Chapter 325: Title Match (2) |
Kaboom—!
Frustration.
That was Mok In-gwang’s, the original Mad Demon’s, honest assessment of the situation.
He had faced countless powerful opponents, overcome numerous life-or-death situations… but this was different.
‘What is this guy?’
His opponent's physique alone was a testament to his exceptional external martial arts skills.
Those monstrously developed muscles were beyond human comprehension.
And it wasn't just brute strength.
He possessed incredible speed and power, sharp reflexes, an iron-clad defense, and battle instincts that seemed to defy logic.
He couldn't mistake it.
The madness that seethed within his opponent.
It was an inhuman energy, a power beyond human comprehension.
‘I can’t believe what I’m seeing. Is he even human?’
It felt like he was fighting a monster disguised as a human, a being from another world.
So, he had deliberately focused on strength and speed, hoping to lure his opponent into a trap, exploiting his instincts… and it had seemed to be working at first…
Kaboom—!
But the claw-like Ki strike he had launched from his blind spot was blocked by his opponent’s hand.
It wasn’t the first time, so Mok In-gwang didn't hesitate. He immediately launched a follow-up attack…
Crack!
…which was also blocked.
“Khahaha!”
And another…
Screech!
…which was deflected.
And another…
…which was completely neutralized.
His opponent’s reactions were completely different from before.
And that meant…
‘…He’s adapting?’
The monster he was fighting was learning, evolving in real time.
Using him, Mok In-gwang, as nourishment.
He had managed to inflict a few wounds, but they weren’t serious.
They healed quickly, vanishing without a trace.
His Ki strikes, imbued with his intent, capable of destroying anything they touched… were being effortlessly regenerated.
Even a Mysterious Realm expert would need time to recover from such wounds… This was unheard of.
“Ugh! What kind of immortal technique have you mastered?! What are you?!”
“Haha! Not bad! You’re not as weak as I thought! Show me more!”
“You madman!”
But his opponent was so unusual, so different from anything he had encountered before, that he couldn’t find an effective counter.
He was outmatched.
Even with his unique skill and special constitution, which allowed him to surpass his limits, he couldn't bridge the gap between them. The difference between reaching the peak of the Master Realm and transcending to the Mysterious Realm was significant.
“Are you tired already? Come on, friend! Let’s go again!”
Mok In-gwang frowned at the taunting words.
He finally realized.
‘…Is he this strong?’
The reason this fight was dragging on was because his opponent wanted it to.
He was furious, but he didn’t have time to dwell on it.
‘This is dangerous.’
He was reaching his limit.
His madness, the source of his power, his innate curse, was now a double-edged sword, pushing against his sanity, threatening to consume him.
‘I have to make a decision.’
He had two choices.
Admit defeat, suppress his power, and calm his mind… or unleash his full power, regardless of the consequences.
‘…Is there even a choice?’
As always, his decision was already made.
A savage grin spread across his face.
‘I might not be as strong as you, but—’
Mok In-gwang activated his secret technique, the Mad Control Heart Technique, which he had been practicing every day since acquiring it in his youth.
He no longer cared about the backlash, the madness that would contaminate his mind.
He had more pressing concerns.
Crack—
His blood flow accelerated, his muscles bulging.
His senses sharpened, his mind focused on a single objective.
To defeat his opponent, by any means necessary.
His mind raced, fueled by his madness, analyzing and strategizing.
His opponent’s madness was vast and overwhelming, but he had the Mad Control Heart Technique, which allowed him to manipulate it more efficiently.
He had already managed to inflict several wounds.
He still had a chance.
Or so he thought.
“Let’s see who the true Mad Demon is!”
“Oh? Suddenly so eager… Hmm?”
His rationality fading, he charged towards his opponent, who was staring at him with wide eyes.
His body was wreathed in a strange, crimson aura.
____________________
Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province.
Inside a building in a back alley, several figures were conversing in hushed tones.
They had even erected a barrier to prevent their conversation from being overheard.
“What about Mad Demon?”
“As planned. He’s headed towards the bandit stronghold where the imposter was last seen. They should have encountered each other by now.”
They were discussing Mok In-gwang, who had left the city to pursue the one who had been impersonating him.
That was their mission, after all.
“Who do you think will win?”
“Judging by the data we’ve gathered, the imposter.”
“I’m not so sure. Mad Demon isn’t the type to surrender easily. If he disregards his own safety…”
“Indeed. He’ll probably go all out, without thinking about the consequences.”
They exchanged opinions as they quickly cleaned up the room.
It was an unpredictable situation, but they all agreed on one thing.
“But whoever survives won’t be in good shape.”
They wouldn’t be able to interfere with their plans for a while.
“Mission accomplished, then.”
“Regardless of the outcome, our job is done. The rest is up to the higher-ups.”
