#181
The Demon King’s Castle Escape Operation (3)
All awakened ones from Earth who were transported to this otherworld received basic growth bonuses.
Even when learning something under the same conditions, they could grow under significantly more advantageous circumstances compared to the natives.
Of course, there were individual differences based on talent, but it meant that even someone hopelessly uncoordinated could become a capable warrior if they put in the effort.
However, is there anything in this world that comes easily?
It’s common for people to dedicate their entire lives to standing at the pinnacle of a certain field, and unless one is an extraordinary genius, a slightly shorter period doesn’t hold much significance.
“True geniuses,” like Isea, were extremely rare.
Naturally, awakened ones whose immediate survival was at stake would typically opt for more comfortable growth methods, which included the “Unique Skill” given at the start and “Status Enhancements” through the Karma Shop.
“But even these ridiculously potent Unique Skills have many limitations at the beginning, making them difficult to use. For instance, I couldn’t do much with my ‘Avatar’ in the beginning.”
To rapidly overcome those limitations required enhancing through the Karma Shop, but the starting point for enhancing Unique Skills was a staggering 300,000.
Before they could amass such an amount through saving, the chances of dying were much more likely.
“So, in most cases, prioritizing survival through status enhancement is the way to go.”
Hesperon glanced down at his hand, repeatedly clenching and unclenching it.
The bluish magic energy that shimmered with movement indicated that magic had been applied in that brief moment.
“Ugh, enhancement magic…? When did this happen…!”
Prince Simon groaned, clutching his jaw as he staggered back to his feet.
He suffered a blow to a vital point unexpectedly, but fortunately, he had reinforced his entire body with aura, allowing him to avoid being completely incapacitated in one hit.
He had stepped confidently into battle, but now he looked equally foolish.
“You… you weren’t just some loser after all. Ha! That explains why you babbled so recklessly.”
Trying to brush off his embarrassment, he stood tall and took up a combat stance again.
“Plus, you seem to have learned some martial arts. Using magic instead of aura, I guess you had no choice due to a lack of talent?”
“Well, look who’s talking with that inflated ego.”
Simon raised his voice as though he wanted to argue that he hadn’t lost yet.
However, Hesperon simply ignored him, stabilizing the slightly unstable magic he had prepared in haste.
Woo-oooh—
Time slowed down as events accelerated, and in that brief moment, enhancements like improved dynamic vision, increased reaction speed, and strength amplification further bolstered his body.
His mastery of magic control was unexpectedly high for a low-level magician, but truthfully, it was nothing challenging for him.
That was excluding the indirect assistance he received from Undead King Hans, of course.
“Of course. Just think of how many points I poured into this.”
The status required to use magic wasn’t limited to mental strength alone.
It included abilities related to overall thinking, such as memory, calculation, and reasoning.
As well as attributes concerning mana like affinity, anti-magic resistance, and control.
With so many types available, it was common to use them merely to make up for weaknesses or highlight strengths…
“Well, it’s alright to raise them moderately.”
For Hesperon, who was continuously gaining Karma even at that moment, it was merely a good investment.
The starting point for enhancing all statuses was 10,000.
Considering the number of items, it was practically pocket change compared to investing in useful abilities.
The next tier’s point requirement was 20,000.
He invested additionally only in the items that showed effectiveness from the first enhancement; there were still quite a few remaining, but it didn’t feel like a significant burden.
Then the point requirement for the third enhancement was 40,000.
While the numbers weren’t huge, it was the time to be selective among multiple items.
Of course, typical awakened ones couldn’t splash Karma around like this.
They had to carefully choose where to use it after much deliberation, also needing to save some points just in case for retreat…
“…Being full of himself just because he caught me off guard once. I’ll give him a real fight this time.”
But then.
Simon, who had been overlooked, raised his aura again with a low growl.
With his continuous self-justification being met with indifference from Hesperon, it seemed his pride had been hurt, leading to trademark lines of defeated villains.
“Last time, I was caught off guard! You won’t stand a chance against that level of magic!”
Boom—
Could it be that he was serious about exerting his full power? He dashed in at least twice as fast as before.
Aura, an energy that allowed him to break through human physical limits, glowed around him, enhancing physical capabilities explosively.
At a speed that would be beyond the reaction time of average opponents.
“Indeed, he wasn’t wrong there.”
Naturally, a mere low-level magician’s auxiliary magic couldn’t match an accomplished knight like Simon.
It was certainly better than having none, but relying solely on it would undoubtedly lead to nothing short of a disastrous end.
“Although, if that was my only belief…! ”
Hesperon remained unfazed as he accurately predicted the trajectory of the punch that was now right in front of him.
Having indirectly received the influence of “Path of Martial Arts” through Heinrich, his movements contained no unnecessary fluff.
Then firmly establishing his footing and lightly twisting his waist, he aimed a firmly grasped fist from the side directly at—
Puh-rok!
“Gah!”
It dug deep into Simon’s solar plexus and then slipped out.
Thud! Paff! Ka-thud—!
Taking advantage of the brief rigidity from being hit in the vital point, the combos ruthlessly battered his body.
He stomped back to limit Simon’s movement, and as Simon raised his arms to protect his face, a hard elbow struck his side.
As Simon flailed in protest, Hesperon effortlessly swatted his punch aside and targeted the exposed armpit with his other hand.
Fingers, fists, elbows, knees, feet…
His entire body became no different than a weapon.
“Cough! Ack!”
However, this time, Simon seemed truly determined.
Despite having received over ten hits, he managed to maintain a defensive posture, twisting and retreating.
“…Could it be from all those potions he’s consumed? The quality of his aura is impressive and surprisingly resilient.”
