Standing amidst the army, Yuma dozed off due to the lack of sleep.
When suddenly, his eyes jolted open upon seeing a screen.
[Prepare yourself. The demon will soon exit the cave!]
He turned toward Lacius, who've long returned from blocking the cave entrance and shouted, "Get ready, the demon is coming!"
Lacius's face turned serious as he shouted, "Everyone, prepare for combat!"
The soldiers around began to move. First, the shield bearing soldiers in the vanguard raised their shield while surrounding the cave entrance.
Then, the soldiers holding spears prepared themself to thrust their spear toward the demon or throw it to injure the demon.
Meanwhile, most blessed hid themselves among the crowd while preparing to deal a killing blow toward the demon.
Once the demon almost exited the cave, everyone could hear a weird sound coming from the cave.
Soon, a gigantic two meter tall chicken appears in everyone's view.
Lacius, Tsukiko, and Yuma, who had hidden themselves near the rear, looked at each other in confusion.
"Is that the demon?" Yuma asked
"Perhaps." Lacius replied while preparing to activate his power.
Tsukiko twitched her mouth, "Ain't that just a chicken? Except slightly bigger?"
Tsukiko wanted to continue ridiculing that chicken. But when she saw what that chicken was doing right now, she quickly shut her mouth as it turned into one of fear.
The instant that chicken left the cave mouth, it jumped through the shield bearing soldier's encirclement.
Although there are some spears wielding soldiers that responded in time and attacked the demonic chicken as it jumped, the amount of injuries it received is simply negligible.
The moment it passed through the vanguard, it began attacking the soldiers in the rear. With every attack, pieces of flesh and blood are torn and strewn on the battlefield.
Yuma and Tsukiko, who stood quite a distance away, saw the bloody scene and felt their stomach churn while their expression turned pale.
Still frozen in shock and fear, they even forgot to turn their head and kept staring at the battlefield.
It's unknown who first started it. But in panic, the surrounding soldiers began to throw their spear toward the chicken that currently stood tall among them, which further increased the chaos and casualties.
As it madly kills the surrounding people while evading or knocking the spear thrown toward it with its wings.
It's unknown how the chicken does it, but it occasionally lets out an inhuman clucking that sounds like a human's wails.
Seeing his army being slaughtered like nothing, Lacius led the surrounding blessed to move forward.
With a frown, he shouted at the top of his voice, "Every soldier, retreat!"
The soldiers nearest to him began to retreat. When those located far away saw the people around them had begun to retreat, they silently followed suit.
That chicken saw the retreating soldier and tried to follow after them. But, just when it tried to attack a retreating soldier, it got blocked by a wall of earth created by Lacius and several others blessed.
When it tried to jump through the earth wall to continue its chase, Lacius shouted toward two blessed with divine strength who had run toward the chicken. "The two of you, hold it down."
He then turned toward Hars and the two blessed who had previously controlled the horse Yuma and Tsukiko rode. "Hars, when the demon began to spew fire and poisons, I want you to block it with your power. Alan and Rumina, go lead the other fire and wind blessed to burn that demon!"
The three of them nodded and got into action.
While the two blessed with divine strength are fighting against the chicken in a melee. Rumina and another fire element blessed and created a ball of fire which she shot toward the demonic chicken. Meanwhile, Alan led two other wind elements blessed to help control and make sure the fire continued to burn.
Although the fire created by Rumina's group has weakened upon reaching the chicken. It is still hot enough to cause some of its flesh to be burned into crisp.
Being burned once more, the chicken screamed in pain and opened two of its three beaks.
From its beak, red flame and purplish liquid can be seen condensing.
Hars who've seen it, quickly controlled his blessed power to create several balls of water and shot them toward the demonic chicken's beak.
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The instant a ball of fire and purplish liquid shot out of its beak toward the two blessed with divine power. The balls of water Hars created have successfully shot toward the demon.
Those water balls Hars has created arrived slightly late. Nevertheless, one of them still successfully collided with the flame spewed by the demon.
Although it failed to extinguish the flame, it still slightly weakened the demon's flame.
Seeing the flame has been weakened, the blessed that has been targeted by the demon's flame raised a shield he had picked up and tried to block the chicken's flame.
When the shield came into contact with that flame, it exploded and slightly injured him.
As for the other blessed targeted by the purplish poison ball, they have jumped backwards upon seeing the demonic chicken's attack.
When the ball of poison struck the ground, it sizzled as the earth began to turn black.
With no blessed holding it down, the demon prepared to run away when Lacius shouted, "All soldiers, throw your spear! Rumina and Alan, use your power and burn that demon!"
The soldiers that heard it began to throw their spear toward the demon.
Lacius then created a wall of earth that blocked the demon chicken's escape.
The demon chicken wished to jump above the wall. But Lacius controlled the earth under it to collapse, which resulted in a small hole.
The hole caused it to lose its balance and failed to collect its strength for a jump. Instead, it hit the earth wall Lacius created and caused it to dent and crack.
Meanwhile, the other earth element blessed created an earth wall in front of the blessed with divine strength to defend them from the throwing spears.
While being occupied by Lacius's power. The spear thrown by the soldiers and the ball of fire created by Alan and Rumina have arrived toward it.
Seeing it, Lucius used all of his remaining power to create several walls and holes that blocked the chicken's escape route.
After doing so, he slumped on the ground from exhaustion.
Yuma and Tsukiko, who had followed after him, quickly supported the falling Lacius.
After being heavily injured from the volley of spears and fire. The demonic chicken looked toward the place where the soldiers had gathered with red eyes before running towards them while ignoring the attacks launched at it.
Once it arrived in front of the army, it began killing the surrounding soldiers.
As blood filled the earth, screams of pain, help, and fear intermixed with the chicken's manic clucking.
After five whole minutes of rampage, the demonic chicken finally fell down from its injury.
***
When Lacius's army has just begun fighting.
Inside the Divine Space, Cedric sat on his chair while frowning.
"That chicken is much more powerful than I initially thought. Also, Lacius's move to double the amount of soldiers sent seems to backfire." Cedric messaged his temple, upon seeing the soldiers messily throwing spears toward each other. "I guess I need to warn Lacius to train his soldier's discipline. Otherwise, the casualties brought by friendly fire might be even higher than the ones caused by that chicken."
While he nervously watches them busy fighting against the chicken, Cedric recalled something and asked, "To level up, does Yuma need to get the last hit on that chicken?"
After all, killing enemies to level up seriously sounds like something out of an RPG game. So, he is curious about how the EXP distribution works.
[No. He simply needs to stay nearby when the chicken is killed. The nearer he is, the better.]
"Ohh.." Cedric nodded and continued watching the battle while asking. "How does NE creature allow a person to level up?"
[After killing a NE infected creature, some of its energy will turn into GP while some will be dispersed to the surrounding or absorbed by surrounding creatures.]
"Won't absorbing it make the surrounding creatures become infected by NE too?"
