186 – Blood and Flesh (5)
What did the life of a man named Jerome feel like?
Was it abundant or was it hopeless?
If I were to be honest, it would be the former. Jerome had no intention of denying what he had enjoyed as a prince and crown prince.
A child who was born into the best family on this continent, started a life more blessed than anyone else, and was promised an even brighter future.
That was Jerome Romaneia el Pale.
But how did he end up on the path of a demon?
To explain that, it was first necessary to go back to his childhood.
He repeatedly said that he had lived without any shortcomings, and it was clear that he would continue to do so from then on.
The Emperor and Empress cared for him greatly. Even after his younger siblings were born, his favor did not change much.
If he had waited several dozen more years, he would have definitely become emperor.
The place that rules the empire, the sun (太陽).
He is the most powerful person on the continent, both in name and reality.
If he were to be in that position, he would not have been able to find anyone to oppose him.
In terms of power, Grand Duke Ernestia is not interested in the throne, and the Pope, an old monster of the Holy Order, also does not get involved in politics.
He would be the Academy’s slayer if we were to say that he is someone we need to pay attention to and pay attention to.
In fact, she herself was not very interested in the affairs of the system.
That is why it is the peak. That is why he was absolute.
A treasurer who should have no reason to refuse.
But. As a child, Jerome did not show much interest in the position of emperor.
Maybe it’s because the boy’s nature itself had some peculiar aspects…….
Practically, the presence of a dying demon that the boy encountered on the outskirts of the imperial castle when he was nine years old must have had a great influence.
Jerome slowly looked back on his memories.
The utopia that the old magician showed to himself.
The state of transcendence that can be reached with the human body.
When Jerome was young, he did not know much, but he endlessly hoped that one day he would reach the transcendence he had shown.
That’s how he killed his mother.
It was to test the power of absorption inherited from Majin, who was dying due to the limit of his lifespan.
Because he thought that perhaps he could take away the power engraved in the vampire’s bloodline.
Well, in conclusion… …. The murder of Romanea, who failed to achieve atavism, had no meaning to him.
He simply revealed the murder scene to his younger brother.
How much trouble did he have to take care of the matter?
The current emperor’s mental world was so solid that even Jerome could see, it would take quite a long time to delve into it.
Of course, the vampire did not give up the power of blood.
He simply changed his target from his mother to his younger sister.
It would take quite a long time and a lot of effort, but he thought he could persevere.
It’s not that big of a problem to wait that long.
In the first place, he was a possessor of natural talent who made a direct contract with the Three Kings of the Nine Heavens after ten years of walking the path of a demon.
Everything goes according to your plan. The possibility of something going wrong wasn’t even worth considering.
“… ….”
There was a time when I thought that way.
Jerome suddenly regained consciousness.
Was he losing his mind for a moment? His vision was blurry and his head felt foggy.
However, despite this, he instinctively raises his head and grasps the situation.
Bright red sky.
The devil manifested.
This is a world overflowing with evil energy that cannot help but be the best environment for Mine.
In a way, part of this continent may have been turned into the realm of the Nine Heavens.
In other words, it could be called an achievement, but it was a bad deed that deserved to be recorded in the history of the continent…….
“…… Cough.”
Jerome couldn’t care less about that right now. He had blood stained with a musical instrument sticking out of his lip and running down his jawline.
This was because he was using his life force and lifespan to maintain the inverted cross, exceeding the limits of his energy including musical instruments.
The question arises there. Why?
Anxiety appeared on Jerome’s face.
The Demon of the Reverse Heaven was objectively a creature that could be called the strongest in this continent and the Nine Heavens.
At least in Jerome’s perception, not even the Dragon Emperor and the Exterminating Dragon should be able to oppose that demon lord.
…… So, this situation meant that something was going wrong.
Why is the battle taking so long?
The only people who had to be killed were Lucius and Eve.
It was a waste to waste the power of the inverted cross on something like this, but I decided that if I could kill those two and take their souls, the descent of the main body itself would be possible.
So, I called the devil of Yeokcheon to this land.
Why on earth hasn’t the manifestation been lifted yet?
I couldn’t understand. It was even more impossible to understand.
It wasn’t supposed to be this long.
Jerome gritted his teeth and raised his head.
Just like that, I made eye contact with certain red eyes.
“… ….”
Lucius was standing there. With his whole body covered in blood.
The eerie, fluttering blood-red pupils create a sense of pervasive tension.
How on earth did you stand up? Jerome swallowed dry saliva without realizing it.
At first glance, he was not in a state where he could just stand up.
Hair, skin, clothing. It doesn’t miss any place. The whole body is literally soaked in blood.
It feels like the dried blood is turning dark red, creating an even bloodier appearance.
