26. Purifier
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"…de! Dowd! Are you all right? "
I hear a voice like that beckoning me from somewhere outside my conscious awareness.
Suddenly I felt a hand take me out of the wreckage of the collapsing structure.
Dust and shattered stones fall from the sky towards my body.
"…Elnor?
"
I encountered Elnor, who was staring at me with concern as I was hauled out with a grin.
"you…!
"
Elnor's eyes trembled as he confirmed my presence.
uh. He's probably in a lot of pain.
Of course it was, since they were being crushed by a collapsing structure.
"…"
It's like this as long as the desperation doesn't burst.
I've validated this in the fake dungeon before, however the skill only reacts with 'hostility' to strikes attempting to kill me.
If it was merely a structure falling as a result of the collision, Daud Campbell, an all-stat F with no stat buffs, was tossed into the mix.
'Fractures, head bruising, multiple shattered joints...'
My vision is shaky. Warm liquid pours down the face towards the brow, limb movement is unpleasant, and acute dizziness is present.
"…after."
okay. This is unusual at first.
Allstat F is a person with bug-like powers who can die quickly. Bondi is only worth that much.
...This is incredible.
Looking up into the sky with trepidation, the Marquis Riverback, whose body had already transformed, was floating in the air.
The essence of the monster he consumed earlier is trapped in his chest and pulsing like a heart.
The demonic energy that is slithering out of it and wrapping around the body like armour is already far away from mankind.
abomination.
There are no other words to describe it.
I wondered whether there would ever be a time when I could utilise this, just in case the Precursor took care of it.
He grinned and gazed down at Elnor and me.
I'll be honest. You were a more difficult opponent than I had anticipated. 〛
The person who stated it ascended to a somewhat higher level.
But I'm curious if you can manage it as well.
〛
okay.
I'm intrigued, too, you cretin.
'...It's a Mine from the first chapter.'
Nothing compares to the world's garbage.
I moaned internally as I saw the Marquis Riverback fly away with a swoosh. It's a pace you can't even imagine catching up to.
Initially, the 'corrupted power' that Marquis Riverback should have employed is a byproduct of the devil.
It's a power that was explored at the human level in order to duplicate the power of that side as crudely as possible.
'Essence of the Devil,' on the other hand.
These are goods that hold the devil's "remnants." If you consume it and become a demon, you will be able to wield that side's power in its entirety, even if only a little portion of it.
As an example.
-!
-!!!
Elnor's face stiffened as he noticed the things jutting from the ruins of the collapsing structure.
Even the human shape has been destroyed, and it now seems disgusting, like liquefied flesh.
Its look, as if scraping an iron plate, indicates that it will be hostile to any living creatures that stand out in its surroundings.
"Ha, ha!"
"
"What is that...?"
"
And when the individuals who were here because they desired something like this saw a large-scale accident in which a building suddenly fell, everyone went blue and began fleeing.
'...it isn't good.'
Just by distributing evil energy around them, demonic force tends to transform the creatures it touches, bringing them closer to those of 'Pandaemonium,' the demon stronghold.
And these are the demon worshippers Elnor had already dispatched.
Under the influence of Marquis Riverback, who has transformed into a demon, he changes into 'Man Eater,' Pandaemonium's lowest-ranking janitor.
Their combat strength is scary, as befits a monster of Pandemonium, a demonic region analogous to the Underworld, but what's more troubling is that people who die to these men will be reborn as Man Eaters.
It's a domino effect. It's similar to a zombie apocalypse.
Our present site is currently downtown. Due to the Full Moon Festival, citizens are congregating in an area with a large floating population.
It's the worst possible moment at the worst possible location.
[Main Quest] Purifier Chapter 1
[Dispel the 'Purifier!'] ]
[Game over if there are too many casualties! ]
[Benefit: 1 Evil Essence]
[Benefit: 1 Hero Fragment]
[Reward: 5,000 points]
And in that moment, a damn mission that didn't let me down this time appeared in front of my eyes.
The command to reduce the number of victims here is not even a joke.
-!
-!!
Suddenly, once all of the changes were complete, a flash of light struck the shrieking Man Eaters.
A conventional strike with a long spear. It penetrated many Man Eaters who attempted to rise up and flew away.
"Younger brother!" What on earth is this...? "
When I wiped the blood from my brow, I noticed Talion approaching from a distance.
Was he the one who just threw the punch?
