Episode 603: Return to the Demon Realm
Adler strolled along the fortress wall, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon as he thoughtfully stroked his chin. Beside him stood Glaide, the leader of the Tammons Knights.
A sharp, icy wind whistled between them, carrying with it the palpable tension of the masses gathered below. The sight of a million martial artists assembled in one place was nothing short of breathtaking. Each individual exuded a unique aura, merging into a vast, swirling cloud of energy.
Never before in the history of the martial world had so many gathered in one place. Among them were practitioners of both orthodox and unorthodox arts, and even those who had dabbled in demonic techniques. Most who practiced such arts did not serve the demon realm out of loyalty; rather, they had encountered these techniques in their pursuit of power. Now, with the demon realm threatening humanity, they too had joined the fight for survival.
A stronger gust of wind blew through, carrying an even more intense sense of foreboding. Adler squinted into the distance, murmuring to himself, “Incredible. Truly incredible.”
He was genuinely impressed. When he first set out for the central plains, he hadn’t anticipated such a challenging battle. He had thought it would take about three months, by demon realm time, to settle matters—a generous estimate. Yet here they were, not only failing to subdue the humans but being pushed back by them.
Glaide, standing silently beside him, nodded in agreement. In the past, he might have scoffed at the idea, dismissing humans as mere insects. But after a string of defeats, he no longer underestimated them.
“What’s the situation?” Adler asked.
“They seem ready to attack. Their morale is high.”
“Persistent weeds,” Adler muttered. No matter how many times they were trampled, they rose again. What drove them?
‘Sabikang…’
Could it be that one man had changed the fate of the central plains?
He recalled the time he had tried to seize control of Sabikang’s consciousness, the day he turned the Cloud Sect into demons. But in Sabikang’s memories, he had seen his own death. Back then, the central plains had crumbled without resistance. Now, things were different. Could one man, Sabikang, have altered the destiny of the entire region?
“Stay alert. This is truly the final battle. Our fate and that of His Majesty depend on it.”
“I understand.”
“No, understanding isn’t enough. We must fight with the determination to win at all costs.”
“We will win, no matter what.”
Adler nodded at Glaide’s resolute response. “I will awaken the Great Demon.”
Glaide’s eyes widened in shock. Deploying the Great Demon was a rare and drastic measure. It was a living catastrophe, born from the darkest emotions and grudges of humanity. Mishandling it could spell disaster even for the demons.
Sensing Glaide’s apprehension, Adler narrowed his eyes. “This is the final battle. There’s no point in holding back. We must use everything at our disposal.”
“Understood.”
“What do you think?” Adler asked, turning to Glaide.
Glaide looked puzzled, unsure of the question’s intent.
“Sabikang,” Adler clarified. “They claim he’s dead, and that’s why they’re so enraged. But do you really believe Sabikang is dead?”
“I’m sorry. I haven’t given it much thought.”
Adler chuckled softly. That was the demon way. The important thing wasn’t whether Sabikang was alive or dead. It was about crushing the humans before them, subduing them completely, and taking them back as experimental subjects. Purpose and means—that was all that mattered.
Yet Adler couldn’t shake the memory of entering Sabikang’s consciousness. Sabikang had been strong. On a day that was Sabikang’s past and Adler’s future, Sabikang had tortured him mercilessly. The pain was still vivid, and Adler had confessed everything to him, including the location of the ancient spellbook Sabikang sought.
At the time, Adler hadn’t understood what Sabikang intended to do with the spellbook, only sensing a hint of rebellion. But after revealing its location, Sabikang had killed him without hesitation. And now, Adler realized Sabikang had been preparing for a return—a return he had astonishingly succeeded in achieving.
Not everyone who saw the ancient spellbook could succeed in returning. It required immense knowledge to comprehend its secrets. Even demons who had lived for millennia couldn’t grasp it. Yet Sabikang had done it. The tenacity of humans was truly terrifying.
‘But… is that human really dead?’
It was hard to believe.
Just then, Glaide spoke up. “Someone’s approaching the Black Fortress.”
Adler snapped out of his thoughts, squinting into the distance. Indeed, someone was rapidly approaching the fortress.
“The Cloud Sect…?”
The figure reaching the fortress gates was none other than a member of the Cloud Sect, and on his shoulder, shockingly, was the limp body of Sabikang.
