Chapter 44
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 44
A crushing aura radiated from the figure standing before me.
Freya didn't seem to know his exact identity, but she clearly sensed the danger. Her eyes trembled as they locked onto the pale man.
Clad in a black priest’s habit, Gilean fixed his sharp, glinting gaze on Freya.
“You must be Freya Gunhild. Indeed, your swordsmanship is far superior to your sister’s, whom I encountered earlier.”
At the mention of Professor Verdandi, Freya’s expression turned ice-cold.
“You… what did you do to my sister?”
“It was nothing. She was being a nuisance, so I sent a subordinate to rough her up a bit. Rest assured, her life is not in danger. At least, I didn't come here today with the intention of killing anyone.”
So Verdandi has already been dealt with.
I silently bit my lip.
It was hard to imagine someone of her caliber being defeated, but if Gilean was the one behind it, the situation made sense.
The Twelve Honored Ones—the title given to the twelve strongest practitioners of the demonic path on the continent.
For someone like him, subduing Professor Verdandi and her assistants would be a simple task. Exerting influence over this entire mountain range to prevent outside interference would be just as easy.
Especially for Gilean, a specialist in barriers and spatial magic.
However, confronting the main villains, the Twelve Honored Ones and their faction, was supposed to happen much later in the story. An encounter at this stage was far too early.
Could it be…
As my thoughts raced, I recalled a conversation I’d had with Director Lee.
— ‘The early academy storyline feels a bit lacking in tension. How about having the main villain make a brief appearance?’
— ‘That’s a good idea. I’ll consider it.’
I grimaced as the memory resurfaced.
In a way, had I brought this on myself?
“Hoo.”
Still, there was a silver lining.
If this situation was indeed a result of my suggestion, then at least Gilean hadn't come to take my life. He was likely just here to make a cameo.
…I don’t know his exact purpose, but at least I won’t die by his hand today.
Having regained my composure, I questioned the very essence of the demonic path standing before me.
“You bastard. What is your purpose here?”
He couldn't have come all this way just to see me. There had to be another reason for him to break his long silence and invade the Union’s territory.
“Hmph. As if I would tell you that so easily. However…”
Zwoong—!
As Gilean extended his hand, space tore open into a black vortex. Something massive was summoned from the rift, slamming into the earth.
Thud—!
The pitch-black object, venting plumes of dark smoke, was a coffin. A casket meant for a corpse.
“I have a gift prepared for you. In a way, you could consider it a rite of passage.”
Creeak—.
With a horrifying screech, the coffin swung open. A figure stepped out from within, walking with the slow, jerky gait of a zombie.
His skin was a deathly ashen gray, and his bloodshot eyes were vacant and unfocused. A foul stench and thick demonic energy emanated from his body. His fingernails had grown grotesquely long, resembling scythes forged of steel.
The identity of this creature, reeking of malice and moving like the undead, was none other than…
Demer…?
Grrr—.
The assistant for the Intermediate Magic Theory lecture.
Although his face was half-melted and barely recognizable, it was definitely Demer, demonized after consuming a Dark Mana Stone.
I wondered why I hadn't seen him around lately. So this is what happened to him.
It seemed he had become a sacrificial pawn for the demonic path.
Gilean watched Demer emerge from the coffin and remarked, “I found a test subject in the Union who held a deep grudge and had come into contact with a Dark Mana Stone. So, I gave him the great power he desired. I fulfilled his long-held wish, so it wasn't such a bad deal for him, was it?”
“…”
I didn't know the full story behind Demer’s transformation, but he must have tried to contact someone regarding the Dark Mana Stone to get revenge on me. He probably never imagined a big shot like Gilean would get involved, or that he would be turned into a demon himself.
Gilean left Demer to deal with us and stepped back.
“Well then, I have other business to attend to, so I shall take my leave. Do enjoy your… quality time together.”
He gave us a formal bow before melting into the fog and vanishing.
Shaaa—.
“…”
I stared silently into the mist where Gilean had disappeared before turning my gaze to the enemy before me.
Fortunately, the worst-case scenario—Gilean fighting us himself—had been avoided. But we weren't safe yet.
