Episode 1119 The Weight of the Sacrifice (2)
Redella, who had come from the intelligence department of the Arnach Empire, placed his hand on the communication device.
“Securing the front yard of the southern Eastern Continent. Pressuring while holding back the Undead and the Corruptors. And to the Lake Pendren Extermination Legion…… A Transcendent of the Dark Magic Realm has arrived? Lord Beta, surely you don’t mean that these reinforcements are…”
[We are now lifting the information restriction. This is the headquarters’ unofficial force.]
“Ah, understood. Gongyu. The unofficial Transcendents of the Dark Magic Realm are direct forces of Headquarters. I repeat. The Transcendents of the Dark Magic Realm are direct forces of Headquarters. The Pendren Subjugation Legion has entered the Gate of Death.”“Lord Alpha, there is news that the advance troops of the Ternetia Federation have entered the Gate of Death.”“They say the Lefragium Magic Tower is rapidly tightening the encirclement of the Maren Kingdom.”
The Alliance headquarters could not cease operations as it had to process the countless pieces of information pouring out like a flood. Even a slight delay in information transmission or an error in the information itself would result in the loss of a significant number of lives.
The most difficult information warfare where information is immediately reflected on the ground.
Even the most prominent informants from each faction were rapidly worn out.No matter how much they took turns resting, the agony of having their physical and mental strength depleted under the weight of pressure was simply unavoidable.
“……! The aberrant form rapidly vanished at Lake Pendren!”“I report to the World Alliance. We have succeeded in closing the Four Gates of Lake Pendren……!”
Nevertheless, the sudden burst of good news washed away their fatigue. In particular, the news of victory became the strength to endure the harsh times.
However, where there is good news, there is also bad news.
“The combat loss rate of the Pendren Suppression Corps is over 60%… While recovery is possible, it is estimated that it will take at least three weeks just to return to some of the defensive lines.”“Many of our top forces have been killed. Here is the list of the dead—”“Commander Tearel barely survived but is said to be unconscious. It is unknown when he will wake up anytime soon…….”
Just as the Delharun Extermination Corps had done, the troops that closed the Gate of Death should have been deployed as a defensive force, but according to reports, there was no capacity to do so.The Pendren Extermination Corps truly sacrificed their lives to accomplish their mission. Since a Transcendent nearly fell in battle, it would be arrogant to dare to fathom their ferocity.
Intelligence Officer Pale reported.
All contact with the Kingdom of Maren has been cut off, Alpha.
… … !
It was an attack by the Evil Dragon Nekbael, but since the information was top secret, no one knew about it. At the Alliance headquarters, only Alpha and Beta were aware of it.
The eyes of the informants, including the officials in charge of the Central Continent who had failed in their attempt to communicate with personnel from the Maren Kingdom, converged on one another.
Since the Kingdom of Maren could not have been completely wiped out, there must have been a disruption in the local communication network. However, the extent of the disruption is severely wide.
How should headquarters respond?
Alpha gave the order.
[Kingdom of Maren. Entrusted to the Provider. Blockade. No reconnaissance allowed.]
Attempting to enter the Kingdom of Maren would only increase casualties needlessly. We must leave it entirely to Deus Widen, Vantoreon, the First Necromancer, Indren, and others.If they fail, sending reinforcements from the World Alliance would be meaningless. Since His Majesty Verden has quietly sent word that he is on his way, there is no need for headquarters to intervene immediately.
[What is Ma-gyeong?]
“The deeper we penetrate, the greater the distance between the punitive force and the reinforcements, making it difficult to gauge the battle situation; while there have been skirmishes, there are no significant reports yet.”
The subjugation of the Demon Realm, which was considered the most dangerous, was quieter than expected. As such, even though war could be predicted, it was forbidden to make premature judgments.
Time flowed densely.
In place of Verden, Alpha and Beta oversaw the information without a moment’s rest. Under their hands, which needed no rest, the 3D map of [Materias] continued to change according to the information on the battlefield.
It was then.
“what?”
One of the informants in charge of the Ternetia Federation Suppression Corps sprang to his feet. He belonged to the Kingdom of Dinell.His face, completely drained of color, hurriedly turned toward Alpha and Beta.
