I Became an Illegal Cheat User

140 – Demon Slayer (4)

Prove it─.

The words of the Demon Slayer.

At that single phrase, the demons sprawled across the floor, eyes wide open.

Crack, crack!

A chilling sound echoed from all directions, like wood twisting.

The demons, nearing death, rose from their bodies that had been frozen in time.

…Kieeeeeeeeeek─!

A wail echoed from afar. The sound gradually drew closer, like crashing waves.

And before long, the screams reverberated from everywhere.

Kiaaak──!!!

Like sharp nails scraping a chalkboard.

The mere sound sent shivers down my spine, a wave that struck my entire being. At the same moment, the demons’ crimson eyes all turned to me in unison.

Faced with such a bizarre sight, I wasted no time and immediately assumed a combat stance.

Clank─.

First, I drew my weapon of choice.

…Wiiiiiiiiiiiiing……!!

That weapon was, of course, the minigun, effective against the overwhelmingly larger number of enemies in this situation.

And right after that.

Click, click!

Though its sustained firepower was lower than the minigun, I controlled two Thunderbolts with my telekinesis, each hovering over my shoulders, unleashing explosive firepower in an instant.

Of course, with consistent use of telekinesis, I could easily manage around fifty items the size of a handgun, as my available limits had increased.

But the place I was in was not reality; it was the mental realm.

A place where only the appearance of items applied, but their effects did not activate.

Moreover, due to the peculiarities of this space itself, I could use my magical power, but I could not recover it.

In other words, outside the mental realm, like the fog of death where the physical body was active, this space was also a ‘Mana Zero Zone’ where mana did not exist.

*Sigh… this situation is really complicated in many ways.*

Thanks to that damned rule, the effects of items wouldn’t activate, so even potions, classified as consumables, would be useless.

To make matters worse, since there was no mana in the atmosphere, the infinite mana cheat that would allow me to draw mana from the air and use my magical power without limits was also rendered ineffective.

Due to such adverse conditions, I cannot fully unleash my psychic powers, nor can I maximize the firepower I possess.

‘…Still, it’s a relief.’

Even in this unfavorable situation, there was a glimmer of fortune.

Though this space is set against the horrific backdrop of hell, it lacks the deathly aura of the outside world.

‘What do you mean, it lacks a deathly aura?’

The double consumption of magical power due to the deathly aura, and the enhancement of the enemies.

Just the absence of those things brings a slight comfort.

Of course, the lack of buffs and debuffs from the deathly aura doesn’t mean the current situation is easy.

Thinking this, I fired the minigun, its barrel spinning at maximum speed.

KWA-aaahhh──!!

A deafening roar echoed.

A white flash shot forth from the muzzle of the minigun.

Simultaneously, with a rumble and crash! The two Thunderbolts, switched to rapid-fire mode, unleashed bullets entwined with lightning, streaking toward the demons like a storm.

PERVERVERVERVERVERVERVERVBANG─!!

WHIRRRRRRRRRRRR!!

The bullets struck the demons’ bodies, causing explosions. Sacred flames of white, formed from divine power, blazed fiercely.

KIaaahhh─!!

In response, the demons gaped in agony, their mouths wide open.

It seemed the pain was significant, given their inherent opposition to divine power.

Yet, contrary to the screams that filled the space, the demons did not vanish.

Even as their bodies burned from the divine power.

Even as their arms and legs were blown off by the impact of the bullets.

Even as parts of their heads exploded, spilling their insides.

The demons did not fall; they continued to charge at me.

I clicked my tongue at the frenzied sight.

It was understandable, as I could guess the reason the demons were still intact.

‘…It seems the damage is lacking this time due to the items.’

Outside the mental realm, in reality, the damage was insufficient due to a lack of talent.

Now, it was the non-application of item effects that prevented me from smoothly dispatching the enemies.

Truly, it was an annoying situation.

Kraaack─!!

The demons injured by my gunfire let out another monstrous scream.

But this time, the scream was not just a cry; it was filled with rage and murderous intent.

In plain terms, they were furious.

‘Hah.’

