C1092
"What is that?"
Raon gulped hard, his throat parched, as he reiterated Sloth’s earlier words.
"…"
Sloth blinked absentmindedly, struggling to resume speaking.
"What did you say…?"
He gradually inclined his head, as if his memory had just deserted him.
"That wretched idiot!"
Wrath bared his teeth in fury, fixing his glare on Sloth.
"He is disgracing all demon kings! Smash his skull this instant!"
He bellowed for control of the body, declaring that he would personally pummel Sloth.
"Ah… now I recall…"
Sloth lightly tapped his temple and nodded in acknowledgment.
"In… my present condition… during battles with an Archangel… I am unable… to unleash my complete strength…"
Sloth feebly flexed and relaxed his fist.
"You are unable to tap into your full strength? Weren't you deploying it during our clash?"
Raon knitted his brows while gazing at Sloth.
"But he was undoubtedly earnest in the end, wasn’t he?"
When Sloth enveloped himself in dark, inky shadows, Raon had been convinced that victory was impossible. That display must have been his maximum power, leaving Raon baffled as to why Sloth now professed an inability to harness his full might.
"Combating… an Archangel… operates on another level…"
Sloth gradually lifted his eyes toward the somber sky.
"Engaging an Archangel… in the Human World… a realm that is neither Heaven… nor the Devildom… warps… the very laws of reality…"
He shut his eyes while elaborating that if a demon king and an Archangel were to battle at their full capacity in this intermediary domain—where neither Angels nor Demons inherently belong—the fabric of causality would unravel.
"Furthermore… because engaging in combat contravenes… my inherent nature as Sloth… I require… an even greater medium…"
"Are you implying that you necessitate a medium capable of accommodating causality to unlock your complete power?"
Raon comprehended Sloth’s explanation and promptly formulated a response.
"Exactly…"
Sloth affirmed with a nod, though his eyes remained shut.
"A medium…"
Raon frowned, running his hand through his hair in contemplation.
"Where might we locate one?"
Dealing with Sloth’s causality necessitates a medium that resonates with Sloth itself, yet he had no clue where or how to find such a candidate.
"Does this imply that we cannot summon any demon kings apart from Sloth?"
Given that Sloth’s rationale pertained not only to him but to all demon kings, this revelation might jeopardize his entire strategy.
"If the demon kings refuse to assist…"
That would spell inevitable defeat. Even with the contributions of the Blade Queen and Warlord, the final conflict would see seven Archangels and innumerable Angels assaulting. Without the aid of demon kings’ power, triumph would be unattainable.
"That is… straightforward…"
"Hold on."
Raon lifted his hand to interject, halting Sloth’s words.
"If you require a medium, wouldn't Archangels and Angels also necessitate an apparatus to manage their own causality?"
This realm is unfamiliar not only to demon kings but also to Archangels. Much like Sloth, they would demand a medium to engage demons using their innate power.
"Indeed…"
Sloth murmured his assent with a nod; even now, he appeared to be on the verge of slumber.
"In that case, neither would be able to wield their genuine power… No, that can't be correct."
Raon pressed his lips together and shook his head in disagreement.
"Derus would offer up humans as sacrifices to generate a force enabling Archangels to bypass causality."
The Derus Robert he knew would undoubtedly warp causality by slaughtering tens of thousands—even hundreds of thousands—to permit Archangels to unleash their complete martial might upon this continent.
"That is the solution."
Wrath nodded gravely.
"As you mention, demon kings have difficulty accessing their full strength in this realm. Nonetheless, there exist numerous alternative methods to attain it."
He contorted his lips while remarking that human souls and blood might be offered in sacrifice to unlock the Archangels' combat potential.
"Ha…"
Raon exhaled a long sigh.
"The more I ponder, the more it appears that the roles of demon kings and angels have been reversed."
While Archangels aimed to annihilate humanity, demon kings sought to safeguard it. He mused over which imbecile had devised the notion that angels were virtuous and demons malevolent.
"Didn't I warn you! Humans are far too entrenched in their stereotypes!"
Wrath vigorously shook his head.
"Although numerous demons are wicked, the same can be said of Angels and humans alike!"
