I never expected the battle with Emperor Ba to be this tough. I originally came just to save someone, but it turned into a direct confrontation—something even I couldn't have foreseen.
In the Rose Garden, an anxious Enis paced back and forth, worried about my safety. "Forget it, I'm going to check on him," she muttered, using teleportation to head to the Ten Thousand Demon Hall. In an instant, she arrived in the palace's main hall, which was in ruins, clearly the aftermath of an intense battle. "Where are my husband and Emperor Ba?" she murmured to herself while searching. She spotted the Hero's party nearby—Kaia and Judo were recovering under Emily's healing magic. The group was surprised to see Enis, especially since the woman before them had once driven their expedition to the brink of annihilation. But Enis had no time to deal with them; her heart was solely focused on my safety. "I'm asking you, have you seen my husband?" she demanded of the heroes. "Husband? Is she talking about White? Since when did White get involved with such a powerful and beautiful woman?" Naan said, shocked. "I don't know, but if it's true, White's got some serious game. We underestimated him," Noah added.
"You mean the young man who was fighting the Demon King? They flew out together," Emily answered. Hearing this, Enis immediately flew off without another word. "Isn't that the mysterious woman who nearly wiped us out last time? Her aura is still as overwhelming as ever," Judo remarked. "There's no point staying here. Why don't we go watch the fight?" Kaia suggested. The group agreed and left the palace. Outside, they were stunned by the scene before them. The traces of our battle had reshaped the Demon Realm's landscape—massive craters and collapsed mountains littered the area, and the dark clouds in the sky were torn apart by countless rifts. The intensity of our fight was undeniable. Looking up, they saw two glowing figures clashing in the sky, each collision unleashing powerful bursts of blade-like light and lightning. "It's been a while since I've fought this enjoyably. Waiting all this time wasn't in vain," Emperor Ba said with satisfaction. "All this is thanks to borrowed magic and Enis's personally taught swordsmanship. I have nothing to boast about," I replied humbly. "Speak of the devil," Emperor Ba said, turning his head. I looked over and saw Enis watching us from a distance. "Husband!" she called out to me. "Why are you here? Didn't I tell you to stay home?" I said, surprised. "I was worried about you! Why are you two fighting?" she asked. "Enis, I need to personally test if this man is worthy of you. Stay out of this," Emperor Ba told her. "Leave this to me. Your husband isn't so easily defeated," I reassured her. "Alright, be careful," Enis said reluctantly, flying off.
"Let's begin the second round," Emperor Ba declared, preparing his next move. "Bring it on!" I said, gripping my sword. "Let's see how you handle my full power after so long," he said, sheathing his sword and spreading his arms wide as he began to channel his energy. "Ha!" A terrifying aura of demonic energy enveloped him, shaking the entire Demon Realm. Even with the power of the Soul-Locking Pearl, I couldn't match this force. As he claimed, his strength had surpassed that of the former Demon King and Hero.
"I didn't expect him to be hiding such power," Enis said, shocked by his hidden strength. (So this is the true power of the Demon King?) I thought to myself. "Take this, kid!" Emperor Ba struck first, launching an energy wave at me. I tried to slash through it with my sword, but it wouldn't break, and the wave pushed me back far. "Ugh, he's gotten so much stronger," I muttered, refusing to back down. I unleashed a massive purple flame bullet, its searing heat rocketing toward him. But Emperor Ba blocked it with one hand and crushed it effortlessly. "Hmph, is that all you've got?" he said mockingly. I rushed forward, attacking with a flurry of rapid sword strikes, but he casually blocked them with a single finger.
"Break!" Seizing an opening, he struck me with a palm, sending me flying as I coughed up blood. (Ugh, this is bad. He's so strong that even the previous Demon King and Hero combined might not stand a chance,) I thought, clutching my chest. "Husband!" Enis shouted anxiously. "I'm fine," I replied weakly. I knew I had to push beyond my limits, or I'd never defeat him. I tried to channel every ounce of magic within me, my body radiating both icy and fiery energy. My skin and bones ached as if burning and freezing at the same time, but I endured the pain as my magic surged. "Argh!" With a loud roar, the pain vanished. The Soul-Locking Pearl had fully merged with my body, and I had completely absorbed the power of both predecessors. My strength now surpassed Enis's and was approaching Emperor Ba's level. Though there was still a slight gap, it was enough to hold my own without being completely overwhelmed. My hair glowed red, lightning crackled around my body, and heat radiated from my palms. "Let's end this, Your Majesty!" I declared, gripping my sword. "Hmph," he responded, instantly closing the distance. I charged forward, and we clashed, each strike shaking the earth.