Chapter 543
Runaan lifted her gaze and swallowed dry saliva.
"Where is this...?"
The room was as dark as a night without the moon.
No, this is not a room. It was a space so large that it was difficult to see at a glance, and all of it was shrouded in darkness.
The smell of blood, so thick that it made your spine tingle, wafted through the darkness like waves. Her fingertips trembled with fear.
Runaan turned around, biting her lips. Unlike the looming darkness in front, a clear blue space appeared.
There was a small house made of ice, and inside, dolls made of ice cream were arranged in a row.
It was easy to recognize—dolls representing Rokan, Clara, Raon, and Light Wind Division stood, each revealing their personalities.
Lastly, her sword, Snow Flower sword, floated gently in the air. It was a land that, just by looking at it, warmed the heart, unlike when facing the darkness.
“Come here.”
As Runaan reached out, Snow Flower sword slowly descended into her grasp.
'What is this place?’
Se had no idea why she was here or where this place was.
She just knew instinctively that she shouldn't go near the darkness.
"Mom, Dad, while eating... Ugh!"
Runaan stroked the Snow Flower sword, letting out a low groan. Memories resurfaced along with a throbbing headache.
'A helmet!'
Yes, I wore Baphomet's helmet
Runaan lifted her gaze and swallowed dry saliva.
"Where is this...?"
The room was as dark as a night without the moon.
No, this is not a room. It was a space so large that it was difficult to see at a glance, and all of it was shrouded in darkness.
The smell of blood, so thick that it made your spine tingle, wafted through the darkness like waves. Her fingertips trembled with fear.
Runaan turned around, biting her lips. Unlike the looming darkness in front, a clear blue space appeared.
There was a small house made of ice, and inside, dolls made of ice cream were arranged in a row.
It was easy to recognize, dolls representing Rokan, Clara, Raon, and Light Wind Division stood, each revealing their personalities.
Lastly, her sword, Snow Flower sword, floated gently in the air. It was a land that, just by looking at it, warmed the heart, unlike when facing the darkness.
“Come here.”
As Runaan reached out, Snow Flower sword slowly descended into her grasp.
'What is this place?’
She had no idea why she was here or where this place was.
She just knew instinctively that she shouldn't go near the darkness.
"Mom, Dad, while eating... Ugh!"
Runaan stroked the Snow Flower sword, letting out a low groan. Memories resurfaced along with a throbbing headache.
'A helmet!'
Yes, I wore Baphomet's helmet.
The memory of Syria forcing the helmet on her surfaced. It was clear then, the answer was singular. This dark space was definitely Baphomet's domain within the helmet.
Roar!
Runaan trembled as she gripped The Snow Flower sword's hilt, a violent tremor erupting from the darkness.
Rumble, rumble, rumble!
The black ground cracked open, and something surged from the dense darkness.
Screech!
It landed with hooves on the ground, its waist slender and straight like a human's, the goat's head with spiraling horns letting out a sound like a child's cry.
Hiss!
Baphomet raised its gaze. Black flames blazed in its oval eyes that stretched vertically.
"Ugh…"
Runaan clutched her chest with her left hand, chin trembling. Just locking eyes with Baphomet felt like taking internal damage. Its aura was immense.
Wooosh!
Baphomet advanced, crushing the darkness. Its heavy strides suggested it would reach here soon.
"Ah…"
Runaan bit her lip and backed away. Baphomet loomed larger and larger. It seemed impossible to win against it, no matter what she did.
She knew it was a strong monster, but she hadn't expected the power gap to be this crushing.
'What should I do…'
Wooosh!
When Runaan's lips turned pale with fear, the Snow Flower sword emitted a refreshing light. It was a solemn hum, erasing fear and awakening her spirit.
Zing!
The Snow Flower sword vibrated its blade as if urging her to enter the ice house behind.
"Go to that house?"
Wooosh!
As if agreeing, the Snow Flower sword let out a louder hum.
"Okay."
