Chapter 42

Once again, the text has become too long...

Demons are stronger the simpler they are.

While complex special abilities may be disadvantageous at first, once a strategy is found, they can be easily dismantled. Moreover, humans—especially explorers—are excellent at insight and adaptability, and can find a way to win even in the midst of battle with just a hint.

Even if many sacrifices are made to reach the result, they will eventually win. That is what it means to be human, to be an explorer.

On the other hand, demons that excel in pure strength and speed have no clear weaknesses, making them much more difficult to defeat. In a power-to-power, speed-to-speed battle, demons have a significant advantage.

Furthermore, the deeper the level, the more advanced the intelligence of the demons. Attempting to overwhelm them with numbers is futile; with mediocre command and tactics, formations can easily be broken, and the advantage of the group can be lost, even turning the tide against them.

A demon that possesses strength, agility, and high intelligence is extremely difficult and troublesome to fight.

The Level 8 demon, the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye, possesses strength, agility, and advanced intelligence, and even has a specialized ability to read minds, making it a demon that embodies simplicity and strength.

Another Level 8 demon is the Black-Armored Dragon of the Dragon race. While the overall danger level is the same, in some cases, the larger Black-Armored Dragon may be more dangerous, but the difficulty of defeating it is undoubtedly the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye.

"Kaim, take care of the injured Vrakaf! Ophelia, support Kaim!"

The battle situation was clearly disadvantageous. The strength of the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye far exceeded the expectations based on the information.

"Toys... Toys... So many... So many, let's play... Kiki..."

The battle between the Sky Wing Knights and the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye had already lasted an hour. The intense exchanges had felled trees, gouged the earth, and drastically altered the landscape.

While Leon and his team were beginning to tire from the relentless battle, the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye displayed a toughness that seemed infinite, taunting them with eerie human speech.

The initial plan to clear out the minions with area attacks upon encountering the enemy was successful. However, despite isolating the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye, they couldn't even scratch it. The significant difference in physical abilities, combined with the mind-reading ability, prevented effective teamwork.

Leon, in a state of emptiness, used recovery and barrier skills in quick succession to stabilize the collapsing formation. Vrakaf, as soon as his wounds healed, summoned a flaming giant. Its burning, powerful arm swung at the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye.

Naturally, it was easily dodged. However, where it dodged, Kaim's spear and Ophelia's arrows were waiting, launching a barrage to bring down the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye.

"Futile."

In an instant, the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye vanished.

Above. It had effortlessly leaped and escaped to the sky. A surprise attack on the mind-reading King of Baboons with the Evil Eye was impossible. But Leon was well aware of this.

"Gigi!?"

The first expression of shock from the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye. Above where it had escaped, Leon was waiting.

Leon could not only use skills but also act instantly from a state of emptiness. Even if his mind was read, if he could act before a response, a surprise attack was possible.

An hour into the battle, the situation was indeed disadvantageous. But true explorers grow in battle. Through repeated exchanges, Leon was beginning to anticipate the seemingly godlike movements of the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye.

Leon's sword was imbued with holy light.

Knight Skill: Holy Wave.

A skill that converts magical power into a beam of holy light. Additionally, it has the holy attribute, which is a weakness for all demons, and can reduce all abilities by 30% for about five seconds upon impact. Although it can only be used once for five seconds and demons can develop resistance, the Sky Wing Knights were confident they could secure victory within that time.

A light ball reminiscent of a small sun was released from Leon's sword.

However, the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye twisted its body in mid-air to dodge. Leon, without panicking, tried to activate the second shot but sensed something amiss and shouted to his comrades on the ground.

"Everyone, get out of the way!!"

The King of Baboons with the Evil Eye, which was supposed to be cornered in the air, had an evil smile. In its hand, countless stones were held.

Leon deployed a barrier to protect his comrades at the same time the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye threw the stones.

The stones were incomparable to a catapult. Their power was like small meteorites. If they hit a person, they would disintegrate in a puff of smoke. They rained down like a meteor shower.

A deafening roar, dust rising. Leon, landing on the ground, swung his sword to create a wind, dispersing the dust. As his vision cleared, he immediately searched for his comrades. Kaim was safe. Vrakaf, though injured, was standing on his own. But Ophelia—

"Damn it! Everyone, retreat! I'll cover the rear!"

Ophelia had lost her right arm and was lying on the ground. Leon's barrier had reduced the impact, but it was still powerful enough to tear off her arm.

