My Lord Who Is Being Prudent! [EN]: Chapter 54

54. The Demon of Sloth

The endless sense of death washed over him.

This was more sinister and on a different level than any sense of death Sian had faced so far.

Even more so than the resentment he felt from Leia.

The woman slowly rose to her feet.

Cold sweat trickled down Sian’s cheek.

And then.

“No… It can’t be… No… No… No!”

A mumble came from somewhere.

He looked over to see Semir.

Semir, the descendant of the Divine Smith Morcru and the chief of the Hammer Anvil Tribe.

Semir stood frozen like a stone statue.

For some reason, his gaze was fixed on the woman.

“No… No…”

Semir could only repeat the same words with an expression of disbelief.

What was going on?

Sian wanted to ask, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so.

“W-what is this…?”

“What’s going on all of a sudden…?”

Everyone seemed bewildered by the sudden turn of events.

And then.

“Y-you, y-you are…!”

“How could you be here?!”

Lukas and Grayson reacted the most violently among them.

Their eyes were wide as if they were about to tear apart.

Sian could tell from their reaction.

The powerful magical beast in human form that resided deep within the forest.

Sian could easily tell that the woman was that magical beast.

But one thing.

Lukas clearly defined the woman as ‘human.’

And her appearance was no different from that of a human.

The aura she exuded was also no different from that of a human.

But Sian could tell.

To be exact, only Sian could tell.

No one else seemed to notice.

Even Leia didn’t seem to realize the woman’s true identity.

That must be how she was able to enter Ruben.

Only Sian could feel the terrible malice emanating from the woman.

That’s why Sian was able to recognize the woman’s true identity at once.

It was none other than what happened at the Arnaiz Hall.

The ‘Demon Detector’ he had sold to Aria there.

Leia had said this about it:

‘It’s a device that measures for any altered magical energy around it. So, a Demon Detector? It had a different name, but I forgot.’

‘It used to be used to detect the approach of demons. Demons used to disguise themselves perfectly as humans and approach people. That’s why it was needed… but not anymore.’

‘And you won’t need it. Kyle noticed the presence of demons faster than anyone else. That was what my brother used to use. Elodie told him to throw it away, but he forgot he had it.’

Even Charlotte, the leader of Arnaiz, couldn’t notice it and had to borrow the power of a magical tool.

At first, he was half-doubtful.

But now, he was almost certain.

【How strange…】

The woman who had risen from her seat tilted her head.

Crimson blood dripped between her tilted head.

Suppressed, violent power could be seen through the gaps.

It was rampaging as if it would meet a terrible liberation at any moment, given the slightest trigger.

【There shouldn’t be anyone left who knows of our existence, right?】

The woman’s gleaming gaze turned to Sian.

A thick aura of death spread out.

【How do you know me, little one?】

Clap.

Dark red malice rose like dark clouds around her, enveloping the woman’s body.

The woman, wrapped in malice, soon revealed her true form.

The blood-soaked appearance from just now had vanished without a trace.

The woman revealed herself along with the blooming malice.

“T-that, th-that…!”

“What on earth is that…!”

It was impossible to describe with the word ‘terrible.’

Was there a concept to define that existence?

You would have to gather all the negative words in the world to finally be able to describe the woman.

The appearance was clearly that of a human female.

However, the surroundings were plunged into endless darkness.

Red glints flickered through the pitch-black darkness that did not allow even a single point of light.

That… could no longer be called human.

It could not be defined as a spirit either.

A demon.

The remnants of the demons that had disappeared a thousand years ago.

That was the closest possible concept.

However, Sian shook his head.

That was not a demon.

“A devil…”

A devil (惡魔) [In this context, a more powerful and malevolent being than a standard demon].

A thousand years ago.

The evil beings that plunged the continent into chaos.

The demons who were known to have been annihilated by the Arnaiz.

“D-devil…?”

“No way! How can there be a devil?!”

People shouted in astonishment at Sian’s muttering.

And then.

【You know the real me?】

Swish.

Hideous malice covered everything.

Madness squeezed out from every single cell.

It dyed the darkness crimson.

Within the complete curtain of darkness, where even twilight was hidden.

Thoughts surged blackly, as if painting over the rippling darkness.

【Then, little one. I’m looking for something right now. Do you happen to know about that too?】

As if painting over the rippling darkness.

Thoughts rummaged through Sian’s mind.

【Ah, you don’t need to know what it is. I’ll just tear through your memories myself.】

The mind faded.

“A… Aaa…”

“Th-this is…”

Endless fear settled on people’s faces.

Despair descended.

Sian gritted his teeth.

He drew up the magical energy of the Marhon Empowerment and shook off the encroaching thoughts.

“Everyone, wake up!!”

At the same time, the darkness that had been rushing in vanished at once.

【…You resisted my thoughts?】

The demon’s eyes widened.

This was impossible.

The human in front of him.

The energy he felt was not very impressive.

He didn’t know how he had noticed his identity, but he was still a weak human.