He flashed his teeth in a snarl, insisting that it wasn't a matter of race but rather of individual traits.
"The approach is… straightforward…"
Sloth lifted a finger, directing attention to the black flower bracelet adorning his wrist.
"The bracelet?"
"The bracelet… which I bestowed upon you… harbors… the essence of sloth inherent in this world… that you fashioned… By harnessing that energy… I can presumably… unlock my entire power…"
He nodded in affirmation, elucidating that with the power of sloth infused in the black flower bracelet, he could unleash his complete martial potential.
"What? That seems simple enough."
Raon grinned as he lightly caressed the bracelet.
"However…"
Sloth’s eyes shimmered with a dark intensity, reminiscent of his battle with Raon.
"Once that power is expended, all of the Authority of Sloth you have accumulated will vanish."
He shook his head, remarking that such was the cost of utilizing the power.
"A cost…"
Raon silently glanced at the second black flower bracelet adorning his wrist.
"But that isn’t a major sacrifice, is it?"
"N-not a significant cost?"
Wrath's eyes shot open in astonishment.
"What…?"
Sloth’s brows twitched as he slightly rotated his body—a rare moment of intense reaction for him that day.
"Unexpected…"
He dropped his eyebrows in a manner that betrayed his surprise.
"What is it?"
Raon inclined his head.
"While I’ve been here, I have observed many humans… They harbor an exceptionally strong… fixation on power—perhaps even surpassing that of demons… Yet when informed that the power they have acquired would simply vanish… I did not foresee… such a response…"
Clearly taken aback, Sloth uttered his longest sentence since our acquaintance.
"After all, it isn’t even my power."
Having exacted his revenge on Derus, he intended to relinquish all the abilities he had acquired through Wrath. Aspiring to be the supreme swordsman through his own might, he felt that he had nothing to lose.
"You are… remarkably… human…"
Sloth emitted a sincere note of admiration.
"In truth… regardless of what transpires… embracing it is the correct path… The sole alternative… is to locate a human… whose wavelength aligns with mine…"
"A human whose wavelength resonates with yours?"
Raon squinted as he fixed his gaze on Sloth.
"Just as you became Wrath’s vessel and manipulated causality… if I discover a human whose wavelength is in sync… I could harness the full Authority… without absorbing all… of your power…"
Sloth nodded sleepily, as though surrendering to slumber.
"But… every human I’ve encountered has been far too industrious… Finding someone… akin to me… would be a formidable task…"
He sighed, remarking that there were scarcely any humans who slept for a full 24 hours.
"He's correct. In this world, where might we locate a slumber-loving soul as devoted to sleep as he is… Huh!"
Wrath abruptly halted mid-sentence, his eyes widening in realization.
"Th-there is someone!"
His eyes grew even wider as he recalled someone who would pair well with Sloth.
"Evelyn!"
Raon called out Evelyn’s name, having arrived at the same conclusion as Wrath.
"Could you now travel to Zieghart and fetch someone here?"
"Certainly!"
Evelyn nodded, affirming that she would comply with any request.
"Whom should I bring?"
"From Zieghart…"
Raon smirked slightly as he observed Sloth, who was already beginning to nod off.
"The one who sleeps the most."
***
No sooner had Evelyn departed for Zieghart than Sloth burrowed beneath the blanket, declaring that his discourse was complete. His knack for dozing off as soon as his head touched the pillow was enviable.
"So, did everything go as planned?"
Dorian blinked, gently pulling the blanket over Sloth’s face. For someone who professed fear, he was quite adept at concealing Sloth’s features.
"If we execute this correctly, our outcomes could be even more favorable."
At that moment, as Raon nodded with a slight smile, the Blade Queen and Warlord stormed onto the summit of Mount Sturin with resounding steps.
"We have remedied the damage we inflicted."
The Warlord nodded in agreement, remarking that they had addressed as much as possible.
"The remainder will be entrusted to Paratheus upon his arrival."
The Blade Queen smiled warmly, declaring that she would assign the problematic sections to Gold Dragon Paratheus.
"Ah, is this individual a friend of the Master?"
