novelraw Chapter 138 : Perfect Durante (2)
Chapter 138 : Perfect Durante (2)
Perfect Durante (2)
The demonification was complete, but the battle did not immediately continue.
In the frozen moment, a message appeared in front of Gyeongbok.
[Through 'Demonification', you can use the demon's power for a certain period of time. Use it at the right moment to claim victory!]
[Demon's Power]
[1. 'Bullet Time' – Time around you slows down.]
[2. 'Demon Eye' – Discover your opponent's weakness.]
[3. 'Demon Gear' – Your weapon is enhanced by 'demonification'.]
[Tip〉 Each demon power can be activated by recalling its respective 'keyword'.]
[Tip〉 The more you use the demon's power, the shorter the duration of demonification. Use your abilities strategically!]
Gyeongbok read the message and immediately understood.
'So it's like casting sorcery in Elden Soul, using keywords.'
When he had played Elden Soul, he would cast spells by reciting the incantation in his mind. This was clearly a similar system.
"I can't not try out the powers, right? I'll test them one by one."
As this was a tutorial boss, simply winning was not difficult. But he decided to show off the abilities for the viewers, and the advertisers as well.
― Oh lol let's see, what's different between the capsule version and the console one?
― Honestly, if it's Godple, he'd crush it even without demonification lol
― Right lol but since it's homework, he should show us
― Our Godple does everything he wants!
The viewers' thoughts were similar. After all, it was natural given everything he'd shown so far.
"I'll start with Bullet Time."
Gyeongbok said that and closed the message. Returning to the game, the Gargoyle let out a menacing roar and charged.
With a thunderous boom, cracks appeared in the asphalt. The Gargoyle narrowed the distance in an instant.
'Bullet Time.'
Gyeongbok recited the keyword in his mind. Instantly, the whole situation changed.
― Ooooooo!
― Lol look at that slow motion
― The Gargoyle was so fast, now it's like he's in Elden fan mode lol
― Now I feel at ease all of a sudden lol
Time flowed more slowly.
The speed of the approaching Gargoyle, and even the debris flying up behind it, were scattering in slow motion.
As for Gyeongbok, the player—
"Oh, I feel a bit slower too?"
He slowed down as well.
But he was still faster than everything around him. It gave him a relative speed advantage.
"It feels like walking underwater. I guess you can't move at normal speed, because it'd break the balance."
When he shared his thoughts, the viewers got it immediately.
― Oh lol got it right away
― I mean, if you could move at your normal speed, the game would be too easy lol
-???: If it's easy, it isn't fun
― Actually true, but having Godple say it feels like trolling lol
But not everyone was pleased with the situation.
― But this feels a bit lame?
― Yeah lol where did the flashy style go
― No, dude; it just looks fast to the Gargoyle
― To us, it just looks super slow, so what's the point!
― This probably needs tweaking?
The flashy action was the core, but it wasn't matching up with the player experience—a valid criticism.
At the very moment other viewers were about to start agreeing—
"No, this is a function that lets the player directly control the pacing."
Question marks flooded the chat at Gyeongbok's words.
He smiled.
"The best explanation is always to show you directly."
As always, the best explanation was demonstration.
Gyeongbok deactivated Bullet Time. Time sped up rapidly, and the Gargoyle darted at him in an instant.
― What the heck are you doing
― No, dude; use your blinker!
― Hyung?!
― Ugh! No, don't!
Surprised, the viewers hadn't even finished typing before Gyeongbok, staring down the incoming attack, reactivated Bullet Time.
"You can just pause for a moment like this."
He made a casual remark and-nimbly evaded the attack, circling to the Gargoyle's flank.
Then, with a spinning kick, he deactivated the power again.
With a loud crash, the Gargoyle went flying and tumbled across the ground.
"See, once you release it, you regain the sense of speed."
He adjusted his stance as he finished his explanation.
― Wow lol that's it lol
― Dang! That's the action I wanted!
― Such a perfect example lol
― Ah, this is what you call 'Perfect-Time.'
