546
Sword of the Overlord, Hairan's vision seal sword.
The swordsmanship that was devised about 500 years ago and developed by the patriarch of Hairan and the sword saints to this day, the existence of the Sword of the Overlord has never been known to the world.
When Ron brought up the name, the eyes of the sword saints changed. The aura that suddenly spilled from their bodies carved strange patterns all over their bodies like runes.
Muddy whirlpools spread in their eyes, and the pure white coats that symbolized the sword saints were dyed gray.
It didn't look like an aura, but a change caused by old dark magic or other forbidden spells.
'Sword of the Overlord…? Is this the sword of Hairan?'
Jin thought.
The Sword of the Overlord is a sword that symbolizes the 'right path'. The swords wielded by the heirs of the Sword emperor were bound to radiate a unique pure and strong aura, but now the changes in the sword saints were completely opposite to that.
Muddy, dark, and ominous.
It looked more like a form of curse than a martial art.
Anyone who witnessed the energy of the Sword of the Overlord had no choice but to intuit it. Those who used this sword would never be able to return to their former self.
Also, strangely enough, the energy of the Sword of Conquest emitted a feeling oddly similar to the swordsmanship Jin was familiar with. The sword of Runcandel.
"The reason why the 24th patriarch invented this sword was not to fight against Zipfel, but to prepare for a battle against Runcandel that might happen someday," Ron said.
The reason why the Sword of the Overlord was not known to the world until now even though it was made 500 years ago. Only to prepare for the invasion of Runcandel, it was a sealing technique made by following their swordsmanship.
The significance of the Sword of Overlord does not include the righteousness of Hairan.
An extreme sword made to withstand the ultimate power for a brief moment if you abandon your body.
The Sword of the Overlord, in some ways, emitted a more savage and ferocious scent than the sword of Runcandel, which had a safety device called 'blessed body'.
Jin could hear the terrifying breathing of beasts who had abandoned their future to win the battle.
"It is a sword meant for Runcandel but I ended up taking out fighting against Zipfel... It's strange."
Clang!
The sword saints drew their swords, lowering their stances. The stone of the wall they were stepping on exploded, leaving deep footprints.
"Sword saint leader Ruyan, Sword of Overlord unsealed. I will abide by the patriarch's command."
"Sword saint Aquita Hairan, Sword of Overlord unsealed. I will abide by the patriarch's command."
"Sword saint Errol Lyman, Sword of Overlord unsealed. I will abide by the patriarch's command."
"Sword saint Bell Artemiro, Sword of Overlord unsealed. I will abide by the patriarch's command."
"Sword saint Franz, Sword of Overlord unsealed. I will abide by the patriarch's command."
The sword saints drew their swords in unison.
At the same time, sword energy poured from their swords toward the fleet. In an instant, the blade, which glowed a gloomy gray color, pierced Kelliark's curtain of fire and was seen advancing toward the inner fleet.
A hideous trace was left as if some gigantic being had scratched it. Ron's formless swordsmanship assisted the attacks of the sword saints and was tearing up the fire curtain in an instant.
There was a smell of ash from the falling chunks of fire that scattered. Dark smoke engulfed the fire, completely obscuring the view.
The five swords glowing in the dark continued to attack without hesitation.
No matter where they swung it towards the sky in front, the whole area was full of enemies, and any stray sword energy effortlessly joined Ron's formless sword, finding its place seamlessly in the pitch-black visibility.
The formless and gray, the two sword energies were striking the fleet without a break. Every once in a while, Jin heard the screams of humans and dragons who did not know whose it was.
Ron had already exceeded expectations by becoming stronger, but the transformation of the sword saints added an unexpected twist.
'He's becoming more aggressive.'
But Kelliark was not taken aback anymore.
The reason he clenched his teeth when he first confirmed Ron's martial arts was not because he was anxious that he might lose this war.
There was not even a speck of such anxiety.
The reason why Kelliark was overcome with a sense of inferiority for a while was the fact that he had been beaten by Ron in the competition in the category of 'human'.
It was a rekindling of the deep sense of inferiority he had always felt towards Chiron since his youth.
'I admit it, my friends. As a human, I have been defeated by you.'
However, the Demon God's orb could elevate him beyond mere humanity. Towards Gods or even something transcendental...
A red light spread from Hroti.
Annihilating Dark Sky Flame Orb, Demon empress, 2nd version.
Jin saw the orb of fire engulfing the smoke and spinning.
The orb, which was even larger than the one Jin had formed with the help of Solderet and Kallum during the first battle, exuded an awe-inspiring majesty, as if it were casted directly by the pinnacle of magic.
Jin had only seen Valeria's Annihilating Dark Sky Flame Orb, Demon empress, 2nd version only once in his past life.
"This is our Lord's...…."
Lata looked up at the orb of fire and said.
Most of the Vamel Alliance and the sword emperor castle mistakenly believed that Kelliark used the same magic as Jin. It was thought that the power was increased by using the same magic with a stronger mage.
And everyone couldn't help but be very nervous because they knew what was the power of the legacy of Riol.
"Kelliark Zipfel, you weren't just idling around. Ruyan!"
"Yes, lord patriarch."
"I'll handle that. In the meantime, Octavia will undoubtedly attempt infiltration during the opening...."
While Ron was talking, Jin was recalling the conversation he had with Valeria in his past life.
-According to records, Annihilating Dark Sky Flame Orb, Demon empress, 2nd version is superior to the final version.
- It seems that the final version is superior in other ways. Is it stability?
-Yes, stability. The final version is refined so that the second version can be used stably. But that's not all.
- What else is the difference?
-Weakness. The 2nd version is the strongest, but its weaknesses are too obvious. There are errors that are not even in the 1st version. Usually, if you see this magic, you won't survive, and there are few people who are great enough to dare to analyze Riol's perfect magic, so it's an unknown area... Well, look here.
At that time, Valeria had explained to him while casting 2nd version directly near Hister's succession temple. Behind her a ghastly fire orb floated just like now.
-Paper that shows letters when wet. It's the same. When the 2nd version starts, release your mana and scatter it in all directions. Try it yourself, because I can't keep this up and chant at the same time.
