Sin's hand clenched the number 6 Number 6's fist in an iron grip, his fingers digging into the Number 6's skin. A chilling smile spread across Sin's face as he stared at the Number 6, a glint of recognition in his eyes.
"Now I remember you," Sin said, his voice icy. "You're that alligator monster I fought back in the League 4 arena."
The Number 6's eyes widened in surprise. Of course, how could he forget that battle on the League 4 stage, when he had stepped into the ring as his alligator alter-ego to face Sin? It had been a difficult fight against Sin with his weak vessel, and after that he got humiliating loss.
The championship arena clashed violently as the true natures of the two finalists were shockingly revealed. Number 6 had shed his harmless facade and now stood sneering before Sin in his true demonic form – as Aligator Monster.
"Come now, let's not be rude," Mathim taunted, his voice dripping with contempt. "You may address me by my noble title, Duke Mathim, one of the 72 deadly Pillar Demons that plagued the realm, as we fight to the death."
Sin's expression got somewhat relaxed. "I will address you however I see fit, hellspawn," he said icily albeit smile in his face. "And this time when I cleave your wretched head from your body, I will ensure no scrap of you survives."
With that, Sin launched forward and swung his iron sword fiercely at Mathim's neck. But the demon was swift - with one clawed hand he caught the singing blade inches before it met its target.
"My my, someone's feisty today," Mathim chuckled, unfazed by the razor-sharp weapon clutched in his grip. With a casual flick, he sent Sin skidding backwards from the force of his block.
Up in the stands, shocked murmurs rippled through the crowd as the friendly guise of Number 6 melted away to reveal a monster before their eyes. But none were more stunned than Marlin and Stephen, who watched in serious yet cold eyes as their master faced off against a powerful demon.
"That beast will pay for deceiving people!" Marlin muttered, rising from his seat. But Stephen pulled him back down.
"Do not interfere," he warned. "This is the Master's battle."
Back on the arena floor, Sin steadied himself after the last blow. He kept his blade poised while slowly circling the demon. Mathim continued smirking with overconfidence, clearly enjoying toying with his prey.
"If we must fight, let us give these good people a proper show," Mathim declared loudly. Fire erupted from his palms, casting the arena in an infernal glow.
Sin's expression remained hard. He had hoped to avoid revealing the full extent of his skills here in public. But with a deadly Pillar Demon as his opponent, restraint was not an option.
"If it's a show you want, I'll be happy to oblige," Sin stated coldly. Drawing on his inner chakra, lightning began crackling down his sword. The air hummed with energy as two forces prepared to clash.
As they charged at each other again, Sin focused his mind to block out everything except defeating the evil before him. Failure here could mean countless innocents threatened.
The championship fight between Sin and Number 6, who had revealed himself as the demon Duke Mathim, raged fiercely across the tournament arena. All traces of Mathim's initial friendly facade were gone, replaced by a sinister sneer. As their blades clashed explosively, sending shockwaves rippling through the air, Sin reflected on how he finally remembered where he had sensed this energy before - the alligator demon he had defeated in a swamp years prior.
"I'm impressed you saw through my disguise once we began exchanging blows," Mathim remarked as their weapons locked together. "Your instincts and perception have sharpened since our last encounter, boy."
With a heave, Sin shoved the demon back and rounded on him with blazing speed. But Mathim reacted instantly, defending against the slash of Sin's sword. Sparks flew as their iron blades screamed against each other.
"I should have recognized one of the 72 Pillar Demons could never be fully destroyed," Sin responded coldly, pressing forward with a series of heavy overhead swings. Mathim managed to block the blows, but was driven back under the sheer force.
The demon's eyes glinted with amusement even as he strained against Sin's unrelenting assault. "You flatter me. My regeneration abilities are certainly superior to lowly beasts."
As they exchanged taunts and earth-shaking strikes, the spectators in the arena watched in awe. None knew the truth of Mathim's demonic nature except for Sin, who had encountered him in disguise before. To the onlookers, this was simply an incredible duel between two phenomenally talented fighters.
As the battle against the demon Mathim raged on, Sin reflected on how he had known the beast's true nature all along. During his studies after being reincarnated in this realm, Sin had made a point to extensively research the history of both righteous heroes and malevolent devils. Knowledge was power, so educating himself on all the key figures was crucial.
The ancient tomes had contained terrifying descriptions of the 72 Pillar Demons - each a unique monstrous entity that commanded forces of darkness. Mathim, with his deceiving frog-like appearance belying deadly strength, had been featured prominently.
While most would have avoided studying the gruesome details of such vile beings, Sin knew understanding their capabilities and weaknesses was strategically wise. He was neither a hero nor a devil - simply a reincarnated man trying to survive in this world. Having intelligence on all the realm's major powers, both good and evil, was essential.
Now as Mathim battered him relentlessly with fangs and claws, Sin utilized every scrap of knowledge from those old books. The beast had few physical weak spots, relying on sheer brute force and hellish endurance. But its arrogance could be exploited.
Ducking under a swiping talon, Sin rolled to the side and delivered a precise strike along the demon's back. Mathim snarled in annoyance as the blessed sword sizzled against his flesh. Whirling around, he unleashed a barrage of fireballs.
"Is running and poking all you can muster, boy?" Mathim taunted as Sin weaved between the explosions. "I expected more entertainment from one who bested me before!"
Keeping his face stony, Sin did not respond to the goading. Demons fed on anger and pride - he would give Mathim neither. The calm focus was key, along with faith in his own preparation.