Chapter-247

As the giant wooden arms summoned by Sin's Laughing Buddha technique ensnared the demon Mathim, it became clear this sacred wood release was the beast's undoing. The glowing limbs sapped Mathim's strength as he thrashed futilely against their grip.

Sin had suspected the wood style would have this divine purifying effect. In his studies, he had learned that the elemental nature of wood was particularly potent against demons and creatures of darkness in this world. Much like holy light, the living energy of nature could cleanse corruption.

Mathim had initially sneered in defiance when the colossal wooden arms erupted from the ground around him. Crouching down, the demon had been ready to shred the sacred limbs with his vicious claws before they could entrap him. But at the instant his talons had swung toward the wood, Mathim recoiled as if burned.

To the demon's shock, his destructive powers had no effect on the magical living timber. Before Mathim could attempt to evade them, the glowing arms clasped around his body, locking him in place. An unholy howl of pain echoed across the arena as the purified wood seared Mathim's dark essence.

Up in the stands, Marlin and Stephen observed the incredible scene with awe. They too realized this was no ordinary elemental technique - their master had called upon the powers of creation itself to smite this wicked demon.

"Remarkable," Stephen muttered under his breath. "The Lord wields nature's wrath against evil itself!" Marlin could only nod silently, equally mesmerized.

On the arena floor below, Sin focused on maintaining the power flowing into the glowing limbs. He could sense Mathim's strength draining away by the second in the arms' embrace. But demons were tenacious creatures - it would take time for the purifying process to fully destroy the beastly devil. 

"Your vile kind will plague this world no longer," Sin proclaimed, keeping the squeeze tight around Mathim's weakened form. The creature's curses and threats had devolved into pained whimpers.

Channeling all his energy into the wood, Sin could feel the tide turning - Mathim's dark essence was nearly fully extinguished. After today, one less demonic blight would torment the realm. Sin's studies and perseverance had unlocked the key to defeating these monsters for good.

"Return to the abyss, hellspawn," Sin commanded as the last vestiges of Mathim's energy faded under the brilliant glow. With a final sickening crunch, the demon was no more.

The arms slowly retracted back into the ground, leaving only scattered ash and fading embers in their wake. An awed hush fell over the crowd at the incredible display of power. In that moment, all recognized a warrior heaven-sent had emerged to turn back encroaching darkness.

His expression solemn, Sin exhaled and turned his gaze skyward. This had only been the opening battle against demon-kind. But with ancient knowledge as his weapon, he could lead the charge to purge evil from this land for good.

As the lingering glow and smoke faded after Sin's decisive victory over the demon Mathim, a lone figure became visible lying crumpled on the arena floor. Approaching cautiously, Sin saw it was a young man, likely around 20 years old, dressed in normal peasant clothes.

Based on Mathim's earlier admission that he was concealing himself in a human vessel, Sin surmised this must be the innocent person the demon had possessed and overwritten. His suspicions were confirmed when the tournament medic inspected the dazed young man and declared him uncorrupted by any lingering dark energy.

"He appears to have been an ordinary village boy who crossed paths with something sinister," the medic pronounced after examining him. "No demonic aura remains."

Sin nodded solemnly. The crowd looked on, hushed after witnessing such dramatic events. When Mathim had first revealed himself, many assumed this peasant boy had been a willing follower of evil. But it now appeared he too was simply another hapless victim preyed upon by demonic forces. A collective sense of pity settled over the arena.

Once the young man had been borne away to receive care, the head tournament official stepped forward onto the battle-scarred field where Sin still stood alone.

"After conferring, we judges unanimously declare Sin the victor of this bout and the overall his group!" he announced in a booming voice. "By triumphing against a mighty foe, he has proven himself worthy to advance to the next phase of the tournament - the Spirit Gods League!"

Unlike past victories where cursing erupted, the crowd remained silent, still processing the implications of what they had witnessed. Up in the gallery, Marlin and Stephen clapped earnestly, though even their enthusiasm was tempered.

For his part, Sin simply bowed his head humbly at the declaration of his victory. He took no pleasure or pride in having to destroy such a powerful evil in front of the people he sought to protect. But the threat had forced his hand - failure to act decisively could have jeopardized every soul present.

Amidst the scattered, polite applause that rippled through the stands, Sin graciously raised a hand to acknowledge the crowd's courtesies. He stood alone on the field, the embodiment of formidable might, and as he scanned the audience, he discerned a mix of emotions in their eyes. Some offered cautious reverence, recognizing his prowess, while others harbored traces of fear. His triumph over a formidable demon had laid bare a power that transcended mortal limits. Sin was well aware that this extraordinary display of power would leave a lasting impression on the onlookers.

However, Sin's confidence was rooted in the knowledge that, eventually, the memories of this awe-inspiring moment would fade. He held faith in his parents, who possessed the means to manipulate and control the recollections of these people. It was their duty to erase any lingering memory and ensure that their son's exceptional abilities remained concealed from the world for now. In this understanding lay Sin's sense of security, knowing that he could continue to operate in relative obscurity, hidden from the public eye, and carry out his missions without drawing undue attention.

However, he appritate it anyway. Stepping forward, Sin addressed the people directly. "Dark times may be dawning, but do not lose hope!" his voice rang out. "Have faith in the light, and we shall prevail!"

Murmurs rose in response, with many nodding and cheering at the rousing words. Their champion had emerged to guide the realm through gathering storms. Though the future held uncertainty, courage had sparked in people's hearts. They had seen evil's bane with their own eyes this day.