Chapter 288
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[Translator – Night]
[Proofreader – Gun]
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The once quiet canyon was now filled with relentless noise.
Sharp metallic sounds, battle cries, and the roars of monsters.
The elite forces of the Demon King’s 6th and 7th Corps were attacking the fourth seal of Feynel.
A raid led by not one, but two corps commanders.
Though unlike Malekia or Theo, who had never been subdued, the other corps commanders were replaced frequently and were relatively weaker.
Still, they were among the top-tier demons.
‘It might be difficult for the kids and Arpheus to handle alone.’
The Hero was prepared to reveal his identity if a crisis arose.
…However, it turned out to be completely unnecessary.
“Demon King Slash!”
A grandiose name for an attack.
But the scale of the magic rising from one corner of the canyon matched the grandiose name.
The air in the canyon trembled, and rumbling sounds echoed everywhere.
“Waaah! It’s the Hero’s technique!”
While Arpheus’s followers cheered with boosted morale, the Lotus Knights and the ‘Hero’ looked at Arpheus’s ‘Demon King Slash’ with incredulous expressions.
‘What a brute force technique….’
It was just a massive outpouring of mana without any intricate skill.
But the result was astonishing.
Boom-!
Though it wouldn’t work on higher-level demons, it was a catastrophe for the lesser demons and monsters.
The lowly soldiers of the Demon King’s army were swept away like small boats in a tidal wave.
Some demons who tried to shield their subordinates with barriers visibly panicked.
‘As expected… his firepower is indeed the strongest.’
However, the disciples were not outdone by Arpheus.
Chaos Form.
Luke activated his ultimate technique and charged into the enemy ranks.
His body was already enveloped in blue smoke.
Though it seemed terrifyingly explosive, Luke’s eyes were as clear and calm as a lake.
Chaos Form was the result of mastering and harmonizing both Ravias’s and Felson’s martial arts.
It explosively enhanced physical abilities and magic control.
Boom-!
With each strike from the enhanced Luke, the momentum of the Demon King’s vanguard visibly faltered.
It was a swordsmanship remarkably similar to someone’s.
Tap- A silhouette closely followed Luke, who was rampaging through the enemy ranks as if it were his own domain.
“Don’t go too far alone!”
Van Dietrich.
His once gentle brown eyes now gleamed sharply, capturing every movement around him.
“Hoo.”
Ban’s breath settled low.
Thousands of fine detection nets spread out in an instant, and the Hero couldn’t help but be impressed.
‘Is this his ultimate technique, ‘Perfect Stance’?’
Ban seemed close to reaching the level of his father, Felson.
Whoosh-!
Despite standing in the middle of the battlefield, nothing could touch him.
The enemies’ critical attacks were swiftly analyzed and deflected, flowing harmlessly away.
Whoosh-
…Some of these evasions and defenses seemed physically impossible.
However, having reached the level of controlling intent, Ban maximized his reaction time and speed, achieving perfect defense and evasion.
‘It’s an ultimate technique that reverses the flow of the battlefield itself.’
It was as if a 30-meter radius circle around him became an untouchable zone.
Heavenly Thunder!
Next, Gerald demonstrated a destructive ultimate technique using the power of thunder.
Crackle-!
Evergreen never descended from the sky.
She darted along the cliffs, shooting wind arrows, while the flying monsters that tried to catch her consistently failed due to her speed.
Howl-!
Then Karen, riding the giant rune wolf, Shadow, tore through the battlefield.
‘I don’t even need to step in.’
Lastly, Leciel, along with the rest of the Lotus Knights, was holding off the corps commanders from above the canyon.
Though time had passed, these were comrades who had trained together exhaustively.
With perfect coordination, even the corps commanders struggled to break through them.
In short, the situation was much more favorable than expected.
All the Hero had to do was discreetly take out a few seemingly dangerous demons.
If they could just hold on a bit longer, reinforcements from nearby would arrive, ensuring victory.
“……”
But the Hero’s expression was growing increasingly serious.
‘What on earth are they trying to do?’
