The Adventures of an Overpowered Knight in Another World Chapter 615- Beelzebub the Fourth Heavenly King

Just as its name implied, the divine flame possessed the capability to incinerate all things, even the divine itself.

Under the onslaught of such immense power, the demon's form was instantly engulfed in flames. Its chitinous exterior fractured, its exoskeleton disintegrated, and even the boundless vitality it had siphoned from the World Tree was consumed as fuel for the inferno.

The creature let out a piercing shriek.

What manner of flame was this? How could such devastating power exist?

As it was consumed by the fire, feeling its very life force being burned away, an overwhelming terror seized the creature.

Reinhardt observed the spectacle with a detached gaze. This was, in fact, his first time activating [All Scorching Inferno: God’s Ember] as well.

Consequently, even he was witnessing the full extent of the fire's capabilities for the very first time.

Beneath the divine combustion of the white flame, the creature's grotesque body had already been reduced by half.

Sensing its imminent annihilation, Reinhardt calmly turned his back.

His objective in this place was fulfilled. The parasitic entity that had plagued this domain was vanquished, allowing Cecilia to proceed with reviving the World Tree without further impediment.

Just as he prepared to depart, the seemingly near-lifeless creature managed to speak once more.

"Name yourself. To wield such divinity, you cannot possibly be a mere human."

It continued to shriek as the white fire ravaged it, yet its multifaceted eyes remained fixed on Reinhardt.

"Have you attained godhood? Or are you perhaps a reincarnation of one of the Seven?"

It seemed the creature had grasped a crucial realization. While it could not fully comprehend the nature of Reinhardt's power, it unmistakably detected the divine essence within him. No wonder it had made such a misjudgment.

Regardless, Reinhardt offered no correction to this misconception.

He slowly turned his head, meeting the burning gaze of the creature—no, the demon. He scrutinized his opponent, attempting to access any relevant information he possessed about such a being.

Its ability to discern his divine power, its casual reference to the Seven Gods... it was evident this entity was far from an ordinary demon.

Even amongst the high-ranking entities and rulers of the Abyss, this one possessed knowledge and status that far surpassed its perceived station.

"Even if you refuse to divulge your name... I shall find you."

Even as it was consumed by the flames, the creature managed to contort its features into what appeared to be a grimace.

"Do not presume this is the end. When my true body awakens... I will find you. I am Beelzebub. The holder of the Fourth Heavenly King's seat, bestowed by the Great One himself."

Fourth Heavenly King? Beelzebub?

"You who have destroyed my avatar, heed this warning. Your time... is drawing short."

As the final embers of the flame faded, so too did the voice.

The creature, which had parasitically infested the roots of the World Tree for over a millennium, was no more, utterly annihilated by the God's Ember.

Reinhardt remained stationary, gazing at the spot where the demon had been moments before, a thoughtful expression on his face.

The words uttered by the demon in its final moments caused him a degree of surprise. Naturally, it wasn't the revelation of its identity that unsettled him, but rather the threat it conveyed.

While he had suspected his adversary was no common demon, he had not anticipated it being one of the Abyss's formidable powers, the Fourth Heavenly King.

It is worth noting that Heavenly Kings of higher status than the Seventh have not been observed on the continent of Valdonia for hundreds of years.

Their names had effectively become mere legends in the current era, with very few records of their existence remaining.

Beelzebub... he attempted to recall any information pertaining to this name, but drew a blank.

It appeared that even the previous hero, Reinhardt himself, had no knowledge of the Fourth Heavenly King.

Making a mental note to delve into research regarding the higher-ranking Heavenly Kings, Reinhardt exited the dimensional tear.

Although the continued existence of such beings was indeed catastrophic news for the world, it presented a silver lining for Reinhardt. If they were actively seeking him, then he could eliminate them without the need to scour every corner of the globe.

Upon emerging, he observed that the spiritual domain had undergone a complete transformation.

With the parasite eradicated and Cecilia's song resonating throughout the space, vibrant colors had returned.

As for the World Tree, it had miraculously transformed from a sapling into a being of monumental stature.

A colossal tree, its trunk pierced the heavens, and its branches sprawled across the sky like an intricate celestial map.

