Space station 19: Star Core Demon

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[Becoming a Gold Chapter Demon Hunter has broadened your sources of information, providing you with more details about the Star Core Demon.]

[You learn that previously, it merely dominated within demon territories, indulging in unchecked destruction, slaughter, pleasure, and acting as it pleased.]

[It was exceedingly rare to encounter its presence outside those regions.]

[However, over the past few years, particularly in the last six months, your extensive elimination of powerful demons disrupted the balance between hunters and demons, leading to its increased activity.]

[The incident occurs in a city not far from yours.]

[Initially, there were sporadic increases in demonic activity, causing minimal disturbance.]

[One fateful day, under the leadership of the Star Core Demon, demons launched a sudden and relentless full-scale assault on this city.]

[Caught off guard, despite having a Gold Chapter Demon Hunter present, chaos engulfed the city, leading to mass evacuations to designated safe zones.]

[At that moment, within the city, there was only one Gold Chapter, several Silver Chapter hunters, and...]

[You, exceptionally dedicated, still here to rack up achievements even amidst sporadic demon incursions, alongside Kafka.]

[As you reached the most chaotic area of the city, you finally encountered the Star Core Demon.]

Compared to other demons, the Star Core Demon appeared more humanoid, with a compact physique but also sporting a tail and wings, its overall skin tone being green.

It seemed unhurried to commence its killing spree, instead looking around as if searching for something.

[Silver Wolf: Looks like Cell from Dragon Ball Z, just uglier.]

[Stelle: Now I understand what it looks like.]

As the demon hunters approached,

the Star Core Demon seemed to have identified its target. It first glanced at the other gold badge holder within the group but ultimately fixed its gaze on Su Qing.

It asked, "Demon Hunter, do you know of a rather intelligent snake demon and various other subordinates, whose names I can't quite recall but were still useful?"

Su Qing nodded, "Yes, I killed them all."

[Seele: Excellent!]

[Herta: Insane!]

"So it was indeed you!" Contrary to expectation, the Star Core Demon laughed instead of showing anger. "In other words, once I eliminate you, I can return to enjoying my power without hindrance?"

"Assuming you're capable," Su Qing replied coolly.

"Very well, then... prepare to die!"

[With the Star Core Demon's aggressive move, the battle commenced.]

[Initially, the other demon hunters joined the fight alongside you.]

[But honestly, as the battle progressed, even the gold badge holders started feeling more like obstacles than help.]

[During a brief lull, you signaled for them to provide support elsewhere; the entire city was in dire straits.]

[After the other hunters left, you and Kafka resumed your usual combat coordination.]

[Despite your seamless teamwork, you barely managed to hold even with the Star Core Demon, with signs of being gradually overwhelmed.]

[Facing off against other demons now feels like fighting children, as you effortlessly dominate them.]

[However, the Star Core Demon's strength far surpasses theirs.]

[Based on this observation, it appears that the Star Core Demon has not distributed its power among the others but retains it all for itself.]

Kafka invoked her Word Spirit Technique, "Listen to me, No Flight."

The Star Core Demon's ascent momentarily paused before attempting to flap its wings again.

But this brief second was enough for Su Qing to swiftly dash forward and disrupt its movement.

The Star Core Demon crossed its arms defensively, blocking the attack and flying backward several meters without sustaining any injury.

"Pause!"

The Star Core Demon raised its hand. "Demon hunter, someone seems to be looking for you over there."

Kafka glanced at the distant demon hunter signaling them.

She whispered to Su Qing, "The situation doesn't look good; there seem to be too many demons, and reinforcements from other areas won't make it in time."

"Is that some bad news?" The Star Core Demon casually cleaned its ear with its pinky finger. "You two are quite strong, aren't you? It appears unlikely for me to defeat you today."

The Star Core Demon first clapped its hands, then spread its arms wide. "How about we call it a day? A temporary ceasefire, perhaps? I'll have the demons retreat back home. You shouldn't chase after them either; I'm getting tired of this fight."

