Chapter 384 – The Marriage of the Century (5)
Swaaah.
Every time a wave washed up against the sandy beach, a cloud of foam would burst and spray out. Drops of water were born from the low waves, and sunlight shone over the clouds. The aquamarine sea was so beautiful that it couldn't be expressed in words.
It was an attraction in a distant land. This was Piris, where all ships of the coastal kingdom, Soldun, passed by. It was the city with the most beautiful beach on the continent. During the civil war which was several years ago, this scenery had been unknown as Theodore had landed on an uninhabited island far from the beach. Many things had changed in a few years.
Theodore looked at the peaceful scene and raised a glass cup on the table to his lips. A refreshing lime-flavored liquid flowed down his esophagus.
"…Mm, this is good." Theodore didn't like the bitter taste of alcohol, but this alcohol fit his taste well. Veronica laughed as she raised the glass at a similar timing. "Really? I know how to make this. If you want to have a drink when we get home, just say it."
"What? Becky, you know how to make cocktails?"
"It is a small hobby. Don't you know my temperament? I can't get drunk, so I often drink alcohol. Few people know this, but there are some cocktails that were named by me."
Maybe it was due to the excuse of taking it with food, but many people didn't know that 'alcohol' was a deadly toxic substance to the body. The blood of a dragon, which broke down all types of poisons with its innate immunity, couldn't leave that ingredient alone. However, putting aside the context, it was an interesting story. Veronica was someone who drank more and more of the cocktails because she couldn't get drunk.
Theodore laughed inwardly without showing it and looked at Sylvia.
"Hiccup."
He was concerned since Sylvia was hiccuping with a red face.
"Sylvia, are you okay? Would you like a cleansing spell?"
"Ah, hiccup. No, I'm fine. I like drinking and can use the cleansing spell afterward."
Sylvia was different from Veronica, whose expression didn't change even after a few drinks. Cleansing magic was available, but Sylvia didn't want to ruin the atmosphere. Clearly, she didn't want to be treated as a child by Theodore and made excuses. Sylvia leaned against Theodore's left shoulder, giving off a more bewitching allure than usual.
"Theo…" A lime-flavored voice reached him.
It had been several days since the wedding. At first, the young man and women acted subtly, but they soon became familiar with each other's flesh. Theodore stroked Sylvia's disheveled hair a few times and kissed her exposed forehead.
"What, are you playing alone? Huh?"
"―Becky, oof."
Veronica kissed his right shoulder and his earlobe, before moving to his lips. This was an embarrassing gesture of affection in bright daylight. It would be shameful if someone saw her act so blatantly, but fortunately, the area with the table that the three people were sitting at was of the deluxe class. So, they were the only ones in the room overlooking the seaside.
Veronica removed her lips and said in a deep voice, "Hua! It would be better if we were alone, but it isn't bad to have three people. We have visited the beach of Piris. Where will we go next?"
In response to Veronica's words, Sylvia asked, "Wouldn't it be nice to wait for the night sea?"
"Well, is there anything other than a lighthouse on the sea at night? If you want a good night view, Austen's capital of Edirne is good."
"Austen? I thought it was just a desert…"
The two of them had become sisters in a few days. Theodore watched their conversation with strange emotions.
Red and gold, blue and silver… From personality to appearance, there wasn't one thing that matched. The relationship, which would've never become a close one without Theodore, was tangled up by ties of marriage, making the two women family.
'There are many lessons to be learned from life, even if I am a transcendent who has realized the principles of the world.'
After the wedding ceremony, every day was new. It was like he was born again every day. Yesterday, they ate seafood dishes cooked in the East Continent. The day before yesterday, they visited sophisticated craft stores in the Andras Kingdom. As he promised to his brides, Theodore could go anywhere and do anything. When they thought about what they wanted to eat, they visited the place that day. When they thought about a place they wanted to go, they crossed the continent and the sea.
'…Come to think of it, it is different from the books.'
If his past self in the academy had seen it, he would've sighed. Unlike during the days when he only saw magic, Theodore now had the luxury of seeing things apart from magic. Theodore looked between his two brides and smiled. "Now, where shall we go?"
Veronica and Sylvia responded like they had been waiting.
"Belfort Harbor! I have to pick up the pendant I ordered the day before."
"Then let's go to Edirne. Sister says that the night view of Edirne is very good."
"Okay, then shall we get up?" Theodore left a few gold coins as a tip.
Then the three people raised their bodies from their chairs. It was a bonus to pretend to be drunk and hold each other. Theodore held the waists of Sylvia and Veronica lightly. They were walking down white marble stairs when they encountered an unexpected figure.
"Um…?!"
"Ah."
The half a head of white hair and wrinkled face made it possible to imagine the depths of the past years. The person's attire was a mixture of eastern and western clothing and was quite unique. That was natural since the person was the head of a family who had moved from the East Continent to Soldun.
They had encountered Baek Jongmyung of the Baek Family.
"It has been a long time, Lord Baek."
Hearing Theodore's greeting, Baek Jongmyung was speechless with surprise for a moment. Then he regained himself and greeted politely, "It has been a while, Sir Theodore. I didn't know we would meet again in a place like this. Have you been well in the meantime?"
"It is as you can see. I am better than ever."
"Hahaha! A true hero, it is good. Since there was no news that you came…" The quick-witted Baek Jongmyung gathered his eyebrows together in a humorous manner. "This Baek has taken up your precious time. I will not tell anyone about this, so please enjoy yourselves."
"Thank you."
"Huhu, it is a great grace that you are teaching my son. I am looking forward to the future." Baek Jongmyung bowed one more time and walked past them. He knew it would be difficult to get involved in the love affairs of young people.
Not long after Baek Jongmyung left, a huge burst of laughter emerged next to Theodore.
"Kuk! Ahahahaha!"
"Huhut, huhuhuhut!"
The two people on Theodore's arms laughed belatedly after Baek Jongmyung left. They couldn't help it since the encounter had been so sudden. Each one of them was one of the top five magicians on the continent, so this was a story that might be talked about even 10 years later.
"I-It is really indecent."
The two women laughed while Theodore opened his mouth, 「 Transition, Belfort. 」
There were still many places that the three people wanted to go, and time was flowing urgently. Magic flashed as he intended to relax once again. Their honeymoon was still far from over.
* * *
Two months passed by.
It wasn't a long or short period of time with the full moon rising up and descending four times. In the meantime, Theodore, Sylvia, and Veronica wandered around the entire continent, leaving countless memories. They saw a flickering aurora. They searched through sandy wind and found a city of mirage in the sky. They walked in the deep waters of the sea and found the volcanic crater where Brasmati resided, which only Veronica explored.
There were numerous beautiful sights in the world, and the three people saw them again and again.
"The sky is already dark. Shall we go back?"
Even so, they returned to the same place whenever they wanted to rest.
"Yes, I'd love to take a bath."
"Let's go. To our home."
Veronica and Sylvia nodded at Theodore's words and grabbed his hands. The feelings weren't as shape as when he first experienced it, but the warm body temperature was still conveyed. This was natural for a family.
Flash!
They were now accustomed to the timing and closed their eyes. By the time the flash faded, the three people had already arrived at their destination. Then in front of Theodore's party, somebody bowed. He wore plain clothes which had no wrinkles. With wrinkles and a white mustache that showed he had the wisdom of life, Armand, the owner of the gorgeous old house, greeted the return of the three people, "Welcome back, Master."
Theodore had never promised a certain time to return, so Armand came out at a really amazing timing. Was it his half a century worth of experience that made it possible for him to achieve? Having received Armand's greeting, Theodore handed over his coat. "You got the right timing today, Armand. Do you really have foresight?"
"Huhu, it is just an old man's intuition. Just like how farmers know if it won't rain tomorrow and how merchants can smell money."
"Then there are too many magicians in the world. I hope I don't lose my employee soon."
Armand smiled at the joke and clapped his hands, calling the maids to accompany Veronica and Sylvia. Similarly, the maids had considerable experience. The maids took off Veronica's and Sylvia's shoes with familiar movements, removing the dust and debris from their hair and clothing. They were afraid to even blink.
'I am now quite familiar with it, but I can't help feeling a sense of discomfort when looking out the window.' Theodore gazed out the window with a subtle expression.
Their honeymoon home was located in the birthplace of the Miller family, while the Miller Barony was now under direct control of the royal family. Dennis Miller had become a marquis and moved with the residents to a new area. There was no good mining vein here, and the farmland wasn't wide either. Thus, Kurt III had a villa built on this land.
-It is a place that holds great significance in its own way.
The king had then sent a few maids and a retired butler. Although Theodore had heard the story, he hadn't known the villa had been transformed into a honeymoon house.
"Theo!"
Theodore was following Armand's instructions and heading to the bathroom when he turned back at the voice. Veronica and Sylvia stood on tiptoe at the same time and kissed his lips.
"You know that you are dealing with both of us tonight, right?"
"Are you planning to sleep alone?"
They were soft whispers, seemingly planned in advance.
"…Yes, I'll be waiting."
Satisfied with Theodore's soft answer, the two beautiful women smiled and stepped back. They then disappeared with the maids. Armand, who had been watching the exchange, said to Theodore, "There won't be any servants walking around the bedroom tonight."
Theodore's eyebrows twitched as he asked, "Armand, what does that mean?"
"I'm just letting you know. Cough!"
Theodore looked at Armand before looking out the window and sighing. Was it because he felt that the stars in the night sky were brighter today? His expression darkened as he looked at the stars. There were two months left until Wrath would fall to the ground. Theodore was reminded that the day of destruction was approaching.
The end of their happy days was near.
Chapter 385 – The Marriage of the Century (6)
There were the sounds of insects coming from somewhere. The noise tickling his ears woke him up. Then Theodore opened his eyes and gazed up at the ceiling. Beyond the glass ceiling, moonlight shone. Theodore blinked a few times and calculated the time.
'Not yet midnight.'
