Chapter 21 - Give me a battle that excites me!
Esdeath stared at Cain for a long moment, her usual composure cracking just a little.
A real devil.
She had summoned one, and it had answered.
Her entire worldview tilted, reshaped in an instant.
Devils were supposed to be myths, legends whispered around campfires.
Yet here one stood, wings folded, calm and utterly real.
But…
This was exactly what she had craved.
A savage, thrilled grin spread across her face, madness glinting in her eyes.
"My wish is simple,"
"Give me a battle that excites me."
Cain's lips curved. "That does suit you."
He gave her a look. "Then what are you waiting for?"
Esdeath's low laugh echoed through the tent. She launched forward like a bolt of lightning.
Ice crystallized in her right hand, forming a razor sharp military dagger that gleamed with deadly chill.
BOOM.
The impact thundered.
Her strike met empty air or something invisible.
Esdeath's eyes narrowed.
An unseen barrier had stopped her blade cold, as if she'd struck solid steel.
What kind of power was this?
She never held back in battle.
Facing a legendary devil, she had come out swinging with full intent to kill.
Yet…
She couldn't even breach his defenses.
Bang.
A fist slammed into her abdomen.
For a heartbeat, everything stopped.
Then explosive force erupted.
Visible shockwaves rippled outward.
Esdeath's body hurled backward, crashing through the tent and collapsing the entire structure in a deafening roar.
BUZZ
Demonic power flared. The ruined canvas shredded and blown a part.
Cain strolled forward with a faint smile still in place.
Ultimate class strength was no joke.
Even someone like Esdeath was outmatched.
He wondered how terrifying beings above that level would be.
Outside, soldiers who had rushed toward the commotion froze in stunned silence.
The disheveled figure rising from the rubble…
Was General Esdeath.
Who or what could humiliate her like this?
"Cough… cough…"
Esdeath wiped blood from the corner of her mouth.
Cain scratched his cheek. "Oops. Might've hit a bit too hard."
Nothing he could do about it.
To earn true submission from someone like Esdeath, he had to demonstrate overwhelming dominance.
The surrounding imperial soldiers finally snapped out of their daze.
They roared and raised weapons, charging forward.
Until Esdeath's glare swept over them.
Instantly, every man froze.
They realized their mistake and retreated in perfect silence.
No one dared interrupt the general when she was enjoying herself.
...
The entire encampment fell deathly quiet.
Thousands of soldiers watched the battlefield, hardly daring to breathe.
"Such power…"
Esdeath rose slowly, long legs striding forward. Frigid air rolled off her in waves.
The ground froze beneath her boots, ice spreading visibly in every direction.
"This… this is exhilarating!"
Her body trembled not from pain, but for pure unadulterated joy.
"Then let's keep going," Cain said calmly, standing motionless. "I've adjusted the strength now."
"Don't worry, I won't accidentally kill you."
The watching soldier's mouths twitched.
That level of arrogance…
No one had ever spoken to Esdeath like that.
Esdeath's eyes flashed dangerously. "You've got guts."
She raised her hand.
Soon, chilling air condensed.
Dozens of massive ice spears formed overhead and hurtled downward like a storm.
"Just stating facts."
Cain took a single step forward.
Crimson light flickered.
Every spear froze mid flight, then shattered explosively.
He hadn't even lifted a hand.
Esdeath's gaze flickered with the first hint of wariness.
A real devil's power was beyond what she imagined.
"In that case…"
She leaped high.
Cold exploded outward.
The sky darkened as if night had fallen early.
A colossal hailstorm blotted out the moon, boulders of ice plummeting like meteors.
"Pointless."
Cain kicked off the ground and rocketed upward.
One punch shattered the largest hailstone.
Shards scattered like glittering diamonds under the moonlight.
In a blur, he closed the distance.
His hands struck precise vital points.
Immense force erupted again.
BANG!
Esdeath slammed into the earth, carving a deep crater.
She lay there a moment, eyes wide with rare bewilderment.
Cain had been too fast, she hadn't even countered.
She hated to admit it.
But the gap was enormous.
This was the first man in her life who completely overpowered her.
"You've got more tricks, right?" Cain landed lightly at the crater's edge, smiling down. "Mahapadma, maybe?"
"Or summon your weapon. Use everything."
To truly conquer her, he needed to crush any lingering doubt.
He wasn't worried about backlash.
Numbers meant nothing to an Ultimate class.
And time space freeze?
Even the strongest Teigu had limits when facing overwhelming power disparity.
Esdeath climbed to her feet, brushing dirt from her uniform. She shook her head. "I don't know."
Cain's smile widened.
Perfect.
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