Episode 1105 The Great Offensive (1)
Akhand Linigea Tain Xerion looked down at a map displaying various artifacts.The core of the situation was the confrontation between the commanders of the Xerion Empire and the commanders of the World Alliance’s punitive expeditions over the fate of the Four Gates.
He slowly reached out his hand.
……widely.
The map has been updated based on new information.
Ordinarily, a decision should have been made immediately, but the audience chamber of the Citadel was silent.Indeed.Akhand could not take his eyes off the Verden artifact placed in the Ternetia Federation.
Doubt, not certainty, lingered in his dark eyes.
What kind of trick is this?
Verden crawled out of his headquarters somewhere on the continent and suddenly appeared on the front lines.It felt jarring.It was a completely different situation from when he had been holding his breath to counter Akand’s moves. In some places, he was even traversing space.
Stabilizing space with the power source of the 7 Great Demon Kings would soon reach its limit, but this was a bold move that went beyond the bounds of power.
A strategist should act based on evidence, not relying on mere intuition.
This is especially true for a fate destroyer.
Because I am walking the path of the Almighty, I bear the responsibility just like ‘you’ and Oldarc. I would never make such a reckless judgment as to gamble everything I try to protect without a valid reason.
Verden realized the situation has changed. Why?
There were certainly not many factors that would make Verden make the first move… …but one of them was the covert move Akand recently made.
The existence of Nekbael.
Did the World Alliance notice the dragon that launched from the Citadel? If they certainly recognized that, it was only natural for them to react violently.
However, Akand could not be certain because there were parts he did not understand.
One is practical.
Is there any clear advantage for Verden to go to the Ternetia Federation at this point?Aside from assisting the Legion, all he can do is use himself as bait to lure Nekbael. It is not a completely wrong judgment, but it is insufficient as a preemptive measure against the Dragon of Death, which the Alliance is most wary of.
And, the other is the source of information.
Even a necromancer of that era would find it difficult to sense the presence of the Evil Dragon without a single clue.That possibility can be ruled out entirely.If so, how on earth did Verden figure out the whereabouts of the Evil Dragon?
Information leaked from my empire… … .
Akhand narrowed his eyes. Then, he shook his head inwardly. Even after surveying the Citadel, there were absolutely no elements that could have caused information to leak.
That hypothesis is a wild leap.
I considered the possibility that some kind of trick might have been used on Lunesica’s soul fragment.However, Verden, who was skilled in pure destruction, not only lacked the ability to do so, but Akand’s loyal servant was so clean that not even a speck of dust could be found.
In other words… Verden did not take action because of Nekbael. There is a different backstory unrelated to Nekbael.
Udeuk.
Akand lightly crushed the artifact of the already deceased 6th Commander. The object, now unrecognizable in its original form, soon fell near Lake Pendren.
An unidentified object.
Along with the news that Verden had sortied, an ‘unidentified force’ was confirmed at Lake Pendren. Althoughits level was unknown, judging by the fact that the reaction of a medium-sized undead army vanished in an instant, it was undoubtedly a being of transcendental level at the very least.
It is a force I was unaware of.
Akand pulled up the corners of his mouth as if he couldn’t bear it any longer, even while lost in thought. He shrugged his shoulders slightly. Whatever it was, the hand Verden had played was clearly beyond Akand’s expectations.
“The war brought about by me was destined long ago, but the one who rose to the bedrock of the world in just a few years forces change so easily.”
Verden launched a massive offensive across the entire continent.The basis of the strategy was not intelligence, but conviction.It stemmed from the judgment that he could simultaneously attack multiple sects regardless of what Arkhand did, effectively bringing an end to the tactical maneuvering typical of the early stages of a war.
Akhand finally made a decision and placed the artifacts of the Xerion Empire one by one.He envisioned what kind of picture would unfold on each battlefield.
Verden’s number.Akand’s number.
A battlefield where one asserts their own will without being swayed or following the opponent. An inevitable opening where everything is directly linked to the possibility of victory or defeat.
The Destroyer of Fate has launched a massive offensive.
Akand finally placed the Four Dragons’ artifact somewhere on the continent.
To welcome.
The Second War of the Transcendents has entered its midpoint, where full-scale bloody battles will rage.
* * *
To the west of the Federation of Ternetia lies the sea, and beyond the sea lies the Western Continent.
In the modern era, where endless exchange between nations is the key to economic development, logistics movement via airships and space travel vehicles is active; however, maritime trade routes passing through ports can be considered the time-honored lifeline of the economy.
Tisheri Port.
The largest port in the Federation was desolate due to a series of events. At first glance, it was devoid of human presence, resembling a lifeless corpse.Completely abandoned following the arrival of the Four Gates, the city had transformed into a sanctuary for animals such as seagulls and rats.
