Chapter 369 – Choice and Responsibility (2)
Lust's sincere voice melted with sweetness. It was too shallow to shake Theodore's composure, but the temptation accompanying Lust's power could also capture a transcendent.
The appearance was the same, but Lust was so different from Sylvia. The hand gestures she made using the long white fingers and the eyes that curved like crescent moons when smiling… The whisper that rose in volume and then suddenly dropped sounded eerie.
"Theodore Miller."
Theodore hated the way Lust called out his name, and anger filled him. "What?"
"Before discussing the terms, is there anything you want to hear from me? I will answer any questions honestly if I can."
"…I see. Then I won't hesitate." Theodore took a breath and pointed at her. "Why her? Why did you take Sylvia Adruncus?"
That was it. It was the question he couldn't solve, and the reason he was caught by Lust. If he knew what Sylvia was worth to Lust, he wouldn���t have gone too far or allowed her to act alone. Lust giggled and opened her mouth, "She is worth using. There are two reasons."
"Worth using?"
"Oh, I'm not talking about the usefulness of a magician. The magic system of the West Continent might've reached a fairly usable level, but it is still outdated compared to the magic of old times. The efficiency might be a bit lower, but there is no big difference if I just change shamans."
Theodore ground his teeth, and his blue eyes cooled as he heard her words. Other people might not know, but he knew. It wasn't an analogy. She meant it literally. Using human sacrifices which involved live offerings was also a technique used in shamanism, not just black magic.
He didn't know how many victims there were, but it should've played a major role in reducing the shaman population of the East Continent. If he measured it in simple magic power, Lust might've collected enough to be equivalent to a few dragons.
'If she turned all that power into defense… I won't be able to break through the defenses of Geongun Castle with my power.'
Theodore was thinking this when Lust said, "Do you know what my power is?"
"Reincarnation through birth, right?"
"That's right. The child will be better than the parents, and this cycle will repeat infinitely until the end. That is the purpose of my existence and the work I have been doing since the beginning of the Age of Mythology. At that time, I used the name Thetis, not Lust."
'Thetis?' Theodore hesitated, thinking he had heard that name somewhere before.
Then Lust touched her chest. Sylvia's body part, which had grown after five years, was touched by Lust's hands. Heat burned in Theodore for two different reasons when he saw it.
"Don't play games."
"Don't I look good? What is so bad about being loyal to a reproductive need? Won't it be better to touch once?"
All of these provocative actions were to draw out his reactions. Theodore realized this and stood silently. He wouldn't show any answer to the same harassment. Unsurprisingly, Lust became bored at his dull response and soon stopped her actions.
She started talking again, "Where did the story get up to? Yes, the past. I have the power of the 'mother' and can measure the potential of the womb. What type of genetic factors are better suited and what qualities can be inherited? Well, I can make a comprehensive evaluation."
"So?"
"What is it? You asked. Why did I take Sylvia Adruncus?" Lust licked her lips and stroked her belly. "This Sylvia is an excellent product."
"Lust!" Simultaneously, killing intent was projected from Theodore's body for a few meters around him.
If a normal person touched this air for a few seconds, their brain would accept death and their heart would stop. The killing intent he was emitting right now was terrible.
"Ahaha, I'm scared. Actually, it isn't scary at all!" Lust waved her hands as she spoke. Sylvia's body was instinctively terrified but couldn't overwhelm Lust's control. "If it is this womb, yes. 782 years. A mutation in the constitution that is loved by mana. It is a characteristic that can be expressed in an unconnected lineage and carried on to the third generation. She isn't lacking to be the mother of the 'last child' to be born in this material world."
"Don't think I will just be watching!"
"Ahahaha! Why else do you think I came to negotiate? Listen to a person's words to the end."
Theodore's fingers tightened as he let out a low growl, "Talk."
Lust swept a hand over her hair that was moist with sweat and pointed to his brow.
Then like she had been waiting for this moment, she made a proposal, "It is simple. I had a bit of interest in you the last time I saw you, but now you are a transcendent, an existence beyond causality. I think the result will be quite interesting if I conceive with your 'seed'."
"…What?"
"I don't mean to give birth to your child. The idea is to use it as a material. The possibilities of this world are closed due to Sloth, that son of a bitch. But it might be possible if your lineage is mixed in. It might be possible after a few centuries to reach the perfect…" Lust uttered confusing words.
Then Theodore realized the conversation was entering a realm he was unfamiliar with. However, Lust's offer wasn't a mockery. She mixed in a few threats as she urged him to make a choice, "Now, make your choice. Will you offer me your seed or throw this child away? These are your final choices."
"…Then I will ask you three things," Theodore said. Then in order to make a decision, he asked, "What if I give up Sylvia and destroy her body here? Won't you lose both of what can be used in exchange for this ridiculous story?"
"Ah, don't worry about it," Lust whispered with Sylvia's mask while wearing an innocent smile on her face. "I have prepared a few ways to recover this body. If you don���t believe it, you can try it. But at that point, the negotiations will be over. You will never see this child again."
"Next. If I have a direct relationship with you, I won't be able to escape your binding power even if I am a transcendent. Is this a power that you can control?"
"That is why I came in this body. In the early stages, the terminal can collect genetic factors, but it can't control the mind. Besides, this kid is a long time friend of yours, so there shouldn't be any problem."
"…Hah." Why would there not be a problem? Theodore wanted to lose his cool, but he somehow kept on talking. "…Finally. What guarantee do I have that you will completely free Sylvia?"
"The principle of the Seven Sins is that we don't interfere with each other's work. But sometimes there is a function that can enforce a relationship before we sometimes cooperate. Isn't that right, Gluttony?"
Gluttony responded to the call, -The 'Pledge of Sin.' It has been a while.
"What is that?"
-A conditional command added to the core system of the Seven Sins. Even if we unlock the seventh seal, we can't break this promise or bypass it. Even so, I never thought it would be mentioned. She is serious.
Gluttony was certain. Even if Theodore didn't trust Lust, she couldn't break this promise. So, if Theodore agreed to this contract, Lust couldn't injure Sylvia through any means. It was why the last line, 'Return Sylvia Adruncus to the West Continent' was added, but the conditions were a matter of concern.
'Whatever I choose, I will lose something.'
What if he gave his seed to save Sylvia and the result was the unstoppable heavenly demon? Was Sylvia's life more valuable than the many lives in this world? On the other hand, what if he abandoned Sylvia? The lack of Theodore's seed wouldn't interfere with Lust's plan. If he forsook Sylvia for an uncertain future, could Theodore Miller and justify her sacrifice?
After a few moments of contemplation, his firmly closed eyelids opened again.
"Your answer?"
To Lust who whispered as if she knew everything, he gave his response.
* * *
It was a shower.
Swaaah.
The weather was clear and sunny, but water abruptly poured from the sky. The dried ground became moist, and the buds held their heads stiffly. A sound similar to a musical instrument came from water dripping on tiles, and the distant sound of thunder was the accompaniment.
"Um…"
On the floor of an unknown person's house, thin silvery eyebrows trembled. Sylvia Adruncus, who had been sitting at the bottom of her consciousness, returned to reality. She stared up at the ceiling with hazy eyes before opening them as if something had struck her.
"T-Theo!" She screamed.
Then a voice came back immediately, "What is it?"
"Ah…!" Sylvia reflexively turned in that direction. At first, she was relieved, but then she fell into deep despair. She might've lost control of her physical body, but she was well aware of what the grimoire that occupied it had done. It wasn't enough that she couldn't protect herself, she had also given Theodore trouble. Sylvia would've preferred if he had rejected the dumb suggestion and just killed her.
Dduk.
Tears flowed before she could thank him or apologize. "…Uh, sob, soob!"
Why was she always like this? She had been called a genius since childhood, yet she couldn't stop holding onto his ankles.
Sylvia didn't say a word and just cried. There was no shame in crying aloud as she buried her face in her knees. She wanted to stand next to him. For five years, she had been suppressing her heart. She had turned away as he got increasingly closer to Veronica, hoping to one day become a person who was essential to Theodore.
"I… sob, why? Always, like this, soob…!"
However, look at this. Despite being a master, she had pushed him onto a cliff. She cried with regret. This wasn't good enough. It was different from Veronica who fought together with him. As always, Sylvia Adruncus was a burden clinging to old ties. Her eyes became increasingly dim as she became lost in her self-deprecation. Sylvia had no friends and her one family member was gone. She leaned against Theodore but realized that she was a nuisance even to him.
'I… Why… am I alive?'
'Die…' Theodore couldn't touch her, but there were many ways to kill herself. Before Theodore was in any more danger, she could break her circles and die in a way where she couldn't be saved. A woman like her could only help him like this―
"Sylvia."
At that moment, a warm body temperature was transmitted to her damp body.
"I was really worried."
Without any words of reproach, he was just worried. Theodore dragged her onto his knees and hugged her. Sylvia was aware of it as soon as she noticed the situation. No, she couldn't not know.
'Ah, I really―'
She was a shameless woman.
"…Theo."
The guilt cutting at her bones and even the determination to kill herself all scattered with a single hug. In Theodore's arms, Sylvia melted like a piece of ice in summer. If he wanted it, whatever. She knew everything she had to do. Although she didn't have experience, she would do her best.
"Sylvia."
If she hesitated, her role would be taken away.
"Can I hold you?"
Sylvia held her breath. Her joy, all the years she had been waiting for this moment, pressed down on her conscience. Even if it was only one time… She just wanted to forget everything. Instead of answering with words, she opened her arms and pulled Theodore to her. It was an awkward temptation. He smiled at the stiff gesture and followed where Sylvia led.
As she closed her eyes and her lips waited for a kiss, Theodore slowly moved his hands. It was time to take responsibility for their own choices.
Chapter 370 – Choice and Responsibility (3)
Chiiiik!
It was a strange landscape. The ground was dried out from a drought, and the countless scattered chunks of charcoal were barely recognizable. The haze rising from the ground and the heat that melted rocks like butter added goosebumps. Had a pyroclastic flow occurred here? No, it was still strange.
