Chapter 134. Red Demon (2)

The phenomenon of becoming a Red Demon.

This phenomenon appears only in demons with demonic energy at the tri-horned-rank.

It is an overload case wherein the "residual thoughts" of the Demon God Barbatos accumulates within, eventually manifesting on its 'horn'.

At this point, the demon walks one of two paths.

"One is when the vessel cannot withstand the overloaded residual thoughts and bursts."

In this case, the tri-horned demon loses its original form, exploding and transforming into something like a gelatinous shape.

To the point where it can no longer be called a demon.

"The other is..."

The "vessel" endures and accepts the 'residual thoughts', undergoing metamorphosis.

Rather than 'endure', it's more accurate to say that the "residual thoughts 'adapts' to the body.

A path opens up in the body of the demon undergoing the process to become a Red Demon, allowing for the consumption of substantial demonic energy, much like humans.

The mana vein.

Indeed.

A demon that successfully accumulates excessive "residual thoughts" gains an organ similar to humanity.

An organ, a 'demonic energy vein', designed purely for demons, allowing them to handle "demonic energy" more easily.

The measure for knowing this is the "reddening" of the horn.

The problem is.

"What happens if a demon completely adapts to this process."

In essence, the process of becoming a "Red Demon" is not highly dangerous by itself.

It does give the demon greater strength than ordinary tri-horned demons, but it remains at the level of a "tri-horned" demon.

However, if it completes its metamorphosis, another horn grows atop the demon's head.

A 'quadra-horned demon'.

These demons possess such immense power that each one could easily destroy an entire city.

Most of those who complete the Red Demon process turn into this, hence the term 'metamorphosis'.

"The demon visible now through Yulian's memories hasn't completed its transformation into a Red Demon."

The fact that the horn's color hasn't completely turned red attests to this.

"And yet, of all things."

As I looked at the one-armed demon appearing amidst amnesia, I clicked my tongue internally.

A bitter taste lingered on the tip of my tongue.

"Who are you!"

Felkhor's booming voice pierced my ears.

His voice was not ordinary.

Filled with hostility, it wasn't the typical reaction one would have upon seeing a regular person.

"...... I asked, who are you?"

Pausing the ongoing "amnesia" effect responding to Felkhor's persistent questioning, I turned my head to identify the unexpected visitor.

His body was marked with the scars of countless battles.

A dark gray head of hair.

Irises that failed to focus.

The "Red Demon" within the recalled memory foreshadowed the arrival of this being.

Perhaps for that reason, I wasn't particularly surprised, even by this abrupt appearance.

"Sir Zahard."

The fellow student of the Sword Saint Hayden Reich, and a named figure known as the 'Blind Warrior', Zahard appeared, supporting himself with a staff.

"Heh, I didn't think our ties were that strong, yet here we meet in such a place."

Though his tone was unemotional, a faintly trembling aura betrayed his unease.

I could sense Zahard's disdain for my sudden appearance.

Why was an old rival from the martial hall present here?

His aura conveyed that question.

"Could it be that you followed me? In that case, I must commend your sense of duty."

Suspecting that my presence here meant I tracked him down, he clicked his tongue.

"This is our first meeting since then. It's been a long time. Have you been well?"

"I was, but upon seeing your face... Damn it! I doubt that'll continue."

"That's unfortunate."

It seemed Zahard understood that my words were insincere. He responded with humor.

Though our exchange was light, Zahard's hostility didn't disappear.

'His aura is still sharp.'

His specialty, the Aura Sonar.

As a blind man, he continuously spread his aura to gauge my and others' positions.

It was precise and sharp enough to engage in combat at any moment.

"It doesn't seem like you followed me..."

"Indeed, Sir Zahard."

"Then why are you here?"

I couldn't easily answer that question.

"Well, call it a light stroll. Huhu."

A stroll in the demon-infested north?

Even without looking, I could sense the disbelief in Felkhor, Joshua, and Zahard's expressions.

'They probably think I'm mad.'

Even if I told the truth, it wasn't something they would readily believe. Saying this seemed more like 'Yulian'.

"And why are you here, Sir Zahard?"

Though I asked, I already knew the reason.

The "one-armed demon" seen through 'amnesia'.

It was the reason Zahard was here, closely related to him.

"Is there a reason I should tell you? After all, we're not close enough for personal talks, are we?"

"Aren't you searching for the demon? Isn't that why you're working as a mercenary in this remote place?"

Searching for the demon?

Zahard's faded eyes narrowed slightly at those words.

"Did I ever say I was looking for 'that'?"

I shrugged at his words.

My intention was to have Zahard handle the matter of the 'one-armed demon'.

"The demon is still alive."

What I could glean through 'amnesia'.

Of the two demons Yulian fought, one demon's life was ended, but the other escaped.

That escapee was Zahard's target, the 'one-armed demon', and before it fully 'metamorphosed', I intended to have Zahard kill it.

Because doing it myself was cumbersome.

And Zahard had to do it.

"Oh... even though I never mentioned it, you know?"

As his eyes once narrowed, Zahard's aura became sharper.

"Listening to your words, it seems you know I'm pursuing the one-armed demon?"

"Sir Zahard, I am Yulian from the Royal Intelligence Agency, Blind Eyes."

I merely smiled at his words.

"And I that 'it' was your 'child', as well?"

Continuing to smile, Zahard sighed and leaned his head back.