[No. After possessing a creature or taking a form, NE will stop becoming purely an energy. Instead, it will turn into three components. One part is pure NE used as an energy source for that creature. The second part is used to modify or create the physical form. This part is extremely similar to GP and can be converted to GP after the creature is killed. The last part existed as a 'glue' in a form between GP and NE, this part can safely be absorbed by creatures in the world.]
"Huh? Killing NE infected creatures will give me GP?" As Cedric read the System's answer while watching the battle in Crystal Cube world, he just realized it after the System said it twice.
"How much GP will I get from killing that chicken?" Cedric asked in shock.
[It should be around 0.05 GP]
"Eh? So little? I thought it would be much more." Cedric felt a bit disappointed and lost the mood to continue chatting. So, he focused on observing the battle in the Crystal Cube world.
Seeing the chicken's rampage as it killed dozens of soldiers, Cedric's frown deepens. Luckily, the chicken finally got exhausted after five minutes of rampaging while being attacked by dozens of blessed.
Watching the chicken will soon get killed, Cedric sent a message toward Yuma.
[Quick, run toward the demon before it dies!]
When he saw Yuma following his word and ran toward the demonic chicken, Cedric nodded in relief and watched Yuma's surroundings.
While waiting for the chicken to die and allow Yuma to level up, Cedric calculated the amount of casualties while feeling a bit sad.
"Well, although the casualties are pretty high. But for the sake of killing that demonic chicken, it is worth it." He said in an attempt to cheer himself. When suddenly, the System sent a message.
[I won't be too happy if I were you.]
"Huh?" Cedric is confused as to why the System suddenly said such a thing.
[It's been around a year since a NE infected creature began to appear in your world. Such a long time span should've been enough for more than one NE infected creature to appear.]
"Huh?" Due to his confusion, Cedric feels himself turning into a parrot that continuously repeats the same noises.
After regaining his senses, Cedric asked. "Then, why didn't I see other demons around the place that has been enveloped by Negative Energy?"
[Most of NE infected creatures, or demons as you like to call them, are pretty territorial. So, if other demons have occupied a place, the other has most likely gone to other places the moment they mutated.]
"Why don't you tell me?"
[You're the god of that world. So, it is your responsibility to manage it and make sure everything works as you intended it. Furthermore, the System has mentioned 'creatures' (plural) when you saw the mist shaped Negative Energy before. It's your fault that your reading comprehension is extremely low.]
[Luckily, from the System's detection. Except for the place where the demon chicken resides, there hasn't been any sudden increase in NE density. Which means the other NE infected creatures haven't begun any large-scale killing in your world.]
Cedric slumped in his chair while scratching his head. "Sigh… I feel I might turn bald from stress."
[No worries, there are divine items that can heal balding in the shop. Do you wish to see them?]
Inside the Crystal Cube world, Yuma stood frozen while wiping the tears and sweat that had somehow appeared on his face.
Watching dozens of humans lose their lives in a gruesome way has been such a shock for him. To the point that his mind simply stopped functioning.
When he comes to his sense, Yuma realizes he has moved from his original place and is currently standing a few meters away from the half dead demon.
He recalled reading some sort of screen from the creator of Crystal Cube world and then unconsciously running toward the half dead demon's corpse.
Realizing he currently stands in the midst of torn limbs and corpses. Yuma could feel his head turn dizzy while his eyes turned blurry from the smells of blood in his surroundings.
Slowly, he got used to the sight and smell around him as many thoughts formed in his mind. 'Is this the thing I need to fight? Is this monster even something a human could fight against? If a demon is already this powerful, how does the god expect me to defeat the demon king?'
Those numerous doubts and chaotic thoughts finally combined into one thought. 'I want to quit being a hero and live a leisurely life somewhere else instead.'
While silently watching the demonic chicken dying, the Basic System Screen he got opened on its own.
[Life Level: Lower Level 0
Exp: 3%
Potential: Lower Level 3]
The amount of Exp written on the screen rapidly increased for an entire minute before slowing down.
[Life Level: Mid Level 0
Exp: 73%
Potential: Lower Level 3]
"Huh?" Yuma muttered in confusion.
'What has happened? My Exp suddenly increased?' After looking at the chicken in front of him, he suddenly realized something and shouted, "The demon has died!"
Lacius who stood not far away, heard Yuma's shout and repeated, "The demon has died!"
With the announcement from their king, the surrounding soldiers cheered and began moving toward the demon chicken while cursing and poking it with their sword.
Yuma watched the liveliness and felt a bit better. When suddenly, he felt a warm current that spread throughout his body. He followed his instinct and guided the warm current out of his body.
Behind him, Tsukiko's panicked shout can be heard, "Yuma, you.. you're burning!"
"What?" Yuma turned his head toward Tsukiko, who had a panicked face. On her face, several small lightning bolts can be seen. "Ah? Big sis Tsukiko, what happened to you? Did you get struck by thunder in broad daylight?"
He then raised his palm and saw several small flames appear around his skin. "What the hell?!"
He then waved his arms in panic and caused several small flames to float away while slowly dispersing in the air.
Seeing the two of them panicking, Rumina went towards them and slapped their backs. "Congratulations on awakening your blessed power!"
Yuma got shocked by Rumina's voice and released flames all over his body. Some of the uncontrolled flames caused some part of his clothes to get burnt.
Rumina ignored Yuma's shock and said, "Try to calm down. It's pretty normal for you to get out of control the first time you awaken blessed power."
Yuma and Tsukiko followed Rumina's guidance, and their bodies finally returned to normal.
With her ability under control, Tsukiko happily played around with her lightning while chatting with Rumina.
While Tsukiko and Rumina were chatting, Yuma created a small flame on his palm and silently stared at it. His thoughts are in chaos as he felt a complicated heaviness in his heart after watching the previous battle.
"We shall return with the demon's corpse as our trophy. Don't forget to retrieve our deceased comrade with us!" Lacius's sudden shout shocked Yuma from his trance.
Yuma silently followed the crowd and sat behind Alan while he controlled the horse to move toward
After another week of tiring journey, Yuma finally saw Winter City's city gate in the far distance. He then turned toward Lacius and Tsukiko, who're busy chatting with each other.
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If he hadn't known Tsukiko for a long time, Yuma would've thought Tsukiko had forgotten her relationship with his brother and was trying to get closer with Lacius.
Tsukiko herself might not know it. But, after she became his brother's girlfriend, Yuma has done some investigation on her. He is extremely curious what kind of severe nerve damage a woman must have to be interested in his trashy brother. With some basic investigation through the internet, Yuma could deduce Tsukiko is actually a nice woman that isn't too interested in status and money.
She is absolutely a normal girl except for her weird penchant at taking handsome toxic men like his brother or her other ex as a boyfriend.
Because of Tsukiko's penchant for having a relationship with a toxic man, he doubts someone that seems extremely serious like Lacius is within her hit range.
'Well, unless Lacius is actually a two faced man?' During the journey, Yuma continued to spend his time thinking useless thoughts. Otherwise, he is afraid he would recall the bloody scene he saw during the fight against that demon.
At last, the army finally arrived in front of Winter City's gate.