Following her instructions, as Jin dispersed his mana, he immediately understood the weaknesses of the 2nd version.
He began to see the flow of mana that constitutes the 2nd version.
Runes that were previously invisible sparkled, and numerous lines appeared between the runes.
-Cutting those lines can release the 2nd version. And you know the backflow when the magic is broken by someone other than the caster, right?
-Mana backflow....
-Yes, if you cut those lines now, there is a high probability that I will die. I wouldn't be able to handle this amount of mana backflow.
Therefore, the natural enemy of the 2nd version was a magic swordsman, or a combination of a mage and a knight who knew the weakness of the 2nd version.
The mage had to make the runes and lines appear with mana, and the knight had to play the role of cutting them off.
Unlike the 2nd version, the final version was stable because the exposed runes did not become a weakness.
"Sir Ron. I will stop that with the Vemal Alliance and the Sword saints."
Ron's eyes widened. Jin was determined to stop the magic that even he could overcome if he was prepared to use aura beyond Jin's ability.
However, Ron did not ask Jin to confirm. He didn't even tell him not to be brave enough to do something that couldn't be easily done even by himself.
He just trusted Jin. To Ron, Jin was no longer a child or a knight inferior to himself, but a knight who always succeeded in what he said.
"How can I help you?"
"If possible, please allow the knights to fly through the sky with your sword wind."
When the 10-star martial artist aerial combat took place, they used sword energy as a means of flight.
Ron went beyond that, and he had reached a level where he could lift others, not just himself.
"How long?"
"5 minutes, no, 3 minutes will be enough. If only you could perfectly protect allies in the air."
Ron grinned.
It was because there was no need to waste that much time.
"It's child play. Shall we start immediately?"
"Yes."
Whoa-!
Suddenly, an intense formless wind wrapped around the bodies of the Vamel Alliance and the Sword saints. Knights caught in the wind and rose into the dawn sky.
"Until Kelliark's magic ends, all the Sword saints follow Jin Runcandel's command."
Jin had raised his mana. A white and thick haze bloomed as the vast mana Jin and the mana of nature intertwined.
And within it, the Annihilating Dark Sky Flame Orb, demon empress 2nd version started to fall. Swirling bands of flame were fiercely attacking the knights who rose into the sky.
Ron let out a battle cry, and emitted the formless sword energy. The clash between the sword energy and the flames created a deafening explosion, and the knights raised their senses as they confirmed all the explosions were happening right in front of their noses.
The clash between the sword and the fire, a precarious confrontation, was taking place.
Jin didn't quickly scatter his already opened mana. So that Kelliac doesn't become conscious of the 2nd Version's weakness.
'At this point, I can spread it all at once.'
About a minute passed like that.
"Vamel alliance, Sword saints! Destroy the runes and cut the lines of connected mana!"
When Jin shouted, the one who was most surprised was undoubtedly Kelliark Zipfel.
'Releasing the casting of the 2nd version… Do you mean he figured it out!'
No, it can't be.
This was a coping mechanism that only someone who already knew about it could handle. And as far as Kelliark knew, there was only one human being other than himself who could know the 2nd version's weakness.
Valeria Hister, the last survivor of the Hister clan.
Kelliac could now be sure that she had already formed a relationship with Jin. However, it was already too late.
Even if it wasn't Kelliark, but Riol Zipfel, she couldn't retrieve the already casted second version in an instant.
The Vamel Alliance and the Sword saints were already pointing their swords at the 2nd version runes and lines. And Jin prepared the secret technique of Runcandel, grasping the location of runes and lines that were too far away for their swords to reach.
Runcandel 5th secret move
Light-speed Thrust – Plutonian
Far away from the flames, the lightning bolts were extending through the glowing runes.
547
Excluding Ron, Jin was the only martial artist with the longest range attack in the sword emperor castle camp.
The light-speed thrust enveloped in lightning bolts did not lose its power even in flames of 2nd version. The fiercely advancing sword energy was cutting the runes and lines hidden deep within the flames of 2nd version.
If it would have been before Jin had risen to the ranks of the 'powerful warriors' he might have faced many doubts and verifications before undertaking such actions, so he might have missed the opportunity.
But not anymore.
He didn't have to explain how he knew the weakness of the 2nd version and why one should follow baseless words.
Ron just had to act according to his will. Because Jin had never disappointed those who believed in him even once.
The Vamel Alliance and the Sword saints, who were cutting the runes and lines, were checking that the flames of 2nd version were getting smaller and fading each time.
It was a disaster that came from perfect harmony.
Ron's formless sword wind that can protect and float all allies, Jin's magical ability and dispelling, and martial artists floating in air.
Without any one of them, this disintegration could not have succeeded. Even if they knew the dispelling, not many could wield mana in this dreadful inferno and properly swing a sword.
'For Lord Jin... It has the power to call victory. An inexplicable, such power.'
'How can you not serve my lord!'
The scene of Jin and Vamel alliance, and sword saints blocking 2nd version while floating in the formless sword wind gave off a mythical atmosphere in itself.
It was filled with a sublime feeling.
The desperate and pure struggle of those who would not yield, would not break, to protect something precious was always like that.
That's why those who oppose Zipfel, even in the malicious flames of 2nd Version, in battles where they face life and death every second, even while swinging their swords and screaming.
They could feel their inside becoming full.
"Khuh...!"
Kelliark swallowed the heat rising through his throat and widened his eyes. His eyes were bloodshot, and the drops of blood flowing down his nose stained his beard red.
"Patriarch!"
Octavia shouted.
Neither Chiron nor Ron. It was difficult to accept the fact that Jin Runcandel had made the blood of the patriarch seep for the first time in decades.
Kelliark raised his hand to her as if to reassure her. Unlike the mana backflow reaction, his hand holding the hroti did not tremble at all.
"It seems that Hister was informed about the weakness of the 2nd version. Hister, they're terribly persistent….."
Kelliark was calmly recovering 2nd version mana despite the mana backflow reaction.
He had already gone beyond the mage's limit of 'mana backflow' a long time ago.
