His heart had been crushed, and his entire body was torn to shreds — and even that wasn't enough to describe his condition.For an ordinary human, it would have resulted in instant death with no room for survival,but this had nothing to do with the current Miyagi, who was no longer human.As a spirit, the concept of "death" no longer applied to him.
"Ha! I feel like I got scammed."
The blood demon's wounds had all regenerated — including his heart.He could have healed even further if he wanted to, but he didn't.That was because he had acknowledged his defeat.
[Level has advanced to Stage 5.][Strength +5, Agility +5, Stamina +5.][Due to the effect of the 'Martial God,' Strength and Agility increase by an additional +2, and Stamina by +1!]
Then, a message appeared indicating that the level had increased.
The system had judged that the blood demon had been defeated.
"Your whole body was in shambles, and I was wondering why. So this was the reason?""I could have healed myself if I wanted to. I just didn't, on purpose.""Should I call that bold… or just plain insane?"
The blood demon expressed pure admiration.Choosing not to heal his wounds must have been to trigger a buff.He couldn't tell exactly what it was, but Han Yuseong had a buff that activated when his life was hanging by a thread.
"The buff activated when I tried to use Blood Wrath Demon King."
It had been a rare misjudgment by the blood demon.He used Blood Wrath Demon King because Han Yuseong's energy seemed completely spent.He believed that, in his current state, Han wouldn't be able to counter a finishing move.The problem was — the buff activated, and it changed Han's entire power level.He was now able to withstand even Blood Wrath Demon King.On top of that, he had even saved and concealed a secret movement technique until now.
"I can't believe it… Unless he somehow predicted I'd use Blood Wrath Demon King, there's no way he could've prepared this thoroughly…"
The blood demon let out a dry chuckle.Han Yuseong didn't respond.He couldn't say it was because he had fought him in a previous life and knew what to expect.Otherwise, the blood demon would just think he was insane.
Instead of answering, he drank the
[A powerful life force regenerates your body.][The "Final Flame" has been extinguished.]
A revolting taste lingered on his tongue.But soon after, Han Yuseong's body began to regenerate rapidly — wounds, lost blood, everything.
"If I didn't have this item, I wouldn't have pulled this stunt."
The Unyielding Will only activates when his life is truly in danger.Intentionally placing himself in such a life-threatening situation just to trigger a buff — it was madness.No sane person who valued their own life would do such a thing.The only reason he went through with it was because he had Troll Lord's Blood as insurance.
"This isn't something I'll be doing more than once."
There will likely be few occasions to use it intentionally like this again.
While Han Yuseong caught his breath and tended to his wounds, the blood demon observed him with curiosity, replaying the earlier battle in his mind.Then, a loud message appeared before their eyes.
["That was an incredible battle! I am moved!"]["Unknown practitioner! You have proven yourself worthy! So take it! The treasure in that place, the legacy of the oath-bound one whom I serve!"]
The message quickly disappeared.
Han Yuseong and the blood demon stared at each other in a strange silence.
"Well then, since I won, give me the reward you promised.""Hmph, do you even realize how many moves I let slide? If I had gone all out, you wouldn't have been able to do anything—you'd be dead.""You couldn't have gone all out anyway because of the restrictions, could you?"
"You damn brat."
The blood demon clicked his tongue and stepped closer.His palm lightly touched Han Yuseong's forehead.
"Fine, take it. You've proven yourself worthy, so I must honor that."
His tone made it sound as if he was giving it away very reluctantly.But contrary to that tone, a faint smile played on the blood demon's lips.
An unwanted successor—one chosen unilaterally by the Lord.And yet, this successor was turning out to be more appealing than expected.More than anything, the most appealing part was this:
'This brat smells like me.'
A kind of kindred spirit, perhaps.A scent that only those madly devoted to battle give off—it lingered around him.
A thick scent of blood, impossible to mask.That, especially, struck a chord.
'At this point, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to give it to him.'
It was enough to make him think that—
Even something he had never intended to part with, he might as well hand over now.
A surge of knowledge flooded into Han Yuseong's mind.
[The creator of the skill has passed their knowledge on to you...]
[You have acquired the complete skill: 'Bloodstorm Fist (S, Lv.6)']
[You have acquired the passive skill: "Blood Demon (S)"]
But it wasn't just knowledge that was transmitted.A red aura, like a stream of blood, poured out from the blood demon's body and seeped into Han Yuseong.
