Chapter 181
Chapter 181
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 181
Chapter Title: Demon King Castle Escape Operation (3)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
All the Earth Awakeners who had been sent to this otherworld received basic growth corrections by default.
It meant that even under the same conditions, they could grow much more advantageously than the natives when learning something.
Of course, there were individual differences based on talent, but it also signified that even someone who couldn't properly handle their own body back on Earth—a total klutz—could become a full-fledged warrior with enough effort.
But was there anything in the world that was ever that easy?
Plenty of people devoted their entire lives to reaching the pinnacle in a single field, and unless one was an extraordinary genius, merely shortening that time a little didn't mean much.
Someone like Isea, a 'true genius,' was exceedingly rare.
Naturally, for Awakeners whose top priority was immediate survival, it was common to pursue more convenient growth methods alongside that—which were the 'Unique Skills' granted early on and 'status enhancements' via the Karma Shop.
'But even Unique Skills with cheat-like potential have tons of restrictions at the start, making them tricky to use. Right now, even Avatar was pretty much useless at first.'
To quickly overcome those limitations, enhancements through the Karma Shop were essential, but the starting point for strengthening a Unique Skill was a whopping 300,000 karma.
An astronomically high number where you'd likely die before scraping it together by hoarding blindly.
'That's why most prioritize securing survivability through status enhancements first.'
Hesperon glanced down at his hand and clenched and unclenched it repeatedly.
The faint ripple of blue mana with each motion signaled that the spell had taken effect in that brief instant.
"Kuh... enhancement magic...? When the hell did you...!"
Crown Prince Simon clutched his struck jaw and staggered to his feet.
Though he'd been hit in a vital spot unexpectedly, his body was reinforced with aura throughout, so fortunately, he avoided being neutralized in one blow.
Still, getting embarrassed after charging in so cockily was just as pathetic.
"...You bastard, you're no pushover, huh. Ha! Makes sense why you ran your mouth like that."
As if trying to gloss over the humiliation, he forced a nonchalant stance and resumed his combat posture.
"On top of that, you've got some martial arts training for a nobody. But wielding mana instead of aura? Guess you had no choice with your lacking talent?"
"Man, who’s the one all talk here?"
Simon raised his voice roughly, as if protesting that he hadn't lost yet.
But Hesperon simply ignored him lightly and refined the somewhat unstable spell he'd hastily prepared.
Wuuung—
His thoughts accelerated, and the world seemed to slow for a moment.
In that split second, properly activated buffs like enhanced dynamic vision, increased reaction speed, amplified muscle strength, and more fortified his body further.
It was an unbelievably high level of mana control for a low-grade mage, but honestly, this was nothing to him.
Even without indirect aid from Immortal King Hans.
'Of course. Look at how many points I poured into this.'
The stats needed for magic weren't just mental power.
From abilities covering overall cognition like memory, computation, and reasoning...
To those related to mana like affinity, resistance, and control.
There were so many types that usually, people only used them to patch weaknesses or emphasize strengths...
'Not bad as a moderate investment.'
For him, with karma steadily accumulating even now, it was just a decent place to put points.
The starting point for enhancing all stats was 10,000 karma.
Considering the number of them, it was practically pocket change compared to the benefits of boosting useful abilities.
The next stage was 20,000.
He'd invested more only in the ones where he'd felt the efficiency from the first enhancement. There were still many, but it wasn't a big burden.
And the third was 40,000.
The requirements weren't too bad, so he'd used it quite a bit, but from then on, it was time to selectively pick among the numerous stats.
Of course, typical Awakeners couldn't splash karma around like water.
They had to hoard meticulously, deliberate endlessly over where to spend, and even then, save some for repatriation...
"...Getting cocky after landing one lucky hit. This time, I'll take you seriously."
But right then.
Simon, who'd been ignored throughout, murmured lowly and once more drew up his aura.
With his self-justifications failing to get a rise out of Hesperon, his pride must have been hurt—even tossing out the classic defeated villain line.
"I was careless earlier! But petty magic like that won't work on me!"
Kuung—
True to his word of going all out—not just bravado—he charged at twice the previous speed.
The aura emanating from his body, an energy that transcended human physical limits, swirled thickly, explosively boosting his physical capabilities.
A speed where all but the exceptional wouldn't even react.
'He's not entirely wrong.'
Obviously, auxiliary spells from a mere low-grade mage couldn't match a seasoned knight like Simon.
Better than nothing, sure, but relying solely on them would end in more than just a rough beating.
'But if that was all I was counting on...!'
Hesperon calmly read the trajectory of the fist now right before him and tilted his head aside without flinching.
Having indirectly received the influence of Path of Martial Arts through Heinrich, his movements were utterly efficient, without waste.
Then, firmly planting his foot, twisting his waist lightly, and gripping his fist tightly from his side—it shot straight out—
Peok!
"Guhk!"
And plunged straight into Simon's solar plexus before withdrawing.
Thud! Puk! Kwak—!
Seizing the opening from the brief stun of the vital hit, the follow-up combo battered his body mercilessly.
Stepping on the retreating foot to restrict movement, then slamming an elbow into his side as he raised his arms to guard his face.
Lightly deflecting a countering punch with one hand's back, then targeting the exposed armpit with the other.
