The Regressed Sword Demon Is a Catastrophe-Class Inquisitor - Chapter 104

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 104. Fortune Smiles.

Zenolak, the Demon of Unparalleled Might.
True to his epithet, when measured by raw power alone, he stood stronger than any other Demon of his era.
Zenolak was yet another great calamity and despair upon The Continent.

‘Only Saint Eldoras had been capable of stopping such a creature.’

The man once called humanity’s mightiest, Eldoras.
Yet even to Eldoras, Zenolak proved a formidable adversary.
Countless followers of Eldoras perished, and in the end, Eldoras himself breathed his last.
According to the Theocracy’s historical records, he reportedly shed tears and spoke these words at the final moment.

– I am sorry to you all…. I was too weak to protect you….

Yet he was never weak.
Eldoras severed the head of the Demon Zenolak before his own death.
The Goddess, moved by his endless humility and formidable might, later bestowed her blessing upon the sword he wielded.

‘That blade became the Holy Sword Valter.’

Yet as I witnessed it, I harbored a different thought.
If she were to grant a blessing, why not do so before his death?
Had she done so, perhaps Eldoras and the others might have survived.

‘Of course, as the Goddess, she had her reasons.’

The beginning and its process held meaning, but how one’s end was concluded mattered greatly as well.
For instance, moved by Eldoras’s boundless humility, had she granted her blessing midway, it would have been troublesome if he subsequently grew arrogant.
In fact, all the sacred relics of the Seven Great Virtues were blessings bestowed only after their deaths.
Regarding this matter, I had no particular complaint.

‘Eldoras was so formidable precisely because he remained ever humble and continually refined himself.’

In any case, what I had targeted from the beginning was not the Holy Sword Valter of Eldoras.
Rather, it was the opposite—the Demon Sword Kartanos of Zenolak.
As the murderous aura that had engulfed the cave’s interior gradually subsided, Ludian above opened his mouth.

“That… surely not…!”
“That surely is correct. That’s the Demon Sword Cartanos that pierced Saint Eldoras’s heart.”
“I thought it disappeared along with the Holy Sword Valter during the Holy Relic War fifty years ago… So it was hidden here together all this time…?”

The Theocracy didn’t merely preserve holy relics. They also managed demonic artifacts to ensure no one else could wield them.
Ludian swallowed hard, his expression tense as he regarded me.

“But Kael.”
“What?”
“How exactly do you know about these things? I could overlook the Holy Sword Valter, but you acted as though you already knew a Demon Sword was here. Didn’t you?”

He had every right to be confused. These were blades no one had found in fifty years.
In my previous life, I didn’t know the Demon Sword was here either. I simply discovered the cursed blade by accident while destroying the magic circle inscribed on the ground.
But I couldn’t tell him that, so I gave a vague response.

“Lucky, I suppose.”
“…”

Ludian’s expression turned incredulous. It was far too convenient to call it mere chance.
But knowing I wouldn’t provide a proper answer, he released a heavy sigh and descended to where I stood.
Bella, who had been preparing magic in response to the ominous atmosphere, also descended to my side.

“So what will you do with that? Surely you intend to hand it over to the Papal See?”

At that question, I stared directly at Ludian. Then, without a word, I bared my fangs in a grin.
Reading the intent behind that expression, Ludian’s eyes widened.

“You’re not thinking of wielding that…?”
“I can’t waste something this valuable.”

The Demon Sword Cartanos, having been wielded by the Archdevil of Inaction, possessed special abilities.
First, it enhanced the very essence of energy channeled through the blade itself, and like the Holy Sword Valter, though not dramatically, it produced meaningful effects.
But there was another, more crucial reason I needed to obtain this blade.

‘Decay.’

When this blade cuts someone, it corrupts the wound and suppresses the target’s regenerative ability.
Currently, I can diminish a demon’s regeneration with holy power, but I cannot stop those who regenerate through magical energy, like Gluttony, one of the Five Great Calamities.

‘But with this, there are few who could stand against me.’

That wasn’t all. Magic itself could create fissures, making it far easier to break through defenses.
Moreover, since only a Demon God could destroy it, my violent techniques would be unstoppable.

‘Even unlike the Holy Sword Valter, it possesses no weaknesses.’