More significantly, this time the tree possessed a palpable reality, unlike a mere projection; it felt tangible and real.

Furthermore, Reinhardt could perceive the roots of the new World Tree actively nourishing the remnants of the old, dead World Tree, integrating with them.

Given the current progression, he was confident that it would not be long before the tree fully established itself, evolving into a new World Tree that would sustain this realm.

.

.

Before long, Cecilia's song concluded, and she slowly regained her consciousness. Her body swayed precariously, and just as she seemed on the verge of collapsing, a pair of strong arms caught her, preventing her fall.

"Are you alright?" Reinhardt inquired with evident concern.

Cecilia’s eyelids fluttered open, and despite her weariness, a dazzling smile graced her lips.

"I... succeeded."

Reinhardt gave a nod. For the first time, a genuine smile of pure joy flickered across his face.

"Yes, you did."

Perhaps it was her High Elf heritage, or some other unexplained reason, but Cecilia grasped the profound significance of reviving the World Tree for Reinhardt.

Though she had readily agreed to try, her heart had been filled with apprehension. Thus, when the entire endeavor culminated in success, an overwhelming sense of achievement washed over her.

"You can now proceed without any further concerns."

Reinhardt sensed a subtle shift in Cecilia; he couldn't quite pinpoint it, but it felt as though she had matured.

The aura surrounding her exuded an ancient quality, as if the elven maiden before him was not merely a girl but a soul that had traversed centuries.

Dismissing the fleeting thought, he embraced the girl, offering his heartfelt gratitude.

"Thank you, Cecilia."

Her face instantly bloomed with color, a rush of heat ascending her cheeks.

Lowering her gaze slightly, she whispered a response, her voice barely audible, like the faintest buzz of an insect.

....

Back in the real world, scarcely any time had elapsed since Reinhardt and Cecilia were drawn into the spiritual domain.

The nature of their encounter within the spiritual realm remained a mystery to all. Yet, the instant the World Tree was revitalized in the spiritual space, its transformation rippled into the physical world.

One moment, Cecilia stood radiant amidst the emerald luminescence of the Origin Seed. The next, the very ground erupted.

BOOOOOOOM!!

A ferocious tremor convulsed the training grounds; nay, the entire city. The earth tore asunder, and a network of fissures snaked across the land.

Then, from the epicenter of the rupture, a colossal tree burst forth from the soil.

Its trunk ascended like a majestic mountain, its roots tearing through the very earth.

The cataclysmic event, or rather, the entirety of its unfolding, happened with such startling rapidity that even the devout and high-ranking knights who stood guard nearby were rendered speechless, caught completely unaware.

Nevertheless, they were knights; their training and ingrained instincts took over as they scrambled into action.

"Erect a barrier!"

"Safeguard the populace!"

The holy knights swiftly assumed their positions, forming a protective cordon around the burgeoning tree.

Yet, their response was a fraction too late.

The grasping roots of the World Tree had already extended beyond the confines of the training grounds, snaking towards the city's residential and commercial sectors, wreaking havoc and demolishing countless structures.

The chaos ensuing from this spectacle galvanized Snowpoint City. Civilians and even off-duty knights converged upon the training grounds.

In short order, an immense multitude assembled, gazing skyward at the colossal arboreal giant with a mixture of profound awe and sheer astonishment.

The common citizens, lacking specialized knowledge, marveled at the tree's sheer immensity with disbelief, while the knights struggled to contain their surging excitement.

The World Tree had finally been resurrected.

Their commander's ambitious plan had proven successful.

A spectrum of reactions and sentiments blossomed with the World Tree's emergence. Yet, for the two individuals standing at its base, none of these external developments held any sway.

Reinhardt gazed up at the imposing trunk, his palm making contact with its surface.

"It appears the World Tree still requires time to mature."

Despite its current grandeur, the tree before them fell short of the legendary scale he had witnessed within the spiritual realm.

Ancient chronicles spoke of the World Tree piercing the heavens and sustaining the entire world.

Nodding in understanding, Cecilia echoed his sentiment.

"It remains in its nascent phase. I must continue to grace it with my songs."

She regarded the young tree with eyes blazing with resolve.

"But... I am confident. I can nurture it into becoming the true World Tree."