Journey to Godhood Begins in Frieren

"What do you mean?" the Headless Horseman asked, puzzled.

"You probably won't believe it, but I'm the one who took Megumin to blow up your castle."

"What?"

The Headless Horseman froze for a second, then asked blankly, "Why?"

"Take a guess."

The clatter‑clatter of armor rang out as the Headless Horseman's body shook in anger.

Guess?

Do they think I came here to play with them?

"What is wrong with you people? Is there anyone normal in this Beginners Town? Why are you all so cheeky in front of a Demon King's Army General like me? Do you really think I won't kill you?"

"Then why haven't you killed us?" Darkness asked matter‑of‑factly.

"Y‑You don't have some hidden agenda, do you?" Yunyun asked uncertainly.

"Shichen, what is his purpose?" Megumin turned to Shichen.

"How do you know I know?"

"Weren't you the one who took me to bomb Sky‑fortress? You had to know he lived there. You did it on purpose, didn't you?"

"Well… more or less."

"Whoa, Big Bro is amazing—he even knows what a Demon King General is up to!" Kazuma Satou said excitedly.

With Shichen acting so confident—plus Aqua at his side—Kazuma felt perfectly safe.

"Shichen, what does he want?" Aqua leaned in.

"Isn't it because of you?"

"Eh? Because of me?"

"He's actually here to investigate the sudden surge of divine power a while back, and that surge happened when you descended."

"What? So that's it? A mere undead dare investigate me? Does he want a second death?"

"He's technically dead already," Kazuma quipped.

"True. Then let's finish him for good!" Aqua marched up to the Headless Horseman, brimming with menace.

"…And who are you? And how do you know why I'm here?" the Headless Horseman demanded of Shichen.

"Isn't it obvious? The only thing that threatens you lot is a goddess. There was that huge commotion before… Why else would you come?"

"So sharp—and that face is way too handsome. It's not fair! Luckily you're a lolicon."

"Say that again and you're begging to die," Shichen said, face darkening.

"Oh? Bold words. I don't know how you blocked my curse just now, but you surely don't think you can beat me?" The Headless Horseman sounded supremely confident; after all, this was only a Beginners Town and he was a General. How strong could this motley crew be?

"Hey! Did you forget about me?" Aqua butted in.

"You? And who might you be?" The Headless Horseman finally gave Aqua a proper look.

"Hmph! I'm a High Priest, specialized in dealing with undead like you!" Aqua announced proudly—though she kept quiet about her true identity as a goddess.

"A High Priest? That's a bit troublesome… but I'm still a General of the Demon King's Army. I'm not so weak that some low‑level priest stuck in this town could purify me. And I have counter‑measures for priests. …Hold on, what did you mean earlier about you and a goddess?"

The Headless Horseman remained at ease.

"You talk too much. For an undead, you sure are arrogant. Begone— Turn Undead

(Sacred Exorcism)!"

Aqua couldn't be bothered to continue the chatter. Holy light burst from her and surged toward the Headless Horseman.

Yet he stood calmly, making no effort to dodge. As a General, his confidence was absolute.

"Heh. Did you think a Demon King General would take the field without preparations against priests? I am blessed by His Majesty the Demon King, giving me exceptional resis—aaaAAAH!"

Before he finished, the gentle light engulfed him and a scream tore out.

"W‑What's going on?" he trembled, staring at the smoke curling off his armor.

"Huh? Weird—why didn't it work?" Aqua scratched her head, confused.

"It is working," Shichen reminded her with a smile. "See? He's already smoking. Just do it again."

"No, normally he should disappear outright. Why is he only smoking?"

"He is a Demon King General. A few more blasts will do."

"That makes sense. Then I'll—"

"Dream on!"

The Headless Horseman thrust out a hand, cutting off her chant.

"I admit you're strong, but you can't beat me. By the way, do you people have no manners? When facing an enemy, don't you start by introducing yourselves?"

"Who wants to chat with you! Just die already! Take th—"

"Wait!"

He interrupted Aqua again. "Since you refuse introductions, I'll start. I was a knight in life; basic courtesy must be observed."

His war‑horse took a few steps back while he introduced himself:

"I am Beldia, General of the Demon King's Army—the Headless Horseman Beldia! My armor bears the Demon King's special blessing, and with my power, ordinary priests' exorcisms can't touch me… er, that's how it should be. Say, what level are you? Are you really a newbie? This town is for newbies, right?"

"Who cares—eat another Turn Undead (Sacred Exorcism)!"

"Aaagh! C‑Can't you fight fair?"

"Huh? Still no effect?" Aqua frowned.

"I told you, holy magic doesn't—"

"Ah! He's running away!" Megumin shouted.

Her cry drew everyone's eyes: the Headless Horseman was already retreating.

"He's afraid of Aqua's magic—he's trying to flee!" Darkness yelled.

"I am not running! I merely refuse to stoop to your level!"

"Yeah, right. Almost believed you!"

"Curse you! Don't push me! If I truly strike, I'll annihilate this entire town! I'm undead, tireless and unkillable—rookie adventurers like you can't harm me!"

"Then why run?"

"A—As a leader I mustn't fight on the front lines."

"Oh, you're going to fetch reinforcements? We can't let you go!"

"Fine—take another Turn Undead!"

A magic circle bloomed under the Headless Horseman's feet; a pillar of white light swallowed him.

"Aaagh—!"

He clutched his head and screamed, black smoke billowing, but that was all—the horse vanished, though.

"What do we do? Shichen, my spell really isn't finishing him—it's so strange!" Aqua panicked, running to Shichen. Exorcism could only go so far; stacking it wouldn't delete him like chipping away HP.

Shichen knew the best method was flooding him with water, but Aqua might overdo it and drown the whole town, creating new problems.

"Alright, I'll handle it."

"You have a way?"

"Plenty, but let's keep it simple. Yunyun, feel free to toss any spell—grab some EXP. Kazuma, throw a few daggers."

"Got it!"

"What about me?" Darkness asked hopefully.

"Stay right here."

"Mmm—so domineering!" Darkness shivered in delight.

Ignoring her, Shichen gathered golden flames in his palm and flung them at the Headless Horseman.

Before the knight could react, the fire landed; it surged, wrapping him in an instant.

"AAAAH—W‑What is this? No—NOOO—!"

Amid the wailing, the Headless Horseman was burned away entirely, not even armor left—no scorch marks on the ground, nothing.

"T‑That's it?" Kazuma asked, stunned.

"What more did you want?" Shichen chuckled.

"It feels… unreal."

"Shichen, you were amazing!" Yunyun's cheeks flushed.

"Hmph—acceptable," Megumin sniffed.

"Is… is it over?"

"A Demon King General, defeated just like that?"

"We're saved?"

"Shichen is that strong?"

"He just wiped out a General—worthy of a lolicon hero!"

"Our starter‑town lolicon hero!"

"Lolicon hero!"

"Lolicon hero!"

Only now did everyone process that the Headless Horseman had been erased, and they began to chant their savior's title.

"Who are you calling a lolicon?!" Shichen roared.

~~~

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