Chapter 24
Chapter 24
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: Uncle's Betrayal
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"Putting in a little effort."
Thud...
A dark fairy's head fell before me.
"Dale... Ahh... Dale!"
Mawen, my nephew, had lost so much since coming here.
Damn it...
Hell, damn it all!
...I never expected things to get this tangled.
"Uncle... Dale..."
"...I know."
"What do we do now? I've lost all my comrades since coming here! I..."
"Mawen, listen closely."
To calm him down, I had no choice.
Even if it meant wasting some time, I couldn't lose Mawen here.
"We must not forget why we came here."
"I don't understand... Why did I even come to this place..."
"Didn't you say it yourself? To slay the wicked demons and pursue the devil to uphold justice."
"I..."
Such a weakling.
Just like his father.
Always holding back at crucial moments.
"Mawen, think of your father."
"......"
"If it were your father... what would he prioritize right now?"
Please, Mawen.
I need you.
"He wouldn't stop here... For the future of the Empire's people..."
"Yes, you understand well."
"I'll... try to push on."
"Get a grip on your emotions. This is a battlefield. The good news is, the devil's scent is getting closer. Once we get out of this forest..."
Soon, I'll meet what I've been seeking.
It's no lie, Mawen.
The devil's scent truly is drawing near.
Once we exit this forest, right now...
Kuuuung-!
"...Uncle."
"I see it."
What is that...
"Who is that..."
In the pitch-black space stood a figure holding a sword in reverse grip, head bowed.
...This scent.
"Let's illuminate the surroundings."
Whoooosh...
[Marus uses the Guide's Lantern.]
[Illuminates a certain range.]
"...Huh?"
As the light spread, a sharp glint shot from the figure opposite.
"...I must've dozed off for a second. You're too late."
"W-What did you say? What are you?"
"Quiet, Mawen."
This one.
"Is a devil."
"...Pardon?"
"Grip your weapon. Your head could be severed before you even react."
Gulp...
"Oh, human! You know about devils?"
"I do... quite well."
Still keeping her head bowed.
Shing...
"I've been searching far and wide for you devils."
"Hmm... You're a distasteful human."
"Fon... no, Faust must be beyond this space."
"Why are you chasing my lord?"
Step...
Mawen, I told you not to step forward.
"Faust is a parasite harmful to humanity! The same goes for you as a devil. Coming here has only confirmed it... Are you prepared for judgment?"
"...Judgment?"
Flinch...
"From you?"
"Urgh... With Uncle..."
Wait...
...Sulfur smell?
It's quite strong.
And those feather ornaments on her ears...
...I see!
"Kh... Khrhahaha..."
"...Uncle?"
"I know your name now."
"You know my name?"
Yes, devil.
I know your name.
"Phenex, the Devil of Revival."
"Oh..."
"A pitiful being abandoned by the Seven Deadly Sins."
"......"
Rustle...
Phenex raised her head, revealing her features.
"Gasp..."
Her otherworldly beauty seemed straight out of a dream. Mawen was too young and inexperienced to resist.
"You're still distasteful, you."
"Khukuku..."
"Uncle? Why..."
Oh dear.
I can't stop the laughter bubbling up.
"What did Faust tell you? To guard this gate no matter what? To buy time for escape, even at the cost of your life?"
"...Escape? My lord doesn't run away."
"Of course not. The moment I stand before you, the moment the devil blocking my path is you, Phenex! Your defeat is sealed."
"What?"
"Have you considered the future after Faust's death? I will take you in."
Mawen stared at me in shock at this news he'd never heard.
"W-What does that..."
No matter now.
"Take me in? Hilarious! Me, in human hands..."
Sss...
She stared intently at the gem I pulled from my bosom.
"This scent..."
"You know what it is, then."
"The Repentance Stone!"
"Yes, it will serve as your temporary home without a master."
"...That thing is a bit troublesome."
The Repentance Stone.
How long did I wander to find this? After decades of pursuit, this special gem capable of sealing a devil freed from her contract finally fell into my hands.
"The Repentance Stone... Hmm... Fine by me! My lord won't lose anyway."
"Optimistic, aren't you? Khukuku... You'll see. Shall we begin?"
"Uncle, I'm not ready yet..."
"Shut your mouth, Mawen. If you don't focus, that devil will sever your head in one strike."
Roooar...
[Boss battle commences.]
[The Devil of Revival Phenex blocks the retreat with flames.]
[Phenex's trait 【Indomitable】 is active.]
"F-Fire... Uncle!"
[Phenex uses Pain Sharing.]
[Phenex unleashes a fan-shaped flame wave.]
[The flame wave deals 150% of combat power, distributed among enemies in range.]
"It's coming!"
Paaaang-!
[Marus uses Iron Fortress.]
