The "Smoke Means No Damage" Rule

Having planned for so long, the Shalba were naturally unwilling to give up the opportunity to reclaim the throne.

Therefore, while in hiding, he continued to gather information about the Underworld and learned that Katerea wanted to establish a kingdom.

Therefore, Shalba planned to launch a terrorist attack on the day of the founding of Katerea, and at the same time send people to capture Lucifer's sister who lived in the human world, so as to make Sirzechs hesitate to act.

To prepare for that day, he even made a deal with the host of the Hero Faction's high-ranking Longinus, obtaining a sealing shackle that even the highest-ranking demon could not break.

After all, Lucifer's sister also inherited the Power of Destruction, and ordinary seals would be difficult to control her.

Certainly.

These preparations are far from sufficient.

Therefore, Shalba personally went to the headquarters of the Khaos Brigade and demanded a large number of "snakes" from Ophis.

Given enough unlimited power, his plan is bound to succeed.

Right now, Shalba is having Ophis create "snakes," while his men stand guard outside, preventing anyone from entering.

But before these demons could make a move, several black cylinders suddenly fell among them.

Boom!

A powerful bang and a burst of intense light.

"Ahhh, my eyes!"

Caught off guard, the demons were blinded by the flashbang, and screams of agony filled the air.

Despite being mythical creatures with strength and physique far surpassing that of humans, demons still have to abide by the laws of nature unless they become powerful enough.

Startled by the flashbangs and shockwaves, their eyes were instantly blinded, their ears were ringing, and in the chaos, one demon even stabbed his teammate with his weapon.

"Damn it! You're attacking friendly forces!"

"I can't see!"

"Damn humans, how could they be so despicable!"

The shouts and screams continued unabated.

However, Ren quickly pulled out his Desert Eagle and fired a series of shots.

The bullets, bathed in holy water, swiftly pierced the foreheads of some of the lower-level demons, causing them to have a mind-blowing experience before collapsing to the ground in resentment.

Upon reaching the strength of an intermediate-level demon, their physique undergoes a qualitative change, with an incredibly hardened forehead that can only be jammed by even the powerful bullets of the Desert Eagle.

However, this had no impact on the course of the battle.

At this distance, Ren quickly turned and shot at the eyes of the demons.

The eyes are arguably the most vulnerable part of the human body, and even demons are no exception.

Little did they know that the monsters in many movies and TV shows are incredibly tough and impervious to bullets and knives, but the main characters had a sudden inspiration: they shot the monster directly in the eyes and ultimately defeated it.

These stories have been widely depicted in numerous tokusatsu (special effects) films.

Unless these demons have cultivated their physique to a high level, to the point where they can flatten bullets even when they're pointed directly at the eye, like Superman.

But this is something that even many high-level demons, let alone mid-level demons, cannot do.

In just a few seconds, all of the dozen or so demons fell to the ground, leaving only one demon alive.

Where are the Shalba?

"Summer what?"

"Shalba."

"What Erba?"

"..."

Bang!

Ren killed the demon with a single shot, then kicked open the door and entered Ophis's room.

In the center of the large room, there were only two figures.

One was Ophis, dressed in a black Gothic Lolita outfit, with delicate features, but her lack of expression made her seem somewhat lifeless. The other was a man with long hair and a gloomy expression, wearing the old Demon King's uniform.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it should be Shalba Beelzebub.

"Welcome!"

Upon Ren's arrival, a hint of murderous intent flashed in Shalba's eyes, but he concealed it well, instead smiling at Ren.

"I've heard about you. Ever since you appeared in Katerea's territory, she's changed. If I'm not mistaken, Katerea's idea of establishing a nation is because of you, isn't it?"

"I'm curious, how exactly did you manage to get that woman to change her mind?"

"She used to hate Sirzechs and his gang just like us."

"Would you believe me if I said I slept with him?"

"That's what Ren said."

"Persuade? Heh, it seems you think the same way I do. Although you're just a human, you're quite capable."

A smile appeared on Shalba's face.

"Nice to meet you, human. My name is Shalba Beelzebub. The blood of the great true demon king flows in my veins. I am the rightful heir of Beelzebub. Compared to Asmodeus and Leviathan, I, as Beelzebub, am greater than them."

The Shalba spoke in a loud voice, his tone filled with unwavering conviction and self-confidence.

Ren didn't speak.

He simply winked at Ophis.

Ophis stopped making the snake, winked at Ren, and then pointed her slender white finger at the game console, the meaning of which was self-evident.

Ren shook his head, indicating that now was not the time.

Ophis put down what he was doing and looked at Shalba.

At that moment, Shalba suddenly felt a chill down his spine, but he didn't pay much attention to it, instead immersing himself in his own world.