I thought that at that point, I would have simply died from excessive bleeding.
But, why are you alive?
Jerbeok-
Why do you keep walking while still alive?
How do you generate mana while remaining alive?
‘Ah.’
Belatedly, Jerome realized. In fact, it wasn’t even standing of its own accord.
The pillar of mana supporting Lucius’ entire body came into view.
It was similar in many ways to the imitation of a pseudo-death state that was used against Duke Blake not that long ago.
Intentionally accepting the pressure of gravity exerted by the devil in reverse, and protecting the brain and heart despite it.
Actually, it was an action that was easily possible by using mana, but-.
The moment Jerome’s thoughts reached that point, he realized a bitter sentiment.
It’s easy to say. Aren’t there just one or two things that are needed to make that happen?
The determination to risk even one’s own death, and the courage to withstand a situation where everything could end.
More than that, it even has sophisticated control of Mana that can overcome the pressure directly applied by the devil of heaven.
At least that was something Jerome couldn’t do.
Until now, it was thought that the ability to operate musical instruments was comparable to that of other great wizards.
At this point, it felt like I had to let go of that arrogant idea to some extent.
Jerome swallowed his saliva repeatedly and opened his eyes wide as he looked at Lucius.
“…… Lucius, wait a minute. Please wait a moment.”
And then he lets out an urgent voice. It was a will to induce conversation somehow.
This situation and this structure were not good.
Jerome knew that his physical condition was not normal, and more than that, he did not know that his movements themselves were limited. He couldn’t have known.
At least now that the inverted cross was fixed, there was no way to fight back.
Lucius’s steps touched the ground once again.
The situation is now almost at hand.
In the end, Jerome could no longer maintain his composure.
He raises his head, breaking out in a cold sweat.
Looking at the bright red sky. To be precise, he was looking at the devil with whom he had made a pact.
Eagerness appeared in his eyes.
Conveys will. Not only because of the contract, but because Yeokcheon, who is currently connected to the inverted cross through the thread of the instrument, was able to hear Jerome’s entire story.
Jerome asked for his own salvation… ….
[Hold on.]
The devil in reverse categorically refused Jerome’s request.
Jerome’s eyes widened.
‘Yes…… ?’
His eyes turned to Lucius once again.
Has he also regained some consciousness?
He had a dazed expression because he had lost too much blood, but there was no wavering in his gaze towards Jerome.
Unwavering killing intent. A desire for revenge that has persisted since childhood and will not end until the end.
At that time, Lucius tried to say something by moving his lips.
Those might have been his last words to his ‘brother’.
However, due to my poor physical condition, my voice could not form sentences.
Lucius suddenly pursed his lips and quickly resigned himself to his last conversation.
If possible, I would have liked to have exchanged a few words.
If you can’t do that, it doesn’t really matter if you don’t.
It was at a time when a clear energy began to sweep away the bright red sky, and pure white lightning continued to burn away parts of the devil.
Lucius created a dagger of mana with his eyes tinged with mysterious light.
It meant that he currently did not have the ability to use high-level anti-magic, but it was not an advantage to Jerome.
Anyway, the current Jerome was no more able to dodge a dagger than Lucius.
Soon, Lucius stood right in front of Jerome and raised his dagger.
He touched his lips one last time and uttered a short word.
“…… “Go away, demon.”
Phew!
It was quick.
The blade with its blue energy pierced through Jerome’s neck.
“… ….”
Jerome felt the disappearance of his consciousness without even being allowed to breathe.
What was the sight that came to mind at the last moment?
Was it a memory of a moment when he was hugged by his mother, with the top of his head in her gentle hands, and fell into a happy dream?
‘Ah… ….’
It wasn’t like that.
‘It wasn’t far.’
Even as the light in his eyes began to fade, Jerome recalled the connection he had met in his childhood.
The utopia that Mine told him about that day was ruined and swallowed up his mind.
He was a human being who once dreamed of transcendence, which was far beyond what he deserved.
The death of Demon Jerome was merely meaningless.
*****
White thunderbolts decorate the night sky.
They were thunderbolts filled with my full power.
Literally 100%. The body was already in a state of complete disrepair.
Yongin’s regenerative ability could not keep up with the speed of destruction.
This pain that burns through your body in real time……. As expected, it was something I felt for the first time in quite a while.
The experience itself was monotonous, and to be honest, I don’t think it really hurt.
More than adrenaline acting as a painkiller, I have become accustomed to the pain.
Of course there was no fear that I might die.
No matter what, you will recover.
This body was like that.
It may be thanks to accepting the heart of Bahamut, but more than that, it means that Dante’s body transcended human limitations from the beginning.
The effects of undergoing all kinds of experiments in paradise.
