The Failure Marquis Is A Genius [EN]: Chapter 56

Chapter 7: Summoning: The Defeated Scoundrel

“It’s time to go home, mutt.”

“······”

A moment of silence passed.

The demon looked as if he’d been smacked hard across the cheek with a rice paddle, perhaps not expecting such words from a mere human.

In that moment, I channeled mana into my core and shouted with all my might.

“Uwaaaaaa!!!!”

The roar cleared the oppressive fog surrounding us, if only for a moment.

My companions, lacking my druidic powers, would be gradually eroded by the magical energy, their bodies growing heavy and their stamina depleting rapidly.

I took the lead in clearing the air to prevent this from happening.

“!!”

Life returned to the eyes of Zion and Campbell, who had been consumed by fear.

As warriors who had striven to become stronger, they immediately recognized the difference in their bodies and began circulating their mana to expel the magical energy.

Once an expert user identifies the debuff [a negative status effect] caused by magical energy, they can dispel the erosion and unleash their full potential.

The demon’s eyes narrowed as he watched us quickly regain our composure.

-Annoying pest. But the outcome remains unchanged. Especially you in the middle. You have insulted me, so forget about dying peacefully.

“I guess you need a silver tongue to survive in the Demon Realm. That’s new to me. At least I can’t win with words, huh?”

-You lowly human!!!

My provocation worked.

The demon’s form blurred.

His target was me, without a doubt.

“Zion, Campbell, I’ll draw his aggro [attention/hostility], so look for an opening and counterattack from the sides!”

There was a reason I volunteered to be the demon’s primary target.

From my experience with , and indeed most games, boss raids are all about who can hold the aggro.

And it’s common sense that the tankiest or most skilled member of the party takes on that role.

Looking at failed boss raids, the most common scenario is that party members get taken out by the boss in order of weakness, leaving the ace to run around frantically before ultimately failing.

If nothing else, I was sick and tired of boss raids. I was used to leading this kind of fight.

“Understood, Young Master.”

“I’m counting on you, Vice-Captain!”

Zion and Campbell had been through thick and thin with me in the North and had honed their teamwork, so they didn’t worry about my safety or try to selfishly confront the demon.

They simply trusted that I could hold out against the demon and spread their wings to exploit any openings.

-Kekekeke! How futile!

The demon’s dark, sharp claws collided violently with the Heavenly Demon Sword.

His hands were covered in tough carapaces [protective coverings], and his sharp fingertips looked capable of tearing through steel plates.

Moreover, those claws were imbued with subtle magical energy.

Clang!!

Sparks flew.

The demon was fast and agile.

He didn’t use any special martial arts, but his reflexes were those of a wild beast, instinctively finding and exploiting openings.

The attacks coming in from all angles were quite fierce.

But even the demon couldn’t have predicted how overpowered Heavenly Demon Manifestation was.

-Diagonal right.

-Feint left, then strike low.

-Up, down, up, up, down.

Playing Pump It Up [a Korean arcade rhythm game] at the arcade was harder than this. As the demon’s claws were all blocked by my sword, his face naturally turned red.

-Have I ever seen such a ridiculous guy! What are you? You don’t seem to be aware of the attacks, yet you’re 미리 칼을 갖다대는군! [anticipating my moves]!

The demon’s movements grew wilder as he became agitated.

I lightly tilted my head to avoid a diagonal strike.

Zion and Campbell, who had been biding their time, saw their chance and appeared from behind.

“Die!”

“Haa!”

Zion, who had thoroughly concealed herself with the camouflage skill she had learned as an expert, charged forward using the 물도마뱀 발걸음 [Water Lizard Footwork, a stealth technique]. Her target was the demon’s nape, and like a skilled assassin, she succeeded in striking her target in one swift motion.

Campbell, on the other hand, stubbornly pushed forward and swung his thick-bladed bastard sword horizontally. With the strength of an ogre, he intended to cleave the demon in two at the waist without bothering to aim for weak points.

It seemed the party raid would end smoothly with the two friends’ counterattack. That is, until the dull thud was heard.

Thud! Thwack!

“…Huh?”

Campbell’s eyes widened.

Zion also wore a blank expression.

Zion’s dagger and Campbell’s bastard sword.