With that, Shalba extended a warm invitation to Ren: "Human, join my ranks! That foolish woman Katerea is not worthy of your service. The great Beelzebub is your ultimate destiny. When I conquer the world, you will be second only to me!"

Ren: "..."

Does he look evil?

Why do villains keep inviting him to join your evil side?

"Strictly speaking, I'm not assisting Katerea; we're just close friends."

"?"

As a Western demon, the Shalba naturally did not understand the profoundness of the Chinese language.

However, he also knew that Ren was rejecting his invitation.

Upon realizing this, Shalba's smile vanished, replaced by a furious rage and eyes filled with hatred.

"Very well! It seems you're just as short-sighted as Katerea! You simply don't understand that only I can lead this world!"

"You foolish lackey of Katerea, I'll kill you with my own hands!"

Chapter 154 The Law of No Harm Without Smoke

Chapter 154

Originally, the three members of the Old Maou Faction were living in harmony, united in their efforts to reclaim the throne, eliminate other opponents, and rule the world.

But in just one night, all their hopes vanished.

One died in battle, another betrayed him, and he himself was reduced to a stray dog.

Now that Ren dared to refuse her, she immediately unleashed all her anger on Ren.

On the day Katerea is founded, he will present this guy's head as a gift!

Shalba slightly raised her hand, and a magical force significantly stronger than Katerea's transformed into a projectile that tore through the air and hurtled towards Ren.

However, Ren reacted extremely quickly, easily dodging the attack with a simple dodge.

He then raised the Desert Eagle, aimed it at Shalba's eyes, and repeatedly pulled the trigger.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Several bullets, bathed in holy water, spiraled out of the muzzle, carrying scorching heat and white smoke as they accurately struck the Shalba's eyes.

Upon seeing this, Shalba gave a disdainful sneer.

To use human-made firearms against such a noble demon king?

Is this human being too far-fetched, or have we underestimated him?

The Shalba didn't even try to block it; he simply raised his hand and caught the bullet in his palm.

He could clearly see the trajectory of the bullet. These holy water bullets, which could easily kill mid-level demons, were like baby toys to him, posing no threat whatsoever.

Even if he doesn't block, it doesn't matter. His body is always covered by a magical barrier, so not even bullets, let alone the most powerful missiles among human conventional firearms, can harm him in the slightest.

As for holy water?

He could even drink that stuff like a beverage!

"Give up. Don't think that just because you've dealt with those good-for-nothings outside, you can handle the noble Beelzebub."

Shalba sneered, finding Ren to be no threat whatsoever.

I have absolutely no idea what it is about this man that Katerea sees in him.

"The last operation was indeed a failure on my part. I didn't consider that Katerea would betray us. However, with this operation as a case study, we have gained something, which will also help with future terrorist attacks. So it's acceptable. I will find an opportunity to kill that woman Katerea. Although that means I will be the only one left who can lead the demons, it doesn't matter."

"Beelzebub himself was that great."

"Foolish humans, prepare to die! Why didn't you choose to submit to me before you repent in hell?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Shalba raised her hand and created a magic circle. The violent magic power transformed into a ray that flew towards Ren.

It was extremely fast, almost instantaneous.

The magic struck the room's walls and blasted the door open, tearing the demon's corpse that had been at the entrance to pieces, sending dust and smoke billowing everywhere.

Ophis stared at the screen that had suddenly gone black and fell into deep thought.

"How boring. I thought I could have more fun."

Shalba gave a cold laugh.

With his current strength, he could easily crush Katerea. Even if she might have snakes, he had them too, and in greater numbers.

If he had been there that day, perhaps the outcome would have been different.

However, the next second he felt a sense of alarm and instinctively tilted his head to the side.

Buzz--!

The whistling sound of air being cut pierced his ears, followed by a burning pain on his scalp.

Shalba dodged the fatal blow, but even so, Ren's sword still managed to slash a bloody wound across Sherpa's head.

"What happened?! How are you still alive?!"

Shalba looked at the figure wiping his sword not far in front of him, his expression one of surprise and uncertainty.

Humans should have been reduced to ashes long ago by his attack.

"Have you heard of the 'no harm from smoke' principle? Your attack just now created so much smoke that, according to this principle, I was naturally unharmed."

Ren chuckled softly.

"How could such a monstrosity exist?!"

Shalba exclaimed in astonishment.

"Of course not, because I was lying to you."

"You damned bastard! I'll skin you alive and use your skin as a lampshade!"

Realizing he had been tricked again, Shalba angrily attacked Ren, raising his hand to create more magic circles. A surge of energy erupted from the center of the circles, sealing off all the space around Ren.

But as the "ClockUp" sound was activated, Ren's figure vanished from his spot in an instant.