He looked at the desk clock and saw that there were a few more hours until the sky would brighten. He tried to close his eyes again, but once he woke up, all drowsiness was cleared. Should he drink a glass of water? Theodore was about to raise his body but was forced to stop moving. It was due to the heavy weight on his shoulders.
"Um…"
"…Ung…"
Veronica and Sylvia… Even in the darkness, their hair colors shone. Their skin that wasn't covered by the quilt was white and smooth. Theodore couldn't help looking at their sleeping appearances, particularly at the dark marks made by his lips which remained near their necks. As his gaze heated up, Veronica opened her eyes and laughed with a whisper-like voice, "―At any rate, you are very sneaky."
Sylvia hadn't yet woken up, so Theodore replied in a low voice, "Becky, you aren't sleeping?"
"Huh? No. You are looking at me with such beastly eyes. How can I sleep well knowing this?"
"A beast…" Theodore tried to refute it.
However, Veronica lifted her blanket with a look like she knew everything. The only lighting present was from the moonlight and the stars. Ordinary people might not be able to see the dim shapes, but fortunately, Theodore wasn't an ordinary person. Veronica's curves, not covered by a single piece of clothing, choked him. He was rendered speechless and could only open his mouth.
Veronica giggled in a teasing manner at the sight. "Look, this is a beast."
He couldn't win. Theodore smiled bitterly and raised his eyebrows. Veronica kissed his collarbone and abs as if to celebrate her victory. Although Theodore wasn't ticklish, he couldn't help laughing. He endured the prank for a while before holding her hands and kissing her on the forehead.
"Stop."
"Theo is stopping me before I'm satisfied. How stingy."
"What if the bed almost completely bends?"
It sounded like a joke, but it really wasn't. This bed, which never had a single person lay in it before the first day they arrived at the villa, had bent slightly over the course of two months. Despite being a bed made of solid iron and wood, its durability was like a cheap timber bunk.
Veronica's face flushed red after hearing it. "Oh, no. I didn't do it all alone, but it is my fault?"
"The number of times… Becky is very violent."
"Theo!"
Theodore smirked as he took the initiative in this conversation. His words were actually true. Despite being a 7th circle magician, Sylvia was still a human who trained herself. It was difficult to compete with Veronica in everyday life, not just combat. Above all, Veronica had inherited a red dragon's blood and was famous for being faithful to her 'desires.' In the environment of their honeymoon house, her desires burned more intensely every night.
After exchanging sexually explicit words, the two people looked up at the same sky and were silent.
"…Is it time to go back?"
Theodore didn't immediately answer Veronica's question. However, his silence was a positive reply. It would be a tremendous loss if three tower masters were away for more than two months. Kurt said he would give three months of vacation, but this overloaded the entire kingdom.
"They were the most enjoyable two months of my life."
Theodore was feeling burdened when Veronica leaned against his shoulder and said in a bright voice, "We could go anywhere and eat anything. It lasted two months, and Theodore is the best part."
"Am I the beast or is it someone else?"
"Omo, you don't know? I am a dragon." Veronica playfully bit his earlobe. It was a charm that was closer to that of a cat than a dragon. Theodore tickled her chin and laughed.
Veronica stroked her belly and whispered, "Will it happen? Our baby."
"I'm not sure."
It was hard for Veronica to become pregnant due to her dragon blood. However, the story was different when her partner was Theodore, a transcendent who wasn't bound by cause and effect. From then on, it was a matter of pure luck.
'A baby…' Theodore became a bit nervous at the unexpected thought of the birth of a life that would inherit his blood and surname. He knew it well in his mind, but it was hard thinking about it becoming real.
'Me… A father.'
He wondered what color the hair would be. Black? Red? Silver? It would be nice to have a child with their lovely coloring. A child with small limbs who would call him 'Father'… His mouth twitched just thinking about it. This vision of the future was broken by Veronica's words, "Theo. From now on, do you plan to go to that kid?"
"…Yes."
There was no separate explanation about who they were talking about. Ellenoa was unable to leave the Northern Great Forest while acting as Mitra's Saintess, so he had to find her. With two months left until the fall of Wrath, Theodore planned to spend half of the time limit with Ellenoa. Hearing the expected answer, Veronica pinched him.
"Ouch."
"A person with two people needs a third? You are really a bad guy."
"I love you, Becky."
"It's fine, you bastard. If you are sorry, hold me a bit harder. I won't forget your arms…" She murmured in a lovable manner. Theodore gripped her shoulders. Her body came closer without any resistance, and hot heat was transmitted through their touching skin. It was a temptation that couldn't be endured if they were alone. However, right after that, Theodore's other shoulder became numb.
"…Sylvia?"
Sylvia looked at him with blurred eyes and punched his shoulder. Unlike her usual gentleness, her eyes were filled with lust and a desire to monopolize. Veronica read her expression and laughed as she threw back the blanket. "Okay, my younger sister wants to do it first?"
"What?"
"This is the last night of our honeymoon. Look at my strength!"
Theodore realized what she meant by this time, but it was already too late. The two beautiful women, Veronica and Sylvia, took the lead and knocked him down. Just before his resistance was broken, Theodore realized that Armand's words were right. Other people shouldn't hear these sounds.
* * *
The next day, breakfast at the Miller villa was late. The three people only emerged from the room after the sun was already in the middle of the sky. Unlike Theodore who looked haggard, the faces of the two brides were bright. Only Armand made a complicated expression when he saw the aftermath. He approached Theodore, who just finished breakfast, and handed him a small bottle. "Master, have some of this."
"…This?"
"It is a popular remedy for fatigue in my industry. The effect isn't large, but it is good for rapid physical exhaustion and malnutrition."
"Sigh, I won't refuse."
It was different from consuming stamina or magic power. This refreshed the mind…? Still, it felt like something was empty when he drank the glass bottle that Armand gave him. After drinking, Theodore found some spare energy and thanked him.
"Thank you, Armand."
"It is nothing. It is my duty as your butler."
There was no fault in Armand's behavior as a butler. Kurt hadn't appointed him to this villa for no reason. Theodore wondered about Armand's career and opened his mouth, "There will be no one in this villa for a while. In the meantime, run this villa as you wish. I completely trust you."
"Huhu, this old man doesn't deserve this."
"Are you sure? I haven't met a better employee than Armand. The king's chamberlain won't be able to do the work like you do," Theodore finished their conversation with a hearty compliment.
"…"
"Please make a villa that I will visit one day with my parents. Please."
"…I will do as Master commands." Armand Gustain, the former chief servant of the palace, bowed down with a faint smile. The situation seemed to be pretty interesting for an old man.
"Then I'm going." Theodore turned to the two people waiting for him and hugged them. Veronica and Sylvia—he liked them a lot before but they were now an indispensable part of his life. A ring shone on the ring finger of his left hand, and their heartbeats made him happy.
"Be well for me. Of course, don't be any better than me, okay?"
"I'll be angry if you don't come back soon. For around half a year."
The two of them gave him words of encouragement and complaints as they stepped away from Theodore. Veronica and Sylvia were returning to Meltor. He regretted the warmth that disappeared from his chest and reached out a hand.
"I'm too scared to do that. Then… 「 Transition. 」" At Theodore's words, there was a flash of light.
Flash!
While the two people moved to Mana-vil's central tower, he continued teleporting without a break.
「 Transition, Northern Great Forest. 」
As always, the flash of light blinded the caster. Theodore passed through a gap in space where nothing could be seen, moving thousands of kilometers. If he wanted, he could move to another place inside here or he could stop the transition and go back. However, Theodore was silent and arrived as usual.
"Hmmm."
As soon as he arrived, the smell of a dark forest tickled his nose. The smell of life, the scent of the soil and vegetation mixed together, was so rich that it was difficult to sniff out anything else. Theodore slowly opened his eyes once he arrived. Some trees were the height of ordinary buildings while others were big enough to be half the height of the magic towers. This was proof that the vitality of the world tree had gone beyond its limit. It was at this moment that…
"…Eh?" Theodore's eyes widened as he saw something.
There was something that shouldn't exist here. He had set his arrival point at the outskirts of the forest and not the center so that the elves wouldn't be surprised. As such, he wasn't surprised by the forest that had been rejuvenated after several years. Then why…?
"Mitra?"
Mitra was the embodiment of the world tree.
[Hoing? Deo?]
Her height didn't even reach his knees, and the bud on her head was like before she had grown up. Why had she degenerated instead of evolved? Having heard his voice, Mitra smiled widely. [Deoo! Deo came!]
Mitra was still Mitra. Theodore was about to hug her when…
[Eh? Deo?]
[Hooing? Really Deooo!]]
[Deo! Deo!]
[No! Give to me!]
One, two, three… Soon, the Mitras, that seemed to number in the two digits or maybe over 100, started to flock. They were cute kids, but more than 100 of them had gathered. It was so terrifying that Theodore was stunned. His magical knowledge was useless as he didn't know why Mitra had multiplied. Mitra grabbed his leg, Mitra climbed onto his shoulder, Mitra climbed onto his head before anyone else… Theodore was confused by the unfathomable sight.
[Theo! You finally came!] His savior arrived. No, his savior was still Mitra. However, unlike the other Mitras, this Mitra was a teenage girl riding on something.
Theodore recognized the three wagging tails and exclaimed, "Tres? This is ridiculous!"
The number of tails was the same but the body was bigger…? The series of incomprehensible situations left Theodore feeling lost.
Chapter 386 – Forest that Leads to the Future (1)
The ecology of the Great Forest, the forest where Elvenheim was located, was unique and mysterious. It was life between the Red Plateau and the ice-colored Arctic, where even weeds couldn't be found. From an ecological point of view, there shouldn't be an environment, yet the rate of growth for the flora and fauna was unimaginable.
However, everyone knew the cause of it—the world tree, Yggdrasil. In the old myths, its branches extended to distant stars. It was the source of life that fertilized the soil and allowed plants and animals to live here.
'But aren't the trees too big? It will block all sunlight and raindrops.'
Trees that couldn't grow to 10 meters outside the Great Forest were ~25 to 50 meters tall inside it. Theodore had been concerned back when he flew above them, but according to Mitra, there was no problem.
