Descent of the Demon Master

“...That’s insane.”

“Yes, I agree with you on that one.”

Something strange was happening in one of the exits of the Round Table’s hall.

Bang Jin-Hun and Vincent had stopped fighting by now, their stupefied gazes only focusing on the visceral battle of ages taking place in the center of the hall. It wasn't just them, though, as the warriors they had been leading had also stopped. They were already out of the corridor to crowd around on a remote corner of the hall to spectate the battle.

Even the opposing knight orders were watching the battle from a respectable distance away from their adversaries.

The truth was, though, everyone was doing the same. All the battles in other corridors had stopped by now. Vator and Chang Min were already inside the hall, dazedly staring at the center.

Weren’t they being irresponsible? Hardly.

Everyone here, including Vator and Chang Min, instinctively understood that their battles outside the hall meant nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Even if one side managed to win and take control of the situation, would they be able to stop those monsters in human form?

The result of the battle in the hall would determine the result of everyone else's battle! Since that was the case, why would anyone waste their energy? Besides, they were all martial artists here. They wouldn't stupidly miss the chance to witness such an outlandish battle!

The Martial Assembly's people were rendered utterly speechless by Kang Jin-Ho's godly might. Meanwhile, the Round Table's knights were silently stewing in awe and respect at the power of the revived legendary beings.

Bang Jin-Hun quietly muttered, “Can humans even do that?”

“...I feel ashamed now,” said Vincent while chewing on his lips.

Only a few minutes ago, while fighting against his opponents, Vincent had become utterly intoxicated by his own strength. The lengthy wait he and his men had to endure in the Martial Assembly's company had led to their growth as warriors. They could now overwhelm the opponents that previously gave the Chevaliers a difficult time.

But this battle between titans ruthlessly trampled on Vincent’s new-found confidence. He wasn’t even worthy of comparing himself to them. The difference was so absolute that he even felt despair!

Even if Vincent trained intensely for the rest of his life, would he be able to catch up to the shadows of those people? He doubted it. And he wasn't even comparing himself to Kang Jin-Ho.

His gaze was firmly locked on the Elder Knights. That was because he had given up comparing himself to Kang Jin-Ho a long, long time ago. Everything he had witnessed and heard from the people of the Martial Assembly had already solidified Kang Jin-Ho’s image as a creature from another dimension in Vincent’s mind.

However, as it turned out, even the eleven Elder Knights were improbable existences from another universe, too!

‘How is this possible?’

Didn't Vincent also train in similar martial arts as these Elder Knights? In that case, how did these ancient knights reach such a lofty realm of strength?

The Elder Knights and their martial prowess were already shocking enough, but Tristan's sword strike just now left an indelible mark deep in Vincent's heart.

Both men used longswords. And they also trained in martial arts that should contain the same fundamentals. So, how could there be such a different result for Vincent?

The length of training or accumulated experience could not make up for this incredible difference between the two men. Tristan’s sword strike displayed such a vast gap in class that Vincent might as well go back in time and start over if he was serious about catching up! ꞦâΝоᛒËṠ

That was when Bang Jin-Hun suddenly groaned softly. “...Goddamn it. And here I was, thinking that I had finally managed to catch up a little.”

Vincent glanced at him. It seemed Bang Jin-Hun’s thoughts while watching Kang Jin-Ho were largely similar to what Vincent felt while looking at Tristan’s swordsmanship.

‘I guess it’s shocking for him.’

The gap Bang Jin-Hun must've felt must be greater than what Vincent was feeling right now. They weren't the only ones feeling this way, however.

‘Looks like they are feeling the same thing as us.’

The Knights of the Round Table some distance away seemed totally speechless as well.

Wasn't this situation rather bizarre? Even though all these countless warriors should be bitterly fighting the enemy while putting their lives on the line... The lull in the battle between the monsters instantly filled the spacious hall with icy-cold silence. Not only that, but everyone's gaze was automatically drawn toward Kang Jin-Ho, too!

This was the battle between the Round Table and the Korean Martial Assembly. A battle between the elites from one of the most powerful organizations in the world and warriors swearing allegiance toward the lord ruling over a small corner of the globe!

However, even such individuals were turned into helpless spectators by the battle of the monsters at the center of this hall.

‘I don't know what else to say. This battle is simply too incredible!'

Vincent grimly narrowed his eyes. He must keep watching. He had no idea how the situation would turn out after this battle, but!