They had successfully pitted the two against each other, eliminating two potential obstacles.
“Move to the next location.”
Their task was complete. They no longer needed to concern themselves with the two Mad Demons’ fate.
“…Dengfeng County.”
And as they vanished,
The building, which had housed an information network just moments ago, was completely empty.
Its previous occupants, along with all traces of their existence, were gone.
____________________
Harley, exchanging blows with the original Mad Demon, couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration.
“This is… impressive!”
His opponent wasn’t even a Mysterious Realm expert yet, but his combat prowess was formidable.
Even considering that Murim martial arts were specialized in one-on-one combat, he was definitely stronger than most otherworlders.
‘A martial art that utilizes refined madness? Interesting.’
His opponent’s skill played a significant role in his performance.
Its versatility and adaptability were incredible, perfectly compensating for the relatively limited variety of Ki-based techniques in this world.
‘This could be useful.’
Harley’s response was simple.
He adapted and learned, observing his opponent’s movements and experiencing his attacks firsthand.
He also had access to 「Mimicry」, the common skill shared among all avatars.
‘And I have “Tyrant of Madness”, specialized in manipulating madness.’
The skill he had acquired after absorbing the White Giant’s core, a fusion of 「Beast of Madness」, 「Heart of the Mad Dragon」, and 「Madness Control」.
It was a power that transcended mere manipulation, a form of control over madness itself.
And thanks to that power, the massive amount of madness within him began to flow along specific pathways.
But…
‘…This seems dangerous.’
Harley, experimenting with his new skills and abilities, suddenly frowned.
“Kyaaa—!”
His opponent, his eyes rolled back, foam dripping from his mouth, charged towards him, completely consumed by madness.
He seemed to have lost control, his body overflowing with uncontrolled Ki, a consequence of pushing his power beyond his limits.
If this continued, he would self-destruct.
‘I still have much to learn from him.’
And that wasn’t what Harley wanted.
The technique he was currently learning was beyond the scope of ordinary martial arts, its level quite high, so he needed more time to properly master it.
‘I was planning to make him my first subordinate in Ganghwange.’
He had to calm him down first, but…
“Hey, buddy? Let’s talk…”
“Kyaaa!”
…Mok In-gwang was beyond reason.
He was attacking relentlessly, indiscriminately, even drawing upon his innate Ki, his life force, to fuel his power.
‘I’ll have to put him down if this continues.’
He had to suppress his madness, even if it meant restraining him.
Otherwise, his uncontrolled madness would consume his innate Ki, leaving him a hollow shell.
‘This is my first time doing this to someone else.’
But he didn’t have time to hesitate.
He would just have to try his best.
“Huu…”
He sighed softly, and then,
Whoosh—!
Whirr— Crackle!
…Steam erupted from his body, accompanied by a jarring metallic sound.
His right eye, glowing with a red light, its pupil slit vertically like a reptile’s, and his left eye, its green iris shimmering like a gem, its pupil now angular.
And then,
Kaboom—!
Another deafening roar, shaking the mountain…
…but the result was completely different this time.
“Haha! Time to calm down a bit.”
“Gah!”
“Bear with it, buddy. Just think of it as anesthesia before surgery.”
Harley’s massive fist, empowered by 「Gem Eye: Coercion」, sank deep into Mok In-gwang’s abdomen.
It was just a momentary pause, but to Harley, who had already analyzed his opponent’s movements, it was more than enough time to land a decisive blow.
“Ugh!”
“Huh! Still not enough?”
Of course, a single punch wasn’t enough to subdue someone consumed by madness.
And he had held back, worried about rupturing his internal organs.
Grab!
He grabbed Mok In-gwang’s head with one hand, his other hand clenching and unclenching as he stared at him intently.
The Mad Demon struggled, his body twitching as he tried to break free, his injuries already healing.
But Harley’s overwhelming strength kept him firmly in place.
‘I’m not sure how effective “Tyrant of Madness” will be…’
But it was better than doing nothing.
It might be a bit… forceful, but he would understand.
“This might sting a bit~.”
Probably.
Wham!
“······!”
And so,
Like a powerful nation quelling a rebellion in a distant land,
He unleashed his overwhelming force,
…to pacify the unruly native.
____________________
There were many inspiring proverbs in this world.
‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.’
What a wonderful motto.
A short and simple phrase, but it spoke volumes about perseverance, dedication, and the indomitable human spirit.
‘And there’s another one.’
Who said it?
‘Spare the rod, spoil the child.’
Wham—! Bam—!
Harley, pondering the wisdom of his elders, diligently applied it to his current situation.
And as a result,
Thud—
“…Ugh… Y-you madman… Cough!”
…He once again confirmed that nothing was impossible.
The current Mad Demon nodded slowly, looking down at the former Mad Demon with a satisfied smile.
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