Arise From Weakness (OC/ Male Reader x Arifureta)

Chapter 21 The Delusional Hero

No One's POV

After Nhazul's fierce 1v1 fight against, the Ant King, which was more the lines of a one sided battle. Nhazul would now turn his attention back towards Cattleya, along with Hajime, who looked at the two terrified.

Cattleya: You... You monsters...

As the two of them would walk towards her, Hajime would aimed one off his guns at her.

Hajime: Before we end you, answer us this. What's your goal here?

Cattleya: Can't you tell? I'm here to kill the Hero's Party. I tried to solicit him into joining our side, but the Hero was more trouble then I expected. So I changed my plan.

Hajime: Is that really it?

Cattleya: What exactly do you mean?

Nhazul: If you were truly trying to just solicit him, you wouldn't need to do it so deep within a labyrinth, right?

Hajime: Plus, look at all those ants. You were clearly trying to find your way through the Labyrinth. But that doesn't mean you bumped into the party by pure coincidence either. So why don't you tell us your real goal.

Cattleya: Do you really think I would say something that would help the humans? Don't mock-

Without warning, Hajime would shoot both of Cattleya's legs, making her cry out in pain, shocking the others. However before she could fall, Nhazul used [Ruler's Hand] to yank her over to him, grabbing her by face.

Hajime: Like we give a rat's ass about the humans. We're asking because we want to know.

Cattleya: And if I still don't talk...?

Nhazul: Then I'll tell you what we think. Those ants, especially the brat I just killed are all products of [God's Age Magic], right?

Hearing this, Cattleya's eyes widened.

Nhazul: You said it yourself, that brat was created to be a killing machine. It would also explain why those other ants were so powerful as well. And on top of all that, it means someone tried to traverse one of the [Seven Great Labyrinths].

Hajime: Ancient Magic is quite powerful. So you were trying to get the next God's Magic as soon as you could. But then you heard the Hero's party were also in the Labyrinth.

Nhazul: And the idea popped into your head. Instead of being opponents, we'll use them as pawns. Because they'll handle the troubles of the Labyrinth for you.

As Nhazul and Hajime spoke, Cattleya looked extremely nervous.

Hajime: If you had convinced the Heroes to join the Demons, humanity would lose a great force. And you'd have a greater chance of conquering all the Labyrinths.

Nhazul: So basically, your true goal was to find the hidden home of Oscar Orcus, correct?

Cattleya started to look even more nervous.

Cattleya: If you know that much... Then... You we're trying to get through it too...You're both incredibly strong... I'll admit that. Just as strong as "that person".

Cattleya then looked at Nhazul.

Cattleya: But you...You're even more different from him...You must be one of "them". There's no other way to explain it...

Hajime: "That person"?

Nhazul: "Them"? And just who exactly are "Them"?

Cattleya: Enough. Just kill me already. Though personally, I'd rather not die here...My lover will avenge my death.