Faced with the demons’ determination to tear me apart, I sighed and let go of the minigun I was holding.

Boom…!

The minigun that fell to the ground kicked up dust with a heavy sound.

‘Normally, I would have just swung it like a blunt weapon.’

Unfortunately, I couldn’t do that now.

And rightly so, the minigun, the Angel of Death, was a weapon designed with an extremely high intensity to withstand the subordinates of Christmas, who were a half-grade higher.

Of course, the minigun I was currently using had been specially modified through the synthesis of the mechanical sorcerer, Winley, and had reached an A-grade like Christmas. So, it was okay to use excessive ammunition…

However, it was originally designed with a very high intensity, making its weight significantly heavier than a typical minigun.

Still, at the time of its creation, I didn’t pay much attention to that. Even now, it’s the same.

The reason is simple.

Back then, I had Ares Armor, and now I have Atlas Armor.

Both armors share a common effect, a “superhuman strength” that allows me to lift heavy objects with ease, so I could manage even with the increased weight.

But now, that advantage had turned into a disadvantage.

The nature of this space.

Due to the non-application of item effects.

‘Let’s admit it.’

I was complacent.

Skills, talents, magic, and even scientific technology.

In a world with various abilities, there must be some ability or technology that deactivates item effects, just like here.

Sigh, a bitter smile formed at the corner of my mouth.

At the same time, I realized how shallow my thinking had been.

But such self-criticism didn’t last long.

No, to be precise, I couldn’t afford to dwell on it.

Kieeeeeeeeeek─!!

Tap, tap, tap, tap-tap-tap!!

A twisted howl burrows into my ears.

Horrific faces come into view.

The distance to the demons has noticeably shrunk.

‘Right.’

Mistakes can be corrected later.

So, let’s put those thoughts aside for now.

‘Let’s focus on the situation at hand.’

As I think this, I take a deep breath.

Thump, thump, I raise the tension, warming my chest with heat.

Then, I lift my foot slowly.

Hummm, I concentrated my magic into the soles.

And just as the demons were almost upon me—

Kuuung!!

I slammed my foot, glowing with a deep blue light, down onto the ground with all my might.

In that moment, the gathered magic burst forth like a balloon popping, sending shockwaves in all directions.

Kieeeeeeeeeek?!

The demons, who were about to claw and bite at me, let out startled cries as they were flung backward.

Seeing this, I stretched both hands upward.

Clack, clack!

I grasped the two Thunderbolts I was controlling with telekinesis in my hands.

And just like that, I smoothly scanned the demons and pulled the triggers.

Rumble—Kwahwahwahwahwahng──!!

The thunderous sound reverberated throughout the space.

It drowned out the demons’ howls.

Simultaneously, the white-blue flashes shot from the barrels, spreading like lightning, piercing into the heads of the demons I had scanned.

Pababababababababang─!

Explosions echoed from all around.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh─!

White flames bloomed in my vision like flowers in full bloom.

In that scene, I calmly and precisely scanned the demons in order of proximity, firing my weapon while waiting for the right moment.

Crack, crackle!

Timing to use the Thunderbolt’s special effect, ‘Lightning Explosion.’

‘Only one magazine swap allowed.’

The energy recharge for the Lightning Explosion fills up only when both magazines are depleted, making any further reloads inefficient in this situation where I need to conserve my mana.

Of course, since the distance between the gun and my body is very close, the mana used for the transfer isn’t much.

But with mana recovery limited right now, even that little bit feels precious.

So, I reload just once.

I take a magazine from the semi-transparent inventory beside me and load it.

‘It’s slower than reloading with transfer, but… still, it saves mana.’

And to be honest, that’s just talk.

Reloading by hand isn’t slow at all.

Clack, click.

I discard the magazine that has expended all its bullets.

Immediately, I pull out a new magazine from the inventory and load it.

Then, boom! The shot fires.

Swift, precise.

The actions flow as naturally as the wind.

Honestly…, I did it, but it’s a seamless flow that’s worthy of admiration.

‘Indeed, a superhuman is a superhuman.’

It hasn’t even been a year since I started using firearms.