At the very least, he knew his duty was to witness this incredible spectacle. After all, this was a once-in-a-lifetime battle of the gods. Something he'd never, ever witness again!

Everyone thinking roughly the same thing focused their entire being on witnessing the battle at the center of the spacious hall.

***

“These Elder Knights are…” Wiggins sucked in a deep breath. “...Rather frightening, now aren’t they?”

“Indeed. It's also my first time seeing them in action, and…” The Master muttered, his voice subdued. “And they have far exceeded my expectations. Even though we have lost too many valuable techniques and inheritances to time, I believed enough progress has been made to compensate… But it seems I was wrong.”

“It’s not your fault, Master.”

“This isn’t a matter of faulting someone, Wiggins. No, it’s about… shame. I knew the Elder Knights would be stronger than me. After all, I wasn’t even good enough to take the test to become an Elder Knight. However, this… This is even beyond my imagination.”

Wiggins grimly nodded. He had to agree that this spectacle easily surpassed his own imaginations, too.

He knew that the Knights of the ancient past would be stronger than their current-day counterparts. But he chalked that down to the differences in the environment, as well as the loss of many valuable martial arts to time.

Knights could freely practice their martial arts with the full support of their respective kingdoms or territories in the ancient past. However, the modern-era Knights couldn't do that. They had to remain in the shadows at all times. So, the difference in environmental factors influencing the current Knights made sense as an excuse.

However, Wiggins now realized that excuse wasn't quite good enough.

These Elder Knights were simply strong. No other reason or explanation was necessary. They were strong. That was it. Even if they had been born in the modern era, their strength would still be unparalleled.

‘In other words, it’s the matter of who.’

Depending on who mastered a particular cultivation, the end results could vary as much as heaven and earth.

As far as Wiggins could tell, the Elder Knights hadn't mastered some world-beating super martial arts. Even then, they still had attained an inconceivable level of strength that someone mastering the same martial arts wouldn't even dare dream of catching up.

The result of gathering all the acknowledged heavenly geniuses found in the Round Table’s lengthy history was this group of Elder Knights!

“But now, such Elder Knights are…” Wiggins muttered in stupefaction.

“Indeed. Your Assembly Master is definitely not human.” The Master slowly shook his head. “I knew he was holding back a lot while dueling me back then. But judging from this display, he was actually toying with me, wasn't he? If he wanted to, he could've sent me on my way to the netherworld in the blink of an eye.”

“…” Wiggins chose to remain silent, knowing nothing he could say would comfort the Master right now. Besides, he didn’t feel like doing that in the first place.

The Master wasn’t the only one who was shocked by Kang Jin-Ho’s godly might, after all!

‘It feels like my heart is being squeezed to death.’

Indeed, Wiggins was too stunned to do much right now. Objectively speaking, he had seen Kang Jin-Ho's rampage only once. And that was when Kang Jin-Ho fought Vator for the first time back in that nameless mountain in Korea.

After that, well, situations broadly didn't require Kang Jin-Ho to go all out. Or…

‘...After everything was over.’

Wiggins never got to witness Kang Jin-Ho battling against the Crimson King. He showed up after Kang Jin-Ho was already out of steam and collapsed on the floor.

Based on his brief encounter with the Crimson King, Wiggins made an educated guess on how incredible the battle between the two titans must've been, as well as how powerful Kang Jin-Ho might be. However, as it turned out…

Estimating something and witnessing it with his own two eyes were two very different things!

After finally witnessing Kang Jin-Ho at full power, Wiggins’ honest impression was…

‘Does it mean anything to him?’

Things like his own faction and subordinates… Did any of that matter to Kang Jin-Ho?

Until now, Wiggins had no doubt that Kang Jin-Ho was the leader of the Martial Assembly. And he believed Kang Jin-Ho’s intentions, at least some part of it, were to strengthen the Assembly so it could serve as a meat shield. But now that Wiggins has witnessed Kang Jin-Ho’s martial prowess, though…

He couldn’t help but grow doubtful of his own beliefs.

Would a faction mean anything to an individual already boasting such power? Wouldn't it be more like a cumbersome burden, instead?

Wiggins bit his lip, hard. What was he even thinking about right now? When that line of reasoning would also include himself as a part of that cumbersome burden!

‘That’s right. I must become stronger!’

Wiggins subconsciously thought it'd be fine to be less passionate about improving his own martial arts since Kang Jin-Ho was around to save the day. However, watching Kang Jin-Ho fight rekindled the flames within Wiggins once more.