Hundreds of warships docked there.
“There is absolutely no reaction from the undead.”“Hahaha, since I’m moving stealthily with determination, even the Ancient Empire hasn’t noticed. Naval battles were such a hassle, but I guess I don’t need to worry about them.”
Academy Principal, Ilmarion.Lord of the Legion, Grizzwell.
A combined fleet composed of outsiders such as the Arnak Empire, the Valdera Kingdom, the Barimtiel Concession, the Ten Great Magic Towers, the Dwarves of the Volcanic Region, and Ilmarion departed from the Western Continent and arrived at the Central Continent.
The booming voice of Arkul, the clan leader of the Red Volcano and a dwarf representing the volcanic region, made the empty port city tremble.
“I’ve arrived at a land swarming with corpses!!!”
Since the war between races, the stubborn and selfish dwarves who had been stuck in the volcanic zone have joined the flow of the world.
“Unload the weapons of war───────!”
Unload!
The dwarves screamed in unison, making it feel as though eardrums would burst. Along with this, the dwarven weapons and siege weapons brought by large ships were transported onto the continent.They were all uniform in shape and craftsmanship.
Mass-produced goods.
A hammer with a severance—the landscape G’harun vehemently opposed until he left the volcanic region. The age-old tradition that dwarves do not mass-produce works was eventually shattered by Arcul.
The races of creation and metal cried out for war.
* * *
To the east of the Federation of Ternetia, there is a large forest, and between the Federation and the large forest, there is a jungle centered around a large river.
Since the jungle is not strictly classified as a great forest, anyone can cross it, but because it is such rugged terrain, there are almost no humans who can navigate it smoothly.
After all, humans are.
Countless shadows brush past the blades of grass. No footsteps were heard. The branches the shadows stepped on did not shake at all.
The jungle is also a forest and nature.
To the inhabitants of nature, it is no different from a runway.
Pow────!
Elves burst out of the jungle in an instant like a ruthless crosswind and race forward.Spirits twinkle beside them.The moment the undead were spotted, a barrage of arrows shattered their filthy bodies. A massive corpse golem tried to stop them but was torn to pieces by Karans, who passed by in the blink of an eye.
There is no race that can match the elves in guerrilla warfare.
Since they obtain strength and weapons from Mother Nature, they do not need to procure supplies; therefore, as long as destruction does not come to nature, they will not become powerless.
From forest to forest, and again from forest to forest… … .
The elf group belonging to the World Alliance marched while avoiding only unfavorable flat terrain. Their swift and flexible mobility shines in places with many obstacles.
“Ugh! The stench is unbelievable.”
Then, they would halt upon encountering a fairly large undead army.While a detour would have been an option, it was easier to eliminate the risk of having their rear blocked beforehand. After all, the goal was to wipe them all out.
The Eye of the Great Forest – Merquien asks.
“It’s flat ground, should I just ignore it? Or should I handle it?”“I’ll take care of it.”
The Guardian of the World Tree – Serendia stepped out of the forest’s borders while manifesting her magical powers. Her subordinate elves watched over her from atop the branches.
Serendia was wearing an outfit that combined silver and green hues, rather than her usual dress. The most distinctive feature was her sleek trousers. It wasa combat outfit exclusive to administrators.Wooden twin swords crafted from branches of the World Tree were at her waist, and a great bow originating from the roots of the World Tree stood on her back.
[Elf… … !]
Thousands of undead recognized the elf’s vitality and surged like waves, letting out monstrous screams as they wondered if there was an intelligent commander-class individual present.
Oh, great mother.
Serendia gently raised one hand.Then she gripped it tightly.
The forest was in turmoil.
Quaddd
Countless roots shot up all at once from the earthquake-stricken ground. They were so tough that they reached a thickness of about 2 meters and engulfed the undead army.
Tremendous pressure was applied to the bones and decaying flesh entangled in the roots, crushing them as they were dragged down into the ground where no light reached.
It is the providence that organisms that have reached the end of their life become soil and return to nature, so the sound of the dead weeping vanished into the darkness.
A vibrant silence descended.
“On the outside, he looks like the most gentle elf, but his actual behavior is as violent as Verden’s. He even ignored the administrators’ orders to return.”
Merquien grinned as he crossed his arms and leaned his head against a tree.
“How does it feel to run wild outside the Great Forest for the first time?”“It feels kind of refreshing, I guess you could say.”
Serendia found the sensation of casting the Administrator’s magic on the undead unfamiliar.Because it was unfamiliar, it was also fascinating.
“Thanks for the grace of nature bestowed by the Great Mother. Karans, I ask for a location report.”“Yes, Sister.”
