Chapter 27

I love obstacles. The tougher they are, the better—the pleasure of overcoming them swirls like a massive whirlwind. Solving the mysteries of these obstacles is, without a doubt, my greatest hobby in life.

And right now, a rather straightforward but not-to-be-ignored obstacle is charging at me like a mad bull.

With just one wrong step, I’ll be buying a one-way ticket to the afterlife from this useless cliff. I have to hunt down someone who’s physically far superior to me and has zero magical power—what a delightfully simple yet brutal challenge.

Alright then, come on over, Obstacle!

Let’s duel like the Great War between Archangels and Demons, or the legendary battle between the First Demon King and the First Hero. Though I’m merely the eldest son and youngest child of the Northern Dukedom of the Demon Realm, our determination can rival theirs, no problem.

“KRAAAH! You son of a—!”

Whoa, cancel that. Retavis, you lack style. I feel bad for even comparing you to the Great Demon or the First Demon King just now.

Retavis clenched his fists and charged at me recklessly. BOOM BOOM BOOM—sounds different from the drumming in my head since earlier—are echoing across the cliff.

After gripping my pocketknife properly, I made a show of casually swinging it toward him. Retavis reacted with an exaggerated flinch, contrary to his usual explosive momentum.

Normally, he’d scoff at whatever crazy antics I pull, but he must still be shocked from killing Leonard moments ago. Such a perfect reaction.

“Huh? What’s wrong? Are you hesitating?”

I bought myself a second. Without wasting it, I opened my mouth.

“Come on, there’s no way someone as tall as you would be scared of a nine-year-old like me. That’d be ridiculous.”

“This brat’s spouting nonsense! Who said I’m scared?!”

“Hehe, just admit it already. There’s nothing shameful about being cautious. It’s the proper stance of the ‘weaker’ side.”

“…!”

I’ve felt this for a long time, but when it comes to trash-talking, it feels like a divine blessing. Whether it’s from the Demon God or the Lord, I don’t know—but it’s always fun.

It’s always fresh. It’s thrilling. Breaking bones is the best.

“Who’s calling who the weaker side?!”

Enraged, Retavis closed the distance between us instantly, using his shoulders and arms like a shield to shove me back. Behind me lies a cliff that guarantees death upon stepping backward. Just moments ago, a young demon met their end here because of me.

“Ha!”

POOF!

A simple situation where retreating isn’t an option. I lightly pushed off the ground and leaped into the air, trying to soar above Retavis’ head to escape the disadvantage.

Of course, my pitiful leg strength won’t lift me high enough in one jump to clear Retavis’ scalp.

BAM!

“You’re too slow for this kind of move, aren’t you? Hahaha!”

After jumping once to reach Retavis’ waist height, I leapt again. Gracefully stomping through layers of air like a lively rabbit, I soared upward with great force.

How am I doing all this without magic, you ask? It’s the two-stage jump I learned while practicing thievery. Used it often when sneaking into the royal palace.

WHOOSH!

“Woaaah!”

When Retavis lost sight of his target, he stumbled at the edge of the cliff, half his body teetering dangerously between reality and the afterlife.

Using rotational momentum, I landed on his wobbling back and applied force with my legs to try pushing him off the cliff.

“Ahaha! Surely you’re not going down so easily…!”

STOP.

“…So, adult demons really are different, huh? Even when I shoved you with all my might while you were off-balance, you didn’t budge. Isn’t that a bit unfair?”

Not a single shake. No effect whatsoever. Leonard would’ve toppled over with just a light kick, but compared to Retavis, whose weight is several times greater, I’m nothing more than a mosquito buzzing around.

“GGGRRRHHH… This quick little rat…!”

“That’s a compliment! Being recognized for speed makes me happy.”

“As if! You’re just a weakling with sharp words!”

You’ve got me pegged. Sharp-tongued, weak, and fairly agile. Some sage once said knowing your enemy and yourself ensures victory in every battle—but right now, how things will turn out is anyone’s guess.

THUD.

Reuniting with solid ground underfoot gives me the upper hand in positioning. While I’ve secured a wider open space, Retavis stands precariously close to the cliff edge where I was earlier—not exactly advantageous in terms of combat strategy.

It’s harder to create variables now. The earlier setup was perfect, but thinking Retavis was only slightly stronger than Leonard led to a mistake.

