Chapter 201
Zeke held his breath, observing the being before him.
It had a massive body over two meters tall, two horns sprouting from its head, and bat wings on its back.
It was exactly as demons were depicted in storybooks and legends.
Zeke took out the sealed Sword from his inventory.
'Arataso.'
He couldn't use summons, but he wondered if he could call the sealed Arataso.
However, since he couldn't use the Sacred Fire, there was no way to summon Arataso if it didn't respond.
'What is it?'
Fortunately, Arataso answered readily.
Zeke showed Arataso the demon wandering in the hallway and asked,
'Is that a real demon?'
Arataso snorted derisively, as if dumbfounded.
'To think that thing is a demon with a constellation name. Human eyes and brains are truly insignificant...'
'Cut the nonsense. If that's not a demon, then what is it?'
Arataso clicked its tongue and said,
'That's a Balrog. You could say it's a low-ranking entity controlled by the Fighting Demon Clan.'
'A low-ranking entity? It looks incredibly strong.'
'Think of them as soldiers of the Fighting Demon Clan. They'd be strong compared to humans, I suppose. But those guys can't use Fighting Spirit and only handle crude demonic energy. They have clear limitations.'
'So that's the general level of a demon soldier in the Demon Realm.'
'Yeah, those guys can come to the human realm without being affected by karma. It's impossible for high-ranking demons like me, though.'
Zeke recalled the video Hoshgar had shown him earlier.
Gates had opened, and countless mid-sized demonic beasts, monsters from the Demon Realm, and low-ranking demons had poured out.
'She said low-ranking demons can come to the mortal realm through gates. Each one is at least the level of a Red Knight.'
If that was the case, then the power of that Demon Realm soldier called a Balrog was likely at least the level of a Blue Knight or higher.
Zeke asked Arataso again,
'What are their weaknesses?'
Arataso roared, sounding displeased.
'Do you think I would willingly tell a human something like that!'
'Tell me, and I'll grant you a wish.'
'Release me with honor.'
'Anything but that.'
Arataso gritted its teeth and said,
'Damn human! Fine. Then offer me a fresh soul.'
'Do you think I'd agree to such a condition?'
Arataso, unaware of the situation, sensed that if it provoked Zeke further, he might unleash the Sacred Fire, so it offered a reasonable compromise.
'It's so boring here. Play some of that pathetic human music for me.'
'Music? Do demons even have music?'
'That's a ridiculous thing to say. One of the reasons humans contract with demons is to gain artistic sense and creativity. If you went to my castle in the Demon Realm, there are magnificent works of art and incredibly skilled orchestras...'
'Alright, music it is. Got it. If things get a bit more relaxed, I'll take you to a concert.'
'That's a promise.'
'Yeah, being a demon makes you awfully suspicious. Just tell me the Balrog's weakness already.'
Arataso grumbled and opened its mouth.
'Its horns. Balrogs control their demonic energy through those horns, so if they're destroyed, they can't properly use their power.'
'Horns, huh. Anything else?'
'You're as greedy and insatiable as a human. Those things have strong pushing power but are not flexible. If you use the Vibrating Force Resonance. I taught you, you should be able to subdue it easily.'
At Arataso's words, Zeke grinned, thinking this was a chance to practice the Infinite Chain Binding and the Vibrating Force Resonance.
Zeke put the Sword back into his inventory.
He also put Bahamut away and gathered his energy with his bare hands.
Whoooooom!
The Vibrating Force Resonance erupted around his body.
It was then.
Thump! Thump!
One of the Balrogs wandering the hallway seemed to have sensed the energy Zeke emitted, changed direction, and began approaching him.
'Hoo.'
Zeke composed himself and stood before the Balrog.
"Kroaaaaaar!"
The Balrog, having found Zeke, charged at a rapid speed. Then, it thrust its horns towards him.
Pajijijik!
Currents of black demonic energy flowed from the Balrog's horns. Then, the demonic energy compressed, forming a black magic bullet.
The magic bullet flew towards Zeke.
Kwakwakwakwa!
Zeke unleashed the Vibrating Force Resonance, deflecting the Balrog's magic bullet to the side.
Kwakwakwang!
As the magic bullet exploded, the hallway wall crumbled.
