Chapter 159

At first, it was just a translucent defense barrier.

For example, a defense barrier conjured by magic came to mind.

“‘Lend it to me?’”

“What are you talking about?”

The Demon King said, “I am Aegis.”

“Aegis?”

However, my reaction was lukewarm, so the Demon King asked,

“Can’t you figure out what that is?”

No.

It’s late, but not to the point of forgetting.

That was clearly…

!!!

An indescribable roar exploded like a cry and a roar.

It felt like my ears were going to explode, but even this became less intense.

The transparent barrier in front of me was handling this explosive roar well.

The issue wasn’t with that.

“‘Is there something in front of me that could be called that?’”

There’s something in front of me that could be called that?

A translucent hemispherical barrier.

Truly, it’s a shape fundamental to magic-based defensive magic, and its effects surpass expectations.

It blocked even the blow of a giant and barely let through a sound that could burst eardrums. With no obstruction in vision, identifying objects is easy.

“Aegis. I know mythologically it’s a shield, but…”

Nothing specific can be seen.

Aegis is not necessarily a unique name.

Furthermore, it is armor and symbol of dignity of the Celestial God Jeupse, and it was once lent to his favorite daughter, Athena, but the stories vary.

Both Jeupse’s Aegis and Athena’s Aegis are distinct sacred items.

The unexhausted goddess of Aegis, referred to as Artrotone (Ατρυτωνη), is another symbol representing her.

Unlike the symbolism of weapons, such as a sword and axe, symbolizing destruction and conflict, Aegis signifies peace and strategy. As both spear and shield, it represents peace and tactical warfare rather than one-sided violence.

“Can’t see anything else?”

“Huh.”

Upon hearing my words, the Demon King sent an empathetic glance.

But there was no time for idle chatter. Whether the defense barrier had been deactivated or disappeared, I couldn’t tell, but as soon as it vanished, I had to focus on dodging the relentless charge of the giant.

“This calls for evasion rather than confrontation…”

But how did he notice that? Or perhaps gauge it instinctively—he positioned himself right at the entrance, cutting off my escape route.

Thinking about it, this is strange too. When the hand reached out earlier, it already occupied half the entrance of the massive door. Now, it seemed to occupy the entire doorway, dominating the space.

Could this also be due to some transcendent technique compressing this area? Maybe the giant, though already overwhelmingly huge, was originally several times larger?

“So that’s why it was so powerful…”

Mass itself is power. Even if ants carry insect carcasses many times their own weight or push boulders with all their might—desperate efforts that might seem impressive from their perspective—a human could easily flick them away without exerting any strength.

That’s the difference between us. And the fact that I have my own steadfast worldview.

Belief turns into certainty, and eventually, action proves it. Without strong belief and willpower, actions lose momentum. This applies here too.

Just as mana and nature sometimes respond to a creature’s desperate will and create miracles, this being manipulates such phenomena effortlessly, as naturally as breathing.

This is the realm I’ve barely scratched after countless attempts at self-destruction. The understanding I’ve gained over time.

“Why come here if you don’t want to get beaten up by those kinds of guys?”

While dodging, the Demon King started lecturing unnecessarily.

“Don’t forget your purpose. And are you planning to let borrowed power go to waste?”

“Borrowed power?”

What good is borrowing if you don’t know where it is?

“That’s why prejudice is scary.”

The Demon King chuckled.

“Why do you think it has a form?”

Do you believe that martial arts, spears, shields, and swords must all have physical forms?

“…?”

Isn’t this different?

Besides, it’s hard to concentrate. As expected, the giant relentlessly pressed forward without showing any signs of fatigue. His movements grew more cunning and sharp, almost as if he’d finally loosened up.

The ground shook violently, making it impossible to stand still without losing balance. This was clearly intentional. Yet the building remained intact, which was astonishing. Perhaps this place was designed to withstand such forces to seal away extraordinary beings?

“In the Irene Doctrine, they treat the spear that pierced Irene as a sacred relic. But is it truly one?”

“…”

Why bring this up now when I’m so busy?!

“In Irene’s case, maybe. Outside of that, there are myths like the sword piercing a dragon granting immortality to whoever bathes in its blood. Oh, and that sword you threw to save that kid? Didn’t it transcend its limits by severing my neck?”

“Just get to the point!”

Where exactly is the excess or distortion?

“Arrogant much.”

Even without speaking, she read my thoughts and clicked her tongue.

“You’re judging divine equipment and treasures based on the same standards. That’s why these misunderstandings happen.”

A true divine artifact transcends ordinary treasures and sacred tools—it’s something entirely otherworldly.

“Who dictates its form and limitations?”

“…”

The giant’s attacks intensified within seconds. Normally, I shouldn’t even notice such differences, yet my senses picked them up with ghostly precision.

Not anymore. In the past, I was buried alive in countless battles. Though it turned out to be a dream and false reality, every moment of suffering was real.

The pain, the shortness of breath, the tearing muscles, strained tendons, fractured bones—all genuine experiences. Even when my lungs failed and blood drained from my body, leaving me powerless, or when I tried moving despite a severed neck, those memories remain vividly absurd.

If I choose to recall them.

“But…”

My senses are undoubtedly beyond normal standards, especially in combat. Thus, I should calmly withstand and counterattack against extreme gaps in strength.

Yet, is that enough?

Calmness under fire is indeed an advantage. So is quick responsiveness—an overflowing blessing.

Still, is that really enough?

“I need to…”

Think.

Of course, I’ve always thought—even in battle. Critical thinking and judgment are essential, and how many times did they save me from near-death situations?

“Perhaps this was my limit all along?”

Why does the Demon King seem frustrated? Upon reflection, it was simple.