The two’s coordinated attack was definitely perfect.

But it failed to deal any effective damage.

It was simply blocked by the tough shell surrounding the demon’s entire body.

-Hehehe… fools.

And they, who had just exhausted their strength in a full-force attack, were now vulnerable and easy prey for the demon.

“Get out of the way!”

-Too late.

Slash! Slash!!

The demon’s tail lashed out like a whip, tearing Zion’s flank.

The demon’s tongue flicked out in a cruel arc, slicing off a chunk of flesh from Campbell’s thigh.

Blood spurted and flesh was torn.

Thus, my reliable wings were broken and neutralized in an instant.

“Ugh!”

“Young Master, I’m sorry…”

Wounded, Zion and Campbell quickly distanced themselves to regroup. But the wounds were too deep, and the bleeding was severe. At that rate, they needed immediate treatment, let alone continue fighting.

In other words, they were out of the battle.

From now on, I had to face the demon alone.

-I just love that look on humans’ faces. The dynamic shift from hopeful eyes to despair. I never get tired of it.

The demon licked his lips, savoring the blood of my companions, and taunted me.

It was a gesture telling me to come at him if I was angry.

Of course, I didn’t make the foolish move of rushing in blindly.

Based on my long raid experience, getting swept up in emotions at times like this was a guaranteed path to defeat.

-Boring guy. Still, you’re worth dealing with.

Instead, I used that time to quickly analyze why Zion and Campbell’s attacks had failed.

The conclusion came quickly.

“I see. A mana sword couldn’t break your shell in the first place.”

-That’s right. This Dantalion’s tough hide is famous even in the Demon Realm. To damage me with a simple attack lacking divine power, you’d need to bring at least a Sword Master.

I never imagined that an expert’s attack wouldn’t even scratch him.

It was a clear miscalculation.

I thought it would at least inflict some damage.

-But there are only a handful of Sword Masters in your continent. Besides, those damn Belanus believers with their divine power don’t seem to be here, so you never had a chance of winning from the start. Kekekekeke!!!

Dantalion guffawed.

He was right.

The Elden Kingdom had no Belanus followers, and Lord Lloyd, the Sword Master, was still a long way off.

But he still didn’t know.

That I possessed the druidic passive attribute of Subjugation of Evil.

It was like having a poisonous stinger that was the only thing capable of taking down an invasive species rampaging at the top of the food chain.

The most important thing was to hide the existence of the poisonous stinger from the invasive species that believed the world was theirs.

Constantly remind them and instill in them that there were no variables here that could threaten them.

That way, you can roll a small snowball of carelessness.

Roll it and roll it until it causes a landslide.

That was my foolproof method for catching Dantalion.

-I’ll play with you slowly. Don’t end things too quickly and bore me.

Dantalion’s form, invigorated, blurred once more.

More ferocious attacks than before rained down.

Even as I blocked the attacks in advance with the help of the Heavenly Demon Sword, he wore a relaxed expression.

-I don’t know how you’re able to anticipate my attacks… but as a human, your stamina will eventually run out. That will be your end.

Bang! Crash! Bang!

Dantalion looked like he was enjoying himself.

The more I blocked his attacks, the more excited he seemed to get, his mouth splitting into a hideous grin.

On the other hand, I maintained a blank expression, scrutinizing his face like a psychologist.

I was trying to gauge the point at which his carelessness would reach its peak.

-Hehe, are you going to surrender now? It’s too late. It was fun, but you’re out because you have a foul mouth.

In a situation like this, I couldn’t afford to conserve consumable items.

To inflict a fatal blow on Dantalion, I had to take every possible measure and give it my all.

I took out an acorn from my pocket, bit down on it, and crushed it. I had consumed four acorns, and now I had six left.

[You have consumed an acorn.]

[Your passive skill is enhanced.]

[Your stamina is greatly increased.]

[Your mana regeneration is greatly increased.]

[This effect only applies to druids.]

[Time limit: 1 hour]

My body was overflowing with energy.

As an intermediate expert, consuming acorns increased the time limit from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

My vision widened, and my physical abilities became more agile.

Once my attunement exceeded a certain level, I could vaguely sense what the plants and animals around me were thinking.

-For a frail human, your wriggling form was quite impressive. It was fun while it lasted, so I’ll finish you off now.