“R-Right now in the Federation───”
* * *
It was impossible to secure territory in the Ternetia Federation with only the advance troops. However, unlike the Xerion Empire forces, the World Alliance forces did not engage in war based solely on the strength of their individual units.
As many as a dozen artifacts were deployed.
A high-ranking Holy Relic, even among the sacred artifacts of the Ruas Theocracy, was activated. As the aura of death dissipated, a land where magical power could permeate was secured.
──────!
As none other than the Elders and Archbishops of the Magic Tower handled them, their power was utilized without waste. The Empire’s elite undead were purified and vanished the moment they entered the holy shield.Simultaneously, a magical wall was completed centered around the Gate of Death, forcing a siege upon the enemy and allowing the Alliance to seize the advantage of a defensive battle.
Until the main force arrives.
The objective of the advance unit was self-evident. Once troops capable of pushing back the undead elites arrived, they would switch from defense to offense.
There is a way to destroy the source of the Four Gates in one fell swoop, even without the power of a transcendent being.
So, you just need to approach it.
Some wizards, concealing their identities to the point where even the Allied Forces could not recognize them, waited for their moment. Together with Eon’s Wizard Corps.
Pow!
As the light shot from the artifact exploded, the undead’s magical bombardment lost its original trajectory. The flow of magical energy in the sky remained greatly twisted.
The vanguard ruthlessly executed the corpses attempting to climb over the fortress walls, while the rear guard maximized their deterrent power by projecting firepower diagonally.
There are quite a few individuals who boast top-tier skills across the entire continent. Although this was their first time participating in such a defensive battle, they quickly adapted to the war and naturally learned how to move efficiently and effectively.
The numerical disparity was so extreme that it appeared as though they were trying to stop the river from overflowing with mere sandbags, but the advance unit possessed the strength to make that possible.
Of course, it was thanks to the Transcendent that this structure became effective in the first place. Had the Empire’s asymmetric forces intervened, the defensive plan would not have even been attempted.
For the apex of the corps as well, the deciding factor in victory or defeat was whether they could hold out against the Second Commander without suffering fatal injuries until the main force arrived.
Befitting the Second War of the Transcendents.
From a distance, the noble divine power and cold evil clashed, creating a deafening roar.
Boom!
Leonhardt moved his legs while keeping the Holy Sword as close to his body as possible. He countered the enemy’s sword strikes with minimal movement and then made a sudden change.
The tactic of overwhelming the opponent while confusing them is a teaching of Cardinal Gregorban.
He slashed the shin, raised his elbow, and thrust the tip of the sword into the emaciated face. Immediately afterward, he shouldered forward and swung the holy sword upward from below. Heunleashed a punch with his right hand, released from the hilt. At the same time, he brought the holy sword down with his left hand.
A large number of nearby undead were eliminated just by being grazed by transcendent divine power.
Leonhardt did not cease his offensive, as if he had become one with the holy sword [Luens]. The sound of the sword was incessant. It felt as though his entire body, not just his hands, was resonating.
The strength of asymmetric power is different from my imagination… …!
With every swing of his sword by Lachdion, the Second Commander of the Xerion Empire, a cruel chill spread. Frost settled on the miracle that enveloped Leonhardt’s entire body.Could divine power… could it physically freeze like this? Not only the inexplicable cold but also the enemy’s technique far exceeded expectations.
The level of perfection in swordsmanship is on a whole different level.
Rakdion wielded precise swordsmanship. There was no overlap with the warrior-type undead that moved mindlessly relying on brute force.
A dense energy surged in the blade of conquest that struck the holy sword without any fuss.
“Ugh!”
Leonhardt braked his legs and strained his upper body backward. His lungs exhaled. A chill brushed against his chin, and using his hands as pivots, he launched himself into the air.The moment he quickly created distance and thrust the Holy Sword forward, the guy was already right in front of him.
The distance is too narrow to block it completely.
The difference in physical strength is also overwhelming.
If Lachdion pushed the holy sword away with sword pressure and slashed all the way, his face would split open. Leonhardt reflexively twisted his head to absorb the shock, but—ignoring his instinct, he shifted his weight onto his forelegs.
Rather, they set fire to it.
I can’t handle it alone.
Rakdion’s sword energy was blocked just before it reached Leonhardt.