No, there was one truly catastrophic weakness.
But that wouldn’t be a problem.

“…Are you serious? Setting aside the Theocracy’s attention, you know better than anyone what happened to all those who wielded that blade?”

Ludian stood before me, his voice grave with persuasion.

“If you take up that sword, you cease to be human. You become nothing but a demon wearing the skin of humanity.”

His concern was understandable. Every soul who had ever wielded this cursed blade had become a vicious monster.
They had first slaughtered their families, stabbed their friends, and in the end, murdered countless innocents with no connection to them.
This was the fatal weakness of the Demonic Sword Cartanos.

“Kael, this is beyond your will. Even those of pristine character became corrupted. The most terrifying part is that none of them understood the reason why.”

That was true. Only those who had wielded the cursed blade knew the answer.

“Don’t worry. What you fear won’t happen.”
“What do you mean—”
“And don’t concern yourself with the Theocracy’s gaze. It’s been fifty years since it vanished. The old men of the Papal See won’t recognize it easily. Not unless they witness me wielding it directly.”

Ludian swallowed hard, seeking confirmation.

“…So you truly mean it?”
“If your ears aren’t broken, there’s no need to repeat myself.”
“…I see.”

Ludian’s fists clenched tightly.
I expected him to block me with the blade in his hands. He never retreated when he deemed something wrong.
If it came to that, I would entrust it to Bella temporarily while I seized the cursed sword first.
But….

“Then I won’t stop you either.”

He readily cleared the path. I asked, suspicious.

“…Are you serious?”
“I don’t know much about the Demon Sword. But judging by appearances, you seem to understand it better than anyone else. After all, it was you who found the Demon Sword that couldn’t be located for fifty years.”
“….”
“So I’ll trust you. Since you said not to worry.”

Those blue eyes held not a flicker of doubt.
Ludian trusted the me he had witnessed, not the Demon Sword’s infamy.
Now that I think about it, from some point in my past life, he never stood in my way. He simply walked beside me.
Yes, this was the kind of man he was. Once he placed his faith in something, he wouldn’t easily abandon it.
That’s precisely why I despised Ludian. His unwavering belief silently pressured me to live up to it.
Of course, it wasn’t something I couldn’t do, but it irritated me nonetheless.

“However, before that, may I ask you one thing?”
“What is it?”
“You’re already strong enough without wielding that. You’ll grow even stronger in the future. But why are you taking such a risk?”

I already knew the answer.

“Because this much isn’t sufficient.”
“…What?”
“You understand nothing right now. The strength of the enemies we’ll face in the future. Ludian, will you regret it only after you’re trampled by them?”
“….”

Just look at the Demon God alone. I thought I’d grown strong enough, yet before the Demon God, I was merely human.
So strength sufficient to face mere demons won’t do. I must always be overwhelmingly superior.
I’ve altered many futures thus far, but if I don’t defeat the Demon God and other great demons, I and my nest will be trampled once more.

“I refuse to return to that day again.”
“…I see.”

Ludian nodded thoughtfully.

“I may not understand the full situation, but there must be a reason why this is necessary. I’m sorry. I underestimated your resolve.”
“Why bring that up now?”

I shrugged my shoulders and approached the Sword Demon. But then something occurred to me, so I paused briefly in front of Ludian and spoke.

“Ah, while we’re at it, shall we make a wager?”
“What kind of wager?”
“If I can grasp that sword without harm, you take a beating from me. But if things go as you fear, I’ll gladly take as many blows as you wish to deliver.”

My resentment toward Ludian had not yet dissipated. What I’d struck him with before was insufficient.

“That does sound entertaining.”
“Hmm, your eyes suggest you’re hoping things will go as you fear.”
“You’re mistaken.”
“I see.”

I nodded and moved forward.

“Then I’ll be going.”
“Please, be careful.”

I waved my hand dismissively as I stood before the Sword Demon Cartanos. An ominous aura still flowed through the blade.
I reached out and grasped the hilt firmly, took a deep breath, and drew it in one swift motion.

“….”

I gazed upon the Sword Demon held upright before me. A black aura still rippled across its surface.
And moments later….

A deafening roar erupted!

The aura spread like mist in all directions in an instant, completely engulfing my body.
But I did not panic at the sight—instead, I smirked.