She gestured toward Sloth, still concealed beneath the blanket.
"That’s correct."
Raon nodded while softly patting the bed where Sloth was resting.
"He is extraordinarily powerful. Yet his aura is peculiar—almost as though he isn’t human…"
The Warlord squinted, as if perceiving the distinct aura of sloth that radiated from him.
"Regardless, we must begin by apologizing."
The Blade Queen advanced to Sloth’s bed and bowed her head respectfully.
"I am sincerely sorry for interrupting your slumber and for the damage inflicted upon the mountain."
She pressed her hands together, emphasizing that it was unintentional.
"I heard that our actions kept you from sleeping."
The Warlord stood before Sloth, exhaling a gentle sigh.
"I offer you my sincere apologies."
He too expressed heartfelt remorse.
"I am the Warlord, and this is the Blade Queen. Should there be anything we can do to assist you, please let us know."
The Warlord stroked his chin, affirming that they were prepared to do whatever was required.
"Mmm…"
A feeble voice emanated from beneath the blanket as Sloth stirred from their presence. With a gentle rustle, he slightly pulled the blanket aside to glimpse the eyes of the Blade Queen and the Warlord.
"It is all right now… Just refrain from doing it… any further…"
Having accepted their apology, he gestured with his hand as if to dismiss them, then closed his eyes. The instant his eyes shut, Sloth sank into a profound slumber, emitting endearing sounds of respiration.
"Huh…"
The Blade Queen emitted a puzzled laugh.
"Even after we disclosed our identities, he desires nothing?"
Her eyes widened, as if confronted with something entirely unforeseen.
"He is truly a good person."
The Warlord nodded while observing Sloth in his sleep.
"Both our Master and this individual… it is a blessing that such souls still inhabit this world."
He smiled warmly, suggesting that Sloth would probably contribute positively to the continent.
"Uh…"
Raon sighed as he observed the Blade Queen and the Warlord gazing at Sloth with gentle expressions.
"Is this really working?"
The Blade Queen and the Warlord had never encountered a demon king before, and because Sloth slept without manifesting his sloth, they merely considered his aura peculiar, oblivious to his true identity as a demon king.
[Hey!]
As he scratched his head in astonishment, a resounding shout echoed from above. The Gold Dragon Paratheus appeared to have concluded his work with the glacier and trailed behind them.
[You truly abandoned me! You unjust humans!]
Paratheus snarled at the Blade Queen and the Warlord, evidently irked.
"Why are you so tardy!"
However, the Blade Queen furrowed her brow at Paratheus in response.
"Even dragons are not all-powerful."
The Warlord also sighed, lamenting that he had become considerably weaker.
[You instructed us not to harm nature! Consequently, I had to undertake the task manually!]
Paratheus’s wings quivered as he explained that it took more time because he had to clear the debris without magic, relying solely on his physical prowess.
[You truly… Huh?]
He frowned at the Blade Queen and the Warlord, then abruptly fell silent.
[W-what? Why is there a demon king present here?]
Paratheus gritted his teeth as he fixed his gaze on the slumbering Sloth. His dragon instincts appeared to have discerned Sloth’s true nature.
[Clear the way! I will eliminate him!]
Paratheus parted his jaws, readying his breath weapon to obliterate Sloth in a single blast.
"Are you out of your mind!"
"Cease!"
The Blade Queen and the Warlord sprang into action, striking Paratheus’s snout just as he was about to unleash his breath. With a heavy thud, Paratheus collapsed to the ground without uttering a sound, his mouth clamped shut. The whole of Mount Sturin trembled under the weight of his colossal body, and a soft snore could be heard.
Yet, Sloth continued to slumber undisturbed, as if nothing had occurred.
[W-what are you doing!]
Paratheus glared furiously at the Blade Queen and the Warlord while shouting.
"How can someone so good be a demon king!"
The Warlord vigorously shook his head, urging him to cast aside his doubts.
"Exactly! He is the kindest soul I have ever encountered!"
The Blade Queen scrunched her nose, cautioning him against unsheathing his claws at Sloth.
[No, he is undeniably a demon king! Observe that malevolent aura!]