She believed I already possessed the weapon—or key—to handle this.

“The difference between divine artifacts and treasures?”

Form. Shape.

Does having a weapon or armor mean it’s necessary to wield it?

Obviously, yes—in reality, common sense says so.

But… If I judge everything by such standards, haven’t most of the things I use fundamentally defied those premises?

Why conform to the world?

The world—this world—should bow to me instead.

Isn’t that why I sought power?

With that mindset, I could surpass even this process.

Using the right hand, I formed a sword wrapped in pitch-black energy. Then…

I thrust my tiny hand toward the rushing giant’s head while shouting inwardly:

“No matter what happens!”

If overcoming this is part of the journey, I’ll turn this fear and confusion into nourishment.

Ignorance is natural. I won’t deny it. Accepting it fully…

…and using it as stepping stones for my next move.

“—!!!”

BOOM!

Space trembled violently with the impact. Beyond mere vibrations, the force transformed into thunderous sound waves and shockwaves.

Finally…

!!!!!

A fierce groan erupted from the giant’s mouth.

“You’re already using it perfectly despite pretending to be clueless.”

After colliding with my left hand, the giant stumbled backward from the recoil of his own kick, much like someone who proudly kicks a rock or iron pillar only to fall flat on their backside. Normally, he’d immediately recover and retaliate—but not this time. Instead, he clutched his right foot with both hands, wincing in pain like a human would.

“Divine artifacts wielded by gods have no fixed limits.”

Depending on the god wielding them.

“Was that the best result you could achieve with what you just showed?”

Of course, it’s still borrowed power for now.

“Jeupse’s Aegis. Athena’s Aegis. And the Aegis used by the hero of that era who borrowed it—they couldn’t possibly be on the same level, right?”

“…Yeah.”

Take for instance, what I thought were divine swords or sacred blades.

Or better put—it’s this: Authority.

“Mythology suggests that even divine artifacts were forged, refined, and crafted by the gods themselves.”

Take Jeupse, for example.

Born from the Earth Mother Deity and the first Sky God, he wielded a divine spear—one of three treasures crafted to challenge the Sky God and God of Time of his era. He shattered the heavens and claimed victory.

…According to mythology, anyway.

“That’s true, but didn’t I mention before? While artifacts may take form, they don’t necessarily require one.”

Indeed, in some myths, losing or misplacing an artifact rendered it unusable, causing failure.

“They weren’t idiots standing around doing nothing, were they?”

“…”

“Enough talk. Now use it to stop him from charging.”

“…”

“There you go again, stuck in the shield stereotype. Didn’t I just explain it? You catch on so slowly.”

“Would you shut up and let me think? Can’t you give me a moment?”

“Is this something to think about? Just unleash it already.”

“Haa…”

Despite the nagging, I gradually understood—not because of reasoning, but simply because it revealed itself. Like the ability or authority itself whispered its purpose and application.

Standing upright, I swung my left hand over the floor, and a colossal bolt of lightning surged upward as if something had been struck.

Though invisible to the eye, internally, the shield transformed into a long spear-like shape.

But externally, the scene was spectacular. Lightning branched out like tree branches, illuminating the area with dozens of streaks. Even confined to the building and nearby regions, it created an apocalyptic atmosphere akin to the end of the world.

“Not bad, considering we’re indoors where the sky isn’t open.”

Had it merely summoned lightning recklessly, it would’ve been like unleashing a wild herd of cattle.

But the Demon King instructed me to deal with the giant—not kill him. She knows, and so do I.

Subduing him is possible.

Lightning converged into the black sword in my right hand.

Sensing the threat, the giant struggled to rise, swaying unsteadily.

“!!!!!”

A deafening roar tore through the air, but no sound reached my ears thanks to the barrier formed by redirecting the lightning.

I then reabsorbed the energy, compressing it into a single concentrated force. At least this much was needed to inflict meaningful damage on the giant.

“Definitely.”

I grasped one truth: climbing a step higher changes how you perceive the world. It doesn’t guarantee satisfaction, but…

“Astra佩pe (αστραπή).”

Though far from the truth, what emanates from my hand now…

Once upon a time, it castrated the original Sky God, rendering him powerless. It usurped his throne, becoming the next Sky God. Yet fearing mortality, it declared itself the God of Time, aspiring to become exactly that.

To counter and defeat such an absolute being, they created this ultimate divine artifact.

The most potent force and violence the heavens could weave.

If wielded with intent, it would surely become the ultimate weapon and lethal tool.

The sword in my right hand transformed into a single streak of lightning.

“…”

Taking a deep breath, I faced the charging giant and unleashed the pent-up force in my grasp.

A mighty bolt of lightning shook the heavens and earth, striking the giant directly.

Though starting as one, it split into hundreds, then thousands of bolts upon release, transforming into a torrent of lightning that literally…

Tore the world apart.

Shredded it to pieces.

The aftermath caused the entire building to sway precariously. For a long while afterward, the residual energy heated and scorched the surroundings repeatedly.

“…Hah.”

It’s an absurd sight.

Simultaneously, raising my right hand, I muttered under my breath.

My palm was charred black.

If I touched or blew on it carelessly, the burnt skin might flake off or fly away.

“Because you don’t know how to control it?”

“…”

Had I hesitated any longer, it wouldn’t have been just my hand—it would’ve turned my entire arm to ash.

This isn’t a double-edged sword.

If anything, it’s a double-edged sword without a handle.

And it’s so heavy and sharp that merely lifting it could sever your hand.

“I have one question.”

“What is it?”

Though I already suspected, I asked for confirmation.

“…Is the Demon King’s authority similar to this?”

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