Even so, the fact that this duel is possible is purely thanks to Mr. Adrian… …!
Adrian and Lachdion clashed.
Squeak… … !
The sword energies imbued in the Light Sword and the Sword of Conquest clashed violently. The blades let out a scream like an eerie, ghostly wail.Although Adrian was pushed back, it was Leonhardt’s role to fill the gap.
He emitted a beam of light from behind Adrian.
Rakdion blocked it with his other hand as if holding it, then crushed it. He didn’t even think he would be eaten, so there is absolutely no reason to be disappointed.
As promised, Adrian moved to the left and Leonhardt to the right.
wild dance
Hundreds of purple sword energies slashed at Rakdion. Leonhardt transformed into light and unleashed a barrage of attacks with maximum sword speed.As the metallic sounds overlapped in an instant, it was almost as if they were a single sound.
Adrian’s senses reached their peak.
This guy’s swordsmanship is strictly textbook. It has no distinct strengths, nor any weaknesses. Putting everything else aside, it is truly worthy of the word “diligent.”
He was the first swordsman so faithful to the basics since Grand Duke Rivandale. Even Adrian would not last long if he faced him with the same fundamentals and would be broken.It was an especially unfavorable matchup for Leonhardt, who had only recently begun learning swordsmanship.
That is why I have the advantage in speed.
Rakdion’s defenses were like massive fortress walls, yet the sword made contact. Although it could not cut through his high resistance, a scratch appeared on his armor.The fact that it could cause even a small crack meant it could be destroyed.
Faster.
Adrian’s tendons bulged.
[… … !]
Kagagagagagagagagagang!
Adrian’s movements, immersed in speed, surpassed Leonhardt’s cognitive abilities. Lachdion responded by retreating nimbly for the first time.
As the close-quarters combat continued, pure white frost began to form on the lightsaber, but stopping would be a bad move. Even if it was just to buy time, unless I fought boldly with the resolve to kill, my life would slip away in vain.
Head.Abdomen.Legs.
A total of three consecutive beams of light damaged the commander’s helmet and armor. He rotated following the flow of the deflected light sword to deflect the enemy’s sword strike.Adrian, who had accelerated in an instant, activated his ultimate technique right at close range.
Intensification
The moment the afterimage appeared, [Silendar] split Rakdion’s armor.
The blade dug into the man’s shoulder as if to cleave him in two. Although the blade stopped midway, it was encouraging that sword energy had touched through the armor for the first time.At the very least, it was proven that the light sword could break through the resistance of asymmetrical forces.
However… … as it was an unreasonable strike, the distance between them was close to zero.
[You’re bold.]
My senses were heightened by a terrible murderous intent.I cannot let go of my light sword, so I cannot retreat.
I cannot allow even a brush.
Adrian kicked left and right in succession. Grasping the hilt of his sword, he arched his back in mid-air. It was a daring acrobatics that risked a fatal wound.
Lachdion’s gauntlet passing by the back of the head.
Adrian retrieved his lightsaber, changing direction with the aerial leap he had mastered in the battle against Sandir Faen. No blood flowed from the cracked armor.
At that moment—Lachdion gripped his sword in reverse and thrust at the back. Just like Adrian, Lachdion adapted to his opponent’s movement.
A cold blade flickered in my vision.
Boom!
At that moment, Leonhardt threw the Holy Sword in the opposite direction and struck Adrian. As Adrian was sent flying, Lachdion’s thrust came to nothing.Since it merely pushed him away, there was no significant damage.
Adrian took a fall and straightened his stance.
“Have you adjusted?”“I could barely see the very end.”“That’s enough.”
The transcendents slowly walked with Lachdion between them.
“You acted all high and mighty, and look what a sight it is. Is your pride refusing to let you go all out now?”
[I told you I would treat you like you are at your level.]
Lachdion watched them.
It doesn’t add up to show anything more than that.
“That’s bad luck.”“Then die like that.”
Adrian and Leonhardt accelerated and approached in a circle. Lachdion tilted the Sword of Conquest and simultaneously blocked the sword energy flying from both sides.
The sound of cutting through the air pierced my ears.
The shadow of the gauntlet fell over the bridge of Leonhardt’s nose. He dodged the fist, but he could not do anything about the grip.