"Hrmm."
Above all, one had to look at the figure in the center. The ice golem melted in a matter of minutes, while the beauty who breathed naturally was the source of the discomfort. As she stood on the lava that wasn't set, she looked around and muttered casually, "…Okay, this much is fine without me."
The beauty, Veronica, flew away from this spot after knowing there were no more variants in the area.
This was after the negotiations between Theodore and Lust were finished. Veronica followed his instructions and led the survivors to the Baekun Mountains. Escorting wasn't her style, so she used her own method. However, the effects were good. She was moving one step ahead of the party and getting rid of all variants!
Veronica preferred head-on confrontations due to her nature, but her capability for high-speed flight and her overwhelming firepower made her a fearsome guerrilla.
'Pour out attacks from the sky in a one-sided manner and then escape at a speed that can't be followed. It is a winning strategy of one against many.'
Veronica had used this to tie up the feet of the Andras Empire back when masters were lacking. The sword masters hadn't been able to catch up with her.
She had gotten the nickname, Witch of Heat, when she cut off the supply routes of the empire with her bombardments. In comparison, these monsters were nothing. They didn't have any tactical ability and couldn't cope with unexpected situations.
'Sometimes strong ones pop out, but… it is useless.'
They were so dumb that they would chase her desperately her for dozens of kilometers. Once they were exhausted by the chase and unable to fight properly, she would kill them. The variants who were capable of high-speed flight would be led into the trap that Veronica had laid in advance. Thus, she had killed tens of thousands of variants in just three days.
Tak.
Once she returned to the point where the survivors were, they were just getting up and packing to leave. Simultaneously, the monk who had been on watch throughout the night welcomed Veronica.
"Welcome back. How is it at the front?"
"I swept them all away. There were around a hundred that fled, but you can handle those, right?"
"It isn't a problem. Will you be going back to your husband?" Taeryun said while riding on a bony horse.
"Hey! My husband is coming to me! Are you making fun of me? Yes?" Veronica couldn't repress her shout.
Taeryun laughed, raising both hands, "Huhu, don't be so angry. It is because the two of you look so good together."
"R-Really? Then, well…"
"Thank you for escorting us this far," Taeryun bowed and thanked her sincerely.
They were saviors from foreign lands. Theodore, Veronica and Sylvia—if it hadn't been for the three of them, there would be no survivors. Taeryun didn't know what ties there were, but he promised to return the favor if they met again. As the two of them talked, the survivors started moving.
"I will be going now. Do you have anything left to say?"
"Um… Ah, yes," Veronica remembered something. "Once you arrive in the Baekun Mountains, tell that guy something for me. Not in my name but in Theodore's."
"What is it?"
"That…"
The story wasn't a long one. Once she told him Theodore's message, Taeryun nodded and turned away. It would take a day or two for the message to reach Orta's ears. Veronica's task was up to here. She waited as the procession headed toward the horizon and gradually became invisible.
There was something she hadn't said in advance. Deeper than the heart, the connection from inside her soul was getting closer and closer.
'Ah, they're coming.'
She had a hunch before the signs of space movement occurred.
Flash!
Unsurprisingly, two people appeared inside the light.
"Theo!" Veronica knew he was safe thanks to the contract, but she was excited to see his face again. She was about to jump into Theodore's arms when she paused. It was because he had a passenger.
"…R-Red Tower Master."
Why was Sylvia staring at her with wet eyes trembling with guilt? Veronica saw the way Sylvia was half-leaning against Theodore on rubbery legs and laughed as she grasped the situation. "Hah."
Sylvia stiffened as she interpreted the laugh in her own manner.
"Well, I knew this would happen one day." Veronica winked at Theodore before looking at Sylvia leaning on his chest.
Red and silver…
Blue and gold…
The two beautiful women with contrasting colors faced each other.
"But shouldn't we organize the hierarchy?"
"Huh?"
"The title is… Yes, will you call me older sister in private?"
"T-That…" Sylvia was embarrassed.
As Veronica glanced at Sylvia's legs, she whispered, "You. Did you intentionally not use healing magic? I thought you were old-fashioned, but you're quite cute."
"Ah, t-that…"
"You're mature enough not to be a child. I'm looking forward to the future. I hope you can show me the same face you are making now." Veronica patted the cheek of Sylvia, who turned red because she was unfamiliar with this type of contact. Looking at the relationship that went more gently than expected, Theodore recalled a forgotten fact.
Veronica was much older than she looked. Moreover, Veronica had the blood of the red dragons, who were big on love. This made her flexible about old-fashioned notions of sex.
"Theo." After Sylvia melted from a few words and actions, Veronica approached him and spoke in a small voice. "Let me know what happened."
"Ah, yes."
It was a shortcut that was only possible with her. Theodore closed his eyes and sent the full story of what happened with Lust a few days ago through the string of their contract. Veronica made an unpleasant expression while viewing the content, then she frowned like she was worried about something. "Tch, so that is what happened. Then what are you going to do?"
"Once we return Sylvia to the kingdom, we must join the supporting forces in Japan and move to Geongun Castle. If it is as I expect, the defenses will already be complete…"
"Hrm," Veronica made a subtle noise and poked his side.
"What is it?"
"That isn't all. With your nature, you won't move according to the wishes of another party. Did you do something? Just let me know."
"Let's see?" Theodore smiled with a strange expression. It was neither positive nor negative. Veronica saw his expression and laughed. It was clearly a suspicious expression. If he couldn't tell her, then there must be a reason. It was enough to know that the foundation was laid.
Theodore turned away from the laughing Veronica and smiled coldly. In any history, the winner was the last one to smile.
* * *
From that day on, the landscape of the East Continent started to change at a speed that no one could catch. Variants were created through Lust's work, and those who refused had their lands stained with blood and death. They were residents who ran away from the castle, shamans hidden deep in the mountains, and warriors who knew honor.
Of course, there were separate factors that caused a change. On top of a mountain peak, a voice entered Theodore's ears, "South Army, the 5th unit under the command of Kamiizumi Nobutsuna. We have come."
Seimei's strategy was to advance southward and have the forces of Japan to meet up at a promised place. Kamiizumi Nobutsuna and his immediate relatives had made it. They were injured in the process, but it wasn't a big loss because Suzuka and Seimei had leeway to heal them.
"Kuahahat! North Army, I, Shuten-doji, have come to play!"
Following the southern army, the northern army soon arrived at the mountain peak. The blood-covered Shuten-doji gave a hearty laugh and looked much more lively than when they first met. He lived to fight and fought to die. For Shuten-doji, the strongest of the Oni clan, the last few days had been more pleasurable than the one thousand years he had spent on Oe Mountain.
"Shuten-doji, I don't see Tsuchigumo?"
"Oh, he died. The feudal lord was quite strong. They left together, so there is no lingering attachment."
"…I see."
Indeed, it was an oni-like way of thinking. However, Daitengu had no objections and just nodded. For youkai, there wasn't much difference between life and death.
Theodore looked at those gathered here and arranged the present situation.
'The two feudal lords in the west have escaped to Geongun Castle, and I missed one of them. This means there are at least three sacred creatures at Geongun Castle.'
That wasn't a fatal mistake. After all, there wouldn't be a big difference with Geongun Castle's defense system. It was troublesome if the feudal lords controlled the variants, but their combat power wasn't enough to control this phase. The first objective was to enter Geongun Castle.
The last troops arrived as he reached this conclusion.
Flash! It was a spatial movement. Theodore recognized a familiar flash and heard familiar voices.
"Theo! This bastard went and left us alone!"
"…I am embarrassed. I'm glad we're not too late."
Randolph and Titania, the companions Theodore had left behind when he crossed to the East Continent, looked disgruntled but didn't care about the danger. The reason to not be defeated increased by one more factor. Theodore smiled happily and thanked them while apologizing. Randolph grunted while Titania accepted the apology.
Then it was at this moment that…
"―Eh?"
"Huup!"
"Heok!"
Everyone went into combat mode as an enormous magic power was felt above their heads. It felt like the sky was falling down. Out of nowhere, a big shadow shrouded the sky. Only Theodore was able to greet them with a slightly surprised expression.
"…I didn't know you would come."
He didn't know why they had come to the East Continent despite their battle wounds from last time still not being fully healed.
[We didn't come to help you, human. Don't be complacent.]
[Huhu, we can't help you much. Please use us properly.]
A dragon of the red clan, Brasmati, and a dragon of the green clan, Erucus—the dragons whom Theodore met during the battle against Sloth were now staring at him with golden eyes.
Theodore welcomed them with open arms and thought, 'I will win.'
Chapter 371 – Advent of the Heavenly Demon (1)
The magnificent mountain, Hwang Mountain, had a height of 3,000 meters and was the barrier that surrounded the capital of the middle empire. There were many places which were difficult to ascend or descend due to the mountain, and the roads leading to the capital were fiercely guarded.
An unidentified intruder would be killed on the spot. No matter how prestigious their standing, they wouldn't be able to avoid a serious punishment if they entered without permission from the imperial family.
Theodore stepped foot on Hwang Mountain and made a ridiculing expression. '…The country looks like this.'
The empty guard posts and remnants of scattered soldiers looked miserable. There were no bloodstains, and fighting didn't seem to have occurred. They had probably entered Geongun Castle under the imperial order. Lust needed more sacrifices than guards.
Theodore broke down the closed door that had no guards and made a beckoning gesture. The present Theodore didn't need to speak any chants. The moment he decided to destroy it, this structure collapsed like a sand castle before waves.
"Hmm, your hands are hot today. Did something bad happen to you?" Seimei, who accompanied him, came over with a strange expression. Theodore hadn't realized it, but his current method of using magic was a bit rougher. He belatedly noticed the difference and shook his head with a bitter smile. "It isn��t a big deal. The final battle is approaching, so I'm probably just tense."
