Chapter 418
Chapter 418
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 419
Chapter Title: Transcendent Will
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In the end, I found the ability I wanted in the point shop.
Transcendent Will.
It was a trait that increased the rational maintenance time during Rampage Transformation by five times.
If I acquired this trait, my rational maintenance time would extend from 10 seconds to 50 seconds.
“……The price doesn’t seem bad.”
100,000 points.
Having amassed over 400,000 points, it wasn’t a burdensome amount.
The one drawback was that to maximize efficiency, I’d have to purchase the [Trait: Demonic Energy Incarnation (S)] trait as well……
That meant spending at least 250,000 points.
“……Tough call.”
Did these two traits truly hold value equal to forgoing an SS-rank ability?
I mentally crunched the numbers on my own,
then checked the core of these two traits: ‘Rampage Transformation.’
[Rampage Transformation Stage 3 (SS)]
Classification: Trait
Description: Rampages in extreme situations. Grants immense power, but also penalties.
► Stage 3
Upon use, you lose composure, and all stats rise up to 5x maximum. All recovery abilities also increase 5x.
Super-regeneration activates constantly.
You lose precise mana control. However, physical enhancement efficiency from mana use triples.
The stat increase rate decreases based on Rampage Transformation erosion.
Upon ending Rampage Transformation, exhaustion sets in proportional to erosion.
Rampage Transformation Stage 3, obtained by defeating the Demon King.
As befits an SS-rank trait, its effects were tremendous.
On par with Lunar Blessing, usable only once a month……
And when combined with [King’s Authority (SSS)], the super-regeneration effect surges by another 10x.
It might seem overpowered at first glance, but I couldn’t fully utilize these effects.
As a human, I needed ‘Partial Rampage Transformation’ to maintain reason during Rampage.
[Partial Rampage Transformation (A)] [Proficiency: 1 (43%)]
Classification: Trait
Description: Controls demonic energy erosion to maintain reason.
►Rampage Control
Controls demonic energy to rampage only parts of the body.
Rampage effects decrease based on the proportion of unaffected body.
As you can see, using [Partial Rampage Transformation] reduces its effects proportional to demonic energy erosion.
With low proficiency, I could expect less than half the Rampage Transformation’s power.
Roughly 2x all stats……
It might seem underwhelming, but that 2x multiplier was still enormous.
Compared to [Fighting Spirit], the trait that had aided me greatly so far, it offered about 3x better results.
Of course, it came with downsides.
Incredibly short duration, instability from lapses in reason, and exhaustion upon ending……
Listing them out like this, the cons pile up.
“Still, the peak potential is sky-high.”
The more I trained, the longer I could maintain reason during Rampage.
Someday, I’d hold it for 3 minutes, even 5.
Considering Lunar Blessing’s once-a-month limit, its versatility was incomparable.
“……Alright. Let’s go for it. It’s an ability I’ll need eventually.”
Now that I’d become the Demon King, I needed these to temper my demonic energy—no way around it.
Better to decide now than regret delaying.
[Purchased ‘Transcendent Will (S).’]
[Purchased ‘Trait: Demonic Energy Incarnation (S).’]
[Achieved ‘First Underground Dark Shop Use’ accomplishment.]
[Received 5,000 points as reward.]
“Got a 5,000-point rebate.”
5,000 after spending 250,000.
Not satisfying, feels like a tease,
but better than nothing.
Every little bit adds up, right?
As I cleared the screens and prepared to check my new traits,
[Special gift for the Underground Dark Shop’s first-time buyer!]
[Acquired ‘Vampire’s Guide for Gourmets Vol. 1 (E).’]
A message popped up, followed by a pure white light bursting before my eyes.
At the same time, a worn book dropped right in front of me.
“……What’s this now?”
I dazedly picked up the book from the floor.
The unexpected turn left me momentarily stunned.
[Vampire’s Guide for Gourmets Vol. 1 (E)]
Author: Blood Benefactor
It seemed to be a book for demons’ vampiric trait.
Curious, I skimmed through: how to drink human blood properly, history and origins of demon vampirism.
“But I don’t drink blood.”
I’m human.
No ‘Vampirism’ trait like demons.
Above all, I don’t want to live off blood as a staple.
Even as Demon King, I still cling to human dignity.
“Gotta give this to Haryeong. She’s been working hard lately.”
Not a skill book—reading it won’t boost stats.
Best for someone in need. Or rather, a demon.
I stored the vampirism guide in my subspace.
Late night, moon rising.
Having finished purchasing traits, I climbed a nearby mountain to test my new abilities.
No dedicated training grounds like at the Magic Academy or Association HQ—disappointing, but the ample space allowed wide-area spells freely, unlike cramped facilities.
The mountainous terrain overflowed with massive boulders, perfect for testing spell power.
Note: a demon barrier enveloped the area, so no risk of detection during training.
“......Hoo.”