Runaan nodded and punched her thigh. Forcing her frozen body to move, she entered the ice house.
'Warm.'
Though made of ice, the interior felt warm and comfortable, as if a fire burned within.
But there was no time to enjoy that comfort.
Wooosh!
Baphomet, exuding a monstrous aura, approached the ice house. As its hooves touched the blue ground, darkness began to seep into the blue space, like black ink dripping onto white paper.
"Hiding won't do any good."
Human words flowed from Baphomet's mouth. Its voice, thin and trembling, sounded like a goat speaking.
"The more you resist, the more you will suffer."
Its body swelled to the size of the darkness, eventually bulging as if it would touch the sky.
"Good. I shall crush you like an insect."
Baphomet raised its leg. A foot the size of a house stomped down on the ice house.
Runaan gripped the Snow Flower sword tightly, refusing to let it go.
Crack!
Baphomet's foot crashed down on the ice house, sending a shockwave through Runaan's head.
"Agghhh…!"
The pain was like her brain being ripped apart, and she involuntarily fell to her knees.
"Come out now, and I'll let you die painlessly," Baphomet said, its voice cold and cruel.
"N-no…" Runaan shook her head. She knew that if she left the ice house, Baphomet would devour her and take over her body. She had to hold out, no matter the cost.
"You fool." Baphomet scowled and lashed out with its whip.
Crack!
The whip struck the ice house with a deafening sound, and the ground shook beneath Runaan's feet.
"Aaaaah!" Runaan screamed, falling to the ground.
The pain was excruciating, as if she herself had been struck by the whip. She felt like her flesh was being torn from her bones.
'I-I get it now…'
This house is her mind, and the dolls inside are the people she care about.
She was fighting a battle against Baphomet for her very soul, for her body, and for the things she held most dear.
"Come out."
"Ugh…." Runaan leaned against the Snow Flower sword and struggled to her feet.
'I can't give up.'
She had things she still needed to do.
She had to avenge Syria, save her parents, and repay her debt to Raon.
And most of all, she wanted to spend more time with her friends in the Light Wind Division.
She couldn't let herself fall here, not when she had so much to live for.
Steeling her resolve, she stood up, her body aching with pain.
"You're incredibly stupid," Baphomet sneered, raining down blows with its whip.
The whip cracked like thunder, lashing mercilessly at the ice house.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
With each blow, Runaan felt like her bones were being crushed.
"Gaaaah!" She cried out in agony, her vision blurring.
The pain was so intense that her hands and feet cramped, and her head felt like it was going to explode.
She wanted to give up, to run outside and beg for death.
"It's too late to regret now. I'm just getting started," Baphomet laughed, its voice filled with malice.
It relished in Runaan's suffering, unleashing a torrent of magic-infused blows.
Crackle! Crackle!
The whip felt like a hot knife slicing through her flesh, while the magic pierced her like icy needles.
As the pain multiplied, the current body of the soul-bound entity (spirit body) began to tear apart, and blood started to flow.
Runaan looked up at the ceiling of the ice house, her face pale. Large and small cracks were beginning to appear in the once-solid structure.
'It's because of me.'
She knew that the cracks were forming because her mind was starting to break under the pain.
'I have to endure…'
She knew she had to persevere, but she didn't know how much longer she could hold out or how she was supposed to defeat the monster before her.
Runaan clenched her jaw and raised her head. Every inch of space was consumed by Baphomet's darkness, and the ice house itself was on the verge of collapse. It felt like everything was over.
'But I'll dtill endure…ah!'
Just as she steeled herself to endure once more, Baphomet's viciously sharp whip came crashing down on the center of the ice house.
Crack!
The ice shattered with a deep crack, and the ceiling began to cave in.
"Now I can see."
Baphomet peered through the hole in the ceiling, a chilling smile on its face. It reached into the ice house with its finger.
"It's all over."
"Ah…."
Runaan fell to her knees as she watched Baphomet's finger draw closer.
