Popular NPC in a Gender-Reversed Game-Chapter 109: Andras

Andras was discovered not far from here.

During a routine patrol, the Knights unexpectedly spotted a woman with owl wings beyond the plains. Upon confirming the sighting, the patrol team immediately fled without hesitation.

There was no point in fighting; there would only be casualties. Moreover, getting any closer might have led them straight into Andras's detection range. Judging by his movements, it was obvious he was heading toward this territory.

After receiving the report, Odilia immediately called an emergency meeting.

"Evacuate the people immediately and prepare for battle."

Naturally, we were also summoned to the meeting. Though not officially part of the Knights, our goal was the same: Andras.

With a serious expression, Odilia began to lead her knights into action. Her demeanor was a far cry from the playful attitude she had when teasing men like a neighborhood brat.

"Well, this is quite convenient. I’ve already charmed nearly all the young men around here, so I’ve been bored lately."

For the record, this was yet another confirmation of her reputation. She would often bring men to the inn where she stayed, carrying out her escapades each night. Truly, she maintained the warmth of a Welldenville, as always...

In any case, after hearing the news, I began preparing for battle.

"Wh-what are we going to do... are we all going to die?"

"Calm down, dear. It’s going to be fine..."

"Everyone, calm down and follow our orders!"

"We've set up camps outside the territory! Let's retreat there for now!"

A commotion rang out outside the inn. The peaceful day before felt like a lie as chaos erupted everywhere. Still, I was relieved. After all, the patrol had spotted the demon, so at least we had time to evacuate.

Though, that wouldn’t last long, I figured.

"I’ve found it!"

A knight’s voice rang out, followed by screams spreading everywhere.

I finished my preparations and headed outside the inn. It was time to meet Andras, the demon who had appeared.

"Hey, human. Do you know where Polauros is?"

"Hi-Hiik?!"

At the southwestern edge of the territory, a woman stood with a sword in hand. Her graceful appearance might lead one to think she was a noblewoman of high rank. But the owl wings on her back and her emotionless, chilling expression denied her humanity.

She was the demon I’d only heard rumors about.

The man, who had failed to escape in time, seemed to realize this as he trembled in fear upon meeting her. Regardless, Andras continued speaking.

"No, I asked the wrong question. Of course, you wouldn’t know about him... But do you know of a place nearby where the fire never goes out? I distinctly remember an agreement to leave a mark in the demon world."

"Please, no... please..."

"Answer me."

Kwajik!

She suddenly stabbed the man in the side with her sword. The trembling man screamed in pain from the oncoming agony.

"Aaaagh!"

"I have little patience. It takes incredible restraint just to talk with you disgusting humans. So if you want to die without suffering, answer me quickly."

The man hesitated. It didn’t seem like she had any intention of sparing him. Should he answer now, or hold out to buy more time?

Surprisingly, he knew where the "fire-never-dying tree" was. It was a legendary tale that anyone from this small territory would have heard of at least once.

However, his deliberation didn’t last long.

Chiik-!

Suddenly, flames erupted from the sword, starting to scorch the man’s side. The searing pain was unbearable.

The most excruciating pain any human could feel was none other than searing pain (灼熱痛). And this cruel demon slowly raised the burning blade toward his upper body.

"West... it's to the west..."

In the end, the man was forced to reveal the location, writhing in pain.

"To the west... Ah, that’s where my companion is. Wait for me, Polauros... I will free you soon."

Muttering to himself, Andras lifted the sword high. At least, it seemed like he intended to let the man die comfortably, according to his earlier words. The man shut his eyes tightly, gazing at the brilliantly burning sword.

And then, suddenly.

Kang-!

Out of nowhere, a figure rushed in and blocked Andras's sword. Blood-red hair, resembling blood in its hue, fluttered in the wind. The large, heavy greatsword seemed larger and bulkier than a regular longsword.

It was Odilia. True to her role as a commander, she had been the first to hear the news and rushed here immediately. With a solemn expression, she gave orders to her knights.

"Take the victim to safety and heal him."

For a moment, the man forgot his pain, captivated by her dramatic entrance.

"Ugh... so many repulsive humans."

As more people gathered, Andras frowned.

"I truly despise humans. Their stench is so foul, it makes me want to vomit."

Whooosh-!

The flames on Andras’s sword intensified.

Read latest chapters at freёweɓnovel.com Only.

"I’d rather inhale the smell of burning flesh. I will burn you all."

The clash between Odilia and Andras’s swords immediately followed. In the first collision, Odilia furrowed her brow.

Strong...!

The heat emanating from the sword was intense. It felt as though her skin could burn off at any moment.

