Chapter 142

I emerged from the ruins that had spilled out from a twisted gap that had collapsed. The light that flashed was not even close to resplendent; it was an ominous reddish-black.

“I admit. The revelry went too far.”

The ethereal voice that couldn’t hide its emotions when I endured humiliation at the hands of the Paleord and Caladvolg had regained its composure.

Though the voice had regained its calm, this was merely superficial.

BOOM!

As the resonant sound echoed, impossible to determine its source, the ominous aura surged with each casual swing of the sword. It was impossible to call it calm.

Am I the only one thinking this?

“Then you must pay the price for such revelry now!”

Even though our meeting was brief, Caladvolg’s words, filled with respect, were firm.

Her golden hostility poured forth, seemingly to condemn the frivolous actions that the ethereal being called revelry. However,

“Even before you finished speaking, you rushed in with your hands. Did your creators teach you to act so recklessly?”

Instead of being surprised as I initially was, the ethereal being scolded Caladvolg and responded by swinging the sword in their hand.

Despite the might of the golden hostility that rapidly restored the distortions in this space, there was a mysterious sword whose power scattered the golden hostility to an extent that was equally impressive.

“…Ah!”

Caladvolg emitted a soft groan, as if she had been shocked by an invisible counterforce after her attack failed to connect.

“Is that all you’ve got, boasting so much?”

Correcting her posture immediately, she gathered an even more intense golden light at her fingertips, preparing to attack the ethereal being once more.

“Ashlin. Ashlin.”

The ethereal being’s body flashed like lightning before Caladvolg, then said,

“Just now, it hurt quite a bit. Now, feel the pain I felt!”

It was faster to kick Caladvolg’s abdomen with a leg than to strike with a sword.

BOOM!

Though the movement wasn’t particularly powerful, Caladvolg was slammed against the wall with a loud noise before she could even scream.

“Caladvolg?!”

The sharp sound upon collision made me involuntarily call out her name, worried about her safety.

“Caladvolg?!”

Ashlin, hearing her name, quickly approached her with a mix of surprise, confusion, and worry on her face, more so than I did.

Fortunately, despite the tremendous destruction caused by the ethereal being’s determined attack,

“Caladvolg? Are you okay?”

Before Ashlin arrived, Caladvolg stood up, displaying her resilience.

“It seems you’ve exerted all your strength, but such a level of skill is disappointing.”

The courteous words masked a subtle provocation.

“Hmph. Overconfidence.”

The ethereal being, having regained their composure, dismissed Caladvolg’s provocation as if it didn’t matter. However,

A slight frown betrayed their dissatisfaction that their decisive blow hadn’t landed properly.

Though uncertain how the situation would change later,

Caladvolg’s determination not to be overwhelmed was evident in her confident stride towards Ashlin.

“Now, you recognize me, little mistress.”

Having arrived beside Ashlin, Caladvolg greeted her with a respectful tone, marking the first time she addressed Ashlin as her “little mistress” since transforming into human form.

No one could have predicted that the legendary sword known for completing the great feat of slaying dragons would transform into a human form.

“Mistress, it’s fine. I never imagined I’d transform back into a human form. How could you recognize me so quickly?”

Though she was late to recognize Ashlin, she was quick to reassure her.

“…Well, I did think it might be you when I first saw you, given the aura…”

Despite her embarrassment, Ashlin’s faint recognition was not a major issue.

“…I didn’t expect you to be so small and cute…”

Hearing Ashlin’s choice of words, Caladvolg trembled visibly. Despite her greater accomplishments compared to her sister Paleord, the appearance that emphasized her subordinate status shocked her when it came from her master.

Exaggerating slightly, even the impact of being pinned to the wall by the ethereal being’s sword was less shocking than her response.

“Little mistress, I am not small! Just…”

Struggling to assert her dignity despite her appearance, she seemed more shocked by her own defense.

If only the warmth of Caladvolg’s defiant stance and Ashlin’s conflicted yet admiring gaze could continue.

BOOM!

But the serene atmosphere shattered as the ethereal being thrust their sword into the ground.

“People and swords should not be treated as mere decorations…”

Though their voice and expression were calm, their entire body exuded a lethal aura that was almost palpable.

“The human who summoned me here, I intended to spare you if possible. But now, let you regret being near that sword!”

Injecting their energy into the sword they had driven into the ground, they unleashed a massive explosion, reversing the tide instantly.

—

Visibility was blocked. Thick dust rose in the windless space, creating a situation where it was nearly impossible to see anything with just the eyes.

Given the ethereal being’s ability to manipulate physical laws with a gesture, it was clear they used information asymmetry to blindside their opponents.

Although it was generally wise not to move recklessly in such a situation,

Given the ethereal being’s taunts aimed directly at Ashlin,

I moved toward her, guided by her presence trace, even with my eyes closed.

Closing my eyes cut off my sight, but heightened my spiritual sense, allowing me to follow Ashlin’s presence.

“Master, hurry.”

Paleord’s voice echoed urgently, matching my steps.

Even from a distance, Ashlin’s presence became sharply clear, urging me to move faster.

Though I already knew the ethereal being was rapidly approaching Ashlin,

“First, I’ll punish you for belittling me!”

The ethereal being’s composed voice, tinged with hidden malice, accompanied the sound slicing through the air.

Despite my haste, I felt I was still too late.

BOOM!

The sound indicating something had blocked the violent force,

“Unbelievable! You dare cause such a ruckus in a human world!”

Ashlin’s powerful voice reprimanded the ethereal being, offering relief that their one-sided assault had failed.

Only by deliberately dulling one sense and sharpening others could I move in such a blocked environment.

While impressed by Ashlin’s determination despite her condition, concern overshadowed admiration.

“You lowly wretch. Your turn has not come.”

The ethereal being, barely concealing their anger, gathered their energy.

“But since you’ve stepped forward, don’t blame me for sending you ahead despite your lack of turn!”

Even though their attack was hard to track, Ashlin’s presence clearly deflected each strike.

Despite being in a degraded state, the ethereal being’s overwhelming abilities and the unexpected resistance of the environment.

Their attacks, though powerful, were thwarted, leaving only a muffled sound as if hitting a thick barrier.

“What…is this…”

For the first time, the ethereal being showed signs of panic, their arrogance finally wavering.

“Caladvolg! Now is the time!”

Taking the opportunity, Ashlin signaled to Caladvolg.

“Indeed, whether big or small, I shine best in the master’s hand!”

Waiting for Ashlin’s signal, Caladvolg’s body emanated a cool blue light, contrasting with the usual golden hue.

When her golden aura aligned with the master’s hostility, it indicated she was reverting to her sword form.

In battles against twisted beings in warped spaces, the existence of extraordinary artifacts proved crucial.