Due to the influence of the world tree, the deficiency wouldn't occur because the plants received nutrients and moisture as one body. The reason why the forest remained abnormally sized was that the world tree created an ecosystem that transcended the environment.
At this moment, Mitra puffed up her cheeks from a distance.
[Theo, are you listening to my story?]
She noticed due to being connected to him by the soul. Theodore was surprised by her words and replied without hesitation, "Ah, I heard it all. The power of Dmitra is a heavy burden on the world tree. Therefore, you concentrated your efforts on boosting the natural abilities of the forest by dividing your body into smaller ones?"
[Yes! I worked hard as Theo asked!]
After she demanded praise a few times, Theodore stroked Mitra's head and admired her idea. He knew that a god could fall to an ancient elemental after losing their divinity. However, after regaining her divinity, Mitra had turned part of her strength into ancient elementals. Moreover, the bodies also had the ability to act on their own. Theodore had thought that the speed of the forest's growth was oddly strange after being disrupted by so many battles. That was actually all due to Mitra.
"You did a lot better than I thought. Great job, our Mitra."
[Hoing! Hooing!] Mitra pushed her head against his hand as she was once again praised. She also let out her distinctive cheers. Anyway, she seemed to be ticklish at the top of the head, so Mitra was laughing too hard. Theodore barely managed to place a finger against her mouth. "Mitra, I want to ask you one more thing."
[Yes?]
"You were riding on Tres. I remember that he was small a few months ago…" Theodore looked down at his cloud-covered feet. There was a fox running while shaking his three tails. Tres couldn't fly in Theodore's arms because he was too big, but he managed to keep up with Theodore by running. Of course, Theodore controlled the speed.
[Tres? Ah, Yellowy.]
"…Yellowy?"
[The fur color is like this, so he is Yellowy!]
The name was so tacky that Theodore got chills.
"Y-Yes. Yellowy. Why did Yellowy grow so suddenly?"
[Umm… Tiger Auntie taught him. Ah.] Mitra was reminded of something and started to chatter again. [That's right. Yellowy said that this was his original size. Due to one aspect of his being a creature and the other aspect being a spirit, his mind needed to develop to in order for his body to grow bigger.]
"…I see. The mental age was lower than his spiritual power. Thus, his body is slow to grow."
[From now on~ the longer he lives, the bigger he will become!]
In fact, it was strange that a three-tailed fox would be the size of a dog. As Mitra explained, this was the right size. He wouldn't get bigger or smaller for a while. Theodore thought about it while moving unconsciously.
'By the way, is 'Tiger Auntie' a nickname for the Tiger King?'
The Tiger King couldn't complain since Mitra was the mountain god.
'She didn't like leaving the Baekun Mountains, but it seems like she is doing well.'
At that time, the Tiger King had lost a lot because of Lust and was humiliated. It wasn't just the living creatures. The millions of variants had also destroyed the natural environment.
Meltor had quickly regained control of the Baekun Mountains, but it had become a land where no spirits could live. The damage to the animals and plants was a secondary problem. The main problem was that the dragon vein itself was greatly damaged. In the end, the spirits were forced to choose the option of migrating.
"Mitra, what about the other spirits here? Are they doing well?"
[Yes! They were a bit awkward at first, but now they are fine. They often talk to the elves and have helped restore the forest.]
"Yes, help them to make it a second home."
[Of course! If you live in this forest, everyone is a friend of Mitra's!] Mitra's bright smile was particularly dazzling today.
'Let's walk a bit before going to Elvenheim.'
After hearing Mitra's story, Theodore didn't perform space movement. Instead, he looked at all the changes that had occurred to the Great Forest. He looked at the forest which had burned in the fight against Laevateinn and the ground which had blackened in the battle against Jerem and Nídhöggur. The battles that had once threatened the world tree and Elvenheim were over, and the organisms in this forest were living for tomorrow.
"Eh? M-Mitra!"
"Mitra! Go eat potatoes!"
"These days, the raspberries are ripe!"
Sometimes the elves looked up at the sky and greeted Mitra.
"I-Is that?"
"He has come! Everybody say hello!"
"The sixth dancer, Ziavisida, greets you!"
They immediately recognized Theodore and showed a polite attitude.
'…It is going well without me having to intervene. With Mitra, the elves, and the spirits working together, they will revive this forest in 15 years.'
No one else knew it but the role of the Northern Great Forest and the world tree was to control the resentment of several species.
Sloth was dispelled, and the mana concentration of the material world was destined to decline over the centuries. The elves were more sensitive to the concentration of mana than humans and would find it difficult to live outside the Great Forest after around 500 years.
There would be no problems with their daily activities, but they wouldn't be able to use spiritual medicine and it would be easy for them to get sick. Thus, Elvenheim and the Great Forest had to remain.
Tak.
Theodore drew out a distant future and realized that his feet had landed on the ground. He arrived at the point he had set as his destination.
"Um? Who?" Coincidentally, there was someone in this place. The person's dark skin and silver hair belonged to the dark elves who were known to be extinct in the outside world. Additionally, he was one of only six high elves.
"It has been a while, Alucard. Has it been almost half a year?"
"…Theodore!" Alucard rose from his seat, approached Theodore, and aimed his fist without hesitation. Theodore's abdomen was so strong that a loud noise was heard.
"Keok."
"You foolish child! Why did you go so far as to leave behind the child you promised to marry?"
"I-I'm sorry. I was a bit busy. That's why I've come now."
Sigh… Alucard kept grumbling, "You are the one driving the incidents every time, so you must've been caught up in something nasty. Of course, half a year isn't that long for us elves, but you are human."
"…Sorry."
"Don't apologize to me. Be good to that child."
Alucard's words were right. Theodore could've stopped by once before his honeymoon. Theodore scratched his head, a sign that he was reflecting.
"Ellenoa has many things to do today and will return in the evening. I also have a shift. It doesn't matter wherever you go, but there is someone you should talk to."
"Um? Who is it?"
The place where the two people were speaking was a viewing area where only the high elves could go. It was a branch of the world tree that overlooked Elvenheim. For the high elves who could grasp precise situations with Ratatoskr, this view was a useful facility. It was at this moment that…
"…Me," a dreary voice spoke out from behind Theodore.
"Naia?"
"Yes."
As always, her dull hair and half-hooded eyes reminded him of a student who stayed up all night studying. It was the high elf Naia, who was well-known for her wisdom and poor self-management. Alucard put down his book when he saw her. "You came at the right time. I am going."
"Ah, work hard."
"Yes. Naia, don't fall asleep again."
"…Nagging."
"What?"
Naia's head drooped, making Alucard sigh before he disappeared. Thus, only two people remained on the branch of the world tree.
"It has been a while, Naia."
"…Yes, a while…"
Theodore greeted Naia first to try and resolve this awkward atmosphere, but it didn't work. Naia sat in the chair where Alucard had just been sitting and stared blankly into empty air. If her eyelids weren't moving occasionally, he might've thought that she had fallen asleep with her eyes open.
'Why did you ask me to talk to this person, Alucard?'
Theodore would rather talk to Alisa or Lumia. Just talking to Naia felt disturbing. Look at those blurry eyes. Was she going to fall asleep?
"Excuse me…"
However, breaking Theodore's prediction, Naia turned her head and talked to him, "You… have become the 'great one'… right?"
"Great one?"
"Border… surpassing… existence."
Theodore's eyes widened at the unexpected words. The other high elves didn't show any signs of awareness, so how did Naia correctly point out that he was a transcendent? He was unable to hide the question in his blue eyes.
"…Don't be, surprised. My clan can see another person's 'star'…"
"Star? What is that?"
"There is no clear notion. Vessel? Destiny, soul… I have never seen one before, so I am just guessing."
As the conversation continued, Naia's sleepy voice became sharper. She didn't speak well normally. The unused vocal cords loosened, and a clear voice was heard. It was a voice that even the high elves would only hear once every few years. Naia gazed at Theodore with clearer eyes. "A being born as a mortal and overcoming his birth. A transcendent who can break the thread of fate. If you are such an existence, why?"
Naia's eyes filled with mysterious colors as she seemed to penetrate Theodore's heart. "Why are you ready to die?"
"…You can guess once but not twice."
"Of course. The eyes of this old clan are just a mere trick in front of a 'great person.' There is no way to read you once you close your mind like you have now," Naia said. However, she continued muttering like she was confident, "You were shaken when you first heard me? I saw it in the gap. I don't know the meaning because it is uncertain, but 'red star'―"
"Naia, stop." The words that were as sharp as a blade stopped Naia. It was because she realized Theodore's words contained a 'warning', not malice.
Naia understood through her intuition. "I see. Am I not supposed to know?"
"Well, something like that."
"Okay, I understand. I will forget everything I said just now."
"Thank you."
If Naia had ignored the warning, Theodore was willing to erase her memories using forceful means. A high elf's resistance to magic was ineffective against a 9th circle magician. However, he didn't want to use such means against an acquaintance who wasn't an enemy. Theodore was also very grateful that he knew to take precautions against something he hadn't known about previously.
Naia's eyes blurred again as she lost interest, but she said a few more words, "…Still, I am curious. Tell me when things are over. At this old age, I am always curious."
Theodore accepted it.
* * *
The sun sank below the western horizon, and the cool night covered the land. Theodore watched the light change to darkness from a place that was closer to the sky than the land. It was one of the many branches of the world tree. Among them, there were long branches which stretched out to make an observatory.
"Theodore!" Finally, Ellenoa finished her work for the day and called out to him.
"Ella."
"Why didn't you tell me that you were coming? You have been here for a few hours." Ellenoa felt sorry to keep Theodore waiting. She grabbed his sleeves with a pout.
Theodore saw her expression and smiled. "It's okay. For the time being, I will stay in Elvenheim."
"Ah! I see. If you want to have a cup of warm tea…"
"―Before that, Ella." Theodore grabbed Ellenoa's hand that was holding his sleeve. "There is something I want to talk about."
