Episode 184: Nemesis (4)
“I don’t know what they did, but I’ve become much stronger than before. “Isn’t this a blow to you, Lucy?”
[It’s not over yet.]
Strength beyond expectations. Not only Lucy but also those who were watching noticed that Liam’s output had increased sharply compared to before.
In fact, Liam has become stronger than when he was famous as a strong awakener. Lucy, who did not know about the game system that gave him his miraculous growth, was momentarily unable to proceed with the calculation.
[There is no data that shows that inner strength can be amplified like that without taking any action. It is clear that some kind of means was used. If we can figure it out, it may be helpful to our allies.]
Even during this time, Lucy found opportunities for growth for herself. It was true that Liam had become stronger, so he thought it would be beneficial if he found out how and absorbed it himself.
[The nearest defense troops are dispatched as soon as possible.]
That’s why Lucy didn’t want to lose Liam. Although part of the nest was severely damaged by the installed magic bombs and mechanical bombs and exploded beyond repair, it was worth giving up.
“What are you?”
Instead, Lucy herself could only be satisfied if there were certain results. Liam, who was trying to retreat with the others, twitched his eyes at the new enemy blocking their path.
Obviously, the appearance itself is similar to other higher species. A heart embedded in the body, a hand holding a weapon, etc.
However, Liam instinctively noticed that the red eyes shining inside the black helmet were slightly different from the existing demon lord army.
[The 34th awakened subprogram. Subdue him by any means necessary.]
A being called a missionary. It is none other than Lucy’s sub-program, which was growing little by little through self-awakening.
It is different from other soldiers who only follow set orders. They were able to generate commands and act on their own using the brains they were given.
Lucy had not gotten rid of them so far and was making full use of them. This is because they are people who can create variables that do not exist themselves, like special species like Yuuri and Raon who work with a strong sense of self.
Moreover, since it was much closer to Lucy than other special species, it was possible to absorb and use Lucy’s unique strengths, such as quick thinking ability.
[interest].
At first, it was Lucy’s order to stop the enemy, but Number 34’s feelings upon seeing Liam in person soon turned into interest.
Even though he awakened his weak ego, his roots are Lucy, so he resembles Lucy’s tendencies, such as his desire to win and his obsession with growth.
“We don’t have time, so let’s finish it quickly.”
Liam instinctively felt something, but that was all he could do, so he lunged at him with his sword in an attempt to kill him quickly.
Then number 34 also received Liam’s sword, and number 34, who had been pushed back in output, began to fall back.
“I think you can defeat it quickly as expected.”
Liam’s group, who were unable to advance carelessly and were dealing with other enemies coming in, relaxed after seeing the battle. This is because Liam’s superiority was visible.
‘no. This.’
However, Liam, who was actually fighting, gritted his teeth. Clearly, in terms of output, he is ahead as before. In other words, it means that if you push it with force, you can push it away.
“What on earth are you?”
Nevertheless, the reason he gritted his teeth was because he felt something he had never felt before in the enemy’s attack.
Direct murderous intent and hostility that Lucy cannot feel from those who do not move directly but only move with inputted commands.
[!!!!]
Liam eventually broke the shield and cut 34 bodies. The upper and lower body were split in half.
“I don’t have time. “We have to go quickly!”
However, it was not possible for others to hold out for any longer, so it was not finished. Even if you process it clearly anyway, the data stored in your brain will remain intact.
[Are you angry?]
Lucy, who eventually lost sight of Liam and the other special forces, looked at number 34 as if she found it interesting even though she only suffered losses. Defeated by an overwhelming margin.
A normal high-ranking species wouldn’t have any feelings about that defeat or victory, but number 34 was different.
This is a humiliating defeat after only achieving overwhelming victories so far. It is natural to be angry and hateful.
[I will give you a mission. You are going to catch him.]
Lucy wanted to take advantage of this. To be honest, Liam was just a small obstacle to Lucy, who was now running a huge army that had already taken over two worlds. Therefore, it makes no sense for Lucy to be angry and waste her emotions at the actions of Liam, a mere human being compared to herself.
However, it is different if it is a single sub-program, number 34. Because he is burning with revenge on Liam, who immediately trampled on him, and can pour out everything.
[good. Go and harass them thoroughly and get what you want.]
Lucy retrieved number 34’s body and took out the brain. This was to give number 34 a stronger, more optimized body.
The birth of a sniper weapon created solely for the purpose of fighting Liam.
This fight will never end because Lucy has ordered Number 34 to retrieve at least his head so that he can challenge again even if he loses.
* * *
“This is the devil?”
“It can be said that it is a presumed existence.”
Liam also felt something after the collision with number 34. As soon as Liam returned to the fortress, he heard some information from Evelia.
