Chapter 107
Chapter 107
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 107
Chapter Title: Core of the Demonic Realm (1)
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Cain Blackguard.
His fame had spread beyond the Empire to the Alliance itself—no exaggeration. It was only natural.
The undefeated general who had never tasted defeat. Back in his days as a Kingdom general, he held the Empire at bay without flinching.
After defecting to the Empire, he rampaged like a fish in water, ultimately seizing even the Demonic Realm.
From the Alliance's standpoint, calling him their utmost threat was no overstatement. Perhaps even more so than the Sword Ghost.
And now, Cain himself had marched straight into the Alliance army. Their soldiers couldn't help but swarm.
“That’s Cain Blackguard...!!”
“They say he’s got horns sprouting from his head and wings on his back...”
“Don’t drop your guard. He’s probably hiding them right now.”
“...”
What the hell was his image in the Alliance? He wanted to tune out the soldiers’ murmurs, but they drilled into his ears relentlessly.
Thanks to that, Cain quickly pieced together that he was viewed as some kind of devil here.
It felt unjust, though. He’d never massacred anyone, never even clashed directly with the Alliance. Why?
But there was no time to air his grievances. A prickling chill stabbed his skin, pressure crushing his chest.
“That old coot’s as pigheaded as ever, even after all these years.”
“You know him?”
“Crossed paths a few times over the years. Total hardass, stuck in his ways. Tsk...”
A man with cropped hair and a hulking frame radiated uncompromising resolve.
Cain could tell negotiations wouldn’t be smooth, but he pressed forward undaunted.
Meanwhile, Arnold watched Cain’s bold approach with grudging admiration.
‘Overly daring—foolish, even. Never dreamed he’d stroll into the enemy camp like this. Or does he truly trust his strength that much?’
Living creatures shun death. It’s instinct. Who wouldn’t?
Yet Cain strode on without a trace of fear. This was enemy territory.
They could flip in an instant—attack or capture him. They had the might.
But Cain marched on. His Sword Ghost escort could scarcely keep pace.
“I don’t know why the Empire’s young war hero’s come all this way... but you’ve got guts, I’ll give you that.”
“Appreciate the compliment.”
“That wasn’t a compliment. More like ridicule.”
A flash. Speed defying words. His sword whipped from its sheath.
As Arnold drew, the encircling Alliance soldiers and knights bared their weapons in unison.
In this ring of steel, Cain stayed calm—thanks to Scardi at his side.
“Never figured the Alliance’s bedrock would play so dirty.”
“You’re a monstrous threat to the Alliance. I’ll take you down, reputation be damned.”
“That so? Then you and your men all die here.”
“If you can manage it...”
“Not a threat. Undeniable fact.”
Arnold chalked it up to bravado. But Cain’s utter stillness sparked unease.
...What’s this? Something more? Or...
Arnold sighed deeply and sheathed his blade. He’d never planned to kill him anyway.
“Whatever else, your nerve outstrips even the Master’s.”
“Test over?”
“Yeah. Let’s talk inside...”
BOOM!!
A ground-shaking quake ravaged the Alliance camp from nowhere. Only Arnold endured the roar and tremor.
True to his “Rock” moniker, he planted his feet and held firm.
“What in blazes...?!”
GRRAAAAAHHH!!!
Screams heralded the tower of flesh. Its soul-rending wail was grotesque beyond words.
The unprecedented horror shook even Rock Arnold.
“What the hell is that...? Blackguard, what scheme is this?!”
Its timing was too perfect—suspicion naturally fell on Cain.
‘Why’s that thing showing up now?!’
Of course, Cain was plenty rattled himself.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Defeat Regression was absolute. Unless he struck first, foes rarely deviated.
But the Core of the Demonic Realm was different. He’d banked on half a month’s grace—yet here it was.
What changed? What trigger? Why now?
‘Actually, perfect. No lengthy explanations needed.’
He’d once toyed with luring it to hammer the Alliance.
But he scrapped it. True strategy demanded total control.
No greater folly than unleashing the uncontrollable.
“That’s the Core of the Demonic Realm you’ve hunted so desperately.”
“How...? Even if true, why trust you?”
“Bigger problems first. Let’s chase that thing off.”
“...”
Arnold glanced back. Its mere screams dropped soldiers one by one.
Not fainting—blood gushing from eyes, noses, mouths. Dead in seconds...!!
Accepting Cain’s truth, Arnold nodded and drew.
“Blackguard, that the Core you spoke of?”
“Yeah. No clue why now, though.”
“Hmm... Feels off. Like it’s gunning for you.”
“For me?”
“Yeah, gut feeling. Scratch that—forget I said it.”
Scardi dismissed it as crisis babble, but Cain chewed it over.
Last time, it had pinpointed him exactly. If so...?
If it targeted Cain personally? Some limit lifted now?
Plausible... but why him?
‘Not the time. Might be better to handle it here.’
Cruel to the Alliance, but spared Empire blood.
Guilt lingered, sure. He’d end or evict it fast.
With Scardi, Arnold, and Cain diving in, the fleshy mass shredded swiftly.
Masters cleaved the vile meat, mana-shielded from the din, carving at the core.
“Easier than it looks?!”
“No slacking. For the troops, end it quick.”
“Not over. Arnold! Rally your men—hold the beasts!!”
Regression intel let Cain foresee the follow-up effortlessly.
Arnold was sharp, though. A lesser man might bristle or freeze; he grasped it instantly.
“General!! Beasts incoming!!”
“Steady. I’ll butcher them all.”
“But that monster...!!”
“No choice. Leave it to them.”
Monsters swarmed to guard their “mother,” vibrations heralding them. Arnold tsked.
Hated it... but minimized casualties this way.
Arnold’s absence pressed Scardi and Cain back gradually. Manageable foe.
Just...
“What regeneration...!! Hack away, and it keeps coming!”
“Relax. Don’t need to kill it.”
As if sensing doom, the Core burrowed underground, hauling its bulk away.
Core gone, beasts scattered like a mirage. Alliance and Empire victorious—for now.
A scarred win, though. Cain approached exhausted Arnold.
“Believe me yet?”
Lots to discuss ahead.