Became The Son Of The Final Boss [EN]: Chapter 256

256.

The High Priest’s form grew larger and larger, his presence expanding ominously.

The aura of darkness completely dominated the surroundings, a suffocating blanket of malevolence.

Aquilrus said, “I must return to the Spirit Realm for a moment.”

‘If Aquilrus leaves now, everyone will be in danger,’ I thought, anxiety tightening my chest.

“The Spirit King cannot stay in the Middle Realm for long. It is the price for using his full power. If the Spirit Realm is left empty for too long, the balance will be broken.”

In the meantime, the High Priest’s attack began, a wave of dark energy surging forward.

Olivia emitted a pure white aura, a beacon of hope against the encroaching darkness.

It was called the Aura Sword.

The name was very simple, but its power overwhelmed even the most refined Aura Blade techniques.

A sword made of pure aura!

The technique, despite its simple name, blocked the High Priest’s attack with surprising force.

KWAH-! BANG-!

“It’s not a problem with the master’s mana pool. Summon the Phoenix.”

‘Phoenix? The Fire Spirit King?’ I wondered, surprised by the suggestion.

“Yes. I will explain in detail next time.”

Aquilrus returned to the Spirit Realm, leaving us to face the High Priest’s onslaught.

I drew upon the power of the Spirit Core, feeling its energy coursing through me.

“It’s not the realm of God, but the land of fools who believe in evil power as the power of God,” I declared, my voice ringing with defiance.

At my words, the High Priest hurled black spheres at Olivia, a barrage of dark energy.

Hundreds of spheres, larger than a human face, scattered in all directions, each a potential source of destruction.

GOOOOOOO-!

The space cracked, and the aura of darkness surged, threatening to consume everything.

However, the aura of darkness could not withstand the newly emerging presence and was being pushed back, its influence waning.

The power of the Spirit Core surged within me, bolstering my resolve.

GOOOOOOO-!

The High Priest did not care at all, his focus unwavering.

Space cracked here and there, a testament to the immense power being unleashed.

Olivia’s momentum also rose even higher, her determination burning bright.

PA-PA-PAT-!

The pure white Aura Sword cut through space, extinguishing the black spheres one by one, a dance of light against darkness.

Soon, the Phoenix revealed itself, a magnificent being of pure flame.

Flames dominated all directions, casting an inferno glow upon the battlefield.

“The Middle Realm, huh? A foolish human is trying to open the gate to the Demon Realm,” the Phoenix boomed, its voice echoing with ancient power.

The Phoenix’s tone was the same as when he was Ifrit [a powerful fire spirit].

His presence was as overwhelming as Aquilrus, a force to be reckoned with.

He was emitting flames that seemed to burn everything in the world, a purifying fire.

The Phoenix flew into the sky, a beacon of hope against the encroaching darkness.

The High Priest was not at all flustered by the newly emerged Spirit King and Olivia’s powerful momentum, his eyes burning with fanaticism.

‘The gate to the Demon Realm?’ I thought, trying to understand the situation.

“Trying to summon the Demon King, that human is really stupid,” the Phoenix answered my thoughts, his voice laced with disdain, and poured a rain of fire at the High Priest.

Black spheres rose from the ground, blocking the rain of fire, a desperate defense against the Phoenix’s wrath.

KWAH-! BANG-!

The number of black spheres pressing down on Olivia also increased, a relentless assault.

The aura of darkness flowing around them also became more intense, a suffocating presence.

‘It’s not a power that a human can produce,’ I realized, the scale of the High Priest’s ambition becoming clear.

Soon, the sky opened, a tear in the fabric of reality.

“What is it?” I muttered without realizing it, fear creeping into my voice.

“God is descending. Heh heh, evil one, know that you are glorious. Because you will see the 모습 [Korean: form/appearance] of God descending,” the High Priest cackled, his voice filled with manic glee.

The Phoenix flew towards the open sky, determined to stop the impending catastrophe.

“We have to destroy the gate first!” the Phoenix said roughly, fiercely sucking in the mana of the Spirit Core, his power growing exponentially.

The Phoenix’s body became much larger, a colossal being of pure flame.

As if waiting for this, the High Priest’s body also grew larger, mirroring the Phoenix’s transformation.

The two giant beings met in the sky, a clash of titans.

KWAH-! BANG-!

With a tremendous explosion, the aura of darkness poured out from the opened sky, a torrent of corruption.

KWAH-!