She had wanted to resist until the very end, but with the ice house collapsing, it was impossible to continue. Her mind was crumbling, and the ice that held the house together was melting away.
Crackle! Crackle!
Baphomet's massive finger shattered the ceiling of the ice house completely and drew near.
"I'm sorry."
Runaan turned around and closed her eyes, clutching the small dolls to her chest.
"There's nothing to be sorry about."
Just as she thought of death and parted her lips, Raon's clear voice rang out from the dolls.
"You endured well, Runaan."
"Huh?"
When she opened his eyes, the doll of Raon she was holding leaped into the air.
Shyaaaaaah!
Raon's doll pulled out a toy-like sword and cut through Baphomet's approaching fingers, piercing through the ice house.
"Gaaaah!"
Baphomet's finger, thicker than a pillar, was severed, and the creature recoiled.
"Let's fight."
The doll landed on the ground and turned around. He nodded with the same confident gaze as the real Raon.
"We can win."
* * *
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Raon turned his gaze away from the bewildered Runaan and looked at his own hands.
His fingers were like gloves, only two in number, and his arms and legs were short. He had indeed transformed into a doll made of ice cream.
'It must be because I entered Runaan's mental world.'
Since this was Runaan's mental world, it seemed he had transformed into the form she had placed him in.
Uhehehe!
Wrath pointed his chubby fingers at him.
That's a perfect look for a filthy wretch like you! It would be great if you looked like that in the real world too!
Wrath burst into laughter, completely disregarding the gravity of the situation, seemingly enjoying himself immensely.
'Laugh all you want at your own pathetic state.'
Raon shook his head. Since Wrath didn't exist in Runaan's mental world at all, he was floating in the air as a tiny ball of cotton candy.
To be honest, it wouldn't be strange to mistake him for a speck of dust.
Huh?
Wrath blinked his eyes, looking at his own body.
W-what is this? Why has the King of Essence become so small?
Despite jumping in anger, he was no more significant than a flea.
No, that's not important right now! Ice cream girl!
Wrath flew over to Runaan and wagged his tail.
Don't worry! The King of Essence will help you from now on!
"Are you really Raon?"
Runaan ignored Wrath and approached Raon.
"Yes."
Raon nodded calmly.
Runaan's lips parted, and her clenched fists trembled. Tears welled up in her misty eyes.
"You did really well holding on."
Raon patted Runaan's shoe and smiled. He wasn't just saying it.
Considering that Runaan hadn't fully opened her true mental world yet, it was already a feat that she had held on for this long. He genuinely admired her.
As expected of my subordinate! The King of Essence proud of you!
Wrath patted Runaan's shoulder, saying she had done well.
"But what's this thing?"
Runaan pointed her finger at Wrath. She tilted her head as if she couldn't hear Wrath’s words.
"......"
Raon stared at Wrath blankly before shaking his head.
"I don't know either. Maybe it's just a piece of dust that got caught up in here?"
Yaaaaargh! Explain properly!
Wrath flailed his arms and screamed.
"Anyway, that dust isn't important right now."
Raon pushed the screaming Wrath away and looked at Runaan. The height difference was so great that it took him a while to even look up at her.
"We can't get out of here unless we deal with that Baphomet."
"Yeah. So let's work together..."
"No, you have to kill it yourself."
Raon shook his head.
"Me, me?"
"This is your mental world. You're the owner, and I'm just a guest. The only one who can truly kill that monster is you."
"Ah...."
Runaan's lips trembled as she looked at Baphomet, who was slowly getting up. Her expression was filled with fear. It seemed that she had suffered greatly before he arrived.
"I...I don't know how to defeat it......."
"It's okay."
Raon kicked off the ground and landed on Runaan's shoulder. He smiled as he infused her with the energy of Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation.
"Like I said, this is your mental world. Mental strength is more important here than physical strenght, body or martial arts prowess."
"Yeah...."
"As someone who overcame Syria's brainwashing, you have enough strength to defeat it."
