Chapter 300

Kara barged in midway, but the chase continued steadily.

Rust was clawing his way after us with a fury, and I was too busy fleeing while being held by Kara’s hand.

Maybe it was because he got zapped by Gulrak’s lightning, but Rust’s eyes were completely wild.

No matter how resilient he claimed to be, he must’ve taken some damage, since it was Gulrak’s lightning, after all.

“Stop right there! You dog of Gulrak!”

Not to mention, Kara was the beloved dancer of Gulrak. The lightning was bound to be brutally effective.

Thus, I found myself wondering: why were we fleeing like this? If Kara and I teamed up, we could hold our ground easily.

Sure, neither of us has Divine Power, but I could still use Lightning, one of the demon’s characteristics. Just as I was about to speak—

“This should do.”

Suddenly, Kara, who was holding my hand and running, came to a halt. I looked around at the place we stopped.

“This is…?”

“Familiar, isn’t it?”

Familiar enough that it was an ideal place for a fight. Because it was a public Dueling Arena.

Not the one located inside the Main Hall, but an outdoor Dueling Arena, perfect for combat.

However, it had its downside—everything was incredibly dark. This would definitely favor Rust.

“Looks like you’re done running away, huh? You little rat.”

It seemed Rust read Kara’s intentions as he furrowed his brows and spoke. The Blue Magic was oozing from her body, clearly showing that she was pretty pissed off.

Even though she was a support-type demon, a Blue Demon is not to be taken lightly. I was honestly a bit worried.

‘Besides, if Kara’s a woman and gets hit by any lust effects, we’re toast…’

Rust’s true strength lies in awakening desires—in other words, lust.

So the moment he casts any lust effects on Kara, her power would drop drastically.

Especially since the stronger the desires, the longer she endured, the more intense the effects.

Hence, Priests are particularly vulnerable against Rust. They live in abstinence and are used to suppressing their desires.

“Sivar. I need to gather some strength, okay? Can you hang in there for a bit?”

Kara whispered to me. It seems she had some tricks up her sleeve.

I nodded at her whisper. As long as I could hold out until Rod or Rize came, it didn’t matter.

Perhaps we could even take care of Rust. He was currently a bit weakened himself.

-Rumble!

As I nodded, a faint thunder rumbled from the sky. At the same time, Kara stretched both hands upwards.

It looked as if she was gathering her energy. Preparing for a powerful shot.

“That little—!”

Feeling the ominous vibe, Rust raised his hands. There was an unsettling energy rising from the ground beneath.

It was a force that approached with cracks like an earth dragon. I immediately slammed my axe into the ground.

-Kaboom!!

As soon as I struck the ground with my axe, enormous spikes shot up on either side.

Before Rust could bloom like a flower on those spikes, I dashed towards her with swift movements.

Upon my approach, Rust made a haughty face and took a step back. It was clear she didn’t want to confront me directly.

“Whew~!”

As she stepped back, Rust exhaled. A white powder burst out from her mouth.

The moment I saw that powder, I held my breath. This is definitely a powder that induces hallucinations.

But the bigger problem was behind me—Kara. Even if I held my breath, that powder was headed towards her.

Fortunately, the wind from behind me was blowing quite slowly. And luckily, there were ways to counter it.

-Crackle! Crackle!

Red Lightning flickered wildly from my axe. It was a lightning of a completely different color from Kara’s.

Then, swinging the axe infused with lightning, I aimed for the powder. Just like swatting a bug with a flyswatter.

-Tap! Tap!

The white powder was completely incinerated by the lightning. As mentioned earlier, Lightning is also one of the extreme traits of the demons.

Of course, not all demon attacks are stopped by Divine Power or Lightning. Rust’s attack could be countered thanks to the powder’s properties.

Naturally, Rust, being unaware of this, was dumbfounded. As she prepared for her next attack, she muttered quietly.

“How does he know everything? Did that Saint tell him?”

I’ve seen it all in games. From ancient times, those who step onto the front lines are the first targets for removal.

Especially since Rust, unlike a regular Priest, debuffs the opposing team. She’s incredibly deadly as the battle progresses.

It’s like losing 10% from 10 is far less critical than losing 10% from 100. Eliminating her first ensures a smoother path ahead.

Especially if she synergizes with the clown, the difficulty will skyrocket. She must be eliminated here.

“O Father Gulrak in the skies!”

While I kept Rust at bay, Kara shouted from behind. I glanced back, seeing lightning enveloping her body.

Seeing that, Rust tried desperately to get past me, but I had set up a full-body defense; she had no way of getting through.

But being a Blue Demon, she had her own unique methods.

“Screw you!”

“Huh?!”

She spat at my face.

It might seem like a ridiculous move, but her spit isn’t just ordinary spit.

Given her strength in hallucination magic, there’s likely a hallucination effect woven into it. Like paralyzing one’s spatial awareness.

