Episode 1021 Starlight of Dawn (5)
“Is Bae Nos…… Serum Noari…….”
A wizard, selected as the exclusive mage of the Kingdom of Hersaon in ancient times, held up a large staff and chanted an incantation.
“Seir Karum…… Bae!!”
As the density increased, icy winds visible to the naked eye shot out. Since it was a single passageway in the ruins’ underground tunnel, there was nowhere to evade.
Kagagagagang!
Of course, there wasn’t even a scratch on Beta’s frame.
“W-You mean it’s fine?”“This is no ordinary golem……!”
The kingdom’s wizards and soldiers were astonished by the sight of the golem remaining unharmed even by the rock-shattering wind spell.
At that moment, Tearel’s hand suddenly reached out from behind Beta’s back.
Multi-water arrow
A unique tier magic created by Tearel by modifying the 2nd tier
The water arrow, with its penetrating power increased by the concentration of water pressure at the arrowhead, pushes out internal blood flow and destroys surrounding blood vessels.
Among the official transcendents of modern times, there is no mage who can match her when it comes to water-based magic.
“radish……?!”
The moment the spell fired without incantation was recognized, the space between the eyebrows of the wizard at the front was pierced. Starting with him, several robes and armor were impaled.A dozen or so people gushed blood and were submerged in the pools of blood they had created among themselves.
“Muyoung, Chang…… Legend…… of…….”
The old wizard, with an arrow stuck in his heart, staggered and finally collapsed.
You attacked first, so it’s self-defense.
Tearel caught his breath, which had been ragged from running around so hard. His stamina was just average. He probably wouldn’t even want to think about hand-to-hand combat.
“But seeing that the execution of magic through calculation is mistaken for a legend, I suppose the era is indeed magically backward. Magic without incantations is taken for granted in the modern world.”
Even a powerful wizard can die absurdly if they fail to respond to the situation. In short, it is a battle of wits. One wrong move can lead to the end of everything.
Who is faster at calculations?Who has a faster flow of magical power circuits?Who has better judgment?Who is more creative?Who understands the opponent better?
Modern magical warfare is a battle of speed. To Thearel, who reigned as a transcendent being, the wizards who lived in the primeval era were incredibly slow.
Hierarchical magic is the greatest magic system in history.
Regardless of who induced the creation of the magic circuit, objectively, Hierarchy Magic is superior to Incantation Magic in almost every respect.That is, with the exception of forbidden incantations that defy modern common sense and special incantation magic that summons giant meteorites from space.
So, it’s the Age of Magic.
Beta and Tearel continued through the passageway, crossing the corpses.
As Luzak had mentioned, there were quite a few devices manipulating the underground; Beta identified them through scanning, avoided those that seemed dangerous, and utilized them with mechanical judgment if he thought they were safe.
“But why did you follow me?”
I can feel the slope of the underpass the two of us are stepping into gradually rising.
Even while leaving Asher’s side.
[His Majesty Asher has a strong sense of responsibility. And here, it is His Majesty’s responsibility to protect the party from all dangers of the Arcadium.]
Beta’s answer was clear.
I want to share the responsibility that His Majesty Asher carries.
So, you mean I have to be protected because I’m weak?
That is the case now.
Hmm, that’s not wrong.
In the ancient game, getting hit by a single stray arrow is fatal. Just like other ordinary people, as if it were the natural order of things.
Tearel recalled his old party.
Long before her awakening, she served as the rear guard for the party’s adventurer. When she reached the Obsidian rank, Tearel was not alone.
I wonder if everyone is doing well.
Of the five excluding Tearel, one is serving as the head of the Adventurer’s Guild in a quiet countryside, and the other four retired more than a decade ago.In effect, Tearel is the only one remaining on the front lines.
Because that was the weight of time…
Here, Tearel sensed the scent of adventure he thought he would never experience again. Even if it was a false world, he felt a slight sense of nostalgia.
[It looks like it has arrived.]
I see steep stairs.
Since we have climbed quite a bit up the slope of the underpass, the outside must be connected to the lower levels of the royal castle. If the underpass is indeed connected to the royal castle.
[Are you slowing down?]
“no.”
[Confirmed.]
Beta kicked off the stairs with all his might, as if to smash them, and shot straight up. Boom! The entrance to the underpass shattered into pieces, and the light from above poured out.