"Is that so? From my point of view… No, I guess it is okay," Seimei tried to say something before shrugging it off. "You can handle it. This isn't a story for an old man who has already died."
"What…?"
"It is nothing. You will realize it yourself without having to listen to me. Let's focus on the problem we are facing right now."
Theodore wanted to hear about it, but Seimei climbed the mountain like he didn't want to speak any more. Additionally, it was better not to know if it was a story that would disturb the upcoming conflict with Lust. So, Theodore shook off his curiosity. The two of them climbed to the top of Hwang Mountain and looked down at the scenery below them.
"…There."
"Yes, that is Geongun Castle."
Theodore saw the capital of Geongun Castle for the first time and had to admire the fortress that was at the center of enemy forces. It couldn't be compared with Belfort, the capital of the Andras Empire. The labor and cost of the building process, as well as the defenses of the castle itself, couldn't be underestimated. It was a phenomenal building, as if all of human civilization over time had squeezed it out.
"The castle's name of Heaven and Earth isn't just arrogance… It boasts a ridiculous function. This castle is the reason why I didn't choose an all-out war."
Even Seimei, who could proudly claim to have been the strongest in the east at that time, had been limited to putting only one body inside the castle, and he had eventually fallen. Seimei's white eyebrows bent slightly as he looked at Geongun Castle which had caused his death.
Then he pointed out his left index finger toward Geongun Castle. "Kagutsuchi, stab."
There was no time for Theodore to stop him. The spell was already complete when Seimei spoke these two words. It was an attack magic that borrowed the divinity of fire. Simultaneously, a flaming giant appeared and threw a big sword all the way to Geongun Castle.
Kwaaaaang!
It had enormous speed and power. After leaving the giant's hands, the greatsword reached the castle and caused a massive explosion 15 meters away from the wall. That was an attack which could be felt from a few kilometers away. It was magic that would be found among the top of the 8th circle.
"…Ward?"
Even so, there wasn't a single bit of damage on the translucent barrier around the castle. Theodore's face stiffened as he saw the ward that was revealed the moment Seimei attacked. However, Seimei didn't look surprised that his attack was so easily nullified. The defense of this barrier greatly exceeded even the ultimate spells.
"Dammit! How many people were killed to make this? At least 800 million, considering the inefficient structure…"
"Seimei."
Theodore stopped Seimei, who was muttering gibberish with anger, and looked at him for an explanation.
Seimei closed his eyes before explaining with a cold expression, "As you know, the more complex the structure of the ward, the better the efficiency. If a barrier with a complexity of one can stop one force, a barrier with a complexity of 10 would be able to handle 10 or maybe 20. Do you understand up to here?"
"Yes."
"But if you follow this principle, it doesn't mean the barrier will become stronger indefinitely. The more complex formulas that are used, the more ways there are to break them. Therefore, a ward must inevitably find a compromise between these two elements. Increase efficiency or eliminate gaps? This doesn't change even in the ultimate state."
It wasn't a perfect analogy, but it was similar to a mechanical device. The more complex the structure of the machinery, the greater the performance of the system. However, one empty space could lead to a fatal flaw. Focusing on the complexity wasn't necessarily the best thing for a ward. However, Seimei was disgusted by this ward. "Now, here is the question. What is the level of the ward surrounding the castle now?"
"Isn't it at an excellent level?"
"Perhaps. It isn't that much."
The vague answer left Theodore confused. Seimei ground his teeth together. "The system is beginner level, with no basics. The efficiency isn't even at 1:1. It is a trash barrier that wouldn't even be taught to first-time shamans. That is the essence of the Geongun Castle ward."
"B-But! The ultimate spell couldn't break through the defense of the ward. How can such a defense―"
"It is simple. If the efficiency is low, just pour in energy. There are plenty of sacrifices on this land."
"…!"
After hearing those words, Theodore was able to see them—the transcendent defense power of Geongun Castle and the foundation of this force. He now understood the meaning of Seimei's previous words. 800 million—no, maybe more than that—was the number of people consumed to form and maintain this inefficient ward.
"…The efficiency of the ward wasn't considered, and this method was just used to stop it from breaking?"
"It is obvious but perfect. It is so stupid that I can't think of a way to attack. If you describe the ward as a wall, breaking it is like cracking open the bricks that make up the wall. Yet this ward is a piece of stone, not a wall. It can only be crushed with strength."
The problem was that even that method was impossible. It was a stone made of 800 million or more lives.
Imagine the case with Lairon. The legendary black magician, Jerem, had used all the people of Lairon as sacrifices to call Nídhöggur. It was only a partial force, but it was enough to call down a demon king that threatened the whole material world.
Now, 30% of a continent was focused on one inefficient ward!
'Goetia.'
[Yes, Master.]
Theodore calculated his maximum firepower and what would happen if they collided with the ward.
'With the power of the Eight Jade Magatamas, I can create seven clones and use the ultimate magic. I can also invoke the fusion spell that borrows the power of the god-sword. Calculate the possibility of breaking through if I hit a single point.'
[I understand.]
The prohibited book Goetia was silent for a few seconds before coming up with an answer.
[Less than 0.105% chance. It is impossible.]
However, Theodore continued without stopping, 'Summoning Fafnir and maintain his Eraser for 10 seconds.'
[0.312%, error range is 0.027%. It is impossible.]
'Summon a top soul. Use one of Simon Magus' spells.'
[0.289%, error range is 0.012%. It is impossible.]
'The deification of Dmitra. Can she break down the ground that makes up the ward and weaken it?'
[0.138%, error range is 0.02%. It is impossible. Additionally, Dmitra's deification can only be done in the Great Forest, so this situation is impossible.]
Theodore clicked his tongue as he was reminded of this fact. Why hadn't he called Mitra the whole time he had been in the east?
Now that the world tree had lost its vitality, Mitra was the one sustaining the Great Forest. Her deification was based on the faith of the elves, so she could only exercise the power of a god in the Great Forest. Outside of the Great Forest, she was just a powerful ancient elemental.
"…It is impossible to break through the front."
Seimei nodded with a bitter smile. "That's right. In my time, I could enter alone. But they seem to have learned a lesson from that. My mother, who has no interest in anything other than mating, seems to have used her brains."
"Maybe the 'great monk' who will soon arrive can do something, but… I don't think there will be a breakthrough."
"Tsk, can we only come this far?"
The expression 'a pie in the sky' came to mind. The home where their enemy was plotting was right in front of them, yet there was no way to enter. However, Theodore shook his head and denied it. He was ready for this frustration. "It is too early to give up."
"Hoh?" Seimei's eyes shone and he responded immediately, "It seems you still have a trick remaining. What are you thinking?"
"It is a simple matter. If they want to buy time, then we can prepare something."
"What are you going to prepare?"
"A hunt."
During the negotiations with Lust, Theodore prepared a trap that he knew couldn't be escaped from.
The advent of a heavenly demon…
He planned to drop that ghastly ceremony into hell.
* * *
After he went up to Hwang Mountain with Seimei, Theodore started to prepare an unknown work. There was nothing they could do as long as there was no way to destroy the ward around Geongun Castle. They reconstructed a vacant lot near Hwang Mountain, set up an empty place by digging at the ground in the wilderness, and installed something in the land.
"Theodore, what is the point of this construction?" Suzuka asked him out of curiosity.
However, Theodore didn't answer her question.
There was a possibility that someone here might leak information, but more than anything, the enemy's capabilities were unknown. If they could read minds with just a look… It was clear that more than half the plans Theodore was preparing would be lost.
"I am bored so I will help you."
"I will also help. Don't damage the forest as much as possible."
"…That elf there, did you say something to me?"
Additionally, the colleagues that Theodore brought directly took the initiative to join Suzuka and Nobutsuna. The Japanese warriors didn't know the meaning of the labor but were forced to take part in the simple work. Several of them were qualified to be masters. Once such a labor force was mobilized, a part of the mountain was quickly changed to the form that Theodore desired.
After seven days and nights of construction, he went to the next stage.
"Masters, I want to have a talk with you."
If a heavenly demon were born, then Theodore was the only one who would be able to confront him head-on.
According to Gluttony, the heavenly demon wasn��t a transcendent but was a monster that demonstrated combat power beyond transcendence. In another dimension, he would climb to be demon king and spread blood and nightmares all over. No matter how strong the people gathered here were, they wouldn't be able to endure more than a few seconds in front of him.
Thus, Theodore prepared a few tricks.
"Hah…"
"T-That is possible?"
"Wow, I pity that guy called the heavenly demon. If we do this, won't we be able to win?"
"…If the prey is strong, it is the hunter's job to design a strategy. Okay, I will be the arrow in your snares."
Each master received the description over hours and nodded in admiration or surprise at Theodore's words. If they couldn't do this, they would die anyway. Nobutsuna was obsessed with a 1:1 match and wasn't convinced, but he couldn't say anything against the strategy of the much stronger Theodore.
A few days after that…
As soon as the hands of the masters training diligently started moving at the right tempo, a guest found Theodore. He was an old man in a wheelchair, unable to walk. There were familiar faces on both sides of the old man, so Theodore easily guessed his identity. Taeryun and Taerang were escorting the old man on the left and right.
"It is nice to meet you, Supreme Monk. I am sorry to greet you in this shabby place."
According to what Theodore had learned, the supreme monk had lived for over 300 years.
Once Theodore showed politeness according to seniority, the supreme monk laughed in an old voice, "Haha! You are as humble as these two children, Taeryun and Taerang, said. This old man has no regrets because I get to meet such a person of distinction."
"Huh?"
His tone sounded like he had been waiting for Theodore. Theodore was surprised by the meaningful tone and raised his head. Blue eyes and black eyes met each other silently. No, the silence was just Theodore's illusion. It was just like when time slowed to the extreme when he was concentrating.
'What is this impression?'
Why did he get the feeling that he had met this person before? Inside his puzzled brain, a flash of light glowed. If it had been a few more months, he would've missed it. Since there was a recent encounter, Theodore was able to recall the person at the source of this deja vu. "…You were also on the East Continent."