Evelia, who not only had eyewitness accounts but also had direct conflict experience with Lucy, drew a montage of Lucy based on her memories and testimony and delivered it to Liam.
Although the body is that of a monster made of rough skin and carapace, above the neck is a beautiful woman with red eyes and long black hair.
Liam saw Lucy’s face for the first time.
“Why are you suddenly asking such a question? “I thought you would be very happy about this major, but you don’t seem to be feeling particularly happy.”
Evelia had doubts about Liam’s attitude. This was because the serious nature of the whole thing was completely different from the Liam he knew.
“So, what you’re saying is that this Demon King is the only individual in the Demon King’s army that can be said to be unique?”
“Probably yes.”
“I thought so too. Until just before. But the guy I met was a little different.”
Liam sighed and told the story about number 34. One of the reasons why the Demon King’s army became a true terror was because of their coldness.
The coldness of pursuing their work without any emotion or hesitation. The heaviness of moving forward, trampling on the corpses of colleagues, etc.
That’s why they had to deal with it as if they were dealing with an undead army.
“An enemy with feelings. Of course, since demon lords exist, it doesn’t make sense that special people don’t exist. “I will keep this in mind for now.”
“Is it worth it?”
Evelia was surprised, but decided that it was not impossible and nodded.
In the first place, according to conventional wisdom, the reason why the devil is feared is because of the numerous subordinates he has under his command. Even though Lucy was far outside of that common sense, there was no way they had something in common.
[You’d better think carefully.]
But when Evelia leaves and Liam is left alone.
From Noble mtl dot com
A voice that had been quiet recently rang in his head again.
“What do you mean?”
[I think we have slowly reached a turning point. Who is your nemesis, who is your main enemy? Isn’t the reason you came here simply to grow through fighting?]
His constellation brought up a meaningful story. Liam’s eyes wavered when asked who his archenemy was. This is because the images of other-dimensional monsters and invasive species that are still targeting the Earth passed through my eyes.
“Now that I think about it, you are the one who appeared with the status window. “I’d rather fight invasive species than monsters like the Demon King’s army or something.”
[Even if I tell you now, I wouldn’t know. But honestly speaking, it doesn’t really have much meaning. The fight has already become a power war, and although you are certainly strong enough to be counted, you are only an individual. Because what you can do in a power-level fight that goes to the planet level is limited.]
“Then why are you suddenly bringing that up? “I just feel confused.”
[I am trying to give you a hint based on the achievements and merits we have shared so far. If you want to see it a little longer and go safely, there is no reason to stay here. However, if you want to grow as fast as you are now and reach the extreme you want, you just have to fight. With the Demon King’s army.]
“What on earth do you know?”
His constellations, whether it was a few quick words or a silly joke, told him a lot that was incomparable to what he had done up to now.
Liam clicked his tongue and couldn’t help but think deeply while frowning. About what you truly want and the enemies you must fight.
“I won’t leave until I see the face of that devil bastard and defeat him. I’ve already acquired a new power, but I can’t throw it away and run away. “It’s an opportunity to experiment and see how far you can grow.”
However, the decision he ultimately reached was a decision that was entirely his own. Fight and become stronger. The reason is not to run away. That was the goal from the beginning.
[I thought so. There’s no way everything you’ve experienced so far will break your stubbornness. Well, try your best. A guy who will survive no matter what happens.]
“You act as if you know me well.”
[know. You can’t not know.]
Liam snorted and the constellation laughed and disappeared.
At this point, Liam was so nervous that he couldn’t help but smile, but when he asked something, the other person didn’t answer.
“I am the enemy! “It’s the devil’s army!”
However, after a few days, Liam quickly forgot what happened that day.
Instead of mutants who were rampaging monsters, proper enemies attacked across the sky.
* * *
[It is time to test who grows faster among Liam Anderson and No. 34, a culmination of all of our team’s skills.]
“The opponent has special powers. It’s probably the power of the constellation. You can overcome that? “You also failed to analyze the power of the awakened ones.”
[The key will be to use all the experience of our allies to fill the gap.]
Lucy dispatched a small force, including a ship hull to provide firepower, and watched the 34 fights with Liam intently.
This too was close to a kind of experiment.
“So your purpose is to create a system to develop troops that surpass Liam? “If I had tried to make Liam an ally, I would have mobilized a larger force.”
After hearing Lucy’s plan, Changhyun realized that Lucy had no interest in Liam. It wasn’t an unreasonable prediction. Because Lucy has been repulsed by special species with strong egos. Unless ‘Liam himself’ wanted it, there was no reason to risk inefficiency and force him to become an ally.
[For now, yes.]
Lucy, who watched No. 34 leading the troops to raid the fortress, responded meaningfully. While Evelia is away, the strongest person in the fortress is Liam. Naturally, he showed up with a sword to fight Number 34.