Ch.13645. Entangled Obstinacy.

If demons and the inhabitants of the demon realm consider magical power an essential element, then what do devils crave?

“Graaah! Power! Power overflows within me!”

A grotesquely swollen body.

From what was once merely a chubby child, it had instantly ballooned to the point of nearly bursting.

It had grown so enormously that its presence dominated even within the king’s bedchamber.

“…”

It was around then that Kariel snorted lightly and kicked it away.

“Ugh?!”

Despite delivering a frontal kick from a distance,

Without any warning, the creature’s form vanished, and the great devil’s massive body was suddenly slammed into the wall as if pushed by some invisible force.

BOOM!

It didn’t just hit the wall—it crashed straight through it.

“What are you planning to do? Will you join the fight?”

When Kariel asked the regent, he hesitated momentarily, unsure how to respond.

Despite being just a young boy with blue eyes, there was something about him that commanded caution.

Intimidation?

No, that wasn’t it. It was different from that.

This was a more fundamental fear.

Yes, fear.

For instance, the regent felt terror from his every move.

And it wasn’t simply the kind of raw fear one might feel upon carelessly sticking one’s head into the open mouth of a beast with no malice—it was an entirely different form of fear.

It was a fear that seemed to stimulate and shrink one’s very core.

Even the regent himself couldn’t quite distinguish what it was.

“…”

Kariel headed toward the hole in the wall.

As he passed by, he glanced at the women sprawled on the floor, then immediately swung his fist at the great devil who had fallen to the ground and was now raging.

“Urgh?!”

Surely that boy had been up there just a moment ago.

The figure who had been looking down at him arrogantly from the broken wall—why was he now swinging his fist right before his eyes?

‘Spatial teleportation magic?!’

That’s not it!

The body’s original memory was useless at this point.

What was needed here was the devil’s inherent memory.

Or information.

‘Is this what they call guided transmission?’

Grandeus doesn’t move.

Yet it’s widely believed that his sword strikes are generally impossible to avoid.

There are three methods to this.

First, when the target object ‘must’ exist in the direction of attack.

Second, when the opponent’s attacks and movements are restricted during offense and defense.

Some described this as being drawn in, suppressed, or controlled, but even this remains unclear.

After all, those who could leave such assessments were those who had the resilience to survive.

And finally.

Third, when Grandeus himself is conversely guided to the target.

That’s why he never needed to exert himself physically.

Even from a distance, he could instantly shatter the limits of space.

And upon contact, whether it was magical power or pure mana, it would often be turned against the user.

But shouldn’t a devil who doesn’t manipulate mana be free from such constraints?

“Kuhak!”

As his body retreated, the pitch-black sword sliced through his skin.

Even this was merely a cut because he had forcibly avoided it; otherwise, he would have been literally severed or dismembered.

“Hmm?”

However, it wasn’t as sharp as expected.

He didn’t know what material or form the sword was made of, but surprisingly, it didn’t feel particularly sharp or tough.

Still, as expected, the cut area wasn’t regenerating.

“Still unstable, I see.”

“…”

Kariel shook his head.

“This is my first time actually encountering a devil.”

“…So?”

“I can’t possibly miss this excellent opportunity for practical training, can I?”

…Wait, what nonsense is he spouting now?

“Training? Did you just say that?”

“If I had wanted to kill you, I would have done so already. There would have been no need for conversation. Or do you think I’m hesitating or trying to expel only you while preserving the body you’ve possessed because it’s this country’s king? I could do that, of course… but we both know that would be meaningless, don’t we?”

“I truly don’t understand your intentions! Why did you come crawling before me?! What grudge do you have against me?!”

“If you don’t understand, then die in ignorance. After all, even if you die, you’ll just return to your homeland—what is there to fear?”

“No! This fresh air! This infinite wellspring of thick greed and despair—why should I give it up and crawl back to that cursed pit?! This place is a paradise where pleasure seethes just by keeping your eyes open! Why should I?!”

“Then try to defeat me, your trial. Have you already forgotten what you boasted about just moments ago?”

“That’s not my fault!”

“An attitude that knows no remorse. The greatest sin is to directly ignore and turn away from it.”

Anyone can make mistakes.

But through reflection and introspection, by correcting one’s actions, imperfection forms the foundation for perfection and completion.

