Demon 13 — Resistance

The book handed to me by Shiro contained the information I had sought.

The method to suppress anger.

Yet Sophia’s reaction upon seeing it was unexpected.

Attack yourself with Heretic Magic to gain Heretic Resistance?

It was akin to saying, “Become more resilient by being beaten.”

It might be effective, certainly—but why, among other methods, would one voluntarily choose the most painful?

It defies comprehension.

And to compound the confusion, she declared it with a smug expression.

There are several methods to increase resistance.

First is enduring attacks of the relevant element.

This method yields the highest proficiency gain.

But gaining resistance means enduring damage from that element.

To become resistant to fire, one must burn oneself with fire.

Frankly speaking, it is torture.

To voluntarily pursue this path implies either extreme urgency in acquiring resistance, utter foolishness, or a peculiar inclination that finds pleasure in such acts.

Surely, it isn't something like that, is it?

The most straightforward approach is acquiring skills tied to the same attribute—be it magic or attack-based abilities—and developing them incrementally.

Resistance increases naturally when one possesses the corresponding attack skill, with proficiency levels automatically added.

My high resistance to fire and lightning stems significantly from this mechanism.

Proficiency gains are triggered when the corresponding attack skill level rises, or when one’s own level increases.

Minor proficiency is accumulated during regular daily activities, but the most substantial gains occur primarily during level-up events.

The remaining method is allocating skill points to increase proficiency.

Skill points are not only used to acquire new skills, but can also be invested into existing skills to raise their proficiency level.

This consumes valuable skill points, but allows for safe and steady progression in proficiency.

Alternative methods rely on highly specialized techniques.

For example, evolving into a race inherently strong in the corresponding attribute.

The ice dragon I fought previously had its ice attribute negated.

However, this method is ineffective if evolution is impossible, which depends on race selection.

I might have had potential during evolution, but as a human or demon, evolution is not possible—thus, it was unattainable.

Can vampires evolve?

Even if possible, it's unclear whether any race can gain resistance through evolution.

But in this case, Shiro has already provided the answer.

"Did you read the book all the way to the end?"

"EH?"

"Here. Look."

"To obtain Exorcism Immunity most efficiently, acquire the Endurance skill. Although Endurance is a Virtue-based skill, it is an exception—no negative effect on the soul. In fact, it grants a degree of resistance, and through a title, Exorcism Immunity can be obtained."

"See?"

The explanation appeared exactly where I pointed.

Acquiring this skill automatically grants Exorcism Immunity.

Sophia remains frozen, smug expression intact.

Her face gradually turns crimson.

She's embarrassed.

Clear enough.

"Of course I read it! But isn't endurance a Dominator Skill? Dominator Skills can only be obtained by one person in the world, so don't you realize my kindness in offering it to you? I'm saying, 'Since I'm giving you endurance, cooperate with me to raise my resistance!'"

Sophia, face flushed crimson, speaks in a rush.

She is desperately trying to cover her mistake.

It would be cruel to press further, so I'll play along.

"Ah. Sorry, I didn't understand. Then I'll take advantage of Sophia's kindness."

In truth, this is better for me too.

Right now, I only suppress my rage, but I cannot predict when I will lose control again.

If possible, I strongly wish to obtain Exorcism Immunity as soon as possible.

"Good. Gratefully accept my kindness, deeper than the sea, and acquire endurance."

Thinking you’ve fooled me, speaking with an obvious air of relief, looking down from above.

There’s no denying the regret radiating from this one.

This must be what they mean by a regrettable beauty.

Turns out, unlike in the previous life, this one’s developed into a peculiar individual.

“Thinking something disrespectful?”

“Impossible. I’m simply moved—after years of suffering, finally freed from resentment.”

Dangerous. Dangerous.

Is it the instinct of a warrior? Too sharp, too perceptive.

But even if it’s a quick excuse, the truth remains: it is genuine.

Most of my current life has been hell.

Before fighting Sophia, I even considered ending it all.

Yet, during the battle with Sophia, the moment I truly glimpsed my own death, I became aware of my emotions wavering.

And when I was utterly crushed by that god called Black, I felt it clearly—fear.

I would die like this.

It was resistance to being killed.

Opposite of the desire to die.

In the end, I didn’t truly want to die at all.

Disgusting.

After committing such slaughter, I now found myself on the receiving end, and still wished not to die.

If the goblins saw me like this, they’d laugh.

They accepted death as inevitable when they fought, when they took lives.

I had no such acceptance.

I only knew rage—using it to oppress the weak. I had no readiness for a battle where life and death were truly at stake.

When I awoke safely, relief flooded in.

I was alive.

I was glad.

I was worthless.

To survive after doing all that, while others perished—this is not right.

I should have died.

Yet I am afraid to die.

It is shameful.

But I lack the courage to end my own life.

Atonement must be fulfilled over the remainder of my existence.

Yet if I am told to die now, I do not believe I can manage it.

I never imagined that the same resentment I once felt toward criminals in my past life—those scum should just die—would now turn upon myself.

To think I could wish for my own death, yet still fail to carry it out—this is a half-hearted contradiction.

Self-loathing sets in.

I still do not know how I should live from here on.

But I cannot let anger consume me further.

To prevent deeper sin, I must have a way to remain unaligned.

There is, however, one major issue.

"I'm glad you're willing to yield, but... I have zero skill points."

"Ah."

The air solidified.

Sophia averted her gaze, discomfort evident.