There may be physical damage, but not being able to use mana because of the backflow was no longer an issue for Kelliark Zipfel. It was not the power of the Demon God's orb, but an achievement solely of human Kelliark Zipfel.
"Octavia, I will open the path again. Take care of annoying ones, so I can focus on Ron Hairan."
"All right."
Kelliark's eyes were stained with blue. The Gaze of Azure Flame, Zipfel's vision magic used by Myuron Zipfel in the past.
Naturally, its power couldn't even compare to Myuron's magic. At the same time, another flame formed in his left hand, and Hroti began to emit blue lightning.
Kelliark also went beyond the realm of 'initial simultaneous chanting' that uses three or more types of magic. He was using four great magic spells at the same time, up to the 2nd version whose recovery had not yet been completed.
The Gaze of Azure Flame
Crazy lightning
Annihilating Dark Sky Flame Orb - Kelliark Zipfel
Annihilating Dark Sky Flame Orb, Demon empress 2nd version
Among them, the 2nd version was quickly recovered and replaced with Zipfel's ice barrier vision magic, 'Frost Hell'. Each of those four magic spells had power comparable to the 2nd version.
The total amount of mana was three times that of the 2nd version, so it also meant that the weight of mana that Ron had to endure increased by that much.
Lightning fell like crazy from the sky, and the disappearing 2nd version was replaced by the Annihilating Dark Sky Flame Orb improved by Kelliark Zipfel, and a cold explosion was heard in the frozen air, and blue flames bloomed wherever his gaze landed.
And the progress of the invisible sword that had landed on the battlefield slowed down. Ron's swordsmanship was losing strength as it collided with Kelliark's magic spells.
The flight of the martial artists riding the formless sword became precarious. Their center of gravity, which had been solid as if they had stepped on the ground, was shaken, and fire, cold, and lightning bolts attacked them from all sides.
Kelliark Zipfel's power was completely outside the realm of magic they knew.
Rather than magic, it is closer to an irresistible disaster. The group gritted their teeth and had to find a safe path through the invisible sword, feeling as if stepping on a bomb.
In the air entwined with wild magic, a drop of cool sweat drenched their back with each step they took.
When they stepped on the frozen formless sword, their ankle felt as if it would be cut off, and when they looked for a place to step again, two flames pressed their whole body.
The crazy lightning tore through their shields so easily, it felt like their wrists would burst if struck with a sword.
Until Ron reached the pinnacle, Kelliark Zipfel was clearly the world's most powerful mage. The reason the group could even 'feel' fighting him was because Ron existed.
Jin did not know about the releasing the casting of the new magic spells.
Even if he knew, he couldn't dispel them in this state. In terms of purely magical achievements, Kelliark was clearly far beyond what Jin had achieved.
That fact did not dampen the fighting spirit of Jin and the others.
It just made things more complicated in their head. Their heart ached as to how they could hit that pinnacle of magic again.
"Yeah, you can't say you're the patriarch of Zipfel if you get knocked down by Jin. Isn't that right, Kelliark?"
Ron stands in a completely different realm from those struggling in the sky.
That's why he wasn't troubled like them. For him, it was a matter of going head-to-head with strength.
Ron was watching Octavia's battleship heading towards the castle.
Just as Kelliark entrusted Octavia to deal with the Vamel Alliance and the Sword saints, Ron had to entrust Octavia to them.
The fight to focus on the opponent that suits each of them has begun.
Kelliark, Fleet, Dragon and Ron.
Octavia, the Spectre Corps, Vamel Alliance, and Sword saints.
The battlefield was rapidly splitting into different areas. As Octavia got closer, Ron gradually reduced the invisible sword wind that protected allies, and Kelliark also reduced the mana that helped Octavia penetrate as the Vamel Alliance and the Sword saints got farther away.
It took less than three minutes for Kelliark and Ron to pour all their power onto each other.
At that time, Jin's group and Octavia's battleship were on the ground, avoiding the clash between the two giants in the sky, and settled on the plain in front of sword emperor castle.
Those who did not reach the level could not even breathe properly in the overwhelming storm of the battlefield.
Crash-!
Octavia's battleship landed on the ground as if crashing. Because it was swept away by sword strikes and magic, it was already half-destroyed and unable to function properly.
Even that was the result of Octavia and the Spectres desperately spreading a protective shield. They had much longer flight distances compared to Jin's group, which meant they had to withstand the power of the two giants all the more.
"Jin Runcandel…."
In Octavia's dark and low voice, there was a deep killing intent in her eyes as she looked at Jin.
Even beyond the hoods of the Spectre Corps, bloodlust was vibrating all over. They all have memories of losing members because of Jin.
"Octavia Zipfel."
"I never expected that letting you go alive on the island of Veradin would come back as such an annoying problem."
Octavia was recalling the conversation she had with Murakan that day.
-Do you think Runcandel can defeat us and ascend to the throne of the world? You must have forgotten the lesson of your old contractor a thousand years ago.
-[Puheh...… ha ha! Who said anything about the Runcandel clan becoming the king of the surface? I am referring to my current contractor. You guys are making noise without even knowing that today was the last chance to change the future.]
Back then.
Octavia couldn't help but scoff at the grandiose words that Jin Runcandel, not Runcandel clan, would become the king on the surface.
So the horribly unpleasant memory came to her mind, and that nasty intuition was still creasing Octavia's forehead.
She had never felt a more ominous sensation throughout her life.
'Why?'
And just how?
It was in early 1798 that she failed to kill Jin at Veradin's villa. Now it was April 1800, so not even two years had passed since then.
However, during those two years, Jin had become unbelievably strong, a veritable giant, facing her directly in the war. In just two years...
"First of all, I genuinely pay my respects. Jin Runcandel, you are an insane, awe-inspiring human being. It's inexplicably impressive... you even survived after meeting me and Sir Hedo."
Jin didn't answer.
Objectively, the Vamel Alliance and the Sword saints were clearly inferior to Octavia and the Spectre Corps.
The 30 members of Spectre Corps, led directly by Zipfel's second-in-command, was at a level that could only be dealt with by Runcandel's 1st division, including the Black Knight.
If the Sword saints hadn't executed the seal called the Sword of Overlord, the odds of winning wouldn't have existed in the first place.
