Chapter 350: Because This is Certain (3)

Edwin's confidence momentarily faltered. He looked at Ghislain with a puzzled expression and asked.

"What, is that?"

"I told you, it's an exorcism tool. You could also call it a tool to treat your and Edwin's weak minds. Physical therapy is the best for a fragile spirit."

"You insolent wretch... to dare, in front of the great being from the demon realm...."

"You're not from the demon realm. You're just squatting here because you can't even control yourself properly, right? If you could, you'd be pretending to be kind and blending in."

Ghislain's sudden words made Edwin flinch for a moment. However, he quickly recovered and began emitting intense demonic energy, laughing.

"It seems you haven't experienced, the hell I've endured. Even the goddess's holy power, has no effect, on me. Do you think something like that, could do anything to me?"

As the crackling demonic energy reached his body, Ghislain casually waved it away.

"Where did you come up with this kind of imitation and act like a demon? You're amusing."

Seeing Ghislain's relaxed demeanor, Edwin ground his teeth. This body was the son of a powerful Count, and everyone who had come to him so far had treated him with caution and respect.

But who was this man to act so casually? And with such ridiculous methods, claiming he could exorcise and heal him? This body was the heir to Count Mowbray. Killing or disabling him was unthinkable.

Even Count Mowbray had already beaten him with a club, but he, too, never crossed a certain line.

"Grrr... You're an amusing one. This body, is not affected, by mere mortal pain....."

Even if beaten, it would only harm Edwin's body. He might feel the pain, but it was only human pain at best. Such things could never instill fundamental fear in a being like him. Any ordinary shock would be blocked by his aura.

This must just be bluster—an empty threat from someone treating him like a mere human. With neither holy power nor magic effective, the Count must have resorted to such childish measures. Edwin couldn't help but sneer.

"Such threats, only work on fools... Find another, childish method....."

Ghislain ignored Edwin's words and carefully pulled a set of brass knuckles from his bag, slipping them onto his fingers. Flexing his wrist a few times, he smirked and said.

"Let's take it easy today since it's the first day. Hang in there."

"Such arrogance...."

Wham!

Before Edwin could finish his sentence, Ghislain's fist slammed into his face.

"Gah!"

Edwin's head snapped to the side, frozen in place. He couldn't comprehend what had just happened.

'Did he really hit me? I'm the heir to the Count! This isn't divine healing! What kind of treatment is this? Is this… physical therapy?'

Ghislain's voice echoed in his ears.

"Head back to its proper position."

"You wretch…!"

As Edwin turned his head back, seething with rage, another punch came from the opposite side.

Wham!

"Guh!"

Edwin couldn't think straight. He wasn't supposed to feel pain, but he did—excruciating pain.

'W-what is this?'

His demonic energy surrounded this human body, so it was supposed to shield him from any significant pain. Even against magic, the same should apply. Only someone incredibly skilled could hurt this body.

But now, he was feeling human pain directly. No, that wasn't the most unsettling part. Something unknown was striking at his very essence, hitting him where it truly hurt.

Ghislain was channeling mana into his punches, targeting the energy that had overtaken Edwin's body, but the evil spirit had no way of understanding that.

"Argh! You wretch! How dare you hit me!"

Wham!

"Guh!"

Even as fury bubbled up within Edwin, mingled with tremendous pain, he couldn't believe what was happening. How could a mere human dare to strike him like this?

How could anyone dare to lay hands on the body of the Count's heir? Edwin's and the evil spirit's emotions mingled, creating a chaotic storm of rage and disbelief.

"You wretch! How dare you! I'll curse you! My power will devour your soul! All the heavens will descend upon you, tearing you to shreds, and all the creatures of the earth will drag you into a pit of fire..."

"What nonsense."

Wham!

"Ouch!"

The pain was unbearable, and Edwin let out a groan despite himself. He couldn't understand what was happening. Why did a human's simple punches hurt this much?

It felt as though his very soul was being struck, torn apart by a chilling force that pierced and stabbed at him.

"Aaaaargh!"

Clang!

Edwin, consumed by rage, let out a piercing scream and reached out to grab Ghislain. Though chained, he retained enough freedom of movement to eat and perform basic actions. Grabbing someone right in front of him wasn't difficult.

But Ghislain was no ordinary man. His movements were honed to perfection.

Thud.

With a light flick of his wrist, Ghislain easily deflected Edwin's hand, which didn't even come close to touching him. Edwin, who had never properly trained, was no match for Ghislain, even with his body enhanced by demonic energy.

No matter how much energy he concentrated and unleashed, Ghislain simply waved it away, as if swatting a fly.

'W-what is this? Who is this man?'

He wasn't a priest, nor a mage. While he already used mana, his methods were impossible to decipher. It was just punches, but they caused this much pain? Edwin couldn't fathom it.

He wasn't the only one dumbfounded. Arel, who had been standing tensely to the side, was equally shocked.

'This is… exorcism?'

He had braced himself, thinking it would be a difficult task. After all, they were dealing with an evil spirit. He had steeled himself more than anyone else.

But now that he saw it for himself, it was… just beating someone up.

Could evil spirits really be exorcised like this? Was this even right? Everything Arel thought he knew crumbled.

He suddenly remembered Ghislain's words before entering the tower.

— Whatever you see, don't be surprised. Got it?

'Ah.'

Only now did Arel understand what Ghislain meant.

As Ghislain enthusiastically pounded Edwin, Arel pulled out a small notebook and began jotting down notes.

'Evil spirits.... can be beaten out.... Note this down....'

Arel, eager to learn, diligently recorded everything so he wouldn't forget. Writing practice was just a bonus. His devotion to following his mentor's example was a testament to his dedication as a disciple.

Wham! Wham! Wham!

