[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical-":3,"chapter-sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-263":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","SSS-Ranked Awakening: I Can Only Summon Mythical Beasts",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1326714,1762,"Chapter 263 263: Battle With A Talking Demon","sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-263",263,"\u003Cp>The demon lunged, claws slicing through the air with unnatural speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien dodged just in time, twisting his body as the demonic talons slashed through the spot where his neck had been a fraction of a second ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The force of the attack tore through the rocky ground, leaving deep gashes on the dungeon floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien barely had time to regain his footing before the demon pressed forward again, its eyes gleaming with malice and fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You move well,\" the demon mused, tilting its head, voice smooth yet filled with sinister amusement. \"Most humans would be dead by now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien said nothing, tightening his grip on his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn't his first time fighting a Grade Three Demon, but something about this one was different—stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mana pressure around it felt heavier, and unlike other demons he had faced, this one spoke fluently, its words sharp and intelligent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't a mindless beast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was calculating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that made it far more dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon vanished in a blur, reappearing behind Damien in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instinct took over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien pivoted, bringing his sword up just in time, deflecting the demon's attack with a burst of sparks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The force rattled his bones, pushing him back several feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon grinned, clearly enjoying itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're resisting better than I expected,\" it mused. \"But it won't be enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Damien could respond, the demon raised its hand, and a wave of dark energy erupted from its palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Here it comes!' Damien leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding the blackened blast as it obliterated a chunk of the dungeon wall behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boooooom!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rubble crashed to the ground, filling the chamber with dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the haze, Damien could still see the demon's glowing golden eyes, unwavering and locked onto him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't fighting wildly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was testing him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chill ran down his spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn't like the other Grade Three demons he had fought before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien exhaled slowly, his mind working fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If brute force alone wouldn't win this fight, then he needed to change his approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Speed. Precision. Counters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon lunged again, but this time, Damien was ready.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As its clawed hand slashed forward, Damien ducked low, slipping under its guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the demon could react, Damien twisted his body and drove his blade toward its ribs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sword barely pierced its toughened hide, the impact vibrating through his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon grinned at Damien's effort. \"You'll need more than that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It kicked out with brutal force, catching Damien square in the stomach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air rushed out of his lungs as he was sent flying backward, slamming into the dungeon wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Booom!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp crack echoed through the chamber, dust and debris scattering across the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien coughed, forcing himself to his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon stood in place, watching him with something akin to curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're still standing,\" it noted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. \"You talk too much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon laughed and Damien knew he had no time to waste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Summoning his beasts would be the easy answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he wasn't looking for easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was looking to test his own strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sharp breath, Damien's mana surged, coursing through his veins like liquid lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dungeon reacted to his presence, the very air vibrating with pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon's grin widened. \"Oh? So you do have some fight in you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—they clashed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang! Clang!! Clang!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang!! Bang!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their blades and claws met in rapid succession, each strike sending sparks flying. Damien weaved through the demon's attacks, moving faster than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sword danced, aiming for weak spots between the demon's hardened flesh. The demon responded in kind, adapting to Damien's speed with every passing second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kraaaa!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground beneath them cracked, unable to withstand the force of their battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a split second, Damien found an opening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a burst of speed, he swung his blade—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this time, it connected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The edge of his sword slashed across the demon's torso, leaving a deep, jagged wound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon hissed, golden eyes flaring with something almost like anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You dare—?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without warning, its aura exploded outward, flooding the chamber with suffocating pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien barely had time to react before the demon's hand shot forward—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too fast!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The clawed hand punched clean through his side, tearing through flesh and muscle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp wave of pain shot through him as he staggered back, his vision blurring. \"Shit!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon's hand was coated in his blood, dripping onto the dungeon floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, Damien struggled to breathe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most people would collapse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most warriors would realize they had lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Damien wasn't most people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the pain, his grip on his sword never wavered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His breathing steadied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body screamed at him to stop—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his mind refused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still standing?\" the demon asked, tilting its head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien forced a smirk. \"Like I said… You talk too much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mana exploded outward, flaring brighter than before. It was like Damien hadn't been fighting at his full strength earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Booooom!