The Demon God, dragging his weakened body, gazed up at the Slime Dragon. Despite absorbing the powers of the Four Calamities and becoming stronger, he still appeared feeble compared to his former self. However, his current state was still superior to that of a human, and he could pose a threat to them.
"I sense the aura of the Demon King within you. But you are not him. What are you?" the Slime Dragon asked, its voice filled with disdain.
"You're seeking to regain your strength because you remember who I am, don't you?" the Demon God responded calmly.
The Slime Dragon scrutinized the Demon God for a moment, then widened his eyes in realization. He had encountered similar dark magic before—an abyssal, deep despair, a being driven solely by destruction. Though the Slime Dragon couldn’t recall exactly when, the memory was unforgettable.
"Are you weaker than I am now?" the Slime Dragon sneered.
"I simply haven't regained my strength yet," the Demon God replied.
"Hah! Do you think I don't know? The Demon King was the source of your power! But after being defeated by humans, not a trace of him remains. You'll never regain your strength!"
The Slime Dragon quickly saw through the Demon God's predicament. He was aware that the Abyssal King and Ocean King had already been eradicated. If the Demon God had managed to reclaim their powers, he would be far stronger. The Demon God's current frail state only confirmed his failure to resurrect properly.
"I have many tricks up my sleeve. It will just take some time to regain my full power."
The Slime Dragon laughed. "Do you think I'll wait for that?"
"Are you planning to kill me?" the Demon God asked.
"You'll only get in my way again. Give me one reason I shouldn't kill you right now!"
The Slime Dragon released his power, elongating his neck. Having absorbed the Chimera Dragon and Bone Dragon, he had solidified his body and remembered techniques used by true dragons. He was ready to unleash a powerful blow on the Demon God.
"If we had Shadow Dragon's body, I could revive him," the Demon God offered.
"Ha! Desperate lies to save your own skin!"
"But there is no body left. So I cannot revive him."
"Then you have no reason for me to keep you alive! Why did you come to me?" The Slime Dragon roared, causing the ground to shake and nearby cliffs to crumble. Despite the chaos, the Demon God remained still.
"You're right. There is no reason for me to help you. That’s why I asked if you wanted to negotiate."
"Negotiate? Negotiations are for equals! Do you think you are my equal?"
"Then kill me. If you can't, then maybe we are equals," the Demon God replied calmly, spreading his dark energy.
Despite the Slime Dragon’s complete form, he couldn’t destroy the Demon God. No one had ever erased his immortality, except those wielding Magic Swords.
"Grrr..."
The Slime Dragon knew this fact. Just like the Three Demon Kings, the Demon God could not be eradicated. Nevertheless, humans had managed to completely eliminate the Abyssal King, Ocean King, and Shadow Dragon. Instead of fighting the Demon God, he needed to find a way to defeat the humans.
"I'll listen to your offer once. If it's worthless, I'll kill you first!"
"Haha... So you will listen," the Demon God smirked, extinguishing his dark energy and pulling out an object. The Slime Dragon bared his fangs but watched quietly.
"This is a Magic Sword I created. Humans use these weapons."
"Is that a joke? You made that worthless thing?"
"Humans used this Magic Sword to kill the Shadow Dragon. The Abyssal King and Ocean King met the same fate. Does it still look worthless to you?"
The Slime Dragon frowned. It was hard to believe such a small piece of metal could destroy the Three Demon Kings and Four Calamities. But after losing parts of his own strength to human attacks, he couldn’t dismiss it entirely.
"Because of these Magic Swords, you and I lost our power. I initially planned to seal them, but I failed... I had to change my strategy."
"Hah! Beaten by humans again!"
"They've grown stronger since then, ruining my plans completely."
"So that’s why you look like that."
The Slime Dragon began to grasp the Demon God’s plan. He aimed to disable the Magic Swords before safely absorbing the powers of the Three Demon Kings. Once done, no one could stop him from achieving his goals.
"Humans possess seven Magic Swords. I tried to replicate them, creating three Magic Swords. Only one remains."
"You’ve been quite humiliated by humans. So what do you plan to do with it?"
"This Magic Sword was meant for my use, but now I can't use it. You can."
The Demon God lied effortlessly, raising the sword. Its dull gray blade held an eerie power within. For his final plan to succeed, the Slime Dragon needed to take this sword.
"You want me to use that scrap metal?"
"You can use it better than I can right now."
"Hah! This is worthless."
