Okay, here we go.
Wow!
So this is the power of the water tree.
Now we can use water for things
other than just basic needs.
Our community will be able to keep growing steadily,
even if we don't participate in more Gift Games.
Episode 3
Sounds Like We're Doing All Sorts of Stuff in the Bath Together?
That was a long day...
I never would have thought that summoning new allies
would be so much trouble.
Was that a dig in our direction?
N-No, not at all!
Of course not!
It feels like I've gone back to nature.
It really does.
The bath water smells like being in the forest.
That's because we're using water directly from the water tree.
I'm glad you like it.
But the kids are the ones who really enabled us to use this bath.
Don't feel bad about that.
It's the rule here in the Little Garden
that those who cannot participate in the Gift Games help the gift players.
The Gift Games, huh?
I used to think I should just have fun,
but when I think about our community, I realize I can't goof off.
What do you think, Kasukabe-san?
Huh? Um...
Well, I think we just need to win.
If we win, we'll be having fun,
and our community will be happy, too.
Kill two birds with one stone.
You-san is completely correct!
You must enjoy the games to be one of the best players.
I feel better now that you've said that.
Since we're spending time here together in the bath,
could you tell me about yourselves?
I've been waiting for this moment,
for this "girl talk," if you will.
Girl talk?
Yes!
We talk about our interests, our homelands, and so forth.
Our homelands...
I'd rather hear about you, Black Rabbit.
I think it's kind of cool that your hair color changes to pink.
You think Black Rabbit is cool?
Black Rabbit isn't cool at all!
Are we really doing this?
Galdo ordered it.
But—
Yo.
Thought you'd come soon.
Wh-What?
What happened?
Just some dangerous thugs from Fores Garo.
What enormous power...
Then it was true that this man defeated that water god?
Yeah, he might be able to beat him in the games.
The resentment we've fostered all these years will be...
We humbly request that you destroy
every last piece of Galdo's community, Fores Garo.
Don't wanna.
P-Please hear us out.
We have been through so much suffering due to Fores Garo.
He's taking advantage of the fact that he works for a Demon Lord
to do whatever he wants.
But since he's taken hostages from us,
we are unable to do anything against him.
Oh, the hostages? They're not around anymore.
Now we don't have to talk about this.
I-Izayoi-san, how could you just...
You want me to choose my words more carefully?
Who do you think has been kidnapping
all of those hostages that are now gone?
It's these guys.
Th-Then all the hostages are...
Yes, we've heard that Galdo killed all of the hostages
the same day they were brought in.
That can't be...
How could this have happened?
Then why were we doing all of this?
I understand how all of you feel.
You despise Galdo, no...
You despise the Demon Lord responsible for all of this, don't you?
But don't worry.
My man here will take revenge for you.
Huh?
The man who has risen to defeat every single Demon Lord out there:
Jin Russell.
What?
Wh... Wha...
What?!
You two wouldn't be ladies if those
were the only clothes you had to wear.
And these make you a lady?
N-No! Shiroyasha-sama wanted me to wear those
so she forced them on me.
And we're supposed to be in an alternate world?
Oh?
This is wonderful, and easy to move around in, as well.
It looks great on you.
It's one of the outfits I've gotten from
Shiroyasha-sama for reffing games.
There's an aura of protection added to it,
so it might be good for you to wear to tomorrow's Gift Game.
I like it.
I'll have it altered to your size tonight.
Th-Thanks...
What was that about?!
You made it sound like I—
Down with the Demon Lords and everyone who associates with them.
If anyone's got a problem with that, they can talk with Jin Russell.
Not bad for a tagline.
Don't joke around here.
If people get wind of that announcement,
other Demon Lords might start watching us more closely.
Oh? That would be great.
Don't be ridiculous.
We need to make sure we win the Gift Games
and increase the power and resources of our community right now.
With so many talented individuals on our side,
we can make it through any game there is.
But you just... You just...
You don't get it, do ya, runt?
R-Runt?
It's a given that we need to use the Gift Games to grow.
But what's important is how we end up beating the Demon Lords.
Y-Yeah, but...
We don't have a name or a flag.
We don't have a single thing that represents our organization.
Having nothing that symbolizes your community...
Do you know how big a disadvantage that is?
And now you need to surpass those who came before you,
even as you carry that disadvantage.
Surpass those who came before me...
And since we don't have a name or flag,
we have no choice but to use our
leader's name to make ourselves known.
The name "Jin Russell."
My name?
And you won't be just any leader,
but the leader of a community that declared it'll take down the Demon Lords.
If you win in the game tomorrow,
we'll have marketed ourselves well.
And the Demon Lords won't be the only ones to take notice.
Those who share the desire to take down the Demon Lords will notice.
Right now, what we lack is people power.
People with backbone.
At bare minimum, people a fraction as good as I am.
If we can get that, we'll at least have people
we can count on more than the guys who left your community.
What do you think?
They're not all gone.
One of them is owned by a certain high-ranking official
working for Thousand Eyes.
Owned?
You mean like a slave?
That's right.
I heard that they'll be put up as a prize
in a Gift Game that will be held soon.
They used to be in our community,
and now they're being treated as a Gift Game prize,
even though they used to be considered a Demon Lord.
Used to be considered a Demon Lord, eh?
What's the matter, you two?
Huh? Oh, we were... Uh...
Were you two fighting about something?
Hm? We two were just having a passionate discussion as bros.
Right, runt?
Huh? Oh... Y-Yeah.
