183 – Blood and Flesh (2)
A world covered in a black curtain. Up, down, left, and right were blocked, and it seemed impossible to get out right away.
It feels quite different from Tsumei’s disconnected space.
Her ability has always been in the form of creating new spaces by squeezing through dimensional gaps, but this just seemed like she was temporarily isolating me from the ‘outside’.
Boom, boom…….
I hear vibration. Has a fight started outside?
I was very worried about Eve and Lucius’ condition…….
“…… Dante.”
“… ….”
Actually, I was in a situation where I couldn’t just worry about them.
If we want to break through this black space, we can do it.
But it will inevitably take time.
You probably need to put in some effort.
‘Before that, that bastard won’t even try to let me go.’
Because I wasn’t the only one who was trapped in this space in the first place.
I checked the black mana starting to gather into the activated Dragon Eye.
The vast amount will probably make the opponent feel more intimidated than an ordinary archmage.
This was something that could not be ignored, considering that Lucius of the 8th Circle struggled against him.
Yes. What needs to be clearly pointed out is the strength of Duke Blake.
He was a warlock, took his young body into his hands, survived the fall into the hands of a demon, and preserved his black mana.
An enemy that is generally not easy to defeat.
Probably the type of enemy that you would have to give your all to deal with.
But.
Pajik-!
I didn’t care and created a pure white flame at my fingertips.
“…… !”
It was a moment when Duke Blake’s murderous eyes were filled with shock.
The heavenly punishment has struck.
Quargrung !!!
Duke Blake was unable to avoid the attack, which far exceeded the speed of sound.
If it was natural, it was natural.
“It doesn’t really matter anymore, that kind of thing.”
The attack just before had a whopping 60 to 70% power output, exceeding the 50% power I can normally produce.
It cannot be avoided. Can’t stop it. It was even more impossible to neutralize it.
“Khaak!”
Duke Blake, who cried out once and vomited blood, fell to the ground with a short scream. It was an ugly sight.
Maybe he doesn’t know.
There was bound to be quite a big difference between the ‘me’ who was at Howard’s Stone Pagoda a while ago and my current power.
Not being able to use Dragonyeon and Fetus more, or the absence of Flügel?
It doesn’t matter. Now I was able to deal with thunderbolts without the help of weapons or flugels.
50%. Furthermore, higher output. If you risk your life, even the full power of thunder.
I approached the duke, holding the fiercely sparkling thunderbolt in one hand.
It was a long story, but it was simple to summarize.
“…… “You are no longer my opponent, Duke.”
For a moment, a cool light appeared in my eyes.
Immediately, a spear of lightning flew out.
Quaaa!
A large explosion filled the black curtain.
Enough to briefly shake the space itself.
This time, Duke Blake also covered himself with black mana to block the spear from penetrating, but how long will such luck last?
Will he be able to endure until the burning pain that exceeds even the physical capabilities of a dragon man comes?
Wow!
To find out the answer, I spread the dragon’s wings.
Now, it is a power that can be used quite freely.
The moment it floats into the air, the dragon heart inside the body reacts greatly.
The end is unknown. The dragon’s magic power, like the ocean, consumes the entire body.
I know that if I allow the magical power of such a magnificent dragon to take over my body, Bahamut’s thoughts may grow in size.
Therefore, as soon as he decides to use it, his energy is replaced by lightning.
The power of the supernatural ability was mixed with the magical power of the dragon.
The pure white of Thunder and the pitch black of the evil dragon.
The energies of two colors that should never mix came together in one place, and soon a black and white thunderbolt was held in my hands.
The power is infinitely greater.
I realized it instinctively. This thunderbolt is my current strength.
Overflowing energy. Omnipotence. Emotions that heighten as the battle continues.
Putting it all together, I looked at Duke Blake.
[…] ….]
The presence of ‘Dante’ was also felt around that time.
The guy was also looking at the duke.
For this moment, Dante’s will and mine were united.
An undeniable murderous heart.
Was there a reason not to kill him?
I can’t find anything like that.
He created a paradise with Howard and gathered orphans from all over the continent to use as test subjects.
How many children died that way? Will he really remember them?
The day paradise was destroyed, I made a decision.
Even if it costs me my life, I will somehow catch and kill them all.
