The Devil Does Not Need to Be Defeated

Chapter 543: “I Won’t Let You Get Away With This.”

The dark passage fell silent. The bodies of the three giant Demonized Beings lay in pools of blood.

But from the darkness, another massive figure emerged. It crouched over the corpses and began to feed, devouring the flesh and magic power of the Demonized Beings. This didn’t last long. Soon, only blood remained on the ground. The figure turned and left, a terrifying aura briefly flashing around it.

“Swish!” With a whoosh, Shien appeared as if out of thin air.

“Gone?” He frowned, looking around the vast, cavernous space, passages leading in all directions like a beehive. “Trying to escape through a maze?”

Lid, on Shien’s head, spoke. “Be careful. That Apostle deliberately provoked you and led you here. You might fall into a trap if you’re not careful.”

“I know.” Shien said impassively, “But I can’t tolerate this.”

Although impulsive, Shien had to show that he wouldn’t let anyone threaten those close to him.

“But this also reveals your weakness.” Lid sighed. “Knowing you care about those around you, those who want to harm you will target them.”

Shien knew this. “Since I got involved with you, many have realized they can’t defeat me directly. As long as they don’t give up, they will target the people around me.” He couldn’t protect them all the time.

“I have to show enough strength to deter them.” This was Shien’s thought since dealing with the Lucica family in the capital.

“Don’t try to stop me. You can’t.” Shien said calmly.

Lid fell silent, then relaxed. “Since you’ve decided, I won’t stop you. And honestly, I agree with your approach.” If anyone threatened those she cared about, Lid would also be furious. The difference was that she would be more cautious, while Shien acted on impulse. Rationally, Shien’s actions weren’t wise, but who wanted to constantly suppress their emotions? Lid admired, even envied, Shien’s decisiveness. As a Demon Lord, she had to be more cautious and consider the bigger picture. Shien had no such restrictions.

Lid didn’t say anything more.

Shien also didn’t speak. He closed his eyes, focusing, extending the perception of [Outer Awareness of Heaven’s Decree].

He sensed the wind, the flow of air, and the evil magic power of the Demonic Refining Ritual, which hindered his perception and allowed the Apostle to escape.

However, she underestimated Shien’s perception. He found a trace of her familiar yet unsettling aura.

“This way?” Shien opened his eyes and looked towards a passage.

“Swish!” He teleported, vanishing.

…

“Swish!” A sound of something tearing through the air echoed in the silent darkness.

Shien appeared, landing on the ground, and looked around. This was another vast cavern, the ceiling high, wind whistling through. There were no other passages, only a clear pool of water.

As Shien appeared, the black-robed female Apostle was running towards the pool.

“Oh dear, you found me.” Machi turned to face Shien, a smile playing on her lips beneath her hood.

“Much faster than I expected. As expected of someone who spends his time with a Demon Lord and an evil god. You’re surprisingly capable. No wonder even that princess of the Kingdom was captivated by you.” Machi winked at Shien seductively. “I’m almost falling for you too, Earl Buztout. Why don’t you consider taking me in? I’ve never been with a man before.”

Her seductive voice reached Shien’s ears, stirring something within him.

But Shien was unmoved. She was using some unknown power to influence him, but it was useless against his [Inner Manifestation of Heaven’s Decree].

“[Flying Star]!” Without a word, Shien unleashed his magic. Countless small meteors appeared, forming a shower that bombarded Machi.

Machi’s seductive voice faltered. “The lost Celestial Magic…!?” She was surprised, but not for long. She produced a staff, and a dark magic power surged from her.

“[Black Curtain]!” Machi raised her staff, and the magic power transformed into a dark curtain that shielded her. The incoming meteors struck the curtain, creating ripples, then vanished.

Shien looked at this familiar magic and narrowed his eyes. “Dark Magic?” It was the same magic used by Bedo of the [Assassination Branch]. And coupled with the mind-influencing power from before, could it be…

“Is that Mental Magic?”

Shien used [Outer Awareness of Heaven’s Decree] to appraise her. To his surprise, this Apostle named Machi had learned three magic skills: [Dark Magic], [Mental Magic], and [Gravity Magic], all at level nine, close to max level. And her level was ninety-eight, the same as Aldia.

“A character like you is just an Apostle in the [Original Demon]?” Shien was surprised.

Hearing this, Machi knew her strength had been seen through. “Being able to see my level, your [Appraisal] skill must be maxed out.” She chuckled, unconcerned. “But I’m indeed just an Apostle. Although I’m not the weakest among the twelve, the three Grand Apostles above me are far more terrifying, possessing either special talents or broken Unique Skills. Level alone can’t compare.”

Machi’s casual, perhaps deliberate, revelation made Lid’s expression darken. The [Original Demon] was too mysterious and secretive. No one knew its members or their strength. Now, Machi had revealed a glimpse of their power, and it was terrifying.

Were all twelve Apostles legendary-level experts like Machi? That would be a huge problem. A thousand years ago, the entire human race struggled to gather thirteen legendary heroes. If the twelve Apostles were all legendary, wouldn’t that mean the [Original Demon] had power comparable to the Thirteen Heroes?

Lid couldn’t help but speak.

“Don’t let her escape, Shien. She’s our chance to learn more about the [Original Demon].” Lid didn’t want to let go of this opportunity.

But before Shien could respond, Machi smiled.

“Then let me experience your strength.” She raised her staff. “[Enmity Lightning]!”

Black magic power filled the air.