��…"
The two of them looked into each other's eyes for a moment. What did she read in his eyes? Ellenoa smiled and answered, "Shall we take a walk?"
Chapter 387 – Forest that Leads to the Future (2)
Theodore didn't say anything more. Naia was still looking up at the sky with a blank expression. The two people, Theodore and Ellenoa, left Naia and started climbing the world tree for a walk. The wide and round branches at the top of the world tree made it seem different from the world on the ground. They passed through the knothole that connected to another space, and the two people reached the height of white clouds.
"This place…?"
It was a place that Theodore was seeing for the first time, despite having come to the world tree several times. Ellenoa walked a few steps ahead of him before slowing down. Then she shyly held Theodore's hand and said, "The top of the world tree. Aside from Theodore, there is only one other person allowed to access this height."
"If the admission is controlled… there must be something special about this place."
"Yes, the symbolic meaning is big," Ellenoa said, pointing above her head as she spoke. "Do you see over there?"
"This…" Theodore's eyes shook when he saw where she was pointing. It was because there was something hanging from the world tree that he had never seen before despite the world tree having green leaves in all four seasons. Instead of a bud, something with a roundish shape was hanging there.
"Fruit?"
There was a fruit on the world tree, Yggdrasil. In the past, Theodore had received a seed of the world tree and given it to Mitra, but he didn't recall there being any fruit. It wasn't comparable to those of the Age of Mythology, but the fruit of the world tree was like an elixir. Of course, most of them didn't have seeds and the efficacy wasn't as good. However, the fruit was even better than advanced potions.
"Yes, there are 80 years left until it is fully ripe. This isn't a place that can be exposed to outsiders."
"I see. Now I know why the path was so twisted."
There was no great efficacy in fruit that wasn't ripe, but that didn't matter to those who were blinded by greed. It was right to hide it beyond the reach of other eyes.
'There are at least four or more branches leading to the wrong place. Isn't it much more difficult than a labyrinth in terms of trying to advance?'
It was insignificant for a transcendent who could freely read and write space and time, but this had an absolute effect on other people. A magician in this age who could access this road… Besides Theodore, it had to be a person who could read the space at one level higher than Orta.
In other words, this was the perfect place to enjoy themselves. It meant she was ready to talk. Ellenoa sat on a stump that looked like a chair and called out to Theodore, "Theodore."
Theodore sat down and faced her.
"Ella," he used his nickname for Ellenoa. "Do you remember my promise?"
"Yes, of course. I remember every word."
"…Dmitra's Saintess, the one who revives the world tree. It is a burden I put on you, Ella. Heavy shackles bind you to the world tree until you fulfill that role."
"Theodore—" Ellenoa tried to say something, but Theodore held up a hand to stop her. He knew it was inevitable, and she did as well. Unlike Ellenoa who casually accepted the role, Theodore felt really guilty. He wanted to free her sooner, even if he couldn't reverse what had happened. Thus, Theodore had made a promise to himself and Ellenoa… for them to get married on the day these shackles were released.
"I'm sorry, Ella. I have something to say to you."
Ellenoa's face became as pale as wax once she heard his words. She couldn't stop the words that followed as Theodore declared, "I have to break this promise."
"…Ah, ahhh…!" Water filled Ellenoa's eyes. Her lips, which were always curved in a gentle smile, opened with shock, and mournful sounds emerged. Her neutral beauty fell in despair, causing a stone to fill the chest of anyone who saw it. Theodore, who made her like this, wasn't an exception.
"Ella."
He carefully grabbed Ellenoa's hand, and she held onto him like it was her last strand of hope. Then she started crying, "I-I don't want to… Theodore, promise, you promised…"
"Ella."
"Rejection, sob, Theo…dore, I…!"
"Ella, just wait and relax. Yes?" Theodore was surprised by the reaction that was bigger than he had expected and pulled Ellenoa into his arms. The green hair buried in his chest moved several times, and his chest became moist. Ellenoa was crying as if the sky had collapsed. Theodore took a deep breath before whispering in a sweetly affectionate voice, "I'm not going to leave you."
"…L-Lie, sob…"
Theodore felt a bit of regret because of his mistake. In retrospect, his words had caused a misunderstanding. He wanted to fix it, but Ellenoa shook her head, not wanting to listen to him. She could only choose partners once, and she didn't want to be rejected twice. Theodore inevitably chose shock therapy.
"Ella." He pulled off the two hands that were covering her ears. "Let's get married."
"S-Sob…Yes, eh?"
"I can't wait until then, so let's get married right away."
Ellenoa removed her face from his chest, revealing wet eyes and a wide open mouth. The shock therapy turned out better than expected.
"Are you saying this sincerely?"
"Ella." Theodore smiled and corrected his mistake. "I broke my promise because I proposed before your duties finished."
"Ah…"
"Ella, I need a connection with you so that I can think of this bond anytime and anywhere."
Ellenoa stared blankly for five minutes once she heard these words. Then her white complexion became rosy again. Maybe it was due to the shock she received before, but she just realized that Theodore had proposed. To think he wanted to get married right away? Ellenoa wasn't immune to this approach and blushed.
She reached out her hand in a different way. "P-Please wait a moment…"
The world tree responded to the high elf's will and moved its branches. It was a branch where the fruit that needed 80 years to ripen hung. Ellenoa didn't hesitate to pluck the fruit. Maybe the fruit was already loose or Ellenoa's power was greater than he thought, but the fruit burst and the fragrance covered her palm.
Ellenoa handed a piece to Theodore and explained why she took the fruit, "We elves don't place a great deal of emphasis on 'marriage' like humans, and a big ceremony isn't required. For us, it isn't unusual for two different genders to come together to continue the bloodlines."
"It is a wedding but not a wedding."
"Yes, if two hearts are brought together, there is no need for formal rituals. Thus, we will have a very simple 'wedding' ceremony."
That's why Ellenoa grabbed this fruit.
"Two people will share one fruit, writing each other's names with the seed before splitting it in half. An elf's wedding requires planting the two seeds in a precious place."
Theodore was convinced but asked Ellenoa about something he still didn't understand, "Must it be the fruit of the world tree?"
"…"
"Ella?"
"…I-It was nearby. Yes, I am selfish." Ellenoa, who always seemed selfless, was currently overflowing with greed. She had learned she wasn't special, but everyone wanted their wedding ceremony to be a bit more special. That's why the atmosphere was playful. The two people faced each other and slowly put the fruit in their mouths. Theodore's blue eyes and Ellenoa's green eyes filled with unknown colors.
'…It feels good.'
Maybe it was due to the neural network 'Ratatoskr' that they shared, but both Theodore and Ellenoa felt that their emotions crossed the boundaries of their bodies and mixed in each other's minds. It seemed like Theodore Miller changed into Ellenoa, and Ellenoa changed into Theodore Miller. Maybe it was a prank by the world tree on the lovers who dared to use its body part in an act of affection.
"I love you, Ella." Theodore was surprised by the words that slipped out.
"Yes, I love you too. Theodore."
Honest words flowed out of Theodore's mouth, and there were more than ever before. The fruit wasn't large and the seed was on Ellenoa's side. She carved her name on the surface of the seed and placed it in Theodore's hand. Theodore wrote his name next to 'Ellenoa.' Then the seed was broken into two pieces. Each of them got a piece, and the cozy wedding ceremony came to an end in just a few minutes.
Theodore placed the seed in his pocket and wondered where to plant it. Soon after, he got an answer.
'The backyard of the Miller manor.'
The world tree could no longer be born. Even if a bud emerged from the seed that was split into two, it would be nothing more than a small tree. Nevertheless, it would be born with the power of the world tree to protect lives and enrich the soil. He hoped that his family would be a bit more secure.
"The night has deepened."
Hearing Theodore's words, Ellenoa nodded shyly at. "Yes, shall we go down?"
"Let's go down my way. I know where Ellenoa's room is, but where am I sleeping?"
"…"
"Ella?"
She held the treasured piece of seed and spoke in a soft voice. Theodore could barely hear it.
"N-Now Theodore is my husband."
Less than one minute after the relationship changed, Ellenoa's face reddened as she tugged at Theodore's collar. "I-I mean… You have to stay in my… room?"
In response to the courageous request of the new bride, Theodore embraced her. Just like Ellenoa's, Theodore's face was hot. The days when he rescued her from the Austen warriors who pretended to be slave merchants and from Superbia emerged again.
"…Let's go." He firmly held Ellenoa and entered the coordinates for the familiar space movement. Only the lonely sound of wind flowing through the branches of the world tree remained.
Chapter 388 – Forest that Leads to the Future (3)
A month passed by. Since the day he shared fruit with Ellenoa, Theodore had been staying in the Northern Great Forest and enjoying his daily life with her. The time spent in the forest was a bit longer than the time he had spent in the city. However, like a rippling stream, time never stopped flowing, and it was soon the time to part.
"Sigh…" Theodore sighed with deep regret when he realized he had to leave. When he had his body and mind ever been so calm?
If the honeymoon with two brides had been filled with new things, then life in Elvenheim was peace itself. The day would start with lively birdsong and end with Ellenoa. The high elves treated him with respect and friendliness. He was called benefactor everywhere he went, even by the elves harvesting crops and fruits.
'It is a situation I can't dream of if I am in Meltor… I don't feel bad. Rather, I am coming to grips with my old memories.'
Now, Theodore was the greatest magician on the continent and Chief Tower Master. However, 20 years ago, Theodore had just been someone from a rural village—the Miller Barony.
The inhabitants of the land, which had no special products and farmland, had lived while helping each other, regardless of status. Even those born a noble weren't different. His mother, who had been suffering from poor health and weight loss, had still worked to gather flour and potatoes.
It had been a territory where the title of 'lord' was hollow. Theodore had been born with a lot of love and had grown up without being crooked.
Crunch. He bit the apple that a child, whom he did not know, had given him.
'Delicious.'
Thanks to the elves' long experience, the fertile soil of the Great Forest was incomparable to that of other regions. Theodore was eating the apple when someone returned.
