**Chapter Thirteen: Trial of Strength II**
The sight of the demon before me was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Its rough breaths and the peculiar light glimmering off its steel-like skin radiated an intense heat—perhaps its body temperature was even higher than mine.
Yet, even as its massive fist descended from above, I did not flinch.
Compared to the enormous dog that was as large as a stall, what was this newly transformed humanoid creature? The flesh creaked ominously as the demon’s face twisted in shock.
“Impossible… No way…”
“Not bad at all, Chariopeo.”
I chose not to evade the incoming punch. The iron-colored fist, larger than my own, was packed with tremendous power. However, it seemed that while the demon’s strength was formidable, it did not quite match that of a vampire that had grown strong from drinking the finest blood.
The fist I caught in my palm creaked as it made contact. The demon’s face, with its sharp fangs bared, showed bulging veins and a tense expression. Yet, despite the force behind it, my body remained unmoved. I was still calm. There was a difference in arm thickness, weight, and physique, but I was stronger.
I deflected the caught fist to the side, causing its massive body to lose balance. As I prepared to strike its exposed form, my body was suddenly sent flying by a violent shockwave. I felt the sensation of bones fracturing and flesh distorting. I spun through the air before managing to land on the ground.
I had taken a kick to the solar plexus. However, the pain was minimal, and in return, I delivered a blow to its abdomen. My wounds had already healed.
“Uoooooohhhhhh!”
The demon roared, kicking the ground with ferocity. Yet, perhaps due to the impact it had taken, its movements were slower and its center of gravity was wavering compared to a moment ago. It seemed that my endurance and regeneration capabilities were superior.
Just like the demons had done moments before, I engaged in a direct exchange of blows. I could have evaded, but there was no need. The demon had claws and fangs, and its fists were bony and club-like, but they were not made of silver. It was likely that this was their way of fighting, so I would match them blow for blow.
For every strike I received, I could return one. My vision blurred, flesh creaked, and my body shook from the impacts. I was hit in the head, shoulders, abdomen, and legs. Yet, despite taking similar damage, only Chariopeo’s momentum began to wane.
The fervor of Chariopeo, having snatched victory, was fierce, but it could not escape its physical limits.
Finally, a blow struck its jaw, causing its head to jerk back, and Chariopeo fell to one knee. To be rendered immobile simply from a blow to the head—what a disadvantageous state for a living being.
The tide of battle had been decided. Well, there had been some struggle, but now I had bested Chariopeo. And I was still able to fight. My wounds had healed, and I felt no fatigue.
I turned to the other demons watching with bated breath and asked, “Feeling good. Who’s the next challenger?”
—
**§ § §**
It was overwhelming. The spectacle unfolding before Monica, who had prior knowledge of the situation, was an unbelievable sight.
The demon, known for its remarkable strength, was being overpowered by a being that was two heads shorter than itself. The palms, combined with the force of gravity, gradually lifted, and despite the demon pouring all its strength into the effort, it barely moved an inch.
End remained calm, of course. After all, its body was already—dead.
Monica had intended to gauge the strength of the situation. However, even a brief observation revealed that this power could pose a natural threat to the army of the Demon King, Rainer.
After all, Oliver, who boasted exceptional regeneration abilities and immense strength, was fearful of such an opponent.
There were compatibility issues in every encounter. The demon, humans, and the Demon King’s army formed a triangle of relationships. The Demon King’s army, filled with beings of superior physical capabilities, often overpowered humans. Even if the opponent was a Knight of the End, they would not easily fall in defeat. However, on the reverse side, this otherworldly existence—possessing superior physical abilities, regeneration, and a body free from fatigue—was incredibly weak against high-ranking demons.
While Monica, being a demon herself, was an exception, for the general races that made up the Demon King’s army, strength was a point of pride. Vampires bore numerous weaknesses as a cost for their immense power, but the Demon King would not condone exploiting them. They might change their weapons to silver, but using flowing water, crosses, or garlic was out of the question. To do so would mean descending to the level of the humans they looked down upon.