Nevertheless, the fact that there were no noticeable side effects proves, in a way, that the abilities of Howard, Duke Blake, and the researchers were quite remarkable.
Even as I recalled such useless sentiments, I did not stop scattering lightning.
The devil in reverse was already in a situation where 70% of his upper body was collapsing.
Not only was it a direct hit from my thunderbolt, but also from the emperor’s energy.
If it was obvious, it was natural. It probably won’t last very long.
Even so, it is not possible to inflict direct damage on the body, but-.
‘Anyway, it is quite possible to drive him out of this place.’
It was too far-fetched to expect the immediate extinction of the evil in the sky.
For now, organizing and resolving the situation is the top priority.
This was a suburb not far from the islands, so the emperor’s arrival was somewhat expected.
With the help of the emperor, it is clear that there is no need to push myself beyond what I am now. But-.
‘No matter what, you can’t just sit still.’
I couldn’t bear to leave everything to the emperor and step back.
It wasn’t because he was worried about the emperor’s safety.
More than that, I was concerned about the condition of Eve, who was currently lying behind me.
Is it simply my imagination that my breathing is gradually becoming blurred?
I think it must be an illusion. No matter what the truth was, I believed it and was fighting.
I could never let Eve die.
Hundreds of lightning bolts are driven into Yeokcheon’s body.
You have probably never experienced the pain caused by lightning.
A little more firepower, a little faster strike.
I stretched out my hand with bloodshot eyes.
A thick bolt of lightning fell from the sky and pierced the devil’s body in a straight line.
Die quickly. Disappear. Go back to where you came from right now.
I sincerely hoped that the cursed words I muttered inside would reach the devil in the reverse sky.
I had a way to save Eve.
That’s why I had no choice but to be even more impatient.
I couldn’t help but feel anxious.
At first, it was just a character I loved.
After that, I just became a senior.
She was a girl who particularly preferred to pretend to be her older sister.
Maybe I just wanted to imitate someone I was older than…….
Even I didn’t hate the idea of calling myself her younger sister, and spending time with her made her feel at ease in a different way.
And if ‘Dante’ hears it, he will burst out in open ridicule, but yes.
Before I knew it, I was feeling her affection for me.
It was not an affection towards her senior or older sister.
To put it bluntly, it was a passionate affair, and in some ways, it was an emotion that could even become love and lust.
Suddenly, I pictured Dante teasing me for having s*xual feelings for her cousin.
──But, if that’s the case, what can you do?
Is there any need to lie about your feelings?
I liked the time she sank her teeth into my neck, and I think it was also attractive how she showed her need for me and revealed her dark desires.
She was, if I may say so, cute as a person.
Should I say that my personality was like that in the first place?
Well, there was no way not to like it.
A little useless editorial was added, but anyway.
Conclusion. I won’t let her die.
I stared into the sky with my eyes wide open to the point where my veins burst.
The core of the demon of Yeokcheon was discovered right there.
For convenience, it was called a nucleus, but of course it was not real.
I wasn’t even talking about the heart or brain.
It’s just that the damage accumulated, and even the inverted cross was destroyed at some point, reaching a stage where the devil himself was unable to maintain its original form.
What I was aiming for was the very small gap that was revealed.
I replaced the dragon’s energy with lightning and quickly grabbed it with one hand.
It was a black and white thunderbolt, a mixture of thunder and the power of Bahamut.
Assemble a javelin throwing stance and briefly hold your breath.
Without hesitation, I threw the lightning spear into the air.
Quaaa—!
A thunderbolt pierced the space along with a sound like a hand-made monster roaring.
Go straight in a straight line. To be honest, it was an extremely boring trajectory.
Quargorung!
And, the thunderbolt that left behind such a ‘boring trace’ reduced Yeokcheon’s core to a handful of ashes. Literally, destroyed.
The change was quickly revealed.
The bright red sky began to disperse.
The instrument disappears. The pressure eases.
For a moment, I felt a sense of relief and relaxation. I raised my head and-.
[…] ….]
At that very moment, I was able to witness the sight of the devil’s red eyes staring at me precisely.
Soon, the boy’s form completely collapsed.
I briefly bit my lip and tried to put a twisted smile on my face.
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“…… “My eyes open violently.”
The softly muttered words did not reach the demon who had already disappeared.
It was not difficult to predict that the day would come when I would hear it again.
The terrible evil energy recedes.
Soon dawn broke on the earth.
*****
The emperor, who was floating high in the sky, slowly landed on the ground.
The use of energy itself looks extremely natural.
Of course, there was no time to worry about such things and admire them.
In addition, Saddam did not come and go between me and the emperor.
