Chapter 87
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 87
Chapter Title: What Kind of Name is That? (2)
Stay still and you'll at least get by halfway.
That was my motto. But this time, staying put would only screw me over. I'd get dragged into the clash between the Progenitors and the Royal Knights—like a shrimp's back exploding in a whale fight.
So I picked my opponent and broke away immediately. Sure, Blood Tide wasn't an easy foe either. But tangling with the Progenitors sounded way worse.
Before any of the other squad members could hear, I grabbed one Blood Tide and slipped away from the front lines. Of course, I wasn't without worries about the others, but I trusted them.
They'd definitely win. That was why I'd used Time Acceleration to bail. With its power, I shattered the ramparts and put as much distance as possible between us.
"What incredible power. You can't shake it off so easily."
"Huff... huff..."
"But it looks like the price is steep?"
"Shut up."
My choice seemed spot-on. No way a guy who couldn't shrug off Time Acceleration was Progenitor-class. Yet here he was, smirking and pointing at me like he had all the time in the world.
Sure enough, just like he said, my situation wasn't great. I'd trained since acquiring Time Acceleration and mitigated the penalty somewhat.
But it still wrecked my insides every time. Good thing I'd only used it briefly this time. Any longer, and I'd be twisting my guts up like last time.
"What's your goal here, anyway?"
Time Stop—the one thing I could rely on—was still on cooldown. So all I could do was stall. I threw out a question. He answered with a grin.
"Wiping out the Royal Knights."
"You say it like it's nothing."
"We're going all out too, you know."
"All out?"
"Yes. The two who came here with me are among the strongest of the demonkin."
So that's how it was. No wonder their auras felt so heavy. But we had our heavy hitters too. Right now, the Royal Knights, plus squad leader Yuren and Cluna—two of history's greatest.
And plenty of squad members to back them up. It wouldn't be easy, but I didn't think they'd lose. Which meant I had to do my part.
"Greedy bunch. Not satisfied with nearly wiping us out last time?"
"Don't be too harsh. We're taking heavy losses ourselves."
"Grip too much, and you end up with nothing."
"Wise words. That's why we're pushing the plan ahead, even if it hurts. To kill you all."
This demon was surprisingly forthcoming. It bought me time, but it also raised questions. Way too cooperative. What was he plotting?
"What's your deal? Why answer so honestly?"
"Oh, because I like you all."
"You like us?"
"Yes~ Of course!"
He clasped his hands and tilted his head, like some lovesick maiden. The tone, the gestures—it was creepy as hell. He kept grinning as he went on.
"The way you grit your teeth and struggle when the outcome's clear. How could I not applaud?"
"Freak."
"That's why I chat with you directly and commit it all to memory. Seeing you feels like stepping into a novel!"
Was this provocation? Or genuine? Didn't matter. I wasn't from this world anyway—no reason to get mad.
If anything, it helped. I needed to stall for Time Stop cooldown, and here he was serving it up. No wonder Blood Tide were pushovers. I chuckled inwardly.
"Demons read novels too, huh?"
"Of course! We're cultured gentlemen."
"You? Looking like that?"
"Oh~ Such harsh words."
His speech was nauseating. But the friendliness wasn't bad. It shaved off cooldown time. I raised my sword tip toward him.
"Think we've probed enough?"
"I'd love to learn more."
"I'm not that entertaining."
"No, no. You're plenty fun."
"More tenacious than I thought."
"I've never chatted this long before."
It was getting seriously creepy now. He carried himself with total leisure. For a Blood Tide, facing me alone? Sure, he could afford it. With that thought, I lunged.
Save Time Stop and Acceleration. Against a Blood Tide, throw everything I had...
Then my breath caught. Like drowning. I blinked. This was the sensation when time froze. But why trigger now?
I figured it out quick. A blood-red spear erupted from the ground, aiming for my heart. I hurled myself aside and released Time Stop.
"Bravo! Surviving that? True Royal Knights captain material!"
"You bastard!"
"You live up to the hype! Show me more!!"
I scanned him urgently. Blood manipulator, clearly. But where was the blood coming from? He wasn't bleeding...
Then I got it. Everything touching his body turned to blood. Grass, trees, dirt, rocks—nothing spared. Insane. Was that even possible?
It defied logic. In the lore, that kind of near-divine power was Progenitor-only. But he was Blood Tide? He clapped and said,
"Oh right, I don't know your name."
"I don't know yours either."
"Ah, true. We got interrupted. Allow me to reintroduce myself!"
"What the—"
"My name is Blood Tide. I humbly lead the flock."
"..."
He placed a hand on his chest and bowed. Ignoring the politeness, what did I just hear? No, no, must've misheard.
"Your name's Blood Tide?"
"Yes."
"For real?"
"Of course."
His attacks paused. Maybe because I looked so skeptical. Cooldown aside, I had to confirm this. I pressed desperately.
"The Blood Tide I know?"
"Similar meaning, I'd say."
"What meaning?"
"Hmm, where to start..."
This fucker summoned another blood spear mid-sentence. Straight for my back, invisible. Without Time Stop, it'd have pierced my heart.
"Whoa! Dodging that too? Impressive!"
"..."
"Not mad?"
"You're the enemy. Expected."
"Splendid! You're different from the rest!"
Damn, no letting guard down. Even unleashing everything so far just barely dodged. Might have to burn Acceleration nonstop at this rate.
"Let's see, first my philosophy?"
"Philosophy?"
"Yes. I can't ignore the pitiful."
"Saint incarnate. So what?"
"Simple. I grant them power."
More bullshit I didn't see coming. Grant power? What did that have to do with his name? I couldn't respond—another spear gunning for my life.
Fuck, can't tell him to ease up 'cause we're enemies. No choice but to dodge and listen. He spoke like chatting with a buddy.
"So those pitiful fools can achieve their goals, dreams, ideals."
"A demon granting power to others?"
"Yes! Of course! The Comptachicos, the Doppelgangers—all finished products like that."
"So Blood Tide means..."
"They started calling themselves that, out of respect for me. The low-tier ones used to be called slaves or kin."
So those who got power from him escaped low-demon status, dubbing themselves Blood Tide? Out of admiration for him?
"Then what the hell are you?"
"Nothing much. Just their exalted king."
"..."
His attitude screamed he wasn't hiding it. He'd flaunt it proudly. So earlier was his intro? His name really Blood Tide?
The guy who literally created Blood Tide. Plus turning contact into blood. No way he was mere Blood Tide. 100% Progenitor or higher.
And his name was Blood Tide? Hahaha.
Just as I thought.