Chapter 286

Chapter 286

[Translator – Clara]

[Proofreader – Lucky]

Chapter 286 Power Inflation (4)

Belial.

‘The Greedy one.’ or the ‘Worthless one’ Sixth among the ten demon lords who descended to destroy humanity. A schemer who, in alliance with the Ninth Corpse, attempted to engulf both Quovadis and Bourgeois simultaneously.

Finally, the creature revealed its true colors.

‘The most beautiful among those expelled from the heavens, the worst fallen angel.’

Adorned with extravagant decorations and glittering wealth, but beneath the surface, its appearance is grotesque. Horns hanging from his massive head, lips absent, revealing sharp teeth beneath the exposed gums.

Lightning bolts spewing from its eyes, a smoky aura billowing out like a mountain of incense, a breath emanating a nauseating stench.

The crevasse on its head, resembling the crevices in the polar ice, split open, and the horns and wings extending on both sides were large enough to cover the entire battlefield. This enormous and hideous form, reminiscent of a puppet, floated above Bartolomeo’s lifeless body – this was the true form of Belial.

...Clang!

Vikir raised the demonic sword Beelzebub.

‘Fortunately, we met before he formed a legion.’

Deception, confusion, manipulation, sowing discord—Belial’s skills shine in large-scale battles. So, engaging it one-on-one is the best strategy to hunt it down.

Meanwhile, Decarabia continued to offer advice from Vikir’s chest.

[“It’s been a while since I’ve seen that fellow. The name ‘Belial’ is from the ancient magical nation’s dead language, meaning ‘worthless.’”]

[Hahahaha]

Baby madam, too, clung to Vikir’s shoulders, her body covered in bristling fur.

Her eyebrows raised defiantly, it was clear she considered her master’s enemy as her own enemy.

“Saintess, come here.”

Vikir positioned Dolores behind him. Dolores cautiously moved closer to Vikir.

Then, Belial spoke, its mouth opening.

[When the priests turned into a rebellious mob, abandoning their faith, there was no entity more worshiped than me in the temples and altars throughout the old magical nation.]

A mocking tone filled its words.

Indeed, Belial had already consumed nearly half of the Quovadis Clan.

“...Humbert.”

Dolores gritted her teeth.

Was Cardinal Humbert aware of Bartolomeo’s true identity as Belial, and still collaborated with the creature? Was he intentionally weakening the family while in alliance with the demon?

Recalling the unpleasant gaze of her father, Dolores shivered.

Humbert, undoubtedly human, was more fearsome to her than a demon.

Just then, a calm voice echoed.

“Do not be afraid.”

Dolores turned her head to find Night Hound standing confidently.

In an instant, Dolores recalled the time during the fight with Dantalian.

‘Yes, it was the same back then.’

When Dantalian with those bizarre pouches, extracted Humbert’s illusion, Dolores momentarily lost her strength, overwhelmed by fear and unease.

“There’s nothing to fear.”

Back then, with a word of encouragement from Night Hound, Dolores could dispel all her fears and find peace of mind.

“Thank you, Night Hound!”

Dolores clung closely to Vikir’s back, offering prayers while preparing for Belial’s demonic onslaught.

“...The buff doesn’t seem as potent as during the fight with Dantalian.”

She seemed to feel deep self-reproach for her weakened abilities. Understandably, the power of her buffs had significantly diminished compared to last time.

‘I’ve been working hard all this time... It seems like I’ve weakened instead.’

However, Vikir considered it natural.

“Awakening doesn’t happen so easily.”

The manifestation of divine power Dolores displayed during the Dantalian fight was a “miracle,” advancing her understanding of divine power decades ahead.

Although the exact reasons and conditions for awakening were unknown, relying solely on such luck for progress was futile.

Vikir continued to press Belial, wielding his sword relentlessly.

Just then...

[Hehehehe. Indeed. Killing my comrades wasn’t merely luck.]

Belial rose.

Surprisingly, during the brief distraction, he had regenerated most of his wounds and damage.

“...!”

Vikir delivered another strike.

Zzheujeujeuk—

It left another deep scar on Belial’s chest.

[Hehehehehe... Useless. Human. You’re still an insignificant worm.]

However, Belial showed no signs of being discouraged.

Eventually, it raised its large hands on both sides.

Suddenly, an unpleasant change began to occur.

Jalgrang-jalgrang-jalgrang-jalgrang-jalgrang-jalgrang—

Loud metallic sounds echoed everywhere.

Dolores, surprised, turned her head to see a flow of golden liquid in the direction she looked.

Charrurrurrururu...

The sound of money moving. Countless gold coins created ripples on the floor, crawling like a gigantic snake. The gathered coins, gems, and various treasures were absorbed into Belial’s body. Thud! Splat! Squish!

Belial’s broken horns regrew, and the body that had cracked and fissured returned to its original state. Moreover, its already massive size swelled even more.

[All the wealth in this vault is my life force! Money is power! Money is life! In a world ruled by capitalism, wealth is vitality!]

Upon hearing this, Dolores frowned. The vast amount of treasures piled up in this extensive vault, all stored as Belial’s reserve life force, was intricate and thorough.

Only now did Dolores understand why Belial insisted on drawing outsiders into the vault. It wasn’t merely to dampen the spirits of visitors. It was because this place was his absolute domain, where he could wield unrivaled authority, power, and vitality!

However...

“I already knew about that much.”

Vikir casually crumpled Belial’s demeanor with a nonchalant tone.

...Clank!

The demonic sword Beelzebub lengthened slightly. A fiery red aura began to blaze. Gradually, the gleam of the red eyes emanating from the black mask intensified, casting a gloomy glow.

“If money is your life...”

A boiling voice echoed through the sharp fangs of the hunting dog.

“...then let’s bankrupt you altogether.”

It was a declaration of war thrown at the ruler of the vast treasury.

[Translator – Clara]

[Proofreader – Lucky]