Reincarnated With An SSS-Rank Talent In An Apocalyptic World-Chapter 116: Living Artifact

Going through Prince Thalorien’s stats, I was certain that clash should have ended in my victory. But somehow, I failed to overpower him. In fact, it felt like I nearly got overpowered.

The only reasonable explanation was the strange-looking spear in his hand.

Sylethorn.

’What the hell is a living artifact?’ I couldn’t help but wonder.

Ding!

[A living artifact is a magical weapon with a consciousness of its own. These are the highest grade of weapons in this realm and are coveted by everyone. Unfortunately, living artifacts choose their wielders—not the other way around.]

I was taken aback by the response. This stingy system was never the type to give out free information, so why was it telling me this?

"Answer me, Demon!" Thalorien screamed, his voice not too deep, not too light either.

It was perfect.

The perfect voice.

"Demon?" I scoffed, my tone laced with envy. "Did you just call me a demon?"

My eyes flashed a threatening red—but that didn’t faze Thalorien.

’Great. The hero is fearless too.’ I felt like smashing my head into a wall.

This elf’s perfection got to me, because I knew ten-year-old me would’ve cheered his name and picked his side.

"Then what are you? And how dare you attack my army?" Thalorien snapped, demanding answers.

"7th Prince Thalorien..."

Buzz!

For the first time, the elf’s confidence faltered. Shock, followed by a hint of confusion, glimmered in his eyes. I had hoped calling his name and position would invite fear—but it seems this man is as fearless as he looked.

He was the real deal.

"I am the savior humanity has been waiting for. The one who will unite all humans and drive every other race on this continent to the brink of extinction. I am the man destined to take the place of God. AND YOU WILL SHOW THIS GOD THE RESPECT HE DESERVES!"

Buzz!

"CAWWWWWWWWW!"

The eagle flapped its wings, distancing itself from me in fear.

Only through its actions did I realize dark cracks were already spreading across my face. I gently ran my fingers across them while watching the prince’s reaction.

The look on his face wasn’t confusion.

It was grim realization. And denial.

That meant Thalorien was aware of the human prophecies in this world—but never took them seriously. Until now.

Loose!

My head snapped toward the sound. I looked over my shoulder only to see that the remnants of the elf army had regrouped, and their archers had taken formation.

Swoosh!

In an instant, hundreds of arrows flew through the air, racing toward me like a rising tide crashing down on a stormy night.

Bam!

Swoosh!

A sound came from in front, but I didn’t bother looking.

Tightening my grip on Rai’ki, my veins bulged, releasing a crimson hue.

[Blood Ignition Activated!]

[-20 HP]

[HP:] 180

[Strength:] 15 + 3

[Speed:] 15 + 3

Peng!

With a single swipe of Rai’ki, I knocked the cocky prince back and slowly turned my head in his direction. My brows knitted as I noticed vines from his weapon had latched onto his mount.

So that’s why he dared to leap at me.

Smart.

"What is to come... you prevent it!" I snarled.

[Door Activated]

[EP:] 13 left

Two doors snapped open simultaneously—one behind me, the other above the neatly assembled elf archers.

And I didn’t bother to look back. I was more interested in Thalorien’s horrified expression as darkness poured endlessly out of my body.

Swoosh!

The arrows entered the first door, and from the second, not just arrows—

But blood and the remains of the Kïtæ and his Kahut rained down on the enemy.

Their cries of pain...

The system notifications...

Thalorien’s twisted expression—

They filled my body with energy.

Their pain was like the cool, refreshing morning breeze only felt from the top of a mountain.

"Demon! You will pay for this!" Thalorien roared, using the force of his knockback to swing around his mount.

Gripping his weapon, he spun to gather momentum, then dived right back at me.

I wasn’t impressed.

If this was the man the system begged me to run from, then clearly the system didn’t think much of me—and that pissed me off.

"You never learn!" I snarled.

Peng!

With a simple swing, I knocked Thalorien back effortlessly.

It seemed 18 points in Strength was what I needed to bridge the gap between us.

Swoosh!

Suddenly, vines burst from his weapon in massive numbers.

Not daring to hold back, I used both hands. My strikes left afterimages as they tore through the swarm.

In an instant, I obliterated hundreds of vines charging at me.

"Is that all yo—"

Pa!

Something clutched my wings—tight. Constricting them like a boa wrapping around its prey.

I looked over my shoulder and realized...

Those vines that missed earlier?

They didn’t miss.

Their true target had always been my wings.

Pa! Pa!

Pa! Pa!

All it took was a second of distraction.

Dozens more vines swung forward, binding my limbs. Over thirty wrapped around each arm and leg. Many more coiled around my neck, crushing and choking.

"Your crimes against my people... you will pay for them in blood!" Thalorien’s voice drew my attention.

I shot him an annoyed glance.

He stood on a walkway of vines between me and his mount, looking down like victory was already his.

"GREAT ONE!"

Luthor’s voice cut through the chaos.

Not far away, Luthor and his disciples led our one-thousand-strong army toward me. The anxiety on their faces was hard to ignore.

They recognized him.

They knew Thalorien.

The cocky elf prince returned his gaze to me, a small smile forming.

"You made me watch while you slaughtered my soldiers. Now I’ll have your people watch as I take your life."

Not waiting for my reply, he performed a hand seal—

SHICK!

Thorns shot out from every vine wrapped around me.

They pierced my flesh in unison.

PFFT!

"GREAT ONE!!!"

Luthor and the soldiers cried out as blood sprayed in all directions—even from my neck.

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