Episode 1088 Soul – 2
Verden appeared beside Antias, who was sitting on the ground at a distance from Akand.Immediately afterward, another shadow fell from the southwest.
Sarkannon, the 4th Commander of the Xerion Empire.
He encountered Adrian in the southern part of the Eastern Continent, escorted Arkhand during the meeting, and today, the undead who fought a magical battle with Reindel landed on Arkhand’s right side.
And, following Sarkanon straight ahead, we arrived at the wasteland of Reindeldo.
Traces of battle where persistent death flickers.
Parts of their bodies are tainted by the death aura emanating from the other. Even at this very moment, they are preparing to pronounce a decisive death sentence upon their enemy.It was self-evident that whichever side’s resistance crumbled first would die instantly, letting out a final scream.
Four undead revering the ancient king as the sixth apostle. Indeed, each and every one of them is at a level capable of posing a substantial threat to the pinnacles of the modern era.
The level of power possessed by the Xerion Empire’s top forces, which had been vaguely estimated, has been largely confirmed. Through the empirical data obtained today, the current status of the total military power held by Arkhand will be determined more precisely.
‘and…….’
Verden passed the two undead commanders, who had been held captive by Gareth following Sarkannon, and turned his gaze toward Arkhand.
Pitch-black armor with a slight crack.Fine bloodstains far from a fatal wound.
Antias performed better than expected.
This place, which would have been the desolate forest characteristic of the Delharun region, was in a state where the terrain itself was distorted, unable to withstand the aftermath of the clash of powers.It was proven that the Beast King of that era could stand against the Apostle of Fate.
Verden asked.
“What are your thoughts?”“It couldn’t have been better.”
At the question about how the battle with Akand went, Antias curled the corners of his mouth. The tooth that had been broken by a punch was already growing back about halfway.Even while sitting, Antias’s eye level was much higher than Verden’s.
“This incredibly boring world has become enjoyable.”“Hmm.”
Reindel nodded briefly as if he genuinely understood that feeling.
It was then that the metallic sound was heard.
“The manifestation of power is bound to come with a corresponding price. Yet, despite deploying such a powerful opening spell, there are still no signs. Or perhaps you are forcibly concealing the burden. Either way, it is excellent, Verden.”
Akand, having entrusted the Dragon Sword to Rakdion, stood up and slowly walked away.
“I considered the chances of you intervening slim, but your initial intention has been realized. With this, the front has expanded to the continent.”“So, are you satisfied?”
The energy and magical power that flickered and extended from the two people took on a physical form.
Boom───!
The ranks of Verden and Akand clashed.
A tyrannical aura forcibly awakens the senses and oppresses the body, as if crushing them.It is a vital energy in harmony with the energy of death, distinct from the first king of the human world who awakened humanity’s spirit. There, Verden sensed a true god.
‘……’you’.’
Although the innate strength may belong to Akand, the power of death originates from ‘you,’ so the being who constructed the Wheel of Destiny is conscious of Verden through the Apostle.
Not the surface will of ‘you’ encountered in the desert of silence, but the true essence───
Thump.
Nothing could be perceived other than that it was massive and pure white like snow.Nevertheless, Verden did not avert his gaze.
It is different from the past.
It is on a completely different level from that time when I trembled and was overwhelmed by the surface will in the silent desert. Although his level may still be lacking, Verden is also a god who relinquishes freedom to pursue his own unique ideals.
Thump.
The noise of the present world fades away, and only the sound of a red heart beating regularly lingers. Not only Verden’s heart, but ‘your’ heart too… the hearts of the true gods have begun to resonate.
‘You,’ who rule this world, are moving slowly.That is what it seemed.From an almost indistinguishable form, only the silhouette of a head was captured by my senses.
‘You,’ opening your eyes narrowly and small.
It was not some ‘part’ of ‘you’ encountered through the surface will. It was ‘you’ itself, who reigned in the same era as the World Tree, the First Demon King, and the Gray Dragon.
