"My name is Jiaya. I am the one who will take your life."

The burly man had fully transformed into a demon—his voice low, menacing.

"The ritual has begun, brat. I’ll show you the price of angering the demon race."

The demon struck again, faster than before. Even Roland felt the pressure mounting.

This time, claws replaced daggers.

Roland blocked with his sword—but it sank into rubbery flesh, no solid impact at all.

"Got you."

In that instant, the demon seized Roland’s blade with one claw while the other shot toward his throat.

Normally, the fight would’ve ended there.

But Roland wasn’t fatigued from his earlier clash with the Lionbite Shark—he was sharper than ever.

He released his sword, drew a straight blade of pure light from his left hand.

The demon’s claws shattered the moment they neared the glow.

Two fingers flew off. Blood splattered the floor.

"!"

The demon recoiled, shock flashing across his face. *That other sword… something’s wrong with it!*

"Hey, hey! You Released your True Name and still can’t beat a kid? Total shame for the demon race!"

"If it were me, I’d hide underground before showing my face at the Mercenary Guild tomorrow."

"Keep fighting! Don’t hold back!"

The mercenaries loved stirring chaos.

Roland flicked blood from his light sword and locked eyes with the demon.

"Mister, let’s call it quits. How about we both step back?"

"Who’d want to—"

"I’ll cover your tab today. Fair deal?"

Roland offered an exit.

"You don’t want to be their circus monkey, do you? And honestly, deciding a winner might take too long. Unless… you’ve got hidden cards left? Then I’ll concede."

"Hmph. You’re not entirely foolish."

The demon wasn’t reckless. A wave of his right hand—and the severed fingers snapped back into place, flawless.

*That rapid regeneration after Releasing True Name…* Roland mused. *No wonder human and demon physiques feel worlds apart.*

Amid jeers, the duel ended in a draw.

Roland knew he wouldn’t lose—he simply avoided making enemies.

Back at his seat, Xue Die handed him a beer.

"Sometimes, persuading the enemy to stand down is a key move in the game."

"Uh…"

*Forget it. Life lesson.* Roland let Xue Die’s "wisdom" slide.

"Whoa! That demon’s aura was terrifying!" Thuke eyed Roland up and down. "You’re not hurt?"

"Of course not."

"But that guy—he seemed like a common thug at first. Then *bam*, demon mode. The vibe shifted completely."

Thuke crossed his arms, utterly clueless. "Wait—what’s ‘Releasing True Name’?"

"A demon race innate ability," Autumnwater replied calmly.

"Releasing True Name triggers rapid regeneration, multiplies physical prowess, and lets you cast dark magic instantly—no incantation."

"Sounds insane!"

Thuke really knew nothing.

"Our beastkin regeneration is top-tier too, but reattaching severed fingers? Nearly impossible."

"Only during True Name Release," Autumnwater added with a smile.

"And rumor says the *Second* Release of True Name grants power from the void."

"The void?"

"A fragment of cosmic law. Far beyond us now."

She glanced at Roland.

After all, one-third of his bloodline was demon.

Yet Roland couldn’t even trigger the First Release. Master Gudao said his lineage was too diluted—he’d need overwhelming emotion to awaken it.

But Roland? Naturally detached. He’d save a life if he saw one end, yet felt no mission, no grief.

For him, summoning such emotion wouldn’t be easy.

"Wait—Autumnwater, you *could’ve* Released True Name against the Lionbite Shark, right? Were you holding back?"

Thuke hit the mark. Autumnwater shrugged lightly.

"When it struck me, my ribs shattered. Bone fragments pierced my lungs—a critical wound. I *did* Release True Name once… but I was immobilized. Couldn’t support you."

"I’m curious what demon form you’d take."

"You’d be disappointed."

"Eh? Now I’m *more* curious!"

Just then, Tina returned.

"Sorry to keep everyone waiting."

"No worries! We just watched quite a show," Thuke laughed.

Tina blinked. "A show?"

They filled her in on Roland’s fight with the Mystic-rank High Martial warrior.

Tina nodded thoughtfully. "Then Roland’s close to breaking through to Mystic-rank."

"How so?" Roland asked.

Tina’s lips curved into her familiar smile. "Because of the Faithhunter Goggles."

"The Faithhunter Goggles? What’s the link?"

"I mentioned before—there’s a reason I said you’d become Deities within ten years." Tina clapped once, scanning the group. "You think the Goggles only absorb Faith Power to fight strong foes. But that doesn’t explain *fast* ascension… does it?"

"Now that you say it… yeah," Thuke muttered, arms crossed, head tilted.

Sasha had pondered it too—but trusted it was part of the plan.

Tina continued, voice clear:

"Every time you use Faith Power, your realm advances. Roland—you felt it during that fight, didn’t you?"