Chapter 362 (Self Edited) The Conclusion of the Nightmare

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As Cecilia gazed at the newly appeared figure, she swallowed nervously. She realized immediately that this was something other than a person. Earlier, she had sensed something similar from the creature that resembled a boy Was that what they called a devil?

Despite hearing some stories, she honestly couldnt believe they could win. She hadnt expected Isaac to be using illusions all along, and Somas ability to see through them was truly remarkable as always. But clearly, that man was not an opponent that humans could defeat. Even she didnt convince that Soma would win Glancing sideways, Cecilia could tell that Aina and the others felt the same.

However, the difference between them and Cecilia was that even though she definitely thinks so, there was trust in their eyes. She didnt believe they could win, but she felt that Soma could surely That was the impression she got. Of course, if Cecilia could believe it, she wanted to. But The mans presence was overwhelmingly impossible to overcome.

What was Soma planning to do against that man?

As she stared in desperation, Soma casually spoke.

Now Its gotten quite late, and Id like to wrap this up if possible Can I ask you one thing? (Soma)

[Hmm I dont see a reason to agree to your request Well, go ahead. It should be a reward for defeating that man And a souvenir from the underworld, perhaps.] (??)

Oh? Youre quite honorable, arent you? (Soma)

Of course. Devils are like that. (??)

Even though youve deceived this man? (Soma)

At the word deceive, the man didnt react much. Rather, he tilted his head as if not understanding.

[Deceive? Unfortunately, I have no idea what youre talking about. I havent deceived that man.] (??)

Are you playing dumb? Surely this man not realizing he was in an illusion Well, that might be unavoidable. But surely you must have noticed? (Soma)

Indeed, that was true. Such a presence. Just as with Soma, it wouldnt be surprising if the illusion didnt affect him.

[Well I see your point, but I a.s.sure you, I havent deceived anyone. I wouldnt be asked such a question if I had.] (??)

Yet, this man seemed almost as if he was deceived by you? (Soma)

[That was simply a misunderstanding. I did mention being able to wield the strongest power, but I dont recall saying it was in reality. It was all about the illusion Besides, until you showed up, he was indeed wielding the strongest power in reality. It became impossible due to you, so why should I be held responsible?] (Soma)

I see Quite an elaborate way of putting it. Let me rephrase slightly. Why did you say things that would mislead? (Soma)

[After answering one question, I see no reason to entertain a second Well, come to think of it, the previous one wasnt even a question.] (??)

Indeed. It was just for my confirmation, and you happened to answer. (Soma)

[Hmph Very well then. So, why did I say things that would mislead? Well, for efficiency, of course.] (??)

Upon hearing the word efficiency, Cecilia honestly found herself nodding first. If Isaac had realized that everything was just an illusion, he wouldnt have been able to go that far. It was because he truly believed he had obtained the strongest power that he acted so freely.

Or perhaps, what would have happened if he had been told the truth from the start? Maybe there was someone there who didnt differ much from the Isaac she knew. As she confirmed her newfound freedom by moving her limbs freely, she thought of such things but it was ultimately a meaningless hypothesis.

In reality, Isaac was never informed of the truth until the very end, and it was already too late to undo what had been done. The fact couldnt be reversed and certainly, just because it was efficient didnt mean she agreed with that method.

[Besides, it would make that man happier. Indeed, ever since he obtained power, he seemed happy. Well, it seems the despair upon learning the truth was considerable but thats inevitable. Everything comes with a price. If feeling the despair of happiness gained balances out, then its fair enough.] (??)

I see. Well, honestly, thats rea.s.suring. (Soma)

[Rea.s.suring?] (??)

Yes. I feel rea.s.sured because it seems I can crush you without any hesitation. By showing yourself, it means youre prepared for that, right? (Soma)

[Hmph Spouting such arrogance, as if youve easily defeated a demon king. Have you mistaken yourself for a demon king? I am a devil, an extension of this world, serving its will and executing its intentions. Dont think a mere human can oppose me.] (??)