― The pacing control is insane lol
― But wouldn't you need reflexes like Godple to pull that off?
― Oh lol don't you know how tutorials work?
-???: This is a staged image.
― Still, everyone can do it in their own way lol
The response turned positive after Gyeongbok's demonstration. Satisfied, he moved on.
"Alright, I'll test the next power."
The Gargoyle, which had been knocked down, got up with a twisted expression.
"You half-breed...!"
With a menacing roar, it fired black spikes. Gyeongbok activated both Bullet Time and Demon Eye at the same time.
Amidst the spikes, he saw a red glowing crack on the Gargoyle's torso.
― Oh?
― Guess that's the weak spot lol
― The weak spot indicator looks cool, right?
― Intuitiveness is the best, that's what I'm talking about.
While the viewers were pleased, Gyeongbok moved. Not only did he dodge the flying spikes, he even grabbed one.
With a sharp twist of his waist, he reversed time.
"I'll make it so you can neither live nor die— Gah!"
The Gargoyle, who had been bellowing confidently, dropped to its knees with a scream. The spike Gyeongbok threw had struck its weak point.
― Spike reversal, what was that?
― Wow, dude, the creativity is insane
― Crazy lol, so this works too
-???: Please be quiet!
― Gargoyle shut its mouth as soon as it got hit, right?
― Can't move after a weak spot hit lol
― That's what being groggy means in this system
― So even if your physical prowess is lacking, you can still look stylish?
― Is this a test build? Could launch right away
― Demon Gear! Show us Demon Gear too!
Cheered by the viewers, Gyeongbok prepared to show the final power.
"Of course."
He answered brightly and reached behind him. Thanks to his half-human, half-demon protagonist status, wielding the greatsword in one or two hands was effortless.
But he didn't activate any power yet.
"I need a baseline, so I'll use it normally first."
― Now that I think about it, he's been messing with the Gargoyle weaponless lol
― It was so natural with Godple......
― Right lol, didn't seem out of place at all
― Honestly, godple could win barehanded too lol
Reading the chat, Gyeongbok smiled faintly. He waited for the Gargoyle to recover.
"I'll tear you apart!"
The enraged Gargoyle rushed at him.
Gyeongbok calmly blocked the incoming attacks with his sword, his face turning serious.
"Is it because this is a tutorial? The attacks are a bit simple."
Laughter filled the chat at his assessment.
― No, hyung! Wasn't this supposed to be homework!
― He says what needs to be said! Purka Cola!
― But this is only based on Godple standards lol
― For regular Elden fans, even blocking is hard
― Of course, it's the only sword user in Elden
Gyeongbok shook his head, bewildered. Even as the blade swung down, he looked completely composed.
"No, really, it's easy. They're just swinging wildly, so if you try it yourself it would be simple to block."
He genuinely thought so.
There was no need for swordsmanship—just blocking the incoming blades was enough.
'Ah, I should show off the power.'
Remembering his objective, he launched a counterattack. In a single exchange, the Gargoyle couldn't withstand the recoil and raised both arms.
Gyeongbok didn't miss the chance.
"Gaaah!"
With a scream and a wet thud, one arm dropped to the ground.
-?
― What? What just happened?
― Ah lol, that's the unique sword class
― Instant deletion lol
― Bullet Time is probably necessary for regular Troopers lol
― Yeah lol, he's seriously fast
The pleased viewers soon noticed something odd. Gyeongbok looked at the severed arm with a slightly regretful expression.
"Hmm, I didn't mean to cut it off."
Question marks shot up in chat.
Gyeongbok snickered. Out of habit, he'd struck at the optimal spot.
He cleared his throat, refocused, and gripped his sword. Then, he brought it down on the thickest part of the fallen arm.
"See, without powers, it only goes in about halfway."
Unlike earlier, the blade only sank in about halfway.
― Lol what even is this!
― This is honestly on the clumsy Troopers
― Yeah lol, his skill is so overwhelming, balancing downwards is too hard
― At this point, you gotta feel sorry for the Gargoyle lol
― The Gargoyle must see Godple as some kind of psychopath lol
-???: He cut my arm off, and now he's trying to chop it up more!?