'Even if I use the Plutonian Reign Sword, the odds of winning are not very high. But if I get pushed... My clan won't be able to keep watching.'
As Jin thought, Rosa read the flow of the battle and inferred the situation Jin was facing.
'The youngest's power can't handle Octavia and the Spectres. Will the master of the hidden palace participate in the war? I will have to send the black knights if she doesn't step up.'
Even if problems arose in negotiations with Zipfel later, even if they go into an all-out war, Runcandel couldn't afford to lose Jin now. Rosa thought so.
However, rather than relying on the clan, Jin drew a picture of stopping Octavia by bringing out the variable that he had, the Plutonian reigning sword, to the limit.
The odds of winning are low, but there was still a chance. Because he had countless victories with such a low probability so far.
'If my mother intervenes, Dante's chances of survival will disappear entirely. My clan is here just to destroy or obtain the White Stone, his life doesn't count at all.'
Above all, that was what mattered.
Dante, his friend, may have already been put in a state of 'no return'. Jin had no intention of letting go of the bond with him, regardless of the circumstances.
Octavia was seeing right through Jin.
"You want to save your friend. But if your clan steps forward, he will surely die. If you had handed him over to us, you might have been able to save your friend. About an 80% chance, as our patriarch said."
"Do you think Runcandel will step forward to save one person, Octavia Zipfel?"
"Absolutely. Now you hold such a position within Runcandel."
"Thanks for the praise, but that won't happen."
"You must be saying that because you still have hidden power. I look forward to it, show me everything."
"And rather, it would be better for you to pray that my clan doesn't come forward, if you want to live."
Octavia smiled.
She wasn't afraid of Rosa stepping forward herself.
"Come to think of it, I don't see your guardian dragon. I have something to pay him back...," Octavia said, but abruptly stopped.
It was because two black stars suddenly rose above the sky where Kelliark's magic and Ron's sword clashed madly.
She had seen the same sight two years ago.
[Kid!]
Murakan.
[Jin.]
and Misha.
Two guardian dragons for Solderet's contractor were descending toward Jin. At the same time, Octavia had to feel a terrible discomfort pressing down on her brain once more.
548
It was no coincidence that Murakan escorted Cuicantelle and met Misha. Moreover, Jin not encountering her by roaming around her hiding places wasn't a coincidence either.
-If you're that worried, I'll order to further increase the number of people tracking Misha. Will that help alleviate your anxiety?"
-[… Ok, I get it. It would be much better if Murakan's sister was captured.]
-It was a pity that I missed her by a narrow margin a while ago. Anyway, I care more about my son than the 12th flagbearer or the Black Dragons.
Misha has been hiding from Zipfel's pursuit.
And she realized the unusual atmosphere within the Empire, so she was getting ready to meet Jin
For her part, she had no choice but to be wary of her participation even after the battle of the sword emperor castle began.
It was because if she was seriously injured in this war, it would cause irreversible setbacks in all the affairs of the Solderet, which she was handling on his behalf.
However, since Jin's death or capture did not end with setbacks, she immediately joined Murakan and stood here.
As Jin's other guardian dragon, her first duty was to protect him.
Misha transformed into a human and stood next to Jin. Murakan stood behind them like a great black mountain with his amber eyes burning like flames.
"It's been a while."
Misha's firm yet clear voice felt more reassuring than anything else.
'If that's the case, I might be able to take out the Plutonian reign sword from the calculation altogether.'
The Plutonian Reign Sword was literally the last resort. Even if he used the sword and defeated Octavia and the Spectre Corps, Jin, who executed the sword, would never directly witness the end of this war.
Even so, the only reason Jin wanted to use the Plutonian Reign Sword was because that was the only answer.
Misha was by far the most powerful dragon as far as Jin knows. The sight of her casually beating Murakan, who had regained his 40% strength, was still vivid in his mind.
Once again, Murakan had said something unnecessary to Misha on the way, and because of that, there were traces of shadow force flowing like blood on his mouth.
It wasn't a serious injury, but it seemed like a proper hit from a jab, as always.
"It's been a while, Ms. Misha."
"I wished to see you too. I have many stories to share with you. But before that..."
A black spear formed in Misha's hand.
The spear technique, which Temar directly named 'A Shadowless spear', had stopped Octavia and real spectres on the Veradin's two years ago.
"First of all, we need to get rid of those who interfere with our meetings. We've met before, right? Zipfel's child."
Octavia's eyebrows twitched.
"Black Dragon Misha... Just like two years ago, and even now. I thought you were only good at running away, but it seems you have experience in scratching inside of people. You must have been busy avoiding pursuit, yet you managed to find your way here."
At that, Misha smiled brightly.
"I felt it even two years ago, you. Don't you think you should improve your manners a bit? Even Riol Zipfel was extremely careful when talking to me, but your casual tone and informal demeanor make me uncomfortable... "
Everyone who heard that voice seemed to feel a cold bloodlust down their spine.
Especially Murakan, seeing Misha genuinely expressing anger after a long time, he recalled unpleasant memories, and the scales on his back trembled.
'I've never seen a mortal live comfortably after poking at the temperament of this sinister demon... That woman named Octavia, she will never be at peace whether today or anytime.'
Of course, Octavia wasn't intimidated at all.
"Really? I didn't know. I'll tell the clan scribes. If there is a record of the previous patriarch Riol using honorific words for you, erase it."
[Hey, hey. You better stop now.]
Murakan, who reflexively opened his mouth, interrupted Octavia after reading the atmosphere.
Naturally, Murakan wasn't offering advice because he was concerned about Octavia.
It was only that he was worried that the ferocious monster would somehow release the remaining irritation and anger on himself in the future.
'Ah, this monster has also aged, so hopefully, it won't engage in such behavior. Let me recover all my strength...'
Jin was not the only one who was reassured by the unexpected appearance of Misha. The Vamel alliance and the Sword saints felt the same way.
They were shocked that even though she stood beside them, showing her back, there was no gap or opening at all.
'That lady is the Black Dragon Misha, the second guardian dragon of our lord. The atmosphere is no joke.'