[Bloodstorm Fist (S, Lv.6)]· Type: Active
· A martial art created by the blood demon, composed of four techniques. Currently, only two can be used, as the full art has not yet been mastered.
· Effects: Strength +10, Attack Power +20%
· Special Trait: The more blood is shed, the stronger the skill's damage becomes.
Techniques:
Blood Surge: Strikes the opponent like a flash of light with a fist wrapped in a bloodstorm.
Heaven-Crushing Bloodstorm: Compresses the bloodstorm and releases it upon striking the enemy.
Flowing Bloodwind: Generates a gust of wind to deflect or redirect enemy attacks.
Raging Dragon Demon: Distracts the enemy with a feint, then delivers a powerful blow packed with force. Dragon fangs tear the target apart with savage force.
[Blood Demon (S)]· Type: Passive
· The blood of a demon starved for blood flows through your veins.· Effects: - Bloodstorm Fist damage +40% - Mana consumption -20%· Restore a portion of HP and MP upon defeating an enemy. (Cooldown: 1 hour)
Passive: Blood Demon.
This was a skill Han Yuseong had never managed to obtain in his previous life.The only skill he had ever possessed back then was Bloodstorm Fist.Of course, for the Han Yuseong of that time, that alone had been more than enough.
But—
"And one more thing."
The shocking part was that the rewards weren't over yet.As the blood demon waved his hand, a pair of blood-stained gauntlets emerged from the stone coffin.
The moment Han Yuseong laid eyes on them, the effect of War God activated.
[You have successfully defeated an overwhelmingly stronger opponent.][You have fulfilled the activation condition for your unique ability, 'War God.'][Strength +2, Willpower +5 increased!]
[The bonus item's options have been enhanced as an additional reward!]
A message announcing the granting of a bonus reward.Light seeped into the blood-soaked gauntlets.The blood demon tilted his head slightly upon seeing the glow, but soon lost interest and paid it no mind.
[Blood-Soul Gauntlets (Legendary)]· Slot: Weapon (Gauntlets)· Attack Power: 90· Effects: - Strength +8 - +30% to damage of all martial arts-type (melee) skills - +5% Attack Power, +5% Critical Chance, +5% Defense Penetration → These effects are enhanced each time blood is absorbed, up to 6 stacks. - These gauntlets can be infused with blood when the wielder reaches certain levels, increasing attack power. (Max Level: 80)
They were gauntlets of Legendary rank.Another reward Han Yuseong had never received in his previous life.It was already a good reward on its own, but now it had been further enhanced due to the effect of War God.
An unexpected bonus.
Yet, Han Yuseong's expression remained oddly unreadable.
"This legacy… was it always this vast?""Originally, I only intended to give you Bloodstorm Fist. That alone would have been enough for someone I didn't truly wish as my successor."
But that thought had changed.Because Han Yuseong's skill had satisfied the blood demon.
"You have talent. And it made me wonder—if I gave wings to that talent, just how far could you go? That curiosity made me change my mind.Well, once this lingering attachment disappears, I'll be at peace, so there's nothing to lose."
"..."
Han Yuseong remained silent.Because those words could be interpreted another way:
"So… in my previous life, I didn't make the cut for him."
That thought stirred a strange feeling in him.Looking back, it wasn't surprising he hadn't made the cut—Back then, when he challenged the blood demon's tomb, he was lacking in many ways.
Of course, the Han Yuseong of now was practically a different person from the one in his past life,so in the end, it didn't really matter—but still.
"By the way, where is this place? Is this the world I once lived in?""Probably not. This place is called Earth.""Earth? Never heard of it in my entire life."
The blood demon tilted his head slightly in thought.Earth isn't the only world chosen for the 'Trial of the Gods.'Other worlds existed. The one the blood demon came from must have been among them.
"Well, it doesn't matter which world it is. Now go. I've found the successor to inherit my legacy. It's time I finally found rest.""I'll make good use of what you've given me.""Do as you like."
The blood demon's form began to blur and fade.
"That's for you to figure out."
And with that, the blood demon vanished completely.Those were his final words before disappearing.A man who never wavered—one who had no care for what would happen after his death.
Han Yuseong bowed once toward the blood demon's stone coffin, then turned away.His task here was finished.