The pupil constricts.
After climbing all the way up the stairs and hiding behind Beta, Tearel adjusted to the brightened vision and sprayed a fine mist to detect the surroundings.
We’re right in the middle of enemy territory.
The soldiers and knights gaped in astonishment at the sudden destruction of the underground gate. Beta’s single eye, shining brightly amidst the thick dust, was intimidating.
Six wizards alone. There are so many of them, I’ll have to overwhelm them all at once with wide-area magic.
Water waves echoing at fingertips.
Formed the unique domain of the 5th rank. Manifested a blue sea and enveloped the surroundings with a small tidal wave. At the same time, Beta deployed her signature magical shield with full force.
“I don’t think we can block it completely.”
[The Dragon’s thermal energy has been measured. Here is the result of the defense probability calculation.]
The airflow stopped for a moment.
[23.7%.]
A breath of flame spewed out, reducing all surrounding life forms to ashes with its heat alone, and upon meeting the sea, it stirred up intense steam.
──────!
With a bright yellow glow, the northern lower level of Hersaon Royal Castle collapsed.The entire capital trembled at the terrifying explosion.
“……?”
Tearel, having braced himself for full-body burns, slowly opened his eyes at the sudden sensation of cool air. Deus was standing next to Beta.They were not at the epicenter of the explosion, but had somehow found themselves atop the city walls of the capital.
“Mr. Magion?”
[This is Teacher Magion.]
“…….”
Deus was uncharacteristically dripping thick sweat. He appeared to be struggling so much that he could barely speak.The lingering scent of magic filled the air.Only then did Tearel’s magical perception begin to stir.
‘Space magic… … it feels somehow different. We didn’t even have a chance to resist. Magic? What kind of magic did they use to forcibly move us?’
On the game stage, Thearel and Deus’s overall magical abilities are on par. Given that, it is only natural to be bewildered when they interfere with the body while ignoring resistance.It’s not like they are arbitrarily ‘summoning’ objects stored in a subspace or anything…
“Where did the woman riding the dragon go?”
Deus asked, breathing heavily.
Tearel shook his head.
I didn’t see it.
[The kingdom commander who just died said that the woman disappeared.]
Deus did not ask about Verden. He knew without asking that she had headed underground. Verden’s mission must surely be deeply connected to the Morning Star. She, too, must have headed to the underground passage.
I need to track it down.
Deus was lost in thought. What made him hesitate was Verden’s party. Beta’s round single eye looked up at Deus.
“Why did you separate from Asher? Was it an order?”
Beta, realizing that the question was directed at him rather than Tearel, answered immediately.
[It is not an order. I asked His Majesty Asher if I could help Thearel.]
“……I see.”
Deus let out a sigh inwardly. It was because he still could not let go of ‘compassion’. He decided immediately how he would act.
“Did you tell Asher that excessive knowledge is poison?”“Yes, I did.”“Then that’s fine.”
Deus called Pegasus.
“No dragon ever forgets its prey once it has set its sights on it. Unless it is considered dead, it will surely return someday. And the remnants of the evil god are relentlessly targeting only the royal palace.”
Kugugugugu… … !
The dragon, having emerged from the building rubble, stared directly at Tearel.The remnants of the evil god stood firm on the two legs attached to its large head, gradually neutralizing the royal castle’s resistance with the massive arms on its head.
You cannot be held back for long, so hurry and complete the task of knowledge.
The dragon flaps its wings.
Pegasus lets out a cry, lifts its forelegs, and attempts to gallop along the castle wall. Its purpose was to confront the dragon and the remnants of the evil god so that Tearel and Beta could safely enter the royal castle.
Thearel asks.
“Why are you helping?”
Deus soared up with Pegasus and spoke firmly.
Move.
* * *
Verden and his party, having thrown themselves from a dizzying height, quickly reached the ground. Of course, without
Luzak took a deep breath and struggled to shake off the floating sensation remaining in his body.
──! ───! ──────! ─!
The sound of swords clashing.Ardent shouts.
A battle broke out very close by. Judging by the absence of monster screams, it seemed likely that humans were clashing against each other.
Is it the remnants of the Morning Star and the Kingdom’s pursuers?