Fingertips, fists, elbows, knees, feet...
His entire body was a weapon.
"Kuhk! Cooluk!"
But this time, Simon seemed fully prepared.
Even after taking over a dozen hits, he finally assumed a defensive stance, twisting away to retreat.
'...Must be all those elixirs. His aura quality aside, he's tougher than expected.'
For someone hit in vitals so many times, he was still in decent shape.
Above all, the thick aura enveloping him had absorbed much of the impact, preventing full damage.
"Hahk, heuk. No way... this can't be? How's a mage doing this...!"
His opponent didn't seem to share that sentiment.
'As expected, customizing to nerf physical stats was key. Without strength, the destructive power just doesn't come out.'
His physical stats had benefited massively from karma too, but as a mage-oriented avatar, there'd been significant adjustments at creation.
Sure, he'd made up some ground later through training with Super Recovery, but...
'Looks like it still fell a bit short.'
Fortunately, he'd left dynamic vision and reflexes—useful even for mages—mostly untouched, meeting the bare minimum to react to a knight like Simon.
The other deficiencies could be covered by indirect support from his senior avatars' experience and skills.
"...Heron? Were you originally a martial artist? With top-notch magical aptitude on top? How is this fair...?"
Princess Riley, who had unwittingly become a spectator, stared blankly at their fight before blurting out.
"Kuh...! What's going on? My speed's way faster, so why...? Did he predict my moves? No, but that guy clearly..."
The crown prince muttered to himself, confused by the gap between the sensed presence and the opponent's proven skill.
'If it's lacking, just beat him down till he drops. Good thing I have Super Recovery, and stamina's not an issue.'
With that ruthless thought, Hesperon slowly loosened his fists and stepped forward.
Thus, the farewell party in the Immortal Castle, attended solely by the three of them, concluded splendidly, leaving an unforgettable memory for one participant.
***
About an hour after the fight began.
"Whew— that hit the spot. Great feedback, and the right amount of resistance to keep the tension up—truly the perfect sandbag."
Finishing his long-overdue intense workout, Hesperon stretched refreshingly and wiped the sweat from his brow with a satisfied grin.
Before him lay what had once been Crown Prince Simon, sprawled on the floor like a tattered ragdoll.
He'd gone a bit overboard due to the guy's unnatural toughness, but given his recovery ability, a few days' rest would suffice.
However, there was one unexpected development.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ The entity has gained enlightenment through repeated training. Acquired skill Hand-to-Hand Combat. He had no idea what conditions were met in this short time, but a skill related to close-quarters combat had been generated.
A handy ability that provided bonuses to all striking actions—essential for any martial artist.
'Wait, no—I'm a mage.'
Better than nothing, of course, but he couldn't help feeling a bit underwhelmed.
His original vision was summoning familiars for safety while elegantly casting from the rear, but now it felt like he was turning into a frontline battle mage trading blows?
"...It's over. Never thought I'd watch Simon get beaten to a pulp right beside me. Not bad... but kinda bittersweet."
Then, Riley approached quietly, gazing at the unconscious prince with a complicated expression.
Even if she hated him, blood was blood—his battered state seemed to leave her feeling stifled.
"...Ah! I get it."
But before Hesperon could say anything.
She'd been staring bitterly at Simon, lost in thought, when she suddenly exclaimed as if realizing something...
Puk!
And kicked him squarely.
"...Riley?"
"Nope? Still not sure."
Ignoring him, she tilted her head and swung her foot again.
Puk!
"Ah! Kinda getting it now..."
Puk! Puk!
After a few more kicks, she finally stepped back, looking relieved.
"Phew—watching from the sidelines was just frustrating. I'd always wanted to beat him like this someday. Who knew it'd happen this way."
"......"
Now smiling brightly with a refreshed face, Riley.
Hesperon eyed the blood splattered on her cheek, then just nodded awkwardly.
"...Yeah, well. If you're satisfied, that's what matters."
The guy was built like a tank anyway; a few kicks from this slender girl wouldn't make it worse.
And if it improved her mood, all the better.
"Anyway, we wasted time on this surprise, so let's move. Simon's out cold—perfect timing."
"You okay? You must be worn out from fighting. Maybe rest a bit..."
"Nah, I'm fine. This is nothing. Better to escape now while we have the chance, right?"
Saying so, he extended a hand to her as if to say, "Grab on."
She, naturally eager to leave ASAP, nodded solemnly and gripped it tightly.
As if it were her one lifeline.
"Here we go."
"Yes."
This was truly the last chance.
Wuuung—!
He gathered every last drop of mana to envelop her and himself, pushing his energy to the limit...
[Where exactly do you think you're going...?]
"Kuhk—? Cooluk—!"
Drip drip—
The chilling voice rang out at that instant.
Mana backlashed, and he spewed a mouthful of blood.
"Heron!"
Riley hurriedly caught him as he collapsed beside her.
Panicking at the sudden turn, she scanned around tensely before biting her lip.
A thick fog had blanketed the area, filled with a bone-chilling aura.
[I came rushing at the commotion... Escape? Now that's an unexpected twist...]
And from within the mist, a pale-faced noblewoman in black mourning garb slowly revealed herself.
The current overseer of the Immortal Castle.
Banshee Queen Olivia.