[Unknown practitioner! Successor of the blood demon!]
["Do you not wish to form a contract with the Lord of Discipline? I swear I'll value you more than any other Oathbearer ever has—more than even the Blood Demon I once sponsored!"]
Just as Han Yuseong was about to leave the tomb, glowing text appeared before him.It was a message sent by the Lord of Discipline.Sending a message like this wasn't cheap—it must have cost a fair amount of coins. Evidently, this Lord had plenty to spare.
The Lord of Discipline wasn't a bad choice for a patron. On the contrary, for most people, it would be quite a solid one.However—
"I refuse."
["What!? I didn't expect to be rejected! This is... this wound to my pride is deeper than I thought. This is the first time anyone has ever turned me down!"]
There was no intention of forming a contract.Especially not now.
["Then tell me—why do you refuse to contract with me?"]"Because I already have someone in mind."["Another Patron? Which one? Who are you talking about?"]
The Lord of Discipline asked, clearly puzzled.
They were one of the Patrons known by an epithet—a named entity among the stars.As a potential contractor, the Lord of Discipline was by no means inferior.
And yet, Han Yuseong had rejected them and chosen someone else.
That alone was enough to spark intense curiosity.
"The Fallen Patron. I plan to save the hunted prey."
["The Fallen... Patron? What in the world are you talking about…?"]
An utterly unexpected answer.
The Lord of Discipline clearly wanted to press further, but Han Yuseong didn't respond.He quickly left the now-silent tomb of the blood demon.
What remained in the tomb were only the eyes of a watching Patron.Those divine eyes remained closed for a moment, as if deep in thought—
["Fallen… hunted prey… hmm, hmmmm… Aha! Could it be—?!"]
The eyes snapped wide open.
In them flickered shock, awe, and—above all—curiosity.
There was only one Patron who came to mind.
["The Lord of War! You intend to contract with her?!"]
A Patron defeated in repeated wars against the Lord of Justice.She had burned through so many coins in her battles that she could no longer sustain her divine form.The Lord of War had no choice but to flee—just to survive.
Among the Patrons, the common rumor was that she had sealed herself inside a relic and fled to the so-called Abandoned Dilemma.
["Hahaha! How amusing. The epithet of War certainly suits you! The only problem is—there are a thousand Patrons who bear that title!"]
The Lord of War was a loser.A Patron who, even in defeat, refused to die with honor—choosing instead to run.To the Lord of Discipline, such a being was not even worthy of respect.
And yet, to think this oathbearer would choose to contract with such a Patron...That, paradoxically, made it all the more intriguing.
["Truly fascinating, unknown Oathbearer! I'll be watching you!"]
With hearty laughter, the Lord of Discipline vanished.
And the tomb, now devoid of its master, fell into complete silence.
At the time, it was dismissed as nothing more than a side event.True to her title, the Lord of War delighted in waging battle.She had once challenged and triumphed against many other Patrons in open war.
The problem was simple.
'She picked the wrong opponent—badly.'
The Lord of War had declared war on the Lord of Justice, Makiros.A conflict that began even before the trials appeared on Earth,and one that raged on for several years.As for who emerged victorious in the repeated battles—that went without saying.
Of course, Makiros won.
And not just by a narrow margin—She crushed the Lord of War utterly, overwhelmingly.
'After her defeat, the Lord of War disbanded her forces and went into hiding, sealing herself within the Abandoned Dilemma. Waiting, coins in hand, for an Oathbearer who would come to her aid…'
But no one came.
The fallen Lord of War severed ties with most of her former Oathbearers after her loss.The few who didn't break their contracts were fiercely loyal to her—so loyal, in fact, that they attempted to gather coins to help restore her.But along the way, they were hunted down—by Makiros' Oathbearers.
'Multiple Patrons dispatched their own Oathbearers to hunt down the fugitive Lord…'
And in the end, it was Makiros who succeeded.
Akiros succeeded in absorbing the fallen war sovereign and gained immense power.
The war sovereign's end was that miserable.
"A sovereign who didn't even live up to the title of War Demon."
But for a target to hunt, it was the perfect match.All the more so because it meant he could feed on its remains.
Hanyuseong spun the Feather of Oath in his hand and smirked.
"Shall we get going, then?"
It was time to begin the hunt for the lords.