― At this level, even demons would report him to the underworld police
― Underworld police, what is that lol
Viewers seized the opportunity to poke fun at Gyeongbok. He grabbed his sword with an awkward laugh.
"Ahem, now let's try the last power."
He shifted his gaze.
The Gargoyle grabbed its severed stump, eyes wide with rage.
"Screeee!"
At this point, all that remained was fury. Enraged, the Gargoyle fired a spray of spikes.
But Gyeongbok walked toward it at his leisure.
― Oh lol, doesn't learn, huh
― One Bullet Time and he'll break through, right?
― It really is easy since it's a tutorial
The viewers had no worries at all. But even as the gap narrowed, time wasn't slowing.
Before their concerns could make it to the chat, his sword moved.
A series of metallic clangs rang out as the spikes shattered and tumbled to the floor.
"What the...!?"
The Gargoyle's eyes widened for a different reason.
-?
― He just sliced them all up
― Wow lol, reminds you this is a homework stream
― Seriously lol, godple doesn't even need Bullet Time
― Take note, devs! Be grateful!
― Even demons are shocked by Godple's skills!
-???: So, who's the demon now?
As viewers expressed satisfaction, Gyeongbok activated Demon Gear. The gauntlet section of his armor spread, enveloping the sword.
With metal matching the armor and a red outline in the center, the greatsword became like part of his armory itself.
"Alright, I'll cut now."
With those words, Gyeongbok sprang forward, the boost from demonification giving him incredible speed.
Normally you'd need time to adapt to such a change.
"Gaaah...!"
But Gyeongbok was already beyond 'normal'.
A flash of red, and the Gargoyle's remaining arm flew into the air.
-?
― Instant—wow
― Fake stylish: everything's a flashy mess / Real stylish: finished clean in one blow
― Yeah lol, this is the real deal!
― Godple is style itself...!
Once they understood what had happened, viewers burst out with amazement. Gyeongbok calmly turned away.
"Mm, it definitely cuts much more smoothly. See? I aimed for the spot I hit earlier."
The difference between before and after enhancement was clear. He'd specifically struck the thick part this time, but felt no resistance.
But what viewers fixated on was something else.
― Wow lol, how can he be that precise?
― Looks like he just mirrored the move left to right
― At this rate, does Godple even need demonification?
― Yeah lol, a master never blames his tools!
― That's why he's the craftsman king.
Pinpoint swordsmanship aimed at the same spot, reflex speed sufficient without Bullet Time, overwhelming skill that didn't need Demon Eye.
The consensus in the chat was that he didn't need demon's powers at all.
"Urgh... cough..."
Just as Gyeongbok was about to respond, a groan came. Turning, he saw the Gargoyle's condition had changed.
"Looks like the boss has powers too, huh?"
Its gray skin turned crystalline like metal, the severed stumps squirmed, and its cells began to regenerate.
― Yeah, that's right
― It uses petrification because it's a Gargoyle lol
― On the console, it just got defense and regen; looks the same here
― Back then it was just rock textures; looks much cooler now lol
The old veteran viewers gave instant explanations. As soon as Gyeongbok read the chat, he drew his pistol.
One gunshot, and the Gargoyle's petrification was canceled as it fell to its knees.
― Eh?
― Wait, did he just remember the weak spot and shoot it?
― He only saw it once but memorized it?
― Dang lol, that's so cool
― Demon fans know patterning, but not like Godple
― No, come on, use the powers already!
― Oh lol, if you already know, why bother
The viewers were having a blast.
Gyeongbok smiled faintly.
"If you put the boss in a groggy state, its power is canceled. I wondered if it would work, and it does. They really thought the system out."
― Oh lol, even if it didn't work, godple would make it work
― Godple feedback is gospel
― Ad sponsors, you're listening, right?^^
― If you want those Purple Coins, don't miss a word!
