KUAAAAKKKK KEEEUUUUKKK URRRRKKKKK
"Paladins! Rally your swords and ready your spears! Exterminate the demons! Show no mercy! Don't leave a single one of them alive!"
"Die, you demonic fiends! Repent for your sins in the afterlife!"
"Your dare sully the lands with your dirty hands?! Receive Divine Punishment!"
Yells, screams, and warcries. The air was filled with boisterous noises amidst all the chaos and explosions. Blades were swung, spears were thrusted, and arrows were fired. It was an all out war, lives taken one after another.
With Archbishop Lawrence in command, the Paladins had been mobilized and the Priests and Healers had been released to assist the Royal Capital in the struggle against the demonic forces, fiercely cutting down all the enemies.
It wasn't just them. The private armies of large merchant groups, the adventurers of the Adventurers' Guild, and the support units from the other Guilds had also been moved, mowing down the demons and protecting the innocent citizens from threats.
The battle had been waged for almost an hour already, and the situation was now under control. The once confused military groups have now regained their senses and composure, swiftly and surely defeating the enemies before them.
"So... How does it feel...? Do you still think you're special, Gael?" ［Grey］
And in the battlefield, a single figure stood before another, his eyes cold and sharp as he asked his question. The mastermind could only clench his fist and grit his teeth in anger, glaring at Grey, acting as if he was the one who had been wronged.
All the efforts he poured and all the time he spent. It was as if every single bit of them was useless. To think the project he had worked so hard on would fail so miserably, there was no greater shame than it, his face contorting in rage.
"I admit... This was out of my expectations... For such inferior beings to be able to withstand such calamity... It was unprecedented." ［Gael］
"inferior, huh... Are you still going about with that kind of bullsh*t?" ［Grey］
"Hah. I'm merely stating the facts. Had it not been for your interference, the whole Royal Capital would have been in ruins." ［Gael］
Boldly proclaimed Gael, his resolve still as strong as ever, only proving how illogical and hysterical he was. Even if Grey and Yuna weren't present, albeit devastated, the Kingdom would still be able to stand its ground and continue to fight.
After all, they may be weaker in terms of firepower, but the enemy is nothing but a bundle of unstable demons whose only some time away from going insane and killing one another, only leaving a few of them behind.
The Kingdom's treasury contains Legendary-Grade items which could help out in such situations and aid will soon come from other territories the moment a request has been processed. Still, it will be a bloody yet victorious war.
The only thing Grey and Yuna did was hasten the time and minimize the damage and casualties. All they did was save lives which had nothing to be punished for from the evil and psychopathic maniac standing before the young man.
"However, do not be mistaken... The battle is still far from over." ［Gael］
RIIIIIPPPPP FWSSSHHHHH TEAAAARRRRRR
He spoke such words with such firmness, ripping his clothes apart soon after and unveiling not only a well-built figure but also an ominous pattern tattooed on his skin, spreading all throughout his body all the way to his nape.
They were enchantment runes and patterns, a whole array etched on his body. Over a thousand runes which seemed alive and pulsing, mana flowing through them ever so constantly, dimly glowing in the battlefield where the stench of death was eminent.
Even Grey, who was a Tier-8 Enchanter, couldn't believe what was before his eyes. It was a beautifully yet recklessly weaved array for the sole purpose of destruction. One which would bring upon ruin not only to the Kingdom, but the user as well.
"You see... Much like you, I also have my own trump card." ［Gael］
"Have you gone insane? You'd die once you activate that." ［Grey］
"Oh? What a surprise... To think you already deciphered all these runes... You really get more amusing the more I listen to you. Too amusing, in fact, that I just want to strangle you to death." ［Gael］
Grey's question was far from useful. It was already an established fact that Gael was an insane bastard, and he has proven himself yet again. It was obvious that he was under constant pain from the runes yet he showed not even a hint of pain.
It wasn't just his physical body. Even his mana veins were subject to the runes' great influence Be it pain relievers, magic potions, or a special technique. Everything has its own limits, and it proves to be true, making an insane bastard even crazier.