However, the strength of the strike wasn’t light either.

Among the commanders of the Knights, Odilia was strong. She had honed her skills using a greatsword, making that her specialty.

And yet, even she was momentarily pushed back by Andras’s heavy sword strikes.

Still...

Though it seemed like the flames and sword energy were layered upon one another, Odilia was still able to block it. Though, if asked whether she could win, she would hesitate. Fortunately, she wasn’t alone here.

"I’ll join in!"

Recently, the Knights had been very busy. After the appearance of otherworldly beings, they had already encountered five demons. Naturally, they were becoming more familiar with demons, and the Knights had gained significant experience.

Shortly after, Andras’s sword rushed toward Odilia’s temple. Seeing the slow speed of the heavy sword, Odilia saw her opportunity.

Clang-!

Before it could strike her, other knights had blocked the demon’s attack. Thanks to the holy water, the knights’ swords shimmered with a faint glow. Odilia quickly commanded her knights.

"Naria, Mary, block his sword from the left. Focus solely on defense."

"Yes."

"Florence, Edith, you do the same on the right."

"We will do as commanded."

"I will aim for his neck while you hold him off."

It was a form of successful formation—all the demons they had encountered so far were powerful enough to be on par with the commanders of the Knights or even stronger.

Thus, their strategies had to evolve too. Sometimes using encirclements, other times using formations. The experience they had accumulated from countless battles was not to be underestimated.

"You troublesome pests..."

Andras grimaced as ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ he spoke.

The battle continued in a similar fashion, with Odilia and Andras clashing at the center while the Knights provided support. But unfortunately, victory didn’t come easily.

No...

In fact, it seemed like they were being pushed back. As the battle progressed, the flames on Andras’s sword grew hotter.

The flames didn’t expand, but the intensity gradually increased.

The heat radiating from the sword began to grow unbearable, almost as if the blade itself was going to melt.

Then Andras spoke up.

"I am the demon of scorching heat (灼熱). Just as iron becomes hot when it is heated by fire, the temperature of my sword continuously rises."

That was unwelcome news.

Andras grinned as he spoke.

"The preheating is almost done. That means your end is near."

Chiik-!

With a chilling sound, one of the knights’ swords melted. They were still holding on, but without their swords, it would be impossible to hold up for long.

Odilia frowned.

This isn’t good...

It seemed this demon was of a high rank. The holy water had little effect—perhaps due to the excessive heat, it evaporated before even reaching the blade.

It was clear that the match-up wasn’t favorable.

However, this situation didn’t last long.

Soon, reinforcements arrived.

"...So this is the one."

A man with a spear arrived in front of the Knights. Naturally, it was Yor. Despite standing before a demon, he appeared unchanged.

Odilia’s expression brightened slightly at the sight of him.

She immediately warned him.

"Be careful! His sword melts even steel! If it touches you, you’ll be in big trouble!"

"Hm... I see. It really does look pretty hot. Hey."

Yor frowned for a moment.

Despite his regenerative abilities, he was still undeniably human and could feel pain. The thought of being burned by the flames... Even he, with all his ferocity, was somewhat hesitant.

"No matter how many join, the result will be the same. We’re in a hurry, so let’s burn them quickly."

Of course, he wasn’t planning on retreating—just being more cautious in his approach.

He stepped forward, ahead of the Knights.

Fsssh-!

With that, he took a dagger and swiftly slashed his palm open, letting crimson blood flow from the gash. As always, he coated the spear with his own blood, and now, his sword energy, too.

After learning the trick of countering with holy water last time, he had now mastered this dual enhancement technique.

With preparations complete, he thrust the spear forward—his signature strike.

Simple and straightforward, yet powerful, it was a direct attack that concentrated immense force in one spot.

"..."

Seeing this, Andras seemed to feel threatened and quietly prepared to counter.

Clang-!

The impact between Andras’s and Yor’s strike reverberated. Even though the heat from the sword should have melted metal, Yor’s spear showed no signs of bending.

Rather, as he continued to pour his own blood into it, the spear's tip grew longer and sharper.

"Khh-!"

Andras, who had been relentlessly pushing back the Knights, began to falter against this one man.

Eventually, it was Andras who collapsed first.

As the flaming sword was repelled...

Fsssh-!

The tip of Yor’s spear grazed Andras’s left elbow.

"Kkh...!"

Crimson blood dripped from his arm.

Seeing this, Yor smiled in satisfaction.

"Guess it’s easier now that holy water isn’t an issue."

"...Tch."

Odilia chuckled wryly at the sight.

It was nice that their ally was so strong, but she couldn’t help feeling a bit overshadowed.