Chapter 125
On one side stood the Demon King, who was at the pinnacle of power among the Demon Kings.
The ones who survived in front of Barbatos’s massive battle axe were few in number; his strength and skills were outstanding.
In fact, it was hard to find a rival in the Demon World.
He always took the lead when the Celestial Demon War broke out, so despite his significantly smaller numbers, this was the reason he could hold an astonishingly high position as rank 8.
His formidable strength, boisterous personality, and the thoughtfulness he showed toward those around him captivated many Demon Kings.
Specifically, Jepar and Lezargie, who referred to him as brother and older brother. And all the Demon Kings of the Equites faction gathered around him felt the same.
They joined the faction because of Barbatos, and they all truly followed him. It wasn’t that the other Demon Kings served him.
However, it was definitely certain that Barbatos was at their center, and if he were to disappear, the Equites faction would likely collapse immediately.
Such a being was the Demon King Barbatos. There were extremely few who could rival him in a contest of skill. Especially since they were not even fellow Demon Kings; it would be even more difficult.
But then…
Crash─────!!!
What was this scene unfolding before my eyes? A mere teacher, ranking 50th among Demon Kings, was exchanging blows with Demon King Barbatos.
Bang! Boom! Clash!! Whoooom!!!
Just the clash of their weapons caused the entire training grounds to tremble greatly. The shockwaves resonated in the air, and the force from both of them spread out from their firmly planted feet, shaking the training ground’s floor.
Lezargie couldn’t comprehend it. Even Jepar, who had experienced it firsthand, was at a loss for words.
‘There’s not even a hint of being pushed back.’
Even in a direct clash with Barbatos, there was no sign of being pushed back whenever their strikes collided.
Barbatos grew more intense with each attack, but Nahun remained calm, fully blocking every swing of his axe.
‘What is that sword…?’
It wasn’t just Nahun’s skill that was impressive; Barbatos’s axe was also remarkable in its resilience. Barbatos’s axe was one of the most renowned weapons in the Demon World, a masterpiece known as a “masterpiece.”
Masterpieces weren’t made by just one individual. They were the final works of the greatest artisans of each generation, pouring all their effort into creating what would become their ultimate creation.
Weapons that could be called masterpieces, or masterpieces with such qualifications. Barbatos’s battle axe was one of those.
‘Crimson Fang.’
The name was simple, but the intent was clear. Like molars crushing food, it indicated his intention to crush the opponent. It truly took the form of a battle axe.
Yet, despite Barabtos’s axe clashing dozens of times with Nahun’s sword, there seemed to be no damage to it. There were no signs of wear.
“…Is that also a masterpiece?”
“Unless it is, there’s no way he could withstand my brother’s axe.”
While Jepar and Lezargie were speculating, only Seere, who knew the truth, quietly observed.
No, in reality, they were doing their utmost to suppress the grin that kept trying to break free.
‘Teacher… you’re so cool…’
Seere wanted to boast to the whole world that this was their teacher. She knew that Nahun was a great demon. However, while she understood that great demons were formidable beings, she did not know how strong they really were, so she couldn’t help but worry about what would happen when Nahun faced Barbatos.
Yet when it all unfolded, Seere’s worries became the most pointless worries in the world. Feeling proud to be taught by such a teacher, she thought to herself.
‘How much magic power will it take…’
Unbeknownst to Seere, who was lost in thoughts like that, Nahun perfectly countered Barbatos’s axe once again.
Barbatos attempted to press forward with force, but upon realizing it was futile, he let out a dry laugh.
“I don’t usually say this, but I can only say this is… remarkable.”
“Is that so?”
“I’m curious, then.”
Barbatos smirked slyly.
“How long do you intend to keep countering?”
“Don’t think I’m letting you win. I’m just watching for an opportunity.”
“So you’re saying that I have no openings at all means you’ve accepted that!”
Barbatos took a step back. Then, with both hands, he gripped the handle of his axe.
“Haah…!”
Magic power rippled. Since Barbatos, rank 8, who boasted of being among the top tiers, had deemed that the fight was not leading anywhere, he drew forth his magic power.
Jepar and Lezargie were startled by his choice, and Seere was honestly amazed.
‘As expected… it’s incredible.’
Such substantial magic power governing the surrounding space was something she hadn’t felt since Nahun’s. But…
‘Still, against the teacher…’
Seeing this, Nahun also drew forth his own magic power. The effects were felt by Jepar and Lezargie, as well as the somewhat staggered Barbatos, standing in direct opposition.
The skill could be understood. However, it wasn’t possible for the magic power to be so great. He was not a Demon King. The magic power he wielded was not at a level that a demon could possess.
“…What on earth is this?”
“Your Majesty’s magic power is so strong that I’m merely struggling to keep up.”
Even as he said that, his expression betrayed nothing. He was entirely calm. The space controlled by Barbatos’s magic power had already been pushed back, and Nahun’s magic power began to take control around them.
“Ha… hahah!!!”
Barbatos, who had been looking at Nahun with an astonished expression, laughed heartily as if he couldn’t contain his joy.
“Remarkable! You presume to take such a lowly position with such skill—is it simply a game?!”
“It’s not lowly at all.”
Nahun narrowed his eyes.
“This position is not as worthless as Your Majesty might think. In fact, it could be more valuable than the position you hold now.”
“Ha-ha-ha, this is amusing! Why is that?”
“It’s simple.”
Nahun quickly gathered the magic power he’d spread around. Then, he drew all the magic power he had gathered into his magical sword.
“That child will become the pinnacle of this world. I will become the teacher of the Demon King who has reached the pinnacle.”
“You speak such dreamlike words! However…!”
