Chapter 481
Chapter 481
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 481
Chapter Title: Killing the Demon
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The demon proposed a deal, claiming there was nothing to gain from killing it.
But that didn't make any sense. If there was nothing to take even in death, then a deal wouldn't yield anything either.
More importantly, trying to talk first meant it was at a disadvantage and hoping to resolve things peacefully. In other words, the demon knew it was in a bad spot.
There was no reason to chat with an underdog.
Truth be told, I wasn't one to hate talking things out. Nothing beat dialogue when problems arose.
But demons? You couldn't trust those bastards.
Dealing or bargaining with scum like that was pure nonsense. Unlike those fairy pricks from before who flashed their goods upfront, I wasn't alone this time.
I could slice them up and interrogate the pieces right now. No need for any deals.
Hell, I'd come here to kill the damn thing in the first place.
"You got the balls to bluff with nothing to your name? Let's gut you first and see if there's any loot worth taking, heh heh heh."
I advanced slowly toward the lesser demon, sword pointed right at it.
"Peace holds immense value. I've explained there's no gain in fighting, yet you insist. Why?"
Clack clack clack.
Its head—barely more than a skull thinly draped in black skin—bobbed busily as it spoke. The chattering teeth echoed, but its tone stayed calm.
No doubt about it; the thing reeked of infernal malice.
"Killing us gains you nothing. Let's make a deal."
This fucker... a pacifist demon?
As if. Every demon was bloodthirsty and violent by nature. Sometimes stereotypes and biases pointed straight to the truth.
"Why do you think there's nothing to gain from killing you?"
"Because we possess nothing."
"I figure a demon corpse like yours might fetch a pretty penny."
"Our bodies don't remain in the mortal world."
Come to think of it, that high imp had melted into a puddle of black goo the instant it died.
Did demon corpses vanish from reality? Then what counted as proof of a kill? Just their possessions? No body parts left at all?
Maybe it varied by individual.
Either way, unknowns everywhere.
Might as well chat a bit longer to squeeze out some info.
"Why don't the bodies stick around?"
"Hard to explain."
It gave a curt reply when I pressed. Those blazing red pupils showed no hint of death's shadow.
"Can you at least explain why you're invading the human realm?"
"That's hard to explain too."
"What the fuck, you asshole. You even want a deal?"
"...You're angry, I see. Please lower your weapon. Deals can be struck unarmed."
I glanced back at Claudy and Winia. Winia looked tense as hell, but Claudy nodded with keen interest.
If Claudy was intrigued, no need to overthink it.
Thud.
I pointed my blade at the ground.
"Weapon down. You want a deal? Hell, what're you even offering? You said yourself you've got jack shit."
The demon clasped its hands in thanks as I sheathed my aggression.
"First, gratitude for a flesh-born human agreeing to deal with us demons."
"Then spill it. Why're you here? What's the trade?"
Whoosh.
Its glowing red eyes shifted to an eerie blue blaze.
This bastard... a traffic light demon?
"As you humans guessed, we're otherworldly invaders—demons. We came to trade with you. No purpose, no crossing. But your kind's too violent; no one would talk."
So it ran into some aggressive humans.
Wonder what happened to those guys.
"Figures. Demons are evil scum."
This area crawled with folks hunting demons for holy glory.
Cities under religious sway always had that vibe.
Beyond that, humans loved looting by nature. Target evil or demons, and it looked righteous. Free kills, loot, and rewards? Everyone'd bite.
"Not all demons are evil. Humans have good and bad too, no? One villain doesn't taint all humanity; same for demons."
The lesser demon made its point coolly.
But I didn't come for philosophical bullshit.
By human standards, demons and monsters were evil period. Sure, "good" ones might exist, but dead demons were best.
"Don't care. What're you trading? Patience wearing thin."
"We offer our power."
"Power?"
"Don't you crave power? We can grant it."
"Holy shit, that's rich."
Classic, stale scam. Demons tempted with power.
Its gentlemanly act probably hooked idiots aplenty.
No wonder heretics worshipped that Ezath crap. Short-sighted fools traded souls for fleeting glory everywhere.
"The world isn't infinite; finite resources breed endless strife. Victory demands power. In a world of blood and violence, wielding it wisely is key. Our power ensures triumph."
The motormouth demon droned on like a politician.
Its eyes burned blue.
