The tragedy that Yu IlHan had expected did not occur. Although Erta did glare at Liera as if she would kill her, when Liera hid behind Yu IlHan's back, she could only give up. Liera also did not provoke Erta more than needed. It was as if Liera was being considerate for Erta – this made Yu IlHan's curiosity rise even more, but the girls did not solve his question.
[Liera, did you completely abandon Heaven?]
"Yes, I did."
The once-an-angel and still-an-angel looked at each other. Emotions were being exchanged between the two of them through their gazes.
Liera who decided to go back to being a lower existence to stay with Yu IlHan, and Erta, who had to leave Yu IlHan for a few years in pursuit of a new realm. The two at that time each did what they thought was for the best, but the results were drastically different.
[Are you not planning to go back? Heaven will gladly receive you again.]
"I can live for several hundred years more even like this. And also..."
Liera hugged Yu IlHan's arm and made a warm smile. Yu IlHan had still not realized what was going on.
"I've decided to bet on IlHan's possibilities. If it's him, he'll be able to do it."
[....I really want to kill you.]
"Kyaak, protect me, IlHan!"
[Ugh....]
Erta's chances of winning was pretty slim in the first place. In the first place, the one who widened the gap was herself, so no good would come out of any resentment. But even if she did admit her loss, she wouldn't feel better about it.
Moreover, Erta was a higher existence. As it was not easy to move her heart in the first place, once he did, it was also near impossible to turn it back.
Yu IlHan, who hadn't the slightest clue of how Erta was feeling right now, just concluded that he wouldn't have to point his spear against her, and breathed in relief.
"Anyway, it's good that Erta is not an enemy."
[Oh yeah, you. You really did try to go against me without the slightest hesitation, didn't you!?]
"Well, you said you were going to kill Liera, so….."
[Eeeeeeek.]
Erta stared daggers at both Yu IlHan and Liera alternately while her hands were trembling, but eventually, she loosened her arms with a sigh.
At the same time she put up a barrier that covered herself, Yu IlHan Liera and a few others. As Dareu had entered into the realm of higher worlds, Erta was also not limited to use her abilities to use mana.
"Wao."
Yu IlHan was very shocked at her proficiency, speed, and above all, the endurance of the barrier. He newly realized that Erta was a higher existence after all.
"Is this a soundproof barrier?"
"It's not only that. Isn't this interfering with the Akashic Record? I think anything that happens in here won't even be recorded.... Erta, you've made progress, haven't you?"
To Yu IlHan and Liera who were surprised at the unintended elements, Erta once again made a low sigh before speaking.
[Please remember, Yu IlHan. That I will never go against you even if Heaven collapses.]
"Oh, yeah. We were still bound by a partnership contract."
[Even without that! No, wait, your faith in me is that little?]
Yu IlHan once again checked that anything that happened within this barrier will not be transmitted to Heaven's Army and replied to Erta.
"Well, I do believe you. But you're in a position where you can only obey if Heaven orders you to do something, are you not?"
[Uuu, it is definitely like that now, yes...]
Erta once again realized that Yu IlHan's heart left the Heaven's Army completely. Perhaps he noticed the negotiation between the Heaven's Army, the Destruction Demon Army and the Army of Brilliant Light. She couldn't even make up any excuses.
Heaven's Army priced Yu IlHan's value as too low. He was not a talent that they should overlook for one or two higher worlds. If they somehow made him an angel, then Heaven's Army would have leaped in power instantly!
However, right now, nothing good would come out of Yu IlHan becoming more distant from Heaven's Army. Even to Yu IlHan himself. Erta started to explain the reason why she had come to look for Yu IlHan so quickly.
[Heaven's Army will also enter Dareu soon. Although the Destruction Demon Army and the Garden of Sunset Light had the advantage until now, a certain rising star from somewhere had destroyed that balance and thanks to that, there was a gap for the Heaven's Army and the Army of Brilliant Light to appear.]
"Did I do something so big?"
[Of course it's a big thing.]
The fact that Yu IlHan had killed tens of higher existences belonging to the Destruction Demon Army and the Garden of Sunset may actually be quite small in comparison to the entire war.
However, they were only in the initial stages of the war for Dareu right now. While both sides were scouting each other out, he just wiped them all out, so as a result, Yu IlHan called for nervousness from both sides and made their scope of action smaller.
[I've volunteered myself in the Heaven's Army's scouts for Dareu. Of course, the main camp isn't here yet... but I realized that you were about to use the Hourglass of Eternity and immediately contacted you first. And I also did expect this to a certain extent.
"And how the hell did you do that?"
[I've used a pseudo-barrier that applied the flow of time only in the barrier put up by the Hourglass of Eternity, on me as well. Of course, as you know, I couldn't maintain it for long... Moreover, it did use up quite a lot of my mana and magic stones, but thanks to that, I could find you faster than anyone else.]
"Hm."
He couldn't understand a single thing.
However, he did understand that Erta's magic potential was exceptional to the point of being able to interfere with a god-ranked artifact. Liera said one before, but Erta did seem to be quite a talent even in the Heaven's Army.
To Yu IlHan, who completely accepted this situation, Erta continued to speak.
[The Heaven's Army will request an alliance from you. And Yu IlHan, the alliance at this point in time, regardless of their views and objectives, will be of help even to you. No matter how prepared you are, going against four higher existence factions is worse than allying with one of them, even for your allies as well.]
Erta was speaking with the consideration of the alliance breaking up later. She understood Yu IlHan's vantages roughly. Perhaps the reason she put up the barrier was also because of this.
However, despite that, Yu IlHan had a hard time believing her words.
"Will there really be no problem even if the alliance breaks mid way? There's no way their work is so sloppy."
[Yu IlHan. It was you that said that we're still bound by a partnership contract. To them, you are being recognized as an ally even without having to request them for alliance.]
"Aha!"
He understood immediately. However, wasn't that a bigger problem? As long as Yu IlHan had the Angel's partner subclass, he could not betray the Heaven's...
[Yu IlHan.]
At that time, Erta slightly closed her left eye and opened it again.
Yes, she winked.
[I have a way. I've prepared for this until now.]
"Ok..."
Yu IlHan, who never imagined that the cold her would do something so cute, blinked his eyes several times in confusion, but he roughly understood why she did that. Although he didn't know what she prepared, from her enormous confidence, it would be fine to believe in her.
"Ok, your eyes are pretty. so what?"
[Y, you've advanced a lot, flattering women in such a natural fashion.]
Even though her words sounded pouty, Erta's face was colored in red. Although unintentional, her disappointment about Yu IlHan seemed to have been washed away a little with this flattery. Liera laughed at her with a small voice.
"Simple woman."
[Liera...!]
"Let's talk more detail. What exactly are you going to do?"
[For that, I'd have to explain a little more about myself, but... fine. I'll reveal everything.]
Erta made a slightly boastful expression. Her calm green eyes contained some playful light.
[In the past, I was a talent that all of the higher existence factions wanted.]
"Ah, so despicable."
[However, that's the truth; unlike Liera, who was number one on the list for Destruction Demon Army thanks to her violent and barbaric tendencies.]
Yu IlHan subdued Liera with both his arms since she was taking out her spear to attack Erta, and urged her on.
"Continue."
[Amongst them, the Garden of Sunset still wants me. Like how you're screwing up the war on your own right now, it is very possible for one exceptional person to decide the outcome of the war.... and not too long ago, I've accepted their proposal.]
"...You'll betray the Heaven's Army and join the Garden of Sunset!?"
Liera, who was struggling within Yu IlHan's arms abruptly widened her eyes. Erta's expression while replying was also quite strange.
[Do you really not want me that much? I'm only using them to return to being a lower existence safely.]
"Such a thing is possible?]
[The magic I've prepared until now is precisely for that purpose.]
"....Huh?"
Yu IlHan looked at Liera to see if he was the only one that didn't understand but Liera's expression was also in confusion. He was relieved.
[No, it's not that difficult. Yu IlHan, I'll use the simple terms you like so much. First, think up of the process of a magical girl transformation.]
"First, they activate the magic while clothed, and the moment the clothes are stripped, an annoying light appears to conceal the naked body, and some ribbon-y stuff comes out and equips the girl with the magical girl outfit."
That light. That resentful light that turns that beautiful scene into a thing for 7 year olds! (T/N: xD) Just as Yu IlHan was burning in rage, Erta asked.
[And if a bad guy attacks mid way through the transformation?]
"They would be kicked off naked. That's one kind bad guy right there."
[The magic I've prepared is precisely that bad guy.]
"Are you an exhibitionist?"
[There's no way that's true!]
Of course, there's no way that Yu IlHan didn't understand after all that. The explanation was definitely simple. Right now, she was saying that she would activate a magic to return to being a lower existence, in the process of transforming from an angel to a member of the Garden of Sunset.
"You... will you be alright?"
[I won't. That's why I need you to help me. To be exact, I need you to protect me from the assault from both Heaven's Army and the Garden of Sunset.]
"Well, I was planning to make them enemies in the first place, so, yeah. Leave that to me."
Despite the fact that this was about turning two higher existence factions into enemies, Yu IlHan's answer had no hesitation. Erta slightly fell for his reassuring reply.
"Oh."