The superhuman body, enhanced in strength and agility, allows me to wield weapons with the skill that ordinary people would only master after long training.

Let alone, I am a superhuman of a higher tier.

The spatial awareness, remarkably improved since my mid-level reflexes, informs me in advance of ‘when and how’ to pull out and load the magazine.

‘This kind of power is, in a way, a cheat.’

Not just a cheat.

Status windows, attributes, even the mana and divine power filling my body…, and my unique abilities.

Having once lived an ordinary life in another world, it feels all the more special.

Just like when I first possessed this place.

As I suddenly had such thoughts and feelings, I smiled faintly and moved my body in response to the life I sensed all around me.

Thunderous Boom─!

The gun fires.

The sharp senses of the sniper (A+) detect the most dangerous threats in order, those that could attack me.

Crack, thud, crackle!

I swing my legs.

I strike with my hands and elbows.

Guided by the master of close combat (A+), I employ the most effective methods of destruction.

As the battle continues, when the conditions for the special effect of Thunderbolt are met.

‘Now.’

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz──!!!

Without hesitation, I unleash the ‘Lightning Explosion.’

Just a bit more, towards where the enemies are clustered.

‘Now it’s useless.’

Under normal circumstances, perhaps I wouldn’t know.

But here and now, the value of using Thunderbolt with its special effect is no longer relevant.

So I discard it. Then I pull out a new gun, fully loaded, and use it.

‘Anyone who doesn’t know me would find this absurd.’

To throw away a weapon in the midst of an enemy onslaught.

Beyond absurdity, they might think I’m desperate to die.

Such an outrageous act, yet.

For me, who possesses the cheat of infinite items, it’s nothing.

Thinking this, I firmly pull the trigger of the new gun, expending bullets.

In the midst of this, I sense a thick killing intent from behind and the side.

I immediately pivot on my left foot, swinging my weapon as I fire.

Thwack, crack─, screeeech!

The sound of impact pierces my ears.

Simultaneously, I feel the sensation of flesh being crushed in my hand.

The killing intent from the side has vanished.

Now, what remains is the killing intent from behind.

Kiaaah─, crunch!

“……!”

The gun was shattered.

By the teeth of the demon lunging at me from behind.

Heh─, crunch, crunch.

The demon grinned, a grotesque smile spreading across its face. It chewed on the remnants of the gun as if it were a snack.

As if to say, you’re finished now.

In that moment, I was filled with a mix of disbelief and curiosity.

What kind of confidence is this?

Could it be that it has some grand plan?

No.

No way.

There isn’t any.

From what I can tell, the demons have no special powers at this moment.

In my encounters with them, I’ve discerned that the demons possess only two things.

A purely strong physique. And a sinister aura befitting hell.

Nothing else.

To put it simply, the demons here are no different from beasts that think of only three things: ‘kill. eat. reproduce.’

As I organized my thoughts, I began to grasp the meaning behind the demon’s smirk directed at me.

‘…It thinks that since I’ve destroyed its weapon, I can no longer fight.’

Has its intelligence dropped to that of a bug upon resurrection?

Surely, it must have seen me discard my weapon and pull out a new one just moments ago.

‘Ah, could it be that it’s one of the demons in the back row, not the front?’

If that’s the case, it might not know.

But regardless, it seems that these demons are fundamentally ignorant, beyond just being foolish.

‘That works for me; it’s easier to face an instinctual enemy than a rational one.’

A strong but dim-witted foe is far easier to deal with in a fight than a weak but clever one.

Of course, that’s only true if I have the strength and means to back it up.

And right now, I have all the strength and means I need.

Tap.

I let out a scoff and dropped the shattered weapon from my hands.

And with all my divine power, I seized the head of the demon, which was poised to swipe at me with its claws, dripping with venom.

Fwoosh—, Kyaaah—!!

The demon screamed.

It thrashed in agony as its head burned.

Evil, evil!

The demon’s sharp claws scratched at my arm incessantly.

With each strike, fragments of the Atlas Armor fell away.

Krrrkk!

The relatively undamaged areas began to shift, revealing patches of skin beneath.

This is not a restoration function.

