Chapter 302

Purple.

A color that symbolizes divinity and nobility.

While colors from red to blue can grow through various situations, purple is a color one must be born with.

Even acquiring that birthright is impossible unless you are a god or something of equal standing.

Thus, it has been a color that has been admired throughout history, a color revered by all living beings.

Currently, the entities corresponding to purple are Gaia, Chaos, and Gulrak.

There are a few rare beings with purple characteristics, including demons.

[Where do the demons of purple come from?]

[The purple demons must have been born from humanity’s ‘evil.’]

[According to literature, excluding the Demon God, three purple demons are known…]

Numerous hypotheses have emerged, but all purple demons symbolize ‘violence.’

Physical violence, verbal violence, sexual violence, and lastly, state-sanctioned violence.

In particular, the Demon God, defeated by heroes, symbolizes state violence.

Extremeism, massacre, ethnic cleansing, torture, riots, etc. Things that are bound to exist in the world of humans.

The remaining forms of violence are also necessary ‘evils’ for humanity to establish civilization. They can’t simply be erased even if desired.

Thus, scholars speculate. The closer humanity gets to evil, the stronger the power of demons will become.

It’s a plausible hypothesis and quite handy for priests who believe in gods when preaching.

However, no living being, including humans, can be completely eradicated from the ‘evil’ of violence.

It’s a sort of truth, yet everyone seems to have forgotten it as they move forward.

-Kugugugugu!

The atmosphere vibrates. I felt it as soon as the Warden, no, the demon, flashed his purple eyes.

Even though I was completely still, I felt my breath catch in my throat.

The figure before me looked like a disheveled old man. But the oppressive pressure weighing down on my shoulders warned me otherwise.

This being was a ‘purple’ demon, one with powers akin to a god—an entity almost identical to a god in the eyes of demons.

[The Lord of Lies]

It has no name. Just referred to as ‘Lie.’

Symbolizing verbal violence among the three great violences, it is the most malicious and cunning demon.

If we measure it by danger alone, ‘Lie’ can be said to be the most perilous. Just looking at its subordinates is evidence enough.

Clowns, Rust, Hunters, etc. Demons capable of easily wielding power across several nations.

Historically, countries have often rotted from within before they fell to outside forces.

‘Lie’ and its subordinate demons are specialized in this regard. Extremely dangerous.

‘Why…?’

I couldn’t understand why it came directly to the Academy. I could at least comprehend if it were the blue demon instead.

But purple? A purple demon is an entity that even gods cannot ignore.

Yet, its confident demeanor suggested that it must have something it desperately needs to acquire.

“I’d appreciate it if you could release my subordinate over there first.”

‘Lie’ pointed at Rust, who was collapsed on the floor, with a tone that sounded almost like a request.

I turned my head to look at Rust. It seemed he had fainted when his eyes were shut, not moving an inch.

“What if I don’t?”

Rod responded with a steadfast voice. He seemed ready to attack at a moment’s notice.

It was the first time I had seen him so alert, always so relaxed. He must not have expected to encounter a purple demon.

“If you don’t want to, then it can’t be helped. I’ll just have to take him by force.”

“………”

‘Lie’ shrugged casually as if it couldn’t care less. Just to be clear, Rust is beneath us right now.

The moment it moved its finger, Rust’s head would fly off. Rod seemed to think the same and immediately took action.

Still fixated on ‘Lie,’ he plunged the sword in his right hand toward Rust’s heart.

[Stop.]

-Thunk!

Just before the sword pierced Rust’s heart, ‘Lie’ opened its mouth.

It wasn’t just a voice that entered my ear; it felt as though it was forcibly shoved into my brain.

Even more astonishing was Rod’s reaction. As soon as he heard ‘Lie’s’ words, he froze like a ghost.

Very slowly, very gradually, the sword was descending toward the heart, but at an excruciatingly slow pace.

“My, my body…”

“………”

But even Rod’s predicament was mild. Kara and I couldn’t move an inch.

It felt like my consciousness was awake, but my body was completely stiffened. All from just a single spoken word.

[Move.]

-Swish!

With the next command, Rust’s form vanished. The space-translocation magic, which consumes a great amount of magical energy.

All that remained on the floor were scattered black bloodstains, clear evidence of Rust’s presence. Simultaneously, my frozen body began to loosen.

“Hmmm. Seems quite strong, even if not as much as the Saint. Given that your body is able to move now.”

‘Lie’ stroked its beard, looking fascinated, presumably referring to Rod.

While Kara and I stood motionless, Rod managed to move. He must have triggered ‘Lie’s’ space-translocation magic.

As seen just now, ‘Lie’ is the pinnacle of ‘magic.’ As repeatedly mentioned, magic is deeply linked to language.

And each of ‘Lie’s’ mere ‘words’ manifest as magic into reality.

“Now then. I have a suggestion for you…”

-Whish!

