Chapter 39: The Important Thing Is An Unbreakable Heart
Indifference.
Ironically, it was the biggest obstacle to the realization of desire, and this emotion could be considered a byproduct of all kinds of desires.
Every being with a sense of self craved safety, and thus instinctively felt comfort in the act of doing nothing.
-Ding-a-ling
So, he didnt want to do anything.
If he could convert that emotion into strength, he would want even more fiercely to do absolutely nothing.
At this moment, with faint music coming from beyond the valley, Sloth felt more swayed by that desire than ever before.
Even though the sound felt familiar, he gave up on trying to recall the memory.
Sloth.
A low voice called out just as the desire intensified and his eyes began to close.
Drawn by the voice, he saw an orc standing guard with a mace driven into the ground.
Helkry. A new officer of the demon army who took the position after killing the former leader while Sloth was asleep.
This duel does not end until one of you dies.
Although he was just an orc, Sloth had no particular thoughts about him.
Simply because he belonged to the Demon Army and was just a soldier, he had to follow the leaders orders
Even as lazy as he was, he was not oblivious enough to forget such a sense of responsibility.
Yes, I understand, Chief.
Yes, at the very least, a minimal sense of responsibility.
Sloth began to drag his heavy body for that reason alone.
Without any respect or regard for the opponent.
Just because he knew that this was the only way to be free from the annoyance.
I commend you for not ending it with one hit, but in the end, thats all it is.
Having absorbed an impact akin to being hit by a chariot at full speed, moving any further would surely be impossible.
So, let this strike be the end.
Whoong!
The attack, swung from a distance, only hit the wall feebly.
It took quite some time before he realized that the target had moved away.
Heave, heave.
It wasnt a particularly fast movement.
His body was already exhausted, almost crawling on the ground.
It was just that his nerves were so slow that his reaction was delayed.
Such an annoying resistance.
He crawled towards the spear he had thrown, clinging to the only weapon he believed could attack him, but that didnt translate to respect or consideration.
Even now, the music that reached his ears intensified his desires.
Why was this person choosing the hard way, struggling so desperately when it could be easier for them both?
Why endure so much pain? It wont change the outcome
As Sloth pursued the desperately crawling figure with slow steps, he gathered strength in his fist once they were close enough.
The spear was still at a distance from them.
It took a bit longer, but such delays would not turn into miracles.
This fight was about to end.
Dont prolong it any further. Its just more of a nuisance.
Whoosh!
Just as that certainty resonated, the rush of sound echoed.
He felt his nerves tense, but it took a few seconds before he looked towards the source of the noise.
He couldnt tell what had happened in between.
Only the result barely registered in his sight.
Somehow, the spear that should have been far away was now in his hand, swinging towards him.
Bang!
The spear that cut through his shoulder before his punch could land deviated from its intended path and crashed into the side, sending fragments flying.
The ground that absorbed the force of the heavy mass trembled for a moment.
Crack, crack!!
Taking advantage of the moment, Sloth launched two more strikes to disrupt the balance, and then, having gained distance, the opponent reached into his chest.
Was he still looking for a means to resist?
Sloth, watching this, then quietly observed his chest, sliced by the spear.
Although he would regenerate even if sliced, the bleeding that had already occurred would not disappear.
He hadnt sustained fatal organ damage yet, but accumulating minor injuries could eventually become dangerous.
But the same goes for that guy.
No. Rather, his condition was likely more serious.
Even if he had the strength to wield and swing the spear, he did not possess regenerative abilities.
If he could manipulate magic, there might be variables, but there was no sign of such ability in him.
So, if the fight continued as is, the one to fall first would undoubtedly be him.
Clang!
Contrary to that expectation, he began smashing glass bottles he pulled out of his chest on his head one after another.
Clang, clang.
The medication inside spilled over his head and various parts of his body, and soon, as it seeped into his wounds, it made a sizzling sound.
Enduring such an effect, he gripped the spear shaft tightly and began to clench his jaw with strength.
Ka, aah Ugh!!
Healing potion.
A medication that cauterizes wounds to quickly stop bleeding and enhances healing, promoting rapid recovery from fractures and abrasions.
It was highly effective as an emergency treatment to recover from immobilizing injuries, reviving even paralyzed nerves, unless it was a severe injury.
If one could endure the accompanying severe pain
Aaaaaaaaaah!!!!
But such intense pain could destroy the mind and shatter judgment.
Therefore, it was never to be used in battle, yet he endured it, screaming in agony.
