Chapter 437 - A Destroyer (II)

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On top of revealing the increase in Typhir's stats, the system also revealed the name of Typhir's bloodline, which seemed to be centered on destruction. However, Apollo expected as much since Fuhrer divulged Typhir's identity as a berserker.

This identity usually stemmed from one's bloodline. And although Typhir wasn't a demon, to begin with, the system instilled a bloodline that most agreed with the inherent traits of Apollo's followers.

However, one thing Apollo found interesting was the fact that Typhir's bloodline commanded the ability to activate his berserk tendencies in stagnated levels, which depended on the degree of his aura.

Since Typhir wasn't extremely irritated, the system determined his aura to only reach the second degree. But, after learning of this, Apollo became curious about the level of Fuhrer's activation when he devolved to his Infernal Slaughterer state. 

Apollo also wondered about the highest degree an aura could achieve. As it was now, his Aura of Domination only reached the 3rd degree and was infinitesimally close to the 4th degree thanks to the presence of his bloodline. 

Meanwhile, once he activated this level of his bloodline, Typhir rushed forward. A large portion of his Demonic Anima was sacrificed as he employed the Umbra Phantom Mantle to dodge the Iraym's next rush. 

However, Typhir didn't continue to dodge. He retaliated with a powerful slash after successively dodging. Continuously dodging wouldn't result in a victory, especially against an Archdemon who possessed at least two times the volume of Anima as he did.

Not to mention, its Ira volume should be at least three times higher. If he wasn't meticulous in his actions, Typhir could easily find himself in a precarious situation with the difference in their strength.

Yet, Typhir wasn't disturbed by this situation. Typhir even revealed an excited grin because of a simple fact―a berserker's traits.

There were three types of berserkers. Those who grew stronger the angrier they became, ultimately becoming a force to be reckoned with. And those who grew stronger the more damage they received, finding joy in a perilous situation.

Lastly, there was the hybrid―those who benefited from both qualities of a berserker.

Based on his reaction, Typhir's bloodline seemed to originate from the third option. Because not only was his anger brewing, but he was enjoying the difficulty of this battle. Hence, why Typhir refused to use Gram from the start.

Yes, it would close the gap, but it wasn't practical for Typhir. First, his Sin volume paled in comparison to Apollo's because of the difference in both their completed evolution and the source of their stigmata.

Despite Apollo's higher volume, Gram still left him in an unusually dismal state. Therefore, Typhir was sure that three swings of the weapon would be his limit. Afterward, he would be forced to retreat.

Instead of experiencing that dilemma, he wanted to understand the depths of his power. 

'I need to verify my worth as the leader,' Typhir thought as his sword was just centimeters away from connecting with the Archdemon's side. Regrettably, it wouldn't be that easy for Typhir to damage the Iraym.

Bang!

The Iraym deflected the attack with a knee strike as its claws filled with a sweltering heat fueled by its aura. A sizzling noise occurred as its claws dragged against Typhir's sword.

Typhir's arms flexed, allowing his burst of strength to deflect the strike, only to realize the 4 alarming marks left on the width of the sword. 

'My sword!' Typhir thought with a darkening expression. Although it wasn't the best, it had been by his side since he became a demon. So, there was a bit of sentiment attached to this weapon.

As a result, Typhir plunged deeper into his rage, provoking him to unleash an endless barrage of powerful slashes. Each successive strike experienced a marginal increase in strength as Typhir took a step forward.

While the increase was considerable from Typhir's standpoint, the Iraym still managed to fend off his attack with just its bare claws. Repeatedly, it unleashed a frightening attack in kind.

Eventually, Apollo experienced another message from the system.

〈System: Household Leader Typhir Estrada's Health has dropped to 75%〉

〈System: Household Leader Typhir Estrada has invoked the second level of the «Infernal Destroyer» bloodline.〉

〈System: Typhir's Strength and Agility have risen by an additional 25%.〉

〈System: Typhir's «Aura of Destruction» is being employed at the epitome of the 2nd degree.〉

This time, Apollo showed little reaction to the expected notification, merely continuing to watch the battle as it unfolded.