On one side, Yu IlHan realized one thing mid way.
"So that's it. If you return to a lower existence, the partnership between you and me will naturally crumble. And like that, you'll dissolve the alliance between the Heaven's Army and me. You're saying that, right?"
[Correct.]
"If that's so, there's another obstacle in our way."
Since the story reached here, Liera could also realize as well.
"IlHan is still bound to another angel through a contract."
[Yes. That is why, there's one more thing you need to do before you cancel your alliance with the Heaven's Army. Something that you need to resolve in a place like this barrier, where no contract will affect you.]
Erta's eyes glistened. Her eyes contained a hint of hesitation, resolve and decisiveness.
[You need to... settle it with Spiera.]
Author's notes
Erta really is an exceptional angel! Though, she didn't have the chance to show herself off until now!
Yu IlHan sighed.
"Spiera, huh."
"Spiera is completely loyal to Heaven, whether if it's in a good way, or in a bad way. Erta, you... something happened between you and Spiera, didn't it?"
[...That's a secret.]
"..."
While Erta and Liera had a staring contest, Yu IlHan thought about his chances of winning against Spiera 1 vs 1. However, no matter how he calculated it, his hopes weren't that bright.
"The majority of the higher existences I fought until now mostly used magic as their main attacks, but not only is Spiera a 6th class, she has tremendous martial arts skill as well. I'm horrified just thinking about having to receive her Great Cosmos-severing Spear head on."
"But I think your spear techniques are more powerful."
"I also do not think that the Spear of Untraceable Trajectory loses out, but..."
It was still dangerous. Yu IlHan was sure that Spiera was at least twice as strong as Chaos Will in an environment where she was not restricted of her power.
Even though Chaos will had reached higher existences on its own, it was still much inferior to Spiera's long years of experience, magic, and above all, her overwhelming martial arts finesse.
"Okay, then."
Yu IlHan decided.
"Let's think about how we can win using dirty tactics."
"You really come up with the worst lines!"
This would be in the top 3 if there was a ranking of the_lines_that_mc_must_not_say! However, Yu IlHan washed away any hesitation now that he decided on it.
"But there's no way Spiera will obediently dissolve the contract."
"You don't feel any rejection about killing Spiera even though she was once a contracted angel, with you?"
"That's that and this is this. And also..."
Yu IlHan's eyes glistened. His expression was that of when he did unimaginable things. AKA, his usual expression.
"There IS a method to dissolve the contract without killing her. It will also be safer for me as well."
"Somehow, I'm feeling more worried the more you say it's safe."
He ignored Liera's words. If battle was the only option, he would not hesitate to do so, but if there was any other way, there was no need to undertake the risks.
[....You won't tell us beforehand, will you?]
"I don't have it organized enough yet to talk about it."
Of course, his plan was still very rough and flawed. However, if Yu IlHan's ability was added to the various powers that Erta showed today, then perhaps it may actually be possible to screw Spiera over.
Now, he had to work on filling those flaws – while battling against higher existences that is.
[If it's you, you'll end up doing it like nothing happened, so I won't be worried but..... There shouldn't be a lot of time to prepare. Spiera is also one of the members of the expedition for Dareu.]
"Okay. Thanks for telling me..... and this is why I'm asking you this, but, Erta."
Yu IlHan touched the coremost topic.
"Why are you trying to betray the Heaven's Army?"
[....]
"I've heard about what you'll do. However, I cannot understand why you are willing to go so far to leave the Heaven's Army back to a lower existence. Although you are still in a partnership contract with me right now. You're completely moving on my behalf.... Is this what you really want?"
She thought she would be able to skip over this, but that didn't seem to be the case. Well, considering Yu IlHan's personality, it was an obvious question.
[Hmm, that's....]
Erta hesitated on how to express her own feelings, and eventually decided to speak a part of the truth.
[You do not believe in the Heaven's Army anymore, do you? It's just that I also felt disgust from them. I think you've noticed a little already, but I also found out they had negotiated with the other factions...and the reason I didn't advance to 6th class was also because of that.]
"Is it really just that?"
[It is also because there's you, a trustworthy ally that can support me in my actions. I'm not someone that does things recklessly.]
"...Ah."
Yu IlHan was surprised on one side, and a little touched on the other, while hearing her words. And that was why, he felt a little sorry for her as well.
Of course, it wasn't that he didn't treat Erta as a trustworthy ally. However, he did think that their view may differ later, and tried not to reveal everything about him to her.
Not completely believing in someone was the best method for the loner Yu IlHan to protect his heart, and the only exception to that rule until now was Liera. This was also why he could take his spear out against Erta just a few moments ago.
But now, he had heard that Erta had planned all this while trusting him, which made him feel very strange.
"....So that's it. I'm thankful that you trust in me so much."
[.....Fuu.]
For Erta, who wanted Yu IlHan to notice her true feelings while she persuaded him, she was feeling very complex right now. However, Liera, who saw that she was at the very borderline of patience and going berserk, immediately changed topics.
"But IlHan, can't you make Erta into a lower existence like how you did with me? Wouldn't it be solved without us bothering with the Garden of Sunset?"
[I... was also curious about that as well. Just how can Liera be here so intact without any aftereffects? Yu IlHan, what kind of things did you do?]
"It's not impossible, but it's too dangerous. There will be a lot of pressure and pain. Since we're going against the Garden of Sunset anyway, it'll be better to do as Erta says."
There was no reason for Yu IlHan to hesitate, whatever more things he added on top of the current situation. In fact, it would be fine even if Erta became a fallen angel first and contacted the Garden of Sunset.
[Is that so? I understand. Let's go with my way.]
Erta nodded without hesitation, but to Yu IlHan's eyes, she seemed somewhat disappointed. Just what was there to be disappointed about? He was confused, but Erta didn't give him an answer and unfolded her wings.
[Then I'll go back first. A little later, the Heaven's Army will send an envoy for the alliance.]
"Okay, then. I'll be their ally temporarily."
[Liera.]
Erta spoke to Liera. When Liera turned around to her, Erta looked so evil, and she spoke with a bright grin on her face.
[Although you seem like you have no thoughts at all, I'm different. Sometime, I'll definitely make Yu IlHan a new 'God'.]
"You'd immediately fall into being a fallen angel if you spoke that outside the barrier."
[And so, you'd better be prepared.]
"Huh? ...…Oh, OH!"
Liera, who finally realize what Erta meant, took out her spear and gripped on it, but Erta had already flown up to the skies after she broke the barrier. His subordinates and army finally approached Yu IlHan then.
"Ertaaa!"
Everyone was wary against Erta, but only Na YuNa waved her hand. Erta also waved her hand at Na YuNa with a thick smile on her face.
[Let's do our best together in the future, Na YuNa.]
"Yup, let's do our best!"
"Hm, mmmmm?"
"Eeeek."
Make him into a God? What did that mean and why did she say that to Liera? Yu IlHan was curious. However, when he raised his head to ask her that, Erta was already flying away. Yu IlHan muttered.
"Liera, what does it mean to become God?"
"I don't know, I never became one. But I think you can do it."
"Your faith in me shot through the skies..."
The words Erta left behind really tugged on his mind, but he couldn't look into what she meant forever. His plan was already completed, and he was prepared as well. What was left was to just put it into action!
"Soon, the Heaven's Army will send an envoy for the alliance. We'll be allying with them potentially, but bear in mind that it won't be forever."
"Yes, understood!"
"Good, then let's depart right away."
What is most important to an alliance? The position of each sides at the point of the alliance. Heaven's Army was an enormous organization. To not lose out to them, what was important was achievements.
Achievements, in other words, stuff like the heads of the Destruction Demon Army and the Garden of Sunset.
"I'm going to activate the formation. The number of enemies are….."
Yu IlHan put his hand on top of the magic formation, and sensed the number of higher existences as well as their strengths, scattered over the continent. Although Yu IlHan's ambush on the higher existences were two months ago, for the enemies, it was a bolt from the blue that had happened mere moments ago. They had just found out about the deaths of their colleagues, and they were gathering up in one corner of the world after giving up their scouting and were on their guard.
"Let's first smash a group with one 6th class and around 300 5th class."
"That's an entire legion!?"
"Precisely. They wouldn't be worried about attacks there and would let their guard down, no?"
"That's definitely true, but what the hell are you going to do there!"
So Liera's retort abilities are rising while Erta isn't here – Yu IlHan nodded in satisfaction and immediately activated the formation.
"It's fine. If we can't do this much, we'd have no chance of winning this war anyway, so we must do it!"
"A stiff mind like that always uaaaaaaaaa."
The magic formation activated. Yu IlHan, Liera, the Flying fortress, and finally the Guardian fortress instantly shot through space and arrived at the frontier camps of the Destruction Demon Army!
[So they weren't killed by the Garden of Sunset.]
[I cannot feel the presences of any other higher existences. Was there someone in the Heaven's Army or the Army of Brilliant Light that could move so secretively?]
[We need to be on our guard. Although we couldn't help it when we didn't know, now that Dareu became more important than Earth, we cannot give this world to anyone else.]
He could hear the voice of those belonging to the Destruction Demon Army. One of them, sounded very familiar.
[If it's not a higher existence, then is it a lower existence? Wouldn't he make me stronger a little?]
