The pain felt like an eternity to Asmodeus, even though in reality, it lasted only a few seconds. His mind stretched the agony into something far longer than it actually was.
When the process finally ended, Asmodeus collapsed onto the scorched black ground, curling up for a few more moments.
Clyde stood in place, silently watching him. He observed every movement Asmodeus made, surprised that the process had caused such immense pain—even to a Demon King.
He furrowed his brow. What would happen next? Would Asmodeus truly become his subordinate and follow his commands just like that? If so, it would be incredibly convenient.
After a while, Asmodeus finally stopped spasming and convulsing in pain. He slowly lifted his head until his gaze met Clyde’s.
Clyde remained silent, waiting for Asmodeus to speak.
The Demon King sat up before finally rising to his full height. Though he towered over Clyde, there was something different in his eyes now. His former defiance had lessened, replaced by something closer to reverence.
The burning rage that had once consumed his gaze was gone. What remained was an ember-like glow—molten rock cooling after a great fire.
Clyde observed him carefully. He had no idea what happened when another being received the power. In fact, Asmodeus was the first to obtain it through him.
"I have received the power," Asmodeus said. "What exactly is it?"
"You wouldn’t understand even if I told you," Clyde replied calmly. In truth, he wasn’t entirely sure he understood it himself. After all, it came from an ancient and unknowable god.
Asmodeus gave a short nod, his face still showing signs of shock, as if he had just witnessed something beyond comprehension. Clyde suspected that whatever vision the power had shown him was different from what he himself had seen.
"What now?" Asmodeus asked.
"We need to share the power. You have it now, so it’s your turn to spread it," Clyde said.
"I possess the same power as you now. Does that mean we stand on equal ground?" Asmodeus asked, his tone suddenly regaining its edge.
"Oh? So he still wants to challenge me," Clyde thought, smirking slightly.
"No. We are not equal. You only received a fraction of the power. I, on the other hand, have it in its entirety."
Asmodeus frowned, narrowing his eyes. He clearly still wanted to test Clyde’s strength. But after a moment, he sighed, realizing that picking a fight now—especially right after gaining this power—would not be wise.
"Now, return to your domain and spread your power. When the time comes, I will summon you," Clyde said.
Asmodeus looked displeased at receiving an order from a human. However, he knew that Clyde was no ordinary human.
"...Fine." Asmodeus gave a short reply before turning away. He raised a hand, opening a portal made of swirling fire. Without looking back at Clyde, he stepped inside, and a moment later, the portal vanished.
Clyde stared at the place where the portal had vanished, his expression looks tired. The air still crackled with residual heat, the faint scent of sulfur lingering.
He let out a quiet sigh before extinguishing all traces of his Angelic and Demonic power, as well as deactivating [Tidebreaker]. The oppressive aura that had filled the space moments ago dissipated, leaving only silence in its wake.
Clyde lowering himself onto the scorched ground then sat cross-legged, resting his elbows on his knees. He exhaled deeply, his mind already moving past Asmodeus and onto what came next.
Now that Asmodeus would begin spreading the power, Clyde knew it was only a matter of time before countless beings — Demons, Celestials, and Angels — accepted it without understanding what they were dealing with. Just like the Fragment, they would take what was given, unaware of the consequences.
Clyde frowning in thought. He wasn’t entirely sure what kind of shift this would create, but one thing was certain: the entity’s influence was growing fast. Its unstopable now.
And if that was the case, Asqa needed to know.
The thought of her made him hesitate for a brief moment. He hadn’t contacted her since everything had spiraled into chaos. She was still within Uriel’s domain and only know a little about what happened.
Clyde exhaled through his nose, pushing aside the thoughts of Asqa for now. There was no point in reaching out while he was in this state. He was exhausted, worn down, and barely holding himself together.
First, he needed to return to his mansion and rest.
His gaze dropped to his tattered coat, the once-sturdy fabric now reduced to little more than scraps. His only armor that had been protected him this long was utterly ruined, shredded by Asmodeus’ claws.
He ran a hand along the torn edges before sighing. He would need to find new armor soon. Something stronger.
Shaking off the thought, he activated [Flight]. The power surged beneath him, lifting him effortlessly into the air.
His body rose above the scorched battlefield, the desolate wasteland stretching out below.
The lingering traces of battle like ashes, cracked earth, and the faint remnants of Demonic energy were all that remained of his clash with Asmodeus.
Clyde pushed forward, cutting through the wind as he flew toward his mansion. The moment he came into view, he noticed the soldiers stationed at the entrance.
They spotted him immediately, eyes widening as he descended. Whispers spread among them, hushed and filled with awe.
They had all felt it—the clash of power between Clyde and Asmodeus. And now, here he was, returning after facing a Demon King and emerging victorious.
Clyde landed smoothly, his feet touching the ground without a sound. The soldiers stood frozen for a moment before straightening their posture, their awe evident in the way they looked at him.
"Lord Clyde... you defeated a Demon King?" One of them finally spoke, disbelief laced in his voice.
Clyde glanced at him, then at the others, all of whom were waiting for confirmation.
"Relax," he said, brushing past them toward the entrance. "It’s done."
That was all he said. No boasting, no unnecessary explanations. Just the truth.
The soldiers exchanged glances before stepping aside, allowing him through without question.
Clyde entered the mansion, the familiar halls greeting him with a strange sense of stillness. He let out a quiet breath, exhaustion creeping into his limbs.
He needed to just rest for now.