“Kael!”
“Interrogator!”

It was identical to the phenomenon that had occurred in my past life.

* * *

When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a different space.
The earth was desolate, and thunder crackled from dark clouds hanging in the crimson sky.
This was a space composed of mental imagery—a lucid dream where one could accomplish anything through pure thought alone.
Yet unlike ordinary dreams, there was one crucial difference: this space was an unmistakable nightmare for any human.

“Another insignificant human.”

At the low murmur, I turned my head. A figure perched atop a cliff ten meters high gazed down at me.
Hair like a lion’s mane. A slate-gray body shaped similarly to my own. And a ferocious demonic aura that pierced like a blade’s edge….
Zenolak—the supreme demon who had slain Eldoras, once the mightiest of Holy Knights.

“Hmm?”

In that moment, Zenolak’s eyes, which had been studying me intently, flickered with intrigue.

“Haha! Don’t tell me you’re a Holy Knight?”

True to his nature as a supreme demon, he had discerned my essence merely by sight.
I nodded in acknowledgment.

“And a Heretic Inquisitor as well.”
“Ah…. Now this is becoming interesting. A Holy Knight coveting my blade, no less….”

Zenolak rested his chin upon his knee, regarding me with fascination.
An incomprehensible weight bore down upon my body. It was only natural—an enormous chasm separated me from this creature.

“Now that I see you more clearly, you possess a well-honed form. Your power flows without a single wasted motion.”

Zenolak’s covetous gaze swept across my body.

“Listen, human. Surrender that body to me. I, Zenolak the supreme demon, shall make far better use of it than you ever could.”

The reason those who wielded the Demon Sword Cartanos became villains was simple.
They had surrendered their bodies to Zenolak.
Though Zenolak was dead, a remnant of his consciousness—his very ‘self’—persisted within the blade he once wielded.
And I, present in this place now, was likewise my own consciousness.

“And if I refuse?”

At my question, Zenolak’s lips curled into a sinister smile.

“You have no right to refuse.”

Kuguguguguguuu!!

In an instant, Zenolak’s malevolent aura engulfed heaven and earth. Thunder crackled with even greater intensity, and the ground trembled violently.
The oppressive force alone made it difficult to breathe.

“Bow before my overwhelming power.”

Kuuuuuuung!

My knees buckled slightly under the crushing force that pressed down upon my entire body. Had I let my guard slip even for a moment, I would have been driven into the earth.
As I resisted his strength, Zenolak’s voice carried a note of intrigue.

“Interesting?”

If I died here, my consciousness would vanish. After that, Zenolak’s consciousness would seize this hollow shell of my body.
The outcome would be predictable. He would use my body to kill Bella and Ludian, annihilate my Family Clan, and then set his sights on the entire Continent.
He would continue until this hollow shell finally expired.

‘But no matter what I do now, I cannot defeat that monster.’

It had been the same even in my previous life when I discovered the Sword Demon. Back then, I too could not have overcome Zenolak.
However, in my previous life, I had been fortunate.

– Are you the Demon of Overwhelming Power, Zenolak?
– Interesting, you recognize me?

I stared directly at Zenolak and opened my mouth.

– For such a grand title, you seem rather weak.
– …What?
– Certainly, you are the strongest demon I have ever encountered. Perhaps you truly are. But you are weaker than an old man I know.

That old man was, of course, Valter.

– How dare you…!

At that statement, Zenolak’s voice dripped with fury as he cut through the air.

– How dare a mere human presume to measure me!! A creature I could crush with a single finger!!!

An immense pressure bore down upon my body. From that alone, I had judged myself utterly incapable of victory against him.
No—the moment our eyes met, I had realized we were not even opponents.
Yet after staring at the ground for a long while, I spoke.

– Two years.
– What?

I raised my head with great effort and made my declaration.

– Two years is all I need to surpass you.

Zenolak’s veins bulged prominently, and the killing intent suffusing the air grew even more suffocating.
Then Zenolak erupted into wild laughter.

– Kahahaha!! A human thinks he’ll catch up to me in two years?
– Why? Are you afraid?
– Afraid? Hardly.

Zenolak bared his teeth.

