Acting as a Slit-Eyed Villain Perfectly

Chapter 211

Chapter 211. Teacher and Student (1)

The Trait disappeared.

Despite the unprecedented situation, I kept my eyes fixed on Tenelon.

"What are you doing?"

"Heh, heh heh...!"

Tenelon laughed maniacally, confident he had seized victory.

"Even you, without a demon..."

Annoyance began to bubble within me at his demeanor.

===

⇒ Your emotions have started to rise.

⇒ The Trait, 'Open Eyes', has manifested.

===

"Without a demon, I'll crush you with the Demon God's Chalice's power...!"

Crack──!

"Ugh, ugh!"

To shut Tenelon's babbling mouth, I twisted the Moonstone Sword embedded in his stomach, causing the manic smile on his lips to turn into agony.

"Why, why!?"

"It's not because of the demon that I'm immune to the Demon God's Chalice."

It's the opposite.

"My body, being minimally influenced by demonic energy, is why I could nurture a demon."

Swoosh──!

I pulled the sword out from Tenelon, sending a trail of red blood arc beautifully through the air.

"Ugh, ugh..."

Struggling to breathe due to the gaping hole in his stomach, Tenelon gasped desperately for air, his ghastly face contorted with the pooling blood.

"How revolting."

Expressing a simple sentiment, I beheaded Tenelon, silencing the annoying sound of his gasping breath once and for all.

The guilt of killing him was far lighter compared to when I killed others.

Even when I had to kill someone undergoing 'demonization' there was more guilt.

Was it because my emotions were heightened?

Or because of the terrible things he did?

'Angelica!'

Leaving Tenelon's surprisingly futile end behind, I turned my attention to the Demon God's Chalice that had absorbed 'Angelica'.

'It's strong.'

What caught my eye was the overpowering demonic energy the Demon God's Chalice began to radiate more intensely.

The Demon God's Chalice, exuding an eerie aura as if crafted from the 'vestiges of a demon god's thoughts,' shone with an unusually intense light.

'... Is it because Tenelon is dead?'

I looked back at Tenelon's corpse.

The demonic energy surged from his dead body, all accumulating within the Demon God's Chalice.

The ability to absorb demons and demonic energy present in the capital. It was fully operational.

"Angelica."

I spoke, looking at the Demon God's Chalice.

The ominous shadow with its creepy, blinking eyes was gone.

In the Trait window too, the name 'Angelica' had disappeared.

"Angelica!"

My throat felt strangely sore.

It seemed more agitated than when I previously called out a dying orchid's name.

Reacting to my heightened emotions, the Demon God's Chalice began to emit a strong light.

Soon, the residual thoughts began overflowing from it, simultaneously shaping the outpouring demonic energy into living forms.

"Tsk."

Beast-shaped demons.

Human-like demons.

All kinds of demons emerged from the Demon God's Chalice.

'Is it starting to rampage?'

No, it's not a rampage. This is the essence of the Demon God's Chalice.

A relic that absorbs residual thoughts existing in the world and forges 'demons' out of them. It's called the Demon God's Chalice with the intent to slaughter humans.

"Tsk."

With a sigh, I resolved to flee from this place.

As I lived on as Yulian, ensuring the safety of my body and mind was most important.

"Hah...."

It's okay to run away.

Had it been my usual self, running would have been the right choice.

Regardless of whether the Demon God's Chalice rampaged or not, without a means to stop the current situation, retreat was wise.

'However, the Bell of the Silent Night was placed inside Angelica.'

Weak demons should blend into the Demon God's Chalice, becoming part of the mud-like residual thoughts streaming out. Yet, I could sense the Bell of the Silent Night placed inside Angelica's body.

"Damn it."

A thread of hope kept me tethered to this detestable spot, preventing my departure.

Cursing under my breath, I stared at the demons emerging from the Demon God's Chalice.

Tenelon was dealt with, a chance to sever my ties with the Dawn Society had appeared.

"Forming an attachment to demons was a mistake."

***

Accompanied by Sword Saint Hayden's guidance, Rinne reached the Genmel Monastery.

As she stepped through the entrance, a piercing demonic energy pricked her skin, forewarning Rinne of the sinister happenings in this place.

"Rinne, thank you."

Despite the turbulent demonic energy making her shrink, Hayden lightly patted her shoulder, unfazed.

"Are you heading in?"

Rinne knew her teacher's destination was this demonically tainted monastery.

Without a word, Hayden began advancing into the monastery. Nearby, the sounds of battle with demon's demonic energy echoed.

"It's Zahard."

Despite not seeing it, Hayden seemed to know exactly what the sound was.

"It seems Yulian arrived first."

"Yes."

"Go and help him."

The question of 'what about you?' never actually left his mouth.