Thump.
‘Your’ eyes gazed at Verden from beyond the Apostle’s presence, without a single twitch.Was it because he had arbitrarily shattered the wheel of fate that had been built after waging war against the First Demon King and barely achieving a result close to victory? Thereseemed to be a hint of resentment mixed in that indescribable look.
Thump.
God’s sense of overlaying the past.
Verden felt ‘your’ emotions more clearly than he had known in the silent desert.She was more human than he had thought.
Your resentment, which was like a petulant complaint, soon died down like a fire without firewood.In its place, a different emotion welled up.
Warmth drawing closer.
Before he knew it, ‘your’ touch reached Verden’s chest. Unlike the immeasurable presence, the weight of that hand was no different from that of an ordinary woman.
There is no third option.
The true ‘you’ whispers.
The moment you realize the truth, your fate will converge into one of two choices: abandon everything, or compromise. Just as we had to.
Verden was out of breath.
And, you will come to realize that I am right, not Oldarc.
I make the judgment.
Verden forced himself to speak. He had already transcended the limit where he had been so overwhelmed he couldn’t even budge. He stared straight at ‘you’.
The Destroyer says.
“If you want to hear the answer, tell the truth.”
The Creator says.
Another name for paradise (the ideal) is sacrifice. I hoped that no one would ever walk this harsh path again.
You gently raised your fingertips.
The World Tree was created to sustain the world.
‘You,’ revealing your sorrow, knocked on Verden’s heart. It stimulated a new source filled with infinite magical power that had absorbed the power source of the Bohemirn Magic Tower.
=It’s the most pitiful fate=
* * *
The presence of ‘you,’ which had been right in front of me, faded away in an instant. No, it didn’t fade away; Verden had pushed it away.
‘Magic power… …?’
As if [Interis] had been started, an amount of horsepower exceeding the output limit flooded in all directions.
Kugugugugugugugu!!
Blue magic, having reached an extreme density, overwhelmed the continent’s magical power.Hearts pounded ceaselessly.Parts of the world moved in the torrent of pure power. It was not mere destruction. It was as if… the world itself was synchronizing with Verden.
Except for the space where they were, tectonic shifts occurred, shaking the earth’s axis. The landscape of the entire area changed moment by moment.
Debris from the earth rising into the sky.
“……!”“……?!”
Without distinction between friend and foe, the shoulders of Akhand, Antias, Reindel, Rakdion, Sarkanon, and the 7th Commander were simultaneously crushed.It was enough to make Antias feel the pressure, yet strangely, the ground they were standing on remained intact.
Before long, the strange events subsided.
Thump… … Boom! Thump! Boom! Boom!
The fragments that had been suspended in the air fell one by one onto the new land, leaving scars. Amidst the spreading of loud and small roars, Reindel witnessed the results of the change.
“……Reconstruction of ecology.”
The Graserim Forest, which had been turned into a wasteland by Akand and Antias, was filled again.Nowhere could one find desolate land.
However, there were traces of it.
There were parts of countless grasses and trees that were shattered into pieces or had their biological tissues disintegrated. However, they did not die. This was because, thanks to each individual tissue piecing together just before complete death, their regenerative power was able to function.
Although the plants that had already died could not return, it extended the life of the organisms that were destined to die, so it was akin to resurrection.
A supernatural ability that does not fall under the category of magic.
‘This is the power of the World Tree. Not the Elves’ World Tree, but triggered from my heart… … .’
Verden looked down at his palms, determined not to let the lingering sensation slip away. The impact of ‘you’ touching his heart. What on earth was her intention?Along with this, his curiosity about the true nature of the power source grew even stronger.
tweet.
Birds returned to the forest from which all the animals had left.
Is it because the class was offset?
A bird landed chirping not only on Verden’s shoulder but also on Akand’s shoulder.
“…….”