"Theodore!" It was High Elf Ellenoa, who was more beautiful than she was a month ago. Was there an old saying that those in love became more beautiful?
Theodore greeted her and asked a question, "Ella, isn't it okay to speak to me more casually now?"
"E-Even if you say that…"
Theodore had asked her many times already. Ellenoa liked her nickname of Ella, but she found it difficult to call Theodore by an informal name. However, there wasn't a sense of distance now. Ellenoa wriggled her fingers and said, "…I am shying calling you so casually."
It wasn't a deliberate fox-like act. Theodore dragged Ellenoa into his arms.
"Omo!" Ellenoa's eyes shone as she was pulled into his arms. She looked like a deer rather than a fox. There was a floral aroma coming from her hair, and Theodore could feel her body temperature. He felt her shyness would break if he hugged her faster. Theodore moved his mouth closer and playfully bumped his nose against hers.
"Ahaha, it tickles."
"It is a penalty for calling my name with an honorific."
"That—ahit. W-wait, ahahaha!"
In addition to her nose, he tickled her ears and waist. Ellenoa lost strength as she laughed, while Theodore hugged her and held up her waist. The unique scent of vegetation surrounded their bodies. She faced him and soon realized it. "…You are leaving."
"I'm sorry, Ella."
"No, honestly, I already guessed."
Ellenoa was a high elf and had a woman's senses. There was no way she could have been unaware. She could see it just looking at Theodore. There was a heavy burden on his shoulders—a weight that was difficult to fathom. Ellenoa didn't have the power to bear that burden. As such, Theodore was resolved to stand alone against the painful consequences that could happen to Elvenheim.
"Do you remember? The first time we met," Ellenoa started. In the back alleys painted with blood and sin, the two of them had met there. Then she continued, "You were much smaller than you are now, yet you didn't step back from the monster that emerged from a nightmare. Eventually, you saved not only my life but the lives of everyone in this forest."
"…"
"I was really worried. I was always the one being saved, and I wondered if I was qualified to be your spouse."
"Ella."
��Therefore, please tell me, Theodore." Her pair of bright green eyes shone gently. "Can I be your strength?"
"Yes." Theodore placed both hands on her face and nodded without hesitation. "Even now, you will be my strength in the future."
Ellenoa stopped breathing for a moment as she listened to the words. Then she hugged him around the neck. "…Go safely, my love."
It was something Theodore couldn't promise. Therefore, he didn't speak. He just kissed Ellenoa quietly. The moment that Ellenoa realized the meaning of his silence, Theodore's body was surrounded by a bright light and he disappeared somewhere.
It was time to prepare for the end.
* * *
With one month left until Wrath would fall, Theodore left Elvenheim and literally moved around the whole world. Sipoto in the Kargas Kingdom, the ruins of the Lairon Kingdom, the Babarino Plains in the Soldun Kingdom where he had fought Pan Helliones…
Theodore left no stone unturned from the past events in his life. He had a good conversation with the old man who was famous for being an 'Old Books Maniac.'
-Oh, how are you? Tell me some stories.
Then he met Canis, who he had encountered as a client and customer at Bergen Academy.
-Kukukuk, the kid who used to run around is now a hero. I am living well thanks to you. There is no need to worry about me.
In addition to those, there were many other meetings. The friend who had abandoned Theodore after he failed, the current king of Andras…
They didn't even take a day, but somehow he timed the meetings properly. In this one month that might be his last, Theodore spent the last week with her.
-Hmm, you came to see me. Isn't this praiseworthy?
She was the evil dragon of the sea, Aquilo. The bond which had started from the Pirate Archipelago continued to this day. Aquilo was surprised by Theodore's sudden visit but immediately responded to the conversation, recalling the time they confronted Pride and drank alcohol. She also showed him her pile of treasures.
-Please keep this in mind, Boy, Aquilo had said seriously as he left her lair.
-What do you mean by 'in the future'?
-Boy, you are now an immortal, a transcendent being who can live for more than a thousand or ten thousand years. Perhaps there are few people in this world who will exist as long as you?
-…Maybe it is a future you can't think about due to the upcoming death. If that day comes, can you be an old friend of this dragon?
Theodore hadn't been able to deny it and left Aquilo. He had made a subtle expression, knowing that his atmosphere was strange. However, he hadn't revealed the story about Wrath. The only one who noticed anything had been Naia.
"―Go."
Theodore had finished all the conversations. There was no one else he wanted to meet, and his heart wouldn't waver. A magician was the strongest when his mind was perfectly clear.
Flash!
A light flashed once, and Theodore's surroundings became covered with snow and ice. This was the Arctic. It was the middle of the northern hemisphere. The cold was fine. Even a master level magician could use their magic power to unconsciously change the surrounding temperature, let alone a transcendent.
"…Gluttony, how much time is left?"
Nevertheless, Theodore couldn't help shaking.
-There isn't much time left. There are exactly 11,489 seconds left until Wrath enters the planet's atmosphere.
Once converted, that amount of time was 3 hours, 11 minutes, and 29 seconds. Immediately after that, the meteorite, which could completely destroy civilization on this world, would fall. Theodore got goosebumps on his arms. Unlike his hardened mind, the foresight telling him of inevitable death stimulated his body's instincts. He gritted his teeth as he fought his unreasonable instincts.
'Can I do it?'
As frosty wind swept through Theodore, he gazed up at the sky. It didn't matter if there was an earthquake or volcanic eruption. Either of those would be less threatening than the destruction that would fall from the sky. Some time later…
* * *
[Mission scheduled time, 972 seconds remaining.]
'It' was still in space. A silent space filled with cold air, as well as all types of electromagnetic waves and radiation. 'It' continued to travel at a speed of 10 kilometers per second, passing several planetary systems in order to carry out the task assigned to it.
It had a smooth silver surface. This sphere moving through outer space with an unknown force was Wrath of the Seven Sins.
[Activating the observation function, setting the drop point coordinates.]
Gluttony had spoken. There was no reason for it. It was half right, half wrong.
Wrath had very good thinking. It had the intelligence to identify the target before performing the mission and to carry out the destruction with maximum efficiency. Wrath had a calculation speed that could analyze navigational coordinates several light years ago in dozens of seconds. It was never swept away by emotions or impulse.
[Observing.]
In the interior of Wrath which was was several kilometers deep, its 'eyes' opened. Once used to their maximum, its eyes could observe supernovae hundreds of light years away in real time. Wrath would arrive at the planet in 16 minutes. It was only a matter of time until Wrath arrived at 'Designated name: Earth.'
A crackling noise occurred a few times before the screen became clean like a new mirror. This was a technique difficult to understand even for the creator.
[Video Enlargement.]
Covered with ice and snow, the northern hemisphere of the planet was beautiful. However, for the emotionless grimoire, the scenery was nothing more than an investigation point. Wrath soon discovered a speck of dust on the observation video.
[―Identifying obstacles on the local planet and beginning the analysis.]
The video was enlarged to 2x, 4x, 8x, until the object was large enough to be recognized. Red robes, black hair and blue eyes—it was a common creature of the 'human race.' The amount of energy the human had was considerable, but he was an obstacle Wrath could easily crush.
[Uniqueness, Gluttony's contractor.]
Wrath didn't care. It didn't worry about that for even a second as it decided to erase the unique presence. As a matter of fact, it wasn't a big loss if Gluttony was destroyed. Wrath's priority was to neutralize the civilization that could threaten all of them. Then at that moment…
-…It is good. Chunk of scrap metal, the human that appeared on the observational video started to speak, -The welcome is a bit big but please accept it!
It was just after this that…
[A high energy reaction. Grade 2 boundary. Reacting to the presence of a dragon. Searching for the object name.]
An enormous heat swallowed Wrath's body.
[…Fafnir's 'laser' has hit the outer wall!]
Chapter 389 – Armageddon (1)
Around five minutes before the battle began, when there was still a gap of 10,000 kilometers, Theodore was watching a wonderful landscape. It was a scenery which couldn't be glimpsed by humans, unless civilization was several generations ahead of what it was now.
The sky beyond the sky… It was an infinite space where the sun and moon shone regularly—the universe.
'…This is the cradle of stars!'
This was a world that many pioneers had failed to return from. Theodore was filled with fear and joy as he gazed upon the magnificent scenery. His material world was nothing more than a small crumb before this infinite space.
Wasn't this huge thing amazing by itself? Theodore desperately agreed with this point. He was reminded of words left behind in old books. When people looked at this universe without knowing anything, the small brain of a mortal wouldn't be able to withstand its grandeur and size.
However, Gluttony's tone was blasé as usual as he explained, -Well, it isn't that special. There are phobias everywhere.
'Like a phobia of heights?'
-It is a bit different. The fear of height arises from knowing what will happen when you fall from a high place. It is a reaction from learning rather than instincts. A similar phobia is… Yes, it is like thalassophobia (a fear of the sea). Cognitive dissonance is one of the reasons for that. It is different from knowing with your head and feeling with your body. The discomfort and anxiety of the things that can't be seen are what cause the hair on the back of your neck to rise.
Fortunately, it wasn't that bad for Theodore. He was able to regain his composure with simple mental focus. This 'wasn't' his vision.
"…It will be soon." Theodore was still standing on a glacier in the northern hemisphere as he watched the upcoming destruction. The shining pattern on his right hand was the key—the administrative rights to this material world.
It was the responsibility and right of the guardian of the world, which had been handed to him by Dragon Lord Clipeus. The administrative rights were a force that couldn't be used unless a global threat was getting close, but it had recognized Wrath's approach for a long time. However, it wasn't possible to use it to draw mana like last time.
'It is likely that Wrath will interfere with everything in this material world. If so, it is over.'
It was breathtaking to use the administrative privilege to watch this scene from the perspective of the world. Fortunately, there was no sign that Wrath's power was increasing. Theodore calmed his head and said quietly, "Gluttony, a count to ten."
-Understood.
Detection magic was useless when the distance was thousands of kilometers. It depended on one of the Seven Sins, Gluttony.