Zeke gauged the power of the magic bullet.
'It's similar in power to a 3rd circle magic spell, Fire Arrow.'
Since it was an attack made of demonic energy, not regular magic, if it hit, like the attacks of the Night Killers, normal healing would be impossible due to the demonic poison.
The thought of hundreds, thousands of these Demon Realm soldiers pouring through the gate was horrifying.
'Just imagining it is terrifying.'
The Balrog didn't stop and lunged at Zeke, its sharp claws extended.
"Kroaaaaaar!"
It was an attack imbued with powerful force emanating from its massive frame.
Zeke raised his arm to block the Balrog's attack.
Clang!
Zeke's arm, covered in the Vibrating Force Resonance, was no different from wearing armor.
Crack!
Deflecting the Balrog's attack, Zeke took a step forward and stomped down, activating the Phantom Step.
Then, putting rotational force into his body, he extended his fist towards the Balrog and unleashed an explosive force.
Thwack!
Zeke's fist, imbued with the Vibrating Force Resonance, struck the Balrog's body directly.
"Kroooooar!"
The Vibrating Force Resonance that seeped into the Balrog's body disrupted its demonic energy, causing the demonic energy flickering on its horns to scatter like mist.
Zeke pursued the retreating Balrog.
Then, he unleashed the Infinite Chain Binding.
Infinite Chain Binding
Charging Strike
Rotating Thrust
A powerful rotation was applied to Zeke's fist as it pierced the Balrog's body.
Kwakwakwakwa!
As the Vibrating Force Resonance and the Infinite Chain Binding interlocked, a powerful explosive force was properly lodged into the Balrog's body.
Kwakwakwang!
The Balrog, slammed into the wall, staggered and couldn't move.
Zeke continued to rain down punches on the Balrog.
Infinite Chain Binding
Consecutive Strikes
Four Direction Strike
Punches unleashed by Zeke from all angles poured down on the Balrog.
Dududududu!
Each time it was hit by Zeke's fist, the demonic energy within the Balrog scattered, preventing it from properly using its power.
Krrr...
Just as the Balrog tried to get back up, Zeke forcefully struck its horns with his hand blade.
Crack!
Both of the Balrog's horns were snapped off by Zeke's hand blade attack.
Krrrk...
At the same time, the Balrog lost its power and turned to ash, dissipating.
In the spot where the Balrog had disappeared, a black ore that looked like a magic stone remained.
'What's this?'
Zeke picked up the ore and examined its information.
[Magic Stone containing the Balrog's power]
"It contains the Balrog's power?"
Surprised by the unexpected information, Zeke examined it but couldn't immediately figure out where it could be used, so he put the magic stone into his inventory for now.
'If I give it to Richmond, he'll probably figure something out.'
Richmond, who was crazy about monster byproducts, would surely be excited to research the Balrog's magic stone.
Preparing for battle again, Zeke looked back on the fight just now. Having faced the Balrog, Zeke could understand Arataso's words.
By using the Vibrating Force Resonance, he could disrupt the Balrog's demonic energy, making it much easier to deal with.
'At this rate, I might be able to clear this stage easily.'
Zeke thought about clearing the hidden stage while comfortably training with the Infinite Chain Binding and Vibrating Force Resonance.
However, after exiting the dark hallway and seeing the real stage, Zeke realized that his previous thought was a huge misconception.
'What in the world...?'
Hundreds of Balrogs were gathered in droves, fighting each other in a circular arena.
Kwakwakwakwang!
The Balrogs engaged in fierce battles resembled hellish fighting dogs.
At that moment, a message appeared before Zeke's eyes.
[Hidden Stage will now begin.]
[Participate in the arena battle and defeat the Balrog Champion.]
[Upon successful completion of the stage, a corresponding reward will be given.]
"What? Participate in the arena battle?"
Balrogs were a race that had received the power of the Fighting Demon Clan.
Being a battle-hardened race that lived by fighting from birth until death, they grew stronger by battling each other, with the victor claiming the horns of the defeated to gain greater power.
The defeated could not participate in battles until their horns grew back, and during that time, they lost their status as warriors and had to endure all sorts of humiliation.