'Lord Murakan even expressed that she is a terrible being, and the rest of the enemy seemed to be very afraid... Indeed, it's amazing.'
'It's scary, it's really scary. I have to look good.'
Lata, Valkas, and Amela thought. Everyone else felt the same way.
"Until when are you going to do this?"
Shadow force spread from the black spear and formed black armor on Misha's body. After finishing her armament, Misha looked exactly like the grim reaper in the legend.
"You may think you can erase history as you wish. However, it would be wise to face reality squarely. The world you dream of is already crumbling."
Kwaaah-!
Coincidentally, the moment Misha finished speaking, the sky lit up and there was a deafening explosion.
Kozec ship's cannon imbued with Kelliark's mana collided with Ron's sword.
The entire space, no, the entire sky distorted and swirled with the impact.
It was a force that shattered even the protective shield of Jin and Octavia, the two groups had maintained together.
The mages reflexively chose to cast the shields again, and the martial artists made the decision to pounce on them.
There was no need for Jin to give orders or signals.
It was a close combat with incredible speed. That was the only thing a martial artist could do against top-notch mages.
Shiiing-!
The black spear stretched out first, and then the eyes flashed. Just like two years ago, Misha showed her strength this time too, bursting the middle of Octavia and the Spectres' shield with a single blow.
As if Octavia had expected that much, she immediately casted her light magic as her counterattack, and at the same time tried to bind Misha's feet with her mana.
Thirty spectres reacted almost as fast as Octavia and fired various types of magic without pause. All sorts of great magic spells were being unleashed incessantly.
The swords of the Vamel alliance and the sword saints also created sharp waves of aura.
Dozens of swords and staff were entangled, and each time they clashed, the ground screamed, causing earthquakes.
'This should be manageable.'
In fact, Octavia and the Spectres were a little tired.
As evidenced by Octavia's battleship, which was completely destroyed as soon as it touched the ground, their path through the battle of the giants was much longer than that of the sword emperor castle camp.
Still, it was enough to deal only with the Vamel Alliance and the Sword saints, but the addition of Misha changed the situation entirely.
It wasn't just that the odds of winning were slightly higher.
Misha was stronger than Jin thought, and above all. She had extensive experience facing the so-called 'Spectre Corps' for longer than anyone else in this world. A whopping thousand years.
Even the Spectres she remembered were incomparable to the present. Just like the difference between the Runcandel's ten great knights and the Black Knights.
"A while ago, you said that I ran away after fighting you on that island, is that so?"
Misha's black spear grazed Octavia's cheek. The blade of the spear entered again between the splashing drops of blood, and Octavia stamped the ground with her staff to create shock waves of light attribute to prevent the attack.
In that opening, a light-speed thrust followed. Without the Spectres' shield, even someone like Octavia would not have escaped without serious injury.
"On that island, I just fought the battle while killing as few of you as possible. You know why? Killing too many would be tiresome in the long run. The Zipfel clan cares too much about victory or defeat."
"You're good at bluffing."
Like Octavia's answer, there was a little bluff mixed, but not completely false.
However, all the magic of Octavia and Spectre Corps was not able to hit Misha.
It was thanks to the fact that Jin, Vamel alliance and the Sword saints held out, but the crucial point was that she fully understood the magic of the present-day Spectre Corps, thanks to the battle two years ago.
Also, Jin had no choice but to break out in a cold sweat when he first met Misha and saw her ability.
She had very strange abilities.
"You're good at bluffing."
Startle...!
Octavia couldn't help but turn her head at the sudden sound of 'her own voice,' despite the enemy's Black Spear looming in front of her.
It was an unavoidable force majeure. The next moment, what Octavia saw before her eyes was another figure, identical to herself, standing there.
Naturally, it was a fake created by Misha's shadow force. However, that fake Octavia was saying something to the real Octavia.
"What is this?"
What is this?
A look that doesn't understand why another 'me' is there. At that moment, Octavia instinctively realized that all of this was Misha's ability and tried to respond.
But it was already too late. It's always fatal to show an opening in a fight. Especially if she's dealing with someone like Misha.
Thunk-!
The black spear pierced Octavia's shoulder.
"Hoho, you are indeed the captain of the spectres. You managed to avoid it. I wanted to get rid of that uneducated mouth of yours."
The Spectre Corps stepped forward, and Octavia backed away as she distanced herself from Misha.
Unlike their drastic change in formation, Misha was smiling as if she had no intention of continuing an additional attack.
"I, too, once challenged fate like you did. How does it feel? Not so pleasant, is it? What you lot are doing is exactly that," Misha said.
Fake Octavia disappeared, and in that moment.
The dawn sky was distorted once again.
The confrontation between Ron and Kelliark was getting more intense as time went on. The advantage was shifting towards Ron. His swordsmanship was gradually pushing away Kelliark's magic.
"Your leader seems to be losing to the sword emperor. Somewhere, Runcandels might be patiently waiting for an opportunity. Even so, the fact that you show no sign of retreat must mean that there is something you believe in, right?"
Whatever it is.
You will die without seeing the result.
When Misha continued her words, Octavia had no choice but to grit her teeth.
549
* * *
Now, Runcandels were closely examining the battle situation. Since Ron and Kelliark were fighting in earnest, no one on the battlefield was conscious of their location.
The battlefield was a chaotic landscape, as if the entire sky was exploding. All the Knights of Runcandel who were watching couldn't help but shiver.
"Ron Hairan….."
Rosa spoke in a low voice.
Surprisingly, her voice was filled with a lot of regret. The reason for such regret was none other than the absence of the patriarch.
If only Chiron Runcandel, Luna, and the old Black Knights were here right now. And if only Ron Hairan had just sought the help of Runcandel.
It was all because of the thought that today might mark the end of the thousand-year war between Runcandel and Zipfel. No one expected Ron to wake up so close to the genesis knight domain.
"Acting matriarch."
The Black Knight commander, 'Stam', stood next to Rosa. He was the only person who could directly discuss the current war situation with Rosa.
"Sir Stam."
"How do you see this?"
He was asking about whether Ron Hairan could actually win in the fight against Zipfel.
