◎ Minor Healing Potion x2
[ Item: Consumable ]
[ Price: 1,000pt ] x2
[ Can recover from minor injuries. ]
[ Remaining points: 0pt ]
[ !Warning! ]
[ 'Purifier' Boss Battle in progress. Due to the influence of demonic energy, recovery is weakened. ]
For a Minor Healing Potion, it was filthy expensive.
Although potions are rare in Sera, it's still hella expensive. Moreover, its effect is even weakened because of the boss battle.
And despite having spent all my points, the pain from my twisted joints was only slightly alleviated.
However, this was a desperate situation.
"…"
Gritting my teeth, I dodged the attack flying towards me.
Each 'Chapter Boss' in the world of Sera has a unique skill.
They basically have an extra sword that you can't find in normal opponents.
And that's why Marquis Riverback was called the Purifier rather than 'Grunt A'.
-!
As the demonic energy emitted by Marquis Riverback was about hit Elnore, a shield appeared before her and bounced the attack off with a loud bang.
It was the same shield that had previously protected Elnore in the train accident.
〚Fool, you can't stop me!〛
However, despite being able to fend off a huge boulder with ease, the shield was completely shattered as Marquis Riverback's attack swung back like a boomerang.
Yes, this was his skill.
He's able to 'dissolve' some of the power of an opponent's attack or defense.
It was as if he's 'purifying' them.
"…Ah, damn it."
This was really too much.
A shield of that caliber can't just be broken like glass. Alas, Marquis Riverback's power soared exponentially after the demonic transformation.
[ A moment of danger has been detected. ]
[ Determined the situation as life-threatening. ]
[ Skill: Desperation raised to EX Class. ]
[ !Warning! ]
[ Confirmed existence of opponent's unique skill 'Purification'. ]
[ Skill: Desperation downgraded to C Class. ]
And to rub salt on wounds, this happened.
The disparity between EX Class and C Class is roughly the same as a person who can K.O. the future hero with one punch and a normal person who works out regularly.
It was a heaven and earth difference!
Gritting through the pain and screaming inwardly, I forcefully rolled to the side, which was no different than torture to a seriously injured body.
[ Attribute: Breathing Technique – Duckweed proficiency has increased! ]
The only reason why I'm barely able to hold on was because of the attribute I received from Elnore not too long ago. If it weren't for this, I wouldn't even think of moving my body right now.
Immediately after, a black beam passed through where I was just standing, leaving my hairs stand on their ends.
Although it was a 'light' attack, it left a huge crater as if a missile had exploded.
This was like that guy's basic attack.
'The difficulty is no joke…!'
Even as I was thinking this, I was giving precise instructions to Elnore.
"Elnore, to the left!"
Using the gap created while he was attacking me, Elnore charged forward with her sword.
The tip of her sword was sharp. Even for Elijah, who was called a heavenly talent, the strike was akin smashing into a wall.
However, despite being perfectly executed and timed...
〚Ha!〛
It got blocked as if it was very obvious.
With just a slight 'release' of demonic energy, Elnore rebounded from the shock wave and rolled over to my side.
Things aren't looking good.
Even the future Final Boss was being pushed back
She was covered in dust and dirt, and her one-piece dress was torn and soaked in blood from the injuries all over her body.
It was an unimaginable image for someone who always appeared perfect and neat in the original story.
Looking at the clock, it's only been a minute since the battle began.
With just that much, we're on the brink of losing everything.
Meanwhile, Marquis Riverback was only gradually driving us back without showing any real intention.
'I have the strategy.'
I thought so with a dizzy head, as Elnore grabbed me and dodged another incoming attack.
The timing is on point. The methodology is also correct. The chance to attack the Marquis Riverback was created based on the timing and path that I remember.
However.
That all may be perfect, but we lack the 'capacity' to carry it out.
A demon's body is a monstrosity that can break rocks and fly through the air. Even the monsters whose intellect has degenerated and focused all on physical abilities can't hold a candle.
And even if they're wounded, they can quickly recover with the demonic energy supplied from the essence.
"…"
This was not good. In fact, this situation was at its worst.
In this battle, Elnore and I needed to work together. Elnore doesn't know how to 'fight' him and can't just rush forward because of his 'purification'.
I'm the only one who knows all his attack patterns. Without my instructions, it's difficult to even attempt to attack him.
