## Chapter 491 – Killing the Devil
“This Andromalius asks if you destroyed the gate.”
He asked in a remarkably calm tone.
Shit, how am I supposed to answer that?
I never even thought we’d be able to have a conversation in the first place.
Since he seems willing to talk a bit, I was just planning to throw out a few words before fighting, to gather some information.
Could a seriously strong demon really cross over to the real world this easily? And just how strong is that bastard? And what’s his purpose? What does he want? Does he plan to return to hell? Or is he planning something else?
ㅡAmidst the whirlwind of questions, I calculated our chances.
Five paladins and three priests.
And a nun, plus me, Claudie, and Winia.
I don’t know Andromalius’s combat power, but with this combination, we could take down almost any bastard. I trust our party’s combat strength. Since we’ve already decided to fight, there’s no point in being scared.
We can win!
“…Brother Vakerel, what should I answer? Tell the truth? Or just lie?”
I immediately passed the baton to Vakerel. My role was just to open the door for this kind of conversation. The decision is his.
“Hmm… to be having a conversation with a demon… it’s unbelievable.”
“But it’s true. If we’re lucky, we might be able to end this with a conversation.”
“It’s better than fighting… but still.”
After a moment of contemplation, he made a quick decision.
“It doesn’t make sense to have a conversation with a demon. No matter what we do, we won’t be able to avoid a fight. You know that too, brother. There’s no way that demon would just let us go.”
“…”
Well, I thought so too.
“Andromalius! It is we who destroyed the demon gate! Demons will never be able to covet our world!”
Vakerel, with his sword pointed, shouted loudly.
“…I see.”
Andromalius nodded at that answer.
“It is a good thing that you destroyed the gate, making me aware of this situation.”
He nodded and suddenly offered thanks.
What?
Is he saying we did a good job?
“However, this Andromalius’s question has not yet been answered. Why was the gate left unattended here? It should not have happened that this Andromalius’s gate was out of control. Did you do that?”
He relentlessly threw out questions, as if seeking an answer.
I couldn’t tell if he was just curious, or if he had lived in an environment where asking always got you answers. And I couldn’t read his expression with that monstrous face.
“We don’t know that crap! We just tracked the gate because it was emitting an evil aura!”
Vakerel shouted, spitting.
How would we know something that even the guy managing the gate doesn’t know? No matter how much you ask about something you don’t know, you won’t know.
“…That’s strange.”
He muttered again.
“This Andromalius seeks an answer, but you cannot provide one.”
“You can’t tell us what we don’t know, demon!”
Originally, this world is full of things without answers.
“Seeks an answer, but you cannot provide one.”
“What?”
“Seeks an answer, but you cannot provide one. Seeks an answer, but you cannot provide one. Seeks an answer, but you cannot provide one. Seeks an answer, but you cannot provide one. Seeks an answer, but you cannot provide one.”
“…”
Uh.
Oh, shit.
“THIS ANDROMALIUS SEEKS AN ANSWER!!!!!!”
ㅡRumble!
“THE SIN OF DARING TO NOT PROVIDE AN ANSWER!!!!”
Andromalius, who had been muttering the same words in a bizarre repetition, suddenly screamed and roared!
This bastard is out of his mind!
“Shall be paid for with your blood and flesh!!!!”
ㅡZzzzzzzing!!!!!
At the same time as the roar, his six eyeballs blazed fiercely. ㅡFwoosh! As he was doing a ‘hurray’, the guy jumped and landed below the hill.
ㅡThud!
Dust rose from the impact of the landing. All that could be seen inside were the six burning eyeballs.
They’re getting closer.
ㅡHe’s coming.
“Th-th-that crazy bastard! An unimaginable crazy bastard! You goddamn crazy bastard!”
Madness beyond imagination!
As expected, a demon is a demon!
“By paying the price, you will be able to give this Andromalius an answerㅡ!!! Humans!!!”
ㅡThud!
With that shout, Andromalius started running towards us! The ground is shaking. The momentum emanating from the 3-meter giant was comparable to a tank!
“Answers my ass!! You fucking bastard, even your mom couldn’t find the answer after giving birth to you, where did you pick up that batshit crazy way of talking!!!! Brother Vakerel! And paladins! There is no conversation with the demon!”
ㅡKieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!!!!
I, too, shouted, gathering my courage, and took a stance!
“That’s right! Punish the demon!”
“If we have to fight, we’ll just fight! Verde, please give us strength!”
“Death to the evil demon!”
“Holy Protect!!”
The paladins also shouted, bursting with fighting spirit, and cast Holy Protect. ㅡTsupat! At the same time, a sacred barrier was created in front of us.
Holy Protect.
A divine skill that summons a sacred barrier.
The barrier of light, created by the paladins and priests who had already formed a formation, blocked our path. Me, Claudie, and Winia stared at Andromalius from the very back.
“Kroooo!!! Answer to this Andromalius!!! Give me the answer!!! With cu-riosityㅡ!!! My head feels like it’s going to explode!!!!!!!!!!!”
It seemed that Andromalius was planning a physical assault. As he sprinted like that, closing the distance, he crossed his arms.
“Is he planning to collide with his bare body!”
Vakerel shouted, and at the same timeㅡ
ㅡKwaaaang!!!!!
The demon and the barrier collided.
A roar erupted and the barrier shook. “Kruhk!” But the barrier did not break. It perfectly blocked his charge and was still intact.
As expected of the Brass Holy Knights!
“All troops! Deploy the Giant Hunt Formation!”
“Uooooooo!!!”
As Vakerel shouted, the paladins who had been waiting behind the barrier scattered in all directions, surrounding Andromalius.
The priests and nuns immediately retreated behind Vakerel and chanted long-range attack spells. Giant Hunt Formation?
Judging by the quick response and the name of the formation, it seems they had done this kind of training before!
ㅡHwaruruk!
Winia also vaguely joined in and cast a spell.
“Answer to this Andromalius!!! Give me the answer!!! With cu-riosityㅡ!!! My head feels like it’s going to explode!!!!!!!!!!!”
Black hellfire blazed from both hands of Andromalius, who roared again. That also seems to be a kind of enchantment!
“Shutㅡup!”
“Dieㅡ!!”
The four paladins surrounded the demon and leaped.
The combination of blades shining brilliantly with Holy Enchant and armor gleaming in brass felt so valiant and sacred. There were four such paladins. The attacks coming from all directions, east, west, south, and north, would be impossible to block, even for a seriously big demon!
ㅡKwang!
“Keuhuk!”
However, Andromalius skillfully swung his arms, landing a blow on two of the paladins. It was an incredible speed with an incredible reach. The two paladins who were hit by that blow were knocked away.
“Verde!!”
“Judgment!!!!”
But only two were blown away. The demon only had two arms, so he could only deal with two paladins at the same time.
ㅡChwajak!
ㅡChwajak!
“Krereureureuk!!!!”
Thus, the other two paladins slashed at Andromalius’s body. As the blades burning with divinity cut through the demon’s flesh, black darkness spewed out from the cut surface.
They’re dealing damage!
“It doesn’t fallㅡ!!!”
For a moment, Andromalius staggered from the attack, but the two paladins who had been knocked away recovered with self-healing and rushed in like crazy, and once again, a four-on-one battle began.
“Kroooooooo!!!”
Andromalius, who was 3 meters tall, tried to intercept the attackers while screaming, but he couldn’t completely shake off the paladins who had devoted their lives to faith while undergoing inhuman training.
The warriors who could heal themselves were like leeches. They threw their bodies without worrying about their own safety, sacrificing themselves to create opportunities for other comrades to attack.
“Priests, fire!”
On top of that, the priests’ concentrated fire continued, and it was dazzling to watch.
ㅡKwang!
ㅡPuh-wung!
“Kehaaak!!!”
It wasn’t like they had only done this once or twice.
The religious people’s divine-dogpile was linked together and worked wonderfully. The paladins were close-range tank dealers, and the priests were long-range dealers from the rear. It was a teamwork that could never be matched in actual combat unless it was through extreme training.
“Awesome! Brass Holy Knights!”
The sacred strikes constantly inflicted damage on Andromalius’s body.
“Kahaaakㅡ! How dare the servants of God do this to Andromalius!!!”
Every time Andromalius spewed nonsense and screamed, morale and courage soared. We can win. He’s a strong demon, but there are so many strong paladins here too.
