Chapter 2: The Absolute Demonic Beast Frontline
Enochius Sarophiel. The name is actually straightforward—essentially a combination of the words *"Innocent"* and *"Noxious"*, *"Salvation"* and *"Fierce"*. For those with strong associative abilities or advanced reasoning skills, this name practically screams, "I've got issues!"
Yes, I'm talking about you, Sherlock Holmes!
(*Elementary nonsense, my friend. – JPG*)
Even with the risk of exposure, Enochius chose this name. Why? Because names are important. Sometimes, they symbolize one's very soul. Enochius simply couldn't bring himself to pick a name that contradicted his essence. To him, it was a matter of dignity.
Besides, even if revealing his true name posed a risk, he could always keep it to himself. After all, he was already wearing a "disguise." If anyone asked, he'd just introduce himself as "Messiah."
What's that? You think Enochius is a fraud?
Don't be ridiculous. If I say it's a horse, you say it's a horse, and someone else says it's a horse—then it's a horse. Does it matter what it was originally?
This is the power of shared belief. And let's not forget, this disguise was personally gifted by *Guggug* himself. Even his "father" calls him a son now—denying it would be rather impolite, wouldn't you agree?
(*Dog-head meme – JPG*)
"How should I put it," Enochius muttered softly, "It didn't seem like much at the time, but thinking back, it feels… strange."
One moment, he was writhing in distortion within the classroom; the next, he found himself in an unrecognizable place, embarking on what could only be called *Enochius's Bizarre Adventures*. It was painful—no, it was beyond painful. Let's just call it the *Crashed Journey of Enochius*.
After enduring an experience akin to being trapped in a crash, reminiscent of something Fou or Ryougi Shiki might empathize with, Enochius lost even the ability to think or remember. He vaguely recalled a voice speaking in riddles, but he didn't catch a single word. Thus, his understanding of his predicament remained hazy.
And then, something descended from the sky—or rather, perhaps he *did* know what it was.
It must have been a revelation of some kind. Whatever it was, as soon as it entered his mind, everything became clear. He understood what kind of existence he was in this world, his identity within it, and the so-called "half of fate."
Yes, that's all he remembered—the term *"half of fate"*, which he learned after receiving the revelation. This "half of fate" was essentially information about the world: who had which abilities, what events would occur, and so on. If he focused, he could know it all.
As for who granted this knowledge… Enochius had some guesses.
While he couldn't quite fathom why he had been chosen, it no longer mattered.
"New body, new mindset?" Enochius closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Yet his feet didn't stop; he sidestepped a towering cedar tree with ease. "The air is so fresh. The breeze feels amazing. The sky is so clear."
"What is this feeling? Could it be the divine pure ether unique to this age? The convenience of this powerful new body? Or perhaps… the sweet taste of freedom and hope?"
Enochius opened his eyes wide as if to merge with his surroundings. He spread his arms, embracing the world.
He began to run, the heavy armor on his body feeling as light as feathers.
The pure ether, deadly poison to modern humans, was greedily inhaled by Enochius. He ran with the wind, reveling in the dreamlike sensation.
How long had it been since he last felt such excitement, such joy?
Ten years? Fifteen?
Enochius couldn't remember.
In his mind, the last clear moment of such emotion was 18 years ago—the first time he glimpsed that world.
When was it again? Oh, right—according to the nun who found him, it was December 25, 1999.
So this feeling… it must be what they call—
*The feeling of rebirth.*
Enochius slowed his steps and emerged from the cedar forest. The curve of his lips gradually softened.
The scent of blood filled the air. Thick and viscous. Undeniably, a brutal battle—or perhaps countless battles—had unfolded here.
At this time, in this place, there was only one possible event capable of such carnage.
The miracle that symbolizes human dignity and freedom—
Enochius walked to the edge of a cliff, gazing at the battlefield stretching endlessly before the towering city walls.
Blood soaked the ground—a mix of human and demonic beast blood, forming a cruel, crimson river before the colossal mud walls.
"■■■■■——!"
On the battlefield, a massive black figure roared, raising twin axes high. Beneath him was a gigantic black war elephant, roaring in unison with the warrior.
The black figure, alongside his war elephant and the surrounding army of corpses and skeletons, charged forward at any cost. The remaining soldiers followed a red-haired commander, coordinating with the black forces to break the enemy lines.
Opposing them stood countless demonic beasts: a radiant, sun-like golden lion and a fierce serpent clad in deep green scales.
The golden lion shook its mane, releasing brilliant flashes of light. It roared, unleashing a storm from its massive jaws. The black figure leapt from his war elephant, swinging his giant axes at the lion in a fierce struggle.
The serpent, seeing this, spread its wings and soared into the sky, spewing toxic mist.
However, before the mist could land, it transformed into pink flower petals.
Enochius noticed a massive cannon atop the city walls aimed high. Moments later, it fired a spear-shaped projectile. As the weapon left the barrel, it became light, striking the serpent and triggering an explosion.
The serpent fell from the sky, going berserk with a thunderous roar. It lashed out, knocking soldiers to the ground, though it sustained numerous small wounds.
Blood and flesh flew in all directions. Across the kilometers-long battlefield, humans and demonic beasts clashed in a frenzy, eyes bloodshot with rage.
"This is—"
Enochius stared intently at the scene, a faint smile forming unconsciously on his lips.
He spoke with exhilaration.
"—The Absolute Demonic Beast Frontline!"