“Kuh-ah-ack!”

“Cough!”

“Your, Your Highness!”

The knights vomited blood as they were contaminated by the pouring aura of darkness, their bodies succumbing to its influence.

The Phoenix summoned flames to block the aura of darkness, but it was not enough, the sheer volume overwhelming his defenses.

‘Even the Spirit King can’t stop it. Even the Spirit King, who is using his power to the fullest,’ I thought, despair creeping in.

I bit my lip tightly, trying to maintain my composure.

“Do you think mere creations can stop the descent of God?” the High Priest’s voice echoed through the heavens and the earth, filled with arrogant certainty.

“Phoenix!” I poured more mana into the Phoenix, desperate to turn the tide.

The Phoenix’s flames became more and more intense, burning even the air, a searing inferno.

KWAH-!

“Demon King Belusid.”

“Belusi?” I asked, confused by the unfamiliar name.

When I asked at the Phoenix’s words, the answer flowed from the High Priest, confirming my worst fears.

“Ho, you know the glorious and sacred name?”

“Belusi is a top-tier Demon King, my power alone is not enough. We must stop the descent at all costs,” the Phoenix declared, his voice filled with urgency.

‘Even the Spirit King’s power is not enough?’ I wondered, the situation growing increasingly dire.

“Aquilrus and I were given names and can exert our inherent power even in the Middle Realm. But we are only newly ascended Spirit Kings. On the other hand, Belusi is a Demon King who has ruled the Demon Realm for countless ages. Among the many Demon Kings, his power is one of the best.”

‘What should I do?’ I thought, desperately searching for a solution.

The Phoenix’s voice became calm, a stark contrast to the chaos around us.

“The pain will be severe for a while. If you draw out all of the master’s power, I can exert even stronger power. And tell that human to pour power into the space.”

I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.

“Olivia, attack the place where the space is torn with the power of darkness,” I commanded, my voice firm despite the fear gnawing at me.

The High Priest opened his mouth as if he knew everything, his eyes gleaming with madness.

“The descent of God cannot be stopped. How can human power resist the power of God?”

The High Priest’s face gradually distorted, his features becoming grotesque.

He didn’t seem to know that his body was being stained with the aura of darkness, a horrifying transformation.

‘Even the High Priest’s power is being sucked into that space,’ I realized, the ritual consuming its own orchestrator.

I ordered the knights to retreat, knowing they were in grave danger.

“Leave this place immediately,” I urged, my voice filled with urgency.

Soon, the Phoenix began to absorb mana with a terrifying momentum, drawing upon every ounce of my power.

I barely suppressed a groan, the pain almost unbearable.

It was sucking in the power of the Spirit Core in an instant, and even all of my remaining mana, leaving me drained and vulnerable.

The pain was severe, as the Phoenix had warned, a sacrifice I had to make.

But I clenched my fist, refusing to yield.

The flames had now turned blue, almost red, and illuminated the whole world, a beacon of defiance.

And explosive mana flowed out from Olivia’s body as well, a surge of pure energy.

The pure white aura was now almost transparent, shimmering with power.

GOOOOOOO-!

The Phoenix’s flames and Olivia’s Aura Sword soared simultaneously towards the sky where the aura of darkness was pouring down, a united front against the encroaching darkness.

KWAH-! BANG-!

“It’s useless,” the High Priest croaked, his voice raspy and weak.

The High Priest’s face was now unrecognizable, a mask of horror. His giant body was distorted as if space was being warped, and he was being sucked into the sky, a puppet of his own twisted ambition.

The High Priest seemed to realize this fact only now, his eyes widening in terror.

“Huh? Huh?”

“I acknowledge your efforts to summon Belusi by offering your flesh and soul,” I said, gritting my teeth, my voice filled with grim satisfaction.

“That can’t be… That can’t be… I am a priest of God…” the High Priest’s voice became more and more faint, a desperate plea lost in the chaos.

KWAH-AH-AH-ANG-! BANG-!

The aura of darkness collided with the Phoenix and Olivia’s power, a cataclysmic clash of energies.

At the same time, the High Priest’s form completely disappeared, consumed by the very power he sought to control.

Even the retreating knights were floating into the sky, caught in the gravitational pull of the collapsing gate.

I could not hide my shock and stared blankly at the sky, the scene unfolding before me a nightmare made real.

* * *

Lilian’s face was full of worry, a rare sight that spoke volumes about the gravity of the situation.