Yu IlHan shifted his eyes beyond the Flying fortress. The enormous number of high-level dragons on the ground was amazing as well, but what was more amazing was the single 6th class that was leading all of them.
[Do not be arrogant, Teraka. The realm you've achieved is indeed high, but that is not the highest by any means.]
[It's precisely because I know that this is not the highest that I'm thirsty for more. The last War of the Wall of Chaos was too short...!]
Yu IlHan was confident that he was developing faster than anyone else until now. But seeing that guy, he judged that he was wrong.
Not the Dragon's Army lead by Yumir, but an entire battalion made of dragons alone – with that guy as the leader. In the past, this guy had also offered Yu IlHan to come to the Destruction Demon Army – Teraka.
The one that was 5th class before, had become 6th class and was leading an army.
Author's notes
A lot of elements is planned for Dareu, one of them being dragons that were just mentioned.
Inside a tent where only the higher existences belonging to the Destruction Demon Army were in, beings in all sorts of forms were voicing out.
[We need to watch the situation a little longer.]
[We do not know what kind of variable has interfered. If the gap in dimension widens further, more allies can join, but the war for this world has only just begun...]
[If we weren't pushed so far back in the last Battle of the Wall of Chaos, we would have taken over Dareu by now.]
Amidst the Destruction Demon Army that were both talking nonsense and reasonable stuff, one 6th class voiced out.
[Watch? Variable? Away with them all! If the enemies pressure us with power, then we of the Destruction Demon Army shall only strike back with even more power!]
[What do you know about the Destruction Demon Army!]
[Eeeek, is that what's important right now?]
Although he did think that it may happen, he didn't know it would happen for real.
"Teraka..."
When Yu IlHan muttered that guy's name in a low voice, Liera, who hadn't seen him before, as she had wasn't with him in Dareu before, tilted her head and asked.
"Who is it? Well, that guy does look strong."
"A dragon higher existence."
"Ah, so that's it. I wondered what that guy was acting so arrogant..."
"Dad."
At the time he was preparing for battle while watching the conversation inside the tent, Yumir approached Yu IlHan and spoke to him.
"The kids are still scared."
"...Oh, still?"
Yu IlHan and Liera were relatively at ease, but Yumir's Dragon Hell Army and the elves and wolfkin awaiting in the Guardian fortress were frozen stiff in front of the numerous higher existences.
"S, so scary."
"There are too many strong enemies."
"Kugh, my body froze stiff even though we're so far away...!"
In fact, the reason why Yu IlHan didn't attack immediately was also because he was waiting for the others to get used to the pressure that the higher existences gave off. Looking at their states now, though, he should need more time.
[Teraka, you're too young to realize the ideals of the Destruction Demon Army.]
[Maggot, you are all maggots! I have nothing to talk with you now!]
Teraka kicked himself up. Now, a sturdy black horn had appeared on his head, and from that time onwards, its pressure was becoming more and more violent.
[Teraka, you, don't tell me!]
[You can wait all you want for the reinforcements that may arrive who-knows-when. I'll lead my army and step out!]
[The dragons are not yours but the Destruction Demon Army's....]
[Shut up!]
Due to the ripples of mana from the 6th class being, a storm enraged not only inside the tent but all the way here in the Flying fortress as well. The Destruction Demon Army members inside the tent all shut their mouths.
[Kyak, so strong! Master, are you really going to kill something like that?]
"Although I do need to, that's definitely….."
Yu IlHan activated the barrier on the Flying fortress to block that, and was reassured. Not only was that guy 6th class, he was also probably mid-tier 6th class.
"Until a few years ago, that guy just had entered 5th class..."
"Without any potential, they might die as 5th class beings even after ten thousand years, but with the potential and ability, and a little bit of luck, it's actually not that difficult to become 6th class within just one year. And they are the most dangerous as well... Let's fight that together."
"Okay."
The higher existences belonging to the Destruction Demon Army and the dragons born in Dareu were residing in separate regions, and Teraka, who had just left, spat towards the tent, and approached the dragons.
Seeing violent mana twitching as if it would go berserk at any moment, it seemed that the news of Yu IlHan had agitated him.
[Ah, Lord Teraka!]
[It's Lord Teraka!]
The attitudes of the dragons towards Teraka was akin to government officials meeting the president. It was no wonder since Teraka was not only the strongest of the Destruction Demon Army there, but also because he acted as the bridge that connected the dragons to the Destruction Demon Army.
The dragons that were lower existences in the end, despite being strong, had to rely on Teraka, who was from the same origins as them, in order to survive in Dareu, where there was a war between higher existences.
[Gather.]
Teraka gathered the dragons. No dragons there refused Teraka's words, and in just a moment, over 5,000 dragons gathered in that area and prostrated in front of him.
Yu IlHan immediately sighed. It was just a few years ago that he obliterated all of them, but there were still so many number of them!
If he did not clean up the dragons once before, it would have been an even more frightening scene right now that he was seeing, and that fact consoled him a little. In fact, he was a little happy that there were so many dragons that would become his highest-class metalworking materials.
[You are all dragons over level 200!]
All the dragons reacted to Teraka's voice.
[Yes!]
[We are chosen life forms born with the great blood!]
[However! It has only been a few years since you were born! You were just born with the body and magic of any other dragon, and are tainting the name of the great race!]
[Yes!]
[Please bestow us your teaching, Lord Teraka!]
Teraka spoke condescending words like a training instructor in the army, and dragons were complying 100%. Yu IlHan clapped at that scene.
"That guy, I can see the potential of an instructor….."
"Is it a time to be exclaiming?"
"Wait a moment. I need to judge things after I see what happens here."
[There is only one method to overcome time! Battling with your lives on the line! The fact that I have become stronger was also because of battle!]
[Battle!]
[But right now, this world is full of higher...]
[Fools!]
Teraka's overwhelming pressure shook the group of dragons.
[How long do you think it takes to become higher existences just by killing lower existences! Only after you win against the strong can you become strong!]
[Strong...]
[I also want to become stronger!]
"Whew."
Why were dragons so obsessed with strength… With a bitter smile, he looked at Yumir. His eyes were also glistening while looking at Teraka.
"Dad I also want to become strong like that dragon!"
"Mir is already doing well so it's fine."
"Yeah!"
[There is a group that's rampaging around this continent! From now, we're going to exterminate them! We'll become stronger that way![
[We shall follow!]
Teraka's speech was very effective. The dragons that were unsure of their strength, and was also obsessed with it, all extended their wings and flew up!
Teraka took the form of the biggest dragon among them in their center and roared loudly.
[We shall become even stronger! All the dragons that survive this battle shall harbor the honorable name of the Destruction Demon Army on their backs!]
[Uoooooooh!]
[Kyahaaak!]
5,000 dragon roars filled that region. The other members of the Destruction Demon Army who were in the tent glared at Teraka, but as Teraka was in the center, they could not do anything.
[Fools..... We will not comply with him.]
[Let's leave him to head to destruction.]
[Does he think that Destruction Demon Army is for anyone? How foolish.]
Although Yu IlHan did expect something like this to happen since their personalities were all shitty, but there was already an internal conflict! Teraka who were going on an expedition with the dragons, and the Destruction Demon Army that looked down on them. They were the stereotypes that regretted later after being wiped out by the enemy.
Yu IlHan watched the scene in satisfaction and concluded.
"Good, then let's wait for them to leave and strike at the rest!"
"I knew you'd say that."
"It's much safer to fight against hundreds of 5th class rather than a single 6th class."
He couldn't help it since moving according to the enemy's expectations really made him cringe! Yu IlHan looked at the army behind him that could finally move, and called a few representatives and ordered them
"First, I'll go out. The rest of the members, do not act alone, and work with the other subordinates – Mir with the Dragon's Army, Liera with the wolfkin and elves, focus on leading and protecting them. The enemies are higher existences. It is unknown how they will attack."
"Understood, Your Majesty!"
"Got it!"
"Fight with higher existences. Finally....!"
Na YuNa also started controlling the holy region for real and gave blessing to the residents. First, her full power blessing was given to Yu IlHan, then Yumir and Liera, then the others. The already powerful army was enhanced in strength by more than 50%.
[We'll depart. Break and trample everything that stands in our way!]
[Understood!]
[Hmph! You can expect no help from us if you depart now, until the end of this war!]
[I don't need any help from you cowards that are not fit to bear the name of the Destruction Demon Army! Let's go!]
When the dragons left with their enemies right in front of their nose, the Destruction Demon Army that just let a huge fighting force go, scattered in various parts of the camp. And at that moment!
"Then shall we go?"
"Be careful, IlHan."
Yu IlHan and the army also started acting.
[Master, when do I attack?]
"The moment I'm discovered."
[....Will such a moment even arrive?]
"....Just what do you think I am?"
Yu IlHan first checked the wariness of the enemy, but surprisingly, they were all being lazy, while having faith in the protection magic that covered the camp!
If they knew the existence of Yu IlHan who simply ignored all types of sensory magic, they wouldn't be able to do that, but not only did they not know that Yu IlHan was in Dareu, even if they did, they would never imagine that the protection magic that was put up with the full powers of a higher existence, would simply get ignored by a lower existence.