〚 Fight me, you worms! Stop this game of catch! 〛
Marquis Riverback shouted as he flew towards us. This will continue for a while.
'The important thing right now is to lure this guy away from the barrier.'
If the barrier gets damaged during the fight, it would be a big problem.
If I were Marquis Riverback, I would have prioritized breaking the barrier regardless of any interference. But he is a vain and conceited person.
It means that for now, he would prioritize revenge against me and Elnore first, who just cornered him earlier.
Moreover, his rational judgment has become increasingly blurred due to the influence of the demonic energy.
He's also throwing a fit and using crude words, rather than his usual dignified formal language.
This becomes even more evident once you consider his style of faking formality till death.
But what does this all mean?
It means that it is the perfect time to set up a trap.
"…We have to bring him to the academy."
I whispered to Elnore, who was carrying me like a burden.
Due to the Full Moon Festival and the emergency that occurred in the city, the outskirts of Elfante were most likely deserted right now.
The Deans and the President are probably all focused in the city, so we can't really expect any support from them. However, this also means that we are free to do things without worrying about collateral damage.
This was my aim.
With that thought in mind, I continued to repeat the routine I've done so far.
Get hurt a little, buy time, lure him away.
It's just a matter of giving him enough to relish and not lose his attention.
Despite severely lacking in many aspects, I was enduring it somehow.
I'm doing the same this time too.
I avoid the attacks he throws at me, and instruct Elnore to launch a counterattack, followed by dodging to minimize the damage caused by his retaliation as much as possible-
〚…By the way.〛
He suddenly said in the middle of the battle.
At this moment, I could feel chills running through my spine. There was something amiss.
For starters, he was speaking in a voice that maintained reason, unlike his rage-filled voice from earlier.
This guy.
Was he just pretending to be 'lured' by us all along?
〚 Do I look like a fool to you? Did you seriously think that I wouldn't notice you trying to lure me away? 〛
As he said that, Marquis Riverback's chest suddenly trembled and the darkness inside him stirred.
It was as if the demonic energy he's been lashing out at us until now was just the leftovers of the bigger one he's been collecting.
And by the sight of it, a sense of crisis, stronger than anything else in my life, constricted my body.
Just like how I hid my 'intentions' from this guy, he also hid something and responded back!
〚 You're the kind of person that'll ruin everything if left alone. 〛
Then from the chest, Marqui Riverback's heart, a murky darkness started to spread out.
Despite it being the evening, it was clearly visible as if it was repelling every wave and particle of light in its path.
[Surely, you're done with that.]
Subsequently.
The soaring 'dark curtain' descended upon me.
[ Soul Linker Activated. ]
[ Magic Power Received. ]
[ Skill 'Penance' has been used. ]
[ Skill 'Guardian Shield' has been used. ]
That was the last thing I remember.
The first thing I felt when I regained consciousness was excruciating pain, as if my whole body was being torn apart.
"…!"
I opened my mouth, but not a word came out.
It felt like my brain was wired into a power supply and was pumped directly with electricity. My body was convulsing uncontrollably.
"… K-kuluk…!"
After coughing out coagulated blood, I took a look at the current state of my body.
My left arm was utterly destroyed.
Both my lower and upper body were completely smashed, torn and broken. Not a single part of my body was saved from being wedged with pieces of nasty-looking stone, glass fragments and tree branches.
My whole body was in tatters.
How I am alive right now was a even question.
It's a miracle with the kind of injuries I had sustained.
"…"
Regardless, I tried to force myself up.
"…Ah, ack…!"
My vision was stained red.
And my body was trembling all over.
From deep within my nerves, I felt a spark of new sensation that I have never experienced before in my life.
"…"
Alas, I fell right back to the ground as I gasped for air.
I was wholly immobile.
"…Fck."
Cursing, I supported myself with my healthy right arm and reached out for the Divine's Ultima, that was in the edge of my vision.
If I hadn't been able to create a shield at the very last moment, I would have died.
Demonic energy is particularly vulnerable to divinity. And it's because of this advantage that the power of the attack was reduced.
"…Are you kidding me, really."
In the meantime, I could hear a round of laughter.
I could see the academy building not too far away.
Just from that attack, I had flown over hundreds of meters from where Elnore and I fought against Marquis Riverback.
