Ch.4747. Duel (3)

●

Come to think of it.

It doesn’t make sense that someone who wasn’t even chosen by a demon could summon one like this.

I did activate the summoning skill, but the colors spreading around aren’t as vivid as when Elnore awakened the fragment inside her. Normally, it wouldn’t even be able to dwell in my body and would just scatter around.

But.

<System Message>

[ The ‘Seal of Fallen Heaven’ is responding. ]

[ Demonic energy is gathering around the Seal of Fallen Heaven. ]

Right. I thought this would happen.

I don’t know exactly what this Seal of Fallen Heaven does. The system window’s explanation is broken too.

“…”

I can’t help but smile bitterly.

If I think about what role these “seals” left by demons on humans do in the game, it’s obvious that this will significantly affect me somehow in the future.

For all I know, it might influence my mind as deeply as the fragments embedded in other Demonic Vessels.

But, for now.

I can use this to imitate being a vessel, if only for a moment.

“…”

The world slows to a crawl. It’s similar to before.

However, there’s a clear difference from when I summoned through Elnore.

Back then, the entire world touched by demonic energy froze completely still. Now, though slowly, things are definitely still moving. Enough that I can see it with my naked eyes.

‘…At this rate.’

I smile bitterly.

The Grey Demon’s basic power of “Erosion” grants absolute control over any space its energy touches.

This ability activates even in vessels with just a single fragment.

The fact that things are still moving, albeit slowly, means that even with the seal’s help, I can’t perform even the most basic function properly.

Nevertheless.

I can see it hazily.

The Grey Demon taking Elnore’s form.

It’s so faint that even its outline is barely visible. That’s to be expected since I’m not a complete vessel.

But because of that, the pressure I feel from it is much less intense. Before, just meeting its eyes felt like death; now it’s at least bearable.

“…”

It descended slowly from the sky and approached me silently.

I can clearly see that it has the same expressionless face as Elnore usually does.

It’s definitely different from the childlike reactions it showed before.

“…”

And as those red eyes scan the wounds all over my body, that feeling intensifies.

This isn’t just expressionlessness, it’s more like…

‘…Ah, I see.’

It’s anger.

It soon started stomping its feet and puffing its cheeks. Though still expressionless, it’s clearly showing its displeasure with the situation!

It probably means I shouldn’t go around getting hurt like this. Take better care of myself.

“…”

It’s fascinating.

This one, unlike other demons, shows genuine goodwill even from a “human perspective.”

If it were the harsh types like the White Demon or Blue Demon, they might try to bind or imprison me regardless of my injuries if summoned like this.

Knowing that is why I trust this one enough to summon it.

‘…I had no choice this time.’

I smile bitterly at that thought.

Since time isn’t completely stopped, I can move slowly.

“…”

Seeing my face, it finally stopped stomping its feet. Its cheeks were still puffed up though.

With that expression, it walks closer to me and reaches out to touch my chest.

“Don’t Á¦ ÇÏ¿¡go”

Then, its mouth opens.

“and getC¾ð¾î°¡UC¾hurt. I’m̨̝̻̂̂̈́̾̀̃̐̒̀̕. worÎ̶̻̙͓͓͎̫͛́͌̀̆͊͒͆̚±̦͖̺̗͎͍̰͊̏͒̉̍̉̚͟͠×̵̢̯̥̟͖̞̔̈́̃̚͘͞ried.”

“…”

Right. I’ll keep that in mind.

I never imagined I’d hear such warm words from a demon.

Then, a soft light rose from my chest.

<System Message>

[ An attribute is added to the demonic energy gathered in the ‘Seal of Fallen Heaven’. ]

[ While the energy remains, all your physical abilities are greatly increased by the power of the ‘Grey Demon’. ]

[ All your attacks gain additional advantage against ‘Divine Protection’. ]

“Return¾î°¡U as much¾îÁ¦Ç as you’ve taken.”

…I guess that’s why it enhanced my physical abilities.

Well, it’s more than enough.

I can tell just from the feeling of power dwelling in my body now.

With this much, I could easily slaughter someone like Klein.

And as if using all its power just to grant this, its body starts to crumble and scatter again.

“…”

Like before, it smiles slightly and opens its mouth again.