"I will show you what it means to be the chosen one." ［Gael］
The man mumbled to himself as he bit his fingers. Blood trickled down his fingertips and painted his palms red. He then wiped such blood on his chest, pouring in the mana needed and activated the array as quickly as he could.
RUUUUMMMMBBBBBLLLLLLEEEEEEE
The very moment Gael activated the array on his body, the whole battlefield started to tremble. The ground quaked violently, the winds howled and thundered, and the mana in the air swirled and lashed out like a disastrous tempest.
Both mana and corruption were aroused,raw mana sucked in from the surroundings and corruption seeping away from the bodies of the dead demons. All were poured towards the array in Gael's body at a rapid and alarming rate.
His mana veins expanded and his muscles twitched, pain and agony coursing all over as if his whole body was viciously torn apart again and again. Bones were broken and organs were crushed, only to be repaired and repeat the cycle again.
"Grey, what's happening?!" ［Yuna］
"Nothing much... A bastard is just trying to get stronger." ［Grey］
Yuna soon arrived, and together with Grey, she watched such a surreal sight unravel before her. The pained and dreadful screams of Gael rang inside their ears along with the howling winds, creating the symphony of chaos and insanity.
Such a sight spread across the whole Royal Capitals, all corruption gathering into one spot and Gael's combat power rising at a tremendous rate. He was rapidly getting stronger, hastily breaking through the ranks without much difficulties.
At the same time, as corruption was brewing all over the place, Piper's body also started to twitch, absorbing some of the corruption. It didn't make him stronger, however, it was more than to restore his mana and his body.
Before long, the raging storm finally stopped and standing before everyone was an aboard and deadly monster, standing at the peak of S-rank. It was a new threat that could easily wipe out an entire city so long as it's provided a chance.
"Kuhahaha! My body feels amazing! It feels like I'm on the top again! I didn't know you still had tricks up your sleeves, Gael!" ［Piper］
"Shut your filthy mouth, Piper. Have you forgotten your defeat already?" ［Gael］
"My, how harsh... It was only because I let my guard down. Otherwise, the results would have been different. I won't let the same thing happen again." ［Piper］
Two demons standing at the limits of normality, S-rank. They stood before everyone, their presence alone sending shivers down their spines and increasing the tension by multiple folds, making the once noisy battlefield quiet.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
It wasn't long before their noisy chatter turned quiet, and the two of them shifted their attention towards Grey and Yuna. At present, they were their greatest fiends and also their strongest amongst their enemies. Defeating them was a must to achieve victory.
However, victory wasn't the only thing in Piper's mind. As he looked at Yuna, a strong and unstoppable surge of anger boiled in his heart. He wanted to rip the young lady to shreds and repay the humiliation he suffered.
"Gael, that b*tch is my prey. Don't touch her." ［Piper］
"Suit yourself. I have other plans anyway." ［Gael］
"Hah. This is why I don't like you. You're so unsociaー !!!" ［Piper］
KASHAKKKK DRIP DRIP DRIP
Forget about revenge. Piper couldn't even take the first step, when suddenly, a sharp and deadly object pierced his chest from behind. And no, it wasn't Yuna's daggers. It was Gael's claws, now holding the former's heart in his hand.
It was an unexpected betrayal, not just Piper's, but everyone's eyes widened in shock as they saw such a scene unfold. There was silence in the air, the only thing to be heard as the sound of Piper's blood dripping and tickling down.
"Ga... Gael... You... What are..." ［Piper］
"You're as slow as ever, aren't you. Isn't it already obvious? I'm betrayingー no, I'm sacrificing you for the greater good, for my good. Be grateful to be of use to me, and... Thank you for being so foolish." ［Gael］
"You motherf*ckerー Keukk!!" ［Piper］
There was no need to prolong the suffering. As soon as Gael said his piece, he tore apart Piper's heart from his body and with a little bit of strength, squashed it like a ripe tomato without much effort, the latter's dead body soon falling with a thud.