I'm seriously relieved that I didn't die in one shot.
〚Did you survive that?〛
Though, hearing this made me reconsider that maybe I am not so lucky.
Barely able to turn my body, I saw Marquis Riverback walking toward me from a short distance away.
Even with that demonic energy-filled body, I could clearly see that mocking smirk.
〚You're much more tenacious than I thought. The Prophet would be pleased.〛
After saying that, he reached out to my face.
〚Looks like you've exhausted all your cards.〛
Then, demonic energy started to gather on his palm.
〚To be honest, you were a great opponent. If you meet a friend in hell, you can confidently brag about it.〛
"…"
There is no way out.
The downgraded Desperation wouldn't be able to withstand it. Not even an upgrade to EX class would change anything. I can't even move my body at this point.
But there's still one thing left.
-!
-!!!
A sword suddenly cut through the air and slashed Marquis Riverback's neck.
It was a terrifying blow that could cut down even steel, but it only slightly penetrated his skin before getting repelled.
The wound also healed instantly as if it was never there.
However, thanks to this, the impending attack towards me was canceled.
〚…You're really quite the persistent pair. You'll make a good couple.〛
Elnore retrieved her sword and quickly approached me as he grumbled.
"It's okay…"
Elnore was about to say something but stopped. She only looked at me and kept her mouth shut.
Her expression suggests that of sorrow.
"…It might look bad, but this is normal."
I smiled and tried to change the subject.
Though not as severe as mine, Elnore also had injuries all over her body.
She had broken ribs and arm, and terrible lacerations on her legs. She had torn her dress to use as a bandage in order to forcefully move.
She looked like she could barely stand and it was a burden being upright, let alone fight.
The only reason she's able to move was because of her superhuman mental strength, nothing more or less.
But why was she worried about me?
In her current state, how could she worry about other people?
"…"
After looking at me without saying a word, she took off the necklace she had been wearing and threw it at me.
As I caught it with my right arm, a new window popped up in front of me.
[ The 'Necklace of Vitality' has been equipped. ]
[ Durability and stamina are slightly increased. ]
"It will help you keep your body together. It'll allow you to move."
"…Yes?"
"Didn't you say that we had to bring him to the academy? Marquis Riverback also keeps saying that he would use me in his 'plan'. I don't think he'll kill me right away."
"…"
"Move to the target location first. It's not too far away, I will buy you some time."
"…Elnore."
"I trust you until the end."
At a loss for words, I could only stare at Elnore, who simply smiled back.
It was the same shy smile when we held hands at the start of the Full Moon Festival.
"…Isn't it just right to give back what we received?"
"…"
I've never done anything to deserve such gratitude from this person.
I was just struggling to get through the situation.
But this person.
〚Is the strategy meeting over?〛
Marquis Riverback said with folded arms, as he was smirking at us.
His attitude was that of, 'do whatever you want, I've already won.'
It was a self-centered and vain attitude, but it wasn't the wrong move this time, as Elnore and I were already as good as incapacitated.
However, Elnore cared for none of that and confronted Marquis Riverback without fear.
"Let me ask you one thing, Marquis Riverback."
〚What is it?〛
"How much do we look like as a couple?"
〚...Yes?〛
"This is an important question, so answer it honestly."
Marquis Riverback looked at Elnore speechless, then he burst into a laughter.
〚IYou're a match made in heaven. If you somehow survive here, why don't you start a family?〛
"It's a good answer. I can spare you a little mercy."
Elnore smiled and raised her sword, while demonic energy also surged from Marquis Riverback.
"Dowd, go!"
I don't have a say here.
I would just be a burden if I continued to stay here.
I finally turned away from Elnore and walked towards the academy building.
"…Huk, heok…"
I was already in a state of exhaustion, then adding the unimaginable injuries made even breathing itself harder.
Every step I took felt like I was being stabbed by a hot iron rod. My body writhed with pain, and my vision was flickering. However, despite my literacy giving up and collapsing to the ground, I gritted my teeth and pushed forward.
Because I know that there's someone enduring more pain than I am right now.
At this point, I was crawling but persisted moving forward. Oh how I badly wanted to rest, even for a little bit, but I feel like once I do that, I'll never be able to never get back up.
After a few minutes of crawling, I saw it.
The outer wall of the academy.
