Aimed and fired in an instant, it streaked straight toward the monster's eye and soon found its mark.
"..."
The monster, felled by what could be called a surprise attack, raised a cloud of dust and lay completely still.
However, within mere seconds, it rose, the wounded area visibly restoring itself.
"So conventional weapons are ineffective…"
He lowered the item he'd instinctively drawn, a dry smile playing on his lips.
Was it because he'd learned his cherished, gleaming black handgun was useless?
Or had some clever plan sprung to mind?
Either way, things were definitely tilting in a somewhat troublesome direction.
'Still, it seems I can at least startle it…'
Hurriedly putting away his phone and keeping his beloved gun in hand, he turned on his heel.
Whether confident in his speed or simply needing to put distance between them as quickly as possible, the man broke into a run. The monster, which had been fixing him with a sharp glare, let out a roar and began to give chase.
True fury incarnate.
Focusing on putting distance between them, he glanced back to see his pursuer baring its teeth in a visage of rage.
"I'd prefer only beautiful women chasing me!"
Finding it bothersome but aiming visually, the man pulled the trigger.
Aiming for the knees and shins, he fired with unerring precision. The monster, which had been charging ferociously, lost its balance and tumbled forward headlong.
A six-round capacity, double-action operation, with a muzzle velocity of approximately 2000 m/s. Even the Python 77 Magnum, powerful enough to pierce thick special alloy from a distance, showed little significant effect.
It was only to be expected, given his foe was a being beyond human understanding. Yet, still moving his feet, the man reloaded fresh rounds.
He had a decent supply of ammunition, but the longer this chase continued, the more disadvantageous it became. That was precisely why he fervently wished someone would come to his aid soon…
"…You gotta be fucking kidding me."
'Had they heard the earlier gunshots?'
Sadly, the number of monsters chasing him had increased without him noticing, escalating the situation into something even more dangerous.
'I'm in deep shit now! …Hm?'
Sprinting at full speed, he noticed something approaching from ahead.
'Is it the same kind as the ugly demon chasing me from behind?'
It wore a collar with a chain attached, and moreover, someone was riding on its back.
'Damn it! I'll put one round into…?'
Just as he was about to pull the trigger again, he felt something off about the figure riding the monster approaching from the front.
At first, he thought it was another troublesome new enemy, but squinting his eyes, he made out a uniform, a cap, and long, flowing hair—a beautiful woman of striking loveliness.
"Already under attack, I see…"
A well-rounded bust and a slim waist. Supple, beautiful leg lines and a dignified bearing. They truly deserved praise befitting the title of peerless beauty.
"Unlucky bastard. Hide behind me!"
"…~!!"
Seeing her arrive triumphantly, holding the chain connected to the monster's collar as if commanding it, he couldn't help but let out a low whistle.
"Now, it's time for submission!"
The figure who had appeared so gallantly, still riding the monster she seemingly controlled, tightened her grip on the chain and with her free hand drew the sword she carried at her hip.
And with each graceful swing of that blade, the pursuing ugly demons were sliced apart one after another.
A single stroke split torsos clean in two, severed limbs, sent flesh and blood flying, creating a scene worthy of the phrase "a mountain of corpses."
"Tch!"
But that momentum didn't last long. One ugly demon exploited an opening, swinging its arm down and forcing her to instinctively pull back.
Fortunately, her split-second decision to evade paid off. She herself was unharmed, but in turn, the creature she had been commanding was splendidly pulverized.
"Tch! As expected, this one's too fragile!"
Regaining her posture, she swung a third time.
With swordplay that could be described as swift, the monsters that had closed the distance were instantly reduced to mincemeat.
Combined with the blood spray, it was becoming quite a grotesque spectacle…
"Come to think of it, you. You're a victim of the Demon Capital disaster, right?"
"Hm?"
Despite being in the midst of battle, she spoke to the man with composure.
Her utterly relaxed demeanor was evident, perhaps also because the extermination was nearly complete.
She gave the Japanese sword in her grip one shake, flicking off the clinging gore.
"I am Kyouka Uzen, Captain of the Seventh Unit of the Demon Defense Force."
"..."
"I don't know why you have such a dangerous item… but rest assured. I'll help you."
Naturally, she turned to face him.
It was only a brief moment, but to them, it felt long.
A strange sensation washed over them both.
"Hm?"
Amidst this, a cacophonous sound suddenly reached them from far away.
Wondering what it was, the man checked and saw that, once again, a large number of those eerie bastards were heading their way.
"Haah… It's like a damn game of tag…"
"Hey, get on. Quickly."
After her sigh, her voice called out.
Looking back, he saw that one of the ugly demons, which should have been sliced up and grievously wounded moments before, had smoothly risen to its feet.
Moreover, not only was it wearing a collar, but it was offering its back to her, its supposed enemy, transforming into an obedient servant.
"Get on before those things get here!"
"…Understood."
The man guessed it was her ability or something.
Perhaps she forcibly created slaves and even utilized the life force of those creatures. Regardless, for now, he felt following her instructions was the wisest move.
Quickly holstering his handgun, he accepted the offer and mounted.