"Child? A demon being called a child?"

Already knowing the story, I intended to gloss over it, but Felkhor was visibly shocked.

"Could it be you married a demon...?"

Kor, Kor.

Why spout nonsense now?

Couldn't you just stay silent?

"Heh, quite the joker you have there. To accompany such a half-wit, it seems the royal family is lacking in talent."

Amused by Felkhor's absurd remark, Zahard almost laughed it off, nearly insulting him.

Felkhor wasn't related to the royal family, but being with me, a member of 'Blind Eyes', he likely assumed otherwise.

Well, I couldn't deny he was foolish.

Perhaps it's the Dawn Society's fault for accepting such a half-wit, or they're odd for doing so.

While pondering that briefly, Zahard continued speaking.

"Rather than that, Yulian, I wish to hear the details."

Clang.

Tilting his staff, Zahard slowly pulled it back by the handle.

Shwing.

Revealing the cold gleam of the blade, it unveiled its presence.

"In what manner and how did you hear of it?"

Indeed.

If I were in his shoes, I too would take such measures upon discovering someone knew my secret.

How did he find out?

Beyond that, I'd make a move to bury those who knew.

"Are you sure... this is okay?"

Yet, I still held the upper hand in the conversation.

He was seeking the 'one-armed demon', pursuing his child turned demon.

And I'm the one who somewhat knows its whereabouts.

"Aren't you looking for the one-armed demon?"

"... Yes."

"If I were you, I would have asked politely. You seem to be in quite a rush."

I concluded with a short chuckle, a gesture of calmness.

Zahard surely knew this, but the hostility emanating from his body seemed unwavering.

'In the end, do I have to break him down once?'

That might be necessary.

A father's obsession, blinded by negativity, is beyond imagination...

"... Ah, it seems we have more uninvited guests."

Whether fortunate or not, ominous energy surged from the surroundings.

"Demons."

Though my eyes hadn't tracked them, Zahard detected the ominous demonic energy and discerned the intruders' identity.

Soon, Felkhor seemed to notice the demonic energy too, as his body tensed up.

"Wh-what's going on, elder brother Yulian!"

Only Joshua failed to precisely pinpoint the enemy.

"Perhaps those demon bastards were attracted by the lingering demonic energy left behind by the tri-horned demon."

Even after quite some time, the "remnants of residual thoughts" seemed strong, likely due to the influence of the Red Demon.

As the number of gathering demons increased, Zahard clicked his tongue.

"For now, that conversation should be postponed. Let's settle this first."

"Is that how you'd prefer it? I don't mind talking now."

Again, showing unnecessary composure. Either way, Zahard was at a disadvantage.

Crackle──!

From afar, a demon lunged at Zahard.

But it was merely a hornless demon.

Ordinary people might have struggled, but there were no ordinary people here.

"How on earth, even in such a situation..."

Swish──!

Having drawn his sword from his staff, Zahard easily slashed the demon.

Blood, viscous as slime, gushed up.

"You're still cocky..."

Slice.

With another strike, he finished off the demon.

"Did the Sword Saint teach you that?"

"Perhaps."

I had absorbed much of that old man's brazenness, so it wasn't entirely untrue.

"... Tsk, let's finish up here first."

Zahard's voice had a tinge of irritation as he vanished in an instant.

***

"Ugh..."

After clearing the demons, Felkhor groaned as if in agony.

"What's this, have you died?"

Felkhor scoffed at Joshua, who had collapsed beside him.

The latter, though stretched out as if dead, was still gasping for air.

He looked quite pitiful in this state.

"So, what will you do now?"

Having dispatched the demons and swinging my Moonstone Sword to clear away the blood, I turned to look at Zahard.

"Do you still wish to continue that conversation from earlier?"

Smiling faintly, I touched upon the earlier affair.

I understood he had been slightly discouraged.

With this, Zahard and I would likely not engage in direct conflict.

If not...

'That would be troublesome.'

There might still be more demons lurking around.

Handling them wouldn't be challenging.

'But it'd be a hassle.'

Hence my genuine reluctance to face the formidable Zahard in battle.

If, by chance, another tri-horned or Red Demon appeared while my stamina was low, it'd pave my path to the afterlife.

However, this intense ego owner must not display a broken demeanor, prompting my feigned bravado.

"Let it be. It's information anyone could find out if they wanted to know."

"Is that so?"

"Moreover, you've served briefly on the Northern Front too, right? You'd have had the chance to know."

Phew, fortunately, Zahard conceded one step.

"Even if so, what can an old relic like me do against the royal family's sword and Smiling Executioner?"

Zahard gave a self-mocking laugh.

His sword sheathed back into his staff, he began moving, dragging his tired body with him.

"Since you're not stopping me, you really aren't here to catch me. Though I am curious..."

"The one-armed demon supposedly headed north of the continent."

As I uttered words related to his child, Zahard's fatigued eyes shifted dramatically.

"You can find him in Blizzard Forest."

Blizzard Forest.

The place where Zahard and his child turned demon, the one-armed demon, would reach their conclusion.

Though the storyline had diverged significantly, Zahard would still end things with the "one-armed demon" in Blizzard Forest.

There, amidst the relentless snowstorm, he'll confront his wayward child, reflecting on his errors as a father harsher than the blizzard itself.

"He always has."

He has to.

If that "incident" doesn't occur, the forthcoming event would be akin to a 'catastrophe'.

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