"It's my turn?"
Cassandra raised a dark wave. Her eyes, filled with anger and irritation, glared at Raon.
"You're getting cocky just because you killed a mutt."
"No."
Raon shook his head as he looked at the growling Cassandra.
"I've been cocky from the start. The moment you sent the Crimson Flame Demon first, the outcome of this fight was decided."
"That arrogance will tighten the noose around your neck!"
Cassandra raised her left hand, which wasn't holding the bow. Black smoke swirled between her fingers as if grasping the air.
Vrooom!
The dark energy surged with a gloomy light, swaying like clay, and formed a giant wolf.
Seeing the black flames burning from the wolf's mane made my hair stand on end.
'A wolf...?'
No.
The black wolf did not possess the vitality of a living being.
It had a presence akin to a spirit. However, it wasn't the energy of nature, but a dreadful demonic energy.
"An, an elemental of darkness?"
The answer about the wolf's identity came from Erian, who was behind.
"An elemental of darkness? There are elementals other than the four major elements?"
"They are rare, but there are elementals outside of the four major elements...."
He trembled, saying it was his first time actually seeing one.
"But I've heard that dark elementals consume the lifespan of their contractors...."
"That's right."
Cassandra nodded calmly.
"I sacrificed my lifespan to contract with this child."
She glared at the World Tree with eyes as cold as the north wind.
"Why go that far...?"
"If it means killing you and becoming true elves, I can sacrifice my lifespan as much as needed."
As if responding to Cassandra's anger, the dark elemental opened its jaws. Dark energy gushed out like a fountain from its spiraling throat.
Piiiiing!
As I dodged the wave of dark energy, Cassandra's arrow flew in. Because of the dark elemental, black demonic energy was burning on the arrowhead.
Thud!
Raon deflected Cassandra's arrow with the Heavenly Drive and frowned.
'My grip hurts.'
As expected of an elemental with pure power, the concentration of dark energy was incredibly deep.
'Both are Grandmasters....'
Both Cassandra and the dark elemental had Grandmaster-level auras, so if I recklessly charged, I might lose my head first.
'Focus.'
I could sense that the Red Demon Swordsman and the gray elves, who moved with the Crimson Flame Demon, were attacking Sepia, but I didn't look back.
'Neither can be ignored.'
For Sepia's sake, now was the time to put all my effort into this fight.
"Consider it an honor. This power wasn't prepared for you!"
Cassandra screamed as if possessed by evil and simultaneously shot five arrows.
As I watched the arrows predictively targeting the space to dodge, the dark elemental spewed out a vortex of dark energy.
Whoooosh!
Raon raised the Fire Wall to block Cassandra's arrows and the dark elemental's dark energy.
Using the gap where the flames and dark energy clashed, I dug into Cassandra's space.
"Ugh!"
Cassandra widened her eyes as if she didn't expect me to approach this quickly.
'I can cut her now.'
Just as I was about to strike down with the Heavenly Drive, the dark elemental appeared as if transcending space and swung its claws.
Like a wolf, its trajectory was tricky, and it carried immense power as if wrapped in an Astral Ring.
At times like this, the standard move would be to dodge first and observe the enemy's pattern, but I didn't have much time. Instead of retreating, I moved forward.
I stepped on the darkened ground with my left foot, using the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation. Suppressing the dark energy with golden flames, I thrust the Fangs of Insanity toward the dark elemental's claws.
Chaaaak!
The flames of the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation, burning while consuming the dark energy, pierced through the dark elemental's claws and roughly slashed its chest.
Kyaaaak!
The dark elemental screamed in pain and retreated.
'Not yet.'
Raon didn't follow the retreating Cassandra but instead pursued the dark elemental and struck down with the Heavenly Drive.
The golden blade, like capturing the sunset, sliced the elemental's waist in half.
Kiii!
As expected of an elemental, it didn't die immediately, but the impact was significant, and its aura rapidly diminished.
Just as I was about to finish it off with a Crimson Slash, Cassandra's arrow flew in.
The wave was different from before. From the black-burning arrowhead, I felt a strong will to kill me.
Raon felt the power in the arrow and raised the Blizzard Sword Art with the Requiem Sword held in his left hand.
Kyaaaang!
The frost storm summoned by the demonic sword blocked Cassandra's arrow.
Boom!
The heavy impact felt like blocking a sword strike, not an arrow, and it seemed my grip would tear.
'I'm used to this level of pain.'
Raon didn't retreat and swung the Requiem Sword to the end, freezing all of Cassandra's arrows.
Thud!