Once the gate to the city is opened, many civilians can be seen gathering on both sides of the road that Lacius's troops are going to pass through. Those civilians wore an excited face while talking among themselves. The instant they realized the gate had been opened and Lacius's army could be seen. They began to shout, "Long live the king! Long live the king!"
Among those civilians, many could be heard talking about the army's journey to kill a demon. A monster of incomparable might that will cause havoc to the kingdom.
Lacius saw it and waved toward the surrounding civilians while riding his horse in front of the army.
He secretly glanced at the surrounding soldier's expressions, and saw they had turned much more relaxed than before.
Lacius felt a bit relieved. 'It seems following Tsukiko's advice to create a victory parade to improve morale is a good move.'
'Luckily, I've moved fast enough and sent Hars to arrive first and prepare for the parade.' Lacius thought while looking at the city guards who tried to maintain order among the civilians.
After returning to the palace, Lacius stood in front of the door of his throne room. He is in a dilemma on whether he should enter the throne room and work or rest for a moment.
But recalling he has gone for two whole weeks, Lacius sighed and pushed open the door to the throne room.
***
While Lacius is busy handling official matters that have accumulated during his two week leave. Yuma has long since entered his room.
After bidding farewell to Tsukiko and the others, Yuma entered his room and quickly slept like a log. Even the hard and uncomfortable bed he wore doesn't stop him from entering a deep sleep.
Not long after he slept, Yuma could be seen frowning as he entered a nightmare.
He saw himself standing in a crowd while a gigantic chicken killed the surrounding people. He even saw Tsukiko, his trashy brother, the senior in his previous workplace, Alan, Lacius, and many others among the people that had been killed by that chicken.
When he was the only one remaining, the gigantic chicken stood in front of him and pecked at his eyes.
Waking up from his nightmare, Yuma shot up from his bed while trying to calm down.
After wiping the sweat on his face, Yuma took several deep breaths.
After he calmed down, Yuma silently muttered, "I don't think being a hero and killing demons is suitable for me. I should just open a farm in one of the villages here."
Coincidentally, while Yuma mutters those words, Cedric has just prepared to move his attention away from Yuma after seeing he is sleeping. But after Yuma suddenly jolted awake and muttered those words, Cedric felt his nerve almost explode from anger and shock.
He quickly used [Divine Intervention: Word] and sent a message toward Yuma's Basic System Screen.
[No! You're the only hope I have to save this world!]
Yuma stared at the screen Cedric sent and held his urge to smash it. "Are you seriously expecting me to kill that kind of monster? I still have nightmares due to that battle!"
[But previously when I tried to send you here, you seemed pretty happy about it?]
"Well, yeah! I thought the demon would be a pretty calm humanoid race, probably with an extra horn or two. While the demon king might even turn out to be a woman I could take as my wife!"
Inside the Divine Space, Cedric felt the mental power he used to observe the Crystal Cube world almost collapse. That's just how speechless he felt upon hearing Yuma's answer.
Even the System felt the need to show their presence.
[The hero you got is truly something else.]
"Why do things turn out like this? Can't he simply follow the plot I have in mind? I only want him to go on a simple hero's journey before finally killing the demon king." Cedric said in distress.
[Choosing a hero candidate with a good mentality is actually one of the most difficult parts while selecting a hero.]
"Well, things already happened." Cedric sighed. "Is there anything I could do to help Yuma's trauma?"
[The System isn't a psychologist, so the best System could do is to recommend an item called Calming Pill that might be of help.]
Cedric followed the System's advice and checked the Calming Pill they mentioned.
[Level 1 Consumable Divine Item, Calming Pill.
Cost: 1 GP
Details: Pill made with the help of spirit qi and several medicinal herbs. Has been processed into a Divine Item through special means. Effect: Calm the user, help the user enter a meditative state, and increase the chance of enlightenment during meditation. Effect will decrease with consecutive usage.]
Cedric read through the item's details and felt a weird feeling. "System, don't you think this [Calming Pill] sounds like an illegal drug?!"
[Of course not! Don't compare the high quality items sold in the shop to those kinds of trash from Earth! First and foremost, the Calming Pill won't cause the user's state to deteriorate. Instead, it will increase the user's comprehension! For your current hero, the meditative state could even help him control the power he has just awakened.]
Cedric should say what the System said convinced him. So, he spent 1 GP to purchase a [Calming Pill].
After losing 1 GP, a round grey pill around the size of a pea appeared on his hand.
He observed the pill and saw nothing interesting. So, he placed it on a nearby table for now.
After placing the [Calming Pill] on a table, Cedric tapped his fingers on the armrest of his chair.
He is planning how to appease Yuma and make him continue killing demons in the Crystal Cube world to level up. He needs Yuma to quickly get up from his slump, so the plan he prepared must give a quick result.
Cedric prepared several plans and continuously discarded them. At last, he contemplated between sending a psychologist from Earth to the Crystal Cube world, or simply fed him with [Calming Pill] and hoping for the best - With both options being equally bad.
If he chooses to send a psychologist, not only will it cost at least 200 GP. With 100 for Visa and another 100 to send the psychologist to the Crystal Cube world. Furthermore, the success rate will depend on how good the psychologist he took from Earth is.
If he chooses to let him be, Yuma might be in a slump for a long time even after eating the pill. That will delay the speed of his increase in strength. Cedric is afraid if that does happen, the demon king might be born before Yuma got the power to fight him.
That's when he suddenly recalled his promises to give Yuma a reward after he joined the fight against that demon chicken.
'Maybe I should simply buy some items that could help Yuma fight against the demon. Perhaps after he finds himself capable of fighting against the demons, his condition might've changed for the better.'
Although Cedric himself felt doubtful regarding this plan. This plan sounded better and much more reliable than the other plans he has thought of.
"Hey, System. Recommend me an item I could send to Yuma as a reward." Cedric asked the System for advice before adding, "It'll be better if the item you recommended is a weapon that can be used by Yuma now. While also being of use during the fight against the demon king later."
[Based on your requirement, it is recommended to purchase Level 2 Consumable Divine Item, Fire Sword.]
Cedric searched the item the System has mentioned and checked its description.
[Level 2 Consumable Divine Item, Fire Sword.
Cost: 75 GP
Details: Slightly increase the power of fire element power and the user's affinity to flames. Contain three usage of Level 2 Fire Slash.]
Cedric's eyes widened after he read the descriptions. "For something that can only be used three times, this sword is too darn expensive! Furthermore it's a level 2 item and Yuma couldn't have used it."
"Are you trying to rip me off?!" Although every expensive item the System has sold him before turned out to be pretty useful. But, he couldn't see what made the [Fire Sword] worth that much.
[Of course not. Please read the details written on the 'Fire Sword' carefully.]
"Huh?" After the System mentioned it, Cedric realized something. "Is the effect of slightly increasing fire element power and user's affinity to flames a permanent one?"
[Correct. The boost in fire element power and affinity is a permanent one. Furthermore, the passive isn't limited by level, although it will be significantly weakened when used by someone below level 2.]
"Ohhhh!" Cedric nodded and purchased it.
Holding the sword that's worth 75 GP on his hand, Cedric prepared to continue his conversation with Yuma.