Now that Typhir experienced another increase in strength, the Iraym was finally forced to view him differently. 'What's wrong with this demon? It's only a Greater Demon, yet its power continues to grow?!'

At this point, Typhir's strength and agility had increased by almost 38%. Conversely, his defense was becoming abysmal. In exchange for bizarre power, a berserker exchanged their vitality.

The reason why berserk demons were otherwise known as Burst Demons. Meaning, they unleashed unfathomable amounts of destruction within a short timeframe. Oftentimes, that destruction included putting themselves in grave danger.

Bang!

Typhir unleashed a strike incomparable to any before. The force behind it caused the Iraym's body to obliterate the ground as he received it. A 38% increase to Typhir's strength, which hovered around 2,400 with his stigmata activated, meant that each of his usual strikes now carried the power of an initial Archdemon.

But, his aura couldn't be overlooked. Since it reached the highest point of the second level, it increased the explosiveness of Typhir's attacks by approximately 30%. So while the initial blow rivaled an Archdemon of the initial level, after factoring in his aura's effect, its true might rivaled a primary Archdemon!

Hence the reason behind the Iraym's shock.

The difference between Typhir's damage at the beginning of the fight and now was incomparable! Although it hadn't reached absurd levels, it was enough to force the Iraym to retaliate wholeheartedly to avoid suffering damage.

Although the Iraym blocked his strikes, Typhir didn't let up. He vanished for a moment, drifting to the side of the Iraym as he executed a swift strike. The first one was easy to defend against, but Typhir started employing this technique at a hastening pace.

The timing was also sporadic, with him sometimes appearing in the same place, throwing off the Iraym. Eventually, Typhir's tactic allowed him to land three strikes.

Though they weren't as deep as he would have hoped, they were still worthwhile injuries; enough to drive the Iraym mad with resentment.

"ENOUGH!!" 

Suddenly, Iraym released a bestial roar followed by a strong surge of Ira. Until now, neither Typhir nor the Iraym weaponized their Ira. Seeing as they were both Iraym, unless they wielding their strongest form of it, it was useless to employ it.

Similar to how Arleo fended off most of Apollo's Ira attacks until he wielded Superbia alongside his Ira to produce an overwhelming effect.

Typhir covered himself, but still suffered damage from the vast difference in their purities.

"I will not entertain this foolishness any longer," the Iraym snarled. Instantly, the IRa under its control formed into a spiral spear that launched at Typhir with astonishing speeds. Even his pupils constricted as he witnessed the incoming attack.

This Iraym had finally become serious!

In response to the incoming strong attack, Typhir only possessed enough time to perform a minor defensive measure. He lifted the blunt side of the weapon before him and braced for impact, except he did expect the Sin attack to his with such vigor.

BANG!

Typhir was immediately thrust back, slamming into the wall as he continued to brace the weapon before his body. Conversely, the Iraym continued to push his hand forward with a ruthless expression, adding to the pressure of the Ira spear.

As a result, Typhir's body was forced deeper and deeper into the wall, producing a hole identical to the shape of his body.

"Argghhhh!" 

Despite the vigorous attack, Typhir didn't give in, roaring as he pushed back against the spear. His stigmata pulsated as smoky wisps of Ira evaporated from his body. Additionally, his long hair flickered with Hellfire as the muscles in his arms swelled as he took a single step forward before being thrust back into the wall.

Cracks appeared in the center of his greatsword as both sides proved overwhelming for the weapon. The inevitable outcome soon happened as the greatsword shattered into two pieces.

During the short period, Typhir managed to move to the side, but not far enough as the Ira spear pinned his arm to the wall. It soon stopped spinning.

Once it stopped, Typhir exhaled before revealing a bone-chilling smirk as he dropped the pieces of the greatsword. In the next moment, he gripped the spear with his free hand and pulled it out with a crushing grip!