In that case, you should put a little more effort into it. It would be disgraceful to talk big and then be defeated easily. (Soma)

[I could say the same to you. Ive already seen enough of your power. Theres no chance of my victory wavering. Youve overestimated yourself and underestimated us Prepare to regret it!] (??)

The man shouted, and Soma directed his gaze. After a brief moment, they clashed fiercely.

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As Cecilia listened to the resounding roar, she realized that her earlier sense was correct. That man was indeed beyond any human opponent. The scene unfolding before her affirmed this thought.

The barrage of light bullets raining down resembled a downpour of rain, each one carrying tremendous power. Despite the throne rooms design to withstand any attack, with each impact of these light bullets, it gradually eroded away. Just one of these bullets would likely be fatal for most.

Amidst this deluge from above, the man moved with unrestrained agility, darting around in every direction. His movements were so swift that they were almost imperceptible to Cecilias eyes. Before she knew it, he had slipped into Somas blind spot, launching strikes that were also invisible to her eyes.

The only indication of these unseen strikes was the sound that followed immediately after, for without it, she wouldnt even know what was happening. Moreover, each strike that hit the ground or walls caused significant damage. Undoubtedly, these strikes possessed power surpa.s.sing even the light bullets. If one were hit squarely, there would be no chance of survival. And this man wielded both of these abilities with complete mastery. If one tried to dodge the slas.h.i.+ng attacks, they would be met with light bullets, and vice versa.

In a sense, he was like a superior version of Aina and Sheila combined. While delivering attacks surpa.s.sing either of them individually, he coordinated strikes equivalent to that of two people. There was no opening whether it was close-range or long-range. Anyone standing before such a force would surely have no means of escape. He might even be capable of destroying not just a single country, but perhaps the entire world.

Such thoughts crossed her mind. However

[Why How absurd! Ive seen your power. I should be able to win without a doubt. So why Why cant I track your movements!?] (??)

Most impressive of all was Soma, calmly handling everything before him in the face of such overwhelming force. Moreover, there was no hint of panic on Somas face. In fact, he seemed almost relaxed. In contrast, it was the man who appeared increasingly agitated. Initially, while watching Soma respond to the mans attacks with admiration, Cecilia showed signs of appreciation, but now that was all gone. The hint of anxiety that had gradually appeared on her face was now clearly evident.

As the mans attacks intensified in proportion to this, Somas movements remained unchanged. He deflected every light bullet that threatened him and repelled the slashes that were unleashed. Despite the ferocity of the mans attacks, Soma remained cool, continuing to handle them effortlessly. However, precisely because of this, the scene was peculiar, almost surreal. Soma truly hadnt changed. Not his expression nor his movements, nothing.

To ill.u.s.trate how abnormal the situation was, consider this. Cecilia could perceive Somas movements clearly, but could she understand how abnormal that was? Yes, Cecilia could see and comprehend how Soma was moving. In contrast, she couldnt discern the mans movements at all.

The abnormality of this situation didnt need further explanation. Essentially, while Cecilia could grasp movements visible to her eyes, Soma somehow managed to perfectly counter the mans movements, which Cecilia couldnt perceive at all. It was inexplicable how Soma could achieve this, given that he was only executing movements that should be visible and understandable, yet Cecilia couldnt fathom how.

Really Hes just the same as ever. (Aina)

Aina muttered in exasperation while observing Somas battle alongside Cecilia. Cecilia reflexively turned her gaze toward Aina because she sensed a tone of understanding in her words.

Do you Does Aina-dono understand what Soma-dono is doing? (Cecilia)

Huh? Isnt that obvious? I have no clue. (Aina)

Huh? (Soma)

Because no matter who hes up against, he always moves the same way. At least, thats all I can see with my eyes. But even so, he overwhelms every opponent he faces. How could anyone understand that? (Aina)

Yeah, I agree. But what I really cant understand is when I actually fought against Soma. Even though Im clearly faster, he stopped everything. Its just baffling. (Sheila)

Listening to their conversation, Cecilia nodded in understanding. She realized why Ainas earlier mutterings resonated with her that Aina genuinely didnt understand. However, she understood that Soma was incomprehensible. Simultaneously, Cecilia grasped another thing, why both Aina and Sheila placed such immense trust in Soma. Cecilia had a.s.sumed it was simply because of the time they had spent together.