The two monks blushed at Theodore's lack of honorifics.
However, they were stopped by the supreme monk, who smiled and nodded. "It might be a bit different from your thoughts, but yes. Can I talk to you for a few minutes? I have something to say to you."
Chapter 372 – Advent of the Heavenly Demon (2)
Theodore held the handles of the supreme monk's wheelchair, leaving the others behind. It wasn't a story that could be heard by other people, and he needed time to sort it out in his head. Not a single word was spoken until they entered a quiet and empty lot, with the only noise coming from the wheels of the chair.
…Kirik.
Once the wheels finally stopped, Theodore opened his mouth, "How long have you been on this continent?"
The question came out of nowhere, but the supreme monk didn't question it. Rather, his white eyebrows gathered together like he was worrying over something. Theodore waited a few seconds. Mixed in with the crisp sound of the leaves, the old man replied, "Before I answer that question, I want to let you know one thing."
"What is it?"
The supreme monk made eye contact with Theodore. "I am sure that you have guessed my origin. But the life of the supreme monk is mine. I hope you don't identify me with the 'me' that you met before."
"Then you are separate entities?"
"Yes. I am an avatar born from Prometheus' divinity, but each self has an independent ego. The 'me' that you met in the West Continent is a different person."
Myrdal Herseim hadn't been the only avatar that Prometheus left behind in this world.
The supreme monk looked at Theodore as he gave this explanation. After meeting his eyes, Theodore could understand. The weight of time on the monk and his eyes resembled Myrdal, but there were differences.
In the West Continent, Myrdal was one of the greatest elementalists. In the East Continent, he was the supreme monk. Both of them were amazing as avatars of a god, but they weren't the same person.
Myrdal Herseim was dead. Theodore considered it for a few seconds before nodding. "…I understand."
Then the supreme monk said with a wrinkled smile, "Now this old man is going to answer. I have been living since the black dragon fell to the ground and the end of the Investiture of the Gods era… It was enough for the snake to ascend three times."
"3-3,000 years?" Theodore's eyes widened as he immediately understood what that meant. It was said that once a snake lived for 500 years, it would become an imoogi. Once an imoogi lived for 500 years, it would become a dragon and ascend to the sky. If this was true, it meant the supreme monk had been in the East Continent since the days of the Age of Mythology.
"Well, I didn't play any star role. It was around 1,000 years ago that I took a position as a monk. Ah, please don't reveal this about me. The children under me think that I inherited the position."
"Of course. It wouldn't be good to have these words leaked."
"Thank you," the supreme monk thanked Theodore for his promise and took a deep breath. It seemed that the supreme monk had an unhealthy body. Perhaps the body that lived for 3,000 years was reaching the end of its lifespan.
"Before I return to the dust, I have something to tell you."
"I'm listening."
"My connection to this world of gods has long been broken, but the things they left behind still remain. I will hand them over now. In exchange, will you listen to one of my requests?"
Theodore's eyebrows raised slightly. He was reminded of Taeryun's ward.
The ability to defend and the secrecy were details that Theodore didn't miss. Unlike magic which artificially manipulated the world, shamanism naturally induced the power that existed in the world. It might fall behind magic in areas such as efficiency and destruction power, but it could exercise greater strength in barrier making and stealth.
"As you know, the qi of this world is greatly reduced," the supreme monk started the story regardless of whether Theodore knew, seeming to have accepted Theodore's silence as consent. "The creatures born from nature will reduce, but humans will become weaker over the next 300 years. It won't happen now, but there will be great sacrifices over the next century or so."
"Umm, maybe not."
The descent of the heavenly demon was something that would never be seen again in this material world. Unlike the West Continent, it would obviously have a big influence on the East Continent. The number of people had greatly decreased in this war, and the monsters would increase. It wasn't enough to influence the material world, but it could potentially be a great disaster.
"I don't know if a big enemy will appear again. But this old man won't be alive until then. Please don't turn away from the people of this land." The supreme monk couldn't raise his body from the wheelchair, but he turned his pale face toward Theodore.
One of the most mysterious figures in the East Continent, the supreme monk, bowed his head humbly.
"Raise your head."
Why did a non-human want to protect humans? Prometheus treated this world like a chessboard, yet his avatars were devoted to humanity. It was the same for both Myrdal and the supreme monk. Thus, Theodore didn't think about becoming angry.
"The dragon lord gave me the responsibility to defend this world, and the East Continent is also under my jurisdiction. For as long as I live, I will not neglect this duty."
"Ohh…!" The supreme monk made an admiring sound at this short declaration. "You are truly the right person to be a hero of this age… A person who doesn't care about the arrangements of the old era and walks the right way. This old man can sleep now."
His tear glands had also dried up. The old man's eyes wrinkled several times before he pulled out something that was wrapped up. It was a scroll, and once opened, it looked like a watercolor painting. Three rings decorating a staff, a crescent-shaped sword, and a rope wrapped in light had been elaborately drawn in the painting.
"The Mountains and River drawing, open."
Once the supreme monk activated the scroll, the image popped out like it was reality!
Pasasak.
Subsequently, the scroll was torn apart since it had a limited use. Still, the Mountains and River Drawing that poured out was fine.
"There is no owner. Will you give it a try?"
"Yes," Theodore accepted the proposal without hesitation and picked up the staff with the three rings with his left hand. Gluttony smelled the treasure and extended a tongue straight away.
[+17 Fleeing Dragon Staff (Treasured Object)]
[A sacred relic from ancient times, it controls the power of the mountains and rivers. The three rings symbolize the heavens and the earth. It can be used to supplement techniques, but the proper method to use it is to throw it. Once thrown at a target, the Fleeing Dragon Staff distorts the space around the target, sealing it off.
* The rating of the treasured object is 'Legend.'
* When used, the target is sealed in the spatial coordinates.
* When consumed, your ability in space magic will greatly increase.
* When absorbed, space magic understand and aptitude will increase slightly.
* When absorbed, you can obtain clues about the space system.]
'Hoh.' Theodore wasn't shocked since he encountered several divine objects, but the staff wasn't something that could be made in this era. If a master were caught off guard, it could be used to disable them at once. If put into the hands of a proper owner, its sealing ability would amplify several times.
It wasn't just this Fleeing Dragon Staff, but the other two objects as well. There was the Wugou Sword, which cut off the head of a giant monster, and the Immortal Rope, which could tie up a sacred creature. They were treasures which exerted more power than a master if handled properly.
Even so, the supreme monk said reluctantly, "Huhu, it is my fault that I couldn't preserve the Tashinpyeong or the Taegukdo. These objects could be compared to the three treasures of Japan…"
"Why are you blaming yourself? Just these items will be a great help. Thank you, Supreme Monk."
The supreme monk smiled at Theodore's words and pointed in one direction. "But I can help you with one more thing. I will complete the work that you are preparing on that mountain. When it comes to barriers, I pride myself on being better than onmyōdōs."
"…You saw through it with just one glance. I understand." Theodore was unable to deceive the supreme monk and smiled.
It was something he would use to deal with the soon to be born evil spirit. The fighting strength of a magician increased in proportion to their preparation. They would regret giving him nearly a month to prepare.
* * *
The sun was just about to set. It had been a day since Theodore met with the supreme monk, received the three treasured objects, and had the gaps in his magic circle filled up. Theodore felt it this morning—the sign that the whole world was sinking into a deep sea, just before something terrible was going to happen.
'…There isn't much time left.'
As light cast a shadow on the ground, everyone got a foreboding feeling. The energy of evil was constantly flowing from Geongun Castle. All the wickedness in the heavens and the earth seemed to be drawn into an abyss in the ground. After preparing for battle, the party stood gazing in the direction of Geongun Castle. Their concentration was so extreme that they could see the trajectory of a lightning strike.
―Thump.
At that moment, all life in the area felt a single vibration.
'T-This…' Theodore noticed the reality before anyone else and was shocked.
"This vibration… Surely, it isn't?"
"It isn't born yet…!"
As the party members were confused, Theodore was used to mythical presences and reacted immediately, "All members! Keep in mind my instructions and wait in your positions!"
It had been a long time since there came about the existence of a power that all the masters couldn't face. Even with full support and the strength of magic and shamanism, it was a mythical disaster that mere mortals simply couldn't face.
Randolph Clovis, Kamiizumi Nobutsuna…
Miko Suzuka, Veronica, Titania, the dragons, and so on…
Shuten-doji, Daitengu, and the two monks…
Flash!
Theodore left his 11 colleagues and climbed to the top of a familiar mountain peak with a single space transfer. It was a place from which he could clearly see Geongun Castle. Although it was difficult to see inside the castle due to the influence of the barrier, he could see the approximate landscape. Given the distance and the situation, the enemy was bound to aim for Theodore. Thus, Theodore moved away from the party.
―Thump. There was the sound of a heartbeat again.
Theodore was convinced that the next time he heard the heartbeat, 'he' would be born. His super sensitivity that reached the realm of foresight was sharper than ever, so Theodore waited tensely as he got closer to the moment he didn't want to arrive.
One second, one second, one second, and one second… Time flowed mercilessly. Then that moment came.
―Thump.
Beyond the wall of time and space, the sense of its existence was delivered to Theodore's body like a lightning bolt. A great demon that reigned in the sky, he was born into this material world.
Wuooooong…!
It was at this moment that…
"Ha, it is like this." Theodore looked at the pattern on his right hand and felt power start to flow in front somewhere. A source with no limitations—it was the strength of this material world itself.
"A force that can only be used if the enemy of the world appears."
Theodore couldn't use it blindly. If he borrowed too much power, then this material world would be ruined. It was a fatal blow to the world that had lost a lot of mana because Sloth had been expelled. He dropped his right hand, which felt heavy, and looked at Geongun Castle. Then…
"Dimensional Leave."
The power of Umbra suddenly spread out from his body!