He killed Howard and reduced countless researchers to a handful of ashes.
I thought Duke Blake was also killed at that time, but how on earth did he survive?
‘…… The important thing is, isn’t it?’
But it didn’t matter. Either it’s alive or it’s dead and buried in the ground.
If it appears in front of you in the body of a living person or a lion, it will be killed.
Just kill him again. It wasn’t difficult at all.
I will kill Golbaekbeon and erase his traces from this world forever.
I stood in front of him with a cold, murderous expression on my face and muttered a few words.
“Duke Blake.”
Unfortunately, ‘I’ ended my life as a soul by burying paradise that day.
Thus, the ‘I’ of this world came to settle down in this body.
What is important? Who was standing here now, and was that identity something that needed to be found out so much?
No. At least not as of now.
The will was unanimous. I was Dante, and Dante was also me.
And Dante had no intention of leaving Duke Blake alive.
“Let’s end it.”
Now all that remains is to execute that unified will in the form of death.
Duke Blake’s life will be taken into my hands today.
Pajijik, Pajijik!!
At this time, the black and white thunderbolt held in one hand transformed into a shape similar to a grim reaper’s scythe.
With lightning bouncing endlessly -.
Swing.
A single blow.
“… ….”
And at that moment, time froze.
…… Someone’s power was revealed.
Because I could not know the owner of that power. Because I had no choice but to find out.
I had no choice but to stare straight ahead with a grim expression on my face.
*****
‘It’s difficult, really.’
Time for conversation, time for battle. Jerome’s smile never faded.
He raised his hand with a cool smile as usual.
Kaaang!!
A sharp noise followed by a brief clicking sound was heard.
Jerome stared straight ahead with narrowed eyes.
Eve holding a blood-red rapier in her hand. It seemed like he was dissatisfied with the attack being blocked.
The cold sweat she shed during the continuous battle must have also encouraged her impatience.
Needless to say, without erasing her smile, Jerome looked at the blood-red mist that enveloped Eve’s whole body.
She was, to be honest, annoying.
Due to the influence of that fog, mental interference using musical instruments does not work at all.
If possible, I didn’t want to kill Eve.
Although she thought there was nothing she could do since she was caught, Jerome was secretly thinking that if only she could control her memories, she would do so.
Was the reason he made that decision because he still had feelings for her younger sister?
‘I haven’t grown up yet, as expected.’
It wasn’t like that at all. Because his humanity was at a level where not a shred of humanity remained.
From noble mtl dot com
Jerome had only known about her potential for over ten years.
The atavism of vampires. She, who unleashed the power of her blood, was nothing short of hope for the vampires who were now on the verge of extinction.
In addition, there were no vampires among her souls that Jerome had taken so far.
That was the reason. The reason why they tried to keep Eve alive. The reason I wanted to watch her grow.
It was his wish to eat her, when she had grown even further, and had reached the state of her true ancestor.
The reason Jerome, who has only lived for at most thirty years, was able to become her demon is because she made so many of her souls her own.
If he could even take away Eve’s blood power, it would be the icing on the cake.
That’s what I thought, and that was also Jerome’s motivation for brutally murdering his mother, Romanea…….
‘…… But, it’s strange.’
In fact, Jerome was feeling quite embarrassed right now.
The reason was nothing special. Eve’s power was higher than expected.
She decided that it would take at least twenty more years to manifest the power of blood and reach a higher level.
So, unlike Lucius, I planned to leave it alone for a long time.
‘hahahaha.’
When on earth did the power of blood grow to such a high level?
At this point, it would be safe to say that she is almost right in front of her nose.
In other words, the state of the true ancestor.
An ancient creature that was once said to have power comparable to that of the slain dragon, the pinnacle of the dragon race.
Of course, there was a huge wall between Eve and Jinjo, but the important thing was that she had arrived right in front of that wall.
If you have the opportunity, this is a level you can easily jump over.
Unless her mindset toward growth is truly firm and she receives rare blood, etc. On a regular basis…….
Even so, this is an excessive growth rate.
To be honest, it wouldn’t be a big problem to indulge her soul right now.
No, to be more honest, I wanted to immediately accept her power within myself.
It was such an attractive force. What is the power of blood?
…… But.
