C934
"Authority, huh...?"
Greed narrowed his eyes as he looked at the Demon King bracelet on Raon's wrist. His pupils dilated slightly like gold coins.
"What are you planning to do by nurturing that vessel?"
Greed cast an ominous, flickering gaze as if trying to discern Wrath's thoughts.
- What nonsense! This isn't my doing!
Wrath waved his hand as if he were dumbfounded.
- This devilish brat is playing us all! Both you and me!
He shouted, pleading for them to understand, but of course, Greed couldn't hear him.
"Whether you use the Demon King's authority to destroy the continent or kill a god, it's none of your business."
Raon shook his head arrogantly, as if he could achieve all of that.
"That's also true."
Greed nodded with a slight smile.
"I still distrust you. I can't tell if you're Wrath or if the vessel is acting."
He revealed eyes that silently gleamed as if he were still observing himself.
- I'm the real king! This form isn't something the real king would ever show!
Wrath waved his arms up and down, begging for them to recognize him.
'As expected, Greed is dangerous.'
Even through the glasses Greed wore, he would appear as Wrath since he borrowed Wrath's authority and soul realm. However, Greed still hadn't dispelled his doubts and considered him a human. He was certainly different from the gullible Demon Kings he had encountered so far.
"Still, I can't touch you now. The loss would be too great either way."
As Greed snapped his fingers, the golden authority of <Greed> rose from the air. The power of <Greed> descended onto his wrist, tracing an elegant trajectory like a comet's tail. A golden flower bracelet bloomed on his wrist, giving off a fresh feeling as the deep golden light flowed like water.
[A portion of the authority of <Greed> seeps into your soul and body.]
[The authority will unlock after the adaptation period ends.]
'Hm?'
Raon opened his eyes in astonishment as he looked at the authority of <Greed> imbued in the golden flower bracelet.
'What is this? This amount?'
Greed had transferred the most amount of authority among all the Demon Kings he had received so far. It was comparable to the amount of authority other Demon Kings had developed through cultivation and life, making him involuntarily gasp.
'He gave more than even Lust.'
Since he received more <Greed> than <Lust> from Lust, who had shown affection from the beginning, he couldn't help but suspect Greed.
"Greed. What is your intention?"
Raon frowned as he looked at Greed. If there had been other auras mixed in the <Greed> that Greed transferred, he might have been able to read his intentions, but since it was pure authority, it was quite difficult to discern his thoughts.
"It's an investment."
Greed waved his hand calmly as if it were nothing special.
"Investment?"
"Yes. I want to stick a finger in what you're planning to do."
He licked his lips, saying he could smell the potential for significant gains.
"Without even knowing what I'm planning to do?"
"To get big profits, it's important to invest in places others don't know. Investment opportunities everyone knows about are already exhausted."
Greed tilted his chin, once again revealing his merchant-like behavior. However, the desire in his eyes seemed to burn even brighter.
"My instincts tell me. If I bet on you, I can get a lot of gains. Whether you're Wrath or a vessel, it doesn't matter."
"..."
Raon lowered his eyebrows as he observed Greed's cold smile.
'He still suspects.'
Even in this situation, Greed still doubted he wasn't Wrath. Seeing how intensely he distrusts others, it seemed that the title of Monarch of Greed was well-earned. If Wrath had a personality like Greed's, he might have lost his body long ago.
"Then, what about the form of this flower?"
It was unsettling to see such a soft flower that seemed uncharacteristic of Greed.
"It's a preference."
Greed shook his head, reciting the exact words Wrath had used once.
- What bad taste.
Wrath snorted mockingly at Greed, not realizing his own lack of taste.
"Now that I've transferred the authority as promised, I suppose I can leave?"
Greed stepped back as if he were ready to return to the Devildom.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Lust pointed at Greed's neck with the tips of her fingers imbued with the authority of <Lust>, indicating she wouldn't let him go.
"Can't I just take a bite?"
Gluttony opened the black mouth of <Gluttony> over Greed's head, as if she were famished to use her power.
"Let him go."
Raon waved his hand at Lust and Gluttony.
"There's no point in fighting now."
Since he wasn't the real Wrath, the potential losses far outweighed any gains from capturing Greed. If Greed attacked with the intention to kill, he could end up destroying the two Demon Kings in front of him as well, so it was better to let him go for now.
"Tsk..."
Lust clicked her tongue in disappointment and lowered her hand.
"I wanted just one bite..."
Gluttony closed her black mouth, licking her lips as if she had really intended to devour Greed whole. Suddenly, she became terrifying.
"Impressive, indeed. I didn't expect two Demon Kings who follow their instincts to listen to you."