"Without Kadun and Hedo, Kelliark's odds don't seem high. No, even if they are here...… I don't think Ron will just lose."
"I think so too. Unless it's the Patriarch, no one can defeat the current Ron Hairan."
"But still, sir, you seem skeptical about participating in the war. Probably for the same reason as mine."
Stam nodded his head.
Slowly but clearly.
Zipfel was showing signs of distress. Despite that, they were still maintaining the momentum without considering a retreat, and they hadn't sent anyone for negotiations with Runcandel.
What that meant was clear.
"Yes, Zipfels must have a means to overturn the situation on their own."
"Seeing that they don't even pretend to be cautious of us, it must be a very sure way. I think it's the replica of the Orb of Origin mentioned by the patriarch in the past."
Chiron had evaluated that power as dangerous.
It was indeed a rare case for him to use the expression 'danger.'
"This time, we might have to be satisfied with just confirming that power. What if the black knights who went to the Black Sea return without meeting the patriarch?"
White stone.
The two of them judged that the moment Ron was defeated, it would be difficult for Runcandel to possess it.
There was also a thought that an all-out war should never be waged if Zipfel pulled out a formidable move and Ron could not deal a serious blow to them.
"Acting matriarch."
"Speak."
"Would it be acceptable for me to infiltrate the battlefield with three Black Knights?"
Stam was concerned about Jin's survival. If Kelliark brings out a means that can defeat Ron, it is questionable whether Jin can survive.
It was confirmed that the battlefield was divided into Ron and Kelliark, Octavia's Spectre Corps and Jin's group. In the first place, Stam had the perception that Jin would be in danger even before Zipfel brought out a formidable move.
"Do so. It seems necessary."
"I will not intervene unless it's right before the battle."
"That's how it should be. And one more thing, make sure to bring him back alive."
* * *
Blood gushed from Octavia's shoulder.
Since all the magic of the Spectres was centered on Octavia, their joint efforts were bound to become somewhat dull.
Originally, that should have been the case.
However, Octavia was a mage who can handle the 'attribute of light', which was said to have been completely lost a long time ago.
"Predestined fate... Maybe it's because you are a dragon, but you don't know much. The history of mortals, including humans, has always been an effort to go against the absurd principles and laws set by the gods. Just as we changed incurable disease into curable, and just as one would turn misfortune into fortune."
A fist-sized orb of light materialized at the tip of Octavia's wand.
When the orb touched her shoulder, the light penetrated and the wound healed rapidly.
"Even the magic of light was cut off, with gods' muttering about it being a predestined fate. They said mortals shouldn't possess something completely flawless."
Light magic is almost a dream for all mages.
The light magic passed down like legends was an attribute that can handle attack, defense, and healing at once, and its power differs significantly from other magic spells.
Likewise, the lost dark magic can achieve all of that, but it always requires catalysts and sacrifices. Light magic had no such restrictions. The only thing consumed in return is mana.
Hwaaak!
Then, the magic of light extending from her staff formed wings on Octavia's back.
"So don't talk as if defying fate is a great sin, Black Dragon Misha. It's disgusting and hard to listen to."
As the wings of light stretched forward, a sharp sound of cutting wind echoed. Shards of sharp light shot out like arrows, and Misha rotated her dark spear to block the attack.
However, fragments of light splattered in all directions caused an explosion. Misha used her footwork to avoid the explosion, and the rest of the martial artists dealt with the aftermath.
The position of second-in-command of Zipfel was not handed to her on a silver platter. She was a little tired from enduring the battle between Kelliark and Ron, but only the Spectres were greatly affected by that fact.
Octavia was a mage who has already entered the realm of 'transcendence', so her physical burden was not that much of an issue. As long as she wasn't dealing with overwhelmingly powerful foes from her perspective.
"I don't know why you're suddenly mentioning the gods. Is it difficult for you to understand that your actions were offensive to my standards and I feel disgusted?"
"Life is too short to care about such things. As you expressed out of a sense of superiority, we are mortal."
"And you're the ones who erased the history of Chenmi, the Archmage loved most by light."
Boom-!
Octavia's light magic and black spear were constantly clashing. Octavia, who began to use her light magic in earnest, showed no signs of being pushed back even in close combat against Misha.
Jin and Misha were in charge of Octavia, and the rest were in charge of the Spectres. Murakan also tried to focus on Jin and Misha, but snapped at him.
"Hey. Protect our allies while playing the role of my source of shadow force. It's much more efficient for you to deal with that over there if you want to capture it. Don't waste your energy attacking and charging in."
[What did you say? Source of shadow force? Me, Murakan? Ha! Are you crazy?]
"I don't have the luxury to care about your feelings, so shut up and listen."
[No matter... tsk!]
Crack!
The black spear and lance of light collided again, creating a shock wave. Part of Misha's helmet, made of shadow force, burst open and revealed her eyes, and beams of light poured through them.
Pit, the shadow force from the cut under her eyes spurted out like drops of blood.
However, Misha also left a stab wound on Octavia's thigh, and Jin continued to press to keep Octavia from attacking further.
"Open the sword of overlord formation!"
As Ruyan shouted, the sword saints formed a circle and raised their aura. The reason the rest of the martial artists could fight on equal footing with the 30 true Spectres was because their lives were guaranteed.
From then on, Murakan decided to play the role of a support without saying anything. His wide-area attack was somewhat lacking in breaking through the shield of all Spectres, and there was a great deal of concern that his allies would be endangered if he concentrated on breaking through at one point.
Black smoke extending from Murakan enveloped Misha. The black spear and armor were stained even blacker, and Misha's movements became sharper.
As the sword of overlord formation was executed, the magic of the Spectres could not be directed towards Jin, Misha, and Octavia at all.
The patterns on the bodies of the sword saints were getting more and more ugly. Deep wrinkles appeared on the hand holding the sword, revealing the fact that they were rapidly aging.
Jin felt uneasy about this development, but Ruyan said.
"Sir Jin, don't worry about us. We won't collapse until the end of this war."
The entire sky and ground vibrated wildly from the impacts of the war. The aftermath of the battle in the sky hit the ground like cannon fire, but no other shocks intervened in the battlefield between Jin, Misha, and Octavia.
