Gilgamesh crushed another magical missile launched at him, then kicked the ground and launched himself at Diodora with speed matching his hand movements, blocking the countless missiles coming his way.
Diodora had no chance. He was too focused on his magic and clearly didn't expect Gilgamesh to suddenly charge at him. He tried to create distance, but Gilgamesh was already in front of him. Spinning his body, his leg rose and collided with Diodora's face.
For a moment, time seemed to freeze. His left leg pressed against Diodora's cheek, and Gilgamesh could see teeth being dislodged under the force of his kick, with blood starting to leak from Diodora's mouth. Then came the sound of bone breaking from Diodora's cracked jaw.
That clearly hurt.
Then time caught up, and Diodora was sent flying back, crashing into the tree behind him, breaking it, then colliding with another and the next. It was safe to assume Diodora felt that, and it was clearly painful. If he were a normal human, his neck might've spun 360 degrees and snapped.
Diodora was in pain, clutching his face as he groaned agonizingly. His jaw was broken—not to the point he couldn't speak, but part of it was clearly fractured. He didn't understand. His mind couldn't comprehend how this could happen. How could a human possess such power?! Even with the [Boosted Gear], he was just a filthy human! How could he hurt him like this?!
Impossible! Impossible! Impossible!
"Pathetic…"
The Astaroth demon raised his face and saw the filth approaching him, his stoic expression turning to one of disgust.
"When I learned you're the brother of the current Beelzebub, who supposedly surpasses even his predecessor, I thought you'd be a great challenge," his tone carried disappointment, like a child who received a toy only to find it was a fake. "You may have the power of a high-class demon, but you can't use it, you don't know how. All you know is to throw it around like some toy or laser. You have no battle experience, and judging by your wounds, I believe it's the first time you've broken bones," he closed his eyes, shaking his head as if looking at him would cause a headache. "Pathetic…"
"Shut up!" Diodora shouted, enraged. "Who do you think you are to dare say that to me?! I'll kill you! I'll kill you! Nothing will remain of you! I'll kill your friends, your parents, and your entire family! I'll—"
"I'm not in the mood to hear your idle threats," Gilgamesh interrupted, his eyes opening slightly. "I'll give you one chance. Charge your attack, pour all your power into it, and drain all your mind's strength into one attack. Show me your best. I'll take it."
Fire and unimaginable rage surged in Diodora's mind. How dare he! To degrade and criticize him like that! This! This filth! Enough! He wouldn't be mocked anymore! This man would die! One way or another! He'd die now!
"You'll die, mongrel! You'll pay! You'll suffer! I'll kill you!" he shouted, raising both hands forward. A green magical circle formed around them, followed by a green light and yellow demonic energy particles. It swirled around his arms like a cannon being charged.
Gilgamesh watched silently. He then raised both hands, his swords armed and ready.
"I am! Diodora of the Astaroth Clan!"
BAAAAANG!
A massive torrent of green demonic energy swirled as a white beam was launched at Gilgamesh. It destroyed everything in its path, leaving nothing behind.
Gilgamesh raised both swords protectively and collided with the destructive force.
With a small war cry, Gilgamesh moved his hands. His swords sliced the attack in two, diverting them to different paths—one right, one left—leaving him completely unscathed.
He took a moment to regain his posture before breathing calmly and standing firm. Then he raised an eyebrow at Diodora. "Is that it?"
Diodora clearly didn't know what to say after witnessing that. His shock reached another level, and Gilgamesh was sure his eyes could pop out now, so wide were they, and a rat could fit in his mouth, so open was it, indicating his mind could no longer comprehend his current situation.
"Impossible…" he whispered in a very low tone before his face turned to one full of rage. "IMPOSSIBLE!"
"I'll take that as a yes, and I guess it's my turn now," Gilgamesh simply said before charging at the enemy.
Diodora saw what was happening and was instantly gripped by panic. Both hands shot forward, summoning a magical circle that formed a wide, rectangular green wall just in time to block Gilgamesh's attack with the golden sword.
