The Extra Can't be A Hero

Chapter 87: Qyriwirth (5)

The preparations for the final hunt against the Blood Demon resumed late into the night. Since Leon had struck the crimson blade and damaged it, Demonic mana was leaking from the Blood Demon's core at an astonishing rate. Even without Yue's Rainbow Butterfly Spirit, Amon could sense the sinister mana from miles away, making it easy to keep track of the malicious creature.

However, Amon didn't plan on attacking the Blood Demon yet.

The more the Blood Demon's mana leaked, the weaker it got. At the same time, it would grow impatient, causing it to turn mad and potentially make more mistakes.

Amon's main priority was enforcing the defences of Mistwood Hamlet. Not because he was worried about the innocent civilians but because he couldn't take the risk of strengthening the Blood Demon further. The Blood Demon was a meddlesome foe that could parasite and latch onto living humans. They had to be meticulous to end the Demon for good.

Only after the preparations were complete did Amon set off for battle.

Leon, Yue and Horus accompanied the determined Knight as they ventured deep into the woodlands, bypassing land corrupted by Demonic energy. Flying overhead with Horus' Gryphon, the group could see the complete devastation that the Blood Demon laid.

Ever the noble Knights, Horus and Leon's faces hardened. They knew the Blood Demon was a threat but didn't expect it to be that dire. Fortunately, the days of this destructive creature were numbered. Not even. They were sure to slay the monster today, even if it meant putting their lives on the line.

In less than fifteen minutes, the Gryphon reached the heart of Mistwood.

The once vibrant forest, abundant with greenery, had rotted away. An oppressive atmosphere hung over the land, and skeletal trees dominated the scenery. No green leaf could be found, as everything was burnt black or leaking sinister blood.

A stifling red mist hid the carnage from the heavens, fearing its divine wrath. Ghostly shadows haunted the once lush grounds, as bloodless corpses and carcasses could be seen wandering the land aimlessly. Echoes of the undead replaced the sonorous chirping of birds, creating a grim atmosphere that no regular human would like to venture into.

And in the centre of this decaying land was a vortex of pure demonic energy.

It was as if the anguish of the dead resonated in their minds as the party glanced down at the malicious whirlwind. Ripples of suffocating mana emerged from the core, giving Amon and the crew a clear target to strike.

Yet, none of them did so.

They observed silently, and the more they looked, the more impatient and angry they got.

"Demon!"

Leon gritted his teeth and sent a death glare flying at the vortex of suffering. He wanted to charge straight into the core and swing Ascalon with all his might. The only thing stopping him from doing so was the two mighty Knights standing before him.

"Amon. Are you ready?"

"I am, Sir Horus."

"Good, then prepare yourself."

Horus nodded affirmatively at Amon before taking a giant leap into the sky. As if he was free from gravity, the massive man kept ascending until he touched the clouds. Six magnificent Suns started to orbit around the Pillar Knight as solar mana reigned supreme over the skies. A thick golden Aura erupted from Horus' body and turned the entire empyrean gold, signifying a new ruler had taken over Mistwood.

The golden clouds were a sight to behold, but the immense pressure from the heavens was even more astounding.

The ground cracked from the pressure as if another earthquake had begun. Bloodless corpses that barely had any mana immediately crumbled, turning into bone dust and grime. Dead trees were instantly levelled, and the red mist that dominated Mistwood was now scrambling away in fear.

Power beyond any mortal was unleashed astonishingly, and it only increased.

The golden clouds spread far and wide, creating a desolating atmosphere that no Demon could survive. And at the peak of it all...

The clouds parted, leaving behind a single golden fireball.

One that replaced the morning Sun that hadn't risen yet and one that couldn't be gazed upon due to its immense light and heat.

It was the Morning Star.

And it had come for judgement.

"Dawn!!!"

Horus yelled out at the top of his lungs. Like an immortal issuing a decree, the Pillar Knight sat on his throne made of golden clouds and pointed his tipless sword onto the epicentre of the demonic energy. As if it were witnessing a falling meteor, Mistwood trembled in fear. The demonic energy that permeated and corrupted the land was now retracting wildly, afraid of the coming enveloping attack.

But alas, it could do nothing to evade.

A stellar explosion that could be seen from miles away lit up the early morning sky. Golden embers replaced the barren wasteland, creating an ethereal environment of holy fire and mist.

Even Amon couldn't help but let out a low whistle in amazement.

"Sir Horus went overboard..."

Amon's plan was simple. Let the Pillar Knight clear the field and weaken the Blood Demon as much as possible. Once the small fries were taken care of, Amon, Yue and Leon would dive straight at the Blood Demon and land the fatal blow.

However, Sir Horus didn't wish to risk the youngsters' lives even slightly. That attack was enough to melt mountains and annihilate powerful Demons. If it were any regular Demon, the Pillar Knight's power would have been sufficient to end its life. Unfortunately, it wasn't any regular beast.

"Grrrr..."