"…"
I'm finally here.
Propping myself up using the wall, I struggled my way to the gates.
Due to the chaos that had ensued in the city, there was not a single guard in sight. So I have no help to even count on.
-!!
A person suddenly crashed on the wall beside me.
"…"
It was Elnore.
The level of injuries she sustained couldn't even be limited to she looked 'wrecked'.
If it wasn't for the tattered dress, I wouldn't be even able to recognize her in such a ghastly state.
〚She was really like a pest, annoying. I already broke all her limbs, but she would still crawl and grab on my legs. It's terrible, really.〛
"…"
〚So, what are your plans now? Do you have anything more hidden?〛
Unable to control my body anymore, I limply knelt in front of Marquis Riverback.
I could still see that laughing smirk on his face.
Then I turned my gaze towards Elnore.
Elnore had faint shallow breaths, but she still met my eyes with difficulty.
She was giving me an apologetic gaze.
'…No.'
You did a good job.
Otherwise, I couldn't have come this far.
〚Anything else?〛
"…"
〚This is boring.〛
Having said that, Marquis Riverback reached out.
Demonic energy started gathering.
"…!"
Elnore, who was stuck on the wall, tried wriggling her body to move. Alas, it was all futile. Her current state already reached the limit just by breathing.
-!
A black beam pierced through my chest.
It was certain death.
A shallow scream escaped from Elnore's mouth.
〚I was expecting something special after coming all the way here… turns out it's just nothing.〛
I hear these words as my vision gradually turned black.
"…"
A smile curved on my lips.
There's nothing to hide, you fcking bastard.
"…Hey."
Amidst my crumpling body, I glared at him with all my might.
"I won."
The moment this guy had stepped 'inside' the academy...
My plan began.
〚...Yes?〛
I could hear Marquis Riverback's confused voice distantly.
Through my flickering vision, I could see something 'condensing' inside Elnore's body as she screamed.
And.
[ Skill: Fatal Charm has been activated. ]
Just as my consciousness was about to get cut off, I saw a window pop up.
Yeah, nice to meet you.
Honestly, I didn't want to meet you, but given the circumstances, I had no other choice.
[대상 ̶̘͛͑̊̇̆́̃͋̏̆͘͝͠C̵̡̹̖̙̭͖̈́̓̐̈́͐¾̸̧̥̬͈͇̹̘͕̠̮̩̙̎ð̸̞͖̋¾̶͕̻́̊̇î̸̙̪͎̥͎͍̲͔̔̈́̀̃͗́̚̚͠͠͝͠ ̷̨̨̣̭̭͓̱̼͚̮̼̭̟̱̾̄͑̈́̋͝¼̸̢̛̞̟͓̗̙͗͊̆̓̈͘͜͠Ǫ̵̛̠̟̲͔̟̀̔̍͛̈́°̶̨̙̠͆͋̔͛̒̀̾̆̉̏̕³̶̟̝̙͔̥̖̯̠̒̈̋̃̇̾̃̽̆̅͊͆̋̋가 당신에게 ¡̛̰̖̲͉̜̿͑̈̍̕̚͟͝Ą̷̦̘͉̹͓̝́̾͂͂̂͂̅͡͝ø̵̧̡̜̲̗̳̟̀̒̽̊͆̃͒̎̚͟͟ͅ Ç̳͈̟̯̻̾̿̔͆̃̋́͌͘̕Ḁ̷͉̞͎̯̥̫̳̻́͆͊̉̀̾͘͞·̴̢̥̱̝̘̟͎͊͐͌̿̎̋̕͜͟͝͞Î̶̻̙͓͓͎̫͛́͌̀̆͊͒͆̚±̦͖̺̗͎͍̰͊̏͒̉̍̉̚͟͠×̵̢̯̥̟͖̞̔̈́̃̚͘͞·̶̛͈̪͚̹̺͖͉̪̇̎̃̏̃̎̚͡ͅ¡̴̹͉̤̭̥̒̇̎̅͘͝ͅ¹̖̯̰̰̦̝͐͆̿̌̃͂͟͠Ö̵̩̭͇̹̭̤͌͆̔̀̆̚ ¾̨̻̩̩̰͖͇̈́̊͐̃͝ͅ]
{*Target... XXXXX.... you....XXXX}
With that message.
The world turned to gray.