Plutonian Swordsmanship Battle God Technique, 4th sword
Erosion
Taking advantage of time bought by Misha, Jin stabbed Sigmund in front of Octavia and used battle god technique erosion.
A pillar of lightning surged up, and a thousand blue dots were aimed near Octavia.
Right after Jin pulled out Bradamante, lightning bolts of erosion raged along the mark.
When lightning bolts began to fall, Octavia had already left the area where the mark was concentrated, leaving only the lingering traces of light where she stood.
'The battle reached the point where I have to use a battle god technique to create an opening.'
It was not easy to even create an attacking opportunity without that level of technique.
Fortunately, Octavia faced a similar predicament. She had no choice but to use magic at the level of secret technique to attack Jin and Misha.
Amidst the entanglement of lightning bolts and elemental magic, the three individuals merely observed each other through their afterimages.
Boom-!
The tip of Octavia's wand stabbed someone in the chest. As it was, she concentrated her mana on the tip of her staff and exploded it, and it was only after seeing the opponent tear apart that she was able to recognize who it was.
'Jin Runcandel? No, it must be a shadow force doll created by the black dragon.'
Octavia calmly prepared for her next move. Looking around her, she could see that shadow force dolls were laid all over the place.
'Encirclement...!'
Octavia couldn't dismiss the possibility that it was all baits or traps.
Each ten dolls were in different postures. The posture of wielding the Shadow Sword and the Shadowless Spear.
Which one was real, and were the swordsmanship and spear techniques displayed were just illusions?
Octavia had no way of knowing.
'Handling them all at once should resolve the issue.'
A radiance hung over her grip and staff. She intended to completely erase the entire battlefield where the three were fighting with light-element magic.
"Kaaaa...!"
The moment Octavia let out a scream, the shadow force dolls that rushed at her exploded or melted in the shockwave of light.
'Were they all illusions? I don't sense any resistance at all.'
If so, the attack on the illusion has been proven to be an illusion. Thanks to this, she is able to remove one of the trap elements.
At that time, Jin and Misha briefly left the battlefield while taking advantage of the opportunity to set up the doll.
They headed directly to the ground where the group and the Spectres were fighting.
The two of them took advantage of this opportunity to surprise attack the rear of the Spectre Corps that was confronting the group, successfully slashing the throat of one individual.
"It's like watching a stupid bullfight, Octavia Zipfel. Did you really think we would concentrate all our power on you alone?"
Misha spoke with a smile, and Jin shrugged his shoulders while tossing the decapitated head of the Spectre.
"The Spectre Corps has never had a favorable outcome when encountering me. Now, there are only twenty-nine left. How many do you think will survive and return?"
550
Octavia's sole focus was on the two individuals.
To be precise, she didn't have the luxury to spare.
Murakan hadn't been afraid of Misha for no reason. There were barely ten people in the world who could afford to be leisurely when dealing with her.
Besides, since she was fighting alongside Jin, it wasn't an easy task for Octavia, even considering she led the entire Spectre Corps into the battle.
However, on the other hand, Jin and Misha also failed to attack Octavia directly even after using erosion. That was a testament to the perfection of her magic, forming an impeccable defense.
"The dead Spectre showed an opening while avoiding your magic."
It's as she said. The dead Spectre tried to avoid the magic that Octavia had just used to deal with the shadow force dolls.
"I can understand that much without your kind explanation, Misha."
"Really? I was just saying that to get on your nerves."
"Then you succeed. If you want a messier fight, I'd be more than willing to comply."
Octavia aimed her staff at the Vamel Alliance and the Sword saints.
"We have also overcome the providence of death. But can you claim the same?"
"Murakan!"
The hundreds of beams of light fired from her staff faster than Misha's voice. The light beam casually tore apart the shadow force curtain of Murakan, which was blocking the front, and aimed at the people inside.
Through the torn shadow force curtain, they could see the martial artists cutting the beams.
Especially noteworthy was the sword of the leader of the Sword Saints, Ruyan. As soon as the curtain was pierced, Ruyan stepped forward alone and showed his incredible strength by deflecting almost half of the penetrating beams on his own.
After that, the rest of the Sword saints and the Vamel Alliance took on the offence of the Spectres.
"Hak!"
It was Lata's scream. While assisting Amela, who was relatively weak in close combat, he was hit by a beam of light in his chest.
"Oh, cutie!"
"Are you crazy? Call me that in this situation!?"
"You are a cutie! Are you okay!?"
"If you're in your right mind, make a shield or something with your murky energy!"
"It's all broken!"
Fortunately, Lata's injury was not deep, but in a battle like this, even that would quickly become apparent.
Following Valkas, Proch siblings, Amela, Kashmir, Alisa, Yulian, Kuzan, and Murakan, Hairan's five sword saints, who opened the sword of overlord, are also on the defensive.
However, Octavia's magic easily pressed them.
"You still have the leisure to scream."
Just as the beams were about to fire again, Jin and Misha blocked Octavia once more. Black spear and shadow force stained Bradamante were falling from her back and front.
Once again, only afterimages remained in the place where the sword and spear were pierced. Octavia swiftly dominated the battlefield with such high mobility that it was impossible to think of her as a mage.
Every time she changed her position, flashes of light stung the eyes, and the battlefield on the ground that had been split in two became one again.
If Jin were alone, it would have been impossible to fight while protecting allies. A few would have already been mortally wounded, or perhaps even dead.
'I have to concentrate. If I show an opening, Octavia will now attack my companions behind me, not Miss Misha and me.'
Shadow Sword 1st technique Soul Slash, 2nd technique Scissors, 7th technique Shadow Assault - the swords that Jin always used as a means to create variables in critical moments were continuously being used.
Occasionally the attacks did reach Octavia, but only inflicting minor cuts or scratches.
The lightning bolts of erosion were coming to an end. When the lightning bolts stops, Octavia would be able to attack his allies more freely.
Jin had to prepare the most powerful magic sword without stopping attacking her. Misha also had the same thoughts as Jin.
Moreover, they had to think about the 'next.'