‘Now that this has happened, I can no longer just kill him.’
Jerome suppressed her desires. He pushed down the feelings that were trying to rise up.
I have achieved this level after only a few years of not seeing you.
If she were given just a little more time, just a little longer…… ?
Perhaps we can truly get a glimpse of the true ancestor’s state.
She didn’t know if she could bring that power, that almost mythical power.
Ability comparable to that of the four dragons and the three kings.
It is possible to hold such power in one’s hands through the human body.
How could you not be excited?
At first, after finding out her secret, he planned to sacrifice her and Lucius and then take only her body.
It was a reasonable decision at the time, but…
Once she confirmed her power, her greed arose, and she immediately withdrew her intention to kill her.
You have to catch it. She must be encouraged to raise her level, even if it means forcibly suppressing her freedom.
And for that, more than anything, strength was needed.
Jerome just didn’t like her.
How could such a deadlock have been created? Why has she not been able to subdue Eve and Lucius yet?
Moreover, if they thought it wouldn’t matter if they killed Lucius, why on earth?
Because Eve showed unexpected abilities?
Are you bothered by Lucius’ magic support?
Well, those two things weren’t wrong either. To be more precise, it was in the ‘breathing’ of both Eve and Lucius.
Is it because they are brother and sister? The combination was so sharp that it put to shame the clumsy appearance, as if he hadn’t done many combinations before.
Love love!!
Like right now.
Jerome turned her head.
Fit-!
The blood-red rapier grazed the tip of her ear.
Was it because she had distracting thoughts?
For the first time, a wound appeared, and the power of Eve’s blood did not miss such an opportunity.
Wow…… !
She catches Jerome’s blood, which is very faintly splashed, and brings it towards her.
Jerome’s expression hardened for the first time.
This is because vampires do not know what they can do with the blood of their opponents.
The smile disappeared. Jerome hurriedly shot her instrument away, erasing her relaxed expression.
The whip of the instrument, aimed at all directions of Eve, was an attack so ferocious that even a single contact with her body could drain her life force.
Saaa… ….
Before that, a wind laden with chill began to encroach on the surrounding air.
And one spell that is cast.
[Icicle.]
Errr!!
An icicle the size of a city wall rose up and blocked Eve’s path.
Of course, it was for protection.
“…… Phew.”
Jerome’s whip could not reach Eve.
Eve immediately unleashed her blood power.
She clasped her hands as if squeezing the air, her eyes bloodshot.
Kwaak!
“…… “Wow!”
And as if reacting to that, Jerome collapsed from his posture, clutching his heart as a moment of intense pain struck his body.
The power of blood was trying to control Jerome’s blood vessels using that small amount of blood as a medium.
Forcibly regenerated blood vessels that were about to burst. The moment the blood next to it escaped to one side, instruments were mobilized to prevent the blood from escaping.
Jerome tore his lips and chewed them as if he had an erection, his eyes wide open.
I shouldn’t have let the wound go. He should not have allowed his own blood to fall on Eve.
However, the incident had already happened and he fell into a state of rigidity for a moment.
The Grand Wizard of the 8th Circle does not miss that golden opportunity.
He moves all the spare mana he had arranged in advance at once.
Lucius’ fingertips touched the air, and at that moment, a magic circle appeared.
The most powerful anti-devil technique he can use now.
What do wizards without divine power need to deal with demons?
It may be necessary to use light and flame, and sometimes nature and spirits.
And at this time, what Lucius adopted was none other than brilliance.
Brightest light above all else. A light source that far surpasses the midday sun.
A star appeared in the night sky.
[Midnight Sun.]
The excessive use of mana caused Lucius to shed blood.
Nevertheless, Lucius did not take his hands off the development of his magic.
Seeing the white night that was about to be completed, Jerome predicted what would happen after the magic was successfully cast.
Definitely a fatal wound.
I couldn’t afford to hesitate any longer. Jerome put his hand into his bosom.
What was revealed was a dark red inverted cross.
Jerome’s expression was distorted as if his pride had been hurt, but there were not many options for a demon chased by the sun.
Jerome closed his eyes tightly as if he had given up, and then muttered in a low voice.
“…… “It’s a reverse heaven.”
And right after that.
“Please, answer my call… ….”
The continent’s sky was reversed.