"However, if they receive damage this time, even the Destruction Demon Army will be prepared the next time even if they're fools. So this will be the only time I can screw them over. I really did well to come to a place where there's a lot of them."
"Just go attack already."
Yu IlHan took out the Eight-tailed dragon spear and created purple flames and Blaze and fused it before adding Eternal Flame to it. The blade of fire on top of the spear was sharpened to the limits.
"I'm going to activate Falling Down the moment I'm found out. Mystic, that's the signal."
[The signal to activate the meteor strike, you mean? Got it.]
Meteor strikes referred to an insane technique that smashed the two fortresses that became holy regions thanks to Na YuNa's holy magic, down on the enemies using the options that allowed for rapid descent – made by Mystic.
"Perfect."
Na YuNa's blessing, activation of Blaze, and finally the magic stuffed cookies – with his power brought up to the maximum, Yu IlHan immediately jumped from the Flying fortress while extending his Ruin Calling to shoot out shockwaves behind him to fall down to the ground at amazing speeds. He even acquired insane amounts of acceleration using leaps and re-leaps!
"Hhp."
The moment he entered the camps after piercing through their protection magic and their barrier, Yu IlHan tensed just in case he was found out, and breathed in deeply, but he was not found out.
[How foolish. They're bringing death unto themselves...]
[I'll go rest, in preparation for the upcoming war.]
Moreover, the over 300 members of the Destruction Demon Army had the faith that there was no way a frontal battle will happen yet and were arduously training the Rest skill. Yu IlHan's lips curved into a smile while watching them doing foolish things.
"Well then."
He raised his spear that was burning a flame that was near translucent, to pierce the heart of a Destruction Demon Army member that was in the laziest position.
"Thanks for the meal."
Author's notes
Right now in the Flying fortress : betting on 'how many kills Yu IlHan make before he's found out'.
2 meters and 30 centimeters, quite small when comparing against the other members of the Destruction Demon Army. One flash of the Eight-tailed dragon spear pierced through and severed the center of its head, its heart, its crotch, its abdomen, its tail, its two legs, and two arms.
[Critical Hit!]
[You have earned experience.]
[You have earned the record of Lv302 Elynard.]
[The skill, Record, has become level 9. You are now able to separate records related to 'Destruction Demon Army' and manage them separately.]
His first strike ended up as a critical hit. Well, he did heighten his senses to the limits to pick the parts where the most mana gathered inside the body and struck it with the Spear of Untraceable trajectory, so the chances of a critical hit were pretty high as well.
[The skill, Deathgod, activates and all abilities increase by 8%. The skill deactivates if you do not kill any other enemies within 3 hours.]
The Deathgod skill activated and Yu IlHan's already strong abilities increased by 8% on the spot. When Deathgod was level 1, one kill gave him only a 0.1% boost in power, but now that he had mastered it, it had become a completely different skill from before, whether it was the increase in stat percentage or the time limit!
"Good, then."
His concealment wasn't undone, and hence the alarm magic would not activate either. Since he had picked out one that was far apart from the rest, no one had realized its death either. Yu IlHan collected its body and turned around.
"That's one down."
Two, three, and four – the counter went up smoothly. He had to kill as many as possible for his subordinates to get less injuries. Yu IlHan struck out each strike with all his power.
[You have become level 279. 1 Strength, 1 Agility, 1 Health, 2 Magic increases.]
Five, seven, and eleven. At this point, the Deathgod skill had reached its limits in terms of boost percentage, at 200%.
[You have become level 280. 2 Strength, 1 Agility, 1 Health, 1 Magic increases.]
However, that was not the end. Yu IlHan focused on the ones that were far apart from the rest and so wouldn't easily be found out, and even succeeded in assassinating twenty four!
'What do I do, it's becoming quite fun for some reason.'
Since he was using Blaze, Dragonic blood and Spear of Untraceable Trajectory all at the same time, so no matter how much mana Yu IlHan had, and how fast his recovery rate was thanks to his accessories, he should have entered frontal battle long ago after reaching his limits.
But every time he neared his limits of his mana, his level rose and the mana recovered, so he couldn't stop assassinating them! Right now, his level was nearing the end of the 200s, but he was experiencing levelups as if he was before 2nd class!
[You have become level 281. 1 Strength, 2 Agility, 1 Health, 1 Magic increases.]
Since assassination became fun, Yu IlHan continued to rampage around within the camp and killed higher existences scattered around over and over again.
His strike boosted by the Deathgod skill as well as Na YuNa's blessing, had enough power to destroy cities, and the members of Destruction Demon Army that were at the epitome of laziness, could not survive after his attacks.
Like that, the number of enemies he killed broke through forty, seventy two, and one hundred and sixty five – and he was still not discovered by anyone.
[You have become level 288. 1 Strength, 1 Agility, 2 Health, 1 Magic increases.]
[The skill, Record, has become level 24. You have compiled enough records related to 'Destruction Demon Army' and all abilities will increase by 10% when facing against the ones belonging to this group.]
"These fuckers."
Yu IlHan found this absurd. No matter how unguarded they were, over half of the members in the frontier camp had died, but the survivors didn't even notice that anything was out of the ordinary!
Well, yes, it wasn't like these guys were switching guards all the time like in a military, and had no reason to act in twos either, so they were in distinct spaces, but this was a battlefield after all – but they were still so relaxed without any regular checkups on each members! They were uninterested in whatever the other members were doing, or if they died or not!
[You have earned experience.]
[You have earned the record of Lv 313 Kelotuke.]
"Perhaps all 300 of these guys are disposable cards for the Destruction Demon Army...?"
From the moment he succeeded in assassinating the 200th member, Yu IlHan seriously started to ponder.
Although higher existences were indeed very rare from a lower existences point of view, but considering that there were countless worlds, and averaging one member of the Destruction Demon Army from one of those worlds, 300 is definitely quite a small number.
If that was the case, it wasn't so strange to consider all 300 here as just sacrifices, was it? Yes, there was definitely that possibility! Teraka also acted on his own not after he fought with these guys for nothing, but because he knew that they were just sacrificial lambs, and just acted according to plan! That was it!
Dawned with a new realization, Yu IlHan shivered at the enormous scale of a higher existence faction. Of course, this was entirely his misunderstanding.
No matter how long the years have been, higher existences were respectable just with their names, and so, no factions treated them like disposables. This was all happening because it was Yu IlHan, with the power to ignore all barrier, protection, observation, and alarm magics!
If today's matters were known to the various factions, then no one would put their faith in their magic any more. Like the armies of human empires, they would pick guards, exchange signals periodically, and have night watches when they go to sleep. That would be a funny scene in itself.
However, there was one important thing. That the Destruction Demon Army still did not notice the severity of this situation.
In that sense, it wasn't exactly wrong that they were disposable cards. Disposable card to alarm all four higher existence factions!
[You have earned experience.]
[You have earned experience.]
[You have become level 292. 1 Strength, 1 Agility, 1 Health, 2 Magic increases.]
[The skill, Record, has become level 30. Records related to 'Destruction Demon Army' is etched deep into the soul, and all abilities increase by 20% when facing against the members of the Destruction Demon Army.]
'That's strange, well, I did take a lot of time to reach 4th class, but I've already become level 292 not long after I became 199, just what was so difficult for others to not become higher existences? ....Moreover, I think I can feel the concept of higher existences a little now.'
Even though he was earning experience that others would take several thousand years to acquire, he was thinking stuff like that which would make any higher existence vomit blood.
Moreover, right now, his most OP Record skill was shining like mad, and was recording the fundamentals of what the Destruction Demon Army, and not only that, but the very concept of being a higher existence itself, onto his soul, making him advance a stage further.
In this regard, Yu IlHan could be said to be having it easy compared to the leaders of other factions who had to pioneer their way through. They walked the path of higher existences without being able to relying on anything, and had to do everything by trial and error, while Yu IlHan absorbed all they did into his records, gaining potential more easily.
Of course, 'absorbing' was nicely put, but in fact, he was no different from being a thug.
[Hm, it feels strange for some reason.]
But no matter how talented Yu IlHan was in the art of concealment and assassination, it was not possible to assassinate all of them. After all, with over 200 of them dying, the concentration of mana over the camp had been lowered too much that even the dense higher existences were stimulated because of it.
[They, I can't feel the presence of Galayton since a while ago, did he go back beyond the Wall of Chaos on his own? Do you know anything?]
[...No, it's not that. It's an attack. AN ATTACK!]
[No way, there's no problems with the alarm magic casted over the camp.... no way, traces of blood!]
The higher existences finally moved their heavy asses. Despite that, it was quite laughable that they still couldn't catch a glimpse of Yu IlHan, but since they were gathering, if Yu IlHan killed any one of them, his location would be found out.
'But with this much, we'll be able to wipe them out without any problems. Teraka who left this place.... good, he still has no interest in this place.'
Since Yu IlHan had killed them starting from the lower levelled ones first, the remaining Destruction Demon Army members were all strong ones over level 320. The highest one was at level 367, one that Yu IlHan wouldn't have been able to kill when he 'first' came here!
The giant 23m in height that was resting easy in a separate tent, moved its large body to look down at the others.
[It's him.]
Spoke the giant in a voice that resounded across the camp; eyes glistening with killing intent.