He sent his mental power to Yuma's room in the Crystal Cube world and saw him blankly staring at the ceiling of his room while laying on his bed.
Previously, Yuma has gotten pretty tired and bored after complaining without hearing any response from Cedric. So, he simply stared at the ceiling in a daze.
While he was in a daze, Yuma saw a screen appear in front of him.
[I've just finished checking the battle with that demon.]
That is of course a nonsensical excuse Cedric has concocted to explain why he ignored Yuma. Cedric is afraid Yuma might get triggered otherwise.
Seeing Yuma has focused on the text he sent, Cedric sent another sentence to Yuma's Basic System Screen.
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[Although your heart has been clutched by fear, you succeeded in fighting against your fear and kept on observing the battle between human and demon. You have also succeeded in awakening a blessed power and taking the first step toward your status as a hero.]
[I shall grant you a Divine weapon befitting a hero and a pill to help you get accustomed with your newly awakened power.]
While reading the words Cedric has prepared after burning most of his brain cells. Yuma tried to stand up from his bed, when he heard a clanging sound on a nearby floor.
Turning his head toward the source, he saw a half meter short sword lying above the floor. Next to the sword, a small dark colored pill rolled toward the sword's handle.
Yuma walked towards the pill and wiped the dust attached to it. After seeing no dust on it, he grabbed the sword and muttered. "What is this pill? Also, what is the effect of the sword? There is no way the reward from a god is a normal sword, right?"
Cedric has long prepared and easily answered Yuma's question.
[The pill is called Calming Pill. It can help you calm down and enter a state of meditation. Meanwhile, that sword is called Fire Sword. It can boost the power of fire elements and also contains three powerful attacks that can be used once you reach level 2.]
Yuma grabbed the hilt of the sword and tried waving it around clumsily.
He repeatedly swung it and only stopped when he almost cut off his toes while doing a downward slashing motion.
Placing the sword on his bed while still gripping the hilt with one hand. Yuma picked the pill and placed it near his eyes to take a closer look.
'Will I fall ill after eating the pill? According to the noises, that pill shouldn't have fallen to the floor for a long time. So, the five minute rule still works, right?' He placed the pill in his mouth and swallowed it.
From the pill, Yuma could feel a cool sensation spreading throughout his body. The cool sensation makes him feel refreshed as he begins to see the trouble he has experienced from a third person perspective.
Due to the new way of observing his recent experience, Yuma could feel his fear toward the demonic chicken began to lessen.
After the cool feeling began to subside, he once again felt the familiar sense of warmth he felt when awakening his power for the first time.
This time, Yuma could feel himself gaining understanding on how to handle and control the warmth flow so it won't go out of control.
'Is this the effect of the [Calming Pill] bestowed by the god?' Yuma is awed by the effect of the pill that helps him feel relaxed and control the blessed power he awakened a week ago.
It's not like he hasn't tried to control his blessed power during the one week journey. Nevertheless, he still failed to do so even after following Rumina's advice.
Yet, the simple pill actually helped him to do it.
***
Inside the Divine Space. Cedric saw Yuma swallow the Calming Pill and felt relieved after seeing the change in Yuma's expression. Yuma who initially looks extremely stressed has finally relaxed thanks to the help of [Calming Pill].
So, Cedric proceeds to prepare for his next plan.
Previously, the System has said there are more than one demons in the Crystal Cube world. So, now that Yuma's condition has stabilized, he decided to do a check around the human's territory.
After spending a whole day roughly checking the human territories with his mental power, he found dozens of creatures that had mutated due to NE.
They range from land animals like boar, rabbits, bears, and others. To birds that fly high in the air and fishes that swim in the river. Honestly, Cedric is curious just how wide the range of creatures that can be contaminated by NE are.
Among the demons he found, Cedric saw most of them are actually still at mid or upper level 0. Only a pair of bear and a crocodile has reached the peak level 0.
Tapping his finger on his armrest, Cedric felt those weak demons might be a suitable target to help Yuma regain his confidence and fight against his trauma.
Although those demons are much weaker and greatly differ from the chicken. But they're still demons, so they should be of help right?
Cedric memorized the locations of those demons and compared their strength and location.
At last, he decided for a rabbit-like animal to be Yuma's target for his first real battle. That rabbit is only at Mid Level 0, which is similar to Yuma's current strength. If he brought even a single ally, he should be able to kill it easily.
He used the [Divine Intervention:Word] and sent a message to Yuma who has just woke up from the best sleep in his life.
[Hello there, it seems you have a good nap just now.]
"Mmhmm… what's it now?"Yuma who's still half awake, replied to Cedric while stretching his body and yawning.
[I need you to gather allies and start killing demons to raise your power.]
Yuma frowned, "I already said it's impossible for me to fight against something as strong as that chicken."
[Don't worry, this time, the target demon is much weaker than that chicken. It's only a rabbit at Mid Level 0, which is the level you're at. Right now, you already have a divine weapon. So with some ally, you should be able to kill it easily.]
Yuma fell into thought while summoning flames on his hand. At last, he replied, "Alright."
Cedric sighed in relief when he heard Yuma agreed.
[That demon has built its nest in a hill around a hundred kilometers Northwest from Winter City.]
Yuma nodded and exited his room. He walked towards the palace's throne room to seek an audience with Lacius.
The wait doesn't last long as Lacius quickly told the guard to allow Yuma to enter.
After explaining the reason for his visit, Lacius gave Yuma two horses, several rations, and gold coins as his travel expenses. He also sent Alan and Rumina as Yuma's travel companion.
Watching Yuma left the palace together with Alan and Rumina who has reached upper level 0 after the battle against that chicken. Cedric felt the battle against that rabbit is already guaranteed to be won.
After two day's travel, the three of them finally arrived at the rabbit demon's location.
Just like what Cedric has expected. The fight almost went perfectly and Yuma's level has almost risen to upper level 0.
There is only a small hiccup where the rabbit is actually too ferocious and has heavily injured the horse Yuma and Alan rode. But other than that, everything went exceptionally well.
'Things finally took a better turn.' Cedric thought while informing Yuma of another weak demon's location.
Without realizing it, several years have passed since the day Cedric turned into a humanoid navigation that informed Yuma and others regarding the location of demons. With it, the day of the demon king's birth has also drawn nearer.
Currently, Cedric is controlling his mind power to observe a battle in the Crystal Cube world.
Inside a destroyed village full of corpses, two groups have been fighting non-stop.
On one side, there is a gigantic red mole that seems to have many metal ore growing from its body. The sight of those metal ores are enough to make anyone with trypophobia faint. While on the other side, there is a hundred strong army full of blessed with Lacius in the lead.
Lacius who attained the throne in his teenage years has now almost turned into a middle aged man. His face has changed from its initial youthfulness into one full of dignity that gives rise to a feeling of respect on anyone who saw him.
While Cedric is suddenly feeling melancholic and in awe at the power of time. The battle between Lacius's army and that mole like demon has intensified.
The mole demon keeps on trying to burrow toward the earth to escape from the army's volley of attacks. But, Lacius always kept on interrupting its escape by solidifying the earths under that mole.