“You have a lot on your mind, don’t you?” The Master chuckled wryly.

“...Oh,” Wiggins sucked in a deep breath. He realized he shouldn't be this spaced out in the Master's presence. “My apologies.”

“No need to apologize. Even I feel this way, so it must be worse for you, Wiggins. You’re younger than me, after all.”

“But, Master. You’re not as old as you keep making yourself out to be.”

“Well, I agree that I'm not as old compared to those fellas,” the Master muttered while staring strangely at the Elder Knights. “At the very least... This event has taught me something valuable.”

“Mm? May I enquire as to what that would be…?”

“If those Elder Knights are the peak of strength that the Assembly's martial arts and structure can help you reach…” The Master stopped talking there for a few moments to build some anticipation. “Those noble Knights seem somewhat pitiful compared to your Assembly Master, now don't they?”

“Indeed, Master. Indeed.”

That was stating the obvious. Elder Knights were powerful, but they had to gang up, eleven against one, just to fight Kang Jin-Ho on equal terms. Individually, they stood no chance.

“Even so…” The Master slowly rubbed his chin. “The end result of this battle might not be what you’ve been wishing for.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“The strongest individual isn't always guaranteed to win, Wiggins. Even a mighty lion will get devoured when surrounded by a large pack of hyenas. Remember that the law of the jungle applies in our world. One individual being strong doesn't mean the group is strong, too. The strong group always tends to win in the end.”

Wiggins wordlessly nodded. The Master had a point there.

Kang Jin-Ho’s strength might be heaven-defying, but it’d mean nothing if he failed to overcome these Elder Knights. He’d only get labeled as a strong warrior who lost to weaker opponents.

“Master, do you think the Elder Knights will win?”

When Wiggins cautiously asked that question, the Master slowly shook his head. “I can't say. Honestly? This battle is not something a weakling like myself is qualified to judge.”

“…”

“However, I can say this for certain.”

“Yes? What is it?”

The Master's expression became withdrawn. “"Your Assembly Master achieving victory today will mean the Round Table must change. His victory signifies our ways have been wrong, after all! So, let me reiterate, Wiggins.”

The Master grimaced as he painfully chewed his next words out.

“I will cast aside my pride and whatever else and flip the Round Table upside down and inside out! Of course, the… core of that reform will have to be the Martial Assembly.”

Wiggins silently locked his gaze on Kang Jin-Ho.

‘My lord, you must win this one. You must!’

***

Creaaaaak…!

Kang Jin-Ho dragging the tips of Crimson Destiny and Azuremourne on the floor produced displeasing noises.

Elder Knights’ expressions crumpled unsightly as they watched Kang Jin-Ho leisurely close the distance. That nonchalant attitude triggered all sorts of emotions and thoughts to run rampant inside the Knights’ minds.

Griiit!

Someone among the Elder Knights loudly gritted their teeth.

They all acknowledged it now. Without a doubt, this devil from the East was strong. Had this battle been one-on-one, none of the Elder Knights would have put on a decent fight before their heads went flying.

Fortunately, this was not a fair fight between two individuals. No, it was a war where each side was allowed to utilize everything in their arsenal.

The combined might of the Elder Knights was here, ready to take action. Them working together should be more than enough to destroy a nation.

However, Kang Jin-Ho didn’t seem affected in the slightest by such power and even nonchalantly intimidated the Elder Knights!

This had to be the worst humiliation these Knights had ever experienced.

“Do not get agitated,” said Gawain in a quiet but cold voice. “Yes, our enemy is undoubtedly strong. So strong that betting all of our lives will still not guarantee us a victory. However, letting your agitation get the better of you will guarantee our defeat!”

“Mm…!”

Elder Knights quickly regained their composure from Gawain’s reminder. Their agitation wasn’t the result of their anger. No, it was born out of their fear.

Had someone not as strong as Kang Jin-Ho dared to nonchalantly waltz toward them like this, the Elder Knights would've scoffed in derision instead. Getting angry wouldn't be their initial reaction at all.

However, encountering an absurdly powerful enemy could sometimes rouse extreme anger in proud people.

Gawain called out, “Sir Breunor!”

“I’m here, Sir Gawain!”

“This moment will decide our fate, sir! You know what to do, yes?”

“Of course!” Breunor roared while gripping his shield hard enough to nearly crack the handle. His bloodshot eyes glared at Kang Jin-Ho.

“Then… Let’s go!”

“Uwooooooh!”

Breunor rushed forward at his full power.

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