Chapter 219

Long ago, the snake-eyed faction of the Relief Knights, and their leader Rupert, were often heard saying this:

Failing to prepare is like preparing to fail.

Even if uncertain, since it came from someone who could glimpse the future, it feels pretty profound.

Then…

What is preparation?

And what’s readiness?

“…….”

The sword of Fortress Carriel, now a sacred relic, apparently doesn’t lend its power and might to just anyone.

After various experiments by the Order, they concluded it was a sacred artifact with a designated user and compatibility.

And that user, that compatible one, was soon revealed…

‘So this is how fates intertwine.’

From atop the tree, looking down, I analyze and observe the battlefield situation.

‘Moreover…’

The fact that the existence these warriors devoted themselves to has somehow cooperated with them holds significant meaning.

Also…

‘That giant…’

Though lacking a physical body, that spirit-form thing is quite familiar.

‘Is this how it went?’

Those barbarian warriors, and that giant too…

Their essence is the same.

For example, some of the newly reborn among the giants have recently merged into the bodies of these new barbarian warriors to re-enter this world.

And that giant over there…

A rebel who refused to be purified.

Thus, even now, it maintains the form and spiritual presence of an ancient giant.

If we return to the ruins of the Fire Giant, perhaps its soulless body can regain its rightful place.

‘Is this related to Heeba?’

More specifically, the half piece of Hibaitein in my possession.

It’s also called Rebaitein, but depending on the name, its meaning and compatibility seem different.

In the Mythic Era, names and titles weren’t just for calling or identification—they meant something more.

They were a sort of harsh sentence or binding definition for a being.

“…….”

Through some dimensional portal hidden in the forest, daemons are pouring out.

However, the actual residents and members of the Demon Realm, or those holding positions there, haven’t shown their faces yet.

Had their plan been to unleash elites from the start, the current relief and reinforcements would’ve been meaningless.

And even now, this attack is happening outside the area where demon realmification has occurred.

If this place were fully transformed into the Demon Realm…

The battle situation would become overwhelmingly one-sided.

“Ultimately…”

These swarming monsters are nothing more than distractions.

‘The Demon King…’

Expanding the corruption zone and accelerating demon realmification—while that might seem like the main objective…

The question is why he’s doing it. We need to grasp that key point.

Is it to pollute the World Tree?

Or to secure a domain for himself to unleash his full power?

Weakening the enemy while strengthening allies.

In a way, it’s a classic formula for victory.

Is the current Demon King following that theory step by step?

“…….”

Strategic thinking was already established long ago.

This was just a moment to refocus thoughts against any unforeseen variables.

“…huff.”

So first things first…

Time to buy some time.

The lingering shadow of pitch blackness in my palm is flung toward the enemy like a thrown spear.

Starting from my hand, a massive jagged line shoots through the air, piercing the body of a daemon far away, driving a colossal bolt of darkness into the ground.

Yet still, its form remains intact.

With that…

I leap onto the long black line diagonally stretched across the battlefield.

Just after cresting a slope, sliding down the extended dark line like a sleigh, I arrive at the center of the charging daemons.

Like an arrow aimed at its target, I sweep through four or five daemons instantly with my pitch-black sword.

Now separated by dozens of steps from my allies, I’ve thrown myself headfirst into the fray.

The tidal wave of daemons quickly turns and charges toward the figure who just landed on the ground, surging forward like a floodgate opening.

As if whoever arrives first gets the freshest meat.

“…….”

But without a hint of hesitation, confusion, or bewilderment.

An unshaken breathing rhythm during movement awakens mind and body instantly.

Ennea.

Dominatus Abnoddo.

Consciousness peaks, entering a state of hyperfocus as if flesh and spirit awaken simultaneously, reaching full readiness.

Slicing, stabbing, dodging by the slimmest margins, deflecting attacks.

Soon enough, alternating between the pitch-black sword and spear, I began to dominate the chaotic battlefield alone.

When the spear swings horizontally, even its shaft becomes a blade, cutting through enemies unaware until they’re split apart mid-motion.

Slicing, stabbing.

Instead of pulling out the embedded sword, dissolving and recreating the pitch-black weapon to continue slicing and stabbing.

Throwing the spear, sending two or three small horrors flying with gouts of blood and bile.

But then, a cleverly approaching diminutive monster resembling a child leaps in with grotesque claws.

Cutting down the daemon charging straight ahead, I swiftly grab the arm of the sneaky attacker from behind.

Like leading a dance partner, I use the grabbed daemon as a shield, eliminating another foe.

Spotting a brief opportunity, I toss the daemon into the air, decapitating it mid-flight before kicking its torso into the face of a charging bull-like beast.

Although the minotaur-like daemon shouldn’t have flinched from such a minor mass,

the moment the smaller daemon collided with its head, the thick skull cracked instantly.

Because I secretly wrapped the daemon’s body in pitch-black energy and launched it like a wedge.

That’s how I continued to whirl through the enemy ranks without pause, in a dazzling display of combat prowess.

But the true spectacle happened next.

Kuuuung!

As my foot slammed into the ground, a wave of pitch-black residue swept through the area.

Caught up in it, enemies were forcibly dragged toward unknown forces.

Suddenly, pitch-black pikes formed and pierced through the torsos of the dragged-in daemons.

Immediately afterward, the pikes shot outward in all directions, ensnaring easily dozens of foes.

In the blink of an eye, the number of defeated daemons had surpassed a hundred.

‘This should…’

Impressive show, right?

But merely showing off isn’t enough to boost morale.

‘Slowly…’

I need to catch the attention of someone over there too.