Verden and Luzak hid behind the wall, separated by the path leading out of the elevator area.
“If you go straight and soon turn left, you will come to a massive open space. The final single path leading to the edge of the ruins is right there. The remnants of the Morning Star are guarding that path, and the Kingdom Extermination Squad is trying to get past them. We essentially have to break through the enemy lines head-on.”“How did you manage in life?”“I arrived in the capital too late while trying to shake off the pursuit party left behind by the Margrave. I entered the ruined capital and struggled to find the underground, and after a long search, I barely managed to find this place. I saw nothing but corpses.”
Luzak leaned the back of his head against the wall.
“The Knight of Dawn, she was no exception…”“So that is why you came all the way here. To see the living Knight of Dawn.”“Well, it is a similar wish.”
Luzak raised his sword and gripped it firmly.
“I am ready. And you?”“Anytime.”
[check.]
Luzak, having received the magic enchantment from Verden, sprinted away in an instant. Verden chased after him with his senses heightened.
Before long, the light of several torches was seen burning amidst the commotion and darkness.
I exited the passageway.
“Comrades of the Moon! Drop the Morning Star!!!”“For the Goddess of the Morning Star!!”
Two groups clashed head-on and engaged in a bloody battle using swords, magic, and the miracles of the morning star and the moon. Since their attire was clearly distinguishable, there was no confusion as to who belonged to which faction.
The remnants of the Morning Star are outnumbered.Annihilation seems to be only a matter of time.
A small drawbridge guarded by two Knights of the Morning Star. That must be the final gateway.
Since there is no time to transition to
“Even if we help, the remnants will absolutely never let you meet the Knight of Dawn. Consider them all enemies. I will lower the drawbridge myself. Just let us reach the front.”“Understood.”
Ta-da-da-da-da!
Verden and Luzak charged into the battlefield. All eyes were on the two of them. The soldiers’ hostility intensified upon seeing the sudden appearance of a third party.
“Is that the mark of Margrave Brohnath?”“Everyone except the Royal Castle’s extermination squad is an enemy! Stop them!”“Block the moonlight!!”
Naturally, as soon as they were designated as enemies by both sides, blades swarmed from the left and right.
Luzak deflected with his sword and blocked with his armor, while Verden defended on all sides with graceful movements and snatched the iron spear thrown by the remnants of the Morning Star.
As expected, a spear is more comfortable than a sword.
Verden sheathed Eisenfall and swung the iron spear as if it were his own. He had systematically organized all his levels before attending the Arcadium. Hehad gathered the scattered fragments into one and further perfected individual magic and techniques.
‘Magical Spear Technique’ that combines infinity and destruction based on
‘Ritual Magic’ that seals the instantaneous power of the Eye of Magic and alters the power of the magic itself over time.
‘New Holy Spirit Magic’ constructed from two stars by uniting the five stars of Harkan Dajest.
‘Magical Incantation,’ a fusion of magic and incantation.
‘Demonic Divine Power’ that unleashed divinity.
Although his unique 8th-tier elemental magic is still incomplete due to a lack of information, Verden has compressed his chaotic magic system as much as possible and added a little.
Eon-style spear technique──Vercaelum.
Kagagagagagang! Kwajik! Kwaddududuk!
Verden’s ever-changing spear strikes, rotating repeatedly, swept across the front. It wasa contradictory movement—linear and destructive as if to shatter anything, yet suddenly tracing a soft curve to penetrate the void.
Cannot read the orbit.
Although it is difficult to unleash the full power of the magic at present, Verden’s skills and experience, infused into his movements using the staff, were more concentrated than those of a veteran warrior.
… … !
Just then, a knight of the kingdom ignored the trajectory of the spear and charged at it. Both were sent flying at the same time. Verden blocked it with his spear, but his forearm throbbed.
Strong.
It was clear that the opponent was a powerful figure of the era who could smoothly utilize ki.Of course, he must also be able to use martial arts.
That is an extraordinary skill.
The extermination commander of the Kingdom of Hersaon raised the tip of his sword.
“I can’t believe there is a paladin like you on the Morning Star—”
Verden flashed his evil eye.
Crunch!
The extermination commander reflexively turned his head. The thorns of the earth surging from right in front of him shattered his chainmail and tore off about 20% of his neck.