Ken approached Lilian, who was standing alone on the ramparts, troubled by the cold wind, her gaze fixed on the horizon.

“What’s wrong?” Ken asked, concern etched on his face.

At Ken’s words, Lilian replied, “Look north.”

Ken followed Lilian’s finger and turned his gaze to the sky.

The dark clouds that were heavily gathered in the northern sky did not seem ordinary, a swirling vortex of ominous energy.

“It’s a form derived from the aura of darkness,” Ken observed, his voice grim.

“The aura of darkness?” Lilian echoed, her brow furrowed.

“What about His Highness’s news?” she asked, her concern for Arun evident.

At Lilian’s 모습 [Korean: appearance/figure] of asking a question instead of answering her own question, Ken smiled awkwardly and gave an answer for the time being.

“I heard that he destroyed four altars. He must have gone to the last altar,” Ken reported, relaying the latest information.

Ken reassured Lilian, “The operation is going well. We succeeded in defending Grenian, and when His Highness returns, we will return to the Empire and go to the southern front to capture Karen, and the war will be over.”

“No. I think it’s probably descending,” Lilian countered, her voice filled with dread.

“Descending?” Ken questioned, confused by her statement.

“I’ve looked through various materials. Ancient ruins too,” Lilian explained, her mind racing.

While defending against the attacks of the undead, Lilian repeatedly researched the Reinhard family, delving into their secrets.

“When I completed the ninth ring, the magic books they left behind looked completely new,” she revealed, her voice hushed with awe and fear.

Horror spread across Ken’s face, realizing the implications of her words.

“Does that mean you have become a complete 9th Circle?” he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

“That’s right,” Lilian confirmed, her gaze unwavering.

Until now, Lilian had emphasized that the ninth ring was blurry and that she was not a complete 9th Circle, downplaying her power.

“The war will be easier,” Ken said, trying to find a silver lining.

Lilian shook her head, dismissing his optimism.

“No. If Belusi descends…” she trailed off, unable to voice the full extent of the impending disaster.

“Belusi?” Ken asked, the name unfamiliar and unsettling.

“There are many Demon Kings, and Belusi is called the top Demon King among them. He was already a Demon King during the period when the Reinhard family spread magic on this land, and the humans who followed him had already been preparing for Belusi’s descent since then,” Lilian explained, her voice filled with urgency.

Ken trembled, the weight of her words crushing him.

“Is Belusi a Demon King?” he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

“That’s right. The Reinhard family’s magic, ruins, and items were all a kind of preparation for Belusi’s descent. Fortunately, he did not descend in their era… Now, it seems that Belusi has appeared in the Middle Realm in our era,” Lilian confirmed, her expression grim.

“Is His Highness in danger?” Ken asked, his concern for Arun growing.

“If it’s Prince Arun, who summoned the Spirit King, he will be able to escape,” Lilian replied, her faith in Arun’s abilities unwavering.

Ken’s head spun quickly, trying to process the information.

“We must abolish all previous measures and start new preparations. If the Demon King descends… a war for survival will begin,” he declared, his voice filled with determination.

“That’s right. Human power will become meaningless. Only I, Arun, and the Emperor will be able to withstand Belusi’s presence,” Lilian agreed, her voice somber.

Lilian’s expression sank, her eyes filled with a deep sadness.

“Tell the Emperor this fact right away,” she instructed, her voice firm.

“Does the Emperor know about Belusi?” Ken asked, surprised by her assumption.

“He probably doesn’t know. It was only after the ninth ring was completed that I was able to interpret their last words hidden in the Reinhard family’s magic book,” Lilian explained, revealing the source of her knowledge.

“The Purifying Flame Order is finally pushing this continent into despair,” Ken lamented, his voice filled with bitterness.

Lilian smiled bitterly, acknowledging the truth in his words.

“According to the Reinhard family’s magic book, Belusi wants to become the one and only Demon King by transcending the Demon Realm and integrating the power of the Middle Realm,” she revealed, outlining Belusi’s ultimate goal.

“Is that so?” Ken asked, absorbing the information.

“The Celestial Realm, the Demon Realm, and the Middle Realm are all worlds that are affected. When priests prosper and the 교단 [Korean: religious order/organization] grows, the power of the Celestial Realm grows, and when evil power grows, the power of the Demon Realm grows,” Lilian explained, outlining the cosmic balance.

Ken nodded, understanding the interconnectedness of the realms.

