V3 Chapter 20

"...?!"

This had snapped the Werebeast out from his fury, and fear flashed across his eyes. Reflexively he brandished his large arms, with sharp dagger-like claws, slashing behind him. However… Cian’s speed was far too fast, a level that surpassed his ability to respond to.

In fact, the one in front of him more looks like a ghost, an illusion that cannot be captured.

The moment the Werebeast slashed out, he felt a cool feeling at his back and a sharp pain as a black colored blade thrust through his chest like a viper, sticking outwards.

“You relied too much on your power level.” a cold voice muttered beside his ears, “In the end, it’s only a single factor to absolute strength.”

Blood sparkled on the blade’s point, dazzling to the eyes.

“There’s more to battle than what power level defines,”

The Werebeast was pierced through by Cian’s black sword!

The tough body of an elite Werebeast whose physical toughness is almost akin to that of metal was sliced apart like raw beef beneath the black sword [Imagis Realis]!

“The hell!?”

The other Werebeasts were able to clearly see everything that happened. To them, Cian’s speed was not much different from teleportation!

But is that even possible?

Among Werebeasts, there might be those who are gifted in magic, but teleportation magic or skill is derived from space magic, one that is said to already be lost since the last great war. Well, even if such magic still existed, this kind of skill is not something a Werebeast could actually use.

Space Magician—a very rare, and uncommon type of magic-user.

They are even as rarer as any precious treasures in this world.

Only those who are born in magic, including humans who were given the gift of magic could use magic to this extreme!

And just like how hawks can fly, while spiders spit thread, and rabbits run, most Werebeasts didn’t have the talent for magic. There might appear irregulars, but they are one-in-a-hundred. Werebeasts that could use magic are not uncommon, but there is still a limitation.

Even those magical creatures among demi-humans can only use magic that is aligned with their trait and race. Foxman has a good affinity with fire and illusion magic. There were also those who possess other elementals such as wind and the Variant [Lightning]. But space magic is not one of those.

In the first place, Space Magic is one of the Lost Arts, or even the so-called Forbidden Magic along with Time according to the records of the ancient text that had survived after the war. Even the Descendants of the Gods; the Godstone Kingdom didn’t have any inheritance to Space Magic. Much less, the Werebeasts who didn’t have much Magic Inheritance in the first place.

To think that a Foxman would have such a powerful ability such as [Teleportation]. Although Werebeasts were fast, they couldn’t be faster than traveling through space!

What’s even worse was the Foxman’s strength.

To think he was able to stab through Orwak’s body as if he was made of cotton.

How much strength is needed for that?

This striking force left the Werebeasts frightened. Although Orwak’s race being the panther-tribe and specialized in speed, he was still an elite Lycan and his combat strength came from tempering his body and make it even stronger. Though, even without that, no matter how weak he would be, since he had become an elite, his flesh and bones should be as hard as metal.

In addition, there was also body reinforcement protecting his body.

Despite those, he still had been so easily pierced through by the Foxman’s sword.

Just what sort of explosive force was behind that attack!?

This really made them feel naked before that power.

“Orwak!!”

Cian suddenly pulled out the black sword. Of course, the reason why his attack had easily pierced Orwak, not only because of his strength but also because of his stacking skills. Even the teleportation he had done was not made of illusion like usual since he knows that it has a limited effect on the elite Werebeasts.

It was done using [Ground Shrink] that he had obtained from a lizard-type monster he had eaten in this land.

It’s a cheaty skill that works like short distance teleportation ability.

Not to mention, his incredible and cheat-like weapon: [Imagis Realis].

Werebeasts might possess tough physical bodies and incredible physical defense but the [Imagis Realis] power to cut and pierce through anything gives every wound it does into a fatal one.

This is the true power of the sword.

This is the reason why despite having simple abilities, it was still considered an incredibly precious artifact by the Demon Emperor. If this was a game, then, despite its normal appearance, it has a hidden effect to pierce through, or even downright ignore any kind of defense, and seemly boost and increase critical hit.

This was that type of sword, one that is said to be able to cut through anything in this world.

The Demon Emperor; Gura Hades favorite weapon—[Imagis Realis]!

Nevertheless, it was neglected up until now, because of the weapon that strictly chooses its wielder and the fact that more incredible and powerful flashy weapons started appearing in the world, such as Lucifalion’s [Heaven Breaking Halberd] or Oriel’s [Ice Queen’s Wings]. Even still, it's a powerful weapon that a Demon Emperor had used to almost conquer the entire world.

The sword [Imagis Realis] is weak now because it depended on his strength. But the stronger Cian becomes, the more powerful it also becomes.

“You…bas, tard…!!”

Orwak, the Werebeast moved and tried to grab the black blade sticking out of his chest—this kind of wound might be fatal, but it’s still not enough to kill him instantly. However, when he tried to move, he suddenly realized something –he cannot move!

His arms and his entire body seemed to be getting numb, a part of him even felt as if he’s turning into stone. What is happening?! Orwak felt even more scared.

“You should be feeling it, do you?”

A cold voice echoed in his ears.

