Chapter 189

In the past, Urboros, the last descendant of a monster clan once revered as gods and active in the Black Round Table under the name Votigan, was running away in a panic. Even for him, who had encountered countless monsters in his life—or rather, in the Black Round Table—this was the first time he had faced such a terrifying creature.

“What kind of monster is that…!”

At first, he summoned Gawain and Phelier, followed by dozens of Galhauts. He thought that would be more than enough to handle such an enemy. However, Damian emerged confidently, unfazed by the summoned beings.

[It’s a bit fewer than I expected. Shouldn’t you have summoned at least a hundred? Even if their strength and magic are intact, they’re just mindless puppets following orders. It seems I underestimated you too much. I’ll have to step up my game.]

[Huh…]

[Now, through my hand, manifest here, Belial.]

A massive axe covered in grotesque mouths appeared. Just looking at it sent shivers down one’s spine. The axe was so enormous that even lifting it seemed miraculous, let alone swinging it. Damian, holding the axe—easily over 20 meters long—with one hand, swung it effortlessly.

The summoned beings Urboros had called forth were not just cut or crushed by the axe—they were sucked into it and annihilated as if devoured.

[This meal is a bit lacking. I might hear complaints about being hungry later.]

[What the hell is this…?]

Even though he had underestimated Damian, Urboros couldn’t believe his summoned beings were defeated so easily. Despite their lack of intelligence, their skills and abilities should have matched their original forms. Yet, they were wiped out in an instant.

[Don’t you have stronger ones? The poison-spitting one, the ice-breathing one… Oh, I already crushed that one. Or maybe that blind swordsman? He’s quite a nuisance. Haven’t you eaten him yet? The Tower Lord of Earth, as my father mentioned, must still be out of your reach, and the lightning swordsman who fought alongside him too. Without those two… the only threats left are the ones you just summoned, but they don’t focus on defense. Either they’re arrogant or naturally defense-oriented… In any case, they’re nothing to fear.]

Damian, though appearing stoic, was surprisingly talkative. But he never lied. He had fought countless members of the Black Round Table and other beings Urboros had summoned in the future, to the point of exhaustion. He knew exactly how to fight each one and which demons to summon. In other words, he already had a strategy guide for most enemies, written in ink melted from his own experiences.

Urboros continued to summon those he had devoured, but they were all defeated in one or two strikes. Panicked, Urboros decided to flee. Though he could have fought directly, as a pride-less monster, he prioritized survival over victory.

“My ambition to devour this world remains unfulfilled! I refuse to fight such a monster! Someday, I’ll devour Lancelot, Agravain, Percival, and Boars! When I return, you’ll beg for death, brat!”

Of course, there was no guarantee of what lay on the path he fled. In Urboros’s torn pupils, a sinister aura swirled, and a massive black bird with six wings and three legs flapped its wings.

“I was getting tired of waiting. As expected of a snake, your escape speed is pitiful. You’re nothing but a snake-head who can’t do anything without devouring strong souls. My parents likely fell victim to your dirty tricks. I’ll kill you before that happens again.”

“Wait…! Look, I can change! Like Bedivier, I can join your side! I can be a good monster!”

“A good monster, huh…”

Of course, this was a blatant lie. Urboros had a meticulous plan to feign submission and then devour everyone when they let their guard down.

“My mother would have said something like this…”

‘Human mothers are all about mercy, giving everyone a chance. But to you, I’ll deliver the most excruciating pain this world has to offer.’

“You’re full of crap.”

“What…?”

“Stop wagging that disgusting snake tongue. Oh wait, you’re a snake, so I guess that’s just how your tongue is.”

Urboros was stunned. He had initially approached the Black Round Table to devour them but was beaten to a pulp by Tristan and ended up groveling to join. He tried the same trick again, but this time it didn’t work.

“I must repay you for the birthday gift you gave me. In the form of a horrific death by burning.”

“Wait, hold on…!”

Before Urboros could say more, Damian, in the form of the monstrous bird, soared into the sky. Urboros considered fleeing, but…

“Run if you can. Chasing you would just be entertainment.”

With that, Urboros lost all will to fight. Damian’s black wings blotted out the sun, and flames began to ignite on his wings and body.

[Halphas – Shadow of the Sun]

With those flames, Damian descended. Of course, it was obvious who was at the landing point.

“I can’t die like this…!”

Urboros, who could have grown into a world-devouring monster, met his end without even finishing his last words.

“In the end, you were nothing but a foolish snake. You overplayed your hand, and this is the result.”

With that, Damian achieved his first goal of returning to the past. He then noticed three beings approaching and took a deep breath. Recognizing them as direct signs from Werner, Damian quietly gripped the necklace his mother had left. It was time to fulfill his true purpose.

“First, I’ll send those fools back. It’ll just be a hassle if they get involved.”

Who influenced him to be so dishonest till the end? It was as clear as day.

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Clang!

Glacia’s ice sword was knocked away. Her magic sword had already been flung far off, embedding itself in a tree. The outcome was clear.

“Haa… Haa…”

“Hmm, that last strike was definitely disappointing. Trying to move silently like an assassin to take advantage of my blindness… I see where I need to improve.”

“How did you know…? I silenced all sound…”

Percival was blind. If she silenced all sound, he shouldn’t have been able to sense her approach.

“You silenced the sound, but the killing intent and aura you emitted made my body react instinctively.”

It was a clear defeat for Glacia.

But instead of finishing her off, Percival picked up her sword, handed it back to her, and turned away.

“What is this…?”

“This old man only seeks to improve his skills and reach higher realms of swordsmanship. I have no interest in taking lives after winning. Unless you insist on a meaningless fight to the death…”

Glacia trembled. This was the first humiliation she had ever experienced.

“Your skills are too valuable to waste, and I felt the defeat of that annoying snake, so I’m in a good mood. If you feel humiliated, train harder and come back to defeat this old man.”

“…”

“This old man never refuses a swordsman’s challenge. When you’re ready, come and take my head. Oh, and you should hurry to aid your lord. I sense an ominous poison aura from the west. If that poisonous spirit unleashes its full power, anyone could be in danger.”