The arrows, frozen with dark energy, fell to the ground with a heavy sound.
"You blocked the Annihilation Arrow?"
Cassandra widened her eyes, not believing her arrow would be blocked.
Kiii!
The dark elemental, now much smaller than before, returned to her side, groaning in pain.
It seemed the damage wasn't just to its physical form but also a significant mental shock.
"A clumsy joint attack is worse than not doing it."
Raon approached Cassandra with the Heavenly Drive and Requiem Sword lowered. His steps were leisurely, but his heart was as cold as the North Sea.
"I'll end it here."
"End? Someone like you will end me?"
Cassandra erupted with murderous intent and stretched out her right hand. The dark elemental returned to her grasp and began to form a new shape.
Woooo!
It wasn't an animal. The dark elemental transformed into the shape of an arrow, black from the arrowhead to the fletching.
"I planned to shoot this into the old men's heads, but starting with you isn't bad either."
Cassandra released all her aura and nocked the arrow formed from the dark elemental.
Crackle!
As she drew the bowstring, terrifying dark energy spread, erasing the remaining bushes and trees.
Raon narrowed his eyes as he looked at the taut bowstring.
'What is that?'
From the arrow, so thin it seemed it would break with a touch, a spine-chilling ominousness emanated.
As I moistened my dry lips in tension, Cassandra twisted the fully drawn bowstring.
"Die."
With a cry like the command of a specter, Cassandra shot the arrow transformed from the dark elemental.
The arrow, faster than sound, rotated violently as it rushed toward my chest.
It wasn't aiming for a vital point. It was set to destroy my entire upper body.
Rumble!
Raon crossed the Heavenly Drive and Requiem Sword. The Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and Glacier, raised to the extreme, infused the blades and created a grand light.
'This won't be enough.'
Even while operating the Ten Thousand Flames Cultivation and Glacier at full power, I didn't think I could completely block the arrow.
Instinctively, I stepped back half a step. Using the brief time gained, I pressed down the approaching arrow with the refined dual swordsmanship.
Clang!
Despite bracing for the impact, the pain in my shoulder was so intense I almost groaned.
No matter how much she was risking her lifespan, the power was unbelievable. As Cassandra had confidently said, it was an arrow with a one-shot kill intent.
Crackle!
Raon was pushed back while standing, biting his lips.
'It feels like my grip will tear.'
The power carried by the arrow was too strong to break. It was perplexing to be overpowered by an arrow shot from a distance, not even a sword.
'Can using a dark elemental as an arrow really make it this strong?'
Raon frowned as he looked at the shaking Heavenly Drive and Requiem Sword.
'Is there no choice...?'
I wanted to save the Wrath Release for facing the Crimson Flame Demon, but if this continued, I might die before that.
Raon lifted his gaze to release his wrath but stopped.
'Wait a moment.'
This arrow....
Isn't it similar to the Requiem Sword?
Just as I achieved Sword and Body Unification with the Requiem Sword during a duel with Sterin, it seemed Cassandra had aligned her will with the dark elemental to shoot this ridiculously powerful arrow.
'If my guess is correct...'
I might be able to do it too.
A temporary Sword and Body Unification borrowing the weapon's power. To grasp that flow, I extended the Heavenly Drive in my right hand.
Rumble!
Blocking the arrow that I couldn't even block with two swords with just the Heavenly Drive felt like my arm would fall off, but I gritted my teeth and endured.
'Requiem Sword. I need you.'
I flowed my will through the demonic energy of the Requiem Sword. Infusing it with my desire not to lose and my will not to be broken, the Requiem Sword resonated with a clear sound.
Woooong!
The line connecting the will of the sword and the human seeped into the red blade, creating a grand aura.
Raon drew back the Heavenly Drive. As if waiting, he aligned his will with the Requiem Sword and slashed down along the trajectory of the Fangs of Insanity toward the approaching arrow.
Slash!
Cassandra's arrow, which seemed unbreakable, couldn't withstand the Requiem Sword's edge and was split in half, collapsing.
"Huh!"
Cassandra, eyes wide in disbelief, dropped her bow.
"How, how...?"
She seemed beyond confused and shocked, not even realizing she had dropped her bow.
"This doesn't make sense!"
Raon didn't respond. He advanced, exploding the aura that filled the mana circuits in his lower body.
"Ugh!"
Cassandra tried to pick up her bow in a final desperate act, but the blade of the Heavenly Drive was already at her neck.
Slash!
Cassandra's head flew through the air, and her ashen body collapsed to the ground.
"The monster, why now of all times..."
Cassandra looked up at the World Tree in frustration and took her last breath.