He wasn't lying. That Baphomet was certainly a powerful being, but Runaan's mental strength was no less.
If he pushed her back and helped her just a little, she could definitely win.
"Really?"
That’s right! It's just big in size, but empty inside, like mint chocolate ice cream without mint!
“That’s right! It's just big in size, but empty inside, like mint chocolate ice cream without mint!”
Raon encouraged Runaan by repeating Wrath's words.
"Hoo."
The corners of Runaan's lips curled up. She smiled faintly and gripped the Snow Flower sword tightly.
"Got it. I trust you."
"Then let's go."
"Yeah."
Runaan nodded and opened the door of the ruined ice house, stepping outside.
Yaaaaaaa!
Wrath rushed up to Raon and shouted.
Why did you copy the King of Essence's speech! Think about copyright!
'It doesn't matter who said it. What matters is that Runaan found the courage.'
Ughhhhh....
Wrath was angry, but he could only bite his lip, having nothing to say.
"How dare you!"
Baphomet regenerated its hand and swelled its body even larger. It seemed as if the world itself was being devoured by Baphomet.
"Urgh...."
Runaan moaned as she felt crushed by the overwhelming aura of Baphomet, who dominated the darkness.
Originally, those insignificant things tend to swell up like that. Think of it like a Kuandao without a cookie!
"Runaan. Those insignificant beings tend to swell up like that. Think of it like a Kuandao without a cookie."
Stop imitate me!
Wrath grabbed him by the collar and shouted as if he was going to kill him.
"I see."
Runaan nodded, with renewed courage, looked at Baphomet's approaching figure.
"I'll crush you!"
Baphomet raised its massive foot and brought it down on Runaan.
"Runaan!"
"Yeah."
Runaan kicked off the blackened ground. Light and mysterious footwork pushed away the sticky darkness and gave her wings.
Kuwhaaaaaaang!
Baphomet's massive foot only crushed the empty ground.
Boom!
Runaan stepped on the cracking ground and moved to Baphomet's left side.
"Think of the strongest warrior you've encountered. Or imagine of your own future where you've become stronger."
Raon advised Runaan on the insights he had gained about his own mental world.
"That's already decided."
Runaan replied resolutely, stepping forward with her left foot. She seemed to run across the ground, approaching Baphomet in an instant and unleashing a fierce sword strike.
Choaaaaaak!
A relentless gust of frosty energy emanated from the blade of Snow Flower, endlessly slashing Baphomet's ankle.
“Kyaaaaak!”
Baphomet’s ankle was torn open, and darkness, not blood, flowed out from within.
‘Her movements are now….’
Her footwork resembled the Supreme Harmony Steps, and her swordsmanship was like watching the Ten Thousand Flame Cultivation’s Crimson Slash.
‘Is it me?’
Runaan seemed to be drawing him as the image of a strong warrior.
‘Why on earth…?’
There are countless warriors stronger than him, so he doesn’t know why she thought of him.
He wanted to ask her the reason, but he didn’t want to break her concentration, so he just cheered her on.
“You’re doing great! A little faster, a little stronger!”
“Yeah.”
Runaan, with her usual stoic eyes, skillfully evaded Baphomet's whip and sliced through its Achilles tendon.
Kugugugugung!
Baphomet could not withstand the shock and fell backwards.
“Now’s the time.”
Runaan nodded and extended her sword towards Baphomet’s heart. The crescent-shaped blade of cold air that rose like a pagoda fell down.
“Get lost!”
As Baphomet exploded its aura, a powerful wave spread and Runaan was pushed back.
Uuuuuuuung!
Baphomet’s size quickly shrank. It’s returned to it’s original form, it’s face covered in wrinkles. It seemed to be very angry.
“I’ll kill you!”
Baphomet gnashed its teeth and lashed out with its whip. The power of the whip had decreased, but its speed was incomparably faster than before, and it was infused with the principles of martial arts.