A chill runs down my spine. My whole body heats up like it’s been struck by lightning. The fight, already unfavorable, becomes even more daunting. Sweat forms in beads on my forehead, hinting at the thrill of imminent danger.

In my past life, I layered eleven protective barriers to avoid a meaningless end. If I were assassinated like some emperor, I wouldn’t get to enjoy this exciting continent.

Thrills are great. Nothing beats skipping rope with your lifeline. Like now.

“Try dodging this again!”

Retavis charges forward with both fists leading the assault. A direct hit would surely shatter every bone in my body, so I sidestepped quickly. However, unlike before, Retavis doesn’t falter and immediately chases after me.

Thanks to him no longer attempting to push me. Adjusting to my new position, his fighting style has also changed accordingly. Still, experience shows—he fights more freely than Leonard did.

“Yikes!”

I arched my back sharply to evade the punch Retavis swung. His thumb barely grazed the tip of my nose. If I had worn a mask, it would’ve shattered by now.

Impressed by my foresight, I threw myself backward. Using my head as a pivot, I spun a somersault in reverse to escape his range.

Retavis followed closely, guard up like a cat chasing a bouncing rubber ball.

“Phew! Aren’t you being a bit too intense?! You’re burning down the house to catch a flea! Slow down a bit!”

He’s rock-solid like a well-fortified fortress. A finely refined, heavy hammer—that’s Retavis’ fighting style.

I have the advantage in terms of compatibility. Reading his movements, acting preemptively, and persistently exploiting his weaknesses. But that’s assuming I’m at least dagger-level compared to him.

Retavis continues his relentless charge.

SWISH.

“GRRGH…”

Taking aim at his trajectory, I jabbed lightly with my pocketknife. He seemed unprepared for my swift counterattack and couldn’t dodge.

CHUNK.

But that was all. My confident stab failed to cut or pierce Retavis’ arm, leaving not even a scratch.

Compared to Retavis, I’m no more than a toothpick. Good for picking teeth after meals or scratching annoying spots.

“Guess it’s my turn to get beaten up now?”

The attack failed, and the turn passed to Retavis. The problem is, I don’t have any extra time left to evade his next strike.

CRACK!

Retavis’ precisely aimed punch collides with my chin. It’s less a collision and more like an accident.

WHEEEEEEE—

A ringing sound invades my ears, taking over my mind. Suddenly, the world splits into three parts, and Retavis multiplies into six figures. My brain shakes violently, demanding rest. My jaw tingles as if hit by an earthquake.

Then, a massive storm sweeps in, heading straight for me. An intense premonition warns me: if I don’t dodge, I’ll die. It feels like divine revelation awakening my senses.

But I have no energy left to evade. In that case…

“YAH!”

Facing the incoming storm, I awkwardly thrust my forehead forward. Aim for the spot while avoiding the critical points; let’s take a moderate hit. Since Retavis aimed for my chin, turning my face should deflect the blow elsewhere.

Getting hit on the chin rattles the brain. Both demons and humans black out when the brain gets shaken. That’s why I hate getting hit there—it’s painless.

WHAM!!

“…! You insane bastard…!”

Fortunately, my plan worked. Although I feel like my forehead has a crack in it, the searing heat confirms success. At least I avoided getting hit on the chin.

…However, the attack was so powerful my whole body lifted off the ground. Flying several meters, I rolled around a few times before giggling.

Now, the world has shrunk back to two versions. There stands Retavis, supporting himself with one foot planted firmly on the ground while the other hovers mid-air. It was a kick, alright. Filthy strong.

“Hehehe. Wow, your combo skills are impressive… Spotting my opening, you knocked me off balance with a punch to the chin, then immediately delivered a devastating kick… Ugh, my head’s spinning.”

“…You’re not bad either. Never expected you’d deliberately expose your forehead to my kick.”

“Praise always feels good.”

“But…”

Slowly withdrawing his foot, Retavis inspected his arm. Probably checking for injuries. What’s up? Did you attack me expecting to trade flesh for bone?

“In terms of instantaneous judgment and evasion, you’re decent. But your attacking power is pathetic.”

Showing me his unblemished arm, Retavis smirked confidently. All traces of caution and fear from earlier vanished from his eyes.

He’s certain of victory. Certain that I can never escape and lack the ability to kill him. Certain that my tiny weapon cannot harm him in full combat readiness.