Color started to gradually disappear from Theodore's eyes which were concentrating in earnest, and it seemed that time was slowing down. A monster was approaching at a speed of more than 10 kilometers per second. If there was even one second of error, he would lose 1 kilometer.
-Ten.
Theodore stopped breathing as Gluttony started counting.
-Nine, eight, seven, six…
As soon as the count reached five, Theodore aimed at the sky with his left hand. Just like how it had been mentioned before, there was a limit on the use of the administrative authority. However, this function was usable without any problems.
「 Opening the dimensional door with the authority of administrator 'Theodore Miller.' 」
This was a shortcut he had thought of a long time ago. A normal summoning would consume a great deal of power and magic. However, by becoming the administrator, Theodore could connect two dimensions in an instant at his own convenience.
Just after that…
「―Come, Fafnir! 」
The dragon, Fafnir, who guarded Muspelheim—in the past, it responded to Theodore's call and wiped out Pride in seven seconds. The air whitened. Everything was burning up as the atmosphere of Muspelheim flowed into this material world. The minus 50 degrees Celsius Arctic didn't shrink back from this heat.
『 Complete. The limit of activity in this dimension is 43 seconds. 』 As the dragon spoke in a loud voice, the sacred white flames were like a living sun.
During the Age of Mythology, Fafnir had burned the world tree and created the place called the Red Plateau. Now, according to the will of the summoner, Fafnir turned its head toward where Wrath would fall.
-Two.
The moment that Gluttony counted down to two…
"Fafnir, now!"
『 Obliterate. 』
At Theodore's command, Fafnir opened its mouth and let out a breath that was like a 'laser.'
―――――――――――――!!
In the aftermath, the glacier melted, and the blizzard turned to steam. The extreme heat caused a catastrophic event despite the breath not landing a direct hit. If this place wasn't the northern hemisphere, it would've been visible to everyone. The pillar of light that shot up from the ground toward the sky seemed to cut straight through the night sky.
'Okay, the speed is perfect!'
There was one second left in the countdown as Theodore's vision filled with the light exiting the planet's atmosphere. He managed to tune in his vision with the perspective of the planet using the administrative right. The moment his eyes came into contact with Wrath…
"It is good. Chunk of scrap metal!" Theodore shouted as he raised his left hand. "The welcome is a bit big but please accept it!"
He didn't know if it was transmitted or not. Regardless, the laser crossed 10,000 kilometers and swallowed it up.
This was the destructive laser that Fafnir had shot out with all its power. There was no noise. In the universe where there was no air, there was a fierce light. The laser caused an explosion once it came into contact with Wrath. Half of the continent would've been blown away if it had exploded in the material world. However, Theodore kept staring vigilantly at this scene.
[External wall damage. Checking the changes in physical properties from the 1st to 14th layer due to the superheat. Self-recovery. Running a separation sequence.]
Wrath wasn't able to defend against the most powerful attack of Fafnir, the incarnation of Muspelheim. On the sphere that was several kilometers in diameter, a portion of its damaged outer wall peeled off like a snake's skin. The unrecoverable part separated before the accumulated heat could be conducted further.
Even so, Wrath was neither surprised or confused. In addition to the orichalcum that could endure the heat for a few seconds, it ran countermeasures against this laser.
[This laser is an eraser, a primitive type of ultra-high heat ray. The unique weakness of the ray-based attack means reducing heat conductivity will be effective. Repair. The dimensional boundary surface on the outer wall surface will block heat conduction.]
The surface of the huge silver Wrath turned blue.
[Summoning a dimensional boundary. Dimensional name 'Cocytus', width kept at 15 meters.]
The dimensional boundary that appeared on Wrath's outer wall started to absorb most of the heat. As an absolute dimension like Muspelheim, the chill that overflowed from Cocytus canceled out the heat.
"That damn metal can…!"
It was a wonderful response worth of admiration if Wrath wasn't the enemy of the world. Theodore was chilled by the swift action and realized that Fafnir could no longer help. Wrath moved through the terrible heat. 43 seconds. The dragon, which would've caused millions of victims on the material world, ended up being sent back with little profit.
"Kuk, I wasn't expecting anything in any case!"
It wasn't entirely as he said. No matter how great the power of the laser was, Wrath was still a destructive weapon that could crush a star. It was amazing that the outer wall was even slightly damaged. Theodore sympathized with the world since he could tune into the senses of the planet.
Wind was blowing in the vacuum that was infinite space. It was a name for the waves generated by radiation, ultraviolet rays, and all types of other energies. Interstellar wind… Feeling the wind that couldn't be felt with human senses, Theodore invoked the wind magic he had inherited from a senior—White Tower Master Heathcliff. Theodore read the sky with the body of a mortal and wielded the energy storm. Before he became a transcendent, the sky had been incomprehensible, but he could now handle this wind.
「 Together! Wind that flows between stars and planets! 」
He wouldn't have been able to control it for one second without the administrative privilege. Theodore constantly suppressed the interstellar wind that was trying to escape his control while staring at Wrath, which had returned to silver again. The threat that was Fafnir had disappeared, so Wrath's original outer wall was restored. It was in order to reduce the consumption of power as much as possible and to carry out an efficient 'eradication.'
'…Yes, keep looking down on me.
'I will smash you to pieces!'
「 Supercell, activation. 」
Theodore released the reins of the interstellar wind. It had reached a terrifying scale despite having only gathered for a few seconds. He had no choice but to do so since he couldn't control the overflowing forces in this limitless space. The sunlight that fed life in the material world and the phenomenon which caused the tides were just a fraction of the power that was present in the universe.
「 Aiolos' withdrawal! 」
The starlight was distorted by Theodore's hand gestures, and a tremendous power wound around Wrath. This was a power which would blow away the planet's atmosphere if it hit kept striking the silver sphere.
Jjejeok! Jjejejeok!
Air currents gathered and made noise. Part of Wrath's outer wall became like cracked pottery. The silver surface was split apart by the interstellar wind, revealing a rugged form.
Theodore's Supercell magic proved to be a valid blow.
[Sensing a large-scale pressure. Interstellar wind. Primitive magic that circulates compression and emission. It is suggested to form a vacuum area while simultaneously using repulsive force to offset the pressure. Repair.] Wrath, however, responded as if it knew. [Reflect Force is deployed, vacuum wave launched on the path.]
The power of the magic which controlled the interstellar wind was far superior to ultimate magic. However, its scale was so large that there was no room for sophisticated magic formulas. Simply generating a force field that dissipated the magic's force meant that more than half the pressure disappeared.
Once the 'vacuum' was turned toward Wrath's path, the curtain made of interstellar wind tore, and a hole was created for Wrath.
[Breakthrough.]
The interstellar wind was torn apart. As Theodore coughed up a bit of blood from the recoil, he calculated Wrath's accelerated path again.
"Dammit. I heard it was strong, but this is too dirty…!"
Theodore thought that at least 100 meters would be overcome with these attacks, but his calculations were already wrong. He gritted his teeth as he looked up at the sky. A star was falling rapidly. The brightness of it couldn't be seen on the surface of the planet yet. However, if Wrath kept approaching at this speed, then it would be seen in five minutes. When Theodore thought about this, he missed a few seconds from hesitation.
'Let's go.'
Theodore's body turned cobalt.
Forced Harmonization – Phase 2.
Mode 'INDRA'.
It wasn't lightning but the next step. This was plasma, something which would be classified as a class 4 material in a scientific civilization. Theodore passed through the atmosphere of the planet in an instant. The output and speed of plasma were better than those of lightning.
Kwarururung! There was a thunderous sound as Theodore rose into the sky. A plasma tail trailed behind him as he left the atmosphere in a matter of seconds, reaching Wrath that was thousands of kilometers away. Theodore was moving absurdly fast in an unobstructed space. It was at a speed of 100 kilometers per second or more.
'I will blow it away!'
Shortly after that, Theodore rushed forth without the slightest deceleration and reached the silver sphere!
Chapter 390 – Armageddon (2)
Ku kwa kwa kwang!
In a space where sound didn't exist, the normal roar wasn't heard, but a powerful shock wave burst out from Theodore. This was the best of a 9th circle magician! The plasma body was empowered by accelerating spells and gaining power and speed. Its destructive power could carve out a mountain. It would be difficult for even an ancient dragon to survive if hit by this.
This was obvious.
'Kuk! This is ridiculous!'
The moment that he clashed with Wrath's silver outer wall, Theodore realized the absurdity of this. His instincts told him that it was impossible to break through this outer wall with the collision of his accelerated plasma body. Indeed, his intuition was right without any errors.
Kukukung…!
At the point where Theodore collided, there was a crater with a radius of 20 meters on the outer wall. A few pieces of debris from the outer wall were thrown into space, and Wrath slowed down to 9.8 kilometers per second. This was the best result of Theodore's preemptive attack. For a monster several kilometers in diameter, a crater with a radius of 20 meters was no different from an insect bite.
"No, not yet!"
However, Theodore didn't feel despair at this extraordinary gap.
"I already knew you were such a monster!"
Theodore had heard it several times. Wrath was the final weapon of the Seven Sins and was a destruction that no one could prevent. It couldn't be prevented or avoided. The only way to survive was to escape outside the planet.
"―I will smash you!"
Theodore had come here in order to overturn the hopeless future.
Synergy-Harmonize.
Magic power, which contained four elements, rose up around Theodore's body. Abraxas, the most powerful attack magic he could use, formed and pushed at Wrath's outer wall. The pressure of the wall reduced but didn't disappear. Abraxas' strength couldn't stop it completely. Theodore quickly completed the fusion magic and reached out a hand.
Great magic Abraxas (ΑΒΡΑΞΑΣ).
Divine Artefact Heavenly Sword.
He fused it with the Heavenly Sword, recreating the attack that had split apart Cheonju Castle.
Fusion Complete: Unprecedented God-Sword.
It was a force that was two or three times stronger than before.
――――――――――!!
