Chapter 156 - Lord of Pride – 2 (2/2)
[New Magic increased by 48.]
[Level up!]
Lucifer’s words conflicted with his action. The battlefield was vibrating like a large heart, reacting to its master’s nervousness. Of course, right after that, an enormous impact like a dragon’s paw hitting us rocked the world.
“Ahhhhhh!” Mireina desperately used her defensive magic against it, but it shattered after a few moments. Had it not been for the soul’s power, which she already activated, she would have died right there.
[Your level has risen several times!]
[New Magic increased by 57.]
Unlike her, I was hit by the shock because I couldn’t stop what I was doing. The majority of Belphegor’s chains that were blocking Lucifer were shattered.
[Pride is a truly special feeling. You can’t enjoy it unless you are perfect! The one under the sky…I am the most supreme, beautiful, and perfect under the sky! I was like that from the beginning!]
“But it’s also an undeniable truth that you were jealous.” Blood was flowing out of Belphegor’s mouth, but he refused to fall until he fulfilled his mission. It was ironic to see the one spreading sloth to others move so actively himself. But, from my perspective, as an ally, it was a reliable sight.
[…]
“Didn’t your jealousy of others and your desire to surpass Fate cause these abilities to blossom inside of you? I can’t help but laugh if you still intend to deny it.”
[Level up!]
Even I couldn’t help but listen to their conversation. In the past, Belphegor said that Lucifer used a similar approach as me because he was wary and jealous of me. Maybe what made him reach this place was that feeling of jealousy, I didn’t know. But I did know that intense emotions and desires could become the strength of one’s existence. Just as Belphegor was able to transmit his laziness to others or that L’s beauty could make others slaves to lust. Or how I could swallow up anything with the power of gluttony and greed to make it mine. Lucifer was able to imitate the power of others with the jealousy inside of him.
[Your level has risen several times!]
[Soul Magic increased by 82.]
[Flame of Destruction has changed by absorbing numerous powers.]
[You annoy me…]
But he denied it even though he knew the words were true. Strangely enough, I could feel the energy around him weakening little by little. Belphegor said he couldn’t surpass me if he denied himself, the reason why was now being revealed.
“…Little more than a child.”
[…!]
Lucifer’s attack focused wholly on Belphegor. He wanted to get rid of this person who knew him so well by erasing him. But Lucifer’s main enemy was never Belphegor. Just as L’s words and actions enchanted people with magical power, his words and actions were inducing Lucifer to think and move more simply. In return, he had to deal with all of his attacks.
[Level up!]
“You cannot have Jealousy and Pride at the same time. Rather, throwing one away will make you stronger. Your answer has already been decided, right?” Belphegor finally said that. From the moment we first met Lucifer, he had been sharpening his blade of indolence to use it one day against him. And Lucifer was falling right into his hand.
[I was complete from the start! I have no need to throw away anything I’ve never had!]
He turned away from his jealousy. At that moment, the vibrations striking the battlefield stopped. The composition of the world he had been making included his power of jealousy, so it was natural that it stopped when he gave that power up. Lucifer must’ve known it, but he abandoned it nonetheless to protect the value of his existence.
Almost all demons, I included, had strong feelings towards something. To the extent that other emotions couldn’t assert themselves. That was why I had to hang on and think and move desperately. It was stupid and childish. Lucifer was getting caught up in the power of Belphegor’s words and gave up his power of jealousy. Despite being stronger, he suffered. If reason had preceded emotion, it never would’ve happened.
[Those who doubt me and cannot grasp their own power…let me teach you myself.]
The creation of the world stopped. Lucifer abandoned jealousy and gained freedom with his Pride.
[Hahahahaha!]
Absolutely evil and brilliant mana gushed out endlessly around his body. It had been decided from the start. Whether he gave up Jealousy or Pride, he was destined to become strong. Of course, thanks to Belphegor, I managed to finish all the work I had to do.
[In my new world, there is no place for you. I’ll erase everything myself!]
From now on, we had to deal with the true prince of Pride.