It’s too drained to make a sound, but I can still read its lips.

‘I love you. See you again.’

A familiar phrase.

This one said the same thing when we first met during the Purifier boss battle, right before parting.

And.

‘At that time. You.’

I remember that clearly too.

But this time.

‘With me, to the end of the world-‘

Those words.

Were added.

●

“…What was that?”

Suddenly, Klein uttered those words.

He has a feeling. His hands are still trembling slightly.

For just a moment, something was here.

Something that instinctively evoked fear just by being nearby.

The proof was that his entire body was drenched in cold sweat.

“Hmm.”

But before he could dwell on it, a snort from across the stage pulled his consciousness back to reality.

He quickly regained his senses and took up his sword again, but.

“…”

His mind drifted away again as he looked across.

There stood Darwood Campbell, putting his weapon down on the floor.

“…What are you doing?”

Is he giving up and accepting defeat?

Why suddenly abandon his weapon?

“No.”

The opponent answered in a flat voice. He was clenching and unclenching his fists with a slight grimace.

He looked like someone unfamiliar with his own body.

And from that appearance, Klein instinctively realized one thing.

This guy.

Something has changed.

Compared to before, something has ‘taken residence’ in him.

“I think I’d kill you in one hit if I used the sword.”

-!

And then Darwood’s casually thrown punch connected directly with Klein’s jaw.

It was more like he just placed his fist there. That’s how little effort went into the motion.

But even with just that.

“…!”

Klein staggered backward, unable to even express his shock as multiple layers of divine protection were pierced like paper. He exhaled emptily.

The concussion made it hard to maintain balance, but another attack came immediately.

This time it was a half-hearted kick. It really seemed like he was deliberately trying to hold back.

But.

“Kuhek-!”

With a rupturing sound that hardly seemed like bodies colliding, Klein’s body flew like a ball. Blood splattered in a long trail as he tumbled ungracefully across the floor.

Even with that ridiculous motion, all his divine protections were breached again and his ribs were broken. The broken bones pierced his lungs, mixing blood into his breath.

Immediately, bloodshot eyes stared back.

“…You…worthless nobody…!”

He didn’t know how his opponent suddenly became so strong.

But the Pope was watching. He couldn’t show such a disgraceful display.

With that thought, the divine letters surrounding his body glowed brighter. First, regeneration amplification.

The bones quickly returned to their original positions, his breathing stabilized, and strength returned to his body.

Then he converted all the divine protections on his body to a single attribute.

‘…I never thought I’d have to use this!’

White flames immediately erupted from his sword.

One of the attack “miracles” that only high-ranking combat priests could use.

“Ether Flame?”

A voice of disbelief came from across the stage.

“Hey, that’s something you’d use against large monsters…”

Indeed, this isn’t an ability that should be used in a mere formal duel, especially against a student.

Celestial flames that never disappear until either the target dies or the striker willfully extinguishes them.

It’s known to be dozens of times more powerful than divine protection, and infamous even among miracles for its cruelty and power.

But.

“As long as I don’t kill you, it’s fine!”

The sword engulfed in white flames lunged toward Darwood.

The goal wasn’t to kill, but to inflict terrible pain. He’d burn him alive until he begged to be killed instead.

That was the plan.

“Hmm.”

Until Darwood shrugged his shoulders and casually threw a punch.

And with just that motion.

The flames disappeared instantly, blown away by the wind from his fist.

“…”

Klein stared at his sword with his mouth agape.

A combatant of his caliber should never make such a basic mistake as losing focus in the middle of battle.

This display was arguably more shameful than when he was sent flying while spitting blood earlier.

It’s definitely not something he should show in front of the Pope.

But he was too shocked to care about that now.

The attack miracle summoned by him, a high-ranking combat priest.

Like blowing out a candle.

“…This works too. So this is what advantage means?”

“You, you, what are you…!”

He exclaimed in shock at his casually speaking opponent, but before he could finish his sentence, another fist connected with his jaw.

Again, all divine protections were breached, and his consciousness became hazy.

“Guk…!”

As his body rose into the air, several more attacks followed.

One blow to his exposed abdomen. A knee to his face as his body bent forward. An additional hammer-like straight punch to his head as it tilted back.

