My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 42

“「Sonic Punch」.”

Bang!

It was a punch so solid and powerful that it could hardly be considered coming from a woman. A groan escaped Habito’s lips as he defended with his remaining arm.

“Kugh!”

‘This woman is incredibly fast. No, am I just getting slower?’

The Grand Anti-Demon Magic didn’t merely weaken to a certain level; it was continuously eroding the powers of the Demon Tribe as time passed.

‘Things aren’t looking easy. Spending so much time in the capital searching for the Deputy Commander has its drawbacks.’

“Care to repeat that? Who are you calling a girl?”

“Hey, noble sir. Got any potions?”

Inkuro asked while pressing against his abdomen. Blood splattered on the floor with every word. Ella, witnessing this, snickered and said.

“After getting your ass kicked, you should be down for the count, Inkuro. You spend all your energy chasing women, so of course, you got wrecked. Idiot.”

‘That bitch. She needs a serious lesson in humility.’

Despite bleeding profusely, Inkuro couldn’t help but entertain such ridiculous thoughts.

“That’s why your fiancées keep running away.”

“Shut it. I don’t need weaklings.”

“Looks like you’ve got some pride left, huh?”

“Ha, do you even know how many men have come on to me?”

“Probably just the pretty boys. You’re hopelessly lost.”

“You bastard! Can’t you just shut up?! I’ll marry someone stronger than me!”

“Guess what, how many strong guys do you think are left in the Empire? Are you going to spread your legs for the Demon Tribe while you’re at it?”

“You’re really picking the most annoying things to say. I mean, look at your life. That’s how it turned out, isn’t it?”

“Shut your trap, you filthy whore.”

“I’m a virgin?!”

As the two continued their bickering, Habito gathered his blood and splattered it into the air.

“Got everything off your chest?”

“… That one’s strong, so be careful. The sickly girl.”

“I know. And I’m all better now, you trash.”

Ella said, donning her mana knuckles. When their fists collided, a loud ‘clang’ resonated.

‘If she’s got minions with her, she must have a decent standing among the Demon Tribe. And if even Inkuro can’t handle her, she’s likely on the level of a legion commander.’

“I’ll take you down too, girl!”

As blood sprayed around, it transformed into the shape of scythes and flew toward her. Ella observed the trajectory of the incoming weapons and clenched her fists tightly.

“「Wind Dragon Fist」.”

Boom!

As she thrust forward, the sound of air bursting out accompanied the disappearance of all the scythes heading her way.

“That won’t even leave a scratch.”

Habito sighed and instantly regenerated his ripped arm.

“I see what S-Class is like. Time to show my full power.”

His gaze sharpened.

Crumble!

Ella and Inkuro clenched their teeth. An overwhelming pressure was bearing down on them, making it hard to even breathe.

“Ggh!”

“Humans, submit! Bow your heads. I, Habito, shall pass judgment upon you. Those who do not kneel shall have their blood extracted.”

“Ha, haha… Habito, huh? Never expected to hear someone directly announce their name. Ugh, it’s cringe-worthy.”

Ella trembled as she twisted her hands in odd ways.

“You’re the most rotten woman I’ve ever met.”

“Did you get all that out?!”

At that moment, as Ella was about to unleash her next attack, Habito reached out his hand.

‘Seems more humans are catching on.’

“I’d better kill you two before the other humans realize what’s going on.”

Blood began to gather in his hand, surging out like a dam bursting.

“「Blood Wave」.”

Boom!

Like a tsunami, everything was swept away. Before the red wave, it looked as though no one could resist.

“Wow, I’m going to die. What is this?”

“You’re remarkably calm about dying. What a dumbass.”

‘I can’t die yet. I need to find out who brought me the Purification Stone.’

Ella pulled the Purification Stone from around her neck, posing as if she was about to hurl it.

‘If I throw it now, while his power’s been weakened by the Grand Anti-Demon Magic, it could block his magic!’

She lifted her foot and hurled the stone with all her might towards his palm.

Thud!

“?”

In that instant, as something collided with his palm, he felt his mana rapidly getting drained and canceled the skill.

“What the…?”

His face contorted in shock as he gazed at the purple stone rolling on the ground.

“This stone…?! The Purification Stone?! You’ve had it all along?!”

Habito shouted, clutching his palm as though burned. Ella took advantage of this moment to charge at him.

“「Crushing Blow」.”

Boom!

But Habito dodged even that, leaping up onto the castle wall.

“There!”

“Move quickly!”

Habito determined he could no longer continue fighting, gritting his teeth in frustration.

“You humans are fortunate. When next we meet, I will surely kill you.”

Ella couldn’t keep pace with the swiftly escaping Habito. There was no way she could climb over the twenty-meter-high castle wall.

“Phew… What’s that bastard muttering as he runs away?”

“Oi, hey, noble sir, is it really okay to speak so crudely?”

“Shut it.”

“Many would shudder to hear such vulgar words from the ‘Duchess of the North.’ Of course, I don’t mind, but…”

“Get lost; I don’t want to talk to a pathetic street rat like you. You’re not even worthy to address a Duchess.”

“Even if you say that only to me, you’re still one trashy girl. Seriously.”

He replied, sounding disgusted.

By the time the Royal Knight Order arrived, they were staring wide-eyed at the devastation.

The surrounding buildings had crumbled into ruins, and the roads were soaked in blood.

Everywhere showed signs of being hit, charred by flames.

“What in the world…!”

“Lord Inkuro! Are you hurt?!”

One knight approached, seeing Inkuro’s injuries.

“… Pass me a potion.”

“I don’t have any.”

“Ah! Senseless fool!”