Even if the battle with Octavia was over, the war will continue. Kelliark was now being pushed back, but it was unknown how the battle situation would change the moment the Demon God's orb was unlocked.
That's why Jin chose the magic sword instead of the Plutonian reign sword.
'He is executing the magic sword as Sir Hedo mentioned.'
Octavia accurately predicted Jin's magic sword secret technique. She also heard about the power of the flame of hell from Hedo, so she finished thinking about how to deal with it.
Karreuk-!
Red flames suddenly spread in the light scattered everywhere. It was Octavia's eyes that were spreading the flames.
Gaze of Crimson Flame – Octavia Zipfel
It was Octavia's decisive killing move that transformed from Gaze of Azure flame. It was an improved version so as not to lose power even in 'real blue flame'.
'The problem is not Jin Runcandel's magic sword, but Misha's black spear.'
That was something even Octavia couldn't predict.
After fighting Misha on Veradin's island two years ago, Octavia searched through all of Zipfel's records to find information about Misha.
There weren't many records left. The predecessors of the Spectre Corps who fought against her were either dead or insane, unable to leave proper records.
'But the way Misha killed the predecessors of the Spectre Corps was mostly not in direct confrontation but in the form of prolonged and grotesque assassination.'
This was the reason why the predecessors of Spectre Corps could not leave a proper record. Over decades, she had killed them physically and mentally like a ghost.
'There must be something. The martial art that has already been proven so far is transcendental.'
Whatever it was.
Octavia was confident in facing it head-on. The position of the second mage of Zipfel was never obtained in vain.
Octavia wanted a clash of pure strength and power rather than catching something like a shadow force doll.
Gaze of crimson flame were melting the ground. The feet of the martial artists were deeply embedded in the molten ground, and the smell of burning skin emanated.
One by one, injured people began to appear one after another on Jin's side. Lata took a heavy breath and fell backwards, and the magic spell aimed at him was barely avoided by Kashmir, Amela and Faye. However, they also had a handful of fresh blood on their lips.
Yulian's thunder-bow 'Harmilla' fired a stronger lightning bolt than before, but it was close to a last-ditch effort. Kuzan, who protected him, continued to drink extreme poison to try to recover his vitality, but even that wasn't going to last much longer.
Valkas, the fully armed Alisa, and Murakan along with Sword saints were holding out, but at this rate, casualties were just a matter of time.
Octavia's attack was added, and the sword of the overlord's defense formation was also slightly disturbed.
However, amid the tilting situation, the Sword saints and Jin's companions didn't think of themselves as soon-to-be dead.
It wasn't because they thought they were superior to the Spectre Corps, and that Jin and Misha were stronger than Octavia.
It was the power of existence.
The mysterious, inexplicable power that the old Runcandels had felt from Temar, and that Talaris had identified from Jin, was dispelling the fears of his companions.
Octavia also looked straight at the power that emanated from Jin. She concentrated even more to erase the dirty intuition.
'It's still more of an illusion, just like Misha's shadow force doll. Before it becomes real....'
I have to break it.
At that moment, Jin's magic sword secret technique was executed.
Just as Octavia expected.
"Do you think you can do anything against me with the remnants of the ancient Runcandel!"
Crackle-!
Crimson flames were rising as if a mountain had risen out of nowhere.
And the mana of wind was mixed in it. Octavia was the new contractor of the wind god, Melzaire, and Jin was able to realize that fact only recently.
The wild and ferocious wind, incomparable to the magic of Andrei Zipfel, who was called the Wind King, was blowing the Crimson flames.
The storm of crimson flames engulfed the flames of magic swords that had just begun to bloom.
The blue flame, which should be spread by riding the runes left behind by Sarah Runcandel, was engulfed in Crimson flames.
The runes were scattered in the wind and couldn't easily find their place, and Jin's body, which had become the fire itself, shook precariously as if it would be extinguished at any moment.
The scattered light spell of Octavia was replaced with mana of fire and further strengthened her magic.
Octavia judged that she overpowered Jin's flames of hell. All the essence of the mage named Octavia was filling the battlefield on the ground.
'Now, all that remains is Misha's decisive move.'
It seemed that anything flying in from anywhere wouldn't be a problem. The wind and the power of crimson flames had already made the whole area her domain.
But in the next moment.
Octavia looked at Jin's blue eyes...… she couldn't help but have her doubts about why he was so calm and firm.
It wasn't the eyes of a person who was swept away by a blow.
[Well... it's been a while since I've seen this. I had forgotten about it.]
Contrary to Octavia's thoughts, Misha did not prepare her own decisive killing move.
What she prepared was a reenactment of the battle from a thousand years ago when she fought alongside Sarah Runcandel.
Just before executing the flame of hell, Jin was able to receive these words from Misha.
'Don't be afraid even if the flame of hell goes out in Octavia's magic. I will be your strength.'
Misha, who had transformed into her true form before anyone knew it, was spreading her wings behind Jin's back. Just as she protected Sarah's back on a fierce battlefield a thousand years ago.
The reason why so many mages in the world always choose Solderet as the supreme god was no different.
It was because of the superiority of the power called 'shadow force'. Mages have always longed for Solderet to open new horizons in their magic through the power of shadow force.
And, although most mages do not know, shadow force was originally a power that suits a sword more than magic. And more suitable for magic sword rather than a sword, and Misha was a black dragon that specializes in the power of shadow force itself rather than individual power.
Misha had always supported Runcandel in this way.
[Did you say the remnant of the ancient Runcandel?]
Misha's wings were stained with blue flames.
In addition, the blue flames that wrapped around her skin regained their form and Sarah's runes, which were lost in the crimson flame storm, became strong with shadow force and found its place.
The crimson flames and the winds of Melzaire were pushed back. The more that happened, the stronger mana Octavia released, and she was clearly ahead in terms of power.
However, there was no choice but to have a limit when it comes to dealing with the 'case' of force.
[That's wrong. This child's magic sword is the current Runcandel itself. Cheeky Zipfel mortal.]
Runcandel Magic Sword Secret technique
Flames of Hell - Jin Runcandel, Shadowless Spear Black shadow
As Jin swung Bradamante, black and blue flames hit Octavia like a tidal wave.