[March 7th: It sure has a lot of gestures.]

[Himeko: Diagnosed as histrionic personality type, likely craving attention.]

[Stelle: Tsked, rubbed his nose, chuckled bitterly, and scratched his head.]

[Seele: More like ADHD.]

Su Qing clenched his fists, feeling the strain. During their encounter, his Potential Unleashing had gradually reached 120%, putting significant pressure on his body.

He glanced at Kafka. Covered in dust, her breathing was somewhat labored.

"What should we do?" Kafka sought his decision.

Su Qing pondered briefly.

"Hahahaha..." Seeing his reaction, the Star Core Demon burst out laughing again. "Did you take that seriously? You're actually considering it?! Didn't demon hunters claim they would never compromise?!"

"I can't kill you, but it also means you can't handle me!"

The Star Core Demon's tone turned arrogant. "But let me give you some good news - after today, I will eliminate every single person you care about!"

Su Qing did not immediately launch another attack.

Kafka needed to regain his composure, and Su Qing saw this as an opportunity to catch his breath as well. Playing along with the demon's words, Su Qing responded, "I only truly care for one person, but your threat is futile."

Despite their dire situation, the corner of Kafka's mouth still managed a faint smile.

"Is that so?" The demon stroked its chin. "I had my subordinates keep a close eye on you. There's supposedly a middle-aged demon hunter who shares a very good relationship with you? Let's find an opportunity to kill him first."

Su Qing dismissed it with, "We're not particularly close."

The demon continued, "And what about a psychologist?"

Su Qing remained unfazed. "It doesn't matter; we're merely acquaintances."

The Star Core Demon grew slightly impatient. "Why does this not align with the information I received? Are all my subordinates useless?"

Confused, the demon quickly abandoned further thought. "Forget it, it's irrelevant anyway. Killing them all will suffice."

"Demon hunter, you may protect some for now, but can you shield them forever? From today onwards, not just those dear to you, but civilians, innocents, everyone you encounter—I intend to kill them all."

The demon began to snarl maliciously. "The commercial district is one of the designated safe zones, correct? Guess how many demons I've dispatched there?"

Immediately, Su Qing spoke up, "Kafka, go provide support over there."

"But..." Kafka hesitated.

"Go, quickly." Su Qing's tone turned serious.

The situation had escalated suddenly, with most demon hunters already engaged, and the safe zones were crowded with people.

They couldn't risk assuming the Star Core Demon was bluffing. If demons truly infiltrated the safe zones unchecked, it would be like unleashing tigers among sheep, likely resulting in the deadliest casualties yet.

"...Yes, I'll return as quickly as possible." Having also endured numerous battles, Kafka didn't hesitate for long.

She fully activated her Word Spirit Technique once more, casting another suggestion to forbid flight upon the demon.

Before leaving, Kafka took one last look back at Su Qing.

Su Qing's and the Star Core Demon's strengths were roughly equal; it should be manageable.

***

The Star Core Demon raised its hand, scanning the distance. "She left, quite obedient, isn't she?" It then turned to Su Qing with a sudden new proposition, "So let's secretly discuss this—would you like to become a demon too? Tianyi-5, we could share it equally."

[March 7th: This demon truly comes up with ideas on a whim.]

[Himeko: Fearfully, its mind must have been completely corrupted.]

[Sparkle: But with Su Qing and the Star Core Demon combined, what on this planet could possibly stop them?]

[Stelle: Warning! Your thoughts are highly dangerous!]

[Sparkle: After all, it's just a "simulation," right? From Su Qing's perspective, wouldn't everything still be considered "purely fictional"?]

[Sparkle: Here's an opportunity to control half of the planet. Do you think he might be tempted?]

Su Qing retorted, "You're a twisted and insane lunatic, consumed only by relentless pursuit of pleasure."

The Star Core Demon grinned. "Indeed, I am."

Shaking his head, Su Qing said, "I certainly don't want to end up like that."