[The lower existence that has both concealment and power – Yu IlHan.]
[But how did he escape Earth?]
[How he did it is not important. What's important that no other human can put us in this state, and that at this rate, we'll be defeated one by one. We need to come up with another-]
And Yu IlHan attacked it then. Not only was the giant strong, but was smart enough to figure out that it was Yu IlHan. It would be safe to kill it before it did anything else!
[Kugh!]
"Hhp!"
Yu IlHan enhanced his arm muscles beyond its limits using God Force, and sharpened all the power of flames he could use at the tip of his spear.
The title, 'Untouchable', raised all his abilities by 20% when facing opponents above his league; Na YuNa's blessing, the maxed out Deathgod concealment boost, was all focused on one point to literally bisect the enemy with a single strike!
[Critical Hit!]
[Critical Hit!]
[Critical....]
Ten rows of critical hit notifications appeared on his retina. All of his strikes from the Spear of Untraceable Trajectory ended up as critical hits!
The giant's body was severed into several pieces according to his strike! Disregarding defense or resistance, since it was dissected to over 10 pieces, it was impossible that it survived. Yu IlHan's strike had that much power.
However, Yu IlHan could not safely land on the ground. The enemy that he was sure that died after being cut to pieces, suddenly reached out its arm and grabbed his body in mid air.
[Kugh, I knew you were going to attack me.]
"...What!? Kahk!"
The giant's mouth that should have been smashed to pieces found its way back to its original position as if time was being reversed, before it curved into a smile as if laughing at Yu IlHan. Even Yu IlHan could not help but be shocked at that scene.
While Yu IlHan was shocked, the giant completely recovered, and as if proving that it was no illusion or magic, it was grabbing Yu IlHan with its thick two arms.
[Just because I cannot notice you does not mean that everyone has to give you their lives life in a surprise attack.]
"That's... a technique?"
[Even you must not be aware of the arcane skill that is inherited in the bloodline of giants that is passed down only in one world out of the countless worlds out there. Once a month, I can recover completely from all physical attacks, 'Soul of the Hero'!]
What the hell is that OP skill! – Yu IlHan wanted to retort. However, since he had more OP skills in his arsenal, he couldn't really say anything! Sheesh, it really bad to let his guard down against higher existences, alright!
[Of course, it doesn't work so well against attacks that surpasses my defense by leagues, but unfortunately, you seem to be of a lower league than me. How is it? Feeling the wall between us after you massacred higher existences like that! Yes, we evaluate guys like you like this – arrogant!]
That was definitely the case. Although Yu IlHan was now able to know everything about the enemy he had once faced due to the Record skill, he could not instantly understand the races that were born with unique skills, and not from the Destruction Demon Army itself.
However, even if that were the case, wasn't it a little too OP to be completely fine after receiving an attack that should have taken its life?
[Everyone beware of this guy. I heard he tries to conceal himself in front of everyone's eyes.]
[I do not plan to miss him even if you don't say so.]
[Such a small human killed over half of our legion? He's really fit to be a Destruction Demon Army member, but....]
[He killed our allies. Whats left for him is only frightening and horrible death.]
The surviving Destruction Demon Army members were all watching Yu IlHan. He was thrown defenseless in the middle of enemy territory. After hearing the giant's words, he felt the gaze of all members there focus on him...
...and laughed.
"Oh, it was a unique skill? I wanted to acquire it if it was an artifact."
The moment he said that, Yu IlHan's figure, that was definitely materialized melted into thin air. What was left was only a 'black shadow' without any traces of him. Even that disappeared soon after.
[Kahk!]
At the same time, another ten lines appeared on the body of the giant, and deca-sected it for good this time. Although Yu IlHan's Deathgod skill had already been broken since he could not instantly kill an enemy, but his concealment was still maintained and the surprise attack succeeded, and moreover, since the enemy could not recover the injuries thanks to Yu IlHan's 'attack that was of too high league', it was done in just like that.
Right after that, the text that Yu IlHan like the most appeared on his retina.
[You have earned experience.]
[You have become level 293. 2 Strength, 1 Agility, 1 Health, 1 Magic increases.]
There is one thing that Liera had faith in, and words that Yu IlHan lived by.
'It's not over until the experience comes in.'
Yu IlHan never forgot that line once. Of course, this time was no exception.
Yu IlHan's concealment still hadn't worn off yet. The enemies only watched as the body of the giant disappear into Yu IlHan's inventory, but still could not find his whereabouts. Yu IlHan's lips curved into a smile.
Now, then. The festival was still not over. Everyone shall dance according to Yu IlHan's lead!
Author's notes
Letting his guard down cannot exist for Yu IlHan (2)
Translator's notes
Corpse-ventory returns
[He's definitely within this area. If we suppress the space with our mana, he'll have no choice but to show himself!]
[Kahk!]
[Search, someone use search magic!]
[Kugh!]
The Destruction Demon Army camp was in a state of chaos. After the charismatic giant died in vain, the other higher existences with puny abilities all said their own thing to make the place noisy while Yu IlHan decreased their numbers one by one.
[You have earned experience.]
[You have earned experience.]
[You have become level 294. 2 Strength, 1 Agility, 1 Health, 1 Magic increases.]
[The skill, Record, has become level 33. You have acquired enough records related to the Destruction Demon Army, and may ascend into the Destruction Demon Army when you become of enough level to become 5th class. Of course, you need the permission from their leader.]
Of course, not that Yu IlHan wished to become one of them. He was just satisfied with earning enough records to become a higher existences, and continued to move to decrease the enemy numbers.
[Master, should I start?]
Mystic contacted him after sensing that the camps were getting noisy. Yu IlHan sensed that some higher existences were trying to run away in fear, and also thought that it wouldn't be good for him to take everything and nodded his head.
'Okay, meteor strike. I levelled up suitably so I need to give them to the others now.'
[I thought this for quite a while now, but if everyone did 'suitably' in your standards, every worlds should have been destroyed long ago.]
Even after the giant had died, Yu IlHan had killed around ten more, and now there were around only 90 higher existences within the Destruction Demon Army camp. Of course, this number was enough for his subordinates' growth.
[I, I first need to retreat from this... Kugh!?]
[Critical Hit!]
From now was defense – preventing them from leaving this place! Yu IlHan killed the ones that tried to run away first, and started restraining their actions. His intentions were not misunderstood and they soon understood the situation as well.
[H, he's aiming for those that are escaping.]
[Since things came to this, we need to escape all at once to scatter his target, do we not?]
[But if his target becomes me...!]
[There's a limit to tainting the name of the Destruction Demon Army! You cannot act since you are afraid of a mere lower existe....Kagh!?]
Yu IlHan swung his spear to bisect yet another Destruction Demon Army member and lifted his head. The Flying fortress and the Guardian fortress in the air were being swept under Na YuNa's enormous holy power.
Of course, since Yu IlHan's concealment was still in effect, the two fortresses were still not sensed by them!
"Good, it will be time soon."
[I think it will be better for master to prepare for 'that' skill.]
If he got any greedier, he might end up missing a higher existence or two. As Orochi had said, Yu IlHan prepared to go to the next phase.
[Now, master!]
"Gosh, I don't know anymore."
Looking at the two fortresses that flew down with a white tail like a comet, Yu IlHan judged that it was time to focus on tying down the enemies rather than pursuing concealment, and took out his hammer before enlarging it, simultaneously activating the class skill of Hell Bringer!
"Falling Down!"
White flames spread to the surroundings and burnt the entire camp. At the same time, Yu IlHan's concealment wore off and his figure, holding a hammer that was more than 100m big, could be seen to everyone.
[It's him!]
[Isn't that fake as well!?]
[No, that's definitely the real him, because...]
They could now see the two fortresses! Its words were buried in the noise that Yu IlHan made by striking down his hammer.
[Critical Hit!]
[Kugh!?]
[This is, not that strong at all.... Mm!?]
The lands flipped and the flames that spread to all directions attacked the enemies at once. Of course, the damage itself wasn't that big, but soulflame chains along with the flame shackled the enemies all at once!
[My, my power.]
[My body feels unfamiliar. How? He... he is really a lower existence?]
"This is just the start!"
Hundreds, thousands of chains were all connected to Yu IlHan's hammer on the other end. He shrunk the size of the hammer before he went into a rampage and puffed up his muscles.
In the domain of Falling Down, his regenerative capabilities increased by 5 times so his God Force skill can evoked beyond its limits!
"Uoooooooh!"
[Kahgk.... Kahaaaaaaaaahk!?]
When he swung his hammer, the higher existences restrained by the chains could not withstand the strength and was blown up into the air, dancing around in the air. Following the trajectory of the hammer, the translucent flames that Yu IlHan had made chained them up according to the beats of their dance.
It was quite comedic to see higher existences being flown like that because they couldn't win against the sheer strength of Yu IlHan's swings.
[Master, I'll just smash like this, okay!?]
"Yes, come on!"
[Attack him! He's shown himself!]
[I'm trying, with my soul and magic!]
The higher existences that could finally see Yu IlHan attacked him with all their powers.
The ones that could not approach Yu IlHan thanks to the chains poured out their magic power, and the countless magic that hit Yu IlHan's body was a frightening scene to look at, but in fact, Yu IlHan's expression receiving all of them with his body was quite calm.
