Chapter 204

Chapter 205. Public Enemy (4)

Milky Way.

A favored arrow of Keter, at first glance, it appears to be nothing more than a magnificent explosion with no special qualities.

And that is true. Milky Way is a technique solely focused on ‘explosion.’

The principle behind how it ‘explodes’ depends on the will of the caster.

Thus, while others may be able to use Aura, they cannot make it ‘explode’ like Keter. Even if they could, they wouldn’t be able to produce an explosion as powerful as Milky Way. This is because they don’t understand the ‘principle’ of the explosion.

But Keter is different. As a disciple of the bomb-maker Ragnon, he has experience creating bombs through gunpowder.

Because of this, he understands the principle of how explosions occur and knows how to create even more powerful explosions.

The secret lies in ‘fission.’ He gives mass to Aura, which inherently has no mass, turning it into a small ‘core.’ Then, he splits it.

The Aura core goes from one to two.

The two cores are split again, becoming four.

Repeating this process, the cores eventually shrink to a size that can no longer be split by will alone.

But from this point on, Keter doesn’t need to struggle to split the Aura cores. Even if he doesn’t want to, they split on their own. After all, he didn’t create just one Aura core.

Dozens, hundreds of Aura cores are created simultaneously. As they split and split again, the 100 initial cores multiply into thousands, pressing against each other in a confined space.

The process of one core becoming thousands takes less than a second. The heat and friction generated during this process are what cause the ‘explosion.’

If this were done on flat ground, nothing would happen.

However, all these processes occur within an extremely small, confined space—the shape of an ‘arrow’ layered with Aura and Mana. All of this happens inside Milky Way.

The explosion begins as soon as the ‘form’ of Milky Way is created, independent of Keter’s will. This is because the external shell compresses the Aura cores, triggering the fission.

Releasing the bowstring initiates the decisive ‘chain’ of the explosion. And the power of Milky Way’s explosion is determined by how many Aura cores Keter has packed into it.

How many Milky Ways has Keter fired so far?

The first demonstration was in Sephira, fired at Burgundy.

After that, he fired quite a few in Eslow’s direct territory, but… he never got to show off his skills.

The fact that an arrow made of Aura could cause an explosion. The spectacle of a starry carpet being laid out was enough to leave people in awe—but Milky Way had never decisively defeated an opponent.

It couldn’t be helped.

There were always allies nearby.

Or the targets weren’t worth killing, and there were facilities everywhere that couldn’t be destroyed.

But where is this place now? Ruquer. The rooftop of Infinite Bank, surrounded by enemies. Allies are right beside him. There are no innocent people, no buildings that shouldn’t be destroyed.

“Milky Way.”

In this life, the first Milky Way fired at Burgundy contained 100 Aura cores.

The Milky Way used during the tournament had 300 cores.

And at this moment, the number of cores embedded in the Milky Way aimed at Amaranth is—

**Kwa-rurururung!**

8,000 cores.

Its mere existence in this world affected everyone. The lightning streaks and wind pressure spreading in all directions were like a summoned typhoon.

The indestructible artifact, Amaranth, trembled as if it might shatter.

**Puhak!**

Blood vessels burst around Keter’s eyes. The pressure from Milky Way alone caused his eye vessels to rupture. But Keter pulled the bowstring even harder.

‘Milky Way. You were frustrated too, weren’t you? Your power isn’t just for making a pit. You could blow up an entire fortress. You were frustrated because you couldn’t do that, weren’t you?’

**Srrk.**

The fully drawn bowstring of Amaranth is released. The string of reason, released first, welcomes it.

“I was frustrated too.”

**Kuwawaahhh!**

In stark contrast to Baeklin, which made no sound, Milky Way was fired with a deafening roar that could shatter eardrums.

Its target was where two of Keter’s acknowledged ‘strong enemies’ were gathered.

But unfortunately, the strong enemies clearly demonstrated why they were ‘strong.’

**Whoosh!**

As soon as they became Milky Way’s targets, they abandoned all pride and fled.

Despite its tremendous roar and presence, Milky Way is still an arrow. A forearm-sized arrow, which, while unusual, is neither as stealthy nor as fast as Baeklin.