Before ‘Lie’ could even finish its sentence, Rod seized the bloodstained greatsword embedded in the ground and charged at ‘Lie.’

At the same time, various weapons floated behind him, acting as a shield. It seemed like he was trying to act decisively.

It may be dangerous, but it’s a wise move. At the very least, ‘Lie’ must not be allowed to speak.

The only way to counter ‘Lie’ is to relentlessly prevent it from uttering any words.

“Tsk, tsk.”

But who is ‘Lie’? A ‘purple’ demon akin to a god.

It clicked its tongue and spoke to Rod as he swung down the bloodstained greatsword from above.

[Shatter.]

-Crash!!

With that utterance, the bloodstained greatsword was obliterated. Again, it shattered like broken glass.

The bloodstained greatsword had barely been used a handful of times. Yet the hilt, marked by the shape of an eye, remained intact.

“Hmm?”

Surprised that the hilt was still unscathed, ‘Lie’ appeared genuinely taken aback. It would normally have been destroyed completely.

Meanwhile, Rod grasped Ragnarok floating behind him. Plenty of weapons still remained.

-Crack!

The blade of Ragnarok pierced ‘Lie’s’ head precisely. It not only struck but also split through the center of its face.

‘Lie’ allowed the attack far too easily. But then again, there’s a reason it’s called ‘Lie.’

As soon as I witnessed it allow such an attack, I turned my back. And as expected, the anticipated situation unfolded.

[Break…]

‘Lie’ was already behind me, speaking. I reached out before it could finish.

My hand stretched directly toward ‘Lie’s’ mouth, targeting the distinctly glowing purple tongue inside.

A weakness, if you will. To ‘Lie,’ which embodies verbal violence, its tongue is as much a weapon as any.

-Chomp!

My hand went into ‘Lie’s’ mouth. ‘Lie’ looked at me with an indifferent face.

I grabbed its lower jaw like a handle and yanked it down hard.

-Rrrrgh!!

As I tore away its lower jaw, the purple tongue dangled down. A slippery, snake-like tongue.

It would be great if I could rip it out just like that, but unfortunately, my attempt bore no fruit.

-Slurp

‘Lie’s’ body began to melt away. Like a melting snowman in the heat, it gradually lost its shape.

This, too, was a clone. True to the name ‘Lie,’ it exhibited various tricks.

“Hey now. Interrupting an adult’s conversation, are you? I’d have to give you a good scolding if I take you away. Hehe.”

From behind, I heard ‘Lie’s’ voice. I clicked my tongue and looked over in that direction.

There I saw ‘Lie,’ stroking its beard while luxuriating. I was utterly confused as to what was real.

“………When exactly does it use magic? It certainly hasn’t spoken?”

“………”

Kara looked bewildered. She wasn’t alone.

Rod, who had attacked ‘Lie’ first, furrowed his brow, appearing troubled.

Magic is a capability triggered at least through language. Whether by writing or speaking, one of the two is always necessary.

Yet just moments ago, ‘Lie’ had completely disregarded that rule. I had no clue when it had used its clone technique.

“………It’s all clones.”

Rod spoke flatly. I looked at him.

“There must be a true body somewhere. It’s merely sending clones to test us.”

“Clones?”

“Yes.”

“Then where is the true body…?”

Kara couldn’t finish her sentence in time.

Rod threw Ragnarok, which he had clutched tightly, to Kara.

Just as Kara was about to instinctively catch Ragnarok…

-Zap!

A spark ignited. Weak as it was, a feeble spark.

As soon as Rod and I saw that spark, we wasted no time in attacking Kara.

Rod with the Usuk Blade, and me with my bare fists.

[Change.]

Just as Usuk Blade and my fists made contact with Kara’s body, the ‘Lie’ that had transformed into Kara spoke. Simultaneously, a slight ripple occurred.

Despite the ripple, Kara’s existence itself did not change. However, she exhibited a starkly different reaction compared to before.

“Wha, wha?! What’s going on? Why is everyone acting this way?!”

“………”

It was definitely Kara. As soon as Rod confirmed she was the real one, he retracted his sword.

I followed suit and withdrew my fist. But the mystery remained unresolved.

“Where did you go?”

“I, I don’t know. I remember handing the sword to the Chancellor, but…”

It seemed that while Rod was busy battling Rust, and I was unconscious, ‘Lie’ had relocated Kara.

I furrowed my brows as I glared toward the direction where ‘Lie’ was. ‘Lie’ was laughing heartily.

“I was just playing a little. What a shame to miss such an interesting scene.”

“………”

“Just kidding. A joke. I assure you I won’t do anything you’d dislike. I’ve heard things, you know.”

A joke? I could have almost lost Kara with my eyes wide open.

For some, it may have been a prank, but to others, it was a situation that could spark fear.

While resentment boiled within my chest, ‘Lie’ remained unfazed.