Therefore, the moment he revealed his existence, he should have been terrified and lost his mind.

【But how…?】

Just then.

“Everyone, form ranks!”

Lukas, who had regained his senses at Sian’s shout, drew his sword first.

And at Lukas’s cry, the soldiers also drew their respective weapons.

The special forces of Arnaiz, the pride of Charlotte.

The darkness that had been trying to interfere with people’s minds ultimately failed to achieve anything.

【The other humans resisted too?】

The demon’s expression contorted.

Soon, the demon looked down at his own body and muttered.

【I still can’t exert my full power because of the vessel’s spirit… It’s been 100 years and it still hasn’t succumbed. It’s such a pain.】

Well, still.

【It doesn’t matter.】

The demon lightly waved his hand.

Boom!

A chilling, insane magic power erupted around the demon.

At the same time, the earth began to turn black.

As if black flowers were blooming.

The earth was as if swallowed by the abyss.

It began to spread around in an instant, like black paint spreading in clear water.

Kieeeeeeeeeeeek───!!

A hideous screech was heard through the gaps.

Soon, hideous monsters burst out through the blackened earth.

The magical beasts that dwelled in the Forest of Darkness.

However, unlike the magical beasts that had attacked Ruben, they were completely stained with darkness.

Monsters of instinct with not even a shred of reason left.

Kieeeeeeeeeeeek───!!

The monsters spread like a plague, attacking the soldiers.

At the same time,

“All troops, combat formation!”

At Sian’s cry, the soldiers moved in unison.

They raised their weapons, drawing up their fighting spirit.

And then.

Crack!

Thud!

Ruben’s soldiers were blocking the pouring monsters of chaos.

The monsters of chaos possessed a more ferocious energy than the magical beasts of the Forest of Darkness.

However, the experience of fighting endlessly pouring magical beasts.

And the growth buff due to the enormous cash investment.

It broke through the limitations that Ruben’s soldiers had.

“Advance the formation!!”

“Kieeeek…!”

Crack!

No matter how much the monsters were submerged in darkness, they could not easily break through Ruben’s soldiers.

【What… what are these guys doing?】

The demon wore a dumbfounded expression.

And just then.

Kiyaaaaaaaaaaaaaak!!!

A chilling ghostly cry erupted.

At the same time, the blooming darkness enveloped the spreading monsters at once.

The monsters resisted the blooming darkness,

But the darkness ultimately devoured all the monsters.

Crack!

【What is this…?】

The demon wore a bewildered expression.

He looked around.

The summoned monsters were all crushed.

And the existence that made it possible.

Leia was floating in the air, scattering thick magical energy.

【There’s a commander-level vengeful spirit?】

The demon’s eyes widened.

Soon, Leia approached Sian’s side.

-What on earth is going on?

“I’m not sure either. But… it seems to be a devil.”

-A devil…?

Leia wore an expression as if she was saying something absurd.

-What are you talking about all of a sudden? And how can there be a devil?

Soon, Leia’s gaze turned to the demon.

-Wait, this power is…?-

And then her eyes widened more and more.

-Nurbia of Sloth…?-

Leia muttered like that.

-No way! How are you here! You were definitely… dead a thousand years ago?

Leia’s expression was in shock.

Sian asked Leia, who was in such shock.

“Do you know that demon?”

Then Leia slowly nodded her head and said.

-Nurbia of Sloth. One of the Seven Lords.

“When you say Seven Lords…”

-I mean the Seven Lords who lead the demon legions. There are six more besides that one.

“……!”

Sian couldn’t help but widen his eyes.

That was because the Seven Lords that Leia mentioned.

It was a mythical existence and a full thousand years ago.

It was the core existence of the demons who had plunged the continent into chaos.

The Seven Deadly Sins.

Pride, Greed, Envy, Wrath, Lust, Gluttony, Sloth.

The seven demons who awakened from that sin.

The woman was the demon of Sloth (Pigritia) [Sloth in Latin] among them.

“Why is a demon of the Seven Lords here?”

-That’s what I want to ask. More than that, they were definitely all annihilated a thousand years ago, so how…!

【You… you’re not an ordinary spirit?】

Nurbia grinned.

And then she slowly looked around.

【I just stopped by out of curiosity because there were humans living here. You figured out my identity, resisted my thoughts, and even a spirit knows of my existence…】

Soon, Nurbia’s gaze stopped at Sian.

Endless malice bloomed.

【Then you must know where what I’m looking for is too, right?】

Kieeeeeeeeeeeek───!!

Once again, monsters burst out through the darkness submerged in the abyss.

At the same time, Leia gathered magical energy once again.

To sweep away the pouring monsters again.

But.

【Where do you think you’re going!】

Nurbia lightly waved her hand once again.

Crimson, insane magic power dwelled in Nurbia’s hand, tearing through space.

And from within, eerie awls popped out and rushed towards Leia.

-You bitch!

Boom!

A burst of explosions erupted, and hot flames soared.