[Seele: @Sparkle, although it's not my place to say, but somehow feels like you got scolded too.]

[Sparkle: Delighted.]

[Sparkle: Want more insults?]

[Seele: ... (stunned by Masked Fools' comment)]

[Himeko: @Seele, remember, good children shouldn't be influenced negatively.]

Watching the menacingly grinning demon, Su Qing once again began tapping into his latent potential.

Many buildings around him had collapsed, offering a wide-open view. Today was slightly windy, with clouds drifting across the azure sky.

Su Qing vividly recalled teaching Kafka never to show mercy or make any concessions to demons.

Back then, he was just a junior demon hunter, not particularly strong. Yet if it were still those days, he wouldn't have hesitated; he would have already clashed fiercely with the Star Core Demon.

Now, as a Gold Chapter Demon Hunter, his power had significantly increased. However, paradoxically, he seemed weaker and more inclined to compromise. Just moments ago, he genuinely considered accepting the demon's proposal to retreat.

The formal simulation has gone on for far too long.

The simulation had lasted so long that Su Qing nearly forgot it wasn't real. Everything felt too authentic, evoking a sense of attachment to his experiences within this world.

At that moment, Su Qing realized he couldn't let external factors influence his combat performance any longer.

After today, the Star Core Demon would undoubtedly unleash relentless and insane retaliation without restraint. He must seize this opportunity to eliminate it once and for all.

Power surged through his body, becoming increasingly difficult to control.

With Potential Unleashing at 120%, his body was already showing signs of strain, making it hard to maintain focus. He pushed further: 130%, 150%, 180%...

Only after surpassing 200% did he manage to barely halt the increase, releasing all limitations.

As he reached this critical point, Su Qing paradoxically felt a sudden lightness in his body.

[Full Potential Unleash achieved. Future efficiency of Unleashing will significantly improve.]

He noticed each breath became deeper and more sustained, while his senses heightened to an unprecedented clarity.

It wasn't that time slowed down; rather, his thoughts accelerated.

In the sky, even the movement of clouds seemed to pause.

The Star Core Demon continued its incessant chatter, seemingly unable to resist talking. Su Qing could see droplets of saliva flying from its mouth.

In the next moment, the demon glanced towards him, as if sensing something amiss.

Instantaneously, with a flash of light, the Star Core Demon was propelled backwards at tremendous speed, crashing through the building behind it.

Su Qing had lunged forward, initially targeting the demon's wings. Together, they pierced through the structure, and even after shattering the final wall, they remained airborne.

At that instant, Su Qing firmly grasped one of the Star Core Demon's wings, exerting an overwhelming force far greater than before. With a swift motion, he tore off half of the wing.

Running out of momentum mid-air, without any leverage, tearing the remaining half proved difficult.

Quickly, he lifted his leg and kicked the demon squarely in the chest. Harnessing this force, not only did the demon hurtle away again, but its wing was completely ripped off!

All this transpired within mere seconds. The Star Core Demon crashed to the ground, tumbling several times before coming to a stop. Its golden blood spilled, leaving a trail on the floor.

"Typically flooded with comments, yet during crucial moments, viewers hold their breath and watch intently."

The demon struggled to its feet, and within moments, its wound had stopped bleeding, showing signs of healing.

Su Qing tossed the detached wing onto the ground.

The Star Core Hunter crouched slightly, seemingly fueled with ferocity as well. "Do you have hidden strength yet unutilized? Quite impressive, I acknowledge your..."

In a flash akin to teleportation, Su Qing appeared before it, delivering a swift punch that once again knocked the demon down.

The Star Core Demon rose anew, this time coughing up blood and cursing, "What the fuck! Let me finish speaking..."

Su Qing immediately landed another blow.

"Let me complete my sentence..."

Su Qing had no time for idle banter with the demon. Each second his power was unleashed carried a heavy burden on his body, prompting him to unleash attacks like a raging storm.

The Star Core Demon appeared extremely enraged, snarling, "Do you think I'm just like those insignificant...!!"

