Episode 1123 Beyond Limits (1)
The world is filled with countless sounds.
Silence does not come from soundlessness, but originates from the ears of the one who cannot hear.Stillness is a silence composed of many sounds.
But this silence… … .
Even though Verden concentrated on his hearing, he could hear nothing but the sound of his own heartbeat. He could not find a trace of insects either.Even the wind had stopped, and the scent of summer had vanished without a trace.
A pale blue sky.The sky is close to achromatic.
As the clouds did not move an inch, it felt as though I were facing a space where time had stopped.
It was expected to be a difficult and challenging battlefield given that they had to face the evil dragon Nekhbael, but the situation in the Kingdom of Maren seemed to be even more so.
A part of the continent that looks as if it has died.
The presence could not be detected, and the signal from the communication device was completely cut off.
The area of the Kingdom of Maren is comparable to that of the Republic of Beldirn.
Since the whereabouts of the Four Dragons and Deus cannot be determined, I must search the entire Kingdom of Maren. Of all my senses, only what is visible is clearly perceived.Because I must rely solely on sight, I will be exposed to potential surprise attacks from blind spots, but I am willing to accept such risks.
Even if perfection is impossible, you must move to achieve a near-perfect victory. You must not stop moving forward to the end, even if it is difficult to handle.
That is what responsibility is.
For now, to the southwest.
Flight
Verden, having accelerated at the eastern edge of the Maren Kingdom, eventually reached maximum speed.
* * *
Lachdion triggered the Plague of Cold through the hosts he was fighting.
“Cough……!”“Ugh, aaaaaaah.”
The bodies of the Allied soldiers who tried to help those who had been deserted from the battlefield froze inside. The lower the resistance, the more the symptoms worsened immediately, leading to death.
“Bishop! Where are you, Bishop!”“How could this be… A fraud opposing the light of the Goddess Luas…!!!”
Archbishops and high bishops well-versed in various curses immediately manifested miracles of purification, but they were utterly unable to repel the cold.At best, they could only slow the rate of infection.Moreover, even high resistance was not enough to overcome it.
“Grrr, grrr.”
One of the Knight Commanders of the Kingdom of Belmair, who had commanded approximately 2,000 soldiers and annihilated a large number of high-ranking undead, spewed energy before foaming at the mouth.Clutching his abdomen and collapsing backward, his face was violently contorted. The heroic qualities he displayed on the battlefield had degenerated into those of no different soldiers.
“Elder?”“……Tell Lord Lavinia that I’m sorry.”
Crunch!
The Elder of the Zentir Mage Tower, who possessed high resistance to cold magic, pierced his temple with a sophisticated dagger at his waist while meditating.His smile looked incredibly at ease.It was a choice he made because he was having trouble managing his magical power, he knew that death was inevitable, and that the suffering of the plague, which was unbearable given his high resistance, would be prolonged.
Fear of infectious diseases was still rampant in the international community, as it had not been long since the onset of the Bloody Cry plague.
How many casualties were there worldwide?
The sight of people wailing and spitting up red blood, and the subsequent horrors, are unforgettable. The Plague of Crying Blood left a deep scar on modern humanity.
Those who came into contact with the corpses of the cold plague suffered less severely than those who had come into direct contact with a host, but as time passed, symptoms of infection began to appear, such as a drop in body temperature and sluggish senses.Along with the chill, fear spread.It was a desperate yearning for survival, fearing that they, too, might die in the same way. After all, they had entered the Continental War not to die, but to live.
“Prioritize deploying curtains and protective shields, and incinerate the bodies immediately. Forbidden access to anything that has come into contact with the enemy commander, including the Legion Commander.”
Commanders Marsend and Alquier of the Legion belonging to the Arnark Empire spoke. A Commander was a high-ranking position located immediately below the Lord of the Legion.
“Do not lose control!”“If we get mixed up with the reinforcements who haven’t grasped the situation, our formation will collapse. Also, I need to reduce the density of the corps by about 40%.”
Authorities among the high-ranking commanders of the World Alliance remained composed and focused on command. They were wary of the undead legions more than the plague. Theirmomentum had only just begun to build.If they fell into internal turmoil, they would be unable to overcome the wall of the undead elites. It was necessary to cut off their momentum before the legions became even more agitated.
Until the source of the sect is destroyed or the enemy commander is defeated.
There are many talented people on the continent. There are also those whose talents blossom after the long peace has ended.Outstanding individuals who would have been called great generals in an era of war each served as small pillars to support the structure known as the World Alliance.
“How should I reduce the density?”“Just a moment for the calculations…… Oh, that is.”
Just then, a presence that was neither human nor undead loomed from a dark purple rift.
A new allied force has arrived in the world of Samun.