Grrr—.
Watching Demer drool, his red eyes glowing, I recalled what I knew about demons.
Demonization.
It was a phenomenon where an individual accepted the dark power within a Dark Mana Stone to vastly surpass their innate growth limits. If they successfully endured the process, they gained the ability to wield the stone’s power. In most cases, however, they were consumed by it, becoming mere weapons that existed only to destroy.
A single glance told me Demer was the latter. He was nothing more than a killing machine driven by hostility and bloodlust.
A very powerful one, at that.
“Roen, get behind me.”
Freya drew her sword, her expression tense. Unlike Gilean, whose aura was on a level we couldn't even perceive, the Demer before us was radiating a palpable, dangerous energy.
Grrr—.
Demer, who had been shuffling forward with a grating moan…
Pabak—!
…suddenly dropped into a beast-like stance, kicked off the ground on all fours, and lunged.
He was charging straight for me.
It seemed that even with his consciousness gone, his animosity toward me remained.
Freya shoved me back hard and raised her sword to block the feral charge.
Klaang—!
His claws clashed with her blade, sending bright sparks flying into the darkness.
“Kuh!”
But Freya, who had effortlessly blocked the golem’s fists earlier, lost her balance on impact and was forced back.
Demer used the momentum of the clash to leap over her, his red eyes glowing as he targeted me again.
Swish—.
A pair of red streaks cut through the darkness like lines of light. I barely registered the approach and thrust my hand forward.
Aegis!
A translucent shield of armor formed in front of me, but…
Craack—!
Demer’s sharp claws pierced straight through the Aegis shield.
!
After shattering the magic, his claws tore through the protective barrier of my student ID and dug into my shoulder.
Shunk—.
The sickening sound of rending flesh was followed by excruciating pain.
“Ghk.”
Even with the pain reduction from Sense Sync, a searing agony shot through my shoulder.
“Roen!”
As I collapsed, bleeding, I heard Freya’s panicked cry. I endured the pain and shouted back to her.
“I’m fine! Don’t lose your cool! Focus on the enemy!”
Freya, of all people, couldn't afford to lose her composure. She was the only one who could subdue Demer right now.
“…”
Freya bit her lip, nodded, and charged at Demer.
Kagang—! Kang—!
Flashes of light glinted in the darkness. Each time Freya’s sword met Demer’s long, sharp claws, a deafening clang echoed and sparks showered the ground.
While Freya held him off, I pulled out the items I’d brought in my pockets. First, a health recovery potion.
Pop—.
I uncorked the bottle and poured the brilliant green liquid over the wound on my shoulder.
Sizzle—.
A stinging sensation followed, and a log appeared before my eyes.
[• Some health has been restored.]
[• Bleeding has stopped.]
[• Due to the additional effect of [Alchemy], incoming damage is temporarily reduced.]
With this, I wouldn't die from blood loss—at least for now.
Then, I used the Strength Enhancement Stone, Agility Enhancement Stone, and Haste Scroll I’d also brought.
Fwoosh—!
Power surged through me in an instant. This should be enough to at least react to the enemy’s movements.
Just as Freya was in the middle of her exchange with Demer, disaster struck.
“Ugh!”
While being slowly pushed back by Demer’s relentless attacks, she finally took a direct hit.
Thwack—!
Sent flying by a powerful kick, Freya tumbled across the ground. She hit her head on a tree and went limp.
Thump—.
“…”
Freya lay unconscious, her sword fallen from her grasp. I frowned at the sight.
Well, so much for that plan.
It was a relief she didn't seem fatally hurt, but to think she’d be knocked out so quickly… Our plan to subdue Demer together had gone up in smoke.
After a moment of checking Freya’s condition, I turned to glare at Demer.
So even Freya is no match for him…
I was experiencing firsthand just how powerful a demon could be.
…Then again, a demon is a monster that shouldn't even appear this early in the semester.
It was like a mid-to-late-game boss suddenly rampaging in a beginner’s hunting ground. No matter how strong a named character was, it was simply too soon.
Having dealt with the obstacle that was Freya, Demer started drooling again and turned his sights back on me.
Pak—!
His red eyes flashed as he lunged.
