Chapter 637: The Demon of Perception ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel※fire.net
As the demons followed Asmodeus' orders to target the Emperor's head, Egor was confronting one of Asmodeus' close aides, Algol. Algol had taken a large man as his host. In his hand was a gigantic greatsword. However, the two had yet to cross swords.
"It's getting quite noisy, isn't it? Shouldn't you be going as well?" "Stop joking. Leaving you unattended would be far more dangerous."
At Egor's words, Algol laughed. And then...
"The battle is at a stalemate. In other words... The work of us elites will decide everything. Settling things with you here is what I desire."
Algol said so and took up his greatsword. Seeing his relaxed stance, Egor also drew his sword. Egor, who was shorter than the average human, looked even smaller compared to the large Algol. However, it was Algol who stepped back.
"In the demon realm... there's no swordsman greater than me. I thought the same was true for this continent... the world is vast, Sword Saint Egor." "I never thought there would be swordsmen among demons."
Demons use their powers. They might create swords, but to actually use them? And not just use them, but be proficient in them. That was surprising even for Egor.
"Well... shall we begin?" "As you wish."
His body floated. Though using a human as a host, Algol's strength was that of a demon. Yet, he was lifted. Not by a technique, but by sheer force. However, Algol had somewhat expected this. With a grin, he spun in the air to put distance between them. Egor was a man known as the Sword Saint, after all. Being overwhelmed was within Algol's expectations.
"You seem pleased." "It's a feeling I haven't experienced in a long time. The thought that I might not win."
"Then savor it. It will be your last sensation."
With that, Egor unleashed a flurry of attacks, which Algol barely managed to block. Fast and strong. The real problem was that Egor's attacks had no preliminary movements. They occurred suddenly, making them hard to react to. Still, Algol managed to hang on. And then, Egor went for the finish.
"Sword Saint Style, Northern Form—Zankai."
A barrage of slashes. Far beyond the previous flurry. Algol couldn't fully defend and was cut multiple times. However, he managed to survive and quickly put distance between them, healing his wounds. He was strong. Classified as an SS-rank adventurer, but clearly in a league of his own.
"You haven't given up yet... Do you have some kind of trick up your sleeve?" "There's no point in hiding it. Yes, I do have a trick."
Algol said so and laughed. It was an eerie smile. Therefore, Egor launched an attack. It was an attack Algol had barely managed to react to earlier. But this time, Algol perfectly blocked it. His eyes were glowing ominously.
"My power is 'Perception.' An attack I've seen once will never work on me again. Now that I've seen your fast attacks, they will no longer affect me." "I see, I see. So it's not just good eyesight."
Even after hearing about Algol's power, Egor remained unfazed. Algol, having memorized Egor's attacks, went on the offensive. He blocked Egor's counter and kicked him away. However, Egor gracefully landed.
"You flew yourself..." "My, my. You're more troublesome than I thought." "Your composure ends here."
Algol took up his greatsword again. Sensing something, Egor smiled.
"Sword Saint Style, Northern Form—Zankai."
Both unleashed the same technique. A clash of countless slashes, the aftermath destroying the surroundings. When it was over, Egor had a cut on his cheek. He laughed. 𝐑𝘢ŊÖΒÈŝ
"It's been a while since I've been cut by a sword." "You seem to be enjoying this." "Very much so."
Egor began to laugh loudly. Algol looked puzzled.
"Did you go mad after having your technique completely copied? Your attacks will no longer work on me. You'll die while finding it amusing." "Amusing is amusing. It's fun to experience my own technique. Why not?"
Egor said so and sheathed his sword back into his cane. Had he given up? Algol thought so for a moment, but Egor assumed a quick-draw stance.
"Imitating a technique is fine. But it's too early to be triumphant. I have no intention of sticking to a technique that didn't finish you off. Let's see how well you can mimic. I still have techniques left."
Algol's power was not simple copying. It was learning. Therefore, variations of Zankai wouldn't work. Unless he surpassed Zankai, it would never work. He had memorized the speed and strength. Most opponents would run out of options. But the man before him was the Sword Saint.
"Interesting. If you can't finish me off, you're the one who will die."
"Interesting. If you can't see through my technique, you're the one who will die."