Paratheus pointed emphatically at Sloth, insisting that they observe carefully.
"Hmm…"
Sloth briefly pouted and shifted to his left side, a satisfied smile blossoming across his face.
"Him?"
"A demon king?"
The Blade Queen and the Warlord clenched their fists, admonishing him not to spout absurdities.
[No, I speak the truth! Do you not trust me? I am Paratheus of the Gold Dragon clan!]
Paratheus swung his enormous tail wildly, imploring them to place their trust in him.
"I would prefer to believe the words of the demon king rather than yours."
The Blade Queen waved her hand dismissively, urging him to leave.
"If you utter another word of nonsense, I will rip those horns off you."
The Warlord also brandished his sword, ordering him to stand still.
[Arghhhh!]
Paratheus screamed toward the heavens, exasperated at his inability to apprehend the demon king before him.
[But he is absolutely a demon king... Gack!]
He persisted in asserting that Sloth was a demon king until the Blade Queen and the Warlord struck him on the head, causing him to tumble face-first into the ground once more.
"Hey, ask them something."
Wrath tapped Raon’s shoulder.
"Why is that lizard-like creature being restrained?"
He flailed about like a fish, exclaiming that he was desperate for an answer.
"I'm curious as well…"
Raon shook his head while observing Paratheus sniffle pitiably.
"Now does not seem like the appropriate moment."
***
With a swoosh, a blue dimensional portal flung open, and Evelyn leapt through.
"I'm back!"
Evelyn waved her hand, announcing her return from Zieghart.
"It is quite distant. That journey was exhausting."
She wiped the perspiration from her forehead, remarking that traversing successive dimensional gates had been draining.
"Good job. The individual I referred to…"
"Here they are."
Evelyn smiled as she extended her right arm, still partially emerging from the dimensional gate.
"Ugh…"
Runaan emerged behind her with a low groan.
"Did you truly summon me…?"
Runaan, still in her pajamas and clutching her blanket, appeared displeased as Evelyn tugged her by the wrist, having been abruptly roused from slumber.
"Yes."
Raon nodded with a gentle smile.
"How long do you normally sleep? On days when you are not cultivating?"
"Always…"
Runaan simply said "always" instead of specifying an exact duration.
"Always?"
"Yes, until I feel like having bead ice cream."
She nodded, indicating that she wouldn’t rise until that time.
"She’s perfect."
"She’s perfect."
Raon mumbled that they had indeed discovered the ideal candidate as he snapped his fingers.
"So, would you be willing to acquire new power?"
Although Sloth was not an evil power, he initiated the question, anticipating Runaan’s potential hesitance.
"What sort of power…?"
Runaan blinked drowsily.
"If you agree, you will acquire the Authority of Sloth—a power possessed by a demon king."
He spoke candidly, trusting Runaan’s reliability.
"Urghhhh!"
Dorian collapsed onto his backside, his mouth agape.
"Hmm."
Evelyn observed Raon and Runaan with keen interest.
"Will that benefit you, Raon?"
"Not only will it aid me, but it will also be a tremendous advantage to you as well."
He wasn’t speaking merely for himself; by means of Sloth, Runaan could evolve and display martial prowess on a level entirely beyond what had been seen before.
"Then, very well…"
Runaan nodded, demonstrating that she had enough trust in him to proceed.
"Thank you."
Raon offered a slight smile as he placed his hand on Runaan’s shoulder.
"Sloth, please awaken for a moment."
Since the Blade Queen and the Warlord had gone off to comfort the still-sobbing Paratheus, it now appeared to be an opportune moment.
"Mmm…"
Sloth gradually opened his eyes, locking his gaze with Runaan’s.
"…"
"…"
Sloth and Runaan exchanged silent, vacant stares, as if two masters recognizing one another.
"…"
Sloth slowly blinked and then drifted back into sleep.
"…"
Runaan too wrapped herself in the blanket she had brought and promptly began to sleep right then.
"Eh?"
Wrath's lips quivered as he glanced back and forth between Runaan and Sloth, who had both fallen asleep simultaneously, almost as if competing.
"W-what is this! What sort of trial is this!"
-
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