Crack…

The first layer of space began to break apart as their auras surged higher and higher. Their Quasi Rank 4 pressure bore down on everything.

Bang!

The two clashed, and instantly the arena split into two.

Pulse after pulse of energy erupted, spreading across the Fitel.

If they had been inside a multi-universe, entire universes would have been pulverized..but here, it was the arena that bore the full brunt.

Boom!

Boom!

They continued clashing as the arena was destroyed, reduced to dust and ash, torn apart by the flow of Origin.

For Linkir, it was spacetime.

For Sword Demon, it was saber intent evolved into the Origin of killing.

His attack power multiplied, while Linkir moved faster, striking repeatedly from multiple angles.

Bang!

The Origin of killing filled the battlefield as slashes landed across Linkir's skin, drawing blood.

Linkir clenched her fist as space wrapped around her hand. She vanished

And appeared behind Sword Demon.

Bang!

Her fist slammed into his head. Layers of impact echoed through time, compressing into multiple spatial layers before releasing all at once.

He blocked—but still took part of the damage.

---

Void and the others watched from outside as Linkir and Sword Demon's battle grew more intense with every clash.

Origin itself became like child's play to them as they turned the battlefield into a forbidden zone for anyone below Quasi Rank 4.

Another attack

BOOM!

Linkir was blasted backward, crashing into one of the few remaining standing rocks.

"Argh…" she muttered as she stood

Only to feel a sharp blade already resting against her neck.

A thin line of blood formed from the light touch.

"You lost," Sword Demon said indifferently.

Linkir only glanced at him.

"You shouldn't get too confident, you know…" she replied.

Sword Demon withdrew his blade.

Then

His gaze shifted to Void.

Boom!

He moved.

Instantly

He was surrounded.

Nephem, Mark, Nyx—all of Void's slaves closed in around him.

"Look… listen," Nephem said, raising his hands slightly. "I get that this is all messed up, but look around. Are you sure you know what you're doing?"

"Yes," Sword Demon replied calmly. "Getting revenge."

He stepped forward

Walking past them.

Clench…

"Are you—"

"Move." 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Shiaaa!

Nephem's arm was severed instantly.

His expression changed, his playful demeanor vanishing.

"You—"

"That was a warning."

Boom!

"Bitch!" Nephem struck, slamming Sword Demon into the ground.

His arm had already regenerated.

"Hehe… you dare try to attack Master?" Junnie landed, grabbing Sword Demon's head.

Bom!

Bom!

Bom!

She smashed it repeatedly, smiling wildly—

Then stopped.

Her expression shifted.

Sword Demon had vanished.

In the next instant

Both her arms were severed.

"Fuck you—come back!!!" Junnie roared.

"Turn back," Nyx and Mark said, stepping in front of him.

Sword Demon didn't even look at them.

He kept walking.

Nyx and Mark attacked..

Then suddenly froze.

Their bodies fell apart.

At some point, Sword Demon had already beheaded them and cut them into pieces.

....

Only one figure remained before him.

Alayot.

This time, Sword Demon frowned.

"I shouldn't be the one telling you how foolish this is," Alayot said calmly. "So stop now—before it gets worse."

Sword Demon spat.

"Even if it's you… I won't."

Alayot nodded.

"I see. You've made your decision."

Boom!

He flicked his fingers.

Sword Demon was blasted backward, crashing into the ground.

He dropped to one knee.

Cough… cough…

Blood spilled from his mouth as his vision blurred.

"Damn you… so this is your true power…" he muttered, struggling to stand.

Boom!

A punch slammed into his gut, knocking the air out of him.

"Not cool, bro," Nephem said, withdrawing his fist.

Bang!

Mark struck his face, sending him reeling.

Pah!

Junnie, now in her demon form, lashed her tail, slamming him into the ground.

"You know I didn't want to do this…" Nyx said, lifting him with one hand.

"But you left us no choice."

Boom!

She launched him upward with an uppercut.

BANG!

Nephem followed, smashing him down with both fists.

And then

The beatdown began.

Every punch shattered his body.

Every kick shook his mind.

Every strike tore at his soul.

Worse

They used Origin to suppress his regeneration.

Sword Demon was forced to feel everything.

Like a mortal.

Even with his powerful body, each blow felt like being struck with overwhelming force.

He vomited blood as pain consumed him.

But he never wavered.

Never faltered.

Even as his soul felt like it was being torn apart..

His eyes never left Void.

Bang… boom… bang… dom… crack…

Shrrrrk…

By now, Sword Demon's body was barely recognizable.

Covered in blood.

Flesh torn apart.

Teeth scattered across the ground.

Limbs hanging loosely.

All around, Void's slaves, except Linkir—were stained with his blood.

And yet

His grip on his sword never loosened.

"Ahhh!"

With what little strength remained, Sword Demon raised his blade above his head

And brought it down toward Alayot.

Cling…

"Hmm… not impressive," Alayot said, catching the blade between two fingers.

Crack.

The sword shattered into two.

Bang!

Boom!

Sword Demon was sent flying again, crashing into the ground like a ragdoll.

His vision turned red.

Blood covered his eyes.

He breathed heavily.

Each breath ragged and painful

Bones piercing into his lungs.

"Shen Ye… Chu Su…"

Sword Demon felt his body grow cold as tears fell from his eyes, mixing with blood.

Then

A figure appeared.

Nephem crouched, rubbing the back of his head.

"Seriously… I expected more from you," Nephem said.

He stood up and walked away, joining the others as they watched what remained of Sword Demon from the side.

They awaited Void's next order.

After all, they had "immobilized" Sword Demon—but Void only watched, showing no intention of making a move.

Alayot noticed this.

His gaze returned to Sword Demon.

"Is there something else you can do?" Alayot wondered as he observed him.

Truth be told

Yes, Sword Demon was strong.

But he wasn't the strongest here.

Several among them were far stronger.

And together?

They could easily overwhelm him not to mention facing six Quasi Rank 4 beings alone while being one himself.

It was impossible.

And yet…

Even knowing this, Void still didn't move.

Did that mean Sword Demon still had something left?

"Ah… ah… ah…"

"I won't… disappoint you… Shen Ye…"

Sword Demon turned his gaze toward the only one still watching him from the small bubble beside Void.

Then

Memories surfaced.

Him and Chu Su arguing.

Chu Su coming to him for help.

The sect…

Everything.

Finally...

Sword Demon closed his eyes.