The dark elemental, having lost its master, disappeared as if it had never existed, turning to dust.
"Huh..."
Erian exhaled a hollow breath as he looked up at Raon.
"How much of your skill were you hiding?"
He blinked, seemingly unable to believe that Raon's martial prowess was at this level.
"Did you not use your full strength when you faced me?"
"There was no need to make a mess in my master's hometown."
"That martial prowess at your age. As expected, it's possible because you're the Spirit King's Contractor?"
Talking about the Spirit King even now, truly a stubborn person.
"Stop with the unnecessary talk."
Raon shook his head and threw a healing potion to Erian.
"Apply that and follow. I'll go ahead."
"Th-thank you. Right now, that's all I can say."
Raon nodded at Erian and then ran towards Sepia.
As he stabilized his breathing, ready to fight at any moment, a childlike figure appeared from the right bushes.
"Merlin!"
"Raon..."
Merlin ran forward and lowered her head. Judging by her voice and condition, it seemed she had used a lot of power.
"Don't go."
"It's because of the Crimson Flame Demon, right? It might be tough alone, but if we join forces, we can win."
The Crimson Flame Demon is definitely stronger than me, but inside Sepia, there are Rimmer and the elders. If we all join forces, we can block it without major sacrifices.
"No, you can't win."
Merlin shook her head firmly.
"The Crimson Flame Demon is growing by absorbing the World Tree's energy."
She tightly bit her lips and looked back at the World Tree.
"The Crimson Flame Demon's target isn't Sepia, but the World Tree itself!"
* * *
Rimmer watched the Great Forest, having opened a path for the elves to enter the barrier.
'The fire is spreading fast.'
The enemies were burning not only Sepia's entrance but the entire Great Forest.
If this continues, even if we win the battle, we will suffer irreparable damage.
'No.'
Right now, we need to think about our people more than the forest.
The forest is precious to the elves, but not as much as the lives of our people. Even if the Great Forest turns to ashes, fighting inside the barrier is the best option.
'With the elders, we can somehow hold out.'
Right now, the Chief Elder and the ten elders are performing a ritual to strengthen the World Tree's barrier.
If the barrier is strengthened, no matter how strong the flames, they won't reach the World Tree.
While rechecking the plan, his eyes met Siyana's, who was wrapped in a blanket.
Even in this situation, she seemed scared of the gazes of her people.
'I'll properly act as an older brother once this is over.'
As he shook his head with slight guilt, Dorian, who had gone out for reconnaissance, came running.
"Division Leader...."
Dorian panted and trembled as he spoke.
"Fi-fire is coming!"
"Fire? What are you talking about? Explain in detail."
"It's real fire. It's getting bigger and hotter, and we can't handle it!"
He swallowed dryly, saying that not only fire but also the Ghosts of Eden and gray elves were coming.
Rimmer frowned as he looked in the direction Dorian had come from.
"Is it the one wearing Ifrit's Helmet?"
"Yes."
Leylan approached and nodded. Fear began to fill her eyes.
"What's his martial prowess level?"
"My brother said he's about a low-rank Grandmaster."
"If that's the case...."
If we only consider compatibility, he overwhelmingly has the advantage, but we have the barrier strengthened by the elders. If we draw him inside and fight, we can win.
"Everyone, prepare for battle!"
At Rimmer's signal, Leylan ordered the Guardians to prepare for battle.
As all the elves of Sepia surrounded the World Tree, a grand flame that erased the darkness of the night sky rose.
No, it wasn't just flames. It was a gigantic human clad in fire.
'That's...'
Rimmer trembled as he looked at the Crimson Flame Demon wearing Ifrit's Helmet.
'That's supposed to be low-rank Grandmaster?'
That couldn't be low-rank. It was far beyond even mid-rank.
'Erian can't even assess properly now... huh?'
While cursing Erian internally, the heat and martial power emanating from Ifrit's Helmet were rapidly rising.
Rumble!
The heat, enough to melt the earth, shrank the barrier protecting the World Tree, and the martial power of Ifrit's Helmet grew stronger.
'No way...'
Rimmer's jaw trembled as he looked at Ifrit's Helmet.
'Is that bastard absorbing the World Tree's energy?'
If that's the case, did he come to Sepia not because of the Old Man, but to get the World Tree's energy?
Smack!
Rimmer slapped his own cheek.
'I was wrong!'
He turned around and shouted urgently.
"Stop strengthening the barrier!"
The elders' barrier strengthening was useless in front of that immense firepower.
It only helped him grow stronger faster.
Crackle!