「Search with administrator authority. #Space coordinates # Theodore Miller,」 he invoked the search function as he disappeared from this material world.
Right now, Theodore had entered the astral world with Umbra's power. Thanks to this, Theodore wasn't caught in the search function of this administrative authority. However, he caused this situation because he predicted the result.
[Object name "Theodor Miller" can't be found.]
[Showing the spatial coordinates and names of the entities with a link to object name 'Theodore Miller.']
[Veronica, Aquilo, Sylvia Adruncus, Ellenoa, ■■.]
Aside from the previous four, Theodore concentrated his attention on the final target. The information couldn't be published completely, even with administrative authority. There was only one such monster in the world. The world couldn't endure the endlessly pouring information.
[Heavenly demon, X12745 Y98329 Z82712.]
Kiiing-
Simultaneously, Theodore released Dimensional Leave. His body returned to the material world, and he raised both hands. From now on, he would be using summoning magic. It was an accomplishment beyond Summoner Satomer.
'Normally, it would be too much for a new transcendent. However, now that my administrative authority has been activated, my magic breaks down even dimensional boundaries.'
It was impossible with ordinary space magic. The Geongun Castle ward was more solid because it was so simple. It was unreasonable even if Theodore used Orta's technique. However, what if he reached the realm of dimensional magic? The ward was proven to block physical phenomenon from this material world, but it was relatively defenseless against interference from other dimensions.
「 Authorizing as the administrator. Opening the dimensional door, specifying coordinates―」
Theodore had one key to another dimension.
[Dimension coordinates have been recognized. The key is activated.]
[CODE: Lævateinn]
[Correctly enter the space coordinates to open the door to the dimension called 'Muspelheim.']
Theodore scoffed while enduring the stifling pressure of the world. The heavenly demon was just happy to be born while Lust caused this disaster. It was time to open fire before them.
「 Door to Muspelheim, open!」
Exactly three seconds later, the inside of the ward surrounding Geongun Castle was lit by a pale light.
Chapter 373 – Advent of the Heavenly Demon (3)
It was incandescent! The air around Geongun Castle burned steadily and emitted a white light. The concept of wavelength wasn't well established yet, but the heat could be estimated based on the color. White was the most dangerous state. Theodore looked at the white light that went beyond an average person's eyes.
'I didn't know that the absolute defense system would be so extreme.'
It wasn't an exaggeration to say that the ward that Lust had established around the castle was at a mythical level. The ward could endure even a transcendental attack from Nídhöggur. There wasn't a straightforward means of entering. Thus, Theodore changed his method of approach itself. If he couldn't break in from outside the castle, he would break it from inside the castle. It was possible by using this technique to find the space coordinates of the heavenly demon.
"The amount of heat energy trapped in Muspelheim, the land in which Fafnir resides, is literally close to infinity. Can you afford to endure this power in a confined and narrow space?"
Of course, Geongun Castle was larger and more extensive than Belfort of Andras, but Muspelheim was a dimension. It was like trying to put the ocean in a portable bottle. The defense of the ward was so strong that it endured for a while, but the end was scheduled the moment the door to the dimension was opened. Theodore could see the walls start to melt.
Chiiiik!
The special metal, which was more expensive than gold, and the magically treated stones melted like butter. The structure inside had melted a long time ago. The strong variants gathered evaporated after a few seconds, and it could be said that Lust had already lost 99.9% of her power at this point.
Theodore sweated at the sight that was several times more fearful than he had expected. "No, isn't this enough to kill a red dragon?"
The output was actually lower than Veronica's Breath as Muspelheim was too large and it took a lot of time to move the power to the material world. However, as a result of accumulating heat in a confined space, the heat inside the castle surpassed even the ultimate fire magic. Even a red dragon that could swim through magma would burn in this castle.
Jjejeok.
At this moment, a sound was heard in Theodore's ears.
"Already?"
He thought it would take at least three minutes, but the heat overflowing from Muspelheim was more than expected. There were many cracks in the ward. The air leaking through the gap distorted the atmosphere, and some of the birds passing by were burned. They were burned deep into their bones in a few seconds.
Jjeok! Jjejejeok! Jjejeok!
Once there was a crack, it spread quickly. The surface of the ward split like a spider web. The light swirling inside came in contact with cold air and found new prey. This was the moment when the seemingly impregnable ward collapsed.
'Now, it is adequate.'
Simultaneously, Theodore closed his eyes and focused. It was good that the ward was destroyed and the enemies in the castle were eliminated, but if he let it go, the heat in the ward would run all over the place. Now was the time to close the door to Muspelheim. It was easier to close than to open because the world wanted to restore its original shape. A few seconds after the administrator's command was dropped, the door that appeared in Lust's presence disappeared.
Theodore opened his eyes and raised his right hand above his head. The ultimate electrical magic—a golden flash of light—struck Geongun Castle.
「 Penetrate, Keraunos!」
It was the finishing blow.
Kwarururung!
Like a wedge in a collapsing dam, the lightning bolt from the sky pierced a big hole in the middle of Geongun Castle. The heat trapped in the narrow space overflowed. Look at the white pillar of fire that rushed through the atmosphere and into the sky! No, the torrent of energized plasma from inside the castle reminded him of the spear of a god piercing the ground.
"…It is a sight that I won't forget even after 1,000 years pass."
If the concept of 'night' were a part of life, it would've died a while ago. A glowing whirlpool broke through the clouds and tore the sky. If the flash had struck in any direction other than the sky, it would've caused astronomical damage.
Theodore sighed with relief and stared at the inside of Geongun Castle. 'There are four life reactions that can be clearly detected in the castle… Perhaps they're the three feudal lords gathered in Geongun Castle. However, it is a bit difficult to confirm Lust's disappearance.'
Thanks to the awful heat inside the castle, Theodore's detection magic didn't work well. In the case of the heavenly demon and feudal lords, it was possible to know due to the size of their forces. However, Lust was hard since she didn't fight directly.
But soon after, Theodore expanded his senses. Since the heavenly demon project was completed, her life or death wasn't important. Even if she survived, she could be killed in a few minutes if he won this fight.
'All three of the feudal lords are dying. Not one of them is a sacred creature of fire? Then there is nothing to worry about other than…'
Setting aside the three presences wavering like a candle, he focused on the fourth that was like a nightmare.
Chill. The feeling of 'death' that he had never felt after becoming a transcendent froze Theodore's spine. Not even one second after Theodore detected it, he entered combat mode. It was just after this that…
――――――――――――――!!!
One strike. A mass of light shot out of the burning white Geongun Castle and blew toward Theodore's location faster than lightning. The historic Hwang Mountain was shattered. Dozens or hundreds of tons of rock rose into the sky and poured down like rain. Thanks to the fire that was still burning white, the night sky was as bright as daylight, and the whole area was shaded by the shadows of falling rocks.
「 Reflection. 」 A word sent the rock shower back.
Huoong! Hung! Huuung!
The rocks that were attracted to the ground because of gravity soared into the sky again, and the eyes of the monster curved. The eyes held nothing but feelings of murder and malice.
――――Huook.
As the rings of light extended once again, all the rocks around the monster evaporated without a trace. They were neither melted nor burned. Instead, the instantaneously applied heat energy caused sublimation.
'Yes, this is the power of Karura…!'
It was said that Karura had even received a lightning strike from Indra, one of the heavenly kings. He had some of the power of the sun god, so he couldn't be hurt by lightning. Theodore saw through the reality and raised tension. Everything disturbing his vision disappeared as the red and blue eyes of the two beings faced each other.
'There is a lot of resemblance to Lust.'
The black-haired man had a neutral beauty and an unknown magic power.
"How interesting," the heavenly demon's face twisted as he spoke. "This is a world where only insects can be seen. I thought I wouldn't be able to cure the endless hunger of this body, but you will be pretty good."
"Ha, where did you learn to bluff after just being born?" Theodore endured the heavenly demon's presence and continued to talk sarcastically to him. "A child who is speaking nonsense after not even being born for half a day. I really wonder about your parents' faces. Ah! I'm sorry. I just burned your mother."
"…You." The heavenly demon was completely immune to mental attacks, but the limits of his patience quickly broke.
He spat a piece of tooth out of its mouth. With white and red eyes, the heavenly demon sentenced the person who made him uncomfortable to death, "I will kill you. I won't leave a single piece of flesh behind."
Then at the moment when he was about to distort space and take a life…
Kiiing.
The world stopped. The heavenly demon took half a step forward, his lips shaking as he tried to speak. In a world where time had stopped, he wasn't completely frozen.
[Yes, you, now, act, once…]
Additionally, he was rapidly adapting to this Time Stop. It would take him a few minutes or even a few seconds to adjust perfectly. He was indeed a monster that wasn't lacking when compared to the title of a demon king.
「 Now I am faster. Absolute Zero. 」
It was the ultimate ice magic from Sylvia. A pale light wound around the body of the heavenly demon. It was a cold that stopped the movement of molecules, living existences, and inanimate objects. In fact, this Absolute Zero couldn't exert its power in ordinary space. It was because the space would lose its power when the ultimate ice magic was implemented, and the absolute power couldn't be maintained before reaching the target.
However, the situation changed greatly if it was combined with Time Stop. Theodore's Sorcery strengthened the ice surrounding the heavenly demon.
「 Freeze to death, Cocytus. 」
Frozen a second time… The body might hold on, but the mind couldn't. This was the ultimate magic that went beyond the physical and non-physical boundaries which could harm even a newly born transcendent. It was an ice that could seal an ancient dragon permanently.
Jjejejeok…!
Even so, the heavenly demon made a big crack in the ice.
[This body, freezing… won't work!]
Jjang! One arm protruded from the ice. The ice that couldn't be broken by physical force was broken. The body of the heavenly demon, whose skin was blue, gradually escaped from the flow of Time Stop. Had he acquired resistance to the ice attribute? No, it was faster than that. He used another power instead of Karura. It was something that couldn't be used together without Theodore's Forced Harmonization ability.
