Chapter 95

A colossal form oozes black liquid as if it were blood bursting out of its body, spilling and scattering from the cracks in its massive frame.

‘Why is a vassal here?!’

Barg’s eyes widen in shock.

In the Demon Realm, there exist five great calamities.

The Sacred Tree of the Demon Realm (Ma Gye Su) is one of them.

It’s also known as the mother, domain, concept, and foundation of all calamities.

And this… is a life form created from fragments separated from the body of the Ma Gye Su.

Or can it even be called a life form?

While the World Tree of the Middle Realm is known as the Tree of Life, this thing named after the Demon Realm is often called the Tree of Annihilation or the Tree of Death.

As proof, there’s not a single trace of life emanating from it.

Its flesh rots like a decayed corpse, its skin resembling the bark of a rotten tree.

Even what might pass for muscles look like they’ve rotted away, turning a foul black color.

Upon closer inspection, its form resembles thick tree trunks and ancient wood tangled together.

Yet it still has distinct facial features and four limbs.

Though its tail, positioned at the back, is grotesque.

Instead of fur, branches and vines cling to it in countless numbers, arranged in an unnatural manner.

Protrusions pierce through its torso, crimson moss grows around its eyes, and clusters of ash-colored mushrooms sprout from various places.

Its overall coloring is dark, red, murky, and dingy.

However, when it opens its mouth to roar, there’s a vivid red glow within.

Rows of black teeth and countless tendrils, vines, and branches that replace a tongue protrude from it.

GRRR!

LRLRK!

It lowers its head, scanning the surroundings with its gaze before stopping on something.

“What?!”

It’s looking right at him.

Barg senses clear hostility and enmity from it.

Although strange to feel such things from a creature like that, his instincts are screaming danger.

No, he himself might be fine…

“Get out of here immediately!”

He shouts at his subordinates.

The decaying Trolong lets out another eerie roar, taking it as a declaration of war.

KUUUUUNG!

When its massive body lunges forward, the area shakes as if hit by an earthquake.

Those who couldn’t escape in time would have been buried and crushed without even having a chance to scream.

“What kind of harmony is this?”

Now airborne, Barg looks down at the scene and glances to one side.

‘Is there some connection?’

There sits a boy with black hair, staring blankly at the chaos.

Though his face shows some level of preparation, as if expecting something like this.

“Hmph.”

The Trolong raises its head once more.

It’s certain now.

This thing sees him as its target and prey.

What’s the reason?

‘Does it seek to protect?’

Is this vassal of the Demon Tree trying to guard that boy?

Or is it expressing anger towards Barg for attempting harm?

The reason isn’t entirely clear, but it seems obvious enough.

‘Then let’s test it.’

No matter how threatening it appears…

We’re not in the Demon Realm here.

Though it applies to Barg himself, he’s already adapted to this place after a long period.

The air is different here.

The energy permeating the world is different, requiring long-term adaptation.

This place itself is toxic to those unaccustomed.

Originally, the Demon Realm was an environment of poison and evil.

They grew up consuming what others would consider poison here.

That’s why during the Demon King’s invasion, territory corruption and Demon Realmification were prioritized.

It’s about establishing a foothold and territory.

For those who haven’t adapted, just enduring here is agony.

Emotions and will aren’t controlled.

Breathing and perceiving everything is free.

Unrestrained emotions and willpower run rampant.

Lack of restriction means lack of control.

It leads to chaos and confusion.

What’s a blessing to them becomes a curse to outsiders.

After adapting, it’s no big deal though.

Also, the mana here is different from magic power.

Similar yet distinct.

Those who can’t adapt become weakened and collapse from addiction.

“You’re the same.”

Even in the Demon Realm, something rotting like that wouldn’t be able to adapt here.

Its active time must be limited.

But even a short time is enough for it to cause devastating damage.

Complications arise since dealing with this might make it seem like they caused it.

Other nations might use this as an excuse to attack them and the empire.

‘If this was intentional, it’s quite cunning.’

But that’s impossible.

Even the Demon King risks his life crossing worlds.

Summoning something here without contracts or rituals?

Or did we miss some preparation?

‘No.’

There’s no time to think about this now.

He’s in a position of leadership.

Bad habits die hard.

‘Better focus now.’

Barg descends like a hunting hawk, aiming straight for where Carriel sits.

Just then, the Trolong launches itself forward as if sensing this.

Does it seem like it’s desperately trying to protect him?

Surprisingly agile for its size.

However, its response is a step too late.

Barg’s descent causes debris to fly up and black ichor to splash into the sky.

GRRRR!

The Trolong twists its body with a swamp-like roar.

Barg emerges from its body, completely unharmed thanks to the red lightning surrounding him like armor.

KUUNG!

The Trolong crashes to the ground a moment later.

Its tail sweeps across the area, causing nearby people to frantically dodge.

Fortunately, the fourth tier is wide enough; otherwise, the entire village below would have been destroyed by now.

Even rolling a few times would devastate the residential area.

Injuring something like that alone proves the regiment commander is quite skilled.

“Shouldn’t we be doing something?!”

At the monster’s appearance, Leo and Louilin were already rushing toward Carriel.

But the oppressive aura from the Trolong is overwhelming for mere humans.

However, this decaying dragon-like creature seems to have targeted the monstrous regiment commander.

Still, ignoring it isn’t wise since even its dropped fluids, vines, and bark fragments are dangerous.

Indeed, some of these create writhing creatures or humanoid forms upon landing.

Monsters and daemons rapidly multiply, making dealing with them quite troublesome.

“Why did this suddenly appear?!”

Luciri screams while creating gales with her gloved hand.

Green winds spread from her sword swing, causing her dress’s fur trim to ripple like a living beast.

Leo slashes with surprising agility despite lacking formal training, mercilessly cutting down monsters.

“Gah! My hands feel weird!”

Louilin’s attacks explode monsters, but their black bodily fluids splatter everywhere, including on herself.

“The omens were troubling! Is this why? What catastrophe is this?!”

Deyk intercepts approaching enemies with a small flail of unknown origin.

Arrows with special effects cause monsters to smoke and burn upon impact.

Then Luciri’s wind spreads the flames, creating a fiery storm that engulfs most of the monsters.

“This is why I complain about magic!”

“Move instead of talking!”

Luciri shoots back at Deyk’s exclamation.

She uses wind to hinder enemy movements or boost allies.

With such support, Leo and Deyk efficiently eliminate foes.

While Barg keeps the Trolong occupied, the group finally reaches Carriel.

“Are you alright?”

“Master, are you injured?”

Carriel merely nods weakly while sitting and breathing heavily.

His condition looks critical, pale as death with no strength to stand.

Amazing he could fight in this state against such a monstrous Trolong.

“Any idea why this appeared?”

Luciri asks, but Carriel is in no state to respond.

“We’ll deal with that later. Let’s get out of here…”

As Leo moves to help Carriel up, the latter grips his arm.

“…”

As if regaining awareness, Carriel’s golden eyes fix on Leo with intense determination.