Atop the mountain, I took a short deep breath. Then slowly drew up mana.
Simple reason for using mana to trigger Rampage: to create the ‘extreme situation’ condition.
—Most demons self-induce Rampage by crushing their own hearts. Same for me.
Recalling Haryeong’s advice, I used mana to slowly constrict my heart.
Intense pain hit, and black energy lurking deep in my chest stirred.
[Your body has entered an extreme situation.]
[‘Rampage Transformation Stage 3’ activates.]
[Temporarily able to use demonic energy.]
[‘Partial Rampage Transformation’ activates.]
Rampage activated successfully; my mind began to blur.
Consciousness fading, an urge to surrender to surging power and instincts.
But I gritted my teeth and endured.
“……Definitely different.”
Thanks to [Transcendent Will], the stability was on another level.
Like truly feeling alive?
The demonic energy rising within began eroding me steadily, and I gathered it in my palm.
Wooong!
Using demonic energy, I slowly manifested a spell formula.
A human-exclusive formula demons couldn’t use.
Rune Bind.
“......It works.”
Manifesting properly.
Controlled as finely as mana.
I immediately spread my palm, activating Rune Bind.
A black magic circle appeared on the ground, black tendrils rising from it.
Utterly opposite the original’s form—fascinating.
The black tendrils shot toward a boulder.
A binding spell, yet the immense force within caused a massive impact and explosion.
Kwaaaang!
“……Whoa.”
Power like an attack spell, not binding.
Even the originally mana-hungry spell was manageable, thanks to Rampage.
“……This is good.”
The original 10-second reason limit had passed.
Yet I still held my sanity.
“Not time to marvel.”
50 seconds—short window. Many abilities to test.
Instant Acceleration, Mana Storm……
I slowly recalled formulas in my mind, drawing demonic energy.
“Haryeong. Hear that? Grand Elder’s coming to the succession ceremony too.”
Same time, at the Ten Demons’ hideout.
Seonhwa appeared before busy Haryeong preparing the ceremony.
Haryeong froze, turning to her.
“……Grand Elder?”
“Surprised me too. He declared he’d attend nothing but the summons.”
Grand Elder Hasin.
A veteran over 150 years old, a living history of demons.
He never yielded to the tyrant ‘Nameless King,’ even abandoning all status to preserve pride.
Vanished before all demons 20 years ago……
“……Headache incoming.”
Seemed positive at a glance, but Hasin attending wasn’t good.
Haryeong vividly remembered his behavior serving the Prophet King.
Stubbornness, refusal of change.
Fierce loyalty to the First King.
And……arrogance.
“He’s not coming to celebrate the succession.”
“Same thought.”
Hasin clearly wouldn’t acknowledge the current King.
Simple reason.
Unlike Second King, current one didn’t seize throne by solo force.
Some demons mocked him as ‘Weakest King’ for borrowing human power.
“What’s the play?”
Haryeong paused at Seonhwa’s question.
Hasin laid the Demon Council’s foundation over 150 years.
Naturally revered as ‘legendary figure,’ commanding vast respect.
Likely more support than current King, rife with human doubts.
If he rejected the King publicly, it’d shake loyalties hard.
“Can’t refuse attendance. Could worsen sentiment.”
“Then? Let him stir chaos?”
No solution now.
“Might challenge his qualifications publicly. Even demand a duel to test worthiness.”
Hasin could.
If duel happened, outcome uncertain.
“……Could use it to kill the King and usurp the throne.”
Worst case.
Haryeong pondered, then spoke.
“Where’s the King now?”
“Went out to stretch. Said something about experiments.”
……Faint demonic energy from somewhere earlier.
The King’s?
“I’ll inform the King.”
Haryeong headed out.
Climbed toward the mountain overlooking the wide East Sea, where King usually trained.
How long? She spotted King Kim Sun-woo descending.
Had just finished training, heading back.
“Haryeong?”
Kim Sun-woo greeted first upon seeing her.
“Ah, was just coming to find you.”
“……Me, Your Majesty?”
“Here. Take this.”
He pulled a book from his bosom, handing it over.
[Vampire’s Guide for Gourmets Vol. 1]
“……What’s this?”
“A gift. Don’t just work—read and relax.”
At the abruptness, Haryeong blinked. That book—where’d it come from?
“I’ll head back first.”
Kim Sun-woo patted her shoulder, descending the mountain.
Realizing she had words for him, Haryeong snapped to.
“……So carefree.”
Muttering, she turned toward where he’d come from.
Strong demonic energy aura from there since earlier.
King trained alone.
Following the energy, Haryeong reascended. Soon reached the source.
Stared blankly at the scene.
“......This.”
The area was devastated.
As if King’s Mana Storm had raged……
But different.
Faint lingering energy everywhere: all demonic.
Haryeong’s eyes trembled.
“When did he gain such demonic energy control……?”