I have no idea how many battles this is.
The hero's equipment, strength, and skills are no longer what they were when he first fought Shinnaraku.
His attacks were fierce and decisive, precise and elegant.
He was adept at using all of Shinnaraku's moves, constantly dodging Shinnaraku Demon King's attacks.
And this time... he did it!
"No! That's enough!"
Then, Kokoro's aura erupted, and the hero looked at Kokoro who had knocked him away. Kokoro pointed at himself and slowly spoke.
"I won't let you kill me. You want to see my true face, don't you?"
Suddenly, the Demon King's palace turned completely dark, and the entire room became pitch black. Then, Shinnaru suddenly transformed into a half-male, half-female demon statue and shouted at the hero.
"Die!"
Before the hero could react, he was completely enveloped by the dark purple light and died on the spot in front of Shinnaru.
This is the second stage unique to Shinnaru, and it is also a reflection of his/her various lives.
Shinnaru is a demon, and has no human gender. After he returned to his previous state, he looked at the hero's corpse lying against the wall.
He bent down and held her in his arms.
You... are the first person to see my true face.
Perhaps... my failure was destined from the start, but... thank you for letting me see the world as it truly is...
Thank you... brave warrior.
The hero still tries to persuade Shinnaru, but Shinnaru remains cold and indifferent to the hero.
But at some point, the image of a hero had already appeared in Kokoro's heart. However, as the Demon King, Kokoro could not leave the palace, and she could not redeem herself.
The hero had already pushed himself to the brink... Even so, Shinnaru still maintained a cool and aloof demeanor.
He/She...doesn't want the hero to see his/her vulnerability.
Therefore, all she/he wanted was to hold the hero in her arms and enjoy her last few moments of peace.
Not long after, the hero returned.
He was also very excited because he had successfully forced out Shinnaku's true form, and even his words became somewhat lighter.
"Oh, you're really cruel."
"So you'd better stay away from me."
You think you can challenge order itself, challenge eternal existence? You're wrong. Your only reward is failure.
Again, those were the familiar, cold, and ruthless words. The hero gently shook his head.
"Soon~ our dance will be completely over."
You showed me your true strength, thank you so much.
I'm honored to be considered a worthy opponent by you.
However, the hero's words completely broke down Shinnaraku's defenses.
"Is this your goal?"
Seeing me at my worst?
You... masochist!
"Hey, thanks for the compliment."
A new battle has begun.
The hero's strength is enough to easily overwhelm Shinnaru in his normal Demon King form, and he can even reliably penetrate Shinnaru's true form.
When the dark domain that covered the entire area appeared, the hero was not directly enveloped and killed as before.
Instead, they brought out the Shield of Hope!
That was a treasure on par with the legendary sword, and this time, it blocked Shinnaru's attack!
"There is always hope, as long as I keep trying."
The Hero's Shield of Hope completely enveloped him, and the Hero, looking at the revealed true form of Shinnaru, spoke firmly.
"This is what I've learned, both out there and here with you."
"Shut up! Don't say things like that again!"
Kokoro could only helplessly increase the power of the Dark Domain, while the hero could only shake his head and sigh as he watched this scene.
"You're the hopeless one. Think about it carefully."
As Shinnaku's Dark Domain ended, the Hero's Shield of Hope shattered, but it withstood Shinnaku's ultimate attack.
However, the battle against Shinnaraku's true form is only just beginning!
But... just as the hero said, it's only a matter of time before this dance comes to an end.
All he needs to do is repeat what he did at the beginning: witness Shinnaraku's power, comprehend new abilities, find Shinnaraku's weaknesses, and gradually defeat him!
Again, once more.
The hero was defeated by Shinnaraku's new move and collapsed in the palace. Shinnaraku could only revert to his Demon King form again and again, holding the hero's corpse in his arms and enjoying a moment of peace.
Moreover, the hugs were getting longer and longer, and this feeling of attachment... made Shinnara feel very uncomfortable.
"My world will not change, and you've returned here to accept defeat."
"Yes, but guess what will happen next?"
Come on, grant me defeat, and I'll figure out all your dance moves.
I don't know if it was hundreds or thousands of times.
The hero once again posed a question to Naraku.
"Can I ask you a question? Give me an honest answer."
What are you afraid of?
"presumptuous!"
Kokoro roared angrily at the hero.
But the brave man persisted in asking.
"We don't have much time left, what are you afraid of?"
Seeing the hero's resolute question, Shinnaru felt heavy-hearted but ultimately chose to answer him.
"Losing yourself? Or being discarded like trash?"
"You will, after all, I'm not like you, trapped here forever."
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