If it had been possible to make noise, the unpleasant noise would've spread out over a few hundred meters. As soon as the Unprecedented God-Sword penetrated the outer wall, there was an unpleasant vibration in the area. That might have been due to Wrath's defense function working or it might be a feature of the metal that made up the outer wall.
'I don't know!'
'Don't look at unnecessary situations.' Theodore focused his concentration on the god-sword, trying to push it 30 meters deep. According to the characteristics of Wrath that Glutton had mentioned, Wrath would respond to this attack immediately. So, Theodore had to gain as much as of an advantage as possible before Wrath pulled out the countermeasures. It wasn't as exciting as cutting Cheonju Castle, but the god-sword continued to move forward.
The god-sword pierced through 30 meters and then several meters per second after that. Theodore didn't know what this felt like to Wrath, but he knew it wouldn't be pleasant!
[Detecting the attack of a divine weapon. Analyzing the properties of compressed magic power and the collapse of the four elements. The elements can't be defended against. Suggesting the destruction of the divine weapon that is the medium. Repair.] The logic circuit built into Wrath responded promptly to the means of attack. [Generating a killer bot, fixing the force pattern of the core to 'deicide.' Command to move until the object is disarmed.] (TL: Deicide – killing/killer of a god)
This was the first time Wrath was encountering Theodore��s magic, but it had experience dealing with gods in countless ways. After detecting the divinity in the attack, Wrath summoned the weapon that was a god's nemesis—Killer Bot. It was an autonomous maneuver-type weapon made by consuming a large portion of Wrath. In the past, the Killer Bot was designed to confront the gods and heroes who opposed Wrath.
[13 Sword Breakers are created.]
A design was instantly generated. Theodore sensed the situation one step ahead, but he was confused when he saw the monsters coming out of the hard outer wall. They had forms similar to humans, but instead of having hands, there were sickle-like blades similar to those of a praying mantis? The pale inanimate body was just one of the reasons for his confusion.
-Killer Bot! You must've made Wrath angry if it is already bringing this out.
"What is it?"
-Be vigilant. I don't know how it is designed, but 13 of them can tear apart a grandmaster.
As Gluttony spoke, they moved.
Syuok!
They were fast because there was no air resistance. The killer bots moved at supersonic speed and were able to get past Theodore's defense. Almost simultaneously, a gossamer-like web poured down. Theodore's neck got shivers as he sensed his imminent death.
「 Time Acceleration! 」
If he focused on destroying the outer wall, he would be torn apart. Theodore read the future and accelerated his time by 30 times, escaping before he was completely surrounded and defeated. An acceleration of more than 20 times was unreasonable for him, but it was the only way to escape. One killer bot was as fast as Randolph Clovis.
'The weapon—the blades for hands—are also irritating.'
Neither magic power nor aura could be felt, but there was an ominous feeling. The discomfort caused by his foresight told him to avoid the net. Theodore had escaped the net, but the killer bots moved again. They didn't use a mechanical type of walking but a footwork that could be seen in martial arts.
Theodore's brows furrowed. "They know how to use techniques? If I brought Gladio… No, then another one would've popped out. What annoying pieces of tin."
There was no answer. No, their voices weren't even heard. Theodore summoned the air stored in the vicinity of his mouth and breathed like he was on the ground. That's how he was talking to himself. It was a type of self-suggestion to overcome the anxiety and fear filling him.
Kakiing.
Theodore held Soul Calibre with his left hand and the Heavenly Sword with his right hand as he faced the killer bots.
"Hey, aren't you coming?"
Whether or not Theodore's words were transmitted, the killer bots understood the provocation.
Syuok!
The killer bots once again accelerated.
'Ha, I'm sorry but I am already accustomed to this speed.'
However, a trick wouldn't work twice on a magician. Supersonic? An attack that he couldn't react to? It wasn't necessary for his body to respond to that. He just needed to respond to the enemy's speed. A magic circle with a radius of 10 meters appeared under Theodore's feet. Six killer bots stepped forward while seven retreated. Were they trying to figure out Theodore's intentions by putting in half the number first?
「 Time, 」 Theodore said solemnly as he raised his blades, 「 Return. 」
Simultaneously, the bodies of the six killer bots that ran into the magic circle were shattered. Theodore laughed at the terrible performance that didn't include a regenerative power. "I cut it three seconds ago. How does it feel to be a tiger moth?"
As mentioned earlier, the technique of interfering with the time axis wasn't meaningful to a transcendental existence. It was because the resistance was so intense that the time magic was essentially invalidated. However, it was possible to use a technique like Time Acceleration which affected his body or on a space other than the enemy. The trick that Theodore used was to cut the air in advance.
[Checking the use of time magic. Time Restore, which calls a few seconds to remove the six killer bots. Raising the enemy's risk level by two stages. Give the ability to detect magic to the remaining seven killer bots. Create 13 identical objects.]
Nevertheless, Wrath just increased the number. The eyeballs on the flat faces of the killer bots emitted a red ray. It was an eye magic to detect time and space magic.
This was an evil eye that was more obvious than Orta's.
"…It really turns things around."
This was more difficult than fighting the heavenly demon. Theodore stopped thinking when he saw 13 killer bots emerge behind the already existing ones. His purpose was to buy time before reaching the material world. He needed to clean up these cans as soon as possible.
Hidden technique.
Theodore crossed his two swords. "Boundary of Heaven and Earth."
Lights protruded from the ends of the swords. The power of the technique wiped out five killer bots without a trace, and the remaining 15 killer bots ran through the gap. On the asteroid that was flying at 9.8 kilometers per second, the second match between a magician and the slaughtering machines began.
* * *
Kaaang!
There was a sound as sword and sword collided. Theodore kicked the cut apart pieces of a killer bot and pulled back his right hand. A strange impact was accumulating on the right hand which held the Heavenly Sword. Was it a coincidence? Theodore thought about it as he stabbed Soul Calibre into the head of a killer bot.
Jjeok.
The killer bot didn't stop moving despite its head being split into two. Unlike humans, there was no brain. The persistence of the machines even after being cut into several pieces reminded him of the trolls. However, once Theodore used Hellfire, the movements stopped.
'This is the 93rd one… They are easier to destroy than I thought, but if this continues, I won't be able to block Wrath. What can I do?'
The killer bots were moderately threatening. He could somehow hold on when facing 20 at once. The problem was blocking Wrath. Wrath had slowed down for a bit, but it had now recovered to a speed of 10 kilometers per second. The crater on the surface caused by the plasma and Heavenly Sword were completely restored.
"…Dammit."
Whenever he tried to think, a few killer bots would interrupt him. Was it their role to hold onto Theodore's ankles? Theodore stared at the glowing red light and pointed his sword.
「 Time Acceleration! 」
He made a swift cut. Time seemed to have stopped in the black and white world. In fact, his senses had accelerated so much that his optic nerves couldn't distinguish color. Theodore drove the Heavenly Sword into the chest of the killer bot. Soul Calibre was a pretty good offensive tool but it wasn't comparable to the cutting power of Heavenly Sword. The Heavenly Sword killed the machines in succession and searched for its next sacrifice.
Kang!
Then the sharp blade broke at the midpoint.
"…Eh?"
The divine artifact was damaged. Theodore stopped at the unexpected situation, and two killer bots dug in through this gap. Their curved blades like those of a praying mantis danced around. The barrier Theodore had created reflexively was cut apart, and his red blood dripped down. It might've been a fatal wound if he hadn't been using Time Acceleration.
[Confirming the destruction of the divine weapon. Continuing the battle by converting the killer bots into human form.]
Then the form of the killer bots changed. The two arms increased to six, taking the form of hands rather than blades. The killer bots resembled the asura that was seen in Buddhist mythology of the East, and they emitted a tremendous force.
"Hah," Theodore laughed bitterly.
The Heavenly Sword had broken. One excellent means of attack had disappeared.
'The impact that was accumulating before… It meant the Heavenly Sword being damaged. It happened every time the blade collided with these guys.'
He hadn't known it but the killer bots made by Wrath had the power to destroy a 'god.' When touched, the god would lose strength, and if the exposure was constant, they would lose full strength. Wrath had destroyed a number of gods so far and was a natural enemy of the gods. It wasn't something a sword which contained the power of a god could endure.
"But half still remains."
Theodore watched the slow approach of the remaining killer bots and held the half blade that remained. It was a bit more difficult than before. Now that they had achieved their purpose of destroying the Heavenly Sword, it meant they would concentrate on killing him.
"Not yet, you cans!"
Theodore continued using the half remaining Heavenly Sword, instead of using magic to fill the gap. According to mythology, this god-sword was obtained from a demonic beast. The original name was Ame no Murakuma no Tsurugi, and it was obtained from the body of a serpent with eight heads. If so, it was possible to invoke the demonic beast using this sword.
「 Aura, the snake that made eight valleys with its head and tail. 」
The pattern on his right hand emitted light again. As long as he had the power to control this material world, no sacrifice was needed for Theodore's summoning magic. All he needed was an intermediary for the summoning.
"Show yourself here! Yamata no Orochi!"
The Heavenly Sword in Theodore's hand turned into a handful of dust. A gap was torn in the dimension, and a monster descended.
■■■■■■■■■■■■―――!! The eight-headed dragon, which spanned more than half the width of Wrath, let out a terrifying roar.
Chapter 391 – Armageddon (3)
The roar was heard even in outer space, where sound didn't echo! Orochi's roar wasn't just loud. It also contained a physical pressure. The eight killer bots that got caught in the roar shattered, while the rest had their limbs twisted in a gruesome manner.
In the past, the old gods of Japan needed to work together to beat it. However, this power exceeded Theodore's expectations.
'Okay, I can reverse the situation.'
Theodore was shocked by this and smiled. He thought he could use it well if it was only a hydra, but Orochi's strength was more than a dragon's. The killer bots harassing it were crushed like cans. Even if another 30 appeared when 10 were broken, it was meaningless in the presence of Orochi. The surface area of one scale was wider than a small mansion. It was like there was a storm swirling around Orochi's huge body as the bodies of the killer bots were torn into many pieces and thrown out into the universe.
■■■■―?! ■■■■■――!!?