Zeke didn't know the detailed habits of the Balrogs, but he could instinctively sense that they were a race obsessed with fighting.
Crack!
In the meantime, one of the Balrogs fighting in the arena was grabbed by another, and its horn was snapped off.
The Balrog that broke off the horn put it in its mouth and swallowed it.
A moment later, its horn grew larger.
The Balrog that had its horn taken was jeered at by the other Balrogs and chased out of the arena.
The Balrog that swallowed the horn pounded its chest and shouted,
[Who is the next challenger!]
Thanks to the system's translation, the Balrog's language was understandable.
Zeke sighed.
'At this point, I'm starting to doubt Tyr's sanity for creating this place.'
Kaisir wasn't normal either, but Tyr seemed to be on another level.
Zeke had no choice but to slowly descend towards the arena.
Krrr...
As the human Zeke suddenly appeared, the Balrogs glared at him and made beastly noises.
As Zeke headed towards the arena, the Balrogs bared their sharp teeth but cleared the way.
For the battle-loving Balrogs, the arena was a sacred place.
Here, anyone could demonstrate their skills and fight strictly one-on-one.
[Damn human dares to come here.]
[Is that bastard trying to get into the arena?]
[How dare a mere human!]
Zeke ascended to the arena, enduring the Balrogs' murderous intent.
Seeing the Balrog on the opposite side up close, it was much larger than the one Zeke had just eliminated.
'It must be at least three meters tall.'
As Zeke stepped into the arena, the Balrog sneered and said,
[Arrogant human! I don't know how you got here, but you'd better not think about leaving alive.]
Zeke loosened his wrists and said,
"How do I challenge the champion?"
[What? Challenge the champion?]
The Balrog trembled with excitement, not even realizing that Zeke had spoken its language.
Then, it pounded its chest loudly and shouted,
[This human says he's challenging the champion!]
At those words, the other Balrogs similarly pounded their chests and made terrifying noises with their mouths wide open.
'I'm going crazy.'
It seemed to be the Balrogs' culture, but Zeke couldn't adapt to it at all.
The Balrog facing Zeke opened its mouth.
[Arrogant human. If you want to challenge the champion, defeat me first.]
It seemed that he had to win duels to climb the ranks before being able to challenge the champion.
"How many more do I have to defeat above you to challenge the champion?"
At those words, the Balrog sneered and extended its claws.
[Do you really think you need to know something like that!]
He finished speaking and charged at Zeke at the same time.
Kwakwakwakwa!
Zeke easily dodged the charging Balrog's attack with the Phantom step.
Thwack!
The entire arena shook from the Balrog's attack.
As Zeke evaded, the Balrog bared its teeth and exhaled roughly.
[Arrogant human dares!]
Then, it stirred its demonic energy and wrapped it around its arm. The demonic energy was overlaid as if it were wearing a massive gauntlet.
[Die!]
Kwadudududuk!
As the Balrog swung its arm, claws of demonic energy protruded and tore apart the spot where Zeke had been.
Zeke dodged the attacks again, swaying his body back and forth using the Illusion Footwork.
Then, he plunged into the Balrog's body.
Whoosh!
Putting rotation into his body, he unleashed an Infinite Chain Binding attack on the Balrog's side.
Clang!
Zeke's fist, imbued with the Vibrating Force Resonance, exploded against the Balrog's body.
The Balrog, struck directly by Zeke's attack, was sent flying to the opposite side of the arena.
Kwakwakwang!
The Balrog slammed into the wall and couldn't regain its senses.
[W-what is this...]
At that moment, Zeke firmly stepped on the Balrog's chest and clenched both fists.
"Bite down hard."
Dududududu!
Zeke's fists relentlessly pounded the fallen Balrog's body.
[Cough!]
Towards the Balrog, who couldn't regain its senses, Zeke grabbed a horn and swung his hand blade.
Crack!
One horn shattered.
The Balrog then raised its hands in panic.
[W-wait a moment!]
Zeke's hand blade showed no mercy.
The remaining horn was also instantly broken by the swiftly aimed hand blade.
Crack!
The Balrog, having lost both horns, screamed.
[N-no!]
Only black ash remained where the Balrog had been.
An instant of silence fell over the arena, which had been filled with monstrous roars.