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dungeon shook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The battle carried on once again, the dungeon walls trembling with every violent clash of steel and claws.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien could feel it—the shift in the demon's combat style.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, it had been fast and brutal, overwhelming him with sheer force and speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now it was changing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was adapting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time Damien dodged, countered, or landed a strike, the demon adjusted, moving with greater precision than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its footwork improved, its defensive reactions sharpened, and worst of all—it had begun mimicking his techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien's eyes narrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had fought intelligent demons before, but this one wasn't just clever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was learning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that made it far more dangerous than any Grade Three Demon he had ever encountered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien lunged forward, his blade cutting through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon sidestepped with ease, shifting its weight in a way that was eerily similar to how Damien himself dodged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, without hesitation, it countered with a precise strike, its claws slashing toward Damien's chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too fast!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien barely managed to bring his sword up in time, deflecting the attack. But the force behind the blow sent him skidding backward, his boots scraping against the stone floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon grinned, golden eyes gleaming with wicked amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're a fascinating opponent,\" it mused. \"I didn't expect to learn so much from a mere human.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien's grip on his sword tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So you're imitating me?\" he muttered, breathing heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon tilted its head, considering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not just imitating,\" it corrected. \"Evolving.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chill ran down Damien's spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn't just a strong opponent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was an opponent that was getting stronger the longer the fight dragged on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he didn't end this soon, there was a chance that the demon would become something even worse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something beyond his ability to handle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien exhaled, his mind working rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon was growing more precise, but that meant it was also predictable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was learning from Damien—which meant it was fighting like Damien.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Damien knew his own weaknesses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it wanted to fight like him, then he would force it into a situation it couldn't learn from.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a flick of his wrist, Damien switched his grip on his sword, adjusting his stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon's eyes widened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been mirroring his previous combat form—but now Damien had changed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in that fraction of a second, Damien moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He charged forward, but this time, he wasn't aiming for the demon's torso.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon expected an attack—it braced for a high-speed slash or a feint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Damien didn't do either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He dropped low at the last second, spinning into a sliding attack aimed at its legs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon, caught off guard, stumbled backward, its balance momentarily thrown off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was all Damien needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sharp burst of mana, he twisted mid-slide, shifting his weight upward and driving his sword in a brutal upward slash—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Straight into the demon's side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade tore through its flesh, dark blood splattering across the dungeon floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon roared in pain, staggering back, its golden eyes flashing with fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You—!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Damien wasn't done. \"Stay quiet!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the demon could recover, Damien followed through, unleashing a rapid flurry of attacks, his strikes relentless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His blade sliced through flesh, severing tendons, cutting deep into muscle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon tried to counter, but Damien was faster now, pressing his advantage. 'You had your chance to win.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With one final strike, Damien drove his sword through the demon's chest, twisting the blade as dark mana erupted from the wound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon gasped, its golden eyes flickering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time—there was fear in its gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You…\" it wheezed. \"You… planned this…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien exhaled, pulling his sword free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course I did.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The demon staggered, its body trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With one last guttural growl, it collapsed to the ground, motionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien stood over the lifeless body, his breath ragged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood dripped from his wounds, staining his coat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fight had been brutal, but he had won.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His muscles ached, and his mana reserves were drained far more than they should have been for a fight like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn't normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This demon had been different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that worried him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If demons like this were beginning to appear more frequently, it meant something far worse was happening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something that wasn't natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien wiped his blade clean before sheathing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He needed to leave this dungeon but then again, something wasn't right. He didn't feel fulfilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damien turned to the demon and noticed a black smoke rising from its body and his blue eyes narrowed, closing in on the demon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>_________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>_________________\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A\u002FN: Dear readers!! I apologise for the lack of recent updates. I promise to upload two more chapters today to make up for the previous missed days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I am still recovering but you all matter to me too!! Thank you guys!! I love you all!!!\u003C\u002Fp>",1671,"2026-06-05T19:28:51.148Z",1,"novelbin.me","ac6dcf5ebbea7b382e96b390a0d28a5bc6305512d204a61c6a5ccd8908624544","sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-264","sss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--chapter-262",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fsss-ranked-awakening-i-can-only-summon-mythical--cover.jpg"]