But it was too late.
The barrier of the World Tree tore like paper, and the Chief Elder and the elders, who were performing the barrier strengthening ritual, collapsed, coughing up blood.
"Ugh..."
"What's happening?"
"Wh-what..."
The Chief Elder and the elders trembled, unable to understand the current situation.
They all seemed severely injured internally and unable to display their full strength.
Rumble!
In contrast, the martial power of Ifrit's Helmet grew endlessly. Having absorbed the World Tree's energy that seeped into the barrier, it had already surpassed mid-rank Grandmaster and reached high-rank.
'Damn it...'
Right now, I was the only one who could face that monster even for a moment.
Rimmer drew his sword with his left hand and stepped forward.
Whoosh!
Even though I was enveloped in the wind's aura, the heat from his breath felt like it would cook my flesh.
"Worm."
Ifrit's Helmet reached out toward Rimmer. The heat from his firm grip distorted the space.
Sword Domain
Eye of the Storm.
Rimmer immediately unleashed the Sword Domain. He tried to calm the flames with a windless zone, but the overwhelming firepower pushed the domain itself back.
Whoosh!
The barrier of the World Tree, which barely maintained its form, completely melted under the flame lightly shot by Ifrit's Helmet.
'I did something stupid.'
Rimmer gritted his teeth.
'I blocked my own retreat...'
But now is not the time for regret. I had to create an opportunity somehow.
Zing!
Rimmer stuck to the left side of Ifrit's Helmet and thrust his sword. The vibrating blade of wind pierced through the barrier of flames.
"Hmph!"
Ifrit's Helmet contemptuously deflected the blade of wind with the back of his hand.
Clang!
The full-power sword strike wavered like a butterfly in the wave and was pushed back.
'As expected, it doesn't work.'
I did train my left hand, but....
Wielding the sword with my left hand, it didn't move as I intended. The absence of my right arm was deeply regrettable.
"Disappear."
Ifrit's Helmet twisted his mouth and reached for the sky. Crimson flames poured down like hail from his grasp.
Whoosh!
Rimmer unleashed all his remaining energy, seeing that the crimson flames were going to erase not only him but the World Tree as well.
A red lightning surged over the sinking wind, forming a shield to block the rain of flames.
Whoosh!
But the crimson flames consumed even the lightning and wind, emitting increasingly intense heat.
"Leylan!"
Rimmer, focused on the flames, called out to Leylan behind him.
"Retreat! Everyone, run!"
"Th-that is..."
Leylan, who was looking after the elders, trembled.
"There's only you! Take everyone and run! Save at least one person!"
Protecting the Old Man, the Guardian, and the World Tree was meaningless before this firepower. Saving even one of our people was the priority.
The only fortunate thing was that Ifrit's attention was on me. If they moved quickly, some could be saved.
"It's meaningless."
Just as I barely grasped a thread of hope, a mocking laugh came from within Ifrit's Helmet.
"What do you..."
Rimmer stopped as he tried to respond. Around the broken barrier, Ghosts of Eden and gray-skinned traitors appeared, blocking the way.
"No one can leave this place."
Ifrit's Helmet declared.
"You bastard..."
I wanted to save even one person, but even that seemed difficult. The first misstep had ruined all the plans.
'But still...'
I'll hold out until the end.
Rimmer gripped his sword tightly and focused his aura. Despite feeling like his energy center would tear, he faced the crimson flames to the end.
Sizzle!
But the crimson flames of Ifrit spread beyond the blade to the hilt. It felt like his grip was burning.
'A way. I need to find a way...'
Just as he was rolling his eyes to find an opportunity.
A silver moon and a golden sun simultaneously rose above the black sky.
The shadow between the sun and the moon poured out red and blue halos.
Whoosh!
The flames of the Crimson Flame Demon, spread like wings, wavered as if they would break.
Raon's sword, wrapped in golden flames and silver frost, faced Ifrit's flames. But he too was sweating heavily, as if it was taxing.
"Raon! Fall back!"
Rimmer called out to Raon with a cracked voice.
"He's not someone you can handle!"
Raon is the one who must become the king of Zieghart. He couldn't be allowed to die a meaningless death here.
"This isn't the place for you to sacrifice your life! Take Dorian and Yua and leave!"
"You're right. He's not someone I can handle alone."
He acknowledged the difference in capability, unlike his usual self. That was at least a relief.
"If you know that, then quickly..."
"So please help me."
Silver brilliance poured from Raon's grip. Unlike the dying flames, the golden flames burned fiercely, filling his eyes.
"So that I can defeat him."