Chapter 118: EX 118. Bloody Battle
Smoke curled around Leon’s shoulders like a cloak as he lowered his blade, black blood dripping from its edge. The headless corpse of an A-rank demon slumped to the ground behind him, its final shriek already forgotten. Around him, soldiers moved in awe, not one dared break formation or speak. Not while he stood at the center, sword in hand, eyes locked skyward.
Something stirred above. A ripple in the air. A shift in pressure. He could feel it in his bones.
"They’re pushing harder..." Leon muttered, voice low and unreadable.
A second A-rank demon surged from the side, mouth wide with serrated fangs. Leon didn’t glance at it. One step, one swing, and the creature was bisected mid-charge. His sword never paused, his eyes never moved.
"They’re facing someone strong up there," he said, more to himself than anyone. His grip on his sword tightened, knuckles whitening. "Stronger than what we planned for."
Another three demons lunged from the smoke, C-ranks, maybe low B—but to them, strength was numbers. Leon’s sword lit with a ripple of air, the invisible pressure of his Force affinity swirling down the edge like a storm waiting to be unleashed. The moment he swung, the gust split the world.
And three heads flew, tumbling like leaves.
Leon exhaled slowly.
"No," he said. "I’m still not strong enough."
The words weren’t meant to be dramatic. Just honest.
"To be satisfied... I have to be able to handle everything. Not just fodder. Not just beasts that cower when they see me. I need more. I want more."
Up above, the battles between S-rank warriors raged like gods clashing in the heavens. Demonic pressure rolled across the skies. Thunder cracked as techniques collided. Leon stared toward it, eyes narrowing, not with fear, but hunger.