When it failed to dig the earth, that mole's movement froze for a short time. Which gives enough time for the army Lacius has trained to release their blessed power and throw a spear to injure the mole.
But the tumor like metal ores growing from its body worked as a defense mechanism and successfully deflected most of the attacks.
Seeing the army's attacks are mostly ineffective. Lacius made a motion of raising his palm, which caused the earth nearby that mole to rise and turn into a spike that pierced through it.
Although that demon quickly broke free from the earth spike that impaled it. But, that attack has caused the metal ores growing on that side to be knocked off and exposed the mole's flesh.
"Attack!" Lacius commanded while controlling the earth under that mole to envelop its limbs and restraining it
Once again, a massive volley of attack arrived toward the mole. This time, most of them succeeded at slightly injuring it as the mole began to scream in pain.
"Still, the sheer difference in level isn't something that can be easily overcome by numbers." Cedric muttered while opening his Divine Sight to observe the demons once more.
[Life level: Peak level 1
Potential: Mid level 1]
In The past few years, the density and range of Negative Energy in the Crystal Cube world has been steadily increasing. It caused the strength of demons to keep on rising.
Right now, the average strength of demons has reached around peak level 0, with lower level 1 demons appearing now and then. The amount of demons also kept on increasing, which makes the situation in human territory to be even tenser.
Luckily, every time a demon is killed, the surrounding people's level will slightly increase. Otherwise, most of the humans in the Crystal Cube world would've long gone extinct.
After fighting an endless battle against the ever-growing amount of demons. The amount of blessed in the human race has also greatly increased to the point it reached more than ten times that of other races. Although most of them are just low leveled blessed at mid level 0, and need to work in a team to fight off against demons.
But every time a demon at level 1 appears, it will always cause massive casualties, mainly because of the slow travel speed in the Crystal Cube world.
***
After a long battle, the army led by Lacius successfully killed the mole shaped demon.
From the rear of the army, granny Maude and a young woman came forward and healed the surrounding injured soldiers with their blessed power.
While watching it, Cedric must say that the demon is quite pitiful. Among all humans in the world, he must fight against Lacius, someone who is the best in terms of earth element.
Under Lacius's control, every time the mole wished to burrow into the ground. He would solidify it and make the mole's attempt futile.
Lacius also occasionally created an earth spike that heavily injured the mole and knocked the metal ore guarding its body.
Without the help of its greatest advantage, the army led by Lacius soon successfully killed it.
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With the demon's death, Cedric activated Divine Sight and checked Lacius's current status.
[Life Level: Peak level 1
Potential: Peak level 1]
"Sigh… He is still stuck at the first level?" Cedric felt pity for Lacius.
Since he secretly reached Lower Level 1 after the fight against that demon chicken. Lacius has been continuously fighting against demons to the point he reached the Peak of level 1 within ten years.
But, after reaching level 1, his level has stagnated no matter what he does.
Cedric has also tried to help by informing him that eating magical animals and magical plants could help. Yet, even after he ate magic plant and animals daily, his level still failed to increase.
Right now, Cedric has already lost any hope of seeing Lacius reaching level 2.
Still, he tried to ask the System about how to raise Lacius's level. A habit he has built up during these few years. Every time he saw Lacius's level, he would always ask the same question. "System, suggest some method to help Lacius raise his life level."
[There are two methods you could try. First, purchase an item that allows forceful breakthrough in exchange for the user's lifespan from the shop. Second, create or buy a training method for your world's special energy, so the creature inside could train to increase their level. There are other methods, but they are too difficult, take too much time, or are too expensive for you.]
[Also, please stop spamming the System with that question. This is already the 83rd time you asked it in the last decade.]
"Alright, alright." Cedric waved away the System's last screen.
He has checked the two methods the System mentioned before. For the first method, he has found several items that have similar functions. But their side effects are utterly insane.
Cutting off 50 year lifespan is already the best side effect. Some will cause the user to mutate or often enter a state of madness. Furthermore, they all have a success probability that will cause the user to die upon failure.
There are also Divine Items that could increase levels without side effects and are guaranteed to succeed. But they all, without exception, went far outside of his budget.
As for the second method, which is to find a way for the people in the Crystal Cube world to utilize the mana that existed in the world. That's easier said than done.
He doesn't even understand how mana could make a creature evolve. So, how the hell could he create a way for the creature in the Crystal Cube world to use mana?
Last time Cedric checked, the shop also sold power systems that could help creatures to utilize mana. But the cheapest, most bare bone one is sold for 10.000 GP in the shop!
If he mindlessly bought it, Cedric is afraid he might accidentally get checkmated if another disaster were to happen in his world while he ran out of GP.
He also thought of teleporting a person from another world that already used mana. But, it will cost at least 2.000 GP just for the visa there and the cost of teleporting a person.
He has asked the System, and it said, including the material used to teleport someone with a certain level of energy, the fee for transporting someone of certain influence, and other fees. The point spent will add up to an additional 1.000 GP.
That too only if he is lucky enough to meet a mana user with sufficient knowledge level within the first week. Otherwise, he would need to buy another visa, which massively increased the cost.
There is also the choice to use Visa to a world with mana and learn things on his own. But, not only is it dangerous because he might get killed in an accident. The amount of things he could learn within a week also wouldn't be a lot. In a week, he should be barely able to learn the basics of mana.
Furthermore, the System said there are some slight differences even for the same type of special energy between different worlds. So, he still needs to acclimate the knowledge he gained to suit the Crystal Cube world.
Sharing the knowledge he gained to Lacius is yet another problem as it requires spending GP to purchase Divine Intervention items.
Basically, no matter what kind of plan he thought of, the cost effectiveness will be around the same as purchasing a power system for 10.000 GP.
***
After reminiscing, Cedric felt bored while watching the soldiers clean the battlefield. So, he switched his attention towards Yuma, and saw him riding a horse with Alan and Tsukiko.
Even though Yuma should've been a bit older than Lacius. But, thanks to a little increase in lifespan he gained upon reaching Lower Level 2 from all the demons he has killed these few years. Yuma still looks like someone in his early twenties.
According to what the System has explained to Cedric. After reaching level 2, the current Yuma should be able to live for one hundred years at least. He could even easily live for a hundred and twenty years old with some self care.
Coupled with the vitality brought by the increase in life level and rejuvenation from mana. His youth phases will also last longer than a normal person.
If Cedric hadn't gained immortality already, he might be envious of Yuma's youth.
Next to Yuma, Tsukiko has grown into a healthy looking middle aged woman with slightly tanned skin. Currently, she has only reached the peak of level 1. But it shouldn't be long before she leveled up once more and regained her younger looks. Meanwhile, Alan has been stuck at lower level 1 for a long time.
As for Rumina, after teaching Yuma how to control fire related power and reaching the limit of her potential. She leave the party and became the head guard of Winter City.
Currently, the party of three is on their way to kill another demon which Cedric has located.
Inside Divine Space, Cedric calculated the distance and travel speed of Yuma's group and found they'll still need around a day to reach their destination. So, he decided to patrol the Crystal Cube world once.