Soon enough, Piper's corruption was quickly absorbed by the runes in Gael's body, his mana veins once again expanding and his whole body once again reinforced. It was yet another surreal scene, his combat power once again soaring.
"Hahahaha! This is amazing! I am amazing! This is what it means to be the chosen one! I have become a traー no, I have become a God! Hahaha!" ［Gael］
A wave of turbulent mana once again surged throughout the whole battlefield, and everything was blown away from the mere pressure. Gael stood in the center of the storm, a vicious smile blooming as he laughed like a madman.
The second storm was soon over, and Gael stood proudly in the middle of the ruined and ravaged battlefield. All eyes were on him, and rightfully so. Grey could only gaze at him in silence, his eyes peering through his shell,
《Appraisal》 ［Grey］
-----------------------------------
【Demon】
【Name】Gaelister til Rofelier
【Race】Human
【Sex】Male
【Age】31
【Status】Healthy, Greatly Destabilizing
【Mana Capacity】18,406 【Mana Quality】D
【Combat Power】14,785 【Threat Level】Calamity
【Attribute】Fire 【Magic Proficiency】Low (22%)
【Class】Swordsman 【Weapon Proficiency】Low (18%)
【Physical Enhancement】73%
【Ability】...
-----------------------------------
He has reached Calamity-Class in all but a single instant, great power flowing inside his body along with a great mana capacity. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he has become a true monster which can crush a country on his own.
To kill his comrade and absorb their corruption. If Gael were to repeat such process again and again, his combat power would surely continue to grow and soon enough, he will reach Disaster-Class, maybe even Catastrophe-Classー
.., or at least so it should have been. However, Gael's mind and body was greatly unstable compared to the other demons. He would surely lose his mind sooner or later and would simply rampage as a mindless monster.
However, he was still a massive threat not only to the people of Aldengard, but to the whole world. Grey and Yuna could no longer ignore his existence. They must finish him off right then and there without leaving any regrets.
"Ahh, is this how it feels to be truly powerful? How fantastic. I feel like I'm on the top of the world. Yes... The world must bow down to me." ［Gael］
Well, even if he had become a demon. There were still things that are yet to change, and amongst them was Gael's narcissistic and egoistic attitude. He has become worse than before, now viewing himself as a God.
"Now then, where were we again? Oh right... I was dealing with you, weren't I? You were so insignificant, I completely forgot about your exisー" ［Gael］
"Can you shut the f*ck up already? It's really annoying." ［Grey］
"Huh? What did you justー" ［Gael］
"I said, you're really f*cking annoying. If you want to kill me, then go ahead and stop monologuing. You look extremely stupid." ［Grey］
Harsh and cruel. Such were the words Grey directed to Gael with eyes that seemed as if it was looking down on a bug in the highway. It was full of contempt, arrogant, and downright condescending, not a hint of benevolence in sight.
And one would expect, such words were extremely effective to such an unstable demon. His eyes have become even more bloodshot, irked veins popping all throughout his head as wrath exploded his heart.
"You...! How arrogant...! You must be tired of living!" ［Gael］
CRACK CRACK BOOOOOOMMMMMM
Tremendously enraged, Gael rapidly pounced towards Grey at breakneck speeds, unleashing massive shockwaves in his wake and breaking apart the ground as he took his step, scarlet eyes streaking across the battlefield.
He raised his hands and his claws sharpened like a sword. He swung it down where Grey and Yuna were, clouds of dust forming as the debris were blown away. Impact rang throughout the ground, a massive boom thundering soon after.
However, such was all futile. As soon as he lifted his hands, not a trace of Grey and Yuna were to be seen, the two banishing without leaving anything behind. All Gael could do was dwell in confusion, a familiar voice soon ringing in his head.
"I should be asking you the same thing." ［Grey］
Grey had appeared behind him, and his fist was already clenched for a punch. It may be because of extreme arrogance and overconfidence, but Gael didn't even try to dodge Grey's attack, quite sure that it wouldn't dent him.
However, such was his biggest mistake. Grey's punch shot out like a meteor and connected perfectly to Gael's face. It didn't just dent him, it caved in his whole face until his skull cracked and blood burst out of his now ruined face.