Actually, it goes without saying, but my relationship with him was so mysterious and strange that it couldn’t be explained simply.
The Emperor just looked at me, paused for a moment, and then made an effort to move calmly.
He with a stiff expression knelt down next to Eve for a moment.
Next, his gaze turns to Lucius a little further away.
It was probably not an illusion that the emperor’s eyes wavered wider for a moment.
I wasn’t very different either.
Actually, it may be because I have now properly examined Lucius’ condition.
Nevertheless, it certainly wasn’t this severe of a wound at first.
Why? What happened in that moment?
Lucius was lying down, swallowed by blood.
Only Beatrice’s rosary, which I lent to him, hanging around his neck, was forcibly prolonging his shallow life.
Clergy. The word came to mind, but what immediately came to mind was natural denial.
It is already too late for recovery.
There is a 90% chance that he will die while moving.
It was around that time that the emperor suddenly put his trembling hand into his arms.
What was taken out of his arms was none other than a brightly colored glass bottle.
There was a liquid inside that was both blue and purple, and even I couldn’t identify it.
In other words, it was a ‘potion’ that could be called a divine object or a miracle.
Elixir.
‘Is this really the emperor?’
It was something that even I had never seen twice while playing the game, but it seemed like the emperor of an empire would carry around one in case of emergency.
Even though he had just taken out such a miraculous recovery medicine, the emperor’s expression was not good.
Looking at Lucius and Eve alternately with eyes full of despair, it was clear why.
It was impossible to choose a target to use the only miracle.
Well, if parents were told that they could only save one of their two children, there would be no more cruel choice than that.
That was a worry I didn’t have to think about.
As I walked past the emperor, I let out a short sentence.
“Please write that to your brother.”
I felt the emperor looking back at me in surprise.
A shallow droning sound was also heard from behind.
“…… “What is that?”
“It’s just a literal story.”
Answering the emperor’s questions indifferently, I carefully picked up Eve, whose breathing was slowly fading.
He slid one arm under her thighs and gently wrapped his arms around her neck.
“…… Eve… …. “I will treat you.”
I turned to the emperor and delivered my last words.
“If possible, please do not chase after me, ‘Your Majesty.'”
The reason for the strong accent at the end of what I said was probably due to the title I used to call him.
In its own way, it feels like it emphasizes my distance and awkward relationship with him.
If it were childish, it could have been called childish, but it couldn’t be helped.
Because both of Dante’s egos were young brains.
[…] … ?]
‘… ….’
Why, what?
Cleanly ignoring the question that was ringing in my head for a moment, I walked straight ahead.
I could feel the emperor’s puzzled gaze, but he was also someone who was probably unaware of the situation.
Soon, with the sound of the potion stopper being opened, the emperor’s presence disappeared -.
I moved into the forest, pulling Eve’s head towards me.
A slightly darker, more eerie place.
It arrives by moving naturally.
“Senior.”
I carefully laid Eve down on the floor and spoke to her.
No answer came back.
After a moment of contemplation, I kissed my lips again.
“Sister.”
“… ….”
“Sister, wake up.”
Her eyelashes fluttered. It was a fairly clear reaction.
It appears that consciousness has awakened to some extent.
But I can’t lift my eyelids, as if opening my eyes itself is too much of a burden.
If I lose my mind this time, I probably won’t be able to wake up again.
It was an awkward situation for me.
As of now, she has no power.
What does that mean? What I was saying was that the nape of her neck that I had worked so hard to prepare for her would not be able to fulfill its usefulness.
At least with my blood in her, she would be able to activate her regenerative powers on her own.
‘What is it?’
If this happened, it would be very difficult. I try to gently tap Eve’s cheek, but at this rate I won’t be able to raise her body, let alone sink my fangs into her.
I racked my brain and tried to come up with the next best solution.
Is there any way? In fact, needless to say, there was only one thing left.
I didn’t hesitate any longer.
After sharpening his fingernails slightly with his strength, he forcibly opened my lips and roughly scratched the roof of my mouth to induce bleeding.
While doing so, I bit my tongue slightly.
Anyway, the important thing is that as I did that, blood slowly started to pool in my mouth.
Immediately, I gently moved Eve’s flowing hair away from around her mouth.
As I’ve said before, I won’t hesitate.
Because this was a life-saving activity.
In the meantime, even if it satisfies my desires just a little, no one will say anything.
He probably doesn’t hate Eve either.
There was no specific basis… ….
That was confidence.
I gently held Eve’s chin and tilted her head back to the right angle.
I immediately placed mine on top of her lips.
Tongue and tongue began to entangle each other.
I tasted her saliva flowing down.
And soon, I gave her the blood that I had kept in her mouth.
Eve’s body twitched provocatively.