After making sure the elven and dwarven territory are still stable, without any trace of Negative Energy at all. Cedric placed his attention on the human's territory.
Viewed from his mental power, the human territory is dotted by many areas with Negative Energy.
Except for the super massive NE area that's located around River Stone city, the others are much smaller in size. Those smaller areas are where small sized villages once existed. Before everyone in it got slaughtered by demons, which gave rise to Negative Energy area.
Cedric focused on the area around River Stone city. Just like usual, the size of Negative Energy mist nearby the River Stone city keeps on increasing at visible speed. Right now, it has even enveloped the River Stone city.
"Wait a minute! It's increasing at a visible speed?!" Cedric is shocked by his observation. "Why is it increasing so quickly?!"
That's when the System sent him a sudden warning.
[Warning!!! Due to sudden increase in NE density that's outside of the System's calculation. The estimated time until the demon king appears in your world has been advanced by a year!]
With the System's sudden warning, Cedric doesn't need to ask to know it is definitely related to the sudden increase in Negative Energy around River Stone city.
Moving his mental power toward the city, Cedric's expression quickly changed after he saw through the scene hidden by the Negative Energy mist.
Inside the River Stone city, a massacre is ongoing.
Currently, almost half the people in River Stone city have been killed. As for the culprit, it is an old woman that has somehow been infected by Negative Energy and began slaughtering everyone in the city.
With her frail arm, she easily tore a man in half before separating him into several parts.
Around her, the blessed stationed in the city have been trying their best to attack her and give enough time for the civilians to escape. But the old woman can easily parry all the attacks they directed toward her.
Ignoring the attack from the surrounding blessed, she keeps on moving at incredible speed and slaughters the surrounding humans.
The scene incredibly shocked Cedric. The woman's strength is simply too exaggerated. A human has actually been infected by Negative Energy!
During the past few years, all the demons he met consisted of mindless animals. They might have some intelligence like the chicken he first saw, but they're still an animal.
This is the first case of a human getting possessed by NE that he has ever seen.
He activated Divine Sight and checked the woman's status.
[Life Level: Lower level 2
Potential: Mid level 1]
"She has reached lower level 2!"
Cedric quickly took the [Divine Intervention: Word] placed on a nearby table and contacted Yuma and Lacius.
[A demon has appeared in River Stone city and has killed half of the populace.]
After seeing both of them respond to his warning, Cedric calculated the distance between Lacius, Yuma, and the River Stone city.
Yuma is currently quite far away from River Stone city. He would've needed to spend a whole day before arriving there.
As for Lacius's army, they're indeed much nearer. But, with the travel speed of an army, they would've needed between one and a half hour to two hours to reach River Stone city.
"The River Stone city is done for! Two hours is enough for that woman to destroy the entire city."
Although Cedric said that, he is unwilling to give up easily. After all, there are still thousands of humans in River Stone city remaining. Even if not for his compassion, he needs to help them for the sake of delaying the raise in Negative Energy.
So, Cedric asked the System. "Do you have any sort of thing I could use to stop that woman? At least until Lacius arrived there."
[There are items used to seal creatures sold in the shop. But, you can't immediately use those items. Instead, the creature in your world must be the one to activate it.]
"I know, I know. Recommend me Divine Item at level 1 that could seal that NE infected woman. Also, recommend me an item that could allow Yuma to arrive at that location before Lacius!"
Cedric asked the item to be at level 1 because the current city lord of River Stone city is a blessed at level 1. The city lord is already the strongest person around the infected woman. So, the item he could use is only those at level 1.
[It's recommended to purchase Level 2 Paper Airplane for your hero and several Level 1 Sealing Stone to seal the NE infected woman.]
[Level 2 Consumable Divine Item, Paper Airplane.
Cost: 10 GP
Details: Magical paper airplane with homing capability and incredible speed. The user may input the target's location by imbuing any energy while imagining the place and their relative distance from the current location. The paper airplane will unravel upon reaching the destination and turn into a normal, slightly thicker paper. 1 paper airplane could only carry 1 person. Can't be used during rain for obvious reasons.]
[Level 1 Consumable Divine Item, Sealing Stone.
Cost: 10 GP
Details: Seal a target at level 1 or below for 1 day. Can be used to seal creatures at lower and mid level 2 for 1/100 the normal effective time, which is 14.4 minutes. The seal will be canceled upon receiving an attack from the outside world. Attack at or below level 1 won't damage the creature sealed inside.]
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Cedric immediately bought a [Paper Airplane] and a [Sealing Stone].
Once the item appeared in front of him, he picked up the [Divine Intervention: Word] and urged both Yuma and Lacius to go toward River Stone city. He also sent the [Paper Airplane] toward Yuma.
Next, he sent the city lord of River Stone city a separate message.
***
Inside River Stone city, city lord Venea is busy activating his blessed power to slow down the rampaging old woman.
While he felt he might faint from exhaustion, a screen appeared in front of him.
[I shall grant you an item to seal the demon.]
"Who are you! Show yourself!" Venea shouted toward the screen that flashed in front of him while glancing at his surroundings.
[I am the creator of the Crystal Cube world. We don't have much time. Extend one of your hands now.]
Although Venea felt suspicious, he still extended his left palm forward to see what kind of trick the unknown person wished to play on him.
Suddenly, he felt a weight in his hand as a glowing, slightly transparent golden stone appeared on it. Venea is sure the stone has appeared out of nowhere because he has been keeping an eye on his palm when the stone suddenly appears.
Grabbing the stone, Venea saw the screen once more. He already mostly believed the one he talked with is the creator that king Lacius has once mentioned.
[Stop every attack from your subordinates and pour your power into it while focusing on the demon.]
He followed the guidance and shouted, "Every soldier, halt your attack!"
Then, he created a ball of water around the golden stone while staring deeply at the rampaging old woman.
He could feel the stone in his hand absorbing a little of the water he created before shattering and turning into light that shot toward the rampaging woman.
The instant that woman got hit by the light. The air surrounding her seemingly hardens and crystallizes. At last, the woman froze while being encapsulated in a two meter tall opaque golden stone. It's shaped just like the stone he activated, but much bigger in scale.
***
Inside the Divine Space, Cedric sighed in relief upon seeing the woman had been sealed.
He then focused his attention on Yuma, who've been granted with the [Paper Airplane].
After bidding farewell to Alan and Tsukiko, who continued their journey through horses. Yuma used the [Paper Airplane] and traveled at high speed toward the River Stone city.
Luckily, the weather in the Crystal Cube world is currently sunny without any trace of rain at all.
Based on Yuma's travel speed through the [Paper Airplane], and the distance between his current location to River Stone city. He should've arrived in around an hour.
That means Cedric needs to purchase at least three other [Sealing Stone] to continuously seal the woman.
While focusing on the journey of Yuma and Lacius's army. Cedric also constantly checked the situation in River Stone city.
Every time the seal on that woman almost expired, Cedric bought another [Sealing Stone] and sent it toward Venea, who activated it and sealed the woman once more.
After Cedric spent 5 [Sealing Stone], Yuma finally arrived at River Stone city.
