I activated my lightning Gift, and then, with a single thought, I shot off the ground like a rocket, arriving in front of the Demon Earl.
It flashed its surprisingly white teeth at me and struck back with its sword.
Our clash destroyed every building nearby as arcs of pale blue and blackish purple energy clashed.
Every attack came fast, and it was either blocked or redirected, fought head-on, or dodged.
This demon wasn't an amateur either, so even after I enveloped its body in Telekinesis, I couldn't find its core.
It knew how to hide it.
This was the first time I was having an actual sword fight with someone.
Someone who wasn't a total weakling.
And so, while my blood was pumping in excitement, I also knew this was real life.
The consequences of me taking my time were the lives of everyone around me.
So I acted fast.
Entering a classic kendo stance, I waited for the Demon Earl to strike.
But instead, it copied my exact stance as if it had also practiced kendo.
I frowned, and as I took a step forward and swung down, the demon returned the favor.
Our swords clashed, and at this point, it was no longer a battle of strength.
It was more so a battle of whose equipment was better.
And in this case... my steel sword can't hold up against whatever katana this demon had.
Which is why I decided to use my trump card.
Something I had learned all the way back during the project.
I spent time learning it, and I knew its limits very well.
A special effect of the Dragon Heart.
Draconic Tongue.
Intentionally focusing both of my Gifts into my throat, I spoke:
"Reveal your core to me."
A faint, barely noticeable pulse left my body.
The demon didn't think much of it at first as we finished our exchange.
But once it took a step back, the energy surrounding the left side of its brain suddenly weakened, revealing a perfectly intact Demonic Core.
It managed to hide the core as quickly as I saw it.
Though, since it was fully aware that I knew... it switched tactics.
"If you make another move, or try to destroy my core, every single human will die."
I glanced to the side.
This was a bustling village a few hours ago.
Now... its population was reduced to less than 50 people.
Some were bleeding out.
Others were put out of their misery by demons.
It made me sick to my stomach.
Should I just use Telekinesis and kill everyone here?
Clementine could just charm everyone into forgetting.
Right... I'll do that—
Before I could clasp my hand fully and kill every being but the Earl, a single massive pale green sword descended from the sky.
It was the size of the whole village itself, and so, it passed through every living being and sunk into the ground.
It didn't make a single sound.
And yet, one by one, demons began to fall as their expressions turned completely lifeless.
Their souls were destroyed by none other than Clementine.
It was a little odd, if I was being honest.
Their cores were still intact, so their bodies didn't disappear.
But they were dead.
On the other hand, the humans and I were fine... the Demon Earl looked shaken, but it was fine too.
Soon enough, she descended beside me.
"There was a group of demons in another village nearby. I killed them all."
She clenched her fists, downcast.
"I was too late... the demons already killed everyone. If only I had gotten there an hour earlier... no, even ten minutes—"
"Stop that."
Self-pity won't get anyone anywhere.
I pointed at the people who were still alive.
"Remember the healing potions I gave you? Could you use them on the people?"
Clementine pouted slightly.
"You want to have a one-on-one against this demon?"
"I do."
With a nod, I turned back to the Demon Earl, who was sporting a deep frown.
"I also have a few questions. So please, Evangeline, leave this demon to me. I swear I'll repay you with some delicious dinner later."
Her ears perked up at the word 'dinner.'
At least she wasn't that downcast.
So with a nod, she cheered me on and went to help out the people.
As for me...
"Not quite how you wanted it to go, huh?"
"I suppose not."
A very calm response for someone in a tough position.
Either way, I wanted to ask it a few questions before I killed it.
"Who taught you swordsmanship?"
"My father."
"And who's your father?"
"The demon whose balls I came out of."
"..."
So it'll be like that.
Though I bet there's one name that'll get him going.
"What can you tell me about Amon Everness?"
And I was right.
The demon's eyes immediately lit up.
"Amon Everness, huh? I haven't heard that name in a few months. Rumors are going around that he faked his death."
Rumors amongst demons...
"What kind of deal did Amon Everness make?" I continued. "He made a deal when he was a child, did he not? Tell me the contents of that deal, and I'll let you live."
The demon scoffed.
"You'd sound more believable if you said you'd buy me dinner instead of your little girlfriend."
Then, it met my gaze.
"Though... you seem familiar somehow. Are you perhaps a demon hybrid? Aren't we on the same side?"
He must be talking about my Demon King of Wrath's Blood.
I still didn't know what it was.
But if demons could recognize me as one of them... I could use that to my advantage in the future.
"Same side or not, give me answers."
The demon stared at me for a moment, then sighed.
It drew its katana again, just this time, its stance surprised even me.
It was the same stance that Kevin used.
The exact same, down to the minuscule posture adjustment.
This demon...
Who did it learn swordsmanship from?
It soon pointed its katana at me as if to mock me.
"If you defeat me within ten exchanges, I'll answer your earlier question. Now then, mysterious hybrid. Prepare yourself."