Gael was blasted several hundred meters into the air. However, Grey was still far from being finished. He soon leaped towards the sky, pouncing faster than lightning. His attacks were even faster, another blow connecting to the torso.
BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM
Chest, head, arms, legs, back, sides, and everywhere else. Grey's punches shot out one after another and peppered Gael. He broke his bones, crushed his organs, and tore apart his muscles, pain coursing all throughout his body.
Everyone who was once under the pressure of Gael's presence is now gawking in awe as they watch such a scene unfold. The whole battlefield was overturned, all eyes watching the flashes of blur clash again and again.
"Amazing... So this is the power of a Disaster-Class Ranker..." ［Cynthia］
Even the General who was an S-ranker couldn't help but be in awe as he watched such a one-sided battle unfold. Even if there were a dozenー no, a hundred of her, she couldn't ever hope to match him.
As for Yuna, she was now resting herself amongst the rubble, watching the intense battle unfold. She wasn't really tired or something of the sort. She just wanted to take a quick break, eating some sweets to satisfy her cravings.
"Mistress, is it really fine to leave it all to Master?" ［Sirius］
"Hmm... Grey is already strong enough. I wanted to fight that demon too, but with him being as overprotective as he is, I don't think he'll allow me to." ［Yuna］
"Yes, that does sound very much like Master." ［Sirius］
"Right～? Sometimes, I just wishー Wait, who are you?" ［Yuna］
Well, she was having such a fun break time, when suddenly, an unfamiliar figure approached her out of the blue. She's been answering her questions nonchalantly, but now she took a closer look, she doesn't actually know her.
She was a beautiful young lady seeming to be in her early twenties. Silky platinum hair, beautiful silver eyes, smooth and pearly skin, and a face which wouldn't lose out to any beautiful princesses. She was a great beauty, a sight to behold.
"No, wait, this voice... Don't tell me... Are you perhaps... Sirius...?" ［Yuna］
"That is correct, Mistress." ［Sirius］
"Ehh... Ehhhhh.... EHHHH...?!!!" ［Yuna］
BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM
A deafening cry of shock and confusion echoed along the shockwaves ringing in the air. Whilst Yuna was still surprised by the sudden revelation, Grey continued his fight against Gael, clobbering him without giving him a chance to breathe.
Punch, after punch, after punch. More and more bones were broken and his whole body was rendered useless, unable to move even a single muscle. He was able to regenerate, however, his mana dropped significantly, spiraling downwards.
'Why...? Why...? Why...? Why is this happening?!' ［Gael］
Only a single question rang out in his mind as he was one-sidedly beaten up by Grey. He had already achieved tremendous powers, and yet, he was still powerless against the young man he had just met today.
What's even worse, Grey's condescending and aggravating look remained all the same all throughout the whole process. He neither flinched nor hesitated, clearly showing not a hint of interest as he neatly dodged Gael's counterattacks.
"You damn fly! Don't make me laugh!" ［Gael］
He lashed out and he brandished his fists everywhere, gales and shockwaves sent sweeping throughout the battlefield as he did. However, it didn't even manage to graze Grey, the young man still remaining unfazed and unscathed.
"I'll rip you to shreds! Die! Die! Die! Dieー !!!" ［Gael］
"Hey, didn't I tell you to shut up?" ［Grey］
It was a useless effort. Grey simply closed in the gap between them in a couple of steps, and before Gael even noticed, he was already in front of him. His fist was already clenched and ready to be shot, a loud boom echoing soon after.
Grey's punch once again connected with Gael and he was flung into the sky once more. Blood trickled down the ground as he did, piercing towards the clouds and falling back again like a bolt of lightning from the sky.
Yet Grey still did not leave him alone. Just as he was falling towards the ground, ready to use fire magic to land himself gently, Grey once again appeared before him like a passing blur, a ferocious glint in his eyes as he pulled back his arms.