"Hahaha! You see! You see! My powers are better than yours!" he declared gleefully as his shield completely blocked Gilgamesh.
Gilgamesh just looked silently. Then his hand moved back, his silver sword dispersing into golden particles and dissipating. He quickly searched for a specific weapon in the [Gate of Babylon] and summoned it.
A golden aura appeared again, expanding and lengthening beyond his sword while also becoming thinner. When it solidified and cleared, the flame faded, revealing a two-meter-long red spear.
It wasn't an ordinary spear; it was capable of piercing any projection made from magical energy. It was a spear that belonged to the legendary Knight of Fianna, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, also called Diarmuid of the Love Spot, the spear Gáe Dearg: The Crimson Rose of Exorcism.
Gilgamesh gripped the spear as it appeared. With a proper stance, mimicking the Knight of Fianna, he aimed the spear at the green shield covering Diodora.
The barrier fell like a hot knife through butter, clearly no match for such a weapon. The spear didn't stop there and continued, also slicing through Diodora's hands, sending them flying before they landed on the ground with a disturbing sound, followed by blood gushing from the wounds, soaking the ground.
Diodora stared at his handless arms. His eyes widened in shock, and it took a second for him to start screaming like a maniac. He stumbled back, still staring at his blood-covered, dripping arms.
"MY ARMS! MY ARMS! MY ARMS!"
"One more."
SWOOSH! STAB!
Pain! Pain! So much pain! The pain was worse than anything! He'd never felt such pain before! Diodora let out another scream as he fell to the ground, agony in his stomach region now, as if someone had burned his intestines from the inside out, melting everything inside him like ice turning into a puddle under heat!
He raised his head, coughing up a huge amount of blood, and saw a sword—a sword piercing his body and pinning him to the ground. But it wasn't an ordinary sword; it was a holy sword. Smaller it might be, but it was stronger than a typical light sword and held a great amount of holy energy, enough to be called a holy sword!
Horror immediately appeared on his face when he saw the sword, a deadly poison to his kind.
"How does it feel, demon?" Gilgamesh asked as he approached Diodora, who was writhing in pain with a horrified look. "The feeling of having the holy and light element inside you… It hurts, doesn't it?" he asked again, a smile slowly spreading across his face. "Judging by your face, you've clearly never felt this in your life before, have you?" he laughed gleefully, enjoying Diodora's pained expression.
Diodora tried to speak, but nothing came out except another scream of pain as he felt something cut his legs, but unlike when his arms were severed, he felt a searing pain in his legs!
Gilgamesh looked on with a stoic face as he sliced Diodora's legs with a Holy Sword. The severed limbs smoked as if they were ice meeting hot water. He picked one up and raised it, showing it to Diodora, who was in nothing but agony.
"You see this? This is your leg; I just cut it off," he stated, waving it in Diodora's face like it was a book, not a limb. "Let me tell you, Diodora, when humans die, they go to Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory. As for supernatural beings, I don't know what happens—maybe they're reincarnated, and even demons might be, I'm sure," he raised the holy sword, pointing it at Diodora's leg, then stabbed it. "When demons are struck by a holy element, their soul or body part is annihilated, reduced to nothing. Nothing remains, not even memories," he said to the demon, and as he struck the leg, it turned into nothing but smoke, into ashes. "You know what that means?"
Horror was the only thing Diodora could feel after witnessing what happened to his severed limbs. Even with the pain in his stomach, arms, and legs, the horror of his fate surpassed it all. He would die! No! Not die! He would perish! He would be gone! He would be turned into nothing! His soul would be gone!
"Y-You can't! I-I'm the brother of a Maou! If you kill me—"
"You used your peerage to fight the exorcist that came, right?" Gilgamesh interrupted in an indifferent tone. "You're confident they'll win? Let me tell you, the exorcist isn't just any exorcist. He's Cardinal Deacon Ewald Cristaldi," he said to the demon, increasing Diodora's horror. "He's faced Ultimate-class demons and won. Your peerage, all of them, won't stand a chance against him. And you want to know the best part?" His lips curled into a wicked smile that would make the original Gilgamesh praise him. "They're all ex-nuns. They'll be captured and interrogated. Then, information about how you sneaked into Church territory and corrupted the Holy Maidens will be revealed."