The imperfection of humans and living beings is ultimately just another mechanism for reaching completion.

Not knowing this principle leads to the misguided prejudice of considering only failures and mistakes as sins.

Everyone.

We must always remember that there was a time when none of us could even walk on two feet.

Because that is the most basic condition for acknowledging that you and I are not different.

Depending on how we accept differences,

Sins can become infinitely deeper.

Or the complete opposite can happen.

“Who are you trying to teach?! I’ve lived thousands, tens of thousands of years longer than you!”

“There’s no need to boast about wasting time.”

“You, you little bastard, really!”

Darkness slashes diagonally.

“Aaaaargh!”

The massive body rolls around, crying out in a pathetic scream and writhing in pain.

And so, the backyard of the Feis Palace was becoming even more of a mess.

“Leave no room for doubt. Put forth all the strength you can muster right now.”

If you don’t want to return to your homeland in vain, treated like a mere straw dummy.

“Do it properly,” he said.

====

Devils and gods eat and drink the same things.

The ancient archmage who left this cryptic saying was said not to believe in gods for this reason.

Originally, the first wizards and mages.

Their teachers were devils.

And for those who revered their teachers as fathers, masters, and gods,

Would it have been reasonable to serve another father and master?

Two fathers? Impossible.

In ancient times, there were heroes who claimed to have two fathers: one who gave them their status and environment, and another—a god—who gave them their body and spirit.

But that doesn’t make sense.

If it did, it would be mythology.

“That’s why he’s a devil sorcerer.”

That was what Venus said to Mines, who had asked a curious question, as they quickly reached the drawbridge in front of the royal palace with Cain’s guidance and Mines’ assistance.

They had stopped fighting for the moment.

We need to know about devils to respond appropriately.

That’s why she asked for the basics.

Venus was forthright in this regard.

He continued his explanation rapidly.

Being of the demon race doesn’t make one a devil sorcerer.

Dealing with evil spirits and dealing with devils are completely separate matters.

While evil spirit sorcerers strictly consume magical power,

Devil sorcerers don’t consume magical power at all.

“Fear. Discomfort and anxiety. Anger. Depression. Disgust. Disappointment and frustration. Guilt. Loneliness. Helplessness. They use these negative emotions as both medium and source.”

“That means…”

As Mines trailed off,

“It’s like setting fire to a forest.”

Venus explained further.

“As the flames vigorously consume the forest, the devil grows stronger.”

Because there, all kinds of negative emotions would swirl uncontrollably.

“And if someone can gather that up? It means they can also control it. If they caused this commotion for that purpose, wouldn’t that be reason enough?”

“Then by now, that devil…”

“Even that’s not enough.”

At this point, even Cain, who had been listening from behind, couldn’t help but be impressed.

“You know quite a lot of details that aren’t commonly known.”

“You can’t kill those bastards with swords, right? So I have to know these things. Otherwise what? Should I just die when I meet them?”

…A truly characteristic answer.

Though they hadn’t known each other long, Cain felt he understood him to some extent by now.

“Since devils don’t have physical bodies of their own, they must possess someone else’s body. And the more conducive it is to spiritual dwelling, the more useful it becomes.”

There’s a compatibility factor here too.

If what they possess turns out to be an inanimate object, just moving it consumes endless energy.

But when they possess a living being, for whom movement is natural, it’s nothing.

“What about that thing behind you?”

Before Cain could answer, Venus casually explained.

“That’s an imitation of spirit magic. More precisely, the art used by evil spirit sorcerers.”

“You can even recognize that.”

So he wasn’t just a battle maniac?

“Combat isn’t just about physical prowess. If your head is empty, your body suffers, right? Even the toughest person can die whimpering from a small wound from a rusty blade—that’s human frailty.”

“Then, does this mean there’s nothing we can do by going there now?”

“Why would you think that?”

“Well… didn’t you mean that helping people and stabilizing them would ultimately help him?”

“Me? When?”

Why would this woman interpret it that way?

Was there even a hint of that in what I said?

“Blocking the flow of water could be one approach. But do you know how vast this city is? How do you plan to handle all of it?”

“…Then is there another way?”

Venus snorted.

“Your premise is wrong. Why do you think he would be overwhelmed by some incarnated devil?”

