Chapter 446
Chapter 446. The Demon Race’s Domain
Among the Imperial Army, the soldiers who witnessed my battle with the Light Blade Cultists looked utterly demoralized. Except for those who had collapsed in fear, they drew back like the tide every time I advanced.
‘This is less a battle and more a massacre, it seems.’
I was trying to fight, but their fleeing was what bothered me. They should have fought tooth and nail until the very end. That’s the duty of one blessed with the Holy Silver Curse, isn’t it?
What infuriates me the most is that, at the very point of awakening the Holy Silver Curse, they should naturally possess that potential. Yet, due to that shallow doctrine known as the Light Blade Cult, their souls have become utterly twisted.
To my knowledge, there hasn’t been a single case of someone losing the ability to wield the Holy Silver Curse after awakening it. Here I am, reborn as a demon and still able to use it just fine… so I figure, unless one’s spirit is severely weakened, the Holy Silver Curse wouldn’t abandon them. For better or worse.
“Tough luck, huh?”
I muttered to no one in particular.
Farewell, those who could have been my comrades.
I hope you’re reborn like me and become noble warriors next time.
— Suddenly, from the midst of the forces ahead, balls of light began shooting up into the sky one after another.
The magical light shone brightly on my advancing form.
“C-Come at me!”
“Fire away!”
With a series of whizzes, bowstrings twanged in rapid succession. The suddenly brightened sky was filled with countless arrows sparkling like a meteor shower—
It seemed that the lightly armored soldiers in the Imperial Army doubled as archers and slingers. Behind the ranks of heavily armored infantry, they desperately drew their bows and swirled their slings.
An overwhelming tempest of arrows rained down on me like a torrential downpour.
— But unfortunately, they were all deflected by my protective spells. A multitude of arrows stuck into the ground, and stones gouged the earth. The ground was suddenly like a field of arrows, making it hard to walk as I slashed through them with my spear.
“D-This isn’t good!”
“They won’t stop at all!”
“It’s like it isn’t even working!”
Of course it isn’t, you idiots!? If a high-ranking demon could be stopped by such pathetic attacks, no one would have a hard time!
There were still plenty of sprightly soldiers left—if I wanted to push toward the Emperor’s carriage, I’d have to take them down too—while I was thinking this with half-hearted resignation, the sound of a horn reverberated, and the group of infantry ahead parted left and right in a united retreat, as if escaping from something—
Ahead, deeper into the fray.
A formation of elaborately armored soldiers stood ready.
“Prepare the incantation—3, 2, 1, [Fireball!]”
“““[Fireball!]”””
Flickering glimmers of light ignited in the dimness—
In the next moment, countless blazing fireballs surged forth like a flood.
“Oh.”
This large-scale spellcasting was not something I’d often see within the alliance’s territory. I wouldn’t die, but I better focus or I might get burned.
I thrust out my hands, pouring further dark magical power into my deployed protective spell. The fireballs that struck around me detonated with great roars, carving through my magic barrier, scorching the grassland and uprooting the earth, transforming the vicinity into a hellfire inferno—
Well, well, it seems this is a really effective tactic against someone like me. Even if I could prevent direct damage with magical resistance, large-scale fire magic is quite troublesome; one could easily get burned from the heated air.
After enduring for several seconds, the barrage of fireballs resembling sweeping eruptions came to an end, and a charred stench began to fill the air, with thick smoke rising all around.
“…Did we get him?!”
I heard someone’s shout echo, but this level of attack wouldn’t take me down.
Of course, if it weren’t for the heat resistance of [Evrogia], I might’ve been a bit more panicked. It’s still glowing crimson and neutralizing the heat—I’m glad I have my Bon-Deiji.
As I advanced through the smoke, revealing myself, they exclaimed:
“Unscathed…?!”
“No way…?!”
“A monster…!”
The group that had just unleashed fire magic seemed utterly shocked. They had a higher magical power than average humans, magical talent, and their coordinated ornate armors appeared to indicate they weren’t just a bunch of spoiled noble brats. They seemed to have been well trained in both personal protection and synchronized spell casting, indicating a high level of experience.