[How!? I can see the quality of my magic power decreasing...!]
[It's his doing. These flames and chains are making us weird!]
[Kugh, we can't break through his armor with this...!]
Falling Down simultaneously enhanced allies and weakened enemies. By lowering the league of the enemies, it shaves off the efficiency of enemy magic attacks, and the moment he receive the shaved attack damage, he would immediately recover so there was no way damage could stockpile on him! (PR: Unlike Debt)
If Teraka was in this region, or there were around two more of those giants before, Yu IlHan wouldn't have been so daring, but receiving the attacks of the ones here for a short time wasn't that difficult at all.
Of course, he couldn't do it forever, nor did he plan to. From the moment he showed himself, he was not fighting alone anymore.
"Mystic!"
[Now!]
The higher existences knew that the Flying fortress was crashing down on the ground, but also knew that they could not escape the chains unless they killed Yu IlHan, so they were focusing on attacking him rather than evading the fortress.
Of course, their attempts ended in failure, and the Flying fortress could successfully demonstrate the meteor strike against the Destruction Demon Army – twice, including the Guardian fortress!
[Critical Hit!]
[Kugh!? This power is...!]
[Holy power, it's the holy power of a strong god!]
To the Destruction Demon Army who never imagined that someone other than Yu IlHan could inflict damage on them, this was no different from a new disaster.
The combined attack of Na YuNa and Mystic instantly killed two higher existences that were near death thanks to Yu IlHan's hammer and flame attacks, and inflicted serious damage to the others as well. Na YuNa experienced five level ups at once thanks to the successful meteor strike.
"Oh, great as expected."
[Ehem.]
Yu IlHan was aware of the state of the two fortresses real-time, so it was very easy to protect himself from the attack. Of course, as he had to evade, the chains that connected the hammer to the enemies did snap, but now, he had no need to tie them down anymore.
His army was now participating in this battle.
"Good. Guys, let's go!" (Liera)
[Kuooooooooh!] (Yumir)
Liera raised her spear, and Yumir turned into a dragon to make them aware of the commence of the battle with his grand voice, grander than any other dragons.
An endless stream of army came out from the Flying fortress and the Guardian fortress. Each of them, equipped with shiny equipment, maybe weak by themselves, but were a fragment of a sharp blade that, together, could slash at higher existences without a problem!
"This way for us." (Liera)
[We'll go the other way! Let's go!] (Yumir)
"Uwaaaaaaaah!"
Liera and Yumir, who were leading their respective armies split up into two and attacked the enemies.
[Eeeeek, they're all lower existences!]
[Ludicrous, LUDICROUUUUS!]
The higher existences that were out of it thanks to the meteor strike, got enraged after seeing the levels of the ones that came out of the two fortresses. It was already so frustrating that Yu IlHan alone toyed with them all, but now, lower existences that weren't even of the 4th class were taking them for fools because of that!
[Guooooooooh! All of you, I shall make you all serve as a foundation for the Destruction Demon Army!]
The higher existences that escaped Yu IlHan's chains each roared loudly and attacked back!
And so, higher existences and lower existences clashed in battle. Of course, they were still in the domain of Falling Down, so the league of magic they could use was still lowered by a stage!
"If it's this much, the others can do it too."
[It's not like 5th class fall down to 4th classes just because their league was lowered!]
"Huh? Isn't it around the same thing? They look similar to me."
Replied Yu IlHan to Mystic and swung his hammer. Until now, he was moving to annihilate all enemies by himself, but it was different now.
He was the commander of the battlefield; protecting all allies in his eyes and restraining the enemy attacks and movements were his job!
"Fight! Let's fight!"
"It's scary but... If it's for the hero!"
[Awooooooo! Survive and protect the princess!]
[Kyahaaaaak!]
The battlefield became noisy, but in a different sense than last time. Lower existences who gathered up into a group attacked against one higher existence, while Yu IlHan, Liera, and Yumir used their powers to protect them.
"How dare you!"
[Kugh! Youuuuuuuu!]
Since they were interfered with every time they tried to use a large scale magic or one that had strong offensive power, the higher existences couldn't fight back properly, and were only beaten up by the attacks from the army.
Moreover, the two fortresses that landed on the ground were controlled by Mystic to use all their artifacts, including Hundred Eyes, to drive back the higher existences!
[Critical Hit![
[Kahak!?]
And eventually, it finally happened. the swords that the kids in Yumir's Dragon's Army destroyed the weak point of a higher existence.
[I, cannot die to maggots like...]
"Kyak!"
"Eeeeek!"
It did not die even with that and wounded some of the children near fatally, but eventually met a miserable death at the blades of the children who rushed forward without knowing fear.
At that moment, the levels of all the children participating in that battle increased like mad.
"Whoa, I became really strong!"
"My injuries are all gone. I got a lot of skill levels!"
"...I can fight more."
"I can fight even more!"
The ripples from the first victory brought by the Dragon's Army was considerably large. The morale of the Dragon's Army bloated as if to explode, and the elves and wolfkin army who were likewise in a fierce battle, put more power into their strikes.
[Critical Hit!]
"Good! For his Majesty I-"
"Shut up, Paté! But well done anyway!"
The first kill from the elves' side was from the strongest long-range damage dealer Paté! Tens of elves, hundreds of wolfkin combined their powers and he succeeded in striking an arrow of death on the body of the higher existence.
It was natural that everyone in the battle had their levels rise by 2, but the more serious problem was that...
[G... guooooooh...]
"It rose."
"A higher existence revived as undead."
One of Yu IlHan's very first epic-ranked artifact, the Deathgod's Trajectory. Perhaps due to that, it had an especially strong option compared to others of the same rank, and it was that it could revive the target killed by its arrow back as undead.
Paté only killed a higher existence without thinking much, but the option attached to the bow was still in effect and revived it back as an undead, and that didn't stop from just adding an extra higher existence undead to the ally camp, but called about a bigger change than just that.
"Whoa, Paté is being enveloped by light...!"
"Transformation? Is Paté finally becoming a magical girl-"
"4th class, he's acquiring his 4th class!"
Paté had hit the limit as a third class some time ago, and was waiting to walk into a new realm. Although he did not accomplish the quest that the Akashic Record gave him, since the achievements he had done were incomparably better to the one given to him by the Akashic Record, he succeeded in acquiring a class that was originally not allowed to him.
[You have become Destiny Archer. Resistance to death and ruling power increases by 50%, and you can wield dead souls and undead to inflict bigger damage on enemies. You have acquired a skill related to the class.]
[The god of curses wishes to bestow a blessing on you. You can acquire the blessing if you fulfill two more accomplishments.]
[The Deathgod's Trajectory evolves into Chaos rank, from the effect of the records of the user. It may evolve once again once blessed by the god of curse.]
Blackish-purple mana gathered towards Paté, who was in the middle of the battlefield. Although Yu IlHan was the same, the scene was quite loud, unbelievable for just a 4th class advancement.
"Fuu."
Paté eventually opened his two eyes. In front of him was the gorilla-like higher existence, prostrating in front of him – this was the undead he had just revived.
Paté looked at that and thought for a moment before extending his hand out. From his palm mana harboring a frightening aura of death gathered.
"Is it like this? Everyone protect me for a moment!"
"I'm doing that even if you didn't tell me to... are you really Paté?"
"I'm one-way-His-Majesty!"
"So you are indeed Paté!"
The blackish purple mana harboring a deathly aura enveloped the higher existence undead and started changing its form into a more battle-oriented way. A lower existence was changing a higher existence!
[E, eeeek!]
[This, cannot, happen. This is....]
The ability Paté had acquired indeed very large, but it was not enough to shake the battlefield. However, the reason the enemies coward was not because of that.
A lower existence other than Yu IlHan, had thrown the league of a higher existence into disarray and lowered it into a lower being than even lower existences! Such fear enveloped them!
[W, we cannot win. We should have realized this faster.]
[6th class... we need the power of a higher rank. Headquarters, we need to contact headquarters.]
[T, Teraka! We need to contact Teraka! We need his power!]
Yu IlHan, who would never watch that happen, prevented them from contacting the outside with his chains, but his actions were meaningless. Because the enemies succeeded? No, it wasn't like that.
[I cannot contact the higher ups.]
[Teraka.... is not answering our call.]
Yu IlHan sensed the despair hidden within their speeches and checked that it was not a lie. Then, he thought.
Teraka, good job!
Author's notes
The rise of the curtain of the legend of the elven hero Pate! (This is a lie)
Translator's notes
Corpse-ventory returns
As time went by, the Destruction Demon Army camp which had been abandoned by the higher ups and Teraka, was defeated by Yu IlHan and his army. Yu IlHan left the opportunity for gaining experience to all of his allies without taking a single kill after he had reached level 294. As a result, when the numbers of the remaining Destruction Demon Army went down by half, each group had killed a higher existence at least once.
Not only did that lead to their leveling up, it also gave them the confidence to defeat higher existences.
"We really became stronger!"
"Captain made us stronger!"
[Kuhaaaaaaang!]
[Follow our one and only lord. He shall lead us to becoming strong!]
No one on the battlefield right now was not going wild. The Dragon's Army, the wolfkin, and the elves as well! Paté especially, after becoming able to wield the undead of higher existences, received meticulous protection from his allies and killed one higher existence after another to increase the size of his undead army!