"I heard a roar and came to check what was going on!" What exactly are those beasts, Marquis Riverback...? "
okay. In this scenario, it's good to see a friendly face.
Initially, this person should have fallen and became something similar to that one about this time.
"If you were wearing a necklace, you'd look just like that one."
"…Yes?
"
Instead of responding, he gestures at one of the Maneaters.
What everyone can see coming out of the House of Jeonghwa Foundation's necklace, which is still hanging, is dark magic.
Initially, it would finish with merely losing a bit of reason, but with the introduction of demons, it's like crossing a river with no way back.
Talion's eyes widened when he noticed this.
"…This."
Every second after stating it, the guy's demeanour altered.
Perhaps he will calmly manage the current circumstances in an instant.
"I'll double-check one thing."
"What."
"...Is the Marquis of Riverback in command of the situation?"
"
It's a question about the shape, but it appears that he's already persuaded to some extent.
First and foremost, I would have emphasized'make sure to wear it' several times on a regular basis while turning that necklace.
Talion looked at me with a smile on his face and anger in his eyes.
This man isn't a jerk.
Because the original intention was for Elijah to be Elijah's rival. In an emergency, the ability to judge and act is no longer at the level of a student.
"It's fine to talk about responsibility and wrongdoing later." Now, if we don't deal with that, hell will break loose here."
I manage to organise my trembling gaze and convey it in this manner.
And if you bought 'trust' by purposefully removing that guy's necklace.
It's time to capitalise on those advantages.
"Pay attention to what I'm saying. It's the end if you make even one mistake."
And then send out the instructions.
The guy who heard it had a serious expression at first, then it went into absurdity, and finally he was staring at me like a madman.
"...Is that even possible?
"
"uh."
It is no longer conditional.
It's not like I've been running around aimlessly until my feet are on fire.
You can't if you can't do that much.
"In the meantime, brother...?"
"
"I'll take care of something else."
'There are two objectives.'
The first is to avoid civilian casualties in the current situation.
The Man Eaters' movements are still sluggish, but as time passes and demonic energy thickens, they will become faster and stronger.
The majority of the'instructions' I just gave Talion were to block them.
And now for the second goal.
"Because we need to get rid of the source."
Remove the Marquis of Riverback, the source of the demonic energy.
That is what I intend to do from now on.
"Can you tell me where he went?"
"
In a quiet voice, Elnor inquired.
It could be a matter of determining how to pursue the man who flew away at high speed.
"Yes, exactly. Expectations fade."
Is it safe to say it's predictable?
There is, in fact, only one.
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Merchants are always astute.
That was the most basic reason why Marquis Galdire Riverback became a devil worshipper.
Despite the fact that he had risen from a mere black market merchant to the position of marquis, enjoying previously unimaginable wealth and honour. It was all a byproduct of his decision to worship the devil.
'Their power extends across the continent.'
All of the devil's "followers" he met were armed with formidable power without having to go to the seers, who couldn't even hear their voices, let alone see them.
The power of the'revealed ones,' who are the pioneers' closest assistants, is literally boiling the sea, breaking the earth, and splitting the heavens.
In comparison to them, he is a bug. He must have survived for so long because he constantly reminded himself of that fact.
He decided to support them without hesitation after receiving confirmation.
No one on the continent would dare to stand against them, which had to be the result of merchants' quick calculation.
And Riverback's Marquis.
None other than right now. I was certain that my decision was always correct.
〚Whoa…〛
His mouth released a sigh of omnipotence.
A tremendous amount of demonic energy is coursing through the body.
It was a terrifying force that seemed to be capable of crushing weak creatures with mere pressure.
This much power despite having accepted very little of the grace of the 'new god,' who is merely a demon.
At this level...
It's only a mission, so it shouldn't be too difficult.
To resurrect the devil, despair and confusion must first be created in each location.
Kill people, kill people, and then cover them up with bodies.
I should be able to make that commitment right now.
His current location is also for that purpose.
Keep going.
He muttered as he reached for the 'barrier' in front of him.
A chiangel is said to have placed a protective barrier near the void area.
Normally, it would be a heavily guarded area, and even if you broke through it, you wouldn't dare to damage it.
It was simple to break through because it was during the Full Moon Festival, and he now has direct access to the devil's power.
Even if you can't break it all, you can leave a very small scratch on it.
And, given the uniqueness of the Void Zone.
That alone would result in a disaster that I cannot even begin to imagine.