― Now let's wrap it up cleanly
No one doubted Gyeongbok would now finish the Gargoyle.
"No, I'll wait a moment."
After a pause, he decided to let the Gargoyle recover.
As question marks flooded in, he explained.
"They wouldn't put a regenerating boss in the tutorial for no reason. This is probably to help people get used to boss fights and demonification."
Normally, most players would just move on, but this broadcast was also for introducing the game to viewers.
"You'll have practice on your own, so I'll check out more of the boss's patterns here."
― Sweet Godple, what is this!
― He only thinks of his viewers!
― Godple taking time for Troopers? Can't miss this lol
― We'll sit up straight and watch
― Dang lol, how could his grades not be good with such diligent homework
― We're getting Godple's expensive lectures for free?
-???: Free course? I paid full price!
― Lol NewtonLord must be so salty
His viewers gladly accepted the decision.
There was another reason, though unspoken.
'If I finish it too one-sidedly, the devs' efforts go to waste.'
World's first exclusive broadcast.
Some viewers would surely be watching on relay channels, not just the main stream.
It was better to showcase everything.
* * *
Gyeongbok calmly looked down at the collapsed Gargoyle. Limbless, its torso heaved for breath.
Yet it once again used its petrification ability for survival.
"See, as you can tell, the conditions for the Gargoyle's ability to activate seem to be when it's hard to attack. It triggers after both arms are cut, and even if just one leg is severed."
More lecture time was granted.
Gyeongbok calmly reviewed the experiments so far.
"The regeneration speed also changes depending on the damage taken. See, it's slower now? The more severe the damage, the slower the recovery seems."
― Didn't expect he'd analyze the patterns this thoroughly, wow
― Already the fifth regeneration lol
― Am I the only one feeling sorry for the Gargoyle now?
-???: Can you just let me die, please?
― Demonification ended, but why does he still look like a demon?
― Oh lol, so demonification was just for looks!
― As expected of the Black Company head! Even demons get ground up!
Just as the chat said, Gyeongbok's demonification had already ended. But even in human form, he continued the analysis smoothly.
'Well, it's not completely off the mark.'
Having checked chat, he agreed in part. In fact, the 'demonification' system itself felt unnecessary.
'Because I've already experienced it.'
The feeling of time slowing (Bullet Time) or perceiving weaknesses (Demon Eye) were sensations he was already familiar with from divine energy and intuition.
Compared to the divine energy that grew stronger with focus, these two abilities were lackluster.
Only Demon Gear, which enhanced his weapon, had some merit.
'But they don't seem to force demonification.'
Without enhancements, his physical prowess and swordsmanship alone were enough to defeat his opponents.
But he couldn't reveal that. It was a sponsored stream with ads, and, of course, he couldn't disparage the system.
"Hm hm, I think that's everything I needed to show you."
He'd demonstrated the Gargoyle's melee attack patterns, the directions and number of spikes at various ranges, and even maneuvers for aerial combat.
― You're finally letting our Gargoyle go?
― Gargoyle getting emotional lol
― I've grown fond of the Gargoyle now
― Honestly, it's kind of pitiful
-???: Now, I can finally rest...
― R. I. P, gargoyle ㅠㅠㅠ
The viewers replied playfully. Gyeongbok smiled faintly and thrust his blade precisely into the Gargoyle's weak spot.
With that, victory was granted, and a cutscene kicked in.
"Ugly, but he'll fetch a price."
Durante cut off the Gargoyle's head and caught it like a soccer ball. Then, turning, he faced the Hellgate.
Unlike earlier, his expression was tense. In silence, he plunged his greatsword into the flaming sphere.
Like a balloon losing air, the Hellgate shrank. With it, the corrupted zone receded, revealing the once-desolate overpass.
As Durante turned to leave—
"The latecomers have arrived."
With that line, a distant motor sound came from above, followed by several people dropping in front of him.
― Huh?
― Who are they?
― That must be the Divine Agency he mentioned earlier lol
― Yep lol, looking at their uniforms, it's 100%
― Yeah, they're Holy Knights lol
The viewers quickly deduced their identities.
