Parallel Vol. 5

Chapter 41: Fulfilling Promises

"Razznik!" An incomprehensible, terrible roar exploded over all of Oni Hill! An apocalyptic pressure that threatened to rend the world apart accompanied the shout, causing even the strongest like Kashi to cough up mouthfuls of blood. All across Oni Hill, thousands of warriors and undead blacked out instantly due to the gargantuan presence.

"Flad! Stop!" Zeing Ashqoj desperately roared as he dashed and grabbed Fladnag's shoulder before the latter could reach Razznik. Zeing struggled to hold Fladnag, whose appearance resembled an avenging spirit from hell. The old man's skin was red with rage, and his hair and beards fluttered madly as if galvanized by hellish winds.

In contrast, Razznik's expression was frightfully calm as he glanced at the enraged mage. "Why, if it isn't SaruMaru. It has been a thousand years. Why do you persist with that ridiculous disguise?" Razznik clenched his fist, and said as he slowly raised his hand, "Judging by your expression, I presume you wish to fight me?"

"Do not be ridiculous, Razznik." Sayen appeared between Razznik and Fladnag. She backed the mage, and cast Razznik a reproachful glare. "You both exist above the world's laws. A casual punch from either of you would destroy everything and everyone here."

"I did not instigate this fight, merely responded to it." Despite Razznik's words, he relaxed his fist, and then looked at Sayen with mirth in his eyes. "Just like a thousand years ago, you admonish me for a fight I did not start. So, I take it you have not regretted your choice ever since?"

Sayen shook her head, and then softly replied, "Just like a thousand years ago, you are the stronger one. You ultimately decide how many casualties occur in any fight. So, no, I have never regretted my choice, unfair though it may have been."

"Even after a thousand years, your convictions have remained the same. Always looking out for the greater good. Though misguided, I still appreciate your tenacity." Razznik nodded, and then gazed beyond her at Fladnag. "Saruma—no, Marusan. Surely, you do not remain vexed over the Treants? It has been a thousand years since."

Fladnag... No, Marusan's eyes burned with anger as he glared at the red-haired demon responsible for ending the Treant race. "You doomed an entire race to extinction! Do you believe I would ever get over that!?"

"Though I had my reasons, admittedly, I acted rashly in my haste." Razznik looked at Sayen, and then back at Fladnag. "I shall not apologize for my actions, but I can offer a solution to your problem. If you are willing, of course."

Marusan's heart skipped a beat as he stared at Razznik in disbelief. "S-solution?" What the hell did this mad man mean by solution? If the Treants were so easily restored, he would not have descended into madness over the past millennium!

"Mm" Razznik nonchalantly nodded. He then thumbed down at the struggling Kashi as he stated, "That ignorant brat has the solution to your problem. I plan on giving him a test soon. I'll tell you the solution if he passes."

"And if he doesn't?"

Razznik shrugged. "Well, he'll be dead. So, the knowledge would not help you anyway."

"Y-you bastard! I-ll—kaff kaff!" A violent coughing fit interrupted Kashi's tirade. Clumps of blood mixed with shredded flesh splattered across the ground. It was obvious that Kashi's stubborn fight against Razznik's aura was destroying him from the inside. Fortunately, the draconian's monstrous healing factor just barely kept him alive. However, he could only stand. Any attempt to speak or move caused the damage to multiply beyond what he could endure.

Razznik ignored Kashi, and instead looked at Rider and Skyrm, who looked at him with complicated gazes. "Skyrm, you do not need to question it. It is true. Zeno is alive, and that idiot can take you to her location."