With its remaining wing, the demon attempted to flap unevenly, barely managing to take flight. However, Su Qing swiftly dragged it back down, pinned it to the ground, and unleashed a torrent of brutal punches.

No matter how it dodged, after Su Qing fully unleashed his Potential, the demon was comprehensively outmatched from all angles.

After several rounds, not only did the demon explode with rage and unleash a torrent of curses, but Su Qing also grew weary of this chase game.

Once again knocking down the demon, Su Qing swiftly straddled the Star Core Demon, raised his hand, and delivered a full-power punch fueled by Potential Unleashing.

The impact twisted the demon's face, nearly rupturing its eyes, collapsing its nose, and shattering its teeth.

Subsequently, its face swelled rapidly, becoming even more grotesque.

"Stop, stop, STOP! Another ceasefire! Ceasefire once more!" The Star Core Demon's earlier madness temporarily vanished as it raised its hands defensively. "Hold your attack, hold it. If you're unsatisfied with the previous terms, we can negotiate further. I just need a few cities... Even one, just one city for my enjoyment would suffice..."

Su Qing lifted his hand, gazing at the demon with a pitiful expression.

In the blink of an eye, the pleading Star Core Demon transformed back into its deranged state. "Are you sympathizing with me?! What right do you have to look down on me? I am the King of Demons! The ruler of this planet!"

Su Qing did not respond; using just one hand was insufficient this time. He now prepared both hands.

Left and right, intertwining his fingers tightly, palms pressed together, he formed a striking pose, raising them high above.

His hands paused momentarily in mid-air.

Much like someone giving a thumbs-up, it could signify not praise but rather aiming for a target.

Similarly, this pause wasn't hesitation but gathering power.

Hands clenched firmly, Su Qing then swiftly brought them down with immense force!

BOOM!!!!

With Su Qing and the demon at the epicenter, a massive cloud of dust erupted, revealing a colossal crater in the ground!

The demon sank deep into the earth, its head particularly driven far beneath the surface.

Despite its resilient vitality, the Star Core Demon managed to lift its fist, still possessing strength to counterattack.

However, its power had significantly weakened. With ease, Su Qing swatted its arm aside and struck again.

Once, twice, thrice...

Initially, the Star Core Demon responded with fierce punches, which gradually turned into futile scratching until finally, it began convulsing.

Even after it ceased all movement, Su Qing struck it three or four more times.

The demon's head was completely sunken into the ground, its shape unrecognizable; likely, its skull had shattered.

Once its breath fully departed, gradually, a pure golden glow began to emanate from its body. Instinctively, Su Qing reached out, and the light flowed into his palm.

[Star Core Demon defeated. Obtained Starcore Fragment.]

He couldn't immediately process the full implications of this message, only realizing that it signified the enemy's demise.

Su Qing stood up, exhaling deeply.

In the sky, the nearly motionless clouds resumed their normal flow.

As the battle concluded, everything before him seemed exceptionally clear at first.

However, as intense pain suddenly surged through every part of his body, his vision instantly blurred over.

Su Qing staggered backward several steps.

Only by grasping onto remnants of the destroyed building behind him did he manage to steady himself.

***

Meanwhile, on Kafka's side...

Kafka swiftly headed towards the commercial district's refuge point. Upon arrival, she found that indeed, a group of demons was attacking the demon hunters there, with the situation looking grim.

Using her Word Spirit Technique, Kafka controlled these demons, and with the cooperation of other hunters, they were all defeated.

Without wasting any time, Kafka immediately rushed back to Su Qing's location.

Upon returning to the battlefield and observing from afar, Kafka's first reaction was one of joy.

In the massive crater, Su Qing stood upright while the Star Core Demon lay fallen.

Kafka knew instantly that Su Qing had emerged victorious.

However, as she approached and called out to him, Su Qing showed no response, remaining completely still.

A foreboding feeling surged within Kafka's heart.

She cautiously lightened her steps and slowly moved closer.