Chapter 71

Sure, here is the translation:

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Of course, it would end up like this...

Even though I knew it would happen, I couldn't help but feel disappointed.

"Did your expectations fall short? However, it's only natural for demons to kill humans. It's strange to think you can avoid it."

The demon spouted his arbitrary logic.

"You humans also crush and kill any bugs you see. It's the same thing. But don't be so disappointed. It might sound like I'm equating humans with bugs, but that's not entirely true. Killing humans is more enjoyable than crushing bugs, so in that sense, you're better off than bugs."

"Why are you targeting Recolis and Soaides?"

I decided to ignore him and proceed with my own business.

"That's something you don't need to know before you die. Don't waste your time thinking about unnecessary things; focus on the end of your fate."

"Is it related to the incident with the Demigod Okeanes?"

I couldn't think of any other reason for targeting those two.

Soaides executed a plot that enraged the ultimate transcendent being, the Demigod Okeanes, while Recolis pulled the strings from behind the scenes. There might be something even deeper, but the ones who moved these demons must have come from the same place.

"…It seems you know things you shouldn't."

The demon didn't answer directly, but his reaction was enough to confirm my suspicions.

"Rejoice, you have given me another reason to kill you. It's quite rare for humans to be killed by demons out of necessity. Consider it an honor."

"You can think what you want, but make sure you recognize the gap between your words and reality."

I have no intention of letting any of the people here be killed by you.

Not just the people like Bistemario, but myself, Soaides, and Recolis as well.

"I will crush you. That is the scenario that has been set here. There is no other outcome."

"Human scum! Don't talk big!"

I thought my words were provocative, but the largest of the three demons reacted first. He was called Givard, and his tone was stiff and humorless.

"What arrogance for a weak human to think they can match us demons! Lady Seniatansa, leave this to me! Your Highness, there's no need to trouble yourself!"

"Yes, humans should be taught their place through overwhelming despair. Among these three, the weakest one should demonstrate his strength."

*Thud*.

I punched Givard's cheek without even greeting him.

"Givard!?"

He bounced off the floor and, from the shock or something, his massive body dissolved like mist.

"!? *Sh-sh-sh-sh, Givard is dead…!? His regeneration ability didn't work…?*"

The remaining two demons were clearly shocked by the one-punch defeat of their comrade.

"I've fought a demon before. He would regenerate every time I hit him, and it took hundreds of punches to completely eliminate him. It was very troublesome."

But I learned the trick from that battle.

I invented a way to eliminate a demon's life before their regeneration ability could kick in.

This was a good place to test it, and it worked as intended.

"I'll call it the 'Demon Absolute Killing Punch.'"

"Funny name…!"

The 'Demon Absolute Killing Punch.'

Effect: Kills demons.

"Perhaps… I've heard of this. Recently, there have been demons killed by humans… Could it be you…?"

Demons seem to lack effective information sharing.

Such important information was only passed around as rumors.

"I thought it was just a rumor. So, Beniyan was defeated by you. It's a disgrace for a demon to be killed by a human. And Givard too!"

"Are you not angry that your comrade was killed?"

Aren't you sad?

"Don't be ridiculous. Demons don't possess such vulgar emotions. Those who lose are merely weak and deserve to be mocked!"

"Then you'll soon be joining the ranks of the mocked losers."

"By your hands? Your arrogance is laughable. Just because you defeated a low-level demon, you think you're the strongest?!"

Perhaps I hurt his pride.

A terrifying aura surrounded the demon Seniatansa.

"Beniyan was just a viscount! Givard was the lowest-ranked baron! Don't get cocky just because you defeated such minor demons! In front of me, the highest-ranked duke among demons, Seniatansa!"

"Hmm…"

"Among demons, only the Demon King ranks above a duke! Can you even imagine how terrifying that is, human? It's far beyond your cheap mind!"

"If there's a Demon King above you, then you're not the strongest, are you?"

"Y-You…!"

Did I anger him?

"What I'm trying to say is, don't get arrogant just because you defeated low-level demons like Beniyan and Givard! I am far stronger than them! If you fight me thinking we're the same, you'll be dead in seconds!"

"You don't understand what I'm trying to say at all."

Why do you think I asked first?

If I handed over Soaides and Recolis, would you back off?

They might have taken it as a plea for mercy, but I was trying to find a peaceful resolution.

No matter the reason, these demons didn't kill anyone until I arrived.

If that's the case, there's still a chance for reconciliation. I wanted to find a way that both sides could agree on, even if it meant dealing with Soaides, who had already crossed the line.

"Let me ask again. Can you just take those two idiots and leave?"

"Pathetic. When humans and demons meet, one must die. It's always the humans who die!"

"Is that so?"

Then there's no choice.

Let's start the unavoidable battle.

"Huh?"

By the time they realized, it was too late.

My fist had already embedded itself in Seniatansa's nose, who was boasting before the fight even began.

"Ugh!?"

"It's the 'Demon Absolute Killing Punch.' See you in the afterlife, baby."

However, the high-ranking demon exploded into a thousand pieces but each fragment turned into smoke and recombined, regenerating into his original form.

"Huh? Is the regeneration ability working?"

Hmm, did I miss the trick?

It seems my 'Demon Absolute Killing Punch' is still incomplete.

"Ah…! It was close…! I almost failed to regenerate and my soul core would have been shattered…!"

"Indeed, high-ranking demons have a higher regeneration speed and resilience. Did that save you? Alright, can I punch you a few more times to perfect the 'Demon Absolute Killing Punch'?"

"Don't be ridiculous! …But you do seem to possess a terrifying power that other humans lack. Is it the power of a skill granted to humans?"

No, no, not at all.

I'm just a plain 'No Skill.'

"Indeed, you seem to possess a terrifying skill, but we demons have abilities that surpass skills! Did you know? While humans can only have one skill, we demons can possess multiple abilities."

I remember when I checked the status of the demon I fought before, he had a list of many abilities.

...Ah, I forgot to check these guys' statuses.

I immediately crushed the first one without checking. I should have done it properly.

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【Name】Seniatansa

【Race】Demon, Duke

【Gender】Male

【Age】Un calculable

【Level】718

【Abilities】Flight, Monster Control, Magic Aptitude (S), Instant Regeneration, Confusion, Magic Light Bullet, Necromancy, Poison Area, Absolute Zero

【Affinity】Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill

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I see.

That's the kind of guy he is.

High on the kill intent.

"De-de-de-de-de-de…, Lady Seniatansa…! What should I do…!?"

"Debderiza, you stay back and watch! Witness the power of my fear and pass it down to future generations!"

"Don't kill the humans yet…!"

The pride of the commander restrains the actions of the other demon.

It's convenient for me.

I can't afford to let them attack all at once and risk harming the surroundings.

"Come on, human! I'll show you the true terror of demons!"

"Then I'll show you the true terror of humans."

A battle with a demon of a different caliber.

I thought I should be cautious and stay focused, but...

"Wait!"

I was stopped by a voice.

"Stand down, 'No Skill'! I will defeat this demon! This A-rank adventurer, Soaides, will!"

Why are you here now?