-Hit

In a moment of panic, I wiped the spit off my nose. In an instant, my balance faltered.

At the same time, my body started heating up, indicating there was also a kind of lust effect involved.

This was one absurd attack, yet it was rather effective against me.

Thanks to the spit hitting my nose, holding my breath became a struggle. It was such an unexpected attack.

-Rumble!

While I staggered, the rumbling from the sky intensified. It seemed preparation was nearly complete.

But Rust had already bypassed me and was charging at Kara.

Kara, trusting me completely, simply spread her arms and took no action.

If this continues, Kara will be in danger. I took the best course of action available to me.

-Embrace!!

“Huh, huh?!”

Just before my sense of space crumbled, I leapt toward Rust.

Not only did I leap, but I wrapped my arms tightly around her waist. Since her waist was relatively slim, I almost slipped.

-Bam!

Rust, equally off-balance, tumbled down awkwardly. The moment she fell, I quickly pounced on top of her.

Once on top, I used both my arms and legs to fully restrain her. There was no way she could escape by strength alone.

“What the hell are you doing?! Let me go! You’ll get hurt too!”

Rust, who had vaguely pieced together my plan, pleaded in a flustered voice. The nuance was more worried about me than herself.

Why on earth was she worried about me, even in a situation like this? I couldn’t comprehend it at all.

However, regardless of my confusion, this was the best I could do. Ignoring her cries, I called out to Kara.

“Kara! Just shoot!”

“Are you crazy? Even for your sake…!”

“I’m used to it!”

I had gotten hit by lightning so often, I was practically desensitized. It’ll hurt more than all the hits I’ve taken, but I could endure it.

Rust was wriggling around, but there was no hole to escape. I pressed every ounce of strength into restraining Rust.

Meanwhile, the rumbling from the sky and the vibrations grew louder, and the armor of lightning surrounding Kara intensified.

Then, Kara hesitated for a moment before making a resolute expression.

“Heaven’s Punishment!!”

“Ah, no…!!”

It was too late for Rust to scream. No, her mouth was definitely moving.

But it was only that her words were completely drowned out by the enormous noise. In reality, she must’ve been shouting loudly.

-Whoa!

With that thought, an enormous flash of light erupted from the sky. It was a blue flash brighter than sunlight.

Looking up at the sky, I noticed that flash was growing larger as it approached. The flash was heading directly for us.

‘…This is going to hurt, isn’t it?’

It was too late for regrets. I shut my eyes tight.

-Boom!!!

The giant hammer of lightning descended upon us.

*****

The effect of lightning transcending even divine punishment was truly magnificent.

Despite the lightning striking the ground, it lit up the surroundings as brightly as if the sun had risen.

And that wasn’t all. Due to the overwhelming power radiating outward, the entire Dueling Arena lit up.

Technically, those mechanisms should only operate when magic was infused. Yet they were activated by the impact of the lightning.

‘…Did I take care of it?’

Kara intently watched the spot where smoke billowed. It was exactly the spot where Heaven’s Punishment had just struck.

Where Rust and Sivar lay side by side. It was lucky Sivar bound Rust, or else it would’ve been pretty dangerous.

‘But what about Sivar? Is he alright?’

The smell of charred squid wafted into Kara’s nose. She was more worried than hopeful.

No matter how much Sivar was accustomed to lightning (?), what just happened was a full-blown attack.

If before, the lightning from Gulrak felt like a mere flick on the forehead, now it was akin to being struck with a mace.

‘Sivar should’ve survived that.’

Kara firmly believed in Sivar. For now, she had no choice but to trust him.

As the smoke slowly began to clear, the shape within came into focus.

She narrowed her eyes and observed closely. She didn’t forget to withdraw her Usuk Blade for caution.

“Cough. Cough. This brat really…”

“… …”

It was a woman’s voice. Kara’s expression stiffened.

Was it the Blue Demon that looked fine even after taking such a massive lightning hit?

“What on earth did we do to deserve this? I just don’t get it.”

…No, the figure emerging from the smoke could not be called fine.

Her left side was completely charred black from the lightning. Her beautiful face was burnt to a crisp, exposing her skull.

Not just her face, her body was in shambles too. Her limbs barely retained their shape, even the exposed bones were charred black.

She looked like a monster with two faces. Kara held her sword with a tense expression.

‘Where is Sivar? Where is he?’

More than anything, Kara was worried about Sivar. She quickly scanned around to find him.

Having been right beside her, he wouldn’t be in better shape than Rust, if not worse. Soon, she was able to spot Sivar.

‘…He’s okay, isn’t he?’

Whatever method he employed, Sivar lay there as if dead. Just like a child sleeping peacefully.

In stark contrast, Rust’s condition was utterly devastating. But even that, she noticed slowly recovering.

“Eh? You… now that I see you clearly… you must be the one that clown mentioned. Now I see you.”