So why did they flee in fear, as if they knew it would ‘explode’?

Of course, they couldn’t know that Milky Way would explode. They don’t even have the common sense that Aura can explode.

Yet they fled because of the reason they’ve survived until now—instinct.

Instinctively, they concluded that blocking or dodging was impossible, so fleeing was the best option.

Unfortunately, the Ruquerians on the same line of fire didn’t realize this. They didn’t realize they were already dead.

Even if they had realized, only a handful would have fled. Their feet wouldn’t leave the ground. They were overwhelmed by the presence Milky Way exuded.

Even Ruquerians in other directions, not within Milky Way’s range, stopped their charge.

A moment later.

Though slower than Baeklin, arrows are naturally fast. Milky Way reaches its ‘impact’ point and explodes.

**Kwoong, piiii…**

The blue explosion’s range easily swallowed hundreds. But there was no ear-splitting explosion sound. Instead, the sound of something being crushed and a ringing noise struck their ears.

And belatedly—

**Ururururung!**

A shockwave swept through the entire city.

A bone-crushing explosion sound tore through the ground. The sound of shattering glass and crumbling buildings spread in a chain reaction.

There was no horrific scene. Those within 100 meters of the exploded Milky Way vanished without a trace.

Those nearby couldn’t escape unscathed either. Even if they weren’t caught in the explosion, the heat and shockwave alone were enough to take their lives.

A single shot. With one arrow, hundreds of 2-star to 5-star Masters died instantly, and hundreds more were incapacitated. An entire faction of a massive organization was wiped out.

A massive explosion with power that devours space whole, rendering any defensive technique useless.

It would be disrespectful for a human not to be stunned.

“…What the hell.”

“Lady Lilian…!”

“This is a dream, this is a dream.”

The survivors, barely alive, either lost their minds or cursed, denying reality.

The allies’ reactions were no different.

“B-brother?”

“K-Keter. How… how did you…!”

“Were you hiding your strength?”

Only Decameron remained calm, but—

**Vrrrr.**

Even Decameron, who reacts only through memory and commands, was shocked. The power of the ‘true’ Milky Way Keter displayed was beyond description.

* * *

No matter how insane, the Ruquerians, who live lives unafraid of death, couldn’t help but stop when faced with an incomprehensible sight.

Because they’re human. No matter how insane, no matter how unafraid of death, as humans, they stop all actions and fall into ‘anguish’ when witnessing an incomprehensible scene.

They struggle to understand what they’ve just seen.

Like how one breathes without being taught, the Ruquerians, after witnessing Keter’s Milky Way, stopped their charge and fell into contemplation without being told to.

And that, despite the different process, was part of Keter’s intention.

“That’s right, stay there, stunned.”

Something similar happened during the tournament. A battle royale on a deserted island. When Heaven Explosion Fire Rain, fired into the sky, turned the ground into a wasteland.

The survivors seemed calm, but they weren’t. Rational judgment was clouded, tension was excessive, and muscles were fatigued and stiff.

Because they had never experienced such a situation before. Even if they had, they lacked the mental strength to overcome it.

Of course, thousands were gathered here. Not all were stunned. Some were still in their right minds.

But even they stood still. If they didn’t stop their charge while others did, they would become targets.

Of course, Ruquerians aren’t afraid of becoming targets—unless the opponent is Keter.

Assassinating a high-ranking officer with Baeklin.

Instantly killing hundreds with Milky Way.

With just two arrows, Keter’s actions were vividly imprinted in everyone’s minds.

Keter is no novice in archery!

This is not the Keter, the Solver, they knew!

The Keter they knew was ‘persistent and stubborn, making him a tricky opponent, but if you’re willing to take some losses, he’s killable.’

But after witnessing Keter’s divine power, if their assessment doesn’t change, they must be insane.

Keter is at least a 6-star, Grandmaster-level powerhouse. A top-tier powerhouse even in Ruquer!

A being on par with the leaders of major organizations, now firmly imprinted in their minds.

“Scared? Giving up? You’re giving up after just two arrows?”

Keter muttered, but everyone heard him clearly. It was blatant provocation, but an irresistible temptation.