Boy talk...
Win in the Gift Game tomorrow.
If you do, I'll get your friend back.
So make sure you win tomorrow.
Izayoi-san...
Okay. We'll win.
If you lose, I'm leaving the community.
Right.
Huh?
G-Galdo-sama, I need to tell you something about the game tomorrow.
Get out of here.
This is my... My...
So the stage has been set.
Now how will you beat this logic-defying game?
This is...
A jungle?
Today's game was to take place
in a residential block instead of a game block where
Gift Games are typically held, but...
Calico Cat!
Wh-What's going on?
A demon... A gift of beastification...
Was she the one...?
Jin-kun, there's a Geass Roll right here.
Galdo himself is the win condition?
We have to fight him with the designated armament?
This is bad!
In order to win this game, we have to
beat him with certain weapons instead of gifts.
Oh really? So that means
Kasukabe and the rich girl's gifts can't be used here?
We were assured to win, and now the odds are even.
You should have worked out the rules ahead of time,
isn't that right, runt?
So the armament will be identified somehow, right?
Yes! Of course.
Then there shouldn't be any problems.
I'd welcome a little handicap when fighting scum like him.
B-But...
It'll be fine.
I'm going in, too.
My plan won't get off the ground if we don't win this fight.
We're not changing things now.
Now, let's go.
There's no one nearby.
Oh? You're friends with dogs, as well?
Yes, about twenty of them.
I don't see any hints that stand out...
And I don't see any weapons that stand out, either.
How about we change our strategy, then?
We'll have Kasukabe-san use her abilities to find Galdo, and—
I've already found him.
What?
So this jungle
wasn't to catch us in an ambush.
Why even have it?
You might just have to ask him yourself.
That's if he'll tell us the truth.
What was that?!
Kasukabe must have turned into a tiger.
Oh, that makes sense...
Wait, no it doesn't!
Would it be bad for us to go and take a look?
We could say you're the judge master and I'm your assistant, or something.
My wonderful rabbit ears can
pick up generally what's going on inside,
so unless the original agreement stated that
we could watch, we cannot enter.
Black Rabbit, you're worthless.
At least say it under your breath!
Now I'm going to get all depressed.
A demon, and it's of vampiric nature.
I knew it was her.
Wait, that's...
There it is.
That cross sword must be our designated weapon.
Stop!
My gift isn't working!
Kasukabe-san!
Run, you two!
Jin-kun, get out of here.
But I can be of use, too...
Listen to me.
Just run.
H-Hey! You're supposed to run away alone.
Come on! Hey!
That's enough.
Stop.
Ow...
S-Sorry...
That was a little rude, don't you think?
You're acting like I was heavy or something.
Sorry...
A vampire?
Yes.
Galdo is a tiger that learned the magic to take a human form,
and became a demon through a Demon Lord's power.
I believe a vampire has now turned him into a type of beast.
So that's why there was that silver cross sword, then?
But why would a vampire do that to Galdo?
Who's there?!
It's me...
Kasukabe-san, are you okay?!
You-san!
I'm not okay.
I might cry.
Kasukabe-san, you...
I wanted to defeat him, but...
I'm sorry.
You-san? Wake up.
You-san...
Asuka-san?
Jin-kun, take care of Kasukabe-san for me.
I sense great fluctuations in the trees of the forest.
Is she going to try something?
Yes. Your gift, "Authority," is like unrefined ore.
It seems that over a long period of time,
through your own will and talent,
you've taken that ore and transformed it into
something with leanings towards the "Control" trait.
A gift of Control...
A world where everything is just.
And so let me offer you some wisdom.
Wisdom?
Sorry. I know it was your mansion and all.
However, you no longer have your status nor your prestige.
So at least fight me as you are, the king of the forest.
Now, come!
Prepare yourself.
Restrain him!
Your Power Words have another potential form.
They have the ability to control the numerous gifts that exist.
You can use your power at a higher level to bring about miracles.
Sword, give me power!
This game is over.
Galdo died.
Fores Garo is disbanded.
You-san, wake up.
Master Jin! You-san!
This way, Black Rabbit! Hurry!
M-Miss, don't give up!
I'll take her to the community's studio immediately.
We have gifts for healing there.
I couldn't do anything in the end.
But you won the game.
Kasukabe was saved because you were there, right?
But...
Then what do you want to do?
If you don't want to go through
with the plan from yesterday, I can call it off.
No, I'll do it.
If my name is out there on the front, if the worst happens,
maybe I can reduce the damage taken by the others.
That right?
Jin Russell will now return the pride that was
taken away from you by Fores Garo.
Did none of you hear me?
I'm saying that Jin Russell, the man who defeated Galdo,
will return to you your names and flags.
Izayoi-san...
A passionate discussion between bros, eh?
Seems like you've got a pretty interesting plan.
Whatever could you be talking about?
I have something to ask of all of you.
As you are aware, our community is
the no-names, without a name or flag of our own,
but I want you all to take something away from this.
I want you to remember Jin Russell.
And remember that his community
pledges to take down the Demon Lords.
Uh...
I am Jin Russell!
I hope for all of your support.
Welcome...
Is Shiroyasha in?
Are the Demon Lords strong?
All Demon Lords have the special rank of "Host Master," and powerful gifts.
I want to fight them...
I totally want to fight some Demon Lords!
Hey, your eyes are turning completely bloodshot, Izayoi-kun.
Next Time
It Seems Some Pervert is After Black Rabbit?
Art by Ruroo