl erupted from within.

Nero turned to see Aqua, her arm still outstretched, clearly the one who had unleashed the spell.

"What are you doing?!" Nero demanded.

"Kazuma! Kazuma! Let go of me! If you don't, that damned demon will escape!" Aqua shrieked as Kazuma throttled her.

"You idiot! What are you thinking?! The atmosphere was fine a second ago, and then you go and attack him out of nowhere!"

"What do you mean why? He's a demon! Demons laugh evilly while stealing your soul! If we leave them alone, they're an even greater threat than the Demon King's army!"

"But… but that demon looks terrifyingly strong! What if you've pissed him off and we all die here?!"

As the pillar of light faded, Host reemerged.

Though there were no visible wounds on his body, wisps of black smoke rose from him, and his aura felt noticeably diminished. He exhaled a puff of smoke and spoke weakly.

"This… stinking woman… is she a high priest? No, something's off. Even a high priest's purification spell shouldn't be this powerful. Just one blast, and I was nearly sent back to Hell."

Demons from Hell were rarely present in their true forms; their physical bodies were merely vessels, while their true essence remained in the infernal realms. Even if their vessel was destroyed, they would return to Hell, provided they had enough spare bodies stored.

Host staggered past Nero toward Aqua and Kazuma.

"I dislike violence and prefer peaceful resolutions," Host said, his tone carrying a resigned weariness. "But you… you're too dangerous. And since you attacked first, I have no choice. I will deal with you here and now, nameless priest."

Kazuma's face drained of color, terror etched into every line.

"This is all your fault! You attacked him for no reason, and now he's angry! We're going to die, and it's all because of you! Apologize to him—maybe he'll forgive us if you say you're sorry!"

"Are you kidding me?! You want me, a goddess, to apologize to a filthy demon?! That's worse than being eaten by a frog!"

"You've already been eaten by a frog! Just apologize!"

"I won't!"

Host was no ordinary demon. The fact that he had withstood Aqua's purification spell said as much, though he was still no match for Nero.

However, Nero never got the chance to intervene.

A shadow streaked toward Host at incredible speed. With her sharp vision, Nero saw it clearly—a silver-haired girl with a flat, boyish figure and a scar across her cheek.

Her cold, determined eyes locked onto Host as she brandished a silver dagger radiating a potent aura.

"Demon Slayer!"

"Where did you come from?! Ow! What's with this dagger? Is it enchanted? A cursed weapon? Why does it paralyze me just from a touch? I can feel a murderous hatred for demons imbued in it!"

"Silence, foul demon! Polluting the air with your words! I will exterminate you!"

"Listen to me, you lunatic! I—"

"Ultimate Sacred Exorcism!"

Having escaped Kazuma's grip, Aqua raised her arm and unleashed another purification spell.

"Again?! Aaaaahhhhhh—!!"

---

"Gar... Devoir!! Voirrr!!"

- Gardevoir

(End of Bonus Chapter—If you like my work, consider supporting me at [patreon.com/WiseTL]!)