Still, an overwhelming urge to stop Hayden from entering the monastery tugged at her heart.

Because it felt like the last time she'd ever see his back retreating.

His movements appeared precarious, like a flickering candle about to go out.

"Thank you for everything, teacher."

Instead of stopping Hayden, Rinne decided to bid farewell.

Watching her, Hayden smiled gently.

With that smile as the last, Hayden entered the monastery. Rinne, too, moved towards the source of the commotion.

***

― Grrrrk...!"

This is maddening, truly!

While battling demons and attempting to approach the Demon God's Chalice, the relic continued to overflow with new demons, showing no sign of stopping.

"Really, what a bother!"

It's not that I don't understand the reason.

The Demon God's Chalice absorbs residual thoughts.

Every time I kill a demon, the ground is infused with residual thoughts, which are reabsorbed by the chalice to create new demons.

Literally, endless power.

"Eureka doesn't even compare!"

I plunged the Moonstone Sword into the gaping mouth of a wolf demon, using it to slice its head from its neck.

But right behind me loomed a human-like demon.

Seriously, they show no mercy!

Barely righting my stance, the demon's attack was already upon me, forcing me to dodge by spinning.

"Hup!"

Crack──!

Utilizing centrifugal force, I snapped the neck of the human-like demon.

Two in a row.

Thinking I might edge closer to the Demon God's Chalice, I moved forward, yet the distance seemed unchanged.

'What a bother.'

Regret overpowered me.

I should have considered that 'Angelica', being a demon, would be affected by the Demon God's Chalice.

'I shouldn't have used Eclipse.'

But regrets had come too late.

I must somehow break through the waves of demons and reach the Demon God's Chalice.

'But what then?'

Can I even extract just 'Angelica' out of it? Could that even be possible?

"Relying solely on strength still, I see."

As I continued challenging the purpose of my actions, a voice called out from the entrance.

I could already tell who it was without even turning to look.

"Have I not told you that skill combined with strength is what perfects things?"

"I've long forgotten your teachings."

"Bitter words flowing endlessly from you."

While I was momentarily distracted by the demons, Hayden approached the Demon God's Chalice.

How could he approach it without drawing the demons' attention?

But the question lingered only momentarily as Hayden extended his hand toward the Demon God's Chalice.

When Hayden grasped the chalice, the demons around began dissolving like the residual thoughts, turning into mud and disappearing.

"It's the Sword-Body Unity technique."

The reason the demons hadn't noticed Hayden, it was likely due to his Unique Aura, the "Sword-Body Unity."

Transforming one's body into an equivalent state as a sword.

In essence, turning into an inanimate object, a state that allows one to absorb more aura from the atmosphere.

To the newborn demons, his body felt like air, they couldn't even perceive him.

"The pinnacle of defying fate."

"The fruit of one's accumulated efforts."

"I never expected to hear words like those from your mouth. Hmm?"

Suddenly, something shot out from the Demon God's Chalice.

A black shadowy something.

The moment I realized it was 'Angelica', the creature clung to my leg.

Slurp.

Angelica, with its many eyes blinking, sunk back into my shadow as usual.

===

⇒ You have acquired the Trait, 'Angelica'.

===

As the UI notification appeared, I sighed in relief inwardly.

"Is that the demon you've been raising?"

"Yes, unlike someone who blindly absorbs demonic energy, I've chosen the path of coexistence."

"Haha, it feels like those words are directed at me."

The content between teacher and student remained dry.

Meanwhile, the previously quiescent Demon God's Chalice began to stir again.

'Is it planning to create more demons?'

Before my anxiety could manifest, Hayden grasped the edge of the Demon God's Chalice with both hands.

Then, a faint light emanated from his hands, drawing the surrounding residual thoughts into his body.

Even the relic, the Demon God's Chalice.

'... I knew it.'

Drip.

Hayden turned to meet my gaze.

A line of blood trailed down from the corner of his lips.

"Is Tenelon dead?"

Nodding toward Tenelon's body, I silently answered Hayden's bloody inquiry.

"A rather empty end for such a bitter enemy. I'd hoped to kill him with my own hands."

Hayden's usually impassive voice carried an uncharacteristic trace of emotion.

"What do you intend to do with the Demon God's Chalice?"

Rather than responding, Hayden unsheathed his sword.

"In the past, I taught you something."

Though I hadn't actually heard it, Yulian's instincts whispered it as if it was mine.

"All things are impermanent, and those who walk the path of the sword must answer questions with martial prowess."

Like Hayden, I unsheathed my sword.

Haaa.

Exhaling silently, I focused my gaze on Hayden.

"Shall we have a match?"

Clacky's Corner:

The trivial end of Tenelon and the long awaited fight is here.