Kaim carried Ophelia and retreated with Vrakaf. The remaining flaming giant attacked the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye but was destroyed with a single swing of its powerful arm. The King of Baboons with the Evil Eye charged at Leon, who was guarding their retreat.

Knight Skill: Holy Shield Barrier.

Knight Skill: Steel Will.

An invisible barrier and a skill that increases his durability tenfold while holding a shield stopped the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye's fierce assault. However, the impact was tremendous, and blood flowed from Leon's eyes, mouth, and nose.

"Toys, strong... But, truly strong, only you..."

The King of Baboons with the Evil Eye, trying to crush Leon with its powerful arm, taunted with a creepy smile.

"Scary, fun... You... Not my match. Toys... Toys... Hahaha..."

Leon, enduring the pain, laughed through his nose.

"Cheap provocation. Even a demon is just a monkey, after all."

"Kiki... No matter how strong, futile... I can read your mind... We can't be beaten, that's what I think..."

"That's right, we can't win now. But explorers never give up. Even if we lose once, we will win. In the end, you will be the one to lose!"

Leon's shield glowed brightly.

Knight Skill: Absolute Defense.

A barrier skill that reflects all attacks once. The King of Baboons with the Evil Eye, trying to crush Leon, was blown far back by the reflected force.

Leon quickly left the scene before the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye could recover. The reactivation of Absolute Defense required 24 hours. With Ophelia injured and the ultimate skill lost, the situation had become the worst possible.

However, Leon understood. There was still a chance to win. It was possible to win even in this state. And for that—

To defeat the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye for sure, someone had to be sacrificed...

†

†

"Hey! Where are you? Hey! Hey! ...Heyyyyyy!"

The King of Baboons with the Evil Eye, having lost sight of Leon and his team, continued to search the surroundings, repeating the same call.

However, Leon and his team would not be found. Vrakaf had set up a barrier that made them undetectable. As long as they were inside, the demon could not see, smell, hear, or read their thoughts.

However, the barrier was very fragile. If they tried to use it as a cover for a surprise attack, it would break the moment they prepared to activate an attack skill due to the magical residue.

Furthermore, the barrier consumed a lot of magic, so it wouldn't last long. Even if they weren't found now, they couldn't hide forever. The King of Baboons with the Evil Eye, growing impatient, might start using area attacks like before.

"Is the treatment finished? Can you move your arm?"

When Leon asked, Ophelia checked the movement of her reattached right arm and nodded.

"Yes, it's a bit numb, but it's fine. Thank you, Leon."

The arm that had been torn off was recovered by Vrakaf. While Leon's healing ability couldn't regenerate the lost arm, he could reattach it. However, Ophelia had lost a lot of blood when her arm was torn off, and even with it reattached, she was far from fully recovered. She was pale and her breathing was unstable.

She could move with a combat stimulant, but it wouldn't last long and the backlash was concerning. Combat stimulants were already a heavy burden on the body, and using them in this state would likely result in serious injury, even if they won the battle.

"I'm sorry, Leon..."

Ophelia apologized, looking apologetic. Leon shook his head with a smile.

"Don't worry. We haven't lost yet."

However, the situation was indeed dire. As a leader, it was clear that a decision needed to be made.

"Hey, everyone—"

Just as Leon was about to speak, Kaim raised his hand.

"I have a plan. Would you like to hear it?"

"What kind of plan?"

"We can't win like this. But if we don't win, we have no future. I want to put everything on the line."

"Everything... You can't be serious!?"

Leon was shocked by the meaning of Kaim's words. However, Kaim was calm, and it was clear he had already made up his mind.

"I'll be the decoy to lure it out. At that moment, use the Sunwheel Aurora. That's the only way we can win."

Knight Skill: Sunwheel Aurora.

A knight's ultimate attack skill that consumes all magical power to release a beam of light with holy and heat attributes, capable of dealing immense damage.

Indeed, with that power, they could wound the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye. However, in addition to the drawback of consuming all magical power, the attack range was too wide, posing a risk to allies. Such a skill couldn't be used lightly, especially with Kaim as the decoy.

"No way! I can't approve such a plan! It's too dangerous!"

Leon objected, but Kaim shook his head calmly.

"This barrier hides our presence from the demon. But if we try to activate a powerful attack skill, the magical residue will break the barrier. In other words, we can't ambush from here. To ambush, we need to face the demon again. And with Ophelia injured, we can't create the opening we need with our current tactics."

