[AN: Sorry for the late update haha,
Btw I just noticed that we crossed the 500 follows milestone! Wow! Thank you everyone!
Does anyone knows if Favs are a separate thing? Because if they are then It's up to 700! *wide eyes*
Anyway, enjoy the new Chapter!
Not proofread yet, so I'm sorry! >.>
Edit: A PR version is out! Thanks go to nf_zeta-san and miaowdom-san! Applause!
A change to formatting of spells:
(Psychic powers)
(Runic powers)
(Regular powers)
(Dragon powers!)]
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What is the meaning of life? Why do we live? What is our life's purpose?
Even someone as exalted as the Adamantine Dragon whose life had surpassed thousands of eras did not know the answer. He who saw countless empires crumble. He who ended thousands of royal lineages. He who had slain hundreds of gods as he pleased had no idea.
Why do I ask this question?
Well...
Marc stood in the center of the Throne Room with his eyes closed preparing his move. On the outside Vorst was in the same position. For the first time he completely synchronized his new body with his soul.
The boy’s aura was filled with authority, no one would have imagined that a small child would ever be capable of summoning even a tenth of it.
As he slowly opened his eyes the jade color was replaced with a royal violet shine...
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[Time: more than 1h ago]
Three children were walking alongside the crowd towards the shelter. As they entered the complex maze, Nova decided to take the lead as she knew the way, what's more was that she was the eldest as well.
Nova was seriously mystified. After the battle in the tournament, the rate of her power gain had increased. Furthermore, the knowledge of runes came to her really easily; allowing her to easily grasp the concepts that she had previously struggled with. Her understanding towards her Barrier Psychic powers also skyrocketed to the point of startling Claire. In the past two weeks, she had completely covered all of the knowledge that past witches left in the hands of the Elven Queen... And she desired more. The thirst for knowledge was quite a common thing for witches...
Although her aptitude had improved, she didn't go through the sub-trans because witches did not have any, therefore this change went without anyone noticing at all.
The shelter they had been assigned to was a special one with the capacity for six individuals.
When they arrived one person was already inside.
It seemed like Claire was up for mischief even in situations like this because it was the tiger girl who was inside.
[Celina: Hello Aria-senpai, Mersa, V-vorst.]
[Nova: Hi Za-chan.]
[Mersa: ... Hello Celina-senpai.]
[Marc: ... Hello senpai.]
Celina’s feelings for Vorst this past month had increased tremendously. It was due to his excellent performance with his controlled bot. Previously Celina had completely given up on the soldier path because she was simply not 'cut out' for it. Not only was her aptitude only Mid, but also she lacked the fighting instincts for it.
Now that the Golden Knight had shown her that with the Photon Transfer and Controlled Bots they could fight with extreme precision she regained her motivation. Last week she developed special Scout Bots. They could venture into the unknown territory, with direct control they were incredibly nimble and provided more information and most importantly they were completely safe for the user!
[--Lily--: Hmm... It makes me wonder why Celina's link wasn't formed yet.]
[--Calla--: M'lord still tries to cover up this affair.]
[--Lily--: Right, as usual he isn't willing to admit to his cheating habits.]
[--Calla--: *Nods* He doesn't want to make this official.]
[--Lily--: Poor child, being led by nose by a beast like Marc...]
[--Calla--: *Nods*]
[--Marc--: ...]
Just as the girls inside his soul were besting him, outside a big holo-monitor appeared in the middle of the room.
[Nova: This is one of the VIP rooms, not only does it have the safest standards it is also equipped with many useful devices. A normal room houses forty people at once haha.]
The status of the current battle was displayed, so far both sides remained still. On Kollos' side an Elven M-God was standing in front of the Primary Station Barriers. It was a green machine with beauty comparable to Goddesses in Marc's previous world...
Behind her there were countless Photon Cannons that were powered by their operators. Six HSTs were seated in one making it capable of firing repetitive laser shots which were capable of pulverizing enemy Mechs into oblivion, even M-Armor would be badly damaged by one hit. The only drawback of these was extreme recoil, so they could only be installed on stations, planets, and ships with Destroyer caliber or higher.
[Nova: Look at these Collos Photon Cannons!]
