The sword’s imprint shines brilliantly, constantly infusing vitality.
The surging life force swirls sharper and more intensely than ever before.
To kill this one woman, how many sacrifices had to be made?
All those deaths flashed through my mind, fueling the rage at the tip of my blade.
“I’ll tear you apart until you can’t regenerate, Isabella!”
The swung blade severs the regenerated arm of the mantis.
The severed arm falls into the water, splashing waves, and instead of blood, dark energy rises from the cut.
“Maybe it’s your hymen that’ll tear? Go ahead, thrash around.”
Isabella laughs lewdly, pulling out insect arms from her back.
Entering full combat mode, she reveals her grotesque form.
From behind, another pair of bladed arms springs out.
Even if I wound them with Ice Blade or cut them with Durandal, it’s meaningless.
She just discards and regenerates them as she has done before.
From her lower back, two pairs of legs emerge, gripping the ground.
Long, curved, and spiked like a spider’s legs.
Her main body floats upward, as if she has no intention of walking.
Next, a glossy green exoskeleton covers her limbs.
Each segment of the exoskeleton sprouts small claws and teeth, wriggling.
It’s as if hundreds of bugs were fused together.
Even her face transforms grotesquely.
A split mouth like a mantis, blackened whites of her eyes, and antennae sprouting from her head—a mix of human and insect.
—
So, she’s starting with that, huh?
Isabella’s five powers: Netherworld’s Banishment, Embracing Nightmare, Black Repose, Wriggling Nest, and Metamorphosis.
One of them, [Wriggling Nest], is the power to replace her body with countless insect-like monsters.
Until now, she’s only used it to implant parasitic bugs in others… but its true essence is freely utilizing the traits of the parasitic monsters.
That form is the true use of Wriggling Nest.
Against me, with my anti-magic resistance, mental powers like Nightmare and Repose would be less effective, so it’s natural she prioritizes physical abilities.
Her exoskeleton-covered body, ten limbs including her main body, and a grotesquely gaping maw.
The once moderately attractive woman now looks no different from a monster.
Though her chest and groin remain human.
…In the game, some people liked the boss’s service scenes, but seeing it in reality is just disgusting.
Even worse, small monsters keep falling from between her legs, like a queen ant laying eggs.
The slime-covered bug monsters screech as they spread their wet bodies on the ground.
It’s truly nauseatingly grotesque and filthy.
Enough to make my brow twitch.
Of course, my form isn’t exactly human either.
The reflection on the water makes that clear.
Life force currents pulsating around my body, six tentacles glowing crimson, and eyes burning like blue flames, with a clawed left hand.
This isn’t a fight between a witch and a knight—it’s a slaughter between monsters.
“Leave the control of life force to me. Keep only what’s needed for body enhancement, and use the rest as you see fit!”
[You still have plenty to spare. The life force you accumulated from the last battle equals what I’ve gathered over two years.]
Hersela chuckled with satisfaction.
What’s so funny? I still feel a lump in my throat thinking about those who died unavoidably.
…Though I can’t deny this power is helpful.
Forcing my focus back from self-blame, I face the enemy.
What’s done is done. This isn’t the time for sentiment. Losing focus in battle is a death sentence.
Looking at that whore’s face, my self-loathing fades, replaced by rising hostility.
That’s right, the culprit is right in front of me. Let’s avenge their grievances by killing her.
“Now… come quietly into my arms. I’ll give you such ecstasy, you’ll forget your own name.”
“Do you think having more limbs will let you beat me? I’ve killed plenty of monsters with lots of legs.”
“I’m different from those monsters. You’ll see soon enough.”
With saliva dripping from her torn mouth, Isabella charges at me.
Ernst, who had been watching like a screen, also draws his sword and attacks.
“Smells worse than a monster!”
Durandal vibrates in agreement.
—
Isabella’s charge in combat mode.
A wave of dark energy crashes like a tsunami.
Fortunately, the density of the dark energy is thinner than in the game.
…That old man said it. This world has strange limits.
Like a level cap in games, I guess he was right.
Originally, she would’ve appeared as an enemy in the fourth episode, but defeating her years early has its merits.
The Isabella I’m facing now seems much weaker than in my memories.
Though I’m weaker now compared to years later, this is still better.
If both sides were stronger, the damage would only increase.
Fighting her, Ernst, and dozens of bugs is tricky… but I’m not alone.
– Crack!
I deflect a pair of falling forelegs with Durandal and glance back.