Barbatos loved strong people. He placed great importance on strength, and being unbelievably strong himself made sense. Such was the habitual stance Barbatos held.
“Surely it’s not unattainable!”
He respected the strong. He assessed their abilities objectively, and once he reached a decision, he spoke with no personal feelings involved.
Seeing Nahun’s skills and the magic power gathering now in an alarming amount before him.
It was not at all unbelievable to think of Nahun’s ambition. If someone grew up under such a teacher, that talented individual would surely flourish.
Barbatos also poured all the magic power he’d gathered into his axe. His magic surged, blooming red. It seemed to stain the surroundings in a bloodlike color, like the name of his weapon.
“With this final strike, I will finish this.”
“I will respond.”
Barbatos moved. He kicked off the ground and charged forward as he began to chant a spell.
“Blade of bl**d that divides heaven and earth.”
【 Dividing bloody weapon 】
Barbatos activated a powerful spell, strongly swinging the battle axe imbued with it. It was an unseen speed and force surpassing imagination.
This was undoubtedly a blow asserting his position as the pinnacle of the martial arts Demon Kings.
At that moment, Nahun raised his sword. It was not to counter; his posture felt like he intended to cut through his opponent outright. Barbatos watched this and smiled bravely, while Nahun looked at him with a calm gaze.
And he finished the incantation in a very swift and simple manner.
“Extermination.”
『 Exítĭum 』
Dark light flashed. The flickering dark light of magic eventually became the sharp-edged blade.
Ka-boom─────!!!
Both colossal forces collided, shaking the entire training ground. The resulting shockwaves created a gust so strong that Jepar, Lezargie, and even Seere had to tightly close their eyes.
“…Teacher?”
Seere, who had slightly opened her eyes, called out nervously. Barbatos’s earlier blow had appeared dangerous even to her.
She felt instantly that this was the skill and strength of someone who had reached the pinnacle of the martial arts Demon King. Hence, even Nahun could be in danger.
That’s what Seere thought.
“Ah!”
When Seere opened her eyes fully, what she saw was Nahun standing still.
And just a little further past him, there was Barbatos standing with his axe. It seemed Barbatos had managed to bypass him.
“Teacher!?”
“Hmm?”
Yet, Nahun answered nonchalantly. As Seere panicked, Nahun tilted his head in confusion.
“What’s wrong?”
“Are you alright…?”
“Oh, you mean this?”
Nahun sheathed his sword. He then approached Barbatos and said to him.
“Were you satisfied, Your Majesty?”
“…Heh heh, were you satisfied?”
Barbatos coughed, clutching his chest.
“Of course, how could I not be satisfied?”
Although his expression and breathing looked strained, the emotion conveyed in his voice was filled with enthusiasm. It was clear he was enjoying the situation.
Nahun simply spoke to him.
“Will you pursue further?”
“Heh heh, I’d certainly like to do so…”
Barbatos displayed his hands. On the palm that had just been gripping the axe, there were deep marks left.
To be precise, it was an impression as if something had pressed against it, transformed by the powerful impact he had endured.
“With hands like this, I cannot fight.”
“Brother!”
“Older brother, are you alright?!”
Not only was his hand injured, but he also had internal injuries. The overwhelmingly powerful magic had overwhelmed Barbatos. He chuckled softly.
“Jepar, Lezargie.”
“Yes, brother.”
“Yes?”
Barbatos wiped the bl**d trickling from his lips and spoke.
“The Devata forces have been proven. They possess the qualifications to become our comrades.”
“…Yes, older brother.”
“Yes, brother. I also think so.”
Barbatos let out a groan and walked over. Standing before Seere and Nahun, he extended his trembling hand.
“Young warrior. And his teacher. Our Equites faction will become your strength.”
Seere and Nahun exchanged glances for a moment; then Nahun bowed his head, while Seere grasped his hand.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“I look forward to working with you, Lord Barbatos.”
“I am glad to find a bond with those like you. Ahem…!”
Whether it was due to his heavy internal injuries, Barbatos interrupted himself with a cough. Nahun told Barbatos.
“Please go rest. You will recover quickly with treatment.”
“Yes, I shall do that…”
Barbatos was supported by Lezargie as he withdrew, while the remaining Jepar continued to look at Nahun in astonishment.
“Do you have any more words to say, Jepar?”
“…I’m curious.”
Jepar’s tone had shifted to formal respect. When he had previously bent the knee, he had still spoken casually; however, the moment he bowed before Barbatos, it changed. His respect and trust for Barbatos was evident.
“What do you mean?”
“Your true identity.”
“Please don’t try to find that out.”
The one interrupting the conversation was Seere. She spoke frankly.
“You’ll get hurt if you find out. I’m not teasing; I mean it.”
“……”
Jepar pondered Seere’s words for a moment before nodding.
“I see. Thank you for the advice.”
It could seem like a rather arrogant statement, but Jepar accepted it calmly. He thanked Nahun for his hard work and left to check on Barbatos’s condition.
Left alone in the training ground were Nahun and Seere. The two exchanged fleeting glances.
“Teacher!”
“Hmm?”
“You were so cool!!”
Seeing Seere beam without a hint of sulkiness, Nahun chuckled. He gently patted her shoulder and said.
“With you here, I couldn’t show any embarrassing moments as your teacher.”
“Really? Are you saying you wanted to look cool in front of me?”
“…Why does that interpretation come about?”
“That’s just how it is. Hmph, you were concerned about me watching, huh?”
“No, that’s not what I meant…”
Seere began associating words in a strange way as usual. Nahun felt like he was being drawn into it, yet inside, he felt comforted.
Things were not any different from usual with Seere, he thought.