[Khaaak! To think I'd be in such a miserable state against mere lower existences!]
[These flames... I resent these flames that bind me. I curse you. Yu IlHan! You shall definitely meet your end at the hands of the Destruction Demon Army!]
The only reason why the army could fight against the Destruction Demon Army was because of Yu IlHan's Falling Down skill. At first, the Destruction Demon Army that gave up killing Yu IlHan and fought against the lower existences thinking that they might really be put in a serious state at this rate, decided to kill Yu IlHan by combining their powers, but unfortunately, Yu IlHan was the strongest one here.
"Uooooooooh!"
The chain of souls around Yu IlHan's body danced around everywhere. Hundreds of chains were being swung around at supersonic speeds thanks to the effect of God Force. They bound, freed, slashed and pulled the bones out of higher existences while sweeping around the battlefield.
Did Yu IlHan become weaker due to giving up his Deathgod skill? No way. Falling Down was the evolved version of Deathgod. In his domain, every time his enemies lost their lives, the power behind his flames and souls would amplify! Even if it was someone else that killed the enemy and not Yu IlHan himself!
"Haaaaaaaap!"
Souls and flames spread around everywhere while enveloping him. Yu IlHan moved around busily within it. He bound the enemies that tried to flee the battlefield, blocked their attacks, and gave crucial opportunities to allies.
The area of Falling Down, which he could only fight against 10 enemies at once at the beginning, expanded and gained more power and now he could fight against 20, 30, and even 50.
"Mir, one there!"
[Got it! Kroaaaaaar!]
[BEEAM here! BEEEAM there!]
The ones he could not stop were stopped by Liera and Yumir, and the ones even they could not stop were stopped by the Flying fortress and the Guardian fortress's bombardments! The rays that Hundred Eyes shot out were fatal to the weakened Destruction Demon Army members.
[Aaah.]
[Aaaaaaah, at this rate...]
From one moment, the atmosphere of the battlefield changed once more. It was beyond any rage or resentment, and was at the realm of despair. Perhaps if there was hell where they had to cry out loud even while knowing that they could not escape, it was this place.
If there was any salvation for them, it was that unlike hell, death was allowed them.
[We cannot reach him with our power.]
[We need to tell them this fact. Perhaps in this place, the fifth.... God may rise.]
"No you don't."
How dare these guys to try and procure a survival route by saying something that sounds cool! Yu IlHan's chains were crueler to the ones like that. If they did not explain from the beginning, there was no need for a foreshadow! What Yu IlHan and his army needed right now was the power to endure, in other words, experience and their remains for materials!
[Kroaaaaar!]
[The blood.... of the living, the one I lost...!]
At this point in time, the one with the most achievements other than Yu IlHan and Liera was of course, Paté!
The higher existence undeads he ruled had increased to five now, and after his blackish purple mana enveloped the revived higher existences, the properties of their mana changed to harbor a deadly curse. A curse created from a higher existence's mana, naturally, was very effective against higher existences as well.
"Go, eat their flesh and become stronger!"
"No, their flesh must become weapon materials."
"Yes, I'm sorry!"
[Kraaaaaaaak!]
Inside the domain of Falling Down, all of Yu IlHan's enemies will weaken by a league, and they were instead being pushed back by Paté's undead in all ways. His arrows decided on an enemy, and his undead rushed in to bite and slash them. A new nightmare descended upon the battlefield.
"We can't lose to Paté. We won't lose to him in our love for His Majesty!"
"You should say loyalty and not love!"
[Show them the power of us wolfkin! Master has grabbed the necks of our enemies himself, if we do not bite them, then it is the embarrassment of us wolves! Will you give the elves all the merits?!]
Even though this was a battlefield where their lives were on the line, the elves and the wolfkin did not back down and charged at the enemies. Who was more suitable for Yu IlHan's special treatment? This was a good opportunity to settle on that. Although this was a very violent and militaristic thought process, it was also a very good one in this battlefield right now.
"Waaaaaaaaaaaaak!"
"I won't die! I'll kill! them"
"Hero is fighting in front of us! The hero is!"
"My gaawwwwd, YuNa's head is breaking! Lady Leytnaaaaa!"
Everyone fought desperately. Each time a higher existence died, people throughout the battlefield became stronger, and one after another acquired 4th classes like Paté. Just fighting against higher existences was an enormous achievement in and of itself after all!
"But why didn't that work for me...."
"Because IlHan is special!"
"Away with you!"
[Khaaaaaak!]
Although Yu IlHan did not directly kill any enemies, just with enveloping the region with Falling Down and swinging his soulflame chains raised his contribution more than anyone.
Perhaps due to that, just as he saw that he was running out of mana to sustain Falling Down…
[You have become level 295.]
His level rose once again just with the experience he had acquired while protecting everyone and restraining the enemies. There were only 5 steps left until level 300, the realm of higher existences!
Of course, it would become even harder from now on, but he felt quite surprised that the realm of higher existences, that felt so distant, was now at where he could almost see it.
"....Good, I'll think about it after I clean this place up."
He put away the hammer and took out his Eight-tailed dragon spear again and synchronized with Orochi to enlarge the length of the spear blade, before wrapping it in soulflame chains, making the flames hotter and more translucent. A gigantic spear over 30 meters glowed in a sacred light with the power of the goddess of fire.
"Orochi, please."
[Heh, we're finally rampaging at the last moment.]
Yu IlHan smashed the higher existences that numbered less than twenty now, and prevented them from making a final counterattack. Since he had recovered his mana through a level up, he didn't even need to save up.
[Kahk!]
[H, him...!]
The higher existences that were wounded and weakened inside the Falling Down domain could not defend against Yu IlHan's spear and had to roll on the ground. Then they were put into a miserable state by the elves and wolfkin who had been aiming for an opportunity all this time.
[Frustrating, and resentful....!]
[Even though I've reached until here....!]
[Kuooooooooh!]
Yumir's roars filled the air. After a hundred rays of light from the Flying fortress swept the battlefield once, Yumir flowed his wind into the trajectory where the beams went past and dealt additional damage!
[Is that dragon really a lower existence?]
[Ku....gh.]
[Will we, really be..... khaaaak!]
Although Yu IlHan's victory was already set in stone, thanks to the actions of a few members including Paté, the situation cleared up more quickly and surely. Eventually, no enemies were standing in this battlefield!
"It's over."
"The remaining enemies..... none."
"…Won. We won!"
[Kuoooooooh!]
"We have taken victory! We've won against higher existences!"
While Yu IlHan's subordinates cheered, he made the two fortresses float in the air again, and took in the remains of higher existences and allies to clean up the battlefield. He subconsciously sighed.
"Fuu."
"IlHan, are you not hurt anywhere?"
"That's what I need to ask. Come here."
"Okay."
Liera asked while approaching Yu IlHan in a completely intact state without a drop of blood on her body, even though she had fought at the frontmost lines. He kissed Liera's forehead and took a step back before making a bitter smile.
"There's no way I'm getting hurt against 5th classes. Although it was slightly dangerous mid way..."
As he had activated the option on the gauntlet immediately after seeing that experience points didn't come in, he could safely bypass the danger. The option on the gauntlet made of the remaining half of Chaos Will, that is.
"I thought it was a technique that only ninjas would use, but it's good that it was of help."
"Yes....The problem is not me but the others."
In this battle, Dragon's Army, elves, wolfkin combined had a total of a little over 200 loss of lives.
Considering that the majority of them were below 4th class, it was a miracle. Moreover, the surviving ones had levelled up by at least five stages or even more, so it could be called their complete victory.
However, even though it was a complete victory, the dead allies will not come back to their side. They cannot be returned.
"Everyone listen."
Yu IlHan lined up the army that was drunk in the sweet sensation of victory and declared with a firm voice.
"73 from Mir's Dragon's Army, 59 elves, 75 wolfkin. That's the number of people that died in this fight. As I said before, we will postpone the mourning until later. However, this cannot happen again in the upcoming fights. Remember that your allies will be grieved of your deaths after the battle. Do not die. Understand?"
"Understood!"
"....Everyone fought hard so rest a little. Paté. You manage your undead from now."
"Yes!"
The elves and wolfkin returned to the Guardian fortress, while the Dragon's Army returned to the Flying fortress, resolving themselves for the fights to come in their own ways. Mystic, having received orders from Yu IlHan, drove the two fortresses.
The group, having completely wiped out the frontier camp of the Destruction Demon Army, left the place as if nothing had happened at all in that place. And no one returned there again, until the very end of this war.
Teraka's mind was in a mess. Even though he had swept over the entire continent of Dareu leading 5,000 dragons with him, what he gained was only a battle with the Garden of Sunset while they were going around in search for the attacker like him, as well as the revelation that the Heaven's Army and the Army of Brilliant LIght had entered Dareu.
He didn't even find out who the lower existence was, that caused a mess in this world, but all four of the higher existence factions had already gathered. In Teraka's view, he could only sigh.
[Is it really possible for a lower existence to hide his presence so well? Or perhaps this guy just ended with a mutual destruction with the Garden of Sunset...?]
[Lord Teraka, why don't we enlarge our perimeter of search.]