‘What? The rhythm suddenly changed—’
He was thrown, his head held captive. Precisely toward Adrian, who was moving at invisible speed. Lachdion had seen through his path.
Smack!
As soon as Adrian caught Leonhardt, a kick flew in. The impact shattered his internal organs. Leonhardt fell to the ground, and immediately afterwards, Rakdion rushed towards the two from above.
The sword of conquest was embedded in the ground.
A chill spread in an instant and froze Leonhardt, who had rolled to the side. He protected his body with divine power, but it was difficult for him to move immediately.
Lachdion, who had effectively sealed one person away, drew his sword and aimed at Adrian.
Smack! Smack! Smack!
Rakdion intentionally extended the time the swords remained connected to freeze the light sword. The two swords froze together. Adrian performed a technique.He drew several circles with the swords still connected, but they did not budge.
‘this…….’
And, the mace.
Boom!
Rakdion let go of his sword and struck Adrian’s chest diagonally. Then he kicked the frozen head of Leonhardt.
The ice broke.
“It feels like my throat is going to be torn off…!”
Leonhardt barely managed to control his body. Fortunately, he was a transcendent being of the Faith Realm. As he could heal injuries through miracles, his endurance was formidable.Furthermore, Adrian’s resilience had been severely hardened while experiencing the Magic of Destruction.
It is very difficult to die.
Kagagagak!
Although there was no difference in the scale of the power Rakdion wielded, he gained the upper hand simply by varying the intensity. Because he had perfected his basic swordsmanship, he was actually adept at variation.
The wounds piled up, but the transcendents held onto Lachdion tightly.
The battle continued in a close contest,enough to make one forget the passage of time.
Finally, the time came.
Waaahh
Countless sounds and shouts shook the battlefield.
The main force has arrived.
As a result, I endured without fatal injuries, but to receive support, I must leave room for intervention. After all,one cannot simply throw oneself into a storm recklessly.
However, since Adrian and Leonhardt are trapped in the torrent led by Lachdion, if they go even slightly awry, they will be torn to pieces and killed in an instant.
I must break this flow somehow.
Adrian stepped into the line of fire the moment he made his decision. He bent his upper body forward, his gaze fixed straight ahead, and tightened his muscles and nerves to the extreme.His sword energy aimed at his opponent like an arrow lifted from a bowstring.
Series
A world-splitting slash exploded.
The energy flashed violently. Even the space surrounding Rakdion was severed. The aftermath spread throughout the entire Ternetia Federation.Leonhardt recoiled greatly from the terrifying aura that felt as if his body would be torn apart.
Silence settled over the area.
[… … .]
Rakdion was cast far away during the transcendental period that had finished off Sandir Faen. The ground was dug up. The traces of his expulsion remained clearly visible.The Sword of Conquest, born of fate, was vibrating violently with a buzzing sound.
“Can’t it be severed even by a transcendental power? I guess that sword cannot be destroyed.”
Adrian swung his lightsaber. He roughly wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. With the arrival of the main force, the top-tier troops were gradually drawing closer.
[A realm that a wretched soul like you could never reach. The influence of the Destroyer of Fate is truly profound.]
Lachdion let down his sword.
[The number of commanders does not reflect differences in level, but the retinue is different. The closer you get to the first, the stronger the retinue is.]
Second Commander of the Xerion Empire.Apocalypse of Conquest.
Lachdion is the second strongest being among the kin of the Apocalypse. He has finally begun to manifest the power of conquest (plague).
[Now the numbers add up.]
* * *
While the war continued on the continent, Sheorn Kernoden, the elder of the Ark, was passing through the desert.
I did not return to the Ark, knowing that the World Alliance was struggling to stabilize space. A long-distance transfer would be a burden.
So, Elder Sheorn, who had been staying on Earth for a while, obtained permission from his superiors and headed alone to the Desert of Silence.Since he could not engage in battle unless ordered to intervene by the Ark, he had nothing else to do.
The small boat gliding through the sandy desert slowly slowed down.
“Ooh…….”
Holding the small twig that Verden had given him a short while ago, he discovered the city. The twig was a one-time pass to enter Tuhar.
So this is Tuhar.
Elder Sheorn arrived at Nuhara, the new capital of Tuhar built by Verden and the administrator.