Ella muttered, “There’s trash everywhere,” as she retrieved the Purification Stone.

A precious stone that saved her life.

To her, it was irreplaceable.

Even though it had cost a staggering thousand gold to acquire, she had no regrets. To save her life for a thousand gold was quite a bargain in her eyes.

“Ah, that person…”

“That striking hair color… Could you be the Duchess of the North, Ella Todiah?”

“… Oh my, it seems some people recognize me?”

As she smiled warmly, the Royal Knight Order bowed respectfully.

“It’s been a while.”

Ella Todiah.

She was the heiress of the Todiah Duchy.

Having earned the title of S-Class Adventurer by twenty, she had been slaying demons at the forefront, living up to her reputation as the Empire’s greatest warrior.

However, due to a single mistake, she had become the vessel of a demon and found herself in a weakened state, unable to use magic.

Even worse, she had to endure the agony of her flesh gradually decaying, surviving only through potions and healing spells.

One month, then two months.

As time passed, those who once revered her as an S-Class began to turn their backs on her, with even her family resigned to the notion that she would never return.

She would never come back.

Then, during that time, she discovered the Purification Stone mentioned in ancient texts.

Once she learned about it, Ella searched the Empire to find a seller for the Purification Stone and found out that it existed in the black market.

Less than a week after purchasing the Purification Stone, she had restored all her magic.

She was healed.

‘I cried so many times back then.’

Recalling that period brought a sting to her nose.

“But how is it you are here? I heard you were in terrible condition due to demon infection.”

“I’m okay now.”

“Eh?”

“I can fight again.”

She caressed the Purification Stone hanging around her neck as she spoke.

But then she remembered she had come here because she was interrupted by the demons.

“I have something to do. For details about this matter, consult Inkuro.”

“Very well.”

Just as she was about to leave the scene, Ella looked down at Inkuro, sprawled out on the ground, chugging a potion.

“Inkuro.”

“What is it, Lady Ella?”

Even as an S-Class Adventurer, she had her status and standing.

Generally, the Empire treated the strong with respect, but it wasn’t as though they turned a blind eye to social hierarchies entirely.

So no matter how reckless Inkuro was, he couldn’t just speak to her carelessly.

“Thanks for covering for me all this time.”

“… It’s been a while since I’ve heard a compliment.”

He chuckled at her candid praise, waving his hand dismissively, as if telling her not to worry.

Ella didn’t hesitate to turn and walk away.

—

‘I must let the Demon King know. Humans are stronger than I imagined.’

Habito understood that if he hadn’t been under the Grand Anti-Demon Magic, he could’ve easily crushed two S-Class warriors.

Yet, he continued to fight arrogantly, fully aware of the disadvantage.

This was an action meant to showcase the absolute power disparity between demons and humans, but ironically, it proved there wasn’t a level of superiority to be so complacent about.

“Nevertheless, I still got the Deputy Commander I was after. Even if my minions died, I can always replace them. It’s fine.”

While hastily making his way back to the Demon World, he paused as he sensed a presence near a solitary house.

The world had turned to night, only the moonlight illuminated the ground.

But for a vampire, less light only meant they became more powerful.

Moreover, this place was free from the Grand Anti-Demon Magic like in Pretéum, making it a perfect ground for him to wreak havoc.

“Just in time; my throat’s parched. I need to quench my thirst by killing those inside that house.”

Just as he moved toward the house, the door creaked open.

“Whew… the weather’s really gotten chilly.”

A black-haired man stepped out from the brightly lit house.

He looked utterly normal, with nothing distinguishable about him.

‘Let’s see if I can drink his blood first.’

As he moved through the bushes, the man turned his head toward Habito, having heard the rustling.

Crumble!

The moment their eyes met, an overwhelming killing intent made Habito’s body tremble.

“What is this…?”

‘M-My body won’t move…? By just a mere human?!’

Demons were beings with senses several times sharper than humans.

If such beings were confronted with an intense vibe that could even scare a human, what would happen?

They typically feel fear and attempt to escape.

That’s the basic instinct for survival in a world ruled by the strong.

Demons were no exception.

At that moment, Habito was engulfed in fear as he sensed the aura emanating from the man. He lost control of his own body, paralyzed by dread.

Though his mind screamed to flee, his body wouldn’t obey. This was a sensation he had never experienced before.

‘This aura is no less than that of the Demon King. How can such an unfathomable strength exist in this remote house…?’

Suddenly, he held his breath, realizing something as he stared at the man who never shifted his gaze away.

‘That’s right! The Demon King said a hero has been born. If that’s the case, this man must be the hero!’

Habito was convinced the man before him was the hero.

Of course, this realization was completely wrong.

Without hesitation, Habito retreated.

‘I need to tell the Demon King. The hero is hiding in a remote place!’

Although he had already been worn out from the battle, a substantial factor was that he had no confidence to win against this man, whose vast magical power was unfathomable.

Even a proud demon couldn’t take their life lightly.

Meanwhile, quite a time had passed since Habito left, yet Praus remained fixed on the bushes.

“Is it not coming out?”

It was too dark to see well, even with him straining his eyes to perceive movement.

“Master, what are you doing outside?”

Tina poked his side as she looked at the area with concern.

“I was just getting some fresh air.”

“Is that so? It seems to be getting cooler.”

“True.”

“But your house is nice and warm! Oh! And dinner was delicious tonight! What did you call it… that, ramen?”

“Right.”

“I want to eat it again later. Can you make it for me?”

Praus casually ruffled Tina’s hair.

Though he didn’t respond, she understood it to mean yes.

“Hehehe.”

“Let’s head inside. It’s cold.”

“Yes!”

Today, Tina’s cheerful voice echoed over the hill.