“Wha,t did, you…”

Cian’s lips curved into a cold smile, and then, without hesitation, pulled the sword out of its pitiful target, followed by smashing his claws into the Werebeast’s chest.

“Gah?!!”

A moment later, Cian pulled his hand, which was now grabbing a beating heart. The head of the Werebeast limply hanged down, his breath cut, and a large bloody hole could be found on his chest.

Cian’s leg whipped, and kicked the heartless body away, causing the lifeless corpse to skid on the ground, unmoving.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“Orwak!!”

Things happened so fast that even the other Werebeasts didn’t have any time to save their friend before his heart was taken, and his corpse kicked away. Even if the Werebeast possessed incredible vitality and life force, for his heart to be taken and neck broken by the kick, even those that couldn’t die will still die.

“You bastard!!!”

The Werebeasts snaped out from their shock and hurriedly charged in anger. However, at this moment, Cian’s figure once again disappeared. His disappearance caused the Werebeast to pour cold water on their anger, and hurriedly become vigilant on their surroundings. Though they know better now, and hurriedly gathered in a tight circle in far of getting ambushed.

“Not going to play with you,”

However, Cian didn’t attack and instead appeared just beside the surprised Asceius. He stood behind the Ice Prince with a smirking expression.

“If you want to play with me, defeat him first…though, that is if you can,” he said while pushing Asceius in front of him.

“Cian,”

Asceius smiled wryly.

“Love, can’t help it. They are bullying me,”

Cian said with a wronged expression. He would be an idiot to actually fight more than one elite Werebeast simultaneously. He already even had a hard time defeating that Werewolf alone when they had fought against Barrack’s group- now he would face against more than two of them?

The [Prediction] ability of his [Night’s Eye] would probably assure his victory, along with his numerous skills and abilities, however, it would be a difficult battle. He was just able to kill two of the Werebeasts because he had caught them off-guard, but he was not so optimistic and confident that he would be able to deal with three or more at the same time.

Especially, now that they were completely on guard. It would be like jumping into a pit, knowing what trap lies ahead.

Not to mention, if he displayed all his power and strength, it would be bad in many ways with that predatorial gaze always on him.

“I was actually thinking that you’re doing really well,”

Asceius said, not caring about Cian’s intimate action. Though, at first, he was somewhat bothered by it and was even embarrassed. But as the time they shared together become very long, he actually started losing any interest in becoming conscious about it.

Well, for the most part, Cian would actually become even more encouraged in teasing him if he reacts every time he did that. And so, Asceius can only ignore it, as long as it doesn’t pass the serious level, which Cian would actually not do. Though, if Asceius wa a real woman, things might actually become a bit different.

“I was doing verra well, if I may say so. But I’m not superman, my love. Taking all of them at once, scary don’t you think?”

Asceius rolled his eyes.

“You cowardly Foxman! How dare you hide behind a human after killing Dorian and Orwak!! I will kill you myself!!”

The Werebeasts started to cry in anger. But Cian completely ignores them. It would be laughable if he acted like a knight when he is a full-fledged killer. An Assassin. Without the chance to fight back, the enemy dies before even knowing what happened. That is an ‘assassination’. That is his way of being an 'Assassin’!

For him, and for the Jekyll Clan, an assassin became a third-rate the moment they get trapped in a battle. At that point, it can no longer be considered an ‘assassination’. Cian would never face enemy-head on, as long as he can help it. Though, he is prepared to deal with a fight knocking on his doorstep.

As his family said, strength is always required for them. And so ‘if’ he has no choice but to dive into a desperate fight, he would not hesitate to take arms. Because of that, he honed those combat techniques every day to prepare for those ‘if’ moments.

But this is not one of those moments.

In the first, this is not even his fight. Thus, putting his life on the line for someone else is completely absurd.

And why would he risk his life, if Asceius and the others are here to do it for him?

Cian shrugged his shoulders, not caring about the Werebeasts’ taunts and provocation. This casual attitude of him, earned him even more ire, and the Werebeasts enraged charged at them with incredible fury. Cian stepped back with a smile. Asceius, however, stepped forward. His entire body gleaming with azure color, and icy, cold mist covered his hands.

“Well, this wasn’t your fight, to begin with,” he said and started summoning her incredible powers.

He looked at the charging Werebeasts. He looked so indifferent. However, in his eyes, the viciousness was getting heavier and heavier.

“So it’s better if you stay aside, Cian…let me handle them. This is our fight,”

All of a sudden, the coldness covered the place.

It felt like the coldness was from beyond the heavens descending to the world.

Suppressive power covered everyone immediately. Cian who was standing behind him even furrowed his brows. Although I had seen this before, the power of Asceius is truly fascinating. In fact, she might even rival that of Elder Sister, he couldn’t help but think.

One of the most powerful variant magic in the continent, along with Lightning, Space, and Death, was Ice. Not only they are rare, but also they are extremely powerful. That is why many feared Oriel, because of the power she possesses. Though, humans have many Archmages that specialized in Ice Magic, but still, they are far weaker compared to his Elder Sister. The Demon Princess of Winter Mountain.