A resonant growl tempered their ears, forcing the party to focus their line of sight at the epicentre of the demonic vortex. The Demonic energy only weakened for a moment before exploding into life once more. Like a heartbeat, the red aura pulsated violently, signifying the birth of something new.

Confused and wary, Amon drew Nyx from his soul and leapt from the Gryphon.

A foreboding feeling struck the transmigrator, and he didn't want to waste a second. Solar mana filled his veins as three Suns rotated around the young Knight. A flaming aura enveloped his entire body, making him look like a majestic falcon swooping in on its prey.

Spiralling around in a somersault, Amon increased his momentum and channelled more strength into Nyx, knowing what his sword was capable of. In no time, his simple sword strike was now holding the power of three exploding stars and the force of an executing swing.

And that's precisely what Amon sent flying to the core of the demonic energy.

BOOM!!!

Yet another loud explosion, this time more concentrated, graced the desolated land of Mistwood. All the prior fog had been blown away, replaced with billowing smoke from Amon's strike.

"..."

In theory, that strike would have mortally wounded the Blood Demon. But Amon didn't celebrate just yet. He could smell the disgusting stench of Demonic energy lingering in the air. And sure enough...

[Once again... It's you...]

With the fog and smoke dissipating, Amon could see what the Blood Demon had done.

A towering body that once belonged to Torin Vaelar stood in the middle of the maelstrom. Its muscular build had doubled in size, and was nearing four metres tall. Its skin turned crimson, and thick, reflective scales overtook its pores.

Its face was a haunting mix of human and draconic: sharp, defined features with an elongated snout. Piercing, jagged teeth dripped stinky blood, corrupting the air with a foul odour. Its reptilian eyes openly showcased a hideous desire for domination and death, intimidating anyone who locked gazes with the creature.

Hands and feet were replaced with deadly claws, talons laced with deadly corrosive liquids and sharp enough to shred the earth in two. And finally, its most distinctive feature was a red core embedded in the centre of its broad chest.

'I see... To prevent its soul from leaking away, the Blood Demon merged itself with Torin's corpse.'

It was better to get a new water bottle when the old one had a hole in it. That was the concept the Blood Demon had gone for. However, rather than find another unbreakable sword, it had to make do with the only thing sturdy enough in its vicinity.

And that was Torin's corpse. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

'But, it's imperfect. The corpse is still leaking demonic energy. It will likely need to find a new host soon.'

A parasitic monster, indeed. If Horus were anywhere near the Blood Demon, it would have no doubt targeted the Pillar Knight's body. Fortunately, the Golden Order Knight was sticking to the plan and watching the battle unfold from the skies. Otherwise, trying to protect Horus while dealing with the Blood Demon would be bothersome.

'I should aim to separate the sword from the body.'

Even now, Amon could see the crimson sword resting firmly inside Torin's corpse. He still had to remove the crimson sword to eliminate the monster.

[You... You are the variance...]

The Blood Demon's voice echoed within Amon's mind. Raising his eyebrows, he paused as the colossal monster pounded its chest like a gorilla, forcing two sinister draconic wings to emerge from its back. An unfathomable energy broke free from the Blood Demon's grasp as the wings spread wide.

Pillars of blood shot to the sky, eventually covering the forest in an unbreakable dome. Ancient runes sealed the world within, locking Amon with the Blood Demon.

However, Amon did nothing to stop it.

[If I eliminate and take over your body... Everything will be solved...]

Brimming with confidence as if it had found the answer, the Blood Demon approached Amon with its fangs bared. Expecting the young and foolish Knight to be intimidated, the beast anticipated an easy fight, possibly one that would last less than a few minutes.

But unbeknownst to the Blood Demon... Amon was smiling.

'Finally, I can let loose.'

[Mortal! Give up, and let me take over your body! If you do so, I guarantee that it'll be painless!]

The voice of Qyriwirth, the soul within the monstrosity, roared with determination. Believing that it had trapped Amon, the Blood Demon bared its fangs into a sinister smile, ready to rip the life out of the young Knight if need be.

Unfortunately, the monster was in for a rude awakening.

"Thank you, Qyriwirth."

[... what?]

Hearing its name mentioned for the first time, the Blood Demon stood dumbfounded. It couldn't fathom that some mere human would dare speak the name of the Dragon Sovereign, a being that trampled over humans as if they were ants.

But then...

Six Suns exploded into life. Orbiting Amon like satellites, the fiery balls intensified, both in heat and mana. And before long, Amon was now emitting just as much mana as the ancient Demon. The Blood Demon couldn't believe its eyes. The man before him was meant to be only a hatchling, a weak young pawn.

So why...

Why was he creating such an atmosphere...

Why was... the Blood Demon feeling fear?

As it stood frozen to the ground, Amon bent his waist and entered a pouncing stance. That alone was enough to bring the Qyriwirth's attention to him. But, Amon did one better. His low-toned voice echoed within the Blood Dome and declared:

"I'll end it swiftly."