This! This couldn't be! This! That was!
"Yes, your actions will be exposed, and the Church has every right to kill you. You've already dragged down over a dozen nuns, and now you tried to get another during a rescue mission. When the Church reveals this to the demon side," he paused for dramatic effect, "there'll be no hope for you. You'll die here and be turned into nothing, bathed in darkness forever, unable to feel any muscle in your body…" He smiled at him. "Isn't that wonderful?" he asked in a very happy and jovial tone.
Diodora clearly didn't know what to say. Calling his current situation horror would be too kind, too mild! His situation was worse than bad!
"N-No…" Diodora whimpered, tears starting to well in his eyes. "P-Please! N-No! Please!"
Gilgamesh showed no sign of sadness at Diodora's tears, nor did he consider his words. His face was stoic, staring at him coldly.
"Know despair, Diodora… Despair you caused to those nuns and maidens you corrupted, Diodora. Feel it, taste it, enjoy it," he said coldly. "Because when you turn into nothing, the feeling of despair will be better than what you'll feel."
"N-No! P-Please!" Diodora was openly crying, fear gripping his heart. How?! How did this happen?! He didn't want to die! He didn't want to turn into nothing! He didn't want to!
"I'll give you anything! Money! Power! Honor! Res—"
SQUELCH!
His pleas and offers turned into a gurgle as Gilgamesh thrust the sword straight into his mouth, piercing his tongue and passing through the back of his head. He tried to speak and scream, but nothing came out. He let out a groan before his body twitched and then went limp.
Then, slowly, his body melted, releasing black vapor as it did. His remaining leg dissipated, followed by his hands, body, neck, and continued until nothing remained of him.
Diodora Astaroth, brother of Ajuka Beelzebub and heir of the Astaroth Clan, perished…
While calm on the outside, as he finally saw Diodora's remains slowly perish, Gilgamesh didn't lie or try to deny it—he clearly felt a sick pleasure watching Diodora die and vanish.
Sheathing the Holy Sword, he closed his eyes and let all his muscles and tendons relax, returning to normal.
Maybe he'd sadden Ajuka Beelzebub and Diodora's parents, but it was worth it. After what Diodora did to those innocent nuns and all the Holy Maidens… It was nothing less than justice…
"It's over?"
Gilgamesh slowly stood as he heard that familiar voice. He turned and saw Ewald, followed by Asia, Mordred, Enkidu, Valerie, and Sebas. They had hidden the girl and told her not to look at what Gilgamesh was going to do to Diodora. He didn't want her to be scared seeing his cold side. It wasn't like he was trying to hide—he'd killed Raynare in front of her before—but what he did to Diodora was something else. He didn't think Asia was ready for the brutality he unleashed on Diodora.
"It is… And your peerage?" he asked back.
"Taken care of. They're all restrained with magic, and I've already called the Church. They'll arrive in 15 minutes," Ewald informed him with a nod. "After we confirm Diodora's actions through the testimony of all the former maidens and nuns, we'll have enough proof and reason to kill him, even if he was a Maou's brother," he said to the young man, who nodded in satisfaction.
"Gilgamesh-san," Asia called out in concern. "Are you hurt? Is there anywhere I can heal?" she offered, and Gilgamesh turned to her with a smile.
"I'm fine. Thanks for the offer, Asia," Gilgamesh replied gently, making the girl blush slightly, but a smile adorned her face.
"I'm glad you're okay…" she replied warmly.
Ewald watched the interaction with a small smile. Seeing such a peaceful sight always made him feel good. He glanced briefly at the ground, stained by a pool of blood. He could tell by the way it was marked that someone had recently lain there, perhaps dying given the amount of blood, but there was no trace of a body.