Leia was blocking Nurbia through the flames.

Sian looked back and forth between Lukas and Hans and shouted.

“Lukas! Work with the soldiers to prevent the monsters from going further inside! And Hans, Grayson! Go and gather the people and evacuate them right now!”

Lukas, Hans, and Grayson did not answer.

“Everyone, fix bayonets!! We will not let a single one of those monsters through here!”

“Ellie! Come over here quickly!!”

“Everyone, follow me!”

They were just showing it with actions.

Kieeeeeeeeeeeek───!!!

The monsters that tore through the abyss and emerged were attacking.

Even at this moment, monsters were constantly popping out.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but we dwarves will help too!”

“Euryahhhhh!!!”

The dwarves joined Ruben’s soldiers, each holding their weapons.

The situation was rapidly escalating

Sian gripped his sword again.

To be honest, there were many questionable points.

Why one of the Seven Lords was here.

How a demon that had been annihilated a thousand years ago had reappeared.

And why it suddenly appeared.

And what Nurbia was looking for.

Countless questions arose.

However, Sian pushed all those questions away.

Because it wasn’t important right now.

Sian darted forward.

He left the monsters to the soldiers.

The magical energy was fluctuating.

Sian swung his sword towards Nurbia, who was fighting Leia.

Boom!

A terrifying explosion erupted, and dust rose.

The terrible power combined with the power of the S-rank and the magical energy of the Marhon Empowerment.

【How annoying!】

But it was not enough power to reach Nurbia.

Kiiiiing!

A tearing tinnitus was heard in Sian’s ears.

Soon, several magic circles were engraved around Sian.

‘Danger!’

Sian immediately put strength into his legs and moved away from his spot.

And almost at the same time.

Kaboom!

The space where Sian had been just now was shattered.

If he had stayed still, Sian would have been crushed as well.

Fortunately, he reacted.

“Cough…!”

It wasn’t possible to avoid it completely.

Blood trickled down from the corner of his mouth.

-Sian! Are you okay?

Leia hurriedly approached Sian’s side.

Sian wiped the blood flowing from the corner of his mouth with his sleeve and replied.

“Leia, I’ll draw Nurbia’s attention. Please protect the soldiers from time to time.”

-But then you will…

“Don’t worry about me.”

-…… Okay.

Leia nodded heavily.

And.

【You…】

Nurbia was quite confused right now.

That was because of Sian’s attack just now.

It was fierce for a human, but that was all it was.

But one thing.

【My madness scattered…?】

The madness that had blocked Sian’s attack scattered for a moment.

To be exact, it returned to its original nature.

This… was absolutely impossible.

The magic power of madness was already under his control.

That magic power scattered and returned to its original nature.

That meant that the human had dominated his madness.

That was absolutely impossible.

For a mere human to control the power of a demon.

Only once.

No, only one being was capable of this.

Unpleasant memories came to mind.

No, rather than unpleasant…

Fear.

Or trauma.

That was the right way to express it.

Fear and trauma for a demon.

There was no greater irony than that, but this memory was enough to make it so.

【Nonsense.】

Nurbia shook her head at once.

Because that could never be.

That was something that could not be, and should not be.

So maybe.

The madness scattered for this reason.

【When is this damn vessel going to give in?】

The vessel’s interference.

Even though he had been dominating his mind for over 100 years, this human’s mind had not collapsed.

How could a mere human do this?

Because of that, Nurbia was unable to draw out his full original power.

Every time he used his power, the vessel’s spirit interfered.

He had even saved two humans not long ago.

But still.

【They’re just weak humans.】

Nurbia unleashed a terrible madness.

Just then.

Flinch!

Something wriggled in Nurbia’s mind.

#

Sian and Leia confronting Nurbia.

Ruben’s soldiers and dwarves fighting the monsters of chaos.

In this fierce battlefield.

“No… No…”

Semir was still stuck in that spot, just standing there.

His mind was blank.

No, no thoughts came to mind.

His thoughts were denying the scene in front of him,

But the reality he saw did not change in the end.

“Chief! What are you doing!”

“What’s wrong with you, Chief, since a while ago!!”

Kmaru and other dwarves shouted at Semir’s appearance.

However, Semir did not answer.

“No… No…”

He just kept muttering the same words.

Semir’s gaze was still directed at only one place.

His two eyes were trembling.

It was a slightly different appearance.

That’s why the other dwarves didn’t seem to know.

But Semir knew.

He couldn’t not know.

He tried to pretend he didn’t, tried to forget,

But he had forgotten the thought of forgetting first.

100 years ago.

Semir’s time had stopped there.

That’s why he had never forgotten even for a single moment.

That’s why time had never flowed even for a single moment.

“Helen…”

Semir muttered quietly.

At that moment.

Flinch!

Nurbia’s body stopped.

Soon, Nurbia’s head slowly turned to Semir.

Gazing at each other.

And then.

【Kuaaaaaaaaak!!!】

Nurbia began to scream in pain.