It was Eon’s Golem unit, composed of Guard Golems (Annihilation Type), Guard Golems (Self-Destruct Type), Vanguard Golems, Magic Golems, Giant Golems, and Mithril Giant Golems.The magical weapons that Eon showcased at the Magic Festival!Among them was a special golem that Tilber Spangear had worked on this time.
“Transporting golems using airships… I thought that was preposterous, but to think you actually executed it. Truly the Destroyer of the Fortein Plains.”“It seems you succeeded in breaking through their thick anti-air barrier. Seeing that the golems have reachedthe Gate of Death, do they have quite a bit of leeway outside?” “On the contrary, they might have no leeway, so they pushed themselves to deploy their maximum power. It is physically impossible to annihilate the undead legion over there immediately. If they seize the Gate of Death in return, our total annihilation is certain.”
Communication between the inside and outside of the Gate is cut off. It is difficult to immediately know what the situation is like on the other side. In any case, there was no room to worry about the outside from the inside. After all, the objective was to close the Gate with all one’s might, no matter what.
“It would be best to arrange the platoons like dots. The lines connecting the dots should be composed of Eon’s Golems.”“I will order each commander to subdivide the units.”
A large-scale order was issued from the communication device.
“Spread out by platoon!”
Kiiiiing!
The corps mobilized anew.
A sight that looks like a signal sent from the brain passing through the nervous system and making the hand move.
The platoon itself became one and engaged in individual combat, while various golems provided support in between. Since they were completely immune to any plague, they were ideal as the link in the troop formation.
The highly intelligent high-ranking undead—the Corpse Keeper—bared his decayed teeth.
[A being unworthy of life—]
Crunch!
The immense mass crushed the flesh and bones in an instant.
Boom.
The giant Mithril Golem only faltered briefly even against sixth-rank magic.
Mithril is a superior metal with high magical receptivity. Since it is coated all over the body, it is practically a wizard slayer.Furthermore, considering the metal materials used in the frame, its physical resistance is also overwhelming.
Whenever the distinctive jade-colored frame sliced through the air from top to bottom, the earth shook, and dozens of undead were crushed to death.
A total of 3 Mithril Golems were deployed to the Ternetia Federation.
Eon’s strongest golem, excluding Beta, which even Alpha and Beta had managed to build only seven of, smashed the corpses and shattered the battle lines of the undead army.Then, the Allied Forces, accompanied by various golems, fiercely pushed through the gap.
“Wipe out all those corpses!”“Under the banner of the Alliance!”“To the innocent light!”
[Hateful things!]
[Give me back my life… …!]
Empowered by the effects of the various potions consumed beforehand, the offensive grew more ferocious. They were now accustomed to the death of their comrades. As if there were no turning back, they forced themselves to recall their rage, thirst for revenge, and sense of duty.
The 6th-tier black magic cast by the Arch Lich cut across the Legion’s front line.
Triple Casting: Ray of Corruption
Only rotting corpses remained where the green beam of light had passed.Dark magic from the material world struck the surrounding area.
Kwa-kwa-kwa-kwang! Kwaaang!
A noble of the Ternetian Federation was exposed to the aftermath of the explosion and rolled around.
“Your Excellency, Your Excellency the Count! Are you alright!”“I’m fine!”
He was Count Banach.
“We are too close to the front lines……!”“The legendary undead I read about in books are over there…… This cannot happen. Our abilities are insufficient to handle anything more than this!”
The Glory of the Dead raided the sanctuary, and the gates of death opened in the Ternetia Federation. The undead poured out. Thanks to a temporary truce that was reached just before the city of Bradel fell, they were barely able to save their lives.As members of the surviving federation, they were able to join the World Alliance.
“Even so, I cannot hesitate.”“Your Excellency…!”“This is my homeland. This land, the Federation of Ternetia, is our country. If lives must be sacrificed, it must be us who go first…!”
Count Banach did not hesitate to advance as if he were willing to die. Ifa high-ranking noble of the Federation did not step forward at a time like this, the Federation’s devastated territory would be plundered by other nations later on, under the pretext of claiming credit after the war ended.
If the World Alliance is dissolved, a new era of politics will begin.
Count Banach understands well how rational and ruthless the international community is. The embodiment of power is the international community, which is both a stage and a monster.
But above all… … it is because his greatest attachment lies in a safe place far from war that he, as a nobleman, is willing to stake his life.
Haenel, I don’t know if I’ll ever see you again.
My daughter, cured of the Blood-Crying Plague by the power of heretical faith, followed Jose to the Blue Mountains of her own free will, saying she wanted to become a heretic herself.I regretted not being able to dissuade her in the end… but looking back now, it was truly a relief. Afterall, the undead wouldn’t climb the Blue Mountains.