Pleasure that pierced to the marrow.

Exhilaration that soaked into the spinal cord.

Glossy eyes.

Quivering fingertips.

The timing had finally arrived.

The demon was at his most careless.

-This is the end!

It was an ordinary claw attack, no different from the others. But my senses, sharpened by the acorns, sounded an alarm in my head. A more threatening attack would follow.

Sure enough.

The claw attack was a feint.

The demon, who had grabbed the Heavenly Demon Sword I was wielding with his claws, suddenly tore his mouth wide open.

His tongue, hidden inside his mouth, shot out like a tentacle, trying to pierce my heart.

And that wasn’t all.

His tail also stretched out like Sun Wukong’s [a famous character from the Chinese novel *Journey to the West*] staff, aiming for my rear.

The demon’s fierce strikes were quickly closing in from the front and rear, with my main weapon restrained.

His intention to finish me off this time was clear.

In my original state, I would have been helpless against this attack.

But having eaten the acorns and being fully alert, I was prepared for attacks from all directions.

Moreover, I had been paying attention to the demon’s tail and tongue ever since he used them to injure Zion and Campbell.

[Enhanced Bind is activated.]

Tree roots shot up from the ground.

The roots, strengthened by the power of the acorns, instantly ensnared and neutralized the demon’s tail and tongue that were aiming for my rear.

Dantalion’s pupils dilated as he suddenly encountered a new type of attack.

-W-what is this!!

There was no time to answer.

I pressed my advantage when I had it.

I knocked away his claws with the Heavenly Demon Sword and immediately charged inside.

To plunge the sword into his heart.

-Now you’re using all sorts of tricks!

The strengthened tree roots, which had even immobilized the Owlbear in the North, were easily severed by Dantalion. But my attack was just beginning.

[Enhanced Wood Golem is summoned.]

Crack! Crack!

A wood golem, larger than a troll and comparable to an ogre, embraced Dantalion from behind.

The purpose was to restrict his movements.

-If you think you can defeat me with a toy like that, you’re sorely mistaken!!

Slash!!

The demon’s claws lashed out.

The golem, cracked from its crown to its groin, was split in two and collapsed.

It didn’t matter.

I never thought I could hold the demon with the wood golem in the first place.

I just needed to buy a little time.

Because the tip of my sword, charging in the 신검합일 [perfect unity of sword and spirit] stance, was gradually getting closer to his heart.

Flash!!!

Dragon blood swept through my entire body, exuding elation.

The silvery, ferocious energy surged, drawing the shape of a dragon over my shoulder.

It soon permeated the sword as well, emitting a dazzling mana sword unlike that of an ordinary expert.

It wasn’t over yet.

The druid’s attunement exploded.

The verdant green light of nature spiraled around the brightly shining silver sword energy.

It was like beautiful little light bulbs decorating a Christmas tree.

-···!!!

Anyone could tell that this was no ordinary power.

Dantalion, who had said that no attack would work unless it was a Sword Master’s aura blade or an attack imbued with divine power.

Even he, with his hundreds of years of experience in the Demon Realm, instinctively felt that something was wrong.

He reflexively took a step back.

Of course, I wouldn’t let him.

[Enhanced Stone Shield is activated.]

Thwack thwack thwack thwack!!!

This was the path-blocking stone shield I had often used in sparring matches recently.

Stone walls made of wide, hard cobblestones rose behind the demon, forming a crane formation.

The stone shield, upgraded with acorns, boasted a height almost equivalent to a fortress wall, blocking his escape route.

Even so, my sword was gradually getting closer to his heart.

Dantalion, who had been staring at the silver-green sword energy with a serious expression, suddenly grinned.

-Hehehe, did you think you could stop me from escaping by blocking my rear? You humans all think alike.

As soon as he finished speaking, black wings made of membranes spread wide on both sides of Dantalion. He then soared into the air.

-Ehehehehe!! What are you going to do now! The little show was quite novel. But you’re still just a human. You couldn’t have imagined that a demon could fly in the air… Huh?

[Enhanced Swift Steps is used.]

[The winds of the continent show you favor.]

Faaaaaang!! Bang! Bang!

Swift Steps used after eating acorns.