The blue-haired girl pointed at several cannons that were three times bigger than the rest with amazement in her eyes.
[Nova: When those concentrate their fire even M-Gods will not be able to escape unscathed! Haha, of course unless he is Barrier Psychic user, but even those have to utilize full scale (PBarrier) to counter it.]
On the holo-monitor the angelic voice of Elven Queen resounded.
[Claire: What brings you here Magnes-chan?]
Red colored M-God responded.
[Magnes: I've came to visit you Claire.]
[Claire: Oh, we welcome everyone in Kollos Alliance, however entering with your army and a M-God is a bit too much. But if you wish to enter alone...]
The emperor of the Crimson Empire is very secretive. It is widely known that no one has ever seen his face - it is also reflected in his M-God, which doesn't even have the Elven characteristic.
But he was not able to hide it because between elves there is a thing known as crystal resonance. When two elves get close to each other the gems on their foreheads vibrate. As a result they instinctively know each others location, which makes them really poor infiltrators.
Several centuries ago he single handedly took over the Crimson Alliance and turned it into the Crimson Empire. Kollos' reaction was too late, when they arrived at the scene everything was already resolved and most of the Rankers on the other side decided to follow new self-proclaimed Emperor Magnes.
[Magnes: Enough with your jokes Claire, just surrender.]
[Claire: Oh? Really? Did you forget the battle two hundred years ago?]
Undefeated. Invincible. Ultimate. Emperor Magnes. That what he was known inside his empire.
Two hundred years ago for the first time in public he tasted defeat from the hands of the Elven Queen. It wasn't exactly a defeat. He was utterly crushed. Even though both of them were classified as 'A' class Rankers the difference in their abilities was simply too much. Only thanks to his luck and Spatial Escape Jump he survived.
[Magnes: ... Attack.]
With that the real battle started. A seemingly endless amount of Mechs poured out of the transport ships only to be mercilessly slaughtered by the lasers. Kollos' side did not suffer a single casualty as they all were within the Psychic Barrier of the Elven Queen. One could nearly see through the metal armor and see her mocking smile that she had on her face. Destroyed Mechs can be salvaged for materials, so if Crimson Empire doesn't win this battle it will just supply it's enemies with large amount of resources.
The battle continued for a while with absolute superiority of the Elven Queen's Barrier, she could even endure M-God's attack, not to mention some minor Mechs. On the screen hundreds of thousands Mechs were turned into scraps...
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[Time: ~10 minutes before present]
For the past 40 minutes Mechs of Crimson Empire were ground into nothingness... Honestly it was really boring, Marc inside Vorst even took a nap on the lap of the dark angel.
Then the situation finally progressed further.
The enemy M-Gods suddenly made their move.
Three of them readied their weapons and charged and just as they were about to strike the Elven Queen...
[Claire: (Bind Seal)]
Immediately all three of them completely froze. A highest power restrictive barrier that was Claire's signature move. Completely overcoming normal (Bind)’s weakness it could stop multiple opponents at once. Then a 120m staff appeared on the hands of her M-God.
[Claire: (Psychic Empower)]
A green glow covered the weapon. Swing.
With just one hit she completely shattered the barrier of one of the opponents and just as she was about to finish him off...
A green flash.
A green panther M-God appeared right next to her.
That speed was completely outside of her expectations, Claire made sure to keep eye on the Magnes' M-God but she never thought that this green panther would be this fast.
An immense glow appeared on its claws.
(Photon Nova Overcharge)
One of the Ranker's abilities with a status known as a Finisher, it allows them to pour ridiculous amount of their Photons into the weapon for an ultimate attack. The only drawback is destruction of a weapon but since it brings victory it doesn't seriously matter right?
Claire was completely caught off guard. Her life nearly flashed before her eyes.
Nearly.
Because what flashed before her eyes was a silver flash.
The Silver Liger.
[Mistglan: ... Seriously... He really... was right...]
He muttered as he blocked the strike from green panther with his white broadsword.
WHOOSH
Both of their weapons disintegrated.
[Claire: ... Mist...]
[Mistglan: Haha...]
[Claire: ... I see... Thank you Mist.]
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[Mistglan: ...]
Green panther and two other M-Gods used that split second as an opportunity to grab the broken one and retreated.
