The Devil Does Not Need to Be Defeated

Chapter 544: Holy Shit, He’s Ruthless

“Hum!”

With a tremor in the air, an immense magic power surged from Machi, swirling around the cave like a black fog. Shien felt a sense of oppression and raised an eyebrow. Lid’s eyes narrowed, and it warned, “This Apostle isn’t simple. She’s a magician, and her magic power is comparable to Sophie’s. Be careful.”

Shien heeded Lid’s warning this time. He could also sense a power from Machi rivaling that of the Elven Queen, who was the strongest human magician. Even Aldia had said he barely won against her. If this Apostle was comparable to the Elven Queen, her magic abilities must be extraordinary.

“Such a powerful being, appearing so casually?” The [Original Demon] was truly a deep pool of hidden talent.

As Shien thought this, he released his own magic power.

“Boom!” His magic power erupted like a volcano, shaking the entire cave.

Machi’s eyes flickered beneath her hood.

“He’s really quite strong…” Machi’s expression turned serious.

After being warned by her superior, Machi had investigated the Elven Homeland and discovered Shien’s group. Learning that this recently famous Earl was here, accompanied by the Dragon Demon and the strongest evil god, Machi became wary and investigated Shien carefully.

She discovered that this Earl was hiding his true strength. His own brilliance had been overshadowed by the Demon Lord and the goddess by his side, causing many to underestimate him. Machi, being cautious, discovered that Shien himself was a formidable opponent. After considering all the rumors and making some deductions, Machi concluded that this human, favored by the Demon Race and the Divine Race, and renowned in the human world, was potentially even more dangerous than the Kingdom’s treasure. Coupled with his powerful backing, Machi finally understood why even her superior considered this human a variable. His presence might disrupt her plans.

Therefore, Machi heeded Danas’s advice and paid attention to Melika. She had even contacted Melika. And now, Machi was waiting here for the right opportunity.

Who would have thought that Shien would find this place first, even displaying such power?

(As expected, it’s good to be prepared.)

Machi admired her superior even more. Worthy of being the leader’s son, the smartest of the Grand Apostles. The other two might be stronger, but they were far less intelligent and cunning. As an Apostle, Machi served this Grand Apostle directly. She naturally believed her master was the most capable. Although the leader was ruthless and would abandon even his own son if he was useless, Machi believed that with her master’s abilities, he would eventually inherit the leadership, even complete that plan, and become a being feared by even the Six Demon Lords and the Three Goddesses.

As for Shien…

(Let me see what’s so special about him.)

Machi licked her lips and smiled.

“Descend!”

She unleashed the magic she had been preparing.

Black lightning bolts fell from the sky, striking towards Shien. The lightning was so dense that it heated the air as it passed through, showing that the magic Machi unleashed was on a completely different level from Bedo’s. This was power comparable to the strongest human magician.

However…

“[Bestow: Dispel].” Shien calmly chanted, activating the powerful magic. Mysterious ripples spread from him, washing over the descending black lightning. The thick bolts of black lightning scattered into tiny electric arcs upon contact with the ripples.

“Bestowal Magic?” Machi was stunned again. This Earl knew so many surprising types of magic. He had revived the lost Celestial Magic, and now he was using the seemingly useless Bestowal Magic, displaying such power. How could she not be surprised?

But after thinking about it, Machi understood. “With this much magic power, even Bestowal Magic, considered useless by others, would become powerful in his hands. And with its unparalleled versatility, how could he not learn it?”

Machi, as a skilled magician, instantly understood how troublesome this magic was in Shien’s hands.

Therefore…

“[Multiple Obstruction Field]!”

Machi chanted. It was a strange spell. Shien felt the flow of his magic power become sluggish, making it difficult to use magic efficiently. This was clearly a spell to hinder the enemy’s magic use, just like the previous [Black Curtain] and [Enmity Lightning], all belonging to the Dark Magic system.

Machi herself, however, seemed unaffected and chanted again.

“[Enmity Thunderstorm]!”

The black fog-like magic power surging from Machi increased several times over, gathering above and forming thunderclouds that covered the cave ceiling. Within the thunderclouds, countless thick, black lightning bolts crackled, far more powerful than the previous [Enmity Lightning].

“This is the highest-level Dark Magic, only usable after raising the [Dark Magic] skill to level nine. It’s an upgraded version of [Enmity Lightning].” Machi raised an eyebrow at Shien. “Try this, Earl Buztout.” Saying so, she pointed her staff at Shien.

“Rumble…!” Countless thick, black lightning bolts shot down from the thunderclouds, forming a torrential thunderstorm that enveloped Shien.

“…!” Lid, who had been calmly watching from Shien’s head, stood up, unable to ignore this. Even in her current form, this thunderstorm posed a threat. A menacing glint flashed in Lid’s eyes, and a terrifying aura emanated from her, making even the cave tremble slightly, and Machi’s pupils constricted, a flicker of fear in her eyes.

But before Lid could unleash her power, a hand reached out and grabbed her.

“Get lost.” Shien picked up the fluffy little beast and, before it could react, threw it away without hesitation.

“Thud!” Lid crashed into the cave wall, stunned.

Even Machi’s heart skipped a beat seeing this. This guy just threw a Demon Lord away like trash?

Holy shit, he’s ruthless.

And this ruthless Shien was now standing under the black thunderstorm, being bombarded by lightning.

“Boom—Boom—Boom—Boom—Boom—” Countless black lightning bolts struck Shien, engulfing him. The ground exploded, sending debris flying. The air crackled with heat. Dust and smoke filled the air, but the lightning continued to strike, seemingly trying to obliterate Shien.

“Heh.” Machi smiled, thinking victory was within her grasp. This was her signature move, not only incredibly destructive, but each lightning bolt also carried a deadly curse. Even a dragon, the King of Monsters, couldn’t survive a direct hit. The best way to counter this was to use powerful defensive magic like the Elven Corps, completely blocking the lightning. Otherwise, even if one could withstand the attack, the curse within would kill them instantly.

“What a pity, Earl Buztout. I was actually quite interested in you.” Machi muttered to herself. “Unlike those pretentious elves, I easily fall in love, especially with strong, young men. You being recognized by that person is more than enough to make my heart flutter.”

Unfortunately…

“The more I like a man, the more I want to kill him with my own hands. That way, I can experience both sadness and pleasure simultaneously, right? Now, I’m both sad and happy. Thank you for the pleasure, powerful Earl Buztout.”

Machi chuckled, a dark malice flickering in her eyes.