「 Well, I thought it would come out like this. 」
By the time the heavenly demon escaped from the ice cube and opened his eyes, Theodore had already carried out the next attack.
Hellfire x Heavenly Sword.
Fusion Complete: Hellfire Sword.
A blade of fire suddenly appeared in Theodore's hand and pierced the heavenly demon's heart. It wasn't a sharp penetration but an overwhelmingly destructive stab!
Ku kwa kwa kwang!
One stab pierced through the top of the already damaged mountain peak. Rocks weren't an obstacle in front of Hellfire Sword's destructive power. Hellfire was terrible enough to slice through adamantium. After a few hundred meters or kilometers, they both stopped falling. No, it was that Theodore's thrusting power was blocked by the heavenly demon.
"C-Cough!" The heavenly demon e spat out black blood and looked at the curved blade that had cut a few ribs like it was interesting. "Sword, is it? It seems you are well equipped."
"Tch!" Theodore realized it wasn't a fatal blow and moved. However. the heavenly demon stretched out one hand like he was shaping something. It was a hand with nothing… yet a bloody sword sprang up from his hand.
'Aura Blade…?! It is also master level!'
This was a state where he could materialize his own weapon. The heavenly demon held the distinctive nine-ring dao and moved his wrist like it was an unfamiliar feeling.
"It is okay. Let's try it once." The heavenly demon jumped one step and hit Theodore.
The sword in his hand wasn't clumsy as it contained a profound essence.
Peng Jia's Secret Dao Technique.
Decisive Hidden Technique.
Five Tigers Open Dao, Three Liquid Fall.
The aura blade split into three, and Theodore couldn't escape in any direction. Theodore admired the attack briefly as he was surrounded.
Fairy Dance's Direct Transmission.
Four Major Hidden Techniques.
Fierce Wind and Rain.
He held Soul Calibre in his right hand and the Heavenly Sword in his left hand, and tore up the three tigers. The wind blew like a blade in response. The third hidden technique, Fierce Wind and Rain, broke through the encirclement and surrounded the enemy's body. It was a strike at the wrong time. The heavenly demon faced the storm that Theodore created from the front.
'I can't give him time. He is getting stronger at a ridiculous rate!'
The momentum of the storm was further amplified. The power of the two blades, which already contained forces that were difficult to confront, was extremely dangerous to a person's body. However, the heavenly demon took two steps calmly.
"You have pretty good tricks. Let's hang out for a while." The heavenly demon had a relaxed expression as he smiled and moved.
He used a martial art used in Japan. It was based on onmyōji ideology and had the power to control all types of phenomena. The technique that had been cut off in ancient times now emerged.
Wudang Faction Esoteric Law.
Wudang Supreme Intelligent Fencing.
Extreme Opposite Direction.
'What, he can use this sword technique?'
Rather than go against the rough momentum of the storm, the heavenly demon turned the flow. Once an object reached the end, it was turned upside down. Or if a bowl was full, it would fall down. Theodore hurriedly raised both hands to deprive the storm of Fierce Wind and Rain, making it lose its power. However, he couldn't stop the heavenly demon who aimed at the gap.
[I will first cut out these eyes.]
There was no room to speak, but the two beings who were monsters could convey their intentions directly to the mind. The heavenly demon grinned wickedly as his sword aimed at one of Theodore's eyes.
Chaaeng!
It struck Soul Calibre, which protruded at an abnormal orbit.
[Eh?!]
'Um?!' Theodore was also amazed as he prepared to take out a defense spell.
-I was only helpful at the end. I can't beat my age.
It was natural for Theodore to feel this way since his right hand hadn't moved on his own will. The soul fragment of the great hero Reynolds Spencer, who remained in the imprint of Umbra, exerted the last of his power.
-Don't lose to this strong monster, Junior.
'Yes, Senior!' Theodore moved as he felt Reynolds presence gradually fading in his body. Reynolds' one move reversed the situation. The blade was deflected, causing the heavenly demon to be defenseless before Theodore. It was an opportunity to deal a big blow with either ultimate magic or the sword. Theodore saw the perfect timing and reached out a hand.
Jingle.
He held the three-ringed staff—the Fleeing Dragon Staff—and threw it at the heavenly demon.
"Hey, let's move to another place!"
"What nonsense are you saying?"
Before he could speak, the heavenly demon was stuck in the Fleeing Dragon Staff's distorted space. Based on his resistance, he would be out soon. However, Theodore could act freely until then. Instead of attacking, Theodore picked another option.
「Teleportation. 」
The trap that Theodore had spent a month preparing was waiting for him.
* * *
Flash!
The transition took a few seconds, and by the end of the space transfer, there was a crack in the Fleeing Dragon Staff prison trapping the heavenly demon. After Time Stop, freezing space didn't work either. Theodore clicked his tongue and made preparations. As time passed, the heavenly demon's performance rose steeply. He could also utilize the skills and memories of the lives sacrificed to him.
'I need to destroy him before he is reborn as an undefeatable being.' Theodore wanted to do it himself it possible, but it was too hard.
"…Nasty human. You brought these lowlifes to fight with you? It is insulting," the heavenly demon spat out once he noticed the group surrounding him. Theodore acknowledged that compared to a transcendent, the others were just insects. Getting involved in the fight between two ultimate beings was just an insult.
"Well, I think it is still too early to judge."
"Huh?"
It was the intended place and the intended timing. Theodore knew that it was perfect and quickly connected to the magic power source beneath his feet. If he could cope with the power consumed, then it would be the strongest trap. Theodore spoke in a voice too low for the heavenly demon to hear, 「 Dao Yuan Nine Palace Troops, activate. 」
The arrangement of nine colleagues at the points corresponding to the palace meant this unexpected method could be utilized. It was the concept of gam, gon, jin, son, jong, geon, dae, gan, and yi. The concept of magic resonated with the nine circles to fill up power.
In order to tie up the feet of the heavenly demon, Randolph, Nobutsuna, and Shuten-doji were placed in close proximity. Veronica and Daitengu could respond to every type of attack, so they were placed midway, while the other four were supporting from a distance.
"I don't know what you have prepared, but these lowlifes…!"
At this moment, the power of the Dao Yuan Nine Palace Troops was revealed.
Kuoooong―――!
A tremendous amount of power poured out, causing the heavenly demon's knees to bend. No, in fact, he was biting his tongue due to being suppressed. "Kuk!"
The ground couldn't withstand the pressure and sank, burying the heavenly demon down to his ankles. His body could hold out against the pressure, but the environment was different. Thus, his response was delayed by one beat.
"Hey, little monster."
"What? Your safety―" The heavenly demon frowned at the rude call and looked in that direction.
Kwaaaaang! Shuten-doji's club struck his head firmly.
Chapter 374 – Advent of the Heavenly Demon (4)
Kwaduduk!
The heavenly demon was buried up to his ankles, and his knees touched the ground. The trap involuntarily lost half its power, but it was worth it. It would be a big blow if he were hit in this defenseless state.
"Dumb oni…!" The heavenly demon overlapped his palms and blocked the club, grinding his teeth as he felt an unpleasant sense of danger.
This was a powerful oni, but his strength was strange. Despite analyzing the factors making up the oni's body, the strength that the oni was displaying was completely out of the ordinary. Did he have bones with higher tensile strength than mithril? As he looked down at the distorted expression of the heavenly demon, Shuten-doji jumped back and nodded. "You are good at blocking my club, but I'm afraid I didn't come alone. You better move your gaze."
"What?" The heavenly demon didn't want to listen to Shuten-doji's words, but he grew an eyeball in the back of his head.
It was the Third Eye technique that had been suppressed 500 years ago! A third eyeball was created in the back of the head in order to compensate for a field of view in magic spells. As soon as the eyeball sprouted among the hair, three flashes of light could be seen. It was a surprise attack launched by the two sword masters who had appeared all of a sudden.
Clovis Two Swords Style.
Special Hidden Meaning Technique.
Thunderbolt Fang.
New Life Born, New Cloud Flow.
Shooting Star.
Randolph was the one with the Acceleration ability, but Nobutsuna was fast enough to keep up with his speed. There was a tearing sound as three blades of lightning or fire aimed at three points on the heavenly demon—his forehead, heart, and abdomen. In half a beat, three holes would be left in the heavenly demon's body.
"Tsk!" Nevertheless, the heavenly demon didn't hesitate to throw himself into the hell with an expression of hesitation. The starting point of his evasion was two spans above the ground. Once, twice, three times… As if there was a footstool in the air, he rotated his body and avoided the three rays of light without a single speck of blood. The eyes of the two monks widened at his movements.
"…C-Cloud Dragon Eight Patterns movement!"
"How could that wicked being steal that technique?"
Just like a dragon in the clouds, it was a footwork that allowed the body to move in the air. It was a form that had already disappeared centuries ago. If it was mastered completely, the user could dance elegantly in a storm. The heavenly demon only spun three times to avoid the sword. However, if he turned eight times, he could touch the realm of a god.
'No matter what happens, I must kill him here!'
Everyone had the same opinion. If this monster escaped from this place and gained more experience and skills, yet another chance to fight him would disappear. He already had the techniques of a shaman, an apostate, and so on. Adding on the techniques that had disappeared or were buried in history together with the power of a new generation… If the heavenly demon were to become 10 times stronger than he was now, he would destroy the world.
The alliance of those who were ready to fight sincerely began.
「 пламя нож (Flame Sword)! 」 Veronica's explosive sword struck the right arm of the heavenly demon without giving him a chance to respond. It burned his skin before bouncing off hard. If the heavenly demon hadn't borrowed the power of Karura, it would've been more than his body could endure. The heavenly demon belatedly realized his own missteps.
Ping! Piiing!
There was an eerie sound, and two holes were developed in his shins.
"Interesting. I never thought I would team up with someone from the pointy-eared clan."
"…I am an elf. Don't call me pointy-eared."