“Kuk, heuk…!”

All he could do was scream in pain as he took all those attacks.

There was no technique to speak of in these movements. They looked like those of an ordinary person with minimal fighting experience.

But he couldn’t counter them. He couldn’t even react.

He had already converted all his divine protections to regenerative abilities, allowing him to recover from critical injuries, but the rate of injury far exceeded the rate of healing. Even though his opponent was just casually throwing attacks.

The difference in power was that overwhelming!

“Oh, by the way.”

Darwood said with a slight smile.

“Didn’t you say it’s fine as long as I don’t kill you?”

-!

-!!

The pain continued.

His nasal bone was completely crushed. Bright red blood sprayed everywhere from his nose. A following kick sent his head crashing into a nearby wall. Spider-web cracks formed at the point of impact.

‘He’s… toying with me…!’

If he wanted to take him down, he could have done so long ago.

The gap was that overwhelming.

This wasn’t even a fight anymore.

His opponent was crushing him like an insect!

“S-stop…!”

Another hit.

His teeth, which had just regenerated, were shattered again before they could settle back in place, scattering in all directions.

Then another hit.

A fist to his abdomen caused blood to surge up his esophagus.

It continued like that. Getting hit over and over.

Blood pools formed all over the stage. Hit, hit, hit.

Finally, unable to bear it anymore, he screamed.

“Stop, stop! I was wrong! Please stop…!”

He had lost his fighting spirit long ago. The Pope watching was now a secondary concern.

Escaping the pain that felt like his entire body was being torn apart was more urgent!

And at that scream, which had thrown away all pride, Darwood paused his movements.

“…!”

Perhaps he would really stop at these words. He looked at his opponent with a slightly hopeful expression.

And.

A chill immediately ran down his spine.

There was nothing in the opponent’s eyes.

Despite unleashing such fierce violence, he remained calm.

As if he were just doing a “job.”

“Hmm.”

Just.

As if this level of pain was only natural for someone he judged as an “enemy.”

And the sentence that followed matched that sentiment.

Still in that flat tone.

“No.”

The fist flying toward his face was the last thing he remembered.

●

What wrong?

If he was going to act like this, he shouldn’t have tortured someone alive in the first place.

“…”

“…”

After briefly looking at Klein slumping down from my punch, I glance around.

A suffocating silence filled the air.

Part of it is probably because an academy student just completely destroyed a high-ranking combat priest, but my power just now is also a reason.

Most humans here must have noticed.

That what I just summoned was “demonic energy.”

‘It would be strange if they weren’t shocked.’

I briefly manifested a demon’s power, specifically the strongest Grey Demon’s authority.

In this setting, there must be many groups drooling over this power.

But now they’re seeing me, someone they never expected, wielding this energy, so of course they’re surprised.

Moreover, unlike normal vessels, I’m not losing my mind or going berserk, but maintaining my sanity perfectly.

That’s probably unprecedented in history.

‘…Well, that’s because I’m not a real vessel.’

I’m just imitating one. For a real vessel skilled in handling demonic energy, this level of ability would be child’s play. I’m just getting a small taste of that power.

But I’ve successfully implanted the image of “a human who can rationally control demonic power” in everyone present.

That alone completely changes my position.

“…”

Sadly speaking.

What Atalante called “support from the hegemonic nations” probably just meant helping vessels function smoothly as consumables for managing other vessels. It likely wasn’t about providing me with material and moral support.

They might have acknowledged my “necessity,” but not my “value.”

But just with what I’ve shown here today.

Many things will change from now on.

“…”

So much so that.

I can even do something like this.

“Huh… bruk…”

I grab the collar of Klein, who’s muttering meaningless words, and lift him up.

Then I drag him along.

And throw him toward a section of the audience.

-!

As Klein’s body flew through the air, a shallow scream came from the audience, but.

No one was hit.

His body was blocked by a “divine barrier” created in mid-air.

“…What is the meaning of this?”

Sir Credo Baor II.

The current Pope, who would have been hit by Klein’s body if the divine barrier hadn’t appeared, spoke in a monotone voice.

“Can’t you tell, Your Holiness?”

I continue with a smirk.

“I’m picking a fight with you right now.”

Everyone around gaped in shock.

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