Mr. Jose, please protect my daughter.
Count Banach prayed in his heart to a god other than the goddess Luas. He knew which god Jose worshipped because he had seen the statue.
‘Your Majesty Verden, please bestow your blessing upon the Federation.’
“Yaaaaaa!”
Count Banach shouted and charged. The Count’s retainers joined him.
The adventurers’ power was also no less than theirs.
“Gelton! An arrow in your arm!”“I am safe! More ahead!”
Gelton casually pulled out the contaminated arrow while calculating magic. The Zentra explosion incident. One of his arms had already been replaced with a prosthetic golem.In the adventurer party Manha, everyone except Vermin had a prosthetic attached.
Thump!
The shield warrior Vermin shuddered as he was pushed back shield and all.
“It’s much more vicious than the outside world! Just how many high-risk individuals are there?! There are too many to count!”“Since there are so many, there are bound to be many high-risk species! Isn’t that the case for the Allied Forces too!” “The undead are the same as us?! Is that something a Priest of Light should be saying!”“That is the truth!”“Both of you, go look to your side!”
The Death Knight is striding forward among the lower undead,glaring precisely at the adventurers of Manha.He has marked them as prey.
BANG!
Then a huge man appeared, clashed with the Death Knight, and pushed him away with force.
“Damn it, what are you staring at? Hey! I’m going to take care of this bastard first, so you guys don’t follow me and stay over there!”“Understood, Mr. Galliac!”
Butcher Galliac fought the Death Knight while swinging [Hweol] wildly. The mithril plate hanging around his neck shook violently.
“So there’s a hulking character with a bad temper on the other side. That burly guy—is that the Butcher? That insolent bastard who beat up a knight and got disciplined for challenging the Bloodstained Sword.”“I think so.”“Haha! Could there be a more perilous adventure than this!”
Leader Skald pulled the large axe.
“Why don’t we each try to get a Mithril Plate instead of as a party! While we’re at it!”“I think surviving comes first!”“Of course we have to survive!”
More tenacious than the Ainjong,and more persistent than the Ihyeongjong.
“Like an adventurer.”
* * *
Eon’s Golem unit arrived.
Rateon’s voice warning of the cold contagion was heard from afar.
Not long after, the movements of the Allied forces began to change. Amidst the noisy battlefield, commanders continuously spewed out massive orders.
Platoon-unit advance.Golem vanguard deployment.
It seemed that they were trying to minimize the possibility of the plague spread by Rakdion spiraling out of control by utilizing the vast battlefield.Thanks to this, soldiers who had not yet been exposed to the cold plague were able to focus solely on the front lines without being caught up in the chaos in the rear.
[For no one can exert a transfer exceeding the total amount. Adrian Chambers. I ask you, who have reclaimed the right of choice by following the one who destroyed fate.]
Lachdion scoffed at the Allied Forces’ desperate struggle.
[What sacrifice is to be chosen?]
The more allies are infected by the cold, the weaker Lachdion becomes.Thus, he asks:Will you increase your chances of victory even if it means sacrificing your allies?Will you demand sacrifice from your allies?
We must hold that bastard back until the special task force approaches the source of the Four Gates. So that he focuses solely on us, without even a moment to worry about the rear…
Adrian looked up at the sky above the gate.
You damn bastard.
Like a minion of ‘you’ who created destiny, you are forcing choices upon others.By compelling choices, you are making them hesitate.
I learned what to do in times like this by being by my lord’s side.
Not being swayed.
and.
Taking responsibility.
Adrian immediately straightened his head and took a step forward.At that determined look, Eres opened his eyes wide.
“Adrian.”“I’ll take responsibility.”
Adrian’s intense determination was conveyed to the top forces here.
Do not hesitate to let the plague spread; pour all your strength into destroying the commander.
[… … !]
“If we are defeated here, the Alliance will be annihilated. I will accept the sacrifice. Do not hesitate to sacrifice others. It is my choice. The blood of our comrades, the corpses of our comrades!”
If he were the Lord, he would have driven Rakdion into a corner alone without such a sacrifice.
That was impossible for Adrian.
Whether it was destroying the source of the Four Gates or finally annihilating Lachdion, Adrian’s best course of action was to achieve results as quickly as possible, even by a minute or a second, to minimize casualties to his allies.
It’s all my fault.
The Adrian Chambers of old would not have cared how many allies died. On the contrary, he might have scoffed, saying it was a natural result since they were weak.
Awakening led to a break from the past.
Despite claiming to be my lord’s sword, I cannot reach the utopia he seeks to achieve.Nevertheless, I merely strive to draw infinitely closer to him.
Beyond that limit.