Whether it was a cry of pain or a shout to muster all his strength, it was indistinguishable.
What on earth
Kuaa, aaaaaaah!
With that, the fiercely swung spear slashed his skin, and the consecutive attacks began to push his body back.
Then, seizing the opportunity created by the created distance, a full-force spear throw attack was executed.
Bang!
When the attack hit his body with a loud boom, Sloth felt the tremor from the spear and gritted his teeth.
A self-moving spear A weapon imbued with a soul?
He only realized that the weapon far away had flown to his hand because it had awakened its consciousness.
He tried to draw it before it could cut through him, but the spear flew through the air towards him first.
Drip, drip.
Blood flowed from where the spear was pulled out.
As the accumulated damage progressed from minor to severe injuries, Sloths eyes, glowing with rage, began to glare at him.
Why on earth
Feeling pain was annoying.
Even if he faced a strike aimed at his heart, he wouldnt blink, and even fearing death was too much trouble.
Yet, the frustration he felt at this moment was surely because of his inability to understand the opponent.
Why fight so hard? Why endure such agony?
Bang!!
The spear held in his hand crashed into him again.
As the ego within the spear increased its throwing power, he felt a destructive force strong enough to push his steps backward.
Dont be arrogant, and dont tremble. You lazy fool.
The man who threw the spear responded with clenched teeth in frustration.
Youre incredibly strong, but slow Your stance is a mess, and your focus isnt even on your fist. Do you not think its overly ambitious to hope the fight will end with such a poorly swung strike?
Even as the potions healing power caused his body to burn up, enduring such pain, the frail human sent a clear gaze toward him.
The attack was indeed destructive, but even now, his trembling limbs showed that he was no more substantial than a candle in the wind.
That poorly swung strike making you struggle to stand is hardly something you should speak of.
Just one more hit.
If only one more hit would land.
Kaboom!!!
Such determination flipped the ground around him, destabilizing the stance of the opponent standing on it.
Jumping out of such precariousness was the natural course of action.
Realizing that evasion was impossible, Sloth focused his gaze on him and gathered strength in his body.
Stop bothering me any further with that ragged body of yours, human!
Bang! Then, a punch, accompanied by a leap, turned into an afterimage.
The impact could well be likened to a cannonball, yet no fear appeared on his face.
Was it because he was unaware that the attack was aimed at him?
No, thats incorrect.
Before the fist pierced his head, the target Sloth was concentrating on was clearly visible in his eyes.
His eyes were wide open, and not a single moment did he waver from the fist aimed at his head.
Swish!!
Observing the incoming projectile to the end and dodging it at the critical moment was not luck but a result of willpower.
His hand, which narrowly succeeded in preserving his life, was precisely gripping the spear that had previously been thrust into his body.
Crack!!!
Flesh ripped away following the trajectory of the drawn spear, and his upper part shattered into pieces.
Along with the gap that appeared, he continued to put his weight on his feet planted on the ground, and repeatedly hammer his body into his opponent.
Its strange. How on earth?
Trying to move a body that had only received first aid would only worsen its condition.
Even now, the pain from the medicine soaking his body must be shaking his spirit.
Ding-a-ling~
Amidst the chaotic battle, the faint sound of a musical instrument playing was heard.
Feeling his desires strengthen in response to the music, he also felt himself adding more strength to the momentum driving him, biting down hard on his teeth.
As his desires grew stronger.
Because that performance made this persons desires stronger, dispelling all confusion that should exist in his mind.
Ah, so thats how it is.
But with just that.
Was it possible to hope to overpower oneself with just the weapon that inflicted wounds and heightened concentration?
This guy, the more hes dragged along, the more troublesome he becomes.
Realizing that the human in front of him could actually do that, he had already lost the thought of swinging his fist.
Bang!
The force from the spears possessed soul amplified, eventually embedding him into a cliff.
And
Rumble, crash!
The moment the power contained within the spear caused a shockwave, it spread throughout the cliff as the point of collision.
The resulting rockslide fell onto Sloths head, eventually burying his body underneath.
Indeed, the power was tremendous.
Not only was its sharpness enough to slice through rock, but more notably, the spear possessed self-emitting mana, enhancing its physical force.
The physical force it generated, especially amplifying the power of spear throws, allowed it to move toward him even from afar.
Whoosh, thud!
Emerging from the pile of rocks, the spear landed in his hand.
The blood soaked into its blade and shaft was a reminder that the demon that had driven him to this point was also a creature of flesh and bone.
Yes, he could be killed.
