In the Demon Lord Fortress, Aria was deeply absorbed in reading when she suddenly sensed something. She lifted her gaze to the crimson sky beyond the balcony.
That was Rogue’s direction.
"Kurero," Aria called. He slowly emerged from the castle shadows.
"Lady Aria, I am here."
"Over there—what did you sense?"
Kurero looked up, frowned after a moment. "Germok is at the military camp. Mallo handles city affairs. Eris copies texts in your library."
He stood here himself. The Four Generals were Aria’s trusted aides because all four received the Demon God’s blessing. Only they, besides Aria, could invoke Divine Power across the entire Demon Clan.
Who then emitted this aura from afar?
Kurero turned to Aria. "My lady, could Rogue be in danger? The ones sent aren’t strong fighters."
"We’ll know who struck when Rogue returns. As for danger?" Aria’s lips curved into a beautiful smile. "I’m more worried about the one who dared strike at him."
Kurero wisely didn’t press further. Aria seemed cheerful. She stretched lazily, her graceful curves captivating. "Do you know what blessing Rogue carries?"
Kurero blurted instinctively, "Isn’t it the Goddess of Nature’s blessing from the elves?"
"Yes, but no," Aria sighed. "He’s hailed as the strongest Hero in a millennium. How could he possess only one divine blessing?"
If not for that incident, facing his crusade, she’d likely be dead.
Aria’s eyes grew grateful, her voice deepening. "What he holds… is the blessings of multiple deities…"
Meanwhile, in the Steven Family’s territory, the castle’s sole strong warrior was pinned by Ilidian and Higor. The remaining demons slaughtered low-level human guards.
A few demons fell to holy magic. Most had already begun a massacre.
Flames engulfed the estate. Roads were littered with flesh and blood—a scene straight from hell.
Human guards fled. Nobles used slaves’ lives to slow the demons. Only Morihui’s squad still fought.
They were weak, yet battled for their loved ones.
Facing Rogue, Eris wore a mocking grin. He heard the biggest joke: slay me, who wields Divine Power, with your sword?
What could the mere Goddess of Nature’s blessing do?
This wasn’t like popping champagne mid-game. His inner power gave endless confidence. He loved watching ants struggle in death throes.
But the next second, Rogue’s murmured words made Eris pale.
"O great Lord of Darkness and Shadow…"
"Impossible!" Eris trembled, seeing dark mist coil around Rogue. "How could you receive my Lord’s blessing!"
"Actually, I’m curious too," Rogue replied. "Only hearing your call reminded me of this truth." Black sword energy slowly climbed his blade, radiating pressure stronger than Eris’s.
Infusing the sword with divine power.
Dark clouds gathered. Winds howled. The surroundings shifted. Demons with diluted bloodlines knelt involuntarily toward Rogue.
Even Ilidian and Higor, arriving nearby, were deeply shaken.
In that moment, they saw Aria’s shadow in Rogue.
Like the Demon King.
"One strike." Rogue held up one finger. He stepped back, leveled his sword at eye height. His eyes turned deep and dark.
Eris gritted his teeth and charged. Confused. Jealous. Furious!
Why would a human like Rogue receive the Demon God’s blessing? Why was that power stronger than his own?
He’d offered flesh and life as tribute! This guy gave nothing!
Nothing at all!
Why him!!!
Same powers cancel out—he might not win!
Eris screamed inwardly. Then his face changed again.
Rogue’s pitch-black sword energy now gleamed with pure silver-white.
Sword light flashed. A silver thunderbolt struck from the sky. Massive Eris shattered instantly.
His eyes shifted from confusion to terror.
Why could he also wield the Dragon Clan’s purest holy power?
Who are you?
Eris’s clone dissipated.
Rogue’s longsword cracked under divine power. Rain began falling, washing blood from the ground, trickling down his face, mingling with his blood.
"So tired… head hurts…" Rogue murmured. He looked up. The feeling of being watched returned. Clearly, Aria knew.
Lady Aria, did you foresee this too?
"I miss Lilitha."
Countless thoughts churned, settling on that small warehouse, that tiny yet strong and obedient figure.
Only there could he feel a trace of ease.
"M…my lord," Ilidian stammered, approaching with utmost reverence.
"What’s the matter?" Rogue looked at him.
Ilidian trembled, shaking his head fast. "We’ll handle the aftermath. If possible… chase that elf? A human noble took her. He has a pseudo-Legendary…"
They couldn’t win. Only Rogue could fight a Legendary now.
Rogue glanced toward the half-destroyed castle center. He nodded to Ilidian and rushed to the estate gate. A few guards attacked; all fell to him.
His broken sword, stained with kin’s blood, made his steps heavier.
At the gate, Rogue saw a prison cart and two familiar figures.
On it sat a long-eared girl. Below her stood a red-haired boy and purple-haired girl, surrounded by silent guards.
"Uncle Rogue…" Morihui recognized him, lips trembling at the broken blade. "Why side with demons?"
Rain dripped from Rogue’s hair. His eyes showed no emotion. "Morihui, as a seasoned adventurer, one last lesson: in this world, there are no good people."
The broken blade pointed at the red-haired boy.
No good people—including Rogue himself.
Slaughtering kin made his hands tremble uncontrollably.
They say faith brings redemption and divine favor. I have no faith—why am I drenched in countless blessings?
Rogue stared at Morihui, eyes lifeless. He sought his memories and origins. Yet after seeing Eris summon divine power, confusion deepened.
Rogue recalled much—not memories, but bodily instincts. Before, he had many divine blessings. Just many.
Now he remembered: he held the blessings of multiple deities.
If deities favor me, why no redemption?
If Rogue could use his ability on himself, he’d see this:
Rogue (**)
Race: Human (**)
Blessings: Blessings of Multiple Deities, …
Current Status: Exhausted
Current Need: Redemption (99%)
Current Need: Lilitha Aurelianus (1%)
