CHAPTER 41: FINAL STRUGGLE [2]

For those of us who use black magic through the magical energy obtained from the god we worship, she is truly the worst opponent.

’She is even the academy’s chief instructor. That means she must be at least a 6th Circle knight...’

Evil’s potential is proportional to its strength during life.

In other words, we had to deal with a "monster" that possessed overwhelming resistance to black magic, the physical ability and experience of at least a 6th Circle knight, and had become several or even dozens of times more powerful through a Level 3 awakening.

’If only there were one person who knew how to use sex magic...’

At that moment, Eden’s urgent cry was heard.

"... Captain! Coming!"

A whitish sword appeared before my eyes. When I looked closely, I realized it wasn’t a sword or anything like that.

It was a bone.

"Obliteration—"

It was one of the ribs that supported her side. However, the power it radiated was such that it would not lose even to a famous sword.

’Crazy! What kind of speed is that swing!’

A slash so fast it was difficult to follow with the eyes.

I barely managed to cast the defensive black magic, "Dead Man’s Shield."

The sword she swung collided with the shield in my hand.

Jiing!

The shield shattered with a pain that made my bones feel as if they were shaking throughout my body.

The impact was so strong that I was sent flying straight into a tree.

"Cough!"

When I got up and coughed, bright red blood came out.

’Even though I strengthened my entire body, it’s still like this...?’

Experiencing it firsthand, I realized she was far stronger than I had imagined.

But what was even more surprising was that I could still feel pain. My sense of smell and taste hadn’t returned, but the pain was vivid.

’... Should I use the power of Asmodeus after all?’

Using that power was a last resort.

In the first place, using such power in my current state was no different from gambling with my life.

Since I still didn’t trust Eden completely, it was natural that I didn’t want to reveal any information about my powers. Although he nominally acted as an apostle of the same demon god, he was someone who could easily become an enemy if something went wrong.

I didn’t want to show that guy my strongest card.

Even if we managed to defeat that monster using my powers, no one could predict what he might do to me afterward while I was weakened.

’We need to use that guy as much as possible.’

Considering that he had been hiding his power all this time, he should at least be able to protect himself.

Then, Rachel rushed toward me again.

"Captain!"

The one who stopped her was none other than Eden. A pumpkin, which I had never expected, rolled in on a vine.

’Was that guy a magic swordsman...?!’

Even though he handled both magic and swordsmanship at the same time, it didn’t feel awkward at all.

Rather, he used swordsmanship and magic at the perfect moments to cover his weaknesses and maximize his strengths.

It was so flawless and precise that I thought, If the battle of a magic swordsman were to be printed as a textbook, this would be it.

As time passed, the wounds on his body increased, but the fact that he was still able to hold back this monster was proof that he was incredibly talented.

I didn’t miss the opportunity and shouted,

"Eden! Just give me five minutes, five minutes!"

Eden, who had just been cut on his side, spoke without looking back.

"... Pfft! Did you say five minutes? I’m going to die right now!"

"I have a surefire way to defeat her! It just takes time to prepare!"

"Method? Are you sure? Can I really believe that...?"

"Yeah. Trust me, Eden! Just five minutes—five minutes! All you have to do is survive for that long! There’s no other way anyway!"

"... Damn. If I die here, I’ll take revenge even if I have to become a lich."

Lich...? It would be nice if he could become a lich.

Even if he die, he serve me as a my familiar.

"Thanks."

In truth, even though I shouted so confidently, there wasn’t any proper method.

It was just something I said to buy time to think. But in doing so, I killed two birds with one stone, since that guy’s stamina would drop. Maybe something would die in the meantime.

"Captain! How much longer do I have to endure?!"

Hmm...

He might die.

At first glance, it looked like he wouldn’t last long, as his entire body was covered in blood.

The good news was that nothing had been severed.

Then, a thought suddenly occurred to me.

’Wait a second. What if...?’

It was just a hypothesis that came to mind out of nowhere, but it was worth trying.

’They said there wasn’t a formal contract, but they decided to accept me for now. Then...’

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I calmed my irregular breathing and focused my mind. The demonic energy that covered my entire body began to spread in all directions.

Magic is, at its core, the power to turn the irrational into rationality and imagination into reality. The driving force behind it is a fanatical belief that borders on brainwashing.

With strong will, I slowly spoke out loud, one word at a time.

"Answer my call..."

I felt a burning pain on my forehead. The stigmata carved by Asmodeus reacted violently.

It meant the black magic was working properly, but I could feel I was nearing my limit, both physically and mentally.

"Dullahan."

The red six-pointed star drawn on the floor began to glow.

Spurt.

There was silence.

Fog spread everywhere.

The sound of horse hooves gradually drew closer.

Clop. Clop.

The sorrowful wail of a woman echoed in response.

Tak. Tak. Tak. Tak.

Through the swirling fog appeared a jet-black horse snorting heavily—and a headless rider.

A beautiful voice flowed from the mouth of the woman the knight was holding. It was a voice so beautiful it was as if an angel were whispering.

"Ar ghlaoigh tú, a Mháistir?"

.