READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 33
Chapter 33. Seeking Strength
――When I touched it with my hand, the crystal orb emitted a black glow.
“Pure dark attribute, huh.”
Platy nodded with a face that suggested it was somewhat expected.
“Darkness, is it…”
I must have had an indescribable expression.
“Na-na-na, your magic is dark attribute—”
Ante teased me. I frowned.
It seems that when they checked my attributes, they found it was all dark.
This crystal orb apparently can determine the attribute of whoever touches it. By the way, it seems that the holy attribute isn’t included. According to Ante, the holy attribute is a curse created by humans, not an attribute that comprises the world… so it’s no wonder it doesn’t show up in the orb.
Magical attributes are influenced by bloodlines, races, and the environment they grew up in.
In my previous life, I was a fire attribute. I was known as the “Hero Alexander of Sacred Flame”—although there were hundreds of other heroes with that title. Basically, it meant I wasn’t particularly unique.
“What’s the matter, Zilbagias? Are you unhappy with darkness?”
Platy, who also has a dark attribute, asked with her arms crossed.
“Well… if possible, I would’ve preferred fire.”
It seems that Demon Lord Goldgias possessed both darkness and fire attributes, so I wanted to inherit fire, which I was familiar with from my previous life.
Fire attributes are purely easier to enhance, they have good compatibility with holy attributes, and you can develop resistance against fire spells used by enemies. If I were to prepare for a fight against the Demon Lord, fire would have been the best option.
“By that logic, water would seem good too, right?”
Fire protection spells are powerful, and while that’s true… water magic tends to have tricky usages that don’t really suit my style.
“You’re so you…”
Fire was simply more compatible with me. That much is clear. Burning down demons, devils, and the undead alike to ash. It was as if that attribute embodied my anger—
“…It’s understandable to think that way since His Majesty is a fire user, but… for compatibility with teleportation spells, darkness is better.”
Well, that makes sense.
“It certainly resembles the essence of dark magic, doesn’t it?”
But the base comes from love, believe it or not!
“Oh, and you might be the first prince with a pure dark attribute among the princes.”
“Is that so?”
From what I’ve heard, Aiogias of “Ice Prison” is water. Rubyphia of “Volcanic Eruption” is fire.
“Sexual Maniac” Diagias is fire and lightning, while “Envy” Emelgias is wind.
“Gluttony” Spinethia is special; they can use all attributes—except for light attributes that won’t manifest in demons.
“Sleeping Beauty” Topazia is earth. By the way, she excels at stone processing and has been involved in building the Demon Lord Castle, being a princess of the Korvto Tribe.
“Don’t worry about it, Zilbagias. If you possess tremendous magical power, any attribute will ultimately be fine.”
Platy said in a blunt manner.
“The most crucial protection spells can be used regardless of attribute, and the next most important teleportation spell has excellent compatibility with darkness. So don’t fret; you’ll become a very powerful warrior.”
Demons are not called magic warriors. It’s expected that they would use magic…
That day, I quickly learned several spells.
The basic protection spells and the magic to reshape bones for processing.
Apparently, it’s something that should generally be approached when one grows a bit bigger, but they figured I’d manage just fine. That’s a relief.
I used magic to reshape and fuse the bones of the soldiers I had defeated, turning them into the handle of a spear.
For the spearhead, I used an obsidian knife. With this, my spear was complete. Its length was about 1.5 meters, slightly taller than my current height.
The material’s strength was decent, but since it was made from the bones of my first game, it held considerable magical power from a ceremonial perspective.
Thus, my magical power seemed to blend in perfectly. It felt like I could pour in as much as I wanted. The resentment and anger of those bones felt endlessly like they were trying to drain my life away.
Ordinary iron swords crafted by humans wouldn’t lay a scratch on it… it had become that powerful. Lightweight and sturdy. Even if it broke, I could repair it with magic.
In a sense, it was the ideal spear.
As a fledgling demon warrior, I was about to start practical training.
The training grounds.
I was aware my face was stiff as I readied the spear.
“Our demonic tribal weapon is the spear.”
Dressed for movement, Platy said as she pulled a metal rod from her belt. A magical spear—sparkling with magic, it transformed into an elegant and sharp weapon.
There’s a concept of tribal weapons.
Weapons that each race excels in. Not only that, but by using them, one can draw out greater magical power.
Beastmen use claws and fangs.
Elves, bows.
Dwarves, axes and hammers.
Demons, spears.
And humans, swords.
By the way, demons and dragons don’t have the concept of tribal weapons. Demons aren’t residents of this world, and dragons have breath, the ultimate secret weapon.
Anyway.
“The importance of spears for demons goes without saying. If you had a spear instead of a knife while fighting those soldiers, I wouldn’t have worried at all.”
While stroking her spear, Platy continued.
…That makes sense. Conversely, if they had swords, the story would have been different.
Tribal weapons are like a blessing. Just grabbing a weapon doesn’t provide you with the explanation for the power you gain. If a human soldier were equipped with a spear and another with a sword of equal strength, the spear would have the advantage in range, yet for some reason, the swordsman might be stronger—that phenomenon occurs.
“Spear fighting is the essence of being a demon. Zilbagias, from now on, you will train thoroughly with the spear. While you’ve learned unarmed combat and dagger techniques until now, those were merely for personal training and precautions. Consider your past experiences as close to play.”
Platy slowly took her stance.
The pressure was immense. It was evident she was a high-ranking warrior.
“I’ll personally train you in combat style. Initially with the spear alone. Once you get used to it, I’ll combine magic and dirty tactics too. I will impart all my skills to you.”
She said to resist with all your might.
“It might be a bit early for your age, but I trust you will manage just fine… Moreover, those who can receive such luxurious training are rare even among our clan.”
Glancing back at me, Platy deepened her smile.
Behind me—there were several humans connected by chains, waiting.
These people were completely different from the soldiers I had fought. Most were young boys, with some elderly scattered among them. Although they looked to be in good health and without a scratch, they had expressions of despair like convicts lined up before a gallows.
As a matter of fact, they were victims of that very fate.
They were substitutes for the teleportation spell. And they knew what kind of end awaited them.
“The Reiju Tribe territory houses the most humans within the Demon Lord Kingdom. And they take good care of their health. That’s why I can utilize them abundantly like this.”
Platy said. She would train me in combat style.
Meaning there would be no holding back.
As long as it wasn’t instant death—any injury would be permitted.
“Even so, there’s a limit to how many people can be used in a day. The longer you hold on, the longer the training can last. And in actual combat, even a slight wound could prove fatal. Don’t think about getting accustomed to being wounded; prioritize dodging with all your might.”
“…Yes, Mother.”
I replied with a throat full of blood.
If I failed, if I got hurt, innocent people behind me would be sacrificed.
――There’s no way I could allow that!!
But… Platy was, in fact, strong. While she did recite the protection spell, it was hardly reliable against a magic-tipped spear. So I had to deal with both an unfamiliar spear and a still-developing body.
Otherwise—
Turning back, I met the frightened eyes of the boys.
“Here we go, Zilbagias.”
She didn’t ask if I was ready or not. Platy began to close the distance slowly, as if to say that regardless of my resolve, the enemy would attack at her convenience.
She said to resist with all my might.
“――[My name is Zilbagias]”
To endure for as long as possible, I shouted.
“――[I challenge and resist, betting my fate!!]”
Platy smiled chillingly.
“That’s the spirit, Zilbagias.”
Beneath the gentle tone, the spearhead was thrust mercilessly forward.