Did he kill the demon with a holy sword? He wouldn't be surprised if Gilgamesh had done that.
For regardless of his age or appearance, the man before him was a monster who earned the title of 'Strongest Exorcist,' someone so powerful he was feared as a beast on the battlefield.
He truly deserved his title as the 'Golden Beast of Destruction.'
"Ah, Gilgamesh-san."
"Yes?" Gilgamesh asked as he turned to Ewald and saw the cardinal return the sword he'd lent him.
"I'll return this to you. It's an excellent sword," Ewald said. Excalibur Rapidly was being held by Asia, sealed to prevent it from radiating its power. After dealing with Diodora's peerage, he went to retrieve Asia and recover the holy sword.
Gilgamesh took the sword from Ewald and nodded, giving him a small smile.
"Thanks," Gilgamesh said simply.
He looked around and sighed.
"It's finally over…" he said, smiling slightly, seeing there was nothing left to worry about.
"No… it's not…" Gilgamesh responded, making Ewald, Asia, and everyone turn their gazes to him.
"Asia here hasn't made her decision yet…" he said, looking at Asia, who instantly stiffened.
It was true—Asia still hadn't made her decision. She said she'd tell them once the plan was over, as she was still conflicted, but honestly, she hadn't decided yet.
She wanted to return to the Church, she really did. To pray to God, help people, see them smile when she finished helping them, and receive blessings from angels and God. Not to mention, Gilgamesh had already made them agree that this time she'd have more freedom! She wouldn't be treated as a tool anymore! She'd be sent to school, able to enjoy life and meet other holy maidens!
It was a true blessing! The Lord must have heard her prayers! Her dream would come true! Sure, it wasn't perfect—she was certain some people around her would still treat her with excessive respect or just as a healer—but she was sure it would be better than before, at least.
But… If she went back…
Images of Gilgamesh, Valerie, Sebas, Enkidu, and Mordred flashed through her mind—the time they spent together, the smiles they shared, the laughter, and the activities they experienced, however brief.
But if she stayed with them, the path she'd have to follow would be difficult… Gilgamesh-san had said so and even admitted it wouldn't be easy. Could she do it? Now there was a chance for salvation, a chance to be happy… Even though Gilgamesh-san had saved her life and helped her, was she willing to sacrifice her dream and happiness?
…
…
…
Back to the Church… or stay with them?
…
…
…
She looked at Ewald and Gilgamesh, who were watching her expectantly. The cardinal gave her a gentle smile, the kind a father gives his children. Gilgamesh, meanwhile, just stared at her with an impassive face, showing no sign of emotion.
But Asia knew who she'd go with.
Regardless of everything she had at the Church, it was because of what she possessed.
She was only called a Holy Maiden because of her healing power. Asia loved helping people, but that was it.
Gilgamesh's group, on the other hand, accepted her for who she was, not what she had.
With them, she could have something she always wanted.
A family.
"S-Sorry, Cristaldi-sama, but I'll stay with Gilgamesh-san," Asia said, blushing as she bowed slightly.
Ewald only smiled at that. He knew this would happen.
"Don't worry, child. You made the right choice," Ewald said, smiling at the girl. "Gilgamesh, take good care of her," the priest said to Gilgamesh.
"I will," Gilgamesh said with a smile to Asia.
"I suppose I'll be going then," Ewald said as he turned to leave.
As Asia was about to speak to Gilgamesh, a blur interrupted her, throwing itself at her.
"I knew you'd stay, Asia-chan!" Valerie shouted in ecstasy.
Everyone was smiling, even Sebas had a smile on his face.
"To welcome her properly, let's have a feast!" Mordred shouted, joined by Enkidu and Valerie, while Gilgamesh and Sebas stared at Mordred.
Asia smiled as she saw them arguing about what food to make while Gilgamesh and Sebas said Mordred would clean up the mess.
She couldn't be happier.
After all, this was the family that welcomed her.
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