Rust pointed at Kara, as she waved her fingers. With just a gesture, Sivar’s form floated into the air.

She gently placed Sivar beside the edge of the Dueling Arena, like moving a precious child.

“Brown skin, red hair. Green eyes. Yes, I’m sure.”

“…Do you know me?”

“Of course. That clown said you were my kid’s girlfriend, right? What a pity.”

How does a demon know that much? Even before she contemplated that question.

“If I didn’t, I would’ve torn you apart.”

“… …”

“No, it’d be better to toss you to my subordinates. That way, Gulrak would shed tears of blood.”

Rust growled, her eyes filled with malice. The aura of Blue Magic poured from her body.

The atmosphere was drastically different from when Sivar was around. Until now, she couldn’t reveal her true power because of Sivar.

But now was different. Now that Sivar was in a safe place, she had no reason to hold back.

‘…That one strike made her use too much of her power.’

Kara swallowed hard. Cold sweat trickled down her cheeks.

She had clearly dealt significant damage, yet she didn’t feel like they could win.

First, there was the absurd recovery rate of the opponent. That completely charred left side was somehow recovering already.

Unless they extracted her heart, there was no way to take her down. The extent of her magic was beyond comprehension.

‘…I’ll just do what I can.’

Just as Kara resolved that, Rust brushed her long hair back.

Her hair, which was curled up from the lightning, had now returned to normal. All that was left was to charge in full force.

-Crunch.

As Rust took a step forward.

“Bright and sunny, isn’t it?”

“Huh?”

“… …”

An old, gruff voice interrupted the moment.

Kara widened her eyes at the voice, while Rust’s expression turned sour.

-Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

The sound of relaxed footsteps resonated softly. Both turned their heads toward where the sound came from.

Rod approached, holding swords in both hands. Kara fixed her gaze on the swords he was gripping.

‘That’s…’

In his right hand was an ordinary sword. Yet in his left was something much larger.

A large greatsword with eye-like patterns etched in the center. One that was supposed to be wielded by Sivar.

But that wasn’t all. Did he acquire it on his way to the Dueling Arena? A practice sword was strapped to his waist.

The sight of him wielding three swords, though different types, exuded an unknown sense of dread.

“The Hunter?”

“I sent him to get his heart pierced. He’s probably been eliminated by now.”

“… …”

Rust’s complexion hardened. Sounds like he was merely there to buy time, and it backfired.

Moreover, the Hunter was one of their precious forces. No one could match his skills in assassination.

It’s a painful loss. The situation unraveled completely, and things were a real mess.

“Just borrowing for a moment. Do you mind taking a little rest over there?”

“Y-Yes?”

In the meantime, Rod approached Kara and took her Usuk Blade.

Kara was momentarily stunned, only to be left slack-jawed by the next transformation.

-Swish!

Rod tossed the Usuk Blade behind him. According to the laws of nature, it should’ve fallen to the ground.

But the blade did not drop at all. Instead, it floated behind Rod as if it had grown wings.

-Whoosh! Swish!

Following that, he tossed the practice sword, the greatsword with eye patterns. Each time he did, they floated like wings behind him.

This was not the end. Rod spread his hands as if calling upon something.

-Thud!

Moments later, Ragnarok appeared in his grip. Though it was an axe rather than a sword, Rod didn’t care as he threw it behind him.

Ragnarok began to float behind him too. Kara was dumbfounded by the sight.

-Whoosh! Whoosh!

-Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

From the floating weapons emerged powerful waves of magic. As if ready to be used at any moment.

The knights guarding the rear of the vanguard stepping onto the battlefield. Each weapon, not just a sword, seemed imbued with a sense of purpose.

The Blue Magic governing the laws of nature. Ability derived from grasping the source of the heavens and manipulating its principles.

A secret technique only the owner of the swords could use.

“氣を以って剣を操る.” (Igi no ken wo ayatsuru)

“You said, Sivar is very precious.”

“… …”

Rod said that while slowly lifting the sword in his right hand.

“I’m sorry, but…”

His gaze of ‘not blue’ but ‘deep blue’ was filled with.

“To us, he’s far more precious.”

A blatant ‘intent to kill’ was present.

*****

“Tsk tsk tsk.”

One being clicked their tongue in pity. Currently, their eyes reflected a certain demon.

A demon with a mask covering its face, a sword stabbed in its heart, and both its left leg and right arm cleanly severed.

Seeing that it wasn’t completely obliterated indicates it was still holding on to its life. But that, too, wouldn’t last much longer.

“To move again, it’ll take time. Departure.”

-Swish!

With that statement, the figure of the Hunter completely vanished. The sword lodged in his heart clattered onto the ground.

The non-human figure watched the departed Hunter, then turned its gaze to the Dueling Arena where the lightning had struck moments ago.

“What a hassle all because of one brat.”

That being walked with a cane, trudging along with difficulty.

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