“And humans always fall into evil more easily,” he observed, his voice filled with cynicism.

“That’s right. That’s why the Spirit Realm, other than the Celestial Realm, was balancing the world, but Belusi’s descent is breaking the balance of the world,” Lilian confirmed, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

Lilian thought of Arun, her mind drawn to his unique abilities.

“It is also breaking the balance for a human to summon the Spirit King… Perhaps it is because of fate that Arun has gained power,” she mused, pondering the forces at play.

“Fate…” Ken echoed, his voice filled with uncertainty.

“Arun has a power that humans cannot possess. That goes for me too. Recently, Crown Princess Olivia also reached the realm of Grand Sword Master, right?” Lilian asked, her gaze sharp.

“That’s right,” Ken confirmed, acknowledging Olivia’s achievement.

“Everything seems to be prepared. To stop Belusi. The Emperor’s sluggishness is a bit disappointing, though,” Lilian commented, her dissatisfaction with the Emperor’s inaction evident.

Ken smiled embarrassedly, used to Lilian’s bluntness.

Lilian’s arrogant tone was still the same, a constant in a world of chaos.

“Anyway, send someone to the Imperial Palace. And it would be good to send someone to the Kingdom Alliance to check on Arun’s whereabouts,” she instructed, her voice filled with authority.

“Yes. I will,” Ken replied, accepting her orders.

“Arun will be alive, but it will be difficult for the knights to return alive,” Lilian predicted, her words a chilling reminder of the dangers ahead.

Ken believed most of Lilian’s words, trusting her judgment.

Lilian, who had become a 9th Circle, looked somehow different, radiating an aura of power and wisdom.

She had not simply become stronger, but seemed to have gained eyes to contemplate the world, a deeper understanding of the forces at play.

“You don’t have to worry about defending against the undead here anymore,” Ken assured her, his voice filled with confidence.

“I won’t,” Lilian replied, her gaze fixed on the horizon.

Ken greeted Lilian briefly and began to descend the ramparts, his mind racing.

‘Demon King,’ he thought, the words echoing in his mind.

Until I served Arun, I thought I would regain the dignity of the Crown Prince and play a role in his path to becoming Emperor, but I never imagined something like the Demon King’s descent, a threat beyond anything he had ever anticipated.

It’s a world where all sorts of things happen, but it’s not easy to imagine the Demon King descending, a concept relegated to myth and legend.

‘His Highness must be safe,’ Ken thought, his concern for Arun paramount.

Lilian was not at all worried about Arun’s life or death, her confidence unwavering.

She was too indifferent for someone who had mentioned a terrifying being called Belusi, a stark contrast to the fear he felt.

‘Is it because he is someone who has surpassed his limits?’ Ken wondered, pondering the source of her unwavering faith.

Ken smacked his lips and returned to his office to begin writing a letter to be sent to the Imperial Palace, a task that weighed heavily on his shoulders.

“Ha, it’s difficult to write. What should I write?” he muttered, struggling to find the right words.

Ken first copied everything Lilian had warned him about, ensuring the Emperor was fully informed of the impending threat, and then wrote about the expected damage in the future, painting a grim picture of the potential consequences.

“It won’t be easy,” he sighed, acknowledging the challenges ahead.

The Purifying Flame Order, do they know what they are doing? he wondered, questioning their motives.

Do they really believe that summoning the Demon King is purifying this land? he pondered, his mind struggling to comprehend their twisted logic.

Ken wanted to meet the High Priest, Karen, to understand the reasoning behind their actions.

So I wanted to ask, Is destroying all of humanity really the purification you are talking about?

‘It’s useless to talk to a cult…’ he realized, dismissing the idea as futile.

On the other hand, the powers of the continent will be reorganized due to the descent of the Demon King, a shift in the balance of power.

Ken believed that they would be able to stop the Demon King, clinging to a sliver of hope.

Then what will happen after that? he wondered, his mind already planning for the aftermath.

If the Calpheon Empire loses power in the process of stopping the Demon King, the continent will once again be engulfed in war, a cycle of violence and destruction.

Humans will quickly forget the crisis of destruction and the harm of war and will once again be faithful to their desires, repeating the mistakes of the past.

‘It’s good to prepare and move at that time too,’ Ken thought, his mind already strategizing for the future.

Ken began to rewrite the letter, carefully crafting his words to convey the urgency of the situation and the potential for both destruction and opportunity.