The battle between the demon warrior and End appeared to be at a stalemate at first glance. The demon’s descending fist pierced End’s body and easily sent it flying. End’s kick, meanwhile, made the demon’s steel-like body creak under the pressure.
While it seemed that the vampire held the upper hand in raw power, the demon’s strengths were not solely in brute force.
End’s combat skills were not particularly high, even to the elemental beings watching. However, even with rudimentary techniques, the difference in durability was too great. The demon boasted regeneration abilities far beyond those of humans, but the vampire’s regeneration capabilities surpassed even that. While the movements of the demon warrior gradually slowed, End’s movements showed no change from the beginning.
Even after taking a blow to the head or being sent flying, End showed no signs of pain or discomfort as it continued to attack.
This… would not end in defeat.
It was likely that this vampire could take on a hundred demons in succession without any issue. Truly, a one-man army. Moreover, End had yet to use any of the special abilities it possessed.
The expressions of the demons, known for their bravery, twisted in fear.
Monica still did not fully grasp the extent of End’s power. However, she wondered if there was anyone in the Demon King’s army who could truly match such a presence.
To be consumed. In an army that resolved everything through battle, a vampire free from fatigue and damage was the worst kind of opponent. Just as Oliver silenced all who opposed him with his overwhelming strength, End’s presence would soon spread like wildfire. And, of course, Oliver was nowhere to be found in such moments.
Rainer was a powerful Demon King. Even against a vampire, he would not easily be defeated. However, on the reverse side, he was not the type to go against the rules of the strong devouring the weak that he had established.
Finally, unable to withstand the blows any longer, the demon warrior fell to its knees.
There were no cheers. The demons, who took pride in battle, were completely overwhelmed. This was not a victory that could be called such.
Fortunately, it seemed there would be no deaths. While vampires were known for their brutality, Monica’s repeated admonitions had likely borne fruit.
If handled well, there was a chance they could become allies. With End on their side, they would have a significant advantage against other armies of the Demon King.
As Monica pondered these calculations, End spoke up in a somewhat carefree tone.
—
**§ § §**
I could fight. I could fight!
The demon was strong and agile, but it was not on par with me now.
It had durability and seemed to heal its wounds quite quickly, but still not as fast as I did.
After defeating Chariopeo, I prepared to meet the challenge of the next demon that approached. After taking down about five of them, the challengers ceased, and I stopped my assault.
It seemed that the vampire’s body was far more high-performance than I had anticipated.
Ignoring the weaknesses, it appeared I could handle multiple demons attacking me at once without issue.
Of course, they were not fighting seriously.
They were unarmed. If they had wielded silver weapons, they could have inflicted damage upon me, and even without them, I would have been rendered immobile if they attacked me in unison.
Thus, I was not entirely at ease, but I too was not fighting with all my might.
The army of Rainer was shaping up to be a perfect training ground for me.
I had little experience fighting humanoid beings, and there were many magical creatures here. The combat techniques of the demons, who possessed strength beyond that of humans, could be applied to my own fighting style.
There were likely those in the Demon King’s army stronger than I was now. I did not place too much emphasis on strength, but I wanted to gain as much experience as possible.
I thought to myself that I had been far too unlucky until now.
“You’ve taken down that many demons in succession—what incredible strength. In this army… against general opponents, you would surely win decisively.”
Monica, who had been observing from a distance, spoke in admiration. However, her inner thoughts were evident from her scent.
I could sense she was choosing her words carefully, perhaps trying not to provoke any negative feelings from me.
“I want to fight strong opponents. I don’t have much combat experience.”
“…There is one thing you should be aware of. If you desire a living human, you will inevitably come into conflict.”
Monica shivered slightly, adopting a serious expression. Then, she said something unexpected.
“Currently, in this army, there is a precious—Knight of the End captive. There should be a fight to wager that. If you defeat the ‘Man-Eater,’ End-sama, you will be recognized in this army.”