Without hesitation, the Slime Dragon opened his mouth wide, gathering a crimson energy orb in his throat. The Demon God, anticipating this, readied the Magic Sword.
"It won't work," he muttered.
"You can't block this with your strength!"
The crimson orb shot towards the Demon God, who swung the Magic Sword. A dark gray line appeared, slowly splitting the crimson orb.
'He blocked my attack?'
The Slime Dragon couldn’t hide his shock as the crimson orb disintegrated. The Demon God pointed his sword and spoke slowly.
"Would you like to continue? I won't counterattack."
The Slime Dragon, maintaining his power, hesitated. His confusion mingled with a strange curiosity. The weakened Demon God shouldn’t have been able to block his attack. Perhaps the Magic Sword had done something to nullify it.
"Shall we continue our negotiation? I have only one condition. Destroy the humans. Surely, you desire the same?"
“……”
“If you accept this, I will give you the Magic Sword. You will do what I cannot.”
The Slime Dragon couldn’t refuse. His incomplete form made him crave what he lacked. While the Magic Sword couldn’t replace Shadow Dragon, it was better than nothing.
“Do you need time to think? I’ll give you some space.”
The Demon God planted the Magic Sword into the ground and disappeared into a dark mist. The Slime Dragon tried to trace him but soon gave up.
“Hisss… Grrrr…”
The Demon God reappeared far from the Slime Dragon, black liquid pouring from his wounds, slowly revealing hidden injuries. Despite using the Magic Sword, his wounds weren’t healing quickly. He had risked approaching the Slime Dragon out of desperation.
'I can still hold on…'
The Demon God had made a decision when fleeing Alain Kingdom. He would do whatever it took, using any means necessary to win. The longer he waited, the stronger humans became. He needed to act swiftly.
'The Slime Dragon will use it…'
By demonstrating the value of the Magic Sword, he erased the Slime Dragon’s doubts. His actions left a lasting impression.
'If I can make it to Jael Berza…'
Even in pain, the Demon God smiled wickedly. The Immortal Magic Sword Jael Berza granted immense vitality. But the longer it was used, the higher the price the wielder paid.
'Slime Dragon… how far will you go…'
If the Slime Dragon could decimate the Magic Sword users and human warriors, victory would be assured. Even if the Slime Dragon perished in battle, it wouldn’t be a loss. The key was ensuring the Slime Dragon wielded Jael Berza.
‘The world’s destruction might not be so bad…’
Ryvdad Magic Academy, First Training Room.
Hanette regularly visited the academy to improve her magical skills. Walter trained her whenever he had time, and skilled members filled in during his absence. However, few could withstand Hanette’s magic, with most giving up quickly.
'It’s good to be diligent, but isn’t this too much?'
Zion watched quietly as Hanette trained. She relentlessly expended her magic, pushing herself to the limit. Despite the exhaustion, her determination made it impossible for Zion to ask her to stop.
'Is she preparing for the Four Calamities?'
Anyone would be tense and fearful. If the Four Calamities combined into a more powerful monster, it would be more dangerous than any enemy they had faced.
'But all the Magic Sword users have gathered...'
“Are you training to summon a Magic Sword?” Enrite asked, observing Hanette. Zion, who lived with Hanette, knew her intentions well.
“She mentioned that consistent training would be beneficial.”
“That's true. If she could wield a Magic Sword, she’d become much stronger.”
“Maybe that’s what she meant.”
“She probably kept it secret because it’s burdensome.”
“She’s likely frustrated because she can’t summon her Magic Sword.”
“It implies there’s an issue, so she wouldn’t want to reveal it.”
Zion nodded slowly, his eyes filled with sorrow. Despite any problems, Hanette had performed well as the vice-captain of the Lychness Knight Division, as a Magic Sword user, and as his fiancée. She was fulfilling her role admirably, so why was she so impatient?
“The incident must have affected her deeply. The Black Knight almost died, didn’t he?”
“Even though he survived, that fact doesn’t disappear.”
“The Black Knight grew stronger from it, but he must still be anxious. Wouldn’t he risk his life again if a stronger enemy appeared?”
“……”
Zion couldn’t respond. Everything Enrite said was true, and it only made the reality clearer. His reckless actions had shaken Hanette deeply.
“Hanette has many hidden qualities. So, I have some hope.”
Zion quickly understood Enrite's implication. Being different meant being special, suggesting other possibilities. Enrite likely had El Tesoykve and Exceed Rain in mind.
“…Do you believe my sister can awaken her Magic Sword?”