Titania's and Daitengu's cooperative attack involving the wind penetrated the shins of the heavenly demon. Of course, a troll-like healing ability activated as soon as the arrows hit, but this gap wasn't missed. The swordsmen ran over to make up for their previous mistake.
Kakiing. Randolph's double swords moved one step ahead and gave a short howl.
'If he can flip his body in the air, then I will cut the whole area, making it impossible to avoid!'
It was an ignorant idea, but it wasn't impossible if his swordsmanship accelerated several times more than it had in the past. The two swords split into afterimages of four, eight, sixteen, and so on. The shadows of the swords grew to more than one hundred and swept everywhere. Even a leaf wouldn't be able to escape.
Kamiizumi Nobutsuna's judgment was the opposite.
'One blow in an instant. That is the only thing that will reach him.'
Nobutsuna needed sharpness rather than tremendous power. Reaching this conclusion, he lowered his posture. He lowered his center of gravity so his whole body could move quicker. The technique was actually still incomplete, but he was able to complete it thanks to the power coming from the magic circle.
New Life Born, New Cloud Flow.
Secret Technique.
One Blade Single Water Moon.
Like the illumination of the moon, the blade melted into thin air and appeared at the heavenly demon's neck without any precursor. It was indeed impossible to escape!
The heavenly demon moved his body hurriedly, but he couldn't use Cloud Dragon Eight Patterns footwork properly due to the injury in both his legs. Additionally, the magic circle amplified the sword master's power by more than three times, allowing the sword master to easily penetrate through the heavenly demon's overwhelming defense power.
Chwaaaaak! Blood splattered in a clockwise direction, and the heavenly demon fell to the ground in an unstable position. The attack didn't reach his jugular, but this was still a serious injury. To think that it was caused by a lowlife who he didn't take seriously… The heavenly demon laughed once in fury. His eyes darkened as he raised his power in earnest.
"Lowlifes, you dare…! You interrupted me without knowing your place!"
His body teemed with the power of sacred creatures and demonic creatures. There were those who had distinguished military achievements in the Eastern Continent. The heavenly demon intended to use all of his power to kill these bugs.
The evil eye, absorbing soul method, extinct poison, curse method, and so on—dozens of terrible techniques were used. The evil eyes blurred, and the ground under the heavenly demon turned black, giving an idea of the wickedness of the techniques.
It was at this moment that…
"Eight Mirrors." Theodore, who had been maintaining the Dao Yuan Nine Palace Troops, immediately pulled out a mirror. It was unknown if it was a stone or metal mirror, but this was the last of the three artifacts that hadn't been used until now.
"Open your eyes! Banish evil!" The eyes of Yata no Kagami, which hadn't been seen since Seimei's death, finally revealed themselves.
Paaaat!
A sphere of light burst out from Theodore, and the curses pouring all over the place were washed away cleanly. It was a divine power of the Eight Mirrors (a.ka. Mirror Of Eight) which could even return the power of a god. Of course, it couldn't be done without using a lot of power. The heavenly demon stiffened at having his curses shot back at him.
The masters saw this gap and reached out.
"Control Heaven and Earth!"
"Various Heavenly Assistance!"
Two different people each cast a spell, causing the righteous power to stab the heavenly demon like a stigma. They were spells to rescue evil spirits and suppress evil. The strength of the Dao Yuan Nine Palace Troops was added to the skills, and even the heavenly demon couldn't endure them. With this, the heavenly demon could no longer use the techniques he had just attempted. Even so, this was a strategy to tie his hands and fight together, rather than actually pushing him in an attack.
"■■■■■■■■――!" At last, the heavenly demon leaped high into the sky in a frenzied manner. Unlike his angry manner, his instincts told him that fighting on this magic circle was disadvantageous. However, he couldn't escape even in the empty sky.
[Kuhuhu! Stupid!]
[Seed of evil, don't blame me.]
Brasmati and Erucus—the two dragons, who had come across the sea to help Theodore, stared at the heavenly demon with cold eyes. The dragons showed up and opened their mouths. They were in the form of dragons, not humans. As such, the heavenly demon paled as he guessed the development that would soon follow. "Not only are there lowlifes, now the damn lizards…!"
The breaths were fired before he could finish the cursing.
―――――――――――――――!!!
Two breaths intersected in a cross shape, cutting the black night sky into four pieces. The superheated breath left a mark in the sky, while the poisonous breath left a green mist trail that disappeared into the distant horizon. It was a linked attack that could kill a sacred creature and the eight feudal lord variants instantly!
"Kuaaaaak!" The heavenly demon was burned and poisoned before falling to the ground.
No matter how strong he was, the heavenly demon couldn't overcome the breaths of dragons with a body that was less than an hour old. It was strange that he even managed to survive. Even so, he was in a critical condition, and his body that lay on the ground was like a corpse.
'It would've been nice if it finished here, but that isn't possible.'
However, Theodore didn't push it. He talked to the dragons looking down at him, 'Thank you. Please back off here.'
[I understand. Don't be defeated, human. Remember the reason why our king crowned you.]
[It will only be a burden if we remain. I will follow your will.]
The dragons said these words before disappearing. A few breaths were the best help from the dragons who were still wounded. There was a risk that if they stayed too close, it would destroy the plan Theodore had for the heavenly demon.
"…It is starting now." Theodore became tense as he looked at the heavenly demon lying on the ground. The name of 'the heavenly demon' would be a waste if he fell from this much. That guy still had yet to use 30% of his power.
"―I see." The heavenly demon raised his upper body casually and stood on two feet. The burns on his body disappeared, and his glass bead eyes looked around.
"Bugs are bugs, but not. Yes, there are poisonous bugs. I thought it was a broken moth when I grasped it, but it was actually a wasp." The heavenly demon laughed coldly while acknowledging the strength of the enemy. "I have to admit it. It is worth it to kill you directly."
The demon that reigned in heaven invoked his power.
Kukukukukung…
The earth shook, the sky was afraid, and all beings tried to escape from the area. A door to the void was unlocked in this material world. The power to eat up the spirituality in all beings, regardless of what they were—it was a power that raised a monster, which should merely be a mixture of genetic factors, into a demon king.
"Absorption Star Method, activate."
Red and bluish blood lines appeared all over the heavenly demon's body. No, the shape was different from blood vessels. It was a structure that replaced all the aura and magic power eaten with basic mana. According to Gluttony, it was a deteriorated version of the absorption ability that all of the Seven Sins possessed.
Kwajik.
However, unlike the Seven Seals who couldn't perform all their functions due to the seals, the heavenly demon's absorption ability was 100%.
'The Dao Yuan Nine Palace Troops is breaking…!'
Theodore was standing on it, but all the power was being sucked backward. He hurried to stop maintaining the Dao Yuan Nine Palace Troops before it took away his magic power. The heavenly demon grinned when he sensed it. The power of the Dao Yuan Nine Palace Troops had disappeared.
Jeeeong!
The heavenly demon disappeared and appeared again, causing the two sword masters to be thrown away with broken swords. They blocked it somehow, but both of them were seriously injured.
To think that the sword masters were overwhelmed by the swordsmanship of a monster that had just been born…? Randolph and Nobutsuna were dumbfounded. However, they had no answer as to the cause of the heavenly demon's overwhelming strength and speed, as well as the memories and experiences left behind by masters of the empire.
"Uhuh! You dare to take your eyes off this old man!" Shuten-doji swung his club again in this gap. However, he couldn't achieve his goal this time. The big boss was too strong to be reached without the assistance of the Dao Yuan Nine Palace Troops.
Puhak!
Rather, the heavenly demon's hand grabbed the swung club. It wasn't just once. Shuten-doji was beaten several times and, blood burst out. As Shuten-doji received a critical wound, the heavenly demon moved again.
"Kuaaack!"
Veronica barely escaped it, while Daitengu couldn't avoid it. It was unknown how it happened, but the right half of Daitengu's wings were torn away. The youkai barely avoided instant death, but he would die soon. The heavenly demon looked at Veronica, who had dodged his attack, and threw his fist into the air.
Shaolin 72 Arts.
100 Stages Soul Boxing.
Shoot.
A shockwave traveled hundreds of meters and pierced her.
Kaaang!
"Kkuk!"
It wasn't a fatal wound. However, Veronica took a few steps back from the momentum. Theodore had already given her an order to leave the battlefield if the situation continued like this. Rather than chasing after the escaping Veronica, the heavenly demon turned his eyes toward Theodore.
'The positions have reversed.'
The Dao Yuan Nine Palace Troops had collapsed, and the area was now destroyed. The two sword masters and Shuten-doji were still alive, but they wouldn't be able to endure the heavenly demon for 10 seconds. The same was true for the two monks in the rear. Their lives were at risk once the front line was destroyed.
However, Theodore laughed lightly and opened his mouth, "…You would think so. Isn't that right?"
Chapter 375 – Advent of the Heavenly Demon (5)
"What nonsense are you saying?"
Did it mean the heavenly demon would no longer be swayed by the words? The heavenly demon glared and changed his posture. The power of aura, magic, and the sacred creatures united in one place, forming an unprecedented shape. As long as the Absorption Star Method was activated, the heavenly demon would be difficult to overcome with a transcendent's power alone. Therefore, Theodore had to prepare a trump card.
"Let's see?" As he felt the power rising behind him, Theodore playfully said to the astonished heavenly demon, "I brought your brother to you. Isn't it your duty to thank me?"
Theodore had brought a miko with no battle experience onto a dangerous battlefield for a reason. Although he felt sorry for her, it couldn't be helped. It would be too bad to miss the opportunity to borrow the power of a transcendent—Abe no Seimei.
"The old gods of Takama-ga-hara, Suzuka who keeps the legitimacy of the heavenly deities is here―"
It was already too late for external interference to interrupt it. This fact was known to the heavenly demon. A ceremony of such great power couldn't be completed in seconds. It would've taken at least a few minutes. The chanting would've started the moment the heavenly demon's feet were tied up by the joint attacks of the Dao Yuan Nine Palace Troops. Moreover, with Theodore blocking the front, it was impossible to kill Suzuka in a matter of seconds.