"But—!"

"Leon, I'm not trying to commit suicide. I have a lot I want to do, and I don't want to end here. Don't worry, I'll escape from the line of fire at the right moment. Trust me."

Leon immediately knew Kaim was lying. They had known each other since childhood. Even without the ability to read minds, he could see through Kaim's thoughts. Kaim was prepared to die. To ensure Leon and the others won.

Ophelia and Vrakaf also seemed to understand Kaim's true intentions. However, they understood his resolve and remained silent, their faces somber.

"...Indeed, for us to win from here, someone has to be sacrificed. I understand that. But I still can't accept it."

"Then what do you propose? There are no other options. If we retreat, we're defeated. The Sky Wing Knights will be disbanded, and we'll all scatter."

"No, there's one more plan. —Let's join forces with the Azure Exiles. If we cooperate, we can fight without sacrificing Kaim."

"What!?"

Kaim was stunned by Leon's proposal.

"Wait, Leon! What about the exam!?"

Ophelia, shocked and flustered, asked. Leon sighed and explained his true intentions.

"The exam... Let's give it up. In any case, the Azure Exiles can't defeat the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye alone. There will be no winner in this exam. If we cooperate with the Azure Exiles to defeat the King of Baboons, we won't be seen as losers, and the party won't be disbanded, nor will our evaluation be significantly lowered."

It was unfortunate that the clan's creation would have to wait until after the Ten Kings of the Netherworld were defeated and they could reapply. But to get through without casualties, this was the most correct and sure path. Leon thought everyone would understand. However, the three faces showed only confusion and fear.

"You can't be serious... For his words to come true..."

"I see, that's what he meant..."

Ophelia and Vrakaf's words made Leon tilt his head in confusion.

What do you mean, he wanted to ask, but before he could, Kaim grabbed his shoulder.

"Leon, are you serious? Are you really giving up the exam and cooperating with the Azure Exiles? They are our enemies! The ones we need to beat!"

"I know. I know, but—"

"No, you don't! You don't understand anything! Trust me, Leon! I'll make it work! I'll make you win! I promise!"

"Kaim, calm down..."

"I am calm! I'm calmly thinking about the Sky Wing Knights! But you, instead of trusting me, you're trusting the enemy—Noel Stollen!?"

Kaim's fierce plea made Leon want to look away. But as a leader, he couldn't change his decision here, even if it meant being heartless.

"Yes, I trust Noel more than you. You've completely lost your cool. How can I trust you in this state?"

Leon didn't hate Kaim. He didn't distrust him. He just didn't want anyone to be sacrificed. Kaim let go and stumbled backward. His face was tear-streaked, twisted in regret.

"So that's your answer, huh..."

"Kaim, let's talk after the battle. For now—"

Suddenly, Kaim hugged Leon and whispered in his ear.

"You were right. The traitor is you..."

"...What?"

A sharp pain hit Leon's abdomen. He fell to his knees, clutching the injured area, and his hand was wet with warm liquid—bright red blood.

"...K, Kaim?"

When Leon looked up, Kaim's hand held a blood-stained knife.

"Don't worry, I missed the vital spots. But it's coated with a powerful paralyzing poison. Even you won't be able to move for a while."

"Kaim, what are you doing!?"

Ophelia rushed over and supported Leon's body.

"Vrakaf, get the healing potion from my pouch! Hurry!"

"R, right! Hold on!"

Ophelia and Vrakaf, though panicked by the sudden turn of events, started treating Leon. As the paralyzing poison made his consciousness fuzzy, Leon tried to speak to Kaim.

Why, he wanted to ask.

"I've always been jealous of you. I hated you for being more talented than me. But because we were comrades, because you were like a little brother, and because you trusted me, I could keep going. I wasn't afraid to lose my life for you..."

Kaim collapsed, covering his face with his hands.

"But I can't do it anymore... I can't... I want to be free..."

Tears and sobs accompanied Kaim's confession, and tears streamed down Leon's face as well. He didn't know. He didn't know Kaim had been in such pain. He thought he understood everything...

"Found it! Found it! Found the toys!"

Suddenly, the King of Baboons with the Evil Eye's ecstatic voice echoed. Leon and his team tensed, but something seemed off. It didn't seem to have found them.

In its line of sight, a boy in a black coat appeared. Noel Stollen, the leader of the Azure Exiles. Despite not being able to see them, Noel bowed politely in their direction.

"Sky Wing Knights, thank you for clearing the way so far."