Chapter: Chapter 63: Frenzied Feast
The opulent hall of Count Mandev’s castle was filled with an almost suffocating display of subservience. Mandev himself, a man whose considerable girth strained the buttons of his finely tailored attire, bowed with an exaggerated flourish. His face, a landscape of fleshy folds, was contorted into a smile that did little to reach his eyes.
“Your Majesty King of Winter, what fortunate wind blows you to our humble abode? Your presence graces this castle immeasurably. Oh, heaven above, I feel even the very air has become sweeter!”
Behind him stood a retinue of maids and a butler, their uniforms pristine, their smiles practiced and deferential. The welcome was as elaborate as it could be.
“Your Majesty, I have already commanded the castle chef to prepare a lavish luncheon. I implore you to grace the hall and await the arrival of Miss Naruto, the most exquisite dancer in Most City, who will present her mesmerizing performance for you.”
Seeing the King of Winter’s impassive demeanor, neither warm nor cold, Count Mandev gritted his teeth. Sweat beaded on his large, pudgy hands as he bowed even lower. Mandev had put on a grand show. But Xi Wei was unimpressed. He was here for a reckoning.
While Xi Wei remained cool and detached, Gabriel’s expression was peculiar. Her gaze darted between Count Mandev and the surrounding environment, her delicate, fair nose twitching as if catching an unpleasant scent. She had already concealed her holy light upon entering the city, as flashing around unfamiliar places with glowing effects was neither prudent nor conducive to avoiding trouble.
“Gabriel?” Xi Wei asked, his brow furrowed. He noticed the Saintess of Judgment’s strange behavior and wondered if she was perhaps hallucinating.
“It’s nothing,” Gabriel replied, shaking her head. She clasped her hands behind her back, a warm and inviting smile gracing her lips. Two captivating dimples appeared, seeming to intoxicate everyone in the hall. At least, Count Mandev found himself swallowing hard. He had already tasted Shea’s delights, of course, but this young woman before him was a sublime blend of allure and sanctity, more captivating than Shea. If only he could have her… but no. Count Mandev glanced discreetly at the King of Winter, a flicker of barely concealed envy in his eyes. His mind was already being subtly influenced, making him susceptible to negative emotions.
“Count Mandev, a lavish luncheon is unnecessary. I have only a few questions for you.”
“What were you doing when Count Amper’s army was crossing your territory? Why did the farther City of Winter receive news before you did? Where are your scouts?”
“And more importantly,” Xi Wei’s voice was icy, as frigid as an ice cave, carrying a chilling killing intent. “Where are my Venom Dragon Knights?!”
“Uh… Your Majesty King of Winter, I…”
*Swish!* A dazzling flash of holy light erupted behind Xi Wei. He blinked, barely processing what was happening before the next instant, Gabriel, wielding the Sword of Judgment, a gentle smile on her pretty face, plunged it into Count Mandev’s chest.
“Pfft… You…” Mandev stared, dumbfounded, at the entrancingly pure maiden before him. A searing pain gripped his chest, and the mingled blood and ruptured organs flowed back into his mouth, erupting from his lips.
“Oh my, you wish to know why I stabbed you?” Gabriel’s voice was soft. “Then tell me, Count Mandev, what is your relationship with demons?”
“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Count Mandev clutched his chest, his usually pale face now stark white. His body trembled uncontrollably, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
“Oh my, you don’t know?” Gabriel giggled sweetly, her eyes narrowing. With a soft movement of her small, white hand on the sword’s hilt, she asked gently, “Then tell me, Count Mandev, my sword has pierced your heart, yet you still live. How is that possible?”
“I… because…” Mandev’s lips trembled. His gaze shifted erratically as he tightened his grip on his chest.
“Is it because you have more than one heart? Is it because your heart is a demon heart? Or is it because you, in fact, no longer have a heart? Which is it?”
Count Mandev did not answer Gabriel’s question. He lowered his head, a cruel smile spreading across his face, emitting a strange, choked sound from his throat.
“Keke… What a pity…” A voice, neither fully male nor female, emanated from Count Mandev’s lips, a hoarse sound like glass shards being crushed by leather boots. “I didn’t want it to be like this, but… but Shea is waiting for me. She’s waiting for me, waiting for me! Hehehe, she’s waiting for me!!”
Count Mandev’s voice grew progressively louder, escalating into a shriek. He lifted his head, his eyes, now entirely white sclera, were bloodshot and filled with killing intent. His eyeballs bulged, and his mouth stretched into a manic grin that reached his ears. Sharp fangs clicked and grated, and foul saliva dripped onto the floor. His features were almost grotesquely twisted, instilling fear in everyone around him.
“I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you! Hehehe…” Count Mandev roared, his body beginning to swell. His large hands seized Gabriel’s Sword of Judgment, and for a moment, she couldn’t pull it free.
“I’ll eat you! Shea, my Shea, she’s still waiting for me! Roar!”
With festering skin and foul-smelling fat, the Mandev before them could no longer be called human. He resembled a mountain of flesh. Countless infant faces contorted and wailed on his belly, and infant arms protruded from his monstrous mouth. The epitome of sin and horror—this was a demon.
Xi Wei drew his longsword from behind him, his stance firm, his eyes chillingly cold. Information about Count Mandev flickered into his vision.
[Name: Count Mandev – Abomination Embodied – Bewitched]
[Strength: Level 42 (+15 levels) – High-level Demon (False)]
[Skills: Maw of Despair, Splinter, Flesh and Blood Rebirth; Berserk Might: The Abomination Demon possesses immense power, which further increases as it consumes more flesh and blood. Soul Corruption: The Abomination Demon’s terrifying appearance inflicts psychological trauma on those with weak wills, ultimately driving them to madness and nightmares. Source of Hatred: Having consumed the flesh and blood of 150 innocent children, absorbing their purest hatred, its strength has been amplified. Gluttony: As an elite demon race under the King of Gluttony, Abomination Demons can regenerate wounds by devouring flesh and blood.]
[Equipment: Master-grade Royal Saber, Master-grade Standard Knight Armor (Damaged)]
[Most Territory Reputation: 7863 (A newly appointed Count, unfortunately, he not only did no good deeds but also caused over two hundred families in the territory to lose their children, under the guise of ‘raising personal guards since childhood.’)]
“Hmph, what a disgusting creature…” Xi Wei scoffed, gripping his Conqueror’s Longsword imbued with Qi. With an unwavering momentum, he lunged towards the colossal demon.