[Reduces the first incoming damage by 95% when undamaged and nullifies status effects.]
[If the first damage is AoE, limits it to self only.]
[Long cooldown.]
[Iron Fortress requires a shield to activate.]
Paaaaang-!
"It was a feint!"
"Show me your skills!"
Sword clashed against sword.
Kaaaaaaaang-!
'Ugh... What strength!'
My arms trembled numbly.
Paaaaak-!
I countered her attack with a kick to her abdomen, but both of us were pushed back.
She recovered her stance instantly, beyond mere agility.
"What's wrong? Come on, let's keep going."
"...Looks like that chance will have to wait."
"Scared?"
"To take a detour when victory is assured is the folly of fools."
"Excuses... What have you been blabbering about?"
"Phenex. You've appeared countless times at the side of the Seven Deadly Sins. And among the many heroes who clashed with you, quite a few survived."
"So what?"
Siiiik...
"It's records. Humans record everything about devils. For decades, I've chased demonic traces and collected records. Yours were among them."
"...No way."
"Exactly those legends."
Mawen, no choice.
This is the end.
Shrieeeek-!
Puuuuk-!
"Huh...?"
Thud...
Mawen staggered and fell, struck by the dagger I threw.
Step...
Step...
"U-Uncle... Why..."
"You saw the devil, Mawen. ...Poor boy."
No emotion stirred at the sight of my nephew vomiting blood.
Just a faint regret that I should've eased his pain.
"I'll make it quick."
Slaaaash-!
I slashed across his eyes with the blade.
He must understand now.
Ah... Already dead. Not even twitching.
"I am Blade Kursoda."
[Information obtained through espionage has been revealed as falsified.]
[Assailant's information is reexamined.]
[Lion Soul Marus's designation changes to Murderer Blade Kursoda.]
[Activation condition: Reexamination fulfilled.]
"Not your nephew?"
"He was, until coming to Liudira."
"Not anymore?"
"I brought them here in case sacrifices were needed."
"Heh... You know devils well? But why slash the eyes?"
"Some devils fancy such quirks. It became a habit hoping to meet one, but luckily, I met you."
"...Eyes? Ah! That one! But why do you hunt devils?"
Revenge?
No.
I'd known long ago it wasn't that.
"Awe... or perhaps longing fits best."
"Devils don't scare you?"
"They do... terrify me."
Click.
"Same thought when I first gripped a sword. Useful things usually come with fear. They must, to be of value. Devils are no different."
"Hahat! Ahahahahaha!"
"Why laugh? Seeking comfort that way? Your defeat remains unchanged. No power can..."
Tap tap...
I mocked Phenex, drumming my temple with a finger.
"overcome knowledge."
Roooar...
Phenex was engulfed in flames from the waist down, fading away.
[Phenex's trait 【Indomitable】 activates.]
[While 【Indomitable】 is active, Phenex cannot achieve complete victory in dungeon guardian duty.]
[Phenex forced to lose after inflicting sufficient party damage.]
[Phenex returns via flames. Will revive shortly.]
[Boss battle ends.]
"Ahahahaha!"
Phenex laughed amid the flames as she vanished.
"It's real, it's true!"
"What are you babbling about?"
"Everything..."
She left chilling final words before fully turning to flames and disappearing.
"happened just as my lord said."
"...What?"
Roooar...
"What nonsense..."
A ploy to create an opening?
Or bravado?
Unclear.
I'm the victor.
"Faust... Sorry to keep you waiting. I'll free you from the devil soon and..."
I'll claim the devil myself.
"This is the door."
Rumble...
Groooar...
Pushing the door open let light seep from beyond.
Beyond this door, he awaits.
The one to fulfill my long-held desire...
[Dungeon guardian duty: Reexamination condition met.]
[★★ Curse of Reexamination activates.]
[Dungeon master requires time to respond. Reexamined assailant returned to previous gate.]
[If gate function intact, gate breakthrough conditions must be refilled.]
A lie.
Siiiizzle...
"Grraaaah..."
Flames.
A devil wreathed in body-spanning fire stood proudly in place.
Roooar...
Beautiful... the power I desired.
But not at this moment.
"Sent back again?"
"Haa... One question."
"Sure, ask."
"Where did the plan start? Liudira? Or... what did Faust tell you?"
"From the first moment we met, he said to count heads."
"...What?"
- If...
"Two come, it's my lord's victory."
"Kh... Khrhahaha..."
I admit it... I admit.
...No passage without sacrifice?
"If I pass this gate, I'll make sure your master dies in agony."
Click...
"I want..."
Roooar-!
"Joking."
[Boss battle commences.]
[The Devil of Revival Phenex blocks the retreat with flames.]
[Phenex's trait 【Indomitable】 is active.]