But Asceius… he’s far stronger than a normal Archmage.

God’s Blood… is that because of that thing they call God’s Blood?

What kind of treasure is that God’s Blood?

Is that...like the literal blood of a god...?

And how does it taste?

Cian had heard about the power of the God’s Blood, and that the Godstone Kingdom was known to be descendants of the Gods possessing God’s Blood. Because of this power, they were able to stand atop the hierarchy of the Black Lands. Iris as well possesses this power. That is why she was being feared by many.

Though Cian didn’t know much about it, and what extent its power could reach. From what he knows, he too possesses the so-called God’s Blood—the Heavenly Fox Blood.

But why am I not feeling anything?

Although he was able to obtain powers and skills, it was not to the point of ridiculousness such as Iris and Asceius power. In fact, it could even be said that he was still far inferior in strength compared to them. He was only able to follow after them up until now, because of his numerous skills and abilities which filled up the strength that he lacks.

But this weakness would not last long!

[Ice Magic: [Ice God: Boreas Magic [Breath of Winter] has been partly analyzed. Affinity for [Ice] Variant Magic has been established. The host is now able to use Ice Magic, along with several basic Ice God’s Techniques that the analyzed target could use!]

A timely notification rang out inside his mind, causing his lips to curve upwards.

This is one of the incredible powers that his [Night’s Eye] gave him: [Magic Eye].

The [Magic Eye] enables him to analyze, comprehend, and copy all magic existing in the world. Because of this incredible skill, it was also made possible for him to analyze structures around the bearer and even appraise magical items as long as they possess magic.

Though, it has limitations such as the requirements to observe the target magic through his [Magic Eye]. And the analysis must finish before the magic disappears or else it would fail. Hence, it’s actually hardly usable during battles since the analysis, which his current level, is quite slow.

More so, needed focused attention/concentration to understand the analyzed magic. Nevertheless, it was incredible magic that can be used as a Trump Card.

Ever since they met, Cian had already started analyzing the magic of Asceius in secret. Especially whenever the latter uses his magic. Though he also tried this to Oriel, the latter’s power is too high that he was unable to do it before, without being noticed. Hence, he didn’t dare do it.

But now, with Cian’s current level, and the unknown force that robbed people's perception in this ruins, his [Magic Eye] was able to analyze magic and skills without the fear of being found out. Though, perhaps because of the level of Asceius and the rarity of his magic, it took quite a very long time to even analyzed a part of it.

Nevertheless…he finally succeeded!

Ice Magic!

Aside from Lightning and Fire, he can now use Ice Magic as well. Though [Dark] and [Death] is also strong, but with the reputation of these Magic being the lowest of the low, it’s not good to display it outside of the Demon Empire. And also, with another magic in his arsenal, he will also have another way to disguise himself, which is far more convenient.

But still--Ice God: Boreas Magic [Breath of Winter]… as expected, even the Magic they were using is far different than normal.

If I’m not wrong, this should be Inheritance Magic. And to think it’s a God’s Magic. The Godstone Kingdom, it seems like their inheritance and history are even more colorful than I expected. I think, I really need to visit it in the future.

Cian felt a novel feeling assaulting him.

The coldness surrounding them seemed to have become milder, and a new profound feeling of being able to grasp the cold energy around him surge through his mind. Then, he turned his gaze towards the Werebeasts.

The stupid beasts who were angrily charging at them, suddenly stop. At that moment, every single one of them felt the aura of death. They could feel death approaching step by step. Though this is just fear, with the current situation, they know completely in their hearts that they never had the chance of victory.

The stronger the warrior, the stronger their sense of death as well.

If only a miracle would occur and let them survive.

However, there is no such thing in this world.

“You are all just saying what you want, aren’t you?”

Asceius muttered with an ice-cold expression. Numerous icicles formed around him, and they are so sharp they looked as if they were specially made crystal blades.

The expressions of all the Werebeasts started to fall. Then, one by one after glaring at Cian one last time, they hurriedly turned around and tried to escape. But when they did, a large figure jumped out in front of them, baring her long dagger-like teeth.

The Manticore.

Normally, they would not have to fear it, as no matter how strong the Manticore was, they know that they still have the chance of winning. However, the thing that made them despair now, is the Manticore’s innate ability: [Golden Body] that made them almost impervious to physical attacks.

Trying to kill it, would surely mean stopping. But there was the Ice Prince behind them.

The Manticore in front, the Ice Prince behind. This situation becomes even more heated in an instant. The smile on Cian’s face never waned, and his eyes flashed coldly.

“No one insults my friend in front of me!”

While saying that, Asceius started his attack.

At the same time, Leona did the same as well, pouncing at the nearest Werebeast, and blocking them from leaving.

As for Cian, well, though he did say he was not going to fight, only directly.

He was an assassin, he specialized, and most of all, prefer in killing enemies before they were even aware of it.

The black sword shrunk, turning into a dagger that settled comfortably in his hand.

"...I'll have my fill tonight,"

Then, his figure slowly blurred, and eventually, disappeared.

… …