16 Filtering Blood (1/2)

Itsuki managed to remain undetected as the Demon Baron had been unsuccessful in its attempt to call for help. Using silk threads, he furtively dragged the decapitated Baron's body away from the scene. a.s.sessing the current situation, Itsuki understood that there was an ongoing war and it would be unwise to interfere as he could become targeted by all 3 groups involved. He gained enmity with the demons by killing their Baron which should be one of their leaders and he was already on bad terms with the Clans due to his Apt.i.tude. Even if he could handle fighting all of them simultaneously, they would likely have trump cards which would render the confrontation not worthwhile.

The Demon Earl and Viscount surveyed their opposition and felt the impulse to yawn.

”Is this really the best they can do?”, he asked with a tinge of disappointment.

”Pfft. They probably think we're only slightly stronger than Demon Generals”, the Viscount stated with clear disdain for the humans' shortsightedness.

”They are prepared though. This is the fastest response time for a demon invasion, I've seen in a human realm”, the Earl admitted before ordering the demons to charge.

In the daytime, demons were severely weakened which was why few would dare to reveal themselves unless night had fallen. Daylight would partially hinder their ability to see and the scorching sun felt awful on their skin which could be considered worse than that of a shut-in recluse's.

Now that they were against the 2 Great Clans which were renown for harboring formidable warriors with decent Apt.i.tudes, they hesitated in following the Earl's commands.

Understanding what made them hesitate, the Earl could only inwardly sneer.

They are working hard to deserve the t.i.tle of being lesser, he thought.

”Why are you so scared of the night? Are you lot even demons?”, the Earl hinted through his shout.

The demons looked at the bright blue sky in confusion before looking back at the Earl quizzically.

It was clearly daytime which was why they didn't want to leave the cave's shade. Could the Demon Earl have gone blind while in h.e.l.l?

Disappointed by their lack of realization, he shot a murky beam towards the sky. The once light blue sky seemingly shattered as it rippled intensely. With each continuous wave, the sky began to grow darker and darker until it became the night sky.

Seeing this, many demons who were initially reserved when fighting against humans, began to openly rampage.

Startled by their clairvoyance, the Clan leaders could only grit their teeth in frustration.

”They saw through the daytime device”, Lord Yamato stated dejectedly.

”We really have underestimated them. New preparations are needed”, Lord Akagi concurred.

The two Clan leaders then yelled, ”RETREAT!”

Meanwhile, a certain Darkblood displayed a fervent expression as he gazed towards the forest.

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[Concealment Mask(-3000)]

Itsuki purchased another Concealment Mask when he realized he had accidentally wrapped his previous one in his haphazard coc.o.o.n. Baffled by his recently uncharacteristic actions, he slightly wavered.

Should I give her this one, since the old one was used? ... This isn't the time to ruminate on trivial matters, he thought as he ran towards town with Stealth active instead of the Concealment Mask.

While running, he noted the speed of the Demon n.o.bles and the Clansmen.

The majority of the Clansmen were slower than even the regular demons while the Elite Clansmen were slower than the Demon Baron which he had been pursuing but he was unable to gauge the other Demon n.o.bles as they had no reason to exert themselves. The Clansmen were easy to eliminate with the lesser demons they had deemed to be cannon fodder and their weak Apt.i.tudes could barely contend. Likely due to testing the waters or some other reason, the Clans had decided not to include their trump cards such as Kamui and Izumi. Atlas thought this was likely in order to avoid a disadvantageous first conflict but he had a faint suspicion that this was not it.

When he arrived at his residence, he sighed in relief as Demons had not reached the town yet.

As he let his guard down, a beauty in a phoenix kimono embraced him. Surprised by the sudden contact, he stiffened. After a moment pa.s.sed, he finally gazed at the beauty who was looking at him with upturned eyes.

Noticing her new attire, he subconsciously smiled. The vivid crimson phoenix enhanced her n.o.bility and elegance while the unique material offered protection and simultaneously accentuated her figure as if it was still soft and fragile silk.

Reevaluating her beauty, Atlas found her appearance to rival that of a peerless G.o.ddess'.

Noticing Itsuki admiring her, Kirei couldn't help but beam with pleasure.

”Don't touch me, I've been perspiring”, he said in a tone lacking conviction.

”You think I don't know you? You're always clean even after a bloodbath”, she bemoaned in indignation.