'...This is, after all, the key.'
The current riots in the city are nothing more than a smokescreen operation.
It is likely that all available armed forces are concentrated there.
The true purpose can only be found here.
"OK. "Come to a halt."
Unfortunately.
However, not everyone appeared to be a moron.
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[...How did you know?
=
Marquis Riverback, who was attempting to damage the barrier, said so sternly.
"You know, I mentioned it earlier. It's self-evident."
Marquis Riverback, what should you say?
It is a single cell that believes it is intelligent.
They desire to feel superior to others. First, I try to 'deceive' others.
'...Isn't that a moron?
'
To be honest, I don't see anything more inefficient.
If I just controlled the Maneaters and pushed in this direction as quickly as possible, the barrier would be damaged in the first place.
"…"
However, as a result of that, this opportunity has arisen.
That kind of vanity and conceit is what I'm going to stab at.
Make a mental plan of your strategy.
I would never have considered it if there were Man Eaters in my way, but now I'm in a position where I can only deal with him completely.
"Yes, dear."
I feel it all over again, but Elnor's limitless physical ability is one of his greatest strengths.
It's like being lifted on my back and moved across the street in an instant.
"What is the strategy?"
"
Elnor, who carried me here without saying anything at my request, placed me on the floor and said so.
Solid trust is what you see in your eyes.
"There must be a reason why we decided to abandon all support and travel alone."
"Is that correct?
"
It's due to the fact that time is running out.
I can't even afford to call another person. The game is over the moment that guy creates even a small gap in the barrier here.
People will perish, Elnor will be kidnapped immediately, and the grey demon will be released.
It's all downhill from there.
Rather, it would be preferable if only I and Elnor came to see the decision.
"okay. So, how do I beat him?"
"I'm not going to win."
Elnor's pupils constricted.
"…what?
"
"Neither of us can win. never."
uh. It truly is.
To deal with Mine, you'll need Elijah equipped with a 'Holy Sword' to do so effectively.
But, at the very least, that will be addressed after Chapter 4. What I'm expecting now is a level devoid of conscience.
In other words, the other person lacks conscience.
It's the final boss, but it's an opponent I can't even match with Elnor, who hasn't grown to half his full potential, and I'm seriously injured.
"…"
However.
If there is a corner to believe in, there are many of them.
- I was bitten by a horrible creature. I can't even see the full form, but I can tell it's fucking horrible. I believe it stayed because of your abilities.
I suddenly recall those words. Angels have previously warned you in this manner.
okay. I know.
I'm well aware of what'sticks' with me.
Message from the System>
[The goal '???
' is intrigued by you. ]
I laugh as I read the sentences in the system log.
as well as this
Notification of gift-related individual >
La Tristan Elnor Elinalize
[Affection level 1]
['Skill Copy Ticket' is available! ]
The last reason is this.
The level of liking at the 'endearing' stage. And skill copy.
maybe use this
At the current level, even if it's an enemy you can't beat, you can somehow deal with it.
While thinking so, Marquis Riverback sighed and raised his demonic energy.
〚…Well, no matter what. 〛
Then, the reverberation of demonic energy like a storm began to leak from the guy.
It is a level of density where you can physically see the swaying aura, and if you lose your mind even a little, you will pass out.
What's absurd is that this isn't a full-fledged release of demonic energy – it's just a 'premonitory symptom' of an attack.
〚All I have to do is kill you and secure Princess Tristan. rather it went well. Because you came right in front of me. Didn't it save you the trouble of finding it later? 〛
We will fight this guy from now on.
Taking a deep breath, I spoke to Elnor.
"Elnor. Promise me one thing."
"Something."
"Really, it hurts. Painful. You may resent me…"
"What did you ask?
"
At first glance, it may sound like an annoyance to speak quickly.
Anyone who looked into those straight eyes would give a slightly different answer.
Whatever you say is fine.
I've already accepted it, so don't worry and tell me.
That's what it means.
"…"
inside grin
As always.
The level of trust this person places in me is not adaptable.
So, I must live up to that trust.
"No matter what happens. certainly."
Respond with direct eye contact.
"I will send the two of us alive from this spot. Got it? "
"okay. I see."
"so."
He looked away from Elnor and turned to the Marquis of Riverback.
"No matter what happens, trust me."
uh. really.
What I'm going to do now is pretty crazy.
while thinking so.
As if a tsunami was approaching, Marquis Riverback rushed towards us.
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