As proof, the demon’s body was already almost tattered. Swords and spells, and Winia’s Flame Arrow flew in. No one can withstand these attacks. It’s only natural that even the strongest demon would be fucked up.
“Brothers! It seems like a weaker demon than we thought! Kill him!”
“Uooooooo!!!”
The paladins, with their morale at its peak, shouted and began to beat up Andromalius. The guy, with a height of 3 meters, shifted to a defensive stance and crouched down.
“Avoid it!”
At that time, one of the paladins shouted.
“Kooooooo!!!!”
ㅡPuh-wung!
At the same time, a black explosion occurred around Andromalius.
The four paladins flew into the sky from the shockwave.
This crazy explosion attack!
“Until I get the answer, I won’t stop!!!!!”
The guy who shook off the paladins this time aimed at us and rushed in. A straight-line charge with terrifying power!
“Fuck! That bastard is coming this way!”
It seemed that he was thinking of taking out the priests here first! Compared to the paladins, the priests’ physical abilities were quite lacking. It was an attack that they couldn’t withstand with this level of durability!
“Priests, evade!”
In an instant, Vakerel jumped out.
Is he thinking of blocking it alone!
“Winia! Get out of the way!”
“What about the darkie!”
“Just get out of the way!”
At the same time as the priests and Winia evaded, Vakerel and Andromalius collided. ㅡKwang! A roar erupted. Vakerel used his sword to block the guy’s right-hand attack, but he couldn’t avoid the left-hand attack.
“Keuhuk!”
Nevertheless, Vakerel endured without falling and continued to fight.
I can’t just leave him like that.
The four paladins who were blown away by the explosion were lying scattered over there. Looking at them, the priests who ran out quickly are heading that way. Are they thinking of healing them?
Then I have to block Andromalius with Vakerel here.
ㅡThe paladins are the core of the battle.
If they’re not there, we’ll definitely lose.
We have to hold out until the priests heal them!
“Claudie! I’m going too!”
After notifying her, I also ran towards Vakerel.
ㅡRaising concentration.
This sword energy is something that can never be used in a one-on-one duel. Because my proficiency is a bit lacking right now. But this situation is not a one-on-one duel. We were the majority, and Andromalius’s gaze was not fixed on me.
Then a short casting time is no problem at all!
ㅡPatsutsut!
I completed the sword energy, matching the timing while running.
Claudie will move on her own.
I can tell just by looking. Claudie is stronger than the paladins. The only reason she hasn’t been fighting until now is because the paladins’ and priests’ combined dogpile was so perfect that there was no room to intervene.
“Keuheuk…! Evil demon! The answer you want is not here!”
“Why do you think this Andromalius will not get the answer!”
Vakerel shouted in a voice spitting blood.
He was being unilaterally beaten by Andromalius. He’s blocking the attacks with his sword, but that’s it. The size difference is too big! In the first place, he couldn’t completely suppress him even with four paladins, so of course he would have to get hit if he was alone!
“Bureau Chief Sword Energy!!!”
I aim for the gap where Andromalius’s attention is directed towards Vakerel. I review the battles with the strong enemies I’ve fought so far. While sprinting, I suddenly step on the Heavenly Demon’s Forest Walk to narrow the distance in an instant.
“Dejaaaaaaaaat!!!”
ㅡKwang!
My body is shot out like a cannonball, passing through Andromalius’s body in an instant. ㅡPahk! As if stepping on the brakes, I kick off the ground and spin my body at the same time, aiming for the demon’s hindquarters!
I’m aiming for the back of his knees. If I cut it off, I can break his stance! With that in mind, I shoot out the blade.
ㅡSwaaaaaaek!!!
“Are you aiming for this Andromalius’s back!”
Even in the midst of that, Andromalius tried to react. It’s a natural thing. He was a bastard who was fighting four paladins at the same time. He would be able to see my attack clearly!
“Where are you looking!”
But Vakerel believes in me. Believing in me, he was facing Andromalius head-on.
That was the decisive reason why my attack worked.
ㅡSeogeok!
The blade wrapped in mana cuts through the demon’s hamstrings.
It was an incredibly smooth sensation. Sword energy is the ultimate state that cuts even steel. My power and skill. And the strike loaded with mana unleashed the power of a one-hit kill. In front of Kim Kat’s Bureau Chief Sword Energy, the demon’s tough flesh was just like tofu.