Through the open iron gate, I shout to my allies preparing for battle.
“Everyone, move out! Lacey, defend! Ophelia, burn the bugs! The rest, hold off Ernst!”
Before my command even finishes…
Suddenly, the group, cloaked in stealth, sprang to their feet and raised their weapons.
“Disgusting witch…! In the name of the celestial will, I shall pass judgment upon you today!”
Lacey, her face twisted like a demon, emitted a pure holy light, bestowing blessings upon everyone.
Celestial Protection.
A blessing that enhances physical abilities and continuously heals wounds.
White Night.
A sacred aura that protects the mind, like a clear sky where night never falls.
These two miracles, affecting both mind and body, descended upon everyone except Ophelia. Not that Lacey hated Ophelia, but because such blessings would only hinder her. The holy light of a priest clashes with a magician’s mana.
Once the blessings envelop the body, casting spells becomes nearly impossible.
“Your divine aura is shining brightly, Your Majesty the Empress? You should carry yourself like this more often. It suits you.”
The sarcasm dripped with disdain. Ophelia’s gathered mana erupted into flames, blazing fiercely.
Though it was a sewer, the ventilation was good, so using fire wouldn’t cause breathing issues. The cold underground water flowing nearby would also prevent the temperature from rising too high.
The wave of fire swept over the crawling insect monsters, filling the sewer with a strange stench and the screams of the insects echoing off the walls.
The insects, unable to withstand the flames, threw themselves into the underground water, only to be swept away by the current.
—
The remaining three stood in front of Ernst. Even if Ernst, with his enhanced physical abilities, was a match for his former self, these three could at least hold him off.
“I didn’t doubt Lady Hashalleur’s words, but I never thought he’d actually appear…”
“Elpinel, I dedicate this battle to you. Grant me the radiance to vanquish evil!”
Nigel raised his spear, and Bels bestowed a blessing upon himself. Their opponent was Carolus’s descendant, a direct imperial royal, but their resolve was firm.
Once fallen into the witch’s grasp… death was the only salvation.
Meanwhile, one of them hesitated, her trembling sword tip betraying her uncertainty.
“Brother…!!”
René—no, Leonor, having removed her helmet, looked at Ernst with a sorrowful expression. But Ernst remained silent, charging forward without a word. Leonor’s eyes trembled.
…I told you not to come.
Soon, the insect-infested imperial prince clashed fiercely with the three women.
—
“Haaaah!”
Nigel’s spear thrust sharply toward Ernst. Ernst, glancing at the spear tip, swung his longsword.
A sharp clash. Sparks flew and extinguished in the sewer.
“Ugh!”
Nigel’s brow furrowed slightly, his hand numb. Ernst had the upper hand in reaction speed, strength, and weapon durability.
As Ernst pressed forward, aiming to close the distance—
“Not so fast!”
Bels’s sword, wrapped in holy light, slashed toward Ernst’s leg.
Ernst stepped back, his gaze shifting to Bels. Bels hastily extended his left hand.
– Bang!
Ernst’s kick sent Bels flying backward. Even though he blocked it, the impact was strong enough to knock him off balance.
Nigel, now wielding a dagger in his left hand, charged at Ernst again.
“Don’t underestimate the swords of Randenburg!”
“Elpinel!”
Nigel, now fully unleashing his strength, pressed Ernst with acrobatic movements, while Bels, armed with a radiant sword and shield of devotion, blocked Ernst’s counterattacks.
In the confined space, Nigel’s tactics shone. He used the walls to propel himself, embedding his dagger in the ceiling to change direction abruptly.
Like a rubber ball thrown into a box and the lid slammed shut, his spear danced unpredictably. The ceiling, marked by his dagger, scattered dust, and the walls and floor, torn by blades, groaned and spat fragments.
Ernst, too, struggled to keep up. His armor bore increasing damage. Even as he tried to trade blows, Bels would intercept his strikes.
“Ugh…!”
The difference in strength was evident. Each strike shattered Bels’s shield and cracked the holy light on his sword. The remaining force sent Bels sprawling.
But it bought enough time for Nigel to retreat. Leaping away from Ernst’s sword, Nigel prepared for another attack, while Bels rose again, summoning holy light.
“Damn it…!”
Leonor, gritting her teeth, joined the fray, swinging her sword. Though she couldn’t match Ernst’s skill, she could at least stab and retreat.
…She’ll be fine for now.
The real question is whether I can break through Isabella’s powers… Well, I’ll find out soon enough.