Inwardly Mistglan was shocked himself, if he didn't pay close attention to the green panther then he might have missed that critical moment even if he was in the field. In this battle Claire was certain of her abilities, that's why she put him in charge of Athena's cadets. Who would have guessed that Crimson Empire still had this card inside their sleeve...
If Vorst didn't warn him beforehand the Elven Queen right now would be critically injured or even dead.
On the other side Magnes silently cursed in his head. Bad luck. That's what he thought it was. If Mistglan didn't show up he would have ended the war in this single strike!
In the past hundred years he carefully studied habits of the Elven Queen. How strange, according to his prediction he was 99% certain that she would arrogantly put the silver liger in the back to take care of the children...
He carefully raised the green panther teaching him both (Photon Nova Overcharge) and (Instant Blitz) skills just for this battle and decades of work was completely ruined at this moment...
[Claire: To execute this kind of plan... I guess two hundred years have made you more crafty Magnes-chan.]
[Magnes: ... Charge.]
With that he launched an attack together with other M-Gods. If a surprise attack failed then he just have to win normally!
As the events unfolded on the holo-monitor Nova was incredibly impressed. It was exactly as Vorst said! He was the one that pointed out the green panther as a threat and now his prediction became true! Unlike Mersa, the 19 years old witch who was schooled personally by Claire for past several years understood the implications of this ability. To be able to see through opponent's true strength is actually the most advantageous power on the battlefield.
No wonder she lost to him... Nova became even more fascinated with the green eyed boy.
On the screen Mistglan and Claire were having a fight with nine other M-Gods and were essentially winning it. Their opponents were fighting with two monsters after all. After the first exchange Magnes completely understood the extent of the power of the Silver Liger. That one too, was a level higher than him!
Claire became slightly uneasy... One of the foe's M-God already became incapacitated, but the opponents didn't show a slight hesitation and engaged again. What was their goal?
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Mersa was hugging Vorst the whole time. Since the moment Headmistress was in danger she instinctively clung to him and even after realizing it she only blushed, but didn't let go.
Suddenly, his aura changed...
A relaxed atmosphere around him turned razor sharp, it felt like just his gaze alone would be capable of cutting his opponent.
[--Lily--: They are making a move huh?]
[--Marc--: Right, have you found anything?]
[--Lily--: I'm sorry Marc, but there was nothing out of ordinary. If I had a body then I would be able to do a thorough investigation, but now...]
[--Marc--: No worries, they'll reveal themselves soon.]
[Mersa: Vor-chan?]
[Vorst: Mer-chan, please stand back. Also Nova-senpai and Celina-senpai, please take Mer-chan and go towards the emergency exit...]
Although she didn't know the situation the blue haired girl reacted immediately.
[Nova: What's going on?]
[Vorst: The enemy is coming.]
[Nova: ... I understand, but what will you do?]
[Vorst: I'll fight them.]
[Nova: Then I will do so too!]
[Mersa: Me too! I will not leave Vor-chan.]
[Celina: I will try too.]
The young boy shook his head.
[Vorst: Two of them, Upper Circle Tier.]
Hearing his words Nova turned completely pale. What a HST can do against them? It's like making a mouse fight a lion.
[Nova: Vorst, we need to run.]
A smile appeared on his lips.
[Vorst: Circle Tier can fly, their speed completely surpasses us... One of us...]
[Mersa: No! No! I definitely won't allow this! NO!]
As soon as she understood his intentions tears poured out of her eyes as she clung to him desperately.
[Vorst: I'm sorry Mer-chan, I'm making you cry again... (Sleep)]
A bright rune appeared in front of the White Wolf Princess' eyes. With that, extreme drowsiness fell upon her.
[Mersa: No! No.. Vor... chan... N...]
Nova seeing it was completely shocked. The Neo-Aris used a 'Rune'! Apart from her there was no other witches in the universe! What's more the rune he used was several times more complicated than the hardest one she could utilize.
[Vorst: Aria. I'm entrusting Mer-chan to you.]
Crystal clear jade eyes smiled as he used her private name for the first time. Seeing resolve in his eyes blue haired girl could only swallow her tears and take Mersa from him. With that they departed.