Clad in white uniforms with weapons, they were Holy Knights of the Divine Agency.
They regarded him sternly.
"You must find it tough to keep clothes that white clean, eh?"
"The Hellgate?"
"Did you get Botox or something? Your face looks stiff."
"Cut the nonsense."
Durante snorted and waved them off.
"No need for thanks. I like money more than words."
He tried to walk past the Holy Knights—but they blocked him.
"These guys have terrible attitudes, don't they?"
― Yeah lol, why are these guys so cold?
― How can they act like they're in charge when they're late?
― Their unlikeability is stacking up fast!
― They're openly showing what an awful organization they are lol
Gyeongbok and the viewers noticed the hostility in an instant.
"Didn't anyone teach you gratitude?"
"Our duty is to control and eliminate demons."
The Holy Knights laid their hands on their weapons.
"That obligation applies to half-demons too."
But rather than backing off, durante closed the distance, coming up face-to-face with the Holy Knight at the front.
"Let me tell you what my obligation is."
Watching the flinching Holy Knight, he continued.
"Never retreat until I'm dead. And as for me..."
Durante gripped his sword and whispered, "I don't die."
With that his lips twisted into a smirk.
― Kuah! Never backing down, that's what I'm talking about
― Such a badass, right?
― Lol, I'd be scared, but Godple doesn't faze at all
― You wanna taste these physical prowess moves?
― Lol, time to wipe out the cult
― You guys watching, devs? Prepare a cult genocide route!
― And his voice is so cool
― Yeah lol, it's like ASMR
― Is this what they call homme fatale?
The tension was thick, a single move might spark a battle.
But Gyeongbok wasn't worried at all.
'Are they allies?'
He sensed a gentle presence entering his detection range. And just then, someone else landed from the sky.
"All units, disarm."
"But...!"
"Disobedience will not be tolerated."
A clear voice came from behind the Holy Knights. They grimaced but followed the order.
Soon, the knights stepped aside as the voice's owner emerged.
Hair silver down to her waist, a slim face with striking features—her delicate face set off by sharp yet gentle eyes.
She was pristine.
With every step, her very manner exuded an unmatched aura.
― Wow......
― Noonaaaaa!
― Don't know her name or age, but she's Nuna! She's definitely Nuna!
― She's gotta be the heroine, right? Right?
― Lol, if this isn't the heroine, who is?
― Yeah lol, her hair's like Durante's; can't be coincidence
The chat was full of admiration.
Gyeongbok smiled inwardly, finding himself partly in agreement.
'With this vibe, she's definitely an ally.'
Unlike the other Holy Knights, brimming with hostility, this character felt completely different.
And sure enough, his guess was about to prove right.
"Please forgive their rudeness, durante. It's an honor to meet you."
"Honor?"
"Yes, you're famous as the immortal demon hunter."
She nodded and placed her hand over her heart, polite and dignified.
"Sorry for the late introduction. I am..."
"You must be Beatrice."
Durante cut her off, and her eyes widened in surprise.
"I hear things too, you know. The Divine Agency's Saint is especially famous."
"I'm flattered."
Beatrice offered a gentle smile.
The chat went wild.
― There wasn't a Saint in the console version, was there?
― Must be a reboot?
― If they're introducing new characters, it's gotta be a reboot lol
― I noticed from the new demonification design lol
But those veteran analyses were soon drowned by the chat flood.
― Beatrice Noonaaaaa
― Lol, from now on, I'm part of the Saint Squad
― Say what you like, the devs really nail characters!
― Beatrice alone is reason to buy the game
― Sorry, honeydra! Sorry, honeydra! Sorry, honeydra!
― Lol, honeydra's with John now!
― Yeah lol, just release Bark 2 already!
― Why dump Honeydra? Just put both as top faves
― Our Demon fans don't know what "only favorite" even means?
― I checked the relay channel, and foreign fans are losing it too lol
Just her appearance sent the broadcast's energy through the roof.
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