While the SS-rank adventurers were dealing with Asmodeus's aides, Elna was fighting multiple demons at once. She had just blown one away with a strike from her holy sword. However—
"Attacking in the middle of a greeting, how rude—"
Elna clicked her tongue in annoyance. The demons that had survived Silver's attack were different from the ones she had faced before. She couldn't fully unleash her holy sword's power because she had other demons to deal with. But even so, these demons were able to block her attacks.
One demon after another lunged at her. They knew that a holy sword wielder was the most dangerous opponent. The SS-rank adventurers who could have supported Elna were also preoccupied. She had to handle this on her own. Just as Elna was steeling herself, a demon approaching her from behind was blown away.
"You're quite popular among demons. You've done well, Elna."
It was Elna's father, Theobald von Amsberg, who appeared. They stood back-to-back, facing the surrounding demons.
"Is His Majesty the Emperor alright?"
"The Royal Guard should handle it. If not, I'll go later. Helping you is more important right now."
"Be careful! This one's also a hero!"
The demons backed off. Both Elna and Theobald were formidable, capable of wielding holy swords and possessing overwhelming combat abilities. The demons wouldn't recklessly charge at them.
"Attack all at once!"
At one signal, multiple demons unleashed their powers simultaneously. Elna and Theobald split up to counter the attack. Breaking the encirclement was their priority. But the demons had no intention of letting Elna go. They focused on immobilizing her, ignoring Theobald. However, that was their mistake. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novel-fire.net
"Don't focus too much on my daughter. I'll get jealous."
Theobald raised his hand and chanted, "Hear my voice and descend! O radiant star sword! The hero needs you now!"
The holy sword that should have been in Elna's hand appeared in Theobald's. If there are two people who can summon the holy sword, it will go to the one who is more like a hero. But if the holder willingly relinquishes it, the sword can go to someone else.
The demons surrounding Elna were shocked by this tactic and tried to disperse. But Theobald was faster.
A torrent of light erupted from the holy sword he swung down, engulfing several demons. Even if they had human hosts, their durability was beyond human limits. But against this torrent of light, durability was irrelevant. ṜâΝỒ𐌱Êʂ
"Surround him! Don't let him move freely!"
The demons focused on Theobald, who no longer had the holy sword. When they looked back, Elna was holding it.
"You're all so annoying!"
With those words, Elna swung down her holy sword. Another torrent of light was unleashed, swallowing the demons. They had no countermeasures against this tactic.
"My brethren! Our target is clear! Aim for the Emperor! Bring his head to me!"
At Asmodeus's command, the demons flew toward the allied forces, who were fighting the fake soldiers within Orihime's barrier. Various powers attacked the barrier, shattering it like glass. The demons then charged into the allied forces.
One of the demons, Bune, summoned countless soldiers—evil spirits, to be precise. The allied forces, who had been fighting safely within the barrier, were thrown into chaos.
However, knights in white cloaks—the Imperial Royal Guards—appeared on the front lines.
"It's the Imperial Royal Guard Captains!"
"The Royal Guard is moving forward!"
Their target was the Emperor. That's why the Royal Guard Captains had moved forward. If the allied forces were defeated, the Emperor would be in danger. They had to maintain the front lines. Adventurers also joined the battle.
"Push them back! Protect the Emperor!"
Clyde and other high-ranking adventurers joined the front lines. The demons that had been fighting them had gone after the Emperor, so they joined the allied forces.
Thus, the situation shifted from elite forces holding back the demons to an all-out battle to protect the Emperor.