Greed let out a sigh of astonishment as he stood in front of the Devildom Pathway.
"We'll meet again. Then I'll collect the returns on my investment."
He pulled out a shiny white gold coin from his shirt pocket and tossed it. Raon caught the coin and examined it. Unlike the gold coins of this world, its surface was engraved with a dragon of an unnatural vivid color.
"I'll have to make some money for a while. The losses are severe."
Greed muttered that he needed to move quickly and entered the Devildom Pathway. He seemed different from when they first met.
"Hah..."
Raon let out a heavy sigh and extended his hand towards the Devildom Pathway. He unleashed the authority of Wrath he received from Wrath, waving the cold energy of the Glacier. Wrath's ultimate technique, the Silver Aurora, extended through his hand, instantly freezing the enormous Devildom Pathway.
The Devildom Pathway slowly crumbled like melting ice, as if its own breath had been cut off by the infernal cold.
As the frozen Devildom Pathway fell from the sky, the blackened demonic energy cracked, revealing a green-tinged sky. Although he had thought it was a dark world from the beginning, it seemed to be a dimension not too different from the continent where he lived.
"To think you used that Silver Aurora with my authority, I'm still so happy..."
Lust blushed, saying she didn't regret it.
"What will you do next? The Silver Moon Demon Seal? If you need more authority, I'll give you more! I can even give you myself!"
She spread her arms, saying she could offer herself instead of just her authority.
- Eeeek!
Wrath screamed and took a step back.
- Take that thing off me! It's really scary!
He snorted, saying it was too much to handle on all sides.
"What a pity..."
Gluttony sucked her finger, seemingly disappointed that she couldn't taste Greed. Unlike Lust, she could be appeased with bead ice cream or delicious food.
"Thank you for coming this far."
Raon nodded at Lust and Gluttony.
"I came because I'm bankrupt..."
Gluttony twirled her finger around her white hair, insisting she had come because she was out of money.
"I'm the one who's grateful! Call me whenever you want! Just thinking about me is enough! You can take all my techniques and authority!"
Lust's eyes turned pink as if intoxicated by the word 'affection', and she continued to utter passionate words.
- Grrrr...
Wrath seemed terrified by Lust's affectionate assault and collapsed with foam at the mouth.
"But why were you in the Devildom?"
Raon frowned as he looked at Lust.
"Weren't you supposed to be with Merlin?"
"We separated a while ago. I was looking for you alone, and somehow ended up in the Devildom..."
Lust shook her head, saying she had reached the Devildom while searching for him.
'...Is that even possible?'
Raon tilted his chin, looking at Wrath.
- I-I told you, didn't I? That stalker is the worst in the world at directions. I still don't understand how those two traits can coexist in one body...
Wrath shook his head, saying it was impossible to understand Lust's actions through logic alone.
"So you don't know where Merlin is now?"
Considering Merlin's usual behavior, he should have appeared at least once during this war or the previous battles. The fact that he hadn't appeared even in animal form was worrisome, suggesting that something might have happened to him.
"Yes. It's been a while."
"I see..."
Raon nodded, narrowing his eyes.
"Should we try to find her?"
Lust also said she would like to look for Merlin, seeming to miss her.
"No, that won't be necessary..."
It seemed better to dissuade her for now, as Lust might end up in the heavenly realm while searching for Merlin.
"For now, you two should leave this dimension. I'll follow you after I get things in order here."
"Mmm, I'll be waiting..."
Lust turned around, frowning slightly but seemingly willing to comply.
"Will you buy bead ice cream?"
Gluttony waved her hand, saying she was hungry after using her authority.
"There's an ice cream shop outside. Wait there with Lust."
"Okay."
She nodded happily, then took Lust's hand and disappeared in a white light.
- H-hey?
Wrath touched his finger, watching Raon cautiously.
- How about you return my power and soul now? It's all over, isn't it?
'...'
Raon silently looked at Wrath.
- W-why are you looking at me like that! You said you'd return it when it was over!
He trembled in fear, wondering what Raon was thinking.
'Alright. I'll return it to you.'
Raon placed his hand on Wrath's head and returned all the authority and soul realm he had received. The immense power that had been supporting him vanished in an instant, leaving him feeling a little empty. However, this experience alone would greatly contribute to his growth.
- Strange. You're not the type to return it so easily...
Wrath frowned, seeming suspicious.
'What's strange about it? I'm just returning what I borrowed.'
- If it were you usual, you'd even use this to threaten...
As Wrath began to argue, pointing his finger, blue messages appeared before Raon's eyes.
[You have accomplished a feat that will remain in the history of the continent.]