“Oh, isn’t that the case?”

“You think this way because you don’t know about devils. And if someone of your caliber thinks like that, the devil will gain even more power.”

“…Why? I’m not harboring fear or terror.”

“But you’re imagining it and feeling anxious, aren’t you? For someone of your level, that’s an overflowing reward for that thing.”

“That means…”

“In a battle with a devil, it’s not a matter of life and death.”

It’s a question of who breaks first.

Or who gives up first.

“It’s true that humans are at a disadvantage because they have physical bodies… but the same applies to devils.”

However, unless a devil is a fool, it will strive to create an overwhelmingly favorable environment.

“That’s what this mess is about…”

Indeed, can he handle it to that extent?

“The person who has no room for mental fluctuation is the adversary that devils fear most.”

Even those armed with holy power or holy arts are useless if their minds crumble first.

But because they have firm faith and belief, they often overcome it.

They must be stronger than ordinary people.

Of course, there are those who are strong without such things.

The problem is anxiety due to ignorance. The fear that comes from it is unavoidable.

If you’re afraid even when you know, how much more afraid would you be if you don’t know?

Unless you’re naturally fearless.

“But… he’s not like that.”

There may be many people in the world,

But how many could break his spirit?

“Then what remains is the negative emotions accumulated in this city. And the ongoing negative emotions being poured out are the great devil’s assets and source.”

And if all of that could be consumed,

“…This garbage city might become a bit cleaner.”

Even so, if those who generate trash deliberately continue their trashy behavior,

It will soon be buried in garbage again, just like before.

Even when clean, dust accumulates after a few days.

Moreover, when there are plenty of people throwing and tossing garbage around, and no one cleans up, the outcome is obvious.

“So, does he know this and is now trying to confront the devil?”

“I wouldn’t know.”

“…?”

Wait, shouldn’t you know that?

Mines was perplexed.

“Then shouldn’t we go and tell him…”

“You keep misinterpreting my words.”

Venus poked Mines’ forehead with his index finger and said,

“How do you think he knew to go there? Did he just go because he was bored? If he went, there must be a reason, right? If he went knowing exactly where to go, was it just luck that he barely managed to reach there? And if he decided to fight whatever devil is causing problems, wouldn’t there be a reason for that too? Or does he look like some young punk desperate to show off? For honor? For fame? Huh? Did he rush there excitedly to assert his superiority?”

“…”

“Don’t get lost in your own head. Look at the world. Selfishness? Isn’t that selfishness itself? Being selfish by only caring about yourself? That’s superficial.”

But that’s not it.

“Even when you’re trying to save others, you’re not looking at them. You’re only examining your own position and thoughts, aren’t you? That’s why your actions seem fake. They say action precedes results, but that’s as far as it goes. It’s fortunate that you have some compassion and sense of responsibility; otherwise, would you have taken care of orphans before?”

On the other hand, think for a moment with a clear head. How was he different from you?

“From the beginning, he’s been someone who focuses on you or others rather than himself. That’s why he helped you without hesitation back then. Did he even have time to think about his own position or circumstances? Given his weakened state and poor physical condition at the time?”

“…Why do you talk as if you know him so well?”

Surely Mines herself had spent more time with him.

Why does this person seem to know so much more about him?

“…Tch.”

Venus turned his head away as if annoyed.

Why?

Because he had seen such a being before.

He had been frustrated after trying to chase it, lamenting wasted years,

But it seems those years weren’t entirely in vain.

Somehow, he came to understand.

He finally understood the nonsense that the first sword had been muttering all along.

[If you don’t know, just do it. You’ll understand as you go.]

It’s okay if you’re not virtuous.

It’s okay if it’s a lie.

Just do what you do properly.

So you won’t regret it later.

Don’t think about your circumstances; think about continuing his name and reputation, which was our goal.

If it had been him, would he have treated others as poorly as you do?

We must never forget that grateful memory of when he saved us.

And now, it’s your turn to give.

“It’s so annoying.”

There is no grateful memory.

I just wanted to follow him.

That way,

I wanted to restore the world to some semblance of normalcy.

That feeling hasn’t changed even now.

…In the end, it was my own weakness that made me despair and give up, believing it impossible.