A boy was standing in the middle of the room with two hands behind his back waiting patiently. He had that mature feel and there was no sign of discomfort in him.
[--Marc--: Hmm...]
[--Lily--: ...]
[--Calla--: ...]
[--Marc--: I guess my luck is quite harsh this time.]
[--Lily--: Your luck was always terrible.]
[--Calla--: There is nothing wrong with m'lord’s choice.]
[--Marc--: Mhm, I'm sorry you two.]
[--Calla--: No need, if m'lord is going to depart, I'll follow you even if it’s to the afterlife.]
[--Lily--: Definitely.]
[--Marc--: You girls only make this harder on me.]
[--Calla--: *snicker*]
[--Lily--: That's our job.]
[--Marc--: Heh.]
With a swoosh the doors to the shelter room opened.
[Vorst: Welcome Belien, to be honest it's not that much of a surprise to see you being a traitor. I see you also brought a companion, I believe we didn't have a chance to meet before.]
The young child in the middle of the room snickered as he saw two adults enter.
Belien was shocked, he had a hunter in his blood, thus his ability to silence his killing intent was top class! At first he thought that they would be able to ambush the children and finish this in one swoop... How unexpected...
[Belien: ‘Powerless’... Where is Mersa and Nova Aria?]
That's right, his mission was to assassinate Mersa and Nova! This was Crimson Empire's back up plan. There was a chance, one in a hundred, that Mistglan would stop green panther's blow, in that case the children who were inside the station would be completely vulnerable. If they couldn't get rid of the Elven Queen, then they would take care of the next generation!
That's where those two came in. Just slaughter some HST and flee to the Crimson Empire to live a life of luxury and pleasure. In that sphere of influence they would be able to abuse their power without any consequences, especially if they did something this huge for the Emperor!
[Vorst: Who knows.]
His completely indifferent attitude really played on the nerves of the two. A mere HST in front of them should beg for his life instead!
BAM.
The Black Wolf immediately summoned his M-Collos and clawed towards the unarmed child. Vorst also responded accordingly and summoned his Golden Knight to attempt to block the blow, but the difference between the two was simply too much.
The Golden M-Armor crashed into the wall. The two men tilted their heads, how come it was still in one piece? For a M-Armor to survive a hit from Upper Circle M-Collos was a miracle. Vorst had to admit it, even with Barrier Psychic and Runes his M-Armor completely became unusable after one hit.
[--Marc--: Damn, I knew the difference was just too high, but seriously... It hurts. It really seems like I have no other choice...]
[--Calla--: Don't worry m'lord. If it's about the other girl's links we will take the damage in their stead.]
[--Lily--: That's right, just rest assured and fight to win.]
[--Marc--: I'm sorry... and thank you.]
The M-Armor dissipated as the young boy appeared in front of the two men again. Once again he stood there with his head held high. A small line of blood was flowing down a corner of his mouth, even with all of his effort he still suffered damage from a previous blow. However he didn't care.
Because what he is about to do...
His body won't be able to handle it anyway...
He closed his eyes...
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[Time: Back to present.]
Full synchronization of his soul into the small body of the Neo-Aris!
When he opened his mouth, foreign words came out.
[Vorst: (We, Marcdrak Euharm Maxkael Adajax Emerald Vegyla, by the authority of the Dragon Monarchs, invoke the sacred awakening. May the World be honored to have the privilege to witness the rise of the Adamantine Dragon. Dragon Awakening)]
Violet aura poured out of his crystal core as it completely enveloped his body. The pupils of his eyes dilated temporarily and they completely changed their shape. Previously a black circle in an instant turned into a vertical shape.
Marc immediately felt as the familiar limitless amount of power filled his body. However, this time it also came with countless miniature ruptures throughout his body. To perform the (Dragon Awakening) on a non-dragon body was certain suicide, what's more this was a Dragon Monarch's scale of awakening...
If you ever have to go, then go with a boom!
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[AN: *Evil smirk* Hahaha, sorry for the cliffhanger. Marc is forced to use a desperate method to defend his girls! Hehe.
Edit: To counter any notion of me ending this one prematurely... NOPE! I have the main points of plot planned up till Arc 3, and most probably it will go on even further. We are just close to the end of Arc 1, so the ride will still go on! xD ]