"Guh! You wretch! How dare you! Aaaaargh!"

The physical therapy showed no signs of stopping. 

Ghislain threw himself into his work with vigor. His punches, though precise, were infused with mana that struck at the hidden energies within Edwin's body. His mastery ensured that the punches inflicted only pain, not broken bones.

In the end, Edwin could only scream in agony.

"Aaaaargh! I am! This body is! The Count's son! The heir to this land! Do you think you can, hit me like this, and walk away unharmed?"

"Oh, it's fine. As long as you don't die."

As long as he didn't die, it was fine. He'd just keep hitting until Edwin surrendered. He had never seen a problem that couldn't be solved this way.

Edwin began thrashing even more wildly.

"Is anyone out there? Someone, help me! This man is trying to kill me!"

"Nope, no one's out there."

Everyone had already been cleared out, so there was no way Edwin's screams could be properly heard. In fact, even if someone were to die here, no one would know.

Fuming with anger, Edwin glared with his blackened eyes and shouted.

"Do you not fear my curse? I will make sure you...."

Wham!

"Gah!"

Ghislain couldn't have cared less about such threats. He knew full well that this creature had no such power. 

And so, Ghislain spent the next few days mercilessly beating Edwin. Arel fetched meals each time, always greeted with lavish feasts befitting a Count's household.

"Wow, this is delicious. Let's eat quickly and get back to work."

Ghislain never wasted a moment. From the second day onward, he began teaching Arel while continuing to pummel Edwin.

"Now, watch closely. Striking here makes it hard for them to breathe, so their posture changes like this."

Thud!

"Guh-hack!"

"This spot is a weak point, but if you don't hit it properly, you'll leave yourself open to counterattacks." 

Wham!

"Argh!"

"The stance you use when attacking is also important. You need to be ready to respond immediately if your opponent dodges or blocks."

Thud!

"Gah-hack!"

Arel nodded fervently and took diligent notes. Seeing his eager disciple's studious attitude brought a satisfied smile to Ghislain's face.

"Alright, now it's your turn."

"Yes, sir!"

Ghislain handed Arel a club, and Arel earnestly practiced what he had been taught. Of course, he couldn't channel mana like Ghislain to strike the hidden energy within Edwin. He was simply training, pure and simple.

Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!

"Good, that's it. You're doing well."

Ghislain beamed as he watched Arel train enthusiastically.

Meanwhile, Edwin, even as he was being beaten, couldn't help but think.

'What the hell are these people?'

He felt like he had been caught up in something completely absurd. He truly felt like he might die, but somehow, he didn't, and that made it even worse. 

Ghislain barely slept. Just when Edwin thought it was over, Ghislain would close his eyes for a few minutes, then spring back up, ready to continue.

This guy isn't human.

In comparison, even the so-called apprentice slept more.

Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!

'When is this going to end?'

Later, they even began hitting him during meals. Both master and disciple took turns beating him, leaving no moment of rest. 

At some point, a deep fear began to settle in. Edwin truly felt like this would never end. He desperately wanted it to stop. 

He couldn't endure this pain any longer. Even the evil spirit possessing Edwin's body and mind began to falter, leading Edwin's original consciousness to start resurfacing.

'No, no... I don't want to wake up...'

The evil spirit had already absorbed Edwin's memories and consciousness, merging them into one. They shared emotions, too. 

Edwin's heart was filled with depression, anger, and despair. That's why, as one with the spirit, he constantly lashed out in rage and acted ferociously.

The crushing pressure of being the heir to a noble family. The grueling lessons and studies he despised and couldn't keep up with. The constant scolding from his father had eroded his confidence over time.

As the heir to the estate, he was always provided with the finest meals and clothing, and he could have anything he desired. But what was the point of all that?

He envied the free-spirited commoners who ran and played in the fields outside. He didn't care for his noble lineage or environment. He just wanted to escape from his stern and terrifying father.

— You are the heir to this estate! You must take responsibility!

'I hate it...'

He hated those words. He didn't want to take responsibility for anyone or lead anything. He just wanted to live freely and comfortably.

— You pathetic fool! And you call yourself a noble?

The more his father reprimanded him, the harsher it became. Fear of punishment made his mistakes more frequent. 

He felt like he couldn't do anything right. He started to feel like an idiot, like the entire world was laughing at him.

He wanted to abandon everything and run away, but he didn't have the courage. He felt like he was losing his mind. Or maybe he had already lost it.

One day, a voice had whispered to him.

— Accept me... I will set you free....

Having already given up on life, Edwin readily accepted the presence that approached him. He thought he was already insane, so he felt no hesitation. Thus, the two became one, leading to the current situation.

Edwin had found it liberating. He could unleash his anger freely and say no to anything he didn't want. He could curse his father and the vassals who ignored him.

'Ah, this is freedom! I've finally regained my freedom!'

It felt exhilarating. It felt amazing. He wanted to live like this forever. His body no longer hurt, and he was always comfortable. A strange energy protected him.

He wanted to continue living this carefree life, thinking of nothing. And so, he surrendered completely to the evil spirit and fell into a slumber, wishing only for it to express the pent-up anger and resentment he had accumulated.

But now...

He was experiencing pain like he'd never felt in his life. Not even the times his father hit him hurt this much. Not even his father's scoldings had been this torturous. He wanted to escape this pain. He wished for the old days, at least then he didn't have to endure this agony.

Ultimately, the torment awakened Edwin's mind, which had been completely surrendered to the evil spirit. Neither he nor the evil spirit could endure this pain.

And so, he uttered words he thought he would never say in his lifetime.

"Father! Please save me! This man is trying to kill me! Someone, please save me! Father! Father!"

Thud.

At that moment, Ghislain's fist stopped.

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