That’s why I’ve been obsessed with Elbat.

That’s why I’ve focused on more powerful strength.

Acknowledging right and wrong?

Does that make me stronger? It only makes me weaker, doesn’t it?

“Well, I understand. For a weak human, covering your eyes and ears in such a way might give you some breathing room.”

Because you’re weak, because enduring is all you can do.

…For the weak who have neither the time nor the luxury to judge right from wrong, that might be the best they can do.

I understand. I’ve been through it too.

“So, what will you do now? Will you go there, or will you run around trying to stabilize and save the city, as you were anxious about earlier?”

“Why do you keep pressuring me?”

“What?”

What is this crazy woman saying now?

“Who else would I ask but you? I’m going to where he is anyway, okay? Why would I miss such a good spectacle? But you were just saying we should go, then after hearing me out, you started babbling about helping people. Weren’t you hesitating because of that? Or were you just waiting to hear my explanation?”

“…”

“You’ve lost your mind. Look at this, devil sorcerer. Is this really the woman who supposedly possesses the powers of the Demon King? Isn’t it pathetic?”

“That’s not for me to judge.”

The chosen ones aren’t always complete.

It’s wrong to think the chosen ones are always strong.

Rather, they are often the most pitiful and fragile, having endured more storms and trials than anyone else.

…Just.

They simply couldn’t give up when others would have.

Cain had seen many such people.

Venus grabbed Mines’ shoulders and shook her, urging,

“Ah, so what are you going to do?! Are you going or not? Do you want to just sleep here? Or what? Will you do whatever I tell you to do?”

“…”

When Mines’ gaze changed slightly,

Venus, who had been holding back, finally exploded.

“Hey, you woman! You did this before, and you’re doing it again?! Do you want to grow old and die just pondering what the right choice is?! When will you act and make decisions? Tomorrow? The day after? A year from now? After you’re dead, from your grave? If you’re just going to feel anxious and do nothing, stop worrying and go to sleep! If you don’t like that, do what you can do right now! You don’t like that either? Then empty your head and do what you want, you damned woman! You’re just making everyone around you irritated. It’s infuriating!”

And you stupid woman! Even the guy you’re chasing!

“He’s desperately doing what he can do right now, but what have you learned while following him? Or are you only interested in his face or his thing? Is that why you’ve been following him? Looking at you now, you’re completely a lewd and lustful harlot!”

Mines, who had been stunned, recoiled at the last remark and protested,

“H-how, h-h-how can you make such a terrible, d-disgraceful remark!”

“Then stop pretending to be a tragic princess from a fairy tale and doing nothing. Before I slap you.”

Look now.

Black flashes are rising from the void.

Each one of those might give me some kind of inspiration or insight, but you’re making me miss it?

I feel like beating you to death a hundred times, but…

If guiding someone who’s not yet human is my role, then so be it.

As distasteful as it is.

And if she goes there in her current unstable mental state and gets involved in a bad way?

She’d be nothing but dead weight.

“So, what are you going to do?”

“Why do you keep forcing me?”

“Because I despise cripples who can’t move forward on their own feet more than anything in the world. You know my personality, right? I’ve always been like this. You know I’m difficult and cumbersome to deal with, right? But what can I do? This is who I am. If you don’t like it, kill me right now. The only reason I haven’t killed you yet is because you’re stronger than me, and I’m trying to know my place. But even that has its limits. So can you make up your mind? Otherwise, you die, I die.”

I won’t blame you for hesitating because you can’t help it. I understand because I’m human too.

But having the power to do something and still hesitating, faltering, and spacing out—what’s that about? Is it deception? Mockery?

It feels like my internal organs are tangling.

Why make me angry for no reason? It’s infuriating!

“Hmm.”

Cain shifted his gaze from their conflict to the area inside the inner wall.

There, black flashes split into fine branches, crisscrossing the night sky all the way up to the top of the wall.

‘If a devil that seriously disturbs the mind had appeared, that woman would have been cheaply manipulated.’

Perhaps.

That man might be considering even such a situation, trying to fix her mental state even now.

Cain had this idle thought, but…

“…”

Looking again, he thought that maybe the man just had a terrible, eccentric, and downright nasty personality.

The way he was verbally and physically intimidating the woman was quite fierce.