Chapter 121 Hero Versus Demon General [Pt 2]

>SPLOOOOSHH<

As my blood splashed out of my body, so did my opponent's.

I could see his face twist in surprise and sheer confusion, seeing that I was able to do what he said was impossible.

"H-how...?"

Before he could complete his statement, my body acclimated to the pain, and my arms were healed.

"Y-you—!" Before Adu could say any more, the two blades that were embedded in his body from behind drive themselves even deeper into his body.

"Gak! This pesky little—"

The Blades were quickly engulfed in purple flames, completely vaporized by the Demon's Magic.

However, already knowing this would happen thanks to [Five Seconds Rule], I was prepared.

Twin slashes swept forth from.the new Godslaying Blades in both my hands, causing dual slanted wound marks on the Mid-Demon.

My determined eyes watched more Demon blood pour out, and before my enemy could kill me in anger, I retreated once more.

"You're becoming quite annoying. You attack and retreat like a fly. Pesky coward." Adu grunted, healing his body again.

Once more, it was as though all my efforts had gone down the drain. Still... I remained focused on my task.

"It's impossible to win, you know? These pathetic attacks will do you no good. Plus, I haven't even gotten started with you."

'NOW!' I charged, ignoring the Demon's taunts as I sped past his [Dark Bullets] and also some [Dark Spikes] he sent in addition.

Many wounded me, causing me to nearly crumple to the ground, but [Freedom Of Expression] kept me going.

He sent blazing purple flames to me, and I found no way to completely evade them.

'ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!' My body was roasted in the immense heat, but I did not die—much to my torture.

I proceeded from the inferno, nearly burned to a crisp, but restored shortly after by the miracle of the [Hero] Title.

"How are you able to endure such—" Before the Demon could complete his sentence, ai was right in front of him once again.

"I'll just shield myself from yo—"

>BZZZTTTZZZZZ<

His Spell was rendered void, another result of my one-time-use Special Runic Stone that I summoned from Inventory at the last minute.

"Raaaahhhhh!!!" I lunged both my blades at the Demon, stabbing through its body with both blades.

"Keuk!" Adu staggered backwards, now completely stunned by the new ability I displayed.

Putting all the power I had into my fist, coupled with all the enhancements I could, I sent it lunging in his direction.

>BOOOOOOMMMM!!!<

My fist connected to Adu's face, sending him crashing to the ground in a magnificent rupture.

"Haaa... Haa..."

My nose bled, and I could feel all the muscles and bones within me ache. I felt like passing out at any given moment, but the work was not yet done.

"Haa... Ha—"

My eyes widened, and I quickly dashed backward.

>SWUIISHHH!!<

Multiple dark spikes rose from where I previously stood, and they would have completely skewered me if I remained there.

Once again, I was saved by [Five Seconds Rule].

"Fine. I'll acknowledge that you're not weak. You held on longer than I expected... and that's because you're so damn persistent." Adu rose to his feet, now cleaning his battered cheek with disdain.

"I'm ashamed that I let you land a hit on me, so I'll have to stop messing around."

The Demon rose in height, and spacial distortions began leaking from his body.

"I'll simply use my Spatial Magic. You won't be able to even reach me."

Purplish black energy spread all around him, and I could tell that he would incessantly keep avoiding any hits by teleporting himself or my weapons from him.

In essence, he won.

However...

"... Not yet."

My eyes kept gazing at him with determination, and I let my power freely run through my fingertips.

This Demon must have thought he was finally going to get rid of me by going all out. He must have had the impression that by raising his power, he could easily get rid of me.

But—

'I expected all of this.'

—He wasn't the only one holding back all this time!

n0(????(e)lbi????.n(et

"I will win... I have to." Sparks of blue energy appeared all over me, and my surroundings started distorting.

"Hm? What are you up to now?" I heard the Demon's voice.

Usually, I would have ignored it... but not this time.

"I am the one who stands above all else. Savior of man and destroyer of hell..."

I could see that he did not understand what I said, but I proceeded regardless.

"... The hopes and dreams of many I carry, and the burden of the world, till I tarry. With this power, I shall remain..."

"What the hell are you saying? A Chant?" Adu's impatience rose, but so did my confidence in what was to come.

"And thus, as I say... come and reign, God Of Infinite Blades!"

>VWUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!<

In a flash, multiple blue distortions appeared, and several Godslaying Blades made their entrance.

Locked onto the ground, levitating in the skies, dancing around me, fluttering and clanging.

A sight of unlimited blades was in the works.

"This reminds me of an anime I once watched..." My voice was calm and smooth as I stared at Adu.

"... The protagonist faces off against an overwhelming foe whose arrogance.knows no bounds. The match is decided, and it's certain who has the absolute victory."

Two flying blades made their way to my hands, and I grasped them tightly.

"But... through sheer determination and unyielding effort, the protagonist emerges victorious."

"What are you trying to say? This is reality. You can't win if you're weaker. That much should be clear to you."

He was right. I found myself agreeing with his words.

Even when I watched that anime, I felt it was unfair for the villain to lose, given just how powerful he was at the time.

Perhaps he was right. Sheer will and efforts weren't enough to make a weak champion emerge victorious.

"But... there's an additional element. A key determinant to his victory." My smile broadened as I stared hard at my opponent.

'The hubris of the strong.'