The Cloud Sect member looked up at the fortress with a sly grin. “Open the gates. I’ve returned after killing Sabikang. Here lies his corpse.”
**
The wind howled as Maesulan stood atop a low hill, facing the biting gusts. A million martial artists looked up at her, their faces set with determination as they prepared for the final battle.
Maesulan’s heart raced. Despite the looming threat of what could be their last stand, she felt an inexplicable surge of exhilaration. Never before in the history of the martial world had so many united with a single purpose. This might be the first and last time.
She decided to savor the moment. ‘Sabikang, you brought them together. We will endure.’
Steeling herself, Maesulan began to speak. “Today, we fight our final battle.”
Her voice, though not loud, carried the weight of her power, reaching the ears of every martial artist present.
“Those who have set foot on our land without permission have trampled on our world and scorned our people. Now, it’s time to teach them the price of their actions. We must show them the true might of the martial world.”
She paused, scanning the crowd. The air was thick with the suppressed energy of warriors ready to unleash their fury.
“Unlike the demons, we humans are mortal. Our lives may seem fleeting, like mayflies compared to theirs. But it is precisely because of our mortality that we must show them how formidable we are. Our short lives drive us to live fiercely, and we must teach them that we live to smile in the face of death. You, gathered here, are the true heroes of the martial world!”
A roar erupted from the crowd, their suppressed energy finally unleashed.
“Now, let’s show them the unbreakable bonds of the martial world!”
With a unified cry, the million martial artists began their advance.
**
“Your Majesty! The martial artists have gathered and are advancing on the main fortress!”
A demon rushed into the grand hall, breathless with urgency. The Demon King, Tarant, lounged on his throne, his expression languid as he asked, “How many?”
“Approximately a million, Your Majesty.”
“Hmm. A million… They say they’re enraged over Sabikang’s death?”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
“Sabikang can’t be dead,” Tarant chuckled.
Just then, another voice interrupted. “Your Majesty! The Cloud Sect has returned with Sabikang’s corpse!”
Count Adler burst into the hall with the announcement, causing a stir among the gathered demons. Even Tarant straightened at the unexpected news.
“Sabikang’s corpse?”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
As Adler stepped aside, the large doors opened to reveal the Cloud Sect member, who strode in carrying Sabikang’s body. He unceremoniously dropped it to the floor and bowed.
“Your Majesty! I have killed Sabikang and brought his body!”
Tarant’s eyes gleamed with interest. The figure on the floor was unmistakably Sabikang. Having met him before, Tarant recognized him instantly.
As the demon leaders murmured among themselves, Tarant frowned. “What are you all doing? We don’t have time for idle chatter.”
“Ah! We’ll withdraw and prepare for battle!”
The leaders quickly bowed and hurried out of the hall. Outside, the distant sounds of explosions could already be heard. The humans were clearly determined to assault the Black Fortress.
Now, only Adler, the Cloud Sect member, Tarant, and Sabikang’s body remained in the hall. Tarant narrowed his eyes at Adler.
“Have you confirmed it?”
“Yes, there’s no sign of life.”
Adler bent at the waist, reporting with a look of disbelief etched on his face.
Yet, his findings were undeniable—Sabigang was indeed dead.
“I see. Count Adler, go and release the Great Demon.”
“Yes, sir.”
Adler bowed and retreated.
Tarrant glanced at Sabigang’s corpse, his tone indifferent.
“For a corpse, it’s remarkably clean.”
“It’s because the internal injuries were far worse than the external ones,” replied Neung Unpa.
Tarrant turned his gaze to him. “So, you were the one who killed him?”
“Yes, I was able to strike when his strength was depleted,” Neung Unpa responded respectfully.
But even as he bowed his head, his eyes were sharper than ever.
Tarrant rose from his seat.
He descended the steps of the platform.
‘Just by standing, his presence is overwhelming,’ Neung Unpa thought, swallowing dryly as he took a step back.
Tarrant stopped in front of Sabigang.
As Adler had reported, there was no trace of life in Sabigang.
His skin was pale, his body cold to the touch.
There was no breath to be felt.
It was obvious without needing to check.
But still…
“It’s always best to be certain.”
With a twisted smile, Tarrant extended his palm toward Sabigang’s face.
In an instant, a powerful energy gathered in his hand.
Crack!
With a sudden, sharp movement, Sabigang sprang to life like a bolt of lightning.