Orochi was confused about being summoned before Wrath in outer space, but Theodore didn't explain why. No, he never had any intention of holding the reins from the beginning.
'I would've tried if the Heavenly Sword was still intact… but now I can't afford to deal with Orochi. I will leave it alone to do its work!'
The killer bots were nothing but toys that Wrath controlled. The worst development was not being able to stop the material world from being destroyed by Wrath. Theodore took deep breaths as he rested for a few seconds, concentrating all the magic power of his nine circles.
"Gluttony, number 17."
-Yes.
A hole appeared in the palm of his left hand, and an artifact in the inventory emerged through Gluttony's mouth. It was a dagger made of a mysterious metal, with a bright crystal on the hilt. This was the favorite tool of the alchemist, Paracelsus—the Azoth Sword. The Azoth Sword was a legendary tool which omitted all alchemy processes.
「 Substance conversion. 」
The blade which accepted the magic shimmered with light. This was the magic Theodore had used to fight Paracelsus's creature, Mercurius, a few years ago. The magic consumed the 'Philosopher's Stone' set in the hilt and turned any substance the dagger touched into another substance. It wasn't a difficult spell for Theodore, but the Azoth Sword was being applied to ultimate magic.
「 Ars Magna. 」
At this chant, the blade shone.
「 Become water, Wrath! 」
As soon as the stone embedded in the hilt of the Azoth Sword shone with a golden radiance, a beam of light was fired from the blade. This was the light of the ultimate magic, matter conversion.
Wiiiiing!
Surprisingly, the light worked on Wrath. The wall, which had seemed like an ultimate obstacle, shook and started to boil as it changed into water! It was because the vacuum of outer space lowered the boiling point. The surface of the outer wall evaporated quickly, causing holes that were 100 meters deep and gradually becoming deeper. The result was greater than that of the attacks Theodore had made using plasma and the Heavenly Sword.
■■■■■■■■――!!
As the object beneath it turned into a puddle, Orochi glared at Theodore. It didn't know what this situation was, but it knew Theodore had called it here.
-Die.
There was no desire to communicate. Instead, poisonous smoke emerged from Orochi's eight heads. It was a poison that melted away at anything, without a distinction between inanimate objects and living things. This was closer to a 'corrosive' breath than poison. It dissolved cell walls, destroyed the molecular structure, and eroded the surface of the target.
"Ick!"
However, despite its lethal force, the poisonous smoke was too slow. Theodore maintained a plasma state and pulled out of the range of the poisonous smoke without difficulty. His nerves were accelerated, causing one second to feel like one minute. It gave him enough time to look at the water and the poisonous smoke.
'Isn't it much worse than I thought?'
Wrath's outer wall and the space in this area were contaminated. Moreover, it wasn't a material poison but a conceptual poison. Theodore couldn't completely resist it in his plasma condition. The poison couldn't be burned with force or blown away with wind. The only way to get rid of it would be to use 'purification' or a greater destructive power.
"…Why should I?"
However, Theodore had no intention of getting rid of this poison. Orochi's poison, which could threaten a god, was melting even Wrath's outer walls. Wrath would quickly come up with countermeasures but Theodore would let the poison cause as much damage as possible in the meantime. Theodore decided on his actions and extended his feet again.
Pajijik!
He was a lightning bolt of an unidentified color, leaving an afterimage behind him. Orochi's poison poured toward him, but it couldn't keep up with the lightning. The outer wall of Wrath was abused as the two transcendent beings played tag. The substance conversion ray caused large holes in Wrath's outer wall while the poison melted its surface.
[Reconfirming the damage situation. There is an urgent need for exclusion of the object.]
Finally, Wrath came out to counterattack.
[ (Damage 1) 312 meters worth of damage to outer wall due to Ray of Material Conversion. Minimize the interference of the light ray by changing the surface wall to glass. Recover the material lost using the other exterior walls. Emergency restoration.]
[(Damage 2) Persistent damage observed on the outer wall due to the toxic attack of Yamato no Orochi, a serpent dragon type. Remove contaminated areas. Urgent need to isolate the object. The entity is a demonic beast from this material world. Requires a physical attack. Repair.]
The logic circuits thought of an answer in a few seconds.
[Super Vibration Smash]
At this moment, Theodore realized that a reaper's scythe was descending toward his neck. He predicted the future 0.03 seconds ahead and executed an emergency avoidance, 「―Dimensional Leave! 」
Theodore's body turned from plasma into a spiritual body.
Wouuuuuuong!
The silver sphere, 3 kilometers in diameter, was now a little smaller and started to vibrate at an enormous speed! The frequency exceeded the limits of what could be measured. It was a super vibration, a vortex of power that crushed all objects it touched. The remnants of the killer bots left on the surface of the outer wall returned to a handful of dust. All the materials in Wrath's resonance range were decomposed into atomic units.
Theodore and Orochi were no exception.
"Uwaaah!"
The impact of the few seconds it took to change from a plasma body to a spirit body tore at him. After taking a few bottles of potions, the blood rising in his throat disappeared. However, the damage done to Theodore wasn't the problem.
■■■■■■―!
Orochi was the greatest victim of this destruction.
■■■!? ■■■■■!!!
It was useless no matter how much poison it poured out. Wrath's outer wall no longer melted. Even if it did attack the vibrating wall, it would only receive a shock back. The body of Yamato no Orochi exploded, with flesh and scales scattering everywhere. The more durable bones and skeletal muscles held out a bit longer.
Peeeeeong!
However, every head exploded, causing a red blood mist to spread everywhere. A demonic beast from myths was destroyed with one counterattack.
'Crazy…! Orochi couldn't even last 10 seconds?'
If Theodore hadn't become a spirit body, he would've died too. Plasma wasn't immune to physical attacks and it was even more vulnerable to attacks that cut off the flow of electrons. Additionally, Wrath followed up with a second vibration attack.
[It has been confirmed that object name 'Yamato no Orochi' has been destroyed. Survival of object 1, escape to the Astral Plane. Searching for effective means to attack a spirit body―complete. Performing the wide-range Soul Stake.]
The ability to move between the spirit and reality states was fairly rare, but it wasn't difficult for Wrath who had destroyed many worlds. If a physical attack didn't work, Wrath would have to use other means. There were a number of attacks which allowed both physical and spiritual interference.
"What―" Theodore felt an eerie sense of foreboding while he ran through the air just as sharp awls emerged under his feet.
Like the killer bots that emerged from the surface of Wrath, this was a surprise attack that couldn't be read.
Kkikikikik! An unpleasant metallic sound pierced Theodore's eardrums.
'No, it can't be metal!'
It wasn't a vibration of air. The noise resonated in the Astral World. The soul stakes clashed with each other, and the wavelengths tore at Theodore's body. They were very difficult to endure, even if they weren't direct strikes. Simultaneously, the soul stakes kept on appearing.
Kikikikik―!
The silver spikes were bigger than lances, and they sprang up to skewer him. Theodore read the paths and evaded, but he couldn't completely avoid a thousand awls springing up from the ground. Blood flowed from his shoulders, thighs, and sides.
"Ugh!"
It was blood, but it was white, not red. This was proof that the damage was dealt to Theodore's soul. If this damage kept accumulating, restrictions might appear on his magic ability.
'If I can't avoid, then I can only attack!'
The translucent Theodore's body shone brighter as he created two blades in both hands. Soul Calibre. The technique passed down by Reynolds Spencer became much stronger in this spirit body. If it was an object able to interfere with a spirit body, that meant the spirit body could also interfere with the object.
Kiiing――
There was a sharp sound as several soul stakes broke. More than 100 soul stakes aimed for him, but Theodore avoided half of them while breaking the rest. It was a perfect defense. The soul stakes specialized in spiritual attacks and were less durable than the killer bots, making them easier to destroy. However…
[Identifying a unique astral weapon. Please respond.]
Wrath's database responded even to this.
[Refining a part of the spirit body, raising the durability of the 'soul stakes' to a proper level. Searching for defensive means to damage the astral weapon. Complete. Departed Soul Summoning. Release of a spirit corresponding to the target object and homogeneous species.]
Wrath's response wasn't a killer bot or a silver stake. Instead, red swords started to emerge from Wrath's surface. They were unlike Theodore's green swords. The red swords, dark red like clotted blood, increased endlessly in number. They were evil spirits with human forms. Each spirit was on the level of Hipatia. 10… 132… 487… Theodore stopped counting once it went beyond 1,000.
"Only doing things I hate. Isn't this a nasty personality?"
He didn't know. Theodore could exercise physical force as ghosts and undead were vulnerable to holy swords. However, Soul Calibre embodied the soul of a user. If it clashed with the sword of the evil spirit, Soul Calibre would absorb the 'dirtiness' or 'wicked desires.' It wasn't a big deal if he was facing a demon like Reynolds had done. The real problem was if Theodore continued maintaining his spirit body.
'If a sword is stabbed into mud, it will dull and rust.'
Wrath's move was an excellent counter to Soul Calibre.
'Should I withdraw? If I use other means―' Theodore stepped back and organized his thoughts. He still had a lot of means left.
The conversion had damaged Wrath quite heavily. If Theodore didn't give it a chance to fill up the holes, the damage would accumulate. It was at this moment that…
Kuoooooh—!!
Suddenly, the whole area was covered with bright flames, and Theodore's field of view became a scene of white. He hadn't received any impact or injuries, but he had to turn his eyes away from this shocking fact.
'Flames? The surface is burning in space? No, don't tell me―?!'
The meteorite was burning wildly because of the friction from the atmosphere. As the meteorite, which had enormous energy, collided with the air resistance of the planet's atmosphere, it caused a combustion phenomenon. As he looked at the planet they were approaching, Theodore shouted, "Gluttony! Time remaining!"
-11 seconds until the entry of Wrath. Hurry, User, Gluttony said, with irritation rising in its blasé tone.
Theodore couldn't do anything. As he stared at the evil spirits that filled his vision, he rushed without a chance.
"Shitttt――!"
The destruction had arrived at his world.