No doubt, the time they had spent together contributed to it, but more than that, this very demeanor was the key factor. Certainly, being exposed to such a sight continuously would lead one to believe that Soma could handle any situation. Cecilia had thought she understood Soma to some extent, but now it seemed she had merely pretended to.

In essence, Soma displayed his true abilities to the fullest when facing opponents of high caliber. Cecilia realized this when she saw the exceptional power of the man they were up against. Ironically, it was because of the mans incredible strength that Somas abilities were being proven relatively. However, from the perspective of their opponent, this situation was undoubtedly frustrating. In fact, anger began to surface on the mans face following his growing sense of urgency.

[This this cannot be It cannot be allowed! No matter how much of a demon king you claim to be, humans should never surpa.s.s me!] (??)

Hmm Regardless of what you think, it matters little to me Ah, come to think of it, I heard a fitting phrase for this situation earlier. How does it feel to have overestimated yourself and underestimated us? Do you regret it? (Soma)

[You! No, fine. Very well, I admit it. Indeed, you seem to have some skill. But still, youre nothing but human Therefore, I have no choice but to respond in kind!] (??)

As soon as he said this, the man directed his palm towards Cecilia and the others. The implication of this action became immediately clear when their field of view underwent a sudden change. The light bullets that had been targeting only Soma until then now rained down on Cecilia and her companions all at once.

[Hehehe Now, while defending against those, you wont fare the same as before! Indeed, you cannot defeat me!] (??)

As Cecilia listened to the mans mocking laughter, she felt the blood drain from her face. The sheer number of these projectiles confirmed her earlier thoughts. There were easily hundreds of them, and surely, Aina and the others alone couldnt shoot them all down. However, if Soma were to adapt to them, as the man suggested

What can I say? When cornered, isnt it typical for most people to do the same thing? (Aina)

Huh? Uh, Aina-dono? (Cecilia)

Turning her bewildered gaze towards Aina, who muttered those words, Cecilia noticed that there was not a trace of fear in Ainas demeanor as she gazed up at the raining light bullets. Without a hint of hesitation, she seemed to understand the outcome as though it were nothing. And then

As if affirming the correctness of Ainas att.i.tude, in the next moment, the hundreds of light bullets disappeared, every single one of them, as if they had never been there to begin with, without a sound. The mans eyes widened in disbelief.

[What?! This is ridiculous!?] (??)

My, my Attacking bystanders when cornered truly reveals your true nature. Well, I always felt your nature was rather shallow from the start. (Soma)

[You!] (??)

Ignoring the glaring man, Soma returned his gaze nonchalantly. For the first time since the battle began, he a.s.sumed a stance. The man, seemingly intimidated, took a step back but immediately, he took another step forward, almost as if driven by humiliation.

[I am a devil! The one who fulfills the worlds desires. How could someone like you!?] (??)

Ive grown tired of your ramblings. Are you satisfied now? Then, regret your actions as you depart to the afterlife. Although I have no idea if such a thing as an afterlife exists for devils. (Soma)

[Dont underestimate me, human!] (??)

With a shout, the man lunged at Soma and Soma simply watched silently. And then

Flash. (Soma)

A faint murmur echoed, accompanied by a flash-like movement, almost simultaneous. For an instant, Somas figure disappeared but quickly appeared again.

Soma stood slightly forward from his previous position, directly behind the man who had lunged at him. However, there was no apparent difference in Somas or the mans appearance No, it was simply that they couldnt perceive it.

As Soma sheathed his sword, it was as if to confirm this factthe mans body disintegrated into dust. Perhaps Soma didnt need to confirm it Without even a glance, Soma exhaled a deep breath, as if to signify the end, not just of this battle, but perhaps of the entire commotion itself.

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