Due to the spatial properties, the item effects have been deactivated.

‘If it were a restoration function, it would have healed itself without drawing from other areas.’

So this is a feature inherent to the item itself.

‘What should I call this?’

Perhaps a restoration of form?

I thought this as I hurled the demon, engulfed in holy flames from head to toe, to the ground.

Then I lifted my foot and stomped down, CRACK! Crushing the demon’s head.

Despite such brutal actions, the demons did not retreat.

Instead, they surged forward with an even greater fury and murderous intent, as if recalling long-buried memories.

‘Normally, such ruthlessness would instill at least a momentary sense of intimidation.’

In the case of a creature driven by instinct, they would be paralyzed by fear, beyond mere intimidation.

Let alone, I was currently free from the constraints of the ‘Demon Slayer’ talent.

Thus, it would be expected that the demon’s momentum would falter under one of the effects of the Demon Slayer: ‘Contempt for the Weak.’

Yet, rather than faltering, the demons seemed poised to pierce the heavens with their rage.

Amidst this scene, I noticed the ‘Original of Talent’ watching me with crossed arms among the demons.

‘…It seems they’ve taken some measures regarding the talent.’

Just moments ago, I believed this place to be my mental realm, free from the emotional erosion of the talent.

But now, as I fought the demons, I realized.

Not only was there emotional erosion, but all effects of the ‘Demon Slayer’ were deactivated like item effects.

CRACK!

‘The time it takes for a skull to shatter feels a bit slow.’

In the punches filled with divine power, the demon’s head does not break immediately.

Thud, thud! Crack!

Once, twice. And then a third time.

Only after three punches does the demon’s skull finally break.

It’s nice that there’s no emotional erosion of talent.

But when facing evil, it’s quite disappointing that the talent’s effects, which would have a significant impact, are absent.

‘Well.’

If the effect of the Demon Slayer had been applied normally, by now the demons would have been smashed to bits by my fists, not by bullets.

One punch, one demon.

Ah, that would be so satisfying.

I clicked my tongue, swallowing my disappointment, and swung my fist ablaze with divine power. At the same time, I unleashed thunderous gunfire.

Boom, crackle!

Thud, thud! Snap, crackle!

Whoosh, whoosh!

With each thunderous roar, the demon’s body bursts apart.

With every punch and kick, demons fall.

As divine power and holy flames ignite, demons turn to ash.

But in proportion to that.

Crack, snap!

The frequency of my weapons breaking increased.

Evil—, whoosh!

Armor tore, and wounds multiplied on my body.

Vroom…, whoosh….

The magical and divine energy that had filled my body was rapidly depleting.

Still, I did not stop moving.

Each time a weapon broke, I pulled out a new one.

Each time my armor tore, I retrieved new armor to restore myself.

Each time a wound appeared, I gritted my teeth and swept through the surrounding demons.

Yet, there were still many demons left.

My limited resources (magical power, divine power) are crawling on the ground.

And after a little while.

‘The pendulum will tilt to one side.’

…This is not good.

The enemy hasn’t all fallen, yet I am weakening.

Beyond the rapid decline of my chances, I must consider defeat.

The ‘worst’ that I absolutely do not want to think about.

But even so.

‘It’s okay. I can still manage.’

I did not despair.

I did not become pessimistic, nor did I think of giving up.

Because as I think now, I can still manage.

Even if my weapons continue to be destroyed to the point where I can no longer use ‘Lightning Explosion.’

Even if my armor is torn, my shoulder bitten, and long claw marks drawn across my side.

Even if my magical and divine powers are nearly depleted, and my strength has weakened.

I still believe I can manage.

Why?

‘Because I’m not dead.’

I’m still alive.

My life has not yet been extinguished.

So I cannot stop.

No, I don’t even think of stopping.

What I am thinking right now.

What I keep repeating in my mind.

Is only the battle.

Pulling the trigger of the gun.

Throwing punches and kicks.

When those are not enough, pulling out a belt full of grenades and throwing them around to explode.

Now, I have used means that harm me without hesitation.

Only for the sake of dealing with the demons.