“Too weak! Did you think you could take me down with this?!”
But I couldn’t just praise them. I poured my voice with magical power and spirit, shouting so it echoed throughout the battlefield.
“My sister, the princess of the Riverell tribe, the second prince Rubyphia, is a master of fire magic! She can unleash dozens of times more fire than this single spell!”
I’ve never seen it in action, but I’ve heard Rubyphia is a great noble, and with the Riverell’s [Inferno Curse] and purported contracts with the [Demon of Arson], her firepower must be horrifying for sure.
When she last deployed, she completely incinerated the castle and town along with the guards, reportedly snatching all her subordinate’s achievements, resulting in widespread criticism… No exaggeration, she could single-handedly turn a small country to ashes. I’d like to take her down before she can deploy again, but who knows if that opportunity will come? She seems highly motivated after all, damn it.
“Ugh… keep pressing on!”
“There’s no way we’re letting you pass!”
“Protect His Majesty!”
Even upon seeing me unscathed, the royal guards were in high spirits. This time, alongside fire magic, lightning and wind blades began being shot at me. While this pressure wasn’t as intense as the previous spell barrage, the sheer number of spellcasters was increasing. Not everyone had fire attributes, after all. Those who couldn’t use fire likely held back from the earlier large-scale spell.
Now that they couldn’t wound me with their maximum firepower, they switched tactics towards getting enough numbers to whittle down my barriers. They were quick to make observations; they seemed no mere ornamental royal guards. It made me feel a bit regretful to have to kill them…
“What’s with this puny lightning attack!? My brother, the third prince Diagias of the Gigamund tribe, unleashes lightning many times stronger! Get your act together!”
I taunted them, revealing hidden information about the demon lord family that wasn’t known in the alliance.
“Gigamund tribe…?!”
“What does tribe mean, are they barbarians or something?”
Voices from the regular soldiers encircling us echoed with the wind. Yes, they are barbarians!!
“This wind blade felt like a gentle breeze! My older brother, the fourth prince Emelgias of the Izanis tribe, was an even more exceptional wind user! The green-haired Izanis tribe can carry their voices on the wind, and they play vital roles on the battlefield as messengers of excellence!!”
So if you spot a green-haired demon on the battlefield, prioritize targeting them!!
“Well, I killed that exceptional older brother! Hahaha!”
As I crushed the wind blades unleashed by the royal guards while laughing madly, I heard them say in disbelief, “What the hell is this guy?” and “Is he really sane?” Sadly, I’m completely sane…
“Listen up! [I am Zilbagias! The Seventh Prince of the Demon Kingdom!] I’m the youngest among the demon princes!”
With magical energy backing my voice, I swung away every magic attack directly to barrage them head-on.
“I still have five older brothers and sisters above me, excluding the fourth prince I killed! If you can’t defeat me, then eradicating the demon race will remain only a dream! My father, the Demon Lord Goldgias, is dozens of times stronger than me!”
Shouting recklessly.
Damn it, I’ve grown this strong but…
I still can’t compare to the Demon Lord…!
I can only imagine how insubstantial everyone else must seem to the Demon Lord… it’s terrifying!
“You guys in the Imperial Army were supposed to be the hope of humanity! Now, show me your grit!”
“…Don’t listen to him! It’s nonsense!”
“We’ll take him down here!”
“Draw your swords, everyone!”
The royal guards drew their long swords. Hmm, those shimmering blades—all of them are wielding magical weapons forged by Dwarf Blacksmiths. Their armor also seems sufficiently potent with magical power; it must’ve cost a hefty sum—I’m envious.
Yet, seeing me in such prime condition and not being intimidated is rather impressive; simultaneously, there’s a sense of desperation, as if they’re cornered… are they perhaps trying to let the Emperor escape while this is happening?
If that’s the case, I need to hurry.
If I can take the Emperor’s head here, there’s no telling how chaotic the struggle for succession would be, escalating conflicts with other nations. The empire might weaken, but if it leads to rampant imperialism, it might be easier for the Holy Church to negotiate if they remain more moderate.