Karans activated the communication device.
Serendia briefly flicked her finger with a harmless and warm smile. New nature was born in the land deeply permeated with evil, scattering the pollution.It was as if new flesh were growing and driving out the rotten parts.
Karans said after finishing the communication.
There are no setbacks to the plan, but the brother says he would like to arrive earlier than scheduled.
Merquien pouted.
“What? We’re already working incredibly hard. Aren’t you overworking us?”“Still, it’s not impossible. It wouldn’t be right to let down my siblings.”
Serendia issued the order to march.
Let’s hurry a little more.
* * *
The southern extreme of the Federation of Ternetia has very low temperatures, much like the northern part of the continent. So cold that a chill always lingers regardless of the season.
In this place, where the snow-covered terrain was not difficult to see, survivors who had not yet managed to escape the Federation were hiding.
“The undead finally made it this far…!”“Run! Hurry up and run!”
Having fled south as soon as the massive undead crisis broke out, they were unaware of the continental war, let alone the organization of the World Alliance.This was because they had isolated themselves to survive and had not received any information.
However, as time passed, the survivor camp dispatched a small contingent to scout the area. This was to gauge the movements of the undead and to rescue anyone who might be wandering in search of a way to survive.
Luckily, we managed to find new survivors about once every four times, but perhaps our tails were too long, as we were eventually discovered by thousands of undead.Moreover, highly mobile undead riders made up a significant proportion… … .
At this rate, we will all die.
The father, a former gold-rank adventurer, eventually put down the son he was holding.
“I’m going to stall for time, so keep going straight! To the south! Don’t ever look back!”“Dad!”“Honey, hurry!”“……I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”
Unable to ask a question, the mother ran south holding her wailing son. The man smiled broadly at their retreating figures and raised his sword.He faced the undead charging at the survivors while reinforcing his body with Ki.
“Ha, even the weather is bad.”
The view is not clear.
When did the blizzard start?
“Gasp, gasp……!”
Although the mother was also a former adventurer, she married and retired long ago, so her physical abilities have declined incomparably compared to when she was active.It is difficult to outrun a high-ranking undead rider who has bypassed the resisters.
Tag, tag, tag.
‘The distinctive sound of hooves. Bon Cavalier… …!’
The risk level is Gold grade.
He is a formidable opponent that is difficult to handle alone. Moreover, with her son by her side… what should she do? The mother made the best decision.The answer would be to set aside her son and sacrifice her own life to settle the matter with a single blow.
Die with my son, orlive with my son.
Just as she braced herself and was about to move, something brushed past the side of her head.
Crack!
It was an axe.
The throwing axe struck the bon Cavalier. It flew far beyond where it was embedded. I couldn’t imagine just how much force was put into that small axe.
“what…….”
The mother turned around in panic, but as she straightened her head, she saw shadows flickering one by one beyond the snowstorm and slumped to the ground.Overwhelmed by fear, she hugged her son tightly without averting her gaze.
and.
Rough warriors with completely uneven attire appeared.
“flaw.”
Those who glanced at the mother and son immediately smiled fiercely and let out a beastly roar. They sped back the way the mother and son had come.
Barbarians, never seen in the Ternetian Federation, poured out from beyond the blizzard.
“Mommy.”“…….”
The young son, having stopped crying, pointed to the right.
The mother, still unable to grasp the situation, unconsciously glanced in that direction. Her eyes widened. There stood a young man far removed from barbarism.
A thick cloak adorned with the fur of a monster.Blue armor.Radiant blonde hair and blue eyes.A sacred sword scattering frost.
The safety of the survivors has been secured.
Since continents are round rather than flat, moving north leads to the south. In other words, the Prohas of the North and the Federation of the Antarctic share the same type of cold air.
I will push forward like this.
Prohas Extermination Corps Commander – Eres Eindgel Prohas.
[Nibis], the eleven symbolizing King Prohas and the Watchers of the North, is a unique artifact that can lead to every place where the cold of the North reaches.
Eres, having sealed the Gate of Prohas, leads a large army and marches toward the Gate of the Ternetia Federation.Following his footsteps, the southern part of the Central Continent froze over.
* * *
No matter how many undead there are, it is difficult to stop the World Alliance forces pushing in from all directions in completely different ways.As if acknowledging this, the ones who had been blocking the path from time to time retreated. They swarmed around the gate and formed a colony like a swarm of ants.
Triton was dumbfounded.
“What kind of monstrous number is this?”
Although we succeeded in identifying the gate by sending a reconnaissance magic item from the Hellion Magic Tower, to enter it we must cross a Great Wall made of undead.
Verden said.