To eradicate all the demons visible in my sight, here and now.

‘It no longer matters if I’m a demon slayer or anything else.’

Proof? A test?

At first, I tried to focus on the intentions of the demon slayer.

But now, I don’t care. No, I don’t even want to care.

In this moment, I will feel purely as I do.

Not the erosion of talent’s emotions, but my true thoughts.

Hatred towards the demons.

Anger for the wounds they inflicted upon me.

Thus, the desire to make them pay.

I embrace the aggressive and negative energy without reservation, and I strike down the demons.

Only that.

Like the reason for my existence.

I savor this moment.

Yes.

Right now, I am igniting my life.

More fiercely than ever before.

And so.

I fought and fought again.

Buried in the mud of demons.

I burned my life, scattering my enemies like ash.

And when I was about to expel all the flames I held within.

….

…….

“……?”

All the movements of the demons came to a halt.

The momentum to tear me apart vanished.

At the same time.

– Lee Yu-jin.

Filling the space.

The original voice of talent, the voice of the demon slayer roared like thunder.

– You have proven yourself.

– Therefore, I, the specter of hell, will acknowledge you.

The flickering flame within my body surged sharply.

The power that had been restricted, the strength that had originally existed, returned.

…No.

Beyond mere return, it surged even more.

As I was bewildered by such a rise in power, the voice of the demon slayer pierced my ears again.

– You are worthy of wielding the power of the demon slayer.

…Worthy.

With those words, I realized I had been acknowledged by the original talent, the demon slayer.

And.

[Talent, “Demon Slayer (S)” acknowledges you.]

The talent I possess, the demon slayer.

[Congratulations.]

[You have passed the trial of talent.]

….

[Pass reward: Talent rank increase.]

…….

[Talent, “Demon Slayer (S)” evolves into “Demon Slayer (S+)”.]

An alert indicating its evolution appeared in my vision.

*

*

*

Meanwhile, outside the realm of the mind.

In reality, amidst the fog of death.

Boom, crash, kaboom!

…Chaeng, ching, chaeng!

“Lee Seoyeon! The demon king is heading your way! Be careful!”

“…I see it too!”

“Arthur! Lee Seoyeon! I’ll help you!”

“No! Noah, focus on the Four Heavenly Kings! That’s how we’ll be safer!”

A fierce battle was underway.

Noah faced one of the Four Heavenly Kings, a necromancer, along with numerous undead and monsters.

And Arthur and Lee Seoyeon, the reason they had entered the mist, their target, the Demon King.

They divided into two fronts, responding to the enemy’s onslaught.

《…Pathetic creatures, flailing about.》

The Demon King aimed for Lee Seoyeon, but instead, he was wounded by her rapid sword strikes, retreating with a grimace.

Then, he raised the spear he held in one hand high.

《This is where the fun ends. All of you, dissolve into my magic and vanish!》

The immense magical energy swirling around the spear was hurled toward the ground.

KWAANG! The Demon King’s spear plunged into the earth.

At that moment, the violet magical energy swirling around it exploded with tremendous force.

…PUHWAHAHAHAHA──!!

Like a massive wall, like a storm.

It surged toward Lee Seoyeon, Arthur, and Noah.

Amidst the wave of magic, Arthur shouted with a desperate look.

“Everyone, get behind me!”

Arthur raised Excalibur, shining brilliantly with golden light.

“Arthur! I’ll help you!”

Noah pressed his blazing hand against Arthur’s back. Then, holding an ampoule filled with holy water in his mouth, he supplied Arthur with divine power.

With no proper defensive skills, Lee Seoyeon instead sent out waves of sword energy, parrying the incoming attacks from the enemies.

“…Haaah─!”

Arthur shouted as he plunged Excalibur, ablaze with divine fire, toward the ground.

…No.

At the moment he tried to strike.

“Angel Summon.”

The voices of the person they had longed for echoed softly in the ears of Lee Seoyeon, Arthur, and Noah.

And at that moment.

…Quack!

With a sound that burrowed into the ground.

…Whooosh─!!

The black sky split apart.

Wooosh──!!!

Heaven descended.