Chapter 1275
"Excuse me?"
Pride knit his brows together, appearing as though Raon’s words were utter nonsense.
"Wait... what?"
Burren was equally taken aback, his head snapping upward as his eyes stretched wide in confusion.
-This madman is at it again!
Wrath, sensing exactly what Raon was scheming, felt his jaw tremble with indignation.
"This man right here."
Raon dropped his hand, pointing his finger directly at Burren once more.
"He never lost consciousness, even when subjected to your crushing aura."
A smirk played on Raon's lips as he observed Burren, whose expression was so ravaged by strain that it seemed a miracle he was still breathing.
"Those other two managed to withstand your weight because they carry the blessings of the monarchs of Envy and Sloth. However..."
Raon spared a brief look at Martha and Runaan before stepping closer to Burren’s side.
"This man has no such crutch. He has maintained his grip on reality through sheer stubbornness, driven by the singular desire to shield me and his brothers-in-arms, even at the cost of his life."
He tightened his hand into a fist, locking eyes with Burren’s flickering gaze.
"To persist until the bitter end despite knowing his strength is lacking—that is true audacity. Don't you find that quite prideful?"
Raon asserted that Burren was a human perfectly suited for the dominion of pride, nodding convincingly.
"Raon..."
A faint groan escaped Burren. He was shocked to realize that Raon had been observing his struggle even in the middle of a life-threatening encounter with a demon king.
"Prideful, you say..."
Pride lowered his head, stroking his chin with newfound curiosity as he studied Burren.
"He is certainly not your average mortal."
The demon king’s eyes narrowed, his crimson pupils sharpening into points like blades pulled from a forge.
"Tenacity, resentment, a sense of inadequacy, a thirst for competition, avarice, and..."
Through his piercing gaze, Pride began to list the cocktail of emotions churning within Burren.
"Even a remarkably profound sense of devotion."
He gave a nod, finally sensing the deep-seated loyalty Burren harbored toward Raon.
"As you claimed, he is intriguing stock. His mental fortitude is particularly impressive; it’s clear he has weathered many storms. Nevertheless..."
Pride extended his massive hand toward the two men.
"I do not feel the specific brand of pride that commands this king’s attention."
He shook his head, suggesting that while Burren had the potential for greatness, he didn't fit the mold of pride.
"This king does not bow to intimidation. If this mortal truly possessed pride as you describe, I might deliberate, but I have no desire to waste effort sowing seeds in a wasteland."
Pride remained firm, indicating that even the threat of the Death Sword Spirit wouldn't force him to act against his nature.
"Even with <Wrath> backing you, my answer is no."
He folded his arms across his chest, making it clear he had no intention of bestowing his Authority upon Burren.
"The duel to the death with this woman was my own choice. This current matter is entirely separate from him."
Raon shook his head, clarifying that Wrath had no influence over this proposal.
"Don't just skim the surface; look deeper. This man was originally more arrogant than anyone I've known."
Burren was someone who had practically worn the word 'pride' as a badge of honor since the day they met.
After being humbled by Raon, he had shoved that arrogance into the depths of his soul, tempering it into competitive drive and loyalty, but that core essence could never be truly erased.
"Looking again won't change—hm?"
Pride cut himself off with a scoff, waving a hand dismissively before pausing.
"One moment."
He peered down into Burren’s shaking eyes and made a clicking sound with his tongue.
"Your assessment was accurate!"
Pride let out a sudden shout of realization, rubbing his jaw with a refreshed expression.
"The stubbornness, the envy, the inferiority, the rivalry, the greed, and even that devotion to you that I sensed..."
His lips curled into a wide, entertained grin.
"Every bit of it grows from a root of pride! To think a man born with such arrogance could transform his spirit in this way—truly remarkable!"
Pride let out a booming laugh, genuinely impressed by the evolution of Burren's character.
"The very fact that he hasn't collapsed yet is fueled by the prideful refusal to be defeated."
He rubbed his palms together, pleased that Burren had maintained his dignity in his presence.
"The soil where his pride first grew has turned to dust, but it isn't impossible to make it bloom again. It will be quite a spectacle to see how this one evolves."
For the first time, Pride cast a look of genuine approval toward Burren.
"Fine. I shall take you up on your offer."
With a low, rumbling chuckle, he snapped his fingers.
Whoosh!
A burst of flame ignited from Pride’s hand, lashing out toward Burren and coiling tightly around his wrist like a shackle.
"Agh!"
Burren’s entire frame convulsed, a guttural groan escaping him as the Authority of Pride forced its way into his system.
"Hold your ground, regardless of the agony. One who claims pride does not wail."
Pride snorted, demanding that the man endure the process without even a gasp of weakness.
"......"
Burren clamped his teeth shut, stung by Pride’s challenge. He suffered through the agonizing sensation of the Authority, which felt as though his very atoms were being pulled apart.
'Whew...'
Raon exhaled a breath of relief as he watched Burren’s trembling form.
'Thank god.'
Burren had held on.
Since Pride’s arrival, Raon had positioned himself in front of Burren specifically to shield him and provide an indirect trial. Because Burren had refused to faint, he had successfully claimed the power of pride. The plan had worked, and Raon’s racing heart finally began to steady.
-Wait... what?
Wrath stared, blinking in disbelief.
-Did you actually orchestrate this entire outcome from the start?
The spirit’s voice wavered with shock.
'I didn't plan every detail. I just hoped it might turn out this way.'