It was as if all of this was mere entertainment for it, watching us with an overly relaxed expression.

“Now, tell me again. Let’s go home.”

‘Lie’ requested with an overly sweet voice directed at me.

But despite the sweet tone, it was utterly disconcerting. I had another home.

In response, I merely picked up Ragnarok lying on the ground. There’s no way the place ‘Lie’ calls home is mine.

“No.”

The ‘Lie’ before me isn’t a clone. The possibility it’s the real one is very high.

The moment I realized that, I dashed forward, trusting Rod to cover me from behind.

Demons cannot harm me lightly. Thus, I need to actively engage in this battle.

The more I get hurt, the more everyone else becomes unharmed. More than anything, I’m certain of ‘Lie’s’ weakness.

‘It must not be allowed to speak.’

Being a master of magic, it will lose a great deal of power the moment it cannot utter words. At least, that’s what I believe.

“I don’t want to… mind if I ask why?”

“I have a home.”

With the reply, I swung down Ragnarok.

-Clang!

But ‘Lie’ seemed to have anticipated my move, as it failed to split its head. It was blocked by a translucent barrier.

‘Lie’ bore a leisurely expression as if it fully believed I couldn’t break through. Of course, I had no intention of stopping here.

-Sizzle!

Red Lightning flickered around Ragnarok. I raised the axe high.

If I slammed down this way, I could inflict quite a bit of damage. If it doesn’t break through, then I’ll keep attacking until it does.

Just as I was about to strike down with the Ragnarok infused with lightning…

“Home, huh… Is the place you’re referring to actually here?”

-Flinch!

‘Lie’s’ words found their way into my heart—not my ears.

There are various interpretations to be had. The word “home” itself contains numerous meanings.

But I must ignore it. Anything that ‘Lie’ says is likely to be pure falsehood.

With that in mind, I gritted my teeth and swung Ragnarok down once again.

-Bang! Boom! Crack!

The translucent barrier began to crack slowly. Yet ‘Lie’ wore a face that revealed nothing of its thoughts.

It was as if it could see right through my heart. An unsettling sensation washed over me.

-Crack! Splinter!

The translucent shield was nearly shattered. I swung Ragnarok with all my might.

-Clatter!

Finally, the barrier was utterly destroyed. The shattered glass-like shards scattered into the air.

What remained was ‘Lie’ in its true form. Without hesitation, I swung down with the lightning-infused Ragnarok toward its head.

“Do you really wish to go back?”

“………”

-Thud!

Ragnarok didn’t plunge into ‘Lie’s’ head, but sank into its shoulder instead. Deeply embedded in its right shoulder.

If I continue this downward motion, it would reach the heart. Yet ‘Lie’ showed no reaction at all.

This was undoubtedly the real ‘Lie.’ If it were a mere clone, it wouldn’t act this way.

Most importantly, the Wilderness Instinct told me, this ‘Lie’ here is definitely not a clone.

-Ssshhh!

Gradually, the blade of Ragnarok, sinking closer to the heart. I looked into ‘Lie’s’ face.

‘Lie’ wore a face that revealed nothing of its intentions. It only added to the confusion.

Why is it behaving this way? Why is it showing no response at all?

“Such a pity. Truly unfortunate. Did I not mention earlier? Your goal can never be achieved.”

“Nonsense.”

I applied more power to Ragnarok. Just a little more, and I could reach the heart.

“Cases where the fate line elongates only to shorten again are exceedingly rare. The sole exception is reversing time. An utterly mad thing to attempt.”

“………”

“I have one question.”

Just a little more. Just a little…

“Does your goal lie in the ‘past’ or the ‘future’?”

Just a bit more…

“I ask just in case.”

No need to listen. Remember why ‘Lie’ is called ‘Lie.’

But then why? Why? Why exactly?

“Didn’t it ever occur to you that the ‘order’ has been reversed?”

It sounded almost like the truth. My grip on Ragnarok gradually loosened. I had no choice but to.

The lie that pierced not just my ears but my heart. An utterly incredulous lie.

It must not be the truth. With trembling eyes, I glared at ‘Lie.’

It continued wearing an indifferent expression. Or rather, at a glance, it seemed to show a hint of pity.

“Or… could it be that you thought about the ‘order’?”

“Yeah, the order. I believed you were smart, yet I seem to have miscalculated. Tsk, tsk.”

‘Lie’ clicked his tongue, which seemed genuinely regretful. Previously, Rize had expressed similar sentiments.

Regardless of what a demon may say, one should merely let it flow in one ear and out the other. There’s a high chance what they say is not a ‘lie’ but ‘truth.’

The most malevolent liar stands before me right now.

Yet ironically, what came from its mouth was…

“Your ‘future’ goals have vanished. Clean as a whistle.”

It felt like an immensely confusing truth.

Its remaining single purple eye conveyed nothing but clear truth to me.

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