– A crude provocation, but I like it! I won’t claim your body this very moment!
– ….
– But if you fail to surpass me after two years, that body you’ve trained so diligently will become mine! Even the memories of that old fool you dared compare yourself to!

Truly, the confidence of a Demon of Gluttony was befitting. For a mere human to surpass Zenolak in two years defied all reason.
Yet in the end, my words proved true. Before two years had even passed, I had already surpassed him.
Of course, Zenolak, sensing the danger, had attempted to seize my body, but I simply abandoned the Sword Demon and surpassed Zenolak’s power—then returned to reclaim it.

– Have you waited long?
– You… you cursed thing…!

After that, Zenolak’s consciousness was obliterated by my power.

‘But now, I cannot employ that method.’

Just as before, I never knew when he might break his promise and seize my body.
In my past life, it was possible because I had nowhere to return to.

“You’re holding up quite well.”

Zenolak tilted his chin upward, looking down at me.

“But that’s all it amounts to.”

A deep, resonant boom echoed through the space.

The crushing force intensified, bending my knees at a perfect right angle.
An overwhelming disparity in power. In this moment, even looking up at him felt unbearable.
Yet I forced my head up despite feeling like I might shatter, and I smiled wickedly.

“…You’re laughing?”

Zenolak’s eyebrows twitched.
This place was not reality but a space composed of mental imagery.
However, there was one peculiar aspect: whoever possessed the greatest power in this space could manipulate their opponent as they wished.
The weak could only manage token resistance, as I was doing now.
But hadn’t I already explained this?
This space was composed of a “Mental Space”—where experiences I had undergone manifested visually within my consciousness.
Of course, since this was my own psyche, I couldn’t overlay the forms of others, but I could summon any version of “myself” that I had directly experienced. Whether from the past or a previous life.
Which meant…

“You think you can take my body?”

The greatest villain. The one called Wrath of the Seven Deadly Sins…
I could now project my former self as the Sword Demon onto my current consciousness.

“You insignificant thing?”

A tremendous explosion of power erupted from my body.

An intense aura burst forth from me in an instant.
The overwhelming pressure that had crushed my body vanished like autumn leaves, and only my resplendent energy soared upward like a pillar reaching the heavens.

A deep, grinding rumble tore through the space.

An overwhelming aura that pierced through even Zenolak’s demonic energy—the aura of one who transcended all limitations. My clothing and hair had already reverted to how they were during my time as the Sword Demon.
A sense of omnipotence swept through my mind and entire body, as though I could accomplish anything.
I had usurped the space where Zenolak’s consciousness had reigned for so long with nothing but pure transcendence.
This place was now solely mine. In this world, I was no different from the sole god.

“W-what…?”

Zenolak’s pupils trembled violently at the abnormal sight.

“I-impossible… How could you wield such power…?”

Then Zenolak suddenly showed confusion.

“Power…? W-why? You should be a Holy Knight…?”

It was only natural. During my time as the Sword Demon, I wielded magical power, and now I command divine force.
But even Zenolak, a great demon, could not know the fact that I had regressed.

“That’s not for you to know.”

I pointed at him with my index finger, then pulled the space itself downward and drove it into the ground.

“Come down.”

Zenolak’s body lurched forward before plummeting vertically downward.

Boom!

Zenolak’s body crashed into the ground, which cracked like a spider’s web. He trembled violently as he tried to rise, but he couldn’t move even a single finger.
I was the Sword Demon who had once fought the Demon God, the apex of all demons. There was no way a mere great demon could ever raise his head before me.
I walked slowly toward him, and under the overwhelming gravitational pressure, he could only look up at me with his eyes.

“What exactly are you…?”

Zenolak spoke with difficulty.

“This power surpasses even Eldoras—”
“Silence.”

I stood towering before him and issued my command, his mouth clamping shut—undeniable proof that I surpassed him in strength.

“There is only one thing I desire from you.”

Zenolak, the Grand Demon of Boundless Malice.
A being who, befitting that infamous title, had spent an eternity looking down upon every demon and creature save the Demon God himself.
Having become the Sword Demon once more after so long, I arrogantly trampled upon that Grand Demon’s head and spoke.

“Leave behind only your sword and vanish.”

In that instant, Zenolak’s form—offering no resistance—dissolved into black mist and ceased to exist.

(To be continued in the next chapter)

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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