Return Of The Strongest Player

[The process of igniting Sword Aura has begun…]

Messages flooded before Arthur's eyes, but they didn't bother him in the slightest. He was detached from existence, from thoughts, from emotions, from reactions, from actions, from provocation…

For a certain period of time, he was merely a puppet, focusing on his own goals. All distractions and hindrances were drowned out, while Arthur's indifferent gaze focused solely on the shrouded figure of the Devil.

The wind, the light, the warmth, the cold, the roughness of the ground, the pain coursing across his body, the light tickle of the breeze, the fierce gaze of the Devil… They were all merely hindrances.

He was emptiness.

'...'

'...'

An accurate representation of his current thoughts.

[Your epiphany, The State Of Mushin, is being realized.]

[Drastic changes are occurring, both to the user's existence and their connection to the world itself.]

[User's mind is accelerating severalfold.]

[User's inspiration, the State Of Mushin utilized by the Daoists, is being consumed at a terrifying pace.]

[User's inspiration is fueling the user's change.]

[Momentum is upgrading the unknown energy, Sword Spirit, present within the user's body, converting it into a much denser substance.]

[Sword Aura Process: 1%... 2%...]

[User's body is being overloaded.]

[User's body is not powerful enough to withstand the changes. Momentum is being excreted to sustain the user's life.]

[Death Bones resists excretion, but the user's muscles and tendons protest.]

[Death Bones has managed to consolidate 43% of the momentum. 57% of the momentum is being excreted.]

'It's the same sensation yet again.' A single thought formed within Arthur's mind, pulling him out of the Mushin State. The Sword Aura process dipped in efficiency but reverted once Arthur dispelled unnecessary distractions.

The Devil continued to wrap layers upon layers of shadow, and the wordless declaration of cease-fire persisted. The Devil could sense the drastic changes in Arthur's existence, but having pride in his own power, he didn't attempt to hinder it.

While Arthur attempted to unlock Sword Aura, the Devil materialized layers upon layers of a technique accurately named "Shadow Cloak." By coating one's body within shadows, a Devil could escape the limitations of their species, boosting their magical abilities and gaining the capability to summon destructive spells.

The Shadow Cloak also allowed a Devil to perform various other, difficult tasks, such as performing attacks deliberately targeting their opponent's soul.

After forming the layers of Shadow Cloak, the Devil moved onto something much, much more malicious.

'Blood Sacrificial Magic,' the Devil muttered internally, performing many hand signs while repeating a few specific words internally. A malevolent aura spawned, encompassing his incredibly tough body while reinforcing it further.

The Devil stepped forward, staring into the sky as he gouged his own eye out.

*

Arthur was oblivious to the Devil's actions and continued the process without hindrance. He didn't wish to use Heaven's Echo Strike before materializing Sword Aura, as not only was it incredibly tiring–and would render him unable to move for a bit after usage–but it would also waste a precious opportunity.

By improving himself during battle, Arthur would also gain an advantage during future battles in which such techniques were necessary. The Mushin State Of Mind could be incredibly versatile when used properly.

[47%... 48%...]

[49%... 50%...]

[Half-Step Sword Aura achieved. The process has slowed significantly to allow for a smooth assimilation.]

[Mushin State has disabled for smooth assimilation.]

Arthur felt his emotions return. A refreshing and painful sensation coursed across his body simultaneously, as if he were stoned. The State Of Mushin was quite peculiar, and so was the process of reverting.

He smiled, sensing the drastic increase in power. However, his expression darkened as his gaze fell upon the Devil, who seemed to be smirking, despite Arthur's rapid development during battle.

"You're finally back. How do you like this?"

The Devil's voice was rather croaky, with arrogance and disdain poured atop it. Even his voice contained immense power, as Arthur's ears stung as the sound waves entered them. 'What… the fuck.'

Before him was something that could only be described by the word, "monstrosity."

With a thick shroud of shadows coating its true body, it was difficult to spot the specifics. However, it was shaped like Typhon from the Greek myths, with a rather lanky yet tall main body with various sprouting tentacles and limbs.

'The Demon Transformation.'

Arthur was certain he couldn't deal with such a transformation using normal means. But, perhaps his new abilities could hold a candle against his foe.

"I honor your presence, King of our kind. I sacrifice my blood for your cause, for only you possess the power to grant me strength…"

"No!" Arthur roared, rushing forward while using [Ethereal Glide], summoning plates of mana beneath his feet. Directly adjacent to the Devil was a pillar forged using darkness, to which the former was praying.

Arthur's eyes displayed a trace of concern. The King Of Devils was an unknown figure, and could not be awakened. It wasn't like a mere High Tier Novice Beast would awaken it, but sacrificing his blood in exchange for power?

That could become troublesome.

Destructive, even.

"I stand at your feet in honor of your deeds, in respect of your position, in reverence of your power, in awe of your existence, and in hopes that you shall grant your descendant the power to destroy his foe."

"For I am a Devil myself."

Devils were the lower kind of Demons, and had a King, unlike the latter. The King of Devils was unknown and was said to be weaker than the Demons. Although, no one could confirm the fact, as no one had ever witnessed his awakening.

It was only said that the King Of Devils was in a deep slumber and that a certain figure would eventually awaken it.

Arthur summoned wisps of Sun Energy, condensing them before unleashing a powerful blade wave that seemed to shatter the limitations of a regular player. The ground shook, while the sky darkened.

Boom!

The blade wave collided with the Devil, conjuring a storm of dust.