Runaan, Martha, Evelyn, and even Dorian had all acquired a demon king’s power, leaving Burren as the only one without a boost.
Anyone else might have fallen into despair seeing their peers pull ahead, but Burren never wavered. He threw himself into his training with a resolve to keep up, no matter the gap.
Raon had simply believed that someone with that kind of spirit could handle the weight of Pride’s power.
-That is literally planning everything!
Wrath let out a frustrated shriek.
-I’m losing my mind! I actually had a shred of faith in Pride, and he turned out to be a complete pushover!
It was ironic; Wrath had expected more from his rival, only to be left fuming at how easily Pride had been manipulated.
'You're the only one left then.'
Raon gave Wrath’s agitated head a gentle pat before turning his attention back to Burren.
"Haa... haa..."
Burren panted, staring down at the crimson, thorn-like bracelet that was now fused to his skin.
"It suits you."
Pride nodded in approval of the sight.
"However, to truly wake the dormant pride within that trinket, you will need to strive relentlessly. If you continue as you are, you will never see its true power."
He gave a dismissive wave, warning Burren that his lifestyle had to change.
"What are you saying..."
Burren forced his head up to meet Pride’s eyes.
"If you remain soft—yielding to others and putting their needs before your own—that power will stay asleep. You must live as if you are the center of the universe."
Pride flicked his wrist, advising Burren to return to his selfish roots. He clicked his tongue, curious to see if the man would actually change.
"I see..."
Burren processed the demon king's words, biting his lip in contemplation.
"I have granted your request. Are you satisfied?"
Pride shrugged, looking at Raon for confirmation.
"Yes. It’s acceptable."
Raon gave a slight nod, conceding that the deal was fair.
"Ha..."
Pride let out a dry, incredulous laugh.
"You possess more pride than anyone here. Even more than that man."
He made a clicking sound, comparing Raon’s arrogance to that of the Heavenly Demon.
"What do you say? Why not let this king take you under his wing? Leave that fool behind and join me."
Pride reached out a hand, offering Raon a place as a high-ranking follower.
-That... that scoundrel!
Veins throbbed in Wrath’s eyes.
-This human is mine! How dare you try to poach him!
The spirit screamed with possessive fury, unwilling to let his "vessel" go.
-He is destined to follow me and rule the Devildom!
Wrath snorted with indignation, seemingly serious about Raon's future as a demonic monarch.
"I’ll pass."
Raon fought back a grin at Wrath’s reaction and waved the offer away.
"Expected."
Pride didn't seem surprised, merely clicking his tongue once more.
"Now that our business is concluded, she requires care."
He turned away without another word, helping the Death Sword Spirit to her feet.
"Why... why do you care? I was prepared to die here."
The Death Sword Spirit tried to pull away from Pride’s grip, her teeth gritted in frustration.
"No, your time has not come yet."
Pride held her wrist with an unbreakable grip, clearly having further use for her.
"Ugh..."
Realizing she couldn't escape his hold, the Death Sword Spirit could only bite her lip in silent protest.
She stole one last glance at Raon before letting out a heavy, weary sigh.
-Tch.
Wrath clicked his tongue while watching the woman. The irritation didn't seem aimed at Pride, but rather at himself. There was clearly a history between the three of them that remained shrouded in mystery.
"The next time our paths cross, we will be foes."
Pride looked back at Raon while supporting the injured woman. He wore a predatory grin, as if he were looking through Raon to the spirit within.
"I know."
Raon kept his face composed, though he felt a chill at the thought of facing Pride as a true enemy.
"Depart now. There is cleanup to be done on this end."
Pride scowled as he surveyed the ruins of Eden. He clearly had no patience for the remaining wraiths who had stood idly by while the Death Sword Spirit was defeated.
"Go. You still have your own tasks to finish."
With a snap of his fingers, a crimson rift opened beneath Raon and the unconscious members of the Light Wind Palace.
Whooom!
The red portal pulled Raon and his companions in before anyone could even blink.
"Until we meet again. Wrath, and..."
Pride pointed toward Raon as he vanished into the dimensional void.
"Vessel of Wrath. No—human Raon Zieghart."
His lips curled into a knowing smile, acknowledging Raon's identity.
"Pride."
As Raon spoke the name while meeting the demon king's burning gaze, he felt the sudden impact of cold, solid earth against his back.
"Gah!"
He looked around to find himself back at the gate where he had slain the Sphinx to enter Eden. Evelyn was right there.
"Wait... what?"
Evelyn, who had been holding the gate open, stared in shock at Raon and the Light Wind warriors as they tumbled out of thin air.
"How... how did you get back here so fast?"
She tilted her head, completely baffled.
"I had a run-in with the Monarch of Pride."
Raon winced, the memory of Pride’s intense, searing gaze still fresh in his mind.
"Pride? Why on earth would he show up...?"
Evelyn’s jaw dropped in confusion.
"I’ll explain everything as we move. Right now, I need to find the Heavenly Demon."
Raon stood up and brushed the grime from his gear.
"Do you even know where he's gone?"
Burren asked, struggling to sit up and catch his breath.
"Exactly. When he told us to find him, it was a challenge because he’s hiding!"
Martha let out a frustrated huff, lifting her chin defiantly. She scowled, assuming it would take forever to track him down.
"No, I can locate him."
Raon shook his head with absolute certainty, a confident look in his eyes.
"I have a very good idea of where he’s waiting."