"Not so fast, you bastard.... 《Howling Thunder》." ［Grey］
His fist roared like lightning and howled like thunder, not even a blur to be seen as it connected to Gael's open and vulnerable chest. The sound of breaking ribs echoed in the air, blood gushing forth the latter's mouth once again.
FWOOOSSSH CRASHHH BOOM BOOM BOOM
He was hurled even faster and even more violently towards the ground, crashing with much impact and creating a massive crater in the ground. Pain screeched throughout his body once more, his mind on the brink of collapsing.
Contrary to him, Grey's descent was much more graceful, not even a sound to be heard as he landed softly. He was calm and composed, eyes still peering towards Gael, the latter now standing, albeit groggily and weakly.
"Is this really the best you can do?" ［Grey］
"You...! I'm going to burn you to cinders!" ［Gael］
He spoke with contempt and provoked the demon once more. He didn't even need to put any effort, even the slightest provocation more than enough to tick off his ego. His eyes were burning with insufferable rage, ready to rampage about.
The surrounding air started to heat up and flames formed in the barren ground. The demon opened his palms and the flames roared at his behest, pillars forming one after another, rushing towards Grey, ready to devour him whole.
"Haah... What simple attacks... 《Shield》." ［Grey］
There was no need to move. Grey simply uttered a single word, and a thin plate of magic formed around him. However, one is not to be deceived as even the raging flames which rushed towards it didn't make it budge an inch.
Grey stood still and the barrier stood proud. The flames were scattered upon contact, not even a single lick able to get past it. The enemy had already poured his all into it, yet it didn't even graze him. He was speechless.
"Haah... Seeing that you've reached Calamity-Class, I expected more from you... But this is disappointing... You dare to call this magic?" ［Grey］
"You bastard... Stop making fun of me...!" ［Gael］
The battle had already been long decided, and the enemy had lost his mind. All that was left was rage, hatred, and a feral instinct to rip everything apart, soon charging recklessly towards Grey without even considering the risk.
"Really... How pitiful..." ［Grey］
All that was left in Grey's eyes was pity. He was a smart fellow, yet he had been led astray by his circumstances. Had he been a righteous person, Aldengard would have been able to nurture a great talent which will surely help the future.
However, there was no use lamenting such a fact now. He may be a genius, but it doesn't remove the fact that he caused the death of thousands and the despair of hundreds of thousands. Grey has no plans of forgiving him.
"Well, since you have been so kind to show me your magic, let me also show you something in return..." ［Grey］
The young man mumbled to himself, all the while erecting yet another barrier before Gael's claws could reach him. He soon erected a couple more, surrounding Gael with no path to escape, encaging him in a transparent prison.
"This... This is what you call magic." ［Grey］
He whispered under his breath, and the once stagnant winds lashed out with vigor and gusto. An endless storm brewed as Grey activated both his "Authority" and his "Bellowing Heavens", the sky bowing before its King.
The particles in the air started to vibrate at supersonic speeds, tiny shockwaves and massive explosions ringing one after another, the ground trembling in fear for what's about to come, all eyes only able to watch in awe.
《Siren's Hollow》 ［Grey］
The spell was conjured and several tornadoes rained down like a heavy and deadly downpour. Everything was swept away, the shrieking particles exploding even more violently and feisty than before.
Gael tried to hold on, but resistance was futile. As the bellows of the winds continued to rage on, his whole body was torn apart slowly but surely, even drops of blood sent into oblivion, every single trace of his existence slowly being erased.
He screamed and he bellowed, however, they were all drowned out in the howling winds. The hatred and rage in his eyes were now gone, only fear and terror reigning inside his heart as his whole being was torn apart by the vicious fangs of the sky,
"Truly... What a menace..." ［Philip］
The raging winds soon died down and so did Gael. There was not a trace of him left, and there was only silence in the wind. Silence which was soon broken as soon as the King raised his sword and chanted his words.
"My dear people! Stand honorably and raise your chest with pride! We have withstood the adversity! We have risen victorious! Glory to Aldengard!" ［Philip］
WOOHOOOOO OOOOHHHHHHH UWOOOOHHHHHH
Cheers filled the air.
CHAPTER 431 END