Asmodeus stood looking up at his next opponent, a huge white-striped tiger. He felt a sense of pressure just looking at the monster... using his demon lord's eyes—he couldn't help but feel shocked at its strength.
—
// Scan //
Name: Baku
Race: Spirit Beast (Land Guardian)
Level: 450 (SSS)
—
"Young one, must you seek violence to prove oneself?"
Baku's voice was elegant and old, and it reminded Asmodeus of a grandfather. He didn't find any sense of mockery or arrogance—the creature's voice and gaze felt like a gentle pond or river flowing naturally.
'This is the guardian that protects this empire? Impressive, there are five more of them...'
"It is not violence or to prove myself. I only seek to fight the strong to surpass my past self. The me from yesterday who was weaker."
"Young one, do not bullshit this old man. I can tell you are excited to fight me, look at the hands holding your axe and those bloodshot eyes!"
There was a slightly upbeat tone despite the rise in Baku's tone.
"Old man..."
"Who are you calling old man?!"
"Then don't call me Young one!"
'Haha... his sections are so cute, like an old man sitting outside the pub, complaining about the weather or youth of today!'
"This is this, that is that!" The tiger snorted. It was clearly playing with Asmodeus, yet neither showed a true bad face or sense of anger.
"I see... old man, you're bored right? You want to fight it out like the good old days!"
"..."
There wasn't an answer, but the aura of the huge tiger trembled for the first time. It wasn't just Asmodeus guessing, but he felt a sense of kinship with the beast.
Their eyes filled with a sort of bleak boredom.
'I can feel it; this old man wants to fight... even if it's just once more.'
'Can I give him a run for his money in my current state... I became too lax, although I live for the women I love.'
'This world isn't gentle enough to let me lower my guard for so long!'
Asmodeus lowered his axe and stepped closer to Baku, although they stood atop a colossal mountaintop. Baku used his powers to create a vast field of plains by destroying the peak with his roar.
'At least that's the stories told by those who live locally.'
"Can you give it to me, young one? Are you really strong enough... even with that foul energy within you?"
"Foul energy, it's just another path. There is no difference between you or me old man, don't be like that now."
"Hahaha!"
A tiger laughing like a common old man felt bizarre and made Asmodeus feel a sense of his fantasy world collapsing.
Though he wouldn't say this out loud... the tiger was really strong.
'Hmmm? His gaze became sharper and those blue eyes feel more vibrant.'
"What is your name, young one."
"Asmodeus, and yours?"
Although he knew the beast's name, it was polite to ask first.
Because these were the guardians who would help protect Yuina's empire in the future. Asmodeus planned to beat them all down and then make them guard her for the next year until he could come and kidnap her.
"Hmph! I am the noble spirit Baku, once ruler of feline beasts, now their protector!"
"Old man~ I didn't use my title so stop bragging, you're just an old cat ready to retire!"
"You little basta—Ahem! Let us decide how to fight. Will you battle me in this form... or—"
"Okay... I will!"
"Tell me when you are ready."
'Haa... It's been a long time since I bothered to make an effort. Did I become too comfortable with their love and affection?'
'Though I told the knights they were out of shape and needed to become stronger. Those words were meant for myself too.'
He then leaned his head back, covering his eyes.
Then, using his hand as the background, he peered at the screen he had long forgotten to check. It was the first time Asmodeus had reactivated all the notifications that he had found annoying in months.
-----------—
Status
-----------—
Name: Asmodeus Vincenzo
Title: Demon King, Apostle of Lust, Blessing of Serena, Traitor, Enemy of Death, Marked by Death, Murderer, Woman Killer.
Main Class: Demon King - Level 65
Sub Class: Fallen Angel - Level 80
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Attributes
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Strength: 1050 [1450]
Agility: 450 [550]
Stamina: 925 [1125]
Grit: 1020 [1320]
Intellect: 952 [1152]
Half Demon Form: Level 300 (SSS-Rank)
Demon King Form: Level 380 (SSS-Rank)
*Numbers in brackets = Demon Form Attributes
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Magic Proficiency
---------——
Arcane: Grade-C
Fire: Grade-A
Ice: Grade-C
Wind: Grade-C
Earth: Grade-C
Blood: Grade-A
Shadow: Grade-B
——
The changes were quite immense, and he could feel that his strength was close to that of Hero Alan, who was an SSS rank.
'However, looking at these attributes, his strength is below mine... but my Agility is a problem. Although my teleportation can mask that, it seems the issue needs fixing somehow.'
"Phew..."
'I've come a long way since half a year ago...'
"Okay, old man... shall we do it?"