“You’ve got some guts! Come at me, those who wish to die, step forward!”
“WOOOOO! Long live His Majesty the Emperor!!”
“Long live the Empire—!!”
With battle cries ringing out, the royal guards surged forward as one.
— Let’s cut through them.
“[Despair!]”
I slashed at the knight who charged in first, imbued with dark curses.
“Gah!”
Red-black goo sprayed out from the gaps in his armor. The sounds of armor clattering as the pieces fell to the ground. The equipment was of the highest quality, so my curse attack didn’t break it. But the insides couldn’t withstand it and turned to mush, leaving only the shell scattered about like insects being forcibly removed from their shells…
“Gyaah!”
Even the highly motivated elite were shaken by the gruesome death of their comrade. The charge’s momentum slowed—
“[Despair!]”
I’m sorry, but I’ll be going through. The next one’s insides will turn into blood mist too. Unlike the Light Blade Cultists, I don’t have an obligation to wipe them all out. If they’ve lost their spirit, they’re better off leaving quickly…
“[Despair!]”
While trying to keep cutting through, oh? This one’s impressive! He deflected my curse attack with his shield!? He evaded the direct blow by smashing the shield to the side. This is a first for me—
— Wait.
This guy, doesn’t he feel remarkably less substantial compared to others?
— No way.
I could see the knight facing me squinting slightly from beneath the visor of his helmet.
“…Prepare yourself!”
He readied his shield once again, and then—
The speed from another dimension.
With a boom, the shield was suddenly upon me, a wall of steel approaching with explosive force.
“!!”
Before I could react, the clash echoed with a sound that transcended the laws of nature, colliding against my protective spell, causing it to creak!
The Sword Saint!
The royal guard is elite! But it seems being a magical warrior isn’t exactly guaranteed!
It was the magic armor and surrounding magical energy that kept me from detecting how thin his existence truly was…!
I desperately tried to brace myself, but couldn’t help being pushed back—here comes a follow-up!
“!”
Intuition kicked in, and I raised my lance like a sword, taking a defensive stance aiming downward.
Almost simultaneously, the knight, having created an opening with his shield, hid his body from view and swung down his sword!
Perfect hit!
With a resounding clang and brilliant sparks flying, the Sword Saint’s deadly strike was deflected along the edge of my weapon.
“What?!”
Aghast, the Sword Saint clearly expected to be cutting through me along with his weapon, but—
Don’t underestimate me! That’s a holy sword that clashed against the Demon Lord’s spear; don’t think it could be easily shredded even in a dormant state!
“[Submit!!]”
Now it’s my turn, channel all my magical might into a serious strike.
“!!!”
The enemy, a Sword Saint, reflexively matched my move. Just like before, he attempted to defend with his shield—but his motion to strike from the side was too late!
Direct hit.
The shield shattered to pieces. But conversely, that act saved the Sword Saint’s life. The shield was sacrificed, and the curse was consumed entirely. The force of my weapon couldn’t be fully contained, slamming into his helmet and ringing out with a thunderous crash. The Sword Saint fell to the ground, defeated.
Damn, that was close, royal guards can’t be underestimated! But this Sword Saint, armored in top-quality magical gear, is a pain in the neck—Barbara’s going to be so envious…
A shudder ran down my spine.
Now I felt a chill from behind.
On the battlefield, the moment you think you’ve won is the most dangerous. That phrase flashed through my mind—
“[Sword techniques are forbidden!]”
Antende’s magic power was unleashed. I sensed a slight dullness in the air and turned, raising my lance, just in time—
“Gahhhh!”
With an invincible battle cry, another royal knight who had shaken off the curse approached, bringing down his sword upon me!
Collision.
With a sound like shattering glass, my protective spell was breached.
The lance I held, cutting through like butter, sliced straight through his bone handle,
The sword then—
Brushed against my upper arm.
A searing sensation.
Blood sprayed wildly as my upper arm was severed into the air.
“—Impressive.”
I smiled through the mask.
I coiled tremendous dark magic around the Sword Saint, crushing his magical resistance as I unleashed the power.
“[Teleport]”