“…”

Observing the daemon reinforcements filling the gaps.

I clenched my fist tightly.

My consciousness responds immediately to my will.

Without wasting time on preparations or distracting thoughts.

One will amplifies and represents the whole.

‘Compared to what you used…’

This is truly nothing in comparison.

Gradually releasing my grip, I drove the encased flame of darkness directly into the ground.

====

HUUUAAANG!

At first, it was an intense light.

But before that dazzling flash could overwhelm everyone’s vision…

The oppressive heat struck everyone’s skin first.

Someone was left speechless.

“…?”

Another remained silent, eyes wide before closing them tightly.

“Woah…”

Still another let out an indescribable gasp of awe.

“What the hell is this?”

A colossal pillar of fire erupted vertically, swallowing the surrounding area.

Its crimson and pitch-black hues were nothing short of miraculous.

Not only that.

Daemons nearby were pulled in helplessly, writhing and struggling as they were instantly reduced to ash and scattered as dust.

To the enemy, this was a devastating wonder they couldn’t possibly confront.

And to our allies, it was a divine authority that inspired both reverence and fear.

-…

Meanwhile, deep within the corruption zone, Demon King Lucesia narrowed her crimson eyes upon witnessing this spectacular display.

Was it a provocation?

Or did the situation warrant unleashing that level of power?

Depending on which, the severity of the situation could swing wildly.

If it was a provocation, it meant events were unfolding contrary to her intentions.

If it was due to urgency, it suggested the plan was proceeding smoothly.

…Or maybe both?

Ultimately, Lucesia had no other options.

-…rrrr

She grasped her shoulder tightly.

And then…

Tore off her shoulder guard.

The shredded metal armor, including her gauntlet, was cast aside, revealing her plain flesh beneath.

Moments later, using her pristine white hands, she tore off the opposite shoulder guard as well.

Now with both arms bare, the young girl set the discarded pieces down and continued her bitter prayer.

‘Please…’

According to the pact, stay by my side.

‘Until the day the world eternally perishes.’

Or…

‘Until the day I destroy the world.’

We shall…

====

“Hmm?”

“Does Your Majesty feel it too?”

Diaras, Guardian of the South, lifted his rigid gaze toward his sister while commanding his white horse amidst battle.

“Both sides are relentless.”

No sooner had Karriels displayed divine might when an overwhelming aura emanated from the Demon King.

Upon reflexively turning his gaze, Diaras saw countless dark figures emerging near the Demon King.

These were strange beings clad in pitch-black armor.

Queen Dianaikis of the Elves immediately noticed the Demon King’s missing arms.

‘What did she do with them?’

The mystery was quickly resolved.

The black-armored entities broke through the corruption zone and charged toward them.

“Diaras!”

“I’m aware!”

Diaras met one head-on, leaving a faint blue trail as he flew through the air.

“Ugh?!”

The pressure and ferocity from this single entity far exceeded expectations, relentlessly pressing him.

Its pitch-black metallic spear had cornered Diaras in an instant.

‘This, this guy?!’

Only upon closing in did he realize.

This being exuded the same mana as the Demon King standing afar.

Even the total amount of mana accumulated within seemed comparable.

It was so overwhelming that the mere residual mana suffocated him.

Initially, mana generated in the Demon Realm is akin to deadly poison to beings of the Middle Realm.

‘Even outside the corruption zone, it’s this intense!’

Had it been inside the completed corruption zone earlier, he wouldn’t have lasted more than a few moves.

-Kraaaah!

Kwaang!

Another pitch-black armored entity clashed with a snow-white barbarian warrior.

“Eh, eh?!”

Despite a size difference of at least four to five times,

the barbarian warrior was being completely overwhelmed.

The weapon in the pitch-black armored entity’s hand was a massive mace.

Reminiscent of a hexagonal iron pillar, it mercilessly smashed the barbarian’s axe.

“Wha-what the heck?!”

Kaang!

“If you’re struggling, say so!”

“What the heck is this guy?!”

Thanks to the swift assistance of two others, they managed to overcome the critical moment.

Yet, they were still being pushed back.

“This is beyond what we can handle, buddy!”

“Where’s that big guy gone?!”

The giant the barbarian desperately called for was busy clinging to the World Tree, trying to pry off a tree-like sea monster with all his might.

“That guy’s pretty occupied too!”

“Damn!”

Swinging the mace like a lightweight hammer, the towering figure effortlessly sent the massive warrior soaring into the air.

Even though the height reached was barely that of a person, it was astonishing in itself.

“Really endless, huh?”

And the queen, observing everything while suppressing her own turmoil, finally noticed Karriels turning toward this direction, piercing through the ranks to approach.

His grand figure blazing with flames, sweeping everything around him dramatically, evoked images straight out of myth.

Yet, it didn’t seem like the tide would shift entirely because of that.

Still, it definitely had an effect.

“…”

Unconsciously watching this, the morale of the allied camp soared sky-high.

Additionally, the brief pause gave our side a chance to catch their breath.

That time allowed them to briefly regroup, strengthening their defenses.

Realizing this, Karriels began retreating to the rear lines, having likely spotted those pitch-black entities.

Perhaps sensing this, the queen muttered unknowingly.

“Not like before…”

Different to an extreme degree.

Yet, your current form…

“Seems good enough.”

That snake and venom once long ago…

Have now broken free from their shell.

And the being hatched from that shell…

Was neither the terrifying snake nor the sinister viper of old.

“A star.”

For some reason, that came to mind first.

Rather than living creatures or life forms…

A bright little star blooming in the dark sky.

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