Those swept up in the heat of the battlefield didn’t realize it, but the Hero, observing from a step back, saw it clearly.
‘…They’re just stalling for time.’
There was no sign of any real intent to break the seal.
No matter how fierce the guardians’ resistance, two corps commanders were present.
If they were willing to risk death, they should be fighting with all their might.
But the current attitude of the Demon King’s army was inexplicably passive.
‘It’s the same with the other seals.’
…In fact, it made no sense that only Malekia was sent to the first seal.
Did Theo put more effort into the other seals?
That wasn’t it either.
The fourth seal, where he was, was being defended adequately, and the other seals hadn’t been attacked at all….
‘Wait a minute.’
The Hero stopped his train of thought.
Tap-
And quietly exited the battlefield, re-entering the interior of the seal.
A communication orb was already in his hand.
‘First, let’s check on the second seal again.’
Beep—
Euphemia’s composed face appeared.
[What is it? Aren’t you in the middle of a battle? Is it over already?]
“We are still in battle, but there’s a bit of a lull. How’s the seal in the capital?”
Euphemia, looking tired, pressed her palms to her eyes and answered.
[…No issues at present. It’s safe. I’ve been in contact with Izaro and we’re maintaining maximum vigilance.]
“…I see. What about Rosenstark?”
[Hold on a moment.]
Euphemia took out another communication orb, mumbled something, and then returned to the Hero.
[The academy is safe too. I’ve told Duke Wellington to be on high alert.]
The fifth seal was being guarded by the noble knights led by Lucas and Rosenstark’s own defense forces.
Since the Hero couldn’t directly contact anyone there, he asked Euphemia instead.
She continued speaking.
[We just received a report from the Great Forest as well; it’s secure.]
The Hero was silent for a moment before looking at Euphemia.
Seeing the unusual look in his eyes, the Emperor tilted her head slightly.
She spoke before she could ask anything.
“Euphemia, where did you first meet Ted in Rosenstark?”
[…What? Why are you asking that all of a sudden?]
Euphemia looked puzzled, but the Hero pressed on.
“Just answer.”
[…The infirmary. I was sick and bedridden, and he was also admitted for some injury.]
“Good.”
The Hero nodded and abruptly ended the communication.
He then immediately connected to Nyhill, who was in the Great Forest.
Beep—
It didn’t take long for the connection to establish.
Nyhill’s calm face appeared beyond the crystal orb.
[…Hero?]
The Hero had sent Nyhill to the Great Forest’s seal to give her a break after working tirelessly by his side.
Since she would never rest if told to, he sent her to the relatively less busy southern region.
It had been a while since he last saw her face.
The Hero spoke.
“Nyhill.”
At the mention of her name, a subtle look of joy crossed Nyhill’s otherwise expressionless face.
It was a small change only he could notice.
The Hero looked intently at her.
[I just communicated with Her Majesty… The third seal is secure.]
“What wish did you make after winning first place in the dungeon subjugation practice?”
Nyhill blinked slowly and then looked troubled.
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[Translator – Night]
[Proofreader – Gun]
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[I don’t remember very well since it was so long ago, but didn’t I wish to continue helping you by your side?]
…The Hero smiled bitterly.
He didn’t respond and continued to stare at the girl before him.
The familiar face and expression.
The lush scenery of the Great Forest behind her.
Swoosh—
All of it melted away in an instant, leaving only pitch-black darkness.
…And an old, raspy voice echoed faintly, a voice he could never forget.
[It’s too late.]
The Hero ended the communication.
His mind quickly formulated a plan on what to do next.
‘Alright, first things first.’
The Hero focused his mind.
▼
Red Mage Tower Lord, Adeno Snook, replication in progress.
▲
.
.
.
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Understanding is at maximum.
▲
▼
All abilities of the target are replicated.
▲
??? was one of the greatest magicians of the First Era, whose essence the Hero had synchronized with and absorbed.
…And as everyone knows, spatial manipulation was an essential skill for magicians of that time.
Whoooom-!
A complex magic circle appeared above the seal.
The Hero, glancing once more at the battlefield, leapt into the magic circle without hesitation.