I cut it off.
“Kki!”
ㅡThat sensation traveled up my fingertips and sent shivers down my spine.
“Kieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!!!!”
“Kahaaaaaaaak!!!!!”
My scream and Andromalius’s scream crossed. As soon as I cut off the demon’s hamstrings, I turned off the sword energy to preserve the remaining mana. But this feeling…!
ㅡChwaaaa!!
Black blood gushed out from the deeply cut hamstrings.
ㅡThrill!
“Eeeeee-yodle-lololololololololo!!!!!!!”
Was this the sensation of sword energy!
The brain, wrapped in thrills, feels as if it is being soaked in a pure white flash, and at the same time, it feels as if the mind is flying to a distant place.
This is the ultimate of swordsmanshipㅡ
“ㅡHoly shit!”
If I lose my mind here, I’ll die!
I immediately pull myself together and face reality. I’ve done everything I can at this point. I cut off Andromalius’s hamstrings, and Vakerel screamed.
I immediately kicked off the ground and tried to run away.
“Wow.”
At that very moment, I caught sight of Claudie flying up.
ㅡSrarak.
As the hood was pulled off, her purple hair drooped down.
It was a beautiful sight, but Claudie’s eyes were more murderous than ever. Holding a scimitar in reverse grip, she fell towards Andromalius’s nape as if a meteor was rushing in.
ㅡPuh-wook!
Claudie’s scimitar pierced Andromalius’s nape. It was truly an achievement comparable to Neil Armstrong, who planted the Stars and Stripes on the moon and made a name for himself.
“Good job, Kat.”
ㅡKoo-oong!
The demon’s body, with the scimitar stuck in its nape, collapsed.
“You created an opening.”
Claudie stepped on the back of the fallen guy and performed a final confirmation, slicing and dicing like she was shredding radish. But Vakerel was blown away over there. He must have been hit by the last attack.
“Wow, we fucking won.”
Anyway, did we win?
I also readjusted my sword and went next to Claudie, stabbing the corpse of Andromalius, which was no longer moving, at random, assisting in the final confirmation.
ㅡPook!
ㅡPook!
“Hehehe, you moron! That’s why you should know how to give up your curiosity! What? You can’t find the answer? You can’t save your life, you bastard!”
There’s no need for corpse manners for a bastard like this.
“Hehehe, Kat. You did a really good job.”
“Of course! This is what I’m best at!”
“As expected… you’re the best. I’ll give you more compliments later?”
“Yeah. Let’s start disassembling this bastard first.”
Claudie and I laughed together and defiled his corpse. I’m afraid he’ll suddenly get up… But the corpse isn’t turning into black blood.
That might be proof that he’s still alive.
“Keueuk… Kook-heok!”
As I continued to slash Andromalius’s corpse, Vakerel walked over, spitting blood.
“Brother Vakerel!”
“Kuh-heulk…! I, I’m okay… More than that… you succeeded in defeating the demon! You did a really good job, and thank you!”
“Oh, don’t talk! Sit down and rest quickly! Priests! Brother Vakerel is about to die! Please come quickly!”
I immediately supported him and sat him down nearby.
Soon, Winia and a priest ran over from that side.
ㅡIt was that moment.
Suddenly, Andromalius’s corpse turned into black smoke and began to scatter.
“Claudie!”
Claudie quickly flew away and ran towards me.
ㅡGooo-oh.
The black smoke formed a sphere and flattened out, forming the shape of a gate. This fucking shit! Is there a last-ditch pattern because he’s a demon!
“Mommy! Is this the 2nd boss!”
“Kluk…! Damn it…!”
As I shouted with my sword pointed, a bizarre voice began to be heard from the other side of the gate.
“I have been defeated due to an incomplete incarnation. But this Andromalius will never give up until he gets the answer. You humans, it would be good to find the answer to the question by the day this Andromalius returns.”
“Wh-what…! You fucking bastard! It’s your mom! Ask your mom to tell you!”
As I pointed my finger and rebuked in anger, the voice went silent.
“…”
With those words, the gate scattered. The smoke that came out while scattering also completely disappeared.
All that remained in the place where the gate disappeared was one long and strong-looking arm of Andromalius.