Did he dodge the direct hit? Indeed, with these physical abilities, there is no chance of winning.
The surprise attack worked, but as expected, one cannot face the elites of the Kingdom of Hersaon and the Morning Star alone. The eyes of the Extermination Captain, who had been pinching his bleeding throat, trembled, and the Kingdom Mage muttered blankly.
“magic……?”
Verden openly raised his arm high and then immediately slammed it down on the ground.
Storm
A fierce whirlwind raged.
At the same time, they conspicuously subdued the remnants of the Morning Star nearby. They imprinted upon this space the fact that the Kingdom of Hersaon and the Morning Star are enemies.
In this way, Verden captured everyone’s attention and withstood the offensive. Thanks to this, Luzak was able to reach the drawbridge without significant resistance.
* * *
Even if you cannot change the present, what would you do if a second chance came your way?
Two knights of the Morning Star stood in the way.
“The morning star…!”“It is already too late.”
Luzak deflected the spearhead and smashed the knight’s nose with his helmet. A spear thrust from the side pierced Luzak’s flank.
“It’s already… too late.”
The cold blade pierced the armor, but Luzak gritted his teeth and put strength into his legs. He stomped on the fallen knight’s head to knock him unconscious, then drove the remaining knight against the wall with all his might.
We have all died long ago.
While struggling, something suddenly popped out of Luzak’s arms. It was Alpha. Alpha had transferred onto Luzak during the battle.
[eye.]
“evil……!”
The knight was disoriented after being struck in the eye by Alpha, and seizing the opportunity, Luzak struck him in the face four times with the hilt of his sword to subdue him.
“If only I…… turn this……!!!”
Luzak grabbed the winch and released the iron chains securing the drawbridge.
A heavy vibration spread.
Inevitably, attention shifted back to this side.
Just then, Verden escaped the battlefield using spatial magic and appeared next to Luzak and Alpha. Due to the backlash from the spatial magic, it felt as though my magic circuits were going to be paralyzed.
Alpha climbed back onto Verden.
[Your Majesty Asher. Status.]
It’s okay.
Although I had suffered large and small wounds all over my body and a considerable burden had accumulated on my magic circuits, it was worth it since I was only one step away from the Knight of Dawn.
촤르르르르르르르륵.
한번 움직인 도개교의 쇠사슬은 외력이 없어도 저절로 빠르게 풀어졌다.
“첫 번째 도개교를 시작으로 빠르게 다섯 번째 도개교까지 연결될 거요. 앞으로만 가시오. 무조건 앞으로만.”
화살을 쳐 낸 루자크가 소리쳤다.
“달리시오!!”
쿵!
첫 번째 도개교가 이어지는 것과 동시에 베르덴 일행이 내달렸다. 공기가 답답하다. 옆으로 어둠이 내려앉은 지하 저수지가 보였다.좌우는 공간이 조금 있으나 높이는 고작 5m밖에 되지 않는다.
작은 도개교에 딱 알맞게 설계된 모양이다.
그들이 전력으로 도착할 때쯤에야 다음 도개교가 연결되는 구조.
‘마력회로에 여유가 없다.’
공간 마법을 억지로 시전한 탓이다. 당장 화살과 마법을 방어하는 장막을 거두고 <비행>을 했다가는 격추당할 확률이 높다.영창 마법으로 날아오를 수 있는 마법사도 있는 이상 다리를 무너뜨려도 소용없을 터.
얼마 남지 않은 샛별의 잔당을 넘어선 왕국의 섬멸대가 쫓아온다.
“새벽녘의 기사는 우리와 왕국, 둘 중 누구를 적대시할까.”“왕국을 적대할 거요. 저들을 끝까지 데리고 가서 그녀와 함께 싸우는 것도 방법은 방법이겠지.”
그때였다.
루자크가 곧바로 몸을 틀더니 세 번째 도개교가 시작되는 지점에 있는 석재 기둥을 후려쳤다. 기둥은 부서지지 않고 크게 기울었다.
철컹!
다리 틈새와 저수지에서 솟구친 철창이 베르덴과 루자크 사이를 갈랐다.
“그리고 이것도 방법이오.”“너…….”“이 지하도는 수명이 다한 지 오래요. 노후화된 이 길은 얼마 버티지 못하고 무너지겠지. 실제로도 그러했듯이.”
