Gwen’s brow furrowed as she eyed my unshakable composure with suspicion. She offered a half-smirk as she sought confirmation.
"Wait, are you seriously planning to fight them? They’re already on high alert because of you. They’ll definitely coordinate their attack."
"I am aware," I declared. "Even so, I am confident I will win."
Gwen let out a heavy sigh and began messily scratching her head.
"Are you for real? Not to sound like I’m full of myself, but we’re high-ranking beasts, you know? On some planets, we’re even treated like gods."
"I heard the defense mechanisms on each continent are currently overwhelming the beasts."
"That's only because they're dealing with the underlings. The truly strong beasts are staying well-hidden. They’re measuring this planet’s military strength by observing the movements of the others."
"Are there beasts stronger than you?" I asked.
Gwen nodded in response. She shrugged her shoulders and looked at me.
"Of course there are. I’m fairly capable, but I’m not combat-specialized. My limits are pretty clear."
"That is not a problem. The Demon King's Army and I can handle it."
"Wow, such confidence... Do you have some kind of grounds for that?"
"Naturally."
I shifted my shoulder, transforming it into a writhing tentacle. After making it undulate a few times, I returned it to its original form.
Gwen clapped with a look of genuine surprise.
"Oh? You can control my ability?"
"I’ve become able to manipulate it to some extent."
The tentacle was a particularly effective power even against the beasts themselves. Perhaps because Gwen was the original wielder, I could easily defeat other beasts that were otherwise resistant to magic. It had proven extremely useful when I was eliminating the beasts across the continent.
Meanwhile, Gwen glanced at me with a mocking expression and let out an exaggerated sigh, as if finding an opening to belittle me.
"But Lord Harvelt, your outlook is quite naive if you think just having my ability is enough to put you at ease. You seem to be able to use various other magics, but with just that—"
"Who said I was limited to your power alone?"
"...Huh?" Gwen tilted her head.
Instead of answering, I transformed one arm into a tentacle. That section instantly shifted into a series of metallic bands, taking on a unique, shimmering luster. Eventually, the bands took on a wood-like texture, and flowers bloomed from the branches.
The flowers then transformed into butterflies, their wings fluttering as they took to the air. I extended a finger, and one of them came to a rest there. The butterfly dissolved like liquid, seeping into my skin and vanishing. In tandem with that, the changes to my body completely reverted to their original state.
"Wha..."
Witnessing this sequence of events, Gwen was left speechless. She seemed to grasp exactly what this implied. I provided the explanation regardless.
"I have gained limited mastery over the abilities of the beasts I sacrificed to the Valley of the Dead. Now, I can manifest them at will."
The primary characteristic of this power, which I call the Beast's Abnormality, is its innate magic resistance. When used for offense, it makes defense nearly impossible; when used for defense, it provides a robust, impenetrable shield. It is also worth noting that these powers are difficult to interfere with via magic, meaning my execution of these abilities is hard to disrupt.
However, the Beast's Abnormality has its drawbacks.
First, the reproduction is not perfect. I cannot expect the same level of fine control as the original owners. Second, the recoil from usage is significant. Repeated use triggers mental contamination. While convenient, relying on it too heavily is strictly forbidden.
In practice, it is handled as a highest-ranking art that surpasses even forbidden magic. Even abnormalities that seem difficult to use at first glance reveal their true value when combined. Of course, there were also abnormalities that were incredibly powerful even in isolation.
No matter how many high-ranking beasts remain, with this many tools at my disposal, dealing with them will not be difficult. When I factor in the potential for fusing these powers with my magic, the possibilities are endless.
My power as the Demon King is rising toward some bottomless peak.
"This is the basis for my confidence. Do you understand now?"
"You really are an anomaly... Honestly, it’s giving me a headache. I completely picked the wrong person to antagonize, that’s for sure."
With a look of total resignation in her eyes, Gwen flopped down and sprawled out on the floor.