I had only kicked off the ground once, but I instantly approached the spot where the demon was floating.

Dantalion’s face, startled, quickly came closer.

In that short gap, the silver-green light gathered on the Heavenly Demon Sword grew stronger, so dazzling that it was blinding to even look at.

Dantalion, who had been gathering magical energy in his claws to counterattack in an instant, felt that something was wrong and raised his altitude, sweating cold.

[Enhanced Swift Steps is used.]

[Enhanced Swift Steps is used.]

[Enhanced Swift Steps is used.]

Not to be outdone, I used Swift Steps to follow him.

Dantalion was panic-stricken.

He had met countless humans so far, but he had no memory of ever engaging in aerial combat with any human.

This was like… a battle between high-ranking demons in the Demon Realm.

“Demon, don’t try to escape. Pay the price for your arrogance all this time.”

The marquisate below was already so far away in the distance that the entire thing could be covered by the palm of my hand.

Numerous humans wriggling on the ground were tilting their heads and looking up at us.

All they could see was a bright light, but humans were intelligent beings who could imbue a single thing with many meanings.

Now, there was nowhere for Dantalion to escape.

Either a stake would be driven into his heart, or he would counterattack.

I had presented him with an inescapable dilemma.

It didn’t matter which one he chose.

I was the one actively leading the battle, and he had to passively adapt to my movements.

There was only one reason I was able to come this far.

“Dantalion, you were too careless. Humans are not weak. They are not lacking. They are not a race that can be defined by a single word by a mere lower demon like you. Remember that.”

-You insolent fool! I showed you a little mercy, and you’re climbing all over my head. Do you think that attack will work on me! There’s no divine power, and it’s not an aura blade. Come on! I’ll block it as much as you want! I’ll block this and tear you limb from limb!

In the end, he chose to defend.

Dantalion, who had crossed his arms in an X shape, mobilized all the magical energy he could muster in both arms.

The black magical energy rippling near his forearms overflowed, and a huge skull shape floated above Dantalion’s head.

Here came the silver dragon’s form, surrounded by green light.

The two opposing energies, which could never coexist, collided head-on.

Kukwakwakwakwa!!!!!

A deafening explosion.

Vibrations spreading in all directions.

The clouds parted, and the sky opened.

Untimely thunder and lightning raged.

And…

Everything was dyed in darkness.

A silence as heavy as death.

And then, a small flicker.

At first, it was a small sparkle.

But it gradually grew larger, swallowing the darkness.

Flash!!!!

The silver dragon scattered the skull to the left and right and ascended.

Light shattered the darkness.

Scattering everything away.

The dark clouds that had gathered just a moment ago were all gone as if nothing had happened, and dazzling sunlight took their place.

Two beings were floating in the sky.

Both were a mess.

My upper body was completely torn, and I was aiming the Heavenly Demon Sword, which had lost all its sword energy.

At the end of it was Dantalion.

With his heart pierced.

-Ugh… Cough!!

Dantalion spat out crimson blood.

The power of Subjugation of Evil had worked normally.

My attack power had doubled, and I had delivered a fatal blow to the demon that could not be regenerated.

His arms, which had blocked my attack head-on, had disappeared. The tough armor he had boasted about was shattered like a cookie.

Dantalion, staring at me with an incredulous gaze, opened his mouth.

-Who… who are you? There’s no way someone like you could be human. Are you perhaps a dragon guarding the middle realm?

He denied that I was human until the very end.

He didn’t want to admit that he had lost to a mere human.

I bit my lip tightly and showed him the red blood dripping down my chin.

“As you can see, I’m an ordinary human.”

-That can’t be… I’ve never seen a human like you. You… are a threat. I must go to the Demon Realm and tell them… Cough!

I rotated the sword I had plunged into his heart.

With a gruesome tearing sound, Dantalion’s essence was completely destroyed.

The ominous energy surging in his eyes gradually disappeared.

Soon, the red light vanished.

Leaving only a futile emptiness to bind him.

-This can’t be… uh…

“Farewell, Dantalion. I won’t see you off.”

I pulled the sword out of his heart and swung it horizontally.

The demon’s horned head flew through the air.

A mid-level demon who had visited the middle realm, excited at the thought of tasting humans after a long time.

It was the end of Dantalion.