쿠구구구구구구…….
“하지만 저들은 이런 철창쯤은 어렵지 않게 부술 것이고, 도개교가 가라앉기도 전에 새벽녘의 기사에 당도할 것이오. 그러니 이 내가 남아 시간을 끌겠소.”“루자크 팔테인.”
베르덴이 눈살을 찌푸렸다.
“처음부터 이럴 작정이었군.”“이것이 나의 과업이오.”
루자크가 웃으면서 등을 돌리고는 검을 수직으로 세웠다.
“지식의 과업 따위가 아니라 내가 결국 이루지 못한 과업. 나는 이미 죽었고, 게임에서 죽어도 나는 망령이 되지 않소. 지식이 제법 많으니까.”
천장 일부가 갈라지면서 육중한 바위가 베르덴 옆에 떨어졌다. 도개교 전체에 금이 갔다. 머리 위로 여러 잔해가 추락하기 시작했다.
“가시오.”
콰아아아앙!
폭이 십수 미터나 되는 천장의 파편이 베르덴의 모습을 가렸다.돌이킬 수 없다.그렇게 루자크는 본인 의지로 베르덴 일행에서 벗어났다.
‘나는 샛별의 은혜를 받아 어린 시절에 살아남을 수 있었고, 이렇게 기사가 될 수 있었소. 하나 샛별이 몰락할 때 무엇도 하지 못했지…… 고작해야 변경백의 지시대로 움직이며 왕국민이자 달빛의 신앙자를 향해 무력한 복수심을 불태워 세간에서 비정의 기사라 불렸을 뿐.’
통로가 실시간으로 붕괴하고 있음에도 여전히 샛별을 포기하지 못하는 왕국, 아니 달빛의 신앙자를 보며 숨을 깊게 들이마셨다.
‘그리고 본명조차 잊은 나는 이 거짓된 세계에서 생전에 바라던 두 번째 죽음을 맞이하게 되었소. 그 덕에 네 번째 귀빈께서는 새벽녘의 기사와 만날 수 있게 되었지. 그녀가 남긴 영혼과.’
루자크가 앞꿈치로 지면을 밀어냈다.
“나는 이 흐름에 어떤 필연이 있다고 생각하오.”
그는 갈 곳 없는 자신을 거두어 자립할 수 있을 때까지 지원해 준 어느 샛별의 신앙자를 마음속으로 떠올렸다.
“귀하는 어떻게 생각하시오? ‘하드라스’ 대주교.”
함성을 질렀다.
루자크가 왕국의 섬멸대장과 검격을 부딪치고는 혼자서 기사들을 상대했다. 일방적인 수십 합이 오간 끝에 죽음의 그림자가 드리웠다.
영창 마법에 ‘코’ 주변이 날아갔다.철퇴에 찍힌 뒤통수가 깨져 ‘뇌’가 고스란히 드러났다.
루자크 팔테인이 사망했다.
그리고 통로가 무너지며 왕국의 섬멸대도 모조리 전멸했다.
* * *
[루자크.]
베르덴에게 업힌 알파는 시야에서 사라진 도개교 통로가 있는 방향을 바라봤다.
베르덴은 묵묵히 앞으로 향했다.
처음부터 죽으려고 한 루자크를 막을 방법은 없었기에. 하나, 이곳은 게임 무대다. 죽어도 죽지 않으며, 이미 죽음이 만연하다.
[커다란 문.]
“내부에서 인기척이 느껴지는군.”
베르덴은 지체 없이 잠겨 있지 않은 문을 손으로 밀었다. 먼지가 떨어진다. 석재가 긁히는 그 소리가 공간에 울려 퍼졌다.
“이미 늦었습니다. 추레한 달이여.”
관을 옆에 둔 여인이 샛별의 신성력을 머금은 검을 늘어뜨렸다. 새벽녘의 기사. 그녀가 무감정한 눈으로 베르덴을 직시했다.
“오늘은 달빛이 몰락하는 시발점이 되어, 모든 빛이 멸망…….”
새벽녘의 기사가 흠칫했다.
베르덴을 노려보는 그녀의 동공이 수축했다가 확장했다. 이윽고 믿을 수 없다는 듯 감정의 동요를 보였다.
“신(神)……?”