The moment he arrived, the [Paper Airplane] unraveled on its own and became a normal paper. Yuma stored the massive paper away and began stretching his limbs.
Traveling with the paper airplane has made his limbs turn numb.
The paper airplane is shaped like an origami paper airplane that elementary school children often make. It has no seat nor any safety measure placed on it. So, during the hour long flight, Yuma has been holding onto it for his dear life.
If not for the slight increase in physical power he received from increasing his life level, Yuma didn't think he could survive.
After stretching his limbs, Yuma saw a screen Cedric had sent.
[The target is located 200 meters in your two o'clock direction. She is a woman at lower level 2 that's currently in a sealed state.]
He nodded and followed Cedric's guidance.
Once he arrived, he saw around a hundred soldiers surrounding an opaque golden stone. Inside, the silhouette of a long haired person can be seen. On her left arm, she seems to hold something around one meter tall.
While Yuma tried to see what the person was holding on their arm, a screen appeared in front of him.
[The seal will be broken in 1 minute and 23 seconds.]
Yuma saw Cedric's countdown and felt there was some time. So, he introduced himself to city lord Venea first.
After a quick nod as a greeting, Yuma pulled the [Fire Sword] from a scabbard he had requested a blacksmith to make and held it vertically.
[Stop dilly dallying and quickly attack her while she is sealed! Attack at your level will be enough to damage her while in the seal.]
'Eh? I thought I needed to wait until the seal ran out of time.' Yuma thought while preparing for his strongest attack. He summoned many flames and enveloped it around the [Fire Sword].
As a Divine Item with fire related power, the [Fire Sword] isn't affected by Yuma's flame that's strong enough to cause iron to melt.
He slashed the sword toward that woman and shattered the seal enveloping her.
Although he felt some sort of repulsion force when the seal shattered. Yuma still pushes his sword toward the woman and successfully sends the fire enveloping his sword to attack that woman.
Because she had just been released from the seal, the woman's reflex got slightly delayed and Yuma's strike successfully cut off her left arm.
Behind him, city lord Venea saw the direction of Yuma's slash and quickly shouted. "Don't target the small skeleton she holds in her left arm! Otherwise, she will go on a rampage!"
Yuma heard Venea's shout and found the thing held in the woman's left arm was actually a skeleton. From the size, it should be the skeleton of a small child.
The instant that woman saw the skeleton and her left arm that had fallen to the ground, she quickly clawed at Yuma, who quickly crossed his sword in front of him.
With metal clanging noises, Yuma got knocked backward for a few meters while the sword in his hand also got knocked from his palm.
Without his weapon, Yuma quickly retreated while constantly keeping an eye on that woman and summoning a wall of flame between them.
Waving his aching arms, Yuma picked the sword that had left his arms while focusing on the woman.
Luckily, she didn't come after him and instead rushed toward the small skeleton while screaming incomprehensible words. It gives Yuma time to observe the woman more closely.
He found the woman to be extremely thin and pale. Her check has dented inward, while wrinkles appear on every inch of her skin.
Yuma curiously asked Venea, who stood next to him. "Has the woman always looked like that, or has she transformed into that appearance after turning into a demon? Also, do you have some tips that's useful for the battle?"
"No, we've asked some people, and they said that woman have always looked like that. As for tips, just be careful after knocking her skeleton, as she will soon rampage. There is also her extremely poisonous claw attack." Venea answered.
Yuma nodded at Venea's answer and tried to get accustomed to the injury he just received.
When he saw the woman prepared to make another move, he dashed toward that woman while preparing to slash his sword at her.
The old woman saw Yuma dashing toward her and raised her head. With a hoarse voice, she asked, "My husband… do you see my husband? My child and I have been looking for him."
Yuma ignored the woman's shout and slashed his sword toward her.
Although his attack is slightly weaker than normal because he unconsciously restrained himself upon attacking someone that looked like a human. But, he has seen what the creatures that have turned into demons could do. Even the tamest rabbit will turn ferocious after turning into a demon. So, he still slashed the sword to the best of his capabilities.
Seeing Yuma ignoring her, the woman rampaged and clawed at him to knock the sword away. "Why wouldn't anyone tell me where my husband is!"
Yuma saw her attack and changed the direction of his sword to evade the claw.
Seeing the sword had evaded her attack, the woman jumped backward to evade it. While jumping, she spat toward Yuma, who evaded it out of disgust.
While adjusting his body to evade the woman's spit, he summoned flame that enveloped his sword. The flames increased the range of Yuma's slash and he successfully injured the woman.
Although she didn't get heavily injured, the attack still left a mark on her. There is now a diagonal burn mark on her body that extends from the stump of her left arm to her right waist.
After retreating, the woman realized she had left the small skeleton and the left arm Yuma had cut off. "Return my son to me!"
Yuma heard it and stood between the woman and that skeleton. He also prepared for the woman's next attack by enveloping his sword with flames.
From his peripheral view, he saw the woman's saliva had dropped on the city's road and caused smoke to come out of it. 'I guess I need to evade her body fluids, too.'
While focusing his sight on the woman that could attack anytime, Yuma felt a sharp pain in his ankle.
He glanced down and saw the small skeleton had somehow moved and pierced its small finger bone toward his right ankle. 'What? It can move on its own?!'
Luckily, unlike the woman's, the skeleton's finger doesn't contain any poison.
While holding the pain from his ankle, Yuma felt a sense of danger and jumped to the right. When he is distracted by the skeleton, the woman has attacked his previous location with a downward claw attack.
Seeing Yuma stopped being in the way. That woman picked the skeleton, who moved on its own and clung to her shoulder.
Yuma limped away while switching his attention between his injured ankle and the woman. After grabbing the skeleton. That woman once again focused on Yuma and ran toward him.
Venea, who saw it, commanded the surrounding soldiers to hold the woman while helping Yuma to retreat. The attack on his ankle has greatly decreased Yuma's combat power. Making him unable to place much strength in his right ankle.
Inside the Divine Space, Cedric saw the battle and felt anxious. He switched his focus to Lacius's group and saw they had separated into two groups.
Half of them are left to guard their ration. While the remaining half, led by Lacius, has rode their horses to rush toward River Stone city.
After leaving their burdensome rations, the group led by Lacius is now already extremely close to the city. Based on their speed, they should've arrived in around ten minutes.
"Damn it. I'll spend another 10 GP for [Sealing Stone]! It's better to waste this GP rather than having Yuma accidentally killed or lose his combat power at such an important time."
After purchasing the [Sealing Stone], Cedric sent it toward city lord Venea, who instantly knew what to do.
He told the surrounding soldier to retreat and sealed that woman with the [Sealing Stone].
While tending to Yuma's wound, the army led by Lacius has arrived.
Luckily, among them, there is granny Maude and a young woman who also has healing power.
Both of them went toward Yuma and healed the wound on his body and ankle. Although the recovery was quite slow, it still worked nevertheless.
Under Lacius's command, the remaining soldiers surrounded the seal and prepared their attack.