[No, you must not scatter. One angel, one fallen angel, or one gatekeeper of the Garden can annihilate all of you. Remember this.]
[U, understood.]
Mid way, he got a call from the camp of the Destruction Demon Army, but of course, he ignored it. They were probably going to flatter him after regretting that they were now at odds with him, but useless allies were more dangerous than enemies. He would not cooperate with them any more.
However, the higher ups would get angry if they found out about this. And so, he put up a measure to prevent any contact to the main headquarters behind the Wall of Chaos. Right now, they were probably quite agonized. He felt a little better now.
[Hmph, it's a light price for those fools.]
Of course, 'those fools' right now, were being completely obliterated, not to mention 'agonized', but Teraka would never imagine that the lower existence he was looking for was daring enough to invade the camp comprised of higher existences.
[I do not know what kind of method this guy used to hide, but that's one near perfect concealment. I don't like this, but do I need to watch over this situation.... no.]
Teraka thought for a little before raising his head.
[From now, we'll attack the Heaven's Army directly.]
The dragons who were a little tired due to the search that continued on from the battle, were confused at Teraka's aggressive declaration and blinked their eyes.
[Did you not just say that you need to watch over this situation?]
[If you were the only one in this world, then it might be fine to take it slow. However, reality isn't like that. Stopping means getting left behind. Even if you know that it is not a wise choice, you only make progress once you take your foot off the ground.]
At least, Teraka himself lived like that until now. In this world where development had halted, he struggled to become a higher existence, and after ascending to the realm of higher existences he dreamed of so much, he threw himself into battle after battle, almost as if he had suicidal tendencies, in order to rise into a higher realm. The reason he could become 6th class in just a few years is definitely not just because of luck.
Of course, moving about recklessly was no good either. Teraka explained his reason why he decided to attack the angels.
[We are currently, on the surface, in an alliance with the Army of Brilliant light, so nothing good would come from making them enemies. It will also be a pain to get in the bad eyes of the higher ups too. Moreover, the Garden of Sunset must be really tense right now thanks to the attack, it is also a loss to provoke them. On the other hand, the Heaven's Army had just arrived in this world, and must not have adapted to this 'environment' of Dareu yet. The best choice is of course, to attack them. Of course, I'm not getting into a life or death fight with them. We'll retreat after making plenty of gains using an ambush.]
[The angels.... understood. We'll prepare.]
[If it's a magic that gathers all our magic power, even higher existences would...]
The dragons, who became tense after hearing that they would ambush a camp of higher existences, each resolved themselves while Teraka activated his magic to find the mana of the angels that he had sensed last time.
Of course, the interference magic that the Heaven's Army had cast all over the world tried to hinder him, but Teraka was a being that had reached 6th class as the last of the bloodline of the dragons that succeeded the realm of magic piled up over countless years to leap beyond the limits. Just considering the field of magic, he had the confidence to easily toy with the most exceptional of angels.
[Good, found them.]
A thick smile hung over Teraka's lips. He could feel the current state of the angels gathered together.
[Gather everyone's magic and cast anti-recognition magic on me. I'll ambush them and cause chaos and you shall follow. No matter how weak you may be, with all of you together, you should be able to kill ten at least. Just with that you can grow. Fight with your life on the line!]
[Understood!]
[We shall throw our lives!] (T/N: Yes that says 'throw', not 'bet')
Even if any of them had complaints on Teraka's way of action, the dragons wouldn't be able to say it out loud, so they could only follow obediently.
Teraka also knew that they weren't following him out of pure loyalty, but that did not matter. The ones that do shall reach the realm of higher existences, and the ones that don't will die without being able to endure.
[We're going; to erase everything.]
The dragon army departed. Raising his position in the Destruction Demon Army even if he had to kill a single angel more! Teraka didn't even know what happened to his allies and was dreaming nicely.
Meanwhile, Yu IlHan, who made Teraka's dreams into ashes, let all the others rest inside the two fortresses while he was contacted by Erta, and allowed the angels to detect him.
[It has been a while, Yu IlHan.]
What was this, fate's prank? The one that came to him was the remaining one angel that was contracted to him, Spiera.
[You've become really stronger. Well, it's natural considering that you've endured on that Earth that changed so rapidly.]
"It's been a while, Spiera."
Yu IlHan wasn't confident that his expressions were hidden, but looking at Spiera's smile, it did seem to be successful.
[The ones that know where you are, are only Erta, and I. The one that wished to come here was me. Erta let me have the opportunity.]
"Yes, I also wanted to see you."
Yes, really. He pondered day and night about how to screw her up. However, Spiera hadn't seen through his mind, and only nodded with an awkward expression.
[Even though I could not help you, you've learned to escape Earth by yourself like this. Truly amazing. Was it the power of the newly earned subclass?]
"Yes."
[So Erta was right. You always surpass my expectations..... I'm truly, truly joyful to meet you again like this.]
".....Yes, me too."
Yu IlHan thought that a person's mind was very mysterious. That was because he did not think that Spiera was lying. Right now, she was feeling heartfelt delight from meeting him again, and was rejoicing about his safety!
Yu IlHan did not know what kind of role she had in the negotiation between the Heaven's Army and the other factions. Just that, he could predict that she didn't take a positive attitude about that, as she hated traitors so much.
Despite that, it was still the truth that Heaven's Army had abandoned Earth, and Yu IlHan for its future, and was also the truth that they had skipped over the sacrifices of innocent newborns without shedding a single drop of tears at all.
Despite not being evil at heart, she accepted everything that happened that benefited her organization – wasn't this like a fanatic believer of a cult? Does one's own opinions become meaningless in such a community? Yu IlHan became afraid of Heaven's Army. He also became afraid that his own army may become like that, but thinking about it, they were already quite like that.
Just as when Yu IlHan was pondering about the direction in which he had to lead his army, Spiera's eyes became sharper.
[So, did you learn the Great Cosmos-severing Spera?]
"No, I couldn't."
[You've grown so much in other fields, but why could you not learn the Great Cosmos-severing Spear! Do you even know what kind of resolve I had to achieve in order to teach you the technique!]
No, perhaps her mind weighed more towards the one that learned her technique than Yu IlHan himself. Yu IlHan burst out laughing. He thought that she was almost as simple as Liera is.
[Although I can't do it since we're at war right now, but once we end up bringing this war to a close with our victory, then I'll start teaching you for real. And.... yes, to Earth, too. I can become a part of your power.]
"Yes, let's go to Earth together."
Yu IlHan nodded his head and acknowledged her words and extended his right hand forward to grab hers.
"Please take care of us, Spiera."
[Same goes for me, Yu IlHan. I like how you became much more handsome during that time. I'm waiting for the day you enter the Heaven's Army.]
Two people with different intentions shook hands. The potential alliance had surfaced to become real.
[Will you converge with us right away?]
"No, as you know, the biggest power I have is my concealment. I will cooperate, but I'm going to put some distance between us and the main camp of the Heaven's Army."
[...You are saying you'll hide those two gigantic fortresses against higher existences?]
"I already had some achievements from it."
Yu IlHan slightly opened his inventory. Looking at the mountain of corpses in there, Spiera became speechless.
[How can this....]
"So, the Destruction Demon Army should have been weakened right now. The 6th class dragon is quite dangerous, but anyway, it's better to attack the Garden of Sunset or the Army of Brilliant Light."
[I also do not hate battle, but I really cannot catch up to your offensiveness..... I see your point. Do as you wish. No, since it became like this, it'll be better for me to hide myself in your shadow.]
"Sure."
Spiera shook her head and landed on the flying fortress after folding her two wings. Her head suddenly tilted.
[Is..... Liera here?]
"She's sleeping. She lent a hand in making the result I just showed you and is quite tired."
[....Has she become a lower existence?]
"Yeah."
[And she gained you?]
"Yeah."
The smile on her lips was definitely of the bitter kind. However, the next moment, she nodded with a bright smile that Yu IlHan had never seen before.
[It's a good thing. It's a joyful occasion. Cherish her, Yu IlHan. If it's you of the future.... you can protect Liera.]
"You won't ask Liera to come back to the Heaven's Army?"
[I can understand what she is thinking right now. She is probably placing expectations that are impossibly high on herself. Though, you are amazing since her expectations had always been fulfilled at 120%, but....fufu.]
Yu IlHan was sure that the expression on her face at that time was closer to self-loathing.
[If you enter the Heaven's Army, then she'll come back without having me persuade her. I'm sure that she'll say something like a wedding in Heaven is romantic, so I shall not talk to her about such matters.]
Having finished speaking, Spiera took out her spear and stood next to Yu IlHan.
[Let's depart, Yu IlHan. I thought fighting alongside you was something that was only possible when you became a higher existence, never did I know it would come true in such a way.]
"You're right. I also didn't know such a day would come."
Life was funny. Would Yu IlHan when he dropped out, possibly imagine that he would become an expert of such power and participate in such a large scale war, just for survival? Would he have ever thought that he would harbor different intentions towards Spiera?
"It's funny indeed."
[That's true.]
The two exchanged short smiles and looked up front. Yu IlHan put the two fortresses inside his area of concealment and activated the magic formation without hesitation.
In the place they went to, dragons and angels were having a massive battle.