If they were going to flee, they would have done so already. They stayed in place, waiting for someone else to make the first move.

Thousands engaged in a game of chicken. Willing to fight to the death, but instinctively not wanting to be the first to die.

“Pathetic bastards. Don’t you realize Keter is buying time? Charge, you idiots!”

Someone relatively smart and bold took the lead.

**Thud!**

But a white arrow, Baeklin, pierced his forehead.

“Smart, but weak.”

Keter, having retrieved Baeklin, scanned the area as if asking who would step up next.

But no one froze like before. Once again, thousands charged toward Infinite Bank.

“Keter’s tired. There’s no way he can use that technique twice in a row!”

“His bluff ends here, Keter!”

Using Baeklin to kill just one person instead of firing Milky Way again, they began their charge once more.

Either way, it didn’t matter to Keter.

‘The Infinite Bank branch manager said he’d prepare the Colossus, so maintaining this stalemate is fine. Even if you start attacking again…’

Everything is in Keter’s hands. The difference in experience is too vast.

The Ruquerians gathered here number only 3,000 to 4,000. Meanwhile, Keter has experienced dozens, hundreds of sieges and survived. He’s even been surrounded by tens of thousands.

‘Look. The already chaotic charge has become even more chaotic. Now, it’s meaningless to distinguish between the front and rear lines.’

It’s a reckless charge. The distance between the front and rear is extremely narrow.

‘If the front line stops, what will you do?’

One minute. The time the Ruquerians hesitated after seeing Keter’s Milky Way. During that time, Keter fully recovered his Aura and Mana.

The third arrow is Heaven Explosion Fire Rain. But it’s small. No matter how much he’s recovered, Keter’s Celestial Infinity Technique consumes an extreme amount of Aura and Mana.

Its power and range are smaller than what he used in the battle royale. Compared to Milky Way’s destructive power, it’s insignificant.

But it doesn’t matter.

Tactics aren’t just about striking and killing the enemy with brute force.

Soon, Heaven Explosion Fire Rain, fired into the sky, swells and explodes, raining explosions in all directions.

**Hududududuk!**

Unlike Milky Way, which was fired in one direction, this time it’s omnidirectional. The range is narrow enough that stopping the charge would allow them to dodge.

And that’s the problem.

The front-line Ruquerians saw Keter’s might. They didn’t want to take unnecessary risks by getting hit by something they could dodge.

So, they stopped their charge based on rational judgment to avoid Heaven Explosion Fire Rain.

“Wha—?! You bastard, if you stop suddenly…!”

If the front line stops, what happens to those behind? Even if they try to slow down, they’ve already built up too much speed.

Moreover, the distance between them is so close that an outstretched arm could reach the person in front. No matter how much they try to stop, collisions are inevitable.

As the front line collapsed from the collisions, the entire group began to fall like dominoes.

Keter’s attack didn’t even hit them. They caused this mess simply by trying to avoid the bombardment.

The quicker ones jumped over. The ruthless ones attacked those in front to prevent collisions—but that was exactly the scene Keter was waiting for.

“You’ve passed my test. Your reward is an arrow.”

Though it’s just a regular Aura Arrow, coming from Keter, it’s anything but ordinary.

The irregularity from double acceleration and overwhelming speed. The maximized penetration from the triple-coated arrowhead.

Even with full preparation, dodging or blocking such an arrow is nearly impossible, especially right after landing or attacking.

**Thud, thud, thunk!**

Keter, relentlessly scattering arrows and delivering death sentences to thousands.

The Ruquerians hadn’t even gotten within attack range of Keter yet.

Even if there were those capable of long-range attacks, it was meaningless. Decameron, stationed on the rooftop, intercepted all projectiles aimed at Keter.

Attack and defense happening simultaneously—a flawless stance!

Daat, who had been watching Keter’s performance with his mouth agape, thought to himself.

‘Maybe… Brother can handle this all by himself?’

At that moment, Keter shouted to the group on the rooftop.

“Is that Colossus or whatever still far off? I’m starting to get tired.”

While showing infinite stamina and Aura to the enemies, Keter made sure to inform his allies of his condition.