Once Yuma's wound had healed, he went towards the sealed woman and once again attacked it with his full power. This time, there are also the attacks from several other blessed that accompanied his attack.
Just like before, Yuma felt a repelling force from the sword in his hand after it shattered the seal. Although the flame in his sword still easily slashed toward the woman. He saw the attack from other blessed had been repelled by that force and dispersed.
Because Yuma is slightly distracted. The woman who has just exited her seal found enough time to evade the flame he slashed. She still sustained some injuries. But it's not enough to affect her.
After retreating backward while slashing at the soldier in the way with her claw, the woman stared at her surroundings before her eyes focused on Lacius.
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"He found us! He found us! He has found us!!!" She somehow got agitated and screamed many incomprehensible words. "My king, HELP MEEE!!!"
Then, he madly ran toward Lacius while swinging her claws around.
Even Yuma's attack isn't enough to stop that woman in her tracks. She merely parried his attack with her claw and continued to run toward Lacius.
While clawing and killing every soldier that tried to stop her, she screamed with a shrill voice. "Ahhh! Die! Die! Die!.
Yuma could see the tears falling from the woman's eyes."Return me my son Liam! Give me back my Gratian!!!"
Yuma has no reaction upon hearing the woman's words.
But Cedric who stayed in the Divine Space felt quite shocked as he finally guessed the woman's identity. 'Is she one of Gratian's wives? But haven't all of them been killed by Lacius?'
Watching the woman madly rushing toward Lacius. Cedric felt it's the karma Lacius had sown when he slaughtered Gratian's family. If not for the birth of the demon king that's akin to the sword of damocles above his head. Cedric would've left Lacius to handle this karma on his own.
But, He doesn't want any more unknown variables before the demon king's battle. Coupled by the fact that woman's power has surpassed his expectation. Cedric decided to command Yuma to activate one of the Fire Slash stored in the [Fire Sword].
"Anyway, it's better to test how powerful the Fire Slash is now. So we can plan the battle against the demon king more thoroughly." He sent a message and remind Yuma to use his Fire Slash.
[Find a way to separate that woman from the surrounding people and use the Fire Slash stored in your sword!]
Yuma found a message from Cedric and grumbled. "But I don't have any way to separate her."
Then he looked at the woman who had been targeting Lacius as an idea struck him.
He ran toward a deserted place without many soldiers and shouted toward Lacius.
"Lacius, use your earth wall to send that woman here!" Then, he shouted at the surrounding. "Everyone, hurry away from my surroundings!"
Lacius heard Yuma's shout and erected a massive but thin earth wall between him and the woman. Then, he pushed the wall toward that woman at incredible speed. After doing so, he immediately fell to the floor in exhaustion while pressing his aching head.
Fitting to be an attack that caused Lacius to immediately fell into exhaustion. The moment that earth wall collided with the woman, the earth wall immediately cracked and sent the woman flying, just like she had been hit by a truck.
She flew in a parabolic shape toward the deserted place Yuma had run into.
When Yuma first reached level 2, Cedric has asked the System how to activate the Fire Slash and taught it to Yuma for emergencies.
So, Yuma followed what Cedric has taught him and imbued his power into the sword while thinking of activating the Fire Slash.
An extremely tyrannical flame appears from his sword and enveloped it. Even Yuma, who has gained some resistance to heat, feels the flame coming from that sword to be unbearable.
Which makes him quickly swing the sword toward that woman.
The moment the sword touched that woman. The flame that has enveloped the sword exploded. Luckily, the sword seems to have been designed to not release any flame on the side of the hilt. Otherwise, Yuma would've turned into crisps.
Once the flame subsided, Yuma looked at the woman's location and only found a vague outline of a human. She has been thoroughly burned to the point most of her body has been carbonized.
In Divine Space, Cedric saw the Fire Slash has successfully killed the NE infected woman. Yuma's level that has been stuck in the lower level 2 during the past months has finally advanced to mid level 2.
With the death of that woman. Cedric slightly relaxed and felt curious how she could survive Lacius's genocide and arrive at River Stone city.
Activating his Past Observation, Cedric saw the scene from the past. To be exact, the day when Lacius began killing every single one of Gratian's family members.
He found the woman has actually hid herself in a half completed escape road dug in the palace.
Cedric failed to see her because his usage of mental power at that time is only rudimentary at best. The way he saw things in the Crystal Cube world is similar to a 2D game without x-ray like functions. So, if there are hidden things, he won't be able to see them.
The woman hid in that passage for two whole days until the situation calmed down.
By the time she exited the passage and returned to the palace. She has become pale and thin due to lacking nutrients. The first thing she looked for was her son, who failed to enter the secret passage together with her.
After occasionally stealing food from the palace that has been filled with unfamiliar people. She continuously searched for the corpse of her son until she finally found him.
Cedric felt it was around this time the woman had gone crazy. She is unwilling to accept everything and somehow leaves the palace to look for Gratian with her dead son.
Thanks to the road between cities that has been cleaned of most dangerous beasts, coupled with a little luck. That woman somehow followed the clues and arrived at River Stone city and looked for any trace of Gratian. She traveled the road day and night while visiting many houses.
Finally, she found a clue from a person and left toward the battlefield between Lacius and Gratian where she got infected by Negative Energy and returned to River Stone City when she failed to find Gratian anywhere.
Cedric paused it as he felt he couldn't continue to watch her struggle.
Although Lacius is the one who started the genocide against Gratian's family. Cedric felt his incompetence was also at fault. If only he sent a warning to Lacius, he is sure Lacius won't dare to do such a thing.
Cedric felt his heart turn heavy and tried to switch his attention towards something else.
He chose to focus on the explosion like attack caused by the Fire Slash and felt it was incredibly powerful. Its power should be equal to the explosion caused by a kilogram of TNT.
It's not like he has tried to explode a kilo of TNT in his past life. But Cedric recalls seeing a video of one.
Wait a moment!
Cedric realized something and asked the System. "Hey, is it possible for me to send explosives to the Crystal cube world? After all, Yuma could be teleported with the item he held."
[It's indeed possible.]
"Then, can't I simply plant many bombs around the place where the demon king will be born and kill it with explosives?"
The System paused for a long time before replying.
[According to the database, as long as the demon king in your world isn't in the shape of spirit, souls, or concept, it should be possible? Maybe? But the amount of explosive required will be quite massive. After all, the demon king will receive a buff from the surrounding Negative Energy.]
[The System has never heard of this kind of plan. After all, a demon king appearing in a small level 1 world is an extremely rare sight. It probably only happens in the universe once every a trillion years. Usually, demon kings only began to appear in level 2 or level 3 world. At that time, most of the demon kings would already have a certain level of immunity against pure physical attack.]
Cedric asked another question. "Using explosives isn't limited by level like Divine Items right?"
[No.]
Cedric became tempted to visit Earth and buy some explosives. But he realized he didn't know where to buy them on Earth.
Furthermore, after the demon king's birth got advanced by a year due to the increase in Negative Energy, the Demon King should be born in just a few months. Converted to Earth's insane time dilation, it is only less than a day, probably only equal to a few hours.
He doubted he could find any explosive within such a short time.