Chapter 232: Evolution and Goff
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 232: Evolution and Goff
I had spent quite a long time as a Supreme Demon Weapon Specialist. It wasn’t that I was dissatisfied with my race or class, but of course, I was happy. I wasn’t sure if it was because of the Seat of Sorrow, but I’d been feeling like I wasn’t utilizing one hundred percent of the magic my body possessed.
To put it one way, it felt like I was slowly releasing water from an overflowing dam. That feeling was even stronger now, with a constant stream of emotions flowing into me.
For instance, the emotions sent by Alisha and Elia, the Japanese and the elves right beside me, were continuously pouring into my body.
It was obvious that Alisha and Elia’s people would fight endlessly, granting me strength. I figured this vessel would not be able to hold out for much longer.
A smile bloomed on my face as I once again focused on the information in my head.
[ 1. Demon King of Lamentation, Weapon Specialist ]
[ 2. Supreme Demon, Lord of Weapons ]
[ 3. Seat of Sorrow and Despair ]
It was just as I’d expected. Since I was already classified as a Demon, I had predicted that I might be able to choose Demon King as the next step, but I never imagined I would actually become one. To be honest, the individual value of a Supreme Demon couldn’t be said to be higher than Mev’s High Fairy Queen or Jung Hayeon’s Flower of the World Tree.
Both of them wore crowns on their heads. Mev had a small, golden crown, while Jung Hayeon had one styled like a laurel wreath. I couldn’t confirm whether they had room for further evolution, but it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they had reached the pinnacle of their respective races.
It was no exaggeration to say that I had climbed to this position through class corrections, effort, relentless training, and the good fortune of using powerful items. If we were to compare purely based on the path of martial arts, I thought Gark or Hark were likely at a higher level than me.
Though much had changed from the past, my lack of talent remained the same.
Even in my eyes, Gark and Hark had reached a certain state of mastery. I, on the other hand, couldn't completely suppress my instincts. I wasn't as skilled at controlling them as Goff was; it would be more accurate to say I coexisted with them.
Since this was a choice that required careful consideration, it was right to examine everything.
[ 1. Demon King of Lamentation, Weapon Specialist ]
[ An individual who has inherited the power of the 8th of the eight primordial sins. You have partially fulfilled the conditions of the Seat of Sorrow and have earned the qualification to reign as the king of demons. The title ‘Demon King of Lamentation’ will best represent you, who feeds on sorrow. A Demon King possesses an immense amount of magic, fundamentally incomparable to that of a Supreme Demon. The Demon King’s unique ability, ‘Domination,’ will strike terror into beings of a lower class than you. Your voice will instill fear in your enemies and awe in your allies. ]
‘Nice.’
It was so good that words were unnecessary. I had expected the Seat of Sorrow to grant me immense power, but this was even greater. Normally, a Supreme Demon would evolve into a Demon King, but in my case, it seemed an extra title was added due to the influence of consuming the Seat of Sorrow.
My current magic reserves were already substantial, but the prospect of having an amount of magic incomparable to what I had now was beyond exciting. On top of that, a unique ability called ‘Domination’… I couldn't be sure if it was a unique ability assisted by the System or not, but if the description wasn't a lie… I would basically have a bonus against any opponent of a lower class.
Fear for my enemies, awe for my allies. It was an ability befitting a king, no matter who looked at it.
But the decision would come later. I calmed my excitement and began to look at the next option.
[ 2. Supreme Demon, Lord of Weapons ]
I already knew about the Supreme Demon, so I decided to examine the Lord of Weapons.
[ The Lord of Weapons is the lord of all weapons. Said to be a dream-like state even among ancient warriors, the Lord of Weapons can freely handle all cold weapons. With a body and mind forged over long years in pursuit of only martial prowess, you will feel no fear before any enemy. You are an idol to all warriors. You will be able to use all weapons freely. You will gain critical hit judgments for all weapons. The success rate of claiming ownership of a weapon will increase. ]
‘Fuck…’
This one, too, made me hesitate. What I needed right now wasn't magic, but a stronger body. It was painful to think I wouldn't immediately benefit from the Seat of Sorrow, but considering the critical hit judgment for all weapons, the proficiency judgment for all weapons, and even the increased success rate of claiming ownership, the class of Lord of Weapons truly seemed like the best fit for me.
However, it wasn't without its problems.
Choosing a class or race isn't the end, but the beginning. If monsters like Gark, Hark, or the Queen of the North had obtained such a class, they might have been able to see it through to its absolute peak.
But when I considered whether I could display proper efficiency with this class, I couldn't help but shake my head slightly.
The synergy with my unique ability, Weapon Switch, was perfect.
But if you asked me if I could live as a pure warrior, I would have to say no. I might become stronger and find efficiency, but I didn't think I could break through my limits. That was my assessment.