Standing proudly with hands on hips, Retavis exudes overflowing confidence and arrogance. The guy who vowed to punish his younger brother’s arrogance has fallen into the same trap.

Coughing a few times while sitting on the ground, I noticed red droplets splashing onto the green grass beneath me. How long has it been since I last shed blood in a fight? Smiling despite myself.

“Hehehehehe-.”

I’m not a masochist. This isn’t sarcasm—I really am not. As proof, I spent 111 days enduring Grand Magician Merlin Gregory’s spells in Tartarus, cursing endlessly.

Pain comes in various forms. Some pains mean nothing when felt, while others amplify the thrill and excitement of violence. This is the latter.

“Have you finally snapped?”

“Not snapped. This is my true self.”

“…How on earth did you hide such a deranged personality all this time?”

“How? Coolruk.”

Chewing on the pain in my jawline, I pointed at Retavis.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment to play with both of you brothers.”

Lowering my finger, I pointed at his right foot touching the ground.

“But, this level of power is too weak—it’s boring. I thought the world would spin wildly, but it’s just my head spinning. Can you play with me at this level?”

“Tch, maybe I should cover my ears.”

Though his words were gruff, Retavis’ face hardened like stone.

He’s abandoned any pretense of calm. Since I clearly can’t harm him, he’s stopped caring altogether.

CLUNK.

“This insolent tongue of yours ends now.”

Retavis began walking slowly toward me. Threatening lips quivering, each word drips with murderous intent, spreading like a dark cloud.

The curtain falls. The sun sets, and night’s veil covers the stage. Audience members conclude the show is over and start to leave.

The magician—or filmmaker, or the youngest son of some insignificant family—is sprawled pathetically on the floor, writhing in excruciating pain.

The moment everyone is disappointed with the magician’s performance. The moment the audience believes victory is assured and declares the end. The moment the anticipated grand finale disappointingly concludes, causing murmurs among the crowd.

This is the moment I’ve waited for, and waited for.

CLUNK, CLUNK, CLUNK!

Retavis rushed forward and raised his right leg low to strike me, probably thinking I’d be immobilized by pain.

SHOOOSH!

I bent lower, letting his kick pass over me. Now, his right leg swept past my back, allowing me to slide between his legs like a boa constrictor climbing a tree.

Time to act. Gathering all my stored strength, I rose, raising both arms overhead and stabbing sharply with my puny pocketknife.

At one of the few vulnerable spots even my fragile pocketknife could penetrate!

PUFF!

“Aaaagh!”

The eerie sound of flesh tearing spreads like a clear bell ringing. Such a beautiful sound. The situation reverses, and the dimmed lights flicker back on. The roles of predator and prey switch back to their original positions.

“Uuuuugh… KKKHHH…”

Realizing the situation too late, Retavis emits grotesque groans, sending both hands to his groin. His attempts to rub and search frantically yield nothing.

One of the few areas my weak pocketknife could pierce—his testicles. Acting as a greeting to his alertness, naturally taking control of his lower regions, and now shortening the distance and eye level between Retavis and me.

From start to finish, the only strike point I aimed for.

“UUUUUGGGHHHH…!”

PLUMP!

Unable to endure the pain, Retavis collapsed, clutching his groin with both hands. Quickly evading a potential crush, I moved in front of him and stabbed again.

My second targetable area—the eyeball, in a straight line.

PUFF!

“…! KKKHHH! You… son of a bitch!! If I catch you, I’ll tear you apart!!”

The agony of blindness seems comparable to having your testicles crushed. Regaining awareness of me, Retavis screamed threats.

Don’t do that. Don’t expose your weakness by opening your mouth. With your right hand clutching your crotch and your left hand covering your empty eye socket, don’t dare scream.

I throw my recovered pocketknife again, aiming for the gaping hole of Retavis’ mouth. Silencing the world’s most terrifying sound effect accompanying his screaming background music.

PUFFFF!

“………!!!”

“Haha! Brother, you’ve become a honey-eating mute! Though I fed you a knife instead of honey, tastes the same, right!?”

Gurgling, crimson blood spurts everywhere. The third area my feeble strength can tear—the inner lining of the mouth—I slash it open with all my might.

Red mist wafts through the air, tickling my sense of smell.

Red flower petals soak into my pristine white suit.

“Seems like the highlight of any show is always the blood spray, don’t you think?”

An intoxicating night filled with the metallic scent.

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