Chapter 111

All was going according to his will, Dominus thought with a sly grin as he slowly moved his feet. The absolute power that could help him reclaim what he had lost, the power he would offer to the deity who took everything from him, surged through him.

Despite the condensed hostility he had forged into his mind, instead of heading towards its intended target, it had refluxed inside him, causing unbearable pain.

“Ahh… Agh!!!”

Though there were no visible injuries, Asulin’s condition was dire as she screamed in agony from the internal turmoil. If the lightning, which roamed within her body causing pain, hadn’t killed her outright, enduring this much was already a feat.

To Dominus, however, whether her state was severe or not made no difference.

“Soon she won’t be able to bear the pain and will faint; there’s no need to waste more effort carrying her.”

Satisfied that she was now in a state where he could take her without much effort, he didn’t even consider if she was still intact.

“If I carry her barely alive, the deity will be pleased, and I will only have to take the treasure he bestows upon me.”

His lips curved into a mocking smile despite the sight of her writhing in pain.

His expression was one of ecstasy, filled with greed as he anticipated the treasure from the deity he would soon appease.

What kind of deity was he talking about, and what kind of treasure could make such an impact?

Even though he was once the pinnacle of the empire’s martial arts, the one who lived without any shortcomings, what kind of allure could reduce him to this miserable state?

The value of this treasure seemed incomprehensible, but without him explaining it, its true nature remained a mystery.

“Honor this, young brainchild of Caladbolg. You’ve become the greatest contributor to his awakening.”

As his voice changed from a weapon-like tone to an excited one directed at Andymion, his steps finally reached Asulin.

“Ahh… Hrr… Ugh…”

Asulin writhed in indescribable pain, unable to resist anymore as Dominus approached.

Desiring to carry her away immediately, he felt his movements halted by the electricity coursing through her.

“Ah!”

Dominus let out the most contemptuous sound since appearing in this snowfield, hastily retracting his hand from Asulin.

Crackling sounds echoed as blue lightning struck him, causing him to scream loudly.

Even though the electricity failed to fully manifest and caused Asulin pain, it successfully restrained anyone with ill intentions towards him.

“…How do you like the sensation of lightning when you think someone is defenseless?”

Asulin, though still in pain, managed to rise and speak triumphantly, looking at Dominus.

Even after her decisive strike was blocked and she endured the lightning, barely holding onto consciousness, she still managed to seize victory.

Struggling to her feet, she opened her palm, summoning Caladbolg, and gripped it tightly.

The unstable lightning, controlled by Caladbolg, was subdued again.

Although she regained control over her power, her battered body wouldn’t recover instantly.

“Gah… Gah…”

Asulin’s breaths were heavy, yet she displayed her strength by enveloping Caladbolg with her hostility.

“Prepare yourself…”

With determination in her voice, she aimed at Dominus.

“Aaaah!!”

She swung Caladbolg down with force, aiming to judge this hateful villain.

‘Finally…’

The thin thread that sustained Asulin’s consciousness began to loosen, giving way to relief.

But then…

Clang!!

A sharp object from an impossible angle twisted Caladbolg’s trajectory, burying itself into the snow instead of slicing through Dominus.

“No…”

Asulin’s consciousness faltered, and her words echoed with despair.

Thump!!

Her exhausted body fell lifelessly onto the cold ground.

With Asulin unconscious, the electricity that caused Dominus pain also ceased, leaving him free from agony.

“Tsk!!”

His first words, filled with disgust, marked his recovery from pain.

—

For a moment, Dominus revealed his displeasure before his expression turned calm. Slowly rising, he appeared unaffected by the earlier screams.

Unlike Asulin, who struggled to stand, Dominus moved with ease.

“Phew…”

He exhaled lightly, showing no trace of lingering pain.

It seemed his previous cries were merely a distraction.

Yet, despite his composed appearance, his gaze was fixed on something other than the unconscious Asulin.

There lay a small blade, one that he recognized immediately.

This was a specialized weapon used by the skilled assassins of the League from the Western Continent, designed to pierce vital points from a distance, silencing their targets.

Realizing the weapon that interfered with his plans, he sneered.

“You could have escaped on your own, yet you chose to interfere recklessly. Didn’t I warn you not to act rashly?”

His fierce declaration indicated that her earlier suffering was nothing but an act.

Seeing his anger, dark hostility surged from his body, akin to a storm.

Dominus’ hostility was so overwhelming that no one could remain unshaken by it.

“Cluck cluck. Where did you learn to lie in front of me, boy?”

His menacing aura vanished as someone laughed heartily from behind.

“Who are you? An old man?”

His voice sounded deflated as he turned to face the new arrival.

“Thought you’d scare me with your minions, why did you come yourself?”

His voice balanced between surprise and annoyance.

“Long time no see, Dominus. Your insolent face hasn’t changed, not even now.”

The man, referred to as an old man, greeted him warmly despite Dominus’ attitude.

“Your face hasn’t changed either.”

Though he responded with a mocking tone.

“Insulting someone’s appearance is beneath you, isn’t it? You seem to have nothing better to say.”

The man, the leader of the assassin league known as the Elder on the Mountain, calmly countered Dominus’ taunt.

“Even you, who mock me, find similarities in each other. Blood can’t be denied…”

The air crackled with hostility.

“Enough of this nonsense,” Dominus exclaimed, dodging an attack.

“I didn’t come here just to play games. I brought a perfect offering for the deity.”

“Indeed.”

He revealed his reason for coming.

“The daughter of Caladbolg. The deity will surely be pleased. Heeheehee…”

His sinister laughter echoed, revealing his true nature.