“When you arrive in a few days, carve out the slope to create a fissure and secure the entrance to the Gate of Death. Adrian and Leonhardt will lead the assault. Make sure to create space for the main force to take up position, whatever is inside.”“Understood, Commander.”
Leonhardt kept nodding his head.
Adrian stared at the massive swarm of undead visible beyond the magic item… … and one peculiar undead stood out among them.
Commander entity.
The guy retreated blatantly toward the gate, as if sensing Adrian’s gaze beyond the magic item.It was as if he were saying, “Come in if you dare.”
This bastard.
Adrian set his sights on that arrogant undead commander.
* * *
Meanwhile, Lake Pendren in the southern part of the Western Continent.
The gate there pollutes the lake, and those who touch the polluted water are transformed into aberrant beings that dwell on the boundary between the undead and humans.
Although the sea cities of the Kingdom of Itel, contaminated by the bombardment of the Arnark Empire fleet, were destroyed… regrettably, Lake Pendren was so vast and resource-rich that several sea cities existed there.
There are already several cities affected by pollution.
Even though the Pendren extermination corps commanded by Tearel is launching an offensive, the damage to the surrounding areas caused by the functions of the Gate of Death cannot be prevented.
[Let’s… … melt away together.]
“Shit!!!”
These creatures crawl out to the edge of the lake.
It was not just purple slime made of decaying mucus.There were monsters with bodies made of grotesquely tangled blood vessels and heads connected by long necks. These horrific creatures, unlike ordinary undead, swarmed in, emitting a foul stench of decay.
Although the defense forces of the Western Continent are coping, the number of creatures that have swallowed up entire densely populated cities has reached an unmanageable level.
Kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwang!Tukwaaang!
Still, I managed to block it.
We activated all the siege weapons we had installed in advance to block them from coming ashore, but… … .
“I feel like I’m going to lose my mind.”“Fuck, fuck……! H-h
Human heads, half-protruding above the water’s surface, stared at them. Eyes like those of drowned corpses. Bubbles were bubbling around their mouths, as if trying to say something.
Is this what fear is?
I am afraid.
Even Mithril-grade adventurers had never encountered such monstrous creatures. Even if they were fed up with the grotesqueness of monsters, this was on a whole different level.Day and night, those heads followed the living with their eyes, and whenever vigilance seemed to waver, they would gradually reveal their bodies above the water.
Although it was an entity capable of being subdued, I could not shake the thought that I would one day be swallowed up.I pictured myself becoming one of them.My body melting away and mutating, my head chasing a life form above the water…
Sob.
The Mithril-ranked adventurer felt severely nauseous but could not throw up. If he showed weakness, the others would also become mentally frail.
I have to endure.
It was then that I was holding the defensive line while staring down the creatures.
“What a hideous sight.”“……!”
He immediately stepped back and drew his sword at the sound of a strange voice.
Someone wearing a pitch-black robe never seen before and a strange mask that completely concealed their face came into the guards’ field of vision.
It was an existence that did not belong to the defense unit.
Uh, when did that happen?
The Mithril-grade adventurer had lost his distance, and cold sweat poured down at the thought that his opponent could have plunged a sword into his neck if they had wanted to.Sensing his impending death, he gritted his teeth and raised his voice as if to say he would not be defeated.
“Surely not, you’re not from the Xerion Empire…!”“On the contrary.”
An irresistible pressure weighed down on them.
Kugugugugugugu… … !
A stranger emitted tremendous and ominous magical power and lightly twisted his wrist.The heads on the lake exploded in unison. The wide-open eyes of the monstrous creatures scattered in all directions and sank beneath the polluted lake.
The wizards with good instincts trembled.
“H-Black magic…….”“By the way, what exactly is the hierarchy?”
The Mithril-ranked adventurer swallowed hard upon seeing the stranger’s actions.Hope peeked out.
“Are you perhaps from the Alliance…?”“Alliance Headquarters.”
… … !
The statement that it was sent from the World United Headquarters could be interpreted in a different way.
The World Alliance Leader, directly under him!
Although he didn’t know who it was, the adventurer sensed roughly what level of being it had reached, so he immediately bowed at a right angle.
I greet the Transcendent!
An unofficial transcendent being hidden from the world.That must be the identity of the stranger.
I will support the Pendren subjugation army.
The stranger walked toward the lake without hesitation, before anyone could stop him. Before anyone knew it, he was already in the polluted lake water.However, far from melting away like ordinary people, strange ripples rose on the surface of the water, as if the lake itself were afraid of him.
Maintain the defensive line.
With those last words, the figure walking away into Lake Pendren.
Swoosh… … .
The stranger—the true form of Verden, disguised as an 8th-tier transcendent being of the black magic realm who had never emerged in international society, sank deep below the surface of the water.