* * *
Theo originally commanded the 2nd Legion, which consisted mainly of chimeras created through demonic energy.
However, after obtaining Yol’s power, Theo slaughtered all the monsters in the 2nd Legion and gradually transformed them into undead.
Thus, the 1st and 2nd Legions were combined.
The undead form of Yol’s formidable enemies now commanded the monsters.
Along with dozens of liches that Theo acquired by conquering the mage tower.
Their combined strength was as powerful as the remaining five legions combined… leaving the guardians of the third seal seemingly without hope.
…But as always, the underdogs fought for a miracle.
“We have to stop them here!”
“Don’t let them advance any further!”
The fairies lured Theo’s legion deep into the Great Forest, engaging them in guerrilla warfare.
The forest itself created traps and mazes, dispersing the enemy forces, while the fairies used the power of spirits to intercept them.
Their aim was to minimize the number of enemies reaching the heart of the forest.
“We must lighten Laplace’s burden!”
Of course, the higher-ranked monsters and demons of the legion pressed forward towards the heart of the forest, undeterred.
But awaiting them there were the Knights of Dawn.
As Laplace and Theo clashed in power.
The core of both forces collided.
The outcome was surprisingly in favor of the Knights of Dawn.
Fewer than ten of them stood valiantly against the hundreds of legion leaders.
Rooooar-
No matter how massive an undead was, it was helpless.
If Iira’s blazing sword once grazed their bodies, they were consumed by an unquenchable flame and annihilated.
“Disappear, trash.”
Even the liches, expected to unleash tremendous firepower and devastate the forest heart, were thwarted by Taylor’s arrows.
Crack-!
“The barrier! The barrier is broken!”
Taylor’s arrows, fired from her great bow, shattered all barriers and pierced through the liches’ skulls.
The arrows even tracked down those attempting to evade with flight magic, shooting them down.
The liches tried to burn down all nearby trees to restrict Taylor’s mobility, but…
“Hahaha! Wasting your efforts!”
The arrows, controlled by her intent, carried her as they flew freely.
Three years ago, upon learning of the Commander’s death, they had driven themselves harder, growing even stronger.
Zzzzzzz-
Then, when Muriel, Laplace’s disciple, rallied the fairy priests to support, the invading forces that had appeared so formidable were now being pushed back.
…Moreover, contrary to worries, Theo was effectively restrained by Laplace and had not been able to exert significant influence while his subordinates were being driven into a defensive position.
It was a moment when hope was gradually filling the faces of humans and fairies alike.
[Heh… heh]
The laughter was dry and chilling, like the creaking of an old tree.
It started small and uncertain but grew louder, echoing throughout the forest.
[Chasing a ray of light, how delightful to watch]
The voice was a blend of mockery, disdain, and subtle satisfaction.
Everyone who had stepped into the heart of the forest looked up at Theo and Laplace dueling in the sky.
Cough-!
Simultaneously, bright red blood spurted from Laplace’s mouth.
[It’s complete]
Theo’s hand extended towards those on the ground.
The laughter grew deeper and more intense.
Finally-
[Cycle, return]
An evil spell swept from beneath Theo.
Whoooom-!
A black, sticky fog poured down to the ground like a waterfall.
“Aaaah!”
An extreme chill engulfed the victims.
Even the long-lived fairies’ skin wrinkled.
Their once-lustrous hair turned brittle and white.
The life vanished from their eyes.
Age spots appeared between the wrinkles.
But that wasn’t all.
A second spell was cast.
[Cycle! Reverse!]
The swords being swung and arrows being shot halted.
The guardians momentarily forgot how to handle the weapons they had known all their lives.
Confusion and terror filled everyone’s expressions.
Soon, they forgot who they were and why they fought.
Those with strong mental fortitude clung to their rapidly fading memories, but they were very few.
“Ah…”
The simultaneous sighs of those robbed of their future and past echoed throughout the forest.
It had already become a hellish place.
Thud-!
The shadow of the undead army loomed over the now helpless guardians.
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[Translator – Night]
[Proofreader – Gun]
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