Akhand bent his elbow. Contrary to Antias’s expectation that he would crush the bird, he guided it onto the gauntlet.The bird, perched on the dark metal-covered index finger, preened its wings with a distinctive movement.
Much like the principle of equivalent exchange in the magical realm, in this world, if you give one thing, you are bound to receive one in return. And the process is chain-like. Until the body rots away and the soul vanishes… until the usefulness of existence is exhausted.
As soon as Akand finished speaking, Sarkanon stroked the empty air with his white hand bones.The unique magic that had been blocking the communication network was released.
The communication device blinked in a specific pattern.
Verden faced Akand and activated his bracelet to establish a communication channel exclusively for the alliance, newly created by Alpha and Beta.
───Urgent Report! County of Aden, Freehold of Formene! We have received urgent news that the undead have appeared! An Elder Lich has been confirmed!
───A large number of undead have been spotted near Mirediol in the Iderat Alliance. These bastards, I don’t know how they got here, but they crossed over via spatial teleportation… …!
Three Death Knights confirmed to have appeared in the Arnark Empire territory.
───This is Alliance Headquarters. It appears that multiple descents of the Undead Legion are currently occurring across the entire continent. Avoid engagement as much as possible, and activate the spatial defense system. Focus on gathering intelligence, such as the total scale and routes of the enemy. I repeat. This is Alliance Headquarters. Multiple descents of the Undead Legion are currently occurring across the entire continent… … .
Information Officer Pale is transmitting breaking news and countermeasures to various countries through public channels. Given Verden’s absence, this must be a decision made by Alpha and Beta.
War is a collection of madness.
A dark rift opened up behind Akand. It was smaller than the Four Gates of Delharun that had just been destroyed, but its essence was identical.Verden had stated at the summit that the Ninth Gate was the Old King himself.
“Learn war, Verden. For each other’s end.”
The commanders of the Empire disappear one after another beyond the gate.
It must surely lead to the Citadel.
Verden cannot enter. Unless it is a case like Delharun’s Four Gates, that boundary rejects and excludes Verden’s existence.
On the other hand, Antias and Reindel can pursue them and reach the heart of the Xerion Empire. The two left the decision to Verden.
It is a foolish counterattack.
Verden shook his head.
The Empire’s military strength is still intact to break through that obvious trap. It is premature. Furthermore, with the weakening of the Empire’s forces and the inability of Verden to accompany us, it will be difficult to accurately deal with various unexpected situations.
“I admit I was caught off guard. I didn’t expect the sect to be sacrificed in this way.”
Verden warned.
There is no next time.
I have no intention of falling for the same trick again.
If Akand attacks again in the same manner, Verden will be prepared to counterattack. And that place will become Akand’s grave.
I respect your choice.
Akand turned his back with a smile.
I look forward to the next one.
In an instant, clouds cast a shadow. The shadow quickly vanished, and Akhand departed with Samun. As expected, the traces of the spatial coordinates could not be tracked.
Silence fell.
Antias yawned and stretched.
“Well, anyway, that settles it for now. But if Akand keeps crossing the Gates like that, isn’t there no way to catch him?”“There must be some restrictions.”“What is the basis for that?”“If there were no restrictions, he would have already run wild.”
The day of facing Arkhand for the first time in the Second War of Transcendents was coming to an end. Reindel was observing the forest reconstructed by Verden.
Verden turned his head toward the south.
Let’s reorganize the Delharun Suppression Corps first.
The dagger to kill Akand for sure has not been prepared.Today is not the day of the end of the war.
* * *
The soul of Runeshka Anternoa, who was executed in Gargant, was split into five. One of them was transported to the Citadel by Animus, but the remaining four were scattered across the continent.
Fresh corpses scattered in the alley.
Even outside of war, death is a common concept.
“……Gasp.”
The second servant of the glory of the corpse───the corpse containing a fragment of Lunesica’s soul took a breath.