"Great Founder Seimei! I give you my body today!" Then Suzuka, miko of Japan, completed the ceremony.
[I'm sorry for bringing you to such a rough place, my child.]
The Possession Ceremony! It was much less advanced than obtaining a divinity, but it became much more difficult if the subject was a transcendent like Abe no Seimei. Fortunately, Suzuka was a distant kin of Seimei and was able to easily succeed because Seimei cooperated.
Flash!
A light glowed and a translucent figure appeared behind Suzuka. It was the soul fragment of Abe no Seimei, who had escaped from the Eight Jade Magatamas.
"No? That aura, that power! You are…!" The heavenly demon was aghast when he recognized Seimei.
However, Abe no Seimei and Theodore people spoke like the heavenly demon wasn't there.
[There is only one chance. Don't make a mistake.]
Theodore replied, "Of course. I am aware."
There was a limit to using Suzuka's body as a vessel. Only one technique could be used against the heavenly demon. If Seimei exerted more than that, Suzuka's body and soul would be crushed. Therefore, this move had to hit.
Kiiing.
There was a sharp ringing sound, and the whole world turned black and white. Time Stop was activated within a certain range! However, the one who had already experienced this once scoffed. The heavenly demon had already fully adapted to Time Stop. "Ha! Are you stupid enough to try to use this to tie my feet for a few minutes?"
"I will return your words. Don't you know after seeing it once?" However, Theodore laughed at the unexpected situation. "I didn't stop time in order to tie up your feet!"
"What?"
It was just after that…
Inside Suzuka's body, Seimei completed the chant, [Taboo, Soul Incantation Killing.]
Chill.
It was dangerous. Despite his sky-high pride, the heavenly demon suffered from a sense of crisis and moved his body. He couldn't allow the other party to finish this incantation. The heavenly demon had to kill before it could be cast, and avoid it if he couldn't kill the caster. In the world where time had stopped, wings of fire rose. It was the power of the sacred creature, Karura. The heavenly demon was going to control the fire and leave this place.
"Hold on, Immortal Rope!"
At this moment, ropes flew at the speed of light and tied up the limbs of the heavenly demon. It was one of the three treasures Theodore had received from the supreme monk—a rope that could even hold a sacred creature.
"Eek! This crude thing…! Kuk, why?"
"Now, who is stupid?"
The Absorption Star Method wasn't activated. No, the absorption didn't work when time was stopped. It was useless in the area of Time Stop, where even mana flow was stopped. The heavenly demon grasped the situation too late and struggled.
[For a full day, I will seal your spirituality predation,] Seimei uttered in a loud voice and held his two fingers in front of him like a blade as the shape of a sword formed.
The maximum sealing taboo—it was a magic blade that could wedge into the soul of a god. This was one of Abe no Seimei's ultimate techniques, which could seal even an immortal heart.
Puk!
Despite the heavenly demon's desperate struggle, the sword leaped from Seimei's fingertips into his heart. The heavenly demon's hard skin was meaningless because it wasn't a physical technique.
It was a sword blocking the soul. From now on, the heavenly demon would be in a state where he couldn't use the Absorption Star Method. His body was fully recovered due to the forces he absorbed a short while ago, but the attack power of the heavenly demon fell by half now that he could no longer use the Absorption Star Method.
'Seimei, from now on I will fight alone.'
[Can you win? He is a monster, even without that absorption method.]
That's right. The Absorption Star Method was a trick that relied on external forces. The fearful thing was the heavenly demon's infinite resilience and recovery. The combat power of the heavenly demon got stronger with every minute and every second. This meant Theodore needed to defeat the heavenly demon as soon as possible, before he could fully embrace his power.
'Man proposes but God disposes. The heavens will stand by me.' (This Proverb statement tells that whatever man proposes as his objective to achieve by exercising his willpower, efforts, and intellectual potentialities, there is a limit to his abilities and that there is some supernatural power—God—to determine the shape of things and their end.)
There was an emblem on Theodore's right hand—a sign that stood for the guardian of the world. As long as the Absorption Star Method was cut off, the material world could be used as backup. Theodore had a 70% advantage in the battle while the heavenly demon had a 30% advantage. Seimei read Theodore's will and sent Suzuka off the mountain. Only two monsters were left on this vacant lot.
Duduk. Duk! Tududuk! The heavenly demon broke through the Immortal Rope tying him.
It wasn't with any spell or technique, just strength. He broke through the rope with simple strength. Then the heavenly demon turned to face Theodore. "Are you done?"
"What does that mean?"
"Did you use all your tricks?"
A bloody-colored aura overflowed from the heavenly demon, who held a sword and spear in one hand while the appearance of Karura showed up behind him. No, it wasn't Karura. His body was surrounded by lightning, and his two legs, which had become hazy, looked like power from a sacred creature. With the practical experience of fighting Theodore and his group, it made the heavenly demon even more advanced.
'I'm glad.'
However, Theodore raised both hands instead of retreating.
'I am still stronger.'
Eight jewels started moving. The Eight Jade Magatamas—it was one of the three divine artifacts that could create separate bodies. The Eight Jade Magatamas recognized their owner's will and shone.
Flash!
One, two, three… Theodore's clones appeared in the air, lined up at regular intervals. Magic power flowed out of his body into the ground, scattering enormous pressure. Including Theodore, there were nine people. They couldn't copy the main body's defense and Gluttony's power, but the magic power of nine circles was terrible enough.
The pupils of the heavenly demon shook for a moment.
"I couldn't use this function due to the Absorption Star Method… but things have changed a bit. Isn't that right?" Theodore said half seriously, half as a bluff.
There might be nine bodies, but that didn't mean Theodore was nine times stronger. After all, the clones were created using ultimate magic. Once the ultimate magic was used up, the body of the clone would be reclaimed. A body that disappeared could only be summoned again in seven days, so it couldn't be used again in this fight.
'Well, I have no intention of telling him that.'
Theodore flew into the air, and his eight clones followed him in a semicircle. The nine Theodores and the enemy of the world, the heavenly demon—the moment their two pairs of eyes collided…
"How do you feel about your death day being the same as your birthday, monster?"
"―You!"
The next generation was marked by the end of a great battle.
* * *
Hwang Mountain collapsed.
This was a simple summary. If he wanted to express the landscape in words, he would need dozens of pieces of paper.
The altitude of the lowest mountain peak exceeded 3 kilometers. This was high in comparison to any famous mountain on the East Continent. The splendor of Hwang Mountain wasn't inferior either. A sword master's aura blade or great magic, which could burn thousands of people, wouldn't be able to shatter even a tenth of this mountain.
Flash!
However, there was a flash of light, and dozens of mountain peaks on Hwang Mountain collapsed, causing a major earthquake.
Kukukukukung!
The surface of the ground was peeled off like flesh, and some of the rocks that fell from the edge of the cliff rose to the height of clouds. There were rising air currents, and it was like a massive volcanic eruption had occurred! The dark night sky was covered by thousands of pieces of rubble. The catastrophe that was already beyond the realm of a mortal crashed into Hwang Mountain, crumbling several times a second.
"Kuaaaaahhhhh!"
Lightning storms, fire pillars, and other great magic aimed at the heavenly demon, who raised both hands. In addition to the power of the two beings—the power of the sacred creature, Karura, and the evil dragon's steel storm—he called on the dao king.
Thunder Hegemon Dao Final Skill.
One Dao Precipice.
It was great enough to cut a cliff with a human body, but the heavenly demon literally carved the heavens and earth. Heat, pressure, and gravity all twisted arbitrarily. Dirt disappeared, and light and sound collapsed. It was a destructive power that shook the laws of physics of the world.
Theodore, who opposed him, didn't look human either.
「 Absolute Shield. 」
「 Reflection. 」
「 Void Wall. 」
The ultimate defense magic of eight magicians centered on one point, stopping even the destructive power that could tear the world. The material world screamed as both forces offset each other. The ecosystem of this area had long collapsed. Even the forest and mountain animals hundreds of kilometers away were fleeing as far as possible.
'Number 7 didn't escape. There are four left.'
It had gone on like this for an hour. Theodore frowned as one of his clones disappeared. With his mental power, it was impossible to control all nine bodies perfectly. Geotia controlled two clones, but every time a discrepancy arose, one clone was lost. As such, there were only four of the eight clones left.
'The speed of his strength increase is too fast. 14 types of great magic and Supercell no longer work, and neither do the lightning acceleration and Time Stop. More than anything, he is trying to steal my magic in the midst of the battle…!'
The two presences crossed nearly a thousand times in one minute and one second.
"Kuoh…!"
"Hu!"
If the battle lasted for another hour or even 30 minutes, Theodore might be the one losing his life. In fact, if his preparations had been lacking or he was missing even one colleague, it was likely he would already be dead.
'But…'
He won.
Two swords of light sprung up from Theodore's two hands and crossed in front of his chest—the Heavenly Sword and Soul Calibre. Theodore poured out all the magic power supplied by the material system and grabbed the swords of light. Was it because he had sunken into a state of enlightenment as the bloody struggle continued…? It seemed the horizon was flickering.
Fairy Dance's Passed on to the Lord of the Family.
Four Major Hidden Techniques.
Boundary of Heavy and Earth.
He didn't know the technique, but his body still remembered. It was the skill of a man who had conveyed his will to Theodore before disappearing.
Great magic Abraxas (ΑΒΡΑΞΑΣ)
Final Chapter.
Elemental Buster.
Two swords—one was the peak of magic, and the other was the peak of martial arts. Theodore forgot his own existence and moved both hands. He drew a cross shape. A sword technique that could cut the heavenly demon's heart into four pieces. This technique was unique to Theodore. It was the sum of magic and martial arts that no one else had reached.
"Transcendent."
Grand Cross.
The two rays of light passed through the flesh of the heavenly demon, and a fountain of blood gushed out.