For someone who had been struck in vital points multiple times, he was still in pretty good shape.
Aside from anything else, the thick aura enveloping him absorbed the shocks, preventing serious damage.
“Ugh, no, this… this shouldn’t be happening! What kind of magician…!”
Although his opponent may not have thought so.
“Indeed, it seems I heavily diminished my physical abilities through ‘Customization’. Without enough strength, my destructive capability just isn’t cutting it.”
Not only was his physical state significantly bolstered by substantial Karma, but because Hesperon was focused on being a magician, considerable adjustments were made during the avatar creation stage.
Of course, his training using “Super Recovery” had compensated for some deficiencies, but…
“Still, it seems it was a bit lacking.”
Fortunately, he hadn’t significantly altered enhancements like dynamic vision or reflexes, allowing him to meet the minimum conditions needed to respond to the knightly movements of Simon.
With the rest of the lacking physical abilities bolstered sufficiently enough through indirect support from the experiences and skills of predecessor avatars.
“…Hesperon? Were you always a martial artist? Your affinity for magic is excellent but you also have talent in that area? This is simply bizarre…”
Princess Riley, having become a spectator, muttered to herself absentmindedly as she watched their fight.
“Cough…! What’s going on? My speed is way better, why is it…?! Did he actually predict my moves? No, but he definitely…”
As he found himself bewildered by the disparity between the opponent’s presence and their actual skill, Simon began to ramble to himself.
“If I’m lacking, I can just hammer away until he drops. Luckily, with ‘Super Recovery’ and enough stamina, I should be fine!”
With that bloodthirsty thought, Hesperon also started to slowly loosen his hands and step forward.
Thus, the farewell party in the Undying Castle, which included only the three of them, came to a rousing conclusion, leaving an unforgettable memory for one particular person.
*
About an hour after the battle began.
“Phew— that was refreshing. Not only was the impact satisfying, but it also raised the tension nicely; truly the best punching bag.”
Having wrapped up intense exercise after a long while, Hesperon stretched and dabbed the sweat from his forehead.
In front of him lay Prince Simon, crumpled on the floor like a rag doll.
He had been so sturdy that he might have gone a bit overboard, but considering Simon’s recovery ability, he would likely be back on his feet within a few days.
However, there was one piece of unexpected news.
《The entity has gained enlightenment through repeated training. You have acquired the skill 「Martial Arts」.》
In that brief moment, he didn’t know what conditions were satisfied, but a skill related to close combat had been created.
A useful ability that provided additional buffs to all actions related to fighting, which could be deemed essential for a martial artist.
“Wait, more importantly, I’m supposed to be a magician.”
Of course, it was better than having nothing, but still, he couldn’t help but feel somewhat uneasy.
His initial plan had involved aiming for safety with summoned beasts while elegantly casting spells from the back, but now he felt like he was becoming a battle mage who charged headfirst into the fray.
“…It’s over, I see. I certainly didn’t expect to watch Simon getting pummeled like that right from the sidelines. It’s not so bad, but… it leaves a strange feeling.”
Just then, Princess Riley approached quietly, glancing at the battered prince with a complicated expression.
No matter how much she hated him, family was family, and she looked somewhat frustrated by his battered appearance.
“…Ah! Of course.”
However, just as Hesperon was about to say something, she seemed to come to a realization, staring down at Simon with a bittersweet expression before releasing an exclamation.
Thwack!
She immediately delivered a swift kick to him.
“…Riley?”
“Or maybe not? I’m still not sure.”
Ignoring whatever he might say from the side, she tilted her head momentarily and kicked again.
Puh-rok!
“Ah! I think I have an idea now…”
Thwack! Puh-rok!
After several more kicks, she stepped back, seeming satisfied.
“Phew— I guess just watching was frustrating. I’ve thought about wanting to hit him like this for a while, and I hadn’t expected to fulfill that desire in this way.”
“……….”
Finally, with a refreshed face, Riley smiled brightly.
Hesperon glanced at the droplets of blood splattered across her cheek with an awkward expression, merely nodding.
“…Well, if you’re satisfied with that, then all is well.”
After all, he was sturdy enough that a few kicks from the delicate girl wouldn’t cause further harm.
But if that improved her mood, then it was a good thing, right?
“More importantly, we’ve delayed longer than expected, so let’s start moving. Simon’s out cold, so this would be the perfect timing.”
“Are you sure? You must have been exhausted from fighting just now. Should we take a moment to rest…?”
“No, I’m fine. This isn’t a big deal. It’s better to make our escape right now while the opportunity presents itself, don’t you think?”
Saying this, he extended a hand, as if to indicate for Riley to grab it.
Naturally, she too wanted to get out as quickly as possible, and at those words, she agreed, gripping his hand firmly with a serious expression.
As if this was the only lifeline she had.
“Here we go.”
“Yes.”
This was truly the last moment.
Woo-oooh—!
He gathered all remaining magic energy to envelop both her and himself, and then pushed his energy management to the limit…
[Where do you think you’re going…?]
Gah—? Cough—!
Thud—
At that moment, a chilling voice echoed through the air.
As magic energy backfired, he coughed up a mouthful of blood.
“Hesperon!”
Riley quickly rushed to embrace him as he fell next to her.
She was taken aback by the sudden turn of events, her eyes darting around with tension as she bit her lip.
The surrounding area was now shrouded in a dense fog, and an icy chill enveloped them.
[It seems there was a bit of a commotion… An escape, you say? Quite an unexpected turn of events… ]
And from within that fog, the pale-faced lady in dark attire slowly revealed herself.
The current overall manager of the Undying Castle.
Banshee Queen Olivia.