Whoosh—!
His sharp claws swung, aiming for my head.
Unlike before, my physical abilities were enhanced by various potions, allowing me to dodge the first strike. But I couldn't evade the entire flurry of follow-up attacks.
Sh-sh-shk—!
Every time his claws flashed, new wounds appeared on my body.
“Ghk.”
All I could do was cross my arms to protect my vitals.
He’s too strong…!
The demonized Demer was incomparably faster and stronger than Chepesi, whom I’d fought before. Thanks to my in-game knowledge, I could roughly predict his attack patterns, but the gap in our physical stats was so vast that I couldn't dodge even when I knew what was coming.
Eventually, I left an opening, and his kick slammed into my abdomen.
Thwack—!
“Keuk.”
A dizzying pain shot through my stomach as I was sent flying, crashing into a tree trunk before collapsing to the ground.
“Cough.”
A clump of blood came up with my cough. I had definitely suffered internal injuries.
“Haa, haa.”
Wiping the blood from my mouth, I watched Demer slowly approach.
Grrr—.
In my blurry vision, his approaching figure with its glowing red eyes looked like the Grim Reaper himself. I looked at him with a dazed expression and let out a wry laugh.
To think a simple one-off villain would go so far as to become a demon just to kill me. The difficulty had spiked way too high, way too fast. If the game were actually designed like this, it would earn the hatred of countless players—especially in hardcore mode, where one death meant the end.
Step—.
I glared at the approaching figure and finally made a decision.
I guess… I have no choice.
My gaze fell to my left hand, specifically the ring on my finger. Since things had come to this, I had no option but to use my last resort.
“Hoo.”
I let out a deep sigh and slowly raised my trembling left hand. It was lacerated by his claws and covered in blood. And on it sat a black ring.
Why would I have come to the practical exam with no means of attack after my magic crystal ball was broken?
The reason was simple.
Click—.
I slipped Derod’s Ring off my finger.
Shaaa—.
At the same time, a series of logs appeared before my eyes.
[• You are exposed to demonic energy.]
[• You are exposed to strong demonic energy.]
[• Affinity is increasing.]
[• Affinity is nearing 100. An event will occur. Please be cautious.]
“Hah.”
With the ring off, I took a deep breath, drinking in the forest air thick with demonic energy.
This is an unexplored region, saturated with malice.
Furthermore, with the appearance of Gilean and the demon, the concentration of demonic energy here had skyrocketed. For me, a half-demon, this was practically home turf.
With each breath, dense demonic energy filled my lungs. As this energy spread through my body, the vessels leading to my brain tingled as if on fire, and immense power surged through my circuits.
Swaaa—!
I could feel a power on a completely different level enveloping me. This demonic aura was no longer unpleasant, nor did my body ache. Instead, it felt cozy. Warm.
Savoring the sensation, I slowly clenched my fist.
Srrk—.
The wounds all over my body healed at a visible rate. Simultaneously, a sense of omnipotence settled over me, as if I could do anything.
Feeling this dark power welling up inside, I looked at Demer.
To be honest, this was the one method I never wanted to use.
The demonic power of my half-demon trait. I had tried my best to avoid unleashing this power, unsure of the consequences or how I would handle the aftermath.
But given the circumstances, I had no choice. Anything was better than dying here.
Ssk—.
I slowly got to my feet and looked at Freya, who was lying unconscious at the base of a tree. She was completely out. Even if I used this power, there would be no witnesses. Nothing was holding me back.
Grrr—.
Instinctively sensing something was wrong, Demer thrust his sharp claws toward my heart, aiming for a quick finish.
Swish—!
Before, his speed was something I couldn't even track, but not anymore. I effortlessly caught Demer’s wrist as it approached me as if in slow motion.
Thwack—!
“!”
His attack blocked, the creature’s red eyes flashed in surprise.
K-k-krrk—!
He tried to pull his wrist free, but it wouldn't budge. My physical strength now vastly surpassed that of the demonized Demer.
Clutching his wrist, I met the eyes of the bewildered creature. I spoke calmly.
“I bear you no ill will. You were simply unfortunate in your choice of opponent.”