Of course, if this class were merely a stepping stone, I might have chosen it without hesitation, but I felt I needed to be more cautious.
‘Hmm…’
In the end, the last remaining option was the one shrouded in mystery: the Seat of Sorrow and Despair.
It had neither a race name nor a class name written down. Yet, for some reason, I was drawn to it. I immediately began to recall its description.
[ 3. Seat of Sorrow and Despair ]
[ An individual who has inherited the power of the 8th of the eight primordial sins. Until now, your racial appearance has borrowed from the Supreme Demon, but as you have come to embrace great power, you have become able to re-create a completely new form. This entity, also called Sorrow and Despair, is a formless, mythical being heard of only in stories. The power of sin, given only to qualified individuals, will continue to make you stronger. ]
I couldn't help but feel it was rather vague. But the idea of re-creating a completely new form was incredibly appealing. I had no idea how it would work, but I thought I might be able to add things like wings or a tail.
It was an evolution that transcended the limits of a race.
In a bad sense, a mutation. In a good sense, the emergence of a completely new being. It was extremely frustrating that I couldn't get more information. Logically, the Demon King of Lamentation was the most correct choice. But as I thought about the potential of this Seat of Sorrow, I kept hesitating to pick number one.
As I continued to ponder with a serious expression, Elia began to look a bit wary. Alisha also looked extremely anxious.
In Alisha's case, she was probably wondering if I was having second thoughts about her and Elia's people, but that wasn't it at all.
The first to speak was Jung Hayeon.
“Taesung, is something troubling you?”
“Hmm… No, it’s nothing.”
Immediately after, Baek Ahyeon’s voice rang out.
“O Savior… If you believe the treatment of those filthy, arrogant knife-ears is too lenient, then at any time… just give the order… I will drag them to the underground interrogation chamber at once. I will mercilessly perform the purification ritual.”
Elia flinched at Baek Ahyeon’s words. Choi Eunju also looked at me with a worried expression, wondering if something was wrong.
I could only fall deeper into thought. The decision was between options 1 and 3, rather than 2. Instead of just leaving it to luck, it seemed like a good idea to run a test.
“I’m going out for a bit. You don’t need to follow.”
“Ah… yes… yes.”
Everyone nodded, so I slowly began to walk outside without any burden. As I walked, Hark, the clan’s executives, and the young warriors started to come into view. My destination was the area where the Goff Clan and the Black Spear Clan were located.
Of course, I wasn't heading there out of boredom, nor was I going to ask for advice.
I thought the right thing to do was to test what I was currently lacking.
To fight once against a comparable opponent.
That was what I needed right now.
Gark and Hark were strong, but they hadn't yet grown strong enough to surpass me. Choi Eunju wasn't a bad choice, but fighting a mage-type would make it difficult to fully test my strength.
As I continued walking, I began to see the Goff and Black Spear clans, who were clearing the Misty Forest or beating down magical beasts.
“Blood Dagger is here!”
“Blood Dagger is here!!”
The Ogres and Trolls were roaring as they looked at me. Naturally, Goff and Black Spear must have noticed my arrival as well.
“Where is Goff?”
I casually asked a nearby Ogre, and the creature nodded its head vigorously, pointing forward with its finger. It seemed he was at the forefront of the work up ahead. As I kept walking, I started to feel a suitable level of excitement. I decided it was an unavoidable instinct.
It wasn't right to show such bloodlust where his clan members were, but my eyes were turning red without me realizing it. Just imagining clashing with him made my breathing grow a little rougher.
‘Goff.’
He was undoubtedly the warrior who could most clearly show me what I lacked. This wasn't the first time Goff and I had clashed. I still remembered how we had fought to become stronger while crossing the desert during the Great Tribe Leader's exam.
Of course, it wasn't a sacred duel where we put our lives on the line, but our expressions had been quite serious nonetheless. It was only natural that we were able to gauge each other's strength to some extent. At that time, I had a strong feeling that I had the upper hand.
And when I reunited with Goff after a very long time, I had thought that he probably had the upper hand over me.
But now, I couldn't quite tell. He could be weaker than me, or he could be stronger. It would probably vary slightly depending on our compatibility or our condition on the day, but the fact remained that Goff was the most suitable person for me to fight at this moment.
As I walked further, Goff and Black Spear came into view. Goff and Black Spear, who had been looking at me with welcoming faces, also seemed to sense something from my demeanor and grinned.
“What is it, Blood Dagger?”
Even though he seemed to know why I had come, the way he spoke suggested he had become a bit more personable.
I waved my hand toward Goff as if it were nothing. If we got too serious, things could get out of hand.
While Black Spear watched me with a strange expression, I opened my mouth to Goff.
“Will you fight me once under the flag of brotherhood?”
Goff bared his fangs and smiled.
“Of course.”
It had been a very long time.