“It contains the principles of swift, variable, and illusion. If you watch the tip of the whip carefully, you’ll be able to dodge it.”
“I see.”
Runaan nodded and plunged into the aura-soaked whip. She dodged the rain-like trajectory of the whip and approached Baphomet.
“I won’t be hit anymore!”
Baphomet seemed to think Runaan’s sword was dangerous and backed away. It unleashed a series of whips and magic, making it impossible to approach him at all.
Kugugugugugu!
Raon narrowed his eyes as he watched the space filled with magic and aura.
‘At this rate, Runaan will be at a disadvantage.’
Runaan had consumed most of her mental strength protecting the ice house. If time dragged on, her concentration would be the first to drop.
‘Well, then helping in a different way would be the right choice.’
Raon wrapped his hands around her mouth, exerting strength on Runaan's abdomen.
“There’s no point in going out like that! Your mate is already dead!”
Raon raised his voice and said that Syria outside was already dead.
Remembering the encounter with the Draconian from before, there was a certain level of communication possible between the monster inside the helmet and the Eden’s monster outside. It would definitely work.
"Stop lying!"
Baphomet lashed out with its whip even more fiercely, as if to tell him to stop talking nonsense. The serpent-like coils ripped mercilessly through the ground.
"Ugh..."
Runaan was doing her best to follow the footwork, but the gap was gradually closing.
"Think about it. If your mate was outside, how could I, an outsider, have gotten in here?"
Raon laughed as he spoke the truth.
"There's no lie. Your mate was killed by me."
"Shut, up!"
Baphomet's movements became larger and the scale of its magic expanded. It was an attack of terrifying power, but on the contrary, previously unseen gaps appeared.
Boom!
Runaan kicked off the ground the moment she saw it. With the Snow Flower sword held in both hands, she cut through the darkness and plunged the sword into Baphomet's neck.
"Kugh..."
Baphomet tried to pull out the sword and step back, but Runaan bit her arm with her teeth and refused to let go.
Crackle crackle!
The cold energy from the Snow Flower sword spread below Baphomet's neck, and its entire body began to freeze.
"I, I, to humans like you..."
Baphomet shook its wide eyes as it watched its body solidify with cold energy.
'It worked perfectly.'
Baphomet's mental strength was stronger than Runaan's, but it failed to take advantage of it, perhaps shocked by the news of Syria's death.
It was fortunate that the psychological warfare worked.
Chooaaak!
Runaan, gritting her teeth, completely severed Baphomet's neck. As if nonexistent from the beginning, Baphomet turned into dust and vanished.
Uuuuuuuung!
The darkness that permeated the entire mental world, the darkness of Baphomet, turned into particles and melted away.
"You did well."
Raon got down from Runaan's shoulder and patted her ankle.
"......"
Runaan didn't answer. The remaining energy from Baphomet's death descended on her, giving her new strength.
It reminded him of when he killed the Draconian Loctar and gained enlightenment, it felt like history was repeating itself.
"Nicely done."
Raon smiled as he looked at Runaan, who had fallen into a state of unconsciousness. He wanted to give her a gift for overcoming her pain, and it was fortunate that things went according to plan.
G-Good job.
Wrath sniffed as he looked at Runaan.
To see that little one grow so well and overcome hardships, it makes the King of Essence quite proud...huh.
"Hmm?"
Raon blinked as he looked at his hands. The energy left by Baphomet was not only going to Runaan, but also to him.
Why are you absrobing that!
'It seems Runaan couldn't fully absorb it, and it's coming to me?'
It seemed that the energy that Runaan couldn't absorb was seeping into him. He could feel his mental world becoming bigger and stronger.
‘Indeed, human should do good things...’
The King of Essence too!
Wrath yelled.
The King of Essence also did a good thing! All those comforting words you used for the ice cream girl were actually mine. Why are you the only one absorbing it?
'You're not a human.'
That's racial discrimination!
‘Now you're talking properly. That's right. It's not racial discrimination, but rather, a difference in species...’
Shut up!