That damned demon was indeed within the realm of beings that could be killed by human strength.
Cough!
However, confirming the kill was problematic due to his condition.
The pain he had been enduring did not subside but intensified, so he poured the potions he had saved into his mouth and wrapped emergency bandages around his wounds.
It was merely emergency treatment to enable movement to some extent.
Even that was accompanied by excruciating pain with every movement, to the point where he felt his blood drying up every moment.
Damn it. In a world with potions, why are there no painkillers
It was torturous.
Dizziness from just standing up, nausea from internal injuries, and blood choking his airways made even breathing painful.
Despite his desire to live, the overwhelming pain depleted his willpower.
Ddiring
Although he did not know why Merilyn was playing music beyond the cliff, if her tunes had not been there, the outcome of this duel might have been decided much earlier.
Before the spear, recognizing him as its master, flew towards him, he might have been consumed by the thought of giving in to make things easier.
Rumble, rumble.
But seizing that opportunity had yet to bear fruit.
The opponent was a demon converting laziness into strength, whose resilience wouldnt falter from just a few spear strikes.
Therefore, a confirmation kill was necessary.
Before something even more absurd happened, directly by his hand.
Kwaaaaang!!
As he moved to act, the pile of rocks exploded.
The moment something whizzed past him and collided with the cliff on the opposite side, his entire bodys nerves tensed, and his breath hardened.
What the heck is
Something passed by.
Despite concentrating, barely following a red afterimage was all he could manage.
Ah, aah Annoying, ah.
That being, pulling itself out from where it had collided with the cliff, slowly opened its mouth, filled with sharp teeth, and began to speak.
In a voice like the Sloth demon, he had been fighting until now.
Still, delaying will only make it more annoying, so its better to wrap this up quickly
Yes, his appearance had changed.
The thick covering on his body had fallen off, and the black flesh inside gradually became exposed.
The light emanating from the cracks that appeared in between, realizing it was the previous afterimage, made the smile on his lips stiffen with tension.
You were you hiding your strength until now?
As he removed his outer layer to lighten his weight, his speed also increased accordingly.
Previously, he moved suddenly, but even that was at a level he could react to visually.
But now, the demons movement was fast enough to become an afterimage.
If he could adjust his speed and direction, it wouldnt have been surprising if the first charge had torn his body to pieces.
Ive been at full strength from the beginning. Its just that I cant drag this on any longer, so I decided its time to finish this now.
Damn, are you like a high school kid cramming the day before an exam?
To think he had been dragging things out and now suddenly feels the urgency to cram at the last moment.
Wasnt that the epitome of sloth from start to finish?
Your thoughts dont matter to me. Whats important is that youve been the most bothersome opponent Ive encountered, and if I become more annoyed, youll have to suffer even greater pain.
As I was astonished, he spoke calmly and took a simple stance.
But with his gaze fixed on me, there was undoubtedly what could be called a fighting spirit.
So, if you want to be comfortable, stop at any time. Human.
Just pause for a moment, and before you can feel pain, Ill cut off your breath.
Though the words lacked any semblance of empathy, they seemed almost merciful to him in his current state.
What awaited him was a tightrope walk where allowing even one more attack in his painfully breathing body would end it all, making the pressure from the being enough to shatter his already teetering limits.
Thanks for the concern, but thats unnecessary meddling.
Yet, he had no intention of giving up at this point.
With a weapon capable of killing his opponent and the music sharpening his mind, seizing the moment with the greatest weapon he possessed felt utterly crucial.
Unique Ability: Existence Imprint
Aptitude Scores
Physical: C+++ Talent: C++
Intelligence: C- Sensitivity: C+
Mental: A Mystery: F
My only strength is surviving wherever Im thrown.
Yes, wasnt it clearly shown in the status window that was activated at this moment?
The Mithril Ego Weapon and the elevation of his spirit were ultimately just aids.
What he had to overcome was the pain and the fear of imminent death.
[Remember, no matter who the opponent is, its important not to doubt that you will lose.]
If Airiss prophecy was indeed true, and if everything that made up this moment was a necessary condition, he had to do his best to follow the future she had foreseen as his guide, and he would give it his all.
So, from now on, be prepared. Youre just a troublesome demon born with that destiny.
So he wouldnt give up and keep fighting.
The reason he had been able to survive in this messed-up world for so long was not just due to luck.
Starting now, Ill show you just how annoying the human youve underestimated can be.
If that bastard couldnt kill him, he would win in the end.
He would sharpen this one belief in his hand even more sharply than the spear he was holding.
This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