"And?"
Sounded reasonable—clearly not its first con. Made it less trustworthy. Slick talkers were always the best liars.
Crunch.
The quadruped rose abruptly with a grotesque grind, nearly two meters tall. Its frame defied anatomy.
Downright freakish.
Reminded me of ancient myths where bipeds and quadrupeds compromised on that awkward gait.
"This is your chance. Gain our power, ease your world. We know power's status here. Deal?"
But it wasn't unbeatable.
My honed senses coldly gauged our strengths. Claudy had to be satisfied by now.
"Heh heh, power, huh. Tempting. But demon power? Sounds like a one-way ticket to ruin. Or do I gotta cough up my soul?"
"No ruin, no soul. Just one favor for our power, and it's yours forever."
Thud.
The standing lesser demon pointed at me accusingly.
Whoooosh.
"Sweet terms."
Darkness swirled behind it.
Demonic intimidation, for sure.
But a "peace-loving, deal-making" demon asking a favor for power?
Didn't add up.
Just pretty words to cloud the mind, bait with "one simple favor" and power, hide the real goal.
Definitely shady.
I surged my mana instantly.
"But you look like dogshit anyway... What good's your power? Doubt it'd beat those kids playing ball over there."
"Grrr!"
Bubble bubble.
I mocked it into combat stance, and suddenly white foam spewed from its jaws.
"What the fuck! It's foaming at the mouth!"
Finally showing its true colors!
Fwoosh!
I kicked off the ground, blade aimed, Supremacy of the Heavenly Demon boosting my legs. Earth cratered; I shot forward like a cannonball. Distance closed—charge!
Screeeeech!!!
"Dieeeee, you fuck!!!!!!"
Mana amplified my speed.
Wanted sword aura, but it wasn't instant. Couldn't half-ass against a demon. I exploded internal mana, timing my signature Piercing Slash!
"You sought peace and deals! Why refuse?!"
"Fuck off, demon!!!!"
Craaaack!!!
The lesser demon howled, swinging an arm.
I never planned to deal anyway. Profit or not, they were enemies. Demon-empowered life? Pure tragedy.
For world peace, end it here!
"No humans will deal?!?!?"
Slash!
Its long arm ended in razor claws—like a spiked whip.
No dark magic?
Timing for its strike!
"Piercing Slash!!!"
Slice!
My slash met the whipping arm; it severed cleanly, flying off.
"Kiyaaaaaaaah!!!!"
Black blood gushed from the stump as it screamed.
This weak shit thought it could deal?
I readied a combo—
Boom!
Suddenly a fireball smacked its skull.
Fwoom!
Winia's backup shot.
The demon clutched its face, roaring instead of countering. Finish it quick? Or sever the other arm first? Nah, neck shot now.
"Die, demon! Your deal's price is your head!"
I thrust powerfully into its throat. Squelch! The blade pierced deep.
"Grraaaaaargh!!!!!!"
Perfect hit.
Thud.
Decisive blow—body toppled backward.
What power could this trash even give?
No slacking with momentum mine. I stomped its chest, twisted the blade, and ripped the head free.
Stab! Stab!
A few chest stabs for good measure; it went still.
"Pathetic fucker. Thanks for the assist, Winia."
"Blackie, don't let your guard down. Demons don't go down that easy."
"I know."
Bubble bubble.
The lesser demon's corpse began melting. As promised, nothing left—not even gear. Naked demon turned to black sludge in seconds.
Just a sticky black puddle.
Like the high imp.
"Hmm... That it?"
Claudy approached, curved swords drawn.
"Dunno. Thought it'd have some tricks with all that deal talk... Went down too easy, this prick."
I eyed the puddle with Claudy; Winia joined, peering over my shoulder.
"Blackie, reckon the church'd pay for this black goo?"
"Huh, maybe."
Holy knights probably knew demons melted like this.
Demon juice in a canteen it is.
Bubble bubble!
I dumped my water and crouched to scoop—
Splash!
"Wha-what the fuck?!"
Suddenly a black shape rose from the puddle. Rose? No—the sludge erupted, spewing black demons one after another!
Fwoosh.
I leaped back instantly.
"Kee-yaaah!"
"Krreeeek!"
"Chii-yaat!!!!"
Out crawled grotesque black-skinned demons! Did its blood summon allies?!