[You have defeated the Master of the Black Tower.]
[You have been recognized by the Monarch of <Greed>.]
[All skills have...]
[New Trait...]
[Trait...]
Rewards for this war appeared, filling his vision.
- W-what is all this!
Wrath shouted upon seeing the messages.
- I know you've done something incredible, but this is too much! It's not even a status window, I can't see it all at once!
He shook his head vigorously, saying it didn't make sense.
'...'
However, Raon dismissed the reward messages without even reading them.
- Eh? Why are you doing that?
Wrath frowned, not understanding.
- Return my power and now this? What are you thinking?
'Now that the fight is over, reality is settling in. This isn't the time to look at those messages.'
Raon bit his lip as he brushed away his blood-soaked hair.
- Reality? Ah...
Wrath let out a low groan, seeming to understand Raon's words.
'It's time to take responsibility now.'
Raon let out a heavy sigh and descended towards the dimensional exit where everyone was waiting.
* * *
"Hmm..."
Karoon lowered the sword he had been gripping tightly.
'I'm not sure what I just witnessed.'
He thought everything was over with the appearance of the Demon King, but suddenly two more Demon Kings appeared and fought with the golden Demon King. In the midst of the fierce battle, the golden Demon King took the lead and attacked Raon, but suddenly unleashed an overwhelming aura that dominated the three Demon Kings and ended the fight completely.
Even now, he was stunned by the incredible situation he had witnessed, and his heart was pounding as if it were going to burst.
"Is it over already?"
Burren approached from behind, swallowing hard.
"Why did you stay here?"
Karoon frowned, asking why they stayed when he had ordered a retreat.
"How could we run when our Palace Master is there! We should die together if necessary!"
Martha shook her head, insisting they couldn't leave.
"Yes. One body..."
Runaan raised one finger, as if to say that the Light Wind Palace was a unified single body.
"...I see."
Normally, he would have reprimanded them, but seeing the look in Burren, Martha, and Runaan's eyes as they thought of their Palace Master, no, their family, he remained silent. There was nothing to say since Raon had ended the entire situation. Raon landed on the ground with a somewhat vacant look in his eyes.
He walked towards the exit of this dimension, examining the dead humans and demons.
"Good work."
Burren simply bowed his head, acknowledging Raon's efforts.
"What was that at the end? It was like seeing the Head of House!"
Martha raised her hands excitedly, seemingly amazed by the overwhelming aura.
"Super handsome today."
Runaan simply gave him a thumbs-up, saying it was impressive.
"You all did well."
Raon smiled weakly despite everyone's praise.
"Why? Did something happen?"
Martha shook her head, noticing Raon's heavy expression.
"It's not over yet."
Raon lowered his gaze slightly, looking beyond the dimension.
"What do you mean it's not over?"
"Is another enemy coming?"
Burren and Martha's lips trembled in surprise.
"Well..."
"..."
However, Karoon closed his mouth as if he had read Raon's thoughts, and Runaan lowered his eyes.
"No, it's time to face reality."
Raon tilted his head, looking at his blood-soaked right hand.
"We need to think about those who died in this war, and also..."
As he tried to mention the child's name in his mind, his lips involuntarily trembled.
"Because there's Rensia."
A girl born under the control of the Black Tower, but who never fell into darkness and helped those in even worse situations. The girl who contributed the most to taking down the enormous Black Tower and its master. And the girl who thought of her younger siblings even as she was dying.
He had promised her to take care of her future life, wishing for her happiness, but the thought of the girl who left before he could fulfill that promise made his heart ache as if it were being ripped apart.
"Mmm..."
"Rencia. That's right. There was that girl."
"..."
Burren, Martha, and Runaan also bit their lips, lowering their gazes as if remembering Rencia.
-...
Even Wrath fell silent, seemingly speechless about this matter. Rencia's wounds could only be healed by someone who mastered both sacred power and medical arts. If she had learned even a little bit of aura, she might have been able to resist somehow, but she was weaker than ordinary children, so they couldn't help but think of Rencia's death.
'Rencia. Thank you.'
Without you, today's victory wouldn't have been possible. Raon thanked Rencia as he exited the Black Tower dimension. The first thing he saw upon exiting was the fountain where he had sat with Rencia.
He had told Rencia there that only happy things were left ahead, and he had promised to take care of her younger siblings as she was dying. Now, the memory made him feel nauseous.
'I wanted to make sure no one else died.'
It doesn't feel like a victory even though we won. As Raon bit his lip and lowered his head...
"Master Raon!"
From behind the fountain came the voice of the person he most wanted to hear at this moment.
-
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